South Africa: President Ramaphosa calls for innovative ways to fund Just Transition President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for bolder and innovative ways to finance Just Transition projects in developing countries, saying a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. We need to be bolder and more innovative in reducing project risk and crowd in private sector finance for climate and just transition projects. A one-size-fits-all approach to financing the transition that disregards African realties is neither just nor equitable and will not work, President Ramaphosa said. The President was speaking during the high-level roundtable on Just Transition at the COP27 climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The President called on commercial financial institutions to do more to support these efforts by structuring project financing instruments that take into account the specific needs and circumstances of developing economy countries. President Ramaphosa said that there is a need to promote the use of non-debt instruments to ensure that developing economy countries do not have to shoulder an even greater debt burden. The President further called on a just transition financing framework or pooled financing mechanism to support transition pathways. He said that this entity could play the role of facilitator between the various funding sources and separate funds to ensure there is coherence in just transition financing. The fact that the global community was able to mobilise fiscal measures worth an estimated US$ 17 trillion within two years in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, indicates that the resources to meet climate finance commitments exist, provided there is political will. It is our task at this COP27 to harness the political will and mobilise the resources for the just transition. The scale of climate finance must reflect the level of ambition. This is critical if we are to effectively reduce emissions, respond meaningfully to the effects of climate change on the vulnerable and ensure that no person, no community and no country is left behind, the President said. Inclusive low carbon transition vital for developing economy countries The President told the roundtable that the imperative of a low-carbon transition that is just and inclusive is particularly important for developing economy countries, which are the worst affected by climate change. Although Africa carries the least responsibility for climate change, he said that the continent experiences much of its harshest effects. The same is true for vulnerable countries and communities in other parts of the world, including small island states. Extreme weather like floods and droughts are driving food insecurity, displacing populations, causing damage to infrastructure and leading to the loss of livelihoods, he said. He highlighted that African economies are losing between 3% and 5% of their GDP due to the effects of climate change. Our common starting point is that all parties should honour their undertakings and commitments in line with the guiding principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities. For transitions to be just, vulnerable workers and communities need to be included in designing solutions. These same constituencies must share the benefits and not just the risks of transitions, the President said. Because climate transitions are whole-of-society transitions, President Ramaphosa said that it is important for countries to establish institutions that enable government, business, civil society and organised labour to jointly identify vulnerable sectors and plan together for their transition. In our country, this has taken the form of the Presidential Climate Commission, which represents all key stakeholders. Equally important is a regulatory framework that harnesses the energies and resources of all aspects of government towards a common climate goal, he said. The President added that the reality is that developing economy countries have not received the required multilateral support to face the climate challenge, including for loss and damage. We need to acknowledge that the multilateral development banks and international financing institutions need to be reformed to meet the climate financing needs of developing economies. Their business models must be modernised so that they can efficiently mobilise financing at scale and deploy a full suite of instruments from grants to guarantees, across the entire range of countries they work with, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-11-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. 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 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. Aviat Networks (NASDAQ:AVNW) First Quarter 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$81.3m (up 11% from 1Q 2022). Net loss: US$2.75m (down by 159% from US$4.68m profit in 1Q 2022). US$0.24 loss per share (down from US$0.42 profit in 1Q 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Aviat Networks EPS Misses Expectations Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 8.5% p.a. on average during the next 2 years, compared to a 6.5% growth forecast for the Communications industry in the US. Performance of the American Communications industry. The company's shares are down 11% from a week ago. Risk Analysis We should say that we've discovered 1 warning sign for Aviat Networks that you should be aware of before investing 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 The Great British Bake Off 2022 semi-finalists Abdul, Sandro, Syabira and Janusz. (Channel 4) The Great British Bake Off has said farewell to Jaunsz in the semi-final. The head teacher's PA had been Star Baker in the week one, but admitted "patisserie is my weakness" after receiving criticism from the judges. The 34-year-old Polish baker said: "It doesnt surprise me... And Janusz is leaving the tent!" Read more: Great British Bake Off semi-final 2022: Patisserie week's biggest moments "I am not upset, the best three bakers are left clearly. It was an amazing time, amazing people." Janusz (Channel 4) Host Noel Fielding said: "I've got the horrible, horrible job of announcing the person that is leaving us and this the worst time to go." Judge Prue Leith told Janusz: "You're a lovely guy and a great baker." In yet another surprising turn of events, Abdul was made Star Baker for the first time in the competition. The Great British Bake Off 2022's Abdul was named Star Baker for the first time in the semi-final. (Channel 4) The 29-year-old electronics engineer exclaimed: "I don't know man, in the final and Star Baker as well, it's unbelievable. This is just awesome to see because it just shows that I have been improving." In the Signature round Janusz's mini Charlottes were criticised by Paul Hollywood for looking "untidy" and having "tough" sponge. Leith added: "But over all I think it looks very pretty." Janusz came third in the Technical after serving vertical tarts with soft, underbaked pastry. But optimistically observed: "With only four people left I am sort of in the middle." Bake Off's Sandro narrowly escaped being sent home again. (Channel 4) And his Swedish krokant Showstopper cake was dubbed "untidy" and overbaked. Nanny Sandro, 30, scraped through to the final after his krokant ended up looking untidy and unfinished after he failed to complete his elaborate design. Hollywood said: "It's mad, it's all over the place like a Monty Python krokant." Cardiovascular research assistant Syabira, 32, served up a krokant in the shape of a double helix DNA structure which Leith declared to be "absolutely wonderful." Story continues Read more: Great British Bake Off 2022 Quarter Final: Shock elimination in Pastry Week Sandro from Angola; Abdul from Saudi Arabia and Syabira from Malaysia make up the finalists of The Great British Bake Off 2022. Watch: Former Great British Bake Off contestants reveal who they are tipping to win this year MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) A judge on Monday agreed to extend the deadline to return absentee ballots for voters in a suburban Atlanta county who didn't receive their ballots because election officials failed to mail them. Some of the voters filed a lawsuit Sunday seeking the extension after election officials in Cobb County acknowledged Friday that the county failed to mail out more than 1,000 absentee ballots to voters who had requested them. County elections director Janine Eveler wrote in an email to the county election board that because of staff error, ballots were never created nor sent on two days last month, the lawsuit says. We know it wasnt the voters fault, we know it wasnt the post offices fault, said Daniel White, an attorney for the elections office, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. This was an administrative error." As a result of the error, 1,036 voters never received the ballots they requested. State election data shows that about 250 of them had voted in person during early voting. But the lawsuit said many of those whose ballots weren't sent may not be able to vote without action by the court. Election officials agreed to the lawsuit's demands that the deadline to return ballots be extended and that the voters be contacted and sent an absentee ballot by overnight mail. During the three weeks of early voting that precede Election Day, election officials are supposed to send out ballots within three days of receiving a request. Voters then have until 7 p.m. on Election Day to return their ballots. The newspaper reports that Cobb County Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill planned to sign a consent order Monday afternoon to allow the county to accept ballots that are postmarked by Election Day even if they're received later. Georgia is a battleground state that features a fiercely contested governor's race, as well as a Senate contest between Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker that could determine which party controls the narrowly divided chamber. For decades a conservative stronghold, Cobb County in recent years has leaned Democratic as Atlanta's suburbs have diversified and as the GOP has lost support from college-educated white voters. Story continues The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the voters by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center. 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," Jonathan Topaz, staff attorney with the ACLUs Voting Rights Project, said in a news release. "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. White, the attorney for the election officials said the county will certify election results on Nov. 15 and the extended deadline will allow our office to accept as many ballots as possible up to the day of certification. The county has already sent ballots to out-of-state voters but had not yet sent them to about 450 in-state voters who had requested ballots, the newspaper reported. Election workers were working to contact voters and mailing ballots overnight to ensure receipt. tube Tube workers will go on strike on Thursday after last-minute talks between unions and Transport for London collapsed. The RMT union said that the capital's tube network will be brought to a standstill later this week after TfL refused to pause jobs cuts and pension changes. Three days of rail strikes were suspended last week to allow for "intensive" talks but commuters in London will still face travel chaos on Thursday after the collapse of negotiations. RMT said it put forward proposals that would have suspended the strike action to TfL bosses on Tuesday. Its demands included the pausing of 600 station job cuts until the end of the year and a commitment to oppose "detrimental attacks on tube workers' pensions arising out the current pension review that they are conducting with the government". RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said TfL missed a "golden opportunity" to avoid the planned industrial action. He said: "TfL have missed a golden opportunity to make progress in these negotiations and avoid strike action on Thursday. "Our members are resolute in their determination to see a just settlement to this jobs and pensions dispute. And they will continue their industrial campaign for as long as it takes." Glynn Barton, TfLs chief operating officer, said that "no proposals to change pensions or conditions have been made", adding that it remains "open for discussions". Read the latest updates below. 06:32 PM University staff to go on strike later this month Tube workers are not the only ones planning to walk out. Earlier today the University and College Union announced that staff will strike for three days later this month over pay, pensions and working conditions. The UCU said that 70,000 staff members from 150 universities will strike on November 24, 25 and 30, claiming it will be the biggest to hit campuses ever. UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "This is not a dispute about affordability - it is about choices. Vice-chancellors are choosing to pay themselves hundreds of thousands of pounds whilst forcing our members onto low paid and insecure contracts that leave some using foodbanks. They choose to hold billions in surpluses whilst slashing staff pensions." Story continues 06:23 PM Strikes will have knock-on impact to capital's transport network TfL's chief operating office, Glynn Barton, is warning travellers that there will be "very limited or no service on the Tube" and that the strikes could have a knock-on impact to other parts of the capital's transport He said: "London Overground, the Elizabeth line and DLR services may be subject to last minute changes, including non-stopping at some stations shared with London Underground. London Trams will also be running a reduced timetable." Mr Barton said there is "still time for the unions to call off this action" but the impasse at this last stage makes that unlikely. 05:39 PM Ex-PwC partners form company in Cyprus with Russia-linked clients A group of PwC partners has broken away from the firm to set up a new company in Cyprus that will service Russia-linked clients. Kiteserve, set up by three former PwC partners, will work for clients connected to Russia that big four accountancy firms do not want to touch, owing to a sanctioned anywhere, sanctioned everywhere policy. This policy has particularly hit accounting and consulting firms in Cyprus since Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine in February, as the Mediterranean nation has extensive financial links to Russia. Read Simon Foy's full report here 04:45 PM EU to propose new debt rules Good afternoon, I'll be talking from James for the rest of the afternoon. Here's a story to keep an eye on tomorrow. Reuters is reporting that the European Commission will on Wednesday propose an overhaul to the EU's debt rules that would allow countries to negotiate their own plan to slash debt. The debt rules have long been criticised for being too inflexible, particularly for heavily indebted parts of southern Europe, such as Italy and Greece. Under the rules, countries must aim for debt of below 60pc of GDP and a deficit of under 3pc. The rules have been suspended since the pandemic, which has pushed up debt to eyewatering levels across the Continent. However, an overhaul to the rules risks igniting tensions between more frugal northern countries and the indebted south. 03:19 PM Aston Martins billionaire backer Lawrence Stroll tightens control Lawrence Stroll Aston Martin - Clive Rose/Getty Images Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll has tightened his grip on sports car maker Aston Martin, leading a 30m investment in its shares. Howard Mustoe has the story: Yew Tree, Mr Strolls investment vehicle, now owns 23.3pc of the company, after he added a 4.25pc stake. Other investors include Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund with 16.7pc and Chinese car maker Geely with 7.6pc. Mr Stroll and co-investors including JCBs Lord Anthony Bamford and biotech billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli bought in because the shares are cheap, he said. The move comes after a failed attempt during the summer by Geely to take control of the company by offering a huge capital injection in exchange for control of Aston Martin. The company has suffered numerous setbacks since floating on the London Stock Exchange in 2018 and it has lost about 90pc of its value. It has been lossmaking since then, weighed down by the cost of the listing, high debt costs and supply chain problems interfering with production. Read Howard's full story here 02:47 PM EDF nuclear test incident deepens supply fears EDF is investigating an incident during a test at a halted nuclear reactor last week, just as a series of repairs threaten the country's power supply for the winter. The state-owned energy giant had to stop a high-pressure hydraulic test of the primary circuit of its Civaux 1 reactor on November 2 when steam was released in the room of the reactor building. EDF said the reactor wasn't loaded with nuclear fuel, no one was hurt or contaminated and no radioactivity has been detected outside the building. However, the company said the impact of the incident, which is unrelated to maintenance issues that have recently affected nuclear output, still needs to be assessed. 02:32 PM Demand for tracker mortgages at 10-year high The popularity of tracker deals, which fluctuate inline with interest rate changes by the Bank of England, is at the highest level in more than a decade, according to mortgage brokers. It comes as borrowers wager the recent interest rate boom will reverse next year and they will be able to lock in a fixed rate lower than todays prices. Searches for tracker mortgages have been 25pc higher since the beginning of October than the same period last year, according to mortgage data firm Twenty7Tec. It has recorded 502,100 searches in the past five weeks. Anyone on a tracker deal will likely see their interest rate rise in the coming months, with the Bank of England primed to keep increasing the Bank Rate in a bid to tame inflation. Rachel Mortimer has more 02:29 PM Pubs and restaurants in 'freefall' Britain's hospitality sector is in "freefall", bosses have warned, as the number of restaurants going under jumps by almost 50pc, writes Hannah Boland. The Treasury is facing mounting pressure to act to protect restaurants and pubs this winter as Sacha Lord, the night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, warned that the situation "will only get worse over the months to come" for the hospitality sector. By the end of August, 158 restaurants had collapsed into liquidation, a 46pc rise June when 108 had gone into liquidation, as businesses were hit by spiralling food and drink costs, higher energy bills and steeper wages. Mr Lord said the sector was in an "extremely worrying state" and called for urgent support from the Government, ahead of the Autumn Budget next week. He said: "There is a severe lack of confidence among operators, particularly those running small independent businesses, and this has been exacerbated by the confusion over possible business support and ongoing U-turns." It comes weeks after Jeremy Hunt threw out plans to freeze alcohol duty, putting pubs and restaurants on course to have to increase their prices even more sharply early next year. The Government had previously been planning to implement a one year freeze from next February, which would save drinkers 7p on the price of a pint and 38p on a bottle of wine, but pulled the plans in the mini-Budget bonfire. The British Beer and Pub Association described the move as a "huge blow to brewers and pubs", and one which would force widespread price increases. The price of a pint already surpassed 8 for the first time in June with the average cost of a drink jumping by more than 70pc since the 2008 financial crisis, according to data from the industry tracker CGA. The rising prices have hit footfall in many pubs and restaurants, with more than three quarters of hospitality companies reporting a slump in people eating out. Separate figures from UKHospitality from late last month suggested that 35pc of businesses were expecting to either be at a loss or unviable by the end of the year. 12:57 PM Germany to double public debt to 45bn next year While the UK has been rocked by market turmoil over public debt, Germany is planning to dig even deeper. The country's ruling coalition is planning to more than double net federal borrowing next year while remaining within a constitutional limit on new debt. The Government is targeting net borrowing of 45bn (39bn) in 2023, Bloomberg reports. That compares to a figure of 17.2bn published in July as part of an earlier finance plan. Finance Minister Christian Lindner has pledged to restore the borrowing cap known as the debt brake next year for the first time since it was suspended to help fund generous spending to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has agreed to establish two special funds that are not part of the regular budget to address the energy crisis and enable a huge increase in military spending. Some 200bn has been earmarked to ease electricity costs and support struggling power suppliers, with a further 100bn for the armed forces. 12:44 PM Relief for drivers as pump prices fall Average petrol and diesel prices have fallen by around a penny a litre, helping to ease some of the squeeze on household finances. Petrol fell back to 165.21p a litre yesterday after more than three weeks of rising prices topped out at 166.54p at the end of October. Diesel is back to 189.87p a litre, having reached 190.51p on October 31, according to figures from the AA. The price drops show retailers are starting to pass on the fall in wholesale costs. However, petrol stations in some towns are charging as much as 10p a litre more for fuel compared to their neighbours a few miles up the road. Luke Bosdet at the AA said: Rollercoaster petrol and diesel prices are currently giving drivers and consumers some relief from the relentlessly bad news of the cost of living crisis. However, paying 5.50 more for a tank of fuel compared to what is being charged 20 minutes down the road exemplifies the scandal of UK road fuel pricing. The Government announced last month that it is looking at introducing the fuel price transparency that has transformed competition in Northern Ireland. Drivers on the UK mainland say it cant come soon enough. 12:29 PM Christmas dinner on the back burner as food costs soar Christmas dinner Kantar - alvarez Shoppers are waiting longer before stocking up on Christmas food as grocery prices surge to a fresh 14-year high, adding 682 to the average annual supermarket bill. Hannah Boland has more: The number of people who had bought their Christmas pudding by the end of October was down by a third on last year, new figures from Kantar show. The drop, equal to around 700,000 UK households, suggests families are delaying spending money on Christmas as food prices and energy bills rise. Kantar's Fraser McKevitt that "people are not trying to spread the cost of their purchasing at least not in October". Fewer households also bought pumpkins last month compared to last year, Kantar said. It comes as shoppers were forced to fork out more on supermarket staples with grocery price inflation hitting a fresh 14-year high of 14.7pc for the four weeks to the end of October. This compares to 13.9pc in September. Mr McKevitt said it was "too early right now to call the top". Read Hannah's full story here 12:12 PM US futures rise on hopes for midterm election rally Wall Street looks set to open higher this afternoon as investors bet the outcome of the US midterm elections will spark a rally in stocks. US stocks have gained ground over the past two days as traders take comfort from a history of robust performance following midterm results. The best outcome for Treasuries could be a Republican control of both the House of Representatives and Senate, while the dollar could find support should Democrats keep both chambers. Futures tracking the S&P 500 and Dow Jones ticked up 0.1pc, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.3pc. 11:49 AM Tesla recalls 40,000 cars over power steering failure Tesla Model S Tesla is recalling just over 40,000 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles that could experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole. Elon Musk's electric vehicle manufacturer has released an over-the-air software update to recalibrate the system after it began rolling out an update on October 11 to better detect unexpected steering assist torque. 11:30 AM Pound slips with all eyes on midterm elections Sterling slipped against a stronger dollar this morning as investors focus on US inflation figures and midterm elections. Global investors will scrutinise the US consumer price index on Thursday for its implications for Federal Reserve interest rate policy. Before that, Americans go to the polls today in an election that could see the Republicans take control of both the House and Senate. The final results may not be clear for days, however. The pound was down 0.2pc against the dollar to $1.1489, having earlier fallen more than 0.5pc. 10:50 AM Negative equity is stalking the suburbs heres who is most at risk Advising first-time buyers in todays tumultuous mortgage market has become akin to a counselling service for Emma Fildes at Brick Weaver, a property buying agency. In the storm after Liz Truss, it was complete chaos, she says. Theyre petrified. Their big concern is getting into negative equity. One of her first-time buyers looking for a three-bedroom home on the outskirts of London started with a budget of 600,000 but is being forced to rethink their plans. That got reduced to 500,000 once hed taken higher mortgage rates into account, she says. And its not much better for sellers as agents begin to send Fildes cut-price properties with reductions of up to 10pc. As forecasters warn of double digit drops in house prices on the horizon, its understandable that negative equity fears are stalking many young buyers on riskier mortgages, buy-to-let landlords and have even reached suburbia, particularly in London. Tom Rees and Melissa Lawford report. Read their full story here. 10:40 AM Renault splits business in five in major revamp Renault EV Geely - Benjamin Girette/Bloomberg Renault has unveiled a major overhaul that will see it separate its activities into five businesses, deepen ties with China's Geely and spin off its electric vehicles business through a stock market float. The main part of the French car giant's strategy is separating its combustion engine business which will be housed in a 50-50 joint venture with Geely from its electric vehicle unit, to be listed in the second half of next year. Long-standing partner Nissan is expected to take a stake in the EV venture, codenamed 'Ampere', alongside outside investors, though Renault will keep a majority stake. Aside from the Ampere EV unit and the combustion engine venture, dubbed 'Horse', Renault will have an additional three businesses the Alpine sports-car brand, financial services and new mobility and recycling activities. As a result of the revamp, Renault said it was lifting its operating margin targets to 8pc for 2025 and more than 10pc in 2030, from 5pc expected this year. It also said it plans to reinstate dividends from next year after a three-year hiatus, and aims to generate more than 2bn of cash a year between 2023-25, growing to more than 3bn in the following five years. 10:25 AM Direct Line to roll out more affordable car cover after rising prices Direct Line has revealed plans for a more affordable, basic car insurance policy for struggling motorists after seeing sales slump following price hikes. Chief executive Penny James said the new policy will launch by the end of the year for "customers challenged by the cost-of-living crisis". The policy, which will launch under its Churchill brand, will offer cover for the policyholder's vehicle and third party damage, but strip out many extras, such as car hire, personal belongings, mis-fuelling and loss of keys to make it more affordable for cash-strapped policyholders. Details of the new basic cover came as Direct Line said new business motor sales tumbled 8.9pc to 1.1bn in the first nine months of 2022 after it raised prices following a surge in claim costs. Its costs for motor insurance claims are running around 10pc higher due to supply chain disruption and unusually high used car prices. 10:18 AM British financier Evelyn De Rothschild dies aged 91 Evelyn de Rothschild - Raul Vasquez/Bloomberg Evelyn de Rothschild, who helped unite the British and French arms of his familys famous banking group and counted Queen Elizabeth II among those who sought his financial advice, has died at the age of 91. He died peacefully at home, the Press Association reported, citing a statement from his family. Starting in 1976, Rothschild served 27 years as chairman of N.M. Rothschild & Sons, the London branch of the financial dynasty started by his great-great-great grandfather in the late 18th century. Among its many other roles, the bank known today as Rothschild & Co. helped finance the Duke of Wellingtons victory over Napoleon in 1815 at the battle of Waterloo. Before stepping down in 2003, he achieved a long-planned goal of bringing together the London business with its French counterpart, Rothschild & Compagnie Banque. 09:38 AM More rate rises to come, hints Pill Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill has said that market turmoil in the UK in recent weeks led to some de-anchoring of inflation expectations, and the central bank is working hard to tamp down those views. What were most concerned about is whether this self-sustaining inflation will persist, Pill said this morning. The remarks underscore the Bank's concern about the ill-fated measures Liz Truss proposed during her brief tenure as prime minister. While most of the measures have since been reversed, Pill said officials at the Bank have more to digest about how fiscal policy will impact the economy and will look carefully at the budget due Nov. 17. He said interest rates, which have risen eight times in the past year to a 14-year high of 3%, may rise further. We have done some, and I think there is still more to do, Pill said. At some point you have to think what level of rate is appropriate. 09:26 AM Citigroup gives bankers a break Citigroup is giving UK staff more time off, the latest attempt by a bank to improve its working culture. From January, new employees will get 27 days of annual leave, increasing to 28 after two years and 29 after five years, Bloomberg reports. Previously staff got 23 days for their first five years, which then increased to 25. Our benefits and policies represent the ways we support colleagues throughout all stages of life and during the realities of good and tough times, Skelton said. The move underlines continuing competition for staff despite the cooling economy. Citis policy comes after firms rolled out a variety of policies last year in a bid to help bankers manage gruelling workloads. Even as we head into a recession the battle for the best brains is going to be fierce, Andrew Mawson, founder of the consultancy Advanced Workplace Associates, said. If Ive got two offers that are substantially the same but one gives me four extra days holiday and more flexibility, then I might well be swayed. 08:33 AM FTSE risers and fallers The FTSE 100 is on the back foot this morning as investors were dealt a fresh reminder of the doom facing the UK economy. The blue-chip index fell 0.5pc in early trading, dragged down by housebuilders. Persimmon was the biggest faller, slumping more than 8pc after it sounded the alarm over a slowdown in the property market. This dragged down shares of rivals Taylor Wimpey, Berkeley and Barratt. Primark owner ABF provided some upward momentum, gaining 3.5pc after it launched a 500m share buyback. Coca-Cola HBC was also up 3.5pc after reporting better-than-expected quarterly sales. The domestically-focused FTSE 250 fell 0.3pc. Hilton Food Group led losses, dropping more than 11pc. 08:22 AM Families delay Christmas food shopping as annual grocery bills surge by 682 UK supermarket grocery Kantar - Aaron Chown Shoppers are waiting longer before stocking up on Christmas food as grocery prices surge to a fresh 14-year high, adding 682 to the average annual supermarket bill. Hannah Boland has more: The number of people who had bought their Christmas pudding by the end of October was down by a third on last year, new figures from Kantar show. The drop, equal to around 700,000 UK households, suggests families are delaying spending money on Christmas as food prices and energy bills rise. Kantar's Fraser McKevitt that "people are not trying to spread the cost of their purchasing at least not in October". Fewer households also bought pumpkins last month compared to last year, Kantar said. It comes as shoppers were forced to fork out more on supermarket staples with grocery price inflation hitting a fresh 14-year high of 14.7pc for the four weeks to the end of October. This compares to 13.9pc in September. Mr McKevitt said it was "too early right now to call the top". Read Hannah's full story here 08:13 AM Tesco supplier Hilton Foods slashes forecasts again Tesco supplier Hilton Foods has slashed its forecasts for the second time in two months as it struggles to pass on higher seafood prices. The food packaging business said it expects full-year operating profit to be below expectations amid broader economic challenges. Hilton said it had made good progress in either mitigating or passing through "unprecedented" inflationary costs. But it's happening at a slower pace than anticipated and will continue into early 2023. 08:02 AM FTSE 100 slumps at the open The FTSE 100 has dropped at the opening bell as a raft of new data highlighted trouble on the high street. The blue-chip index fell 0.6pc to 7,254 points. 07:50 AM Gas prices rise as EU signals it won't cap prices Natural gas prices pushed higher this morning amid uncertainty over the EU's plans to tackle the energy crisis ahead of winter. EU energy ministers are scheduled to meet later this moth to iron out an agreement. The proposed package would include tools to avoid extreme volatility in markets and to use the EU's joint purchasing power as a leverage in negotiations with global gas suppliers. But the European Commission has signalled it won't impose a cap on gas prices, Bloomberg reports. Benchmark European prices jumped as much as 3.9pc following three days of losses. 07:42 AM Jeremy Hunt to launch inheritance tax raid Chancellor Jeremy Hunt inheritance tax - REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/File Photo Jeremy Hunt is set to announce a new tax raid on inheritance as he battles to balance the books at next weeks Autumn Statement. Ben Riley-Smith and Charlotte Gifford report: The Chancellor and Rishi Sunak are understood to have agreed to freeze the threshold above which people must pay tax for another two years. It means that more people will have to pay inheritance tax. Others who would already have paid some tax will also have to give a larger chunk of their estate to the Treasury. Each individual can pass on 325,000 in inheritance tax free, a level which was first set in 2009. A couple can jointly pass on 650,000. Mr Sunak agreed to freeze that threshold at 325,000 until April 2026 last spring when he was chancellor. Next week the freeze is expected to be extended once again, this time to April 2028. By keeping the threshold at a fixed point, rather than rising in line with prices, more peoples estates are dragged above the tax threshold. It is a phenomenon known as fiscal drag. Read the full story here 07:33 AM Persimmon warns on house market slowdown Persimmon has revealed tumbling homebuyer demand, rising cancellations and falling prices as economic gloom and soaring mortgage rates hit Britain's property market hard. The housebuilder said the average weekly sales rate per outlet in the private market dropped to 0.6 between July 1 and November 7, down from 0.78 a year earlier - and fell further to 0.48 in the most recent six weeks. Customer cancellations have also ramped up to 28pc in the past six weeks from 21pc in the previous three months. It said the tougher selling conditions have seen prices drop by around 2pc in the six weeks to November 7, when the UK was gripped by financial market turmoil sparked by the mini-Budget and unprecedented political upheaval. Persimmon said it remained on track for between 14,500 to 15,000 new home legal completions in 2022, but warned that it expects fewer legal completions in 2023 and said lower prices would likely hit its profit margins. 07:22 AM Primark owner plots 500m buyback as profits fall Primark ABF - Liam McBurney/PA Wire The owner of Primark has unveiled plans for a fresh 500m share buyback as it warned of "substantial and volatile" cost inflation in the current financial year. Associated British Foods, which also has sugar, agriculture and ingredients divisions, said it will buy back the shares this year and raised its dividend by 8pc. The group said it expects profit to be lower this year than last and said it will make attempts to recover costs "in the most appropriate way". However, it said it has no plans to raise prices any further than it already has. ABF has previously warned of the impact of rising energy costs as well as the stronger pound. The business draws most of its profit from Primark, which buys the bulk of its clothing in US dollars. 07:14 AM Good morning Retail sales slowed last month as surging inflation and a deepening cost-of-living crisis forces shoppers to adjust their spending habits. Retail sales grew 1.2pc in October, though this was down from 1.8pc the previous month, according to the BRC. The recent surge in prices means shoppers are spending more to buy less. As a result, they're shunning luxury items like clothing and household decorations and focusing on essentials. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of BRC, said shoppers could also be delaying spending ahead of Black Friday sales. 5 things to start your day 1) Bank of England calls for crackdown on money managers after mini-Budget pensions crisis - Central banks are increasingly having to use public money to bail out lightly regulated shadow banks, senior policy maker warns. 2) RMT blamed for Monday rail chaos after sitting on potential pay deal - Just one in five train services running on some routes following strike cancellation. 3) We don't listen to Greta Thunberg, says Ryanair chief Michael OLeary - Flight-shaming movement has had little impact on aviation, exec says as airline posts record profits. 4) Nightingale hospital venue ExCeL sues insurers for 16m over Covid disruption - High Court claim against insurers argues centre should be covered for Covid impact. 5) Chinese exports fall for the first time since 2020 as Xi Jinping persists with zero Covid - Countrys economic struggles continue as Covid outbreak hits key iPhone factory. What happened overnight Asian stocks were mixed this morning ahead of the US midterm elections with trading likely to stay bumpy in a week that brings new inflation data and other events that could shake markets. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 gained 1.3pc on strong earnings reports. The Kospi in Seoul advanced 1.1pc and Australia's S&P/AXS 200 gained 0.4pc. Hong Kong's Hang Seng sank 0.6pc, while the Shanghai Composite index shed 0.8pc. EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) Robbie Beran scored a career-high 20 points, Boo Buie added 16 points and Northwestern opened the season with an 85-54 rout of Chicago State on Monday night. Beran, who averaged 6.4 points per game last season, shot 4-for-8 from the field, including 2-of-3 3-pointers, and made 10 of 11 free throws. He had seven rebounds. Buie, the fifth-leading returning scorer in the Big Ten after averaging 14.1 points per game last season, had seven rebounds and six assists. Ty Berry had 14 points and seven rebounds for the Wildcats and Chase Audige added 13 points and nine assists. After going scoreless themselves for the first two minutes, the Wildcats held Chicago State without a point until Elijah Weaver's 3-pointer with 13:11 left in the first half made the score 9-3. Chicago State was within 16-13 with 8:27 left in the half before Northwestern pulled away with a 21-8 run for a 36-21 halftime lead. The Cougars didn't reach 30 points until 10:15 remained. Elijah Weaver led Chicago State with 19 points, Jahsean Corbett had 14 points with eight rebounds and Wesley Cardet scored 11 points. Northwestern made more free throws (27-of-32) than field goals (24-of-56) and had 20 assists on 24 made baskets. Northwestern returned- four of five starters from last year's team that finished 15-16. Chicago State returned three starters but added seven transfers and six freshmen this season. ___ More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 With the threat of mass shootings increasing, Bethel Park police are being proactive. Its a topic that we wish we didnt have to discuss, said Bethel Park police chief Timothy OConnor. OConnor held a community meeting Monday night on how to survive a mass shooting. He referenced a recent shooting in Pittsburgh where two teens are accused of opening fire outside a funeral in Brighton Heights that injured six people. The people recognized the gunshots, and then they started moving accordingly and ducking down and taking cover, which is exactly what you should do. The chief says it ties into the FBIs Run, Hide, Fight training. He tells Channel 11 it teaches people that the first option should be to run. If you cant do that, then you should hide and if all else fails, fight for your life. Its good for people to realize they have some options and they dont just panic, and they stand there and get shot, one attendant said. The issue is still top-of-mind for parents here and nationwide after the deadly Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas killed 19 kids and two teachers in May. Its important because unfortunately if you look around the country in the last decade there has been a number of these incidents, OConnor said. While the chief is hoping for the best, his department is preparing the citizens of Bethel Park for the worst, just in case. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: State police investigating death at shooting scene outside Beaver County Walmart 4 winning Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball tickets worth $1 million, $150,000 sold in Allegheny County 2-year-old dies after drowning in pond in Bethel Park VIDEO: Township takes legal action, claims newspaper strike is holding up municipal business DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts By Nandita Bose and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Joe Biden will meet with the leaders of Egypt, Cambodia and Indonesia during an upcoming trip to North Africa and Asia where he will show U.S. commitment on issues such as climate change and assert Washington's pledge to counter China's rising global influence. Biden's wide-ranging trip will include an international climate summit in Egypt and meetings of ASEAN and the Group of 20 industrialized nations in Cambodia and Indonesia, senior administration officials said on Tuesday. It will begin two days after American voters deliver a verdict on Biden's governance and two years of Democratic control of Washington. Based on the results of the election, Biden may begin his trip in a politically weakened position. Democrats have been privately preparing to lose control of at least the House of Representatives. A slew of races in the U.S. Senate that could tip power in the 50-50 chamber are considered toss-ups. The administration officials were not able to say whether Biden would have a separate meeting with China's President Xi Jinping, who is expected to attend the summit, and what their agenda might include. The two governments have been working toward arranging what would be the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Biden took office in January 2021. Biden will begin his trip by traveling to Egypt to participate in the COP27 United Nations climate change summit on Friday, where he will talk about America's efforts to reduce emissions and also hold a bilateral meeting with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the officials said. "Human rights will feature prominently" in discussions with Egyptian leaders, one of the administration officials said. Biden will then travel to Cambodia from Saturday to Sunday to participate in the annual U.S.-ASEAN summit and the East Asia Summit where he will focus on the Indo-Pacific region and talk about U.S. commitment to a rules-based international order in the South China Sea, they said. Story continues From Sunday to Nov. 16, Biden will visit Indonesia to participate in a summit of leaders from the Group of 20 major economies. He will be "unapologetic" in defending Ukraine and calling out Russia during the meeting, one of the officials said. The most impact abroad from Tuesday's midterms elections in the United States could be the future of assistance to Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not made public whether he plans to attend the summit. Biden has said he has no plans to meet with Putin, but has left open the possibility of a conversation if Putin wants to discuss a deal to free Americans imprisoned in Russia. The officials did not comment on any meetings between the two leaders. The Biden administration has also previously said the president has no plans to meet with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, after the OPEC+ cartel cut production months after Biden's July meeting with the crown prince and hurt his administration's efforts to contain gas prices and inflation at home. (Reporting by Nandita Bose, Steve Holland; Editing by Doina Chiacu, Jonathan Oatis and Sandra Maler) With just hours to go until the polls open, President Joe Biden was in Maryland and Republicans held their own rally to energize voters. The president picked Bowie State University in Maryland to make his final push on election eve to call on Democrats to get out and vote. President Joe Biden delivered a message to an enthusiastic crowd that cheered when Biden took off his jacket, rolled up his shirt sleeves and made a final push for Democratic candidates on the night before the election. In an event of their own earlier in Monday, Maryland Republican leaders and candidates gathered to send a contrasting message to voters. The moon put on a spectacular show Tuesday that won't reoccur for more than two years, and it was worth the early wakeup. Early Tuesday morning, the sun, Earth and moon aligned so that the Earths shadow covered the moon creating a blood-red glow during the lunar eclipse. The total lunar eclipse, also known as the beaver blood moon lunar eclipse, graced the sky above North and Central America, the Pacific, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. This combination of pictures shows the moon in various stages of the Blood Moon during a total lunar eclipse in Christchurch, New Zealand on November 08, 2022. On Tuesday evening people across Australia and New Zealand could see a total lunar eclipse. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama/NurPhoto via Getty Images) November's full moon marked the last total lunar eclipse until March 2025, and people around the world stayed up late or woke up early to celebrate the occasion. If you did happen to sleep through the rare astronomical event, you are in luck because as the saying goes, "pics or it didn't happen." Photographers both professional and amateur alike captured the moon in all its beauty over the period of about four hours during all phases of the blood moon total lunar eclipse. In Florida, the eclipse provided a backdrop for NASA's mega moon rocket, the Space Launch System, currently awaiting liftoff from Kennedy Space Center. The bright lights of KSC launchpad 39B stole a bit of the view from the moon. Later this month, the 322-foot-tall rocket will soon launch on its first flight sending the Orion spacecraft around the moon and back. WILL NICOLE IMPACT NASA'S LATEST ARTEMIS I LAUNCH ATTEMPT? SLS AND ORION TO REMAIN AT KSC LAUNCHPAD The National Weather Service office in Juneau, Alaska, enjoyed a double celestial treat with the Northern Lights and the lunar eclipse. Cooler fall weather and colors provided seasonal flair to the lunar eclipse in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. The image below of fall foliage and the eclipse was taken in New York City. A total lunar eclipse known as the Blood Moon is observed and recorded as the last lunar eclipse before 2025 in New York City, United States on November 08, 2022. (Photo by Islam Dogru/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) A lunar eclipse is often called a blood moon because, during an eclipse, the only sunlight reaching the moon passes through Earths atmosphere. That leaves red light which has a longer wavelength than blue light and is less prone to being scattered out by our atmosphere to cast a reddish glow on the lunar surface. Story continues In Virginia, the NWS Wakefield office was up early to see the blood moon glowing during totality. The blood moon also kicked off Election Day in the U.S. as millions of voters head to the polls on Tuesday. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory ambassador Tony Rice told FOX Weather this was the first lunar eclipse on Election Day. The Election Day blood moon lunar eclipse is seen behind the Statue of Freedom atop the U.S. Capitol dome on Tuesday morning, November, 8, 2022. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) For more views of the beaver moon total lunar eclipse, check out the gallery below. By Carolina Mandl NEW YORK (Reuters) - BNP Paribas is expanding its equity research house Exane in the United States, after the euro zone's biggest lender took it over last year, the bank said on Tuesday. BNP plans to increase Exane's coverage of U.S. companies to 450 stocks from its current 180 stocks by 2025, mainly in the technology, media, telecommunications, consumer, healthcare and industrials sectors, it said. It also intends to boost its workforce with analysts, traders and salespeople, BNP said in a statement. The strategic plan foresees at least 50 new hires by 2025, a person familiar with the matter said. Michael Rietbrock has joined Exane from Cantor Fitzgerald in October as head of U.S. research, according to BNP. The move comes as BNP aims to strengthen its equities unit and diversify the lender's business, best known for derivatives. As part of this strategy, BNP acquired last year a remaining 50% stake in cash equities execution and research house firm Exane, which covers 800 stocks globally. Now it is working to expand Exane's footprint in the United States. "The Americas region is the biggest growth opportunity for us because of the size of the fee pool and our current market share [there]. It's really where we want to grow," Nicolas Marque, head of global equities at BNP Paribas told Reuters. Now at the helm of Exane, BNP can distribute and offer the firm's research to U.S. clients, such as hedge funds, which can also use BNP's equities prime brokerage and trading services. Last week, BNP posted a higher-than-expected net income in the third quarter, helped by trading revenue. (This story has been refiled to correct number of expected hires to "at least 50" in the third paragraph) (Reporting by Carolina Mandl, in New York; Editing by Josie Kao) Chris Seward/AP Photo; Ben McKeown/AP Photo; Insider Democrat Wiley Nickel defeated Republican Bo Hines in North Carolina's 13th Congressional District. The 13th District is split between the urban Triangle and rural Sandhills. A win for Hines is a test of Trump's influence over the GOP. Democrat Wiley Nickel, who is a member of the North Carolina State Senate, has defeated the Trump-endorsed Republican Bo Hines in North Carolina's 13th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds North Carolina's 13th Congressional District candidates Hines, 27, a political newcomer with virtually no experience, raised eyebrows even within the GOP when former President Donald Trump offered him his endorsement. Hines was seen as a "carpetbagger" in the eyes of some local Republicans he had no personal ties to the district and lived more than 100 miles away. A month out from the primary, he moved to the district he's seeking to represent. "It feels like it's incumbent on us to make sure everybody understands that Bo Hines may be a fine fellow I don't know him but the truth of it is he's not a resident of the district," Linwood Parker, chair of the Johnston County Republican Men's Organization and former mayor of Four Oaks, told Politico. "He's coming in, just trying to cherry pick a district he can win." Hines won the Republican nomination among a crowded slate of GOP candidates, ultimately defeating seven challengers to advance to the November general election. If elected, he will replace Rep. Ted Budd a staunch Trump ally and Republican nominee in North Carolina's US Senate race to replace retiring Republican Sen. Richard Burr. Hines has has some curious moments during the general election, such as when he twice said a bad economy under President Joe Biden means he couldn't afford to give up his salary. But an Insider review of federal financial disclosures indicates that Hines has no salary, and instead, appears to live off money from a family trust fund. Story continues Nickel is a member of the North Carolina State Senate. He previously worked as a member of then-Vice President Al Gore's national advance staff, as well as a member of former President Barack Obama's campaign staff. The state senator is a part of the Obama Alumni Association. Abortion was a hot topic in the race. Nickel, a staunch Democrat, told the New York Times the day the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade was "our best fund-raising day for the campaign ever." He added: "We're going to keep hammering this issue." Voting history for North Carolina's 13th Congressional District North Carolina's 13th Congressional District encompasses Johnston County and parts of Wake, Wayne, and Harnett counties. It's also split between the urban Triangle and rural Sandhills. The district was redrawn to include a mix of urban, suburban and rural communities in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it a competitive, near 50-50 district. The race was expected to be one of the most competitive in November. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Hines raised $2.9 million, spent $2.7 million, and had $156,835 of cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Nickel, raised $3.1 million, spent $2.8 million, and had $389,847 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. As of early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups had combined to spend more than $14.9 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the primaries. What experts say The race between Hines and Nickel is rated as a "toss-up" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider By Allison Lampert MONTREAL (Reuters) - Boeing Co urged regulators on Tuesday to subject a new generation of air taxis to the same strict safety standards as commercial jets, saying the aircraft designed for short flights on demand should not be judged on a par with small planes. Boeing Chief Strategy Officer Marc Allen's address at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) marks the U.S. planemaker's first intervention on such issues in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) market. "We have to unify around the importance of bringing all advanced air mobility vehicles and operating systems to market with airliner levels of safety, with air transport levels of safety, with commercial levels of safety," he said at ICAO's Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Symposium. Regulators are coming up with design and operational requirements for air taxis, which can take off and land vertically to ferry travelers to airports or on short trips between cities, allowing them to beat traffic. Analysts say certification standards that air taxis must meet will be make-or-break for many of the new projects vying for investment. Allen said regulators must approach advanced air mobility on safety in the same manner as commercial transport since air taxis fly over crowded urban areas, even though they carry fewer passengers than commercial jets. Small planes "are not an everyday flight solution for broad mobility," he told Reuters on the sidelines of the event. "They are not in heavy, dense usage over urban populations." Jetliners are required, for example, to have redundancies on critical systems that would lead to a catastrophic failure if they could not function. While the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) already has such requirements for air taxis, it was not clear whether the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will have such requirements, consultants and executives said. Story continues Advanced air mobility vehicles are generally lumped into a category for smaller aircraft than jetliners, however projects can be subject to other criteria. "It's kind of case by case," said Charlton Evans, head of a U.S. aerospace consultancy. On Monday, the U.S. regulator issued the certification blueprint that Joby Aviation will need to meet for its air taxi aircraft. The FAA was not immediately available for comment. Redundancy was at the centre of a safety crisis over the 737 MAX that saw the model grounded for almost two years. Boeing has announced sweeping safety and engineering reforms since the fatal crashes of two jets that killed a total of 346 people. Allen said global regulators would ideally come up with common requirements for certifying these aircraft, but acknowledged that would take time. "To us, the more important thing is consensus on commercial safety standards," he said. (Reporting by Allison Lampert in Montreal. Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and David Gregorio) BRASILIA (Reuters) -The party of Brazilian far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, recently defeated by former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will be the main opposition to Lula when he takes office on Jan. 1, its leader, Valdemar Costa Neto, said on Tuesday. The right-wing Liberal Party (PL) emerged from elections last month as the largest party in the Brazilian Congress, riding the unexpected rise in support for Bolsonaro, who narrowly lost his re-election bid to Lula. Bolsonaro will be the party's candidate for president in the next elections in 2026, and will be named the party's honorary president, Costa Neto said. "Bolsonarismo (his conservative movement) is growing a lot. It's getting bigger than Bolsonaro," he told a news conference. Costa Neto said his party is not planning to contest the election result that marks the return of former leftist president Lula to office. That could change, he said, if a military report to be published on Wednesday points to any irregularities. Bolsonaro repeatedly criticized Brazil's electronic voting system, claiming it is vulnerable to fraud. He did not concede defeat, but authorized his chief of staff to begin negotiating a transition, which was taken as recognition of the result. Bolsonaro has said his supporters were justified in protesting his defeat, though he asked them to clear their roadblocks on highways. Costa Neto said his party agreed with their right to protest in front of military bases as long as they remained legal and did not block people's movements. The PL leader also told reporters that his party will vote for a constitutional amendment proposed by Lula to allow a budget waiver that can cover social welfare costs from the extension of higher monthly payments to poor families, a promise both candidates made during the election campaign. "I discussed this at length with President Bolsonaro and he said that, if it is in the public interest and the interest of the country, we will vote in favor of the constitutional amendment, but everything has to be well discussed beforehand," he said. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle, Maria Carolina and Ricardo Brito; Writing by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Leslie Adler and Bill Berkrot) The Whale Brendan Fraser seems to be getting his long-awaited Hollywood comeback with The Whale. Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Pi, Mother!), The Whale is based on the 2012 play of the same name by Samuel D. Hunter, who also wrote the screenplay for the film. The lead character, played by Fraser (who is already getting Oscar buzz), is a 600-pound middle-aged man named Charlie who lost touch with his family after coming out as gay and leaving them to be in a relationship with a man. But after that his partner passed away, Charlie started to binge eat, which resulted in him gaining weight. Now, Charlie is seeking to reconnect with his teenage daughter, played by Stranger Things and Fear Street alum Sadie Sink. Now, The Whale has an official trailer released by A24. Critics have been raving about The Whale and Frasers performance ever since the film made its world debut at the 79th Venice International Film Festival. The critical reception was also very positive at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. On the other hand, there has also been some criticism surrounding the movies casting and source material. Even though this role couldve gone to an actor who was both fat and gay, it went to Fraser, who isnt gay and had to use prosthetics for his performance. Of note, Bros star Guy Branum called out the casting of the film and also declared that the source material for The Whale is problematic. I think that the source material of The Whale is problematic. I think that its trying to use extreme fatness as a metaphor for gay pain, Branum told Outs sister website PRIDE during an interview. And as an actual fat gay person, I feel like my life doesnt need to be a metaphor for somebody elses pain. He continued: I also have real problems with the fact that they cast a straight actor who is not very fat, and [who] used prosthetics to represent fatness, in the film. I think it allows people to talk about that character as an object in a way that wouldnt be possible if it were an actual fat person who you had to look in the eyes. Story continues Nonetheless, many Hollywood pundits have reported that the script for The Whale significantly improves the source material and that Frasers performance makes him a major Oscar contender this upcoming Awards Season. The Whale opens in theaters on December 9. RELATED | Tommy Dorfman's Upcoming YA Film Has Found Its Leading Star The Government is coming under pressure to tackle the migrant crisis (PA Wire) Britain is on the verge of agreeing a deal with France to tackle the surge of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, a Cabinet Minister said on Tuesday. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride told Sky News that the two countries were in the final stages of an agreement, following talks between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt on Monday. Clearly the Prime Minister has been engaged with Presiddent Macron and the French Government at all sorts of different levels and my understanding is we are in the final stages of what could be an agreement, which would be very good news, Mr Stride said. Mr Stride did not give details of the possible deal but it has been reported that Mr Sunak wants to agree targets with Mr Macron for stopping boats along with a minimum number of French officers patrolling beaches and the ability to deploy Border Force officers in France. Almost 40,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel so far this year. Relations between the UK and France appear to have improved dramatically since Mr Sunak took control of No10. Predecessor Liz Truss risked further damaging relations with Paris, already strained by Brexit and the migrants crisis, when she said the jurys out on whether President Macron was friend or foe during her successful Conservative leadership campaign in the summer. But Mr Stride said the relationship had improved thanks to Mr Sunaks approach. He added: The good thing is theres been a fundamental shift in tone between ourselves and the French and of course thats fundemantal to any deal. I know the Prime Minister personally has been absolutely on top of this, a couple of briefings a day on the crisis. I just think the approach of Rishi Sunak has been one of close engagement. Hes a person who gets right across all the detail. So I suspect having put a lot of personal time into what the solutions might look like he has probably come up with something that might stand more chance of working than might otherwise have been the case. Hopefully the French might see him as someone very serious, somebody who wants to work as a close partner in solving a problem which is not good for either country. Rebel Wilsons famous friends have rushed to congratulate her after she announced the birth of her first child via surrogate. The comedian shared the news on Instagram on Monday (7 November) with a photograph of her newborn, named Royce Lilian. She wrote in the caption: Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lilian, born this past week via surrogate. I cant even describe the love I have for her, shes a beautiful miracle! Celebrity friends were quick to congratulate Wilson and welcome the new arrival, with some of her Pitch Perfect co-stars declaring themselves Royces new aunties. Brittany Snow said: Aunt Britt is soooo [sic] excited to meet the newest Bella. I love you SO MUCH Rebs. Chrissie Fit, who also co-starred alongside Wilson and Snow in the second and third Pitch Perfect movies, added: Royce! Aunty Chrissie loves you so much already. I cant wait to go to Disneyland with this little princess! Taika Waititi, Alison Brie, Skylar Astin, and Octavia Spencer were among dozens of friends sending Wilson and her new daughter well wishes. The Senior Year star also shared photographs from her baby shower with her partner, fashion and jewellery designer Ramona Agruma. Wilson wore a pink dress while Agruma wore a white dress for the party, which was decorated with balloons and attended by friends and family. Posting snaps from the shower on her Instagram account, Agruma thanked everyone involved in organising the event, writing: Rebel and I are super grateful. Wilson announced on 9 June that she is in a relationship with the designer and said: I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess. In July last year, the actor revealed that she shed more than 65lbs to improve her chances of getting pregnant after being told by her doctors that she would have a much better chance if she was healthier. She told fans in an Instagram Live video that she was initially offended by the doctors comments, but added that it motivated her to lose weight so she could have a better chance of freezing eggs and having better quality eggs. Wilson opened up about her polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis in 2020, a condition that affects womens hormone levels and can make it more difficult to get pregnant. SOFIA (Reuters) -Turkish security forces have arrested two suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of a Bulgarian police officer at the border with Turkey, regional Turkish authorities said on Tuesday. Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said the officer was killed by gunfire from the direction of a group of migrants trying to cross into his country, an European Union member state, from Turkey. In a statement, the governor's office in Turkish border province Edirne said a shotgun and shells used in the shooting were found in the possession of the suspects. The statement gave no further detail. Demerdzhiev said shots were fired on Monday evening from Turkish territory at a border police officer and a serviceman patrolling part of the country's southeastern frontier near the village of Golyam Dervent. The police officer, who was inspecting a cut in the fence along the border, died on the spot. The serviceman, who was not hurt, returned fire after hearing 10-15 shots and a group of suspected migrants retreated, Bulgarian officials said. "This is a criminal act, an extreme aggression...This is the first attack with firearms by migrants," Dermendzhiev, who rushed to the site of the incident, told reporters. "From now on, we will be uncompromising towards anyone who endangers the health and life of our officers," he said. It was not immediately clear how large the alleged group was, or if one or several people opened fire on the officer and soldier. Dermendzhiev said Turkish authorities had pledged to cooperate and seek the perpetrators and that he would ask them to combat human trafficking rings more actively. Bulgaria has deployed some 350 troops along its southern border with Turkey and Greece to help border police combat a growing influx of migrants. Bulgaria straddles one of the routes migrants from the Middle East and Afghanistan use to enter the European Union. Most of the migrants do not intend to stay in the bloc's poorest member state but rather move on to richer countries in western Europe. (Reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova and Yesim Dikmen; editing by Tom Hogue and Mark Heinrich) Getty Images; Insider California Proposition 26 would've allowed for specific types of sports betting on Native American lands. Mark Macarro, chairman of Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, argued that residents deserve "highly regulated" and "safe" gambling. Kyle Kirkland, president of the California Gaming Association, argued the proposition would create a tribal casino monopoly. California voters rejected Proposition 26, which would've legalized specific types of gambling on Native American lands. 2022 General Embeds Ballot measure details Known as the Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative, Proposition 26 would've legalized certain forms of in-person gambling that are currently not permitted including sports betting, roulette, and dice games on tribal lands and racetracks, according to the state's Legislative Analyst Office. Funds earned via Proposition 26 would've initially gone to schools and the remainder to California's discretionary fund, mental health research, and gambling rules. It was different from Proposition 27, another sports-betting proposition that was on the ballot. Support and opposition Proposition 26 was sponsored by Native American tribes, such as Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The campaign in support of the measure was led by the Coalition for Safe, Responsible Gaming. "Californians should have the choice to participate in sports wagering at highly regulated, safe, and experienced gaming locations. We are very proud to see tribes from across California come together for this effort, which represents an incremental but important step toward giving Californians the freedom to participate in this new activity in a responsible manner," Mark Macarro, chairman of Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Taxpayers Against Special Interest Monopolies led the campaign against the measure. "This initiative does nothing to advance sports wagering, and instead expands the tribal casinos' tax-free monopoly on gaming and rewards those operators for prioritizing their own wealth over public health and safety," Kyle Kirkland, president of the California Gaming Association, said, according to the Los Angeles Times. Story continues The money race The proposal saw more than $132.2 million in support contributions and more than $43.6 million in opposition contributions, according to Ballotpedia. Read the original article on Business Insider Calls are mounting for a University of Kentucky student who was arrested after a viral video captured her assaulting and hurling the n-word at Black students to face hate crime charges. Sophia Rosing, 22, was arrested on Sunday night at the Lexington-based university after campus police were called to one of the dormitories for an incident involving a physical and verbal altercation brought on by the young woman. She has since posted $10,000 bail, reportedly with help from her parents, as demands grow for prosecutors add hate crimes to her charge sheet. Video of the brazen attack spread like wildfire on social media, showing the inebriated 22-year-old using a racial slur against a Black student who was working at the dormitorys front desk on Sunday morning before attempting to strike her. Could you stop? asks the victim, in a video that was captioned with, what I had to deal with at work. The student was working an overnight shift at the campus residence, university President Eli Capilouto told students in an email Sunday, NBC News reported, and the video was shared shortly after the arrest and quickly went viral. Nope, Ms Rosing responded after being asked to stop by the Black student. Youre a n***** and youre a b****, said Ms Rosing, a racial slur that the arrest citation claims she would go on to use 200 times over the course of the arrest. I do not get paid enough for this, says the victim, as she attempts to fight off the 22-year-olds attempts to strike her. The senior at the Kentucky school reportedly told arresting officers as she was being taken to the Fayette County Detention Center shortly after the early morning call was placed that she has lots of money and gets special treatment, according to the arrest citation, Fox 19 reported. Early this morning, a disturbing incident was captured on video in a residence hall. The video is deeply offensive, and we take it very seriously. University of Kentucky (@universityofky) November 6, 2022 After attempting to get the intoxicated student to sit in a chair, the arrest citation notes that she then kicked the arresting officer and bit their hand. Story continues The 22-year-old Sophia Rosing was arrested and is now being held at the Fayette County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond (Twitter/video screengrab) In sum, Ms Rosing faces charges of alcohol intoxication in a public place, fourth-degree assault without visible injury, second-degree disorderly conduct, and third-degree assault on a police officer or probation officer, according to Kimberly Baird, the Fayette County Commonwealths Attorney. On Monday, Ms Rosing pleaded not guilty to all of the charges brought against her as she appeared via video link to her first court appearance from the Fayette County Detention Center, WKYT reported. Jane Doe (Sophia Rosing) pleads not guilty. If released, she cannot have contact with Boyd Hall, the victim, or consume alcohol. Bond is set at $10,000. #WKYT pic.twitter.com/rOkOyu8dNJ Samantha Valentino (@SamanthaWKYT) November 7, 2022 Ms Rosings parents, Jill and Don Rosing, attended their daughters hearing and by Monday evening, the bail for the 22-year-old northern Kentucky native had been posted as she was seen leaving the detention centre, the Daily Mail reported. As part of the 22-year-old bail conditions, she is required to not have contact with the victims in the alleged attack and is banned from Boyd Hall the residence where the incident occurred and from drinking alcohol. Footage of the viral attack garnered the attention of civil rights attorneys, namely Ben Crump, who argued that there were grounds to add a hate crime charge against the 22-year-old student. 22-yo University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing has been arrested for attacking and repeatedly calling a student worker racial slurs. Rosings racist attacks are vile! She needs to be charged with a HATE CRIME in addition to the several charges shes facing! tweeted the nationally recognised civil rights lawyer, who has taken on prominent cases such as leading the George Floyd family legal team and cases for people affected by the Flint water crisis. 22-yo University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing has been arrested for attacking and repeatedly calling a student worker racial slurs. Rosings racist attacks are vile! She needs to be charged with a HATE CRIME in addition to the several charges shes facing! pic.twitter.com/kilJuWWv2g Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) November 7, 2022 While appearing in court on Monday, Ms Rosing was referred to as Jane Doe, as she was originally booked in the Kentucky Department of Corrections records since officers at the time of her arrest were unable to ascertain her identity. Outside of the possible criminal charges that Ms Rosing faces, the University of Kentucky has responded to the incident by stating that they are in the midst of carrying out a review as they reach out to potential victims impacted by the altercation, Mr Capilouto said in a statement. 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, he said. 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 In reviewing the footage of the video that appears to show the assault, universitys president defended the victim, noting that she acted with professionalism, restraint and discretion while he condemned the actions of the attacker. The video images I have seen do not honor our responsibilities to each other. 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, the universitys president said. As of now, Ms Rosing remains enrolled in the university and the institution says that it legally cannot comment on the disciplinary status of a student. The University of Kentucky said in a statement shared on their social media channels that the Office of Student Conduct and the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity are conducting immediate reviews. We are aware of this incident. The video is deeply offensive, and we take it very seriously, the statement read, adding that more details would be released as we know more. The Independent has reached out to authorities for more information and it is unclear if Ms Rosing has retained an attorney for representation. Barbara Grand-Bergh wears dozens of campaign buttons for Republican candidates Harold Stassen and Dwight Eisenhower. The buttons are pinned to her bathing suit. Bettmann / Bettmann Archive As early as George Washingtons presidency, Americans have wanted not only to be vocal, but also visual about their support for different political movements. Emblazoned with faces, slogans, and poignant artwork, political buttons have been a steadfast touchpoint for our national discourse. The popularity of pins as a campaign strategy rose to prominence in 1896 during the heated presidential race between William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan. This was the first instance of a mass-produced button in US politics, which kicked off a golden age of political buttons. From there, the production of political buttons boomed into the millions, becoming a staple for every candidate, issue, manifesto, movement, and inauguration. Sourced mainly from the Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection, a survey of the history of campaign pins reveals that we are still fighting about the same things today. In advance of the 2022 midterm elections, BuzzFeed News took a pointed look into the history of campaign pins, from the weird to the terrifying. Whats New Is Old Again Unfortunately, were still fighting the fights. From fair labor practices to abortion rights, weve found ourselves back where we started. These buttons address the rise of antisemitic sentiments, the legacy of Reagans war on drugs, and political leaders deciding what freedoms we have over our bodies. Sound familiar? A pro-abortion button and a proalternative energy button from unknown dates Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection An anti-Reagan button from 1984 and an antiVietnam War button from an unknown date Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection A button calling for peace in Israel and a button calling for the boycott of grapes, both from an unknown date Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection A pro-abortion button and an anti-nuclear war button, both from unknown dates. Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection A button against the stigmatization of mental illness and a button supporting tax reform, dates unknown. Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection A prograssroots organization button, date unknown, and an anti-Reagan button from 1984 Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection Thinking Outside of the Circle A campaign button isnt just a political statement it can also be a fashion statement. With many styles of buttons going in and out of style, the politically active citizen of the day had a few choices to make. The original and most enduring buttons are celluloid buttons, metal buttons with a design printed on paper and then reinforced with a clear plastic layer on top. In 1916, innovative button designers began producing buttons that printed the design directly onto metal. This allowed for uniquely shaped designs and simpler production, though ultimately the ubiquity of the familiar round button would never go out of style. Story continues A pro-George Wallace button and a pro-peace button, dates unknown Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection A proDemocratic Party button, date unknown, and a pro-Senator Vance Hartke button from 1972. Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection A proLandon Knox button from 1936, and an antiVietnam war button, date unknown. Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection A campaign button for "Buckley for sheriff" button from 1974, and an antinuclear power button, date unknown. Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection A Youth International Party button from 1972 and a propolitical reform button, date unknown. Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection; Blank Archives / Getty Images A Don Clausen button, and a McGovernShriver button from 1972. Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection (P)In on the Joke Humor has always been a great way to get a message across. Whether it was originally intended as a joke or not, without the context of the political moment, we can use humor as a coping mechanism to get through another day. Funny buttons that are pro-voting, dates unknown Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection An antiRichard Nixon button from 1972 and a suggestive button, date unknown Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection Two funny buttons, dates unknown Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection Two funny buttons from the 1970s Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection; Blank Archives / Getty Images Three buttons against prohibition The Frent Collection / Getty Images; Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection Dark Sentiments Some buttons are a reminder of a dark not-too-distant past. The violent sentiments of xenophobia and proVietnam War buttons reflect an ugly side of the nation. Keeping our past in view as we move forward can give us the insight we need to face similar situations the future holds. A right-wing extremist button and a proVietnam War button The Frent Collection / Getty Images Two buttons opposing Japanese involvement in World War II The Frent Collection / Getty Images Two proVietnam War buttons Stuart Lutz/Gado / Getty Images A proVietnam War button Stuart Lutz/Gado / Getty Images Got to the Point Heres to the winners! These buttons had what it took to endure the long road of the political campaign to victory. Is simpler better? Take notes! An "I'm Nuts About Jimmy" button, supporting Jimmy Carter for the 1980 United States presidential election, and a proFranklin Delano Roosevelt button, circa 1936. Blank Archives / Contributor; Blank Archives / Getty Images A Henry Jackson button from 1972 (left) advertising him as "the only moderate in 1972" and a button promoting Rep. Adam Clayton Powell (right) using his popular expression "Keep the Faith, Baby." Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection Buttons used in Harry Truman's 1948 campaign. Slogans read: "Don't tarry, vote Harry" and "Elect Truman, no new man." Bettmann / Getty Images A smiley button promoting former Massachusetts representative Joe Moakley from 1972 (left), and a "Sarge Looms Large" pin for former Massachusetts governor Francis Sargent from 1970. Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection A "Think About George Bush" button from the 1988 presidential election (left), and a proRosalyn Carter pin (right) from Jimmy Carter's 1980 reelection campaign Rothstein Political Button Collection at Harvard Kennedy School Collection; Robert Lachman / Contributor Canton Local school board member Scott Hamilton, left was conivcated of a theft charge in June for stealing pine shavings from Tractor Supply Co. To his right is his attorney Daniel Funk. Hamilton is facing a new theft charge accusing him of stealing yard signs demanding his resignation from the school board. CANTON A jury trial has been scheduled for Canton Local Board of Education member Scott Hamilton, who is accused of stealing signs put up by a fellow school board member demanding Hamilton's resignation. Hamilton's lawyer, Daniel Funk, appeared in Canton Municipal Court on Monday requesting a jury trial, which is set for 9 a.m. Dec. 20. The 61-year-old Canton Township resident was charged by the Stark County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 21 with misdemeanor theft. Scott Hamilton:Canton Local residents want Scott Hamilton to resign from school board amid pending case According to court documents, Hamilton is accused of stealing multiple yard signs that demanded his resignation that were in Canton Township and the city of Canton. The signs read "Demand Scott Hamilton's resignation. Return integrity to our schools." The signs were put up by fellow Canton Local board member Chris Cole. Hamilton and Cole developed a rift after Hamilton pushed for the non-renewal of a supplemental contract for Cole's wife, a volleyball coach at Canton South High School. Hamilton was convicted of misdemeanor theft earlier this year in Massillon Municipal Court. He was charged with felony theft after taking bales of pine shavings from a Tractor Supply outlet in Massillon. He entered a no-contest plea, and the court found him guilty of misdemeanor theft. He was ordered to pay $1,031 in restitution to Tractor Supply and court fees, complete 40 hours of community service and stay away from the chain's stores. This article originally appeared on The Independent: Canton Local board member Scott Hamilton to go to trial Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer attacked GB News while debating one of its presenters. (Getty) The Green Party co-leader has branded GB News a far-right propagandist organisation during a TV discussion on climate change. Carla Denyer attacked GB News while debating its political correspondent Tom Harwood on BBCs Politics Show on Tuesday. Denyer argued that anything Harwood said had to be taken with a pinch of salt due to his channels political leanings. Harwood hit back, accusing the Green Party co-leader of a ridiculous ad hominem attack. GB News was labelled a 'far-right propagandist organisation'. (EMPICS) Denyer, co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said: We all know you work for GB News, which is a far-right propagandist organisation. We need to take what youre saying with a pinch of salt. I just think its useful to have a context of where these messages are coming from. Denyer added climate denial was now socially unacceptable and organisations that were previously behind it were moving on to a climate delaying approach. Watch: Which countries release the most CO2? Read more: UK pledges support to ramp up offshore wind energy at Cop27 Harwood responded: Im not sure what is climate delaying about championing the reduction in CO2 emissions this country has achieved... or championing the need for onshore wind farms, about combating the Green Party where it has blocked onshore solar farms." He called it a ridiculous ad hominem attack and accused Denyer of launching the attack because her arguments were not standing up. Harwood claimed he and plenty of his colleagues at GB News were saying progressive things about ways to tackle climate change. Denyer then accused Harwood of setting up a strawman argument that she suggested no progress had been made on climate change. She said the science was clear that progress in the UK and rest of the world on tackling climate change was not moving fast enough. GB Newss new chairman Alan McCormick has previously tweeted at least three articles by climate science deniers, an investigation by global warming blog DeSmog revealed. Story continues One of them from 2015 was published by a US fossil fuel-backed think-tank called Heartland Institute and was titled Why I am a climate sceptic. The writer Patrick Moore called for readers to celebrate carbon dioxide and argued against a human-made climate emergency. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak said on Monday climate and energy security went "hand in hand" and world leaders must act quickly to address the impacts of climate change. 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 In recent months, Northwood Office President John Barton gave $1,000 to Ted Budds U.S. Senate campaign while Duke Energy Corp. CEO Lynn Good contributed $2,900. Budds opponent, Cheri Beasley, counts Ernst & Young Charlotte managing partner Malcomb Coley ($3,900) and Lincoln Harris executive Johno Harris ($1,000) among her donors. ALSO READ: Critical midterm showdown: US Senate seat down to wire in North Carolina Those executives are among many in Charlotte helping fund one of the nations most competitive Senate races in a so-called purple state, albeit a purple state that last went blue for a presidential or Senate candidate in 2008. North Carolina factors into the upcoming midterms not only with the Beasley-Budd Senate race to replace retiring Republican Richard Burr, but also with 14 Congressional contests. The latter includes a new district added because of population gains in the latest Census. This month, candidates filed campaign finance reports for the third quarter, spanning July 1 through Sept. 30. Click here for the WSOC Election Guide As always, companies and executives alike, as well as various sectors represented by PACs, figure prominently in candidates funding. CBJ has compiled a slideshow of some of the biggest contributors in high-profile races. Check it out here. VIDEO: The Political Beat Election Special (November 7, 2022) (Bloomberg) -- As the London Metal Exchange wades through the fallout of this years nickel crisis, its American rival is gaining ground. Most Read from Bloomberg Chicago-based CME Group Inc. has successful copper and precious-metals contracts but has never managed to challenge the LMEs dominance in other industrial metals. This year, it has seen strong growth in both its aluminum and cobalt contracts -- aggregate open interest in CMEs Comex aluminum futures contract is up more than 400% since the start of 2022, while open interest in the Comex cobalt contract has risen more than 500%. CME has been working to capitalize on the LMEs stumbles, offering incentives to traders to boost its aluminum contract, and in July it adjusted the timing of the daily settlement to increase arbitrage opportunities with the LME. At LME Week in London last month, it hosted a drinks party at the same time as the LME chairmans reception and unveiled a tie-up with LME broker Marex Group to promote its aluminum contract. CME has also hinted at its plans to launch a nickel contract. In cobalt, a key battery metal, activity in the LMEs longstanding physical contract has ground to a halt, while CMEs cash-settled contract has taken off. Liquidity in the cobalt market is almost solely based in the CME, said Jack Nathan, head of battery metals at Freight Investor Services. In aluminum, a surge in volumes began in July after CME tweaked the daily settlement period for the contract to line up with the close of trading on the LME, which opened up greater arbitrage opportunities during the most liquid period of trading on the incumbent bourse. Its also seen an influx of new clients using the contract, with nearly 150 new accounts trading it between May and mid-September. Story continues CMEs aluminum contract remains a minnow compared to the LMEs, but its rapid growth comes at a difficult time for the London exchange. Not only has it incurred the wrath of hedge funds and traders with its decision to cancel billions of dollars in nickel trades after a short squeeze in March, but it is also trying to navigate a schism in the aluminum market about how to handle metal from Russia. As a consumer, Im feeling more and more reluctant against the LME because of all the recent activities thatve been taking place, said Andy Massey, vice president of procurement at Bonnell Aluminum, one of the largest independent aluminum extruders in North America. While about 80% of his trading volume is still in the LME aluminum contract, he said he has been trading more on CME in the past year or so. He has also started offering his customers the option of whether to use CME or LME prices in his physical contracts -- something that can be attractive to customers in North America as CME also offers a popular contract to hedge the US physical premium. The current aluminum futures contract is the Chicago-based exchanges third attempt to create an aluminum contract. It was launched in 2014 the wake of the merry-go-round deals that caused outcry over bottlenecks at LME warehouses. But the contract remained in the doldrums until this year. Despite this years growth, CMEs aluminum contract isnt about to replace the LME as the global benchmark any time soon. The total open interest in CME aluminum stands at about 30,000 tons, compared with 14 million tons for the LME. And CME faces a similar dilemma to the LME over Russian metal, which is deliverable against its aluminum contract. Jin Chang, CME global head of metals products, said during the LME Week that the exchange will follow government guidelines when it comes to metals from Russian producers -- a stance that could anger aluminum producers that have been lobbying for bans and sanctions. Meanwhile, open interest in CMEs flagship copper contract has dropped sharply from a peak in 2017, matching a similar decline in the LME copper contract. --With assistance from Mark Burton and Jack Farchy. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Pessimism about Chinas banking sector has reached an unprecedented level, even approaching the depths where US lenders traded during the 2008 financial crisis. Most Read from Bloomberg The four biggest lenders, including Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., are priced at near record low valuations of about 0.4 of their book value in Hong Kong after a sector index weakened to an 11-year low. That depressed level roughly matches where investors priced JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America Corp. among others during the depths of the 2008 crash. They are far from the same perils that hit US lenders at the height of the financial crisis. But the banks recent swoon reflects both a broad market selloff and growing concerns about bad debt as lenders have been called on to backstop the flagging economy. Bank earnings have been steady so far, fueled by a jump in new loans, but they face growing risks from the nations Covid Zero lockdowns and a property crisis that shows no signs of easing. While we havent yet witnessed any signs of a structural deterioration in the domestic economy, its likely to remain under pressure in the next few years amid a global recession, said Shen Meng, a director at Beijing-based investment bank Chanson & Co. Banks would be more stressed if they cant recover the loans by then. On top of that, the tightly controlled Chinese state-owned lenders have been perennial underperformers, and now are weighed down further as President Xi Jinping pushes for more common prosperity. The worlds second-largest economy is expected to grow just 3.3% in 2022, below government guidance of about 5.5%. Story continues At direction of Beijing, lenders including ICBC and China Construction Bank Corp. have aggressively expanded credit this year to private enterprises and areas such as infrastructure. The biggest state banks have also beefed up support for the property sector, planning to to extend at least $85 billion in net financing in the final four months of the year. Xiao Yuanqi, a vice chairman at China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, said earlier this month that their exposure to the real estate sector is at a reasonable level of 26% of their overall loan book, with the majority in high quality home mortgages. But the risk lies in whether the property sectors woes will spread more broadly in the economy, which could cause loan losses to grow further. The property sector drives about 28% of Chinas gross domestic product. That makes Chinese banks prone to any increase in risks associated with the GDP growth, said Nicholas Zhu, a vice president and senior credit analyst at Moodys Investors Service. Their net margins could further narrow as banks plan bigger provisions for bad debt and continue to cut loan rates to support the economy. Country Risk Analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence said it will be hard for the banks to achieve any quick turnaround in their shares. Bank stocks have staged a small rally this month amid speculation China is preparing to scale back its strict approach to Covid Zero as costs to the economy mount. An official over the weekend rebutted that any easing was in the works, vowing to unswervingly stick with Covid Zero. That means banks are also paying the price in the markets for their countrys policies. Shares of Chinas five state lenders, including ICBC and CCB, indicated an average 26% country risk premium in late October, compared with a single-digit reading implied in US peers, according to data compiled by BI analyst Francis Chan. Valuation prospects could only stabilize on a reversal of market perceptions around Chinas country risk, Chan wrote in a Nov. 3 research. The shares have decoupled from uninspiring but stable earnings, he said. Their resilience will be tested further should the property market fail to stabilize, Fitch Ratings Inc. said in a recent research report. What matters more is not how much of a risk there might be for banks today, but rather where the property market is going in the long run, said Grace Wu, senior director for financial institutions at Fitch, by phone. If the property market remains sluggish for much longer it will certainly impact demand and quality of other loans. The pessimism implied in Chinese bank shares may present a long-term buying opportunity, according to DBS Group analyst Lu Manyi, pointing to that some lenders reported lower non-performing loan ratios in the property sector in the third quarter. The question remains how long it will take before that bet pays off. We are yet to see the turning point of the property sector, said Lu. For bank shares the short-term volatility will remain before we see more signals of a recovery of the China property sector and economy. --With assistance from Michael Patterson. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. BEIJING (Reuters) -A spokesman for China's foreign ministry said he was not aware of reports of President Xi Jinping's planned visit to Saudi Arabia, when asked about it at a regular news briefing on Tuesday. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Xi was planning the visit before the end of the year, citing people familiar with the trip preparations. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista; Writing by Liz Lee; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Alex Richardson) BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told his Australian counterpart Penny Wong both China and Australia should gradually address each others' legitimate concerns and make positive contributions to address current global challenges during a call on Tuesday. Both countries should work to rebuild trust between each other and put their relationship back on the right track, a statement from China's foreign ministry quoted Wang as saying. (Reporting by Beijing Newsroom and Martin Quin Pollard; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) SHANGHAI (Reuters) -Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD said on Tuesday it would launch a new premium brand in the first quarter of 2023 under the name Yangwang, with its first model slated to be an off-road vehicle. Vehicles produced under the new brand will be priced at between 800,000 and 1.5 million yuan ($110,287-$206,763), BYD added. Having ditched gasoline vehicles from its product mix this year, BYD has been able to capitalise on a range of incentives for electric cars offered by the Chinese central government and local governments. The automaker, which produces both pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars, has topped electric vehicle sales in the world's biggest auto market, with sales more than tripling in the first 10 months of this year to 1.4 million, company filings show. ($1 = 7.2547 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Zhuzhu Cui, Zhang Yan and Brenda Goh in Shanghai; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Jan Harvey) A Chinese couple who have known each other since they were 16 years old have finally tied the knot after being apart for nearly 70 years. Xu Guizhen and Cao Zhenwei, both 96 years old, were born on the exact same day in 1926. Their fates were intertwined due to the close friendship of their fathers, who started and operated a photo studio together in Weihai, a city in eastern Chinas Shandong province. The two families ultimatelymoved to Shanghai and brought their business with them amid theSecond Sino-Japanese War in 1937. After their relocation, Cao began working at the photo studio alongside Xus younger brother. Cao met Xu at the studio, and they became friends. Xu's father liked Cao and hoped he would marry his daughter one day, but the boy was already engaged at the time. More from NextShark: Chinese woman stabbed over 20 times in Auckland by her ex-business partner, prosecutor says The two eventually lived separate lives after Xus family moved to another province years later. Xu moved back to Shanghai after getting married, but she kept on moving to other places around China after that. It was not until 2019 when Cao, already aged 93, serendipitously met Xus younger brother at a retired workers party in Shanghai. There, the man connected with his old friend and asked about his sister. Encouraged by Xus younger brother, Cao got the womans address and number and eventually contacted her. More from NextShark: 'Karen' Struggles to Keep Dentures in While Telling Asian Woman 'Go Back to Your Country' Although Xu did not recognize Cao when they first met after being apart for almost 70 years, he said they were both happy after finally seeing each other again. She didnt recognize me at first, Cao was quoted as telling the Shanghai Morning Post. We were both very happy to see each other. We were both widowed and she wanted to find a partner. So I told her she can have me. Its fate for us to meet each other again. Unexpected fate. Story continues When I received the phone call, I knew it was [Cao] as soon as I heard his voice, Xu recalled to China Daily. The woman said her original plan was to meet Cao at a subway station, but she got worried that she might not recognize him. More from NextShark: Indonesia Burns Over 400 Sex Toys After Raid But he was very smart. He went to the neighborhood committee first and asked them to call me. When I walked out, I saw him, Xu shared. Following their meeting, the two kept in touch by phone and got married in September 2020. Their joyous union was supported by their children, Cao said. "Although we hadn't seen each other for nearly 70 years, we still felt very familiar with each other. We are all lonely and want to find a partner. This is fate, which is unexpected," Cao told China Daily. More from NextShark: 27-year-old Korean American violinist named concertmaster for prestigious Hamburg Philharmonic The couple decided to live together in a 30-square-meter (323-square-foot) room at the Fortune Care Shanghai Kangtai Nursing Home after Cao learned that Xus daughter wanted to move her into a nursing home. The nursing home also sent out wedding candies for us. It is our home now and we also don't want to bother our children. We can take care of each other here," Xu said. Zhan Yu, who works at the nursing home, said they feel very moved when they see the couple walk together hand-in-hand. The wife takes care of the husband more. She is responsible for more detailed things, and the old man has more external activities. He manages the medicine for his wife," Zhan shared. Featured Image via Logan Group has become the latest Chinese developer to face the wrath of offshore creditors after the firm defaulted on six dollar-denominated bonds as the property slump deepens even with selective state bailouts. The Shenzhen-based developer said unidentified holders of its 5.75 per cent bond due in 2025 have sued to fold the company in a Cayman Islands court through the bond trustee, Citicorp. Another two subsidiaries are also being slapped with similar winding-up petitions in Hong Kong. "The petitions do not represent the interests of other stakeholders and may impair the value of the company," Logan said in a stock exchange filing in Hong Kong late on Monday. "Therefore, the company will seek legal measures to oppose the petitions, and take all necessary actions to protect its legal rights." 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. Logan's property projects in Shenzhen, mainland China. Photo: Handout alt=Logan's property projects in Shenzhen, mainland China. Photo: Handout> China's property market crisis has worsened since Beijing instituted its "three red lines" policy in August 2020 in the midst of an economic slump induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Logan and its industry peers have reneged on more than US$20 billion of foreign-currency bonds this year, leaving creditors with little hope to recover their money. Hong Kong's property developers will struggle to service their bulging debts as interest rates soar, analysts warn The troubles continue even after several developers have won some backing from provincial and local governments in their asset sales, while China's state-run bond insurance agency has also stepped in to help guarantee new fundraising to alleviate the credit crunch. A gauge tracking Chinese junk-rated dollar bonds has slumped 59 per cent this year, in addition to a 33 per cent loss in 2021, according to an index compiled by InterContinental Exchange. Investors are asking for more than 27 percentage points in risk premium over US government bonds, versus 18 points in December. Story continues The index tracks 88 bonds issued by predominantly Chinese developers with a face value of about US$21 billion, compared with 175 bonds worth US$64 billion at the end of 2021 as defaulted notes were removed. Logan's shares tumbled 15 per cent to HK$0.42 on Tuesday, bringing the plunge to 93 per cent this year. The Hang Seng Index declined 0.2 per cent in a broadly weaker market, following a 13 per cent surge this month Logan's external auditors have flagged uncertainty about its going-concern status in its latest interim report, after the company halted interest payments on five dollar bonds maturing between 2023 and 2028, and later decided in August not to repay a bond that came due that month. In total, the affected bonds amounted to US$1.9 billion in face value and US$53.1 million in overdue interest at the end of August, according to its most-recent interim report to shareholders. Logan said it's talking to creditors to arrive at a "holistic solution" to benefit all parties. 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. LOS ANGELES (AP) Chris Evans may have put down Captain America's shield but he's got a new badge of honor: he's been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive. People's selection was announced Monday night on Stephen Colbert's late night show and on the magazine's website. Evans, who for nearly a decade played Captain America in Marvel's sprawling superhero films, takes the baton from another Avenger, Paul Rudd. My mom will be so happy, he told the magazine for its cover story, which hits newsstands on Friday. Shes proud of everything I do but this is something she can really brag about. He also knows that he's likely to be teased by close friends. Really this will just be a point of bullying, he joked in an interview. Its ripe for harassment. Among those likely to heckle him are co-stars and previous Sexiest Man Alive winners like Rudd, Ryan Reynolds and Chris Hemsworth. (Hemsworth, who plays Thor in the Marvel films, was the first Avenger to win People's annual honor, which was first handed out to Mel Gibson in 1985.) Other past honorees include John Legend, Dwayne Johnson, Idris Elba, Adam Levine, Richard Gere, Channing Tatum and David Beckham. People interviewed Evans, 41, at a Georgia farmhouse, where the actor talked about finding a better work-life balance. The most enjoyable aspect of my career right now is feeling secure enough to take my foot off the gas, he said. Evans' first film role came in 2000's The New Comers and he played superhero Johnny Storm in two Fantastic Four films released in 2005 and 2007. But he gained widespread fame in 2011 with the release of Captain America: The First Avenger." Since then, he's played the wholesome superhero in 10 Marvel films, laying down his shield after saving the universe in Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Evans has become a highly bankable star, voicing the Buzz Lightyear character in Pixar's Lightyear film and playing a sadistic assassin trying to kill Reynolds in Nextflix's The Gray Man both released this year. Story continues The actor told People he's thinking about marriage and having a family, saying, Thats absolutely something I want. He said he didn't expect to talk publicly much about his private life though. Some things you want just for you, or just for my family and my friends. The Boston native also continues his involvement with the civic engagement site A Starting Point, which he co-founded in 2020. As Evans charts the next part of his life and career, he fully expects People's honor will be a milestone. Its something that as I become old and saggy I can look back on and say I remember then Evans said. Im lucky to be in the discussion in any capacity. In preparation for the expected impacts of Tropical Storm Nicole, the city of St. Augustine is urging local residents to start preparing for flooding. At this time, the flooding is expected to exceed between three to five feet above street level as early as Wednesday. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< St. Augustine is providing free sandbags until 5 p.m. or until supplies last. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Sandbag Operations: Starting Tuesday, November 8, at 10:00am, the City of St. Augustine will provide free sandbags until 5:00pm or until the supply is depleted at Francis Field, located at 25 West Castillo Drive. The sand and the bags are free of charge and there is a limit of 20 bags per person. Members of the public must provide their own transportation and shovels and are responsible for filling their own bags. Vehicles should enter Francis Field from the west off Riberia St. and follow directions. The service will continue until the supply is depleted or the weather deteriorates until it is unsafe to do so. For additional information, please call the General Services Department at 904-825-1010. Free Parking The Historic Downtown Parking Facility will be free on Tuesday, November 8, starting at 5:00pm for residents living in low-lying, flood-prone areas who are seeking higher ground for their vehicles. Residents should plan to retrieve their vehicles once the storm passes, and it is safe to return home. Read: Tracking Nicole: How to stay informed about the storm with Action News Jax Click here to visit the City of St. Augustine Emergency Alerts page and learn more. In preparation for the impact of Tropical Storm Nicole, the City is urging residents to prepare for flooding that is expected to exceed between 3 to 5 feet above street level in low-lying areas as early as Wednesday, November 9. Full story: https://t.co/43BbkZSCgh #CityStAug pic.twitter.com/SYIqZhlqtq City of St. Augustine (@CityStAug) November 7, 2022 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. LOS ANGELES (AP) Jaylen Clark turned in an all-around performance for UCLA in its opener, both good and bad. Clark scored 17 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had a career-high seven steals in the eighth-ranked Bruins 76-50 victory over Sacramento State. The one area coach Mick Cronin was ready to point out though was Clark's five turnovers. He's just got to eliminate the turnovers. There's no point in stealing it if you're going to give it right back, Cronin said. He's awesome defensively. He's got to be an elite defensive player for us to be great. But it also doesn't hurt when Clark can make all seven of his shots from the floor. The 6-foot-5 junior guard had mainly come off the bench the past two seasons, but has cracked the starting lineup this season due to his defense. I was getting my teammates involved with rebounds and assists to get on the break in the first half, said Clark, who had 14 points in the second half. In the second half they were collapsing on my teammates. I felt like I had opportunities to go and score. Like coach said, I have to eliminate the turnovers, but other than that I was pretty happy with how I performed. Jaime Jaquez and Tyger Campbell scored 14 apiece and David Singleton added 13 points for the Bruins, who shot 53.1% from the field (34 of 64). Cameron Wilbon and Zach Chappell scored 10 apiece for Sacramento State. Jaquez did most of his scoring in the first half with 12 points as the Bruins built a 39-25 lead at halftime. Campbell scored seven points as UCLA took control with a 20-0 run midway through the first half. The Hornets went on an 8-0 spurt to grab a 16-12 advantage with 9:15 remaining before the Bruins scored 20 straight points over the next six minutes. Seven players had baskets during the run. UCLA started 6 of 16 from the field before making 12 of its next 16 shots to end the first half. They made us play, which is what we need. They made us compete, make adjustments and work to get away from them which is what you want from a game like this, Cronin said. Story continues Sacramento State shot 34.5% from the field, going 19 of 55, and committed 21 turnovers. The one positive was that the Hornets did outrebound the Bruins 37-33. We've got some guys that can shoot, but with the first road game against a Top 10 opponent, that pressure is hard to produce in practice, Sacramento State coach David Patrick said. THE TAKEAWAY Sacramento State: The Hornets were 2 of 18 on 3s and missed 13 straight during one stretch. UCLA: It ended up being a fun night for the Jaquez family. Jaime's younger sister, Gabriela, had 10 points and six rebounds as the Bruins women's team opened with a victory over Cal Poly. Gabriela Jaquez is part of the nation's top-ranked recruiting class. DEBUT DELAYED UCLA freshman Adem Bona did not play in order to serve a one-game penalty from the NCAA related to an amateurism issue. The center is expected to play in UCLAs next game. UP NEXT Sacramento State: Plays at UC San Diego on Saturday. UCLA: Will host Long Beach State on Friday. ___ AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 The Los Angeles City College campus was closed after a man was killed in a stabbing Monday afternoon, authorities said. Above, students on campus last year. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles City College's campus was closed and in-person classes were canceled Monday evening after a fatal stabbing, authorities said. Deputies responded at 2:06 p.m. to the 800 block of North Heliotrope Drive, according to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. The stabbing victim, described only as a man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sheriff's Department did not provide a description of the suspect, who remained at large Monday evening. City College officials described the suspect as a Black man; about 5 feet, 7 inches tall; 160 pounds; and wearing a black shirt, white shorts, black jacket and blue shoes, according to a tweet. In-person classes were canceled but online classes were set to continue Monday night, college officials said. A campus lockdown was lifted and anyone sheltering in place was directed to follow sheriff's deputies' directions when leaving, the college tweeted shortly before 5:30 p.m. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The impacts of climate change threaten the things Americans value most, according to the latest version of the federal interagency National Climate Assessment (NCA). The latest NCA, the first since 2018, warns that more intense extreme events and long-term climate changes make it harder to maintain safe homes and healthy families, reliable public services, a sustainable economy, thriving ecosystems, and strong communities. The report adds that many of those extreme impacts are already reality and poised to worsen in parts of the country. For example, parts of the country have seen intensified rainfall and flooding in regions like the Northeast and the Midwest, according to the NCA. These phenomena have consequences beyond immediate damages, the report notes they can also result in runoff that damages crops and water supplies. For example, between 1981 and 2016, excess precipitation cost the U.S. about as much in maize crop yields as extreme drought would have. Droughts, meanwhile, have caused nearly $300 billion in damages over the last four decades, and their impact is likely to intensify in the future, particularly in the Southwest, which has already seen a drought lasting most of this century. Another emerging threat is that of so-called compound events, or multiple extreme weather events that hit a single area consecutively or concurrently. These events strain local supply chains and emergency services, as well as causing side effects like mass die-offs of wildlife that can be a major local food source. One such example is the record temperatures in California and the Pacific Northwest in 2020, which led to a particularly destructive fire season across the region. The regional drought extended into the next year and, combined with another heat wave and worse-than-average snow season, caused more than $36 billion in damages, according to the report. The impact of climate change also exacerbates, and will exacerbate, existing social inequalities. Historical discrimination patterns mean minority neighborhoods are more likely to be in low-lying, flood-prone areas and those vulnerable to industrial pollution. They also have fewer trees and more pavement, creating so-called heat islands that make them more susceptible to extreme heat in some cases, up to 12.6 degrees Fahrenheit than richer, whiter neighborhoods during heatwaves. The latest NCA comes during the COP27 United Nations climate summit in Egypt, where global inequalities around the impact of climate change is a major theme as well. International loss and damages funding for those nations facing its worst impacts made the conference agenda for the first time this year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. New Twitter owner Elon Musk on Monday tweeted a picture of a Nazi soldier and then counseled people to vote for Republican candidates. (John Raoux / Associated Press) It's been less than a month, but how tired are we already of hearing about Elon Musk and Twitter? If only Hooter's had been for sale. But here we are, and the world's richest man seems intent on throwing gasoline on the hate, lies and propaganda that already plagued the world's most powerful method of communication. All this is happening during a volatile election when we expect far-right vote fraud conspiracy theorists, Christian nationalists and a troubling contingent of American fascists to dispute reliable results in a continuing bid to undermine our legitimate government. Which means, for those who care about fair elections, democracy and protecting vulnerable groups from attack, that we have to pay attention to what is happening at Twitter whether we like it or not. Over a weekend of chaos, Musk changed the rules to ban accounts that mocked him. He continued to push his plan to sell the blue check marks that mean an account has been verified as authentic and trustworthy to anyone who is willing to pay $8 a month. This is especially concerning for the coming weeks when election information and deceits will be pushed on the platform and one powerful way of telling them apart will be gone. Doubling down on that dubious proposal, he made claims that truth and facts could be crowdsourced by his new blue-check wielding mobs (if 80% of Twitter believes reptile aliens have taken over the bodies of Democrats, it's true?) and attacked journalism. Monday at the social media giant started off with the real Musk counseling people to vote for Republican candidates. Right before that, he posted a picture of a Nazi soldier. So that's how things are going at Twitter. "Icarus has crashed," is how Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino, explained it. Now the whole joint's on fire because "Elon Musk has inserted himself as a provocateur at a time when we need a philosopher," he said. Story continues We are a captive audience of Musk until we understand where he's headed. Simply opting out or ignoring his influence on our larger society leaves too much power in the hands of one man who is showing us that, at best, he finds inflicting pain and worry to be funny. Musk, of course, can tweet whatever he wants. He has the same free speech rights as the rest of us. But it's troubling to see him tweeting Nazi imagery in this moment of extreme unpredictability that has seen real-world violence flare repeatedly from online lies. As a chief executive with 114 million followers, he's someone who shouldn't be mocking common decency and facts. Instead, he should be leading by example to give us confidence that the company he runs will be managed ethically, and that, in the coming election, we can trust false information will be removed to protect our democracy. As Maya Angelou famously said, When people show you who they are, believe them the first time. Like maybe that time last week when Musk tweeted a link to an ugly and debunked conspiracy theory about the attack on Paul Pelosi, then deleted it as if it never happened? Let's be real: Posting a photo of a Nazi soldier has meaning, even if the tweet purports to be about something else. Musk said he was commenting on the homing pigeons the soldier carried, comparing them to the "bird" that is Twitter. But I Googled it, and there are plenty of pigeon pictures that don't contain Nazis. "For free speech absolutists, Nazi imagery has become some kind of perverted litmus test," Levin, whose father was a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany, told me. But it's a flawed one, especially at a moment when hate crimes against Jewish people are skyrocketing. Levin's research has shown that antisemitic hate crimes jumped 59% from 2020 to 2021 and are continuing to rise this year. Same for hate crimes against LGBTQ folks, Asians, Hindus and virtually every other group that the far right can find a reason to villainize. "This is not the time for him to push boundaries but rather for him to establish them, and that is where I fault him," said Levin, pointing out that Musk, who essentially started the modern electric car revolution, is smart enough to understand the subtexts of what he's doing. That makes his recent moves with Twitter all the more confounding. "The ability to invoke Nazi imagery in the abstract to try to make a political, philosophical or humorous point stands in the face of that regime being the iconic example of evil in civilization," Levin said. Beginning Tuesday, when election results come in, we can be sure of nothing that comes from Twitter not even that its leader cares to curb the worst of it, despite his protestations to advertisers. We can't and shouldn't have faith in where information on Twitter is really coming from. We won't know what the intent of the information is, or whether Twitter will be up to the task of monitoring its platform with half of the staff fired (though it's been reported that only 15% of the staff monitoring misinformation was let go). We do know already that a flood of election-denying plots is likely. It is going to be even more chaotic than it is now, and that anarchy will be made worse by bad actors seeking to capitalize on it. And before you hit me with how an $8 subscription fee is going to trample the bots and conspiracy purveyors, honey, please. Do you think China won't pay eight bucks for a chance to topple U.S. power? "You don't need to have a lot of provocateurs to be able to do something that is dangerous," Rick Hasen, a professor of law at UCLA and director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project, told me. "That amount of money is not a lot of money as far as political speech goes." Hasen offered this bit of hope. To him, the whole mess sounds "like somebody with a bruised ego more than someone with a secret far-right agenda." Alexander Reid Ross, an extremism expert at Portland State University, had a similar read on Musk. "It seems like Elon Musk is sort of outdoing himself in a sense that is rather unfortunate," Reid Ross said. "Instead of trying to be a role model, he is sort of stooping to a lowest common denominator. Maybe thats just him." Maybe it is, which would be better than having a far-right antidemocratic agenda. Musk also tweeted Monday, "What do you call someone who is a master of baiting," apparently in sophomoric reply to a now-deleted tweet. I don't know what he was responding to, but it seems a little too spot on, since Musk seems to be taking great pleasure in this turmoil. I would call a relentless master baiter tiresome and immature, and hope they didn't have the power to subvert my democracy. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By William James, Richard Valdmanis and Dominic Evans SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) -Leaders from poor countries criticized wealthy governments and oil companies for driving global warming, using their speeches on Tuesday at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt to demand that they pay up for damages being inflicted on their economies. Small island states already buffeted by increasingly violent ocean storms and sea-level rise called on oil companies to shell out some of their huge recent profits, while developing African states called for more international funds for adaptation. "The oil and gas industry continues to earn almost 3 billion United States dollars daily in profits," said Gaston Browne, Antigua's prime minister, speaking at the conference on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States. "It is about time that these companies are made to pay a global carbon tax on their profits as a source of funding for loss and damage," he said. "While they are profiting, the planet is burning." Nikenike Vurobaravu, the president of the island nation of Vanuatu, said it wanted the International Court of Justice to help ensure future generations' rights were not being violated by nations lagging on climate change. The comments reflected the tension in international climate negotiations between rich and poor states, as delegates attended the second full day of the two-week U.N. conference in the seaside resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. Wealthy western countries tend to be the most vocal advocates of slashing emissions but are also the ones that have contributed the most greenhouse gases after more than a century of fossil fuel-driven industrialization. Multi-billion-dollar oil industry profits since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February - which has roiled markets and disrupted supplies - have also angered governments worldwide concerned about climate change and rampant consumer inflation. Story continues U.S. President Joe Biden this month said the industry was raking in "war profits" and proposed a windfall tax, an idea that has little chance of passing a divided Congress. The United Kingdom has already imposed a windfall profits tax on oil producers, with proceeds meant to defray household energy costs. But some countries at the conference were more likely to direct their frustration at rich governments, not drillers. Senegal's President Macky Sall told the conference poor developing countries in Africa needed increased funding from wealthy nations for adaptation to worsening climate change and would resist calls for an immediate shift away from fossil fuels African countries need to expand their economies. "Let's be clear, we are in favor of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. But we Africans cannot accept that our vital interests be ignored," he said. China's special climate envoy Xie Zhenhua said on Tuesday that Beijing is committed to reaching carbon neutrality in the world's top greenhouse gas emitter, and believed multilateralism and cooperation is key to solving global climate change. "No matter how much the external environment changes, and no matter how many challenges we face, China has firm determination to achieve this vision of carbon neutrality," he told delegates. The hosts of the COP27 climate talks on Tuesday launched a global plan to help the world's poorest communities withstand the impacts of global warming, including targets for sustainable farming, mangrove restoration to reduce coastal flooding, and access to clean cookstoves. The head of the World Trade Organization, meanwhile, told Reuters she aimed to revive negotiations on a global environmental trade deal as part of efforts to give the trade watchdog a bigger role in tackling climate change. BILLIONS FOR WAR Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told conference delegates in a video message that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has distracted world governments from efforts to combat climate change and boosted demand for coal. "There can be no effective climate policy without the peace," he said. Scores of other heads of state and government spoke on Monday and Tuesday but many of the world's biggest polluters - including the United States and India - have yet to hit the podium. Biden will not arrive until Friday - after Tuesday's midterm elections in the United States - but his delegation opened its pavilion at the COP27 venue on Tuesday and Special Envoy John Kerry was making the rounds. Conference host Egypt was facing pressure over its jailing of Egyptian-British blogger Alaa Abd el-Fattah, who rose to prominence during Egypt's 2011 popular uprising but has been detained for most of the time since and is now on hunger strike. His family said on Tuesday they had not heard from him since he had been due to stop drinking water two days ago. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's government came to power after heading the 2013 overthrow of Egypt's first democratically elected leader, and has drawn human rights criticism after subsequent bloody crackdowns on protesters and the detention of dissidents. His government has been hoping its hosting of the COP27 conference would give it an injection of international legitimacy at a time its economy has been struggling. For daily comprehensive coverage on COP27 in your inbox, sign up for the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter here (Writing by Richard Valdmanis; Editing by Katy Daigle and Janet Lawrence) Pakistan's Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif made an emotional plea in a speech at the COP27 summit this afternoon in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, calling on richer nations to help countries that are reeling from the effects of the climate crisis. During his speech, he said it was now or never to take action and that for us, there is no planet B.He said: This COP rings an alarm bell for humanity, it is the only platform where the survival of the human race as a goal still holds promise. It is also the forum where we as vulnerable countries take our case to the rich and the resourced to build a road map to crucial policy resets needed in a world that is burning up faster than our capacity for recovery. Mr Sharif's comments come in the wake of devastating floods across parts of Pakistan, which affected 33 million people and caused an estimated $40bn (35bn ) in damages. He added that the nation is being forced to spend billions of rupees from its own meagre resources and will enter a debt trap if it continues to pay for the damages. Key Points Small island nations want Big Oil to pay up for climate damage World faces a billion climate refugees if government fails crisis talks, Barbados PM warns Tuvalu joins Vanuatu to call for treaty to phase out fossil fuels Israel and Jordan move forward with water-for-energy deal Tuesday: What will happen today at Cop27? UK pledges support to ramp up offshore wind energy at Cop27 15:22 , Aisha Rimi Nine countries including the UK have joined an organisation pledging to ramp up offshore wind production to tackle the energy and climate crisis. Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, and the US have joined the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA) at Cop27, to work together to remove barriers to the development of offshore wind. The alliance has been initiated by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Denmark, and the Global Wind Energy Council and will bring together governments, the private sector, and international organisations to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind power, GOWA claims. Story continues Samuel Webb has more: Wind power: UK pledges support to ramp up offshore wind energy at Cop27 Israeli and Lebanese leaders pledge to work together at climate summit 15:05 , Aisha Rimi Israels environmental protection minister attended a regional meeting on Tuesday alongside Iraqi and Lebanese leaders at Cop27, the ministers office said, where the group pledged to work together to tackle climate change.Israel is still officially at war with Lebanon, fighting a war against the militant Shiite Hezbollah in 2006, and Israel and Iraq have no diplomatic relations and a history of hostilities.While Lebanon and Israel recently signed a landmark, US-brokered maritime agreement, any hint that the two states are open to cooperating even as part of a regional setting would be meaningful. Lebanon bans its citizens from having any contact with Israelis and the sea deal was negotiated through American shuttle diplomacy, with no Israeli or Lebanese officials ever publicly meeting.According to a statement from Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg, the meeting took place as part of a regional forum of eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries.The agreement by the member countries said the parties would work to strengthen regional cooperation and act in a coordinated way on climate change.The countries of the region share the warming and drying climate and just as they share the problems they can and must share the solutions. No country can stand alone in the face of the climate crisis, Zandberg said in the statement. Mikatis office played down the incident, saying it was being overblown in Israeli media.It said the meeting was called for by the presidents of Egypt and Cyprus and was attended by a large number of Arab and international officials like other meetings at the climate change conference. There was no contact whatsoever with any Israeli official, it said. Associated Press Let us not take the highway to hell, says EU chief 14:52 , Aisha Rimi European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged countries to hasten action on climate change at the climate summit on Tuesday. The global fossil fuel crisis must be a game changer. So let us not take the highway to hell but lets earn the clean ticket to heaven, she said, echoing remarks by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday. In a separate statement, European Council President Charles Michel said that Russia had chosen to make energy a weapon of mass destabilisation. WTO chief seeks to revive green trade talks 14:17 , Aisha Rimi The head of the World Trade Organisation aims to revive negotiations on a global environmental trade deal as part of efforts to give the trade watchdog a bigger role in tackling the climate crisis. Talks on scrapping tariffs and other trade barriers on goods such as solar panels or smart-heating controls that can address climate change are seen as an important step towards cutting the cost of environmental protection. But WTO discussions collapsed in 2016 after disagreements between China and Western countries about which products should be on the environmental list. We would like to see the revival of an environmental goods and services agreement, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told Reuters on the sidelines of the climate summit late on Monday. She said the talks should also be expanded to include services. These could include air pollution mitigation or wastewater treatment. You need to have a friendly trade regime for renewables and other environmentally-friendly products, she said, noting tariffs for fossil fuel products are lower than for renewables in many countries. Germany cant ask global south not to want more affluence, says Chancellor 14:02 , Aisha Rimi Germany cant ask countries in the global south not to want the same level of affluence as developed countries, said Chancellor Olaf Scholz, but it can work on technologies that will help these countries grow their economies in a climate-friendly way. That will only succeed through technology developed by Germany that makes it possible for a country to become a successful, industrialised country without harming the climate, saidMr Scholz on the sidelines of the COP27 climate summit. (REUTERS) Rank deception UN chief slams corporate greenwashing at Cop27 13:47 , Aisha Rimi The UN Secretary-General has urged zero tolerance for net-zero greenwashing where corporations celebrate their ethical and environmental initiatives to divert attention from more dubious activities. Antonio Guterres praised the growing number of governments and organisations pledging to be carbon-free but says bogus net-zero pledges to cover up fossil fuel expansion are reprehensible. Samuel Webb has more: Rank deception UN chief slams corporate greenwashing at Cop27 Pakistan flood survivors urge more climate compensation 13:32 , Aisha Rimi What goes on in Pakistan wont stay in Pakistan thats the bleak message Islamabad is displaying on its pavilion set up at the red sea town of Sharm el-Sheikh where leaders from around the world have gathered for the United Nations climate summit. Its a reminder that climate disasters, and their impact, arent limited to poor countries and now is the time to act. This years UN summit, called the 27th Conference of Parties or Cop27, is being held as the world faces a number of interconnected crises: the warming climate, food shortages, sky-high energy prices, and the Russian war on Ukraine. But as the leaders from over a hundred countries gathered at the resort town on Monday, all eyes were on Shahbaz Sharif, prime minister of Pakistan, as he described the summer floods that caused at least $40 billion in damage and displaced millions of people, driving the renewed focus on climate compensation at this years conference. Stuti Mishra has more: Paying the price for inaction: Pakistan flood survivors urge climate compensation What are world leaders saying at Cop27? 13:16 , Aisha Rimi Here are some of the latest comments from world leaders attending the UN climate summit: Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda The oil and gas industry continues to earn almost 3 billion USD daily in profits. It is about time that these companies are made to pay a global carbon tax on their profits as a source of funding for loss and damage. Profligate producers of fossil fuels have benefited from extortionate profits at the expense of human civilization. While they are profiting, the planet is burning. (AP) Macky Sall, President of Senegal Lets be clear, we are in favour of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. But we Africans cannot accept that our vital interests be ignored. (AP) Andrzej Duda, President of Poland The consequence of Russias aggression are crisis and huge costs which put at risk timely implementation of the climate transition, as well as the timely attainment of the intended goals. We must strive to ensure that the Russian aggression is promptly and permanently repealed by increasing support for Ukraine, enhancing pressure on Russia, and stepping up our efforts to become independent of Russian fossil fuels. (EPA) Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka Double standards are unacceptable. Developed nations should be giving leadership to work on climate challenges rather than abdicating their responsibilities. As many developed nations deem it fit to wait on their climate financing contributions, these countries were also on both sides of the Ukraine war and seemed to have no qualms spending for a war. (AFP via Getty Images) World Bank will host facility for climate disaster risk , says president 13:02 , Aisha Rimi The World Bank will host a new facility that will help countries that suffer heavy economic loss due to climate change-driven disasters, its president David Malpass said. Mr Malpass announced the new instrument, called the Global Shield Financing Facility, at a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has spearheaded the effort among G7 members to create a programme to give vulnerable countries access to disaster risk finance and insurance. Mr Scholz announced at the UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt on Monday that it will offer 170m for the Global Shield programme. Weve only got one shot: John Kerry and Michael Bloomberg join forces to help cities slash emissions 12:49 , Aisha Rimi Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg and the US state department have joined forces to help cities around the world reach net zero and become more resilient to climate change. Climate envoy John Kerry and Mr Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor, launched a major plan for climate action at Cop27 as midterm election day dawns in the US. The first-of-its-kind initiative, dubbed Subnational Climate Action Leaders Exchange (SCALE), will see $1.5million investment from the US state department and Bloomberg to support cities worldwide to cut their emissions. Louise Boyle has more: Weve got one shot: US Cop27 plan to help cities slash emissions Austria commits $50m for climate loss and damage 12:34 , Aisha Rimi Austria has pledged $50m over the next four years to developing countries facing unavoidable damage and losses caused by climate change, the climate ministry said. A small group of European nations has agreed to hold their first formal talks on loss and damage shorthand for cash-rich polluters would pay to poorer countries facing unavoidable damage from worsening floods, drought, and sea level rise. Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and Scotland have also committed small amounts of loss and damage funding, breaking ranks with other rich nations that have resisted such payments for fear of spiralling liabilities for their outsized contribution to causing climate change. The funds could support the Santiago Network, a UN scheme providing technical support to countries faced with damages from climate-fueled natural disasters, and a programme providing early warning systems to countries prone to extreme weather. The most vulnerable countries in the Global South are suffering particularly badly from the consequences of the climate crisis and are rightly demanding more support from industrialised countries, climate minister Leonore Gewessler said. She said Austria would also add another 10 million euros to this years budget for climate finance. Austria is taking responsibility, Ms Gewessler said. President of Zimbabwe witnesses signing of Skypower Global Master Agreement 12:16 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The president of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has just witnessed the signing of the Skypower Global Master Agreement Adendum at the Zimbabwean pavilion at Sharm el-Sheikh, the Herald Zimbabwe reports. The Skypower agreement will see a 500 megawatt solar plant set up in the country. President @edmnangagwa has just witnessed the signing of the Skypower Global Master Agreement Adendum at the Zimbabwean pavilion at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on the sidelines of #COP27. The agreement will see Skypower setting up a 500 megawatt solar plant in the country. pic.twitter.com/50Cftgy9Vm The Herald Zimbabwe (@HeraldZimbabwe) November 8, 2022 Germanys climate envoy says talks started quite well after agenda fight averted 12:01 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Germanys climate envoy Jennifer Morgan says the talks in Egypt have kicked off quite well after a potential fight over the agenda was averted when countries agreed to formally debate the issue of financial support to poor nations for the loss and damage they suffer due to global warming. Morgan said Tuesday that she hopes there will be a meaningful outcome on the issue at the two-week talks as well as countries setting out more ambitious targets for cutting emissions and agreeing ways to ensure money flowing toward combating global warming is in line with the targets of the 2015 Paris accord. The most vulnerable families (should) know that we stand side by side with them and that there will be more support just there for them when these damages occur, she told The Associated Press. How that will look exactly, thats the negotiation here. Asked about the possible impact of the U.S. midterm election on the talks, Morgan said that individual votes cant change the fact that were in a climate emergency. The Biden administrations recent climate law had given the United States a higher level of standing internationally, she said. Tuvalu joins Vanuatu to call for treaty to phase out fossil fuels 11:34 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The Polynesian island state of Tuvalu has joined Vanuatu to call for an international treaty to phase out the use of fossil fuels. The warming seas are starting to swallow our lands inch by inch, said Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Kausea Natano, on a call to the UN summit. But the worlds addiction to oil, gas and coal cant sink our dreams under the waves. Tuvalu is the first nation at Cop27 and only the second country in the world to call for what is formally known as the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. It follows Vanuatu, the Pacific island state, that called for a treaty at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. Our climate correspondent Saphora Smith in Sharm el-Sheikh reports: Tuvalu joins Vanuatu to call for a treaty to phase out fossil fuels Africa has the greatest potential to decarbonise the world, Ghana president says 11:29 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Speaking at Cop27 in Egypt, the president of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, said: With her vast land, Africa has the greatest potential to help decarbonise the world by absorbing carbon dioxide through regenerative agriculture that requires less fertiliser and reforestation with strong biodiversity content. My government is proud to announce that Ghana will launch projects in these areas, which will tackle at the same time climate change on global and domestic levels and social issues by providing people with dignified and sustainable jobs. I am also proud to announce that Ghana has launched her energy transition framework and is co-chair of the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership with the United States. Israel and Jordan move forward with water-for-energy deal 11:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Israel and Jordan on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to move ahead with a water-for-energy deal after an initial examination of the project proved it to be feasible. The idea, first announced a year ago, is for Jordan to build 600 megawatts of solar generating capacity that would be exported to Israel. In return, Israel would provide water-scarce Jordan with 200 million cubic metres of desalinated water. Jordan and Israel sign a MOU for a water-for-energy deal (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The MOU was signed at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt at an event hosted by the United Arab Emirates, who in 2020 became the first Gulf state to normalise relations with Israel and has been a partner in the project. The Middle East is highly vulnerable to climate change and this will be the first such cooperation between the countries. Confirm proof of life family urges UK government as Egyptian Briton enters second day of water strike 11:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The family of British-Egyptian prisoner Alaa Abd El-Fatteh has urged Rishi Sunak not to return from Cop27 without a British official providing proof of life, as the activist enters the second day of his water strike which risks his survival. The activists aunt Ahdaf Soueif said the family fears the British government will be fobbed off by Egypt following confirmation Rishi Sunak had raised the case with president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The family have primarily urged for Mr El-Fattehs release but have also called for him to be allowed consular visits while in prison, writes Thomas Kingsley. Family of Egyptian Briton urge UK government to confirm proof of life In pictures: Second day of Cop27 talks commence in Egypt 10:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain International leaders and special envoys speak on the second day of the climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. John Kerry, US Special Envoy for Climate speaks as he attends the opening of the American Pavilion in the COP27 climate summit in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh (REUTERS) Michael Bloomberg, businessman and former mayor of New York city, speaks at the US pavilion (Getty Images) South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa delivers a speech at the leaders summit of the COP27 climate conference (AFP via Getty Images) COP27: Small island nations want Big Oil to pay up for climate damage 10:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Small island nations suffering the brunt of climate change want Big Oil to pay for mounting damage from ocean storms and sea-level rise, Antiguas prime minister told delegates at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt on Tuesday. The comments by Gaston Browne kicked off the second day of speeches from heads of state and government at the two-week conference in the seaside resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. The oil and gas industry continues to earn almost 3 billion United States dollars daily in profits, Browne said, speaking on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States. It is about time that these companies are made to pay a global carbon tax on their profits as a source of funding for loss and damage. Profligate producers of fossil fuels have benefited from extortionate profits at the expense of human civilization. While they are profiting, the planet is burning. Senegals President Macky Sall told the conference poor developing nations in Africa were also insisting on increased funding for adaptation to worsening climate change, and would resist calls for an immediate shift away from fossil fuels that could drive economic growth. Lets be clear, we are in favor of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. But we Africans cannot accept that our vital interests be ignored, he said. Tuesday: What will happen today at Cop27? 10:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain World leaders are set to gather for a series of closed-door meetings from today, 8 November, as Cop27 enters its second full day. This years conference is in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, following 2021s Cop26 in Glasgow. On Tuesday, leaders of climate-vulnerable countries will advocate for measures to compensate for damage already being wrought by global warming. Speakers will include Pakistans prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country was recently hit by devastating floods, and representatives from the small island nations of Tuvalu, and Antigua and Barbuda. Tuesday: What will happen today at Cop27? Most anticipated topics on the climate agenda- Part Three 10:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Fundamental reform of development banks? High-level voices have called for an overhaul of international financial institutions. At the annual World Bank meetings last month, the United States and Germany called for a fundamental reform of the bank to respond to challenges including climate change on a global scale, rather than country by country. Some reformers are asking for more grants and concessional loans that would prevent lower- and middle-income countries from having to pay high interest rates. US special envoy John Kerry said in a speech last month that reforms would be crucial to address the crisis of this moment, and that there were proposals that could unlock several hundred billion dollars in additional MDB [multinational development bank] lending capacity without requiring new shareholder capital and without risking credit rating downgrades. Most-watched topics on the climate agenda- Part Two 09:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Paying up for the damage As host of Cop27, Egypt has made the issue of loss and damage, or compensation for losses from climate-related disasters, a focus. Following a breakthrough at the weekend as this years summit began, the issue for the first time is part of the U.N. talks formal agenda. Wealthy countries have resisted creating a funding mechanism that could suggest liability for historic climate damages, but developing countries are united in demanding that a Loss and Damage fund be established. The United States and the European Union have shown more openness to having a serious discussion, but remain wary of creating a fund, especially as they face domestic pressure to deal with economic weakness and a cost of living crisis caused by high energy prices. Adapting to a warmer world High-income countries have yet to meet their pledge to deliver $100 billion a year in climate finance. Only $80 billion per year was delivered in 2019. Nevertheless, the talks will address boosting that annual goal upward from $100 billion from 2025. To date, about a quarter of that financing has gone to projects for adapting communities for a warmer world. Low-income and climate-vulnerable countries want to ensure that the share spent on adaptation is doubled by 2025 - a pledge made at last years U.N. climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland. Thats still shy of what experts say is needed: a report by the U.N. Trade and Development office estimates adaptation costs in developing countries will total $300 billion in 2030. Most-watched topics on the climate agenda- Part One 09:31 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Here are some of the most-watched topics on the agenda in the sun-baked resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where forecasters have warned of a possible sixth failed rainy season. Fossil fuels and backsliding Countries at last years COP26 talks agreed for the first time to phase down coal production and trim other fossil fuel subsidies. Voluntary side deals also touted plans to curb fossil fuel financing and to limit planet-warming methane emissions, chiefly from the fossil fuel and agriculture industries. But the energy disruption caused by war in Europe has led several European Union members to reopen or extend coal plants life and to lock in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. Meanwhile, China continues to approve new coal mines, and Vietnam and Indonesia seek to boost coal production. The backsliding by major economies on their promises to shift from fossil fuels has led some nations, especially in Africa, to call for a formal recognition that they should be allowed to develop their fossil fuel reserves. The United Arab Emirates, a member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and host of next years COP28 talks, has said it will be a responsible supplier of oil and gas for as long as the world needs. Watch: Whats on the agenda today? 09:18 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Today is the second day of the Cop27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This is whats on todays agenda: Large crowd gathers for John Kerry announcement with Michael Bloomberg 09:02 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Our senior climate correspondent Louise Boyle is on the scene at Cop27. She has said a large crowd is gathering to watch the US presidential envoy for climate John Kerry for an announcement with Michael Bloomberg. Stay tuned for live updates: US Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry drawing big crowd at US pavilion at #COP27 for announcement with Michael Bloomberg. Story to follow @indy_climate pic.twitter.com/95EEyqMEgT Louise Boyle (@LouiseB_NY) November 8, 2022 Family of British-Egyptian on hunger strike calls for leaders at Cop27 to intervene 08:40 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The family of a prominent jailed activist on a hunger and water strike has called on world leaders at Cop27 to intervene. Alaa Abdel-Fattahs mother, Laila Soueif, called for world leaders, including Rishi Sunak, to pressure the Egyptian government to release her son. The Egyptian authorities are your friends and proteges not your adversaries. If Alaa dies you too will have blood on your hands, she said in a video message on Facebook. Sunak said he raised Abdel-Fattahs case in his meeting Monday with president Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt. Sunak said he would continue to press for progress in Abdel-Fattahs case, according to Downing Street.Soueif, a university professor, said she waited Monday outside the prison where Abdel-Fattah is being held for a letter, but received nothing. She planned to go to the prison Tuesday to receive proof that her son is alive.Meanwhile Abdel-Fattahs sister, Sanaa Seif, is in the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh to raise the case of her brother and other jailed activists. She is scheduled to speak about Egypts human rights record in an event on Tuesday along with the Secretary General of Amnesty International Agnes Callamard. World faces a billion climate refugees if government fails crisis talks, Barbados PM warns 08:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley warned that the world is facing a billion climate refugees if international leaders fail in crisis talks in Sharm el-Sheikh. She criticised the west for their part in causing climate disasters for developing countries due their high carbon emissions. Speaking at an event organised by Scotlands first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, Ms Mottley said: We were the ones whose blood, sweat and tears financed the industrial revolution. Are we now to face double jeopardy by having to pay the cost as a result of those greenhouse gases from the industrial revolution? That is fundamentally unfair. She added: We need to have a different approach, to allow grant-funded reconstruction grants going forward, in those countries that suffer from disaster. Unless that happens, we are going to see an increase in climate refugees. We know that by 2050, the worlds 21 million climate refugees today will become 1 billion. Barbados PM Mia Mottley (Getty Images) Alaa-Abdel Fattah: Sunak stresses UKs deep concern to Egypts al-Sisi over jailed British activist 08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Rishi Sunak has expressed deep concern to Egypts president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi while raising the case of a British pro-democracy activist jailed by Cairo for much of the past decade, Downing Street has said. Alarmed MPs have warned that British-Egyptian citizen Alaa Abdel-Fattah may not live for much longer, after he announced he would begin a water strike to coincide with the UNs Cop27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. The 40-year-old writer and software developer regarded by many as a hero of Egypts Arab Spring uprising has ingested only 100 calories for the past 200 days in protest over Cairos refusal to grant him a consular visit, but has intensified his hunger strike as world leaders descend upon Egypt. Andy Gregory reports. Sunak raises case of jailed British activist with Egyptian president Boris Johnson believes very strongly in the green agenda - Mel Stride 07:49 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The secretary of state for work and pensions told Sky News that it is unsurprising that Boris Johnson is attending COP27 as he believed very strongly in the green agenda. Mr Johnsons announcement of his plans to attend the conference was swiftly followed by the prime ministers U-turn decision to go to the climate summit in Egypt. Mel Stride says it is unsurprising that Boris Johnson is attending COP27 as he 'believed very strongly in the green agenda'.https://t.co/PAiZ4D1RJB Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/89svqXFAte Sky News (@SkyNews) November 8, 2022 World on highway to climate hel, UN head warns 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar 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 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. Rishi Sunaks key moments at Cop27 07:05 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar British prime minister Rishi Sunaks whistle-stop visit to the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt marked his first outing on the international stage since he entered No 10 a fortnight ago. From a chummy meeting with Frech president Emmanuel Macron to refusing to be upstaged by his predecessor, Mr Sunaks day filled with speeches and diplomatic meetings, went smoothly. Here is a look at his notable moments at the major climate summit. Overseas debut: Rishi Sunaks key moments at Cop27 A trillion dollars is a small price for the damage done to our plane 07:01 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar tOn the principle that the polluters pay, the rich industrialised world has got off lightly for its crimes against the planet. One of the more controversial items on the United Nations Cop27 summit agenda is the bill for loss and damage to the environment of the many poorer countries now critically affected by climate change. A sum of $1 trillion (a thousand billion dollars) has been suggested as a global total by the UN, in the way of recompense, and to pay for ameliorative and adaptive measures to cope with continuing environmental degradation .Cue the outrage from the rich world. Its perfectly true that $1 trillion is a great deal of money in anyones language, and especially at a time of distinct economic distress and exceptional pressure on the poor of the rich nations. Read The Independents editorial here. Editorial: A trillion dollars is a small price for the damage done to our planet Germany announces funding for Global Shield 06:14 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar German chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged $170m towards a global shield - aimed at helping developing nations suffering damage and losses caused by climate change. In our role as G7 presidency, we want to create together with the most vulnerable countries a global shield against climate risks, he said in a speech at the Cop27 climate conference. We will also support those countries hit hardest by climate change in a targeted way in dealing with loss and damage. What to watch for day two of Cop27 06:07 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar World leaders will take the stage again today as the Cop27 climate summit enters its second full day. Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country was recently hit by devastating floods that displaced millions while causing at least $40bn in damages, will address the conference. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU, will also speak today, along with European Council president Charles Michel, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa and dozens of others. Macron calls on US, China to pay their climate share 05:33 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar French president Emmanuel Macron yesterday urged the US, China and other non-European first-world nations to pay their fair share to poorer countries dealing with the impacts of the climate crisis. We need the United States and China to step up on emission cuts and financial aid, Mr Macron told French and African climate campaigners on the sidelines of the Cop27 climate summit, according to AFP. Europeans are paying, he said, adding: We are the only ones paying. Pressure must be put on rich non-European countries, telling them, you have to pay your fair share. UK to announce gas deal with US after Cop27 - report 04:54 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar British prime minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly going to announce a natural gas deal with the US after the Cop27 climate summit. Britain hopes the United States will promise about 10 billion cubic metres of liquefied natural gas (LNG) over the coming year, according to a report by The Telegraph. The discussions between the two countries are in their final stages and an announcement is expected within a fortnight. However, it was unclear if the exact amount of gas to be sold by the US would be mentioned when the deal is publicised. The US earlier this year agreed to supply 15 billion cubic metres of LNG to the EU to help the bloc cope with the energy crisis caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine. Egyptian rights activists divided over holding Cop27 in climate of fear 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar As world leaders descend on Sharm el-Sheikh for Cop27, Egyptian activists are divided as to whether holding the summit under what they say is one of the most repressive governments in the countrys history amounts to an offence or an opportunity. Egypt is enmeshed in a full-scale human rights crisis, said Hossam Bahgat, a prominent Egyptian human rights activist who says he has been banned from leaving the country since 2016 and has had his assets frozen. Our current government has one of the worst records of human rights around the world. Rights groups say tens of thousands of government critics including journalists, human rights defenders and activists have been imprisoned under Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who was elected into office in 2014 after a military coup. Saphora Smith reports. Egyptian rights activists divided over holding Cop27 in climate of fear Rishi Sunak rushed off stage at Cop27 event 04:05 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar British prime minister Rishi Sunak was abruptly rushed off stage at a Cop27 event yesterday, leaving members of the audience baffled. Mr Sunak was sharing the stage with other world leaders when his aides interrupted him, prompting him to leave the event. There has been no official statement issued by 10 Downing Street to explain the prime ministers unplanned exit. Although it has been speculated that Mr Sunak left the event for last-minute preparations for the keynote speech he was due to make later in the afternoon. UK prime minister @RishiSunak has just been rushed out of the room by his aides during the middle of the launch for forests partnership at #COP27 pic.twitter.com/OQy9TYkqpX Leo Hickman (@LeoHickman) November 7, 2022 One billionaire responsible for a million times more greenhouse gases, says Oxfam 04:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The investments of 125 of the worlds richest billionaires emit an annual average of three million tonnes of Cop27 each year, according to Oxfam. The annual emissions are more than a million times the average for someone in the bottom 90 per cent of humanity, the report titled Carbon Billionaires said. The worlds richest have a collective $2.4trillion stake in 183 companies and 125 billionaires cumulatively fund 393 million tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) per year, which according to the report is equal to the annual carbon emissions of France. The report added that each of these billionaires would have to circumnavigate the world almost 16 million times in a private jet to create the same emissions. Danny Sriskandarajah, Oxfam GB chief executive, said: It is people in low-income countries whove done the least to cause it who are suffering the most - as we are seeing with the devastating drought in East Africa and the catastrophic floods in Pakistan. We need governments to tackle this urgently by publishing emission figures for the richest people, regulating investors and corporates to slash carbon emissions and taxing wealth and polluting investments. ... these billionaire investors at the top of the corporate pyramid have huge responsibility for driving climate breakdown. They have escaped accountability for too long. Countries launch partnership to reverse deforestation 03:50 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Over two dozen countries including the UK have formed a partnership committed to halting and reversing forest loss this decade as part of the climate fight. Speaking at the Cop27 talks in Egypt, Rishi Sunak said protecting forests was one of the best ways of getting us back on track to limit warming to 1.5C the threshold beyond which the worst impacts of climate change will be felt. He said the launch of a new partnership to tackle deforestation at Cop27 marked a moment of great hope for the worlds forests. The UK has announced 90m for conservation in the Congo Basin in Africa. Britain is also pledging a further 65m for funding to support indigenous people and local communities at the heart of forest protection. Takeaways: Calls for reparations, emissions cuts at COP27 03:00 , Joe Middleton The first full day of the years most important summit on climate change, known as COP27, got underway on Monday with urgent calls by leaders to slash greenhouse gas emissions as the planet warms and severe weather events become more frequent and destructive. Scores of presidents, along with thousands of diplomats, climate negotiators, business leaders, activists and journalists descended on the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh to take part in discussions and negotiations slated to go through Nov. 18. Climate change will never stop without our intervention, said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, opening the days session. Our time here is limited and we must use every second that we have. Takeaways: Calls for reparations, emissions cuts at COP27 Arab states taking steps in right direction to tackle climate change, says Egyptian president 02:00 , Joe Middleton Blow to vulnerable states as Rishi Sunak shuns calls for climate reparations 00:01 , Joe Middleton Rishi Sunak has dealt a blow to the developing countries hardest-hit by climate change by shunning appeals for the UK to contribute towards reparations for the natural disasters caused by hundreds of years of industrial pollution. Thirty-year-old demands for a fund to pay for the permanent loss and damage caused by extreme weather were discussed for the first time on the floor of the Cop27 climate change conference in Egypt, with calls for the UK and other rich nations to join Belgium, Denmark and Scotland in committing cash. But the prime minister made no reference to the topic in his five-minute speech in the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, instead recommitting to a 2020 pledge of 11.6bn for climate funding over five years and tripling to 1.5bn the UKs contribution towards measures to boost resilience against future disasters. Blow to vulnerable states as Rishi Sunak shuns calls for climate reparations UN secretary Guterres says we are losing the fight of our lives in Cop27 opening speech Monday 7 November 2022 23:26 , Joe Middleton Boris Johnson declares himself 'the spirit of Glasgow' at Cop27 Monday 7 November 2022 22:00 , Joe Middleton Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig: Heres why I wont be going to Cop27 Monday 7 November 2022 21:31 , Joe Middleton The fact that the UNs Climate Change Conference is being held in Sharm El-Sheikh is totally unacceptable, writes Mya-Rose Craig. Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig: Heres why I wont be going to Cop27 Round-up of the latest comments at Cop27 Monday 7 November 2022 20:56 , Joe Middleton UNITED ARAB EMIRATES PRESIDENT SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED AL-NAHYAN The UAE is considered a responsible supplier of energy and it will continue playing this role for as long as the world is in need of oil and gas. WILLIAM RUTO, PRESIDENT OF KENYA The lengthy discussions at COPs with its stalling, delaying tactics and procrastination, that have hampered implementation and delivery is simply cruel and unjust. We cannot afford to spend more time skirting around the real issues, and we must break out of the open-ended process-focused discussions we are trapped in. In the face of impending catastrophe, whose warning signs are already unbearably disastrous, weak action is unwise. No action is dangerous. MACKY SALL, PRESIDENT OF SENEGAL AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN UNION Even if Africa contributes less than 4% of greenhouse gases, it subscribes to frugal development of carbon, resilient to climate change, for a goal of carbon neutrality in a reasonable timeframe. We are for a green transition that is equitable and just, instead of decisions that jeopardise our development, including universal access to electricity to which 600 million Africans remain deprived. MIA MOTTLEY, PRIME MINISTER OF BARBADOS How do companies make $200 billion dollars in profits in the last three months and not expect to contribute at least 10 cents in every dollar of profit to a loss and damage fund. This is what our people expect. FAUSTIN ARCHANGE TOUADERA, PRESIDENT OF CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC We should say clearly the rich countries - the top polluters - are the ones who are most to blame for endangering humanity. Blow to vulnerable states as Rishi Sunak shuns calls for climate reparations Monday 7 November 2022 20:17 , Joe Middleton Rishi Sunak has dealt a blow to the developing countries hardest-hit by climate change by shunning appeals for the UK to contribute towards reparations for the natural disasters caused by hundreds of years of industrial pollution. Thirty-year-old demands for a fund to pay for the permanent loss and damage caused by extreme weather were discussed for the first time on the floor of the COP27 climate change conference in Egypt, with calls for the UK and other rich nations to join Belgium, Denmark and Scotland in committing cash. But the prime minister made no reference to the topic in his five-minute speech at beach resort Sharm el-Sheikh, instead recommitting to a 2020 pledge of 11.6bn for climate funding over five years and tripling to 1.5bn the UKs contribution towards measures to boost resilience against future disasters. Saphora Smith and Andrew Woodcock have the latest. Blow to vulnerable states as Rishi Sunak shuns calls for climate reparations Italy remains committed to Paris climate targets, says Meloni Monday 7 November 2022 19:58 , Joe Middleton Italys new right-wing government remains committed to decarbonisation in line with the Paris climate agreement, prime minister Giorgia Meloni told the Cop27 summit today. Signatories to the 2015 Paris Agreement had pledged to achieve a long-term goal of keeping global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5AAC 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. Reuters There is an obligation: Nicola Sturgeon urges climate loss and damage compensation at Cop27 Monday 7 November 2022 19:32 , Joe Middleton Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said there is an obligation to provide funding to vulnerable countries suffering loss and damage from the climate crisis. The Scottish leader was speaking to The Independent in Sharm el-Sheikh at the Cop27 global climate summit which got underway this weekend. Loss and damage refers to the irreparable devastation that a country suffers from the impact of the climate crisis. Nicola Sturgeon says there is an obligation to provide loss and damage compensation Middle East Green Initiative is a seed of much-needed hope for the world, says Pakistan PM Monday 7 November 2022 18:57 , Joe Middleton Sunaks tepid words fail to address scale of climate emergency, says social justice campaign group Monday 7 November 2022 18:16 , Joe Middleton The social justice campaign group Global Justice Now has criticised Rishi Sunaks tepid words and underwhelming funding pledge in his Cop27 speech to delegates. A spokesperson for the group said: Rishi Sunaks tepid words today have failed to address the scale of the climate emergency. His underwhelming funding pledge falls a long way short of the UKs fair share of climate finance. The UK needs to start taking the escalating cost of climate disasters in lower-income countries seriously - and introduce a polluters tax on the fossil fuel industry to pay for it. Rich countries taking responsibility for their role in causing the climate crisis is key to unlocking the global emissions reductions that can solve it. The Prime Minister must recognise that the UK owes the countries facing the first and worst impacts of climate change a heavy debt. Otherwise, it will be yet more bluster and no action. Climate and energy security go hand in hand, says UK PM Monday 7 November 2022 18:06 , Joe Middleton British prime minister Rishi Sunak said today that climate and energy security went hand in hand and world leaders must act quickly to address the impacts of climate change. Climate security goes hand in hand with energy security, Sunak told a gathering at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. Putins 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. He concluded his national statement at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit by saying there is room for hope in the fight against climate change. The prime minister said: By honouring the promises we made in Glasgow and by directing public and private finance towards the protection of our planet, 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. Thats a legacy we could be proud of. So as we come together once again in common cause today, there really is room for hope. Together, let us fulfil it. Pictured: Rishi Sunak speaks at Cop27 Monday 7 November 2022 17:50 , Joe Middleton (Sky News) No change in direction on environment under Sunak, says former minister Monday 7 November 2022 17:36 , Joe Middleton Former environment secretary George Eustice said he does not believe there will be a change in direction on the environment under a Rishi Sunak administration. Mr Eustice told BBC Radio 4s PM programme: I dont see there being any major change in direction on the environment, but obviously what we all recognise is with pressures on the economy, lots of economic challenges globally and pressures on the cost of living at home, that is going to take up a greater share of Rishi Sunaks time. He said that was understandable, but added: The most important thing is that I want to see that important work that we started on the environment continue and what Im hearing is that he is going to do that. Arab states are taking steps in the right direction to tackle climate change, says Egypts PM Monday 7 November 2022 17:14 , Joe Middleton VOICES: Tom Peck The planet absolutely does not need Boris Johnson trying to save it Monday 7 November 2022 16:54 , Joe Middleton He has no international reputation whatsoever, and now no longer prime minister, his steps onto the world stage serve no purpose beyond humiliating us all yet further, writes Tom Peck. The planet absolutely does not need Boris Johnson trying to save it | Tom Peck Watch: Middle East aims to be a model to combat climate change, says Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Monday 7 November 2022 16:30 , Emily Atkinson Cop27: $3bn early warning system for extreme weather launched to reach everyone on earth Monday 7 November 2022 16:19 , Joe Middleton A global early warning system for increasingly extreme and dangerous weather has been launched at Cop27. The new Early Warnings for All initiative will reach everyone on earth and will cost around $3billion over the next five years, according to the World Meteorological Organization, the UN body spearheading the program. Recorded disasters are increasing at a rapid pace and becoming ever more extreme. This year alone has been catastrophic flooding in Pakistan and west and central Africa, crippling drought in South Asia, and heatwaves and wildfires across Europe. The US state of Florida was devastated by Hurrican Ian, a few weeks after Puerto Rico was slammed by Fiona. Louise Boyle reports. Early warning system for entire planet launched at Cop27 Sunak hails moment of great hope for worlds forests' Monday 7 November 2022 16:02 , Emily Atkinson The launch of a new partnership to conserve the worlds forests at Cop27 marked a moment of great hope, Rishi Sunak has said. The PM was addressing a forest and climate leaders event at the UN gathering in Egypt aimed at building on the commitment made by over 140 countries at last years Cop26 summit in Glasgow to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation. Mr Sunak said the partnership is going to make nature and protecting nature a permanent feature of these Cop meetings and ensure that historical Glasgow promise is delivered. This is a moment of great hope for the worlds forests. So lets build on what we have achieved and together lets secure this wondrous legacy for our children and many generations to come. Tom Peck: The planet absolutely does not need Boris Johnson trying to save it Monday 7 November 2022 15:50 , Emily Atkinson For a moment, back there, all of two weeks ago, it really did seem like the Tory party was going to return dog-like to its own vomit (the vomit being Boris Johnson), and force the rest of us to eat it too, writes our political sketch writer Tom Peck. So it was, if nothing else, an act of great public service of the last-but-one prime minister to fly all the way to Sharm el-Sheikh and remind us all of exactly what we absolutely have not been missing. The planet absolutely does not need Boris Johnson trying to save it | Tom Peck Sunak says UK remains committed to climate fund Monday 7 November 2022 15:36 , Emily Atkinson Prime minister Rishi Sunak has reaffirmed that Britain remains committed to delivering the climate fund. Asked if he is sticking by what was set out before, the PM told broadcasters in Egypt: Yeah, we remain committed to the 11.6 billion that we announced last year for international climate finance. And actually today... were seeing the benefit that that can bring to countries around the world, as we help countries like Kenya, for example, transition to net zero. But actually its also bringing exciting opportunities for British companies. Its involving the private sector, which is the right thing to do, but also helping those countries transition to a cleaner future, creating jobs in the process. On the timeframe, he said: The plan was to do this over five years - now the exact pace of this always is dependent on the projects being ready at the right time, but we remain committed to those plans, Im making that commitment again in my statement later today. Sunak insists its great that Johnson has also attended Cop27 Monday 7 November 2022 15:20 , Emily Atkinson Rishi Sunak has said it is great that Boris Johnson is also at the Cop27 summit in Egypt. The PM told broadcasters: Oh, its great that the former prime minister is here. 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. And as I said, its enormous credit to the UK that we have not just one but also our former prime minister here. Thats the UK leading on tackling climate change, something we should all be proud of. Sunak and Macron greet one another in Sharm-el-Sheikh Monday 7 November 2022 15:01 , Emily Atkinson Rishi Sunak and French president Emmanuel Macron embraced as they met at the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt. Very nice to see you, Mr Sunak told Mr Macron during their first face-to-face meeting since he entered No 10. (PA) Lots for us to talk about, right? he added. The pair are expected to discuss tackling small-boat crossings in the Channel as the number of arrivals on UK shores continues to grow. The two sides are apparently closing in on another deal aimed at preventing migrants from risking the crossing. Photo: Contributed Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield Cancer is a ticking time bomb. Specialists are warning about the tsunami of cancer that is about to ensue. They are also warning they are seeing later stage cancers in greater numbers and sounding the alarm bell that the list of those waiting to get into see a specialist is now in the millions. Is it really that serious? It is. The difference between life and death for cancer patients can be the time it takes for diagnosis and treatment. In a 2020 British Medical Journal article, it was shown that for every week of delay after diagnosis, survival is shortened by 1.2 to 3.2% per week of delay. Imagine waiting three months. That is what British Columbians are doing right now. They are waiting months for treatment, which is why our outcomes are getting worse and our wait lists longer. I have spoken to constituents who are being given these wait times. One patient was given six months to live if not treated, and then told that the first meeting with a specialist was going to be three months away. A woman in her 40s waited months for minor surgery to remove cancerous tissue in her cervix, only to have it grow and need a full hysterectomy. Another, was told she had to wait two months for radiation. We need better cancer care. B.C. is experiencing the longest waits in Canada and that is unacceptable. What can be done? We need system-wide changes, not about tweaking the edges or giving minor amounts of money. This is about radical overhaul. B.C. Cancer delivered a 10-year cancer plan, but it has yet to be accepted or funded. Meanwhile, people die on waiting lists. Our oncologists are burning out because of the lack of resources and massive underfunding. A study recently done shows B.C. is the worst for burnout in Canada. The same study showed (doctors) are not being consulted enough on policy decisions. While the health minister has talked about of new positions being funded, 18 oncologists have left B.C. because of the working conditions. We arent supporting our B.C. Cancer medical team. Things also have to change with the B.C. Cancer leadership structure and how cancer treatment administered. We need proactive, funded, predictive planning that will accommodate the capacity necessary to treat cancer. The health minister was asked repeatedly about this, and his answer is (the government) might have one. But it is not public. Clearly this is not working. B.C. has fallen from first place in cancer outcomes in Canada to last place in wait times (the longest) in Canada, according the the Canadian Institute for Health Information. What we cant see in their numbers are the layered effects of waitingwaiting to see a family doctor, waiting for imaging studies, waiting for a biopsy booking, waiting for results to be reported, waiting to see an oncologist for consultation and waiting to have treatment once a decision has been made to treat. Last week in Question Period, (Liberals) stood up and asked the question, why are British Columbians at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to outcomes and waiting? This has to stop. My question to you this week is this: How much priority should be given to cancer treatment in our healthcare spending? I love hearing from you. Email me at [email protected] or call my office at 250-712-3620. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Cornell University has suspended fraternity parties after reports surfaced over the weekend alleging that at least four students were drugged and one was sexually assaulted, school administrators announced on Monday. In a statement addressed to the student body, Cornell President Martha Pollack and Ryan Lombardi, the vice president of student and campus life, said they learned of the alleged crimes in alerts sent out by Cornell University police. "Like you, we are outraged and saddened," they wrote. "We strongly condemn the actions of all individuals responsible for these criminal violations." The alleged incidents of drugging and sexual assault reportedly occurred at off-campus residences affiliated with registered fraternities at Cornell, according to Pollack and Lombardi, who added that police and administrative investigations into the reports are underway. "All found responsible will be held accountable," they said. Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York. / Credit: Getty Images The decision to pause fraternity parties and social gatherings, which went into effect immediately, was confirmed on Sunday. The Interfraternity Council, which oversees some fraternities at Cornell, held an emergency meeting and "voluntarily" decided to suspend parties, according to the statement. Fraternity leaders are meant to use the suspension to "implement stronger health and safety plans," Pollack and Lombardi said. "No IFC-affiliated social events will resume until student leaders and Cornell staff are confident activities can take place responsible and safely," they wrote. Cornell police said in a Friday alert that they became aware of at least four students who recalled being "incapacitated" after drinking "little to no alcohol" during parties off-campus in recent weeks. The person who reported the allegations told police that the students were given Rohypnol, the date-rape drug known as "roofies." Campus police issued another alert on Sunday after a student reported that they were sexually assaulted between 2:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. at an off-campus event. Ithaca police are assisting in the investigation, according to Cornell police. Story continues Police and university officials are encouraging anyone with information about the alleged crimes to report what they know by calling Cornell police at 607-255-1111 or Ithaca police at 607-272-3245. TikTok in China versus the United States | 60 Minutes Abortion rights driving young women to vote in midterms Latino vote to play critical role in midterm elections Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty The morning before polls opened in Cochise County, Arizona, a judge still had not ruled on how local votes would be counted. On one side of the case were state officials and voters who opposed an effort to audit Tuesdays election by hand. Arguing in favor of an audit were some of Cochise Countys Republican officials, backed by lawyers previously involved in a chaotic 2021 election audit in Arizonas Maricopa County. Only on Monday eveninghours before the electiondid a judge rule against a hand recount of the entire Cochise vote. Cochise, a rural county on the southern border, was one of several to preemptively call for an audit of its 2022 midterm vote. Although counties routinely review their elections, this new wave of audit enthusiasts is cozy with conspiracy theorists, and promotes methods like hand-counting ballots, which elections security experts describe as one of the most surefire ways to accidentally introduce errors into a vote count. Man Behind Sketchy Audit of Pennsylvanias Voting Machines Has Ties to Failed Arizona Recount Hand-counting ballots is a bad idea, elections experts say. They cost more, take longer, and open opportunities for meddling from partisan kooks (see: the Maricopa audit, during which conspiracy-driven volunteers searched ballots for bamboo fibers, under the mistaken belief that ballots had been imported from China). Even without involvement from election truthers, hand counts are more error-prone than electronic counts. A 2018 study found hand counts to be less accurate than machine-counts, and a 2012 study found hand counts to have 2 percent error ratea worryingly high margin that could tip elections, particularly in neck-and-neck races like several in this years midterms. Evidence aside, some Republicans have heartily advocated for hand recounts. Those efforts tie into a broader pro-Trump movement to cast away electronic voting machines (which conspiracy theorists falsely claim hacked the 2020 vote in President Joe Bidens favor) and vote Amish, i.e. entirely with hand-counted paper ballots. Story continues And in Cochise County, a court battle over a hand-counted audit was still ongoing just hours before the midterm election. Two Republicans on Cochises three-person board of supervisors voted in favor of the audit last month, only to be hit with a lawsuit from a local voter and an alliance of Arizona retirees, who called the hand recount unlawful, chaotic, time consuming and unnecessary. Arizonas secretary of state also weighed in with a brief, warning that a recount could cause a delay in Arizonas election, where multiple election-denialist candidates have already raised the specter of fraud in the midterms. Arizona officials have previously raised concerns about conspiracy theorists using election delays as fodder for claims of election fraud. But Cochise County officials said they were within their rights to audit the vote by hand. The group struck back in court, represented by Bryan Blehm, an attorney who previously worked for Cyber Ninjas, the group behind a freewheeling audit in Maricopa County. In a filing last week, Blehm argued that opposition to the hand count was actually part of a plot to benefit Democratic Arizona gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs. Kari Lake-Linked Tech Firm Wreaking Campaign Finance Havoc This matter is political, and it is intended to benefit a flailing gubernatorial candidate on the eve of Arizonas 2022 election, Blehm wrote in the filing. As such, the Washington Democratic National Political machine recruited former Hillary Clinton attorney Mark Elias and his law firm to target Cochise County, a small rural Arizona County with an estimated population of approximately 125,000 people. This full-frontal assault is intended to generate publicity for Democratic candidates and not compel the Cochise Board of Supervisors to cease and desist for violating Arizona law. A judge ruled Monday night that the county can only conduct hand recounts of small portions of ballots. The county is expected to appeal the ruling, the Arizona Republic reported. Cochise County is not the only area hoping to review its vote by hand. Some of the loudest calls for preemptive audits come from Republican strongholds in swing states like Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. Officials in Pennsylvanias Lycoming and York counties have already committed to hand recounts, although York County officials said it would only examine ballots from three of its 161 precincts. York Countys decision to hand-audit its election came after a meeting between York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler and Audit the Vote PA, the York Dispatch reported. ATVPA, an election-denial group, previously made headlines for an error-riddled canvass report of Pennsylvania voters. While conducting that survey, ATVPA volunteers knocked on doors and asked questions about residents votes, leading to York County locals accusing the group of intimidation and voter suppression efforts. ATVPA has also attempted to remove electronic voting machines in York County. Wheeler, who did not return a request for comment on Monday, told CBS21 that the hand recount is not tied to any election issues in the past. This is not an indication that we believe that prior election results that we certified are inaccurate. Other counties have entertained calls for hand counts, only to be stopped in the courts or by local officials. A conspiracy-driven coalition campaigned to audit Pinal County, Arizonas election, but was voted down by county officials this month. And in Nye County, Nevada, a county clerk who falsely believes Donald Trump won the 2020 election announced that he would conduct a hand-counted audit of his countys vote. That effort was already underway in late October, when Nevadas secretary of state halted the effort. In a statement, Nye County announced that it would resume the hand count "as soon as our plan is in compliance with the Courts order and approved by the Secretary of State." This story has been updated to reflect a Monday night ruling in Cochise County. 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 Duncan Miriri and Jeff Kahinju NAIROBI (Reuters) -A labour court on Tuesday ordered pilots at Kenya Airways to resume work by Wednesday, seeking to end a strike that has left thousands of passengers stranded at one of Africa's most important aviation hubs. Members of the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA), which represents about 400 pilots at the carrier, went on strike on Saturday after failing to resolve a dispute over pension contributions and settlement of deferred pay. On Tuesday, a labour and employment court judge ordered the pilots to resume their duties "unconditionally" at 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) on Wednesday. The court also stopped the airline's management from taking disciplinary actions against pilots who took part in the industrial action. The court had restrained the union from embarking on the strike, and the airline sought to cite the union's officials for contempt of court after the strike started. The court will continue hearing the dispute, Judge Anne Mwaure said. Kenya Airways welcomed the court's directions, and said it would comply. The union said in a statement it had asked its members to report to work on Wednesday as ordered by the court. The pilots' walkout has so far cost the airline an estimated more than $2 million daily, affected more than 10,000 passengers and led to the cancellation of dozens of flights. Kenya Airways, which is nearly 50% owned by the government, earlier said it planned to cancel its bargaining and recognition agreements with the pilots union, saying their current strike was unlawful and amounted to economic sabotage. The union is demanding the resumption of regular payments to its members' pension plan, which were stopped in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic started, and the payment of pension arrears. It also wants the carrier to start paying salaries that were deferred during the health crisis. The airline's management says it has been working hard to fully recover from the pandemic and accuses the pilots of jeopardising that push. Financial turmoil at Kenya Airways preceded the pandemic. The airline sank deep into the red after it borrowed heavily to buy new aircraft at a time when its passenger business slumped mainly due to frequent militant attacks in Kenya. (Reporting by Duncan Miriri and Jeff Kahinju; Editing by George Obulutsa and Leslie Adler) Rajna Dattani, 62 and her mum Sushila Patel recalled their memories of fleeing Uganda 50 years ago A woman has said she still has vivid flashbacks of the time soldiers raided her home as her family were being forced to flee Uganda, 50 years ago. Rajna Dattani was just 12 when Ugandan Asians were given just 90 days to leave the country by notorious dictator Idi Amin. She said she could still remember the look of panic on her mother's face. Eventually settling in Coventry, she was one of about 40,000 people who came to the UK to rebuild their lives. Amin seized control of Uganda in a bloody coup in 1971, and his eight-year reign would see the deaths of some 300,000 people, many of them from ethnic minorities. Just over a year after the coup in August 1972 he gave Asians 90 days to leave and it marked a dangerous time. "I recall the look of panic on my family's faces, the plan was to send us to the UK first, it was dangerous for girls," Mrs Dattani, now aged 62, told BBC CWR. An exhibition has been set up in Honiton to celebrate its role in resettling those who had fled Uganda She described soldiers coming to their home in the middle of the night and armed with machetes as they looked for money. "That image is still there in front of my eyes," she said. The family were a particular target as they rented a home from the former president Milton Obote, who was ousted by Amin. Like many others she arrived at the Heathfield Resettlement Camp, a former airbase in Honiton, Devon. But in a twist of fate she and her family later found themselves being hosted by the Devon MP and Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe. "Jeremy was looking to sponsor a small family unit and we fitted the bill, we were put on a train and he was there to greet us and drive us to his cottage," the retired solicitor said. Her mum, Sushila Patel, 82, remembered: "Everyone called me Susie as Sushila was too long for them." The family forged a bond with the MP and he later came to Mrs Dattani's wedding. "I settled down in the first week, there were no Indian or English families nearby, there was only one family in that area." For the first time in 50 years, Mrs Dattani has returned to the Devon town which is paying homage to its role in resettling Ugandan Asians with an exhibition at Thelma Hulbert Gallery. Story continues Helen Hurford, the deputy mayor of Honiton said at the event: "I hope that we were a small beacon that gave warmth and kindness to those that were suffering." The exhibition marked the 50th anniversary of the British Ugandan Asians' arrival at Heathfield Resettlement Camp in Honiton Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk Actor Paul Hogan, who played the knife-wielding but kindhearted bushman Crocodile Dundee in three film comedies, is in a bad way. (Watch the video below.) The Australian actor, now 83 years old, said Monday in an interview with the TV program A Current Affair that heart and kidney issues have left him feeble. Im not in the place Im meant to be but Im not allowed to complain about anything, he said, per 7News in Australia. Paul Hogan in 1986's Paul Hogan in 1986's "Crocodile Dundee." (Photo: Archive Photos via Getty Images) Hogan rocketed to fame in 1986 as the eccentric Mick Dundee, who left the Outback for New York City in a low-budget, fish-out-of-water movie that grossed more than $328 million worldwide. But the actor, who finalized his divorce from co-star Linda Kozlowski in 2014, has fallen on difficult times in his health. [Ive] been better. I had a problem on that aorta in the kidney and the treatment fixed it, but it shrunk me, Hogan told reporter Tracy Grimshaw this week. Ive lost all my body fat. Hogan has been battling retroperitoneal fibrosis, leading to a growth that surrounded the abdominal aorta and pressed on his kidney, A Current Affair reported. The rare and progressive disease causes tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters) and other abdominal organs or vessels [to] become blocked by a fibrous mass and inflammation in the back of the abdomen, according to the National Institutes of Health. He said treatment was successful but the side effects have been profound. The cure was worse than the disease, he said. The muscles all shrank. ... It left me feeble, Hogan said. #EXCLUSIVE: Paul Hogan opens up about health struggles. The problem Hoges referred to is a condition called retro peritoneal fibrosis, a benign growth that in his case had wrapped around the abdominal aorta which pressed on his kidney. READ MORE: https://t.co/D9hGfBUF2V#9ACApic.twitter.com/9jG3is9R2m A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) November 8, 2022 Hogan, who has a pacemaker, said hes now held together with string and needs his 24-year-old son to open jars for him, reported 7News. Story continues The actor has been living in the U.S. but said he is hoping to return permanently to Australia. Ive had such a gifted life. Ive had so many wonderful things happen to me without deserving them so I shouldnt complain but, yeah, ideally Id rather be back in Sydney because I miss the rest of my family there, he said. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Dominic West plays Prince Charles in The Crown Stars of The Crown have defended the show after critics accused it of "crude sensationalism". Speaking to BBC News at the show's premiere, Dominic West said: "I think a lot of people are very sensitive about the show since the Queen died." The actor, who plays Prince Charles in the drama, added: "A lot of people are worried about what will be in it, but I don't think they need to be." The new series focuses on a turbulent decade for the royals in the 1990s. The cast of the Netflix series changes every two years High-profile figures, including Dame Judi Dench, had called for a disclaimer to be added to remind viewers scenes are imagined. In a letter to the Times, the veteran actress said Netflix "seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism". Former prime minister Sir John Major also described a scene, showing Prince Charles having a conversation with him about the Queen abdicating, as "malicious nonsense". Netflix later added the words "fictional dramatisation" to the trailer for the new series. Mr Major was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 until 1997 "I think it's been misrepresented in the press and it's a big fuss about nothing," claimed Jonny Lee Miller, who plays Sir John in the programme. Airing two months after Queen Elizabeth II's death, there is likely to be even more interest in this series than in previous years. Filming for series six was paused while the country observed a period of mourning in September. The programme's third actress to play the late Queen, Imelda Staunton, told the BBC the drama should be viewed as "still history" as it's set 30 years ago. She said she felt "hugely honoured" following in the footsteps of Claire Foy and Olivia Colman, as well as playing the late monarch. Imelda Staunton takes over from Olivia Colman and Claire Foy to play Queen Elizabeth II in her later reign Speaking at an earlier press conference Jonathan Pryce, who plays Prince Philip, said: "People will gain a bit of comfort seeing her embodied again." Story continues He told the BBC's David Sillito that the series "sets out to to humanise the Royal Family and allow us to experience some of the emotion they had." The fifth series focusses on the marriage breakdown of the then Prince and Princess of Wales. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej0vb8xhvbw The actress playing Diana, Elizabeth Debicki, said the script is "extremely empathetic to both camps" and claims "it's fair to both sides". Princess Diana's death, in a 1997 car crash, doesn't feature in the new 10 episodes but it will in the final series. Dominic West, who has met the King working with charity The Prince's Trust, said he "wouldn't have done it" if he didn't think the writing was fair. The character is "such a great part", West said. "That's really what actors live for and you can't really turn it down because he's an amazing character." Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West both say the script is fair to Diana and Charles Gillian Anderson played Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the previous series of The Crown The continued relationship between the now King and Queen Consort will be shown on screen, at a time when public support for the monarchy was dropping. Royal author Katie Nicholl told the BBC: "This is the start of King Charles III's reign. I was told by a former member of staff that he always feared that his reign would be overshadowed by the spectre of Diana. "The spectre of the past, and those fears, when you consider this series of the crown, are completely justified because there will be a whole demographic tuning into Netflix, particularly the younger generation who are not as familiar with the accuracy of this storyline." Martin Bashir is portrayed by Prasanna Puwanarajah as the infamous BBC Panorama interview with Princess Diana is re-enacted The Crown star James Murray, who plays Prince Andrew in the forthcoming fifth season of the hit Netflix drama, has explained how he was able to empathise with the disgraced royal. Prince Andrew was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages earlier this year, after Virginia Giuffre brought a US civil case against him for sexual assault claims he consistently denied. In March, he paid a financial settlement to Giuffre thought to be worth up to 12m. In an interview with The Independent, Murray, 47, talked about how he managed to find common ground with the Prince, who he is portraying in the Nineties the decade the royals wife, Sarah Ferguson, was pictured having her toes kissed by American financial manager John Bryan. The couple got divorced in 1996. It wasnt as challenging as you might think [to empathise with him], because were not dealing with the Andrew whos been so much in the press recently, in season five, were dealing with a young man whos going through marital strife, Murray said. And hes kind of broken hearted. The way [writer] Peter [Morgan] dealt with it, had Prince Andrew not been in the royal family and surrounded by the protocol that went with it, he would have preferred to have stayed with Sarah Ferguson, but he understands that he had to divorce her because of toegate and everything around that. So for me, the empathy, Im a married man, Ive been married for 15 years. There are ups and downs, as there are in any marriage, so youve got to explore what it would be like to go through a divorce that has been forced upon you, that youd rather not go through. James Murray and Prince Andrew (Netflix, Getty) Murray added: That was my way into finding empathy and not judging him on what then comes further down the line. They were very different times, and he was a very different man, arguably. The man Peter gave me to work on was not the man Ive read about in the press over the past few years. The Crown season five begins on Netflix on 9 November. Read The Independents two-star review of the new series here. Story continues Last week, Prince Charles actor Dominic West revealed that the new season will portray the infamous tampongate scandal between the now King and Camilla. In the 1989 phone call that was leaked to the press, the then Prince Charles told his mistress at the time, now the Queen Consort, that he wished he could be reincarnated as a tampon so that he could live inside her. West said his research showed him how badly Camilla was treated at the time. Controversial comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return as host of Saturday Night Live in its first show after Tuesdays midterm elections. NBCs long-running live sketch comedy and variety series shared the news of Chappelles return to history duties over the weekend, with Black Star as the musical guests. Its been a trend for Chappelle, who reached mainstream success for his Comedy Central sketch comedy series Chappelles Show, to host SNL after U.S. elections, hosting the episodes after the results of the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Chappelle, 49, has been the center of massive controversy after making transphobic and homophobic remarks in his Netflix comedy special The Closer, with the stand-up using crude terms to refer to transgender individuals and ranting about his years-long beef with the transgender community. The Closer, one of the slew of comedy specials Chappelle did with the streaming service, earned a Emmy nomination earlier this year despite the backlash from the LGBTQ+ community and some within Netflix. Chappelle was also the victim of an attack earlier this year when a man, who identified himself as bisexual, attacked the comedian onstage during his show at the Hollywood Bowl in California, saying he was triggered by the comedians rhetoric and tackling the comedian before being detained by on-site security guards. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The canvasser who claims he was beaten up in Hialeah because he is Republican stuck to his story in a Miami courtroom on Monday, even as a defense lawyer accused him of embellishing the facts for political fame. Christopher Monzons testimony was presented Monday during a detention hearing in the criminal case against one of his accused attackers. It was Monzons first detailed account of the Oct. 23 fight that mushroomed into a national political story after U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted that the canvasser was attacked by animals who told him Republicans werent allowed in their neighborhood. But since the arrests of Javier Lopez and Jonathan Casanova, doubts and questions have surrounded Monzons narrative. Lopezs defense attorney largely dismissed it in court on Monday, saying that an argument had only escalated into testosterone-filled fisticuffs because Monzon was staring at his clients girlfriend. Even the prosecutor said he did not believe politics had anything to do with the incident, instead urging the judge that the case should be looked at on the facts. During Mondays hearing, Lopezs attorney, Aileen Penate Hernandez, played Hialeah police body-camera video of Monzon speaking to officers immediately after the attack footage that revealed he never explicitly said he was attacked because he was Republican. So you agree with me you didnt tell them, said Penate Hernandez, an assistant public defender. I mentioned the word canvassing, which implied they had a problem with me canvassing there, said Monzon, who insisted that it was my interpretation of what happened. Judge agrees to bond for accused attacker The testimony unfolded in court as prosecutors sought to keep Lopez jailed pending trial on charges of aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, for the alleged siccing of German shepherd dogs on Monzon. Lopez is charged alongside Casanova, who has posted a $7,500 bond and was not a party to Mondays hearing. Story continues Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Zachary James on Monday afternoon declined to keep Lopez jailed until his trial, granting him a $15,000 bond and freeing him on house arrest. The judge said prosecutors established enough evidence that Lopez may have committed a violent crime, although he acknowledged that cellphone and surveillance videos of the attack do not clearly reflect who was the initial aggressor in this incident. On Monday. November 7, 2022 Judge Zachary James presides over Javier Lopezs hearing, the Hialeah man accused of beating a Republican canvasser on Oct. 23rd, in Courtroom 4-5 at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in Miami, Florida. In at times testy exchanges, Monzon, 27, insisted he was targeted for his beliefs. He also refused to answer some questions including whether he changed his story only after Rubios tweet the day after the beating. At the hospital the next day, after Rubios tweet, he told Hialeah police detectives the attack was politically motivated. You want the world to believe that this is a politically motivated crime, Penate Hernandez asked. What I want is the truth, Monzon shot back. Despite the political circus enveloping the beating, it may not become the central thrust of the case if it ever goes to a jury trial. Miami-Dade prosecutors do not have to prove Lopez and Casanovas motivations for the attack. Whether any of the young men involved were acting in self-defense or if it was a case mutual combat will likely become the key question. Under Floridas Stand Your Ground Law, a citizen does not have a duty to retreat before using force, or the possibility of force, to meet a threat. Prosecutor Santiago Aroca told the court he didnt believe this case had anything to do with politics, but that Monzon had the First Amendment right to be canvassing. He had the right to not withdraw, to stand his ground, Aroca said. Monzons version In Monzons telling on Monday, he claimed he was walking past Lopezs Hialeah house, canvassing homes of Republican voters, looking down at his phone, when Lopez and Casanova began jawing at him because he was walking too close to Lopezs car partially blocking the sidewalk. Monzon claimed that he tried explaining what he was doing, and they told him he had to leave the neighborhood and that my life is now in danger. They taunted him, with Lopez threatening to shoot him before rushing him. When he was on the ground, they punched and kicked him, before releasing Casanovas dogs which did not end up biting him. Now, Im essentially being beaten down, Monzon said as he watched surveillance video of the fight Its very difficult for me to continue watching. On Monday. Nov. 7, 2022, Christopher Monzon, the Republican canvasser beaten in Hialeah, gets a closer look at the screen as the State presented its case during Javier Lopezs hearing in Courtroom 4-5 in front of Judge Zachary N. James at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in Miami, Florida. Left to right: Assistant State Attorney Santiago Aroca Christopher Monzon, and Javier Lopez, right. He wound up suffering a concussion, with severe headaches and nausea, and fractures to his cheek, orbital and nasal bones. His vision may also be impacted, Monzon told the court. But the Miami-Dade Public Defenders Office cast Monzon as the aggressor who hurt that he was being taunted walked away, but then re-engaged the two men. Penate Hernandez told the judge Lopez was defending himself from Monzon. This case is basically a he-said-she-said, she said. At the very least, it shows evidence of mutual combat. When Lopez and Casanova started taunting him telling him to leave and do your job he walked back toward them. Monzon admitted he didnt just walk away. You were so scared for your life that you walked toward the threat, Penate Hernandez said. Yes, because I wasnt sure what would happen if I turned my back, Monzon replied. She noted that in one cellphone video clip, it appears as if Lopez is the one backing up, before taking Monzon down. On Monday. Nov. 7, 2022, Javier Lopez, right, a Hialeah man accused of beating a Republican canvasser on Oct. 23, appears in Courtroom 4-5 in front of Judge Zachary N. James at the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in Miami, Florida. But in fact ... it was you who came at Javi, Penate Hernandez said. I never did charge him, Monzon said. He charged me. During the cross-examination, Penate Hernandez grilled Monzon on the hours and days after the beating in an attempt to poke holes in Monzons credibility. She grilled him on becoming a martyr figure for his supporters and his political aspirations. Monzon is vice president of the Miami Springs Republican Club and a former candidate for Hialeah City Council. He also has former ties to a white nationalist organization, ideals he says he now rejects. The campaign of Marco Rubio, who has been critical of media scrutiny of Monzons background and story, did not return a request for comment, Penate Hernandez also questioned why members of the far-right group the Proud Boys were visiting him in the hospital. I plead the Fifth on the grounds I was not conscious at the time, Monzon said. On Monday. Nov. 7, 2022, Javier Lopez, a Hialeah man accused of beating a Republican canvasser on Oct. 23, is questioned by defense attorney Aileen Penate Hernandez, left. Gabriel Garcia, a prominent former Proud Boy who is awaiting trial for his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection, earlier told the Herald they were visiting him because he is a friend, although he admitted Monzons father asked them to keep the media out of his room. Penate Hernandez pointed out that days after the beating, the Proud Boys held a rally in Hialeah for Monzon, who made an appearance and briefly spoke to reporters. Monzon later told reporters that he was not a Proud Boy, never spoke at the rally and dropped by because he was voting nearby at a Hialeah library. In court, Penate Hernandez suggested he was soaking up the publicity. But you were very happy that it happened, she asked. You were very honored that it happened. He said: I said I appreciated it. Miami Herald staff writers Sarah Blaskey and Nicholas Nehamas contributed to this report. The Department of Veterans Affairs will give priority to veterans with cancer when it begins processing benefits claims under the landmark toxic exposure law signed this summer. Well share the details of that effort and what this means for veterans seeking such benefits, plus another American was killed while fighting in Ukraine, and Kyiv prepares for blackouts across the country as Russia expected to continue missile bombardment. This is Defense & National Security, your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. For The Hill, Im Ellen Mitchell. A friend forward this newsletter to you? Subscribe here. VA to prioritize veterans with cancer for benefits Veterans with cancer will get to jump to the front of the line when the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) begins processing benefits claims under the landmark toxic exposure law signed earlier this year, VA Secretary Denis McDonough announced Monday. Im proud to announce for the first time today, on National Cancer Awareness Day, that were expediting benefits delivery for veterans with cancer conditions covered by law, McDonough said during an appearance at the National Press Club. A long time coming: Beginning Jan. 1, the VA will start processing claims for benefits filed under the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The law, signed by President Biden in early August, expands benefits for millions of veterans who were exposed to toxins during service and are suffering illnesses as a result. The legislation designates 23 diseases, half of them types of cancers, presumed to be linked to burn pits used in the post-9/11 era and other pollutants and environmental hazards from earlier wars such as the Vietnam War-era Agent Orange. An earlier effort: McDonoughs announcement to prioritize claims from veterans with cancer stems from Bidens Cancer Moonshot initiative, relaunched in February. The effort aims to cut the cancer death rate in half over the next 25 years and improve the lives of caregivers and cancer survivors. Story continues The program, initially launched while Biden was vice president, is personal to the commander-in-chief as his son Beau Biden died of glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer, in 2015 at the age of 46. Other efforts: The VA is also undertaking several other initiatives ahead of its claims processing start date for the PACT Act. Beginning Tuesday, veterans making their first visit to VA health care facilities for any reason will undergo a new toxic exposure screening. The effort, mandated under the PACT Act, is meant to check individuals for any signs of illness and inform them of new benefits they may qualify for, with officials to conduct the screening for veterans once every five years. An uphill hiring battle: The VA is also in the midst of major efforts to recruit additional health and benefits personnel and keep current employees, no easy feat at a time of nationwide nursing and medical staff shortages. To that end, the department was given more than four months from the time the PACT Act was signed to when it will start processing benefits claims, time to hire more personnel to tackle and try to stay ahead of any backlogs and long wait times for benefits. To keep such issues at bay, the VA set a goal earlier this year to hire 2,000 new claims processors. We have hired almost all of those 2,000, McDonough said, but noted that training is still needed for many of those individuals. That takes a full year before theyre performing at highest levels, he said. Read the rest here Another American killed while fighting in Ukraine Another American was killed while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russias attack on the country, NBC News reported. Timothy Griffin had been fighting in the International Legion of Defense a military unit of thousands of foreign fighters helping the Ukrainians when he was killed on the eastern front, according to NBC. Griffin had taken part in the counteroffensive on the eastern front with his unit and was killed in action, the International Legion said in a statement. A confirmation: The State Department later confirmed to several outlets that there was a death of a U.S. citizen in Ukraine and that it is in touch with the family of the deceased. Out of respect for the familys privacy during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add, as reported by Washington Examiner. The International Legion, meanwhile, is handling the repatriation process, a regional spokesperson told NBC. Earlier deaths: Griffins death brings the number of Americans killed in Russias war to at least six, though the U.S. government has urged its citizens not to travel to Ukraine. Among those killed are Dane Partridge, 34, who died last month in Eastern Ukraine; a 24-year-old man from Memphis, Tenn., who was reportedly killed while fighting Russian forces in the contested Donbas region in August; and two Americans killed by Russian fire in July, identified as Luke Skywalker Lucyszyn and Bryan Young. And Willy Joseph Cancel, 22, was killed in April, followed by Stephen Zabielski in mid-May, the State Department has acknowledged. Read that story here Zelensky warns of Russian strikes on infrastructure 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. Some background: 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. Blackouts: 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. Expecting the worst: 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. A focal point: 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. Read the full story here ON TAP FOR TOMORROW The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Belvoir will hold Day 2 of its Industry Days forum, at 8 a.m. The Wilson Center and Kyungnam Universitys Institute for Far Eastern Studies will host a virtual discussion on a new report, Avoiding Meltdowns and Blackouts: Confidence-building in Inter-Korean Engagement on Nuclear Safety and Energy Development, at 8 a.m. The U.S. Institute of Peace will hold a virtual talk on Protecting Gender and Sexual Minorities During Armed Conflict, at 1 p.m. The Middle East Institute will host a virtual conversation on By, With, and Through Partner Special Forces in the Middle East, at 3:30 p.m. The U.S. Institute of Peace will also host a virtual discussion on Syria, Russia, and the War in Ukraine, at 3:30 p.m. WHAT WERE READING Thats it for today! Check out The Hills Defense and National Security pages for the latest coverage. See you tomorrow! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Photo: Anthony Wayne Vending/YouTube. An Avenue C convenience store is a cashier-less shop. At UBC, theft is making the "express micro-market" store model unsustainable. Vancouver's first 24/7 cashier-less shop may not last too long. That's because of an "unsustainable amount of theft" is going on at the store, called Avenue C. Located at the Walter Gage student residence at the University of BC (UBC), the "express micro-market" is open to the general public at all times of day and night as a small convenience store with a self-checkout. If the theft continues, the shop, which opened in October 2021, may not be around much longer. "Our goal is to keep Avenue C open for our community and we are working with Campus Security and Canteen Canada to enhance security measures," says UBC director of food services Colin Moore in a statement. "However, if we are not able to significantly reduce the level of theft, we will need to close the market." A timeline for when Avenue C may close has not been determined. A spokesperson for UBC says a letter was sent to students living in the area about the thefts and potential closure, due to how many thefts there were. However, exactly how much theft is going on is not being shared with the public. "For security reasons, we're not going to disclose the information related to items taken," states Moore. He adds that people who steal may be subject to an RCMP investigation and/or face consequences from the school under its own code of conduct, but doesn't say if any action has been taken. In early September, UBC sent alumni an email indicating that over 35 per cent of undergraduates on the Vancouver campus "report that they lack consistent access to the food needed to stay healthy," prompting concerns about support for the campus' food bank and students' overall state of food security. Vancouver Is Awesome has reached out the UBC RCMP for comment and will update this story when new information is made available. Lynne Sladky/AP Photo; Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo; Insider Republican Rep. Maria Salazar won reelection for a second term in her seat. Challenging her is Florida state Sen. Annette Taddeo, a Democrat. The district is in South Florida and includes Miami. Florida as Republican incumbent Rep. Maria Salazar won a second term in her US House seat against Florida Sen. Annette Taddeo, a Democrat. Given the state has multiple timezones, the first polls closed at 7 p.m. EST and the last polls closed at 8 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Florida's 27th Congressional District candidates Salazar was elected to the US House in 2020 after a career as a journalist that included both English and Spanish outlets. Her parents were Cuban exiles, and she grew up in Miami and Puerto Rico. Salazar voted against President Trump's second impeachment. She wasn't at the Capitol on January 6, 2020, to certify the presidential election because she was under COVID-19 quarantine, but voted alongside House Democrats and 34 Republicans to approve the creation of the January 6 commission. Taddeo is a state senator who was running for the Democratic nomination for governor before dropping out of the race to run for Congress. Taddeo unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination for Congress in 2016 for a seat that went to former Rep. Joe Garcia. She was also on the lieutenant governor ticket in 2014 alongside Charlie Crist, the current Democratic nominee for governor. Voting history for Florida's 27th Congressional District Salazar unsuccessfully ran for the seat before, in 2018, against Donna Shalala, who was Health and Human Services secretary during former President Bill Clinton's two terms, and later, president of the University of Miami. Salazar defeated Shalala when the two faced each other again in 2020, when former Trump was on the ticket and had made inroads in Florida from his 2016 win. During the 2020 race, Salazar pilloried Shalala for violating the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 by improperly disclosing personal stock trades. But Salazar herself violated the STOCK Act earlier this year something for which Taddeo has sharply criticized her. Story continues Before Shalala and Salazar faced off twice, Florida's 27th Congressional District was for almost 30 years held by Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen even though the district leaned Democratic when it came to casting votes for president. Today, under a redrawn district submitted by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis and approved by the Republican-controlled legislature, the district is slightly redder than it used to be because it no longer includes Democratic-leaning Miami Beach. The money race Salazar has raised $4.8 million, spent $4.1 million, and has $735,000 cash on hand as of October 19, according to nonpartisan money-in-politics research group OpenSecrets. Taddeo has raised $1.6 million, spent $1.55 million, and has $45,000 cash on had as of October 19. As of November 4, super PACs, hybrid PACs, and traditional political action committees had combined to spend about $3 million to advocate for or against the candidates. Most of this money has benefitted Salazar. The pro-Salazar Congressional Leadership Fund, a hybrid PAC led by national Republicans, alone accounts for almost half of the race's outside spending. What experts say The race between Salazar and Taddeo was rated as "likely Republican" by Inside Elections and "likely Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Kermit Jones' campaign; Kevin Kiley's campaign; Insider Democrat Kermit Jones is running against Republican state Rep. Kevin Kiley in California's 3rd Congressional District. The 3rd District stretches hundreds of miles from Death Valley up through Plumas County. The seat was redrawn during redistricting and is a major target of the GOP. Republican Kevin Kiley faces off against Democrat Kermit Jones in California's 3rd Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds The district does not have an incumbent after it was redrawn during California's redistricting process. California's 3rd Congressional District candidates Kiley currently serves in the California State Assembly. He was elected to the seat in 2016 and ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in 2019. He voted against placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot to explicitly protect abortion rights in California. Last year, the Rocklin Republican placed sixth with 3.5% of the vote in the crowded field of candidates in the unsuccessful election to recall Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Prior to being elected to the State Assembly, Kiley also served as California's deputy attorney general. Jones is a physician and Navy veteran who served as a flight surgeon for a Marine helicopter squadron in Iraq. After his deployment, he served as a White House fellow in the Obama administration, working with the Secretary of Health & Human Services to improve the quality of care for veterans. Jones supports federal protection for abortion access: He told the Los Angeles Times that "banning abortion goes against our most sacred, American principles of self-determination." Voting history for California's 3rd Congressional District California's 3rd Congressional District stretches hundreds of miles from Death Valley up through Plumas County and includes some Sacramento suburbs. President Donald Trump had a 5.4 percentage point margin of victory over Joe Biden under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before the once-in-a-decade redistricting process following the 2020 Census made it slightly less Republican. Story continues The money race According to OpenSecrets, the two candidates have raised and spent almost identical amounts of money. Jones has raised $2.94 million, spent $2.7 million, and has $151,000 cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Kiley, has raised $2.95 million, spent $2.79 million, and has $243,000 still left to spend, as of October 19. As of November 4, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups had collectively spent only about $504,000 to advocate for or against this race's candidates, including in the primary election phase. This is a relatively small amount compared to other US House races where such groups have together spent well into the millions of dollars. What experts say The race between Jones and Kiley is rated as "likely Republican" by Inside Elections, "likely Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Laura Gillen's campaign; Anthony D'Esposito's campaign; Insider Democrat Laura Gillen ran against Republican Anthony D'Esposito in New York's 4th Congressional District. The 4th District covers southern sections of Nassau County on Long Island. Republican Anthony D'Esposito defeated Democrat Laura Gillen in New York's 4th Congressional District. Democratic incumbent Rep. Kathleen Rice announced she would not seek reelection, leaving the seat up for grabs. Polls closed in the state at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds New York's 4th Congressional District candidates Gillen is a former supervisor of Hempstead, the largest town population 790,000-plus in the United States. Elected in 2017, she made history as the first Democrat to hold the position in more than a century. She lost her reelection bid two years later. Before entering public service, Gillen worked for more than a decade as a litigator with Uniondale's Westerman Ball Ederer Miller Zucker & Sharfstein law firm. She has the endorsement of the outgoing representative, Rice, under her belt as well. D'Esposito, Gillen's opponent, is a Hempstead Town Councilman and a retired New York Police Department detective. Prior to entering politics, D'Esposito also served as chief of the Island Park Fire Department. The Hempstead Republican is a member of a plethora of local organizations, including the New York Association of Fire Chiefs and Italian Americans in Government, and he co-chairs the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. This South Shore seat he's running for hasn't been won by a Republican since 1996, but Republicans have some hope in D'Esposito, following GOP wins in recent local races. Voting history for New York's 4th Congressional District New York's 4th Congressional District covers southern sections of Nassau County. Joe Biden had a more than 12-percentage-point margin of victory over President Donald Trump under the district's previous boundaries in 2020. The the once-in-a-decade redistricting process following the 2020 Census made the district slightly more Democratic. Story continues The money race According to OpenSecrets, Gillen has raised more than $1.4 million, spent more than $1.5 million, and had about $272,000 cash on hand, as of October 19. Her opponent, D'Esposito, raised more than $1 million, spent about $946,000, and had about $112,000 still left to spend, as of October 19. As of November 3, several super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups had combined to spend more than $3 million to advocate for or against the candidates. Republican hybrid PAC Congressional Leadership Fund leads all spenders, with Democratic hybrid PAC House Majority PAC close behind. What experts say The race between Gillen and D'Esposito is 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 Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo; Insider Gov. Gavin Newsom is seeking a 2nd term in office after beating back a recall election last year. Newsom, one of the highest-profile Democrats in the country, will face off against Brian Dahle. Democrats have won every gubernatorial election in the Golden State since 2010. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was elected to lead the Golden State in 2018 and easily won a recall election last year, is running for a 2nd term against Republican state Sen. Brian Dahle. California's gubernatorial candidates Newsom, a former San Francisco mayor and former California lieutenant governor, has had a national profile for nearly two decades. In February 2004, shortly after becoming San Francisco mayor, Newsom began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, which at the time was highly controversial even within the Democratic Party. The licenses were nullified by the California Supreme Court months later, but not before roughly 4,000 couples came to San Francisco's majestic City Hall to embark in public ceremonies that at the time were still rare. While many Democrats praised him for his actions, others saw it as an act of defiance that drove Republicans to place referendums on same-sex marriage on the ballot in a raft of states in 2004. And some Democrats felt that Newsom's actions ramped up GOP turnout, which in turn boosted then-President George W. Bush's successful reelection bid to the detriment of then-Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the Democratic presidential nominee that year. But Newsom did not waver on his position. And in 2013, the United States Supreme Court left in place a lower-court ruling that set aside the state's voter-approved ban on gay marriage. Five years later, Newsom emerged as a frontrunner to succeed then-Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, with a long history of progressivism that gave him an edge in a nonpartisan primary that included former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and conservative businessman John Cox. Story continues Newsom would go on to defeat Cox in a 62%-38% landslide in the 2018 general election. Newsom's first term has been defined by the coronavirus pandemic; his stay-at-home orders during the pandemic were praised by many Democrats, but frustrated many business owners and GOP activists, which eventually led to last year's recall election. After cruising to an easy victory in the recall, Newsom solidified his political standing both as governor and as a potential Democratic presidential aspirant in the years ahead. In recent months, Newsom has pushed the party to be more forceful in articulating their beliefs; in September, he challenged Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida to debate him on television. Newsom, who was once married to Kimberly Guilfoyle, the now-fiancee of Donald Trump Jr., has sought to portray himself as a protector of the state's liberal values and someone who has been a good steward of the state's finances. In May, he announced that the state boasted a $97.5 billion operating surplus. Dahle, a former state assemblyman and current state senator, has criticized Newsom on issues ranging from homelessness to home affordability, arguing that California's high cost of living has driven families out of the state in recent years. California's voting history California has voted for the Democratic presidential nominee in every election since 1992. In recent cycles, Democrats have amassed robust margins on the presidential level; Joe Biden won the state by nearly 30 points (63.5% to 34%) in 2020, en route to the presidency. Republicans last won a gubernatorial election in 2006, when Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ran for reelection. The party's once-unshakable strength in Orange County was challenged in 2016 when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won the jurisdiction by 9 points over then-GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump; Biden would also go on to defeat Trump in Orange County by nine points in 2020. California's axis of political power has long been centered in the San Francisco Bay Area, which produced Newsom, Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein. But with the formal appointment of Los Angeles native Alex Padilla to the Senate in January 2021, the region now has a hometown senator in the upper chamber. The money race Newsom has raised $24.5 million for his reelection bid as of November 7, according to The Los Angeles Times. Dahle has raised $2.5 million for his gubernatorial campaign during the same period, per the newspaper. What experts say The race between Newsom and Dahle is rated as "solid Democratic" by Inside Elections, "solid Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider David Zalubowski/AP Photo; Insider Gov. Jared Polis is running against Republican Heidi Ganahl in Colorado's gubernatorial race. This is one of 36 gubernatorial elections taking place in 2022. Polis' 2021 wedding marked the first same-sex marriage of a sitting US governor. Democratic Gov. Jared Polis faces off against Republican Heidi Ganahl in Colorado's gubernatorial election. Colorado's gubernatorial candidates Polis, the first openly gay man elected as governor in US history, is running for his second term to serve Colorado. Prior to being elected governor, Polis served on the Colorado State Board of Education and represented Colorado's 2nd congressional district. Ganahl, Polis' challenger, is an at-large member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents. She is also the founder of Camp Bow Wow, a multimillion-dollar pet care franchise with more than 130 units across the US and Canada. Colorado's voting history Colorado backed Joe Biden over President Donald Trump in a 13.5 percentage point margin of victory in 2020. The state has voted for the Democratic nominee in the last four presidential elections. What experts say The race between Polis and Ganahl is rated as "solid Democratic" by Inside Elections, "solid Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider AP; Marianne Ayala/Insider Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly won a second term as governor of Kansas. Kelly, one of the most vulnerable Democratic governors, beat Attorney General Derek Schmidt. In 2018, Kelly defeated GOP gubernatorial nominee Kris Kobach by 5 points 48% to 43%. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly won reelection against Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt in Kansas. Insider's elections partner Decision Desk HQ called the race at 4.19 a.m. ET on Wednesday November 9. Kansas' gubernatorial candidates Kelly, a moderate Democrat first elected in 2018, was seeking a second term in office, running on her record in leading Kansas through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her opponent, Attorney General Derek Schmidt, had hammered Kelly over issues including Kansas' educational and foster care systems. A third candidate, state Sen. Dennis Pyle, also ran in the race as an independent candidate but positioning himself to Schmidt's right. He has described Kelly and Schmidt as "two peas in a pod." Kansas' voting history Kansas trends solidly Republican in federal races. The state backed President Donald Trump in 2020 by more than 14 percentage points and Sen. Roger Marshall by 11 points in the 2020 election. Some statewide races, however, have different partisan dynamics. In 2018, Kelly defeated GOP gubernatorial nominee Kris Kobach, by 5 points, 48% to 43%. Kansas' gubernatorial race also followed Kansas voters in August decisively rejecting a ballot referendum that would have eliminated the right to abortion from the Kansas Constitution. The vote, following a Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, did not portend a Democratic sweep in November, but does show the power of abortion rights to galvanize Kansas voters. The money race Kelly outraised Schmidt by a margin of two-to-one so far in 2022, the Kansas Reflector reported, bringing in $1.5 million for her campaign compared to around $707,000 for Schmidt as of the most recent campaign finance filings. Story continues What the experts said The race between Kelly and Schmidt was 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 Joshua Bessex/AP Photo; Mary Altaffer/AP Photo; Insider Gov. Kathy Hochul defeated Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin in New York's gubernatorial race. Appointed governor following the resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Hochul is the first woman to be governor of New York. If elected, Zeldin would have dismantled New York's Democratic trifecta, where Democrats hold the governorship and majorities in both legislative chambers. Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul defeated Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin in New York's gubernatorial election. Polls closed in the state at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds New York's gubernatorial candidates Hochul, former lieutenant governor of New York, became governor following the resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo on August 24, 2021. Cuomo, a three-term governor, resigned after an investigation that found he sexually harassed at least 11 women. Hochul, who became the first woman to hold the position, and the first Buffalonian in more than a century to lead New York, ran on a joint ticket with Cuomo in 2014 and 2018. Prior to her election as lieutenant governor, Hochul served a single term in the US House representing New York's 26th Congressional District, in the state's western region. Zeldin, Hochul's challenger, serves in the US House representing New York's 1st Congressional District. The four-term congressman serves on the House Committees on Financial Services and Foreign Affairs. Prior to being elected to the US House, Zeldin served four years in the New York State Senate. In addition to his congressional duties, Zeldin, an Army veteran, serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves. While this race was thought to be an easy victory for Hochul, earning her a full four-year term, polls have indicated the race has tightened in the race's final weeks. President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton even campaigned for Hochul in the days before Election Day a sign that national Democrats are concerned about Hochul's prospects in generally liberal-leaning New York. Story continues New York's voting history New York backed Joe Biden over Trump, giving the now-president a 23 percentage point margin of victory in 2020. The state has voted Democratic in the last nine presidential elections. What experts say The race between Hochul and Zeldin is rated as "likely Democratic" by Inside Elections, "likely 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 Al Drago/AP Photo; Bob McDermott's campaign; Insider Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz ran against Republican state Rep. Bob McDermott to represent Hawaii in the US Senate. Schatz raised over $4 million, while McDermott did not report raising any money for his campaign. McDermott told a local news outlet that running against Schatz "looks like a suicide mission." Democratic incumbent Sen. Brian Schatz defeated Republican state Rep. Bob McDermott in Hawaii to represent the state in the US Senate. Hawaii's Senate race candidates Schatz, first elected in 2012, won another six-year term in the US Senate. He chairs the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and also serves on the Senate Democratic Caucus' leadership team as chief deputy whip. Climate change is Schatz's top priority in Washington, and he's helped secure federal funding to address a wide array of issues in the Aloha State, including realigning the Honoapiilani Highway in West Maui, which is threatened by sea level rise. Schatz, 49, also chairs the Senate Democrats' Special Committee on the Climate Crisis. Prior to his time on Capitol Hill, Schatz was the the lieutenant governor of Hawaii and served for nearly a decade in the Hawaii House of Representatives. McDermott is a Marine veteran who currently represents the 40th District in the Hawaii House of Representatives. He said his challenging an established, senior senator who has virtually no competition "looks like a suicide mission," but if he "succeeds at nothing else," he hopes to raise the profile of Red Hill a World War II era facility that sprung a fuel leak and poisoned the water system for nearly 100,000 residents near Pearl Harbor. "I know it looks like a suicide mission, I'm not crazy," McDermott told the Honolulu Civil Beat. "If I succeed at nothing else I hope that Red Hill continues to be an issue moving forward because my kids and grandkids drink this water too." Hawaii's voting history The state voted for Joe Biden over then-President Donald Trump by a margin of about 30 percentage points in the 2020 election. Hawaiians have voted Democratic in every election except in 1972 and 1984, when the state gave wins to Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, respectively. Story continues The money race According to OpenSecrets, Schatz raised $4.6 million, spent $4.7 million, and had $2.1 million cash on hand, as of October 19. His challenger, McDermott, did not reported raising any money for his campaign. What experts say The race between Schatz and McDermott was rated as "solid Democratic" by Inside Elections, "solid Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Marco Garcia/AP Photo; Insider Democratic Lt. Gov. Joshua Green is running against Republican Duke Aiona in Hawaii's gubernatorial race. Aiona, a former lieutenant governor of Hawaii, is making his third run for governor. This is one of 36 gubernatorial elections taking place in 2022. Democrat Josh Green faces off against Republican Duke Aiona in Hawaii's gubernatorial election. Democratic incumbent Gov. David Ige is not seeking reelection, and the seat is up for grabs. Hawaii's gubernatorial candidates Green, the Democratic nominee and the state's lieutenant governor, has roots in Hawaii politics. In 2004, Green was elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives and served until 2008. Following his time as a state representative, he served in the Hawaii State Senate from 2008 to 2018. As a state senator, Green also served as majority floor leader and chaired the Health Committee and Human Services Committee. Green is also a licensed physician and worked in emergency rooms during the pandemic. Aiona, Green's opponent, is a former two-term lieutenant governor of Hawaii. He unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2010 and 2014, making the November contest his third run. Hawaii's voting history Hawaii backed President Joe Biden over Trump in a near 30 percentage point margin of victory in 2020. The Aloha State has gone Democratic in every presidential election except the 1972 and 1984 contests, when it voted for Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, respectively. What experts say The race between Green and Aiona is rated as "solid Democratic" by Inside Elections, "solid Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Kathy Manning's campaign; Christian Castelli's campaign; Insider Rep. Kathy Manning defeated Republican Christian Castelli in North Carolina's 6th Congressional District. Redistricting made the Triad-area seat less Democratic. Manning, who out-fundraised and outspent Castelli, was expected to hold on to her seat. Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning won her bid for a second term in office against Republican Christian Castelli in North Carolina's 6th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds North Carolina's 6th Congressional District candidates Manning, first elected in 2020, serves on the Education and Labor Committee and is a representative to the New Democrat Coalition and a member of the Bipartisan Taskforce to Combat Antisemitism. Prior to her election to Congress, Manning worked in nonprofit organizations to expand access to early childhood education, college scholarships, and workforce development. She was also the first woman to chair the Board of the Jewish Federations of North America, one of the largest charitable, faith-based organizations in the world. One of Congress' wealthiest members, Manning ran into trouble last year when she was late disclosing several dozen personal stock trades in violation of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012. Castelli, who ran against Manning, is an Army Special Forces veteran with decades of military service. After earning his green beret in 1998, he completed 12 deployments to hostile zones throughout Africa, Europe, South America, and South Asia, including five tours in Afghanistan and almost three years in combat. Upon being promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2008, he served as a senior military advisor at the Pentagon, and following this assignment, he served as the inspector general for the US Army Special Forces Command. Castelli was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service. Castelli defeated Lee Haywood the nominee from the 2020 race and five other candidates in the GOP primary. Story continues Voting history for North Carolina's 6th Congressional District North Carolina's 6th Congressional District includes Guilford County, Rockingham County, and almost all of Caswell County. Joe Biden enjoyed a 24 percentage point margin of victory over President Donald Trump under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before the once-in-a-decade redistricting process following the 2020 Census made it less Democratic. The redrawn Triad-area seat would have had Biden winning with only a 12.4 percentage point margin. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Manning raised $2.84 million, spent $2.35 million, and had $800,000 cash on hand as of October 19. Her challenger, Castelli, raised $662,000, spent $583,000, and had $79,000 cash still left to spend as of October 19. Super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups played only minor roles in this race, together spending just $76,000 to advocate for or against the candidates as of November 3. In contrast, some US House races attracted millions of dollars worth of outside spending. What experts said The race between Manning and Castelli was rated as "likely Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Photo: Coquitlam RCMP/Twitter. Coquitlam RCMP said someone turned in this replica handgun. Someone found a replica handgun in the dirt near a bank, according to Coquitam RCMP. While fake, the weapon looks real enough to raise concerns and Mounties are congratulating the individual who turned in the replica gun. In a Tweet Monday, Coquitlam RCMP said even replica weapons should be turned in if found. "The homeowner did the right thing and turned it over to the police." However, police are cautioning people to not pick up a weapon and to call police to protect their own safety. "If you are unsure if its real, please leave it in place until police arrive. We want to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others." According to the RCMP, replica handguns are prohibited if they look like a real weapon. "To be prohibited as a replica firearm, a device must closely resemble an existing make and model of firearm. If it is an antique firearm, as defined by the Criminal Code and corresponding regulations, it is not prohibited," the RCMP website states. If you find a weapon, replica or real, report it to the Police. If you are unsure if its real, please leave it in place until Police arrive. We want to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others. Coquitlam RCMP (@cqrcmp) November 7, 2022 Wilson Ring/AP Photo; Insider Democratic Rep. Peter Welch wins against Republican Gerald Malloy in Vermont's US Senate race. Welch has represented Vermont's at-large congressional district for 15 years. Incumbent Democrat Patrick Leahy, who has been in office since 1975, was not seeking reelection. Polls have closed in Vermont and Democratic Rep. Peter Welch has won against Republican Gerald Malloy to represent the state in the US Senate. Sen. Patrick Leahy, who has represented Vermont in the US Senate since 1975 and is third in line to the presidency, announced last November he would not seek reelection, opening up the seat for the first time in nearly five decades. Vermont's Senate race candidates Welch, who has represented Vermont's at-large congressional district in the House since 2007, is running for Senate with a breadth of political experience. Prior to his time in Congress, Welch served in the Vermont State Senate for over a decade, during which he served as minority leader and president pro tempore. Welch advocates for lowering the cost of prescription drugs, providing affordable childcare, and expanding access to broadband in rural parts of the country. He currently serves as chief deputy whip for the House Democratic Caucus and has Sen. Bernie Sanders' endorsement. Welch did run into some trouble last year, however, when he violated the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 by failing to properly disclose stock trades. He has since sworn off trading individual stocks. If elected, Welch would be one of the oldest freshman senators in US history. Malloy, Welch's opponent, is a West Point graduate and decorated Army veteran. Following his retirement from active duty in 2006, Malloy found work in business and has been in management and executive positions. Malloy advocates for energy independence, fighting the opioid crisis and reducing the cost of healthcare. Vermont's voting history The state voted for Joe Biden over then-President Donald Trump by a margin of 35 percentage points in the 2020 election. Story continues From 1856 through the election of 1988, Vermont went Republican in every election except 1964, when it voted for Lyndon Johnson over Barry Goldwater. In 1992, the state broke this tradition, voting for President Bill Clinton over President George H.W. Bush, and has gone Democratic ever since. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Welch has raised $5.2 million, spent $2.8 million, and has $2.4 million cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Malloy, has raised $249,272, spent $169,727, and has $81,063 cash on hand, as of October 19. What experts say The race between Welch and Malloy is rated as "solid Democratic" by Inside Elections, "solid Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Julio Cortez/AP Photo; Insider Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski lost his seat to Republican Thomas Kean Jr. in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District. The state's 7th District covers all of Hunterdon County and sections of Warren, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Essex Counties as well. Malinowski raised more than double his opponent's campaign coffer. Democratic incumbent Rep. Tom Malinowski lost his seat to Republican Thomas Kean Jr. in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District in a rematch of the 2020 election, where Malinowski defeated Kean by just over one percentage point. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds New Jersey's 7th Congressional District candidates This race was a rematch of 2020, when Malinowski defeated Kean by about 5,000 votes or 1.2 percentage points. It ranked among the nation's closest House races. Malinowski is finishing up his second term in office after first being elected in 2018. Malinowski, who immigrated to the United States from Poland when he was a child, sits on the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security. Prior to serving in Congress, Malinowski was the assistant secretary of State for democracy, human rights, and labor during the Obama administration. He's also previously worked as a senior director on the National Security Council and as chief advocate at nonprofit Human Rights Watch. In March 2021, Insider revealed that Malinowski had failed to disclose dozens of personal stock trades in violation of the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012. While he ultimately placed his stock assets in a blind trust and backed an effort to ban federal lawmakers from trading stocks, Republicans have hammered Malinowski during the race for his disclosure failures. The independent Office of Congressional Ethics referred Malinowski's case to the bipartisan Committee on House Ethics, citing "substantial reason to believe" he violated federal conflicts-of-interest law, but to date, the Committee on House Ethics has not publicly ruled on the matter. Story continues Kean is a former member of the New Jersey State Senate, where he was voted by his peers to become the state Senate minority leader. Political service runs in Kean's family he's the grandson of US Rep. Robert Kean and the son of former New Jersey Gov. Thomas H. Kean, Sr. Voting history for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District The state's 7th District covers all of Hunterdon County and sections of Warren, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Essex Counties as well. Joe Biden had a 10 percentage point margin of victory of President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election under the district's previous boundaries. The money race Federal records compiled by nonpartisan research organization OpenSecrets indicate Malinowski had raised $8.32 million, spent $6.75 million, and has $1.61 million cash on hand as of October 19. Kean had raised $3.96 million, spent $3.2 million, and has $849,000 cash on hand as of October 19. As of November 5, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups had together spent about $8.3 million to advocate for or against the race's candidates, including during its primary election phase. Here, Republicans had a major advantage: The Congressional Leadership Fund, a national Republican hybrid PAC that backed Kean, alone accounted for more than half that spending. House Majority PAC, a Democratic hybrid PAC that supported Malinowski, was the second-highest spender at $1.38 million. The National Republican Congressional Committee, which backed Kean, spent the third-most in the race more than $1.35 million. What experts say The Cook Political Report rated New Jersey's 7th Congressional District race as "lean Republican". Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics rated the race as "leans Republican". Inside Elections rated it as "tilt Republican." Read the original article on Business Insider First-time Republican candidate Joe O'Dea, left, faces off against Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet, right. David Zalubowski/AP Photo; Susan Walsh/AP Photo; Insider Sen. Michael Bennet defeated Republican Joe O'Dea in Colorado's US Senate race. Colorado, which Joe Biden won by double digits in 2020, was an unexpected battleground. An O'Dea win would have helped Republicans in their quest for control of the currently 50-50 Senate. Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado is projected to have fended off a challenge from first-time Republican candidate Joe O'Dea in a surprise battleground. 2022 General Embeds Colorado's Senate race candidates Bennet, who briefly ran for president in 2020, currently serves on several high-profile Senate committees, including the tax-writing Finance panel, Select Intelligence panel, and Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry panel. A moderate, Bennet lets fellow Democratic colleagues have it from time to time slamming centrist Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia for blocking an extension of the monthly child tax credit payments wove into their 2021 pandemic relief package, and criticizing President Joe Biden this summer for not going bigger on the administration's student loan forgiveness plan. O'Dea is a political newcomer that's perhaps most closely adhering to the MAGA-lite playbook fellow businessman Glenn Youngkin used to clinch Virginia's governor's race last fall. Two ways O'Dea is seeking to differentiate himself from the Trump-backed candidates in other states: keeping the embattled former president away from Colorado, and staking out a less stringent position on abortion than Republicans who've used the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade reversal as a launchpad for a nationwide ban. "As far as Trump's concerned, I hope he doesn't run," O'Dea said of who he'd like to see atop the presidential ticket in 2024. No fan of the current president, O'Dea added that "seeing a Biden-Trump rematch again in 2024 would rip the country apart." In terms of abortion, which is legal during any part of a pregnancy under Colorado law, O'Dea told supporters this June that he backs a ban on late-term abortions but leaves the rest of the decision-making to "a person and their god." An O'Dea aide told Insider that his current position is that O'Dea backs abortion rights in the early stages of pregnancy with limits after 20 weeks. Story continues An O'Dea win would tip the balance of power to Republicans, ending the 50-50 split that's been in effect since January 2021. Colorado's voting history Bennet has held the seat since 2009, when he was first appointed to fill the vacancy left by then-Sen. Ken Salazar leaving Congress to join President Barack Obama's cabinet. Bennet won 48.1% of the vote when he ran in 2010 for his own term less than 2 percentage points ahead of Republican challenger Ken Buck. Bennet again won in 2016, but again, only with a plurality, capturing just under 50% of the vote about 5 percentage points ahead of Republican challenger Darryl Glenn. Joe Biden carried Colorado by 13 points in 2020, beating then-President Donald Trump there by more than 400,000 votes. The last time the Centennial State went for a Republican presidential candidate was in 2004. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Bennet has raised $20.8 million, spent $19.5 million, and has $3 million of cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, O'Dea, has raised $7.3 million, spent $6.8 million, and has $469,354 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. As of late October, several dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups had combined to spend about $29.8 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. More than half of that outside spending was dedicated to campaigning against O'Dea. What experts say The race between Bennet and O'Dea was rated as "likely Democratic" by Inside Elections, "lean Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Ted S. Warren/AP Photo; Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo; Insider Sen. Patty Murray is running against Republican Tiffany Smiley to represent Washington in the US Senate. Murray has been representing solidly blue Washington for nearly three decades. If elected, Smiley would become the state's first GOP senator since 2001. Longtime Democratic incumbent Sen. Patty Murray faces off against political newcomer Tiffany Smiley in Washington to represent the state in the US Senate. The polls closed at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Washington's US Senate race candidates Murray, who's represented the state of Washington in the US Senate for nearly three decades, serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations and chairs the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. In addition to being the first female senator from Washington, Murray served as the first female chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee during the 112th Congress and served as the first female chair of the Budget Committee during the 113th Congress. Prior to her time in the US Senate, Murray served in thw Washington State Senate for a single term. Smiley, a political newcomer seeking to unseat the longtime senator, is a veterans advocate and former nurse. Her husband, Scotty, who was injured in Iraq when a car bomb sent shrapnel into his eyes, became the US military's first-ever blind active duty officer. If elected, she would become the state's first Republican US senator since 2001. Washington's voting history The state voted for Joe Biden over then-President Donald Trump by a margin of 19 percentage points in the 2020 election. In Washington, Democratic candidates have been victorious in presidential races during the last nine elections. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Murray has raised $18.5 million, spent $20.7 million, and has $1.6 million cash on hand, as of October 19. Her challenger, Smiley, has raised $16.4 million, spent $14.7 million, and has $1.7 million cash on hand, as of October 19. Story continues As of late October, over a dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups had combined to spend about $20 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. Here, Murray has a slight advantage. What experts say The race between Murray and Smiley is rated as "likely Democratic" by Inside Elections, "likely Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images; Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images; Insider Democratic incumbent US Sen. Tammy Duckworth is projected to beat Republican Kathy Salvi to represent Illinois. Illinois is a reliably Democratic state. Duckworth held a giant fundraising lead over Salvi and was highly favored to win the election. Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Duckworth is projected to beat Republican Kathy Salvi in Illinois and represent the state in the US Senate. Polls are closed. Illinois' Senate race candidates Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran born in Bangkok, currently chairs the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Airland. The congresswoman is an outspoken advocate for veterans, and has served in multiple capacities related to veterans' affairs. Duckworth served four years as a helicopter pilot in the US Army Reserve before joining the Illinois National Guard in 1996. In 2004, she was deployed to Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot for the Guard as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where her helicopter was shot down, leading to the amputation of both of her legs. For her service, she was awarded the Purple Heart. Prior to being elected to the US Senate, Duckworth served as director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and then in the Obama administration as assistant secretary of the US Department of Veterans Affairs. She is also a former member of the US House, representing Illinois' 8th Congressional District for two terms. Salvi, her challenger, is a political newcomer who currently works as a partner at the law firm of Salvi & Maher. Prior to entering private practice, she served as a judicial clerk to Justice Harry D. Strouse of the Second Appellate District, then as an assistant public defender with the Lake County Public Defender's Office. She believes the top three issues facing Illinois residents are the economy, education and crime, while Duckworth ranks the top three as the economy, abortion rights and capping pharmaceutical prices. Illinois' voting history The state voted for Joe Biden over then-President Donald Trump by a margin of 17 percentage points in the 2020 election. Illinois has voted Democratic in the last eight elections. Story continues The money race According to OpenSecrets, Duckworth has raised $20.4 million, spent $14.6 million, and has $6 million cash on hand, as of October 19. Her challenger, Salvi, has raised $1.1 million, spent $967,671, and has $166,105 cash on hand, as of October 19. What experts say The race between Duckworth and Salvi is rated as "solid Democratic" by Inside Elections, "solid Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Brad Pfaff's campaign; Derrick Van Orden's campaign; Insider Democrat Brad Pfaff lost to Republican Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. The 3rd District is mostly rural and covers southwestern Wisconsin. Democratic Rep. Ron Kind, who's held the seat since 1996, is retiring and not running for a 14th term. Republican Derrick Van Orden defeated Democratic Wisconsin state Sen. Brad Pfaff in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District candidates Pfaff represents the 32nd Senate District in the Wisconsin State Senate and is a ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture and Tourism. Prior to his time in state Senate, he served in senior positions with the US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. The Wisconsin Democrat also served as chief of staff to Rep. Ron Kind, who endorsed Pfaff ahead of the Democratic primary. Kind, a longtime Democratic congressman who's held the office since 1996, is retiring, leaving the seat open. Van Orden, Pfaff's opponent, is a retired Navy SEAL and private consultant. He also wrote the 2015 book "A Book of Man: A Navy SEAL's Guide to the Lost Art of Manhood," which contained a controversial passage about genital exposure. After enlisting in the Navy at the age of 18, Van Orden served for 26 years, going on multiple combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq. Last August, former President Donald Trump threw his support behind Van Orden. That wasn't the first time Trump voiced support for the retired Navy SEAL he also endorsed Van Orden in 2020 when he ran against Kind for the same seat and lost. Van Orden ran unopposed in the Republican primary, advancing straight to the general election. Voting history for Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District is mostly rural and covers southwestern and parts of central Wisconsin. The open district, which backed Trump under its previous boundaries in 2020, remained nearly identical in redistricting following the 2020 Census. With Trump's victory in 2020, the 3rd District became one of 16 districts in that country that split its votes for president and Congress. Story continues The money race According to OpenSecrets, Pfaff has raised $1.6 million, spent $1.5 million, and has $116,000 on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Van Orden, has raised more than $5.9 million, spent $5.4 million, and has $558,000 cash on hand. As of late October, more than a dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups have together spent about $2 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. What experts say The race between Pfaff and Van Orden is rated as "lean Republican" by Inside Elections, "lean Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Sandy Smith's campaign; Donald Davis' campaign; Insider Democrat Don Davis defeated Republican Sandy Smith in North Carolina's 1st Congressional District. The 1st District is located in the northeastern region of the state. Trump-endorsed Smith failed to flip the open seat to Republican control. Democratic state Sen. Don Davis defeated Republican Sandy Smith in North Carolina's 1st Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds Rep. G.K. Butterfield, who is serving his ninth term in the US House, will retire at the end of this term, leaving the seat vacant. North Carolina's 1st Congressional District candidates Davis, first elected to North Carolina's State Senate in 2008, currently represents the state's 5th Senate District. In his six terms as a state senator, Davis has worked to expand high-speed internet, raise teacher pay, and ensure that military pensions are tax-exempt. Prior to being elected state senator, Davis served as the mayor of Snow Hill, North Carolina, for seven years. He also served in the US Air Force and aided in Air Force One operations at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The Democrat from Snow Hill, who clinched Butterfield's endorsement, supports codifying abortion rights at the federal level. Smith, Davis' opponent, is a business executive, entrepreneur, and real estate investor. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Smith at a campaign rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, in late September. Smith, who ran against and lost to Butterfield in 2020 by 9 percentage points, described herself as "the unapologetic America first, Pro-Life, Pro-Guns, Pro-Military, freedom loving, Pro-Trump fighter" on her campaign website. Of abortion, she said it "should never be used as a form of birth control or gender selection, period. If a bill comes across my desk and it is to restrict abortion and includes exceptions, I would support it." Smith defeated Sandy Roberson and six other candidates in the 2022 GOP primary, bringing in just over 30% of the vote. Story continues Voting history for North Carolina's 1st Congressional District North Carolina's 1st Congressional District stretches through a primarily rural part of the eastern side of the state and borders Virginia. Joe Biden had a 9 percentage point margin of victory over Trump under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before redistricting made it slightly less Democratic-leaning. The district, which voted for the Democratic candidate in each of the last six presidential elections, hasn't been represented by a Republican since 1883. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Davis raised $1.73 million, spent more than $1.5 million, and had $184,000 on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Smith, raised $1.6 million, spent $1.25 million, and had about $365,000 cash on hand, as of October 19. As of early November 2022, more than a dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups together spent more than $8.5 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee leads all spenders. What experts say The race between Davis and Smith was rated as "likely 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 Democrats are pinning their hopes for holding the Senate majority on the ultra-competitive contests in Pennsylvania and Georgia, two battlegrounds that both parties believe will be pivotal in determining control of the upper chamber on Election Day. Despite a burst of momentum for Republicans over the past month, the Senate races in the two states remain stubbornly close. In Pennsylvania, Republican nominee Mehmet Oz and Democrat John Fetterman are deadlocked. The same is true in Georgia, where a slew of recent polling has shown Republican Herschel Walker taking a slim lead over Sen. Raphael Warnock (D). The tightening races have prompted a late-breaking flurry of political activity. Both Democrats and Republicans have poured millions of dollars into the states in the closing phase of the campaigns. And over the weekend, President Biden and former President Obama reunited in Pennsylvania in a last-minute bid to boost Fetterman. Democrats are drawing great crowds, said T.J. Rooney, a former chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. There seems to be a lot of enthusiasm that seems to have manifested itself in the early vote, so all signals point in a very, very positive direction. The eleventh-hour efforts in Georgia and Pennsylvania amount to an acknowledgment of the outsize role the two states have taken on in the battle for control of the Senate. Democrats are defending the narrowest possible majority, and a net gain of even one seat for Republicans would mean a GOP-controlled Senate for at least the next two years. Pennsylvania represents the traditional sort of old Democratic blue wall, whereas Georgia is looked at as the future of where swing state politics is heading, Jon Reinish, a Democratic strategist, said. Add on the fact that they could decide who controls the Senate, and I think its easy to see why they mean so much for Democrats right now. Both Republicans and Democrats have spent massively on the two Senate races. According to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact, more than $260 million has been spent or reserved on the airwaves in Pennsylvania, while the spending in Georgia has topped $240 million. Story continues To be sure, the Senate battleground this year is much larger than just Georgia and Pennsylvania. Republicans are targeting Democratic senators in states like Arizona, Nevada and New Hampshire, while Democrats are hoping to oust Sen. Ron Johnson (R) in Wisconsin. But the races in Georgia and Pennsylvania have proven particularly volatile. Earlier this year, Fetterman appeared favored to defeat Oz and flip a Republican-held seat for Democrats. But the outlook began to change over the fall as Oz sharpened his attacks against Fetterman, accusing Pennsylvanias lieutenant governor of being soft on crime. Fetterman also ran up against questions about his health and fitness to serve in the Senate after he suffered a stroke earlier this year. Likewise, Walker has managed to close a once distinct polling gap with Warnock, prompting speculation that the race could head into overtime. If neither candidate manages to clear the 50 percent threshold needed to win the election outright, theyll advance to a Dec. 6 runoff, potentially leaving party control of the Senate hanging in the balance for another month. At this point, I think its less of a question of if theres a runoff. Its something that Im expecting, one Georgia Democratic strategist said. I think were going to be hearing about Georgia for a while longer. Democrats are also preparing for a drawn-out battle in Pennsylvania, where votes could take days to count, leaving the race unresolved until well after Election Day. In a memo released on Monday, Fettermans campaign set the stage for a red-to-blue shift once Democratic-leaning mail-in ballots begin to be tabulated. In one of the latest signs that control of the Senate could come down to Pennsylvania and Georgia, Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics shifted the two Senate races toward the GOP on Monday, rating them both as favoring Republicans. Republicans argue that the Democratic enthusiasm in both states is misplaced. However, one national GOP strategist told The Hill that Republicans are not declaring victory in the Senate just yet. Nobody wants to be too excited, the strategist said. Theres a quiet optimism among Republicans, but no ones thumping their chest and taking a victory lap yet. However, Democrats in Pennsylvania are pushing back against grouping Fetterman in with the partys other candidates in political forecasts. Anyone who tries to make a case about Johns chances using the generic ballot is not going to be successful, one Pennsylvania-based Democratic operative told The Hill. Hes not a generic Democrat. In a cycle like this, thats really valuable. He does run on his own, the operative added. But Fetterman and Walker are not the only candidates on the ballot in Pennsylvania and Georgia. Both states are also home to high-profile gubernatorial races. Incumbent Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro (D) lead in their respective races. Democrats argue that Fetterman is more likely to benefit from riding Shapiros coattails than Walker with Kemps. Some of the partys strategists are also betting that voters in Pennsylvania and Georgia could be willing to split their tickets. I think its possible that there can be a kind of divided message that is sent, Rooney said. I think at the end of the day people can understand the benefit of having a Democratic control in the Senate and they might take out their frustrations down-ballot. There [are] these kinds of unique variables that at the end of the day could very, very well mean that Pennsylvania helps keep the Senate in Democratic control, while the pain in the House might be more widespread, he added. Other Democrats in Pennsylvania say that while they expect a close race, the energy on the ground plays in their favor. As unscientific as it is, the vibes are good, the Democratic operative based in Pennsylvania said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. Matthew DePerno, the Republican nominee for attorney general in Michigan, checked off every issue he says his campaign is focused on in the closing weeks of a key midterm race: Crime, sex trafficking, fentanyl, education, the economy, business regulations and gas prices. One issue he did not mention? Efforts to investigate the 2020 election and institute changes to the states election procedures the promises that helped propel DePerno onto the political map and won him former President Donald Trumps endorsement. I think it polls down the list, DePerno told NBC News in an interview. Certainly, I think its an important issue. But when were out talking to voters across the state independents and soft Democrats and those middle-aged, suburban women in southeast Michigan its just an issue that ranks lower than crime and education. It ranks lower than religious liberty, ranks lower than the business issues, inflation, gas prices and meat-and-potato issues of putting food on the table. I think its still important. Its just sort of a lesser issue. With midterm campaigns in their closing sprint, DePernos focus speaks to a trend across the battleground states. While Democrats are framing the elections as a referendum on the future of democracy, offering stark warnings that a significant number of Trump allies running for office have demonstrated they will not respect the democratic process after two years of Trump pushing his stolen election lie, Republicans have shifted their attention elsewhere. Theyve switched gears to focus on issues such as inflation and crime that poll highest among voter concerns while highlighting their stance on parental rights to bolster their conservative credentials rather than taking aim at the 2020 vote. The result can be disorienting, as Republicans have largely not renounced their efforts to delegitimize the 2020 vote, though some have attempted to muddy the waters on their positions. In a promising election cycle for Republicans, the renewed focus on other issues has coincided with improved polling across the battleground landscape and has political observers predicting that Republicans could see gains not only in the House, but in key Senate and governors races. Story continues Buoyed by President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama, both of whom have emphasized the GOPs attacks on democracy in recent days, Democrats are going all out to remind voters of how their Republican rivals behaved after 2020. Its no surprise to me that election deniers are now trying to change the subject, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat running against Trump-backed election denier Kristina Karamo, said in an interview. But all that is, and I hope voters see through it, is a distraction from whats really on the ballot, which is the future of our democracy. After the 2020 election, DePerno filed a lawsuit on behalf of a resident claiming that voting machines in Michigans Antrim County, which went overwhelmingly for Trump, had inserted fraud into the results. County elections officials had initially posted the wrong numbers as the countys totals, but those were quickly fixed, and a GOP-led state Senate investigation found the claims about Antrim County to be meritless, and the lawsuit was dismissed. On Jan. 6, 2021, DePerno met with a Trump appointee at the State Department to, as he said in a candidate questionnaire last year, detail how the election was stolen. His efforts quickly put him on Trumps radar and contributed to the former president endorsing him. Now, DePerno is the target of an investigation launched by the office of his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Dana Nessel, into whether he and eight others illegally tampered with the states voting machines. He has denied any wrongdoing. Nessel holds a polling advantage, but the race remains close, in part because of DePernos ability to win over skeptical Republicans following the states nominating convention. I took a lot of hits from the media early on, DePerno said. A lot of media tried to tie me to Donald Trump in many ways, call me an election denier, and really kind of paint me as sort of a crazy person. In an interview with NBC News, Nessel said DePerno had made his name as an election denier and still wont accept the results of the 2020 election, nor will he commit to accepting the results on Tuesday as legitimate no matter who wins. DePerno told NBC News: Im going to win. So Ill accept the results. Nessel and Benson, whose opponent is currently trying to invalidate mail-in ballots in the overwhelmingly Democratic city of Detroit, both pledged that the Democrats will accept the results regardless of the outcome. As to why the race is close, Nessel, who also mentioned complaints filed against DePerno before the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission, said its because people dont know enough about him. And if you ask and I have done this repeatedly, Why do you support Matthew DePerno? they dont know anything about him, she said. Not the first thing. And they can say things like, Well, my gas is too high and I dont like inflation. Similar developments are taking place elsewhere. In Arizona, GOP gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake has repeatedly called the 2020 election rigged and stolen during the primary only to spend most of the general election talking about immigration, education, the economy and crime. The partys Senate nominee in the state, Blake Masters, cut an ad during the primary saying he believed Trump was the rightful winner only to later say during a debate that he had seen no evidence of the states vote being manipulated earning him a call from Trump in which the former president accused him of going soft on 2020. After trailing in earlier polling, both Lake and Masters appeared neck-and-neck with their opponents in the campaigns final days. Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake (Mario Tama / Getty Images file) Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, who is running against Lake in the governors contest, said Lakes shift away from 2020 does not make it any more difficult to campaign on democracy. The states attorney general, Mark Brnovich, a Republican, recently called the fraud claims in his state horses--- in an interview with CBS 60 Minutes. Whatever you say is out there forever, Hobbs said in a recent interview in which she also noted that Trumps pick for secretary of state in Arizona, Mark Finchem, has claimed Bidens win was illegitimate. And we have plenty of things to pin on Kari Lake in terms of her full-throated support of Trumps election lies, and we know that shes running because shes focused on loyalty to him over serving Arizonans. And that hes supporting all these candidates because he wants them to have control over the next election. Democrats had raised concerns with Hobbs campaign for being less visible than Lakes earlier in the contest, though Hobbs has since loaded up her schedule. She also declined to debate Lake. No one has given me specific examples of what they think I should have been doing, Hobbs said. But I can tell you, weve been going after Kari this whole time. But Benson, the secretary of state, said Lakes campaign and her forceful presence on the trail has best illustrated how Democratic efforts to prosecute a case on the future of democracy is in some ways a two-front battle. One is actual efforts to intimidate voters and disrupt processes, she said. But theres also a narrative battle, a PR battle that is being fought as well. Pennsylvania is proving to be an easier lift for Democrats to make their case, specifically in its high-profile race for governor. Doug Mastriano, the GOP nominee who was outside the Capitol on Jan. 6 and whose campaign paid to bus people to the pro-Trump protest that proceeded the riot, has kept the 2020 election near the forefront of his campaign. Speaking at a rally in suburban Pittsburgh last week, Mastriano said, Asking questions, media, does not make you an election denier. What a stupid thing to say, Hes an election denier, Mastriano continued. An election happened. We have questions. Mastriano trails his Democratic rival, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro, significantly in the polls, while GOP Senate nominee Mehmet Oz is essentially in a toss-up race against Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman. Oz questioned the 2020 vote during the primary but has not campaigned on probing it during the general election, even saying he would have voted to uphold Pennsylvanias results had he been in the Senate then. Ive had only a handful out of thousands of people that Ive talked to [who] have asked me about that, Jeremy Shaffer, the Republican nominee in a swing House district outside Pittsburgh, said in an interview of the 2020 vote. I think people have definitely moved on. Im looking towards the future. Democrats here have remained focused, with Shapiro saying this election is crucial to having voters voices heard moving forward. Speaking at a rally in Pittsburgh, Obama said Saturday that he understands why some question whether democracy itself should be at the top of voters concerns. But let me tell you something, Pennsylvania, weve seen throughout history, weve seen around the world, what happens when you give up on democracy, he said, adding, When that happens, people get hurt. That has real life consequences. One prominent Republican who has not relegated election denialism to the background is Trump himself, who, speaking for roughly two hours about an hour outside of Pittsburgh on Saturday, promoted his lie of widespread cheating in the 2020 election while expressing he is worried about Oz and Doug, opening the door to future fraud claims. In Michigan, which has been a particular fixation for the former president, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her ticket-mates have emphasized democracy issues specifically, their belief in elections that dont cater to the conspiracy theories of a former president who lied about the last presidential election and is preparing to run again in 2024. At stops along a statewide bus tour last week, they spoke with great urgency about the threat they say Republicans pose. In the Detroit suburb of Clawson, Nessel fretted about a new poll that suggested she and DePerno were tied while alternating between calling her rival a really dangerous guy and the worst person in the world. State Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden, a Democrat running in a nonpartisan state Supreme Court race, was explicit about the ramifications Tuesdays vote would have for 2024. Your votes, what happens in the next week, will determine the circumstances for the 2024 race, she said. And make no mistake, it has national implications. ... Michigan will be the point that everyone is going to be looking for in 2024. Supporters cheers as former President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign rally for Senate candidate Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (Rebecca Droke / AFP via Getty Images file) Whitmer echoed that sentiment in an interview with NBC News. Michigan, she said, plays an outsized role in national elections. The target of an alleged 2020 kidnapping plot by anti-government extremists in retaliation for her public health restrictions during the early days of the pandemic, Whitmer said her Republican opponent, former right-wing commentator Tudor Dixon, has stoked political violence. She specifically mentioned jokes Dixon made about the case in September. Its people like her, Whitmer said of Dixon, who has baselessly raised doubts about the 2020 election results, who are the greatest threat to our democracy right now. Dixon has defended her use of such rhetoric. And consistent with DePernos pivot away from election issues, her remarks at a rally with the attorney general candidate and other GOP hopefuls Wednesday in Midland lacked any direct references to the 2020 results and only a few scattered mentions of Trump at all. I know that there have been a lot of groups that are focused on making sure that the elections are fair, Dixon said afterward when asked by a reporter if she believed Tuesdays election would be fair. Dixon then took a shot at Benson, repeating an unsubstantiated assertion about the 2020 results that she had made at times during the primary: As long as our secretary of state doesnt try to break the law, like she did the last time, then I feel it will be fair. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The film will use virtual reality scenes to illustrate the human stories behind Partition A touring exhibition exploring the aftermath of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan is due to arrive at a Derby museum. Project Dastaan will run at at Derby Museum and Art Gallery until Sunday. The project includes a virtual reality film, inspired by real-life accounts from both sides of the border. It also looks at ideas around postcolonial identity, forced migration and the effects of colonisation. 'Human stories' The exhibition will use a virtual reality docu-drama Child of Empire to illustrate stories of Partition, inspired by real-life accounts from both sides of the border. A three-part animated series, Lost Migrations, will also be screened. Sparsh Ahuja, founder and CEO of Project Dastaan said Partition remained a "deeply personal experience" for her two grandfathers, who inspired the virtual reality Child of Empire film. "By highlighting the similarities of migration journeys on either side of the border, Child of Empire is a reminder that it is ordinary people that suffer the most when nationalisms are created and torn apart by political elites," she said. Tony Butler, executive director of Derby Museums, said: "For the last five years Derby Museums has been working with the city's diaspora communities, especially those of Pakistani and Indian heritage, to explore the legacy of empire through its world cultures collections. "We are delighted to be hosting Project Dastaan as it will encourage the people of Derby to understand the legacy and human stories of Partition." Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. Photo: The Canadian Press This is a locator map for Iraq with its capital, Baghdad. (AP Photo) 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. 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. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) - Developing countries need to work with investors, rich countries and development banks to secure $1 trillion a year in external financing for climate action by the end of the decade and to match that with their own funds, a report said on Tuesday. The report, released ahead of talks on climate change finance at the COP27 summit in Egypt, said the funding was required to cut emissions, boost resilience, deal with damage from climate change and restore nature and land. "The world needs a breakthrough and a new roadmap on climate finance that can mobilise the $1 trillion in external finance that will be needed by 2030 for emerging markets and developing countries other than China," said the report, commissioned by the current and previous climate summit hosts, Egypt and Britain. It said the total annual investment requirement of developing countries would hit $2.4 trillion by 2030, with half coming from external financing and the rest from public and private sources in those countries. Current investment stands at around $500 million, it said. The biggest increase should come from the private sector, both domestic and foreign, while annual flows from development banks should be tripled, it said. Concessional loans, which offer more favourable terms than markets, should also be stepped up. "Unlocking substantial climate finance is the key to solving today's development challenges," said Vera Songwe, one of the report's authors. "This means countries must have access to affordable, sustainable low-cost financing from the multilateral development banks to help crowd in investments from the private sector and philanthropy." Delegates at the climate summit in Egypt are expected to focus on financing issues on Wednesday. The report also calls for grants and low-interest loans from the governments of developed countries to double from $30 billion annually today to $60 billion by 2025. (Reporting by Dominic Evans; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) DHT Holdings (DHT) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.03 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.04 per share. This compares to loss of $0.15 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -25%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this independent oil tanker company would post a loss of $0.02 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.04, delivering a surprise of 300%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. DHT Holdings , which belongs to the Zacks Transportation - Shipping industry, posted revenues of $55.35 million for the quarter ended September 2022, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.11%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $37.65 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates just once over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. DHT Holdings shares have added about 82.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's decline of -20.9%. What's Next for DHT Holdings? While DHT Holdings has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Story continues Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for DHT Holdings: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.25 on $100.76 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $0.09 on $258.02 million in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Transportation - Shipping is currently in the top 35% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Another stock from the same industry, Flex LNG (FLNG), has yet to report results for the quarter ended September 2022. This liquefied natural gas shipping company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.80 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +33.3%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. Flex LNG's revenues are expected to be $91.7 million, up 12.2% from the year-ago quarter. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report DHT Holdings, Inc. (DHT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Flex LNG Ltd. (FLNG) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. You cant have Thanksgiving without a turkey. Imagine sitting down to enjoy your meal only to realize that you only have salt and no pepper for seasoning, or that you have a spoon but no fork; while you may be able to tough it out somehow, youre sure to be reminded that something is missing. It isnt enough to just have a turkey on Thanksgiving though; while the image of the perfectly browned and juicy turkey is inarguably quintessential to a successful holiday feast, everyone has their own opinions on how to achieve it. More from Rolling Stone You might be surprised to learn that basting a turkey is something of a controversial topic. While there isnt necessarily a right or wrong answer here, what we can say is that basting your turkey does come with benefits. In fact, basting helps the cook achieve that coveted golden-brown look and keeps the turkey from looking undercooked. More importantly, by basting your turkey, youre giving the it more flavor; the drippings start by juicing up the skin but then make their way into the meat to give it that juicy taste you and your guests are craving. Only basting every 45 minutes or so will result in a perfectly delectable turkey. Turkey Basting Buying Guide Here are a few things to consider when shopping for turkey basters. Design: While the concept is the same, not all basters are made the same. The most important takeaway is that your baster should be made of heat-resistant materials to avoid cracking or other damage. Capacity: How much can your turkey baster hold? The average is typically around one to two ounces, but you can find one thats smaller or larger depending on how big your turkey is. Story continues Maintenance: Ultimately you want something that is going to be easy to clean and care for. Turkey basters are generally safe for dishwashers, however we recommend doing a quick rinse to get rid of hidden bits and fat. If your baster doesnt come with a cleaning brush, you can purchase one separately; they are typically inexpensive and help get to those hard to reach areas 1. Liquid Solution Turkey Baster 5-Piece Set liquid solution turkey baster Liquid Solutions five-piece set is your one-stop shop for all of your turkey-basting needs. In addition to the stainless steel baster and silicone bulb, there are two brushes (one for basting and one for cleaning) and two injectors that you can screw onto the baster to send more juice directly into the meat, enhancing the flavor. All parts included are dishwasher-safe. Liquid Solution Turkey Baster Price: $13.99 Buy Now 2. Gonebin 3-in-1 Turkey Baster, Silicone Brush and Needle Injector GONEBIN-3-in-1-Turkey-Basters This silicone turkey baster can also function as a brush and also inject and infuse flavor directly inside of the turkey, while also separating and straining fat in the process. Hows that for versatility? Available in three different colors. Gonebin Turkey Baster Price: $11.59 Buy Now 3. OXO Good Grips Turkey Baster The length of this turkey baster is angled to prevent you from getting burned. This is particularly helpful if youre cooking a much larger turkey and need to evenly baste more surface area. The nifty built-in stand also prevents any spills or dripping from happening when you set it down on your countertop. The cone shape of the brush thats included makes it optimal for cleaning hard-to-reach crevices. While this baster is dishwasher-safe, its recommended that you hand wash it to extend its lifetime. OXO Turkey Baster Price: $14.95 Buy Now 4. Fox Run Glass Baster Fox-Run-Heat-Resistant-Glass-Baster-One-Size-Amazon Fox Runs turkey baster is made from a heat-resistant glass and silicone bulb. In other words, need to fret about the possibility of melting or cracking it this holiday season. Its also dishwasher-safe, though hand washing is strongly recommended. Also available in stainless steel and nylon. Fox Run Baster Price: $9.80 Buy Now Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. The Zacks Consumer Discretionary Sector has sailed through rough waters in 2022, down more than 35% and coming nowhere near the general markets performance. A titan in the realm, The Walt Disney Company DIS, is on deck to unveil Q4 results on November 8th, after the market close. Disney has assets spanning movies, television shows, and theme parks. In addition, the companys premium streaming service, Disney +, has been a significant hit among consumers. Currently, the entertainment giant carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) paired with an overall VGM Score of a D. How does everything else stack up heading into the print? Lets take a closer look. Share Performance & Valuation Year-to-date, Disney shares have experienced adverse price action, down roughly 35% and widely underperforming the S&P 500. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Over the last three months, however, the selling has visibly slowed, with DIS shares losing 8% in value and outperforming the S&P 500 modestly. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The companys forward price-to-sales ratio currently sits at 1.9X, well below its 3.1X five-year median but above the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector average of 1.5X. Further, DIS carries a Style Score of a C for Value. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Quarterly Estimates Analysts have been bearish regarding their earnings outlook over the last several months, with five negative earnings estimate revisions hitting the tape. Still, the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate of $0.50 suggests a Y/Y earnings uptick of more than 35%. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The companys top-line appears to be in solid shape also; the Zacks Consensus Sales Estimate of $21.1 billion indicates an improvement of more than 13% Y/Y. Quarterly Performance DIS has primarily posted mixed earnings results as of late, exceeding earnings and revenue estimates in two of its last four quarters. Still, in its latest print, the company registered a 16% bottom-line beat paired with a 1.8% sales surprise. Story continues Below is a chart illustrating the companys revenue on a quarterly basis. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Putting Everything Together DIS shares are in the red YTD but have marginally outperformed the S&P 500 over the last three months, indicating that the selling has slowed by a notable margin. Shares trade below their five-year median forward price-to-sales ratio but above their Zacks sector average. Analysts have been bearish for the quarter to be reported, with estimates suggesting Y/Y upticks in both revenue and earnings. The company has posted mixed earnings results across its last four releases but exceeded both revenue and EPS estimates in its most recent print. Heading into the release, The Walt Disney Company DIS carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) paired with an Earnings ESP Score of -8.5%. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Walt Disney Company (DIS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research SEOUL, South Korea (AP) A pair of dogs gifted by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018 are now mired in a South Korean political row, with the countrys former president blaming his conservative successor for a lack of financial support as he gave the animals up. Moon Jae-in, a liberal who left office in May, received the two white Pungsan hunting dogs a breed known to be indigenous to North Korea from Kim following their peace summit in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in September 2018. The dogs are officially considered state property, but Moon took the pair and one of their seven offspring home after he left office. The move was made possible by a change of law in March that allowed presidential gifts to be managed outside of the Presidential Archives if they were animals or plants. But Moons office on Monday said he decided he could no longer raise the three dogs because the current government of President Yoon Suk Yeol was refusing to cover the costs for the animals food and veterinary care. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said that the dogs were returned to the government on Tuesday and that the parent dogs originally sent from Kim were being examined at a veterinary hospital in the city of Daegu. In its statement released on Facebook, Moons office accused Yoons office of inexplicably blocking the ministrys proposal to provide government funds for the animals care. The ministry confirmed it had drafted a budget plan to provide a monthly 2.5 million won ($1,810) in subsidies, including 500,000 won ($360) for the dogs' food and veterinary care and 2 million ($1,450) for hiring workers to look after them. But the ministry said the plans were put on hold for months because of unspecified opposing opinions from within the ministry and the Ministry of Government Legislation. It seems that the presidential office, unlike the Presidential Archives and the Interior and Safety Ministry, has a negative view about entrusting the care of the Pungsan dogs to former President Moon, Moon's office said. Story continues If that's the case, Yoon's government should be cool about ending that entrustment, Moons office said. There would be disappointment and regrets as they were companion animals (Moon) grew attached to, but there would be no way to reject the termination of entrustment," it said. Yoons office shifted the blame to Moon, saying it never prevented him from keeping the animals and that the discussions about providing financial support were still ongoing. It was entirely the decision of former President Moon Jae-in to return the Pungsan dogs to the Presidential Archives instead of waiting out a legislative amendment to secure the subsidies, Yoons office said. Moon and Yoons spat over the dogs sparked criticism online, with users lamenting that the animals were being treated only as properties. Staking his single presidential term on inter-Korean rapprochement, Moon met Kim three times in 2018 and lobbied hard to help set up Kims meetings with former U.S. President Donald Trump. But the diplomacy never recovered from the collapse of the second Kim-Trump meeting in 2019 in Vietnam, where the Americans rejected North Koreas demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for dismantling an aging nuclear facility, which would have amounted to a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. Kim has since vowed to bolster his nuclear deterrent to counter gangster-like U.S. pressure and sped up his weapons development despite limited resources and pandemic-related difficulties. The North has fired dozens of missiles this year, using the distraction created by Russia's war on Ukraine to increase arms development and ramp up pressure on the United States and its regional allies. The Ohio attorney general sued two dollar store chains, accusing them of charging higher prices at checkout. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a lawsuit against Family Dollar and Dollar Tree for unfair and deceptive actions and bait advertising, according to the complaint filed in the Butler County Common Pleas Court on Monday, Nov. 7. The owner of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, Dollar Tree Inc., told McClatchy News on Nov. 9 that it was dedicated to serving the needs of our shoppers and providing them with great values on the products they need and want, and committed to operational compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. The complaint says the stores list one price on shelves but sometimes charge a higher price at checkout. This damages buyers whether they realize the pricing difference at the point of sale or not, prosecutors said. Prosecutors said the actions were unfair and deceptive by representing that a specific price advantage exists, if it does not. They also accused the stores of bait advertising by offering items at a certain price without genuinely trying to sell the items at that price, the complaint says. Were looking not just for reimbursement, but we want a court order to make them stop doing this and to put adequate controls in place so that the price you see on the shelf is the price that they charge at the register, Yost said in a news release. Dollar Tree and Family Dollar have more than 400 stores throughout Ohio, the complaint says. Dollar Tree purchased Family Dollar in 2015 to target low- and lower-middle income households through its urban and rural locations. The Ohio attorney general filed a similar lawsuit against Dollar General on Nov. 1, according to a news release, accusing the chain of deceptive pricing. Is Barilla Italys #1 Brand of Pasta? Class-action lawsuit calls label misleading Starbucks says its dark roast blend is pure coffee but its not, complaint argues Texas Pete hot sauce is deceptive because its made in North Carolina, lawsuit says 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 (Bloomberg) -- El Salvador received an offer from China to help the Central American nation refinance its deeply distressed pile of foreign debt, according to President Nayib Bukeles second-in-command. Most Read from Bloomberg China has offered to buy all our debt, but we need to tread carefully, Vice President Felix Ulloa told Bloomberg on the sidelines of an event in Madrid on Monday when asked about a potential debt restructuring. We are not going to sell to the first bidder, we need to see the conditions. While Ulloa didnt elaborate further, its an indication that the nation continues to look for ways to avoid defaulting on its dollar-denominated debt outright. Its unclear how such a deal would work, though its possible that China would offer El Salvador some type of financing so that the nation could buy back its debt from bondholders. El Salvador, which has already bought back a portion of its bonds and pledged to do so again, is aiming to repurchase more in January, Ulloa said. The buyback would likely take place before about $667 million in bonds come due that month, Ulloa said. The budget ministry along with the central bank are readying the conditions of the second buyback, he said, citing that the nation could use so-called special drawing rights, or reserve assets held at the International Monetary Fund, to finance the repurchase. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said he was wasnt aware of the matter when asked about it at a regular press briefing Tuesday in Beijing. The move would follow a repurchase of bonds due in 2023 and 2025 that closed in September, which helped to soothe some investor concern. While El Salvadors debt due in January has recovered to about 91 cents, the rest of the countrys notes are still deep in distress. Story continues The extra yield investors demand, on average, to hold the sovereign debt over US Treasuries has skyrocketed to 18.77 percentage points, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. data, above the 10-percentage-point threshold for distress. With a buyback, they buy a bit of time. But its an unsustainable strategy if they dont have access to external financing. In a dollarized economy with a current-account deficit and little reserves, what you do is take away liquidity from the economy, said Alejandro Arreaza, an economist at Barclays. The option of China buying their debt or lending money in significant amounts does not seem likely. El Salvador is rated CCC+ -- seven levels below investment grade -- by S&P Global Ratings. The nation is scored CCC by Fitch and Caa3 by Moodys Investors Service. --With assistance from Michael McDonald and Maria Elena Vizcaino. (Updates with comments from Chinas Foreign Ministry.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Republicans who backed Donald Trumps failed efforts to overturn the 2020 election lost key races to oversee elections in some competitive states, even as others remained positioned to take those offices in more conservative parts of the country. Doug Mastriano, the GOP nominee for governor in Pennsylvania who was seen outside the U.S. Capitol on the day of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and regularly communicated with Trump as the then-president tried to reverse his loss to Joe Biden, lost to Democrat Josh Shapiro on election night. The state's governor appoints the secretary of state, who is the top voting official. In Minnesota, Republican Kim Crockett, who echoed some of Trumps lies about voting, lost her bid for secretary of state, which in most states is the position that oversees state elections. In Michigan, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson declared victory over Kristina Karamo, a community college instructor who became one of the most prominent election conspiracists in the country. The Associated Press has not yet called the race. And in New Mexico, Republican Audrey Trujillo, who cheered on Trump's effort to reverse the voters' will in 2020, lost to Democratic Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver. Races in Arizona and Nevada, major swing states where election conspiracists were competing for secretary of state positions, remained too early to call. But many democracy advocates and Democrats were cheered by the initial tallies in political battlegrounds. Ultimately, some voters likely chose candidates in part because they were committed to telling the truth and protecting election integrity, said Ben LaBolt, a Democratic strategist. Still, in Republican-leaning states, some election conspiracists did win secretary of state offices. Alabama voters gave the position to state Rep. Wes Allen, who backed a groundless lawsuit to overturn Bidens victory that was dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court. In Indiana, Diego Morales, who ousted the Republican incumbent in the party primary by repeating Trumps election lies, won the race for secretary of state by defeating Democrat Destiny Scott Wells. Story continues Wyoming Republican Chuck Gray, a state lawmaker who also endorsed efforts to overturn the 2020 election, was running unopposed for secretary of state. All told, half of the 22 Republicans vying to be secretaries of states and overseeing elections in most states have repeated Trumps election lies. Seven endorsed his attempts to overturn the will of the people and remain in power. If they win, were going to have someone whos run on a platform of election denial, saying, Actually, elections are only legitimate when my candidate wins, said David Becker, executive director of The Center for Election Innovation & Research and co-author of The Big Truth, a book warning of the dangers of Trumps election lies. In Arizona, state Rep. Mark Finchem, who attended Trump's rally on Jan. 6, 2021, right before the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol, has made clear he would not have certified Bidens 2020 win in that state. The GOP nominee in Nevada, Jim Marchant, made the same promise. Republican Kristina Karamo in Michigan insisted Biden didnt actually win her state, but he did and by more than 154,000 votes. Less than two before this year's midterms, Karamo sued to change Detroit's election procedures. A judge dismissed the case on Monday, saying there was no evidence to support the allegations. On Tuesday she tweeted a post from a conspiracy website spreading more doubt on the voting in the Democratic Party's bastion in the state. Benson emailed supporters: "You showed the world that Michigan voters will vote for truth over lies. They will vote for facts over conspiracy theories. And they know the value of real results over empty promises. In Minnesota, Crockett, a lawyer who echoed some of Trump's election lies, lost to Democratic Secretary of State Scott Simon. "I want to thank Minnesotans today for their vote of confidence, not just in me, but in our entire democracy in Minnesota," Simon said at a party. "Our system in Minnesota is not perfect, but it is fundamentally fair, accurate, honest and secure. And you know what? People in Minnesota know it, right? The candidacies from election conspiracists have triggered big spending in the contests, predominantly by Democrats and their allies. Their ads pleaded for voters to think carefully before entrusting such candidates with the job of running elections. Mastriano, for example, arranged for buses to transport people to Trumps Jan. 6 rally in Washington, which took place just before the riot. As a candidate, Mastriano promised to appoint someone who would wipe clean the voter rolls, forcing the states roughly 8.8 million voters to re-register. In Wisconsin, the states bipartisan elections commissions oversees elections, but some Republicans want to change that. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has blocked bills from the GOP-controlled Legislature that would wrest control of voting away from the commission. Evers defeated Republican Tim Michels, a businessman backed by Trump who had his own plan for making the commission friendlier to Republicans. Many Republican secretaries of state did rebuff Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election and they won primaries against challengers who questioned that outcome. The most prominent example was in Georgia, where Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger rejected Trumps private entreaties to find enough votes to declare him winner of the state, which Biden ally won. Raffenspergers refusal infuriated Trump, who recruited a primary challenger who lost badly in the May primary. Raffensperger defeated Democratic state Sen. Bee Nguyen on Tuesday. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the 2022 midterm elections at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections. And learn more about the issues and factors at play in the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections. Leer en espanol Polls opened for in-person voting from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday as Arizona and the nation wrap up a contentious midterm election. Republican Kari Lake, the Trump-backed former TV news anchor, is squaring off against Democrat Katie Hobbs, Arizona's secretary of state, in a high-profile race for who will become governor. Trump-endorsed Republican Blake Masters and Democratic incumbent Mark Kelly also are locked in a tight contest for a U.S. Senate seat. Looking for the latest updates? Follow Wednesday's coverage of Arizona's midterm election by Republic reporters. It all turns on Maricopa County: Takeaways from a day of glitches, conspiracies and a lawsuit Lessons learned: GOP defections, Democratic spending among the midterm standouts What's left: Major races in Arizona that don't yet have a winner Here is a recap of Tuesday's election events. Hobbs leading Lake in early results for governors race Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Katie Hobbs was ahead of Republican Kari Lake in early election results released Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. The race between Lake, the former Fox 10 news anchor, and Hobbs, the outgoing secretary of state and former lawmaker, had been labeled a toss-up by some polls and analysts. 2:30 a.m.: Maricopa County ballot drop shows tightening races Maricopa County posted a large number of additional ballot results between 1 and 2 a.m. Wednesday. Some race outlooks tightened or changed with the new additions. Gubernatorial hopeful Republican Kari Lake gained ground on Democrat Katie Hobbs, who still led following the latest returns. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., remained ahead over Republican challenger Blake Masters, though that margin also lessened. Maricopa County has reported results from Election Day ballots from all 223 vote sites, according to the county. Staff early Wednesday morning were preparing to signature verify the many early ballots dropped off Tuesday. Story continues The race for Maricopa County Attorney flipped with the latest update. Rachel Mitchell, who was appointed to the position in April, was leading by a narrow margin over Democrat Julie Gunnigle after the early morning ballot additions. Five U.S. House races remained undecided as of Wednesday morning. In the 1st Congressional District, Democrat Jevin Hodge led incumbent Republican David Schweikert. In the 2nd Congressional District, Republican Eli Crane was ahead of incumbent Democrat Tom O'Halleran. Incumbent Democrat Greg Stanton was well ahead of Republican Kelly Cooper in the 4th Congressional District. In the 5th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Rep. Andy Biggs had a sizable lead over Democrat Javier Ramos and independent Clint Smith. And Democrat Kirsten Engel led Republican Juan Ciscomani in the 6th Congressional District. In Arizonas Corporation Commission race, Republicans Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers overtook incumbent Democrat Sandra Kennedy and Democrat Lauren Kuby, though with tight margins. The Democrats led after initial results Tuesday evening for two seats on the state commission. Early race results flipped for Proposition 132 in the latest update. Yes was just narrowly ahead of no votes as of Wednesday morning. The proposition would require 60% of voters to approve any new tax via a ballot measure. Result tallies so far are available here. 1:20 a.m.: South Phoenix sees horses and enthusiasm on Election Day The attendees of "Cabalgata a Las Urnas," a horse procession with community partners including ACLU Arizona that will lead voters to the polls, gather on the road to Rancho Ochoa to begin moving toward the polls in Phoenix on Nov. 8, 2022. On Tuesday afternoon in south Phoenix, the national group Poder Latinx kicked off its "Cabalgata a Las Urnas" as a final push to mobilize Latino voters in Arizona before the polls closed. Dozens of horses and charros paraded from a ranch to Westridge Baptist Church in west Phoenix, across the street from the Fowler Elementary School polling site. The celebration outside the church featured a free taco truck and horses moving to music played by La Banda Xplosiva. The event was part of Poder Latinxs efforts to build political power among the Latino community in Arizona by reaching residents in a cultural manner, said Executive Director Yadira Sanchez. The group also organizes in Florida, Georgia and Washington places where Latino political representation is not where it could be, she said. We chose activities that our community is familiar with, Sanchez said. La Cabalgata is a very popular activity that resonates not only in Mexican culture but other cultures in Latin America. The event was intended to be a celebration of democracy as well. In Latin America, you go sometimes on a weekend, not Tuesday, and its a big party, a big fiesta, Sanchez said. So were trying to replicate that on a Tuesday evening. Sanchez said they planned to knock on doors around the Fowler Elementary polling site to let people know they still had time before the polls closed and that the group would "be there waiting for them with tacos and music after they vote." Elsewhere in south Phoenix, Benjamin Tarango and Rosa Sanchez Tarango cast their ballots at Moose Lodge near the foot of South Mountain. Both Democrats, they said the most important issue to them this election was the improvement of south Phoenix, where they have lived for almost 40 years. Benjamin Tarango said he wanted to see improved streets, infrastructure, houses and local education. Its important that we make ourselves counted because were in this country, Rosa Sanchez Tarango said in Spanish. Benjamin Tarango hoped que no los abandonan a los Hispanos, he said. That they do not abandon the Hispanics. Madeleine Parrish 12:50 a.m.: Arizonans vote against Prop. 128; Legislature can't change ballot measures Arizonans voted against Proposition 128, which would have allowed the Legislature to change ballot measures that voters approved or divert funds from them if either the Arizona Supreme Court or U.S. Supreme Court deemed a measure unconstitutional. 12:40 a.m.: Phoenix sees close City Council races Phoenix's two competitive City Council contests were too close to call based on early ballot counts Tuesday, but the unofficial tallies showed tight races that could lead to runoff contests. District 8 incumbent Carlos Garcia was in a dead heat with challenger Kesha Hodge Washington to represent part of south Phoenix. Kevin Robinson narrowly pulled ahead in the open field of eight candidates vying to replace term-limited Sal DiCiccio in District 6. Trailing by a small margin behind Robinson in early results was Joan Greene and Sam Stone. If early return trends hold, the two top candidates in both races will head to a runoff in March. Runoffs occur when no single candidate gets more than 50% of the vote. Taylor Seely 12:30 a.m.: Republican confident in comeback for Corporation Commission Crowds were thinning at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch as midnight approached, but candidates at the GOP Election Day celebration remained upbeat. Kevin Thompson, a Mesa councilman running for one of two seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates utilities, was trailing two Democrats in his race by a few percentage points. But like other GOP candidates, he said he expects things to change as more rural county votes are reported, as well as votes cast on Tuesday, which are expected to favor Republicans. We did really well in the rural counties, he said of his campaign. For the race, he teamed up with Nick Myers, a Republican policy adviser at the commission, traveling the state together to reach voters. Myers is also behind the Democrats in early returns. Should he win, Thompson said his first order of business at the commission would be to improve the regulatory environment for utilities, which he said face higher borrowing costs because of the unpredictable decisions that Arizona regulators have made for utilities. When utilities face higher borrowing costs, they pass it on to customers. It is costing us money as consumers, Thompson said. Ryan Randazzo 12:20 a.m.: Attorney general candidates talk election outlook Democrat Kris Mayes is leading Republican Abe Hamadeh for Arizona attorney general in early returns. Mayes expressed optimism in a phone interview with The Republic about 11:40 p.m. on election night. Its going to take a few days to get the final results, but Im cautiously optimistic. Arizona showed tonight that it does not want election deniers in office. Arizona wants an attorney general that is concerned about abortion rights, democracy and water conservation, Mayes said. At the Republican election night party in Scottsdale, Hamadeh addressed the crowd shortly before midnight. The biggest threat to democracy is incompetent election officials. All we are asking for are free, fair, and transparent, competent elections. But Arizona, once every vote is counted I assure you, we will be victorious, Hamadeh said. Tara Kavaler 12:10 a.m.: Navajo Nation president loses reelection Buu Nygren has been elected as Navajo Nation president and Richelle Montoya will serve as vice president, the first woman to serve in that office. The unofficial results were released Tuesday from the Navajo Nation Election Administration. Nygren defeated incumbent President Jonathan Nez, who was seeking a second term in office. He had started the evening with the lead, but Nygren soon took over and finally won enough votes to secure the victory. Arlyssa D. Becenti 12 a.m.: Prescott's LGBTQ community concerned about election results Among some of the voters who have expressed concern about the pending results of Tuesday's election: Prescotts queer community. Though a conservative city, Prescott has a hefty LGBTQ community. But many would never know it because politics has forced people back into the closet, LGBTQ leaders said. John Duncan, who helps run the Prism Network that connects gay communities among northern Arizona cities and towns, has lived in Prescott his entire life. He said the political tenor has made the area unsafe for queer people, especially transgender people. We have a pride event, but we dont call it a pride event because were worried about what will happen to people if we do, said Teresa Landreth, an organizer for transgender communities in the region. We have a lot of people who are trans here, and they just want to live their lives. They dont want to fight battles. Theyve gone through it. Molly Frieburg, executive director of Prism Network, said the politics is oppressive for LGBTQ people. The politics has amped up around here to the point where even among our community organizations weve worked with in the past, Im having people feel comfortable saying, We dont want you, Frieburg said. We want people to know that this discrimination is happening, she said. But we also have to protect our community. Joseph Darius Jaafari 11:45 p.m.: Voters pass Prop. 211, choosing more transparency in political spending Voters pulled back the curtain on anonymous campaign spending Tuesday, passing a law that requires public disclosure of big-dollar donors to political committees. Proposition 211 jumped to an early and big lead and never let up, winning in all 15 counties. The measure will require so-called dark money groups to name the donors who contribute at least $5,000 to a political committee, in a move that will provide more transparency in political spending. Mary Jo Pitzl 11:35 p.m.: Arizona voters opt to lower maximum medical debt interest rates Arizonans voted to lower maximum interest rates on medical debt and change rules on general debt collection after passing Proposition 209. 11:30 p.m.: Few gather outside Maricopa County tabulation center "I'm pleading the blood of Jesus over our nation," said Lesley Taylor as she walked up and down the sidewalk reciting prayers outside the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center on Nov. 8, 2022. At least 30 journalists from across the country and around the world waited for hours outside the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix on a gradually cooling Tuesday night to see if crowds gathered. They didn't. At first, there were only two self-described patriots camped outside. About an hour later, they were joined by two women who danced as they called on Jesus to help with ballot counting inside. "I'm pleading the blood of Jesus over our nation," said Leslie Taylor, with tears in her eyes. "We already won. The election is ours. There is no one who can take it back to the evil side." Her friend, Michele Gordon, lamented the 2020 election and said that her vote wasn't counted. Times have gotten tumultuous, she said. "We want fair elections," she said. "What is going on right now is wrong and corrupt. Jose Gonzalez 11:20 p.m.: Maricopa County provides more details on ballot counting plan Ballots dropped by voters into door 3 blue tubs at polling places will be tabulated Wednesday, according to Rey Valenzuela, co-elections director for Maricopa County. The counting process for these ballots will be similar to the early ballots dropped off on Election Day, though early ballots go through signature verification. All ballots successfully processed by polling place tabulator machines will be included in Tuesday evening results, Valenzuela said. Other ballots will be counted later in the week alongside the early ballots dropped off Tuesday. Door 3 refers to a secure ballot box at polling places. Voters whose ballots werent accepted by malfunctioning machines were told to place their ballots in the door 3 box to be counted later or else vote at a different location. Sasha Hupka 10:50 p.m. Hobbs, Lake address supporters as vote counting continues Gubernatorial candidates Katie Hobbs and Kari Lake addressed their supporters after early results showed Hobbs ahead of Lake. Lake, the Republican and former Fox 10 news anchor, struck an optimistic tone and criticized the election process in a speech at a watch party shortly after 10 p.m. Hobbs, the Democrat and outgoing secretary of state, spoke to supporters earlier in the evening and said shes feeling good about the early results. She said county election officials are hard at work tallying votes and will be tabulating for the next few days. We need to be patient and wait for every vote to be counted because every single vote matters and every single vote counts equally, Hobbs said. Lake took a critical tone toward the vote-counting process, saying when we win, the first course of action will be to restore honesty to Arizona elections. She said she expects to declare victory and then will get to work to root out incompetency and corruption in Arizona elections. Lake said the current election system does not work and that people should know the winner and loser on election night. We will take the victory when it comes, and we will turn this around, Lake told a cheering crowd of GOP supporters. Alison Steinbach 10:10 p.m.: Gallego, Grijalva win reelection Incumbent Democratic Reps. Ruben Gallego and Raul Grijalva will keep their seats in the U.S. House of Representatives after winning reelection Tuesday. The Associated Press called the races for both candidates, who had sizable leads over their Republican challengers in early results. Gallego was up against political newcomer Jeff Zink in Arizonas 3rd Congressional District. Grijalva faced first-time candidate Luis Pozzolo in the 7th Congressional District. Alison Steinbach 10 p.m.: Democrats leading Republicans in key Arizona Senate and House races in early results Democratic candidates in crucial state Senate and House races led their Republican opponents in initial ballot results released Tuesday. Only a handful of 30 state Senate races will determine control of the chamber. And Democrats plan to capture six crucial seats in the state House of Representatives was still in play after the release of the first batch of early voting results released Tuesday night. Ray Stern 9:50 p.m.: Candidate leading in Page justice of peace race recently died Over a month after his death on Sept. 30, Donald G. Roberts is leading in the race for justice of the peace in Page, according to preliminary election results. Roberts was first elected to the role in 1987 and served through 1994. Almost a decade later, in 2003, Roberts was again elected to serve as the justice of the peace for the Page Precinct, a role he held until his death. After his passing, the Coconino County Elections Department began accepting nominations for write-in candidates for the position. Ultimately five candidates entered the race, but preliminary results show that Roberts still earned more votes than the rest of the candidates combined. Lacey Latch 9:30 p.m.: Supporters of in-state tuition for Dreamers optimistic Supporters of Proposition 308 expressed optimism that their lead in the first batch of voting results would hold as more votes are counted. The ballot measure would grant in-state tuition to undocumented students. Carlos Alfaro, campaign manager for Yes on 308, said the early results showed the influence of a bipartisan coalition of community and elected leaders to promote the initiative. Im confident because not only is it a big margin that we started out with, but as we went around to the different polling locations that our volunteers were at, we saw Republican, Democrat and Independent voters and heard back from them that they were voting yes, Alfaro said. Progressive groups, including the organizations supporting Proposition 308, gathered at Xico Inc. in downtown Phoenix to watch the news as results are tabulated. Alfaro credited the work of undocumented students, also known as Dreamers, in helping get the word out, especially given the ballot's len Our campaign tried to take every single opportunity to tell Arizona voters that this was on the ballot, he said. Because it was such a busy ballot with 10 ballot initiatives on there, even though most Arizonans agree, it was hard to get awareness out. Rafael Carranza Supporters of Proposition 308, which would grant in-state tuition to undocumented students, were optimistic their early lead would hold in the Nov. 8, 2022, election. 9:20 p.m.: Early results on the 10 ballot measures 8:30 p.m.: Congressional District 1: Hodge leading Schweikert in early results Democrat Jevin Hodge led incumbent Republican David Schweikert in early ballot results released at 8 p.m. Tuesday. 8:30 p.m.: Congressional District 2: OHalleran and Crane nearly even in early results Incumbent Democrat Tom OHalleran and Republican Eli Crane were neck and neck in early results posted Tuesday evening, with Crane just slightly ahead. 8:30 p.m.: Congressional District 3: Gallego leading over Zink Incumbent Democrat Ruben Gallego had a sizable lead over Republican challenger Jeff Zink, per early ballot results posted Tuesday at 8 p.m. 8:30 p.m.: Congressional District 4: Stanton leading Cooper Incumbent Democrat Greg Stanton was well ahead of Republican Kelly Cooper in early ballot results released Tuesday evening. 8:30 p.m.: Congressional District 5: Biggs and Ramos in close race Incumbent Republican Andy Biggs had a slight lead on Democrat Javier Ramos in the first batch of results released Tuesday evening. Independent Clint Smith trailed. 8:30 p.m.: Congressional District 6: Close race between Ciscomani and Engel Republican Juan Ciscomani and Democrat Kirsten Engel were in a tight race, though few ballots were released in the first drop of results at 8 p.m. 8:30 p.m.: Congressional District 7: Grijalva ahead over Pozzolo Incumbent Democrat Raul Grijalva had a sizable lead over Republican Luis Pozzolo in early results released by the state at 8 p.m. 8:30 p.m.: Lesko wins reelection in 8th Congressional District Incumbent Rep. Debbie Lesko won reelection in Arizonas 8th Congressional District. Lesko, R-Ariz., ran unopposed in the general election. 8:30 p.m.: Gosar wins reelection in 9th Congressional District Incumbent Rep. Paul Gosar won reelection in Arizonas 9th Congressional District. Gosar, R-Ariz., ran unopposed in the general election. 8 p.m.: Kelly leading Masters for U.S. Senate seat in early results Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., was ahead over Republican challenger for U.S. Senate Blake Masters in the first drop of results released by the state shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday. The race had tightened in recent weeks and was expected to be very close. 8 p.m.: Adrian Fontes ahead early over Mark Finchem for secretary of state Democrat Adrian Fontes led Republican Mark Finchem in their contest for secretary of state, per first results. The race has pitted Fontes, who oversaw the 2020 presidential election as Maricopa County recorder, against Finchem, a four-term state lawmaker and arguably the loudest election denier in the state. The winner would also be next in line to succeed the governor if that office is vacated for any reason. 8 p.m.: Democrat Kris Mayes leading in early results over Abe Hamadeh for attorney general First ballots showed Democrat Kris Mayes led Republican Abe Hamadeh in their contest to become Arizona's next attorney general. Mayes, a former member of the Arizona Corporation Commission, and Hamadeh, a former prosecutor at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, have hit each other with tough rhetoric on social media and at campaign events in a heated race where abortion and election integrity were top issues. 8 p.m.: Julie Gunnigle leading Rachel Mitchell for Maricopa County attorney in early results Democrat Julie Gunnigle led Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell in their race to lead the prosecutorial agency, according to first ballots. Mitchell, a Republican and longtime agency employee, was appointed to fill the position in April. Gunnigle, a reform-minded Democrat, ran as an outsider and critic of the agency. 8 p.m.: Yee ahead over Quezada in treasurers race early results Kimberly Yee, the incumbent treasurer and a former state lawmaker, was ahead in early results over Democrat Martin Quezada, a state senator. Yee was seeking another four years in office. She was the first Asian American candidate to win statewide office in Arizona when she was elected in 2018. Quezada has said he ran to improve a statewide office that is too often used as a stepping stone for politicians. 8 p.m.: Kathy Hoffman leading in bid for reelection as schools superintendent per initial results Incumbent Democrat Kathy Hoffman was leading in early results over Republican challenger Tom Horne for superintendent of public instruction. Hoffman was running for a second term and Horne was seeking what would be his third term as state superintendent. 8 p.m.: Kennedy and Kuby leading in early results for Arizona Corporation Commission Democrats Sandra Kennedy and Lauren Kuby held narrow leads over Republicans Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers in the race to fill two seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission, the body that decides things like rate hikes for electric, water and gas utilities. Kennedy was the only incumbent on the ballot for the commission. 7:50 p.m.: GOP strategy to vote more on Election Day stressed system Republican suspicions about mail-in ballots meant many GOP voters waited for Election Day to vote. It was a strategy pushed by party leaders and one that always carries some risk. On Tuesday, that risk materialized with glitches and long lines. Badly printed ballots affected about 60 voting centers in Maricopa County, roughly 30% of the total. Voters whose ballots werent accepted by machines were told to place their ballots in a secure ballot box labeled door 3 to be counted later or go to a different voting location. Some people in metro Phoenix waited in line for a half-hour or more, too. No ones vote was disenfranchised because of the issues, county officials said. But hiccups at the polls were just another example of why voting by mail is better, said Chuck Coughlin, a Republican political consultant. That is the problem, you tell people to wait for Election Day, you put a lot of stress on mechanical machines and machines break, Coughlin said. Maybe people will vote by mail next time. Most people already do, even Republicans. But this election cycle, far more Democrats voted early than Republicans. Democratic strategist Sam Almy noted on Twitter after 5 p.m. that of ballots returned on Tuesday, Republicans outnumbered Democrats 3.5 to 1. Republican political consultant Constantin Querard said that because his job is to make sure his candidates win, I like knowing my votes are already nice and warm, all safe in the ballot box hopefully, days ahead of the election. Snow or rain can also be a problem for someone who waited until Election Day to vote, though not so much in Arizona, Querard said. Ray Stern 7:35 p.m.: New translation options for Hopi speakers on reservation Hopi-speaking voters casting ballots on the Hopi reservation had several options for voting in their tribal language on Tuesday. They could use earphones to hear voting instructions and choices in Hopi or use a touchscreen to read the same information in Hopi. I am going to vote in person just so I can hear it, Hopi Elections Registrar Karen Shupla said. Its exciting that were up to time on the machines. In addition, this is the first year that Hopi translators were hired to work the polls on the Hopi reservation, Shupla said. Maxine Wadsworth was hired by Navajo County to ensure that all Hopi language speakers were accommodated at the polls. She said that a Hopi language speaker was available at each polling site on Hopi land to accommodate Hopi language speakers. The voters are amazed, and now they can vote on the propositions that they had trouble understanding, she said. For so long, the Hopi voters felt left out of the loop on language issues. Its exciting that they can vote in a way that any Hopi voter can understand. Stan Bindell, reporting supported by the Pulitzer Center A ballot dropbox in Kykotsmovi on the Hopi Nation with translator Maxine Wadworth (left), and Hopi Elections Registrar Karen Shupla (right). 7:20 p.m.: Polls close across Arizona Polls closed at 7 p.m. for the Arizona general election. A last-minute hearing wrapped up just before 7 p.m. with a Maricopa County judge denying a Republican request to extend voting hours in the county by three hours because of issues at some polling places. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Tim Ryan rejected arguments that voters were denied the right to cast ballots due to glitches with equipment at 30% of voting centers. "The court doesn't have any evidence that any voter was precluded from their right to vote," Ryan said during a hearing. Voters who were in line by 7 p.m. can still cast their ballots. The first results were expected to be available just after 8 p.m., with updates throughout the evening and into the coming days. Full election results may not be available for several days. Early results can flip as later votes are counted. The preferences of early voters, in-person Election Day voters and those who drop off their ballots at the polls all could differ. Follow along on this page for live updates on key races, and see all results at this link. Alison Steinbach and Robert Anglen 6:55 p.m.: Hearing underway for GOP request to extend voting hours A hearing is underway in Maricopa County Superior Court for the Republican committee and candidates seeking to extend polling hours to 10 p.m. Without legal action, the polls are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. A Maricopa County Superior Court hearing for the Republican committee and candidates seeking to extend polling hours to 10 p.m. is streamed. The Republican National Committee and others filed a lawsuit shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday calling for polls to stay open for three extra hours in Maricopa County, alleging that problems at polling stations across the county prevented some voters from casting their ballots. In addition to the RNC, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters and gubernatorial hopeful Kari Lake were listed as plaintiffs. Alison Steinbach 6:45 p.m.: Steady flow of voters at Brophy Prep The flow of voters trickled slowly in and out of the polling site at Brophy Prep in Phoenix on Tuesday evening. A volunteer at the polling site said they had not had any issues so far, and staff was expecting more voters as the workday ended. The volunteer said the votes cast at Brophy seemed closely split between those filling their ballots out in person at the site and those dropping off their early ballots. Rafael Lores Cabrera from Phoenix said he voted for Republican candidates because hes unhappy with the state of the economy. The high prices, insecurity, the border is in chaos. The high prices with inflation, gas, food, there had to be a change, he said. Staci Ryder, an independent voter from Phoenix, said her top issue was abortion rights and said she cast her ballot for Democratic candidates. A couple years ago, we kind of flipped our state a little bit. We became a purple state, and I am hopeful that we can keep that progression going, she said. Rafael Carranza Brophy Prep in Phoenix saw a steady flow of voters for the Nov. 8, 2022, midterm election. 6:25 p.m.: Tucson voter says No. 1 issue is faith in election process Tucson voters cast their ballots as part of a constant flow of people at Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center. Poll inspector Carolyn Eisner said Pima County voting was running smoothly. She has been working at the polls for 20 years and said preparation among her team for this election was not different than previous elections. She said she and her team felt safe going into this election. Eisner said voting is easier since the county switched to a central voting station model during the last election. In this model, anyone can vote anywhere. Voters have their IDs scanned, then poll workers verify their information and give them their ballots. Molly Armstrong, a University of Arizona student, said she was a first-time voter and thought the process went smoothly, with no wait in line. Armstrong said she came out to vote to have my voice heard. Asha Grey Eyes, an intern at the State Historic Preservation Office, said she felt the voting process was secure. She said she was concerned that so many people who dont trust the election process got on the ballot. The number one issue is making sure people who dont take our election process seriously, specifically anyone affiliated with Trump, are not elected, she said. Its not cool to fearmonger in hopes that will get them in seats of power, she said. Sarah Lapidus 6 p.m.: Views diverge among Mesa, Glendale voters Some voters on Tuesday said they werent particularly passionate about any candidates, but were just happy to exercise their right to vote. Regardless of how it comes out, were glad to see the line and the turnout, said 57-year-old Shellie Snow of Queen Creek, who voted with her husband at the ASU Polytechnic Campus in Mesa. The polling place had moderate wait times but no other issues. Michelle Francis, a 44-year-old Gilbert resident, said she voted for Democrats Katie Hobbs for governor and Mark Kelly for U.S. Senate. I just think theyre more sensible, she said. Mesa resident Rob Rucker disagreed. He said he has faith in Republicans Kari Lake and Blake Masters. They have key information needed to focus on the state of Arizona, the 54-year-old said. David Schrimpf, a 38-year-old customer service manager, said he used to vote Republican but was voting 100% for Democrats today. He was most focused on abortion rights, inflation, climate change and election deniers, he said. Im fearing that Lake is going to win, but Im keeping my fingers crossed, he said. In Glendale, voters at the Mission and Ministry Center saw mild wait times Tuesday afternoon. Jon Landavaso, a health care worker from Glendale, said he is most concerned with high inflation and taxes. He said he hopes his vote matters and he prays to God that we can have someone that will actually make a difference. Landavaso, who cast his vote after about 30 minutes in line, said the machine jammed up when he submitted his ballot and needed a worker to intercede. That was pretty sketchy to me, he said. Andrew Ruelas, also of Glendale, brought his wife to the polling station so she could vote for the first time. Ruelas, who waited in the parking lot, said the past few years showed him that state government is more important than we thought it was. Ruelas said many people lost their jobs during COVID-19 and that unprecedented mistakes were made. Juliette Rihl and Eryka Forquer 5:45 p.m.: Native voters cast ballots at Salt River A steady stream of voters came to Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community's polling place at the tribe's recreation center to vote, drop off early ballots or just visit and pick up swag like T-shirts and mugs. But not everything was happy inside. At least one tabulation machine had problems, with at least one voter having to submit their ballot three times before it was accepted. Salt River Councilwoman Diane Enos, an attorney who volunteers frequently with Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project, said the group had received calls about problems with the tabulation from across the Phoenix metro area. In some cases, she said, voters' ballots were "spoiled," a process where poll workers place a special mark on a ballot as invalid if it is damaged or otherwise unusable. The voter is given another fresh ballot to mark again. "I saw one person vote but who couldn't get it into the machine," she said. Enos also advised voters dropping off early ballots to sign and date the envelope so poll workers would know the ballot was received on Election Day. Diedre Goodluck, a Navajo who lives nearby, said she always votes. Its important for us to do our civic duty because our grandparents werent able to, she said. Goodluck said she voted a straight Democratic ticket. "It's important to make sure we have judicial and representatives who have the best interests of tribes in mind," she said. Salt River Vice President Ricardo Leonard dropped off his early ballot along with Dustin Burke, a tribal member. Leonard said the current political climate could be attributed to giving extremist groups, like white supremacists, a break. "When you have politicians who support these groups, you're opening the door," he said. The current Republican Party isn't the same as when it concentrated on fiscal responsibility and other such issues, he said. "But when you have a great number of people who say the election was rigged, it's hard to get past that," Leonard said. "It's a scary thing, especially for Natives." Debra Krol 5:25 p.m.: Republicans want to extend voting hours in Maricopa County The Republican National Committee and others filed a lawsuit Tuesday evening calling for polls to stay open for three extra hours in Maricopa County. The suit, filed just after 5 p.m., seeks an emergency ruling from a judge and alleges that problems at polling stations across the county prevented some voters from casting their ballots. At least 36% of all voting centers across Maricopa County have been afflicted with pervasive and systemic malfunctions of ballot tabulation devices and printers, which has burdened voters with excessive delays and long lines, according to the lawsuit. The suit was filed against the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and the county recorder. Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Gates said Monday it would take a court order to extend hours. "The only way that this county would extend the voting hours beyond those who arrive at 7 p.m. is from a court order. Period, he said. RNC lawyer Kory Langhofer said Tuesday the party wants to ensure voters have a chance to vote. We want to make sure our voters rights are protected, he said. In addition to the RNC, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters and gubernatorial hopeful Kari Lake were listed as plaintiffs. Robert Anglen and Alison Steinbach 5 p.m.: One voter wants to take us back; another motivated by TikTok Clara Tedrick voted in person early Tuesday morning at the Surprise Senior Center. "Voting is extremely important to help make any changes and to speak our voice and exercise our right," she said, adding that changes must start from the bottom. "I'm a firm believer that you can't sit here and complain about problems if you don't do your due diligence to try to help make changes," she said. Tedrick, who said shes a self-declared lesbian, is particularly concerned about issues that affect women's rights. Clara Tedrick voted on the morning on Nov. 8, 2022, at the Surprise Senior Center. At Worship & Word in Peoria, some voters said morning voting was delayed by faulty tabulators, which a poll worker said had been working intermittently. Kathleen Hebert, a Sun City resident who is a realtor and investor, said she did extremely thorough research before dropping off her ballot, taking more time to vote than she had in the past. "There's just too many radical people trying to change our children's minds, and Kari Lake's going to take us there take us back to where we were," Hebert said. Ron LaPlante, a 55-year-old construction worker, said content on TikTok motivated him to vote in person on Tuesday. He said hes been voting by mail his whole life, but decided to vote in person for the first time after watching a TikTok video. He said the video showed a person who went to vote, only to discover that someone else had cast their ballot. Ron LaPlante voted in person at Worship & Word in Peoria on Nov. 8, 2022. "It could have been a little smoother," said LaPlante. He said the process took about 30 minutes. LaPlante said hes curious why Powerball results are available within a few hours, yet there were issues with voting tabulators. LaPlante said he put his ballot in several different machines before it registered. LaPlante said he's most interested in following the governor's race. He voted for Kari Lake. "She seems to want to bring the truth," said LaPlante. Alexandra Hardle 4:30 p.m.: Phoenix, Scottsdale voters explain their choices Lisa Sandoval and Rosita Salway cast their ballots at Academies at South Mountain in south Phoenix early Tuesday. The most important vote we cast today was just to maintain our democracy, said Sandoval, who works in medical administration. I do have concerns regarding Kari Lake, Sandoval said. I dont have a problem with a candidate being conservative or liberal. To me, its never about whether theyre a Republican or Democrat. It's about their core values," she said. Salway and Sandoval said they showed up for propositions on the ballot as well, especially to vote against the propositions that aim to change ballot initiative rules. Sandoval said that Proposition 129 specifically was "a bit concerning if it passes." Sandoval has seen firsthand the problems with the rising cost of health care, she said. She said she voted yes for Proposition 209, which would limit interest rates on medical debt and increase property protections for debt collection. Sandoval was both surprised and happy that medical debt was on the ballot, she said. Medical debt is so massive for people, especially when youre dealing with long-term care or chronic illness or terminal illness, she said. Not only are you fighting for your life, but you end up fighting for your home or your stability because it can be absolutely crippling. Larry Dillie, 76, voted in person at the Islamic Center in Scottsdale on Tuesday. He said his top issues were inflation, crime and the border. Dillie said he felt the election was very secure, but only because he waited to fill out his ballot in person. He said he doesnt like voting by mail. Heather Pratt also voted at the Islamic Center polling place and said it was just very stressful, as machines were acting up. And they pulled apart the machines in front of me and made it sound like everybody's ballot wasn't being taken, Pratt said. Madeleine Parrish and Emily Sacia 4:10 p.m.: Trump urges Arizonans to stay in line Former President Donald Trump posted a video message to Truth Social at 3 p.m. on Tuesday urging Arizona voters to stay in line at the polls, despite any issues with tabulators or long wait times. Truth Social is a social media platform created by Trump Media & Technology Group. To the great people of Arizona Maricopa County, in particular dont leave your line. Stay where you are, Trump said. The sentiments echo what GOP candidates in Arizona told their supporters: vote in person and dont leave long lines. They say that the machines arent working, they say that theyre running out of paper in different locations throughout different states, Trump said. Theres a lot of bad things going on. Stay on line, do not leave. Already, a lot of people have left and its very, very unfair whats going on. Maricopa County, dont leave. Stay there. Lillian Boyd 3:50 p.m.: Passing out pizza to student voters in Tempe At Escalante Community Center in Tempe, voters were split on both the candidates and the priority issues. Several voters said abortion rights, the economy and water conservation were top of mind as they cast their ballots. Brothers Thomas and Steven Womack said inflation and border security were the most important issues to them. They both voted for Kari Lake for governor. I think she focuses on issues really well, said Steven Womack, 60. Software engineer Saif Azharuddin said he was motivated to vote because not enough young people do. I feel like most younger people are too online, and I dont want to be part of the problem, the 25-year-old said. Hes passionate about school funding, water conservation and lowering medical debt, and said he mostly voted for Democrats. Arizona State University students line up to vote in the Nov. 8, 2022, general election. Elsewhere in Tempe, students at Arizona State University waited around 40 minutes to cast their vote on Tuesday afternoon. The line at the polling site, located in a gymnasium at the fitness center, moved slowly as it stretched around the building. Jacob Eslick, a 22-year-old senior at ASU, said he did not encounter any issues in the voting process. He said he was motivated to vote by abortion rights, casting ballots for pro-choice candidates. When it comes to actual rights to people, I think that everyone should have a right to choose. I feel abortion was like the main issue, so just wanted to make sure women have that right, he said. Dozens of volunteers canvassing for candidates and propositions walked up and down the line to talk to voters, some even handing out pizza to people waiting in line. Juliette Rihl and Rafael Carranza 3:40 p.m.: Election denial group calls for protests An election denial group is calling for dual rallies on Tuesday in Maricopa and Pima counties to protest voting machines. The group, 2020 Is Nullified, issued a call on social media for supporters to gather at 8 p.m. outside the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix and at the Pima County Recorders Office in Tucson. Stand in solidarity with fellow Americans to demand a hand count of ballots, the group said. The group maintains voting machines are not legal and have not been certified. Election officials say the tabulation machines are certified by state and federal inspectors, which is required under the law. Robert Anglen 3:30 p.m.: Flagstaff voters say ballots have impact in battleground Arizona Voting across Flagstaff was proceeding smoothly on Tuesday. Brad Dorman, 44, turned out to cast a ballot because, in competitive battleground states like Arizona, voters have an opportunity to make a clear difference, he said. States tend to have gone in one direction or stayed in one direction to where you may feel like, Does it really count if I go in and vote? Dorman said. In a battleground state, thats where really the majority of the money is being poured. While the midterms historically have a lower voter turnout than presidential election years, Damon pointed out that many of the issues represented on the 2022 ballot will have local effects. I feel like its the local stuff and even state that has a more direct impact on voters lives, he said. Jim Ellis has lived in Flagstaff for 56 years and cast his ballot at Flagstaff High School on Tuesday afternoon, just down the street from his home. So many things are at stake, primarily our democracy, he said. When you got people that are well-educated, and theyre denying that Biden is the president, you know somethings wrong, Ellis said. Lacey Latch 3:15 p.m.: Maricopa County identifies tabulator issue Maricopa County has identified a solution to solve ongoing problems with tabulators at voting locations across the county, officials said. The issues, which impacted about 60 polling places 30% of sites were related to timing marks on ballots. In Maricopa County, printers at polling sites produce ballots on demand so that voters can vote at any location in the county, rather than being assigned a polling place. The formatting marks on the ballots produced by some printers werent printing dark enough for the tabulators to read, officials said. Technological support staff have already resolved the issue at 17 locations, according to county officials. "I am very sorry for any voter who has been frustrated or inconvenienced today in Maricopa County," Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer said in a statement. Every legal vote will be tabulated. I promise. Richer said per state statute, the county recorder is generally responsible for voter registration and early voting, and the county board of supervisors for emergency voting, Election Day and tabulation. Voters who are running into issues with tabulators can place their ballots in a secure ballot box labeled drawer 3 to be counted or can go to a different voting location. Most locations are unaffected by tabulator issues, according to the county. Locations are listed at locations.maricopa.vote. Sasha Hupka and Alison Steinbach 3 p.m.: Voters report smooth process in Tucson Jessie Jensen and Eric Rahn stopped to vote at the Sam Lena Public Library polling center in south Tucson because it was on their way home. Voting was really easy, Jensen said, adding that it was just nice to be able to vote anywhere. Every vote is important. The world has gone crazy lately, Jensen said. Jensen usually votes with a mail-in ballot, but she didnt receive one this election, she said. Rahn said womens rights were an important issue for him during this election. A poll inspector at the site said other than printer jam issues, which are typical, things have been running smoothly. Luz Acosta said the voting process was quick, with no lines or issues. She said she felt the process was secure and was turning out because of many issues. Im a single mom, she said. Its all important. Sarah Lapidus Luz Acosta cast her ballot in south Tucson in the Nov. 8, 2022, general election. 2:45 p.m.: Cybersecurity officials say still no threat to disrupt elections Two senior U.S. cybersecurity officials said Tuesday afternoon that the Department of Homeland Security continues to see no specific or credible threat to disrupt election infrastructure or Election Day operations and that it remains vigilant to protect against foreign nation disinformation and malign influence operations. The officials, both with DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA, noted that there have been a few isolated issues arising from within the 8,800 or so individual election jurisdictions in the U.S., including Maricopa County. But they described them as nothing out of the ordinary and said CISA was in close touch with elected officials in Maricopa County and elsewhere across the country in order to understand and respond to any Election Day problems if needed. The officials, both speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing cybersecurity operations, referred questions about Maricopa County to local officials there, who have released statements and a video explaining how the voting machinery works. One of the CISA officials specifically cautioned against some efforts to politicize what appears to be a fairly routine technical glitch, saying Maricopa County voters should have confidence in their systems because they are fully transparent and open to bipartisan observers. Also, one of the officials said, Arizona has a process that uses paper ballots for all votes, so there will be opportunities to verify and audit them if necessary. Josh Meyer, USA TODAY 2:30 p.m.: Kari Lake casts vote in person Republican candidate for governor Kari Lake went to vote at Phoenixs downtown post office at noon on Tuesday with her husband, son and daughter. Afterward, she spoke to a throng of local, national and international press, alleging problems with ballot tabulators in conservative areas, prompting her to vote in the heart of liberal Phoenix instead of in Paradise Valley as she had planned. Maricopa County has not released a list of locations with issues, saying that about 20% of over 220 voting locations were impacted. We have had problems after problems, Lake told reporters. And there's a reason we decided to change locations." Kari Lake, candidate for Arizona Governor, exits a post office on First Avenue with her son and daughter after casting her vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in downtown Phoenix. Lake has made election reforms a key part of her campaign platform, including false claims that Donald Trump won the state in 2020. She has refused to say if shed accept a loss, telling ABC News in October she would do so if the election was fair, honest and transparent. This is incompetency," Lake said Tuesday standing next to GOP lawyer Harmeet Dhillon, a Republican National Committee member from California who has represented Trump. Lakes campaign brought on Dhillon last month. "I hope it's not malice, but we're going to fix it, Lake said. We're going to win. And when we win there is going to be a come to Jesus for elections in Arizona. As Lake cast her vote, Democratic nominee for governor Katie Hobbs wrapped up visits to several polling locations in Tempe and Phoenix. Hobbs voted early on Nov. 1. Stacey Barchenger 2:15 p.m. Voting machine issues also reported in New Jersey Like Maricopa County, there were reports of issues with voting machines in Mercer County, New Jersey. Poll workers in Mercer County discovered an issue with the voting machine scanners soon after polls opened, said Nathaniel Walker, superintendent of elections. "Every ballot that has been cast will be counted, no voter will be disenfranchised, and the integrity of the election is intact and secure," Walker said. Voters are to fill out paper ballots as they normally would, Walker said. "A contingency plan is in place for all ballots cast at all locations to be scanned at the secure Board of Elections office," Walker said. "Again, ballots will be scanned just as they would at the polling location." The county said in a Facebook post that the board of elections "is working with Dominion, the machine maker, to resolve the issue." New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin tweeted, "Attention all Mercer County voters paper ballots are available in your precinct, and all polling locations are open. Rest assured: paper ballots are safe and secure, and your vote will be counted." The issues were likely to delay vote counts in the 3rd and 12th Congressional District races, as well as local races. Liam Quinn 1:55 p.m.: Some Maricopa County polling locations reporting long lines Some Maricopa County polling locations were reporting wait times of more than 30 minutes as of early afternoon on Tuesday. Keep in mind that wait times are fluid and can change frequently throughout the day. As of 1:45 p.m., the Outlets at Anthem had the longest wait time among county polling locations at 64 minutes followed by Mesa Community College at Red Mountain at 56 minutes. Asante Library in Surprise reported a 56-minute wait time. Earlier this week, Maricopa County officials said the busiest time at the polls is generally from 5 to 7 p.m. You can check wait times on the county's website: https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/where-to-vote.html. Anne Ryman Voters wait 2 hours in line to cast their vote at Mesa Community College Red Mountain Campus on Nov. 8, 2022. 1:40 p.m. Political activist criticizes Maricopa County over machine glitches Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, the influential Phoenix-based nonprofit aimed at engaging young conservatives, sent a Tweet to his 1.8 million followers calling for arrests related to election issues in Arizonas most populous county. People need to be arrested for what is happening in Maricopa County, Kirk wrote at about 12:15 p.m. on Election Day. Its criminal. Although the Tweet wasnt specific about why Kirk thought arrests were warranted, it came amid a stream of Tweets about lines and machine glitches throughout metro Phoenix. Kirk urged Republicans to vote in person, saying he did not trust the early voting mechanisms. He said that he expected the number of in-person voters to be so immense they will not be able to do what they normally do, the kind of nonsense shenanigans. Richard Ruelas 1:30 p.m.: Cochise County may appeal ruling on hand count A day after a judge shot down an attempt to hand count every Cochise County ballot in Tuesday's election, officials signaled they want to appeal. The board of supervisors called an emergency meeting for Wednesday to consider hiring outside counsel Bryan Blehm to represent not only the three-person board, but also the county recorder and the elections director. Supervisor Peggy Judd said she was hoping to get support for an appeal, arguing, along with supervisor Tom Crosby, that their hand count plan was legal. A Pima County judge late Monday ruled it was not. Judd, a Republican, blamed the ruling on political bias. Pima County is our most liberal county in Arizona, she said in an email to The Arizona Republic. It was in our judges DNA to side with the plaintiff. Mary Jo Pitzl 1:15 p.m.: On Tohono Oodham Nation, employees distribute shirts, more In Sells, employees of the Tohono Oodham Nations Sells District Administration Office distributed T-shirts, water bottles, clip boards, storage containers and first aid kits to tribal members who voted Tuesday. The employees set up a large white tent in the office parking lot. Sells District Chairman Juan Buendia, 36, said the giveaways are a way to encourage voter participation among tribal members. Voter turnout was steady. The text on the gray T-shirts said, Our Voice Our Vote, Since 1948. Sells is the Tohono Oodham nations capital. It is one of the nations 11 political districts and is the most populous on the reservation, which stretches across south-central Arizona and borders Mexico. Noel Lyn Smith, reporting supported by the Pulitzer Center Carline Lopez, an employee with Komckud E-waosidk Ceksan/Sells District Administration Office, gives T-shirts to voters who cast their ballots at the district office in Sells on Nov. 8. 1 p.m.: Yavapai County responds to social media messages about voting Yavapai County Interim Recorder Michelle M. Burchill responded to what she said was a rapid spread of misinformation online. She said Tuesday afternoon that there were no issues with printers or voting machines. On Tuesday morning, she said a printer at a Chino Valley polling location was not working correctly, but the issue was solved in 30 minutes. That didnt stop social media messages saying that there were broken machines, bad printers, and people waiting hours with lines of over 200 people. That wasnt the case, Burchill said, explaining that lines have been running smoothly albeit slowly all morning. She asked that people remain calm and stay in line, and not get heated over waiting times: They wanted to come out and vote in person today rather than take advantage of other opportunities. Just please cut us a little slack. Deputy County Recorder Karen McCracken said earlier Tuesday that ballots will be dropped off at the recorder's office by 8 p.m., but not to expect any initial results until late in the evening, likely after midnight. Joseph Darius Jaafari 12:45 p.m.: Voter reports being juggled between sites to cast ballot At Madison Baptist Church in central Phoenix, Carol Harder said a tabulator wouldnt count her ballot. They tried some 20 times before issuing her another ballot, which also couldnt be counted, she said. She was told to go to another location since this site couldnt issue her a third ballot. At the next polling location, she was told the system showed she had counted. She returned to Madison Baptist Church where her only option was to file a provisional ballot. Now I have to trust that part of the system. I totally have no faith in this, she said walking away. Maricopa County has reported technical issues with ballot tabulators at some 40 voting locations. Under typical circumstances, county voters fill out paper ballots and then insert their ballots into on-site tabulators. The tabulators count the votes and save both the ballots and the results. Taylor Seely Voters wait in line outside a polling station on Nov. 8, 2022, in Tempe, Ariz. Noon: More frustration at the ballot box in Maricopa County At Desert Christian Fellowship Church in central Phoenix, many voters were frustrated with tabulators at the site not taking their ballots. "I watched about 12 people insert their ballots into the tabulator and it not take their scans," Missy Art said. "The workers are instructing them to insert them into the box that is so full they need to be shook to receive more ballots." Other voters have decided to try and spoil their ballot and vote at another site. But some have had issues with the spoil process as well. Voters who experienced issues with the tabulators at the Desert Christian Fellowship Church location decided to try again at the Beatitudes Campus, a retirement community. "We have two ballots floating," Bill Mason said. "We went over the Beatitudes they're still showing we voted over here. We can't vote now." Maricopa County officials reported problems with ballot tabulators at 20% of voting centers on Tuesday morning. At polling sites, Maricopa County voters fill out paper ballots and then insert their ballots into on-site tabulators. The tabulators count the votes and save both the ballots and the results. Brenda Munoz Murguia 11 a.m.: Voters frustrated with Maricopa County voting Sandra Tufel, a Queen Creek resident, went to cast her ballot at the Queen Creek Library at around 7 a.m. Tuesday but said the tabulator would not scan her ballot. She said she was given a choice of waiting or putting her ballot in a drop box for later scanning. Im going to have to trust the system and trust my ballot will be counted. It was a frustrating experience, Tufel said. But I feel so sorry for the poll workers. No one was aggressive but people werent happy and (poll workers) have to answer to everyone. Maricopa County officials reported problems with ballot tabulators at 20% of voting centers on Tuesday morning. At polling sites, Maricopa County voters fill out paper ballots and then insert their ballots into on-site tabulators. The tabulators count the votes and save both the ballots and the results. Lillian Boyd 10:30 a.m.: Techs trying to determine why tabulators not working Maricopa County officials said technicians were trying to determine why ballot tabulators at about 20% of voting locations about 40 of 223 voting centers are experiencing problems. "We have techs out there. Were doing what we can to get them back online," said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates during an impromptu news conference Tuesday morning. Gates said the issues were not centered in one particular geographical area but were "dispersed" throughout the state's most populous county. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer said the county has not experienced this particular issue with tabulators in previous elections. County officials are advising voters to place their ballots in a secure drop box called "Door No. 3" at the polling site if the tabulator is not working. Those ballots will remain secure and will be taken when voting ends after 7 p.m. and delivered by a bipartisan team to the county's election tabulation center. Richer said this is similar to the process used by other Arizona counties. "Everyone is still getting to vote," Gates said. "Nobody is being disenfranchised, and weve got redundancies in place." At polling sites, Maricopa County voters fill out paper ballots and then insert their ballots into on-site tabulators. The tabulators count the votes and save both the ballots and the results. Anne Ryman 9:30 a.m. Voters report problems with tabulators Maricopa County officials say 20% of voting locations are experiencing issues with the tabulators. At the Mountain Park Health Center Baseline Clinic in south Phoenix, some voters leaving the polling place around 7 a.m. said the tabulators were not scanning some ballots. One voter said he showed up at 6 a.m. and stayed for over an hour until his ballot finally scanned. Some voters leaving the polling place said they dropped off their ballot in a box at the site. That's what Jimmy R. Smith did when his ballot didn't scan. I was informed that some of the votes arent being taken, and that you can go ahead and vote, and if it doesnt, you can put it in a box and theyre going to come back and tabulate it later, he said. But you also have people sitting around, waiting, because they want to make sure that their vote is tabulated. Others chose not to leave their ballot in the ballot box. Josh Erb said he plans to come back to the same site later this afternoon once he gets off work. He also chose not to attempt to use the tabulators once he heard they were having problems. They said that we can slide it in the machine, but I dont want to risk it. If its not working, Im not going to place my vote, Erb said. Madeleine Parrish Voters wait in line on Nov. 8, 2022, at the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix. 9 a.m.: Maricopa County now says 20% voting locations having issues Maricopa County Elections officials say 20% of the county's voting locations are experiencing issues as of Tuesday morning. This is greater than the earlier 10% estimate the county gave. "Were doing what we can to get these back online. Its not like both of the tabulators are having these issues. It may only be one (at a location)," Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates said on Tuesday morning during an impromptu news conference. Maricopa County has 223 voting centers. County officials advised voters that if a tabulator is not working at a site, they can still vote. They have the option of casting their ballot and placing it into a secure ballot box. Those boxes will then be taken to the county's election center for tabulation. At polling sites, Maricopa County voters fill out paper ballots and then insert their ballots into on-site tabulators. The tabulators count the votes and save both the ballots and the results. Once voting ends, a bipartisan team of poll workers transports the ballots to the county's election headquarters and ballot receiving sites so that they can be securely stored. Anne Ryman 8:30 a.m.: Maricopa County experiencing issues at 10% of locations As Maricopa County experienced issues at roughly 10% of voting locations Tuesday morning, officials sought to assure voters that they can still cast ballots. Voters at impacted sites have two options: to cast their ballot via a secure box to be counted later or to go vote at a different location. Elections Department spokesperson Megan Gilbertson said poll workers are best equipped to help voters ensure their ballot is successfully cast. Its important for voters to talk to the poll workers on site, Gilbertson said. Officials confirmed the issues were with the on-site tabulators. As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, nearly 30,000 Maricopa County voters had cast a ballot, Gilbertson said. Sasha Hupka Voters are greeted as they arrive on Nov. 8, 2022, at the Tempe History Museum. 8 a.m.: Pinal County reports no problems at polling sites Months after a disastrous primary election, Pinal County polling sites opened without a hitch on Election Day. County spokesperson James Daniels said officials received just nine calls within the first few hours of voting, compared with hundreds each hour in August, when the county ran out of ballots at one-quarter of its voting locations. All of Tuesdays calls were related to general requests for voter information, such as polling locations, Daniels said. They are just voter-type questions, which is what the contact center should be for, he said. Sasha Hupka Election guide: November 2022 7:20 a.m.: Rural voting site reports steady stream of voters At the voting site north of Prescott in Williamson Valley, a fire and medical building was already bustling by 6 a.m. as a line formed outside. Outside the 75-foot perimeter, where campaigners and activists can stand, a large red tent was propped up with signs supporting Senate candidate Blake Masters, while others stood outside holding signs to raise money for a proposition to raise firemens budgets. By 6:30, poll workers were tending to about 20 people which, for this area, is a lot, said Dawn Casey, the inspector at the poll site. Ive been here when 10 people show up, adding that this years election feels different. This is a very rural area, lots of cowboys and farmers, she said. But were seeing a good turnout so far. Joseph Darius Jaafari 7 a.m.: Burton Barr Library tabulator machine back online Maricopa County officials said Burton Barr Library is only doing drop-off ballots as of 6 a.m. after there were issues with a ballot tabulator machine. The issue was fixed as of 7:30 a.m. County officials said the password was entered too many times, triggering built-in security measures that locked the machine. County officials said the issue was being addressed. In the meantime, voters have three options: Drop off ballots, wait for the tabulator to come online or go to another location nearby. Find locations at http://Locations.Maricopa.vote. Anne Ryman 6 a.m.: Where to cast a ballot on Tuesday Maricopa County will have 223 voting centers open Tuesday, and registered voters can cast a ballot at any of those locations. Find a list of voting locations at https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/where-to-vote.html. Wait times will be displayed on the website. Elections officials in the state's most populous county said lines at the polls are anticipated, with the most voter activity expected between 5 and 7 p.m. Maricopa County officials estimate that about 250,000 to 350,000 people will vote in person in the county on Election Day, Anne Ryman This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Election Day recap: Voting updates across the state Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - Maricopa County ballots cast in the 2020 general election are examined and recounted by contractors working for Florida-based company, Cyber Ninjas at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, May 6, 2021. A judge has blocked a rural Arizona county's plan to hand-count all the ballots in the Nov. 8, 2022, election. The full hand-count was ordered by Republican officials in Cochise County who have made unfounded claims that vote-counting machines are untrustworthy. The ruling on Monday, Nov. 7, from Pima County Superior Court Judge Casey F. McGinley came after a full-day hearing late the week before, in which opponents spoke out against the proposal. (AP Photo/Matt York, Pool,File) A judge on Monday blocked a rural Arizona county's plan to conduct a full hand-count of ballots from the current election a measure requested by Republican officials who expressed unfounded concerns that vote-counting machines are untrustworthy. The ruling from Pima County Superior Court Judge Casey F. McGinley came after a full-day hearing on Friday during which opponents presented their case and called witnesses. An appeal of the judge's decision is likely. Election Day is Tuesday. McGinley said the county board of supervisors overstepped its legal authority by ordering the county recorder to count all the ballots cast in the election that concludes on Tuesday rather than the small sample required by state law. The opponents who sued to stop the proposed hand-count a group called the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans argued that state law only allows a small hand-count of early ballots to ensure the counting machines are accurate. Group members argued that a last-minute change would create chaos and potentially delay certification of the election results. Cochise County Elections Director Lisa Marra also opposed the plan for the expanded count and testified about how it could delay results and imperil ballot security. The lawsuit only challenged a full hand-count of an estimated 30,000 early ballots, but the ruling went further by blocking hand-counts of both the early ballots and those cast on Election Day. McGinley wrote that state election laws lay out a detailed procedure for randomly choosing which Election Day ballots are chosen for the standard hand-count. This entire process would be rendered superfluous if the court were to construe (that section) to initially select 100% of the precinct ballots as its starting point, the judge wrote. Because the statute does not permit elections officials to begin the precinct hand-count by counting all ballots cast, the Boards requirement that elections officials do so here is unlawful." The process for early ballots has different rules, but specifically says it must stop once that small sample matches the machine count. That tally starts with 2% of the precincts or 5,000 ballots, whichever is less. Because the Boards directive would require the initial audit of approximately 30,000 early ballots, it is not permitted by the plain language of (the law), McGinley said. The president of the retiree group, Saundra Cole, called the ruling a big win for the county's voters, especially retirees who often vote early. All voters have the right to cast a ballot that will be counted in the most accurate way possible, Cole said in a statement "Elected officials must follow the law and this ruling affirms the rule of law. The push for hand-counts follows a barrage of attacks on ballot counting machines by former President Donald Trump and his allies following the 2020 election, who embraced various conspiracy theories. Election experts say machines are faster and more accurate than hand-counting votes. They are extensively tested and exhaustive reviews have found no issues with them. Peggy Judd, one of the two Republicans on the three-member Cochise County board of supervisors who voted to hand-count all the ballots, said she did so because many of her constituents believed it was important. And I could have said that there's no evidence, but they said 'Can't we just do this? We want to volunteer, we want to do this, Judd said. What would it have hurt? She said she does not know if an appeal will happen, but if it does she does not want the taxpayers to cover her share. I am delighted to have a ruling to have something to go with, Judd said. I still am 100% positive that what were doing was OK and the right thing to do. The board voted to go ahead despite opposition from the county's elected Republican attorney and the election director for Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs. Both said a full hand-count of early ballots is illegal under state election law. Hobbs is running for governor. Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, issued an informal opinion on Oct. 28 siding with the board. Republican Cochise County Recorder David Stevens, who has been charged by the county board of supervisors with conducting the count, has never overseen a hand-count; thats Marras role. She testified on Friday that she plans to conduct the normal post-election hand-count. She also criticized the method Stevens chose to use, saying it was error-prone. The county and its attorneys relied on a section in the state Election Procedures Manual written by the secretary of state's office that allows counties to choose a larger number of early ballots for the hand-count audit, saying it gave them authority to do a 100% hand-count. McGinley said because that sentence wasn't in the actual election law it runs afoul of (the statute) and its requirement that the initial hand-count audit not exceed a review of 5,000 ballots. Stevens said he was surprised by that part of the ruling. "The procedures manual was developed and written with the help of the recorders and election directors, approved by the secretary of secretary of state, approved by the governor and attorney general and now that line is illegal?" Stevens asked. The court's ruled what am I to do? I just find it odd that they can pick one line and say thats illegal.'" Stevens, who along with the board was named as a defendant, said a decision on an appeal had not yet been made. The two Republican Cochise County supervisors who voted in favor of the 100% hand-count rather than the small sample that is counted in every other election were pushed to do so by people who believe former President Donald Trumps unfounded claims that fraud or problems with vote-counting machines led to his loss in 2020. The lone Democrat on the board opposed the hand-count. A Nevada county is also pushing a full hand-count to mollify Trump supporters but is battling with the secretary of state over rules for the count, while leaders of another GOP-led Arizona county rejected a similar effort last week. The hand-count would have covered four races chosen by lot: one statewide elected official, one federal race, one from the state legislature and a statewide ballot measure. Marra testified that holding a full hand-count would imperil the county's certification of the election, which is set to happen by Nov. 22. That could delay the statewide certification, which is expected to trigger recounts because the threshold for mandatory recounts was greatly increased by the Legislature earlier this year. In a worst-case scenario, she said, that could lead to delays in seating newly elected officials in January. The Twitter account of US President Joe Biden sparked a fiery debate online as the nation prepared to head to the polls in a high-stakes election that his administration has pitched will shape our lifetime. You dont get to accept hundreds of thousands of dollars in pandemic loans and then attack my Administration for helping working folks get some relief, tweeted the presidents Twitter account late Monday night. The message came just hours after Mr Biden rallied with fellow Democratic candidates in Maryland to send a message of optimism, despite ever present concerns about his partys showing in Tuesdays midterms hanging in the air. The tweet, which was one of several posted hourly on Monday night, seemed to only incense the political right, who seized upon it as supposed proof of the presidents authoritarian leanings. Now Biden tweets that Americans dont get to speak out against his failed administration? Wrong. Todays the day we get to let him know what we really think, tweeted Republican congressman Darrell Issa of California. Actually, people do get to do exactly that, if they want to. You arent a King, Mr. President. You are a public servant, tweeted another online observer, while a couple of other posters simply asked: Did an intern write it? Now Biden tweets that Americans dont get to speak out against his failed administration? Wrong. Todays the day we get to let him know what we really think. Rep. Darrell Issa (@repdarrellissa) November 8, 2022 The tweet in question seemed to be harkening back to one of the presidents earlier, and better received, Twitter takedowns. In August, his account clapped back at elected officials who had admonished his administration for announcing his student debt cancellation policy that would forgive up to $20,000 in student debt. Story continues Actually, people do get to do exactly that, if they want to. You arent a King, Mr. President. You are a public servant. https://t.co/sErxRtdZQT James McDaniel (@JamesMcDaniel) November 8, 2022 You dont get to [make a certain argument or voice a certain opinion] is such a grating, conversation-stifling formulation. I associate it with people who are too used to getting their way in online debate. Did an intern write it? Walter Olson (@walterolson) November 8, 2022 In that rebuke, the White House called out six GOP members of Congress who had publicly shamed the policy for being unfair by sharing how much each of those individuals had received in federal Paycheck Protection Loans. Loans, which the White House tweets noted, were forgiven and provided to struggling businesses at the onset of the pandemic to help keep employees on staff. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene had $183,504 in PPP loans forgiven.https://t.co/4FoCymt8TB The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 25, 2022 Those six lawmakers included some of the student debt cancellation plans most outspoken critics, including representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Vern Buchanan, Matt Gaetz, Markwayne Mullin, Kevin Hern and Mike Kelly. Whether it was the delivery or the timing of the tweet on election eve, when tensions for the high-stake midterms were at a fever pitch, the same tactic from the White Houses social media playbook didnt play out as well as it did last summer. Am I to understand that the presidents Twitter account is telling people who had their business forcibly shut down by the government he runs is also now telling people they dont get to speak out against him because of it? wrote one enraged observer. Am I to understand that the president's Twitter account is telling people who had their business forcibly shut down by the government he runs is also now telling people they "don't get to" speak out against him because of it? https://t.co/nQkO9OndPo Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) November 8, 2022 Still blown away by this tweet. The idea that taking PPP loans Congress passed to *keep Americans on payrolls when the government shut down their business* disqualifies anyone from criticizing EGREGIOUS policy like the student debt bailout is DEEPLY un-American, fumed another. Still blown away by this tweet. The idea that taking PPP loans Congress passed to *keep Americans on payrolls when the government shut down their business* disqualifies anyone from criticizing EGREGIOUS policy like the student debt bailout is DEEPLY un-American. https://t.co/thbmsVkmZt Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) November 8, 2022 Wrong. Anyone who wants to call your administration out for anything, at any time has every right to do so. You don't get to tell us what we can or cannot call you out on, PERIOD! JessBlane1122 (@blane1122) November 8, 2022 Some pointed out how backwards this seemingly innocuous tweet may be to the Democrats grander goal of actually getting voters out to polling stations, with some writing: Telling Americans they dont have the right to criticize the presidents policies is a hell of a closing argument, while another wrote: You dont get to dissent from the U.S. government is one heckuva closing message. Telling Americans they dont have the right to criticize the presidents policies is a hell of a closing argument https://t.co/Xu7vWEBYyZ Sunny McSunnyface (@sunnyright) November 8, 2022 "You don't get to dissent from the U.S. government" is one heckuva closing message. https://t.co/EtebtGkPpR Dan McLaughlin (@baseballcrank) November 8, 2022 In a more measured tone, Matt Glassman, a senior fellow at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, commented on how, regardless of the outset goal of the tweet, the language was entirely unbecoming for any elected official, particularly the president, to use. IMO, it is unbecoming of the POTUS to use this sort of language. And it serves no productive purpose, he tweeted, adding: (I am well aware Trump said many, many things far, far worse than this. That is not the bar we should use for appropriate POTUS behavior.) (Bloomberg) -- Problems with voting machines and systems were sporadic as millions of Americans went to the polls, although glitches in some places, including Arizonas largest county, produced unsubstantiated claims of fraud from some Republicans. Most Read from Bloomberg By 7 p.m. eastern time, polls had closed in states including Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Indiana and Vermont, as voters cast ballots to determine control of the House and Senate -- and the fate of President Joe Bidens agenda. Officials were on the lookout for disruptions and violence in the first big election since the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Candidates who deny the validity of the 2020 election are on the ballot across the country, many for roles that will oversee future elections. Key stories and developments: Election Deniers Air Baseless Fraud Claims Over Arizona Glitch Americans on Election Day Set to Deliver Early Verdict on Biden US Economy on Election Day: Where It Stands and What It Means Here Are the Most Consequential State and Local Ballot Measures (All times are US Eastern Standard) Houston Polling Places Ordered to Stay Open Late (7:21 p.m.) Polling places in Texass largest county have been ordered to stay open until 9 p.m. eastern time, an hour later than usual, after technical malfunctions delayed voting. The Harris County Democratic and Republican parties tweeted the decision after a late-afternoon court hearing. Houston Polling Stations Are Running Out of Paper (5:55 p.m.) Some polling places in the Houston metro area are running out of paper, forcing officials to halt voting until replenishments arrive. It was unclear how many polling stations were affected across Harris County, Texas, elections spokeswoman Jill Shah said in an interview. Story continues Harris Countys system requires individuals to cast their votes on a computer that prints out the results and then are fed into another machine for storage. After the polls close, the computer drives will be transported to a central counting facility for tabulation. Georgia Poll Workers Fired Over Social Media Posts (4:57 p.m.) Two Fulton County poll workers in Johns Creek, Georgia, outside of Atlanta, were fired after concerns were raised about questionable social media posts, the county said Tuesday. The countys elections office shared the concerns with the Georgia Secretary of States office, which oversees elections statewide, and the decision was made to terminate the workers, Fulton County said in a statement. This decision is in alignment with our commitment to elections integrity, the statement said. Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez, spokeswoman for the county, declined to comment further. A spokesman for the Secretary of States office said the decision was made by the county. Paper Shortage Spurs Extended Voting in Pennsylvania County (4:42 p.m.) Voting stations will be open until 10 p.m. Tuesday in Pennsylvanias Luzerne County in the northeastern portion of the commonwealth, which includes Wilkes-Barre. The extension doesnt include mail-in ballots or drop-box locations, according to a statement on the countys website. The extension was sought by party leaders and approved by a judge due to a shortage of paper ballots that kept voters from voting earlier in the day, according to WNEP TV. Time Change Glitch Delays Vote in Suburban Houston (4 p.m.) Voting was delayed at about a dozen polling stations in Houstons largest suburban county when some laptops used to verify voters failed because of the last weekends switch back to Standard Time. The computers used by Fort Bend County, Texas, officials didnt operate properly because of a synchronization error related to the time change, John Oldham, the countys elections administrator, said in an interview. Despite the snags, as of early afternoon, voter turnout already was almost 20% ahead of the 2020 presidential election, he said. North Carolina Extends Voting in Three Locations (3:30 p.m.) North Carolinas State Board of Elections extended voting for one hour in three polling stations that experienced technical difficulties earlier in the day, which prevented a few dozen voters from casting ballots. As a result, those counties wont be able to report election results including those from early voting until 8:30 PM this evening. So far, there are no reports of voter harassment or intimidation, according to state board of elections spokesperson Patrick Gannon. More than 2.1 million North Carolina voters participated in early voting, an increase of 13% from the last midterm election in 2018. Election officials in North Carolina can begin counting early ballots on Tuesday afternoon, so the first results reported after polls close this evening will be from that batch. Those votes are more likely to be for Democrats than Republicans, making early results unclear. Two Georgia Precincts to Remain Open Late (2:33 p.m.) Two Cobb County, Georgia, precincts north of Atlanta are being kept open beyond 7 p.m. ET Tuesday because of delays in opening for voters earlier in the day. The delays prompted requests to a Superior Court judge, who agreed to sign orders extending the hour of voting at a Kennesaw precinct to 7:45 p.m. and a precinct in the Oregon neighborhood to 7:06 p.m. On Monday, in the same county, another Superior Court judge ordered as many as 1,000 absentee ballots that had been requested -- but never sent out -- to be sent by overnight mail. Any eligible voter who hadnt received an absentee ballot and hadnt yet voted may still do so Tuesday. Biden Calls Some Democratic Allies on Election Day (2:25 p.m.) President Biden had no public events planned on election day and was expected to watch the results come in with advisers. But the president did work the phones, calling Democratic allies including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Governors Association Chair Roy Cooper, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Sean Patrick Maloney and Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, according to the White House. Illinois County Sees an Ongoing Cyber Attack (2:00 p.m.) An Illinois county clerk describes a cyberattack against its computer systems as a strategic and coordinated effort to undermine the democratic process. The Champaign County Clerks Office said Tuesday its aware of unspecified connectivity issues, adding that for the past month its website has been the target of repeated distributed denial-of-service attacks. Those are when malicious actors try to bombard a site to bring it down. The county said in a Facebook post that no data or information has been compromised and said the election was secure. The clerks website appeared online early Tuesday afternoon. Houston Plagued by Voting-Machine Outages (2:05 p.m.) Voting-machine outages across Harris County, Texas, caused long lines and delays in the countrys third-largest county. The countys top election official, Clifford Tatum, didnt disclose how widespread the outages were or how many had been rectified. He noted that Harris County -- home to Houston -- has the longest ballot in the nation, with as many as 103 races in some precincts. Community activist Tamaro Bell confronted Tatum after he toured one of the countys biggest polling stations, saying some frustrated people had to leave without casting votes because of the outages. In response, Tatum said anyone who is in line when polls close at 7 p.m. local time will still be allowed to vote. Tatum took over as elections administrator after the March primary debacle in which it took 30 hours to count the votes, prompting his predecessor to resign. Michigan Governor Lauds Turnout Driven by Abortion Measure (1:50 p.m.) Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Democratic incumbent running against Trump-endorsed challenger Tudor Dixon, said she was buoyed by strong turnout that she said was spurred by a referendum that would codify legal abortion in the states constitution. At a rally, Whitmer said if the abortion proposal passes, the governor and state legislature can have a role in regulating it but that the state constitution would be the final say. I do think thats the best way to codify these rights that weve had for 49 years, Whitmer said. Theres a lot of misinformation out there trying to scare people that it goes beyond that. It doesnt. The same restrictions about parental consent will be in effect, but we have to enshrine this into the constitution. Georgia Voting Is Nearing Records (1:40 p.m.) Georgians are heading toward setting record state voting totals for a midterm, non-presidential year election, with contests for governor and a US Senate seat pivotal for party control of that chamber on the line. About 2 million voters are expected to cast their ballots on Tuesday. Thats in addition to more than 2.28 million voters whove already voted across the state -- a new high for early voting in mid-term elections, according to the Georgia Secretary of States office. In the previous midterm election, in 2018, 1.8 million Georgians cast early ballots, with a total 3.9 eventually voting. In 2020, the most recent presidential election year, about 4.9 million Georgia voted, with 2.6 million of them being early voters. Bomb Threat Closes a Louisiana Polling Place (1:25 p.m.) A school that was being used as a polling location received a bomb threat in Kenner, Louisiana, according to the Kenner Police Department, forcing voters to move to a new location. According to local news reports, the building was evacuated and voting was set up in a nearby elementary school. Police are investigating and trying to determine whether Tuesdays threat was directed at voting or if it is related to another threat made at the school last week. House Democratic Campaign Head Frets About His Own Seat (1:08 p.m.) US Representative Sean Patrick Maloney, who led the Democratic Partys efforts to retain control of Congress, voted on Tuesday morning with his husband in Cold Spring, New York, in whats turned into a tighter-than-expected race in the Hudson Valley. Maloney has railed against what he called the MAGA money that was pumped into the race in an effort to oust the 56-year-old chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and send a symbolic message to the Democratic party. Without that, this would not be a race youre talking about, he said. Republican Mike Lawler, Maloneys opponent in the 17th Congressional District, voted in Pearl River, New York, on Tuesday along with his 6-month-old daughter and wife, who he said became a US citizen two years ago. Trump Votes in New Home State of Florida (12:40 p.m.) Former President Donald Trump was filmed heading in to vote alongside his wife Melania Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, near his residence at his Mar-a-Lago club. The country has lost its way, lost its confidence, its gotten very bad, he told reporters. At a rally ostensibly for Republican US Senate candidate JD Vance in Dayton, Ohio, on Monday, Trump came the closest he has to announcing he will run again for president in 2024, promising a very big announcement next Tuesday. Florida Turns Away Federal Election Monitors (12:20 p.m.) The Republican-led state of Florida has rejected the Department of Justices effort to send election monitors to three polling jurisdictions in the state, calling it an unnecessary federal intrusion. Florida joins Missouri in rejecting DOJ personnel. The department announced on Monday that it planned to send monitors to the Florida counties of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. The rebuff of federal monitors was annouced by the office of the Florida secretary of state, an appointee of GOP Governor Ron DeSantis. None of the counties are currently subject to any election-related federal consent decrees, the Secretary of States office said in a letter to DOJ. None of the counties have been accused of violating the rights of language or racial minorities or of the elderly or the disabled. Technical Issues Hit Arizonas Biggest County (12:15 p.m.) In Arizonas Maricopa County, elections officials have flagged issues with tabulators in about 20% of polling locations. If the tabulator doesnt read a ballot, voters can insert their ballot in the secure slot on the ballot box where it will be counted at the Tabulation and Election Center, the county elections office said in a statement. Those ballots will be centrally tabulated later this evening, officials said, similar to how the country handles early voting -- but without the need to further confirm identification, because ballots dropped at polling places today are already effectively signature-verified, officials said. Technical staff are working to resolve an issue with tabulators and investigating the cause, the statement said. Voting Machines Fail in a New Jersey County (11:20 a.m.) All voting machines in Mercer County, New Jersey, were inoperable as of 7:47 a.m. Eastern time, according to a community alert post on the Nixle public-safety website from Gay Huber, Weat Windsor Township clerk. Tom Szymanski, executive director of the New Jersey Republican State Committee, said voters could expect to insert paper ballots into the machines. Ballots that enter the machine unscanned will be preserved through a chain of custody and counted at the Board of Elections at a later time, Szymanski said in a statement. No Long Lines as Georgia Chooses Governor, Senator (11:15 a.m.) Lines for in-person voting in Georgia ranged from none to no more than 12 minutes, and just 6 minutes in metro Atlanta counties, according to Gabriel Sterling, interim deputy secretary of state. Its a steady turnout around the state, he said. The average wait time is 2 minutes statewide. Most places dont have any lines at all. The state has two closely watched races on the ballot. Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock is facing a stiff challenge from former football star Herschel Walker while Republican incumbent Governor Brian Kemp looks likely to survive a rematch bid from Democrat Stacey Abrams. Nevada Senator Rallies Union Workers on Election Day (11:00 a.m.) Senator Catherine Cortez Masto rallied with other Democratic state officials joined by members of Culinary Workers Union 226, a group of more than 60,000 casino, restaurant and hotel workers, at a 6 a.m. rally in Las Vegas ahead of a last-minute canvassing effort. The senator is in a close race for reelection against Republican Adam Laxalt. Cortez Masto, the only Latina in the US Senate, was welcomed with a standing ovation by the friendly labor crowd. I am so excited to be here, she said. Mis hermanos y mis hermanas, (brothers and sisters) when we are united we are stronger. It is the workers here that make this an incredible city. Tu voto es tu voz. (Your vote is your voice.) Fetterman Votes in Pennsylvanias Tight Senate Contest (10:45 a.m.) Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman cast his ballot at New Hope Church in Braddock, Pennsylvania. Dressed in his signature hoodie sweatshirt and shorts, Fetterman walked out of the church with his wife Giselle, who greeted reporters and said, I voted for that guy. Fetterman served as mayor of Braddock from 2006 to 2019. US Officials On the Lookout for Cyber Threats (10:20 a.m.) A senior official with the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency told reporters on Tuesday it wasnt seeing specific or credible threats to disrupt election infrastructure, adding that the agency has high confidence in the security of the elections. But the official added it had seen more countries willing to try to influence operations in US elections, citing Russia in 2016, Iran in 2020 and China in 2022. CISA, which has set up an Election Day operations center at its headquarters, will provide two additional updates on election security during the day. Pennsylvanians Rush to Fix Undated Ballots (10 a.m.) Pennsylvania voters who forgot to put a date on their mail ballots are rushing to fix the issue on Election Day after the state Supreme Court ruled last Tuesday that undated ballots wouldnt be counted. A coalition of voting rights groups is challenging the decision in federal court, but in the meantime, officials in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh released the names of voters whose ballots would be discarded. Elections expert David Levine with the Alliance for Securing Democracy said its unclear whether other local officials are also doing outreach to voters at risk of having their ballots thrown out for not having a date, but he said that rural officials typically dont have the staff or resources available for last-minute outreach. Early Voting Proves Popular (9:15 a.m.) More than 44.2 million people voted before Election Day in the 2022 midterms, outpacing the last comparable election, according to data compiled by the US Elections Project at the University of Florida. By comparison, in 2018, about 39.1 million people voted before Election Day, in person or by mail, in the midterms. But a number of states expanded early voting and vote-by-mail as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which makes a direct comparison impossible. Elections experts say its unclear whether the high rate of early voting is a sign of greater-than-usual voter enthusiasm, or if more people have simply switched to early voting instead of casting their ballot on Election Day. Dr. Oz Heads to the Polls (8:45 a.m.) Mehmet Oz, the Republican candidate for Senate from Pennsylvania voted with his wife near their home in Huntingdon Valley. The Trump-backed former TV doctor told a crowd he was going to work for bipartisanship if he wins his tight race against Democratic rival John Fetterman. We want less radicalism and more balance, he said. Razor-Thin Margins Turn Eyes to Arizona (8:30 a.m.) Officials put orange-and-white plastic jersey barriers around the Maricopa County Elections Department headquarters in Phoenix, a center of pro-Trump protests after the 2020 election, before polling places opened there. A spokeswoman for the county said the barriers were for additional protection and theres no timeline for when they will be taken down. As of Sunday, some 1.5 million votes had been cast early in the state, almost evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, according to data compiled by the US Elections Project at the University of Florida. The states races for US Senate, governor and secretary of state are all very close. Voters Are ... Voting (6:30 a.m.) Polls have opened in Connecticut, Virginia, New York, Maine, New Jersey, North Carolina, West Virginia and Ohio, and will open in many more states in the coming hour. Some of these early voting states have races to watch. Virginia, where polls close at 7 p.m. and votes are counted quickly, may offer signals of the national mood. Abortion and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol remain key issues in Representative Elaine Lurias bid for reelection against Republican Jen Kiggans. And in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul faces a tighter-than-expected race for reelection against Republican Lee Zeldin. Braced for Impact (6:00 a.m.) Election officials are preparing for disruptions and potential violence at polling places around the country. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said recently that she expects the Huntington Place convention center in Detroit to be a hub of post-election protests. She said the convention center is under new management since 2020 and that the new owners are requiring anyone going inside to have credentials. That includes election observers, but only those who have been approved, not just anyone who shows up. Canton, Michigan, is also requiring security badges for access. Clerk Michael Siegrist has been studying the manuals of third-party groups alleging massive fraud in 2020 so he and his staff can address misinformation when it comes up in volunteer training or on Election Day. Hes also been teaching deescalation tactics, and has launched a social-media campaign called Faces of Canton Elections to try to build civic discourse, he said. --With assistance from Sergio Chapa, Joe Carroll, Amelia Pollard, Ryan Teague Beckwith, Steve Matthews, Skylar Woodhouse, Billy House, Hadriana Lowenkron, Carly Wanna, Sri Taylor, Airielle Lowe, Katrina Manson, Gabrielle Coppola, Chris Strohm, Francesca Maglione, Augusta Saraiva, Mackenzie Hawkins, David Welch, Elise Young and Jack Gillum. (A previous version of this story was corrected because it left out a letter in Florida in a headline) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. 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 [] As the U.S. braces for midterm elections, the first major voting cycle since the violence on January 6, Elon Musks intensely chaotic Twitter takeover adds more uncertainty to an already tense time. While other major platforms pull out their dusty playbooks for dealing with viral misinformation, coordinated attacks and misleading claims about election results, Twitters new owner just slashed the company in half, sending some teams tasked with handling elections and misinformation packing in the process. Twitter is a relatively small social network but it plays an outsized role in politics due to its superiority as a breaking news source and the fact that most elected leaders (and many other government officials) spend time there. With Musk in charge and half the company gone, including some people who werent supposed to be eliminated oops Twitters policies and likely even its products are about to be put to the test. One day before the U.S. midterm elections, Musk inexplicably waded into the political fray, throwing his weight behind Republicans. 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. Musk isnt the first tech CEO to hold political beliefs, but his last-minute advocacy shows that he isnt interested in being politically neutral, no matter how he frames it. For Twitter to deserve public trust, it must be politically neutral, which effectively means upsetting the far right and the far left equally Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 27, 2022 Like almost everything hes tweeted since taking over at Twitter, Musk's shallowly reasoned last-minute political endorsement only undermines trust in his ability to run the platform. The political message isnt particularly surprising given recent spats with high-profile Democrats on Twitter, but it's still alarming that these are the issues Twitter's new owner is frittering away his (and our) time with. Since buying the company, Musk has clashed with both Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Hillary Clinton, and the latter interaction offered a particularly alarming glimpse at just how little Twitters new owner understands or cares about trustworthy information, particularly when it doesnt suit his worldview. With a week until Election Day, Musk demonstrated his seriousness on the subject by replying to Clinton with an easily debunked conspiracy theory from a known misinformation source offering a false narrative about the violent assault on House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband. Musk has since deleted the tweet, demonstrating that at least one of the sycophants in his inner circle must have flagged the reply as a risk on some level, likely to advertisers. Twitters new owner quickly moved on to sowing discord around other topics without taking any accountability or a sorely needed news literacy course. Not great. Theres a lot that can go wrong when it comes to election misinformation, both on Election Day and in the vote-tallying days that follow. Its not just about the big calls which party takes the House and the Senate, for example but also the thousands of critical little calls coming from state and local election administrators. Two years after the January 6 insurrection, election deniers in states like Arizona continue to spread false narratives about past election results while making efforts to seize oversight for local elections for themselves. Will Twitter have the staff or the political will to quickly fact-check conspiracy theories this time around? We're surely in for a wave of unsubstantiated claims about voting irregularities, mail-in ballots and political fates that shift over time as more votes are counted. Musk hasnt yet rewritten Twitters policies, but hes already sent the platform into a critical situation with a skeleton crew. The companys layoffs were so haphazard and so fast that its likely some core knowledge about how to operate the company and respond to threats walked out the door along with half of its workforce. In spite of reassurances from Yoel Roth, Twitter's head of Safety and Integrity who apparently has Musks ear at the moment, the company cut more than one team that touched election integrity. That includes Twitters curation team, which provided context, monitored for misinformation and curated Twitters trending and moments modules during live events like elections. The curation team topped different parts of the platform with fact-checked updates that filled information voids and served as counterprogramming for misinformation, which spreads quickly in fast-moving news environments. With early voting underway in the US, our efforts on election integrity including harmful misinformation that can suppress the vote and combatting state-backed information operations remain a top priority Roth said. Here are the facts about where Twitters Trust & Safety and moderation capacity stands today: tl;dr: While we said goodbye to incredibly talented friends and colleagues yesterday, our core moderation capabilities remain in place. Yoel Roth (@yoyoel) November 4, 2022 Twitter also reportedly cut half of its public policy team, including a former director of public policy and elections who worked to prepare the platform for the U.S. midterms. NBC reports that the Twitter layoffs also significantly reduced the engineering team focused on user health, which plays an active role in content moderation. The only positive news is that someone at Twitter convinced Musk to pump the brakes on his pay-for-play verification plan, so the platform just barely dodged the absolute chaos that a flood of newly verified accounts gifted with algorithmic priority would have created on Election Day. Open season Misinformation with domestic origins is a massive concern this election cycle, but Putin allies in Russia are proactively scaremongering around their own efforts to undermine U.S. elections. Russian entrepreneur Yevgeny Prigozhin boasted that we have interfered, are interfering and will interfere in U.S. politics, though ominous statements are certainly cheaper than the hiring necessary to see that agenda through, likely to similar effect. Metas head of Security Policy Nathaniel Gleicher made some good points on that front: 3/ Threat actors try perception hacking to trick the public & the media into doing the deception for them. Dont fall for it. That includes not amplifying those claims and asking for evidence to back them up. Nathaniel Gleicher (@ngleicher) November 7, 2022 In spite of what most Americans would probably prefer to believe, the threat to U.S. elections this year is coming from within, not without. And while Tuesday will again put social media platforms and U.S. democracy to the test, the effort to undermine the election has been underway for months with false claims of ballot trafficking and conspiracy-fueled threats of violence against election officials and poll workers. Twitter isnt the only social network grappling with election misinformation. Researchers with Global Witness and NYUs Cybersecurity for Democracy team found that TikTok approved 90 percent of test ads containing false voting-related claims, including the wrong election date. Facebook detected some ads and failed to flag others, while YouTube detected all of the English-language ads and banned the channel publishing them (a similar test for political ads in Brazil showed that non-English content moderation still offers gaping loopholes to anyone whod take advantage of them). But most political misinformation isnt advertising, which must be submitted and reviewed. The vast majority of political conspiracies and misleading claims just float along with the massive bulk of normal user-generated content that companies haphazardly sift through. Most of it is never reviewed at all. Whatever happens on Election Day, bad actors looking to manipulate the American electorate know that Twitter has its guard down. Accordingly, were going to see all kinds of stuff pushing the boundaries of whats allowed under Musks new Twitter regime. Musk has already shown that he's willing to change the rules on the fly, doling out his harshest punishment to date not to serial harassers or accounts spreading hate speech but to comedians who impersonate him. Nothing we've seen so far inspires confidence that Twitter's new owner will rise to the occasion, whatever challenges for Twitter and perils for American democracy that this week presents. How will Republicans address energy and environment issues with a congressional majority? Well also look at John Kerrys proposal to help developing nations transition off fossil fuels and the first global climate summit to address climate reparations. This is Overnight Energy & Environment, your source for the latest news focused on energy, the environment and beyond. For The Hill, were Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk. Someone forward you this newsletter? How the GOP will take on energy, environment Energy issues are expected to be top of mind for Republicans next year if they take back the House or the Senate in Tuesdays elections, given the partys focus on high gas prices in the lead-up to the midterms. The GOP is vowing to move pro-energy legislation, even though turning Republican bills into law will be difficult with President Biden in the White House. Republicans are also not expected to be anywhere close to having a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Still, bills passed by a House GOP, if Republicans take the lower chamber as projected, will lend strength to the Republican messaging campaign in 2023 and 2024. Perhaps even more importantly, a GOP House would also gain the ability to conduct significant oversight of the Biden administration. While partisan warfare is expected on energy issues given deep differences between the parties, some say there are potential areas of cooperation. Here is what part of the GOP energy and climate agenda may look like: Investigations and oversight Republicans are vowing to be muscular in their oversight of the Biden administration. In a statement to The Hill, House Oversight and Reform Committee ranking member Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) said that the panel would conduct robust oversight of the Biden administrations policies harming American workers and families with a GOP majority. Comer specifically pointed to the administrations cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline and restrictions on oil and gas leasing on federal lands as two such policies for oversight. Story continues He also said that the panel will look into climate-related actions by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC has proposed to require publicly-traded companies to disclose their contributions to climate change; something that has met with significant GOP pushback. House Republicans have also sought to probe the Biden administration on its release of oil from the countrys strategic reserve and so-far unrealized efforts to declare a national climate emergency. They also indicated that they would monitor the Energy Departments loan program, which historically has given money to both successes like Tesla and failures like Solyndra, a solar company that ultimately went bankrupt after receiving a federal loan. Bolstering oil and gas The GOP wants to cast itself as a champion of domestic energy production, and Republicans have signaled they will do everything they can to contrast their stances with Democrats. Its an issue that could be a major theme of the campaigns for 2024. A Republican energy and climate plan unveiled in June focused on the development of oil and gas, which significantly contribute to climate change. Republicans argue that the fuels are produced more cleanly in the U.S. than in other parts of the world. Read about the rest of the GOP agenda here. Kerry looking to transition nations off fossil fuels U.S. climate envoy John Kerry is in talks with external partners to use funds from major companies to sponsor developing countries transition away from fossil fuels, a source confirmed to The Hill. A person familiar with the discussions said Kerry will announce further details at an event at the upcoming COP27 United Nations climate summit, emphasizing that the proposal is for a partnership rather than a specific initiative of the U.S. government. Initial reporting by The Financial Times, which the person familiar confirmed to The Hill is overall accurate, would involve an independent, to-be-determined accrediting organization to certify the credits. This isnt the launch of an entity, its the discussion of a framework which is intentional to allow time to work with all stakeholders next year to develop the details and ensure just transition safeguards and environmental integrity provisions, a person familiar told The Hill. The framework would be a program to scale up private finance to accelerate the clean energy transition in developing countries, through the creation and sale of high-quality carbon credits. What hes said so far: Kerry broached the idea as early as October, saying, One of the things were looking at is the possibility of the private sector, in effect, being enticed to the table. The funds in question, he said, could go directly to building renewable infrastructure and phasing out coal plants in the countries in question. I hope perhaps even by Sharm el-Sheikh we might be in a position to outline that, Kerry added, referencing the Egyptian city hosting the climate summit this week. The former secretary of state has frequently emphasized the need for the west to aid developing nations in the transition off fossil fuels rather than expecting them to handle it on their own. Last week he told CNNs Christiane Amanpour We have to bring [other major emitters] to the table. We have to raise ambition but developing countries, even some big ones like India, cant do this on their own. Read more about the proposal here. Climate reparations on COP agenda for first time For the first time, countries have put reparation funds for climate damage on the negotiating agenda at this years global climate summit. At the conference, known as COP27, which kicked off this week in Egypt, countries will discuss providing funding for countries that have suffered a disproportionate amount of loss and damage from climate change. While the impacts of climate change are being felt worldwide, its impacts are not expected to be felt evenly. Both geographical and monetary factors make many developing countries more vulnerable, even though they have historically low fossil fuel use compared to major powers. Fossil fuels have been a major force in both industrialization and climate change. As a result, many developing countries have long argued for specific funding to address the climate change-related suffering they have undergone. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called addressing the issue a moral imperative The deadly impacts of climate change are here and now. Loss and damage can no longer be swept under the rug, Guterres said. Those who contributed least to the climate crisis are reaping the whirlwind sown by others. Read more about the milestone here. Sunak: Putins war reason to act faster on climate British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday framed Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine as motivation for accelerating global action against climate change. Putins 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, Sunak said at the United Nations (U.N.) climate change summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The British leader called upon countries to harness public and private financing to protect the planet while fostering growth in developing countries. Sunak urged nations to diversify their clean energy supplies and invest in renewables as insurance against the risk of energy dependency. Doing so, he continued, would generate a robust source of jobs and economic growth. It is morally right to honor our promises, but it is also economically right too. Climate security goes hand in hand with energy security, Sunak said. The British prime minister, who took office on Oct. 25, generated widespread criticism for an initial declaration that he would not attend the international climate summit, citing the need to prioritize domestic issues. But Sunak eventually reversed course, and Downing Street confirming his attendance last week. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also attending the summit. Looking back to last years U.N. climate conference in Glasgow, Sunak said that countries embarked on a global path to unlock billions of pounds of private finance for the development of new green infrastructure. So instead of developing countries being unfairly burdened with a carbon debt of richer nations and somehow expected to forgo that same path to growth, we are helping those countries deliver their own fast track to clean growth, the prime minister continued. Read more about Sunaks remarks from The Hills Sharon Udasin. BIDEN COAL COMMENT SPARKS MANCHIN BACKLASH President Biden on Friday stirred controversy when he called for shutting down coal plants during remarks in California. Were going to be shutting these plants down all across America and having wind and solar, Biden said. His remarks spurred backlash from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who called them outrageous. President Bidens comments are not only outrageous and divorced from reality, they ignore the severe economic pain the American people are feeling because of rising energy costs, Manchin said in a statement. 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 build and power this country is offensive and disgusting, he added. The comments also spurred critiques from coal lobbyist and union voices alike as well as Republicans. Following the comments, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden was commenting on a fact of economics and technology rather than making some novel comments. She also reaffirmed his support for workers, and suggested that his comments were being twisted to suggest a meaning that was not intended. WHAT WERE READING Coal-Addicted Poland Is Going Nuclear With U.S. Help. Itll Be A Test For Both Nations. (HuffPost) Egypt accused of greenwashing rights record as it hosts U.N. climate conference (NBC News) Kemp extends Georgias gas tax suspension through mid-December (Fox5 Atlanta) Boston not on track to reach carbon reduction goals, new report finds (WBUR) Switzerland Is Paying Poorer Nations to Cut Emissions on Its Behalf (The New York Times) Lighter click: The stuff of nightmares Thats it for today, thanks for reading. Check out The Hills Energy & Environment page for the latest news and coverage. Well see you tomorrow. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ben Stokes is set to lead England on a three-match Test tour of Pakistan (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire) Ben Stokes suggested the guidance of England security chief Reg Dickason will decide whether the upcoming Test tour to Pakistan goes ahead after last weeks gun attack that injured Imran Khan. The former Pakistan cricket captain, who was ousted as Prime Minister in April, was wounded in the leg when shots were fired on his convoy during a rally last Thursday in the Punjab region of Wazirabad. One person was killed in the attack as Khan escaped serious injury, but England fast bowler Mark Wood admitted he was worried about the unrest as he is part of the squad set to land in Pakistan on November 26 for a three-Test series. While it is understood the England and Wales Cricket Board is constantly monitoring the threat level, the final say may be up to its long-term advisor Dickason, who has Test captain Stokes backing. Dickason, currently with England at the T20 World Cup in Australia, travelled to Pakistan before Khan was shot and it may be the case that he heads back soon to assess whether the tour remains viable. If he gives the green light, and it is understood Englands plans to tour Pakistan remain unchanged, then Stokes says he and his team-mates will go along with that advice. Obviously what happened there last week was a bit of a shock to see but Reg Dickason has been out there, said Stokes, currently in Adelaide ahead of Englands World Cup semi-final against India on Thursday. Hes been the main (security) man for England for many years now. In my opinion hes the best man to assess the situation. So we cant really comment on anything until weve got all the information back from Reg. But whatever Reg comes back with, the players and the people going out on that tour 100 per cent trust him because hes a man you trust with your life, Reg. England went back to Pakistan for the first time since 2005 just a few weeks ago to contest seven T20s, having contentiously pulled out of last years trip. Bulletproof buses, dedicated security teams, additional uniformed and plain clothes police and snipers were all on hand to make sure the tour passed off without incident. Englands Test series is scheduled to start on December 1 in Rawalpindi before matches in Multan from December 9-13 and Karachi from December 17-21. Does the November share price for AP Oil International Limited (SGX:5AU) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present 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. 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. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. See our latest analysis for AP Oil International Is AP Oil International Fairly Valued? We have to calculate the value of AP Oil International slightly differently to other stocks because it is a chemicals company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (1.9%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.3%. Compared to the current share price of S$0.2, the company appears about fair value at a 16% 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. Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) Story continues = S$0.01 / (7.3% 1.9%) = S$0.2 dcf Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the 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 AP Oil International 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 7.3%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.055. 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: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it 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. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For AP Oil International, we've compiled three relevant elements you should consider: Risks: As an example, we've found 3 warning signs for AP Oil International that you need to consider before investing here. 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! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Singaporean 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 As expected, the European Commission will carry out a full-scale investigation into Microsofts $69 billion bid to buy Activision Blizzard. Following a preliminary probe, the European Commission announced Tuesday (via Reuters) it believes the deal may significantly reduce competition in a handful of areas, including the PC and console gaming markets, as well as among cloud gaming services. According to the Commission's antitrust officials, Microsoft has the potential economic incentive to prevent competitors from accessing Activision Blizzards high-profile and highly successful games, including new Call of Duty entries. The body notes its also concerned the deal could unfairly advantage Windows against competing PC operating systems. On the surface, that seems like a strange concern, but its worth pointing out that the success of devices like the Steam Deck has made Linux something of a viable gaming alternative to Windows. With todays announcement, the European Commission now has 90 working days to complete its probe, a timeline that means a decision would arrive on March 23rd, 2023 at the latest. For years, Microsoft has been a major player across the gaming supply chain. It is acquiring Activision Blizzard, a highly successful producer of gaming content. We must ensure that opportunities remain for future and existing distributors of PC and console video games, as well as for rival suppliers of PC operating systems, said Margrethe Vestager, the executive vice president of competition policy. The point is to ensure that the gaming ecosystem remains vibrant to the benefit of users in a sector that is evolving at a fast pace. Were continuing to work with the European Commission on next steps and to address any valid marketplace concerns," a Microsoft spokesperson told Engadget. "Sony, as the industry leader, says it is worried about Call of Duty, but weve said we are committed to making the same game available on the same day on both Xbox and PlayStation. We want people to have more access to games, not less. Story continues Separately, Activision Blizzard published a letter from CEO Bobby Kotick. This week the European Commission announced that we have entered the second phase of our review in the region. We will continue to cooperate with the European Commission where, in the countries they represent, we have many employees, Kotick wrote. We have been working closely with Microsoft to actively engage regulators in other key countries to answer their questions and provide them with information to assist with their review. The Commission wont necessarily block the deal, but it could significantly delay the transaction and force concessions out of Microsoft. Xbox head Phil Spencer has proactively tried to placate regulators. We're not taking Call of Duty from PlayStation. That's not our intent, he recently said. Our intent is not to do that and as long as there's a PlayStation out there to ship to, our intent is that we'll continue to ship Call of Duty on PlayStation. Update 1:24PM ET: Added comment from Microsoft. This is a screenshot of Mike Brennan, acting deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, as he gives a live update report on Tropical Storm Nicole on the NHC's website on Tuesday morning, Nov. 8, 2022. Also pictured is a satellite image of Nicole which could intensify into a hurricane by the time it makes landfall in Florida Thursday morning. DAYTONA BEACH The National Hurricane Center on Tuesday morning issued a hurricane warning for much of Florida's east coast including Volusia County while county officials issued a mandatory beachside evacuation order as Tropical Storm Nicole continued to intensify as it barrels towards the Sunshine State. The mandatory evacuation order is being issued for beachside areas in Volusia County starting Wednesday morning. Flagler County officials on Tuesday said they may consider issuing one as well. Mike Brennan, the acting deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, on Tuesday morning said hurricane conditions could occur anywhere along the Atlantic coast, from West Palm Beach north to Daytona Beach. Flagler County is part of the area that is now under a tropical storm warning, according to Brennan who said the affected area stretches from northeast Florida to southeastern Georgia. Nicole could become a Category 1 hurricane when it makes landfall somewhere on Florida's east coast on Thursday morning, but residents of Volusia and Flagler counties will likely see heavy rains and intensifying winds sooner than that. "Remember, Nicole has this very, very large wind field, so these tropical storm-force winds are going to move on shore well in advance of the arrival of the center," said Brennan. "So (Tuesday) is really the day to take action along the Florida east coast. Conditions are going to start to deteriorate overnight (Tuesday) and into Wednesday as those tropical storm-force winds move inland." "In terms of the arrival time of tropical storm-force winds, the be-ready-by time along the Florida east coast is really by (Wednesday) morning," he said. READ MORE: Volusia, Flagler beaches poised to take another pounding when Nicole hits less than 2 months after Ian BRACING FOR MORE MISERY: Low elevation makes Daytona's Midtown community prone to flooding during hurricanes, tropical storms HOPING TO BREAK THE CYCLE: Damage caused by Hurricane Ian raises questions regarding how and where Florida rebuilds after severe storms Story continues Pay attention to entire warning area, not just track The National Hurricane Center's 10 a.m. Tuesday update on Tropical Storm Nicole included a chart that indicated tropical storm-force winds could reach speeds as high as 90 mph in southeast Volusia County and as high as 80 mph for the rest of Volusia County as well as Flagler County. "A dangerous storm surge is expected along much of the east coast of Florida and portions of coastal Georgia," according to the NHC forecast. "The storm surge will be accompanied by large and damaging waves." The NHC forecast reminded Floridians to pay more attention to the entire storm watch area as opposed to the potential path of the storm's center. The chart showing the predicted track as of Tuesday afternoon appears to indicate that the center of Nicole making landfall near Stuart around 1 a.m. Thursday. Nicole is then expected to continue heading northwest over the Florida peninsula and then curving northeast over the Tallahassee area. Nicole should be somewhere over Georgia by Friday morning. "It's not just a coastal event," warned Brennan, who said inland areas under the tropical storm watch "could see blowing debris, tree limbs down, you could see some scattered power outages. You could see more substantial wind impacts in the hurricane warning area where we could see tree damage, some damage to roofs (and) more substantial power outages as we go through the next couple of days." Get ready for more flooding from Nicole Volusia County was hit by widespread flooding in late September when Tropical Storm Ian swept through the area. Those areas including the communities along the St. Johns River as well as low-lying areas in east Volusia could see more flooding when Nicole hits, according to Brennan. He warned that Nicole could bring as much as seven inches of rain. "It's not just a wind event, there's a lot of water coming with Nicole," said Brennan. "We have a storm surge warning that's in effect for much of the east coast of Florida, from north Palm Beach all the way up through Cape Canaveral, up through places like St. Augustine, Jacksonville and up to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, including places like the St. Johns River." Daytona Beach City Commissioner Quanita May represents portions of downtown Daytona Beach as well as the city's Midtown area, both of which saw flooding during Ian. She also represents a portion of the city's beachside. "Absolutely, I'm concerned," said May of the potential additional flooding that Nicole could bring. "Residents were just starting to clean up. Now Nicole hits." Several businesses in downtown Daytona Beach got flooded during Tropical Storm Ian, but James Sass, the owner of Abraxas Books at 256 S. Beach St., said he lucked out. "I somehow got a free pass from Ian, unlike previous Hurricane Irma (in 2017) when I got a foot of water inside my shop and lost 20,000 books," said Sass. "I only had very minimal damage this time around. My front door got water-logged and swelled shut which prevented me from reopening for a few days. I heavily sandbagged my shop and am doing it this time around, too. I've made a point of putting down multiple layers of tarps. My concern with Nicole is how it will affect the Halifax River especially during high tide." Holly Hill suffered extensive flooding during Ian. More than half of its 4.5 square miles is in a low-lying flood zone. "There's always a concern of flooding when you're so close to sea level as we are when a major hurricane or tropical storm is coming," said Holly Hill Mayor Chris Via. "But we're doing everything we can. Our city crews are working really hard right now making preparations for the incoming storm and they'll be working around the clock as it comes in and as it leaves us to get things back to normal as soon as possible." Volusia County officials issue warnings As Tropical Storm Nicole gained strength Tuesday, Volusia County officials not only announced the mandatory evacuation for some residents but also a countywide curfew. The curfew is slated to begin 7 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday. The county will also open four shelters. Tropical Storm Ian stripped sand from the coast, leaving some properties very vulnerable to further erosion and collapse. Meanwhile, some low-lying areas have only recently seen relief from bloated waterways. Volusia County's evacuation order applies to all areas east of the Intracoastal waterway, as well as for all manufactured and mobile home residents east of Interstate 95, all low-lying areas, any other areas prone to flooding and all recreational vehicle parks and campsites. Volusia County officials will decide later when to lift the evacuation order based on conditions, said Jim Judge, the county's interim director of emergency management. People should avoid returning to the beach or coastal structures, including homes, until county officials provide clearance to return to the area. County spokesman Kevin Captain said that areas not in the evacuation order could still see widespread flooding or other impacts. Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald encouraged all residents to take the storm seriously. "This incoming storm is a direct threat to both property and life," he said. "If you live in an area that has been issued a mandatory evacuation order, please follow this order." Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said beachside will be "locked down," with no one allowed over bridges to that side unless they're a resident going to pick up supplies. "This is a real safety hazard to our residents and to our community, so we need you to heed this," Chitwood said. "This is not the time to have hurricane fatigue." The curfew will not apply to law enforcement, emergency workers or employees of business, industries or government entities while traveling from their jobs, he added. Daytona Beach International Airport on Tuesday afternoon announced that its main terminal building and airfield will close at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Nicole. All flights after this time are canceled, except for government, emergency, and humanitarian aircraft. The airport is scheduled to reopen at 4 a.m. Friday. Passengers should check with their airlines for updates to flight schedules. Volusiounty's coastline took a major hit during Tropical Storm Ian, and countywide the damage tally was over $340 million as of Oct. 31. County officials will open four shelters starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday: David C. Hinson Middle School at 1860 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Daytona Beach and Heritage Middle School at 1001 Parnell Court in Deltona, both of which will serve people with special needs; and Creekside Middle School at 6801 Airport Road in Port Orange and University High School at 1000 W. Rhode Island Ave. in Orange City, both of which will accommodate people in the general population. All shelters are pet friendly. County officials encouraged people to seek safe housing with family and friends or at a hotel or motel and to use a shelter as a last resort. Two homeless shelters will open Wednesday: The Bridge at 421 S. Palmetto Ave. in DeLand and First Step Shelter at 3889 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach. People need to first go to Halifax Urban Ministries at 340 N. St. in Daytona Beach to get transportation to the First Step Shelter. From Geneva to Astor, a flood warning is in effect for the St. Johns River. The Halifax River could swell two to three feet and people who live on either side of it could have water come over their docks and into their backyards, county officials warned. The coast in Volusia County on Tuesday afternoon was already seeing large, powerful waves. Nicole will bring even more dangerous conditions, including rip currents. Some buildings along the coast "are at imminent risk of collapsing," Chitwood warned. "What Ian left us, we have not recovered from." Volusia County's Emergency Operations Center will be fully activated Wednesday and Thursday with workers ready to respond, including power company crews, Judge said. Storm updates and preparation information are available at volusia.org/pin. Residents can also call the Volusia County Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345. Flagler could also see hurricane conditions Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord on Tuesday urged residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Nicole, which he warned could become a hurricane by the time it reaches the area. The county will likely issue evacuation orders on Wednesday for all residents and businesses on the barrier island from Flagler Beach to Marineland as well as at all mobile home parks and RV campgrounds, including those that are inland, he said. It is well within the realm of possibility that Flagler County could have a Category 1 hurricane make landfall in or near us, Lord said. Flagler County residents could expect to see storm surges three to five feet above normal with waves potentially exceeding 15 feet through Thursday afternoon and possibly into the evening, he said. Countywide winds would be nearing tropical storm force speeds along the coast with the real possibility of hurricane force gusts. Because of previous damage to the coastal-protection dunes by Ian, there is a real risk of dunes being breached, Lord said. We really want our residents to realize we dont take ordering an evacuation lightly, Lord said. There is a significant risk to life and property with this storm, particularly along the coastline. The county in partnership with the Flagler County School District and the Sheriffs Office and Health Department will open Rymfire Elementary School at 1425 Rymfire Drive in Palm Coast as an emergency storm shelter at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Residents should bring medicine for five days and any needed medical supplies and equipment, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, snacks and comfort food and any important documents. As of Tuesday afternoon, no curfews in Flagler County were planned. School districts announce storm closures Volusia County Schools on Tuesday afternoon announced that all public schools and administrative offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday because of Nicole. All school-sponsored activities are also canceled those two days. The Flagler County School District will release students at all schools early on Wednesday, said Flagler County Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt. Elementary school students will be dismissed at 2 p.m., middle school students at noon and high school students at 1 p.m. Schools will be closed on Thursday. Schools in both Volusia and Flagler counties were already set to be closed on Friday in observance of Veterans Day. News-Journal reporters Frank Fernandez, Sheldon Gardner and Danielle Johnson contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Volusia County prepares for Nicole's wrath under hurricane warning It never stood a chance. First, it came for the crypto shills and startups and then, the Silicon Valley legacy brands. Now, the dreaded 2022 tech layoffs are sinking their talons into birds. No, not that bird. Were talking about drone-killing eagles. After a five year trial, Geneva police announced this week they would end their so-called, anti-drone eagle brigade, due to uncertain effectiveness and concerns for the animals safety. Now, the programs two raptors, reportedly named Altair and Draco, will have to start perusing LinkedIn. Or, you know, the bird equivalent. Read more The technological and strategic improvements in terms of the use of drones make this project of using raptors too uncertain, even dangerous for the physical integrity of the eagles, Geneva Cantonal Police said according to Bloomberg. The Geneva police began training the drone hating eagles back in 2017 as a way to snatch rogue drones out of the sky without having them fall to the ground and potentially harm bystanders. Geneva regularly hosts dignitaries and political leaders from around the world, making it a particularly concerning target for malicious dronesand a unique opportunity for their brown feathered adversaries. Just because the program ended though doesnt mean eagles are incapable of taking out those flying hunks of plastic and metal. On the contrary, the video below, uploaded by waffle training organization Guard From Above, shows an eagle plucking an unassuming bot out of the sky with seemingly relative ease. Short Teaser Guard From Above HD | Birds of prey to intercept hostile drones The Swiss werent the only ones trying to turn nature on tech either. Several European countries, including France and The Netherlands, similarly explored training their own eagle warriors. In France, the Royal Air Force reportedly raised four eagles, named after characters from The Three Musketeers, tasked with the sole purpose of tackling small drones mid air. Those birds, Vice notes, were reportedly hatched atop the wreckage of dead drones which instilled them with an instinct to seek out and destroy drones as a food source. The U.S. Air Force, meanwhile, reportedly conducted its own study on raptors back in 2017 to investigate the ways they could potentially be used to defend against drones that could threaten soldiers or police. Story continues Photo: Georges Gobet (Getty Images) Switzerlands newly out of luck eagles arguably have it even worse than many other of their Patagonia wearing cousins in Silicon Valley. While many laid off tech employees can simply fall upward into similar positions at a rival company or potentially hop on to a growing startup, anti-drone eagles are at risk of professional extinction. The Netherlands, which had its own search and destroy eagles, reportedly ended its program in 2018 due partly to costs and concerns raised from animal rights groups. Though prominent anti-drone eagle trainers like Guard From Above say the eagles arent at risk of injury when wrecking their mechanical prey, the practice nonetheless raised concerns from animal rights groups and falconer Robert Muster, who told the NL Times in 2016 he worried professional drones fast propellers, will make mincemeat out of an eagle. The potential danger isnt limited to eagles either. If an eagle can not catch his prey, he may become so frustrated that he picks up something else, Muster said. Eagle talons are so strong that it can easily pierce a childs head. On second thought, maybe its about time those winged beasts consider a career change. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Photo: File. New Westminster police are investigating after a man was assaulted with bear spray on Saturday afternoon. New Westminster police are seeking witnesses who may have seen an elderly man assaulted with bear spray on Saturday afternoon. Witnesses called police after seeing a man being assaulted with bear spray. The incident occurred near the intersection of Eighth Street and Queens Avenue at about 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. We believe the suspect and the victim are not known to one another, NWPD spokesperson Sgt. Justine Thom said in a media release. Given the time of day and the location of this incident, we believe there were witnesses who have not yet come forward. According to the NWPD, officers searched the area for someone matching the suspects description, and provided aid to the victim. Despite a search of the surrounding area, police couldnt find anyone matching the suspects description. Police are canvassing the area for CCTV footage and asking that anyone who witnessed this assault and has not yet spoken to police to contact the New Westminster Police Department to share what they saw. The suspect is described as a Caucasian man, approximately 40 years old, with a medium build, carrying a backpack and wearing a blue jacket. The suspect is described as walking with a hunch. Anyone with further information regarding this incident can contact New Westminster Police Department at 604-525-5411. Lawyers for former Kansas City police Det. Eric DeValkenaere have presented legal arguments to the Western District of Missouris Court of Appeals as they seek to overturn his conviction in the killing of Cameron Lamb or for a new trial to be held. In an 84-page brief filed Oct. 27, the former detectives lawyers argue that the decision by Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Dale Youngs to convict DeValkenaere of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action was based on flawed analysis of the law. They argue that DeValkenaere and his partner had probable cause to arrest Lamb for traffic violations and be on his property before the fatal encounter on Dec. 3, 2019. The brief also argues police did not trespass on private property, were not the initial aggressors during the shooting and that the killing of Lamb was a lawful use of force by a police officer. Lamb was fatally shot by DeValkenaere roughly nine seconds after he and his partner arrived at his home after a Kansas City police helicopter followed the young mans pickup truck to his residence in the 4100 block of College Boulevard in response to a series of alleged traffic violations. DeValkenaere and Troy Schwalm, his partner, both plainclothes detectives with the Violent Offenders Squad, were attempting to detain Lamb as the 26-year-old was backing his red pickup truck down a sloped driveway into his garage. DeValkenaere has claimed that he shot Lamb to save his partners life as he saw Lamb handling a firearm in the front seat. Jackson County prosecutors, though, alleged during DeValkenaeres criminal trial that the crime scene was manipulated, suggesting that a firearm was moved from within the garages stairwell to the spot where Lambs lifeless hand hung through his drivers side window. Only DeValkenaere the first white KCPD officer to be charged and then convicted in the killing of a Black man in the course of official police duty faced criminal charges stemming from the shooting. He has denied planting evidence or encouraging anyone to do so, including during his court testimony when he took the witness stand in his own defense. Story continues In November 2021, at the close of the bench trial a proceeding in which a criminal defendant gives up a right to trial by jury Judge Youngs ruled that DeValkenaere was guilty of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in Lambs killing. Youngs based his decision largely on the Fourth Amendment, which aims to protect citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement, saying DeValkenaere and Schwalm had no warrant and also no probable cause to arrest Lamb for a felony offense. DeValkenaere was ultimately sentenced to six years in Missouri prison, though he has been allowed to remain free on bond as he appeals the conviction. The former MIT researcher accused of murdering a Yale graduate student and subsequently leading authorities on a months-long manhunt until his ultimate capture in Alabama was deemed competent to stand trial despite his attorneys claiming he was refusing to talk to them about his own defense. Qinxuan Pan, once a Massachusetts Institute of Technology computer science and artificial intelligence researcher originally from China, is charged with murder in connection to the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Yale University graduate student Kevin Jiang on Feb. 6, 2021, in New Haven, Connecticut. More than 21 months after the shooting, which happened in the street outside of Jiangs fiancee, Zion Perrys apartment, Pan has been deemed competent to stand trial, The New Haven Register reported. Following a brief competency hearing in state Superior Court in New Haven on Monday morning, Pan's lawyer, Norm Pattis, said that "it was an unambiguous finding," so "we will go forward with litigating this case." FIANCEE OF SLAIN YALE STUDENT, ARMY VETERAN SPEAKS OUT AFTER HIS MURDER Pan has still not entered a plea in the case. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP During what was originally supposed to be Pans probable cause hearing in September, Pattis instead made a motion for a competency exam, telling the judge that he was unsure if his client was refusing to talk to him or was just unable to communicate certain aspects of the case. Pan is a U.S. citizen who was born in Shanghai. After Mondays hearing, a new probable cause hearing date has been set for Dec. 5. Jiang, who served in the U.S. Army and National Guard, was born in Seattle and grew up in Chicago. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and before eventually coming to Yale to pursue a graduate degree in environmental studies. He was described by friends and family as a devout Christian and proposed to Perry, a fellow graduate student at Yale, just a week before he was murdered. Story continues Perry previously attended undergrad at MIT and was photographed talking at a college dance with Pan in 2020. The two were reportedly friends on Facebook, where Perry had posted about her engagement to Jiang. The day of the murder, Pan allegedly stole a compact SUV from a Massachusetts car dealership by taking it for a test drive and changed his cell phone number before crossing state lines to Connecticut. The vehicle later needed to be towed from railroad tracks in North Haven, Connecticut, not long after Jiang had been fatally shot in nearby New Haven. Police briefly questioned Jiang at a motel in the area but let him go because they initially had a different description of the suspect, according to court documents. Initially named a person of interest in Jiangs killing, Pan was formally charged with murder on Feb. 26, 2021, through a warrant issued by the New Haven States Attorney's Office. Qinxuan Pan, accused of gunning down Yale University graduate student and U.S. Army veteran Kevin Jiang, appeared in court in June 2021. But months passed with him in the wind despite nationwide and international search efforts. The U.S. Marshals Service said Pan had been spotted in the early morning hours on Feb. 11, 2021, driving with family members in Brookhaven or Duluth, Georgia. The search later expanded globally and an Interpol Red Notice was issued. That was until May 2022 when Pan was eventually nabbed in Birmingham, Alabama, at an apartment rented under a fake name with $19,000 cash, seven cell phones, seven SIM cards and his fathers passport. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP By the September hearing, the defense had already been granted several delays in the case to allow time to review evidence. But even so, Pattis told State Superior Court Judge Jon Alander, in requesting the competency exam, that his client had indicated that its possible there was "a second person was involved." Pattis suggested Pan could have been at the scene where Jiang was shot but did not pull the trigger or may not have been there at all. By Martin Quin Pollard and Jan Strupczewski BEIJING/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Chinese authorities behind a major trade expo in Shanghai pulled an opening ceremony address by the European Council president that was set to criticise Russia's "illegal war" in Ukraine and call for reduced EU trade dependency on China, diplomats said. The pre-recorded video by Charles Michel was meant to be one of several from world leaders and heads of international organisations, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the opening of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) on Friday, three European diplomats told Reuters. The diplomats, who cannot be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters they were surprised that the speech had been removed. "President Michel was invited to address 5th Hongqiao Forum/CIIE in Shanghai," Barend Leyts, a spokesman for Michel told Reuters. "As requested by the Chinese authorities, we had indeed provided a pre-recorded message which was ultimately not shown. We have addressed this through the normal diplomatic channels." Neither of the co-organisers of the expo, China's commerce ministry and the Shanghai city government, responded to Reuters' requests for comment. A spokesman for China's foreign ministry denied awareness of the issue. "I am not aware of the relevant situation," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular news briefing in Beijing on Tuesday. "I cannot comment on this." Other dignitaries who did speak at the ceremony after Xi included the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, the director-general of the World Trade Organization and the presidents of Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Belarus, according to the expo's official website. Belarus's Alexander Lukashenko is a staunch ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his country has hosted thousands of Russian troops before and during what Moscow calls its "special operation" in Ukraine. Story continues FOCUS ON RUSSIA AND TRADE The European Council president's speech was set to be heavily critical of "Russias illegal war against Ukraine" and say Europe is learning "important lessons" from it, according to excerpts of the address provided by EU diplomats. Europe has been over-dependent on Russia for fossil fuels, leading to a trade imbalance, Michel was to say. "In Europe, we want balance in our trade relations... to avoid over-dependencies," according to the diplomats familiar with what he was to say. "This is also true of our trade relations with China." Michel was also set to call for China to do more do put an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine. China has consistently refused to criticise Russia's aggression, which has ravaged cities across Ukraine and killed thousands of soldiers and civilians since it began on February 24. "China has a role in using its influence to stop Russia's brutal war... through your so-called "no-limits" partnership with Russia," Michel was to say, referring to a pact announced by Xi and Putin in Beijing before the war began. "You, China, can help put an end to this." Both Xi and Michel are expected to attend and meet at the Group of Twenty (G20) heads of state summit in Bali next Tuesday and Wednesday. The president of the European Council is one of the European Union's top ranked officials whose role includes representing the bloc at international summits and bilateral summits with other heads of state. Since 2019, the EU has officially regarded China as a partner, an economic competitor and systemic rival. The EU's foreign policy service said in a paper last month that Beijing should now be thought of primarily as a competitor which is promoting "an alternative vision of the world order". (Reporting by Martin Quin Pollard in Beijing and Jan Strupczewski in Brussels; Additional reporting by Eduardo Baptista in Beijing; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Gareth Jones) By Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine wants the Black Sea grain export deal expanded to include more ports and goods, and hopes a decision to extend the agreement for at least a year will be taken next week, Ukraine's deputy infrastructure minister said on Tuesday. The deal, which eased a global food crisis by unblocking three major Ukrainian ports during Russia's invasion, expires on Nov. 19 and briefly appeared imperilled last month when Moscow suspended its participation in the deal before rejoining again. "(We) are already very late (giving) clear information to the market about the extension (of the agreement)," Yuriy Vaskov, the deputy minister, told Reuters in an interview. "We hope that no later than next week from our partners Turkey and the UN we will have an understanding and the whole market will also have a clear signal about the further functioning and continuation of the initiative," he said. The deal has allowed about 10.5 million tonnes of Ukrainian food, mainly grain, to be delivered to foreign markets since it was agreed in July under the mediation of Turkey and the United Nations. Vaskov said Ukraine had offered an extension of at least one year to Turkey and UN, as well as a broadening of the deal to include the ports of the southern Mykolaiv region, which provided 35% of Ukrainian food exports before Russia's invasion. Kyiv has also demanded that mandatory inspections of ships that are involved in food transportation be "streamlined", as Kyiv believes Russia is deliberately slowing down inspections to reduce the speed of exports, he said. "We are already ... demanding inspections be streamlined or inspections of departed (ships) be cancelled, because it makes no sense. Or else increase the number of inspection teams," Vaskov said. He noted that exports under the agreement could amount to 15 million tonnes, if Russia did not delay the inspection of ships. Story continues Vaskov said that inspectors of the Joint Center that oversees the deal conducted only 12 inspections per day, but that it was necessary to make 25-30 inspections. "When Turkey and the UN did their own inspections, they proved it was possible to carry out more than 40 inspections a day. Now that Russia has returned ... we again have a total of 12 inspections per day," he said. "They do not explain (the reason for the delays), but they also do not hide that they are doing this in order to complicate the work of the corridor," said Vaskov. FERTILIZERS, GUARANTEES Vaskov said neither the UN nor Turkey had informed Kyiv about the conditions for extending the agreement put forward by Russia. Moscow has said it has received guarantees the grain corridor will not be used for military purposes. The UN has said that it would continue working on easier conditions for the export of the Russian fertilisers. Vaskov said Kyiv advocated the exclusively peaceful use of the grain corridor, and that the current agreement involved the export of fertilizers. However, he said that so far there had not been a single application from ships wishing to transport ammonia from Ukrainian ports. "Ukraine has confirmed and confirms now that the grain corridor is only for ships that take part in the initiative - both in the past and in the future," the deputy minister said. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; editing by Tom Balmforth and David Evans) CANBERRA, Australia (AP) An extortionist has threatened to make Medibank customer data public within 24 hours after Australias largest health insurer refused to pay a ransom for the personal records of almost 10 million current and former customers. Medibank on Monday ruled out paying ransom for the stolen data. The theft was reported to police Oct. 19 when trade in the companys shares was halted for a week. The thieves had reportedly threatened to expose the diagnoses and treatments of high-profile customers unless a ransom of an undisclosed sum was paid. 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, Medibank CEO David Koczkar said in a statement. 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 harms way by making Australia a bigger target, Koczkar added. A blogger using the name Extortion Gang posted Monday night on the dark web that data will be publish (sic) in 24 hours. P.S. I recommend to sell medibank (sic) stocks, the blog added. The post did not include data samples that could prove the author held the data. But Medibank on Tuesday took the threat seriously. We knew the publication of data online by the criminal could be a possibility, but the criminals threat is still a distressing development for our customers, Koczkar said. Koczkar urged customers to remain vigilant and warned that the criminal could contact them directly. Medibank this week updated its estimate of the number of people whose personal information had been stolen from 4 million two weeks ago to 9.7 million. The stolen data included health claims of almost 500,000 people including diagnoses and treatments, the company said. The weaponization of their private information is malicious and it is an attack on the most vulnerable members of our society, Koczkar said. Story continues Cybersecurity Minister Clare ONeil welcomed Medibanks stance, saying its refusal to pay a ransom was in line with her governments advice. Medibank revealed this week that a hacker stole a company employees username and password to access the customer database. At least two legal firms say they are investigating a potential class-action lawsuit against Medibank for failing to protect customer data. The price of Medibank shares fell almost 3% in early trade Tuesday on the Australian Security Exchange following threats of data publication and lawsuits. An estimated 15,000 Europeans have died from record heat this year, according to the World Health Organization. WHO regional director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri Kluge, issued a statement on Monday titled Climate change is already killing us, but strong action now can prevent more deaths. Based on country data submitted so far, it is estimated that at least 15,000 people died specifically due to the heat in 2022. Among those, nearly 4,000 deaths in Spain, more than 1,000 in Portugal, more than 3,200 in the United Kingdom, and around 4,500 deaths in Germany were reported by health authorities during the 3 months of summer, he said. The statement, which comes during the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt, notes that Europe saw the hottest summer on record this past summer, according to the European Unions Copernicus Climate Change Service. The high temperatures led to the worst drought Europe has seen since the Middle Ages, per Agence France Presse, and the extreme heat caused death and infrastructure damage. Heat stress, when the body cannot cool itself, is the leading cause of weather-related death in the European Region, the WHO statement said. The death count is expected to increase as more countries report on excess deaths due to heat, Kluge said. For example, Frances National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) reported that more than 11,000 more people died between 1 June and 22 August 2022 compared with the same period in 2019 the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic, the statement added. INSEE suggested that these figures were likely to be explained by the heatwave that occurred in mid-July, after an initial heatwave episode as early as mid-June.' According to the WHO, nearly 150,000 people have died because of extreme temperatures in Europe between 1961 and 2021. Kluge said heat waves and other extreme weather will lead to more diseases and deaths in the coming decades unless drastic action is taken. He called on governments to develop health plans to address extreme summer heat and to implement a more sustainable model of consumption and production. Story continues At the individual and community level, we all need to substantially reduce our carbon emissions through more sustainable patterns of production and consumption, and by embracing a full and rapid transition towards clean and renewable energy, the statement said. We have the technology we need to find ways for it to be accessible to all countries and implemented rapidly. More from National Review Days after a lawsuit was filed against Dollar General, Attorney General Dave Yost has announced he has filed a similar suit against Family Dollar. Yost said Family Dollar has allegedly been advertising goods at one price on shelves and charging another price at the checkout counter. Were looking not just for reimbursement, but we want a court order to make them stop doing this and to put adequate controls in place so that the price you see on the shelf is the price that they charge at the register, Yost said. >> Attorney General sues Dollar General over alleged deceptive pricing Family Dollar was purchased by Dollar Tree in 2015. Yost said the company violates Ohios Consumer Sales Practices Act by listing allegedly false prices on items and engaging in bait advertising. Ohioans who suspect unfair business practices should contact the Ohio Attorney Generals Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515. A Central Florida father is speaking out for the first time after he says his son was sexually assaulted in a locker room at Celebration High School last month by three other boys. No one has been arrested or charged, but the family says they want justice. The father, whom Channel 9 is not identifying, said Oct. 28 is a day his family cant stop reliving. His son was almost done with his day at Celebration High School when the three older boys went into the locker room and tried to change his clothes and they came over to him. READ: Tropical storm warning issued for Floridas east coast One held his leg, one held his torso and got him to the ground, the father said. My son was screaming Stop, stop, let me go. He tried to shield his face. In the report, deputies said they tried to contact the childs father but couldnt. The dad said he didnt know what happened until the next day, when a deputy came to his door. We knew something was wrong with him, but now I understand he was too ashamed and embarrassed, the father said. I was very shocked, I was heartbroken, I was angry. READ: Motorcyclist burned on 75% of his body in gas station fire shares his story In the heavily redacted report from the Osceola County Sheriffs Office, a deputy wrote that based on his investigation, he found probable cause of lewd and lascivious conduct and battery. The Osceola County School District said it cant comment due to law enforcement involvement, but it is handling discipline per its student code of conduct. The father said the case should be dealt with criminally to ensure that no one else, on other minor (has) to suffer from sexual abuse. READ: Hurricane tips: What you should do to prepare According to the report, the state attorneys office is investigating the case. The father said his family has pressed charges, but hasnt heard from any of the boys or their families. 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. Chris Evans has been declared Peoples newest sexiest man alive, prompting both praise and debate among the actors fans. The magazine announced it had bestowed the 2022 honour on the Captain America star, 41, in this weeks cover story. Of the title, the actor claimed his mom will be so happy. He also noted that he expects his new moniker to lead to a fair share of jokes at his expense, admitting that participating in the accompanying interview felt like a weird form of humble bragging. Really this will just be a point of bullying, he joked. Its ripe for harassment. The actor has proven partially correct, as fans have since taken to social media to debate the 2022 titles accuracy. A significant number of people said they stand with the magazines decision, revealing that they concur with the label bestowed on Evans. If Chris Evans isnt the sexiest man alive, who is??? Finally justice was served, one person tweeted. Another said: Very happy about this, while one fan revealed they agree with the decision because Evans is so lovely and hot. very happy about this shelby (@cillaep) November 8, 2022 DEMOCRACY WORKS: Chris Evans is Peoples 2022 sexiest man alive, someone else tweeted. DEMOCRACY WORKS: Chris Evans is Peoples 2022 Sexiest Man Alive pic.twitter.com/MwH4Hc2nox Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) November 8, 2022 According to Peoples former editor-in-chief Dan Wakeford, who spoke to CNN about the process of selecting the sexiest man alive in 2019, the decision does come partly down to reader input. Story continues There are so many different variables and ways of approaching it, Wakeford said. A starting point often is, when we want to make a decision, is to think about the zeitgeist, think about what is sexy at the moment. What do people find appealing at the moment? The former magazine editor said the team also conducts polls and looks at data: We have more than 90 million consumers a month stepping into the People brand, so weve got a lot of data at our fingertips. Evans fans also appreciated the recognition considering the actors dedication to encouraging his followers to vote. The 41 year old recently took to Instagram Live to remind his followers to get involved ahead of the Midterm elections on 8 November. I cant believe that today Chris Evans talked about politics and later he is considered the sexiest man alive, the perfect balance, one person wrote alongside a screen recording of the actors Instagram Live. I can't believe that today chris evans talked about politics and later he is considered the sexiest man alive the perfect balance pic.twitter.com/uesAra72Ir Lexi (@landoughnuts) November 8, 2022 According to someone else, the best part about the actors newest title has been his reaction to the honour. The best part about Chris Evans being the sexiest man alive is that hes so humble and cute about it as if hes just a man next door rather than a celebrity millionaire, they claimed. The recognition also prompted praise from Evans fellow Avengers star Yvette Nicole Brown, who jokingly tweeted: And we KNOW this! Hey @ChrisEvans, Ill be stopping by to get my issue autographed. Dont act brand new like you dont know nobody! And we KNOW this! Hey @ChrisEvans, Ill be stopping by to get my issue autographed. Dont act brand new like you dont know nobody! #TwitterBae https://t.co/aMZm830cjH yvette nicole brown (@YNB) November 8, 2022 While a significant portion of the reaction was positive, there were some who disagreed with Evans latest achievement, claiming there are Hollywood stars better suited for the title. Hey @People I think you spelled @Chris_Meloni wrong, one person tweeted, while another said: Incorrect, its Harry Styles. As for how Evans mother Lisa reacted to the news, she told People that she was not surprised at all that her son had been granted the honour. Evans became the latest Hollywood star to earn the title after it was given to Paul Rudd in 2021. At the time, the Ant Man star said he planned to lean into the title, despite expecting his friends to give him so much grief. John Moore/Getty Images Automatic vote-counting machines went down Tuesday morning at some 20 percent of polling places in Maricopa County, Arizona, a locale that has become a hotspot for far-right conspiracy theoristsex-President Donald Trump among themlooking to prove fantastical allegations of electoral fraud. However, the truth-bending claims perpetuated during the first several hours of voting fell flat when the issue was fixed by adjusting the printer settings on affected vote tabulators at about 40 voting centers. Shortly after the technical problem was first reported, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates said at a press conference that there is a redundancy in place for anyone who cant run their ballot through the tabulator: Just slip your ballot into the secure box directory below the tabulator to be verified and counted later. The glitch also was limited in its scope, and didnt appear to be coordinated. Its not like both of the tabulators in this 20 percent of locations are having these issues, Gates assured voters. It may be one out of five, two out of five. Tabulation equipment in Maricopa is tested in advance, and bipartisan teams appointed and overseen by both political parties then hand-count the machines results to further verify them. In the 2020 elections, as well as the recent August primary, Maricopa had a 100 percent match, according to Gates. Appearing beside Gates, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, a lifelong Republican who has received death threats from Trump supporters for rejecting the idea of widespread tampering in the 2020 presidential election, added, This is actually what the majority of Arizona counties do on Election Day, all the time. When you have 8,800 individual election jurisdictions, you're going to see a few issues arise, a senior official with the Department of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in response. Weve seen a few of these today, as happens on every Election Day. None of this is out of the ordinary We know in this environment, normal technical challenges can sometimes be misinterpreted to mean malicious activity. We have seen no indications to date that this is the case. Story continues C. Murphy Hebert, director of communications for Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbswho is running for governor on the Democratic tickettold The Daily Beast, The thing that I would stress right now at this juncture, because there will be an effort to utilize this [tabulating machine issue] as misinformation, is that every ballot will be counted. Even if [voters] are in an area where there is an issue with a tabulator, that ballot will be counted. So they can rest assured that their voice will be heard, and attempts to undermine that are just really disappointing and counterproductive. I have some other words for it too, but theyre probably not fit for print. In an email, Richer spokesman Justin Heywood said voters still had a number of options to choose from if the tabulators arent working or if there are long lines where they are. As Gates explained, any registered voter in Maricopa can go to any of the countys 223 voting centers to cast their ballot. Sr CISA official: When you have 8,800 individual election jurisdictions, you're going to see a few issues arise. We've seen a few of these today, as happens on every Election Day. None of this is out of the ordinary..." Eric Geller (@ericgeller) November 8, 2022 The tabulator problems in Maricopa were just normal hiccups inherent in any large-scale public undertaking, according to early reports. Yall- the printer/toner was out on one machine, one voter in East Mesa said on social media. Someone was fixing it. They have 2- so it was just slow. It took 2 hrs to vote, but I voted! Password entered too many times so built-in security measures locked the machine, Maricopa County officials said in a tweet about a tabulator in Phoenix. Addressing as we speak. Attorney Harmeet Dhillon, co-chair of the Republican National Lawyers Association and former vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party, implored GOP voters to trust the system. Arizona votersplease be aware that there are dozens of Republican lawyers monitoring the tabulating situation in Maricopa County (and all AZ Counties), speaking with the county lawyers, and ensuring that votes WILL count, she tweeted. Please do your part and VOTE! We have your back! Hey look, a failsafe to ensure the machine isnt messed with even if someone who shouldn't have access got access! Multi layered security protecting our votes (even if it creates an inconvenience for a bit). VorAbaddon (@VorAbaddon) November 8, 2022 However, the steady thrum of mis- and disinformation being peddled by conspiracy theorists and far-right pols as part and parcel of Donald Trumps lies about his re-election loss to Joe Biden in 2020, ignore the fact that U.S. elections, which are decentralized by design, are nearly impossible to manipulate at the ballot box level. Trump himself took to his flailing Twitter clone, Truth Social, to undermine faith in Maricopas results, where the polls opened at 6 a.m. local time, before the results are even in. Reports are coming in from Arizona that the Voting Machines are not properly working in predominantly Republican/Conservative areas, Trump posted. Can this possibly be true when a vast majority of Republicans waited for today to Vote? Here we go again? The people will not stand for it!!! He followed up a little over an hour later with an updated spin on the bogus claim that he was cheated out of a second term, posting, Same thing is happening with Voter Fraud as happened in 2020??? On Twitter, where Trump remains banned for using the platform to incite violence around the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the Trump-adjacent had their (similar) say. Truth Social Democracy Dies in Maricopa County, tweeted alt-right political operative Benny Johnson, the 36-year-old chief creative officer for conservative campus group Turning Point USA. On Steve Bannon's War Room webcast Tuesday morning, guests almost immediately seized on the snafu. In Maricopawe have teams therethere is up to 50 percent of the ballots getting rejected with the machines, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell claimed, without offering any evidence. The big crime story of the year. Kari Lake, a former Phoenix newscaster and Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for governor, took to social media to falsely warn people that their votes likely will not count if they leave to go to another polling place. Their attitude seems to be Of course, were cheating. We have no choice, because we know losing means retribution. And, thats one thing we just can't have, someone replied. Later, it would emerge that the tabulator malfunctions were not the work of liberal saboteurs, but the machines printer settings. According to a statement issued Tuesday afternoon by the Maricopa County 2022 Elections Command Center, some of the printers were not producing dark enough timing marks on the ballots. County technicians have changed the printer settings, which seems to have resolved this issue, the statement said, adding that the solution has worked at 17 locations, and technicians deployed throughout the county are working to resolve this issue at the remaining locations. Chairman @billgatesaz shared information about the printer issue, and the resolution now being deployed to the remaining affected locations: pic.twitter.com/xTPR6vBZTn Maricopa County (@maricopacounty) November 8, 2022 Some commentators also floated tales of endless waits at voting sites, which largely turned out not to be the case. MASSIVE lines in Maricopa County[.] People saying theyve never seen anything like this[,] tweeted Jack Posobiec, who the Southern Poverty Law Center describes as a political operative and internet performer of the anti-democracy hard right, known primarily for creating and amplifying viral disinformation campaigns. But while one voting center showed a wait time of about 45 minutes, by mid-morning, many polling places, according to a tracker on the Maricopa County Elections Department website, had no wait times at all to vote. In Phoenix, one location had three people in line with an estimated wait of two minutes. Another had seven people in line with an estimated wait of three minutes. A voting center in a different part of town showed 70 people in line waiting to vote, with a 25-minute wait time, according to the site. If Kari Lake doesnt get her way, she plans to undermine the will of voters. She has already refused to say if shell certify the 2024 election if shes governor. She wont provide solutions. Shell just cause chaos. pic.twitter.com/FAa1e7sBPF Katie Hobbs (@katiehobbs) November 8, 2022 Christina Baal-Owens, executive director of Public Wise, a Washington D.C.-based voting rights nonprofit, is on the ground in Phoenix supporting two of the organizations partner groups, which are conducting outreach to voters of color. Things there feel pretty calm, Baal-Owens told The Daily Beast on Tuesday afternoon, although while door-knocking on behalf of Democratic candidates, she said she has noticed way fewer lawn signs, and got a sense [that] people are afraid to identify who they voted for. Misinformation, as it so often does, spread rapidly on Tuesday, with more than 40,000 tweets on the tabulating machine snafu over the course of two hours, according to the Election Integrity Partnership, a research collective overseen by the Stanford Internet Observatory and the University of Washingtons Center for an Informed Public. Attention spiked after a tweet from Charlie Kirk, which fueled others who allege that these machine failures are deliberate, the organization said. No part of the tweet below is accurate. The vast majority of Vote Centers are seeing wait times under 30 minutes, and whether by tabulator or secure ballot box, all voters are being served. Find locations and estimated wait times at https://t.co/8vtd1lBUCT pic.twitter.com/dOi3emV5Tl Maricopa County (@maricopacounty) November 8, 2022 Maricopa County has been the de facto epicenter of election denial since Donald Trump cast doubtwhich has been thoroughly debunkedon the 2020 election results there months after Joe Biden took office. The entire Database of Maricopa County in Arizona has been DELETED! Trump posted to his personal website in May 2021. Richer, the Maricopa County recorder, later wrote an open letter to his fellow Republicans, insisting, Nobody stole Maricopa Countys election. Elections in Maricopa County arent rigged. In response, Richer began to receive threats on his life from pro-Trump zealots. After early voting began on Oct. 12, election deniers descended on Arizona to stake out drop boxes around the county in a vigilante-style attempt to prevent what has turned out to be nonexistent fraud. Many of the box-watchers in Maricopa have been linked to Clean Elections USA, a group run by minister and conspiracy theorist Melody Jennings. She has mobilized teams of people to monitor drop boxes around Maricopa, with a good number clad in tactical gear and body armor. Some, according to complaints received by the Arizona Secretary of States Office and shared with The Daily Beast, have been armed. Because of the failsafes and security features baked into the system, the efforts have beenas Richer previously told The Daily Beast, ludicrous, preposterous, and stupid, not to mention ridiculous. With additional reporting by Zachary Petrizzo 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. Photo: The Canadian Press Former President Donald Trump said Monday he will be making a big announcement next week as he teased a third presidential run while campaigning on the eve of the final day of voting in this year's midterm elections. I'm going to be making a very big announcement on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Mar-a-Lago," Trump said before a cheering crowd in Vandalia, Ohio, Monday night, where he was holding his final rally of the midterm season to bolster Senate candidate JD Vance. Trump explained that he wanted nothing to detract from the importance of tomorrow," even after he had sparked a frantic effort to hold him off after he had told people he was considering officially launching his next campaign Monday night at the rally. Trump has been increasingly explicit about his plans to seek another term, saying in recent days that he would very, very, very probably run again and would be formalizing his intentions very, very soon." I will probably have to do it again but stay tuned, he said Sunday night in Miami. Stay tuned to tomorrow night in the great state of Ohio. Republican officials and some people in Trumps orbit had been urging him for months to wait until after the midterms were over to launch, in part to avoid turning the election into a referendum on him and to shield him from potential blame should Republicans not do as well as the party hopes on Tuesday. But Trump has been eager to move forward, hoping to piggyback off expected Republican wins after endorsing nearly 300 candidates, as well as to stave off potential challengers like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and others who have indicated they will run. Indeed, the date of Trump's announcement Nov. 15 is the same day former Vice President Mike Pence will be releasing a book that is seen as part of his own potential campaign rollout. Trump's announcement comes as he confronts a series of escalating legal challenges, including several investigations that could lead to indictments. They include the probe into hundreds of documents with classified markings that were seized by the FBI from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, as well as ongoing state and federal inquiries into his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol has also subpoenaed Trump and last month issued a letter to his lawyers saying he must testify, either at the Capitol or by videoconference, beginning on or about Nov. 14 and continuing for multiple days if necessary. Trump won Ohio, once considered a bellwether, by 8 points in both 2016 and 2020. The state also proved an early test of his endorsement power when his decision to back Vance in the state's hyper-competitive Senate primary vaulted the political newcomer to victory in a crowded Republican field. Vance, an author, venture capitalist and onetime Trump critic, is part of a new generation of Republican leaders who have embraced Trumps American First positions, including his isolationist foreign policy and focus on immigration. Even before all the polls have closed, numerous baseless claims of voter fraud have circulated widely across social media platforms and fringe forums. STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images Even before polls have closed, far-right internet forums are inundated with baseless fraud claims. Trump has written multple posts online suggesting fraud is taking place, urging people to protest. The past few years of voter fraud claims has ripened the ground for similar conspiracies to spread. Even before polls closed and many states began releasing vote counts on Tuesday, far-right users in Telegram channels and fringe forums were spreading conspiracy theories and itching to declare the midterm elections fraudulent. Online spaces dedicated to support for former President Donald Trump or belief in QAnon are filled with people who tend to be primed to follow and propagate baseless conspiracy theories. On election day, these channels and forums lit up with false claims of election fraud many of the users still spreading the disproven claim that Trump was cheated out of victory in the 2020 election, along with other forms of misinformation like anti-vaccine falsehoods. A good deal of the false claims and baseless conspiracy theories circulating in far-right online spaces about Tuesday's midterm elections surround Maricopa County in Arizona, which experienced a "technical glitch" earlier today that led to some votes not being correctly tabulated, according to CNN. Maricopa County officials including the chair of its board of supervisors, who is a Republican stated that around 20% of the voting locations were experiencing issues. Around mid-afternoon county officials followed up with another statement that they had identified the issue, according to NPR, and changed the printer settings on the voting tabulators to address it. Despite county officials saying these votes would still be counted after the polls close, a volley of far-right commentators and politicians like Marjorie Taylor Greene have seized on the issue to spread baseless claims of election fraud. Some right-wing commentators with large followings have also shared videos of election day scenes in Arizona such as officials painstakingly explaining what's happening with the voting machines and added suggestive descriptions implying fraud. At least one election denial group, 2020 is Nullified, has already reportedly planned election protests this evening in multiple Arizona countries. Story continues Trump posted a string of messages on Truth Social Tuesday afternoon claiming without evidence that fraud was taking place and falsely suggested that the "same" voter fraud "as happened in 2020" was happening with these elections. "Maricopa County in Arizona looks like a complete Voter Integrity DISASTER," Trump wrote to his audience of 4.5 million followers. "Another big voter tabulation problem in Arizona. Sound familiar???" he wrote in another post. Trump has also previously suggested that election fraud is happening in Michigan and Pennsylvania, and urged his followers to "Protest, Protest, Protest!" in Detroit. A judge in Michigan already dismissed a lawsuit making claims of election fraud, writing in an opinion that the baseless suit "raised a false flag of election law violations." Far-right spaces are inundated with non-stop election falsehoods and vows of 'civil war' On Telegram, numerous posts have gained traction that imply or explicitly claim that voter fraud is taking place, without providing any evidence. The far-right Telegram user BioClandestine, who became known for popularizing the false conspiracy theory that the US was developing bioweapons in Ukraine, baselessly claimed this afternoon that Maricopa County was purposely delaying the election so they could "commit voter fraud." Telegram has many channels that function as far-right echo chambers. Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images Other popular Telegrammers in the far-right sphere have vaguely claimed that liberals will "bring out massive fraud" without pointing to anything in particular. The QAnon influencer Jordan Sather baselessly speculated that "plenty of fraud" could be exposed on Tuesday. The channels, which generally function as far-right echo chambers, are inundated with constant claims of election fraud. A popular QAnon conspiracist with over 70,000 followers has repeatedly made baseless claims predicting there would be fraud committed through myriad outrageous methods. "All assets deployed tomorrow. False flags, delayed vote count, pipe bursts, dead voters, fake ballots, electronic voting systems being rigged," the user wrote in a post that has been viewed over 130,000 times. "Tomorrow they commit treason for the second time." Fringe forums for Trump supporters are similarly lit up with baseless claims and speculation about election fraud, with some users suggesting they would start a civil war if there is "no red wave and a bunch of cheating." A slew of baseless conspiracy theories beyond the catch-all net of "voter fraud" have also gained some traction in far-right circles, including the bizarre and unfounded claim that any voting stations with WiFi networks nearby could be involved in fraud. Disinformation and extremism experts have long warned that election myths and falsehoods, which far-right actors and Trump propagated for years, made this midterm election season especially vulnerable to the spread of election-related lies. The vote has also taken place amid the backdrop of political violence, just two weeks after a conspiracy theorist attacked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband with a hammer and fractured his skull while allegedly looking for Pelosi. Read the original article on Insider Arizona has already been plagued by extensive election fraud conspiracy theories leading up to todays midterms. The tabulation machine breakdowns certainly arent helping. Its Election Day across the U.S. and the stakes are high. Were at a tense political point. Last week, Arizona even had to issue a restraining orders against the conservative, sometimes armed, militia members showing up at early voting sites. And the spread of a burgeoning conspiracy theory on Twitter is an illustrative case study in the role online disinformation plays in sowing such political discord. A video posted to Twitter, recorded at a voting site in Anthem, Arizona, gained rapid traction on Tuesday morning amid right-wing users of the platform. In it, a poll worker informs a line of would-be voters that the sites machines arent workingand attempts to re-assure voters that their ballots will still be read manually. Read more Charlie Kirk, noted disinformation disseminator and founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, first tweeted out the video at 9:26 a.m. Eastern. Less than two hours later, millions of people had watched it and the tweet had been interacted with via retweets, replies, and quote tweets tens of thousands of times, according to data collected by Kate Starbird, a researcher who studies misinformation and social media at the University of Washington. The Election Integrity Partnership, led by the University of Washington and Stanford University also tweeted out a thread on the phenomenon of the Maricopa County Machines viral spread. Conversation around the tabulation system errors spread rapidly on Twitter. We have observed 40,000+ relevant tweets in the span of two hours. Attention spiked after a tweet from Charlie Kirk, which fueled others who allege that these machine failures are deliberate. pic.twitter.com/b3i7cbCCB6 Election Integrity Partnership (@EI_Partnership) November 8, 2022 Many quote tweets and replies falsely insinuated that the faulty machines were an intentional ploy by Democrats to rig the election. Cheating became a trending topic on Twitter as a response. Donald Trump Jr. retweeted the clip, spreading it to his massive hoard of Twitter followers. Kirk, Trump Jr., and other far-right pundits amplified the idea that putting ballots into Box 3" when machines werent working, as instructed by poll workers, was tantamount to throwing your ballot away. Story continues The online claims spread so quickly that the Maricopa County Elections Department tweeted out their own video about an hour after Kirks post. In it, two election officials explain that all ballots will be counted regardless of faulty tabulators and that hand-counting ballots is standard in most Arizona counties on election days. The officials further added that voters can opt to cast their ballots at any location, and can go elsewhere if they really want to put their ballot in a working machine. But that video has been viewed significantly less than Kirks, with less than half a million watches. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. 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. A line of voters outside of the Williamson County Annex polling station in Round Rock, Texas, on Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo: Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images) A line of voters outside of the Williamson County Annex polling station in Round Rock, Texas, on Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo: Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images) After an NAACP chapter alleged voter intimidation in a predominately Black community in Texas, a federal judge ordered officials at a polling place in Jefferson County not to harass or intimidate voters. This includes refraining from asking them to read their addresses aloud or standing near them as they fill out their ballots. The judge, Donald Trump appointee Michael J. Truncale, emphasized that he was not making a finding of fact. Still, he did grant a temporary restraining order stopping the reported behavior and instructing the countys clerk to implement the order by 7 a.m. Tuesday. White poll workers at the John Paul Davis Community Center, including a GOP-appointed election judge, repeatedly asked Black voters in aggressive tones to recite their addresses within earshot of other voters, poll watchers and poll workers, even when the voter was already checked in by a poll worker, according to the lawsuit. Around 90% of people who vote at the community center are Black, the suit claimed. By contrast, the election judge at the community center did not ask white voters to recite their addresses, the complaint continued. The named plaintiff, Jessica Daye, who is Black, plans to try to vote somewhere else on Election Day because she fears that among other things the poll workers at the Community Center will ask her to recite her address out loud in front of everyone, according to the suit. The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, which helped bring the suit and operates the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, said in a press release Tuesday that it had received multiple complaints about white poll workers at the Beaumont polling place asking Black voters to loudly recite their addresses after already being checked in and verified to vote, in a gross instance of invasion of privacy and voter intimidation. Story continues White poll workers also allegedly followed Black voters and voter assistants around the polling place, including standing two feet behind a Black voter and the assistant as the voter was casting their ballot. Poll workers also allegedly helped white voters scan their ballots into voting machines but did not similarly help Black voters. Jefferson County, the countys commissioners court, the county clerk, and the specific election judge in charge of the community center were named defendants in the lawsuit. Lawyers representing the county didnt respond to HuffPosts request for comment Tuesday. However, a court record shows that an emergency hearing Monday night lasted approximately three hours, including recess and time for the courts ruling. The complaint noted that before filing the suit, a pastor who is also a member of the NAACP chapter relayed concerns about the centers election judge, Mary Beth Bowling, to the county clerk, but no action was taken. Plaintiffs alleged the actions they described violated the Voting Rights Act, as well as the U.S. Constitutions 14th and 15th Amendments. Plaintiffs also submitted several affidavits from pollworkers, a voter assistant, and the president of the Beaumont Chapter of the NAACP flagging the behavior. I have never before gotten so many complaints about how uncomfortable and difficult it has been for my congregants to vote at the Community Center, wrote affiant Airon Reynolds, Jr., an NAACP member and pastor at the Borden Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, a short drive from the polling place. Reynolds said he went to the polling place and asked Bowling to adjust her behavior saying that drilling voters about their addresses was demeaning but she refused. The voter assistant, Joyce Roper, wrote that Bowling stood right behind me as I was assisting an elderly Black man and only moved after being asked twice. Over 10 days of early voting, Roper added, more than 60 Black voters told me they felt intimidated, uneasy, and uncomfortable voting in the Community Center. Reynolds own experience was similarly fraught. He wrote: When I walked into the Community Center, there were two white poll workers standing and looking at me suspiciously. They watched every step I took. When I went to the voting booth, they came closer, walking toward me. They both stood about five feet behind me and watched me like I was getting ready to steal something. After I voted, they stared at me as I put my ballot into the scanning machine and as I walked outside. I saw them do the same to a handful of other Black voters who were in the polling place at the same time as me. In his order Monday, Truncale denied the plaintiffs requests to prohibit Bowling from working as an election judge. But he granted their request prohibiting election workers and others from requesting or ordering any voters to publicly recite their addresses before allowing them to vote, as well as prohibiting them from positioning themselves near voters who are marking their ballots such that they can view voters selections, aside from certain exceptions spelled out in Texas law. Truncale also prohibited election workers at the community center from turning away eligible voters. In a press release Tuesday, Beaumont NAACP President Rev. Michael Cooper wrote that he was thankful for Judge Truncales fair assessment to ensure that Black voters in Beaumont wont face any additional violations as they exercise their right to vote. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... The campaign of Democratic senate candidate John Fetterman sued Pennsylvania election officials Monday demanding that undated or improperly dated mail-in ballots be counted in upcoming races in the state. Major party fundraising arms, including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, as well as two Pennsylvania Democratic voters who sent in undated ballots, are also plaintiffs in the lawsuit. They allege that a provision of a state law requiring mail-in ballots to include the date on the outside of mail-in ballot envelopes infringes on federal law. The states 67 county boards of election were named as defendants. The legal action comes after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered election officials to disqualify mail-in and absentee ballots submitted with a missing written date, or an incorrect date, on the outside of the ballot envelope. The judges ruled based on the Pennsylvania Election Code, which instructs voters to fill out, date and sign the declaration provided on the envelope in which they place their ballot. Since the courts decision, thousands of mail-in ballots have been deemed invalid for a missing or incorrect date, the suing parties claimed. Election officials are rejecting qualified voters who accidentally failed to write the date on their ballot envelope, and more still will be rejected when voters enter an incorrect date, such as their birthdate, instead of the date they completed or signed their ballot. In the legal filing, the plaintiffs insisted that the date instruction has no relevance to determining voter eligibility. If a marked date is needed to prove voter qualifications, they said, then it should be the date of the election rather than the date the voter submitted their ballot. One of the voters involved in the lawsuit, Bette Eakin from Eerie County, has a medical condition that made her blind and unable to cast a ballot in-person, according to the suit. Story continues In litigation battles following the 2020 election, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court was asked to look at a Petition for Discretionary Review to determine whether the date instruction in the states election code should be read as directory or mandatory. A majority of justices ruled mandatory and that a ballots failure to comply with the stipulation means it should be excluded from tabulation. More from National Review By Foo Yun Chee LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - Fiat Chrysler on Tuesday won its fight against an EU order to pay 30 million euros ($30 million) in back taxes to Luxembourg, dealing a major setback to antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's crackdown on sweetheart deals between EU countries and multinationals. In her 2015 decision, Vestager said Luxembourg had granted Fiat Chrysler, now part of Stellantis, an unfair tax advantage by endorsing artificial and complex methods that artificially lowered the company's taxes. A lower tribunal in 2019 backed her decision. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), however, disagreed with its judgment. Stellantis said in a statement that it was pleased that the Court of Justice had confirmed the carmaker's view that the Commission was wrong to consider its tax ruling to be unlawful state aid. Vestager said in a tweet the ruling was "a big loss for tax fairness". Judges faulted the EU competition watchdog for its analysis of the reference system used to determine whether Luxembourg had given a selective advantage to Fiat. "Only the national law applicable in the member state concerned must be taken into account in order to identify the reference system for direct taxation, that identification being itself an essential prerequisite for assessing not only the existence of an advantage, but also whether it is selective in nature," they said. Vestager's high profile cases include her record 13-billion-euro tax order for Apple and Amazon's Luxembourg deal. Both subsequently won their challenges at a lower tribunal. The Commission has appealed to the CJEU, with rulings due in the coming years. Vestager is investigating Swedish furniture retailer Ikea and U.S. sportswear maker Nike's Dutch tax deals, Finnish food and drink packaging company Huhtamaki's tax deal with Luxembourg and Belgium's tax rulings on 39 multinational companies. Last year, nearly 140 countries agreed to a 15% global minimum corporate tax to take better account of the emergence of big digital companies that can book profits in low-tax countries, making it the biggest overhaul of cross-border tax rules in a generation. Countries are now drawing up plans to turn the agreement into law. Story continues The cases are C-885/19 P and C-898/19 P. ($1 = 1.0005 euros) (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; additional reporting by Bart Meijer in Amsterdam and Giulio Piovaccari in Milan; Editing by Mark Potter and Grant McCool) Nov. 7The Royal Oaks and Satilla Shores are still under an evacuation order, according to Glynn County officials, while firefighters from several jurisdictions work to extinguish an industrial fire at the Symrise plant in southern Glynn County. "They're not going door to door, but folks are asked to leave," said Glynn County spokeswoman Katie Baasen. School buses will not take students at Satilla Marsh Elementary School and Risley Middle School who live in those neighborhoods home, said Glynn County Schools Police Chief Rod Ellis, instead keeping them at their schools until their parents can pick up them. He did not know exactly how many students would be affected. The south side of the Port of Brunswick was evacuated at 6:30 a.m. According to a port worker who asked not to be named, the afternoon shift at all facilities in the southern part of the port has been called off. He said managers were originally told to begin staging afternoon shift workers at a gas station on U.S. 17 closer to Exit 29 of I-95, but that port officials ultimately decided to cancel the shift. The southern half of the port is mostly used to store and process vehicles that come off the transport ships that dock in the northern part of the port. Business at the northern half of the port is continuing as normal. The plant is located at 209 SCM Road, across U.S. 17 from the Georgia Ports Authority's Colonels Island Terminal. Residents of Satilla Shores, Royal Oaks, Sanctuary Cove and Hickory Bluff have been ordered to evacuate because of the potential for the release of hydrogen peroxide pinene, which he described as "a volatile chemical" used in the production of fragrances. The evacuation orders for Hickory Bluff and Sanctuary Cove, both in northern Camden County, have been lifted, according to the Camden County EMA. During a morning press conference, Glynn County Commissioner Wayne Neal said about 100 households in Glynn County had evacuated and that the county had established a shelter at the Ballard Complex gym, 323 Old Jesup Road, that no one has used. Story continues A dozen or so resident of Royal Oaks and Satilla Shores were also passing time at the same gas station waiting on word from authorities as to when they'd be able to return home. One Royal Oaks resident who did not want her name published said a Glynn County Sheriff's Office deputy had knocked on her door around 10:30 or 11 a.m. and asked for the household to evacuate. They'd heard about the fire at the plant, but hadn't left because of conflicting reports about the severity of the problem on social media. She had a relative in Kingsland if she wasn't able to get back into her home that night, but what she really wanted were answers. "Everybody tells me they don't have a clue (when we can go back), so we've been riding around trying to figure out what to do," she said. Baasen said the county is asking for patience as firefighters work to put out the industrial fire. First responders are still determining exactly what chemicals are involved in the fire and how they react to heat and fire, Baasen said. Caution is being taken to minimize the risk of further explosions or proliferation of hazardous smoke, she said. "This isn't just a wood fire, this is a chemicals that are burning," Baasen said. Hazmat (hazardous materials) crews from Savannah and Jacksonville are among the host of outside agencies who have converged at the port to assist local firefighters with incident at Symrise, said Glynn County Emergency Management Agency Director Andrew Leanza. "We've got a lot of responders here and everybody is coming together and working as a team to address this in the most efficient and expedient manner," Leanza said. "We have a lot of coordination here." First American Financial (NYSE:FAF) Third Quarter 2022 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$1.82b (down 29% from 3Q 2021). Net income: US$2.00m (down 100% from 3Q 2021). Profit margin: 0.1% (down from 17% in 3Q 2021). The decrease in margin was driven by lower revenue. EPS: US$0.019 (down from US$4.01 in 3Q 2021). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period First American Financial Revenues and Earnings Miss Expectations Revenue missed analyst estimates by 9.7%. Earnings per share (EPS) also missed analyst estimates by 99%. Looking ahead, revenue is expected to decline by 3.2% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, while revenues in the Insurance industry in the US are expected to grow by 5.5%. Performance of the American Insurance industry. The company's share price is broadly unchanged from a week ago. Risk Analysis What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for First American Financial you should know about. 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 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: The Canadian Press Provincial and territorial health ministers have presented a united front as they seek more federal funding, and today expect to hear more details on cash promised by their federal counterpart. British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix is hosting the country's health ministers for a second day of talks in Vancouver that are set to include discussions with federal minister Jean-Yves Duclos. Dix says ministers will review any offer from Duclos but they're clear on one thing they want federal funding boosted to 35 per cent of their health expenditure, up from 22 per cent. Duclos did not provide any specifics of the funding promise, but said Monday that all jurisdictions must agree to using common key health indicators and building a "world-class" health data system for the country. Dix says health ministers are committed to supporting each other as all jurisdictions weather a crisis in staffing while still trying to get through the pandemic. He also called for a national meeting on the Canada Health Transfer, the federal money doled out to provinces and territories, in keeping with what he says was a promise from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when he first took office in 2015. Still on the fence about going to TC Sessions: Crypto on November 17 in Miami? Theres no better time or way to get the latest news, trends and expert insight on the rapidly changing, always evolving world of crypto. And in case you havent heard, this daylong conference is no one-trick pony. We go deep on blockchain, DeFi, NFTs and web3 too. So, whats it gonna take? Here are five wicked good reasons to buy a pass to TC Sessions: Crypto. Speakers par excellence You cant do much better than our roster of heavy hitters. Just some of the leading voices youll hear and learn from: Ava Labs president, John Wu Binance founder and CEO, Changpeng (CZ) Zhao Bitwise Asset Management's general counsel and chief compliance officer, Katherine Dowling OpenSea co-founder and CEO, Devin Finzer Sequoia Capital partner, Michelle Bailhe Fradin Tezos co-founder, Kathleen Breitman Be sure to explore the full agenda and check out all the interviews and panel discussions we will even have a live recording of TCs Chain Reaction podcast. Big breakout sessions Dont miss your chance to get your Q&A on and get the answers you need to know to help you build and sustain your startup. Heres just one of the breakouts and a prime example of a topic that generates lots of questions. These folks will have answers. Keeping It Legal: The legal issues associated with crypto and web3 are complex. Tech companies may need to consider balancing the ethos of the blockchain industry with protecting their revenue models and reducing regulatory risk. How are they structuring financings with equity or tokens or both? How can they protect their IP in an open source world? What contracts do they need with customers and service partners? And what are the best ways to operate within regulatory uncertainty and an anticipated wave of enforcement actions? Leading attorneys from a variety of practice groups at Wilson Sonsini, one of the pathbreaking law firms in the crypto space, will address these and other questions, including questions from the audience. Story continues Awesome emerging startups Youll find more than 15 early-stage startups exhibiting their tech and talent at the show. Whether youre looking for investment candidates, a new gig, potential customers or collaborators, be sure to get to know these rising stars and what they offer. You can research more about them here, here and here. World-class networking So much of the action across the cryptoverse takes place behind computer screens. This is the perfect time to engage and network in the flesh and eye-to-eye. But hold up: You can also network with folks online and schedule virtual meetings. Its the very best of both worlds that lets you explore possibilities and mine for opportunity with game-changing founders, investors, developers and policy-makers. A Crypto pitch-off Who doesnt love a pitch-off? Be in the room when some of the brightest early-stage crypto founders take the stage in front of a live audience. Theyll pitch their tech to a panel of experts, including Galaxy Ventures Will Nuelle, Gradient Ventures Wen-Wen Lam and Lux Capitals Grace Isford. Bonus reason: Miami in November. Stay an extra day and bask in the sun and fun that only the Magic City can offer. There you have it. Five spectacular reasons to buy a pass today and join us at TC Sessions: Crypto on November 17. Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TC Sessions: Crypto? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form. 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On Monday, the DOJ released a list of 64 jurisdictions within 24 states in which the department plans to send attorneys to "monitor for compliance with federal voting rights laws" on Election Day. Included in that list are Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties in Florida. Brad McVay, general counsel to Florida's Department of State, told the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department in a Monday letter that the DOJ "seem[ed] to indicate" that these monitors will be placed inside polling places. However, he said that is not permitted. "Section 102.031(3)(a) of the Florida Statutes lists the people who may enter any polling room or polling place,'" McVay wrote. "Department of Justice personnel are not included on the list." MIDTERM ELECTIONS 2022: LIVE UPDATES Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's Department of State has warned the DOJ that its poll monitors are not allowed inside polling places. "Even if they could qualify as law enforcement absent some evidence concerning the need for federal intrusion, or some federal statute that preempts Florida law, the presence of federal law enforcement inside polling places would be counterproductive and could potentially undermine confidence in the election," McVay warned. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The DOJ's announcement that it will deploy poll watchers is in keeping with the departments standard procedure every election year, but with a noticeable uptick in the number of covered jurisdictions this year. The Trump-era DOJ deployed monitors in 2018 to 25 jurisdictions and in 2020 to 44 jurisdictions. During Obamas last term in 2016, the DOJ sent monitors to 67 jurisdictions. The DOJ says the monitors' enforcement focus will be to "enforce the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act and the Civil Rights Acts." Story continues DOJ ANNOUNCES PLANS TO MONITOR DOZENS OF POLLING LOCATIONS IN 24 STATES ON ELECTION DAY "The divisions Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote," the department said. The divisions Criminal Section will enforce "federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion." McVay added in his letter that the DOJ has failed to "detail the need for federal monitors" in the three Florida counties. "None of the counties are currently subject to any election-related federal consent decrees," McVay claimed in his letter. "None of the counties have been accused of violating the rights of language or racial minorities or of the elderly or disabled." ELON MUSK: 'I RECOMMEND VOTING FOR A REPUBLICAN CONGRESS "Your letters simply provide a non-exhaustive list of federal elections statutes as the basis for this action without pointing to any specific statutory authorization," McVay said. He also noted that during a Monday phone call between his office and DOJ, he asked for "specific statutory authorization" which was not provided to him on the call. McVay concluded by notifying the DOJ that the Florida Department of State "invokes its authority" under a section a Florida statue that says "upon the written direction of the Secretary of State, any employee of the Department of State having expertise in the matter of concern to the Secretary of State shall have full access to all premises, records, equipment, and staff of the supervisor of elections," and will send its own monitors to the three targeted jurisdictions. A voter shows off their, 'I Voted", sticker after casting their ballot at a polling station on Nov. 08, 2022 in Miami. After months of candidates campaigning, Americans are voting in the midterm elections to decide close races across the nation. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "These monitors will ensure that there is no interference with the voting process," McVay continued. The DOJ declined to comment. Fox News' Eben Brown contributed to this report. SAN JOSE, CA - (NewMediaWire) - November 7, 2022 - (King NewsWire) - FlyFin, the world's number one AI-based tax preparation and tax filing service, announced the addition of powerful, time-saving features to its flagship offering. Core Web 3.0 aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are now central to FlyFin's platform, where AI and ML perform a majority of the work for tax filing, reducing user effort by 95 percent. With centralized ML, FlyFin's platform applies deep learning to financial transactions, income, expenses and tax deductions, while decentralized ML enables learning at the user level. With FlyFin, it doesn't matter if a user switches their employer or financial institution because individual learning is carried forward and applied to every entity as the AI continues to evolve. FlyFin's users will benefit from the following new functionality: Continuous expense tracking delivers comprehensive tax savings insights 24/7, 365 days per year. FlyFin's AI constantly extracts meaning from the Semantic Web and learns from users as they classify their expenses on the go, reducing user effort while maximizing savings over time. As FlyFin's AI learns, it becomes more accurate in suggesting deductions and potential savings, finding any red flags that may lead to IRS penalties or missed deadlines. AI-based guided navigation advises users how to classify deductions, flagging any errant or outlier classifications. An AI-based, near real-time tax deduction tracking application provides users with continuous, instant categorization and classification of expenses. FlyFin recently won the prestigious 2022 AI TechAward for Best in Consumer AI technology in recognition of its cutting-edge Web 3.0, AI-powered tax platform. FlyFin has also created the world's largest freelancer community for taxes and finances on Instagram, attracting more than 50,000 members into the community in just four months. Freelancer and self-employed taxes and finances are challenging. As a result, FlyFin's vibrant community is gaining traction over traditional personal finance channels as a place where people can learn and help each other. Story continues Building upon the company's award-winning AI platform, FlyFin has assembled a comprehensive Tax Resource Center that helps freelancers and self-employed individuals prepare and file their taxes. Taxpayers can quickly find topics around self-employment, tax deductions, self-employed retirement plans, and practical how-to guidance. To demystify tax preparation, FlyFin's growing Tax Resource Center offers an array of free tools, calculators, guides and tax forms: A free 1099 Tax Calculator makes it easy for 1099 self-employed individuals to quickly compute the quarterly or annual income tax they owe. Individuals who receive 1099 Forms are self-employed, sub-contractors, independent contractors, gig workers, freelancers and creator economy workers. FlyFin squarely addresses 1099 self-employed individuals and independent contractors' tax preparation pain, including accounting and tax filing uncertainties and identifying what 1099 deductions qualify. The company's free Tax Form Wizard shows 1099 taxpayers the IRS tax forms that apply to their needs as self-employed individuals. It also provides recommendations for forms specific to their work and situations. Its Quarterly Tax Calculator is a fast and accurate tool to estimate quarterly taxes for 1099 workers, freelancers and self-employed individuals. Using the tool, taxpayers learn how to determine estimated taxes and can file quarterly taxes within minutes. FlyFin's quarterly tax calculator is the only one that considers a person's income and deductions. The tool enables business owners and self-employed individuals to assess how different income and deduction amounts can affect their overall taxes owed. FlyFin's Earned Income Credit Calculator (EITC) helps taxpayers quickly determine if they qualify for the credit and how much they can receive. The credit reduces the taxes owed on a dollar-for-dollar basis, making it potentially even more valuable than tax deductions. Notably, the tax credit is refundable, meaning that if it's more than the taxes a taxpayer owes, the tax filer will receive the difference as a refund. FlyFin's EITC calculator lets taxpayers know what they can receive through the EITC and how to receive it. A new Self-Employment Hub helps self-employed people planning to take the next step to formalize their small businesses. The hub provides information about which organizational structure would be most beneficial for their business, outlining the tax implications of each model. It also provides a Business Structure Advisor tool that guides people in determining the ideal business structure for their small businesses. "Our Web 3.0, AI-based tax engine enables us to provide the most comprehensive, accurate tax prep and filing experience. By leveraging the power of AI and ML, we can reduce users' efforts by 95% while providing real-time tax deduction tracking and guidance. These features, combined with our growing Tax Resource Center, provide our users with improved efficiency, personalized insights and everything they need to prepare and file their taxes confidently," said Jaideep Singh, FlyFin's CEO. About FlyFin FlyFin is an award-winning, AI-powered, web 3.0 platform that provides self-employed, sub-contractors, independent contractors, gig workers, freelancers and creator economy workers with a convenient, easy-to-use and affordable tax filing solution. FlyFin helps individuals maximize self-employment tax deductions and income tax refunds. With a "Man + Machine" approach, FlyFin leverages AI paired with highly experienced tax CPAs to deliver automation that eliminates 95% of the work required for 1099 self-employed individuals to prepare their taxes. FlyFin is a privately-held, venture-backed company based in San Jose, California. Media Contact Contact Person: Carmen Hughes Company Name: FlyFin Website: https://flyfin.tax/ Email: carmen@ignitepr.com Phone: +1.650-576.6444 City: San Jose State: CA Country: United States Ford Motor (NYSE:F) Third Quarter 2022 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$39.4b (up 10% from 3Q 2021). Net loss: US$827.0m (down by 145% from US$1.83b profit in 3Q 2021). US$0.21 loss per share (down from US$0.46 profit in 3Q 2021). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Ford Motor EPS Misses Expectations Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 2.7% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 22% growth forecast for the Auto industry in the US. Performance of the American Auto industry. The company's shares are up 2.5% from a week ago. Risk Analysis You should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Ford Motor (including 1 which makes us a bit uncomfortable). 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 A Roman Catholic priest from Massachusetts accused of sexually assaulting a child more than a decade ago has been indicted by a grand jury on forcible child rape and indecent assault and battery charges, authorities said Tuesday. In a joint statement on Tuesday morning, District Attorney Marian Ryan and Framingham Chief of Police Lester Baker said Monsignor Francis Strahan, 89, has been indicted on one count of Rape of a Child by Force and three counts of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Child Under 14. According to their statement, the charges stemmed from an alleged sexual assault of a male student at Saint Bridgets School in Framingham on two different occasions. DA Ryan said the victim was between the ages of 11 and 13 at the time and he had been an altar server while Strahan was Pastor of Saint Bridgets Parish from 2004-2008. On one occasion when the victim was dropped off for altar service and was alone in the church, the defendant allegedly raped and sexually assaulted him, according to officials. On another occasion, the defendant allegedly assaulted the victim again by pressing his body against the victim who was again at Saint Bridgets for altar serving. In a statement, the Archdiocese of Boston said they had been informed of the indictment against Strahan, and said he had been placed on administrative leave by the Archdiocese in October 2019, when the Archdiocese first learned of the allegation, which is reported to have taken place in approximately 2006. Msgr. Strahan will remain on administrative leave without any public ministry pending the outcome. His resignation as pastor of St. Bridget, Framingham has been accepted, according to the Archdiocese statement. We pray for a just and fair resolution to these proceedings for all involved. The Archdiocese of Boston is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people in our parishes and institutions. Through its Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach, the Archdiocese continues to make counseling and other services available to survivors, their families, and parishes impacted by clergy sexual abuse and by allegations of abuse by members of the clergy. Cardinal Sean P. OMalley encourages any person in need of pastoral assistance or support to contact the Archdioceses Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach by calling 617-746-5985, the Archdiocese continued. Story continues An arraignment for the 89-year-old has not yet been scheduled. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW George Rose/Getty Images; Insider Former Austin mayor Kirk Watson and state Rep. Celia Israel are headed to a runoff next month after neither candidate received more than half of the vote. Four other candidates vied to be the next mayor in Austin, Texas' mayoral race: Anthony Bradshaw, Phil Campero Brual, Gary Spellman, and Jennifer Virden. 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 After serving for two consecutive four-year terms, Democratic Mayor Steve Adler was term-limited and ineligible to run for a third time. Israel is a member of the Texas House of Representatives, an office she's held since 2014. Housing and affordability were major parts of her campaign. Watson, along with Israel, has considerable previous experience in politics: He's both a former Austin mayor and former state senator. His main priorities included addressing the city's rising cost of living, homelessness, systemic racism, and transportation. Bradshaw, a political newcomer, largely focused his campaign on addressing equity. Campero Brual, who is a legislative intern at the Texas State Capitol and a government and history student at the University of Texas, Austin, said he wants Austin to "no longer be a city represented by out of touch millionaires who pretend to understand the real struggles of the people living and working in Austin." Spellman, a businessman and co-founder of Ultimate Face Cosmetics, ran for mayor to "represent those that don't see their values or priorities confined to strict party lines," per his campaign website. He said it's important to give voters an option of a purple party that "breaks down the silos to have dialogue that helps keep the city of Austin accountable for all citizens and inclusive of all voices." Virden is a real estate broker and former Austin City Council candidate. On the top of her priority list were affordable housing, public safety, and homelessness. Read the original article on Business Insider A former Wisconsin hospice nurse is facing felony charges after allegedly cutting off a dying man's foot without his consent or permission from doctors. Mary Brown, 38, faces one count of physical abuse of an elderly person and one count of mayhem. According to a criminal complaint, a Pierce County medical examiner contacted authorities in June after conducting an autopsy of a deceased 62-year-old man whose foot was not attached to his body but was instead "lying beside him." The man had been placed in a nursing home in March 2022 after suffering frostbite on both of his feet, which became necrotic, after he fell in his own residence and the heat went out, the complaint said. Brown, a nurse who was working at the facility, allegedly cut the man's foot off on May 27 because, she told investigators, she wanted to ease his suffering and give him some "dignity," the complaint said. "Brown had no doctor's order to conduct an amputation," the complaint reads. "She stated that she did not have any authorization to remove VICTIM's foot. Brown did not have VICTIM's permission to amputate his foot. Administrators of the nursing home agreed that it was outside of the scope of Brown's practice to conduct such a procedure and a doctor's order was necessary prior to any amputation." Brown stated that she would have wanted the foot to be amputated if it had been her in the man's situation, the complaint said. Kevin Larson, the facility administrator, also told police that Brown had not been given permission to remove the foot, but that if a hospice doctor had been asked, Larson believes they would have approved the procedure. Larson had initially told Brown to stabilize the man's foot, which was only connected by a tendon, "because VICTIM was near passing within hours," the complaint said. "He stated that VICTIM lingered longer than expected and it became a couple of days and Brown believed it was the right thing to do." Story continues Larson said that when Brown later asked him what to do with the amputated food, he assumed it had fallen off, the complaint said. Brown and another nurse told police that they did not think the man felt any pain during the amputation. However, another nurse said that when she asked the man what happened a few days after the foot had been removed, he "stated that when they cut his foot off he felt everything and it hurt very bad." Several other nurses said that Brown had mentioned that she planned on having the foot taxidermied, with one nurse telling investigators that Brown had mentioned her family owns a taxidermy shop, the complaint said. At least two nurses told police that Brown intended to make a display out of the foot with some sort of sign warning people to remember to "wear your boots." It was not clear from the complaint when the man died. Each of the two charges Brown faces carry a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. Elon Musk's second week of Twitter ownership proves as chaotic as his first Election workers face violent threats in Arizona Powerball jackpot hits record $1.9 billion The Daily Beast GettyRussian forces may be preparing to leave the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which Russia has occupied since the early months of the war this year, according to Ukrainian authorities.Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said Sunday he believes Russian troops will be leaving the power plant as Ukrainian forces continue to make advances in occupied territories.Russian servicemen will leave the Zaporizhzhia NPP, as their line of defense is gradua NextShark Qatar World Cup coverage in China has sparked an uproar among Weibo users, who have been speaking out against the Chinese governments implementation of its strict zero-COVID policy. Initial coverage of the football tournament that showed audiences not wearing protective masks in Qatar has caused many in China to question the continued widespread lockdowns, quarantines and mass-testing campaigns in the country. Weibo users pointed out that the maskless crowds show that the rest of the world has found a means to live with COVID-19 without excessive measures, according to Agence France-Presse. Former king of Spain Juan Carlos (PA) An ex-lover of a former king of Spain alleged that intruders left a book about the involvement of the British and US intelligence agencies in the death of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, at her apartment, appeal judges have been told. Businesswoman Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who is taking legal action against Juan Carlos, alleged an operation by Spanish intelligence agents at her apartment in Switzerland, a Court of Appeal hearing in London heard on Tuesday. She also alleged that she received a follow-up telephone call from an unknown person who made an allusion to the manner in which Diana died, a barrister representing Juan Carlos said. Juan Carlos, 84, who abdicated in 2014, has begun an appeal bid after losing a High Court fight with Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, 57. Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn is taking legal action against Juan Carlos, seeking damages for personal injury. She alleges he caused her great mental pain by spying on and harassing her. Juan Carlos denies wrongdoing and disputes the claims made against him. Lawyers representing Juan Carlos had argued that he was entitled to immunity from the jurisdiction of the English courts in his capacity as a senior member of the Spanish royal family. But a High Court judge disagreed. Mr Justice Nicklin ruled earlier this year that the claim could go ahead in England. Three appeal judges Lady Justice King, Lady Justice Simler and Lord Justice Popplewell began considering a challenge by Juan Carlos to some of the conclusions reached by Mr Justice Nicklin, at a Court of Appeal hearing in London on Tuesday. Barrister Timothy Otty KC, told the judges that one allegation made by Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn was that papers in her apartment in Villars, Switzerland, had been disturbed. He suggested that the inference was that this operation was carried out by Spanish intelligence agents. His majesty... emphatically denies that he engaged in, or directed, any harassment of the respondent whatever, and he rejects her allegations to the contrary as untrue and inconsistent with previous public statements made by her Story continues Timothy Otty KC, for Juan Carlos Mr Otty said particulars of the claim alleged an operation by the Spanish intelligence agency, the CNI, to enter Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayns apartment in Switzerland to threaten her. It is alleged that the (her) papers had been disturbed within her apartment in Villars, he said in a written argument. It is alleged that a book was left by the intruders on the topic of the involvement of the British and US intelligence agencies in the death of Princess Diana. It is further alleged that (Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn) received a follow-up telephone call in Switzerland from an unknown person speaking Spanish who informed her that there are many tunnels between Monaco and Nice i.e, an allusion to the manner in which Princess Diana was killed as a result of a car crash in the Pont de lAlma tunnel in Paris, which the book left by the intruders had identified as being at the hands of intelligence services. Mr Otty said Juan Carlos emphasised that he considered Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayns legal action to be vexatious. He emphatically denies that he engaged in, or directed, any harassment of the (Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn) whatever, and he rejects her allegations to the contrary as untrue and inconsistent with previous public statements made by her. The allegations also involve an alleged abuse of power wholly inconsistent with his majestys important role in the transition of Spain to a successful parliamentary democracy and his long period of service as sovereign. Judges have heard that Juan Carlos ruled from 1975 until his abdication in 2014, and the succession of his son, King Felipe VI. They have been told that Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who lives in England and has a home in Shropshire, wants an injunction and damages resulting from a continuous and ongoing campaign of harassment against her, commenced by (Juan Carlos) from 2012, following the break-up of an intimate romantic relationship and her refusal to let (Juan Carlos) use a financial sum irrevocably gifted to her, or to return other gifts. Lawyers representing her have alleged to judges that conduct includes (the former king) or his agents smearing her and her business in the media, following her, entering her home in Shropshire, and bugging her homes and electronic devices. Mr Justice Nicklin rejected the argument that, despite his abdication, Juan Carlos remains a sovereign and is entitled to personal immunity under the State Immunity Act 1978. He also said Juan Carlos is not a member of the current kings household within the meaning of that Act. Mr Justice Nicklin said the former kings position under the Spanish constitution is entirely honorary and provides him no continuing role. Photo: Glacier Media Vancouver provincial court. A Burnaby man has been sentenced to eight months jail and 18 months of probation for possessing between 2,000 and 2,500 child sex abuse images on multiple electronic devices. Michael Grondines, 40, was charged with possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography in August 2020. He was in Vancouver provincial court for sentencing Friday after pleading guilty to the possession charge in June. In a joint sentencing submission Crown prosecutor Joseph Zondervan and defence lawyer Mark Swartz both called for an eight-month jail sentence and 18 months of probation. B.C. provincial court Judge Andrea Brownstone agreed. As aggravating factors she noted the size of Grondines collection of child sex abuse images and the nature of the photos and videos, which she described as on the high end of gravity involving some children who would be considered babies. Every single one of those children is a victim and they become revictimized every time the pornography is accessed, Brownstone said. As mitigating factors, Brownstone noted Grondines didnt have a criminal record, he had pleaded guilty, he had not breached his bail conditions and he was willing to take sex offender counselling. But Brownstone said she had some concern about Grondines lack of insight into his wrong-doing. According to a pre-sentencing report, he had said he was really interested in adult websites and that the child pornography charges made him sick to his stomach and hes not actively interested in it. However, he has acknowledged that he did hold that collection as described in the agreed admissions of fact, Brownstone said. On probation, Grondines, a former farm worker and logger, will be banned from contact with children under the age of 16 and from public places where they might be. Hell also be banned from dating, living with or marrying anyone with kids under the age of 16. Grondines also wont be allowed to access the internet or possess any device capable of accessing it, and he will be on the national sex offender registry for 20 years. According to police, the investigation into Grondines dated back to September 2017, when police were contacted by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, an American non-profit dedicated to preventing child sexual exploitation. The organization alerted the RCMP to images and videos of child sexual abuse that had been uploaded by an individual in Burnaby, according to a Burnaby RCMP news release in September 2020. Throughout 2018 and 2019, police investigated a number of similar reports allegedly linked to the same individual, according to the release. Investigators eventually identified a suspect living at a residence in Burnaby. They would go on to execute two search warrants on Grondines and seize multiple devices storing child sex abuse images. The distribution of child pornography charge against him was stayed at the end of his sentencing hearing. Fortis (TSE:FTS) Third Quarter 2022 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: CA$2.55b (up 16% from 3Q 2021). Net income: CA$326.0m (up 11% from 3Q 2021). Profit margin: 13% (in line with 3Q 2021). EPS: CA$0.68 (up from CA$0.63 in 3Q 2021). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Fortis Earnings Insights Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 3.1% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 4.6% growth forecast for the Electric Utilities industry in North America. Performance of the market in Canada. The company's shares are down 1.1% from a week ago. Risk Analysis Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Fortis (1 doesn't sit too well with us) you should be aware of. 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 Getty Images; Insider Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. Four candidates are running in Santa Ana, California's mayoral race: Sal Tinajero, Jose Solorio, Valerie Amezcua and Jesse Nestor. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds First-term Democratic Mayor Vicente Sarmiento stepped down to run for an Orange County Board of Supervisors seat, leaving his seat up for grabs. Elections for the Santa Ana City Council are nonpartisan, but the city has a history of electing Democrats and Democratic-leaning candidates to fill the mayoral position: prior to Sarmiento's time as mayor, the seat was held for nearly three decades by former Mayor Miguel Pulido, a Democrat. Prior to Pulido, the seat was held by Daniel H. Young, who switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party two years into his term. In 2012, voters approved a limit of four two-year consecutive terms, and this year, they will again vote to decide on lifetime term limits for mayor and city council members. Tinajero, who is endorsed by the Orange County Democratic Party, leads the Santa Ana Unified School District's speech and debate program and previously served on the Santa Ana City Council for more than a decade. He is campaigning on addressing housing issues. Solorio, also a former council member, work for the Moulton Niguel Water District. He previously represented the 69th District in the California State Assembly for six years. Solorio is running with a goal to lower crime rates and tackle homelessness. Amezcua is a retired county probation officer and a member of the Santa Ana Unified Board of Education. She has the bulk of the support of the police union. The fourth candidate, Nestor, is a 20-year-old self-described libertarian who currently attends Santa Ana College. He is endorsed by the Libertarian Party of Orange County. Read the original article on Business Insider LOS ANGELES The judge in the rape trial of That 70s Show star Danny Masterson dealt the defense a potential setback Monday by allowing a fourth woman who says he assaulted her to testify. Masterson, 46, is charged with raping three women from 2001 to 2003 at his Hollywood Hills home. His trial started Oct. 18. "I feel sandbagged," defense attorney Philip Cohen said after Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo said she would allow prosecutors to put the witness, identified as Jane Doe #4, on the stand. Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller argued that Cohen opened the door by suggesting that Masterson's three accusers, all former members of the Church of Scientology, colluded against Masterson, who still belongs to the church. Jane Doe #4 was not a Scientologist or in cahoots with Masterson's accusers, Mueller said. He said the jury should be aware another woman is "out there with similar experience with Mr. Masterson who also was interviewed" by Los Angeles police detectives. Masterson has not been charged in the fourth alleged assault. Olmedo agreed and denied Cohen's request for a mistrial. She had initially barred the testimony of Jane Doe #4, who told police Masterson sexually assaulted her in 1996. "The defense is now saying the victims are almost exclusively focused on a monetary motive and is focused on collusion and changing statements," the judge said. "But besides that change, what is almost important to the court, the defense was almost exclusively focused on consent. The closely watched trial entered day 16 in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Masterson, 46, has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to three counts of forcible rape. He remains free on $3.3 million bail. Throughout the trial, the jury has heard graphic testimony from the three accusers, one of whom is a former longtime girlfriend. This is not going to be a trial on Scientology, Olmedo warned at a pretrial hearing, although she allowed the accusers to cite the church as a reason they waited to report the alleged rapes. Story continues But legal analysts said earlier that Scientology looms large over the proceedings. Two of Masterson's three accusers have testified that they were rebuffed when they told church officials he had raped them, and they have said they were subjected to stalking and other acts of retaliation after they reported the allegations to police. Scientology spokeswoman Karin Pouw said last week that the church has no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct of Scientologists, or of anyone, to law enforcement. Quite the opposite, Pouw wrote. Church policy explicitly demands Scientologists abide by all laws of the land. Pouw also insisted that Jane Doe #3 never reported a sexual assault to the church and accused her, the two other Jane Does and former Scientologist and actor Leah Remini of making false allegations of harassment against the church in a civil complaint Remini is an outspoken critic of the religion, which counts among its members Hollywood celebrities such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. Last week, when Jane Doe #2 testified, Cohen's colleague Karen Goldstein complained to the judge that the three dozen tweets Remini posted about the trial and defense strategy in recent days made it "exceedingly difficult for Mr. Masterson to get a fair trial." Masterson's defense team asked for a mistrial, which Olmedo denied. Scientology was started in 1952 by the science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. The religion asserts in its official statements of beliefs that man is an immortal spiritual being with unlimited capabilities, and it offers, for a price, one-on-one auditing and classes designed to help members achieve a clear spiritual state. It strongly opposes the science of psychiatry as disastrous. Masterson has been married since 2011 to actor Bijou Phillips, an active member of the Church of Scientology. She has been a constant presence at her husband's trial. Dua Anjum and Diana Dasrath reported from Los Angeles and Corky Siemaszko from New York City. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Arnon Mishkin, the head of Fox Newss Decision Desk, dismissed speculation that a delay in the counting of votes in key battleground states during this weeks midterm elections is sign of nefarious activity. It absolutely leads to questions, Mishkin said during an appearance on Fox News anchor Martha MacCallums podcast The Untold Story on Tuesday when asked about delayed results in several key contests. And people can exploit those differences for whatever reason. Theres nothing to it other than that these election officials are counting based on the rules in place. In states like Pennsylvania, Mishkin noted, election officials are not allowed to look at the absentee vote until after until 2 p.m. on Election Day. Some of that comes from I would argue, a good place, which is you dont want people opening the vote before Election Day and finding out, oh, were behind or so-and-so is behind so that they can go stop them, you know, get other people to the polls, he continued. And some of it is just that, you know, this is how America has chosen to vote. And the election officials in the state rules should adapt to fix that and make sure that that it can be done in a timely manner, because timely results, as you point out, are really important. Mishkin in 2020 found himself at the center of a controversy that engulfed the network on election night when Foxs Decision Desk made the decision to call Arizona for President Biden, a move that infuriated former President Trump, who falsely asserted on election night he had won. Mishkin took heavy criticism from Trump and his supporters after the election, with the then-presidents campaign attacking him as a [Hillary] Clinton-voting, Biden-donating Democrat. Mishkin has donated to members of both the Democratic and Republican parties and in August was awarded a fellowship at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School. Story continues Fox News confirmed last year it would bring Mishkin back as part of its coverage team for the 2022 midterms and 2024 elections. UPDATED: 4:09 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The 2022 midterm elections are Tuesday and in an effort to get people to the polls, several business are offering deals and even free food and drinks to those who exercise their right to vote. This midterm cycle, there are major races across the country in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, along with dozes of races for governorships and countless down-ballot offices and legislative propositions. After submitting your vote, officials asking for patience as ballots are cast full results may not be clear on election night. While you wait, heres what you can get for free or at a discount across America: What are the midterm elections? Here's what to know about them and why they're important Do you get paid time off to vote in midterms? There's no federal law, but these states allow it Is Election Day a federal holiday? Are banks, post offices, schools open? Here's what to know Pizza to the Polls Pizza. The unofficial national staple food of Election Day. Pizza to the Polls, an organization that feeds voters at polling locations, started in 2016 after seeing reports of long lines at early voting sites. The group sent in delivery pizzas to feed the crowds, according to its website. The feedback was immediate and immense: it fortified hungry voters in line, cheered up beleaguered poll workers and gave people a way to help out their communities. In 2020, Pizza to the Polls delivered 70,000-plus pizzas to 3,000 polling sites across 48 states and raised $1.5 million from 30,000 donors, its website says. Voters wait in line Nov. 8, 2022, at the Western Lakes Fire Department in Oconomowoc, Wis. Popeyes chicken sandwich Popeyes is running a buy-one-get-one free deal on its famed chicken sandwich through National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day on Wednesday. To get the free sammie, you must buy one chicken sandwich combo (classic or spicy) and get one free in either classic or spicy through the chains app or website. This deal is only for mobile order pick-up and delivery and not available in Alaska or Hawaii. Story continues Wawa coffee Wawa's popular Free Coffee Tuesdays are back for Election Day for members of the chain's loyalty program. Rewards members get any size hot or handcrafted iced coffee for free on the Wawa app. The deal is available through Dec. 27. Krispy Kreme free doughnuts Krispy Kreme is giving out free doughnuts Tuesday. "We are encouraging you to get out and vote by offering our most iconic Original Glazed doughnut for free in shop and drive-thru to all guests, the business posted on its website. "So, swing by a participating shop on the way to or from your polls on Election Day and add a little extra joy to your day!" Midterm elections 2022: Live updates Abortion, voting and COVID-19: Why we're eyeing these 10 governor's races in 2022 midterms Deals at Wendy's On Election Day, the Wendy's app has a limited-time $3 breakfast deal, which includes select croissants and seasoned potatoes through Nov. 20. Lyft rides for voters Lyft is offering discounted rides on Election Day. According to its website, customers can use the code VOTE22 to get 50%, or up to$10, off when they use a Lyft rideshare, bikeshare or scooter Tuesday. The offer is only valid while polls are open. Uber rides for poll workers Uber is offering poll workers free rides to and from the polls if they signed up through Power the Polls. Poll workers who signed up through Power the Polls were expected to get an email with access to the voucher code last week, according to the website. Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Election Day free food, deals: Pizza, Wawa coffee, Popeyes, Lyft rides The crypto industry has eagerly watched for a decision from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission to allow FTX to directly clear its customers derivatives transactions, but that market-shaping application has entered murky territory. The potential Binance deal to acquire FTX leaves the ownership of the applicant FTX US Derivatives in flux, raising questions about whether and how the effort will proceed. The companys application, if approved by the regulator, could upend the way margin-backed derivatives trades are cleared, cutting out the long tradition of clearing houses in those markets. FTXs derivatives affiliate that applied with the CFTC is part of the U.S. arm of the global crypto exchange. Though the global FTX has struck a deal to be absorbed by rival Binance, FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried has indicated that the U.S. arm is not currently impacted by this, because its a separate company. For the CFTCs part, Steven Adamske, an agency spokesman, said he cannot comment until the applicant provides clarity on the application. A Washington-based official for FTX couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Its proposal with the CFTC to offer central clearing of margin products to retail customers will be seen in a different light, said Ian Katz, a managing director at Capital Alpha Partners, in a Tuesday research note. Bankman-Fried has been on a Washington charm offensive in recent weeks, Katz wrote, but this development will mean the companys advocacy role in D.C. will, at the very least, be diminished. CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam said last month that the application could potentially represent another phase in the evolution of market structure, innovation and disruption. And Zach Dexter, the CEO of FTX US Derivatives a company previously known as LedgerX, which is already regulated by the CFTC said recently that the application process has been going well, and the agency has been collecting a lot of highly detailed information. Still, the idea has encountered plenty of enemies. Among them are the established derivatives industry, where major firms owe their livelihood to acting as go-betweens, and consumer-protection advocates who have criticized its potential risks from around-the-clock market manipulation and volatility as positions are automatically liquidated. Todays reported fire sale by FTX of its non-US operations to Binance so that it has the liquidity to meet its current obligations proves that FTX does not have the financial wherewithal represented in its application, said Dennis Kelleher, the CEO of Washington-based Better Markets, in a statement. The company should pull the application, he argued, or the CFTC should immediately deny it. Fulton County election officials fired a poll worker and her son after they expressed concerns with social media posts. The two workers were fired about 15 minutes before the polls opened at the Ocee Library. Fulton County Elections confirmed the workers are a mother and son. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The countys elections interim director Nadine Williams said another worker overheard a comment made by the woman at a poll worker event. The peer also found social media posts made by the worker and reported them to the county. We sent that information to Secretary of States Office to ask if it should be under investigation for concern, Williams said. They also looked at the social media posts and said they agreed with the concern and that its our decision to remove. TRENDING STORIES: The county removed the workers until they can complete the investigation. Williams said she could not comment on the nature of the posts, but the county wanted to make sure the election was secure. There were some things in there that were not allowed. You cannot take videos or photos in the election, so thats what brought it to our attention, Williams said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A spokeswoman confirmed that officers responded to the library after two poll workers refused to leave. When officers arrived, the two people left without any incidents. Police said there was no arrests or incident reports filed. Channel 2s Michael Seiden talked to Laura Kronen, who said she and her 17-year-old son were the workers who were fired. Kronen defended her posts on social media and admitted that she participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, which she denied was an insurrection. [RELATED: Fulton poll worker fired for social media posts says she was fired for her political beliefs] Rishi Sunak has lost his first cabinet minister to scandal within just two weeks of taking office, as Sir Gavin Williamson resigned over claims of bullying. The shock move came after a slew of allegations left Williamson facing at least three investigations into his behaviour. Claims that he told a senior civil servant to slit your throat were condemned as utterly, utterly unacceptable by a cabinet colleague. And his former deputy in the government whips office described his behaviour towards MPs as threatening and intimidating. Anne Milton told Channel 4 News that, as chief whip, Sir Gavin would use salacious gossip about MPs sex lives, drinking and mental health to exert leverage over them. And she said that he once told her to inform a Tory MP who he had assisted with a financial difficulty that he now owned him. The former Cabinet Office minister said he would fight to clear his name and was stepping down because the accusations against him were becoming a distraction from the good work this government is doing. But Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said his departure was a damning reflection of a weak prime minister. And Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said there should be no third return to the cabinet for Williamson, who was previously sacked as defence secretary and education secretary. Rishi Sunak appointed Gavin Williamson with full knowledge of serious allegations about his conduct and repeatedly expressed confidence in him, said Ms Rayner. This is yet another example of Rishi Sunaks poor judgement and weak leadership. It is clear that he is trapped by the grubby backroom deals he made to dodge a vote, and is incapable of putting country before party. The Independent can also reveal the scandal is hurting Mr Sunak in red wall seats he needs to win at the next general election. A focus group session, convened by the More in Common group for the newspaper, saw voters accuse Mr Sunak of making appointments to his cabinet purely to keep himself in power. Story continues One former Tory MP told The Independent that Williamson was a classic bully who picks on the vulnerable and the weak, adding: I always thought he was a twat. In a letter to Mr Sunak, Sir Gavin said he had apologised to former chief whip Wendy Morton over expletive-laden messages he sent her after being excluded from the guest list for the Queens funeral. The Conservative party is conducting an investigation into the texts, and Ms Morton this morning revealed she has referred the incident to parliaments Independent Complaints and Grievances Service. Williamson is also facing an IGCS investigation over allegations that, as defence secretary, he told a civil servant to slit your throat and jump out of the window. Mr Sunak has described the allegations as serious and Downing Street said he was considering whether any further action is needed. Sir Gavin said he refutes the characterisation of the comments as bullying. His resignation pre-empts any possible decision by the prime minister to refer the matter to the Cabinet Office propriety and ethics team for judgement on whether he had breached the ministerial code of conduct. In his resignation letter, he told Mr Sunak: "As you know, there is an ongoing complaints process concerning text messages I sent to a colleague. "I am complying with this process and I have apologised to the recipient for those messages. "Since then, there have been other allegations made about my past conduct. I refute the characterisation of these claims, but I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this government is doing for the British people. "I have therefore decided to step back from government so that I can comply fully with the complaints process that is underway and clear my name of any wrongdoing. " Mr Sunak declared his full confidence in Sir Gavin after details of his correspondence with Ms Morton appeared in the press last weekend. They showed him complaining that it looked very shit that he was not among MPs invited to the royal funeral. Despite Ms Mortons assurances that he was not being personally snubbed, he replied: 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. Pressure on the minister heightened with the publication on Tuesday of claims from a senior civil servant at the Ministry of Defence that he had belittled a member of staff in front of others. Fellow cabinet minister Mel Stride said the reported comments would be utterly, utterly unacceptable if confirmed, while Mr Sunaks official spokesperson described the allegations as serious. And Ms Milton fuelled demands for his removal by describing how he allegedly instilled a culture of fear among Tory MPs by using their physical and mental problems as leverage to maintain control. She alleged that Sir Gavin acted in an unethical and immoral and shocking manner while chief whip in Theresa Mays government from 2016-17, modelling himself on the devious Francis Urquhart from TV hit House of Cards. She referred to claims of Williamson collecting salacious gossip, such as details about the sexual preferences of MPs. He would come into the office and say guess who enjoys some form of sex or another, she said. I found it quite distasteful. And she recalled an email Williamson sent discussing the behaviour of an MP who had been drinking heavily the night before, in which she said he wrote: I actually think best not to say anything to him. It just helps by giving you personally a little more leverage in future. Describing the style adopte by Sir Gavin - who notoriously kept a tarantula called Cronos in his office - Ms Milton said: Its an image he cultivates. I think he feels that hes Francis Urquhart from House of Cards. And she added: All four previous chief whips ... understood the important role the whips office has to play in its pastoral care, and all of them felt very strongly about it. I never really felt that with Gavin Williamson. I got the impression that he loved salacious gossip and would use it as leverage against MPs if the need arose. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper called for a full independent inquiry to establish what Mr Sunak knew about the allegations and when they came to his attention Rishi Sunak has serious questions to answer about why he appointed Gavin Willlamson, then stood by him instead of sacking him, said Ms Cooper. His promise to lead a government of integrity has now been left in tatters. "People deserve so much better than this endless Conservative chaos." Former Tory chair Jake Berry has said he informed Mr Sunak on the day he became prime minister that Ms Morton had lodged a formal complaint with the party over the messages. Conservative former cabinet minister Baroness Morgan also said she had run-ins with Sir Gavin when he was chief whip, adding: None of this surprises me, sadly. It is Election Day and tight races are happening around the United States. Millions of Americans will hit the polls Nov. 8 following the millions who have already cast their vote. So, who is voting while inflation is scorching-hot and the US-Mexico border crisis is unresolved? When it comes to the generational breakdown of American voters, there are differences in not just the age gap of voters, but also how they vote and what issues are most important to them. Gen X and Boomers are showing up in masses to vote in the largest numbers, while Gen Z and Millennials trail behind. In general, fewer people vote in midterm elections than presidential elections on a whole, but fewer young people are expected to vote tomorrow than older generations. MIDTERM ELECTIONS 2022: LIVE UPDATES Even though younger voters will not likely make a huge impact at the polls in 2022, there are still plenty of Gen Z and Millennial-aged, politically-driven individuals across the U.S. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP They use social media to influence local and national communities and voice their opinions. Rock the Vote is expecting nearly half of voters to be made up of Gen Z and Millennials in the next presidential election. Younger generations have not historically voted in as large of numbers as the older generations, and polling data that has come ahead of the 2022 midterms show that this election is likely to have similar results. MIDTERMS: CRUZ PREDICTS NOT JUST A RED WAVE, BUT A RED TSUNAMI FOR REPUBLICANS ON ELECTION DAY Karoline Leavitt, a 25-year-old Republican from New Hampshire is a Millennial and could become the youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress. Leavitt is a former White House staffer of the Trump administration. She is facing off against Democrat Chris Pappas in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District election. The title is currently held by Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, who was elected in 2018 when she was 29. "The Republican Party is the party of the working man and the working women," Leavitt said. The economy, gun policies and abortion are all among Americans concerns ahead of the midterms. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SENATE MIDTERMS, CANDIDATES, AND IMPORTANT RACES "We want to uplift all Americans regardless of race, religion or creed, by unleashing the might of our American economy, lowering taxes for all, and ensuring the American dream persists for my generation," said the young Republican candidate. Story continues Younger voters and middle-aged voters tend to battle on which issues are most important. Ahead of the 2022 midterms, middle-aged voters identify the economy as a top concern for them, while younger voters feel abortion rights, climate change, and gun policies are among some of their top issues. Out of the millions voting in pivotal elections across the country, early stats have shown early voting is up in this year's election in comparison to the last. As of Sunday afternoon, 40,114,753 Americans had already cast their votes. Of those voters, 18,325,512 went in person to vote while 21,789,241 voted by mail. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Historically, Democratic voters have been more likely to vote early, and while they still do show up in large numbers to cast early ballots, some Republican voters have shown up to the polls before Election Day. Party information from the 23 states that report it say that 34% of early voters are Republicans while 43% are Democrats. According to a Fox News poll, about half of voters (51%) are more enthusiastic about this election compared to elections in the past. When it comes down to the parties, Republicans are more excited to vote than Democrats, which could explain the increase in Republicans who voted early. Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Jon Cherry/Getty Images Two poll workers were removed from their duties in Georgia's largest county on Tuesday. Facebook posts surfaced showing the poll workers at the deadly January 6 riot at the US Capitol. One post, shared with the Washington Post, read: "Mike Pence is a traitor." Two Georgia poll workers in Fulton County were removed from their duties on Tuesday after Facebook posts were discovered showing them at the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, the Washington Post reported. The poll workers, a mother and son, were removed shortly before voting started. One of the Facebook posts shared with the Post echoed former President Donald Trump's false claims about the 2020 election. The post said: "I stood up for what's right today in Washington DC. This election was a sham. Mike Pence is a traitor. I was tear gassed FOUR times. I have pepper spray in my throat. I stormed the Capitol building. And my children have had the best learning experience of their lives." Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer in the office of the Georgia Secretary of State, confirmed to CNN that the poll workers were removed. "I am aware that it occurred. That really is a Fulton County internal issue. They have to mitigate the risk the way they see fit given that information," Sterling said, adding, "I think it would have been better if they found out earlier potentially and worked with the people, but since it was so last minute and it came to light so late, I leave it to Fulton County. But yes, that did happen earlier this morning." Nadine Williams, Fulton County's director of registration and elections, said on Tuesday that the Facebook posts were under investigation. Fulton County, which is the state's largest county, has been at the center of an ongoing probe into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Georgia was key to President Joe Biden's victory in 2020. Two days before the fatal January 6 attack, Trump called Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger and urged him to "find" thousands of additional votes to help overturn his loss in the state. Story continues Trump and his GOP allies have continued to spread false and misleading information about elections in the US, prompting fears of violence surrounding the midterms. Shannon Hiller, the head of the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton University, told Insider that she's confident US elections will remain safe and secure. But Hiller also added, "What I'm more concerned about is the post-election period, when these persistent, unfounded claims of election fraud and calls for violence could intersect to spur individuals to violent action." Read the original article on Business Insider Photo: The Canadian Press In August 2021, shortly after the federal government announced its intention to enhance support to Indigenous communities as a result of recent discoveries related to residential schools, Research Co. and Glacier Media asked British Columbians about the name of their province. Many other jurisdictions in Canada have Indigenous names, but the westernmost province does not. In 2010, a full decade before topics like colonization and reconciliation began to dominate the airwaves, B.C. renamed the Queen Charlotte Islands as Haida Gwaii. Last year, most of the provinces residents (56 per cent) said they agreed with the decision. When we asked again last month, support was still solid, with 58 per cent of the provinces residents saying this was the correct course of action. Opposition stayed at 20 per cent, the exact same level observed in 2021. Governments and councils across Canada have started to remove specific figures from the public consciousness. Toronto no longer has a street named after Henry Dundas, who proposed the gradual abolition of the slave trade at a time when immediate action was endorsed by many. Toronto is also home to the Metropolitan University, formerly named after Egerton Ryerson, a major contributor in the development of Canadas residential school system. In B.C., streets and buildings named after Joseph Trutch, the provinces first lieutenant-governor, have been rechristened in Richmond, Victoria and Vancouver. Trutchs refusal to recognize Indigenous land rights is well documented. The removal of historical figures has not been particularly controversial in Canada. Changing the name of a Canadian province is a completely different matter. Still, the needle fluctuated a bit more this year. Just over three in five British Columbians (62 per cent) told us they have no problem with it, down five points since 2021. The important variation, and one that is present throughout all of the issues we tracked, is generational. Practically three in four British Columbians aged 55 and over (74 per cent) and three in five of their counterparts aged 35 to 54 (61 per cent) see nothing wrong with the provinces name. However, only 45 per cent of British Columbians aged 18 to 34 concur, meaning that a majority of the provinces young adults are not particularly thrilled with the words that appear in their official documents and maps. Only Prince Edward Island experiences the same drawback as British Columbia: being reduced to an acronym. We never see Nova Scotia being referred to as N.S. for instance, and single-word provinces are usually pronounced with all of their syllables, four of them in the case of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Views on what is bothersome about the provinces name have evolved since 2021. Only eight per cent of British Columbians (unchanged) are upset about the Columbia part. We do see an increase in the proportion of residents who are bothered by the British part (19 per cent, up four points) and the absence of an acknowledgement to Indigenous Peoples (20 per cent, up two points). This last matter is more troubling for British Columbians aged 18 to 34 (30 per cent) than for those aged 35 to 54 (21 per cent) and those aged 55 and over (13 per cent). On a separate question, we continue to see a majority of British Columbians (53 per cent) who disagree with the notion of changing the name of the province to acknowledge its Indigenous heritage. Still, this represents a seven-point drop since 2021. Almost a third of British Columbians (32 per cent, up six points) believe it is time to entertain the idea of a modification. Two groups are particularly adamant in their desire to rechristen British Columbia. Support for switching to a name that acknowledges Indigenous heritage reaches 61 per cent among respondents of First Nations origins and 50 per cent among the province's residents aged 18 to 34. British Columbians who supported BC Green Party candidates in the 2020 provincial election are more amenable to a change (40 per cent) than those who cast ballots for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (33 per cent) and the BC Liberals (30 per cent). When asked whether British Columbia should remove the Union Jack from its provincial flag, the numbers are similar to what we observed in 2021. Just over three in 10 of the provinces residents (31 per cent, up one point) would consent to this course of action, while a plurality (46 per cent, down three points) would keep the ensign as it is. Again, British Columbians of Indigenous descent (49 per cent), residents aged 18 to 34 (43 per cent) and BC Green Party voters (also 43 per cent) find it easier to imagine a provincial flag that does not feature the crosses of Saint Andrew, Saint George and Saint Patrick. This years survey shows a bit of momentum for the notion of changing British Columbias name. Although well short of a majority, the idea is particularly popular with the provinces youngest adults precisely the ones who have been more in tune with Indigenous issues. Their older counterparts are not entirely convinced that a revision is warranted right now. Mario Canseco is president of Research Co. Police investigating the disappearance of a 20-month-old boy in Georgia are limiting protesters outside his mothers home. The Chatham County Police said on Friday that although the department supports the constitutional right to peacefully protest, officers will be enforcing ordinances outside the Savannah residence of 22-year-old Leilani Simon, the mother of missing Quinton Simon. Ms Simon continues to be the prime suspect in the 5 October disappearance and possible death of her son. In a statement on Friday, Chatham police said that YouTubers morbidly obsessed with the case and protesters outside Ms Simons residence have disturbed residents. Quinton Simon disappeared on 5 October (Chatham County Police Department) Recent arrests following disputes between protesters have made it clear that it is the right time to take a stricter interpretation of the ordinances, the department added. One of the ordinances requires people to have a permit to assemble outside Simons home, while a loitering ordinance will take place from 7pm until 7am every day. The behavior of many YouTubers and people calling themselves protestors has gone beyond anything acceptable in a civil society, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said in the statement. We have to return the neighborhood back to the residents. It is their neighborhood. The measure comes more than a month after Quinton was last seen and three weeks after Chatham Police and the FBI began an arduous search for Quintons remains in the Savannah Waste Management Landfill, where the toddler is thought to be after his body was likely disposed of in a dumpster. Local police said that the constant disturbances outside Ms Simons home have taken precious resources away from the department during an already gruelling investigation. Last week, the department said that they remained committed to the search for Quinton, but the chances to find him are low. We have spent two weeks digging through thousands of tons of garbage.. We knew going into this landfill search, the odds of recovering Quintons remains were low, a statement read. Most landfill searches do not end in a recovery due to many factors including volume of trash to search and compression of the debris, however we stay focused. Story continues Shared with the update was a picture of the landfill where FBI agents are canvassing through trash in hopes to find Quinton. By the site, a picture of the little boy. The Waste Management Landfill where a search for Quintons remains is taking place (Chatham County Police) The toddler went missing on 5 October from his home in Savannah, a coastal city on the border between Georgia and South Carolina. The Chatham County Police Department supports everyones constitutional right to peacefully protest. But, we also support residents rights to live in a peaceful environment. Chatham County Police Department (@ChathamCountyPD) November 4, 2022 Quinton was last seen at about 6am that day at an address in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road and was reported missing at approximately 9.40am by his mother. A dispatch call by emergency services, which has been obtained by local media, suggested the front door to the family home was found open and that Ms Simon told 911 she thinks someone came in and took him. STATEMENT FROM CHATHAM COUNTY POLICE CHIEF JEFF HADLEY: Over the last three weeks, while our officers have been focused on finding Quinton Simon, a growing number of people calling themselves protestors have gathered outside of Quintons home on Buckhalter Road. Chatham County Police Department (@ChathamCountyPD) November 3, 2022 Diana McCarta, who told WSAV she babysits the two children, said in an interview on 11 October that she had previously reported the family to Georgias department of families and children services (DFCS) with concerns, but this was unconfirmed. I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.], said Ms McCarta, who expressed surprise at the seemingly last-minute decision, which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesnt work. Leilani Simon is the prime suspect in the disappearance of her son (Screenshot / WJCL / Facebook / Billie Jo Howell) Mr Hadley said at a press briefing on 18 October that Quinton was believed to be dead and his remains were thought to be buried in a landfill. As the FBI wrapped up the first day of searching for Quintons body, local news station WSAV first reported that Ms Simon and her mother Billie Jo Howell were seen drinking at Sting Rays, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island. On 24 October, Ms Simon made her first media appearance, saying shes not hiding and hopes her son is found happy and alive even as police consider her the prime suspect. Voters cast ballots at a precinct in DeKalb County, Georgia, on November 8, 2022. AP Photo/Ben Gray On Election Day, voters in the Atlanta area headed to the polls with many issues in mind. While some pointed to their civic duty and a dislike of the GOP for voting, others cited trust. "We just can't have it where people can just spill out false information," an Atlanta-area voter told Insider. Across the Atlanta area on Election Day, voters came out to cast ballots in the highly-consequential Georgia US Senate and gubernatorial races, with the results likely to determine the trajectory of the state for years to come. Once tinged with a solidly red hue, Georgia in recent years has become of the most competitive swing states in the country, narrowly backing now-Republican Gov. Brian Kemp over former Georgia House of Representatives Minority Leader Stacey Abrams in the 2018 governor's race, while supporting Joe Biden in 2020 and now-Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in dual Senate elections in January 2021. But now Warnock who was first elected to fill the remaining term of former GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson is up for reelection in a political environment much more challenging for him as he faces a well-known GOP opponent in Herschel Walker, the former University of Georgia and NFL football standout. On Tuesday, citizens had their final say in the race, and whether it was a rejection of the GOP or simply pursuing a civic duty, a range of voters in Cobb and DeKalb counties told Insider that they came out to the polls not dissatisfied with the candidates themselves but the state of politics. At the Bridge Pointe Church in Marietta, Nicole Richardson wasn't driven to cast a ballot by any one particular issue, but said it was "really important at the state level to cast your vote." Another voter, Dani, who declined to giver her last name, decried the state of negative advertisement in modern politics. "A lot of political ads have gotten so ugly. People are just saying things so ridiculous that it blows my mind and just makes me feel it's more important than ever to make sure marginalized communities are protected by electing officials that actually care about them," she told Insider. Story continues "There was definitely a clear side for me on people who would represent those marginalized communities versus people who would use them as scapegoats," Dani added, remarking that the voting process was easy. At the Cobb County Adult Education Center in nearby Smyrna, voter Charles Jackson exited the building in the morning and told Insider he was "inspired to vote" by his daughter. Minutes later, Dawson Cantrell told Insider that it was his "duty as a resident and as an American" to vote, pointing to the issue of voting rights. "This is our way of letting our voices be heard," he said. "Voting really impacts me and my family. There are a lot of ramifications if you don't vote." "I'm curious to see what the future is going on to hold. We just can't have it where people can just spill out false information," he added. "We've got to elect people who have Georgia in their best interests." Cantrell also criticized Walker's candidacy. "There's no way that Herschel Walker should represent any city, state, country, you name it," he told Insider. At Druid Hills High School in suburban DeKalb County, Jim Perkins told Insider that there were "too many crazy people" in politics and he had to cast a ballot because of it. "I'm generally neutral or middle-of-the-road, but everyone in the Republican Party seems to be insane, so I felt like I had to vote. There are just too many crazy people out there," he said. Perkins said that while he wasn't supportive of Kemp, he thought the ads from the major candidates were "good." "I'm not a fan of the current governor, but he seemed to run effective ads. It didn't change my mind, though. I think most people know who they're going to vote for. Not sure if the ad money really does anything in all honesty," he added. Read the original article on Business Insider BERLIN/ZURICH (Reuters) -German officials have searched UBS bank branches in Frankfurt and Munich as part of an investigation into suspected money-laundering by a Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov. The suspected money laundering is in the scale of double digit million euros, a spokesman for the Frankfurt prosecutors' office said on Tuesday. The spokesman said the searches were at banks with accounts connected to Usmanov. An Usmanov spokesperson categorically rejected the allegations, describing them as unfounded, false and defamatory. "The businessman is a law-abiding and conscientious taxpayer who has paid taxes in Russia," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson declined to comment on whether the searches were related to Usmanov. Swiss bank UBS confirmed on Tuesday that its two branches were the subject of the searches and that it was cooperating with authorities. Weekly Der Spiegel first reported the search. "The subject of the investigation into suspected money laundering is a businessman from the Russian Federation," a spokesman for the Frankfurt prosecutors' office said. "The investigations are not directed against the banking institution concerned or its employees. The search measures are taking place in the same preliminary proceedings in which searches have already been carried out at the defendant's residence in the district of Miesbach and at his yacht." German police investigating money-laundering allegations against Usmanov have already searched a luxury motor yacht in northern Germany. Officers from the general public prosecutors' office in Frankfurt and the Federal Criminal Police, together with the Munich public prosecutors' office, have also searched two properties in Miesbach, southern Bavaria, as part of the investigation. The accused is suspected of arranging several transactions in the years 2017 to 2022 in order to disguise their origin, the prosecutors' office said. Usmanov, who is active across a range of business sectors and has a net worth of $14.6 billion, according to Forbes, is at the centre of two separate investigations into his finances in Germany. (Reporting by John Revill, Tom Sims, Marta Orosz, Noele Illien and Alexander Marrow; Writing by Miranda Murray and John RevillEditing by Paul Carrel and Alison Williams) A house in the western German town of Attendorn, where a girl was rescued after allegedly being held captive by her mother and grandparents for most of her life, is seen on November 7, 2022. / Credit: Reuters Berlin Prosecutors in Germany are holding a mother and grandparents accused of holding the woman's eight-year-old daughter captive in a house in a small German town for almost her entire life. There are still many unanswered questions in this case, but the details that have emerged are shocking: The girl was allegedly held in a house in Attendorn, about 20 miles east of Cologne, for almost seven years. After being rescued by police, the girl said she had never seen a forest or a meadow or ridden in a car, according to local newspaper Sauerlandkurier, which cited documents from a regional children's hospital. Police and the local child protection service searched the home on September 23 and rescued the girl. A medical examination found her to be in relatively good health and she was placed with an emergency foster family. The public prosecutor's office in Siegen said the child's mother and grandparents were under formal investigation. Maddie McCann suspect faces new charges in Germany The girl showed no clear indications of physical abuse or malnutrition, the prosecutor's office said. "However, the girl has never seen the outside world," senior prosecutor Patrick Baron von Grotthuss told the German news agency DPA. He said the girl is believed to have lived in the house in Attendorn for almost seven years, without ever being allowed to leave. She was able to speak and walk but was "hardly able to climb stairs on her own or overcome uneven ground." Senior prosecutor for the German city of Siegen, Patrick Baron von Grotthuss, speaks with a journalist at his office on November 7, 2022. / Credit: Reuters The mother and the grandparents were not providing investigators with any information, officials said. In 2014, the mother allegedly told the girl's father, from whom she had separated before her daughter's birth, that she wanted to move to Italy with their child. But doubts started to mount that she had gone ahead with that plan, despite her providing a forwarding address in Italy. In September 2015, the father told the child protection services that he had seen the mother walking around town several times. Questioned by authorities, the grandparents said their daughter had moved to Italy with the child. Story continues The father said letters and gifts he sent to his daughter at the Italian address were all returned unopened. The child protection services also received anonymous tips that the mother, at least, could be in Attendorn. Recent attempts by authorities to contact the grandparents were rebuffed, and officials were refused access to the house. Police were also not allowed into the house by the grandparents, but the due to an apparent lack of evidence, no search warrant was issued. A house in the western German town of Attendorn, where a girl was rescued after allegedly being held captive by her mother and grandparents for most of her life, is seen on November 7, 2022. / Credit: Reuters Finally, a relative from the maternal side of the family contacted police and said he and his wife had recently visited the relatives in Italy with whom the girl and her mother were supposed to live. The Italian relatives said that neither the mom nor the daughter had ever lived there. Then the girl's mother was reached by telephone at the grandparents' house in Attendorn, and authorities finally got the search warrant they needed. The mother and the grandparents face charges of illegal deprivation of liberty and abuse. Family acquaintances are also being questioned. The next step, according to von Grotthuss, is to thoroughly evaluate the mental and physical state of the little girl, and he said it was "highly probable" that the mother would also be examined psychiatrically and, if necessary, the other defendants. Why your vote matters Climate activist Vanessa Nakate shines spotlight on Africa at COP27 in Egypt Margaret Brennan, Robert Costa and Jeff Pegues on security threats and state of democracy on Election Day Gloria Steinem attends the 2020 MAKERS conference on 11 February 2020 in Los Angeles, California (Rachel Murray/Getty Images for MAKERS) When Gloria Steinem and I speak, five days ahead of the midterm elections, she has already cast her ballot. Im glad I voted by mail, so Im sure that my vote is in there, she says. Were talking on the phone, Steinem from Manhattans Upper East Side in New York City. She has resided in the area since 1966, when she was 31 and at the beginning of a career that would make her one of the foremost figures of American feminism. Roe v Wade the landmark Supreme Court decision that guaranteed a womans federal right to abortion wouldnt be published for another seven years, in 1973. The decision stood for most of Steinems life. Then, in June of 2022, about three months before our conversation, the Supreme Court overturned it, triggering full and near-total bans in several states. That moment didnt come as a total surprise to Steinem, because the manipulation of who is and is not on the Supreme Court has been clear for a very long time. There had been many warnings, she adds, but Im not sure that the importance of who is on the Supreme Court was absorbed into the public consciousness as not just a legal issue, but also a social justice issue. It feels like a particularly pertinent time to speak with Steinem, who over the course of her career fought for many of the liberties that are now under threat. Abortion-related measures are on the ballot in five states: California, Vermont and Michigan are considering updating their state constitutions to reflect the right to an abortion; Kentucky is considering a change to its constitution to effectively ban abortion outright for the states residents; and Montana is weighing a bizarre Born Alive bill that seeks to infringe further on womens reproductive freedoms. Yet, Steinem speaks with resolute optimism about the future. She was heartened by a recent report in Ms Magazine, the feminist publication she co-founded in 1971, according to which the fight for abortion rights and equality is driving young female voters to the polls. Our rights over our own physical selves have not usually been enunciated as whats on the ballot, and for obvious reasons, women especially realise that, she says. So Im hoping this will have a big impact. Story continues A high turnout across all categories of voters is Steinems main hope in the lead-up to election day. Voter turnout remains lower in the US than in at least 30 other countries, including India, France and South Korea, according to the Pew Research Centre. This is a fundamental problem to Steinem, because, she says, if we dont vote, we dont exist. Steinem began her career as a freelance writer in the 1960s, after spending a couple of years in India on a fellowship. One of her breakthrough pieces was a 1963 expose on the treatment of women hired to work as Playboy Bunnies an assignment Steinem conducted undercover, after being hired as a Bunny herself. She was a speaker at the historic 1977 National Womens Conference, a turning point in the movement for womens rights. On her website, she describes herself as a writer, lecturer, political activist, and feminist organiser. She is the author of several books, including a biography of Marilyn Monroe, the collection The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off!, and the 2015 memoir My Life on the Road. One of Steinems breakthrough pieces was a 1963 expose on the treatment of women hired to work as Playboy Bunnies (Hulton Archive/Getty Images) The latter was dedicated, poignantly, to the doctor who referred Steinem for an abortion in 1957, when she was 22 years old, who told her: You must promise me two things. First, you will not tell anyone my name. Second, you will do what you want to do with your life. Dear Dr Sharpe, Steinem wrote in the books dedication, I believe you, who knew the law was unjust, would not mind if I say this so long after your death: Ive done the best I could with my life. This book is for you. Steinem has long written about, and spoken of, the ties between authoritarian regimes and the removal of womens reproductive rights. The power to make decisions about our own bodies is the first step towards democracy, so it comes as no surprise that authoritarian regimes resist our right to reproductive freedom, she wrote on Instagram in October. During our conversation, she says she wishes this were more frequently taught in history, political science, and government courses: Because we still view government and political change through a somewhat patriarchal lens, we miss the fact that authoritarian regimes tend to start that way. Its a theme Steinem explored in an NPR interview last year, during which she was asked about people who argue against abortion rights, who would be shouting at their radios hearing Steinem defending them. Well, then they dont have to have an abortion, Steinem replied. They just cant tell somebody else what to do. Why, I ask, does Steinem think people are swayed by anti-abortion rhetoric? Im not sure, she says. I think we have to ask each individual. But it seems to be a mix between a focus on the embryo as the most important entity, which is a kind of romanticised or mythologised response which does not get interpreted as more care, or, say, free medical care for pregnant women. That doesnt happen. And it seems to be partly about control, and partly about a traditional view of womens rights and responsibilities. In that same NPR interview, Steinem brought up the need to change whos on the Supreme Court so it represents the country. The manly men on that court are never going to have to make [the decision of whether to get an abortion], she added. Its not their decision. Its not their bodies. During our call, she says it will require a lot of thought to figure out if there is a more democratic way of appointing the justices. I dont know if there should be a change in the way the justices are selected, so that they represent the population rather than who happens to be in the presidency, like Trump, she says. But to her, the need for a change has been clear for a long time ever since the Civil Rights era, and how long it took for the court to represent the need for equal rights, and how long the racist legislation of the South was allowed to endure. Steinem (second right) at a rally for Democrat George McGoverns presidential campaign in 1972 at Madison Square Garden in New York City (Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) I ask Steinem how she feels about the fact that we are discussing the same topics that made headlines during the founding of Ms Magazine half a century ago. I think we wouldve been dismayed and alarmed to see where we are now, 50 years later, she says. But that was naivety too. We were thinking about democracy and not understanding patriarchy as the underpinning of the democracy we have. If we cant have decision-making power over our own bodies, were definitely not living in a democracy. Without taking away from the urgency of our present moment, Steinem has seen some improvements over the course of the past decades. When I bring up domestic violence, she remembers that there wasnt even a term for it when she was growing up in Toledo, Ohio. If police came to the scene, their goal was to get the couple back together again. That was their idea of success. There were no shelters, for instance, she says. So I do think that we have progressed, but we still are at best supporting the victim, and not punishing or trying to change the victimiser. In March 2020, Steinem shared on her Instagram account a Ms Magazine cover dating back to 1975. Back then, she wrote in her caption, the phrases battered woman and domestic violence were just entering the language, and the womens movement was organising the first shelters, and pressing for the first police responses and laws. Now, the frontier is realising that domestic violence is the most reliable indicator of all violence in the street or military violence against another country because it normalises the idea that violence is an inevitable or an acceptable way of solving conflict, she wrote. On the phone with me, she echoes this thought, calling domestic violence a huge indicator of whats to come in the perpetrators life and of the need to dominate. Because Steinem has been such a trailblazer, it is tempting to ask her what shed say to the next generation of activists who are preparing to fight for their own rights. But, as it turns out, shed rather listen and be of service: What I would say to them is just, How can I help? she says. They know their shared life experiences better than I do. I just want to express a generational help. When I ask Steinem how she feels about the strange, reactionary turn America has taken of late, she once again reverts to optimism. I feel hopeful, by decision or by rebellion, you know? Because hope itself is a form of planning, she says. If you dont hope, you dont formulate a possibility and you confer reality on the status quo, or even on your fears If we dont envision what we wish for, then weve given up a certain power. Scott Jensen's campaign; Shari L. Gross/Star Tribune via Getty Images; Insider Gov. Tim Walz is running against Republican Scott Jensen in Minnesota's gubernatorial race. This is one of 36 gubernatorial elections taking place in 2022. The state's pandemic response has become a central issue, with Jensen being a harsh critic of Walz's performance. Democratic incumbent Tim Walz faces off against Republican Scott Jensen in Minnesota's gubernatorial election. Polls have closed. Minnesota's gubernatorial candidates Walz is the governor of Minnesota and was elected in 2018. Prior to being elected, Walz represented Minnesota's 1st Congressional District for six terms, from 2007 to 2019. This district, situated in a rural and mostly conservative part of Minnesota, was one of 13 Democratic-held House districts that former President Donald Trump won in the 2016 presidential election. Walz, who touted middle-of-the-road politics and boasted an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association for each of his five successful reelection campaigns, now has an "F" rating from the NRA. Prior to running for governor, Walz had been a consistent supporter of gun rights, but his current tone on guns is decidedly different: he supports gun control and enhanced background checks for gun purchases. As a congressman, Walz served as the ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. He also introduced the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, a bill that sought to limit congressional insider trading. On March 22, 2012, then-President Barack Obama signed the bill into law. The bill had strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, but as Insider has reported, is now frequently violated by members of Congress, and some federal lawmakers want to ban congressional stock trading altogether. Jensen, Walz's challenger, is a physician and former state senator. In 2016, he was named the Minnesota Family Physician of the Year. Born and raised in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, Jensen represented Senate District 47 from 2017 to 2021. As a state senator, he took the lead on an insulin affordability bill that passed with bipartisan support. Prior to being elected state senator, Jensen served for nine years on the Waconia School Board. Story continues The physician-turned-political candidate saw his national profile rise when he shared unconventional views on the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccine. The state's pandemic response has become one of the main issues in this election cycle, with Jensen being a harsh critic of Walz's performance. Jensen handily defeated his GOP opponents in a three-way primary, clinching over 90% of the vote. Minnesota's voting history Joe Biden defeated Trump by a 7-percentage-point margin in 2020. The state has voted exclusively Democratic in every presidential election since 1976, last voting Republican during Richard Nixon's landslide victory in 1972. The money race Walz has raised more than $4.2 million since the beginning of the year, and has $3.2 million on hand, as of mid-September. His opponent, Jensen, has raised more than $3 million and has $864,000 available to spend. What experts say The race between Walz and Jensen is rated as "likely Democratic" by Inside Elections, "likely Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Nov. 8GRANGEVILLE Some 330 students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Grangeville Elementary and Middle School received free socks and winter boots Monday, compliments of Optum Idaho and its retail partners. This is the fourth year the company, which manages the outpatient benefits for the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan for Idaho Medicaid members and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, has given out free boots and socks to Idaho school children. "This is something that we plan for all year," said Georganne Benjamin, executive director of Optum Idaho. "We do community giving planning annually based on the needs of our communities and requests that have come to us. This is our fourth year and we hope to grow every year. The costs, like everything else, are going up and we've budgeted about $100,000 total for this year for 10 schools." The program, Give Cold Feet the Boot, will be handing out about 90 pairs of boots and socks for preschool through sixth grade students at Culdesac Elementary School on Thursday. In 2020, students at McGhee Elementary in Lewiston received the gifts, and in 2021, Lapwai Elementary students were the beneficiaries. Benjamin said the Idaho State Department of Education identifies schools in the state based on needs and forwards that recommendation to Optum Idaho. "The schools are asked to measure the students' feet so we can hopefully do the best job possible and get the right size when we show up," Benjamin said. "There are circumstances every year where we got the wrong size, so we exchange them. It might take a couple of days to get the exact size (the students) need." She said the program tries to have all the orders filled before Thanksgiving. And the response has been overwhelmingly positive. "It's just amazing the gift that the students are given," she said. "The schools are incredibly appreciative of it and very thankful that we and our partners are taking the time to help out students and families with basic needs." Story continues In this area, North 40 Outfitters in Lewiston contributes the footwear, which is ordered through D&B Supply in Lewiston. In southeastern Idaho, the supplier is CAL Ranch. Benjamin said Optum Idaho began the boots and socks giveaway to reach students all across Idaho "and help address a very basic need that does have an overall effect on a child's mental wellbeing." "Thousands of Idaho students arrive at school each morning with cold feet because they don't have proper winter footwear, which threatens their ability to learn and impacts their overall mental well-being, while putting a strain on dedicated teachers, administrators, counselors and support staff," she said. "Together with our partners, we hope to reduce one more stressor on families and our children this winter." Hedberg may be contacted at khedberg@lmtribune.com. Grant Gilchrist is relishing the All Blacks test (Jane Barlow/PA) (PA Wire) Grant Gilchrist has called on Scotland to seize their chance to make history against New Zealand this weekend. The Scots have never beaten the All Blacks, although they came mighty close in their last meeting in 2017 when a strong fightback brought Gregor Townsends team within a score of victory before they succumbed to a 22-17 defeat. Edinburgh lock Gilchrist played in that match and believes the current team are equipped to go a step further and record a victory if they can put all the positive aspects of their game together on Sunday. It was one of the highlights of my career, that game, he said. It was so special. We came so close. We know the amount of effort and the level of performance it will take but what an opportunity it is to play them at home and try to make history. Its something the team will relish this week. If we put everything into our training week, make a few fixes and put on our best performance on Sunday, we believe we can win. Gilchrist believes BT Murrayfield can play a part in helping the Scots flourish this weekend. I love playing at Murrayfield any time I get the opportunity, but that game against the All Blacks, the atmosphere felt like a Calcutta Cup game where every decision was roared either way, he said. Were going to need that on Sunday because it makes a big difference when our fans are behind us. Its going to be a special day. Naturally, theres an extra level of excitement for a game like this because you know youre playing against the best. You try and prepare to play at the same intensity every week but there is an extra added spice this week because weve got the opportunity to do something thats never been done before. Thats exciting for everyone. Scotland have had a mixed 2022 but despite being competitive in most of their matches have not truly fired on all cylinders. On Saturday, in their 28-12 victory over Fiji, they showed two sides to their game as they conceded two tries in a grim first half before tightening things up after the break and keeping the visitors at bay in a more assured second-half performance. Were working every week to try and produce that complete performance, said Gilchrist. The foundations are there. We just need to put it all together, and what an opportunity weve got to do it on the biggest stage this week. It felt like Fijis only chances last weekend were from our own ill-discipline. Weve got a strong defence and were going to need that over the next two weekends, especially this weekend. On Friday, Canada and other nations will commemorate Remembrance Day,an annual event inaugurated by King George V in 1919. Humans are slow learners when it comes to the futility of war. This year, it would be fitting to also remember the soldiers (and civilians) who are dying in Ukraine. Young women, and even children, are also dying in Iran. They must not be forgotten simply because their struggle has not yet been assigned to history. Since (Russian President) Vladimir Putin's obscene attack on Ukraine in February, I have struggled to understand what makes this man tick. Too many leaders in the Western world may fear a nuclear (attack) from a deranged mind. If someone were to give him tit for tat by bombing the Kremlin, wouldn't that be stooping to the same subterranean level as the Russia's president? Wouldn't such an offensive defence prove yet again the futility of war? The Christian Bible has enriched the English language with many instructive expressions, such as "For now we see through a glass darkly". It comes from 1 Corinthians 13. That is how Putin, and most of humanity see the world. We think we know it all, but we know just a little, as we have only part of the picture through a glass darkly. Our salvation rests upon embracing faith, hope and charity. The conclusion is "but the greatest of these is charity" or love and kindness. If there is a Cyrilic version of 1 Corinthians 13 in a Russian version of the bible, Putin would benefit by reading it with care. In the end, love is all we need, a concept which could end all wars if adopted by deranged leaders. Helen Schiele, Kelowna ATHENS, Greece (AP) A 24-hour general strike called by Greece's private and public sector unions was set to shut down most services around the country Wednesday. Late Tuesday, aviation authorities announced that air traffic controllers and civil aviation workers would not participate in the strike after all. That meant domestic and international flight cancellations and schedule changes announced by Greece's main airlines for Wednesday would be readjusted, with many flights taking place. Travelers were advised to contact airlines. Also late Tuesday, Athens public transport unions said they were extending the hours they would be on strike. Greek unions are demanding lower taxes and an increase to the minimum wage, which currently stands at just over 700 euros (dollars) per month for salaried workers. Our countrys workers, both in the public and in the private sectors, are battling against the high prices that are strangling households and citizens, ADEDY, a confederation of trade unions for civil servants, said in a statement. It said the greater cost of power, fuel and basic goods was cutting into workers salaries. In Athens, subways and buses were to suspend services all day Wednesday,, and taxis were set to stay off the streets from 6 a.m. until Thursday morning. Unions planned to hold protest marches in the city Wednesday morning. Ferries to and from the Greek islands were to remain tied up in ports from midnight Tuesday until midnight Wednesday. Photo: ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP (Getty Images) After continually deflecting accusations that it surveilled droves of politicians and journalists using invasive phone-tapping software, the Greek government has decided to ban the sale of spyware altogether. But the government also wants everybody to know that this is in no way an admission of guilt and that it definitely didnt do anything wrong, thank you very much. We wont allow any shadow to remain on issues that poison Greek society, a government spokesperson told journalists on Monday. Read more Understanding what people are calling Greeces spyware-fueled Watergate is a little complicated, and requires a bit of a digression. This whole thing started back in July, when Nikos Androulakis, a Greek politician and member of the European parliament, was discovered to have been targeted with a mobile spyware known as Predator. Known for its ability to secretly infiltrate and steal data from mobile devices, Predator is sold by the company Cytrox, based in North Macedonia. Androulakis obviously was not pleased with the news that he had been targeted and suggested that someone promptly investigate what happened. At the time, suspicions were raised that the culprit might be the Greek government. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the nations prime minister, subsequently denied any wrongdoing and suggested that the incident be investigated. Well, people did investigate and it turns out (*surprise*) Greeces intelligence service did monitor Androulakis. But the government claims this surveillance didnt involve Predator in any way. Mitsotakis similarly alleges that he had no prior knowledge of this surveillance activity and dubbed it a legal but unethical operation. Is that the end of the story? Nope. Since then, a steady stream of other politicians and journalists have discovered traces of Predator on their phonesand the scandal has proceeded to gain ever greater momentum. The ongoing disclosures have spurred an investigation by the Greek parliament as well as a slew of resignations from top bureaucrats in the Mitsotakis government, including its intelligence chief. Despite all this, the government continues to deny that it has any involvement in domestic surveillance involving Predator. Story continues This week, the drama was ratcheted up yet another notch when the leftwing outlet Documento published a list of some 33 different politicians, journalists, and business owners that it claims have been targeted by the spyware. The list, which was compiled after a forensic investigation found traces of the malware on targets phones, includes a lot of important people, including a foreign minister, a finance minister, two ex-ministers of civil protection, the labor minister, the development minister, and the tourism minister, as well as some family members of those bureaucrats. It is unclear why these specific people were targets for surveillance or what information was collected about them. The governments response to ongoing suspicions that its behind all this has been to deny, deny, deny. This week, though, the government tried something slightly different, announcing that it would be issuing a blanket ban on the sale of spyware altogether inside Greece. Reuters reports that the newly announced prohibition will be formalized in an upcoming piece of legislation that, as far as we can tell, hasnt actually been written yet. Will this calm the ongoing furor over claims of a malfunctioning Greek political system? Methinks not, but it could nevertheless be a good precedent to set for other countries around the world who havent yet realized that the spyware industry is bad news, full stop. Indeed, Greece isnt the only country currently facing criticism over its use of spyware. Across Europe, similar scandals have been wreaking political chaos on governments. Close to half a dozen other EU members, including the United Kingdom, France, Poland, Spain, and Hungary, are all reeling from similar surveillance controversiesall involving off-the-shelf tools that can be purchased legally from the shady cyber weapons market. If Greece does pass a ban on spyware use within the country, that would definitely be a step in the right direction for online privacy and security, though, surely, not the end of the story as far as the abuses committed by the commercial surveillance industry go. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) Mouhamed Gueye scored 18 points and snared a career-high 13 rebounds as Washington State opened the season with an 83-61 win over Texas State on Monday night. Gueye, who recorded his fourth double-double as a Cougar, was named to the Pac-12 Preseason All-Conference First Team after earning Freshman of the Week honors five times a year ago. The Cougars held a seven-point lead at intermission but pulled away to start the second half. Justin Powell turned a three-point play and Gueye dunked twice, converted a three-point play and added a layup as they pushed their lead to 14 points, 52-38 in the first five minutes. DJ Rodman, the son of former NBA player Dennis Rodman, scored 16 points and knocked down 4 of 7 from distance for Washington State. Powell, a transfer from Tennessee, dished a career-high 12 assists to go with his 14 points and Jabe Mullins, a transfer from Saint Mary's, added 13 points. Mason Harrell had 17 points to lead the Bobcats. Tyrel Morgan had 10 points and Davion Sykes chipped in another 10 off the bench. __ More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 Not surprisingly, groups representing gun rights in the US steer a lot of their money toward Republican lawmakers. So, too, does the poultry industry. Read more According to OpenSecrets, which tracks political donations, total contributions from the US poultry and egg industry to Republican candidates, parties, and outside money groups reached a record $4 million during the 2022 election cycle. Democrats received about $253,000 from the industry, making poultry businesses the most Republican-leaning donors after gun rights groups this election year, with 94% of their contributions sent to the GOP. (OpenSecrets calculates that Republicans capture 99.7% of contributions made by gun advocates.) The vast majority of the poultry industrys contributions, which skew more Republican now than in 2020, comes from Mountaire Corp, which is the fourth largest chicken producer in the US. The poultry industry is perhaps looking for a friendlier Congress, as the Democrat-controlled government has been cracking down on the meat industry for being highly consolidated. The US governments investigation into these companies intensified when meat prices soared due to pandemic-related supply chain snags. The US government goes after the meat industry In October 2020, the US government charged six industry executives for allegedly fixing prices for broiler chicken products, as part of a federal antitrust investigation of the $65 billion poultry industry. Prosecutors said that price-fixing took place between 2012 and 2019. But the investigation didnt yield much: just one guilty plea, five acquittals, and 11 defendants against whom all of the charges were dropped, as Bloomberg Law recently noted. In October, the US Justice Department dismissed its last criminal case against current or former poultry-industry executives who were investigated. The meat industry is highly consolidated, with a small share of big companies supplying most of the beef, chicken, and pork consumed by Americans. Over the years, the companies have reportedly paid millions of dollars in fines and settlements for manipulating prices. Story continues Its not just the government but also retailers such as Walmart that have sued chicken suppliers, alleging the producers were coordinating to increase prices for broiler chickens since at least 2008. Chicken producers counter that their prices remain driven by grain prices, export sales, and other market forces. More from Quartz Sign up for Quartz's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. By Ardo Hazzad BAUCHI, Nigeria (Reuters) - Gunmen have freed five sisters abducted six months ago from their boarding school in northwest Nigeria after their parents paid ransom money to secure their release, police and relatives said. The bandits kidnapped 11 schoolgirls, including the sisters, from a secondary school in Zamfara state in March and later released six of them. The sisters were detained because the kidnappers found out their father had previously worked as a senior government official in the state. Kidnapping has become endemic as roving gangs of armed men abduct people from schools, hospitals, roads and farms and demand ransom money from their relatives. Hadiza Abubakar, the mother of the school girls, said a total of 72 million naira ($164,000) was paid as ransom in three instalments in exchange for their freedom. She said the bandits last month posted a video showing her daughters with rifles and ammunitions, pressuring the family to meet their demands. "Initially, we almost lost hope especially when we saw them in a video with guns around their necks," Abubakar told Reuters. A Zamfara police spokesperson confirmed the release of the five girls but did not mention the ransom payment. Last week, a group of 21 children who were abducted by gunmen from a farm in northwestern Nigeria's Katsina state were freed and reunited with their families, police said. ($1 = 439.53 naira) (Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by James Macharia Chege and Hugh Lawson) Siri, show me fintech companies, founded in the last two years, that haven't raised over the past year but have grown headcount by 100% in the same time frame; and can it be founded by Stanford alumni whose Twitter traction has grown by at least 50% in the last six months? This is Harmonics vision; well, only if you swap out Siri for Harmonics text-based startup search query tool. The data platform, built by co-founders Bryan Casey and Max Ruderman, thinks it can help executives discover the next big startups without hundreds of hours of manual sourcing and research. Harmonic is a more specific version of its largest competitors, Crunchbase and PitchBook, which aggregate and organize private startup data. We go out and look at every nook and cranny of the web where there might be information about companies and we take that structured and unstructured data and figure out how to merge it all together into some canonical representation of a company, Ruderman told TechCrunch. Harmonics aggregation differentiation, per Ruderman, is the intelligence it uses to help recognize which public data is more accurate for certain fields, and then merges those sources to develop the most accurate, fresh representation at any point in time. Harmonic joins a flock of other startups trying to make venture more data-driven, transparent and equitable. In theory, algorithmic investing hedges against investors preconceived notions and pushes emotions to the side. Fintech unicorn Clearco and venture firm SignalFire have spent years implementing data-focused investment processes, joined by AngelList and Hum Capital. In a landscape where investors are re-learning discipline, data feels safe. But, as other solutions have matured, the cleanliness and reliability of said data has come into question. (One founder even played a prank once, listing that Andreessen Horowitz was an investor in his startup on Crunchbase; when other investors piled on looking to put money into his upstart, he explained it was a joke to show the poor quality of data on the platform, reports Bloomberg). Story continues Another question to consider is if Harmonic truly helps investors break out of their pattern matching tendencies, or just helps reinforce already existent values. "The core thing is the way they searched for [the ideas they believe in] now is more implicit than explicit, meaning they lean on their networks a lot, right?," Ruderman said. "The associates, networks, and the partners and their alumni networksthey work with founders that are already in their portfolio companies that can help connect them with other people. Step 1 is just bringing all information about all companies into our index so that when they are doing that search explicitly, they end up finding lots of companies that meet that criteria that they may not have identified through their networks." Ruderman admitted that data reliability and consistency is one of the hardest problems to get right -- and that their strategy is a big differentiator for them. Were able to keep data up-to-date at scale, and merge together fragmented bits of structured and unstructured data from all over the web with confidence, Ruderman said, adding that its main measure of success is an internal score they use that captures freshness, inventory and taxonomy. When asked for more specifics on how they gain an upper edge on freshness, Ruderman didnt share many specifics (and given that it's a competitive moat, Im not too surprised by this). He also said that pricing will evolve as the product evolves, but currently the startup charges licensing and API usage fees. Ruderman's background adds some color to why he is confident in a better way to search. The co-founder was at Google for around six and a half years -- with his last role being a senior software engineer on a team in Search that was all about building tools to help Google do UX research and design at scale. Before that, he spent time learning about behavioral economics in the people operations department, technical infrastructure on the business intelligence team, machine learning on the finance team and, ultimately, Search. So far, his direction and the company behind him has landed Harmonic at least 150 customers, including SaaS startups such as Brex, Vouch, Notion and Carta, and venture firms such as Floodgate, a16z and Accel. Some of those early adopters have even turned into the startups largest investors. Harmonic announced today that it closed a $23 million Series A round led by Sozo Ventures, with participation from Craft Ventures, which led its $7 million seed round last year. Floodgate, another customer, was Harmonics first investor. "By creating a really powerful discovery tool in venture, it lets capital flow out to more innovation in a more efficient way...if we bring this to sales teams, it lets teams bring their service and push forward at the right time," Ruderman said. "And then eventually, we want to make it the case that talent can find startups to match their talents, driving startups forward." Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty A Los Angeles actress testified on Monday that after she was lured to a Beverly Hills hotel in 2013 under the guise of having Harvey Weinstein read one of her scripts, the disgraced movie producer and since-convicted rapist sexually assaulted her in a bathroom. The woman, who was identified in court as Jane Doe 2, told Los Angeles Superior court jurors that in February 2013, she was invited to the Montague Hotel by a Mexican model to talk to Weinstein about job opportunities and a script she had been working on. Instead, she said the model trapped her and Weinstein inside a hotel room bathroom, where he immediately took off his clothes. I was disgusted. I had never seen a big guy like that naked. I actually laughed nervously and thought, No, no, no, Jane Doe 2, who was 23 at the time of the assault, said. Despite her verbal pleas for Weinstein to stop, she said, the now 70-year-old groped her breasts and masturbated. During the assault, she claimed, Weinstein was talking to her about movie stuff while she remained frozen in fear. She said that after several minutesand blocked attempts to touch her vaginaWeinstein eventually ejaculated on a towel and promptly left the bathroom. When asked Monday to describe Weinsteins body during the assault, Jane Doe 2 said the toppled titan was really hairy and there was moles on his body. His penis was disgusting. It looked like it had been chopped off and sewn back on, like something wasnt right about it, she added, noting that she did not see his testicleswhich have been a focal point throughout Weinsteins Los Angeles trial. Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including rape, in his second-crimes trial. Prosecutors allege that between 2003 and 2013, Weinstein sexually assaulted five Los Angeles women. At least eight womenincluding Jane Doe 2are set to testify against Weinstein to show his alleged pattern of predatory behavior and power to ensure their silence. Story continues Defense attorneys for Weinstein say these accusers knowingly had transactional sex with their once-powerful clientand are now changing their version of events out of embarrassment. During cross-examination, Weinsteins lawyer grilled Jane Doe 2 about her allegationsand several inconsistencies between her time on the stand and her previous interviews with police. As defense Alan Jackson questioned how Weinstein would be able to undress as quickly as Jane Doe 2 described, she mentioned that the swift action isnt that uncommon in modeling. Does Mr. Weinstein strike you as a model? Jackson asked. No, but hes definitely a monster, Jane Doe 2 answered. Earlier on Monday, Jane Doe 2 stressed to jurors that she was terrified of Weinsteinand what would happen after the alleged assault. Specifically, she said she feared that he would hurt me, or send someone to hurt me, or ruin my career, or make my life hell. When Weinsteins lawyer pressed Jane Doe 2 further about her fear about not going to the policethe model revealed that she believed he could have me killed. I didnt know what he was capable of, she added. Former Actress Alleges Weinstein Approached Her With a Hot Cloth in Hotel Room On Friday, when she began her testimony, Jane Doe 2 testified that she first met Weinstein at an Oscars party in February 2012, shortly after she had moved to Los Angeles to work as a model and actress. Then 22, she said she met former Miss Mexico and actress Claudia Salinas at the dinner and they immediately hit it off. There, she said, she told Salinas that she was working on a script for a movie. About a year later, Jane Doe 2 said that out of the blue Salinas called her about setting up a meeting about her script with Weinstein. I thought that it was really exciting for me, because somebody of such importance in the film industry was taking an interest in my script, she added, noting that the meeting was supposed to be at the bar at the Montage hotel. Weinstein eventually joined her and Salinas, though she said he was mostly on his phone as two others were discussing her script. She said he mentioned that she should be on Americas Next Top Modelwhich she dismissed. Suddenly, she said, Weinstein claimed he had to go upstairs to get ready for an event later with Quentin Tarantinoand asked Jane Doe 2 and Salinas to join him to finish their conversation. She said after the trio went upstairs, she saw Salinas close the bathroom door behind her and Weinstein. In Weinsteins New York trialwhere he was convicted of similar crimesSalinas denied her involvement in the alleged assault. Soon after, Jane Doe 2 said, Weinstein quickly jumped into the shower to rinse off before assaulting her. Everything happened so fast, she said. I was very numb. I felt like I was outside of my body watching what was happening, I couldnt move. I was frozen. I was so scared. 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 brave Philadelphia man achieved greatness this weekend after he successfully ate 40 rotisserie chickens in 40 days. And Alexander wept. Today in health, well be looking at what actions lawmakers are taking to deal with the looming cyber threats against the U.S. health sector. Welcome to Overnight Health Care, where were following the latest moves on policy and news affecting your health. For The Hill, were Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi. Someone forward you this newsletter? How officials are tackling cyber threats in health care Congress is increasingly sounding the alarm over cyber threats targeting the health care sector. Several congressional lawmakers have stepped up their efforts to protect the industry amid a rise in cyberattacks by introducing policies and recommendations aimed at addressing and mitigating such threats. Over the past decade, the American public has witnessed increasingly brazen and disruptive attacks on its health care sector that jeopardize sensitive personal information, delay treatment, and ultimately lead to increased suffering and death, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, noted in a report published this week, before outlining recommendations on ways the federal government can improve security standards in the sector to combat those attacks. The report, which is divided into three sections, recommends that the federal government improve the countrys cybersecurity risk posture in the health care sector, help the private sector mitigate cyber threats and assist health care providers in responding to and recovering from cyberattacks. The senators report addresses areas of weakness that hospitals have worked tirelessly to mitigate for a long time, said Christopher Plummer, a senior cybersecurity architect at Dartmouth Health. Just seeing an acknowledgement of this in writing, and from this level of the government, gives a lot of hope, Plummer added. Story continues Plummer said that the rising challenges of cybersecurity insurance and the labor shortage of cyber workers across industries were among a few topics in the report that resonated with him. He added that the resources hospitals need to combat threats will vary greatly based on the size and cyber capabilities of the company. Read more here. Paxlovid effective in reducing long COVID symptoms A recent preprint study found that Pfizers COVID-19 antiviral Paxlovid may be effective in reducing the risk of developing long COVID in patients recovering from coronavirus infections. The study, funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), looked through the VAs health care databases and identified individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 between March and June 2022. Methodology: Overall, 56,340 participants were included in the study, among whom 9,217 were given Paxlovid within five days of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, while the remaining 47,123 did not receive any form of COVID-19 antiviral or antibody treatment in the 30 days after their diagnosis. The findings: Among the group that received no treatments, 9.43 per 100 persons reported developing long COVID at 90 days after diagnosis. People who received Paxlovid had an occurrence rate of 7.11 per 100 persons, indicating a 25 percent risk reduction for developing long COVID. Researchers noted that this reduced risk was observed across multiple subgroups, including those separated by age, race, sex, whether they were smokers, whether they were vaccinated or whether they had chronic health conditions. Long COVID is still not well understood as a condition more than two years after the start of the coronavirus pandemic. It presents through numerous, wide-ranging symptoms, and experts are not in agreement about how to define the condition. Anywhere between 15 and 50 percent of people who contract COVID-19 may have long COVID depending on which definition is used. There is no way to test for long COVID, so much of the reporting on the disease is dependent on self-reported information. While the specifics are still being debated, many COVID long-haulers, as they have come to be known, struggle with the lingering symptoms. Read more here. HALF OF DENTISTS SAY PATIENTS COME TO APPOINTMENTS HIGH Fifty-two percent of dentists say patients have arrived to appointments high on marijuana or another drug, according to a new survey from the American Dental Association (ADA). The findings come as more states permit recreational use of marijuana and several weigh decriminalizing psychedelic substances like psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. However, dentists are raising concerns and suggest patients refrain from marijuana use prior to an appointment, as the drug could affect oral health and treatment. Because marijuana can increase anxiety, paranoia and hyperactivity, it can make visits to the dentists office more stressful, ADA spokesperson Tricia Quartey said. Unfortunately, sometimes having marijuana in your system results in needing an additional visit, said Quartey. Research has shown cannabis use is associated with poor oral health, with one study finding the drugs use was linked with gum bleeding, loose teeth and gum disease. Read more here. TEEN E-CIG ADDICTION MORE INTENSE, STARTING YOUNGER: REPORT Between 2014 and 2021, the age at which adolescents first began using e-cigarettes dropped by nearly 2 months per calendar year while the age of initiation for other tobacco products remained the same. At the same time, intensity of e-cigarette use and addiction increased so that by 2019, more e-cigarette users were using a tobacco product within five minutes of waking up compared with cigarette smokers and all other tobacco product users combined. Tenfold: Between 2014 and 2017, less than 1 percent of e-cigarette users reported using the devices within five minutes of waking up, while by 2021 the total grew to 10.3 percent. Overall, between 2014 and 2021, adolescent e-cigarette addiction surpassed that for all other forms of tobacco products combined. The results are based on a survey of 151,000 students in grades six to 12 with an average age of 15. Findings were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, despite the current findings, trends show fewer teens overall are using e-cigarettes. In 2019, it was estimated around 5.3 million middle and high-schoolers used the products; that total fell to 2.1 million in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here. Agency pauses travel to Antarctica due to COVID The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a two-week pause on travel to Antarctica after more than 70 COVID-19 cases were detected at its research outpost on the continent. In a statement released on Friday, NSF said it would be moving to reduce the density of the population at the McMurdo research station in Antarctica, where nearly 1,000 researchers are deployed. The U.S. National Science Foundations priority is always the health and safety of our communities while ensuring the overall science mission can be achieved. Following the confirmation of more than 70 positive cases at McMurdo station, NSF is reviewing the existing protocols implemented at the start of the season in September to reduce the transmission rates, the agency said. In a second update over the weekend, the NSF said it would be implementing a pause on all travel to [Antarctica] for the next two weeks, effective immediately, while we reassess the situation. This pause excludes essential travel needed for health and safety reasons. The NSF said 10 percent of the deployed population at Antarctica is currently testing positive for COVID-19. Due to this infection rate, those at McMurdo has been advised to wear KN-95 masks at all times. Read more here. WHAT WERE READING Hospitalizations for eating disorders grew in the pandemic. The problem isnt over, experts say (CNN) Race question in Supreme Court adoption case unnerves tribes (The New York Times) The outcome of state legislative races will shape the future of abortion (The 19th News) STATE BY STATE Were sick of watching women die: In Michigan, doctors rally to protect abortion access (Stat) Election canvassers want Latinos to know voting is good for their health (Kaiser Health News) Michigan health system restricts visitors under 5 due to spike in RSV, flu cases (ABC News) Thats it for today, thanks for reading. Check out The Hills Health Care page for the latest news and coverage. See you tomorrow. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. It is officially Election Day. Many of you dear readers may feel stressed as you wait for the results, so we invite you to take a break and instead consider voting on names for these newborn lion cubs at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Today in health, were looking at the ballot measures up for vote across the country that have the potential to drastically change the health care landscape. Welcome to Overnight Health Care, where were following the latest moves on policy and news affecting your health. For The Hill, were Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi. Someone forward you this newsletter? Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Health Care newsletter Ballot measures to watch on election night In addition to who represents them in Congress and in state legislatures, voters on Tuesday will weigh in directly on issues including abortion, marijuana and vaping. Here are the measures were watching tonight: Five states will have abortion on the ballot Tuesday, the most abortion-related ballot initiatives ever to take place in a single year. The referendums come more than four months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion that had been in place for nearly 50 years and kicking the issue to the states. Voters in Vermont, California and Michigan will decide whether to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, while proponents of Kentuckys ballot measure are seeking to make it clear that abortion can be banned in the state. Montana, meanwhile, would mandate health providers to give medical care for children born alive after an abortion, or face criminal charges. States voting on marijuana legalization: North Dakota, where voters defeated legalization in 2018; Missouri; Maryland; Arkansas and South Dakota, which previously passed legalization only to have it overturned by the state Supreme Court. Story continues Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have already legalized small amounts of cannabis for adult recreational use. Medicaid expansion: South Dakotans will vote on whether to expand Medicaid coverage to more than 42,000 individuals, against the wishes of state Republicans like Gov. Kristi Noem. If it passes, South Dakota would be the seventh GOP-led state that opposed expansion to extend coverage through a ballot measure. Read more here. VA to prioritize veterans with cancer for benefits The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will give priority to veterans with cancer when it begins processing benefits claims under the landmark toxic exposure law signed this summer, VA Secretary Denis McDonough announced Monday. On Jan. 1, 2023, the VA will start processing claims for benefits filed under the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Im proud to announce for the first time today, on National Cancer Awareness Day, that were expediting benefits delivery for veterans with cancer conditions covered by law, McDonough said during an appearance at the National Press Club. The law, signed by President Biden in early August, expands benefits for millions of veterans who were exposed to toxins during service and are suffering illnesses as a result. The legislation designates 23 diseases, half of them types of cancers, presumed to be linked to burn pits used in the post-9/11 era and other pollutants and environmental hazards from earlier wars such as the Vietnam War-era Agent Orange. Part of a broader effort: McDonoughs announcement to prioritize claims from veterans with cancer stems from Bidens cancer moonshot initiative, relaunched in February. The effort aims to cut the cancer death rate in half over the next 25 years and improve the lives of caregivers and cancer survivors. Close to home: The program, initially launched while Biden was vice president, is personal to the commander in chief, as his son Beau Biden died of glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer, in 2015 at the age of 46. Read more here. BIDEN WARNED STAFFING ISSUES CAUSING EXODUS OF HEALTH WORKERS A group of medical organizations on Monday warned President Biden that hospital emergency departments were reaching a breaking point as they deal with influxes of patients seeking beds that are not available. They cautioned that the issue of boarding keeping admitted patients in emergency departments due to lack of space has been brought to a crisis point by staffing shortages. Our nations safety net is on the verge of breaking beyond repair; EDs are gridlocked and overwhelmed with patients waiting waiting to be seen; waiting for admission to an inpatient bed in the hospital; waiting to be transferred to psychiatric, skilled nursing, or other specialized facilities; or, waiting simply to return to their nursing home, the groups said in their letter to Biden. These growing issues, which have gone unresolved for decades according to the groups, have led to an increase in provider burnout. Systemic consequences: They noted that patients who require inpatient care but are placed in emergency rooms are oftentimes subject to delays and experience increased mortality. Overloaded emergency rooms also result in delays in care, such as for ambulances that are left stuck at hospitals due to a lack of beds within the actual facility. Read more here. PREVALENCE OF DEMENTIA IN ELDERLY PEOPLE DROPPED IN MULTI-YEAR STUDY The prevalence of dementia decreased from 12.2 percent in 2000 to 8.5 percent in 2016 among those aged 65 and older, potentially due to increased rates of educational attainment and lower smoking rates. The research, which is based on the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study, included data from more than 21,000 older adults. The reasons for the decline in the prevalence of dementia are not certain, but this trend is good news for older Americans and the systems that support them, said Peter Hudomiet, an economist and the studys lead author. This decline may help reduce the expected strain on families, nursing homes and other support systems as the American population ages. In addition to the overall decline, results also detailed reductions in race- and sex-based disparities. While the prevalence of dementia fell by 2.7 percentage points among white men over the 16-year window, prevalence dropped by 7.3 percentage points among Black men. More women than men suffered from dementia over the course of the study period, but that disparity also narrowed. In 2000, 10.2 percent of men had dementia compared with 13.6 percent of women. Those totals fell to 7 percent and 9.7 percent by 2016, respectively. Read more here. Manchin pushes Social Security, Medicare deal Manchin recently pointed to shoring up solvency for programs like Social Security and Medicare, pressing for action on tackling the nations climbing debt while discussing areas for common ground in Congress. If we dont look at the trust funds that are going bankrupt, whether they be Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, highway, all the ones there are tremendous problems right now, Manchin, a key centrist, said late last week. Warming Republican reception: Manchins comments are in stark contrast to recent Democratic attacks hammering GOP proposals for Social Security and Medicare in the final campaign stretch before Election Day. And its a shift that has drawn some early positive reaction from Republicans. I gladly welcome any Democrat who puts aside partisan fear-mongering to work with us to ensure Medicare and Social Security return to solvency, Rep. Kevin Hern (Okla.), head of the conservative Republican Study Committees Budget and Spending Task Force, told The Hill on Monday. As a longtime advocate of protecting Social Security and Medicare, Representative Smucker looks forward to working with his colleagues to save and strengthen both programs, Rep. Lloyd Smuckers (R-Pa.) office also told The Hill. Democratic skepticism: As far as Democrats are concerned, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Monday that the party would work with anyone who wants to protect Social Security, Medicare, and other programs that help Americans and their families thrive, but he cast doubt on chances of a bipartisan compromise. Unfortunately, I dont expect Republicans to join us in that commitment to put people over politics, he told The Hill. Read more here. WHAT WERE READING Pfizers Covid cash powers a Marketing Machine on the hunt for new supernovas (Fortune) FDA warns of risks from xylazine, an animal drug linked to overdoses in humans (CBS News) Defense Department Health Plan Cuts Its Pharmacy Network by Nearly 15,000 Outlets (Kaiser Health News) STATE BY STATE In Arizonas race for governor, Kari Lake fans Republican fury over Fauci, fentanyl and gender-affirming care (Stat) Nasty flu strain spreads faster, sickening many children and adults (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) Judges order gives NC 10 years to provide more at-home disability services (North Carolina Health News) THE HILL OPED May you live in expert times Thats it for today, thanks for reading. Check out The Hills Health Care page for the latest news and coverage. See you tomorrow. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SAN DIEGO (AP) Alex Padilla was elected Tuesday to his first full term as U.S. senator for California, solidifying his position as one of the countrys top elected Latinos and a leading Democratic voice in Congress for more expansive immigration laws. In a show of how comfortable he felt as a strong favorite, Padilla who was appointed senator by California Gov. Gavin Newsom when Kamala Harris became vice president worked hard in the run-up to the election for fellow Democrats in tight races instead of focusing on his Republican opponent, constitutional lawyer Mark Meuser. Padilla even traveled to Arizona in the campaigns final weeks for embattled Senate incumbent Mark Kelly. With 4.6 million votes counted, Padilla had 62% and Meuser had 38%. Padilla also won a special election to fill the last two months of the current term. In an odd twist, voters cast ballots twice: once to fill the remainder of Harris term and the other for a new six-year term. Padilla thanked supporters at a Los Angeles gathering shortly after polls closed and issued a statement vowing to protect Social Security and Medicare, fight climate change, support immigration reform and abortion rights and defend against threats to democracy. We have a hell of a fight ahead of us and Im heading back to the Senate ready to help lead that fight, he said. Meuser said it was too early to comment on the results. Too many ballots yet to be counted in California to fully understand the full ramifications of this election, he wrote in a text message. Padilla, a son of Mexican immigrants who graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was 26 when he joined the Los Angeles City Council. He became its president two years later, having set aside his engineering career. Padilla served two terms in the state Senate and was then twice elected secretary of state. He resigned during his second term to become Californias first Latino U.S. senator. Padilla ties much of his Senate work and priorities to earlier experiences: how his engineering background means infrastructure will always be a big deal;" how immigration comes up every chance he gets in discussions with other senators. He chairs a Judiciary subcommittee on immigration, citizenship and border safety. Story continues The work is still unfinished from an immigration reform standpoint long, long overdue for the nation, Padilla said in a September interview. No state has more at stake in it than California. Other issues Padilla has worked on include power grid reliability and voting rights. He also led a $25 billion effort to convert gas- and diesel-powered school buses to electric vehicles. Padilla and Meuser also faced off in 2018 for California secretary of state. Finances were one measure of the lopsided Senate contest. Padilla raised $11.8 million as of Oct. 19, and had $7.6 million left. Meuser raised $949,000 and had $136,000 remaining. On the June primary ballot, Padilla captured 54.1% of the vote among 23 contestants. Meuser finished second with 14.9%. Meuser, a 48-year-old lawyer at the firm of top Republican political operative Harmeet Dhillon, said he had no plans for a rematch with Padilla until pandemic health restrictions that he found overbearing were put in place. His campaign site says he was involved in 22 lawsuits against Newsom for his unconstitutional usurpation of power. __ Follow APs coverage of the elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections Photo: The Canadian Press Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a Liberal Party of Canada fundraising event in Montreal on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is announcing an extra $475 million to the federal government's fund for delivering high-speed internet to rural homes across the country. Trudeau made the announcement today in Oromocto, N.B., where he said the money will help connect another 60,000 homes in Canada to high-speed internet. The money is in addition to the $2.75 billion already in the government's Universal Broadband Fund, which is dedicated to connecting 98 per cent of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2026 and 100 per cent of Canadians by 2030. Trudeau is also announcing up to $17.6 million for high-speed internet in New Brunswick, in addition to the $55 million that was already earmarked for that province. The prime minister says the extra money will go toward the government's plan to offer every home in New Brunswick high-speed internet by 2030. Ottawa says 93.5 per cent of Canadians homes either have access to high-speed internet or are "targeted to receive access" through program commitments. A joint investigation by the Miami Herald and the Center for Investigative Journalism revealed that there have been nearly 1,000 arrests of officers from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau for incidents of domestic violence between 2010 and 2021. Our investigation continues and you can help. If you or someone you know has had an experience of domestic violence involving a member of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and you want to share the story with the journalists who worked on this investigation, you can fill out the form below. The stories we are exploring are about police officers who committed domestic or sexual violence, sexual harassment, or the mishandling of a police complaint of domestic violence or sexual violence. Journalists may contact you to ask for more details. Our commitment to protecting sources: We appreciate your interest in sharing information and take protecting your privacy very seriously. Your identity will be protected and the information you provide will not be published without first obtaining your consent. All the data you share will be encrypted and only journalists from the Miami Herald and the Center for Investigative Journalism will have access to the information. Phoenix police were singing the praises of one of their own Monday, saying his "heroic actions" prevented "a possible shooting at a school." They released video of the incident with the hashtag #ThisIsWhoWeAre. When it comes to protecting your children, there is no time to waste when we see a threat. Thanks to the heroic actions of this #PHXPD officer, a possible shooting at a school was prevented. #ThisIsWhoWeAre pic.twitter.com/1jThwNGymi Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) November 7, 2022 CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV reported it took place Sept. 22. The station cites police as saying Desira Marce Eliza Featchurs pulled out the gun with a child only a few feet away at Mountain View School before the officer intervened. The video shows a child getting into a car with a man when Featchurs objects. "He wanted to get in. He's getting in," the officer says, referring to the child getting into the car. "You think I'm [expletive] playing?" she's heard yelling before grabbing the gun out of her purse. The officer then quickly grabs Featchurs. She was arrested on multiple charges, KPHO says. There was no word on the reason Featchurs was upset. Voters heading to polls for midterm elections: CBS News Flash Nov. 8, 2022 Elon Musk's second week of Twitter ownership proves as chaotic as his first Election workers face violent threats in Arizona Campaigners staged a demonstration outside the court at the start of the two-day hearing Climate campaigners have held a protest at the start of a High Court appeal over plans to expand Bristol Airport. North Somerset Council rejected the expansion in 2020 on environmental grounds, but was later overruled by the government's Planning Inspectorate. Expansion would allow the airport to welcome 12 million passengers per year, up from 10 million currently, it said. Airport bosses said the move would also reduce millions of road journeys made to London airports each year. The two-day hearing which began earlier at Bristol's Civil Justice Centre will examine whether the Planning Inspectorate acted correctly when granting planning permission in February. The appeal has been mounted by the Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN), which will argue planning inspectors were wrong to ignore the impact a bigger airport would have on climate change. But the inspectorate, which is an agency of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, say a local planning decision cannot overturn national government policy. It says the UK's aviation policy is not against regional airport growth. More than 100 people demonstrated outside the court before the hearing opened. Steve Clarke, one of BAAN's coordinators, said: "This is about the process that was used to reach the decision. "We say the process was wrong. We say the policies weren't interpreted correctly and we say the decision, because of that, is unlawful, and should be quashed. "This is the biggest carbon decision for a generation in this region." "There are 19 other airports queuing up behind Bristol - waiting to expand. If that happens, there's no way we can reach our legal climate targets." A spokesman for Bristol Airport said the plans "would allow thousands of jobs to be created and open up new direct links and support inbound tourism". Of the 11,000 people who took part in local consultations, 84% of them said they were against airport expansion in Bristol Dave Harvey, BBC Points West business correspondent, at Bristol Civil Justice Centre So why did Planning Inspectors say yes to a bigger airport for Bristol? And can the protestors beat them in the High Court? Story continues There are at least six legal arguments being made in the High Court. Campaigners have legal muscle, many of them are retired solicitors. But the central case is simple: They will argue that planning inspectors were wrong to ignore the impact of a bigger airport on climate change. The inspectors are planning specialists. In their decision in February they explained they had listened carefully to all the concerns about more flights meaning more carbon emissions, and more global heating. But they said a local planning decision could not overturn national government policy. UK aviation policy, they said, was not against growth. Certainly not against regional airport growth. To quote their ruling directly: "There is no national policy which seeks to limit airport expansion. This is not supported by national policy." Campaigners will argue there is a national policy to limit carbon emissions to "net zero" by 2050, and that more flying would be detrimental to that aim. Will the High Court judge agree with them? Councils, campaigners and airports across the country will watch with interest. The local council said no. The directly elected (Labour) Metro Mayor Dan Norris does not want it. The (Conservative) Local MP Liam Fox said he was "hugely disappointed" when the expansion plans were allowed. Bath's Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse called it a "bleak day for our planet". Of the 11,000 local people who responded to a consultation, 84% were against it. Among the protestors was North Somerset Green councillor Bridget Petty, who was on the committee that originally rejected the plans on environmental grounds in 2020. Green councillor Bridget Petty was among the protesters outside the civil justice centre Ms Petty said: "Our democracy was stripped from us. "The government has recognised the climate change act and they need to get on with making difficult decisions because they need to protect our future." When the decision was made, the planning inspectorate said it recognised the "major disappointment" campaigners would have, but the benefits would outweigh the harm to green belt land. The judge is expected to take several weeks to reach a decision. Follow BBC West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: bristol@bbc.co.uk (Canva) Nearly a century after Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship, the fight for Native voting rights rages on. On June 21, 1788, the day the Constitution was ratified and became the foundation for the government of the United States, Native Americans people who have stewarded land here since time immemorial were explicitly denied citizenship and were considered subjects of the newly formed government. Nearly a decade later, in 1868, Black Americans won citizenship with the 14th Amendment, but it was interpreted to exclude Native Americans. This interpretation was later reinforced in 1870, when the Senate Judiciary Committee concluded that the 14th amendment to the Constitution has no effect whatever upon the status of the Indian tribes within the limits of the United States, but that straggling Indians were subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Later, The Dawes Act of 1887 gave American citizenship to all Natives who accepted individual land grants under the provisions of statutes and treaties. The result of the Act was devastating, with 90 million acres of land ripped from Native Americans and aggressively sold off to non-native U.S citizens. 1924 marked the year Native Americans were granted official U.S. citizenship with the Indian Citizenship Rights Act; however, the Act did not guarantee voting rights for Natives, as it was in the hands of individual states to determine who was qualified to vote. States went about disenfranchising Native citizens in various ways, such as claiming that the taxpayer status of Natives living on reservations excluded them from voting in state and federal elections. One by one, states across the country removed laws explicitly denying Natives the vote into the late 1950s. While the Voting Rights Act of 1965 added critical protections for voting rights, 50 years later, in 2013, those protections were all but stripped away when the Supreme Court overturned vital provisions of the Act in Shelby County vs. Holder. This left vulnerable populations susceptible to voter suppression via state laws and policies that require voting ID, ballot harvesting, limited polling places and more. Story continues In 2015 the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) formed the Native American Voting Rights Coalition to coordinate efforts among advocates, attorneys, tribal leaders and civil rights experts working to remove barriers Indigenous peoples face when voting and registering to vote. The group released a report in 2020 titled, Obstacles at Every Turn, which provides detailed evidence that Native people face obstacles at every turn in the electoral process. In 2021, the Senate introduced The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which included the Native American Voting Rights Act a measure that would protect the Indigenous vote at a federal level by improving access to voter registration, polling places and drop boxes; mandating that polling places accept tribal or federal IDs; permitting tribes to designate buildings to use for address registration; establishing a Native American voting task force; requiring pre-approval by tribal governments to any changes in voting procedures on tribal lands. The bill passed in the House but failed to pass in the Senate. This legacy of Native voter suppression continues, with new laws and practices threatening access to the ballot box as Indian Country battles for voting rights. In the past two years alone, there have been numerous high-profile challenges brought by tribal communities. In 2020, the Blackfeet Nation in Montana brought and won a lawsuit against Pondera County for failing to establish a satellite election office on the reservation, which is larger than the entire state of Delaware. In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled to uphold two voting laws in Arizona that place a disproportionate burden on Native voters. And recently, a Nevada county settled with the Shoshone Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley Indian Reservation over access to in-person voting. On Tuesday, as Americans cast their ballots in the 2022 elections, the fight for Native voting rights rages on around the country. To counter attempts to suppress the Native vote, there are groups working hard to ensure Native Americans can vote without intimidation or hassle, including NARF, Four Directions and the National Congress of American Indians. If someone or something is preventing you from voting, call the voting rights hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE. 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 Nov. 7Hormel Foods Corporation 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 a 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. Howard Stern; Herschel Walker. Randy Holmes/Getty Images; Megan Varner/Getty Images Howard Stern warned of "another Civil War" ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. The radio icon made the comments as he bashed Georgia Republican US Senate hopeful Herschel Walker. "I mean, how the fuck could you elect that guy?" Stern said. Radio icon Howard Stern warned of "another Civil War" ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections as he bashed Georgia Republican US Senate hopeful Herschel Walker and questioned how anyone could vote for him. "Some of these candidates that people are actually -- fucking Herschel Walker. Holy fuck. They're saying he's going to win in Georgia. Are you fucking dummies?" Stern said Monday on his Sirius XM radio show. The shock jock added: "They always talk about another Civil War. I think there is going to be one. I mean, how the fuck could you elect that guy? You got to be outta your fucking skull." "I don't care what party, what you believe, what you think would be good for America. Would you really vote for this fucking I don't know what the fuck he is," Stern said of Walker. "I was going to say mental case but I don't even know if that's fair to mental cases." Walker, who has been backed by former President Donald Trump, is seeking to unseat Democratic rival Sen. Raphael Warnock in the tight Georgia Senate race in the midterm elections. Recently, Walker's campaign has been rocked by controversies involving two women who have said the pro-life candidate previously pressured them to have abortions. Walker, a former University of Georgia football legend, has denied the allegations. Read the original article on Business Insider More than 3,700 bodies are buried in very close proximity in the historic Lebanon Cemetery. A growing movement based out of York, Pennsylvania is dedicated to helping preserve the citys historic Black cemetery, CNN reports. A group of volunteers called Friends of Lebanon Cemetery has worked for more than three years to uncover the headstones of several thousand people buried in the neglected cemetery. The organizations official website notes that volunteers are committed to uncovering the rich history of York Countys African-American burial grounds by researching, identifying and documenting the people interred in these cemeteries, linking familial ties, preserving and restoring not just their locations but their stories. Hundreds of headstones of Black people have been recently uncovered in a Pennsylvania cemetery (not pictured here). (AdobeStock) The city of York once boasted its own Black Wall Street and its first colored school was led by educator James Smallwood, who is buried at the historic Lebanon Cemetery, according to the CNN report. Friends of Lebanon Cemetery volunteers were told that there are at least 2,300 grave markers. They have so far uncovered 800 buried headstones, including that of Anna Johnson, the great-grandmother of decorated Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne. Johnson was 84 when she died mysteriously after the 1969 race riots in York and was buried at Lebanon Cemetery. Until the mid-1960s, it was one of the only graveyards in the area where Black people could be buried. Claiborne had for years searched in vain for Johnsons headstone at Lebanon. Friends of Lebanon ultimately uncovered it and invited Claiborne, 69, to visit the site. Her great-grandmothers resting place, like most other headstones, was barely protruding from the dirt and seemingly lost to the earth under decades of overgrown rock, brush and mildew. They buried her and didnt have the (respect) to spell her name right, Claiborne told CNN, noting that the H in Johnsons name was missing on the headstone. Thats pretty poor. I was elated that I was able to find her grave, but I was not elated to see how it wasnt respectful to her. Story continues According to cemetery records, more than 3,700 are likely tightly buried in Lebanon, ground-penetrating radar found. If theyre not touching, theyre nearly touching, said geophysicist Bill Steinhart, who has surveyed most of the cemetery, according to the CNN report. Friends of Lebanon Cemetery has discovered that the people buried at the site range from common folk such as schoolteachers and factory workers to prominent figures, including Buffalo soldiers, veterans, including a Tuskegee Airman, as well as agents of the Underground Railroad. Some of the gravestones that have been discovered include Mary J. Small, the first woman elected elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Rev. John Hector, a Civil War soldier and noted Temperance Movement speaker famously dubbed the Black Knight and William Wood, who helped inventor Phineas Davis build his first locomotive engine. Relatives and descendants travel from near and far to tend to the graves. Telling their stories through the preservation of their last resting places is vital to providing an authentic narrative of American history, Friends of Lebanon Cemetery states on its website. Lebanon and similar long-forgotten burial grounds could benefit from funding through the proposed African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act, which U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) have introduced. For too long these burial grounds and the men and women interred there were forgotten or overlooked, Brown said in a statement, according to CNN. Saving these sites is not only about preserving Black History, but American history, and we need to act now before these sites are lost to the ravages of time or development. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Hundreds of headstones of Black people uncovered in Pennsylvania cemetery appeared first on TheGrio. A husband, wife, and brother are sentenced after preparing false tax returns for clients and for themselves, according to court documents. Robert L. Pryor, 46, Elaine Pryor, 43, and Joshua L. Pryor, 44, have been sentenced for preparing and filing false tax returns under the business name Better Dayz Tax Services, LLC, according to court documents. According to court documents, the husband owned a tax-preparation business called Better Dayz Tax Services, LLC, in Memphis, Tennessee. His wife Elaine Pryor and his brother Joshua L. Pryor also worked at Better Dayz. Their actions resulted in fraudulent tax refunds and total lost tax revenue of more than $122,000 over three years. Each defendant pled guilty to one count of preparing a false tax return, court documents revealed, according to a release. On Oct. 12, the husband was sentenced to a total of 15 months in federal prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. He may not own or operate a tax preparation business or engage in tax preparation services during his supervised release. Pryor also was ordered to pay restitution of $57,672.00. The brother was sentenced to three years of federal probation on October 12, and ordered to pay restitution of $25,064.00. He may not own or operate a tax preparation business or engage in tax preparation services during his probation. The wife was sentenced to six months in federal prison on Nov. 4, to be followed by 18 months of supervised release. She also was ordered to pay restitution of $57,853.59. According to court documents, six months of her supervised release term must be served on home detention, and she may not own or operate a tax preparation business or engage in tax preparation services during her supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Those who might consider preparing false tax returns should be aware of the extremely negative consequences as evidenced today, said Donald Trey Eakins, Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Field Office. Story continues Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Trending stories: Illinois voters are heading to the polls today to determine who they want to represent them on levels of government, among them Congress, Illinois governor, state representatives, and county offices. Polls opened across the state at 6 a.m. Illinois election results:Follow along here as local and statewide results are announced 12:17 a.m. Associated Press: Budzinski carries 13th Congressional District For the first time in 12 years, Springfield will have a member of the Democratic Party as one of its congressmen. Nikki Budzinski, a former chief of staff to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and former JB Pritzker advisor, won the race in the 13th Congressional District, defeating Republican Regan Deering, a small business owner and philanthropist. With 83.4% of votes counted according to the Associated Press, Budzinski leads Deering 54.3% to 45.7%. Budzinski got big majorities in Champaign and St. Clair counties, getting nearly 70% out of the former and 61.3% out of the latter. She also was ahead in Sangamon County, with 51.4% and Madison County with 50.5%. Deering won in rural areas, getting 63.3% in Macoupin County and 61.1% in Piatt County. Macon County is separated by hundreds of votes, with Deering leading Budzinski in that county 50.9% to 49.1%; however, it will likely make no difference. Budzinski was the favorite to win the minute Illinois legislative Democrats drew the district in order to favor their party; President Joe Biden would have won the district by 11 points had the congressional map been in place in 2020. 7:05 p.m.: Associated Press: Pritzker, Duckworth win Illinois will keep its blue hue for at least another election cycle. The Associated Press is reporting that Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, both Democrats, have won their respective races, defeating underdog Republican challengers despite a tough year for their party nationally. The AP called both races just after polls closed at 7 p.m. before votes have been counted in either race. Neither was expected to lose, but Pritzker was under fire by the campaign of Republican challenger Darren Bailey for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and mandates associated with it. Story continues Duckworth earned only a token challenge from Republican Kathy Salvi and was considered one of the safest bets on the board to win for Democrats in what is shaping up to be a challenging evening on many fronts for them nationally. No other races have been called by the AP yet, including the other constitutional offices, Amendment 1, and other legislative races. 7 p.m. Polls close Polls across Illinois are now closed. Persons in line at 7 p.m. will still have a chance to vote. Check the SJ-R website for election results. 6 p.m. 'Souls to the Polls' payoff Teresa Haley, president of the Springfield chapter and state conference of the NAACP, said the organization worked with Springfield area churches and Black sororities and fraternities on the "Souls to the Polls" campaign to get people to do early voting and mail-in voting. The movement didn't talk about which particular candidates to vote for, but rather "remind people we must vote. People fought, bled and died for us to vote, so if we can encourage people to go as a family, as a congregation to the polls, we found more people who look like me will go out," Haley said. Haley said about a dozen branch members served as election judges and poll watchers Tuesday. Haley was a poll watcher. As state president, Haley said she was on several Zoom calls with colleagues from around the state. While there were some problems in the Chicagoland area with voting machines, Haley said there were no statewide reports of voter intimidation. Sangamon County voting:More than 1,000 poll workers prepared to maintain election integrity 6 p.m. 'The dirtiest election I ever remember' Ask Robert Nation what kinds of issues he was considering, emerging from Holy City Church where he voted Tuesday, and he will tell you it is an issue every time he goes to the grocery store. "There are a lot of issues when you go to the store and a piece of meat costs you $27 or a package of hamburger costs you $15," Nation offered. "Or paying $5 a gallon gasoline. As they always say, 'Everything goes up except your pay.' Nation, who voted along with his wife, Dolores, called it "the dirtiest election I ever remember." Dolores Nation said she was also tired of "the negative energy" the candidates gave off. Amy Arcand, who also voted at Holy City, said there weren't particular issues driving her to the poll Tuesday, but more habit. One thing Arcand is worried about: getting her 25-year-old daughter out to vote for the first time. "I vote because I think it's the right thing to do," Arcand said. 4:30 p.m. Closing time reminder Polls in Sangamon County close at 7 p.m. You can still vote if you are in line before 7 p.m. That is the closing time for the two ballot drop boxes at 200 S. Ninth St. and 2201 S. Dirksen Parkway. 2 p.m. Factors for the turnout Voters can sometimes be a fickle bunch, so, yes, Election Day weather can be a factor for turnout. "It's been gorgeous weather throughout the early voting process in advance of Election Day," said Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray, "and that does play into the overall scenario for participation, so it's nice to see that we have a great day." Election Day voters were greeted with clear conditions and temperatures in the low 60s. Tuesday marks the first time Election Day has been a holiday in Illinois. Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill in June 2021 establishing the holiday temporarily. Now, 19 states have some form of Election Day holiday. That means state and county workers had the day off, as did area schools. Whether that is a factor for brisk voting traffic Tuesday is a possibility, but Gray believes that theory needs to be tested a little more with future elections. Whatever the reasons, the Springfield Masonic Center was one of the polling places that had to request more polling booths, six to be exact, Gray confirmed. Three precincts Capital 42, 66 and 80 vote at the center. 1 p.m. 'You can't criticize the process unless you have been part of the process' Chris Bennett of Springfield is a state worker, but Tuesday found him in another role at Triad Industrial Supply Corp. in the 2700 block of South 13th Street: an election official. Bennett worked the June 28 primary in a similar capacity, though he hadn't done it for a few years. "My motivation (to work as an election official) was dispel the myth that your vote isn't safe," Bennett said. "You can't criticize the process unless you have been part of the process." Bennett knows there are skeptics out there, but "people's votes here are secure and counted like they should be." 1 p.m. Selfies at the polls With it being Election Day, your social media feed is likely inundated with photos of people at the polls or dawning a I voted sticker. What should not be showing up there, however, are photos or videos of respective ballots. The matter came to attention after a Tik Tok by Riley Craig, Attorney General Thomas DeVores girlfriend, showed her circling in her votes for Republican candidates on her Bond County ballot. As of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the video had garnered more than 285,000 views. Matt Dietrich, public information officer with the Illinois State Board of Elections, advises voters to not do this as it violates the Illinois election code. To his knowledge, no one has ever been prosecuted for taking a ballot selfie but still sees a photo of a sticker as a better option. 12:30 p.m. Sangamon County clerk stays vigilant Reports Tuesday that Champaign County clerk's office had been the apparent target of cyber attacks was a cautionary reminder to Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray. Champaign has been dealing with connectivity and server performance on Tuesday. Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray speaks with poll workers Ralph Lewis and Sharon Haynes on Tuesday at Union Baptist Church in Springfield. The clerk's office website has been the target of attacks over the past month, but its IT team has been successful in preventing the attacks and the clerk's website has remained secure. "This is something we take seriously. It's a big part of who we are in election administration," said Gray, who talked to the clerk in Champaign, Aaron Ammons, on Tuesday. Gray said Sangamon County was not experiencing any troubles like Champaign, though the clerk's office there was "differently structured" than here. "(Champaign) is fully electronic," Gray said. "He's having connection problems from his resources in the polling places to process voters." "We're not experiencing anything (critical) here, but we're going to keep an eye on it." 11:30 a.m.: Turnout steady at Westminster Presbyterian Church At Westminster Presbyterian Church, registrar Jan Van Qualen said turnout was steady and felt that it was satisfactory for a midterm election. "For a midterm, it's good turnout," Van Qualen said. "It's quite subjective, though." Voters streaming out of the church's main hall said they felt the process was smooth. Paul Diezman said voting is among the most important things a citizen can do. He put an emphasis on affirming the work that Gov. JB Pritzker did in running the state over his first four years. "I like what the governor's been doing," Diezman said. "I was really looking at retaining our governor." Amber and Tony Lozzi and their children, Henry and Aurelia, stand in the main lobby of Westminster Presbyterian Church after voting Tuesday.. Amber and Tony Lozzi brought their children, Aurelia and Henry, with them to Westminster where they voted. Amber said she was focused on voting to protect abortion rights in Illinois, as she was concerned about a potential nationwide abortion ban from a Republican Congress. "As a woman, the chance of a nationwide abortion ban is absolutely horrifying," Amber said. "That's something where I'm definitely voting with that in mind, not just for myself, but for my kids and all future generations." Tony agreed with Amber, saying it was unreasonable to vote for people who would vote to take that right away. In addition, he said he was focused on Amendment 1, which would enshrine various labor rights in the Illinois Constitution. Amber said they wanted to vote for candidates who would have the best interests of everyone in mind. Nathan Armbruster, right, throws his hands up in celebration after being told by election judge Brian Deslue that he is the 100th voter in Precinct 22 at Lakeside Christian Church in Springfield on Tuesday. "In general, (I want to) make sure that we're voting with all humans' best rights in mind and making sure that we choose officials that genuinely work in our best interests and not for the select few," Amber said. 10:15 a.m.: How the candidates in the 13th Congressional District started their day Regan Deering (center), Republican candidate for Illinois Congressional District 13, voted on Election Day, Nov. 8 at the Macon County Office Building. Nikki Budzinski spent her day on the trail with the intention of hitting seven counties in her district stretching from Metro East to Champaign. Her day is set to conclude in Springfield, where she will be holding a watch party at the Hoogland Center For the Arts. One of her stops included Decatur, which is where Budzinskis Republican opponent Regan Deering started her day by casting her vote. Good morning Piatt County Democrats! It was great to share some coffee and Aneeda biscotti with you on Election Day! Vote Kathleen Piatt for County Board and @Nikki4Congress today! pic.twitter.com/VawDKLHpQI Nikki Budzinski (@Nikki4Congress) November 8, 2022 Deering told reporters at the Macon County Office Building that she was confident in a successful election and was ready to be a force of change in Washington. I think this is going to be a very close race, she said. It was clearly mapped for a Democrat, but we have shown up and worked hard and the people of central Illinois are ready for someone who is going to work for them. Polls open in less than 15 minutes! Make sure you have your plan to vote ready for today. Its your last day to vote for CHANGE, by casting your ballot for me, Regan Deering! #IL13 Regan Deering (@Regan4Congress) November 8, 2022 8:15 a.m.: What the major candidates have to say as voting commences First, messages from the two major gubernatorial candidates to get out the vote: Good morning and happy #ElectionDay, Illinois! Polls are open until 7 PM get out and VOTE! https://t.co/jaCQcRNYTh https://t.co/8WxV1AsqFK JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) November 8, 2022 Are you ready to fire JB? We need you to vote today. Lets make Illinois safer and more affordable for everyone. pic.twitter.com/vDnaJS7d6c Darren Bailey for Governor (@DarrenBaileyIL) November 8, 2022 Now, from the Senate candidates: Today is the day, Illinois! Polls are open until 7PM. Find your polling place at https://t.co/UvFp5rCHiG and make your voice heard. And if youre in line by 7PMstay in line. Lets bring it home. #ElectionDay Tammy Duckworth (@TammyDuckworth) November 8, 2022 Democracy isnt at risk. Its thriving on this democracys day. Free and fair elections are our hallmark. Exercise your freedom and vote. Vote to change the direction of our state and nation. Id be honored to have your vote. #govote pic.twitter.com/rXr0RnnI9C Kathy Salvi (@salviforsenate) November 8, 2022 7:06 a.m.: Good morning! Shortly after the polls opened at Union Baptist Church on Springfield's east side, Sangamon County Clerk Don Gray said he was encouraged by early voting turnout. He said he believes between 65% to 70% of the county's registered voters will cast ballots. "We've got a lot of local contests that are garnering attention between the 13th Congressional District (for the U.S. House of Representatives) (and) the 48th (Illinois) Senate District," Gray said. "There's been a lot of money spent and people are certainly aware that there's an election. (It's) reflected in the increase in early voting and I hope to see that same momentum here on election day." According to Gray, 24,290 people cast their ballots early, whether it was through mail voting or at the clerk's office in the Sangamon County Complex. More than 16,000 mail ballots have arrived at Gray's office, with 3,675 of those ballots still outstanding. The expectation for Gray is that 105,000-108,000 ballots are cast by 7 p.m., when the counting process begins. Early and mail votes will be counted before any precinct votes. Gray thinks the process should be rather quick, with counting finished by 10 p.m. at the latest. Poll workers Whitney Harper, Dorothy Holmes, Timothy Wright and Alyce Lyle prepare to welcome voters Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022 at Union Baptist Church. To help with smoothing out the process, Gray has enlisted more than 1,000 poll workers and has trained them in order to make the voting process comfortable for everyone. "We train them in advance of every election, not just once every two years," Gray said. "We have video courses, in-person courses, we give them manuals (and) highlights of things specific to the election that we are in now. Everything you can think of, we go through and that's really a critical piece of having a well-run, successful election. Working alongside the dedicated poll workers were a few poll watchers checking in to see how things were going. Irma Cooper was working as an observer for the very first time and admitted that she was nervous and "in the line of fire". Even so, she was excited to get to see the process and to cast her ballot for the candidates she felt had her best interests in mind. "I just wanted to get my feet wet to see what they do," Cooper said. "If your number doesn't count, it's not going to count to make decisions in the things that you are favorable for." It's 6 a.m. Polls are open. It's 6 a.m. Election Day and the polls are open. Illinois poll times: When do the polls close? Voting ends at 7 p.m. Where do I find Springfield, Illinois, election results? We'll be providing live results at sj-r.com/elections/results/local throughout the night. Is there same day voter registration in Illinois on Election Day? You can register in-person at the county clerk's office on Election Day. Voters need two forms of identification to register, both must show the voter's name and at least one must have the voter's current address. Most voters can use a state ID card or driver's license and a credit card or utility bill. Voters can use their phones to provide identification, such as by pulling up their electricity or gas utility account information. If I'm registered, what do I need to bring to vote in Illinois? Voters do not need to provide identification but must be registered to vote in the county where they live. How do I find out where to vote? Voters can report to their precinct voting location on Nov. 8. To find out your precinct, check the back of your voter's registration card, the state's elections website, or call the county clerk. What if I forgot to mail my early ballot? Mailed ballot can be returned by U.S. Postal Service but they must be postmarked by Nov. 8 and received no later than two weeks after Tuesday. They also can be returned by using one of the secure ballot drop boxes on the south end of the County Building at Ninth and Monroe streets or at the Sangamon County Juvenile Detention Center, 2201 S. Dirksen Parkway. A mailed ballot also can be hand delivered to the clerk's office. Need help? Who to call In Sangamon County, if you have problems or questions about voting, call (217) 753-8683 or go to the clerk's website at www.sangamoncountyclerk.com/elections. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Springfield Illinois Election Day 2022: Live updates from the polls If you want to know who really controls Velesto Energy Berhad (KLSE:VELESTO), then you'll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. We can see that sovereign wealth funds own the lion's share in the company with 54% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn). And individual investors on the other hand have a 31% ownership in the company. Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Velesto Energy Berhad. View our latest analysis for Velesto Energy Berhad What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Velesto Energy Berhad? Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices. We can see that Velesto Energy Berhad does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. 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 Velesto Energy Berhad's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters. Hedge funds don't have many shares in Velesto Energy Berhad. Permodalan Nasional Berhad is currently the company's largest shareholder with 54% of shares outstanding. This implies that they have majority interest control of the future of the company. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 4.9% and 3.5% of the stock. 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. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily. Story continues Insider Ownership Of Velesto Energy Berhad While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it. Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group. Our information suggests that Velesto Energy Berhad insiders own under 1% of the company. It has a market capitalization of just RM1.1b, and the board has only RM6.6m worth of shares in their own names. We generally like to see a board more invested. However it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying. General Public Ownership The general public-- including retail investors -- own 31% stake in the company, and hence can't easily be ignored. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders. Next Steps: It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Velesto Energy Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Be aware that Velesto Energy Berhad is showing 1 warning sign in our investment analysis , you should know about... If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its 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 Photo: TransLink. A 35-year-old New Westminster man has been sentenced to a conditional discharge with three years of probation after pleading guilty to a series of random, unprovoked transit attacks on South Asian men in Burnaby, Vancouver and New Westminster. Rainier Jesse Azucena was charged in seven assaults that took place on buses and trains and near transit stations between Oct. 29, 2021 and Feb. 7, 2022. By virtue of some delusion that apparently targeted Indo Canadian men, Mr. Azucena would, without warning, attack, either kick at or punch these unsuspecting complainants who were sitting on the bus minding their own business, Crown prosecutor Jonas Dow said at a sentencing hearing in Vancouver provincial court Friday. But Dow added there was tragedy in both columns in the case. 'Great gap' Azucena has schizophrenia and had fallen into a great gap in any mental health services, according to Dow. He had grown beyond his familys ability to care for him, and his mental health issues had gone untreated for some time, Dow said. He was off his meds. Its as simple as that, defence lawyer Terence La Liberte said. After Azucenas arrest, La Liberte said transit police took him to Royal Columbian Hospital, but he then ended up at the North Fraser Pretrial Centre for a month. I think our systems going to have to look into this because, if he was getting the proper care, we probably wouldnt have these difficulties, he said. La Liberte said Azucena has some deep-seated concerns about certain racial groups because of experiences hes had and is unable to rationalize them when hes off his medications. But for nearly five months now, Azucena has been at a mental health facility and has stabilized, according to La Liberte. Hes well on his way, La Liberte said. Hes properly medicated; he has the support system he needs. In a joint sentencing submission, Dow and La Liberte called for a conditional discharge and three years of probation. That means Azucena, who doesnt have a criminal record, will not have one if he abides by the conditions of his probation. B.C. provincial court Judge Jodie Werier accepted the plan. Im satisfied a conditional discharge is the appropriate outcome, she said. During his probation, Azucena will have to get treatment and take his medications. He is also banned from contacting any of his victims and from possessing any weapons. Azucena pleaded guilty to four of the seven assault charges. The rest were stayed. Random attacks Metro Vancouver Transit Police described five of the attacks Azucena was charged with in a Feb. 14 news release. On Oct. 29, 2021, a man was getting off a number 9 bus by the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station at about 10:30 p.m., when another man approached from behind and kicked him several times in the legs and tried to hit him in the face, according to the release. On Jan. 6, a passenger was sitting aboard a train near Royal Oak Station at about 5:30 p.m., when another man got up from his seat and, without provocation, kicked the victim in the face, according to transit police. On Jan. 26, a SkyTrain passenger near the Metrotown Station at about 8 p.m. was punched in the back of the head three or four times. A short time later, another victim was hit in the face with an empty beer can on a different train, according to the transit police release. On Feb. 3, a SkyTrain passenger near Patterson station at about 5 p.m. was punched in the face up to six times, police said. Transit police said investigators had linked the assaults to a single individual who was known to police. JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian investigators will this week release the final report of a probe into the 2021 crash of a Sriwijaya Air flight that killed all 62 people on board, an official said on Tuesday. The Sriwijaya Air incident was Indonesia's third major commercial plane crash in just over six years and shone a spotlight on the country's poor air safety record. Under international standards, a final report would typically be issued within a year of an accident. But the Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) said the pandemic made it harder for its team to travel for the investigation into the crash of the 26-year-old Boeing Co 737-500, which took place on Jan. 9, 2021 Ony Soerjo Wibowo, a KNKT investigator, told Reuters the final report would be published on Thursday. Another investigator, Nurcahyo Utomo, last week told parliament there were mechanical problems with the auto-throttle system, which provides engine power. The right-side lever in the cockpit did not move at all, causing the left lever to overcompensate, eventually leading to the nosedive, he said. He told lawmakers the pilot was unaware of the changes inside the cockpit, resulting in "unsuitable" recovery efforts. (Reporting by Stanley Widianto and Bernadette Christina; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor, Martin Petty) Police in SWAT uniforms hold Ramon Abbas with his arms behind his back. Ramon Abbas was arrested two years ago on charges of Fraud and was sent to the U.S. from Dubai in the UAE. Abbas pleaded guilty in 2021 and was sentenced on Monday. One former star of the luxury Instagram influencer circuit will spend some time behind bars after he admitted to gaining much of his wealth through a massive, international money laundering and fraud scheme. A federal judge sentenced Ramon Abbas, 40, to 11 years in jail after he pleaded guilty in April last year. Federal prosecutors said Abbas worked within a large, global money laundering operation alongside his now-defunct Instagram account that had 2.5 million followers. That money laundering amounted to nearly $1.3 billion, according to prosecutors, some of which was the result of a cyber heist allegedly executed by North Korean hackers. Read more In the original complaint, the U.S. Attorneys Office called Abbas one of the leaders of a transnational network of hackers and fraudsters, in effect laundering tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars at a time. Prosecutors alleged that starting in 2019, Abbas helped launder money by swapping it between his and his co-conspirators bank accounts. Prosecutors also said the pair worked a Business Email Compromise fraud scheme by contacting companies under false pretenses then offering instructions on how to wire them money to their bad accounts as well as pull off a similar grift with SWIFT transfer requests to banks. Ramon Abbas, AKA @hushpuppi and Billionaire Gucci Master was known for showing off his wealth through his Instagram page. A long-form piece about Abbas by Bloomberg earlier this year said he was a pop culture celebrity in Nigeria due to his supposed luxury lifestyle, though online social circles often referred to him as a Nigerian big boy which was a sly way of saying he was some sort of scammer. Though as evidenced by lingering pictures and videos from his Instagram, his public life was a barrage of world travel and posing in front of many Ferraris. Story continues In his plea, Abbas admitted to also helping convicted money launderer Ghaleb Alaumary set up overseas bank accounts so he could help launder 13 million taken from a Maltese bank originally stolen by North Korean-linked hackers. Alaumary, who was living in Ontario, Canada at the time of his arrest, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in September. Abbas attorney John Iweanoge did not immediately respond to Gizmodos request for comment. He did tell Bloomberg directly after the Monday sentencing everything is on the table regarding Abbas 11-year jail time, though appealing the decision may be difficult considering his guilty plea. Iweanoge told reporters that they originally thought Abbas would likely only get four or five years. Letters sent to the judge on behalf of Abbas before his sentencing pleaded for leniency. One, sent by Regina Mariam Manneh, said his arrest had a huge impact on her family as well as the four-year-old son she had with Abbas, Raymond Abbas. Reports from the trial also said Abbas appealed to the judge, saying he was desperate in 2019 when he started accepting offers to help launder the funds. Abbas has used the name hushpuppi since at least 2014 and was active only all the way through 2020 when he was arrested, according to court records. The Nigeria-born Abbas was reportedly living in the lap of luxury in Dubai, surrounded by his private jet and other luxury vehicles, when he was arrested by Dubai police alongside alleged co-conspirator Olalekan Jacob Ponle, who went by @mrwoodbery on Instagram. Police SWAT teams seized Abbas 13 luxury cars and $40.9 million in cash before extraditing him to the U.S. Dubais police also claimed they found the addresses of nearly 2 million victims and more evidence of a planned $435 million heist. The latest available court documents show that Ponle was still in the middle of plea negotiations. The fact that Dubai does not have an extradition treaty with the U.S. didnt seem to phase international police with the U.S. Department of Justice writing he was expelled from the United Arab Emirates. Abbas lawyer at the time called it a kidnapping. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. We think intelligent long term investing is the way to go. But no-one is immune from buying too high. To wit, the Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (KLSE:MRCB) share price managed to fall 72% over five long years. That is extremely sub-optimal, to say the least. And some of the more recent buyers are probably worried, too, with the stock falling 22% in the last year. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 17% in the last 90 days. 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. Check out our latest analysis for Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. During the five years over which the share price declined, Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad's earnings per share (EPS) dropped by 33% each year. This fall in the EPS is worse than the 22% compound annual share price fall. The relatively muted share price reaction might be because the market expects the business to turn around. The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). We know that Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? Check if analysts think Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad will grow revenue in the future. 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, Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad's TSR for the last 5 years was -69%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! Story continues A Different Perspective While the broader market lost about 7.0% in the twelve months, Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad shareholders did even worse, losing 20% (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, longer term shareholders are suffering worse, given the loss of 11% doled out over the last five years. We would want clear information suggesting the company will grow, before taking the view that the share price will stabilize. 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 Malaysian Resources Corporation 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 In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of S P Setia Berhad (KLSE:SPSETIA) 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. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward. 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. See our latest analysis for S P Setia Berhad The Model 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. 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) forecast 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM473.5m RM390.9m RM386.4m RM387.4m RM392.2m RM399.8m RM409.5m RM420.8m RM433.4m RM447.1m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ -1.15% Est @ 0.26% Est @ 1.25% Est @ 1.94% Est @ 2.42% Est @ 2.76% Est @ 3% Est @ 3.16% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 17% RM406 RM287 RM243 RM209 RM181 RM159 RM139 RM123 RM108 RM95.7 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM2.0b 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 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 17%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = RM447m (1 + 3.6%) (17% 3.6%) = RM3.5b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM3.5b ( 1 + 17%)10= RM755m 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 RM2.7b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM0.5, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 22% 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 Important 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 S P Setia 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 17%, which is based on a levered beta of 2.000. 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: Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For S P Setia Berhad, we've put together three important factors you should explore: Risks: Be aware that S P Setia Berhad is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 1 of those is a bit unpleasant... Future Earnings: How does SPSETIA'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 DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran's courts will deal firmly with anyone who causes disruption or commits crimes during a wave of anti-government protests, the judiciary said on Tuesday, signalling the authorities intend to hand down harsh sentences to convicted demonstrators. One of the biggest challenges to Iran's clerical leaders since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the demonstrations have already persisted for eight weeks despite tough security measures and severe warnings from security forces. More than 1,000 people have been indicted in Tehran Province alone in connection with what the government calls "riots". "Now, the public, even protesters who are not supportive of riots, demand from the judiciary and security institutions to deal with the few people who have caused disturbances in a firm, deterrent and legal manner," judiciary spokesman Masoud Setayeshi said. The anti-government demonstrations erupted in September after the death of a Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by morality police for allegedly flouting the Islamic Republic's strict dress code imposed on women. The activist HRANA news agency said that 318 protesters had been killed in the unrest as of Saturday, including 49 minors. Thirty-eight members of the security forces had also been killed, it said. State media said last month that more than 46 members of the security forces, including police officers, had been killed. Government officials have not provided an estimate of any wider death count. Iranian leaders have accused enemies including the United States of fomenting the unrest. Hardline Iranian lawmakers have urged the judiciary to "deal decisively" with the perpetrators. "For how long can we tolerate this?" Setayeshi said. People from all walks of life have taken part in the nationwide protests, with students and women playing a prominent role, waving and burning headscarves. Two Iranian journalists are facing charges of collusion against national security and propaganda against the state, Setayeshi said, adding that the two were in prison under a temporary arrest warrant and that their case was about to be finalised. Story continues One of those facing charges is Niloofar Hamedi, who worked for the pro-reform Sharq daily and was the first to signal to the world that all was not well with Amini with a photo of her parents hugging each other in a Tehran hospital. The second journalist is Elaheh Mohammadi, who covered Amini's funeral in her Kurdish hometown of Saqez, where the protests began. Some 300 Iranian journalists last month demanded their release. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Alex Richardson, Angus MacSwan and Alison Williams) DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland sold 5% of Allied Irish Banks (AIB) to institutional investors for 396.6 million euros ($396.24 million), the finance ministry said on Tuesday, part of a drive to sell down bank stakes acquired during the financial crisis. Dublin began gradually selling shares in AIB for the first time since a 2017 IPO at the start of the year through a share trading plan, and Monday's placing marked the second time in five months it has sold a 5% stake in one go. As a result of the placing, at 2.96 euros per share via an accelerated book build, the overall size of Ireland's shareholding will be reduced from to 57% from 62%, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said in a statement. The state's stake stood at 71% at the start of the year. Ireland pumped 64 billion euros ($64.2 billion), or almost 40% of its then annual economic output, into the country's banks just over a decade ago following a huge property crash. It sold the last of its shares in Bank of Ireland in September. Its stake in Permanent TSB (PTSB) is to fall to 62% from 75% after NatWest took a minority stake in the bank following the completion of its sale of 5.2 billion euros of Irish mortgages to PTSB on Monday. ($1 = 1.0009 euros) (Writing by Conor Humphries; Editing by Andrew Heavens) By Alvise Armellini ROME (Reuters) -Archaeologists in Italy have uncovered more than two dozen beautifully preserved bronze statues dating back to ancient Roman times in thermal baths in Tuscany, in what experts are hailing as a sensational find. The statues were discovered in San Casciano dei Bagni, a hilltop town in the Siena province, about 160 kilometres (100 miles) north of Rome, where archaeologists have been exploring the muddy ruins of an ancient bathhouse since 2019. "It is a very significant, exceptional finding," Jacopo Tabolli, an assistant professor from the University for Foreigners in Siena who coordinates the dig, told Reuters on Tuesday. Massimo Osanna, a top culture ministry official, called it one of the most remarkable discoveries "in the history of the ancient Mediterranean" and the most important since the Riace Bronzes, a giant pair of ancient Greek warriors, were pulled from the sea off the toe of Italy in 1972. Tabolli said the statues, depicting Hygieia, Apollo and other Greco-Roman divinities, used to adorn a sanctuary before they were immersed in thermal waters, in a sort of ritual, "probably around the 1st century AD". "You give to the water because you hope that the water gives something back to you," he said of the ritual. TIME OF CONFLICT Most of the statues date to between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD, a period of "great transformation in ancient Tuscany" as it switched from Etruscan to Roman rule, the Culture Ministry said in a statement. It was an "era of great conflicts" and "cultural osmosis", in which the Great Bath sanctuary of San Casciano represented a "unique multicultural and multilingual haven of peace, surrounded by political instability and war," the ministry said. The statues were covered by almost 6,000 bronze, silver and gold coins, and San Casciano's hot muddy waters helped to preserve them "almost like as on the day they were immersed," Tabolli said. Story continues The archaeologist said his team had recovered 24 large statues, plus several smaller statuettes, and noted that it was unusual for them to be made out of bronze, rather than terracotta. Tabolli said this suggested they came from what he called an elite settlement, where archaeologists also found "wonderful inscriptions in Etruscan and Latin", mentioning the names of powerful local families, the ministry statement added. According to Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, the "exceptional discovery ... confirms once again that Italy is a country of immense and unique treasures". The ministry said the statues have been taken to a restoration laboratory in nearby Grosseto, but will eventually be put on display in a new museum in San Casciano. (Reporting by Alvise ArmelliniEditing by Keith Weir and Crispian Balmer) After more than an hour in executive session, Oklahoma County's jail trust on Monday took no action on the proposed termination of jail administrator Greg Williams. "I believe it's premature at this point, because we've never, ever told Greg as a group what we expect," said Trustee Sue Ann Arnall. "We've never told him where we want to be, what do we want to be, and we have these deaths, we've never helped him avoid them." Williams' employment was discussed following heightened criticism of his management in regard to jail conditions, the high number of jail deaths and other recent high-profile incidents at the jail. Williams has served as administrator of the jail since late 2019. More:Official calls for ouster of Oklahoma County jail administrator Pastor Derrick Scobey, one of the jail trust's newest members, moved for Williams' termination following a presentation of recent incidents at the jail and a listing of the 36 detainees who have died since the trust assumed control in July 2020. Scobey referred to the biblical plague of frogs brought upon Egypt and the pharaoh's unwillingness to give up power to remove them as he called on his fellow trustees not to "spend another night with the frogs." "Tomorrow is the excuse of the lazy and the refuge of the incompetent," Scobey said. "I plead with you today not to allow your few minutes of delay to cost others their lives. I beg you not to allow your pride to prevent you from doing what you know deep in your heart is the right thing to do." Scobey's motion died when no other trustee was willing to second it. Williams, in a statement, said he and his team are continuously working to "create a safer, more efficient" jail and that he was "happy to reaffirm his commitment to the Oklahoma County community, jail trust members and everyone at the jail." More:Clergy group, activists call for ouster of jail administrator Story continues Adam Luck, who joined the trust at the same time as Scobey, called for the board to discuss its "collective expectations" of Williams and complete his official annual performance review during December's trust meeting. Several other members of the trust highlighted improvements made to the building during Williams' tenure as evidence of his success as a leader. However, more deaths have occurred in the years since the trust took over. Trust Chair Jim Couch also read a letter in support of Williams written by Oklahoma County public defender Bob Ravitz. "Mr. Williams is the most responsive jail administrator I have seen in my 45 years in the system," Ravitz wrote. "Of course, more needs to be done by you as a trust and Mr. Williams." Couch later issued a statement, calling the discussion of Williams' performance "healthy," saying it had "a wide variety of opinions." "My personal opinion is Greg took a hard job under very challenging circumstances, and he has made demonstrable, meaningful improvements in conditions and outcomes at the jail, Couch said. Oklahoma County commissioner criticizes trust's decision to keep Williams After the meeting, Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert issued a statement calling the trust's decision into question. "I am disappointed with the outcome of todays meeting resulting in the decision to retain Mr. Williams. With the number of detainee deaths, high staff turnover, his cavalier remarks about Covid-19, and other concerning issues at the jail, his credibility with his employees and the public have been damaged to the point that I question his effectiveness as a leader," Blumert said. "Through their continued support of Mr. Williams, a majority of the Trust missed an opportunity to chart a new course in their leadership of the jail." Blumert said the jail's problems "go beyond the facility, staffing issues or more programs, " and "until such time as the Trust exhibits active leadership, the first step of which is holding Mr. Williams accountable, the problems will remain." Williams' actions, comments under fire Ahead of the executive session, Scobey sternly questioned the administrator. "I would like for you to tell us what happened, I think it was Oct. 5, with the three male detainees who had sex with the female detainee?" Scobey said. "Why did I find out about it on Twitter and not from maybe (jail spokesman) Mark (Opgrande), or you?" Scobey also asked about a female detainee that was raped by a male detainee in July while handcuffed in the booking area and the timeline to bring charges against the man accused of the rape. In reference to both situations Scobey said Williams passed the blame on to other offices, including that of District Attorney David Prater regarding the rape case. Prater, who was in attendance, quickly stepped forward to outline a timeline, noting that he reviewed footage of the rape the day after it occurred and asked for the jail's investigators to file necessary paperwork with his office immediately. "Three days go by, a week goes by, another week goes by, a month goes by, almost two months goes by," Prater said. "We called (the investigator) no less than six times and you said we're continuing to look at the matter." Many members of the community also raised concerns during the meeting, including a group of area faith leaders called the Concerned Clergy for Spiritual Renewal, several community activists and a former jail employee. Charity Howard, a former detention officer, spoke of being berated over radio by supervisors and pressured into coming to work while sick. She also criticized the lack of staffing and poor conditions in the jail. "The Oklahoma County jail has 13 floors and most of the weekends these floors are ran by 5 officers and that means it leaves floors unmanned for hours," Howard said. "Safety checks are not being conducted." Howard, who said she worked at the jail from March 2022 until recently, called inmate conditions "inhumane," with detainees failing to receive proper hygiene supplies or treatment for "infestations" of bed bugs and lice. Citizens previously called for Williams' termination in September 2021, along with those of the entire trust, spurred in part by ongoing poor conditions in the jail and initial conversations regarding building a new facility. In February, Williams once again came under fire after a voicemail in which he said the COVID-19 pandemic had "been the greatest thing that ever happened to us" and was the jail's "friend" was made public. On Oct. 21, the Concerned Clergy for Spiritual Renewal and community activists again asked for Williams' resignation or termination. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Jail trust retains Greg Williams amidst community, internal criticism NTT Docomo, Japan's largest mobile-phone network, pledged to invest up to 600 billion yen ($4 billion) into Web3 infrastructure. The company will collaborate with Astar Foundation, the developer of the public blockchain Astar Network, and Accenture to speed up Web3 adoption, according to a statement provided to CoinDesk. They will set up a consortium that allows individuals and corporations to utilize tokens for governance. Collaborating with NTT Docomo, a company that has created case studies that have been used by tens of millions of people, we will further spread Web3, Astar Network founder Sota Watanabe said in the statement. Japan's government owns one third of the stock of NTT Docomos parent company, NTT. Japan's Web3 policy has been given by a jumpstart this year by politicians keen to do away with red tape and a customarily slow decision-making process. A Web3 policy office now exists under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Last week, the country's digital ministry announced it would create a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to explore Web3 technology. TOKYO (AP) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday he will speed up the drafting and passage of a law to regulate the collection of donations by religious groups and protect families of believers after he met with victims of the Unification Church and was heartbroken by their horrendous experiences. Also Tuesday, a government committee drafted standards to be used to compile questions for use in investigating the controversial South Korean-based religious group, whose decades of cozy ties with Japans governing party surfaced after the July assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Kishida is attempting to calm public outrage over his handling of his partys extensive ties to the church. The economy minister was forced to resign last month over his failure to explain his links to the group. Abe was fatally shot at an outdoor campaign rally in July. The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, told police he killed Abe because of his apparent links to a religious group he hated. A letter and social media postings attributed to Yamagami said large donations by his mother to the church bankrupted his family and ruined his life. The police investigation of Abes killing led to revelations of widespread ties between the church and members of the governing party over shared interests in conservative and anti-communist causes. There is a growing call for Kishida's party to investigate further to determine if its policies were affected by the church's views. The case also shed light on the suffering of children of church followers, including some who say they were forced to join the church or were left in poverty or neglected because of their parents devotion. Many critics consider the church to be a cult because of financial and mental hardships experienced by followers and their families. Kishida said he met Tuesday with a number of victims of the church. "I felt my chest torn when I heard from them about their horrendous experiences, Kishida said. I'm determined to adopt a new law to accelerate and broaden measures to rescue victims and prevent a recurrence of the problem. He said he will work with other political parties in drafting and submitting the bill to parliament as quickly as possible. Story continues The investigation of the church could potentially lead to a court decision revoking the group's legal status, which experts say would be difficult because of the constitutional right to freedom of religion. Opposition lawmakers proposing tougher measures accuse Kishida of being lax because of his party's coalition partner, Komeito, is backed by a religious group, the Buddhist sect Soka Gakkai. The Kishida governments support ratings have nosedived over his handling of the church controversy. Kishida says he has no links to the church and has pledged his party will cut all such ties. The Unification Church, founded in South Korea in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon, obtained legal status as a religious organization in Japan in 1968 amid an anti-communist movement supported by Abes grandfather, former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi. Since the 1980s, the church has faced accusations of devious business and recruitment tactics, including convincing members to donate large portions of their salaries and assets to Moon. The group has acknowledged cases of excessive donations but says the problem has been mitigated since its 2009 adoption of stricter procedures, and has recently pledged further reforms. Experts say Japanese followers are asked to pay for sins committed by their ancestors during Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, and that 70% of the churchs worldwide funding comes from Japan. Photo: The Canadian Press A sign for pharmacy customers is shown at a Lawtons Drugs in Halifax on Tuesday Nov. 8, 2022. Empire Co. Ltd. remains tight-lipped about the computer system issues that are still posing a challenge for customers seeking prescriptions at some of the pharmacies operated by Nova Scotia-based Empire Co. Ltd. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lyndsay Armstrong Empire Co. Ltd. remains tight-lipped about computer system issues that are still impeding customers seeking prescriptions at some pharmacies it operates. The Nova Scotia-based company issued a brief statement Monday confirming that an "IT systems issue affecting certain pharmacies has caused technical difficulties in filling prescriptions. Issues at Empire-operated pharmacies, including Sobeys pharmacies and Lawtons Drugs, were first reported over the weekend, and some locations in Halifax Tuesday have signs posted warning customers of the ongoing technical problem. Empire did not respond to questions about the cause of the IT problem and has not said when it expects it to be resolved. Anne Genge, the CEO of Alexio, an Ontario-based cybersecurity company that specializes in health care, said the situation is reminiscent of the cyberattack that targeted Newfoundland and Labradors health system last year. Genge says the scale of Empire's system outage and the lack of public communication from the company lead her to believe that a cyberattack may be behind the technical problems. Jennifer Lawrence: "I have horrible stage fright" Oscar-winning actress and Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence has said she will not work on stage, blaming her voice and nerves. "I truly think it would be terrible," she told BBC Radio 4's Front Row. "I'm not in touch with my voice," she said. "I'm scared, I have horrible stage fright. So I might not even be able to use my voice." Lawrence won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2013 for romantic comedy-drama Silver Linings Playbook. She was also nominated as best actress for Winter's Bone in 2011, American Hustle in 2014 and Joy in 2015. Lawrence won an Oscar for her role in Silver Linings Playbook Lawrence likened performing in the theatre, night after night, to "doing take 10,000" of a film. "The more I rehearse something, the more I get upset. I would be like, 'Oh let's just try something new'," she said. Hollywood stars are not always guaranteed success on stage. Oscar nominee Amy Adams made her West End debut earlier this year to mixed reviews, with one critic calling her performance "solid but unremarkable". But Lawrence's Silver Linings Playbook co-star Bradley Cooper won rave reviews for his portrayal of Joseph Merrick in The Elephant Man on the London stage in 2015. The play had already won critical acclaim on Broadway in New York. Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley were both praised for their starring roles in Cabaret last year, with several critics awarding the show five stars. But Lindsay Lohan got mixed reviews for her stage debut in the West End for Speed-the-Plow in 2014 - she also forgot her lines once during the second act, and had to be helped by a prompt. Nicole Kidman was called "luminous" and "compelling" in her return to the London stage in the play Photograph 51, a year later. Jennifer Lawrence and director Lila Neugebauer at the premiere of Causeway Lawrence's latest film Causeway is directed by Lila Neugebauer. The theatre director told Front Row that Lawrence is "a woman of great clarity about her own desires, instincts and objectives so I've expressed my respect for her position, though I disagree". It is the first film made by Lawrence's production company, which she says gave her the freedom to be "more personal" in her choice of work. Story continues "In my 20s I was in a lot of franchises", such as The Hunger Games, she said. "There was a lot of people in the room deciding what [her character] Katniss does next. "I feel like becoming less of a commodity has actually given me a lot more freedom to make what I want to make, with the people I want to make it. "Now I feel less confused and I feel a lot more in control." If Neugebauer directed a play, she said, "it would be the closest I've ever come to considering it". Hear more from Jennifer Lawrence on Front Row on BBC Radio 4 on Monday 7 November at 19:15 GMT The Chancellor is poised to freeze the threshold above which people must pay death duties for another two years - JESSICA TAYLOR /AFP Jeremy Hunt is facing a backlash from Tory MPs over his plans for a stealth inheritance tax raid on families. The Chancellor is poised to freeze the threshold above which people must pay death duties for another two years. He will announce the move in the Autumn Statement as part of moves to fill a 60 billion blackhole in the nations finances. Inheritance tax receipts have more than doubled in just over a decade from 2.3 billion in 2009 to 6 billion last year. That is because house prices have rocketed by 120 per cent during that time, while the threshold for total assets passed on has remained at 325,000. The latest freeze will raise an extra 1 billion a year, analysis shows, and drag 10,000 more families into paying death duties. 'Not the time to pile on further misery' Britain has the fifth highest inheritance tax rate in the world at 40 per cent, which is the same level as in the US. Only Japan, South Korea, Germany and France make people hand over more to the state on the death of a relative. Tory MPs warned Mr Hunt that it was the wrong time to be hiking taxes on households with the UK heading into a recession. Higher tax rates are a bad idea. We need to fight recession, back enterprise and promote wider ownership, said Sir John Redwood. We need to attract capital, risk taking and investment, not tax it away, added the former head of No 10 policy under Margaret Thatcher. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Tory leader, agreed that now was clearly not the time to pile further misery on hard-working families. I dont believe he should be raising taxes just as we are going into a recession and with the highest tax base for 70 years, he said. I'm generally against stealth taxes because they're stealth taxes. There's a moral argument for lower taxes," said David Davis, a former Brexit secretary. "I can quite understand what Jeremy Hunt is trying to do, and I support lots of it, but I hope we don't go too far the other way and exacerbate the recession." Story continues Individuals can currently leave 325,000 worth of assets to their loved ones tax free, while couples can pass on 650,000. When he was chancellor, Mr Sunak agreed with Boris Johnson to freeze those thresholds until April 2026. Mr Hunt will announce at next weeks Autumn Statement that is now being extended by a further two years until at least April 2028. Spending cuts and tax rises looming The Chancellor is poised to unveil 35 billion of spending cuts and 25 billion of tax rises in a bid to balance the nations finances. Treasury sources have guided that the brunt of the new austerity measures will be targeted at those who have the broadest shoulders. But there are grumblings amongst Tory backbenchers who fear that the twin squeeze on families risks making the economic downturn worse. One senior MP said that the party could still turn things around before the next election but if we have four quarters of a recession, were finished". They suggested party unity could begin to fray again after the Autumn Statement, which is set to dismay low tax Conservatives. Another top backbencher added that the tough decisions Mr Hunt will have to make are likely to further dent their party in the polls. If the opinion poll ratings in six months from now are showing Keir Starmer is still going to win there will be rumblings, they said. John Oliver was left in hysterics after Stephen Colbert joked that Liz Truss was responsible for killing the Queen with her notoriously bad curtsy. The Tory leader met Queen Elizabeth II on 6 September as one of her first acts as prime minister, during which she was pictured awkwardly curtsying for the monarch. Two days later, the Queen died at Balmoral, with her funeral taking place on 19 September. On Monday (7 November), British comedian Oliver was a guest on The Late Show, when Colbert asked him about the UKs rapid recent run of prime ministers. Colbert asked him for information about Rishi Sunak, who Oliver said was wealthy beyond any real realistic expectation. Hows his curtsy? Colbert asked. Because I dont know if you saw Liz Trusss curtsy, but it killed the queen. Her curtsy killed the queen. Oliver burst out in a fit of laughter and banged on the desk in hysterics. It did, he said. I dont want to hear any bulls*** from CBSs lawyers here. It did. Liz Truss, through her curtsy, killed the Queen, because the Queen looked at Liz Truss, thought, You know what, I dont want to do this anymore and died. Thats what happened. The audience applauded, while Colbert shouted: Thats a fact. That is a verifiable blue check on that fact right there. Ive got eight dollars on me right now, you can blue check that fact, Oliver replied, in reference to Elon Musks plans to make Twitter users pay to be verified on the platform. Last week, Oliver laid into Sunak while presenting Last Week Tonight, saying: Ultimately, Sunak is incredibly lucky that hes following Liz Truss because the bar is so low right now. All he really has to do is not personally throw the economy into a tailspin and deliver a speech without leaving a weird pause for clapter. Jones College Prep students gathered for a sit-in Monday following controversy around a student who attended the school in a German military costume for Halloween and made gestures seen as antisemitic. The schools lack of response to the incident prompted the protest, where students called for change in the school culture, saying administration has failed to properly address long-standing discrimination issues. Students packed the schools lobby, with many others watching from the second floor. A few students held signs toward the windows facing the street, some of which read, You cant hide the truth and Can you hear us now? The controversy led Chicago Public Schools on Friday to remove Principal Joseph Powers from principal duties, effective immediately, pending the results of an investigation into his response to the student. In an email to parents, Powers seemed to downplay the gestures, saying it certainly appears this was not the intent of the Halloween costume. In the CPS email announcing Powers removal, the districts CEO Pedro Martinez announced that Arthur Slater, a former CPS principal with extensive experience in the district, will serve as the administrator in charge. effective immediately. The issue gained traction on social media last week after students shared posts condemning Powers response to the controversy. In a video shared on Twitter and TikTok, the student is shown on stage during a school costume contest, where he appears to goose-step, a marching step heavily associated with Nazi soldiers, and give a Nazi salute to a booing crowd. The video on Twitter has since gained over 450,000 views. In a photo attached to the post, Powers stands next to the student in the costume. The student behind the viral Twitter thread, Alex, whose father asked that only his sons first name be used, said he heard about the costume from friends the day after Halloween and began asking classmates. From there, Alex said he decided to take action. Story continues I decided to go around asking as many people as I could, people that shared classes with him, Alex said. People were sending me screenshots from Instagram, Snapchat, and I decided to take to Twitter because I was like, I need to do something about this because we just cant let this behavior continue. Last week, the Chicago Teachers Union called for Powers removal and students planned to stage a walkout. In an email to students and parents, Martinez acknowledged the plans of a student protest, stating CPS security and staff would be present and that students who did not return after the walkout would receive an unexcused absence. The initial plan was a walkout, but student Jaheim Jonson, one of the organizers, said that after examining the schools code of conduct, they felt the sit-in would better protect students from risking strikes on their record. Although Powers has been stripped of his duties, Johnson, a member of the schools student-led Black Coalition, felt it was important to still take a stand. For this high school senior, the students response was a long time coming, he said. Its just a cumulative buildup of every single incident of racial and ethnic misconduct and discrimination reported to admin, and they choose to ignore our concerns, Johnson said. Gabriel Willis, a senior at Jones, said his sibling, who graduated seven years ago, witnessed the same inaction toward racist behavior. Shes seen similar things throughout the years, Willis said. Were seven, eight years, down the line, and its still happening. Something has to change. Johnson said the student protest was planned in just several days, largely organized by the Black Coalition and another student group, Jewish Student Connection. Seeing the efforts come to fruition, and with a large turnout, was a proud moment, he said. Were proud to be standing up for something that we believe in is right, Johnson said. Its not easy planning something of this magnitude in the short time we were allowed to do it, but we took care of it and showed up. Johnson said he believes the school didnt expect such a large student showing. I think they thought that we were going to fail, Johnson said. I dont think they were expecting it to be this magnitude. But we were going to follow through with our actions. Johnson said that Slater initiated a conversation with students. He appreciated the outreach, but he said he left the conversation feeling skeptical that new leadership will lead to meaningful reform. It sounded good, but its nothing we havent heard from the incompetent administration before, Johnson said. For Alex, taking part in the sit-in felt right, especially after helping to bring awareness of the incident. Its so good to see that everyone wants to come together to do the right thing, Alex said. The unity is inspiring. Alex and classmate, Olivia Pinsof-Berlowitz, said the issue is bigger than any individual, including former principal Powers, emphasizing that the schools culture has enabled racism and other discrimination. Theres still certain members of staff, administration, who need to be held accountable, Alex said. Theres a lot of work to be done to make change, just preventing racist behavior in general. Pinsof-Berlowitz, a sophomore at Jones, echoed the sentiment. I couldnt say that it was just the principal, Pinsof-Berlowitz said. I think in some ways, the elite culture of selective enrollment can create some problems. The students said some teachers have started conversations about the costume incident and encouraged students to share their perspectives. However, Pinsof-Berlowitz said there is still a lingering fear that incidents like this could happen again, which makes the students continued solidarity all the more important. They, unfortunately, havent had this quick response in the past, Pinsof-Berlowitz said. When its antisemitism, theres action about that. Theres been so many incidents of racism in the past that have gone unaddressed. I think everybody wants to make it really clear that we will not let this happen again. The University of Wisconsin-Madison was within its right to hide some negative comments from its social media platforms because the criticisms were off topic to the posts at hand, a federal judge ruled this month. The dismissal of the case is a win for UW-Madison, which was sued last year by an alumna alleging censorship by the public university for scrubbing her critical comments about animal research from two of the school's social media platforms. Madeline Krasno, who graduated in 2013, worked in a UW-Madison research lab as an undergraduate animal caretaker where she said she encountered animal abuse firsthand, according to her complaint. The work led her to advocate for animal rights, including by posting about her job experience on the university's social media. But in 2020, she noticed that her negative comments weren't appearing on UW-Madisons Instagram account or Facebook page, which are followed by hundreds of thousands of users. It turns out that UW-Madison imposed an account restriction on Krasno's Instagram account, preventing any of her comments from appearing publicly. By the time she sued in February 2021, the university had lifted the account restriction, but some of her comments were still hidden because they contained keywords that UW-Madison had blocked. Among the banned keywords were several related to animal research, including animal testing, lab, torture, primate and monkeys. Animal testing is a deeply divisive subject. Research universities argue that studying animals is sometimes the only way to answer critical scientific questions and that staff are committed to conducting the research in a responsible manner. Krasno and other animal welfare activists question that commitment because the federal government has fined UW-Madison for violating animal research standards. Some animals on the Madison campus have suffered dehydration, gone unfed for days or suffered injuries that resulted in amputations, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Story continues PETA campaigns criticize UW-Madison People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has engaged in social media campaigns criticizing UW-Madison by flooding the school's social media accounts with the same comments posted again and again in a volume that makes manual comment moderation difficult. University employees use the keyword filter to make the process more manageable. UW-Madison argued that its social media pages are public forums limited to discussing the topics of underlying posts, according to court filings. The university's social media policy said it has the right to remove comments considered off topic, and officials updated the policy after the lawsuit was filed to clarify how moderators address off-topic comments. More:UW vet school is short-staffed. Students say the work is falling to them and it's unpaid. But Krasno contended that the comment section is open for discussing anything related to the university, including its animal testing. Even in cases when her comments were clearly on topic, she said the school suppressed her opinion. For example, Krasno posted stop exploiting animals on a UW-Madison post about cows returning to the universitys Dairy Cattle Center. The comment was hidden. UW-Madison employees overseeing the school's social media accounts conceded in depositions that their comment moderation system is imperfect. A small staff regulates posts that can generate thousands of comments even months after initial publication. At times, some off-topic comments remain visible while other on-topic comments are hidden due to keyword filters UW-Madison uses. Krasno showed 'only a handful of isolated instances' U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Crocker dismissed the case Wednesday, finding that Krasno showed "only a handful of isolated instances" when she or others made relevant comments that were hidden by the university. Allowing off-topic comments to proliferate would make it more difficult for the school to respond to comments, he said. UW-Madison has shown it applies its off-topic rule to subjects other than animal testing because its keyword list also includes terms related to politics and law enforcement. Other Big Ten universities also have policies against off-topic comments for their social media pages. "There is nothing unreasonable about the University preferring that the interactive comment threads have the look and feel of a brown bag lunch discussion rather than its open-air Library Mall at the foot of State Street," he wrote. UW-Madison spokesperson Greg Bump said the university was pleased with the judge's decision. The Animal Legal Defense Fund, which sued UW-Madison on Krasno's behalf, said it is assessing "next steps" in the case. Krasno said Monday that the judge's decision won't stop her from educating the public about her position. She said she will find ways around keyword filters by regularly filing public records requests to obtain lists of the banned words and then inserting spaces or symbols into those words so her comments remain visible. Or, she said, she may post photos of her comments UW-Madison has hidden on her own social media page to show the lengths the institution takes to suppress her views. "This will not stop my efforts, by any means," she said. Contact Kelly Meyerhofer at 414-223-5168 or kmeyerhofer@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KellyMeyerhofer. 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: University of Wisconsin social media animal rights lawsuit dismissed A judge on Tuesday declined to reduce the $1 million bond for a Tennessee man charged with hitting and killing a London police officer while driving drunk last month. Laurel District Judge John Paul Chappell also ruled there was probable cause to support the murder charge against Casey Byrd. That means a grand jury will now consider the case against Byrd and decide whether to indict him. Byrd, 37, of Oneida, Tenn., is charged with murder and drunken driving in the Oct. 30 death of officer Logan Medlock. Byrd allegedly hit Medlocks police vehicle in the drivers side at an intersection near downtown London while Medlock was on patrol. Steve Walker, a trooper with Kentucky State Police, testified at a hearing for Byrd Tuesday that a blood test showed Byrds blood-alcohol level was 0.293 and a breath test showed it was 0.294. The limit at which someone is presumed drunk in Kentucky is 0.08, so Byrds level was well over three times that. Walker testified tire marks indicated Byrd attempted to brake before the crash, including marks for 210 feet on the sidewalk beside the street. the collision pushed Medlocks cruiser into a cemetery, police said. The last speed recorded in the electronic system of Byrds truck before the crash was 51 miles per hour, Walker testified. Byrd told police he had been watching the football game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at a friends house before the crash. He said that he should have just stayed there, police write in an arrest citation. Intentional murder of a police officer is a crime eligible for the death penalty in Kentucky. Police officers led Casey Byrd into Laurel District Court for a hearing on Nov. 8, 2022 He is charged with hitting and killing a London, Ky., police office while driving drunk. However, Jeremy Bartley, an attorney who represents Byrd along with his wife, Kerri Bartley, said there is nothing to indicate Byrd acted intentionally when he allegedly hit Medlock. Commonwealths Attorney Jackie Steele confirmed that the death penalty will not apply in this case. Byrd once taught pharmacy technician classes but has worked at a federal prison in McCreary County for about three years. Story continues Kerri Byrd asked Chappell to reduce Byrds bond to $100,000 and require home incarceration, noting he has three daughters to support and is not a risk to flee. The defense attorneys said that as a corrections officer, Byrd has great respect for law enforcement. Steele argued to keep the bond at $1 million, pointing to the the devastating impact of Medlocks death. Shes got a son who will never see his father again, Steele said of the officers widow. Chappell declined to reduce the bond. He noted that Byrd was charged with public intoxication in Tennessee a month before the crash in London, and said he could be a danger to himself or others if released. Chappell also said that while there may be mitigating factors, its not in doubt that Byrd hit Medlock. This isnt a whodunnit, the judge said. Nov. 7A Washington County judge ordered the county jail to release three defendants Monday because court officials could not connect them to a defense attorney to represent them before their first appearance. When someone in Maine is arrested for a crime and cannot afford an attorney, the courts are responsible for providing a "lawyer of the day," a defense attorney who helps defendants understand their basic rights and why they're in custody, helps advocate for the most appropriate bail conditions and connects them to the assigned defense attorney who will represent them going forward. The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services, which helps Maine courts schedule lawyers of the day in each county, says the agency found a lawyer for Washington County on Monday but the judge already had issued his order. While the commission says it always has been able to provide lawyers of the day in every court that requires one, the agency has declared a crisis over its dwindling roster of attorneys. By the end of September, the commission had only about 165 attorneys actively accepting new cases statewide, compared to 280 in January. The commission recently asked the state to call a special legislative session to immediately increase attorney pay. Washington County Jail Administrator Richard Rolfe said he was notified Monday morning that District Judge David Mitchell had ordered the three defendants released. "As per Judge Mitchell, we do not have an attorney of the day for today," Rolfe said. "So all in custody are to be released." The three defendants were booked over the weekend and were not able to post bail. One was arrested for violating a protective order and violating the conditions of release. A second person was arrested for possession of scheduled drugs, operating under the influence, operating after suspension and violating the conditions of release. A third was arrested for harassment, terrorizing and violating the conditions of release. Story continues "I've been doing this since 2013," said Rolfe, who's been in law enforcement for nearly three decades. "This is a first for me." The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services maintains a roster of private attorneys the courts can call on to defend low-income Mainers. The commission recruits and trains attorneys, and outlines which cases they are qualified to handle. Commission Executive Director Justin Andrus said Monday that hours before the defendants were scheduled to appear in court his agency found an attorney who was willing to be the lawyer of the day, but Mitchell already had issued his order. "We were prepared to offer them counsel within an hour or so," Andrus said. "This was not an instance where there wasn't someone available." Andrus said Washington County clerks first reached out on Oct. 21 to request help for this week. The commission was unable to immediately find someone, and followed up on Oct. 25 asking if Washington County still needed any help, but never received a reply. "The Judicial Branch remains in constant and regular communication with MCILS about available counsel issues," state court administrator Amy Quinlan wrote in an email Monday. "The Court shares MCILS' concern about the very limited number of available attorneys. We continue to work with MCILS to support all efforts to increase the numbers of rostered counsel. This is part of a systemwide problem, but is even more pronounced in rural counties." PAY AT ISSUE Andrus said Monday that while he can't comment on the defendants' cases, the issue is not a lack of available attorneys. Instead, he said pending cases are outpacing the number of private lawyers willing to defend them at the state's current pay rates. The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine is suing MCILS, saying the agency is not meeting its constitutional obligations to provide low-income Mainers with legal counsel. The lawsuit takes particular issue with the lawyer-of-the-day program, saying it is under-resourced to the point of deficiency. The parties are discussing settlement options, ACLU chief counsel Zach Heiden said, but have so far reached no agreements. "It strikes me that the judge in this case did the only thing he could have done, given the state's failure to operate a public defense system capable of ensuring timely appointment and adequacy of representation," Heiden said. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the wives of twin Chicago drug traffickers who cooperated against Sinaloa boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman did not have immunity from prosecution, a considerable setback for the women who are accused of laundering millions of their husbands drug proceeds over a 12-year period. Valerie Gaytan and Vivianna Lopez, the wives of Chicago twins Margarito and Pedro Flores, had asked U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly to dismiss the money laundering charges against them, arguing over the course of several hearings in July that they had been assured by prosecutors that their husbands unprecedented cooperation against Guzman meant they would not face charges themselves for their own actions. On Tuesday morning, Kennelly denied that request, saying there was no convincing evidence there was ever an immunity agreement in writing for Lopez or Gaytan and certainly not for future conduct involving the alleged laundering of the funds at issue in the indictment. Kennelly, who delivered his ruling at a telephonic hearing Tuesday, said that while the women contend that certain promises were made, there was no indication that there was any meeting of the minds about a formal agreement, and certainly nothing was obtained in writing. Kennelly said the Flores twins plea agreement also makes no mention of immunity and was clear that no other promises had been made. He also said that jail calls played by prosecutors at the hearing were a pretty strong indication in my view that immunity had not been obtained at that point. The ruling clears the way for the case to go to trial in June. Kennelly set a status hearing for Dec. 21. Gaytan, 47, who is married to Margarito Flores, and Lopez, 42, who is Pedro Flores wife, were indicted in U.S. District Court in Chicago last year on money laundering charges. The indictment alleged the cash, much of it still in small denominations, was hauled across the border in rental trucks, secretly recouped from the twins associates in the U.S., hidden in trap compartments in vehicles and stash houses, and buried under their older brothers home near Austin, Texas. Story continues According to the indictment, Gaytan and Lopez spent much of the money on private school tuition for their children, international and domestic travel, rent and child support. Lopez also allegedly sent $5,000 of the laundered money to her husband in prison and spent another $31,000 on a laundry business she opened in Arizona after the family went into hiding, according to the indictment. So far, two members of the alleged conspiracy have pleaded guilty: Armando Flores, 53, of Round Rock, Texas, who helped them break into the drug business three decades ago; and Bianca Finnigan, 33, of Sycamore, Illinois, who is Lopezs sister. The evidentiary hearings held by Kennelly in July provided an unusual behind-the-scenes look at the trafficking operations of the Flores twins, who rose from the streets of Little Village to run a massive drug-trafficking operation before they agreed to cooperate against El Chapo in 2008. The twins were eventually sentenced to 14 years in prison and were released last year. And in a highly unusual move, Pedro Flores testified via video link that he and his brother were promised early on by investigators that his wife and other family members would not be prosecuted for any drug-related activities. I thought my family was good, Flores told the judge. Prosecutors, though, repeatedly asserted at the hearings that there was never any immunity deal for the wives, which could only be finalized in a written document approved by the highest levels at the U.S. attorneys office. And even if such protection was offered, it would not have excused the wives from future crimes, prosecutors have argued. Also testifying was Gaytan, who said she was the one who flew to Chicago in April 2008 to tell the familys criminal defense lawyer that the Flores twins were considering cooperating against the cartel. She said the brothers were adamant that any deal include immunity for the rest of the family. In her testimony, Gaytan also admitted that she did not disclose millions of dollars in drug proceeds that shed collected from numerous couriers between 2004 and 2008. Under questioning from both her attorney and federal prosecutors, Gaytan insisted the government was mostly concerned about one stash of between $4 million and $5 million that they had arranged to be picked up from an associate in Maryland and stored under the floorboards of Gaytans home in Plainfield. They were asking me about specific properties, specific money, Gaytan said. The scope was very constricted. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Erskine, to counter Gaytan, read directly from the wives 2017 tell-all book, Cartel Wives, at the hearing, including one passage where Gaytan said that the family was taking a leap of faith and had been given no promises. Gaytan said that she was not referring to the government with those words, but rather life in general. A federal judge on Monday issued a temporary injunction suspending parts of New Yorks new gun restrictions while members of the advocacy group Gun Owners of America press ahead with their legal challenge against the rules. U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby agreed in a Monday filing to put a pause on enforcement for parts of the states new Concealed Carry Improvement Act, including provisions that required people applying for a gun license to prove good moral character and provide a list of their social media accounts and their family contact information. The new law also limited firearms in sensitive locations, making areas such as New York Citys Times Square a gun-free zone for even licensed gun owners. Suddaby on Monday said the requirements overstepped New York officials authority and argued the states list of gun-free zones was too broad though he allowed bans to remain for places such as schools and polling stations, according to Reuters. New York enacted the new law in the wake of the Supreme Courts June decision that struck down a separate New York gun safety law requiring a license for concealed carry in public places. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Wichita Falls police investigate the scene of a homicide June 1 near the intersection of 23rd at Grace Street. A juvenile will be tried as an adult for the slaying of 15-year-old Andrew Gable-Triche in Wichita Falls, court records show. Ricardo Felix Sapata, 16, was indicted on a capital murder charge by a Wichita County grand jury, according to an indictment filed Nov. 2. He and Isaiah Rey Sims, 18, are accused of murdering Gable-Triche while robbing or trying to rob him June 1 during a drug deal gone bad, according to court documents. Police believe the 16-year-old fired the shots that killed Gable-Triche, according to allegations in court records. More:'I did it': Neighbors' feud ends with fatal faceoff in the street More:'My dad was my hero': Family members reeling from murder's impact Seventy-eighth District Judge Meredith Kennedy issued an order Oct. 11 to transfer the 16-year-old's criminal case into an adult arena, court records show. After an Oct. 6 hearing, Kennedy found the seriousness of the alleged crime, the child's background and the welfare of the community call for adult criminal proceedings, according to court documents. In making her decision, the judge considered factors including the 16-year-old's capacity to know right from wrong, his maturity level, the violent nature of the alleged crime, his failure to comply with previous juvenile supervision programs, the lack of juvenile programs that would benefit him, a doctor's report and his behavior in detention, court records show. Kennedy set his bail at $250,000 and ordered that he would remain in juvenile detention until he bails out or turns 17, court records show. If he is still in juvenile detention upon turning 17, he will be transferred to the Wichita County sheriff's custody and held as any other adult defendant, according to court documents. Sims and the 16-year-old had set up a deal to buy marijuana from Gable-Triche, according to court documents. The 16-year-old is accused of grabbing the marijuana and shooting Gable-Triche in a vehicle at an intersection near 23rd and Grace streets while Sims stood a few feet away, according to allegations in court documents. Story continues More:Kids learn: What's in that pill from the street? Maybe toenails and bugs In August, a grand jury indicted Sims on a capital murder charge in connection with the killing, court records show. Sims was being held Monday in the Wichita County Law Enforcement Center on a $1.5 million bond, according to court documents. Anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Trish Choate, enterprise watchdog reporter for the Times Record News, covers education, courts, breaking news and more. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Her Twitter handle is @Trishapedia. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Juvenile to be tried as adult in murder case Photo: Trails and Rec BC Youll be able to book a campsite in a BC provincial park further in advance next year. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy announced that many campsites will open for reservations at 7 a.m. (Pacific time) on Jan. 3, 2023, and people can book a site four months ahead of their desired arrival date, up from the previous two-month booking window. "Through our ongoing visitor engagement, we've heard the majority of campers prefer a four-month rolling window, allowing people to book a site well in advance of their visit," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. "We will continue to listen to public feedback so we can improve people's park experiences, and everyone can easily access the many beautiful parks and backcountry areas our province has to offer." Other changes are being made in response to feedback from the public. More campgrounds are being added to the new reservation service for the 2023 season, including Allison Lake Park near Princeton, Yahk Park near the Kingsgate border crossing and Gwillim Lake Park near Chetwynd. Reservations for the popular Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit in Bowron Lake Provincial Park will open for the entire 2023 season at 7 a.m. on Dec. 1, 2022. "We are fortunate to live in a province that has an abundance of spectacular parks for people to connect with nature and learn about Indigenous Peoples' history and culture," said Kelly Greene, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment. "We continue to expand opportunities for camping and improve accessibility so more people can experience the natural treasures of our beautiful province." Only 14 sites at the Kinney Lake Campground in Mount Robson Provincial Park will be available this year, because of ongoing repairs to the Berg Lake Trail, which was damaged by extreme weather in 2021. Those sites open for the four-month rolling reservation window at 7 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2023. The new BC Parks reservation service launched in March 2022. Feedback from more than 5,000 through user-experience research has triggered improvements to the reservation service and redesign of the BC Parks website. In 2022, more than 317,000 reservations were made on the new BC Parks reservation service, an increase of 26.5% since 2019. Katie Boulter lost to Kazakhstans Yulia Putintseva in Glasgow (Steve Welsh/PA) (PA Wire) Katie Boulter was beaten by Kazakhstans Yulia Putintseva as Great Britain suffered a losing start to their Billie Jean King Cup Finals campaign in Glasgow. Boulter, the British number two for the event, made a strong start and took the opening set but Putintseva fought back to claim a 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory at the Emirates Arena. It was only Boulters second loss in 11 matches in the competition, with her first coming against the same player in a tie at Londons Copper Box in 2019. She took a medical time-out after three games of the decider for treatment to her left calf, which will be a concern for captain Anne Keothavong ahead of Thursdays clash with Spain. Although Boulter is ranked nearly 80 places below Putintseva at 130, she has been a consistent big-match performer and this appeared Britains best chance of a point in a tie they went into as heavy underdogs. Harriet Dart will now need to beat Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina to keep the contest alive. The Emirates Arena has been the de facto home of Britains Davis Cup team for nearly a decade but there was nothing like the atmosphere that has made some of those ties so memorable, with a sparse crowd and the enthusiastic band of Kazakhstan fans making most of the noise. Boulter made the perfect start, breaking the Putintseva serve twice to love either side of dropping serve herself. The 26-year-old from Leicestershire should have secured a second break at 4-2 but put that behind her, saving break points in the next game and clinching the set on her second opportunity. Putintseva had lost six of her last seven matches but she is known as one of the feistiest characters on tour and has a fine record playing for her country. She began to get on top from the baseline, coping better with Boulters big groundstrokes, and deservedly took the second set, securing the only break of serve in the sixth game. Boulter then lost the opening four games of the third set and, although she managed some late resistance, it was too little, too late. A complaint has been lodged with India's federal ministry of information and broadcasting against an upcoming contentious Bollywood film for allegedly portraying Kerala as a "terrorist state". The teaser of The Kerala Story released earlier this month claims that nearly 32,000 women from the southern state of Kerala, now run by the communist party, converted to Islam and joined the Islamic State in the last decade. Aravindakshan BR, a Tamil Nadu-based journalist, has written to the federal ministry and India's film certification board chairperson Prasoon Joshi to place a ban on the film unless the makers provide evidence against their claim. The film is directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. In the teaser, actor Adah Sharma can be seen wearing a niqab and standing in front of barbwires with a snow-clad mountain in the background. The actor introduces herself as Shalini Unnikrishnan, who wanted to become a nurse and serve humanity, but converted to Islam and became a terrorist. The character says she eventually landed in jail in Afghanistan, adding that a dangerous game of religious conversion is being openly played in Kerala. The makers, without providing evidence, claimed that the film is based on real-life events and there have been 32,000 conversions - all women - who are "buried in deserts of Syria and Yemen". 1) I have sent an email complaint to @CMOKerala Mr.@pinarayivijayan and @TheKeralaPolice asking them to personally call the director of The Kerala Story Mr.Sudipto Sen @sudiptoSENtlm and investigate the veracity of the released teaser pic.twitter.com/eZ9qcrK8Oe Aravindakshan B R (@RealAravind36) November 6, 2022 The teaser, since its release, has received heavy criticism for making sweeping statements without providing evidence to support the claim. Story continues Mr Aravindakshan also sent out petitions to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who responded by directing the chief of state police to take appropriate action. "If the movie The Kerala Story is released in theatres or OTT platform with false information, it will have bad consequences in society," the journalist said in his letter to the chief minister. "This film is against the unity and sovereignty of India and tarnishes the credibility of all intelligence agencies of India. "Therefore, the Kerala police should call Sudipto Sen... and investigate the reports of which Indian intelligence agency the film was based on. The film appears to have been based on the four Kerala women, who accompanied their husbands to join the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (Isis-K) but are now lodged in an Afghanistan prison. The women had reportedly travelled to Nangarhar in Afghanistan in the years 2016-18. However, there is no official or confirmed report that suggests 32,000 women from the Indian state converted to Islam and joined the terrorist organisation. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) Dozens of trucks lined up at a main fuel terminal in Haitis capital Tuesday to fill up their tanks for the first time since a powerful gang seized control of the area nearly two months ago. The drivers were protected by a heavily armed police convoy formed two days after gang boss Jimmy Cherizier, a former police officer nicknamed Barbecue, announced that the G9 gang federation he leads was lifting a fuel blockade and allowing drivers to fill up at the depot. Government officials said that gas stations. which have been closed since mid-September, would be resupplied Wednesday through Friday and open to customers on Saturday. Now we can breathe, said Gabriel Salny, a truck driver who was relieved to be again working and earning money. Hunger almost killed me. He said the fuel blockade had an impact on the country, on all Haitians. Officials with the Varreux terminal said 45 trucks were supplied with more than 300,000 gallons of diesel and more than 39,000 gallons of gasoline Tuesday. It wasnt immediately clear if the gang federation retained control of the area surrounding the depot in Port-au-Prince that contains about 10 million gallons of diesel fuel and gasoline and more than 800,000 gallons of kerosene. On Monday, Haitis Ministry of Defense issued a statement saying that soldiers and police seized control of the fuel terminal after 16 operations as it congratulated those efforts. The situation had prompted Prime Minister Ariel Henry to request the immediate deployment of foreign troops in early October, a request that the U.N. Security Council has yet to vote on. So far, the Security Council has only voted to place sanctions on Cherizier. If gas stations open as planned, hospitals and businesses including banks and grocery stores are expected to resume normal operations. The government has not said whether an increase in fuel prices announced in September would remain in place. At the time, Henry said his administration could no longer afford to subsidize fuel, sparking large protests and the fuel blockade by the G9 gang federation that demanded the prime ministers resignation. ___ Associated Press reports Evens Sanon in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and Danica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Velo News A Texas state district judge presiding in the Moriah Wilson murder case is expected to make an important evidentiary ruling this week that could shape the direction of the high-profile case. Lawyers representing Kaitlin Armstrong -- the Texas woman who was arrested on first-degree murder charges in the death of pro racer Wilson -- argue that evidence gathered during police questioning should not be available to prosecutors for an upcoming trial, media reports said. Attorneys argued in court last month that a police interview with Armstrong a day after Wilsons murder should be thrown out as evidence due to what attorneys say was an illegal interrogation, according to media reports. Attorneys also questioned many of the details that were released in a high-profile affidavit written by Austin police, providing a hint of how the defense might be organized during an upcoming trial. Armstrong was arrested in June in Costa Rica following a 43-day manhunt after she fled the United States in the wake of the May 11 murder in Austin. She is facing first-degree murder charges as well as other charges linked to the use of a false passport. Also read: A pre-trial hearing in Austin last month saw Armstrong appear before a judge for the first time since she was arrested in the murder of Wilson, who was shot and killed in May while in Texas to race in a gravel event. Armstrong pled not guilty in July, and is being held in a Texas jail. Armstrongs legal team is arguing that police did not follow correct procedures and did not read her Miranda rights when they questioned her on May 12, a day after Wilson was found shot dead in an apartment of a friend. Lawyers say Armstrong asked five times to leave before Austin police released her, in part because a misdemeanor warrant that allowed police to bring her in for questioning was invalid. Story continues Armstrong later sold her vehicle and fled the United States using another persons passport, and eluded authorities until she was discovered in a surf town in Costa Rica. Last month, the judge indicated a ruling on the evidence could come as early as this week. For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today. (Bloomberg) -- KKR & Co. and Global Infrastructure Partners are nearing a deal for Vodafone Plcs listed towers arm, providing a rare bright spot for dealmakers in an otherwise slow market, people familiar with the matter said. Most Read from Bloomberg The investment firms could announce a deal for a stake in Frankfurt-listed Vantage Towers AG as soon as Wednesday, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. The consortium also includes Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund as a minority investor, according to the people. The sovereign wealth fund, which is keen to invest in telecom infrastructure, will help fund a deal, they said. Vantage shares were broadly flat in early trading Wednesday, giving the company a market value of 14.8 billion ($14.9 billion). Vodafones stock was also little changed in London. Vodafone holds 82% of the towers group. The British carriers Chief Executive Officer Nick Read said in February that it could sell down part of its stake while retaining co-control. KKR and GIP have been competing with a host of other financial and strategic bidders for Vantage, including a consortium of Spanish telecommunications group Cellnex Telecom SA and Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte. While talks are advanced, they could still be delayed or fall apart, they said. Spokespeople for KKR, Cellnex, PIF, Vodafone and Vantage declined to comment, while a representative for GIP didnt immediately comment. Network towers are helping dealmakers defy a near-30% slowdown in global mergers and acquisitions activity this year. Telecom operators are shifting the assets to help raise funds for fiber-optic rollouts and wireless upgrades, and are finding willing buyers in the form of investment firms seeking predictable returns in volatile markets. Story continues Bloomberg News reported this week that PIF is among suitors weighing a final bid for network towers being sold by Qatari telecom firm Ooredoo QPSC that could be valued at as much as $5 billion. And in Europe, private equity firm EQT AB is seen as the frontrunner to acquire a stake in French tower owner TDF. Earlier this year, KKR and GIP missed out an investment in Deutsche Telekom AGs tower business, with a stake eventually being sold to Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and DigitalBridge Group Inc. (Adds details on PIF in third paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Nov. 8Only a select few setters in Ohio have reached 1,000 assists on a season. Only 19 have achieved the mark in the 48 years volleyball has been recognized as an OHSAA-sanctioned sport. Lake Catholic junior Hannah Pattie looks to push that over that milestone as she leads the Cougars into their state semifinal against Versailles on Nov. 10. Currently, Pattie sits at 947 on the season. She would be the first player in Cougars' history to reach the mark. While she and the team haven't really talked about the mark, it is something on which she has had her eyes since the onset of the season. "I'm excited for it," Pattie said. "The only reason I'm even close to that stat is because my hitters are so good. It's great to have hitters that are able to put the ball away every time. I'm looking forward to hitting that mark. It was one of the goals I had for myself this season, and I'm just excited to hopefully be able to make that list." Pattie has been on varsity since she was a freshman and has been a key part in their offense for her three years. But she hasn't been alone in the trek as an underclassman on the varsity roster. Hitters such as Katie Sowko and Natalya Bergant have been with her since her first varsity match. Establishing that chemistry was a goal that all had in mind going into their first season. Emma Briganti and Hannah Pattie of @lcvolleyball discuss a sweep of @IndependenceVo2 today. pic.twitter.com/7yZDWcg6xp News-Herald preps (@NHPreps) November 5, 2022 "Having such good communication with my hitters helps," Pattie said. "We always give each other feedback, so I know where to put the ball in every situation. With different styles of hitters, being able to adjust to what everyone needs. Already having that connection has allowed for us to have the fast offense that we do. We can do more plays and the communication is a lot faster because we know each other so well. When the connections are good, we can only improve on it." Story continues While the chemistry, being in a system that highlights her strengths has allowed her to shine. Last season in their state semifinal run in D-II, Pattie finished with 870 assists and finished the season averaging 10 per set. Coach Kara Oster knew when she took over the Lake Catholic program, she was getting a cornerstone for the program moving forward. Being able to work from the middle out in her first season developing the team and a help going into this season. "She runs a 5-1, and obviously in that scheme you get more assists," Oster said. "But every point of ours comes off a set from Hannah it feels like. Even the ugliest of passes and the craziest of situations see her put the ball down. Our hitters are really happy to work with her, she's been with all the hitters for at least two years. Not having to go through that first-year adjustment with her as their setter has been a big benefit this season." Pattie already has her name in the record books, as she set the record for assists in a career during the Cougars' district semifinal against Southeast. Add in the three matches prior, and she currently sits at 2,257 in her career. While she still has two more matches to add to that total as well, Pattie also has another season to play for Lake Catholic. She is shooting for the stars in her last season to continue to create her mark and etch her name into the Cougars' record book. A milestone was also reached tonight, late in the third set, @lcvolleyball junior Hannah Pattie det the record for assists in a career for the Cougars Photo courtesy of @TCPPhotoCLE#NHVolleyball pic.twitter.com/C4c6YmX1UP Ben Hercik (@BHercikNH) October 26, 2022 "After reaching that record, I just want to keep pushing myself," Pattie said. "I eventually want to reach 3,000 assists. To keep pushing that mark higher and higher is my goal. While I want to see future setters come in and play well for Lake Catholic, I want to be able to keep that record for a long time." While setting is her forte, Pattie has also emerged on the defensive side as well as an attacking threat. On the season, she's recorded 175 digs and 83 kills on the season. Add in her 32 aces from the service line, and the Campbell commit has emerged as an all-around setter for the Cougars. "She's a person who when she isn't on the court, a lot of things would change," Oster said. "One of the intangibles that doesn't get talked about a lot is she brings so much energy. Her leadership is irreplaceable. She's also aggressive from the service line, she digs every ball that comes her way, which is rare for a setter. One part of our game plan is to hit to the other team's setter to get them out of system. But with her, we're able to stay in system. She can also not just dump the ball, she can go to the deep corner for kills as well." Pattie continues her march toward the short list when the Cougars take the court at the Nutter Center on Nov. 10 for their D-III state semifinal against Versailles. (Bloomberg) -- The lawmaker considered the brains behind Japans crypto policy said officials must do even more to relax rules on the industry, after the countrys regulator decided to make it easier for exchanges to list virtual coins. Most Read from Bloomberg This is still not enough, Masaaki Taira, who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Partys web3 project team, said in an interview. I dont think we can stop here. Tairas team drafted a white paper for the industry in March, and hes widely acknowledged to have persuaded Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to make growing the web3 market a part of his administrations annual policy guidelines released in June. As well as easing crypto listing regulations, the government has vowed to support blockchain-based technologies as part of efforts to boost the worlds third-largest economy. The Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association, an industry group that vets token listing requests on behalf of the countrys financial regulator, plans to allow crypto bourses to list digital tokens without going through a lengthy screening process, unless the tokens are new to the nations market. The relaxed rules could take effect as early as next month. The body is also studying whether to scrap pre-screening for new coins. The latest steps suggest Japan is getting more serious about rejuvenating the crypto market. Binance, the worlds biggest digital-asset exchange, is seeking a license to operate in the country four years after it retreated, partly because of this change in stance. Japan was a hub for cryptocurrency in Bitcoins early years when it was home to Mt. Gox, once the worlds largest crypto exchange. But it tightened rules in the years after an almost $500 million hack on local exchange Coincheck Inc. in 2018, which was one of the biggest heists in crypto history. Story continues Taira, 55, said his team is drafting a second white paper that will focus on improving tax, listing and accounting regulations, as well as creating a regulatory framework for so-called decentralized autonomous organizations, or DAOs, the crypto worlds version of company-like entities. It may submit an interim report by year-end, Taira, a former state minister in the Cabinet Office, said. The momentum is building, he said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A California man who claimed Skittles are "unfit for human consumption" because they contained a known toxin has dismissed his federal lawsuit against Mars Inc, the candy maker. Jenile Thames voluntarily dismissed his case on Monday, according to a filing by his lawyers in Oakland, California. No reason was given for the dismissal, which was without prejudice, meaning Thames can sue again. His lawyers did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment. Mars was accused in the July 14 lawsuit of endangering Skittles eaters by using "heightened levels" of titanium dioxide, a compound that the privately held company had pledged in 2016 to phase out over five years. Though many foods contain titanium dioxide to add color, various studies have over the years questioned its safety. The European Union this year banned its use as a food additive because it could damage DNA. Mars, based in McLean, Virginia, on Sept. 30 sought to dismiss Thames' lawsuit. It said its use of "small amounts" of titanium dioxide did not harm the plaintiff, and complied with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. "We are pleased with this outcome and reiterate our commitment to manufacturing our products in compliance with strict quality and safety requirements," Mars said in a statement on Tuesday about the lawsuit's dismissal. Thames, of San Leandro, California, said he had bought Skittles in April at a local QuikStop, and would not have done so had he known their contents. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum) After traveling a mile in her wheelchair, voter Ro Betancourt, 78, casts her ballot at her polling place in the Hollywood Recreation Center on March 7, 2017. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) A deluge of legal challenges over the results of the 2022 midterm elections could be launched after the polls close in several states, with lawsuits expected in multiple races that could determine which party controls the House or Senate. More than 100 lawsuits have already been filed across the country in the days ahead of Tuesday's elections. And with different rules in each state dictating when vote-by-mail ballots can be counted and the deadline by which they have to be received, uncertainty is expected for days if not weeks after the midterms . "We shouldn't be surprised if on election night Republicans in [some] states have large leads. But then those leads shrink by Wednesday as mail ballots are counted. And when this happens, we'll likely see election deniers claiming that mail ballots are tainted and filing lawsuits to throw out mail ballots," said George Washington University law professor Spencer Overton, who specializes in voting rights and legal actions to disqualify ballots. With so many election deniers running for office this year a CBS News review of every federal and statewide race found that more than half of all GOP candidates on the ballot have raised doubts about the validity or integrity of the 2020 election the chances are high that some of those who lose will refuse to concede and then sue over the results. Expect demands from candidates aligned with former President Trump that local officials finish counting ballots on election day, which is not required by law in any state. Christina Baal-Owens, the executive director of Public Wise and the Insurrection Index, which is tracking candidates who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, or who deny that President Biden won the 2020 election, said they at minimum expect litigation in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. "The expectation is that a lot of election deniers ... are going to declare victory regardless of what the vote count is on election day," she said. Story continues Trump-backed Kari Lake, Arizona's Republican nominee for governor, announced last week that she was bringing in the big guns California attorney and Republican National Committee member Harmeet Dhillon to monitor complaints of irregularities on election day. Dhillon's law firm is assisting Trump with a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. NAACP General Counsel Janette McCarthy Wallace said she expects litigation over the legitimacy of ballots to be filed across the country, not just in key states. "I wouldn't be surprised if other states have to face the same sort of lawsuits," she said. "It appears to be a widespread effort to, in the NAACP's mind, to disenfranchise voters." Experts are also watching for any moves from officials who previously refused to accept election results. In the primary elections this year, officials in Pennsylvania, Nevada and New Mexico initially refused to certify the results. All eventually abandoned their battles and certified after threats of lawsuits and, in one case, a hand recount. That could also delay state certification of election results. Overton said he expects lawsuits to touch every aspect of voting, including where ballot boxes are placed and whether election officials can notify voters about problems with mail-in ballots, such as a missing signature or address, and allowing voters to "cure" or fix them. Most states finish counting election day and early, in-person votes before theyre done tabulating mail ballots. Democrats have traditionally been more likely to embrace voting by mail. Trump and his allies have spent months urging Republicans to vote in person on election day, which could amplify the so-called red mirage a phenomenon in which it appears Republican candidates are initially ahead prior to a count of absentee or mail ballots by making the gap between the initial results when the polls close and the results when all the votes are counted much wider. Litigation is already being pursued at a fast clip. The Associated Press reported Oct. 27 that more than 100 lawsuits had already been filed over mail-in voting, early voting, voter access, voting machines and access for partisan poll watchers. In Pennsylvania, thousands of mail-in ballots were set aside after the state Supreme Court agreed with the Republican National Committee that election officials should not count ballots if the voter neglected to put a date on the outer envelope even if the ballots arrived before election day. Progressive groups have challenged that decision in federal court as a violation of the Civil Rights Act. State statutes govern how long election officials have to certify election results, including a timeline by which lawsuits must be brought to contest them. "Most of these lawsuits are not going to be settled in a day. But most of the time, they're resolved quickly compared to other lawsuits," Overton said. Some conservatives see 2022 as a dress rehearsal for challenges to come in the 2024 presidential election, Overton said, and as a chance to educate lawyers, poll watchers and monitors about how elections work and what legal actions might be the most successful. "Part of this is about 2022. But part of it is that this is the last federal election before 2024 and they want to be ready in terms of preemptive strikes with regard to litigation," he said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Leigh Halfpenny will miss out with the latest of a long line of injury setbacks (David Davies/PA) (PA Archive) Wales have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their Autumn Nations Series clash against Argentina with Leigh Halfpenny and Tommy Reffell both ruled out. Full-back Halfpenny was selected to start the series-opening appointment with New Zealand last weekend, but he aggravated a hamstring problem and was officially withdrawn just over an hour before kick-off. Leicester flanker Reffell suffered a rib injury during the 55-23 defeat and was forced off. Wales assistant coach Gethin Jenkins has confirmed that both players will miss the Pumas clash in Cardiff on Saturday. Leigh is not going to be available this week, and Tommy wont be available, defence specialist Jenkins said. They are the only two, I think, at the moment that are fully ruled out for the weekend. Gareth Anscombe was switched from fly-half to full-back as Halfpennys replacement against the All Blacks, with Rhys Priestland starting in the number 10 shirt. Wales head coach Wayne Pivac could go down the same route against Argentina, although he should have another option with the versatile Josh Adams now back in full training after a hand injury. Wales captain Justin Tipuric looks set to move across the back-row from blindside to openside, with potentially Dan Lydiate or Exeters Christ Tshiunza at number six. Pivacs team will host a Pumas side fresh from defeating England 30-29 at Twickenham. With his mother Anne, 1-year-old James Judge gets his 12-month set of vaccines from nurse Meghan Elwess at Lurie Children's Primary Care Town & Country Pediatrics on Oct. 18, 2022, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) In Illinois, routine childhood vaccinations against diseases such as measles, polio and whooping cough slipped during the pandemic a drop that comes amid the reemergence of polio on the East Coast, and one that pediatricians blame on missed appointments and increased vaccine hesitancy. About 89% of Illinois kindergartners were reported as vaccinated against measles, mumps, polio, rubella, chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis during the 2020-2021 school year, according to Illinois State Board of Education data obtained by the Tribune through Freedom of Information Act requests. Thats down from about 94% to 96% during each of the previous four school years. Advertisement In the 2020-2021 school year, vaccine data was submitted for 124,701 kindergartners in Illinois, meaning if 89% were vaccinated, its possible that nearly 14,000 were not. Its really concerning, said Dr. Kathy Shepherd, a pediatrician at Kids First Pediatric Partners in Skokie. Weve all seen, as pediatricians, kids whove been affected by vaccine preventable diseases. Sometimes, I think people get a false sense of security with their kids health where they dont think it could happen to them. Advertisement Illinois State Board of Education spokeswoman Jackie Matthews also called the dip very concerning, saying, in an email, Routine childhood vaccinations protect students from preventable illnesses that can lead to serious complications and even death. The slide is part of a national and global trend amid the pandemic. In the 2020-2021 school year, the percentage of kindergartners across the country who got routine childhood vaccinations declined by about 1 percentage point, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines including varicella, hepatitus A, prevnar and measles, mumps and rubella at Lurie Children's Primary Care Town & Country Pediatrics on Oct. 18, 2022, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) Across the world, 25 million children missed one or more doses of the vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis in 2021 the largest sustained backslide in childhood vaccinations in a generation, according to the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Pediatric health leaders warn that the consequences could be dire. We do not want to see major childhood outbreaks across the country, especially in light of these capacity issues, said Dr. Frank Belmonte, chief medical officer at Advocate Childrens Hospital, referring to surges of kids with respiratory illnesses filling childrens hospitals that are also often struggling with staff shortages. If we can prevent things, we should prevent them and not be dealing with them after the fact. Weve lost patients to vaccine preventable diseases Bucktown parent Anne Judge knew she wanted to vaccinate her 1-year-old son James at his recent physical. He cried as he received five jabs in his thighs, one right after the other, for hepatitis A; the flu; a shot for measles, mumps and rubella; a pneumococcal vaccine; and a vaccine to protect against chickenpox. But Judge felt it was worth it. A couple of months earlier, James was rushed to the hospital after he had a febrile seizure, which is when a child convulses because of a fever. He ended up being just fine, but the experience reinforced Judges desire to have her son vaccinated, whenever possible. Advertisement You go through something like that as a parent, and youre like, All right, Im going to do everything I can to make sure Im never back in this hospital again, she said. If that includes getting vaccinated and having 30 seconds of my kid being uncomfortable, so be it. She worries about parents who are making different decisions. Its not only putting your kid at risk, its my putting my kid at risk, she said. Many people may think that diseases such as polio, measles and whooping cough are relics of the past. But this summer, an unvaccinated person in Rockland County, New York, developed paralytic polio, and poliovirus was found in wastewater there and other New York counties. The generation that remembers polio is much older now. Without that lived experience, its maybe hard to appreciate what these viruses can do, said Carol Pandak, director of PolioPlus at Evanston-based Rotary International, which aims to eradicate polio around the world. Measles also still sporadically pops up in the Chicago area, as some parents have resisted vaccinating their kids against it. In 2019, nine cases of measles were reported in Illinois, including in Cook County. Measles can lead to complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. It can be spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes or through contact with mucus or saliva from an infected person. Advertisement Some vaccine preventable illnesses are far more common, and lead to deaths each year, even in the U.S. About half of babies who get whooping cough need to be hospitalized, and up to 20 babies a year in the U.S. die of the illness. Children are supposed to receive doses of the vaccine that protects against whooping cough at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and between 4 to 6 years of age, and then another immunization against it at 11 to 12 years of age. With his mother Anne, 1-year-old James Judge gets his 12-month set of vaccines from nurse Meghan Elwess at Lurie Children's Primary Care Town & Country Pediatrics on Oct. 18, 2022, in Chicago. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune) At least 200 children in the U.S. died of the flu during the 2019-2020 flu season. Children can begin receiving flu shots once theyre 6 months old. Weve lost patients to vaccine preventable diseases, Shepherd said. When you have that kind of loss it makes you really take it seriously. Skipped appointments, vaccine hesitancy Pediatricians say the dip in recent vaccinations could be because families skipped appointments during the early months of COVID-19. Many parents were afraid or unable to bring their healthy children to doctors offices for non-urgent issues, such as annual checkups, which is when routine vaccinations are typically given. The vaccine percentages may look better in future years, as kids catch up on their vaccines. Advertisement Its also possible some families are now avoiding routine childhood immunizations because of increased vaccine hesitancy. Even before the COVID-19 vaccine, some parents were wary of immunizations. When COVID-19 vaccines were released, their safety, development and effectiveness became a national topic of conversation and debate. It prompted many people to think deeply about vaccines for the first time, and, it made some people uneasy. A lot of the vaccine efficacy and vaccine safety came into question and came into the public eye, and it created a lot more mistrust of vaccines in general, said Dr. Panorea Mathews-Kukla, a pediatrician and department chair of pediatrics at Duly Health and Care. Before COVID-19, Mathews-Kukla typically signed one or two religious exemptions a year for parents who didnt want to get their kids vaccinated. Since the pandemic, Mathews-Kukla has been getting about one religious exemption request a month. Illinois law requires that students be immunized against certain diseases, such as measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox or provide proof of an allowed exemption, such as for religious or medical reasons by Oct. 15 of each year, or an earlier date set by their school district. If they dont, theyre not supposed to go to school until they meet the requirements. Advertisement When parents worry about vaccinating their children, Mathews-Kukla does her best to answer their questions. She tries to keep in mind that parents are trying to do the best they can for their children. In my own practice, I do accommodate people who dont want to be vaccinated, Mathews-Kukla said. I think its much more important to partner with the parents and take care of these kids and not turn them away from medical care. Other pediatric practices take a different approach. Shepherds practice, Kids First Pediatric Partners in Skokie, doesnt work with families that reject routine vaccinations. We think its dangerous, Shepherd said. Were a practice thats happy to talk with families about questions and concerns they may have about the vaccine, but if they ultimately decide they dont want to vaccinate their kids we would direct them to find another pediatrician because we dont think were a good match for them. She said her practice has a lot of medically fragile patients. I think our families like knowing that were a vaccinating practice, that theyre not going to be exposed to other families that have unvaccinated kids, she said. Advertisement For many routine vaccinations during the 2020-2021 school year, about 1.2% of kindergartners in Illinois had religious exemptions; less than 1% had medical exemptions; and more than 4% were unvaccinated without an approved reason. About 4% were not compliant with vaccine or physical exam requirements, but were going to school remotely because of COVID-19 concerns. Its possible some of those 4% were vaccinated, but didnt have a required physical exam. During the previous school year, similar percentages of kindergartners had religious and medical exemptions, but the percentage of kids who were unvaccinated without an approved reason was about 3%, and there was no data tracking how many kindergartners were not compliant but remote. Catching up Doctors hope to see improved numbers for the 2021-2022 school year, once that data is available. Dr. Nina Alfieri said pediatricians and families are in a period of trying to catch up. Many pediatric practices allow parents to make appointments just for vaccinations if they missed shots and dont want to wait until their childrens next annual checkups to catch up. Most families, with going back to school and most places being unmasked, most families are being very vigilant about coming in for their checkups and catching up on any missed vaccines, said Alfieri, a pediatrician at Lurie Childrens. Doctors say kids whove missed vaccinations should come back for them as soon as possible. Vaccines are supposed to be given on a schedule, but its better to be vaccinated than not vaccinated at all, Mathews-Kukla said. Advertisement Elmhurst mother Heidi Rahn recently took her 1-year-old son for five vaccinations at his one-year checkup. He cried during the pokes, and Rahn gave him Tylenol after the appointment for any lingering pain or discomfort. But he slept well, and was playing normally the next day. Vaccinations, for us, have always been something that the traditional ones and the COVID ones thats a really simple way for us to do our part and keep ourselves safe, but also keep our community safe as well, she said. lschencker@chicagotribune.com LONDON (AP) Leslie Phillips, the British actor best known for his roles in the bawdy Carry On comedies and as the voice of the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter movies, has died. He was 98. His agent, Jonathan Lloyd, confirmed Tuesday that Phillips died peacefully at home on Monday. The veteran actor made his first film appearances in the 1930s. He is remembered for his exaggerated comic portrayal of the English upper-class after starring in Carry On Nurse," Carry On Teacher and Carry On Constable in 1959 and 1960. During this time he became well-known for his suggestive catchphrases, including Ding dong, Well, hello, and I say! While Phillips' film acting career consisted mostly of comedy roles, he later moved into other work including a turn opposite Peter OToole in the 2006 film Venus" that earned him a BAFTA nomination for best supporting actor. He also voiced the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter franchise. Leslie Samuel Phillips was born in Tottenham, north London, on April 20, 1924. He studied drama, dance and elocution at the Italia Conti Stage School, before serving as a lieutenant during World War II. After the war he began to get leading roles on the stage and screen. His big break came in 1957 when he appeared in the Gene Kelly musical Les Girls. In the 1980s he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and played roles such as Falstaff in The Merry Wives Of Windsor. He suffered a stroke in 2014 while shopping in London, but made a strong recovery. Phillips was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2008 in recognition of his acting career. Watch: Carry On star Leslie Phillips dies aged 98 Actor Leslie Phillips has died aged 98 after a long illness. The veteran star, known for his catchphrases "Ding Dong" and "Hell-llo" passed away on Monday, according to The Sun. Phillips is remembered for his roles in the Carry On and Doctor in the House films, as well as more recently voicing the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films. Read more: Daniel Radcliffe on why he spoke out against JK Rowling His death leaves Jim Dale, 86, as the last surviving regular from the Carry On films after co-star Dame Barbara Windsor's death in December 2020. Leslie Phillips has died. (Getty) Phillips began his glittering stage and screen career aged just 14 in a London Palladium adaptation of Peter Pan, where he acted to earn extra money for his family following his father's death. He was born in 1924 in Tottenham and his family had moved to Essex in 1931, but after losing his father, his mother enrolled him in the Italia Conti stage school where he was trained out of his London accent and taught how to use the Received Pronunciation he became famous for. The star continued his West End theatre performances during the early years of the Second World War, frequently interrupted by air raid sirens, and later served as an officer with the Royal Artillery. Read more: I'm A Celeb's Owen Warner asks if Zara Phillips is Australian After being diagnosed with a neurological condition he was taken out of active service and later picked up his acting career again, moving into TV work with My Wife Jacqueline in 1952. Carry On co-stars Barbara Windsor and Leslie Phillips. (PA) Phillips' big break in Hollywood came with the 1957 Gene Kelly musical Les Girls and in 1959 he began working on the Carry On films. Carry On fans will remember his starring roles in the movies Carry On Nurse, Carry On Teacher, Carry On Constable and Carry On Columbus, which marked him out for playing an upper class flirt. From 1959 to 1977, he starred alongside Ronnie Barker and Jon Pertwee in radio comedy The Navy Lark and in the 60s he took over from Dirk Bogarde in the lead role of the Doctor films. Story continues Phillips' later career included voicing the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films, appearing in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and being nominateed for a Bafta in Venus. Leslie Phillips (left) and Jon Pertwee starred together in The Navy Lark. (Getty Images) He was married three times - to Penelope Bartley from 1948 to 1965, to Angela Scoular from 1982 until her death in 2011, and to Zara Carr from 2013. Phillips, who was awarded an OBE in 1998 and a CBE in 2008, had four children from his marriage to Bartley. His widow Carr, 63, said: I've lost a wonderful husband and the public has lost a truly great showman. "He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went. "When we married he cheekily introduced me to the Press as royalty, insisting I was the new Zara Phillips and that I was related to the Queen." Paying tribute, Piers Morgan tweeted: "RIP Leslie Phillips, 98. Wonderful character & superb comedy actor, best known for his what he called his 'lecherous twit' roles in the Carry On & Doctor In The House films with his catchphrases, 'Ding Dong', 'Well, Hello' and 'I Say..' Sad news." Sanjeev Bhaskar shared an old clip of Phillips appearing on The Kumars at No 42, writing: "One of the wonderful elements of doing #TheKumars42 was combining guests like here, Madness and the wonderful #LesliePhillips, who couldn't have been more of a gent. A truly warm, funny and gentle man #RIPLesliePhillips" Iran Protests (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Fractures are appearing within Irans ruling political elite over a nationwide popular uprising that has lasted more than seven weeks and challenged the Islamic Republic like rarely before in its 43 years of existence. The rifts so far are less potentially cataclysmic than the splits that appeared within the political and clerical ruling classes following the 2009 outpouring of popular mass protests triggered by the disputed reelection of a hardline president. It also remains unclear whether any moderation in tone reflects shifting policy or empty gestures by a spooked leadership aimed at calming tempers and slowing down protests. "I hope security will be completely restored in the country soon, so that legitimate and necessary changes would begin to establish a new kind of governance in economic, social and political areas within the frameworks of the Islamic Republic, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a hardliner, was quoted as saying this week just days after he called for crushing the protests. Analysts say shifts are significant, showing the protest movement is having a measure of success in sowing confusion, panic and discord within the top ranks of a regime that is dominated by hardliners. There are also signs that the regime is beginning to reckon with the protesters as a legitimate social force. You can see that there are some voices that are not necessarily calling for a change in legislation but in the way the law is being practised, said Raz Zimmt, at Alliance Centre for Iranian Studies at Tel Aviv University. I wouldnt be surprised that we could see more and more voices. The protests, ignited by the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, pit a leaderless movement made up mostly of youth against an ageing, ultraconservative political and clerical ruling clique that has purged moderates from its ranks. Thus far the regime has resorted almost exclusively to violence to quell the unrest, refusing to consider key opposition demands such as removing or relaxing the hijab law that prompted Aminis arrest at hands of the morality police but has expanded to include expanded political and social freedoms and economic improvements. At least 319 protesters have been killed and some 15,000 have been arrested in the unrest, according to Hrana, an Oslo-based human rights group. Story continues A statement reportedly approved by 227 members of parliament called for officials to pursue the capital punishment against captured protesters, and the judiciary on Tuesday reiterated calls for prosecutors to pursue charges that carry the death penalty against protesters. But even within the hardliners in control of the apparatus of state, voices of dissent and concern have emerged. Live bullets were fired by security forces to clear protesters in Zahedan, Iran on Friday according to video uploaded on social media (Twitter) Reformist newspapers have cautiously given voice to public calls for changes from moderates, including Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Republic founder. It is better to listen to the people, he was quoted as saying in an interview. And even tightly controlled state television has allowed a few moderate voices on air. Analysts noted that the statement by lawmakers calling for the death penalty against protesters included no names of parliament members, suggesting caution among the ranks of the elite. Neither Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei nor President Ebrahim Raissi have given a full-throttled approval of the crackdown, Raisi is sweeping this thing to Khamenei, and Khamenei is sweeping it over to Raisi, said one Tehran political science researcher. They are just shuffling this thing to the other one. This week, a conservative member of parliament from the city of Tabriz, the site of some of the most raucous protests in Iran, called for the government to respond to public dissatisfaction. What has happened was not only the result of the death of Ms Mahsa Amini, Ahmad Alireza-Begi said in an interview with the Iran Observer. What happened to this lady was the spark that lit up an accumulation of peoples demands, which brought us bitter and harmful results. Elsewhere, cleric Mostafa Rostami, Supreme Leader Ali Khameneis own envoy to the nations university system, acknowledged that a majority of people surveyed supported the protests, though he claimed that only a small number cited the hijab rules as the reason for their discontent. We have to acknowledge there are a number of fundamental problems in our society, he said in a speech earlier this month. Saeed Piramoun of Iran celebrates after scoring a goal in the Emirates Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup 2022 final match between Brazil and Iran in Dubai, by pretending to cut his hair in sympathy with protesters (EPA) Ali Rabei, a former spokesman for ex-President Hassan Rouhani, warned in a piece in the newspaper Etemad that hardliners were exerting maximum pressure to disrupt the efforts of mediators between the government and the protesters. In a strong show of dissent, Irans top Sunni Muslim cleric, Molavi Abdolhamid, on Friday called for a nationwide referendum on the future of the country, prompting outrage from Revolutionary Guard leaders. "People have been protesting for nearly 50 days. he said during a sermon in the countrys southeast, where security officials have gunned scores of protesters in weeks of unrest. They have bled and suffered deaths. You cannot push them out." This week several prominent Iranian conservatives and a former ambassador to Moscow also publicly criticised controversial sales of weapons to Russia that have been used against Ukraine, where they have been targeting civilians. Iran first denied the sales, then claimed they were sold before the war began, a claim disputed by Kyiv. Shows of dissent by regime leaders and small steps by authorities to acknowledge public demands will likely do little to appease a protest movement seemingly determined to topple the Islamic Republic. Mr Khamenei appears to have long believed that bowing to public pressure would only open the floodgates to even more expectations of change. The question remains how far they can go, said Mr Zimmit. They might be concerned that if they agree to any practical change it might lead to further demands, such as segregation of men and women and political prisoners. There is a limit to what they can do. Inside Iran many have described a severe disconnect between the leadership and the protesters.The regime has mostly maintained a united front against the protesters, with few signs of dissent within the security forces. Iran Protests (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Its like the leaders are in their own cult, and dont even hear what the other side is saying, said the Tehran political science researcher. They dont understand each other. The leadership is not among the people. Theyre not on the same social media channels. They dont do their grocery shopping with the people. But the appearance of cracks could be a crucial step toward peeling away layers of the elite in what some expect to be a months or years-long uprising. It will be impossible to return to what it was 50 days ago, said Mr Zimmit. Its very unlikely that the same enforcement of Islamic codes or the same repression. We will see some change. I am not sure they can do that right now. It doesnt appear to be quite the red wave or tsunami that was predicted or hoped for by some but American voters turned out in droves Tuesday to either denounce how Democrats have been running this country or to reaffirm their confidence in the incumbent party. Late results show there hasnt been much of Republican landslide. Call it a red ripple, if you will. Ohio voters decided that author-turned-politician J.D. Vance was fit for a Republican Senate seat, while Pennsylvania voters elevated Democrat Lt. Gov. John Fetterman to the coveted position. In battleground Georgia, Sen. Raphael Warnock and football phenom Herschel Walker remain in a dead heat. Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders will become the first woman elected governor of Arkansas. Democrat Stacey Abrams lost in Georgia to incumbent Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Its still not clear which party will ultimately control the House or Senate because the races are still too close to call in many states. It will be interesting to see the demographics of those who voted, but it appears that young people those concerned about their rights and the rights of others used these midterm elections to express their concerns about gerrymandering and voter suppression. Abortion was on the ballot. As was the economy. Some threw crime into the mix. The convergence of issues made it difficult to predict any outcome. America isnt a monolith of ideals. Each person votes for what they believe, for what is important to them. But whats most disappointing is that America Republican America had every chance to unequivocally rebuke former President Donald Trump and his election-denying band, yet they chose to pick up instruments and play along. Their tone-deaf performances will likely keep our country out of tune for years to come. Nonetheless, that is the beauty of democracy. That is why each of us has the freedom to cast a ballot. Waves or ripples, we have a voice. And as weve all learned, polls dont dictate the outcome of elections voters do. Story continues Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY 11:45 p.m. Election deniers having a big night. That's sad for America. One area that I am watching closely is whether 2020 presidential election deniers are winning or losing their races. We've already seen that major election denier J.D. Vance won his bid in Ohio for the Senate. But hes far from alone. The Washington Post has a live tracker following all these races, and while it's too early for a final tally, so far nearly 140 election deniers have won. But the truth is any win is one win too many for a healthy democracy. It's also yet to be seen what they will do when they lose, fair and square, and deny the results (as election deniers are likely to do). In the words of former President Gerald Ford, "Our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men." For the good of America, do the right thing and cede power peacefully. Carli Pierson, USA TODAY 11:25 p.m. Kemp wins in Georgia after rebuffing Trump. Abrams concedes. Brian Kemp survived the wrath of Donald Trump and the celebrity of Stacey Abrams to win a second term as Georgia's governor. Facing a 300,000-vote deficit, Abrams telephoned Kemp to concede the race shortly after 11 p.m. Considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, Abrams has now lost twice to Kemp. He beat her by 55,000 votes in the 2018 governor's race. Kemp's general election triumph follows an even more convincing primary victory over former Sen. David Perdue earlier this year. Perdue ran at the urging of Trump, who disavowed Kemp after the fellow Republican rebuffed Trump's calls to challenge Georgia's 2020 election results. Trump at one point earlier this year predicted Abrams would defeat Kemp. However, the former president did not campaign against Kemp in the run-up to the election and quietly endorsed Kemp's governor's run in the days before the election. Adam Van Brimmer, Savannah Morning News 9:42 p.m. My generation finally has a voice in Congress A Generation Z candidate just won Floridas 10th Congressional District. Democrat Maxwell Alejandro Frost, age 25, is the victor of Tuesday's race. Frost has a long experience in politics and activism. He worked for the ACLU, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and March For Our Lives. A large focus of his campaign was gun safety. I interviewed him and two other Gen Z candidates, Raymond Reed and Karoline Leavitt, in a column about the future of our country. I said I was disappointed by their answers, but I hope Im proven wrong. Only Leavitt and Maxwell survived their primaries. Leavitt is currently behind in New Hampshires 1st Congressional District, but the race is still very early. The last time a Republican was elected in that seat was in 2014. Chris Schlak, USA TODAY 9 p.m. Critical wins in Maryland and Massachusetts governor races I wrote earlier that I was closely watching six, groundbreaking governor races with women, Black and LGBTQ candidates. In spite of warnings of the "red wave," and regardless of what happens over the rest of the night, we cannot lose sight of the wins Democrats are already celebrating in historic races in Massachusetts and Maryland. In Massachusetts, Democrat Maura Healey, the state's attorney general, has won her election over Republican Geoff Diehl. Healey is the first female governor of Massachusetts and the nation's first openly lesbian governor. That's a really big deal. In Maryland, Democrat Wes Moore has won his election over Republican Dan Cox and will become that state's first Black governor. These are not small steps they are historic ones and must be celebrated accordingly. Carli Pierson, USA TODAY 8:30 p.m. DeSantis wins reelection, setting stage for 2024 We're still awaiting most midterm results, but the race for the White House is about to start in force. Now that Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has secured an easy reelection (his victory was called shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday), he is expected to turn his focus to his 2024 ambitions. And he's not the only one. Former President Donald Trump has hinted at an announcement for months, but hes turned up the noise in recent days about a 2024 bid for the White House. The latest is that hell announce something "big" next Tuesday. By teasing a run, Trump has made it difficult for other Republican presidential hopefuls. If he runs, it would rule out chances of winning for most other candidates. But DeSantis is a formidable opponent. Read the full column. Ingrid Jacques, USA TODAY The race for 2024: We just got through the midterms, but the DeSantis-Trump rivalry has already begun 8 p.m. Five surefire ways to reduce your election night stress Some election results are starting to come in, making this a stressful stretch for anyone truly invested in the outcome of the midterms. In an effort to help, The New York Times came up with a list of things you can do to deal with electoral stress. It included taking a walk and submerging your face in ice water. I think those are terrible ideas, so Ive come up with some more sensible steps people can take as they ride the emotional election rollercoaster thats likely to stretch into the days ahead: Submerge your face in a bowl of ice cream. This is a proven stress-reduction technique, as the coolness and deliciousness of the ice cream relaxes the facial nerve endings and stimulates some gland somewhere. Anyway, just eat the damn ice cream. Build a cabin in the woods. This is both relaxing and pragmatic, as whatever the outcome of the election, theres a good chance youll eventually want to move there to avoid the upcoming civil war. Write an epic poem that imagines Odysseus from The Odyssey in a modern-day rom-com set in Brooklyn, where his oratorical skills and expertise at battle mean nothing to the three hipsters he shares a flat with. Few things calm the nerves like writing in dactylic hexameter. Imagine yourself going for a walk and then have a good laugh at how ridiculous an idea that is. Laughter helps calm you down. Throw your phone in the nearest body of water and then hide under the bed. This wont calm you, but its arguably the best thing any of us can do. Rex Huppke, USA TODAY 7:50 p.m. Big voter turnout across the country, thankfully As polling sites begin to close around the country, early returns are showing that voters were motivated to cast ballots. I wont get ahead of myself because midterm election turnout has proved to be dismally low over the years. But there are glimmers of hope. In battleground Ohio, where Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan faces Republican J.D. Vance for a key Senate seat, early voting set a record with 1.55 million ballots cast. New Mexico saw same-day registration the first time its been offered bring in 14,000 new voters, along with 350,000 people who voted in person by noon. An additional 100,000 individuals cast absentee ballots. Projected high in-person voting and robust mailed ballots might delay results in several key races. But Id rather wait for every vote to be tabulated, and I imagine those still suffering from 2020 election PTSD would concur. Democracy isnt always easy and neat. But it certainly felt good to cast my ballot Tuesday. Im seeing headlines of high voter turnout in many areas of the country. Its our right and privilege to select those we want to represent us. Honestly, it's our duty. And remember if youre in line and the polls are closing, dont leave. You cant be turned away. Please vote. Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY 6 p.m. Hopeful that confidence will be restored in the process Voting is starting to wind down across the country so we wanted to offer up some thoughts from Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY Opinion deputy editor and columnist, on what she feels is at stake for the country. 5:50 p.m. The latest from famed political pundit Les Accurate Weve passed the midpoint of Election Day, so its time to check back in with my favorite version of myself, TV political commentator Les Accurate. Les, what are you seeing out there? Well, Rex, let me tell you, this election is getting interestinger and interestinger. Is that a word? It absolutely is. So whats the most interestinger thing thus far? Well, I can tell you with 100% certainty that people are voting. They are standing in lines, making decisions and casting ballots that reflect those decisions. Now, who theyre voting for is another story, because thats kept secret. Make of that what you will. But I can say definitively that votes are being cast, and once those votes are counted, I predicted that whichever candidate received the most votes will be declared the winner. Back to you, Rex. Thanks, Les. That was of no benefit whatsoever. Youre welcome, Rex, and wait a minute I have one thing to add. Im seeing some early reports on voter turnout, and Im prepared to guarantee readers that there is a state named New Hampshire. You cant take that one to the bank. Back to you, Rex. Great, Les. Well hear more from you later. Rex Huppke, USA TODAY 5:30 p.m. Parents, businesses havent forgotten COVID lockdowns An issue that I think is motivating voters around the country is the lasting frustration over how governors and schools responded to COVID-19. In Democrat-led states that saw the longest business shutdowns and shuttered schools, the effects of those decisions are still very much felt. For instance, we recently saw the results of the Nations Report Card, and its clear that students in the schools closed the longest often in urban, low-income areas are the furthest behind. The teachers unions that advocated the hardest for delayed school returns are now giving millions to and actively campaigning for the Democrats (like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer) who did their bidding. This angst hasnt shown up specifically in polls, unlike high gas prices and the costs of milk. But its hard to imagine how its not a major consideration for voters. In Michigan, Ive heard from moms and business owners about what their families have suffered, and they are taking those grievances to the polls. Ingrid Jacques, USA TODAY 'Save our kids': For midterms, GOP candidates like Tudor Dixon connect with voters on schools, economy 5:15 p.m. Expect the unexpected in South Texas Former President Bill Clinton stumped in South Texas on Monday for three congressional candidates with seats that have been held by Democrats for decades. Key races in the 15th, 28th and 34th Congressional Districts are testing the Democratic stronghold in predominantly Hispanic areas. Hispanics have been increasingly shifting to the Republican Party in recent years, and these races could be a bellwether of a future shift, especially with former President Donald Trump out of the picture. Millions of dollars have poured in this year for each candidate. Out of the three races, two of them the 15th and 34th Congressional Districts are a dead heat. Ill be paying close attention to these results in my home state. Chris Schlak, USA TODAY 4:10 p.m. Somebody tell Kari Lake that's not how this works Kari Lake, Arizonas Republican gubernatorial candidate, apparently has insider information about the outcome of Tuesdays election. Shes already declared victory, hours before the polls close. Im going to do two terms, Lake proclaimed to a gaggle of reporters after casting her vote. Im going to be your worst frickin' nightmare for eight years, and we will reform the media as well. We are going to make you guys into journalists again. So, get ready. Its going to be a fun eight years." Who is going to tell her? Thats not how any of this works. Kari Lake gives a press conference on the sidewalk outside of the Downtown Phoenix Post Office after casting her ballot on Nov. 8, 2022. Im all for exuding confidence. But such careless hubris by a former television news anchor, no less is astounding. Then again, this is the same election denier who still defends former President Donald Trumps false claims that he won the 2020 election. If one says it enough times, it must be true, right? Maybe thats her approach to Tuesdays election: If she says shes won, she already has. But what sad news for the folks who live in Arizona. Lake has made her agenda and priorities clear and they dont include the best interests of her potential constituents. They are the real losers. Suzette Hackney, USA TODAY USA TODAY Editorial Board: Regardless of your political leanings, our democracy needs you to vote 4 p.m. Election results might not be coming tonight If you were hoping for results tonight don't get ... your hopes up. Republican lawmakers have been busy the past two years passing voter laws that will help them fight election results they disagree with. According to the 2022 version of the annual report "A Democracy Crisis in The Making" Republicans around the country have spent many months pushing through election legislation that would make how ballots are counted more complicated. The five tactics identified in the report include: Awarding state legislatures the power to award electoral votes. Authorizing post-election "audits" that could be partisan in nature. Giving partisan lawmakers and appointed officials more powers over election operations. Placing "unworkable burdens" on election administrators. Intimidating election officials with the threat of criminal penalties for certain actions. Carli Pierson, USA TODAY 3 p.m. Only a fool would try to rig or steal Arizona's election now It was awesome to watch all the early Election Day activity focused on making sure the vote stays honest. Maricopa County administrators and political leaders in Arizona were giving instructions and reassurance to voters after minor irregularities began to surface the kind that happen every election. On an internal chat channel at The Arizona Republic, reporters and editors were monitoring problems and sending out journalists to inspect the hot spots. Observers and lawyers from both parties were at vote centers as cameras livestreamed activity. If anyone had designs on rigging the Arizona ballot they were inviting a world of scrutiny. Youd be a fool to mess with this mass exercise in civic renewal. Read the full column. Phil Boas, Arizona Republic 2:50 p.m. What a privilege it is to participate in our democracy I was standing in line to vote this afternoon when an unexpected wave of emotion hit me. Here was an election for, by, and of the people happening right in front of me. What a privilege to be able to participate. How special to witness democracy in action. I listened as my fellow citizens, waiting to cast their ballots, commented on the news medias political coverage. I used to watch 30 minutes of Fox News and then turn over and watch 30 minutes of MSNBC, one man said. It was like they were reporting about two different planets. I smiled in recognition of that truth. In response to the first man, another person said he still buys the local newspaper because he wants to support freedom of the press. But someone else said he couldnt find the local paper in stores anymore. The conversation turned to the fact we had to wait in line for a few minutes to vote. But I didnt hear any complaints. Instead, the talk was about how privileged we are as Americans to be able to vote easily, conveniently and safely in our case inside a neighborhood churchs gymnasium. We live in a cynical age, and understandably so. Billions of dollars are spent every election cycle to scare and manipulate us and to pull us further apart from our neighbors and fellow citizens. The best response, I think, to those who want to exploit our biases and fears is to do what my neighbors of different ages, races, economic backgrounds and genders did Tuesday: Stay informed, show up and make your voice heard in the privacy of the voting booth. Tim Swarens, USA TODAY 1:40 p.m. Is Herschel Walker running for a runoff in Georgia? Football icon Herschel Walker is arguably the most fascinating candidate in the 2022 midterm elections, capturing attention in ways even a TV doctor, a self-proclaimed "hillbilly" memoir writer and a Jan. 6 insurrectionist can't. As Georgians went to the polls Tuesday, the question on many minds was whether Walker's celebrity and charm would be enough to overcome his well-publicized shortcomings and garner enough votes to force a runoff in his U.S. Senate race against incumbent Raphael Warnock. Herschel Walker in Georgia Walker, a Republican who has been polling behind other GOP candidates in the state, is expected to benefit from voters dissatisfied with Democrats based on the U.S. inflation rate and those who want the Republicans to regain majority control of the Senate. The Georgia race is seen as one of the few competitive Senate races in the country, and with the 100-member chamber evenly divided between the GOP and the Democratic Party, some Georgians will vote for the party and not the person. Pundits doubt there are enough Walker voters for him to win the race outright. In Georgia, candidates must win a majority 50% plus one vote to avoid a runoff, and a Libertarian candidate is expected to attract as much as 2.5% of the vote. Many consider a runoff the most likely scenario in the U.S. Senate race. A runoff would mean four more weeks of campaigning by the candidates. And who among us doesn't want another month of Walker as the candidate? Adam Van Brimmer, Savannah Morning News 1 p.m. Abortion is literally on ballot in these states While Democrats have tried to make the midterm elections all about abortion, in most cases, its a debate between the candidates stances on the issue. In a handful of states, however, as Ive written about, abortion is literally on the ballot. Im going to be closely following what happens in my state of Michigan, along with California and Vermont, which all have measures on the ballot that would enshrine abortion rights in the states constitutions. Kentucky also has an abortion measure but would do the opposite clarify that there is no right to abortion in the constitution, which is what Kansas tried and failed to do earlier this year. Michigans Proposal 3 has been sold by proponents as a way to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade, but in reality, it would go much further than that and end existing restrictions on abortion in the state. Its the most important issue on the statewide ballot and would have long-term implications if it passes. Ingrid Jacques, USA TODAY 12:30 p.m. Kentucky's abortion amendment Kentucky is keeping a close eye on Constitutional Amendment 2 which is on Tuesdays general election ballot. If it passes it will eliminate the right to abortion in the commonwealth. If it fails it opens the door to the possibility that abortion could become a state right. Voters will consider Constitutional Amendment 2 on the November 2022 ballot which could change whether Kentucky's constitution will allow abortions in the commonwealth. Anti-abortion activists fear the if that Amendment 2 is voted down, Kentucky will not only legalize abortion but become an abortion mecca by providing services to women from the surrounding states who do not have abortion access at home. Will Kentucky be like fellow red-state Kansas and vote down Amendment 2? Or will Kentucky double down on the already restrictive, anti-abortion legislative actions and embed abortion directives into its state constitution? All eyes are on Kentucky Tuesday for those invested in what happens to abortion rights. Bonnie Feldkamp, Courier-Journal 12 p.m. Let Les Accurate give you the election scoop With long hours to go before the polls close, cable news networks are filling time with panels of political commentators breathlessly speculating on whats going to happen. Its like a convention of Nostradamus enthusiasts setting themselves up to be proven wrong, and as someone whose predictions are rarely correct, I want in. Sothroughout the day here at USA TODAY, Ill be providing readers the gold standard in mindless Election Day speculation under my newly adopted TV news moniker, Les Accurate. And with that, over to you, Les. Thanks, Rex. A lot of time still to go in these all-important midterm elections, but I can tell you, based on what Im seeing so far, its Tuesday. Is that good for the Democrats and President Joe Biden? Hard to say at this point. But theres little doubt Republicans are loving the fact that its not Wednesday. Well see where it goes from here. Back to you, Rex. Thanks, Les. Well check in later for another update. Rex Huppke, USA TODAY 11 a.m. Representation matters, and we see that in the races for governor Im closely watching several races for governor because of the demographics involved. According to Rutgers University's Eagleton Institute of Politics, 47 current governors are white (non-Latino) and 41 of the 50 governors are also men. That's a lot of white dudes in office. Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams speaks to voters during a stop of her statewide campaign bus tour on November 4, 2022 in Statesboro, Georgia. Abrams continued to campaign to unseat her Republican rival Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) in the upcoming midterm election. Meanwhile, as my colleague Ingrid Jacques has written, several candidates on the ballot could become the first woman to serve as governor in their states history. And in Maryland, Democrat Wes Moore would be that state's first Black governor. In Massachusetts and Oregon, Maura Healey and Tina Kotek would be the country's first openly lesbian governors. Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams would be the country's first Black female governor. Representation matters, and seeing these folks this close to cinching their respective elections reminds me that progress is slow and gradual. But it's also inevitable, even in the face of far-right movements that gained ground during and after Donald Trumps presidency. Carli Pierson, USA TODAY 2022 midterm elections: Here are the 10 governor's races to watch 10:30 a.m. Indiana candidate was fired from office he wants to lead I think Republican Diego Morales is unfit to be Indianas next secretary of state. That has nothing to do with the R next to his name. Morales dubious record is so long, and has been so extensively covered, that you might read over it with the speed of a legal disclaimer in a commercial. Morales is a candidate who was fired from the office he wants to lead; is facing sexual assault allegations from two Republican women, including one who worked in the secretary of states office; and seems to have voted illegally based on public records that show him living in Marion County while voting in Hendricks County during his 2018 congressional run. Now, he wants to run one of the states most important offices, which happens to oversee elections. Morales is on the ballot against Democrat Destiny Wells and Libertarian Jeff Maurer. The race has been labeled a toss-up between Morales and Wells, with Maurer having a shot at record-high gains for a Libertarian. James Briggs, The Indianapolis Star 10 a.m. Arizona primaries promote extreme candidates Whew. And whoa. Arizonas 2022 election is just about over. So, is it too soon to start talking about 2024? If you are one of those who looked at this years nominees for governor and longed to bubble in none of the above, then no, its not a moment too soon. If you wonder why the incoming Arizona Legislature likely will be even more conservative than the current crew then no, its not too early. The fringe that has assumed control of the GOP doesnt dominate because they are the choice of Arizona voters. They dominate because the primary election system is rigged, with a little help from gerrymandered districts, so that nearly two-thirds of the states voters dont matter. Independents now outnumber both Republicans and Democrats in Maricopa County (which includes Phoenix), and soon they will dominate statewide. Yet our primary system is designed to mute their voices. Laurie Roberts, Arizona Republic 9:30 a.m. Whoa, Nellie! Dont count those election wins or losses yet A survey of Election Day commentary shows conservative writers spiking the football before Republicans have reached the end zone. And progressive writers already are lamenting their losses. It's not over until it's over: Why some battleground states could have us waiting past election night for races to be called As a lifelong Cubs fan, I know all about losing, but we usually wait until the final out before flying the L flag. So, it strikes me that both sides of the political spectrum may be premature in speculating about what may happen on this fine Election Day. In any case, here are a few headlines that caught my attention this morning: Salena Zito, New York Post: Why Midterm Voters Will Put Republicans in Power Across the U.S. Hayes Brown, MSNBC: The bleak reality of a GOP midterms win is hard to process. Chris Lehmann, The Nation: How Democrats Should Have Talked About the Economy. Jim Geraghty: National Review: Dont let anyone tell you Democrats lost because they were too nice. Actual, real-life voters may have made those writers seem absurdly optimistic or pessimistic by this time tomorrow. But its clear theres joy on one side and trepidation on the other as millions of Americans cast their ballots this morning. Tim Swarens, USA TODAY Opinions in your inbox: Get exclusive access to our columnists and the best of our columns every day 8 a.m. Get caught up on things so far This election has been filled with opportunities for analysis and opinion. The good news is our team has plenty of that to go around. Take a moment to catch up on the coverage as people continue voting. 6 a.m. Republican women on the rise I'm closely watching the governor's races in Michigan, Oregon and New York, where there's a Democratic incumbent governor. They're all women, and in Michigan and Oregon they're being challenged by Republican women. Those races are all much closer than they were originally predicted to be, and we might see Republicans winning those states. Ingrid Jacques, USA TODAY GOP no longer party of old, white men: Meet the conservative women on the rise 6 a.m. A day of election deniers Columnist Rex Huppke is watching to see what kind of day election deniers on ballots across the country have. Will they win public office? Let Kari Lake be a warning siren: Are you aware of the chaos election deniers will bring? You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Midterm elections results: Expected Republican red wave now a ripple iStock; Insider Control of most U.S. states is up for grabs this cycle Following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the stakes are high. There are 36 gubernatorial races on the ballot in 2022. Of these, 20 governor's offices are held by Republicans and 16 by Democrats. But despite there being more Republican seats to defend, governorships held by Democrats are the most vulnerable to flipping come November 8. 2022 General Embeds Democrats made large gains in the 2018 blue-wave election where they gained seven governorships. Now, four years later the length of most gubernatorial terms those same governors are on the defensive. The COVID-19 pandemic put governors across the nation to the test, with COVID-19 lockdowns straining some communities. In June, the Supreme Court ended federal abortion protections that were previously granted by the Roe v. Wade decision. In turn, state legislatures across the country responded by drafting bills severely limiting access to abortion many governors signed the bills into law, while others such as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, flexed their veto powers. Gubernatorial seats can also often be leveraged for future presidential runs recently-elected governors such as Florida's Gov. Ron DeSantis and Virginia's Gov. Glenn Youngkin have already parlayed their executive positions into becoming GOP household names. Similarly, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gained enough Democratic support since her 2018 election to become a potential vice presidential running mate to President Joe Biden in 2020. Read the original article on Business Insider Insider Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. in the Mountain time zone and 8 p.m. in the Central time zone. Nebraska will elect three members of Congress this cycle, and Nebraska's 2nd District remains one to watch. Nebraska will also elect a new governor this cycle. Voters will also address Initiative 432, which would require an ID to vote. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. in the Mountain time zone and 8 p.m. in the Central time zone. Read the original article on Business Insider Insider Polls closed in the state at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. North Carolina, which picked up a 14th congressional seat following the latest redistricting cycle, will elect its congressional delegation in a highly competitive year within the state. The state has an open senate seat, and three of the 14 congressional districts the 1st District, 6th District and 13th District are competitive and will have national implications regarding control of the House of Representatives. Voters in the city of Raleigh will also cast their ballots for mayor. Polls closed in the state at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Read the original article on Business Insider Insider Polls closed in Texas at 7 p.m. local time. Given the state has multiple time zones, the first polls closed at 8 p.m. EST and the last polls closed at 9 p.m. EST. Texas, a Republican bastion that in recent cycles has flirted with swing-state status, gained two congressional seats as part of the most recent redistricting cycle and will send 38 members to Congress. Of the state's congressional races, three in particular in Texas' 15th District, its 28th District, and 34th District had national implications, as control the House of Representatives will be decided in such competitive districts. The 34th featured a rare member-versus-member general election. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott also faced voters in a winning bid for re-election against Democrat Beto O'Rourke, and the state had an intriguing race for attorney general, where embattled Republican Ken Paxton was up for re-election. The cities of Corpus Christi and Austin cast ballots for mayor. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time. Given the state has multiple time zones, the first polls closed at 8 p.m. EST and the last polls closed at 9 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Read the original article on Business Insider Insider Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Virginians elected 11 members of Congress this year, and several of those races had national implications. Two races in particular in Virginia's 2nd District and 7th District attracted a great deal of national attention as the Democratic and Republican parties battled for control of the House of Representatives. Long a swing state, Virginia had recently skewed toward Democrats. But when Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, won the state's 2021 gubernatorial election, it signaled that Democrats' control on the state was far from assured. Virginia was also home to one of the more contentious state legislative fights. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds Read the original article on Business Insider Insider Polls close in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. EST. Wisconsin voters will send eight members of Congress to Washington, D.C., though only one of those contests the race in Wisconsin's 3rd District has attracted a significant amount of national attention in the parties' quest to control the House of Representatives. Wisconsin will also vote in two of the most-watched races in the country, a US Senate race where GOP Sen. Ron Johnson is up for re-election, and a gubernatorial contest where Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is up for reelection. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Read the original article on Business Insider HCM City serves 2.65 million foreign visitors in 10 months Ho Chi Minh City welcomed 546,000 international visitors in October this year, lifting the total number of foreign arrivals to the city in the last 10 months to 2.65 million, according to the municipal Department of Tourism. Tourists in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: thanhnien.vn) HCM Citys tourism sector has developed new products, and prepared events to promote local tourism potential, towards attracting more tourists in the remaining months of the year. Local travel agencies have paid attention to improving the quality of products to bring unique and unforgettable experience to visitors. This is expected to help increase their revenue in the path of recovery and growth. They have also joined events and fairs to introduce tourism attractions in HCM City to international visitors, including the Asia International Travel Trade Show (ITB Asia) 2022 in Singapore, the Vietnam Tourism and Culture Festival in the Republic of Korea (RoK), and the International and French Travel Market (IFTM) Top Resa in France. According to Deputy General Director of Vietravel Huynh Phan Phuong Thao, the firm is developing many programmes and products to serve international tourists, especially those from the key markets of Middle East, India and the RoK, in the remaining months of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023. The tourism sector needs to focus on promoting specific marketing campaigns, thus promoting Vietnam and HCM City in particular as an attractive destination for international visitors, she said. Larry Wilmore is an actor, writer and comedian who either created or had a hand in creating and shaping some of the most iconic shows of the last two decades, from "The Bernie Mac Show" to "The Office" to "Insecure" to, most recently, "Reasonable Doubt" on Hulu. He talks about a worst moment in his career. (Richard Shotwell / AP) As an actor, writer and comedian, Larry Wilmore has either created or had a hand in shaping so many iconic shows, from The PJs to The Bernie Mac Show to The Office to Insecure to Black-ish. He is currently an executive producer on the Hulu legal drama Reasonable Doubt. How did his involvement with the show come about? I had a producer deal at ABC Studios a few years ago, after I did The Nightly Show (on Comedy Central) and I got together with Kerry Washingtons production company, who were developing a project based on Shawn Holley, the lawyer. It was going to be for network television and they asked if I wanted to help on the project. That version of the show didnt get picked up, but a year later the studio re-imagined it for streaming and made the lead character a lot messier and more of an antihero. Advertisement Wilmore also has a career in front of the camera and when asked about a worst moment, he recalled his audition for The Daily Show, where he had the tongue-in-cheek title of Senior Black Correspondent. My worst moment Advertisement This was kind of a transition in my career at the time. I was taking a bet on myself to do something different. I had just gone through a cringey moment a few years earlier when I had been fired from The Bernie Mac Show very publicly. We didnt get along over there. Even though I won a ton of awards, it didnt matter. In fact, the press said that we had creative differences I was creative and they were different (laughs). But up to that point I had been primarily behind the camera. I started my career as a standup and it felt like Hollywood wasnt really getting what I was doing, so thats when I started writing. Larry Wilmore is a veteran comedian, producer and host. After The Bernie Mac Show and all that stuff, I was really at a low point in my career and then went over to help with The Office. At that time, no one thought it was going to be anything; in fact, people would say, Oh man, The Office? Youre working on that thing? All of this is just context for where my career was at this point. I did a cameo on The Office as Mr. Brown and once I did it I realized, oh, maybe I should start performing again. Maybe this is the signal to get back in front of the camera. And The Daily Show to me felt like an opportunity to do something different in my career. So it was not just a normal audition, it was: OK, Larry, youre doing something new here. I met with Jon Stewart (the shows host at the time), it went great. And he said, Lets try this, I think this will be great. So we (Wilmore and the shows writers) were writing a piece and we thought this guy could be the Black correspondent, and someone joked that maybe he could be the senior Black correspondent. Thats how that came about. But trying to find the right point of view was daunting. The people that had done it at that point Stephen Colbert and Ed Helms had very specific comedic voices and it was hard to get their voices out of my head. On the page, I knew I wanted my approach to be contrary to that. Keep in mind, Im not going to audition for The Daily Show. The way it worked was, I met with Jon, we talk and he said, This sounds great, lets try it. So my audition was going to be on the air! Very nerve-wracking. Jon has us write two pieces and he said, Well air one tonight and well save one to air next week. So first we do the rehearsal and the crew are there and the writers are in the audience; people wanted to check out the new guy. And let me tell you something: There was not one laugh. It was the death of comedy. I could tell as I was doing it that it felt awkward and stiff. This was around the time John Oliver had just started. Rob Riggle had just started. Aasif Mandvi had just started. There was a whole new wave of correspondents who were coming in, so people were excited: Oh, heres another new person, whos this gonna be? And that excitement completely went away during that rehearsal (laughs). You could just feel it drain from that room. Advertisement So I finish the first one and Im like, ugh, good lord. And then we do the second one and its worse. I mean, its just creaky. And Im thinking: Larry, everything you thought this could be is disappearing! This is terrible! Im completely panicking. Im probably flop-sweating by that point. You know how you dont name a farm animal because you know you might have to eat it one day? It was that energy. Nobody was looking me in the eye. Nobody wanted to get too attached. People were being superficially nice, like: Well, good job. But it was very hollow. Larry Wilmore, right, and host Jon Stewart appear on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." (Brad Barket / Getty Images for Comedy Central) And now Im waiting and sitting by myself and I have to tell you, it was the loneliest moment ever. Fired isnt even the word youre not gonna make it on the air (laughs). My confidence was completely shaken and its the lowest moment you can have as a performer. Meanwhile, someone calls me in and says, Jon wants to see you, and it feels like youre being called into the principals office. Heres whats playing in my head Im a writer so of course I have to write this scenario in my head. And it was: Jon sighing and saying, We appreciate you coming by, but its not going to work out. But hey man, thanks a lot. Good luck. So I go in there, and he says: We decided were not going to do two bits, were just going to do the one. But lets go through and rewrite it and put it in our own voices. So I felt a little better, but I was also like: I hope I dont screw this up. Jon is brilliant at this, cutting out the fat. But also we were able to kind of ad-lib back and forth and have more fun with it and it became a little more conversational, rather than written. So we finish and Im still not feeling good. Like, what if this bombs in front of the audience? I could be committing to a parachute jump without a parachute (laughs) with Jon looking out of the plane like, Thanks, man! Appreciate everything! Advertisement Its so scary. Its the scariest moment you can have as a performer. I was going out knowing I had bombed the death of deaths during rehearsal, and sure, we did a rewrite, but its still basically the same piece. And you start thinking: Maybe Im not funny. Maybe I made the wrong move here. Larry, why did you even come to The Daily Show? Who are you to tell Jon Stewart you think youre funny (laughs). And at this point, Im already an Emmy award-winning writer and producer and all that stuff, and here Im at my lowest point because as a performer, your ego gets crushed instantly. Larry Wilmore had a rocky start on "The Daily Show." So thats my state of mind right before were about to shoot it. Then they take me out to set and I see the audience going, Who is this guy? (Laughs) And then Jon did the best thing you could ever do for a performer. Ill never forget this. This is the generosity of Jon Stewart. I think he could tell I was nervous and he looked at me and he says: Hey man, just look in the camera and just effing give it to America. And that really relaxed me when he said it. Like he was on my side. He wasnt neutral. It was the nicest thing he could have said, because as a performer I could relate to that, as opposed to good luck or break a leg, you know? Just give it to them, man. We come back from commercial, he introduces me and the first joke gets a laugh. And heres the thing: Once I get a laugh, now my instincts as a comedian kick in and I go, oh, I got a laugh! And now Im just hitting it as hard as I can and I ended up killing, it got such big laughs. And now the crew is like, is this the same guy who was at rehearsal? Cant be the same guy. Id had my writers hat on this entire experience, and this was when I finally put my performers hat on. Weve heard enough from you, writer, youre not leading us to the promised land (laughs). Thank you for the start, Ill take over now I got this. I finish and I get this huge applause, Jon stands up and says great job. I was completely on top of the world. It was so much fun. And of course I was relieved too. Advertisement And it changed the trajectory of my career. But it could have gone the other way so fast, and I never would have been heard from again (laughs). The takeaway Trust Jon Stewart (laughs). Whatever he would have said, I would have agreed. And by the way, I dont even think Jon would remember that he said those words of encouragement. He was just being who he is. But for me as a performer, that was the best thing anyone could have said. Nina Metz is a Tribune critic Advertisement nmetz@chicagotribune.com What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. Sign up for our Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here. Insider Polls closed in the state at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. New Yorkers headed to the polls in one of the most consequential election seasons the Empire State has had in years. The state elected 26 members of Congress, and given the redistricting and highly competitive national election cycle, eight of those races were tight contests that had implications for control of the House of Representatives. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, was reelected by voters, as was Gov. Kathy Hochul, who faced a general election for the first time as governor after replacing Gov. Andrew Cuomo following his resignation. She is the first woman to be elected governor of the state. Voters also approved Proposal 1, which would take on debt to fund climate projects. Polls closed in the state at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Read the original article on Business Insider Reuters Videos STORY: The skies of Hawaiis Big Island turned a hellish bright red on Sunday (November 27) as the worlds largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, began erupting for the first time since 1984 ending its longest quiet period in recorded history.The U.S. Geological Service says for now the lava is contained within the summit - but they have warned residents that volcanic gases and fine ash may drift their way.Some areas of the Big Island were under an ashfall advisory issued by the National Weather Service.Mauna Loa rises 13,679 feet above the Pacific Ocean, it's part of the chain of volcanoes that formed the islands of Hawaii.It last erupted in March and April of 1984, sending a flow of lava within 5 miles of the island's largest city.Scientists like Erik Klemetti of Denison University have been on alert after several earthquakes hit the area.Erik Klemetti: People have been expecting that Mauna Loa would erupt again only because its erupted a lot, and this is a pretty long period of quiet."Hawaii's Emergency Management Agency has not yet issued any evacuation orders - they have however opened two shelters on the island as a precaution but also emphasized that there are no signs that lava will threaten populated areas. WASHINGTON The U.S. Army is set to conclude a shoot-off for its Long-Range Precision Munitions effort in mid-November, according to a service spokesperson, with Lockheed Martin revealing the results of its demonstration. The service launched its effort in fiscal 2022 to design and develop an LRPM for its AH-64E Apache attack helicopter and its future attack reconnaissance aircraft, with a shoot-off taking place at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The Army will then choose industry-born designs to move forward into a roughly five-year development program in FY23, according to FY22 budget documents. The Army said earlier this year that it planned to take three vendors into the fall shoot-off, but the service would not reveal the capabilities and contractors involved in the evaluation. However, Lockheed told Defense News in an Oct. 31 interview that it had wrapped up its demonstration of the latest variant of the Spike NLOS weapon at Dugway. The company fired four missiles in three test scenarios and was four-for-four in the successful execution of the test shots, according to Tom Bargnesi, senior program manager for precision fires at Lockheed. The shoot-off for Lockheed took place the week of Oct. 17, he said, and we demonstrated all of the governments objectives. We demonstrated integration to the Modular Effects Launcher, that we could successfully communicate and launch off that particular piece of equipment, he added. We also demonstrated the range that they asked us to demonstrate, and we also demonstrated our technologies in a GPS-denied environment. The shoot-off will be complete in mid-November, according to a spokesperson with the Armys Program Executive Office Missiles and Space and for the Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team. The results will inform the Armys Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team, the Army Aviation Center of Excellences capability manager for reconnaissance and attack, and the Research and Analysis Centers efforts as they come to together to inform a capability development document and future acquisition decisions, the spokesperson told Defense News in an Oct. 4 statement. Story continues The Army is not releasing the total number of competitors, nor the competitors participating in the shoot-off capability demonstration, with the spokesperson citing that information as sensitive. Long-range munitions for the Armys future aircraft will be critical to engage an enemys defensive positions from a comfortable standoff or out of range of enemy detection. So far, the data gathered in the shoot-off has been extremely beneficial, the spokesperson said. Information gathered to date has [proved] existing technologies and capabilities achieve desired extended range as well as [proved] integration on the Modular Effects Launcher, the spokesperson added, noting the Army plans to complete its capability development document by the spring. The munitions development phase will last until the third quarter of FY28, according to budget documents. The Army does not lay out the schedule beyond the development phase in the documents reviewed by Defense News. In the meantime, the Army is fielding an interim solution Israeli company Rafaels Spike Non-Line-Of-Sight missile that will deliver long-range lethality to the current fleet. Spike has a 30-kilometer range and was extensively demonstrated on foreign and American-owned AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. Lockheed Martin, the integrator of the Spike NLOS system, received the contract in November 2021. The Army has received the requisite hardware from Lockheed and is preparing for its first flight tests, Bargnesi said this month. Earlier this year, he told Defense News that the first Apache equipped with the Spike NLOS for testing would begin flying in November and will fire its first missile in January. The company will outfit two test birds, then the Army will install Spike on the remaining Apaches the latest V6 variant for the first unit by the end of 2023. (Bloomberg) -- Brazils President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delayed the much-awaited announcement of a multibillion-dollar spending plan as his team continues to discuss ways to pay for his main campaign pledges. Most Read from Bloomberg Lula returned to Sao Paulo over the weekend after a short break to oversee the process. But after a long day of closed-door meetings, a news conference scheduled for Monday was delayed for later in the week. Vice President-Elect Geraldo Alckmin is returning to Brasilia, where he is expected to announce additional members of the transition thats under his leadership. Lula needs to move fast to avoid any disruption to social aid payments. Outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro has boosted cash payments through his Auxilio Brasil program to 600 reais a month, but set aside money for only 400-real handouts in next years budget. An additional 50 billion reais ($10 billion) are needed to maintain the benefit at the current level. But Lula has also promised to boost cash transfers for poor families with children under age 6, exempt more people from income tax and increase the minimum wage to 1,320 reais, above the rate of inflation. In order to cover all of these pledges, hell need something between 160 billion to 200 billion reais in additional funds, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Anxiety about the size of Lulas spending plan, coupled with questions about who he will appoint as finance minister, weighed on local markets on Monday. The Brazilian real weakened 2% to 5.1621 per dollar, the worst performer among emerging market currencies. The benchmark Ibovespa stock index lost 2.4%. Story continues Breaching the Cap Any extra spending will require approval from congress as it will break the countrys main fiscal rule -- a constitutional cap that limits growth of public expenditures to the previous years inflation rate. While markets have already priced in that the cap will be breached, theres concern about government finances and how the proposals will be negotiated with congress. There are two main options on the table. The first is a constitutional amendment allowing the government to breach the cap. It would need to be approved in 2022, even before Lula takes office. The alternative would be for Lula to sign a provisional measure as soon as he takes office, allowing the treasury to issue an extraordinary credit thats not subject to the spending cap rule just to keep the current level of cash handouts. Other campaign promises would be negotiated later. Read More: Lula to Mix Old, New Allies to Solve Brazils Cabinet Puzzle A provisional measure would not require immediate congress approval, giving some time for Lula to negotiate with lawmakers. Eventually, the new government will have to negotiate with members of the so-called centrao, an ideologically fluid group of lawmakers who usually support the administration in exchange for funds for their projects. A constitutional amendment puts the lower house in charge, Senator Renan Calheiros, an ally of the president-elect, said in an interview. Calheiros, whos an adversary of lower house Speaker Arthur Lira, has been advising Lula to issue a provisional measure instead. Senator-elect Wellington Dias, Lulas point person in early negotiations with congress, said all alternatives are being discussed, although he favors a change to the constitution. Our priority is the constitutional amendment, he said in a text message on Saturday. But we also analyze other possibilities presented to us. Although negotiations are still ongoing, Lulas team is likely to choose a constitutional amendment proposal for the extra spending in 2023, according to Senator Marcelo Castro, rapporteur to the 2023 budget bill. According to him, the constitutional amendment is would give the new government more legal security. --With assistance from Barbara Nascimento and Maria Eloisa Capurro. (Recasts story with delay in announcement of the spending plan.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Ant and Dec addressed Olivia Attwoods sudden departure on Mondays (7 November) episode of Im a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! On Sunday (6 November), it was revealed that the Love Island alum was forced to withdraw from the reality show due to a medical matter. ITV confirmed the news to The Independent, stating that the former Love Island star left the series as a precautionary measure in order to undergo some medical checks. During the Monday episode, Dec told viewers: Unfortunately, Olivia Attwood has left the jungle for medical reasons and sadly won't be returning. Ant added: Now, she does feature in tonights show, which was filmed before she had to leave. Were very sad to see her go and we wish her well. The star took part in the first trial as a VIP before she had to leave. Ant and Dec and Olivia Attwood (ITV) In a statement, an ITV spokesperson said: Unfortunately, the medical team has advised it is not safe for Olivia to return to camp as there needs to be further investigation. She has been absolutely brilliant and shell be very much missed on the show. Specifities of her medical condition have not been shared and it is unknown if an additional celebrity will join the series as a replacement. Meanwhile, a statement shared on Attwoods Instagram page said the TV personality was heartbroken to be leaving the show early. She dreamed of doing Im A Celebrity for years, and was absolutely loving every second of the show and throwing herself into jungle life feet first (just as we knew she would), it read. However, for reasons beyond her control her journey has been cut short. Your support and kind words have meant the absolute world to her, now as much as it always has. Attwood was the first ever ex-Love Island contestant to appear on the series, which has returned to Australia after a two-year stint in Wales during the pandemic. The launch episode was watched by a peak of 10 million households. Read The Independents two-star review of the return of Im a Celebrity here, and live updates from the launch episode here. PARIS (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday urged the countrys most climate-damaging industries to double their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the next decade, one day after his call for action at the U.N. climate summit in Egypt. Macron convened a meeting Tuesday at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris with the heads of some 50 industrial sites in France, accounting for about 10% of France's total greenhouse gas emissions. He urged the 50 sites, owned by about 30 French and international groups, to cut by half their emissions within the next decade, from over 40 millions of tons of heat-trapping carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere to about 20 millions of tons. The industries include major producers of cement, steel, aluminum and other metals and chemicals. In exchange, the French state is ready to double its financial aid on condition another similar meeting in 2024 ensures the goal can be met, Macron said. If you double your efforts... we will double the financing dedicated to this issue and will increased the state aid package from 5 to 10 billion euros ($5 to $10 billion)," the French leader said. The move comes one day after Macron called on the worlds nations to continue to take action to respond to the climate emergency at the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. In total, industry represents about 20% of Frances national greenhouse gas emissions. Changes in the sector are key to meeting the goals set by the European Union to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Yet the transition toward new, greener technologies is costly. France and the European Union also want to avoid seeing big industries leave the continent and instead invest in other parts of the world, like the U.S. and China. The challenge is made even more difficult as these industries are already suffering from the major energy crisis aggravated by Russias war in Ukraine. Story continues U.S. President Joe Bidens administration this summer passed a bill that provides billions in climate incentives, notably designed to make costs of renewable energy substantially lower in factories. The move could spur other nations to do more especially China and India, the two largest carbon emitters along with the U.S. The U.S. are producing cheap gas that that they sell us for expensive price. And in addition, they made massive state aid for some sectors that fully throw our (European) projects out of the market, Macron said. He warned that the U.S. measures to address climate change and boost the economy, Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, could upend the level playing field on trade with the EU. He said that's contrary to the World Trade Organization rules and called it an unfriendly initiative. He added he will discuss the issue with Biden during his state visit to the U.S. on Dec. 1st. We need a European wake up on this issue. Europe can not be the only place where there's no Buy European Act," he said. China, which has set a long-term goal to become carbon neutral by 2060, last year launched its first national carbon exchange to create financial incentives for companies to reduce emissions. Among those represented in Tuesday's meeting were the French subsidiaries of the worlds biggest cement groups, Holcim owner of Lafarge France and HeidelbergCement. Top managers from chemicals producers Solvay, Borealis, ExxonMobil Chemical France and Total Petrochemicals France also attended, as well as global steel producer ArcelorMittal. Companies promoting solutions to reduce carbon emissions, like clean hydrogen and carbon sequestration, were also at the meeting. Macron has launched plans to accelerate the development of renewable energy in the country, including offshore wind farms and solar power, as France is lagging behind some of its European neighbors on that. He also announced earlier this year that France will build six new nuclear reactors as part of the countrys strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Frances nuclear power provides about 67% of French electricity, more than any other country. ___ Follow APs climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment (Bloomberg) -- Malaysia may get a new prime minister as next weeks elections will consist of multi-cornered fights for most of the 222 parliament seats, prompting political parties to shift alliances to form government. Most Read from Bloomberg While Ismail Sabri Yaakob is the prime minister candidate for the ruling United Malays National Organisation, he isnt a shoo-in as its unlikely that any party or coalition will have a clear majority to form the government after the Nov. 19 vote. This is set to prolong the political turmoil in this Southeast Asian country that has seen three changes in government and prime ministers in the past four years. Ismail faces competition from four other seasoned ethnic Malay politicians. All of them are either current or former members of UMNO, which governed Malaysia for more than six decades until voters booted it from power in 2018 due mainly to the 1MDB fund scandal that involved billions of dollars. The party returned to power in less than two years after the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan. Heres a look at the contenders who could form the next government: Ismail Sabri Yaakob, 62 Since taking over as prime minister in August last year, Ismail made some strides in stabilizing Malaysia politically, including signing an unprecedented confidence and supply agreement with the opposition and carrying legislative reforms to stop party-hopping among lawmakers. Still, Ismail has become the shortest-serving prime minister in Malaysia after he gave into pressure from factions within UMNO to call for snap elections. His influence within the party waned further after several key allies were dropped last week from the election race, pointing to a power struggle. Story continues Ismail, who started his political career in 1987, was the deputy prime minister in Muhyiddin Yassins short-lived administration and has held the defense, rural development and agriculture portfolios. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, 69 Going by convention, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would be UMNOs prime minister candidate given his position as its party president. However, the one-time deputy prime minister faces multiple corruption charges in court, leading him to openly back Ismail as BNs poster boy -- but not before he toyed with the possibility of naming other PM candidates. Since taking over UMNO as president after the 2018 elections, Zahid has tried to strengthen the party and orchestrated the collapse of the Muhyiddin Yassin administration by ordering party members to withdraw its support for the former premier. An ally of Najib Razak, Zahid urged party members to support a royal pardon for the disgraced former premier, who is now serving a 12-year prison sentence in connection to 1MDB. Once seen as an outcast for supporting Anwar Ibrahim during an UMNO power struggle in the 1990s, Zahid served as deputy prime minister and home minister in Najibs government. Although Zahid was acquitted in court for corruption involving foreign visas in September, the lawmaker faces another trial involving one of his foundations. Anwar Ibrahim, 75 Anwar Ibrahim is opposition Pakatan Harapans candidate, and the election may be his last chance to bag the top job that has eluded him for decades. A rising star in UMNO and a former deputy prime minister, Anwar was seen as Mahathir Mohamads successor in the 1990s before he was fired in the wake of the Asian financial crisis and jailed for committing sodomy and abuse of power -- charges he denied. He was convicted in 2014 on a subsequent sodomy charge and jailed again in 2015 when his appeal was denied. Anwars party joined forces with Mahathir to wrest power from UMNO in 2018 to form the government, leading to the opposition leaders pardon and release from jail. However, the alliance and the government unraveled in 2020 when Mahathir repeatedly delayed on his promise to step aside for Anwar to lead the country. The former finance minister made several bids to become premier in the wake of Mahathirs resignation, but was defeated by Muhyiddin and then Ismail due to lack of support from lawmakers. Mahathir Mohamad, 97 Malaysias senior statesman, Mahathir Mohamad, leads a third, pro-Malay coalition that has reached out to rival opposition parties on the possibility of working together to defeat UMNO in the coming election. To be sure, the two-time premier has declined to name himself as candidate for the top job, saying the matter would only be relevant should his party win the polls. Still, he remains influential by virtue of his experience and time in power -- first in UMNO and then in his own parties. During his first 22 years in office, Mahathir had an affinity for ambitious, mega-projects such as the worlds tallest office building at the time and Southeast Asias largest airport. In 2018, he led an election campaign that unseated the UMNO-led coalition, and helped bring dozens of criminal charges against Najib and Zahid. He resigned in 2020 after his party exited Pakatan Harapan. Muhyiddin Yassin, 75 Muhyiddin Yassins stint as Malaysias eighth prime minister was cut short when he lost the support of several UMNO lawmakers in August last year. But the cancer survivor has made it clear he wants another shot at the premiership. Muhyiddin was prime minister for 15 months during the height of the pandemic, having cobbled together a loose coalition with UMNO to succeed Mahathir in 2020. His time at the helm was rife with political instability due to razor-thin support in parliament, as well as economic uncertainty due to several lockdowns. He now leads a coalition of parties that have an on-again-off-again relationship with UMNO. Muhyiddin backed Ismail as the prime minister to succeed him in 2021, and in return was appointed to lead a government advisory body focusing on the economy. Ties have soured since then, with Muhyiddin saying Ismail failed to lead Malaysia to recovery. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. A fight over a woman took a strange turn when one man accidentally stabbed himself while repeatedly stabbing someone else, according to the Hernando County Sheriffs Office in Florida. How that happened isnt clear, but both men ended up in a hospital, according to a news release. The fight erupted around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, at a home on Fine Street in Weeki Wachee, about 55 miles north of Tampa, the sheriffs office says. Neither of the men live at the home, but bad timing saw them bumping into each other there, and they soon became engaged in an argument over a woman residing at the residence, the sheriffs office said. During the argument, (one) brandished a large knife and began stabbing the victim repeatedly. During the incident, (he) also accidentally stabbed himself, officials said. The victim was eventually able to flee the residence. Deputies found the 26-year-old suspect at a neighbors home, where he explained there was no ill intent when he stabbed the victim numerous times, officials said. He didnt want to kill the victim, but rather Put the fear of God in him, the sheriffs office said. The 24-year-old victim was taken to a trauma center and is expected to make a full recovery, officials said. The suspect was arrested after being released from a hospital and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, officials said. His bond was set at $25,000. Woman dressed like superhero among 2 charged with imprisoning minor, Florida cops say Dad dies trying to save his daughter from rip current off Florida beach, officials say Hiker in critical condition after stabbing on Florida National Scenic Trail, cops say South Florida Sun Sentinel Third of four parts. It was after midnight, and her father was asleep. Fifteen-year-old Sophie Reeder slipped out of her Fort Lauderdale home wearing a short black skirt, high-top sneakers, a leopard-print coat and headphones. Her hair was neatly twisted into side buns. She took nothing with her. In her bedroom, she left a stack of cash, a diary and a date mysteriously marked on her calendar. ... A Washington man placed calls to stores and restaurants around the United States and threatened to shoot Black customers inside, according to federal prosecutors. Joey David George, 37, pleaded guilty on Nov. 7 to making interstate threats, hate crime and interference with a federally protected activity, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Washington. On at least three occasions in July, George placed calls to grocery stores in Buffalo, New York, and threatened to shoot Black customers inside, prosecutors said. This was two months after a racially motivated mass shooting at Tops supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood of Buffalo left 10 people dead. When George placed the calls, he told store staff members to take him seriously and ordered them to leave the store because he was nearby and preparing to shoot all Black customers, the release says. During one of the calls, he told an employee that he was a really good shot and that he could pick off people from the parking lot, according to a criminal complaint. Attorneys representing George did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Authorities accused George of making threats in other states, as well. In May, authorities said he called a restaurant in San Bruno, California, about 10 miles south of San Francisco, and threatened to shoot Black or Hispanic patrons inside if the restaurant didnt close within 20 minutes, the complaint says. When investigators contacted him by phone, he gave a fake name and told them he wanted to strike fear into the Bay Areas Black community and that he thought Black people were sub-human, according to the complaint. He is accused of making other threats in 2021 to marijuana dispensaries in Washington and Maryland. On Sept. 11, 2021, he called a dispensary in Rockville, Maryland, about 40 miles southwest of Baltimore, used a racial slur and threatened to shoot Black people at the business, the complaint says. Story continues The dispensary temporarily closed and hired security, causing the business to lose more than $50,000, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. He also made a call to a Dennys restaurant in Enfield, Connecticut, about 20 miles north of Hartford, on Sept. 11, 2021, asked if any Black people were inside the restaurant and then threatened to throw a bomb through the window, the complaint says. George is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on Dec. 16. The charge of making interstate threats can carry a sentence of up to five years in prison, and interference with a federally protected activity can carry up to 10 years in prison, according to prosecutors. Im about to break your window. Georgia cop suspended after woman films traffic stop Driver tries to run Black dad off Florida road, says he wants to kill people, feds say Three officers say they endured racism working for Maryland State Police. Theyre suing Students at Jones College Preparatory High School can be seen through a window staging a sit-in on Nov. 7, 2022, after a student reportedly dressed in a German military uniform and goose-stepped across a stage during a costume contest on Halloween. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Jones College Prep students gathered for a sit-in Monday following controversy around a student who attended the school in a German military costume for Halloween and made gestures seen as antisemitic. The schools lack of response to the incident prompted the protest, where students called for change in the school culture, saying administration has failed to properly address long-standing discrimination issues. Students packed the schools lobby, with many others watching from the second floor. A few students held signs toward the windows facing the street, some of which read, You cant hide the truth and Can you hear us now? Advertisement The controversy led Chicago Public Schools on Friday to remove Principal Joseph Powers from principal duties, effective immediately, pending the results of an investigation into his response to the student. In an email to parents, Powers seemed to downplay the gestures, saying it certainly appears this was not the intent of the Halloween costume. [ Jones College Prep principal removed from duties over response to student dressed up in apparent Nazi uniform on Halloween ] In the CPS email announcing Powers removal, the districts CEO Pedro Martinez announced that Arthur Slater, a former CPS principal with extensive experience in the district, will serve as the administrator in charge. effective immediately. Advertisement The issue gained traction on social media last week after students shared posts condemning Powers response to the controversy. In a video shared on Twitter and TikTok, the student is shown on stage during a school costume contest, where he appears to goose-step, a marching step heavily associated with Nazi soldiers, and give a Nazi salute to a booing crowd. The video on Twitter has since gained over 450,000 views. In a photo attached to the post, Powers stands next to the student in the costume. The student behind the viral Twitter thread, Alex, whose father asked that only his sons first name be used, said he heard about the costume from friends the day after Halloween and began asking classmates. From there, Alex said he decided to take action. I decided to go around asking as many people as I could, people that shared classes with him, Alex said. People were sending me screenshots from Instagram, Snapchat, and I decided to take to Twitter because I was like, I need to do something about this because we just cant let this behavior continue. Students at Jones College Preparatory High School stage a sit-in protest inside the school on Nov. 7, 2022. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) Last week, the Chicago Teachers Union called for Powers removal and students planned to stage a walkout. In an email to students and parents, Martinez acknowledged the plans of a student protest, stating CPS security and staff would be present and that students who did not return after the walkout would receive an unexcused absence. The initial plan was a walkout, but student Jaheim Jonson, one of the organizers, said that after examining the schools code of conduct, they felt the sit-in would better protect students from risking strikes on their record. Although Powers has been stripped of his duties, Johnson, a member of the schools student-led Black Coalition, felt it was important to still take a stand. For this high school senior, the students response was a long time coming, he said. Its just a cumulative buildup of every single incident of racial and ethnic misconduct and discrimination reported to admin, and they choose to ignore our concerns, Johnson said. Advertisement Gabriel Willis, a senior at Jones, said his sibling, who graduated seven years ago, witnessed the same inaction toward racist behavior. Shes seen similar things throughout the years, Willis said. Were seven, eight years, down the line, and its still happening. Something has to change. Johnson said the student protest was planned in just several days, largely organized by the Black Coalition and another student group, Jewish Student Connection. Seeing the efforts come to fruition, and with a large turnout, was a proud moment, he said. Were proud to be standing up for something that we believe in is right, Johnson said. Its not easy planning something of this magnitude in the short time we were allowed to do it, but we took care of it and showed up. Johnson said he believes the school didnt expect such a large student showing. I think they thought that we were going to fail, Johnson said. I dont think they were expecting it to be this magnitude. But we were going to follow through with our actions. Advertisement Johnson said that Slater initiated a conversation with students. He appreciated the outreach, but he said he left the conversation feeling skeptical that new leadership will lead to meaningful reform. It sounded good, but its nothing we havent heard from the incompetent administration before, Johnson said. For Alex, taking part in the sit-in felt right, especially after helping to bring awareness of the incident. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. > Its so good to see that everyone wants to come together to do the right thing, Alex said. The unity is inspiring. Alex and classmate, Olivia Pinsof-Berlowitz, said the issue is bigger than any individual, including former principal Powers, emphasizing that the schools culture has enabled racism and other discrimination. Theres still certain members of staff, administration, who need to be held accountable, Alex said. Theres a lot of work to be done to make change, just preventing racist behavior in general. Advertisement Pinsof-Berlowitz, a sophomore at Jones, echoed the sentiment. I couldnt say that it was just the principal, Pinsof-Berlowitz said. I think in some ways, the elite culture of selective enrollment can create some problems. The students said some teachers have started conversations about the costume incident and encouraged students to share their perspectives. However, Pinsof-Berlowitz said there is still a lingering fear that incidents like this could happen again, which makes the students continued solidarity all the more important. They, unfortunately, havent had this quick response in the past, Pinsof-Berlowitz said. When its antisemitism, theres action about that. Theres been so many incidents of racism in the past that have gone unaddressed. I think everybody wants to make it really clear that we will not let this happen again. Courteney Cox as Monica, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel, and Matthew Perry as Chandler on season eight, episode 15 of "Friends." Warner Bros. Television/Getty Images Matthew Perry said he "begged" the "Friends" producers to let him stop speaking like Chandler. Perry said that Chandler's odd cadence had become "so played out" over the course of the show. "I just went back to saying lines normally, for the most part in season six and then beyond." Matthew Perry said that he pleaded with the producers of "Friends" so he could stop speaking in his character Chandler Bing's iconic cadence. Perry reflected on his time playing the character on the sitcom, which ran on NBC for 10 seasons between 1994 and 2004, in his new memoir released on November 1, titled "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing." Near the end of the book, the actor recalled the myriad memories that overtook him on January 23, 2004, when the cast wrapped filming of the series. Perry said that he walked around stage 24 at Warner Bros. in Burbank, California, where they filmed the show, and "sat in the lot for a moment and thought about the previous 10 years." Perry said he reflected on how he got the role of Chandler, his time in rehab between seasons eight and nine, and how his character moved past his signature cadence on "Friends." "I thought about how I'd had to beg the producers to let me no longer speak like Chandler for the final few seasons (not to mention getting rid of those sweater vests)," he wrote. "That particular cadence could it be more annoying? had been so played out that if I had to put the emphasis in the wrong place one more time, I thought I'd explode, so I just went back to saying lines normally, for the most part in season six and then beyond." Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing on season 10, episode eight of "Friends." NBC In his memoir, Perry revealed the origin of Chandler's unique way of putting emphasis on unexpected words which he called the "Murray-Perry Cadence." The "17 Again" star said that he and his friends, two brothers named Chris and Brian Murray, developed that way of speaking in the third grade. "I don't think it's an exaggeration to suggest that Chandler Bing transformed the way America spoke," Perry said. "For the record: that transformation came directly from Matthew Perry, Chris Murray, and Brian Murray fucking around in Canada in the 1980s," he added. "Only I got rich off of it, though. Fortunately, Chris and Brian have never busted me for that and are still my dear, hilarious friends." Read the original article on Insider Hello and welcome back to Max Q. TC's in-person Space event is almost upon us. Will you be there? Learn more about the event here. In this issue: Rocket Lab's helicopter catch attempt ends in ocean splashdown ispace wants to stake its claim to the moon News from the FCC, Constellr and more Rocket Lab's second attempt to catch a rocket booster mid-air using a helicopter was aborted, though it's unclear at the time of writing what exactly went wrong. Rocket Lab aims to recover its rocket boosters using a parachute and a helicopter -- a bit different than SpaceX, whose boosters return to Earth by vertically landing on a pad. Instead, Rocket Lab's technique is to equip the booster with a parachute to slow its descent, and keep a helicopter waiting nearby to snag it out of midair. From there, the plan is for the helicopter to carry the booster straight back to the company's production complex. But alas, we did not see a catch after this launch. Here's what we know: After a nominal launch and payload deployment, the company's Sikorsky S-92 helicopter did not make the catch attempt. Instead, the company recovered the booster from the ocean after it splashed down. We'll be looking out for more information on what went wrong in the days ahead. Tokyo-based startup ispaces lunar ambitions will soon be put to the test, as the company gears up for its first launch at the end of this month. The startup will attempt to send its Hakuto-R lander to the moons surface, kicking off an ambitious lunar exploration program of the same name. Founded in 2010, ispace is one of many emerging companies that want to foster new markets on and around the moon; on its website, it describes its goal as becoming a gateway for private sector companies to bring their business to the moon. Being the middle- and last-mile delivery partner of the moon could prove to be lucrative, given the intensifying interest from both government space agencies and private companies in lunar exploration. But theres more than far-off revenues at stake in this first launch; recent reporting suggested that ispace is preparing to list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange as early as this fiscal year. Story continues While the company was previously targeting a launch window of November 9-15, ispace said Monday it was now aiming to launch no earlier than November 22. The new date was chosen in careful coordination with launch partner SpaceX, the startup said in a statement. Indeed, ispace founder and CEO Takeshi Hakamada confirmed that the lander had arrived in Cape Canaveral, Florida, via cargo plane in advance of launch. ispace m1 hakuto-r lander The ispace M1 Hakuto-R lander. Image Credits: ispace More news from TC and beyond Arkisys is launching a new program called "Embark" for on-orbit payload services for SBIR and STTR Phase I entrants. (Arkisys) Blue Origin delivered its set of two BE-4 rocket engines to United Launch Alliance, which will be used on ULA's heavy-lift Vulcan Centaur rocket as early as next year. (Blue Origin) China is releasing things into orbit using spaceplanes, and we don't know what they are! (SpaceNews) China launched the third and final module for its Tiangong Space Station, and the rocket booster that carried it to orbit began its uncontrolled reentry back to Earth. (The New York Times/USSC) Constellr raised $10 million in seed funding for its space-based water monitoring system. (TechCrunch) Exotrail , a company developing last-mile satellite transportation, signed a launch services agreement with German launch startup Isar Aerospace. (Payload) Firefly Aerospace is seeking to raise up to $300 million in private funding at an undisclosed valuation. (Reuters) NASA's Space Launch System rocket was rolled back out to the launch pad in advance of the next launch attempt on November 14. (CNN) NASA's Psyche mission was delayed and an independent review board was assembled to investigate why. The report is back, and it's not good: The review board identified multiple staffing issues at the agency's Jet Propulsion Lab, including burnout and a lack of technical expertise in key positions. (NASA) Orbex , a small rocket startup based in Scotland, will oversee construction of the first spaceport for vertical rocket launches on the U.K. mainland. (Orbex) Rocket Lab was contracted by Inmarsat to develop and manufacture an L-band radio for NASA; it also delivered the final solar panels to Maxar that will end up on the space agency's lunar Gateway orbital platform. (Rocket Lab/Rocket Lab) Sierra Space and Blue Origin will be participating in Japan Aerospace Exploration Agencys feasibility study exploring g opportunities for Japan to participate in commercializing low Earth orbit. (Baker McKenzie) SpaceX is tentatively targeting early December for Starship's first test flight, a NASA official said. The company is also now building seven Raptor 2 rocket engines a week. (!) (Ars Technica) SpaceX launched a Falcon Heavy for the fourth time ever in a mission for the United States Space Force. The double booster landing made more than a few jaws drop. (TechCrunch) Spire won a DARPA contract for a preliminary design of a satellite that would carry sensors to measure the ionosphere. (Spire) Terran Orbital landed an additional $100 million investment from Lockheed Martin, and announced it built its massive spacecraft manufacturing facility in California, rather than Florida as originally announced. (TechCrunch) The U.S. Federal Communications Division will undergo a major organizational shakeup in response to the explosion of activity in commercial space by establishing a Space Bureau to separate satellite policy issues from the overall "International Bureau," FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said. (FCC) Virgin Galactic released its quarterly financial report and released details on how it plans to kickstart its space tourism service. (Space) Wyvern, a startup building satellites that capture hyperspectral imagery using telescopes that unfold in space, has raised $7 million in a seed plus round. (Wyvern) Photo of the week Blue Origin's BE-4 rocket engine Blue Origin's BE-4 rocket engine. Image Credits: Blue Origin Max Q is brought to you by me, Aria Alamalhodaei. If you enjoy reading Max Q, consider forwarding it to a friend. Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis could be Republican opponents in the coming presidential race The path to the 2024 US presidential election begins almost as soon as midterm elections end - and several candidates are already waiting in the wings. Former president Donald Trump has announced he will run for the party's nominating contest, vowing to "make America great and glorious again". But while he remains popular with Republican voters, an underwhelming midterm performance, due in part to losses for Trump-endorsed candidates, has left him more vulnerable. The ex-president, who will be 78 in two years, is likely to face a stiff challenge from a coterie of Republican hopefuls, including some who once backed him. Ron DeSantis Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has worked hard to emulate Mr Trump, and is establishing himself as the candidate most likely to supplant him at this early stage. In Tuesday's midterm elections, he romped to re-election by more than 1.5 million votes, the largest margin in the state in more than four decades. At 44 years old, the Harvard and Yale-educated lawyer is still a relative newcomer in US politics. He once served in the US Navy, including a tour in Iraq. He was also a little-known member of the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018. But Mr DeSantis has seen his star rise considerably since he became governor in 2019, a role in which he positions himself as an enthusiastic champion of conservativism. He eschewed mask and vaccine mandates during the Covid pandemic, signed anti-riot laws in the wake of racial justice protests, and backed legislation to limit LGBT education in primary schools. Under his tenure, Republican voters outnumber Democrats in the state for the first time. Mr Trump appears to be paying very close attention, recently nicknaming his rival "Ron DeSanctimonious" and threatening to release unflattering details about him if he runs in 2024. Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks at a campaign event for Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Mike Pence For four years, Mike Pence was a loyal deputy to Mr Trump as his vice-president - until last year's Capitol riot splintered their relationship. Story continues The son of a Korean War veteran, Mr Pence began his career in conservative politics as a talk radio host. He was elected to the House in 2000 and served until 2013, describing himself as a "principled conservative" and aligning with the Tea Party movement. He also served as governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017. In that role, he passed the largest tax cut in state history, and signed bills to restrict abortion and protect religious freedom. Mr Pence, 63, is a born-again evangelical Christian and his addition to the 2016 presidential ticket is credited with helping turn out evangelicals, a crucial voting bloc, for Mr Trump. Calm and soft-spoken, he was seen as an effective surrogate to the bomb-throwing Donald. But Mr Trump turned on him for lacking "courage" after he refused to help overturn the 2020 election results. Pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol in January 2021 and were heard chanting "Hang Mike Pence!". At one point, they were reportedly within 40ft (12m) of the vice-president. The two have kept their distance since then, with Mr Pence endorsing several Republican candidates this year, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, whose opponent Mr Trump backed. But Mr Pence has never directly criticised his old boss. Liz Cheney campaigns with Democratic Representative Elissa Slotkin at an Evening for Patriotism and Bipartisanship event Liz Cheney The daughter of former vice-president Dick Cheney was once a rising star in the Republican Party, serving as its third-highest ranking member in the House from 2019 to 2021. A fiscal and social conservative with interventionist foreign policy views, she won her father's old seat in 2017, going on to represent Wyoming in Congress, and voted in lockstep with the Trump administration. But she fell out of favour with Republicans after repeatedly criticising Mr Trump and then voting to impeach him for his role in the 6 January Capitol riots. She was dumped from her leadership post, formally reprimanded and is no longer recognised by the Wyoming Republican Party. Ms Cheney, 56, went on to become one of only two Republicans on the congressional committee investigating the Capitol riots. As vice-chair, she has led the charge to hold Mr Trump and others accountable. The role cost her her job this August, with the former president endorsing an opponent who thrashed her by a near-40% margin in the Wyoming primary race. But Ms Cheney still considers herself a Republican, vowing to do whatever she must "to help restore our party". Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivers remarks at the Hudson Institute on October 11, 2022 Mike Pompeo As a congressman from Kansas, Mike Pompeo issued a stark warning in 2016 that Mr Trump would be "an authoritarian president who ignored our Constitution". An Army veteran who graduated first in his class from the prestigious West Point military academy, he served in the House between 2011 and 2017. The Harvard-educated lawyer would go on to serve as CIA director and secretary of state in the Trump administration. He played a role in major US foreign policy overtures, from helping plan Mr Trump's summits with North Korea's Kim Jong-un to helping overturn decades of US policy toward Israel. But he also courted controversy, including clashes with reporters and at least two ethics investigations. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin gives the inaugural address on the steps of the State Capitol on January 15, 2022 Glenn Youngkin Glenn Youngkin thrilled the Republican Party when he won the governor's race in Virginia last year. A political novice who spent 25 years at the Carlyle Group private equity firm, he beat a man who had been in Democratic politics since the 1980s. In a state that has trended toward Democrats in recent years, Mr Youngkin criticised partisan politics as "too toxic" and campaigned on a tone of bipartisanship. But the 55-year-old has waded into hot-button topics since his first day in charge, from revoking the state's Covid-19 restrictions to banning the teaching of critical race theory in schools. He has supported Republicans around the country in this election. At a campaign stop last month, he drew criticism for making light of the violent assault of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband and later apologised. Nikki Haley greets supporters after an event with Republican Pennsylvania Senate nominee Dr Mehmet Oz on October 26, 2022 Nikki Haley Once considered one of the Republican Party's brightest young prospects, Nikki Haley has seen her star dim considerably in recent years. Born in South Carolina to Punjabi Sikh immigrants, Ms Haley became the youngest governor in the country in 2009. She earned national attention in 2015 after calling for the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Capitol. Despite saying she was "not a fan" of Mr Trump in 2016, she later accepted his nomination to be the US ambassador to the United Nations, a tenure marked by her dramatic exit from a UN Security Council meeting as a Palestinian envoy was speaking. Ms Haley, 50, has waffled on whether she still supports Mr Trump, and has drawn many critics in the process. Mr Trump reportedly refused to even meet with her last year. US Sen. Rick Scott speaks on the economy during a news conference at the US Capitol Rick Scott Rick Scott, a 69-year-old lawmaker from Florida, was tasked with helping Republicans win back the Senate this year. It remains unclear if Mr Scott succeeded in his goal, but in the key campaign role, he backed and raised money for candidates all around the country - ingratiating himself to potential supporters. A former two-term Florida governor, he has been under fire from Democrats recently after proposing major reductions in the size of the federal government. Others who could run Tim Scott: The 57-year-old from South Carolina is the first African-American politician to serve in both chambers of Congress and is the first black Republican Senator since 1979. Ted Cruz: The senator from Texas, 51, made a strong showing in the Republican primary for the 2016 presidential election before placing second behind Mr Trump. Larry Hogan: A skin cancer survivor, the moderate 66-year-old Republican has served as governor of Maryland - a Democrat-friendly state - since 2015. Greg Abbott: The first Texas governor to use a wheelchair, Mr Abbott, 64, has championed conservative policies since his election in 2014. Kristi Noem: South Dakota's first female governor garnered national attention with her opposition to Covid restrictions and has been eager to wade into national conversations. 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 Brad Brooks HOBBS, New Mexico (Reuters) -A New Mexico town near the Texas border on Monday unanimously passed an ordinance designed to ban abortions, despite the procedure being legal in the state. The so-called "sanctuary city for the unborn" ordinance blocks abortion clinics from operating and its passage by the Hobbs city commission marks a first for a town in a state controlled by the Democratic Party, according to anti-abortion advocates. Hobbs does not have an abortion clinic, but could be a place for such a clinic that could serve people from Republican-controlled Texas, to the east. Whole Woman's Health, one of the largest providers of abortions in the United States, has told Reuters it was interested in opening a clinic in Hobbs or nearby Clovis. Texas was one of the first states to impose a near-total ban on abortion and providers could face up to life in prison there. The all-male Hobbs city commission voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance after hearing from several speakers on both sides of the issue. The crowd of about 150 people packed into the commission chambers was overwhelmingly anti-abortion and erupted into shouting, hugging and crying in celebration when the ordinance was approved. "This is just heaven! We're leading the way and maybe, eventually, we can turn this state around," said Jan Auld, vice-president of the Right to Life group of Lea County, which includes Hobbs, moments after the vote. "God is in control, and he showed up tonight." New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham told Reuters in a written statement that the ordinance had been "authored by out-of-state extremists" and that it is "a clear affront to the rights and personal autonomy of every woman in Hobbs and southeastern New Mexico, and we will not stand for it." "Reproductive health care is legal and protected in every corner of our state," Grisham wrote. "Providers delivering health care have every right to establish a practice, and all women have the right to access medication abortion services, no matter where in New Mexico they call home." Another New Mexico city, Clovis, last week indefinitely postponed a similar ordinance, with city commissioners there saying they felt it was too rushed. Story continues An East Texas anti-abortion group trying to get a foothold in New Mexico and pastors in Clovis said the Clovis politicians faced political pressure from state-level Republicans who feared a backlash ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. Both Clovis and Hobbs are located in conservative eastern New Mexico. Clovis also does not currently have an abortion clinic. Both are considered test cases for how anti-abortion activists will operate in "blue," or Democratic-controlled, states where abortion remains legal after the Supreme Court in June struck down federal abortion protections in Roe v. Wade. Mark Lee Dickson, the head of the Right to Life of East Texas and the architect of the "sanctuary city" movement that has seen over 50 cities adopt anti-abortion measures in Texas and other conservative states, hopes to replicate the success elsewhere in New Mexico and in other blue Democratic states where abortion remained legal. "There are people all over the United States that are wanting to see their cities take steps to protect the health and welfare of unborn children, and I believe that this can be the path forward for every single state in America," Dickson said after the vote. While Whole Woman's Health has been interested in opening a clinic in Hobbs or Clovis to serve women coming from Texas into New Mexico seeking the procedure, the towns' embrace of the "sanctuary city for the unborn" movement is now giving the provider pause. (Reporting by Brad Brooks in Hobbs, New Mexico; Editing by Donna Bryson and Edwina Gibbs) Michigan election workers pre-sort ballots ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections at Huntington Place on November 6, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey said she anticipates approximately a 30% turnout in Detroit, down from the 41% turnout that Detroit had in the 2018 election. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images A Michigan judge has thrown out a GOP lawsuit aimed at blocking mail-in ballots. The lawsuit was filed by Kristina Karamo, a Republican candidate for secretary of state. Karamo failed to show that Detroit's absentee voting system violates the law, the judge said. A Michigan judge has tossed a Republican lawsuit that sought to force absentee voters in Detroit to recast their ballots in person, arguing it would "disenfranchise tens of thousands of eligible voters." The lawsuit, filed last month by Kristina Karamo, the GOP candidate for secretary of state, had argued that Detroit's absentee voter system violated state law, citing purported issues with signature verification and ballot drop boxes, local news outlet Bridge Michigan reported. She sought an injunction that would have required those who already voted by mail to do so again at a local polling station. Karamo was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who at the time encouraged her to "check out the fake election results that took place in the city of Detroit," CNBC reported. But in a ruling on Monday, Judge Timothy Kenny noting that some 60,000 people had already cast their vote wrote that plaintiffs had failed to present "any shred of evidence" concerning the potential for fraud that would justify a last-minute injunction. Trump and his supporters have vilified Detroit since the 2020 election, falsely claiming that the city was the site of mass voter fraud facilitated by absentee voting and drop boxes, a narrative debunked by a state-level, Republican-led investigation last year. As with previous claims about voter fraud, the lawsuit over Detroit's absentee voting measures fell apart in court. "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, and the 1,200 volunteers working the election," the judge wrote, per CNN's Daniel Dale. "These claims are unjustified, devoid of any evidentiary basis and cannot be allowed to stand." Story continues On Twitter, Karamo accused the judge of failing to hear evidence concerning past elections and, without elaborating, of making "false accusations" against her legal team. Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com Read the original article on Business Insider The $68.7 billion gaming mega-merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard is facing in-depth competition scrutiny in the European Union. EU regulators had been taking a preliminary look at the proposed deal, after the transaction was notified to the bloc's regulators at the end of September. But today the Commission confirmed it will open a deeper probe -- following in the footsteps of the U.K.'s antitrust authority which announced its own in-depth investigation back in September. In a statement today, the Commission said it's concerned the proposed acquisition could reduce competition in the markets for the distribution of console and PC video games and also for PC operating systems -- with the risk of driving up prices and reducing quality and innovation for consumers. "The Commission's preliminary investigation shows that the transaction may significantly reduce competition on the markets for the distribution of console and PC video games, including multi-game subscription services and/or cloud game streaming services, and for PC operating systems," it wrote. "The preliminary investigation suggests that Microsoft may have the ability, as well as a potential economic incentive, to engage in foreclosure strategies vis-a-vis Microsoft's rival distributors of console video games, such as preventing these companies from distributing Activision Blizzard's console video games on consoles or degrading the terms and conditions for their use of or access to these video games." "When it comes to multi-game subscription services and/or cloud game streaming services in particular, the Commission is concerned that, by acquiring Activision Blizzard, Microsoft may foreclose access, to the detriment of its rival distributors of console and PC video games that offer such services, to its own PC and console video games, which are key for the provision of the nascent services of multi-game subscription and cloud game streaming," it added, noting that it is particularly concerned of the risk of foreclosure affecting "high-profile and highly successful games" (so-called AAA' titles) -- such as Activision Blizzard's Call of Duty franchise. Story continues As regards PC operating systems -- an area where Microsoft's Windows platform dominates -- the Commission has concerns that the deal could reduce competition on the PC OS market by reducing the ability of rival providers to compete with Windows if Activision Blizzard's games get combined with Microsoft's distribution of games via cloud game streaming to Windows. "This would discourage users to buy non-Windows PCs," it suggested, adding: "The preliminary investigation suggests that Microsoft may have the ability, as well as a potential economic incentive, to engage in such conduct vis-a-vis rival providers of PC operating systems." Commenting in a statement, Margrethe Vestager, Commission EVP in charge of competition policy, added: Video games attract billions of users all over the world and are among the fastest growing forms of digital entertainment. For years, Microsoft has been a major player across the gaming supply chain. It is acquiring Activision Blizzard, a highly successful producer of gaming content. We must ensure that opportunities remain for future and existing distributors of PC and console video games, as well as for rival suppliers of PC operating systems. The point is to ensure that the gaming ecosystem remains vibrant to the benefit of users in a sector that is evolving at a fast pace. Our in-depth investigation will assess how the deal affects the gaming supply chain. The Commission now has 90 working days -- until March 23, 2023 -- to take a decision on whether to clear or block the acquisition. Alternatively, the EU could agree to a conditional approval by accepting commitments from the parties which have the opportunity to propose and negotiate remedies to address competition concerns during the merger review process. Such a conditional approval might include an agreement to sell part of the combined business or licence technologies to other market players, for example. Microsoft has previously said it is committed to working with international competition regulators to allay concerns -- but it remains to be seen what the pair might propose to get the deal waived through. Given the scale of the mega-merger some form of conditional clearance seems the most likely outcome for Microsoft-Activision in the region -- although the Commission's PR contains its standard disclaimer that "the opening of an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation". Suspected subway shooter Frank James says he cant get a fair trial in New York City so hes trying to get his case moved to Chicago. James lawyers are arguing that the non-stop media coverage of the crime and Mayor Adams press conference where he repeatedly proclaimed, We got him, makes it impossible for their client to find impartial jurors. Advertisement His Federal Defenders legal team has even conducted a phone poll calling 400 eligible jurors in the Brooklyn Federal Court jurisdiction, and another 400 in Chicago. Local media has repeatedly characterized Mr. James as a terrorist, a maniac, a raving madman and an unhinged nihilist obsessed with killing and hatred, none of which will be admissible, his lawyers, Mia Eisner-Grynberg and Amanda David, wrote in court papers. Advertisement The filing was part of a flurry of motions filed before Judge William Kuntz Monday, including an attempt to have the federal charges tossed, arguing that the federal terrorism law limits its reach to acts committed on specified property used to support the operation of the subways, which does not include subway cars themselves. His lawyers are also asking for any witness IDs to be suppressed, as well as his statements to police, which they say were made despite his repeated requests for counsel. James is accused of boarding a rush-hour train on April 12, setting off a smoke bomb and firing a gun several times as it approached the 36th St. station in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Ten passengers were shot. All of them survived. James is charged with committing a terrorist attack on a mass transit system and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and faces a trial starting Feb. 27, 2023. Mr. Frank James cannot receive a fair trial in the Eastern District of New York, James lawyers argued in their filing. Prospective jurors in the Eastern District of New York have significantly prejudged Mr. Jamess guilt, admit that they will vote guilty if serving on his jury without having heard a single witness, and are decidedly more hostile toward him than prospective jurors in a demographically comparable district. His lawyers argued that the mayors We got him press conference was viewed online 4.7 million times. And a day after the shooting, emergency alarms rang on every New Yorkers smartphone, altering millions of people: WANTED FOR BROOKLYN SUBWAY SHOOTING: FRANK JAMES, BLACK MALE, 62 YEARS OLD, the defense attorneys wrote. Advertisement Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. > Here, New York government officials drafted the entire potential jury pool of the Eastern District of New York into service as citizen-investigators in their hunt for Frank James, and then assured them we got the right perpetrator: Mr. James, his lawyers continued. The 239-page change of venue filing is includes dozens of news articles about the attack, and nearly 100 pages of results from its telephone poll, conducted by the D.C.-based Select Litigation. Roughly 69 % of the people polled in the Eastern District of New York which includes Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island said they were aware of the Sunset Park shooting, and a majority, 57 %, already believe Frank James is guilty, according to the poll results. By comparison, in Chicago, it was 38 %. The Northern District of Illinois, which includes Chicago, is demographically similar to New Yorks Eastern District, the defense lawyers said. When they asked the New York jury pool about what they remembered about the incident, the pollsters got replies like, He was mad at the world, He killed the innocent people and he killed 30 people on the train last April. A few responded in racial terms, like, He shot multiple unarmed non-Blacks on the subway, and I do recall a story of Frank James opening gunfire on a busy NYC subway station. But I just assumed he would get the typical NYC slap on the wrist and free to go if youre a person of color. Advertisement John Marzulli, a spokesman for Eastern District of New York U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, declined to comment Tuesday. Massachusetts State Police identified the woman killed in a deadly crash involving a Medford man who was wanted by police. Lori Ann Medeiros, 54, of Middleborough was fatally struck in her car Monday afternoon in Taunton just moments after the suspect took off from an attempted stop by police for an ongoing investigation, police said. According to an MSP spokesperson, members of the State Police narcotics task force attempted to stop Hector Bannister-Sanchez, 34, while the man was driving a 2017 Toyota Highlander in Middleborough. Bannister-Sanchez, who state police say was the target of an ongoing investigation, drove away from the attempted stop at a high rate of speed. The task force members did not engage in a pursuit. Several moments later, the suspects vehicle crashed into another vehicle on Kingman Road in Taunton, killing Medeiros who was inside her vehicle. Bannister-Sanchez attempted to flee the scene on foot but was detained by a bystander and an MSP trooper. The Medford man was transported to Morton Hospital to be treated for potential injuries and was released into police care. Police said Bannister-Sanchez was arraigned Tuesday morning in Taunton District Court on motor vehicle homicide and manslaughter charges. The judge ordered Bannister-Sanchezs bail on a pending drug trafficking case to be revoked, meaning he will be held without bail for 90 days. According to the DAs office, this time on Monday Bannister-Sanchez was out on bail for a Bristol County Superior Court Case out of Raynham where he is charged with trafficking a class a drug, possession with intent to distribute. The judge also temporarily held Bannister-Sanchez without bail on these new charges until the defendant hires his own defense attorney, at which point further bail arguments can be made by the defendant. He will be back in court on December 8th. The incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Welcome to the Fox News Entertainment Newsletter. To receive this newsletter in your email, subscribe here. SHE IS AGAINST HIM - Kid Rock blasts Oprah as a 'fraud' after she endorses Fetterman over Oz in Pennsylvania Senate race. 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Continue reading here TORRENTS OF PROFANITY - King Charles III exploded over Trump criticism of 2012 Kate Middleton scandal: book. Continue reading here FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter Rapper Takeoff of the trio Migos died Nov. 1 in a shooting outside a Houston bowling alley. (Amy Harris / Invision / Associated Press) Migos rapper Takeoff will be laid to rest in his hometown of Atlanta more than a week after he was killed in a shooting at a Houston bowling alley. WSB-TV Atlanta 2 reported Monday that the funeral for the slain rapper will be held at the State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta this Friday. Pastor Jesse Curney III, of the New Mercies Christian Church in Lilburn, told the outlet that he will deliver the eulogy. The funeral service is reportedly scheduled for 1 p.m., but it is unclear whether it will be open to the public. An arena employee did not share details about the service when contacted by The Times on Monday. "I was really sad to hear the news," Curney said Monday in a statement to TMZ. Takeoff, whose real name was Kirshnik Khari Ball, died Nov. 1 in a shooting that broke out after a private party at 810 Billiards & Bowling. He was 28. According to the Houston Police Department, officers responded to the shooting shortly after 2:30 a.m. and one man was found dead. Two other people were hospitalized with nonfatal injuries. TMZ reported that Takeoff and his Migos collaborator Quavo were playing dice at the party when an altercation broke out and someone opened fire. During a press briefing last week, Houston police Chief Troy Finner said he believed two firearms were used at the shooting and that the shooter or shooters were present at the party and in their 20s. Finner added that he and his team had no reason to believe that Takeoff was involved in anything criminal at the time of the shooting. Houston police have not identified any suspects or announced any arrests. In a preliminary report, the Harris County medical examiner ruled the rapper's death a homicide. He died of "penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into arm," said the report, which is not yet completed. Takeoff, along with his uncle Quavo and cousin Offset, hailed from the Lawrenceville suburb of Atlanta. Together, they made up the rap trio Migos, known for hits including "Stir Fry," "Bad and Boujee" and "Walk It Talk It." Story continues Fellow musicians celebrated Takeoff on social media following news of his death. Among those paying tribute were Kid Cudi, Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey and Teyana Taylor. Also paying respects to the slain rapper was Drake, who said on Instagram that he has "the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch." On Monday, the "Honestly, Nevermind" rapper announced he had rescheduled his Friday show at New York City's Apollo Theater so he could attend Takeoff's funeral. He will now perform at the historic Harlem venue on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7. "The Apollo show has been moved to all us to pay respect to our dear friend this weekend," he wrote on his Instagram story. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. the Russian Moskva missile cruiser Read also: Russia admits sailor conscripts death in sinking of flagship Moskva Mikhail T. (name changed) was a cook on the cruiser, and went to military service less than a year ago. Read also: Russia refuses to recognize death of 27 crew members of sunken cruiser Moskva, says Ukrainian intelligence His mother has been trying to get any information about her son from the authorities for the past six months, as the Ministry of Defense has not officially declared the sailor dead. According to Fontanka, Mikhails friends who to find out about his fate, and contacted those who survived the cruisers sinking. According to them, some time before the explosion, he went to a warehouse to get food, and no one saw him after that. Ukraines Armed Forces struck the Moskva missile cruiser, the flagship of Russias Black Sea Fleet at the time, with two Neptun anti-ship missiles on April 13. The cruiser sank as a result of damages sustained from the missile strike. Read also: Russian authorities threaten to deny compensation for relatives of Moskva sailors, says Ukrainian intelligence Russia initially attempted to downplay the attack, stating that a fire had broken out and the ship was returning to port. However, by the evening of April 14, the Russian Defense Ministry admitted that the Moskva had sunk. Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, said the Moskva had a crew of 510 individuals, and only 58 were rescued. According to Ukrainian intelligence, families of sailors from the Moskva cruiser are being forced to keep silent about their dead relatives under the threat of non-payment of compensation. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Getty Images; Insider Missouri voted to pass Amendment 3 and legalize the use of marijuana. Proponents said the measure would be a step forward for criminal justice reform. Opponents said the measure is "a disaster." The use of recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21 is now legal in Missouri after over half of voters said "yes" on Amendment 3. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds Ballot measure details Amendment 3, the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, legalizes personal marijuana use for adults over the age of 21 and also permits those who are incarcerated for non-violent marijuana-related offenses to petition for release, parole, and record expungement. The measure also establishes a 6% sales tax for marijuana. The use of medical marijuana was legalized in the state in 2018. Support and opposition Legal Missouri 2022 sponsored the measure. Several groups supported it, including the ACLU of Missouri, Empower Missouri, Missouri AFL-CIO, Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, MoCannTrade, NAACP St. Louis City, NORML KC, and Reale Justice Network, according to Ballotpedia. "Missouri shouldn't legalize marijuana without automatically expunging thousands of criminal records for marijuana offenses that will soon be legal," John Bowman, president of the St. Louis County NAACP, told the Missouri Times. "We enthusiastically support this ballot initiative, which will be the single largest criminal justice reform undertaken in Missouri and long overdue." Save Our State PAC sponsored the measure's opposition. Gov. Mike Parson, State Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove, Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Missouri Catholic Conference, Missouri Constitutional Conservatives PAC, and Missouri NAACP all opposed the measure, according to Ballotpedia. Parson called the ballot measure a "disaster," according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I think even people that support that issue will probably be hesitant when it comes to this, but I think that it could be a real trap," he added. Read the original article on Business Insider Scenes from a hike at Elephant Rocks State Park April 21, 2022. Elephant Rocks State Park in Missouri came in at No. 3 in a nation-wide survey ranking Americans' favorite natural landmarks. Aqua Expeditions polled 3,113 United States residents on which local natural landmarks they would most like to visit. The top three were Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Niagara Falls and Elephant Rocks State Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. A view of the mountains from the Clingmans Dome Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022. Lavita Hill is leading the push to restore Clingmans Dome's name to what the Cherokee called the mountain: Kuwohi, which translates to "mulberry place." "Unsurprisingly, this destination is the most visited national park in America, having attracted more than 14.1 million visitors in 2021 alone," according to a news release from Aqua Expeditions. "Its no wonder so many others aspire to join the visitors book and witness the sprawling natural landscape, along with its year-round wildflower blooms, abundant rivers, waterfalls and forests." Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario: Located on the New York and Ontario border, Niagara Falls is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world. Every second, 3,160 tons of water flows over the falls, generating plenty of mist and you guessed it a whole lot of rainbows. Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River in New York State, has a gorgeous view of three waterfalls that can be seen from the Observation Tower at Prospect Point in the Niagara Falls State Park. More:Ever visited Elephant Rocks State Park? Here's a look at the prehistoric pachyderm boulders Elephant Rocks State Park, about three and a half hours east of Springfield in Belleview, came in at third place. Scenes from a hike at Elephant Rocks State Park April 21, 2022. Elephant Rocks State Park may have been an ancient quarry site Brick Autry, an interpreter for both Elephant Rocks and Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site, told the News-Leader for a previous story that a pioneer by the name of Theodore Pease grew up in the area in the 1840s and recorded that the site was known as "the quarry even though there wasn't any quarry business yet." It may have even been an ancient quarry site, Autry added. "It is one place in the United States where you can see land that became North America that goes back to 3 billion years ago," Autry said. "Our area is a little special area where ancient land was preserved and then pushed up along with the rest of the Ozarks, so that it's sort of like a little viewing area for early history of the Earth." Story continues Scenes from a hike at Elephant Rocks State Park April 21, 2022. The boulders themselves are from erosion of volcanic magma, Autry explained. "It cooled beneath the surface of the ground, and it cooled slowly enough to develop crystals into a rock that we call granite," Autry said. With lots of iron in that magma, the granite came out a pinkish color. "Over the years, it broke up into pieces and then, as it came up on the surface because of erosion, it eroded into globular, rounded boulders of pink granite." Following the Civil War, railroads and other transportation routes were being repaired, and that's when German immigrant Peter Schneider entered the picture. Scenes from a hike at Elephant Rocks State Park April 21, 2022. Schneider lived in St. Louis and worked for the Iron Mountain Railroad, which runs from the Gateway City (a nickname for St. Louis) to Pilot Knob. After the war, Schneider was able to acquire the land four miles north of Pilot Knob with all the pink granite and opened his quarry in 1871. From the 1870s to early 20th century, there were four quarries, including the Irish-named Sheehan Quarry. Scenes from a hike at Elephant Rocks State Park April 21, 2022. The monstrous boulders were never on the chopping block to be sold as quarry material due to how brittle they are, Autry said. The busy quarries used them mostly as tourist attractions. It wasn't until the late 19th century when circuses were traveling through the region that a tourist pointed out that some of the boulders resembled elephants, Autry said. More:Folks can 'live a day in the life of a real explorer' with wild cave in Branson West The land went up for sale in the 1960s when John Brown, a head geologist for a mine near Park Hills, bought it. "He bought the whole 200 acres at considerable cost to himself and then donated it to the state of Missouri," Autry told me. The state added Elephant Rocks State Park to the list of parks in 1964, which was a revolutionary time not just for racial integration but also social integration, Autry said. Making the park accessible for disabled folks was a top priority. "This was even before all the rules in architectural design," Autry said about about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. "Missouri State Park was on the cutting edge of renovation and innovation and park planning." What other natural landmarks would Americans like to visit? The top 10 natural landmarks Americans would most like to visit, according to Aqua Expeditions: Tennessees Great Smoky Mountains National Park New Yorks Niagara Falls Missouris Elephant Rocks Wyomings Yellowstone National Park Californias Redwood National and State Parks Hawaiis Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hawaiis Hanauma Bay Iowa's Pikes Peak State Park Arizona's The Grand Canyon Hawaii's Waikiki Beach The top 10 international landmarks Americans would most like to visit: The Galapagos Islands The Great Barrier Reef, Australia Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland Victoria Falls, Southern Africa Paricutin, Mexico Uluru, Australia The Amazon River, South America The Indonesian Islands The Mekong River, Asia Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Sara Karnes is an Outdoors Reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Follow along with her adventures on Twitter and Instagram @Sara_Karnes. Got a story to tell? Email her at skarnes@springfi.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri's Elephant Rocks State Park voted No. 3 in nation-wide survey In a study, children of pregnant women who drank small amounts of caffeine were shorter than kids whose moms drank none. A new study in JAMA found kids of women who drank the equivalent of half a cup of coffee a day were shorter by 1.5 cm. Other studies indicate drinking coffee while pregnant could negatively affect the fetus or baby. Drinking less than the recommended limit of caffeine per day while pregnant could still negatively impact a child's height, according to a new study. The study, published October 31 in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that kids of women who drank less than the 200 milligrams of caffeine upper limit (about two cups of coffee) recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were shorter than those whose moms drank little to no coffee. The study observed two groups of pregnant women who had their blood caffeine concentration measured during their first trimester. In the first group, 788 children of pregnant women who drank around 36 milligrams of caffeine per day (about half a cup of coffee) were shorter by about 1.5 centimeters at 7 years-old than those of women who had little to no caffeine. In the second group, children whose mothers consumed the caffeine equivalent of two cups of coffee per day were shorter by 0.68 centimeters to 2.2 centimeters between ages 4 and 8. Height differences began at 4-years-old and the gap widened each successive year until the children turned 8. "Our findings indicate that maternal caffeine consumption is associated with long-term decreases in child height," the authors said in the study. "This association occurred even with maternal consumption below current recommendations of 200 mg day." The study authors said height differences among the children were similar to what's seen with kids of smokers and non-smokers. Other research on caffeine intake in pregnant women and children Though national guidelines allow for mild caffeine consumption, some studies like the recent JAMA study indicate any amount of caffeine while pregnant could impact the fetus or baby. Story continues A recent National Institutes of Health study on caffeine consumption during pregnancy found people who drank a half a cup of coffee a day had slightly smaller babies compared to those who abstained. And one review published in in 2020 found any level of caffeine consumption may increase a pregnant woman's risk for miscarriage, stillbirth, and low birth-weight. Pregnant people who drink coffee might have shorter kids, but drinking caffeine as a child likely won't impact height. Experts previously told Insider pregnant people limiting their coffee or tea should be mindful of other sources of caffeine, like chocolate, soft drinks, and some medications. Read the original article on Insider LONDON (Reuters) - More time is needed to consider the serious allegations against British minister Gavin Williamson, who is accused of bullying behaviour towards colleagues, a spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday. Williamson, a junior cabinet office minister, had been accused of using expletive ridden language in texts to a parliamentary colleague, and the Guardian reported late on Monday that a civil servant also alleged he had bullied them. Williamson has denied allegations of bullying. "There are serious allegations, they are new allegations, and before commenting further, we want to take the time to consider them," the spokesman said. (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper. Writing by Alistair Smout. Editing by Andrew MacAskill) One of Atlantas historically Black colleges is turning things around when it comes to learning in the metaverse. The metaverse is a computerized, three-dimensional, virtual world. If youre studying the solar system, you can go to Mars. If youre studying U.S. history, you can go back in time to the American Revolution or the Underground Railroad. Morehouse College is the first college to teach courses in this digital world. Channel 2s Dave Huddleston recently toured the digital version of the Morehouse College campus in Southwest Atlanta. You get to the metaverse by putting on a headset that you can see and hear through. The metaverse is what I call the worlds greatest playground. But besides that, what it really is, is the next iteration of the web, said Muhsinah Morris, Ph.D., virtual reality program manager for Morehouse College. Once youre inside this digital universe, there is no limit to where and what you can see and experience. You want to climb mountains? Lets go, you know? Lets go to Mount Everest, Morris said. Morehouse College is the first college or university to offer classes in the metaverse. They need to know how to use it regardless of what field theyre in, regardless of whether they can code or not, Morris said. Computers and technology are a way of life for todays students. MORE STORIES BY 2 INVESTIGATES: The metaverse is not just for video games but education. We can give that to our students. And its such a gift because we had to read encyclopedias, right? And that information was stagnant. This is happening in real time in three dimensions, Morris said. I can go to Glasgow, and I can go to universities there and be in their midst and experience how they live. Thats what this technology does. Story continues Morehouse students also can experience the past. Morris took Huddleston on a tour of a slave ship in the metaverse. Instead of reading about what it was like on a slave ship heading to America, the metaverse can put you on board. Huddleston went below deck to see and hear what the conditions were like. And I think that people do want to know the history of us as Americans because we all have made significant contributions to this fabric of America. To expand the story that were telling, to build confidence and understandings around how were all connected because we have a shared history in this country, said Monique Earl Lewis, Ph.D., chair of Morehouse Colleges Africana Studies and History Department. Students Tahj Henry Jackson and Sid King said learning in the metaverse gives them a deeper understanding of the past and future. Its a whole new experience and youre meeting and experiencing things first-hand, such as the Underground Railroad, Jackson said. We can see that anything can happen, right? King said. Morris said technology will continue to change our world. The metaverse is expected to become a nearly $1 trillion industry by 2030. Businesses are setting up shop now in the metaverse. The more students know about it, the better their opportunities after college. They can create. They can produce. They can market. They can create social events. They can create a place of belonging in the community, Morris said. The future looks a lot like young people being able to come together from countries all over the world in one singular space. Companies like Facebook and Microsoft are leading the development of the metaverse. The Pew Research Center said by 2040, 54% of technology experts believe the metaverse will be a regular part of daily life for half a billion people. IN OTHER NEWS: In this courtroom sketch, from left, twin brothers Pedro and Margarito Flores, 33, of Chicago, appear before Chief U.S. District Judge Ruben Castillo at federal court in Chicago in 2015. (Tom Gianni / AP) A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the wives of twin Chicago drug traffickers who cooperated against Sinaloa boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman did not have immunity from prosecution, a considerable setback for the women who are accused of laundering millions of their husbands drug proceeds over a 12-year period. Valerie Gaytan and Vivianna Lopez, the wives of Chicago twins Margarito and Pedro Flores, had asked U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly to dismiss the money laundering charges against them, arguing over the course of several hearings in July that they had been assured by prosecutors that their husbands unprecedented cooperation against Guzman meant they would not face charges themselves for their own actions. Advertisement On Tuesday morning, Kennelly denied that request, saying there was no convincing evidence there was ever an immunity agreement in writing for Lopez or Gaytan and certainly not for future conduct involving the alleged laundering of the funds at issue in the indictment. Kennelly, who delivered his ruling at a telephonic hearing Tuesday, said that while the women contend that certain promises were made, there was no indication that there was any meeting of the minds about a formal agreement, and certainly nothing was obtained in writing. Advertisement Kennelly said the Flores twins plea agreement also makes no mention of immunity and was clear that no other promises had been made. He also said that jail calls played by prosecutors at the hearing were a pretty strong indication in my view that immunity had not been obtained at that point. The ruling clears the way for the case to go to trial in June. Kennelly set a status hearing for Dec. 21. Gaytan, 47, who is married to Margarito Flores, and Lopez, 42, who is Pedro Flores wife, were indicted in U.S. District Court in Chicago last year on money laundering charges. The indictment alleged the cash, much of it still in small denominations, was hauled across the border in rental trucks, secretly recouped from the twins associates in the U.S., hidden in trap compartments in vehicles and stash houses, and buried under their older brothers home near Austin, Texas. According to the indictment, Gaytan and Lopez spent much of the money on private school tuition for their children, international and domestic travel, rent and child support. Lopez also allegedly sent $5,000 of the laundered money to her husband in prison and spent another $31,000 on a laundry business she opened in Arizona after the family went into hiding, according to the indictment. So far, two members of the alleged conspiracy have pleaded guilty: Armando Flores, 53, of Round Rock, Texas, who helped them break into the drug business three decades ago; and Bianca Finnigan, 33, of Sycamore, Illinois, who is Lopezs sister. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 23 A courtroom sketch shows twin brothers, from left, Pedro and Margarito Flores, 33, of Chicago, appear before U.S. District Chief Judge Ruben Castillo in federal court in Chicago on Jan. 27, 2015. (Tom Gianni sketch, AP) The evidentiary hearings held by Kennelly in July provided an unusual behind-the-scenes look at the trafficking operations of the Flores twins, who rose from the streets of Little Village to run a massive drug-trafficking operation before they agreed to cooperate against El Chapo in 2008. The twins were eventually sentenced to 14 years in prison and were released last year. And in a highly unusual move, Pedro Flores testified via video link that he and his brother were promised early on by investigators that his wife and other family members would not be prosecuted for any drug-related activities. Advertisement I thought my family was good, Flores told the judge. Afternoon Briefing Daily Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. > Prosecutors, though, repeatedly asserted at the hearings that there was never any immunity deal for the wives, which could only be finalized in a written document approved by the highest levels at the U.S. attorneys office. And even if such protection was offered, it would not have excused the wives from future crimes, prosecutors have argued. Also testifying was Gaytan, who said she was the one who flew to Chicago in April 2008 to tell the familys criminal defense lawyer that the Flores twins were considering cooperating against the cartel. She said the brothers were adamant that any deal include immunity for the rest of the family. In her testimony, Gaytan also admitted that she did not disclose millions of dollars in drug proceeds that shed collected from numerous couriers between 2004 and 2008. Under questioning from both her attorney and federal prosecutors, Gaytan insisted the government was mostly concerned about one stash of between $4 million and $5 million that they had arranged to be picked up from an associate in Maryland and stored under the floorboards of Gaytans home in Plainfield. They were asking me about specific properties, specific money, Gaytan said. The scope was very constricted. Advertisement Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Erskine, to counter Gaytan, read directly from the wives 2017 tell-all book, Cartel Wives, at the hearing, including one passage where Gaytan said that the family was taking a leap of faith and had been given no promises. Gaytan said that she was not referring to the government with those words, but rather life in general. Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty This reporting appears as one of several scoops featured in this weeks edition of Confider, the newsletter pulling back the curtain on the media. Subscribe here and send your questions, tips, and complaints here. Regardless of whether it actually had to do anything with Tucker Carlson, MSNBCs abrupt firing of Tiffany Cross sure has network staffers, as well as media observers and journalists, fretting that the ouster is an unequivocal victory for the far-right Fox News host. Carlson recently bashed Cross on his primetime show, personally targeting her by accusing the weekend host, who is Black, of fomenting a Rwandan-style race war. MSNBC Suddenly Ditches Weekend Host Tiffany Cross Multiple staffers called the sudden ouster fucked up, with one NBC staffer telling Confider: Whether we did this because of him or not, and I doubt we did, hell take this as a win and do more stuff like it. MSNBC initially declined to comment on the ouster, though a source familiar claimed Cross was let go because she failed to meet editorial standards with a series of incendiary remarksand that management had given her several warnings to that effect. Just a day prior, Cross had appeared on Charlamagne tha Gods Comedy Central show and called Florida the dick of the country while saying we should castrate it. Like what youre reading? Subscribe to the Confider newsletter here and have The Daily Beast media teams stellar reporting sent straight to your inbox every Monday night. Other NBC employees who spoke with Confider agreed that regardless of whether the network actually kowtowed to Carlson and his supporters, the timing made matters worse. This definitely couldve been handled better, or at least done in a more normal way where it didnt feel like a reaction to an ongoing harassment campaign, one staffer said. Another NBC staffer emphasized that the network has been pretty good about protecting employees attacked by Tucker, so Cross exit was more than likely a business decision. Story continues Nevertheless, the firing has been roundly criticized by celebrities, progressive commentators, and journalists, many of whom have directly linked Cross ouster to Carlson very publicly accusing her of white genocide. ADL Condemns Tucker for Accusing Black MSNBC Host of Fomenting Race War Pulitzer-winning journo Wesley Lowery, for instance, tweeted that the network canceling its top-rated weekend show during Carlsons bad faith harassment campaign is a much bigger story than current level of coverage suggests. Cross, for her part, released a statement over the weekend saying she was disheartened by MSNBCs decision, adding that, Fresh off the heels of a racial reckoning, as many have called it, we see that with progress there is always backlash. An MSNBC spokesperson told Confider that the Cross cancellation was merely a mundane programming decision. Subscribe to the Confider newsletter here and have The Daily Beast media teams stellar reporting sent straight to your inbox every Monday night. 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. When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in Montage Gold Corp.'s (CVE:MAU) instance, it's good news for shareholders. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. View our latest analysis for Montage Gold The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Montage Gold The CEO & Director Richard Clark made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for CA$175k worth of shares at a price of CA$0.50 each. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is CA$0.51. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today's share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. The good news for Montage Gold share holders is that insiders were buying at near the current price. While Montage Gold 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. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! Montage Gold is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Insiders At Montage Gold Have Bought Stock Recently It's good to see that Montage Gold insiders have made notable investments in the company's shares. Overall, four insiders shelled out CA$310k for shares in the company -- and none sold. That shows some optimism about the company's future. Does Montage Gold Boast High Insider Ownership? Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. From looking at our data, insiders own CA$2.5m worth of Montage Gold stock, about 4.5% of the company. But they may have an indirect interest through a corporate structure that we haven't picked up on. We prefer to see high levels of insider ownership. Story continues What Might The Insider Transactions At Montage Gold Tell Us? It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchases. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. But we don't feel the same about the fact the company is making losses. While the overall levels of insider ownership are below what we'd like to see, the history of transactions imply that Montage Gold insiders are reasonably well aligned, and optimistic for the future. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. To help with this, we've discovered 5 warning signs (3 are a bit unpleasant!) that you ought to be aware of before buying any shares in Montage Gold. 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 Muhammed Selim Korkutata / Anadolu Agency via Getty As advertisers flee Twitter, Elon Musk boldly claimed that he could sue the organizers of a boycott against the platform. The activists, however, werent fazedand neither were legal experts, who scoffed at the threat. Last week, more than 40 public advocacy groups signed onto a letter asking Twitters top advertisers to pull ads from the platform unless the new owner pledged to keep toxic and hateful content off the platform. Around the same time, at least nine companiesincluding big names like Pfizer and General Motorsstopped or suspended advertising with the company. Musk complained that Twitter experienced a massive drop in revenue, due to activist groups pressuring advertisers, adding, with no apparent recognition of the irony: Theyre trying to destroy free speech in America. On Monday, he took it even further, responding to a tweet about whether Twitter had a tortious interference claim against the boycott activists by saying, We do. Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at Free Press, an advocacy group that has helped organize the pressure campaign on advertisers, isnt concerned, saying the billionaires tweet had demonstrated his complete misunderstanding of what free speech principles are, and that boycotts themselves are protected speech. She added, I guess I just don't really comprehend how he couldn't surround himself with constitutional law experts. Elon Musk Tries to Win Advertisers Back by Threatening Them Benavidez said she hopes Twitters advertisers will leverage their wallets and demand better from a company that was already failing before Musk, and has only gotten more toxic since Musk took over. Angelo Carusone, CEO of the left-leaning media watchdog Media Matters, which has also worked on the lobbying effort, said he is also not losing sleep over the volatile moguls next move. You can't ever stop someone from suing you for ridiculous things, he said, but there is no anxiety about a potential lawsuit from Musk. Story continues Experts in torts law told The Daily Beast the activists have little to worry about. Keith Hylton, a professor at Boston University School of Law, said tortious interference is usually invoked when a third party meddles with someone elses business relationshipssay, driving away their customerspurely in the interest of causing them harm. Its not as if that person is trying to persuade the customer to do business with them instead, Hylton explained. Theyre just trying to destroy your relationship and thats it. On the face of it, then, Musk could be seen to have a claim against the activists. But, Hylton said, it would be difficult for the billionaire to prove that the activists alone caused advertisers to flee, rather than the companies deciding to do so on their own. (General Motors, for example, paused their advertising on Oct. 28days before the groups sent out a letter to advertisers.) In addition, tortious interference usually requires some element of threat or force. Simply asking advertisers to pull their ads is not illegal, Hylton said, nor is explaining the reasons why they should be pulled. If you have a civil rights group thats sending out letters because they think they have a concern with hate speech well, that's what they always do, thats what their business is, Hylton said. It would be a strange thing to do to find them liable for engaging in the speech they always engage in. The activists letter, he said, was simply an appeal from the group to advertisersnot a threat. Even if there were some inaccuracies in the letter, he added, they likely would not reach the level of lies, which can be used as an argument for tortious interference. When it comes to this letter, I dont see the case, he said. Anthony Casey, a professor at the University of Chicago Law School, added that a successful tortious interference lawsuit typically requires proving pretty extreme conduct by the defendants, which doesnt appear to be the case here. Its a weak claim, he said, Neither Musk nor Twitter immediately responded to a request for comment. Carusone said that Musks aggression had scared some major advertisers out of issuing public statements, since companies know that the first one out of the gate to give a big broadside statement is going to get just slammed by him. Privately, though, multiple firms have pulled back spending. Musks recent partisan tweets have further complicated the situation. On Monday, he urged his 115 million followers to vote Republican in the upcoming midterm elections, in order to curb the power of the Democrat-held White Housethereby mitigating what he described as the worst excesses of both parties. According to Carusone, advertisers worry that publicly critiquing Musk could be depicted as retaliation for his endorsement of Republican causes. For the moment, Carusone predicted, many companies will continue to slow or halt spendingalthough Musks unpredictability requires advertisers to be nimble. He could also tweet another crazy conspiracy, and they'll be forced to say something. 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. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korea has denied American claims that it's shipping artillery shells and ammunition to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine, and on Tuesday accused the United States of lying. The denial follows dozens of weapons tests by North Korea, including short-range missiles that are likely nuclear-capable and an intercontinental ballistic missile that could target the U.S. mainland. Pyongyang said it was testing the missiles and artillery so it could mercilessly strike key South Korean and U.S. targets if it chose to. North Korea has been cozying up to traditional ally Russia in recent years and even hinted at sending workers to help rebuild Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. The United States has accused North Korea, one of the most weaponized countries in the world, of supplying Soviet-era ammunition such as artillery shells, to replenish Russian stockpiles that have been depleted in the Ukraine. Last week, Russia sent North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a trainload of 30 thoroughbred horses, opening the border with its neighbor for the first time in 2 1/2 years. Kim is an avid horseman and state media have often pictured him galloping on snowy mountain trails astride a white charger. The horses, Orlov trotters, are prized in Russia. Spokespeople of Russias Far Eastern Railway told the state-run news agency Nov. 2 that the first train headed to North Korea with the 30 horses and said the next train was to carry medicine. Experts say North Korea may be seeking Russian fuel and also technology transfers and supplies needed to advance its military capabilities as it pursues more sophisticated weapons systems. In September, North Korea restarted its freight train service with China, its biggest trading partner, ending a five-month hiatus. Last week, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby accused North Korea of covertly supplying a significant number of ammunition shipments to Russia. He said the United States believes North Korea was trying to obscure the transfer route by making it appear the weapons were being sent to countries in the Middle East or North Africa. Story continues We regard such moves of the U.S. as part of its hostile attempt to tarnish the image of (North Korea) in the international arena," an unidentified vice director at the North Korean ministrys military foreign affairs office said in a statement carried by state media. 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 vice director said. In September, U.S. officials confirmed a newly declassified U.S. intelligence finding that Russia was in the process of purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea. North Korea later dismissed that report, calling on Washington to stop making reckless remarks and to keep its mouth shut. On Nov. 2, Kirby said the U.S. has an idea of which country or countries the North may funnel the weapons through but wouldnt specify. He said the North Korean shipments are not going to change the course of the war, citing Western efforts to resupply the Ukrainian military. Slapped by international sanctions and export controls, Russia in August bought Iranian-made drones that U.S. officials said had technical problems. For Russia, experts say North Korea is likely another good option for its ammunitions supply, because the North keeps a significant stockpile of shells, many of them copies of Soviet-era ones. Even as most of Europe and the West has pulled away, North Korea has pushed to boost relations with Russia, blaming the U.S. for the crisis and decrying the Wests hegemonic policy as justifying military action by Russia in Ukraine to protect itself. In July, North Korea became the only nation aside from Russia and Syria to recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk territories as independent. North Koreas possible arms supply to Russia would be a violation of U.N. resolutions that ban the North from trading weapons with other countries. But its unlikely for North Korea to receive fresh sanctions for that because of a division at the U.N. Security Council over Americas confrontations with Russia regarding its war in Ukraine and its separate strategic competitions with China. Earlier this year, Russia and China already vetoed a U.S.-led attempt to toughen sanctions on North Korea over its series of ballistic missile tests that are banned by multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. Some observers say North Korea has also been using the Russian aggression in Ukraine as a window to ramp up weapons testing activity and dial up pressure on the United States and South Korea. Last week, the North test-fired dozens of missiles in response to large-scale U.S.-South Korea aerial drills that Pyongyang views as a rehearsal for a potential invasion. In a separate statement published Tuesday by state media, a senior North Korean diplomat criticized U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recent condemnation of North Koreas missile launch barrage, calling him a mouthpiece of the U.S. government. The U.N. secretary general is echoing what the White House and the State Department say as if he were their mouthpiece, which is deplorable, said Kim Son Gyong, vice minister for international organizations at the North Korean Foreign Ministry. Kim said that Guterres unfair and prejudiced behavior has contributed to the worsening tensions in the region. ___ Follow APs coverage of the Asia-Pacific region at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific The NAACP announced Tuesday the rollout of a measure to fight voter intimidation as Americans across the country head to the polls. "As our democracy hangs in the balance this election is too important to ignore," NAACP CEO and president Derrick Johnson said in a statement. "For anyone who has not voted yet this is the final day to get out and make sure your voice is heard." The NAACP said "recruited and trained legal professionals" would be heading to the polls to track any voter suppression reports via the Voter Incident Report Form. The organization stated they "encouraged" anyone experiencing issues at the polls to fill out the form. Reports issued via the form will be reviewed by a team of legal professionals in the NAACP's Office of General Counsel, who will then determine any next steps. 2022 MIDTERM ELECTIONS: LIVE UPDATES The NAACP's newest measure rolls out as voter intimidation concerns have gained momentum in the days leading up to Election Day. Several states issued precautionary notices and efforts to ensure intimidation efforts do not undermine the public's trust in the voting system. Voters in City Hall on Nov. 4, 2022, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Last week, an Arizona federal judge ordered a temporary restraining order on ballot box watchers while also issuing an order that an armed group from Clean Elections USA must remain at least 250 feet away from certain polling locations. The measure follows a string of complaints that individuals carrying guns and wearing masks were intimidating to voters heading to the polls. TRUMP SAYS REPUBLICANS HAVE 'GOOD CHANCE OF BIG SUCCESS' ON ELECTION DAY Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger also pushed for the implementation of a text alert system in the state where poll workers can report threats to state officials during polling hours. Georgia most recently set an all-time record for the most ballots cast before Election Day, despite voter suppression concerns running rampant following top Democrats claiming Georgia voting laws were akin to "Jim Crow 2.0." Story continues Huntington Place on Nov. 6, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to voter suppression concerns, specifically in Georgia, during an October press conference, saying, "high turnout and voter suppression can take place at the same time." Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the White House daily briefing on Sept. 6, 2022. "Look, we have seen ourselves, I just laid out we've seen ourselves, from what legislation, state legislation we have seen across the country that is suppressing the right to vote, and look, we believe that people should have the fundamental access to voting," Jean-Pierre said. PENNSYLVANIA BALLOT FIGHT COULD DRAG ON LONG AFTER ELECTION DAY; THOUSANDS OF VOTES IN LIMBO Tuesday's midterm elections could determine who controls Congress the last two years of President Biden's first term in office. Republicans are currently favored to win a majority in the House of Representatives, according to Fox News' Power Rankings. Which party will control the Senate is, however, considered a toss-up as all eyes hone in on states with tight races between Democrat and GOP candidates. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The White House has already stated final results may take days to be finalized, with Jean-Pierre telling reporters that is how elections are "supposed to work." "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," Jean-Pierre told reporters during the White House press briefing. Namoi Cotton (ASX:NAM) First Half 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: AU$74.8m (up 109% from 1H 2022). Net income: AU$12.4m (up 163% from 1H 2022). Profit margin: 17% (up from 13% in 1H 2022). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. EPS: AU$0.072 (up from AU$0.03 in 1H 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Namoi Cotton Earnings Insights Looking ahead, revenue is expected to decline by 15% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, while revenues in the Commercial Services industry in Australia are expected to grow by 4.6%. Performance of the Australian Commercial Services industry. The company's share price is broadly unchanged from a week ago. Risk Analysis It is worth noting though that we have found 3 warning signs for Namoi Cotton (1 shouldn't be ignored!) that you need to take into consideration. 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 President Donald Trump makes a statement to the press before a meeting at the White House on December 11, 2018 in Washington, DC. Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images Nancy Pelosi on Monday discussed with CNN her husband's recovery from a violent political attack. "[A]ny revisiting of it is really traumatizing," Pelosi told Anderson Cooper. Shortly after Pelosi's interview aired, Trump took the stage at an Ohio rally, calling her 'crazy.' Shortly after Nancy Pelosi had her first sit-down interview since her husband was attacked with a hammer in their San Francisco home, Donald Trump took the stage at an Ohio rally calling to end her career "once and for all." "So I run to the door, and I'm very scared," Nancy Pelosi told CNN's Anderson Cooper, describing when the Capitol Police came to her door to tell her of the attack on her husband. She described the attack on her husband, Paul Pelosi, as traumatizing for the whole family, especially knowing the attacker was willing to assault the 82-year-old while searching for her. Paul Pelosi is recovering after surgery to repair a skull fracture he sustained after being attacked with a hammer on October 28. San Francisco's District Attorney Brooke Jenkins described the violence as "politically motivated," based on comments made by the attacker, David DePape. DePape, who has hazy political ties and conspiratorial beliefs, is facing state and federal charges including assault and attempted kidnapping. "You see what the reaction is on the other side to this, to make a joke of it, and really that is traumatizing too," Nancy Pelosi told CNN, criticizing the way some Republicans have responded to the attack, adding that she hasn't discussed specific details of the attack with her husband because "any revisiting of it is really traumatizing." Shortly after Nancy Pelosi's interview aired, former President Trump took the stage at an Ohio rally to endorse Senate candidate JD Vance, quickly turning his comments to attacks on the Speaker of the House. "You're going to vote for an incredible slate of American-first Republicans up and down the ballot," Trump told his audience in Ohio. "And then you're going to end crazy Nancy Pelosi's political career once and for all." Story continues During his speech, the former president called the Speaker of the House, the second in the line of succession from the presidency, an "animal," and lamented that she had twice led impeachment efforts against him "for nothing." In her CNN interview, Nancy Pelosi also said the attack has impacted her decision about her eventual retirement, but declined to offer specifics on whether it has pushed her to stay in her position or leave it. Experts in extremism and political violence have told Insider they are concerned about the potential for violence surrounding the midterms, spurred by anti-Democrat rhetoric and threats made largely by GOP politicians and Trump supporters. "It's actually hard to get regular people to commit violence, but it's made easier when people are made to seem less than human, they are turned into threats, and violence is posited as defensive. MAGA politicians have been doing all three," Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for Peace and expert on political violence, told Insider. Representatives for Nancy Pelosi and Trump did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks at a news conference on the "Women's Health Protection Act" outside the US Capitol on September 24, 2021. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images Nancy Pelosi said the attack on her husband will impact her political future. The lawmaker blamed misinformation for the assault on Paul Pelosi last month in a Monday interview. "Paul was not the target and he's the one paying the price," Pelosi told CNN's Anderson Cooper. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the violent attack on her husband Paul Pelosi will inevitably impact her political future following Tuesday's midterm elections. The California Democrat discussed the assault and its emotional aftermath in an exclusive interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper on Monday night, her first time commenting publically about the incident. Ahead of the midterm elections on Tuesday, Cooper asked Nancy Pelosi to comment on whether she had made a decision about retirement. There has been speculation over whether the longtime Speaker will retire should Democrats lose the House this week. "I have to say, my decision will be affected by what happened in the last week or two," Nancy Pelosi said, declining to offer more specifics on whether the attack influenced her to retire or remain in the position. Cooper asked her to clarify: "Will your decision be impacted by the attack in any way?" "Yes," Nancy Pelosi said. "It will?" he asked. "Yes." she repeated. Nancy Pelosi also said she remained "optimistic" about the Tuesday election, despite several close races in the battle for both chambers of Congress. 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. Story continues "Paul was not the target and he's the one paying the price," Pelosi told Cooper. The interview marks Nancy Pelosi's first public comments since her 82-year-old husband was attacked last month while she was in Washington, DC, with her protective detail. "He's so concerned about the traumatic effect on our children and our grandchildren, and we're concerned about the traumatic effect on him," she said, telling Cooper that Paul Pelosi was "doing okay" but had a long road ahead of him. Nancy Pelosi said she and her husband had not yet had a detailed discussion about the incident because of the traumatic nature of the attack. She also said misinformation fueled the attack against her husband. "I do believe that our democracy is in danger because of what the others are saying about undermining our elections, even now as we go forward," Nancy Pelosi said. Read the original article on Business Insider House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, shown in 2019, told CNN's Anderson Cooper that last month's attack on her husband will affect her decisions about her political future. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) In her first sit-down interview since her husband was attacked last month at their San Francisco home, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the assault was driven by misinformation and called for national healing. "It's really sad because it was a flame fueled by misinformation," Pelosi said in an interview with Anderson Cooper that aired Monday night on CNN. Paul Pelosi, 83, was left with a fractured skull and serious injuries to his right arm and hands after an attacker broke into the Pelosi home Oct. 28 and struck him with a hammer. David DePape, 42, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, kidnapping and other charges he faces in connection with the attack. Federal authorities said DePape had plotted to take Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) hostage and break her kneecaps, calling her the leader of the pack of lies told by the Democratic Party. "Paul was not the target, and he's the one paying the price," Nancy Pelosi said in the CNN interview. She said her husband was doing OK "but it's a long haul." He was struck on top of his head in two places, but the blows did not pierce his brain, she said. "Any revisiting is traumatizing," she said, adding that reentering their home for the first time was difficult for her husband. Pelosi said she agreed with connections made by President Biden between DePape and the people who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. "Do you draw that same line?" Cooper asked her. "Absolutely," she said. "There's no question it's the same thing inflamed by the same misrepresentations. "But the fact is, right now, it's time for healing. This is not a path that we can continue on," she said. Pelosi also criticized reactions from Republican figures who made light of the attack and spun conspiracy theories about the incident. "You see what the response is from the other side of this, to make a joke of it. That is traumatizing too," she said. The attack has also affected Pelosi's political future, she said when asked by Cooper. Story continues The 82-year-old is expected to win another term Tuesday as representative for the 12th Congressional District in San Francisco. Cooper asked her whether she would consider retiring if Democrats lose the House, ending her time as speaker. "My decision will be affected by what has happened the last week or two," she said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. E pluribus unum. Out of many, one. So says Americas traditional motto as it appears on our great seal and has since Congress approved its inclusion in 1782. On Oct. 31, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in cases reconsidering the legal and constitutional status of affirmative action. This reconsideration entails a broader one regarding what makes us Americans. Advertisement The motto recognizes that differences always have existed among our citizens. Americans have held to different religious creeds, including great diversity among Christian sects but also a Jewish population, which we know in part from President George Washingtons famous letter to the Hebrew congregation in 1790. William Penns Pennsylvania is a shining, colonial example of this plethora of religious groups as well. Americans reflect various nationalities, races and ethnicities. We have from our earliest years incorporated people from many countries. That diversity only has increased with time. Yet our motto sees these many as made one in America. Advertisement On what basis is this unity established and maintained? First and foremost, our commonality results from our principles. Founder Thomas Jefferson called the Declaration of Independence an expression of the American Mind. The American mind believes the standard of justice comes out of the laws of nature and of natures God. This standard tells us, as a self-evident truth, that all people are created equal. As a status linked to our creation, our equality inheres in our very humanity. We are equal by the fact that we are human. Moreover, this equality is expressed in our unalienable rights, which include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. All human beings possess these rights. All deserve the equal protection of these rights by governments. Just laws exist to accomplish this noble goal. That we believe we can unite around common ideals shows a view of humans as essentially rational and moral. It thereby recognizes and respects human dignity that we are created in the image of God. The principles of human equality and of natural rights have been our compass, directing us toward the true North of justice. The abolition of chattel slavery, the establishment of womens suffrage and the ending of racial segregation all owe a great debt to Americas working out of these founding ideals. We understood that a persons skin color, in particular, is an arbitrary distinction for the purposes of government. [ Michael Schill: Removing race from admissions decisions would do lasting damage to American universities ] This view creates a presumption against affirmative action programs that have developed over the last 50 years. Despite their best intentions, they make governmental actions reflect inequality before the law. In contradiction to their common humanity, people receive different treatment based on the color of their skin. Justice John Marshall Harlan rightly saw the colorblind Constitution as the proper application of our fundamental commitments. Yet we should be careful how far we take the principle of colorblindness. It rightly manifests in equality before the law. But the oneness we create in our humanity under law does not mean the many who compose that oneness lose all right to express their differences in the community. Our differences of religious belief, political views, and race and ethnicity are not wiped away by recognizing equality nor should they be. Socially and culturally, we can and should acknowledge, even celebrate, those qualities that make each of us different. Expressing those differences in our lives is one manifestation of our natural right to liberty. It even gives a fuller window into our national character, as different creeds and cultures have contributed to our American story in vital ways. American music, food, religion, moral values and other culturally powerful areas owe their vibrancy in part to the diverse contributions made by our diverse people. These contributions reside well alongside a colorblind Constitution, one that sees only the human with rights to protect, not a skin color or creed with special privileges in distinction with others. It strikes the proper balance between our universal personhood and our particular characteristics. Affirmative action programs harm that wise balance. The Supreme Court should take note. This combination of legal colorblindness and social acknowledgment of diversity respects both elements of our motto. It sees rightly the link between equality and liberty. A commitment stemming from our earliest past, so too should it define our nations future. Advertisement Adam Carrington is an associate professor of politics at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. With Season 5 of The Crown on Netflix just a day away, Imelda Staunton who plays Queen Elizabeth II and Jonathan Pryce who plays Prince Philip revealed how they hope the audience will react to the show, following Her Majestys death. I think it's bound to affect their perception of what we do but Im kind of confident that the numbers will grow even bigger, Pryce said at a press conference on Tuesday. After the Queen died, the viewing figures went up 500 per cent for previous [seasons] of The Crown. I think people willgain a bit of comfort from seeing her embodied again. Staunton referred to the Queens funeral, where people lined up to pay their respects, as a representation of how much the public admired Queen Elizabeth II as a woman who did her job and kept her promise. I think they felt such huge respect for someone who kept her promise, Staunton said. I just thought, God you really admired this woman Here we are celebrating a woman, with her own face,...who just did the job, not anything outside the job, not the stuff around it, just straight line." Pryce added that the public showing their admiration for Queen Elizabeth II is reflective of societys lack of trust in their politicians. I think its also a reflection of where our society is at, at the moment, with a lack of trust and a lack of believability in our politicians, he said. Same as happened with Diana's death, the public, people said, You're not going to do it, we're going to do it, and they came out in huge numbers. I think part of, for me, seeing the crowds queuing for the Queen was saying, this is the kind of person we want to be following and leading our country. Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II in "The Crown" Season 5 on Netflix (Alex Bailey) The Crown Season 5 takes place in the 1990s, in the midst of the divorce between Princess Diana and Prince Charles, and a time when the relevance and necessity of the monarchy was being scrutinized. I feel sort of lucky that we're looking at their lives when it was very difficult and that, as an actor, you've got more stuff to do, and therefore extremely satisfying, and it's dramatic, Staunton said. Peter [Morgan] writes great drama and he bases it around events and real people, but he gives them heart, soul, brains. Story continues It's not dramatic being nice and being easy, it's dramatic when things start to go wrong, and how those people deal with those difficulties. He investigates all of that and we get to do that journey. Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana in "The Crown" Season 5 (Netflix) 'It's an enormous challenge' Stepping into the shoes of the Princess Diana for Season 5 of The Crown is Elizabeth Debicki, who not only has a striking resemblance to the late princess but she was also tasked with developing a version of one of the most popular, beloved and observed people in history. Debicki admitted at the press conference that she was nervous about taking on the role. It's an enormous challenge,...and it took me some time to understand that you're bringing your interpretation to Peter's interpretation of this person, but then the people watching the show comewith such attachment and memory, and a sense of ownership over these characters in a way, Debicki said. Not only from the people who've played them before, but also from their living memory and their history. So you have to leave a kind of space for that and it's sort of a dance between all those things. It's a beautiful process but it's also very challenging, and very rewarding, I think, too, because we get to work with each other and get to do these wonderful scenes. Dominic West as Prince Charles in "The Crown" on Netflix (Keith Bernstein) 'I hope everyone gets a fair hearing' Alongside Elizabeth Debicki is Dominic West as Prince Charles who, particularly in the 90s, was facing significant criticism and backlash in the media, and from the public. West said he hopes The Crown provides the audience with some perspective and everyone gets a fair hearing. He's one of the most scrutinized, publicized lives in the world, so it's hard to know what people know about him, West said. This period covers a time when,because it was a divorce and there's always two sides in a divorce, that I suppose viewers saw, heard one or other, and hopefully there's a bit of perspective now and I hope everyone gets a fair hearing. I think that's part of the reason for doing it and I obviously love the guy Inevitably you take their side or you give them the benefit of the doubt, and I hope that will maybe happen when people see Charles in this, I don't know. Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana, Will Powell as Prince Harry, Senan West as Prince William, and Dominic West as Prince Charles in "The Crown" Season 5 on Netflix (Keith Bernstein) Princess Dianas close relationship with her children, in particular, has been well documented but for The Crown, Wests son, Senan West, is actually playing a young Prince William. It was very moving, actually, he's never acted before because COVID stopped any school plays or anything, West said about his son. He had this amazing innocence to him that was extraordinary to watch, as well as the fact that, obviously, he's my boy. It's very difficult when you act with children to have a physical intimacy, obviously, and with him that was sort of obviously not a question, which made it much easier. But then I found when it was more emotional, or when it was more difficult, the scene, it made it much more difficult and you were slightly split in your head between, OK we're acting this part, but that's a bit weird, isn't it? I'm talking about your mum, but not your real mum. So that I found quite difficult, but generally, it was really moving and I think he enjoyed it. So close to the premiere of Season 5 of The Crown, West said he's feeling "a bit of relief." "I feel quite relieved that we sort of got here and that the dreadful anticipation is over," he said. Financial expert Faye Watts recently shared her insights to help small business owners with payment technology as part of the How to Get Paid webinar series. A new effort is underway to support small businesses to get paid faster and boost cashflow this winter, as the escalating cost of living crisis places small firms under increasing strain. Small Business Britain, TSB and Revenu, a payments app powered by BankiFi, have formed a new partnership to help small business owners get paid on time and tackle the challenge of poor late payment practices. Running a small business is challenging enough without worrying about getting paid, said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain. The smallest of businesses often unnecessarily suffer the brunt of slow transactions. They not only deserve to get paid on time, but it is vital for their cashflow and can make all the difference to small firms facing a barrage of challenges from all angles right now. We want to give business owners some fire power to combat this issue. Late payments have been going on for far too long in the UK, and bigger businesses really need to step up and play their part too. The package of support includes a free three-part webinar series to help small businesses with techniques, tips and checklists to tackle the late payment problem. This includes insight from industry experts on everything from the right technology, applications and software to streamline the payment process, to managing cashflow and customer relationships confidently with best practice pricing terms and communications. Emma Mills-Sheffield from Mindsetup is one of the top industry experts sharing advice in the How to Get Paid free webinar series Facing difficulties in getting paid is the last thing small businesses need in the current climate, said Adeel Hyder, Business Banking Director at TSB. Late payments is a major issue that small firms urgently need more support with. We want this new programme to empower small businesses and equip them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to deal with these challenges head-on. This new partnership builds on TSBs existing offer to give customers access to Revenu, an app-based financial management tool from BankiFi. Story continues It also comes ahead of a new joint research report being launched by Small Business Britain and TSB in the new year, which will examine how entrepreneurs can grow. On average, small businesses in the UK are owed over 6,500 in late payments alone, said Jo Gibson, Revenu Customer Engagement. When there are already pressures on every aspect of running a business at the moment, problems like late payments can be the difference between staying afloat or going under. Our partnership with TSB has allowed us to put our solution to this problem, the Revenu app, directly into the hands of the Small Business, just at a time when they need it most I am very confident that all the kids that come to my program, if they choose to have a career in STEM, they will go pro, says Butler, founder and CEO of the first Afro-Latina S.T.E.A.M. education center in the U.S. Former WNBA player Niesha Butler is making STEM education accessible to children in inner city communities. Butler is the founder and chief executive officer of S.T.E.A.M. Champs, the first Afro-Latina S.T.E.A.M. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics educational center in the U.S. We need to change the narrative of what we pay for and what we feel like is important for kids, says S.T.E.A.M. Champs founder and CEO Niesha Butler. Located in Brooklyn, New York, Butlers facility opened in July 2022 and offers advanced, creative, and fun S.T.E.A.M. classes, and more, to youngsters 6 to 12 years old. In an interview with theGrio, she urges parents to invest in these programs for their children. We need to change the narrative of what we pay for and what we feel like is important for kids, Butler tells theGrio. Its really important for parents to get behind the nerdy kid, to get behind the kid who wants to tinker with things and build things. Technology is the future, and our community the most is going to be hit hardest if were not equipping our kids with these necessary skills, she continues. I am very confident that all the kids that come to my program, if they choose to have a career in S.T.E.M., they will go pro. Were building S.T.E.A.M. champions for the future that we can actually get kids out of generational poverty with one job. Six figures, guys, is what these software engineers, data scientists, statisticians are making. Its no secret that there is a disparity when it comes to S.T.E.M. studies and opportunities. According to a 2018 Pew research survey, Black and Hispanic workers continue to be underrepresented in the STEM workforce. Blacks make up 11% of the U.S. workforce overall but represent 9% of STEM workers. And in education, American Society for Microbiology noted in February that due to educator bias at predominately-white schools and/or limited resources at majority-Black schools, American Black youth are less likely to participate in early experiences that promote achievements in STEM. Story continues That is why spaces like S.T.E.A.M. Champs are important. Butler makes sure she encourages the children and interns who walk through her door. When they come to the center, they see someone who looks like them and grew up in a similar environment, and they see that its possible to thrive in these industries that may seem far-fetched. Sanaya Butler (left), an intern at S.T.E.A.M. Champs and the niece of its founder, with her aunt Niesha Butler. (Photo: TheGrio) I had the chance to attend a Thursday Lego Robotics class at the center, and you can tell that it brings its CEO-founder genuine joy to be able to educate the youth. Butler was so excited to have them and they matched her energy. They were just as excited to dive into their assignments and work together to make their Lego carousel. The children were engaged the whole time, caught on quickly, and if they had an issue, Butler and her intern, Fharrell Browne, were there to assist but in a way that allowed the kids to figure out the solution to their problem, instead of giving them direct answers. When it was time to present, Butler made sure they started with an affirmation, confidently stating: I am the engineer of this carousel, before explaining what inspired their creation. Im trying to build champions to go out there and to take over the world, says Butler. We not only are teaching them fundamental coding skills and robotics and programming languages, but every kid that S.T.E.A.M. Champs touch, I want them to walk with the vibe that I walked off [with] when I walked on the court. I want them to walk with that confidence. Check out the full interview above to learn more about Butler and S.T.E.A.M. Champs. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Niesha Butler on S.T.E.A.M. Champs: Im trying to build champions to go out there and take over the world appeared first on TheGrio. A Nigerian influencer known as Hushpuppi, who gained numerous followers for flaunting luxury cars and designer clothes on Instagram, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for his involvement in a sprawling network of million-dollar money laundering schemes. On Monday, a federal judge in Los Angeles sentenced the Lagos-born Ramon Abbas to 135 months in federal prison, with officials describing the online scammer as one of the most prolific money launderers in the world. Abbas leveraged his social media platforms where he amassed a considerable following to gain notoriety and to brag about the immense wealth he acquired by conducting business email compromise scams, online bank heists and other cyber-enabled fraud that financially ruined scores of victims and provided assistance to the North Korean regime, Don Alway, the assistant director of the FBIs Los Angeles field office, said in a statement on Monday. Abbas pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, after being arrested in Dubai in June of 2020. Officials said the Nigerian, who portrayed himself as a glitzy real estate developer online, ran laundering schemes across the world, including attempting to move money North Korean hackers stole from a Maltese bank in 2019, and fraudulently convincing a New York law firm to wire nearly $1m to a bank account of a co-conspirator. By his own admission, during just an 18-month period defendant conspired to launder over $300 million, prosecutors wrote in a court filing as part of the sentencing. As part of his punishment, Hushpuppi will have to pay over $1.7m in restitution to his victims. The high-flying scammer, who lived in the exclusive, Italian-designed Palazzo Versace in Dubai, is already serving separate federal charges with a sentence of nearly 12 years, after pleading guilty in November 2020 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering. Abbas got his start as a Yahoo boy, Nigerian slang for fraudsters who steal or create identities online and use them to steal money from unwitting online correspondents, the BBC reports . He frequently posed with expensive Rolls Royce and Bentley cars, wearing high-priced designer clothing. "Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings in my life, he captioned one Instagram post, weeks before he got arrested. Continue to shame those waiting for me to be shamed. AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A group of four widows who had sought to hold Shell liable for damages in the Netherlands after their anti-oil activist husbands were executed by the Nigerian government in 1995 have cancelled further legal proceedings, their lawyer said on Monday. "Obviously this is not without disappointment and frustration," said lawyer Channa Samkalden in statement announcing that the widows have cancelled an appeal launched after the Hague District Court rejected their case earlier this year. "This has been a lengthy and demanding procedure, which makes them re-live horrible events, while the outcome is most uncertain." The widow's husbands had been among a group that later became known as the "Ogoni Nine", who were arrested and hanged after a flawed trial that turned international opinion against Nigeria's then-military rulers. The activists included writer Ken Saro-Wiwa. Shell struck a $15.5 million settlement in 2009 in the United States with relatives of some families, including the Saro-Wiwa estate, without acknowledging wrongdoing. But others continued trying to hold the company responsible in foreign courts after exhausting legal possibilities in Nigeria. In March, the Hague court ruled there was not enough evidence to support the widows' assertion that Shell had bribed witnesses to give false testimony in the trial that led to the men's executions. "We have always denied the allegations made against Shell in this case," Shell said in a statement Monday. "However, this does not in any way diminish the tragic nature of the events of 1995." Samkalden, the lawyer, said the widows are living in "difficult circumstance". "Rather than focussing on the appeal, initiatives are now being developed aimed at providing these women with some basic financial assistance," she said. (Reporting by Toby Sterling; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) (Reuters) - Electric-truck maker Nikola Corp said on Tuesday it will partner with charging company ChargePoint Holdings to speed up the deployment of the required infrastructure for commercial EVs. Many fleet operators are inclined to use more electric vehicles as they aim to reduce carbon emissions and meet sustainability targets, however, the lack of proper infrastructure has been a deterrent. Nikola said with access to ChargePoint's products it will be able to reduce the time required to build infrastructure projects that will help its customers manage charging of their vehicles, plan schedules and streamline delivery routes. The companies, however, declined to provide the financial details of the partnership. The announcement of the deal comes a week after Nikola said that scaling up charging infrastructure for fleets was a hurdle, exacerbated by end-customers' reluctance to spend capital for the development. Nikola expects such challenges to continue and limit uptake of its Tre battery electric semi truck. It said the company would miss its target of delivering at least 300 vehicles this year and declined to issue fresh forecasts, citing macroeconomic uncertainty clouding visibility of its future. Phoenix, Arizona-based Nikola has placed orders for ChargePoint's fast charging solution, E-Skids, and deliveries are expected to begin as early as this month. (This story has been refiled to remove extraneous text from headline) (Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Madi Williams scored 19 points, Skylar Vann added 18 and No. 15 Oklahoma opened the season with a 105-94 win over Oral Roberts on Monday. Ana Llanusa and Taylor Robertson had 13 points each for the Sooners, who finished at 47.6% shooting after hitting 60% of their shots in the first half. The Sooners return all five of their starters from last seasons NCAA Tournament team plus six from the bench and they took this win in school-record fashion. Oklahoma's lead reached double figures less than four minutes into the game. The score was 38-17 after one quarter and 67-37 at the half, both school scoring records. Oral Roberts outscored Oklahoma 24-6 in the final 5:18 to get the margin down to 11. Tirzah Moore scored 25 points and grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds for the Golden Eagles. Sara Rodrigues added 16 points and Hannah Cooper and Ruthie Udoumoh had 15 each. The Golden Eagles have a new head coach in Kelsi Musick, who led Division II Southwestern Oklahoma for 13 seasons. ___ 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 A district attorney wont seek charges against deputies accused in the death of a Georgia woman who fell from the back of a moving patrol car, state investigators said. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation closed its case in the death of Brianna Grier after a months-long investigation, the agency announced Monday, Nov. 7. Investigators sent their findings to the Ocmulgee Circuit district attorney, which declined to bring the case to a civil or criminal grand jury. Authorities said they met with Griers family, who is being represented civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, WXIA reported. McClatchy News reached out to Crumps office for comment on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and was awaiting a response. Grier, 28, died at a hospital nearly a week after authorities said she fell from the back seat of a patrol car during her arrest in Hancock County on July 15. An investigation into the incident found that sheriffs deputies drove away without closing the back door, causing a handcuffed Grier to fall out. She suffered significant injuries after authorities initially said she jumped from the moving car. Griers parents had called 911 early that morning and said their daughter was experiencing a mental health crisis, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Rather than sending EMS, deputies showed up and arrested her, relatives said. To put Grier in the patrol car, one of the deputies walked around and opened the rear passenger side door, state investigators said. The deputy quickly returned to the rear drivers side door. Both deputies put Grier in the backseat of the patrol car. The deputies closed the rear drivers side door but didnt close the rear passenger-side door. Earlier this year, investigators released a 10-minute body camera video of Griers arrest. (Warning: The video may be disturbing to some viewers.) Hancock County is about 100 miles southeast of Atlanta. Woman dies after falling from police car while in custody, Georgia officials say A nonprofit that planned to bring a long-awaited program to find housing for people facing homelessness is pulling back on its plans to launch in Pensacola. Officials with the Lotus Campaign told the City Council on Thursday they would not be launching their program in Pensacola. The Lotus Campaign is a North Carolina-based nonprofit that partners with landlords and sponsors people facing homelessness with housing by paying the first month of rent and making other financial guarantees to overcome other hurdles that may prevent someone from being able to sign a lease. Lotus Campaign approved: Pensacola approves funding landlord-focused homeless prevention housing program How Lotus could help: Pensacola's lack of low-income housing leaves many on brink of homelessness The organization also partners with other nonprofits to provide case management and ensure the individual is able to pay their rent. Lotus Campaign founder Beth Silverman told the council after months of due diligence in Pensacola and meeting with 27 property management companies, they could not find enough landlords willing to participate in the program. The Lotus Campaign is pulling back on plans to launch its program, which finds housing for homeless people, in Pensacola because of a lack of landlord participation. "We do not feel confident that we're going to be able to find more than a few partners, and we don't think this is going to be an effective leverage of public funding to fund a landlord participation program," Silverman said. Silverman said they had two property management companies sign on to the program that, at best, would only be able to provide between five and 10 units. She said she didn't believe that such a small-scale project should tie up city funding that has a "ticking clock" tied to it. "I just can't in good conscience use public funding for that," Silverman said. The funding for the program came out of the city's share of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds that carry a deadline to be spent by 2024. Lotus Campaign founder Beth Silverman discusses the role landlords and private investors can play in ending homelessness during a CivicCon event at Blue Wahoos Stadium in 2021. Pensacola had approved $425,000 for the program, and so far, about $40,209 has been spent toward the program, with $30,296 on due diligence and the rest on travel by Lotus employees to Pensacola from North Carolina. Story continues Silverman said in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lotus works with 28 residential communities and has housed 538 people. The decision adds about $384,000 to an already unallocated $800,000 in city ARPA funding set aside to address homelessness that must be spent by the end of 2024. CivicCon: Why aren't landlords doing more to address homelessness? Because nobody asked Homeless spending: Pensacola allocated $2.2 million for homeless programs. How has that money been spent? Silverman added that another complexity in Pensacola is the lack of rental housing and apartments. Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson told the council the city might use the funds as a local match for other affordable housing programs the city is pursuing. No formal action on reallocating the funding was taken Monday night. "You're now another person from outside the area who's looked at our market and said, 'Hey, your biggest problem right now is you don't have enough, you don't have enough rental product on the ground, to help the people,'" Robinson said. "That is a clear message that I think is important for us at this time, that we need more product in the rental market." Jim Little can be reached at jwlittle@pnj.com and 850-208-9827. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Lotus Campaign cancels plans to expand rental assistance in Pensacola SEOUL, South Korea North Korea on Tuesday accused the United States of cooking up a plot-breeding story on its alleged arms transfer to Russia, arguing it has never sent artillery shells to Moscow. Last week, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby accused North Korea of covertly supplying a significant number of the ammunitions to Russia. He said the United States believes North Korea was trying to obscure the transfer route by making it appear the weapons were being sent to countries in the Middle East or North Africa. North Korea covertly sending artillery to Russia, White House says We regard such moves of the U.S. as part of its hostile attempt to tarnish the image of [North Korea] in the international arena, an unidentified vice director at the ministrys military foreign affairs office said in a statement carried by state media. 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 vice director said. In September, U.S. officials confirmed a newly downgraded U.S. intelligence finding that Russia was in the process of purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea. North Korea later dismissed that report, calling on Washington to stop making reckless remarks and to keep its mouth shut. On Nov. 2, Kirby said the U.S. has an idea of which country or countries the North may funnel the weapons through but wouldnt specify. He said the North Korean shipments are not going to change the course of the war, citing Western efforts to resupply the Ukrainian military. Slapped by international sanctions and export controls, Russia in August bought Iranian-made drones that U.S. officials said had technical problems. For Russia, experts say North Korea is likely another good option for its ammunitions supply, because the North keeps a significant stockpile of shells, many of them copies of Soviet-era ones. Even as most of Europe and the West has pulled away, North Korea has pushed to boost relations with Russia, blaming the U.S. for the crisis and decrying the Wests hegemonic policy as justifying military action by Russia in Ukraine to protect itself. In July, North Korea became the only nation aside from Russia and Syria to recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk territories as independent. Story continues The North Korean government has also hinted it is interested in sending construction workers to help rebuild pro-Russia breakaway regions in Ukraines east. North Koreas possible arms supply to Russia would be a violation of U.N. resolutions that ban the North from trading weapons with other countries. But its unlikely for North Korea to receive fresh sanctions for that because of a division at the U.N. Security Council over Americas confrontations with Russia regarding its war in Ukraine and its separate strategic competitions with China. Earlier this year, Russia and China already vetoed a U.S.-led attempt to toughen sanctions on North Korea over its series of ballistic missile tests that are banned by multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. Some observers say North Korea has also been using the Russian aggression in Ukraine as a window to ramp up weapons testing activity and dial up pressure on the United States and South Korea. Last week, the North test-fired dozens of missiles in response to large-scale U.S.-South Korea aerial drills that Pyongyang views as a rehearsal for a potential invasion. In a separate statement published Tuesday by state media, a senior North Korean diplomat criticized U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recent condemnation of North Koreas missile launch barrage, calling him a mouthpiece of the U.S. government. The U.N. secretary general is echoing what the White House and the State Department say as if he were their mouthpiece, which is deplorable, said Kim Son Gyong, vice minister for international organizations at the North Korean Foreign Ministry. Kim said that Guterres unfair and prejudiced behavior has contributed to the worsening tensions in the region. View live results for the Cook County assessors race. Live results will begin tabulating after polls close on Tuesday, Nov. 8. On the ballot this Tuesday is every statewide office, as well as one U.S. Senate seat, two seats on the Illinois Supreme Court, all 17 of Illinois representatives in Congress, every state senator and representative in the General Assembly, and scores of county and judicial offices. See all race results here. A guide for voters on the midterms >>> See who the Tribune Editorial Board endorsed plus how the candidates answered our questions >>> interactive_content As a public service to our readers and community, we have lowered the paywall on election coverage so everyone can access this important information. Your support allows us to continue providing the award-winning, watchdog and in-depth journalism our community deserves. Subscribe today. A Norwin school board director was censured for posting a social media meme of a Halloween costume that used offensive language. Channel 11 news partner the Tribune-Review reported five school board members voted Monday to censure Alex Detschelt. Two members along with Detschelt opposed the motion. One member was absent. The motion called for Detschelt to apologize for both his offensive comments and his disrespectful comments made to members of the public. The censure calls for him to make it clear that he made those statements on his own and not on behalf of the school board. In response to the call for him to apologize, Detschelt said in a statement that nobody can force anyone to speak, especially providing an apology, as that would be forced speech. Detschelt said he later removed the post because a parent of a special needs child told him how the word used in the meme was hurtful to her child. Detschelt did not apologize for using the meme, saying that he never typed those words and they were never directed at anyone, let alone a child. In a prepared statement, Detschelt said the meme is protected political speech and was made in response to other political speech, the Trib reports. TRENDING NOW: State police investigating death at shooting scene outside Beaver County Walmart 4 winning Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball tickets worth $1 million, $150,000 sold in Allegheny County 2-year-old dies after drowning in pond in Bethel Park VIDEO: Township takes legal action, claims newspaper strike is holding up municipal business DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Chanting Protect Black women and Speak up, UK, hundreds of University of Kentucky students gathered on campus Monday night after video showing a reported assault and racist incident against a student over the weekend went viral. Organized by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a Black fraternity on campus, students marched from the William T. Young library to the Bowman statue near the Gatton Student Center. Students called for unity and for the university to quickly address the events from the weekend. An intoxicated UK student physically assaulted and spouted racial slurs at a Black student desk clerk, Kylah Spring, and a UK police officer early Sunday. The incident took place at Boyd Residence Hall where Sophia Rosing, a white student, entered and began taunting, using racial slurs and making derogatory comments toward Spring, a Black student. After police arrived, Rosing continued using slurs, resisted arrest and bit a police officer, according to the arrest report. Rosing, 22, was arrested and charged with first and second offenses of public intoxication, third-degree assault of a police officer, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct, according to the Fayette County Detention Center website. Speaking to the marchers on Monday night, Spring said she was grateful for the support she had received since speaking out about the incident. At times speaking through tears, she thanked her family, friends and other UK students for supporting her. This is a recurring issue in and across American school systems, no matter what age, Spring said. I am deeply sad about the events that took place. But I am grateful for justice that is to come. Kylah Spring speaks at a march against racism on University of Kentuckys campus on Nov. 7, 2022. Monica Kast/mkast@herald-leader.com Spring also had a message for Rosing, and quoted Michelle Obama: When they go low, we go high. You will not break my spirit and you will be held accountable for your actions, Spring said, speaking about Rosing. I only pray that you open your heart to love and try to experience life differently and more positively after this. Story continues Rosings attorney entered a not guilty plea at an arraignment on Monday afternoon, with a bond set at $10,000 cash. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 15. According to court records, she posted bond and was released Monday night. Shes ordered to have no contact with Boyd Hall or Spring and cant consume alcohol. The university also is conducting an investigation into the incident. As of Monday morning, Rosing was still enrolled at UK, spokesperson Whitney Siddiqi said. Kylah Spring, center, speaks at a march against racism on University of Kentuckys campus on Nov. 7, 2022. The march was organized after video of a white UK student, Sophia Rosing, saying racist slurs to a Black student desk clerk, Spring, went viral on social media. Monica Kast/mkast@herald-leader.com Students call for immediate action Troy Rawlins Jr., a member of the fraternity who helped organize the march, said he was angry and disappointed after hearing about the interaction between Rosing and Spring. Rawlins said he was pleased to see the university investigating the incident, and hopes there will be a quick conclusion. We are here to have our voices be heard so we can effectively combat racism on our campus, Rawlins said. We need our voices to be heard. Our voices are falling on deaf ears. The only way we are going to be heard is if we come together. Jaaliyah Biggers, a freshman, said she hopes Rosing will be expelled and that the university will conduct its investigation quickly and thoroughly. It should be an immediate reaction, and immediately resolved, Biggers said. Jaaliyah Biggers, a University of Kentucky freshman, displays at sign at a march against racism rally on UKs campus on Nov. 7, 2022. The march was organized after video of a white UK student, Sophia Rosing, saying racist slurs to a Black student desk clerk, Kylah Spring, went viral on social media. Monica Kast/mkast@herald-leader.com Rosing arrested in Boyd Hall After police arrived at Boyd Hall on Sunday, Rosing stated that she has lots of money and (gets) special treatment, the officer wrote in arrest documents. When I told her to sit back in the chair she kicked me and bit my hand. Spring, a freshman, posted about the incident on Instagram, identifying herself as a UK student and desk clerk at the dorm. This girl, she walked in about 1 oclock or 1:15, somewhere around that time. She did not look like a resident so I did not open the door, Spring said in a video posted to her Instagram. But when she came in she stumbled across the front desk and came in and started to talk to the elevator. She said it is protocol that when someone appears drunk, clerks are required to call a resident advisor and have them come to file a report, and to make sure the student safely gets to where they need to be. In the video, Spring and another person are seen trying to calm Rosing down. At one point, they can be seen in the video attempting to get Rosing to sit in a chair but she resisted, grabbing and trying to push the student employee. In a statement on Sunday, UK President Eli Capilouto condemned Rosings behavior, and said the university 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, Capilouto said. In the day since the video of Rosing was shared, she has lost two jobs: one with Dillards, and another with College Fashionista, according to social media. Reporter Taylor Six contributed to this story. Students gather at a march against racism rally on University of Kentuckys campus on Nov. 7, 2022. The march was organized after video of a white UK student, Sophia Rosing, saying racist slurs to a Black student desk clerk, Kylah Spring, went viral on social media. Monica Kast/mkast@herald-leader.com Students gather at a march against racism rally on University of Kentuckys campus on Nov. 7, 2022. The march was organized after video of a white UK student, Sophia Rosing, saying racist slurs to a Black student desk clerk, Kylah Spring, went viral on social media. Monica Kast/mkast@herald-leader.com For David Wasserman, senior editor for U.S. House elections at The Cook Political Report, Election Day is typically a moment of Zen and calm. It turns out Zen for Wasserman consists of county-level analysis and corned beef. In addition to building county-by-county models of each candidates break even number for a win in the most competitive races, Wasserman told NotedDC, [f]or some reason, I always end up eating a corned beef sandwich for lunch. I guess that might be my superstitious Election Day habit. Wasserman, who will be in New York on election night, is one of the key political experts relied on every two years for important news about the countrys direction after months of rigorous preparation. We spoke with several other political analysts and election night anchors to find out their rituals surrounding Election Day. Judy Woodruff, anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour, told us she prepares for midterm elections by trying to memorize as much of the spectacularly helpful PBS NewsHour midterm elections briefing book, which is 265 pages long this year, as she can. Asked what helps her get through election night, Woodruff said, Chocolate in any form. As for post-election rituals to help her decompress, Woodruff said, It takes a week or so to decompress: these are such high stress moments, and the stories keep unspooling. Drink a lot of water. Ive always liked covering Midterm races, Martha MacCallum, anchor and executive editor of The Story with Martha MacCallum and co-anchor of Fox News Channels election night coverage, told NotedDC. [T]hey get the feel for the pulse of whats happening in the country, and they are a moment when we see new political stars emerge, while others flame out. To avoid flaming out herself on election night, MacCallum has some go-tos in the lead-up: Running outside is a great way to clear my head and I try to avoid too much coffee or sugar (with limited success!). That night is pure adrenaline. Story continues Garrett Haake, senior Capitol Hill correspondent at NBC News, also discussed caffeine management as a key part of his election night routine. A cup of coffee at 6pm is just going to make you jittery while you wait for polls to close at 9, Haake told us. The same cup of coffee at 10? Thats the energy you need to get to 2am. Aside from carefully timing his coffee, Haake typically goes to a polling place on Election Day to talk with voters. After that, he said, I HAVE to get a workout in. Election days always give me a ton of nervous energy, and that helps to get it out when theres really nothing else to do but wait. Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of the nonpartisan election forecaster Inside Elections, makes a point to get away from the computer. Its easy to get sucked into Election Day coverage about what turnout looks like in one precinct in the suburbs, he said, but thats ultimately information that is not helpful to the task at hand later. Reflecting on the seven elections he spent in New York working with ABC News election night decision desk, Gonzales said, I would walk around part of Central Park and the Upper West Side, and now crisp fall weather is forever tied to the election in my mind. Everyone we talked to emphasized the importance of a good amount of sleep heading into Election Day. Kathryn Hamm, Cook Political Reports chief operating officer, also told us about the Election Night Survival Kits she put together for Wasserman, editor-in-chief Amy Walter and Senate and Governors editor Jessica Taylor. Contents include chicken salad snack packs, lightly salted almonds, gum and under-eye cucumber pads. Hamm is also cooking up dinner for the Cook front office team. (NotedDC wont disclose the menu details so as not to spoil the surprise for any team members who may be reading.) Our thanks to all these very busy people for taking the time to share a glimpse into their big day with us! This is NotedDC, a newsletter from The Hill looking at the politics, policy and people behind the stories in Washington. Were Liz Crisp and Amee LaTour. Sign up below. Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the NotedDC newsletter How to track results Tuesday night Track Senate, House and gubernatorial results throughout the night Tuesday here. And see which candidates have already voted in The Hills live blog here. WHEN POLLS CLOSE IN 7 KEY STATES Stack up the snacks, folks its going to be a long night. Voters will be casting ballots in some of the closest Senate races in the country until 10 p.m. Eastern. Below are poll closing times in the states with the most highly anticipated Senate races some of which feature battleground House and gubernatorial races as well. All times local: Georgia 7 p.m. Ohio 7:30 p.m. New Hampshire 7-8 p.m. (varies by location) Pennsylvania 8 p.m. Wisconsin 8 p.m. (9 p.m. EST) Arizona: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. EST) Nevada 7 p.m. (10 p.m. EST) And heres when polls close in every state, via The Hill FiveThirtyEight also put together a guide showing what percentage of votes we may see counted at what time based on primary results reporting. Check it out here. WHAT WELL HAVE OUR EYES ON EARLY A few Virginia House races and Indianas 1st Congressional District. David Wasserman tweeted his rough thinking about what these races might indicate for the size of House GOP gains: - If #VA02 Luria (D) holds on, better night for Dems than expected If #IN01 Mrvan (D) or #VA07 Spanberger (D) lose, Rs likely winning 20+ seats If #NH02 Kuster (D) or #VA10 Wexton (D) lose, Rs likely winning 30+ seats But dont put too much stock in the first numbers you see. Wasserman noted that at least in VA, the very first results reported are likely to favor Rs. Extra caution is warranted in #VA07, where Prince William Co.s mail ballots are critical to Rep. Abigail Spanbergers (D) path to victory and could be the last to be counted. Follow election night results at The Hills Election Central, featuring interactive maps with live results for Senate, House and gubernatorial races along with updated party breakdowns for each chamber as a result of the elections. The parties paths to Senate control The battle for control of the Senate will come down to just a handful of races on Tuesday night, with Republicans having more paths to clinching the majority. Democrats path to keeping the Senate: Flipping Pennsylvania and holding a handful of other closely contested seats. Read more here. Republicans path to winning the Senate: Holding the toss-up Pennsylvania seat and securing a win in any of several battlegrounds, such as Nevada, Georgia, New Hampshire or Arizona. Read more here. NUMBER TO KNOW 28 Average number of U.S. House seats the presidents party lost in midterms, between 1934 and 2018. Average Senate seats lost: 4 Why results might not be known for a while Control of the Senate likely hinges on who wins Pennsylvania and Georgia two states where there may not be a clear winner on Tuesday night. Pennsylvania state officials have been warning for days that rules prohibiting mail-in ballots from being counted before Election Day could mean results are delayed days. Meanwhile, if no one secures more than 50 percent support in Georgia, both candidates will head to a runoff on Dec. 6 roughly a month away. Election advocates emphasize that not knowing the full results Tuesday night isnt a problem but part of the process. Its important for us to keep tight, Erin Vilardi, founder & CEO of Vote Run Lead, a network that primarily focuses on electing women to public office, told NotedDC. Being patient and waiting for the full results is a good thing. I dont want to live in a place where you call an arbitrary deadline of whose vote gets counted, she added. Between absentee ballots, vote-by-mail and overseas votes from service members and other voters who arent able to head to their polling place on Election Day, there will be thousands of votes counted after the fact. More than 23 million people have cast early ballots, and many of those are in states where the ballots cannot be counted before polls close. That allows us to all participate, Vilardi said. Each state sets up their own voting systems from early voting rules to voter ID standards to polling hours. While this can complicate the flow of results Tuesday in nationally watched races, Vilardi notes its part of being a state-driven country. State-by-state, we set our own rules, she said. Dems missed opportunity Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville calls the seemingly inevitable GOP takeover of one or both chambers of Congress the sad truth and blames it on his own partys messaging. Carville, the strategist behind President Clinton and the Its the economy, stupid! mantra driving much of the conversation now as it did in the 1990s, acknowledged the importance of messaging for voters facing record inflation, high gas prices and other expenses. What party is saying we are going to give you some help? Carville told NotedDC. We dont tell people that. Carville specifically said not enough attention has been paid to what will happen to Medicare and Social Security under a GOP majority. Sen. Rick Scott, the Florida Republican who heads up the Senates top fundraising arm, drew heat earlier this year when he released a blueprint that called for sunsetting all federal legislation after five years. Republicans have largely shied away from talking about such plans or what the alternative could be, and Carville says Democrats missed an opportunity to connect with key voters. Were going to have to decide as a party, do we stand with our voters, he said. WHAT THE PUNDITS ARE SAYING The Hill reached out to several pundits including Alice Stewart, Matt Schlapp, Bill Press and Grover Norquist for their predictions on Election Day. Read them here. BRIEFLY Seven House races that may be decided early on election night have bellwether potential due to similar environments as many other competitive districts in the U.S. In the Senate, chatter is growing over the possibility of Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.), chair of Republicans campaign arm, challenging GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) for majority leader if Republicans win the chamber, The Hills Alexander Bolton reports. Our colleague Caroline Vakil rounds up last-minute polling averages in seven key Senate races, and check out five ballot measures to watch. WHAT WERE READING The 3 Big Questions I Still Have About Election Day via FiveThirtyEight Trump is calling Republicans to ask How many times theyll impeach Biden via RollingStone States struggle to curb fake emotional support animals via Stateline Election Day Blood Moon wont happen again until 2394 via The Hill/Nexstar Media Election night specials around the District Trying to forget the election, or want to grab an early libation to celebrate as the results flow in? Our friends over at Thrillist have a full rundown of where you can get drink specials with your I Voted sticker. Grab some oysters at Old Ebbitt Grill while you catch up on the results or head to Shaws Tavern for wall-to-wall election night coverage (with sound). Lots of great options on tap. And its not too late to throw your own party. Send us pics! For us: Liz is going to be enjoying some pasta this election night while glued to the TV (and maybe checking in on some Bravo shows). Amee will be watching the results with a box full of spicy and sweet snacks and some caffeinated tea (as her true love, coffee, makes her feel sick at night). Have a tip or want to share how you are celebrating/mourning this Election Day? Email us at ecrisp@thehill.com and alatour@thehill.com. And encourage friends to sign up here: thehill.com/noted. See you tomorrow! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- Nvidia Corp., the most valuable chipmaker in the US, has begun producing a processor for China that conforms to new rules aimed at limiting that countrys access to artificial-intelligence computing. Most Read from Bloomberg The A800 GPU, or graphics processing unit, went into production in the third quarter and serves as an alternative to the A100 model, Nvidia said in a statement Monday. The A800 meets the US governments clear test for reduced export control and cannot be programmed to exceed it, the Santa Clara, California-based chipmaker said. Nvidia jarred investors earlier this year when it said that it was banned from selling the A100 and forthcoming H100 products to Chinese customers without special US government approval. The change put hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue at risk. The US is concerned that the processors might be used by the military, Nvidia said in a regulatory filing in August. The Biden administration expanded the restrictions last month, escalating tensions between the two countries and adding fresh hurdles for US chipmakers already facing a slump in demand. Nvidia has lost more than half its value this year, following three straight years of gains. Data centers rely on graphics chips like Nvidias to handle AI tasks and process huge sets of information. The US governments rules on China exports place a cap on the speeds that such chips can communicate with each other, thereby limiting their usefulness. Reuters previously reported that Nvidia had begun offering the A800. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. While visiting Walt Disney Worlds Animal Kingdom on October 20, federal investigator Jeff Andre recognized a familiar face. It was 31-year-old Quashon Burton, a New York man who had been on the run since last November. Authorities say Burton used fraudulent documents to get coronavirus relief aid. Using the identities of at least four people, he was able to obtain almost $150,000 in government loans meant for businesses experiencing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to CNN. What happened: Andre was familiar with Burton for his role in the investigation. He works as an inspector for the United States Postal Inspection Service and, in fact, had signed Burtons arrest warrant. Both men happened to be vacationing in Florida, visiting the same theme park that day. When Andre spotted Burton, he alerted the parks security, who called the Orange County Sheriffs Office. What a coincidence: Last December, Burton was indicted on federal charges which included aggravated identity theft, theft of government funds, and conspiracy to steal government funds. According to federal court documents, The defendant used fraudulent email accounts, fake identification documents, bank accounts and bank cards in the names of other individuals in a manner that created a complex web of identities that made his crimes difficult to investigate. From Disney to prison: When the arrest warrant for Burton was issued last November, police were unable to locate him. He continued to evade police by using fake identities rather than his own. He even used a fake identity during his Disney visit. Burton failed to cooperate when arrested and was charged with resisting an officer without violence. He denied being himself, even after his identity was confirmed with fingerprints. Burton is now being held in federal custody and has been denied bail as prosecutors say he poses an extreme risk of flight. Related: Mass Brawl Breaks Out Between Two Families At Disneys Magic Kingdom Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty The Oath Keepers is a sprawling organization, with members who have differentsometimes seditiouspolitical beliefs. But it seems the Oath Keepers are nearly monolithic in one regard: their financial support of Republicans. Of 236 alleged Oath Keepers who made documented donations to a federal political candidate this year, all but three of their preferred candidates were Republicans. And of those three outlier candidates that received a donation from an Oath Keeper, only one was to a Democratand the woman who made that $250 contribution told The Daily Beast that she only accidentally enrolled in the Oath Keepers about a decade ago. Theyre the opposite of everything we stand for, she told The Daily Beast. As for the other donations, theres no mistake about which political party Oath Keepers support. The top recipient this year was, unsurprisingly, former President Donald Trump, whose Save America Joint Fundraising Committee enjoyed about $13,000 in support. (While the Oath Keepers are largely united behind Republicans, they spread their donations to a diffuse group of GOP candidates and organizations.) Oath Keeper Boss Goes on Unsolicited Rant About Having Sex With Lawyer After Trump, theres no clear favorite. The money is scattered across 21 candidates and committees that received a total of more than $500 from potential Oath Keepers, the group now at the center of swirling seditious conspiracy charges regarding its role in the Jan. 6 attack. The second top raiser was Adam Laxaltthe Nevada GOP senatorial candidate who has called the 2020 election riggedwho received $5,950. In all, people with Oath Keepers ties have donated more than $100,000 to federal candidates, committees, and independent PACs this year, according to an analysis of bulk data with the Federal Election Commission. To identify donors, The Daily Beast cross-checked the FEC data against a membership list of alleged Oath Keepers first shared with media outlets in 2021. Story continues Limitations with the information provided in the FECs bulk data make it difficult to determine all end recipients, such as candidates who received earmarked donations through intermediariesmost notably the GOP online fundraising platform WinRed, which this year has processed at least $57,000 from 150 donors on the list. None of the donations went through WinReds Democratic fundraising counterpart, ActBlue. The data also shows thousands of dollars in direct donations flowing from potential Oath Keepers to the GOPs central nervous system: The Republican National Committee, as well as the official fundraising arms for GOP House and Senate incumbents. Among the Oath Keepers favorite candidates are a cadre of well-known election deniers. Officials who received at least $1,000 include Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Rand Paul (R-KY), who all voted against certifying President Joe Bidens victory. The same goes for House objectors like Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, as well as Kathy Barnettewho claimed to have led three buses to D.C. on Jan. 6 and mounted a last-minute MAGA charge against Dr. Mehmet Oz in the Pennsylvania primary this May. But the list also includes plenty of less extreme, more traditional Republicans, like election-certifying Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and North Carolinas Michele Woodhouse, who this year vied to unseat Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) in his doomed primary race. Oath Keepers Trial Rocked by Wacky Sexts Between Militia Boss and Lawyer Apart from the one Democrat who received a donationU.S. House candidate in Michigan, Hillary Scholtennon-Republican beneficiaries include Marissa Joy Selvig (Constitution Party) and Michele Weslander Quaid (no affiliation). Notably, some of the top donors on the Oath Keepers list are elected officials themselves. That would apply to Jamey Noel, who has served as sheriff of Clark County, Indiana, since 2015. He is one of the biggest contributors on the list. Noel, a donor to the Indiana state GOP, threw a max gift behind the former Rep. Mike Sodrel (R-IN) ahead of his failed primary, before later maxing out to the winner, Erin Houchin. (Asked earlier this month whether she believes Biden was rightfully elected, Houchin demurred, claiming there were irregularities in the process.) Noel, however, denied any involvement with the Oath Keepers following an Anti-Defamation League report in September, which called out his alleged affiliation with the group among hundreds of other people in positions of power and public trust. Im not now and have never been associated in any way with the Oath Keepers. Anyone who says differently is lying, Noel said at the time. A persons presence in the database of more than 38,000 Oath Keeper nameswhich was first shared with media last September by the nonprofit journalist group Distributed Denial of Secretsdoesnt prove active ties to the extremist organization. When the Associated Press contacted people on the list, a number of them acknowledged they had previously been members but claimed to no longer be affiliated with the organization. ADL points out that someones inclusion on the list is not proof that they were or are still an Oath Keeper, that they hold or held all or some of Oath Keeper ideology or viewpoints, or that they ever actively participated in Oath Keeper activities. The group points out that when reviewing the data, its important to remember the possibility that some of the names on the membership list may have misunderstood the nature of the Oath Keepers. Still, Noels name appears in the groups membership files. The entry indicates that he signed up with the Oath Keepers on Oct. 2, 2014, listing an address, phone number, and email that The Daily Beast independently tied to him through public data and official state government records. But Noel isnt the only elected official in the data. Or even in the state. Two of the other top 10 donors on the list also serve in Indiana. Wells County Commissioners President Michael Vanover gave $2,900 to Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), who voted to certify Joe Bidens victory, and Indiana GOP state senator Scott Baldwin contributed the same amount to the Republican congressional campaign for Erin Houchin, who has raised doubts about the 2020 results. Revealed: The Message Oath Keepers Boss Wrote for Trump Days After Capitol Riot Both officials in the database were previously reported to have been members of the extremist group. Baldwin told IndyStar hed given the Oath Keepers $30 when he ran for Hamilton County Sheriff in April 2010, but claims to have had no ties with the organization since then. Its impossible to know exactly how many people are currently Oath Keepers members. The data shared in last years leak comprises 38,247 people, dating back years. The groups ranks have been reported to include current and former military personnel, officeholders, law enforcement, business owners, and even members of the clergy. The Oath Keepers, which was founded in 2009 by group leader Stewart Rhodes, has served as a Petri dish of virulent anti-government sentiment for years, rising to national notoriety for its role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Since then, the Justice Department has charged a number of the militia members with crimes related to their involvement in the riot, most notably counts of seditious conspiracy against several membersincluding Rhodes, who is currently on trial for that charge. Two members have already pleaded guilty to the charge, and Rhodes first took the stand in his defense on Monday. Prosecutors say Rhodes and four other members spent months plotting an armed rebellion to shatter a bedrock of American democracy, as part of their effort to keep Trump in power. Last week, jurors in the case saw a video of Rhodes days after the riot, claiming his only regret was not bringing guns to the Capitol. We could have fixed it right then and there. Id hang fuckin [House Speaker Nancy] Pelosi from the lamppost, he said in the video. In his testimony on Monday, however, Rhodes tried to distance himself from the riot. I didnt want them getting wrapped up into all the nonsense with Trump supporters, he said. My goal was to make sure that no one got wrapped up in that Charlie Foxtrot going on inside the Capitol. Despite his clearly stated political preferences, Rhodes made no documented donations this year. 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 sign points to a polling place at Barack Obama Elementary School during the primary election in St. Louis in August. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Officials in Florida and Missouri are pushing back against routine efforts by the Justice Department to monitor local election procedures in their states, suggesting that the presence of federal monitors at polling places would be disruptive and intimidating. The public challenges follow an announcement from the Justice Department Monday that federal election monitors with the departments Civil Rights Division would be deployed to 64 jurisdictions in 24 states to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws during Tuesdays midterm elections. Among the jurisdictions slated to receive Justice Department monitors were Floridas Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, and Cole County, Mo. Though the DOJs announcement was issued against the backdrop of heightened concerns about possible voter intimidation and harassment of election workers, the Justice Department made clear in its press release that Election Day monitoring of local voting procedures is standard practice. 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 department said. Voters go to the Coliseum polling precinct to cast their ballots on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images) Still, some officials have sought to paint the practice as unusual and unnecessary. First, Cole County, Mo., Clerk Steve Korsmeyer said he would not allow federal monitors inside polling places in his county, in a decision backed by Missouris Republican secretary of state, Jay Ashcroft. Under Missouri law, the local election authority is empowered to decide who, other than voters and poll workers, may be at polling locations, Ashcroft said in a tweet. Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer has rightfully declined to allow this overreach and the secretary of states office fully supports him. People drop off their ballots on Tuesday in Miami. (Saul Martinez/Getty Images) Then, Brad McVay, the chief counsel for the Florida Department of State, sent a letter Monday evening to the elections coordinator for the Civil Rights Divisions Voting Section arguing that Florida law does not include Justice Department personnel among the list of people who may enter any polling room or polling place, and that federal monitors would not qualify for the Florida statute that allows law enforcement inside polling sites. Story continues Absent some evidence concerning the need for federal intrusion, or some federal statute that preempts Florida law, the presence of federal law enforcement inside polling places would be counterproductive and could potentially undermine confidence in the election, McVay wrote. Instead, McVay said, the Florida Department of State which is overseen by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis would be sending its own monitors to those three counties, which are among the most heavily Democratic in the state. These monitors will ensure that there is no interference with the voting process, he wrote. A poll worker stamps a ballot at a drive-in drop box on Tuesday in Miami. (Saul Martinez/Getty Images) This is not the first time federal election monitors have been dispatched to polling sites in Florida, nor to these particular counties. Ahead of the 2020 election, the Justice Department similarly announced that it would be sending monitors to six Florida counties, including Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Justice Department personnel were also deployed to oversee the 2018 elections in Palm Beach County as well as two other Florida jurisdictions. Though DeSantis ordered members of the Florida National Guard to locations across the state on Election Day in 2020 in case of potential civil unrest, his administration doesnt appear to have prohibited the Justice Departments monitors from accessing polling places. And quotes from local election officials in jurisdictions that received federal monitors that year, including Orange and Hillsborough counties, suggested little pushback from those running elections on the ground. This is a standard practice for the DOJ, Craig Latimer, supervisor of elections for Hillsborough County, said at the time. Miami-Dade County elections department employees begin counting mail-in ballots on Tuesday in Miami. (Saul Martinez/Getty Images) A request for comment from McVay was forwarded to Mark Ard, director of external affairs for the Florida Department of State, who directed Yahoo News to remarks made by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd at a press conference in Tallahassee Tuesday morning. In response to a question about the change in policy toward DOJ election monitors, Byrd insisted that there was no change in policy, but rather that his office had pushed back against a new ask by the DOJ to place monitors inside polling places. My understanding was they didnt ask to be in the polling places in 2020, he said. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on the pushback its election monitors have received from officials in Florida and Missouri. An Ohio family accused of murdering eight members of a rival family were allegedly inspired by The Boondock Saints film series. The prosecutors in the case against George Wagner IV called a detective as a witness on Monday. He testified that Mr Wagner may have been inspired to carry out the murders based on scenes included in the films. Mr Wagner is one of those accused of executing several people in 2016. Screenshots from the films were shown in court as lead investigator Ryan Schreiderer spoke of the connections between the movies and the killings of eight members of the Rhoden family, according to The Daily Beast. Jake Wagner has already pleaded guilty in the case. He testified last month that he watched the films to psych himself up before the killings, according to Fox19. While Mr Schreiderer didnt mention this on Monday, prosecutors used a recess to convince Judge Randy Deering that the testimony was relevant. Mr Schreiderer said in court that the brothers had dyed their hair to look like the film characters and that law enforcement thinks that the use of silencers on their handguns was also taken from the films. The lead investigator added that both the brothers and the film characters used ski masks. The detective displayed an image of George Wagner IV holding a pistol by gunmaker Beretta, the same as the firearms used in the film series. While the defence objected several times to Mr Schreiderers testimony, the objections were all rejected by the judge. Boondock Saints II follows two brothers who travel from Boston to Ireland to clear their names and to get revenge for a priest killed by the mob. Mr Schreiderer laid out a scene from the movie when the fable The Scorpion and the Frog was talked about shortly before a father murders his best friend with the aid of his two sons. The Wagner and Rhoden families were close friends before the killings, according to Fox19, and some members of the Wagner family were present at the funerals of those they now stand accused of killing. Story continues Mr Schreiderer said its likely that the similarities between the films and the massacre arent a coincidence. He noted that after the murders, George Wagner IV got a tattoo of a scorpion. The investigator said this was likely to be a reference to the fable. Four members of the Wagner family were arrested in 2018. George Billy Wagner III, 47, his wife, Angela Wagner, 48, as well as their sons George Wagner IV, 27, and Edward Jake Wagner, 26. All of them faced eight aggravated murder charges, which could lead to death sentences for all of them, apart from Jake Wagner, who accepted a plea deal. All of the victims except one were shot in the head as they slept. They included Christopher Rhoden Sr, 40, his ex-wife Dana Manley Rhoden, 37, and their children Christopher Rhoden Jr, 16, Hanna May Rhoden, 19, and Clarence Frankie Rhoden, 20. Frankie Rhodens fiancee Hannah Gilley, 20, Christopher Rhoden Srs brother Kenneth Rhoden, 44, and cousin Gary Rhoden, 38, were also killed. According to the authorities, the custody of a young child was the impetus of the killings. This is just the most bizarre story Ive ever seen in being involved in law enforcement, Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine said during a 2018 press conference when the arrests were revealed. He said the family had an obsession with custody and being in control of children linked to the victims. The Wagner family moved to Alaska in 2017. Priest Kelly Cinereski was in charge of the church attended in the state by the family. As a witness for the defence, she said the family was trying to find their relationship with the Lord at the time. I hoped that they could not have done something like that murder, she added. Tattoo artist Shawn Fisher, who did work for George Wagner IV, was also called by the defence. He said a tattoo of a skull and eight ball he did was to cover up a previous tattoo and that he had suggested its design. It had previously been suggested that the tattoo was meant to symbolize the eight dead members of the Rhoden family. According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, the case has now gone on for 11 weeks. Law & Crime reported that state prosecutors are expected to finish their case on Tuesday by playing a wiretapped discussion the Wagner brothers had in 2018. Democrat Tim Ryan and Republican JD Vance made their closing arguments to Ohioans on Monday as they both vie to succeed the GOP's Rob Portman in the U.S. Senate. The Ohio race is one of the most closely watched races in the midterm elections and could decide whether Republicans or Democrats control the Senate for the second half of President Biden's first term. JD Vance, a venture capitalist and author of the bestselling book "Hillbilly Elegy," received former President Trump's endorsement during a contentious Republican primary. JD Vance speaking in Dayton, Ohio, on Monday alongside former President Trump. "Tomorrow, ladies and gentlemen, is a referendum on Joe Biden's failed policies and the fact that Tim Ryan is a rubber stamp for the failed Joe Biden agenda for this country and for the state of Ohio," Vance told a crowd in Dayton. A SIMPLE GUIDE TO MIDTERM ELECTIONS, HOW THEY AFFECT THE PRESIDENCY, AND MORE Trump made his own stop in Dayton to give Vance one final push on Monday, calling him a "MAGA all star." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "JD will fight for Ohio with every bone in his body," Trump said. "JD knows how important it is to have leaders that put America first, put Ohio first." Tim Ryan, a 10-term congressman and former Democratic 2020 presidential primary contender, made stops in Akron and Youngstown on Monday. "We are at a moment, at a crossroads, where either the extremists are going to continue to assert themselves into the body politic of the United States of America, or we stop them. Thats what tomorrow is all about," Ryan told a crowd in Akron. Representative Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Ohio, speaks during a primary election night event in Columbus, Ohio, U.S., on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP A Real Clear Politics average of recent polls gives Vance an 8-point lead over Ryan. Netflixs Dubai Bling has been a huge hit since it launched on the streamer last month, and for good reason. It follows the lives of wealthy elites in Dubai and gives people a glimpse into how the other half lives, including all the drama that comes along with living a life of luxury. How could you not want to watch that all play out IRL?! Of course, the show's cast members aren't just magically wealthy. They have to make their money somehow, so its only natural to have questions about the businesses (and spouses) behind the reality stars and their fabulous lifestyles. One of the most interesting entrepreneur's this group offers is Ebraheem Al Samadi, who owns a company called Forever Rose. Whats the deal with Forever Rose, exactly? Heres what you need to know. Who is Ebraheem Al Samadi? Ebraheem was born in Kuwait and raised in the US, per his website. an entrepreneur (more on that in a sec) and hes been a business owner since he was a kid. He actually started his first business when he was just 14 years old, working out of his mothers apartment in Florida, according to Entrepreneur Middle East. Now, hes the CEO and founder of a company called Forever Rose, which also has a restaurant offshoot called Forever Rose Cafe. Additionally, Ebraheem is an investor in brands like My Imenso and Wired Up, with his portfolio netting $22.5 million in revenues in 2021, according to Arabian Business. What is Forever Rose? Ebraheem's unique company was founded in 1999 in London, and was a "family owned artisan florist and events business supplying lifelong roses to royal palaces in the United Kingdom and Belgium," it's website reads. The Al Samadi group (where Ebraheem serves as retail CEO) acquired the brand in 2014 and developed it into a "one stop complete luxury gifting boutique concept." The brand now owns and operates seven stores in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Ebraheem's website says. Story continues Most famously, the company sells roses that are meant to last a really long time. According to the Forever Rose website, these roses are carefully selected from the mineral rich volcanic soils of Ecuador in South America and the Forever Roses last for many years without water or sunlight. The roses petals grow up to 10 times thicker and five times larger than any other flowers, it adds. You can order roses that last up to three years without water or sunlight in 34 colors. There's also an option to customize a flower order with a loved one's initials or letters, and it comes with a box of chocolates. The company was valued between $21 and $23 million in 2016, per The Cinemaholic. You can order internationally. Yep, you too can have your own rose that lasts three yearsits just going to cost you. But just FYI, a mini rose, which is the cheapest item the brand sells, costs a cool $182. Theres a Forever Rose Cafe. Want to surround yourself with roses that last for eons, along with yummy food? The Forever Rose Cafe is here to help. It offers up dishes like avocado toast, creme brulee, halloumi fries, and lamb ribs, along with a slew of coffee drinks and several types of mimosas. Mmmmm. There are two locations so far: Al-Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi and Box Park, Dubai. Theres also a new perfume line. The Forever Rose empire has expanded into fragrances, too, which I guess only makes sense for a flower company. One current Forever Rose Oud offering is a perfume titled 1988, billed as a fragrance that empowers & inspires, featuring notes of black currant, rose and amber, according to a post on the Forever Rose perfume Instagram account. Oh! And you can snag a Forever Rose candle, too. What is Ebraheems net worth? Thanks in part to his super successful business, Ebraheems net worth is estimated around $50 million, making him one of the richest cast members on Dubai Bling. Tune in to catch more of the Dubai drama on Netflix right now. You Might Also Like View live results for the DuPage County treasurers race. Live results will begin tabulating after polls close on Tuesday, Nov. 8. On the ballot this Tuesday is every statewide office, as well as one U.S. Senate seat, two seats on the Illinois Supreme Court, all 17 of Illinois representatives in Congress, every state senator and representative in the General Assembly, and scores of county and judicial offices. See all race results here. A guide for voters on the midterms >>> See who the Tribune Editorial Board endorsed plus how the candidates answered our questions >>> interactive_content As a public service to our readers and community, we have lowered the paywall on election coverage so everyone can access this important information. Your support allows us to continue providing the award-winning, watchdog and in-depth journalism our community deserves. Subscribe today. Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard in Rome, Vatican City on March 25, 2006. Eric VANDEVILLE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images One of France's highest-ranking church officials said he abused a 14-year-old girl 35 years ago. Jean-Pierre Ricard is now withdrawing from his religious duties. A report found that 330,000 children in France were victims of church sex abuse between 1950 and 2020. Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, one of the highest-ranking church officials in France, has admitted that he abused a 14-year-old girl 35 years ago, Archbishop of Reims Eric de Moulins-Beaufort said at the Bishops' Conference of France on Monday, per AP. The admission came in a written statement from Ricard, which Moulins-Beaufort read to those in attendance. "Thirty-five years ago, when I was a priest, I behaved in a reprehensible way with a young girl aged 14," Ricard, now 78, said in the statement. "My behavior has inevitably caused serious and lasting consequences for this person." Ricard said that he asked the victim and her family for forgiveness and that he was going on a retreat to pray, the Catholic News Service reported, citing the written statement. "This is a difficult process. But what comes first is the suffering experienced by the victims and the recognition of the acts committed," Ricard said, per the Catholic News Service. Ricard was ordained as a priest in October 1968 and held different posts in the Catholic Church before he was appointed as Archbishop of Bordeaux in December 2001, per the Vatican website. He was proclaimed a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006 and served as the president of the Bishops' Conference of France from 2001 to 2007. Being a cardinal is a position that's usually held for life, and as a collective, they form the College of Cardinals which is primarily responsible for electing a new pope. Ricard is among the 11 former and serving French bishops who have been accused of sexual abuse, Moulins-Beaufort said at the conference, adding that all of them will be prosecuted or face church disciplinary procedures, per AFP. A year ago, an independent commission headed by Jean-Marc Sauve, the president of the French Independent Committee on Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church, found that an estimated 330,000 children in France were sexually abused by various members of the Catholic Church between 1950 and 2020. Story continues The commission urged the Church to "establish a procedure for the recognition of abuse" and "provide compensation for the harm suffered," per the 2021 report. The Independent National Authority for Recognition and Reparation the institution responsible for compensation decisions announced at a news conference in September that the French Catholic Church has started paying out compensation to victims, per AP. Read the original article on Insider Sergio Perez, a troubled Opa-locka cop who was reassigned last year after his arrest for using a Taser on a fellow officer, was arrested again Tuesday afternoon. This time, Perez turned himself in to law enforcement for an incident two years ago in which he was captured on cellphone video dragging a mentally ill teen whose hands and feet were already bound down a flight of concrete steps. Hes been charged with a single count of misdemeanor battery. The Miami Herald reported in July that state investigators were looking into possible criminal charges against Perez and fellow officer Nikeya Jenkins over the incident. Attorney Rick Diaz said his client turned himself in to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement headquarters near Doral, with a promise to appear in court. The attorney also blasted the charge, saying the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office is doubling down because Perez refused to plead guilty to a Taser incident in which he was arrested earlier in the year. Typical, they know when theyre losing, he said. The FDLE said Perez intentionally struck Castro several times in the head, despite the protests of another officer on the scene. And FDLE said, as Perez dragged Castro down the steps, his head bounced off the concrete. Perez and Jenkins were cleared of any wrongdoing internally by the police department in the case involving Jafet Castro, who is now 21. Castro, who has a lengthy history of mental health issues, was bound with cables by family members who called for police help prior to the 2020 incident. But when police arrived, Castros father and another family member claimed they told officers they no longer required police assistance, but were ignored. As friends and family are heard shrieking and begging the police officers to stop dragging Castro on the cellphone video, an officer can be heard saying, Its just electricity. It looks bad. ... it hurts for a second, but he keeps resisting, you understand? Story continues The two officers were named along with the city of Opa-locka in a federal civil lawsuit filed earlier this year by Castro. The nine-count complaint not only accuses the officers of entering the home illegally, but of false imprisonment and brutality for their handling Castro when he was taken into custody. He was initially charged with resisting arrest without violence. The charge was quickly dropped. Castros attorney, Michael Pizzi, said the family is thankful that finally justice is being done and that the police officer who brutally beat him [Castro] is being held accountable. Perez has a checkered history with Opa-locka Police. He was fired by the department two years after a 2013 crash in which the city found he chased a vehicle the wrong way down Interstate 95, before the car he was pursuing slammed into an SUV, killing four tourists. Still, he resurfaced and was back in uniform a few years later when an arbiter ruled the citys probe into the car chase and wrong way accident was flawed. Reassigned Opa-locka police officer Sergio Perez was charged Tuesday in the rough 2020 arrest of an already bound teenager, who was dragged down a flight of concrete steps. By September 2021, Perez was in hot water again. This time he was accused of firing a Taser police weapon equipped with what is known as a hook-and-loop cartridge at a colleague inside the police station. The training weapon does not have an electronic charge. Michael Steel, an Opa-locka police captain at the time, said Perez entered Steels office on Sept. 1 and told the captain he was there to certify him with the use of the new Taser 7. Perezs arrest report, in which he was charged with misdemeanor battery, said the captain repeatedly told him he didnt want to be certified. Then, according to the arrest form, when Steel turned away, Perez shot him in his back. Stop acting like a baby, you know that didnt hurt, Perez allegedly told Steel. Though the gun didnt emit an electrical charge, its hooks left two large welts on Steels back. After the incident, Perez was removed from the police department and sent to code enforcement. Steel, who at one time served as interim police chief in the city, was fired unexpectedly a few weeks ago, with little explanation. Diaz, Perezs attorney, said he believes the new arrest had to do with the attorneys investigation into Steel, the star witness in the Taser case. Diaz said before Steels firing, the attorney found he lied about a previous arrest on a law-enforcement application. In a July letter sent to U.S. Attorney Juan Antonio Gonzalez and Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Diaz outlined how Steel has a history of sustained misconduct, questioned his residency in the U.S. and misrepresented his citizenship two decades ago when applying to be a Margate police officer. Its clearly payback, said Diaz. Steel said his parents told him he was adopted at the age of two and that he later became a U.S. citizen. The 2022 midterm elections will take place on Tuesday, 8 November. As millions of Americans cast their votes, many people are wondering how Election Day will affect their daily schedules. 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 and government offices 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. According to the Movement Advancement Project, states including Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and the territory of Puerto Rico have declared Election Day as a civic holiday. As a result, some government offices in these states will be closed on Tuesday, apart from designated polling locations, but federal offices will be business as usual. 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. Are schools open? On Election Day, its important to check with local school districts for updates on school closures. 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 will observe election day. Will mail be delivered on Election Day? While a number of schools and public offices will be closed on Election 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. UPS and FedEx will also continue operations on Tuesday. Story continues Are banks open? Since Election Day is not a federal holiday, banks and banking services such as ATM machines and online banking apps should also remain normal throughout the day. Is the stock market open on Election Day? The stock market and the New York Stock Exchange will remain open for trading on Election Day. The next holiday observed by the stock market is Thanksgiving. Are grocery stores, retail stores, and other businesses closed? Depending on where you live, most local businesses, clothing stores, and supermarkets should remain open on Tuesday. Although, their hours may be altered to allow employees time to vote, so double-check its hours of operation. A bill to make Election Day a national holiday has been proposed in Congress many times. Earlier this year, a Democratic voting rights bill that wouldve made Election Day a national holiday, ensured access to early voting and mail-in ballots, and cracked down on voter interference failed to pass in the Senate. In June 2021, Republican senators blocked the For The People Act which would also make Election Day a national holiday with a filibuster. According to a 2018 survey from the Pew Research Center, 59 per cent of Republicans and 71 per cent of Democrats support the idea to make Election Day a federal holiday. But the two parties have often differed on how the national holiday would affect the future of voting. In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. 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. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Bristol-Myers Squibb 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. 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. 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) forecast 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$17.2b US$17.6b US$16.6b US$13.7b US$13.1b US$12.7b US$12.6b US$12.6b US$12.6b US$12.7b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x6 Analyst x6 Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ -4.42% Est @ -2.5% Est @ -1.16% Est @ -0.22% Est @ 0.44% Est @ 0.9% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 6.1% US$16.2k US$15.6k US$13.9k US$10.8k US$9.7k US$8.9k US$8.3k US$7.8k US$7.4k US$7.1k ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$106b 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 6.1%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = US$13b (1 + 2.0%) (6.1% 2.0%) = US$316b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$316b ( 1 + 6.1%)10= US$175b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$281b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of US$79.2, the company appears quite undervalued at a 37% 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. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. 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 Bristol-Myers Squibb 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 6.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. 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: Although the valuation of a company is important, 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 example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Bristol-Myers Squibb, there are three additional items you should further examine: Risks: Case in point, we've spotted 3 warning signs for Bristol-Myers Squibb you should be aware of. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for BMY's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. 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. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks 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 By Asif Shahzad ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Pakistan's interior minister said on Tuesday evidence suggested a prominent Pakistani journalist was the victim of a targeted killing in Kenya, not an accidental shooting, though he still needed more information on the incident. Kenyan police spokesman Bruno Shioso declined to respond to the minister's comments on the death of TV journalist Arshad Sharif, who was shot dead on the evening of Oct. 23 on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital Nairobi. A police report a day after the shooting said police officers hunting car thieves opened fire on the vehicle that Sharif was travelling in as it drove through their roadblock without stopping. Shioso said the case was now being investigated by the police watchdog, the state Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). A spokesperson at the IPOA did not immediately respond to calls and a message seeking comment. Pakistan's Interior Minister, Rana Sanaullah, told journalists on Tuesday: "Arshad Sharif's death is not a case of mistaken identity - I can say, and, on the evidence we have so far, this prima facie is a target killing." "We still need to obtain more (evidence) to confirm all this ... and we have asked the Kenyan government for more data," he added. Pakistan's government formed an investigation team to look into the matter, which caused uproar in the country. Sanaullah said the team had returned from Kenya, but Kenyan police had not yet given Pakistani investigators all of Sharif's recovered belongings. "We will now ask the foreign office to contact the Kenyan government, and the prime minister will also speak to the Kenyan president," the minister said. (Reporting by Asif Shahzad; Additional reporting by Humphrey Malalo in Nairobi; Writing by Gibran Peshimam; Editing by Andrew Heavens) Charles Czajkowski, 63, has waged a war on pancreatic cancer A pancreatic cancer survivor battling the disease for a second time has shared the early signs people of all ages should know. Charles Czajkowski, 63, a business development manager for a geotechnical company from Surbiton, Kingston, has declared war on pancreatic cancer after a five-year ordeal with two rounds of the disease which also caused the death of his mother Romaulda, aged 78, in 1999. Mr Czajkowski, who is hoping treatment he received through his wifes private healthcare package will save his life, is set to speak to MPs on in the Commons on Wednesday to urge the government to provide greater funding for the condition. He will speak alongside 20 others who either have the disease or who have lost someone to it as part of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. After his health began to decline in 2017, Charles faced a series of delays to his diagnosis and treatment through the NHS until he accessed Bupa healthcare through the workplace of his wife of 16 years, Jackie Czajkowski. After initial treatment success, in May 2022 Charles cancer returned and private oncologists are now attempting to use a series of drugs, some of which are unavailable on the NHS, to save his life. Now working to fight the illness and help patients to spot it early, Charles is a pancreatic patient representative and on the scientific advisory board for Pancreatic Cancer UK. He is also a pancreatic patient representative for NHS Cancer UK, as part of the governments 10-year plan to help optimise the early diagnostics and early treatment plan for anybody with pancreatic cancer, liver cancer or biliary cancer. Its given me control, Charles said. Pancreatic cancer has declared war on me so to get back at it, Ive declared war on pancreatic cancer by being able to help educate and save other peoples lives. Its an awareness battle because pancreatic cancer UK hasnt had much air time and hasnt had the investment. Charless ordeal as a cancer patient began in 2017 when he was diagnosed with type two diabetes. Story continues Halfway through that year, he had a pancreatic attack also known as acute pancreatitis which, according to the NHS, is a severe pain which starts suddenly in the centre of a patients abdomen and can also be accompanied by vomiting and a high temperature. For the rest of the year, Charles was under observation amid repeated pancreatic attacks and he was rapidly losing weight, dropping from 85kg to around 75kg at 6ft tall. Another sign that things werent going right was that my pancreas wasnt producing the enzymes and so I started getting what they call pancreatic diarrhea, which is a true sign if your foods not being digested properly, Charles added. As a result, his GP prescribed Charles Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (Pert) which made Charles weight stable as he was now able to absorb nutrients. From there, Charles was sent to a series of different hospitals for scans and assessments. Eventually, at the beginning of March 2019, further tests revealed a 10-millimetre tumour on the head of Charles pancreas. On March 25 2019, Charles met with the head of the surgical team at Hammersmith Hospital alongside his wife and a Macmillan nurse. He said to me, Charles, you dont have chronic pancreatitis, you have pancreatic cancer, Charles said. They had a Macmillan nurse there because obviously people generally go into shock. But I suddenly just said, Okay, so what are we going to do about this Professor? The NHS doctor explained to Charles that a whipple procedure to remove the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the bile duct, would take place two months later. After researching the survival rate for pancreatic cancer, Charles feared this wait time was a risk so decided to go private for the rest of his treatment through his wifes Bupa medical cover. Just one week later, his operation was carried out at the London Clinic Hospital using a Da Vinci surgical robot. I was basically told to say goodbye to my wife, because the operation comes with a lot of risk, Charles said. So it was very hard when we both went into the pre-med room because I didnt know if I was going to wake up from this major operation. But luckily for me, just when I was saying goodbye, they had just injected me with the pre-med and next thing I was out. On April 2, the private operation involved making five holes in Charles abdomen, meaning there is less of a rise of infection, and Charles was out of hospital 13 days later. A month after that Charles began six months of fortnightly chemotherapy sessions, which led to his weight dropping to just around 67kg before his diagnosis he was around 85kg. I looked skeletal, Charles said. But I managed to stick it out. With a lot of hard work, you have to fight it, its a battle. After the chemo, a scan found no instances of new tumours until at the start of 2020 another scan revealed dots on his right lung and a lymph node swelling close to his aorta. By August 2020, the dots had grown into 10-millimetre tumours, so Charles had a lung ablation a surgical treatment where a probe is inserted which will destroy the tumour with extreme heat or cold. The lymph node treatment was more complicated as standard radiotherapy would have also touched Charles aorta and there was a risk of it rupturing. Instead, at the beginning of October, Charles was treated at Genesis Care in Oxford with a new technology, MRIdian Linac a directed radiotherapy using an MRI system so collateral damage is minimised. After five one-hour sessions over two weeks, the lymph node tumour was gone and there was no damage to Charles aorta, meaning Charles life could finally return to normal besides the three-month check-up scans. At this point, Charles decided to dedicate his life, besides his work and family, to pancreatic cancer campaigning, joining Pancreatic Cancer UK and becoming a pancreatic cancer patient representative for Genesis Care. However, in May 2022, a CT scan revealed his pancreatic cancer had returned in a secondary form. At this stage, there is no cure for his condition, but Charles oncologist put him back on chemotherapy with two new drugs, one of which is not available on the NHS. After three months of treatment the tumours continued to grow and, in September, Charles began another round of chemotherapy fortnightly. He will find out if this treatment has shrunk his tumour later this month. On his visit to Parliament, he and others will speak individually to between 60 and 80 MPs who have signed up to the Pancreatic Cancer UK initiative as part of their No Time To Wait campaign. Our role is to tell our story, basically, to educate them so they can understand we need more investments, he said. Reflecting on his experience with cancer, Charles said: Fighting cancer is more than fighting it physically, its mental. You have to concentrate on all the positivity, you can get out of it. Ive travelled all over the world in my job and have been to places that people would have dreamt of going, and I took that for granted. But going through cancer puts your whole life into perspective. Tampon and Calendar Getty Stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to cause changes in women's periods, according to a new study. Research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology analyzed data from 354 women between the ages of 18 and 45. Participants answered questions about their pandemic-related stress and self reported changes to their menstrual cycles between March 2020 and May 2021. Alterations in menstrual cycles included cycle length, duration, flow and spotting. Researchers found that more than half of women reported a change in at least one area, and 12% of women reported changes in all four areas. The study noted that the diverse group of participants were not on birth control and were not menopausal or postmenopausal before the pandemic. Stress can cause changes in how the body produces estrogen and progesterone, hormones that influence a woman's menstrual cycle. "In the United States, women have shouldered more childcare duties during the pandemic and find COVID-19induced changes to daily activities, along with the potential risk of COVID-19 illness, significantly more stressful than men," the study said. RELATED: 'Hormone Hype Girls' Ditch the Stigma Around Menstruation: 'We Want Women to Be Best Friends with Their Flow' 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. Martina Anto-Ocrah, assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and author of the study, told The Washington Post that irregular cycles can cause issues with fertility and mental health. "Women are constantly being told, 'This is in your head,' " Anto-Ocrah told the outlet. "Until we get some data to show that what is in women's heads is actually the truth, the medical society kind of turns us away and doesn't believe it." Additionally, the study noted that younger women and those with a greater mental health history reported higher stress levels. Linda Fan, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale School of Medicine, told the Post that women who are experiencing irregular periods should talk to their doctors and track their cycles to make sure there is nothing concerning. The Texas Education Agency announced Thursday a plethora of proposals that would, among other changes, require public schools to install silent panic alarms and automatic locks on exterior doors. Other proposals include inspecting doors on a weekly basis to make sure they lock and can be opened from the outside only with a key. Two-way emergency radios would also have to be tested regularly. Schools would need to add some sort of vestibules so visitors can wait before being let in, and all ground-level windows would have to be made with bulletproof glass. These proposed requirements come about five months after a gunman killed 21 people, including 19 children, at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. The gunman entered a door that had been closed by a teacher, but the automatic lock failed. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Every gift will be matched dollar for dollar. If approved, schools would have to start putting in place these safety measures starting in 2023. Before the end of this year, the education department will collect public comments on the proposed rules. The state has allocated $400 million for increased safety measures that will be disbursed to districts. In the coming weeks, the education department will make a grant application available to districts. Districts will receive those grants based on enrollment, while smaller, rural schools will receive the minimum $200,000. Proposing these safety measures is the latest action the state has taken to secure schools in the wake of the Uvalde shooting. In June, the education department announced that it would check all the locks on exterior doors prior to the start of the 2022-2023 school year and review every districts school safety plans. Matthew Gutierrez, superintendent of the Seguin Independent School District, said the safety measures that the state would require are needed, but hes not sure smaller school districts like his would be able to meet a 2023 implementation date. Story continues The 7,000-student district is located about 36 miles east from San Antonio. Gutierrez also said hes not sure if the funding available would be enough for the states 1,026 school districts that vary dramatically in size. We had the opportunity to look at costs and just how significant it would be when you think of [adding] shatterproof glass, he said. Upgrading aging schools will prove to be another monetary issue as they dont have the infrastructure to be easily upgraded, Gutierrez said. As part of the midterm elections, the Seguin school district is asking its voters to approve a $15 million package that will go to upgrading security features on several campuses, but thats nowhere near enough to cover what the district needs. Brian Woods, superintendent of the Northside Independent School District, echoed Gutierrez and said his main concern is cost. What appears to be perhaps affordable given the size of the grant today may not be in six months because so many districts will be out spending money, Woods said. His school district includes the northwestern neighborhoods in San Antonio and serves about 102,000 students. As Texas moves forward with different safety measures, experts have said there is no indication that beefing up security in schools has prevented violence. Rather, they can can be detrimental to children, especially Black and Hispanic children. Black students are overrepresented in all types of disciplinary referrals and are more likely to have their behavior addressed by school police officers than their white peers. Advocates and Uvalde parents have criticized the states response in the months after the shooting, demanding state lawmakers raise the minimum age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle in the state from 18 to 21 years old. They have called on Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session to make this happen. Abbott, who has signed legislation to expand gun rights, hasnt budged. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune, a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. Hundreds of Visalia Unified students will automatically be accepted into UC Merced after trustees voted to enter a partnership on Oct 25. Visalia Unified school officials are ensuring they give outgoing seniors a leg up in the competition to get into college. Hundreds of Visalia Unified students will automatically be accepted into University California Merced thanks to a new partnership between the school district and Central California university. We are making a commitment as a system, we don't want to leave it up to chance, Superintendent Kirk Shrum said. Obviously not every student is going to UC Merced, however, this is just one other opportunity we are working to bring here. Visalia Unified and UC Merced signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the Merced Automatic Admission Program on Oct. 28, making VUSD the ninth school district to partner with the university. Other school districts throughout the state also in the Merced Automatic Admission Program include Merced Union High, Dinuba Unified, Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified, Chowchilla Unified, Los Banos Unified, Modesto City Schools, Le Grand Union High, and Golden Plains Unified. Hundreds of Visalia Unified students will automatically be accepted into UC Merced after trustees voted to enter a partnership on Oct 25. We were established not just in the Valley but for the Valley and we will hold true to that promise, UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sanchez Munoz said during a ceremony at El Capitan High School this spring, when the first partnership between UC Merced and Merced Union High School District was signed. More than 200 Merced Union High students applied for the program when it first opened. Out of those who applied, 169 students were found to be eligible, and over 110 Merced Union High School District students submitted applications and were admitted to the university. We want every family in Merced County to know that a University of California education is right here, close to home, Munoz said, and that you have the possibility to go from kindergarten through Ph.D. within minutes of your home if you put in the work. The program aligns with the Merced Promise, signed in 2020, which mentions guaranteed admission to UC Merced. Story continues Although the Merced Promise was originally signed to help students within the county, the university soon began partnering with school districts outside of Merced. Hundreds of Visalia Unified students will automatically be accepted into UC Merced after trustees voted to enter a partnership on Oct 25. Providing this opportunity for our students who are excelling academically affords them a goal to attain postsecondary education at a University of California campus, Visalia Trustee Randy Villegas said. The new partnership marks the second step the Visalia Unified school board has taken this year to ensure students have greater access to higher education. In September, trustees voted after years of debate to finally raise graduation requirements to align with California State University and University of California minimum subject requirements. More: After decades of discussion, Visalia Unified finally ready to boost math requirements Although the new graduation requirements start with graduating class of 2028, current juniors that meet the UC requirements will be eligible for the Merced Automatic Admission Program come July. All our students have to do is remain eligible for admission, said Andrew Di Meo, Visalia Unifieds assistant superintendent of educational services. "They will be guaranteed admission into the UC program. Hundreds of Visalia Unified students will automatically be accepted into UC Merced after trustees voted to enter a partnership on Oct 25. When can students apply? Visalia Unified high school students that want to participate in the Merced Automatic Admission Program need to submit their application by Aug. 31 at the start of their senior year. Students will then be notified by the university to submit their UC application by Nov. 30. Program participants are prioritized in the application review process and are notified of their admissions in early March. The Merced Automatic Admission Program application will be open for fall 2024 applicants starting May 1. Hundreds of Visalia Unified students will automatically be accepted into UC Merced after trustees voted to enter a partnership on Oct 25. Something to keep in mind UC Merceds recommended program criteria for fall 2023 admission were: Submit the Merced Automatic Admission Program application by July 1 before the start of senior year. Complete 15 A-G courses, including four years of English and three years of math, with a weighted GPA of 3.5, and no grade lower than a C. By the end of a students junior spring term, complete: three of the four years of English and complete three years of math. Submit the University of California Undergraduate Application for Admission and Scholarships during the Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 priority filing period. Hundreds of Visalia Unified students will automatically be accepted into UC Merced after trustees voted to enter a partnership on Oct 25. Lauren Jennings covers education and news for the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register. Follow her on Twitter @lolojennings. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Visalia Unified students to receive 'automatic admission' to UC Merced The Defence Intelligence has reported that some parts of the downed Iranian-made drones were manufactured after Russias invasion of Ukraine; therefore, Iran started supplying UAVs to Russia after 24 February. Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine; representative of the intelligence Vasyl in the comment for Suspilne Quote: "An airscrew for the Mohajer-6 UAV was manufactured only in February 2022. It was just manufactured. And it also took time to deliver it to the Russian Federation. That is, they were supplied this year." Details: According to the Defence Intelligence representative, Iranian-made Mohajer is assembled from parts made in different countries. Most of the components are from the USA. The UAV also has an Austrian-made engine and a Japan-made camera. The intelligence officer has said that no Russian elements were found in a drone: "One element has an inscription in Farsi (a modern Persian language that has official status in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan). The visible-range camera is from Japan. The laser rangefinder was made in China. The aerial bomb is Iranian-made". At the moment, Ukrainian specialists are studying how foreign components ended up in Iranian drones. In addition, the Defence Intelligence employees have already transferred serial numbers and information about manufacturers of components to the partner countries. Background: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Hossein Amirabdollahian, publicly acknowledged that Tehran supplied attack drones to the Russian Federation, allegedly a few months before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Robert Malley, the US Special Envoy for Iran, said that Tehrans statement that it "had sent a limited number of drones to Russia in the months before the start of its invasion of Ukraine" is not true. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that providing weapons to wage a war of aggression in Ukraine and kill Ukrainian citizens makes Iran complicit in the crime of aggression, war crimes and terrorist acts of Russia against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba proposed to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to terminate diplomatic relations with Iran because of the Iranian-made drones that Russia uses against Ukraines civilian infrastructure. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! View live results for the Kane County treasurers race. Live results will begin tabulating after polls close on Tuesday, Nov. 8. On the ballot this Tuesday is every statewide office, as well as one U.S. Senate seat, two seats on the Illinois Supreme Court, all 17 of Illinois representatives in Congress, every state senator and representative in the General Assembly, and scores of county and judicial offices. See all race results here. A guide for voters on the midterms >>> See who the Tribune Editorial Board endorsed plus how the candidates answered our questions >>> interactive_content As a public service to our readers and community, we have lowered the paywall on election coverage so everyone can access this important information. Your support allows us to continue providing the award-winning, watchdog and in-depth journalism our community deserves. Subscribe today. Claudia Harrison is among several stars of The Crown who have joined Jonathan Pryce in dismissing calls for the Netflix drama to carry a disclaimer about historical accuracy. In October, Prince Philip star Pryce said he was hugely disappointed by the reaction to the forthcoming fifth series, after Judi Dench asked Netflix to add a disclaimer to the start of each episode stating that The Crown is a fictionalised drama. Netflix didnt add a disclaimer to each episode, but it did add one to the season five trailer. Speaking to The Independent about the backlash, Harrison who plays Princess Anne said the calls for a disclaimer are patronising. Everyones fully aware this isnt a meticulously crafted and researched piece of historical fiction, she added. It is a drama and I think everyones comfortable with that after this debate. She urged people to turn the noise [of the debate] down and watch the show. Marcia Warren, who plays the Queen Mother, had a similar view. I think people are sensible enough to know we dont know the dialogue that went on behind closed palace doors, she said, and you do have to make it up, which [writer] Peter [Morgan] so brilliantly does. Imelda Staunton and Jonathan Pryce in The Crown (2021 Netflix, Inc.) James Murray, who portrays Prince Andrew, added: Worryingly, it could set a precedent that we have to disclaim any television drama going forward if there is any connection to real life. Its called artistic licence, I think the audience around the world are pretty au fait with it, especially by season five of this show. Elsewhere in the interview, Harrison said she thinks the British public will be surprised by the truth of the tampongate scandal when its depicted in the show. The Crown season five arrives on Netflix on 9 November. Web3 venture capital firm Paradigm has launched a Crypto Policy Council that includes former Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan (R-WI) and former U.S. Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY), among other political figures, the company announced Monday. The eight-member bipartisan council will advise Paradigms leadership and assist the company in tell[ing] the story of Web3 in Washington and around the world. Ryan will lead the council as senior advisor along with Chris Brummer, director of Georgetowns Institute of International Economic Law. Congress Needs to Act on Crypto Says US Senator Elizabeth Warren Marta Belcher, the only technology-native member of the policy council, currently serves as special counsel at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and works as an attorney focusing on blockchain and emerging technologies. Tackling crypto policy challenges requires an array of perspectives and experiences, Justin Slaughter, Paradigms head of policy, said in a tweet on Monday. This team has it all. Thrilled to finally announce this endeavor. Tackling crypto policy challenges requires an array of perspectives and experiences. This team has it all.https://t.co/kpm96q6dK7 Justin Slaughter (@JBSDC) November 7, 2022 Other Washington veterans appointed to the council include Deb Callahan, former president of the League of Conservation Voters; Makan Delrahim, former U.S. assistant attorney general; Nicole Elam, president and CEO of the National Bankers Association; and Parker Poling, former chief of staff to Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC), who is widely anticipated to chair the powerful House Financial Services Committee, should Republicans retake the House in Tuesdays midterm elections. "This is not a lobbying group, they will not be lobbying Congress or advocating externally," a Paradigm spokesperson told Decrypt. "The policy council will advise Paradigm and offer its opinions on crypto policy internally." Story continues The council's members will be "compensated nominally for their part-time advisory role," the spokesperson noted, while highlighting their "tremendous talents" and "unique cross-sector expertise." "Policy council members will meet regularly throughout the year, both in person and virtually, to advise Paradigm on the latest crypto policy developments," the spokesperson said. Elizabeth Warren, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Target Cryptos Revolving Door Late last month, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Representative Alexandria Occasio-Cortez (D-NY), among other Democratic lawmakers, circulated letters to federal financial regulators including the SEC and CFTC, asking them to clarify their policies on barring ex-employees from seeking jobs in the crypto sector. Crypto firms have hired hundreds of ex-government officials, the letter read. We are concerned that the crypto revolving door risks corrupting the policymaking process and undermining the public's trust in our financial regulators. The letterand Paradigms push into federal policymaking terraincome at a time when financial regulators and legislators appear poised to make landmark determinations as to cryptos regulatory fate. A divisive DeFi killing bill that would see the majority of the crypto industry regulated by the CFTC is currently circulating around the capital, unfinished.Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, a federal judge ruled that decentralized file sharing platform LBRY violated federal securities laws in offering its native token, LBC, in a move that some called an extraordinarily dangerous precedent for crypto. Editor's note: this article has been updated to include additional comments from a Paradigm spokesperson. Angelina Bambina / Getty Images Millions of workers in New York City will now know the salary range for a position upfront, in accordance with a new salary transparency law that took effect last week. The city joins states like Colorado, Connecticut, and Nevada that have similar legislation, as well as others like California that will see these laws take effect next year. Here are the cities and states with pay transparency laws on the books, and what workers there should know about them. California Getty Images Under the Pay Transparency for Pay Equity Act, which takes effect at the start of 2023, California employers will need to include reasonable salary ranges on job postings and keep job title and compensation records for each employee for as long as they're employed there and for three years afterwards. Private employers with 100 or more employees must also submit a yearly report to the state's Civil Rights Department disclosing median and average hourly pay rates for each job category by race, ethnicity, and sex. Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado. Getty Images. Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act went into effect at the start of 2021, making the Centennial State the first in the country to require that employers provide salary information. It requires employers with at least one employee in the state to list compensation in job postings, notify employees of promotional opportunities, and maintain job description and wage rate records for the duration of an employee's tenure and two years afterward. Connecticut Jon Bilous/Shutterstock As of last October, Connecticut began requiring employers to specify a wage range either upon the applicant's request or by the time an offer is made, whichever comes first. Employees must be provided a range upon: hiring, a change in their position, or their first request for a range. Maryland Richard T. Nowitz/Getty Images Under Maryland's Equal Pay for Equal Work law, which was passed in 2016 and amended in 2020, employers must provide the wage range for a position if a candidate asks and cannot retaliate against them in the hiring process for doing so. Story continues Nevada Andrew Zarivny/Shutterstock As of October 2021, Nevada employers and employment agencies must disclose a pay range to applicants who have interviewed for a position. Ranges must also be provided to current employees who have: applied for a promotion or transfer, interviewed for or been offered it, or requested a range for it. Rhode Island Newport, Rhode Island. George Wirt/Shutterstock Starting in January 2023, Rhode Island employers must provide applicants' requested salary ranges at the time of application. For current employees, they must provide requested salary ranges at the time of: hire, any internal move to a new position, and any other time requested. Washington Pete Lomchid/Getty Images Beginning January 2023, Washington employers are required to include in every job posting a salary range or wage scale, as well as a description of the benefits and other compensation that come with the position. While other states don't have legislation requiring salary ranges to be provided ro job candidates, several states have laws saying employers can't 1) ask applicants about their salary history or use that information to decide whether to hire them or what to pay them; 2) ban current employees from discussing pay; or 3) do either. skynesher/Getty Images States with some version of this legislation on the books include Alabama, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont. Pekic/Getty Images Below the state level, there are also a handful of jurisdictions with pay transparency laws of their own. Alexander Spatari/Getty Images New York City's pay transparency law took effect on November 1. Alexander Spatari/Getty Images It requires most employers to provide "good faith" salary ranges on job ads, promotions, and transfer opportunities. In Cincinnati, as of March 2020, employers can't ask a candidate's salary history or use that information in decision-making, and they must provide a pay range after offering a job if the candidate asks for one. Over The Rhine district in Cincinnati. Posnov / Getty Images Toledo, Ohio, has the same requirements under its Pay Equity Act, which took effect in June 2020. View of the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. Getty Images Several cities ban city agencies and departments from inquiring about candidates' pay history. They include Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Louisville, Kentucky; Jackson, Mississippi; and Kansas City, Missouri. SDI Productions/Getty Images Read the original article on Business Insider What goes on in Pakistan wont stay in Pakistan thats the bleak message Islamabad is displaying on its pavilion set up at the red sea town of Sharm el-Sheikh where leaders from around the world have gathered for the United Nations climate summit. Its a reminder that climate disasters, and their impact, arent limited to poor countries and now is the time to act. This years UN summit, called the 27th Conference of Parties or Cop27, is being held as the world faces a number of interconnected crises: the warming climate, food shortages, sky-high energy prices, and the Russian war on Ukraine. But as the leaders from over a hundred countries gathered at the resort town on Monday, all eyes were on Shahbaz Sharif, prime minister of Pakistan, as he described the summer floods that caused at least $40 billion in damage and displaced millions of people, driving the renewed focus on climate compensation at this years conference. This is the first time the UN climate negotiations included Loss and Damage - a technical term referring to the irreparable losses communities around the world are suffering because of the climate crisis - as an agenda item to be discussed at the two-week summit. This was a historic turn for climate negotiations that have been running for almost three decades now, with the focus now turning from just trying to avert the crisis to also addressing the injustices unleashed on vulnerable communities who are at the frontline of facing the impacts of a warming planet despite having a negligible role in creating the crisis. The inclusion of Loss and Damage spread a wave of excitement among thousands of activists from various countries gathered here at Sharm el-Sheikh with some seeing a ray of hope while others warned there is still a long way to go before the fund becomes a reality. Farooq Sayyad, a 22-year-old student from Pakistans impoverished Balochistan province who is attending the UN climate summit for the first time says he has no idea what the loss and damage fund is, but shares that his community is still living underwater from the massive flooding in August. Story continues We are here to tell the world what people in our areas are going through, our houses are still underwater and our lives have not gone back to normal since the flooding hit, he says speaking from the first-ever Youth and Children pavilion set up at the venue. Its going to take us years to recover. Rahma, another teen who is attending the summit for the first time, said she feels sceptical of any promises made in these conferences. We were told billions of dollars were being sent to Pakistan as flood relief, where did all the money go? People in my neighbourhood are still living in broken houses. I dont know how much of the money they are going to promise now is actually going to help us. The South Asian country is responsible for less than 1 per cent of the worlds planet-warming emissions, but it is paying a heavy price. And there are many other countries like it around the world. Flood survivors from Pakistan stand at the Youth and Children pavilion at Cop27 summit (Stuti Mishra/The Independent) Many activists from Pakistan couldnt make it to this years conference despite its relevance for their own country due to skyrocketing costs. But those who did found the lack of focus on victims of disasters surprising. A few years ago we did not even know about climate change and now it has changed our lives forever. Millions of people are suffering but if you look around here it seems like business as usual, says Ahmed Riaz, a 19-year-old Pakistani flood survivor. Other activists shared similar scepticism of the international process and their own government as well. However, experts say it is the responsibility of world leaders to reinstate trust in the multilateral system which has been eroded over time. The onus is on world leaders because they have failed and eroded the trust, says Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy as Climate Action Network International. They have to send a message of hope and reinstate the trust in the multilateral system. Mr Singh adds that while the inclusion of Loss and Damage is a win, it should have happened at least 10 years ago. Loss and damage reparations are not a new ask. Developing countries and small island states have been pressing for such funds since 1991 but the rich nations have so far dodged the demands. What goes on Pakistan wont stay in Pakistan Islamabads pavilion at the Cop27 summit displays a bleak message (Stuti Mishra/The Independent) Wealthy nations have been ignoring the calls out of concerns that paying for such a fund could be seen as an admission of liability, which may trigger legal battles. The language for the agenda this year, which was a result of gruelling hours-long negotiations on Sunday night, is also carefully crafted and does not make any mention of legal liability. Mr Singh says that while the next two weeks will be focused on the shape and financing of the fund, the principle of rich countries owing money to poor communities is what matters. It is time for the world to understand that our actions and inaction have repercussions. We are paying today because of our inaction in the past, he adds. Pakistans prime minister Shahbaz Sharif, who addressed the media along with UN secretary general Antonio Guterres, also once again raised the issue of funding. Dont let [our] helplessness become a death sentence, Mr Sharif urged, as he explained the billions of dollars worth of losses the country has suffered in the floods. This story was published with the support of ClimateTracker's COP27 Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship By Steve Gorman (Reuters) - U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Monday the recent attack on her husband by a hammer-wielding intruder in their home was especially painful to her knowing she was "the target" and would factor into her decision about when to retire from Congress. Appearing on CNN in her first televised interview since Paul Pelosi suffered skull fractures and other injuries in the Oct. 28 assault, the speaker said it stemmed from the same strain of "misrepresentation" that led a mob to storm the U.S. Capital on Jan. 6, 2021. Choking back tears, Nancy Pelosi recounted the bewildering moment when she was awakened by U.S. Capitol Police at her Washington apartment on the morning her 82-year-old husband was attacked to be informed of the violent break-in at their San Francisco home. "For me, the really hard part" was knowing that she was the intruder's intended victim, the speaker, also 82, said in the interview. "Because Paul was not the target, and he is the one who is paying the price." Asked by CNN anchor Anderson Cooper whether she had made up her mind about whether to retire from Congress, and her post as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, if the Democrats lose their thin House majority in Tuesday's midterm elections, Pelosi demurred. However, she told him, "I have to say, my decision will be affected by what happened the last week or two." Pressed by Cooper if she was referring to the attack on her husband, the speaker replied, "Yes." "And it will be impacted by - but - let me say this," she added without finishing her thought, and saying that she felt "blessed" by her 35 years of public service in the House. Court affidavits filed by prosecutors with charges against the suspect, David Wayne DePape, 42, say he told police after his arrest that he had planned to kidnap the speaker, interrogate her and break her kneecaps if she "lied." Story continues DePape is accused of forcing his way into the couple's home and creeping upstairs to a bedroom where he awakened Paul Pelosi from his sleep demanding to see the speaker, who had flown back to Washington the night before. Paul Pelosi managed to place an emergency-911 call, and police arrived just in time to witness the intruder club the real estate and venture capitalist over the head with a hammer, according to court documents. DePape has been charged in federal court with attempted kidnapping and assault. In California state court, he pleaded not guilty to separate charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, elder abuse, false imprisonment and threatening a public official. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Stephen Coates) Pennsylvania senatorial candidates Dr. Mehmet Oz (R) and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) gave their final pitches to their constituents on the eve of Election Day, asking for their votes. Oz hit the stage just before 9 p.m. in Pennsburg, where he rallied voters to go out and talk to 10 others who are not happy with the state of the country and Pennsylvania. The Republican candidate spoke about unleashing the energy resources of the state with methods such as fracking, which he says his opponent is against but never articulated why. DR. OZ ON THE CUSP OF HISTORY AS FIRST MUSLIM AMERICAN SENATOR Oz talked about crime being at an all-time high with Philadelphia logging its thousandth carjacking in October. The police union endorsed Oz unanimously, he said, because they wanted to have someone in office who has their back. Mehmet Oz, US Republican Senate candidate for Pennsylvania, speaks during a community discussion on safer streets in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, US, on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Oz and Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman are running to replace Republican Senator Pat Toomey, who is retiring. The outcome of the race could decide which party controls the Senate. Photographer: Nate Smallwood/Bloomberg via Getty Images READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Fetterman, Oz explained, continues to pull the rug out from underneath the police when it comes to supporting them. Along with crime, Oz told his constituents he is worried about the increase in fentanyl entering the country from across the U.S.-Mexican border. PENNSYLVANIA SENATE RACE: REPUBLICAN DR. MEHMET OZ TAKES LEAD OVER DEMOCRAT JOHN FETTERMAN IN NEW POLL "John Fetterman wants to legalize all drugs," he said, adding that Oregon tried to legalize all drugs and saw a 40% increase in overdoses. He also said homicides went up once all drugs were legalized. "Lawlessness takes over," Oz said. Fetterman stepped up to the podium at 9 p.m. in Pittsburgh where he spoke briefly about the need to expand healthcare, so all Americans have access to it. The Democratic candidate explained how healthcare was crucial to his recovery after suffering a stroke in May. Fetterman also told his constituents he stands for marriage equality. "Love who you love," he said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In 2013, Fetterman said, he solemnized the first legal gay marriage in the state. "Send the gay police for me." Codifying Roe v. Wade is another issue Fetterman wants to see happen. He said the choice of abortion does not belong with his opponent or him, but instead belongs to every woman and their doctors. Toward the end of his speech, Fetterman thanked every one of his supporters, telling them he was proud to be there with them. "Please send me to Washington, D.C.," he said. "Send him back to New Jersey. And thank youfor coming out on this night." Channel 11 News first brought this to viewers attention last month when we spoke exclusively to a victims daughter her parents own a local Asian restaurant. One day while working late their home was hit the thieves smashed the back window and made off with a safe full of money. At first, it was hard because they werent eating, they closed the restaurant down for a few days, but they are trying to stay strong, she said. Too frightened to show her face on camera their daughter described the days following the break-in at her parents Moon Township home. She said in early October while her parents werent home thieves smashed the back window climbed in and headed straight for their room making off with a safe full of cash. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. The couple owns a local Asian restaurant, and at the time local police believed they were targeted. Chief Greg Seamon told Channel 11 News Moon Township is just one area hit by this theft ring, similar cases are also being investigated in Mt. Lebanon, Hopewell Township, and Ross Township: in total 22 break-ins. My detectives are looking most likely at an organized group that is going around targeting Asian business owners, said Seamon. Now state police are also issuing a warning after they say nearly a million dollars in cash and personal property have been stolen this year from the homes of Asian Americans who own Chinese restaurants across the state. They are urging business owners to watch for suspicious cars or groups wearing neon vests posing as workers in their neighborhoods and to install surveillance cameras or sensor lights to protect their homes. Police are also warning that the group may also be installing makeshift tracking devices on their cars, or even following them home. We have heard air tags being placed in the wheel well, and that is how burglars can track where you live. People need to be more aware, she said. Police said unfortunately this is not new last year federal prosecutors indicted eight people who allegedly ran a similar ring in New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Story continues Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Nearly 40 students, staff become ill at Pennsylvania school 2-year-old dies after drowning in pond in Bethel Park 1 person injured in shooting outside of Beaver County Walmart VIDEO: Crews called to early morning fire in Tarentum DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Body camera footage released by the Phoenix Police Department on Monday shows a school resource officer stopping a woman as she appeared to pull a gun out of her bag during a dispute outside of an elementary school. Desira Featchurs, 29, was arrested for endangerment and carrying a weapon on school grounds, according to Fox 10 Phoenix. The school resource officer was called to the front office at an elementary school in northern Phoenix about a custody dispute on Sept. 22. TEXAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT ACCIDENTALLY DISCHARGES GUN AT SCHOOL "He wanted to get in," the officer can be heard saying as a child appears to get in an SUV. "You think I'm f------ playing?" the woman said as she approached the vehicle and appeared to pull out a gun. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Featchurs is a parent of a child at the school, according to Phoenix police. "When it comes to protecting your children, there is no time to waste when we see a threat," the Phoenix Police Department tweeted. An Air Force instructor pilot successfully ejected from his T-38C Talon trainer jet when it malfunctioned upon takeoff Monday afternoon. The unnamed airman with the 49th Flying Training Squadron at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, was heading out on a routine flight around 1 p.m. local time when the jet became inoperable, said Col. Jeremy Bergin, vice commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus, during a press conference Monday. At the time of the crash, the airman was flying alongside another instructor pilot who was scheduled for continuation training, or a sortie to keep their flight qualifications up-to-date. Both pilots were flying their jets solo. Pilots' errors upon descent led to fatal T-38 crash in February, Air Force says Shortly after takeoff, the wingmans T-38C crashed in a field on private property near the base, Bergin said. Nearby bystanders helped get the airman to an ambulance, which brought him to a local hospital for treatment. The base said Tuesday evening that the pilot had been released from the hospital with minor injuries and is expected to resume flying soon. We spend a lot of time training our IPs to be prepared for emergency situations, Bergin said. It was clearly evident in this case that our individual was well-prepared to handle whatever mishap he had experienced. One dead, two injured in T-38C mishap at Laughlin Air Force Base Meanwhile, the Air Force has opened an investigation into what caused the crash. The jets wreckage is not salvageable. Training flights are continuing as normal, a Columbus spokesperson said. This is the eighth major T-38C mishap in the past five years, according to the Air Force Safety Center. Six people have died in Talon accidents in that same time frame. The airframe averages at least one crash that is fatal, causes permanent disability or costs more than $2.5 million in damages per 100,000 flight hours. Air Force changes formation approach rules again Story continues Bergin insisted that the Talon remains safe and reliable. T-38Cs entered the fleet in 1961, when they cost about $750,000 apiece. The Air Force now owns 445 Talons, most of which are spread across Columbus; Vance AFB, Oklahoma; and Laughlin AFB, Texas. The supersonic jets are used to teach new pilots to fly fighter and bomber aircraft before they move onto their assigned airframes. View live results for the Kendall County clerks race. Live results will begin tabulating after polls close on Tuesday, Nov. 8. On the ballot this Tuesday is every statewide office, as well as one U.S. Senate seat, two seats on the Illinois Supreme Court, all 17 of Illinois representatives in Congress, every state senator and representative in the General Assembly, and scores of county and judicial offices. See all race results here. A guide for voters on the midterms >>> See who the Tribune Editorial Board endorsed plus how the candidates answered our questions >>> interactive_content As a public service to our readers and community, we have lowered the paywall on election coverage so everyone can access this important information. Your support allows us to continue providing the award-winning, watchdog and in-depth journalism our community deserves. Subscribe today. Police have arrested the man they suspect of shooting two men in Melrose on Sunday. According to Melrose Police, Christopher Corcoran, 44, was arrested Monday after the Melrose native allegedly shot two men in the area of Waverly Place following a verbal altercation Sunday night. Police responded to the scene at approximately 7:30 p.m. to find two men suffering from gunshots to their lower extremities. Officers began providing medical attention, including applying a tourniquet to the legs of one of the men. The victims were transported to a local hospital to be treated for their non-serious injuries. The male suspect fled the area on foot but an immediate search did not turn up the wanted gunman. Through a subsequent investigation that included collecting of shell cases left on the street, police identified Corcoran as the suspect. Police say the investigation also revealed that the suspect and two victims were in an argument before shots were fired. Corcoran was arrested without incident in Saugus Monday afternoon according to Melrose police. Corcoran was charged with two counts armed assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a fire arm, and one count of possession of a firearm without a license. He is expected to be arranged Tuesday in Malden District Court. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Good Morning America First lady Jill Biden on Monday unveiled this year's White House holiday decorations, announcing the theme as "We the People." More than 150 volunteers from across the country spent a week helping to decorate the inside and outside of the White House with 25 wreaths, 77 Christmas trees and over 83,615 holiday lights. There is also a gingerbread White House that was made out of 20 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 30sheets of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage, 30 pounds of chocolate, and 40 pounds of royal icing, according to the office of the first lady. Katie Boulter lost to Kazakhstans Yulia Putintseva in Glasgow (Steve Welsh/PA) (PA Wire) Katie Boulter was beaten by Kazakhstans Yulia Putintseva as Great Britain suffered a losing start to their Billie Jean King Cup Finals campaign in Glasgow. Boulter, the British number two for the event, made a strong start and took the opening set but Putintseva fought back to claim a 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory at the Emirates Arena. It was only Boulters second loss in 11 matches in the competition, with her first coming against the same player in a tie at Londons Copper Box in 2019. She took a medical time-out after three games of the decider for treatment to her left calf, which will be a concern for captain Anne Keothavong ahead of Thursdays clash with Spain. Although Boulter is ranked nearly 80 places below Putintseva at 130, she has been a consistent big-match performer and this appeared Britains best chance of a point in a tie they went into as heavy underdogs. Harriet Dart will now need to beat Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina to keep the contest alive. The Emirates Arena has been the de facto home of Britains Davis Cup team for nearly a decade but there was nothing like the atmosphere that has made some of those ties so memorable, with a sparse crowd and the enthusiastic band of Kazakhstan fans making most of the noise. Boulter made the perfect start, breaking the Putintseva serve twice to love either side of dropping serve herself. The 26-year-old from Leicestershire should have secured a second break at 4-2 but put that behind her, saving break points in the next game and clinching the set on her second opportunity. Story continues Putintseva had lost six of her last seven matches but she is known as one of the feistiest characters on tour and has a fine record playing for her country. She began to get on top from the baseline, coping better with Boulters big groundstrokes, and deservedly took the second set, securing the only break of serve in the sixth game. Boulter then lost the opening four games of the third set and, although she managed some late resistance, it was too little, too late. The Powerball jackpot is getting closer to a milestone $2 billion. If no one gets lucky Monday night, the $1.9 billion jackpot is expected to cross over. Even the cash option is getting close to $1 billion. If you get the right numbers Monday, you could choose to walk away with $929.1 million. The winning Powerball numbers will be drawn, LIVE on Channel 2 before WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. At the front of the lottery line at Hebys Food Mart in Mableton, Nicole Blackshear figured it was time to get serious. 70 tickets. Powerball, Nicole said. The line wrapped up and down three aisles at times. Chef Shombe Jones runs the barbecue counter in the back. He usually takes Monday off. But not this Monday. Cant make no money laying down in the bed. Its a once-in-a-lifetime chance. You gotta come in and make it happen, the chef said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] And you can make a lot happen with all that money. I started looking online at jets, a lottery player named Jim told Channel 2s Berndt Petersen. I want to go everywhere. Everywhere, Phyliss Dent-Brown said. I know one thing for sure. Id take off from work, Nick Johnson said. Chef Shombe said he would be willing to give up his business. Well, Ill tell [store owner] Haile, Haile, You can have this! Im gone, bruh! But some players worry that it might be too much of a good thing. Youre gonna have such a big hassle if you do win. All your friends will find out. Theyll be pounding you every minute to have some of that money, Jim said. Back at the front of the lottery line, Nicole Blackshear has it all figured out. Pay off the family. Only one millionaire in the family. And then hide out. Location to be determined, Nicole said. TRENDING STORIES: Story continues Frenzy about Mondays whopping $1.9 billion Power Ball drawing has created a new windfall for Georgia scholarships and education. Channel 2s Tom Regan was in Buckhead at one of the busiest Quik Trip stations in Georgia, where they were selling lottery tickets nonstop, hoping for a ticket to paradise and beyond. An individuals odds of winning are about one in 292 million. But the big winner may be the money that the lottery is bringing to Georgias Hope Scholarship and pre-K programs. We have already received $33.4 million to return to education in Georgia, Gretchen Corbin, the CEO of the Georgia Lottery, said. The lottery generates about a billion dollars annually to education in Georgia. More than 2 million students have gotten the Hope Scholarship and more than 4 million 4-year-olds have attended state-funded pre-school. IN OTHER NEWS: The results are in for Powerballs record-breaking $2.04 billion jackpot drawing and the winner is from California, according to the Public Information Officer with Ohio Lottery Commission. >>Montgomery County offers free campaign sign recycling The winning numbers are 10-33-41-47-56, Powerball: 10; Power Play: 2x. After the processing of all sales, the $1.9 billion jackpot settled at $2.04 billion, the spokesperson said in a release shared with News Center 7. The Ohio winning ticket was sold at a Get Go gas station near Lakewood High School in Cleveland, the spokesperson said. This is the Ohio Lotterys seventh winner of the million dollar second tier prize so far this year. >>Man arrested in Madison County for 220 pounds of cocaine, worth $9 million The drawing took place just before 9 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Florida Lotterys Tallahassee studios, the spokesperson said in the release. Due to a delay in balancing, it also delayed the drawing that was originally scheduled for Monday, Nov. 7th., the spokesperson said. In the latest drawing, Ohioans purchased $18.5 million worth of Powerball wagers, raising $7 million in profits, the spokesperson said. >>Sinclair Community College to host job fair today Since 1974, the Ohio Lottery has contributed around $29 billion to education, the spokesperson said in the release. Approximately 75 cents of each two dollar Powerball purchase in Ohio went to the Lottery Profits Education Fund. A 17-year-old has been charged in the shooting death of a pregnant 16-year-old, according to a Florida sheriff. Deputies arrested Lorenzo Larry on Nov. 7 and accused him of fatally shooting 16-year-old DeShayla Ferguson in the head in Orlando, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said during a news conference. McClatchy News is naming Larry because authorities say he will be tried as an adult. Ferguson was 20 weeks pregnant when she was found dead around 7 p.m. on Oct. 24 outside a residence near a vehicle, Mina said. She had been missing since Aug. 12, when she was last seen leaving a Department of Children and Families facility, according to the Orlando Police Department. This whole community should be grieving for DeShayla Ferguson and her family and her unborn baby, Mina said. Fergusons mother, Paula Davis, posted on Facebook about losing her daughter. I cant believe Im making funeral arrangements for my baby, she wrote. This is not fair. She didnt deserve this. Larry faces charges of second-degree murder and killing an unborn baby by injury to the mother, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Office. 24-year-olds body found days after she vanished from Walmart, Tennessee cops say Teen vanished from North Carolina six days ago. Now, police suspect foul play 26-year-old woman vanishes while driving from California to Oregon, cops say Political candidate and referendum posters are placed along a main road November 2, 2022 in Shelburne, Vermont. A sign in favor Article 27 would enshrine a woman's reproductive rights in the Vermont state constitution following the US Supreme Court's declaring Roe v. Wade as unconstitutional after 50 years of abortion rights. Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images; Insider Vermont voted in favor of a ballot measure that would protect abortion rights. Proposal 5, or Article 22, makes reproductive autonomy a state constitutional right. Opponents said the measure would make it harder to restrict abortion in the state. Voters in Vermont overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to amend the state's constitution and add language that protects reproductive freedom, including abortion. 2022 General Embeds Ballot measure details Proposal 5, which was approved by the Vermont state legislature in 2019 and now in 2022 by voters, will add language to the state constitution stating an "individual's right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty and dignity to determine one's own life course and shall not be denied or infringed." The only exception is a compelling state interest that passes a "strict scrutiny" test. If so, the state must use the "least restrictive" method of achieving said interest. Republican Gov. Phil Scott announced the proposal would be on the ballot after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24. As of Election Day, the state did not have any restrictions on abortion access and allowed for abortions throughout pregnancy, according to the Guttmacher Institute. Other states that voted to add abortion protections to their constitution include California and Michigan. Support and opposition "Vote Yes on Article 22" included support from Scott, ACLU Vermont, Planned Parenthood, and Ben and Jerry's. Supporters said the constitutional amendment would help further protect the right to abortion and birth control. Vermont Right to Life led the opposition and argued that the amendment would make it harder to pass laws in the future banning or restricting abortion. Read the original article on Business Insider Kaye Aries (L) and daughter Robyn Victor, 6, look at one another as brother Kaleb Victor, 12, also participates in the Women's March Action Rally for Reproductive Rights at Mariachi Plaza in Los Angeles, California, on October 8, 2022. DAVID MCNEW/AFP via Getty Images; Insider California voted to protect abortion as a constitutional right. Proposition 1 would make abortion and contraception access a state constitutional right. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. California voted to protect abortion rights, approving a ballot measure that will amend the state's constitution to say that the state cannot take away a person's right to abortion or contraception and will not interfere with reproductive freedoms. 2022 General Embeds Ballot measure details After the Supreme Court ruled that the right to abortion is no longer federally protected, many states decided to implement abortion bans. However, blue-leaning states like California took a different route and voted to continue protecting abortion and contraceptive access as a fundamental right. The state legislature put the measure, Proposition 1, on the ballot around the time of the Supreme Court's ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson. The constitutional amendment will not change much on abortion law in the state, according to the state's legislative analyst's office. State law will still only allow late term-abortions in special cases and require people to have licenses to perform these medical procedures. The analyst's office also said there will likely be no fiscal impact as a result of this measure being implemented. Support and opposition Yes on 1 includes support from Gov. Gavin Newsom, the California Teachers Association, Planned Parenthood, and a number of other reproductive rights and justice groups. Supporters argue that the measure is necessary to add another layer of protection to reproductive healthcare amid fears that federal lawmakers could instate a national abortion ban. No on 1 is endorsed by the California Republican Party, the California Catholic Conference, and anti-abortion groups across the state. What experts are saying Fifty-five percent of likely voters said they would vote for Proposition 30, 40% would vote against it, and 5% said they were unsure, a September statewide survey from the Public Policy Institute of California found. Read the original article on Business Insider View live results for the Lake County clerks race. Live results will begin tabulating after polls close on Tuesday, Nov. 8. On the ballot this Tuesday is every statewide office, as well as one U.S. Senate seat, two seats on the Illinois Supreme Court, all 17 of Illinois representatives in Congress, every state senator and representative in the General Assembly, and scores of county and judicial offices. See all race results here. A guide for voters on the midterms >>> See who the Tribune Editorial Board endorsed plus how the candidates answered our questions >>> interactive_content As a public service to our readers and community, we have lowered the paywall on election coverage so everyone can access this important information. Your support allows us to continue providing the award-winning, watchdog and in-depth journalism our community deserves. Subscribe today. Prosecutors opened the trial of Riley Williams a diminutive 23-year-old Pennsylvania woman who stormed into the Capitol and entered Speaker Nancy Pelosis office on Jan. 6, 2021 with a plea to jurors: dont be fooled by her appearance. She doesnt look like someone who would fight through tear gas and physically attack police standing in her way, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gordon said. Looks can be deceiving. Rather, Gordon said, Williams was at the vanguard of rioters who forced their way into the building, filming them as they shattered a Senate-wing window that led to the broader breach. She surged inside and directed other rioters toward Pelosis (D-Calif.) office where she encouraged those present to take a laptop one that the speaker used for conference calls. Later, Gordon said, Williams clashed directly with police, using larger men in body armor as a buffer to push against police lines and bragging to friends about the tactics she used to frustrate polices efforts to clear the building. Despite repeatedly posting on social media about the events of the day, she later deleted her social media accounts and messages and considered fleeing before turning herself in to police. She used industrial-grade software to wipe her computer as well. Williams decision to enter the Capitol followed weeks of obsession over the election results, prosecutors said, fueled by her consumption of podcasts that fueled false claims that the election had been stolen from then-President Donald Trump. She hated former Vice President Mike Pence, Gordon said. She hated Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi even more. The case is one of the most unusual to emerge among the 900 people being prosecuted so far for their role in the mob attack on the Capitol. Williams was charged quickly after Jan. 6, and video emerged showing her on Capitol grounds carrying a distinctive zebra-print bag that helped law enforcement track her movements in the voluminous video taken of the riot. Story continues Prosecutors have charged Williams with eight counts, including participating in a civil disorder and obstruction of Congress Jan. 6 proceeding a felony charge that carries a 20-year maximum sentence and aiding and abetting the theft of Pelosis laptop. Her trial began on the date of the first national election since the one prosecutors say she attempted to prevent, and it came amid a furor over the mounting threats against members of Congress and Pelosi herself. A top aide to Pelosi, Jamie Fleet, is expected to testify about the events of the day and the effect of the riot on congressional operations. Williams attorney Lori Ulrich said theres little doubt that Williams acted improperly and that the video the government has of her actions includes disturbing elements of the riot. But she encouraged jurors to take a different view of her client: A girl wanting to be a somebody. Williams, she said, was little more than a girl in fuzzy boots and a green T-shirt who overstated her actions in social media boasts. Williams had traveled to Washington with her father and two other people to attend Trumps Jan. 6 rally and got separated from them before joining the march to the Capitol, her attorney said. She wasnt out to hurt Nancy Pelosi, Ulrich said. She wasnt out to hurt anybody. Ulrich emphasized that prosecutors have not charged Williams with taking Pelosis laptop only with aiding and abetting others, a charge she said exaggerated what Williams actually did inside Pelosis office. She never went into the House or Senate chambers, and when she entered the building itself, she posted on social media that she had stormed the White House. The case against Williams, Ulrich said, amounted to Lets throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Among the issues that will come up in trial is Williams intense interest in the Groypers, the name given to followers of white nationalist podcaster Nick Fuentes, a prominent purveyor of claims that the 2020 election had been stolen. Williams shared memes about her actions on Jan. 6 that indicated she was motivated by those messages, and her green T-shirt that she wore during the riot read Im with Groyper. Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty The two most highly evolved COVID subvariants yet are becoming dominant all over the world. The XBB subvariant in Asia and the closely related BQ.1 subvariant in Europe and the U.S. are both more contagious than previous forms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and more immune-evasive. That is, they reduce the effectiveness of many of the leading vaccinesand totally thwart monoclonal antibody therapies, according to some studies. Disaster isnt inevitable. India and Singapore have both logged big increases in XBB infections. Neither country has logged a sustained increase in COVID deaths. I think that the main lesson from both India and Singapore is, Don't panic, Paul Anantharajah Tambyah, president of the Asia Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection in Singapore, told The Daily Beast. Singapores strategy is simple: vaccinate and boost almost everybody. Indias success against XBB is a bit more nuanced, however. It seems a combination of natural antibodies from past infection, a middling vaccination rate, and a healthy mix of different vaccine types all contributed to Indias winning battle against XBB. Singapore and India strike me as very different cases, Lawrence Gostin, a Georgetown University global health expert, told The Daily Beast. And it remains to be seen whether other countries can duplicate one strategy or the other. But at least theres an emergency handbook as BQ.1 and XBB spread and health agencies all over the world brace for fresh waves of cases. BQ.1 has an advantage over other COVID subvariants thanks to three major mutations on its spike protein, the part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that helps it grab onto and infect our cells. These mutations make BQ.1 more contagious than its cousins. XBB has seven new mutations along the spike. These and other mutations also give BQ.1 and XBB their shared ability to evade antibody therapies. These therapies arent the only way to treat COVID, of coursethere are antiviral drugs and treatments that dont include doses of antibodies. Story continues At least one study has also highlighted the subvariants apparent high level of fusogenicitythat is, how well they fuse to our own cells. The higher a viruss fusogenicity, the higher its potential to cause serious disease. But its the new subvariants extreme contagiousness that explains why theyve outcompeted other forms of COVID to become dominant across much of the world. Once XBB or BQ.1 arrives in a particular country, its likely a spike in cases will follow. Whats arguably more important is whether a spike in cases also results in a spike in the worst outcomes. Especially deaths. Singapore beat its XBB wave the simplest way possible. The tiny Asian city-state, population 5.5 million, has among the best-vaccinated and boosted population globally, Peter Hotez, an expert in vaccine development at Baylor College, told The Daily Beast. Ninety-two percent of the population is fully vaccinated with one of four approved vaccines: the two messenger-RNA jabs from Pfizer and Moderna as well as separate protein-based and inactivated-virus vaccines from Novavax and Sinovac, respectively. The Nightmare COVID Variant That Beats Our Immunity Is Finally Here For comparison, just 69 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated, most with two doses of mRNA. Even more impressive, a whopping eight out of 10 Singaporeans have gotten a booster shot, as wellcompared to around three out of 10 Americans. There might be more vaccine-induced antibodies in Singapore than anywhere else. Those antibodies have kept cases low, meaning there arent a lot of natural antibodies in the city-states population. But when XBB came knocking last month, the vaccine antibodies were enough. Infections surged to a daily peak of 12,000 new cases. But by the time the case-rate dropped back down to 4,000 new infections a day last weekwell on its way to the long-term average of 2,000 new infections a dayonly around 50 people had died. The death rate for the month-long XBB surge in Singapore has been only twice as high as the long-term COVID death rate of around one a day. All that is to say, XBB drove a sixfold increase in COVID cases, but only a twofold increase in deaths. Scientists call that difference a decoupling. Cases go up. Deaths dont. Decoupling is one of the most important trends as the COVID pandemic grinds toward its fourth year. Thanks to a wall of antibodies from vaccines and past infection, the global death rate has been slowly dropping even as new variants and subvariants drive back-to-back waves of infections. The main worry, when BQ.1 and XBB first appeared, was a recoupling of cases and deaths. It didnt happen in Singapore. And it hasnt happened in India, either. But Indias experience is less clear-cut, Hotez said. After first showing up in India in August, XBB now accounts for the majority of infections in the country. There was a one-day spike in COVID mortality on Tuesday, when authorities reported nearly 1,400 deaths. Thats up from an average of just 20 or 30 deaths a day since August. That one-day increase appears to be a result of uneven reporting from regional health officials, which has been a consistent problem in India. After all, no major increase in cases accompanied the recent increase in deaths. And there were similar isolated mortality spikes in January, March, and April. The data from India is messy. But it doesnt point to a sustained surge in COVID despite XBBs new dominance. The question is why. With just 68 percent of its 1.4 billion people fully vaccinated with one of eight authorized vaccinesa mix of adenovirus, inactivated-virus and protein vaccines but no mRNAand only 15 percent boosted, India is somewhere in the middle of the global pack for vaccination. Its possible that Indians benefit from widespread natural immunity from the waves of Delta and Omicron infections44 million cases, in allthat swept over the country between May 2021 and January this year. Another possibility is that their vaccines hold up better in terms of durability, Hotez explained. Many richer countries have leaned heavily on the mRNA vaccines. Messenger-RNA technology has the benefit of speed and flexibility. Its fairly simple to update an mRNA vaccine for some new variant by swapping one bit of RNA for another. But studies have indicated that the best conventional vaccines retain effectiveness longer than the mRNA jabs do. And the more different conventional vaccines you toss into the overall mix, the better. There is a theoretical benefit to having a combination of different vaccines, Tambyah said. This Deadly COVID Twist Is Like Nothing Weve Seen Before Better yet, individuals could mix vaccines. Grabbing at random from Indias authorized vaccines, that could mean one jab of Covishield, one jab of Corbevax and, say, a Bharat booster. Many experts feel that the level of immunity will be more robust if the body has been exposed to different vaccines, Gostin said. India is the best example of that and I would not be surprised if it was playing a role in protecting the population against new waves. That India and Singapore have weathered, or seem to be weathering, XBB doesnt mean other countries will, too. Its possible Singapore (with its nearly-universal vaccination) and India (with its wide array of vaccines) are the outliers. But the countries at least show us its possible to beat even the worst forms of COVID so far. Pick a strategy. Either vaccinate nearly everyone, or try a diverse mix of the most durable vaccines. Ideally, do both. Doing nothing, on the other hand, might give XBB or BQ.1 a chance to do what other major subvariants have failed to dodrive up deaths alongside cases. 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. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) Third Quarter 2022 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$20.5b (down 5.4% from 3Q 2021). Net loss: US$290.0m (down by 119% from US$1.51b profit in 3Q 2021). US$0.78 loss per share (down from US$3.92 profit in 3Q 2021). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Prudential Financial Revenues Beat Expectations, EPS Falls Short Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 47%. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates. Looking ahead, revenue is expected to decline by 2.8% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, while revenues in the Insurance industry in the US are expected to grow by 5.5%. Performance of the American Insurance industry. The company's shares are down 1.9% from a week ago. Risk Analysis Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for Prudential Financial that you should be aware of. 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. 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Sign up here Photo Illustration by Kelly Caminero/The Daily Beast/Getty Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian President Vladimir Putins chef notorious for interfering in U.S. elections, boasted Monday that he has interfered, is currently interfering, and will interfere in U.S. elections. But according to researchers tracking his current meddling operations targeting Americans, Prigozhins interference operations might not be as well-resourced or formidable as they once were. His comment, which came just one day before U.S. midterm elections, is the first time Prigozhin has appeared to fess up to meddling. Prigozhin has been indicted in the United States for interfering in U.S. elections in 2016. We interfered, we interfere and we will interfere, Prigozhin said, according to VKontakte. Carefully, precisely, surgically and in our own way, as we know how. An element of Russias campaigns targeting Americans right now, though, are not going very far. Suspected Russian actors tied to Prigozhin have been running an influence operation made up of divisive political cartoons aimed at the far-right in the United States in recent weeks, according to researchers tracking interference attempts in U.S. politics at noted research firm Graphika. After Years of Trump-Russia Denials, Putins Enforcer Admits Election Interference The campaign zeroes in on and disparages Democrats in tight races across the country in Pennsylvania, Georgia, New York, and Ohio. The suspected Russian scheme has gone after the likes of John Fetterman in Pennsylvania, who is up against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz; Tim Ryan, who is up against Republican J.D. Vance in Ohio, Stacey Abrams in Georgia, and Kathy Hochul in New York. Some of the political cartoons sought to damage President Joe Bidens reputation as well. But the overall effect has been minimal, as the network isnt gaining much traction, Jack Stubbs, vice president of intelligence at Graphika, told The Daily Beast. Part of the issue is that the scheme, made up of fake personas online spreading political cartoons, is mostly targeting audiences on alternative social media platforms like Gab, Parler, Gettr and forum patriots.win, which limits its reach. (The small reach could explain some of Prigozhins commentary that Russia is now running surgical and precise influence operations, analysts said.) The other problem is that the Russians approach, while it appears clever in some ways, also can come off quite amateurish at times, analysts say. Story continues Compared to 2016, when Kremlin-backed influence operators ran their schemes on the likes of YouTube, Twitter, and Facebookwhere Prigozhins troll farm, the Internet Research Agency (IRA), spent $100,000 in ad dollars and reached 126 million usersthis one appears a little bit scrappier and low-key. In 2020 the IRA went to further efforts to run its operations, outsourcing to teams in Ghana and Nigeria, according to the National Security Agency. Now, theyre not creating a lot of content, and theyre not creating as many fake personas to try to dupe Americans. Instead, Russian information operations have lately been latching onto pre-existing tensions and posts and amplifying them. There's a broad trend away from creating fake accounts... as opposed to finding people who are already saying the message they want to promote, Stubbs said. Some of the Russians current approach to interference in U.S. elections online might look somewhat useless at times, Graham Brookie, the senior director of the Atlantic Councils Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), told The Daily Beast. It's both silly and absurd, Brookie said. But it does have some amount of impact. And so we've got to monitor and evaluate to understand whether whether they're actually causing behavior change. Prigozhins current operation is unlikely to change anyones mind about voting in the United States or in the midterm elections, according to Brian Liston, the lead analyst on Ukraine in the global issues team at security firm Recorded Future. This recent network isn't really something that's particularly effective, Liston told The Daily Beast. These handful of covert accounts arent really going to shift the election. Part of Russias current winnowed down messaging approach focusing on the far right appears to be an effort to further entrench them in their views by validating or confirming existing biases they already have, rather than trying to tip the scales towards one side of the aisle or a particular candidate. Theyre not looking for their minds to be changed, Liston said. At the same time, while the reach may not be far, the Russians may have a trick or two up their sleeves. While they may not be iterating and working up a lot of new content, they are in a way making their lives easier by searching out existing tensions in the United States and working to exacerbate them. From time to time it's sloppy work, its not particularly creative, Liston said. But I think also they they can also be resourceful they understand the U.S. information landscape pretty well, they understand the political and social issues here in the United States that are contentious, he added. There's a little bit of a mix of just being amateur and sloppy, but then also showing a little bit of intuitiveness and creativity. But while Prigozhin said he wanted to paint his commentary about Russias interference in a vague and subtle way, he might just be trying to talk up his operations publicly now so that Americans think the Russian operations are bigger and better this year than they actually are, in order to inject doubt into whether Russia is interfering to great effect. Moscow doesnt even have to interfere to cause chaos in American democracy and leave questions in Americans minds about whether a foreign actor has intervened, a move researchers call perception hacking. Russia wants to just create the specter that theyre doing more than they probably are, or they're more effective than they are, Brookie said. Saying, yes, were doing this, yes, you'll never know, were really big and really bad, that creates a hype cycle that is beneficial to the threat actor in this case. He's saying these things for attention, Stubbs added, noting that Prigozhin might be trying to just stir up tense discussions about whether Russia is interfering or not. One of the most contentious issues in U.S. politics since 2016 has been the threat of foreign interference. No one is better placed to capitalize on that than Yevgeny Prigozhin himself. Russia might have a unique interest in inflating the value of its interference operations right now since the Kremlin appears to not have dedicated a lot of resources to its information operations this year due to the war in Ukraine, which has been a huge pull on resources, Brookie noted. They're probably under resourced from a leadership perspective as opposed to under resourced from a staffing perspective, Brookie said. Its probably harder to set strategic direction at the moment because of so many resource constraints across the board, directly related to the war. While the political cartoon campaign from the Prigozhin-linked network is working to push pro-Russia narratives that Ukraine is a Nazi state or that U.S. aid to Ukraine is causing prices to surge in the United States, Prigozhin himself is focused on the battlefield. While he runs political interference operations targeting the United States, he also runs the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary group that has been fighting in Ukraine. Putins Private Army Accused of Committing Their Most Heinous Massacre Yet The campaign Stubbs and his team found might confirm that Russia has poor resourcing for its influence operations at the moment. The Russian political influence cartoon network was created in November of 2020 and has been consistently posting since then about American issues. But when January 2022 came aroundjust as Russia was amassing hundreds of thousands of troops on its borders with Ukraine and gearing up to invadethe network all but ground its operations to a halt. We know that these assets were created on November 5, 2020 and they posted every week, every year, until January 2022. And then a large number of the most important assets went dark. For up to nine months, Stubbs said, noting that this is just correlation, not causation. The timing of that does align with what we now understand was Russia preparing for Ukraine. And while Prigozhins work this year on interference hasnt appeared to have a major impact to date, the Russians or other malicious actors from other countries might be banking on the idea that it could take some time to tabulate votes after midterms and that the dividends from influence operations and amplifying American divisions online might come later. Material we've seen over the last week or so doesn't appear to have much online reach, Stubbs said. But that doesn't mean they won't in the future. And while normally Prigozhin-linked operations have been sensitive to being called out, Prigozhins network appears determined to stick around, now, which could indicate they have an eye on future operations and influence. When you've seen IRA operations be publicly exposed and attributed it does appear to be disrupted thereafter. Their websites typically went dark, Stubbs said. But this time, even though Stubbs and his team have exposed the network, its still active. It posted six hours ago, as we talk today, Stubbs said on Monday. 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. LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Antonio Reeves scored 22 points, CJ Fredrick had 20 and Kentucky opened the season by beating Howard 95-63 on Monday night with All-American Oscar Tshiebwe and two other players sidelined. Tshiebwe, the consensus national player of the year, had a procedure last month on his right knee and anticipated being back for the opener. But other than some pregame stretching and receiving his Naismith Trophy one of six awards he collected last spring along with being named Associated Press player of the year he was a bystander and cheerleader. Point guard Sahvir Wheeler (right leg) leg and sophomore forward Daimion Collins (personal reasons) were also out, leaving the Wildcats with eight scholarship players. They still shot 55% against the overmatched Bison. Reeves, an Illinois State transfer who averaged 20.1 points per game last season for the Redbirds, hit 6 of 12 from 3-point range and 8 of 16 overall. Fredrick, who transferred from Iowa but missed last season with a hamstring injury, shot 6 of 9 overall and 2 of 5 from beyond the arc. Chemistry was definitely out there," Reeves said. "We all moved the ball pretty well. (We) ran the floor pretty well rebounded and got a couple of assists through there. I think the whole team had a great game today and we just have to move on to the next game. Added Fredrick, I was just so locked in on what I had to do to get a win that I didn't think about being out so long." Jacob Toppin and freshman Cason Wallace each added 15 points for Kentucky, which made 34 of 62 shots from the field and 11 of 24 3-pointers. Toppin also had 11 rebounds. Kobe Dickson made 8 of 9 shots for 17 points and Elijah Hawkins had 14 for Howard, which shot 34%. The Bison briefly led 3-2 but were soon overwhelmed by the longer, faster Wildcats. Kentucky led 49-26 at halftime and shot 58% in the second half to extend its advantage. The Wildcats made 16 of 28 free throws and outscored the Bison just 36-28 in the lane, but both were enough to offset the absence of 6-foot-9 Tshiebwe. Story continues The biggest thing is were doing it without that post presence right now," coach John Calipari said. "Were not able to get in there like wed like to. But CJ and Antonio. ... Antonio was unbelievable. BRUSH WITH HISTORY Wallace finished with nine assists and eight rebounds, nearly becoming the first Kentucky player with a triple-double since Isaiah Briscoe and De'Aaron Fox each recorded one in 2016. I didnt know until late in the game," Wallace said. "Lance (Ware) was like Yo, everybody box out, let Cason get the rebound. Thats my man right there. ... Im getting one this year. BIG PICTURE Howard: The Bison didn't convert consecutive baskets until late in the first half and only four times all night. They did manage to lead Kentucky on the glass for a while, especially offensively (13-10), but were no match once Kentucky became more assertive. Howard was 7 of 25 from long range and struggled to get back on the other end. Some of the things we did offensively really hurt us on the defensive end, coach Kenneth Blakeney said. "We didnt execute our offense, we struggled to get into our offense, we struggled through our plays. All credit to Kentucky and their defense. They did an outstanding job of taking us out of our plays. Kentucky: The absences of all three regulars opened up a lot of minutes for others, and the results were encouraging. Reeves and Fredrick were a strong backcourt tandem, and the Wildcats showed depth in outscoring Howard's bench 32-15. UP NEXT Howard hosts UDC on Wednesday night in the first of three meetings between Washington-area schools. Kentucky hosts Duquesne on Friday night. ___ AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 Republican Rep. Steve Chabot (right) faces off against Democrat Greg Landsman (left) in Ohio's 1st Congressional District. Aaron Doster/AP Photo; Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call; Insider Rep. Steve Chabot was defeated by Democrat Greg Landsman in Ohio's 1st Congressional District. The 1st District encompasses Cincinnati the third-largest city in Ohio. In July, the Ohio Supreme Court struck down the state's new congressional map for violating the anti-gerrymandering rules. Longtime Republican Rep. Steve Chabot was defeated by Democrat Greg Landsman in Ohio's 1st Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 2022 General Embeds Ohio's 1st Congressional District candidates Chabot was a member of the Committee on Judiciary. Prior to his time in Congress, he worked as an attorney in Cincinnati, where he handled domestic disputes and the drafting of wills. He was elected to the House in 1994 after he defeated incumbent Rep. David S. Mann. In 1999, the Cincinnati Republican was one of 13 House Republicans appointed to serve in the impeachment proceedings against former President Bill Clinton. In 2008, he lost his seat to state Rep. Steve Driehaus but won it back in 2010 after he defeated Driehaus in a rematch. Chabot has fundraised off of the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home and opposed Trump's impeachment. In July, he broke ranks with the GOP and joined most Democrats in supporting the CHIPS and Science Act, a measure meant to strengthen the domestic chips manufacturing industry and boost US scientific research to counter China. Landsman, Chabot's challenger, is a former public school teacher and is currently in his 5th year as a member of the Cincinnati City Council. He advanced from the Democratic primary unopposed. Voting history for Ohio's 1st Congressional District Ohio's 1st Congressional District encompasses Cincinnati the third-largest city in Ohio and portions of the suburbs, including the majority-conservative Warren County. Donald Trump had 3 point percentage point margin of victory over President Joe Biden under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before the once-in-a-decade redistricting process following the 2020 Census drew in the whole city of Cincinnati, giving Democrats an edge. Story continues In July, the Ohio Supreme Court struck down the new congressional map for violating the anti-gerrymandering rules in the state Constitution. However, it will still be used in November because candidates were chosen in the primaries using the new map. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Chabot had raised $1.9 million, spent $1.6 million, and has $361,071 of cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Landsman, had raised $2.4 million, spent $2 million, and has $443,810 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. As of early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups had together spent about $9.3 million to advocate for or against the candidates. What experts say The race between Chabot and Landsman 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 AP Images; Insider Republican author and venture capitalist J.D. Vance faced off against Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan in Ohio. Despite Ryan's large financial lead, experts said Vance had a better chance of winning. Trump endorsed Vance ahead of the primaries despite the candidate previously comparing the former president to "America's Hitler" in private messages. Republican J.D. Vance defeated Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan in Ohio to represent the state in the US Senate. Republican Sen. Rob Portman has been a part of the Senate since 2011, announced in January 2021 that he would not be running for a third term, leaving the seat up for grabs in 2022. 2022 General Embeds Ohio's US Senate race candidates Vance is a venture capitalist, veteran, and author who rose to prominence following the publication of his book, "Hillbilly Elegy," which delves into Vance's childhood and upbringing in Ohio. Vance won the Republican nomination in a crowded seven-candidate GOP primary race, winning 32.2% of the overall vote. Vance, who received an endorsement from President Donald Trump in the run-up to the primary election, previously compared Trump to "America's Hitler" in private messages with his former roommate. At a rally in September, the former president made fun of Vance and accused him of showering him with flattery in exchange for the president's support. "J.D. is kissing my ass he wants my support so much," Trump said in Youngstown, Ohio. Ryan, Vance's general election challenger, represented Ohio districts in the US House of Representatives since 2003. He represented the state's 17th Congressional District for 10 years before switching to the 13th Congressional District in 2013 following redistricting. Ryan handily defeated the two other Democratic candidates in Ohio's primary election, bringing in 69.6% of the overall vote. In 2020, prior to running for the Senate, Ryan ran for the Democratic presidential nomination. His presidential campaign failed to gain traction, ultimately leading him to withdraw from the race and run for re-election in the US House. Story continues Ohio's voting history The state voted for President Donald Trump over Joe Biden by about 8 percentage points in the 2020 presidential election. Ohio's been a swing state for decades, having voted Republicans and Democrats for president four times each over the last eight presidential election cycles. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Ryan raised $47.3 million, spent $44.5 million, and had $2.8 million of cash on hand as of October 19. Vance raised $12 million, spent $9 million, and had $2.9 million of cash left on hand as of October 19. As of late October, several dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups combined to spend about $90 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. The vast majority of this spending benefitted Vance, with the Senate Leadership Fund, a Republican-backing super PAC, alone accounting for nearly one-third of the spending. What experts say The race between Vance and Ryan was rated as "tilt Republican" by Inside Elections, "lean Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Republican Catalina Lauf (left) faces off against Rep. Bill Foster (right). David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire; Stacy Thacker/AP Photo; Insider Republican Catalina Lauf failed to unseat Democratic Rep. Bill Foster in Illinois' 11th Congressional District. The 11th District covers much of Chicago's suburban area. Foster, who still had $4.2 million of cash on hand, was well-positioned to win his 5th reelection campaign. Republican Catalina Lauf failed to unseat longtime Democratic Rep. Bill Foster in Illinois' 11th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time, or 8 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Illinois' 11th Congressional District candidates Lauf, who sits on the large bench of Republican Latino candidates the GOP built this year, is a Woodstock, Illinois, native and daughter of Latin American immigrants. She's also a former Trump administration appointee who worked under US Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. The Southern border was a top issue for both Lauf and Foster. Lauf called for immigration reform and securing the border, and Foster advocated for asylum cases to be decided quickly. Foster, a former business owner and physicist, was first elected to Congress in 2012 and serves on the House Committees on Financial Services and Science, Space, and Technology. As the only member of Congress with a Ph.D. in physics, he chairs the Science Committee's Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee, which is empowered to investigate and oversee federal scientific research. The 67-year-old Democrat believed abortion would be a big factor in the race. "I think for many women of all ages it may be the number one issue," Foster told a local station. Conversely, on the issue of abortion, Lauf told a local Chicago station that "to think that women in particular only care about, you know, one issue is something that Democrats are very much miscalculating." Voting history for Illinois' 11th Congressional District Illinois' 11th Congressional District, which under its previous boundaries covered the west and southwest suburbs, now stretches into the northwest territory of McHenry, Boone, DeKalb, and Kane counties. Story continues Joe Biden had an over 25 percentage point margin of victory over President Donald Trump under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before the once-in-a-decade redistricting process following the 2020 Census made it less favorable to Democrats. The new district would have had Biden winning with only a 15.3 percentage point margin. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Foster had raised more than $3.4 million, spent nearly $4 million, and had almost $3.2 million of cash on hand, as of October 19. His challenger, Lauf, had raised $2.4 million, spent $2.25 million, and had $140,000 in cash still left to spend, as of October 19. As of late October, several super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups had together spent about $1.2 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. Most of that spending came from one source: pro-Lauf super PAC Club for Growth Action. What experts say The race between Foster and Lauf was rated as "likely Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Cory Mills' campaign; Karen Green's campaign; Insider The seat was open after Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy didn't seek re-election. Republican Cory Mills defeated Democrat Karen Green. The district leans red after redrawn maps. Republican Cory Mills won an open seat in Florida's redrawn 7th Congressional District against Democrat Karen Green. The seat was open following Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy's decision to not seek re-election after serving three terms. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time. Given the state has multiple timezones, the first polls closed at 7 p.m. EST and the last polls closed at 8 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Florida's 7th Congressional District candidates Mills is a former defense contractor and Army veteran. He received former President Donald Trump's endorsement and ran on an "America First" platform. He's a favorite on conservative cable news airwaves. Mills was co-founder of PACEM Solutions, a multi-million dollar company that provided consulting to law enforcement and sold arms and riot-control gear. He sold tear gas that was used against Black Lives Matter demonstrators, according to a Politico report. Green is a former Florida Democratic Party vice chair who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica during her early 20s. Voting history for Florida's 7th Congressional District Florida's 7th Congressional District is in a centrist, suburban district of Orlando, and Murphy had widespread support there by business groups. She announced in December 2021 that she would not seek another term despite her status as a rising star in the Democratic Party. After reaching her decision, Murphy explained her reasoning to Politico, saying that leadership would "beat moderates into submission" and that the party had abandoned its "big tent" status. Joe Biden won the district in the 2020 presidential race. But now, the district leans more Republican. This year, the legislature redrew the map in ways that added conservative parts of Volusia County to the district. Story continues The money race Mills has a massive cash advantage and is self-funding the vast majority of his congressional run, mostly with money he earned from PACEM Solutions. As of October 19, he raised nearly $2.47 million in comparison to Green's $68,000, according to the nonpartisan money in politics research organization OpenSecrets. Nearly 83% of Mills' total came from his own pocketbook, according to OpenSecrets. Mills has spent $2.4 million to Green's less-than $33,000, as of October 19. Although super PACs and other political committees have combined to spend about $2.5 million in this race, most of the money was spent during the eight-candidate Republican primary where Mills emerged victorious with more than 38% of the vote. What experts say The race between Mills and Green was rated as a "likely Republican" by Inside Elections and among the "safe Republican flips" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Paras Griffin/Getty, Insider Republican Brian Kemp won a second term as Georgia's governor. Stacey Abrams sought to oust Kemp from office in a rematch of their 2018 gubernatorial contest. Kemp touted his conservative record as governor, while Abrams wants a new approach in Atlanta. Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, defeated Democrat Stacey Abrams in Georgia's gubernatorial election. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Georgia's gubernatorial candidates Kemp, a former Georgia secretary of state, has governed in tandem with the GOP-controlled state legislature, signing into law a controversial voting law and new congressional maps that were favorable to the party. However, Kemp has also frustrated the most prominent Republican official in the country former President Donald Trump. For almost two years now, Trump has lobbed political broadsides against Kemp, criticizing him for declining to back up his claims that the 2020 presidential election in Georgia was rife with fraud. Their relationship was not always so complicated. During his first gubernatorial campaign, Kemp ran as a staunch ally of Trump. The former president credits his endorsement of Kemp as a turning point in boosting the now-governor in both the 2018 Republican primary and in that year's general election. Despite Kemp's success, Democrats have made significant strides in Georgia of late. President Joe Biden won Georgia in November 2020, and Trump pressured Kemp to help overturn the results for weeks after the election; the governor did not acquiesce to his demands. As a result, Trump has sought to undermine Kemp, and even backed former Sen. David Perdue's gubernatorial primary challenge against the governor. However, Kemp went on to win the May primary in a landslide, and Trump has not yet indicated if he'll support the governor's reelection bid, though he told Fox News Digital last month that he was "looking" at potentially making an endorsement. Abrams an attorney and author who has become one of the national Democratic Party's brightest stars since her narrow 2018 loss is hoping to take back the Governor's Mansion after nearly 20 years of continuous GOP rule. Story continues She is running on a platform of reforming the state's health care system, while also speaking candidly about her past opposition to abortion and why she now supports women having access to the procedure. Kemp is hoping the state's longtime conservative lean along with Biden's middling approval ratings will aid him in his reelection bid, while Abrams is banking on the slew of new and younger residents who have registered to vote over the past four years and want to see a different direction in state government. Georgia's voting history Throughout the entire 20th century, Georgia once a part of the "Solid South" only elected Democratic governors. However, Republican Sonny Perdue upset then-Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes in 2002. The result was a preview of the coming GOP dominance for much of the next two decades. Republicans have won every governor's race since Perdue's 2002 victory and have had full control of the state legislature since 2005. Cracks in the GOP veneer have become more visible in recent years, though; Abrams only lost her race by 1.4-percentage points in 2018. Biden won the state's electoral votes in 2020. And the Peach State now has two Democratic US senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff who both defeated sitting GOP senators in January 2021. The money race Kemp has raised over $54 million for his reelection bid and had $15.4 million in cash on hand as of September 30, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Abrams has so far raised more than $85 million for her gubernatorial campaign and had over $11 million in the bank, according to the newspaper. What experts say The race between Abrams and Kemp is rated as "tilt Republican" by Inside Elections, "lean Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Japan to tighten rules on donations to religious groups after Abe murder The Japanese government will propose a new law to prevent harmfully large donations to religious groups, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday, after Shinzo Abe's assassination heightened scrutiny of the Unification Church. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida intends to present bills to help Unification Church victims at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Nov. 8, 2022. Kishida has been battling criticism over links between the sect and politicians since former premier Abe was shot dead in July. The man accused of Abe's murder reportedly resented the Unification Church over massive donations his mother made that bankrupted the family. Kishida said he had met people who had suffered because of large financial contributions to the church, which denies wrongdoing and has pledged to prevent "excessive" donations. "It was heartbreaking to hear their stories," the prime minister told reporters as he outlined plans to curb "malicious donations" in which members of religious groups are pressured to donate often excessive amounts. "Regarding the new legislation to help victims of malicious donations ... the government will do its utmost to submit the bill as soon as possible," hopefully during the current parliamentary session which ends December 10, he said. Details of the law are under discussion, but it will focus on "banning socially unacceptable and malicious recruitment practices" and "allowing donations to be recalled", Kishida said. Last month, he ordered a government investigation into the Unification Church, officially known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. The probe could lead to a dissolution order, which would cause the church to lose its status as a tax-exempt religious organisation, though it could still continue to operate. Founded in Korea in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon, the church -- whose members are sometimes referred to as "Moonies" -- rose to global prominence in the 1970s and 80s. It is famous for its mass wedding ceremonies, and groups affiliated with the church have secured addresses from powerful speakers over the years, including Abe and former US president Donald Trump, neither of whom belonged to the sect. The government's approval ratings have plummeted in recent months and recently hit the lowest level since Kishida took office last year when a Japanese minister resigned following scrutiny over his links to the church. Republican senate nominee Kathy Salvi, left, faces U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth in the November election. (Terrence Antonio James and Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) View live results for the U.S. Senate race. Live results will begin tabulating after polls close on Tuesday, Nov. 8. On the ballot this Tuesday is every statewide office, as well as one U.S. Senate seat, two seats on the Illinois Supreme Court, all 17 of Illinois representatives in Congress, every state senator and representative in the General Assembly, and scores of county and judicial offices. See all race results here. Republican Kathy Salvi seeks unlikely upset over US Sen. Tammy Duckworth >>> A guide for voters on the midterms >>> See who the Tribune Editorial Board endorsed plus how the candidates answered our questions >>> interactive_content As a public service to our readers and community, we have lowered the paywall on election coverage so everyone can access this important information. Your support allows us to continue providing the award-winning, watchdog and in-depth journalism our community deserves. Subscribe today. LM Otero/AP Photo; Insider Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has been reelected to a third term as governor of Texas. Abbott faced former Rep. Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat. In 2018, Abbott beat Democratic gubernatorial nominee Lupe Valdez by 7 percentage points. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has defeated former US Rep. Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat, and was reelected to a third term. 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. Texas gubernatorial candidates Abbott, a conservative first elected in 2014, has been in the political arena since running for a district court judge post in 1992 and was later appointed to the Texas Supreme Court by former Republican governor-turned-President George W. Bush. Abbott is no stranger to controversy, having presided over the Lone Star state during a raft of mass shootings, crippling energy crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and partisan clashes over immigration at the Southern border. Abbott reportedly spent more than $12 million of taxpayer funds busing asylum-seekers from ruby-red Texas to liberal bastions such as Washington, DC, New York City, and Chicago in order to torment Democratic leaders. O'Rourke was running his second statewide campaign since serving three terms in the US House. He tried unsuccessfully to unseat Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018, losing by 2 points. O'Rourke also briefly ran for president in 2019, dropping out after seven months on the campaign trail when his campaign failed to gain traction in early primary states. O'Rourke made combating gun violence and preserving abortion rights cornerstones of his bid to replace Abbott. Texas' voting history Texas trends Republican in federal races. The state went to President Donald Trump by 5 points during the 2020 presidential election. More recently, Republican Rep. Mayra Flores won by 7 points in the June 2022 special election to replace Democratic Rep. Filemon Vela, who resigned midway through his term. Story continues The congressional delegation is predominantly Republican, retaining control of both US Senate seats since 1993 and holding two-thirds of the delegation's current US House seats. The Texas governor's race involved a lot of the culture war issues both parties have used the bash the other side around the country, including abortion. Abbott got out ahead of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade this summer, signing into law last fall a statewide ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy coupled with a $10,000 bounty on anyone who "aids and abets" in any such procedure after the month-and-half window. The Roe reversal activated a corresponding state trigger law that makes performing abortions in Texas a felony punishable by life in prison. The money race According to Transparency USA, Abbott had raised $94.3 million, spent $120.5 million, and had $16.4 million of cash on hand, as of September 30. His opponent, O'Rourke, had raised $65.7 million, spent $45.8 million, and had $16.5 million of cash still left to spend, as of September 30. The Texas Tribune reported that O'Rourke set a new campaign fundraising record this year, hauling in $27.6 million in less than five months. What the experts say Texas' gubernatorial race was rated as "Likely Republican" by The Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, and "Solid Republican" by Inside Elections. Read the original article on Business Insider Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo; David Pitt/AP Photo; Insider Gov. Kim Reynolds defeated Democrat Deidre DeJear in Iowa's gubernatorial race. Iowa has a trifecta, with the GOP in control of the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature. Reynolds ran an ad that came under scrutiny: "Here in Iowa, we know right from wrong, boys from girls." Republican incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds defeated Democrat Deidre DeJear in Iowa's gubernatorial election. Polls closed at 8 p.m. local time, 9 p.m. EST. Iowa's gubernatorial candidates Reynolds is Iowa's first female governor. She was sworn in on May 24, 2017, after longtime Gov. Terry Branstad resigned to serve as US ambassador to China. She previously served as Branstad's lieutenant governor, winning the 2010 election and 2014 reelection. Prior to being elected lieutenant governor, she served in the Iowa State Senate, representing the 48th District. Reynolds also served as Clarke County Treasurer for 14 years. One of her political ads, in which she says, "Here in Iowa, we know right from wrong, boys from girls," stirred controversy, with opponents calling it "clear-cut discrimination." DeJear, Reynolds' challenger, is an entrepreneur and founder of a nonprofit aimed at supporting youths' education. Her priorities included addressing mental health needs of students and staff, increasing compensation for public school educators, and investing in affordable childcare statewide. Iowa's voting history Iowa backed then-President Donald Trump over President Joe Biden in an 8 percentage point margin of victory in 2020. A battleground, the state has voted for a Democrat in six of seven presidential elections from 1992 through 2012, but that all changed in 2016 when Trump won the state. What experts say The race between Reynolds and DeJear was rated as "solid Republican" by Inside Elections, "solid Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Jeffrey Collins/AP Photo; Mic Smith/AP Photo; Insider Sen. Tim Scott defeated Democratic state Rep. Krystle Matthews to represent South Carolina in the US Senate. Scott, the first Black senator from the South since Reconstruction, had an enormous fundraising advantage over Matthews. Scott's name is routinely mentioned among those who could run for president, or be considered for VP, in 2024. Republican Sen. Tim Scott came out on top against Democrat Krystle Matthews in South Carolina to represent the state in the US Senate. South Carolina's Senate race candidates Scott joined the US Senate in 2013 and ran for another term to represent South Carolina in the US Senate. He was appointed by Gov. Nikki Haley to serve the remainder of Sen. Jim DeMint's term after he stepped down to become president of the Heritage Foundation. This marked him the first Black senator and Black Republican to serve in the upper chamber since the 1970s. Scott also became the first Black senator from the South since Reconstruction. He serves on several Senate Committees, including Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Prior to being elected to the US Senate, Scott served on the Charleston City Council, the South Carolina House of Representatives, and represented South Carolina's 1st Congressional District in the US House. Scott's name is routinely mentioned among those who could run for president, or be considered as a vice presidential candidate, in 2024. Matthews, Scott's challenger, was elected in 2018 to represent Berkeley and Charleston counties in the South Carolina House of Representatives. She ran for two seats this midterm cycle: US Senate and state house. South Carolina's voting history The state voted for then-President Donald Trump over Joe Biden by a margin of 12 percentage points in the 2020 election. South Carolina has voted Republican candidate since 1964, except in 1976 when it voted for fellow southerner Jimmy Carter. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Scott raised $49.3 million, spent $31.8 million, and had $21.4 million cash on hand, as of October 19. His challenger, Matthews, raised $136,208, spent $89,183, and had $17,792 cash on hand, as of October 19. Story continues As of late October, a dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups combined to spend about $3 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. Most of this spending has benefitted Scott. What experts say The race between Scott and Matthews was rated as "solid Republican" by Inside Elections, "solid Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider The US Department of Justice is monitoring polls in 34 jurisdictions in 24 states on Election Day to ensure local compliance with federal voting rights laws, though not all states were willing to play ball with the feds. Republican politicians in two states refused US Justice Department officials access to voting locations. Follow the midterms with The Independents live coverage throughout the day. The monitoring, 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. However, Republicans in Florida and Missouri have tried to stop the federal monitors. Floridas Secretary of State Cord Byrd told the Justice Department it could not place monitors at the states ballot boxes. Jay Ashcroft, the Secretary of State in Missouri, also turned away monitors who sought access to Cole County polling locations. Brad McVay, the general counsel for Floridas Department of State, told the Justice Department that allowing their monitors inside polling locations would violate the states law. Section 102.031(3)(a) of the Florida Statutes lists the people who may enter any polling room or polling placee. Department of Justice personnel are not included on the list, Mr McVay wrote. Even if they could qualify as law enforcement absent some evidence concerning the need for federal intrusion, or some federal statute that preempts Florida law, the presence of federal law enforcement inside polling places would be counterproductive and could potentially undermine confidence in the election. In states where they arent rebuffed, monitors will be stationed at polling locations in five counties in Arizona, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, as well as eight cities and towns in Massachusetts and five in Michigan, among others. The Justice Department which has regularly deployed monitors in major elections will also position monitors in battleground states Georgia, Nevada and Ohio, along with 17 others. Story continues 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, according to a statement from the Justice Department on 7 November. 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, according to the agency. Monitors will include Civil Rights Division personnel as well as staff from the US Attorneys offices in respective states. The Justice Department deployed monitors to 44 jurisdictions in 18 states in 2020. This year, the agency appears to be bolstering voter protections in states that have faced right-wing threats of election interference, from ballot drop-box vigilantes in Arizona to an increase in partisan poll watchers fuelled by baseless voter fraud conspiracy theories. Officials in Harris County, Texas requested federal election monitors last month after the states Republican Texas Secretary of State announced that the office would deploy its own monitors to the county the third-largest in the US in a move that Democratic officials feared was designed to chill voters trust in the election process and to disrupt and intimidate local election workers. In a press briefing last month, US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Justice Department will not permit voters to be intimidated during midterm elections. The Justice Department has an obligation to guarantee a free and fair vote by everyone whos qualified to vote and will not permit voters to be intimidated, he said. A pro-democracy organisation founded by former President Jimmy Carter also is monitoring US elections for the first time this November. The Carter Center has monitored more than 110 elections in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia since 198. The organisation has dispatched monitors in three battleground states Arizona, Georgia and Michigan to promote integrity in US elections. David Carroll, director of the centres Democracy Programme, told The Independent that the organisations efforts recognised that the threats to democratic institutions and norms are greater in the United States than in a number of other countries around the world. And it merits close attention and prioritisation by groups like ours that work to advance respect for democracy and democratic principles, he added. Win McNamee/Getty Images; Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo; Insider Rep. Ashley Hinson defeated Democratic state Sen. Liz Mathis in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. The 2nd District covers 22 counties in Iowa's northeast corner. Hinson has significantly out-fundraised and out-spent Mathis. Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson defeated Democratic state Sen. Liz Mathis in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Iowa's 2nd Congressional District candidates Hinson is a former anchor and reporter for KCRG-TV 9 in Cedar Rapids, while Mathis is a former anchor and reporter at both KCRG-TV 9 and KWWL News 7 in Waterloo. Hinson, first elected in 2020, serves on the House Committees on Appropriations and Budget. She has been accused by Mathis of supporting a nationwide ban on abortion with no exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the mother's life. However, Hinson, during her time in the Iowa State House, supported such exemptions when voting in favor of the "fetal heartbeat law" in May 2018. Prior to her time in the US House, Hinson served the 67th District in the Iowa State House from 2017 to 2021, the first woman to represent the district. She and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks running for reelection in Iowa's 1st Congressional District are the first Republican women to represent Iowa in the US House. Mathis, Hinson's challenger, has been an Iowa state senator since 2011. She serves on the Senate Agriculture and Appropriations Committees and serves as the legislative liaison to the Iowa Department of Public Health. In an interview with a local radio station, Mathis said she will work to support abortion rights and codify Roe v. Wade if she is elected. Voting history for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District Iowa's 2nd Congressional District covers 22 counties in Iowa's northeast corner, including Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Dubuque, and Mason City. President Donald Trump had a 3.4 percentage point margin of victory over Joe Biden under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before the once-in-a-decade redistricting process following the 2020 Census made it slightly more Republican. Story continues The money race According to OpenSecrets, Hinson has raised $6.7 million, spent more than $5.9 million, and has $881,000 cash on hand, as of October 19. Her challenger, Mathis, has raised nearly $4 million, spent about $3.3 million, and has $668,000 still left to spend, as of October 19. As of November 4, a dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups have together spent about $3.1 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. Almost all the money has benefitted Hinson. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican hybrid PAC that backs Hinson, has alone accounted for about two-thirds of the race's outside spending. What experts say The race between Hinson and Mathis is rated as "tilt Republican" by Inside Elections, "lean Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Democrat Jevin Hodge, left, faces off against Republican Rep. David Schweikert, right. Matt York/AP Photo; Insider Rep. David Schweikert defeated Democrat Jevin Hodge in Arizona's 1st Congressional District. The 1st District is located in the region east and northeast of Phoenix. Trump-endorsed Schweikert is the only Republican in Arizona's congressional delegation who voted to accept the state's election results. Republican Rep. David Schweikert defeated Democrat Jevin Hodge in Arizona's 1st Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Arizona's 1st Congressional District candidates Rep. Schweikert is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. He was the incumbent in Arizona's 6th Congressional District, but is running in the 1st due to redistricting. Schweikert surprised the GOP base when he clinched former President Donald Trump's endorsement ahead of the primary he's the only Republican in Arizona's congressional delegation who voted to accept the state's election results. The six-term congressman, first elected in 2010, grew up under adoptive parents after his unwed, teenage birth mother decided against abortion and put him up for adoption, an experience he's said has shaped his opposition to abortion. Prior to his time in Congress, the 60-year-old Republican served two terms in the Arizona House of Representatives and worked for several years as the Maricopa County Treasurer. In Congress, Schweikert has advocated for tribal communities in Arizona, having lived alongside them for most of his life. Hodge, Schweikert's challenger, is the president of the board of directors for the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to child development. If elected, Hodge, 28, would be the state's first Black congressman and the second youngest Black congressman in the country. In June, he was added to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's "Red to Blue" program. Voting history for Arizona's 1st Congressional District Arizona's 1st Congressional District includes Scottsdale and parts of north and central Phoenix. It's the only competitive House race in the state that's currently held by the GOP. Story continues Trump had a 4 percentage point margin of victory over Joe Biden under the district's previous boundaries in the 2020 presidential election. The district was redrawn to take in nearly 75% of the region that was part of its previous boundaries in redistricting following the 2020 Census, reducing the Republican tilt. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Schweikert has raised $1.6 million, spent $1.5 million, and has $244,577 on hand, as of September 30. His opponent, Hodge, has raised $1.9 million, spent $1 million, and has $855,517 cash on hand, as of September 30. As of late October, several dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups have together spent about $2 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. What experts say The race between Schweikert and Hodge is rated as "lean Republican" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images; Jay Chen's campaign; Insider Rep. Michelle Steel ran against Democrat Jay Chen in California's 45th Congressional District. The 45th District is home to Little Saigon, which contains the largest Vietnamese population in the nation. The Vietnamese American vote was instrumental to Steel's success in 2020. Republican Rep. Michelle Steel defeated Democrat Jay Chen in California's 45th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds California's 45th Congressional District Candidates Steel sits on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Education and Labor. In 2020, Steel, fellow California Republican Rep. Young Kim, and Democratic Rep. Marilyn Strickland of Washington made history as the first Korean American women ever elected to Congress. Steel narrowly defeated incumbent Harley Rouda in that election by just over 2 percentage points, flipping a House seat Republicans lost in 2018. Prior to her time in Congress, Steel, 67, served on the California State Board of Equalization, the nation's only publicly-elected tax board. Elected in 2006, she served more than nine million residents as the highest-ranking Korean American elected official in the country. In 2011, Steel was named vice chair of the board. After her tenure, she served for several years on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. Chen, Steel's challenger, is a lieutenant commander in the US Navy Reserve and a small business owner. He also serves as president on the board of trustees for Mt. San Antonio College, a local community college located in the 38th District, east of the 45th. Steel and Chen, who are both Asian American, battled in one of the most heavily Asian American districts in the country, where a quarter of eligible voters were Asian. With just over one week left before election night, a political action committee that supports Asian American and Pacific Islander candidates pulled its endorsement of Steel, citing the "accusations, negative advertisement, and red baiting that are coming from the 45th congressional race," as the reason. Story continues Steel's campaign had sent flyers to Orange County Vietnamese American voters many of whom settled in the area after escaping from Communism that portrayed Chen as a Communist sympathizer. Earlier in 2022, Chen got himself in hot water with some members of the Asian American community over comments he made that appeared to mock the South Korean-born congresswoman's accent. Insider also revealed that Chen failed to properly disclose investments he made in two pharmaceutical giants that manufacture COVID-19 vaccines. Voting history for California's 45th Congressional District California's 45th Congressional District straddles Los Angeles County and Orange County the third largest in the state and includes Little Saigon, home to the largest Vietnamese population in the United States. Vietnamese American voters, on balance a conservative voting bloc, were instrumental to Steel's success in 2020. On a national scale, the Vietnamese American voting bloc was the only one of the six biggest Asian groups Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese that was under 50% for Biden in the 2020 presidential election. After the district lines were finalized in the decennial redistricting process following the 2020 Census, Steel announced she would switch districts to run in the 45th District. Had Steel stayed in her coastal district, the new 47th, she would have had to face Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, one of the most powerful fundraisers in the House. The new 45th District, which includes more middle and working-class areas, as well as large immigrant and refugee communities, was a sharp contrast to her old political turf which was conservative, wealthy, and 70% white. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Steel raised $6.7 million, spent $5.8 million, and had about $1 million on hand, as of October 19. Her opponent, Chen, raised $4.5 million, spent $4.2 million, and had about $429,000 cash on hand. As of early November 2022, several dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups had together spent more than $5.7 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. The pro-Republican Congressional Leadership Fund alone accounted for more than half of that spending, with the National Republican Congressional Committee accounting for much of the rest. What experts say The race between Steel and Chen was rated as "lean Republican" by Inside Elections, "lean Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo; Mark Holland's campaign; Insider Incumbent Sen. Jerry Moran is projected to beat Democrat Mark Holland to represent Kansas in the US Senate. As a senator from a state that is 87.5% farmland, Moran advocates for the agriculture sector. No Democrat has won a US Senate seat in Kansas for 90 years. Republican incumbent Sen. Jerry Moran is projected to beat Democrat Mark Holland in Kansas to represent the state in the US Senate. Polls are closed. Kansas' Senate race candidates Moran, first elected to the Senate in 2010, serves on the Committee on Appropriations and as a ranking member on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, among others. As a senator from a farm state with a robust agriculture sector, Moran prioritizes strong agriculture policy and addressing the challenges farmers experience on a daily basis. Prior to his election to the Senate, Moran served for seven terms in the US House, as well as eight years in the Kansas State Senate spending the last two years as majority leader. Holland, Moran's challenger, is a Methodist pastor who served a single term as mayor of Kansas City. He faces a steep uphill battle as no Democrat has won a US Senate seat in the Sunflower State for 90 years. Kansas' voting history The state voted for then-President Donald Trump over Joe Biden by a margin of 14 percentage points in the 2020 election. Kansas is a Republican stronghold in presidential elections; it hasn't voted for a Democrat since 1964, when Lyndon B. Johnson defeated Barry Goldwater in a landslide. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Moran has raised $7 million, spent $3.2 million, and has $5 million cash on hand, as of October 19. His challenger, Holland, has raised $843,819, spent $600,650, and has $243,169 cash on hand, as of October 19. What experts say The race between Moran and Holland is rated as "solid Republican" by Inside Elections, "solid Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Susan Walsh/AP Photo; Brian Bengs' campaign; Insider Sen. John Thune defeated Democrat Brian Bengs to represent South Dakota in the US Senate. Bengs told a local news outlet that the January 6 attack on the Capitol inspired him to run for office. The state was projected to go "solidly Republican." Republican incumbent Sen. John Thune defeated Democrat Brian Bengs in South Dakota, a victory that could become even more important if Republicans retake the chamber. South Dakota's Senate race candidates Thune has served as ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband and ranking member of the Finance Committee's Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight. Thune also served as the Senate minority whip. Also a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Thune introduced and co-sponsored legislation on conservation, forest protection and restoration, agricultural disaster assistance, and energy security. Before being elected to the Senate, Thune served three terms representing South Dakota's at-large congressional district in the US House. Challenger Bengs is a Navy and Air Force veteran who has also taught at the US Air Force Academy. In an interview with KELOLAND News, he said the January 6 attack on the Capitol inspired him to run for office. In the same interview, he criticized President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program, calling it a "Band-Aid." "Like so many political things we do in this country, we address the symptoms rather than the problem," Bengs told KELOLAND. South Dakota's voting history The state voted for then-President Donald Trump over Joe Biden by a margin of 26 percentage points in the 2020 election. South Dakota is a ruby-red state; it only voted Democratic four times, most recently in 1964 when Lyndon B. Johnson handily defeated Barry Goldwater. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Thune raised $12.5 million, spent $6 million, and had $17.2 million cash on hand, as of October 19. His challenger, Bengs, raised $422,908, spent $355,062, and had $67,846 cash on hand, as of October 19. Story continues What experts say The race between Thune and Bengs was rated as "solid Republican" by Inside Elections, "solid Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Andrew Burton/Getty, Insider GOP Sen. Marco Rubio is projected to have won a third term in the Senate. Rubio defeated Democratic Rep. Val Demings, a former Orlando police chief. A former GOP presidential candidate, Rubio looks to have easily won the contest. Sen. Marco Rubio is projected to have beaten Democratic Rep. Val Demings. Decision Desk HQ and Insider project Rubio will win his third term in the Senate as of 8 pm EST. 2022 General Embeds Florida's Senate race candidates Rubio has been in the US Senate since 2011. He rose quickly in politics at a young age, serving as speaker of the Florida House from 2006 to 2008 while he was still in his 30s. In 2016, he unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination for president, which ultimately went to Donald Trump. After losing the White House race, Rubio decided to run for his Senate seat again contradicting a previous pledge to leave Congress in 2017. Voters didn't hold it against him, and Rubio easily held onto his seat. His reelection message to voters during the 2022 cycle has stressed his accomplishments such as doubling the child tax credit and helping to craft the Paycheck Protection Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demings has been in the US House since 2017. Prior to serving in Congress, she served in law enforcement for 27 years, including as Orlando's first female police chief. Demings was among the impeachment managers for Trump's first trial, a role that landed her among the top-tier candidates to be Joe Biden's vice presidential running mate. Her campaign cast her as a centrist and has played up her law-enforcement background, calling her "Chief Demings" in campaign materials. Both Rubio and Demings are history-making politicians. Rubio is fluent in English and Spanish and is the son of Cuban immigrants who grew up in Miami. Demings is Black and was Orlando's first female police chief. No Black women currently serve in the US Senate. Florida's voting history In presidential elections, Florida went twice for former President Barack Obama, and then twice for Trump. The Sunshine State has long been known as the largest swing state in the United States, but that may be changing. Florida hasn't had a Democratic US senator since 2018, when Bill Nelson was in office. Story continues As of Election Day in Florida, Republicans have out-registered Democrats by roughly 270,000 people. Still, Democrats in Florida see Rubio as vulnerable against Demings, and have invested far more into the Demings-Rubio race than into the Florida governor's race. The money race Demings has been one of the most successful fundraisers in the Senate ahead of the 2022 midterm election, raising nearly $64.7 million as of September 30, according to OpenSecrets. She spent $58.8 million, and has $6.6 million cash on hand. In comparison, Rubio has raised $44.2 million, spent $34.7 million, and has $9.6 million on hand, as of September 30. Through late October, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups have combined to spend about $9 million to advocate for or against the two candidates, with Rubio benefitting from most of it. What experts say The race between Rubio and Demings is rated as "likely Republican" by Inside Elections, "likely Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Last week, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said at a Trump rally in Iowa that under Republicans, not another penny will go to Ukraine. In recent days, senior Republicans in Congress have worked to make it clear that wont be the case. In the wake of Greenes statement and the questioning by other Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump of the amount of U.S. aid delivered to Ukraine in recent weeks, Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Rick Scott of Florida went on television to make it clear that Republicans would not waver in their support for the Ukrainians, as the country continues its counteroffensive against Russias invasion. I think we have to continue to do everything we can to support Ukraine, who wants to defend their freedom and stop Russia from continuing to expand, Scott said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press when he was pressed about the GOPs position after Greenes statement. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, who hopes to become speaker if Republicans win control of the House this week, worked to clarify his own statement that a GOP-controlled Congress would not provide Ukraine with a blank check in its fight. Many viewed the statement as an indication of a new approach if Republicans take over. Im very supportive of Ukraine. I think there has to be accountability going forward, he told CNN on Sunday, two days before the midterm elections. You always need, not a blank check, but [to] make sure the resources are going to where it is needed. And make sure Congress and the Senate have the ability to debate it openly. McCarthys office did not respond to a request for comment. Rob Portman, the retiring Republican senator from Ohio, traveled to Ukraine with Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., over the weekend. A key supporter of Kyiv, Portman is a co-chair and co-founder of the Senate Ukraine Caucus and a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. His departure from Congress is seen as a potential blow for Ukrainian support. Story continues He emphasized in a shared statement with Coons that their visit was intended to show that bipartisan support for the country will continue. We are here today to underscore the broad support that continues to exist in Congress for the Ukrainian people, the statement said. J.D. Vance, the Trump-backed GOP nominee to replace Portman in the Senate, is among the Republicans who have expressed skepticism about the U.S.s continued support for Kyiv, along with Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Trump himself. Some Ukrainian officials have expressed nervousness in recent weeks, as news stories indicated potential GOP opposition to continued support for Kyiv. House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy (Barry Reeger / AP file) Yuriy Saks, an adviser to Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, said Monday that he hoped the results of the U.S. election would not affect the countrys continued support of Ukraine. Overall we hope that the bipartisan support of Ukraine, which has been phenomenal so far, will continue regardless of the outcome of the elections in the U.S., Saks said. Our counteroffensive continues, we are pushing back the Russians, and at this stage of the war U.S. bipartisan support is very important. The criticism of Ukrainian military and financial aid tends to circle the growing economic crisis in the U.S., and it may be taking hold with voters. Nearly half of Republicans, 48%, believe the country is sending too much support to Kyiv, according to a Wall Street Journal poll released last week. That is up from 6% in March. Aid has continued in the meantime. The Biden administration on Friday announced an additional $400 million security assistance package for Ukraine, which would include HAWK air defense missiles, tanks, military drones, armored boats and vehicles and much more. NBC News has reported that lawmakers aim to lock in billions of dollars of military assistance before new members who may be skeptical of Ukraine aid are sworn in, which could be passed during a lame-duck session of Congress if necessary. Senior Republicans in Congress said that kind of assistance should continue, but they continued to emphasize that more oversight similar to what was maintained in previous costly conflicts is necessary. Congress created the office of Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, which provides oversight authority over Afghanistan reconstruction projects and activities, for example. I dont want to end up in a war with Russia. If we dont continue to help Ukraine the right way we cant waste our dollars then theyre going to be in Poland or some other country, where we will be at war because theyre part of our NATO alliance, Scott said Sunday. CORRECTION (Nov. 8, 2022, 3.35 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article mischaracterized a government watchdog. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction is an independent inspector generals office, created by Congress, and is not overseen by the Pentagon. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com BEIJING (AP) Police in northeastern China said that seven people have been arrested following a clash between residents and authorities enforcing COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. The violence comes as China reports new cases nationwide, with 2,230 cases reported Tuesday in the southern manufacturing and technology hub of Guangzhou. While the numbers remain relatively low, China has relentlessly pursued its strict zero-COVID policy of quarantines, lockdowns and daily or near-daily compulsory testing. A news release from the police department in the Shandong city of Linyi said public security would take strong measures against those who illegally violated the legal rights of personal protection of citizens. Anti-pandemic measures have prompted backlashes across the country, forming a rarely seen challenge to Communist Party authority. It wasnt immediately clear who was arrested after the clash. News of the arrests appeared on social media Tuesday morning, but were erased by the country's censors before noon. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has made zero-COVID a hallmark of his administration, which gained a boost last month after he was granted a third five-year term in power and promoted loyalists to top positions. Those include the former party leader of Shanghai, where a draconian lockdown over the summer led to food shortages, confrontations with authorities and severe disruptions to global supply chains that have grown dependent on Chinese manufacturing and shipping. While the rest of the world has mostly opened up, China has taken only highly cautious minor steps, with its borders still largely closed and officials under heavy pressure to enforce restrictions. China reported its trade shrank in October as global demand weakened and anti-virus controls weighed on domestic consumer spending. Exports declined 0.3% from a year earlier, down from Septembers 5.7% growth, the customs agency reported Monday. Imports fell 0.7%, compared with the previous months 0.3% expansion. Story continues Speculation about a possible relaxation of zero-COVID roiled markets, but the government has kept its plans, including the possibility of importing foreign vaccines, a closely held secret. Last week, access to the industrial zone where a factory that manufactures Apple iPhones is located was suspended for one week following a surge in infections in Zhengzhou and the departure of workers from the factory. Many climbed fences and walked along highways to avoid being placed in quarantine centers where food, sanitation and privacy standards have been heavily criticized. Apple announced Sunday that customers will have to wait longer to get its latest iPhone models, saying the Foxconn factory in the central Chinese city Zhengzhou is operating at significantly reduced capacity. Getty Images; Insider Voters in Maryland approved Question 4, which legalizes marijuana use for adults over the age of 21. Proponents said the measure will improve the economy and benefit Maryland residents. According to Ballotpedia, there was not an organized movement opposing the measure. The use of recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21 is now legal in Maryland after over 65% of voters said "yes" on Question 4. 2022 General Embeds Ballot measure details Maryland's Question 4 will add the Marijuana Legalization Amendment to the Maryland state constitution. Adults over the age of 21 will now be able to have up to 1.5 ounces in their possession and grow up to two marijuana plants outside of the public eye. The bill also requires state lawmakers to pass laws for the "use, distribution, possession, regulation, and taxation" of marijuana in Maryland, according to the measure text and Ballotpedia. Medicinal marijuana use was legalized in Maryland in 2013. Support and opposition The campaign for the measure was spearheaded by Yes on 4. Supporters argued the measure will improve the economy, benefit Maryland residents, and allow law enforcement to focus on combatting violent crime. "Legalizing cannabis would stimulate Maryland's economy and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, while allowing Maryland residents to benefit from vital investments in education, public health, and public safety funded by cannabis taxes," the chairman of the initiative and former Ravens player Eugene Monroe told The Washington Post. According to Ballotpedia, there was not an organized movement opposing the measure. Read the original article on Business Insider If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount 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. Although, when we looked at KUB Malaysia Berhad (KLSE:KUB), it didn't seem to tick all of these boxes. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for KUB Malaysia Berhad: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.054 = RM29m (RM641m - RM117m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2022). Thus, KUB Malaysia Berhad has an ROCE of 5.4%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Oil and Gas industry average of 13%. Check out our latest analysis for KUB Malaysia Berhad roce Historical performance is a great place to start when researching a stock so above you can see the gauge for KUB Malaysia Berhad's ROCE against it's prior returns. If you'd like to look at how KUB Malaysia Berhad has performed in the past in other metrics, you can view this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow. So How Is KUB Malaysia Berhad's ROCE Trending? On the surface, the trend of ROCE at KUB Malaysia Berhad doesn't inspire confidence. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 5.4% from 6.9% five years ago. However, given capital employed and revenue have both increased it appears that the business is currently pursuing growth, at the consequence of short term returns. If these investments prove successful, this can bode very well for long term stock performance. Story continues The Bottom Line In summary, despite lower returns in the short term, we're encouraged to see that KUB Malaysia Berhad is reinvesting for growth and has higher sales as a result. These trends are starting to be recognized by investors since the stock has delivered a 32% gain to shareholders who've held over the last five years. So this stock may still be an appealing investment opportunity, if other fundamentals prove to be sound. One final note, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with KUB Malaysia Berhad (including 1 which is a bit unpleasant) . While KUB Malaysia Berhad may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list 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 (Getty) How bad could things get for the US if Republicans as expected take control of one or both chamber of Congress in January after the midterm elections? According to President Joe Biden, pretty bad. Speaking from the Roosevelt Room at the White House last week, the president pointed to Republican plans to use the US statutory debt limit a legal ceiling on how much the government can spend to pay debts it has already incurred as leverage to extract concessions from his administration, as an example of how the GOP could inflict massive wounds in pursuit of ideological victories. The Republican leadership in Congress has made it clear they will crash the economy next year by threatening the full faith and credit of the United States for the first time in our history, putting the United States in default unless unless we yield to their demand to cut Social Security and Medicare, he said. Mr Bidens predictions of a massive self-inflicted wound on the US and world economies at the hands of a resurgent congressional GOP arent just the stuff of liberal campaign fearmongering. The man who has the best chance of replacing Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House if Republicans garner a 219-seat majority in the 118th Congress, Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, has publicly stated his intent to use a 1917 law which restricts the governments ability to issue new bonds beyond a set limit as a bargaining chip for negotiations over a smorgasbord of policy fights. Last year, the Democratic-controlled House and evenly-split Senate passed legislation to increase the debt limit over the objections of GOP hardliners who wanted to play hardball with the nations credit to kneecap the Biden administration. Rep Kevin McCarthy (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Raising the debt limit used to be one of those boring housekeeping tasks that Congress had to busy itself with to keep the government running. For decades, it was non-controversial, and so routine that at one point in 1979, the House of Representatives adopted a parliamentary rule that automatically raised the limit each time Congress passed a budget. Story continues That all changed in 1994, when the Republicans regained control of the House for the first time in nearly a half-century. Since then, every Republican-led Congress has tried to stymie every Democratic president by weaponising the threat of a catastrophic default on Americas sovereign debt. Last year, former Reagan administration Treasury official Bruce Bartlett told The Independent there was only a small number of GOP members who would welcome the result of a default, and those were all f***ing morons who know absolutely nothing about finance, or how the Treasury operates or anything else. With just days until the midterms, former Republican officeholders tell The Independent that Republicans wont hold back in their efforts to hurt the Biden administration, consequences be damned. When Joe Walsh entered Congress to represent Illinois Eighth District in 2011, he was part of the Tea Party wave that wiped away the large Democratic majorities that had come two years before on the coattails of then-president Barack Obama. Former Rep Joe Walsh. (AP) Mr Walsh, who has since left the GOP after breaking with the party over Donald Trump, was at the time known as a firebrand with no qualms about throwing rhetorical bombs or taking legislative hostages. In a phone interview, he conceded that he was part of what he now dubs the crazy caucus which instigated a showdown over the debt ceiling in 2011. That confrontation with Mr Obama ended with Congress raising the debt limit, but not before Moodys had downgraded its rating of US sovereign debt for the first time ever. Asked about the incident, Mr Walsh replied: It didnt go well. He predicted the same result should an emboldened GOP Congress embark on the same path in January, but he differentiated his former colleagues with those in the future 118th Congress by suggesting that the new GOP majority would be much worse. Mr Walsh said its a foregone conclusion that the new Republican majoritys first priority will be to do what he and his compatriots tried 12 years earlier, but noted that this time the crazy caucus will not be a vocal minority. Instead, he predicted that Mr McCarthy would be reduced to something like a speaker-in-name-only who takes marching orders from extremists and white nationalists in the party. I can't emphasise enough how emboldened a larger crazy caucuses going to be in the Republican Party. Kevin McCarthy will have made his second deal with the devil. The first deal was with Trump, he said, adding that the GOP leader has made a second deal with Marjorie Taylor Greene. I think the crazy caucus is going to push the envelope in almost every way in trying to find anything they can do, he continued, adding that the speakership will become a nightmare for Mr McCarthy because it will be extremists such as Ms Greene as well as former president Donald Trump calling the shots. Mr Walsh also opined that the new-look Republican majority wouldnt stop at forcing a default on the nations debt. After that showdown, which could upend the world economy if the GOP doesnt back down, he said theyd follow that up by shutting down the government when Mr Biden refuses to sign a spending bill that reverses his administrations entire legislative programme. He suggested that the McCarthy-led majority would also embark on a bizarro campaign of re-running the investigations Democrats launched into actual Trump-era wrongdoing when they took the House in 2019. Only this time, he said the probes would be about nothing but providing an excuse to impeach Mr Biden and other members of his administration. What the Democrats did for those two years. will pale in comparison to what Republicans in the House will do these next two years, he said. Republicans will also most likely go far beyond targeting Mr Biden and high-profile officials such as Vice President Kamala Harris or Attorney General Merrick Garland with time-consuming impeachment inquires and Senate trials. Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene (REUTERS) But Ms Greene, who has said she expects a plum spot on the House Oversight Committee for her second term, has made no secret of her desire to target Mr Biden. She filed articles of impeachment against the president immediately after he took office, and she has sponsored more than half of the dozen-plus impeachment resolutions against him that have been introduced over the last two years. Speaking on the right-wing Real Americas Voice network on 21 October, the Georgia congresswoman said she and her compatriots are going to be leading a revolution in Congress once they retake the majority. Biden and his family will be a top target, she said. Ms Greene also stated her intention to target an alphabet soup of federal departments and agencies that have displeased the right-wing base, including the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Justice, Department of Education, Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A Republican House majority is almost certain to assist her in that effort by voting to reinstate a century-old parliamentary rule known as the Holman Rule, which allows Congress to zero out the salary of any individual federal employee. The House could also use its normal budgetary authority to slash funding for any programs they disapprove of, and Republicans could also insert language into spending bills to restrict how federal funds are spent by agencies. For example, a Republican Congress could use the power of the purse to prohibit the Department of Justice from conducting any investigations into or prosecutions of Mr Trump. The GOP has threatened to cut individual federal workers salaries before, in 2018, as part of a push to help Mr Trump drain the swamp of workers he deemed disloyal. Michael Steele, the former Maryland lieutenant governor and ex-Republican National Committee chairman, told The Independent such a course of action would have trouble getting buy-in from even a Republican-controlled Senate, but suggested that even an attempt to start arbitrarily slashing the salaries of civil servants who are viewed as against Mr Trump and the GOP agenda would be in-character for the new Republican majority. Former RNC Chairman Michael Steele (Getty Images for SiriusXM) That is an abuse of government power at its core, he said. Mr Steele elaborated on the point by noting how the House GOP conference has embraced Mr Trumps revisionist history about the January 6 attack on the Capitol. He said the new majority wont have much interest in following past precedents or even maintaining the functions of government. Of course theyre going to overreach, he said. Asked what he meant by overreach other than shutdowns, impeachments and endless sham investigations, Mr Steele pointed out that a Republican-controlled Senate could effectively end Mr Bidens presidency out of spite by refusing to confirm any Cabinet or sub-Cabinet nominees, ambassadors or other federal officials. The ex-GOP chairman predicted that such a course of action would damage the governments ability to function, but said the damage would be the point. They stormed the f***ing Capitol they dont care, he said. Remember, that was legitimate political discourse its power for the sake of power, he said. Everything falls into that legitimate political discourse bucket now. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Tyrell Roberts scored 17 points as San Francisco beat Texas Southern 90-77 in a season opener on Monday. Roberts was 5 of 8 shooting, including 2 for 3 from distance, and went 5 for 8 from the line for the Dons. Zane Meeks scored 16 points and added six rebounds. Marcus Williams recorded 14 points and shot 5 for 6, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc. The Tigers were led by PJ Henry, who posted 21 points and five steals. John Walker III added 19 points for Texas Southern. In addition, Davon Barnes finished with 14 points. San Francisco entered halftime up 50-35. Williams paced the team in scoring in the first half with 12 points. San Francisco was outscored by Texas Southern in the second half by two points, with Roberts scoring a team-high seven points after halftime. NEXT UP Both teams next play Thursday. San Francisco hosts Cal Poly while Texas Southern visits Texas Tech. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. UPDATE (Nov. 8, 2022): A man who pleaded guilty to fatally shooting his girlfriend's son last year and shooting at police officers during a brief car chase through Rochester, was sentenced last week to 20 years to life in state prison. Nicholas DeLeon, now 37, in September pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Christian Santiago, 19, inside his home on Lamont Place on Oct. 20, 2021, according to the Monroe County District Attorney's Office. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of attempted aggravated murder of a police officer. One day after the slaying, DeLeon was attempting to evade police when - as a passenger in a car - he fired several shots at police officers during a brief chase. No one was injured during that incident. Christian Santiagos mother watched as her boyfriend, Nicholas DeLeon, repeatedly shot and ultimately killed him, said Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wagner, who prosecuted the case. It is my hope that (Thursday's) sentence allows for the family to begin their healing and provides some justice for the loss of the innocent life of their loved one. --- ORIGINAL STORY (Oct. 21, 2021): A homicide suspect was arrested Thursday afternoon after a brief car chase in northeast Rochester where the man fired two shots at two police officers, interim Police Chief David Smith reported. One of the two tactical officers fired once in return, Smith said. No one was struck or injured during the Avenue D incident. The man, 36-year-old Nicholas DeLeon, is a suspect in Wednesday's Lamont Place slaying, Smith said. DeLeon was a passenger in a car driven by a family member when officers tried to stop the vehicle on Avenue D, near North Clinton Avenue, Smith said. A short chase ensued and DeLeon allegedly discarded the 9mm handgun, which loaded and defaced. It was recovered by police. It doesn't appear either vehicle was struck, Smith added. Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident. Story continues Rochester police closed down much of Avenue D between Joseph and North Clinton avenues Thursday afternoon after a short car chase ensued where a man suspected of murder fired two shots at two tactical officers. One officer returned fire, police said. No one was injured. Capt. Frank Umbrino said DeLeon would be arraigned Friday morning in Rochester City Court. He said the Lamont Place slaying of Christian Santiago was "domestic-related," adding that the DeLeon was dating Santiago's mother. DeLeon, who had outstanding warrants for second-degree menacing, criminal mischief, and aggravated harassment, is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in the slaying of Santiago. As a result of the Avenue D incident, DeLeon is charged with two counts of attempted aggravated murder of a police officer and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The case is expected to be presented to a grand jury, Umbrino said. Smith said he was relieved no one was injured during the incident. "In a busy neighborhood like that, we are fortunate everyone came out of this unscathed," said Smith, who became interim chief last week after former interim chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan retired. "We do train for such an event. Like years ago in my career when I was an officer, it also happened to me when I was in a vehicle. I can tell you that it's pretty intense, but we do train for it. We do our best to stay level-headed and do what we're trained to do." There are a number of factors leading to the spike in gun violence and homicides this year, Smith said. He noted that its also something thats occurring nationwide. pic.twitter.com/gzMvbbeI1X Will Cleveland (@WillCleveland13) October 21, 2021 Santiago, 19, was fatally shot in northeast Rochester on Wednesday morning. Lt. Michael Perkowski of the Rochester Police Department said that officers were called to Lamont Place, off Webster Avenue, around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday to investigate a reported shooting. Arriving officers found Santiago had been shot at least once in the upper body. He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he died shortly after he arrived, Perkowski said. It appeared that Santiago was involved in some sort of argument moments before he was shot, Perkowski said. Rochester City School District spokeswoman Marisol Ramos-Lopez said that Santiago was a student at the Franklin Campus on Norton Street, "and that the school community is deeply saddened by his loss." Grief counselors are on hand at the school for students and staff. This is the 64th homicide in Rochester in 2021. Anyone with information about the fatal shooting is asked to call 911, RPD's Major Crimes Unit (585) 428-7157 or Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300. The two tactical officers involved will be assigned to administrative duties pending the outcomes of two investigations internal and criminal, Smith said. This is standard RPD procedure. Contact Victoria Freile at vfreile@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @vfreile and Instagram @vfreile. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester Police Department: Lamont Place homicide suspect arrested U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price Read also: US and NATO see peace talks between Ukraine and Russia only if Ukraine liberates Kherson, says La Repubblica We believe, as do the Ukrainians, in a just peace a just peace that respects the UN Charters principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty, that would safeguard Ukraines ability to defend itself in the future, that would ensure Ukraines recovery, its reconstruction, and would provide for accountability for Russias assault on Ukraine and its commission of war crimes, Price said. Read also: Pushing Russia out key to securing peace in Ukraine, Estonian PM says The U.S. State Department added that if Russia is ready for that sort of peace negotiation, it should stop bombing Ukraine, cease attacking and killing Ukrainian civilians, and end its missile attacks on critical civilian infrastructure. But of course, the Kremlin is doing the opposite, he said. Read also: Russia says it is open to peace talks with Ukraine through mediators It is continuing to escalate this war rather than to offer any sort of real signal that it is ready for or open to negotiations. Price also emphasized that both the United States, NATO and the EU are firmly of the belief that there can be nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine a slogan that acknowledges Ukraines primacy in all matters that pertain to its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine KYIV, Ukraine (AP) The American ambassador to the United Nations reiterated the United States steadfast support for Ukraine for as long as it takes at a meeting Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and said global food security depends on renewing the U.N-brokered deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports across the Black Sea. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield also announced an additional $25 million to help Ukrainians survive the coming winter as Russian forces bombard their infrastructure. She also discussed ways to ensure accountability for the war crimes and atrocities perpetrated on the Ukrainian people, the U.S. Mission said. Thomas-Greenfield told farmers at a grain storage facility that she saw Ukraine as the breadbasket of the world" and that extending a wartime deal to facilitate Black Sea shipments of Ukrainian grain is a priority for the U.N. This (war) really has had an impact on the entire global food market, Thomas-Greenfield said. Ukraine and Russia both are major global exporters of foods like wheat, barley and sunflower oil, and the war has caused global food shortages and higher prices. But Russias deputy foreign minister, Andrey Rudenko, said Tuesday that the Kremlin has not yet decided whether to extend its agreement with Turkey and the U.N. We still have time. We are looking at how this deal is being implemented, following the restoration of our participation, Rudenko said. We are very dissatisfied with how the Russian part is being implemented." Russia briefly suspended its participation in the deal last week, alleging a Ukrainian drone attack on its Black Sea fleet in Crimea on Oct. 29. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attack. U.N. trade chief Rebeca Grynspan, who is overseeing the Russian side of the grain deal, told the U.N. Security Council last week that Ukraine and Russia provide around 30% of the worlds exported wheat and barley, 20% of its maize, and over 50% of its sunflower oil. Russia is also the worlds largest exporter of fertilizers, accounting for 15% share of global exports. Story continues Russia and Ukraine signed separate agreements on July 22 for a Black Sea corridor that cleared the way for the export of grain out of three Ukrainian ports, as well as for shipments of Russian grain and fertilizer. The deal, which established an inspection and monitoring system, will expire Nov. 19 unless it is renewed. Russias U.N. representatives said last month that a renewed agreement must allow for increased Russian exports of food and fertilizer. Although international sanctions did not target those goods, shipping and insurance companies have been reluctant to deal with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Rudenko said Moscow has not yet seen progress in the implementation of the deals provisions regarding Russian food and fertilizer. Ukrainian farmers told Thomas-Greenfield they wanted milled wheat to be part of any renewed deal. Currently, only unmilled grains are covered. Sergii Kurdytskyi, executive director for Gospodar, a grain and dairy cooperative, told The Associated Press that production and market confidence would suffer if the grain export deal does not continue. The grain initiative was a rare example of cooperation between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian ports were blockaded and mined early in the war, but more than 10 million tons of grain have left the Ukrainian ports for destinations in Africa, Asia and Europe since the Black Sea corridor was established in July. Ukraines infrastructure minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, wrote on Twitter that seven more ships were to berth Tuesday in Ukrainian ports, to be loaded with 140,000 tons of grain. But his deputy, Yuri Vaskov, charged that Russia has slowed down the pace of shipments. Today we have returned to the same problems. Joint inspections have resumed. All four parties participate in the inspection. But now they are planned on average only 12 per day, of which eight or nine are actually completed, Vaslov told the Ukrainian news outlet LIGA.net. The need is 25-30 per day. According to the Joint Coordination Center, the Turkey-based body established to oversee the inspections of participating ships, 77 vessels were awaiting permission to enter Ukrainian ports while 15 other ships loaded with food were preparing for checks in Turkish waters. During her one-day trip, Thomas-Greenfield also visited a center for displaced people in the town of Irpin on the outskirts of Kyiv, where she announced the $25 million in additional U.S. assistance. After visiting a forensics laboratory where evidence of atrocities committed by Russian forces is being collected, Thomas-Greenfield said: I have come away from this experience knowing that this war will only end when those who committed these atrocities are held accountable. And this documentation is what is going to do that. The one and only way to end this war is for Russia to pull their troops out of Ukraine, she added. ___ Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine and on the food crisis at https://apnews.com/hub/food-crisis The U.S. and Russia are slated to discuss the resumption of nuclear weapons inspections after months of no contact due to Russias war in Ukraine. State Department spokesman Ned Price confirmed the news that a Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC) meeting is in the works during a press briefing on Tuesday, referring to a previous Bloomberg News report on the matter. Thats the bilateral mechanism for discussing treaty implementation issues under the New START treaty, Price said at a press conference. We have agreed that the BCC will meet in the near future, under the terms of the New START treaty, the work of the BCC is confidential, but we do hope for a constructive session. Sources close to Moscow told Bloomberg that Cairo is the likely destination for the continuation of the talks because Switzerland joined other countries in the West to sanction Russia over the war in Ukraine. The BCC held its last meeting in Geneva in October 2021. Moscow barred inspectors from the U.S. in August after Russian visas were restricted to the United States. However, the inspections were suspended in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Bloomberg. The U.S. and Russia agreed to a five-year extension of the treaty last year just a month before it was set to expire. The New START treaty, established by the Obama administration, governs the number of nuclear warheads the two countries deploy at any time, the last major nuclear arms pact in the post-Cold War era. The BCC oversees the practical implementation of the New START treaty, according to Bloomberg. The U.S. has cut off most of its contacts and implemented sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine, which began in February. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sergei Shoigu, the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, has inspected a Russian command post in Ukraine and heard a report by General Sergei Surovikin. Source: press service of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation Details: According to the aggressor countrys Ministry of Defence, Shoigu heard a report by General Sergei Surovikin, the commander of the joint group of Russian troops in Ukraine, on the current situation, the execution of combat missions, the actions of the Ukrainian military, and issues relating to provision for the mobilised troops. Russian media has specified that the command post is located in the so-called "special military operation zone". Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russia's Defense Ministry is downplaying claims made in an open letter apparently from members of the 155th marine brigade of Russia's Pacific Fleet saying they had been sent into an "incomprehensible offensive" on Ukrainian forces near Donetsk. The letter was published on the Telegram channel of Grey Zone, a Russian military blog. "As a result of the 'carefully' planned offensive by the 'great generals,' we lost about 300 people in 4 days, killed, wounded and missing," the letter says. It adds that brigade commanders "call people fodder" and only care about their own careers. Russian officials tacitly acknowledged the source of the letter but said it exaggerated the losses. For more than 10 days, units of the 155th brigade of the Marines of the Pacific Fleet have been conducting effective offensive operations in the Uludar direction," the Defense Ministry said in a statement. "Due to the competent actions of the commanders of the units, the losses of the Marines over this period do not exceed 1% of the combat strength and 7% of the wounded, a significant part of which have already returned to duty." Latest developments: Nearly 8,000 Ukrainian civilians, including 430 children, have been killed since the war began Feb. 24, according to the Ukrainian parliaments Commissioner for Human Rights, who also said almost 11,000 civilians have been injured. Russia is fortifying its lines throughout areas of occupation, likely aimed at stalling any rapid Ukrainian advances in the event the troops break through Russian lines, the British Defense Ministry said in its latest assessment. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press show a rapid expansion of a cemetery in southern Ukraine in the months after Russian forces seized the port city of Mariupol. It remains unclear how many people were buried there. Two civilians were seriously wounded by exploding mines in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region, where Ukraine has retaken territory, Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. Story continues Russian-installed authorities in the partially occupied Kherson region said they have completed measures to evacuate residents ahead of anticipated Ukrainian advances. Russia paid $141 million and 3 captured weapons for Iran drones, report says Russia acquired more than 160 Iranian drones in August in exchange for the current equivalent of $141 million in cash and three captured missiles -- two of them from the U.S. -- that were meant for Ukraine, the British Sky News reported. If accurate, the report would provide further evidence of Iran selling drones during the war to Russia, which both countries have denied. The unmanned aerial vehicles have been a major factor in Moscow's assault on the Ukrainian energy infrastructure and other civilian targets. The unnamed security source cited in the story said Tehran and Moscow have recently agreed to another shipment of drones worth about $200 million. The source added that Iran may try to copy the technology from the captured weapons for future use. Zelenskky tells climate forum Russia has ruined 5 million acres of Ukrainian forest Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told participants at the COP27 climate conference Tuesday that Russia's invasion has led to the destruction of 5 million acres of forest in his country while dramatically raising fossil fuel prices worldwide. That has forced dozens of countries to resume coal-fired power generation in order to lower energy prices for their people, he said in a video address. Zelenskyy said Russia's "insane and illegal war'' is keeping other countries from working collaboratively to confront climate change, adding that military aggression like the one Ukraine is confronting forces nations to focus on immediate protection at the risk of longer-term threats. There can be no effective climate policy without peace on Earth, he said. India urges peace but won't stop buying Russian oil While acknowledging the global impacts of the war in Ukraine, a conflict Russia is largely funding through oil sales, India's foreign minister said Tuesday that his country benefits from buying that oil at favorable prices and doesn't intend to stop. S. Jaishankar urged the Kremlin to find a diplomatic solution to the war but made it clear India will not follow the path of Western countries that have curtailed or cut off purchases of Russian energy to pressure Moscow into withdrawing its forces from Ukraine. Speaking in Moscow, where he was meeting his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar pointed out India is the world's third-largest consumer of oil and gas, adding: "Our fundamental obligation is to ensure that Indian consumers have the best access to the most advantageous terms in the international markets. And in that respect, quite honestly, the India-Russia relationship has worked to our advantage. So if it works to my advantage, Id like to keep that going. Zelenskyy makes rare pitch for peace talks, on tough terms Ukraine's leader made a rare but contingency-laden pitch for peace talks with Russia on Tuesday, imploring the world to help "force Russia into genuine peace negotiations." President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again blamed Russia for the failure to establish talks, saying his nation's repeated proposals for peace have "always received insane Russian responses with new terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail." Zelenskyy's demands for talks would likely draw a hard no from the Kremlin the return of all Russian-occupied land to Ukrainian control, respect for the U.N. Charter, compensation for all damages caused by the war, punishment of every war criminal and guarantees that Russia won't invade Ukraine again. "These are completely understandable conditions," Zelenskyy said. Russia has repeatedly claimed to be willing to negotiate but has rejected Ukraine's conditions. A fruit vendor waits for customers inside a dark market in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday. The city is struggling to keep the lights on amid Russian assaults on the electrical grid. US ambassador to UN visits Kyiv, promises 'unwavering' support Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., met with Zelenskyy and a group of farmers and grain processors in Kyiv, promising to press for an extension of a crucial shipping deal with Russia set to expire next week. A Russian official said the Kremlin hasn't decided yet whether to renew the agreement. "This site has taken on added importance because Russian forces have attacked so many of Ukraines other grain facilities," Thomas-Greenfield said in Kyiv, calling Ukraine "the breadbasket of the world. She also visited with families of war victims, urging the world to hold Russia accountable for "atrocities." "The Ukrainian people have inspired the world with their extraordinary courage as they fight for their freedom and territorial integrity," she said. "In my meeting with the president, I made clear that the United States' commitment to Ukraine is unwavering." North Korea denies selling arms to Russia North Korea denied claims that its shipping artillery shells and ammunition to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby recently accused North Korea of covertly supplying a significant number of ammunition shipments to Russia. And the secretive nation's factories are producing uniforms for Russian soldiers, sources inside North Korea told Radio Free Asia. Last week, Russia sent North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a trainload of 30 thoroughbred horses, opening the border with its neighbor for the first time in 2 1/2 years. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Russian fighters mock generals; Ukraine considers talks The occupiers blew up mobile communication towers of Ukrainian operators in at least two villages in Kherson Oblast. They are also planning to extend the curfew to covertly bring in new forces to the right bank [of the Dnipro River - ed.]. Source: Press service of the Chief Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Quote: "In the villages of Olhivka and Tokarivka, the occupiers blew up mobile communication towers of Ukrainian operators. People are also being warned about the introduction of a curfew during the day. The curfew is expected to be extended for the covert deployment of new forces to the right bank." Details: At the same time, the Russian occupiers are sending SMS messages to the residents of Kherson Oblast who use the mobile communication services of Russian operators. They inform the locals about the alleged intention of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to carry out a massive artillery attack on civilian infrastructure, which is why it is necessary to evacuate to the left bank [of the Dnipro River - ed.]. According to the Defence Intelligence, there is a high risk that the occupiers will carry out provocative attacks on residential areas in the coming days to accuse the Ukrainian defence forces. In addition, the intelligence reports that for three days, convoys of military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces have been moving through the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant from the village of Kozatske in the direction of the village of Tsukury (from the right to the left bank of the Dnipro River). The intelligence reports that most of the vehicles are tent trucks and civilian vehicles packed with looted property. In addition to household appliances, the occupiers are massively taking out plastic double-glazed windows. There is mass looting in the settlements on the right bank. In particular, in the Beryslav district, the occupiers are methodically robbing private houses, shops and warehouses. The property of the Beryslav substation of the district power grid (machinery, equipment, appliances, repair materials) has been completely looted. Story continues According to the Defence Intelligence, in the village of Lubymivka, the Russian military is seizing almost all available vehicles: buses, cars, and trucks. Local service stations and vehicle fleets have been completely looted. A reconnaissance of the area is being carried out along the mouth of the Dnipro River. All documentation has been removed from the local councils of the settlements located along the Dnipro River. The commandant's offices of the occupiers have been equipped on the premises [of the local councils - ed.]. Previously: Anonymous Telegram channels reported that mobile communication towers were blown up in the settlements of Beryslav, Tokarivka, Ivanivka, and Novokairy. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The invaders are building a third defense line near Melitopol According to the publication, the invading forces are evicting the entire local population from the village of Polyanivka and bringing concrete blocks there. They are digging trenches right in people's gardens. Read also: Russian forces may stage provocations in occupied Melitopol, reports mayor The outlet also writes that Russians say that they are building a third defensive line and are expecting an offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. "The invaders troops are already in panic they are saying that the Ukrainian army will soon enter Kakhovka and are afraid of a breakthrough of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to Crimea," the report reads. Read also: Russians building line of defense around Mariupol, says mayor's adviser In the village of Lazurne, the Russian troops settled in the premises of a kindergarten, primary school, and in private houses. Russians seized personal vehicles from local residents and forbade everyone to go outside after 4 p.m. Besides, the Russian army also entered the village of Radyvonivka. According to UK intelligence, Russia is making significant efforts to prepare a deep defense on the front line to prevent any rapid advance of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in case of a breakthrough. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A Salisbury man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after allegedly carjacking a person 65 or older in a Burlington hospital parking lot. Joshua Horvitz, 33, of Salisbury was arrested in Hudson, N.H. this afternoon after allegedly assaulting and carjacking an elder at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington several hours earlier. According to Burlington police, the victim was attempting to valet their car when Horvitz allegedly threatened them with a weapon, threw them to the ground and stole their vehicle. Horvitz fled the scene and the victim was brought into Lahey Hospital to be treated for their injuries, according to police. Burlington police are currently working to obtain an arrest warrant to prosecute Horvitz on charges of carjacking, armed assault with intent to rob, and assault and battery on an elder with serious bodily injury. The victim has not been identified. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW MEXICO CITY (AP) The Sandinista National Liberation Front completed its political domination of Nicaragua on Monday as electoral officials said it had won control of all the country's 153 municipalities in elections that critics called unfair. Coming into Sundays elections, the party of President Daniel Ortega already controlled 141 of Nicaraguas municipalities. But having outlawed the countrys main opposition parties and jailed dozens of opposition figures, the field was clear for the Sandinistas sweep. They appeared to achieve de facto single-party status, wresting control of the last 12 municipalities that had been in the hands of other parties, though those groups were considered collaborationist by much of the exiled opposition. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights expressed concern Friday that the minimum conditions necessary to hold free and fair elections do not exist in Nicaragua. It called on the government to reestablish democratic guarantees and stop the repression. The government has shuttered some 2,000 nongovernmental groups and more than 50 media outlets as it cracked down on voices of dissent. Some 100 civil society organizations were closed Friday, the government announced. First lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo told government media that the elections confirmed the unity around peace and the good, as the only path for the country. We had an exemplary, marvelous, formidable day in which we confirm our calling for peace. Nicaragua has been in political and social upheaval since big street protests that broke out in April 2018 became a referendum on Ortegas rule. More than 200,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country since, most to neighboring Costa Rica. Ahead of national elections last November when Ortega was elected to a fouth consecutive term, authorities locked up leading opposition figures, including six likely challengers. Since his re-election, Ortega has further cracked down on dissent, going so far as to jail an outspoken Roman Catholic bishop and other clergy. Sangita Patel is back with another fitness Tuesday post. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage) Sangita Patel is back with another "Fitness Tuesday" post. On Tuesday, the "ET Canada" host took to Instagram to share a video of her doing "The Rock's killer finisher" with her 144,000 followers. In the past, Patel has been vocal about her friendship with Dwayne Johnson, and has even challenged him to a joint workout session. The 43-year-old stitched together a video of her doing the finisher, which is the final exercise in a workout, alongside a clip of Johnson doing the same thing. The exercise consisted of a slow squat while holding a dumbbell. "When so many of you forward this to me, you know I had to try it! Love how he walks away at the endcome back," Patel wrote. In the caption, Sangita shared her "leg day" routine, which focussed on working out her quads. "Sangis leg day (quad focus). Warmup 10 mins, 13 incline, two and a half speed. Superset three sets, 20 lunges, 10 squats pulses. Superset three sets, 10 Leg Press with 10 mid pulses, 15 incline goblet squats, 10 sissy squats. Superset three sets, 10 split squats, 10 band sit back squats, then the Rock's finisher!" she explained. In the comments, fans thanked the Toronto-native for her "motivating" content. "Always motivating," commented a follower alongside the clapping emoji. "Sangita you make it look so flawless! Girl you rocked it!" shared someone else. "Can't wait to see you workout with the Rock!" wrote a hopeful fan. Last month, the television host was "reunited and in Canada" with Dwayne Johnson. In the video, Patel briefly taught Johnson the lyrics to "O Canada." "You're in Canada!" Patel said while Johnson kissed the top of her head. "I am," "The Rock" replied, adding that the last time he visited Canada was a "long time ago." Story continues In the comments, fans loved the duo's candid moment. "Yes! Getting him back to those Canadian roots! Love to see it. And as if he kissed you on the head. I would have fainted," a follower commented, while another wrote, "Sangita! Two of my favourites together, oh my heart cant handle this." Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. (Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund is among suitors weighing a final bid for network towers being sold by Qatari telecom firm Ooredoo QPSC, people familiar with the matter said. Ooredoo shares jumped in Doha trading. Most Read from Bloomberg American Tower Corp., IHS Holding Ltd. and Helios Towers Plc are also considering binding offers for all or part of the portfolio, according to people, who asked not to be identified as the matter is private. Ooredoos tower assets, which span the Persian Gulf region, as well as countries including Algeria, could be valued at $3 billion to $5 billion in any deal, they said. Bids are due in the coming days, the people said. Deliberations are ongoing and theres no certainty any of the suitors will decide to submit offers. The bid by the PIF, as the Saudi wealth fund is known, is the latest sign that the kingdom is moving on from a diplomatic spat with Qatar that began in 2017 and wasnt resolved until 2021. PIF is also considering an investment in Qatari broadcaster BeIn Media Group, Bloomberg reported last month. As a result of the spat, Saudi Arabia, along with countries including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, had blocked trade and travel links with Qatar. Ooredoo said in September that it will carve out its portfolio of almost 20,000 towers as part of a shift to an asset-light model. The state-owned telecom operator recently sold its Myanmar business for an enterprise value of $576 million and is also considering carving out its data center unit to attract new investors into the business. A spokesperson for Ooredoo said the company planned to announce the carveout of its towers business in 2023, declining to comment further. Representatives for Helios, IHS and PIF declined to comment, while a spokesperson for American Tower didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Story continues The shares of Ooredoo climbed as much as 6.9%, the most in more than five years, valuing the telecom operator at about $9 billion. Tower Demand PIF plans to invest $24 billion in Middle Eastern and North African countries as oil-rich Saudi Arabia seeks to bolster regional economies, it said in October, and will channel funds into sectors including infrastructure, heath care and telecoms. Last month, the wealth fund offered to buy a majority stake in Tawal, the telecom towers unit of phone company Saudi Telecom Co., as part of its plan to create a cellular tower behemoth. PIF plans to bid for the Ooredoo assets through Tawal, the people said. Deals for network towers are helping dealmakers defy a broader slowdown in global mergers and acquisitions activity this year. Telecom operators are shifting the assets to help raise funds for fiber-optic rollouts and wireless upgrades, and are finding willing buyers in the form of investment firms seeking predictable returns in volatile markets. In Europe, KKR & Co. is leading the race for a stake in Vodafone Group Plcs towers unit, while fellow private equity firm EQT AB is seen as the frontrunner to acquire a slice of French tower owner TDF. --With assistance from Scott Moritz and Matthew Martin. (Adds details of Saudi-Qatar diplomatic dispute in fourth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. WASHINGTON (AP) Saudi Arabia has taken into custody an American woman who has been locked in a yearslong struggle to take her young daughter back out of the kingdom over the objections of her Saudi ex-husband, according to U.S. officials and a U.S.-based advocacy group Tuesday. Carly Morris was summoned to a police station in the north-central city of Buraidah on Monday, and has yet to be released by Saudi authorities, according to the Washington-based Freedom Initiative. The group advocates for people it believes wrongfully detained in the Middle East. U.S. officials said Saudi authorities had confirmed the detention of Morris, whose efforts to leave the kingdom with her now 8-year-old daughter have been made more difficult by Saudi Arabia's strict male guardianship laws. Morris in recent months had spoken to reporters and tweeted about her circumstances. Our embassy in Riyadh is very engaged on this case, and theyre following the situation very closely, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in Washington on Tuesday. The Saudi Embassy in Washington and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman increasingly has been including U.S. citizens and Western-based Saudis in a general crackdown on those the government sees as rivals or critics. In August, a Saudi court gave a 16-year prison sentence to a 72-year-old Saudi-American, Saad al Madi, for critical tweets he had posted over the years from his home in Florida. Morris had traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2019 for what was intended to be a short stay to allow her daughter, also an American citizen, to meet the family of the Saudi father, said Bethany Al-Haidari, Freedom Initiative's Saudi Arabia case manager. Saudi Arabia's code of male guardianship served to keep the daughter in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia allegedly placed Morris herself under one of its widely imposed travel bans, barring her from leaving the country. Story continues Morris recently tweeted warnings to other women with children abroad about Saudi Arabia, al Haidari said. President Joe Biden had vowed as a candidate to isolate Prince Mohammed, the kingdom's de facto ruler, over rights abuses. The Biden administration hopes now to persuade the kingdom to pump more oil for the global market, and has worked to close the rift between the two strategic partners. The American woman's detention was yet another sign that Saudi Arabia simply does not value the U.S. as an ally, said Allison McManus, the Freedom Initiatives Director of Research. Related video: Saudi government says Iran planning attack on Saudi Arabia This June 16, 2017 photo shows social media app icons on a smartphone held by an Associated Press reporter in San Francisco. Google yourself. Curate your online photos. And as one private high school advises its students: Don't post anything online you wouldn't want your grandmother to see. AP spoke with experts on the role of social media in the college admissions process. They offered tips for students on what to post - and not post - if you're trying to get into college. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) A new report shows scientists and researchers have growing concerns about the rise of misinformation during the pandemic and the growing role they have in helping counter false information on social media. Over the past two years, we have all witnessed the very public debates on the latest COVID-19 research and who and what to trust and believe, said Ann Gabriel, U.S. confidence in research lead and senior vice president of global strategic networks at Elsevier, in a statement. Something very apparent in our study with Economist Impact was that in addition to their regular research activities, researchers now also work increasingly to combat false and misleading information as well as online abuse, and they want support to do so," she said. The global report from Elsevier, reported first on Yahoo Finance, was conducted between December 2021 and August 2022, surveying more than 3,100 researchers, including 290 in the U.S. It showed that 79% of researchers in the U.S. feel the pandemic increased the importance of science, while 51% feel the pandemic has shown the need to make science information available more quickly as with the non-peer reviewed studies during the vaccine clinical trials. It's why top science journals like The Lancet are starting to have peer reviews for preprints, adding another layer of quality checking to the data coming out quickly, according to Anne Kitson, SVP and managing director at publication. But more context needs to follow the preprints in order to have a more informed debate in the public square. "Although the public had a thirst and a hunger for science, that didn't necessarily show understanding," Kitson said of the pandemic learnings. "So what we learned from that was that research is needed to think more carefully about how they communicate their research in context," she said. The report amplified a debate that was taking place pre-pandemic on the role of scientists in battling misinformation and their use of social media, according to Elsevier spokesperson Esra Erkal. Story continues About 27% of U.S. researchers felt it was their role to publicly counter false information, contrasted by only 13% feeling confident about communicating their research. And even if they are confident, the vitriol that has taken hold on social media platforms is another hurdle to properly communicate science. Forty-four percent of researchers said they themselves or someone they knew experienced some type of abuse or acrimonious interaction online. Kitson said that because the pandemic was unfolding in real time, the debates became very robust, but that sense of urgency has waned a bit now. "I think it was simply the crisis of the moment that caused that intensity of communication, but also it is true that there was so much at stake in terms of reputations," she said. Added to which there was a layer of geopolitics. The U.S. researchers were more likely to report a hostile online environment compared to their counterparts in the U.K., The Netherlands, Germany, Japan and China, according to the report. It's why The Lancet and other organizations and academic institutions will now have to think more proactively about their approach to social media, Kitson said. Especially since researchers are used to a slower communication process and like to stick to the facts and the data, rather than extrapolate and engage in more general discussion publicly. Researchers are "very confident about communicating about their research. I think where they worry is very much about the dimension of talking on social media," Kitson said. "We can certainly give them much more training than we have done." Follow Anjalee on Twitter @AnjKhem Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Download the Yahoo Finance app for Apple or Android Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and YouTube (Reuters) - Hollywood actor and director Sean Penn, sanctioned by Russia for criticizing its war in Ukraine, loaned his Oscar statuette to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday. "It's just a symbolic, silly thing," he said, seated beside the Ukrainian leader at a ceremonial table and pressing his hand on his arm to emphasize his words as aides smiled and laughed. "When you win, bring it back to Malibu." Zelenskiy presented Penn, who is making a documentary in Ukraine and marking his third wartime visit, with the Order of Merit honor for strengthening relations, backing Ukraine's territorial integrity and helping to popularize the country, the president's office said. Related video: David Letterman interviews Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv metro station A video showed the two men on their way to view a plaque bearing Penn's signature, dated Feb. 24, the date of the Russian invasion, and set in the paving stones of an "Alley of Courage" Zelenskiy inaugurated in August to honor friends of Ukraine. Zelenskiy, a former comedian and actor, said later in his nightly video address that Penn had been "doing everything to help us gather international support" ever since he visited the Ukrainian capital on the day of the invasion. The alley, he said, was a sign of gratitude to prominent figures who defend freedom with Ukrainians, but also "a reminder to all future generations of our people that different people, forces and industries united for our victory." Other honorees named by Zelenskiy included the presidents of the European Commission, Latvia and Poland, the prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia and Boris Johnson, the former British prime minister. (Reporting by Elaine Monaghan in Washington, DC; Editing by Lincoln Feast) Palm Beach County ordered an evacuation of coastal neighborhoods and other vulnerable areas ahead of a possible hit from the storm that is expected to becoming Hurricane Nicole. The evacuation order affects residents in Zone A, which is mostly inland areas prone to flooding, and Zone B, mostly the barrier islands east of the Intracoastal Waterway. Here is the map showing Zones A and B in Palm Beach County: The county also opened these shelters for residents who are evacuating: Click here to see the current forecast track of expected Hurricane Nicole. Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo; Insider Sen. Chuck Grassley defeated Democrat challenger Mike Franken in Iowa's Senate race. Grassley's win means he'll have a historic 8th term that could keep him in office until age 95. Former President Donald Trump won Iowa by 8 points in 2020. Sen. Chuck Grassley, the eighth-longest-serving senator in US history, has won the Iowa Senate race against Democratic hopeful Mike Franken. The win marks Grassley's eighth election as Senator, and could lead to the 89-year-old staying in office in Washington, DC, well into his 90s. Iowa Senate candidates Grassley, who won an eighth term that would keep him in office well into his 90s, is one of the chamber's feistiest octogenarians. Throughout his career, he's championed a variety of GOP priorities. He's shepherded trillions of dollars in tax cuts through the Senate. He helped stall, but ultimately could not stymie passage of, President Barack Obama's signature Affordable Care Act. And he continues to be a force both in terms of congressional oversight, and moving Republican-backed Supreme Court nominations through the hyperpartisan 50-50 Senate. Franken, a veteran of the US Navy and former Defense Department employee, previously ran for Senate in 2020. He came in second in that year's Democratic primary. Republican Sen. Joni Ernst went on to win that year by 5 points. Voting history in Iowa Grassley has held the seat since 1981 and spent three terms in the US House before that, becoming the longest serving Iowan in congressional history during his nearly 50-year tenure on Capitol Hill. The lifelong farmer helps shape all manner of public policy via his work on various high-profile committees, including the agenda-setting Budget Committee, tax-writing Finance Committee, and Supreme Court nominee-vetting Judiciary Committee. Former President Donald Trump beat Joe Biden in Iowa by 8 points in 2020. Grassley got 60% of the vote during his 2016 reelection bid. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Grassley has raised more than $9.8 million, spent more than $8.6 million, and has $2.16 million cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Franken, has raised more than $9.2 million, spent $8.6 million, and has $608,000 million cash on hand, as of October 19. Story continues As of November 7, more than a dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups had combined to spend about $2.75 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. Most of this money has been dedicated to supporting Grassley's re-election campaign, with the nonpartisan National Association of Realtors Congressional Fund super PAC alone accounting for more of half of the race's outside spending. What experts say The race between Grassley and Franken was rated as "Solid Republican" by Inside Elections, and "Likely Republican" by The Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Vancouver, BC --News Direct-- MarketJar The plant-based milk market is currently worth $38.9 billion, making it 7.7 times larger than the market for plant-based meat, and its only going to continue growing. In fact, the market is expected to quadruple over the next decade after doubling in the previous five years. According to Data Bridge Market Research, the market is projected to climb at a CAGR of 15.5% to reach a value of $123.2 billion by 2029. One key factor driving market growth is the rising prevalence of dairy intolerance, in fact, more than 70% of the planet is intolerant to dairy proteins. Plant milks provide a product that functions in cooking and coffee like dairy milk, but without the allergenic proteins. Another is a concern for the planet, given the high environmental stress from cultivating and feeding livestock and the ancillary methane/CO2 etc. Although plant milk alternatives like almond milk are still stressful agriculturally on the planet with high water usage and damage to bee populations, new alternatives like sesame milk use 95% less water than almond milk and thrive in arid climates around the globe, from South America to Africa to Asia. Add to that rising consumer awareness of animal health and you can see why the plant-based milk industry is primed to continue experiencing rising success in the coming years. Of course, it remains to be seen which plant-based alternative will hold onto the largest share of the market. Plant-Based Milk Market Constantly Evolving As the market grows and evolves, new plant-based formulations replace old ones as consumer favorites, meaning new products and new companies are consistently entering the market looking to take the top spot. First, soy milk became extremely popular, but it gave way to almond milk. Now oat milk is quickly rising in popularity. Almond milk, which currently holds the majority of the market share, is ripe for disruption. Why? Because it turns out that almond milk isn't good for your health or the environment. It loses grades for sustainability and nutrition...while oat milk doesnt score much better. Story continues You see, even as oat milk gains popularity, a new plant-based milk trend is starting to emerge - sesame milk. Luckily, for environmentally conscious consumers and investors, The Planting Hope Company Inc. (TSXV:MYLK) (OTCQB:MYLKF) is a rapidly growing breakthrough company focused on producing the world's most planet-friendly and nutritious plant-based milk from sesame seeds. Planting Hope has spent more than 5 years developing the worlds first sesame milk, Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk, levering cutting-edge ingredient formulations and processing technology to create a plant milk that performs like dairy milk in coffee and baking, with equivalent nutrition, including 8 grams of complete protein per serving. Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk has received numerous awards and nominations from groups like Good Housekeeping, the Specialty Coffee Association, and World Plant-Based Foods Expo. Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk is just one of four fast-growing food and beverage brands owned by this company. Planting Hope recently announced the launch of its Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk line in Canada with Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada's largest grocery retailer. 382 stores across Canada will begin selling Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk in dual-language packaging that meets Canadian standards in November 2022. Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk, which is packaged in shelf-stable 946ml (32oz) cartons in three flavours, has been added to the plant milk section in stores (Barista Blend Sesamemilk, Original Sesamemilk, and Unsweetened Original Sesamemilk). As a plant-based food and beverage company headquartered in Canada and listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, entering with our flagship Hope and Sesame brand is an important milestone for Planting Hope. Loblaw has always taken an innovative approach to the grocery experience and expects the same from its brand partners, said Julia Stamberger, CEO and Co-founder of Planting Hope. Hope and Sesame has brought important breakthrough innovation to plant-based milk, opening a whole new category, sesame milk, that unlocks the dense nutrition of the extremely sustainable and planet-friendly sesame seed. Were very excited to bring our innovative Sesamemilk line, in our eye-grabbing, colorful new dual-language packaging, to Canadian consumers with Loblaw. Planting Hope has committed to releasing the best-selling products under its Hope and Sesame, MozaicsTM, and RightRice brands in bilingual packaging that complies with Canadian regulations in the second quarter of 2022. In Q3 2022, the Company began producing these products in Canadian packaging for the first time. Planting Hope will introduce three shelf-stable Hope and Sesame SKUs (Barista Blend Sesamemilk, Original Sesamemilk, and Unsweetened Original Sesamemilk) in Canadian packaging across 382 stores in the current quarter (Q4), adding 1,146 new Total Distribution Points in Loblaw locations. The Planting Hope Company Expands Distribution The Planting Hope Company has added more than 3,700 new grocery retail doors and more than 9,600 new total distribution points (TDP) in key retailers such as Loblaws, Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, Safeway, Fresh Thyme Market, and many others since the beginning of 2022. The total grocery retail TDP has surpassed 50,000 placements across product lines and brands. The Planting Hope Company announced in September that its Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk is now available at Kroger stores nationwide under multiple retailer banners. In addition, the Company added top New York City area food service distributor Baldor Specialty Foods and increased trade and consumer visibility through events, new distribution, and in-store placements. Baldor distributes 6,000 food and beverage items to over 4,600 distribution locations in New York City's five boroughs, including restaurants (including over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants), retail, hospitals, corporate campuses, and schools. In addition, the Company has increased the distribution of its RightRice brand in over 1,500 locations, including the leading Southeastern US retailer Publix. RightRice products are available nationwide in over 8,000 doors at conventional and natural product retailers such as Kroger, Wegmans, Whole Foods Market, and others. RightRice has also developed a strategic foodservice distribution network through quick service restaurants such as CAVA and menu additions to college/university and business food service operations. Planting Hope reported $3.3 million in revenue in Q2 2022, a 276% increase from $900,000 in Q2 2021 and a 32% increase over Q1 2022 revenues, representing a 22% increase over the entire fiscal year 2021. In Q2 2022, the Company earned $2.5 million in net revenue, a 205% increase from the previous quarter and a 24% increase year over year. The Planting Hope Company Inc. is continuing to execute on its business plan for this year, which includes expanding core products in key channels and establishing new products and distribution to achieve scale in 2023. For more information on The Planting Hope Company (TSXV: MYLK) (OTCQB: MYLKF), please visit this link or their website at https://plantinghopecompany.com. Disclaimer 1) The author of the Article, or members of the authors immediate household or family, do not own any securities of the companies set forth in this Article. The author determined which companies would be included in this article based on research and understanding of the sector. 2) The Article was issued on behalf of and sponsored by, The Planting Hope Company Inc. Market Jar Media Inc. has or expects to receive from The Planting Hope Company Inc.s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.) eighty eight thousand and seven hundred and eighty USD for 25 days (19 business days). 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not Market Jar Media Inc., its directors or officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Market Jar Media Inc. for this Article. Market Jar Media Inc. was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this Article. Market Jar has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of Market Jar or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Market Jar Media Inc. relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Market Jar Media Inc. has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) The Article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of the information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Market Jar Media Inc.s terms of use and full legal disclaimer as set forth here. This Article is not a solicitation for investment. Market Jar Media Inc. does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on PressReach.com should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on PressReach.com. 5) Market Jar Media Inc. and its respective directors, officers and employees hold no shares for any company mentioned in the Article. 6) This document contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, (collectively, forward-looking statements), which reflect managements expectations regarding The Planting Hope Company Inc.s future growth, future business plans and opportunities, expected activities, and other statements about future events, results or performance. Wherever possible, words such as predicts, projects, targets, plans, expects, does not expect, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, anticipate or does not anticipate, believe, intend and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to The Planting Hope Company Inc.s industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) The Planting Hope Company Inc.s business plans and strategies; (d) services that The Planting Hope Company Inc. intends to offer; (e) The Planting Hope Company Inc.s milestone projections and targets; (f) The Planting Hope Company Inc.s expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g) The Planting Hope Company Inc.s intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h) The Planting Hope Company Inc.s expectations with regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of managements experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute The Planting Hope Company Inc.s business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c) The Planting Hope Company Inc.s ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) The Planting Hope Company Inc.s ability to enter into contractual arrangements with additional Pharmacies; (e) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (f) The Planting Hope Company Inc.s ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (g) political and regulatory stability; (h) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (i) changes in applicable legislation; (j) stability in financial and capital markets; and (k) expectations regarding the level of disruption to as a result of CV-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of The Planting Hope Company Inc.. to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) The Planting Hope Company Inc.s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as CV-19 may adversely impact PThe Planting Hope Company Inc.s business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing The Planting Hope Company Inc.s business operations (e) The Planting Hope Company Inc. may be unable to implement its growth strategy; and (f) increased competition. Except as required by law, The Planting Hope Company Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither does The Planting Hope Company Inc. nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this document. Neither The Planting Hope Company Inc. nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this document by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this document. 7) Any graphs, tables or other information demonstrating the historical performance or current or historical attributes of The Planting Hope Company Inc. or any other entity contained in this document are intended only to illustrate historical performance or current or historical attributes of The Planting Hope Company Inc. or such entities and are not necessarily indicative of future performance of The Planting Hope Company Inc. or such entities. Contact Details Market Jar Media Inc. and PressReach James Young +1 800-340-9767 campaigns@pressreach.com Company Website https://pressreach.com View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/sesame-milk-is-the-new-trend-in-plant-based-milk-115518589 On Tuesday, Arkansas residents get to vote on whether to legalize recreational marijuana. District attorneys from Tennessee gathered at 201 Poplar on Monday afternoon and said that they want Arkansas voters to pass this. The use of recreational marijuana is illegal in Tennessee. But if that law changes across the river, it will attract many Tennesseans to cross the border. Its time for legalized marijuana. I hope Arkansas voters vote yes, said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. Mulroy said that the state of Tennessee needs to stop wasting time prosecuting marijuana crimes because that takes away resources from a much more serious problem. Mulroy said that since he took office in September, about 176 marijuana cases have been dismissed in Shelby County. We really need to refocus on violent crime. The things that really matter and stop wasting our time on things that dont matter like marijuana enforcement, Mulroy said. The Shelby County D.A.s office said it will aim to not prosecute those who cross the border to obtain recreational marijuana if the law passes. Republican District Attorney Frederick Agee from West Tennessee agreed. We encourage law enforcement if someone has marijuana or just drug paraphernalia to cite them into court. So they dont have to go and make a bond or have to get booked into jail. They just come into court and get their case worked out, Agee said. The Arkansas proposal, if passed, allows anyone age 21 to buy and use up to one ounce of recreational marijuana. It will also be taxed at 10 percent. Dispensary owners said legalizing the drug makes it safer. Marijuana is already on the streets. Its been on the streets for years. Its in the form of untested, unsafe and often times deadly from street weed. We propose Issue 4 on the ballot to legalize that, said NEA Full Spectrum chief operating officer Lance Huey. The D.A.s office said if Arkansas voters vote yes on Issue 4, the law will go into effect on March 8, 2023. Story continues Download the FOX13 Memphis app to receive alerts from breaking news in your neighborhood. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Trending stories: Sinclair Community College is set to hold an in-demand Career Hiring Event today. Employers will be looking to hire for positions in healthcare (patient care and non-patient care), manufacturing, technology, business operations, food service, and retail according to a release. >>Twitters pared-down staff struggles with misinformation The In-Demand Career Hiring Event is a tremendous opportunity for attendees to learn about in-demand career fields and make connections with employers, says Dr. Kathleen Cleary, Senior Vice President of Strategic Programs, at Sinclair Community College. The event will take place from 12- 3 p.m. on the first floor of Building 12 at Sinclairs Dayton campus. It is open to the students and the public. thanks, covid pic.twitter.com/UqzsPOqX1c Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) November 6, 2022 Over the weekend, Saturday Night Live tweeted a skit from their most recent broadcast called Thanks, COVID." The satirical skit plays off the scenario of doctors recommending their patients to get COVID" to solve their issues. The running joke suggests COVID-19 as a solution for skipping work, prolonged time off, getting to watch Netflix, and describing isolation as a 10-day vacation. At the end of the skit, the actors thank COVID for the break. SNL is now facing enormous backlash online for their mock medicine infomercial. Many viewers do not find it funny, with suggesting it was violently irresponsible. SNL films live in NYC. COVID-19 has killed 43,000 people in NYC so far. NYC healthcare & emergency services workers were subjected to the brutal onslaught of the first wave. They were storing bodies in refrigerated trucks. And they still decided to do that skit? David Christopher (@MLS_Dave) November 6, 2022 This is by far your worst, violently irresponsible, & deeply unfunny skitincluding all 6 years Jimmy Fallon was a cast member. Brutal & disappointing @nbcsnl, when thousands are still dying every week in the & as we gain appalling insight into the grim reality of long COVID. https://t.co/lR7mteA5Qi Emma Deady (@emmadeady) November 7, 2022 SNL doing segments mocking COVID, meanwhile every single cast and crew member on SNL is regularly PCR tested multiple times a week, masks are required for everyone except performers while filming, and 10 day quarantines with test-to-return for anyone positive. thomas IATSE STRIKE! (@t_NYC) November 6, 2022 the SNL writers are embarrassingly out of touch if they think most people are getting anywhere near 10 days paid time off for COVID Reluctant MSW (she/her) (@ReluctantMSW) November 6, 2022 I truly hope @nbcsnl cast and writers get the downtime and privacy that they need to go fuck themselves. https://t.co/qavmIY2yEi David Fisman (@DFisman) November 6, 2022 Shame on you @nbcsnl @NBCNews TY for taking advantage of me after I lost my dad to #covid - Im sure my tears benefited your views since I watched him die & shared how hard that was.Im sure you dont want to interview me now. My dads death isnt a joke.@MarkedByCovid https://t.co/DY6ENUVPlY pic.twitter.com/8vzspkYV0g Tara Swanigan (@Tara_Swanigan) November 7, 2022 Currently, there are 1.07M COVID-19 deaths in the US and around 47,000 deaths in Canada. Many who lost a loved one or are impacted by the disease are not laughing. Story continues Some of us actually lost people we cared about and loved to covid despite them being fully vaxxed, some are *still* holding on for dear life in an ICU. While rich SNL cast members & media ppl treat covid like a vacation, vulnerable people are fighting for their lives. SUBSCRIBE TO MY SUBSTACK (@TaylorLorenz) November 6, 2022 There were around 2500 Covid deaths last week in the US alone, and Im not laughing https://t.co/Qp3KrKhurU Leta McCollough Seletzky, JD (@LaSeletzky) November 6, 2022 #LongCovid left me w/my immune system attacking my own body & my nervous system damaged, the US w/over 1M DEAD including 2,261+ who died already THIS MONTH, and in 1 in 4 of these deaths a child loses a parent. And SNL thinks it's funny. THEY THINK IT'S FUNNY.#COVID #COVID19 https://t.co/43sImnSJuz Cat Herding Science Nerd (@catladyactivist) November 6, 2022 More than 200 Americans have died of Covid since this first aired. 16 hours ago. https://t.co/2Ct0UUH2g7 Ryan Murphy (@Cyber_Murphy) November 6, 2022 When it had killed 100,000 of us it was tragic. Now we're up over a million, it's the third leading cause of death in the country, it's still killing 3,000 people a week, and it's a joke? pic.twitter.com/L5q79etncu Jason Orton (@jasonorton420) November 6, 2022 SNL has not responded to the backlash. A snowstorm and tropical system set to collide over Eastern Canada This week will see a weather setup you don't often see play out in reality, seemingly more fit for a blockbuster disaster film. The scenario will be twofold. While Floridians are closely monitoring Subtropical Storm Nicole churning in the western Atlantic Ocean, some Canadian residents are bracing for an early-season snowstorm. SEE ALSO: Nicole gaining power as it puts Bahamas and U.S. in its crosshairs How these stories are linked: These two systems are set to merge together over Eastern Canada this weekend, delivering a plethora of precipitation types. WeatherCollision Colorado low A Colorado low brewing mid-week will set its eyes on northern Ontario ahead of the weekend, set to deliver a healthy swath of 10-20 cm of snow and a messy mix of ice, rain and gusty winds. The low-pressure system will continue to trek east into the weekend. Subtropical Storm Nicole While Ontarians dig out from an early, wintry blast of snow, the tropics will bear close watching as a strengthening system nears the U.S. coast. Nicole will bring a storm surge, soaking rains, strong winds and potential flooding through late week with the expectation of a coastal Florida landfall. Snow/Nicole When tropical rains and snow collide Into the weekend, the remaining moisture from Nicole is forecast to recurve and travel up the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, then joining forces with the Colorado low over Eastern Canada. To a forecaster, this will be a fascinating process to track. To residents in Eastern Canada, this will mean a lot of heavy rain, some enhanced snowfall totals and a roller-coaster of temperatures through the weekend. With files from Kelly Sonnenburg, a meteorologist at The Weather Network. Getty Images; Insider Voters in South Dakota rejected Initiated Measure 27, which would have legalized marijuana use for adults over the age of 21. Proponents said that the measure was about "personal freedom." Opponents said that legalization would result in consumer addiction. South Dakota rejected the use of recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older. Over half of voters said "no" on Initiated Measure 27, which, if passed, would have legalized marijuana use and possession. 2022 General Embeds Ballot measure details Known as the Marijuana Legalization Initiative, Measure 27 would have legalized marijuana use and possession for adults 21 years old and older. If passed, the initiative would have also limited possession to one ounce of marijuana. Support and opposition The measure was sponsored by South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws. Supporters argued the measure is about "personal freedom." "I would describe Measure 27 as cannabis legalization for the individual. It does not include licensing regulations, taxation; it's really about personal freedom and ensuring that small amounts of cannabis do not make you a criminal," Matthew Schweich, campaign leader for the Yes on 27 campaign, told KELO-TV. Protecting South Dakota Kids led the effort against the measure, arguing that legalization will result in addiction for consumers and an increase in car accidents because of intoxicated drivers. "More minority kids are being arrested in Colorado for pot since legalization, and car crashes related to marijuana, young adult use, and workplace positives are skyrocketing in legal states. We do not need to legalize in order to reform the criminal justice system. We can remove criminal penalties, expunge records, and offer justice without commercializing today's highly pure THC pot products," the coalition says on its website. What experts are saying In 2020, South Dakota voters passed Amendment A, a measure that aimed to legalize marijuana for adults over 21, but a lawsuit filed by Gov. Kristi Noem shot down the measure. Schweich told OpenSecrets that Initiated Measure 27 was "a shorter, simpler version" of Amendment A. Read the original article on Business Insider A date for the launch has not yet been set The launch of satellites from Spaceport Cornwall will inspire children to work in the sector, those behind the project have said. The Spaceport and Virgin Orbit are awaiting licences before launching the first such flight from UK soil. The Head of Spaceport Cornwall said her team was driven by "what we can achieve for Cornwall and children of Cornwall". Melissa Thorpe said they planned to "attract other businesses here, but also to inspire the next generation". "My team is a small team but we live and breathe this, and our belief in what we can achieve for Cornwall and the children of Cornwall especially." Melissa Thorpe said the Spaceport will inspire Cornish children The Virgin Orbit plane, called Cosmic Girl, and rocket arrived at Cornwall Airport Newquay in October ahead of the mission. Cornwall Councillor Louis Gardner said the authority had backed the scheme for the last eight years. "Many people said we couldn't do it, it couldn't be done. But not only are we here right now - we are the first, not just the first in the UK, we are the first in Europe and that is incredibly special for Cornwall," he said. Teams are continuing to run checks at Spaceport Cornwall "We led the world for a long time in science and technology and engineering, and we forgot that. And this has reminded us of that. As a council we haven't just invested in a Spaceport, we have invested in an entire sector. "And we haven't just invested in that, we have invested in the hope of our children." The UK Space Agency said they believe the launch should take place in the next few weeks Matt Archer, Spaceflight Programme Director at UK Space Agency, said he believed the launch date was weeks away. "My expectation is it should be in the next few weeks," he said. "So we are looking at either late November or early December, but that will depend on weather and other things that Virgin Orbit affect how they prepare for launch. But ultimately it will launch when it is safe to do so". The boss of Virgin Orbit has said he is hopeful a licence will be issued to Spaceport Cornwall in the coming days. Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Spain's former king, Juan Carlos I, on Tuesday resumed a UK court battle to win immunity over harassment claims by his former lover, just as a new podcast featuring her claims is released. Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, 58, is seeking personal injury damages from the 84-year-old former monarch, who ruled Spain from 1975 until his abdication in 2014. The British resident has accused Juan Carlos, who now lives in the United Arab Emirates, of spying on and harassing her after their relationship soured in 2012. She filed a harassment suit in London in 2020, alleging he pressured her to return gifts worth 65 million euros ($65 million), including works of art and jewellery. Juan Carlos, listed in court under his full name Juan Carlos Alfonso Victor Maria De Borbon y Borbon, has not appeared at any hearings so far and strenuously denies any wrongdoing. In March, the High Court in London rejected his claim that a 1978 UK law meant English courts had no jurisdiction to hear the case because he has state immunity as a royal. Judge Matthew Nicklin said that "whatever special status the defendant retained under the law and constitution of Spain, he was no longer a 'sovereign' or 'head of state' so as to entitle him to personal immunity". - 'Agents' - The former king's lawyers appealed and won permission for a legal challenge concerning the period when Juan Carlos was on the throne. Three judges at the Court of Appeal began hearing legal arguments on Tuesday. A ruling is expected in a few weeks, after which the harassment lawsuit could continue. Setting out his position, Juan Carlos's lawyer, Tim Otty, argued that immunity is "a procedural bar" and says "nothing about the lawfulness or the morality of the conduct alleged". However, zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn's lawyer, James Lewis, argued the appeal should be dismissed, claiming the alleged harassment had involved "intelligence and surveillance" personnel acting as the former king's "agents". Story continues The hearing comes as zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who was also not present in court on Tuesday, has been discussing the relationship in a new podcast series called "Corinna and the King". Its release has stirred fresh controversy in Spain. Its creators -- two London-based journalists -- defend its timing and independence from zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn. "Imagine that someone who says they love your children -- and that you're the love of their life -- would frame you in a criminal investigation," she alleges in the first episode, which was made available on Monday. - Shots fired - Court submissions claim Juan Carlos, who is married, was in an "intimate romantic relationship" with the divorcee of a German prince from 2004 to 2009 and showered her with gifts. Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn alleged that Juan Carlos began harassing her after their relationship broke down, using threats, break-ins at her properties and surveillance. Juan Carlos "demanded the return of gifts", she claimed, and she suffered "trespass and criminal damage" at her home in rural central England. Gunshots were fired at and damaged security cameras at the front gate of the property, she alleged, accusing the former king of being angry at her refusals. The couple's relationship became public knowledge in 2012, when the monarch broke a hip while on an elephant hunting holiday in Botswana with zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn and had to be flown home. The revelation of the luxury trip, which came at the height of a recession in Spain, sparking public anger there. Two years later, dogged by scandals and health problems, Juan Carlos abdicated at the age of 76 in favour of his son, Felipe VI, who has since distanced himself from his father. Juan Carlos went into self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates in 2020. He and his son attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September and were seated together. Juan Carlos was protected for decades by his huge popularity as a key figure in Spain's transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The excesses of the monarch only came to light in the last years of his reign, triggering a string of investigations over corruption scandals. acc/jj/phz/gil The podcast Tracking the Tropics with Bryan Norcross is now available to stream. Updated at 8 a.m. Eastern: Oddball Nicole is still an expansive circulation, and now the system is finally starting to develop a core. This change in structure will allow it to strengthen. Tropical-storm-force winds extend some 300 miles from the center of circulation, which means the system's energy is spread over a wide expanse of the ocean. This broad sweep of wind energy will drive a significant storm surge toward the Florida and Southeast U.S. coast, no matter how much the central core of the storm develops. It's very unusual for a tropical system to approach the Florida peninsula from the east in November. With one exception, landfalling storms have all come from the south or the southwest this time of year. The exception was also a freaky storm, though in a different way than Nicole. It was a full-fledged hurricane that tracked from near Bermuda over downtown Miami in 1935 with 100 mph winds. It's a close call whether Nicole can join the 1935 storm in the record book as a landfalling November hurricane. But the development of thunderstorms near the center of circulation gives it a chance to reach hurricane strength. HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV Nicole now appears to be evolving from its subtropical storm status into a tropical system. In the subtropical configuration, the system's strongest winds have been in its outer bands. The question is, can strong thunderstorm cells keep developing near its center, which would allow Nicole to transition into a more typical tropical storm? Only if that happens would Nicole have the structure needed to reach hurricane strength. The National Hurricane Center's forecast of Nicole at or near hurricane strength when it reaches the Florida coast overnight tomorrow night/Thursday morning is based on the idea that the system will continue to evolve and become fully tropical. Only then could the system tap into the heat from the ocean waters near the Bahamas. But no matter how this core development plays out, the wide-ranging effects from the storm will impact Florida. Story continues To be clear, there is zero chance that Nicole could blow up into a Hurricane Ian or Dorian. This is a very different kind of storm surrounded by different atmospheric conditions. Before Nicole reaches Florida, it will impact the northern Bahamas. Winds will increase from the northeast then north over Abaco and Grand Bahama islands through the day today and overnight. An ocean water rise of 4 to 6 feet above normal tide levels will impact northeast and north-facing shores. Winds are already blowing off the ocean onto the land along most of the Florida east coast, which is pushing ocean water toward the coast and into bays, harbors, and rivers open to the Atlantic. The strength of that onshore push of wind is going to increase tomorrow and peak over the eastern peninsula overnight tomorrow. Even after the center of Nicole is over land, strong onshore winds will continue. The relentless onshore flow means the ocean water will stay high for the next few days. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting the ocean-level increase to reach 3 to 5 feet above normal high tide from the southern coast of Georgia south to Palm Beach County, Florida. The St. Johns River in North Florida is still above normal from the fresh-water flooding caused by Hurricane Ian. Now Nicole's winds will push salt water into the river at Jacksonville, backing up the northern part of the waterway. Low-lying areas near the river are likely to be flooded again. This water rise caused by the wind is called storm surge. Low-lying areas, areas where dunes were destroyed by Hurricane Ian, and open waterways will all be affected by the rising ocean water. Pay close attention to local alerts concerning flooded areas. And remember that the flooding is salt water, which is very damaging to cars. If you drive through even a salt-water puddle, try to wash off the bottom of your car. The potential for hurricane-force wind gusts late Wednesday into Thursday continues from just north of Cape Canaveral to about Fort Lauderdale. Gusty winds of 40 to 60 mph are likely over much of the Florida peninsula north and to the right of the track of the center of circulation. These persistent winds can cause local power outages. Be ready for that possibility late tomorrow into Thursday. Rainfall will pile up to 7 inches in some parts of the Florida peninsula, but it's not expected to cause widespread flooding like Hurricane Ian. Some winds of 40-50 mph might impact the Gulf coast before Nicole swings to the north, but significant impacts beyond a slight water rise are not expected. The duration of the onshore winds should be fairly short. Don't focus on the peak winds in the storm. No matter what, Nicole will be a disruptive storm in Florida from Wednesday afternoon through at least Thursday. By late Thursday, a strong dip in the jet stream will start to lift Nicole to the north. On Friday or Saturday, it should merge with a front along the East Coast. Moisture from Nicole combined with the cold front is forecast to produce a swath of heavy rain through the Northeast and New England. Police in Orange Cove say a man who advanced on officers following a stabbing died Sunday morning after he was hit in the chest with a beanbag projectile fired from a officers shotgun. He was identified as Salvador Lopez, 25. Salvador Lopez The incident took place in the 1600 block of Casuga Court, according to sheriffs spokesman Tony Botti. Police went to a home there about 8:45 in response to a report of a stabbing. When they found Lopez, he no longer had the knife, but was non-compliant to surrender commands and lunged toward officers. An officer fired an electronic stun device, that was ineffective, said Botti, and as Lopez continued to advance, another officer fired the beanbag, hitting Lopez in the chest. Lopez was handcuffed, but became unresponsive. Officers tried to revive him with CPR, but he died. Botti said the victim stabbed by Lopez was taken to the hospital, and is expected to survive. At the request of Orange Cove police, sheriffs investigators are in charge of the incident, along with members of the Fresno County District Attorneys Office. The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy and toxicology tests. Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867 or sheriffs investigators at 559-600-3111. Byron Black's case keeps landing on the fringes. It's rare for the state to allow a new avenue for reviewing criminal sentencing. It's rare for a judge to rule against a defendant when both the defense and the state agree. It's rare for the state attorney general to disagree with the choices of a local district attorney. But all of this and more is on display in Black's push to get off death row. Tuesday morning, Black asked Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judges Camille R. McMullen, Robert H. Montgomery Jr. and Tom Greenholtz to send his case back down to the trial courts. Previously:Death row inmate Byron Black pushes court to review new intellectual disability law "We have a constitutional duty not to execute intellectually disabled individuals, right?" McMullen asked the state. "If we interpret the statute the way you've interpreted, we wouldn't be doing that, right?" Case hinges on new law, legal technicality Tennessee lawmakers last year created a rare chance for death row defendants to have their sentences reviewed, explicitly creating a pathway to raise a claim of intellectual disability that would make them ineligible for a death sentence. Tennessee has long held that the state has no interest in executing intellectually disabled individuals. Black, represented by a team from the Federal Public Defender's office led by longtime death row defense attorney Kelley Henry, believes that since his claim was not heard under a new standard, the pathway should apply to him. But Senior Judge Walter Kurtz in Nashville tossed Black's case on a procedural technicality earlier this year. Kurtz said a previous court decision on the facts of his intellectual disability there have been two ruled out a review under the new law, even if the previous were under unconstitutional standards. As medical understanding of intellectual disability has changed and developed over the years, so too has the legal definition. Story continues The Tennessee Supreme Court explicitly urged lawmakers to bring state law into compliance with federal rulings, and, in 2021, they did. The new law uses a broader understanding of intellectual disability by using a range of factors and not only a "bright-line" IQ score cutoff, although the tests remain a factor. Defense attorneys and Nashville prosecutors, in unusual unity, agreed to find Black intellectually disabled. The ruling would have allowed the courts to reset his sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Black, 66, was convicted in Davidson County of murdering his girlfriend Angela Clay, 29, and her daughters Latoya, 9, and Lakesha, 6, at their home in April 1988. State's interest in limiting endless appeals Although Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk agreed with Black's team at the trial court level, the Tennessee attorney general's office is fighting their appeal. The current appeal began under the advisement of now-former Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III who had previously tangled with Funk over death sentences. Tuesday's arguments hint current Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti intends to continue the dispute. The attorney general's office is not bound to agree with local prosecutors, but in practice it is rare for the state to take the opposite stance on appeal. The panel of judges pressed Assistant Attorney General Katherine Decker throughout her arguments on Tuesday. Courts and the state do have an interest in the idea that there is finality in the judicial process, when all appeals are exhausted and an ultimate ruling should stand. Appeals and post-conviction processes can act as error-correcting processes when there are questions about the validity or constitutionality of a previous ruling, but, the state argues, no one is supposed to get endless "bites at the apple," as the current case terms it. The state argues the framing of the law was intended to be extremely limited and not to include anyone who has previously had an intellectual disability case decided on the merits even if it was done under a standard now deemed unconstitutional. Decker argued it was "nonsensical" to read it otherwise, and that lawmakers would not have intended all 49 defendants currently on death row to file the claims. Henry argued not all of them would because they cannot all make the claim. "You have to have evidence to get into court," she said. Henry also argued to the judges that the state's inconsistency is inappropriate given Funk's stipulation in the lower court, disagreeing with Decker. "The state is the state," Henry said. "That doesn't change because they got a new lawyer." Black was scheduled to be executed in 2020, but COVID-19 related precautions twice delayed the date, the second time indefinitely. His execution date was recently reset to Aug. 18 before Gov. Bill Lee halted all 2022 executions over problems with the state's lethal injection protocols. The appeals judges took the case under advisement and are expect to issue a written order. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee fights death row inmate Byron Black's disability claim MILAN (Reuters) -Stellantis will halt operations at its Melfi plant in southern Italy on Wednesday and Thursday due to a shortage of a component that uses micro chips, a trade unionist said. Marco Lomio, the local head of UILM metalworkers union, said on Tuesday that the Italo-French carmaker had just informed workers' representatives. The Melfi plant, which employs more than 7,000 workers, makes the Jeep Compass and Renegade models, some of Stellantis' bestsellers in Europe. A spokesman for the carmaker said the group has been taking decisions on operations on a day-by-day, plant-by-plant basis since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lomio said that the plant had produced only 130,000 cars so far this year due to the global semiconductor shortage. This makes it certain that full-year output will stay below the 190,000 units produced in pandemic-hit 2020, he said. (Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari, editing by Alvise Armellini and Bernadette Baum) The man behind a far-right anti-government militia whose members breached the halls of Congress on 6 January, 2021 said they made a stupid decision to do so. While testifying in his own defence in a trial on charges of seditious conspiracy against the government, Stewart Rhodes denied that his Oath Keepers militia had ever planned to storm the US Capitol, after federal prosecutors spent the last several weeks reading dozens of text messages showing the groups members preparing for violent action that day. He also denied instructing the groups counsel to tell members to delete those potentially incriminating messages, claiming that she acted on her own. I told her to exercise their right to remain silent and to stop blabbing, he said about Kellye SoRelle, who was separately charged for her role in the Capitol riots. She took it upon herself to add that part of the message. It didnt come from me. Later, despite Ms SoRelles insistence that they were not, he claimed that we were dating. After a federal prosecutor asked him whether he exerted some control over Ms SoRelle, he smirked. Do we have to get into kink, really? he replied. Outside the bedroom, shes definitely a type A. Inside the bedroom, she switches to a sub. Previously in the trial, prosecutors shared text messages that suggested the two were involved in a romantic relationship. In his first full day of testimony, Mr Rhodes claimed that Oath Keepers who breached the halls of Congress went off mission from the groups goal that day: to protect and escort groups in Washington DC to protest what Mr Rhodes has falsely characterised as the unconstitutional 2020 presidential election. But some of those Oath Keepers are his co-defendants. I think it was stupid to go into the Capitol, he told the jury in federal court. 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. Story continues Rhodes claimed he was in a relationship with the groups counsel something she has denied (AP) Mr Rhodes claimed one of his co-defendants, Kelly Meggs, went off mission by entering the Capitol. He said there were roughly 100 members of the group in Washington DC that day, as a mob of Donald Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol to forcefully overturn the 2020 presidential election in an attack fuelled by the former presidents baseless narrative of widespread voter fraud. I didnt want them getting wrapped up into all the nonsense with Trump supporters, Mr Rhodes told the jury. My goal was to make sure that no one got wrapped up in that Charlie Foxtrot going on inside the Capitol. Mr Rhodes has insisted that he encouraged and prepared for then-President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act But he said that he had nothing to do with a quick reaction force of weapons stashed in a nearby hotel room in Virginia, which lawyers for Mr Rhodes had previously argued was to be used in the event Mr Trump used the Insurrection Act to call up the groups arms. Investigators and federal prosecutors have presented reams of evidence, including text messages and video, appearing to show Oath Keepers energising supporters for weeks after the 2020 election with violent rhetoric. On cross examination on Monday, assistant US attorney Kathryn Rakoczy sought to debunk Mr Rhodes rosier depiction of the Oath Keepers founding, arguing that the group envisioned forcible opposition of the government from the start. She also doubted that Ms SoRelle would have relied on Mr Rhodes name without telling him in her instruction to Oath Keepers to delete what would become evidence of conspiracy. Ms Rakoczy also showed him a series of messages he shared with Mr Meggs and others in which he seemed to be aware of a quick reaciton force. We WILL have a QRF, he wrote. This situation calls for it. Last week, prosecutors shared a covertly recorded audio clip from four days after the Capitol riots in which Mr Rhodes said that his only regret was that he did not bring rifles with him that day. He also said he would f****** hang House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from the lamppost. When asked if his comments were rhetoric or bombast on Monday, Mr Rhodes said of course it was. I had a couple drinks along with Kellye, he said. I was concerned about what I saw happen in 2020 and concerned about the same agenda to really pull a coup. Sudanese security forces fired tear gas Tuesday as they confronted thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators in the capital Khartoum, an AFP correspondent said. Protesters chanted "No to military rule" as they marched towards the presidential palace, denouncing a coup last year led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan that derailed a transition to civilian rule. Burhan seized power in October 2021 and arrested civilian leaders appointed following the 2019 ouster of long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir, plunging Sudan into a political and economic crisis. "We will not stop until the military power is toppled and replaced with a civilian government," said protester Hadia Mohammed. "We will not leave the streets until we achieve the goals of the revolution: liberty, peace and justice," said Samer Omar, another activist, draped in a Sudanese flag and wearing a yellow helmet for protection. Eyewitnesses said thousands also demonstrated in the city of Wad Madani, south of Khartoum, and Gedaref in the east. Security forces have cracked down on near-weekly protests since the 2021 coup, resulting in at least 119 deaths, according to pro-democracy medics. Since the military power grab, activists have warned that several Bashir-era loyalists had been appointed to official positions, including in the judiciary, which is currently trying the former dictator. Burhan's pledge of elections next year is seen as far-fetched, and no civilian leaders have taken up the mantle of the army chief's promised civilian government. Meanwhile, experts said a surge in ethnic violence in recent months has highlighted a security breakdown in Sudan, with the United Nations reporting over 370 people killed in clashes and at least 210,000 forced from their homes this year. In Sudan, one of the world's poorest countries, a third of the country's 45 million inhabitants suffer from hunger, a 50 percent increase compared with 2021, according to the World Food Programme. ab/sar/sbh/ami/pjm Cases of rape routinely make headlines in India Ten years ago when a 19-year-old Delhi woman was found gang raped and murdered in the fields of the neighbouring state of Haryana, it was described as a "rarest of rare" case. Indians were shocked by news reports which detailed the brutality to which the teenager - named Anamika in court documents as her real name could not be revealed under Indian law - had been subjected. Three men, arrested for the crime, were found guilty and given the death penalty by a trial court in 2014 and the Delhi High Court confirmed the sentences a few months later. But on Monday, in a stunning reversal, the Indian Supreme Court set the men free, saying there was no "cogent, clinching and clear evidence" that they had committed the crime. The three-judge bench raised serious questions about the police investigation, criticised the sessions court for "glaring lapses" in the trial and said the judge had acted like a "passive umpire". The decision has angered the victim's parents, shocked activists and lawyers and led to outrage on social media in a country where tens of thousands of rapes are reported every year. "This is what justice looks like in India 2022," one Twitter user wrote, sharing a photo of the woman's dejected father. Some compared the top court's decision with a recent order by the Gujarat state government to release convicts who were serving life sentences for the gang rape of Bilkis Bano, a pregnant Muslim woman, and the murder of her relatives during 2002 religious riots in Gujarat state. Anamika's father told me that his "hopes of getting justice were dashed in minutes". "We had waited for 10 years for justice. We had faith in the judiciary, we believed that the Supreme Court will confirm the death penalty and my daughter's killers would be finally hanged," he said. The 19-year-old lived in Chhawla, a lower middle-class rural area in south-west Delhi. In January 2012, she started a job at a call centre in Gurgaon, a suburb of the capital, and was the sole breadwinner for her family. Story continues "She had just received her first salary and was thrilled," says anti-rape activist Yogita Bhayana, who has been supporting the family in their fight for justice for the past eight years. On the night of 9 February 2012, Anamika was returning home from work with three friends when she was abducted by men in a red car. The gruesome crime made headlines in India after her partially burnt, horribly mutilated body with signs of torture was found four days later. India rapes During trial, the prosecution argued that the case against the accused was watertight - they said they had found the wallet of one of the three men at the crime scene, that the suspects had confessed to the crime and had led the police to the body and helped recover the victim's clothing. DNA samples collected from blood stains, semen and hair found in the seized car proved that the accused and the victim had been in the vehicle, they added. The trial court convicted the men and gave them the death penalty two years later. While confirming their death sentence, the high court described the accused as "predators". But Monday's 40-page Supreme Court order, authored by Justice Bela Trivedi, questioned the evidence presented by the prosecution and said it was possible that it had been tampered with. Pointing out a "number of inconsistencies and contradictions in the evidence of the police and in the testimonies of the formal witnesses", the court said: The accused were not identified in court by the victim's friends or a male witness who had tried to fight the kidnappers. The Delhi police claim about the "discovery of incriminating articles such as a piece of the car's bumper and wallet containing documents of one of the accused" were not seen in the first pictures from the crime scene. Haryana police, who had reached the scene first, did not mention these items in their report. The items were not mentioned in the seizure memo of the investigation officer. A phone the police recovered was never shown to the woman's father to confirm whether it really belonged to his daughter. It was not conclusively proved that the red car seized by the police was the same in which the crime had been committed. The circumstances of the arrests were questionable. Non-examination of some of the accused had "created a cloud of doubt". The court also said that the evidence taken from the car was sent for forensic examination on 27 February - almost two weeks after it was seized. "Under the circumstances, the possibility of tampering with the samples could not be ruled out," she wrote. Acknowledging that "if the accused in a heinous crime go unpunished, a kind of agony and frustration may be caused to the society in general and to the family of the victim in particular", the order said that the "prosecution has failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt and we have no alternative but to acquit the accused, though involved in a very heinous crime". The BBC has emailed top Delhi police officials for comment. Tens of thousands of rapes are reported in India every year Charu Wali Khanna, the lawyer for Anamika's family who assisted the prosecution, told me the order would be challenged in the Supreme Court with a review petition. "This judgement is very vague and it raises these hyper-technical issues. It says the evidence could have been tampered with, but it does not indict the police," she said. "The order says there was no clinching evidence, but they disregarded a lot of evidence that was against the accused." Anamika's father, who works as a security guard at a school, told me he had gone to the court straight from work on Monday after his night shift. Ms Bhayana, who waited outside the court with the parents while the judgement was read out, spoke of the anger and disappointment they felt. "I'm heartbroken, I don't have the words to explain how I feel. So you can imagine how the parents must feel," she told me. Ms Bhayana said she "didn't even have 1% apprehension" that something like this could happen and had been assuring the family that this was "the end of the road" in their fight for justice. "But it's all collapsed around us. When the lawyer messaged me informing about the order, my first reaction was of disbelief. I thought I must've misheard." Ms Bhayana says if the Supreme Court had concerns about the investigation, they could have reopened the case, ordered another investigation, or handed over the case to the federal police. "The fact is that a young woman was gang raped and brutally murdered. The court must provide some kind of remedy to her family," she says. Anamika's father, meanwhile, is bewildered. "Mere upar to vajr gir gaya [I have been hit by the bolt from the sky]," he told me. "What has the Supreme Court done? The courts did not have any doubts for 10 years. So how did everything suddenly become a lie?" he asks. "Everyone says India is not safe for its girls. After this court order, no girl in India will be safe. This will embolden criminals further," he says. Read more India stories from the BBC: WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed unlikely to agree to overturn decades of precedent in a case about civil rights lawsuits, a result that would preserve the ability of individuals to use federal law to sue. The justices had been asked to use a case about a nursing home resident who claimed a violation of his rights to more broadly limit the right to sue. The justices were told that result could leave tens of millions of people who have rights under federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid without access to the courts. But members of both the court's six-justice conservative majority and three-justice liberal wing seemed to have little appetite to rule broadly in the case. Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed out the repercussions of doing so. Neither the federal government nor the states can possibly investigate and remedy every violation of these rights that are given to people, she said, adding that federal law speaks clearly that people have a right to go to court. Why shouldn't we just respect our precedent? she asked. The court was being asked to say that when states agree to accept federal money to provide services so-called spending clause legislation for programs like Medicare and Medicaid they shouldn't face lawsuits from individuals over civil rights violations unless the legislation itself gives states clear notice they're subject to lawsuits. But the court has previously said that a section of federal law Section 1983 applies universally to give people the right to sue government workers when they violate rights created by any federal statute. The specific case the justices heard involves the interaction of Section 1983 and the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act, a 1987 law that outlines requirements for nursing homes that accept federal Medicare and Medicaid funds. The court is being asked to answer whether a person can use Section 1983 to go to court with claims their rights under the nursing home act are violated. Story continues On that narrower question, it wasn't clear the court would rule Section 1983 lawsuits are permitted. Justice Brett Kavanaugh said that the nursing home legislation says rights over and over again but also noted that there's a separate administrative process set up for people to complain when their rights are violated. What's wrong with an administrative process ... if it's comprehensive and works?" He asked at one point. Biden administration lawyer Benjamin Snyder told the court that Congress did not intend to allow Section 1983 lawsuits when it enacted the nursing home legislation. Snyder said most nursing homes that participate in Medicare and Medicaid are private facilities. That means residents of those facilities can't sue under Section 1983 but only have access to administrative remedies. He argued it wouldn't make sense for different rules to apply to government-run facilities. The specific case in front of the court involves Gorgi Talevski, who was a resident of Valparaiso Care and Rehabilitation, a government nursing home in Indiana. His family says the nursing home found it difficult to care for Talevski, who had dementia, and so gave him powerful drugs to restrain him, then involuntarily transferred him to another facility. Talevski's family sued under Section 1983, saying his rights had been violated. A trial court dismissed the case, but a federal court of appeals said it could proceed. Talevski died in 2021. A lawyer for the family, Andrew Tutt, told the court that a Section 1983 lawsuit was the family's last resort and that it is a life-saver for people who cannot actually make effective use" of administrative remedies in the law. The case is Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County v. Talevski, 21-806. Suzie Price's campaign; Rex Richardson's campaign; Insider Long Beach city council members Suzie Price and Rex Richardson are vying to become the city's next mayor. Both Price and Richardson have been a part of the city council since 2014. Current Mayor Robert Garcia announced in December 2021 that he wouldn't run for a third term and would instead run for Congress. Suzie Price is running against Rex Richardson in Long Beach, California's mayoral race. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Mayor Robert Garcia, the current leader of Long Beach, announced in December 2021 that he would not be running for a third term in office. Instead, he's running to represent the state's 42nd Congressional District in the US House of Representatives on the Democratic ticket. Price has been a member of the Long Beach City Council since 2014, where she is the chair of the council's Port, Transportation, Infrastructure Committee and the vice chair of its Public Safety Committee. In addition to her work on the city council, Price is also a senior assistant district attorney with the Orange County District Attorney's office. According to her campaign website, Price is running on a platform addressing both the "spike in both violent and property crimes" in Long Beach and the city's homelessness crisis. Richardson, Price's opponent, has also served on the Long Beach City Council since 2014. Richardson has received endorsements from several members of the city council in addition to the mayor, Garcia. If elected, Richardson's website says he also plans to try and alleviate the homelessness crisis in the city, hire additional police officers and firefighters, and help ensure that "immigrant communities have equal access to economic and social opportunities. Read the original article on Business Insider (Bloomberg) -- Swedens new leader is making progress toward convincing Turkey hes serious about meeting Ankaras demands in exchange for being let into NATO, according to two Turkish officials familiar with the matter. Most Read from Bloomberg Stockholm made fresh concessions just days before a key meeting between Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan scheduled for Tuesday. Kristersson will seek to persuade his opposite number to lift objections to Swedens entry to the alliance, and ratify the application made alongside neighboring Finland following Russias invasion of Ukraine. The Swedish government on Saturday agreed to distance itself from Kurdish groups viewed as terrorists by Turkey -- one of two NATO countries yet to back membership -- after earlier approving arms exports to the nation. The steps need to remain in place after joining the alliance, said the officials, who asked not to be named while speaking about a confidential matter. We will do a lot more in Sweden, Kristersson said in a post on Facebook on Monday. New legislation will provide entirely new possibilities to stop participation in terrorist organizations, he said, referring to a revamp of anti-terror legislation put in motion by his predecessors. Turkish officials, however, remain unconvinced. Tuesdays meeting is critical, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told journalists on Monday evening. While Sweden and Finland have taken some steps to secure Turkeys approval for their NATO bid, its difficult to say theyve fulfilled their pledges at this stage. Outstanding Objections Turkey has been objecting to the two Nordic countries joining NATO, but an agreement hammered out in Madrid in June allowed the process to move forward, and 28 of 30 allies have since ratified their entry. Still, the cooperation between Sweden and Kurdish groups has remained a sticking point for Turkey. Hungarys approval is also pending. Story continues Erdogan is facing elections next year and is keen to consolidate nationalist support by pressuring the Nordic nations to crack down not only on supporters of the Kurdish PKK militant group -- already designated a terrorist organization by the European Union and the US -- but also on affiliates such as the YPG militia in Syria. While the YPG, backed by Western nations, played a significant role in defeating Islamic State jihadists in Syria, Turkey accuses the group of attacking its soldiers near the countries border. Kristersson won a vote in the Swedish parliament to become the next prime minister last month, enabling his nationalist-backed coalition to start governing the Nordic regions largest economy. --With assistance from Firat Kozok and Beril Akman. (Updates with comments from Cavusoglu in fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Swedens new prime minister pledged Tuesday to work toward countering terrorism" threats to Turkey, as his government seeks Turkey's approval for his countrys NATO membership bid. Sweden and Finland abandoned their longstanding policies of military nonalignment and applied for NATO membership this year after Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February, fearing that Russian President Vladimir Putin might target them next. But Turkey, which joined NATO in 1952, has not yet endorsed their accession, which requires unanimous approval from existing alliance members. The Turkish government has accused Sweden and to a lesser degree Finland of ignoring its security concerns. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government is pressing the two countries to crack down on individuals it considers terrorists, including supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, and people the government suspects of orchestrating a failed 2016 coup in Turkey. My government was elected just a few weeks ago on a mandate to put law and order first, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said during a joint news conference with Erdogan. And this includes countering terrorism and terrorist organizations like the PKK in Sweden. This is why I want to reassure all Turks: Sweden will live up to all the obligations made to Turkey in countering the terrorist threat before becoming a member of NATO and as a future ally, he said. Erdogan said he welcomed the new Swedish governments commitment to meeting obligations that were agreed between Turkey, Sweden and Finland ahead of a NATO summit in June but said his country wanted to see concrete steps. Erdogan also described as a positive step a decision by Sweden to lift an arms embargo imposed following Turkey's 2019 incursion into northern Syria to combat Kurdish militants. Sweden wants NATO membership for its own security. We want to see a Sweden that supports our security concerns being met, Erdogan said. Story continues The Turkish leader said at least four individuals wanted by Turkey had been deported, but would not say how many more Ankara wanted. Erdogan said however, that a former journalist wanted for alleged links to the 2016 coup attempt should be extradited. Earlier, Turkish parliament speaker Mustafa Sentop said Sweden still has many steps to take before Turkey's parliament can approve its NATO membership. Sentop claimed that groups that Ankara considers to be terrorists were still able to conduct propaganda, financing and recruitment activities in Sweden. Sweden's new center-right government is taking a harder line not just toward the PKK, but also toward the Syrian Kurdish militia group YPG and its political branch, PYD. Turkey regards the YPG as the Syrian arm of the PKK. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told Swedish Radio there were close links between the PKK and the YPG/PYD, so Sweden would therefore keep a distance from Syrian groups in order not to harm relations with Turkey. Members of Sweden's previous Social Democratic government criticized the comments. Former Justice Minister Morgan Johansson called the new governments handling of the NATO accession process worrying and acquiescent. Kurds in Sweden were also critical. Kurdo Baksi, a Kurdish writer who has lived in Sweden for decades, called Billstrom's remarks disrespectful, given the sacrifices that Syrian Kurds made in fighting the Islamic State group. Around 100,000 Kurds live in Sweden, while Finland is home to 15,000 Kurds. In Syria, PYD spokesperson Sama Bakdash accused Turkey of supporting terrorist factions in Syria. We believe that the Swedish governments bowing to Turkish blackmail contradicts the principles and morals of Swedish society and the humanitarian attitudes that characterized Sweden, she said. All 30 NATO member countries must officially ratify the accession protocol for Finland and Sweden to join, but the parliaments of Turkey and Hungary have yet to do so. Last week, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg traveled to Turkey and urged the country to set aside its reservations, insisting the Nordic neighbors had done enough to satisfy Ankaras concerns. ___ Karl Ritter in Stockholm, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark and Hogir Al Abdo in Raqqa, Syria contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP's coverage of NATO at https://apnews.com/hub/nato ANKARA (Reuters) - Sweden's new prime minister vowed on Tuesday a firmer stance on fighting crime and terrorism during a visit to Turkey where he will seek the approval of President Tayyip Erdogan for his country's bid to join NATO. Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in May in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But NATO member Turkey raised objections, citing security concerns related to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and other groups, and over the Nordic states' ban on arms exports. The three countries signed a memorandum in June that lifted Turkey's veto while requiring Sweden and Finland to address its remaining concerns. "I think the new government will have an even firmer approach in (relation to) the NATO application from Sweden," Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told reporters in Ankara during a visit to the Turkish parliament. "One of this government's main priorities is fighting crime, fighting organized crime, fighting the connection between organized crime and terrorism," he said. Erdogan, who has previously accused Sweden of harbouring PKK militants, was set to host Kristersson at the presidential palace later on Tuesday, with a news conference scheduled for 1530 GMT. YPG MILITIA Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said on Saturday his country's new government would distance itself from the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in its bid to win Turkey's support for its membership of the Western defence alliance. Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the PKK, which launched an insurgency against the Turkish state in 1984 and is designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. Sweden, along with the United States and several other NATO countries, has supported the YPG in its fight against Islamic State. Turkey has vowed to block Sweden's application if it doesn't stop. The application has been approved by 28 of NATO's 30 countries. The Nordic countries said this week they were optimistic that Hungary would also drop its objections. Story continues "Sweden wants to join NATO to enhance our own security, but Sweden also wants to be a security provider for others," Kristersson said. "Turkey has very legitimate demands on every new NATO member to be a true security provider also for the other allies." In a letter sent a month ago and seen by Reuters, Stockholm told Ankara it had taken "concrete action" to address Turkey's concerns, including stepping up counter-terrorism efforts against Kurdish militants. (Reporting by Mert Ozkan and Daren Butler; Editing by Ece Toksabay and Gareth Jones) China has vowed resolute opposition to any efforts by Taiwan to combine with external forces and pursue independence, Reuters reported citing a spokesperson of its foreign ministry. The remarks came in response to a query about a plan announced this week by Taiwan to invest more than 10 million ($10 million) towards chip production in Lithuania. Tension in the Taiwan Strait is due to authorities of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) colluding with external forces, the spokesman, Zhao Lijian, added at a regular briefing in the Chinese capital of Beijing. Also Read: Taiwan Reasons Why It Is Futile For US And China To Harm TSMC 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, Bloomberg reports. The opening comes a year after the government in Taipei opened an office in Lithuania's capital. China responded by downgrading diplomatic relations with the EU Baltic state over the office's 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. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd (NYSE: TSM) suspended the production of advanced silicon for Chinese startup Biren Technology to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations. TSMC, which makes most of its chips in Taiwan, cut its annual investment budget by at least 10% for 2022 and struck a more cautious note than usual on upcoming demand. Price Action: TSM shares traded higher by 2.90% at $64.58 in the premarket on the last check Tuesday. See more from Benzinga Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better. 2022 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (AP) Bold proposals to confront climate change were floatedand ignored or rejected. The often bogus net zero claims by companies and local governments were called out. And the fate of an activist on a water and hunger strike continued to get attention, though the Egyptian government showed no signs of backing down. These were some of the top storylines Tuesday at the U.N. climate summit being held in the Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Known as COP27, the gathering of world leaders comes at a time of contrasts, competing needs and competition for attention. Extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, are becoming more frequent and destructive. At the same time, the war in Ukraine has upended the green energy policies of many countries. And add to it all competing news events, such as the Midterm elections in the United States. All of these realities were palpable in the arguments leaders made. TREATY ABOUT FOSSIL FUELS While the science of climate change is well established, and leaders have been debating how to confront it for decadesthis is the 27th summit, after allgreenhouse gas emissions continue to go up. At the same time, many people, from climate scientists to the secretary general of the United Nations, have repeatedly said that the world must not undertake new projects to produce fossil fuels. Instead, the world must move toward cleaner forms of energy, such as wind, solar and nuclear, on a bigger scale. Against that backdrop, Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano had a proposal: a non-proliferation treaty to stop future production of fossil fuels. We all know that the leading cause of climate crisis is fossil fuels, said Natano, adding: Its getting too hot and there is very (little) time to slow and reverse the increasing temperature." Nations like Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation impacted by climate change, has moral authority at climate talks. But the prospects of getting such a proposal to gain traction are slim. Indeed, the idea didn't get much engagement. Story continues CARBON PROFITS TAX A bold proposal that did garner vigorous interaction centered around the idea of taxing global corporations that are making big profits amid rising energy prices since Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this year. Profligate producers of fossil fuels have benefited from extortionate profits at the expense of human civilization, said Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda. Browne then cited a bit of Macbeth by William Shakespeare to underscore his frustration with a lack of action by developed nations that are most responsible for the emissions that warm the planet. Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time. And all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death, Browne said. Other leaders made clear they were not interested in talking taxes. I think this is not the place now to develop tax rules, but rather to jointly develop measures to protect against the consequences of climate change, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters. GREENWASHING CALLED OUT Companies and local governments have made bold promises to slash emissions and get to net zero by a certain date. There are potential problems with those claims, however, starting with the reality that zeroing out emissions doesn't necessarily mean that polluting by a certain company goes down. After all, a company can pollute and then pay to offset their emissions by supporting projects, such as tree planting, and get their net emissions to zero. That dynamic was one of many reasons that a UN group on Tuesday released a report with recommendations so that net zero promises don't end up undermined by false claims, ambiguity and greenwash. Among several recommendations: businesses cant claim to be net zero if they continue to invest or build new fossil fuel supplies, are responsible for deforestation or other environmentally destructive projects or buy carbon offset credits that don't have rigorous standards. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who never minces words, certainly didn't when talking about the need for reform. Using bogus net zero pledges to cover up massive fossil fuel expansion is reprehensible. It is rank deception, said Guterres. This toxic cover-up could push our world over the climate cliff. The sham must end. EGYPTIAN ACTIVIST The sister of imprisoned pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah on Tuesday warned journalists that she feared the Egyptian government would force-feed her brother to avoid the embarrassment of him dying while the spotlight was on the country. Abdel-Fattah, jailed much of the last decade, added a water strike to his ongoing hunger strike to coincide with the beginning of the summit. Force feeding is torture. Nothing should happen against his will as long as hes able to say to say so, sister Sanaa Seif told The Associated Press on the sidelines of the conference. Seif, who has been imprisoned in Egypt for her activism in the past as well and now lives in Britain, came to Sharm el-Sheikh to raise her brothers case, speaking to international media and other activists. Amnesty International warned that he could die within days if not freed. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have raised the activists case in their talks with the Egyptian leader, their offices said. Still, the government doesn't appear ready to budge. Speaking to the U.S. news channel CNBC on Monday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukry said Abdel-Fattah would be provided the health care that is available to all inmates. He said that the hunger and water strike was a matter of a personal choice and suggested it might not be real. ___ 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. US graphics card giant Nvidia is offering a new chip specially-designed for the Chinese market, which will allow it to continue to sell its products to customers in China while still complying with new US export control requirements, the company said. The new A800 graphic processing unit (GPU) is an alternative to its A100 chip that the US government has barred from sale to Chinese clients without approval. Reuters first reported the existence of the new product, which was later confirmed by the Santa Clara-based Nvidia. "The Nvidia A800 GPU, which went into production in Q3, is another alternative product to the Nvidia A100 GPU for customers in China," an Nvidia spokesman said in a statement. "The A800 meets the US government's clear test for reduced export control and cannot be programmed to exceed it." 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. In August, Washington banned Nvidia from selling the A100 and its more powerful H100 data centre GPU to China-based customers without a licence, as part of a larger US effort to ramp up controls on China's access to advanced chips. Nvidia's latest product is a sign that the company is trying to balance commercial interests with Washington's strategic containment of China. The country accounts for about one quarter of Nvidia's total gross sales. Third-quarter sales losses from the ban were estimated at about US$400 million, the company said earlier. A Beijing-based chip distributor told the South China Morning Post that it has already started promoting the A800 to Chinese clients as an alternative to the A100, which was introduced in 2020. Nvidia has played a pivotal role in supplying the chips that power China's progress in artificial intelligence (AI), data analysis and high performance computing. As such, the US ban dealt a heavy blow to the country's ability to develop sophisticated AI models, which are trained using powerful processors from US suppliers such as Intel and Advanced Micro Devices, as well as GPUs from Nvidia. Story continues Nvidia's data centre business, which includes the two advanced chips, posted 61 per cent year on year growth and US$3.8 billion in sales in the quarter ended June 2022. Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang holds one of the company's new RTX 4090 chips for computer gaming in this undated photo provided September 20, 2022. Photo: Handout via Reuters alt=Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang holds one of the company's new RTX 4090 chips for computer gaming in this undated photo provided September 20, 2022. Photo: Handout via Reuters> As China grows into a global AI powerhouse - with nearly one million businesses claiming a connection to AI - the country has become a "very large market" for Nvidia, according to company founder and CEO Jensen Huang. Huang, a Taiwanese American entrepreneur, said in a press conference in September that China continues to present significant growth opportunities, even with the export restrictions on its most advanced chips. The Bureau of Industry and Security, under the US Commerce Department, rolled out a sweeping set of export controls in October, aimed at freezing China's advanced chipmaking capabilities. The new rules significantly tighten export restrictions on advanced chips above certain technical thresholds, as well as controlling the export of tools needed to design and fabricate such chips. 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. Dear Sophie, I was laid off and Im on an H-1B. I have enough savings to survive for a while. What should I do if I have been let go from my job? I am on an H-1B, have an approved I-140 and an I-797 that expires in March 2024. If I have to leave the U.S., can my current I-797 be transferred to my next employer? Are there any issues I should be aware of? Upended & Unemployed The seasons won't change for another 43 days, but in San Francisco, it already feels like winter. As an offshore weather system brings gusts and downpours, local employers like Twitter, Lyft, Stripe, Brex, Opendoor and Chime are laying off thousands of employees. This week, Meta will reportedly announce the first large-scale staff cuts in its history. Full TechCrunch+ articles are only available to members Use discount code TCPLUSROUNDUP to save 20% off a one- or two-year subscription For tech workers who are immigrants, this is an especially fraught time, as their ability to remain in the U.S. is conditional on their employment. Most visa holders have a 60-day grace period after an unexpected layoff, but with thousands of skilled workers hitting the market at once, the clock is ticking. We usually run Silicon Valley-based immigration attorney Sophie Alcorns column on Wednesday, but in light of current events, we ran it yesterday (without a paywall). First order of business: If you've been impacted, dont delay. Start looking now for a new position, and tell everyone in your network that youre open to work. At a job interview, be direct about your need to transfer your H-1B to a new employer. If the company is not willing to sponsor you, move on, advises Sophie. Ideally, you should accept a job offer no more than 45 days into your 60-day grace period unless you have applied for another fallback status because it can take several weeks to prepare and file the H-1B transfer. Brace yourself: More layoffs are coming. Update your resume, save as much money as you can and, most importantly dont panic. Story continues Thanks for reading, Walter Thompson Editorial Manager, TechCrunch+ @yourprotagonist 2023 will be the year of cyber-risk quantification Risk configurable toggle switch. Position high low; cybersecurity risk Image Credits: Olemedia (opens in a new window) / Getty Images Myriad factors determine a company's valuation, and cybersecurity is one of them. Public companies that experience a breach tend to see a -3.5% drop in stock value after the news goes public. That's why cyber-risk quantification (CRQ) "has slowly grown from a nice-to-have to become the foundation for addressing the most critical concerns about a business cybersecurity posture," writes John Chambers, founder and CEO of JC2 Ventures. How ButcherBox bootstrapped to $600M in revenue Mike Salguero at ButcherBox's dry ice factory Mike Salguero at ButcherBox's dry ice factory. Image Credits: ButcherBox Grocery delivery service ButcherBox ran a Kickstarter campaign in 2015 to identify customers who wanted to receive 100% grass-fed beef. Since then, the company "has seen $600 million worth of revenue without taking a penny of external investment," reports Haje Jan Kamps, who spoke to CEO and co-founder Mike Salguero about how the founding team bootstrapped their D2C startup. "I was meeting meat farmers in parking lots, buying a couple of trash bags full of meat Im sure that didnt seem sketchy at all," he said. "But it was too much meat for my freezer, so I ended up selling the excess meat to friends or people I was working for." New data show how SaaS founders have been dealing with whiplash from public markets Group of people moving data together. Image Credits: puruan / Getty Images According to OpenView Venture Partners 2022 SaaS benchmarks report, "an overwhelming majority of respondents are slashing spending regardless of cash runway." In this year's survey, which covered 660 companies, OpenView operating partner Kyle Poyar and senior director of growth Curt Townshend found that "the rule of 40 is back," as the need to generate profits has overtaken investors' obsession with growth. "Achieving 40 each quarter is not required, they concluded. "But it is required to have a grasp on what caused a drop or spike, and what can be done to get to 40 long term." How to land investors who fund game-changing companies (L-R) Tim De Chant, Senior Climate Writer, TechCrunch+, Gene Berdichevsky, Co-founder & CEO, Sila, Erin Price-Wright, Partner, Index Ventures and Milo Werner, General Partner, The Engine, speak onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt 2022 on October 19, 2022 in San Francisco, California. Image Credits: Kelly Sullivan / Getty Images A SaaS startup can conceivably find product-market fit within a few months of launching, but companies that work with hardware and robotics may wander in the pre-revenue wilderness for years. To learn more about how investors approach risk when it comes to emerging technology, Tim De Chant moderated a panel at TechCrunch Disrupt with Milo Werner (general partner, The Engine), Gene Berdichevsky (co-founder and CEO, Sila) and Erin Price-Wright (partner, Index Ventures). "Hire people to do the technical stuff," said Berdichevsky. "Keep an eye on it, but then go learn the other pieces." Story at a glance The San Francisco Bay Area experienced the fastest economic growth in 2022, followed by Austin, Texas, and Seattle. The growth was due in large part to success in technology sectors and U.S. residents migrating to southern and western regions of the country. In comparison, Milwaukee ranked at the bottom of the list as its economy shrunk by 0.5 percent. The shift to high-tech jobs, migration to the West and South, and the recovery of leisure and hospitality sectors following the COVID-19 pandemic are all behind economic growth seen in the United States largest metropolitan areas in 2022, according to new research from the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise. The findings are part of the Institutes American Growth Project, an initiative aimed at amassing economic data and analyses on the countrys towns, cities and counties. As part of the project, researchers ranked the countrys top 50 extended metropolitan areas (EMAs) based on the speed of their economic growth in 2022. The San Francisco Bay Area ranked first, as the areas GDP grew by 4.8 percent in 2022. It was followed by Austin, Texas; Seattle; Raleigh and Durham, N.C.; and Dallas. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to Silicon Valley, one of the most popular locations for tech start-ups a fact that likely fueled the growth seen in the region throughout 2022. America is changing faster than ever! Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news. However, potential hiring freezes and layoffs in this sector could hit the region hard, while sharp jumps in the number of active real estate listings as well as measures of homebuyer demand and competition indicate the regions housing market is among the fastest declining nationwide, authors wrote. As more Americans emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic with a travel bug, the economies of popular destinations like New Orleans also reaped the benefits. Between August 2021 and August 2022, the citys leisure and hospitality services grew by 6 percent, putting it ninth on the list of fastest-growing economies. Story continues Meanwhile, tourism to the many theme parks in Orlando, Fla. and its popularity as a trade show destination put the region in the 10th spot. Its economy grew by 2.4 percent in 2022. Researchers also assessed population totals and growth, noting that in total, 216 million people live in the largest 50 EMAs, which is 65% of the U.S. population. These regions account for more than 72 percent of the nations economic activity each year, amounting to around $18 trillion in GDP. By population, the largest EMA is New York, which encompasses parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania. More than 23 million individuals reside in this EMA and collectively generate more than $2 trillion in economic activity annually. Each EMA experiences different labor market conditions, authors explained, but an economic slowdown in 2023 could take a toll on the individual microeconomies. Normally, manufacturing and construction falter the most during recessions, especially ones in which the Federal Reserve jacks up rates, the report reads. Higher mortgage rates and auto loans continue to squeeze demand, but we still face a housing shortage and automakers remain unable to keep up with demand. However, any long-term shift towards reshoring, or bringing American manufacturing jobs back from overseas, could benefit regions like Detroit, Denver and Dallas. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 recession, the technology sector experienced one of the strongest recoveries. Whether the sector can weather a future recession remains to be seen, while any significant downturns could affect the tech-heavy economies of Austin and San Francisco. Additional unknown circumstances, like the future of the war in Ukraine, could also affect micro-economies. For example, should Ukraine cause a significant military rebuild, it could boost the fortunes of Virginia Beach Va., an area with a large defense presence, or move No. 11 San Antonio, Texas, home to the nations largest joint base, into the top 10 fastest growing micro-economies, authors speculated. The Institute is a nonpartisan business policy think tank associated with the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MILAN (Reuters) - The head of Telecom Italia (TIM) on Tuesday signalled he still backed a turnaround plan centred on the spinoff of its landline grid in the face of an alternative project championed by an aide to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Unveiled in July, TIM Chief Executive Pietro Labriola's plan is mostly based on a potential multi-billion euro sale of its fixed network infrastructure to state lender CDP. In turn, CDP would combine the assets with those of its own fibre optic unit Open Fiber to create a national broadband champion under its control. "The sale of the network assets would allow our services operations to compete through the market," Labriola told a business conference, adding the creation of a unified broadband network with Open Fiber is a key pillar for TIM. Alessio Butti, responsible for telecoms policies in Meloni's Brothers of Italy party, has criticized TIM's plan to sell its landline grid. Instead, he has called on CDP to pursue the creation of national wholesale-only network champion by taking over TIM in its entirety under a plan dubbed "Minerva". TIM last month extended talks with Treasury-owned CDP over a offer for the phone's group landline grid until the end of November but said the negotiations would continue on a non-exclusive basis. "We believe, regardless of the eventual agreement with CDP, that this business unit is a separate entity that can be evaluated with criteria that are typical for infrastructure companies", Labriola said. TIM, the former national phone monopoly, is struggling to cut a 25 billion euro debt pile. Sponsored by the previous government of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the single network project is now being reviewed by the centre-right government that took office last month. Newly-appointed cabinet undersecretary Butti on Saturday said he would start talks with state lender CDP, TIM and other stakeholders over his plan, reigniting speculation of a government-sponsored takeover. Story continues Under the Minerva project, TIM would retain the network while hiving off its services operations and its Brazil-listed unit. However, Labriola, a former head of Tim Brazil, on Tuesday described the unit as Telecom Italia's "crown jewel", which ensures a vital contribution to the group's core profit. (Reporting by Elvira Pollina; Editing by Keith Weir) Getty Images; Insider Ten candidates will be on the November ballot for Oakland, California's mayoral race. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Incumbent Mayor Libby Schaaf, a Democrat, is leaving office following two consecutive four-year terms, which is the maximum an Oakland mayor can serve. While Oakland's mayoral election is nonpartisan, the city has a history of electing Democrats and Democratic-leaning politicians to fill the mayoral position. The 10 candidates vying to replace Schaaf are: former councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente, former Oakland Unified School District board member Gregory Hodge, paralegal in the California Attorney General's office Tyron Jordan, District 7 Oakland City councilmember Treva Reid, retired carpenter John Reimann, neighborhood organizer Seneca Scott, District 6 councilmember Loren Taylor, District 4 councilmember Sheng Thao, Alyssa Victory Villanueva, and Peter Yuan Liu, an Army veteran who's had unsuccessful runs for Oakland mayor and California governor. Like many local races, the top issue is how to tackle the city's crime problem. Homicides in Oakland were up more than 50% in 2021, when the number of murders peaked at 100 for the first time in a decade. Last month, the shooting of a 60-year-old man marked the city's 100th death by violence. Other top issues include dealing with the city's homelessness and affordable housing crises. The nonpartisan election will be held using ranked-choice voting, which allows voters to rank up to three candidates, in order of preference, when marking their ballots. Read the original article on Business Insider Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group (SGX:T14) Third Quarter 2022 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: CN1.79b (up 4.5% from 3Q 2021). Net income: CN260.2m (up 31% from 3Q 2021). Profit margin: 14% (up from 12% in 3Q 2021). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. EPS: CN0.34 (up from CN0.26 in 3Q 2021). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group shares are up 2.0% from a week ago. Risk Analysis It is worth noting though that we have found 1 warning sign for Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group that you need to take into consideration. 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 Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Dilek Ertek, a wealthy 71-year-old Turkish distributor for the luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co., fell to her death off of a Norwegian cruise ship on October 26th under mysterious circumstances, The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday. Her body has not yet been recovered, and experts are reportedly stumped over the puzzle of how the 52 Ertek could have fallen over a 3-foot-high guard rail on the ship into the South Pacific off the coast of Tahiti. Her son, Gokce Atuk, said jewelry had gone missing from the safe in his mother's cabin, the Mail reported. What Does LVMH Get From Buying Tiffany for $16.2 Billion? Ertek had been celebrating her birthday on the Norwegian Spirit ship during a South Sea Islands holiday with a partner at the time of her death. According to Turkish news source Hurriyet Daily News, CCTV footage from the cruise ship indicates that Ertek fell from the ocean liner at around 3 a.m. on the morning of the 26th. Her 74-year-old partner did not report her missing until 20 hours later, prompting the ships crew to keep the unnamed Swiss man under observation until the ship docked in Tahiti three days later, the Hurriyet Daily News reported. Erteks partner was next questioned by Tahiti police before ultimately being released due to lack of evidence, the Daily Mail reports, and Erteks lawyers are now filing suit against the operator of the cruise ship, as well as arguing that is the responsibility of the country of Tahiti to continue leading the investigation into the circumstances of her death. According to the Turkish news outlet Sabah, an unnamed officer working on the Norwegian Spirit Cruise ship has been speaking out about Erteks death on social media. Safety on board is a really important issue, the officer reportedly said. Precautions are taken into consideration right from the shipbuilding phase. Balconies are made entirely of glass and have railings. Their height easily reaches the chest level of a medium-sized person. It is not possible to fall. In order to jump, you need to make an effort because it is not easy to put your foot on [the balcony]. You have to get on [a] chair. Its also unlikely that someone intoxicated will fall. Story continues Ertek reportedly began building her fortune in 1995 when she opened the first Tiffany & Co. store in Istanbul, Turkey, and went on to serve as the key distributor of the brands luxury jewels in her home country for more than two decades. On Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2022, Norwegian Spirit was notified that a 68-year-old female guest went overboard while the ship was sailing in the Pacific Ocean on its way to French Polynesia, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line told The Daily Beast on Tuesday. The authorities were notified and the United States Coast Guard conducted a search and rescue operation. The investigation is ongoing and we will share updates as appropriate. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time. The Daily Beast reached out to Tiffany & Co. for comment. 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. TikTok has become notorious for making people famous. In a recent viral video, a deli has become popular because of a viral video referencing their chicken salad. It Is Indeed A Chicken Salad The words its a chicken salad have had social media in a chokehold, and now, people are flooding the doors of East 81st St. Deli in Cleveland, Ohio, to try the delicacy that triggered this recent sensation. The clip shows Tanisha Godfrey enjoying a chicken when she suddenly says, Yall better come up here and get one of these. Although the video might seem basic to some, people quickly gravitated to its content. The person filming the video asks Godfrey what she is eating, and she promptly responds, Its a chicken salad, and then proceeds to share what is in the delicacy and, most importantly, where she got it. Godfrey then goes into detail about what is in her food I got chicken, pickles, banana peppers, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions , she enthusiastically says. @lizzo S/O oh my soul in NC YALL kept messing up my delivery but it was bussin original sound 81stdeli Although the video was posted earlier in the fall, it only started gaining traction in October and has since amassed a mega viewership of over 17 million, with celebrities like Lizzo and Tia Mowry also getting in on the action. The social media reactions and viral views have enabled the deli to grow its business. Wael Herbawi, the owner of the deli, told TODAY that ever since the video got the attention of multiple people, his business has tremendously grown. Herbawi has since shared a slew of TikToks showcasing people coking into the establishment to buy food. In a conversation with TODAY, Godfrey told the publication that the viral video was unplanned and organic, and she did not make the video with the knowledge that it would eventually go viral. We did not expect that at all, said Godfrey. I had got off work. Because it was hot, I was like, I dont want anything heavy. So I stopped at the store like I normally do. And I was like, Hey, you guys make salad now, right? And (Herbawi) was like, Yes. So I was like, Can I get a chicken salad? and I gave him the extra things to put in. And once he was done, it was a beautiful salad. So he said, Hey, lets make a TikTok. And thats where it started, Godfrey stated. Although many would unassumingly view the video as regular social media content, in the world of social media, you just dont know what might go viral. This graphic shows the phases of the Nov. 8 total lunar eclipse in Pacific Time. (NASA / GSFC SVS) If youre on the West Coast, watching tonights total lunar eclipse will require a willingness to stay awake in the middle of the night plus a lucky break on the weather. But maybe its worth taking a chance: The next opportunity to take in the sight of a blood-red, eclipsed moon wont come until 2025. And even if its cloudy, you can hedge your bets by tuning in NASAs live stream of the event. Lunar eclipses occur when Earth and the moon are positioned such that our planet blocks out the sunlight falling on the lunar surface. During a partial eclipse, only a portion of the moon goes dark. Totality occurs when the moon passes directly through the darkest part of Earths shadow, known as the umbra. The partial phase of tonights eclipse begins at 1:44 a.m. Tuesday, with totality lasting from 2:17 to 3:42 a.m. During the total phase, the only light falling on the moons near side will come from the reddish light refracted by Earths atmosphere. Put more poetically, its the light from countless sunrises and sunsets. Unlike total solar eclipses, which can be seen only along a narrow track of territory, lunar eclipses can be seen by half a world at once. Tonights zone of totality is centered around the Pacific Rim and takes in Japan and Australia as well as Alaska and Ecuador. Viewing prospects are, shall we say, less than ideal for Western Washington: The National Weather Services sky cover forecast for Seattle suggests that skies will be 80% clouded over during prime time. Youd have to drive east of Moses Lake to better your odds significantly. Fortunately, NASA is planning online coverage of the eclipse starting at 1 a.m. PT featuring video from vantage points around the zone of totality, plus an interview with NASA lunar scientist Noah Petro. Who knows? All this talk about totality just might get you fired up about the total solar eclipse thatll be visible over parts of the U.S. on April 8, 2024 and the next total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025. Story continues More from GeekWire: As Tropical Storm Nicole approaches Florida, some local school districts are making schedule changes. Orange County: Orange County Public Schools will have regular early dismissal on Wednesday. The district said there will be no school Thursday and Friday. There will also be no extracurriculars or extended day programs Wednesday through Friday. TS NICOLE UPDATE: Regular early dismissal Weds 11/9. No school Thurs and Fri 11/10 or 11/11. No extracurriculars or Extended Day W - F. Info to come on football playoffs and makeup days. pic.twitter.com/J5gIMSHMrC ocpsnews (@OCPSnews) November 8, 2022 Flagler County: Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt announced that Flagler County Public Schools will have an early release Wednesday, Nov. 9. All schools will start at their regular times. Middle school students will be released at 12 p.m. High school students will be released at 1 p.m. Elementary school students will be released at 2 p.m. Extended day programs at our elementary schools will be open until 4:30 p.m. All other afterschool programs, including athletics, will be canceled Wednesday. Classes and all campus or district activities for Thursday, November 10th, are canceled. Friday, November 11th, remains a holiday in observance of Veterans Day. Seminole County: District officials have announced that Seminole County Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday: Closed on Nov. 9 Thursday: Closed Nov. 10 Friday: Closed Nov. 11 All after-school activities on these days have also been canceled. Brevard County: Brevard Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, district officials said. Wednesday: Closed on Nov. 9 Thursday: Closed Nov. 10 Friday: Closed Nov. 11 (Veterans Day holiday) Story continues All Brevard Public Schools and District offices will be closed beginning Wednesday, 11/9, through Thursday, 11/10, due to Tropical Storm Nicole. All school activities, events, and programs for these two days are canceled. BPS is already closed Friday, 11/11, for Veterans Day. pic.twitter.com/NT4n9PMr2z Brevard Schools (@BrevardSchools) November 8, 2022 District officials added that all school activities, events, and programs for Wednesday and Thursday are canceled. BPS reminded parents and students that schools were already scheduled to be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day. Osceola County: All Osceola County public schools will release early on Wednesday and will be closed on Thursday. Wednesday: Early dismissal on Nov. 9 Thursday: Closed Nov. 10 Friday: Closed Nov. 11 (Veterans Day holiday) Monday: Classes resume on Nov. 14 The district reminds parents that Wednesday is already an early release day, and that schools will now release an additional hour earlier to ensure our students have time to get home safely. Officials said that after-school care, activities and events will conclude at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday when all schools and district offices close. No Osceola School District employee should report to work on Thursday unless directed by their supervisor. All schools and district offices will be closed on Friday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day. Classes are expected to resume on Monday, November 14th, according to district officials. Parents and community residents are encouraged to monitor the districts website and social media pages for any further school district updates. Parents will receive call-out messages and texts with updated information. As deteriorating weather conditions are anticipated, all Osceola public schools will be closed on Thursday, November 10th. Parents are also advised that all schools will release one hour earlier than normal on Wednesday, November 9th. More info: https://t.co/VjmvGulV73 pic.twitter.com/MpaCzen841 Osceola Schools (@Osceolaschools) November 8, 2022 Volusia County: All Volusia district public schools will be closed for two days Wednesday and Thursday due to Tropical Storm Nicole. There will be no school-sponsored activities during the two days schools and administrative offices are closed. The district said no Volusia School District employee should report to work on Wednesday or Thursday unless directed by their supervisor. Read: Central Florida coast urged to make full hurricane preparations ahead of Nicoles impact Marion County: Marion County Public Schools is cancelling school Thursday and all extra-curricular activities starting Wednesday afternoon with the exception of Marion Afterschool Programs. The district plans to reopen all schools, departments, and district offices Friday on normal schedules pending weather and safety inspections Thursday afternoon and evening. Sumter County: Sumter County classes will be canceled Thursday, Nov. 10. All employees will be off. Updates will be posted on the district website at www.sumter.k12.fl.us. At this time, no shelters will be opened. Colleges & universities: University of Central Florida In anticipation of Tropical Storm Nicole, UCF will suspend campus operations and all classes, including online classes, Wednesday, Nov. 9, and Thursday, Nov. 10. UCF is already scheduled to be closed on Friday, Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day. Seminole State College All Seminole State campuses are closed and classes, including online, are canceled Wed, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 11. Lake-Sumter State College In anticipation of impacts from Tropical Storm Nicole, Lake-Sumter State College will close all campus locations and cancel all classes and activities beginning at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9. The college will be closed on Nov. 10 and continue to be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11. LSSC will reopen on Monday, Nov. 14. The College of Central Florida Due to Tropical Storm Nicole the College of Central Florida will be closed Thursday, Nov. 10 for all in-person and online classes, as well as business operations, will be canceled. The college will also be closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day. Valencia College All Valencia College campuses will close on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. and remain closed Thursday, Nov. 10. Students and staff can find storm-related updates here. In anticipation of #TropicalStormNicole, Valencia College will close on Wed., Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. and remain closed Thurs., Nov. 10. Most classes will not meet on Friday in honor of Veterans Day. pic.twitter.com/t9DM0x7chE Valencia College (@valenciacollege) November 8, 2022 FAMU Orlando College of Law The College of Law in Orlando is closed Wednesday Nov. 9 and Thursday, Nov. 10. The University will resume normal operations on Monday, Nov. 14. Eyewitness News is monitoring Central Florida districts, colleges and universities and will update information as it comes into our newsroom. 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. Justin Trudeau Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused China of attempting to interfere in the country's elections. Mr Trudeau accused Beijing of playing "aggressive games" with democracies and of targeting Canadian institutions. It comes as local media report that Canadian intelligence identified a "clandestine network" of Beijing-backed candidates at recent elections. At least 11 candidates were supported by China in the 2019 federal elections, officials reportedly told Mr Trudeau. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said it has "no interest" in Canada's internal affairs. Citing unnamed intelligence officials, local broadcaster Global News reported that Beijing had directed funds to the candidates and that Chinese operatives had acted as campaign advisers to many candidates. In one case, funding of C$250,000 (160,000) was directed through the office of an Ontario-based provincial MP. The operation, which was reportedly directed from China's consulate in Toronto, also sought to place operatives within the offices of serving MPs in an attempt to influence policy, the outlet alleged. And efforts were also made to "co-opt and corrupt" former Canadian officials in a bid to gain influence within political circles. The attempted interference is believed to have targeted both major political parties - Mr Trudeau's Liberal party and the opposition Conservative party. However, it is unclear whether the operation was successful. "We have taken significant measures to strengthen the integrity of our elections processes and our systems, and will continue to invest in the fight against election interference, against foreign interference of our democracies and institutions," Mr Trudeau told reporters on Monday. "Unfortunately, we're seeing countries, state actors from around the world, whether it's China or others, are continuing to play aggressive games with our institutions, with our democracies," he added. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China has no interest in meddling in Canadian elections. Story continues "State-to-state relations can only be built on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," he told a press briefing. "Canada should stop making remarks that hurt China-Canada relations," he added. The reports come after authorities said they were investigating accusations that China had opened unofficial "police" stations on Canadian soil. Last month, Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they were investigating reports of "criminal activity in relation to so-called 'police' stations", which have also been reported in a number of European countries. Several EU states, including Ireland and the Netherlands, have already ordered China to close the police posts, which have reportedly been used to pressure opponents of the government to return to China and face criminal charges. Dutch media found evidence that the so-called overseas service stations, which promise to provide diplomatic services, were being used to try to silence Chinese dissidents in Europe. Former president Donald Trump almost defected from Truth Social to join a rival platform called Gettr launched by former aide Jason Miller, a Washington Post report has revealed. The report detailed the meeting Mr Trump had with the co-founders of his post-presidential startup Trump Media & Technology Group Andy Litinsky and Wes Moss while also pondering a competing offer from Mr Miller who met the former president on 11 June last year, a day that came to be called the meltdown day by the founders of Truth Social. Mr Millers final offer to Mr Trump for joining the conservative app included $100m and potentially more over five years to post on Gettr, the people familiar with the episode told the Washington Post. But finally, the former president stayed with Truth Social, a decision that he has indicated to allies he is stuck with now, according to the report. According to traffic analysis group Similarweb, in September, Truth Social had fewer than 1.7 million monthly unique visitors in the United States -- much lower than the websites for the crypto news source CoinDesk, the drugstore chain CVS Health and the internal job-listing page for Walmart, the report said. On the contrary, Twitter had more than 184 million monthly unique visitors in the United States in the same month. If Mr Trump decides to launch his presidential bid, he will need a larger audience which Truth Social doesnt provide. Trump has told his allies that he cant leave Truth Social, because hes propping it up, and he doesnt want a site so closely associated with his brand to collapse, the Post reported. Elon Musk, Twitters new owner, had stated that he would reinstate Mr Trumps account although the former president said he would not return even if he was invited back. If I choose to run, I will only use Truth, Mr Trump told Fox News on the day after Mr Musk officially took over Twitter. When I put out a Truth, it is all over the place. The platform feels like home, he said, and he likes the way it works. Story continues Last year, if Mr Trump had defected from Truth Social, it would have triggered a meltdown of everything that Mr Litinsky and Mr Moss had created. The WaPo report says that Trump Media lawyers scrambled to mount a counterattack, according to people familiar with the episode. The Trump Media & Technology Groups co-founders wrote in their daily log about Trumps possible defection: Would Trump really do a side deal? Sources: Donald Trump tells allies that he can't leave Truth Social for Twitter because he's propping it up and doesn't want the brand to collapse (Washington Post) https://t.co/jRTeqPS2TD #TwitterTalk Matthew Owen (@mowenranger) November 8, 2022 Company whistleblower Will Wilkerson shared the internal documents with the government and the WaPo reporters. Shannon Devine, Trump Media spokesperson, responded by saying that the Washington Posts obsessive series of conspiracy theories about Truth Social read like the jealous projections of a failing newspaper because the Post is, in fact, a failing newspaper envious of our undeniable popularity. Last month, Google added the Truth Social app back to Play Store nearly two months after it banned it due to a violation of its content moderation policies. On 19 August we notified Truth Social of several violations of standard policies in their current app submission and reiterated that having effective systems for moderating user-generated content is a condition of our terms of service for any app to go live on Google Play, a Google spokesperson said. Eric Lynn's campaign; Chris O'Meara/AP Photo; Insider Republican Anna Paulina Luna won the open seat for Florida's 13th District. Republican Anna Paulina Luna has Trump's support in the race. Democrat Eric Lynn is a former national security advisor painting himself as a centrist. Republican Anna Paulina Luna defeated Democrat Eric Lynn for Florida's 13th Congressional District. Republican Anna Paulina Luna turned a blue US House seat red as she ran for the open seat in Florida's 13th Congressional District against Democrat Eric Lynn. The seat was vacant because Democrat Charlie Crist resigned his seat to run for governor against Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Majority of polls have closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time. Given the state has multiple timezones, the first polls have closed at 7 p.m. EST and the last polls closed at 8 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Florida's 13th Congressional District candidates Luna is an Air Force veteran and former model who went on to become the director of conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA, and is a podcast host with Gingrich 360. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Luna during the primary and she also has the support of MAGA firebrands Rep. Matt Gaetz and Charlie Kirk, Turning Point's founder. Lynn is a former national security advisor in the Pentagon under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Libertarian Frank Craft also ran. Voting history for Florida's 13th Congressional District Luna unsuccessfully challenged Crist for the seat in the 2020 election, and with his resignation Republicans see an opportunity to turn the district which includes St. Petersburg red. Joe Biden won the district during the 2020 presidential race, but DeSantis proposed a redistricting bill this year that the GOP-controlled Florida legislature passed, and now the map leans more Republican. The money race Luna has raised nearly $3 million, spent $2.6 million, and has about $480,000 cash on hand, as of October 19, according to the nonpartisan money-in-politics organization OpenSecrets. Story continues Lynn has raised $2 million, spent more than $1.5 million, and has about $592,000 cash on hand, as of October 19. As of November 4, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups had together spent more than $15.3 million to advocate for and against candidates in this race, including during its primary phase. This ranks the race on the higher end of the spectrum for outside spending. Progress Pinellas, a pro-Lynn super PAC funded by billionaire investor Justin Ishbia, accounts more more than half of the race's outside spending. What experts say The race between Luna and Lynn was rated as a "likely Republican" by Inside Elections and "likely Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider AP Images; Insider Republican Geoff Diehl ran against Democrat Maura Healey in Massachusetts' gubernatorial race. The state has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election cycle since 1988. Healey has now flipped the Massachusetts governor's office. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, the first openly LGBTQ state attorney general in the nation, has defeated former Republican state Rep. Geoff Diehl in the state's gubernatorial election. The current governor, Republican Charlie Baker, decided against seeking a third term. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Massachusetts' gubernatorial candidates Diehl previously served the state's 7th District as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Prior to running for public office, he worked in advertising and television production and later served as a business development executive. Diehl was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Healey has served as the state's attorney general since 2015. After earning her law degree from Northeastern University, Healey clerked for Judge David Mazzone in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Prior to her time as attorney general, she was a junior partner at the international law firm Wilmer Hale and also served as a special assistant district attorney in Middlesex County, where she tried drug, assault, domestic violence, and motor vehicle cases. Healey is the first openly gay person and the first woman elected governor of Massachusetts. (Gov. Jane Swift was the first woman to serve as Massachusetts governor, from 2001 to 2003, but she did not win her own term.) Massachusetts' voting history Massachusetts backed President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump by 34 percentage points in 2020. Since 1988, Massachusetts has voted for the Democratic candidate in every presidential election cycle. This race was also one of six Republican-held governorships up for election in a state carried by Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Unlike in the presidential election cycle, Massachusetts has voted for the Republican candidate in every gubernatorial election cycle since 1990, excluding 2006 and 2010. Story continues The money race According to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, Diehl had raised $1.1 million, spent $927,992, and has $88,507 on hand, as of October 24. Healey had raised $4.6 million, spent $4.3 million, and had $3.6 million of cash on hand, as of October 24. What experts say The race between Diehl and Healey was rated "likely Democratic" by Inside Elections, "solid Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider At the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which kicked off last week, U.S. enterprises continue to be a large presence, longing for further investment and cooperation in the Chinese market. Among exhibitors from 145 countries, regions and international organizations, nearly 200 U.S. companies are attending this year's CIIE, U.S.-China Business Council President Craig Allen told Xinhua. American companies are pleased with the results of the participation and want to grow with the expo -- the world's first import-themed national-level expo, Allen said. U.S. enterprises continue to tap into the Chinese market. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, in 2021, total bilateral trade increased by 17.6 percent over 2020, and China was the fourth-largest U.S. goods trading partner, the fourth-largest U.S. export market and the largest source of U.S. imports, when the European Union is considered as one trading partner. Top U.S. goods exports to China include semiconductor chips and equipment, agricultural products, aircraft, gas turbines and advanced medical devices, while top U.S. imports from China include consumer electronics, appliances and other consumer goods, it said. For advanced countries, besides China's huge market, what matters even more is that China offers high-level expertise "that they cannot find anywhere else," said Khairy Tourk, a professor of economics with the Stuart School of Business at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. As China has seen fast technological progress and "is already setting standards in many fields," the expo is "the best platform" to get information on advances in new areas such as high-end manufacturing, new materials and new electronics, he said. The CIIE has become a "one-stop platform" for enterprises to showcase their technologies and solutions, debut their flagship innovative products, expand investment in China and expand cooperative partnerships, Yu Feng, president of Honeywell China, told Xinhua. It's the fifth consecutive year that Honeywell, a U.S. industrial conglomerate, has attended the expo. With a long history of development in China that dates back to 1935 with its first franchise in Shanghai, it was one of the first global companies to join the first CIIE in 2018. At the past four CIIEs, Honeywell displayed nearly 100 innovative technologies, products and solutions and debuted many of them. This year, Honeywell plans to display more than 60 innovative products and ready-now solutions that cover five areas including energy transformation, aviation, intelligent building, smart supply chain management and life science. Thanks to the CIIE's effect as a high-quality platform, Honeywell in the past years has continued to expand investment in China and build closer ties with more Chinese partners, said Yu. Currently, all Honeywell's business groups are represented in China, its largest single market outside the United States and one of the company's most important sources of growth. Yu said the CIIE has continuously motivated Honeywell to "turn exhibits into commodities" and "turn exhibitors into investors." Echoing Yu's remark, Tourk said the expo has brought buyers and sellers together and gives them firsthand knowledge on investment opportunities. U.S. enterprises also value the stability and predictability of the Chinese economy. "It is enjoying steady, positive growth, a stable currency, a financially strong foundation. That's why it is a very attractive country to invest in," said Tourk. Taking the CIIE as an opportunity, Honeywell, one of the world's top 500 companies, established in 2020 a wholly-owned subsidiary in the central Chinese city of Wuhan as its headquarters for mass-mid segment business in China, which reflects the company's long-term determination to develop in China, Yu said. "China is a significant market for our international business and having a presence at CIIE demonstrates our commitment to our stakeholders and valued partnerships here," said Jason Smith, senior vice president of Allergan Aesthetics, a pharmaceutical company in medical aesthetics headquartered in the United States. After attending the expo last November for the first time, Allergan Aesthetics decided to build an innovation center in Shanghai, which was launched in September with an aim to train 2,000 healthcare professionals every year. "Allergan Aesthetics has maintained a great momentum of development for more than 10 years since it entered China, and in recent years has rapidly become one of the important growth engines in the Asia-Pacific region and even the global business," said White Wang, the company's area vice president of Japan and Asia-Pacific. With more and more enterprises across the world showing interest, the expo has manifested China's opening-up across more areas and in greater depth. As the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China held last month has said, China has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions, it leads the world in total volume of trade in goods, and it is a major destination for global investment and a leading country in outbound investment. China is doing its best to keep its market open and attract foreign investment, like removing foreign ownership caps on some financial sectors, Tourk said. "What China has proposed is a different type of globalization; that is the globalization based on development. It points to a direction that is to create prosperity for all of mankind," said William Jones, Washington bureau chief of the U.S. publication Executive Intelligence Review. Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Legacy Sports USA on October 09, 2022 in Mesa, Arizona. Mario Tama/Getty Images Political violence experts warn that Trump and his allies are fomenting a dangerous climate. They're normalizing "aggression and violence" against political opponents, an extremism researcher said. "Republican campaign ads have been riven with violent language and imagery," an expert on political violence said. A home invasion and violent attack against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband prompted renewed concerns about the contentious political climate in the US and the potential for more political violence surrounding the midterm elections. Pelosi is one of the Democrats most vilified by former President Donald Trump and his far-right allies. Experts on extremism and political violence warn that Trump and his MAGA compatriots are fomenting a dangerous climate that increases the likelihood that opponents of the GOP will be targeted with violence, underscoring that the threat extends well beyond midterms. "I am quite concerned about violence surrounding the midterms, but I think it would be a mistake to assume that the threat of violence stops after the midterm elections," Kurt Braddock, a professor of public communication at American University who studies far-right extremism, told Insider. "Regardless of the outcomes of the elections, certain beliefs and norms have been cultivated (particularly among the far-right elements of the Republican party) that tacitly approve of aggression against targets on the left." Since Trump entered the White House in 2017, far-right politicians and pundits have "grown increasingly emboldened to use language that purposefully or incidentally normalizes aggression and violence against political enemies," Braddock said, emphasizing that the effects of that normalization don't end with the midterms. "It's an issue we will be contending with for some time," Braddock said. Shannon Hiller, the head of the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton University, told Insider that she's confident US elections will remain safe and secure including the midterms. Story continues "What I'm more concerned about is the post-election period, when these persistent, unfounded claims of election fraud and calls for violence could intersect to spur individuals to violent action," Hiller added, "This is part of what our research showed following the 2020 election where local officials of both parties faced really awful threats and harassment especially in states where leaders pushed these unfounded claims. It's one reason why we call on all officials and leaders across the country to reject this type of rhetoric." 'Millions of Americans believe violence is justified' An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of President Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC on January 6, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis Throughout Trump's presidency, top experts on democracy and political violence offered routine warnings that he was stoking a dangerous climate in the US that could spiral out of control. The fatal riot at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, which was largely provoked by Trump's lies about the election, offered ample evidence that their concerns had been well-founded. Nearly two years after the Capitol riot, they haven't stopped ringing alarm bells particularly as Republicans continue to target their opponents with incendiary rhetoric. "Republican campaign ads have been riven with violent language and imagery," Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for Peace and expert on political violence, told Insider. Kleinfeld emphasized that pro-Trump Republicans have not just been going after Democrats, but also anyone in the party perceived as disloyal to Trump (often referred to as RINOs, or "Republicans in name only"). Republicans like Reps. Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, who refused to embrace Trump's effort to overturn the election and sit on the House January 6 select committee, have faced levels of demonization similar to prominent Democrats like Pelosi, as well as death threats. "It's actually hard to get regular people to commit violence, but it's made easier when people are made to seem less than human, they are turned into threats, and violence is posited as defensive. MAGA politicians have been doing all three," Kleinfeld, who testified before the House committee investigating January 6, said. David DePape, the man accused of attacking Paul Pelosi with a hammer, allegedly broke into the couple's San Francisco home looking for the House Speaker and intended to take her hostage. DePape allegedly told police he was "sick of the insane fucking level of lies coming out of Washington, DC" and that he wanted to have a little chat with the speaker. San Francisco's District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said the attack was "politically motivated." Kleinfeld said the attack Pelosi's husband was an example of stochastic terrorism, or an act of violence in which the perpetrator is inspired by language or rhetoric that dehumanizes and demonizes the targeted group or individual. As one of the most powerful Democrats in Washington for years, Pelosi has been one of the biggest targets of violent far-right rhetoric and conspiracy theories. Prominent far-right figures, including Trump and Fox News' Tucker Carlson, have spread conspiracy theories about the Pelosi attack suggesting, without evidence, that there's more to story. It's part of a broader trend. DePape had shared an array of conspiratorial content on social media, including posts that echoed Trump's false claim the 2020 election was stolen. "We are now at a point where millions of Americans believe violence is justified as a defensive measure, and are convinced by movements such as Q that their enemies are satanic or inhuman," Kleinfeld said, adding, "A religious revival of Q imagery has been traveling the country with General Michael Flynn, Trump's son, and other supporters in advance of the midterms, spreading this belief that a fight between good and evil is underway. This is dangerous stuff." 'Political violence is here to stay' A member of the Proud Boys wearing a t-shirt that reads "death to liberals" stands with other Proud Boys in Freedom Plaza during a protest on December 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images Braddock, the far-right extremism researcher at American University, said it's clear that the attacker was targeting the House Speaker and that the perpetrator was "motivated by ideas that are often amplified by elements of the far-right," which includes elected officials and pundits. Trump devotees treat Pelosi the highest-ranking Democrat in office during Trump's presidency as the "prime villain in far-right disinformation and conspiracies," Braddock said, adding that this was especially clear on January 6 when "right-wing extremists" stormed the Capitol building and sought her out. The attack on Paul Pelosi followed the same track, but on a smaller scale. By sowing doubts about the integrity of US elections and lashing out at people tied to his legal woes and warning that there will be "big problems" if he's indicted Trump continues to speak to "a part of his constituency who are looking for a reason to become violent," Braddock warned. Trump has a massive audience and millions of people listening to what he says. Even if he doesn't mean to incite violence, when Trump uses provocative language it's "likely that at least a few of his devoted followers will interpret what he says as actual calls to violent action," Braddock said. "This form of political violence is here to stay. It is clear that many parts of the right-wing have no problem amplifying information that paints political adversaries to be 'dealt with,'" Braddock said, "Until those parts of the right-wing disavow manifest violence and abandon rhetoric that normalizes it, we will continue to see these kinds of attacks." Read the original article on Business Insider Donald Trump Drew Angerer/Getty Images Former President Donald Trump said Monday night at an election eve rally in Ohio that he will make "a very big announcement" on Nov. 15 at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. "We want nothing to detract from the importance of tomorrow," he added. Trump will presumably announce his candidacy for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, after months of thinly veiled hints. The fact that Trump didn't go all the way was due in large part to "a scramble Monday in the Republican Party," The Washington Post reports. "Trump told people close to him Monday that he might announce his candidacy" at Monday night's Ohio rally, the Post reports, citing three people familiar with the discussions. "The remarks prompted a chain of phone calls from party leaders who have tried for months to keep Trump from announcing until after the midterms." They succeeded in talking him out of making the announcement, the Post adds, "by telling him it would get buried under election news and he'd get more attention later." Republican leaders were concerned that Trump making his candidacy official before the midterms "would gin up Democratic turnout, particularly in razor-thin Senate races where the control of the chamber is in the balance," the Post reports. "But Trump has been determined in recent weeks to get credit for the midterm results should Republicans do well, and according to advisers, he has grown frustrated watching the large crowds and energy for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis," whom he views as his main rival for the GOP nomination. Trump also reportedly wants to launch his campaign before a Justice Department indictment. "It just boggles the mind why [Trump] would hand that to Democrats at this late hour," one Republican strategist told the Post. "Making the conversation about himself and risking losses across the map that otherwise might have been wins would be a bad way to two-step into a presidential race." You can read more about the Trump-GOP tensions at The Washington Post. Story continues You may also like Russian uproar over reported mass troop casualties in disastrous battle gets rare official response Russia's 'catastrophic' missing men problem Is it time to quit Twitter? A lawyer for former President Trump sent a public message to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Monday, telling him to stay in his own state instead of running for president. DeSantis is DeSantis because of Trump, said New Jersey attorney Alina Habba at a Trump rally in Dayton, Ohio, referring to the former presidents endorsement of the governor. He needs to stay in Florida. DeSantis is widely rumored to be planning a run for president in 2024, where he would likely come up against Trump in the Republican primary. At the same Dayton rally, Trump said he would make a very big announcement on Nov. 15 at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. There had been whispers that Trump might declare a 2024 bid on Monday evening, on the eve of Election Day, but he said, We want nothing to distract from the importance of tomorrow. Trump jabbed at DeSantis, who is expected to easily win reelection on Tuesday, during a Pennsylvania rally over the weekend, referring to him as Ron DeSanctimonious. In 2024, most importantly, we are going to take back our magnificent, oh-so-beautiful White House, said Trump at Saturdays rally. Habba continued on Monday to speak to DeSantis over television, telling him: Dont jump the gun. Hes not ready yet. He needs to stay in Florida, she said, to which fellow Trump lawyer Christina Bobb agreed 100 percent. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Donald Trump is pushing baseless claims of voter fraud and calling for his followers to protest before the midterm polls have even closed. The former president made his claims undermining the election results via Truth Social on Tuesday afternoon after turning out to vote in Palm Beach, Florida. Mr Trump spoke to reporters after casting his ballot, revealing that he voted to re-elect Governor Ron DeSantis - days after attacking him on the campaign trail. At his last rally before the midterms on Monday night in Ohio, Trump promised he will make a big announcement on 15 November, setting the stage for another presidential campaign. But according to reports, he was originally planning to make the announcement last night and was only talked out of it by Republican leaders panicked that he could turn Election Day into a referendum on him. Speaking at the rally, Mr Trump described Joe Biden as cognitively impaired and called House Speaker Nancy Pelosi an animal for impeaching him twice for nothing. Key points Trump delays 2024 announcement until after midterms despite election eve tease Crowd cheers as Trump attacks Nancy Pelosi after assault on House speakers husband Will Trumps scandal-plagued Senate endorsements come back to bite the GOP? Trumps rumoured announcement gets people talking... Trump leaves DeSantis out of election night congratulations speech 13:00 , Gustaf Kilander Florida Governor Ron DeSantis won reelection by a 20-point margin, 15 points above Mr Trumps win in the 2020 presidential race in the Sunshine State. At his victory party, supporters chanted two more years as they pushed the governor to run for president in 2024 before the end of his gubernatorial term. Mr Trumps election night event was subdued by a tropical storm moving towards Mar-a-Lago. On Wednesday morning, the private club was in a mandatory evacuation zone, according to The Washington Post. The former president made a brief speech on Tuesday night, thanked the press for attending, bragged about candidates he endorsed winning their races, and congratulated some Republicans who had won and some who were in the lead as ballots were being counted. Story continues But he didnt mention Mr DeSantis. Trump goes to bed celebrating a great evening 12:30 , Andrew Naughtie Having truthed steadily as last nights results came in, Donald Trump rounded off the evening by celebrating a great night specifically, for the candidates he endorsed and accusing the media of spinning the result against him. Given whats transpired in the intervening six hours, it is not clear if he will feel the same way when he wakes up. Lara Trump tees up father-in-laws comeback 12:00 , Andrew Naughtie Donald Trumps famously upbeat daughter-in-law Lara, married to his son Eric, has come out swinging for the former president despite the blow last night will have dealt to his reputation as a sure winner: Lara Trump: If there is ever a time people are ready for Donald Trump to come back, it could be right now pic.twitter.com/7FTKUWyj9d Acyn (@Acyn) November 9, 2022 Another reason for Trump to worry 11:30 , Andrew Naughtie A resentful and humiliated Republican Party is far from Donald Trumps only problem after last nights suprising results. As Politicos Kyle Cheney reports, there are now two full years in which his myriad legal troubles can engulf him: In addition to the absence of a red wave, Trump wakes up today with two menacing criminal probes no longer shackled by election season and a Congress less poised than expected to run interference for him. And the Jan. 6 committees report / evidence dump is a month away. Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) November 9, 2022 Among the figures most intimidating to the former president is New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is suing him and his company for allegedly engaging in multi-million dollar tax fraud in their real estate business. She was handily re-elected last night, as expected. Maroosha Muffazar reports: Trump taunted as arch-enemy Letitia James re-elected JD Vance drops Trump from victory speech 10:58 , Andrew Naughtie Ohio Senate candidate and now senator-elect JD Vance was one of Donald Trumps success stories in this years primaries, shooting to the top of the field after the ex-presidents endorsement but how hes won his race, he has forgone the most obvious opportunity to express his gratitude: J.D. Vance did not mention Trump during his victory speech tonight, @AlliemalCNN confirms. Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) November 9, 2022 Unlike many right-wing candidates running in vulnerable seats, Mr Vance at no point pivoted away from Trump-style rhetoric in the general election, instead doubling down on numerous relatively extreme positions. ICYMI: Trump reveals he voted for Ron DeSantis 09:00 , Megan Sheets Trump turned out to cast his ballot in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday. The former president, joined by his wife Melania, briefly spoke to reporters as he emerged from the polling place, revealing that he had voted to re-elect his rival Ron DeSantis. I think were going to have a great night, its going to be great for the country, he said of the elections at hand. No matter who you vote for, you have to vote. Its so important. This is going to be a very important election. Hopefully the right thing will happen. Mr Trump also coyly replied to a query about his own election ambitions in 2024, dropping another hint at when he will announce his presidential run. I think Tuesday [15 November] will be a very exciting day for a lot of people, and I look forward to seeing you at Mar-a-Lago, he said. The Independents Gustaf Kilander has more: Trump votes for DeSantis as his team tells governor to stay in Florida Trump allies win bigly 07:54 , Io Dodds Whatever the overall results, many of Mr Trumps personal allies have prospered in todays voting. Marco Rubio, Matt Gaetz, JD Vance, and former Trump PR aide Sarah Huckabee Sanders all enjoyed strong showings, writes my colleague John Bowden in Washington DC. Read Johns full story here. ICYMI: Trump unleashes on Truth Social after voting 07:00 , Megan Sheets After casting his vote in Florida, Donald Trump unleashed a flurry of election-related posts on Truth Social. In one, he outlined all of the candidates hes endorsed this election cycle, touting those endorsements as TRUMPS UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS. He then wrote: Reports are coming in from Arizona that the Voting Machines are not properly working in predominantly Republican/Conservative areas. Can this possibly be true when a vast majority of Republicans waited for today to Vote? Here we go again? The people will not stand for it!!! In another post, the former president added: EVERYBODY, GET OUT AND VOTE. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Then came: Pennsylvania just announced that it could take days to determine the winner. This is outrageous! Subsequent posts read: Another big voter tabulation problem in Arizona. Sound familiar??? The Absentee Ballot situation in Detroit is REALLY BAD. People are showing up to Vote only to be told, sorry, you have already voted. This is happening in large numbers, elsewhere as well. Protest, Protest, Protest! Maricopa County in Arizona looks like a complete Voter Integrity DISASTER. Likewise Detroit (of course!), Pennsylvania, and other places. Not being covered by the Fake News Media! Who will emerge as the true Maga king? 06:09 , Io Dodds Who will be the true Maga king after tonight's dust has settled? My colleague Andrew Buncombe explores the growing rivalry between Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis. "Two clear indications of how Trump may feel threatened by the younger, Yale-educated DeSantis emerged this week," writes Andrew. "On Saturday he tested a mean-spirted nickname for the Florida governor 'Ron DeSanctimonious' the kind of thing he did when he felt threatened by 'Crooked Hillary' Clinton, 'Little Marco' Rubio and 'Lying Ted' Cruz... "Todd Belt a professor of political science at George Washington University, says that when DeSantis refused in his debate with Crist to commit to serve a full second term if elected, it underscored the widely held belief he plans to run for the presidency." Read the full feature here. ICYMI: Trump settles tomato lawsuit 05:30 , Megan Sheets Former president Donald Trump has quietly settled a lawsuit against him by protesters who were allegedly beaten by his private security staff in the days after he announced his first presidential campaign in 2016. Attorneys for both Mr Trump and the protesters told NBC News that the case had been settled just as a jury was being selected for trial in a Brooklyn courtroom. The lawyer who represented the protesters, Benjamin Dictor, said the settlement represented an incredible day for his clients, who he described as lifelong activists in the community who stood up to defend the right to speech on the public sidewalk and have litigated for seven years. Today, the matter was resolved on terms that they are very, very happy with, he added. Andrew Feinberg has more. Trump settles case that revealed his fear of killer tomatoes 'These results are farcical' 05:06 , Io Dodds The mood has turned sour in pro-Trump online communities, where users are already blaming election fraud for the GOP's weaker than expected results. "These results are farcical," wrote one poster on The Donald, which models itself as a successor to Reddits banned TheDonald board. "Theres no rhyme or reason. You dont get a blowout from counties in Florida and then magically cross state lines into 'highly competitive' territory in Georgia." Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, and New York state were singled out as centres of supposed shenanigans (to be clear, there is no evidence of widespread election fraud in today's vote). "They keep finding votes for Fetterf*** in rigged Pennsylvania," said one user, referring to Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman. "They are 100% about to steal Georgia for [Raphael] Warnock," said another. One user was surprised by New York state governor Kathy Hochul's apparent victory, saying: "There is absolutely no fucking way in God's green earth [Kathy] Hochul has won.... the entire f***king map is red except like three counties." (Most of New York's counties do indeed lean Republican, but nearly 43 per cent of the state's population live in deep blue New York City.) Many users blamed establishment Republicans for squandering the radical energy unleashed by Mr Trump. "RNC/GOP, McConnell, McCarthy got the results they wanted," said one. "Tonight was all about splitting the party and strangling populism out of the party. And they accomplished it. Trump will run, but perhaps he should not after tonight." Another said: "Trump gave the GOP a winning message since 2015. Instead of working with him, they have worked against him every step of the way. This election just further proved that with how they did more to stop the America First candidates than they did the radical Dems." Don vs Don 04:44 , Io Dodds Donald Trump has blamed the apparent defeat of New Hampshire US Senate candidate Don Bolduc on his insufficient zeal for the so-called Big Lie. "Don Balduc was a very nice guy, but he lost tonight when he disavowed, after his big primary win, his longstanding stance on election fraud in the 2020 presidential primary," said Mr Trump on Truth Social just now. ("Primary" seems to be a typo for "election"). "Had he stayed strong and true, he would have won, easily. Lessons learned!" Mr Bolduc, a former US Army brigadier general was tipped by some as a potential winner, but now looks likely to lose to Democratic incumbent Maggie Hassan. During the Republican primary, Mr Bolduc had falsely claimed that Mr Trump won the 2020 presidential election, but reversed his stance after winning the nomination. For anyone wondering, Mr Trump has still said nothing about Ron DeSantis's victory in Florida. Lindsey Graham says Trump will have head start in 2024 04:12 , Io Dodds South Carolina senator and Trump ally Lindsey Graham has said the former president will have the 2024 race to himself, whatever Ron DeSantis decides to do. Asked about the blossoming Don-Ron rivalry on NBC News just now, Mr Graham said: "Here's what I think. President Trump, if he announces next week, which I think he's likely to do, will have about six months to himself. "He has the chance to get a wall of money, a [lot] of support, and close this thing out. And if he fails to do that, I think a lot of people will run. "But he'll have his shot for four or five months, where he'll have this to himself, and we'll see how he does." Commenting on the wider results for Republicans, which were not as strong as some polls had suggested, Mr Graham said: "It's not a wave for sure, but I think it'll be a very good night." Trump delays 2024 announcement until after midterms despite election eve tease 04:00 , Megan Sheets Former president Donald Trump on Monday ended an hours-long rehashing of old grievances at a rally for Ohio Senate candidate JD Vance without announcing his intention to run for president in 2024. The twice-impeached ex-president failed to declare his candidacy for a presidential election that wont happen for another two years despite allies and confidantes spending most of the day before the 2022 midterm elections stoking rumours and hyping a possible 2024 announcement from Mr Trump. One staunch ally of the ex-president, Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, even took to Twitter to encourage Mr Trump to pull the trigger on a third presidential run, writing: Trump should announce tonight. Read Andrew Feinbergs full report: Trump delays 2024 announcement until after midterms despite election eve tease Praise for Rubio, but not DeSantis 03:30 , Io Dodds Mr Trump appears not to have mentioned Ron DeSantis at all in his speech at Mar-a-Lago, instead praising various other Republican candidates that he had endorsed. "You know, JD Vance is now leading 52-47. We had an incredible rally last night in Ohio," he said. "And in Florida, Marco Rubio we had an unbelievable rally for Marco, the night before, with the heaviest rain I've ever been involved with." (He spent a little while describing the "massive pails of water" and other inclement weather that he endured during the Florida really.) "But Marco had a fantastic evening," Mr Trump continued. "That's really tremendous. He praised Katie Britt, who has just won Alabama's US Senate election, and Herschel Walker, who is currently neck and neck with sitting senator Raphael Warnock in Georgia. He also offered a little barbed praise for the media, saying: "They are not the nicest people in the world, but they are brilliant financially... thank you all for being here. Have a good time. Cheers, Don. Trump speaks, but only briefly 03:18 , Io Dodds Was that all...? Donald Trump appears to have finished his speech at Mar-a-Lago after just a few minutes, which he spent boasting that candidates he endorsed had won their elections. The audio cut out during the beginning of his speech, but I didnt hear him mention Ron DeSantis. DeSantis now beats Trump in Florida 03:13 , Io Dodds Here's a fun fact for Donald Trump: Ron DeSantis appears to have far outpolled the former president's own performance in the 2020 election. Whereas Mr Trump won Florida by 51.2 per cent, roughly four points ahead of his Democratic opponent, Mr DeSantis is predicted to win by 59.4 per cent, according to The New York Times. That is a staggering margin of 19 points over Democrat Charlie Crist. Senator Marco Rubio, once dubbed "Little Marco" by Mr Trump, also appears to have outperformed his detractor, winning the state by 58 per cent according to the Times. MSNBC pundit Steve Kornacki also pointed out that Miami Dade, which went heavily Democratic in 2016, voted for Mr DeSantis by an estimated 53.6 per cent. Look at that! Mr Kornacki exclaimed. Trump due to speak at Mar-a-Lago 03:06 , Io Dodds We are now awaiting a speech from Donald Trump at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, where aides are currently moving things around the stage. It has been more than two hour since The Associated Press called Floridas race for governor for Ron DeSantis, and weve still seen no congratulations from Mr Trump. Heres our live stream of the Mar-a-Lago event: Watch live: Donald Trump speaks from Mar-a-Lago as midterm results pour in https://t.co/rbLYFL4pvp The Independent (@Independent) November 9, 2022 ICYMI: When Trump triggered King Charles 03:00 , Megan Sheets A new book claims that King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry were reportedly so unhappy with former president Donald Trumps 2012 remarks about Kate Middleton, they unleashed torrents of profanity. Earlier this week, Newsweek reported on excerpts obtained from Christopher Andersens upcoming royal biography, The King: The Life of Charles III. The book, which is slated for release in the US next week and in the UK on December 8, explains what took place within the royal family after Mr Trump tweeted disparagingly about Kate Middleton. Jenna Amatulli reports: King Charles reacted with profanity to Trumps Kate Middleton comments, book claims All the credit and none of the blame 02:45 , Io Dodds How big a role does Donald Trump believe he will play in Republicans' performance tonight? Well, it depends. "I think if they win, I should get all the credit, and if they lose, I should not be blamed at all," the former president told NewsNation earlier tonight, with only the faint hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth. "But it'll probably be just the opposite. When they win I think they're going to do very well I'll porobably be getting very little credit, even though in many c xase sI told people to run, and they ran and they turned out to be verygood candidates. "Usually what would happen is when they do well I won't be given any credit, and if they do badly they will blame everything on me. SO I'm prepared for anyhting, but well defend ourselvecs. Mr Trump has endorsed more than 330 candidates in this election. No congratulations for Ron DeSantis yet 02:31 , Io Dodds It has now been almost 90 minutes since AP called Floridas governorship for Ron DeSantis, and so far we have seen no message of congratulations from Donald J Trump. Mr Trumps account on Truth Social remained silent as of 9:31pm EST, whereas AP called the race at 8:03pm. Perhaps hes busy? How Trumps misleading claim about Detroit voting glitches spread 02:24 , Io Dodds It's not just Trump who is hawking misleading claims about voting glitches in Detroit. Kristina Karamo, a Republican who is running to be Michigan's secretary of state, picked up on reports that some Detroit voters were told they had already cast their ballots as evidence supporting her recent lawsuit alleging corruption in the city's counting process. DETROIT FRAUD ALERT: From @charlielangton. This is why we filed the lawsuit in Detroit. Voters show up -- only to be told they already voted absentee. Its already happening. This is a CRIME, not an oversight. SHARE THIS EVERYWHERE. #LAWLESSELECTIONS pic.twitter.com/osle9y7abZ Kristina Karamo (@KristinaKaramo) November 8, 2022 Ms Karamos tweet, based on a report from local journalist Charlie Langton, neglected to mention that these voters were not prevented from casting their ballots, and that election officials had promised to make sure such votes were counted. Hours later, the city said it had traced the problems to a "harmless data error" in a system designed to prevent double voting. Some voters in Detroit who voted in person were told they had already voted absentee. The department of elections is aware of the problem- hard lists will be used not electronic ones- and everyone will be allowed to vote. @WWJ950 @FOX2News #Vote #Detroit #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/AIHzmKUTFH Charlie Langton (@charlielangton) November 8, 2022 That did not prevent Ms Karamo's claims from spreading far across the pro-Trump social media universe, thanks largely to Mr Trump and his outrider Dinesh D'Souza. According to the Election Integrity Partnership, a coalition of disinformation researchers, the claim has spread not only in English but in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin. Karamos tweet currently has over 2k & was amplified by conservative influencers, including Dinesh DSouza. It was also quoted in a Gateway Pundit article which currently has over 30k views on Telegram. This shows Twitter claims abt absentee ballots in Detroit over time: pic.twitter.com/X0qcqTOyVx Election Integrity Partnership (@EI_Partnership) November 9, 2022 Ms Karamo's lawsuit was dismissed on Monday by a Michigan judge, who said she had "failed dramatically" to support her arguments with "any shred of evidence". Opinion: Trump rounds off the midterms with lies and self-obsession 02:00 , Megan Sheets Writing for The Independents Voices section, Andrew Buncombe takes a look at the characteristically lurid way Donald Trump has closed out the midterms campaign: If the former president was slow to get back on the election trail, he has more than made up for it since, appearing endlessly over the past 18 months, relentless with his false claims of vote rigging and victimhood. On Monday night, he returned to Ohio for a final, eve-of-election rally that dragged on for two hours. And just as at the event in the summer of 2021, the speech he delivered on Monday was filled with lies, insults, and an obsession with himself that appears to have no limit. Read the full piece below: Trump finishes as he began - with lies, insults and an obsession with himself Read more on DeSantis 01:33 , Io Dodds Heres my colleague Alex Woodward with the full story on Ron DeSantis and his ascendancy in Florida. DeSantis wins Florida despite Trump threat 01:27 , Io Dodds The Associated Press has called the Florida governors race for Republican firebrand Ron DeSantis, despite an ominous threat from Donald Trump. Mr DeSantis is estimated to have cruised to victory over Demorat Charlie Crist, securing a second term and bolstering his influence and popularity among the Republican base. The win can only increase speculation that he could challenge Mr Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination, given his success in making himself a national figurehead for Americas culture wars over race and gender in schools. Mr Trump had ominously claimed that Mr DeSantis could hurt himself very badly if he runs, while Mr Trumps attorney Alina Habba said: Just stay where you are. You are doing a great job in Florida. Mr DeSantis now has another four years in office, but of course that would not stop him from stepping down if he thinks he has a shot at the White House. So far, Mr Trump has not congratulated Mr DeSantis on his victory. Trump lawyer tees up dispute over midterm results 01:00 , Megan Sheets Christina Bobb, a former OAN host who serves as one of Donald Trumps attorneys in the Mar-a-Lago affair, appeared on the Trump-backing Right Side Broadcasting Network on Monday night as her boss prepared for his Ohio rally and added to the chorus of right-wing voices already spinning a narrative of Democratic electoral malfeasance if the results of the midterms do not fall in Republicans favour by the early hours of Wednesday. This projection for an acceptable rate of vote-counting is entirely arbitrary, and rests on a template conspiracy theory that Democrats will somehow tamper with the vote tallies after all voting is completed in turn providing a premise to question the validity of all mail-in ballots, which tend to be added to tallies later in the counting process, tend to favour Democrats, and in some states can be added to the total count well after in-person voting closes. Trump lawyer Christina Bobb previews that MAGAs will try to declare victory as votes are being counted: "There should absolutely be a result no later than the middle of the night, early Wed. morning. I think those areas that don't have a result, it's gonna look very suspicious" pic.twitter.com/VnKnnRqs5v Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 8, 2022 Save big on My Pillow products right now!' 00:16 , Io Dodds At this critical moment for American democracy, former Trump aide Sebastian Gorka is focusing on the most important issues. Save BIG on MY PILLOW Products RIGHT NOW! tweeted the Hungarian-American radio host on Tuesday night, offering followers a personal discount code for MyPillow.com. The pillow and bedding supplier has become a darling of MAGA conservatives due to its boss Mike Lindells outspoken support for Mr Trumps conspiracy theories about the 2020 election being stolen. Save BIG on MY PILLOW Products RIGHT NOW! Go to https://t.co/4C9vUQZwnP & use the promo code GORKA pic.twitter.com/S4jxo8VVWJ Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) November 8, 2022 Trump shares Melanias reaction to pee tape' rumour 00:00 , Megan Sheets Trump told a midterms rally crowd that former First Lady Melania Trump didnt believe the salacious allegations in the Steele dossier, the infamous and now mostly-debunked research file from former British spy Christopher Steele about the Trump campaigns alleged contacts with Russia. The research, funded by the 2016 Hillary Clinton presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee, claimed among other things that Mr Trump paid prostitutes in Moscow to urinate on a hotel bed Barack and Michelle Obama had once used. Mr Trump, famously germaphobic, said his wife didnt believe the allegations. She said to me, I know thats not your thing, Mr Trump said. You know why? Because Im a germ freak. The Independents Josh Marcus has more: Trump reveals Melanias candid reaction to golden shower claim in Steele dossier Trump warns Ron DeSantis if he runs, he could hurt himself badly 23:40 , Oliver O'Connell Former president Donald Trump continued his needling of his likely 2024 rival Ron DeSantis, telling Fox News that a run might hurt the Florida governor. Mr Trump spoke with Fox on his airplane for an exclusive interview and said that he had no tiff with Mr DeSantis but said it would be a mistake to run. I dont know if he is running. I think if he runs, he could hurt himself very badly. I really believe he could hurt himself badly, Mr Trump said. I think he would be making a mistake, I think the base would not like it I dont think it would be good for the party. Eric Garcia reports. Trump warns Ron DeSantis if he runs, he could hurt himself badly Watch: Trumps says hell support McCarthy but likely not McConnell 23:30 , Oliver O'Connell Donald Trump says on Newsmax that he likely wont back Mitch McConnell for GOP Senate leader but absolutely will support Kevin McCarthy in the House. Trump says on Newsmax that he likely won't back Mitch McConnell for GOP Senate leader but "absolutely" will support Kevin McCarthy in the House pic.twitter.com/wvAXhXiq4U Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 8, 2022 ICYMI: GOP leaders convinced Trump to delay 2024 announcement by appealing to his ego 23:00 , Megan Sheets The eyes of the world were on Ohio last night after the Trump camp began briefing the media that he might be about to formally announce his candidacy for the 2024 election, and members of his family travelled to be by his side for the final pre-election rally of the midterms season. In the event, however, Trump spoke for more than 90 minutes without confirming his third tilt at the presidency, stating only that a further big announcement on the matter would be made from Mar-a-Lago on 15 November. So what happened? Well, according to several reports including from the Washington Post, the rumours that Trump was about to announce sparked a frenzy of calls from senior Republican party figures, all urging the former president to wait until after todays election. Party leaders feared an announcement would serve only to boost Democrat turnout, jeopardising GOP chances in several knife-edge midterm races. This is not the line they reportedly used to convince Trump to hold off, however. Instead they appealed to his ego, suggesting that if he declared his candidacy on Monday night it would get buried in the election news cycle, and that waiting another week would get him the attention he craves. Mar-a-Lago set for election night celebration 22:40 , Oliver O'Connell The set up for Trumps Election Night party at Mar-a-Lago: a hot buffet, TVs set to Fox, CNN, and OAN, and stadium lights as bright as Times Square pic.twitter.com/MGRVt81QHt Meridith McGraw (@meridithmcgraw) November 8, 2022 Trump posts video telling Arizona voters to stay in line 22:11 , Oliver O'Connell In pictures: Trump at the polls 21:00 , Megan Sheets Trumps turn at the Florida polls on Tuesday marked his second time voting in the Sunshine State, after he moved his registration from New York in 2019. Here are photos of the moment: Trump speaks to reporters after voting in the midterms in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday 8 November (REUTERS) Trump and Melania leave the polls in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday 8 November (REUTERS) Trump speaks to reporters after voting in the midterms in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday 8 November (Getty Images) Trump claims midterms voter fraud and calls for protests 20:20 , Megan Sheets Donald Trump has called on his Truth Social followers to protest what he claims to be voter fraud unfolding at the polls. In a post on Tuesday afternoon, the president wrote: The Absentee Ballot situation in Detroit is REALLY BAD. People are showing up to Vote only to be told, sorry, you have already voted. This is happening in large numbers, elsewhere as well. Protest, Protest, Protest! He wrote in a second post: Maricopa County in Arizona looks like a complete Voter Integrity DISASTER. Likewise Detroit (of course!), Pennsylvania, and other places. Not being covered by the Fake News Media! The baseless claims of fraud came after ballot counting issues were reported in Maricopa County, Arizona. The Independents Graig Graziosi has more: Trump undermines election hours before voting closes Will Trumps scandal-plagued Senate endorsements come back to bite the GOP? 20:00 , John Bowden In a piece analysing Donald Trumps endorsements in this years midterms, The Independents John Bowden writes: It seems like an almost comical question to ask: Does the quality of a candidate matter anymore? But believe it or not thats the question on the mind of experts on both sides of the aisle this year as a fresh crop of Republicansmake first-time bids for the US Senate buoyed by the support of Donald Trump, the man who took the presidency in 2016 amid shocking scandal and historic unpopularity. Republicans seem eager to test the boundaries of electability this year. Where a typical midterm election would see a crop of ambitious GOP state-level officials making their first forays into national politics supported mostly by national Republicans and special interest groups, 2022 has instead seen the launch of Donald Trumps effort to transform state governments as well as the national GOP House and Senate caucuses to mirror his image. A swath of disloyal, impeachment-supporting Republicans met their ends in primaries earlier this year, and now Mr Trump hopes to usher in his chosen loyalists into power this November. But unfaltering loyalty to Mr Trump seems to have prevailed over traditional vetting procedures this time around, and as a result the GOPs chances of breaking the Democratic Partys Senate majority have wavered significantly while their opponents hungrily eye potential pickups in Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Read more: Will Trumps scandal-plagued endorsements come back to bite the GOP? Trump unleashes on Truth Social after voting 19:30 , Megan Sheets After casting his vote in Florida, Donald Trump unleashed a flurry of election-related posts on Truth Social. In one, he outlined all of the candidates hes endorsed this election cycle, touting those endorsements as TRUMPS UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS. He then wrote: Reports are coming in from Arizona that the Voting Machines are not properly working in predominantly Republican/Conservative areas. Can this possibly be true when a vast majority of Republicans waited for today to Vote? Here we go again? The people will not stand for it!!! In another post, the former president added: EVERYBODY, GET OUT AND VOTE. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Then came: Pennsylvania just announced that it could take days to determine the winner. This is outrageous! And finally, just before 2.30pm ET: Another big voter tabulation problem in Arizona. Sound familiar??? Trump defends attacks on Pelosi 19:00 , Andrew Naughtie Former President Donald Trump called Speaker Nancy Pelosi an animal at a rally near Dayton, Ohio on the eve of the midterm elections. Mr Trump, appearing at the event to boost Republican Senate candidate JD Vance, lashed out at Ms Pelosi less than two weeks after the Speakers husband Paul Pelosi was brutally assaulted in a politically-motivated attack in the couples San Francisco home. Nancy Pelosi said please dont call them animals, theyre human beings, Mr Trump said, referring to alleged members of the MS-13 gang. I said no, theyre animals. Of course, I think shes an animal, too, if you want to know the truth. Abe Asher reports: Trump defends attacks on animal Nancy Pelosi because she impeached me twice WATCH: Trump speaks to reporters after casting his vote 18:30 , Megan Sheets Trump votes for Ron DeSantis in Palm Beach 18:19 , Megan Sheets Trump turned out to cast his ballot in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday. The former president, joined by his wife Melania, briefly spoke to reporters as he emerged from the polling place, revealing that he had voted to re-elect his rival Ron DeSantis. I think were going to have a great night, its going to be great for the country, he said of the elections at hand. No matter who you vote for, you have to vote. Its so important. This is going to be a very important election. Hopefully the right thing will happen. Mr Trump also coyly replied to a query about his own election ambitions in 2024, dropping another hint at when he will announce his presidential run. I think Tuesday [15 November] will be a very exciting day for a lot of people, and I look forward to seeing you at Mar-a-Lago, he said. The Independents Gustaf Kilander has more: Trump votes for DeSantis as his team tells governor to stay in Florida Donald Trump told a midterms rally crowd that former First Lady Melania Trump didnt believe the salacious allegations in the Steele dossier, the infamous and now mostly-debunked research file from former British spy Christopher Steele about the Trump campaigns alleged contacts with Russia. The research, funded by the 2016 Hillary Clinton presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee, claimed among other things that Mr Trump paid prostitutes in Moscow to urinate on a hotel bed Barack and Michelle Obama had once used. It wasnt good for me to go home that night and explain to the First Lady, Mr Trump said at a rally on Monday night supporting GOP Senate candidate JD Vance. That was not a good dossier. JD, you never want to have to do that, the former president said with a smile, addressing the Ohio Republican. Never. That was not good. Mr Trump, famously germaphobic, said his wife didnt believe the allegations. She said to me, I know thats not your thing, Mr Trump said. You know why? Because Im a germ freak. In March, the Federal Election Commission fined the Clinton campaign and the DNC for not properly disclosing the more than $1m it funneled into the research. The Democrats funded the research through law firm Perkins Coie, which hired research outfit Fusion GPS, the group that then tasked Mr Steele to pursue his research. The former intelligence agent has maintained that his work was unverified, warranted further investigation, and wasnt meant for public consumption. However, the contents of the dossier leaked in January 2017, just as Mr Trump was set to take office. In October, the trial of Igor Danchenko, a Russia analyst whose allegations helped create the dossier, began. Prosecutors allege Mr Danchenko lied to the FBI when the agency interviewed the analyst in 2017 as it tried to verify the allegations in the dossier. Officials say the analyst fabricated an alleged anonymous phone call thought to have come from Sergei Millian, a former head of the Russian-American Chamber of Commerce, and falsely claimed he never spoke with Charles Dolan, a Democratic operative. Story continues The analyst has maintained he was always truthful with the government. Despite beginning six years ago, Russiagate continues to influence US politics. Earlier this week, a key Putin ally admitted openly for the first time that Russia interfered in US elections and will continue to interfere. Former President Donald Trump points to the crowd on arrival at the National Rifle Association's annual convention at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, on May 27, 2022. Brandon Bell/Getty Images President Donald Trump said that he should "get all the credit" for GOP wins in the 2022 midterms. But, the former president told NewsNation he shouldn't be blamed if the Republicans he has endorsed don't win. "I think if they win, I should get all the credit, and if they lose, I should not be blamed at all," he said. Former President Donald Trump said in a new interview on Tuesday he should "get all the credit" if the slew of GOP candidates he endorsed win big in the 2022 midterm elections but also said he shouldn't be blamed if they don't come out on top. "I think if they win, I should get all the credit, and if they lose, I should not be blamed at all," Trump told NewsNation during an interview on Tuesday when asked how much he thinks Republicans' victories or losses in the midterms will be because of him. Trump added, "But it'll probably be just the opposite." Trump has endorsed more than 330 GOP candidates running for both state and federal office in this election cycle, including Georgia Senate hopeful Herschel Walker, Ohio Senate candidate JD Vance, and Arizona Senate hopeful Blake Masters. "When they win I think they're going to do very well I'll probably be given very little credit even though in many cases I told people to run, and they ran and they turned out to be very good candidates," Trump said. The former president continued, "But usually what would happen is when they do well, I won't be given any credit and if they do badly, they will blame everything on me." "So I'm prepared for anything, but we'll defend ourselves," said Trump during the interview, which will air in full on Tuesday night at 6 pm ET. Earlier Tuesday, Trump headed to the polls and said he voted to re-elect Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Speculation that Trump and DeSantis could both announce their candidacy to be the Republican presidential nominee in 2024 has ramped up in recent weeks. At an Ohio campaign event on Monday, Trump once again teased a possible 2024 bid for the White House and added that he has a "big announcement" planned for November 15 at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. "I think Tuesday will be a very exciting day for a lot of people, and I look forward to seeing you at Mar-a-Lago," Trump said Tuesday after casting his vote for DeSantis. Read the original article on Business Insider Former president Donald Trump said Monday night that he will make a very big announcement on November 15 at Mar-a-Lago. Rumors circulated earlier on Monday that Trump planned to announce a 2024 presidential bid at the Ohio rally on Monday. We want nothing to detract from the importance of tomorrow, Trump said at a rally in Vandalia, Ohio, for GOP Senate candidate J. D. Vance and Governor Mike DeWine. He then read a list of candidates he has endorsed for Tuesdays midterm elections. Earlier in the rally Trump said: This is the year were going to take back the House. Were going to take back the Senate. And were going to take back America. And in 2024, most importantly, we are going to take back our magnificent White House. Well take it back. Trump had previously alluded to a potential 2024 announcement on Sunday saying, I ran twice, I won twice, and I did much better the second time than the first. In order to make our country successful, safe, and glorious, I probably have to do it again. Stay tuned tomorrow night in the great state of Ohio. Stay tuned. Forty-five percent of voters said they would support Trump for president in 2024 in a Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey released last month. Forty-three percent of voters said they would back President Biden. On Saturday, Trump said hes polling way above Ron DeSanctimonious for the GOP 2024 presidential nomination, taking a shot at Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely considered a likely 2024 contender. Trump at 71, Ron DeSanctimonious at 10 percent, Mike Pence at 7 percent . . . Oh, Mikes doing better than I thought, Trump said during a rally in Latrobe, Pa., for Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz and GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano. At Mondays rally, Trump touted the same poll but skipped the use of his DeSanctimonious nickname. However, Trump did blast House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He called MS-13 gang members animals and added that he considers Pelosi an animal. He defended the comment by noting, She impeached me twice for nothing. More from National Review Former President Trump said on Tuesday that he voted for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) in the states gubernatorial race. After casting his vote in Palm Beach, Fla., Trump told reporters that he voted for the incumbent governor, who is widely seen as his biggest competition to be the Republican presidential nominee in 2024. Days earlier, Trump took at jab at DeSantis at a rally in Pennsylvania, dubbing the Florida governor Ron DeSanctimonious. However, the former president encouraged Florida voters to support DeSantis just one day later at a rally in Miami. Trump also hinted on Tuesday that he may announce his campaign for president on Nov. 15. The former president has frequently teased a campaign announcement in the final weeks of the midterm elections. I think Tuesday will be a very exciting day for a lot of people and I look forward to seeing you at Mar-a-Lago, Trump told reporters outside the Palm Beach polling station. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Safety campaigners have expressed doubts over Tesla's claims of 'full self-driving' capabilities. (PA) Elon Musk's commitment to free speech has been thrown into question after Twitter banned an advert by a safety advocacy group criticising the safety of Tesla self-driving cars. The Dawn Project recently published a full-page advert in the New York Times highlighting what it claims to be life-threatening danger to child pedestrians posed by Tesla's self-driving feature. It reports that tests carried out by the safety campaigners reveal the car manufacturer's software would repeatedly run down child-sized mannequins in its path, as shown in this video demonstration. In August, around a month before Musk's $44 billion takeover of Twitter, his other company Tesla demanded the Dawn Project remove its videos. The firm sent a cease-and-desist letter and describing the clips as defamatory and misrepresentative of Tesla vehicles' capabilities. Read more: Elon Musk's family: Is he married and how many children does he have? Tesla and Twitter CEO Elon Musk's commitment to free speech has been questioned. (Getty Images) The Dawn Project recently took out a full page advert in New York Times. (Twitter/@RealDanODowd) That didn't stop the group from paying for its full-page advert in the NYT this month, but the project's founder Dan O'Dowd has subsequently been banned from promoting it on Twitter via an ad campaign. In an email received by The Dawn Project on Monday, Twitter said it would not allow the promotion on its platform as it fell foul of its policy regarding political advertising. Musk, who has recently reaffirmed his commitment to free speech, completed his long-awaited purchase of Twitter late last month and has further announced reforms to the social media giant's moderation policies. Read more: Lego mocks Tesla's Cybertruck window test with its own shatterproof product He has told of his vision to create a "digital town square", having previously claimed Twitter had a problem with censorship and a left-wing bias. "The move to prohibit the advertising of content criticising Musk's Tesla Full Self-Driving software raises serious questions over his commitment to free speech", O'Dowd said. Story continues He added: "Claiming our safety tests, which raise awareness of a vital public safety issue, constitute political advertising is a serious incursion on free speech. The Dawn Project's founder Dan O'Dowd was told he can't run an ad campaign on Tesla safety as it is too 'political'. (Twitter) Read more: Mastodon or Mastodon't? How to know if this is the Twitter alternative for you "The public must be made aware of the potentially lethal threat Tesla Full Self-Driving poses to child pedestrians, as our safety tests reveal. Perhaps all criticism of Elon will now be banned by Twitter!" On its website, the Dawn Project, says its mission is to make "computers safe for humanity", while demanding that software "never fails and can't be hacked". It says ODowd created secure operating systems for projects including Boeings 787s, Lockheed Martins F-35 Fighter Jets, the Boeing B1-B Intercontinental Nuclear Bomber, and NASAs Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle. Tesla is currently facing a criminal probe by the US Department of Justice over claims of "full self-driving capabilities". The investigation, which could ultimately trigger criminal charges against Tesla executives, is centred on whether that claim constitutes defrauding consumers. Yahoo News UK has approached Twitter for comment. The 2022 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit is scheduled to take place from Nov 9 to 11 in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province. Under the theme Toward a Shared Digital Future in a Connected World Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace, this year's summit will be empowered by artificial intelligence, cutting-edge technologies, and big data. The summit is not only a feast to present the latest achievements in the internet industry but also a chance to show the comprehensive application of high technologies. Intelligent applications Many cutting-edge technology applications, such as AI, metaverse, augmented reality and virtual reality, are being employed to provide visitors with an interactive experience in conference venues, exhibition areas, scenic spots, and townships during the summit. Autonomous driving is to be realized through the development of an applet, called Wuzhen Summit One Stop, integrating Baidu's ApolloPark intelligent vehicle-road collaboration system. The applet focuses on the basic needs of guests, such as eating, living, and traveling, and has set up 12 sectors to provide convenient services for them. To achieve the coverage of 5G signals, 40 10-gigabit optical cables are to be connected during the summit. Compared with the first WIC in 2014, visitors can fully feel the fast development of the internet. A total of 2,165 5G base stations were built in the city, of which 279 are located in Wuzhen. To ensure the internet bandwidth capacity, the bandwidth capacity in important places has been doubled, and all kinds of media have live broadcast broadband for thousands of their gadgets. It is expected that more than 400 domestic and foreign companies from 40 countries and regions will display their latest products through on-site and online exhibitions. The new products and technologies include digital infrastructure, digital common prosperity, and cyberspace governance. To provide a platform for companies that cannot participate in offline exhibitions, the conference initially launched the Internet Light Cloud Exhibition Hall. On Nov 6, the finals of the Straight to Wuzhen Competition were held with seven competitions in digital medicine, digital "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals", AI, industrial internet, internet-connected cars, network security, and digital common prosperity. A total of 1,110 projects from 23 countries have signed up for the competition, including 106 overseas projects. Meanwhile, the conference will also feature a series of supporting activities, including closed-door meetings of the investment community. This year's conference will highlight the characteristics of Zhejiang, which will be supported by three main activities, including the Digital Economy Industry Cooperation Conference, the Digital Empowerment and Common Prosperity Demonstration Zone Exhibition, and the Yangtze River Delta Integrated Digital Civilization Seminar. These activities aim to provide a platform for enterprises, capital and local governments to promote industrial exchanges and cooperation in the field of the digital economy, further undertake the spillover effect of the summit, and allow more regions to enjoy the dividends of the WIC. To ensure the legacy of the summit, regular research and a series of news interview programs will be conducted throughout the year. In addition, with the mascot "Xiao Hu "as the prototype, the related derivative products will also be unveiled during the summit. Service improvements At the Wuzhen branch of Tongxiang public security bureau, the Wuzhen Summit Global Governance Integrated Application System, the Multidimensional Early Warning Platform and other management and control systems are steadily being operated, which connect data from different departments, such as the big data bureau, public security bureau, and disease control center, to provide precise information on things like epidemic control. More than 400 people have received training in the summit's service, including etiquette, job specification, and especially refined training for different guests to provide high-quality services. In terms of accommodation and dishes, guests are going to stay in the Xizha Scenic Area and other high-quality hotels. The media and invited audiences will stay in hotels or homestays. Special dishes across the 11 cities in the province will be served. For transportation, several guest reception points were set up to ensure the pickup and drop-off services for 24 hours at the Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Hangzhou East Railway Station, and Tongxiang High-Speed Railway Station. The people, cars, and equipment for power supply are ready for 24 hours. More than 4,500 kilometers of natural gas pipes have been inspected and 156 construction sites around the surrounding natural gas facilities have been handled in Wuzhen. By Sheila Dang and Fanny Potkin (Reuters) -Billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform Twitter will introduce an "Official" label for select verified accounts including major media outlets and governments when it launches its new $8 premium subscription product, its early stage products executive Esther Crawford said on Tuesday. Crawford also confirmed that the revamped Twitter Blue subscription product, which will allow paid users to carry blue check marks on their accounts, will not actually verify users' identities. The lack of ID verification is likely to raise concerns about the possibility of people impersonating public figures. Already, such concerns have caused Twitter to hold off on launching the new version of Twitter Blue until after the U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday, tweeted Yoel Roth, Twitter's head of safety and integrity. Fake accounts for government officials are a recurring issue for Twitter globally, according to sources familiar with the matter and researchers. Not all Twitter accounts that were previously verified with a blue check mark will get the "Official" label and the label is not available for purchase, Crawford said. Accounts that will receive the official label include governments, commercial companies, business partners, major media outlets, publishers and some other public figures, she tweeted. The introduction of a new label alongside the existing check marks "creates a confusing system" where some, but not all, previously verified accounts will be deemed official, said Jason Goldman, a former Twitter board member who served as head of product in its early years. "It's a complete mess," he said. The official label comes after an internal push by Twitter policy executives, who had strong concerns about government officials around the world being unlikely and unwilling to pay for verified check marks, one source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Story continues Twitter, which has lost many members of its communication team, did not respond to a request for further comment. Crawford added on Tuesday that Twitter will "continue to experiment with ways to differentiate between account types." (Reporting by Eva Mathews in Bengaluru, Fanny Potkin in Edmonton, Canada and Sheila Dang in Dallas; Editing by Josie Kao and Stephen Coates) Twitter is struggling to respond to political misinformation and other harmful posts on the social media platform after Elon Musk fired roughly half of its workforce just days before the U.S. midterm elections, according to employees who survived the cuts and an outside voting rights group. The recent mass layoffs spared many of the people whose job it is to keep hate and misinformation off the social-media platform. Musk cut just 15% of those frontline content-moderation workers, compared to roughly 50% job cuts companywide, an executive said last week. But in preparation for the layoffs, employees said the company also sharply reduced how many employees can look into a specific account's digital history and behavior a practice necessary to investigate if its been used maliciously and take action to suspend it. The company said it froze access to those tools to reduce insider risk at a time of transition. The developments are causing concern as the U.S. midterm elections culminate on Tuesday. Though millions of Americans have already cast early and absentee ballots, millions more are expected to go to the polls to cast in-person votes. Election watchers fear the platform may not be equipped to handle hate speech, misinformation that could impact voter safety and security, and actors seeking to cast doubt on the legitimate winners of elections around the country. Researchers tracking misinformation ahead of the midterms notified Twitter on Friday about three posts from well-known far-right figures that advanced debunked claims about election fraud. The posts remain up three days later. When Common Cause asked Twitter for an update on Monday, the platform said the posts were under review. Before Musk took over, Twitter responded much more quickly, said Jesse Littlewood, vice president for campaigns at Common Cause. The group said they had been in regular contact with Twitter staff before Musk took over. Now, they are getting a response from a generic email address. Story continues We had been getting much faster decisions from them, sometimes within hours, said Littlewood. Now, he said, Its like pushing the button for the walk sign at the stop light, and nothing is happening. Musk gutted teams working on marketing, communications and editorial curation of what people see on Twitter. But his decision to retain most of Twitters content moderation team came as a welcome surprise to some inside and outside the company. Musk, after all, promised to let free speech flourish by loosening Twitter's content restrictions and restoring accounts banned for violating those rules. He has also pledged to end the current user verification system in favor of a $7.99 subscription fee. But the fact that the content moderation team survived could mean that critical misinformation functions such as blocking incitements of political violence will continue, and some of the worst-case scenarios around election misinformation won't be realized. Some of Musk's own tweets have been annotated with fact-checked context in recent days. Two employees who survived the job cuts credit a previously little-known executive Yoel Roth, Twitter's global head of safety and integrity, for leveraging his team's importance to Musks goals for Twitter while avoiding moves that might anger the mercurial Tesla CEO. Yoel Roth singlehandedly saved the company, said a Twitter employee who spoke on condition of anonymity because of concerns about job security. On the public side, he appropriately and thoughtfully engaged with Elon Musk in a way that was not subservient, but deferring, because Elon is the king." Roth has become the public face of Twitter's content moderation since Musk took over and has regularly defended Twitter's ongoing efforts to fight harmful misinformation. Musk, a prolific tweeter with more than 110 million followers, has frequently pointed to Roth's Twitter feed as the most reliable account of the company's adherence to integrity standards. And the billionaire, who embraces the idea that Twitter's past leadership suppressed right-wing views, defended Roth when ardent Musk supporters demanded his firing over past comments they thought showed Roth's liberal bias. Roth, who once worked at an Apple store fixing Mac computers, joined Twitter in 2015 after spending a year studying online hate speech at Harvard Universitys Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, according to his LinkedIn profile. In May, he took on a senior role responsible for all user, content, and security policies, comprising more than 120 policymakers, threat investigators, data analysts, and operations specialists. Roth didnt respond to requests for comment. A legal scholar who sits on Twitter's Trust and Safety Council, an advisory board set up in 2016, said she has long been impressed with Roth's candor about the challenges of content moderation and the nuances of free speech such as the importance of curbing abusive content to enable the free speech of women and others more likely to be harassed online. If Musk had been able to cut everybody in content moderation and just replace it with his yes men, he probably would have," said Mary Anne Franks, a law professor at the University of Miami and president of the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative. The only reason why he hasnt is because he maybe recognizes that would make Twitter unworkable. One Twitter employee said Monday that layoff survivors were actively looking for new jobs in part because of Musks lack of commitment to keeping the platform free of hate speech and misinformation. Speaking anonymously because of concerns about job security, the employee said the job cuts would make Twitters staff less effective in following up and acting on complaints about election-related disinformation, because they included people leading civic integrity teams. Franks said there's always been a tension within Twitter and other social media companies between making money and protecting democracy and freedom of expression. She said that's only getting harder under Musk, who has shown Twitter can act quickly in banning a comedian who made fun of him by impersonating his account, but who has otherwise expressed hostility towards Twitter's anti-abuse standards. I would imagine that someone in a position like Roths at Twitter would have to play a pretty delicate game trying not to trip any of the wires, not to trigger a backlash from Musk because hes incredibly thin-skinned, Franks said. __ AP Technology Writer Frank Bajak contributed to this report. Ukrainian artillerymen on the front line on the border of Kharkiv and Luhansk regions, November 2022 These are the defeat of one of the Russian marine infantry brigades near the village of Pavlivka in Donetsk Oblast, and the destruction of a battalion of untrained Russian conscripts near the town of Svatove of Luhansk Oblast. Read also: Ukraines postal service resuming work in liberated territories of Donetsk Oblast In both cases, Russias Ministry of Defense was forced to react to the resonance that these situations acquired, including a rare case of an organized appeal by relatives of some of these conscripts. The ministry continues to deny the actual rate of losses, although the evidence collected by the media proves the opposite. NV gathered the main facts about the sky-high losses of Russian forces in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts. Read also: Ukraine repels Russian attacks near 11 settlements in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts Youll come back as minced meat. How Russia throws hundreds of mobilized soldiers to the slaughter to hold the front line near Svatove Why is it important for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to liberate Svatove? A rapid ousting of the Russian invaders from Kharkiv Oblast at the beginning of autumn, and later the liberation of Lyman in Donetsk Oblast, opened the way for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to launch a counter-offensive in Luhansk Oblast, primarily along the conventional line between the towns of Svatove and Kreminna. Ukrainian forces have controlled the route between the two towns since late October and, although bad weather is slowing down their advance, they continue to put pressure on the invaders defensive lines, trying to break through. Read also: Ukrainian army advances to Svatove as criticism of mobilization in Russia mounts ISW This part of the front has been a zone of intense fighting for many weeks. The Institute for the Study of War mentions the offensive efforts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Svatove-Kreminna line in its daily reports, while Ukrainian analysts reiterate the strategic importance of a potential ousting of the enemy from Svatove. Story continues The fighting continues there, because both we and the enemy are aware of the exceptional importance of this area for further actions. If we break through in the Svatove area, enter the operational space, well open the way for liberation of the entire northern Luhansk Oblast, military expert Serhiy Hrabskyi told Radio NV in late October. Read also: Invaders mine access roads to Svatove and Kreminna, blow-up bridges in Luhansk Oblast The front line instead of the rear: how a battalion of 500 mobilized soldiers was defeated near Svatove More and more reports began to appear in late November about the cost with which the Russian command is trying to hold the front line in the Svatove area. Hundreds of unprepared and unequipped Russian conscripts find themselves in advanced positions in these areas of Luhansk Oblast, resulting in enormous losses. For example, only about 30-40 Russian servicemen survived from a battalion of over 500 mobilized soldiers in the Makiyivka area (Luhansk Oblast, about 30 km from Svatove) in early November. This was reported by Russian independent media (Verstka, Dozhd, Current Time, the BBCs Russian service), which managed to talk to some surviving servicemen and dozens of relatives of those mobilized soldiers sent to the Svatove area. Their stories confirm each other and reveal many facts about why Ukrainian forces have been able to inflict such devastating losses. According to the collated reports by these organizations, a battalion of conscripts, mainly from Voronezh Oblast was defeated near Svatove. First, they were gathered in military unit No. 2079 in Voronezh around mid-October (the Verstka portal established 46 surnames of those mobilized between Oct. 12 and Oct. 19). The Russian command assured the drafted men that they would allegedly join the territorial defense in Svatove, 15 km from the front line, but the reality turned out to be different. On Oct. 31, the newly recruited military personnel were taken to Valuyki, a village in Russias Belgorod Oblast on the border with Ukraine, and on Nov. 1, they were loaded into KAMAZ trucks and taken to Luhansk Oblast. The number of the fresh motorized rifle battalion in question was estimated by the conscripts and their relatives at 500-570 people. At the same time, according to the BBC, it also included soldiers from Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk oblasts a total of four companies, which were sent to Makiyivka in Luhansk Oblast overnight on Nov. 2 (the BBC also estimates their total number at 500). As Yulia, the sister of one of the Russian survivors. Alexander, told Dozhd, on Nov. 1, they were brought to Luhansk Oblast and immediately sent to the front line. Read also: Russians send reserves to Svatove in response to Ukrainian counter-offensive, says Luhansk governor The commanders said that you are cannon fodder, thats why you were brought here, you will be killed anyway, Yulia told Dozhd, quoting her brother. They were given one sapper shovel for 30 people and told to dig their own trenches. After that, the commanders told the conscripts that they were supposedly going to get food for them and left. Forty minutes after arriving at the front, these draftees were shelled for the first time. Similar data is given by Verstka. Read also: Full liberation of Luhansk Oblast to start with Kreminna and Svatove, says governor Luhansk Governor Serhiy Hayday on Nov. 8 confirmed that the Russians were sending hundreds of untrained newly mobilized soldiers into the meat grinder in this area. At the same time, he reported that the Ukrainian military continues to advance in Luhansk Oblast and announced another success in the Svatove and Kreminna areas in the near future. Not the first defeated battalion: why Russia throws fresh cannon fodder to Svatove Numerous outlets reporting on these deaths had noted that many reports have already established that dozens or even hundreds of Russians have already died in that part o the front. In fact, the numbers are so staggering that the Russian command has not even managed to collect the bodies of the dead. Analysts from the Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT) told Verstka that the Russian command is massively using conscripts in the Svatove area to create density and complete the defensive line. They also drew attention to the abnormally large number of men in the conscript battalion defeated near Makiyivka. According to CIT estimates, 500 people is much larger than the typical Russian motorized rifle battalion. We observed something similar in the LPR/DPR rifle battalions who went into battle without armored vehicles, CIT analysts told NV making it clear that now Russia is probably using conscripts instead of the nearly destroyed forces of the Donbas puppet authorities. Read also: 50,000 mobilized Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, Putin says The CIT assumes that by using such fresh, albeit completely untrained, forces on the front line, the Russian army command is trying in this way to provide a resting period to the contract soldiers who have been fighting for more than eight months. After all, Russian forces were exhausted first in their attempts to break through to Slovyansk, and then during the retreat from Izyum and in the battles for Lyman. Weve already seen, well fight back: how Russian commanders are trying to return survivors to the front line Some of the survivors mobilized from the defeated motorized rifle battalion, having fled the battlefield, have settled in abandoned houses in Svatove and its surroundings. Theyre sitting in some house, then the commander came to them and said: Youll come back from here as minced meat, Yekaterina Brazhnikova, the sister of a conscript who also served in the battalion that was defeated near Svatove, told Dozhd. According to the BBC, as of the evening of Nov. 7, as many as 29 mobilized soldiers were hiding in one of the houses in Svatove, while another 21 soldiers were hiding in the neighboring one. Read also: Russian western army group commanders fired following major defeat, Ukrainian intelligence says They all have the same story: they were brought in, shelled, while the commanders fled, said Dmitry Slobodchikov one of the conscripts. Both he and another soldier, named Alexei Agafonov, claim that there is not a single officer left in Svatove who could give them any order. Their platoon commander ended up in the hospital with a concussion, while the ensign disappeared. Agafonov declared he has no intention of returning to the front line and is ready to shoot back even from the occupying military police. Several Russians who survived the battles near Svatove tried to cross the border of Belgorod Oblast and return to Russia, but they failed as were discovered by local patrol police, Verstka reported. According to the publication, the Russians are also keeping some of the surviving soldiers of the defeated battalion in basements in the village of Zaitseve in Luhansk Oblast, two relatives of the mobilized soldiers told Verstka. People are called cannon fodder: what the defeat of the Russian marines near Pavlivka showed Another high-profile story took place near the village of Pavlivka (Donetsk Oblast) where Russian marines complained to the generals about the loss of 300 people and a large amount of materiel in just four days of fighting. It became known on Nov. 6 that Russian servicemen from the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet sent a letter to the governor of Russias Primorsky Krai region, Oleg Kozhemyako, with complaints about commands actions and their heavy losses. This letter was reported on by several Russian military bloggers and the Grey Zone Telegram channel controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin and the Wagner private military company. In the letter, the Russian marines report they saw about 300 people killed, wounded and missing during the inexplicable attack on the village of Pavlivka near Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast. Read also: Armed Forces repel six enemy attacks in Donetsk Oblast, and another one in Kharkiv Oblast The authors of the letter urged the governor of Primorsky Krai to appeal to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief with a request to send an independent commission not related to the Ministry of Defense to investigate these devastating Russian losses. The scale of the invaders losses in the Pavlivka area is confirmed by numerous videos released by the Ukrainian military from this area in recent days. In his evening address on Nov. 7, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the ground in front of the Ukrainian positions is literally littered with the bodies of the invaders in Donetsk Oblast and the Russians are dying by the hundreds every day. He also commented on the reaction of the governor of Primorsky Krai to the appeal of the Russian marines the official lied as expected about the exaggerated losses". Read also: 300 Russian troops neutralized in Donetsk Oblast Its more than 9,000 kilometers from Vladivostok to Pavlivka of Donetsk Oblast, Zelenskyy said. But hes sure that the losses are not like that. The governor can probably see better from there how many soldiers from his region are being sent to the slaughter. Or he was just ordered to lie. He was ordered from Moscow... And even the bodies of most of those killed wont be brought back to Vladivostok. But Im sure that Governor Kozhemyako will come out and explain why not everyone arrived, not everyone returned from those not like that." Read also: Ukraine repels Russian attacks near 11 settlements in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts He added Russians can save themselves from being conscripted and sent by the Kremlin regime to the full-scale war against Ukraine not by complaining to some rags, but by their opinion. Why the internal Russian reaction to these events is a precedent for Russia As the ISW recalled in their Nov. 7 summary, the Russian Ministry of Defense has remained remarkably tight-lipped about military blogger critiques of Russian failures throughout the war in Ukraine unlike the Kremlin, which will occasionally indirectly address these narratives. However, the events near Pavlivka became a rare case when the ministry still found it necessary to react to the outcry. The Ministry initially tried to refute the statements of the marines, noting that the units of the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet allegedly have been conducting effective offensive actions in the Vuhledar area for more than 10 days, and their losses during this period supposedly do not exceed 1% of the combat personnel and 7% wounded, a significant part of which has already returned to the army. However, the ISW points out the true meaning of these excuses: according to its analysts, the Ministrys public response to this outcry indicates that some Russian military bloggers have considerable leverage to shape MoD interactions in the information space and additionally suggests that the situation in Pavlivka is dire enough to warrant a response. Read also: Russians running short of missiles, will find it hard to sustain infrastructure bombing campaign, says ISW Probably, similar conclusions can be drawn from the attempt of the Russian military command to refute reports about the huge losses of the conscript battalion near Svatove. Late on Nov. 7, the Russian Ministry of Defense published a message from the National Defense Management Center, in which it was claimed that the Ukrainian authorities and their Western allies are allegedly engaged in spreading intentional disinformation aimed at discrediting the Armed Forces and creating a negative mood among Russian citizens. At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Defense denied the losses near Makiyivka, which were reported by the conscripts and their relatives themselves. The ministry called these materials fake news, while the report about significant combat losses of Russian army units, staffed by mobilized citizens, near Makiyivka is allegedly provocative. During the analysis, it was established that the servicemen in question are currently performing tasks in the zone of a special military operation, the Russian Defense Ministry lied. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury has broadened its justification for sanctioning virtual currency mixing service Tornado Cash on allegations it supports North Korea, despite criticism from users that the Treasury is targeting a service and not an organization. In a press release, the Treasury said its Office of Foreign Asset Control had "delisted and simultaneously redesignated" the service, changing its justification from the allegation that it supported North Korean hackers to the allegation that it supported the North Korean regime more generally. The move - which a Treasury representative said reflected the service's support for the North Korean government - still leaves Americans unable to send and receive money through the service. The ban on Tornado Cash was first imposed in August on the grounds that the Ethereum coin mixing service - which can be and has been used to obscure the proceeds of cybercrime - was being used by hackers such as North Korea's notorious Lazarus Group to launder stolen funds. But the move had proven controversial in part because some argued that Tornado Cash was less an organization than a set of software. In a lawsuit filed this year, six Texan users of Tornado Cash said that Treasury officials had overstepped their jurisdiction by effectively blocking access to computer code. "Tornado Cash is not a person, entity, or organization. It is a decentralized, open source software project that restores some privacy for Ethereum users," the lawsuit said. Cryptocurrency trading platform Coinbase backed the lawsuit, arguing in a blog post that the government had gone too far "by sanctioning an entire technology instead of specific individuals." What impact the redesignation might have on the lawsuit, if any, was not immediately clear. Treasury also announced sanctions on two employees of North Korea's state airline Air Koryo. (Reporting by Raphael Satter; Editing by Josie Kao) NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India stands to gain from a price cap on Russian oil and the United States hopes that it will take advantage of it, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said ahead of a visit to India this week, media reported on Tuesday. The United States and its allies in the Group of Seven rich nations aim to prevent Russia from profiting from oil after its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, while ensuring that most of its oil continues to flow to global markets. The G7 nations plan to cap prices of sea-borne oil shipments from Dec. 5, with a second cap on oil products from Feb. 5. India, the world's third biggest oil importer and a traditional ally of Russia, has not explicitly condemned what Russia calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine. India imports 85% of its crude needs and has emerged as Russia's second-largest oil customer after China, taking advantage of discounted Russian oil shunned by some Western buyers. "If they want to use Western financial services like insurance, the price cap would apply to their purchases," Yellen was quoted as saying in a report published by the Moneycontrol news outlet, citing the Press Trust of India (PTI). "But even if they use other financial services, we believe the price cap will give them leverage to negotiate good discounts from world markets. We would hope to see India benefiting from this programme." Yellen will travel to India on Friday to participate in a meeting of the U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership. She is due to hold talks with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on India's assumption of the G20 presidency, the U.S. Treasury said. She will then travel to the Indonesian island of Bali on Saturday for a joint meeting of G20 finance and health ministers before joining President Joe Biden at a G20 summit there on Nov. 15 and 16. (Reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Editing by Robert Birsel) MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and her Mexican counterpart spoke by phone about strengthening regional markets and promoting relocalization of U.S. companies to Mexico, Mexico's economy ministry said in a tweet on Monday. The phone call comes days after Mexican Economy Minister Raquel Buenrostro, who took her post in October, spoke with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai over the Mexican energy sector and U.S. corn exports. (Reporting by Kylie Madry) 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 Russia to continue missile attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, says Air Force Read also: With full loss of power, water, heating still possible, Kyiv authorities ask citizens to stock up on essentials "The main goal is the energy sector," he stated. Read also: Critical, civil infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast come under Russian missile and drone attack overnight "They are using the range of weapons available to them... They need to achieve the goal they have set. Those are strikes against all critical infrastructure. It's not the energy sector alone, because the enemy has already hit hydroelectric facilities as well." Ihnat stated that Russia has no obvious successes on the front lines of its full-scale war against Ukraine, and is facing problems with materiel and human resources. Read also: Russia damaged nearly 40% of Ukraines energy infrastructure, Zelenskyy says "That's why they want to prioritize hitting energy facilities in the fall and winter period, because a lot of life-sustaining factors depend on them," said Ihnat. "This aerial terrorism will continue. Read also: Energy company DTEK says it is running out of equipment to repair damaged infrastructure He added that if Russia does receive ballistic missiles from Iran, it will also use them for strikes. Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia was building up forces for possible new massive strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, primarily energy facilities. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine (Bloomberg) -- The rise of outspoken hardliners in the Kremlin is alarming insiders fearful the Russian president will heed their calls for even more confrontation abroad and sweeping repression at home. Most Read from Bloomberg Senior business executives and government officials have watched with growing worry as players they once considered marginal like Yevgeny Prigozhin, known for his Wagner mercenary company and recruiting of prison inmates to fight in Ukraine, have become the public forces behind Vladimir Putins push to step up his increasingly all-encompassing war effort. Meantime Ukraines Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said she believes the US will keep up financial support for its fight against Russia if Republicans take control of Congress following the midterm elections, regardless of threats from some leaders to scrutinize spending more closely. (See RSAN on the Bloomberg Terminal for the Russian Sanctions Dashboard.) Key Developments Putins Elite Tremble as Hardliners Call for Stalinist Steps Russia and US to Resume Nuclear Talks as War in Ukraine Rages on Ukraine Believes Republicans Will Keep Money Flowing If They Win Sweden Works to Smooth NATO Path as Turkey Demands Deportations EU Dims Hopes for a Price Cap to Contain Soaring Gas Costs Europes Energy Crunch Will Trigger Years of Shortages On the Ground Russian forces struck a village in the Zaporizhzhia region with S-300 missiles Tuesday morning, governor Oleksandr Starukh said on Telegram. Over the past day, Russia carried out nine missile strikes, 37 air attacks and fired more than 100 multiple rocket-launchers, according to Ukraines General Staff. Ukrainian troops repelled assaults near 10 settlements in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the military reported. The US-based Institute for the Study of War said that Russia has greatly depleted its stockpiles of high-precision weapons systems and has encountered significant aviation losses. Story continues (All times CET) Ukraine Believes US Republicans Will Keep Money Flowing If They Win (1:32 a.m.) We really appreciate your bipartisan support, Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in an interview with Bloomberg News on Tuesday. Were not worried. Ukraine fights for very concrete rights and values. I think the US will support until we get victory. Svyrydenko made a new call for allied nations to send more weapons and financing, including air-defense systems to target Iranian drones and Russian missiles. She spoke just hours before the first results were set to come out from elections that could jolt the Biden administrations foreign policy agenda. Read the interview story here. Ukraine Says Situation Along Entire Front Line is Difficult (12:40 a.m.) It is especially difficult in the Donetsk region, as before, Zelenskiy said in his usual nighttime address. There has been certain decline in the amount of news from the front. There is less news than, for example, at the beginning of autumn. But this does not mean that the intensity of fighting has declined. Around four million people were without electricity in various regions, he added. Putins Elite Tremble as Hardliners Call for Stalinist Steps (7:20 p.m.) Yevgeny Prigozhins public calls for urgent Stalinist repressions against business tycoons who arent sufficiently enthusiastic about supporting the war effort have led some rich Russians to fear for their own safety and that of their families, according to insiders. Prigozhins open attacks on top military commanders - some of whom have been subsequently removed - and the prominent Putin ally who is governor of St. Petersburg, have added to worry within the bureaucracy about the Kremlins unwillingness or inability to defend its own. With Kremlin officials now describing the invasion of Ukraine as a peoples war, hearkening back to the World War II rhetoric of Josef Stalin, a few insiders even say they fear the purges and arbitrary arrests of the the Soviet dictators rule may not be far behind Read the exclusive story here. Turkey Demands Deportations as Price for Swedens NATO Entry (7:16 p.m.) Swedens Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson pledged to live up to promises made to Turkey as he seeks to persuade President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to let the Nordic nation, and its neighbor Finland, into NATO. At a press conference following talks in Ankara, Erdogan signaled his contentment with the new government in Stockholm, but reiterated a call on Sweden and Finland to take Turkeys concerns seriously and deport terrorists residing in those countries. Turkey and Hungary remain the holdouts as 28 of 30 NATO members have ratified the Nordic countries entry. Read more: Sweden Works to Smooth NATO Path as Turkey Demands Deportations Russia and US to Meet on Resuming Inspections of Atomic Sites (7:05 p.m.) A State Department spokesperson confirmed a meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Commission is in the works but declined to say when or where it would take place, except to say it wouldnt be held in Geneva, their usual venue. The spokesperson said the US hopes for a constructive session. Two people in Moscow familiar with discussions around the talks, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations, said Cairo is the likely venue since Switzerland has joined sanctions against Russia over its invasion. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov declined to comment. Read more: Russia and US to Resume Nuclear Talks as War in Ukraine Rages on Russian Diesel Exports Set to Jump This Month (6:55 p.m.) Exports of diesel-type fuel from former Soviet Union countries are forecast to climb by 8% in November from a month earlier, according to seaborne oil trade analytics firm Petro-Logistics SA. The increase is largely driven by a sharp gain in shipments out of the Baltic Sea area, including the Russian port of Primorsk. Though the forecast also includes ports in other FSU countries, much if not all of the supply will originate in Russia. UK to Send Rockets, Attack Helicopters to Estonia (6 p.m.) The UK will send rocket weapons as well as Apache and Chinook helicopters to Estonia, the two countries defense chiefs said in a statement after a meeting in London. The increased military support from the UK, which leads an Estonia-based NATO battalion formed in 2017 after Russias annexation of Crimea, will support the Baltic nations plans to create a division-level military headquarters to host allied forces starting next January. Indian Foreign Minister Tells Lavrov of Growing Concerns Over War (3:40 p.m.) India is on the side of peace, respect for international law and support for the UN Charter over the war in Ukraine, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told a news conference in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, adding that the invasion was a dominant feature of their talks. We are seeing growing concerns on energy and food security from the conflict, Jaishankar said, reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modis view that its not an era for war at a September meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Global South, especially, is feeling this pain very acutely. Still, he noted significant growth in trade between India and Russia this year and said it was essential to continue their time-tested defense relationship. India has scooped up millions of barrels of discounted oil shunned by Europe and the US since the war began, and Russia remains a key weapons supplier. Hungary Blocks EU Plan for 18 Billion Ukraine Package (1:55 p.m.) Hungary told EU finance ministers at a meeting in Brussels that it wont support the necessary changes to prepare an 18 billion package to support Ukraine next year, people familiar with the discussion said. The European Commission will propose on Wednesday offering concessional loans to Kyiv in a more stable manner, but the initiative will require using the extra space available in the EU budget. Hungarian Finance Minister Mihaly Varga told his colleagues that he wouldnt support such an option, which requires the unanimous backing of 27 governments. Read more: EU Aims to Dispel Criticism on Ukraine Aid With 18 Billion Plan Zelenskiy Seeks to Extend Martial Law and Mobilization (1:25 p.m.) Ukraines president filed a decree draft to the countrys parliament, seeking to extend martial law and mobilization. Zelenskiy is seeking to extend martial law and mobilization by 90 days, lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on Telegram. The parliament approved a similar decree over the summer, extending the military measures for 90 days from Aug. 23. UK Says Chelsea FC Sale Profits Yet to Reach Ukraine (1:20 p.m.) The UKs Europe minister, Leo Docherty, faced questions over whether the 3.5 billion ($4 billion) proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club in May had reached Ukraine yet. Former owner Roman Abramovich, a sanctioned individual, agreed the funds can be sent there. The money is still frozen in the UK bank account, Docherty told Parliament in London. Administrative work and a license to release the funds has been applied for, he added. Opposition Labour Party MP Chris Bryant told Bloomberg News the delay is appalling and called on the government to get a blasted move-on. Zelenskiy Likely to Join G-20 Summit Online, Suspilne TV Reports (12:05 p.m.) President Zelenskiy will take part in the G-20 summit in Bali in some kind of format, the Suspilne TV website reports, citing presidential spokesman Serhiy Nykyforov. The president will most likely join the summit online, the website reported, citing Nykyforov. Zelenskiy said earlier that he wont join the summit if Putin attends it. Jokowi Says Joe Biden, Xi Jinping to Attend G-20 Summit in Bali Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Ihor Kolomoisky may be losing Ukrnafta. This is more than 60% of oil production in the country and more than 500 gas stations. However, so far the state has not been able to take away anything from the oligarch except debts The Ukrainian government has suddenly became the owner of five large private businesses. The Ministry of Defense has received shares and control in Motor Sich, Ukrnafta, Ukrtatnafta, Zaporizhtransformator, and AvtoKrAZ, following a decision by the countrys General Staff. "Such steps, necessary for our state in times of war, are carried out in accordance with current laws and will help meet the urgent needs of our defense sector," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained on Telegram. Read also: Motor Sich officials suspected of working for Russia, president detained, says SBU This cannot be called nationalization, insists Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov. This is the seizure of property during martial law," he said during a briefing on the decision. Read also: Motor Sich head Boguslayev charged with treason and working for Russia. Who is he? According to National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov, after the end of martial law, these assets "may be returned to the owners, or they will receive appropriate compensation for their value. The officials did not detail how the state came up with the list of nationalized assets. According to NV's source in Zelenskyys team, Deputy Head of the Presidents Office Rostyslav Shurma championed this expropriation the most. Hes the one who takes care of economic policy and industry on Bankova Street. According to the source, Shurma also proposed the creation of temporary administrations at the so-called regional gas companies belonging to oligarch Dmytro Firtash, and the ruling party is now discussing the relevant bill. Read also: Recently nationalized Motor Sich and Ukrnafta to work for national defense, Ukrainian PM says Supervisory boards have already been formed at the enterprises, Reznikov announced. The next step is the appointment of management. The "affected" owners of the plants have so far held back their reactions and have not commented on the decision made by the Ukrainian military leadership. Story continues NV looks into this wartime transfer of assets, the challenges this move will face, and what will happen after Ukraines victory. Motor Sich The transfer of shares in the Zaporizhzhya-based manufacturer of aircraft engines and gas compressor units to the state raises fewer questions than other enterprises. Read also: Detained owner of Motor Sich has Russian citizenship, had access to state secrets Over the past few years, Motor Sich has constantly been embroiled in high-profile scandals. The secret sale of shares to a mysterious Chinese investor, trade with Russia through third countries, and eventually the arrest of long-time Motor Sich president Vyacheslav Boguslayev on suspicion of aiding the aggressor state are good arguments for expropriating the company, which only thanks to Boguslayev's lobbying went through non-competitive privatization in the 1990s. Apart from Boguslayev, only Chinese investors can oppose this development of events. But this is not news long before the war they filed a lawsuit against Ukraine in international arbitration at The Hague. The motivation of the claim is an alleged violation of the right to fair and equitable treatment and expropriation of investments contrary to an agreement between the governments of Ukraine and China. Ukrnafta Ukrnafta is the largest Ukrainian crude oil company, which has 85 special permits for hydrocarbon production. The major difficulty in its work is the relationship between the two largest groups of shareholders. The state, represented by the state oil company Naftogaz of Ukraine, owns slightly more than 50% of the company's shares. Bridgemont Ventures Limited, Bordo Management Limited, and Littop Enterprises Limited (all Cyprus-registered companies associated with Ihor Kolomoisky, Hennadiy Boholyubov, and Ihor Palytsia) together control 40.1% of the share capital. Over the past two years, Ukrnafta has produced approximately 1.5 million tons of oil and condensate. This is almost 63% of Ukraines total production. Ukrnafta also produces about 6% of all Ukrainian gas. In addition, the company owns a huge network of gas stations, which before the full-scale invasion of Russia had 537 branches. Read also: Ukraine seizes assets of Boguslayev, Zhevaho, Kolomoisky worth $1 billion Forbes The only thing that Ukrnafta lacks is its own oil refinery. Before the war, refining was carried out at the facilities of the Kremenchuk Refinery of Ukrtatnafta, another company seized in yesterday's decision. Ukrtatnafta The Kremenchuk Refinery is the second joint business of the state, represented by Naftogaz of Ukraine and private shareholders, including Ihor Kolomoisky, Oleksandr Yaroslavskyi and Pavlo Ovcharenko. Unlike Ukrnafta, it is actually controlled by private investors, who together own about 60% of the shares. Until recently, it was the largest operating refinery in Ukraine, which processed both Ukrainian and imported oil. But this spring it was destroyed as a result of several missile attacks on Kremenchuk. Petro Danyliak, co-owner of the OKKO filling station network, estimated the cost of restoring the enterprise at $1 billion. Moreover, he believes that during the war in Ukraine there is no need to create new refining capacities because of the threat of their destruction. Read also: Ukrainian anti-corruption bureau raids home of oligarch Kolomoisky The situation is aggravated by the fact that in early October the Supreme Court of the United States ordered Ukraine to pay $173 million to Russian company Tatneft, which in the 1990s was one of the shareholders of the refinery, but lost all shares due to a conflict with the Ukrainian shareholders of the plant. That is, the state inherited a debt fixed by a court decision in the United States. Moreover, a Russian court arrested businessmen Ihor Kolomoisky and Hennadiy Boholyubov in absentia. Kolomoisky did not respond to a request for comment from NV Business via messenger. Nor did the press service of Yaroslavskyi's DCH company respond to a request to comment on the seizure of Ukrtatnafta in favor of the state. Zaporizhtransformator The products of the Zaporizhzhya-based machine plant are now extremely important for Ukraine after the Russian attacks on domestic energy infrastructure. Damage to transformer equipment has become almost the main cause of massive power outages in Ukrainian cities. It is impossible to replace transformers quickly. "It's not like in a supermarket: you come, you buy, DTEK Executive Director Dmytro Sakharuk told Radio NV. Read also: DTEK CEO confirms Ukrainian oligarch Akhmetov has been in Ukraine since start of war This is a single-piece product that is made only on order. Restoration of energy infrastructure will cost state-owned Ukrenergo and private energy companies tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars. But the state's decision to de facto confiscate Zaporizhtransformator (ZTR) means that this money will bypass the current owner of 97.3% of ZTR shares AMC Svarog Asset Management. In the state register, Swiss citizen Leonid Pivovarov is recorded as its ultimate beneficiary. He is a classmate of prominent businessman Kostiantyn Hryhoryshyn, who for many years has been considered to be the real owner of the Zaporizhzhya enterprise. It was not possible to find out his reaction the loss of Zaporizhtransformator. Hryhoryshyn did not reply to NV Business questions by publication. According to official information, ZTR has been non-operational since the beginning of the war. The company has recently been struggling with a number of debt issues. Back in 2019, courts opened a bankruptcy case against ZTR. According to preliminary information, just the confirmed bank claims amount to UAH 3.6 billion ($97.5 million). Read also: Energy company DTEK says it is running out of equipment to repair damaged infrastructure According to the court-appointed arbitration manager of ZTR, Ivan Husar, the formation of the register of creditors' claims may take place on Nov. 29. The change of ownership should not affect the course of the bankruptcy procedure, Husar told NV Business. AvtoKrAZ This Kremenchuk-based plant, which is usually associated with Kostiantyn Zhevaho, is a world-famous manufacturer of trucks for civil and military purposes. The range of KrAZ trucks is represented by vehicles of 42, 44, 64, 66, 84, and 86 wheel configurations, including truck tractors, flatbed trucks, dump trucks, and various special and military equipment, including platforms for multiple launch rocket systems. It is difficult to overestimate the need for this equipment both during the war and during the post-war reconstruction of the country. AutoKrAZ, like ZTR, is in bankruptcy proceedings. And, judging by the latest news, the long-term owner of the plant is trying to influence the course of events. It is unknown how Zhevaho reacted to the news about the alienation of the plant. At the time of publication, his press service had not answered questions sent to him by NV Business. What are the risks of seizing enterprises and why can it be beneficial to their owners? One of NV Business source, who previously held the position of a top manager in a state-owned company, noted that one of the main discussions around the process of withdrawal or nationalization is the payment of compensation to private owners in the future. But he believes that the risks of large payments can be significantly reduced by taking advantage of past experience. "In early 2021, the state won an international arbitration against minority shareholders of Ukrnafta, the source tells NV Business. They demanded more than $6 billion, but the Ministry of Justice was able to prove that they did not have such a right. According to him, the court decided that minority shareholders cannot be considered investors at all and claim compensation, because they acquired their shares in a dubious way, and not as a result of transparent privatization or purchase on the market. In 2015, Kolomoisky himself admitted during a meeting of the Special Commission of the Verkhovna Rada on Privatization that he had been transferring $5 million to the second president of Ukraine, Leonid Kuchma, every month for the right to change the management and gain operational control over Ukrnafta. Read also: Kolomoisky loses court battle to regain control of PrivatBank head office Almost all the private owners of the nationalized businesses have similar issues. It is also worth mentioning the citizenship of some of these businessmen. Vyacheslav Boguslayev was discovered to have a Russian passport. Zaporizhtransformators former owner, Kostiantyn Hryhoryshyn, used to be a citizen of Russia and Cyprus only obtaining Ukrainian citizenship in 2016. He also brought the company to a bankrupt state. Kostiantyn Zhevahos AvtoKrAZ is in the same situation. Therefore, the state may have arguments to reject these shareholders potential claims ,and not pay compensation if they demand it. If, of course, Ukrainian courts will accept these arguments. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Government officials and food company executives discussed methods for deepening cooperation in global food security and China's rural revitalization, at a forum held during the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE). Ma Youxiang, vice minister of China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA), underlined that joint efforts are needed to tackle various problems and challenges in global food security and rural development as he delivered a keynote speech at the Parallel Session on Economic and Trade Cooperation for Global Food Security and Rural Revitalization of the Fifth Hongqiao International Economic Forum. Ma said, "Currently, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and changes, and we are facing many new problems regarding global food security and rural construction." "China has always been firm in managing its own affairs well, remains committed to expanding agricultural trade and deepening investment cooperation, pursues multilateralism and humanitarianism, promotes food security and rural revitalization with high-level economic and trade cooperation, and shares development opportunities with the world," Ma added. China's grain production capacity has reached a new level, stabilizing at more than 650 million tonnes for seven consecutive years and ensuring food supply for its 1.4 billion people, Ma said. "We won the critical battle against poverty, historically solved the problem of absolute poverty and made significant contributions to the cause of global poverty reduction. The modernization of agriculture and rural areas has made new progress and the people's sense of happiness has been significantly improved," Ma noted. He added that the MARA would develop high-level agricultural economic and trade cooperation with all parties. "We will strengthen dialogue and coordination to create a favorable international environment, we will strengthen economic and trade cooperation and maintain the resilience of the industrial chain and supply chain and we will strengthen development cooperation and promote global sustainable development." Data revealed at the forum showed the number of people affected by hunger globally increased to 828 million in 2021. Moreover, the global grain output is expected to decline by 1.7% in 2022/2023. Nearly 30% of the world's population lived in a state of food insecurity in 2021, according to a UN report released in July. The UN also estimated that almost 670 million people, or 8% of the world's population, will still be undernourished in 2030. China has already helped. Since the beginning of this year, China has provided more than 30,000 tonnes of emergency humanitarian food aid to developing countries. Since 2016, it has provided emergency food aid to more than 50 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. China has carried out agricultural cooperation with more than 140 countries and regions, and promoted more than 1,000 agricultural technologies in developing countries. Guo Tingting, vice commerce minister, said at the parallel session that China has always regarded food security as a top priority and is an essential contributor to global food security, an active promoter of international food cooperation, and a staunch defender of global food security governance. She stressed that maintaining food security requires the international community to join hands. "With the joint efforts of all parties, the goal of eradicating hunger will surely be achieved," she appealed. Ann Derwin, ambassador of Ireland to China, praised China's efforts to ensure food security and noted that food security affects at least 10% of the world's population. "All of us have an obligation to work together to solve this critical and complex problem." The Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Argentina, Juan Jose Bahillo, appeared via a video link and said Argentina was willing to deepen economic and trade cooperation with China, promote the building of a more fair, equitable and transparent international trading system under the framework of multilateralism, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and promote global food security and rural revitalization. "The CIIE provides a good communication platform, which is conducive to reaching consensus at the international level and contributing to the sustainable development of global agriculture," he added. Other guests at the parallel session, including top executives from international companies, also shared their insights. Colm Rafferty, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China), said the chamber hopes to strengthen cooperation with the Chinese government and jointly discuss how the investments, technological advancements, and practical experiences of the U.S. could better support China's goals of rural revitalization and common prosperity. Jerry Liu, president of Cargill China, proposed to invest 50 million yuan in the next five years to fulfill corporate responsibility, including promoting sustainable development, increasing farmers' income and other actions to help rural revitalization. "In the future, Cargill will use its global supply chain to work with China's partners to help meet China's demand for food, help China's agricultural and food industries connect with the global system, and continue to contribute to China's rural revitalization." Luan Richeng, president of China Oil and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO Corporation), a leading supplier of agricultural products in China, pledged his company would continue to deepen international food security cooperation, and contribute to building a robust, green and healthy global agricultural development pattern. "Food security concerns sustainable development and the future of humanity, and is an important basis for building a human community with a shared future," he said. Ukrainian Armed Forces use various means to destroy Iranian drones According to the report, in the letter Stefanchuk calls on the United States to provide Ukraine with C-RAM to protect critical facilities, especially power plants. Read also: With full loss of power, water, heating still possible, Kyiv authorities ask citizens to stock up on essentials C-RAM has a built-in radar to track incoming airborne threats and a rapid-fire 20mm cannon to destroy them. NATO claims the systems are capable of firing 4,500 rounds per minute. Stefanchuk also asked senior U.S. lawmakers to assist him in his appeal to U.S. President Joe Bidens administration to provide long-range missiles, so that the Ukrainian military can destroy Russian military targets such as stockpiles of Iranian drones, deep behind enemy lines in occupied Ukraine. Read also: Russia could soon start attacking Ukraine with Iranian ballistic missiles, military intelligence says An unnamed Ukrainian official told ABC News that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are now using a variety of means to destroy Iranian drones. He added that the Armed Forces of Ukraine sometimes resort to using anti-tank weapons to counter this threat. He also claimed that Ukrainian jet fighters track Iranian drones, and in some cases the Air Force is tasked with destroying them. A source in the Ukrainian government noted that Kyiv is in negotiations with all its partners to create a comprehensive and broad air defense system across Ukraine. Read also: Ukraine will receive new air and missile defense systems this year, says Kuleba We dont mean multiple systems near the front line, the official added. If we have this (integrated air defense system - ed), this war can end earlier. According to CNN, Russia received three types of Iranian drones: Mohajer-6, Shahed-129, and Shahed-191. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Moscow had ordered a total of 2,400 drones from Tehran. Read also: Ukraine lacks effective means to counteract Iranian missiles, says Ukrainian Air Force spokesman For a long time, Iran categorically denied allegations of supplying drones to Russia. However, on Nov. 5, Iran's foreign minister for the first time acknowledged that Tehran had handed over drones to Russia, claiming this happened before the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. After these statements were made, Zelenskyy accused Tehran of lying. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ihor Kolomoisky Read also: Kolomoisky loses court battle to regain control of PrivatBank head office Ukraine nationalized the assets of Ukrainian Forbes list members Ihor Kolomoisky, Hennadiy Boholyubov, Kostiantyn Zhevaho, Kostyantyn Hryhoryshyn, and Viacheslav Boguslayev a day earlier. Read also: Ukrainian anti-corruption bureau raids home of oligarch Kolomoisky According to the publication, the most valuable of the alienated assets are those of Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta. Kolomoisky and Boholyubov owned about 42% of the shares in Ukrnafta, which is the largest Ukrainian oil producer and the owner of a network of gas stations. Before the war, Forbes valued Ukrnafta at almost $1.5 billion, while now it is reckoned to be worth $748 million. The share of Kolomoiskys Privat Group in the company is estimated at $314 million. Read also: Recently nationalized Motor Sich and Ukrnafta to work for national defense, Ukrainian PM says The publication estimates the share of Kolomoisky and Boholyubov in Ukrtatnafta at 28%, the same amount belongs to Kharkiv businessman Oleksandr Yaroslavskyi. Before Russias full-scale invasion and war, Forbes estimated the entire asset to be worth $830 million, while now its value has fallen to $178 million. Motor Sich is currently worth around $27 million ($90 million before the war), and AutoKrAZ of Kostiantyn Zhevaho $3 million ($10 million before the war). Forbes estimated the value of Kostiantyn Hryhoryshyn's Zaporizhtransformator at zero due to its large debts. At the same time, the publication notes that the bankrupt company is potentially an attractive asset. Read also: Ranking richest Ukrainians by their wartime donations According to Forbes Ukraine, citing a source in the Servant of the People political party, this is only the first wave of nationalizations. In particular, the government may target 40% of the shares of Zhevahos Ferrexpo Poltava Mining, which is in litigation over the asset with the previous owners. Story continues It is also noted that the expropriation of assets of Boguslayev, Zhevaho, and Kolomoisky may accelerate the nationalization of Alfa-Bank of Mikhail Fridman, which was expected in December. It was first reported on Nov. 7 that Motor Sich, Ukrnafta, Ukrtatnafta, AvtoKrAZ, and Zaporizhtransformator would be transferred to state ownership. The decision to nationalize the companies was based on the law and the order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Read also: Ukrainian oligarch Kolomoiskys company loses rights to Dnipro Airport, says mayor The shares of the enterprises were passed into the control of the Ministry of Defense for the duration of martial law. According to Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, supervisory boards have been formed to appoint the new management. 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 KYIV (Reuters) -The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council said on Tuesday the main condition for the resumption of negotiations with Russia would be the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity. The powerful official, Oleksiy Danilov, said Ukraine also needed the "guarantee" of modern air defences, aircraft, tanks and long-range missiles. "Russia, negotiations. The main condition of the President of Ukraine is restoration of Ukrainian territorial integrity," Danilov wrote on Twitter. "Guarantee modern air defence, aircraft, tanks, and long-range missiles. Strategy proactive steps. Russian missiles must be destroyed before launch in the air, on land and at sea." President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday he was open to talks with Russia, but only "genuine" negotiations that would restore Ukraine's borders, grant it compensation for Russian attacks and punish those responsible for war crimes. Zelenskiy made his remarks days after a Washington Post report that Washington wanted Kyiv to signal its willingness for talks, concerned that by appearing too intransigent Kyiv might harm its case for international support. (Reporting by Max Hunder; writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Timothy Heritage) Ukrainian artillery troops firing near Kherson US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has confirmed communication channels between Washington and Moscow remain open. It comes as the White House refuses to deny reports that Mr Sullivan has been leading talks with Russia to prevent a nuclear escalation in Ukraine. Speaking in New York, Mr Sullivan said it was "in the interests" of the US to maintain contact with the Kremlin. But he insisted officials were "clear-eyed about who we are dealing with". The Wall Street Journal reports that Mr Sullivan has held confidential discussions with his Russian counterpart, Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, and senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, over the past several months. Senior officials told the paper the men had discussed ways to guard against the risk of nuclear escalation in the war in Ukraine, but had not engaged in any negotiations around ways to end the conflict. Last month, Mr Sullivan said any use of nuclear weapons would have "catastrophic consequences for Russia". He told the US broadcaster NBC that senior officials had "spelled out" the scope of the potential US response in private discussions with Russian officials. US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson refused to confirm the story, telling the paper that "people claim a lot of things", while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Western newspapers of "publishing numerous hoaxes". But White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said on Monday that the United States reserved the right to hold talks with Russia. And Mr Sullivan - who is said to be one of the most senior advisers to US President Joe Biden still pushing for discussions with Russia - said maintaining contact with Moscow was in the "interests of every country who is affected by this conflict". Last week, the Washington Post reported that senior US officials were urging Kyiv to signal an openness to hold negotiations with Russia and drop their public refusal to discuss an end to the war while President Vladimir Putin remained in power. Story continues But Mr Sullivan told a public event in New York that the Biden administration had "an obligation to pursue accountability" and pledged to work with international partners to "hold the perpetrators of grave and grotesque war crimes in Ukraine responsible for what they have done". "I was just in Kyiv on Friday. and I had the opportunity to meet with President [Volodymyr] Zelensky and my counterpart Andriy Yermak, with the military leadership and also to get a briefing on just what level of death and devastation has been erupted by Putin's war on that country," Mr Sullivan said. Concerns have been heightened in recent months that Russia could resort to using nuclear weapons in a desperate attempt to defend four regions of eastern and southern Ukraine that it illegally annexed. Meanwhile, Ukraine has invoked its war-time martial laws to take control of the assets of five strategically important companies. Some of the companies - which include two energy companies and firms that make engines, vehicles and transformers - are linked to oligarch Vyacheslav Bohuslayev, who was arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Russia. President Zelensky said the move would help Ukraine's defence sector meet the needs of the military, which is currently engaged in counteroffensives in southern and eastern Ukraine. KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the visiting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations on Tuesday that the Black Sea grain export deal that unblocked three major Ukrainian ports must be extended. The deal, agreed in July under the mediation of the United Nations and Turkey, lifted a blockade that Russia imposed on e Ukraine's Black Sea ports after its Feb. 24 invasion. The initiative expires on Nov. 19 and appeared under threat last month when Moscow briefly suspended its participation in the deal before rejoining again. "We maintain the line that the initiative must continue regardless of whether the Russian Federation is willing," Zelenskiy told the ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, during talks in Kyiv. He added on the Telegram messaging app: "Ukraine is ready to remain the guarantor of world food security." Ukraine's deputy infrastructure minister told Reuters on Tuesday that Kyiv wants the grain export deal expanded to include more ports and goods, and hopes a decision to extend the agreement for at least a year will be taken next week. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk and Max Hunder, Editing by Timothy Heritage) Brutal reality has stopped Ukraine's internationally renowned novelist Andrey Kurkov from writing fiction, so instead he is telling the story of the Russian invasion to the world. The 61-year-old, famed for his satirical Russian-language novel "Death and the Penguin", has become a kind of travelling cultural spokesman for Ukraine's war effort. His ready smile belies the tiredness resulting from criss-crossing European and US literary festivals to discuss his new non-fiction work, "Diary of an Invasion". "It's my contribution, it's actually my duty," Kurkov tells AFP in an interview at the Crossing Border festival in the Dutch city of The Hague, fresh off the plane from Germany. "I'm on the western front, not on the eastern front. The eastern front is very dangerous, the western front is less dangerous -- but I think it is also important." As Kyiv's troops make gains in the east and south, Kurkov says his job is to "explain to Western audiences what they don't know and don't understand about Ukraine." Exempt by age from the travel ban for Ukrainian men from 18-60, Kurkov has had an "exhausting" travel schedule to promote the book. His vivid and heart-breaking diary paints a picture of life in Ukraine from December, when war was looming, until July. From his family's flight from Kyiv, to stories of survival under siege and grandmothers carrying their roosters on trains, Kurkov teases out often surreal details. - 'Tsar Putin' - That same absurdist eye created the novels that have been translated into more than 30 languages. They include "Death and the Penguin", a post-Soviet classic about an obituary writer and his pet flightless bird, and 2018's "Grey Bees", about the last two men in a village in war-torn eastern Ukraine. But his most recent novel -- the third in a series of historical detective fiction set in the Kyiv of 1919 -- has remained stuck on page 71 since Russia invaded Ukraine in February. "I cannot write fiction now because my thoughts are only about what is happening in Ukraine," he says. Story continues While away from home, Kurkov stays in touch with the situation through friends and family -- his British-born wife and two of his three grown-up children remain there. Life has "normalised" since the invasion with cafes and restaurants reopening and beauty salons being "very busy". But recent Russian missile attacks on Kyiv had changed the mood again. "People are getting angry, they are irritated by power blackouts of course. But they're not giving in." The novelist says he also wants to show Ukraine as a historic, independent country, not just part of the former Soviet Union. "Ukrainians never had a tsar, they are very opinionated. Russians prefer stability to freedom and the symbol of stability is the tsar -- and now they have tsar Putin." - 'Musk is extra-terrestrial' - In the diary he portrays the war as an existential struggle, saying that "Ukraine will either be free, independent or European or it will not exist at all". Kurkov -- who was born in the Leningrad region in the Soviet Union -- also reveals the personal cost, saying that he feared that if Russia conquered Ukraine he could be part of a generation of "executed authors" like in the 1930s. "Any Ukrainian intellectual who is active is in danger, it's clear, so you have to accept it," he says when asked if he feared for his security now. Kurkov has meanwhile decided not to publish his books in Russian until after the war -- though he may again afterwards so other minority Russian-speakers in Ukraine do not feel "cancelled". The writer is not shy of expressing his opinions on the wider political situation. Western support is "still there" but he notes fewer Ukrainian flags in European towns and cities as "support became a bit commonplace, trivial". Russian President Vladimir Putin is "slightly out of his mind", says Kurkov, estimating the chance of him using nuclear weapons as "10 to 15 percent". He also has choice words for billionaire Elon Musk, who made controversial proposals for de-escalating the war including acknowledging Russian sovereignty over Crimea. "Well, Elon Musk is extra-terrestrial. He has nothing to do with reality, especially with Ukraine," said Kurkov with a grin. dk/jmm (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday that Donetsk region in the east remained the "epicentre" of fighting in the conflict, with hundreds of Russians being killed every day. "The Donetsk region remains the epicenter of the greatest madness of the occupiers," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. "They are being killed in their hundreds every day. The ground in front of Ukrainian positions is littered with bodies of the occupiers." The towns of Bakhmut and Avdiivka are the focal points of the heaviest fighting in Donetsk region. (Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Leslie Adler) By Aidan Lewis and Emma Farge SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) -The family of jailed Egyptian-British hunger striker Alaa Abd el-Fattah said on Tuesday they had not heard from him since he had been due to stop drinking water two days ago, and the United Nations human rights chief warned his life was in great danger. Abd el-Fattah, a prominent activist and blogger, was sentenced in December 2021 to five years on charges of spreading false news and has been on a hunger strike for 220 days, since April 2, against his detention and prison conditions. In an escalation that coincided with the arrival of world leaders in Egypt for the COP27 climate conference, he informed his family that he would stop drinking water on Sunday. Abd el-Fattah's mother said on Tuesday she had waited for a second day outside the jail northwest of Cairo where he is being held to receive a weekly letter from him, but got nothing. Prison officials said he was refusing to send out a letter, she said. "We don't know where he is. We don't know if he's alive," Abd el-Fattah's sister Sanaa Seif told journalists at the annual United Nations gathering of world leaders to discuss global warming, this year held at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for the immediate release of Abd el-Fattah who he said was "in great danger." "His dry hunger strike puts his life at acute risk," Turk said. Asked whether there was a risk he may have already died, given the lack of communication, Turk's spokesperson said in Geneva: "We are very concerned for his health and there is a lack of transparency as well around his current condition." In a statement from its mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Egypt said Turk's statement violated the principles of impartiality and objectivity and seemed to rely on unsubstantiated information. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Washington was "seriously concerned" about Abdel Fattah and had raised his case repeatedly with Egyptian officials. Story continues The United States allocates around $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt annually. The Biden administration has held a small portion of the aid back in recent years citing rights concerns, including over Cairo's record on political prisoners. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who attended the COP27 climate talks on Monday, told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi that he hoped to see the issue resolved as soon as possible. However, Seif said Britain had not replied to her request for proof that her brother was alive. "I asked the British authorities to get us some proof that Alaa is alive and conscious, I did not get any response." 'INTERFERENCE' Asked about the case on Monday, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told CNBC that prison authorities would provide Abd el-Fattah with healthcare. Egyptian officials have not responded to Reuters requests for comment on Abd el-Fattah. They said previously that he was receiving meals. Amr Darwish, an Egyptian member of parliament attending COP27, said Abd el-Fattah was convicted in court and questioned his family's appeal for international support, which pro-government figures have portrayed as an interference in Egypt's internal affairs. Abd el-Fattah rose to prominence during Egypt's 2011 popular uprising which led to Egypt's first democratic presidential election. The new Muslim Brotherhood president, Mohamed Mursi, was toppled by the military - then led by Sisi - after mass protests against his rule in July 2013. The following month security forces broke up two pro-Mursi sit-ins in Cairo and killed hundreds of civilians. Abd el-Fattah, a software developer from an activist family, was detained in the subsequent crackdown on Islamists, leftists and liberals alike, and has been behind bars for most of the time since then. Some rights campaigners have criticised the decision for Egypt to host COP27, citing what they say is its repression of political dissent. They have also raised concern over access and space for protests at the United Nations climate talks. Sisi has said security measures were needed to stabilise Egypt after the 2011 uprising. (Additional reporting by Farah Saafan; Writing by Dominic Evans; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel, Lisa Shumaker and David Gregorio) The United Nations Tuesday warned of a worsening food crisis in bankrupt Sri Lanka and said the number of people needing urgent humanitarian help had doubled to 3.4 million. UN agencies had estimated in June that 1.7 million out of the 22 million population in Sri Lanka required help. The UN agencies in Colombo in a joint statement said they had raised $79 million to feed those in need, but the increasing number of poor people meant they needed an additional $70 million. "Food insecurity in Sri Lanka has increased dramatically due to two consecutive seasons of poor harvests, foreign exchange shortages, and reduced household purchasing power," the statement said. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948 and has been enduring runaway inflation, power blackouts, and fuel rationing since last year. The country defaulted on its $51 billion external debt in mid April and is in talks with the IMF for a $2.9 billion bailout. Months of protests against high prices and shortages of food and medicines led to the toppling of president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July. The UN said its revised plan aims at feeding 2.1 million people, including pregnant mothers and school children and providing livelihood support to 1.5 million farmers and fishermen. It also said that the poverty rate in the South Asian nation has doubled to 25.6 percent this year, up from 13.1 percent last year. aj/slb/mtp Severe air pollution in Hanoi to last until at least this weekend Severe air pollution in the capital city is forecast to linger until at least this weekend, leaving much of the city clouded in smog. Air pollution has covered Hanoi in a thick layer of smog. By 6am Monday, PAM Air monitoring stations in Hanoi reported the Air Quality Index (AQI) as red (AQI 151-200, 'Unhealthy'), with some areas reaching purple (AQI 201-300, 'Very Unhealthy'). By noon, the air quality had improved slightly. However, much of the city remained in the red and orange levels (AQI 101-150, 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'). Ha Thanh Huong, Project Manager of PAM Air, told Tien Phong (Vanguard) online newspaper that the air quality in Hanoi is deteriorating. She said the air is often polluted late at night, which lasts until morning or even noon the next day. "The recent wave of air pollution started on November 3 and is predicted to last until the end of this week," she said. Huong said air quality usually drops between October and March for between two and 14 days at a time. "Therefore, during this time, people should monitor air quality regularly and actively protect their health by wearing fine particulate matter (PM2.5) dust masks, as well as limiting outdoor activities in the early morning and late at night," she said. Causes According to environmental experts, air pollution in Hanoi is related to meteorology. In the past few days, Hanoi's weather has experienced a temperature inversion, causing pollutants from traffic, construction, industrial production, craft villages, and daily life activities to be deposited in the air near the ground, leading to air pollution. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's National Environmental Report for 2016-2020 also pointed out that air pollution in Vietnam is significantly affected by climate factors. Dust concentrations in the air also change according to the rules of the day, especially in the areas near traffic axes. For example, the dust concentration increases during peak traffic hours and drops to the lowest between noon and night, the report said. Under the report, air pollution in Vietnam mainly occurs in big cities, urban areas and industrial parks. Between 2016-2020, dust pollution was most common in big cities, urban areas and areas with a lot of industrial activities, especially PM10 and PM2.5 dust pollution in Hanoi and HCM City. The report said that Hanoi's days with poor air quality accounted for 30.5 per cent of the total number of observed days in 2019. Recommendations The Ministry of Health has advised people to monitor air quality regularly and limit opening windows and doors while the air is polluted. In addition, people should regularly clean up rooms and houses and plant trees around the house to help in preventing dust and clean the air. People should clean their noses, gargle physiological saline in the morning and evening, especially after going out, and wash their eyes with physiological saline at night before bed. The World Health Organisation said PM2.5 dust could penetrate the lungs and enter the body through the bloodstream, affecting all major organs. Exposure to PM2.5 can cause both cardiovascular and respiratory diseases such as strokes, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A nNew research has also shown an association between prenatal exposure to high levels of air pollution and developmental delay in infants, as well as psychological and behavioural problems later on, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression. 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. A unit from the Chechen Republic has arrived at the Russian-occupied village of Novosofiivka, Kherson Oblast. Source: The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Quote: "A unit from the Chechen Republic has arrived at Novosofiivka (Kherson Oblast) to reinforce Russian forces in the area. The newly arrived unit has already joined in the looting of local residents properties." Previously: The General Staff has also reported that Belarus and Russia are continuing to form a joint military unit on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have repelled several Russian attacks over the course of the past 24 hours; Ukrainian aircraft have struck 17 clusters of Russian military personnel; and ground forces have struck five Russian command posts and several other critical targets. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Iraqi authorities said a U.S. aid worker was shot and killed in an ambush attack on Monday in Baghdad. Two Iraqi officials said that the unidentified aid worker was shot dead after another vehicle cut him off as he was about to enter the street where he lives in the citys central Karrada district. Two assailants jumped out of another vehicle and shot the aid worker dead as the workers wife and child were in the vehicle with him during the ordeal, according to The Associated Press. Authorities made it clear that it is unknown at this time if the assailants were attempting to kidnap the aid worker. Baghdads Karrada district, a neighborhood mixed with Christian and Muslim middle-class families, according to the AP, was virtually empty Monday night as Iraqi police heavily patrolled the area. Documents obtained by the newswire detailed that the aid worker had been renting out an apartment in Karradas Wahda area since May 2021. A medical official said that the aid worker was dead on arrival at a nearby medical facility. Two security officials also said that the individual worked for an international aid organization, adding that an investigation into the aid workers death has begun, the AP reported. Americans being attacked in Baghdad has been a rarity since the defeat of the Islamic State in 2017, compared to the number of attacks against Americans in the aftermath of the U.S.-led invasion of the country in 2003, according to the AP. In a statement, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani vowed to form a committee within the interior ministry and various security agencies in an effort to investigate the death of the U.S. aid worker. In a separate statement, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that officials are aware of the reports of the aid workers death, noting that the department is not yet in a position to confirm the accounts of the death or if the individual was a U.S. citizen. The Hill has reached out to the State Department for comment and more information. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A US aid worker has been shot dead in Baghdad in a rare killing of a foreigner on Iraqi soil, officials said. The man was shot in his car as he entered the street where he lived in Baghdads central Karrada district, reported Associated Press (AP) quoting police officials. A car cut him off as he drove through the street and assailants shot him dead. Officials said that the reason behind his killing is not known yet. It is also not clear whether the assailants were attempting to kidnap him. The mans wife and child were also in the car but were not injured in the attack, they said. Two security officials have confirmed to AP that a US citizen who worked for an international aid organisation had been killed. The death was also confirmed by a medical worker at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, where the victim was taken. The medical worker said he was dead on arrival. Ned Price, US state department spokesperson, said the department was aware of the reports of the killing of the aid worker and was looking into the details. But he said the department was not yet in a position to confirm the accounts of the death or that the person was a US citizen. Iraqs prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said that a committee will be formed to investigate the circumstances of the killing of an American citizen in the capital. The committee will include the interior ministry and various security agencies, he said. Such attacks were common in the years following US invasion of Iraq in 2003. Two US citizens were kidnapped and beheaded in 2004 in Baghdad. US-led coalition forces recently ended their mission in Iraq but continue to play an advisory role to Iraqi forces in the fight against ISIS. (Additional reporting by agencies) A U.S. citizen working for an international aid organization in Iraq was shot and killed in the capital of Baghdad on Monday. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said during a press conference that they are looking into the reports and will notify next of kin before making any public statements. Iraqis drive past electoral billboards and placards of candidates in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad. Two Iraqi police officials told the Associated Press that the man was driving in the central Karrada district when a car cut him off and gunmen opened fire from another vehicle, killing him. The man's wife and child were also in the car but weren't injured. GUNFIRE STRIKES IRAQ'S GREEN ZONE DURING VIOLENT PROTESTS The man's identity has not been released. It wasn't immediately clear what the motive was or if the gunmen were trying to kidnap the aid worker. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Attacks against foreigners have been rare following the defeat of ISIS in the country about five years ago. The U.S. military still has roughly 2,500 troops in Iraq, where they serve in a non-combat advisory role to the Iraqi military. WASHINGTON (AP) A federal judge has laid out a data-laden case for why she blocked Penguin Random Houses proposed purchase of Simon & Schuster, handing a victory to the Biden Justice Department in its contention that combining two of the worlds biggest publishers would hurt competition for top-selling books. In her ruling filed Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Florence Pan also waved off as not relevant the publishers assertion that Penguin Random House would be the best home for Simon & Schuster and that other buyers notably private equity firms could destroy it. That argument isnt relevant to the case and her decision, Pan wrote, which turns only on the issue of how the merger would affect competition. Pan announced her ruling in a brief statement last week, keeping the bulk of it under seal because of confidentiality issues. The full ruling issued this week delves into the data of publishing-market dynamics, replete with charts and graphs. Some company-related material is redacted. The government has presented a compelling case that predicts substantial harm to competition as a result of the proposed merger, Pan wrote. The post-merger concentration of the relevant market would be concerningly high: The merged entity would have a 49% market share, more than twice that of its closest competitor. The merger is likely to substantially lessen competition in the market for the publishing rights to anticipated top-selling books," Pan wrote. Penguin Random House, owned by German conglomerate Bertelsmann, is the biggest book publisher in the U.S., as Pan laid out in her ruling. She noted that Simon & Schuster, whose parent is New York-based media giant Paramount Global, is the third-largest U.S. publisher. Penguin Random House last week called the ruling an unfortunate setback for readers and authors and said it will request an expedited appeal in federal court. Pan's ruling was a victory for the Biden administrations tougher approach to proposed mergers, a break from decades of precedent under Democratic and Republican leadership. Story continues The Justice Department declined further comment Tuesday on Pans decision. Simon & Schuster and Paramount declined to comment. Pans ruling was not surprising. Through much of the three-week non-jury federal trial in August, she had indicated agreement with the Justice Departments contention that Penguin Random Houses plan to buy Simon & Schuster for $2.2 billion might damage a vital cultural industry. But it was still a dramatic departure from recent history in the book world and beyond. The publishing industry has been consolidating for years with little interference from the government, even when Random House and Penguin merged in 2013 and formed what was then the biggest publishing house in memory. The joining of Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster would have created a company far exceeding any rival. The Big Five companies __ the others are Hachette, Macmillan and HarperCollins publish 91% of anticipated top-selling books, Pan noted in her ruling. In her 80-page opinion, Pan conjured literary history, opening with a nod to John Steinbeck the Grapes of Wrath author whose publisher was Viking Press, now owned by Penguin Random House. John Steinbeck famously said, I guess there are never enough books, Pan wrote. He apparently meant that in the figurative sense, as a comment on the power of books to educate, to enrich and to explore. But today, his statement also rings true in the economic sense: The retail market for books in the United States was over $11.5 billion in 2019 and has only continued to expand. People want to read. And book publishers have the enormous power and responsibility to decide which books and therefore which ideas and stories will be made broadly available to the public," she added. On November 8, 2022, midterm elections will be held in the United States We all know, especially now, that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of American society and American democracy, said Price. Read also: US and NATO see peace talks between Ukraine and Russia only if Ukraine liberates Kherson, says La Repubblica We wont allow interference in our elections, no matter where it comes from. We have witnessed this not only in words, but also in actions. Price recalled that back in 2018, the United States imposed sanctions against Prigozhin, his so-called Internet Research Agency (often described as an internet troll farm), and against Russia itself in 2021. Sanctions were also imposed on Iran over election interference. Read also: White House privately asked Ukraine to show openness to negotiations with Kremlin, says US newspaper We interfered (in U.S. elections) before, we will continue to do so, Prigozhin said on Nov. 7, commenting on the upcoming midterm Congressional elections in the United States. Carefully, precisely, surgically, and in our own way, as we do it. Read also: US, its allies accuse Russia of spreading conspiracy theories On Nov. 8, 2022, the United States will hold midterm elections that will fill all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate, as well as elect governors in 39 states. Currently, the Democratic Party controls both chamber of the U.S. Congress. Earlier media reported that experts from U.S. cybersecurity firm Recorded Future believe that Russia is trying to interfere in the midterm elections. Read also: UN Security Council rejects Russian call to investigate bioweapons activities in Ukraine and US Analysts note that in late summer 2022, fake accounts that published content aimed at discrediting the Democrats became more active on social media. According to the experts, these profiles are affiliated with Moscow. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Pope Francis The Vatican proposes to involve other parties in the negotiations, in particular the United States and the European Union. The Vatican also offers its territory as a neutral place for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Pope Francis addressed Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a sermon on Oct. 2. Read also: Pope calls on world leaders to avert nuclear war The pontiff called on Putin to stop the spiral of violence and death in Ukraine, and asked Zelenskyy to be open to serious proposals for peace. French President Emmanuel Macron called on Pope Francis at the end of October, asking him to call dictator Vladimir Putin, head of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill and U.S. President Joe Biden to advance the peace process in Ukraine. Read also: Macron insists on talking with both Ukraine and Russia Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine (Bloomberg) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro shook hands and exchanged words with US climate envoy John Kerry in a brief encounter at the COP27 summit in Cairo on Tuesday, drawing what appeared to be a shame on you gesture from the former US secretary of state. Most Read from Bloomberg Maduro approached Kerry and the two spoke briefly through a translator, a short video released by Venezuelas state television network showed. Kerry appeared to wag his finger and then gestured shame on you at Maduro. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Maduro interrupted a meeting and caught Kerry by surprise. He said Maduro has overseen a period of significant environmental degradation. This was not planned or substantive in any way, Price told a briefing Tuesday. I understand that Nicolas Maduro has done this to a number of world leaders. Although it was not a planned meeting, it is the first time Maduro, whom the US does not recognize as Venezuelas legitimate president, had a public encounter with a top US official. In 2019 the Trump administration recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as the countrys interim leader, severing ties with Maduros government. Kerry doesnt have a security detail or the sort of tightly choreographed schedule that would head off such encounters, which American adversaries have sometimes sought to exploit for political points back home. Maduro has pressed for the US to ease a crippling sanctions regime on his countrys oil sector, and people familiar with the matter said last week the government and opposition parties are poised to restart political negotiations after Tuesdays midterm elections in the US. Progress in those talks could lead the US to start easing some sanctions. Story continues Maduro met with Biden administration officials in Caracas at least twice this year amid signs of a possible detente between the two countries. Kerry spokeswoman Whitney Smith declined to comment. Read More: Venezuela Political Talks Expected to Restart After US Vote Maduro also had a brief chat with France President Emmanuel Macron on Monday at the event. --With assistance from Jennifer A. Dlouhy and Iain Marlow. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. Philippe Starck, the prolific French architect and designer who has made everything from lemon juicers to wind turbines, shows no sign of slowing down and is increasingly turning his eye to space. Visiting an exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris featuring some his early work, the 73-year-old seemed bemused by the volume of items on display. "I don't have the software for periods and dates," he told AFP when asked about the period. "To me, the 1980s were like being abandoned in an Amazon jungle with nothing to eat, wild animals everywhere, a rusty machete... I just did what I could. And when you do what you can, you don't remember what's going on elsewhere." Starck made his name as an interior decorator for Paris nightclubs in the 1970s, before landing a dream commission to refurbish the Elysee Palace apartments for president Francois Mitterrand in 1983. He went on to design luxurious hotels and restaurants around the world. But he also gave the world an uber-electic range of everyday items, from his futuristic lemon juicer to electric bikes, toothbrushes, water bottles -- and on to boats, wind turbines and control towers. - 'Pure creativity' - There was always a hint of humour and surrealism, he said, but also a desire to "democratise design" by keeping things affordable. "We managed to remove two zeros from prices," he said. "At the time, in today's prices, sitting on something designer cost 20,000 euros, which wasn't right. Today, it's 700 euros, which isn't bad." These days, Starck cares less about household objects and has his eyes on bigger things. There is a long-awaited "laboratory for pure creativity" being built in Qatar, and immediately after the exhibition, he was due at the launch of a new hydrogen energy project. But his real focus appears to be skyward: working with US company Axiom Space on the living quarters it plans to connect to the International Space Station, and teaming up with NASA for a new astronaut training camp. Story continues The focus on space is part of our "necessary change" as a species, he said. "Except when we're dead, we've been fixed by gravity, but that's clearly over, so I'm tackling it head-on." Some early memories remain -- being left with some old toys and his grandfather's workbench during the holidays as a young child: "I made my first items on that workbench and I haven't stopped since." A surreal early inspiration comes to him: seeing Mick Jagger dancing around with a neon tube in some film. "I found it extraordinary and chic -- I thought to myself that someone should make it for real so that everyone could be Jagger for a minute." ls/er/ach/jmm After a 4-year-old was shot in a parked car on Selye Terrace last weekend, community advocates gathered to recognize that in a city plagued with rising violence, no one is untouchable. And so, we all must be part of the solution, they said. "I don't care where you live, violence is right at your doorstep, too," said Clay Harris, founder of Uniting and Healing Through Hope of Monroe County, at a press conference Monday. Harris challenged community members to get more involved in the fight against gun violence by giving back to their neighborhoods and others. "Our house is on fire," he said. "Your house is on fire. We're 911 as a community. We all have talents and gifts. It's time for us to use them." More:'All about the buy-in. In a city rattled by gun violence, UPrep team tackles more than football For those who don't know where to start, Harris offered that his own group is in need of volunteers. The organization is hosting a Thanksgiving food drive and gathers at churches every other weekend to engage residents across the city in joy, hope and resources, he said. Harris called gun violence in Rochester an "evil force that's perpetuating and metastasizing itself," sometimes affecting children who "haven't even began to live." 'A cry out for help' Just before midnight Sunday, a 4-year-old girl was shot while sitting in a parked car with family, including two other children, ages 6 and 10 months old. Police said an unknown suspect approached the vehicle and started shooting. The child was brought to Rochester General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. In September, a 3-year-old was also critically injured when he was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight on North Clinton Avenue while sitting in his car seat. In all, four children under the age of 10 have been shot this year, according to data from the Rochester Police Department. And Rochester has endured 70 homicides, striking a pace slightly above last year, when the city hit a record of 81 deaths and had the fifth-highest homicide rate in the nation. Story continues "This weekend's shooting of a 4-year-old child once again illustrates that a small percentage of people have such a depraved indifference to human life that they don't even care if children are caught in the crossfire," Mayor Malik D. Evans said in a statement. Neighbors must step in to help community, advocates say Evans said the city is focused on "prevention, intervention and suppression." But Harris said city and state leaders are not doing enough. He urged Evans to revisit his "toolkit" and implore more solutions beyond short states of emergency to address the violence. Harris also said New York needs a dangerousness standard to allow judges to hold someone without bail if they are deemed a threat to the community. More:As bail reform roils NY races, what do we know about how it's working? Here's what the data says In the meantime, he called on neighbors to fill in the gaps. "We cannot allow this violence to continue unabated without it being challenged, and without light being shined on this darkness, because it's truly an evil force," Harris said. "This violence is a cry out for help because they don't know what else to do." This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester advocates urge community to get involved after girl, 4, shot A new survey found that 72% of Americans feel U.S. democracy is under threat. The poll, commissioned by CBS News and YouGov, found that the influence of money in politics, political violence, attempts to overturn election results, and the disenfranchisement of citizens are the leading threats to democracy perceived by Americans. Only 29% feel that democracy is secure. YouGov began surveying in January 2021, shortly after losing presidential candidate Donald Trump incited a riot at the U.S. Capitol to pressure Congress to let him remain in power. At the time, 71% of Americans believed democracy was in danger. The number has remained the same since then. The threat is real. Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election by over 7 million total votes and 74 electoral votes. It was not a close election. Yet Donald Trump has continued to falsely claim that he won the election. Leading Republican politicians have supported his claim and assisted him in his efforts to retain power. In the upcoming Congressional elections, 260 Republican candidates, nearly half of those running for a seat, believe that Trump won. When the election doesn't go their way, they won't accept it. But if they win, as the Republican Party is expected to, they will demand that the results of their victory are accepted. The January 6 riots combined two threats facing democracy: violence and an attempt to overturn the election results. The lie that Trump won the election fuels greater violence. On October 28, 2022, a right-wing Trump supporter broke into the home of House Speaker and Democrat Nancy Pelosi in an attempt to kidnap her. Nancy Pelosi was not home, but the invader attacked her husband with a hammer. The attacker published a blog where he expressed his opinion that the 2020 election had been stolen and that anyone who disagreed with the stolen election conspiracy theory should be shot. Republicans are trying to put new laws in place to make it easier for them to overturn and steal elections in the future. They have dissolved boards of elections and created new ones stacked with Trump supporters so that they can manipulate the results of future elections. They have attempted to change the law so that state legislatures can decide to whom to assign the state's electoral votes, regardless of who won the most votes of the state's citizens. That would effectively deny the people a voice. How can Americans trust the results of their elections if their politicians lie about who won? The other reasons why democracy is under threat are nearly as concerning. For example, 86% of Americans believe money's influence in politics is too great. Corporations and lobbyists are trying to change the law to enrich themselves and spend billions of dollars to elect their favored candidates. That means the candidates listen to the corporations, not the people, and laws are written to benefit corporations at the expense of ordinary people. In the 2020 election, $14 billion was spent on the presidential and Congressional races. Most of that came from wealthy donors, corporate-funded PACs, organizations, and wealthy candidates who used their own money to buy elections. Some companies donated to PACs, funding both parties in the same race. In other words, regardless of who won, they would be beholden to the same special interests. On November 9, the results of the next elections for America's legislature will be tallied. Will the process go smoothly? It is hard to be confident. Mitchell Blatt is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/MitchellBlatt.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. Emily Michot/Getty A victim of Jeffrey Epstein has settled a lawsuit against Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz and released a statement indicating she possibly made a mistake in accusing him of sexual assault. Virginia Giuffre, who says she was kept as a sex slave to Epstein and his convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, sued Dershowitz months before the late sex traffickers arrest in the summer of 2019. The settlement ends three years of litigationduring which Dershowitz adamantly defended himself and counter-sued Giuffre, a high-profile survivor of Epsteins abuse. The New York Times first reported that Giuffre was releasing a joint statement announcing the settlement. Alan Dershowitz Simply Cannot Stop Talking About Being Blackballed on Marthas Vineyard In the joint statement obtained by The Daily Beast, Giuffre, her attorney David Boies, and Dershowitz said the resolution of the case does not involve the payment of any money by anyone or anything else. I have long believed that I was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to Alan Dershowitz, Giuffre said in her statement. However, I was very young at the time, it was a very stressful and traumatic environment, and Mr. Dershowitz had from the beginning consistently denied these allegations. I now recognize I may have made a mistake in identifying Mr. Dershowitz, Giuffre added. This litigation has been very stressful and burdensome for me and my family, and we believe it is time to bring it to an end and move on with our lives. For his part, Dershowitz said, As I have said from the beginning, I never had sex with Ms. Giuffre. I have nevertheless come to believe that at the time she accused me she believed what she said. Ms. Giuffre is to be commended for her courage in now stating publicly that she may have been mistaken about me. She has suffered much at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein, and I commend her work combatting the evil of sex trafficking. Dershowitz then referred to his longtime legal brawl with Boies, who has represented multiple other victims of Epstein including Maria and Annie Farmer. Story continues I also now believe that my allegations that David Boies engaged in an extortion plot and in suborning perjury were mistaken, Dershowitz stated. In remarks of his own, Boies said that he agreed that the time has come to end this litigation and move on. I know that Alan Dershowitz has suffered greatly from the allegation of sexual abuse made against himan allegation that he has consistently, and vehemently, denied, Boies continued. I also know that this litigation has imposed, and continues to impose, a significant burden on Ms. Giuffre. I appreciate Mr. Dershowitzs recognition that I was not engaged in an extortion plot or in suborning perjury. I accept each of their statements in the spirit in which they are made, and I wish each of them well. In her lawsuit, Giuffre accused Dershowitz of defamation and referred to him as Epsteins lawyer, close friend, and co-conspirator who was also a participant in sex-trafficking, including as one of the men to whom Epstein lent out Plaintiff for sex. The complaint claimed that Dershowitz sexually abused Giuffre on numerous occasions. After Giuffre filed her suit, Dershowitz told The Daily Beast: I welcome it. This lawsuit gives me the opportunity Ive been looking for to prove Virginia Roberts has committed perjury and will continue to commit perjury in federal court. Dershowitz had previously persuaded U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska to disqualify Boies from Giuffres lawsuit against him; the professor claimed there was a conflict of interest because he was briefly a client of Boies firm and had provided an attorney with confidential information related to his battle against Giuffres claims. Giuffres new counsel, Charles J. Cooper, filed a letter with the court in July indicating that the parties would aim for a March 2023 trial date. The letter indicated that Giuffres team planned to call multiple witnesses in person at trial including Giuffre, Boies, and three other lawyers whove worked with Giuffre: a partner at Boies firm, Sigrid McCawley; Brad Edwards; and Paul Cassell. Cooper wrote that they also planned to call lawyer David Stone and a British actress and former model who accused Epstein of abuse. On Sept. 1, court records show, Preska granted Giuffres request for an emergency teleconference, if necessary, during Dershowitzs deposition the following week. The Court has full confidence that experienced counsel will conduct themselves with professionalism and that Mr. Dershowitz will similarly conduct himself with propriety during the deposition, Preska wrote in her order. If warranted, however, the parties may attempt to seek relief from the Court After Boies was booted from Giuffres case, he filed a defamation suit against Dershowitz in New York state court over his claims that Boies was engaged in an extortion scheme. Dershowitz, the complaint alleged, repeatedly asserted that Boies extorted or tried to extort Victorias Secret billionaire Les Wexneranother longtime confidant of Epsteinswith similar claims of sexual abuse of Epstein victims. In response, Dershowitz brought counterclaims against Boies, including claims of defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The case was also settled on Tuesday. Giuffre first accused Dershowitz of abuse in 2014, when she submitted an affidavit as part of a federal lawsuit two Epstein victims filed against the government. I had sexual intercourse with Dershowitz at least six times, that affidavit stated, adding that these alleged encounters occurred at Epsteins homes around the country and U.S. Virgin Islands. The first time was when I was about 16, early on in my servitude to Epstein, and it continued until I was 19. Giuffres affidavit also detailed sexual abuse accusations against British royal Prince Andrew, who earlier this year settled a lawsuit Giuffre filed against him. Prince Andrew has never intended to malign Ms. Giuffres character, and he accepts that she has suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as the result of unfair public attacks, read a joint statement released following the settlement. It is known that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked countless young girls over many years. Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms. Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others. 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. Nov. 8With only a few free days in Colombia before my September conference in Bogota, I wanted to spend time among the locals. This South American country twice the size of Texas includes every climate possible, but temperatures are spring-like in Bogota year-round. So I chose an organized driving tour to Boyaca in the Andes a few hours north to learn about Colombian ways of cooking, hat making and creating pottery from local resources. Our 4-wheel drive vehicle took eight of us along winding mountain roads robed with colorful wildflowers to villages at 10,000 feet, well above the breathless 8,800-foot altitude of Bogota. (See bit.ly/nh-travel-bogota.) A good place to headquarter for a Boyaca visit is the sunny town of Villa de Leyva, in a high mountain valley at about 7,500 feet. Little changed since the 1500s, the whitewashed village is surrounded by trails ideal for outdoors fun. Prices in its high season, Dec. 20 to Jan. 15, escalate, but places to stay and eat abound. They range from boutique hotels in an 1860s home to guest houses with communal kitchens. It's best to go with a guide when hiking the steep mountain paths to reach waterfalls with pools for swimming, but tour operators, bike rentals and horseback excursions can be found around Villa de Leyva's Plaza Mayor, one of the largest town squares in South America. Just 15 miles southwest is Raquira, the pottery capital of Colombia, where stacks of freshly fired clay pots and creations such as piggy banks are arrayed in workshops where you can watch them being made. Rosa Maria Jerez was discouraged by her mother when she began to create likenesses of the Madonna with the local clay. "She wanted me to make bowls like everyone else in Raquira," she told us through our guide, Yohan Bayona, who translated. Requira's local clay, better known for its pots, is used by Rosa Maria Jerez to create Madonnas, which she sells. She gives visitors a first-hand experience with the clay, which she prepares with her bare feet. (Janet Podolak ?? Story continues We were invited into her studio to see how she prepares the clay and then handcrafts it into the lovely figures sold in her shop. Using her bare feet to massage the clay to the consistency needed, she recruited helpers from our small group. Soon we were removing our shoes to stomp in the clay, before sitting down at a table where lumps of clay were placed in front of us so we could try it ourselves. Some of us were more successful than others. At a pretty mountainside home near the 300-person village of Gachantiva, we were led among chickens grazing in the lush grass to a tin-roofed outbuilding with a freestanding wood-fired oven plastered in white. "Grinding corn was originally a job for indigenous people," our blue-aproned hostess told us as she knelt at the edge of a large stone with dried corn kernels on its concave surface. Dried corn is ground between stones to demonstrate how early Colombians made their food during an outdoor cooking class at a mountainside home. (Janet Podolak ?? We each took a turn, crushing corn kernels into a meal-like consistency with a larger stone. "Today we use a hand grinder," she said as she left our ground corn for the chickens and assembled the sugar, egg, and honey ingredients for us to mix corn-based cookies. After baking the shortbread-like cookies in the outdoor oven, we were treated to a snack and given bags of cookies to take with us. Tour group member Ryan Shauers kneads a corn-based dough that will be cut into cookies. (Janet Podolak ?? Then it was back in the van for a drive to meet Orlando and Alba Marchan at their small farm, where Orlando grows rare white albino blackberries and his wife gathers and weaves endemic and protected palmicho leaves into hats. Orlando and Alba Marchan pose outside their home, where he grows unusual albino berries and she hand-weaves hats. (Janet Podolak ?? Orlando led us to see his berry bushes and encouraged us to pick a few to taste. Several thorny bushes had dark blackberries, so we were able to taste them, too. Both were delicious, but the white ones tasted more unusual. Back at the house, Alba was at work braiding tiny strands of palmicho to make into a hat. Palmicho leaves, endemic in Colombia, are dried, cured and braided into fine strands by Alba Marchan to craft into hats, each of which takes 20 days to make. (Janet Podolak ?? The palm-like leaves must cure with low heat, then be washed and hung flat to dry before they can be used. It takes eight days to prepare the palmicho for braiding, Alba told us through our translator. "It takes 20 days to make a hat," she said. In 2011, Alba Marchan was invited to demonstrate her hat-making prowess at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. Later, when we examined the quality of hats sold on the streets of Bogota, we were even more impressed with her fine work. Orlando Marchan wears a hat made by his wife as he shows off the albino berries he grows. (Janet Podolak ?? All too soon we were back in Bogota to discover an entirely different way the local clay is used. It's part of the targets at Tejo La Embajada, where hockey puck-like metal discs are tossed by players to be imbed in clay where gunpowder explodes when the target is hit. Not unlike cornhole, it's the national sport in Colombia. When the court was vacated, an attendant came to smooth out the clay. Beer and food is part of the experience for groups of six to eight, and, like bowling, leagues abound. Nearby is Bogota's Gold Museum, with 34,000 pieces of gold crafted long ago by Colombia's indigenous people, who believed gold was earth's sacred manifestation of the sun. Gold breastplates, headpieces and other creations, worn in rituals by the ancient Muisca people, were given back to earth as sacrifices by dumping them into the middle of Guatavita Lake, to the north. Many of those pieces today are among collections in the Gold Museum, which interprets the discoveries in both English and Spanish for museum visitors. After witnessing the rituals, Spanish conquerors of the 1500s believed there were vast quantities of gold hidden by the natives. Legends of El Dorado and the search for that mythical gold drew explorers from afar such as Sir Walter Raleigh to search in Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. Travelers' checks Travel to Bogota comes without jet lag and takes just three hours by air from Miami and Houston. Choices abound in this huge South American country, but I didn't want to fly to the Caribbean or the Pacific coasts, the fertile western coffee country or its Amazon regions. Boyaca, two to three hours north of Bogota by car, is where Colombia won its freedom from Spain in 1810 so the area inspires a sense of patriotism among its countrymen. My tour was organized by Green Travel. Email info@colombiagreentravel.com. My English-speaking and very well-informed guide, Yohan Bayona, can be contracted for tours. Reach him at yybayona@hotmail.com. queer youth Growing up Black, queer, and different in the 80s and 90s, I used to wish I saw more people like me on TV and in the news. This year, Im heartbroken that LGBTQ+ youth especially trans and nonbinary children are being thrust into the spotlight not for their brilliance or leadership, but as political pawns ahead of elections. Last month, a handful of anti-LGBTQ+ politicians in Congress stooped to a new low in their efforts to rile up their base when they introduced a bill to ban discussions of LGBTQ+ people and history in schools nationwide. Its a transparent political stunt with little chance of moving forward, but the message is clear: LGBTQ+ youth are under attack this midterm cycle. Public education is the foundation of a flourishing, multiracial democracy, and these recent anti-LGBTQ+ bans are an insidious, corrosive, two-for-one attack on equality and democracy. Anti-democracy politicians have been using the same political playbook to defund education since schools were desegregated. Instead of openly running on a platform to funnel public money to private schools that allow discrimination which is what they really want extremists are stoking fear about LGBTQ-inclusive education. Wealthy special interest groups are politicizing education to prevent kids from learning about natural diversity in the world. These are the kids who will grow up to lead our companies, schools, institutions, and government at all levels. Will they grow up to fear and hate those different from themselves? Will we teach them to heal or polarize? If we allow a generation of young people to grow up without supportive, inclusive, and truthful education, they wont have the tools they need to contribute to and protect our pluralistic and multiracial democracy. For our opposition, this is exactly the point. LGBTQ+ youth are some of the most politically active young people in this country and theyre already fighting for change. The students I work with know firsthand that the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people and history in curriculum benefits the learning of all students, not just those who happen to be different. Story continues Now is our moment to defend democracy. Our nation is at an inflection point, and we must use our power at the ballot box to usher in champions of equality, education, truth, and democracy. We need candidates who reflect our values at every level, not just in Congress or the White House. Local leaders from state legislatures to school boards to city halls to county courtrooms make critical decisions about what resources your neighborhood has and what kids learn. Voting is a simple and imperfect exercise, but it is also an essential first step. I know we cant rely on voting alone to change generations of entrenched inequity, but without our engagement in the process, that entrenched inequality only continues and worsens until we change who is in power. Like Zora Neale Hurston told us: If you are silent about your pain, theyll kill you and say you enjoyed it. I know it feels especially hopeless right now amid a resurgence of voter suppression laws being enforced though fascist, Christian nationalist violence and meant to silence the true majority of this country: Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color, women, trans and nonbinary people, immigrant communities, people with disabilities, poor and working-class people, incarcerated folks, and more. But voting is a practice of hope as Mariame Kaba, a social justice activist, educator and organizer tells us: Hope is a discipline. So look at it this way: Vote to show that you refuse to lose hope, to show collective power, and to clear the way for people to demand what they need to live with dignity and build a brighter future for us all. This starts not ends with voting. Ill be voting in my local races for the candidates who champion equality, invest in education, and respect our nations democratic ideals. I urge all voters to join me and rise up in solidarity with and for LGBTQ+ students. When I was a student, visibly Black, and obviously, to most, queer, I didnt always have the words to articulate my vision for the future, because I hadnt seen what a future for people like me could be like. What was freedom, dignity, connection, and possibility, anyway? Now I work with others to protect and build a future that includes all of us. Melanie Willingham-Jaggers is the executive director of GLSEN, the nations leading organization advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ students in K-12 education. Views expressed in The Advocates opinion articles are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of The Advocate or our parent company, Equal Pride. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Voters approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in two other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalization even in conservative parts of the country. The results mean that 21 states have now approved marijuanas recreational use. Arkansas and North Dakota voters rejected legalization proposals in Tuesday's elections. A similar initiative went before voters in South Dakota, but early Wednesday it was too early to call. Advocates said the results send a message to lawmakers in Washington about support around the country for legalization. A growing number of voters recognize that cannabis policy reform is in the best interest of public health and safety, criminal justice reform, social equity, and personal freedom, Toi Hutchinson, president and CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project, said in a statement. State-level legalization victories are whats necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level." The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. Biden last month announced he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law. Advocates of the marijuana initiatives have said Biden's announcement could give a boost to their efforts. Missouris measure will legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older and expunge records of past arrests and convictions for nonviolent marijuana offenses, except for selling to minors or driving under the influence. It just shows that this is not a partisan issue, said John Payne, who led the Missouri campaign to legalize marijuana use. This is something that transcends partisan divides. Payne said he expected recreational sales to start in Missouri early next year. Opponents said they would be working to limit the implementation of Missouri's legalization, such as working with cities and towns to opt out of allowing dispensaries. Story continues The devil is in the details, and we will remain actively involved in Missouri implementation because we dont need another Big Tobacco industry harming kids in Missouri," said Kevin Sabet, president of SAM Action, an anti-legalization group. Maryland will also make changes in criminal law and create automatic expungements of past marijuana possession convictions. Heading into the election, recreational marijuana was legal in 19 states, and polls have shown opposition to legalization softening. All of the states with recreational marijuana on the ballot, except for Maryland, voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. About 6 in 10 voters support legalizing the recreational use of marijuana nationwide, according to VoteCast, an extensive survey of more than 90,000 voters nationwide conducted for The Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago. Support for ending marijuana prohibition in the states is spreading much like it did at the end of alcohol prohibition," said Mason Tvert, a partner at VS Strategies, a cannabis policy and public affairs firm. The five states that held votes on Tuesday have legal medical marijuana programs. That includes Arkansas, which in 2016 became the first Bible Belt state to approve medical marijuana. The state's dispensaries opened in 2019, and more than 91,000 patients have cards to legally buy marijuana for medical conditions. The legalization campaigns raised about $23 million in the five states, with the vast majority in Arkansas and Missouri. More than 85% of contributions in those two states came from donors associated with companies holding medical marijuana licenses, according to an Associated Press analysis of the most recent campaign finance reports. In Arkansas, supporters ran upbeat ads touting the thousands of jobs they said would be created by the measure. Opponents ran more ominous spots, warning voters to protect Arkansas from big marijuana. The marijuana industry spent millions of dollars trying to write itself into the Arkansas Constitution," said Jerry Cox, executive director of the Family Council Action Committee, one of the groups opposing the measure. Now they know that Arkansans do not support that kind of crony politics." The initiative drew the criticism of traditional legalization opponents as well as some medical marijuana advocates, who said the Arkansas proposal placed too many limits and would only benefit a handful of dispensaries. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a former head of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, also opposed the measure. Supporters indicated they planned to try again in Arkansas. Tonight, we made history by putting adult-use cannabis on the ballot for the first time, Although we fell short, we look forward to continuing this effort to build this momentum to 2024," said Robert McLarty, campaign director for Responsible Growth Arkansas. David Owen, who led North Dakota's legalization effort, said he wasn't sure another effort would be made after the proposal was rejected. Tonight was not what we wanted, but the people have spoken and we have to prepare for the next steps, Owen said. North Dakota's proposal would have allowed people 21 and older to legally use marijuana at home as well as possess and cultivate restricted amounts of cannabis. It also would have established policies to regulate retail stores, cultivators and other types of marijuana businesses. Its pretty clear North Dakota families dont want marijuana across the state, said Luke Niforatos, executive vice president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a Virginia-based political organization against marijuana legalization, which helped fight the measure in North Dakota. South Dakotans, including a sizable number of Republicans, voted to legalize marijuana possession in 2020, but that law was struck down by the state Supreme Court in part because the proposal was coupled with medical marijuana and hemp. This year, recreational pot stood by itself as it went before voters. In Colorado, where recreational marijuana has been legal for nearly a decade, voters on Tuesday took up a proposal that would allow the use of certain psychedelic substances. If approved, it would make Colorado the second state to take such a step. The vote was too early to call early Wednesday. Melody Finley, a Republican in Little Rock, Arkansas, said she voted for the state's legalization measure because she thinks it can help some people for certain conditions. If you can buy alcohol, you can buy that, too," Finley, 47, a dance instructor, said. But Rick Huffman, a voter in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, voted against that state's legalization proposal, two years after supporting recreational marijuana on South Dakota's ballot in 2020. Ive got a kid thats a teenager now, he said. So I think itll eventually happen, but maybe Ill wait until my kids grow up. ___ Associated Press writers Stephen Groves in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; James MacPherson in Bismarck, North Dakota; and Dave Kolpack in Fargo, North Dakota, contributed to this report. ___ Follow the APs coverage of the 2022 midterm elections at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections. And learn more about the issues and factors at play in the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections. A voter goes over her ballot at the Ruben F. Salazar Park polling station Tuesday in East Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Voters across Southern California braved the rain Tuesday to cast their ballots in a midterm election that will determine the balance of power in Congress, abortion access and who will lead the nation's second-largest city. The mood leading up to election day has been one of consternation, with voters grappling with inflation, a scandal that has roiled Los Angeles City Hall and acts of political violence most recently the assault on House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband that have left them on edge. After casting her vote at the Elysian Masonic Temple in Los Feliz, Jaclyn Zeccola buckled her 3-year-old son into his car seat, with her red "I Voted" sticker in hand. She said fears about the future prompted her to show up. "Quite frankly, Im terrified our world is coming to an end," said Zeccola, 46. "Were very lucky we live in a liberal area. But I think Im voting in the hopes that the tide will turn nationally to where we are where we recognize the rights that are being taken away from so many people." Angelenos cast their ballots at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza shopping center on Tuesday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) At the Oakwood Community Center in Venice, the sun peeked out amid cloudy skies as four people waited briefly in line for voting machines. Poll workers said a steady stream of voters had been casting ballots since Monday. For Venice resident Claudia Soriano, 59, homelessness and crime were key issues. She voted for Rick Caruso for mayor of Los Angeles and Traci Park for Council District 11, a coastal district that includes Pacific Palisades, Brentwood and Marina del Rey, because they'll clean up city streets and make neighborhoods safe, she said. Soriano, who has lived in Venice for 15 years, said she has found several homeless people in her driveway, and she worries about her two daughters' safety. "I always vote, but especially this time because we need to fix the situation," she said. "We have so many homeless." Turnout for the midterm vote the halfway point of a president's four-year term is historically much lower than for a presidential election. The sizable shift to vote-by-mail ballots during the pandemic changed how many Californians participate in elections. It also means it can take longer to tally votes than in past years. Story continues As of late Monday, about 5.1 million mail-in ballots had been returned in California. About 51% were from Democrats, 28% from Republicans and 21% from independents or those who identify with another political party, according to election data reviewed by the consulting firm Political Data Intelligence. In Los Angeles County, vote-by-mail ballots and early voting meant turnout was already over 20% by election day, according to the county registrar's office. Historically, many Republicans have voted by mail. However, that dynamic changed dramatically in 2020, when then-President Trump and others spread baseless allegations of mail ballot fraud. Now, experts say, Republicans are more likely to vote in person on election day. It's unclear how the rain will affect turnout. Los Angeles County hasn't had a wet election day since 2008. A flash flood warning buzzed on many Angelenos' cellphones Tuesday afternoon, but the National Weather Service later said that a glitch caused the alert, which was meant for about 1,500 people in the small Fish fire burn scar near Duarte, to be extended to all of L.A. County. The L.A. County registrar's office sought to keep voters from being deterred to heading out to polls, noting in a tweet at 4:40 p.m. that officials confirmed the flooding threat was "for a very isolated area." "Vote Centers and Ballot Drop Boxes remain open until 8PM and voter participation is encouraged," the tweet said. The Republican Party of Orange County sent out an email Monday recommending members vote as early as possible. Election day lines are long and typically one to two hours long. Dont risk getting caught waiting in the rain to cast your ballot, the email read. Outside the Hollywood Lutheran Church, I Voted signs were speckled with raindrops and twisted slightly in the wind. An election worker collected rain-drenched signs that warned against electioneering and replaced them with new ones. Iris Medrano, an election worker lead at the voting center, said they worried itd be slow because of the rain. But by 9:30 a.m., she estimated that around 30 people had been in to vote. When workers arrived, a couple of voters were already waiting in line in the downpour. Medrano, 48, has been at the center for the last three days for early voting as well, working 12-hour days. On Monday, she said, a man in his 90s holding a cane and an umbrella came in because hed lost his mail-in ballot. He was so determined, Medrano said. It makes all these long hours worth being here." Jenny Reyes, a polling station worker, waits for voters in heavy rain at Ruben F. Salazar Park in East Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) In an effort to make voting easier, Metro is offering people in L.A. County free bus and train rides to polling places Tuesday. In Orange County, many voters were eager to cast their ballots in competitive congressional races that could help determine the balance of power in the House. Key races in the region have been tightening in the last week, polls show. The rain was starting to let up shortly after 9 a.m. when Alfredo Padron cast his vote at the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center. He proudly affixed an "I Voted" sticker to the front of his black hoodie from Blizzard Entertainment, the Irvine video game company where he works. The Cuban American voted for Jay Chen, a congressional candidate challenging GOP Rep. Michelle Steel to represent the 45th District, centered in Little Saigon in Orange County. A constant stream of mailers painting Chen, a Taiwanese American, as having communist ties to China turned Padron off. Hes an American just like me, Padron, a Democrat, said. I dont know why his opponent had to resort to red smears in the race." Melissa Tran, a 31-year-old Vietnamese American, watched as older Asian American voters trickled into the recreation center. She suspects the demographic will be key in the race between Chen and Steel. Tran said the attacks against Chen appeal to the fears of refugees like her parents and noted that they will be successful "unless first-generation Asian American voters like me turn out." "I believe in what he's fighting for," Tran said of Chen, whom she voted for. In Irvine, Cathy Lipton, 56, cast her vote for Republican Scott Baugh, who is running against Democratic Rep. Katie Porter to represent a coastal section of Orange County. Lipton, a Republican, disliked Porter's television campaign ads, particularly related to abortion. It wasn't Baugh's platform, but her disdain for his opponent that motivated her vote. Porter has become a national Democratic star and is the most well known of the blue wave that swept the region's congressional seats in 2018. "How awful she is was bigger in my mind," Lipton said. Election worker Virginia P. Bland waits for voters early Tuesday at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza shopping center. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Warren Jones was a muddle of emotions none of them good as he placed his ballot in a drop box near his bus stop in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood. The 29-year-old said he wants Democrats to retain control of Congress, but he wasn't optimistic. "It's important to realize that as much as you might want a certain thing, as much as we need Democrats to keep control of Congress, it's very likely not going to happen," Jones said. "I'm doing my part, but I've just kind of reconciled with that in my mind." Support for California Proposition 1, which would explicitly protect the right to abortion in the state, brought many voters to the polls Tuesday. Veronica Barajas, a nurse at USC, was unequivocal when asked what mattered most to her in this election: protecting abortion access and women's rights. When the Supreme Court's ruling overturning Roe vs. Wade was leaked in the spring, it was so hard to fathom, she said, that she initially thought it was a joke. "Really? We're going backward?" Barajas, a Democrat, said as she arrived at a recreational center in Baldwin Hills to cast her ballot. "It's scary thinking about how you can lose that right." Her greatest fear is that a Republican majority in Congress might further erode women's ability to make decisions about their reproductive health. The issue of safeguarding abortion rights in the wake of the court's ruling hits home for the 43-year-old. She has three daughters, ages 18, 17 and 13. "My concern is as a mother," Barajas said. "I'm worried for their future and how it's going to affect them. ... I think everyone should have a say in what they do with their bodies." Nhu-Nguyen Le, a 32-year-old emergency room doctor, said protecting abortion access brought him out to vote at the South Pasadena public library during a break in the rain. "After the Supreme Court ruling this summer on Roe vs. Wade, it became important for me to vote and say that, at least here in California, reproductive rights are still important and that people's rights will be protected," Le said. In Long Beach, Heather Downs, 56, walked her dog, Linus, to a yellow bin to drop off her ballot. She's fearful that Democrats may lose seats in the House and Senate and further restrictions on reproductive rights might be on the horizon. As a mother of daughters, it was important to her to vote to codify those rights in the state Constitution. She said with that in mind she also voted to reelect Gov. Gavin Newsom. Hes not afraid to stand up to anyone and I think hell fight, she said. Across Los Angeles, the race for mayor between Caruso, a billionaire businessman and developer, and Rep. Karen Bass was a key motivator for many voters who ventured out in the inclement weather. Ian Phillips, 35, trudged through the rain to the Masonic temple in Los Feliz with a thermos in hand. Phillips, who works in TV and film and describes himself as a "hard-left socialist," said he was eager to cast his ballot in the mayoral election. Making sure that Rick Caruso is not our next mayor was my primary motivating factor, he said, adding that he disliked that Caruso recently registered as a Democrat. Karen Bass is just much more authentically an Angeleno, he said. Abby Boyle came ready for the wet weather, wearing bright red rain boots and a bucket hat as she cast her ballot at the temple. The 23-year-old was motivated to vote in support of Proposition 1 and to ensure that "Caruso doesn't win this election," she said. I know a lot of Republicans are thinking that L.A. is going downhill and Rick Caruso will build a better L.A. But I dont think thats a better L.A. for everyone. I think thats a better L.A. for the top 1%," she said. John Adegbuji, a resident of East Hollywood, said he voted for Caruso because he thinks the developer's experience will be helpful in dealing with homelessness in the city. After moving from Atlanta about four years ago, the Democrat said he's watched homelessness skyrocket during the pandemic. The streets are dirtier, and the 27-year-old, who typically votes only in presidential election years, said he felt compelled to cast a ballot to address his concerns. "The other candidates been here for so long and I dont like the way things have been going, so I just feel like there has to be a change in how the money is being spent," Adegbuji said outside the L.A. City College voting site. "I just feel like someone else should be in there trying to figure it out." A light rain was beginning to fall Tuesday afternoon at a voting center in Woodland Hills in the northern San Fernando Valley, an area thats historically been one of the more conservative parts of L.A. Some voters backed Caruso and some backed Bass, but both expressed a desire for change when explaining their picks. "I just want something different," said Jason Hill, a 49-year-old musician who supported Caruso. At the same time, Hill said he wasnt sure the businessman would be able to solve the citys major problems. Adam Iscove, 46, described both Bass and Caruso as imperfect candidates, but said that he settled on Bass. Iscove grew up in the L.A. area, went to Brentwood High School and didnt want a mayor who came from a "wealthy, elite male class." The Trump presidency left Iscove with a "bad taste," he said. Caruso didnt support Trump and in fact, said he would ban him from the Grove, but that hasnt stopped some voters from seeing similarities. White male businessmen arent my cup of tea, said Iscove, who works as a video game producer. Another voter leaving the center yelled Down with Democrats! when asked about the mayors race. Voters in Los Angeles also are being asked to decide several other propositions and the future leadership of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. In that race, retired Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna is battling incumbent Alex Villanueva, who has frequently clashed with the L.A. County Board of Supervisors during his tenure. Voting out Alex Villanueva was a huge one for me, Liza Semenova, 31, said after casting her ballot in Beverly Hills. I think we know that he doesnt have the best track record, so making sure he isnt reelected as sheriff was really important for me." Stephanie Davino, 37, said she struggled between her two options for sheriff and ultimately settled on Luna because she feels L.A. County is "due for a change." She's a registered Democrat, but says she leans more toward the center on the political spectrum. "I felt torn because I do feel like Villanueva has more of a hard-nose stance, which is I think is important for that type of position, but theres a lot of controversy surrounding what hes done and the things that hes let slide or things that have gone on under his leadership, Davino, a West Hollywood resident, said as she dropped off her mail-in ballot at Plummer Park. Taylor McPherson, 31, a West Hollywood resident and Democrat, grew tired of waiting in line at the park to vote in person Tuesday afternoon. She decided to go home to fill out her ballot and drop it off instead. This is a big election," she said. "Thats why there are so many people here waiting to vote." Times staff writers Robert Lopez, Ruben Vives, Dakota Smith, Tyrone Beason, Melissa Gomez, James Rainey, Grace Toohey, Gregory Yee and Julia Wick contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Officials in Arizona are reporting voting machine malfunctions in about a fifth of Maricopa Countys polling locations as voters wait in long lines to cast their ballots About 20% of the locations out there where theres an issue with the tabulator where some of the ballots that after people have voted them, they try and run them through the tabulator and theyre not going through, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors chairman Bill Gates said in a Facebook video. Mr Gates noted that long lines had been reported throughout Maricopa County which is Arizonas most populous county as 45 of its 223 voting centres reported issues with the machines. If there are long lines at the location youre at, or issues with the tabulator, if you would prefer to go to another location, you can do that, Mr Gates said. It doesnt matter where you go, as long as youre a registered voter here in Maricopa County. Mr Gates said that voters could still cast ballots at centres with faulty machines, but their ballots would be placed in a secured box until they can be transferred to a centre with working counters. This will function much like early voting functions, in that we would get your ballot back, once weve signature verified it, we would send it to our central tabulators, Mr Gates said. Ballots that are [at the central location] will already be signature-verified, so we wont need to confirm identity but we will central tabulate them. He said that the "majority" of Arizona counties operate this way during elections. The malfunctions will likely delay initial reporting of results in the county, which is home to Phoenix and its surrounding metro area as well as 2.4 million registered voters. This isnt the first issue disrupting Maricopa County voters this year; there have also been several instances of alleged voter intimidation reported in the county. One voter reported being filmed and followed out of a parking lot by vigilante ballot box watchers in a Phoenix suburb, according to the Arizona secretary of states office. Another individual reported seeing "camo clad people" taking photos of them and their license plate at the Maricopa County election headquarters. Police responded to two armed men in tactical gear watching a drop box in the city of Mesa. MADISON, Wis. (AP) Tyler Wahl had 19 points and 10 rebounds, four Wisconsin players scored in double figures and the Badgers defeated South Dakota 85-59 in a season opener on Monday night. Chucky Hepburn had 14 points, Steven Crowl 12 and Max Klesmit 11 for the Badgers. The Badgers held the Coyotes to two points through the first six minutes and their lead reached 11-2 when Hepburn hit one of his three 3-pointers for the game. Wisconsin led 38-28 at halftime and 59-39 with about 11 minutes remaining in the second half. The lead peaked at 28 in the final minute. Wisconsin shot 46% from 3-point distance, making 12 of 26. The Badgers made nine 3-pointers in the first half and led 38-28 at the break. New Zealander Kruz Perrott-Hunt, South Dakota's leading returning scorer from last season, led the Coyotes with 21 points. It was Eric Peterson's first game as South Dakota coach. South Dakota had more turnovers (10) than assists (7). Wisconsin had 14 assists and 10 turnovers. ___ More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 The family of an elderly woman told Channel 2 Action News they can breathe a little easier after the caregiver who abused her received her sentence. Prosecutors say the caregiver disappeared right before the jury returned its verdict. Shelia Knight was captured 8 days later. The family of Pearl Conner, 86 asked for the maximum sentence. And got it. Channel 2s Tom Jones watched as Conners family came out of the Cobb County Courthouse excited and waving sheets of paper. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] We have the guilty verdicts and sentencing sheet, they shouted. They all said they needed the sheets with the charges and sentence to have tangible evidence they received justice. This is the birth of the truth. That we got justice for my mother, Lucile Blalock said. It was back in 2019 when prosecutors say Knight violently pushed the frail Conner down inside her home. It was Knights job to take care of the retired great-grandmother. Conners family had installed cameras and looked at the video and saw what happened. Conner suffered a shattered hip and died 8 months later. The family says she was never the same after Knight assaulted her. A jury found Knight guilty of Aggravated Battery and Elder Abuse in September. But Knight wasnt there to hear it. When the verdict comes in the defendant flees the jurisdiction, Assistant District Attorney John Tully told the Judge. Knight was on the run for eight days before she was captured. There was extra security during her sentencing. We have waited for this day for so long, Keecia Scott testified during her Victims Impact statement. Conners family explained how they never thought someone they hired to take care of their loved one would hurt her. I am asking that you give her the maximum sentence, Lucile Blalock stated. TRENDING STORIES: Story continues But Knight said she did nothing wrong. She said Conner attacked her. When she attacked me I got scared. The video had been altered, Knight told the court. Superior Court Judge Angela Brown didnt buy it. That will be 20 years to serve, she told Knight. Conners family says they wanted to hold off going to her grave until she got justice. Now she can finally rest in peace. We can go see her grave and cheer, Asia Wilkins said outside court. ADA Tully said since Knight is a repeat offender with three felonies, she will have to serve her 20 year sentence without parole. Conners family says they hope to shine a light on elder abuse and represent the families who dont get a measure of closure that they are getting. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A Washington state man who called Buffalo, New York, grocery stores threatening to shoot Black people a month after a racist mass shooting pleaded guilty to a hate crime Monday, prosecutors said. The calls made by Joey David George, 37, of Lynnwood, near Seattle, were made weeks after 10 people were killed in a racist attack on Black people at a Tops Friendly Market on May 14. George called multiple grocery stores on June 19, June 20 and June 21 and threatened to shoot Black customers, the U.S. attorneys office for Western Washington said in a statement. Three stores are mentioned in a plea agreement. He also made similar threats in calls to a California restaurant in May and to a cannabis dispensary in Maryland in September 2021. George pleaded guilty Monday to a count of interstate threats and a count of interference with a federally protected activity, which is a hate crime, prosecutors said. Video: Gun company CEOs testify before Congress following multiple mass shootings The hate crime carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, but prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence no higher than the higher range of sentencing guidelines, according to court documents. The guideline range was not spelled out in the document, and a judge ordered a pre-sentence investigation. George is due to be sentenced Dec. 16. In the calls to the Buffalo stores, George said he was nearby and had assault rifles, and he threatened to shoot Black people, according to a plea agreement. In one of the calls, George said he could "pick people off" from a parking lot. George was in Washington state when he made the calls. Two federal public defenders listed as representing George did not immediately reply to emailed requests for comment Monday evening. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) Corey Washington had 18 points and eight rebounds to help Saint Peters defeat NJIT 73-59 on Monday night in a season opener. Jaylen Murray added 14 points for Saint Peter's. NJIT got 16 points and seven rebounds from Souleymane Diakite. NEXT UP Saint Peters next game is Saturday against Seton Hall on the road. NJIT visits Cal Baptist on Friday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Queen Elizabeth and her first and last prime ministers - Winston Churchill and Liz Truss. The new series of The Crown has been widely criticised for blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Two of the most significant voices to have waded into the row are former prime ministers John Major and Tony Blair, who have condemned the show's depiction of them. Sir Tony was particularly scathing of one element, which shows Charles trying to recruit him as an ally to protect his future and pave the way for him to marry Camilla shortly after the 1997 general election. He said of it: It should come as no surprise that this is complete and utter rubbish. Watch: The Crown in hot water over nonsense Charles scene It is, naturally, very difficult to peek behind the curtain when it comes to the royal family's relationships with politics and politicians. Queen Elizabeth II, of course, was constitutionally bound by political neutrality. That meant she remained pretty tight-lipped about her personal views and thoughts on the 15 prime ministers that served in her name. Imelda Staunton as the Queen in season five of The Crown. (Netflix) What she really thought about them has long been a matter that has attracted a high level of speculation. The weekly private audiences with the monarch have been said to be one of the only situations that prime ministers are free to be totally candid. Yahoo News UK runs through the brief glimpses we've had into what Queen Elizabeth really thought about them. Winston Churchill The Queen has reportedly admitted that of all her prime ministers, Winston Churchill was her favourite. When asked, she is widely quoted as saying: "Winston, of course, because it was always such fun." However, it was not always plain sailing, with the late Queen also quoted as saying when she was asked if Churchill was mentoring her: "Not at all, I find him quite obstinate." Elizabeth with Prince Charles and Princess Anne chatting to Sir Winston Churchill in 1953. (Getty Images) Overall, the Queen thought highly of her first prime minister, who had also served under her father, King George VI. She recommended he should have a state funeral Churchill was the first non-royal to receive this honour in 30 years and the first politician to receive it in a century. The Queen also attended his funeral, something she only did for two prime ministers. Story continues Queen Elizabeth wrote when giving permission for the state funeral to take place: "I know that it will be the wish of all my people that the loss we have sustained [...] be met in the most fitting manner and that they should have an opportunity of expressing their sorrow." Churchill who the Queen also called "an inspiring leader" and an "outstanding man" seemed to think as highly of the monarch. He is quoted as saying of Queen Elizabeth, "all the film people in the world, if they had scoured the globe, could not have found anyone so suited for the part." Anthony Eden The Queen greets Sir Anthony Eden in London, May 1956. (Getty Images) It is relatively unknown what the Queen thought of her second premier, who oversaw a couple of significant crises in his relatively short time as prime minister. The Queen's sister, Princess Margaret, wanted to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend who had worked as her father's equerry. However, she needed the Queen's permission to marry and as Townsend was divorced, it sparked a crisis. With the Queen as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, there was a conflict between her sister's wishes and the teaching of the Anglican Church. Eventually it was decided that Princess Margaret and Townsend would not get married, but then Anthony Eden was faced with another challenge the Suez crisis shortly after which Eden resigned. Harold Macmillan The Queen visits Harold Macmillan in Oxford, 4 November 1960. (Getty Images) The Queen's third prime minister was Harold Macmillan, and she is said to have eventually enjoyed a good relationship with him. After Eden's resignation in 1957, the Queen took advice from the Conservative Party and invited Macmillan to become Prime Minister. This was the penultimate time what was called the "Queen's prerogative" to choose was ever used. It is likely Queen Elizabeth thought highly of Macmillan as she sought his counsel and advice many times after he had left office. Alex Douglas-Home Sir Alec Douglas-Home with his wife Elizabeth during a visit to Kent before the general election, 14 September 1964. (Getty Images) The Queen's prerogative to choose was used for the final time in 1963 with the appointment of her fourth prime minister, Alec Douglas-Home. Douglas-Home was a long time friend of the Queen Mother, and so the Queen knew him in a personal capacity as well. Perhaps it was because of this personal tie that the Queen attracted some criticism, but Douglas-Home's appointment was "based on a memorandum from the retiring prime minister" rather than any personal preference of the Queen. Douglas-Home served as premier for only one year, but remained close with the Queen, even helping her name some of her horses. Harold Wilson Queen Elizabeth II with PM Harold Wilson in June 1969. (Getty Images) In 1964, the Queen had her first Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson. The two were said to have got on very well, with Wilson particularly enjoying his trips to Balmoral where he saw a more informal side to the Royal Family. He said that he enjoyed a "relaxed intimacy" with the Queen, the two were only a decade apart in age, with Wilson being far younger than his predecessors. It is said that after just their first audience the Queen invited him to stay for a drink. It has also been reported that such was his affection for the Queen that he carried a photograph of "himself with her around in his wallet until it almost disintegrated." Edward Heath and James Callaghan The Queen with Edward Heath at Heathrow Airport before she departed for a visit to Canada in January 1974. (Getty Images) Edward Heath the Queen's sixth prime minister oversaw a turbulent time in British politics with the Troubles of Northern Ireland reaching new highs, the miner strikes and electricity blackouts to name a few. The two reportedly shared relatively opposing world views, and in Ben Pimlott's book Elizabeth II and the Monarchy a source revealed the Queen "was never comfortable with him." Equally, Heath is reported to have found his private audiences with the monarch "frosty." James Callaghan with the Queen on his arrival at Windsor Castle for lunch, December 1977. (Getty Images) The Queen would presumably have had an easier time with Callaghan, who was a committed monarchist. Callaghan's premiership lasted from 1976-1979. Not much is known of the Queen's opinion of Callaghan but he said of the monarch that she was "able to see the funny side of life," and that she "provided friendliness, not friendship to her prime ministers." Margaret Thatcher Thatcher was the Queen's and the United Kingdom's first female prime minister. It was widely reported during her premiership that she did not get on with the Queen. However, in her autobiography, Thatcher wrote that these claims were unsubstantiated: "Stories of clashes [...] were too good not to make up." The Queen and Margaret Thatcher at a ball to celebrate the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in Lusaka, Zambia, October 1979. (Getty Images) However, the two women did reportedly disagree over sanctions on apartheid South Africa. Michael Shea the Queen's former press secretary spoke "without royal assent to a Sunday Times reporter" on this topic which led to a controversial article about the late Queen being "dismayed by uncaring Thatcher" being published. Bound by political neutrality, the palace hastily distanced itself from the article, but the Queen's "warm friendship" with Nelson Mandela who addressed her by her first name and in letters referred to her as "my dear friend Elizabeth" might indicate the report at least somewhat accurately expressed her views on the Apartheid regime. John Major After Thatcher's long premiership finally ended, John Major replaced her and became the Queen's ninth prime minister. Queen Elizabeth shakes hands with John Major during a Commonwealth Day Reception at Marlborough House in London, March 2012. (Getty Images) Major oversaw a turbulent time in the House of Windsor, which included the Queen's annus horribilis of 1992 during which three of her children's marriages ended, Windsor Castle caught on fire and there were a myriad of public scandals. He has spoken very highly of the Queen, calling her "selfless and wise." After the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, Major was given the position of "special guardian" to her two sons William and Harry. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown Blair was, it has been reported, the Queen's least favourite prime minister. His decade-long premiership began with the untimely death of Diana, and it is said he encouraged the Queen to make a public statement of grief at the time, something that she had not initially wanted to do. An audience between Tony Blair and Queen Elizabeth in Buckingham Palace, May 2002. (Getty Images) The Queen is said to have disliked the "people's princess" title that Blair assigned to Diana. Gordon Brown took over from Tony Blair in 2007, and he referred to the relationship he shared with the Queen as "congenial and businesslike." It has been reported the Queen "admired Brown's diligence and seriousness". However, neither Brown nor Blair were invited to the royal wedding in 2011 of Kate and William. David Cameron and Theresa May Cameron certainly had a leg up compared to his Labour predecessors as a distant relative of the Queen. He also attended the same school as Prince Edward, a couple of academic years below. The first time the late Queen came across him was "in a primary school play." However, his indiscretion after the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014 may have soured relations. The Queen with David Cameron outside 10 Downing Street, December 2012. (Getty Images) Cameron was forced to apologise for comments he made about the Queen's reaction to the referendum's results. Whilst wearing a microphone, he said: "the definition of relief is being the prime minister of the United Kingdom and ringing the queen and saying 'it's all right, it's okay.' That was something, she purred down the line." Theresa May's premiership was blighted by repeated attempts to secure a Brexit deal. Theresa May chats with the Queen at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Buckingham Palace, 19 April 2018. (Getty Images) The Royal Editor of ITV Chris Ship has said that he had heard some members of the Royal Family "speak with admiration for the level of hard work and many hours of negotiation Theresa May" displayed during her time as prime minister. Boris Johnson and Liz Truss Johnson had to apologise to the Queen twice, and reports have claimed that she "loathed" him. The Queen greets Boris Johnson in Buckingham Palace after he is newly elected as leader of the Conservative Party, 24 July 2019. (Getty Images) The Queen welcomes Liz Truss to Balmoral before inviting her to form a new government on 6 September 2022 - only two days later, the Queen died. (Getty Images) His first indiscretion came when he claimed she had said in one of their weekly audiences she didn't "know why anyone would want the job" of premier. Johnson's first apology to the Queen came after he supposedly misled her on the legality of proroguing parliament in 2019. Later in January 2022, Johnson was forced to apologise again after it was revealed that illegal parties had been held at Downing Street the night before Prince Philip's funeral. Liz Truss was the Queen's 15th and final prime minister. Inviting Truss to form a government at Balmoral only two days before her death, it will be remembered as the Queen's final significant act of constitutional duty. The white University of Kentucky senior seen in a viral video assaulting Black students is no longer enrolled at the school, officials said Wednesday. Sophia Rosing, 22, who was captured on the video repeatedly hurling a racist slur and physically attacking two Black students Sunday, "will not be eligible to re-enroll as a student" and "is permanently banned from the campus," the university said in a news release. Officials made the announcement one day after Rosing's attorney told NBC News his client was going to voluntarily withdraw from the school. "She's a very, very embarrassed and humiliated young lady," the attorney, Fred Peters, said Tuesday morning. He added that he is "getting her into some kind of treatment program and sensitivity program to help her through this situation." Peters said Rosing will receive treatment for "several things" but declined to elaborate further. "Shes going to get help, thats all I can say," he said. Rosings voicemail was full and she did not immediately respond to a text, email or Facebook message. Video showed Rosing assaulting first-year Kentucky student Kylah Spring, who was working at the front desk of a campus dorm when the incident unfolded early Sunday. Rosing who appears visibly intoxicated and struggles to stay standing could be seen striking at Spring while repeatedly calling her a racial slur. Later in the video, Rosing tries to kick Spring and punch another student who also appears to be a Black woman as they try to restrain Rosing and put her in a chair, though it is unclear whether she actually struck either. Rosing also attempts to charge Spring with a shopping cart in the video. The video ends showing a white male police officer handcuffing Rosing in the dorm as she continues to repeat the racial slur and struggles to remain standing. She kicked and bit an officer and told him she has lots of money and gets special treatment, according to a police report. Story continues University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing, left, uses racial slurs while attacking two Black students, including Kylah Spring, right. (via Facebook) Police arrested Rosing just before 4 a.m. Sunday on charges of intoxication in a public place, third-degree assault on a police officer, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct, an online record from the Fayette County Detention Center showed. She was held on $10,000 bond before being released Monday night, following a court appearance in which she pleaded not guilty and waived a formal arraignment, WLEX reported. As a condition of her release, a judge ordered Rosing must have no contact with Spring, stay away from the dorm where the assault occurred and consume no alcohol, WLEX reported. She is due back in court Nov. 15, her lawyer said. Within hours of learning about the incident, the university suspended Rosing on an interim basis a move that banned her from campus during the school's investigation. The universitys president condemned Rosings actions in an email to students and officials announced Monday that a student conduct review process was underway following her arrest. "Although she is no longer a student, we must continue our investigations," the university said in the news release Wednesday. "That includes our cooperation with an investigation into criminal charges filed; our Code of Student Conduct disciplinary proceedings and racial harassment misconduct being reviewed by our Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity." More charges could be forthcoming based on those investigations, according to the release. On Monday night, hundreds of students gathered at a rally organized by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity to support Spring and condemn racism on campus, NBC affiliate WLEX of Lexington, Kentucky, reported. At the rally, Spring said she would not cower to her attacker. To Ms. Rosing: you will not break my spirit, Spring said to applause. "You will not break my spirit, and you will be held accountable for your actions, Spring continued. I only pray that you open your heart to love and try to experience life differently and more positively after this." Those comments came after Spring said, through tears, that she "was physically, verbally and racially assaulted by Jane Doe, aka Sophia Rosing, referencing Rosing's refusal to identify herself to police, which led her to be booked into jail as "Jane Doe," an online record from the Fayette County Detention Center showed. A University of Kentucky spokesperson confirmed Rosing's identity to NBC News on Sunday. Spring said at the rally that the Sunday assault highlights "a recurring issue in and across American school systems, no matter what age," she said. "I am deeply saddened by the events that took place, but Im most grateful for justice that is to come." Spring did not immediately return a request for comment. University of Kentucky student Kylah Spring speaks at a rally following a racist assault on another Black student and her, captured on video on Nov. 6, 2022. (WLEX) The University of Kentucky has had several incidents of racism on campus that have targeted Black people in recent years. In 2020, the university banned a basketball fan from all future sports events after she shouted a racist slur the same one Rosing used at a supporter of a visiting team. The fan Ashley Lyles, who apologized in a statement to NBC affiliate WLEX of Lexington was not a student, a university spokesperson said. In the past, some students also complained about a mural on campus, dating to 1934, that depicted what some said were enslaved Black people. The mural was covered for more than a year as officials debated how to handle it before it was unveiled again in 2017 with a plaque next to it providing context about its history, concerns that had been raised about it over the years and how the university was working to ensure a more inclusive environment. A spokesperson said that the university announced plans to remove it after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and that the building that houses the mural has been closed since then. In 2008, a University of Kentucky student and another man were arrested and accused of hanging a life-size likeness of President-elect Barack Obama from a tree on the campus, an act that university officials condemned. A grand jury declined to indict the pair. Spring added at the rally that she stands in solidarity with her fellow Black students: To my Black UK community: I see you, I feel you, and I stand with you. I matter, you matter, and we matter, she said. We will be stronger. She urged her peers to "continue to address this situation with grace and humility, and keep your heads held high, and lean on each other as we heal ourselves and our community." "Id like to leave you with one word of advice," Spring continued. "As Michelle Obama once said, when they go low ..." We go high," the crowd chanted in response. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Just Stop Oil protesters have been causing widespread disruption this month, but their counterparts in other European countries often face tougher punisment - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Climate protesters in many European countries face harsher punishments for Just Stop Oil-style disruptive stunts than in Britain. The climate activists have caused huge disruption to roads and airports, as well as defacing works of art, in a similar way to Extinction Rebellion and other groups in the UK. The Governments Public Order Bill explicitly targets groups such as Extinction Rebellion, but still falls short of sentences handed out for similar offences on the Continent. It will introduce a six-month maximum jail term for people glueing or locking themselves to others, objects or buildings to cause disruption. Disrupting major transport works such as HS2 will carry a six-month sentence. A new offence of disrupting key infrastructure such as railways, airports or roads will risk a year-long sentence, an unlimited fine, or both. While Britain has Just Stop Oil, France has Derniere Renovation, which has blocked roads surrounding major French cities. On Monday this week, a group of activists blocked part of Paris' ring road in the western 16th arrondissement at morning rush hour. They accused Emmanuel Macron, the French president, of "criminal inaction" and called on him to do more to "reduce France's carbon emissions". However, the protest only lasted half an hour, after which police removed the individuals. Two days earlier in Paris, a dozen militants from the group blocked traffic around the finance ministry. In Toulouse, others managed to block a rugby match between Stade Toulousain and Stade Francais by tying themselves to rugby posts. On Nov 22, six activists from the group face legal action for "blocking traffic" during the 19th stage of the Tour de France in the Gers region, south-western France. The demonstration disrupted part of this year's Tour de France - Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock They now face two years in prison and a 4,500 (3,926.05) fine, more than a similar offence in the UK. Four protesters who took part in a violent demonstration near Sainte-Soline, in the western Deux-Sevres department, late last month against water storage pools for farmers were instantly brought to a "fast-track trial" in Niort two days after their arrest. Story continues They face a maximum sentence of a year in prison and a 15,000 (13,087.10) fine. About 4,000 people took part in the protests in which hundreds clashed with security forces. Some 61 police were injured, 22 seriously, out of a force of 1,000 officers sent to the site. There were six arrests. France has seen the emergence of several such camps in recent years - called Zones to Defend, or Zads - by Left-wing or anti-capitalist opponents of new airports, dams, nuclear power plants and other projects. This time, the interior minister sent 1,000 police to the site so that "no Zad is installed in the Deux-Sevres department nor anywhere else in France". Gerald Darmanin, the French interior minister, condemned "eco-terrorism" by some of the protesters who used high-power fireworks and "blunt objects" to attack security forces on Saturday, Oct 29. That drew criticism from Left-wing opposition groups - with MP Clementine Autain, of the France Unbowed party, denouncing it as "a smokescreen". But last week, 39 MPs from Mr Macron's Renaissance group and centrist allies called on any MPs taking part in such demonstrations to be punished, saying they were "trampling the constitution". A police officer talks to a climate change protester in front of the entrance of Total refinery in Mardyck, near Dunkirk, northern France - Francois Lo Presti/AFP via Getty Images In 2014, Remi Fraisse, 21, died after a standoff between police and opponents of a dam project in the Testet wetlands, near the southern city of Toulouse. Tests on his clothing and backpack suggest he was killed by a so-called offensive grenade used by police to disperse riots. The officer who used the grenade, which was not previously thought to be deadly, was eventually acquitted. Roads surrounding Rome have also fallen victim to climate protesters. In some cases, motorists have come perilously close to taking the law into their own hands. You can be sentenced to one to six years in prison for blocking a road under Italian law, although prosecutions are so far rare. Meanwhile, three young Italian women who threw pea soup at a painting by Van Gogh face a sentence of up to five years. Protesters have frequently blocked roads to demand more radical climate policies from Olaf Scholzs government in Germany, which has earnt them comparisons to the terrorist Baader Meinhof Group from the Conservative opposition. Protesters have been warned they will face strict penalties if they picket airports after Dutch police arrested 200 demonstrators, many on bikes, at Schiphol Airport earlier this week. Activists hold placards during a non-violent sit-in demonstration at the shopping plaza of Schiphol Airport - Charles M Vella/SOPA Images/Shutterstock In Germany, police in the state of Bavaria are using a pre-emptive law amended last year to detain likely protesters for 30 days - a tactic that British police have also started using. In Spain, police in Madrid made four arrests at the weekend after a pair of activists from an organisation called Futuro Vegetal - Vegetable Future - glued themselves to the frames of treasured paintings by Francisco de Goya in the Prado museum. Released on bail, the activists face trial and possible jail sentences of up to three years or fines for crimes against cultural heritage. Spanish opposition parties have said they will present reforms to toughen up the penalties. Activists glue themselves to treasured paintings in Spain as part of a climate change protest - Futuro Vegetal/Reuters In Belgium, two activists were sentenced to two months in prison after one person glued their hand to the wall next to Johannes Vermeers Girl with a Pearl Earring, while another tried to stick his head to the painting. But in Egypt, where the Cop27 climate change summit is being held, the police are even more draconian than in Europe. Human rights groups say climate activists have been arbitrarily arrested ahead of the summit. Egypt is holding the conference at the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, where the security is tight and has tightly restricted who can attend. Lindsay Wolfington is a freelance music supervisor who is advocating for a union election at Netflix. She is photographed at home. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) It was one of the most memorable moments in Netflix's "Stranger Things 4": Max running away from the murderous monster Vecna, fueled by Kate Bush's soaring song, "Running Up That Hill." Music supervisor Nora Felder was instrumental in selecting and securing approvals for the hit 1980s song, which catapulted to No. 1 on several musical charts after its airing on "Stranger Things." Yet, despite their increasingly important role in suggesting such songs and curating music for shows, music supervisors say they aren't getting the pay and benefits shared by their unionized peers. We are currently a group of gig workers who have to get our own insurance and have to figure out our own pension, said Lindsay Wolfington, a freelance music supervisor. Almost everybody on set in Hollywood is paid through a union and supported through a union and has their rates and payment schedules standardized through a union. So were just looking to be on par with our colleagues who we work with." To remedy that, Wolfington and other freelance supervisors recently took a key step to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the union representing crews on film and TV productions. They requested a union certification election with the National Labor Relations Board. IATSE said it is focusing its organizing efforts around Netflix because it is the largest employer of music supervisors in the industry. "Despite this cultural influence, music supervisors are joining together to set standards and address longstanding issues for those in the craft," IATSE said in a statement. Music supervisors requested Netflix and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers voluntarily recognize their union earlier this year, which would have skipped the step of a formal election, but they declined. IATSE said that more than 75% of music supervisors supported joining their union, which represents camera operators, set decorators, makeup artists and other technical jobs on sets. Story continues The alliance rejected IATSE's request "because we believe that employees should have a free choice in deciding whether they wish to be represented by a union," said AMPTP spokesperson Jarryd Gonzales. "Our position means there will be an election if the union files a recognition petition with the National Labor Relations Board, allowing each employee to cast a vote, he said. Netflix declined to comment. The unionizing efforts comes as music supervisors have become more prominent culturally and professionally. In 2018, music supervisors could qualify to win Grammys in the compilation soundtrack album category. Felder, who suggested "Running Up That Hill" for "Stranger Things 4," won an Emmy for music supervision. "Placed music has been a huge driving factor in the music industry for a long time," said Michael Peters, an attorney at Ramo Law PC. "We have a great demonstration to point to the cultural impact that supervisors can have and the creative value of their services. They have the momentum right now to try and get organized and try and get recognized as a union." Manish Raval, a 48-year-old music supervisor who worked on the Netflix film "The Gray Man" and shows like NBC's "This is Us," supports the union effort. Tensions with music supervisors have escalated amid the boom in streaming, which has shortened TV seasons. Pay for music supervisors is typically a fee that can be negotiated per episode or for an entire project like a series or film. The payment comes out of the series' or film's budget. When shows were based on a network's TV season, the payments were on a more regular schedule, with a show having 12 to 18 episodes per season, which could take about six to eight months of work, said Robin Urdang, who has worked as a music supervisor on Netflix series including "The Baby-Sitters Club" and Amazon's "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Shows on streaming platforms, however, are not necessarily timed to certain seasons. A series could have an average of seven to 10 episodes and span more than a year of work, Urdang said. "You're working for the same amount of money on less episodes for a longer period of time, which means that you ultimately make less money per hour," Urdang said. Some music supervisors described instances where their payments were delayed after they had completed their jobs. Raval said he did the final mix for a Netflix movie in November 2020 only to learn that the studio planned to not pay him the tens of thousands of dollars he was owed until about six months later, closer to when the movie would be released. His wife, an art teacher, was also not teaching because of the pandemic, putting a strain on their finances. "Our payments are being held under some arbitrary idea that it'll paid out at the absolute last possible moment," said Raval, who lives in Culver City. "We're fighting that industrywide at this point." He said Netflix later agreed to pay him half the money he was owed in January 2021 and the remainder in March of that year. A person close to Netflix said final payments are typically made when a movie has finished postproduction. "We've seen the cultural impact of the right song in a scene," said Wolfington, a 43-year-old music supervisor who has worked on Netflix projects including "To All the Boys I've Loved Before." "Netflix as a company seems to value music, which I think is a great thing, and all their viewers get to enjoy it too. But we're in this situation where our standards are not what they should be, so we want to remedy that." Studios are reluctant to voluntarily accept music supervisors as part of a union in part because they view them as independent contractors. A source close to Netflix said the music supervisors it contracts with run their own businesses and some have their own employees. Those supervisors also do services for different studios at the same time, the source said. In 2009, a group of music composers and lyricists tried to organize under the Teamsters, but two years later, gave up on those efforts when AMPTP would not voluntarily recognize their union. Boosting IATSE's case is the fact that most other Hollywood jobs, including actors and writers, are unionized, said Catherine Fisk, a professor of labor law at UC Berkeley School of Law. "There are lots of cases involving workers who work somewhat autonomously who have nevertheless successfully unionized," Fisk said. In the 1930s, studios argued that writers shouldn't be unionized because they worked independently, sometimes out of their apartments or hotel rooms and weren't under a direct person's supervision, Fisk noted. However, the NLRB rejected that argument because the writers were subject to the control of the studio, Fisk added. Writers today are unionized under the Writers Guild of America. Other areas of audio and music are also attempting to unionize. Last month, writers, producers, engineers and editors at podcast network Pineapple Street Studios requested its owner Audacy recognize its 40-member group as a union, and music content operations workers at YouTube have filed a request for a union certification election. Audacy declined to comment. Google, YouTube's parent company, did not immediately return a request for comment. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Groups of migrants wait for food donations in San Antonio on Sept. 19, 2022. Jordan Vonderhaar/Getty Images Like many other Republican candidates and conservative talk show hosts, Kari Lake is using the racially tinged issue of immigration to fuel turnout in her gubernatorial campaign in Arizona. The former television anchor has boldly proclaimed that on her first day as governor, she would declare the state under invasion. Lake is not the only conservative politician to speak in hyperbolic terms about immigration during the midterm campaign season. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, outgoing Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have sent migrants on buses or planes to mostly cities in the Northeast, most notably New York and Washington D.C., to draw attention to what they perceive as a crisis and to appeal to their political base. In a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz of Texas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina described his efforts to combat the crisis as a dereliction of duty and possible grounds for his impeachment. These astronomically high numbers are due in no small part to the political decision to rescind a number of President Trumps policies that were stemming the flow of illegal aliens and illicit drugs across the southern border, Cruz and Grahams letter said. Indeed, the numbers that were used to support their claims were tweeted in September 2022 by Cruz, who said that 4.2 million illegal aliens had crossed the border since the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021. The Republican National Committee says that number, which it claims represents a crisis of Democrats making, breaks down to about 2 million so far each year. As midterms approached, citing these numbers had become commonplace and misleading. As an immigration researcher and expert on international borders, I have followed the figures that purport to track the number of immigrants crossing the border for years. I am worried that the figures cited are being repeated without providing an adequate explanation. Story continues These numbers represent encounters, not the number of individuals who have come across the border. Its a misleading and inaccurate way of describing the number of people coming into the U.S. The meaning of encounters For decades, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released the number of arrests at the United States-Mexico border. But that changed two years ago as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and new agreements signed with the Mexican government. In March 2020, the federal agency announced that it would add another category to the total number of apprehensions the number of expulsions. The combined statistics were then called encounters. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were a total of around 4,450,240 encounters from January 2021 to October 2022. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas talks about immigration at the southern border on June 22, 2022. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images But an encounter does not mean a single person or a first attempt to enter. The Department of Homeland Security defines an encounter as a noncitizen who is declared to be inadmissible for not having a U.S. passport, green card or visa. But encounters also includes the people who are allowed to stay in the U.S. as they apply for asylum or a humanitarian visa for reasons such as political persecution or fleeing human trafficking. Migrants and asylum seekers often try to enter multiple times and are counted separately each time. For example, in August 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol revealed that over 22% of encounters are people who had at least one prior encounter in the previous 12 months. The report further reveals that only 36% percent of the encounters with people from Mexico and northern Central America are unique encounters and only 35% percent for those from Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua. It is hard to know, with the current counting system, just how many unique individuals interacted with agents at the border. What is certain is that because of multiple counts of the same individuals, the total number is less than the 4.2 million new undocumented immigrants that Cruz claims have entered the U.S. since the start of the Biden administration. Impact of COVID-19 on migration In addition to counting the same people multiple times, the number of total encounters overestimates the number of individuals because of another reason: the huge number of expulsions that are used in counting the total number of encounters. Enacted in 2020 to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Title 42 a provision of U.S. public health law allows U.S. law enforcement officers to immediately deny entry to asylum seekers. Former President Donald Trump embraces Kari Lake, the Arizona GOP candidate for governor, at a rally on July 22, 2022. Mario Tama/Getty Images Under Title 42, around 51% of the people encountered are immediately expelled or put into deportation proceedings. After being sent back, some may try again to have their asylum cases heard, and are counted one more time as encountered. According to the Biden administration, 1.3 million people were expelled last year. Among the total encounters, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol reported that over 1 million people were denied entry under Title 42 alone in each of the last two fiscal years. The large numbers of expulsions clearly show that the U.S. does not have open borders, as frequently proclaimed by conservative politicians. Statistics are important, but understanding the meaning of those numbers and their context is even more valuable. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It was written by: Ernesto Castaneda, American University. Like this article? subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Read more: Ernesto Castaneda does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. "This is my ugly secret: I was a serial ghoster," the author writes. (Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Powers) It was our third date. I sat at Brians kitchen table while he elegantly multitasked between searing steak au poivre and replenishing my glass of Cote-Rotie. Our mutual friend Wendy had introduced us after a work event. We were both sommeliers, sharing an obsession with wine, and my legs felt like jelly. This man was too gallant, too available, too together. I shifted my gaze toward the door and mentally rehearsed my exit. The following day, I stopped responding to his texts. This is my ugly secret: I was a serial ghoster. Although ghosting or disappearing from a relationship with no warning by ceasing all communication is now common (a recent survey found that 30% of American adults identify as victims of ghosting), and perhaps even accepted by many people as an inevitable part of dating, it doesnt occur without consequences and can leave a path of emotional destruction. Psychologists say ghosting is a character disorder that stems from trauma and conflict evasion. They arent wrong. While legendary ghosters immortalized in literature have often been men (think Willoughby from Sense and Sensibility), ghosting is actually gender-neutral and equal-opportunity. Anybody with a healthy dose of avoidant-attachment is capable of callously leaving without a trace. My first ghosting episode was senior year of high school with Fernando, whom I met on an exchange program to Magdalena, Mexico. Sneaking out of my home-stay familys house, we stayed up talking and making out in the back seat of his parked car until the sun rose over the Sonoran desert. This was before cellphones, so after I returned home, he mailed me love letters in messy cobalt cursive on lined paper and signed, Te amo mucho. I was tongue-tied, incapable of expressing my conflicted emotions. I procrastinated writing back. The hurt in his follow-up notes made me want to crawl under the table. Correspondence dwindled until it eventually stopped altogether but I stayed silent. At 17, Id established a pattern of running away that would haunt me for decades. Story continues In college, ghosting became habitual an involuntary muscle movement as natural as blinking or breathing. As soon as someone tried to get close to me, a warning buzzer went off in my brain and I vanished like an apparition. Once on a blind date at a coffee shop in San Francisco, the man across the table squeezed my hand affectionately while discussing the orphanage where hed volunteered in Malawi. He was just my type kind, witty, a master of the New York Times Sunday crossword, and was like a son to my best friends aging mom. I laughed at his jokes and quizzed him about his passion for recumbent bikes. As he drove away, I heard a little voice in my head say, Cut him off now, before things go too far. Easier to mourn something that could have been than the alternative. My next move was to stop returning his calls. Before too long, he stopped trying. Unlike some other antisocial or destructive behavior, you can ghost almost indefinitely and no one calls you out. At least in the early phase of dating or a relationship, most ghostees wont stage dramatic Lifetime movie scenes, banging bravely on your door in the rain, demanding to know why you exited without an explanatory word, Post-it note, text, call, smoke signal, or carrier pigeon. Most people who are ghosted assume they did something wrong or that the ghoster just wasnt feeling it and wasnt brave enough to admit it. Weve allowed this bad behavior because it happens so often that now it just seems normal. The ghosting spun even more out of control in my 20s and 30s. It became a coping skill, a magic shield that I used whenever there was conflict, if I felt vulnerable, threatened, or worried about letting somebody down. Post-ghost, while others are losing sleep wondering if it was the wine they spilled on the waiter or the story of how they once sharted at a Vegas casino from bad buffet shrimp, the ghoster is already moving on to the next victim. There are no ghost police, no ghost courts, and no ghost interventions. Once it dawned on me that there were no imminent emotional consequences to disappearing, it was even easier to pull a Houdini the next time a romantic prospect invited me to their brothers bar mitzvah. Even when I myself was ghosted in the most humiliating ways (e.g., waiting on a street corner in Madrid with matching floral luggage in tow, anticipating a weekend getaway with a guy who would never show), it wasnt enough to deter me from the dark path. In fact, the ghosting spun even more out of control in my 20s and 30s. It wasnt just limited to the romantic context, but spread malignantly throughout my life to friends, co-workers, and even family. It became a coping skill, a magic shield that I used whenever there was conflict, or if I felt vulnerable, threatened, or worried about letting somebody down. I discovered the more I ghosted, the harder it was to sustain the intimacy and connection I craved. It was a self-perpetuating cycle of self-loathing and shame. Sometimes, I imagined going back in a time machine to Fernando or the guy at the coffee shop and begging for a redo. I ached to stop running, but first I had to face up to why I ran in the first place. A skilled therapist helped connect the dots between my childhood trauma and inability to sustain relationships. I pieced together the stories of my life like a horrific, fascinating tapestry. When I was 8, the nanny tasked with raising me since infancy disappeared abruptly, leaving me with trust and abandonment issues. Essentially, I was a ghoster because I had been ghosted as a child. Given my terror of intimacy and rejection, ghosting gave me a sense of control. The word ghost is so apt. What is a ghost but an empty breath of air, incapable of taste or feeling, pathetically doomed to wander the Earth alone like Dickens Jacob Marley? This was no way to live. One year after steak au poivre with Brian, I finally came clean with our mutual friend Wendy about how Id screwed things up. Do you think hell talk to me? I pleaded. You really hurt his feelings, she responded quietly. But I think its worth a shot. This was my first time un-ghosting someone. I cringed while gathering courage to call him. He didnt pick up. I left an awkward message, stammering an incomprehensible apology. No response which was no less than I deserved. A few weeks down the line, we ran into each other unexpectedly in the hallway at a San Diego sommelier convention. We hugged stiffly, while I tried not to wrinkle his suit. Its nice to see you, he said coolly. But later, he texted to invite me for a glass of wine. At our wedding years later, Brian joked that he had nicknamed me Casperina to his friends. The author and Brian after their wedding in August 2018. (Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Powers) The author and Brian after their wedding in August 2018. (Photo: Courtesy of Michelle Powers) I wish I could say that my ghostiness was cured. Its still a thing, but now it shows up in less extreme ways. Close friends and family have (grudgingly) come to accept it. When I fall off the wagon, I regain course by owning my actions and finding self-compassion, but its a constant work in progress. Parts of me will probably always struggle with connection. But now, when it matters most, I choose to do the opposite of ghosting. I show up. Michelle Powers is an attorney, sommelier and writer in San Diego, where she lives with her husband, Brian, and two dogs. Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... There's never been a better time to plan a trip across the pond. iStockphoto/Getty Images London. For a nation that prides itself on stoicism, the United Kingdom has had a tumultuous decade. Once, Scottish independence seemed like the most pressing question of our age. Then there was Brexit. Now we have a new head of state for the first time in 70 years: a king rather than a queen, a different face on our money, and a fresh set of postage stamps. The soul-searching has been intense. And while it may have rattled some nerves, the effect has also been invigorating. For travelers interested in treading new territory in old places, the U.K. is currently that perfect combination of familiarity and mystery. You will most likely fly into London, a truly global city. St. Bede, the eighth-century monk and historian, wrote that the island contained five nations, each with its own dialect: English, Common Brittonic, Scottish Gaelic, Pictish, and Latin. Today, there are more than 300, and you can hear them all on the London Underground or in restaurants aboveground, where their corresponding cuisines are served. This is a city where world history has coalesced (sometimes regrettably) and thousands of years of art, architecture, and plunder are displayed in its museums, galleries, and public squares. iStockphoto/Getty Images London's Kings Cross train station. But and I say this as a person of the provinces there is far more to the U.K. than its most famous metropolis, and much of it can be seen with the aid of the nations proudest invention: the railway. Board at Kings Cross Station, in London, and the boroughs soon give way to pasture and, in the mornings, a soft covering of mist. Historic York is less than two hours north. The Romans called it Eboracum, the Vikings Jorvik, and those civilizations feel very present in a town known for beautiful medieval churches, a high incidence of ghost sightings, and a surfeit of pubs. Today, there are more than 300 languages spoken, and you can hear them all on the London Underground or in restaurants aboveground, where their corresponding cuisines are served. Story continues Step back on that train and it will deliver you to Edinburgh, the city I now call home. It is built across seven hills overlooking the North Sea (three of them extinct volcanoes), and few places combine stark natural beauty and striking architectural grandeur so seamlessly. In the Old Town, youll find cobblestoned lanes, castles, and churches, or kirks. In the New Town new being a relative term there are Georgian boulevards, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Always lively, in August Edinburgh becomes the arts capital of Europe, hosting the Edinburgh International Festival and its irreverent companion, the Fringe. To the north are the Grampian Mountains. While there are many ranges in the world that are higher, longer, or more imposing, there is something uniquely evocative about these ancient hills. You could take the train to Mallaig, passing over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, before exploring the Hebrides, of which the Isle of Skye is the jewel. As you cross the bridge to this island, it is hard not to hum the famous Jacobite anthem, The Skye Boat Song, recently revived as the opening theme to Outlander. Kira Turnbull From left: A ramble over Kirkstone Pass, in Englands Lake District National Park; Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter, who dedicated much of her later life to land conservation in the Lake District, eventually handing over more than 4,000 acres to the National Trust. Traveling south along the western coast will take you through the Lake District, immortalized by the regions twin laureates, William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Next, to Manchester and Liverpool, the rival siblings of the northwest of England. Sports fans will know the world-famous football teams, while everyone knows the Beatles. Like London, these cities are truly multicultural, with their eyes open to the wider world. Visit Liverpools Albert Dock for a glimpse into Britains messy imperial past, or go to Manchesters Curry Mile for our true national dish. But many, like me, are emphatic that this period of soul-searching must result in a nation that is international, vibrant, and capacious. And we will welcome you with arms outstretched. Northern Ireland is across the water. Revitalized and eager for visitors, Belfast has become a popular movie and TV location. Much of Game of Thrones was filmed there, and it is possible to tour the studios and sit on the Iron Throne. Wales is home to impressive Norman castles and gorgeous beaches. Its a country of poets and singers, from Dylan Thomas to Tom Jones. Or you could travel south through England. The spa town of Bath will impress lovers of Jane Austen, while Oxford and Cambridge have helped shape university culture and intellectual inquiry across the world. The Cotswolds and the Home Counties, meanwhile, offer the quaint villages and rolling hills of Old England. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Liverpool soccer supporters before a match between Liverpool and Manchester United. There are so many different ways of organizing a trip to the U.K. You could do it by geography, visiting its most picturesque locations. You could do it by literature, arranging your journey according to its greatest writers: Charles Dickens for London, Robert Burns for Scotland, Daphne Du Maurier for the West Country, William Shakespeare for well everywhere. You will be astonished by how much is packed into such a small, accessible country. As for its people? We are still working ourselves out. But many, like me, are emphatic that this period of soul-searching must result in a nation that is international, vibrant, and capacious. And we will welcome you with arms outstretched. Fiona Mozley is the author of the novels Elmet, which was short-listed for the 2017 Booker Prize, and Hot Stew (2021). For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. The drawing of the winning numbers in the record $1.9bn Powerball jackpot was delayed Monday night after officials cited the need for additional security measures. Tonights Powerball drawing has been delayed due to a participating lottery needing extra time to complete the required security protocols. Powerball has strict security requirements that must be met by all 48 lotteries before a drawing can occur, the California Lottery tweeted on Monday night, at around the same time the winning numbers were expected to be announced. The state Lottery noted that when the required security protocols are complete, the draw for the record jackpot would be able to proceed and the winning numbers would be posted as soon as they are available. The drawing will be performed under the supervision of lottery security officials and independent auditors, the tweet added, before thanking individuals for their patience. As of 3.45am on the Powerball website, it confirmed that it was likely that we will not know the official results of the Powerball drawing until Tuesday morning. Tonights Powerball drawing has been delayed due to a participating lottery needing extra time to complete the required security protocols. Powerball has strict security requirements that must be met by all 48 lotteries before a drawing can occur. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/jQZJQIPJXr California Lottery (@calottery) November 8, 2022 Later on Tuesday morning, Powerball announced that the winning numbers were 10, 33, 41, 47, and 56 with a red Powerball 10. Powerplay was 2X. In order for the Powerball draw to happen, all 48 jurisdictions - which includes 45 states as well as Washington DC, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico - that are participating in the lottery must adhere to the same security protocols. Story continues The winner of the Powerball jackpot will have the option to take home the jackpot in a lump sum payment, which would mean theyd get the reduced payout of $929.1m, the Associated Press reported. If the winner instead opts for the payment to be doled out annually over the course of 29 years, they will then get the full $1.9bn. The current jackpot began at $20m on 6 August and has since grown over the course of the past three months with no winning numbers being drawn. If there is no winner declared from Mondays delayed drawing, the jackpot would then jump to surpass $2bn for Wednesdays draw. The jackpot for the delayed draw had already eclipsed the previous record set in 2016, when the winning numbers got to take home a prize of $1.586bn. A 30-year-old Wichita man on probation who offered to help a woman air her tires is accused of stealing the car with her 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, Wichita police spokesperson Chad Ditch said. Tyler Michael Kirkhart was arrested Monday on suspicion of seven crimes: two counts of aggravated child endangerment, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of interference with parental custody and deprivation of property, records show. Police were called to the abduction around 3:50 p.m. in the 1000 block of West 31st St South, which is near Seneca. The 2015 Chevy Cruz was soon found in the 3500 block of South Saint Francis, which is a couple of miles away. The children were inside and unharmed. Police learned that a 26-year-old woman was blowing up her tires and Kirkhart offered to help, Ditch said in a news release. He then got into the vehicle and left the area southbound, Ditch said. Officers from all over the city began looking for the vehicle. Ditch said the information sharing, through media and with the department, helped identify the suspect as Kirkhart and led to his arrest within a few hours in the 700 block of West Lockwood, about 3.5 miles from where the car was found. Kansas Department of Corrections records shows Kirkhart is on probation for multiple charges from incidents in 2018 and 2019. The charges include aggravated weapons violation, drug charges, theft, burglary and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. He has more than 20 convictions in Sedgwick County for crimes going back to 2010, KDOC records show. Chicago Tribune Calling herself an agent of change and the only rational choice for Chicago voters, Mayor Lori Lightfoot filed her paperwork Monday for a reelection run. But the end of the weeklong filing period only further highlighted the difficult race ahead of her, with the last of eight remaining major challengers U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia and Ald. Roderick Sawyer also petitioning to get onto ... Carly Parker, 41, was arrested for resisting an officer and for criminal mischief after witnesses went to the police about racist graffiti on a wall at Mangos Bar in Jacksonville Beach. According to Jacksonville Sheriffs Offices arrest report, a witness says they saw Parker commit the crime. The same witness went to their closest police officer and advised them of the crime. The witness stated Parker was headed to the beach. When police found Parker she started to walk quickly. As police told her she was going to get detained, she began to walk away toward the beach. Both Parker and the police officer stumbled down the beach access stairs, where the officer was able to place the suspect on the ground. She broke free and began to run away again. Eventually, the police officer was able to detain Parker after using a stun gun twice and with the help of two other police officers and one life guard. Read: Powerball jackpot: 1 winning ticket sold in California for $2.04 billion prize According to the arrest report, a witness confirmed that it was Parker who drew the racist graffiti outside of Mangos Bar. At the time of the arrest, Parker had a backpack that police searched. They found black spray paint in it. Parker was taken into Duval County Jail. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: Aaron Carter death: Cause of death deferred after autopsy Read: 3 men arrested after running onto the Jaguars football field during game against the Raiders [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] 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. The Daily Beast YouTubeA hearing Monday morning in the murder trial of 25-year-old Austin Harrouffthe infamous Florida face eater accused of fatally stabbing a random couple and attacking another stranger in 2016was over in minutes after a judge accepted a last-second plea deal. Harrouff pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and Circuit Judge Sherwood Bauer accepted the deal, which was reportedly agreed upon by prosecutors and Harrouffs defense attorneys in South Florida. Harrouff will be sent to a secu 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 Mike Garcia isnt the only Republican candidate that has taken an anti-choice stance on abortion. Speaking to The Independent, Faye revealed that she was actually inspired to call Rep Garcia after she watched Dr Mehmet Oz, Pennsylvanias Republican nominee for senate, share his thoughts on womens reproductive health. Abortion should be the business of a woman, her doctor, and her local political leaders, the celebrity TV doctor said during the Pennsylvania senate debate on 25 October. In a separate video posted to TikTok and Twitter, 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. Faye went on to jokingly list all the medical issues shes contacted her local political leaders about, such as switching tampon brands, period cramps, breastfeeding, and ovarian cysts. 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 That triggered me, Faye told The Independent, after Dr Oz declared that politicians should be involved in a womans medical decisions. So, I started with making a satirical video about how I update my politicians and I asked them medical questions about my period and breastfeeding. Faye even took Dr Ozs supposed advice and actually called several politicians throughout California about her reproductive health including her local congressman, Mike Garcia. But no one answered her phone call. These politicians, they want to basically control our reproductive rights. Theyre imposing on our medical freedom, on our actual health, she said. And they also dont want to be there when we need to call them. After posting her video to social media, Faye was shocked by the viral reaction received. Now, she hopes it will encourage other voters to take action both before and after this years midterm elections and call their representatives. A lot of women and supportive men were like, Were going to call our politicians, and you know what? I hope they really actually did, she said. That was not my only phone call, so Im hoping theyre going to because its at least some, its a small form of protest. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Yamana Gold Inc. said it has entered an agreement with Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. and Pan American Silver Corp. after determining their takeover offer was superior to an earlier bid by Gold Fields Ltd. Most Read from Bloomberg The companys board now unanimously recommends that Yamana shareholders vote against the Gold Fields transaction, when they meet to vote on the deal on Nov. 21, Yamana said Tuesday in a statement. The company entered the arrangement agreement following the waiver by Gold Fields of its five business day matching right, Yamana said. Gold Fields said Monday that it wont raise its offer for Yamana after the two Canadian rivals teamed up for an unsolicited $4.8 billion bid to break up an earlier merger agreement with the South African miner. Yamana previously said the cash-and-stock proposal announced Friday by Agnico Eagle and Pan American was superior to the Gold Fields agreement reached back in May. The latest deal is valued at $5.02 a share, based on Thursdays closing prices. Read: Yamana Takeover Battle Brews as Rivals Make $4.8 Billion Bid Gold Fields said its investment committee will be convened and the company will provide a further update to shareholders on its transaction following that meeting, according to a Tuesday statement. US-listed shares of Yamana was little changed at $4.87 as of 9:35 a.m. in New York, while Agnico Eagle and Pan American both fell 0.8%. Gold Fields shares lost earlier gains in Johannesburg, falling 0.6%. The battle to acquire Toronto-based Yamana in the biggest gold deal of the year underscores the pressure to boost output as costs spiral and new deposits becomes more difficult to find. Should their agreement be terminated, Yamana would have to pay a $300 million break fee to Gold Fields. Story continues Under the rival proposal, Pan American would acquire Yamana, while Agnico Eagle would buy Yamanas Canadian assets. (Adds Gold Fields comment in fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2022 Bloomberg L.P. A young girl has died after a massive fire engulfed a Lynn home on Tuesday morning, according to fire officials. The childs name and age were not released pending full family notifications and a formal identification process by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The whole city of Lynn, the Lynn Fire Department, were devastated by this loss, said Lynn District Fire Chief Joseph Zukas, his eyes brimming with tears, as he spoke to reporters from the scene early Tuesday afternoon. Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home. Thats vital for an incident like this. And practice an escape plan with your loved ones. The girl had remained unaccounted for until late Tuesday morning. She was located inside the home and pronounced dead at the scene, Zukas said. Our hearts go out to this childs loved ones, said Lynn Fire Chief Stephen Archer in a statement. On behalf of the Lynn Fire Department and the City of Lynn, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family. This is a terrible loss for them and the community. Seven people -- three adults and four boys -- were sent to the hospital following the deadly fire. Their conditions were not known Tuesday. Seven other residents escaped the blaze and did not go to the hospital. The Lynn Fire Department was first notified of the fire at 7 Circuit Ave. at 4:05 a.m. Tuesday and the first responding engine arrived at 4:07 a.m. Firefighters encountered heavy fire and smoke on arrival. They battled the fire for about 45 minutes before bringing it under control. Neighbors told Boston 25 they woke up to see large, threatening flames erupting from the house. We could feel the heat coming towards us, said Michael Lopez. Lopez, a father of two young children himself, said he was deeply sorry for the family. I can just imagine what the father is going through right now for his loss and looking at that little girl. She was beautiful. Its really really sad, said Lopez. Tt could pretty much hurt your heart for the rest of your life knowing that you wont be able to see her grow up. Story continues This mornings fire remains under investigation, but we want to emphasize how important it is for every household to have working smoke alarms and a practiced home escape plan, said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. Please take a minute today to be sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them to be sure theyre working properly. More than a dozen residents were displaced. This is a heartbreaking tragedy for the family affected and for our community, said Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson. We extend our deepest condolences to the family as they deal with this unthinkable loss, and we wish all those affected a speedy and full recovery. On behalf of the City, we appreciate the tremendous work by the Lynn Fire Department and all the supporting agencies who responded. While we know there will be a full investigation into the circumstances of this tragic event, at this point we are focused on the victims and are incredibly grateful for all those rallying to help them and provide support for our community at this most difficult time. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Lynn Fire Department, Lynn Police Department, and State Police assigned to the offices of the State Fire Marshal and Essex District Attorney. They are supported by the Lynn Inspectional Services Department and the Department of Fire Services Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. The Red Cross of Massachusetts, Salvation Army, and City of Lynn are assisting the displaced residents. The Salem Fire Department provided mutual aid at the scene; the fire departments of Chelsea, Marblehead, Melrose, Peabody, Revere, Salem, and Saugus provided station coverage. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Gore Vidal, Zachary Quinto Zachary Quinto came to most peoples attention playing the Sylar, the main villain from the drama series Heroes, going from there to the silver screen, portraying alien Spock in the three (newer) Star Trek films: Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond. He came back to the small screen for the AMC series NOS4A2, and even picked up an Emmy for his portrayal of Dr. Oliver Thredson in American Horror Story: Asylum. But although the out actor is no stranger to the stage, having performed in plays as notable as Glass Menagerie, The Boys in the Band, and Angels in America, Quinto is preparing for his first West End run in London, where hell star as gay writer and intellectual Gore Vidal, with David Harewood playing political rival, William F. Buckley, in the award-winning James Graham play, Best of Enemies. Based in 1968, the play tells of the time when Vidal and Buckley were hired to be on-air commentators for the Democratic and Republican party, respectively, during a time when there were only newscasters telling the news, in essence becoming the debut of the pundits and commentators that we have today. Vidal, who was featured on the cover of The Advocate in 1995, was an intellectual titan, also a gay icon, Quinto said in discussion with Attitude. He never backed down from acknowledging and accepting his identity as a gay man. As for both playing the legendary intellectual, as well as performing in London, Quinto says to Broadway World, Living and working in London has long been an aspiration of mine. But to be making my West End debut in such a thrilling and relevant play amongst such a distinguished creative team and playing such a scorching and complex character as Gore Vidal far exceeds my expectations of what living and working in London would look like... I'm full of gratitude and excitement. Best of Enemies harkens back to a vital time - when genuine discourse was possible from even the most opposite ends of the ideological spectrum. My hope is that such discourse may be once again rekindled in response to the work itself. Best of Enemies with Zachary Quinto will run at the Noel Coward Theatre from 14 November 14 February 18. For more information, visit bestofenemiesplay.com By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) - The New Zealand government said on Wednesday it was allocating NZ$20 million ($12 million) of climate funding to address loss and damage in developing countries. Vulnerable countries have ramped up demands for rich countries to pay compensation for losses inflicted on the world's poorest people by climate change. The issue is on the agenda of the U.N. COP27 climate summit this year. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the country's decision to allocate NZ$20 million of funding placed it at the leading edge of wealthy countries. "International negotiations have in the past struck difficulties regarding calls for climate finance to deal with loss and damage, as some countries are concerned over what it means for liability and compensation," Mahuta said. Mahuta said New Zealand recognised that loss and damage for Pacific countries takes many forms such as to culture, language, people's mental heath and physical wellbeing. "We will work with our partners, in particular Pacific governments, to support areas they identify as priorities," said Mahuta. New Zealand was not opposed to a possible centralised fund for international commitments for loss and damage, but supported a wide range of funding arrangements, she added. ($1 = 1.6855 New Zealand dollars) (Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Lincoln Feast) (Reuters) - A white supremacist who killed 51 Muslim worshippers at mosques in Christchurch in March 2019, the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history, has filed an appeal against his life sentence, a court spokesperson said on Tuesday. No hearing date has been set at this stage, Chris Abraham, a spokesperson for the Court of Appeal, told Reuters. Brenton Tarrant was sentenced in 2020 to jail for life without parole for the murder of 51 people and attempted murder of 40 others at two mosques in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. It was the first time a New Zealand court had sentenced a person to prison for the rest of their life. In November 2021, Tarrant's then lawyer, Tony Ellis, said Tarrant was considering appealing the verdict, adding his guilty plea was obtained under duress. Ellis in an emailed response on Tuesday told Reuters he does not represent Tarrant anymore. Tarrant, an Australian national, stormed the mosques armed with military-style semi-automatics, indiscriminately shooting at Muslims gathered for Friday prayers and livestreaming the killings using a head-mounted camera. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast) KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukraines president has suggested hes open to peace talks with Russia, softening his refusal to negotiate with Moscow as long as President Vladimir Putin is in power while sticking to Kyivs core demands. Volodymyr Zelenskyy's appeal to the international community to force Russia into real peace talks reflected a change in rhetoric. In late September, after Russia illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions, he signed a decree stating the impossibility of holding talks with Putin. But the preconditions the Ukrainian leader listed late Monday appear to be non-starters for Moscow, so its hard to see how Zelenskyys latest comments would advance any talks. Zelenskyy reiterated that his conditions for dialogue were the return of all of Ukraine's occupied lands, compensation for war damage and the prosecution of war crimes. He didn't specify how world leaders should coerce Russia into talks. Western weapons and aid have been key to Ukraines ability to fight off Russias invasion, which some initially expected would tear through the country with relative ease. That means Kyiv cannot ignore how the war is seen in the U.S. and the European Union, according to political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko. Zelenskyy is trying to maneuver because the promise of negotiations does not oblige Kyiv to anything, but it makes it possible to maintain the support of Western partners, Fesenko, head of the Kyiv-based Penta Center independent think tank, said. A categorical refusal to hold talks plays into the Kremlins hands, so Zelenskyy is changing the tactics and talks about the possibility of a dialogue, but on conditions that make it all very clear, he added. While support for Ukraine has garnered strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, a growing conservative opposition could complicate that next year if Republicans take control of the House in Tuesday's elections. Recent comments by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy that lawmakers would not cut a blank check to Ukraine reflect the party's growing skepticism about the cost of support. Story continues In private, Republican lawmakers who support aid to Ukraine see an opportunity to pass one more tranche of assistance this year with the current Congress. Russia and Ukraine held several rounds of talks in Belarus and Turkey early in the war, which is now nearing its nine-month mark, and Zelenskyy repeatedly called for a personal meeting with Putin which the Kremlin brushed off. The talks stalled after the last meeting of the delegations, held in Istanbul in March, yielded no results. Zelenskyy said Monday that Kyiv has repeatedly proposed (talks) and to which we always received crazy Russian responses with new terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail. Russia resumed calls for talks after it started losing ground to a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the east and the south in September. Zelenskyy rejected the possibility of negotiating with Putin later that month after the Russian leader illegally claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory. Zelenskyy said Monday that Ukraine's conditions for dialogue included the restoration of (Ukraines) territorial integrity ... compensation for all war damage, punishment for every war criminal and guarantees that it will not happen again. Russias deputy foreign minister, Andrei Rudenko, said Tuesday that Moscow was not setting any conditions for the resumption of talks. He accused Kyiv of lacking good will. This is their choice. We have always declared our readiness for such negotiations, Rudenko said. Putin and other Russian officials have repeatedly claimed that the United States is preventing Ukraine from engaging in peace talks, which several countries have offered to mediate. In an interview released Tuesday, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said Western countries wouldn't push Kyiv to negotiate on Moscow's terms. Ukraine is receiving rather effective weapons from its partners, first and foremost the U.S., Podolyak said. We're pushing the Russian army out of our territory. And given that, it's nonsense to force us to negotiate, and de facto to concede to Russia's ultimatum! No one will do that. In other developments: In the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, which the Russians are struggling to take full control of, Moscow's shelling killed three civilians and wounded seven others over the past 24 hours, according to Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko. Kyrylenko said the fatalities occurred in the city of Bakhmut, a key target of Russias grinding offensive in Donetsk, and the town of Krasnohorivka. Ukraine's deputy defense minister last week described the Bakhmut area as the epicenter of fighting in eastern Ukraine. Elsewhere, two civilians were seriously wounded by unexploded mines in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region, where Kyiv's forces retook broad swaths of territory in September, Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. In the partially occupied Kherson region in the south, where Ukraine's troops are conducting a successful counteroffensive, Russian-installed authorities said they have completed the evacuation of residents ahead of anticipated Ukrainian advances. The Kremlin-appointed administration has sought to relocate tens of thousands. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press show a rapid expansion of a cemetery in southern Ukraine in the months after Russian forces seized the port city of Mariupol. It's unclear how many people were buried there. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations reassured Ukrainian farmers that extending a wartime deal that allowed Ukrainian grain and other commodities to be shipped on the Black Sea was a priority for the U.N. The agreement brokered by the U.N. and Turkey has allowed more than 10 million tons of grain to leave Ukrainian ports and travel along a designated corridor. It is set to expire on Nov. 19. A Russian diplomat on Tuesday cited Moscows dissatisfaction with its implementation and said the Kremlin had not decided whether to extend it. During a visit to Kyiv, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield was asked whether she was telling the Ukrainians about American ideas to end the war. She replied: Russia started this and Russia can end this, and they can end it by pulling their troops out and stopping committing the atrocities that they are committing against the Ukrainian people. She announced $25 million in additional U.S. assistance to help Ukrainians get through the winter. ___ Karmanau reported from Tallinn, Estonia. Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed from Washington. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Various prominent U.S. corporations, including Walmart and Intel, might be shying away from principled stances condemning foreign uses of slavery and child labor for the production of cheap consumer goods. An importation rule change proposes to eliminate declarations on imported goods that offer insights into where goods come from and whether abusive labor practices were at play. The net effect would be to help countries of origin hide their abuses from their American customers. The existing U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules require statements of origin on shipping manifests, which offer significant clues about the labor conditions behind certain products. Consumers, of course, want access to cheap goods. But is it really worth saving a few cents to purchase goods in which slavery, forced abortion, torture or child exploitation were part of the production process? Consider the situation of Uyghurs in China. They are a primarily Muslim ethnic minority targeted by the Chinese government for reeducation because they are deemed too independent of Communist Party control. More than 1 million have been detained and sent to reeducation camps since 2017. They are subjected to torture, forced labor, involuntary sterilizations and forced abortions, the State Department says. Children have been taken from their parents. In the Xinjiang region of northwestern China, forced labor yields products that China then tries to export, including cotton fabric and components of microchips. As the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported recently, Intel declared in December that no components of its products came from Xinjiang, prompting such harsh pushback from the Chinese government that Intel backed down and apologized. Apologized, that is, for taking a stand against slave labor. The Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee executives from 20 top corporations and organizations that include Walmart, Intel and General Motors has floated a rule change to streamline importation procedures. Shipping manifests would be treated as confidential, which means the public would have a much harder time tracing the origins of the products theyre buying. There are 41 countries whose labor practices warrant scrutiny because they use slavery or impose abusive labor conditions, including child labor. The situation involving Uyghurs is the poster child for global condemnation and consumer boycotts, but its far from the only example. In August alone, Fortune magazine reported, Customs and Border Patrol targeted shipments valued at more than $266 million for inspection due to suspected use of forced labor, including goods from Xinjiang as well as from Brazil, Zimbabwe and India where suspected child or forced labor were used in production. The advisory committees rule-change proposal deserves a swift and unceremonious rejection. As long as American consumers blindly purchase products without knowing their origins, countries like China will feel minimal pressure to halt their egregiously abusive labor practices. Glenwoods superintendent has been chosen for recognition by a statewide professional organization. Devin Embray was a finalist for the 2022-23 Iowa Superintendent of the Year award sponsored by the School Administrators of Iowa, according to a press release from SAI. SAI is pleased to celebrate the contributions and leadership of school superintendents dedicated to serving students and their communities, said Lisa Remy, the associations executive director. Recently, Glenwood Community Schools has been heavily involved with Professional Learning Communities, emphasizing collaboration at each building to drive student engagement, use of best practice instructional strategies, proficiency scales, and standards-referenced grading, the press release stated. The district has also revised building schedules to include intervention times for students who need additional time and resources to achieve the necessary proficiency or deepen proficiency to better serve students needs. Additionally, Glenwood Community Schools has expanded what it calls Glenwood U. This program provides a fully accredited masters degree in curriculum and instruction at a reduced rate for working teachers. District administration is pursuing a grow-your-own-teacher program. If implemented, eligible graduating seniors will work for the district as a paraprofessional and take college classes at night. Estimates indicate students will pay less than $20,000 for a fully accredited degree completed in three years with concurrent courses taken while in high school. Lastly, the district is gearing up to launch a final phase facilities project that will renovate Northeast Elementary, provide geothermal heating and cooling to the middle school, and potentially place West Elementary in a renovated space on the Glenwood Resource Campus, the press release stated. Should this happen, West Elementary will be repurposed for district support services. The total bond is estimated at $50 million, and the district anticipates an early March 2024 vote. Embray is in his 13th year as the districts superintendent and his 20th year as a superintendent. He holds a bachelors degree in elementary education from Central College, a masters degree in educational administration from Drake University, an advanced studies certificate for superintendents from the University of Northern Iowa and a doctorate from the University of the Cumberlands in educational leadership. He has had experience as a middle-level science instructor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent over the past 31 years spanning six districts, including Glenwood. He has also served in the United States Army Reserves for eight years as a nuclear, chemical and biological warfare specialist and instructor. He is a member of the local Rotary organization, a board member for the YMCA, a past president of the Mills County Economic Development Foundation Board, currently serving as secretary. He is an ex-officio member and founder of the Glenwood Community Schools Foundation. Nominated for the award by his peers, Embray will be recognized by the association at its Annual Conference in August 2023, along with West Delaware County Superintendent Kristen Rickey, who was recently selected as the recipient. SAI, a statewide organization founded in 1987, represents more than 2,000 Iowa educational administrators. SAIs mission is to support, encourage and develop Iowas educational leaders and learners. Three Pottawattamie County nonprofit organizations were selected to receive more than $400,000 in homelessness assistance grants from the Iowa Finance Authority. The homelessness assistance awards announced (Thursday) will have a direct impact in helping thousands of Iowans in their time of need, Iowa Finance Authority executive director Debi Durham said in a press release. Iowas homeless service professionals work tirelessly to help get Iowans back on their feet and into permanent housing and this funding will aid in those efforts. Heartland Family Service will receive $61,790 through the federal Emergency Solutions Grant program. The MICAH House will receive $132,232 from the state-funded Shelter Assistance Fund. New Visions Homeless Services will receive $77,793 from ESG and $144,076 from SAF. New Visions Homeless Services is honored to receive support from the Iowa Finance Authority to help bring hope to our neighbors experiencing homelessness, New Visions CEO Brandy Wallar said in an email. Funding from this grant allows us to provide a continuum of services, from homeless street outreach to emergency shelter, and to stopping the crisis of being homeless through providing prevention funds to stop evictions. Our goal at New Visions is that no one in our community experiences homelessness, but if they do that it is a short episode where New Visions can provide wrap-around services and quick access to safe and affordable housing. Mindy Paces, vice president of housing and financial stability for Heartland Family Service, told The Daily Nonpareil that the ESG funds they received will provide critical resources for two of their services. Those funds are really a safety net for those who are facing a housing crisis, Paces said. It certainly is a key piece of funding for both our rapid rehousing and homeless prevention programs, and it has been really impactful over the years that weve received it. MICAH House associate director Ashley Flater said that the grant funds her organization received will go a long way to provide the shelter and services to those experiencing homelessness. Everyone deserves to have a safe place to sleep at night, and that is what we will do, Flater said in an email. The families and women at MICAH House are at a very vulnerable place in their lives, and they need space to regain their footing and build the lives they want and deserve. MICAH House is the first step in their journey, and these funds help make this possible. The primary purpose of the ESG program is to help Iowans and their families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness, according to the press release. The SAF program provides financial assistance to homeless and domestic violence shelters to help with the cost of operations. In order to determine which organizations would receive funding, the IFA conducted a two-year competition for funds, starting in 2021. Applicant organizations were scored in several categories, including project design, experience and capacity, community partnerships, performance, and budget and grants management, according to the press release. In total, the IFA approved more than $4.7 million in ESG and SAF grants to 44 agencies with homelessness assistance initiatives across the state. The ESG program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and by the IFA. Twenty-seven agencies were awarded a total of more than $2.9 million in 2023 ESG funds, while 33 agencies were awarded nearly $1.8 million in 2023 SHF grants. Individuals in need of homelessness assistance should contact the coordinated entry system, online at iowahousinghelp.com or by phone at 833-739-0065. 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. 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. && Thousands gathered in Cameroons capital, Yaounde, Sunday (6 November) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of President Paul Biyas coming to power but the 89-year-old stayed out of the spotlight as questions swirled about the only leader most of the Central African countrys people have ever known. 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 presidents social media accounts. Since our father took power we live in peace he protects us well, said one of Biya supporters, adding May God keep him. However, critics of the Biya regime were wearing black Sunday amid the celebrations. 6 November is considered a day of national mourning because Mr. Biya inherited a rich, prosperous and growing country, said one of his critics. And he set about unraveling every sector of life and society. Biyas critics blame him for endemic corruption, bad governance and rare public appearances. Biya is Africas second-longest serving leader, only after the president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has been in power since 1979. Biya was Cameroons prime minister and became president in 1982 after his predecessor, Cameroons first president following the countrys 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. When the countrys first multi-party election was finally held in 1992, Biya bested his opposition rival by just 4% points. But human rights groups have accused him of brazen strongman tactics, including torture and intimidation of his opponents to maintain his power. Burkina Faso authorities have arrested three captains who had helped former leader lieutenant-colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba to flee to Togo in September, when he was deposed by incumbent captain Ibrahim Traore. Sidsore Abdoul Kader Ouedraogo, Hassan Salem Diallo and Didas Charles Ouedraogo reportedly exfiltrated Damiba out of the country to Togo in an aircraft belonging to the army. A junta including Captain Traore removed Damiba who himself came to power last January after deposing elected leader Roch Marc Christian Kabore. They are accused of aircraft theft, desertion and plotting against the new Burkinabe authorities from Togo, their land of exile, Burkina Fasos state-run news agency said Monday. Messages intercepted by President Ibrahim Traores men would have betrayed the three captains intentions to fight the new authorities. This would have prompted Lome to send them back to their country. As soon as they arrived in Ouagadougou three days ago, the three young officers were placed under house arrest, Radio Omega, a local private radio said. Captain Kader Ouedraogo was the spokesman for the Damiba-led junta that seized power early this year. Botswana, the worlds second-largest diamond producer, 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. The KP, a coalition of governments, the diamond industry and civil society representatives, said in a statement on Monday (7 November) it had unanimously elected Botswana to host the secretariat, which is expected to become operational by 2024. Botswana announced earlier this year it was vying to host a permanent new headquarters and secretariat for the KP that was established in 2003. The southern African nation was competing against China and Austria to host the watchdogs permanent secretariat. The body defines conflict diamonds as gems used to fund rebel movements seeking to undermine legitimate governments. Botswana Diamond Hub coordinator Jacob Thamage, who handed over the rotational chairmanship of the KP to Zimbabwe over the weekend, told the media before last weeks plenary that Austria had pulled out of the bidding process, leaving Botswana and China in the race. The 85-nation body was established to eliminate trade in conflict diamonds. Although it says it has made progress in halting such trade, the civil society organizations linked to the industry have been demanding reforms. Although the diamond watchdog claims to have made significant progress in halting the trade in conflict diamonds, the NGOs linked to the industry have been demanding the redefinition of conflict diamonds to include human rights abuses. After it invaded Ukraine in February, Russia drew sharp criticism from civil society, which is pushing to broaden the KPs definition of conflict diamonds to include state actors using the stones to fund acts of aggression. The Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, has increased by 300 per cent its defense budget for 2023 to $1 billion in view of ramping up the power of the armed forces and to revamp military industry. The defense budget accounts for 10.4 per cent of the total budge put at $14.6 billion. This budget should allow the implementation of the military programming law in order to increase the strength of the armed forces and to revamp the military industry, the government said following a cabinet meeting held in the office of President Felix Tshisekedi. The budget bill determines the sequence and pace of operations or purchases to be carried out to achieve the Armed Forces specific objectives. The defense budget will cover acquisition of weapons and ammunitions of war, logistics, and rehabilitation of military infrastructure, training and recruitment. Kinshasa also plans to bolster the strength of its air power. The Congolese army has been battling armed groups for 30 years in eastern DRC. The region is dogged by hundreds of armed groups, including foreign rebellions. M23 is the most serious rebel group in the East. Kinshasa has blamed Rwanda for propping the armed group. A consortium of Belgian companies revealed Monday on the sideline of the ongoing COP27 plans to set up a center for the production and storage of green hydrogen in Egypt, meant for export to Europe. The Belgian Alliance for Companies, made of DEME Group, Fluxys, and Antwerp Port met with Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli in the presence of Belgiums Premier Alexander de Crowe, the Egyptian government said in a statement. During the meeting, representatives of the Belgian companies reaffirmed their interest in cooperation with the electricity and renewable energy sector in Egypt, especially in the light of Europes expanding interest in the production, transport and storage of green hydrogen as part of efforts to remove and reduce carbon in the air, the statement said. The consortium is willing to cooperate with Egypt in this field owing to the North African countrys natural assets and investment climate, the statement said, noting that the consortium already conducted a feasibility study for the project. The project also includes a green energy segment; the generation of 700 megawatts of wind power and 800 megawatts of solar energy. According to the initiators, the project in its first phase will avoid the climate 30,000 tons of CO2, or the equivalent of the emissions caused by 6,000 cars. Egypt is expected to benefit from the project in many ways, including the creation of many indirect jobs, namely more than 2,000 jobs under the project construction and more than 500 permanent jobs during operation. The International University of Rabat and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) agreed on Monday to exchange experiences and enhance cooperation ties in scientific research and innovation. The agreement was inked in Tel Aviv by Noureddine Mouaddib, President of the Moroccan University and Eytan Eshel, CEO of IAI. The deal will enable the Moroccan academic institution to benefit from IAI know-how and experiences in information technology, engineering, digital science, aerospace, automotive, renewable energy and civil aviation industry. The cooperation agreement was sealed on the sidelines of a working visit a delegation from the Rabat International University is paying to Israel to explore partnership projects with Israeli academic institutions. Monday, members of the Moroccan delegation met with managers of several IT firms as well as with Start-up Nation Central l, a non-profit organization seeking to strengthen Israels innovation ecosystem, which is the engine that drives the countrys economy, employing more than 10% of the population and making up 54% of exports. In March, Head of IAIs Amir Peretz and Moroccan industry minister Ryad Mezzour signed in Rabat a deal to enhance partnership in aerospace engineering, innovation and maintenance. Following the restoration of diplomatic ties between Rabat and Tel-Aviv in 2020 within the frame of the US-brokered Abraham Accords, cooperation between the two countries is gaining momentum in all sectors, while Moroccan and Israeli officials have intensified high-level contacts, talks and exchange of visits. Algeria did everything it could to make Morocco skip the Arab Summit, but in vain. The North African Kingdom emerged victorious from the summit which ended with a final declaration commending the role of Al Quds committee led by King Mohammed VI, condemned foreign interferences in Arab countries affairs, reaffirmed support for the unity of Arab states and expressed support to Fez hosting a global event for inter-civilizational dialogue. In contrast, Algeria failed in all its schemes. President Tebboune had said that the summit will be dedicated to the Palestinian issue and to the Polisario. But none of that happened. Tebboune was forced to express support for the two-state solution in line with the Arab initiative that advocates an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel with east Jerusalem as its capital. The maneuvers of Algeria to impose the Polisario were met with utter rejection of Arab states and the deceitfulness of an Algerian state-owned media in showing the Moroccan map devoid of the Sahara was fiercely condemned by the Arab league, propelling an apology from that same TV channel which blamed the graphic designer. A Moroccan source told le360 how the Moroccan delegation was mistreated in Algiers but remained in place to make Moroccos voice heard. The Algerian authorities have prevented many independent reporters from covering the summit and those who were allowed have been confined to a separate hotel from which they were escorted under heavy security to the summit venue. The Moroccan foreign minister had wanted to organize a press conference with international media but Algerian authorities prevented that from happening. Algerian authorities also prevented Moroccan journalists from covering the event, subjected them to interrogations and confiscated their equipment before asking them to leave the airport. The final declaration of the summit however is a victory for Morocco whose stands have been voiced starkly there and whose role in defending the Palestinian cause was highlighted along with its contribution to world peace through hosting international inter-civilizational dialogue events. The position of many Arab states in denouncing foreign interferences in an allusion to Iranian destabilization acts and their unequivocal support for the unity and sovereignty of Arab states reflect the extent of the isolation of the Algerian pro-Iranian regime. Now, the Algerian regime has only the fact of hosting the summit as a sham achievement to hide its failure to influence the Arab summit agenda. The Rwandan government said a Congolese army fighter jet violated its airspace on Monday (7 November), just 48 hours after a deal to defuse rising tensions between the two countries. A joint statement released late on Saturday (5 November) following talks between officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda said both sides would maintain the political dialogue between the authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda as a means of resolving the political crisis between the two brotherly countries. The discussions, held in Angola and mediated by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, came amid worsening tensions caused by violence carried out by the M23 rebel group in Congos east which has forced tens of thousands to flee their homes in an area that has had little respite from conflict for decades. The DRC expelled the Rwandan ambassador in Kinshasa on 29 October and recalled its charge daffaires in Kigali. But on Monday, the Rwandan government said in a statement that a Sukhoi-25 fighter jet from the Democratic Republic of Congo violated Rwandan airspace at 11:20 am (local, 8:30 am GMT) this morning and landed briefly at Rubavu airport in Western province. No military action was taken by Rwanda in response, and the plane returned to the DRC. The Rwandan authorities protested against this provocation to the DRC government, which acknowledged the incident, the text added. DRC has long accused Rwanda of backing the Tutsi-led group, which has attacked the Congolese army near the Rwandan border since 2012. Rwanda denies this. The United States on Monday (7 November) imposed its second round of sanctions in less than a week on people and firms, this time targeting South African entities, who it says have provided financial or material support to the Islamic State (IS) group. Following the financial penalties against a Somali IS weapons trafficking cell imposed by the US last week, the latest sanctions 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. 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, the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control designated four people and eight companies controlled by individuals that it said were in the South African IS cell. Their gold trading, construction and other firms are targeted for sanctions. The move freezes and blocks any potential transactions with US entities and prevents Americans from doing business with them. The Islamic State group sometimes is known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS. 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. Morocco and Switzerland have signed an agreement on environment protection on the sidelines of the COP-27 climate summit currently held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The agreement was inked Monday by Swiss President Ignazio Cassis and Moroccan minister of energy transition and sustainable development Leila Benali. Under this agreement, Switzerland pledges to reduce its CO2 emissions through projects in Morocco, using innovative and green solutions. Last year, Morocco submitted its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC secretariat, raising its NDC ambition to a 45.5 pc GHG emissions reduction by 2030. Of this target, 18.3 pc is unconditional, and the remaining 27.2 pc are conditional to international assistance. The NDC includes mitigation targets for two new large industrial subsectors: cement and phosphates. Key strategic and operational tools support Moroccos NDC implementation, including the National Climate Plan, the Sustainable Development Plan, and the National Climate Change and Biodiversity Commission. Morocco added more innovative solutions and details on financing, which lay out a clear path towards more ambitious climate target implementation. The revised NDC includes key sectoral strategies and targets for all seven sectors covered for mitigation (energy production, waste, industry, forestry and land use, agriculture, transportation, residential). According to the latest World Bank Country Climate & Development Report, climate change poses a serious threat to Moroccos economic growth but with the right investments and policies in place, a more sustainable future is possible. The document identifies three priority areas: tackling water scarcity and droughts; enhancing resilience to floods; and decarbonizing the economy. The WB estimates that the total investment needed to put Morocco firmly on a resilient and low carbon pathway by the 2050s would be around $78 billion. These investments could be gradual and with the appropriate policies in place, the private sector could shoulder much of the cost. Morocco and the United States, two friends and longstanding allies, are stepping up their military cooperation to counter common regional challenges and international threats. On Monday, U.S. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher W. Grady met with Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco Lt. Gen. Belkhir El Farouk at the Pentagon. The military leaders discussed items concerning security cooperation, strengthening military readiness, and other items of mutual interest, said a press release issued by Joint Staff Spokesperson Cmdr. Beth Teach. The U.S. and Morocco share a strong bilateral military relationship that contributes to the stability and security of North Africa, added the statement. Last month, General Michael Langley, U.S. AFRICOM commander, visited Morocco wherein he met separately with Minister in charge of the National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi and General Farouk Belkhir. Its clear that the U.S.-Morocco commitment to supporting regional peace and security is stronger than ever, had Said Gen. Langley after meeting with the two Moroccan officials. Our military partnership is built on deep, historic ties that date back to the very founding of the United States. Our discussions today focused on how we can continue to work together on a range of critical security issues and continue to ensure regional stability, added the four-star General. The mutually beneficial partnership existing between Spain and Morocco is an example to be followed by other countries in the region, said Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. The Spanish official said, on the sidelines of a Forum he was attending in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, that ties between the two countries are based on mutual respect and mutual benefits, the absence of unilateral actions and non-interference in each others domestic affairs. The mutually beneficial partnership between Spain and Morocco and their relations are an example to be followed by other countries in the region, he said. We want to have with all our neighbors the same relationship we have with Morocco, he added. In this context, the head of Spanish diplomacy welcomed the results of the new dynamic between the two countries, since the visit of president of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, to Morocco last April. All the points contained in the Spanish-Moroccan Declaration of April 7 are being implemented, he said, recalling that air and sea connectivity has been fully restored and collaboration on migration and the fight against human trafficking mafias has increased. In this connection, he noted that all migratory routes to Europe are growing, except those to Spain. On the economic level, bilateral trade has been revived, reaching 7 billion since the beginning of the year, i.e. 2 billion more than last year, he said. The Lincoln County Courthouse will be lit up in green this week to honor veterans. Monday, the Lincoln County commissioners approved a resolution supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans during the boards regular meeting. The program is a national effort by county officials to light up courthouses across the country during veterans week, said Commissioner Kent Weems. I think it is fitting that we pay tribute to veterans across the country, Weems said, adding that, 200,000 service members transition to civilian life annually with an estimated increase of 20% transitioning to civilian life this year. Chris Bruns, board chairman and a Marine veteran, said the initiative is a great show of support. In other business, the commissioners approved the purchase of a John Deere 672G motor grader from Murphy Tractor and Equipment for $108,500 after trade-in. This grader perfectly fits the application with where were going to put it (to use) for the county, Highway Superintendent Jason Schultz said. I appreciate your attention to the budget and to try to be as frugal as possible, Weems said. That number is hard to ignore; thats a good value. The motion included a review of the vehicles service records by Shultz before the deal is completed. Bids were also received from NMC Cat, all of which were higher than the bid from Murphy Tractor. A decision on purchasing three new half-ton four-wheel-drive pickup trucks for the Department of Roads was tabled for further research. Janssen Chrysler was the only company to offer bids. Responding to a question from Commissioner Joe Hewgley, Schultz said other dealers had been contacted. Schultz said he would like to pursue group purchasing options before accepting the bid, so the item was postponed to Nov. 14. In other action, the commissioners: Authorized Bruns to sign a right-of-way permit submitted by Allo Communications. Authorized Bruns to sign Form 35K for the annual keno filing by Lincoln County to the Nebraska Department of Revenue. Denied a special designated liquor permit submitted by CJ Liquor and Tobacco for a wedding reception at CBs Hideaway Nov. 19. ReportLinker The Global Healthcare Claims Management Market size was estimated at USD 12. 99 billion in 2021 and expected to reach USD 13. 89 billion in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 7. 12% to reach USD 19. New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Healthcare Claims Management Market Research Report by Solutions, Delivery Mode, End User, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06338921/?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 Healthcare Claims Management to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Solutions, the market was studied across Claims Integration, Claims Management Reporting, Claims Review Management, Claims Status Management, and Remittance Management Solutions. Based on Delivery Mode, the market was studied across Cloud-based and On-premise. Based on End User, the market was studied across Healthcare Payers and Healthcare Providers. 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 Healthcare Claims Management 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 Healthcare Claims Management 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 Healthcare Claims Management Market, including Accenture plc., Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., Athenahealth, Avaya Inc., CareCloud, Cerner Corporation, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, Conifer Health Solutions, eClinicalWorks, Genpact Limited, Infor Inc., International Business Machine Corporation, Kareo, Inc., McKesson Corporation, nThrive Revenue Systems, LLC, Optum Inc., Oracle Corporation, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, and The SSI Group, 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 Healthcare Claims Management Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06338921/?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 QUADIENT Quadient launches Parcel Pending smart lockers in Ireland to support on-going modernisation of the residential property industry The launch of Parcel Pending smart parcel lockers will help property developers and managers improve services for residents, free up employee time and reduce environmental impact of deliveries Dublin, Ireland, 8th November 2022 Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a leader in helping businesses create meaningful customer connections through digital and physical channels, today announced the launch of Parcel Pending by Quadient in Ireland. By providing secure, self-service smart parcel lockers to businesses across the country, together with a dedicated support centre and response and repair team, Quadient will help the Irish economy capitalise on the property boom by simplifying parcel delivery and improving residents experience. With the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) expecting 50,000 new homes to be built across 2022 and 2023, Quadient will help property developers and property management organisations transform parcel pickup: providing a secure location for residents parcel deliveries with 24/7 access; in turn freeing up time for building management to deal with other tasks; and reducing the physical and environmental footprint of parcel delivery. Property is a highly competitive marketplace in Ireland, and high-density housing will be crucial to meeting the countrys housing needs, said Ian Caminsky, SVP and MD Parcel Locker Solutions, UKI & DACHIT at Quadient. This demands a new approach for processing parcels and packages. An Post alone delivered 56 million packets and parcels in its last reporting year an average of 29 per household. Combine that figure with deliveries from other carriers, and management teams at high-occupancy communities will be faced with a flood of parcels every week. Employees will either need to receive, log, store and distribute these parcels, taking time away from other tasks, or run the risk of unwatched parcels potentially being stolen. Automated lockers can reduce the pressure on management teams, while creating a more pleasant, liveable service and environment for residents. Story continues Quadient already has a presence in Ireland through its mailing and customer experience services. By bringing Parcel Pending smart lockers into the country, it will provide more opportunities to the property industry to realise the benefits of automated lockers, including: Increased security Ensuring packages can only be picked up by the intended recipient, reducing opportunities for parcel theft and giving residents confidence they live in a safe environment. Improved efficiency It can take up to four minutes for a delivery driver and building staff to complete handover of a package plus the time to hand it to the recipient. Quadients parcel lockers reduce this time to seconds, freeing up the delivery driver and building staff time. Reduced footprint Instead of maintaining a dedicated desk for parcels, developers and building managers can provide a secure, unobtrusive way to give residents access to their deliveries 24/7. Digital integration Quadients parcel lockers are designed to integrate with cloud services and applications, for instance resident engagement portals such as Spike Global allowing property managers to offer a modern, streamlined experience and immediate access to their services to residents. Environmental impact By guaranteeing delivery the first time, preventing re-visits, and ensuring that couriers and residents only have to visit a single location, parcel lockers help both reduce emissions and create a safer environment for residents. With nearly 17,000 installations worldwide serving millions of users, Quadient has considerable experience and existing footprint to benefit not only the Irish residential market and university accommodation, but also retail and home delivery, where parcel lockers can improve efficiency, guarantee delivery, and offer a better service to customers. We are dedicated to the Irish market and are excited about making the most of our expertise in the country, continued Ian Caminsky. We have undeniable evidence of the benefits developers, property managers and residents have already seen from our lockers: to the extent that for many developments the lockers themselves have become a selling point for new residents. Indeed, in some locations we have seen the number of lockers triple following positive feedback. The future of high-density housing is one that makes best use of the space available; reduces the impact on the environment; and gives residents the fastest and easiest possible access to the services they need, without compromising their comfort or security. Our parcel lockers are an essential part of this vision, and we look forward to making this journey in Ireland. For more information about Parcel Pending by Quadient, visit https://www.parcelpending.com/en-gb/ireland/. Parcel Pending by Quadient will be exhibiting at Ireland's Residential Investment and Development Conference in Dublin on November 10th to find out more, visit: https://www.bisnow.com/events/dublin/multifamily/irelands-build-to-rent-conference-7481. About Quadient Quadient is the driving force behind the worlds most meaningful customer experiences. By focusing on three key solution areas, Intelligent Communication Automation, Parcel Locker Solutions and Mail-Related Solutions, Quadient helps simplify the connection between people and what matters. Quadient supports hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide in their quest to create relevant, personalized connections and achieve customer experience excellence. Quadient is listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and is part of the SBF 120, CAC Mid 60 and EnterNext Tech 40 indices. For more information about Quadient, visit www.quadient.com. Quadient UK press contact: Dominic Walsh, Spark Communications +44 (0)20 7436 0420 or quadient@sparkcomms.co.uk. Attachment SWORDS, Ireland, November 08, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, will join several climate action dialogues during the Sustainable Innovation Forum 2022 (SIF22) at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, November 9-11. SIF22 will focus on the critical environmental and social factors, and scalable solutions, needed to successfully enable the transition to net-zero. "Innovative solutions that will bend the curve on climate change exist today. We can act now to dramatically reduce emissions from heating and cooling buildings," said Jose La Loggia, president, Commercial HVAC EMEA, Trane Technologies. "Its time to move from pledge to action deploying concrete policies and financing, and accelerating technologies that will create a more sustainable, energy-secure future, today." Trane Technologies leaders will participate in the following SIF climate discussions: Securing food systems against the climate crisis : Rasha Hasaneen, vice president of innovation, Nov. 9, 2:15 p.m. 3:05 p.m. GMT From Global to Local Climate change will be won and lost in cities : Jose La Loggia, president, Commercial HVAC EMEA, Nov. 10, 12:25 p.m. 1:05 p.m. GMT Translating climate commitments to climate action Introducing the Gigaton Playbook, an emissions reduction roadmap: Scott Tew, vice president of sustainability, Nov. 10, 2:10 p.m. 2:30 p.m. GMT All dialogues can be viewed live once registering through the Climate Action Innovation Zone. Trane Technologies is a proud partner of the World Economic Forums Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders and is a signatory of its COP27 open letter, calling for accelerated government policies and creating a sustainable future for all. With an unwavering commitment to action, Trane Technologies also supports the Corporate Knights Action Declaration on Climate Policy Engagement, which outlines how industry leaders will support ambitious action to close the say-do gap on emission reductions. Story continues Through bold, industry-leading action, Trane Technologies continues to advance its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including its Gigaton Challenge a pledge to reduce one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from customers carbon footprints by 2030 and its net-zero by 2050 emissions reduction goal, both validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). The companys leadership in sustainability has been recognized by the Financial Times (Europes Climate Leaders 2022) and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (Climate Leadership Hall of Fame induction). About Trane Technologies Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com. This news release includes "forward-looking statements" which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our sustainability commitments and the impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Such factors include, but are not limited to, our future financial performance and targets, including revenue, EPS and operating income; our business operations; demand for our products and services, including bookings and backlog; capital deployment, including the amount and timing of our dividends, our share repurchase program, including the amount of shares to be repurchased and the timing of such repurchases and our capital allocation strategy, including acquisitions, if any; our projected free cash flow and usage of such cash; our available liquidity; performance of the markets in which we operate; restructuring activity and cost savings associated with such activity; and our effective tax rate. Additional factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005796/en/ Contacts Media Contact: Shelby Hansen +1-704-990-3835 Shelby.Hansen@tranetechnologies.com Investors Contact: Zachary Nagle +1-704-990-3913 InvestorRelations@tranetechnologies.com One hundred and fifty years of history were celebrated in downtown Auburn on Sunday afternoon. A crowd of close to 100 people congregated outside St. Luke Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for the unveiling of a historic marker commemorating its 150th anniversary. The Rev. Morris Lewis, the pastor at St. Luke CME, Auburn Mayor Pro Tem Beth Witten, Auburn Historical Society member Sam Hendrix, and James Q. Smith, the presiding elder of CME Montgomery-Phenix City-Opelika District, all spoke at the event. As God told Moses to tell the people, to remind them that hes their God, that he brought them out of bondage and he had led them, and to always remember what hes done for them, this marker being here this afternoon that we are unveiling is to remind generations to come what happened on these hallowed grounds, Lewis said. Lewis said his church was looking forward to another 150 years. He also took the time to thank the Auburn Historical Society and the City of Auburn for their help in providing the marker. With the help of Auburn Historical Society we were able to acquire this marker, and put it up today with the help of the City of Auburn, Lewis said. We want to thank the Historical Society of Auburn that stood beside us and the City of Auburn and all who had parts in making it possible that we could do this celebration today, unveil this historic model symbolizing the history of St Luke CME Church for 150 years. Hendrix, who represented the Auburn Historical Society at the unveiling ceremony, was instrumental in procuring St Lukes marker. Wanda Lewis, Rev. Lewis wife, originally reached out to Hendrix to find out how the church could get a historic marker. He helped them along in the process. We salute all who are affiliated with St. Lukes on reaching this tremendous milestone that you celebrate today, 150 years as a congregation, Hendrix said at the event Sunday. This marker, in only a few words on either side, represents a century and a half of a group of people unified in purpose and vision and faith dedicated to serving one another as well as others in the community, doing your best to please the Lord. Hendrix said the marker very nearly wasnt completed in time. He said Auburn Historical Society President Mary Norman provided sufficient motivation, for the markers creators to get it finished and to Auburn in time for the unveiling. He also thanked Wanda Lewis for her efforts. Wanda Lewis, with whom we worked, not only to get the text for the marker, but to secure this marker, proved one of the finest examples of Christian patience and forbearance that I have ever seen, Hendrix said. Her calm demeanor during our time of trial helped the rest of us from going off the deep end. Witten took the time to read a proclamation written by Auburn Mayor Ron Anders celebrating the churchs history. She called the unveiling a momentous occasion. I Beth Witten on behalf of Ron Andrews Jr., Mayor of Auburn, Alabama, hereby recognize and declare Nov. 6, 2022, as St. Lukes CME Churchs 150th Anniversary Day, she said. Rev. Lewis said plans for the markers unveiling began back in January. The church also held a celebration on Saturday night. That event featured musician Desmond Scaife Jr., comedian Joy King and DJ Quentin Henry. Christines Unlimited provided dinner. We celebrated last night, Lewis said. Today we worship and thank God for the many blessings he put upon us and the family of St. Luke and all the members around Auburn who have benefited from St. Luke being here. This marker will tell anybody who passes by that were here, he added. St. Luke CME first opened in in 1872 on the corner of West Glenn Avenue and South Donahue Drive. Its first members were African American slaves who sat in the balcony at Auburn Methodist Church. After the Civil War ended, they decided to create their own meeting place for worship services. In 1872, the first deed was filed to establish what was first called The Colored Methodist Episcopal Church South. Then in 1907, two local businessmen, A.J. and C.P. McElhaney, donated the land where the first sanctuary and parsonage were built. By 1954, the church changed the name to Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Between 1959 and 1982, the congregation raised funds to build a new 380-seat house of worship. The old structure was torn down and replaced by the building that still stands today. 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. It saddens me she can be so right on one subject yet so wrong about this Reply Thread Link Makes sense to me tho. She's been through the ringer with $cientology, of course she's gonna have tunnel vision and see them behind everything. But at the same time, I'm like girl.... Reply Parent Thread Link i was going to say, i think she is absolutely coming from a place of true paranoia it still fucking sucks tho Reply Parent Thread Link This. Its still awful that shes testifying against these women but the trauma she has lived through has really messed her up. Reply Parent Thread Link Leah no Reply Thread Link what the fuck leah? she's replaced the church with an obsession of being so anti-church she's willing to throw victims under the bus Reply Thread Link She does strike me as preferring sorta black-and-white worldviews Reply Parent Thread Link How very ONTD of her. Reply Parent Thread Link I absolutely believe that powerful men abuse women and get away with it, A LOT, and I absolutely also believe that Sc*entology would eagerly take advantage of Me Too to go after a dissenter like this. So I need to read more before weighing in. But either way, can we revoke their tax-exempt status already????????? Reply Thread Link Separation between church and state is such a farce at this point they should all be paying taxes. Reply Parent Thread Link That's where I'm at. They would absolutely do this, but I don't want to discredit possible victims Edited at 2022-11-08 05:47 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link How'd they find women completely willing to have their entire lives dissected over and over and over and over again for years though? Willing to be humiliated on the stand for weeks upon end? Willing to have every move they've ever made scrutinized then dismissed? To ensure that they'd never, ever be believed about anything ever again? How'd they find these women if there's absolutely no evidence of contact between Scientology and them at all? Reply Parent Thread Link there was an expose a while back (like a WHILE back, before the Going Clear book/doc and all that) and it outlined how the church 100% has used fake sexual assault allegations to go after suppressive persons or what have you. or they'd do other acts of humiliation to drive the person to suicide, rather than just like abusing or attacking the person directly. it was so devious and it does make me wonder - like I think it even specifically said that if you hear about any ex-Scientologists having some horrible news come out about them after they leave then you should be at least a little skeptical because of this. it does give me pause here, idk what to think Reply Parent Thread Link i appreciate the work leah remini has done to expose scientology and get people out of it as an effort to counteract all the positive PR she did for them while she was in it, and i get that paul haggis as a "big scientologist apostate" was helpful to her cause, but this is disappointing. she clearly still has major blindspots. You dont need to be a Scientologist or affiliated with Scientology to be used by Scientology to utterly destroy someone. -- yes, leah, and a former scientologist is also capable of being a bad person and "destroy[ing] someone", even if they're your friend. Reply Thread Link I believe the victim and believe there are others. Reply Thread Link I get that she is all against anything Scientology, but that she's unable to see that before he left the Scientology, he was very likely making use of the exact same "services" that Danny Masterson was. Just because he's outside of the protection of them now doesn't make these allegations false. Edited at 2022-11-08 04:42 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Yeah, exactly. She's been very vocal criticizing Masterson and Scientology while talking about his trial, but excluding Scientology, it's essentially the same trial in that a powerful man has attacked multiple women. Her blind spot to this is ridiculous. Reply Parent Thread Link They can't even keep women in the cult from speaking out about the abuse they've faced, but somehow I'm supposed to believe that Scientologists managed to influence four non-Scientology women to completely destroy their own lives for no financial gain or social benefit whatsoever against a screenwriter that nobody really cares about that much. I'm very well-versed on how deranged Scientology is, but that is so far beyond their possible reach it's actually insane. Reply Parent Thread Link "she had no evidence of any connection between Haggis other accusers and the church. That wouldnt matter, she said" I hope she's a sleep walker and happens to have gorgeous polished hard marble stairs Reply Thread Link Can we maybe stop wishing death and violence on people who say dumb shit? And maybe in this particular circumstance offer her just a little grace given what shes been through with Scientology? Do we deny that she is a victim of their abuse? Given how far they are willing to go to fuck with peoples lives and what they are capable of, maybe we can understand why shed believe this is another extension of their harassment? What she said is ostensibly stupid and offensive but maybe we dont hope for her to die because she said it? Edited at 2022-11-08 04:53 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link can we extend some of this grace to the victims who were likely present when she said they were liars? Reply Parent Thread Link Show me one comment that is not empathetic to them. Edited at 2022-11-08 06:02 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link On cross-examination, Remini told a lawyer for the accuser that she had no evidence of any connection between Haggis other accusers and the church. That wouldnt matter, she said, You dont need to be a Scientologist or affiliated with Scientology to be used by Scientology to utterly destroy someone. Haggis lawyers agree there is no evidence that his accuser herself has Scientology connections. Ok she can go fuck herself tbh Edited at 2022-11-08 05:00 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link this is where I'm at-- if even HIS attorney admits there's zero evidence???? We can't just assume anyone who leaves Scientology is innocent of all future accusations in perpetuity, or else it's the church Reply Parent Thread Link The church did accuse Mike Rinder of beating his wife. This is what the church does, they made his ex-wife make up stories about neglect and abuse because he left the church. Reply Thread Link Was she involved with the church? Reply Parent Thread Link Yes Rinders ex Is still in the church with his children. Its all really sad. The church does make them lie and make up stories about Mike so that they can put it on hate websites about him. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link There's not one man* I would ever get on stand and make these claims for. Not one. I certainly wouldn't use my celebrity in this fashion. Just. No. *person of any gender in all probability. I can support a friend without allowing myself to be used as a cudgel against abuse survivors. Edited at 2022-11-08 05:19 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Im certain Scientology does do that, but four women have made accusations and none of them are Scientologists. Sometimes you have to accept that your friend is a piece of shit rapist and cut your losses. Reply Thread Link Wheeeew no. Reply Thread Link Given how victims of abuse have been treated and how rare successful convictions are for sexual assault cases, am I to believe that these women would risk it all for Scientology? Leah is dead wrong here. No doubt that cult is evil and will destroy lives but I think theyd find an easier way than this. Reply Thread Link I like the use of declaw in that statement. Reply Thread Link wow Reply Thread Link Yesssssss That poor baby tho. She's such a sociopath. Reply Thread Link I wish I had a crystal ball to see in like 20 years how her kid(s) will turn out Reply Thread Link probably disliking her Reply Parent Thread Link Idk her dad was part of Enron so scamming is in her blood Reply Parent Thread Expand Link If they inherit her eyes they'll hate her. Reply Parent Thread Link 10 years, serve 85% for federal so out in 8.5. Reply Thread Link honest question, is federal prison tougher than normal prison? or the opposite? Reply Parent Thread Link I think federal prisons are typically safer? More security there and the more violent criminals are housed in state prisons. Reply Parent Thread Link I don't think she'll get any more than 1 year in prison. Not sure if house arrest is available but she'll get that if it is. White women like her don't face justice, even when she scammed people's own grandmas. Reply Thread Link Your icon took me a second to realize what was happening but Omg Reply Parent Thread Link That's Baron Von Chickenpants, I'll have you know! Reply Parent Thread Link BYE HOE Reply Thread Link To this day, Im so shocked at how far she was able to take it to the point where she was amassing large sums of money. I personally do not feel any type of way about her going to jail or losing it all, but I always wonder if she would have suffered the consequences this badly if she was scamming middle class America vs. scamming millionaires and billionaires. Theres plenty of corporations and people doing it to normal folk via predatory marketing/financial schemes but theyre still allowed to continue. No one is shutting down an MLM or Scientology. Im coo with her going to jail/paying fines, but what about everyone else? Reply Thread Link it made me really mad watching the doc and seeing that one of the tests she was scamming people with/that was having super unreliable results were thyroid tests. I've had shitty doctors say, "I know you have symptoms, but the labs are fine so we aren't changing meds!" and it makes me furious to think about how she fucked with people's health like that. Reply Parent Thread Link I know her charges are all linked to defrauding investors but her fraud and scam impacted regular people too. Tons of people got inaccurate test results because of Theranos devices, she knowingly allowed machines that didnt work to be used in a clinical trial for terminal cancer patients, etc. so she didnt just scam the millionaire/billionaire investors. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, scamming millionaires is one thing but she knowingly allowed inferior product on the market that had a big impact on people's health. Fuck her. Reply Parent Thread Link true but she wasn't put on trial for literally endangering people's lives. she was convicted of defrauding investors. i think that's what trampledmoans is referring to. Reply Parent Thread Link jfc you know you're an asshole when you scam terminal cancer patients. She deserves waaaaay worse than she will likely receive. Reply Parent Thread Link She was found not guilty of all the charges that affected normal people and guilty of the charges that defrauded ultra-rich investors. So Reply Parent Thread Link She was also tried for defrauding patients and the jury found her not guilty in those cases bc they believed there wasnt a direct link to her and the patients. The patients werent allowed to talk about how the bad test results affected them tho. Which was shitty. If she hadnt defrauded investors Theranos prob would have lasted a few more years lbr. Reply Parent Thread Link She'll turn on the waterworks and say being in prison will be too stressful on her pregnant body and won't someone think of the precious baby! Reply Thread Link reading bad blood was such a trip, i can't believe how many people she fooled Reply Thread Link obviously she was good at because her fiance is from a family of millionaires. sometimes i think the 'allure' of a white blue eyed blonde woman is a bit of a myth but Elizabeth Holmes really is the poster girl Reply Parent Thread Link It's definitely not a fucking myth, I've seen it so many times. White people's standards of beauty/allure are incomprehensible to me. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link psychopath Reply Thread Link Depends on the judge. A judge would wanto make an example of her, since these types of fraud and scam businesses are only becoming more common. But if it's an old white man judge, I'm sure he'll assume she should be at home caring for the baby, barefoot in the kitchen. Reply Thread Link oh, and in terms of empathy? Most people would not want to get pregnant knowing they would be in prison during their early years. But this bitch... come find me in 18 years when the kids write a book about their Mommy Dearest Reply Thread Link Guaranteed she got pregnant solely for sympathy in the hopes of avoiding the slammer. Reply Parent Thread Link I agree and it's sick. There is no way that child won't grow up and think the same too. Reply Parent Thread Link Like Diane Down's daughter. Finding out who her mom was as a teen fucked her up in a lot of ways, including the fact that her siblings (the ones who got shot) didn't want anything to do with her but wished her well. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Wasn't her first child suspiciously timed to push back the trial as well or something? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lmaoooo Reply Thread Link She will be sentenced to federal prison on Nov 18th, no more delays. Reply Thread Link don't even go to the comments section on twitter. mess. Reply Thread Link tw: transphobia Reply Parent Thread Link Vitamins Reply Thread Link thats tati ghorrrl Reply Parent Thread Link I think theyre referencing Lindsay? Reply Parent Thread Link We really need to let all these influencers to stop thinking that they're important. It's getting really annoying. Reply Thread Link I hope she was just drunk or high and quickly gets out of jail safely. Also they better not fuck up her paperwork in processing. Reply Thread Link The judge was doing their best to get her ROR because she was in men's jail Reply Parent Thread Link Maybe she had clothes but they were just tiny and clear. Reply Thread Link That was so fucking dumb Reply Parent Thread Link I can excuse the battery on the police officer but girl, be naked in your room! Reply Thread Link Same lol Reply Parent Thread Link Is this the meaning of her fav word pussystunting? Reply Thread Link All I know about her is that Robert Welsh hates how much orange color corrector she paints all over her face. Reply Thread Link that's in line with what I know about her "Google suggestions had 'what race will Nikita Dragun be today'" Reply Parent Thread Link I'm glad I'm not the only one lmao. Reply Parent Thread Link And she has a warm undertone in her skin so its kind of counter productive lol Reply Parent Thread Link I don't like influencer and she's one of the worst But I also feel bad for her given her recent history I Hope she gets the help she needs She was recently diagnosed with a bipolar disorder She's had issues earlier this year and was hospitalised Reply Thread Link girl... probably just needs a night in the drunk tank and a therapist. Reply Thread Link I thought we had decided that influencers were over and past. Reply Thread Link I guess it depends if it is those Try Guys or not. Reply Parent Thread Link To be fair, I haven't heard anything about Nikita Dragun in a long ass time. Reply Parent Thread Link She been trash. Next. Reply Thread Link This is hard for me because like... just don't walk around the pool naked causing a scene but also, is she okay because absolutely fuck cops and what they do to poc and lbgtq+ people. Like she threw a water bottle at security and went to her room and blasted music, when cops and security went up telling her to knock it off she asked "do you want more?" spilling some water on the cops i guess, how is that assault on an officer?? their thin skin is truly thin, would they have arrested a cis white man for that and called it felony battery? I'm not here for her being an absolute ass about things, don't get me wrong. I think she should know she can't just be an asshole because she's internet famous but like a felony over spilling water??? Idk. There's more to this, I imagine, I guess I will wait for more details as the ones I've seen on different websites aren't the same. Reply Thread Link Battery is a weird charge. You don't have to hit soneone to be charged, like Britney knocking the cell phone out of someone's hand. Reply Parent Thread Link Didn't something happen to her recently? Like she was held against her wheel? Reply Thread Link by her car? Reply Parent Thread Link Huh? No like a psychiatric hold Reply Parent Thread Link What wheel ??? Car? Bicycle?? The first Neanderthal who discovered it??? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link glad we're still giving her the platform she so rightly deserves Reply Thread Link I've been listening to the extensive Stephanie Harlowe recap of the case and the whole family dynamic is so damn weird Reply Thread Link Yeah I think shes guilty but at the same time everything about the family set off alarm bells and Idt we know the full story Reply Parent Thread Link what do you mean alarm bells? i always got the impression the family knew casey did it but they were just covering for her bc they basically spend their life cleaning up her messes Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i kinda feel like stephanie should be in the doc considering how much research & shit she's done with this case lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up. Reply Thread Link Okay but she absolutely murdered her daughter. Reply Thread Link Right?! I truly dont give a single fuck how her ~family dynamic made her become a fucked up person. She killed her kid, full stop. Reply Parent Thread Link If the cops had reviewed the Firefox browser history and not just the Internet Explorer history then shed be in jail. Even her attorney was bracing for that to come up and it never did because the cops were total fucking doobers. Reply Parent Thread Link Oh, wow. Never heard that before. That explains a lot on how she got away with it. Reply Parent Thread Link I didn't follow this case but I'm absolutely fascinated by the difference between the tone of this and the first comment and how certain both of you come across about complete opposite takes. I'm also high, but yes, I'm fascinated. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Unless she pulls a Robert Durst, I dont want to hear shit from her Reply Thread Link I think she accidentally killed the baby, freaked out, and went on that spiral. Its sad that well probably never truly find out what happened to the baby. With that said, fuck Nancy Grace. Reply Thread Link If it was an accident, it was in the middle of abusing her. There's just no other way to explain the duct tape on her mouth. Reply Parent Thread Link Unless they did that to make it look like a kidnapping after she died. That said she was definitely, at minimum, highly neglectful and Im sure abusive. Edited at 2022-11-08 10:43 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link TOT MOM Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Agreed on both accounts. I think it was a (careless, neglectful) mistake, and the cover-up just went wildly out of control, in part because of people like NG who think a cute young white girl going missing/dying is a ~juicy story or whatever. Reply Parent Thread Link Didn't she search how to suffocate someone on her computer before it happened? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yeah I think xanny the nanny was Xanax and she accidentally ODed her. That said their Firefox browser history has searches about chloroform and shit but the cops never checked Firefox. Reply Parent Thread Link She for sure gave her some type of cough/cold medicine/Xanax to make her sleep so she could go party without her parents berating her for always dumping her kid on them to go out. She finally went too far and she died causing Casey to cover it up w her piss poor lies Reply Parent Thread Link i've always thought she drugged the baby so she could go out and party, so i agree with your theory. Reply Parent Thread Link She probably drugged her to go party and duct-taped her mouth, then came back to find her dead. Reply Parent Thread Link YouTubes mini Nancy Grace doesnt need anymore attention . Still annoyed with her about the Cash Gernon video Reply Parent Thread Link Years ago I read an article about her life after getting off and she was working and had friends and went on social outings and was dating someone and it made me feel like crap about myself. She doesn't deserve any of it. (I'm leaving this comment without reading this post or the interview so I don't care about her life now, I just wanted to vent about how I felt back then). Reply Thread Link keep it Reply Thread Link She can do all the image rehab she wants, we know she killed her child and she knows it too I dont know what tone this special will take, but tbh fuck the salacious true crime movement for thinking that theres a crazy tweest in every case. Yes, the justice system and police can be corrupt and incompetent af, but sometimes, the truth is exactly what it seems to be and sometimes awful killers and you know, just that. Reply Thread Link My question is she already knows she got away with murder, why does she care what her public image is like?? She running for office somewhere? Reply Parent Thread Link Narcissists often cant stand to be criticized, and often over-inflate their ability to convince people theyre in the right. I mean shit, she succeeded once, why not try again? Reply Parent Thread Link $$$ and attention George Zimmerman loved the media attention and internet bashing after he got off scot free. You would think these murderers would fuck off and enjoy a quiet life after getting away with murder. But no Casey adjusting her glammed hair and forcing that nervous, constipated expression she does when shes trying to play victim is just its just cheap. I wish pro-life activists would focus their attention on her and people just like her Reply Parent Thread Link She probably doesn't care and just wanted the paycheck Reply Parent Thread Link She got away with fooling people once and now she thinks she still can. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm thinking she's getting paid for the interview possibly, and that's her motivation. Reply Parent Thread Link My faith in the general public is so low that I bet a lot of people will believe this shit Reply Thread Link Theres people out there who believe Chris Watts and Scott Peterson are innocent. Its what drives conspiracy theories - when you are the stupidest person in the room, you need to cling to these outlandish opinions to feel superior over the sheeple who believe obvious truths because theyre so obviously true. Its the only way the can ever feel like theyre in the know on something, so I absolutely think people will be more than happy to latch onto this as a fresh new way to believe that theyre free thinkers. When really theyre just complete lunatics who deny reality for an artificial ego boost. Reply Parent Thread Link Yes! Those were the red pill truth seekers who are awake that I was thinking of. They want so badly to be a part of something and in the know that theyve given up reality completely Reply Parent Thread Link I think they're more likely to believe men like them because they're attracted to them. Both men have a lot of female admirers. IIRC Chris Watts at least gets a lot of "what drove him to do it" excuses, essentially blaming his wife for him murdering her and their daughters. I don't think female murderers get nearly as much misplaced sympathy, except maybe for the comments trying to blame her parents/childhood Edited at 2022-11-11 05:50 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link One thing I believe the general public will do is refuse to give a woman the same grace they give a man, no matter how little any of them deserve it. Im sure thisll do her no favors with regular people. Even that title: Where the Truth Lies, is a play on words implying her guilt. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link oh fuck yeah! when my mom is mad at me, I can get her to forget why she is when I bring up two three topics and three topics only: Jodi Arias, Casey Anthony, and Donald Trump. Reply Thread Link My mom was obsessed with both Jodi and Caseys cases, she watched them both start to finish. Reply Parent Thread Link my mom too. She was HOOKED on HLN during both trials. She hates both of them lmao Reply Parent Thread Link picturing your mom in the middle of a meltdown and you just look at her and whisper "casey anthony" Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Is your mom my mom? Dude if I mention Jodi Arias ESPECIALLY, she will go off all night lmao Reply Parent Thread Expand Link There's something about her that reminds me of my sister. My sister didn't kill her kids but she's still a piece of shit, nonetheless. Reply Thread Link I saw her in person a few years ago and it was jarring. She was staying at a church a few streets away from me. Reply Thread Link She was homeless? Reply Parent Thread Link I dunno. The church owned a small house next door and she was living in it for awhile. I don't think she paid rent. I think they were giving her refuge. Last I heard, she went on to Miami and is with some rich dude, I think? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link the irony right there Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'll be watching. This won't be image rehab for her Reply Thread Link This. Maybe she thinks enough time passed and people forgot? I'm not even from the US and I remember very well about this case. Fuck her. I hope this backfires and people get enraged again. Reply Parent Thread Link As Indias oil and gas demand continues to grow, the South Asian country is looking to any supplier offering a low-cost product, regardless of how controversial they may be. Indias refiners are diversifying their supply, in response to recent OPEC oil quota cuts, and turning to sanctioned states, such as Russia and Iran, to ensure their crude supply. With little support from the West to support the countrys burgeoning renewable energy industry, Indias partnership with controversial oil suppliers is likely to continue. In October, India announced it would be speeding up the diversification of oil imports to mitigate the risk of potential OPEC+ oil cuts. The countrys oil minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, explained that OPEC cuts would hurt large importers like India, who spent around $120 billion last year on the import of petroleum products. OPEC introduced oil production cuts of 2 million bpd for the coming months in anticipation of a decrease in global demand for crude due to growing economic pressures worldwide. India is the third-largest consumer and importer of oil worldwide, purchasing around 85 percent of its oil demand from abroad. Puri has previously pointed towards Indias intention to diversify its crude suppliers to ensure its energy security stating, Some diversification has already happened and we will further diversify... there are many sources and we will not hesitate to take actions. He also suggested that OPEC cuts may send several countries into a deeper recession than already being experienced, as fuel prices are pushed upwards. In recent weeks, Indias oil refiners have been racing to establish new partnerships and further diversify their oil supply to ensure they are not negatively affected by the OPEC cuts. Refiners are also concerned about the potential for the West to impose stricter sanctions on Russian energy in the coming months, which could further hinder Indias oil supply. Indian Oil Corp and Bharat Petroleum Corp are both trying to establish new deals with a range of oil-rich countries including the U.S. An official from a state refiner explained: We are preparing for a backup plan. When the world is uncertain because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict we need to have all options open. A separate source from another refiner stated, Due to the Russian-Ukraine conflict, we expect a possibility of tight oil markets and a change in flows with most Middle Eastern crude going to meet the need of European markets so we need to diversify our oil sources. Indias refiners are making it clear to the rest of the world that they will diversify their oil supply to any country willing to offer them reliable and low-cost crude, regardless of whether the U.S. and Europe approve of its new partnerships. Related: Oil Prices Are Primed To Spike This Winter India has turned to Iran as one of its potential suppliers, with Irans ambassador, Iraj Elahi, expressing the countrys willingness to provide India with the crude supply it needs to ensure its energy security. Elahi stated, We always express our readiness to increase our economic ties with India. Its up to India, we are ready to deliver oil. Iran was one of Indias primary oil suppliers before sanctions were introduced on Iranian energy in 2019. Despite the ongoing sanctions imposed on Iranian crude by the U.S. and United Nations, Iran has been steadily rebuilding its oil supply and establishing export partners for its crude. As governments worldwide felt the gap created by the introduction of sanctions on Russian oil and gas, as well as from strict OPEC production quotas, many turned towards controversial oil powers, such as Iran and Venezuela, to provide them with vital oil resources. Iran announced a 580 percent increase in its oil and condensates income from March to July compared with the same period in 2021, as it showed a clear disregard for U.S. sanctions on its oil industry. Both Turkey and Afghanistan enhanced their partnerships with Iran in a bid to boost their oil imports. Perhaps more worrying than its partnership with Iran is its ties with Russia, which has become one of Indias top oil suppliers in recent months, offering the Asian state low-price oil after losing many of its Western energy partners after it invaded Ukraine. In October, Russia became Indias main supplier, providing it with 946,000 bpd, according to energy analytics firm Vortexa. Before the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India imported little oil from Russia, however as the U.S. and EU introduced sanctions on Russian oil and gas, it has become an obvious partner for India that is looking to boost its low-cost oil supplies. Russian oil prices have been highly competitive with Middle Eastern and African crude, leading India, and several other countries, to deepen ties with the oil giant. India has seen one blow after another, with the U.S. introducing sanctions on several oil and gas suppliers and OPEC+ introducing oil production cuts. In response to this threat to Indias energy security, its oil minister and refiners have made it clear that India will establish new partnerships with any country that will provide it with low-cost, reliable oil supplies. This has led it to deepen ties with Iran and Russia, offering the sanctioned states an opportunity to continue exporting their oil and gas. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: I have argued in a succession of OilPrice articles, here, here, and here, that the era of rapid growth in shale output was coming to an end. Until recently it was a little difficult to see as production has ramped +/- a million barrels a day from 2020 lows. Still, there has been a disconnect between a couple of reports put out by the Energy Information Agency-EIA, that are used to track U.S. domestic output. I refer to the EIA-Drilling Productivity Report-DPR, issued monthly, usually at the beginning of week-3, and the EIA-914, a monthly report published on the last day of the month. The DPR projects the present month and the next month to come, making it a forecast of production based on industry reports and governmental and state agency filings. The 914 is considered to offer more accurate data as it shows production two months in arrears. Each report has its utility and is the best compilation of data that can be had from public sources. The graph above charts data released on the Permian basin in these two reports and clearly shows a deflection between them of up to several hundred thousand BOPD. The gap is likely primarily influenced by the DPR which also tracks Drilled but Uncompleted Wells-DUCs that are withdrawn from the operators inventory to help maintain production and optimize field production. Beginning in the middle of 2021 and continuing to January of 2022, there was a massive drawdown in DUC inventory that has helped to skew production higher. The graph above shows the productivity decline in the daily output of new shale wells, divided by the number of rigs operating over the last year and a half. Some of this is noise from the increase in the rig count over this time period, but the downward slope is undeniable. Notice how the slope for new wells has continued down even as the rig count has largely flat-lined from mid-22. Next note how the rate of DUC withdrawal began to decline in January from over 200 to just 14 in the most recent report. Related: Biden Says No More Drilling At A Rally As the Initial Production over the first month-IP-30, of shale wells is relatively high, followed by a rapid decline over the first year, the oldest of these DUCs are in their final third of productive life and will soon enter terminal decline. If nothing changes, there is a box-canyon cliff in shale production coming from key producing basins and especially the Permian. The Permian is our most prolific oil play due to its wide geographical area and the multiple horizons, primarily the First, Second, and Third Bone Spring, and the Wolfcamp A, B, C, and D that can be tapped in a multilateral well. The graph below taken from the EIA-Wolfcamp report shows the vertical alignment of these individual reservoirs in their respective sub-basins, the Delaware Basin, the Central Basin Platform, and the Midland Basin. The Permian today is producing about half the liquids, and 25% NGLs and 25% of the natural gas that comes out of the lower 48. To say it is indispensable to U.S. energy security is an understatement. Much of our entire marginal oil supply (the amount that could be raised or lowered depending on drilling activity) comes from this play, and increasingly it is beginning to look as though its best days are in the rear view mirror, in terms of top tier productivity. What we havent seen up to this point are any signs of shale output reaching terminal velocity in oil company filings. In quarterly calls the talk has all been about controlling capex to maintain output at just above the rate of natural decline, or in some cases single-digit growth. And then Pioneer Natural Resources, (NYSE:PXD) announced its third quarter production and earning numbers last week. It was the equivalent of a ripple felt in the Force. It was largely a good report that delivered most of what the analysts wanted to hear, particularly on PXDs best-in-class dividend payout of $5.71 per share in base and variable components for Q-4, 2022. When management got to slide 11, of the analyst presentation, they attempted to put lipstick on a pig, as noted in the slide below, describing the, deferral of delayed targets. Rich Dealy, President of PXD commented in regard to an analyst- Doug Leggate of Bank of America, question about this deferral. Yeah, I'd say the delayed targets have underperformed where we would have anticipated. They still have great returns. It is just we have better locations in our portfolio. And so as we've gotten those results over the course of this year, we've decided that, that's not satisfactory to us, and we want to move forward the higher thresholds. And so we've just reshuffled the deck, as I said earlier, and are moving to full stack basically across the field. During the extreme low price era of 2020-21, operators such as PXD drilled some of their top tier acreage to maintain output and get optimal payouts for their wells. As prices began to rise companies shifted their focus to lower tier wells as the high prices enabled meeting corporate IRR and DROI (Internal Rate of Return, and Discounted Return on Investment) metrics while saving higher tier acreage for the next downturn. This shift by PXD was acknowledgment that this strategy was falling short in production and a pivot to the higher tier wells and extending the lateral length to 15,000 feet was necessary to maintain output. This led to further questions on this metric from the analyst cadre. Charles Meade of Johnson Rice, asked, If the changes were to reverse changes made in 2022 from 2021, or if there was another dimension to the evolution? In other words, do you have a clue what you are doing? To which Dealy replied, Yes, Charles, I'd say it's more about just the allocation of capital and moving to a higher return locations and areas. And so the returns that we are generating from the program in 2022 are still fantastic. I mean, so I don't want anybody to take away that they're not great returns. It's just productivity came in a little less than we anticipated and we wanted to rectify that and fix that and we weren't satisfied with it. And so we've got a depth of portfolio that we can move things around. And so we've made those changes. A bit of a word salad that seemed to satisfy Meade. Summary thoughts and your takeaway We now have both analytical and documented evidence of the maturing and slow decline of shale output from diminished reservoir quality. That has implications for the industry and for the commodity. Certainly PXD is not the only company experiencing limits to growth. Drillers will become hard pressed to maintain output through technology, well spacing, or even sheer numbers. This doesnt necessarily portend a decline in revenues or profits for these companies. Conversely it could actually drive them higher as realizations improve from increased global competition for scarce supplies. It is also worth pointing out that even with the adjustment that PXD is making to increase output over the short term, they have years of top tier drilling inventory banked. It is also worth pointing out that as these top tier locations are consumed through Full Stack and extended reach drilling to 15,000 that the estimate in the slide above may prove to be optimistic. Time will tell on that score. One final outcome of this decline in acreage quality may be a continuation of the aggregation of small or private producers by larger public companies. An example of this would be Devon Energy, snapping up bolt-on acreage in the Williston and Eagle Ford plays this year. My prediction is for more of the same in 2023 as companies look to ensure their long term viability. By David Messler for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The speculation surrounding China's zero-covid policy has sparked volatility in oil markets, and while crude was moving higher last week, this week may see a turnaround. Editor's Note: With the EU ban on Russian crude just weeks away, analysts are hiking price targets for early 2023. Our With the EU ban on Russian crude just weeks away, analysts are hiking price targets for early 2023. Our Global Energy Alert analysts have identified a number of opportunities to play tight oil markets at the end of this year and in 2023. Subscribe to Oilprice.com's premium service today and receive fundamental and technical analysis along with carefully selected energy stock picks from our house-trader David Messler. Chart of the Week Russian Oil Exports Remain Robust Despite Headwinds - The prospect of EU sanctions kicking in soon has so far failed to dent Russian crude exports as seaborne flows rose to 3.1 million b/d in October, up 3% on the month and in line with pre-war figures. - Total exports to EU countries have reached 800,000 b/d, slightly above pre-February levels, however, most of those deliveries have gone to the Mediterranean. - At the same time, Russias product exports have been declining as exporters struggle to compete with Asian and Middle Eastern refiners, with the Asia pivot mostly limited to fuel oil so far. - With the foreign ministers of India and Russia meeting this week, the formers top diplomat Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said India will continue buying Russian oil because it benefits the country. Market Movers - U.S. energy company Dominion Energy (NYSE:D) is reportedly seeking to sell its 50% stake in the Cove Point liquefied natural gas facility in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, worth several billion dollars. - U.S. oil major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) is set to take up to a $2 billion loss on the Santa Ynez offshore oil and gas field in California, idled since 2015 after a pipeline spill. - The German government seems to be inclined to block the Chinese takeover of a chip factory owned and operated by Elmos (ETR:ELG), the first European intervention in the semiconductors industry. Tuesday, November 08, 2022 China first giveth but then it taketh away, if one could recap happenings in the oil market over the past couple of days. The pre-weekend surge in oil prices, driven by reports that Beijing is working on a plan to soften zero-COVID restrictions with the aim of easing day-to-day business operations, was first beaten down by top officials scorching the speculation and then aggravated by surging COVID cases in the country. Amidst expectations of a U.S. crude stock build-up last week, the second half of this week might not be that rosy for oil. Related: The Price Cap Era And The Demise Of The Free Energy Market Island States Want Big Oil to Pay for Climate Damage. The start of the COP27 climate summit in Egypts Sharm el-Sheikh saw leaders from poor countries criticizing oil companies for driving global warming, saying they should pay the damages as the planet is burning. Will There Be No More Drilling? A campaign rally held in New York state witnessed US President Biden saying there will be no more oil drilling on federal land and in federal waters, meaning that despite the IRA deal with Senator Manchin the White House remains intent to halt leasing. IMF Calls for $75/MT Carbon Price. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the price of carbon needs to be at least 75 per metric ton globally by the end of this decade if climate goals are to succeed, setting the tone for the recently launched COP27 climate talks in Egypt. China Hope Propels Copper Higher. Having registered the single largest one-day gain since January 2009 last Friday, up 7.1% that day, copper prices remain supported on hopes of China gradually easing its zero-COVID restrictions despite ongoing case spikes, trending at $7,880 per metric ton. A quarter of U.S. Coal Plants Gone by 2030. According to the US Energy Information Administration, 23% of the currently operating 200GW of coal-fired generation capacity will be phased out by the end of this decade, pressured by more price-efficient renewable energy sources and natural gas. Egypt Doubles Down on Wind Farms. The governments of Egypt and the UAE agreed to build one of the worlds largest wind farms in Egypt, with the 10GW capacity assumed to produce 48 GWh of clean energy annually, offsetting some 10% of the countrys current CO2 emissions. Guyana Wants More From New Blocks. Guyana will offer 14 new offshore exploration blocks, three of them deepwater, in its new licensing auction coming up, having revamped upstream terms to a 10% royalty rate (five times what ExxonMobil has) and a 10% corporate tax rate. Trinidad Asks for U.S. Sanction Waiver. The government of Trinidad and Tobago has asked the White House to authorize Venezuelan gas imports to restart an idled liquefaction train in the Caribbean islands, with a view to tap production from the stalled 4.2 TCf Dragon field. No Easy Job of Freeing a Grounded VLCC. Indonesian authorities have stated it could take up to a month to free a recently sanctioned Djibouti-registered supertanker that ran aground off the countrys Riau Islands in late October, presumedly carrying Iranian crude. New Gas Discovery in Offshore Israel. Mediterranean-focused oil company Energean (LON:ENOG) made another commercial gas discovery offshore Israel, with the Zeus-01 exploration well hitting a structure that is estimated to contain more than 13 bcm (0.5 TCf) of recoverable gas reserves. Canada Wants to Tax Share Buybacks. The federal government in Canada intends to introduce a 2% share buyback tax in a move expected to increase its revenue by 1.6 billion across five years, however industry associations warn such a move would impact investment decisions from 2024 onwards. Corruption Undergirds Mexicos Flaring Problem. According to the latest reports, Mexicos national oil company PEMEX struck a deal with the countrys energy regulator in 2016 to invest over 3 billion to fix its flaring problems, however walked away from the deal and keeps on flaring huge quantities. ENI Resumes Venezuelan Oil Deliveries. Italys oil major ENI (BIT:ENI) has been assigned two 1-million-barrel cargoes for November loading in Venezuela, after a four-month hiatus resuming its oil-for-debt deal that was authorized by the U.S. government earlier this year. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The surge in natural gas demand from Europe has led to a surge in prices that has devastated emerging economies in other parts of the world and this devastation could drag on for years, Bloomberg reports. Energy security concerns in Europe are driving energy poverty in the emerging world, Saul Kavonic, Credit Suisse energy analyst, told Bloomberg. Europe is sucking gas away from other countries whatever the cost. The fact is that European countries can afford to pay a premium for natural gas while poorer nations such as Pakistan or Bangladesh dont have the money to afford such a premium. Pakistan, by the way, is already suffering blackouts for most of the day and there is little chance of that changing anytime soon because of exorbitant LNG prices. Suppliers dont need to focus on securing their LNG to low affordability markets, Wood Mackenzie analyst Raghav Mathur told Bloomberg. Whats more, the spot market is so lucrative at the moment that producers can breach their long-term contracts and afford to pay the penalties with money made on that market. The situation is unlikely to change in the observable future. On the contrary, Europe is building LNG import terminals, meaning the current level of demand might extend over a longer period of time despite the EUs bold emission-cutting ambitions. And this means emerging economies energy supply troubles may well extend over a longer period of time as well as they are forced to compete for the limited supply of LNG with some of the wealthiest economies in the world. Russia, meanwhile, is only too happy to step in and supply LNG to Pakistan, which is only too happy to take it. As the Pakistani ambassador to Russia told TASS news agency recently, If the rich countries take away all the LNG, what is going to happen to us? By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: On October 31, the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia came together in Sochi for their first such gathering since the last Moscow-mediated summit on November 26, 2021 (Kremlin.ru, October 31). The summit was held amid major uncertainties about the peace process between the two South Caucasian republics and the significantly growing role of the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) in this context. To the displeasure and resentment of Russia, the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders have met five times in the EU-mediated format since the November 26 summit of last year, reaching some key agreements. Following the August 31 summit in Brussels, and against the backdrop of the US-mediated meetings of Azerbaijani and Armenian officials, the Kremlin began expressing its annoyance more loudly, proposing its version of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan and accusing the West of geopolitical games in the South Caucasus (Twitter.com/mfa_russia/, August 31). The next summit in Prague, on October 6, on the sidelines of the first gathering of the European Political Community (EPC), panicked Russia even more as it was left on the sidelines (Azatutyun.am, October 6; TASS, October 11). The Kremlin could only watch as critical progress was made regarding mutual recognition of the territorial integrity between Armenia and Azerbaijan, their plan to sign a peace treaty by the end of this year and the deployment of an EU monitoring mission to the shared Armenian-Azerbaijani border, among other agreements (see EDM, October 17). For Moscow, a peace treaty via Western mediation would reconfirm Azerbaijans sovereignty over Karabakh and thus eliminate the need for Russias peacekeeping mission, which is seen in Moscow as a guarantee of persistent Russian influence in the region (Commonspace.eu, October 15). At a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club on October 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin could not conceal his displeasure with the Western-mediated peace talks and initiatives between Yerevan and Baku. Describing the peace treaty draft discussed in the Western-mediated track of negotiations as the Washington version, he said, as far as I understand, [this version] envisages the recognition of the sovereignty of Azerbaijan over Karabakh in general (News.am, October 27). If that is what Armenia thinks, then please, we will support whatever the Armenian people choose, he concluded. Putin seemingly offered an alternative: If the Armenian people and leadership think that Karabakh has some peculiarities and that these peculiarities should be taken into account in a future peace agreement, this is also possible. He admitted that this necessitates an agreement with Azerbaijan, hence it is a complicated issue, and therefore, he indirectly implied that Russia could try and convince Azerbaijan to acquiesce. This statement, among others, was directed at Armenian society, primarily the Armenian nationalist groups, warning them against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans policies and the mediation of the West, which would acknowledge Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. Therefore, it is not surprising that the next day the Armenian premier posted a tweet in Russian declaring that Yerevan had already agreed to the Kremlins proposal in early September 2022 (Twitter.com/NikolPashinyan/, October 28). He also declared his readiness to sign a document concerning the extension of the Russian peacekeeping mission for 10 to 20 years, underlining that Armenia has agreed with the Russian perception of a settlementand not the Western view (Armenpress.am, October 29). He, thus, passed the ball to the Russian side and said he hoped Moscow would retain its proposals. The Azerbaijani side did not offer an official reaction to Putins comments at the Valdai Club. According to Farid Shafiyev, chair of the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), a Baku-based think tank close to the government, a peace treaty proposal has not been initiated by Washington: The US merely seconds the EU-mediated peace process with certain diplomatic efforts (Authors interview, November 1). The Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders attended the Sochi summit on the heels of these developments. In the bilateral meetings with the Russian president, taking place before their trilateral meeting, the leaders reiterated their respective positions. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed his earlier stance that, for Baku, the Karabakh conflict was resolved in 2020, with nothing left to discuss in this regard (Kremlin.ru, October 31). He underlined that the sides need to focus on the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. In his press conference with Putin prior to their bilateral meeting, Pashinyan focused more on the necessity for the withdrawal of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces from Armenias territories and from the Russian peacekeeping missions zone of control in Karabakh (Kremlin.ru, October 31). He had, in recent days and for the first time, admitted that the Karabakh region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. Pashinyans government no longer views the settlement over the status of Karabakh region as a priority and is now more focused on the provision of security and maintaining the rights of those Armenians living in Karabakh (News.am, November 29). As opposed to some expectations for a more tangible breakthrough, the document shared following the leaders trilateral meeting did not produce any real change, but rather it reaffirmed the importance of active preparation for a peace treaty (Kremlin.ru, October 31). In a way, this is more favorable to the Azerbaijani side, as the document did not contain any reference to Karabakh and reiterated the Prague summits decision regarding the mutual recognition of the territorial integrity delineated in the United Nations Charter and Alma Ata Declaration of 1991. The document did not propose the extension of the peacekeeping mission but instead emphasized the relevance of its efforts to stabilize the situation in the zone of its deployment. It also called for civil society meetings with Russian assistance and the launch of trilateral interparliamentary contacts to create a positive atmosphere. This summit happened before the meeting of the border commissions from both Azerbaijan and Armenia and the next EU-mediated summit between the leaders of the two countries: both are scheduled to be held later this month in Brussels. Thus, the Sochi meeting was Russias attempt to make sure that the two countries would not sign anything that would be against Moscows regional interests. In truth, the Kremlins interference can seriously affect this process, especially considering that both Baku and Yerevan announced they would sign a peace agreement by the end of this year. As of now, it remains uncertain whether the two countries will be able to sign a treaty within this timeframe, and the terms of such an agreement remain quite unclear. By the Jamestown Foundation More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The executive arm of the European Union, the Commission, has indicated that a price cap on gas imports is not the best approach to containing energy costs amid a worsening cost-of-living crisis across the bloc. The idea of a price cap on all imports of gas was floated by a group of member states, including Italy, Greece, Poland, and Belgium. The Commission was against the idea from the very start but agreed to discuss it with member states leaders. The discussions have been dragging on for weeks and no decision has been reached. If one is ever reached, it will probably not include a price cap on imports judging by the options that the EU is currently considering. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, these options were presented by the Commission to member states leaders on Monday. In talks last month, there was a proposal for what participants called a dynamic price corridor for imported gas and the Commission had indicated it might be willing to consider this corridor idea. Now, however, the Bloomberg report suggests the executive arm has changed its mind and will push for other measures to tame energy prices. What this means is that it will take longer for the member states to reach a decision on how to deal with the crisis at a time when a decision needs to be taken as soon as possible so measures can begin to be implemented. Another challenge is the fact that the group that supports the idea of a gas price cap represents more than half of EU member states and will be very hard to convince to endorse alternative approaches to managing the crisis, of which there arent too many: joint gas buying and demand reduction seem to be among the top ones. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The U.S. Energy Information Administration has slashed its world oil demand growth forecast for next year as President Biden lashed out at oil companies for not expanding supply, and as OPEC+ moved last month to cut production targets by 2 million bpd. The EIA has cut its 2023 world oil demand growth forecast by 320,000 barrels per day, to 1.16 million bpd, while raising 2022 oil demand growth by 140,000 bpd, to 2.6 million bpd, according to its Short-Term Energy Outlook published on Tuesday. The EIA expects global oil inventories to begin to fall again early in 2023, after what it sees as a 0.8 million bpd growth in Q3 2022, and a 0.2 million bpd growth in Q4 this year. For 2023, the EIA sees global oil inventories falling by 1.2 million bpd in the first quarter next year, for an average 300,000 bpd loss for the full year 2023. The Biden Administration this week pledged to approve no more drilling for oil in the United States, while OPEC+ has moved to scale back its production targets by 2 million bpd. The EIAs STEO sees U.S. crude oil production averaging 11.83 million bpd this year, and 12.31 million bpd next year. The EIA also sees OPECs crude oil production falling in November and December. For 2023, the EIA sees OPECs full 2023 production averaging 28.9 million bpd, up 300,000 bpd from this year. Its predictions for the price of a Brent barrel for next year is an average of $95.33, down from an average $102.13 across 2022, due to the growth in OPEC and non-OPEC oil productionmost notably production in the United States. The EIA does see Brent barrel prices rising into the second half of next year. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Electricity and gas prices are soaring across Europe, with bills close to double from last year in most European capitals, according to new data from the Household Energy Price Indexa monthly tracker of energy prices for households across 33 European capitals, including the 27 EU member states and several non-members. According to the data collected for the HEPI, natural gas bills in Europe have gone up by as much as 111 percent over the past year, with electricity prices up by an average of 69 percent. Taken together, Euronews calculates these two make for a total 90-percent increase in household energy bills over the past year. "Significantly higher [energy prices] compared to one year ago ... can be attributed to a combination of factors, such as increased demand connected to post-pandemic economic recovery and extraordinary weather conditions, the record-high prices for natural gas, and high CO2 emissions allowances," the authors of the latest HEPI report noted. The high energy bills are creating headaches for European governments: strikes and protests are multiplying and disgruntlement with energy policies is growing. The cost of living in most of Europe is already exorbitant because of the energy crisis and this crisis is only going to get worse after the EU embargoes on Russian oil and then fuels come into effect. In some parts of Europe, according to the latest HEPI report, energy prices have reached record highs but in others, prices have actually fallen, at least in October. The news is not as good as it looks at first glance: the decline was a result of government intervention, i.e. energy subsidies. There have been a lot of subsidies as European governments try to alleviate the financial pain on households and businesses to avoid further disgruntlement. Germany alone will be spending some $200 billion on such coping measures, including a cap on energy prices up to a certain level of consumption. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The European Commission told countries at a Monday seminar this week that there was no way to create a gas price cap as previously requested by EU leaders. Instead, the EC has proposed a market correction mechanism. Earlier on Tuesday, it was revealed that after the gas price cap discussions had been dragging on for weeks, with no decision reachedand that whatever agreement was finalized, it would probably not include a price cap on imports, based on the options the EC was currently considering. But while it was unlikely as of Tuesday morning, it is decided less likely nowimpossible, in fact, according to new Reuters sources described as diplomats. According to the EC, there is no way to cap the price of gas that would not affect existing long-term contracts. The original idea of a price cap on gas imports into the European Union was originally suggested by several EU members, including Belgium, Greece, Italy, and Poland. The European Commissionthe executive arm of the European Unionwas never in favor of the gas price cap idea. However, it did agree to discuss it with member states leadership, and indeed it didfor weeks, in fact. The EC has now concluded from those talks, however, that there was no way to implement a gas price cap in a way that would preserve existing long-term contracts. A market correction mechanism is now being considered in its place. More than half of the EU member states supported the gas price cap idea. The other options for mitigating Russias revenues from the sale of natural gas without Europe freezing that were already on the table were a joint gas buying agreement and a reduction in gas demand. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Expanding the windfall tax would be disastrous for the North Seas oil and gas sector, warned a leading industry group in a letter to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. Brindex hammered the UK as one of the most fiscally unstable and complex regimes to do business in and that increasing levies on producers would undermine its ability to boost the UKs energy security with more projects and exploration. The North Sea body represents 20 British oil and gas producers including top ten suppliers such as Harbour Energy, Ithaca Energy, and Neo Energy. It collectively holds interests in over 400 oil and gas licenses in the UK, with provable reserves of 1.7bn barrels. In the letter, seen by City A.M., Brindex explained that companies needed to be certain of the fiscal regime before we start to invest. Soaring wholesale costs have put pressure on the Government to bring in further taxes to tame record revenues (Source: UK Natural Gas Futures ICE) It said: Windfall taxes create fiscal shock and uncertainty which, for investors, make the basin riskier, harder to predict and which negatively impact on decisions to invest in the UK. Windfall taxes may deliver increased short-term revenues but they negatively impact longer-term energy security and the appetite and financial ability to deliver on the energy transition. Brindex described the UKs oil and gas sector as already high-risk, high-cost and technically challenging due to the basins maturity and geology, which meant investment was becoming increasingly more difficult compared to other countries even before the levy was brought in. The letter follows the unveiling of the Energy Profits Levy (EPL) in May, when the former Chancellor and now Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a further 25 per cent tax on the profits of North Sea oil and gas producers. This was on top of the 40 per cent special corporation tax they already pay, and was intended to fund the energy support packages for households grappling with record energy bills as fossil fuel companies enjoyed bumper profits from booming oil and gas prices. Government grapples with North Sea dilemma The Government has included further oil and gas exploration and development in its energy security strategy, and has encouraged further projects in the North Sea. Nevertheless, Downing Street is widely expected to toughen the levy next week as it grapples with a fiscal black hole, after it spent tens of billions of pounds on both the furlough scheme and support for households and businesses with their energy bills over the winter. This could include expanding the windfall taxs end date from 2025 to 2028, and raising the levy from 25 to 30 per cent, according to multiple media reports. However, Brindex argues its members are not the supermajors who are reporting record quarterly profits chiefly outside the UK. It said: Our members are being unfairly treated by the EPL which hurts us disproportionately more than the super-majors. Rival trade association Offshore Energies UK has also written to the Chancellor in recent days, requesting an urgent meeting. It cited fresh data from the North Sea Transition Authority in its latest economic report, suggesting as much as 15bn barrels of oil and gas could be extracted from the continental shelf with further exploration enough to help meet the UKs energy needs until 2035. The UK produces around 45 per cent of its gas domestically and relies on Norway as its chief overseas partner, which meets 38 per cent the countrys gas needs. The Climate Change Committee, Westminsters independent advisory group, predicts half of the UKs energy requirements between now and 2050 will still be met by oil and gas, and as much as 64 per cent of UK energy needs between 2022 and 2037. By CityAM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The United States hopes that India could see the benefits of a price cap on Russian oil, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told news outlet PTI in an exclusive interview ahead of her trip to India at the end of this week. Secretary Yellens visit to India on November 11 could be crucial to the U.S. and G7 efforts to persuade the worlds third-largest crude oil importer to join the coalition of countries applying the price cap on Russian oil. Our objective is to hold down the price that Russia receives for its oil and keep that oil trading. The gainers from this will be particularly those countries that do buy cheap Russian oil, and our hope would be that India would take advantage of this price cap, though its firms are bargaining with Russia, Secretary Yellen told PTI. If they (India) want to use Western financial services like insurance, the price cap would apply to their purchases. But even if they use other financial services, we believe the price cap will give them leverage to negotiate good discounts from world markets, she added. Earlier this year, the G7 group of the most industrialized nations agreed to finalize and implement a price cap on Russian oil, aiming to reduce Vladimir Putins oil revenues for his war chest. The G7, the EU, and the UK will ban as of December 5 maritime transportation services for Russian oil unless the products are purchased at or below a certain price cap. Yet, many analysts and experts doubt that the price cap would serve its dual purpose of cutting revenues for Putin while keeping Russian oil flowing. One reason is that top importers China and India havent signed onto the price cap, and another is that Putin could simply make good on his promise to halt all energy supplyincluding crude, fuels, natural gas, and coalto the countries that sign up to cap the price of Russian oil. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Turkey has begun to pay partially in rubles for the Russian gas it receives, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez told a local broadcaster on Tuesday. Over the coming months, Turkey will increase the share of ruble payments for Russian gas, the minister told the TRT Haber television channel. Shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, Russia demanded that the so-called unfriendly countries a designation of Moscow for most of the Western countries pay for their Russian gas supply in rubles. Several EU countries have refused and saw their gas supply from Russia cut off. Turkey is not on the unfriendly country list, but both Turkey and Russia have tried to boost bilateral trade in local currencies for years. Turkey may also host a conference of natural gas suppliers and importers as part of its efforts to set up with Russia a natural gas hub locally, Donmez told TRT Haber. We could organise an international gas conference, perhaps in January or February, to bring together gas suppliers and importer countries to take their opinion, we will proceed according to that, Reuters quoted the Turkish minister as saying. The presidents of Turkey and Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin, respectively, have agreed to set up a natural gas hub in Turkey, the Turkish president said last month. And in his own words, Putin announced to the world that Europe can get its natural gas from Turkiye, Erdogan was quoted as saying. A week earlier, Putin first suggested that Russia redirect natural gas supplies intended for the damaged Nord Stream pipelines to the Black Sea and the creation of a European gas hub in Turkey. Since Putin first suggested the creation of the natural gas hub in Turkey, the two countries have not wasted time and instructed in October their respective energy regulators to immediately begin technical work to make the Russian proposal a reality. There will be no waiting on this issue, Erdogan has said, as carried by AP. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Within days, the UK is expected to announce a major LNG supply agreement with the United States as Britain aims to boost its gas supply to avoid blackouts this winter, The Telegraph reports, citing UK government sources. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce the agreement with the U.S. after the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, which ends on November 18. The UK and the U.S. are currently in the final stages of discussions about an energy security partnership, says The Telegraph, which has spoken with current and former UK government officials with knowledge of the talks over a bilateral energy deal. Despite her shortest stint in office in UK history of just over a month, former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss had the time to discuss details of a UK-U.S. energy security deal personally with U.S. President Joe Biden, The Telegraph reported. Talks have continued under the current UK prime minister Sunak, and an announcement is expected to be made in the next week or two, according to The Telegraphs sources. It is unclear yet whether a public announcement of the deal would include a specific amount of U.S. LNG being shipped to Britain over the next year, or how much of the volumes would be for the UK energy system. The UK National Grid has warned that the country could see rolling blackouts between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on cold days this winter if the European gas system is in shortage too and cannot send enough volumes to the UK. The U.S. has already pledged and has boosted LNG supply to the European Union. In March, just after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU and the U.S. agreed to boost American LNG exports to the EU by 15 bcm in 2022 compared to 2021. This year alone, between January through October, around 48 bcm of LNG was exported from the U.S. to the EU, which is 26 bcm more than for the full year of 2021, participants in the latest meeting of the EU-US Task Force on Energy Security said on Monday. Building on this trend, the participants committed to work on keeping a high level of LNG supplies to Europe in 2023 of an additional approximately 50 bcm as compared to 2021, the task force said. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russian attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure will leave Ukraine under emergency shutdowns for up to five weeks, with President Volodymyr Zelensky warning that more attacks may follow and the mayor of Kyiv urging residents to prepare for temporary evacuation if water and power supplies are cut off. The director of Ukraines Energy Research Center, Oleksandr Kharchenko said on Monday that the countrys energy companies need two to five weeks to restore stability to Ukraines energy system in the aftermath of Russian attacks on infrastructure. That timeframe is only relevant if there are no further Russian attacks on energy facilities. More than 4.5 million consumers are already without power, Euractiv cited Zelensky as saying, while3 Kharchenko points out that enough electricity is being produced but damage to transportation routes is undermining distribution. On Monday, Ukraine faced a projected shortfall of 32% in power supply, according to Euractiv, citing energy provider YASNO. Ukrainians are being called upon now to conserve energy to the maximum. On Sunday, Zelensky warned of the potential for more attacks, noting that Russia is concentrating forces and means for a possible repetition of mass attacks on our infrastructure. First of all, energy. Also on Sunday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko raised alarms about potential losses of power and water in the capital city, urging residents to be prepared to evacuate. If you have extended family or friends outside Kyiv, where there is autonomous water supply, an oven, heating, please keep in mind the possibility of staying there for a certain amount of time, Klitschko said. Putins aim, Klitschko said, was for us to die, to freeze, or to make us flee our land so that he can have it. In the south, Russia is clearly continuing with its energy infrastructure attacks, with the Kherson regional governor noting that Moscows forces had now destroyed some 1.5 kilometers of power lines in the region, severing supply to the city of Beryslav. Russian news agencies have also accused Ukrainian forces of damaging the Nova Kakhovka dam in Russian-occupied territory near Kherson. That claim has not been independently verified. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt With the world on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator, the United Nations chief on Monday told dozens of leaders to cooperate or perish, singling out the two biggest polluting countries, China and the United States. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wasnt alone in preaching with tones of fire and brimstone to try to shake up the worlds sense of urgency at this years annual U.N. climate conference. Choose life over death, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore urged. It is not time for moral cowardice. Some of the strongest pleas for action came from leaders of poor nations that caused little of the pollution but often get a larger share of the weather-related damage. Several called on developed nations for reparations, which in climate negotiations is called loss and damage. Africa should not pay for crimes they have not committed, Central African Republic President Faustin Archange Touadera said, adding that rich nations were to blame for the climate problem. Climate change is directly threatening our peoples lives, health and future, Kenyan President William K. Ruto said of the African continent, which he said is looking at $50 billion a year in climate change damage by 2050. Ruto said Kenya is choosing to not use many of its dirty energy resources even though it could help the poor nation financially, and has instead opted for cleaner fuels. Loss and damage is our daily experience and the living nightmare of millions of Kenyans and hundreds of millions of Africans, Ruto said. Seychelles President Wavel John Charles Ramkalawan said, Like other islands, our contribution in the destruction of the planet is minimal. Yet we suffer the most. He called on wealthier countries to assist in repairing the damage. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley called for a massive overhaul of international development loans and a 10% tax on fossil fuel companies, which she said made $200 billion in profits in the last three months. I dont need to repeat the horror and the devastation wrecked upon this Earth over the course of the last 12 months since we met in Glasgow, Mottley said. Whether the apocalyptic floods in Pakistan or the heat waves from Europe to China or indeed in the last few days in my own region, the devastation caused in Belize by Tropical Storm Lisa or the torrential floods a few days ago in St. Lucia. Ahead of this years conference, known as COP27, leaders and experts have been ringing alarm bells that time is running out to avert catastrophic rises in temperature. But the warnings may not have the impact of past meetings because of multiple other challenges pulling leaders attention from midterm elections in the U.S. to the Russia-Ukraine war. In the fight for life on Earth, no one is a bystander, said Jordans King Abdullah. Every contribution counts. COP27 has brought us together to link forces and stand our ground. We are at the beginning of a long, challenging and urgent transformation. More than 100 world leaders will speak over the next days at the gathering in Egypt, most from developing countries demanding greater accountability from the richest, most polluting nations. Much of their focus will be on telling their stories of devastation by climate disasters, including a speech Tuesday by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan, where summer floods caused at least $40 billion in damage and displaced millions of people. Climate change will never stop without our intervention, the summits host, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, said. El-Sisi, who also called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, was gentle compared to a fiery U.N. chief Guterres, who said the world is on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator. He called for a new pact between rich and poor countries to make deeper cuts in emissions with financial help and phasing out coal by rich nations by 2030 and elsewhere by 2040. He called on the United States and China the two biggest economies to work together on climate, something they used to do until the last few years. Humanity has a choice: cooperate or perish, Guterres said. It is either a Climate Solidarity Pact or a Collective Suicide Pact. But bad timing and world events hang over the gathering. Most of the leaders are meeting Monday and Tuesday, just as the United States has a potentially policy-shifting midterm election. Then the leaders of the worlds 20 wealthiest nations will have their powerful-only club confab in Bali in Indonesia days later. Leaders of China and India both among the biggest emitters appear to be skipping the climate talks, although underlings are here negotiating. U.S. President Joe Biden is coming days later than most other leaders on his way to Bali. There are big climate summits and little climate summits and this was never expected to be a big one, said Climate Advisers CEO Nigel Purvis, a former U.S. negotiator. United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was initially going to skip the negotiations, but public pressure and predecessor Boris Johnsons plans to come changed his mind. And Russias leader Vladimir Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine created energy chaos that reverberates in the world of climate negotiations, wont be here. Many European leaders who spoke Monday singled out Russia as the cause of the current energy and food crises, saying the war in Ukraine showed shifting to renewable energy was a matter of national security. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (AP) More than 100 world leaders are about to discuss a worsening problem that scientists call Earths biggest challenge, yet observers say it will be hard to make progress given all that is happening in the world. Nearly 50 heads of states or governments on Monday will take the stage in the first day of high-level international climate talks in Egypt with more to come in the following days. Much of the focus will be on national leaders telling their stories of being devastated by climate disasters, culminating on Tuesday with a speech by Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Sharif, whose countrys summer flood caused at least $40 billion in damage and displaced millions of people. But it may not quite have the drama or headlines that past such meetings have had. Why? Because of bad timing and who isnt showing up, is coming late or are dithering about it. Most of the leaders are meeting Monday and Tuesday, just as the United States has a potentially policy-shifting midterm election. Then the leaders of the worlds 20 wealthiest nations will have their powerful-only club confab in Bali in Indonesia days later. Add to that, there are big climate summits and little climate summits and this was never expected to be a big one, said Climate Advisers CEO Nigel Purvis, a former U.S. negotiator. Leaders of two of the three biggest carbon polluting nations China and India appear to be skipping the climate talks, although underlings are here negotiating. The leader of the other top polluting country U.S. President Joe Biden is coming days later than most of the other presidents and prime ministers on his way to Bali. United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was initially going to avoid the negotiations, but public pressure and predecessor Boris Johnsons plans to come changed his mind. New King Charles III, a longtime environment advocate, wont attend because of his new role. And Russias leader Vladimir Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine created energy chaos that reverberates in the world of climate negotiations, wont be here. We always want more leaders, United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell said in a Sunday news conference. But I believe there is sufficient (leadership) right now for us to have a very productive outcome. In addition to speeches given by the leaders, the negotiations include innovative roundtable discussions that we are confident, will generate some very powerful insights, Stiell said. The leaders showing up in droves are from the host continent Africa. The historical polluters who caused climate change are not showing up, said Mohammed Adow of Power Shift Africa. Africa is the least responsible, the most vulnerable to the issue of climate change and it is a continent that is stepping up and providing leadership. The South is actually stepping up, Adow told The Associated Press. The North that historically caused the problem is failing. Monday will be heavily dominated by leaders of nations victimized by climate change not those that have created the problem of heat-trapping gases warming up the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuel. It will be mostly African nations and small island nations and other vulnerable nations that will be telling their stories. And they are dramatic ones, droughts in Africa and floods in Pakistan, in places that could least afford it. For the first time in 30 years of climate negotiations, the summit should focus its attention on the severe climate impacts were already seeing, said World Resources Internationals David Waskow. We cant discount an entire continent that has over a billion people living here and has some of the most severe impacts, Waskow said. Its pretty clear that Africa will be at risk in a very severe way. Host leader, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will kick off the leaders' speeches. Guterres keeps ratcheting up his rhetoric about how little time is left with each public talk. Leaders come to share the progress theyve made at home and to accelerate action, Purvis said. In this case, with the passage of the first major climate legislation and $375 billion in spending, Biden has a lot to share, he said. While its impressive that so many leaders are coming to the summit, my expectations for ambitious climate targets in these two days are very low, said NewClimate Institute scientist Niklas Hohne. Thats because of Putins invasion of Ukraine which caused energy and food crises that took away from climate action, he said. Follow APs climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, the Nebraska State Capitol, the Douglas County Courthouse and other landmarks will be bathed in green lights this week as a way to honor veterans. Operation Green Light, a national campaign organized by the National Association of Counties, is designed to support military veterans. It's also designed to raise awareness of challenges veterans face and resources available to assist them and their families. In addition to lighting landmarks, residents are encouraged to participate by changing one light bulb in their house to a green bulb. Other landmarks going green include the Gene Leahy Mall, Stinson Park, Midtown Crossing, PayPal, Ralston City Hall, Valley City Hall and a handful of businesses. Green light dates vary by location, but most buildings will go green now through Sunday. For more information and resources available to veterans, visit veterans.douglascounty-ne.gov. It began as a fight between two women in the parking lot of a North Omaha convenience store, just after midnight on Aug. 12. In a feeble attempt to break up the fight, authorities say, Wuanya Smith pulled one woman back by her hair. But then he pulled out a gun and fired five shots into the crowd that had formed around the fight. One of those bullets struck the chest of 22-year-old Anthony Collins III, a man who had no prior conflicts with Smith, an Omaha police detective testified Monday. Collins died hours later. Smith, 21, of Omaha, will stand trial on charges of second-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Prosecutors allege Smith intentionally killed Collins but without premeditation. Smith had been sought on a warrant days after the shooting and was arrested in Benton, Arkansas, in September. He escaped custody there from the Saline County Jail by climbing over fences topped with razor and barbed wires, but was caught the next day. Omaha Police Detective Aneta Nelson testified Monday that according to witnesses and video surveillance, a blue Chevrolet Silverado parked in the northeast corner of the parking lot of the Hamilton Food Mart near 49th and Hamilton Streets. A woman approached the passenger side of the truck, where Smith was sitting, and spoke to him. Another woman confronted her and the two started fighting in front of the blue truck, Nelson said. Smith got out of the truck and pulled the second woman away by her hair. Then, he fired five shots toward the front area of the truck, Nelson said, according to the driver of the truck. By this point, a small gathering of the roughly 20 people who were hanging out in the parking lot had circled around the women who were fighting. They ran when they heard the gunshots. Collins was hit and taken by the three women he arrived with in a maroon Jeep to Childrens Hospital & Medical Center. He was then taken to the Nebraska Medical Center, where he died. The driver of the blue truck told police that he heard Smith say just before the shooting, Dont walk up on me. Police recovered three 9 mm casings at the scene and determined that they were all fired from the same gun but never found the gun that was used in the homicide. A Nebraska man has made the Guinness Book of World Records for longest ride by pumpkin boat (paddling) after he paddled down the Missouri River this summer. Duane Hansen, who lives outside of Syracuse, set the record Aug. 27 with a trip stretching 37 miles. The previous record was 25 miles. The first person I called was my daughter, Hansen said after getting the official email from Guinness on Monday. She was pretty happy. Hansen rode a hollowed-out 846-pound pumpkin down the Missouri from Bellevue to Nebraska City. It took him 11 hours. Hansen said the following three days were a blur, with newspaper and TV interviews from around the world. I didnt realize it was such a big deal, he said. But at the time, it still wasnt officially the longest pumpkin boat ride. Hansens daughter, Morgan Buchholz, was in charge of all the paperwork that had to be submitted. There was a lot. When Guinness reached out with some questions a few weeks ago, the two decided to take it as a good sign. Some of the evidence Buchholz had sent in didnt make it the first time. They had to submit some GPS tracking evidence, and Hansen had to supply the receipt for the kayak paddle he used. Anything not available commercially cant be used in setting a record. Thank goodness my wife saves the receipts for everything, he said. Now that hes the official record-holder, Hansen has a new goal. And of course it involves a big squash. As wife Allyson said, everything is pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins. It takes up a lot of my thinking time, Hansen said. Hansen now is aiming to take over the Nebraska record for largest pumpkin of 1,492 pounds, held by Brent Cernik. He also wants to grow a pumpkin large enough that he and his daughter can ride down the river together. Shes all for it. The answer will always be yes. His dream is my dream, Buchholz said. If he grows a pumpkin, I will be right there with him. And Im sure he will. Friday is Veterans Day, which means many Omaha restaurants and other businesses are offering specials to the men and women who have served our country in the past, or are currently in the military. Email freeman@owh.com if you know of a business not listed here that should be included. Absolutely Fresh Seafood Market, 1218 S. 119th St., will be handing out free half-pound shrimp cocktails to veterans until 6 p.m. Friday. absolutelyfreshmarket.com Js Smokehouse, 1712 Charleston Drive, Papillion, is giving veterans and active-duty personnel a free pulled pork sandwich or offering a brisket sandwich for half-price. Its open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. on Friday. jsmokehouse.com Kikkers Bar & Grill, 1503 Ave. C in Council Bluffs, will have a free all-you-can eat breakfast buffet for veterans. Family, friends and guests can eat for $7. The menu includes biscuits and gravy, home fries, scrambled eggs and sausage. It will open at 7 a.m. an hour early on Friday. facebook.com/KikkersBarNGrill Porky Butts BBQ, 15475 Ruggles St. Veterans, active-duty personnel, National Guard members and reservists will receive a free pulled pork sandwich with a side from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. porkybuttsbbq.com Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, 701 N. 102nd St. in Omaha and 1203 Cornhusker Road in Bellevue. Veterans and active-duty military personnel can have a free Garage Burger or 20% off any other single menu item on Friday. It also offers a 20% discount to members of the military and their families every day of the year. Proper ID required. The restaurants are open from 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday. sickiesburgers.com Bonefish Grill, 120 Regency Parkway. With a show of ID, veterans, service members and first responders will get a free order of the restaurants popular Bang Bang Shrimp and a free soft drink on Friday during regular hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. bonefishgrill.com Flagship Restaurant Group is offering $10 off all purchases made by veterans and active-duty servicemen and servicewomen on Friday. Omaha restaurants in the group are Blue Sushi Sake Grill at 14450 Eagle Run Drive Suite 210, 16939 Wright Plaza and 416 S. 12th St.; Blatt Beer & Table, 610 N. 12th St., 2825 S. 170th Plaza and 10000 California St.; Plank, 1205 Howard St.; Roja, 17010 Wright Plaza; and Flagship Commons, 10000 California St. flagshiprestaurantgroup.org Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Free admission for veterans on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Veterans also can get a free hot dog meal at the soda fountain that day. durhammuseum.org Hy-Vee will offer a free, buffet-style breakfast to all veterans and active-duty military members from 6 to 10 a.m. at all Omaha-Council Bluffs area Hy-Vee stores. In addition, free donuts and coffee will be offered to all veterans and active-duty military members at all Omaha-Council Bluffs area Dollar Fresh Market locations. Veterans and active-duty military will also receive 15% off their grocery purchase on Veterans Day when they shop at Hy-Vee in-store, through Hy-Vee Aisles Online or at Dollar Fresh Market locations using promo code HOMEFRONT15. Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St., will offer free gate admission to all active and retired military members, veterans and their immediate families on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The zoo grounds and buildings close at 5 p.m. with the exception of the Lied Jungle, which closes at 3 p.m. Brazen Head Irish Pub, 319 N. 78th St., is offering a free appetizer to veterans from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday. brazenheadpub.com Russell Speeder's Car Wash, 11212 Wright Circle, 11818 West Dodge Road, 15505 Spaulding Plaza and 404 Saddle Creek Road in Omaha and 613 Fort Crook Road in Bellevue, will provide free car washes for veterans and active-duty military on Friday with a valid ID. russellspeeders.com Square Donut, 15825 West Maple Road, Suite 104, will give veterans one free "flag" donut and a cup of coffee from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. squaredonutomaha.com Jams, 7814 Dodge St., 17070 Wright Plaza and 1101 Harney St., will give veterans 50% off their dine-in meal with military ID on Friday. jamseats.com Paradise Bakery, 17305 Davenport St., will give veterans 50% off their dine-in meal with military ID on Friday. paradisebakery.com Oklahoma Joe's, 1912 S. 67th St., is giving all active military personnel and veterans with ID a free pulled-pork sandwich on Friday. okjoes.com Mouth of the South, 16909 Lakeside Hills Plaza and 1111 Harney St., is giving veterans 10% off and a free appetizer with purchase of an entree on Friday. motsomaha.com Lettuce Express, 14505 West Maple Road. Veterans will get $4 salads on Friday with a military ID. lettuceexpress.com Participating Dunkin' outlets across the country are offering veterans and active-duty military members a free doughnut of their choice. For a complete list of chain restaurants and other national businesses offering free items or discounts, go to news.va.gov. An Omaha man, notorious in gang circles as a shooter, has been convicted of first-degree murder in the 2013 slaying of Julius Vaughn. A Douglas County jury deliberated about eight hours Monday and Tuesday before convicting Bernard BJ Turner of first-degree murder in the Oct. 18, 2013, killing of his friend and fellow 16th Street Blood gang member, Julius Vaughn. Turner, then 18, reportedly was upset with Vaughn, 19, over his suspicion that Vaughn had shot and killed another teen, authorities say. He told others that he had to kill Vaughn even though they were friends. The jury didnt hear anything about the allegations that Turners motive was over Vaughn shooting and killing someone else. Prosecutors instead referred generically to a beef between the longtime friends. Prosecutor Ann Miller, a deputy Douglas County attorney, told jurors that Turner had told others that he didnt want to look like a little bitch if he didnt do anything. Turner, now 27, will be sentenced to life in prison. He was suspected by Omaha police shortly after Vaughn was found dead in the drivers seat of a Hyundai Santa Fe in a parking lot near 23rd and Vinton Streets. Several friends and relatives gathered at the scene shortly after hearing reports. Raising suspicions: Turner, Vaughns best friend, wasnt one of them. Still, the case went unsolved for years. Omaha Police Officer Dave Schneider, then with the departments cold case unit, got a break when a man awaiting trial on federal drug charges told authorities that he had given Turner a ride away from the killing. When Turner got in the car, the witness said, all he said was: Hes gone. The witness then realized that Turner had a literal smoking gun and needed to get rid of it, Miller said. Nine years after the killing, the witness took Omaha police to a sewer drain near 29th Street and Ellison Avenue. They popped a manhole cover, and at the bottom of the sewer was a rusted-out, empty 9 mm handgun. The gun was so rusted it was inoperable, making it impossible to match bullets fired from the gun to bullets found in Vaughn. But two things were telling, Miller and fellow prosecutor Rob MacTaggart said: It was capable of firing the same caliber of bullets that killed Vaughn; and it was empty. In October 2013, Vaughn was hit nine times in the neck and chest. One bullet missed. Turners attorneys, Jeff Courtney and Frankie Hass, said prosecutors didnt have enough to convict Turner. They pointed out that no suspect DNA was found on the gun. And, they said, it wouldnt be surprising for Turners DNA to be in Vaughns car; the two were friends. They pointed to a shattered rear drivers-side window, theorizing that Vaughn had been the victim of a drive-by shooting. However, Miller and MacTaggart said, the shattered window was consistent with a bullet traveling from the passenger seat past Vaughn and hitting the window. The prosecutors pointed out that several casings were found in the passenger seat consistent with where the gunman was sitting. The passenger door was left open after the gunman escaped. Several old cigarette butts had a mixture of Vaughns and Turners DNA on them. But the butt of a fresh wet cigarette had solely Turners DNA, Miller said. And there was the communication, or lack thereof, from Turner after the killing. A day before Vaughns funeral, the witness texted Turner: All them (expletives) think its you. Turner never responded. He didnt show up for his best friends funeral. He also changed his cellphone number the morning after the killing. The witness mentioned one other thing, according to Miller. From that day on, he never let Turner sit behind him while he was driving or riding in a car. His fear: He would meet Vaughns fate. SAN DIEGO (AP) Lyn Jutronich was resting in the water during her morning ocean swim when something rammed her hard out of the water. Jutronich, 50, said she immediately knew it was a shark. She gave her first interviews over the weekend from her hospital bed where she is recovering after the shark bit her leg Friday off the Pacific coast of Del Mar, north of San Diego. I felt a huge, like a really hard hit right, I dont know how else to say this, like right between my legs and it pushed me, it hurt and it pushed me up and out of the water, Jutronich described to ABC news affiliate KGTV. I saw it clamp on my leg so I dont know if I saw it bite my leg or if I saw it after it bit my leg, but I definitely saw the mouth, she recalled. Still clamped onto her right leg, Jutronich said it then shook her once kind of like a dog." Then it let her go. A friend swimming with her saw her being flung around in the water, then he saw the shark's fin. He helped her get back to shore where lifeguards and emergency crews treated her then rushed her to a hospital. She is being treated for puncture and laceration wounds to her upper right thigh. The shark is believed to have been a juvenile white shark, but officials are waiting for scientists to confirm that. Juvenile white sharks often swim in the waters off Del Mars shoreline. Jutronich told reporters she is still processing what happened. DOVER, Del. (AP) Spending in the waning days of this years campaign season by some Delaware Democrats seeking to remain in office has dwarfed that of their Republican challengers, according to finance reports. For the three-week period ending Nov. 1, Democratic state Sen. Laura Sturgeon, whose district includes wealthy suburbs northwest of Wilmington, reported just under $84,000 in campaign spending, despite raising only a little more than $10,000. Sturgeons Republican opponent, attorney Ted Kittila, reported raising $12,725 and spending just under $12,000 in the same three-week period. In another closely watched race where Republicans hope to flip a Senate seat, Democratic incumbent Spiros Mantzavinos, whose district covers the western suburbs of Wilmington, reported spending more than $50,600 more than three times the $15,505 he raised. His Republican opponent, business owner Sherm Porter, reported spending $15,181 and receiving a single campaign contribution of $103.48, ending the reporting period with a negative cash balance. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Debra Heffernan, whose House district includes areas north and east of Wilmington, reported spending more than $47,000, roughly three times her $15,750 in campaign contributions. GOP challenger Michael Krawczuk reported raising $1,295.00 and spending $279.20. Spending by Democratic incumbents in statewide races also has been similarly lopsided. Attorney General Kathy Jennings spent more than $276,000 during the reporting period, more than 10 times the $20,657 spent by her Republican challenger, Julianne Murray. Jennings also reported raising more than $75,000, roughly double Murrays tally of just under $39,000. In the race for state auditor, Lydia York, who defeated incumbent Kathy McGuiness in a Democratic primary, reported spending about $19,400, compared to $8,900 by Republican Janice Lorrah. York raised $20,355, while Lorrah raised just under $15,000. The race for state treasurer saw incumbent Democrat Colleen Davis raising $19,920 and spending about $16,200, while GOP challenger Greg Coverdale reported raising slightly more than $15,000 and spending about $9,900. Meanwhile, state elections officials have yet to explain the cause or scope of a technical problem with the campaign finance reporting system that has resulted in the public disclosure of wildly inaccurate numbers for at least one candidate committee. State Sen. Sarah McBride of Wilmington, who is running unopposed, submitted a campaign finance report for the three-week period ending Nov. 1 that shows $110,879.02 in contributions, with just under $107,000 of that amount coming from contributions of less than $100. The McBride committee also reported spending more than $83,600, of which more than $79,600 was doled out in amounts of less than $100. In reality, according to a McBride campaign representative, the committee raised only $3,910 during the three-week period and spent just under $4,000. Sarah Fulton, who handles McBrides campaign finance reports, said the larger totals included amounts from the committees previous report, which covered the period from Jan. 1 to Oct. 9. Because of a technical issue, that report was not entered into the campaign finance system. The Department of Elections website includes a disclosure noting that the McBride committees report for the period ending Oct. 9 can be found by searching under the committees name, rather than the usual method of searching for filed campaign finance reports. This issue was not in any way the fault of the committee ... The department is working as quickly as possible to resolve this issue, the disclosure states. In an email to Fulton last Wednesday, Elections Commissioner Anthony Albence said her proposal to adjust the committees balances by adding totals from the previous report, which have not been uploaded into the system, to the report submitted last week was very reasonable and logical. We had written permission to do this, Fulton noted. The DOE website, however, contains no disclosure informing the public that the aggregate totals on the McBride committees report for the period ending Nov. 1 are inaccurate. We would certainly welcome that disclosure, because we know its confusing, Fulton said. Albence and Patrick Jackson, campaign finance manager for the Department of Elections, did not reply to emails seeking comment. MADISON, Wis. (AP) Republican Derrick Van Orden was leading the race for a western Wisconsin congressional seat early Wednesday, hoping to win a spot in the House less than two years after he was seen near the U.S. Capitol on the day insurrectionists breached the building. Van Orden led Democratic state Sen. Brad Pfaff by about 4 percentage points with about 75% of the vote counted. Van Orden is among a handful of people who were in Washington the day of the Jan. 6 insurrection and are now running for Congress. The former Navy SEAL has denied taking any part, but Pfaff argued to voters that his presence should be disqualifying. The two were seeking a seat held by longtime Democratic Rep. Ron Kind before Kind, who narrowly defeated Van Orden in 2020, chose not to seek another term. Van Orden vastly outraised Pfaff and had the advantage of running in a district along the state's western border that has been trending toward conservatives. But he had to defend himself against questions about his presence on or near the U.S. Capitol grounds during the insurrection, when rioters violently breached the building in an attempt to block certification of Joe Biden's presidential victory. Van Orden said he was in Washington for political meetings when he attended then-President Donald Trump's rally outside the White House shortly before the Capitol attack. A Facebook photo from that day appears to show Van Orden posing with a small handful of protesters on the Capitol grounds, but Van Orden has said the suggestion he was within the restricted area is inaccurate. Pfaff, a state senator and former cabinet secretary for Gov. Tony Evers, maintained Van Orden's presence near the Capitol that day shows he lacks the character and judgment to be an effective member of Congress. He also criticized Van Orden for saying during a campaign stop in October that leftists can't be Christians. Van Orden called during the stop for a return to Judeo-Christian values that he said this country was based on" and mentioned that he's a member of the Bible Baptist Church, which lists homosexuality alongside bestiality and incest as sinful perversion. The church also preaches that women should be barred from leadership positions. The 3rd District stretches from Menomonie south along the Mississippi River to Platteville. The district is mostly rural but includes the Democratic-leaning cities of Eau Claire and La Crosse. Democrat Barack Obama won the district twice in his presidential races but the district has grown more conservative since then, mirroring a nationwide trend in rural areas. Trump carried the district in 2016 and 2020. Kind beat Van Orden by less than 3 points in 2020. Incumbents in Wisconsin's other seven congressional districts were heavily favored to retain their seats. 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. Vietnam rescues 303 Sri Lankan people in distress at sea As many as 303 Sri Lankan people on board Myanmar-flagged fishing vessel LADY R3 have been rescued by the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Vietnam) and other foreign forces. 303 Sri Lankan people are saved by MRCC Vietnam and other foreign forces (Photo: Tien Phong) MRCC Vietnam on November 7 received a mayday signal from MRCC Sri Lanka that LADY R3 fishing vessel got into trouble at sea and was in distress in the waters about 258 nautical miles off the southeastern part of the Vung Tau cape. After receiving the news, MRCC Vietnam worked closely alongside international rescue agencies of both Singapore and Malaysia to verify the information and call international ships for help. Discovering a Helios Leader ship of Japan was moving nearby, the center requested that the ship urgently change its direction and co-operate to rescue the people on board the LADY R3. With the support of Vietnam MRCC, at 19:00 on the same day, all of the Sri Lankan people, including 264 men, 19 women, and 20 children, on board the vessel were brought to the Helios Leader. They were all in stable health condition. The Japanese ship docked at a port in Vung Tau and handed over the rescued people to local border security forces. Republican officials in a rural Arizona county refused Monday to certify the 2022 election despite no evidence of anything wrong with the count, a decision that was quickly challenged in court by the state's top election official. The refusal to certify by Cochise County in southeastern Arizona comes amid pressure from prominent Republicans to reject results showing Democrats winning top races. MILAN (AP) The far-right-led Italian government's weekslong standoff with aid groups running rescue ships partially eased Tuesday, as officials allowed all remaining migrants on two rescue ships to access port. But a ship with 234 rescued migrants still at sea appealed to France to offer it a safe port after more than two weeks of silence from Italy. Italy was allowing migrants it had previously rejected as not vulnerable to disembark the Geo Barents, run by Doctors without Borders, in the Sicilian port of Catania. That comes after all 89 migrants aboard a German-run rescue ship were allowed to disembark on the Italian mainland earlier in the day. Thirty-five migrants rescued at sea on the Humanity 1 ship were deemed by Italy to be not vulnerable and were blocked for days from getting off the boat. That's despite protests from the aid group and experts who say all people found at sea in distress are entitled to the closest safe port under international law. Italian private TV La7 reported late Tuesday that those 35 also were being disembarked but there was no immediate confirmation from the charity. Premier Giorgia Meloni defended Italy's hard-line stance, saying voters that brought her government to power in September asked us to defend the Italian borders. Our goal is to defend legality, security and the dignity of every person. for this we need to stop illegal immigration, and avoid new deaths in the sea and fight human trafficking,'' she said in a Facebook post. Doctors without Borders, which operates the Geo Barents, said the disembarkation of the remaining 214 migrants on board was a great relief after weeks of waiting. With its Ocean Viking rescue ship still in open seas 18 days after its first rescue, the European aid group SOS Mediteranee appealed to France for a safe port, saying the situation on the ship has reached a critical limit. Italian authorities have ignored repeated requests for a port. We are facing very severe consequences, including risks of loss of lives,'' Xavier Lauth, the group's director of operations. Physical and psychological well-being of survivors and crew have been exhausted by over two weeks of blockage at sea. It is now a humanitarian emergency. Italy's interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi, laid the groundwork to close Italian ports to humanitarian rescue ships by drafting measures contending that two aid groups SOS Humanity and SOS Mediteranee were violating procedures by not properly coordinating their rescues. SOS Humanity, which is also based in Germany, confirmed Tuesday that the 35 people remaining on board its ship following the vetting process and submitted requests for fast-tracked political asylum through a court in Catania. It said the condition of the people on the Humanity 1 was deteriorating daily, and that some had started a hunger strike. In desperation, two Syrian men jumped into the sea from one of the ships, the Geo Berents, on Monday, and a third went in after to try to save them, said Doctors Without Borders, which operates the ship. Nicole Winfield contributed from Rome. Follow AP's coverage of global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Gov. J.B. Pritzker sailed to reelection Tuesday but in a triumphant victory speech, sounded more like a candidate for president with the clarion call, Are you ready to fight? in warning against extremism and former President Donald Trumps treasonous insurrection, which he said too many Republicans embrace. The Democrat seized a second term over Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey, who eagerly sought Trump's endorsement, and in a Chicago speech underscored by frequent chants of J.B.! J.B.! J.B.! he hinted at pursuit of an agenda that is far larger than Springfield. Ever the student of history, Pritzker, Illinois' third Jewish governor, noted that the state's first, Henry Horner, took office in 1933 in the darkest days of the Great Depression and with European fascism spawning. Horner said, We all realize that we are living in abnormal and unusual times, times requiring unusually clear thinking and sacrificial action ... Pritzker recalled. That was Henry Horner's way of asking his audience, Are you ready for the fight? Pritzker boosted his national profile this year with a trip to the early primary state of New Hampshire and by raising millions of dollars for Democrats nationwide. When pressed by Bailey, he said if elected, he intended to serve the entire four years and supported President Joe Biden for reelection in 2024. On Tuesday, Pritzker sounded like a different candidate. Mere paragraphs were reserved for his Prairie State pursuits including a comfortable living wage, robust health care, and virtually unfettered access to abortion, despite the Supreme Court's upending the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Instead, he warned of a cancer that has spread through one ideological wing" of his rival Republican party, lead by Trump, who has suggested he'll attempt a comeback. Theyve had ample opportunity to treat the disease and they have refused to do so at every turn. The result has been treasonous insurrectionists tearing down the doors of the U.S. Capitol, the maiming of Capitol Police and an attack on the 82-year-old husband of the speaker of the House with a hammer in his own home," Pritzker said, referring to last month's attack on Paul Pelosi. In a brief concession speech in Springfield, Bailey, who has served single two-year terms in both the House and Senate, promised his career in public service is not ending, but I'm going back to work to protect freedom, create jobs and safeguard the streets. Republicans need to be the loyal opposition in Springfield: Loyal to our state, loyal to our country, loyal to our Constitution, but in opposition to the radical policies of the Democrats, Bailey said. Mentioning he had just congratulated Pritzker by phone, he continued, Friends, we must work together to find solutions for all the people of Illinois. Illinois, we can be better. Illinois must be better. Our leaders must be better and J.B. Pritzker, you need to be better. The campaign was one of almost continuous acrimony between the rivals who each claimed the other was out of touch with voters and the needs of the state. Pritzker, 57, a billionaire equity investor and philanthropist, pounded the airwaves with ads labeling Bailey as too extreme on issues such as abortion, which he opposes except in cases of rape, incest or the life of the mother, and access to guns. Bailey, 56, from the southern Illinois town of Xenia, played to the strong support for Trump that remains in large parts of central and southern Illinois and claimed Pritzker's drive to be the most radical leftist governor in America is decimating the state by coddling criminals, offering abortion without restriction and spending too much. Bailey made crime in Chicago a centerpiece of his campaign and was buffeted by ridicule when he called the nation's third-largest city a crime-ridden corrupt hellhole." Pritzker countered that Bailey had voted against the Democratic Legislature's investments in police cadets and crime-lab investigative tools and offered no concrete solutions. Bailey vowed to repeal a Democratic criminal justice overhaul adopted last year that includes ending cash bail for violent offenders. Bailey claims that when it takes effect in January 2023, it will be a revolving door for criminals to return to the street while Pritzker said the current system allows wealthy suspects to buy their way to pretrial freedom. The Republican softened his approach on abortion, saying curbing its availability would not be a priority in his administration and that he expected strong Democratic control of the General Assembly would make it unlikely such legislation would reach the governor's desk. This story has been corrected to show that Paul Pelosi is 82 years old, not 83. Follow John OConnor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor 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. A 17-year-old Nebraska girl died Sunday in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 30 in Columbus. The Nebraska Office of Highway Safety reported that Taylar Norton, of Palmer, became the state's 225th traffic fatality of 2022. She was pronounced dead about 7 a.m. at the scene of the collision in an eastbound lane of Highway 30. The Columbus Police Department said officers had been looking for a vehicle reported to be westbound in an eastbound lane of Highway 30. Police received a report of a crash in the eastbound lane between a Chevrolet Sonic driven by Norton and a Dodge Charger. The driver of the Charger was taken to the Columbus Community Hospital for treatment. NORMAL Coffeehouse & Deli, 114 E. Beaufort St. in Uptown Normal, is this weeks pick for Eats of the Week. The family-owned coffee shop opened on April 26, 1996, and recently celebrated its 26th birthday. It is owned by Simon and Jane Wilson but operated by their daughter, general manager Yvonne Wilson, who started as a barista and worked her way up. She has an ownership stake in the business as well. Yvonne Wilson was born and raised in Bloomington-Normal, but Simon Wilson is from Aruba and Jane Wilson is from the Czech Republic. The couple met in Chicago and eventually moved to the Twin Cities. Simon Wilson is retired from the Clinton power plant; he found the coffee shop as sort of an outlet and business venture, and then his daughter followed in his footsteps. I really fell in love with it, said Yvonne Wilson, who has 15 years of experience at the business. The Deli part of the restaurants name stems from the fact that the shop used to sell dry goods, coffee beans and more grocery-style products. Its menu includes fresh-roasted coffee and a variety of unique vegetarian and vegan offerings, as well as gluten-free options. Weve very much old-school, and I think you can definitely still feel that, Yvonne Wilson said. ... It feels like home. Theres been like magical things that happen here. Its a really bizarre place, but so many people have fallen in love here and theyve been living beautiful lives together. Its like a very loving feeling. The shop is described as a casual coffee shop with vegan fare that serves breakfast all day. Popular menu items include the tofu scrambler, coffeehouse hash, sweet chili chicken quesadilla and the BLT. The staff makes its own ranch and mayo. Made-from-scratch baked goods include bread, cookies, scones and muffins, with many options available as vegan or gluten-free. The menu features a quiche and soup of the day. Seasonal offerings include an autumn grilled cheese, a pumpkin puree grilled cheese with mozzarella, a harvest salad with zucchini and the pumpkin pancakes. I think that people really feel like they can be themselves here, and we definitely give you the time of day. We give you the eye contact, we give you the smile, and I know that like obviously, thats Customer Service 101, but you dont always see that at places and we really strive to do that, Yvonne Wilson said. I do feel like people feel seen when they come in here. They feel welcomed, and its a comfortable feeling and a wonderful gathering spot. BLOOMINGTON A nine-foot Fallen Heroes Tree of Honor will be placed in both the Central Illinois Regional Airport and the Decatur Civic Center through the holidays. The trees are being sponsored by Americas Gold Star Families together with the Sgt. Anthony Maddox Memorial. Tree lighting ceremonies will be held: 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 in the Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur; 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17 in the Central Illinois Regional Airport, 3201 Cira Drive, Bloomington. Each tree will have about 300 hero ornaments to honor military service men and women who gave their lives in defense of our nation. The hero ornaments include all branches of service, conflicts, and over 40 states across U.S. Each hero ornament includes the rank, name birth, date of death, branch and state of the fallen service men and women. During the tree lighting ceremony, Gold Star Families that are present will hang their heroes ornament on the tree in memory of their military service, while their fallen heroes names will be read aloud. Immediately following the ceremony, attendees will be invited to participate in hanging the rest of the ornaments. Another Fallen Hero Tree of Honor is hosted by the Peoria Riverfront Museum. A picture of the fallen hero is included on each decorated ornament on the 14-foot tree. That lighting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. Each Fallen Hero Tree will be available for viewing through the end of the holiday season. Proponents of Unit 5's referendum say the plan will make better use of district resources, but opponents want the district to make more cuts before asking to increase maximum rates. The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has said the schools selection process is entirely free and does not involve collection of monies. The assurance comes on the back of the practice of some heads of Basic Schools, collecting monies from the current batch of Junior High School (JHS) students, who report to their former schools to select Senior High Schools (SHSs) for placement. A statement by the GES, noted: Some of the monies being collected are purported to be payment for Parent Teacher Association (PTA) dues/levies arrears, clearance of final year students, extra classes organised. The GES reminded parents, head teachers and all stakeholders that no fees are to be charged for the school selection process. Management wishes to remind all stakeholders that the collections are illegal or unauthorised. The school selection activity is entirely free and as such no levy or fee should be charged in connection with it, it said. The GES directed any head teacher/teacher who has made such "illegal collections to refund immediately to the parents. It also directed district directors to investigate all these allegations and submit reports including sanctions applied to regional directors. Any such request should be reported to the Regional/District Education for redress, the GES noted. The selection of schools by candidates, parents/guardians began on Monday, 31 October and is expected to end, Friday, 18 November 2022. 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 A former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Alex Mould has accused the Bank of Ghanas leadership of not providing realistic foreign exchange rates. According to him, the BoG must take some of the blame for the persistent hikes in petroleum products by the Oil Marketing Companies and Bulk Oil Distributors. Making his submission on Citi TV's Big Issue segment on Saturday, November 5, Alex Mould also accused the Central Bank of refusing to provide OMCs and BDCs with accurate foreign exchange figures. He further opined that the Bank of Ghana is being dishonest in its publication of daily foreign exchange rates for interbank trading activity. The price build-up we see today, I am told some of the BDCs use between GH 18-GH19 per a dollar as exchange rate, and that is why you are getting a price of GH23.49 per a litre of diesel. The market rate was about GH14 per dollar, and this is the commercial rate. Nobody uses the BoG rate, he is quoted by Citinewsroom.com BoG rate I dont know what type of rate it is, because it is not the rate the banks trade with themselves or trade with their customers. BoG needs to be more proactive and give us realistic and practical rates and stop fooling the people of Ghana that, this is the exchange rate of the market. Everybody knows that nobody uses the BoG exchange rates, he stressed. Alex Mould also said the BoG must address the situation where some commercial banks do not go by the central bank's rate when dealing with customers. Touching further on the fuel price hikes, Alex Mould urged for structural solutions to address problems in the exchange rate market. The challenge is that these BDCs dont know where they are going to get forex from, and two, they dont know what the price will be. Theres a structural problem in the market and I think it needs to be addressed, he noted. Source: starrfm 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 Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, has been mocked for backtracking on government's decision to demolish unlawful buildings at the Sakumono Ramsar site. The demolition exercise was suspended to allow for further discussions between stakeholders according to Regional Minister, Henry Quartey. According to him, no building will be demolished until a clear roadmap is drawn. I want to say here and now that not a single building will be demolished, he said. We will go through some processes of discussions, and we will have this kind of meeting again in about three weeks time by which time we would have had a clear road map, the minister added. Speaking in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Henry Quartey denied reports that he's backtracked. "I find it a bit interesting for the story to say I have backtracked. Backtracked is like a soldier going to war and running away from war. I did not run away from the war; I am a soldier and I go forward. Forward ever backward never . . ." he noted adding, "we have suspended but it doesnt mean we have backtracked". Listen to him in the video below 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 senior police officer Inspector Entwie Bio has been arrested by the Police for reckless driving. The officer was arrested on Monday after he was seen driving in the middle of the road around the airport area in his Toyota Rav 4 vehicle with registration number GT- 8086-13. He has been processed for court. The incident comes on the back of the arrest and conviction of Madina lawmaker Francis Sosu for a similar offence last Friday. The MP was made to pay a fine by the court. 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 A total of 785 new lawyers will be called to the Bar on Friday, November 11, 2022. This annual event will enrol the new lawyers as members of the Ghana Bar Association. According to Dennislaw news, the provisional list shows a total of 785 candidates presented by the Ghana School of Law to the General Legal Council, GLC, for consideration and approval as of November 4, 2022. These candidates consist of professional law and post-call law students. In 2021, over 200 new lawyers were called to the Ghana Bar at an event that was held on October 1. The 2022 event will be the 59th Anniversary in the history of enrolment on the Roll of Lawyers. The GLC convenes a formal meeting annually to enroll and call to the Ghana Bar, candidates who have successfully passed their professional law examination organized by the Ghana School of Law after their results have been certified. The new lawyers by the ceremony, are certified by the GLC to begin their legal profession in the country. This year's call to the Bar event comes off at the Accra International Conference Centre. 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 Government is not sponsoring a delegation of about 350 persons attending the 27th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) in Egypt, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology has said. This is despite the fact that Ghana's official attendance contains a list of over 300 persons pooled from across the public and private sectors. According to Mrs. Cynthia Asare Bediako, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MESTI) most of the attendees are being sponsored 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 travelling on government tickets are not many, she told the Ghana News Agency in an exclusive interview. On the sources of funding, she explained: 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 added. Sector minister, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, who is attending the conference as part of the presidential delegation, last week disclosed that over 320 persons were due to attend from Ghana. He explained that out of a total of 322 people attending - registered at the time, participants from government institutions account for 226, while those from non-state actors are 72 and those belonging to the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) are 24. Half of the number on the government platform are NGOs and partner institutions who decided to go through some institutions to be registered, he clarified. Therefore, the actual government staff attending the COP is about 150People attending this will be participating in diverse programming including negotiations, workshops, side events and bilateral meetings. Sponsorships are also from diverse sources, he stressed. Akufo-Addo leads COP 27 delegation President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo arrived in Egypt on Sunday as leader of Ghanas delegation of climate negotiators to COP 27. COP 27, scheduled for November 7 to 18, is being hosted in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh. It will provide the platform for climate activists and negotiators to discuss, propose actions and make decisions towards facilitating the implementation of the various Articles of the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact. At a Pre-COP media briefing organised by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation in Accra, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, sector Minister, said Ghanas team was ready to present the real needs of the African people at the conference. Ghana will participate actively at the negotiations, and the Presidency implementation summit and also host a number of events at the Ghana Pavilion. We will launch the Article six framework and sign some additional bilateral agreements with Sweden and Singapore. Other sectors will host events relating to their mandate, i.e., energy, forestry, transport, finance etc, Dr Afriyie stated. 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 Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), has served notice that it will embark on strike if the government fails to address some unresolved issues affecting its members within 10 days. The Association is worried about the governments failure to, among other things, comply with rulings of the National Labour Commission (NLC) to pay certain allowances to its members and would not accept any further delays. We wish to inform government that the National Executive of TUTAG has been stretched to its end to the unresolved issues and would therefore not be able to guarantee industrial harmony on the various campuses, Professor Collins Ameyaw, President of TUTAG cautioned at a news conference in Kumasi. He said governments disregard for the rulings of the NLC on the codified Conditions of Service (CoS) for members of TUTAG which had been outstanding since 2016 was worrying. He also bemoaned the reluctance on the part of the NLC to enforce its own ruling against the government, saying that, TUTAG had patiently engaged government amidst a feet-dragging posture on its part. He said the NLC on September 02, 2022 ruled that the effective date of payment of the Internally Generated Fund (IGF) component of the allowances should be August 2021, as negotiated and agreed by the parties. The same ruling also directed the Minister of Finance (MoF) to ensure payment by issuing the necessary letters to the various University Councils within a reasonable time to make budgetary provisions in the budget, he stated. Subsequent to these rulings, he said, TUTAG had endured several processes expected to culminate into the Ministry of Finance issuing an authorisation letter to the Universities to effect payment. Unfortunately, despite numerous follow-ups the MoF has not shown any commitment to issue the letter to the Universities, he complained. He said TUTAG members had invariably been denied their appropriate benefits within the scope of the reviewed IGF-related conditions of service. Prof Ameyaw said the inertia displayed by the MoF in failing to authorise Councils of Technical Universities as directed by the NLC to budget for and pay the allowances was creating uneasiness on campuses of various Technical Universities. Another worrying observation by TUTAG, he noted, was the attitude of Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities in the matter of conditions of service of the Association. He said TUTAG had picked intelligence that the Vice Chancellors were in backdoor negotiation with some government agencies to defer the effective date of IGF-related conditions of service to January, 2023 instead of August, 2021. We wish to state that the actions of the Vice Chancellors amount to unfair labour practice, especially when we have concluded negotiations on the allowances in question, he pointed out. He urged the Vice Chancellors to desist from such interference in the work of TUTAG to ensure industrial harmony on various campuses. 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 Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has affirmed governments position of eliminating imports of products which can be produced in the country, in order to address the long-term decline in value of the Ghanaian cedi and be self-sufficient. The nations reliance on importing finished goods and exporting raw materials contributes to the ongoing shortage of domestic foreign currency supply and continual demand for foreign currencies. This is the cause of long-term decline in value of the Ghanaian cedi relative to significant trading currencies. Speaking at a meeting with industry leaders from the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the minister said his ministry will do its part and work with all the relevant authorities, especially with you, concerning the issue of eliminating imports of products that we can produce right here in Ghana. Stating some of the imported items that could be affected by the new government stance, the minister said: Self-sufficiency and export of items such as rice, poultry, vegetable oil to fix pasture, fruit-juice, bottled water and ceramics is at this moment an urgent priority, and government is prepared to support our local industry players with this effort. Only when we achieve this feat can we guarantee a stable currency and secure a high level of predictability for citizens and the business community, he stated. Between 2017 and 2020, the country is reported to have spent as much as GH6.9billion on the importation of rice. Within the same period, the country has also imported some GH4billion of fish and another GH1.9billion of chicken and some GH487million of meat. I dont know how we can continue to do this. You know, in effect, the poor cocoa farmer weeds and produces cocoa and we get some US$2billion from them and then we use it to import these things and insist that we need benchmark value reduction. So, this is where we are. We must ask ourselves where our sovereignty lies, the minister said. Due to the decrease in benchmark prices during the last three years, government has lost close to GH9billion in tax revenue from the sale of imported goods. Dr. Humphrey Ayim Darke, AGI President, expressed industrial concerns over a complete reversal of the benchmark policy, as the finance minister had hinted before passage of the 2022 budget. However, given the aforementioned context, one of our concerns is that this should apply to finished items rather than raw materials which are our primary import for value addition. In a format of intermediary costs or value addition, its very relevant for this policy issue to be taken into consideration; including zero-rated duty for industrial raw materials. This advocacy is on, and we fervently plead its implementation for the purposes of creating sustainable jobs, generating revenue for government, and charting the path of industrialisation, the AGI President said. Effective January 2022, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) began implementing governments policy directive on reversal of the reduction of values of imports on selected items, otherwise known as the benchmark values. For general merchandise, the discount policy was changed from 50 percent to 30 percent, and for autos it was changed from 30 percent to 10 percent. In order to help stabilise the pricing of imported goods on the market over the last three years, government had to forego up to 40 percent of its anticipated revenue. Source: thebftonline 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 Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and the Ministry of Education are expected to continue with the discussions on the on-going strike by the teacher unions today November 8, 2022. Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-G) say they will call off their strike action when the government addresses their grievances. The Unions on November 4, 2022, declared a nationwide strike over the failure of the government to meet the deadline to terminate the appointment of the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Eric Nkansah. Speaking to Starr News the General Secretary for GNAT, Thomas Musah stated that their meeting with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations and the Ministry of Education Friday, November 4, 2022 ended inconclusively. We had a short discussion with them but we could not conclude, all things being equal on Monday we will continue. So that is where we are. Both parties are committed. We have laid all our cards on the table and certainly, they are going to examine the issues. Even though they also raised issues for us to look at. But we told them that, we have presented all our cards on the table so you will have to go and look at them. Then Monday lets meet and deliberate on the issues then we take it up from there, Mr. Musah stated. He continued: So we are hoping that on Monday all things being equal we should be able to make some kind of progress and build on what we have been able to start. The General Secretary stated that the strike is still in force until a time that the issues are resolved. Because this particular announcement came as far back as two weeks ago. But it was not heeded to and all that. So it was only at the 11th hour that we had a call from the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations for us to come, he added. Source: starrfm 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 Chief of Nkwantakese in the Ashanti Region, Nana Boakye Yam Ababio, has debunked the notion that there is division between Ashantis and Ewes, as perceived by the youth and some politicians. His comment comes following the attendance of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at the just-ended Hogbetsotso Festival in Anlo. The Asantehene, Otumfuo II, and the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia joined the Awoamefia, Togbe Sri III, the Chiefs and people of Anlo and other distinguished traditional leaders for the 2022 Hogbetsotso Festival in Anlo on Saturday. According to reports, the Asantehenes visit is historic, especially being the first time in over 12 decades that an Asantehene was visiting Anlo, and so is the Vice Presidents, which was his first, as well as the second in nearly 15 years by a a high-profile leader of the NPP. Following the visits, many in Anlo were left impressed, and in praise of the two distinguished personalities lighting up the Hogbetsotso Festival on Saturday with their presence. The Asantehenes historic presence on Anlo land and at the Hogbetsotso Festival, was the first time in 120 years by any Asantehene. The last Asantehene to do so was Asantehene Kofi Karikari in the 19th Century. Speaking on Atinka TVs morning show, Ghana Nie with Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Nana Boakye Yam Ababio, observed that sometimes, people think there is division in Ghana, especially between Ashantis and Ewes, saying that rather, there is a stronger friendship between the two. He explained that the friendship between Ewes and Ashantis goes way back before 1834 and not just today. He also said the youth of today, especially politicians who do not really know history, are the ones who think there is division between Ashantis and Ewes, stressing that even in the Ashanti Region, other tribes, including the Ewes, have been given specific places to dwell, sighting the Anloga Junction and the entire area as such places allocated to the Ewes who settled in the Ashanti Region. According to Nana Boakye Yam Ababio, it is the responsibility of the Ashantis and Ewes to live together as one people, adding that what the Asantehene and his entourage did at the Hogbetsotso Festival was very beautiful and out of love. What we are saying is that there is no division, that there is no division between Ashantis and Ewes or Fantes. We are all one people, the only thing is that people settled in different places. Our attendance at the Hogbetsotso Festival tells those who think there is division between us that they are wrong, he said. Meanwhile, he urged people to stop having that impression and understand that there is love between Ashantis and Ewes and all other tribes, adding that the love between Ashantis and Ewes will continue to grow. 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 Philip Assafua, the chief executive officer of Appeb Cylinder Manufacturing Company has suggested to the government to ban the importation of gas cylinders into Ghana. His comment comes amidst the recent depreciation of the Ghana cedi, which has made locally manufactured gas cylinders quite expensive as compared to imported ones. Speaking to Asaase News on Monday, 7 November, Assafua said the government must swiftly intervene to save the local cylinder industry. It is my expectation that by now, there should be some directive, a least, like we are talking about import substitution, there shouldnt be the reason why anybody should import cylinders into the country, he said. Because we have the capacity here and we can meet any demand in the country. These are some of the things I am talking about in terms of protection. The government must come out with policies to protect the industry in terms of cost. If a factory in Ghana, is managing within the current circumstances, and that factory is still keeping people employed that factory needs the support of the government. A lot of companies are sacrificing their profit margins just to survive, Assafua added. Source: Asaase News 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 Pressure group OccupyGhana has sent its sixth open letter to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on the illegal mining fight in Ghana. Attached below is a copy of the letter GALAMSEY REMINDER (NO 6) - THE IMMINENT HEALTH DISASTER It is another Monday and since there is still no discernible executive action on bringing the rampant and irresponsible small-scale mining of gold - Galamsey - under control, here is our 7th letter and 6th reminder. Today, we want to touch on a health issue arising from Galamsey: the problem of mercury poisoning. Mercury is one of the top ten chemicals the WHO sees as a major health concern. Exposure to mercury - even in small amounts - can have profound health effects. Unfortunately, it is the one chemical small-scale miners use daily and often. Mercury occurs naturally as a liquid metal and vaporizes at room temperature. The vaporised mercury can react with other environmental gases like oxygen and sulfur to form inorganic mercury salts. When elemental mercury gets into waterbodies, they are bio-transformed and produce organic mercury. The three forms of mercury can all enter the body differently and cause health problems. The gold ore that is excavated is washed and panned to get a concentrate that hopefully gives a high yield of gold. This concentrate is then placed in a pan. Then some mercury is poured from a bottle into a miners hand, added to the concentrate in the pan and mixed by hand. The mix is washed with water till only the gold-mercury amalgam remains. The discarded water from the washings is disposed off into the environment. The amalgam is then squeezed into a piece of fabric or towel to recover excess mercury. Some miners will even suck on the fabric to recover mercury in their mouths! To get to the gold, the mercury is burnt off on a coal pot or with a blowtorch, releasing the mercury vapor into the atmosphere. So through amalgamation of gold by the miners, all three forms of mercury are produced. The elemental form can be swallowed. In that form, it is mildly toxic. The vapor is inhaled and gets into the lungs. Some get into the blood, turn organic and settle in the red blood cells. The mercury vapor also penetrates the central nervous system, turn into the inorganic form and get trapped in the brain. The inorganic salts are quite toxic. They can enter the body through the mouth or the skin. They accumulate then mostly in the kidneys and brain. The half-life in the kidney is 40 days. The organic form, called Methyl-mercury, is formed by biotransformation of elemental mercury in waterbodies like rivers, lakes and the seas. It accumulates in fish and get into humans when we eat fish from these contaminated waterbodies. From the intestines, it can cross the placenta into a fetus in a pregnant woman. It can also accumulate in the brain, red blood cells and kidney. The half-life in the kidneys is 39 to 70 days. So what does all this accumulation of mercury in the body do? In a nutshell: Reproduction - Men: erectile dysfunction, loss of libido low sperm count, infertility - Women: infertility, miscarriages, painful menses - Fetus: deformities, spontaneous abortions, low birth weight babies - Brain: gait problems, blindness, hearing loss, madness - Lungs: fibrosis, chronic respiratory failure - Heart: enlargement and failure (cardiomyopathy) - Liver: cirrhosis - GI: ulcers, bleeding - Kidneys: failure - Blood: anemia, leukemia - Immune System: depression, infections Mr. President, though the miners will suffer the consequences of exposure to mercury the most, its effects will not stay localised forever. By getting into our waterbodies, people who live far away from these mining areas can be affected too. What happened in Minamata, Japan in the 1960s should be a cautionary example. In a 2017 paper published by Francis Gbogbo and his team (Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24:56195627), they looked at mercury levels in crustaceans, mollusks, and fish in three Ghanaian river basins - the Ankobra, Densu , and Lower Volta. Mercury concentration was highest in Ankobra (2.5 2.59 g g-1) followed by Densu (1.75 1.35 g g-1) and Volta (0.74 1.46 g g-1). The recommended level of mercury is 0.5 mg/kg. A recent paper by Alex Kwesi Saim (Environmental Science and Pollution Research 28:6191961928, 2021) of the Minerals Engineering Department, University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa discusses the level of contamination by mercury of our soils and water bodies and is worth reading by you and all our policy makers. And so we ask you to lead the push to control small-scale mining. The health of the nation depends on it. Yours in the service of God and Country OccupyGhana Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Chairperson of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Nana Akosua Frimpongmaa Sarpong Kumankumah, has called on the government to heed the cries of the youth in the face of the current economic hardships. We are asking the government to immediately do what is right to ensure that, especially, foodstuffs and transportation for our young people are affordable, she said. Nana Sarpong Kumankumah made the comments during the Kume Preko demonstration held over the weekend in Accra. She joined hundreds of Ghanaians who took to the streets in the capital to register their displeasure over the current economic hardships in the country. The protesters, clad in red and black, marched through some principal streets demanding the immediate resignation of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice-President, Mahamadu Bawumia. Nana Sarpong Kumankumah said she was in support of the youth who were exercising their democratic rights by voicing their concerns peacefully. The signal that it sends to the government is that the Ghanaian youth is peaceful. The Ghanaian youth just wants some better lifestyle, she said. I am here to support the youth of this country and I am tasking every youth to get involved. This is the only way they can vent their frustration and we the adults support them because we have messed up, she said. She added that the demonstration was the youths way of telling the older generation they had messed up. So if this is the way they are going to tell us that we have messed up, then we should accept it, she said. Nana Sarpong Kumankumah, therefore, urged the government to listen to and accept the grievances of the populace saying that all the youth wanted was a better life. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Despite sustained public outcry, the 19-kilometre Accra-Tema Motorway continues to deteriorate and pose grave danger to motorists. Two years after the Daily Graphic began to highlight the deteriorating state of the 56-year-old motorway, potholes, bitumen patches, erosion and hardened lumps from spilled concrete are still posing a danger and discomfort to drivers and passengers who commute on it on a daily basis. On both sides of the countrys only concrete motorway, potholes, some of which have been patched with bitumen, have left the road in a dangerous state, especially at night when visibility on the stretch is poor. About half of the street lights that were mounted on the motorway about a year ago are not functioning. Situation worsens A month-long monitoring by the Daily Graphic, as a follow-up to similar exercises in the past, revealed that the situation had only become worse. While the Tema-Accra stretch remains the more deplorable, the portion around the Ashaiman tollbooth, where transit trucks park on the shoulders, sometimes for hours, has been destroyed by potholes, while erosion has also eaten into the edges. The stretch just before the Abattoir Bridge, which was recently fixed, has developed potholes that force drivers to slow down, creating traffic congestion all the way to the Ashaiman under-bridge area. Accidents On four occasions, while monitoring activities on the motorway for this story series, the Daily Graphic came across vehicular accidents, one of which resulted in injuries and the victims rushed to hospital. On our recent tour of the motorway a week ago, a tanker truck driver, Raymond Nkrumah, who was seen stranded on the Tema-Accra side, with his vehicle in a ditch, said he had loaded the truck with diesel from the Bulk Oil and Storage Transportation Limited (BOST) in Tema and was headed for Kumasi when the truck hit a pothole, resulting in the removal of the tyre rod. "I hit a pothole and my tyre rod was removed, tossed the vehicle from one side to the other before entering the ditch," he said. The experience, he said, was scary. Speed radar Meanwhile, the team observed that the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) had installed a solar-powered electronic radar speed sign on the motorway. The speed sign was installed to make drivers aware of the level of their speed as they drove to help them keep to the required speed on the motorway. Public outcry Two years ago, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, told the Daily Graphic that plans were far advanced for the reconstruction of the motorway to make it safer for users. We are in the process of reconstructing the motorway soon to ensure the safety of road users, he said at the time. Despite the assurance by the minister, the motorway has since not seen any major rehabilitation. Rather, motorists are still confronted with the nightmare of a deteriorating motorway, prompting calls from the public for the government to fix and restore it to its original state. When contacted, the Ministry of Roads and Highways declined to comment on the situation except to refer the Daily Graphic to the 2022 Mid-Year Budget review in June this year, in which the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, gave an assurance that work on the reconstruction of the motorway would start last two months. Mr Speaker, under the Ministry of Roads and Highways (MoRH) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme for road infrastructure, the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) Accra Tema Motorway and Extension PPP Project (27.7km) is at the procurement stage. Site works are expected to commence in September 2022, the minister said. The Greater Accra Regional Director of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), Emmanuel Laryea Odai, told the Daily Graphic that as an interim measure, the Mobile Maintenance Unit of the GHA would be resourced to carry out periodic maintenance, while the government prepared to reconstruct the motorway. The unit has been doing some work on the motorway, and that is supposed to be an interim measure to keep it running before the reconstruction work begins, as indicated by the sector minister, he said. New contracts A Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Stephen Pambiin Jalulah, also told the Daily Graphic, last year that the government was in the process of awarding the contract for the reconstruction of the motorway and the dualisation of some highways across the country. I know that financing arrangements will soon be made for contractors to begin work on the motorway," he said. Already, he said, the contract for the design and reconstruction of the motorway from the Tema Interchange through the Apenkwa Interchange to the Neoplan Junction at Achimota had been awarded. Recap Since December 2020, the Daily Graphic has focused on safety on the motorway and produced six stories to highlight some of the acts of indiscipline that portend danger for road users, as well as the bad state of the road. The first story: "Motorway menace on increase", focused on some of the illegal activities perpetrated by both motorists and squatters along the motorway. That was followed in January this year by another story titled: "Indiscipline unabated: Accra-Tema Motorway without rules", which also threw light on the indiscipline on the motorway that was threatening the safety of road users. Another story: The lights go dim: Accra-Tema Motorway in focus, was published on April 15, 2021, to highlight the concerns of motorists over visibility on the motorway and how challenging it was to drive on it at night. After the publication, the Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Professor Alex Dodoo, told the Daily Graphic that the streetlights did not conform to the countrys standard for street lighting. That revelation was then captured in a follow-up story with the headline: Motorway lights substandard GSA, which was published on April 16, 2021. Our attention then shifted to the state of the motorway with a story that was published on June 1, 2022, with the headline: A year on: Accra-Tema Motorway still in bad shape. Each of the stories was published with a number of photos to signal the urgency to restore the motorway to improve safety. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A farmer, Samuel Ampomah, who filed a suit seeking the Supreme Court to allow men to marry more than one wife under the marriage ordinance law, has discontinued the case. Mr Ampomah filed the notice of discontinuance on October 22 this year. The apex court is expected to sit soon and decide whether or not to allow the plaintiff to discontinue the suit. Mr Ampomah went to the Supreme Court in November last year with a case that it was unconstitutional for the Marriages Act, 1884 (CAP 127), and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) to forbid a man from marrying more than one wife under the ordinance and also make it a crime. According to him, CAP 127 and Act 29 violated Articles 17 (2) and 21(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which respectively prohibits discrimination and guarantees the right to practice any religion without restriction. Plaintiffs reliefs Mr Ampomah was seeking a declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of Articles 17(2) and 21(1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution and the spirit of the Constitution, Section 74 (1) of CAP 127 which forbids a man from marrying more than one wife under the ordinance was unconstitutional, and, therefore, null and void. Again, he wanted the apex court to declare as unconstitutional Sections 262, 263, 264 and 265(2) of Act 29 which make it an offence for a man to marry again under the ordinance while he is already married. Legal arguments Under CAP 127, there are three types of marriages customary, Islamic and ordinance. The first two customary and Islamic allow a man to marry more than one wife, while the ordinance prohibits a man from marrying more than one wife. Mr Ampomah argued that the marriage under the ordinance applied solely to Christian marriage, but that there was no evidence that monogamous marriage was part of Christianity. Rather, he argued that monogamous marriage was a European culture which had been made to look like a religious or Christian culture. It was, therefore, his case that making it compulsory for Christians to marry only one was an imposition which discriminates against people in Ghana who identified as Christians. Plaintiff maintains that in the Christian manual of life known as the Bible, there is no prohibition against Christian men from marrying more than one wife anyway, making the prohibition in Sections 74(1) (b) of CAP 127, and Sections 262, 263 and 265 (2) an undue and improper imposition on the lives of Christians, he argued. A-Gs defence In its defence, the Attorney-General (A-G) argued that the plaintiff had not made any case to be granted the reliefs that he sought. According to the A-G, the three different types of marriages captured under CAP 127 were based on the various religious practices in the country. It is trite that customary and Mohammedan marriages are potentially polygamous, while the Bible which guides Christianity upholds monogamy. This principle is established throughout the Bible and is practiced by Christians the world over, the A-G argued. The A-G further argued that the plaintiff had not properly invoked the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution. It was the case of the A-G that the fact that the plaintiff sought interpretation did not mean the law he complained about met the interpretation criteria set out by case law. The A-G contended that Section 74 (1) (b) of CAP 127 was clear, concise and admitted no ambiguity, and that there was no need for interpretation or enforcement by the court. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Leading ICT Company, Huawei Ghana has offered 50 outstanding Ghanaian tertiary ladies the opportunity to take part in its global flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Seeds for the Future 2022. The program which began on October 31 climaxed today, November 7, 2022 at the Huawei Ghana Office in Accra with a Tech4Good competition among 11 teams from Finland, Baltics, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Ghana. The Tech4Good project is an initiative started in 2021 under the Huawei Seeds for the Future digital skills training program. The program comes in the form of a competition designed to help young adults learn about latest trends in digitalization and enable them explore how digital technologies can address common societal problems. After the first and second round of the competition, two teams from Ghana (Peerless Techies and The Ace Seeds) and one team from Iceland (Niceland) made it to finals. The winner of the Tech4Good competition is expected to be announced on 9th November, 2022, after which a national awards ceremony will be held on 17th November, 2022 to celebrate outstanding student and teams from Ghana. Speaking during the official launch of the 2022 Seeds for the Future Program in Ghana, the Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Ghana, Mr. Kweku Essuman Quansah indicated that, the dedication of this years Seeds for the Future program to females, falls in line with the companys commitment to promote the participation of more women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The program, according to Mr. Quansah, will equip participants with the requisite leadership and ICT skills needed to keep them relevant in the ICT ecosystem. He further revealed that the Tech4Good project will build on their problem-solving skills and groom them to become independent thinkers with support from their designated project mentors. The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Hon. Ama Pomaa Boateng during the official launch of the program also applauded Huawei for its commitment aimed at harnessing the potential of young women, to enable them compete equitably in the ICT space. According to her Huawei, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization have successfully trained over 25,000 Senior High School (SHS) Girls in Cyber Security and Privacy Protection this year, with over 40 Senior High Schools benefiting from the initiative. The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalization encouraged the 2022 Seeds for the Future beneficiaries to take the 8-days intensive online training seriously and place Ghana on top of the Global Seeds ladder. So far, the Huawei Seeds for the Future program has benefitted 220 tertiary students with 50 per cent of the beneficiaries being females. 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 National Chairman of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Nana Ofori Owusu, has assented to calls that President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo must resign. The calls were made during the 'Kume Preko reloaded' protest held in Accra on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Scores of demonstrators clad in red attire thronged the streets of the capital city to register their displeasure with President Nana Addo and his administration. Wielding placards with various inscriptions to convey their message to the President, some of the protesters made it vivid that they no longer want the President at the Jubilee House. They showed placards that said the President should resign while they whined about the economic hardships. On Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Nana Ofori Owusu was asked his position on the request for the President to step down. Delivering his response, he stated that it is obvious Ghanaians are not happy with the way the President is administering the affairs of the nation and particularly with his refusal to dismiss Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta who many people including Members of Parliament of his (President) political party want out of office. He argued that, "we believe that when they change him (Ken Ofori-Atta) and introduce a new team [the party is full of many bright people], 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". "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 asserted. To him, "the Finance Minister should be sacked" but if the President is not ready to remove the Finance Minister, then both President Nana Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia "should resign. If the President is not willing to take that decision, then he should resign". 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 Organizer of the 'Kume Preko Reloaded' Demonstration, Lawyer Martin Kpebu, has denied speculations that he belongs to the largest opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) and that he is lacing his boot to contest the Kpandai constituency seat on the ticket of the aforementioned political party. According to him, he does not belong to any political party and does not have any such intention. Speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he explained that no political party funded his 'kume preko reloaded' demonstration. He expalins that though he had support from some private citizens and non-political groups, he did not accept any financial support from any political party. "The 'kume preko reloaded' demonstration has really cost me money," he noted. He added that as a floating voter, he joined millions of Ghanaians who believed in the promises of then candidate Nana Akufo-Addo to turn things around when elected as President but unfortunately, he has failed to show class in leadership. He, however, reiterated that he does not belong to any political party and as such does not want to be associated with that. "I want to be in my small corner and do what I can to support my country in every small way I can," he maintained. Watch video below Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected] 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 Sammi Awuku, the Director of the National Lottery Authority, has reacted to news circulating that the Vice President was booed during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Hogbetsotso Za held at the Anloga park in the Volta Region. The Hogbetsotso celebration which came off over the weekend saw rich culture on display. The Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the King of Ashanti, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, together with other dignitaries graced the occasion. During the event, the Vice President delivered a speech where he pledged the commitment of government to restoring the economy and also shared some achievements chalked by the Akufo-Addo administration. "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...", he said. Dr. Bawumia however noted that the government still has a lot to do to improve the lives of Ghanaians. "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." A video has surfaced showing a section of the crowd gathered at the Hogbetsotso festival shouting "away" in an attempt to stop him. Sammi Awuku, speaking Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, admitted that Dr. Bawumia was booed but stressed it was an insignificant few people who embarked on that assignment. "When he mentions the achievements, then you could see the people cheering him...then I saw at the extreme corner of the park, right, corner like a corner post on the football pitch; a group of people numbering about 30 started rushing to the center at where the Vice President was delivering his speech. "So, whereas you had one group cheering the Vice President, about 500 or so people to the right, these people I saw [I'm sure they will be about 40], I could count at least between 30 to 40...I say they formed almost an insignificant portion of the about 2000 people who had gathered", he explained. Mr. Awuku emphasized that no matter how hard they tried to heckle the Veep, the applause for him was thunderous. "The Vice President arrived at Anloga to a rousing welcome, not somebody saying. They gave him a warm reception...When the Vice President started talking or speaking, the applause the Vice President received...the thunderous applause the Vice President had, mind you this is an NDC stronghold." 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 NLA Director-General, Sammi Awuku has empathized with the Finance Minister in relation to the pressure on him to resign or be sacked by President Nana Addo. Members of Parliament have petitioned the President to dismiss the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen. The MPs threatened to boycott parliamentary sittings if the President doesn't remove Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta but during an emergency meeting with the President, they have agreed to allow him (Ofori-Atta) conclude the IMF deal and afterwards they revisit their decision to sack him. Tackling the issue, Sammi Awuku was of an opinion that the Finance Minister isn't to blame for the economic woes of the nation. Contributing to Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning programme, he shared pity for the Finance Minister saying, "situations can conspire against you and in one of such situations is what our current Finance Minister also faces. You have no control over this world economy. You have no control over the war going on. You have no control over the COVID". He was confident the President and the parties calling for his (Ofori-Atta) dismissal will arrive at the best decision. "I am not the one to appoint or disappoint (sic). That power lies in the hands of the President. The President has met the leadership of the party, leadership of Parliament and Members of Parliament. I think they've had closed-door meetings and I'm confident that the best decision will be taken by both the government, the Finance Minister and the Members of Parliament," he stated. 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 Former President, John Dramani Mahama, has asked the government to halt the proposed building of constituency offices for MPs until the economy is out of the woods. In a Facebook post, Mahama mentioned that in the interim office spaces can be found within the District Assemblies or other government buildings for the purpose. The proposed building of Constituency offices for MPs should be shelved until the economy is out of the woods. In the interim, office space can be found within the District Assemblies or other government buildings for the purpose. In our current economic state, public funds must go into projects that are necessary and which meet the pressing needs of our people in the communities. Such projects must have tangible and measurable impact on job creation and national development, Mahama posted on Facebook. Presenting the 2022 budget on the floor of Parliament in December 2021, Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta revealed that the construction of constituency offices for all 275 Members of Parliament is expected to start in 2022 in phases. The move, according to the Minister, is one of the many activities being undertaken under the Parliamentary Service Office Support Project (PSOSP) to strengthen Parliament and boost the work of the legislators. The PSOSP will be fully completed in 2022. Phase I of the construction of constituency offices for Members of Parliament will commence in 2022. In 2022, Parliament will upgrade ICT facilities in the Debating Chamber and Committee meeting rooms to improve the quality of video and replace consoles to improve feed for live broadcast of proceedings Other projects at various stages of completion are: the e-Parliament project; Phase II of the Table Office MIS; the Data Centre; and the operationalisation of the Budget and Fiscal Analysis Office, Ken Ofori Atta said. 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 An aide to the NPP Member of Parliament(MP) for Dome-Kwabenya, Nana Dubin Kwapong, has told NEAT FMs morning show, 'Ghana Montie' that Sarah Adwoa Safo is still loved by the constituency. According to him, despite her absence for a year, members of her constituency have welcomed her with much love. People are really happy to see her back, he said Sarah Adwoa Safo has been in the United States of America since 2021. The MPs return comes after the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, on October 26, 2022, ruled that the report of the committee set up to look into her case and that of two other MPs who absented themselves for a number of sittings should be presented before the whole house for a debate. Watch video below 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 Koku Anyidoho, a one-time presidential spokesperson has reacted to the 'Kume preko' reloaded protest that took place over the weekend. The protest which saw hundreds of Ghanaians clad in red and black and holding placards critical of the government was called by a private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu. The lawyer decried the spate of economic mismanagement as a core plank for his call for the president and his vice to resign and hand over power to the Speaker of Parliament. It is that demand that Anyidoho built his views around in a tweet dated November 6, 2022. It read: "When a lawyer goes on demonstration to ask that the President and Vice President should resign; is he asking for a coup?" Kpebu speaks at protest Kpebu led hundreds of demonstrators who marched through the capital on Saturday demanding the immediate resignation of President Akufo-Addo over Ghanas current economic woes. Addressing protesters during the march, he said: We are dying; citizens are dying; citizens cant afford food; citizens are starving all because of misgovernance by President Akufo-Addo. "It never happened that you have a president in office and every time that the country borrows, the presidents family becomes richer; how? This cant continue. "We cant borrow all the time and have Databank becoming richer all the time. Citizens have a duty as stated in Article 41 [of the Constitution] to ask the president to resign and this is not the first time that a president of Ghana is going to resign, Martin Kpebu said. What Akufo-Addo said about Ghana being in a crisis Amid an economic downturn, calls for Akufo-Addo to resign has heightened with a November 5, 2022 protest dubbed Kume Preko Reloaded making the loudest call as activists and politicians marched in Accra to press home that demand. The government is meanwhile, grappling with an economic crisis, which along with the galamsey scourge and corruption are the major drivers for the call on Akufo-Addo to resign along with his Vice President, Mahamadu Bawumia. Akufo-Addo in his October 30 address on the economy blamed the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as causes for the countrys economic woes. While admitting that the country was in crisis and rallying support for various government interventions to stem the tide, he said the situation was not peculiar to the country as many nations across the world were also experiencing difficulties. We are in a crisis, I do not exaggerate when I say so. I cannot find an example in history when so many malevolent forces have come together at the same time. But, as we have shown in other circumstances, we shall turn this crisis into an opportunity to resolve not just the short-term, urgent problems, but the long-term structural problems that have bedevilled our economy, he said. But like before, President Akufo-Addo blamed the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as causative factors for the economic woes. blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> When a lawyer goes on demonstration to ask that the President and Vice President should resign; is he asking for a coup? Samuel Koku Anyidoho???????? (@KokuAnyidoho) November 6, 2022 You can also watch this edition of GhanaWeb Special here: 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 Chief Executive Officer of the Intercity State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, has poked fun at the organizers of the 'Kume Preko' protest held on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Throng of protesters went out on the streets of the capital city wielding placards with various inscriptions to register their displeasure with the Akufo-Addo administration. The leader of the demonstration, Lawyer Martin Kpebu says President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should resign. Reacting during Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", Nana Akomea found the demonstration purposeless and a waste of one's time. To him, the demonstration flopped because of what he would describe as ridiculous demands by the organizers that the First Gentleman and the Veep should step down. Directing a message to the organizers, the STC Boss stated "forcing a President to resign isn't in the constitution". "If they had gone on the demonstration because life has become hard, there wouldn't have been any problem. In fact, they would have had many people to join them. But a demonstration to force the President to resign is preposterous," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi. "Is this a demonstration to attend?", he asked in laughter. 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 The Government of Senegal has accepted to host the 8th edition of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) at a joint world media conference. The host country unveiling was held at the Hotel King Fahd Royal Palace, in Dakar, Senegal last Friday. The awards ceremony will now be held from January 12 to 15, 2023, in Dakar, Senegal; shifting the previous date up by four weeks as jointly announced by the International Committee of the AFRIMA, the African Union Commission and the Republic of Senegal. This also means that the voting deadline for the nominees will now be shifted till January 13, 2023, at 23.00 (CAT). This will be the first time the main awards ceremony will be held in a francophone country after past editions. In attendance at the conference were the representatives of Senegalese Minister of Culture and Communication; and Minister of Tourism and Air Travels, Special Adviser to the President of Senegal, Dr. Massamba Gaye alongside local and international media professionals; AFRIMA delegates; African Union Commission officials; African music stakeholders; 8th AFRIMA nominees and African artistes, among others. The event is scheduled to commence on Thursday January 12, 2023, with a courtesy visit to the president of the host country, while a host city tour, school visit and gift presentation (as part of AFRIMAs CSR), as well as welcome soiree will be held on the same day. The four-day event continues on Friday, January 13, 2023, with the African Music Business Summit and the AFRIMA Urban Music Fest; while the main rehearsals and nominees exclusive party will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023; the event will climax on Sunday, January 15, 2023, with the live awards ceremony broadcast by 104 TV stations to over 84 countries around the world. Source: Daily Guide 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 " " This makeshift memorial for victims in the Gilgo Beach murders stands along Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach, New York. The Long Island killer is still at large. Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday RM via Getty Images There's something irresistibly macabre about serial killers that has long fascinated humans since the early days of newspapers. Perhaps it's the psychological fascination offered by someone who could do something so far out outside the bounds of social acceptance, or it might be the fear readers get from wondering about the tiny chance the person working at their local grocery store may have the most chilling of secrets. But the stories that really keep the public up at night, or at least make the average person triple-check their front door dock, are the serial killers who haven't been caught. While it's unsettling to read about the atrocious acts committed by serial killers such as Jeffrey Dahmer or Ted Bundy, it's just as engrossing to speculate about the ones still at large or the ones who are so skilled we don't even know they're out there. Advertisement Here are 10 of the most chilling stories of serial killers who have never been caught and may forever get away with their crimes. Credit: New York University Press Professor Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor and associate professor of ethics and society at Vanderbilt, has edited and published "Religion, Race, and COVID-19: Confronting White Supremacy in the Pandemic" (New York University Press, 2022), an anthology exploring the countless challenges, racially charged acts, setbacks, triumphs and newfound hope through the eyes of individuals living through one of the most pressing, perplexing social crises in recent memorynamely, the global COVID-19 pandemic. "The year 2020 offered us great hindsight for how to ascertain how life matters most to us," Floyd-Thomas said. "To be mandated to stay at home; to witness culture wars, social unrest and COVID-19 plague, our minds and bodies yielded a moment marked by paralysis, turmoil and death. "We were not only dealing with racism, but also that of a literal plague, and as scholars, we desperately needed a way to find catharsis," she said. By the summer of 2020, Floyd-Thomas assembled a wide collection of professional colleagues from diverse backgrounds and various disciplinary approaches from across the nation to collaborate on the edited volume. Each scholar was invited to contribute original essays based on their particular research expertise as it best related to the book's titular subject matter. The book's chapters include "Who's Saving Whom?: Black Millennials and the Revivification of Religious Communities" by Melanie C. Jones; "Love Crafts Countries: Loving beyond the White DivideA Story of Blackness, Korea, and Transformative Power on the Damascus Road" by Blanche Bong Cook; and "Toxic Religion, Toxic Churches, and Toxic Policies: Evangelicals, 'White Blessing,' and COVID-19" by David P. Gushee. "It's a multifaceted, multidimensional scholarship that is public-facing," Floyd-Thomas said. "It is the work of over 10 scholars engaged and trained in the life of the mind to find means to make life more sustainable for communities that find themselves unattended to in scholarship, on the underside of history and ravaged by the everyday forces that threaten human flourishing." The work examines how the nation's younger generations found community in a virtual space, racial reckonings within the Black and Asian American populations, and how churches and places of worship evolved. "We saw these major events happening from our couches and in moments where we could not gather; we saw our Millennials and GenZers leading us," Floyd-Thomas said. "And if it weren't for their moral leadership, the rest of the world would not have been paying us any mind. "While not without precedent as a deadly virus, COVID-19 represents a pandemic of unprecedented magnitudetotalizing and ubiquitous in creating a death toll that is not only biological, but perhaps also sociological, technological, ideological and psychological," she said. "This book seeks to examine this moment for its religious significance through an exploration of how different groups recognize, reconcile, redeem and resurrect a sense of both human and ultimate significance as they confront this death-dealing reality that is seemingly beyond human control." Floyd-Thomas and her colleagues plan to continue research on the subject in the future to help the world remember a historic era and the racial disparities that emerged. "We promised not to give up on the work or each other. This book is a testament to that," Floyd Thomas said. "It is also to do three things simultaneously: define the moral crises in our midst; denounce the hurt and harm that has befallen many peoplemost especially communities of colorin the past few years since the onset of the pandemic; and imagine future pathways to avoid replicating and reinforcing past mistakes." (a) An example of an XPFS detector image over a 90 90 pixelated detectors. (b) Corresponding image of the photon map produced by the simulator for the detector image, plotted as the photon distribution per speckle. Credit: Structural Dynamics (2022). DOI: 10.1063/4.0000161 X-rays can be used like a superfast, atomic-resolution camera, and if researchers shoot a pair of X-ray pulses just moments apart, they get atomic-resolution snapshots of a system at two points in time. Comparing these snapshots shows how a material fluctuates within a tiny fraction of a second, which could help scientists design future generations of super-fast computers, communications, and other technologies. Resolving the information in these X-ray snapshots, however, is difficult and time intensive, so Joshua Turner, a lead scientist at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Center and Stanford University, and ten other researchers turned to artificial intelligence to automate the process. Their machine learning-aided method, published October 17 in Structural Dynamics, accelerates this X-ray probing technique, and extends it to previously inaccessible materials. "The most exciting thing to me is that we can now access a different range of measurements, which we couldn't before," Turner said. Handling the blob When studying materials using this two-pulse technique, the X-rays scatter off a material and are usually detected one photon at a time. A detector measures these scattered photons, which are used to produce a speckle patterna blotchy image that represents the precise configuration of the sample at one instant in time. Researchers compare the speckle patterns from each pair of pulses to calculate fluctuations in the sample. "However, every photon creates an explosion of electrical charge on the detector," Turner said. "If there are too many photons, these charge clouds merge together to create an unrecognizable blob." This cloud of noise means the researchers must collect tons of scattering data to yield a clear understanding of the speckle pattern. "You need a lot of data to work out what's happening in the system," said Sathya Chitturi, a Ph.D. student at Stanford University who led this work. He is advised by Turner and coauthor Mike Dunne, director of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray laser at SLAC. With conventional methods, all of the data had to be collected first, then analyzed using models that estimate how the photons bunch together at the detectora lengthy process to understand the speckle patterns. The machine learning method, on the other hand, uses the raw detector image of scattered photons to directly extract fluctuation information. This new method is ten times faster on its own and 100 times faster when combined with improved hardware, allowing data analysis in closer to real time. Part of the success of the new method came from the efforts of coauthor Nicolas Burdet, an associate staff scientist at SLAC who developed a simulator that produced data with which to train the machine learning model. Through this training, the algorithm was able to learn how the charge clouds merge, and untangle how many photons hit the detector per blob and per pulse pair. The model proved accurate even under very blobby conditions. Seeing beyond the clouds The model can extract information for a range of materials that have been difficult to study because X-rays scatter off them too weakly for detection, such as high-temperature superconductors or quantum spin liquids. Chitturi said the new method could also be applied to other, non-quantum materials, including colloids, alloys, and glasses. Turner said the research should be a help for the LCLS-II upgrade, which will allow researchers to collect up to a million images, or a few terabytes of data, per second, compared to about a hundred images a second for LCLS. "At SLAC we're excited about this upgrade but have also been kind of worried if we can handle this amount of data," Turner said. In a related paper, the team found that their new technique should be fast enough to deal with all that data. "This new algorithm will really help." The speed boost offered by artificial intelligence promises to also alter the experimental process itself. Instead of making decisions after data collection and analysis, researchers will be able to analyze data and make changes during data collection, which could save time and money spent during the experiment. It will also allow the researchers to spot surprises and redirect their experiments in real time to investigate unexpected phenomena. "This method can let you explore more of the materials science you're interested in and maximize scientific impact by letting you make decisions at different points along your experiment about changes in experimental variables such as temperature, magnetic field, and material composition," Chitturi said. The study is part of a larger collaboration between SLAC, Northeastern University, and Howard University to use machine learning to advance materials and chemistry research. More information: Sathya R. Chitturi et al, A machine learning photon detection algorithm for coherent x-ray ultrafast fluctuation analysis, Structural Dynamics (2022). DOI: 10.1063/4.0000161 Hongwei Chen et al, Testing the data framework for an AI algorithm in preparation for high data rate X-ray facilities, arXiv (2022). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2210.10137 Journal information: arXiv One of the earliest eclipse photographs in Japan. Photographed by Ikunosuke Arai in 1887. Credit: Paris Observatory Library (License CC BY-NC) By combining written texts, folklore, and astronomical calculations, a team of researchers at Nagoya University, the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and Otaru University of Commerce identified, examined, and analyzed specific records for three historical eclipses. The texts included the writings of Tokunai Mogami (17551836), one of the most prominent Shogunate explorers for Hokkaido, Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands, the islands found between Japan and Russia. For researching past astronomical events, folklore and historical texts are underused sources of information. Although often colored by fanciful descriptions or the limited science of the day, oral and written records can nonetheless serve as jumping-off points for astronomical investigations of phenomena such as solar eclipses. In Japan's northernmost major island, Hokkaido, such historical records are rare, but important. Compared to Japan's main island of Honshu, historical sources in Hokkaido are less common because few Japanese people called it home and the Indigenous Ainu rarely wrote about the dates of specific events before the Meiji Period. The few existing written accounts of astronomical events, however, provide a useful jumping-off point for scientific analysis. Combining local historical and cultural knowledge with modern scientific techniques offers the potential for fascinating new discoveries. Hisashi Hayakawa of the Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research (ISEE) and the Institute for Advanced Research (IAR) at Nagoya University, in collaboration with Mitsuru Soma of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and Ryuma Daigo of the Otaru University of Commerce, analyzed three historical writings and sketches to see if they could use modern research methods to identify the actual astronomical events described. For their study in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan, they reviewed the written documents and then computed the relative positions of the sun and moon, as people would have observed them from various sites in Hokkaido. The first of these accounts was from a correspondence by John Batchelor (18551944), an Anglican missionary to the Ainu people who also published several works on their culture and beliefs. Some of these writings included ancestral Ainu folklore related to a total solar eclipse, describing the eclipse as having "tongues of fire and lightning from its sides" and coming from a "dead black sun." By comparing these past accounts with computer simulations of positions of the sun and moon, the team found that the eclipse account perfectly matched a total solar eclipse. The colorful description of a "black dead sun" may have been a description of the eclipsed sun. Similarly, "tongues of fire and lightning" seemed to describe solar coronal streamers, bursts of light from around the blocking moon. These findings show the value of assessing folklore, some of which may be based on fact. "In collections of Ainu folklore, Batchelor's account of the total solar eclipse was unique," Hayakawa explained. "However, there was no explicit date for the event, which makes it challenging to discuss academically. Fortunately, Batchelor's writing included hints about this eclipse, such as its darkness, animal reactions, and other unique characteristics. He even included a rough chronological marker, stating 'when my father was a child he heard his old grandfather say that his grandfather saw a total eclipse of the sun.' These clues allowed us to reproduce the visibility of solar eclipses in the Horobetsu and Moto Muroran areas of Hokkaido, where Batchelor collected this folklore. During these periods, the sun was extremely inactive, something that was not previously known. This shows that the Ainu folklore provides important clues about the extremity of the solar-terrestrial environment." The researchers also examined the accounts of the geographer and explorer Tokunai Mogami. In 1786, Mogami reported the account of a local merchant, Denkichi Abeya, which is known as the earliest datable report for a solar eclipse observed in Hokkaido. This travel account had been associated with an annular eclipse, in which the moon covers the sun's center and surrounds it with a halo of light. However, Hayakawa and his team found that this differed slightly from reality. In fact, Mogami seemed to describe a deep partial solar eclipse out of the path of a hybrid eclipse, a rare event that includes both an annular and total eclipse. Abeya only saw it as a deep partial solar eclipse, because he viewed it from somewhere around the Mitsuishi region in southern Hokkaido, which was out of the annularity-totality path. "Our calculations revealed that an observer at Mitsuishi could see this eclipse, not as an annular eclipse but only as a partial solar eclipse," Hayakawa said. "Interestingly, the Ryukyu Kingdom (modern Okinawa) also witnessed the same eclipse as a deep partial solar eclipse. Therefore, this is probably the earliest known record series for quasi-simultaneous eclipse observations in Hokkaido, the northernmost part of Japan, and Okinawa, the southernmost part." Finally, the researchers also used a diary of Kan'ichiro Mozume (18401877), which included sketches dating from 1872. Mozume was a local teacher and intellectual. His sketches show four phases of the solar eclipse. The researchers associated Mozume's sketches with an annular eclipse in June 1872, for which there are no known eclipse reports. According to astronomical calculations, it would have been visible in Otaru, a town in Western Hokkaido. "We have located the earliest eclipse sketch of Hokkaido Island inTenkai Nikki(Mozume Kan'ichiro's diary)," explained Hayakawa. "Mozume left four eclipse sketches in his diary and visually captured the annular eclipse in 1872. His description was consistent with our astronomical calculation. This allowed us to locate the eclipse of the sketch and confirm its reliability. We found he left an essential reference on the early history of Otaru, Hokkaido." This study is a prime example of how astronomy and historical research can intersect. "Astronomical calculations with the latest parameters have independently confirmed historical documents and folklore from the 18thand 19thcenturies. Our research has also filled the geographical gaps in eclipse observations in Japan," says Hayakawa. "Further research on the folklore eclipse accounts could be of future scientific interest, too." More information: Hisashi Hayakawa, Mitsuru Soma, Ryuma Daigo, Analyses of historical solar eclipse records in Hokkaido Island in the 1819th centuries, Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan (2022). doi.org/10.1093/pasj/psac064 A thick-billed parrot. Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For centuries, Indigenous communities in the American Southwest imported colorful parrots from Mexico. But according to a study led by The University of Texas at Austin, some parrots may have been captured locally and not brought from afar. The research challenges the assumption that all parrot remains found in American Southwest archaeological sites have their origins in Mexico. It also presents an important reminder: The ecology of the past can be very different from what we see today. "When we deal with natural history, we can constrain ourselves by relying on the present too much," said the study's author, John Moretti, a doctoral candidate at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. "These bones can give us kind of a baseline view of the animal life of the ecosystems that surrounded us before huge fundamental changes that continue today began." The study was published in print in the September issue of The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. Parrots are not an uncommon find in southwestern archaeological sites dating as far back as the 7th or 8th centuries. Their remains have been found in elaborate graves and buried in trash heaps. But no matter the condition, when archaeologists have discovered parrot bones, they usually assumed the animals were imports, said Moretti. The tarsometatarsus, or ankle bone, of a thick-billed parrot. The bone was collected at an archeological dig in New Mexico during the 1950s. UT doctoral student John Moretti identified the bone as belonging to a parrot. Credit: John Moretti/UT Jackson School of Geosciences. There's good reason for that. Scarlet macawsthe parrot most commonly found in the archaeological siteslive in rainforest and savannahs, which are not part of the local landscape. And researchers have discovered the remains of ancient parrot breeding facilities in Mexico that point to a thriving parrot trade. But there is more to parrots than macaws. In 2018, Moretti found a lone ankle bone belonging to a species known as the thick-billed parrot. It was part of an unsorted bone collection recovered during an archaeological dig in the 1950s in New Mexico. "There was a lot of deer and rabbit, and then this kind of anomalous parrot bone," said Moretti, a student in the Jackson School's Department of Geological Sciences. "Once I realized that nobody had already described this, I really thought there was a story there." Thick-billed parrots are an endangered species and do not live in the United States today due to habitat loss and hunting. But that was not the case even a relatively short time ago. As recently as the 1930s, their range stretched from Arizona and New Mexico to northern Mexico, where they live today. The boisterous, lime-green birds are also very particular about their habitat. They dwell only in mountainous old-growth pine forests, where they nest in tree hollows and dine almost exclusively on pine cones. With that in mind, Moretti decided to investigate the connection between pine forests in New Mexico and Arizona and the remains of thick-billed parrots found at archaeological sites. He found that of the 10 total archaeological sites with positively identified thick-billed parrot remains, all contained buildings made of pine timber, with one settlement requiring an estimated 50,000 trees. And for half the sites, suitable pine forests were within 7 miles of the settlement. A map showing the distribution of mountainous pine forests and thick-billed parrot occurrences in Arizona and New Mexico. This includes parrot remains recovered from archeological sites and recent and historical sightings. Credit: John Moretti/UT Jackson School of Geosciences. Moretti said that with people entering parrot habitat, it's plausible to think they captured parrots when gathering timber and brought them home. "This paper makes the hypothesis that these [parrots] were not trade items," Moretti said. "They were animals living in this region that were caught and captured and brought home just like squirrels and other animals that lived in these mountains." Moretti relied on thick-billed parrot bones from the United States and Mexico permanently archived in collections at The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and the Smithsonian Institution to conclusively identify the lone bone that sparked the research. Mark Robbins, an evolutionary biologist and the collection manager of the ornithological collections at The University of Kansas, said this study shows the value of natural history collections and the innumerable ways they assist with research. "The scientists who originally collected those specimens, they had no idea they would be used in this fashion," Robbins said. "You can revisit old questions or formulate new questions based on these specimens." More information: John A. Moretti, An ancient Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) from southeastern New Mexico with a review of archaeological occurrences in the American Southwest, The Wilson Journal of Ornithology (2022). DOI: 10.1676/21-00078 Climate change is a fundamental threat to the human rights of people in Vanuatu. Credit: Shutterstock There's a lot at stake over the next fortnight as nations gather at the COP27 climate conference in Egypt. But the stakes are perhaps highest for the Pacific islands and their people. A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change last year said global warming above 1.5 would be "catastrophic" for Pacific island nations. Sea-level rise could lead to the loss of entire Pacific countries this century. Such damage is a fundamental threat to the human rights of Pacific populations who, as one research paper reminds us, are not merely "victims" of climate change, but "real people with dignity and dreams for the future". We have been conducting research for the Vanuatu government into how climate change is affecting the human rights of the nation's highly exposed population. We've heard stories of loss and resilience from those whose lives and traditions are being ripped apart by this global catastrophe. Facing climate change on an island nation Vanuatu has a population of about 315,000 people, who live across 13 principal and many smaller islands. Like other Pacific island nations, Vanuatu is highly exposed to climate change effects such as sea-level rise, coral bleaching and extreme tropical cyclones. In fact, the sea level around Vanuatu has risen by around 6mm per year since 1993, a rate nearly twice the global average Vanuatu is seeking an "advisory opinion" from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to clarify the rights and obligations of states under international law in relation to harms from climate change. A majority of UN member states must agree to this opinion being provided. If Vanuatu succeeds, it could have extensive legal implications at a global, regional and national level. We undertook research for the Vanuatu government as part of this legal push. It involved a nation-wide survey to explore how locals in Vanuatu experience climate change and how it impinges on their human rights. 'This is a cultural right' The study involved an online survey administered in Vanuatu's national language, Bislama, as well as English and French. Some 118 people completed the survey between June and October this year. The results have been finalized and submitted to the Vanuatu government for use at COP27. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 76. They told of witnessing general climate change impacts such as intense cyclones, droughts, flooding and coastal inundation. Many Vanuatu traditions centre around the yam harvest. Credit: Shutterstock They also told of decimation and loss of Indigenous knowledge around weather, seasons and medicines, as well as physical damage to traditional crops. One crop of particular concern was the yama starchy, edible root central to the identity of many people native to Vanuatu. Locals mark the yam harvest with rituals and ceremonies. However, climate change is disrupting these cultural rhythms. As one participant told us, altered weather patterns had led to failed germination, a higher prevalence of disease and root rot, and lower yields: "The cultural ways of planting are not adaptive to these fast changes caused by the climate which is now leading to a loss of cultural practices and knowledge. This is a cultural right that can never be recovered and re-built if we lose it due to climate change. No financial means can recover those non-economic losses, which are our heritage and dignity. And climate change is taking these rights away from us." Traditional medicines are similarly being lost at an alarming rate and are impinging on the health and well-being of local people. One participant told how children learnt from an early age to be self-sufficientgrowing their own food, fishing on the reef and collecting crabs after school. The participant went on: "Nowadays because the coral reefs are dying, the fish have gone [] Our crops are producing less yield because of weather changes. Root crops are rotting before they become ready to harvest because of the unusually large amounts of rain that we experience. We have had to spend more money on food now than we ever did in the past. In the future I do not expect for there to be anything left in the waters or in the bush." The participant expressed fears that knowledge passed on by grandparents to younger generations about natural resource management would "die with my generation": "I am concerned about the impacts of climate change on our environment and on our culture. [] the love and respect we had towards nature will fade away into nothing and the deep cultural ties to our waters will be lost when we will have to start teaching our children their heritage from books and not from taking them out to sea on a canoe and pointing out fish like it was done for us." What this means for COP27 The stories we gathered during our research make one thing clear: climate change is real, it's impinging on the human rights of people in Vanuatu, and will continue to do so in future. Among the big issues to be discussed at this year's COP27 conference is "loss and damage" compensation. This refers to the money that richer nations should pay to developing nations for the economic, socio-cultural, environmental and physical costs brought by climate change. As our research shows, those costs are already being borne. Developed nations have a moral obligation to make sure people in developing countries, who've contributed so little to climate change, do not continue to suffer in a warming world. That includes providing access to appropriate remedies and ways to adapt. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Aerial view of a deforested area of the Gran Chaco forest in northern Argentina near Juan Jose Castelli. Dwarfed by its more prestigious sibling, the Amazon, South America's second largest forest is a little-known victim of 25 years of gradual invasion by agriculture. The Gran Chaco indigenous forest that spans one million square kilometers (386,000 square miles) across Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia is at the mercy of ravenous soybean and sunflower crops, as well as pasture land. Comprising a mix of dry thorn shrubland, woodlands and palm savannas, the dense tropical dry forest contains massive scarsvast areas of deforestation gouged out with alarming regularity. The harm to local fauna and flora is immeasurable. In some places, as far as the eye can see, carob trees uprooted by heavy machinery lie waiting to be taken away and used as charcoal, tannin, furniture and railway sleepers, for which this dense hardwood is particularly prized. Here, in Argentina's northeast, some 1,100-kilometers (685 miles) from Buenos Aires, is the country's agriculture frontier. It is where the agro export industry, so crucial for a country short on foreign currency, advances at the expense various species of fauna and flora, as well as people. "Practically all of Chaco province used to be covered by forests," agricultural engineer Ines Aguirre from the Chaco Argentina Agroforestry Network told AFP. "But when the technological package of genetically modified soyabean appeared in the 1990s, the Chaco zone began to be colonized." Aerial view of a wood factory in Resistencia, in the province of Chaco, northeast Argentina. 'Strong agro pressure' Two of Argentina's main exports, soybean (30 percent) and genetically-modified corn are, like sunflowers, resistent to dry climates, allowing them to thrive in the semiarid Chaco region. Deforestation in the region has averaged around 40,000 hectares (154 square miles) a year, peaking at 60,000 on occasions, said Aguirre. "This shouldn't happen because all forms of deforestation have been suspended in the province," said Noemi Cruz, the forests campaign co-ordinator at Greenpeace, while picking up a handful of dusty earth from a patch of ground cleared of trees. Without the protection of those trees "water slides on the surface but won't penetrate the ground during the rainy season." Chaco includes a 128,000 hectare national park called The Impenetrable that is designated a "red zone" and strictly protected by a forestry law. But there are also "yellow" zones where tourism and "soft" agriculture are allowed, and "green" zones that are a free-for-all. A wasp flies around a sunflower near Juan Jose Castelli in Chaco province, northeast Argentina. But this law has not proved sufficient to protect the forests. "There is strong pressure from companies and agricultural producers that want to open up more farmland and there is a permanent international demand for primary materials, especially soyabean and beef," said biologist and researcher Matias Mastrangelo, from the CONICET national scientific and technical research institute. In the case of illegal logging, a lightly punitive fine "does not discourage clearing and the companies incorporate it as another production cost." What this means is that deforestation around The Impenetrable park affects the rich fauna living within it, such as anteaters, peccaries, coral snakes, tapir and the continent's largest feline, the jaguar, which is endangered in the region and the subject of an ambitious reintroduction program. "A forest that becomes a soybean field can no longer provide shelter for the jaguar, nor any of its prey. The destruction is absolute," said biologist Gerardo Ceron, coordinator of the Rewilding Argentina team managing the predator's reintroduction. Vast swathes of the Gran Chaco forest have been cut down to make way for soybean and corn crops, as well as livestock. Large mammals at risk "In the dry Chaco, we are probably facing a very serious effect of losing fauna. We are seeing especially the extinction of large mammals," said Micaela Camino, a biologist at CONICET, citing the giant armadillo and white-lipped peccary as examples. "When a species is lost, you lose what is unique about the species. But also the nutritional security of local families and all the functions that this species performed in the ecosystem. "You're losing the ability of this ecosystem to survive, regenerate and be resilient, which is very dangerous in a context of climate change." It is not just fauna and flora being pushed out but also local indigenous communities, such as the Wichi and Criollo who live in the forest. "What generally happens is that before the logging, the rights of these families are violated. They are swindled (out of their land) and forced to leave their homes," added Camino. A Greenpeace protester chained to a bridge in northeast Argentina highlights the deforestation of the Gran Chaco. Aguirre says there are solutions to regenerate the lost Chaco forest, starting with the replanting of the carob tree. "The carob tree, which is a legume, produces a reaction between bacteria and the tree's roots that recomposes the nitrogen in the soil. It's amazing, the growth is incredible," she said. But such programs are for later, for now the priority is "stopping deforestation." 2022 AFP Credit: Authors, PRIMAP data, PIK (Potsdam Climate Institute), Author provided The United Nation's 27th annual climate summit, COP27, opened on Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The event, which should pressure governments into ramping up their decarbonization pledges, will be the first to put the issue of financial compensation for damages suffered by developing countries at the top of the agenda. What is at stake and who are the movers and shakers of climate finance? 100 billion dollars Key to understanding this issue is the question of the 100 billion dollars. The figure refers to the pledge put forward by US president Barack Obama in December 2009 as negotiations threatened to break down at the ill-fated summit in Copenhagen. He proposed that rich countries pay US$100 billion per year from 2020 onwards to finance mitigation and adaptation policies in developing countries. At the time, this had less to do with "North-South solidarity" than the US president's attempt to secure emission-reduction pledges from major emerging countries. Led by China, none caved in. According to the OECD, 13 years later the pledge is on the cusp of being met. But developing countries greeted the news with some skepticism. In fact, the sum consists mostly of loans rather than grants. Nor is it clear if this will be a transfer of development aid or additional funds. Whatever the answer, recipients are likely to have next to no control over how the funds are used. Defining "loss and damage" As early as the first COP, held in 1991, a negotiation bloc made up of island states vulnerable to rising sea levelsthe Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)recommended an "international financial compensation mechanism for loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change". Twelve years later, a first version saw the day at the COP19 in Warsaw. In 2015, the UN's overarching deal, known as the Paris Agreement, nevertheless specified it was a tool for cooperation, not compensation. A "dialogue on loss and damage for the most vulnerable countries" would finally have been brokered at COP26 in Glasgow (2021) (the so-called "Glasgow Climate Pact"). In recent years, countries from the Global South have pushed for a financial mechanism to compensate for damages to be launched at COP27. But the United States and Europe never wanted it and will not support the creation of a new fund. Instead, they will argue in favor of strengthening existing institutions. Historical responsibilities In climate negotiations, it is essential to understand the overarching concept of "common but differentiated responsibilities". Enshrined in the 1992 Climate Convention, it points to industrialized countries' historical responsibility in the climate crisis. Here again, the United States has long opposed the principle. Until now, it has exempted the countries of the South, including China, from any obligation to reduce emissions. In the past years, it has incorporated the issue of financing adaptation and financial compensation for damages suffered by the Global South. Economist Olivier Godard has noted the historical responsibility of industrialized countries is not as simple to make out as it might seem, be it on legal and moral grounds or even statistics. Emerging and developing countries beg to differ, however. As early as 1991, the South Centre, a think tank of countries from the Global South, indicated that industrialized countries had long pre-empted the global environmental space, something made clear by a glance at relative cumulative emissions. Current generations would therefore have to repair the damage caused by the behavior of their forebears. Credit: SDES, Ministry of Ecological Transition, Author provided To appreciate this at a quantitative level, the graph below shows annual and cumulative greenhouse-gas emissions of industrialized countries (known as the Annex 1 group in the Climate Convention) and developing countries, including major emerging economies such as China (the nonAnnex 1 group). After the second oil shock in 1980, emissions from Annex 1 countries peaked and began to slowly decline. By contrast, emissions of nonAnnex 1 countries have continued to increase, and exponentially. As a result, while the emissions of industralized countries were twice those of the "developing countries + China" group in 1980, today the situation has been reversed. For cumulative emissionsthose that could measure historical responsibilitybefore the full spread of the industrial revolution in the North in the late 19th century, the emissions of the countries of the South dominate. The landscape continued to change dramatically until 1980, when the share of Northern countries' emissions reached its peak, 70%. Since then, it has declined due to strong economic growth of emerging countries. Today, it is still above 50%, but in fewer than 10 years, the combined emissions of developing and emerging countries will exceed those of industrialized countries. Historical responsibilities will then be shared equally. A moral responsibility? Prior to 1990, basic conditions for the historical-responsibility argument were not being met. Previous generations were not aware that greenhouse -gas emissions would alter the climate, so it was impossible to blame them and, by extension, to make subsequent generations responsible. And it goes without saying that current generations have no capacity to sway the past generations' energy and development choices. Moreover, the acceleration of economic growth in emerging countries since the 1990s has seen emissions soar. As a result, their emissions have increasingly exceeded those of the Annex 1 countries for the past 20 years. When it comes down to individual responsibility, however, per capita emissions are still much higher in the North than in the South, mainly because of the intensity of their energy consumption. The one major exception is China, where per capita emissions now exceed those of the European Union. As we can see, it is impossible to settle the question of historical responsibility. No figure, nor any theory of justice will ever be able to establish a consensus, and this question will constitute a stumbling block for all negotiations. An insoluble conflict It will thus be impossible to satisfy all of the demands of the Global South in Sharm el-Sheikh. A study published in 2018 estimated the "losses and damages" at no less than $290 to $580 billion per year by 2030. As global warming worsens, the annual cost of impacts could exceed $1 trillion by 2050. Regardless of the reliability of these estimates, it is unrealistic to imagine that the United States and the European Union would take on commitments that would require them to pay hundreds of billions of dollars each year. But no one will gain from a failed COP27. A compromise, however unsatisfactory for developing countries, will have to be found. Diplomacy is also the art of masking conflicts that will never find a solution. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: CC0 Public Domain On Sept. 23, the United Nations Human Rights Committee found that the Australian government had violated the human rights of a group of Indigenous island residents known as "the Torres Strait 8" when it failed to adequately protect them from the impacts of climate change. It was a potentially ground-breaking decision that many expect to pave the way for future cases. "This decision marks a significant development, as the committee has created a pathway for individuals to assert claims where national systems have failed to take appropriate measures to protect those most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change," UNHRC committee member Helene Tigroudja told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. The ruling is just the latest in a growing ledger of victories for people who are leveraging the power of litigation to force action on climate change around the world. "There are lots and lots of examples nowadays that have been successful in pushing government to increase climate action," said Maria Antonia Tigre, Global Climate Litigation fellow at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University. "This really has been growing exponentially over the past few years. There are now over 500 cases around the world in over 50 jurisdictions. This is really becoming a tool for climate activism." "These efforts are not just piecemeal anymore," said Freerk Vermuelen, who represents Urgenda and will be a panelist at the upcoming Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit at the University of Colorado Boulder on Dec. 14. "In Europe, this has really grown to be a widespread phenomenon." US history and 'fossil law' In the United States, the situation is more complex. Climate cases have had a harder time gaining purchase in a legal system complicated by federalism, precedent and a history of what Ted Hamilton, co-founder of the Climate Defense Project, called "fossil law." "Judges and prosecutors tend to deploy their powers against climate justice advocates rather than against those degrading the climate," he wrote in "Beyond Fossil Law: Climate, Courts, and the Fight for a Sustainable Future." "By and large, our legal institutions have proven ill-equipped to seriously address climate change." In some cases, victories have proved Pyrrhic or been swallowed up by subsequent rulings and changes in enforcement priorities after a change in presidential administrations. Often, U.S. cases run aground on the shoals of jurisdictional interpretations (whether cases are matters for federal or state courts), the refusal of Congress to ratify emissions targets and climate agreements, and what Hamilton calls "industry capture," a system in which the deck is stacked in favor of fossil fuel interests. "In the United States, especially with the current (Supreme Court), you might suspect they'll find a way to shut down all types of climate cases from activist individuals rather than those from industry," said Jonathan Skinner-Thompson, associate professor of law at CU Boulder and a former attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2007's Massachusetts v. EPA ("the preeminent U.S. climate change case," according to Hamilton), the U.S. Supreme Court found that human-caused global warming was real and that carbon dioxide qualified as an "air pollutant." But in 2016, the court halted a clean-power plan developed by the EPA, and the incoming Trump administration swiftly de-emphasized climate action. This year, the Supreme Court ruled that the EPA had gone too far in trying to regulate emissions in West Virginia v. EPA. In Juliana v. United States, another case that initially encouraged climate activists, 21 youth plaintiffs represented by Oregon nonprofit Our Children's Trust argued that their due-process rights of life, liberty and property were being violated by the government's continued inaction on reducing fossil-fuel emissions. Ruling against a government motion to dismiss the case, U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken accepted many of the plaintiffs' claims and found that the government was culpable. "I have no doubt that the right to a climate system capable of sustaining human life is fundamental to a free and ordered society," Aiken wrote. "To hold otherwise would be to say that the Constitution affords no protection against a government's knowing decision to poison the air its citizens breathe or the water its citizens drink." But U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts granted a stay in 2018 before the case could go to trial, and in 2020 the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the issue was a matter for the executive and legislative branches, not the courts. For Skinner-Thompson, Juliana "was a pretty small win at the end of the day; I don't think the plaintiffs saw it as a massive victory." And he remains skeptical that litigation to force climate action will gain much traction in the United States in the foreseeable future. "In the U.S., to the extent that people are trying to use state laws or federal laws, to use the courts themselves to implement change, I don't think it will be successful," Skinner-Thompson said. "The courts are not going to be the savior as they have been with civil rights. . . . It would be more efficient if the international community would come together with binding and meaningful (emissions) targets and act to address the problem." Using the courts to force political change However, given the global nature of the problem, legal successes in other countries and regions are almost certain to have a positive impact in the United States. "Following these cases, the major emitters may have to change their practices to respond to cases like (Urgenda), even though there is not a comprehensive regulatory scheme established by treaty," Skinner-Thompson said. "And with carbon emissions . . . spread pretty evenly across the globe, it really doesn't matter where we get reductions. We're still getting reductions, and that's meaningful." Vermuelen agreed that courts are not where the climate fight will be won. But he said litigation remains a potent tool to catalyze political change. "It belongs in the political arena, not the courtroom," Vermuelen said. "But this type of litigation may be necessary to bring the politics onto the right track. . . . There is a role for the judiciary to complement democratic practices." And each legal victory can affect the way people around the world see the issue, Tigre said. "Litigation is a slow tool, but it can be very effective," Tigre said. "Every time there is a new decision from one country that really reaches the media and everyone is talking about it, it proves to be an effective tool to push countries. And I think everyone starts asking whether that case can be replicated in other jurisdictions." Though U.S. efforts to leverage litigation to force climate action have produced minimal fruit to date, Hamilton still believes that "courts are one of the best avenues we have to make climate justice a policy of the state." And, as international victories accumulate, Hamilton wrote, "it seems likely that in the coming years international bodies and some domestic courts will turn more and more to international agreements and national human rights instruments to hold governments' feet to the fire." Among the more notable cases in recent years: In 2015, Asghar Leghari successfully sued the Pakistani government for violating its official climate change policy, catalyzing the creation of the country's Climate Change Commission. In 2019, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands upheld a 2015 decision in favor of the Urgenda Foundation, which required the government to reduce carbon emissions by 25%. In 2020, the German Constitutional Court ordered the German legislature to strengthen and enforce existing climate legislation and widen pathways to future mitigation. In February, four nongovernmental organizations prevailed in a case that found the French government failed to live up to its own carbon emissions target reductions. In May, a court ordered Royal Dutch Shell to cut its greenhouse emissions by 45% by 2030, the first time courts have levied such a requirement on a private company. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain At first glance, it is merely a printed textbook for religious education in a foreign language. But the genesis of the 1903 edition of "Kurze biblische Geschichte fur die unteren Schuljahre der katholischen Volksschule" (short biblical history for the lower years of Catholic elementary school), published in the language of the Indigenous Mapuche, provides special insights into the time of missionary work by the Bavarian Capuchins in Chile. A digital re-edition project implemented by the Catholic University of Eichstatt-Ingolstadt KU, which has now come to a conclusion, focuses especially on the ambivalent translation and dissemination history of the work. Through its freely available digital publication, it also contributes to a shared dialog on the colonial past and the revitalization of the Mapuche language and culture in Chile. For the project, the Center for Latin American Studies (ZILAS) at the KU has cooperated with the Andres Bello Central Archive of the Universidad de Chile in Santiago. "With this project, we want to make a contribution to the decolonization of mission archives by revealing the intercultural processes of their creation. The digital re-edition makes a previously hard to access record of exchanges between the Bavarian Capuchin missionaries and the Indigenous Mapuche people of southern Chile at the beginning of the 20th century widely accessible," explains ZILAS Director Prof. Dr. Miriam Lay Brander. The underlying volume in the Mapuzugun language comes from the provincial library of the Bavarian Capuchins, which passed to the KU in 1999. For further discussion, the open-access format makes the re-edition available free of charge in German-, Spanish- and English-speaking countries. In Latin America, access to fee-based databases or access to university libraries quickly poses major barriers. The re-edition also offers numerous links to other archives and repositories in Chile and Germany, thus providing a deeper insight into the political, cultural and intellectual interconnections of the topic. "For our project, we were able to collaborate with Chilean literary scientist Andrea Salazar Vega, who herself has Indigenous roots. With her trilingual knowledge, she quickly recognized that the version published in Mapuzugun was based on both the German and Spanish versions of the work, which had been published decades earlier," explains project collaborator and anthropologist Romy Kohler. This suggested that there had been an intensive content-related exchange on the text of the book between the German Capuchin missionaries and the Mapuche. Before the Bavarian Capuchins began their mission to the Chilean Mapuche in 1896, they were rarely involved in elementary education. Father Felix Jose de Augusta therefore resorted to an established work that had already been published in its fourth edition by the publisher Herder in 1860. Later, a license had to be obtained from Herder in order to print the textbook in Mapuzugun. In a first step, the manuscripts were sent from Chile to Germany. In the preface, Father Augusta mentions briefly that "two Indigenous Catholics" helped him "very effectively" with the translation. It seems, Augusta writes further, that the translation accurately reflects the mode of expression: "...for when I read it aloud in my chapel, they interrupted me several times and exclaimed enthusiastically: Yes, yes, that is how the Mapuche speak." The two Indigenous people who helped Father Augusta to translate the text into Mapuzugun were the chief's sons Pascual Segundo Painemilla Namcucheu and Jose Francisco Kolun. The former had previously received his elementary education from Italian Capuchins and had also mastered Mapuzugun in writing, which had originally been passed down only orally. Both spoke Spanish. In order to reproduce the phonetics correctly, the textbook contained an outline for the correct pronunciation of certain Mapuzugun sounds. "Even though Father Augusta is named on the title page as the sole author of the translation as was customary at the times, the two Indigenous people also contributed considerable input to the cross-cultural translation. The re-edition also rectifies this information on authorship," explains Romy Kohler. The re-edition presents the German original, the Spanish and the Mapuzugun translation in three parallel columns, supplemented by a fourth column with the images, thus allowing future text-based research in the context of the Mapuche colonization, in which processes of appropriation and transformation of local ideas also become visible. For example, a look at details of the text illustrates a struggle over terms and a particular form of strategy for the mission. For some formulations were deliberately translated into expressions that correspond to the cultural environment of the Mapuche. "Pichi Che" as a term for the "child of God," for example, comes from the family environment and is an affective form with which mothers address their toddlers. Although no documentation of this process has yet been discovered, Kohler assumes that an in-depth discussion regarding content must have taken place between the priest and the Indigenous translators on such aspects. But what were the motivations for the missionaries to publish a textbook in the Indigenous language, and why did the Indigenous people participate in it? In the introduction, Father Augusta writes that the Indigenous children already spoke Spanish well and did not need a text in Mapuzugun for pure text comprehension: "However, this one will serve as a friend to accompany them to their sad huts, where they can read it and teach it to their relatives and acquaintances who do not understand Spanish." As Romy Kohler explains, this shows the missionaries' absolute desire to reach beyond the territory of the mission schools and into the family cores. At the same time, there was a tendency among Indigenous people to send their children to mission schools in communities occupied by the Chilean military early on. On the one hand, from a strategic point of view, it was desirable for young people to take on institutional educationalso to avoid later discrimination. On the other hand, it was initially considered a privilege in the rural Mapuche communities to send a child to school instead of to work in the fields. The textbook written in Mapuzugun, however, should not obscure the fact that the language of instruction in the mission schools was Spanish. "The mission brought schooling and literacy in Spanish, but also alienation from parents and ruptures with local religious beliefs and practices in a general climate of loss of identity," says Kohler. Against this backdrop, Mapuzugun increasingly disappeared as a means of everyday exchange. This, he says, became increasingly apparent to authors of Indigenous background who had moved to Chile's major cities in the mid-20th century. Since then, remarkable initiatives to revive the Mapuzugun language have emerged. It is a testimony to colonial history that the very missionary textbook that is the subject of the study represents one of the few printed records of the Mapuche language for the early 20th century. More information: Alejandra Natalia Araya Espinoza et al, Nizolke zugu Dios ni Nutxam pu Chilemapuche ni zugun mew : Kritische digitale Re-Edition der Edition Araucana der "Kurze Biblische Geschichte fur die unteren Schuljahre" in Deutsch, Spanisch und Mapuzugun , Universitatsbibliothek Eichstatt-Ingolstadt (2022). DOI: 10.17904/ku.edoc.30265 Provided by Katholische Universitat Eichstatt-Ingolstadt Photograph of the holotype of Bechleja brevirostris n. sp. (SF-MeI 5933). (A) Plate; (B) counterplate. Credit: Scientific Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23125-9 An international team of researchers led by the Museum fur Naturkunde Berlin has described Germany's first fossil freshwater shrimp species in the journal Scientific Reports. Most shrimps love marine habitats, but this 48-million-year-old fossilized shrimp from the Eocene comes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Grube Messel, a former freshwater lake. Since even rare organ structures have been preserved, the shrimp is another piece of the puzzle in the reconstruction of this unique ecosystem. "The new species Bechleja brevirostris is the first and only fossil record of freshwater shrimps from the Eocene in Europe and the second worldwide after Bechleja rostrata from the Green River Formation in Wyoming, U.S., 8000 km away," first author Valentin de Mazancourt, who works as an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoc at the Museum fur Naturkunde Berlin, is pleased to say. Shrimps help to keep the ecosystem in balance by feeding on the ground. One would expect them in marine habitats, in coral reefs and in the deep sea, but not in a freshwater lake like the one that formed in Messel about 48 million years ago. But there are also freshwater species. Researchers at the Museum fur Naturkunde Berlin have been working on living freshwater shrimp in Sulawesi for decades. A new species was even named Caridina clandestina by listeners of Inforadio RBB in 2018. In the case of the new fossil freshwater shrimp species Bechleja brevirostris, preservation even allows conclusions to be drawn about internal organ structures, which is quite rare for such organisms. Thus, the study of a small shrimp provides new insights into the paleoecosystem of an ancient crater lake. Due to the exceptional state of preservation and the abundance of fossils, the Messel Pit probably offers the most detailed insight into a terrestrial ecosystem 48 million years ago. The finds are in the Messel collections of the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt and the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt. Fossil shrimps have been described from Lower Cretaceous freshwater deposits in Brazil & Spain, and Tertiary deposits in France & Brazil. Fossils scientists use these finds as calibrations points for molecular clock analyses that use genetics to date evolutionary events. More information: Valentin de Mazancourt et al, Exceptional preservation of internal organs in a new fossil species of freshwater shrimp (Caridea: Palaemonoidea) from the Eocene of Messel (Germany), Scientific Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23125-9 Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by Museum fur Naturkunde Berlin Detection of the pulsar J124552, discovered in the GHRSS survey. (A) Frequency versus pulse phase plot, obtained from post-processing and added to RIPTIDE output for better visualization of the broadband nature of the signal. (B) Time versus pulse phase plot. (C) Integrated pulse profile. (D) Plot of achieved signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) versus trial dispersion measure (DM), and (E) Plot of the detection S/N versus trial period. Credit: Singh et al, 2022 Astronomers report the detection of four new pulsars using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) as part of the GMRT High Resolution Southern Sky (GHRSS) survey. The finding was detailed in a research paper published October 29 on the arXiv pre-print repository. Pulsars are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation. They are usually detected in the form of short bursts of radio emission; however, some of them are also observed via optical, X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes. Now, a team of astronomers led by Shubham Singh of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Pune, India, has discovered four new pulsars using the fast folding algorithm (FFA) search method. FFA, based on folding of the time series, has a superior sensitivity to search for signals with long periods and short duty cycles. Sinhg's team processed the GHRSS survey data with the newly implemented FFA search pipeline. "In the GMRT High Resolution Southern Sky (GHRSS) survey, we are using an FFA-based pipeline to search for isolated pulsars in a period range of 100 ms to 100 s.... Here, we present the results from processed data covering the next 1,300 deg2 of the sky, resulting in four new discoveries," the researchers wrote in the paper. The newfound pulsars are designated J1245-52, J1447-50, J1810-42 and J1936-30. They have spin periods between 532.2 and 1,675.8 milliseconds, and dispersion measures within a range of 42.2107.8 pc/cm3. Their flux values were estimated to be from 0.4 to 1.5 mJy. It was noted that J1936-30 is a narrow duty cycle nulling pulsar with an extreme nulling fraction of about 90%. Pulse nulling, which is relatively common in pulsars, is a phenomenon in which the pulse energy suddenly drops to zero or near zero and then just suddenly returns to its normal state. In the case of J1936-30, the astronomers found that it exhibits regular nulling in the discovery epoch of 10 minutes duration. Follow-up observations of this pulsar at multiple epochs, revealed that it shows burst phases (when the emission is seen) and null phases (when the pulsar is nulling and no emission is seen) lasting between a few minutes to a few tens of minutes. Moreover, it turned out that J1245-52 and J1447-50 are also among the smallest duty cycle pulsars of the total population. The researchers noted that this finding demonstrates the capability of the FFA search to recover small duty cycle pulsars that could be missed by the Fourier transform (FFT) based periodicity search method. "The conventional FFT-based search method has a bias against long period and small duty cycle pulsars. Since most of the known pulsar population has been discovered by the conventional FFT search, there is a possibility of missing the population of long period and small duty cycle pulsars. This missing population can be recovered by implementing the FFA search in the major pulsar surveys," the authors of the paper concluded. More information: Shubham Singh et al, The GMRT High Resolution Southern Sky Survey for pulsars and transientsIV: Discovery of 4 new pulsars with an FFA search, arXiv (2022). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2210.16650 Journal information: arXiv 2022 Science X Network A new report is among the first to map out investment needed to cope with climate change impacts. Developing and emerging countriesexcluding Chinaneed investments well beyond $2 trillion annually by 2030 if the world is to stop the global warming juggernaut and cope with its impacts, according to a UN-backed report released Tuesday. A trillion dollars should come from rich countries, investors and multilateral development banks, said the analysis commissioned by Britain and Egypt, hosts respectively of the 2021 UN climate summit in Glasgow and this week's COP27 event in Sharm el-Sheikh. The rest of the moneyabout $1.4 trillionmust originate domestically from private and public sources, said the report. Current investments in emerging and developing economies other than China stand at about $500 billion. The new 100-page analysis, Finance for Climate Action, is presented as an investment blueprint for greening the global economy quickly enough to meet Paris climate treaty goals of capping the rise in global temperatures below two degrees Celsius, and at 1.5C if possible. Warming beyond that threshold, scientists warn, could push Earth toward an unlivable hothouse state. "Rich countries should recognise that it is in their vital self-interestas well as a matter of justice given the severe impacts caused by their high levels of current and past emissionsto invest in climate action in emerging market and developing countries," said one of the report's leads, economist Nicholas Stern, who also authored a landmark report on the economics of climate change. The report is among the first to map out the investment needed across the three broad areas covered in UN climate talks: reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions that drive warming (mitigation), adapting to future climate impacts (adaptation), and compensating poor and vulnerable nations for unavoidable damages already incurred, known as "loss and damage". Probabilities of limiting global warming to a certain temperature, depending different scenarios. Fossil fuel lock-in It calls for grants and low-interest loans from the governments of developed countries to double from about $30 billion annually today to $60 billion by 2025. "These sources of finance are critical for emerging markets and developing countries to support action on restoring land and nature, and for protecting against and responding to the loss and damage due to climate change impacts," the authors said. "Emerging market" countries include large economies in the global south that have seen rapid growthcoupled with rising greenhouse gas emissionsin recent decades, including India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia and Vietnam. Historically seen as part of this group, China was excluded from the new estimates, presumably because of its unique and hybrid status. Its economythe second largest in the worldis in many respects advanced, and Beijing has positioned itself as a major international investor in its own right, through its Belt and Road Initiative and the promotion of "South-South" investment across the developing world. In the context of climate change, developing nations include the world's poorest economies, many of them in Africa, and those most vulnerable to climate hazards, such as small island states facing existential threats from sea-level rise and ever-more powerful cyclones. "Most of the growth in energy infrastructure and consumption projected to occur over the next decade will be in emerging market and developing countries," said Stern. "If they lock in dependence on fossil fuels and emissions, the world will not be able to avoid dangerous climate change, damaging and destroying billions of lives and livelihoods in both rich and poor countries." 2022 AFP Harvard professor of sociology Michele Lamont and Adrienne Liesl Chan 25 discuss the similarities and differences between baby boomers and Generation Z. Credit: Kris Snibbe/Harvard Staff Photographer In her forthcoming book "Who Matters: How to Redefine Worth in Our Divided World," Michele Lamont, professor of sociology and of African and African American studies and the Robert I. Goldman Professor of European Studies, studies intergenerational values and tensions and the role of Generation Z as agents of change and their desire to create a more inclusive society. To understand how the views and values of Gen Z (those born after 1997) compare to those of baby boomers (born between 19451960), the Gazette interviewed Lamont, a boomer herself, and Adrienne Liesl Chan '25, a Gen Z, who took part in the book's research through the Bliss Program, which pairs students with faculty to engage in social science research. GAZETTE: What are the most salient characteristics of Generation Z? LAMONT: They come of age in the context of growing inequality, under COVID, and during a major mental health crisis, especially for their generation. But they have hope, not necessarily in the idea of being successful professionally or economically, but in the idea of creating a society that allows them to bring their best self or their whole self to their life. That means in part allowing people to be who they want to be, whether it is in terms of sexual orientation or expressing their ethno-racial identity. That is a quite huge contrast with the boomers. CHAN: As a Gen Z myself, I'd add that we have experienced most of our social life on the internet. When it comes to narratives of hope, but also how we represent ourselves to other people, a lot of that is based on how we perceive ourselves on the internet. GAZETTE: Between which groupsGen Z, baby boomers, and millennialsdo you see the greatest intergenerational contrast? LAMONT: The contrast is strongest between Gen Z and the boomers. I'm a boomer, and we grew up in a time when many had middle-class parents who experienced upward mobility and a belief that the American dream would give you a membership through consumption; you would get a house and raise your family. It involved a lot of conformism in terms of following a script of what our lives were supposed to be like. For Gen Z, as well as millennials (born between 19811997), that dream is not realistic. They are both very attuned to growing inequality. Millennials came of age with the 2008 recession, and they found it hard to find a footing in the labor market. Many in Gen Z have yet to really enter the labor market. When we interviewed them, they were still students; they have not fully faced the wall of economic integration, but half of our sample of college students were less privileged and reported struggles during the pandemic; they faced the challenge of helping their parents pay their bills or struggled to cover their expenses. GAZETTE: What are your views on millennials? CHAN: There's this growing trend of Gen Z making fun of millennials for their style, but at the same time, I find that we have a lot more in common with millennials than with baby boomers, in terms of attitudes toward work. There's this overarching assumption that millennials and Gen Z are lazy, but we both prioritize our well-being over achievement. Like other generations, we both have the drive to achieve and find worth in work, but the priority is our well-being. LAMONT: One of the big differences among generations is the environment. Both millennials and Gen Z think that the boomers really messed up with the environment. We thought we were extremely progressive; we did the gender revolution, the sexual revolution. My sense is that Gen Z overlooks how deep those changes were and also how brave my generation was in creating social change. They blame us for having been selfish and not attuned enough to the dangers of the destruction of the environment, which is extremely salient for them to the point where some say they don't want to have children because they're too conscious of what's going to happen with the planet. GAZETTE: Do you agree, Adrienne? Did boomers botch stewardship of the environment? CHAN: I would agree with Professor Lamont's view: the environment and climate change. Gen Z has a critical opinion of baby boomers. One thing that recently emerged was the meme "OK, boomer," which was a Gen Z's response to dismiss or mock boomers. A lot of people in my generation believe that baby boomers were passive and complicit in a lot of the issues that we're facing now. We also think that in matters of race, it's not enough to say that you're not racist, like many boomers say. We believe that you must be anti-racist and that you have to actively advocate for change. GAZETTE: Professor Lamont, what positive aspects do you see in Gen Z? LAMONT: Well, it's complicated. It's an age group that defines their own identity, partly in contrast to their parents' generation. I should say, though, that the book is focused in part on Gen Z, but we study them as agents of change because they are tracing out the future for us. The other half of the book is drawing on what we call the "change agents," or people who are providing new narratives to help us imagine the future at a time when the U.S. is in crisis. This includes over 180 stand-up comics, Hollywood creatives, activists, and philanthropists. We use the label Gen Z with a great deal of care and with reservations given the criticisms addressed to the concept of cohort, but we think it's legitimate to use it because this is a group that defines itself as having a strong "cohort identity." They talk about themselves as Gen Z all the time, and for them, this means focus on inclusion and anti-racism and being kind. This is a huge difference with my generation. When we talked about politics, we didn't talk at all about kindness or the idea that you should not be an ass in your daily interactions. GAZETTE: Your research includes interviews with a sample of 80 college students living in the Midwest and the East Coast, who qualify as Gen Z, before and after the pandemic. How did the pandemic affect the students you interviewed? LAMONT: Half of the sample are students we call privileged because they are children of the upper-middle class, college-educated professionals, and managers. The other half are less privileged because their parents don't have a college degree and have always experienced crises upon crises. For example, during COVID their situation was aggravated, but it's not like life was easy before, but they may have been asked to spend more of their time helping their families, whether it is daycare or contributing to pay bills. With grad students Mari Sanchez and Shira Zilberstein, we show in a separate article that for the more privileged students, one of the impacts of COVID is that they redefined their professional goals more in collective terms; they became more committed to trying to make a difference in society by volunteering and pursuing altruistic goals. Paradoxically, these students, whose parents are paying their bills, seem unaware of how their own life conditions allow them to do more volunteerism. This doesn't happen as much with the working-class students, in part because they must attend to many emergencies and the goal of getting a profession that will allow them to pay their bills remains extremely salient. At the same time, more of the working-class students we interviewed are people of color and feel a deep commitment to addressing Black Lives Matter issues. Another big difference across the two class-groups that we've studied is that while the upper- middle class students put emphasis on being a "nice human," the working-class kids believe that niceness is very limited in how much change it can produce, and that sometimes you need confrontation, "calling out," or "hard conversations." CHAN: Another difference within Gen Z is that there are people who feel very hopeful about the future, but there are others who are very pessimistic, who almost feel like there's no use in doing anything because of growing inequality and the apocalyptic scenario of climate change. Many people feel that there is no point in trying to make change when it takes so long, and because we don't know how terrible climate change will be in several years from now. GAZETTE: What are Gen Z's values and concerns? What is their version of the American dream? LAMONT: That generation has not yet fully hit the labor market, but they are aware of the dangers of precarity, and the rising cost of higher education, health care, and housing. Realistically, it's much harder for them to imagine one day having enough money to buy a house or to raise a family the way that some of them were raised in a suburban house. They don't put their money on their ability to realize this dream; instead they want to create a better society through inclusion. It's a generation that has been described as over-conformist and pushed by their families to be competitive because of families' concerns about being downwardly mobile. Families have pushed their children to succeed, and the children are extremely anxious. There are surveys that show a steady increase in how much freshmen have become increasingly overwhelmed and anxious, which underscores the mental health crisis this generation has experienced. In response to that pressure, the alternative is to have a life that allows them to live authentically, the way they want to be. There are two versions of the self in conflict: the neoliberal version, which is be self-reliant, competitive, and eager to make money, and the other is more about self-actualization, which allows them to be all they want to be, not only on the professional dimension, but all dimensions. Many believe in having a balanced life, which the workaholic versions of the boomers didn't believe in. CHAN: A lot of my older peers talk about work-life balance, and that has become more of a prominent feature of our conversations as we get older. Coming from the pandemic, we often ask ourselves, "Is it really worth sacrificing our mental health for some sort of achievement or material gain?" On the flip side, we're constantly pushed to follow along with these trends. College students feel this need to be self-sufficient, enter the workforce and make as much money as their parents, if not more, so that they can continue to support a lifestyle that they see on TikTok or on some other form of social media. But at the same time, we think, "What is the moral value of working in very lucrative professions?" or "What do I have to change about myself to be successful or to continue upward mobility?" Those two things are constantly in conflict. GAZETTE: Who inspires Generation Z? LAMONT: We asked that question and the names that are most often mentioned were people like Greta Thunberg, but also Bernie Sanders, people who are really questioning the current social order. The second main category after the activists were the artists, for instance Lizzo, who is very affirming of body positivity, and someone like Colin Kaepernick in sports. They're all people who through their activities are sending messages about what the alternative society should be like. No businessman is mentioned, and that's quite symptomatic of what they're aspiring to. Gen Z are themselves agents of change in the sense that they want to create their own story, which is very different than the story of their parents' generation. But they are also turning toward these cultural creators to find alternative messages that recognize diversity of identity, whether it is for a marginalized ethno-racial group or for LGBTQ. They very much embrace the notion that people should be who they want to be. CHAN: I remember seeing Greta Thunberg, a young person challenging all these CEOs at conferences and traveling across the world, and that was a very formative experience for me. There are other influencers who are not members of Gen Z, besides Greta Thunberg. For instance, Bernie Sanders, but he is such a timeless figure. Lizzo or Beyonce are not in our generation, but they're still pushing narratives that are very important to young people. But I would advocate for a movement away from individual figures to more of a collectivist model of activism, where it's not just hoping to be uplifted by that one person, but by all of us collectively discussing these issues first and deciding to be active and putting a lot of these narratives to work. GAZETTE: What are Gen Z's hopes for the future? LAMONT: What captures their hopes is the creation of a more inclusive society, where people can be who they want to be. But if inequality prevents many people from being upwardly mobile, then instead of having only one metric to evaluate people's worth, which is how much money you make and how professionally successful you are, in fact, we should have a great many criteria by which we evaluate people's worth. That would include how much you care for others, what you give to communities, but also your value as an artist, as a spiritual person. In social sciences, a great deal has been written about how to make societies more equal. This book is about how to make societies more inclusive through the narratives through which groups are perceived. Generation Z are carriers of social change. They're young; it's an age group that historically hasn't been voting very much, but it's very important that they show up and vote. The demographic shift in the country is crucial in producing social change, and their voice is important. CHAN: I agree with all of that. I'd say that a lot of the pessimism comes from the shock of the past that influences how we view the present. What is most helpful to me is to think about how the present affects the future. We recognize the power of voting, but also that there are things within our own individual decision-making that are important for effecting change. For example, knowing that you have agency to create inclusive environments around you, not to say that it should be a burden for you, but if you feel hopeless in this period of uncertainty, then that it is within your own agency and within your own power to make decisions to recognize others that promote social change. I think that's a very inspiring message. Provided by Harvard Gazette This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The recent sudden end to the Bruce Lehrmann trial last month raises again whether the jury is fit for purpose in a 21st century hyper-connected world. That jury's service in the Lehrmann case ended peremptorily after it was revealed to the judge that material downloaded from the internet (which was highly relevant to the case and not introduced as evidence) had been found in the jury room. A retrial has been set for late February. Lehrmann had been accused of raping former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins, to which he pleaded not guilty. The costs so far (to both parties and the court) could well exceed a million dollars. With easy access to the internet available to any juror who owns a mobile phone, is it conceivable that all jurors will abide by the strict instructions of a judge admonishing them to pay attention only to the evidence adduced in the trial? Are instructions to jurors to avoid media sources meaningless given the accessibility of the internet? These aren't new questions. In 2005, a report prepared for the NSW Parliamentary Library Research Service observed: "Prominent cases in recent years [] have illustrated the legal problems that can occur when jurors, despite judicial instructions to confine their deliberations to the evidence before them, undertake their own research, discuss the case with non-jurors, or visit a place connected with the offense. The increasing amount of legal information available on the internet is a cause for particular concern. The Jury Amendment Act 2004 [] prohibits jurors from making inquiries about the accused or issues in the trial, except in the proper exercise of juror functions." But for all the warnings and threats of consequences, a juror may still stray down the path of private sleuth. It's easy to do and Australians have a voracious appetite for social media. In 2018 a survey reported 62% of Australian adults use social media sites every day, and 34% use them more than five times a day. This becomes particularly problematic when the eyes of the world are fixed on cases such as these. The sudden and unexpected end to the Lehrmann trial prompts a more fundamental question: should we continue to persist with juries at all? Two sides There are two sides to the argument regarding retention of the jury. On the one hand, juries have stood the test of time. The idea of being tried by one's peers was entrenched by the Magna Carta of 1215. Even though the jury as we know it didn't crystallize until about 350 years ago and has been through a number of permutations since then, there would be few people who could argue against its symbolic legitimacy given its staying power. Over that time, juries have been given sustained examination in Australia by the New South Wales Law Reform Commission, the Queensland Criminal Justice Commission, the Victorian Law Reform Committee, and most recently by academics at Charles Sturt University, to name a few. Juries have survived largely intact throughout this exercise. On the other hand, there are doubts about their efficiency. Juries took a hit after the High Court decision in the George Pell appeal where the judges, in allowing the appeal, ruled that no jury, properly instructed, could have reached a guilty verdict in his trial. What's more, it's overstated to say that trial by jury is a fundamental bulwark of fairness in the criminal justice system. Indeed, 92% of criminal matters in Australia are dealt with in the magistrates courts, where there are no juries. Of the remaining 8% referred to the "superior" criminal courts (Supreme, District and County), more and more defendants are choosing "judge alone" trials (in jurisdictions where that option is available). For example, in NSW, up to a quarter of accused persons are now electing to be tried without a jury. Other studies have highlighted how jurors overrate DNA evidence despite judicial directions, which may lead to far more jury convictions than are warranted, and how jurors' perceptions of guilt and innocence can be affected by the positioning of defendants in the courtroom. Another study found that although jurors report they understand directions, they often don't appear to use those directions in arriving at a decision. And finally, as the Lehrmann trial has illustrated, it's not unusual for jurors to ignore or misunderstand the instructions that have been given to them. But, what about the ability of juries to apply some of their own "commonsense" justice? True, there are examples of juries wielding their own commonsense stick. For example, a verdict that occurred in 1981 when a South Australian jury returned a verdict of not guilty for a woman who had been charged with the murder of her husband. The jury decided that the defense of provocation (only available to reduce murder to manslaughter) exonerated her, figuring that, in the time before the victim's death, his severe and persistent abuse of his family had pushed his wife to breaking point. There is, however, a contrary argument. Research has revealed that "commonsense" comes with coded biases, such that telling jurors to use their commonsense is futile, given it's difficult (if not impossible) to erode such biases. Are there other options? One alternative to the jury is mixed judiciaries used in some European countries, where one may find a panel of judges or a combination of judges and lay people. But the common law world has never looked like following that lead. Another alternative in use in Australia is a judge alone trial, although that option isn't always available, and by virtue of Section 80 of the Constitution isn't available in a trial of a serious federal offense. Indeed, there's no guarantee that judges themselves are immune from social media influences. While there's a widespread belief that judges are more capable than juries of putting to one side their own prejudices, the rules regarding sub judice contempt (discussing publicly a matter that is before a court in a manner that may influence the outcome) applies equally to judge alone and jury trials. Adding to the policy confusion, there's some evidence trials by judge alone do make a difference to the outcome. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics examined NSW trials between 1993 and 2011 and found defendants were acquitted 55.4% of the time in a judge alone trial, compared to 29% in a jury trial. Another reform idea is to allow jurors to raise questions with the judge during breaks in the trial, including asking about things they may have "accidentally" come across on social media. A judge could send the jury out while the lawyers present to the judge how they think the questions should be handled and answered. However, this idea has yet to excite policymakers. In the end, we must accept there are flaws in jury process. But finding acceptable alternatives has proved difficult, hence the reluctance of governments to abandon the status quo. Judges will continue to warn against private sleuthing, but one suspects that it will, from time to time, continue regardless. One can only hope the disaster that befell the Lehrmann trial sends a salutary lesson to prospective jurors henceforth: listen to what the judge tells you, and during the course of the trial leave your favorite search engine alone. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain An increasing number of Australian families are educating their children at home, either through homeschooling or distance education. My research highlights how some parents are not necessarily choosing to homeschool for religious reasons or because they want to hothouse their kids. Nor are they doing it as their first choice. Rather some are doing it because their children are being bullied and going to school is no longer a safe option. How many Australians homeschool? As of 2021, there were about 26,000 young people in home education in Australiathis includes both homeschooling and those who do distance education. We saw numbers increase due to COVID disruptions and know they have grown since then. For example, in Queensland alone, there has been a nearly 70% increase in the numbers of homeschoolers in the last year. This includes a 137% increase in the primary years and a 205% increase in the secondary years in the five years to 2022. Significantly, these figures only cover the families that register. We know some families who homeschool do not make it official and do not engage with authorities. The stereotypes There are some well-worn stereotypes about families who homeschool their kids. These include the "religious fanatics" who don't want their child learning about evolution, or being exposed to liberal attitudes on sex and gender. There are also "off-grid hippies" who feel they want to keep institutions out of their lives. This group are also likely to be anti-vaxxers. Some homeschoolers are also thought of as "hot-housers" who believe their child is too gifted and special to be in a mainstream classroom. People also associate homeschooling with socially isolated children who refuse to leave their room and play with other kids. My research: The impact of bullying In new research colleagues and I examined how bullying had affected families who had chosen to homeschool their children. We interviewed six parents all of whom identified bullying as their number one reason for homeschooling. All participants were from New South Wales and Queensland. In our forthcoming paper, these families identified a number of serious incidents. One mother talked about how son (who is allergic to nuts) was tormented by a group of children with a peanut butter sandwich. They reportedly wanted to see if he would die from exposure to the allergen. "The last thing before I pulled him out [school] was being chased through the school by kids who'd bought a peanut butter sandwich. And [my son] was in fear, he was in fear of his life." Another mother told of her child who was constantly beaten up in the toilets because of his issues with bladder control. She said his teacher had not helped, even belittling him in front of other children, saying "babies need help to go the toilet." Another interviewee's daughter, who was on the autism spectrum, was spending every day hiding behind the classroom door to protect herself from classroom bullies. She said her daughter would grab the day's work and spend the rest of the time behind the door. "She had actually decorated the door, she was there so often she [] put up a sign that said, "I am here because I need help.'" It is clear from these stories, and those in other studies, that bullying is a significant factor in some parents choosing to homeschool. Significantly, the relationship between bullying and homeschooling has also been seen in other countries, including the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Yes, this is complex, but the consequences are severe We also know some of these young people have complex needs, such as physical issues with bladder control, serious nut allergies and autism. These needs were not being met or managed by their schools and made the child more vulnerable. As one of our participant parents noted, by being different, they were a target. All our participants reported they had tried to work with the school. But the issues had either continued or the child had been so traumatized by their experience, they refused to go to back to school. Some participants had tried multiple schools. The parents all noted how much schools were struggling, because they have to manage everyone's needs and can't be everywhere. But when schools do fail to manage the bullying, it can push families into homeschooling. The families in our study told us they now had to carefully plan their journeys passing the school or their child would have panic attacks and meltdowns. "Some days if we drive the wrong way to the supermarket [] and it's not even the same school that he was at [] there's that real negative association with schools and classrooms." What happens now? Growth in homeschooling numbers suggests families who keep their children at home are going to be an increasingly significant educational force. Until serious steps are undertaken to work with parents, and understand their decision to keep their children at home, it's likely the numbers will continue to rise. There is also a risk governments will lose contact with these families if they continue to choose not to register as homeschoolers with authorities. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Racism is often debated, discussed and analyzed in politics, the classroom and the workplace. But as a scholar of the politics of skin color, I see colorism as a form of prejudice that's poorly understood and gets very little attention. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines colorism as "prejudice or discrimination especially within a racial or ethnic group favoring people with lighter skin over those with darker skin." Western media outlets routinely assume that colorism refers to the preference for lighter skin in communities of color. Yet this assumption betrays a Western bias. Yes, in places like the U.S., darker-skinned people can experience various aspects of discrimination. But in some African communities, the U.S. and other parts of the world, light skin may also lead to prejudicial treatment. Targets for discrimination and abuse Albinism is a hereditary condition caused by mutations of certain genes that affect the amount of melanin produced by the body. The condition is relatively rareroughly 1 in 17,000 people worldwideand rates vary by population group. But in Africa, certain tribal traditions can place the lives of albino Africans in danger. In an environment where dark skin is the dominant norm, light appearances can invite reverse colorismand even lead to violence. Incidents of albino reverse colorism occur most often in sub-Saharan Africa. There, some natives refer to albinos using the pejorative "inkawu," which, in English, roughly equates to "white baboon." Other words that refer to albinos are "isishawa"meaning a person who is cursedand "zeruzeru," which is predominantly used in Tanzania and means "ghostlike." Tanzania is notable for another reason: It has the largest number of documented murders of albino people on the entire continent. There are certain cultural traditions that facilitate the abuse and murder of albino people. A report prepared for the United Nations in 2012 noted that a tradition existed in the Maasai tribe to place a newborn albino child at the gate of a cattle barn. Cattle were then released to graze, and they would often trample the newborn to death. If the child somehow survived, it would be allowed to live. Beyond the imminent physical danger albino newborns can find themselves in, the birth of an albino child can create a host of challenges for the rest of the family, which can find itself newly stigmatized. For these reasons, some families see their albino children as a curse. Other albino children, as well as adults, may end up mutilated, their body parts used to concoct potions and make trinkets. Such forms of violence are reserved for the albino population alone. The statistics are devastating: In Tanzania, only 2% of people born with albinism live to the age of 40. Fighting back In Africa, there are activists who are working to end the stigmatization of albino people. Sister Martha Mganga, who was born with albinism, has been holding community events in Tanzania for over 30 years to help dispel myths about albinism. Through her organization, Peacemakers for Albinism and Community, she has placed over 150 albino children in schools where they'll be safe. Another activist, an albino South African lawyer and model named Thando Hopa, sees it as her mission to change the perception of albino people. In a 2021 essay, she reflected on her experiences: "As I grew older, I constantly experienced covert, overt, and borderline obsessive interrogation of my human and biological value, my normality, my general intellectual competence, my racial positioning, and social desirabilityall linked to my having albinism." Yet reverse colorism is no less an issue among African-Americans. While many scholars and journalists maintain that colorism manifests as discrimination against those having darker skin, it doesn't always play out that way. In fact, the first African American litigation centered on colorism was brought by a light-skinned African American named Tracey Morrow, who, in 1990, claimed she was discriminated against in performance evaluations by her dark-skinned supervisor at the IRS, where she worked. Oprah Winfrey's 2015 documentary "Light Girls" is one of the few Western works that tackled the issue of reverse colorism. The documentary features personal accounts of light-skinned Black women, some of whom were brought to tears as they described being rejected or discriminated against by their community for not being "Black enough." The complexions of people of African descent across time and space are variedfrom light-skinned sociologist W.E.B. DuBois to the dark-skinned former prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Patrice Lumumbaand myriad variations in between. Perhaps mankind is always destined to differentiate itself for social, political and economic reasons. But while racial discrimination persists, it has become more difficult to divvy people up by racial group due to the growth of multiracial populations. Skin color, on the other hand, is starkly visiblemaking it an ideal canvas for discrimination. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Homogeneous spinor Bose gas and easy-plane ferromagnetic properties. Credit: Nature Physics (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01779-6 Two superfluids can exist at the same time in ultracold atomic clouds. Until now, their coexistence could not be observed experimentally. Now, however, physicists from Heidelberg University have demonstrated such a magnetic quantum fluidit is fluid in two waysin an atomic gas. Researchers led by Prof. Dr. Markus Oberthaler have succeeded in preparing this state in clouds of ultracold rubidium atoms and to characterize it in detail. The results of their research were published in the journal Nature Physics. Fluids as we know them from daily life do not flow without resistance. Large pumps and turbines are needed to move water, and honey flows slowly off a spoon. This is caused by the fluid's inner friction, through which motional energy is ultimately converted into heat. This can be radically different in a quantum fluidsomething that is closely linked to the phenomenon of Bose-Einstein condensation. A Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) is a special quantum mechanical state of an atomic gas that is reached at very cold temperatures. A cloud of individual atoms in this state collectively behaves as a single fluid. This quantum fluid is able to flow without resistanceit is superfluid. According to Prof. Oberthaler, in recent decades atomic Bose-Einstein condensates were created from very different types of atoms such as sodium and rubidium, but more recently also from more "exotic" atoms like erbium and dysprosium. However, most of these atoms also exhibit internal degrees of freedomthey have a spin and behave like small magnets. This can, in principle, also give rise to the phenomenon of Bose-Einstein condensation, but this has not been experimentally observed yet, as Markus Oberthaler, a researcher at the Kirchhoff Institute for Physics, explains. This demonstration has now become possible with an ultracold cloud of rubidium atoms. Usually, a Bose-Einstein condensate is prepared through so-called evaporative cooling. This works much like the cooling of coffee in a cup by blowing on it. The fastest atoms at the surface of the coffee are blown away and one waits until the remaining atoms come to rest at a cooler temperature. This is extremely difficult for the spin, which is why the Heidelberg physicists chose another method. "We initialized the system far from equilibrium and waited until the rubidium atoms reached a new state of equilibrium. What at first seemed less intuitive turned out to be extremely efficient," states Dr. Maximilian Prufer. The study's lead author was a member of Prof. Oberthaler's research group and is now with TU Wien (Austria). To create and trace this state, the researchers used unique detection and perturbation methods especially developed for this purpose. They observed that not only did the motional degree of freedom become superfluid but the spin as well. Magnetic quantum fluids can thereby become extremely fluid in two ways. "Our new research methods allow us not only to characterize the condensate but will also allow us to better understand the path from non-equilibrium to that state," explains Markus Oberthaler, head of the "Synthetic Quantum Systems" research group, which is also part of the STRUCTURES Cluster of Excellence of Heidelberg University. The experimental physicists collaborated with the research group of Prof. Dr. Jurgen Berges at the Institute for Theoretical Physics to calculate the theoretical predictions for the experimental observables. To achieve agreement between the calculations and the results of the experiment, an extremely cold temperature had to be assumed. "That surprised us all and will be the topic of further investigations for independent verification," state the authors of the Nature Physics, paper. More information: Maximilian Prufer et al, Condensation and thermalization of an easy-plane ferromagnet in a spinor Bose gas, Nature Physics (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-022-01779-6 Journal information: Nature Physics Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A coal ash waste dump in Prince George's County is among the most polluting in the nation, according to a new report from environmental groups. Two other Maryland coal ash waste dumps are cited in the report, in Montgomery County and Baltimore City, but the Prince George's site, located in Brandywine, was ranked far above them. It was considered the 7th worst such site in the U.S. The report, authored by researchers from the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice, drew from publicly available pollution data to assess dumps for coal ash, the waste left behind by burning coal for electricity. Coal ash waste, which includes toxic metals and other pollutants with the potential to harm human health and the environment, is one of the nation's biggest sources of industrial pollution, though coal burning has declined in recent years, according to the report. In Maryland, many of the sites were owned originally by large utilities such as BGE and PEPCO, and accepted waste from their coal-fired power plants nearby, but have been sold in recent decades. In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the first regulations for coal ash, banning the storage of ash waste in leaking or unlined ponds, and requiring the industry to monitor groundwater for contamination and clean up contaminated sites. "The first goal has been partly achieved, as most coal plants no longer send coal ash to leaking or unlined ash ponds," reads the report released Thursday. "But this report shows that the other goals of the Coal Ash Rule have been thwarted by the utility industry's widespread violation of federal law." The report found that 91% of U.S. coal ash sites are causing unsafe levels of groundwater contamination based on their own data, just as in the previous study by the environmental groups in 2019. Arsenic, which is known to cause cancer and other health defects after long-term exposure in drinking water, is the most common culprit, according to the report, but other toxic chemicals, such as boron, lithium, molybdenum and sulfate also were common. At about half of the polluting coal plants named in the report, operators have denied responsibility for the contamination and are not creating a cleanup plan, according to the report. The other half of facilities have submitted some sort of cleanup plan. But many of them simply identified different options for cleanup without committing to one, according to the report. Only 4% of the facilities plan to actually treat groundwater to eliminate pollutants, according to the report. The report recommended greater federal oversight of coal ash waste sites and the addition of enforceable cleanup deadlines, plus greater monitoring of drinking water near coal ash sites. In January, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it had taken steps to put several facilities on notice about compliance with the Coal Ash Rule. The Brandywine Ash Management Facility, operated by GenOn Energy Holdings, reported detecting 222 times the safe amount of lithium in its groundwater, 111 times the safe amount of molybdenum and five times the safe amount of arsenicamong other overages, according to the report. Brandywine has long been cited by environmental advocates as a poster child for environmental racism. The small, majority-Black community hosts a number of power plants and a Superfund site, a hazardous waste site prioritized for cleanup by the federal government. The coal ash report found that about 70% of the coal ash ponds in or dangerously close to groundwater are located in lower income neighborhoods or communities of color. At the Brandywine facility, researchers found that GenOn has skirted the requirements of EPA's Coal Ash Rule by "pretending that there are multiple landfills where there is in fact a single landfill." The Coal Ash Rule only applies to landfills that still were receiving coal ash in October of 2015. "They carved it up into a bunch of what they call cells," said Abel Russ, a researcher with the Environmental Integrity Project who helped prepare the report. "The ones that they have stopped adding ash to before 2015, they decided those were inactive and they're not covered by the rule." GenOn, based in Houston, did not respond Thursday to a request for comment on the study. In 2013, the company entered into a consent decree with the state over its coal ash landfills, and was fined. The researchers also found that GenOn was failing to adequately monitor the groundwater contamination. Instead of comparing its groundwater wells to a background well unaffected by contamination, GenOn looks at each groundwater well in isolation, to determine whether its contamination levels are increasing or decreasing, Russ said. "They ask whether it's getting worse over time, which is interesting information in an academic sense, but it's not what the rule is asking," Russ said. A second GenOn facility in Maryland also made the researchers' list. The Westland Ash Management Facility in Dickerson, about 15 miles south of Frederick on the Potomac River, reported detecting 30 times the safe level of molybdenum in its groundwater, 21 times the safe level of lithium and six times the safe level of selenium, among other overages. Researchers determined that facility has issued a list of possible cleanup plans, but has yet to select its final plan, Russ said. Maryland's third facility on the list is located on Hawkins Point in South Baltimore, just north of the city line with Anne Arundel County. The Fort Armistead Road facility reported unsafe levels of certain contaminants, but those levels were actually lower than at a well upstream of the landfill, which would mean the source of the contamination may not be the coal ash. It's also possible, however, that the upstream well also was contaminated, making it a poor choice for comparison, Russ said. The contamination levels at the Fort Armistead facility also were lower than at many others in the study. Some of the numbers, including for cobalt, were just above the safe threshold, Russ said. That site is managed by Allentown, Pennsylvania-based Talen Energy, which did not respond Thursday to a request for comment. 2022 The Baltimore Sun. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: Shutterstock Australia's mainstream media has long viewed refugees, migrants and Indigenous communities through a "deficit lens." That's where these populationsin all their glorious complexityare framed simply as a "problem" that needs to be "fixed." Never achieving enough. Never grateful enough. Just never quite deserving enough to be seen as legitimate Australians. This deficit discourse is created, in part, by a mainstream media and screen culture that is overwhelmingly white and doesn't reflect the cultural diversity of its population. Media Diversity Australia reports that 75% of presenters, commentators and reporters have an Anglo-Celtic background, while only 6% have an Indigenous or non-European background. This is despite Census data indicating nearly half of all Australians had at least one parent born overseas. Fixing this under-representation in the media workforce is only a starting point. As I describe in my new book, second-generation migrant content-creators are taking matters into their own hands. Moving beyond the deficit lens is essential for racialized peoples to claim belonging, and have agency in their own stories. Here are some examples of how they're doing it. Moving beyond 'precarity' When I see writer Hani Abdile perform her poetry, I also witness my research participantsmany of whom are migrants or their childrennod their heads in collective validation. Abdile is a Somali-Australian civil war refugee who credits poetry as having saved her. My book chapter looks at how Abdile's work avoids the lens of "precarity" usually applied to the work of refugees. "Precarity" is part of deficit discourse. It's where a refugee is framed as having to be in real need or distress to be accepted here; to have a refugee story "good enough" to justify their presence in Australia. Abdile's poem "I will live, survive and be asked" recounts the story of leaving her country of birth and boarding a boat. She wrote it while in a refugee detention center. This poem is peppered with questions you can imagine Abdile has faced again and again. Being asked to recount the details of her escape story and perform for us the "right" emotions. To prove she has a "good enough" plan for her future. This poem analyzes questions mainstream Australia and its legal system ask of refugees to justify their presence and account for future plans. On the surface, this poem might sound like any other precarious story expected of a refugee or ex-refugee subject. On closer examination, a subtext of defiance is revealed. When asked, "what do you want to be in the future?" she replies she wants to be a journalist, thereby defying the expectations of a grateful refugee who does not question the establishment. This is a poet critiquing and moving beyond the deficit lens and firmly in control of her own story. Change is underway My previous research has looked at the lack of representation in TV and film of Australians who aren't white and middle class. And it's not just my research participants saying this. Ayesha Madon, a young Australian actor of South Asian origin who plays the feisty Amerie Wadia on Netflix's Heartbreak High, has also noted she never saw people like her on Australian media when she was growing up. But change is underway. The arrival of online streaming platforms, the popularity of "ethnic" comedy, and the relatability of social media accounts of young politicians of color means the tide is slowly shifting. Second and further-generation migrants like Que Minh-Luu (Netflix head of content for Australia and New Zealand) are now in decision-making roles. That helps. Change is also occurring because people of color are finding platforms to self-represent. Take for example, Indian-American Hasan Minhaj. In his Netflix series, Patriot Act, Minhaj uses political satire to draw in an international audience of racialized millennial youth. Newsy bits are interspersed with ethnic and generational in-jokes, covering everything from US-Saudi relations, the role of Amazon, social media content moderation and free speech, to Asian Americans in politics. Minhaj is both "unapologetically Indian" and the "rapper who made it." As one writer put it: "For many brown Americans [] he's the kid from the block that people within our communities take a look at and think: "I could do that, too.'" In other words, Minhaj appeals to both ethnic and mainstream cultural spheresand he does so by laying claim to both cultures. When South Asian-Americans are critiqued, such as in relation to attitudes to racial justice issues in the US, the approach is educative rather than one of otherness or deficit. Telling your own story There's also a lesson to be learned in the social media profiles of young politicians of color, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) in the US and Jagmeet Singh in Canada. They're using social media to build digital intimacy and collective aspiration for their followers. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for instance, uses Instagram and Twitter strategically and creatively to build an engaging, personalized, and professional persona. On Instagram, she is talking policy details one minute and cooking an Instant Pot mac and cheese the next. She is in firm control of the way her story, in all its nuance, is told. Over on Canadian politician Jagmeet Singh's Instagram, serious policy discussion is mixed in with family Halloween pics as well as mentions of Diwali and the Sikh celebration Bandi Chhor Divas. More to be done We can celebrate the strides made by the children of migrants and refugees who have access to education and the mobility it enables. But it's also important to underscore that many newly-arrived refugees have to strive harder to feel a sense of belonging. For these communities, it is vital the mainstream media disavow the deficit lens, take ethical obligations seriously, and create space for racialised peoples to tell their own stories. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescopes mid-infrared view of the Pillars of Creation strikes a chilling tone. Thousands of stars that exist in this region disappear from view and seemingly endless layers of gas and dust become the centrepiece. The detection of dust by Webbs Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) is extremely important dust is a major ingredient for star formation. Many stars are actively forming in these dense blue-grey pillars. When knots of gas and dust with sufficient mass form in these regions, they begin to collapse under their own gravitational attraction, slowly heat up, and eventually form new stars. Although the stars appear to be missing, they arent. Stars typically do not emit much mid-infrared light. Instead, they are easiest to detect in ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light. In this MIRI view, two types of stars can be identified. The stars at the end of the thick, dusty pillars have recently eroded most of the more distant material surrounding them but they can be seen in mid-infrared light because they are still surrounded by cloaks of dust. In contrast, blue tones indicate stars that are older and have shed most of their gas and dust. Mid-infrared light also details dense regions of gas and dust. The red region toward the top, which forms a delicate V shape, is where the dust is both diffuse and cooler. And although it may seem like the scene clears toward the bottom left of this view, the darkest grey areas are where densest and coolest regions of dust lie. Notice that there are many fewer stars and no background galaxies popping into view. Webbs mid-infrared data will help researchers determine exactly how much dust is in this region and what its made of. These details will make models of the Pillars of Creation far more precise. Over time, we will begin to understand more clearly how stars form and burst out of these dusty clouds over millions of years. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, J. DePasquale (STScI), A. Pagan (STScI) The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope is widely referred to as the successor to the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. In reality, it is the successor to a lot more than that. With the inclusion of the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), Webb also became a successor to infrared space telescopes such as ESA's Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) and NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. At mid-infrared wavelengths, the Universe is a very different place from the one we are used to seeing with our eyes. Stretching from 3 to 30 micrometers, mid-infrared reveals celestial objects with temperatures of 30 to 700C. In this regime, objects that appear dark in visible light images now shine brightly. For example, the dust clouds in which stars are forming tend to be at these temperatures. In addition, molecules tend to be easy to see at these wavelengths. "It's such an exciting wavelength range in terms of the chemistry that you can do, and the way you can understand star formation and what's happening in the nuclei of galaxies," says Gillian Wright, the Principal Investigator for the European Consortium behind the MIRI instrument. Our first real glimpses of the mid-infrared cosmos came from ISO, which was operational between November 1995 and October 1998. Arriving in orbit in 2003, Spitzer made further progress at similar wavelengths. Both ISO and Spitzer's discoveries highlighted the need for a mid-infrared capability with a larger collecting area for better sensitivity and angular resolution to advance many big questions in astronomy. Gillian and others began to dream of an instrument that could see the mid-infrared in vivid detail. Unfortunately for them, ESA and NASA saw the shorter wavelengths of the near infrared as the primary goal for Webb. ESA would take the lead on a near infrared spectrometer, which became NIRSpec, and NASA set its sights on an imager that became NIRCam. Not to be deterred, when ESA issued a call for proposals to study their near infrared spectrometer instrument, Gillian and her colleagues saw a chance. "I led a team that put in a rather cheeky response. It said we'll study the near infrared spectrograph but we'll also have an extra channel doing all of this mid-infrared science too. And we presented the science case for why mid infrared astronomy would be fantastic on Webb," she says. Although her team did not win that particular contract, the gutsy move helped raise the profile of mid-infrared astronomy in Europe, and she herself was invited to represent those science interests on another ESA study that surveyed European industry's ability to build infrared instrumentation. Assisted by academic institutions from across Europe, part of that study looked at mid-infrared instrumentation. The results were so encouraging, as were those of parallel US-led studies, that the appetite for such an instrument grew even larger. By pulling together in Europe an international collaboration of scientists and engineers willing and able to design and build the instrumentand crucially raise the money to do soGillian and her collaborators encouraged and gradually convinced ESA and NASA to include it on Webb. Large consortia are not an unusual way to build spacecraft instruments in Europe. ESA often builds the spacecraft or telescope and then relies of consortia of academic and industrial institutions to raise funds from their national governments to build the instruments. But it is unusual in the US, where NASA usually funded the instrumentation as well. Webbs instruments: meet MIRI. Credit: European Space Agency Extending European leadership in this method of working into the realm of international collaboration with the US, on a flagship NASA mission where the culture of instrument building is so different, was not a guaranteed recipe for success. "The biggest fear was that this complexity would be the biggest threat to the instrument," says Jose Lorenzo Alvarez, MIRI Instrument Manager for ESA. But the gamble paid off as Jose explains, "It was surprising to see the change in attitudes between people with entirely different working cultures. In the first years, we were on a learning curve. In the end, MIRI, which was organisationally more complex, was the first instrument to be delivered." In addition to raising their own money, the consortium had been given another caveat: the instrument could have no impact on the Webb's operating temperatures and optics. In other words, the telescope would remain optimized for the near-infrared instruments, and MIRI would accept whatever it could get. This would limit the instrument's performance beyond ten micrometers but it was a small price to pay for Gillian. "I never saw it as a compromise because it would still be better than anything we had ever seen before," she says. One of the biggest technological hurdles to overcome was that MIRI needed to operate at a lower temperature than the near-infrared instruments. This was achieved with the cryocooler mechanism provided by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To be sensitive to the mid-infrared wavelengths, MIRI operates at around 6 Kelvin (267C). This is lower than the average surface temperature of Pluto, which is around 40 Kelvin (233C). Coincidently, this temperature is where the other instruments and the telescope operate. Both are extremely cold temperatures but because of that difference, heat from the telescope would still leak into MIRI once it was harnessed to the telescope, unless the two were thermally isolated from one another. "To minimize the thermal leaks we had to choose some quite strange and quite exotic harness materials to minimize the thermal conductance from one side to the other," says Brian O'Sullivan, MIRI System Engineer for ESA. Another challenge was the limited space available for the instrument on the telescope. This was made even more difficult since MIRI was to be effectively two instruments in one, an imager and a spectrometer. It called for some clever design work. "We've got a mechanism, and we not only use light shining off one side, but we use the other side of it, too, just to minimize the number of mechanisms we use and the space we take up. It's a very interesting and very compact optical design," says Brian. The instrument uses one light path for its imager, and another for its spectrometer. Even after the instrument was completed and delivered to NASA for integration with the rest of the telescope, there were more challenges for the team to face. With its powerful, mid-infrared vision, MIRI shows never-before-seen details of Stephans Quintet, a visual grouping of five galaxies. MIRI pierced through dust-enshrouded regions to reveal huge shock waves and tidal tails, gas and stars stripped from the outer regions of the galaxies by interactions. It also unveiled hidden areas of star formation. The new information from MIRI provides invaluable insights into how galactic interactions may have driven galaxy evolution in the early universe. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI The fiercely complicated telescope took longer to complete than anyone had imagined and that meant MIRI and the other instruments would be required to survive on the ground for much longer than originally planned. Designed to remain on Earth for about three years before launch, it took almost a decade more before the spacecraft reached orbit. To ensure the health of the instrument, MIRI was stored in a strictly controlled conditions and periodically tested. Then on Christmas Day 2021, an ESA Ariane 5 rocket carried the spacecraft into orbit in a picture-perfect launch. In the weeks and months that followed, ground teams readied the telescope and its instruments and handed over to the scientists. Alongside the other instruments, MIRI is now sending back the kind of data that the scientists had been dreaming about. "Yeah, those first few months in particular were quite surreal," says Sarah Kendrew, MIRI Instrument and Calibration Scientist, ESA. "We'd been doing so much preparatory work with simulated data, so in a sense we knew what the data would look like. So you could be looking at it thinking it all looks very familiar, but then at the same time, it's just like, but it came from space!" MIRI's data featured heavily in the very first images released from Webb, including the 'mountains' and 'valleys' of the Carina nebula, the interacting galaxy group Stephan Quintet, and the Southern Ring Nebula. Subsequent images have continued to raise the bar both in terms of beauty and science. However, because MIRI is such a large step up from any previous mid-infrared instrument, the bar is also raised in terms of being able to interpret the images. "MIRI is giving us a lot of very new things that are harder to interpret, just because MIRI is such a big difference from what there was before," says Sarah. But this is the essence of cutting-edge science and astronomers are already racing to develop more detailed computer models that can tell them more about the various physical processes that give raise to mid-infrared readings. "There's a huge potential for new understanding with MIRI, particularly in star formation and the properties of dust and galaxies. It may take a bit longer to interpret but I think the new science that will come out of MIRI is going to be really, really substantial," says Sarah. MIRI, together with the other instruments on Webb, has the potential to advance every branch of astronomy. It is the kind of transformative science that comes about only through a large step-up in capability. And it is a remarkable testament to the team-work and international collaboration that went into the telescope in general, and MIRI in particular. "The thing that made MIRI happen was team spirit. We all wanted the same thing, which was the science. People's willingness to work together and solve problems together was really what made MIRI happen," says Gillian. Schematic of major instrumental arrays and activities of SZ4D. Credit: Carnegie Institution for Science A new report, co-authored by Carnegie's Diana Roman, presents a plan for an ambitious interdisciplinary initiative aimed at advancing understanding of the processes that trigger earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and volcanic eruptions where tectonic plates converge. Subduction zones are found around the world, mostly in coastal regions where an oceanic tectonic plate dives beneath a continental plate. The resulting geohazards include Earth's largest earthquakes and tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Many large population centers are situated along subduction zones and are vulnerable to these hazards. Years in the making, a report from the Subduction Zones in Four Dimensions (SZ4D) Research Coordination Network presents an ambitious plan to make major advances in understanding subduction zone hazards by bringing together a diverse community of scientists in a long-term collaborative effort, deploying new instrumentation in subduction zones, making detailed geologic observations, and developing more sophisticated and accurate models. "This effort will increase our understanding of the geologic processes occurring in subduction zones and the hazards that threaten many densely populated areas," said Roman, a member of SZ4D's Executive Committee. "It's an excellent example of the kind of strategic, cross-disciplinary collaboration that is needed to advance our knowledge and help inform the work of urban planners and emergency managers." Major advances in understanding the science behind subduction zone hazards will yield tangible benefits for communities in the affected regions, including the possibility of useful forecasts of large earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. "We're not promising that we will be able to predict anything," said Emily Brodsky of UC Santa Cruz, who chairs the SZ4D steering committee. "But we need to figure out if our inability to predict these things is related to the fundamental properties of the system, or because we just haven't had the instruments in the right place at the right time." The initiative was born out of a 2016 workshop, which produced a vision document, and the U.S. National Science Foundation funded the development of the detailed plan in this week's report. Through a series of meetings, workshops, webinars, and town halls designed to engage the U.S. research community and solicit input, the SZ4D initiative identified community priorities and the key infrastructure requirements and science activities needed to better understand geohazards and reduce their risks to society. "It's been a huge community effort," Brodsky added. "This is the right time to put serious resources into the question of whether these events are predictable or not. That's something we're poised to address now." The implementation plan involves a major effort to improve observations of subduction zones in a systematic way, collecting a diverse set of measurements at a range of scales both on land and under the sea. The infrastructure required for this includes extensive arrays of instruments to monitor different facets of subduction zone behavior, including volcanic unrest, and surface and environmental conditions related to landslides. The plan also calls for researchers to study the geologic context, conduct laboratory experiments, and build computational models that integrate field observations and laboratory data. In the United States, the greatest risk is associated with the Cascadia subduction zone off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. However, Cascadia is not the best place to concentrate research efforts because it moves so slowly. The Chilean subduction zone is geologically active enough to provide useful information and is a good locale for comparative studies with Cascadia and Alaska. The SZ4D implementation plan recommends deploying instruments at all three sites, but with the majority of the observational efforts occurring in Chile, complemented by a substantial portfolio of scientific activities in Cascadia and Alaska. The initiative has already started building partnerships with Chilean scientists, as well as international groups studying the Chilean subduction zone. The report is available in the Stanford Digital Repository. More information: George Hilley, SZ4D Implementation Plan, Stanford Digital Repository (2022). DOI: 10.25740/hy589fc7561 Differences in giving between donors who do and do not pledge an exact amount [solicitor level]. Note: This figure considers the subsample of 181 Mobile-Later donors in the SA pledge and FA pledge treatments. We distinguish between donors who explicitly pledge the amount they will give (Will say) and those who do not (Will not say). The left panel considers differences between both groups in the amount donated, the right panel considers differences in the follow through rate. The error bars denote 1 standard error. Credit: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2022.08.025 More than half of charitable giving via payment apps is "forgotten" as soon as a fundraiser leaves according to a new University of Copenhagen study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. On the other hand, digital solutions make it easier to donate more than spare change. Small groups of volunteers ring doorbells year round to raise money for an array of causes. Many organizations and interest groups rely on the generosity of ordinary people to fund their charitable work. But when volunteers ring nowadays, they are increasingly asking for digital donations. Here, payment platforms like Apple Pay, or the Danish MobilePay app let donors contribute without their needing to fish cash or coins from their pockets. On the other hand, digital solutions also make it easier for people to delay their charitable giving until a later date. But without an immediate donation, the risk of funds never being transferred is high. This is the conclusion of a new study from the University of Copenhagen's Department of Food Science and Resource Economics. "We investigated how the possibility of digital contributions to charity fundraisers influences donor behavior. The results demonstrate that we as humans want to come off as kind-hearted donors, but at the same time we'd prefer not to pay," says Toke Reinholdt Fosgaard of the Department of Food and Resource Economics. Fosgaard and co-author, Adriaan R. Soetevent of the University of Groningen, found that at least 60 percent of Danes who promised to donate in the study, never followed through. Among other things, Mobile Pay data was used to reach their conclusions. On a positive note, the researchers found that payment app donations were greater than average cash contributions. A pinch to the pocketbook or moral hangover Tore Reinholdt Fosgaard does not rule out that some missed donation payments are oversightsor a form of "motivated oversight" that relieves people of both the moral hangover of saying no and pinch to the pocketbook of donating. But the ability to use a payment app to donate later seems to give people an excuse to renege upon or "forget" their donation. According to the researchers, a substantial part of the explanation rests in the fact that a person's will to donate is highly correlated with the social pressure present when people meet. When a fundraising solicitor leaves, that pressure fades away and it becomes easier for a donor to opt out. "Social pressure seems to be a key driver of people's charity, alongside the inherent motives of contributing to a positive cause. Bluntly stated, people basically give when asked to because they have a negative experience if they say no," he explains. "This tells us something quite deep about our desire to be social. We want to be social and act in a socially acceptable manner when asked for a contribution. But often, we also have an opposing motiveto keep our money, if we can get away with it in a way that is socially acceptable. This duality permeates everything. Thus, there is a much broader agenda for us as researchers, beyond the importance of understanding charity mechanisms," explains Toke Reinholdt Fosgaard. Digital donations are larger One positive side effect of digital donations as laid out by the study is that they tend to be significantly larger than cash donations. The average cash contribution was 52 Danish kroner (7), whereas on-the-spot digital donations were significantly more, at 65 kroner (8.75) on average. "It shows that while digital payment solutions can challenge fundraisers and charities by providing prospective donors with an easy way out, they also present opportunities for higher contributions from those who actually want to give. Donors are no longer limited by what is in their pockets when they open the door," says Fosgaard. Donating on the spot The researchers found that the biggest difference was between those who did not pledge to contribute and the group that made on-the-spot donations in the presence of solicitors. Thus, fundraisers would do well to deploy a strategy that gets donors to give in such a way that money is transferred immediately. Fosgaard thinks that it is worth discussing how insistent solicitors can afford to be, but that the situation is more or less the same for all charities. "Is it unethical to keep someone who has expressed an interest in donating at the door? If so, then all charity is unethical, because it is, and has always been, that social pressure is at play. There is a knock at the door, and you open it in your bathrobe to a person asking, 'would you like to donate?'," says the researcher. The researcher also thinks that the study can help charities design effective fundraising so that people who are keen to donate do so, while fundraisers feel impactful. "We hear from fundraisers that they miss a feeling of success when handing over a pamphlet with a MobilePay number on it. That's another reason why it makes sense to ask people to donate on the spot if they wish to support the cause," says Toke Reinholdt Fosgaard. Researcher recommendations for fundraisers Keep those considering a contribution at the door so that they donate on the spot. If a volunteer maintains social interaction with someone, the "forgotten" donation problem is solved. The person being solicited can always get off the hook by saying no. Stick with the digital donation optionit will pay off More information: Toke R. Fosgaard et al, I will donate later! A field experiment on cell phone donations to charity, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2022.08.025 Journal information: Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organisation Graphical abstract. Credit: Environmental Science & Technology (2022). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05198 Buildings renovated with healthier furnishings had significantly lower levels of the entire group of per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS)toxic chemicals linked with many negative health effectsthan buildings with conventional furnishings, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study was published in Environmental Science & Technology. "We have decades of research showing that PFAS are concerning for human health and the environment. Our findings provide desperately needed scientific evidence for the success of healthier materialswhich don't have to be more expensive or perform less wellas a real-world solution to reduce indoor exposure to forever chemicals as a whole," said Anna Young, research associate in the Department of Environmental Health, associate director of the Healthy Buildings program, and lead author of the study. PFASdubbed "forever chemicals" because of their extreme persistence in the environment due to their characteristic fluorine-carbon backboneare artificial compounds widely used for their stain-resistant and water-resistant properties. There are at least 12,000 different types of PFAS, and they are found in products such as furniture, carpet, textiles, food packaging, nonstick cookware, cosmetics, firefighter gear, and firefighting foam. PFAS have been detected in the blood of over 98% of Americans. Health problems linked with PFAS exposure include thyroid disease, stunted development, weakened immune system, high cholesterol, testicular cancer, obesity, and diabetes. However, there is very little published research on the effectiveness of actionable solutions to reduce indoor exposure to forever chemicals. To assess indoor PFAS levels, Young and her colleagues analyzed dust in buildings on a university campus. In previous research, they'd found that levels of 15 types of PFAS were lower in buildings with healthier materials. But in the new study, they wanted a way to measure all types of PFAS, because the vast majority of the thousands of PFAS in use are unknown or cannot be measured using traditional lab techniques. As a novel surrogate to measure PFAS, they used organic fluorine, which is found in all PFAS. Comparing 12 indoor spaces with healthier carpet and furniture to another 12 spaces with conventional furnishings, the researchers found that PFAS concentrations in dust were 66% lower in the 12 rooms with healthier materials compared to the 12 rooms furnished without particular attention to PFAS. Organic fluorine levels were also lower in the healthier spaces, showing that renovating spaces with healthier furnishings succeeded in not only lowering the 15 PFAS traditionally investigated, but the entire class of forever chemicals. The 15 types of PFAS that researchers could measure in the lab were significantly correlated with organic fluorine concentrations, but only accounted for up to 9% of itsuggesting the likely presence of many unidentified PFAS in the dust. The researchers stressed that it's important for manufacturers to eliminate entire groups of unnecessary toxic chemicals such as PFAS from furnishings, and to make healthier furniture and carpet materials the norm. Manufacturers should also provide fully disclosed third-party-verified chemical ingredient lists for these "healthier" materials, the authors said. "This study addresses a key question: If we demand products without any forever chemicals, do we see a reduction in total PFAS beyond the usual 15 measured in a lab?" said Joseph Allen, associate professor of exposure assessment science, director of the Healthy Buildings program, and senior author of the study. "The answer is unequivocally, yes." More information: Anna S. Young et al, Organic Fluorine as an Indicator of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Dust from Buildings with Healthier versus Conventional Materials, Environmental Science & Technology (2022). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05198 Journal information: Environmental Science & Technology Image showing plastics from the study. Credit: Ellie Ames Researchers examined the stomach and gut contents of 34 adult and fledgling birds which had been found dead on Skomer Island in Wales. The team, from Nottingham Trent University, the University of the West of England, the University of Gloucestershire, Bristol Zoological Society and the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, found that nine of the 12 fledglings (75%) had ingested at least one piece of plastic, along with 15 of 22 adult birds (68%). Together the 34 birds had swallowed more than 70 individual pieces, all smaller than 5mm. Over half of the world's Manx shearwatersapproximately 440,000 pairsbreed on the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales' neighboring islands of Skomer and Skokholm. Shearwater chicks remain in their burrows for up to 70 days after hatching, and are consuming plastics along with fish and squid food brought back to the nest burrow and regurgitated by adults. Adults were found to contain larger plastics than fledglings. Clear and yellow plastics were most commonly ingested by adults, which the researchers suggest may have been mistaken for prey. Plastic debris from fishing equipment and river litter is increasingly abundant in the marine environment and seabirds are among the most impacted marine vertebrates. "Procellariiformes"the order of seabirds which includes shearwaters and their larger cousin the albatrossare mostly surface-feeders and may be particularly susceptible to ingestion of floating plastic. The researchers argue that the Manx shearwaters may not necessarily have ingested the plastics near to Skomer Island as they forage in the seas of Wales, Ireland, England and North-West Scotland. They also spend the non-breeding season in the south Atlantic off the coast of Argentina and Uruguay, and so may have ingested plastics on their trans-Atlantic journey. Manx shearwater prey may ingest microplastics, so indirect plastic consumption is also possible, the researchers say. While causes of death for the birds found included predation, building collision and starvation, they were mostly unknown, so mortality due to plastic-related causes such as toxicity, or internal wounds, may remain undetected, it is reported. Dr. Louise Gentle, a wildlife conservation researcher in Nottingham Trent University's School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, said, "The majority of birds had at least one plastic piece in their gastrointestinal tract. Our study shows that Manx shearwaters on Skomer Island are vulnerable to plastic ingestion and that the adults are likely to pass plastic to their chicks. "We even found glitter in one of the birds. It was shocking to see so much plastic in the chicks within the first few weeks of their lives." Clare Alley, an NTU wildlife conservation graduate who collected data for the study during a placement year on Skomer, said, "This study shows that plastic ingestion is a frequent occurrence for Manx shearwaters that breed on Skomer Island. Although the ingestion rates are not as high as areas of the Pacific Ocean, where the risk is much greater; the potential impact on these birds warrants further study." Dr. Matt Wood, Senior Lecturer in Biology from the University of Gloucestershire who coordinated the study, said, "We need to know more about what's happening here. While it's small amounts and nothing like the quantities that some seabirds can carry, where plastic pollution is worsesuch as the Pacificit doesn't mean it's having no effect." Shanice Arkless, who was a student at the University of the West of England during the study and helped to collect data on fledglings, said, "With increasing amounts of leaked plastic entering the ocean at alarming rates, and evidence of plastic consumption in the gut of young birds, it is imperative to work to protect both adults and fledglings from plastic pollution." Lisa Morgan, Head of Islands and Marine at the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, which was involved in the study, said, "Skomer is world famous for its seabirds, with 800,000 individuals, including Manx shearwaters, puffins and kittiwakes coming to breed every year. Sadly, the finding of plastics ingested by Skomer's Manx shearwaters is not surprising. It is well known that seabirds act as barometers for the health of our seas. "Microplastics within these iconic birds reflects the global plastic crisis currently impacting our precious marine life. It is concerning, not only for the welfare of the seabirds themselves, but for the entire marine ecosystem on which they depend. "Scientists estimate 99% of seabirds could have plastic in their stomachs by 2050 if we continue in the same direction. It is vital that we all reduce the amount of plastic we use in our daily lives and call on the Government to get drastic on tackling plastic." The study, is published in the journal Seabird. More information: Clare L. Alley et al, Plastic ingestion in adult and fledgling Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus on Skomer Island, Wales. www.seabirdgroup.org.uk/journa -34/seabird-34-B.pdf Gender distribution of founders by technology. Credit: Theresa Treffers et al, Gender diversity in German and French startups - still a long way to go to close the gap (2022) https://mediatum.ub.tum.de/doc/1690861/1690861.pdf Women are significantly underrepresented in German and French start-ups, especially in technical industries. This applies to both founders and employees, as a study from TUM in collaboration with the Roland Berger Foundation for European Management now shows. In companies founded by all-female teams, the proportion of women in the workforce is almost twice as high as in male-established ventures. Start-ups launched by men also have a much higher valuation. Similar to mature companies, start-ups are increasingly shining the spotlight on the importance of gender equality. However, unlike in larger enterprises, the level of diversity in start-ups has not been explored in much detail to date. With this in mind, a research team from TUM, supported by the Roland Berger Foundation for European Management, set about analyzing roughly 700 German and 1,000 French start-ups. To ensure comparability, the researchers focused on companies that had received seed funding between 2012 and 2016. They analyzed information from the database Dealroom and matched it with data shared by around 80,000 start-up employees on LinkedIn. The analysis shows that only around 3 percent of the German and 4 percent of the French start-ups surveyed were founded by all-female teams or solo female founders. Around 83 percent of German and 84 percent of French companies were founded by men, while 14 and 12 percent, respectively, were launched by mixed teams. Exceeding 60 percent, the proportion of male employees is also significantly higher in both countries. It is striking that all-female founding teams have 62 percent female employees, while in start-ups founded by male teams that figure is just 35 percent. Women particularly underrepresented in tech industry The research team also investigated how the gender divide breaks down across industries. In Germany, the proportion of female founders is comparatively high in the dating industry (50%) and in fashion (29%). However, there are hardly any female founders in robotics or real estate (3% each), for instance. The picture is similar in France. Here, female founders are most strongly represented in the wellness and beauty industry (25%), but are rare in markets such as fintech (5%). Looking at employee figures, the analysis also shows that women are strongly underrepresented in technology industries. Of the sectors surveyed, the computer games industry in Germany (19%) and the semiconductor industry in France (17%) were among those with the lowest proportions of women. No female founders in quantum technology Similar to the analysis about start-up industries as defined by the product, the study also analyzed the gender distribution according to the technologies that start-ups use. In Germany, women most frequently founded start-ups using virtual reality (20%). Ventures using technologies for the Internet of Things were very rarely launched by women (3%). Meanwhile, in the quantum technology sector no female founders at all could be foundas it was also the case in France. In that country, the share of female founders was highest in start-ups using nanotech (14%). Male-established start-ups have much higher valuation Across both countries, valuations by investors are also marked by inequality. While male-led German start-ups are valued at a median of 21 million US dollars, start-ups with all-female founder teams are at around 6 million dollars. In France, male-established start-ups are valued at a median of 14 million dollars, compared with 4 million dollars for female-led ventures. Increasing gender parity in start-up processes "Women are significantly underrepresented in the start-up space, both as founders and as employeesacross all industries, technologies and revenue models," says study leader Dr. Theresa Treffers of TUM's Chair of Strategy and Organization. "If we look at studies in social psychology, we can see what drives this lack of gender diversity. Investors have the perception that men are better suited to entrepreneurial roles. And we are missing female students in STEM subjectsin other words, subjects that would likely be the springboard for future founders and start-up employees. Women only make up around 30 percent of STEM students." The study recommends several measures for a more diverse and inclusive start-up landscape. "The most important thing is to combat gender bias and stereotypes, for instance by promoting female role models at an early stage," explains Felicitas Schneider, member of the Management Board of the Roland Berger Foundation for European Management. "Targeted support needs to be available for female founders, since women hire more women." The study also sees room for improvement in founding and investment processes, for example through gender-neutral start-up programs and a higher proportion of women in management positions at venture capital firms. Credit: International Center for Journalists A report into online violence against women journalists draws on Department of Computer Science research to call for urgent action by U.K. policymakers to protect lives, livelihoods and press freedom. The report is the result of a three-year study covering 15 countries and is the most geographically, linguistically, and ethnically diverse scoping of online violence against women journalists to date. The study, commissioned by UNESCO, found that online violence against women journalists in the U.K. is frequently associated with populist politics, polarizing political debates and that the pandemic has worsened the situation. Alarmingly, the report also found a strong link between online violence and offline attacks in the U.K., especially with regard to stalking. The study draws on the experiences of nearly 1,100 journalists, two big data case studies examining 2.5 million social media posts directed at journalist and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa (the Philippines) and multi award-winning investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr (U.K.), along with detailed individual country case studies. The study was led by Dr. Julie Posetti, ICFJ's Global Director of Research and a senior researcher at the Center for the Freedom of the Media (CFOM) at the University of Sheffield. It also draws on research by Dr. Diana Maynard and Professor Kalina Bontcheva from the University of Sheffield's Department of Computer Science and CFOM. The book-length study is calling for governments, Big Tech, the news industry, legal and judicial actors and civil society to do more to tackle what is described as a crisis of online violence towards women journalists. It was edited by Dr. Posetti and Nabeelah Shabbir. The researchers say the report's findings should serve as a wake up call for U.K. policymakers as the draft Online Safety Billa proposed piece of legislation designed to regulate the tech sector, safeguard people online and protect freedom of expressionis delayed once again with no known date for when it will return to the House of Commons. Abuse directed at journalists in the UK The U.K. and Northern Ireland were one of 15 in-depth global case studies in the report, drawing on extensive desk research and in-depth interviews with 22 journalists and experts. The study found that online violence against women journalists in the U.K. is frequently associated with populist politics, and polarizing political debatessuch as Brexit. The pandemic has worsened the situation for women journalists with digital conspiracy networks targeting reporters, and one member of the Conservative government at the time attacking two journalists for their critical reporting of responses to COVID-19. One interviewee for the report, BBC disinformation reporter Marianna Spring, documented her own experience of online violence in a documentary broadcast in 2021. In partnership with ICFJ researchers, the University of Sheffield computer scientists conducted a big data analysis of approximately 75,000 tweets directed at Spring from March to August 2021 and found more than half55%of the abuse was designed to discredit Spring as a journalist and undermine her public interest journalism, while 27% was sexist and misogynistic (the remainder was classified as generally abusive). Link between online and offline violence A strong link between online and offline violence in the U.K. has been revealed by the study. The correlation of online violence and offline attacks against women journalists is significant, especially with regard to stalking. The report documented four cases of physical stalking associated with online harassment. In three cases, the perpetrators harassed the journalists at their newspapers, and in the fourth case, a stalker left a message for a BBC journalist Marianna Spring on the noticeboard at the train station she uses to commute to work. Northern Irish journalists covering sectarian paramilitary activity and organized crime are particularly vulnerable to offline attacks seeded online, according to the report. Three cases of online-offline violence targeting women journalists in Belfast surfaced during the course of the research. The case of one interviewee, Sunday World's Patricia Devlin, is emblematic. She received credible death threats online which were accompanied by graffiti on city walls featuring her name next to the crosshairs of a gun, and threats of sexual violence were also made against her children. For the rest of the U.K., the situation has become so serious that the U.K.'s biggest commercial news publisherReach, PLCcreated the position of Online Safety Editor in mid 2021 and many journalists featured in the research reported that they have increased their physical security, highlighting their sense of vulnerability and awareness of the potential of real world consequences of digital attacks. Dr. Julie Posetti said, "Online violence towards women journalists aids and abets impunity for crimes against journalists, and it must be tackled urgently. This requires political actors who instigate and amplify online violence to be restrained and penalized." "It also demands that the platforms be held accountable for their role as vectors for online violence, through freedom of expression-respecting regulation by the states which claim that they want to tackle issue of impunity and protect journalists, including the U.K." "This is even more urgent in the context of Twitter's recent takeover by a billionaire who has not signaled that he understands that protecting users from hate speech enables freedom of expression." Professor Kalina Bontcheva, said, "Our report has found that we are now at a crisis point in the level of violence being directed towards women journalists. The vast majority who took part in the study had suffered from online violence, so U.K. policymakers need to take urgent action now in order to protect the lives of those who are doing such an important job in society. "A swift passing of the draft Online Safety Bill is of utmost importance, not only on journalist safety grounds, but also to limit exposure to online harms for children, minorities, public figures, and all U.K. citizens. Its current delay, however, is an opportunity to include the key recommendations arising from our research to help keep journalists safe." Incidence of online violence Nearly three quarters of the women journalists surveyed said they had experienced online violence in the course of their work. Threats of physical violence, including death threats, were identified by 25% of the women survey respondents, and sexual violence was identified by 18%. Thirteen percent described threats of violence against those close to them, including children and infants, as features of attacks. Fifteen percent reported experiencing image-based abuse, such as manipulated photos or videos, stolen images and explicit images shared publicly without permission. 29 survey participants said they had been victims of "deep fakes," such as manipulated videos, often associated with fake porn, designed to damage reputations. Almost half48%of the women journalists surveyed reported being harassed with unwanted private social media messages, highlighting that much online violence targeting women journalists occurs in the shadows of the internet, away from public view. Several of the interviewees also experienced offline stalking which had begun online via direct messaging. Abuse directed at Maria Ressa and Carole Cadwalladr As part of the study, the University of Sheffield's research team undertook two big data case studies using natural language processing (NLP) and network mapping techniques to assess over 2.5 million social media posts directed at two prominent journalists Maria Ressa, co-founder of Rappler, and Carole Cadwalladr, investigative journalist and columnist at the Observer. The team's analysis found that Cadwalladr, whose investigative work exposed the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, was the target of 10,400 separate instances of obvious abuse between December 2019January 2021. The abuse was highly gendered and designed to humiliate, belittle and discredit the journalist on both a personal and professional level. Cadwalladr described the abuse as feeling like the digital equivalent of a mob attack. "A few hundred years ago I would have been burned at the stake," she said as part of the research. In the past three years, Cadwalladr's experience of online abuse and harassment has also been influenced by the coronavirus pandemic. She said she has become a "national punching bag," in the report. Dr. Diana Maynard, said, "One of the most revealing aspects of this study was when we showed the results of the data analysis to Ressa, Cadwalladr and Spring, and they were shocked at what we found. Even though they were the ones receiving the abuse, they hadn't been able to fully appreciate the sheer volume and severity of the toxicity, because no one can process hundreds of thousands of messages in their head. And they finally felt vindicated." Abuse toward Black and minority women journalists The discrimination that Black and minority women journalists experience offline is amplified and exacerbated online, where they face a triple burden of intersectional abuse, according to the study. The research found they are attacked on the basis of their sex, their status as journalists, and because of the color of their skin. In some cases, they are simultaneously abused because of their religion and their sexual orientation. While Black and minority women journalists are largely absent in prominent and senior British media roles, they are among the most clearly identifiable targets of gendered online violence, according to the report. Call to action The study puts forward a series of recommendations for governments and policymakers, including the establishment or reinforcement of independent national bodies/ regulators to ensure compliance with the relevant national and international laws designed to protect the safety of women journalists. The U.K.'s draft Online Safety Bill, which has been several years in the making, has now been delayed twice and there is no known date for when it will return to the House of Commons. Under the draft Bill, telecommunications regulator Ofcom would be given powers to regulate online safety and issue fines to companies which breach the legislation. Key recommendations: Recognize that online violence is real, as is the psychological injury it causes. Avoid blaming women for the online violence they experience, and do not expect them to bear the responsibility for managing or combating the problem. Consider introducing protocols and guidelines to restrain elected representatives, their staff, and other officials who engage in gendered online violence against women journalists, with punitive measures attached, and ensure prosecution of those who perpetrate attacks. Make social media companies more clearly accountable for combating online harms. Arrive at a clear legal definition of what social networks and messaging services are, and how they are regulated under national laws. Require social media companies to notify users who have reported online violence, on what actions have been taken, when and why/why not. These responses could include referrals to informed civil society organizations and effective resources. Establish or reinforce independent national bodies/regulators to oversee compliance with the relevant national and international laws and regulations designed to defend online safety. Introduce regulation that provides victims of online harms with access to appeals against company (in)action through an independent, national ombuds facility. More information: ICFJ-UNESCO Global Study: The Chilling: A global study of online violence against women journalists. www.icfj.org/our-work/icfj-une st-women-journalists Greek Finance Minister Christos Staikouras (L) talks with Italian Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti before the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) Portuguese Minister for Finance Fernando Medina arrives for the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) Delegates talk before the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Vincent Van Peteghem speaks to media as he arrives for the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis, who is in charge of economic affairs, arrives for the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) President of the Eurogroup Paschal Donohoe chairs the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) President of the Eurogroup Paschal Donohoe (R) talks with German Minister of Finance Christian Lindner before the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni (L) talks with German Minister of Finance Christian Lindner before the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) German Minister of Finance Christian Lindner attends the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) Greek Finance Minister Christos Staikouras arrives for the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni attends the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) President of the Eurogroup Paschal Donohoe (L), Italian Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti (C) and European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni talk before the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) Spanish First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy and Digitalization Nadia Calvino (L) and Finnish Minister for Finance Annika Saarikko talk before the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni attends the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) Finnish Minister for Finance Annika Saarikko speaks to media as she arrives for the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire (L) talks with Italian Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti before the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Nov. 7, 2022. The finance ministers, representing the 19-country euro area, met in Brussels on Monday to discuss the eurozone's economic development, as well as budgetary measures to mitigate the impact of high energy prices. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) A satellite image of the Mississippi River Delta with land shown in bright green and water shown in dark blue. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory image by Michael Taylor and Adam Voiland, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey New research uses NASA satellite observations and advanced computing to chronicle wetlands lost (and found) around the globe. From Lake Pontchartrain to the Texas border, Louisiana has lost enough wetlands since the mid-1950s to cover the entire state of Rhode Island. Using a first-of-its kind model, researchers quantified those wetlands losses at nearly 21 square miles (54 square kilometers) per year since the early 1980s. In the new study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, scientists used the NASA/USGS Landsat satellite record to track shoreline changes across Louisiana from 1984 to 2020. Some of those wetlands were submerged by rising seas; others were disrupted by oil and gas infrastructure and hurricanes. But the primary driver of losses was coastal and river engineering, which can have positive or negative effects depending on how it is implemented. Centimeter by centimeter, wetlands are built by the slow accumulationaccretionof mineral sediment and organic material carried by rivers and streams. Accretion makes new soil and counters erosion, the sinking of land, and the rise of sea level. Human intervention and engineering often hold back or divert the flow of sediments that naturally accrete to build and replenish wetlands. For instance, reinforced levees and thousands of miles of canals and excavated banks have isolated many wetlands from the Mississippi River and the network of streams that course through its delta like veins and capillaries. In a few cases, engineering projects have added sediment to delta areas and built new land. The researchers mapped land change in coastal Louisiana from 1984 to 2020. Basins that failed to build new soil, such as Terrebonne and Barataria, experienced the most land loss more than 180 square miles (466 square kilometers). Credit: Jensen et al, Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences By analyzing Landsat imagery with tools from cloud computing, the researchers developed a remote sensing model that focused on accretion or the lack of it. Basins that failed to build new soil, such as Terrebonne and Barataria, experienced the most land loss over the study periodmore than 180 square miles (466 square kilometers). Other areas gained ground, including 33.6 square miles (87 square kilometers) of new land in the Atchafalaya Basin and 43 square miles (112 square kilometers) in the area known as the "Bird's Foot Delta" at the mouth of the Mississippi River. "The Louisiana coastal system is highly engineered," said Daniel Jensen, lead author and postdoctoral researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. "But the fact that ground has been gained in some places indicates that, with enough restoration efforts to reintroduce fresh water supply and sediment, we could see some wetland recovery in the future." Understanding wetland dieback and recovery is critically important because the Mississippi River Delta, like many of the world's deltas, drives local and national economies through farming, fisheries, tourism, and shipping. "For the 350 million people who live and farm on deltas around the world, coastal wetlands provide a key link in the food chain," said JPL's Marc Simard, principal investigator of NASA's Delta-X mission and co-author of the paper. A map of soil accretion in coastal Louisiana showing higher buildup in parts of Atchafalaya and the Birds Foot Delta, where the Mississippi River system deposits mineral-rich sediment during flood periods. Credit: Jensen et al, Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences In several airborne and field campaigns since 2016, the Delta-X research team has been studying the Mississippi River Delta, the seventh largest on Earth, using airborne sensing and field measurements of water, vegetation, and sediment changes in the face of rising sea level. The Landsat analysis builds on this airborne mission. Delta-X is part of NASA's Earth Venture Suborbital (EVS) program, managed at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The new model by Jensen and colleagues is the first to directly estimate soil accretion rates in coastal wetlands using satellite data. Working with ground-based accretion records from Louisiana's Coastwide Reference Monitoring System, the scientists were able to estimate amounts of mineral sediment from water pixels in the Landsat imagery and organic material from the land pixels. The researchers said their approach could be applied beyond Louisiana because wetland loss and resiliency is a global phenomenon. From the Great Lakes to the Nile Delta, the Amazon to Siberia, wetlands are found on every continent except Antarctica. And they are declining in most places. Wetlands were recently called some of the "most vulnerable, most threatened, most valuable, and most diverse" ecosystems on the planet, according to an international analysis co-authored by NASA researchers. But they also said a new generation of spaceborne tools, such as synthetic aperture radar, can increasingly inform conservation policies on the ground. This is because satellites support near-continuous mapping of ecosystems at a scale and consistency that is nearly impossible through traditional surveys and field work. The futures of our wetlands and coastal communities are intertwined with climate change, so sustainable management is critical. By storing decomposing plant matter in soil and roots, wetlands act as "blue carbon" sinks, preventing some greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane) from escaping into the atmosphere. When vegetation dies, drowns, and fails to grow back, wetlands can no longer sequester (bury) carbon in soil and vegetation. At current rates of wetland loss in coastal Louisiana, carbon burial may have decreased 50% from 2013 estimates. "Forty percent of the human population lives within a hundred kilometers of a coast," Simard said. "It's critical that we understand the processes that protect those lands and the livelihood of the people living there." More information: D. J. Jensen et al, Leveraging the Historical Landsat Catalog for a Remote Sensing Model of Wetland Accretion in Coastal Louisiana, Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences (2022). DOI: 10.1029/2022JG006794 Provided by NASA A new generation of Greek farmers see high technology as key to their ailing sector. Eyes glued to his mobile phone, farmer Sotiris Mournos pores over the latest microclimate and humidity data about his fields on the plain of Imathia in northern Greece. The high-tech farming techniques he uses are making slow progress in Greece's tradition-bound and struggling agricultural sector, but growers like him see them as key to their future. Mournos, 25, employs a Greek smart-farming app to boost production of his family's cotton fields and fruit trees. Using real-time data recorded by a weather station, he can analyze and correlate the impact of weather conditions on his 10-hectare (nearly 25-acre) cotton plantation. "We've managed to reduce the use of fertilizer and irrigation... (and thereby to) increase the financial return" of the farm, said Mournos, who gave up studying computer science at university to devote himself to the family holding in the town of Platy. Measuring the humidity or the nitrogen level in the soil helps to curb the excessive use of fertilizers and saves water, he notes. As in many other southern European countries, Greece's agricultural sector is chronically short of water and smart farming could help deal with that problem. Boosting yields The sector has also lost a major share of its available labor in recent decades, as young people snub farm work for better-paid jobs in services such as tourism. Agriculture now represents just five percent of Greece's GDP, half what it was 20 years ago. The government has budgeted 230 million euros ($231 million) over the next three years to revive the country's farming industry. Most of that derives from the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy innovation fund. "Most young people in my village prefer other jobs and have given up working in the fields," Mournos told AFP. But he is making a go at farming, aiming to work smart by using the farming app for several years now. It means he uses 40 percent less fertilizer on his cotton field and can avoid using two pesticide spraysaltogether saving 9,000 euros (about $9,000)without affecting production rates. Technology is helping Greek farmers save money and increase their yield. Analysts say the farming app is not widely used in Greece although interest is gradually picking up. But persuading farmers who may be less technologically minded than Mournos to embrace it faces myriad challenges. A key hurdle is the small size of Greek farmsless than 10 hectares on averageand the country's largely mountainous terrain. Greek farms are often family businesses or involve rented fields, making investment in tools and practices less appealing. Convincing farmers Meanwhile, an "endemic" lack of cooperation among farmers prevents them sharing costs, says Aikaterini Kasimati, an agricultural engineer at the University of Agronomy in Athens. As a result, Greece lags far behind other European states in the use of smart farming, says Vassilis Protonotarios, marketing manager of Neuropublic, a company specializing in digital agriculture. He said farmers could benefit from new technology without having to invest in expensive equipment or have "specialized digital skills". Then, there is the difficulty of convincing farmers to try something new. Organic farmer Thodoris Arvanitis says his colleagues are not interested in new technologies because they don't know enough about them and prefer long-used conventional methods. "Farmers won't go after technology when they don't have enough money for fuel," he added, at his farm in the small town of Kiourka, some 30 kilometers (nearly 20 miles) north of Athens. Attitudes may change in time as climate change puts additional pressure on farm costs, says Machi Symeonidou, an agronomist and creator of the agricultural IT startup Agroapps. The war in Ukraine and its impact on global food supplies also shows that it is increasingly necessary to produce food at a local level, said agricultural engineer Kasimati. "We see a constant degradation of fields and a fall in yield," she said, adding that water was also becoming expensive. "But as the technology becomes simpler and cheaper, these tools will see more use," she added. 2022 AFP TEM images of (a) Ar Polyclickase -M and (b) Ar Polyclickase -H. Credit: Bioconjugate Chemistry (2022). DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00363 20 years ago, Danish chemist Morten Meldal discovered a new method for assembling molecules. Assembling molecules has always been and still is a large part of chemists' workwhether they are hired to develop new sewage treatment plants, sunscreens, batteries or dishwashing liquid; no new product is created until the molecules are put together correctly. Meldal's discovery was called click chemistry, and this year it won him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (along with Barry Sharpless and Carolyn Bertozzi). "Click chemistry is a huge discovery, and the Nobel Prize is fully deserved," says Changzhu Wu, who is a chemist and an associate professor at the Department of Chemistry, Physics and Pharmacy, where he studies sustainable enzymes. But, as he adds, "the chemistry of the future needs be more sustainable, and this also applies to click chemistry." Together with colleagues, Wu has published a scientific article in which the team describes a new type of sustainable click chemistry. Traditional click chemistry requires a catalyst to get the desired chemical reaction started (in click chemistry, you want to get some molecules to 'click' together), and that catalyst is copper ions. "Copper ions are effective as a catalyst, but toxic to living organisms. So, we wanted to find an alternative to copper in click chemistry," explains Wu. Carolyn Bertozzi, who further developed Morten Meldal's discovery, found a way to avoid the toxic copper ions. She came up with the idea of changing the shape of the click molecules to the octagon shape, which made them more reactive and able to click together without copper ions. This technique led to her being co-recipient of the Nobel Prize 2022. "In our proposal for a new kind of click chemistry, we are still working with copperbut in a different way. We incorporate the copper ions into proteins and thus create a metalloenzyme that is already present in our organism. Copper in proteins poses no danger to nature or living organisms," explains Wu. For the task, the research team used cheap and biodegradable proteins, namely bovine serum albumin (BSA), which originates from cows and is a common standard protein in laboratories. It gets a polymer attached to it, and now copper ions can be embedded in the protein/polymer structure and act as a catalyst to start the click chemistry and allow chemist to put molecules together. "In short, we use cheap, biodegradable proteins to convert toxic copper ions into non-toxic, biological catalysts," said Wu. The research is published in Bioconjugate Chemistry. More information: Ningning Zhang et al, Copper-Containing Artificial Polyenzymes as a Clickase for Bioorthogonal Chemistry, Bioconjugate Chemistry (2022). DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00363 Journal information: Bioconjugate Chemistry Credit: Wiley To convert heat into electricity, easily accessible materials from harmless raw materials open up new perspectives in the development of safe and inexpensive so-called "thermoelectric materials." A synthetic copper mineral acquires a complex structure and microstructure through simple changes in its composition, thereby laying the foundation for the desired properties, according to a study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie. The novel synthetic material is composed of copper, manganese, germanium, and sulfur, and it is produced in a rather simple process, explains materials scientist Emmanuel Guilmeau, CNRS researcher at CRISMAT laboratory, Caen, France, who is the corresponding author of the study. "The powders are simply mechanically alloyed by ball-milling to form a precrystallized phase, which is then densified by 600 degrees Celsius. This process can be easily scaled up," he says. Thermoelectric materials convert heat to electricity. This is especially useful in industrial processes where waste heat is reused as valuable electric power. The converse approach is the cooling of electronic parts, for example, in smartphones or cars. Materials used in this kind of applications have to be not only efficient, but also inexpensive and, above all, safe for health. However, thermoelectric devices used to date make use of expensive and toxic elements such as lead and tellurium, which offer the best conversion efficiency. To find safer alternatives, Emmanuel Guilmeau and his team have turned to derivatives of natural copper-based sulfide minerals. These mineral derivatives are mainly composed of nontoxic and abundant elements, and some of them have thermoelectric properties. Now, the team has succeeded in producing a series of thermoelectric materials showing two crystal structures within the same material. "We were very surprised at the result. Usually, slightly changing the composition has little effect on the structure in this class of materials," says Emmanuel Guilmeau, describing their discovery. The team found that replacing a small fraction of the manganese with copper produced complex microstructures with interconnected nanodomains, defects, and coherent interfaces, which affected the material's transport properties for electrons and heat. Emmanuel Guilmeau says that the novel material produced is stable up to 400 degrees Celsius, a range well within the waste heat temperature range of most industries. He is convinced that, based on this discovery, cheaper novel and nontoxic thermoelectric materials could be designed to replace more problematic materials. Provided by Wiley Hurricane Fiona over the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico on Sept. 19, 2022, captured by NOAA's GOES-East satellite. Credit: CIRA/NOAA Three days after Hurricane Fiona struck Puerto Rico in mid-September, the National Weather Service issued an extreme heat advisory, warning that the heat indexwhich incorporates humidity to calculate perceived temperaturecould reach up to 109 degrees. Above-average temperatures almost always follow tropical cycloneswhich by definition include tropical storms and hurricanesand may soar to nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than average, according to a new University of Arizona-led study published in Geophysical Research Letters. The study's authors stressed that their results are likely conservative estimates of just how high temperatures can climb following a cyclone. Tropical cyclones often cause damage from strong winds, storm surges, intense rain and flooding, but extreme heat is an additional hazard, the researchers found. Above-average temperatures can occur days later and even in nearby areas that were not directly impacted by the storm. "Multiple extreme events happening within a very short window of time can complicate disaster recovery," said lead study author Zackry Guido, an assistant research professor in the university's School of Natural Resources and Environment and the Arizona Institutes for Resilience: Solutions for Environment and Societies, or AIRES. "To medical providers, heat is a concern. Our results suggest that tropical cyclone preparedness should also include public information about heat risk." The research team analyzed 53 tropical cyclones in the eastern Caribbean between 1991 and 2020 and 205 interactions between the cyclones and 14 Caribbean cities. They found that the cities' heat index values were always warmer than average after the storm. "Everyone's focus is on the destructive power of tropical storms and hurricanesthe storm surge, winds, floodingand that's obviously quite substantial, but our focus is on the combined hazard of storm and subsequent heat," Guido said. "Hurricanes are massive heat pumps, redistributing heat for a large spatial distance around the center of the storm, and they leave massive destruction in their wake that can knock out the energy grid. That combination is often dangerous because it slows recovery and poses risks to human health." While the paper doesn't explore how climate change may be impacting the phenomenon, the authors expect that high heat index values following tropical cyclones will increase in the future. "It's very easy to understand the climate change impacts of this," Guido said. "Our future will likely have hurricanes dropping more intense rain and have more people in harm's way. Then, if you drape on top of that a hotter environment, you will therefore expect a greater overall impact." Guido leads AIRES International Programs and works closely with the university's new Arizona Initiative for Resilience and Development, which both support UArizona research in regions most sensitive to social and environmental changes and research on topics that advance sustainable development. The cyclone study is part of a larger effort to build climate resilience in Puerto Rico. The researchers held workshops with public health researchers and metrological service professionals in the Caribbean, who pointed to the need to better understand the impact of heat following tropical storms and hurricanes. "We want to call attention to this as a new hazard," Guido said. "We worked with the National Weather Service in Puerto Rico, and part of the work, not discussed in the paper, was to build awareness about heat impacts. Puerto Rico has a heat awareness week from May 11 through 15, and we are working to help advance public education and establish a heat awareness day." The research team also included Pablo Mendez-Lazaro from the University of Puerto Rico, Simon Mason from Columbia University's International Research Institute for Climate and Society, and Teddy Allen from the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology. More information: Zack Guido et al, Hurricanes and Anomalous Heat in the Caribbean, Geophysical Research Letters (2022). DOI: 10.1029/2022GL099740 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters A 17th century Oneida Indian Nation stone pipe sits on display for photographs, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 in Hamilton, N.Y. Colgate University is returning to the Oneida Indian Nation more than 1,500 items once buried with ancestral remains a collection of culturally significant items that includes pendants, pots, bells and turtle shell rattles, some dating back 400 years. Credit: Courtesy of the Oneida Indian Nation via AP Colgate University is returning to the Oneida Indian Nation more than 1,500 items once buried with ancestral remainsa collection of culturally significant items that includes pendants, pots, bells and turtle shell rattles, some dating back 400 years. The "funerary objects" were purchased in 1959 from the family of an amateur archaeologist who collected them from sites in upstate New York and have been housed at the university's Longyear Museum of Anthropology. Their repatriation ceremony will be held Wednesday at Colgate, which is located on the Oneida's ancestral territory. "It's making things right again. It's correcting a wrong," Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said in an interview. "The acquisition of these items, it's quite an indefensible practice. They've been absent. They're not where they should be ... on the land back with our people." Halbritter said this is one of the largest single repatriations in the state and praised the cooperation from Colgate, which began a series of transfers in 1995 with the return of seven sets of remains and funerary objects. The 1,520 returned items are called funerary objects because it's reasonably believed they were placed with individual human remains either at the time of death or later. The items being returned to the Oneidas also include glass beads, ceramic pottery, knives, harpoons and a stone pipe. They were collected by Herbert Bigford Sr. during excavations of eight sites between 1924 and 1957, according to repatriation records Colgate filed with the federal government. A 17th century Oneida Indian Nation ceramic pot sits on display for photographs, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 in Hamilton, N.Y. Colgate University is returning to the Oneida Indian Nation more than 1,500 items once buried with ancestral remains a collection of culturally significant items that includes pendants, pots, bells and turtle shell rattles, some dating back 400 years. Credit: Courtesy of the Oneida Indian Nation via AP A man by that name was the treasurer in 1952 for the local Chenango Archeology Society, whose members went on "digging tours" each summer and met in each other's homes for programs on Native American archaeology, according to a story in the Sunday Press of Binghamton on the society's plans for school presentations. Some of the repatriated items date as far back as 1600. And more than 900 of the items came from a single excavation site in Stockbridge, south of the Oneida's current reservation in central New York. That includes 286 Wampum, 106 shell beads, 179 glass beads and 68 wolf teeth, according to records. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act requires federally funded institutions, such as universities, to return remains and cultural items. Nationwide, some 870,000 Native American artifactsincluding nearly 110,000 human remainsthat should be returned to tribes under federal law are still in the possession of colleges, museums and other institutions, according to a recent Associated Press review of data maintained by the National Park Service. Colgate officials said the ongoing repatriations involving the university are a step toward repairing relationships with Native American communities. A 17th century Oneida Indian Nation ceramic pot sits on display for photographs, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 in Hamilton, N.Y. Colgate University is returning to the Oneida Indian Nation more than 1,500 items once buried with ancestral remains a collection of culturally significant items that includes pendants, pots, bells and turtle shell rattles, some dating back 400 years. Credit: Courtesy of the Oneida Indian Nation via AP "This is important work, and it will continue until we are confident that all sacred items that can be traced back to their rightful owners are returned," Colgate President Brian W. Casey said in a statement. Some of the items being returned by Colgate had been on display or used for teaching in the past, though the university placed restrictions on their use for those purposes starting in 1994. Representative of the Oneidas, Colgate and the museum will attend the repatriation ceremony Wednesday at the university. A 17th century Oneida Indian Nation ceramic pot sits on display for photographs, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 in Hamilton, N.Y. Colgate University is returning to the Oneida Indian Nation more than 1,500 items once buried with ancestral remains a collection of culturally significant items that includes pendants, pots, bells and turtle shell rattles, some dating back 400 years. Credit: Courtesy of the Oneida Indian Nation via AP The items will be safely stored while the Oneidas decide what to do them, whether it's returning them to the earth or some other option, Halbritter said. "Our ceremonies to repatriate these items will help ensure that our story is going to be told in our own voices," Halbritter said, "and for generations to come." 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Decoupling and partial coupling of priorities among global buyers, suppliers and factory workers in private regulation. Credit: British Journal of Industrial Relations (2022). DOI: 10.1111/bjir.12705 Factory workers in apparel supply chains are more likely to quit due to wage and benefit violations, relative to violations of other code provisions, such as environment protection and safety standards, according to new ILR School research that will be published in the British Journal of Industrial Relations. More than two decades ago, after attention was drawn to sweatshop conditions in supplier factories, multinational corporations in the apparel and fashion industries adopted codes of conduct regarding labor rights and working conditions for their supply chain factories. Critics have suggested that apparel firms instituted this systemcommonly referred to as private regulationprimarily to gain legitimacy in their home markets. But according to Sarosh Kuruvilla, the Andrew J. Nathanson Family Professor in Industrial and Labor Relations, factory workers evaluate their working conditions differently. "These corporations want to present as good, responsible global citizens," Kuruvilla said. "A key motivation is that they want to look good in front of their customers. So the supplier factories are told by their global buyers that they have to respect all of these rights and standards embodied in the codes, including paying a wage that affords workers a decent living. However, global buyers do not necessarily pay a higher price for their product to the factory. So the factory is getting squeezed." That squeeze results in factory owners cutting as many corners as possible in order to survive, he said. The resulting poor working conditions lead to a tremendous amount of turnoveras high as 50% a year in some areas. In his new paper, "Corporate Codes of Conduct and Labour Turnover in Global Apparel Supply Chains," published Aug. 27 in the British Journal of Industrial Relations, Kuruvilla finds that the overwhelming reason for the turnover stems from wage and benefits violations. For the study, Kuruvilla and his co-author, Chunyun Li of the London School of Economics and Political Science, secured supply chain data from a multinational company, dubbed Pangia, and compared code violations and turnover rates at 622 factories in 28 countries. "Only wages matter," Kuruvilla said. "Workers are willing to take all kinds of other hardshipshaving no air conditioning, being exposed to dangerous chemicalsthey're not going to leave the factory for that. But the promises the company made that its suppliers would pay workers a living wageone that is enough to meet basic needs and to provide some discretionary incomeis not being realized." Kuruvilla, whose 2021 book examines the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility programs on improving labor standards in global supply chains, said the new research will inform the rules currently being developed under two new laws in the European Union, which will now mandate what was previously private voluntary regulation and will require companies to report on the effects of their environmental and social policies in their supply chains. The first law, known as the mandatory due diligence law, will also allow aggrieved supply chain workers to sue European companies in European courts. "My research is the first, and in fact the only one, to actually look at turnover rates of workers in the low cost global apparel supply chain," Kuruvilla said. "The study result highlights the importance of paying higher wages, and holding companies accountable for their promises to pay a living wage in their supply chain factories." Kuruvilla, the academic director of the Global Labor Institute, is serving as a consultant to some European governments as they solidify how these laws will be put in effect. More information: Chunyun Li et al, Corporate codes of conduct and labour turnover in global apparel supply chains, British Journal of Industrial Relations (2022). DOI: 10.1111/bjir.12705 Rowan University and Virtua Health on Monday unveiled plans for a new college of medicine and health they hope will become a force in education, health care and research in South Jersey. The new college, backed over 10 years by $125 million from Rowan and $85 million from Virtua, combines Rowans School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowans School of Nursing and Health Professions, and Virtuas Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing School, plus a new school of translational biomedical engineering and sciences. Its formal name is Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences. The partnership, in development since the summer of 2020, comes at a time when dire shortages of nurses and other health care workers are contributing to widespread financial losses in the health care industry and giving new urgency to such workforce expansion efforts. Rowans goal is to supply workers not just for Virtua, which has five hospitals and is South Jerseys largest health system by revenue, but all of southern New Jersey, Rowan provost Tony Lowman said. The collaboration also comes about a decade after a restructuring of higher education in New Jersey under former Gov. Chris Christie with the goal of building institutions in South Jersey that would keep patients in South Jersey and expand educational opportunities in that region. The restructuring included the creation of the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in Camden. Asked how Rowan manages medical school partnerships with two major health care rivals in South Jersey, Rowan President Ali A. Houshmand said Rowan leaves that competition aside when making decisions. We are only interested in advancing education, health care and research, Houshmand said in an interview after Mondays speeches on the new school. The two medical schools receive separate state appropriations, he said. For Cooper that figure is $43.5 million this year. For the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, it is $35.2 million, a Rowan spokesperson said in an email. Dennis W. Pullin, president and chief executive of Virtua, said the medical school partnership is not about competition with Cooper. It really is about doing whats best for the community, he said, noting Virtua has clinical partnerships with Penn Medicine and the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Virtuas 2019 acquisition of Lourdes Health System, which included Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing, gave it a taste of education. It wanted to do more, Pullin said. Plans include the construction of a five-story research and educational building on Rowan West Campus, near Routes 322 and 55. Additional details on the proposed building were unavailable. That site is also where nurse education efforts will be focused. What is now called the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine sits next to Jefferson Stratford Hospital, which was part of Kennedy Health System until Thomas Jefferson University acquired it in 2017. Kennedys three hospitals had been the main teaching sites for students at the Stratford medical school. Jefferson has its own medical school, the Sidney Kimmel Medical College. We need our own dedicated hospital, Houshmand said. Virtua will now be in that role, with the goal of providing robust clinical experiences, Pullin said. Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew claimed victory Tuesday night for reelection, as he was leading with almost 58% of the vote in the 2nd Congressional District, to about 40% for Democratic challenger Tim Alexander. Alexander, however, had not conceded by press time. South Jersey has done its part tonight to save the America we know and love, by delivering historic Republican victories up and down the ballot, Van Drew said at a victory party at The Oar House in Sea Isle City. Now the real work begins when it comes to undoing the damage Biden and this Democrat majority have done to our country over the last two years. Van Drew had about 78,000 votes to Alexanders 53,000, with about 53% of all votes counted in the district that covers all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties, and parts of Gloucester, Camden, Burlington and Ocean counties. Van Drew said Republicans must not be weak kneed when they take control of the House of Representatives in January. We need to be strong, we need to be tough, we need to hold this administration accountable, and deliver for the American people where Democrats have failed. Alexander was up and out at dawn on Election Day, accompanied by family members and voting with his wife, Anna, at the Smithville Community Center near his home in Galloway Township. Around noon Tuesday, Van Drew voted at the Ocean View Fire Company on Route 9, then planned to go target shooting with aide Christopher Chin, a former Marine and shooting instructor. Before I used to do dentistry (on election days), Van Drew, a retired dentist, said as he arrived to vote. I replaced it with shooting with Chris. Both Van Drew and Alexander, however, were still working to get the vote out. Van Drew, as he does every year, would be working the phones making sure Republicans did their part at the polls. And Alexander planned a full day of visits to polling places and to encourage Democratic enthusiasm. Alexander, a civil rights attorney and former police officer, said he was proud of how he ran his campaign. I tried not to go negative on my opponent, I only talked about his accomplishments or lack thereof ... but I didnt go in on personal attacks, Alexander said. We showed how politics should work. You convey your message and let people decide, and encourage them to participate. Alexander said he stayed positive with his message of economic development, protection of womens reproductive rights, protecting pre-K-12 public education and Medicare, and providing funding for better training of police. Van Drew said his message has remained consistent: America needs to return to strength with secure borders and elections, and a strong military and support for police. Voters at his polling place greeted Van Drew as an old friend. My daughter used to make his sandwiches at the Subway, said Susan Brown, of Dennis Township, a mother of 10. Now shes an ammo tech in the U.S. Marines. Daughter Marissa Modica is about to get the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Brown said. She showed Van Drew pictures of Modica, then had her picture taken with Van Drew and youngest children Michael Brown, 22, and Rosie Brown, 21. I love Jeff Van Drew; hes my guy, said Jon Gansert, 28, of Dennis Township after he voted. Ive known him many years. He fights for Cape May County. Van Drew was first elected as a conservative Democrat in 2018 but changed parties to the GOP after refusing to vote to impeach President Donald Trump. His name has been floated as a potential vice presidential candidate for Trump if Trump runs again in 2024. Trump has said he will make a major announcement Nov. 15, and Van Drew expects him to say he is running again. In Galloway, opinions were more split. Rachel Campbell said she came out to support Alexander and voted Democratic all the way. We have to get Democrats in so they can work together, Campbell said. Its got to be all or none. Bipartisanship doesnt work. But Peter MacDonald, of Galloway, said he was an independent voter for common sense, which he no longer finds with the Democrats. Im conservative fiscally and liberal socially, MacDonald said. But he said Democrats, and particularly President Joe Biden, have gone too far on social issues as well. The world is completely upside down, MacDonald said. This is not the Democratic Party I grew up with. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives at the Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Nov. 8, 2022. At the invitation of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Tuesday evening for a series of leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation and an official visit to Cambodia. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) PHNOM PENH, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Tuesday evening for a series of leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation and an official visit to Cambodia. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong and other senior Cambodian officials greeted the delegation at the airport. Honor guards lined up on both sides of a red carpet to salute Li, and local youths presented flowers to Li and his wife Cheng Hong. Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian and Chinese Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Deng Xijun were also at the airport to welcome the delegation. Li noted that China and ASEAN are comprehensive strategic partners and each other's largest trading partner. The international and regional situations are undergoing a complex and profound transformation, with growing uncertainties and instabilities, and unprecedented challenges facing the global development, the premier said. China expects the East Asia leaders' meetings to focus on development and cooperation, uphold multilateralism and free trade, adhere to open cooperation and mutual benefit, jointly preserve secure and smooth global industrial and supply chains, enable parties to join hands to address global challenges, and inject new impetus into promoting regional economic integration as well as safeguarding peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond, Li said. China and Cambodia, as close neighbors with deep traditional friendship, have continuously made headway in their mutually beneficial cooperation, he said. Through this visit, China is willing to renew with Cambodia their solidarity and friendship, chart together the way forward for bilateral cooperation, and work for more outcomes in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future to deliver more benefits to the two countries and their people, he said. Li will attend the 25th China-ASEAN Summit, the 25th ASEAN Plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit to be held in Phnom Penh. During his stay in Cambodia, he will have a royal audience with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, hold a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Sen, witness the signing of cooperation documents, and attend events marking the inauguration of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the handover of the Ta Keo Temple restored with Chinese assistance. Li's entourage included his wife Cheng and State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Xiao Jie. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives at the Phnom Penh International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Nov. 8, 2022. At the invitation of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Tuesday evening for a series of leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation and an official visit to Cambodia. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) MIDDLE TOWNSHIP The Police Department will be evaluated by assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and its Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission on Nov. 21. The assessors will examine the departments policies and procedures and determine whether they adhere to best practices. The evaluation is a voluntary process by which a department can receive accreditation. Police Chief Christopher Leusner said the accreditation process can bolster the departments reputation and build confidence in the force in the community. It also leaves the department less vulnerable in any potential litigation. Verification by the team that the Middle Township Police Department meets the Commissions best practice standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence, Leusner said in a news release. Law-enforcement agents from similar departments will be conducting the assessment, according to Harry Delgado, the accreditation program director of the chiefs association. They will examine written materials, interview members of the department and observe officers to see if they are complying with best-practices standards. The Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission will review the assessment teams report and make the final decision on the departments accredited status. The evaluation will take public comment into account. The final on-site evaluation will feature a period when department employees and members of the public can leave comments for the assessment team, which can be sent via email to super@middletownship.com. Those submitting comments are also asked to email Delgado at hdelgado@njsacop.org or send physical mail to the accreditation commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ 08053. People can call in with comments at 609-463-1833 from 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 21. The calls are limited to a length of five minutes, and comments must be germane to whether the department is in compliance with accreditation standards. A copy of the standards is available at 31 Mechanic St. in Cape May Court House, and one can call Lt. Tracey Super at 609-465-8700, ext. 1920, for more information. Accreditation is valid for three years. The department must submit annual reports in each of those three years to demonstrate its continued compliance with accreditation standards. MIDDLE TOWNSHIP A month after the township supported one license application for a cannabis retail site, the Township Committee this week formally denied support to another cannabis business seeking a state license. Officials indicated at Mondays committee meeting that they expect a lawsuit in connection to the decision. At the same meeting, committee members heard from skeptics of legal cannabis sales. Some objected to the very idea, but others cited concerns with increased traffic in the Rio Grande section, saying they had similar concerns when a new Starbucks opened and began attracting customers. In a unanimous vote, the governing body said no to a request from C3 Middle Township LLC for local endorsement of a Class Five cannabis license, which would have allowed the sale of cannabis and products containing cannabis to those over 21. Township officials did not release any information about the company. A search online found that the limited liability company was formed this year, but there was no contact information and the LLC does not appear to have a website or social media presence. Mayor Tim Donohue said litigation is likely in connection to the decision, which denied local support for a state license for C3 Middle Township to sell retail cannabis to those over 21. The licenses are issued by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. For now, there are no legal places to buy cannabis in Cape May County. The closest option is in Egg Harbor Township. In October 2021, the committee adopted an ordinance allowing a single Class Five license in the township and setting a process for deciding whom the township would support to receive a state license. According to officials, several companies had expressed interest in applying for a license in Middle Township. Of the two that applied for local support, the Massachusetts-based company Insa came out on top, according to township officials. For years, that company has been working with the township on plans to convert a former seafood processing plant on Indian Trail Road in the Goshen section of the township into a cannabis growing and processing plant. Originally, the plan was to grow for the medical marijuana market there, but as New Jersey laws changed, the proposal was expanded to include growing for the wholesale market for adult use. Retail sales are not planned at that site. Middle Township supports retail cannabis site in Rio Grande MIDDLE TOWNSHIP The Township Committee on Wednesday backed a Rio Grande location for a can Instead, the company plans to build a dispensary at 3402 Route 9 South in Rio Grande, the site of the former Four Seasons Diner. The property is currently vacant. At previous meetings, Rio Grande residents said there are already significant problems with drugs in that section of the township, and expressed concerns that a cannabis business would only exacerbate them. On Monday, a group of Rio Grande neighbors attended the meeting to discuss their concerns, which centered on the likely increase in traffic in an already busy area. That section of Rio Grande is one of the major commercial zones for the county, with national chain retail stores, restaurants, a brewing company and more. Mayor Tim Donohue said Insa does not yet have a state license; in fact, there is no guarantee it will receive a license. Once a license is approved, the proposal would still need to go through the normal local approval process, which could mean an appearance before the Zoning Board if a variance were requested, or to the Planning Board for site plan approval. So heres the rub: Based on current New Jersey law, this is a legal business, he said. You could object to their application based solely on the merit of the zoning or planning application. You certainly have a right to go to that public hearing. Middle Township says yes to having one cannabis retailer MIDDLE TOWNSHIP The Township Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved two ordinances re So if it goes through and we still dont like it, what do we do, picket? asked Sharon Denault. I mean, I picketed in the 60s, so Im willing. You have a right to oppose it, in any peaceful, legal way that you can do so, Donohue said. What you have to remember is if we didnt allow this in Middle Township, that doesnt mean people wouldnt be going in to Lower Township two miles away and purchasing marijuana and sitting on their front porch and smoking it. Lower Township and West Cape May have both approved allowing retail sales of cannabis. Towns that allow sales are also allowed to impose a local tax, which could mean a new local revenue source. Denault said she does not have a problem with legal marijuana, although some of the residents who spoke did express concerns. Her primary concern was with the likely traffic impact. Donohue said he was skeptical of legalization, but a majority of township residents supported the 2020 referendum. Comments from neighbors focused on the potential traffic impact of a new business, including the possibility that potential customers could park in the retail area across Route 9 and attempt to walk across the busy road. According to Donohue, the township left it up to the applicant to decide the best location for a cannabis retail shop, as long as it was in a commercial zone. Insa does not yet have a provisional license for the Indian Trail Road location, according to Steve Reilly, the co-owner and one of the founders of the company. The proposal still needs approvals for the building plans as well. The site plan is set to be heard by the township Zoning Board on Thursday. Reilly hopes to have the necessary approvals in place to start construction in the spring. The retail location will take longer, he said, both for the licensing process and for the construction approvals. I suspect that would be summer, Reilly said. EWING Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday vowed his support for multiple pieces of legislation aimed at reducing the number of car thefts around the state. And, while over the past year there have been a growing number of car thefts, Murphys endorsements come as New Jersey has seen a decrease in car thefts year-over-year in September and October, he said. State Police and Division of Criminal Justice this year expanded the Auto Theft Task Force with additional detectives and prosecutors and united with other police departments around the state. Speaking from Ewing Township, Mercer County, Murphy announced his approval for measures currently in the New Jersey Legislature. Murphy is calling for a new persistent auto theft offender statute. The law, Murphy said, would give local and state prosecutors leverage by allowing them to seek harsher consequences for repeat car theft offenders. Another bill would outlaw the distribution of tools used by car thefts to access vehicles, and a third would impose penalties for not abiding by new catalytic converter sales. In the past year, there has been a rise in thefts of car parts, particularly catalytic converters, because of the increased value of the precious metals used to manufacture them, Murphy said. Murphy, who was joined by other state lawmakers, state Attorney General Matthew Platkin and State Police Col. Patrick Callahan, said the changes would build upon previous measures the state put in place. We also know that we must do more to reduce the likelihood of car thefts and hold those who do commit these crimes accountable, Murphy said. Murphy said hes preparing to sign the bills once state lawmakers move them out of the Legislature. The governor didnt provide a timeline on when he could expect the set of bills on his desk. Speaking after the governor, Platkin said while theres work left to be done, New Jersey has cut down the number of car thefts. When Platkin was nominated as attorney general in February, the year-over-year number of auto thefts between 2022 and 2021 was 31%, he said. Murphy reported that car thefts decreased by 14% from September 2021 to September 2022. Likewise, Octobers year-over-year numbers showed a 12% decrease. Between both months, about 367 fewer cars were reported stolen. Murphy on Monday stressed that the number of violent crimes will also likely decrease if New Jersey continues passing measures to lasso car thefts. Bringing down the number of vehicle thefts will also reduce the occurrence of violent crime, as we know that too often, stolen cars are used in shootings and other acts of violence, Murphy said, adding that those crimes are also down year-over-year. Murphy said hes also directing the state Motor Vehicle Commission to explore an option for registered drivers that would allow law enforcement access to their cars on-board navigator. Doing so would help hunt down any vehicle reported stolen and prevent cars from being sold on the black market, he said. While New Jersey continues working to execute those changes, Murphy said drivers should continue taking precautions themselves, such as ensuring their keys and key fobs are secure. If enacted, the new laws would add to a series of measures taken by the state and its law enforcement leaders. New Jersey is committing $10 million in federal funds toward helping police upgrade license plate detection technology to track stolen vehicles, Murphy said. Meanwhile, Platkin revised pursuit statues, which now allow police to chase down stolen cars, Murphy added. Platkin, too, said the bills would help state law enforcement leaders as they look to continue pushing the figures down into 2023. Senate President Nick Scutari during Mondays press conference acknowledged more work needs to be done between lawmakers if the bills are to reach the governor for signature. He also said there are different auto theft trends unseen, such as stolen car markets. Scutari said the state likely needs to become tougher on suspects, changing detention rules so offenders are held in jail and cant continue committing crimes. Scutari didnt say when he could expect the bill package to be ready. In the meantime, Scutari said residents need to be vigilant to help lawmakers. Take your key fobs with you, and lock your doors, he said. 9:50 p.m.: Voters in Atlantic City rejected a switch to nonpartisan elections for their local government Tuesday, giving a victory to Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his supporters, who said the change would hurt Democrats and cost taxpayers too much money. About 56% of voters said 'no' to the ballot question asking if they wanted to move to May nonpartisan elections, giving up running as party members. With 95% of the vote in, the, 1,469 voters opposed the election change with a 'no' vote. Another 1,146 voters were in favor of the change, according to the Atlantic County Clerk's Office. 9:35 p.m.: Incumbent Congressman Jeff Van Drew declares victory in 2nd congressional district race. Van Drew, a Republican, defeated Democrat Tim Alexander. 9:15 p.m.: In Corbin City, Republican Wayne M. Smith has defeated Democrat Matthew Kane in the race for Mayor. While Daniel Patterson defeated Nikki Nichols in the race for a council seat. 7:30 p.m.: Cumberland County voting machines could not be turned on when polls opened at 6 a.m., because they had trouble adjusting from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time, an elections official said. They came on at 7 a.m. Congressional candidate Democrat Tim Alexander, of Galloway Township, said he did not expect voting hours to be extended. His opponent, incumbent U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, did not expect the problem to delay results. An official familiar with the situation who was not authorized to speak on the record said voters who showed up between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. were able to vote with emergency paper ballots. 7:00 p.m.: Polls around the state close in an hour. 4:30 p.m.: Atlantic City voters headed to the polls on Tuesday to vote on a possible change of government. Residents voting at the Richmond Avenue School were torn about the change of government vote. If approved, future municipal elections would be nonpartisan and conducted in May, rather than June primaries and November general elections. Candidates would run as individuals with no party affiliation. Mathew Marino, 55, voted for the change. There would be more votes for who we wanted to get in, said Marino, who usually goes right down the Republican isle when voting. Marino welcomed the new government system his yes vote would bring. 3:30 p.m. : Turnout appears brisk for Election Day in Ocean City, where county seats, congressional representation and school board candidates are on the ballot. 12:20 p.m.: Incumbent Congressman Jeff Van Drew arrives to vote in Ocean View, Dennis Township. Van Drew said he will go target shooting after voting. Van Drew is being challenged by Democrat Tim Alexander in the race in the 2nd Congressional District. 12:15 p.m. : Steady voter turnout in Absecon, according to Press of Atlantic City reporter Eric Conklin. 11:40 a.m. : New Jersey's 12 U.S. House races are atop the ticket for voters who'll wrap up casting ballots on Tuesday in this year's midterm contest. Democrats are defending 10 seats to the Republicans' two in the first election since congressional districts were redrawn after the 2020 census. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., though voters had an early in-person voting window that closed Sunday. Voters also have been sending mail-in ballots for weeks as well. The GOP is optimistic that it can win in the newly drawn 7th District, where incumbent Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski faces a rematch against Republican former state Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. The district picked up more Republican voters after its boundaries in the northwest were redrawn. Malinowski, who is seeking his third term, narrowly defeated Kean, a former state lawmaker and the son of former Republican Gov. Tom Kean Sr., in 2020. Malinowski first won election by defeating Republican incumbent Rep. Leonard Lance in 2018. The race is among the most closely watched in New Jersey, which has no statewide contests or ballot questions this year. Malinowski cast Kean as too reliant on support from voters loyal to former President Donald Trump to represent the district, which swung from reliably GOP to Democratic control during his years in the White House. Kean has seized on inflation as a top issue and hammers on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whom he is betting is unpopular with voters. Malinowski is a former Obama administration official and supported impeaching Trump as well the $1 trillion infrastructure bill that Democratic President Joe Biden signed a year ago. Kean served as the top Republican in the state Senate from 2008 until this year after declining to seek office again in last year's election. Democratic incumbents Mikie Sherrill in the 11th District in the northern part of the state and Andy Kim in the 3rd District in south and central New Jersey won election for a first term along with Malinowski in 2018. However, their districts became more Democratic when the boundaries were redrawn. Democrats who controlled the redistricting process. The redistricting commission met months after reports that Malinowski had bought and sold stocks with a stake in the country's COVID-19 response. There is no indication Malinowski acted on inside information to make his investment decisions and said he didn't direct his broker to make particular trades. Sherrill faces Republican challenger Paul DeGroot, who's worked as a prosecutor in Passaic County, along with a Libertarian Party candidate. Kim faces Republican Bob Healey, who runs a yacht company in southern New Jersey, and two other candidates. Incumbents are seeking reelection in every House race except one: Robert Menendez, the son of Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, is the Democrats' nominee to fill the 8th District seat opened by the retirement of Rep. Albio Sires. The younger Menendez is an attorney in private practice and serves as a commissioner at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the region's airports, ports and tunnels. He faces Republican Marcos Arroyo and five others in the district. 8:10 a.m. : Democratic candidate in the 2nd Congressional District race Tim Alexander voted in Smithville this morning at 6:30 a.m. Voters will decide whether to give U.S. Rep Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, a third term in office, the fate of partisan elections in Atlantic City and whether Democrats will keep the Atlantic County commissioner seat that represents the resort, in Tuesdays general election. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with 28,000 poll workers making it all happen at about 3,200 polling locations across New Jersey, the office of the Secretary of State said Monday. Results should be available a bit earlier this year, as a new state law allowed elections officials to open and prepare vote-by-mail ballots for machine counting during the days leading up to the election. That means they can be counted faster on Election Day. As of Monday, 973,240 out of 6.5 million registered voters in New Jersey had requested vote-by-mail ballots, and 511,676 had been returned to their County Boards of Elections for counting. Vote-by-mail ballots still can be returned up until 8 p.m. Tuesday at a secure ballot dropbox in the voters county, via the mail if postmarked by 8 p.m., or in person at the County Board of Elections. Turnout stayed steady in the second year of early voting by machine, which happened Oct. 29 to Nov. 6, with 213,919 voting early statewide, 6,426 in Atlantic County and 2,967 in Cape May County, elections officials said. There was about a 3% turnout, slightly down from 2021 which I personally think isnt too bad, given 21 was the gubernatorial race, with a normal higher turnout to begin with, said Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections Maureen Bugdon. The Legislature, elections officials, everyone is hoping it will catch on and become more utilized by the electorate. We shall see in the coming years. Im feeling good. I think its going to be a historic day, Van Drew said on Monday afternoon. Before people go to vote they should go and fill their car with gas, go to the grocery store and buy groceries for the week, take a peek at their 401K and pay their bills, Van Drew said. This is really to me and to many people about whether we are going to become more dependent on government than ever and more socialist in nature. Democrat Tim Alexander said he would be working into the wee hours Monday night and Tuesday with his team, doing their best to get every last Democratic voter to participate. I feel good about the election, the pundits and I do not agree, Alexander said of predictions that Democrats will suffer because of President Joe Bidens low approval numbers. People are paying more at the gas pump and more for a can of soup, but that is going to pass, and women will still be without their constitutional rights that were stripped away when Roe was overturned, Alexander said of the U.S. Supreme Court ending the courts protection of abortion rights this summer. John Froonjian, executive director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, said this election could see record turnout once vote-by-mail and Election Day machine counts are added to early voting totals. A recent Stockton poll found voter enthusiasm high this year, he said, and with the control of Congress at stake the trend towards focusing on national issues could push turnout to record levels. The statewide turnout in 2018, which was another Congressional election, was pretty much a record at 54%, Froonjian said. It was higher than last years gubernatorial election, which was only 40%, Froonjian said. It shows you what gets the blood running. Its not so much the State House as Congress. The October debate between Van Drew and Alexander sponsored by the Hughes Center and The Press of Atlantic City was viewed 3,000 times online, Froonjian said. Weve put them out before on video and gotten 1,000 to 1,200 views. To have 3,000 people view an election debate is a sign there is really a lot of interest out there, Froonjian said. Its difficult to predict how the vote will go in Atlantic City, Froonjian said, where a ballot question is asking if the city should switch to nonpartisan elections in May for local offices, rather than continue to hold party primaries in June and a general election in November. Candidates would run as individuals with no indication of party affiliation if the ballot question passes. Mayor Marty Small Sr. and five Democratic City Council members oppose the change, and the lone Republican on council and three Democratic council members are supporting the change. Those supporting the change are also critics of Small. Normally when its a Republican vs. Democrat issue, Id say Democrats clearly want to keep partisan elections and would prevail, Froonjian said. But this is Democrat vs. Democrat, which makes it tougher. I guess its a test of Marty Smalls organization, and whether they will get their people out to beat this back. In the last mayoral election, Small dominated, but two of the council people who are pushing for the change also did well in that election, Froonjian said. The change would rob the citys Democratic committee, which is dominated by Small supporters, of their power to choose which candidates to back in primary elections. I know Democrats up the ballot there is no question they want it to stay the way it is. Its a real plus for them, Froonjian said of having well-known local candidates help Democratic candidates for county, state and federal office. Atlantic County Democrats supported redistricting that changed the first district from safely Democratic, covering primarily Atlantic City and Pleasantville, to a more competitive one pairing Atlantic City with the Downbeach towns of Ventnor, Margate, Longport and a slice of Egg Harbor Township. The redistricting also drastically changed the second district, which had been safely Republican, making it much more competitive by pairing Pleasantville with the Mainland communities of Northfield, Linwood and Somers Point and some of Egg Harbor Township. Now incumbent Democratic Commissioner Ernest Coursey is facing a challenge by Republican Vern Macon, who heads of a fire suppression company. The results will show whether the Democratic gamble to have a better chance in the second will pay off, or rob them of one of just two seats they now hold on the nine-member county Board of Commissioners. Voters will decide whether to give U.S. Rep Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, a third term in office, the fate of partisan elections in Atlantic City and whether Democrats will keep the Atlantic County commissioner seat that represents the resort, in Tuesdays general election. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with 28,000 poll workers making it all happen at about 3,200 polling locations across New Jersey, the office of the Secretary of State said Monday. Results should be available a bit earlier this year, as a new state law allowed elections officials to open and prepare vote-by-mail ballots for machine counting during the days leading up to the election. That means they can be counted faster on Election Day. As of Monday, 973,240 out of 6.5 million registered voters in New Jersey had requested vote-by-mail ballots, and 511,676 had been returned to their County Boards of Elections for counting. Vote-by-mail ballots still can be returned up until 8 p.m. Tuesday at a secure ballot dropbox in the voters county, via the mail if postmarked by 8 p.m., or in person at the County Board of Elections. Turnout stayed steady in the second year of early voting by machine, which happened Oct. 29 to Nov. 6, with 213,919 voting early statewide, 6,426 in Atlantic County and 2,967 in Cape May County, elections officials said. There was about a 3% turnout, slightly down from 2021 which I personally think isnt too bad, given 21 was the gubernatorial race, with a normal higher turnout to begin with, said Atlantic County Superintendent of Elections Maureen Bugdon. The Legislature, elections officials, everyone is hoping it will catch on and become more utilized by the electorate. We shall see in the coming years. Im feeling good. I think its going to be a historic day, Van Drew said on Monday afternoon. Before people go to vote they should go and fill their car with gas, go to the grocery store and buy groceries for the week, take a peek at their 401K and pay their bills, Van Drew said. This is really to me and to many people about whether we are going to become more dependent on government than ever and more socialist in nature. Democrat Tim Alexander said he would be working into the wee hours Monday night and Tuesday with his team, doing their best to get every last Democratic voter to participate. I feel good about the election, the pundits and I do not agree, Alexander said of predictions that Democrats will suffer because of President Joe Bidens low approval numbers. People are paying more at the gas pump and more for a can of soup, but that is going to pass, and women will still be without their constitutional rights that were stripped away when Roe was overturned, Alexander said of the U.S. Supreme Court ending the courts protection of abortion rights this summer. John Froonjian, executive director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, said this election could see record turnout once vote-by-mail and Election Day machine counts are added to early voting totals. A recent Stockton poll found voter enthusiasm high this year, he said, and with the control of Congress at stake the trend towards focusing on national issues could push turnout to record levels. The statewide turnout in 2018, which was another Congressional election, was pretty much a record at 54%, Froonjian said. It was higher than last years gubernatorial election, which was only 40%, Froonjian said. It shows you what gets the blood running. Its not so much the State House as Congress. The October debate between Van Drew and Alexander sponsored by the Hughes Center and The Press of Atlantic City was viewed 3,000 times online, Froonjian said. Weve put them out before on video and gotten 1,000 to 1,200 views. To have 3,000 people view an election debate is a sign there is really a lot of interest out there, Froonjian said. Its difficult to predict how the vote will go in Atlantic City, Froonjian said, where a ballot question is asking if the city should switch to nonpartisan elections in May for local offices, rather than continue to hold party primaries in June and a general election in November. Candidates would run as individuals with no indication of party affiliation if the ballot question passes. Mayor Marty Small Sr. and five Democratic City Council members oppose the change, and the lone Republican on council and three Democratic council members are supporting the change. Those supporting the change are also critics of Small. Normally when its a Republican vs. Democrat issue, Id say Democrats clearly want to keep partisan elections and would prevail, Froonjian said. But this is Democrat vs. Democrat, which makes it tougher. I guess its a test of Marty Smalls organization, and whether they will get their people out to beat this back. In the last mayoral election, Small dominated, but two of the council people who are pushing for the change also did well in that election, Froonjian said. The change would rob the citys Democratic committee, which is dominated by Small supporters, of their power to choose which candidates to back in primary elections. I know Democrats up the ballot there is no question they want it to stay the way it is. Its a real plus for them, Froonjian said of having well-known local candidates help Democratic candidates for county, state and federal office. Atlantic County Democrats supported redistricting that changed the first district from safely Democratic, covering primarily Atlantic City and Pleasantville, to a more competitive one pairing Atlantic City with the Downbeach towns of Ventnor, Margate, Longport and a slice of Egg Harbor Township. The redistricting also drastically changed the second district, which had been safely Republican, making it much more competitive by pairing Pleasantville with the Mainland communities of Northfield, Linwood and Somers Point and some of Egg Harbor Township. Now incumbent Democratic Commissioner Ernest Coursey is facing a challenge by Republican Vern Macon, who heads of a fire suppression company. The results will show whether the Democratic gamble to have a better chance in the second will pay off, or rob them of one of just two seats they now hold on the nine-member county Board of Commissioners. Sunday nights low temperature of 66 degrees, recorded at Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina in Atlantic City, set a record for the warmest low temperature in nearly 150 years of record keeping there. Sundays low was two degrees warmer than the previous record of 64 degrees, which was set in 2015, according to Alex Staarmann of the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. Daily high and low temperatures were first recorded at the marina in December 1873. Saturdays 64 degree low was also a daily record for that date. In past years, daily lows have reached 64 degrees in November on a number of occasions, first in 1971 again in 2015, 2017, 2020 and the most recent one this Saturday. But Sundays amazingly balmy 66-degree reading eclipsed all the previous lows and established a new, all-time November record. Sundays low was also 8 degrees warmer than the average high for the marina during November, according to the National Weather Service. The Sunday balm was also a low more typically felt in early September or mid-June, weather service records show. Put another way, it was a low youd more likely expect to feel in Melbourne Beach, Florida, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The last monthly record to be broken in Atlantic City was July 21, 2019, when the 82-degree low at the marina set the new mark by one degree for lows in July. In general, the region has set far more warm temperature records, 15 since 1988. In contrast, the last record low was set on Halloween 1988, when the thermometer registered 26 degrees. The weekends record warm low temperatures were all part of a near-record setting start to the month. The average November temperature from Nov. 1 to 6 is the second warmest since 1873. The record low temperature carried over into the high temperatures, too. By 9:03 a.m. the daily record high of 70 was already bested in Atlantic City. The previous record was set back in 2020. A car struck two pedestrians Monday afternoon in Moline. Both were injured, but their injuries were not thought to be life threatening, according to the Moline Police Department. The collision happened about 2 p.m. at 15th Street and River Drive. The pedestrians one male and one female were walking east in a crosswalk when they were hit by a Chevrolet passenger car. The car initially was heading west on River Drive with a green light and prepared to turn south when it reached 15th, police said. At the time, there was significant traffic heading east and west on River Drive, and the Chevrolet waited for eastward traffic to pass through the intersection, completed the turn and struck the pedestrians. Both sustained injuries to their legs and were sent to the hospital for treatment, the department said, but did not provide further details about them. The case remained under investigation Tuesday morning, the department said. A Florida man accused of wielding a box cutter as he sexually assaulted a woman Friday at a Moline hotel appeared for his initial court hearing Monday. Jerimie B. Treacy, 47, faces six counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault as well as counts of aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery and home invasion, according to Rock Island County court records. His bond is $10 million. The Rock Island County States Attorneys Office has accused Treacy of entering the womans room without permission or authority; holding her against her will; taking her purse and cell phone; and performing multiple sex acts on her without her consent, court records state. At the time, he was allegedly armed with the box cutter, which he displayed or used to threaten her. Moline Police arrest sexually violent offender for sexually assaulting woman at knife-point A Florida man who has been deemed a sexually violent offender was arrested early Friday by M Treacy appeared Monday afternoon before Rock Island County Judge Carol Pentuic. She read the charges to him, explained his rights under the law and appointed the Rock Island County Public Defender to represent him. Treacy initially was scheduled for his first appearance on Saturday but refused to come to the hearing, court records state. Moline Police Chief Darren Gault said officers went around 3:57 a.m. Friday to the Oyo Hotel, 1191 19th St., after being notified of a complaint of sexual assault and kidnapping, according to previous reporting. The woman, also 47, told the officers a man with a knife entered her hotel room and sexually assaulted her. The man tried to take her to another room, but the woman got away from him, according to previous reporting. During the attack, she suffered injuries that were not considered life threatening and was later sent to a hospital for treatment. During the investigation, officers identified Treacy, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as the suspect in the attack, according to previous reporting. He also had a room at the Oyo. Gault said in the previous article that Treacy fled from the hotel and police later arrested him in the 1800 block of 20th Avenue. Treacy, according to court records, has a conviction for first-degree rape in Schenectady County, New York. Treacy is required to register with law enforcement for life, and he is on federal supervised release for life, according to previous reporting. He was released from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on Jan. 7 after serving a sentence for violating the sex offender registration statutes. He is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service serving the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida for violating his supervised release, according to previous reporting. Treacys bail in Rock Island County is $10,000,000, according to court records. To be released, he requires a $1,000,000 bond. Federal authorities, though, also have a hold on Treacy because of the allegations he violated his supervised release, according to previous reporting. There is no bond in that case. His next court date in Rock Island County has been set for Nov. 22. Rock Island Police have released the identity of a suspect in the fatal Nov. 1 hit-and-run crash near the Talbot Memorial Bridge that involved a stolen vehicle. Abbott Lee Perry, 52, Davenport, was killed after a stolen Hyundai Azera and a Chevrolet Aveo collided at about 4 p.m. at the intersection of Illinois Route 92 and an off-ramp of the bridge in downtown Rock Island. The driver of the stolen Hyundai fled on foot. At least one injured passenger remained in the vehicle. Rock Island police detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Marcus C. Holmes, 33, Rock Island, in which he is charged with reckless homicide, two counts of failure to report an accident involving injury and unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, according to a Rock Island Police Department news release issued Monday. Someone reported the Hyundai stolen on Oct. 30, police said. Both the Aveo and Azera were heavily damaged during the collision, police said. Perry, driving the Aveo, was extricated from the vehicle and taken to UnityPoint Health-Trinity Rock Island, where he was pronounced dead. Preliminary results of an autopsy indicated he died from blunt-force trauma to the head, chest and abdomen, county Coroner Brian Gustafson said previously. The passenger in the Hyundai also was taken to Trinity with serious injuries that were not life threatening. Upon arrest, Holmes will be held on a $1 million bail, the department news release states. To be released, he would have to post a $100,000 bond. The department asks that anyone with information about Holmes contact Rock Island police investigators at 309-732-2677. A person with information can also contact the Quad-Cities chapter of Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500 or via the P3 Tips app. Beginning Tuesday, new students could begin registering for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Spring 2023 term. Classes begin on Jan. 17, 2023, but students are encouraged to register as soon as possible in order to have more flexibility while scheduling classes. EICC's has over 15 exclusively online offerings including an Associate's Degree give students the opportunity to learn wherever they choose, optimal for those juggling work or family schedules while completing coursework. EICC offers 30 career technology programs aimed at helping students directly enter the job market post-graduation. Programs range from advanced manufacturing and truck driving to nursing and business, with several other options. Financial aid is still available for the upcoming academic year; many students can qualify for Iowa's Last Dollar Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition in over two-dozen high demand fields. EICCs college transfer program gives students the opportunity to complete the first two years of a four-year degree close to home. State universities and area private colleges partner with EICC to ensure students completing an Associate in Arts degree at the colleges can easily transfer their credits. EICC's website provides a 'New Student Checklist' that walks new students through the college application and registration process. For more information, call 1-888-336-3907, email eiccinfo@eicc.edu or visit eicc.edu/spring23. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (not in the picture) on the sidelines of the ongoing 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2022. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on the international community to support Pakistan after catastrophic floods killed thousands of people in the South Asian country and costed it billions of U.S. dollars in damages. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on the international community to support Pakistan after catastrophic floods killed thousands of people in the South Asian country and costed it billions of U.S. dollars in damages. Guterres made the remarks during a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the ongoing 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh. "The UN is proud to be associated with the government of Pakistan for the international donor conference in which we will try to obtain from the international community the kind of massive support that is needed for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the areas impacted by these tragic events," a UN statement quoted Guterres as saying. According to Pakistani official statistics, more than 1,700 people were killed and more than 12,000 others injured in the country's floods since June, which affected more than 33 million people. Meanwhile, the UN chief stressed that more needs to be done to help Pakistan overcome the crisis. "Pakistan is also a victim of being a middle-income country. Because it is a middle-income country, Pakistan has not benefited from debt relief at the level that should be necessary for the country," he said. He appealed to the international financial institutions and to the Group of 20 (G20) members, which will be meeting soon in Indonesia's Bali, to create the conditions for mechanisms of debt relief for middle-income countries affected by natural disasters of the size that hit Pakistan, in order to allow resources to be devoted to the investments in resilience and in recovery and reconstruction that are necessary. For his part, Shehbaz Sharif said his country needed debt relief and would seek compensation for climate damage as it recovers from catastrophic floods. "We have mobilized every available resource toward the national relief effort, but it is not enough," he revealed. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during a joint press conference with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (not in the picture) on the sidelines of the ongoing 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2022. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on the international community to support Pakistan after catastrophic floods killed thousands of people in the South Asian country and costed it billions of U.S. dollars in damages. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) When are polling locations open? Polls open in Illinois at 6 a.m. today and close at 7 p.m. In Iowa, polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. What do I need to bring? Iowa In 2017, Iowa passed a law requiring voters show a form of ID at the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include: Iowa Voter Identification Card, Iowa Drivers License, Iowa Non-Operator ID, U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID, U.S. Passport, Tribal ID Card/Document. If you have recently moved and need to register to vote, you may need to bring a document that proves where you live. For a list, see: sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/voterIDfaq.html Illinois Illinois does not require an ID to vote, and the state allows same-day voter registration. See rockislandcounty.org/VoterRegistration/ for answers to more frequently asked questions Whos on the ballot? County auditors typically have sample ballots for your polling place available on their website. And residents can look up their polling place in Scott County here: scottcountyiowa.gov/auditor/precinct-finder Iowa For Congress In a bid to represent southeast Iowa in Congress, Democrat Christina Bohannan, a University of Iowa law professor from Iowa City, is challenging first-term Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. The new 1st Congressional District covers 20 counties in southeast Iowa and includes Scott, Clinton, Muscatine, Louisa and Cedar Counties in the Quad-Cities area. For statehouse Senate District 35: Chris Cournoyer, an incumbent Republican from LeClaire, and Jed Ganzer, a Democrat from DeWitt, are running for a senate district spanning northern Scott County, Clinton County and part of Jackson County. Senate District 41: Republican Kerry Gruenhagen, a farmer from Walcott, and former child care center director and Democrat from Tipton Deb VanderGaast are running for this senate seat. Neither are incumbents. Senate District 47: Democrat Mary Kathleen Figaro and Republican Scott Webster are on the ballot for Senate District 47. Neither Figaro, a Bettendorf physician, nor Webster, a Bettendorf homebuilder and city council member, are incumbents. House District 70: Republican Norlin Mommsen, current state representative for the district and farmer from DeWitt, is facing a challenge from Democrat Kay Pence, a retired telephone technician from Eldridge. House District 81: In a race without an incumbent, Democrat Craig Lynn Cooper, a former journalist and corporate communications health care employee, is running against Luana Stoltenberg, an author, speaker, and anti-abortion activist. House District 93: Republican Gary Mohr, the current state representative and Democrat Ryan Carstensen, a home designer from LeClaire are vying for House District 93. House District 94: Democrat Phyllis Thede and Republican Mike Vondran are both running against one another for the second time for a statehouse seat. Thede, a retired Davenport School District employee, is running for her seventh term in office against Vondran, who owns TAG Communications. For county Board of Supervisors: Six candidates are vying for three spots on the Scott County Board of Supervisors. The top three vote-getters will win the spots. Republicans Jean Dickson, John Maxwell (an incumbent), and Ross Paustian and Democrats Brinson Kinzer (an incumbent), Joseph Miller, and Jazmin Newton are on the ballot. County attorney: Caleb Copley, a Democrat, is running against Kelly Cunningham Haan, a Republican, for the attorney position to replace long-time county attorney Mike Walton. County auditor: Auditor Kerri Tompkins, a Republican, is running for her first full term in office against Democrat Ashley Schimansky. County recorder: Long-time Democratic county auditor Rita Vargas is running for reelection against Republican Michele Darland. Unopposed races Some candidates without a Republican or Democratic opponent may appear on your ballot. In Iowa House District 97, Democrat Ken Croken is running against Libertarian Andrew Onsgard. Running for Senate District 49 is Democrat Cindy Winckler. Monica Kurth, a Democrat, is running for reelection to House District 98. Scott County supervisor Tony Knobbe, a Republican, is running unopposed for county treasurer. Illinois For Congress Running for the Illinois 17th, an open seat after Cheri Bustos announced she wouldnt seek reelection, are Republican Esther Joy King and Democrat Eric Sorensen. For statehouse Senate District 36: Rep. Mike Halpin, a Democrat in the Illinois statehouse, is running against Mike Thoms, a Republican and mayor of Rock Island. House District 72: Gregg Johnson, a Democrat, is running against Tom Martens, a Republican and first-time candidate. For county: Sheriff: Darren Hart, a Democrat, is running against Patrick Moody, a Republican, to replace Gerry Bustos for Rock Island County Sheriff. County Clerk: Marian Stallings Moore, a Republican, is running against incumbent county clerk Karen Kinney, a Democrat. Unopposed races Running without an incumbent is Republican Neil Andersen for the 47th Senate District and Tony McCombie for the 89th House District. At the county level, Tammy Muerhoff, a Democrat is running for county superintendent and Democrat Nick Camlin, a Democrat, is running for county treasurer. As temperatures drop, local residents can find a good supply of clothing and winter wear at Rapid Citys next Community Connect event. Community Connect will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at 855 Omaha St., the former Albertsons store. Donations of clean, gently used housewares and clothing are welcome and can be dropped off at 855 Omaha St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 14. Community Connect offers free, gently used clothing and housewares to any individuals and families in need. There are no income guidelines. More than two dozen local organizations and state agencies will be present to provide information about their services and resources. Community Connect is sponsored by the Black Hills Regional Homeless Coalition, Goodwill and Spartan-Nash. Face masks will be provided if needed during the event, and free testing for sexually transmitted diseases will be done between 9 a.m. and noon. Volunteers from Ellsworth Air Force Base will assist with Community Connect, and more volunteers are always needed to help with set-up and during the Community Connect. Organizer Jeanne McKenna anticipates the November Community Connect will attract several hundred people or more. To volunteer, call or text McKenna at 801-231-3998. Anyone willing to help with this would be great. We try to feed 400 people for lunch, she said. Ending The Silence Rapid City Ending The Silence Rapid City will provide free lunch at Community Connect and will have a booth where families can register for door prizes and sign up their children for a Christmas toy drive. Ending The Silence Rapid City is a new nonprofit organization working to stop sexual abuse and violence among Native Americans. Founder and director Brandon Ferguson is originally from Kyle and is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe. What we are doing is focusing on Native on Native violence in Rapid City and putting an emphasis on child sexual assault, Ferguson said. Ferguson said statistics indicate as many as four out of five Native American children are sexually assaulted before age 12. Ferguson said the vast numbers of sexual assaults contribute to high numbers of suicides and suicide attempts among Native teens and also to homelessness and crime in Rapid City. Although there are programs that offer counseling and therapy for abuse victims and that are trying to address homelessness in Rapid City, Ferguson said Ending The Silence will focus on preventive measures and encouraging victims to talk about what has happened to them. This issue is spiraling out of control and its not slowing down at all, Ferguson said of sexual abuse in Native communities and families. Its the biggest kept secret among the Native community in Rapid City and because it is the biggest kept secret, it is the reason why our situation is the way it is when it comes to Native issues. Ferguson, 40, lives in Rapid City. He said he was a victim of sexual assault and he survived multiple suicide attempts. He wants to partner with local businesses and organizations who will join him in creating a healthy future for Native youths. We have to give kids warning signs, we have to encourage them to talk, and we have to start ending the silence. That is the only way this is going to stop these issues in Rapid City, Ferguson said. Its not just a Native issue. It affects the entire community of Rapid City. For more information go to Ending The Silence RC on Facebook. Men's clothing, linens needed Community Connect events are held year-round in Rapid City, but McKenna said attendance numbers and requests for help increase as the weather cools and winter approaches. Community Connect attracts lots of families along with many elderly people and growing numbers of young adults in their 20s. Donations of bedding and towels are among the items most needed. Bedding and towels and housewares all that goes really fast, McKenna said. Recent Community Connect events have attracted more men, and that trend is continuing. We are starting to see a huge increase in men shopping at these events. I am always in need of mens and kids clothing. Shoes are a great hit, especially boots, gloves and hats this time of year, she said. Men are working and they need more t-shirts and jeans for work. We do not take used underwear at all except boxers. Socks must be clean on the bottom, nothing full of holes, dirty, smells like cigarette smoke, and stinky of any kind. It is an insult to our clients to expect them to wear dirty clothes, McKenna said. In need does not mean dirty. Some folks donate stuff that should have been thrown away years ago. Any household items in good condition such as wall hangings, knick-knacks, kitchen items, pictures, table lamps and pillows are welcome. Kids books and toys are always needed, and Community Connect events accept donations of paperback books for adults. No hardcover books for adults will be accepted except cookbooks. Personal care items such as cosmetics, lotion and hygiene products are needed, as well as household products including toilet paper, laundry detergent and household cleaning supplies. McKenna said donations of tools and flashlights are welcome, as well. Community Connect does not accept donations of large items and furniture. Approximately 1,000 supporters of Gov. Kristi Noems reelection and Republican candidates for state office rallied Monday night in Rapid City for a red wave in South Dakota just 24 hours before the polls close on Election Day. The messaging was clear to those supporters at Barnett Fieldhouse in order for the GOP to be as successful as possible Tuesday, the party faithful must get out and vote. Prior to Noem taking the stage, a slate of nine speakers comprised of party officials and candidates pumped the crowd up. Former President Donald Trump also was featured in a video message encouraging support for Noem and told the crowd to get out and vote. You got to get out there and vote Tuesday, its coming up right away, Trump said in the video. Kristi Noem is one of the best governors in the country She has done a fantastic job, and shell only get better and thats not easy to do, but she will only get better. Trumps appearance in the video received some of the loudest applause of the night. State Treasurer Josh Haeder, a Republican, is facing a reelection challenge from Democrat John Cunningham. Haeder said the predominately conservative West River voters are pivotal in this election. Haeder pointed out elections going back to 2004 when West River voters changed the tide for the U.S. Senate race between Republican John Thune and Democrat Tom Daschle, and the 2010 election when Noem was behind in the vote count for U.S. House on the eastern side of South Dakota and pulled out the win because of West River voters. He also pointed out the tight race between Noem and Democrat Billie Sutton in 2018 for governor. In close elections that we know will shape the future of the state and the nation, West River especially all of you in this room tonight carry the water and ensure Republicans get elected, Haeder said. You are the difference makers for all of us that hold statewide office. Republican secretary of state candidate Monae Johnson took the moment to address supporters on why she is running on a platform of election integrity. In an Oct. 18 interview, Johnson refused to acknowledge that President Joe Biden was legitimately elected in 2020. At Mondays rally, she said there were several things she intends to do if elected. Im against voter fraud, against online voting, and against online voter registration and updates, Johnson said. We need post-election reviews. South Dakota is one of five states without any post-election review Its supposed to let us audit the machines that we use to make sure that the ballot that was put in the machine is correctly counted for each race. These details will need to be worked out with our Legislature and Im willing to work with them every step of the way. Other statewide Republican candidates that took the stage Monday included Brock Greenfield running for school and public lands commissioner, Rich Sattgast running for state auditor, Marty Jackley running for attorney general, Chris Nelson running for public utilities commissioner and Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden. Greenfield, Haeder, Nelson and Johnson all made reference in their individual remarks to a red wave coming across South Dakota on Tuesday and then sweeping across the rest of the nation. Every speech Ive given over the last year, beginning with the Meade County Lincoln Day dinner, I talked about the fact that on Nov. 8, theres going to be a red wave that is going to sweep across the great nation, Nelson said. Lets make sure that the red wave starts right here in West River, South Dakota. Republican U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, who is seeking reelection against Libertarian candidate Collin Duprel, joined the rally and encouraged those in attendance to be involved in getting out to vote Tuesday. We have to be involved. Politics is not a spectator sport, Johnson said. He harkened back to the 1980 election of President Ronald Reagan, showing that a massive shift nationally can happen as well, but that starts on the local level. If you want Republicans to win, if you want Kristi as your governor, if you want to usher into DC an era of liberty, a common sense of limited government, ladies and gentlemen you know what to do. Go vote, he said. The evening culminated with Noems appearance on stage. She was greeted by a cheering audience for the exception of one protester who attempted to interrupt Noems remarks with an air horn and yelling. The female was quickly escorted out of the venue by security and Rapid City police officers. Noem said Tuesdays election is one where people need to get out and vote for the Republican candidates and also spent some time speaking about her accomplishments in office. She also took the opportunity to make remarks about her opponent, Democrat Jamie Smith. Jamie Smith could turn South Dakota into an absolute disaster for your families and your businesses, Noem said. I want to remind you that people in this state have a very clear choice tomorrow. There could not be two more different people than Jamie and myself and the role that we see government playing in your lives. A Rapid City group that is working to improve race relations and to promote civil discourse will receive national recognition this week. The city's Human Relations Commission/Mniluzahan Okolakiciyapi Ambassadors will be sending a delegation to the National Humanities Alliance national conference later this week in Los Angeles to discuss the HRC/MOA's initiatives over the past few years. Rapid City is one of only three cities selected to participate in a case study by the NHA. The delegation will include five members of the HRC/MOA who will discuss how to initiate projects, community discussions and other efforts to develop and improve relations. HRC Coordinator LaFawn Janis, MOA Chair Karen Mortimer, and HRC/MOA members Amy Sazue, Lloyd LaCroix and Laura Armstrong are the members attending the conference. The National Humanities Alliance is a nationwide coalition of organizations advocating for the humanities on campuses, in communities and on Capitol Hill. The Alliance promotes the value of humanities including the use of humanities in addressing various issues. The other two cities participating are Nogales, Arizona and Charleston, South Carolina. At a Monday afternoon press conference, Mortimer, LaCroix and Janis said the panel discussion and the national conference in Los Angeles will be a great opportunity to present what Rapid City is doing to improve the community and to also learn about what other cities are accomplishing. "We're each giving a presentation and we'll be able to go to each other's presentations to learn from each other," Mortimer said. We'll probably have another time during the conference where we'll collectively come together and trade stories, ideas and develop some relationships." LaCroix said the HRC/MOA has been doing great work through partnering with the Black Hills Powwow, Lakota Nation Invitational and community-building in areas where racial relations have sometimes been a challenge. "This is a great experience for Rapid City and our goal has been bridging cultures in Rapid City because relationships matter," he said. "And that's the same thing we're going to LA for is to meet with other cities to see what they're doing and to see if there's something that we can learn from them." Janis said working through the partnership with the HRC/MOA has been an honor, culminating in decades of experience to bring better relationships in the city and to promote civil discourse. "It's an honor to stand alongside them to do the work and share the experiences of how we plan to grow and hopefully make huge strides and healing relationships within Rapid City," she said. The HRC/MOA will be hosting a community forum on civil discourse when the members return from Los Angeles. The forum will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Western Dakota Tech. Janis said it will be a roundtable discussion about how to talk to each other and how to remain calm when presented with challenging topics. "It's a good time because it's right before the holidays, right before families are all at the dinner table," Janis said. "We're going to be participating in shared stories of civil discourse and taking a positive approach of what's next how can we as community members engage in positive discourse from here forth." Through his lawyer's statement, 23-year-old convicted murderer Elias Richard maintained his innocence at his Monday morning sentencing hearing as he did throughout his trial. Richard is a "thoughtful and polite young man, and pretty wise," his defense attorney Gregory Sperlich said before the judge delivered the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment with no possibility of parole. Sperlich said Richard denies any involvement in the death of 31-year-old Vernall Marshall, who was shot and killed on Christmas Eve 2020. A Pennington County jury found Richard guilty of second-degree murder on July 28 after a three-day trial. Richard faced a first-degree murder charge as well, which the jury found him not guilty of, opting for the lesser of the two charges. Assistant Attorney General Trevor Thielen spoke Monday morning at the concise 15-minute sentencing hearing, saying that Richard killed Marshall "for such a petty set of circumstances." According to court records and previous testimony, Marshall allegedly sent inappropriate messages to one of 43-year-old Masheka Barnett's teenage relatives, law enforcement learned through its investigation. In response, Richard, 22-year-old Kaleb Lukkes and 22-year-old Clint Marshall set up a fake drug buy so they could beat him up. The three men and Barnett picked up Vernall Marshall in downtown Rapid City before driving him to another location. The three men pushed him out of the car and starting attacking him in the street before Richard took out a gun and shot him. Both defense, prosecution and Circuit Judge Craig Pfeifle acknowledged the inevitability of the life in prison sentence, which is required by state law for second-degree murder. Pfeifle described the crime as something not planned but still "resulted in something heinous without justification." When the judge asked Richard if he would like to say anything, he replied simply with "No, sir," preserving his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, as he did throughout his trial. Out of the four defendants connected to Marshall's case, Richard faced the most extreme charges. Pfeifle sentenced Clint Marshall and Barnett on Nov. 3. The judge sentenced Clint Marshall to 15 years with six years suspended with 347 days of time served. He had pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of aiding and abetting aggravated assault for his involvement. Barnett pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony having knowledge of the commission of a felony and concealing it or not immediately disclosing it to authorities. Pfeifle sentenced her to the maximum of one year in prison for the charge, along with 10 years in prison with seven years suspended for a possession of a controlled substance charge in another case. The only defendant awaiting sentencing is Lukkes, who pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of aiding and abetting aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His sentencing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 16. As the cost of college continues to rise in Virginia, the amount of financial aid available to needy students isnt keeping pace. The result is a large unmet need for college students even after millions in aid is distributed, according to a report released Monday by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. The report recommends diverting state funds which make up just a portion of financial aid to the neediest students. And it recommends ending practices in which financial aid is awarded inconsistently from school to school and merging aid programs that are complicated to understand. Peter Blake, head of the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia, said he wants to simplify financial aid and make it accessible to more students. The average annual cost of tuition and fees in Virginia has shot up 33% in the past decade, faster than the national average. The total cost of one year of college ranges from about $23,000 at Virginia State University to about $40,000 at the College of William & Mary. And while the amount of financial aid grew by 50% during that time, that still wasnt enough for students, who are more likely to get zero financial help from their parents, the report found. In the 2020-21 school year, students at Virginias 15 public colleges got $670 million in financial aid, which comes from the federal government, the state and universities themselves. Some aid is need-based, some merit-based. The number of students in the state with no ability to pay for college has grown to about 22,000. As school enrollments have gone up, universities have attracted more first-generation and low-income students. That means college students are less able to pay their tuition bills than before. One metric the state uses to determine how much aid a student needs is the expected family contribution, or the amount of help students can expect from parents. The average students expected family contribution has plunged 40% in the past decade, and the number of students with zero expected family contribution has increased. In other words, more students require financial aid, and needs are greater. Students who attend historically Black colleges and universities including VSU and Norfolk State University have a higher unmet need and more debt than students at other public four-year schools. George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion University also have the majority of the states high-need students. The amount of state funding for these schools is expected to rise in fiscal year 2024. After $670 million was applied in 2020-21, there were still 33,000 students in the state with a total need of $162 million, according to the report. This disparity is driving up student debt, which in Virginia has grown to an average of $30,000 per student. About a quarter of financial aid comes from the state the rest from the federal government and the universities. But the JLARC report determined that Virginias financial aid programs are confusing and have too many barriers. The two main programs, the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program and the Virginia Commonwealth Award, each have separate requirements for students and staffers to learn. Virginia spends about $180 million annually on these programs. They require students to take classes full time, achieve certain academic benchmarks and progress at a certain pace. But the report says these programs would be more effective if they were based simply on need. Students who struggle academically or cant afford to take classes full time often have the greatest need. And universities distribute the funds unevenly. For example, a VSU student who needs $10,000 isnt eligible for a VGAP award. But the same student at Virginia Military Institute can receive thousands of dollars in aid. Colleges are able to increase their financial aid to some extent, too. They fund financial aid with tuition revenue, endowments and other sources of revenue. The gap between what a university gets and what it needs is greatest at Mason. After state funding, it still needed $36 million to cover aid for its neediest students. Virginia allocates money to universities using a pre-determined formula. In 2019, Mason received $4,000 per full-time equivalent student, while other universities with higher-income students, such as W&M and VMI, got far more. W&M received $8,000 per full-time student, double what Mason received. This is continuing coverage of Election Day 2022 from The Times-Dispatch. Reporters and visual journalists are at polling locations across the region. Have a story we should pursue? Email us here. Updated election results: Elections official: 'A very smooth election' Updated at 9:19 p.m. State Elections Commissioner Susan Beals during a 9 p.m. update said Tuesday's election "went very smoothly." "I would say this was a very smooth election," she said. Beals earlier said there were issues with some precinct poll books, which list registered votes. Some of the problems were user error and others were specific to Richmond. "We've been in contact with them throughout the day," she said. Polls close in Virginia Updated at 7 p.m. Polls have now closed across Virginia, as the attention shifts to vote totals. New Hampshire, Vermont, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida polls closed at 7 p.m. Polls closed in Kentucky and Indiana at 6 p.m. Eastern. 'Everyones voice matters' Updated at 7 p.m. Dozens of Henrico County residents turned out to Hermitage High School around 5 p.m. to cast their ballot in person. Cars continued to arrive throughout the evening as residents raced to the polling site. Long-time residents David and Nora Williams have been voting at this same polling site for over 40 years. Whenever theres an election, we vote, said Nora Williams. And we have been for 43 years. Both Williams said they had no trouble getting in and out of line to cast their vote today, despite the rush of residents who were unable to vote earlier in the day. Were lucky we live right down the road from here and weve been here so many times I can hardly county, said David Williams. Although nearly 1 million Virginians voted early in this year's election, some voters like Williams and Kathleen Kaufman made the decision to vote in person. Kaufman said she found it important to make her voice heard in this election and voting in person is the surest way to do so. For those who chose not to vote in this election, Kaufman said she hopes resident realize their voice matters. Everyones voice matters, said Kaufman. Everyones opinion matters and if we dont make our voices heard then nothing changes for the good. Virginia Del. Schuyler T. VanValkenburg, D-Henrico, also made an appearance at Hermitage High School Tuesday, not to cast a ballot but to thank the many poll workers for their hard work throughout the evening. They work a long day to get up at four o'clock in the morning and don't get to leave here until like 8 o'clock, said VanValkenburg. They make democracy work, so I try to go around and thank them for their job for the work they do. VanValkenburg said hes made it a tradition to visit each polling place even when his name isnt on the ballot. Although presidential candidates arent on this year's ballot, VanValkenburg said turnout has been consistent in all the precincts hes visited. Weve had high voter turnout than in Henrico County for a while now, said VanValkenburg. I think people, whichever party they're in, have been engaged right for the last five, six years and I think what we're seeing today is that that continues to be the the case. Lyndon German Powhatan County residents are now in the 5th District Updated at 4:57 p.m. Though Virginias 5th Congressional District still stretches from the North Carolina border, its top boundary now stops at Albemarle County and its width shifted closer to Richmond. Once part of the 7th District, Powhatan County residents are now in the 5th District and are choosing between Republican incumbent Rep. Bob Good and Democrat Josh Throneburg. For Carol Bennett, the choice is easy. A volunteer with her local Republican party, she said she appreciates Goods track record as a fiscal conservative and his stance on immigration. I'm happy with how he votes. I'm happy that some of his top priorities are the economy and border control, Bennett said. Good has been outspoken in support of stricter immigration laws and the construction of a wall along the U.S. and Mexico border. He also wants to trim federal spending his Nickel Plan Act would require the federal government to reduce its budget by 5 cents for every dollar it spends annually. Meanwhile, a woman who declined to give her name, said she has concerns about some of the rhetoric coming out of the Republican party so she voted for Throneburg, an ordained minister who lives in Charlottesville. I think it's sad that I have concerns about giving my name because of the possible repercussions within my own county, she said. I just have great concerns for those who still deny the [2020] election results. One of Goods first acts in Congress was to vote against the certification of President Joe Biden on Jan. 6, 2021 a day that a mob stormed the Capitol following a Stop the Steal rally. A member of his staff was also present at the event, though she asserts she did not participate in the breach. The anonymous woman said that she doesnt identify as a Republican or a Democrat but that she felt more comfortable voting for Throneburg. Charlotte Rene Woods Poll book issue resolved Updated at 4:12 p.m. State Elections Commissioner Susan Beals during a media briefing said issues with poll books at some Virginia polling locations have been resolved. The problems were at Richmond, Suffolk and Chesterfield and Nottoway counties. Beals said paper poll books were used until issues with electronic versions were corrected. The poll books are used to confirm the registration of voters. The next media briefing is planned at 4 p.m. 'Running a skeleton crew' Updated at 1:09 p.m. At North Courthouse Road Library in Chesterfield County, Election Officer Bob Bailey described a busy morning, despite having fewer volunteers than last year. Bailey said hes been running with four or five volunteers fewer than in 2020. Admittedly, this is a midterm election, said Bailey. What can I say, people didnt want to volunteer, said Bailey. Election volunteers make $200 a day in Chesterfield County, including an additional $25 if they come for a pre-Election Day training. One of the main things his staff has been doing is redirecting voters who have been coming to the wrong polling site. Many voters came to North Courthouse, only to find that their polling site was several miles away. In the span of a half hour, at least four voters had made that mistake. The confusion arose because Chesterfield County has six new polling sites since the 2020 election. Others, such as a polling site at Reams Elementary School, had been closed in prior years due to construction. Chesterfield Registrar Missy Vera said that every voter in the county received information by mail about their new polling sites. Thats been on news bulletins, its been out there in the media, social media, said Vera. Weve been trying to get it out there that people need to find out where their precinct is before they show up to vote. By 10:30 a.m., Bailey said around 240 voters had voted at the North Courthouse Road Library precinct. Luca Powell Worried about Social Security Updated at 1:09 p.m. Some voters said they were animated to vote today because of concerns that they might lose their Social Security benefits if Republicans win control in Washington, D.C. I care about social security and I care about Democracy, said Wanda Mitchell, a Chesterfield County voter. Another voter, Whitman Thornton, echoed that sentiment. I dont want to lose it. Thatll hurt me bad, said Thornton, who is 74 and voted for Democrats down the ticket. Democracy is more important than worrying about gas prices, Thornton said. Luca Powell 'They dont need the money' Updated at 1:09 p.m. Chesterfield County Voters today have the opportunity to approve or veto a proposal from county officials to finance capital improvement projects with $540 million in bonds. David Long, a voter at North Courthouse Road Library polling site, said he wasnt sure how he was going to vote. Long wants to support schools, but doesnt trust that the money will actually end up there. I dont trust the board of supervisors. Not one bit, said Long. One of the main projects the referendum will support is a $135 million high school in the Western 360 area of Chesterfield, which has seen a boom in development in the past several years. The county overall has added more than 50,000 residents in the past decade, Census data show. Other voters felt differently than Long. Amanda Waggamon, who is 29 and works in health tech, said she supports schools and had less doubts in the countys half a billion dollar proposition. Its a lot but so is everything nowadays, Waggamon said. I care about the schools so you can infer how I voted. Diann Liptak, who was volunteering at North Courthouse on behalf of the Democratic Party, said she voted yes on the bond referendum. Liptak said she held her nose while she voted for more money for the Chesterfield police department, which she said has a bad reputation in Chesterfield. John Thorpe, a Chesterfield voter who works in the construction industry, said he voted against the ballot. Thats an old trick, they put up this bond referendum, Thorpe said. They dont need the money, they have my property taxes for that. Thorpe said he identifies as an independent, although he used to be a Republican. Today he voted for Democrat Congressman Donald McEachin. In recent elections, Thorpe said hes lost trust that Republicans will "talk about the issues," and has been turned off by what he sees as racism in the party. Luca Powell 828 ballots cast at South Side precinct Updated at 12:02 p.m. As of 11:30, 828 people had voted at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church on Richmonds South Side, out of about 4,000 registered at the precinct. Precinct workers considered that a steady turnout for an off-year election with only one contest on the ballot, featuring Rep. Don McEachin, D-4th and Republican Leon Benjamin. Andrew Cain 'They said I should vote at my old precinct' Updated at 12:01 p.m. In Richmond, Nancy Nystrom Stansbery got the unsettling news she wasnt in the poll book at precinct 104 when she came to vote, with her recently-mailed voter card and ID with her new address. She had moved from another neighborhood in the city and filed the update to her registration ahead of the deadline for registration to vote in this years election. When I showed my card to the poll workers, they said I wasnt in the poll book, she said. They said I should vote at my old precinct. She said she worried she wouldnt be listed in that poll book either, so one poll worker called the registrars City Hall office. She said I wasnt in the system, Stansbery said. I dont understand how I could be in the system long enough to get a new card in the mail and then not be there. She did get to vote, but only after re-registering and casting a provisional ballot. While I was there, two other women came up with the same issue, she said. Theyd moved recently too. She said the election officers did tell her anything about following up to see if her vote was counted. The state Department of Elections says voters who cast provisional ballots are supposed to given a notice with the date, time, and place where the local electoral board will decide whether or not to count the ballot. Voters are entitled to attend this meeting, but are not required to attend in order for their ballot to be counted. If your registration application is approved and there are no other issues, your ballot will be counted. The registrar is supposed to give people a written notice it their ballots are not counted. We have heard several instances of this, said Richmond voter registrar Keith Balmer. Those voters should have been checked into the paper poll book that was sent to that precinct. Any voter who casts a provisional ballot for this reason will have their ballot counted by the Electoral Board, he said. He said voters who cast provisional ballots because they did not show election officers an ID, as state law requires, will need to show up at the Electoral Board with that ID for their votes to be counted. Voters who cast provisional ballots for any other reason do not need to show up, he said. As for the cause of the issue, Balter said the state Department of Elections is aware of the issue and is researching it. Dave Ress 'Poll book' problems reported in Chesterfield, Richmond Updated 11:21 a.m. State election officials on Tuesday reported issues with voter information at polling locations in Richmond, Suffolk and Chesterfield and Nottoway counties. State Elections Commissioner Susan Beals during a morning press briefing said the problems were with the poll books" that list voter information on a laptop or physical document. Before casting a ballot, voters check in with an election official who consults the information for confirmation. It was not immediately known how many people were impacted or the nature of the discrepancy. Voters who had issues could cast a provisional ballot, and the vote will count, she said. It might just be moving a little slower than normal, she said. Beals said election officials in those areas switched to paper poll books. No voters were turned away, she said. There also was a power outage at a Wythe County polling location, which has since been resolved. A total of 943,000 voters took part in early voting this year. Virginia has 6.1 million registered voters. State election officials also have scheduled media briefings at planned at 4 and 9 p.m. Bond issue on ballot in Henrico County Updated 10:52 a.m. At Glen Allen Elementary in Henrico County on Tuesday morning, poll workers said they were a lot busier than expected, with 470 voters in the first hour. The school is Henrico's largest polling center with 4,700 voters. Enoch Pou Jr. has lived in Henrico since 1991. Pou Jr., 60, says he hasn't missed an election since he turned 18 and that he votes because it is a critical use of a person's voice. Approving funds for the schools was one of his main considerations, as the father of a Henrico schools' graduate who now has a doctorate. About two-thirds of the proposed bonds are for Henrico County Public Schools projects. If the schools category is approved by voters, the county would issue $340.5 million for those projects. The most expensive project is the rebuild of Quioccasin Middle School, which is estimated to cost $89 million. "We are very pleased with the education that Henrico County provides to all students in all areas," Pou Jr. said. "We fully support the initiatives; I think they were all valid and I have a great deal of faith in the management of this county." He added that he approved of the other funding projects in fire, public works and Parks and Recreation because he believes the county is a good place to live, and funding those projects is crucial maintenance. Chesterfield voters also will decide whether to approve measures in a $540 million bond referendum.The bonds would provide $375 million to the Chesterfield County 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. Sean Jones Spanberger, Vega make final vote push Updated 9:47 a.m. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D, and GOP challenger Yesli Vega are making a last-minute push for voters on Election Day. Vega met with voters at a Woodbridge middle school. "Polls are open #VA07, get out and vote!" she tweeted. Spanberger in a statement said the Virginians "have the opportunity to cast ballots that will help decide the future direction of our communities, our Commonwealth, and our country." Spanberger is seeking a third term. Vega, a Prince William County supervisor, raised millions and brought in high-profile GOP surrogates. She highlighted her life story as a daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, and would become Virginias first Latina member of Congress if elected. The 7th District used to include some of suburban Richmond but was shifted north. Virginias other eight congressional races are generally seen as safe for the incumbents. With its unusual off-year election schedule, Virginia has no statewide races or ballot initiatives this year. The Associated Press contributed to this report Steady stream of voters in Henrico County Updated at 9:22 a.m. Polls opened Tuesday at Echo Lake Elementary School in Glen Allen with a line of about 10 people waiting to get inside. Poll workers said that the turnout was strong for an off-year election, where 274 voters came through within the first hour. Mike Young, 30, has lived in the county since 2015 and said his main reason for coming to the polls stemmed from national issues. "Personally, Im a lifelong Republican voter who voted for Joe Biden to get things back to normalcy and I have not liked what I have seen since he was elected. I kind of feel like I was sold a false set of goods," Young said. He said that the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe V. Wade caused him to question his place as a Republican but that he further disapproved of the way student loan forgiveness was handled by the current administration. "While I'm not opposed to forgiveness by any means, I thought the unconstitutional way that one man decided to write off billions of dollars worth of debt is not an administration that I want to support," Young said. Lindsay Martin, 58, moved to Henrico from King William within the past two years. He said he came to the polls because of the state of the economy. Fuel and materials prices have impacted his work as a contractor. Martin said he felt different national leadership was a better outcome. "I think the government should participate in social issues, but I've got a family, I've got expenses and I have to survive too," Martin said. "I think if the general public is doing well then the country as a whole does a lot better down the road." Matt McKeag is a former Henrico school teacher of 10 years. He said that his vote both about modeling positive civic behavior for his family with three kids and showing support for the school system, which had a hefty piece being voted in the bond referendum. "As a teacher, capital improvements for the schools is near and dear to my heart," McKeag said. "It's important to me that when there is a decision to be made at the local level and we have a voice, to say hey, we support our school system and we want to try to make it the best there is." Just a few minutes drive from Lakewood at Glen Allen Elementary, poll workers said they were a lot busier than expected with 470 voters in the first hour. Glen Allen Elementary is Henrico's largest polling center with 4,700 voters. Enoch Pou Jr. has lived in Henrico since 1991. Pou Jr., 60, says he hasn't missed an election since he turned 18 and that he votes because it is a critical use of a person's voice. Approving funds for the schools was one of his main considerations, as the father of a Henrico schools' graduate who now has a doctorate. "We are very pleased with the education that Henrico County provides to all students in all areas," Pou Jr. said. "We fully support the initiatives, I think they were all valid and I have a great deal of faith in the management of this county." He added that he approved of the other funding projects in fire, public works and Parks and Recreation because he believes the county is a good place to live, and funding those projects is crucial maintenance. Sean Jones YOUR GUIDE TO ELECTION DAY 2022 Polls are now open for today's midterm elections. Voters will be able to cast ballots until 7 p.m. What's on the ballot? The state Supreme Court redrew Virginia's congressional districts in December, which changed the Richmond area's 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. Henrico County 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 County 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 McNich. The national picture 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. Continuing coverage at richmond.com We'll be updating richmond.com throughout the day with information about turnout and other details. Watch our Election Day livestream from The Times-Dispatch newsroom starting at 7 p.m. We'll be talking about key races and what comes next. Which way should the next Richmond-area rapid bus service go? Thats the question being considered by a consultant hired by the Greater Richmond Transit System to examine expanding service into other parts of Richmond and Chesterfield and Henrico counties and developing north-south lines. Pittsburgh-based engineering firm Michael Baker International Inc. plans to hold public meetings and present a plan to the agency. The earliest service could start is 2028, said GRTC spokesman Michael Frontiero. The analysis will include the potential environmental impact and an initial design phase for the project. The project comes four years after GRTC opened the $65 million Pulse line, which travels east and west on 7.6 miles of dedicated bus lanes from Rocketts Landing to Willow Lawn. Options for the new route include: North from downtown Richmond on Route 1 to Virginia Center Commons. South from downtown Richmond on Route 1 to Brightpoint Community College. Southwest from downtown Richmond on Midlothian Turnpike to Midlothian Village. Southwest from downtown Richmond to Southside Plaza (running parallel with the Midlothian line) to the Commonwealth Center area. The study will focus on routes identified by civic coalitions like the Greater Washington Partnership, a group of organizations and entrepreneurs in the corridor stretching from Richmond to Washington, D.C., to Baltimore. The group in January released a 28-page report that recommended investing in transit corridors to better serve marginalized communities that are dependent on access to public transit. What we found is that the Pulse is great, if youre trying to get around downtown, but a lot of people in the region dont live downtown, said John Hillegass, the organizations director of regional mobility and infrastructure. The partnership which includes Capital One, Comcast, Dominion Energy and other health care, education and financial services firms has previously advocated for transit expansion in the Richmond area, specifically highlighting clear disparities by race and income. Hillegass said providing transit to underserved areas will drive social and economic growth in those neighborhoods and beyond. Hillegass said that once the study is available, theyll bring stakeholders to the table and ensure that the expansion of the Pulse system encourages the development of roadway infrastructure, affordable housing and commercial spaces that will benefit the surrounding community. This cant just be a GRTC project, it has to be a regional project, Hillegass said. Because its not just about providing bus shelters; we also have to think about all the things that surround the roadway and the bus route to make it successful. This study is paid for through $711,389 in federal, state and local funding. President of Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies Fernand Etgen (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg Hua Ning attend the inauguration ceremony of the China Culture Center in Luxembourg, Nov. 8, 2022. The China Cultural Center in Luxembourg was inaugurated here Tuesday in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) LUXEMBOURG, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The China Cultural Center in Luxembourg (CCCL) was inaugurated here Tuesday in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg Hua Ning and President of Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies Fernand Etgen were present at the center's inauguration. Hua said the center, unveiled after three years of hard work against the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, will leave yet another mark in the history of friendly exchanges between the two countries. It will become a new window for friends in Luxembourg to understand the Chinese culture and carry out exchanges and interactions, he said. Etgen hailed the centre as a venue for people to meet and exchange ideas, to discover the rich and fascinating Chinese culture, and to travel through China and its centuries of history. On the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony was the opening of a photo exhibition, which tells the history of the development of bilateral ties, as well as the cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields including economy, trade, culture and people-to-people exchanges. China and Luxembourg established diplomatic relations on Nov. 16, 1972. People visit a photo show at the China Culture Center in Luxembourg, Nov. 8, 2022. The China Cultural Center in Luxembourg was inaugurated here Tuesday in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) President of Luxembourg's Chamber of Deputies Fernand Etgen addresses the inauguration ceremony of the China Culture Center in Luxembourg, Nov. 8, 2022. The China Cultural Center in Luxembourg was inaugurated here Tuesday in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg Hua Ning addresses the inauguration ceremony of the China Culture Center in Luxembourg, Nov. 8, 2022. The China Cultural Center in Luxembourg was inaugurated here Tuesday in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) Former Gov. Doug Wilder has accused the Library of Virginia of racism for failing to make publicly available records from his term as the nation's first elected Black governor 30 years ago. The state librarian acknowledged it had "fallen off the radar." A Clifton Forge woman died after her car hit another vehicle head-on in Alleghany County Monday morning, Virginia State Police said. Ruth Fridley Brewster, 75, was driving a 1999 Chevrolet Prizm west in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 64 when it collided with a 2007 Hyundai Sonata, according to a state police news release. The two-vehicle crash occurred at 9:45 a.m. at the interstates 21 mile marker, near the exit to Low Moor. Brewster was not wearing her seatbelt, state police said. She was taken in an ambulance to nearby LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, where she later died. Kerlin B. Doss, 29, of Stafford was driving the Hyundai. He was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the crash, which remains under state police investigation. Before polling places open for midterm elections at 6 a.m. Tuesday, already 12% of the 1.1 million registered voters in Western Virginia cast their ballots early. Virginians have until 7 p.m. Tuesday to join the 930,000 total people statewide who already participated during the 45-day early voting period, according to data from the Virginia Department of Elections. In Virginias 6th Congressional District, there were 72,572 early voters, according to state elections data parsed by VPAP, the Virginia Public Access Project. That is 13% early turnout, of the 544,782 total registered voters in the district, according to state Board of Elections data as of Nov. 1. Voters in the 6th, from Roanoke to Winchester, will decide the contest between incumbent Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt, and Democratic candidate Jennifer Lewis, of Waynesboro, in a rematch of the 2018 midterm election. In Virginias 9th Congressional District, there were 62,059 early voters, according to VPAP data. That is 11% early turnout, of the 555,332 total registered voters in the district, according to state data. Voters in the 9th, from Bedford to Lee County, will decide the race between incumbent Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, and Democratic candidate Taysha DeVaughan, of Wise County. In addition to those races for U.S. Congress, voters are also deciding who will represent their interests on local governing boards, from town council to city hall. Statewide, almost three times as many people voted early in 2022 compared to the 2018 midterm election. This year is the first midterm election to offer no-excuse early voting in Virginia, whereas early voting beforehand was more restrictive. In both the 6th and 9th districts, more than 75 percent of early voters cast their ballots in-person at their local registrars office. Other early voters participated via mail-in options. For a collection of midterm election coverage on roanoke.com, go online to tinyurl.com/2j92ryy6. Lompoc city staff and project architects are asking the public to weigh in on both concepts designated for the skate park portion of the College Park project that includes layout and design elements. FLORENCE, S.C. United Way of Florence County and The United Way Association of South Carolina want to remind Florence County families this holiday season that local and trusted programs that support those facing hunger are just a text message away through its 211 platform. The United Way Association of South Carolina is the first United Way program in the nation to offer this resource, which was launched with support from the Duke Energy Foundation. These resources are easy to access through a mobile device by simply sending the word FOOD to 211-211. The platform immediately sends people relevant information based on their mobile devices location, minimizing wait times and eliminating the need for broadband internet. The service is available in English and Spanish. United Way of Florence County recognizes the importance of the 211 platform and prioritizes the support and availability of the service in Florence County, United Way of Florence County President Cameron Packett said. The text line is confidential, easy to use and always accessible. Its an amazing resource that is a critical part of our fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. Food insecurity faces many families and individuals throughout South Carolina, United Way Association of South Carolina CEO/President Naomi Lett said. The 211 texting platform offers privacy, convenience and support to people in need of assistance. We are pleased to offer this platform and hope that it provides much needed support, especially during a season where food is top-of-mind for many, Lett said. In the Palmetto State, 1-in-10 people, including more than 150,000 children, face hunger. This disparity is pervasive, and food insecurity occurs in every county within the state. The text line also offers access to information about other critical needs, like assistance with utility bills and housing resources. The program was recently expanded to include a vast array of information and programs provided by the South Carolina Department of Social Services. For more information, visit www.sc211.org. United Way of Florence County The United Way of Florence County is a 501 (3) nonprofit that has been a cornerstone of the social service sector in Florence County for more than 65 years. Its mission is to positively impact the needs of our community by strengthening relationships, programs, and services that produce measurable results and improve the quality of life and to be recognized as the leading health and human services support agency in the Pee Dee through resource development and community impact initiatives. For more information, please visit www.uwflorence.org or call at 843-662-2407. United Way Association of South Carolina United Way Association of South Carolina works to maximize the capacity and effectiveness of local United Ways and provide leadership on issues that impact the quality of life of South Carolina residents. Through a network of collective partnerships, UWASC is committed in its efforts to: Provide support and enhance capacity of local United Ways Coordinate and champion action on significant public policy issues; and Improve effectiveness and coordination of health and human services in South Carolina. FLORENCE, S.C United States Air Force Col. Timothy Monroe urged people to remember the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform as Veterans Day approaches. Monroe spoke to the Florence Rotary Club Monday at Victors in downtown Florence. Monroe is the commander of the 25th attack group at Shaw Air Force base in South Carolina. He leads 1,000 men and women within five squadrons across three geographically separated installations. The 25th attack group provides 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days of global operations for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and global attack options to combatant commands. Each squadron is comprised of 200 to 250 people. There are three squadrons at Shaw Air Force Base, one squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and another in Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The 25th attack group has not stopped its job since Sept. 11, 2001, Monroe said. As that baton of leadership is passed from person to person, Monroe said. You take it on yourself quite personally to spend every amount of energy you have looking after those thousand people. Although people may never see the soldiers serving, they are the definition of patriotism, and their sacrifice should not be forgotten or taken lightly, he said. They are the definition of love of country, he said. And no one person looks the same. They all look different. They have grown up in places different than I did, their educational backgrounds vary, and their demographic makeup is all very different. The one thing that unites them, Monroe said, is their patriotism and love for the country. This country is in need of people to look up to and the men and women in uniform give people something to look up to because they lead by example. The people I am working with, serving with, and flying with optimize love of country, Monroe said. They understand the importance of the constitution and they understand the importance of putting another above oneself. Men and women in uniform are selfless and strive for excellence in everything they do. Monroe said those in uniform lead a life of integrity and those qualities are like a lighthouse to the world. The youngest people are able to join the Air Force at age 18. He said they are put through a training pipeline at Randolph Air Base in San Antonio, Texas. The Air force offers an opportunity for all. Monroe flies the MQ-9 Reaper, an unmanned aerial vehicle. It has a wingspan of 66 feet with a snowmobile engine on the back. Monroe said the Reaper has revolutionized the way the Air Force flies and the way the Air Force fights in the air. The Reaper can carry 8 Hellfire missiles and 500-pound laser guided and GPS guided munitions. There are people flying everyday all around the world while you are asleep, doing your weekend activities, and celebrating the holidays. They dont take a day off because they love their country. Monroe said the lifestyle of service is a commitment and he said the world needs more people who are willing to serve and willing to fight for their neighbor as they would fight for themselves. Regardless of what that person looks like or where they are from, Monroe said. They must have the willingness to serve ideals captured in a piece of paper. Whom great leaders have called an experiment and that experiment of democracy lives and breathes day by day. We need people willing to serve its ideals. Monroe concluded that it takes sacrifice for the common good to serve the country. He said it is a privilege to live in the United States of America. He said this country gives people the opportunity to choose, which many other countries do not afford. We get the opportunity to make choices here, Monroe said. Choices that are not permitted in other places that I have personally visited and collected dust on the bottom of my boots. The average citizen does not get to make choices like we do. Monroe said soldiers often have to back up and leave where they live because of duty calls. He said his family has had to uproot for his 14th military assignment, He said the mind, body, and soul gets tired. The relationships that you have formed for however many years are uprooted and you have to trust that the next community will embrace you as the one you are leaving has. Monroe said it is important to live in a world where you can trust people and to live in a country that you can trust and know that they will sacrifice for the common good of all people. Its with those things in mind that we celebrate Veterans Day, he said. There will likely be parades, new monuments will be established, but when you are doing those things, my hope is that you honor the people who had the chance to wear a uniform and chase to sacrifice for the common good and for the love of country. Monroe concluded his speech asking the audience to remember on Nov. 11, the people in uniform that you dont see. Monroe said they fly in dangerous places in the Middle East, the European Theater, the African Continent, and for the first time in history the Air Force is flying in the Pacific Theater. We do these things because we are patriots, Monroe said. We love our country, and we are willing to serve and sacrifice for the common good. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Before the polls opened on Tuesday, nearly one in five South Carolina voters have already cast their ballots in the 2022 midterm elections. More than 560,000 voters took advantage of 12 days of no excuse early voting, put into law earlier this year for the first time, according to statistics from the South Carolina Election Commission. Friday was the busiest day for early voting with almost 69,000 votes cast and the number of voters steadily rose most days from the first time polls opened Oct. 24. The top five counties for early voting were Charleston, Horry, Greenville, Richland and Lexington counties, according to election agency data. About 55,000 absentee votes have been mailed back as of Monday morning. The 615,500 early ballots represent more than 18% of South Carolinas nearly 3.4 million registered voters. Across the state, South Carolina votes will choose a U.S. senator and governor as well as several other statewide offices. If turnout in 2022 is similar to turnout in the last midterm elections in 2018, that means about a third of votes in South Carolina would be in before Election Day on Tuesday. Early voting came to South Carolina this year thanks to a new law that received nearly unanimous support in the General Assembly. Voters get 12 days to cast ballots ending the Saturday before the election. Over the past several elections, South Carolina has allowed people to cast absentee ballots in person, but they had to include an excuse for why they could not be at the polls on Election Day. The law passed this year has South Carolina returning to mail-in absentee ballots. ISDN partners Thai government to launch the Smart Greenhouse and Learning Centre. ISDN Holdings, an industrial automation firm, announced that its subsidiary, TDS Technology (Thailand) has launched the Smart Greenhouse and Learning Centre (Smart Greenhouse Centre) in partnership with the Thailand Governments Department of Skill Development. The Smart Greenhouse Centre is a 70-million-baht ($2.6 million) project, and when completed, will have a total of 95 locations across Thailand. The agriculture sector employs over 12.3 million people in Thailand, representing over 30% of the nations workforce. It makes up the largest portion of the Thai agri-food sector, accounting for 41% of its total contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). ISDN and the Thailand Government have partnered to future proof this vital economic sector for an advanced industrial future by leveraging on smart technology. The programme includes facilities to upskill the agricultural sector, providing programmes and opportunities to help the workforce develop the right digital skills to transform the industry, and become fully integrated agricultural operators. ISDN is proud to partner with the Thailand Governments visionary program to help prepare the agricultural sector for the future. Thailands agricultural sector already contributes more than S$53.8 billion ($75.4 billion) to its GDP, and we believe digital transformation has the potential to unlock value in productivity for the sector in the coming years, says Teo Cher Koon, managing director & president of ISDN. The Smart Greenhouse and Learning Centre will be able to tap into the extensive farming knowledge of Thailands agricultural industry, while supporting local farmers upskilling efforts with our technology expertise, he adds. Powered by solar energy, the centre uses Industry Internet of Things (IIoT) technology to sustainably automate operations, including water pumps, monitoring sensors, and IP cameras. The centre will also provide training and resources for those interested in adopting IIoT agriculture technology and renewable energy systems. Story continues The Smart Greenhouse Centre will also deploy advanced TV White Space (TVWS) networking from ISDNs Whizpace business to connect smart agriculture devices securely and reliably across all-year weather conditions. Whizpaces TVWS technology connects industrial internet of things (IIoT) devices reliably and cost-effectively for up to 10 km of range, providing an ideal solution for digitalising widespread agricultural work fields. Leveraging on the groups expertise and resources, the Smart Greenhouse Centre is a step forward in building a smart and sustainable industrial future which will boost efficiency and productivity in an important industry. Shares in ISDN last traded at 38 cents on Nov 7. See Also: Xi congratulates International Bamboo and Rattan Organization on 25th anniversary Xinhua) 08:04, November 08, 2022 BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter on Monday to the Celebration of International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR)'s 25th Anniversary and the Second Global Bamboo and Rattan Congress. Since its founding, the organization has been committed to the protection, development and utilization of bamboo and rattan resources, and has played a constructive role in promoting global ecological and environmental protection as well as sustainable development, Xi said. The Chinese government and the organization have joined hands to implement the Global Development Initiative and jointly launched the Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic Initiative to encourage countries to reduce plastic pollution, respond to climate change and accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said. Xi stressed that China has been vigorously promoting ecological progress and pursuing the development concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. China is willing to continue to work with all parties to build a community of life for man and nature and construct a clean and beautiful homeland for future generations, Xi said. The Celebration of INBAR's 25th Anniversary and the Second Global Bamboo and Rattan Congress, themed "Bamboo and Rattan -- Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Development," opened in Beijing on Monday. The event was co-hosted by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China and INBAR. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) HARARE, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's first satellite, ZimSat-1, was successfully launched into space on Monday, state-run Herald newspaper reported on Tuesday. ZimSat-1, a nanosatellite, was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) from the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Launch Facility in Virginia on board the Cygnus NG-18, an uncrewed spacecraft that provides commercial cargo resupply services to the ISS. The actual deployment of ZimSat-1 into orbit will be done through the Japanese Kibo module about two weeks after the launch, according to the Herald. Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Permanent Secretary Fanuel Tagwira said the launch is a major milestone for Zimbabwe's space technology development. "We are getting into that phase of development as a country where we can gather information we can use in agriculture, health and other areas," Tagwira told the Herald. "We will have real time data instead of waiting for data coming from other people. Zimbabwe is going to be in a very good position to collect its own information which it can use for decision-making," said Tagwira. Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) Coordinator Painos Gweme said the satellite will enhance Zimbabwe's mineral exploration and monitoring of environmental hazards. "This has a multi-spectral camera which has a remote standing camera which we are going to use primarily for agricultural application, crop yield estimation, land cover and land use," Gweme told the Herald. "We can see our forestry and the change over time because it has what we call a store-and-forward mission as part of the pilot which we are going to use together with the ground centre terminal," he added. ZimSat-1 was built by Zimbabwean engineers working in collaboration with the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency under a Joint Global Multi-Nation BIRDS Satellite program. It was launched into space under the BIRDS-5 project. LITTLE ROCK, Ark., November 07, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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 Commsyielding roundtrip latency of less than 100ms with no frame loss. Originating in Chicago on Windstreams 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 Windstreams U.S. network to Colts 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 Wholesales available connectivity offerings for global, government, hyper-scale, content, and other large-scale customer providers outside of the companys 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. Story continues 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 industry leading deployment times and a strong focus on exceptional customer experience. Windstreams 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 Windstreams 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 Americas 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 Managements 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/ Contacts Scott Morris, 501-748-5342 scott.l.morris@windstream.com REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Oct. 15, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser completed a working visit to Iceland on the occasion of the Arctic Circle Assembly. The visit provided an important opportunity to reinforce the strong ties between Canada and Iceland, and to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. During her participation in this Arctic Circle Assembly, which was attended by more than 2 000 delegates from around the world, including 115 Canadian participants, Her Excellency reiterated Canada's approach in the Arctic and addressed priority issues for Canada in the North, including international co-operation, gender equality, youth engagement, and the revitalization of Indigenous knowledge, cultures and languages. Following her keynote address, the Governor General took part in a panel discussion on Gender Equality and Diversity in Arctic Leadership. She also met with other world leaders participating in the assembly, including His Excellency Guni Thorlacius Johannesson, President of Iceland; Katrin Jakobsdottir, Prime Minister of Iceland; and His Excellency Alar Karis, President of Estonia. At a time when the Arctic region is facing the disproportionate effects of global warming in an increasingly complicated geopolitical environment, the Governor General's interventions at the assembly reinforced Canada's commitment, along with other Arctic allies, to maintaining the Arctic as a region of peace and stability grounded in internationally agreed-upon norms. Quote "It was truly inspiring to see Arctic issuesissues that affect the worldbeing discussed in such inclusive and innovative ways by nations and allies, and Indigenous and nonIndigenous. In my past work, where I was once alone as the sole womanIndigenous womanat the table, I saw these last few days a new generation of leaders and advocates that make me hopeful for the future of the Arctic." Story continues Governor General Mary Simon Quick facts This was Governor General Simon's third international visit at the request of the Prime Minister since her installation. Notes for media Photos of the visit can be provided to media upon request via media@gg.ca. Related links Media advisory: Governor General to visit Iceland - Itinerary Activity page: Working visit to Iceland Arctic Circle Website Stay connected: Follow GovernorGeneralCanada on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and YouTube . SOURCE Governor General of Canada Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2022/15/c1963.html LONDON (Reuters) -BP has signed an agreement with Mauritania to explore ways to develop low-carbon hydrogen on a large scale in the West African country, the British energy company said on Tuesday. The memorandum of understanding, which does not include a time frame or targets for the project, aims to build on BP's presence in a country where it is already developing a large liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. Under the plan, BP will initially study the feasibility of building onshore wind and solar farms that are required for production of green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis using renewable energy. The studies will cover the availability and quality of wind and solar resources in large areas in the northwest of the country, said a statement from Mauritania's oil ministry. The potential production capacity targeted by the project could reach up to 30 GW, for the production of 2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of green hydrogen, if the studies are conclusive, it said. "This is really the first phase of what we expect to be a pretty long-term development programme in Mauritania," BP's head of hydrogen, Felipe Arbelaez, told Reuters. Later phases would focus on building electrolysis and then hydrogen export infrastructure, Arbelaez added. The agreement was signed by Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and BP Chief Executive Bernard Looney on the sidelines of the COP27 climate talks in the Egyptian coastal resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh. BP is aiming for a sharp increase to hydrogen production under Looney's plan to shift the company away from oil and gas in the coming decades. (Reporting by Ron Bousso; Additional reporting by Kissima Diagana in Nouakchott;Editing by David Goodman) It was billed as 90s Night on Dancing With the Stars but it evolved into No Shirt Monday. Perhaps as a way to influence the voting (and show off their developing abs), many of the men doffed their shirts. Even judge Derek Hough took his off. The vote? Too close to call. Two couples were eliminated and, in terms of judges numbers, found Vinny Guadagnino and Heidi DAmelio in the bottom two. Trevor Donovan was close by. The ones who went home: Heidi and Vinny. The top three didnt change much from past weeks: Wayne Brady, Charli DAmelio and Gabby Windey. Trevor and Emma Slater did a great salsa dressed as Barbie and Ken. They also got bonus points in head-to-head competition. And he had his shirt wide open. Thats why they lived for another week. Shangela gained ground by doing a samba to the Spice Girls and could be the big surprise. Every week, Shange has moved up. Want one better? Daniel Durant was one short of a perfect score. He did a jazz routine that detailed his life as a deaf actor living in Minnesota. How he manages to stay on the beat without hearing the beat was amazing. With Selma Blair out of the competition, hes the miracle dancer. For those head-to-head dances, DWTS brought out Vanilla Ice, Salt-n-Pepa, En Vogue and Kid n Play. They gave the theme validity, but didnt come on until the shows end. Going to the semi-finals: Donovan, Shangela, Durant, Brady, Charli DAmelio and Windey. Look for Donovan and, probably, Durant to be cut next. Then its just a matter of who doesnt have an accident before the finals. This weeks surprise: There weren't different costumes for the two dances. The teams had to wear what they wore for their individual dances. In past years, they practically had costume parades. Maybe it's a cost-cutting measure. They can't all be "America's Next Top Model." 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. Voters have approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri and rejected it in Arkansas and North Dakota. The measure also is on the ballot in South Dakota. The elections are seen as a test of legalizations support in even the most conservative parts of the country. The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. Biden last month announced he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law. Heading into the election, recreational marijuana was legal in 19 states, and polls have shown opposition to legalization softening. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Voters approved recreational marijuana in Maryland and Missouri but rejected it in two other states, signaling support gradually growing for legalization even in conservative parts of the country. The results mean that 21 states have now approved marijuanas recreational use. Arkansas and North Dakota voters rejected legalization proposals in Tuesday's elections. A similar initiative went before voters in South Dakota, but early Wednesday it was too early to call. Advocates said the results send a message to lawmakers in Washington about support around the country for legalization. A growing number of voters recognize that cannabis policy reform is in the best interest of public health and safety, criminal justice reform, social equity, and personal freedom, Toi Hutchinson, president and CEO of the Marijuana Policy Project, said in a statement. State-level legalization victories are whats necessary to move the needle forward at the federal level." The state voting follows moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. Biden last month announced he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law. Advocates of the marijuana initiatives have said Biden's announcement could give a boost to their efforts. Missouris measure will legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older and expunge records of past arrests and convictions for nonviolent marijuana offenses, except for selling to minors or driving under the influence. It just shows that this is not a partisan issue, said John Payne, who led the Missouri campaign to legalize marijuana use. This is something that transcends partisan divides. Payne said he expected recreational sales to start in Missouri early next year. Opponents said they would be working to limit the implementation of Missouri's legalization, such as working with cities and towns to opt out of allowing dispensaries. The devil is in the details, and we will remain actively involved in Missouri implementation because we dont need another Big Tobacco industry harming kids in Missouri," said Kevin Sabet, president of SAM Action, an anti-legalization group. Maryland will also make changes in criminal law and create automatic expungements of past marijuana possession convictions. Heading into the election, recreational marijuana was legal in 19 states, and polls have shown opposition to legalization softening. All of the states with recreational marijuana on the ballot, except for Maryland, voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. About 6 in 10 voters support legalizing the recreational use of marijuana nationwide, according to VoteCast, an extensive survey of more than 90,000 voters nationwide conducted for The Associated Press by NORC at the University of Chicago. Support for ending marijuana prohibition in the states is spreading much like it did at the end of alcohol prohibition," said Mason Tvert, a partner at VS Strategies, a cannabis policy and public affairs firm. The five states that held votes on Tuesday have legal medical marijuana programs. That includes Arkansas, which in 2016 became the first Bible Belt state to approve medical marijuana. The state's dispensaries opened in 2019, and more than 91,000 patients have cards to legally buy marijuana for medical conditions. The legalization campaigns raised about $23 million in the five states, with the vast majority in Arkansas and Missouri. More than 85% of contributions in those two states came from donors associated with companies holding medical marijuana licenses, according to an Associated Press analysis of the most recent campaign finance reports. In Arkansas, supporters ran upbeat ads touting the thousands of jobs they said would be created by the measure. Opponents ran more ominous spots, warning voters to protect Arkansas from big marijuana. The marijuana industry spent millions of dollars trying to write itself into the Arkansas Constitution," said Jerry Cox, executive director of the Family Council Action Committee, one of the groups opposing the measure. Now they know that Arkansans do not support that kind of crony politics." The initiative drew the criticism of traditional legalization opponents as well as some medical marijuana advocates, who said the Arkansas proposal placed too many limits and would only benefit a handful of dispensaries. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a former head of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, also opposed the measure. Supporters indicated they planned to try again in Arkansas. Tonight, we made history by putting adult-use cannabis on the ballot for the first time, Although we fell short, we look forward to continuing this effort to build this momentum to 2024," said Robert McLarty, campaign director for Responsible Growth Arkansas. David Owen, who led North Dakota's legalization effort, said he wasn't sure another effort would be made after the proposal was rejected. Tonight was not what we wanted, but the people have spoken and we have to prepare for the next steps, Owen said. North Dakota's proposal would have allowed people 21 and older to legally use marijuana at home as well as possess and cultivate restricted amounts of cannabis. It also would have established policies to regulate retail stores, cultivators and other types of marijuana businesses. Its pretty clear North Dakota families dont want marijuana across the state, said Luke Niforatos, executive vice president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a Virginia-based political organization against marijuana legalization, which helped fight the measure in North Dakota. South Dakotans, including a sizable number of Republicans, voted to legalize marijuana possession in 2020, but that law was struck down by the state Supreme Court in part because the proposal was coupled with medical marijuana and hemp. This year, recreational pot stood by itself as it went before voters. In Colorado, where recreational marijuana has been legal for nearly a decade, voters on Tuesday took up a proposal that would allow the use of certain psychedelic substances. If approved, it would make Colorado the second state to take such a step. The vote was too early to call early Wednesday. Melody Finley, a Republican in Little Rock, Arkansas, said she voted for the state's legalization measure because she thinks it can help some people for certain conditions. If you can buy alcohol, you can buy that, too," Finley, 47, a dance instructor, said. But Rick Huffman, a voter in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, voted against that state's legalization proposal, two years after supporting recreational marijuana on South Dakota's ballot in 2020. Ive got a kid thats a teenager now, he said. So I think itll eventually happen, but maybe Ill wait until my kids grow up. Associated Press writers Stephen Groves in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; James MacPherson in Bismarck, North Dakota; and Dave Kolpack in Fargo, North Dakota, contributed to this report. Follow the APs coverage of the 2022 midterm elections at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections. And learn more about the issues and factors at play in the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections. 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. Western Illinois University named Liz Nolte as its new director of development. She will be based at the WIU-Quad Cities campus, but will serve the entire university and report to the vice president of advancement and alumni relations. "I'm thrilled to join my alma mater as it's an exciting time for WIU," said Nolte in a WIU press release. "I look forward to connecting with our alumni and friends who are passionate about WIU and its top-tier academic programs. Additionally, I look forward to linking our alumni back to the university and nurturing the strong culture of philanthropy that continues to inspire and impact our students, faculty and staff and will propel WIU into the future." Nolte earned her bachelor's degree and was a member of the track and field at WIU. Nolte previously served as the operations and communications director for Renew Moline in Moline, Ill. and the director of alumni engagement and annual giving at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. She has over 10 years of experience working for Quad Cities region nonprofitsincluding the Quad Cities Community Foundation, Trinity Health Foundation and Arrowhead Ranch. Prior to her nonprofit work, she was also a TV news reporter for WHBF in Rock Island, Ill. We are thrilled to welcome Liz Nolte back to WIU, said Mike Murtagh, vice president for advancement and alumni relations. As an experienced fundraiser with a wealth of professional achievements, she will play a major role in helping WIU achieve its philanthropic goals. Liz has already hit the ground running, and there is no doubt that she will make a difference. 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 Coalition is an affiliate of the National Rifle Association and NSSF, the firearm industry trade association. NAIROBI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- International aid agencies have called for immediate global solidarity to help prevent famine in the Horn of Africa. The United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations warned that significant increases in severe acute malnutrition admissions to nutrition treatment programs have been observed across the region. "Many people have completely lost their livelihoods and coping capacities and are relying heavily on assistance to meet basic needs, which will challenge the drought recovery," the agencies said in a joint statement issued in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Monday evening. According to the statement, a fifth consecutive season of drought has been set in motion by a poor start to October-December rains, and below-average rainfall is also considered likely to continue during the March-May 2023 season. "A humanitarian catastrophe is occurring now, and more funds are crucial to save lives," it said. It noted that the Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia drought response plans are only 50 percent funded despite escalating needs, severely limiting humanitarian agencies' capacities to respond. According to the statement, recovery from a drought of this magnitude will take years regardless of next year's rainfall performance, with extremely high humanitarian needs set to persist and even increase in 2023. 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. SIOUX CITY The Sioux City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve a new 25-year sewer treatment agreements with the city, North Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff. Tom Pingel, the city's utility director in charge of Sioux City's regional wastewater treatment plant, told The Journal on Friday that he anticipated that an agreement with South Sioux City, as well as Dakota Dunes, would be coming to the council for approval in the future. "South Sioux is not going to sign this agreement," Mayor Bob Scott said. "How long do they have to take all their sewage, because we notified them a year ago or two?" After five deferrals, the council voted unanimously in November 2019 to terminate the existing agreements the city has with North Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff and South Sioux City. The termination notice becomes effective four years after receipt of the notice. 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. "They haven't said they're not willing to sign it," Pingel told Scott of South Sioux City. If South Sioux City is not willing to sign before the termination notice becomes effective, Scott said the city needs to "be very serious with them that they need to go build their own plant and they need to get in going right away." "We're not going to drag this out," Scott said. "I want to prepare a letter for the other sister cities for us all to sign, thanking them for having the confidence. And, I want to send (a letter) for all of us to sign to South Sioux that says, 'Your clock's running. We're not changing the clock for anybody.'" 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. 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. "They're not against the agreement," City Manager Bob Padmore said of Dakota Dunes. "They've been very amenable to everything." 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. The agreements also implement several new provisions, including a fats, oil and grease program (FOG); odor and corrosion control; monitoring requirements and discharge limitations. "The sister cities are mandated to adopt our FOG ordinance and our sewer use ordinance, unless they have something more stringent in place," Pingel said. "We make them go out and do their inspections on their restaurants. If they can't do that, then we will provide the technical appliance tech, but they have to pay the city for that." Pingel said another big difference between the new agreement and previous agreement is that the city is no longer going to bill the industries that are located in the sister cities. Instead, he said the municipalities will be billed. "The reason behind that is we didn't get paid for Big Ox," he said. "Now, we're going to put that bill on the sister city bill and they can recoup their cost through their industries." Pingel noted that the sister cities will also be forced to put in odor control if the location where they dump in is experiencing high H2S (hydrogen sulfide). "They're already doing that at a certain level," he said of North Sioux City. "We may have to have them increase over the future, as they get more industries online." LUXEMBOURG (AP) The European Union's top court on Tuesday overturned a decision requiring automaker Fiat Chrysler to pay up to 30 million euros ($30 million) in back taxes to Luxembourg. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm and anti-trust regulator, had determined in 2015 that a 2012 Luxembourg tax ruling favored Fiat companies in Europe and was incompatible with state aid rules in the 27-nation bloc. A European court ruled in the commission's favor in 2019, ordering the automaker to return the tax break. Fiat Chrysler, which last year merged with Frances PSA Peugeot to form Stellantis, asked the higher court to set aside the order. The Court of Justice of the EU said Tuesday that the commission failed to take into account the typical tax laws in Luxembourg when it was determining whether the automaker got a tax advantage and that the EU's General Court committed an error of law" in upholding that approach three years ago. EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager tweeted that Tuesday's ruling was a big loss for tax fairness." The Commission is committed to continue using all the tools at its disposal to ensure that fair competition is not distorted in the Single Market through the grant by Member States of illegal tax breaks to multinational companies," she said in a statement. It comes as countries in Europe and around the world are working to enshrine into law a global minimum tax deal that more than 130 nations signed on to last year, designed to create a more equal footing in attracting and keeping multinational companies. It aims to deter multinationals from stashing profits in countries where they pay little or no taxes commonly known as tax havens. Stellantis is pleased that the Court of Justice has confirmed our view that the Commission was wrong to consider our tax ruling to be unlawful state aid, spokeswoman Valerie Gillot said. The European Unions top court has overturned a decision requiring automaker Fiat Chrysler to pay up to 30 million euros in back taxes to Luxembourg. The European Commission, the EUs anti-trust regulator, had determined in 2015 that a Luxembourg tax ruling favored Fiat companies in Europe and was incompatible with state aid rules in the 27-nation bloc. The Court of Justice of the EU said Tuesday that the commission failed to take into account the typical tax laws in Luxembourg when it was determining whether the automaker got a tax advantage and that the EUs General Court committed an error of law in upholding that approach in 2019. The EU's competition commissioner called it a big loss for tax fairness. 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 departments civil rights division and U.S. attorneys 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 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 Departments 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 departments 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 Departments efforts to review voting access in Missouri. Missouris secretary of state, Jay Ashcroft, says county clerk Steve Korsmeyer had declined the Justice Departments 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 wont 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 wouldnt 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. ___ 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 Georges 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; and Milwaukee and Racine, Wisconsin. Associated Press writer Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report. Follow APs coverage of the elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections Check out https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections to learn more about the issues and factors at play in the 2022 midterm elections. OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Nebraska voters on Tuesday will have a chance to significantly raise the state's minimum wage, require that voters provide government identification at polling places and increase the ability of airports to expand service. The wage and voter ID measures will go before voters because of signature-gathering campaigns, while the airport measure was placed on the ballot by the Legislature. The pay measure would gradually increase the minimum wage from the current $9 an hour to $15 hourly by 2026, with an initial bump to $10.50 in January 2023. The measure comes eight years after Nebraska voters overwhelmingly approved a minimum wage increase to its current level. Given that Nebraska has one of the nation's lowest unemployment rates and employers have had difficulty finding enough workers, it's unclear how many people will get raises if the measure passes. Supporters of the increase estimate it will raise wages for about 150,000 Nebraska workers. Gov. Pete Ricketts and some business groups have opposed the move, saying wage levels should be left to the market. Marlene Ricketts, the governor's mother, bankrolled the voter ID campaign after the Legislature repeatedly failed to approve such a measure, largely because of Democratic opposition. The measure would add a requirement to the state constitution that people show a government-issued photo identification in order to vote, with lawmakers later ironing out the details. Even supporters of the measure acknowledge that Nebraska has no history of voter fraud, but they contend that a voter ID law is needed to prevent future abuses. Democrats argue that such requirements, which have been approved by Republican-controlled states across the country, are meant to tamp down turnout by minorities and others who are more likely to not have appropriate ID and tend to vote for Democrats. The Legislature unanimously placed the airport measure on the ballot. It would allow organizations that operate airports to use airport revenue to encourage more commercial plane service by offering to guarantee a minimum amount of revenue to an airline during the first few months of new service at an airport. Voters won't have a chance to vote on a measure that sought to legalize medical marijuana in the state after advocates failed to gather enough signatures. Follow the APs coverage of the midterm elections at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and check out https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections to learn more about the issues and factors at play. North Korea denied American claims it's shipping artillery shells and ammunition to Russia for use in its war against the Ukraine, and on Tuesday accused the United States of lying. The denial came in the wake of dozens of weapons tests by North Korea, including nuclear capable missiles with the ability to strike the continental United States. It said it was testing the missiles and artillery so it could mercilessly strike key South Korean and U.S. targets if it choose to. U.S. officials recently confirmed a U.S. intelligence finding that Russia was in the process of purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea. WASHINGTON (AP) 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, Pelosi's 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. LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) A white University of Kentucky student accused of physically assaulting a Black student worker while repeatedly using racial slurs will withdraw from the school, her lawyer said Tuesday. Sophia Rosing, who was a senior set to graduate in May, will seek help for the issues she has, attorney Fred Peters said. Rosing was charged on Sunday by campus police with first and second offenses of alcohol intoxication in a public place, third-degree assault of a police officer, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct, according to an arrest report. The altercation at Boyd Hall was captured on video and posted to multiple social media platforms. Kylah Spring, a freshman working as a desk clerk, says in the video that Rosing hit her multiple times and kicked her in the stomach. Spring said the attack began when she asked Rosing, who appeared to be intoxicated, if she was ok. Rosing can be heard using racial slurs throughout the video and a police report says she continued using derogatory language after being taken into custody. Spring, who was working an overnight shift, never retaliated and said at one point: I dont get paid enough for this. After police arrived, Rosing told an officer that she has "lots of money and (gets) special treatment, according to an arrest affidavit. When I told her to sit back in the chair, she kicked me and bit my hand. Rosing pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment Monday afternoon and bonded out of jail later in the day. Shes very humiliated and embarrassed and remorseful, Peters said of his client. University officials said the Office for Student Conduct began a review immediately after becoming aware of the incident, and the process for disciplinary proceedings was underway. It wasn't immediately clear how the withdrawal would affect the proceedings. Hundreds of students rallied on campus Monday night in response to the incident and called for the university to address the situation quickly, news outlets reported. During the rally, Spring addressed the woman accused of assaulting her. You will not break my spirit and you will be held accountable for your actions, she said I only pray that you open your heart to love and try to experience life differently and more positively after this. Troy Rawlins Jr., who attended the march, said he is angry and disappointed about what happened but glad the university is investigating. He told the Lexington Herald-Leader he hopes for a quick resolution. We are here to have our voices be heard so we can effectively combat racism on our campus, Rawlins said. We need our voices to be heard. Our voices are falling on deaf ears. The only way we are going to be heard is if we come together. The university's Office for Student Success has offered support services for the victims and University President Eli Capilouto 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. KIGALI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda is ready to prioritize renewable energy for its own future, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said Tuesday while delivering his country's National Statement at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP27) being held in Egypt. "The findings of the sixth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change show that a more sustainable future remains within reach. Yet, despite growing evidence that the damage of global warming will soon become irreversible, there seems to be little sense of urgency," Kagame said. "Rwanda, like the rest of Africa, is ready to prioritize renewable energy. We do this, for our own future," he said. Kagame noted that the most valuable contribution that developed countries can make is to reduce their emissions faster while investing with Africa to build sustainable power. "Questioning whether Africa is ready to make use of climate finance should not be used as an excuse to justify inaction. We have seen effects of this thinking during the pandemic." He meanwhile called for public-private partnership in green growth, saying vulnerable nations cannot rely on external financing alone. Rwanda on Monday launched a new green investment facility that will invest in the private sector-led green growth in the east African country by availing sustainable finance. Dubbed Ireme Invest, the investment facility was launched in Egypt with 104 million U.S. dollars in initial capitalization. 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. That hasn't yet happened. Sen. Adam Morfeld issued a demand for a retraction against a Lincoln radio station for posting an article claiming without substantiation he was being investigated for sexual assault. The letter from Daniel Gutman, an attorney representing Morfeld and his campaign for Lancaster County Attorney, also requests that KLIN and "Drive Time Lincoln" host Jack Riggins preserve documents and communications leading up to the Friday afternoon show where the allegations aired after circulating on social media for several days. Morfeld, a two-term state senator from Lincoln running for county attorney as a Democrat, said the allegations made by an unidentified woman were categorically false. "These are complete lies," he said Saturday in a phone interview. "As somebody who experienced sexual assault as a child, they are particularly painful." Pat Condon, an incumbent Republican seeking a second term as the lead attorney in an office where he has spent more than three decades, did not return the Journal Star's phone call Saturday seeking comment. The two will square off in Tuesday's general election after a contentious and at times ugly race. The allegations that led to the reaction from Morfeld's campaign appear to have originated in a Facebook post Wednesday by Matt Innis, a former chair of the Lancaster County GOP and unsuccessful U.S. Senate candidate. Innis claimed he heard about an investigation focusing on Morfeld from two sources inside the Lincoln Police Department. The Nebraska Freedom Coalition, a committee of conservative activists that back right-wing causes and candidates, the same day called on Morfeld to address the unsubstantiated reports in a news release sent to several media outlets and posted on Twitter. An LPD spokesman told a Journal Star reporter Wednesday that there was nothing to the rumored investigation. "The Lincoln Police Department is not investigating a sexual assault allegation against Adam Morfeld." The following day, LPD, which like other law enforcement agencies does not typically discuss ongoing investigations and has broad authority under state law to withhold records related to investigations, again threw water on the social media rumors. "The Lincoln Police Department will not provide details regarding any sexual assault case due to confidentiality," Captain Todd Kocian said in an email. "We have not in the past nor will we in the future. "What can be stated is that there is no investigation involving Senator Morfeld named," Kocian wrote, adding the police department encouraged anyone with information to come forward and make a report. On Friday, the allegations that had been shared on social media gained a new platform when Riggins, a former interim communication director for the Nebraska Republican Party who was removed from that position this summer after posting images depicting illustrations of sexual acts on the party's Twitter account, interviewed a woman who said she had been sexually assaulted by Morfeld. The woman, who used the alias "Ruth," told Riggins she was cornered, raped and choked by Morfeld in a bathroom, and said Morfeld threatened her if she told anyone. "Ruth" did not specify where the alleged assault took place, nor when, only telling Riggins the alleged attack took place "some time ago." The woman said the rumors of an investigation earlier in the week referred to by Innis and Nebraska Freedom Coalition did not involve her allegations, but led her to make a report to Lincoln Police at some time Thursday. A YouTube video shared on social media Saturday from an anonymous account appears to capture a report being filed with LPD on Thursday, though it does not provide a timestamp. The video also does not include any details about when or where the alleged assault took place. The Journal Star could not verify the authenticity of the YouTube video. A duty commander for LPD said the department's public information officers would handle any questions about the report Monday. The woman's allegations were the focus of a story posted to the KLIN website at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, shortly after her appearance on "Drive Time Lincoln." The radio station indicated it was seeking confirmation of the police report and would "deliver updates as they come," but the story remained unchanged more than 24 hours after it was posted. After remaining silent on the unsubstantiated reports for much of the week, Morfeld took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon, saying allegations were "part of a broader false and defamatory narrative" led by Innis and the Nebraska Freedom Coalition. "Allegations deserve to be investigated, but I will not stand by while baseless, undocumented, anonymous allegations are created by well-known political operatives and opponents," Morfeld said. The 37-year-old executive director of Civic Nebraska also shared a copy of the retraction letter sent to NRG Media, which owns KLIN. The letter demands the radio station remove the story from its website and "immediately cease any future releases containing this false information." "The story is false and misleading," Gutman wrote. "Despite the headline, KLIN has no idea if a police report was actually filed, and if so, whether the allegations have any basis in fact. "KLIN's knowing and coordinated falsehoods are particularly egregious given the severity of the allegations asserted, including sexual assault and rape," Gutman added. The letter also instructs KLIN, "its employees or agents (including Jack Riggins)" to preserve any emails, text messages and social media postings related to the story, a request that typically precedes litigation. The story was removed from KLIN's website for several hours Sunday afternoon, before it was published again shortly before 4 p.m. An editor's note indicates KLIN was seeking records related to other allegations made against Morfeld -- claims he says are also false -- and clarified that the woman's report was filed anonymously. This story updated at 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, to reflect changes made to KLIN's story about allegations against Lancaster County attorney candidate and state Sen. Adam Morfeld. No public comment was allowed at Fridays Nebraska State Board of Education meeting, a decision the board president said was routine and not unprecedented. But the move upset board critics who suspected politics were at play so close to Tuesdays election. Board President Patsy Koch Johns said that she made the decision not to allow comment from the audience, and that it was not any different than weve done before. Notice was posted ahead of time on the meeting agenda that comment would not be taken. People could still submit written comments. Under board policy, Koch Johns said, the board will have public comment most of the time. So last year in October and January we did not have public comment, she said. This year were not having it in November and maybe January, I dont know. The decision drew criticism from a state senator and from board critics who regularly speak during the public comment period. Audience members held up signs with messages that included Our voices matter, Cowards and Parents will have a voice on Nov. 8. Several of the sign-holders were leaders of Protect Nebraska Children Coalition. The groups political action committee endorsed four conservative candidates running for the board. Sue Greenwald, one of the coalition leaders, said the board just didnt want to hear from us. Im convinced its political, Greenwald said. I know that its within their rights to not have public comment for some of the meetings. Its just a bad look for them. Thats why we brought signs. We couldnt speak with our voices, so we spoke with our signs. Earlier in the week, Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil criticized the board for not allowing comment at the meeting. Murman, a member of the Legislatures Education Committee who has criticized the State Department of Education in the past, said the board shut down the voices of parents before an election. Board members, he said, decided to play politics instead of doing what is best for Nebraska children and working on behalf of the citizen. Koch Johns said that public comment was not shut down. We never had it scheduled, she said. Greenwald said that Fridays meeting was the shortest meeting weve ever been to and that there was ample time to let the public talk. It took us longer to get there than it did for them to have the meeting, Greenwald said, noting some drove in from Kearney for the meeting in Lincoln, which was over in less than an hour. Koch Johns said that the board has had lots of very long agendas and that she had another meeting to attend after the board meeting. Short agenda or not, Im headed to another meeting about state board stuff, she said. David Jespersen, spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Education, said that by the end of the calendar year, the board will have had public comment in 10 of the 12 months. State statute allows us not to have it every single time, he said. Jespersen noted that the board holds more meetings each year than are required under state statute. The law requires only four board meetings a year, and the board averages 11, he said. JOHNSTON, Iowa -- Threats to Iowas election security appeared to be minimal as of Tuesday afternoon, Secretary of State Paul Pate said in an Election Day press conference from the State Emergency Operations Center. Were seeing a calm, which is a good sign, he said. Well be here until the polls are closed and well continue monitoring everything thats happening. As Iowans went to cast their ballots Tuesday, a team of officials from various state and federal agencies was working to monitor threats to election security. The team included about 50 people from agencies including the National Guard, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and the Department of Homeland Security, Pate said. The center, housed in an Iowa National Guard building in Johnston, was the nerve center for election security on Tuesday, Pate said. The team had prepared for cybersecurity threats, major storms or fires at polling sites, physical threats and civil unrest, he said. Pate, a Republican, said Iowas cybersecurity continued to improve, and all 99 counties election offices were working with his office on cybersecurity for the first time this year. The Office of the Chief Information Officer was monitoring for attempts from foreign actors or others to hack election websites or interfere with the state or counties internet systems, Pate said. We all have the things to keep us from being tampered with, whether it be malware or someone hacking in, which means were now safe on all fronts, he said. Pate, whose office has put out communications seeking to correct myths about Iowas elections, has reiterated ahead of the election that Iowas vote tabulators are not connected to the internet. He said hes confident a bad actor could not affect Iowas actual vote, but hacking or taking down election websites could instill doubt about the elections integrity. They will get into [websites] and do some funny business on them and then the public looks at that and goes, Oh my gosh, so-and-so got hacked, is my vote safe? Pate pointed out other measures he said are keeping Iowas election secure: Iowa requires voter ID Officials test vote tabulators before the election Counties conduct post-election audits, and Pates office added a second audit this year Iowans vote on paper ballots, and tabulators are not connected to the internet The last thing I want is for Iowans to wake up the day after the election and look at those results and not believe in them, not to have confidence in them, Pate said. Because if that happens, our republic has fallen. Pate was on the ballot Tuesday, facing a challenge from Democratic Linn County Auditor Joel Miller, who has accused Pate of backing attempts to make voting more difficult in Iowa. Members of Pates own party, including Anne Fairchild in Cedar Rapids and Brad Sherman in Iowa County, have cast doubt on election security and spread the discredited claim there was mass voter fraud in 2020. If a candidate challenges the integrity of Iowas elections after the election, Pate said he will put every effort into explaining to them the facts. Pate also said his office was investigating an incident in Sioux City, in which voters claimed a worker at the auditors office was making comments to voters about Public Measure 1 -- which would enshrine in Iowas constitution the right to keep and bear arms and require strict scrutiny for any law related to gun control -- during the early voting period. The Iowa Firearms Coalition said in a Monday press release that a polling staffer had told voters that voting yes on the measure would allow felons to have guns, according to the Sioux City Journal. The Woodbury County auditor and sheriff told The Journal they had opened an investigation into the incident. He said he anticipated the office would see other hiccups among poll workers on Tuesday not following protocol, but he said the office was doing pretty well on that front as of Tuesday afternoon. It disturbed me immensely, and we have reached out, and we are investigating it, he said. And weve reminded all the county auditors again, because we do cover this in our training, that poll workers and staff are not to be commenting on constitutional amendments or candidates. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem planned a Monday reelection rally featuring a video message from former President Donald Trump in a final push to turn out voters in the heavily-Republican western part of the state, while her Democratic challenger, state lawmaker Jamie Smith, focused on the state's largest city in a bid to make the race competitive by winning big in his hometown of Sioux Falls. The dueling campaign rallies on Monday evening centered on the areas where each candidate is expecting to draw large numbers of voters. For Noem, it was in Rapid City, near where she held an Independence Day fireworks celebration in 2020 that featured Trump. For Smith, it was at Sioux Falls' Washington Pavillion, where he once attended high school before the building was converted into an event center. Republicans have nearly doubled Democrats on voter roles in South Dakota, but Smith said he was hoping to carry Sioux Falls with enough votes to buoy his chances of an upset on Election Day. A Democrat has not won the South Dakota governor's office since the 1970s. Were working hard to find those some-time voters to make sure they get out the vote, Smith said, adding that he planned to keep knocking on doors and making phone calls with less than 24 hours to go before polls opened. Noem has spent a historic amount of money in the race, filling TV airtime with ads that touted her hands-off approach to business closures and mask-wearing mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has outspent Smith nearly 6-to-1. Running as a moderate, he said he has tried to stay as positive as we can amid a slew of campaign ads from Noem that targeted him as an ally to President Joe Biden and called him extreme. Smith said his Monday evening rally message would lean on the advice he used to give as a wrestling coach: You just need to stick with your plan, keep a calm mind, and then work as hard today and tomorrow as we've worked the entire rest of the way. And at the end of the day, we will have the outcome that people choose. During her term as the state's first female governor, Noem has repeatedly positioned the state and herself in the national spotlight. She allied herself closely with Trump, perhaps most visibly by holding a massive fireworks celebration featuring the former president at Mount Rushmore in 2020. The national attention has fueled speculation that Noem could be angling for a White House bid in 2024, though she has said she plans to serve another four years in the governor's office. She has defended her frequent out-of-state trips to attend conservative events as an effort to attract businesses to the state and bolster its economy. South Dakota, with a population of under 1 million, has also seen an influx of new residents attracted to its low cost of living and conservative politics. Noem, however, has suggested that she is facing a close race with Smith this year because many of the state's longtime residents are not as appreciative of her political style. This race is close because of people that have lived here forever that are taking our freedom for granted, she told the crowd at a rally last week. Noem's campaign spokesman, Ian Fury, said that the campaign is trying to remind people to get to the polls. As long as Republicans show up and vote for Gov. Noem well do great, he said. Noem spent early Monday attending smaller gatherings in Watertown and Sioux Falls before heading west to Rapid City. Her appearances have drawn full houses to cafes and diners as she has toured the state in recent days. South Dakota voters were also deciding Tuesday whether to send a pair of incumbents, Sen. John Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson, back to Washington. They will also vote on legalizing recreational marijuana and expanding Medicaid eligibility through a pair of ballot measures. The decades-old partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia has just been put to the test. It failed with flying colors. The partnership was always based on a simple trade-off. The United States would provide all the military hardware, support, intelligence and cover that Saudi Arabia sought in its dangerous neighborhood. In return, Saudi Arabia would be guarantor of energy security for the United States and its allies. For that, the United States turned a blind eye again and again to all the other ways in which Saudi Arabias behavior undermines our values and interests. The whole deal felt futile, then, when Saudi Arabia slashed oil production last month, following many entreaties by the Biden administration that it do precisely the opposite. Not only had Saudi Arabia scoffed at Americas one request, but it had done so in direct collusion with Russia, undermining Ukraines defense by boosting Russias economic lifeline of gas and oil income. This has renewed attention to an old debate: When should the United States partner with authoritarian governments? The obvious answer is when its in our national security interest to do so. But too often we take it at face value that it is. The American people appear convinced. According to a 2022 Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey of American perceptions of U.S. foreign policy, two-thirds of Americans agree that working with authoritarian governments is acceptable if they are crucial U.S. security partners. This perspective parallels the realities of U.S. foreign policy in practice, since administration after administration has told the American people that working with bad guys is just a necessary evil in the name of national security. The United States supports authoritarian states for many reasons, but the practice is founded on two basic assumptions: that strengthening partner countries will lead to increased stability in key regions, and that supporting partner countries will help us influence their behavior. Saudi Arabia demonstrates how false these assumptions prove. A stronger Saudi Arabia has stoked instability in the neighborhood instead, and our influence is obviously lacking. We should have seen it coming and changed course years ago, but inertia is a powerful driver of our foreign policy too. So we stayed the course supporting an absolute monarchy shaped by extremist religious law, which provides no space for public participation in the political process, no rights for women, and a laundry list of other offenses against human rights. We kept our wager as Saudi Arabia waged its brutal war on Yemen, using U.S. weapons to slaughter civilians, further destabilizing the region and fueling enmity against the United States. Saudi Arabias successful efforts to fight the Iran nuclear deal tooth and nail were instrumental in tanking a vital nonproliferation agreement that was in the clear U.S. national security interest. The list goes on and on. American support not only continued but grew. From the start of the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen in 2015 to 2020, the United States agreed to sell Saudi Arabia over $64 billion in arms. During this time, Washington supplied Riyadh with more than 300 aircraft, Patriot air-defense systems, and tens of thousands of missiles and bombs. This unsavory business did not sit well with Congress as reports emerged of U.S. bombs being used to commit war crimes, but the costs to the kingdom remained token at best. America feared a harsh reaction would undermine its influence without realizing it had no influence in the first place. Fundamental to this miscalculation is that we dismissed the extent to which propping up an undemocratic and oppressive regime would undermine our national security interests in the long run. In the end, we could not rely on a country like Saudi Arabia because it does not share our basic interests in the world and is not a reliable or predictable partner. No authoritarian state is. Europe has learned the same lesson this year with Russia. Americans will be better served by our foreign policy if our policymakers learn and apply this lesson moving forward. Undoubtedly, some circumstances will at times merit partnering with authoritarian states in the interest of U.S. national security. If an unsavory government owns something we need, we might need to buy it from them, as was long the case with Saudi Arabia and its oil. But history has shown us that turning untrustworthy suppliers into strategic partners doesnt work well. Such deals should be heavily scrutinized and regularly reevaluated. If we dont fully consider the long-term costs of boosting bad actors, we might create our own national security risks in the end. Were publishing a special-edition column of classic Prudie letters to help readers pass the time on Election Day, whether youre in line to vote or anxiously awaiting results. (If you prefer to face your anxiety head on, Slate writers are covering the latest news.) Dear Prudence, Years ago I was pressured by one of my superiors into having an affair with him in exchange for a promotion and substantial raise. I was very young at the time, and didnt know how to stand up for myself. Ive always felt terrible for what I allowed to happen to me, and that I just let the man get away with it. I had been considering reporting him to his superiors (Ive heard through the grapevine that hes put several new hires and interns in the same position to date) but he left the company to run for a prominent office in our city. Im now faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to expose him publicly for what he really is. I feel it would be the right thing to do, but part of me is afraid of the scandal that would surely follow, and Im not sure I want to be in the middle of it. Should I take the plunge? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reveal Past Affair This is a terribly hard decision to make because unfortunately, as has played out over and over again, women who truthfully accuse powerful men of sexually abusing them often find themselves trashed. If you go ahead, you need to be prepared to have your entire life exposed: that shoplifting arrest in high school, the bad check you passed in your 20s. As you know, men who behave this way almost always do it to many women, and they need to be exposed and stopped. When Herman Cain was first accused of sexual improprieties, he went on the attack and it wasnt pretty for his accuser. But then other women stepped forward and Cain was cooked. I hope you step up, but first you should protect yourself. Talk to a lawyer about how best to go about this. If you have the names of other victims, maybe an attorney can reach out to them and they might come forward to support you. You can strategize about how best to make your situation knownprobably through an interview at the local newspaper. You will be doing the citizens of your state a service by letting them know the true character of the man who would serve them.Emily Yoffe Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! My Boss Pressured Me Into an Affair and Is Now Running for Office. Should I Expose Him? (Oct. 1, 2012). Dear Prudence, Many years ago I had a brief, passion-filled affair with a co-worker. I had no kids (I now have one), and he had two (now has more). There was no fallout as our spouses (the same then as they are now) never found out. We were utterly enamored with each other, but never considered leaving our families due, in a large part, to our diametrically opposed political outlooks. I am incredibly liberal, he staunchly conservative. Were we to have attempted being together in the real world, the amount of strife caused by our differing views would have made the relationship unsustainable. Still, I do occasionally think back on our affair with intense longing. Eventually, he moved several states away, and I had a baby and got on with my life. I have never had another affairfor me it was about him, but Im not sure if he ever has. We arent in contact, though I think of him fondly. He has transitioned into politics as a career, become even more conservative, and is now running for a powerful position. If he is elected, he will be able to enact what I consider to be very negative changes to womens rights and the environment. I have proof of the affair that would likely derail his campaignbut maybe not, as hes a charmer. I am now wondering if its my civic duty to come forward. I dont think I could do this anonymously, but I think my husband and I could weather the storm. I also dont want to hurt his wife or family. But maybe I should take this hit for the greater good, because there are millions of people who could be negatively affected should he win. What should I do? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blue About It Please spare us yet another politician making that lipless grimace while standing next to a wife who looks as if shes been hit with a 2-by-4. Youre right you cant out him anonymously. While you hope your marriage would weather this, you actually have no idea how your husband would react. Youd be giving him a terrible shock, then opening your private lives to public ridicule. If he shares your political beliefs, hell be thinking that you slept with the enemy solely because the guy was so damn good in bed. Lets say your confession causes your husband to divorce you. Telling your child you blew up your family so that a bad man wouldnt vote for abortion restrictions or would allow fracking is likely not going to make you a heroic figure. If your ex-lover doesnt win because of you, that just leaves an opening for another conservative in the next election. If during your affair he had impregnated you and assisted you in getting you an abortion, then he could kiss this election goodbye. But that didnt happen, so while his views on reproductive rights may be repellent to you, hes likely not running on an anti-infidelity platform. If it turns out hes not a compulsive screw-around, he can say that years ago he made a terrible mistake, deeply regrets it, and all he can do is ask forgiveness of his family and the voters. Even you acknowledge theres a good chance hed receive it. Voters might even be sympathetic to a politician who got blindsided over a long-ago dalliance by a lover who simply hated his politics. If you want to do something to make yourself feel better, give the biggest check you can afford to his opponent. EY Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! I Once Had an Affair With a Man Now Running for Office. Should I Come Forward? (Oct. 16, 2014). Get Dear Prudence in Your Inbox We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again. Please enable javascript to use form. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Dear Prudence, My husband is running for mayor of our small city against a popular incumbent. Unfortunately, this man is not above going negative; his campaign has dug up the fact that my husband and I started dating while I was separated, but not yet divorced, from my ex-husband. We live in a very conservative area, and despite all of the economic problems the city is facing, it looks as if this will become an issue in the election this spring. We have suffered quite a few hateful remarks in public already, and Im afraid the harassment will multiply. My husband is a real soldier in facing this, but Im not sure how much more I can handle, and Im considering asking him to drop out of the race. On the other hand, the party leaders have shown tremendous support for my husband, and people have donated countless hours of their time. Im not sure whether my hurt should outweigh the hard work of my husband and his supporters, but Im also not sure how long I can stand this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Distraught Wife Remind me again why so many good people turn away from politics. Perhaps you can gain some strength from knowing you and your husband have done nothing wrong, and that caving in just encourages this kind of vitriol. Your husband can deal with this head-on by saying something like: My opponent can say what he likes about me, but I will not stand for him smearing my wife. Meeting Mary is the best thing to ever happen to me. Given the serious problems that face Bedford Falls, if my opponent thinks the biggest issue before us is my courtship of my wife, then thats the best argument possible for getting new leadership. The election is only a few months away. I know it seems hard, but try to keep in perspective the ludicrousness of attacking you because you were dating while you were legally separated. No matter how conservative your town is, fortunately you cant be buried in the sand and stoned for this. Stand proud, stick it out, and let your example embarrass the small-minded.EY Advertisement Advertisement From: Family mental health issues, political mudslinging, STD concerns: Advice from Dear Prudence. (Jan. 20, 2011). Dear Prudence, Advertisement An old friend is running for office. She was a counselor for me as a teenager. Weve never discussed politics and had lost touch (except for Facebook) until a mutual friends funeral recently. She asked if I would help with her campaign via Facebook messenger. She is running for local school board (non-partisan) and I am not a parent. Ive already told her yes because I wanted to be supportive but also asked about her platform and who she was running against. She gave me her campaign website which is pretty generic about her experience. Her opponent has several endorsements but again, a pretty generic website although he does say he supports LGBTQ+ students. I decided to check her and her opponents party registration on our State Board of Elections website. My old friend is registered as a Republican, her opponent is unaffiliated. Advertisement I am a progressive person. I often post news stories and views on Facebook. There is no way she doesnt know that Im at least liberal-leaning. I have no idea what to do at this point. I know that the school board can be so contentious, but we are in an urban, liberal area so Im not sure if that applies here. I dont think she believes in things like banning books or critical race theory. Nothing on her Facebook page suggests she is a Trump supporter. What should I do and how do I talk to her about it? I dont want to damage the relationship (though we havent been in contact, we have a bunch of mutual friends, and she is a member of my liberal protestant church). Unless she doesnt support non-negotiable issues, I am willing to be friends (we had talked about getting together again soon), but I dont want to support a Republican running for any office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Candidate Confusion Hi Candidate Friend. I know I agreed to help with your campaign, but as I was getting up to speed on you and your opponent, I learned that youre a Republican. As you probably know from my Facebook posts, Im a very progressive person so Im not sure this will be a great fit. If Ive misunderstood something or if you want to give me a call and let me know more about your stances on the issues the school board is taking on, I would be happy to keep an open mind and see if were actually more aligned than I thought. Otherwise, I will go ahead and take a step back from volunteering but I hope youre doing well during this busy time for you, and I hope we can still get together just for fun like wed planned.Jenee Desmond-Harris Advertisement From: Help! I Promised to Help a Friend Running for Office. Uh, I Just Found Out We Have Very Different Views. (Sept. 17, 2022). Dear Prudence, My sibling is a toxic, narcissistic, controlling codependent type who is estranged from several people in our extended family. They are verbally and emotionally abusive to their spouse and extended family, including our aged father. While we were moving Dad into assisted living, we discovered they had secretly changed his estate planning documents to give themselves complete control (Dad didnt realize what the revised documents actually said). They lied about it when it came to light. Theyve also been fired from multiple professional positions due to toxic behavior. Advertisement They are now campaigning for local political office, with little substance behind positions, but with great publicity and lots of photo ops. Like many in the current political arena, the narcissism is the likely driver behind the campaign. I think our sibling is unfit for office. Should I write a letter to the local paper (about why I cant support them) or otherwise get involved? Do these character issues really matter, or is the family discord irrelevant and impairing my view? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concerned Out-of-District Voter The situation with your sibling is a little similar to that of Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar, whose six siblings spoke out against his reelection campaign. It generated a lot of press, but ultimately he was reelected. So its worth asking yourself what result youre hoping to get. Not to put on the election strategist hat, but do you think adding your voice to this election will have the result you intend, or will it simply bring more drama into your life? Thats not to say you shouldnt speak out if your siblings polling numbers are too good, but you should be clear about what you want to accomplish here and if your tactics can achieve that. Some of the things you intend to write about are, unfortunately, going to come off as family issues and may be less persuasive. Others, like financial elder abuse, are illegal and, if provable, should be aired. But if you cant prove it, you open yourself up to libel. In an ideal world, character matters. But in the worlds of politics and PR (and family), its not always that clear.R. Eric Thomas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! My Sibling Is Running for Office. I Want to Tell Everyone Not to Vote for Them. (May 24, 2022). Dear Prudence, Im in my mid-20s and my best friend from high school is running for political office for the first time. Weve lived in different cities since high school, so I dont see him often, but I was the best man at his wedding and I love him as a friend. The problem is he asked me for money for his campaign, and I disagree with his politics. Hes smart and well-educated, but hes a relatively extreme Republican and some of his stances make me sick. If I did donate I suppose I could match his with one to a left-wing candidate in a close race in a different district. What should I do? Advertisement Advertisement Undecided Citizen Its one thing to be asked to donate to a friends cause thats not at the top of your listhe raises money for historic preservation and youre interested in population control. Its another to be solicited to support an ideology you feel is noxious. I do wish more people could look across the political aisle and say, as you do of your friend, that while you profoundly disagree with his conclusions, you think hes arrived at them honorably. Still, that doesnt mean you should cut a check to someone who would try to implement policies you hate. I think you should write to your friend and say you will always wish him happiness and success. Then say, in case he didnt know, you need to reveal a secret: Youre a Democrat, a really liberal one. Explain you hope he understands that while youre personally proud of him, you two need to keep politics out of your friendship. But if he wins, you will raise a glass to a great guys victory.EY Advertisement From: Help! A Man Keeps Giving Presents to My 5-Year-Old Daughter. (June 7, 2012). Dear Prudence, My daughters have been phone banking, calling Arizona and Michigan and so on to get out the vote. I didnt want to do that but I felt guilty. Then I read an article in Slate about using the dating app Hinge to get out the vote. That sounded like fun to me, so I set up an account. I figured that there were few people my age (about 70) on Hinge, so I used a pic that was 40(!) years old and pretended to be young, single, and child-free. My state was also in the bag as far as electoral votes were concerned, so I decided to live in another state. Anyway, you could say I was catfishing, but I figured it was for a good causeno one would get hurt, thus, no harm, no foul. Advertisement Advertisement However. I found a match. Of course he is much younger than I am and lives in a different state. But we are politically similar. And we have the same (very niche!) hobby. (I cant name the hobby, because all my friends who read this column would immediately identify me! But, as a false example, it is not that we both like to read biographiesit is more like we both like to make art with old encyclopedias. So we share this unusual passion.) Advertisement Advertisement Now I want to tell him the truth and be friends. But I know that no one wants to be fooled. Is there any way to break the newsthat I am decades older than he is and not interested in datingthat would not destroy this budding relationship? Advertisement Catfishing No, sorry! But you can certainly find other people online who share your interest in this hobby, so go forth and do so honestly.Danny M. Lavery From: Help! I Catfished a Much Younger Man to Help Get Out the Vote. (Nov. 10, 2020). Dear Prudence, I live in Ohio, the battleground state in this years presidential election. I have just learned that my mother, who is the caretaker of my aging and infirm grandparents, has filled out their absentee ballots for them, having them vote for my mothers preferred party. My grandmother has Alzheimers and believes its 1989. She is unaware of a single issue being discussed in the election. Worse, my grandmother has been a lifelong voter for a party that is not the one my mother supports. Should I attempt to intervene in some way? Advertisement Feeling the Civil War in Ohio Im going to guess that your ardent opposition to voter fraud does not make this the first time you have found your mothers actions wanting. If your mother has filled out a ballot for people who are too mentally incompetent to make their own decision, or is she has filled out a ballot that is contradictory to the wishes of one or both and coerced them into signing itor signed for themthen she is committing a crime. Since the integrity of the voting process is fundamental to democracy, and if your report of your mothers actions is accurate, then her behavior is morally and legally indefensible and I join you in condemning her. At this point, assuming the ballots have been mailed, the only way to intervene would be to report this to the local election board. They should flag the ballots and at the least see if the signatures on the envelopes match those of the voter registration applications. Maybe the officials will find the ballots suspicious and investigate further. Lets say they decide to make an example of your mother and prosecute her for voter fraud. Yes, justice may well be done, but at a very high cost to your family. It will be obvious that someone with a close but not affectionate relationship ratted her out. If your mother ends up busy with her legal defense, then someone else is going to have to pick up the slack of caring for your grandparents. Not every wrong can be righted, and I think youre better off concluding this is one of those cases. But if on Tuesday it turns out the presidential election is decided by a two-vote margin in Ohio, then youre going to have a story the whole country will want to hear.EY Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! My Girlfriend Dumped Me for My LooksTheyre Too Good. (Nov. 1, 2012). Dear Prudence, I have been happily (mostly) married to a great man for the past 17 years. This past election season, he ran for our local city council election and came close to winning. Because he did so well, he is being courted by the local party to run in another local election in 2012. The thing is, I hated the whole process of campaigning, and the thought of him running again makes me fantasize about moving into my own apartment during the campaign season. I told him that I needed a few months to think about whether I could support another campaign, but I dont see my feelings changing in three months. My question: Should I endure another campaign season (and possibly more) and support him, or should I tell him that I cant support him this time? I know this is something that he really wants to do, and I know he ( and others) will try to make me feel guilty for not supporting him. But I think that another campaign will not be good for my mental health or for our marriage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spousal Relationship By not supporting your husbands race, I hope you dont intend to campaign for his opponent. You havent made clear whether you hated the role you were forced to play, or whether you hated the fact that the campaign consumed all his time and you felt like a political widow. If its the former, then the answer is you need to tell him you plan to be the be the kind of political wife Dr. Judith Steinberg wasshes the spouse of Howard Dean. While he was running for president, she continued her Vermont medical practice and was virtually invisible on the campaign trail. If you cant stand the effect getting involved in politics has on your time together, then you two need some honest conversations about how important this race is to him, and how damaging it would be to your marriage.EY Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! I Kissed My Wifes Ex-Husbands New Wife. (Nov. 21, 2011). Dear Prudence, The father of one of my daughters good friends in middle school has contacted me and asked me for an endorsement in the upcoming election. Hes running for a city council position. I am a prominent businessman and philanthropist in our large city, and so far he hasnt been able to attract many big endorsements. The problem is, I think this mans a lousy father, businessman, and person. I dont want to endorse him at all. How can I tactfully reject his request so as to maintain our daughters friendship? Turning Down an Endorsement Request Tell him that as a matter of policy youve decided not to do endorsements for this race. If you have endorsed before and he mentions that, you can say that policies are sometimes in flux and this is currently where you stand. Surely as a businessman and philanthropist you have plenty of experience telling people, No.EY Advertisement From: Help! My Fiance Had a Child With His Brothers Wife. (Oct. 8, 2012). Dear Prudence, This will be my first election ever, and Im really excited to vote. My parents are both political junkies and do a lot of volunteer work. The problem is they are in opposite parties. This has never been a problem at home since they are very good at agreeing to disagree and respecting each others opinions. But its different being stuck in the middle. Im pretty sure I know who Im voting for, but I havent told either my mom or dad and they keep trying to convince me their guy is better. Do you think I should just tell them who my candidate is they might just accept it and stop campaigning for my vote? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My Familys Swing Vote Tell them that if they each were on television as part of a political ad, you would change the channel. If they were phone canvassers, you would hang up. If you want to tell them who youre voting for, fine. But dont expect that will shut up the other one. If you dont want to tell, remind them that in this country we have a secret ballot.EY From: Help! My Girlfriend Grows Hair on Her Chest. (Oct. 16, 2012) Another Classic Prudie Question My mother is a very intense person. Shes passionately angry about the state of our country (I am too, for the record!) and she cant talk about anything else. Everything is negative. Everything is outrage. And of course, she isnt doing anything to improve the situation like volunteering or donating money. Shes just angry and yelling into the void constantly. And its gotten worse Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group. Dear Care and Feeding, My husband and I have 3 kids. My dad and his wife live nearby, and I know it should be a great to have them live so close, but unfortunately, my dad only likes one of our children. Our oldest son (13) is very mature for his age, a people-pleaser, and has a lot of interests in common with my dad. They have grown increasingly closer over the years, talk on the phone or FaceTime every day, and Im pretty sure theyre each others best friend. The problem is that my dad badmouths my other two younger sons to my oldest, and tells him how he doesnt want to hang out with them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently my dad and oldest son have developed a new habit of springing plans on my husband and me, changing what was discussed ahead of time and purposely misleading us. For instance, they recently told us they were going on a hike, only to stay at my dads house to do chores and run errands. My husband and I dont want to interfere with our son having a relationship with his grandpa, but the lying and manipulating sucks. Our other two boys vacillate between being apathetic about their grandpa or having hurt feelings that he doesnt want to hang out with them. (My dad has even told my oldest son that he pretends to enjoy the other boys company so they wont feel bad! But they are very smart and can absolutely tell when hes being disingenuous.) Advertisement Advertisement I/we have spoken to my dad several times about all of this, but truly hes so narcissistic that he sees nothing wrong with doing as he sees fit. He believes he is a kind person, because he is generous with financial help and birthdays, etc. which is apparently enough to assuage his conscience. What can we do to improve this situation? I am considering counseling for my other two kids, but is there more we can do to be proactive? I feel fiercely protective of them, even the one whos the favorite because hes being manipulated too. Thanks for any insight and advice! Advertisement Worried in West Virginia Dear Worried in WV, You have every right to be worried. At best, your dads behavior is insensitive, and at worst, its downright creepy. Im all in on close relationships between grandparents and grandchildren, but should a grandfather be besties with his 13-year-old grandson? I dont know. Also, the fact that this relationship involves excluding the other kids is extremely concerning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want to spend too much time on the creepy vibe Im feeling, because I could be way off here, but the lying part of this situation is a huge red flag in my eyes. Why isnt your dad upfront about what hes doing with your son? Does he have anything to hide? I would get to the bottom of that as soon as possible, because that is pretty weird, to put it mildly. My gut tells me that something isnt on the level here, and I really hope Im wrong about that. In any case, you should start by laying down the law: Tell your dad the lying needs to stop, even if that means you need to micromanage the relationship going forward by limiting the amount of access he has to your son. As is the case with most narcissists, hell quickly audition for the victim role and gaslight you, but dont be swayed by it. Your son is your priority, not him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You should also speak with your younger sons and ask them if they want to be included in the excursions with their brother and grandfather every time an opportunity arises. They may decide they want nothing to do with him, or they may wish they had a stronger relationship with him. If its the latter, then I would insist that all three boys attend any gatherings with your dad, whether he likes it or not. And to state the obvious to your pops, were talking about having a relationship with his grandsons, not getting a root canal he should like it. Id also suggest that you or your husband tag along to ensure you can act as a buffer if needed. Advertisement This whole ordeal is heartbreaking, because your dad should be wise enough to know that it can be extremely damaging when adult family members play favorites amongst kids. With that in mind, youre very wise to take all of your kids to therapy in effort to deal with any unresolved issues surrounding this. Advertisement Remember to be unapologetic about setting boundaries with your dad. Your job is to protect your vulnerable children, not his feelings. Catch Up on Care and Feeding If you missed Mondays column, read it here. Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group! Dear Care and Feeding, My husband and I have two children together, ages 3 and 18 months. My husband is a really great, involved dad who loves playing with our children. He will spend hours playing pretend with our 3-year-old or building elaborate block structures that our 18-month-old knocks down in 5 seconds. He makes up fun games and silly songs and is endlessly patient with them. Advertisement I am not. I cant seem to sit on the floor and play with my children. Even when they were babies in a bouncy chair, I could only stand a couple of rounds of peek-a-boo before my mind was flooded with things I needed or could be doing. Even if there is nothing to do, I will pull out my phone to scroll or start reading a book. My husband has a great bond with our kids, and I want that, too. I know they love me, but they seem to not need or want to be around me. They almost always turn to my husband for everything, play and even for basic needs. They want daddy to feed them, probably because of the noises he makes and stories to tell. They want daddy to give them a bath, help them get dressed, and do bedtime. They even prefer him when they are sick or hurt. I had them at the park one day last week and the 3-year-old fell and skinned her knee, and it wasnt until I finally relented and Facetimed my husband that she calmed down, because he made silly faces and sung a silly song. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant seem to be silly or imaginative like him. When I tell him about how I feel he is supportive and tries to help me. He knows I am more of a structured person so he encouraged me to do crafts, puzzles, or games with established rules with them, but I can only do it for a short time before I start getting tired of the repetition and my mind starts to wander to the other things I could be doing and then I feel bad, because I should want to be with my children! I cant even use the excuse that I am doing much of the emotional, mental, and physical labor of the household because I am not. We make a really great team with a really good division of labor, and since the kids prefer him, I feel like he probably takes on a lot more of the physical, mental, and emotional labor of childcare while also doing his share of keeping the house. Advertisement How do parents who dont like playing with their kids still bond with them? How do I connect with my children? I know their childhood is going to go by in a flash, and even though theyre still toddlers, it feels like so much has already passed that I havent enjoyed. What is wrong with me? Advertisement Disconnected Mama Dear Disconnected Mama, Although Im not a mom, I empathize with what youre going through, because Ive been there. In my situation, it was clinical depression that made me feel as if I couldnt find as much joy as I felt I should when my daughters were your kids ages. Im a much happier dad now than I was years ago before my diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Im not a licensed mental health professional, but given my experience, my first thought is that you might benefit from seeking a proper mental health evaluation. I really want to be clear on this part, thoughgetting a mental health evaluation isnt my way of saying something is wrong with you, its just a way to ensure that no stone is left unturned. My second thought is that you should go gentle on yourself. There are many ways to bond with kids outside of traditional play, and your children will need you in many different ways throughout the course of their lives. Right now, you can read stories, take walks through the neighborhood with the dog, or go apple picking. Some parents prefer to take their kids on excursionsscience museums, short hikes, moviesrather than a mind-numbing game of Chutes & Ladders. Some show they care through their caretakingsnuggling at night, cooking for their family. All parents have their strengths. Just because youre not the fun one down on the floor doesnt mean you dont have something to offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remember, too, you dont need to engage in hours of play with your children for it to be meaningful. You could venture out of your comfort zone just a tiny bit. If your normal limit for peek-a-boo is five minutes, try for ten. If you can sit through one puzzle, try for two. I understand that it will stretch you, but you will never regret spending quality time with your kiddos, and it will remind them that dad isnt the only desirable adult to be around. I should also mention that its amazing you have a supportive spouse whos in your corner, because this would be exponentially more difficult if that wasnt the case. Finally, remember that this stage in your childrens lives will pass. As your kids get older, theyll require less peek-a-boo and more emotional support. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, if you do find you need professional help, as the popular mental health saying goes, Its OK to not be OK. Youre not broken, and youre certainly not a bad mom for feeling the way you do. There are many ways to be a good parent, and I think youre doing a much better job than youre giving yourself credit for. Want Advice From Care and Feeding? Submit your questions about parenting and family life here. Its anonymous! (Questions may be edited for publication.) Dear Care and Feeding, My husband Andrew and I have been married for 25 years. We always wanted children but unfortunately we are unable to have kids. One of Andrews brothers died during the pandemic, and his wife Laura has no family so we have been helping her out in particular. She has two kids9-year-old Nate and 7-year-old Maggie. Maggie is very shy and does not have any friends at school. She had a form of eye cancer as a toddler that resulted in her eye being removed (she is cured). She has a prosthetic eye now and is very insecure about it. She wears glasses because shes farsighted in her remaining eye, but they also make it difficult for other kids to notice that she has a prosthetic. Somehow, a few kids in her class found out about her prosthetic eye and have been making fun of her for it. Advertisement Last weekend was a long weekend, and Nate and Maggie were staying with us. Maggie confided in us that she was being bullied at school. Andrew and I were furious, and when Laura came to pick them up we let her know about the bullying, expecting she would be furious too. Laura was oddly dismissive about the whole thing. This week Laura was busy during the evenings, so I picked the kids up directly from school and Laura came to get them after dinner. Maggie told us that she complained directly to her mother who comforted her but otherwise hasnt done anything. She didnt contact anyone in the school to discuss the bullying or try to put a stop to it. When Andrew talked with Laura as she came to get the kids one night, Laura made it clear that she wasnt going to contact the school over this. She said something about not having the energy to deal with that problem right now, making Andrew and I suspect she might have depression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nate and Maggie are staying with us again this weekend and Maggie is terrified of going back to school on Monday. The bullies call her mean names, show her their unflattering drawings of her, and encourage other kids to leave her alone at recess. Somehow the teachers havent noticed or dont care that this is happening. Maggie is such a sweet, adorable kid and it makes my blood boil to think of her being mistreated. I want to contact the school and let them know about it, and demand to have the bullying stop. Andrew feels that because we arent Maggies parents we would be overstepping our bounds. How can we help Maggie? Concerned Aunt Dear Concerned Aunt, Advertisement Its heartbreaking to hear about such a young child who overcame cancer only to endure bullying at school. Speaking from experience as someone who was bullied mercilessly growing up, she needs someone to help her before her mental health takes a serious nosedive. While were on the topic of mental health, I would tend to agree with you that Laura may be suffering from depression, especially based on the trauma she has recently experienced. We cant formally diagnose her, of coursebut thats not necessary, because all you need to do is address the behaviors youve witnessed. You can say something along the lines of, Laura, I know youre under a lot of stress lately, but Maggie is clearly struggling and is afraid to go to school due to the bullying shes experiencing. Shes a little kid who doesnt have the tools to handle this on her own and it needs to be taken seriously. By now you know how much I believe in therapy, and I think it would be a good idea to suggest it to Laura; however, theres a sense of urgency with Maggie that cant wait for her mom to complete multiple sessions with a therapist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My belief is we should step in to help other peoples children if theres a chance of imminent mental, emotional, or physical harmand that certainly seems to be the case here. If when you talk to Laura about this situation shes not willing to talk to the school herself, I think you should talk to her teacherand you should tell Laura that youre going to do so. I know your husband and others will feel thats stepping over a boundary, but were talking about the welfare of a vulnerable child who desperately needs someone to advocate for her. The ends justify the means. If it makes you feel better, you should remember that youre not just some random onlookeryoure a caregiver of Maggies, so that gives you another reason to step up. Advertisement Laura is obviously going through some serious emotional distress, so youll need to be the point person regarding conversations with the school admins, teachers, etc. That may require her to sign off on that, or it could require her to be present during those meetingsbut taking no for an answer is not an option. Regardless, you should handle all of the heavy lifting to ensure whats left of her wellbeing remains intact while you help out Maggie. Advertisement Advertisement Please step up and help this kid by any means necessary. No child should feel scared to go to school for being who she is. Dear Care and Feeding, I was raised to always respect those older than me. I was raised to put family first. My husband was not raised that way. His dad left when he was 3, and his mom is a very not nice woman. My husbands childhood with her was so crazy that he blocks her phone calls and e-mails. My mother-in-law started communicating through me. Advertisement Advertisement When we had kids, I included my mother-in-law always. She began coming over regularly on Sundays. During these visits she was selfish, rude, and entitled but I still was respectful and kind. Two months ago, while at my house on a Sunday, my mother-in-law said to my 5-year-old, Whats wrong with you? I mean whats right with you? Using a harsh tone I said, Dont talk to him like that. For the rest of the evening I was still kind and inclusive even though she was rude. Since then, I have not heard from her at all. She hasnt been by to see the kids. She has sent weird cards written to my husband and children but excluding me. I feel this behavior is extremely disrespectful. Advertisement Still, my brain is fighting with my heart. I would rather not see or deal with this woman ever again but I cant help feel badly about the situation. Even though its not my fault and I dont feel the need to apologize, the situation is eating me up. Everyone says forget about it, shes toxic, move on. Should I? Disrespected Daughter Dear Disrespected Daughter, Ill keep this brief. I think its wonderful that youre a kind human, and we need more people like you in America, thats for sure. However, your mother-in-law brings absolutely nothing to the table and takes everything off of it. Your husband despises her, shes disrespectful towards you and your child, and she takes no ownership of her behavior in a classic narcissistic fashion. Why do you want to keep in touch with her again? Because shes family? Thats a terrible reason if you ask me. Advertisement Advertisement Include me in the chorus of people who say you should move on, because life is too short to deal with that type of toxicity from anyonefamily or not. However, since youre probably way nicer than I am, you can feel free to keep the door open for her return into your life if she shows signs of contrition. I certainly wouldnt hold your breath on that, but you may end up being surprised. Sometimes we have to love people from a distance, and your mother-in-law is a perfect example of that. Doyin More Advice From Slate I am the no-soda mom. My husband has always thought Im ridiculous, but it hasnt come up a lot until recently, when my daughter came back from a play date with a ring of Orange Crush around her mouth. I told the parents that my children are never to be given soda, ever. Was I wrong? Less than one week before Election Day, former President Barack Obamanot generally considered one to spread sky-is-falling resistance griftnonetheless issued a dire warning while campaigning in Arizona. Democracy as we know it may not survive in Arizona, Obama told the crowd, warning about what would happen if Republicans win the state on Tuesday. Thats not an exaggeration. That is a fact. Left not explicitly said, but implied by the rest of Obamas remarks, was the idea that Arizona, which went for President Joe Biden by the smallest number of votes of any state in the country in 2020, could very likely be ground zero for the fate of democracy in America this week. The radicalization of the local Republican party in the state that only recently turned purple makes Arizona the likeliest place for Jan. 6-style post-election violence and other efforts to overturn the results of this midterms election. If the Republican candidates win cleanly, then as elected officials they will lay the groundwork for easy theft of the next election, should it be necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats are aware of the stakes for races up and down the ballot in the state. The first name Obama checked in his speech last week was Adrian Fontes, the candidate for secretary of state, a low-profile position in past years that has taken on exceeding significance across the country in 2022. Fontes, the top official for election administration in Maricopa County, is running against perhaps the most radical election-denying candidate in the country, Mark Finchem. A state House representative from the border county Pima, Finchem has spewed antisemitic tropes about the Soros press, participated in QAnon rallies, and attended the Jan. 6 insurrection. He was also one of the leading figures to endorse last years misbegotten Arizona election audit that attempted to discredit the results of the 2020 race. Likely thanks to this, he quickly won Donald Trumps endorsement for secretary of state, and has not only attempted to decertify the 2020 election, he has also sought to move the state to a purely manual count of ballots, which a court found would lead to a chaotic and incomplete count. If he wins the race, Finchem will have the power to refuse to certify the winner in 2024 and to decertify the states voting machines ahead of that race, forcing that impossible-to-conduct manual count. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fontes has been unsparing of the danger that Finchem poses, describing the militia member as capable of fomenting civil war. This is the inflection point that will determine whether or not we move forward, Fontes told a group of students at an Arizona State University forum last month. And those Oathkeepers of which [Finchems] been a member since 2014, they call for civil war. Hes been calling for people to stockpile weapons and ammunition. And my question to him is which Americans are you planning on killing first in this civil war Mr. Finchem? Advertisement Advertisement Like Obamas description that the race could be a preview of the end of democracy, this may sound like overheated campaign rhetoric. But just like the former president, Fontes, a former Marine, does not have a reputation for exaggeration. Ive been watching him as he has been issuing these sorts of warning since at least last yearand based on our conversations, it seems to me that he clearly believes it. Advertisement This isnt a game. And this isnt just rhetorical pugilism, this is real and the only thing that I regret is that I havent been able to sound this clarion call loud enough for more people to pay close enough attention to the absolute threat that this person presents not just to the state of Arizona, but to the survival of our republic, Fontes told me last month. If he wins this thing, he will become a national leader of a white nationalist uprising, theres no question in my mind. Advertisement Advertisement Finchems radicalism has cost him endorsements from the non-MAGA wing of the GOP. National Republican figures like Liz Cheney and some state Republicans have endorsed Fontes, who also pointed to the fact that departing Republican Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, Rusty Bowers, described Finchem as a dangerous man. But the race has been historically low-profilenormally no one really needs to think that hard about who should be secretary of state. If voters dont cast votes in downballot races, Finchem could eke out a victory. Earlier this year he held steady leads over Fontes, though in recent polling the Democrat has pulled ahead. Finchem, for his part, has barely been campaigning, spending his time on fundraising emails and appearing at out-of-state stop-the-steal forums, seemingly hoping that the low-key nature of the contest in past years and the success of other Republicans on the ticket will help him across the finish line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not surprising that Arizona would be the breeding ground for a politician like Finchem. The state Republican party has been in the midst of a far-right lurch since shortly after Donald Trumps election, including very concerted efforts by national MAGA groupsat least one based in Arizonato ensure that radicals run the state party apparatus, which has the side benefit of making it more likely that they are elected in every primary. Advertisement Fontes has personal experience with watching Republican extremists in the state try to take over elections. In 2020, when Fontes was the election administrator in the states largest county, Maricopa County, the counting site was invaded overnight by men carrying long guns being rallied by the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Election officials across the country have been threatened with death, have been called treasonous and have been made to feel insecure and often in their own homes, Fontes told me when we discussed the incident during an interview last year. He described his staff at the time as having been terrorized by seditionists armed with semi-automatic weapons. It does seem a wonder that there wasnt any violence. The protests eventually disbanded without any violence, but Arizona became ground zero for conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. Advertisement There was a similar environment at last years election audit, which was conducted by the partisan and since disbanded conspiracy theorist-led firm, Cyber Ninjas, and sought to discredit the results of the 2020 election. At the audit site, election denialists were carrying guns, holding up signs about treasonous local Republican election officials who refused to invalidate the 2020 election, and discussing how political enemies needed to be shipped to Guantanamo Bay. Advertisement Advertisement By the time that election audit happened, Fontes was no longer the recorder for Maricopa Countyhed been defeated by a Republican, Stephen Richer, who upheld the validity of the 2020 election, and then immediately became the target of election conspiracists for doing so. Last year, Richer described for me the effect this language was having on the staff he had taken over from Fontes, by comparing it to how journalists have been treated during the Trump years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You guys are often dehumanized as a mass entity. Sometimes when you go to events youre pushed, sometimes youre yelled at, because over the past ten years, theres sort of been this youre not a human, youre a journalist, which is this sort of quasi-human creature, Richer said to me at the time of the fallout from the 2020 election. Unfortunately, I think the way in which the elections department has been treated has been somewhat similar. Richer, through his office, declined to talk to me again about this upcoming election, or Finchem. Meanwhile, the threats of election-related violence have continued into this year. Armed men in tactical gear have been seen outside of ballot drop boxes, apparently stoked by false conspiracy theories about ballot-harvesting mules. Some have even reportedly tailed voters, following them after theyve left polling sites. This obvious voter intimidation was explicitly endorsed by Finchem, who after these reports tweeted WATCH ALL DROP BOXES. PERIOD. SAVE THE REPUBLIC. Advertisement Advertisement There are election-denying figures running for top election administration jobs throughout the country. But Arizona is work paying attention to because Finchemand the rest of his state cohortseems to be perhaps the ones with the best chance at victory. In the governors race, former local news host Kari Lake has held a steady, but slim, lead in polls over her opponent, the current secretary of state Katie Hobbs. Lake joined the failed lawsuit Finchem brought to try to decertify every voting machine in the state and force the state to conduct hand counts in every election. She also won the hearty endorsement of Trump, who has encouraged other candidates to be more like Kari, because if they say, How is your family? she says, The election was rigged and stolen. In a recent campaign event with Steve Bannon, Lake even compared the white nationalist to George Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Republican candidate for attorney general, Abe Hamadeh, also won Bannons backing. He has suggested that if he wins, he will use the power of his office to investigate the last election, going as far as promising a day of reckoning, for those who worked to rob President Trump of victory in the 2020 election, as the Washington Post reported. In one of the final polls, Hamadeh led his Democratic opponent, Kris Mayes, by less than two points. In that same poll, Fontes led Finchem by nearly the exact same margin. However, a Monday poll showed Finchem back in the lead. If Fontes loses the race, it will almost certainly mean a clean sweep of election deniers in the top three executive positions in perhaps the most critical swing state in 2024. These officials could set up criminal investigations of vote counters, claim to throw out the 2020 outcome, dismantle the 2024 vote count itself, or refuse to certify a Democratic victor if the count is allowed to move forward. No wonder Obama thinks the sky might be falling. Well, I guess we know who Katy Perry is voting for. The star posted a pic on Monday showing herself inside the voting booth and giving us a look at who she supported for Los Angeles mayor. My immediate reactionisnt that illegal? It turns out Perry is fine, thanks to a California law, but rules on ballot selfies vary by state and become a topic of interest every election cycle. According to the website of the National Conference of State Legislatures, the issue of ballot selfies has been a hot one since 2014. The right to cast a secret ballot has been a mainstay of the U.S. system of governance for the last hundred years, the website reads. Voting in secret, as opposed to a voice vote that was more common in the early part of U.S. history, guards against coercion and bribery. And yet, ballot selfies, where voters take a picture of their voted ballots and share them on internet sites, have caused the secrecy issue to resurface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, Slates Molly Olmstead reported on laws against the ballot selfie, writing that for the most part, those justifying any law specifically targeting ballot selfies point to the threat of vote buying and voter coercion. Even if you do break the law in your state, its unlikely youll face major punishment. Given that law enforcement generally dont scan social media looking for violators of a law that bans something actively encouraged by other statesand that has a good chance of being overturned in a higher courtyoure probably not looking at any consequences for posting that selfie to social media, Olmstead wrote. (Some people do get unluckya Wisconsin man was charged with a felony count of voter fraud for posting his ballot to Facebook in April). Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, Ballotpedia reported that about 25 states plus the District of Columbia allow voters to take pictures with their ballots. Many states, including Oklahoma, Hawaii, and Colorado, have essentially written the ballot selfie into law. On the other hand, Arizona and Texas prohibit selfies at polling locationsthe Lone Star State bars wireless communications devices within 100 feet of the voting stationsbut do allow photographic evidence of mail-in ballots. If you live in states like Illinois, Florida, and New York, you should leave your phone outside the booth. (If youre really dying to share that you performed your civic duty, maybe take a picture with your I Voted sticker instead.) As for the L.A. mayors race, celebs beyond Perry are on team Caruso. Gwyneth Paltrow, Snoop Dogg, Kim Kardashian, and Chris Pratt have all endorsed the billionaire. Karen Bass fan base (and donors) include celebrities Jennifer Aniston, Tiffany Haddish, John Legend, Steven Spielberg, and Natalie Portman. And while many of them have taken to social media to encourage voters, Perrys seems to be the only ballot selfie so far. This aerial photo taken on Oct. 28, 2022 shows the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (PPSHV) Expressway in Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia. Connecting the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to the international deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk, the first Chinese-invested PPSHV Expressway has been giving a significant boost to the country's economic growth and tourism development. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar freeway was opened to traffic on Oct. 1 for a one-month trial operation for free after more than three years of construction.(PPSHV Expressway/Handout via Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Connecting the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to the international deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk, the first Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (PPSHV) Expressway has been giving a significant boost to the country's economic growth and tourism development. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar freeway was opened to traffic on Oct. 1 for a one-month trial operation for free after more than three years of construction. Sareth Sreypich, a 29-year-old supervisor at the expressway's toll stations, said the 187-km freeway has played an important role in enhancing the efficiency of travel and logistic system in the Southeast Asian nation. "Previously, we traveled on National Road 4, it took up to five hours, but now, traveling on the expressway, it takes two hours only," she told Xinhua on Monday. "Drivers say that since there is the expressway, their travel is easy; it saves them money and reduces their travel time." Sreypich said it costs only 12 U.S. dollars of toll for a family car in a single trip between the two destinations. She said previously, container trucks or lorries spent one or two days traveling from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and vice versa, but with the expressway, they could travel two or three times per day. Teng Sok Hem, a 24-year-old supervisor at the PPSHV Expressway Monitoring Center, said the expressway is the first of its kind in the kingdom. "The expressway has helped reduce travel time and save money, and it has boosted economy, tourism and transportation in Cambodia," she told Xinhua. "I'm proud to work here because I feel that I have been contributing to helping boost Cambodia's economy." Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol said that the expressway is the biggest single project under the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation between Cambodia and China. "This expressway is a strategic road," he said, noting that it will become the road of great economic and tourist potential for Cambodia. The minister said the freeway will help companies increase their business competitive capacity because they will spend less time and money on transport. The expressway has two lanes for traffic in each direction plus an emergency lane on each side and is paved with asphalt concrete. It can only be used by 500cc motorcycles or above, and cars with a minimum speed of 70 km. Chea Chandara, president of the Logistics and Supply Chain Business Association in Cambodia, said the expressway has been injecting new vitality into the country's economic development since it links the capital and the kingdom's largest seaport. "The expressway will undoubtedly provide great benefits to our economic development as it will facilitate goods transportation between Phnom Penh and the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, a major gateway for Cambodia's trade exchanges with other countries," he told Xinhua. This photo taken on Oct. 8, 2022 shows vehicles lining up at a toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Connecting the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to the international deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk, the first Chinese-invested PPSHV Expressway has been giving a significant boost to the country's economic growth and tourism development. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar freeway was opened to traffic on Oct. 1 for a one-month trial operation for free after more than three years of construction.(PPSHV Expressway/Handout via Xinhua) This aerial photo taken on Oct. 28, 2022 shows the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (PPSHV) Expressway in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. Connecting the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to the international deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk, the first Chinese-invested PPSHV Expressway has been giving a significant boost to the country's economic growth and tourism development. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar freeway was opened to traffic on Oct. 1 for a one-month trial operation for free after more than three years of construction.(PPSHV Expressway/Handout via Xinhua) This aerial photo taken on Oct. 28, 2022 shows the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (PPSHV) Expressway in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. Connecting the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to the international deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk, the first Chinese-invested PPSHV Expressway has been giving a significant boost to the country's economic growth and tourism development. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar freeway was opened to traffic on Oct. 1 for a one-month trial operation for free after more than three years of construction.(PPSHV Expressway/Handout via Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2022 shows vehicles lining up at a toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (PPSHV) Expressway in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Connecting the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to the international deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk, the first Chinese-invested PPSHV Expressway has been giving a significant boost to the country's economic growth and tourism development. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar freeway was opened to traffic on Oct. 1 for a one-month trial operation for free after more than three years of construction.(Xinhua/Wu Changwei) A staff member gestures from a toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (PPSHV) Expressway in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Nov. 7, 2022. Connecting the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to the international deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk, the first Chinese-invested PPSHV Expressway has been giving a significant boost to the country's economic growth and tourism development. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar freeway was opened to traffic on Oct. 1 for a one-month trial operation for free after more than three years of construction.(Xinhua/Wu Changwei) A staff member presents an e-pass for traveling on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (PPSHV) Expressway to a driver in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Nov. 7, 2022. Connecting the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to the international deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk, the first Chinese-invested PPSHV Expressway has been giving a significant boost to the country's economic growth and tourism development. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar freeway was opened to traffic on Oct. 1 for a one-month trial operation for free after more than three years of construction.(Xinhua/Wu Changwei) Staff members monitor traffic on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville (PPSHV) Expressway at the Monitoring Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Nov. 7, 2022. Connecting the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh to the international deep-sea port province of Preah Sihanouk, the first Chinese-invested PPSHV Expressway has been giving a significant boost to the country's economic growth and tourism development. Invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the 2-billion-U.S.-dollar freeway was opened to traffic on Oct. 1 for a one-month trial operation for free after more than three years of construction.(Xinhua/Wu Changwei) This post is part of Slates Election Day questionnaire, where we ask reporters to chat about topics theyve been covering through the midterm campaign. Natalie Shutler: Lets talk about money. Jim, you wrote recently about how the Dems put money behind MAGA types? Will it backfire? Alex, you wrote recently that Dems got a little smarter on spendingbut also got punkd by a big new donor. How do you guys think Dems are coming into the midterms, moneywise? Advertisement Jim Newell: Yes, Democrats tried to take advantage of a unique situation: Linking arms with Donald Trump to elevate election deniers, and all-of-the-above conspiracy theorists, in Republican primaries, in the hopes of drawing weaker general election opponents. We shall soon find out how much it backfires! But, at least according to polling, it looks like some of the investments will pay off, especially in governors races: Josh Shapiro is expected to beat Doug Mastriano in the Pennsylvania governors race, Dan Cox hasnt come close to Wes Moore in the Maryland governors race, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker is in good shape in Illinois. The biggest threat of backfiring seems to be in New Hampshire, where Don Bolduc, whom Senate Dems propped up, has a good shot of ousting Sen. Maggie Hassan. Alex? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alex Sammon: Hassan was also one of eight Democrat senators who sabotaged the partys attempt to pass a $15 minimum wageDems are also perfectly adept at kneecapping themselves. The other race worth watching to see how well that gambit pays off is Michigans 3rd Congressional District. Dems went big on boosting John Gibbs, who is waaay to the right of incumbent Republican Peter Meijer, one of 10 House GOP members to vote to impeach Trump. Gibbs won, but the Dem involvement in the race drew a ton of uproar and condemnation from within the party regarding the whole practice, especially as party leaders were crying poor in other critical races, cutting spending and lamenting the fundraising environment. Democrat Hillary Scholten is forecast to win the seat, but theres been precious little polling on the race, and the House has been trending steadily in the direction of Republicans of late. Advertisement Has there been a big fundraising scramble over the last week? Month? Alex: At this point, theres some parity in the overall spending numbers, when all House, Senate, and gubernatorial race spending is summed. But Democrats have been playing quite a bit of catch up in the last handful of weeks, as Republicans raised a boatload of money throughout the year and then really unleashed it in the past two-plus months. Of particular note is the eye-glazing $500 million pulled in by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy for the GOP in the House. Its just a stunning quantity and has allowed the party to get super aggressive challenging Democrats in a number of blue districts theyd otherwise have no business in. And Mitch McConnell, always a fundraising warlock, has come up with enough money to overcome really weak Senate candidates. Those two have drawn a whole new class of megadonors off of the sidelines. Democrats have had more success with individual candidates raising their own money than in their broad, partywide groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jim: I think the pace of ad spending from each party tells much of the midterm story. Democratic groups were hammering Republicans throughout the summer as Republican candidates were still trying to work their way through nettlesome primaries. That, along with the Dobbs decision, falling gas prices, and a successful burst of activity in Congress, appeared to improve Dems fortunes. But once the fresh burst of those developments had subsided, and Republican primaries were out of the way, Democrats got hit with a dump truck of spending about how they all want to let all murderers out of jail, right around the time that voters were starting to pay the most attention. And you saw, when the Republican spending machine went fully operational, just about every big race tightened up. Advertisement Who had the most expensive races of the cycle? Jim: The victory would appear to go to John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz in the Pennsylvania Senate race, where candidates and outside groups (mostly outside groups), per OpenSecrets, have spent over $300 million. The Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada Senate races follow. This makes sense, as they are the tightest Senate races, and its an arms race between the two sides to maintain spending parity. Federal elections, postCitizens United, are mostly just biennial transfers of wealth from those with disposable income to owners of telecommunications systems. Advertisement Advertisement Alex: Its especially insane given that Georgia is almost certainly heading to a runoff, which means were gonna have a centimillion-dollar redux two months later. No surprise, this is the most expensive midterm cycle of all time. The Senate numbers are obscene, but this is also the first cycle where weve routinely seen outside spending in congressional primaries cross into seven figures; a bunch of races are now well into the eight-figure range for the general. For Democrats, the most expensive races have also been the most quixotic. The top raising House race has been in Georgias 13th, where Democrat Marcus Flowers is taking on Marjorie Taylor Greene and has a less than zero chance of winning. Carrick Flynn, a candidate in Oregons 6th congressional primary, broke the $10 million mark but didnt even make it to the general. Advertisement Advertisement Dems got a little smarter on spendingbut also got punkd by a big new donor. Alex: 2020s Democratic megadonors, Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer, mostly went silent in 2022. Desperate for a new sponsor, they courted Sam Bankman-Fried, a 30-year-old crypto titan and founder of FTX. Bankman-Fried quickly became the partys second-largest contributor but spent largely on defeating progressives in Democratic primaries, and then announced he was out of the political spending game three weeks before Election Day, when Dems were in desperate need. Today we found out that Bankman-Fried is selling much of his crypto empire thanks to sudden liquidity issues. It might not just be Dems getting frozen out here; he could be out of money altogether. One of the many perils of banking on a paper billionaire reliant on an industry wracked by fraud. Any GOP bankrollers that were notable to you, Jim? Advertisement Jim: Its interesting to see how the GOP donor pecking order has shifted in the past decade. Its the first election cycle since Sheldon Adelson died, for one, and his widow Miriam only donated $20 million this year. Koch Industries put in about the same. (Charles Koch has never really seen eye to eye with the Trumpified version of the party.) These used to be the masters of the GOP universe! Whos footing the bill instead? The most covered Republican donor of the cycle was probably tech investor Peter Thiel who, as youve written Alex, purchased a couple of Senate nominations for his Orcs. Otherwise, its a bunch of finance executives and captains of industry. In the 2010s, it was toilet paper and paper cup purchases that fueled the Kochs political spending. Now its booming pandemic-era cardboard box demand that allows the Uihleins to prop up the Republican Party. Which everyday item that a Republican monopolist has cornered the market on will pay for the next few cycles of Republican ads? Copper-bottom pots? GLASS? We shall see. Under the radar, a state court issued an opinion last week that could prove decisive in a pivotal swing stateand potentially nationally. A Pennsylvania Supreme Court deadlock on the question of setting aside incorrectly dated mail-in ballots may affect results in the Pennsylvania midterm election, which could also determine control of the U.S. Senate. The law is clear that the ballots should be counted. But with the death of a key swing justice, the court tied 3-3 and was unable to order counting the ballots. Two new federal cases on this issue have already been filed. In a state with likely thousands of incorrectly dated absentee ballots and races that may be decided by close margins, the resolution of these court cases (together with other emerging issues) may decide critical midterm races. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This past May, in a case concerning mail-in ballots from a November 2021 county judicial election, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that enforcing the requirement that mail-in ballots have dated outer envelopes violates a provision of the Civil Rights Act. That provision, the Materiality Provision, states the right to vote shall not be denied because of an error or omission by a voter that is not material to determining whether they are qualified to vote. Two weeks later, in June, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to stay the case pending a grant of certiorari. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Neil Gorsuch stated they would have granted the stay because the Third Circuits interpretation broke new ground and is very likely wrong. Then, in July, David Ritterthe state judicial candidate who had lostfiled a cert petition with the U.S. Supreme Court requesting dismissal of the case, Migliori v. Cohen, as moot because last years election results had already been certified. Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 11, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court granted Ritters request, vacated, and remanded Migliori to the 3rd Circuit, with instructions to dismiss it as moot. In response to the order, Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Leigh Chapman issued a statement that every county is expected to include undated ballots in their official returns for the Nov. 8 election, consistent with the [Pennsylvania] Department of States guidance. Advertisement Soon after, on Oct. 16, the Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, and Republican Party of Pennsylvania requested that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court stop the counting of mail-in ballots with undated or incorrectly dated outer envelopes in the upcoming midterm election. They did so through a method that allows the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to fast-track cases without lower court proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Tuesday, one week before the midterm elections, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court split 3-3 in Ball v. Chapman on whether stopping the count would violate the Materiality Provision of the Civil Rights Act. The court ordered that election officials not count any absentee and mail-in ballots that have undated or incorrectly dated outer envelopes, and that those ballots be separated and preserved. The court cites a Pennsylvania statute which says of mail-in voters, the elector shall then fill out, date and sign the declaration printed on [the] envelope. On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of State issued guidance in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Courts Nov. 1 order. The guidance states that received mail-in ballots shall be immediately scanned upon receipt, to add a time-stamp, and then examined to determine if the return envelopes for those ballots are signed and dated. If not, they will be coded in the election database to reflect this and segregated from other ballots. The department recommends organizing these ballots alphabetically by precinct and dividing them into undated ballots and incorrectly dated ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 4, 2022, a coalition of civil rights groups sued Pennsylvania elections officials in federal court, arguing the Materiality Provision of the Civil Rights Act requires that undated mail-in ballots be counted. The case has been assigned to Judge Susan Paradise Baxter, a Trump appointee, in the Western District of Pennsylvania. On Election Day, a group of Pennsylvania voters along with John Fettermans Senate campaign and Democratic political committees brought a similar lawsuit in a separate case in the same district. Both complaints request a preliminary and permanent injunction enjoining defendants from rejecting these ballots. (No preliminary injunction motion has yet been filed, however.) They also both invoke the same reasoning that the 3rd Circuit applied in Migliori: the date requirement is not material to determining voter qualifications. According to the plaintiffs in the civil rights coalitions complaint, mail-in voter qualifications are determined at the time the voter is issued a mail-in ballot, and the date on the envelope is immaterial to determining the ballots timeliness because under Pennsylvania law, a ballot is timely if it is received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Similarly, the plaintiffs in the Fetterman complaint assert that because Pennsylvania law determines voter eligibility based on the date of the electionrather than the date of marking the ballotthe Date [on the envelope] provides no information about whether a voter is qualified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, in Ball v. Chapman, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court clarified in a Saturday supplemental order that incorrectly dated outer envelopes that must be segregated include ballots that fall outside the voting period date range. This led to another challenge by a Pennsylvania county, arguing its ballots were sent out after the beginning of the date range and those votes dated prior to the ballot delivery shouldnt be counted. The court rebuffed them, but the skirmish shows a lot of balls are still up in the air. There are other complicated legal issues in Pennsylvania that could make a further difference. In Philadelphia, extra precautions that the city is taking relating to poll book reconciliation may slow the final count of votes. These steps are being taken to ensure that people who vote by mail do not also vote in person. While there have been no such double votes in the last three elections in Philadelphia, the city decided to add an extra layer of review in an abundance of caution, saying that they felt obligated by a court decision, even though it had been interpreted as allowing them to drop the practice. This extra precaution is a good thing, not a bad one. But it may delay a final tally in the city, feeding the fever dreams of election deniers and conspiracy theorists who wrongly assert that counting after early Wednesday morning looks very suspicious. The issue has already stimulated litigation, and it remains to be seen whether more will ensue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, we can be pretty sure that the undated ballot issue is likely to garner substantial continued court attention. Given that both the civil rights coalition and the plaintiffs in the Fetterman complaint are seeking preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, subsequent emergency motions and appeals are likely after the election. The closer the election is, the more likely further litigation will be to advance. The 3rd Circuit has already correctly held that not counting such ballots violates the Materiality Provision; the failure to affix a date simply does not raise an issue as to voters qualifications. Accordingly, at least the trial court and likely the circuit panel should so rule again. If the Western District of Pennsylvania and the 3rd Circuit permit counting undated ballots, we should expect another appeal on this issue to the Supreme Court. They may or may not take the case (they passed on it last time) on the merits. But if they do, hopefully they will take this same common-sense approach to the Materiality Provision as well. Politicians have entered the chator the For You page, as it were. From all levels of government, candidates and their campaigns have taken to TikTok in an attempt to reach young voters. Some are keeping it straightforward, like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, whose TikTok almost exclusively features totally standard clips of the 81-year-old talking about his political goals: raising the federal minimum wage, establishing Medicare for all, and policing the never-ending sins of corporate America. @bernie While the American people are forced to pay by far the highest prices on the planet for their prescriptions, three pharmaceutical companies increased their profits by 90%. Yeah, you read that right. NINETY PERCENT. original sound - Bernie Sanders This content requires consent that you have not granted on Slate. To view this content please visit www.tiktok.com or update your cookie preferences . Learn more about this at our privacy page. But others, like Ohio House Rep. Tim Ryan, 49, who is in a tight race for his states Senate seat against MAGA-convert J.D. Vance, havent shied away from participating in the song and dance trends that define TikTok culture. Which is why you can watch Ryan shimmying to the 2010 club hit Pretty Boy Swag as he explains to users who exactly he is. Ryan might have a deeper respect for the platform than most, thanks to his success on itone of Ryans most viewed TikToks is from 2021, when his team posted a clip of him speaking to Congress. Hes visibly heated and speaking to his Republican colleagues about their lack of support for labor laws, in reference to the PRO Act, a bill intended to expand labor protections that passed the House in 2021, but not the Senate, and remains stalled today. In Ryans words, Heaven forbid we pass something thats gonna help the damn workers in the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement @reptimryan It had to be said. Our Republican colleagues are busy talking about Dr. Seuss when they should be working with us to help the American people. #PROAct original sound - TR This content requires consent that you have not granted on Slate. To view this content please visit www.tiktok.com or update your cookie preferences . Learn more about this at our privacy page. Its been viewed 2.4 million times. Thousands of TikTok users left comments applauding Ryans gusto. One guy asked, Who is this guy???? I need to know who to support!!!! Obviously, Ryans campaign has been trying to replicate that magic since. The question is: How scalable is any of this? And are the politicians on TikTok changing any minds, or recruiting any new voters? The app has about 80 million monthly active users in the U.S., most of whom are between the ages of 16 and 24, a crucial voting bloc that many politicians are trying to reach. Ostensibly, it should be possible to reach them on the app: Users spend, on average, 95 minutes per day on TikTok, and over 26 percent of adults under 30 say that TikTok is where they get their news. Advertisement Advertisement But as my colleague Nitish Pahwa put it recently, the overall picture for youth midterms turnout remains grim: Only 14 percent of voters under 30 say they will definitely go out to the polls. Its not clear that TikTok will push that up, either. The forum isnt really like the social media platformsnamely Facebook and Twitterthat have previously helped politicians gain big cultural followings (i.e., the Obama campaign). To find out what Gen Z thinks of politicians on TikTok, I decided to just talk to a couple of them. Eighteen-year-old college student Abdulmajid Yusuf, a political science major at the University of IllinoisChicago (UIC), told me that hes come across content for New York House Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is famous for her use of social media, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. He recognized that these politicians are trying to engage his generation and was open to it, acknowledging people his age arent known for turning out to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But whether or not the political messaging resonates is another question. It depends on if Im specifically in that mood for that type of content. If I dontif I feel like its something Ive seen before in other places, I just skip it, Yusuf told me. On the flip side, Michelle Zhou, a senior at UIC, told me that even though she considers herself politically invested, she hasnt come across any politicians TikToks when using the app. She said she identifies with the Democratic Party but also doesnt find them particularly trustworthyeven though she agrees with their policies over conservatives. (Perhaps her perspective points to an opening for Democrats to launch their elevator pitch, or TikTok dance.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, politicians who want young voters may have no choice but to try. Which is why were gettingchecks notesunsolicited Teenage Dirtbag montages of 76-year-old Sen. Ed Markey from the Massachusetts politicians account. Alternatively, politicians could just choose to attack TikTok the way Sen. Marco Rubio has: Instead of joining the platform himself, he has simply commissioned a number of ads that take aim at his opponent, Rep. Val Demings, for using the app despite national security concerns. It doesnt seem likely to scare away the young voters these politicians are so eager to court, though. Its here! Today is the day we are voting. Yes, some might have already gone in person to early vote, and others have done absentee ballots, but the rest, the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants voters, will show up on Election Day itself to stand in potentially hourslong lines in order to cast their ballots. And perhaps snap a selfie with an I Voted! sticker (no shame; I took one too). A big factor in Tuesdays midterm elections will be when polls close to the public, which is when election officials can begin the tallying process. Poll times vary across the country and in some states even vary by city and county. Generally, most states close polls in the evening, by 7 or 8 p.m.though some exceptions apply, like North Dakota, which allows counties to set their own polling hours and can go as late as 9 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are a lot of states with critical races that basically everyone in the country will be watching. These states poll closing times and when theyll begin counting mail-in ballots will both affect the timing of when results can reasonably be expected. It will likely be painfully long! As my colleague Jim Newell reminded us, the races will be close and the polls arent perfect, so be patient. Heres a roundup of various states plans, which help to underscore why: Alaska (Alaska Standard Time, four hours behind Eastern Standard Time) Polls open: 7 a.m. Polls close: 8 p.m. State Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola just won in August and is now hoping to keep offered in-person early voting on Oct. 24 all the way until Nov. 7. Those voting in person on Election Day in Alaska will have until 8 p.m. to get to a polling center. Advertisement Advertisement Alaska allows anyone to request a mail-in ballot, which can be returned to a ballot drop box until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day can be received up to 10 days after Nov. 8 and still be counted. Advertisement When it comes to handling mail-in ballots, election officials in Alaska are allowed to start processing them seven days before Election Day, which usually includes verifying signatures, removing ballots from envelopes and sometimes running ballots through scanners but vote counting, the act of tallying votes, cant start until after polls close at 8 p.m. The new ranked choice system means that it might take a bit to get a call. Colorado (Mountain Standard Time, aka EST minus two hours) Polls open: 7 a.m. Polls close: 7 p.m. Advertisement In a state where Republican candidate Joe ODea is shaking things up by not sticking to the typical MAGA playbook, Colorado opened up in person early voting Oct. 24, which is available all the way until Election Day. Those voting in person on Election Day have until 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement The state also allows anyone to request a mail-in ballotand offers ballot drop boxes. All mail ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Tuesday. Election officials are allowed to begin processing mail-in ballots upon receipt, so the vote counting of those ballots can start 15 days before Election Day. All in all, Colorado could have results in some races by Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Georgia (EST) Polls open: 7 a.m. Polls close: 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement The state made famous by Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walkers numerous abortion allegations began offering in-person early voting Oct. 17 and closed it Nov. 4. Those voting in person on Election Day have until 7 p.m. Georgia also allows anyone to request a mail-in ballot, but drop boxes for those ballots are available only during the early voting period. Election officials can start verifying signatures on those ballots upon receiptbut any further processing cant start until 8 a.m. three Mondays before Election Day (translation: Oct. 24). Then comes the vote counting of those ballots, which can start 18 days before Election Day. Results of Georgias primary races could start coming out Tuesday night, since new election laws have been passed that now require election offices to count ballots without stopping until they are done. Mail-in ballot counting is supposed to conclude by 5 p.m. the day after Election Day (bless those poll workers). However, Georgia voting law is unique: If no candidate wins at least a 50 percent majority, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election in December. So, dont get your hopes up about getting closure anytime soon here either. Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire (EST) Polls open: varies Polls close: varies In the state where Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan is barely fending off her Republican challenger Don Bolduc, voting is a little complicated. The state has varying poll times depending on the city, with polling places generally open to the public between 6 and 11 a.m. and closing at 7 or 8 p.m. The state did not offer in-person early voting this midterm cycle. Advertisement New Hampshire does allow mail-in ballots, but voters must have at least one approved reason. That can be a planned absence from a voters city or town, a religious observance, a disability, an illness, or an employment commitment (which includes caregiving). Drop boxes are not available, so voters must return them to a polling place or directly to the County Board of Elections office. Advertisement Election officials wont begin processing mail ballots until 1 p.m. on Election Day, and vote counting cant start until after polls close on Tuesday nightall of which pushed the state to earn the title of most difficult state to vote in. Nevada (Pacific Standard Time, three hours behind EST) Polls open: 7 a.m. Polls close: 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement In the state where Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto earned the title of most endangered Democratic incumbent, early voting started Oct. 22 and ran through Nov. 4. For those voting in person on Election Day, they have until 7 p.m. Nevada is one of a handful of states that mail all registered voters a ballot and allows that ballot to be postmarked on Election Dayso it can be received up to four days postElection Day. Election officials can begin verifying signatures on mail-in ballots upon receipt, and they can start the vote counting 15 days before Election Day. The state must complete the vote count by the seventh day after the election. Advertisement Translation: Expect the vote tallying to go on well past Tuesday night in Nevada. New York (EST) Polls open: 6 a.m. Polls close: 9 p.m. In the last state that Democrats probably ever expected to have to defend their majority, incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul is fending off her Republican rival, Lee Zeldin, in New York. The state opened up early voting Oct. 29 right up until Nov. 6. Those voting on Election Day will have until 9 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement New York does allow mail-in ballots, but only if a voter presents an eligible excuse. All mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and will be accepted as long as they are received by Nov. 15. Election officials are allowed to start processing mail-in ballots within four days of receipt. Advertisement Advertisement Oregon (PST, three hours behind EST) Polls open: varies Polls close: 8 p.m. A state that could risk its Democratic iron grip thanks in part to billionaire Nike co-founder Phil Knights support of the Republican and independent candidate, Oregon also did not offer in-person early voting this midterm election, so voters will have until 8 p.m. to get to a polling location. Oregon is one of a few states that mail all registered voters a ballot. Those ballots can be postmarked up until Election Day and can be received up to seven days afterwards. Drop boxes are also offered. Election officials can start processing mail-in ballots upon receipt and start the vote counting on Election Day, before polls close. But since the state offers a generous window for mail ballots to be received, if its close it could take some time. Advertisement Pennsylvania (EST) Polls open: 7 a.m. Polls close: 8 p.m. Arguably the pettiest and tightest Senate race in the country, Pennsylvania did offer early voting: Voters could either request a mail-in ballot or go in person to certain voting locations and complete the entire process on the spot. Anyone is allowed to request a mail ballot, and it can be returned at a drop box so long as its received by county election offices by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement After all that, election officials cant start processing or vote counting any mail ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day. The state has already warned that the results of some races may not be known on election night. Wisconsin (Central Time, one hour behind EST) Polls open: 7 a.m. Polls close: 8 p.m. Wisconsins close Senate race is between Republican incumbent Ron Johnson and Democrat Mandela Barnes, though the incumbent has recently been pulling away. In-person early voting varied depending on the county, but all early voting polls closed by Nov. 1. Those voting in person on Election Day have until 8 p.m. The state also allows anyone to request a mail-in ballot, but the Wisconsin Supreme Court in July ruled out drop boxes. Ballots must be returned in person at an election clerks office by Election Day. Election officials cant start processing or vote counting mail ballots until after polls open on Election Day. Whats unique about Wisconsin is that it doesnt have a statewide system for reporting unofficial results on election nightso state law requires that counties post their own individual, unofficial election night numbers from each polling place. There might be a call earlier on, but the Wisconsin Election Commission says it typically takes weeks for votes to be officially certified. This is also only a smattering of states! The upshot? Dont hold your breath. Its racist against white people and racist against Native Americans. It keeps neglected Native children out of the loving arms of white parents. Its the federal government overstepping and trampling states rights. These are the outlandish charges being made against the 44-year-old federal law known as the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA). On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Haaland v. Brackeen, a case manufactured to take down ICWA. Gibson Dunn, a law firm best known as a good friend of powerful corporations, is leading the charge against Native familiesand handling the case for free. Advertisement Contrary to the right-wing conspiracy theory underlying the challenge, ICWA was not designed to keep Indian children in dangerous Indian households at all costs. In fact, the placement priorities of ICWA only come into play once a determination of child safety has already been made. What ICWA does do is model best practices such as requiring legal cause to be shown for termination of parental rights, prioritizing childrens placement with extended family, and valuing preservation of a childs heritage by keeping them within their culture when possible. This is especially urgent to stanch the loss of indigenous identity through generations of previous disastrous child welfare policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to 1978, one-quarter to one-third of American Indian/Alaska Native children on reservations were taken for foster care or sent directly to closed adoptions with sealed records, even when another parent or extended family member was available. This followed a notorious era of church- and state-run indigenous boarding schools in the U.S. and Canada where Native children were assimilated into Anglo-American culture far from their family, many never to return. The first Native American Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, has ordered investigations into hundreds of unmarked graves at these sites. The residential schools overlapped with a decade-long federal program known as the Indian Adoption Projects that scooped up waves of Native children, removing close to 90 percent of them to non-Native homes. Advertisement Advertisement So why is ICWA under fire now, just as the federal government is beginning to reckon with its history of Native erasure? The Brackeens, the original plaintiffs, are a white couple who had three kids at the time they sought to adopt a Cherokee-Navajo infant girl whose mothers parental rights had been terminated. Per ICWA, first family members and then tribal members were prioritized for placement of the baby. But after a potential placement with a Navajo couple fell through, both the Cherokee Nation and the Navajo Nation issued letters allowing the Brackeens adoption to proceed. The adoption process took four months, which is very reasonable in the world of family law, yet the Brackeens persisted in pursuing their case. Now backed by the likes of the right-wing Goldwater Institute and the state of Texas, they claim ICWA process hindered the adoption. Solidly red Texas was joined by Louisiana, Indiana, and Oklahoma along with red/purple Ohio in seeking to overturn ICWA. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile 87 congressmen and a 24-state bipartisan coalition have filed amicus briefs to support ICWAs successful 44-year collaboration between states and tribal nations. In addition, 26 child welfare organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, as well as the American Psychological Association and several state and tribal psychological associations, have filed pro-ICWA amicus briefs. Advertisement Advertisement ICWA has had an impact on social work practice around the world that is quiet but profound, not least for my own sense of identity and heritage. Back before Congress passed the law, my adoptive parents were told by the adoption agency that nothing was known about my birth father. I grew up under the cloud of that mystery. Advertisement Advertisement Why is ICWA under fire just as the government is beginning to reckon with its history of Native erasure? The realityas I learned when I returned as an adult to my adoption agency to obtain non-identifying information from my adoption filewas that my birth mother had told the agency that my paternal heritage was American Indian. However, this information was withheld from my adoptive parents. Erasing Indian ancestry was standard social work policy back then, the social worker explained to me as she paused from reading my file to look me in the eye. It was thought better. But, the social worker continued, since the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, we dont hide indigenous heritage anymore. Advertisement Advertisement I felt numb. My mother was friends with someone on the board of trustees of this nonprofit when I was placed, so it seemed they would be getting a premium baby. Apparently, my fathers Cherokee and Mohawk ancestry could tarnish an otherwise sterling pedigree. Whats not even in the record, but I later found out, is that my birth father had wanted to keep me and could have provided a stable home. But at that time, he had no legal say in the matter. Advertisement Under ICWA, my fathers indigenous ancestry and his willingness to keep me would have made me unavailable for relinquishment. Even for a pre-ICWA adult adoptee like me, the law has had an impact. It established my right to know my paternal heritage and even petition the court for my original birth certificate to learn his name: Bill. Bill told me when we met that he was New York Citys director of financial services for special needs adoptions and foster care. I believe this is how he worked through his loss of a child. Advertisement My Cherokee and Mohawk heritage was erased, and now that ICWA is in the Supreme Courts crosshairs, it is a good time to be clear about what is at stake for tribes and their children. Perhaps I could have been a good resource in tribal efforts to revive the language: I am bilingual and worked professionally as an interpreter and translator. I would have loved to learn the Tsalagi Gawonihisdi (Cherokee) or Kanyenkeha (Mohawk) languages. Most important, I would have loved to grow up with my birth father and the aunts, uncles, and cousins who look and move like me. I am getting to know some of them now, but so much has been lost to me. Advertisement Advertisement ICWA has fostered a culture that benefits not only tribal member families, but even the 90 percent of U.S. Americans that claim no Indian heritage at all, and the almost 8 percent with indigenous heritage but no paperwork for tribal membership, not to mention the slightly less than 3 percent of Americans who are enrolled tribal members. It should be noted that most of us with some Native American heritage do not live on a reservation, nor are we enrolled or official members of a tribe. Yet we benefit from the more sensitive and respectful child welfare culture created by this act. It could have benefited me even on my non-Native maternal side of my family. Clearly no one in my birth-mothers family wanted to raise me, right? Advertisement Wrong. In reality, two sets of cousins in my maternal family were hoping to adopt at the time that I was born. If priority had been placed on my remaining with my extended family at the time of my placement, theirs might have been appropriate homes. Many states have adopted the same priorities for all children that were pioneered by ICWA. ICWAs placement priorities and standards have influenced several significant international programs, including the 1993 Hague Convention for Intercountry Adoption, the Intercountry Adoption Act, and multiple United Nations Conventions combating the trafficking of children for adoption. The U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, now ratified by 196 countries, defines the best interests of the child similarly to ICWA. The erasure of Native Americans was just the stuff of fiction to me until I met my father and realized his loss, as well as my own, was poignantly real. Too many children have been taken from the beautiful living cultures that are indigenous to this land. We thrive on seeing our heritage, seeing ourselves reflected in genetic mirrors, and so we have to ask: Whose interest is served by cutting a child off from their roots? Cyber attack on Orange in Spain exposes sensitive customer data ARCHIVED ARTICLE The telecommunications company has informed customers in Spain that one of its suppliers has suffered a "security breach" A "security breach" at one of Orange in Spain's suppliers, specifically a debt collection service, has exposed sensitive customer data of a "limited number of clients". The telecommunications multinational has not revealed exactly how many customers have been compromised by the cyber attack, but all affected users have reportedly been alerted to the leak via email or text message. The security incident has also been reported to the National Police's Central Technological Investigation Brigade and the Spanish Data Protection Agency. It comes shortly after a less serious security breach in telecoms company Telefonica led the Spanish enterprise to recommend customers change their Wi-Fi passwords immediately. In a statement sent to customers alerting them to the situation, Orange warned that "part of the sensitive information to which (the debt collection provider) had access to carry out the customer management activity for which it was hired" has been leaked by the security breach. The exposed sensitive data of a "limited number of clients" includes the name, surnames, postal address, telephone, email, DNI/NIE numbers, date of birth, nationality and the IBAN code of the current account of some clients, according to the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation. The statement continues: "As soon as the provider became aware of the incident, a plan was put in place to limit its scope, and access to our systems was immediately cut off." The National Institute of Cybersecurity (INCIBE), through the Internet Security Office (OSI), has also sent out an alert "of high importance" regarding the Orange security breach. It reads: "If you have received the communique from the affected company, we advise you to be especially cautious over the next few months with emails, messages or calls from which you cannot confirm their origin or sender, especially messages requesting banking information or credentials. These messages could be fraudulent. "In case your bank details have been affected by the incident, check your latest bank movements. If you detect any unknown movement, contact your bank to take the appropriate measures." More news: CaixaBank customers in Spain hit with new charges for ATM withdrawals Image: Orange Spain A woman receives four ballots and two envelopes on October 29, 2022 in a polling station in Nitra. (Source: TASR - Henrich Misovic) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Marian Kotleba, Slovakias most notorious far-right politician, had hoped the recent regional elections would be payback time for entrepreneur Jan Lunter, governor of the Banska Bystrica Region, a post occupied by Kotleba for four years following his shock 2013 win over a candidate from the main democratic parties. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Lunter, however, spoilt Kotlebas planned revenge party by announcing he wouldnt run for re-election and instead encouraged his son Ondrej, who served as deputy governor in his fathers administration, to join the gubernatorial race. Kotleba himself was barred from running in the election after being convicted in April this year of expressing sympathy for extremism, so he had to find another candidate to step in to compete against Lunters son. Kotleba chose his brother, Marek. People ask us not to give up the fight, so we came up with this solution, Kotleba said over the summer. In the event, it proved to be a bad solution. With just 7.1 percent of the vote, Marek Kotleba was even beaten by three other far-right candidates, while Lunters son Ondrej romped home with 47.5 percent of the vote. The results are not what we would have liked to see, Kotleba, who lost his seat in parliament as a result of the court verdict in April, admitted a day after the October 29 election. He certainly couldnt blame a low turnout. Slovakia, which has struggled over the years to get people out to vote in regional elections, decided for the first time to hold these elections alongside the more popular municipal elections. The result was a record high turnout in the regional elections of 43.7 percent, up by nearly 14 percentage points. The turnout for the municipal elections was 46.2 percent, down by 2.5 points. Observers generally agree that the far-right was the big loser of this years joint regional-municipal elections. People are aware of the specifics of these elections, the consequences for everyday life, said sociologist Silvia Porubanova. Theyve learned its necessary to elect experts, those who have the courage to do or have done something for their community. Kotlebas stint as governor of the Banska Bystrica Region was not a success: it was most notable for his cancelling a number of EU-funded projects, as well as blocking a grant for a puppet theatres Stop Extremism initiative. In fact, Slovakias far-right with the exception of Kotlebas win nine years ago has never fared well in regional or municipal elections, certainly not as well as it has performed in national parliamentary elections. Even so, the far-right MEP Milan Uhrik described the performance of his Republika party, which he established with other renegades from Kotlebas Peoples Party Our Slovakia (LSNS) last March, as a decent result. We can now fully concentrate on what is a priority for us national politics, Uhrik said. Marek Kotleba of the far-right LSNS party announces his candidacy for chair of the Banska Bystrica Region on June 1, 2022. His brother Marian Kotleba, LSNS chair, stands next to him. (Source: TASR - Jan Kroslak) Republikas pre-general election test In these elections on October 29, Slovak voters elected 20,523 local councillors in 2,919 municipalities and 419 regional councillors in eight regions, in addition to numerous mayors and governors. Republika improved its position by, in large part, stealing votes from Kotlebas LSNS. In regions and towns, one mayor, 23 local councillors, but no single governor or regional councillors will represent Kotlebas party a result similar to the years 2017 and 2018 when previous local elections were held. It seems that LSNS is on the decline, Martin Slosiarik, head of the Focus polling agency, said in a round of post-election broadcast interviews. This is a huge let-down for a party that in the 2020 parliamentary election found itself as the fourth strongest party in parliament. An October poll, conducted by the AKO polling agency, shows just 2.6 percent of people would vote for LSNS and 6.6 percent for Republika in a parliamentary election, meaning Kotlebas party would now fail to meet the 5 percent threshold to get into parliament. Slosiarik speculates that Republika may have been using the recent local elections as a testcase ahead of the 2024 parliamentary election. Uhriks party on its own won five mayoral seats, 103 local councillors, and one regional councillor. The regional councillor, MP Milan Mazurek, ran for governor in the Presov Region but ended up in third place with just 10.9 percent of the vote. In 2019, a court found Mazurek guilty of making racist anti-Roma remarks on the radio. Thanks to it forming local and regional coalitions with Hlas and Smer, the current strongest mainstream parties according to polls, Republika won a few more seats. Yet neither of the two far-right parties won a governorship despite nominating a candidate in every region, including three Republika and four LSNS MPs who all suffered crushing defeats. The problem of far-right parties is that their electorate is fixed to strong leaders, while others are not recognisable, electoral mapper Tibor Madlenak of the Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, told the Slovak Spectator before the local election. But several other MPs from mainstream democratic parties found themselves in a similar situation to the group of far-right MPs. Porubanova provides a pragmatic explanation for this. People are very well aware that its not possible to combine the work of a lawmaker with real and effective work in the local or regional council, she says. Ondrej Lunter waits for the results of the gubernatorial election for the self-governing region of Banska Bystrica on October 29, 2022 at the election headquarters. (Source: TASR - Jan Kroslak) LSNS vs Republika As for the overall poor scores of far-right parties in the recent elections, observers highlight the recent fragmentation of Kotlebas party and the subsequent establishment of Republika. In the gubernatorial race in Banska Bystrica, for example, four candidates could be identified as extremist: Rudolf Huliak (National Coalition), MP Miroslav Suja (Republika), MP Marek Kotleba (LSNS) and Jozef Sasik (Slovak Peoples Party). Of those extremist politicians, Huliak fared best by coming third. Together, they won 55,354 votes, or 29.2 percent. Had there been just a single extremist candidate, he would have come in second after Lunter, who won 96,438 votes. Their [far-right parties] target group is the same and its not weak, stressed Vaclav Hrich of the AKO agency in an interview with the TASR news agency. Political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov went further, telling the Markiza television channel that these parties, if integrated, could become the third strongest bloc in national politics after the centre-right and centre-left blocs. It is a challenge for the current democratic parties to influence voters so that this does not happen, he said. But any reintegration of Republika with LSNS seems unlikely for now. In the RTVS public broadcasters political debate show broadcast after the election, Uhrik publicly said that LSNS is a terminal party and called on Slovak patriots to join Republika. On Facebook, in response to Uhriks statement, Kotleba labelled the Republika chair as a man who serves the plans of globalists and accused him of dividing LSNS in collaboration with secret agents. Behind the division of our party is his ambition to be the chairman and to get into a government coalition with someone at any cost, Kotleba added. Of the Slovak far-right parties, opinion polls clearly favour Republika. The party could climb over 5-percent threshold in the next parliamentary election and win seats in the national legislature, replacing LSNS. In 2020, LSNS, with almost 8 percent, or 229,660 votes, won 17 seats in the 150-seat parliament. Different electoral systems used in the parliamentary and local elections are also cited by experts as a reason why far-right parties did so badly in the October 29 elections. The majority system used in local elections consists of numerous wards so tends to favour candidates known in a given area rather than political parties, but the proportional representation system in the national elections sees Slovakia as one electoral ward and is party-based. At the national level, its therefore more difficult to form coalitions. MEP Milan Uhrik of the far-right Republika party shakes hands with Smer leader Robert Fico several days before they submit 381,960 valid signatures in favour of the snap election referendum to the Presidential Palace on August 24, 2022. (Source: Republika's website) Republika and the 2024 election Republikas Uhrik does little to hide his national political ambitions. We have shown that we have coalition potential, he said during the debate on RTVS. Slosiarik of the Focus polling agency, who doesnt see any trend of a retreat on the part of far-right parties, estimates that Republikas potential support oscillates at around 10 per cent, stressing the party might tip the scales in any coalition talks, which could shape the countrys future for the coming decade. Previously, the former ruling party Smer hasnt shied away from collaborating with LSNS, whether that was the 2018 vote on the UNs migration pact, the 2019 vote on the 50-day moratorium on pre-election polls, or this years vote on the US-Slovakia Defence Cooperation Agreement. And this despite Smers chairman and former prime minister Robert Fico pledging in 2017 that his party would fight extremism. In February, Fico announced he would not mind cooperating with Republika after the 2024 parliamentary election. While Republikas members have criticised Fico in the past, they refused to support a request for Ficos arrest in May and helped collect signatures for Ficos snap election referendum. The party that currently tops the polls, Hlas, led by Peter Pellegrini, refuses to cooperate with LSNS and criticises Ficos cooperation with Republika, but it hasnt ruled out cooperation with Republika either. In the recent local elections, Hlas, Smer and Republika formed several coalitions. Together, the three won three mayoral seats in the districts of Namestovo, Zilina and Kysucke Nove Mesto in northern Slovakia. When the Dennik N daily asked Slosiarik if the performance of far-right parties in the local election suggests their end is nigh, he shook his head: Theyre definitely not defeated. This story was produced in partnership with Reporting Democracy, a cross-border journalism platform run by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network. A busy day in parliament, extremist parties to stay, and the most profitable firms for 2021. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Good evening. The Tuesday, November 8 edition of Today in Slovakia is ready with the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Registered partnership bills keep coming back A Rainbow Pride Bratislava goer holds a "Trans rights are human rights" banner during a pride festival on June 28, 2014. (Source: TASR - Stefan Puskas) Since the early 1990s, when the LGBT+ community first asked politicians to adopt registered partnerships, several such bills have been put forward to parliament. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement However, none have been passed due to conservative governments and parliaments. Following the October 12 terrorist attack outside Teplaren, a Bratislava gay bar, the community is asking politicians to introduce life partnerships alongside several other measures to make LGBT+ people feel safe in Slovakia. Igor Matovic, chair of the strongest political party, OLaNO, has said that the community can forget about registered partnerships while his party is in power. More stories from The Slovak Spectator website Migration: Interior Minister Roman Mikulec disapproves of potential border checks with Hungary, ex-PM Robert Fico revives his anti-migration rhetoric. Interior Minister Roman Mikulec disapproves of potential border checks with Hungary, ex-PM Robert Fico revives his anti-migration rhetoric. Extremism: Despite their loss in recent local elections, far-right parties are staying around and prepared to fight in the next parliamentary elections. Despite their loss in recent local elections, far-right parties are staying around and prepared to fight in the next parliamentary elections. Real estate: An old building near Bratislava Castle, a former hospital, will be turned into flats and studio apartments. An old building near Bratislava Castle, a former hospital, will be turned into flats and studio apartments. Business: Here's a list of the most profitable firms in 2021. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription. Thank you. What will happen with Bratislava's former sanatorium? The Catlosova Villa building has been abandoned for a long time. (Source: Zelezna studnicka, a.s. ) At the Zelezna Studnicka recreational area in the Bratislava forest park, one of the biggest deals in recent decades took place in the last few weeks. The owners of the former sanatorium with a swimming pool have changed. IN OTHER NEWS: In parliament, Sme Rodina blocked the adoption of an amendment supposed to relieve foreigners of bureaucracy when applying for residence in Slovakia. Dozens of Catholics offended by recent words uttered by Trnava Archbishop Jan Orosch in a letter to priests have downloaded and filled online forms informing the Catholic Church that they no longer want to be members. (Sme) offended by recent words uttered by Trnava Archbishop Jan Orosch in a letter to priests (Sme) All current savers in the second pension pillar born after 1968 who are saving for their pension in a non-index pension fund, will be moved to index funds from July next year following a change adopted by MPs on Tuesday. However, it will not apply to those savers who notify their pension management company by the end of May next year, that they want to continue saving for their pension in a fund other than an index fund. (SITA) The marketplace in Bratislava's Nove Mesto borough, designed by Ivan Matusik, has been declared a national cultural monument. (Source: Facebook/Nova Trznica - Trnavske Myto) Parliament condemned Russia's attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine. In the resolution, the parliament emphasised that such behaviour can even carry the elements of genocide. Smer and extremist MPs did not support the resolution; Hlas leader Peter Pellegrini did not vote. In the resolution, the parliament emphasised that such behaviour can even carry the elements of genocide. Smer and extremist MPs did not support the resolution; Hlas leader Peter Pellegrini did not vote. From January, families will receive a monthly allowance of 60 per child , up from the current 30. A contribution of 110, which a parent receives when their child starts attending primary school, will also be given out. (Dennik N) , up from the current 30. A contribution of 110, which a parent receives when their child starts attending primary school, will also be given out. (Dennik N) Two new commemorative days will be added to the calendar from 2023: the Day of Victims of the Covid-19 Pandemic on March 6 and the Day of the Fight Against Hate Speech Towards Children on September 22. If you have suggestions on how this news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Olam Specialty Coffee is undergoing a major new name change. As of today, November 8th, the Rhode Island-based green coffee importer will now be known as Covoya Specialty Coffee. Announced today via press release, the rebrand is meant to embody the core values of the business, focusing on relationships, collaborative journeys, and shared stories to generate thrive-equity and a sustainable future throughout the coffee supply chain for producers, roasters, and the communities that shape their success. The name is a portmanteau of sorts, combining collaboration and voyage. Per Covoyas European Managing Director Phil Schluter: It was very important to us that our new brand capture what we value most in coffee, which is relationshipsboth at origin and in the consuming countries we serve around the world. At the same time, we wanted our name to evoke a sense of adventure and remind us of the challenges and discoveries which keep us motivated every day. Though the name has changed, the Covoya (nee Olam) day-to-day business remains the same. The brand will continue importing specialty grade coffee from 30 producing countries to their home offices in the United Statesin Rhode Island and Californiaas well as to Europe via offices in Liverpool, England. For more information on the rebrand and the companys current green coffee offerings, visit Covoya Specialty Coffees official website. Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge. https://sputniknews.com/20221107/white-house-on-risk-of-repeat-of-january-6-riot-no-credible-threats-to-us-midterm-election-1103872193.html White House on Risk of Repeat of January 6 Riot: No Credible Threats to US Midterm Election White House on Risk of Repeat of January 6 Riot: No Credible Threats to US Midterm Election WASHINGTON (Sputnik) US law enforcement agencies have not identified any credible threats related to the midterm elections this week, White House Press... 07.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-07T23:08+0000 2022-11-07T23:08+0000 2022-11-07T23:06+0000 2022 us midterms us election white house january 6 election interference karine jean-pierre /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/1a/1090214575_0:283:3072:2011_1920x0_80_0_0_b5b73ab695db428ff56de60975e565d2.jpg "Law enforcement has briefed us that there are no specific credible threats identified at this point," Jean-Pierre remarked during a Monday briefing when asked whether there was a chance of repeat Jan. 6 events after the Tuesday midterms."[US] President [Joe Biden] has been briefed on the threat environment and directed that all appropriate steps be taken to ensure safe and secure voting occurs."On January 6, 2021, pro-Trump demonstrators breached the Capitol complex and delayed the certification of 2020 presidential election results. Hundreds of individuals have since been charged with crimes related to the riot.The press secretary's comments come shortly after the Civil Rights Division detailed plans on Monday that it would be monitoring compliance with federal voting laws across 24 states during the Tuesday election.The group is expected to monitor compliance in states including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. Additionally, officials with the US Attorneys' Offices will work in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security to oversee the day's events. Personnel from the Office of Personnel Management will also be deployed to locations authorized by federal court order.The monitoring itself comes following an interim report by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which found that voting rights are subject to "numerous restrictions" in the US. OSCE also deployed 40 long-term observers across the US to monitor the midterms.OSCE will release their preliminary findings on the elections on November 9. https://sputniknews.com/20221107/changing-guards-democrats-at-risk-of-losing-grip-on-congress-after-eye-opening-us-midterms--1103871159.html white house 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 us, election, white house, january 6, election interference, karine jean-pierre Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen (1st L) and visiting Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (2nd L) inspect the guard of honor in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and Vietnam on Tuesday signed 11 documents aiming at further promoting their bilateral ties and cooperation, a senior Cambodian official said. Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and visiting Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh witnessed the signing ceremony of the documents after their meeting at the Peace Palace, said Eang Sophalleth, a personal assistant to Hun Sen. The documents covered bilateral cooperation in cross-border transport, agriculture, trade promotion along the border, media, telecommunication, information and communications technology, religions, labor and banking, among others, he said. Sophalleth said during the talks, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and exchanged their views on some regional and international issues of common concern and interest. The Vietnamese prime minister arrived in Phnom Penh on Tuesday morning for a two-day official visit. https://sputniknews.com/20221108/dems-face-nightmare-midterm-polls-massive-anti-russian-bot-army-uncovered-twitter-job-cuts-1103873456.html Dems Face Nightmare Midterm Polls; Massive Anti-Russian "Bot Army" Uncovered; Twitter Job Cuts Dems Face Nightmare Midterm Polls; Massive Anti-Russian "Bot Army" Uncovered; Twitter Job Cuts President Biden and former Presidents Trump and Obama hit the campaign trails with similar stories of fear and patriotism in last-minute efforts to rally their... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T08:31+0000 2022-11-08T08:31+0000 2022-11-08T08:31+0000 the critical hour radio elon musk midterm elections 2022 cuba ethiopia tplf (tigray people's liberation front) haiti donald trump barack obama /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/08/1103873309_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_76abc5595fc449ceaea79a95f3d25d09.png Dems Face Nightmare Midterm Polls; Massive Anti-Russian "Bot Army" Uncovered; Twitter Job Cuts President Biden and former Presidents Trump and Obama hit the campaign trails with similar stories of fear and patriotism in last-minute efforts to rally their respective parties to a Tuesday victory. Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss the midterm elections. President Biden and former Presidents Trump and Obama hit the campaign trails with similar stories of fear and patriotism in last-minute efforts to rally their respective parties to a Tuesday victory.Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss the Ukraine crisis. The US is privately asking Ukrainian government officials to give the appearance of being open to negotiations while pushing to continue the conflict to hold the moral high ground.Scott Ritter, former UN weapon inspector in Iraq, joins us to discuss US government propaganda. A team of Australian researchers has uncovered a massive anti-Russian bot army. Also, we review Scott Ritter's latest article on the US government's work to control the public perception of Ukraine aid.Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo, professor, epidemiologist, veterinarian, and the daughter of former Nigerian President Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, joins us to discuss Africa. We review the details of Africa's peace deal between the Ethiopian government and the TPLF. Also, we discuss why NATO's wars should worry Africans.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Netanyahu's allies say Israel will attack Iran without a new nuclear deal that satisfies his far right-wing ruling coalition. Also, we review the results of President Biden's spat with Saudi Arabia.Dr. Jemima Pierre, Associate Professor of Black Studies and Anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles, a member of the Black Alliance for Peace, and an editor of the "Black Agenda Review" segment of the Black Agenda Report, joins us to discuss Haiti. Haitian resistance forces are clashing with police ahead of the suspected US invasion.Jon Jeter, journalist and author, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. Jon discusses midterm elections and the Global South. President Biden is fighting to stop a GOP midterm blowout as the GOP seems poised for massive wins. Also, there is near unanimous support at the UN for removing unilateral US sanctions against Cuba.Margaret Kimberley, Black Agenda Report Editor, Sr. Columnist, and author of "Prejudential: Black America and the Presidents, joins us to discuss national security state social media manipulation. US President Joe Biden slams Elon Musk for purchasing Twitter, accurately arguing that the social media platform "spreads and spews lies." Also, the New York Times is up to its old tricks, as a new article claims Russia is working to interfere in the midterm elections.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik cuba ethiopia haiti Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Wilmer Leon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg Wilmer Leon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.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 Wilmer Leon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg radio, elon musk, midterm elections 2022, cuba, ethiopia, tplf (tigray people's liberation front), haiti, donald trump, barack obama, https://sputniknews.com/20221108/diving-into-an-abidjan-smokehouse-doing-nothing-but-begging--taking-drugs-1103885343.html Diving Into an Abidjan Smokehouse: Doing Nothing But Begging & Taking Drugs Diving Into an Abidjan Smokehouse: Doing Nothing But Begging & Taking Drugs Drug abuse is a real scourge in Cote d'Ivoire, which ruins the lives of drug addicts and their families. In their attempt to eradicate this harmful phenomenon... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T10:17+0000 2022-11-08T10:17+0000 2022-11-24T11:05+0000 africa cote d'lvoire smoking smoking ban drug drug trafficking drug trade drug smugglers drugs africa insight /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/08/1103885759_0:194:781:633_1920x0_80_0_0_01c5b28c5e5ceeca8f9ac85c9eb4f09f.jpg Hidden from public eyes, just behind a tarpaulin, at the end of a wall, in a busy street, under a bridge, or on the side of a railway line, they gather, again and again, to indulge in this dangerous habit. These places, called smoking rooms, are typical of the Ivory Coast and attract thousands of cannabis, heroin and crack addicts day and night. This cocaine and cannabis user knows firsthand that psychotropic substances have "totally" destroyed her life. "I've been using drugs for 20 years. It was an acquaintance who got me into it. He is a friend. He died from a drug-related illness," she told Sputnik on condition of anonymity.Burned out, she wants to give up this habit, but has had no success. Her willpower is not enough."I can't sleep anymore. I do nothing with my life except begging and using drugs. I beg in the street and when I earn some money, I go to the ghetto to consume," she lamented.The story of Sputnik's other interlocutor is just as horrifying. He has been using drugs for 26 years. He also had a friend who turned his life upside down.Opposite EffectAccording to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 12% of Ivorians aged 15 to 64 were drug users in 2016. The number of smoking rooms, which exploded after the 2011 Civil War, can be counted in the thousands across the country. Determined to put an end to this "gangrene," the authorities have launched a massive program to shut down these places. But the measure seems to have been counterproductive.A Notable IncreaseThe scourge of consumption affects all categories of people of all ages. "Men, women, adults, youth. Various social levels: the rich, the poor, the workers, the unemployed, the pupils and students are found in places called ghettos," Yahi Serge said.According to him, the increase in cases has been significant in recent months. "We carried out a study with the organization Doctors of the World on the number of people who use drugs in Abidjan. In March, we counted 6,460 people using drugs and today, we have 7,600 consumers in the Abidjan area," Mr. Serge said.What Consequences?The health effects are disastrous for users. Drug addicts have a "very high" HIV prevalence rate, and many have tuberculosis.Rehabilitation Is the Best SolutionYahi Serge shared his vision for reducing the number of drug users. He believes that it is first necessary to strengthen the capacities and train the members of the NGOs fighting against this scourge for a better assistance and care of drug addicts, whose reintegration into society should then be facilitated. africa cote d'lvoire west africa cote d'ivoire 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 abidjan smokehouse, drug addiction, drug use in africa, ivory coast, drug addicts in ivory coast https://sputniknews.com/20221108/expert-indias-involvement-in-malabar-aimed-at-non-warfare-challenges-doesnt-target-china-1103892837.html Expert: India's Involvement in Malabar Aimed at 'Non-Warfare' Challenges, Doesn't Target China Expert: India's Involvement in Malabar Aimed at 'Non-Warfare' Challenges, Doesn't Target China The 30th iteration of Exercise Malabar began off the coast of Yokosuka in Japan on Tuesday. Besides the Indian Navy, the 10-day naval drills are also... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T14:12+0000 2022-11-08T14:12+0000 2022-11-08T14:12+0000 india malabar exercise japan us australia & oceania china ladakh standoff /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/08/17/1083691415_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_dfce1ec22aa6d0422911171e1b1d17e5.jpg The Indian Navys participation in the four-nation Malabar drills is mainly meant to address non-kinetic and non-warfare challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. It isn't directed at any country, including China, Indian military veteran Major General Shashi Bhushan Asthana told Sputnik.Asthana explained that these challenges involve supply chain disruptions and response to natural disasters in the region.He said the Indian, US, Australian, and Japanese navies would also look to increase their interoperability in order to address these issues through the Malabar drills.The expert underlined that the goals of Indias involvement in the four-nation drills may have evolved over the last couple of years, which he attributed to reduced tensions between India and China at the Ladakh border.The major general noted that the disengagement of Indian and Chinese troops from the last remaining friction point of Gogra-Hot Springs in September was marked some progress in resolving the Ladakh border dispute.But he added that a de-escalation of the situation was yet to be achieved, as over 50,000 troops from both the sides are still engaged in a tense standoff in the Daulat Beg Oldie sector.The disengagement of troops has decreased the risk of an accidental trigger at the border. But the border situation could remain tense till de-escalation is achieved, he said.A press release by the Indian Navy last week said that two Indian warships, the Shivalik and the Kamorta, are taking part in the current iteration of the Malabar drills.In 2021, four Indian warships, a P-8I long range surveillance aircraft, and a submarine participated in the naval drills, which took place in two phasesthe first in August in the Philippine Sea, and the second in October in the Bay of Bengal.In contrast, the Indian Navy fielded its aircraft carrier the INS Vikramaditya in the 2020 and previous iterations of the Malabar drills.Asthana said that New Delhi could always look to again step up its engagement in the exercises. He noted that New Delhi has already inked a mutual defense logistics pact with other Malabar participants, which could act as a stepping stone for New Delhi if it wishes to do so.While the US and Japan are bound by the 1960s-era Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, Australia is part of the US-led AUKUS alliance (also involving the UK) as well as the ANZUS Treaty (which involves New Zealand).As far as India is concerned, its involvement in the Malabar drills isnt directed at China or any other nation. At best, New Delhis involvement serves as an indirect warning to Beijing that India is capable of carrying out military posturing along with other partners in case of tensions, Asthana said.India Not Part of US-Led Security Front Against China, Says Ex-DiplomatFormer Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad said that the sudden announcement of the trilateral AUKUS pact between the US, UK, and Australia in August 2021 was a sure shot signal that India wasnt part of the US-led security front against Beijing.Ahmad reckoned that the Quad grouping ceased to exist in its security dimension after the Ladakh standoff erupted in May 2020.He said there has been a growing realization in the Narendra Modi government that New Delhis real security interests lie at the Sino-India border rather than in the South China Sea or the East China Sea.The Quad was officially launched in 2007, but was suspended in 2008 after Australia pulled out of the US-led grouping over concerns expressed by China. The grouping was revived in 2017.It was only in 2020 that the Malabar drills became a four-nation affair after the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) participated in the drills. australia & oceania china ladakh standoff Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Dhairya Maheshwari Dhairya Maheshwari 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 Dhairya Maheshwari malabar exercise, japan, us, australia & oceania, china, ladakh standoff https://sputniknews.com/20221108/france-asks-rumble-to-ban-rt-1103872684.html France Asks Rumble to Ban RT France Asks Rumble to Ban RT On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including NBC deleting its Paul Pelosi coverage, Rumble's resistance to... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T08:28+0000 2022-11-08T08:28+0000 2022-11-08T08:28+0000 the backstory midterms cia ballots jfk radio ukraine kherson france /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/07/1103872538_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_fbe76364c213ac90d3d895c8aee9da63.png France Asks Rumble to ban RT On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including NBC deleting its Paul Pelosi coverage, and President Trump attacking Ron DeSantis. Mark Sleboda - International Relations and Security AnalystTyler Nixon - Attorney, Media Relations Specialist In the first hour, Lee spoke with Mark Sleboda about the weather affecting Ukraine's military operations, Ukraine's restocking with old Soviet weapons, and the Liz Truss phone hack. Mark discussed the evacuation of civilians in Kherson and the number of casualties of Ukrainian soldiers in the Kherson region. Mark commented on the NY times suggestion of Kiev evacuating it's civilians and the fallout from the Liz Truss phone hack.In the second hour, Lee and Carmine Sabia spoke with Tyler Nixon about the CIA withholding documents, the Italian mafia involvement in the Kennedy assassination, and election fraud in Pennsylvania. Tyler spoke about the Lincoln assassination and how Americans lose interest in the truth of political assassinations. Tyler predicted the results of the 2022 midterms and the US running out of diesel fuel.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik ukraine kherson france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2022 Lee Stranahan https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png Lee Stranahan https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.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 Lee Stranahan https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png midterms, cia, ballots, jfk, , radio, ukraine, kherson, france https://sputniknews.com/20221108/republicans-sue-to-throw-out-thousands-of-mail-in-ballots-in-battleground-states-ahead-of-midterms-1103872801.html Republicans Sue to Throw Out Thousands of Mail-In Ballots in Battleground States Ahead of Midterms Republicans Sue to Throw Out Thousands of Mail-In Ballots in Battleground States Ahead of Midterms The 2020 election was rife with court challenges to mail ballots by Republican organizations and candidates. Now, Republicans are attempting a similar strategy... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T00:15+0000 2022-11-08T00:15+0000 2022-11-08T00:13+0000 2022 us midterms us election day ballots absentee ballots midterm elections pennsylvania wisconsin michigan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/08/1103872976_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_242db0020264658b84c4d76ebf98d535.jpg Republicans are attempting to disqualify thousands of mailed ballots in at least three battleground states ahead of Tuesdays midterm elections. Republican candidates have been encouraging voters to cast their ballots on Election Day, potentially causing the majority of disqualified ballots to come from Democratic voters.Experts say the challenges may delay election results and could swing some elections.In Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Republican officials and candidates are fighting to disqualify mail ballots, primarily due to insignificant errors.In Michigan, the Republican nominee for Secretary of State Kristina Karamo sued the top election official in Detroit in an attempt to toss out absentee ballots not cast in person with an ID, even though its not a requirement of the state. Karamos lawyer refused to explain to the judge why the lawsuit focuses on Detroit, a Democratic stronghold in Michigan, and not the rest of the state, which leans Republican.On Monday, Karamos lawsuit was dismissed. However, election officials have received emails from groups disputing the eligibility of voters, indicating that more lawsuits may be coming soon.In Wisconsin, Republicans won a ruling, stopping some mail-in ballots that did not include the complete address of a witness from being counted. Previously, the Wisconsin Elections Commission allowed election officials to complete witness addresses on ballots if they were partially filled out. When officials asked for new guidelines on what missing elements could be filled out or what required them to throw out the ballots, judges ruled that the election was too close to change the policy.And in Pennsylvania, the state Supreme Court agreed with the Republican National Committee (RNC) that ballots without a date on the outside of the envelope should not be counted, even if they arrived on or before Election Day. A state judge initially ruled during the states primary election that mailed ballots without a date should be counted if they arrived in time for the election, but the state Supreme Court reversed that ruling for the general election.Republican Pennsylvania gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano has been telling voters to cast their ballots on Election Day, rather than through mail-in ballots. Former US President Donald Trump has also been urging the same during rallies nationwide, including in Wisconsin.Critics say the strategy is to separate Democratic and Republican voters by encouraging Republicans to vote on Election Day. Then, with mailed ballots being disproportionately Democratic, get as many mail ballots as possible thrown out to give Republicans a statistical advantage. Republicans say they are only trying to get election officials to follow state law.The challenges in Pennsylvania and Michigan do have some basis in state law but go against federal laws that say ballots should not be thrown out if they have minor discrepancies.The fight in Pennsylvania is expected to go on for a while. The voter advocacy group Common Cause has filed a federal lawsuit attempting to reverse the decision. The date requirement comes from the 2020 election when mail-in ballots that arrived after Election Day could still be counted if the voter attested that the ballot was filled out on or before election festivities. In this election cycle, ballots in Pennsylvania have to arrive on or before Election Day, making the date requirement extraneous.Already, at least 7,000 ballots in the state have been disqualified due to the date requirement of other issues. In Philadelphia, the states largest city and a Democratic bastion, 2,000 ballots have been thrown out.Election officials in the city are asking voters to go to City Hall where they will be allowed to cast a replacement ballot; however, Philadelphia is over 141 square miles and not every voter will be able to show up to City Hall by Tuesday, especially those, like disabled voters, who may have chosen to send in a mail-in ballot because their disability makes it difficult to get to their polling station.Additionally, Republicans sued to prevent counties from informing voters that their ballots were rejected. That lawsuit failed, but counties are not required to inform voters so many may never find out that their votes were disqualified.RNC spokesperson Emma Vaughn said in a statement that the committee sued Pennsylvania because we are simply asking for counties to follow the state law, which by the way, dozens of Democrats supported.In its complaint, Common Cause countered, saying that the date requirement is a meaningless technicality and does not affect an election officials ability to determine if a ballot is valid.No voter should be disenfranchised simply because they made a minor error in filling out their ballot, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat, said. I urge counties to continue to ensure that every vote counts. https://sputniknews.com/20221107/not-a-good-sign-us-elections-to-take-place-under-blood-moon-eclipse-for-first-time-1103872348.html https://sputniknews.com/20221107/changing-guards-democrats-at-risk-of-losing-grip-on-congress-after-eye-opening-us-midterms--1103871159.html pennsylvania wisconsin michigan 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 midterm, ballots, mail-in ballots, battleground states https://sputniknews.com/20221108/sullivan-says-us-engaged-in-talks-with-russia-to-reduce-risk-warn-against-use-of-nukes-1103878368.html Sullivan Says US Engaged in Talks With Russia to Reduce Risk, Warn Against Use of Nukes Sullivan Says US Engaged in Talks With Russia to Reduce Risk, Warn Against Use of Nukes WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said during a think-tank event that US officials recently had an opportunity to engage with... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T06:39+0000 2022-11-08T06:39+0000 2022-11-08T06:51+0000 americas us russia jake sullivan nuclear weapons /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/07/0b/1097205638_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_500cc1beaa93768094e5cea4bfe3b7ba.jpg American media reported that Sullivan has been conducting confidential talks in recent months with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov and Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev. The Kremlin and the White House declined to confirm that such talks took place.Russia previously warned several nations that Ukraine plans to create a "dirty bomb" and stage a nuclear provocation, in an attempt to escalate the crisis and put the blame on Moscow.This comes amid concerns about the use of the nukes, after Washington published its nuclear posture review: despite previous pledges by President Joe Biden, the document still said that the US reserves the option to use nuclear weapons in response to non-nuclear attacks.At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement where it said that Moscow's policy in nuclear deterrence remains adamant, as Russia is guided by the postulate of the inadmissibility of a nuclear war in which there could be no winners. americas russia 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 jake sullivan, sullivan in talks with moscow, russia-us talks, nuclear weapons, nukes, russian nuclear arms https://sputniknews.com/20221108/twitter-boss-elon-musk-confirms-he-will-pay-for-blue-tick-on-his-account-1103900116.html Twitter Boss Elon Musk Confirms He Will Pay For Blue Tick on His Account Twitter Boss Elon Musk Confirms He Will Pay For Blue Tick on His Account Among the many drastic changes that new Twitter owner Elon Musk has made on the social network is his move to charge users for having a verified account. The... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T14:07+0000 2022-11-08T14:07+0000 2022-11-08T17:32+0000 elon musk twitter twitter tesla acquisition takeover viral /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/03/1103529442_0:31:3001:1719_1920x0_80_0_0_3d1208d55b1477b573164876650efaea.jpg Elon Musk on Tuesday confirmed that he will pay the required amount to have a blue tick on his verified Twitter account. The business tycoon's revelation came during a social media exchange with writer Heidi Briones who asked, "Are you going to pay the $8, Elon?" to which he replied 100%.Elated by the Tesla and SpaceX founder's response, Briones posted a picture of her conversation with the 51-year-old multi-billionaire. She captioned her screenshot, "BRB, framing this."Earlier, Musk shared a photo of a t-shirt on the microblogging website that had, "Your feedback is appreciated, now pay $8," written over it.It seemed to be a jibe at New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who had slammed Musk for levying a monthly fee for Twitter's blue check verification mark.The Twitter feud between Musk and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, aka AOC, came to the fore last week after the world's richest man announced his plan for subscribers on the widely popular platform."Lmao at a billionaire earnestly trying to sell people on the idea that 'free speech' is actually a USD 8/mo subscription plan," she tweeted at the time.In response, Musk mocked AOC, saying "Your feedback is appreciated; now pay $8." https://sputniknews.com/20221108/who-is-sriram-krishnan-the-indian-american-helping-out-elon-musk-at-twitter--1103880689.html 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 elon musk, twitter, twitter, tesla, acquisition, takeover https://sputniknews.com/20221108/twitter-ceo-musks-pro-gop-tweet-balances-years-long-bromance-between-big-tech-and-dems--1103899507.html Twitter CEO Musk's Pro-GOP Tweet Balances Years-Long Bromance Between Big Tech and Dems Twitter CEO Musk's Pro-GOP Tweet Balances Years-Long Bromance Between Big Tech and Dems Elon Musk, Twitter's new owner, urged "independent-minded" American voters to cast ballots for the GOP in the November midterms, triggering a storm of... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T14:07+0000 2022-11-08T14:07+0000 2022-11-08T14:07+0000 americas us opinion us election us midterm elections silicon valley big tech facebook twitter elon musk /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/01/0c/1092200263_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_c70067c2cf2c429002d2fef570b4a6be.jpg On Monday, Twitter owner and CEO Elon Musk endorsed the GOP for the midterm election and urged American netizens to vote Republican."Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic," tweeted Musk, advocating a power balancing. He even pinned the tweet to the top of his user profile. Earlier, in May, the billionaire announced his plans to cast his ballot for GOP lawmakers.The US left-leaning mainstream press immediately accused Musk of being irresponsible, demonstrating political bias and influencing his 100 million-plus followers. Still, there is nothing new under the sun: previously, Silicon Valley giants routinely came under criticism from the GOP for silencing conservative voices, tagging and labeling the Republican president's tweets.Just three weeks before the 2020 elections, Facebook's* Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey had no scruples about limiting circulation or altogether banning the New York Post's bombshell concerning an infamous laptop of Hunter Biden, the son of then-Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden. The laptop contained gigabytes of damning information potentially threatening Joe Biden's election prospects. Even though US conservative journalists raised the alarm over alleged national security issues related to Hunter's overseas deals and Joe Biden's potential involvement in them, the story was "buried" by major Big Tech platforms.For its part, Twitter resorted to outright banning of the expose, citing the platform's rules against posting "hacked material."In March 2021, at a congressional hearing on misinformation and social media then-Twitter CEO Dorsey shrugged the responsibility for banning the exposure pertaining to Hunter Biden's "laptop from hell" and claimed that it was a "total mistake." Still, he fell short of revealing who exactly made the decision to black the laptop story out.Nonetheless, the American conservatives pointed the finger at Big Tech for abetting Democrats. In November 2021, Miranda Devine, a journalist and author of "Laptop from Hell: Hunter Biden, Big Tech, and the Dirty Secrets the President Tried to Hide" wrote that Facebook and Twitter acted in cahoots with "Democrat-friendly media" to censor a story that could inflict political damage to their "preferred candidate" less than three weeks before the 2020 election.After the US mainstream press admitted the authenticity of the emails found on Hunter's laptop in March 2022, Rasmussen Reports released a study showing that 66% of likely US voters believed the story about Hunter's "laptop from hell" was important, with 69% of voters saying they have closely followed news reports about Hunter Biden, including 37% who have "very closely" followed news about the presidents son. Among those who have been very closely following news about Hunter, 65% said that Joe Biden would have not won the 2020 election if the media had not censored the "laptop from hell" story.Another story that popped up soon after the 2020 elections shed further light on American tech giants' covert political action. On February 4, Molly Ball, a Nancy Pelosi biographer, released an opinion piece titled "The Secret History of the Shadow Campaign That Saved the 2020 Election."The article described how at least since 2019, "a well-funded cabal of powerful people, ranging across industries and ideologies, work[ed] together behind the scenes to influence perceptions, change rules and laws, steer media coverage and control the flow of information" in order to defeat Trump. The "cabal's" work was headed by well-known Democratic strategist Mike Podhorzer and stretched to Congress, Silicon Valley and the nations statehouse.Ball revealed that their operations "touched every aspect of the election," including getting states to change voting systems and laws, securing hundreds of millions in public and private funding, recruiting armies of poll workers, etc. They also "successfully pressured social media companies" to take a harder line against "disinformation" spread by American conservatives.One of those "business titans" participating in the said cabal was Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who "chipped in" $300 million in the effort through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Zuckerberg, in particular, funded state election administrations, as per Ball.Ball's piece triggered nothing short of a meltdown among American conservatives, many of whom qualified the article as an admission that the 2020 election was stolen by Democrats and their associates, including Big Tech. Moreover, US lawmakers in red states immediately started pushing changes to election laws to ban business tycoons from funding election authorities.In addition to that, soon after the 2020 election and subsequent January 6 protests that saw a crowd of American voters storming the Capitol building to prevent certification of electoral votes over fraud concerns Silicon Valley giants resorted to a new wave of purges specifically targeting then President Donald Trump, his close allies as well as MAGA movement followers.To cap it off, the latest expose by The Intercept shed light on how Facebook and some other social media platforms had teamed up with the Biden administration's DHS to suppress speech they considered "dangerous," including "the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, racial justice, US withdrawal from Afghanistan, and the nature of US support to Ukraine," according to a draft copy of the DHS' Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.Apparently, Elon Musk's pro-GOP tweet looks like a "balancing" act against a backdrop of Big Tech's years-long bromance with the Democratic Party. Perhaps, it will help create a sort of equilibrium on the US political arena.*Facebook is banned in Russia over extremism. https://sputniknews.com/20221020/laptop-from-hell-watchdog-says-hunter-biden--partners-committed-459-legal-violations-1102470869.html https://sputniknews.com/20220526/if-hunters-laptop-from-hell-is-100-authentic-will-dirty-51-ex-spooks-be-held-accountable-1095806921.html https://sputniknews.com/20210512/will-dems-wizards-launch-a-new-shadow-campaign-to-save-2022-midterm-elections-1082869731.html https://sputniknews.com/20221102/disinformation-crusaders-how-big-tech-became-us-blobs-executioner-of-free-speech-1102998030.html americas 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 elon musk twitter, elon musk balance of power, elon musk verification policy, elon musk for republicans, mainstream media, mainstream social media platforms, big tech, democrats and republicans, midterm elections, social media impact, https://sputniknews.com/20221108/tyson-foods-top-executive-arrested-after-entering-womans-house-sleeping-in-her-bed-1103874302.html Tyson Foods' Top Executive Arrested After Entering Womans House, Sleeping in Her Bed Tyson Foods' Top Executive Arrested After Entering Womans House, Sleeping in Her Bed Tyson Foods is the worlds second-largest processor of chicken, beef and pork. It was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson. According to the companys most recent... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T03:02+0000 2022-11-08T03:02+0000 2022-11-08T03:00+0000 viral us executive arrest arkansas /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/106533/81/1065338185_0:68:1920:1148_1920x0_80_0_0_77fa6ef06770bf6be661f88bd98e93ec.jpg The chief financial officer of Tyson Foods was arrested early Sunday after police said he entered a random womans home and fell asleep in her bed.John R. Tyson is also the son of the companys chairman, John H. Tyson, and the great-grandson of Tyson Foods founder John W. Tyson. The younger Tyson was found sleeping in the womans bed at around 2:05 a.m. local time on Sunday.The house belonged to a college-age woman, who called the police after finding Tyson sleeping in her bed when she arrived home. An officer arrived at the scene and found Tysons clothes on the floor and was able to identify him by an ID found in his wallet. According to the preliminary report, the officer tried to wake Tyson, who briefly sat up, but he was verbally unresponsive and attempted to go back to sleep.The officer said Tysons breath smelled of intoxicants.Tyson was placed under arrest for criminal trespass and public intoxication. He was booked into the Washington County Detention Center and given a $415 bond. According to booking records, he was released Sunday evening. No attorney was listed for Tyson.The house Tyson was picked up at was in Fayetteville, Arkansas - about a seven-mile drive from Tyson Foods headquarters in nearby Springdale. It is not clear how Tyson found himself at the womans home.Tyson was named the chief financial officer of Tyson Foods in late September. He joined the company in 2019 and also serves as executive vice president. Tyson Foods said they are aware of the issue but refused to comment further on the matter, calling it a personal issue.John R. Tyson is due to appear in court on December 1. arkansas 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, executive, arrest, arkansas https://sputniknews.com/20221108/venezuela-colombia-resume-flights-after-two-year-break-1103875483.html Venezuela, Colombia Resume Flights After Two-Year Break Venezuela, Colombia Resume Flights After Two-Year Break MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Venezuela and Colombia on Monday resumed mutual flights, Transport Minister Ramon Velasquez said. 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T04:16+0000 2022-11-08T04:16+0000 2022-11-08T04:16+0000 americas venezuela colombia flights nicolas maduro /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/08/1103875337_0:61:3000:1749_1920x0_80_0_0_a1f7a65b6d8640c29116876fa68f2061.jpg The first Caracas-Bogota flight in more than two years was carried out by Turpial airline.Last week, the leaders of Venezuela and Colombia, Nicolas Maduro and Gustavo Petro, during the first personal meeting of the presidents in six years, signed a joint declaration with key areas of cooperation for the coming period.Relations between Venezuela and Colombia were severed in 2019 due to the recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president by Bogota. New Colombian President Gustavo Petro took office on August 7 with the intention to restore ties with Venezuela. In addition to the humanitarian aspect - millions of people in both countries have relatives in neighboring countries - the restoration of trade ties is important for Venezuela and Colombia. Trade between them reached $8 billion. americas venezuela colombia 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 venezuela colombia flights, flights resume, two-year break, mutual flights, transport minister ramon velasquez, nicolas maduro, why was there no flights between venezuela and colombia, MANILA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Four people were shot dead at dawn on Tuesday after unidentified gunmen opened fire at sleeping people in the southern Philippines' Basilan province, police said. Police said the shooting occurred shortly before 5:00 a.m. local time in Lamitan City. The victims, sleeping on a makeshift platform used to celebrate a wedding, died at the scene. Another was reportedly wounded in the attack and recuperating at a local hospital, police added. Police recovered a dozen of bullet shells and an M-16 assault rifle with live ammunition. They are investigating the attack's motive and the shooters' identities. https://sputniknews.com/20221108/who-is-sriram-krishnan-the-indian-american-helping-out-elon-musk-at-twitter--1103880689.html Who is Sriram Krishnan, the Indian-American 'Helping Out' Elon Musk at Twitter? Who is Sriram Krishnan, the Indian-American 'Helping Out' Elon Musk at Twitter? On the night of October 28th, Elon Musk closed his $44 billion deal to buy the social media service Twitter and immediately fired four top Twitter executives... 08.11.2022, Sputnik International 2022-11-08T10:49+0000 2022-11-08T10:49+0000 2022-11-08T10:49+0000 twitter sputnik explains elon musk software profile /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/0b/08/1103888831_0:0:799:449_1920x0_80_0_0_75e4c32f7bc2afa2d409374311e160d4.jpg An Indian-born software engineer and former Twitter executive Sriram Krishnan tweeted that he was "helping out Mr. Musk temporarily with some other great people".Elon Musk has reportedly put together a small team of his friends and confidants to implement his vision for Twitter. Sriram Krishnan appears to also be included in this team. It is difficult to say how close his ties with Musk are at this point, though reports have described him as a part of Musk's "inner circle".According to reports, Sriram Krishnan is expected to help Elon Musk in implementing his ambitious plan to monetize this social media service.Krishnan wrote at his Twitter account: I (and a16z) believe this is a hugely important company and can have great impact on the world and Elon is the person to make it happen.Although little is known about Krishnan's association with Musk, he is an open admirer of the business magnate. Krishnan described him as an "inspirational person and an iconic founder." Musk met Krishnan and his wife Aarthi Ramamurthy later during their visit to the SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. In February 2021 Musk appeared on Krishnan and Ramamurthys influential program The Good Times Show on Clubhouse.Mr. Krishnan was born in the southern Indian city Chennai. He described his family as a "very traditional" middle-income household. He received his Bachelor's in Information Technology from SRM Engineering College, Anna University. He then moved to the US in 2007 and began working at Microsoft. Later he also served at Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap. Now he is often characterized as an American investor and a partner at the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. https://sputniknews.com/20221108/days-after-charging-verified-account-holders-elon-musk-claims-twitter-usage-at-all-time-high-1103880553.html 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 sriram krishnan, indian-american, helping out mr musk, elon musk twitter, ties between elon musk and sriram krishnan, musk twitter team, twitter verification, All eyes and a whole bunch of dollars were on Hershey Seelster in Mondays opening leg of the Harvest Series for three-year-old trotting fillies, but it was Saint Antoine who pulled a rabbit out of her hat to win the $17,000 affair. Angelwithattitude shot to the early lead and had the field chasing her to the quarter pole in :28.2. Heavily-favoured Hershey Seelster was parked around the first turn before marching her way to the top in the backstretch. The 1-9 favourite hit the half in :58 and then the three-quarter pole in 1:26.4 before hooking up in a fierce battle with the first-over Saint Antoine. Scott Young hustled the Brian Lee-trained Saint Antoine alongside and then by Hershey Seelster in deep stretch. Saint Antoines :27.3 closing panel earned her the win by 1-1/4 lengths over Hershey Seelster in 1:54.4. Muscle Envy was third. Sent off at odds of 7-1, the daughter of Kadabra-Resortful improved her sophomore record to 2-4-3 from 18 starts with the win. Saulsbrook Stables Inc and Ed Gorc share ownership on the career winner of $58,241. Chadron State College President Randy Rhine announced Tuesday that he will retire in June 2023 after serving the college and state for 18 years. His decade-long tenure as CSCs president has been filled with growth and innovation. Some of his career highlights include: More than $70 million in capital improvements to construct the Coffee Agriculture Pavilion, the Rangeland Laboratory and classrooms, the Chicoine Center, the Armstrong Weight Room, the Eagle Ridge Housing Units, the renovated Elliott Field at Beebe Stadium, the outdoor track and field facility and the Math Science Center of Innovative Learning addition and renovation. Fall 2022 enrollment increase of 2.6% and the largest class of transfer students on record An average of 560 graduates annually for a total of 5,614 degrees awarded to date Rural business leadership initiative to prepare students to assume leadership roles within rural communities as they pursue business careers Rural Law Opportunities Program to collaborate with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law to give Nebraskans access to representations in rural communities. Prior to that, Rhine served as interim president from May 2012 to January 2013. He also was the vice president for enrollment management and student services from 2005 until 2012. In his official letter to the campus and members of the Chadron community, Rhine shares his passion for higher education and value he has found on his journey at Chadron State. Together we have achieved a great deal for Chadron State, and I am incredibly proud to see the positive changes that have occurred, Rhine wrote. I am leaving Chadron State at a time when the institution is poised to move into the future with new energy and opportunity. Rhine commended the work of faculty and staff in pushing the college forward as it serves the local region and world. He also appreciates the support from alumni and the Chadron community. I have been amazed again and again at the generosity and constant support we receive, he wrote. One of the aspects of this position I will miss the most is getting to know our alums and listening to their stories. He also shared his reason for leaving his post, highlighting a desire to enjoy life with his family. Words are inadequate to describe how wonderful this journey has been for my wife, Ann, and I since we moved to Chadron in 2005, Rhine wrote. However, we have arrived at a phase in our lives where it is time for us to spend more time on the activities we enjoy, especially spending time with our children and three grandchildren. Rhine submitted formal notice of his retirement to Nebraska State College System (NSCS) Chancellor Paul D. Turman and the Board of Trustees from the Presidency of CSC, effective June 30, 2023. President Rhine has steadily and skillfully navigated Chadron State College through a period of unprecedented challenges during his tenure, said Truman. He has done so while staying true to the colleges core values and moving Chadron State forward in its educational purpose. President Rhine will leave the college in a much stronger place than when he arrived. Board of Trustees chair Jess Zeiss noted Rhines unwavering commitment to the college through the success and challenges for higher education. She said the board appreciates his strong leadership and advocacy for the region. Over the next seven months, the college board will begin its search for Rhines successor. According to information released by the college, the NSCS will conduct a national search for Chadron States 12th president. Academic Search, Inc. will assist in the search. More information about the college presidential search is available at tinyurl.com/ChadronPresident. Tyler Cochran went to school for welding, hes an officially licensed private detective, and the only class he failed in high school was biology. So, his newest endeavor is something he said hed never have seen himself doing growing mushrooms right in the heart of downtown Scottsbluff. He and his fiancee recently started Polarity Mushroom Farm at 1814 Broadway in Scottsbluff. The business isnt quite open yet, with production expected to begin in earnest by the end of the year. But Cochran said it fills a niche that hadnt been serviced in the area before. Theres not really anything like us around. The closest would be Fort Collins or Denver. Its definitely a lot on our plate but I think we can pull it off, he said. Cochran cultivates, grows and harvests numerous species of mushroom at his urban farm. Different types include chestnut, reishi, lions mane, pathfinder and blue oyster mushrooms. Some of these are mainly for consumption, while others have medicinal qualities. Id say the more holistic side of things got me into it, Cochran said. After I did that first grow kit, I was hooked. Its definitely a learning experience every day. To grow the mushrooms, Cochran creates a nutrient-rich broth, inoculates it with a liquid culture and fills up a syringe. He introduces the liquid culture to a batch of hydrated, sterilized rye berries or winter rye and uses a mix of soy hulls and oak from an Amish wood mill as substrate. The mushrooms then spread their mycelia, which are root-like filaments that consume nutrients from the substrate. In a matter of several days or weeks, theyll eventually sprout and reach optimal size. Cochran harvests them in clusters and sells them wholesale. Some mushrooms grow better than others. This has been I guess youd call it pre-production, seeing what works well together and what doesnt, Cochran said. Its kind of the luck of the draw. I had four identical bags that I did at the exact same time with the exact same things, and they did not grow the exact same at all. Cochran estimated he can grow about 100 pounds per week in each of his growing tents. The more tents he adds, the more mushrooms he can grow. He can check on their growing conditions, see how they look, and determine if he needs to add more oxygen or humidity to the tents. The knowledge base for mushroom growing is smaller than people might think, he said. Theres still plenty being discovered about fungi. Cochran said his reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Hes connected with Scottsbluff High School to sell mushrooms for their cafeteria meals and plans to give some away for students to study. Hes also been in touch with the Powerhouse Social restaurant down the street to provide mushrooms for their cuisine. Other restaurants across Scotts Bluff County could be potential customers as well. Most of his current business is conducted through Facebook, but he plans to open up a subscriber portal website and sell whole, dried and powdered mushrooms, as well as cultivation supplies, through there. People will be able to subscribe to the site and hell regularly grow mushroom blocks for them to take home. A big part of what Im excited to do is share that with the community, Cochran said. Theres definitely some experimentation to be had there down the line. Part of that experimentation may include producing fruits and vegetables alongside his mushrooms. The plants will intake carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Mushrooms, like animals, intake oxygen and produce carbon dioxide, therefore creating a cycle where plants and fungi help each other grow. Its a novel concept, but Cochran said it might be worth it to be able to produce more locally grown crops throughout the year. Currently, though, his focus is all on the fungi. Its fun. Im just having a good time, he said. I tell everybody, if I won the Powerball, Id still be in here growing mushrooms. Galloway, N.J. - William Cousins, a first-year student, brought an x-ray showing the bar of titanium in his hip. Karl Schute, a senior History major, brought a stack of century-old books and a Civil War-era Union Army dress hat adorned with a brass infantry bugle that he bought in Gettysburg. Kenia R. Euba-Ruiz, a Master of Arts in Counseling graduate student, brought her son, Arturo, her mother, Carmelita, and a pile of books on therapy, aging and counseling. Last month, 36 students and employees came to the Military and Veteran Success Center to have a portrait taken for the Faces of Stockton's Military Community Photograph Project. Michael Barany, director of the Military and Veteran Success Center, asked that participants wear or bring something that defines who they are and shares a piece of their military experience. "There are stereotypes of what a veteran looks like. We don't all look alike. We are all different in our own way, and people might not even realize we are veterans," he said. Barany brought his Stetson cav hat that he wore during his time in the U.S. Army as a Cavalry Scout. Cousins used his x-ray to show us that not all disabilities are visible. Schute is a history buff and couldn't wait to share a few of his favorite antiques that illustrate U.S. military history. Euba-Ruiz is a mother, veteran and a student and wanted to show how she balances her life. "I wanted to show off our military-affiliated community," said Barany, who is also working to create a faculty and staff military affinity group. There are some people who have been working here for years, and not everyone knows about their military service, he explained. Stockton employee veterans work in University Advancement and the School of Business to the Campus Police Department and the Learning Access Program. Meet with members of our veteran community and view the opening of the photo exhibit on Monday, Nov. 7, 10-2 p.m. in the Lower F Wing hallway. The images will be on display for the duration of Veterans Week, through Nov. 11, and will be archived online. The Military and Veteran Success Center, which includes a lounge space, is located in F-105. More than 400 military-affiliated students attend Stockton each semester and benefit from automatic acceptance, fee waivers, military-affiliated housing, a dedicated academic advisor, priority orientation and more. Photos and story by Susan Allen Note: The following is a selection from the full series that will be on display Nov. 7-11. The Faces of Stockton's Military Community Photograph Project Luke Lallo | U.S. Army Tatiana Anderson | U.S. Navy Dylan D. Fagan | U.S. Army Rachel Soucier | U.S. Army Dr. Michael Barany | U.S. Army Karl Schute | U.S. Army A Tennessee man is facing abduction and other felony charges after the Bland County Sheriffs Office investigated a missing teen report over the weekend. Preston Tucker Varnell, 25, of Knoxville was arrested on Sunday after a Bland County mother reported that she came home from work and found her 14-year-old daughter missing. According to Sheriff Jason Ramsey and a criminal complaint, police found messages on the girls phone from Varnell showing that he planned to pick her up from a church near her residence. Ramsey said the girl came home safe on Sunday afternoon. The sheriff said the pair had been exchanging online messages and texts, including nude photographs of each other. Police believe she had sneaked out of her residence and met Varnell at least two other times before Sunday. Ramsey said the investigation is ongoing. Arrested in Washington County on Sunday, Varnell, who has no criminal record, has been charged with three counts of abduction, taking indecent liberties with a minor and possessing child pornography. Hes being held without bond with a scheduled Jan. 4, 2023, preliminary hearing. GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY Monday afternoon would typically be quiet in the seaside town of Ocean Shores. Instead, in January of this year, police officers had been dispatched to a local grocery store twice within an hour because of Joshua Marsh. Marsh, 40, was barefoot and without a coat in the middle of winter. The store manager thought he was inebriated and asked him to leave but he refused, according to an Ocean Shores police report. Officers issued him a trespass notice and noted Marshs conversation was nonsensical. Police were called again after Marsh was found climbing onto a semitruck parked outside. By that evening, Marsh was booked into Grays Harbor County Jail, accused of assaulting officers. He would spend eight months there, waiting to be transferred to a state psychiatric hospital for mental health services. They forgot about me pretty much, said Marsh, speaking by phone from Western State Hospital, where he was ultimately moved in late September. Marsh, who still has yet to face trial, is one of hundreds of defendants across Washington state who remain in a legal limbo, jailed while waiting for a psychiatric bed as state hospital wait times balloon in violation of a federal court settlement. Four years after that settlement, referred to as the Trueblood case, the Washington Department of Social and Health Services the state agency in charge of getting people into mental health services is still struggling to meet required time frames. In fact, wait times are getting worse, costing hundreds of people in jails, and their loved ones, weeks or months of their lives. The settlement includes fines, so the failure also has cost Washington taxpayers an estimated $98 million since 2018. Emergency point To take someone charged with a crime to trial, the defendant first has to understand why they are being tried. If they dont understand their charges or cant assist their attorney, they are evaluated by a mental health professional and usually found incompetent. People in crisis or with a history of mental illness often fall into this category and that means the court cant start a trial, let alone issue a verdict. Instead a judge will order the defendant to be restored. And once the person is found competent which usually takes anywhere from 29 to 90 days they can stand trial. But for years, people would sit in jail, unable to get into a state hospital for these restoration services, and their cases would stall. Advocates argued this violated defendants constitutional due-process rights in what became the class action federal lawsuit known as Trueblood v. DSHS in 2014. Ultimately, a settlement in 2018 laid out deadlines for the state to act: Defendants who were potentially incompetent to stand trial would be evaluated within 14 days, and if necessary receive restoration services usually involving a transfer to a state hospital like Western State, medication and educational services within seven days after that. If state officials failed, DSHS would be fined. Money from the settlement would then go to funding diversion programs and triage centers where people in crisis could be dropped off by law enforcement rather than taken to jail. Currently, an estimated 870 people, in and out of jail, are waiting for these competency and restoration services in Washington state. Only about half of defendants get a competency evaluation on time, the latest October report from DSHS shows. The data also found that people in jails across Washington were waiting an average of nearly 78 days to get restoration services at a state facility. Fewer than 10% of defendants received services within the mandated time frame. We are at an emergency point, said Rebecca Vasquez, a senior deputy prosecutor with the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office. The system is not working. The delays have implications for public safety: Wait times have become so long that judges often dismiss cases with misdemeanors or less egregious crimes rather than hold people for months on end without a trial. In King County alone, Vasquez estimates 350 felony cases are waiting for a competency evaluation or restoration treatment. She finds herself carefully sifting through which cases to prioritize. I never thought Id get to the point where I was considering agreeing to dismiss or release defendants charged with lower level assaults, she said. But were at the point where we are agreeing to dismiss or release some cases involving felony defendants who are at risk of harm to the community. Judges, too, are growing impatient with state officials. At a criminal hearing last month at the King County Superior Court, Judge Johanna Bender shared her frustrations: Judges like me are scrambling to try to figure out what to do about the fact that folks are not being transported for care at the hospital on their criminal cases. Although [DSHS] has limited resources, the department has pretty consistently failed to steward those resources in an intentional way. Ruth Rivas, Marshs public defender from Grays Harbor, finds that the wait times are inexcusable in cases like his. Hes done all the time he would do, she said. Had he been competent and accepted a guilty plea, hed be out of jail a long time ago. Stuck waiting Marsh grew up in Chelan. After his parents split up, he moved in with his father in Grays Harbor. They both liked to fish and hunt, and Marsh loved caring for animals, especially snakes and ferrets, his mom said. Eventually Marsh started building houses in the region for work. His mother, Lynda Marsh, said her son doesnt have a history of mental illness but was in special education programs in school. In recent years, he has had some struggles with his physical health: He uses a colostomy bag which he has found difficult to keep clean in jail and experiences seizures that have kept him from full-time employment. In the past couple of years, Marsh has had a handful of encounters with law enforcement, getting cited for trespassing, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest a pattern common among people in crisis or who are facing serious mental health challenges. Last year, Ocean Shores police were called when two people working near Marshs home said he cursed at them and attempted to physically fight. Police ended up hitting Marsh with a stun gun after he punched an officer and failed to follow orders, according to the police report. During Marshs arrest in early 2022 outside the grocery store, police say he elbowed an officer in the forehead and made threats while resisting arrest. He was ultimately charged with four counts of assault on officers for that, a subsequent incident at the jail, and the 2021 case at his home. Marsh told The Seattle Times he doesnt remember anything about the day at the grocery store in January but shared that his father had died two weeks before the incident. The only thing I can think of [is] I had a seizure, he said. An evaluation found Marsh not competent and he was ordered to restoration at Western State Hospital in late February. It was over six months before he finally got a bed in late September. Marsh and Rivas, his public defender, said other defendants were transferred to Western State faster, despite arriving after him. Hospital officials have to triage: Those who are sickest are prioritized. He just sort of fell right in the middle, said Rivas, Not competent, but not dangerous enough to get expedited [to a psychiatric facility]. But perhaps perceived by some as too dangerous to go into the community. When someone like Marsh is held past the legal time frames for services, judges can sanction DSHS with fines ranging from $500 to $1,500 a day. Since 2018, DSHS estimates that amounts to $98 million for its failure to comply with the judges original order. This money goes to fund mental health programs for people in the criminal legal system. Judges separately can also issue what are called compensatory sanctions that are paid to defendants or someone tasked with their care. Marsh currently has around $15,000 sitting in his jail account, Rivas said. According to DSHS, it does not have a full account of sanctions to individual defendants, as they are case-by-case and vary according to judges in each county. Demand rises The current situation is one of the ripple effects of underfunding mental and behavioral health services for decades, leaving jails as reluctant mental health providers for many in the system. State hospital officials see the backlog of cases and point to COVID-19; how it slowed down the courts, forced them to quarantine patients during outbreaks, and the stress it caused for staff at the hospitals and jails, causing dozens to leave the field. Still, data from DSHS shows demand for competency and restoration services was growing even before the pandemic. In 2015, judges were ordering an average of 222 competency evaluations a month. By the end of 2019 that number jumped to 402 evaluations, and in 2022, the average has peaked at 558. Restorations follow a similar trend. Since 2015, the number of restorations ordered has more than doubled from 75 to now 178 a month. State officials like Dr. Thomas Kinlen, the director of the Office of Forensic Mental Health, the arm of DSHS tasked with providing people competency and restoration services, said theyre not sure why this is happening. Kinlen hypothesized that contributing factors could include stronger drugs on the street, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, and better mental health screenings at jails with attorneys more likely to recommend evaluations, among other things. We do not have a definitive answer, he said. State officials tried to make space for the increasing demand by requiring state psychiatric hospitals to prioritize patients coming in through jails, under Gov. Jay Inslees 2018 plan that aimed to move patients coming through the civil court system into small local mental health facilities. Still, Kinlen said, the state hospitals end up housing many people who are found non-restorable, or too sick to ever stand trial, and considered a risk to release back into the community. These are known as civil conversion patients, and they often stay at state hospitals much longer than a patient who cycles through the criminal court system. One civil conversion basically knocks out [bed availability for] four competency individuals because theyre not able to get to that same bed that would have been available, Kinlen explained. There also are limits to the restoration treatment provided at state psychiatric hospitals. While treatment implies therapy, it by and large consists of medication and classes to teach defendants about how to communicate with their attorney and the roles of different court officials. Historically, thats a pretty low bar, said Kinlen. Restoration doesnt help defendants with things like anger management or vocational issues, either. For Marsh, a resolution to his criminal case could be in sight: On Wednesday he was moved back to the Grays Harbor County Jail, and his lawyer expects he could be accepted into a diversion program soon that will help with mental health care and other social services. Still, the months in jail have led to new problems. His mother, Lynda Marsh, said he is likely to lose his house, which is currently cited by the city of Ocean Shores as unfit for occupancy; theres scrap wood and metal in the front yard and Marsh hasnt been able to clean up or make repairs while hes been in jail. His drivers license expired during this last year, and he will need to file for disability in order to have a source of income. Hes also hoping to finally bury his father and grieve. Its just one great big mess, his mother said. VIENTIANE, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A total of 30,029 cases of dengue fever have been recorded in Laos since January 2022, according to the Lao Ministry of Health. A report issued by the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health on Tuesday said the country reported 43 new cases of dengue fever, bringing the total number of infections to 30,029 with 22 deaths recorded. The highest number of dengue patients was reported in the Lao capital Vientiane at 14,788, while 4,356 cases were detected in Luang Namtha province, and 1,571 cases were recorded in Attapeu province. The Lao Ministry of Health suggested five simple measures as the most effective method of dengue control, which are being practiced by households across the region. These measures consist of closing and sealing all unused containers, flushing out all water vessels, placing small guppy fish in water jars as they eat mosquito larvae, cleaning areas around homes, and remembering to do these four tasks each week. Two dogs are dead after a fire ripped through a home in the Highlands neighborhood of Longview Friday afternoon. At roughly 2 p.m., personnel from the Longview Fire Department and Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a structure fire located on the 200 block of 25th Avenue. Longview Fire Battalion Chief Jeff Thompson said a neighbor called in the fire after witnessing flames spewing from the houses kitchen area. Three fire engine companies, one ladder company and one battalion chief were called to the scene. Thompson describes seeing smoke jettisoning from the homes attic as firefighters smothered the blaze and rescued two dogs. According to the press release, firefighters attempted to resuscitate the dogs, but unfortunately, the inferno was too much for the pets, and the dogs died. The house sustained moderate damage, and the sole resident, who was not home during the fire, was instructed not to re-enter the residence until repairs were made. The fire remains under investigation, and the occupant found other living arrangements, the Longview fire department says. The local blaze coincides with the American Red Cross campaign asking the public to test their smoke detectors in order to save lives. The Red Cross Cascades Region, which covers Oregon and Southwest Washington, reports local volunteers have responded to 671 house fires over the last year, which is a 10% increase. Since 2014 the organization says they have helped to make more than 1 million homes safer including nearly 13,000 in the Cascades Region by educating people about home fire safety. Dawn Johnson, interim communications director for the Red Cross Cascades Region, said working smoke alarms save lives. Home fires claim more lives in a typical year than all natural disasters combined, but working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half, he said in a press release. The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get out. Readers can visit tdn.com by 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to view immediate, preliminary vote counts of the General Election. The first batch of preliminary votes on Tuesday, as well as the second round on Wednesday, will be immediately updated on tdn.com. The newspapers print deadline is about two hours prior to when the first round of election results will be released Tuesday, so Wednesdays print edition will not include election results. Voters have until Tuesday to get their ballots postmarked or dropped in a drop box by 8 p.m. Tuesday. No postage is needed to mail ballots or return them in drop boxes. This year is the first midterm election since Washington began allowing same-day voter registration. People can register to vote or update their addresses in person at the Cowlitz County Elections Office at 207 Fourth Avenue North in Kelso until 8 p.m. Tuesday. The Daily News will cover results of competitive local races, including for the Cowlitz County coroner, Cowlitz County sheriff and Cowlitz County commissioner for District 3, as well as regional races for Washington state Legislative District 19 representatives for Positions 1 and 2. The results of two measures will also be reported on: A property tax levy to fund more staff and services at Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue in the city of Kelso and the unincorporated areas around the city of Longview, and a property tax levy to fund the operation of the public library in the city of Castle Rock. As of Monday, the Cowlitz County Elections Office reported staff had received nearly 45% of ballots from eligible voters, and about 67% had been received by drop box. The office received the most ballots on Oct. 24 and Nov. 1, the county reports. Voter turnout in the state for the election is running behind the pace of the last midterm four years ago, reports The Seattle Times. About 1.5 million ballots have been returned statewide about 32% of registered voters, as of the Friday update, according to the Secretary of States Office. Thats down from nearly 35% at the same point in 2018. Editors note: Jim Brunner of The Seattle Times contributed to this article. Voter turnout in Washington for Tuesday's election is running behind the pace of the last midterm four years ago. About 1.5 million ballots have been returned statewide about 32% of registered voters, as of the last update Friday, according to the Secretary of State's Office. That's down from nearly 35% at the same point in 2018. Voters have until Tuesday to get their ballots postmarked or dropped in a drop box by 8 p.m. It's common for half or more of the ballots to come in during the final couple of days of the state's all-mail election. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs' office is predicting turnout will reach the 72% it hit in 2018, while acknowledging the pace so far has been slower. Like four years ago, voters in Washington are deciding key races for U.S. House and Senate, and state legislative contests. There are no statewide voter initiatives on the ballot this year; there were four in 2018, on gun restrictions, carbon and grocery taxes, and police use of deadly force. As usual, older voters are exercising their voting rights at a much higher rate than younger ones. Statewide, more than 57% of voters 65 and older have returned ballots, compared with just 11% of those age 18 to 24. Elections officials here said they so far have not received reports of problematic ballot box surveillance or intimidation. "We haven't heard of any incidents of alleged voter harassment," said Derrick Nunnally, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State's Office. "I personally haven't heard of any ... nobody has reached out to me," said Darla McKay, president of the Washington State Association of County Auditors. McKay, who is the Asotin County auditor, said the Secretary of State's Office has been holding daily video calls with auditors to monitor for problems. It is legal to watch ballot boxes, which are placed in public spaces, and the political parties often send volunteer observers who are trained to behave appropriately. But this year some far-right groups, motivated by false conspiracy theories about widespread ballot fraud by paid "mules," have launched surveillance efforts that have at times veered toward potential illegal voter intimidation. In King County, during the voting window for the August primary, some conservative activists coordinated ballot box watching efforts that included placement of signs near ballot boxes warning they were "under surveillance" and implying voters could be committing crimes by dropping off multiple ballots. The effort was quickly condemned by elections officials, citing laws against voter intimidation. In some states, including Texas, North Carolina and Arizona, officials have reported threats and possible voter intimidation efforts, according to news accounts. A federal judge in Arizona last week issued a temporary restraining order against the conservative group Clean Elections USA, barring members from coming within 75 feet of ballot drop boxes, Reuters reported. "We expect drop boxes to be busy on Election Day, we expect there to be lots of observer interest, and we expect everything to go smoothly. If our voters have concerns while out at the drop boxes, we want them to give us a call at 206-296-8683," Watkins said in an email. "If there is somebody doing something that is actively intimidating or threatening by a drop box, law enforcement should be their first call," Watkins added. Photo courtesy of Wccftech If you're looking forward to the return of HUAWEI Kirin SoCs, you might get disappointed after seeing this news. Despite the rumours saying that the Chinese tech company will launch new Kirin chips next year, the latest information claims it won't happen. According to the report, the main reason is that HUAWEI can't find a chip manufacturer that doesn't use US-based technology in its factories. For example, if the chips get manufactured by a company using machines from the U.S., HUAWEI will not be able to work with them. It's unsure if HUAWEI will give up on the chip lineup completely, or if it will continue to look for ways to revive the production. Of course, it would be better if the U.S. removed the sanction, but the possibility is very low as both the Republican and Democrat sides seem to be very supportive of the decision. HUAWEI has been using the 4G Qualcomm chips in its newer smartphones. As 5G is getting deployed more widely, it might be a problem afterwards. What do you think about the news? Drop a comment to let us know your opinion, and stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest tech report. The next-generation VR glove will make virtual worlds tangible. Credit: Herbert Shea, EPFL (2021) Research sometimes needs a sacrifice. Empa researcher Patrick Danner has just made oneand filmed it. "When I applied a good 2,000 volts to the sample, it caught fire," he reports drily in the debriefing. The mishap is clearly visible in his cell phone video: First it smokes, then flames erupt from the experimentally created polymer. "Hopefully, you were still able to save a piece of it," counters Dorina Opris, head of the Functional Polymeric Materials research group. A piece of evidence is important to learn from the result and draw conclusions. With their research on electroactive polymers, Dorina Opris and Patrick Danner are part of a large-scale project called "Manufhaptics." The goal of the four-year project, led by Herbert Shea of the Soft Transducers Lab at EPFL, is a glove that makes virtual worlds tangible. Crucially, all of the glove's components, which exert various forces on the surface of the hand, are to be producible in a 3D printer. So this is about research into new materials, with the production method being considered from the very start. Three types of actuators To make virtual surfaces feel real and objects tangible at the right size, the research teams from EPFL, ETH Zurich and Empa want to integrate three different types of actuators into the glove: Underneath the fingers, nubs can grow up to replicate a specific texture of a surface. In the area of the finger joints, electrostatic brakes are mounted that stiffen the glove and block the joints. This simulates larger, solid objects that offer resistance when touched. The third type of actuators that complete the virtual experience are called DEAs (Dielectric Elastomer Actuator). These DEAs are used on the back of the hand; they tighten the outer skin of the glove so that it fits perfectly at all points. During the VR experience, they can also apply pressure to the surface of the hand. The DEA's are Empa's topic. The desired electroactive polymer should have a consistency similar to hand cream so that the artificial muscles can be produced automatically in a 3D printer. Credit: Empa Artificial 'muscles' from the 3D printer Dorina Opris, the head of the research group, has years of experience with such electroactive polymers. "They react to electric fields and contract like a muscle," the researcher explains. "But they can also serve as a sensor, absorbing an external force and generating an electrical pulse from it. We're also thinking of using them to harvest energy locally: From movement, electricity can thus be generated anywhere." The Manufhaptics project presents new challenges for Opris and her colleague Patrick Danner. "Until now, we have produced our polymers using solvents through a chemical synthesis," explains Opris. Now everything has to work without solvents: The plan is to superimpose up to 1,000 fine layers from the 3D printer, always alternating between the electroactive polymer and a current-conducting layer. "Solvent has to be avoided in such a process," says Opris. Patrick Danner explains the next difficulty: The two inks needed for making the layers must have the exact right consistency to flow out of the 3D printer's nozzle. "Our project partner Jan Vermant from ETH Zurich wants something with similar properties to a hand cream. It should come out of the printer easily and then remain dimensionally stable on the base." And after that, this "creamy" layered structure still needs to crosslink into the appropriate polymer. After a long series of tests, Patrick Danner found a promising formulationa cream that is liquid enough and at the same time dimensionally stable, and from which electroactive polymers can be created in a single step. His colleague Tazio Pleji at ETH Zurich, a member of Jan Vermont's team, has successfully processed the material in his 3D printer into several layersalways alternating between polymer and electrode material. There are not yet 1,000 layers, but only about 10, and the artificial muscle from the 3D printer does not yet function satisfactorily. But Opris and Danner are confident of mastering the task together with the printing specialists at ETH Zurichpossibly as the first team in the world. The only scientific competitors in this field are based at Harvard University in Massachusetts. "I know the colleagues there from some congresses," says Dorina Opris. "We watch very closely what they are up to. And they're certainly watching our work, too." Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in Korea, have developed a new image retrieval system called DenseBert4Ret, which uses deep learning for image and text feature extraction from a dual-mode input query, with potential applications in e-commerce, computer vision, and medicine. Credit: Moongu Jeon from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea With the amount of information on the internet increasing by the minute, and retrieving meaningful data from it is sometimes like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems are capable of retrieving desired images based on the user's input from an extensive database. These systems are used in e-commerce, face recognition, medical applications, and computer vision. There are two ways in which CBIR systems worktext-based and image-based. One of the ways in which CBIR gets a boost is by using deep learning (DL) algorithms. DL algorithms enable the use of multi-modal feature extraction, meaning that both image and text features can be used to retrieve the desired image. Even though scientists have tried to develop multi-modal feature extraction, it remains an open problem. To this end, researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed DenseBert4Ret, an image retrieval system using DL algorithms. The study, led by Prof. Moongu Jeon and Ph.D. student Zafran Khan, was published in Information Sciences. "In our day-to-day lives, we often scour the internet to look for things such as clothes, research papers, news article, etc. When these queries come into our mind, they can be in the form of both images and textual descriptions. Moreover, at times we may wish to amend our visual perceptions through textual descriptions. Thus, retrieval systems should also accept queries as both texts and images," says Prof. Jeon, explaining the team's motivation behind the study. The proposed model had both image and text as the input query. For extracting the image features from the input, the team used a deep neural network model known as DenseNet-121. This architecture allowed for the maximum flow of information from the input to the output layer and needed tuning of very few parameters during training. DenseNet-121 was combined with the bidirectional encoder representation from transformer (BERT) architecture for extracting semantic and contextual features from the text input. The combination of these two architectures reduced training time and computational requirements and formed the proposed model, DenseBert4Ret. The team then used Fashion200k, MIT-states, and FashionIQ, three real-world datasets, to train and compare the proposed system's performance against the state-of-the-art systems. They found that DenseBert4Ret showed no loss during image feature extraction and outperformed the state-of-the-art models. The proposed model successfully catered for multi-modalities that were given as the input with the multi-layer perceptron and triple loss function helping to learn the joint features. "Our model can be used anywhere where there is an online inventory and images need to be retrieved. Additionally, the user can make changes to the query image and retrieve the amended image from the inventory," concludes Prof. Jeon. More information: Zafran Khan et al, DenseBert4Ret: Deep bi-modal for image retrieval, Information Sciences (2022). Zafran Khan et al, DenseBert4Ret: Deep bi-modal for image retrieval,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.ins.2022.08.119 Provided by GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology) Credit: Thai et al. Recent advancements in the field of machine learning (ML) have greatly improved the quality of automatic translation tools. At present, these tools are primarily used to translate basic sentences, as well as short texts or unofficial documents. Literary texts, such as novels or short stories, are still fully translated by expert human translators, who are experienced in grasping abstract and complex meanings and translating them in another language. While a few studies have investigated the potential of computational models for translating literary texts, findings in this area are still limited. Researchers at UMass Amherst have recently carried out a study exploring the quality of literary text translations produced by machines, by comparing them with same text-translations created by humans. Their findings, pre-published on arXiv, highlight some of the shortcomings of existing computational models to translate foreign texts into English. "Machine translation (MT) holds potential to complement the work of human translators by improving both training procedures and their overall efficiency," Katherine Thai and her colleagues wrote in their paper. "Literary translation is less constrained than more traditional MT settings since translators must balance meaning equivalence, readability, and critical interpretability in the target language. This property, along with the complex discourse-level context present in literary texts, also makes literary MT more challenging to computationally model and evaluate." The key objective of the recent work by Thai and her colleagues was to better understand the ways in which state-of-the-art MT tools still fail in the translation of literary texts when compared to human translations. Their hope was that this would help to identify specific areas that developers should focus on to improve these models' performance. "We collect a dataset (PAR3) of non-English language novels in the public domain, each aligned at the paragraph level to both human and automatic English translations," Thai and her colleagues explained in their paper. PAR3, the new dataset compiled by the researchers for the scope of their study, contains 121,000 paragraphs extracted from 118 novels originally written in different languages other than English. For each of these paragraphs, the dataset includes several different human translations, as well as a translation produced by Google translate. The researchers compared the quality of human translations of these literary paragraphs with the ones produced by Google translate, using common metrics for evaluating MT tools. Concurrently, they asked expert human translators which translations they preferred, while also prompting them to identify issues with their least preferred translation. "Using PAR3, we discover that expert literary translators prefer reference human translations over machine-translated paragraphs at a rate of 84%, while state-of-the-art automatic MT metrics do not correlate with those preferences," Thai and her colleagues wrote in their paper. "The experts note that MT outputs contain not only mistranslations, but also discourse-disrupting errors and stylistic inconsistencies." Essentially, the findings gathered by Thai and her colleagues suggest that metrics to evaluate MT (e.g., BLEU, BLEURT, and BLONDE) might not be particularly effective, as human translators did not agree with their predictions. Notably, the feedback they gathered from human translators also allowed the researchers to identify specific issues with translations created by Google translate. Using the human experts' feedback as a guideline, the team ultimately created an automatic post-editing model based on GPT-3, a deep learning approach introduced by a research group at OpenAI. They found that expert human translators preferred the literary translations produced by this model at a rate of 69%. In the future, the findings of this study could inform new studies exploring the use of MT tools to translate literary texts. In addition, the PAR3 dataset compiled by Thai and her colleagues, which is now publicly available on GitHub, could be used by other teams to train or assess their language models. "Overall, our work uncovers new challenges to progress in literary MT, and we hope that the public release of PAR3 will encourage researchers to tackle them," the researchers concluded in their paper. More information: Katherine Thai et al, Exploring Document-Level Literary Machine Translation with Parallel Paragraphs from World Literature, arXiv (2022). Journal information: arXiv Katherine Thai et al, Exploring Document-Level Literary Machine Translation with Parallel Paragraphs from World Literature,(2022). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2210.14250 2022 Science X Network Photo of ultrathin on-chip solar cells. The cells are the green squares and include an ultrathin layer of light-absorbing GaAs, which is key to their radiation tolerance. The surface of each green square is only 120 nanometers, about one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair, above the surrounding gray area. The gold-colored grids are electrically conducting metal contacts. Credit: Armin Barthel Most space satellites are powered by photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity. Exposure to certain types of radiation present in orbit can damage the devices, degrading their performance and limiting their lifetime. In the Journal of Applied Physics, scientists from the University of Cambridge proposed a radiation-tolerant photovoltaic cell design that features an ultrathin layer of light-absorbing material. When solar cells absorb light, they transfer its energy to negatively charged electrons in the material. These charge carriers are knocked free and generate a flow of electricity across the photovoltaic. Irradiation in space causes damage and lowers efficiency by displacing atoms in the solar cell material and reducing the lifetime of the charge carriers. Making photovoltaics thinner should increase their longevity because the charge carriers have less far to go during their shortened lifetimes. As low Earth orbit becomes more cluttered with satellites, it becomes increasingly necessary to use middle Earth orbits, such as the Molniya orbit that passes through the center of Earth's proton radiation belt. Radiation-tolerant cell designs will be needed for these higher orbits. Another application for radiation-tolerant cells is the study of other planets and moons. For example, Europa, a moon of Jupiter, has one of the most severe radiation environments in the solar system. Landing a solar-powered spacecraft on Europa will require radiation-tolerant devices. The investigators built two types of photovoltaic devices using the semiconductor gallium arsenide. One was an on-chip design built by layering several substances in a stack. The other design involved a silver back mirror to enhance light absorption. To mimic the effects of radiation in space, the devices were bombarded with protons generated at the Dalton Cumbrian Nuclear Facility in the U.K. The performance of the photovoltaic devices before and after irradiation was studied using a technique known as cathodoluminescence that can give a measure of the amount of radiation damage. A second set of tests using a Compact Solar Simulator were carried out to determine how well the devices converted sunlight to power after being bombarded with protons. "Our ultra-thin solar cell outperforms the previously studied, thicker devices for proton radiation above a certain threshold. The ultra-thin geometries offer favorable performance by two orders of magnitude relative to previous observations," said author Armin Barthel. The authors said that the improved performance of these ultra-thin cells is because the charge carriers live long enough to travel between terminals in the device. Compared to thicker cells, nearly 3.5 times less cover glass is needed for the ultra-thin cells to deliver the same amount of power after 20 years of operation. This will translate to a lighter load and significant reduction in launch costs. The article "Radiation effects in ultra-thin GaAs solar cells" is authored by Armin Barthel, Larkin Sayre, Gunnar Kusch, Rachel A. Oliver, and Louise C. Hirst. The article will appear in Journal of Applied Physics on Nov. 8, 2022. More information: Armin Barthel et al, Radiation effects in ultra-thin GaAs solar cells, Journal of Applied Physics (2022). Journal information: Journal of Applied Physics Armin Barthel et al, Radiation effects in ultra-thin GaAs solar cells,(2022). DOI: 10.1063/5.0103381 ISLAMABAD, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The deep-rooted relations between Pakistan and China are based on solid foundations of mutual trust, respect and win-win cooperation, a Pakistani senator said on Tuesday. "Pakistan's foreign policy towards China is not ideological. It is realistic and pragmatic based on safeguarding its national interests and sustaining its friendship with China," Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of the Pakistani Senate's Defense Committee, said at a seminar organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, a local think tank. The all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries has touched new heights, the senator said, adding that China has never undermined Pakistan's core national interests and Pakistan reciprocated the same by supporting China on its important issues. Syed said China played a vital role in strengthening Pakistan's economy under the framework of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by constructing road networks from south to north, adding thousands of megawatts of electricity to the national grid, thus helping the country overcome its severe energy crisis. The CPEC has now entered its second phase after successfully completing the first phase. The second phase will bring socio-economic development and boost Pakistan's economic status in the longer term, he said. Masood Khalid, former Pakistani ambassador to China, told Xinhua that the ties between the two countries stood the test of time and are exemplary in the world. Adhering to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and respect for every country's sovereignty and territorial integrity helped forge an exceptionally stronger bond between the two countries, Khalid said. He noted that China has always extended a helping hand whenever Pakistan needed the most, adding that China's assistance to Pakistan comes with no strings attached. China assisted Pakistan in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic by providing much-needed medical supplies and vaccines, and now when the country is bearing the brunt of climate change in the form of unprecedented floods recently, China provided relief and rehabilitation aid for flood victims, he said. WWE casts a wide net for potential future superstars. Now, WWE is heading to Africa as they announced The Search for Africas Next WWE Superstar in a press conference in Nigeria. The Search for Africas Next WWE Superstar will be a multi-day tryout to be held in February 2023 in Lagos, Nigeria. From November 8 to December 18, citizens from any African country can signup here. Those who apply will submit a video showing what they can do. Those selected to go further will participate in the February tryout. Those who impress at the tryout will head to Los Angeles on an all-expenses-paid trip and tryout along with other potential wrestlers during WrestleMania weekend. If they impress in LA, they could receive a WWE developmental contract and workout in the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. Africa is a focal point of our renewed global recruitment talent strategy, said James Kimball, WWE Head of Talent Operations and Strategy. This initiative, in partnership with SuperSport, will launch what we envision becoming a year-round, multi-country effort to identify talent that will resonate with our passionate fanbase. This is in conjunction with SuperSport, whose parent company MultiChoice recently announced an expanded TV and streaming deal that encompasses Sub-Saharan Africa. [Photo: WWE] Seven families around Bryan-College Station and beyond are chugging along to finalize their model train layouts in time for this weekends Model Railroad Open House. What began as an event with two participants has grown into 20 open houses from Bryan to Conroe, Navasotas Chuck Lind said This is a family-friendly event that celebrates the work put into railroad construction over the years. Taking place during National Model Railroad Month, onlookers can expect to see things they have never seen before and be wowed by the intricate stylings of each railroaders model, Lind said. Theyre going to see something totally different something that theyve never seen before, he said. A lot of people are used to train layouts under a Christmas tree; this is nothing like that. What makes this event special is that these models are often a result of a lifetime of work for these railroaders. And sharing this love for railroads makes it that much greater, Chuck said. Igniting the younger generations passion for this industry and craft is something Lind takes seriously, which is why he continues to welcome people into his home every year. When I grew up many, many years ago, the gift you got every year was a train set if you were a little boy, he said. That doesnt happen so much anymore, so were trying to introduce young folks into the hobby, and this is the way to reach out. It does not take long for people to realize the amount of time and effort put into these railroads models, Lind said. Their eyes light up; theyre having fun, and maybe Ive planted the seed for 20 years from now, he said. Thats how I got into the hobby, someone handed me a throttle when I was a kid, and I thought, wow, this is pretty neat, and Ive been doing it ever since. Chuck and Laurie Lind have been participating in this event for years and are still adding onto their model of a 1930s logging community in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, Lind said. This has been an ongoing project since 2010, something Lind credits to his retirement and fascination for railroads. Having constructed a 30-by-40-foot room to display his model, Chuck said he is working on building a larger room for next years Model Railroad Open House. Youre always changing and modifying and doing other things, he said. While he has chosen to model California logging railroads, Chuck said there will be a multitude of places represented by this years railroad modelers. I model California logging railroads in the thirties, and there are other people that model Santa Fe; some of them model other things in Colorado, so I mean its quite diverse in what people do, he said. There are a couple of them that are in that process; theyre running, and they look great and have a lot of things going, but they may not have all the scenery in place. Some of them are more scenic like mine; Ive got areas of mine that are not in scenery, so youre going to see some different areas and what it takes to actually build one of these railroads. Recognizing that there is still a lot to learn about railroads and building their models, Chuck said he does his best to make his layouts as realistic as possible. The same goes for a lot of the other railroad modelers as well, he said. From building the mountain scenery and cars by the inch, the work that goes into every piece of these layouts is immense. This, as well as their collective passion for the railroad industry, is why the local railroad modeling community has formed a strong connection, Chuck said as he joked about him and Lauries ties to the group. We joke that we have three sides of the family, he said. We have my side of the family, her [Lauries] side of the family and then the railroad family. The Model Railroad Open House is free and open to the public. For information on these layouts and more, visit www.sanjacmodeltrains.org. Open House Locations Laurie & Chuck Lind, 3680 County Road 324, Navasota Richard Gemp, 3939 Kuykendall Road, Bellville Bob Barnett, 1904 Clements Lane, Navasota Jason Carr & Andrew Conway, 200 South Dixie St., Brenham Gregg & Delores Hammargren, 5404 Sandy Creek Lane, Brenham. Pat & Carl Lester, 4902 Bay Oaks Ct., College Station B/CS Model Railroad Society, 3057 Montana (Bonham Park), Bryan Open houses will be held at various times and locations on Saturday and Sunday. Lind and his wife, Laurie, will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Richard Gemps open house will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, and Bob Barnetts will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Jason Carr and Andrew Conways layouts will be available for viewing from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Pat and Carl Lesters open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and the Bryan-College Station Railroad Society will be hosting its open house from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Gregg and Delores Hammargrens open house will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday only. 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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 The location of a new billboard seeking Grand Island police officers wasnt chosen at random. The billboard, which has been up for about a month, is near the intersection of Highway 281 and Capital Avenue. Grand Island police administrators hope officers from other departments will see the sign when they visit the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center. The billboards main purpose is to advertise the need for officers and show the benefits of the job. But the secondary idea is to attract lateral applicants people from other departments. Current law enforcement officers from around the state come to the Law Enforcement Training Center to receive training and assist with training. The billboard also might plant a seed with new officers who might think of Grand Island down the road. Wanted! certified and entry level officers, the billboard says. In any case, many drivers pass by the sign every day. GIPD Capt. Dean Elliott says if we can get one or two people hired from a billboard the more we can get hired, the better we are. The billboard points out that starting pay at GIPD ranges from $64,000 to $89,000. Elliott noted that the union got a really nice pay increase earlier this year, referring to Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No 24. The billboard also talks about shift differential and extra benefits. GIPD offers a night shift differential, Elliott said. Officers who work in specialized positions also receive an additional stipend. An example is a field training officer who trains new recruits. In addition to good health insurance, other benefits include a clothing allowance. Officers receive a new vest every five years. In an effort to develop future police officers, GIPD works with students at Central Community College and Grand Island Senior Highs Academy of Education, Law and Public Safety. 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-Nebraska 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. Voters will choose between Steele and Brown on Nov. 8 Grand Island voters will choose Nov. 8 whether Roger Steele or Doug Brown will be the citys Looking at donations for Grand Island mayoral race In the race for Grand Island mayor, incumbent Roger Steele has spent $99,929.65 on his campaign, while challenger Doug Brown has expended $11,867.93. Grand Island city candidates Q&A Candidates in the Grand Island mayoral and city council races responded to a survey sent out by The Independent ahead of the Nov. 8 election. SOFIA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- One Bulgarian policeman was killed on Monday evening while inspecting the fence on the country's border with Turkiye, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement Tuesday. Petar Todorov, secretary general of Bulgaria's Interior Ministry, told reporters that the policeman and a soldier were patrolling along the border by car when they noticed a cut in the fence. The policeman got out of the patrol vehicle and directed a flashlight to the cut in the fence, but a shot immediately followed, and the policeman was killed with the first shot, said Todorov. The unknown shooters fired another 10-15 shots, but the other participant in the patrol managed to hide behind the vehicle and remained unharmed, he said. "The perpetrator is believed to be on Turkish territory," said the ministry, adding that an investigation is underway to determine the murderer. Teaching is not a flexible job, Helzer said. My very first year of teaching, I had an insane number of preps. I had like nine preps and an eighth period day, so nine different classes to plan for. Seven Nebraskans federally indicted in Alabama for a plot to start fires at Walmart stores in the South are set for sentencing after entering guilty pleas in the case. Sean Bottorff and his wife, Jenna Bottorff, and Erica Sikes made their court appearances this week in Mobile, Alabama. Erica Sikes' husband, Jeffery Sikes, and Alexander Olson entered pleas last week. Each face a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 for their part in the scheme. Michael Bottorff entered his plea Monday. He faces a maximum term of five years. As does Quinton Olson, who pleaded guilty in September. All of the seven have ties to Kearney. In the indictment, prosecutors say they all participated in meetings and drafted a "Declaration of War." Christopher Bodnar, Assistant U.S. Attorney, said in it the seven referenced malicious fires set by a group called The Veterans Order, which sought to make demands on Walmart related to the company's commercial practices, "and threatens further malicious fires if Walmart Inc. does not comply with the demands." Bodnar didn't specify which commercial practices the group opposed. The indictment details arsons at a Walmart in Mobile, Alabama, on May 27, 2021, a store in Tillmans Corner, Alabama, on May 28, and at stores in Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi, on June 4. According to Bodnar, the seven tried to set racks of clothing and other materials on fire. In-store security camera footage and cellphone data tracked their movements. Bodnar said they bought a burner phone to take photos of a six-page manifesto titled Declaration of War and Demands for the People, which they sent to media outlets. First among their list of demands was a pay increase of $18 per hour for all employees, according to Fox 10, a TV station in Mobile, which posted it. In the Alabama incidents, court records say, Jeffery Sikes was using the alias Kenneth Allen while living in Gulf Shores. Sean Bottorff, also known as Sean McFarland, is Sikes brother-in-law and disappeared at the same time as Sikes, his wife and Bottorff's wife, Jenna. Michael Bottorff is Sean Bottorffs stepson, according to records. The indictment says that at the time of the fires, they all were living in a rental house in Lillian, an unincorporated community in Alabama. Paris, TX (75460) Today Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Clear. Low 33F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. As the founder of Gum Drops, a Carterville-based not-for-profit entity which provides backpacks of food items for area children to take home from school, Giving Tuesday is important to Simpson and her organization. Giving Tuesday is vital to Gum Drops, Simpson said. Its our main source of income that we use to purchase all of our food. She is not alone in the value she places on Giving Tuesday. Across the country, charities and nonprofits rely on what has become a day of charity to help them survive and thrive. Traditionally observed the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday began in 2012 and has since generated billions for charitable causes. It is estimated $2.7 billion was raised nationally in 2021. The day is important in Southern Illinois, too, according to Michelle Snyder, program manager with the Southern Illinois Community Foundation. Her organization works with dozens of area non-profits as part of a single awareness and fundraising campaign during Giving Tuesday. Its really a time to recognize nonprofits or other charitable organizations in your community and find out ways that you can help out whether it is through donating your time, your talent or your treasures, she said. Its really a global movement that allows people to recognize the importance of giving and philanthropy. Snyder said the campaign organized by the Southern Illinois Community Foundation netted a combined $178,000 for more than 100 area groups last year. The effort also works to raise awareness this year, with a 30-hour telethon-type event on WSIL-TV beginning at 5 p.m. on Nov. 28 and running throughout Giving Tuesday. Sometimes one of the hardest things for a nonprofit to do is to market itself as an organization and tell the story of what they do. Many non-profits in this opportunity really benefit from the marketing, training and other benefits of the program. We really want our nonprofits to raise as much money as they can during the 30 hours, Snyder said. She added that Giving Tuesday is vital for many charities. Theres definitely an importance of receiving donations. A lot of nonprofits are trying to strategically plan for the next years and its especially important now as so many are in a transition phase, coming out of COVID and trying to determine what their future will look like, she said. This not only provides them an opportunity to get the word out about their story and their mission but also to raise the funds that they need. Its about transforming our community. Simpson said she hesitates to think where Gum Drops would be without donations on Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a wonderful thing for all of us in the nonprofit world, she said. ANNA Arrowleaf hosted a grand opening for a new community center Monday afternoon at 302 South St. in Anna. Sherrie Crabb, CEO of Arrowleaf, said the building was vacant for several years. Denuta Del Rio, grant program director at Arrowleaf, received a SAMHSA CMHC grant while she was executive director of Union County Counseling. That grant was used to renovate the building after Union County Counseling merged with Arrowleaf. It has been an evolution, Del Rio said. It is better and more viable. The open house was dedicated to a long-time employee of Union County Counseling, Bonnie Bradley. Bradley first worked at the counseling center as a life skills teacher for five years. She decided to go to school to become a licensed practical nurse to better care for her clients. Her daughter, Sarah Brown, said she went to school while caring for two children, Brown and her son Travis, and taking care of her mother-in-law who had cancer. Bradley served Union County Counseling for 27 years. She contracted COVID-19. Her daughter, Sarah Brown, said she contracted COVID pneumonia and was on a ventilator 12 days. She died Aug. 4, 2021. Bradleys husband, Ray, daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren attended the open house, along with other members of her family. Ray Bradley said he was very humbled and honored that Arrowleaf chose to recognize his wife during the open house. His wife devoted a big part of her life to her patients at Union County Counseling. She would come out and make sure everyone was OK, Ray Bradley said. He said the stories her fellow employees told about her coming out to make sure medication was in place or delivered were true. She rarely missed making a call to take care of patients. He added that Bonnie Bradley had a nephew with disabilities, and she helped take care of him. It kind of taught her how to care for others. If she only helped one person, it was worth the challenges. I am honored they let me cut the ribbon to open the place, Ray Bradley said. Bonnie spent her entire life caring for others. Crabb also gave Bradleys coworkers an opportunity to talk about their memories of her. I loved Bonnie because she shared her own opinion. You knew how she felt because she told you, Kenya Crouch said. She even knew I was pregnant before I told anyone. She added that she wished Bradley was here to meet her son. Del Rio said she would go home and tell her husband to guess what she learned from Bradley today. Coworkers called her very caring, sincere about providing care and dedicated. She knew her clients, how they were doing, what tricks worked with them and even what medication they took. Crabb said she wished she had gotten to meet Bradley. A small display dedicated to Bradley was in the classroom during the open house. Crabb said the new community center will be used for group services for individuals with mental health diagnoses or symptoms. Once a month, the center will be used for Rainbow Cafe On the Go, through a partnership with the Rainbow Cafe. They will provide a peer group for LGBTQ+ youth and their family and friends to receive non-judgmental support and access resources. The main floor of the community center features a large meeting room equipped with a lounge, tables and chairs and electronics for Zoom meetings or similar online meetings, along with a small kitchenette and restrooms. Services will be increased to including groups for building healthy relationships, mental health wellness and mindfulness, developing wellness recovery action plans, grief and bereavement support and traumatic experiences support. The entire main floor of the building can be rented outside of Arrowleaf service hours by eligible services and organizations. The fee will be a donation of $100. Anyone interested in renting the community center is asked to contact Del Rio at 618-658-3079 or danuta.derio@myarrowleaf.org. An 82-year-old man sustains a skull fracture from a predawn home invasion, and you think its funny? Or that its fodder for another dumb conspiracy theory? What did you do with your humanity? Where did you mislay your souls? Have you no sense of decency at long last? One is tempted to say that in your response to Friday mornings attack on Paul Pelosi, many of you on the political right have hit rock bottom. But you lot have a knack for excavating depths that would make the Mole Man think twice, so lets just content ourselves with saying that youve struck a new low. According to San Francisco Police, Pelosi was awakened before 2:30 in the morning by an intruder calling Wheres Nancy? a reference to Pelosis wife, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Paul Pelosi managed to call 911 and police arrived to find him and another man struggling over a hammer, which the intruder snatched away and used to bash the speakers husband in the head. One would think this would be a moment for you to set politics aside, to offer words of consolation, comfort and thanks that Pelosi is expected to make a full recovery. But one would be wrong. While some of you Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, former Vice President Mike Pence among them offered well wishes, others were unable to clear even that low moral bar. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin could not resist telling an audience that they would send Pelosi back to California to join her husband. How Virginia voters are supposed to send a California representative anywhere, he did not say. In Arizona, gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake mocked that Pelosis home doesnt have enough protection. And a clutch of conservative luminaries Donald Trump Jr., Dinesh DSouza and Elon Musk among them, promoted a bizarre viral theory that the attack was actually a fight between gay lovers. So yeah, what is wrong with you? When did you run over your moral compass with a truck? The question is not about politics. Its about your demonization of political opponents. Its about your lies of election skulduggery. Its about your rejection of objective reality. Its about your embrace of violent rhetoric and imagery, such that every other campaign commercial now co-stars a gun. And its about how all that culminates in one of your followers invading Pelosis home. Meantime, others threaten violence against Democratic lawmakers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Eric Swalwell and perceived GOP turncoats Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, one sent out mail bombs in 2018, and thousands stormed the Capitol in 2021. Granted, the right has no monopoly on crazies. The 2017 shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise would refute any such claim. But let us not pretend the overwhelming bulk of the danger does not stem from conservatives. There is a reason the Department of Homeland Security lists the far right as the nations greatest domestic terror threat. Yet you behave as if all this were some kind of game. You are sobered by nothing. You are dangerous brats who respect nothing, least of all the country you claim to love. Was your home training that deficient? Did no one ever sit down with you and offer basic lessons in how to be human? Seriously, whats your deal? When an unoffending 82-year-old man has his skull broken by anyone, much less by one of your true believers, the proper response is empathy, period. Shame on you and heaven help us all that that even needs to be said. A 28-year-old Columbia woman pleaded guilty to a Dec. 18, 2018 armed robbery during a recent term of court held at the Orangeburg County Courthouse. Porscha Leann Hardy, of 1211 Bryton Trace, entered her plea before Circuit Judge Cothran R. Ferrell. He sentenced Hardy to 10 years in prison. After she serves 32 months, the remainder of her term will be suspended to three years of probation. Prosecutors dismissed her charge of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Charges remain pending for Shakema Monique White, 26, of Banashee Circle, Orangeburg. Shes facing one count each of armed robbery and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Hardys other co-defendant, Levond Keitt, 37, of 60 Spinnaker Drive, Winnsboro, pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery on March 5, 2020. He was sentenced to three years in prison. The three are accused of robbing a Cordova convenience store. In other recent guilty pleas: Christopher Bryan Still, 38, of 149 First Bend Road, Harleyville, pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy and two counts of injury to real property to obtain nonferrous metals with damage valued less than $5,000. Circuit Judge Brooks Goldsmith sentenced Still to 18 months in prison. Goldsmith also ordered Still to pay restitution and gave him credit for having already served 73 days at the Orangeburg County Detention Center. Prosecutors dismissed the following charges: possession of implements capable of being used in a crime, possession of nonferrous metals, petit larceny valued at $2,000 or less and malicious injury to real property valued at $2,000 or less. Desmond Tyrell Riley, 34, of 242 Boswell Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense failure to stop for blue lights. Circuit Judge Roger M. Young sentenced him to one year in prison and gave him credit for having already served 112 days in jail. Young also revoked Rileys probation. Prosecutors dismissed his charge of failing to report striking fixtures on or adjacent to highway. Brigette Nickole Shirey, 20, of 833 Whisenhunt Road, Cope, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of narcotics and first-offense possession of cocaine. Shirey originally faced first-offense possession of 15 dose units of MDMA or ecstasy but pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of narcotics instead. Young sentenced her under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed two years, suspended to one year of probation. He also ordered Shirey to undergo random drug/alcohol testing and to complete substance abuse counseling. Prosecutors dismissed Shireys charges of unlawful possession of prescription drugs without a prescription and first-offense possession of one ounce or less of marijuana. Ted Mac Varnes, 51, of 190 Whaley Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer while resisting arrest, second-offense failure to stop for blue lights, possession of a stolen vehicle and grand larceny valued $10,000 or more. Young sentenced him to three years in prison. Prosecutors dismissed the following charges: first-offense uninsured motor vehicle fee violation, defacing vehicle license plate with intent to defraud, failure to possess registration card, second-offense driving under suspension license not suspended for DUI, unlawful carrying of a pistol, receiving stolen goods valued at $2,000 or less and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent felony. Noah Alaxander Vazquez, 19, of 124 Tabby Lane, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of cocaine and first-offense possession of narcotics. Vazquez was originally charged with first-offense possession of 15 dosage units or less of MDMA or ecstasy but he pleaded guilty to first-offense possession of narcotics instead. Prosecutors dismissed charges of first-offense possession of one ounce or less of marijuana and possession of prescription drugs without a prescription. PARIS, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- France's renewable energy sector will bring in 30.9 billion euros (31.1 billion U.S. dollars) of revenue in 2022-2023, the country's Commission for Energy Regulation (CRE) said in a press release Tuesday. The energy regulator has revised its July forecasts upwards following surges in the market prices of electricity. Wind power will bring about the bulk of the revenue, up to 21.7 billion euros, the photovoltaic sector will bring 3.5 billion euros and the hydraulic sector, 1.7 billion euros, according to the latest estimates provided by CRE. The country's renewable energy revenues will help finance the tariff shields and shock absorbers designed to protect consumers and businesses from soaring energy prices, CRE said. It warned, however, of an early termination of the support contracts for some renewable energy producers, which will lead to a cumulative loss of 6 to 7 billion euros for the country in 2022 and 2023. CRE recommends strengthening the taxation of inframarginal rents planned by European Union regulations for these facilities. Wyoming is home to some of the worst coal ash contamination in the country, a new report from a pair of environmental groups says. Authored by the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice, the report ranks the Naughton and Jim Bridger power plants both located in southwestern Wyoming and owned by Rocky Mountain Power parent company PacifiCorp as the No. 3 and No. 4 most polluted U.S. coal ash sites. Federally mandated monitoring has identified between double and 242 times the accepted level of more than a dozen harmful chemicals in groundwater near the plants coal ash ponds and landfills, and there is evidence that leakage from unlined or poorly lined sites is at least partly responsible, the report alleges. Coal ash, the waste left behind after coal is burned, is typically stored by utilities in ponds or landfills near the power plants that produce it. Comparatively lax containment regulations in decades past resulted in contaminants like arsenic, boron, lead and lithium seeping from some coal ash disposal sites into nearby groundwater and flowing slowly away. The report accuses a number of utilities, including PacifiCorp, of flouting the Environmental Protection Agencys 2015 Coal Combustion Residuals Rule also known as its Coal Ash Rule which directs utilities to meet heightened safety standards when storing coal ash and to clean up existing sites that are violating those requirements. This inaction leaves a legacy of waste that needs to be addressed, said Michele Irwin, an organizer with the Wyoming landowners group Powder River Basin Resource Council, during a press conference with the authors on Thursday. At Naughton, the report found, PacifiCorp is actively working on one of its six regulated coal ash units and has plans to remediate at least one more, but has not moved forward with corrective actions at a pair of ash ponds that the authors suspect are also impacting groundwater quality. And while the company has taken steps to clean up one of the two Jim Bridger coal ash ponds and intends to treat the other, the report suggests that both ponds and a separate coal ash landfill may all be leaking. The report ranked PacifiCorps Dave Johnston Power Plant at No. 127 and Basin Electric Power Cooperatives Laramie River Station at No. 145, each with significantly more minor violations. PacifiCorp spokesperson Tiffany Erickson denied any wrongdoing on the utilitys part and said the report contained inaccurate or misleading information in a statement emailed to the Star-Tribune. The company is in full compliance with federal regulations, and with community input is actively engaged in the assessment, correction and remediation of groundwater impacts identified under the provisions of the rule, Erickson said. It has and will continue to implement the most effective remediation steps at all of its plants, she added, including closing or cleaning up coal ash units where necessary. A public health nurse at Lincoln County Public Health, reached via phone, was not familiar with any contamination. And the city of Kemmerer, where Naughton is located, has been very pleased with both the Coal Mines and Rocky Mountain Powers efforts to be good environmental stewards, City Administrator Brian Muir said in an email to the Star-Tribune. The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing the report and is in the process of evaluating compliance at all facilities subject to the Coal Ash Rule, according to Rich Mylott, a regional public affairs specialist. But Keith Guille, outreach program manager at the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, said the Kemmerer and Jim Bridger plants are on the agencys radar. Were aware of potential contamination of these sites, he said. How those are contaminated, I just dont have an answer for you. The agency has not identified any immediate threats to human health at private wells in the affected areas, Guille added. Erickson, from PacifiCorp, said the plants coal ash units are not impacting any public sources of drinking water. A law enacted in the wake of the Coal Ash Rule allows federal officials to delegate oversight of coal ash including most of the associated monitoring and enforcement obligations to states equipped to manage it. Wyoming hopes to secure that authority sometime next year, Guille said. Well be working with these facilities, and other facilities, for the long term here, he said. Getting them up to standards thats the hope as soon as we can take over this program. JACKSON (WNE) With a $2.4 million match from Silver Star Communications, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced that it will provide another $6.3 million grant to bring high-speed internet access to people living and working in Lincoln and Teton counties. Access to gigabit Broadband Fiber connectivity is critical in the communities we service, Elizabeth Acosta-McCune, vice president of sales and marketing for Silver Star, said in a news release on Oct. 6. This is allowing our families and small businesses the tools to access work, education and telehealth in todays digital world. A $6.3 million ReConnect grant was awarded to Silver Star to provide high-speed internet services to underserved areas in western Wyoming. The investment includes funding from the $1 trillion infrastructure law passed by Congress and signed by President Biden last year, which provides $65 billion to expand reliable, affordable, high-speed internet to all communities across the U.S. Access to reliable high-speed internet is more important than ever, Glenn Pauley, USDA Wyoming state director, said in a Wednesday news release. Our rural communities cannot sustain without it; having a connection to the outside world helps our students learn and keeps our small businesses open. Silver Star is a regional leader in fiber optics, which has been the companys primary technology for new broadband infrastructure since 2005. Silver Star in recent years has announced an aggressive five-year plan to build out fiber in Star Valley; Swan Valley, Idaho; and Teton Valley, Idaho, while also pursuing grant opportunities, such as this RUS-RD grant, to connect additional underserved rural areas. Chinese premier calls for stronger China-Cambodia friendship, closer East Asian cooperation Xinhua) 08:29, November 08, 2022 PHNOM PENH, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for a stronger China-Cambodia friendship and a closer East Asian cooperation prior to his official visit to Cambodia and attendance at the leaders' meetings on East Asia cooperation. Recent years have witnessed continued growth of China-Cambodia relations, Li said in a signed article published in Cambodian newspapers Khmer Times and Jian Hua Daily. Noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping made a successful visit to Cambodia in 2016, and awarded Cambodian Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China in 2020, Li said both events marked new chapters in China-Cambodia friendship. "Our sincere cooperation has produced tangible results. Such achievements are recorded in the history of our joint pursuit of common development, and will be forever etched in our memory," Li said, adding that "such achievements are taking forward the historic process of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries working together for a shared future." Given the profound and complex changes in the region and the world and a significant rise in factors of instability, uncertainty and insecurity, Li said, it is imperative that regional countries build on their historical experience and seize the current opportunities, and open up new prospects for the future if they are to maintain stability and keep the momentum of development going. "Over the past ten years, China and other countries in the region have made the best of our geopolitical proximity, economic complementarity, cultural affinity and our potentials to promote results-oriented cooperation," Li noted. For example, Li said, a number of major projects such as the China-Laos Railway and Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway have been delivered, providing strong underpinning for the economic growth and livelihood improvement in the region. "We have continued to push for trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. China-ASEAN trade has withstood external headwinds, and our trade volume has grown from 400 billion U.S. dollars to 800 billion dollars," he said. Noting that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has entered into force, Li said this multilateral free trade agreement is the world's largest in terms of both economic aggregate and population served, and has injected strong impetus to regional economic integration, economic globalization and free trade. Despite difficulties and challenges, regional countries have properly addressed issues at sea and managed their differences, having pressed ahead with consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, carried out results-oriented maritime cooperation, and worked to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, said the Chinese premier. Faced with the persistent COVID pandemic, regional countries have come together in solidarity and supported each other, adding new dimensions to their friendship, he said. Calling the friendship between China and Cambodia "a millennium-old" one that has withstood the test of time, Li said "this great friendship has transcended time and has remained as strong as ever." "We have firmly supported and spoken up for each other on issues of core interests and major concerns. The proven mutual trust and friendship have been deeply embedded in the hearts of our peoples," he said. According to the article, in the past few years, as the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement was signed and entered into force, bilateral trade has exceeded 10 billion dollars, two years earlier than expected. High-quality rice, Basa fish, bananas, mangoes and the longan from Cambodia are readily available on Chinese market and on the menu of Chinese households. More than 170 companies from around the world have settled in the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, which was jointly developed by China and Cambodia, creating nearly 30,000 job opportunities for local people. Construction of the new international airport in Siem Reap is well underway. The expressway from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, the first of its kind in Cambodia, has been completed. Looking ahead, Li stressed in the article the need to stay committed to multilateralism and economic globalization, which represents the way forward, in the face of the volatile international landscape and the treacherous global economic situation. "We need to strengthen complementarity between our development strategies, earnestly implement the RCEP, drive our cooperation on the two wheels of regional trade and free trade, and work together to build an open regional economy," Li said. "We need to seize the opportunities created by the new revolution in science, technology and industry, foster new drivers for cooperation in such areas as 5G, artificial intelligence and smart cities," he said. Li also stressed the need to accelerate the transition toward a digital economy and a digital society, rise to the challenges of climate change and the crisis of energy security, and address the impacts of the pandemic on people's livelihood. China will do its part to help ensure a stable supply in food and energy, and will continue to deepen people-to-people exchanges by promoting cultural and tourism cooperation, he said. Noting that China always firmly supports ASEAN unity and centrality, Li said that China's ASEAN friends can rest assured that there will be no pressure from China for them to take sides, only encouragement for common progress in solidarity. "As the largest developing country in the world, China will remain focused on running our own affairs well to deliver a better life for the Chinese people," he said. "Going forward, we will take strong measures to ensure steady, sound and sustainable growth of China's economy," he said. Li said China will stay committed to its fundamental state policy of opening up, open still wider to the world, and continue to foster an enabling business environment that is based on market principles, governed by law, and up to international standards. "China will stand together through times of adversity with Cambodia and other countries in the region, and work together to build a stronger China-Cambodia friendship and a closer East Asian cooperation," he added. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) T&Ts Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) declined by 15.14 per cent between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022, according to the two quarterly reports for the Fund for this year. The HSF reports, which are published on the Ministry of Finance website, indicate that at the start of 2022, the value of the assets in the Fund totaled US$5.62 billion. At the end of March 2022, the total net asset value of the HSF was US$5.29 billion, approximately US$323.63 million lower than the previous quarters closing value. And at the end of June 2022, the total net asset value of the HSF was US$4.77 bllion, approximately US$528 million lower than the previous quarters closing value of US$5,299.5 million. 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. AN 89-year-old woman was found dead in Tunapuna yesterday morning after a fire at her home. The deceased has been identified as Zubida Mohammed of Prescott Lane in Tunapuna. Residents of the area told the Express that around 8.45 a.m. they heard a loud explosion, and then observed flames coming from one of the rooms of the bottom floor of the two-storey home. Now hear this: Local animal lovers can help pets in need by joining Ride With the PACC (Pima Animal Care Center) or supporting one of their 58 cyclists in El Tour de Tucson on Nov. 19. The group of volunteers are members of Friends of PACC, the nonprofit affiliate support group for PACC, the only admission shelter in the county that takes in about 19,000 pets in need every year. Every dollar makes an incredible difference, and we have a dedicated team of FUNDriders whose efforts are invaluable to helping more animals while also bringing awareness to the needs of PACC. The funds we raise with Friends of PACC are meant to help some of the hardest-to-place animals. We have lots of hardship cases and animals with medical issues that take extra love or attention and sometimes that translates into extra resources, said Torre Chisolm, development director of PACC. Hardship cases have increased significantly at PACC and nationwide because of pandemic-related issues, according to volunteer Ursula Schwarz, who is also a member of Ride With the PACC. During the pandemic it was almost impossible to see a vet, and many of the free spaying and neutering programs ended, so people werent able to get dogs spayed or neutered, and there has been an explosion of puppies. There have also been so many evictions and other financial hardships, and people are not able to afford pet care. This is a nationwide problem and something needs to be done, said Schwarz. As of last week, the shelter housed more than 140 cats and 564 dogs. Schwarz said the dogs in the kennels included more than 200 long stays, or dogs that had been at PACC for more than 30 days. She is advocating for several that have been in the shelter for more than six months, including Kylo, a boxer-mix. When dogs have been there for longer than six months, some actually become sort of resigned, like This is my life. Others endlessly spin in the kennel or bark or withdraw or become a bite risk. Personally, I think the smarter the dog, the less they can handle it, said Schwarz. The longtime supporter of PACC does all she can to help mitigate the problems. She plans to ride in her 20th El Tour and use the funds she raises for noise abatement at the shelter, which has been at capacity for months. The crowded conditions many kennels contain two dogs cause a noise level that can be unhealthy for people and animals, according to Schwarz. I have an app that measures the noise, and I have looked up the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations. Anything over 70 at a sustained level is not good and may cause hearing loss in people. I have measured it at 119 at times, so you can imagine how it impacts the dogs, said Schwarz, who has raised more than $6,500 toward the cause. Chisolm said that Friends of PACC is working with Pima County to develop possible solutions to address the noise, which can be overwhelming for volunteers and visitors as well as pets. The volume can lead to additional stress for the animals, which makes it harder for them to show their personalities to families who want to adopt. It is also stressful for the adopters. This needs to be a comfortable space and acoustic abatement will go a long way toward helping four-legged and two-legged users at PACC, said Chisolm. Other funds raised in 2022 by Ride With the PACC total more than $11,000 to date and will be used for a variety of programs and services including general funds; behavior training; emergency medical funds; the Safety Net Program, which takes in pets in need of temporary foster care when their people have experienced an emergency; the Decompression Program for scared, under-socialized dogs; and Dog Enrichment for dogs in isolation. Schwarz said all of these programs are vital to the health of the animals, and she is working hard to promote awareness about their presence in the community. I am surprised about how many people dont know about PACC. Maybe that is why people who have lost pets and are looking for them dont think about going to PACC. Community awareness is something that we are working on, and I think Ride With the PACC can help with that, she said. Pima County is required by state law to provide live feeds from the ballot counting center. Those working in these rooms are fulltime and intermittent Elections Department employees and observers from different political parties, according to Pima County's official website. Ballot processing feed: Vault feed: Two people were arrested after a standoff with authorities on the northwest side on Monday, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said. At about 6:30 a.m. a deputy attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Christina Rivera, 39, near West Manville Road and North Reservation Road, the department said in a news release. Rivera was being sought in connection with several investigations in the Picture Rocks area. Rivera did not stop, and the deputy began pursuing her vehicle before calling off the chase because of public safety concerns, the department said. Later, Rivera's car was found to have crashed through a fence in the 11000 block of West Picture Rocks Road. A citizen reported that a woman was seen walking in the desert. The woman, later identified as Rivera, was tracked to a residence near the 6000 block of North Van Ark Road. It was also determined that another person, Michael Romero, 37, was also in the residence. Romero has a felony warrant out for his arrest, according to the U.S. Marshal's Service. With the assistance of the Pima Regional SWAT team, the residence was surrounded. Eventually, Rivera and Romero surrendered without incident. Romero was turned over to the Marshals Service for his warrant. Rivera was arrested on suspicion of felony unlawful flight, with other felony charges pending. A preliminary plan aims to reshape and modestly grow the 250-mile trail system in the rugged Santa Catalinas north of Tucson. The plan would shape future hiking, biking and climbing in the area. It was developed by staff from the Santa Catalina Ranger District, which administers the Catalinas, along with recreation staff on the SCRDs parent Coronado National Forest. The plan is based on 861 public comments and 2,377 reactions captured during a comment period from December 2021 to January 2022 and follow-up meetings with 73 trail user, partner and management organizations. Commenters made specific trail suggestions on an interactive story map. Nothing in the plan is a done deal its a conceptual document that sets priorities for improving trails, connections, trailheads, and parking areas; adopting a few unauthorized trails and even closing some lesser-used, remote and/or impossible to restore trails. It proposes an exciting new scenic trail and new provision for mountain bikers, climbers and users with limited mobility. This is the first comprehensive planning process for Catalina trails. It began in June 2021, prompted by the Bighorn Fire of 2020 that damaged 50% of trails. After the fire burned almost 120,000 acres, the Forest Service closed almost 207 miles of trails in the burn scar. Most trails have been reopened, but some heavily burned segments are damaged beyond repair. The draft plan seeks to create a sustainable trail system with improved management of popular areas. Any new projects approved in a final plan would be formally assessed for environmental benefits/concerns under National Environmental Planning Act requirements. People can comment on the Forest Service plan, available at bit.ly/3sPYKmR until Dec. 2. Written comments can be submitted by email to sm.fs.scrd@usda.gov. A virtual public meeting will be held 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, via Microsoft Teams at bit.ly/3fr9gy8. For those who prefer people and paper maps to the internet, the Forest Service will host a public meeting from 5:15 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Tucson Jewish Community Center ballroom, 3800 E. River Road. Child care is available for children up to 12 years. Photos: Exploring Peppersauce Cave near Oracle in 1948 Police are searching for the driver of a white pickup truck that struck and killed a man on Friday evening. Officers were sent to the 4300 block of East Pima Street near North Columbus Boulevard at about 6:30 p.m. for a report of a pedestrian being struck. The driver of a white Dodge Ram had fled before officers arrived. Tucson Fire personnel took the pedestrian to Banner-University Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Detectives determined the pedestrian was crossing in the middle of the block on Pima Street from north to south when he was struck by the pickup truck that was eastbound, police said. Detective noted there are no street lights in the area where the pedestrian was struck. On Sunday, police were notified that the pedestrian had died. He was identified as Fred Worthington III, 60. Crossing the street in the middle of the block by Worthington is the major contributing factor of the collision, police said. However, leaving the scene of a fatal collision by the driver is the focus of the investigation. Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to call 88-CRIME or 911. Cornell frat parties on hold; druggings, assault reported ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) Fraternity parties are temporarily suspended at Cornell University after reports that a student was sexually assaulted over the weekend and four others were reportedly drugged in recent weeks. Leaders of the Ivy League university in upstate New York said this week that all of the incidents occurred at residences affiliated with registered fraternities. Investigations are ongoing. A Cornell University Police alert Friday warned of at least four incidents since Sept. 24 in which students reported they had become incapacitated while attending parties off campus, despite having consumed little or no alcohol. On Sunday, university police said a student reported being sexually assaulted at an event early that morning. Epstein victim drops claim against attorney Alan Dershowitz NEW YORK (AP) A woman who recently settled a lawsuit against Prince Andrew resulting from claims she was sexually trafficked to the British royal and others by financier Jeffrey Epstein has dropped a similar claim against attorney Alan Dershowitz, saying she may have erred. Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit against the prominent lawyer was withdrawn on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court. In a statement, Dershowitz said he was gratified that the claims were dismissed and Giuffre has admitted she may have made a mistake. He noted that no payments were exchanged in the settlement. In a statement, Giuffre noted that Dershowitz had consistently denied the allegations. California hit by rain, snow, tornado on Election Day LOS ANGELES (AP) One person died and two others were missing in a raging stream channel as a powerful storm pounded California with rain and snow on Election Day, while a tornado touched down in Sacramento County. The National Weather Service said the tornado touched down at 1:40 p.m. a few miles outside the town of Galt. NBC affiliate KCRA in Sacramento reported that a tin roof on a barn was blown off and took down utility lines. No other damage was reported. In Southern California, a current in a canal in Ontario, a city in Southern California, swept six people away, killing one, the Ontario Fire Department said. Firefighters rescued three others from the water, and they were searching for the others. The storm arrived Monday and is forecast to last into midweek. Greek museum displays 1st batch of artworks recouped from US ATHENS, Greece (AP) For decades, an important part of Greeces cultural heritage sparkled only for the very few in a U.S. billionaires private collection, until a groundbreaking deal for its gradual return to Athens. Now 15 of the prehistoric masterpieces have gone on public view for the first time in a temporary display in Athens. This display is coming ahead of their final return, together with the remaining 146 works, by the year 2048. Greek opposition politicians, and some archaeologists, have said that's too long. But Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said Tuesday that the August deal which also involved New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art was the best possible one Greece could get. 18-carat pink diamond reaps $28.8 million at Geneva auction GENEVA (AP) A pear-shaped 18-carat pink diamond billed as a rarity sold at a Geneva auction for 28.4 million Swiss francs ($28.8 million) including fees and taxes, on the lower end of the expected range. The Fortune Pink fancy vivid pink stone, said to be the largest of its kind and shape to go on the block, headlined Christies latest Geneva sale of jewelry. It had been expected to fetch between $25 million and $35 million. The auction house said an unidentified Asian buyer snapped up the diamond. Managing director Tobias Kormind of 77 Diamonds, an online diamond jeweler, said the sale price was disappointing and blamed financial headwinds for making even wealthy buyers more cautious. US identifies American slain in Baghdad, questions remain BAGHDAD (AP) The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has identified an American citizen who was fatally shot in the Iraqi capital as Stephen Edward Troell. The identification came Tuesday, a day after the 45-year-old was killed in central Baghdad, a rare killing of a foreigner not seen in Iraq for years. Troell was a Tennessee native living in Baghdad with his family and working in a language center and a non-governmental organization. The circumstances surrounding Troells death and his activities in Iraq are shrouded in mystery. It's not immediately clear why Troell was killed. Iraq's prime minister has ordered an investigation into the incident. Discovery of bronzes rewrites Italy's Etruscan-Roman history ROME (AP) Italian authorities have announced the extraordinary discovery of more than 2,000-year-old bronze statues in an ancient Tuscan thermal spring. They say the find will rewrite history about the transition from the Etruscan civilization to the Roman Empire. The discovery occurred in the San Casciano dei Bagni archaeological dig near Siena. The Culture Ministry says it's one of the most significant ever in the Mediterranean and certainly the most important since the 1972 underwater discovery of the famed Riace bronze warriors. The Culture Ministry announced the construction of a new museum to house the antiquities in the area. Arson suspect arrested in Mississippi capital city fires JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with seven fires in Mississippis capital city. At least two of the buildings set ablaze early Tuesday are churches. Another fire broke out on Jackson State Universitys baseball field. No injuries were reported. After a search that lasted several hours, the Hinds County Sheriffs Office announced Tuesday afternoon that they had arrested Devin McLaurin in connection with the arsons. They did not provide any information about McLaurins motivation. A spokesperson for the Jackson Police Department said he is being charged with felony malicious mischief. He is being questioned by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and may face additional charges. This year's World Series is 2nd-least watched on TV LAS VEGAS (AP) The Houston Astros six-game victory over the Philadelphia Phillies finished as the second least-watched World Series on television. The six games averaged 11,784,000 on Fox, down 1.3% from the 11,940,000 for the Atlanta Braves six-game win over the Astros last year and ahead of only the 9,946,000 for the Los Angeles Dodgers six-game victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020. Houstons 3-1 win in Game 6 on Saturday night was seen by 12,549,000 viewers on Fox, down 11% from 14,140,000 Atlantas 7-0 victory over the Astros in last years finale, played on a Tuesday night. SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) A Southern California police officer was arrested for firing his gun into the air several times in a tavern's parking lot after drinking with his friends, authorities said. San Bernardino Police Officer Fidel Ocampo-Rodarte, who was off-duty at the time, fired his service weapon multiple times about 2 a.m. Sunday, then fled the tavern in Blue Jay, the San Bernardino Police Department said in a tweet Monday night. Ocampo-Rodarte turned himself in hours later and was arrested on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm, the police department said in a news release. He was put on administrative leave. It was not immediately clear whether the officer, who has been with the police department for three years, had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. The shooting was captured on surveillance cameras, police said. Authorities found multiple firearms at Ocampo-Rodarte's home during a search warrant. The conduct is not something that is fitting of a San Bernardino police officer, or any officer for that matter, San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman said in a news release. Blue Jay is an unincorporated community in the San Bernardino Mountains about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of San Bernandino. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russian-appointed authorities say they are working to partially restore power in the occupied Ukrainian city of Kherson following what they 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" the main city. The alleged attack occurred on the Berislav-Kakhovka power line, and Russian state media reported that the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station had also been damaged by Ukrainian strikes. Ukrainian officials haven't responded to the allegations. Stremousov has repeatedly called for civilians to evacuate from Kherson which lies on the western bank of the Dnieper River to Russian-controlled territory on the eastern bank in anticipation of a major Ukrainian counteroffensive to retake the strategic port. Tens of thousands have already left. The Ukrainian counteroffensive has retaken around 88 settlements in the region, or around 13% of the territory previously held by Russian forces. Ukraines presidential office said Monday said that Russian soldiers in plainclothes have been moving into apartments in Kherson, presumably to get ready for urban warfare. One Kherson resident told The Associated Press that Russian military personnel were going door-to-door, forcing tenants to leave immediately if they could not prove ownership of apartments. Last month, Ukraines Southern Operational Command reported that occupying Russian forces in the Kherson region had been purposefully shutting off electricity and water and depriving the population of internet access to force them to evacuate. Yet on Monday, the regions Russian-installed administration announced it was halting the movement of civilian vehicles across the Dnieper by water and pontoon ferry, citing increased military danger. Russia has focused on striking Ukraines energy infrastructure over the last month, causing power shortages and rolling outages across the country. The capital, Kyiv, was having hourly rotating blackouts in parts of the city and the surrounding region. Ukraines state-owned electricity grid operator Ukrenergo on Monday announced additional power outages in the Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltava and Zhytomyr regions. To repair Ukraine's besieged energy system, experts say the country needs high-voltage transformers and distribution and communication equipment. It is important that there are constant, not one-time, deliveries of this equipment, Gennadii Riabtsev, chief researcher on energy security at the National Institute for Strategic Studies, told the AP. The first delivery of high voltage transformers from the European Union is expected in the coming weeks, but this supply isn't enough to significantly improve the situation, he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address that about 4.5 million people were without electricity across the country. He called on Ukrainians to endure the hardships, saying, we must get through this winter and be even stronger in the spring than now. Despite recent Russian successes in damaging key Ukrainian infrastructure, Moscow's battlefield and mobilization efforts have shown signs of faltering as conscripted Russian troops reportedly voice their discontent with how the war is being waged. One such report, by the Russian online news outlet Vyorstka, said that hundreds of newly called-up fighters were recently killed in Ukraines Luhansk region 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. Soldiers' family members recorded a video address to the governor of Voronezh, the Russian region the men were reportedly mobilized from, pleading with him to get them away from the front lines. Another video on social media showed scores of mobilized reservists protesting in their camp in Russias central region of Tatarstan, reportedly frustrated over the lack of gear, ammunition and food. They chanted obscenities to one of their commanders. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said 80,000 mobilized reservists have been deployed to Ukraine out of over 300,000 called up since Sept. 21, but only 50,000 of them are in combat units. Putins remarks came amid mounting media reports alleging that mobilized reservists receive little training or equipment and are quickly killed in combat in large numbers. There have also been reports of massive losses among Russias professional soldiers. Russian war correspondents reported that marines from Russias Pacific Fleet sent a complaint to Primorye Gov. Oleg Kozhemyako, lamenting that in four days the fleet suffered about 300 people killed, wounded and missing during some incoherent offensive on the village of Pavlivka in Ukraines heavily contested Donetsk region. Kozhemyako said he ordered military prosecutors to investigate the complaint, and later reported that the groups commanders confirmed losses, but not nearly as (big) as the complaint alleged. Russian-installed officials accused Ukrainian forces of shelling the regional capital, also called Donetsk, with HIMARS rocket launchers early Monday. The city's Kremlin-backed mayor, Alexei Kulemzin, said a fire broke out in an administrative building of the Donetsk Railways, but the blaze was contained. The city of Donetsk has been controlled by Russian-backed separatists since 2014. In Ukrainian-controlled territory, Russian shelling over the past 24 hours killed at least three civilians and wounded seven more, according to Ukraines presidential office. The office's deputy head, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, said Russian strikes in the Zaporizhzhia region targeted civilian objects including a cultural center, farmers warehouses and private residences. He noted that the Zaporizhzhia region also illegally annexed by Russia in September but not fully controlled by Russian forces was shelled 52 times over the past 24 hours, and one person was killed. Two cities near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant -- Marhanets and Myrove -- were shelled by Russian heavy artillery and currently remain without power. JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) A Republican will hold Alaskas U.S. Senate seat following the state's ranked choice election, with Donald Trump-endorsed Kelly Tshibaka and U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow Republican, leading in early returns. Tshibaka held an edge over Murkowski in early first-choice votes released late Tuesday. The race also included Democrat Pat Chesbro and Republican Buzz Kelley. Kelley in September suspended his campaign and endorsed Tshibaka. Under ranked voting, ballots are counted in rounds. A candidate can win outright with more than 50% of the vote in the first round. If no one hits that threshold, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Voters who chose that candidate as their top pick have their votes count for their next choice. Rounds continue until two candidates remain, and whoever has the most votes wins. Tabulation rounds are expected to take place Nov. 23. But Tshibaka argued it is time for a change. She noted that a Murkowski has held the Senate seat since 1981; before Lisa Murkowski, it was her father, Frank Murkowski. Tshibaka, after voting on Tuesday, told reporters she was excited and confident. Murkowski in a recent interview said she felt good about the support she's received but said voter turnout is key. She said in 2010, many of her supporters kind of took for granted that I was going to be OK, and she lost her Republican primary to tea party upstart Joe Miller. She ultimately held onto the seat with a general election write-in campaign that year. This year's elections were conducted under a new system, approved by voters in 2020, that replaced party primaries with open primaries and instituted ranked voting in general elections. In this year's August primary, Tshibaka finished second, behind Murkowski, with about 38% of the vote. Chesbro, who joined the race late, struggled to gain traction, but Alaska Democratic Party leaders urged Democrats to vote their values and rank her first. Tshibaka, a former commissioner of the state Department of Administration, said she worked during the campaign to shore up Republican support. She indicated that she did not rank Murkowski on her ballot. I didn't vote her, either, Murkowski told The Associated Press while sign-waving at an Anchorage intersection Tuesday evening. I'm feeling very good," Murkowski said of her campaign. Murkowski, who was censured by state Republican party leaders last year over grievances including her vote to convict Trump at his second impeachment trial, has a reputation as a centrist. She also cast herself as a coalition builder. In ads, she said she is for Alaska, always, a nod to what she has said is her commitment to the people, not to a party. Trump, who in that trial was acquitted, last month criticized the Senate Leadership Fund, a third-party group affiliated with Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, for running ads against Tshibaka. Tshibaka expressed frustration with the ads, too, saying that money would be better spent helping Republican candidates in other states. She said she heard from Alaskans turned off by the TV ads and mailers. She has said she would not support McConnell for majority leader and dismissed suggestions she might be marginalized, if elected, in a McConnell-led conference. Murkowski can be controlled. I cant be, she said. I think that's exactly what Alaskans want, is somebody who's not going to be controlled by D.C. but is an independent voice for Alaska. A spokesperson for the group, Jack Pandol, said Murkowski has been a tireless advocate for Alaska and we are proud to support her reelection. The group said its policy is to defend Republican incumbents. Associated Press writer Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska, contributed to this report. JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy led in first-choice votes in early returns Tuesday in his bid to become the first governor in the state since Democrat Tony Knowles in 1998 to be elected to back-to-back terms. Democrat Les Gara, a former state lawmaker, and former Gov. Bill Walker, an independent, trailed, with Republican Charlie Pierce far behind all three. The ranked vote election was in keeping with a 2020 voter initiative that replaced party primaries with open primaries and instituted ranked voting for general elections. Under ranked voting, ballots are counted in rounds. A candidate can win outright with more than 50% of the vote in the first round. If no one hits that threshold, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. Voters who chose that candidate as their top pick have their votes count for their next choice. Rounds continue until two candidates remain, and whoever has the most votes wins. Elections officials plan to conduct tabulation rounds for races on Nov. 23. Gara and Walker criticized Dunleavy for participating in just a handful of debates and for what they say has been a lack of leadership or vision for the state. Dunleavy argued the state, which struggled with deficits for much of the last decade amid low-to-middling oil prices, is in a better position than it was four years ago. Oil prices earlier this year soared amid the fallout of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, prompting rosier revenue outlooks for the state. Prices for North Slope oil have fallen from around $125 a barrel in June to the low-to-mid $90 range more recently. Debate over the size of the dividend has overshadowed other issues in the Legislature, contributing to drawn-out, divisive sessions. The amount available for dividends for years was determined by a formula. But Walker in 2016, amid deficits, vetoed about half the funds available. The size of the checks has been set by lawmakers since. Lawmakers have also begun using earnings from the oil-wealth fund, long used to pay dividends, to help pay for government, creating tension each year over how much money should go to each. Dunleavy for years pushed unsuccessfully for a dividend in line with the formula, which many lawmakers have said is unsustainable. He later proposed dividing the annual withdrawal from earnings 50/50 between dividends and government expenses. This year's dividend was in line with that approach. Walker expressed concern that high dividends would put Alaska in "the express lane for high taxes. He said he wanted a dividend that is as high as we can possibly have but not at the expense of other state programs or services. Alaska has no state sales or personal income tax. He criticized Dunleavy over the lack of a state fiscal plan, an issue he struggled to get lawmakers to act on while he was governor. Gara called for changes to Alaska's oil tax structure that he said would provide revenues for strong dividends and prevent situations in which Alaskans are fighting over money for dividends, schools, the state construction budget and other programs. He said he sees changes in oil taxes as a source of revenue for the state that the public would accept. "We cant keep telling Alaskans they have to battle each other over crumbs," he said in an email to supporters. Pierce, a former Kenai Peninsula Borough mayor, was sued along with the borough last month by a woman who said he sexually harassed her when she worked as an assistant. Pierce rejected calls to suspend his campaign. His running mate, Edie Grunwald, withdrew from the campaign after the lawsuit was filed. Walker, who was governor from 2014 to 2018, dropped his reelection bid shortly before the 2018 race won by Dunleavy. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) The son of an Afghan refugee suspected in the shooting deaths of four Muslim men in New Mexico has reached an agreement with federal prosecutors to plead guilty to a charge that he provided a false address when buying two guns last year. Court records detail the proposed agreement filed last week between Shaheed Syed and prosecutors. It calls for Syed to be sentenced to time already served and to be placed on three years of supervised release. There's no indication how soon the court could sign off on the proposal. Neither prosecutors nor Syed's public defender would comment on the pending motion. Authorities have charged Syed's father Muhammad Syed with three counts of murder and tampering with evidence charges in the killings that shook New Mexicos Muslim community over the summer. The elder Syed also is a suspect in a killing of a Muslim shop owner in Albuquerque last year. No motive has been disclosed. Police say bullet casings found at two crime scenes were linked with casings found in Muhammad Syeds vehicle and guns found at his home and in his vehicle. Muhammad Syed, who has been in the U.S. with his family for several years, had denied involvement in the killings when authorities detained him. He pleaded not guilty to the charges during a hearing in state district court in late August. He remains in custody. Prosecutors have alleged that Shaheen Syed may have played a role in at least one of the killings, but he has not been charged in that case. In court filings, prosecutors pointed to cellphone records that they say show Syed possibly helped his father track Naeem Hussain, a 25-year-old man from Pakistan who was fatally shot on Aug. 5 in the parking lot of a refugee resettlement agency in southeast Albuquerque. John Anderson, Shaheen Syeds attorney, said during an earlier court hearing that those allegations against his client were thin and speculative. As for the weapons charge, Syed had used a Florida address on his firearm application even though he currently lived in Albuquerque. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) A rematch between U.S. Rep. David Trone and Republican Neil Parrott for the congressional district in western Maryland appears to be the states most competitive congressional battle playing out Tuesday. Trone, a Democrat, is seeking a third term with a big fundraising advantage: the owner of the Total Wine & More liquor chain has put more than $12 million of his own money into his campaign. Trone beat Parrott by about 20 percentage points in 2020. However, Parrott, who is a conservative state legislator from Washington County, is expected to benefit from a redrawn 6th Congressional District that has made the district more competitive. Thats after the General Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, had to redraw the states congressional map after a judge struck down the one that was initially drawn due to partisan gerrymandering. The lines of the district have long been criticized by the GOP after Democrat John Delaney ousted 20-year incumbent Republican Roscoe Bartlett in 2012 after redistricting a year earlier brought the district into Montgomery County, where there are more Democrats. This time, though, the district looks more favorable to Republicans than it used to, making the race competitive. In a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1, Democrats hold a 7-1 advantage in Marylands U.S. House delegation. The states lone House Republican, Rep. Andy Harris, defeated former state legislator Heather Mizeur in the 1st Congressional District, which includes the Eastern Shore, to win a seventh term. Democrat Glenn Ivey won his first term in Maryland's 4th Congressional District, a seat opening with the departure of Rep. Anthony Brown, who won the race for attorney general in the state. Rep. Steny Hoyer was re-elected to his 21st full term in Maryland's 5th Congressional District. Rep. Jamie Raskin won a fourth term in Maryland's 8th Congressional District. Rep. Kweisi Mfume was reelected to the state's 7th Congressional District. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger won re-election to the 2nd Congressional District. Follow APs coverage of the elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections PHOENIX A judge is weighing whether to block Clean Elections USA, the group that has been monitoring drop boxes here, from using that name in Arizona. Tom Collins, executive director of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission, told Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Scott Blaney on Monday that the groups activities and statements have resulted in confusion among voters who believe it is his commission that has been sending people out to keep an eye on the boxes. And that, he said, undermines the credibility of the voter-created commission to provide nonpartisan information to voters. During the hearing, Melody Jennings, who founded Clean Elections USA, acknowledged that the commission has been using the name for more than 20 years. That includes referring to the commission and its efforts by the shorthand of Clean Elections. By contrast, she said, her organization has operated as Clean Elections USA for only several months. And Jennings said that Arizona and its elections have made up a great deal of the activities of her group. Jennings, who represented herself at the hearing, also testified that after she was served with the lawsuit she told an attorney for the commission that she is contemplating changing the name of her organization. She said though, she wanted to do it in a collaborative way. And what that meant, she told the judge, was the commission whose name she was accused of appropriating, actually working with her to correct what she said is an incorrect view that Clean Elections USA and its drop-box monitoring is interested in keeping people from voting. In fact, Jennings said some of the problems with the confusion are the fault of the commission for not working with her. I would have appreciated somebody saying, What are you bringing to the table, how can we work through these things and change our own possible misconceptions, if there are any, she said, adding that no one had asked. I would have been happy to educate you all since you were all in the business, Jennings said. Since you all were in the business of educating people, I would have liked to educate you. But Collins testified that his prime and immediate interest was to stop Jennings and her organization from using the words Clean Elections in Arizona, saying their activities in watching the boxes and their comments saying the 2020 elections were not conducted fairly were was causing irreparable harm. The commissioners themselves and our staff has tried to maintain a nonpartisan reputation, he said. Collins called that particularly important since the commission is involved in voter education, including conducting debates, providing information about candidates and telling people how they can participate in the voting process. Its important that we be a trusted source of information and that folks know that the information theyre going to get from those publications and our web site ... is factual and unbiased, he said. What happened, Collins said, is people were contacting the commission saying they dont like the fact that it was out there monitoring ballot drop boxes. That, to me, demonstrates that some folks ... were confused about the nature of what Clean Elections USA was doing versus what Clean Elections does, he said. The hearing comes less than a week after a federal judge sharply restricted the activities of Jennings and her organization in monitoring drop boxes around the Phoenix area. That includes a prohibition on taking videos of people who are within 75 feet of the boxes and posting images of voters who they claim are violating state law solely because they deposited more than one ballot in a drop box. And while Liburdi did not preclude people from simply watching while being at least 75 feet away, he did say anyone who is visibly armed or dressed in tactical gear must remain at least 250 feet from the drop boxes. Jennings is not appealing that ruling. But on Monday, as she sought to tell the judge that her organizations goals are not so different than Clean Elections, Jennings said people have been misled about the mission of Clean Elections USA. We are absolutely for voters she said, describing her box watchers as grandmothers, sitting in lawn chairs, with their little sun hats on. And Jennings said that was not to intimidate but you know there are people there protecting the vote from people we believe would have nefarious intent to come and stuff the boxes with more ballots than is legal. Jennings also lashed out at news coverage. I feel like the medias amped up a lot of this and created a lot of confusion and vitriol and caused us to polarize, she said. And that, said Jennings, is why her organization and the commission should work together and not let that happen. But James Smith, representing the commission, called all that irrelevant to the legal question of what he said is the illegal misuse of the Clean Elections name. Smith did not dispute that the commission never sought or obtained a trademark or copyright of its name. But he said thats not legally necessary saying there is a common law protection for the name that keeps Jennings from using it. NEW YORK (AP) A woman who recently settled a lawsuit in which she had claimed to have been sexually trafficked to Britain's Prince Andrew and others by the financier Jeffrey Epstein has dropped a similar claim against noted American attorney Alan Dershowitz, saying she may have erred in accusing him. Virginia Giuffres lawsuit against the prominent lawyer was withdrawn Tuesday, court records in New York show. She and Dershowitz issued a joint statement saying the resolution of the lawsuit did not involve the payment of money or anything else. In a statement, Giuffre said she had long believed that I was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to Alan Dershowitz. However, I was very young at the time, it was a very stressful and traumatic environment, and Mr. Dershowitz has from the beginning consistently denied these allegations. I now recognize I may have made a mistake in identifying Mr. Dershowitz. This litigation has been very stressful and burdensome for me and my family, and we believe it is time to bring it to an end and move on with our lives, she said. Dershowitz said he was gratified that the claims were withdrawn and Giuffre has admitted she may have made a mistake. As I have said from the beginning, I never had sex with Ms. Giuffre. I have nevertheless come to believe that at the time she accused me she believed what she said, said Dershowitz, a retired Harvard University law professor. He added: Ms. Giuffre is to be commended for her courage in now stating publicly that she may have been mistaken about me. She has suffered much at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein, and I commend her work combatting the evil of sex trafficking. The Associated Press does not identify alleged victims of sex crimes unless they give their consent. Giuffre had filed a defamation lawsuit against Dershowitz after accusing a number of prominent men, including Andrew, of sexually exploiting her when she was 17 and 18 years old. She had said in court filings that Epstein made her his teenage love slave and forced her to have sex with Dershowitz a half-dozen times in Florida, New York, New Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She said Dershowitz also witnessed Epstein abusing other girls. Dershowitz has consistently denied any sexual contact with Giuffre, saying he had never met her. He told The Associated Press three years ago that his documents contradicted Giuffres claims as to his whereabouts. He said Giuffres story had evolved over time and that she initially didn't implicate him in her sex trafficking account. In court papers in 2019, Dershowitz said Giuffre's claims had led him to suffer severe emotional distress, including cardiac conditions. Prince Andrews lawyer did not immediately comment on the news of Giuffre's settlement with Dershowitz. In February, it was announced that Giuffre's lawsuit against Andrew was settled. The deal called for the prince to make a substantial donation to Giuffre's charity. In a statement, the prince said he "has never intended to malign Ms. Giuffres character, and he accepts that she has suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as a result of unfair public attacks. Andrew acknowledged that Epstein trafficked countless young girls over many years and said the prince regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms. Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others. She had alleged she had sex with Andrew three times: in London during a 2001 trip, at Epsteins New York mansion when she was 17 and in the Virgin Islands when she was 18. Andrew repeatedly denied Giuffres allegations and has said he cant recall ever meeting her, although a photograph of Giuffre and Andrew together in a London townhouse, his arm around her bare midriff, was included in Giuffres lawsuit against him. Epstein killed himself in August 2019 in a federal Manhattan jail as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. His former girlfriend, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, 60, is serving a 20-year prison sentence in a Florida federal jail following her conviction last December for helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls. BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) After months of crisscrossing the state stumping everywhere from tiny town cafes to big city venues, North Dakotas U.S. House candidates were making a final push Monday attempting to garner voter support mostly through social media and television and radio interviews and advertising. Backers of a marijuana legalization initiative that will appear on the ballot Tuesday were busy hitting college campuses in the state and pot-friendly businesses to fire up support. Marijuana foes, who have been strapped for cash, were relying on a social media blitz to warn against legalizing the drug. The race between incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong and former Miss America Cara Mund is closely watched in North Dakota, in part because of Munds late entry in the contest, citing her support for abortion rights following the Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade. Munds run as an independent spurred Democrat Mark Haugen quit the race, citing pressure from some in his own party to make way for Mund. Both candidates appeared confident Monday and believed they had done enough campaigning to win North Dakotas lone House seat in Congress. Armstrong said he was reviewing military academy appointments Monday and planned to attend his sons parent-teacher conference in his hometown of Dickinson later in the day. Ive done radio and some other media today and then were just going to kind of button up and get ready for tomorrow, said Armstrong, who is seeking a third term. Weve worked really, really hard over the past two weeks from one end of the state to the other, he said. Armstrong would not disclose his campaigns internal polling on the race. We should be OK but the only poll that matters is tomorrow on Election Day, he said. Mund said she, too, has traveled to much of the state stumping, especially in the past two weeks. Mund entered the race in early August. I feel like Ive done everything I possibly could since announcing, she said. I knew it would be a sprint to the end. Armstrong held a huge financial advantage, raising nearly $2 million overall compared to the roughly $78,000 Mund had raised through the end of September. More than 96,000 North Dakota residents had already voted by midday Monday, or about 16% of residents eligible to vote in the election. Turnout historically is around 25% for primaries and 50% for November elections. Backers of the marijuana legalization initiative were making a last-minute push to get supporters to the polls. A similar measure was rejected by North Dakota voters four years ago. David Owen, who has led past pro-marijuana legalization efforts, and also the current, believes the measure has a good chance of passing this time. Its not 100% in the bag but we feel good about where were at, Owen said. The group was making a last-minute push to notify supporters to help get the word out Monday. Supporters were using social media and telephone calls and texts to make their case, and also visiting college campuses and business such as smoke shops to remind people to vote. Pro-legalization supporters have raised about $550,000 to push the measure, while foes have only raised about $2,500 in a last-minute attempt to combat the measure, campaign finance records show. The anti-marijuana group has no money for television or other traditional campaign advertising, said Luke Niforatos, executive vice president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a Virginia-based political organization against marijuana legalization that is helping fight the measure in North Dakota. Its been basically just a shoe-leather campaign and social media campaign, Niforatos said. Weve got a little bit of money to do digital advertising and some videos but other than that, its been pure grassroots. The third release of Nathan Wrights solo project has arrived. The new song, Witch Dreams, and its accompanying animated music video (created by Lane Goza) were released on Nov. 1. The release is part of Wrights year-long project to release a new song and video every six weeks for one year. Wright spoke to the Tulsa World about Witch Dreams, the music video, his musical process and more. Tulsa World: This song, Witch Dreams, feels very multi-layered. Which instrument did you start with, and how did you get to the final product? Nathan Wright: It all started with the first ukulele sound that you hear. My ukulele sounds weird because I put Cuatro strings on it after going to Aruba, so some of the strings are an octave lower, making it sound deeper and richer than a ukulele ought to. The original idea was to layer ukulele parts on top of each other, so there are four main parts that got recorded five minutes after I had the idea. Theres a concept in music called hemiola, which is the overlaying of time signatures on top of one another. So, the original part is in 9/8 time signature, and some of the others are in 3/8, and one of them feels longer. The idea is that theyll eventually line up. Its kind of like finding the lowest common denominator in math, and it creates a texture. TW: During the songwriting process, where were you drawing inspiration from? NW: Unconsciously, this song feels the most to me like a Bjork song, and Ive already gotten a couple of people mentioning Radiohead. But I think consciously, the vocal melody came from an idea of contrast. The instrumentation is plucky, with lots of hemiola, ticking and texture. So I wanted to make the vocals be the exact opposite, just slow and kind of drifting. TW: What are some of the thematic elements you want people to notice in the music video? NW: Lane and I wanted the viewer to be in the same state as the protagonist, in that you see the protagonist exist in several different forms, but youre not certain which one is the actual one. There are clues about which one is and isnt, and by the end, you may be right or wrong. TW: Can you explain the title Witch Dreams and how it ties into the message of this song? NW: The character in this song is tethered between different worlds. Their memories of the opposing world are the witch dreams, the sort of whispers they suspect may be hallucinations or maybe not. Theres an element that I go back to from the beginning, which is whenever you hear [things like hallucinations] explicitly stated like that, it should be alarming. But so many of us have red flags in our lives that we just kind of accept, politely ignore or pretend theyre not real. So theres an element of consent to it just accepting that youre on a tightrope. Its ghostly mappings of huge consequences, ignoring them or expecting them to go away. It reminds me of my relationship with tinnitus, which I have from the bad behavior of standing next to drummers slamming cymbals or going to several loud shows in a row. Ive become a lot more disciplined about wearing earplugs or being more careful about where I stand. But even last week, my friend had a birthday party and everyone came and played music and it started to get loud and I noticed that I didnt have earplugs on me. And I thought, Whatever, this is fun that consent of an obviously bad decision thatll have lasting effects that you just bear because youre in the moment. I cant psychoanalyze everybody, but thats got to be a normal attribute of humanity. Wrights music is available on all platforms. To learn more about Wrights project, visit yeoldetulsa.net. His next release is Dec. 15. A California man who oversaw the transport of more than 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine to Oklahoma and Missouri for distribution was convicted by a federal jury on Monday, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma announced. Luis Alfredo Jacobo, 31, of Bakersfield, California, was found guilty of a continuing criminal enterprise, three counts of drug conspiracy and 21 counts of unlawful use of a communication facility, a news release states. In the release, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson attributed the conviction to the dogged investigative work of numerous partner law enforcement agencies involved in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation Pullin Chains, led by his office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The task force identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led multi-agency approach, the release states. This investigation involved the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Miami (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Grove Police Department, Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County (California) Sheriffs Office, The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Oklahoma District 13 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the release states. Eduardo Chavez, a DEA special agent in charge who oversees Oklahoma operations, said Jacobos conviction serves as a message to drug traffickers who exploit those struggling with addiction to line the pockets of criminal organizations. Your days spent peddling drugs and spending dirty money will lead to nights spent in jail staring at the ceiling while you are held responsible for your actions, Chavez said in a release. Using Mexican sources of supply and Bakersfield as a base of operations, Jacobo managed more than 12 cohorts in California, northeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Missouri for more than five years in at least three drug conspiracies operating in and around the Northern District of Oklahoma, the release states. From May 2016 to December 2018, one drug conspiracy operated in Bakersfield and later in and around Grove. A second drug conspiracy also worked out of Grove from September 2018 to August 2019, and a third drug conspiracy operated from September 2018 to March 2021 in and around Grove and southwestern Missouri. In its closing argument, the government highlighted the sheer number of Jacobos co-conspirators who testified against him and repeated many of the same details about how his extensive drug business operated, including that he directed members of his organization to send cars packed full of methamphetamine to northeastern Oklahoma and cars packed full of money back to him in Bakersfield. Jacobo claimed to have netted $30 million through the continuing criminal enterprise, Johnson said in the release. Jocobo will be sentenced later. A Tulsa man arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old has pleaded guilty after prosecutors filed a reduced charge. Christian James Harrison, 20, admitted to one count of second-degree murder in connection with the Dec. 22 shooting death of Brayden Walley, 13. Harrison, Brayden and Braydens older brother were arguing at a Parkview Terrace apartment at 1615 W. 59th St. when the shooting occurred, police said witnesses told them. Harrison was arrested Dec. 28 in Locust Grove. A Tulsa federal grand jury later indicted him on charges of first-degree murder in Indian Country, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country and a firearm charge. Christian Harrison took the life of a 13-year-old boy, said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. Today, he has been held accountable for this terrible crime. My thoughts are with the childs family and friends. Our children are meant to outlive us, not be struck down in senseless acts of violence. Law enforcement officials will continue to pursue justice for victims of violent crime to make our neighborhoods safer for all children. Braydens brother told police that on the night of the shooting he was arguing with a woman in an apartment there and kicked an air conditioner on his way out. Harrison, hearing the commotion, followed Braydens brother outside and argued with him, the indictment alleges. Braydens brother said he walked across the street to speak with Brayden before the two returned to Harrison, who is alleged to have pulled out a gun. (Braydens brother) asked Harrison if he was going to use the gun instead of fight, an FBI agent wrote in a criminal complaint. Harrison said yes and shot approximately seven times. Harrison fled after Brayden was struck by three bullets. Harrison was charged in federal court because he is a member of the Seminole Nation and the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation. He will be sentenced later. Another woman, 24-year-old Mariah Lopez, was arrested in January on allegations that she lied to the FBI when questioned about the shooting. A judge dismissed a criminal complaint against her in October at the request of prosecutors. <&rule> Drawing loud cheers from an overflow crowd, Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted Monday night to reverse course and reauthorize KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School through June 2026. We are elated that we are in partnership with TPS, KIPP Tulsa Executive Director Darius Kirk said. We are working together to impact the northside. That to me speaks volumes. We still have a lot of work to do as an entity, though. The reauthorization agreement was initially brought before the board at its Oct. 10 meeting as part of the consent agenda. With board member Judith Barba Perez absent that night due to illness, the recommendation did not pass with a 3-3 tied vote, prompting the administration to bring it back at Monday's meeting. As approved Monday night, the charter school will be required to address the accreditation deficiencies denoted by the Oklahoma State Department of Education earlier this year. In July, KIPP Tulsa was accredited with a warning by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Among the deficiencies specifically noted were not turning in required reports on time and exceeding the administrative cost cap allowed under state law. Accredited with a warning means there is at least one deficiency that substantially affects the quality of education offered at a district or school. When asked by board members at Monday nights meeting, TPS Chief Innovation Officer Andrea Castaneda, who handles the districts charter school agreements, said KIPP Tulsa has already taken steps internally to address the administrative cost issues raised by the state. Additionally, the school will be required to come back before the board to provide an update on its status. That request came from Jennettie Marshall, who voted against the schools reauthorization in October due to unanswered questions and a misunderstanding about whether the school had representation on hand when the agreements for University Prep and KIPP Tulsas middle school, College Prep, were first presented. Both KIPP Tulsa campuses are less than one mile outside of Marshalls current board district boundaries. Since that initial meeting, Marshall said her questions had been answered through meetings with KIPP Tulsa staff, including time spent on campus. While she was appreciative of the warm welcome she received from the schools community, she said the continued conversation was necessary in order to properly represent those families. I am adamant that I need this relationship, Marshall said. I want to hear from you, because that way I can ask you questions. I am 100% on your team, but I need this relationship to continue beyond tonight. I want you to come back here next year and tell us your success stories. Located in the former Mark Twain Elementary School at 541 S. 43rd West Ave., west of downtown, KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School graduated its first senior class in May. It has also been recognized by the College Board for its female students participation rates in the Advanced Placement programs computer science exams. We need our schools for the northside community for our northside students, said Kathryn Foster, a grandparent of a KIPP Tulsa student and one of the charter schools supporters that packed the Education Service Center Monday night. This is needed. The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled in recent years on major questions of state policy, including Medicaid, pandemic measures, a statewide vote on recreational marijuana and opioid litigation. In coming months, the court could rule on whether abortion is protected by the Oklahoma Constitution. Oklahoma voters will be asked on Nov. 8 whether to retain four of the nine justices on the state Supreme Court for new terms. The four justices do not have opponents; rather, voters will be asked only whether each should be retained for another six-year term. Oklahomans have never voted not to retain a Supreme Court justice. In the order they appear: District 2 Dustin P. Rowe. Appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt in 2020 (ran in 2012 U.S. House race as Republican). District 5 James R. Winchester. Appointed by Gov. Frank Keating in 2000. District 6 Dana Kuehn. Appointed by Gov. Mary Fallin in 2017 to Court of Criminal Appeals, then appointed to Supreme Court by Stitt in 2021. District 8 Douglas L. Combs. Appointed by Gov. Brad Henry in 2010. Justices are appointed by the governor from three nominees submitted by the Judicial Nominating Commission. No legislative confirmation is required. Stitt appointed three justices to the court in his first term. Kuehns appointment gave the Oklahoma Supreme Court a majority of Republican appointees for the first time in state history. Kuehn, 51, succeeded retiring Justice Tom Colbert and is completing the remainder of his term. Previously, Kuehn was the presiding judge of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, the highest appellate court in the state for criminal matters. Kuehn is the only woman to serve on both courts. Kuehn received her law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1996 and a bachelors degree in political science from Oklahoma State University. She was a Tulsa County associate district judge from 2006-2017. Rowe, 47, was in private practice and a Chickasaw Nation judge when he was appointed. A former mayor of Tishomingo, he received his law degree from OU in 2001. Winchester, 70, received his law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1977. He previously served as a state judge for Caddo and Grady counties and as a U.S. administrative law judge. Combs, 70, received his law degree from Oklahoma City University. He spent more than 20 years in private practice and served as an assistant state attorney general and a state judge for Lincoln and Pottawatomie counties. Here are some of the major decisions of the past two years and how the four justices voted: Abortion: In October 2021, the court blocked three laws, including two to impose new restrictions on medication abortions and another that would have disqualified many physicians from performing abortions. Combs and Winchester agreed last October to the temporary injunction blocking the laws pending appeal. Rowe and Kuehn dissented. In the wake of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe vs. Wade, the Oklahoma Supreme Court allowed strict anti-abortion laws approved by the Oklahoma Legislature to go into effect. Winchester, Combs, Rowe and Kuehn were among the eight justices who signed the order rejecting a temporary injunction or restraining order to maintain the status quo. Rowe, Stitts second appointment to the court, expressed his views against abortion personally and as a matter of public policy in his 2012 campaign for Congress. Kuehn has not made her views public. Gaming and Stitts executive power: Winchester wrote the 2020 opinion in Treat v. Stitt, a lawsuit brought by state legislative leaders against the governor over gaming compacts Stitt had negotiated with two tribes. The court ruled 7-1 for the legislative leaders, saying Stitt did not have the authority to negotiate compacts that included games not authorized by the Legislature. Combs and Rowe agreed with the main holding of the ruling. Opioid verdict paying Oklahoma $465 million struck down: Winchester wrote the 2021 decision striking down a Cleveland County district judges verdict directing drug maker Johnson & Johnson and related companies to pay $465 million to fund efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Kuehn concurred in striking down the verdict. Combs was disqualified from ruling, and Rowe recused himself. Statewide question on legalized marijuana: Combs wrote the decision in September that effectively prevented voters from considering a question on the Nov. 8 general election ballot to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The court ruled that the question had not met all of the statutory requirements and wouldnt meet them by the time ballots needed to be printed. Winchester and Kuehn concurred in the holding. Rowe concurred that the court couldnt force the question on the ballot, but dissented with some of the reasoning by the majority. School district mask mandate: The court ruled 7-2 that school districts dont need an emergency declaration from the governor to mandate masks be worn in schools. Winchester, Rowe and Kuehn joined the majority. Combs agreed that the Senate bill contains an impermissible delegation of Legislative power to the Governor. He dissented with the majority opinion in other respects. Bonds to finance winter storm costs: The court ruled 8-0 in May to uphold the plan by the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority to issue bonds totaling nearly $800 million to pay for the energy costs incurred during the February 2021 winter storm, when utilities had to buy natural gas at high prices on the spot market. Winchester, Combs and Rowe were part of the majority. Kuehn recused herself. Combs wrote a concurring opinion criticizing Oklahoma Attorney General John OConnors lack of meaningful participation at all stages of this rate-related proceeding. Masan Group bought 85 percent of Phuc Long a strong Vietnamese tea and coffee brand. With Phuc Long, it is possible to bring the Vietnamese F&B brand to the world. Danny Le, CEO of Masan Group (stock code: MSN), revealed for the first time the reasons for acquiring Phuc Long chain during the press conference announcing the Vietnam M&A Forum 2022. Masan has many years of experience in the food industry and needs to approach the commercial retail sector in order to serve consumers directly. However, building a brand from scratch may take five to seven years and does not guarantee success, Le continued, adding that it will need a long process to access technology or digital transformation. Therefore, M&A and large-scale investment are the best strategy to become the market leader. "At Masan, we often look at the strong brands in the market, Le elaborated. That is why Masan invests in Phuc Long, a major domestic brand, with the goal to bring the Vietnamese brand out into the world. In the field of tea and coffee, Phuc Long can be compared to Starbucks. Masan first poured capital into Phuc Long in May 2021, through its subsidiary The SHERPA. Danny Le, CEO of Masan Group With a transaction value of VND346 billion (US$13.9 million) in exchange for 20 percent of shares, the initial valuation for this chain was VND1,728 billion ($69.4 milion). By the beginning of this year, Masan had spent VND2,490 billion ($100 million) raising the ownership rate in this tea and coffee chain to 51 percent, equivalent to a valuation of VND8,034 billion ($321.6 million). In August, The SHERPA continued to buy 10.8 million more common shares, equivalent to 34 percent of Phuc Long's equity interest, raising the ownership rate to 85 percent. In total, Masan has invested VND6,453 billion ($259.4 million) in this beverage chain, a valuation of about VND10,640 billion ($427.7 million). Masan's unreviewed consolidated financial statements in the third quarter and first nine months of 2022 showed that Phuc Long flagship tea shops are making a significant contribution to the revenue and profit of Phuc Long Heritage, a subsidiary that owns the brand. After nine months, Phuc Long Heritage earned VND1,143 billion ($45.9 million), equal to VND4.2 billion per day. Profit before tax, interest, and depreciation reached VND199 billion ($8 million). Flagship stores contributed VND761 billion ($30.5 million), accounting for about 66 percent of the total revenue. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Tickets have been selling out fast in Thailand for rides on a special "floating train", where passengers have been enjoying the illusion of aquatic rail travel due to a post-monsoon rise in water levels. The route starts in the capital Bangkok and passes through the Pasak Jolasid dam in Lop Buri province six hours away on an elevated track just above the water level, which officials say has been unusually high this year. The train runs only at weekends between November and February and tickets have been sold out until New Year. "I've never seen anything like this before," said Bunyanuch Pahuyut, who was among 600 passengers who have travelled on the route on Sunday. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh left Hanoi on Tuesday morning for Cambodia for a two-day official visit during which he will also attend the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and other relevant events from November 10 to 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. The premier made the trip at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the ASEAN Chair in 2022, in the context that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia. Accompanying the PM are Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung, and Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang, among other officials. During the visit, the two sides will focus on steps to boost the bilateral economic, trade and investment ties as well as their border security and defense cooperation, according to Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu. On the first day of the visit, Chinh will stop over a number of important places before attending the official welcoming ceremony hosted by PM Hun Sen in Phnom Penh. The two PMs will have talks later and the Vietnamese government chief will also meet Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, President of the Senate Say Chhum, and Chairman of the National Assembly Heng Samrin. On the same day, the host and guest will co-chair the Vietnam - Cambodia Investment Promotion Forum. Economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia has developed rapidly and fruitfully over the past years, with two-way trade in the first nine months of 2022 reaching US$8.45 billion, up 16.7 percent year on year. Vietnam now has 198 projects with a total registered investment capital of US$2.92 billion in Cambodia, leading the other ASEAN countries and ranking among the worlds top five countries in terms of direct investment in the kingdom. Within the framework of the two ASEAN Summits and related events that will take place from November 10 to 13, PM Chinh will deliver speeches there and participate in more than 20 relevant activities. These high-level conferences mark the resumption of direct exchanges and dialogues between ASEAN countries leaders after more than two years of interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The coming events will create opportunities for the leaders to discuss efforts to build a strong ASEAN Community, promote ASEANs central role, strengthen solidarity between the blocs members, review and orientate relations between ASEAN and its partners, and seek to discuss strategic issues in the region and the world. They will also consider and approve many documents on cooperation within ASEAN countries and between ASEAN and its partners, according to the Vietnam News Agency. In addition, the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the bloc and the U.S. and India will be announced on this occasion. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Here are todays leading news stories: Politics -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh left Hanoi on Tuesday morning for his official visit to Cambodia from Tuesday to Wednesday and attendance at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits from Thursday through Sunday. Society -- The hydro-meteorological station in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang has warned that high tide will cause serious flooding in multiple areas including Phu Tan District, Cho Moi District, and Long Xuyen City between Wednesday and Friday. -- The Hanoi Department of Health has set a goal to raise the average height of 18-year-old men and women to 170.5 centimeters and 159 centimeters, respectively, by 2030. -- Police in central Quang Nam Province confirmed on Monday they were investigating the identity of a newborn baby girl who was found abandoned in the forest in Que Son District earlier the same day. -- A man succumbed to his serious injuries following an accident in which his motorbike hit a pothole along a street in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City on Monday. -- Two fishermen went missing after a fishing boat carrying 11 people were sunk by big waves in Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago on November 1, authorities confirmed on Monday. Education -- The Vietnamese - German University, a US$200 million public university under the management of the Ministry of Education and Training, has been put into operation in southern Binh Duong Province. Business -- Vietnam Airlines Group, which comprises Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO), said on Monday it had completed online check-in systems at all domestic airports. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A man succumbed to serious injuries sustained in an accident when his motorbike hit a pothole along a street in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City last week. CCTV footage of the incident was shared on social media on Monday. A probe by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper revealed that the accident took place along Road No. 1 in Binh Hung Hoa B Ward, Binh Tan District at around 10:00 pm on Saturday. Preliminary information showed that a man, around 50 years old, was riding his motorbike along the street when his vehicle crashed into a pothole, causing him to fall and suffer serious injuries. A motorcyclist crashes into a pothole in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City, November 5, 2022 in this screenshot taken from CCTV footage. Local residents then took the victim to the hospital, but he eventually succumbed to his wounds. The man did not collide with any other vehicle before hitting the pothole, according to the footage. Local authorities filled the pothole on the morning after the accident to ensure safety for other commuters, a resident said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams outbound tours are booming as droves of Vietnamese are seeking to travel overseas, according to local travel companies. Nguyen Minh Man, head of communications and marketing at TST Tourist Company, said the companys outbound segment has recovered by over 90 percent after five months. Markets reporting strong growth include Thailand, Singapore, Europe, and the U.S.. South Korea and Japan are the most popular destinations for Vietnamese tourists. The surge in the number of tourist delegations traveling at home and abroad shows a brightening picture [of the tourism sector] in the rest of 2022 and in 2023, arousing an expectation for enormous growth by the end of next year and the full recovery from 2024, Man added. According to Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, director of marketing at Vietravel, the revenue from outbound tours has surged over the past few months. In September alone, the companys revenue from outbound tours made up half of its total revenue. Tourism business activities are developing positively. Tourists tend to book tours early before departure, which helps bring in considerable revenue and ease enterprises cost burden, Khanh said. Keith Tan, CEO of the Singapore Tourism Board, informed that Vietnam ranks fifth among the key source markets for Singapores tourism since it reopened its door to international tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in 2019, we welcomed some 60,000 Vietnamese travelers. As of August this year, more than 124,000 Vietnamese tourists had visited Singapore, which is strong growth," Tan said. The fifth position is the highest position of Vietnam in terms of tourists visiting Singapore. We consider Vietnam a potential market. Meanwhile, Ratiwan Boonprakhong, chief representative of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Vietnam, said that Vietnam was among the five countries with the largest number of tourists coming to Thailand with 324,000 arrivals in the January-October period of this year. It followed Malaysia, India, Indonesia, and Laos. We continuously organize famtrips for key opinion leaders, and travel and communications companies to provide the newest images of Thailand after the pandemic to the Vietnamese market, Ratiwan noted. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! L-R: Angeline Armstrong, Meegan May, Vee Shi, Aranyan Thangaratnam, Lauren Anderson, Beth Knights, Diane Vu, David Koutsouridis NSW production compant Co-Curious has today announced eight early to mid-career screenwriters selected for the Victorian iteration of its Stories From Another Australia program. The writers will have the opportunity to do a deep dive into collaborative practice under the tutelage of script producer and former ABC Development Executive Clare Atkins will lead the program under the mentorship of writer Blake Ayshford (Mystery Road: Origin), to create an original television series concept. Victorian screenwriters include: Angeline Rachel Tinio Armstrong Meegan May Lauren Anderson Vee Shi David Koutsouridis Diane Vu Beth Knights Aranyan Thangaratnam Co-Curious CEO, Annabel Davis said: Welcoming these talented writers to the Co-Curious network is enormously exciting as the company begins its new chapter of the Stories From Another Australia program in Victoria. The program will create a network of support and collaborators for the participants and Co-Curious holistic approach will provide the foundation for participants to establish and sustain a career in the industry. We cant wait to see what comes out of the labs and have no doubt we will see these writers names on our television screens before too long. Co-Curious Story Producer Clare Atkins said: As we discussed the program with writers, production companies and program partner VicScreen it became evident there was a gap in the industry for support for early to mid-career writers. Many of the applicants had extensive experience notetaking and were working on their projects such as filming shorts or writing pilots but were yet to gain a television credit. Through their involvement in this unique program Co-Curious hopes to support these talented writers in taking the next steps in their careers. VicScreens CEO, Caroline Pitcher said: Victoria is home to an exceptional talent pool brimming with enormous potential. As Victorias creative and economic screen development agency, VicScreen is committed to giving future generations the opportunities and resources they need to develop successful careers in screen. We are delighted to partner with Co-Curious on this meaningful initiative and cant wait to see the outcomes of the program. Congratulations to the eight selected participants, we look forward to following your careers. Run by Co-Curious and supported by The Ian Potter Foundation, Screenrights Cultural Fund and VicScreen, and with assistance from Cinespace, the innovative program was created to accelerate the careers of writers from culturally and linguistically diverse and other under-represented backgrounds and bring fresh voices and untold stories to the screen sector, by connecting exciting screenwriters with some of the industrys most experienced creative talent. The eight writers have been divided into two workshops to suit their interests and will work together using Co-Curious unique model of development to collaboratively create an original concept for a television series in the room. Each workshop group will be facilitated by Co-Curious and supported by an experienced writer-mentor, with Penelope Chai and Magda Wozniak joining the program. The participants will learn about story engines, series arcs, character and the basics of a writers room and will come away with the skills required to take the next steps in their career in the television industry. In addition to the workshops, participants will also receive professional development, networking opportunities and mentoring sessions. SFAA Victoria is the next chapter of SFAA NSW, which Co-Curious launched earlier in 2022. The six writers who were selected in the NSW chapter continue to work, with Co-Curious support, on a range of exciting individual and group projects which have emerged from the original program. A fiery Senate Estimate hearing with ABC managing director David Anderson in Canberra today had to be shut down twice when politicians were repeatedly shouting over one another. LNP Senator Sarah Henderson had quizzed Mr. Anderson over a speech given by ABC journalist Louise Milligan at an ACT Bar Association function, including around approval for payment and referenced a letter by the Head of ACT Bar Association to the ACT Womens Legal Association, which suggested the speech was insensitive and political. During the session Milligan defended her speech with live tweets, claiming Hendersons claims were completely fictitious and the opposite of what I said in my speech. I challenge Senator Henderson to repeat these false claims outside Parliament, she tweeted. What Senator Henderson said just now in parliament is completely fictitious. And the opposite of what I said in my speech. Louise Milligan (@Milliganreports) November 7, 2022 But the live commentary itself then became the subject of ABC staff social media use, escalating the temperature in the room. As debate continued, Henderson suggested, This is why your social media guidelines are a complete joke. This is why they are broken. Youre letting your employees run rogue on social media. Thats another example. Im responding to the idea that that somehow anything that somebody puts out on Twitter is fact checked by the ABC and the answer is that, no, Anderson replied. Anderson maintained staff are responsible for their personal social media accounts, and must not bring the ABC into disrepute. The hearing also blew up when South Australian Liberal senator Alex Antic asked if a Play School Storytime video with Courtney Act, aka Shane Jenek, was an example of ABC grooming Australian children? Storytime features a range of celebrities reading story books including Waleed Aly, Miah Madden, Dave Hughes, Luke McGregor, Michel Theo, Eddie Woo, Dr. Chris Brown, Luke Carroll, Tony Armstrong, Moana Hope, Grant Denyer, Tanya Hennessy. The synopsis for Courtney Acts Spectacular Suit segment is: Dressing up and looking fabulous! The sensational Courtney Act and dashing Humpty share a story by Kat Patrick and Hayley Wells. Glitter and sequins are all on show in The Spectacular Suit: a story about being yourself. Mr Anderson, I have got a couple of questions about some programming matters and at the moment the ABC is airing a program called Courtney Act: The Spectacular Suit, in which a male drag actor, Shane Jenek, reads a childrens book called The Spectacular Suit, about a female child wanting to wear male clothing. The program was rated G and has been heavily promoted on TV and on the app. Why is the ABC grooming children with this sort of adult content? Antic asked. Senator, I dont see that as grooming children with our content. That particular program is reading from a book that is about dressing up, Anderson replied. Female children in male childrens clothing, you think thats not Antic said. You mean young girls wearing pants? Seriously SA Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young interjected, I. it is deeply, deeply offensive. She continued, Grooming is a really serious matter! It is not for being played with by conservative senators to make headlines. That is what grooming looks like, Antic suggested. My answer is we are not grooming Australian children, Anderson repeated. Rishi Sunak pointedly blanked Matt Hancock outside Tory HQ after he became leader. (Photo: Leon Neal via Getty Images) Rishi Sunak pointedly blanked Matt Hancock outside Tory HQ after he became leader. (Photo: Leon Neal via Getty Images) Rishi Sunak has said he is very disappointed in Matt Hancock for joining Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! The prime minister said he backed the decision to remove the Tory whip from the former health secretary for signing up to go into the jungle. And he said he would not have time to watch his former colleague be put through his places on the hit ITV reality show. Speaking on his way to the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt, Sunak told The Sun: I think politics is a noble profession, at its best it can and should be but its incumbent on politicians to earn peoples respect and trust. They do that by working hard for their constituents, as the vast majority of MPs do that is why I was very disappointed with Matts decision. Asked whether he would be watching the programme, Sunak: I genuinely wont have the time is the honest answer. Hancock - who is reportedly receiving 400,000 for going on the show - has insisted that he is going into the jungle so he can communicate directly with ordinary voters. But business secretary Grant Shapps joined in the criticism of his former cabinet colleague. He told Sky News: I just think he should be here looking after his constituents, rather than in the jungle somewhere. So, no, I wont be [watching]. I wont be voting for him. I cant promise Ill be voting for anyone at all. So that might just be (by) omission rather than anything else. This article originally appeared on HuffPost UK and has been updated. Related... What does a strip of abandoned land, a former Czech politician and virtual reality (VR) have in common? The answer is the self-declared Balkan micronation of Liberland. First founded in 2015, its poised to further its ambitions of statehood with the development of a brand new metaverse. Liberland will be the first country to be built and inhabited in the virtual world first in anticipation of its realisation in real life. Whats more, world-renowned architectural firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, have been working on a vision for a virtual city that will provide a home for the swelling ranks of the countrys citizens. What is Liberland? Although it isnt a formally recognised country, Liberland has 7,000 approved residents with 700,000 more applications for citizenship being processed. Wedged between Serbia and Croatia, the 7 km2 territory - which is larger than Vatican City or Monaco - is disputed land and claimed by neither country. Liberland has been steadily growing its international reputation since its foundation by former Czech MP - and the micronations current president - Vit Jedlicka and his partner Jana Markovicova. President Vit Jedlicka takes a selfie on the physical land in the real world that forms Liberland. - Liberland Prior to 2015, libertarian Jedlicka had worked in his home country to create what he envisioned as a new society that was not hampered with the trappings of the old. Despite huge efforts, he encountered too many barriers. "At that point, I realised it might be easier to start a new country than change an existing one," he told Euronews Next. Once, this radical and inspiring thought took hold, the couple literally turned to Google to search for land that might serve their purpose. The result was a sliver of forgotten land on the west bank of the Danube and so a new nation, the Free Republic of Liberland, was born. Since the breakup of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, a border dispute has existed between Croatia and Serbia, with both sides presenting conflicting claims to various territories along the the Danube. Story continues We are building a country that can serve as a good example for other countries. The biggest improvement is that, in Liberland, taxes are voluntary, and people are rewarded when they pay them. However, the area Jedlicka found along the west bank of the river had not been claimed by either Croatia, Serbia or any other country and was therefore in a state of terra nullius, in other words a no mans land. That is until Jedlicka - the current president of the provisional government - and the other founders of Liberland laid claim to the territory on April 13, 2015. "We are building a country that can serve as a good example for other countries. The biggest improvement is that, in Liberland, taxes are voluntary, and people are rewarded when they pay them," Jedlicka said. "We founded Liberland on April 13, 2015, to celebrate the birthday of Thomas Jefferson. We wanted to invoke the spirit of the American Revolution. We also want to combine the best elements of the American republic, Swiss democracy, and the meritocracy of Singapore. We want to put our system on the blockchain so that the government will work in a modern and transparent way". Liberland bases its right to nationhood on the international legal rules which outline four key attributes. The first is a population, the second a defined territory, the third a government and finally the capacity to enter into international relations with other states. Its on this first point that the president of the nascent country really sees the strength of support for Liberlands claim for statehood. "The first day we had 2,000 applications for citizenship, the second 10,000 and by the third we had 200,000. This alone shows that there is a demand for what we are doing," Jedlicka said. Designing a virtual country in the metaverse By partnering with Zaha Hadid Architects to create a metaverse, Liberland is creating a space for its thousands of citizens to meet without having to travel to that tiny, and as yet, uninhabited piece of land. Indeed, it might be a much safer option for its would-be citizens as visitors are not then exposed to the threat of possible arrest by Croatian Police. Patrik Schumacher, Zaha Hadids principal architect, is a long term supporter of Liberland and has presided over previous architectural competitions to create a vision for a physical Liberland. By looking at a metaverse, he is providing an alternative and immediate way of allowing Liberland citizens to enter the micronation. A rendering of what Liberland's City Hall will look like. - Mytoverse/Zaha Hadid Architects Schumacher - the brains behind parametricism, a concept first coined back in 2008 which basically reinvented architecures relationship with computer technology and algorithms - is a legend in the industry. He recently published his '12 Theses on the Advent of the Metaverse,' his vision of what the virtual world will be like. Schumacher's primary thesis is that the metaverse will deliver vivid tele-presence, co-location synergies, explorative browsing, immersiveness, collective experiences, and so on. The metaverse is neither a game, nor fiction. Virtual reality in the metaverse will be no less real than the physical reality in our cities The uptake of this opportunity will be universal as all websites will spatialise, all organisations will move into the metaverse, and all physical venues will be augmented or substituted by functionally equivalent virtual venues. His second thesis is that the metaverse is a single reality. "The metaverse is neither a game, nor fiction. Virtual reality in the metaverse will be no less real than the physical reality in our cities," Schumacher wrote. "Physically and virtually mediated social communicative interactions are equally significant and together form an undivided continuous social reality. There will be both competition and cooperation within and across these realms". But he really kicks into gear with his seventh and eight theses which he calls the "Architects Take Over" and "Architectures Essence Distilled". Architects as creators of the metaverse "In the coming age of VR empowered cyberspace, it will be architects and no longer graphic designers who will design the coming 3D immersive internet: the metaverse," Schumacher wrote. "This expansion of architectures remit will further distill the disciplines essence and core competency, namely the spatio-visual ordering of communicative interaction, upgraded via investment into the subdisciplines of spatiology, phenomenology, semiology and dramaturgy". In many ways it makes sense to finally bring architects into the metaverse if we are to create cities that make sense rather than just look pretty. And it would appear it takes a new country, built on an absence of bloodshed, to seriously engage with trad-architecture and to bring it into de-architecture. Designs for Liberland's DeFi Plaza. - Mytoverse/Zaha Hadid Architects "Architecture is UI/UX for the built environment, a field that is deeply engaged in systems thinking, and that has many commonalities with communication and web design. Architects are strategists of spatial social functionality and communication," Daniela Ghertovici, founder of ArchAgenda, explained. Architects are best positioned to strategise and design urban environments in the metaverse, she addded. "Architects are digital natives, designing computationally, creating 3D digital environments and using game engines for VR presentations of spatial designs," Ghertovici said. "We focus much energy on creating physical environments for social interaction and productivity, and we are now entering the realm of UX design for complex real-time multi-user interaction in Virtual Reality platforms. Architects understand how to connect 3D space with social networking". Revealed: the Dorset employers named among the best to work for (Image: Rick Stein Group) DORSET employers including Hobbycraft, Julias House and Rick Stein have been named among the UKs best companies to work for. Teachers Building Society and law firm Frettens were also highly rated in the newly-published list. The list is compiled by Best Companies, which seeks to improve workplaces by carrying out regular research into employee engagement. Christchurch-headquartered Hobbycraft was number five among the best big companies to work for. The arts and crafts retailer has more than 90 stores across the country and 2,327 employees, 79 per cent of whom are female. It was the sixth best retailer to work for. Childrens hospice charity Julias House was number 42 on the list of the best large - separate from "big" - companies to work for. The charity, which has 221 staff, was the 16th best company to work for in the south west, and took second place nationally among charities. Wimborne-based Teachers Building Society was at number 73 among the best small companies to work for. Founded in 1966 to help people in relatively low-paid jobs take out a mortgage, the society has 58 staff, 59 per cent of them women. It was the 22nd best financial services organisation to work for. Frettens, headquartered in Christchurch with a second office in Ringwood, was number 87 among the best small companies. It has 68 staff, 84 per cent of them women. It was named the 20th best law firm to work for. Rick Stein Group, which has a restaurant at Sandbanks, was named the 88th best large company to work for and the 14th best leisure and hospitality business. It has 731 staff. Director Charlie Stein said: To be recognised by Best Companies in this way is something to be immensely proud of. "Ever since my parents started the business in the 1970s, looking after our staff, as well as our customers, and making sure they feel valued has been a priority. Story continues "We want everyone to feel that theyre part of a team, that they belong, and they feel motivated coming to work. What weve achieved here is down to the hard work of everyone across all of our business and Im delighted for the whole team. Brewhouse & Kitchen, the pub chain founded by Bournemouth-based chief executive Kris Gumbrell, was number 187 among large companies and 27th in the leisure and hospitality sector. It has 527 staff. The top 10 big companies to work for were Willmott Dixon, Admiral Group, Skipton Building Society, Roche, Hobbycraft, MBDA UK, UK Power Networks, Murphy & Sons, Hotel Chocolat and Howdens. Russia flew 140m in cash and a selection of captured UK and US weapons to Iran in return for dozens of deadly drones for its war in Ukraine, a security source has claimed. A Russian military aircraft secretly transported the cash and three models of munition - a British NLAW anti-tank missile, a US Javelin anti-tank missile and a Stinger anti-aircraft missile - to an airport in Tehran in the early hours of 20 August, the source told Sky News, speaking on condition of anonymity to share sensitive information. The weapons had been part of a shipment of UK and US military equipment intended for the Ukrainian military that "fell into Russian hands", according to the source. The source said they could give Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) the ability to study Western technology and potentially copy it. "They will probably be reverse-engineered and used in future wars," the source said. For its part, Iran supplied Russia with more than 160 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including 100 Shahed-136 drones, the source claimed. These have been nicknamed "suicide drones" because they explode on impact. The source alleged that a further drone deal worth 200m (174m) had been agreed between Tehran and Moscow in the past few days. "That means there will be another big supply of UAVs from Iran soon," the source said. The Iranian and Russian governments were approached for a response to the allegations. President Vladimir Putin's forces have recently ramped up drone attacks against Ukraine. Coupled with more conventional missile strikes, they have targeted critical power and water supplies across the country, including in the capital Kyiv. The barrages have killed civilians, caused widespread blackouts and strained Ukrainian air defences, with costly anti-aircraft missiles deployed to counter much cheaper drones. Read more: What are Iranian kamikaze drones and will the US send the deadly MQ-9 Reaper? Iranian drones 'crucial part' of war effort Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think-tank, said the Iranian drones had become a crucial part of Russia's war effort. Story continues "If Iran hadn't supplied the Shaheds, it would be significantly less effective in terms of the Russian strike campaign against Ukrainian electrical infrastructure and water," he said. In a potentially even graver threat, the Iranian government has also reportedly agreed to transfer bigger, more sophisticated ballistic missiles to Russia. Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, said if the reports were confirmed "this will pose a real, real threat". He told Sky News: "If they [Iranian ballistic missiles] come in numbers, we will have real trouble." Iran has dismissed the missile allegation as "completely false", though it did finally admit to supplying "a limited number of drones" to Moscow. But Hossein Amirabdollahian, the foreign minister, claimed on Saturday that this happened before - not since - Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February. By contrast, Ukraine, the US, the UK and France have all accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia more recently. The exact total number is not clear. The US said in July it believed the Iranian government was preparing to provide Russia with hundreds of drones. Russian military cargo planes 'in Tehran' Offering evidence of the alleged 20 August drone transaction, the security source shared with Sky News satellite imagery that they said showed two Russian military cargo planes at an airport in Tehran. The source said one of the Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft was believed to have transported the 140m (122m) and the captured Western weapons. The first image, time-stamped 1.17am in the morning on 20 August, showed two aircraft, highlighted by red lines, at Mehrabad airport in the Iranian capital. In the second image, taken at just after 3.30am, one of the aircraft had moved to the runway side of the facility and the other had turned around. In the final image, three and a half hours later, both aircraft appeared to have gone. Either one or both of them departed carrying Iranian drones, the source alleged. The source said they were aware of at least five Russian aircraft having transported drones from Iran since 20 August as part of the deal. A list of supplied drones In terms of what was supplied by Iran, the source listed: 100 Shahed-136 drones, 60 smaller Shahed-131 drones and six Mohajer-6 drones. Unlike the Shahed "suicide" aircraft, the Mohajer-6 is an armed drone that can drop or launch munitions. Asked why Russia also gave Iran captured British and US weapons, the source said it is thought this was because Tehran wanted to use its ability to reverse-engineer products. The source said they believed knowledge gained by the Iranians from reverse-engineering a US spy drone captured by Iran in 2011 helped in the development of the Shahed drones. Click to subscribe to Ukraine War Diaries wherever you get your podcasts Iran reverse-engineering drones "We think that the Iranians have proven that they have an efficient reverse-engineering system, as we can see with the UAVs they have reverse-engineered from the US's UAV captured in 2011," the source said. "It seems that Iran also wants to benefit from the war [in Ukraine] by receiving from the Russians Western capabilities that will be useful for them in the future - as happened in the past." An American RQ-17 Sentinel surveillance drone - used for reconnaissance - was captured in December 2011. An Iranian commander claimed the following year that his country had reverse-engineered the aircraft and was building a copy. Moscow last month denied its forces had used Iranian drones to attack Ukraine. "Russian equipment with Russian nomenclature is used," spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying on 18 October. "All further questions should be directed to the Defence Ministry." Sky News has contacted the Russian defence ministry but has yet to receive a reply. Timothy D. Easley/AP Perennial candidate Geoff Younga Democrat who dreams of unseating Republican Rep. Andy Barr in Kentuckys 6th Districthas gained attention this election cycle for parroting Kremlin talking points on the war in Ukraine and failing to get leaders of his own party to endorse him. But a review of Youngs campaign filings by The Daily Beast uncovered some other eyebrow-raising arrangements behind the scenes of his campaign: One of his top consultants allegedly threatened a firefighter with a semi-automatic weapon, while another is a confessed child molester. The financial disclosures reveal that Youngs main consultant in the race has been a little-known firm called Bolder Fundraising & Strategy, which has worked for other long-shot progressive candidates and with the Pakistani-American Public Affairs Committee. Materials submitted to the Federal Elections Committee show that Bolder aided Young free of charge, its services registered as individual in-kind contributions from members of its team. That has been true since 1917. There were only 4 years when most of the world's capitalist, imperialist & fascist countries were not trying to tear Russia (or the USSR) apart: 1942 through 1945, the last 4 years of World War 2. After 1945, the US went right back to Russia-hating https://t.co/iPat8jPRRB Geoffrey M. Young (@GeoffYoung4KY) November 4, 2022 Young told The Daily Beast that the firms founder, Stephen Tyger Roch, approached him and offered to volunteer his firms assistance. They wanted to work with me, and I looked at their track record and I decided to work with them, Young told The Daily Beast. Young accepted Rochs help in spite of charges the 25-year-old faces in Coloradowhere, according to authorities, he threatened to take out a local firefighter with an AR-15 last December after being urged to evacuate his house ahead of the destructive Marshall wildfire. Cops arrested Roch, and allegedly discovered the semiautomatic, a pistol, and some 2,000 rounds of ammunition. Story continues The case will go to trial in January. Reached by The Daily Beast, Roch declined to comment on the charges against him except to assert that the police report was inaccurate. Im excited to see my day in court, and Im excited to be vindicated by the people of Colorado, Roch said. The operative added that he decided to work for Young for free after learning the gadfly had paid to print Abolish the CIA on a billboard in Lexington. Ive worked for plenty of progressive candidates, and I've never seen anybody call for abolishing the CIA, Roch said, adding that he similarly adored Youngs stance on ending U.S. aid to Ukraine. Roch isnt the only Bolder staffer with a checkered past. Filings shows that the address for Trey Daniel Hawk of Pahrump, Nevada, who also provided the maximum $5,800 in donated services to the campaign, matches the address given for a Trey Hawk in the states sex offender registry. According to local reporting at the time, Hawk, then 20, pleaded guilty to two assaults on an 8-year-old girl in Utah in 2016. Roch said he never conducted a background check on Hawk, whom another Bolder staffer had met playing XBox games, and claimed he was unaware of his criminal history until The Daily Beast reached out. He said his firm severed relations with him immediately. I would never have hired him if I had known that, Roch insisted. "I told him what he did was degenerate and that he should find God. Hawk told The Daily Beast he did not disclose his past to Roch when he was hired, and Young said he was unaware of the conviction.. Roch said Hawk had developed a social media tool for the campaign, although Hawk said he mostly just answered emails; they both said Hawk managed FEC compliance for the campaign. Roch handled fundraising for the campaignand Young credited him with bringing in the vast majority of the money raised. However, this amounts to only a few thousand dollars, with Young the largest financial supporter of his campaign. 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. Boris Johnson has joked heatwave which swept through the UK over the summer might have been the cause of the political turmoil which has riven Westminster in recent months. On 19 July, less than two weeks after Mr Johnson resigned as prime minister, the UK recorded temperatures above 40C for the first time since records began a sweltering start to a drawn-out Tory leadership contest which appointed Liz Truss, whose mini-Budget spooked the markets, as his replacement. Speaking to The New York Times in Egypt, the former prime minister appeared to attack Ms Truss as he urged leaders to resisit calls to put the struggle against climate change on ice and frack the hell out of the British countryside a controversial method of shale gas extraction backed by his short-lived successor. Mr Johnson also referred to himself as the spirit of Glasgow Cop26 as he urged delegates at in Sharm-el-Sheikh to keep 1.5 alive. He referred to the Cop27 climate summit as precious and important in the face of the corrosive cynicism against net zero provoked by Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine. It has been a tumultuous 12 months since the last summit in Glasgow. Russias invasion of Ukraine has led to global energy shortfalls, triggering cost of living crises in rich countries and leaving some poorer nations on the brink of famine. Key Points PM has no credibility on climate, says Caroline Lucas Sunak to use Cop27 to raise migrant crossings with Macron Rishi Sunak accused of vacuum of leadership as climate summit gets underway Sunak to ask world leaders to live up to their climate promises No progress without global leadership, says UKs former climate envoy Climate compensation for hardest hit countries on Cop agenda for first time Egyptian rights activists divided over holding Cop27 in climate of fear 13:01 , Andy Gregory Our climate correspondent Saphora Smith reports: As world leaders descend on Sharm el-Sheikh, Egyptian activists are divided as to whether holding Cop27 under what they say is one of the most repressive governments in Egypts history amounts to an offence or an opportunity. Story continues Egypt is enmeshed in a full-scale human rights crisis, said Hossam Bahgat, a prominent Egyptian human rights activist who says he has been banned from leaving the country since 2016 and has had his assets frozen. Our current government has one of the worst records of human rights around the world. Mr Bahgat, founder of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, added: The fear of reprisals after Cop is very much on everyones mind here ... We had to make a choice because the alternative would have been to stay silent and not make the best use of this big opportunity that Cop27 presents for us. Egyptian rights activists divided over holding Cop27 in climate of fear Sunak and von der Leyen reflect on progress and challenges since Cop27 12:47 , Andy Gregory Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen have discussed climate breakdown, the Northern Ireland Protocol and war in Ukraine during a meeting at Cop27, his office has said. The British prime minister and European Commission president reflected on the progress and challenges since Cop26 in Glasgow, committing to work together to speed up the transition to renewables and mobilise finance for developing countries, a Downing Street spokesperson said. Young people are forced to act as adults to fight climate crisis, Uganda youth activist says 12:38 , Andy Gregory Our climate correspondent Saphora Smith reports from inside Cop27 in Sharm el-Sheikh: Leah Namugerwa, a young climate activist from Uganda, said she and her fellow youth activists had been forced to act as adults because planet Earth is being destroyed. We cannot watch as our home mother earth burning, heating in drought, she said. She said her generation didnt know if they were being heard when they spoke, or whether they were simply being ignored. I dont see justice when big polluters are untouchable, she said. Ms Namugerwa is known for leading a campaign to plant more trees and said she had a goal of planting a million trees: What is your goal? she asked. Ms Namugerwa called on world leaders to speak as if there is an emergency happening, and asked them how they wanted to be remembered. We have faced decades of inaction from world leaders, she said. Men in office, how are you going to be remembered do you wish to be remembered as one who did a lot of nothing while in power? Leah Namugerwa laments decades of inaction (Saphora Smith/The Independent) Sunak and Ruto congratulate one another on leadership wins 12:25 , Emily Atkinson Rishi Sunak and Kenyas president William Ruto have offered their mutual congratulations on recently taking office as they met at the Sharm El-Sheikh UN climate summit. The pair smiled and shook hands at the start of their bilateral meeting, reports PA. Mr Ruto, who won Kenyas August presidential elections, has said climate would be key to his governments agenda and that he would take a leading role in negotiating the delivery of finance and technology to Africa to support nations dealing with the impacts of climate change. UAE president says their oil and gas is among 'lowest emissions in world' 12:10 , Emily Atkinson Stuti Mistra from inside Cop27 The president of the United Arab Emirates, which is host to the next UN climate summit in 2023, told the world leaders at Cop27 that the country will remain a supplier of oil and gas for as long as the world is in need. Calling itself a responsible supplier of fossil fuel that the United Nations climate summit is aiming to phase down, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said at the world leader plenary session that oil and gas from the UAE is among the lowest carbon fossil fuels in the world. However, that only includes the emissions during the production of these fossils and not of the customers that burn it.Next years Cop28 summit, to be hosted in Dubais Expo City, will include the first evaluation of the implementation of the Paris Climate Accords, he said. (Getty Images) Planet has become a world of suffering: Egypts El Sisi welcomes leaders at Cop27 with warning 11:55 , Emily Atkinson Egypts president Adbel El-Sisi kicked off the world leaders summit at the red sea town of Sharm el Sheikh asking nations to address the thorny difficult questions on climate change. Leaders from over a a hundred countries have arrived in Egypt with many of them, including UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, set to address the gathering later in the day. People around the world have thorny difficult questions, and we must address these questions Have we faced our responsibilities, as leaders, to address climate change and protect the vulnerable? Can we achieve our goals? Can we all work together? Do we have any other choice? he asked in his opening address. The Egyptian president said the planet has become a world of suffering due to climate crisis. We have seen one catastrophe after another. As soon as we tackle one, another arises. Wave after wave of suffering.Humanity can surely be just to those who are not responsible for producing so much suffering. Every government knows what it must do. UN chief says world is on the 'highway to climate hell' 11:39 , Emily Atkinson Saphora Smith from inside Cop27 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told delegates on Monday that the world was on the highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator. Addressing delegates on Monday, Mr Guterres, who is famous for not mincing his words, said the world was fast approaching tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible. He told delegates that the war in Ukraine and other conflicts had caused so much bloodshed and violence and had dramatic impacts acrossthe world but that the world could not accept that our attention is not focused on climate change. Climate change is on a different timeline, and a different scale, he said. It is the defining issue of our age It is unacceptable, outrageous and self-defeating to put it on the back burner. At Cop27 itself, he said he was calling for a historic pact to be formed between developed and emerging economies, in which all countries make an extra effort to reduce emissions this decade in line with the 1.5C goal, in which financial assistance is given to emerging economies to transition to renewables, and in which countries agree to end dependence on fossil fuels. As for the contentious issue of loss and damage, he said it could not be swept under the rug. Vulnerable countries have called for a funding mechanism for nations that have suffered permanent losses and irreparable damage from the climate crisis. It is a moral imperative, he said. It is a fundamental question of international solidarity -- and climate justice. It was announced on Sunday that for the first time in the history of the UN climate summit that loss and damage would be on the agenda. Boris Johnson declares himself the spirit of Glasgow at Cop27 11:25 , Emily Atkinson Boris Johnson jokes about climate change causing his downfall as PM 11:15 , Emily Atkinson Boris Johnson has joked about soaring temperatures from climate change being one possible reason for his removal from Downing Street this summer. The former prime minister suggested record-breaking temperatures of 40C in July helped spark the Tory rebellion which saw him forced out of No 10. Climate change effects are all too real and visible even in the UK, Mr Johnson said at Cop27 in Egypt. Temperatures in London this July reached 40C, almost unbearable by UK standards. Adam Forrest reports: Boris Johnson jokes about climate change causing his downfall as PM Sunak made a big mistake in saying he would not attend Cop27 10:58 , Emily Atkinson 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 wouldnt 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. What is on the agenda today? 10:40 , Saphora Smith Cop27 kicked off in the Egyptian resort town on Sunday when Britain handed over the Cop presidency to Egypt. Day two will see world leaders - including French president Emmanuel Macron, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and British prime minister Rishi Sunak - address delegates, setting out their priorities for the summit. Cop27 has been dubbed the implementation Cop because its aim is to make progress on transforming pledges into action on the ground, as well as strengthening commitments to tackle the crisis. Success will be reliant on goodwill among national delegations and domestic appetite for reform, both of which have been put under strain by Russias invasion of Ukraine. But the United Nations has made it clear that the world needs to act if it wants to avoid climate catastrophe. In the run up to the event, the United Nations warned that instead of being on track to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, the world was on track for emissions to increase by more than 10 per cent. This means there is no credible pathway in place to reach 1.5C by the end of the century, it said. Boris Johnson attacks nonsense from Tory net zero skeptics 10:18 , Adam Forrest Boris Johnson who claimed to be spirit of Glasgow Cop26 attacked net zero sceptics in the Tory party during an event at the Cop27 summit in Egypt. The former prime minister warned against a corrosive cynicism about the economic cost on action to bring down carbon emissions. There are people who have drawn the conclusion that the whole project of net zero needs to be delayed, mothballed and put on ice that we need, for instance, to reopen coal-fired power stations and frack the hell out of the British countryside, he said. We really need to tackle this nonsense head on, said the former PM, who singled out his old Brexit ally David Frost for special criticism. Referring to Lord Frosts description of wind power as medieval technology, Mr Johnson said: I would point out that burning oil is positively paleolithic. Cop27 kicks off amid heightened security and under hazy skies 10:08 , Emily Atkinson Saphora Smith, Louise Boyle and Stuti Mishra from inside Cop27: The second day of Cop27 kicked off in Sharm el-Sheikh amid high levels of security and under hazy skies. The Egyptian resort town is bursting with Cop27 delegates, seen flagging down shuttle buses on the side of the road, and attempting to navigate the maze that is the Tonino Lamborghini conference centre. Those whose accommodation fell through have been left frantically trying to find other options or facing sky-high rates. John Kerry was spotted heading to the delegation pavilions, while Boris Johnson has already made headlines before Britains prime minister Rishi Sunak has had a chance to speak during the high-level summit scheduled for later on Monday. The political side of the summit will truly get underway when heads of state and government address delegates, their electorate, and the world starting at 1pm local time (11 am UK) time. Sunak holds climate talks with Italys Meloni in Egypt 09:57 , Emily Atkinson Rishi Sunak has met with Italys new far-right leader Giorgia Meloni at the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt. The pair spoke about house building and planning while journalists were in the room at the start of the bilateral meeting. The PM and Ms Meloni, Italys first woman premier, took office within days of each other last month. Ms Melonis Brothers of Italy party leads the countrys first far-right-led government since the World War II. I am the spirit of Glasgow Cop26, says Boris Johnson 09:22 , Emily Atkinson Boris Johnson referred to himself as the spirit of Glasgow Cop26 as he urged delegates at in Sharm-el-Sheikh to keep 1.5 alive. Speaking to The New York Times in Egypt, the former prime minister referred to the Cop27 climate summit as precious and important in the face of the corrosive cynicism against net zero provoked by Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine. Mr Johnson appeared to attack Liz Truss as he urged leaders to resisit calls to put the struggle against climate change on ice and frack the hell out of the British countryside a controversial method of shale gas extraction backed by his short-lived successor. He also suggested that the 40C highs recorded in the UK over the summer might have been the cause of the political turmoil which has riven Westminster in recent months. The ex-PM went on to urge delegates to maintain the momentum from Cop26 in Glasgow which he said defied some of the gloomier media expectations, insisting that now is not the moment to abandon net zero. Cop27: What's on the agenda today? 08:50 , Emily Atkinson Sunak can attend Cop27 due to vast work done on Budget, says Shapps 08:37 , Emily Atkinson Grant Shapps has said Rishi Sunak is able to attend Cop27 because of the vast amount of work that has been completed on the forthcoming Autumn Budget. The business secretary told Sky News: I think the chancellor is still working very hard on it and I know that Ive been working with the PM, the chancellor ... on the business, the climate, the energy aspects of that. I think the vast amount of works been done and so (Mr Sunak) felt it was appropriate to leave the country. But as ever ... his first priority is to make sure that, particularly with that rather choppy period that weve been through, that things are stabilised here. Sturgeon urges delegates to build on Cop26 commitments 08:14 , Emily Atkinson Scotlands first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said it is important that Cop27 builds on Cop26, as the next couple of weeks are crucial now to our chances of keeping 1.5 alive. Speaking from Cop27 in Egypt, she told BBC Radio Scotlands Good Morning Scotland programme: I think Glasgow was a success, we didnt get everything that had been hoped for going into Glasgow but I think the feeling coming out of Cop26 was that it was a good foundation to build on. It will only count if it is implemented, the commitments around keeping 1.5 degrees alive, the commitments around climate finance, mitigation, adaptation, crucially loss and damage, that now has to be implemented and this Cop here in Egypt is all about implementation. So, what happens here over the next couple of weeks is absolutely crucial now to our chances of keeping 1.5 alive and, to be blunt about it, saving the planet for generations to come. PM has no credibility on climate, says Caroline Lucas 07:53 , Emily Atkinson Rishi Sunak has no credibility when he urges delegates in Egypt to stick to commitments made at the Cop26 climate summit held in Glasgow last year, the co-leader of the Green Party has said. Posting on Twitter this morning, as the UN climate conference in Egypt moves into its second day, Caroline Lucas attacked the prime minister for telling other nations to uphold the 2021 commitment to reduce the use of coal when his own government has a poor record on mitigating climate change. She said: PM has no credibility when he urges others at #COP27 to keep Glasgow commitments when his own Govt hasnt met finance pledges, hasnt raised ambition of UK emission cuts, is continuing fossil fuel subsidies, wont rule out new coal & is greenlighting more oil & gas #WalkTheTalk. PM has no credibility when he urges others at #COP27 to keep Glasgow commitments when his own Govt hasnt met finance pledges, hasnt raised ambition of UK emission cuts, is continuing fossil fuel subsidies, wont rule out new coal & is greenlighting more oil & gas #WalkTheTalk Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) November 7, 2022 Sunak to use Cop27 to raise migrant crossings with Macron 07:33 , Emily Atkinson Rishi Sunak to set to raise resolutions to the migrant crisis with French president Emmanuel Macron when they meet for the first time in Egypt on Monday. Ahead of the Cop27 climate summit, the PM told The Sun his key priority at the conference was resolving the crisis of small boats crossing the Channel. I have spent more time working on that in the last few days than anything else other than the autumn statement, he said. The UK and France are close to allowing Border Force staff on the beaches, the newspaper reports, with the PM insisting he will continue to push for a deal with Mr 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. (Getty Images) Cop27 must be about implementation anything less would be shameful 07:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The importance of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference, Cop27, in Egypt cannot be overstated. The World Meteorological Organisation, the UNs weather and climate body, on Sunday released its annual State of the Global Climate report which stated that the target to limit temperature rises to 1.5C was barely within reach. The United Nations warned last month that there is no credible pathway in place to rein in global temperature rise to 1.5C degrees, and only root and branch transformation can save the planet from disaster. Pursuing efforts to limit the temperature to 1.5C degrees and well below 2C degrees was the agreement that came out of the landmark conference in Paris in 2015, and the conference held in Glasgow last year aimed at keeping that target alive. The disappointment was clear when Alok Sharma, the president of that 26th conference, said that it did so but with a weak pulse. It is obvious that the same cannot happen again, that we cannot keep kicking the can down the road. The watchword now is implementation. Read The Independents editorial here. Editorial: Cop27 must be about implementation anything less would be shameful Fears UK will break climate crisis pledge after failure to reveal funding 07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Ministers have been told to come clean on suspicions the UK will break promises to fund climate crisis help for poorer nations after failing to set out what money is being provided. As the crucial Cop27 summit opens, the government is refusing to set out its recent contributions to a crucial global fund despite Boris Johnson pledging to boost spending to an average of 2.3bn a year. Figures seen by The Independent show only 1.3bn was paid in 2020, the most recent statistic provided, as rich nations were condemned for failing to meet a $100bn annual target set a decade earlier. Rob Merrick reports. Fears UK will break climate crisis pledge after failure to reveal funding Voices | There is no climate justice without climate finance 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar This years flood in Nigeria has affected millions of people: homes, farms, schools our country has lost billions of dollars to the damages. It has affected more than two-thirds of Nigeria, which makes it a total disaster. Yet this is just one of the several realities of the climate crisis we are faced with. This has been our reality for a very long time. Currently, in my region west Africa the climate crisis is exacerbating armed conflict and violence between farmers and herders, due to resources control and the loss of livelihoods. It is the same in other regions of Africa. Climate change is driving hunger, food insecurity and poverty due to environmental instability. It is so widespread that a simple loss and damage fund is not negotiable, writes Oladosu Adenike. Opinion: There is no climate justice without climate finance Brazil, Indonesia and Congo in talks to form rainforest alliance 06:04 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Brazils newly-elected president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is reportedly in talks with two other major rainforest nations to form a strategic alliance in an effort to unlock conservation funding at the Cop27 climate summit. Before winning the general elections, Lula began reaching out to Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) about forming a united front of tropical forest countries, nicknamed Opec for rainforests. The three nations combined are home to 52 per cent of the worlds remaining primary tropical forests, which are crucial to prevent climate catastrophe. An alliance of countries such as Brazil, Indonesia and the DRC who all face similar threats can put pressure on richer countries to accelerate efforts to stop deforestation, Annisa Rahmawati, head of Indonesian conservation group Satya Bumi, told Reuters. ICYMI | Climate protesters stop private planes from taking off 05:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Hundreds of environmental activists blocked private jets from leaving Amsterdams Schiphol Airport in a demonstration on the eve of the Cop27 climate conference in Egypt. Footage showed Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion activists cycling around the planes at the transport hub, before others sat down in front of private jets to prevent them from leaving. Hundreds of other climate activists occupied the airports main hall and carried signs that more trains and restrict aviation. Dewi Zloch of Greenpeace Netherlands said the activists want fewer flights, more trains and a ban on unnecessary short-haul flights and private jets. Joe Middleton has more. Climate protesters on bikes stop private planes from taking off ahead of Cop27 summit UN summit puts climate compensation on agenda for the first time 05:22 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar World leaders at the Cop27 summit in Egypt have agreed to negotiate for the first time whether rich nations should compensate vulnerable poor countries for their suffering related to climate change. Funding for countries that have suffered permanent losses and irreparable damage from the climate crisis, termed loss and damage, has been placed on the agenda. Getting finance for Loss and Damage in the agenda for Cop27 is a definite win for developing countries, Dr Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) in Bangladesh told The Independent in Sharm el-Sheikh. He added that the next step would be to get the fund set up by the end of Cop27. Louise Boyle and Stuti Mishra report. Cop27 puts climate compensation on agenda for the first time South Africa says it needs $84bn for clean energy transition 04:57 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar South Africa needs nearly $84bn over the next five years for its plans to cut carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy while supporting the affected communities, president Cyril Ramaphosa said. At last years climate conference in Glasgow, first-world nations committed $8.5bn to help South Africa cut its reliance on coal, which is used for the bulk of its electricity generation. However, according to Mr Ramaphosa, South Africa needs far more than what was pledged at Cop26. The scale of funding that is required to achieve our countrys ambition is significantly higher, much higher than the funding that has been offered, Mr Ramaphosa said last week. In going to COP27, that is the message we will be taking forward. Pakistan PM urges world leaders to deliver on climate finance commitment 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Pakistan prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is the chair of the G77 group of developing nations, has arrived in Egypt to attend the Cop27 climate summit, where he is expected to urge the international community to deliver on its commitment to climate finance along with the loss and damage fund. Compensation paid by the international community to countries hit by climate disasters is one of the key agenda items for the summit in Egypt. 77 @PakPMO #COP27 #PakAtCOP27#PMShehbazInEgypt #PMPakCOP27https://t.co/9RdCFyEOnI pic.twitter.com/t2aJzGK0td (@PBCofficialNews) November 7, 2022 Extreme climatic events in Pakistan and the Horn of Africa this year have showcased globalisation of climate change. Turning a blind eye to its lethal effects will be criminal, Mr Sharif said in a tweet. World leaders warned climate breakdown close to irreversible 04:19 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar World leaders have been warned climate breakdown is close to being irreversible, as they gathered for the make-or-break Cop27 summit amid accusations of backsliding on promises made. The UN secretary-general warned world leaders in Egypt including Rishi Sunak, after his U-turn on attending that our planet is on course to reach tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible. Simon Stiell, the UN climate chief, demanded that the promise be kept, saying he is looking out at the 165 countries that still needed to move further and faster. I will not be a custodian of backsliding, he said, adding: We know what must be done by everybody everywhere, every single day, doing everything we possibly can. Colleagues, its time to get to work. Rob Merrick and Joe Middleton report. World leaders warned climate breakdown close to being irreversible at Cop27 Sunak to ask world leaders to live up to their climate promises 03:49 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar British prime minister Rishi Sunak today will tell world leaders at the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt to deliver on their promises to tackle global warming. He is expected to call on governments to deliver on the promises made at last years climate summit in Glasgow, when host nation Britain helped to broker a wide-ranging climate pact much of which is yet to be implemented. The world came together in Glasgow with one last chance to create a plan that would limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees. The question today is: can we summon the collective will to deliver on those promises? he will say, according to extracts released by his office. Egypt has 72 hours to save activists life, says Amnesty 03:36 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The proceedings of Cop27 in Egypt could be stained by the death of one of the countrys leading rights activists from a hunger and water strike in prison if he is not released within the next few days, Amnesty International said on Sunday. Agnes Callamard, the secretary general of the rights body, said that Egyptian authorities had no more than 72 hours to save the life of jailed dissident Alaa Abd El-Fatteh. If they do not want to end up with a death they should have and could have prevented, they must act now, Ms Callamard said at a news briefing. Ms Callamard said she will be attending the climate summit to push for action on human rights issues related to climate change and immediate action on the case of the British-Egyptian prisoner. Our planet is sending a distress signal, says UN chief 03:00 , Joe Middleton Africa has all the sun and wind it needs to be a clean energy pioneer but it needs help 02:00 , Joe Middleton Africa, the worlds youngest continent, is on the cusp of sweeping economic development. But that development must be powered by renewables, writes Mohamed Adow. Opinion: Africa has all the sun and wind it needs to be a clean energy pioneer World leaders warned climate breakdown close to irreversible as they gathered for make-or-break Cop27 01:00 , Joe Middleton World leaders have been warned climate breakdown is close to being irreversible, as they gathered for the make-or-break Cop27 summit amid accusations of backsliding on promises made. The conference got under way against the gloomy backdrop of a new United Nations report finding the 1.5C limit for global heating is now barely within reach after the past eight years were the eight hottest ever recorded. The UN secretary-general warned world leaders in Egypt including Rishi Sunak, after his U-turn on attending that our planet is on course to reach tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible. World leaders warned climate breakdown close to being irreversible at Cop27 Cop27: From world leaders to celebrities - who is attending the climate summit? 00:01 , Joe Middleton Boris Johnson to warn against climate change defeatism Sunday 6 November 2022 23:01 , Joe Middleton Boris Johnson will issue a rallying call to not to allow defeatism in the face of the worsening economic situation to undermine the fight against global warming. The former prime minister, who is attending the Cop27 climate change summit in Egypt, will warn on Monday a corrosive cynicism is jeopardising efforts to wean the world away from fossil fuels. In a rare public intervention since being ousted from No 10 earlier this year, he will insist it is still possible to achieve the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5C - avoiding the worst effects of climate change. Because the spike in oil and gas prices - and the consequent global inflation, the hikes in the cost of fertiliser and food have had an impact here and everywhere, they have led some naysayers to a corrosive cynicism about net zero, he will tell a Climate Forward event organised by The New York Times. 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. PA Cop27: Rishi Sunak accused of vacuum of leadership as climate summit gets underway Sunday 6 November 2022 22:36 , Joe Middleton Rishi Sunak has been accused of a vacuum of leadership, as he arrives at the make-or-break Cop27 summit to a warning that climate breakdown is now close to being irreversible. The prime ministers claim to be at the forefront of global efforts to avert disaster was ridiculed after his initial refusal to attend the crucial conference and with a yawning chasm between government promises and action. As he left for Egypt, for one night only, Mr Sunak argued it is still possible to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees, the point above which runaway climate change will be unstoppable. Rob Merrick reports. Rishi Sunak facing demands for action on climate change now - not more warm words I have seen the devastation in Kenya with my own eyes Sunday 6 November 2022 21:58 , Joe Middleton When I think of those two girls fetching water, the women and girls who are afraid of being raped, I cannot believe how drastically everything has changed, writes Abigael Kima. Opinion: I have seen the devastation in Kenya with my own eyes Pictured: Rishi Sunak arrives at Cop27 Sunday 6 November 2022 21:10 , Joe Middleton Prime minister Rishi Sunak arriving in Sharm el-Sheikh, in Egypt (PA) At Cop26, I asked world leaders to open their hearts now they must open their eyes Sunday 6 November 2022 20:55 , Joe Middleton For many years, the warnings about climate inaction have been crystal clear. But many leaders worldwide have yet to take the climate crisis seriously. The response should have been faster, and at the scale and speed we know is needed, writes Elizabeth Wathuti. Instead, frontline communities like mine are already bearing the biggest burden despite having done the least to cause the problem. Simply put, they are paying the price of climate inaction. Climate justice means facing up to this and not abandoning frontline communities to their fate. In a speech I delivered to world leaders at Cop26 in Glasgow, I asked them to open their hearts before entering the negotiations. I appealed to them to act in solidarity with communities at the front lines of the climate crisis. Opinion: At Cop26, I asked world leaders to open their hearts now we need more Our planet is sending a distress signal, says UN chief Sunday 6 November 2022 20:30 , Joe Middleton Sister of Egyptian Briton on hunger strike urges Sunak to intervene before it is too late Sunday 6 November 2022 20:00 , Joe Middleton The sister of British-Egyptian prisoner Alaa Abd El-Fatteh has made a plea to Rishi Sunak to make an urgent intervention. Sanaa Seif called for the government to take action before it is too late. The prime minister sent a letter to Abd El-Fattahs family but they are concerned No 10s engagements with the Egyptian president will be too past due. Sister of Briton on hunger strike urges Sunak to intervene before it is too late Climate protesters on bikes stop private planes from taking off ahead of Cop27 summit Sunday 6 November 2022 19:24 , Joe Middleton Hundreds of environmental activists blocked private jets from leaving Amsterdams Schiphol Airport on Saturday in a demonstration on the eve of the Cop27 climate conference in Egypt. Footage showed Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion activists cycling around the planes at the transport hub, before others sat down in front of private jets to prevent them leaving. Hundreds of other climate activists occupied the airports main hall and carried signs that more trains and restrict aviation. Climate protesters on bikes stop private planes from taking off ahead of Cop27 summit 100-year-old Panamanian community to move to mainland as sea level rises over island Sunday 6 November 2022 18:57 , Joe Middleton The 1,200 inhabitants of the island of Gardi Sugdub are relocating to mainland Panama in 2023 as their land is being overtaken by the rising Caribbean Sea, writes Oliver OConnell. Climate change is forcing the indigenous Guna people to become the first residents of Latin America to be moved because their home for 100 years faces being submerged as the worlds sea levels rise. The Wall Street Journal reports that they will be moved to modern homes in the new community of La Barriada late next year. The move has been planned for a decade. 100-year-old Panamanian community to move to mainland as sea rises over island British PM Sunak will raise issue of hunger striker Alaa Abd el-Fattah with Egypts leadership Sunday 6 November 2022 18:24 , Joe Middleton Prime minister Rishi Sunak has said he will raise the case of Egyptian-British hunger striker Alaa Abd el-Fattah with Egypts leadership during the Cop27 climate summit that opened on Sunday, the same day Abd el-Fattah said he would stop drinking water. Abd al-Fattah rose to prominence with Egypts 2011 uprising but has been detained for most of the period since. Sentenced most recently in December 2021 to five years on charges of spreading false news, he has been on hunger strike for 219 days against his detention and prison conditions. In a letter dated November 5 to Abd el-Fattahs sister Sanaa Seif, and posted by his family on social media, Mr Sunak wrote that the case remained a priority for the British government and had been raised with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi several times. I will continue to stress to President Sisi the importance that we attach to the swift resolution of Alaas case and an end to his unacceptable treatment, Sunak wrote. The UKs attendance at COP27 is another opportunity to raise your brothers case with the Egyptian leadership. Reuters Cop27: From world leaders to celebrities - who is attending the climate summit? Sunday 6 November 2022 17:58 , Joe Middleton Voices | Greta is right Cop27 lacks moral leadership. Like apartheid, the climate crisis cannot be tackled without it Sunday 6 November 2022 17:00 , Thomas Kingsley To see women, especially young women, at the forefront of climate activism is inspiring, writes Ndileka Mandela. Especially because the cause can otherwise feel overwhelming. Recently, Greta Thunberg held us all to account. There is, she insisted, insufficient moral and political leadership on the climate crisis. Could anyone argue shes wrong? At Cop27, theres a lot of talk about climate finance. Thats well and good, but the real reason we arent making progress, the real reason were on the verge of catastrophe, is because we arent speaking to people in languages that resonate. Language that inspires us to make hard choices. Everything else is just information. Read the full story below: Greta is right Cop27 lacks moral leadership | Ndileka Mandela Climate compensation for hardest hit countries on Cop agenda for first time Sunday 6 November 2022 16:20 , Sam Rkaina Delegates have agreed to discuss whether rich nations should compensate poor countries most vulnerable to climate change for their suffering. This creates for the first time an institutionally stable space on the formal agenda of COP and the Paris Agreement to discuss the pressing issue of funding arrangements needed to deal with existing gaps, responding to loss and damage, Cop27 president Sameh Shoukry told the summit opening on Sunday. The item was adopted to the agenda in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Sunday, as world leaders arrived for the negotiations scheduled to run through Nov. 18. Much of the tension at Cop27 is expected to relate to loss and damage - funds provided by wealthy nations to vulnerable lower-income countries that bear little responsibility for climate-warming emissions. At Cop26 last year in Glasgow, high-income nations blocked a proposal for a loss and damage financing body, instead supporting a new three-year dialogue for funding discussions. The loss and damage discussions now on the agenda at Cop27 will not involve liability or binding compensation, but they are intended to lead to a conclusive decision no later than 2024, Shoukry said. The inclusion of this agenda reflects a sense of solidarity for the victims of climate disasters, he added. Rishi Sunak promises family of Briton on water strike in Egypt jail he will raise case during Cop27 Sunday 6 November 2022 14:55 , Sam Rkaina Rishi Sunak has pledged to fight for the release of a UK citizen who has started a water strike in jail in Egypt, saying it is a priority for the British government that he be freed. Mr Sunak is travelling to the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Sunday to attend Cop27, in his first major international visit as premier. There he said he will meet the Egyptian president and raise the case of Alaa Abdel-Fattah, a British-Egyptian writer and software developer who rights groups say is unlawfully detained for his activism. Click here for the full story. Alaa Abdel-Fattah (AFP via Getty Images) Cop27 conference centre welcomes first attendees Sunday 6 November 2022 14:37 , Sam Rkaina (EPA) (AP) (AFP via Getty Images) Political leaders have special responsibility to tackle climate change Sunday 6 November 2022 14:00 , Sam Rkaina Political leaders from around the globe have a special responsibility to urgently drive the transformation needed to tackle climate change, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said. He made the comments as he prepares to attend the Cop27 UN climate talks in Egypt. The climate change conference takes place in Sharm El-Sheikh this week. Mr Martin will attend the event as well as Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney and Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora Colm Brophy. At the summit, the Taoiseach will participate in a number of high-level events and roundtables, including on food security and on the sustainability of vulnerable communities. He will join Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for a working breakfast on The Global Shield Against Climate Risks, a new initiative sponsored by the G7 and the V20 group of vulnerable countries aimed at scaling up the finance needed to protect against climate risks in poor countries. On Tuesday afternoon Mr Martin will deliver Irelands national statement, setting out Irelands climate ambition, and the Governments commitment to supporting vulnerable countries who, despite having contributed least to climate change, are bearing the brunt of its impact. Climate activists block private jets on bikes Sunday 6 November 2022 13:30 , Sam Rkaina Hundreds of climate activists were arrested in Amsterdam after blocking private jets from taking off - on bikes. Protesters stormed the Schiphol airport on Saturday, and were seen cycling around the Tarmac as security guards tried to bring them down. We want fewer flights, more trains and a ban on unnecessary short-haul flights and private jets, said Dewi Zloch of Netherlands Greenpeace. Climate activists in Amsterdam block private jets with their bikes. You love to see it! pic.twitter.com/KUJWd7ubkA Read Jackson Rising by @CooperationJXN (@JoshuaPHilll) November 5, 2022 Sisters fears for British brother jailed in Egypt Sunday 6 November 2022 13:15 , Sam Rkaina The sister of detained writer Alaa Abd El-Fattah fears the Foreign Office is setting up the Prime Minister to fail on his Cop27 trip to Egypt because her brother may die there while on hunger strike during the conference. Rishi Sunak told the family of the British-Egyptian activist in a letter that he will raise their plight with the Egyptian president but would be updating the family after the climate summit is over, which they say could be too late. Mr Abd El-Fattah has been imprisoned in Cairo since 2006 over his pro-democracy writing. He has been on hunger strike in prison, eating only 100 daily calories for the past 200 days, and will stop drinking water as the summit begins to escalate his protest. Mr Sunak wrote to his family on Saturday 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. He 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. Mr Abd El-Fattahs sister, Sanaa Seif, said she was worried her brother, who looked very, very frail with sunken eyes last time she saw him in August, would die before the end of Cop27. She told Skys Sophy Ridge on Sunday: Its good that we have a commitment from the Prime Ministers office, but what worried me is he said we would get confirmation after the conference. I feel like the Prime Minister needs to understand the urgency after the conference it could be too late. I know its not the Prime Ministers mistake, but the Foreign Office, the embassy, they have been working on this for a very long time, and I feel like they are setting up the Prime Minister to fail in this trip. Spain's government is facing intense pressure over its handling of a migrant disaster in Melilla this summer. At least 23 migrants died in a "stampede" while trying to cross the Moroccan border to the Spanish enclave in northern Africa on June 24. Independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council have put the death toll as high as 37. A recent BBC documentary has claimed that at least one person died in an area controlled by Spanish forces, who allegedly failed to prevent the deaths of dozens of African migrants. "Other lifeless bodies were pulled out [of Spanish territory] by Moroccan security forces," according to the BBC report. Spain's interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has maintained that there were "no deaths on Spanish territory" during the tragedy. The Spanish government has also condemned the BBC, saying it is "disappointing and surprising" that "accusations" were made "without evidence". Spain had previously stated that "50 civilian guards were injured" during a "violent attack on the border" on June 24. Nearly 2,000 migrants -- many from Sudan -- had tried to cross the border fence into the European Union in the incident. Spanish border police fired teargas canisters and rubber bullets in an attempt to drive the migrants back. UN experts have accused both Moroccan and Spanish authorities of "an excessive and lethal use of force" and an "alarming" lack of accountability. Amnesty International has joined calls for a thorough, transparent investigation into the tragedy -- the worst ever of its kind at Melilla. Spain's Ombudsman, who is investigating the tragedy along with the public prosecutor's office, said in mid-October that Spain had failed to respect the "legal guarantees" of migrants. Story continues Opposition MPs have called for Grande-Marlaskas resignation, accusing him of withholding evidence, namely security footage, from investigators. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Grande-Marlaska reiterated that Spanish security forces had acted "legally, proportionately, and (according to) necessity". Madrid and Rabat signed a bilateral agreement in April on migration and border controls at Melilla and another Spanish enclave, Ceuta. Over two days in March, more than 3,500 people tried to scale the border fence that surrounds Melilla. Nearly 1,000 successfully crossed into the North African enclave, according to Spanish authorities. The University of North Georgia's (UNG) College of Science & Mathematics , in partnership with The Lab Depot, Inc., has launched an innovative program to provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students with a valuable job shadowing experience with an emphasis on the development of important business soft skills. In addition to the Business Leadership and Apprenticeship Development Experience (BLADE), The Lab Depot has committed to a $25,000 donation to support the new STEM building that is planned for UNG's Dahlonega Campus. "UNG is proud to partner with The Lab Depot for the BLADE program," Dr. John Leyba, dean of the College of Science & Mathematics, said. "They have been a valuable partner and reliable supplier to UNG's lab science courses for many years. Their staunch support of UNG is phenomenal." The Lab Depot Chief Financial Officer Jere Allen is a 1998 UNG alumnus. Building on other successful engagements with the university, he began looking for a way to provide students with an introduction to an element that is often missing in academics: a live, "behind-the-scenes" business experience that is relatable to their career pursuits. "We felt like this could be a great bridge between all they have learned in the classroom as they begin the transition to a full-time workplace environment," Allen said. Privacy Policy We collect limited information about web visitors and use cookies on our website to provide you with the most optimal experience and improve our website. To learn more about our website privacy practices, please review University of Richmonds general data privacy regulation policy. To continue to our website, you must click on I agree to agree to this use. I Agree CAIRO US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry on Monday affirmed support for Viet Nam in just energy transition and climate change response. At a meeting with Vietnamese Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha on the sidelines of the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), Kerry said the US would boost cooperation with Viet Nam and work together with the Southeast Asian nation to fulfil climate commitments. For his part, Ha reiterated Viet Nams commitment made at COP26 to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and stressed that the country is rolling out comprehensive measures in energy transition to complete the target. However, he said, ensuring energy security to serve economic development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the same time would require international support in terms of both resources and technology. The two sides compared notes on ways and solutions to cope with climate change and limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius as set in the Paris Agreement on climate change. The COP27 is taking place in Egypt from November 6-18. VNS NEW YORK Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations (UN), has highlighted the importance of information sharing in improving the efficiency of the operations of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Speaking at the 77th-tenure UNGA discussion on this issue on Monday (US time), Giang emphasised the need to improve the performance of the UNGA, and to ensure transparency in the making of decisions and resolutions. Measures to ensure continuity between the UNGA Presidency terms as well as criteria for gender equality and geographic representation when appointing the UNs leading positions should be taken into account, he stressed. The UNGA should also prioritise efforts to find solutions and support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, added Giang. At the event, other countries shared solutions to improve the UNGAs performance, including the removal of inappropriate items and the extension of the date of periodical reviews and discussions of topics and resolutions to have more substantive exchange contents to strengthen the coordination mechanism between the UNGA and other UN agencies. Viet Nam calls for funding boost for Palestine refugees Viet Nam called on countries and donors to maintain and increase their financial support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), at a meeting of the UN Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (Fourth Committee) in New York on Monday. Counsellor o Ngoc Thuy, a representative of the Vietnamese permanent mission to the UN, stressed the need to ensure funding for Palestine refugees and to contribute to stabilising the situation in the area. However, the support should not be considered a replacement of a long-term solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, he stressed. The most important was to guarantee legitimate rights and interests of the Palestinians by establishing a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as the capital city, and to live in peace next to the State of Israel, with border lines recognised internationally on the basis of the pre-1967 borders and relevant resolutions of the UN. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UNRWA, said that for far too long, the agency had been expected to manage chronic underfunding while at the same time delivering on its mandate. Emphasising that the UNRWA, which relies on voluntary contributions, is short by about US$100 million every year, he appealed for more funds so that it could implement its digital strategy, deliver on environmental sustainability commitments, and replace obsolete basic assets while also promoting the rights and well-being of Palestine refugees. The Fourth Committee considers a broad range of issues covering a cluster of five decolonisation-related agenda items, the effects of atomic radiation, questions relating to information, a comprehensive review of the question of peacekeeping operations as well as a review of special political missions, the UNRWA, Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories, and international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. VNS HA NOI An international conference held on Tuesday in Ha Noi offered a comprehensive analysis of the Viet Nam-Pakistan relationship over the past 50 years. The event is a joint effort of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Indian and Southwest Asian Studies and Pakistani Embassy in Viet Nam to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and the seventh anniversary of Pakistans Independence Day. Dozens of speakers discussed different angles of Viet Nam-Pakistan cooperation from the past, the present and the future focusing on the commercial field. The speakers analysed the relation between the two countries, and the key localities in building bilateral cooperation. The speakers also shared the potential and challenges of Pakistan for Vietnamese enterprises and trade promotion agencies. The delegates discussed solutions to promote further cooperation in tourism and IT between the two countries. According to Pham Cao Cuong, Deputy Director in charge of the institute, the conference is one of the most important events this year for the institute. This event promotes our message of seeking ways and opportunities to develop the potential relationship between Viet Nam and Pakistan, he said. For many decades, the two countries have maintained a beautiful bilateral relationship and cooperation, which has made considerable contributions to developing and building Viet Nam. Though the two countries are located far away in terms of geography, there are many similarities, which have served as a thread connecting the two peoples. Since 1972, the relationship between the two countries has been continuously enhanced and developed in various fields. Since January 2014, bilateral trade between the two countries has increased from US$331 million to $644 million in 2016, which is an average increase of 32 per cent. In 2021, despite the pandemic, the export-import turnover between the two countries still reached $794 million, the highest ever in the history of trading cooperation. In the past few years, many Vietnamese enterprises have paid attention to Pakistan and started to implement big projects in Pakistan and have gained results. The two countries have discussed various measures to push cooperation in agriculture, forestry, sea products, transportation, producing electrical equipment, automotive production, tourism, construction and IT. Besides bilateral cooperation, the two countries have enhanced cooperation in multilateral organizations in and outside the region. Speakers at the conference also pointed out that there has been no cooperation in important fields such as military security, natural resources and environment, climate change, geology and minerals. In the meantime, the import-export turnover has not been equivalent to the potential and markets of the two countries. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Tuesday on his official visit to Phnom Penh, highlighting the long-term, comprehensive and sustainable cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. The Vietnamese leader also congratulated Cambodia on COVID-19 management and recovery, the successful 7th national assembly election, and the countrys positive contributions as the 2022 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He believed that Cambodia would successfully host the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and related meetings, which take place from November 10 to 13. Welcoming PM Chinh, the Cambodian leader said that the visit bore great meaning as the two countries celebrated the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Samdech Techo Hun Sen commended Viet Nam on national development, post-pandemic recovery, and on being elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-25 tenure. With meaningful activities conducted within the framework of Viet Nam - Cambodia Year of Friendship in 2022, the prime ministers said that further developing the two countries relationship to be more in-depth, practical and efficient would be crucial to both sides. They agreed on strengthening the cooperation on national defence and security, as well as the effective implementation of current agreements and mechanisms to ensure political stability, social security and order in each nation. The two leaders stressed the principle of not allowing any hostile forces to use the territory of one country to harm the security and interests of the other. Areas of focus in this aspect would be fighting human and drug trafficking, as well as collaboration in cybersecurity and citizen protection. PM Chinh thanked Cambodian authorities for working closely with Viet Nam to successfully rescue many Vietnamese citizens lured to Cambodia for illegal work. He asked the two sides to maintain close coordination to thoroughly deal with this issue. The two countries would also continue working together on repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Cambodia, and those of Kampuchea United Front for National Salvation (KUFNS) soldiers from Viet Nam to Cambodia. In terms of economic cooperation, the two-way trade turnover in 2021 reached over US$9.5 billion, which increased by 80 per cent compared to the previous year. Within the first nine months of 2022, this figure reached $8.45 billion, a 16.7 per cent year-on-year growth. Viet Nam currently has 198 active investment projects in Cambodia, with a total capital of $2.92 billion, making it the biggest investor from ASEAN, and one of the top 5 investors in the neighbouring country. The two leaders agreed to promote the connection between the economies in terms of infrastructure, policies and framework, as well as in international integration. They also stressed the importance of border trade and economic development cooperation in border areas. An agreement on the matter was signed during this visit. PM Chinh and Samdech Techo Hun Sen agreed on upholding the border treaties signed between the two countries, while continuing to find a satisfactory solution to 16 per cent of the borderline that is yet to complete the demarcation process. Other areas for cooperation include education and training, transport, agriculture - forestry - fishery, information and communications, finance - banking, culture, tourism and sports. Discussing the situation in the region and the world, the leaders agreed that Viet Nam and Cambodia need to strengthen coordination and support for each other at multilateral forums, especially in ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, while promoting solidarity and the central role of ASEAN. In their talks, they highlighted ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, trust building, law compliance, and addressing disputes by peaceful means based on international laws, which include the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also called for the compliance with Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and promoted the completion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international regulations Following the talks, the two prime ministers joined a signing ceremony of 11 agreements between Viet Nam and Cambodia. VNS PHNOM PENH Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met Cambodian Senate President Samdech Say Chhum in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, as part of his visit to Cambodia. During the meeting, the Vietnamese PM congratulated Cambodia over the successful organization of the commune elections in June this year, and the countrys important achievements. He expressed his belief that under the reign of King Norodom Sihamoni and the leadership of the Senate, National Assembly and Royal Government, Cambodia would continue to reap new achievements in the cause of national construction and development as well as unceasingly enhance the countrys position in the region and international arena. For his part, the Cambodian Senate leader said the visit of PM Chinh not only contributed to strengthening the neighbourly friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Cambodia and Viet Nam but also demonstrates Viet Nams strong support of Cambodia as Chair of ASEAN in 2022. He recalled his successful visit to Viet Nam last October and said he believed under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Viet Nam would realise the goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045. The two leaders valued the maintenance of regular contact and exchanges at high level across all channels between the two countries, and the coordination in organising significant activities during the Viet Nam-Cambodia, Cambodia-Viet Nam Friendship Year 2022 to mark the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship. They also appreciated the effective operation of bilateral cooperative mechanisms and good coordination of the two countries at international, regional and sub-regional frameworks, including multilateral parliamentary forums. PM Chinh asked the Cambodian Senate to continue supporting the promotion of the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, and paying attention to assisting Cambodian of Vietnamese origin in stabilising their lives and integrating into the host society. He also proposed that the Senate help create a legal framework for Vietnamese firms long-term investment and business in Cambodia for the practical interests of the people of both countries. VNA/VNS The Science and Technology Project in Upper Secondary Educationwill 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 bank said in its press statement on November 7. Illustrative image (Photo: www.adb.org) 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 bank noted, adding that it will also help upgrade facilities in secondary schools in the Southeast Asian nation. According to ADB Principal Education Specialist for Southeast Asia Lynnette Perez, the project will help to strengthen Cambodias education system by upgrading its traditional STEM education to keep up with the growing demand for a highly qualified labor force. It will help improve student proficiency in critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, all of which are needed for a knowledge-based economy, she went on. ADB: Vietnam set for a strong economic rebound The Asian Development Bank (ADB) maintained its forecast for Vietnams GDP growth at 6.5 percent in 2022 and projected the economy to further expand by 6.7 percent in 2023. The event was supported by the Embassy of Finland and was attended by key stakeholders in Vietnams energy sector, both public and private. The aim of the event was to share the latest developments in internal combustion engine (ICE) technology and highlight the benefits of having ICE technology in the capacity mix of Vietnams power system. Experts at the seminar provided updates and insights into Vietnams current power system and the countrys cost-optimal roadmap to net-zero. According to Wartsilas power system modelling, flexible technologies such as ICE can play a fundamental role in the energy transition by enabling the integration of increasing amounts of renewables. In addition, technical experts from Wartsila presented a feasibility study to develop a 300MW ICE power plant which would provide the needed balancing of power in Vietnams energy system. Director of Wartsila Energy in North and Southeast Asia Nicolas Leong shared, Vietnam will add a large amount of new power generation capacity to meet the growing demand for electricity in the coming years. At the same time, Vietnam is committed to achieving its net-zero target by 2050 and we will see increasing amounts of renewables added to the power system. Our flexible ICE power plants and energy storage solutions will help Vietnam to accelerate the energy transition by balancing intermittent renewables and ensuring a stable and reliable grid. Balancing renewables is key Vietnams power demand has been growing faster than in all other Southeast Asian countries at around 10 per cent per year over the last decade. The latest draft of the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) in October indicated that renewable energy will account for 25 per cent of installed capacity in the power system by 2030 and the share of renewables will be increased significantly to 55 per cent by 2050 in order to achieve the net-zero target. The draft PDP8 has also recognised the importance of having flexible assets in a highly renewable power system. The needed flexibility can be provided by various balancing solutions such as pumped hydro, battery energy storage, and flexible gas based on ICE technology. Speaking about the role of ICE technology in Vietnams power system, Le Viet Cuong, deputy director of the Institute of Energy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) commented, "During the process of our consultation with the MOIT to develop the new national PDP8, one of the most important solutions that was proposed is to gradually increase the number of flexible sources in the power system. Flexible technologies have many advantages when implemented in the power system, such as quick start and stop, high baseload and peak load, low minimum load, and flexibility at the request of the power system operator." In September, Wartsila published a report titled Rethinking Energy in Southeast Asia that modelled cost-optimal roadmaps to reach net-zero power systems in three Southeast Asian countries Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The modelling highlighted the role of ICE technology and energy storage in reaching Vietnams net-zero target by 2050. Key findings of the report were that a combination of renewables plus flexibility provided by ICE balancing engines and energy storage can reliably meet Vietnams increasing power demand and that reaching net-zero is feasible with current technologies without the need to increase the overall power system cost. Finlands Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E Keijo Norvanto said, The Vietnamese government has committed to net-zero by 2050, and the power sector plays an important role in achieving this target. Vietnam's next national power development plan will be finalised in the near future with more emphasis on renewable energy development and the gradual phase-down of coal. This would be a very positive development in the power sector of Vietnam. Finnish technology providers such as Wartsila are looking forward to contributing to PDP8's implementation and supporting Vietnam in developing renewable energy, achieving net-zero targets, and ensuring energy security by providing the needed flexible technologies. Wartsilas ICE power plants are modular in design and can be delivered on a fast-track basis within 12 months to provide the needed electricity quickly and ensure energy security. At the same time, these plants are renowned for their high level of flexibility as they can synchronise to the grid in less than 30 seconds from start-up and reach full load in less than two minutes. Together with energy storage systems, ICE power plants can help support renewable energy integration, maintain system stability and reliability, and optimise the power system. To date, Wartsila has delivered more than 76GW of ICE power plants in 180 countries. Vietnam's smooth transition to net zero by 2050 Wartsila has revealed that renewable-based power systems, backed by grid balancing engines and energy storage, can enable Vietnam to reach net zero by mid-century whilst cutting the levelled cost of electricity (LCOE) by 20 per cent when taking into account future carbon taxes. Cost reductions possible with Wartsilas expertise The energy market landscape is in transition and moving towards more flexible systems with a rapidly increasing share of renewables, declining inflexible baseload generation, and wider applications of storage technology. Jaakko Eskola, president and CEO of Finlands Wartsila Corporation, told VIRs Phuong Thu on how it can assist the country in achieving its renewables goals. Pham Thi Mai Son, CEO of Maison RMI What preparations have you made to carry out the expansion? During the past 20 years, Maisons annual revenue has been consistent without a single US dollar of outside institutional investment. We are proud of this. As a result, our emphasis on profitability will remain at the core of our growth. As we prepare for exponential growth over the next five years, our company plans to raise capital to fuel our expansion while intending to stay true to our core principle of profitable growth. To support our growth, we are investing heavily in our operational capacity in several ways. In terms of human resources, we recruit a strong executive leadership team with decades of combined industry experience. For instance, our COO was the co-founder of LeFlair, and was previously at Lazada. Our vice president of Commercial has three decades of retail experience around the world. We have three distribution centres across the country that are currently fully operational, with nearly 10,000 square meters of total storage capacity. As we continue to enter new markets, we will expand our infrastructure to support our growth. Technological infrastructure is another area where we are continuing to see considerable improvements. Weve established a powerful business intelligence team for more than three years to generate real-time reports and analytics for our management team to make more informed decisions backed on data. As consumers preferring shopping online, including fashion items, is it risky for Maison RMI to expand physical outlets? I dont think this is a risky step. Because with fashion, the need to touch, see, try, and to put on clothes and experience brands directly at shops are still very popular and necessary for Vietnamese consumers. In fact, 90 per cent of Maison RMIs overall revenue comes from sales made in physical stores. However, we intend to continue to develop e-commerce and online shopping platforms in parallel with the expansion of physical outlets. We aim to create an ecosystem for customers to be able to access our brands in any way they find convenient whether thats our Maison World app, our e-commerce platform, our individual brand online stores or one of our retail outlets. What is the model of international fashion distribution that you consider worth referring to, and how do you apply this model in your business? As a distributor of international fashion brands, I learn a lot from the brands we are distributing such as Charles & Keith, Pedro, MLB, or Havaianas. As a retailer, I believe it is essential to understand the procedures, standards, and positioning of the brand before attempting to be creative. Master these first and then you can start selling. We seek partners that have a vested interest in the long-term growth of the brand within our market and offer us win-win terms. Its important for our team to work closely with our partners for the growth of the brand in a way that is in alignment with their vision, while also considering important localisation factors for the Vietnamese market. We seek partners that have a vested interest in the long-term growth of the brand within our market and offer us win-win terms. At the same time, our newly established private label brands will become an increasing part of our business over time. Weve recently launched Gigi, our chic, Parisian-inspired Vietnamese fashion brand and Ceci, our accessories line for the youth. Both brands have been well received in the market since launching, and we will consider potentially acquiring others, already established local fashion brands which we can scale with our resources, infrastructure, and expertise. Facing competition from other brands that have the same target customers, what are your strategies to keep loyal customers and attract new ones? Competition is inevitable, and there are indeed strong, well established, and powerful players in the market whom we compete with which also have excellent brands in their portfolio. However, I believe there are a few key strategies we can utilise to both keep loyal customers and attract new ones. Firstly, we want customers to benefit more from their purchases through our reward programme. We launched our loyalty programme recently, and the adoption of it along with our loyalty app has been strong so far. Secondly, we want to focus on customer experience. We strive to provide the best services, from consultation over delivery to after-sales care. Additionally, we provide outstanding services and engagement. Thirdly, we take the long-term development of our brands and positioning extremely seriously through brand activities and campaigns, events, communication, and collaboration with top KOLs in the fashion industry. Quality human resources is also one of the challenges in the business expansion journey. How do you solve this issue? As we expand, standardisation and systemisation of every aspect of our stores will be essential. We are standardising how products are displayed, how bestsellers are optimised, and everything else such as lighting, temperature, and store cleanliness. Our mystery shopper programme will constantly be auditing our stores nationwide to ensure this consistency is met. Moreover, as mentioned before, learning and development will be essential. When you walk into any of our stores, we want to make sure every sales associate you speak with is an expert on their brand. Everything from the names of each individual aspect of a specific product, the trends, the new collections, the customer service, sales, and client engagement is being broken down into training and onboarding programmes. To ensure smooth operations and maintain company culture, what is your management method? Along with training, comes career paths. Its important for employees to believe they can have a future in your company with clear job descriptions, roles, and responsibilities which outline the path for them to be promoted, increase their income, and advance into management positions. Thats the difference between a job and career. I want people to grow in our company. As we open more stores, we will need more store managers. Next year, our expansion plan is forecasting us to open another 40 stores. That means we will need 40 new store managers, which we would rather promote from hard-working existing staff. We will also introduce new international brands to the market, meaning well need new brand directors as well. All this equals amazing career growth for anyone in our company, regardless of their current position. More important than anything else, it is empowerment. I always encourage my employees to try new working methods in the operational stages so that the work goes smoothly, thereby completing the goal. I believe that once employees are empowered and trusted, they will try their best to contribute to the work, which is beneficial for the overall development of the company. That is also a company culture which I want to create at Maison RMI. Hallmark development plan draft sets out long-term goal The nations most significant development plan is expected to resolve the economys shortcomings and enable Vietnam to reach the target of being a developed country by 2050. LOGOS plans to pour $400 million in Vietnam Australian real estate group LOGOS is the latest name shifting business to Vietnam as US-China tensions are growing fiercer. 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. VIB received $150 million loan disbursement from IFC Established 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, the total disbursement amount for VIB via IFC's guarantee in GTFP reached over $242 million, up 17 per cent on year. 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 five 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." Le Quang Trung, head of Treasury of VIB, and representatives of IFC at the loan announcement ceremony In March, VIB also mobilised a syndicated loan worth $260 million from the Asian Development Bank and some major banks in the region. 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 VND7.8 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 VND13.3 trillion ($535.5 million). Non-interest income was more than VND2.4 trillion ($96.6 million), contributing 17 per cent to total operating income. Operating expenses were well controlled at around VND4.6 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 VND341 trillion ($13.7 billion), an increase of 10 per cent compared to the end of 2021. The credit balance was VND228 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. VIB posts pre-tax profit of nearly $100 million in Q1 Vietnam International Bank (VIB) has announced its pre-tax profit of nearly $100 billion in the first quarter, up 26 per cent on-year. VIB posts over $217 million profit Vietnam International Bank (VIB) recorded a profit before tax of over $217 million in the first half of 2022, up 27 per cent on-year. Tuesday marks Election Day for the 2022 in local, state and U.S. midterm elections, and officials expect solid turnout at McLennan Countys 34 polling locations. Voters are encouraged to get to the polls early and have a plan for how to cast a ballot. On the ballot, where to vote: Nov. 8, 2022 general election The following are races listed on the McLennan County Elections Office ballots for Nov. 8. Not all voters in the county are eligible to vote i McLennan County Elections Administrator Jared Goldsmith said he expects a strong turnout overall for this election, with 41,453 early votes already cast. Even as claims of voter intimidation and other polling nightmares have circulated in national headlines this election season, Mark Hays, McLennan County Democratic Party chair, said early voting went off without any major incidents, and he hopes Election Day continues the trend. There have been no serious issues of any kind, not even equipment breakdowns, Hays said. Chris DeCluitt, Republican Party vice chair, also said he does not expect any complications. He said since the primaries were more competitive, the lines of delineation going into Election Day are pretty well set. However, Hays said going from five early voting centers to 34 polling locations offers more opportunities for election disruptions to arise. He said a couple vote centers will see a change in election judge, so it could be a totally different story. Goldsmith said registered McLennan County voters can vote at any of the 34 open polling locations across the county, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. A full list of vote centers can be found at www.mclennanvotes.com along with photos, maps and exact location information. Waco First Assembly of God at the corner of Bosque Boulevard and Cobbs Drive is typically the busiest site, Goldsmith said, and voters who choose that site should expect a line. He said voters can consider two sites nearby Grace Church on Bosque Boulevard and Holy Spirit Episcopal Church on Wooded Acres Drive to avoid the line at First Assembly. Hays said Woodway City Hall, which also is not far from First Assembly, usually doesnt have very many voters. DeCluitt also cited the longstanding popularity of First Assembly and suggested voters should pick a different site if theyre looking to get in and out quickly. Regardless of where someone decides to go vote, DeCluitt said they should go as early as they can in the day rather than waiting for the last minute because he suspects there will be a heavy turnout. Although the recommended time for mailing in ballots has passed, voters who received a mail-in ballot but have not returned it yet can still turn it in by hand by 7 p.m. at the McLennan County Elections Office, 214 N. Fourth St., Suite 300. All mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 8, and Goldsmith must receive mailed ballots by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Anyone who is unsure of the status of their mail-in ballot can use the Ballot by Mail Tracker tool found on the Texas Secretary of States My Voter Portal website. In order to cast a vote at any of McLennan Countys polling locations on Election Day, a voter must bring a photo ID, which could be any of the following: Texas drivers license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas election ID certificate Texas personal ID card Texas handgun license US military ID with photo US citizenship certificate with photograph (doesnt need to be current) US passport If a voter is unable to present any of the above documents as a photo ID, they can sign a sworn statement at the voting site including the reason why none of the accepted forms is available and present one of the following: Certified birth certificate Valid voter registration certificate Current utility bill, government check, bank statement or paycheck, government document with name and address If both of those options fail, Hays added that anyone who believes they should be registered to vote in the county can vote provisionally. There is no case where someone should be denied a provisional vote if they believe theyre registered, Hays said. Hays said when someone casts a provisional ballot they have six days to provide evidence that their registration is valid, which the elections office will then verify and count the vote. With lower turnout in early voting, Hays said he encourages everyone to get out and vote. Tomorrow should be a big day and thats regardless of what your party is, Hays said. Goldsmith said he could start posting results as early as 7 p.m., but more likely toward 7:30 p.m., and the first report will include results from in-person early voting and mail-in ballots. He said closing the polls will be slightly different from the past, as poll workers are now required to print out a report on the voting equipment, which could take around 45 minutes after the polling location closes and cause results to take longer to complete. This change was also effective for the March primary election. Alcohol to blame for 1 in 5 young adult deaths in U.S. For anyone who thinks alcoholism isn't a deadly disease, a new government report shows alcohol abuse caused nearly 13% of deaths in American adults under 65 between 2015 and 2019. The statistics were even more grim among younger U.S. adults: In people aged 20 to 49, alcohol abuse was the cause of 20% of deaths. "States and communities can prevent these premature deaths using evidence-based strategies to reduce the availability and accessibility of alcohol and increase its price, including increasing alcohol taxes and regulating the number and concentration of places that sell alcohol," said lead researcher Marissa Esser. She is lead of the Alcohol Program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in Atlanta. Read more here: Even a little coffee in pregnancy might stunt a child's growth Most pregnant women are told it's safe to have one cup of coffee a day because it won't trigger miscarriages or preterm deliveries, but new research suggests a surprising risk: Moms-to-be who consume caffeine, even in small amounts, may have shorter kids. "The main takeaway is that even low exposure to caffeine during pregnancy was associated with shorter height in childhood," said study lead author Jessica Gleason, a research fellow at the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine consumption to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per day. That is the equivalent of about two 6-ounce cups of coffee. Read more here: Impact of racism could slow recovery after heart attack Discrimination doesnt just cause emotional pain in the moment, it may affect a victim's physical recovery from a heart attack, new research suggests. In studying more than 2,600 heart attack survivors between the ages of 18 and 55, researchers found that those reporting more perceived discrimination were more likely to have poorer outcomes. A year after their heart attacks, they had more physical limitations and chest pain, lower quality of life and impaired mental health. Perceived discrimination being treated unfairly because of personal characteristics such as race, gender or sexual orientation was already associated with risk factors for having a heart attack. Read more here: Pregnancy often more stressful for women with autism Women who have autism are more vulnerable during pregnancy to depression and anxiety, according to a new British study. That makes it imperative that effective mental health screening and support is available to help this group, said lead researcher Sarah Hampton, from the University of Cambridge. "The results also suggest that autistic people may benefit from accommodations to prenatal health care. These may include adjustments to the sensory environment of health care settings, as well as adjustments to how information is communicated during prenatal appointments," co-author Rosie Holt said in a university news release. She is a research associate at the Cambridge-based Autism Research Center. Read more here: Science helps reveal secrets of the clitoris More than 10,000 nerve fibers -- many more than expected -- power the human clitoris, according to Oregon researchers who were able to count them for the first time while performing gender-affirming genital surgery. That's about 20% more than previous estimates, they said. "It's startling to think about more than 10,000 nerve fibers being concentrated in something as small as [the] clitoris," said Dr. Blair Peters, a plastic surgeon from the Transgender Health Program at Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU) in Portland. He said it's particularly surprising if you compare the clitoris to other, larger parts of the body, including the human hand. Can adults get RSV? As health experts warn about RSV infections in infants and toddlers, adults should know that they, too, can become severely ill from the virus. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is not always the mild respiratory illness people think it is but can lead to symptoms as serious as seen with influenza, according to an expert from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. The risks are particularly high for adults over 65 and those who have chronic lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, said Dr. Robert Atmar, a professor of infectious diseases at Baylor. Fewer deer-car collisions during Daylight Saving Time Motorists are more likely to plow into a deer on U.S. highways after the annual "fall back" end of daylight saving time (DST), a new study shows. Thats because frisky deer in the middle of their mating season (also known as rut) are crossing roads that become shrouded in darkness earlier in the day with the time change, researchers explained. There's a 16% increase in deer-vehicle collisions in the week following the shift from DST to standard time, according to a report published Nov. 2 in the journal Current Biology. What's more, nearly 1 in 10 of all deer-vehicle wrecks occur during the two-week period around the switch from DST to standard time, researchers found. Read more here: *** Get more recent health news from HealthDay here: WATERLOO Black Hawk County Public Health is hosting a community COVID-19 booster clinic from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 18. It will be at the Public Health Center located on the fifth floor of the Pinecrest Building, 1407 Independence Ave. The Moderna bivalent booster will be provided for people 18 and older. To receive the Moderna bivalent booster, people will need to have completed their primary vaccination series, with the last vaccination being administered at least two months after completing the primary series or booster. ID cards or insurance information are not required, however all registrants will need to provide contact information and complete a consent form prior to vaccination. Those with COVID-19 vaccine cards are asked to bring them. Appointments are available but walk-ins are welcome. Deputy Director Kaitlin Emrich hopes the community will take advantage of being boosted before colder weather arrives. We always see an increase in respiratory illnesses during the winter season. By getting boosted, you can protect yourself and your family from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 and be healthier to enjoy the winter and holiday season, said Emrich. While the Nov. 18 clinic is for adults 18 and older, COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged for everyone ages 6 months and up. The CDC currently recommends people aged 5 and older receive one bivalent booster if it has been at least two months since their last COVID-19 vaccine primary or booster dose. OELWEIN At least a dozen people were arrested on drug charges following six searches at homes in Oelwein and nearby communities as part of an investigation spanning several counties Friday. In all, officers seized more than a pound of marijuana, 70 grams of methamphetamine, $4,000 in cash as well as firearms, marijuana wax and liquid and amphetamine and Alprazolam pills, according to the Fayette County Sheriffs Office. In addition to Fayette County deputies, the investigation drew officers from Iowa State Patrol, Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office, Bremer County Sheriffs Office, Sumner Police Department, Chickasaw County Sheriffs Office, Buchanan County Sheriffs Office, Clayton County Sheriffs Office, Allamakee County Sheriffs Office, Oelwein Police Department, Independence Police Department, West Union Police Department, Postville Police Department, Delaware County Sheriffs Office, Fayette Police Department and Strawberry Point Police Department. In Sumner, Justin Douglas Pattison, 39, of Sumner, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of amphetamine pills with intent to deliver, possession of Alprazolam with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of Alprazolam, violation of the drug tax stamp act and drug gathering charges. He was also arrested for two counts of child endangerment and interference. Joseph Allen McMurrin, 34, of Alpha, was arrested for possession with intent to deliver Alprazolam and amphetamine, violation of the drug tax stamp act and drug gathering charges. Pattison and McMurrin allegedly ran from authorities when they arrived at 12738 Y Ave., Sumner, and they were captured with the help of a police K9 unit. Officers searched a barn and camper and found drugs in a camper when a 10- and 12-year-old had access. Michael Wayne Forbes, 52, and Kristy Ranae Heidt, 53, were found in a camper at 444 First Ave. S.E., Oelwein, with marijuana, meth, scales and cash. They were charged with possession of meth with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, drug gathering premises and violation of the drug tax stamp act. Christopher Lee Becker, 40, was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of meth with intent to deliver, unlawful possession of Quetiapine pills and drug gathering charges after officers searched 524 Fifth Ave. N.W., Oelwein. Nicole Leanne Burgos, 29, was also arrested on possession with intent to deliver meth and marijuana and drug gathering charges at the address. Brandy Lynn Schoultz, 37, was arrested for misdemeanor possession of meth after authorities found a bag of meth and meth residue on a spoon while searching 220 First Ave. N.W. in Oelwein on Nov. 4. Tristan Marie Westpfahl, 35; Amanda Lou James, 56; and Aaron Paul James, 43, were arrested on possession of meth and marijuana and drug gathering charges after authorities searched a home at 26 Fifth St. N.W., Oelwein. Cameron Jon Wilson, 27, was also arrested for drug gathering charges at the same address. The investigation is continuing, and more charges are pending, according to the sheriffs office. WATERLOO A Waterloo man has been arrested for shattering the windshields of five vehicles in October. Police arrested DMarcus Xavier Martin, 28, of 3601 Canterbury Court, on Friday for second-degree criminal mischief. He was also arrested for violation of the sex offender registry. According to court records, Martin was involved in an ongoing dispute with a man who lived in the 300 block of Idaho Street. On Oct. 31, the resident noticed five vehicles at the address had broken windshields, some with pieces of bricks next to them. Surveillance videos showed Martin at the address earlier that day, according to court records. Martin is also accused of going to home in the 1400 block of West Fourth Street that is a registered day care. WATERLOO A Waterloo man has been arrested after police found two guns and marijuana while searching his home. Waterloo police arrested Isaivion Demariah Labeaux, 21, on Nov. 1 on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, violation of the drug tax stamp act and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Bond was set at $90,000. According to court records, officers executed a search warrant at 1620 Oakwood Drive on Nov. 1 and found a .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun, and 9 mm Mossberg MC1 handgun and more than 42 grams of marijuana along with scales and vacuum seal equipment. WATERLOO The future of a former Rath building is unfolding after city officials held a meeting Monday discussing its deterioration. The seven-story building at 1442 Sycamore St. where the meatpacking company operated from for decades is the focus of an Environmental Protection Agency brownfields cleanup grant application. The city, along with HR Green, of Cedar Rapids, is applying for the grant for asbestos removal in the building. After abatement, the city wants to demolish the building. It currently houses Crystal Cold, formerly known as Crystal Distribution Services. Crystal is set to move into a new warehouse in early 2023. A hazardous materials survey done in September found asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint in several building components. The grant proposal states the lead-based paint is not an exposure concern because the structure will be demolished after asbestos abatement. Noel Anderson, the community planning and development director for Waterloo, said the likelihood is pretty high of Waterloo receiving the grant. Waterloo is kind of a shining star for the state of Iowa receiving these funds, Anderson said. The city has received $2.95 million in EPA brownfields funds to address the abundance of properties deemed as blighted, the grant proposal said. CEDAR FALLS -- The Northeast Area Music Teachers Association will meet Friday at the Hearst Center for the Arts, 304 W. Seerley Blvd. The business meeting will start at 9:30 p.m. in the lower level, and the program will begin at 10:15 a.m. in Mae Latta Hall. Novembers program will be a master class led by Vakhtang Kodanashvili The public is welcome to attend the program. For more information on this program or NAMTA contact Andrea Johnson at andrea.johnson@uni.edu. Kodanashvili made his New York City debut at Lincoln Centers Alice Tully Hall in 2001. He has won numerous prizes in international competotion, and in 1995, moved to the US and joined the Alexander Toradze Piano Studio at Indiana University in South Bend. Vakhtang frequently performs throughout the world at prestigious music festivals and with symphony orchestras. A native of Tbilisi, Georgia, Kodanashvili began his musical education at age 6 and made his orchestral debut at age 9. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in piano performance at Indiana University and his doctorate in piano performance at Michigan State University College of Music. He is the Instructor of piano at the University of Northern Iowa, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate pianists and frequently performs solo and collaborative recitals. 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. 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. SHERIFFS ENDORSE 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 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 November 8th 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% 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% were not sure. The Iowa Firearms Coallition is an affiliate of the National Rifle Association and NSSF, the firearm industry trade association. Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine (8 November 2022) Part I (See Part II) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kupyansk direction, an attack by a motorised infantry battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reinforced with tanks, was foiled by actions of Russian troops and artillery fire in the direction of Kuzemovka of (Lugansk Peoples Republic). Furthermore, army aircraft attacks targeted two company tactical units of Ukraines Armed Forces as they advanced to assault in the regions of Berestovoye (Kharkov region), and Novoselovskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic). During the day, in Kupyansk direction, the Armed Forces of Ukraine lost more than 160 Ukrainian personnel killed and injured, as well as two tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles, and two automobiles. In Krasny Liman direction, an assault effort by two battalion tactical units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine of Ploshchanka and Chervonopopovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic) was thwarted as a consequence of preparatory fire damage. Over 100 Ukrainian personnel, three tanks, five armoured combat vehicles, one MT-LB vehicle, two pickup trucks, and two automobiles were neutralised by Russian army aviation attacks and artillery fire. In South Donetsk direction, the enemy undertook two unsuccessful counterattacks in the direction of Novomikhailovka and Pavlovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic) in an attempt to slow down Russian troops onslaught. The AFU troops were stopped and dispersed as a result of the fire damage. Approximately 90 Ukrainian servicemen, five armoured fighting vehicles, one MT-LB vehicle, and two pickup trucks were eliminated. In NikolayevKrivoy Rog direction, over the past 24 hours, the Russian troops overpowered nine attempts of Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups to breach the rear zones of defence. More than 50 Ukrainian servicemen, seven armored fighting vehicles, and ten cars were destroyed. #MoD #Russia #Ukraine #report @mod_russia_en Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine (8 November 2022) Part II (See Part I) Operational-Tactical and Army Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery struck four command posts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Krasny Liman and Terny (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Kruglyakovka and Cherneshchyna (Kharkov region), as well as 64 artillery units in firing positions, manpower, and military equipment in 192 areas. Three ammunition depots, as well as rocket and artillery weapons, were destroyed near Kushchovoye (Zoporozhye region), Nevskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Vysokopolye (Kherson region), and fuel storage for Armed Forces of Ukraine military equipment near Lychkovo (Dnepropetrovsk region). One radar of Ukrainian S-300 air defence system was destroyed near Pervomaiskoye (Nikolayev region). The Ukrainian Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile system was destroyed near the town of Visunsk (Nikolayev region). A US-made AN/TPQ-64 counter-battery radar station was destroyed near Ivanovka (Kharkov region). Three artillery platoons of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were hit during the counter-battery battle in the territories of Antonovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Chervonoye and Belyaevka (Kherson region). Fighter Aviation of the Russian Aerospace Forces has shot down one Mi-24 of Ukrainian Air Force near Novovoskresenskoye (Kherson region). Air defence facilities have shot down 1 Su-25 airplane of Ukrainian Air Force near Ugledar (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Furthermore, during the day, seven Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted over the settlements of Novokrasnyanka and Glotovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Novoselovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Lotskino (Nikolayev region), Kachkarovka and Stepovoye (Kherson region). In addition, 17 projectiles of HIMARS and Olkha MLRS were intercepted in the Gruzsko-Lomovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), and Antonovka, Chernobayevka, Krynki, and Maslovka (Kherson region). In total, 332 airplanes and 171 helicopters, 2,465 unmanned aerial vehicles, 388 air defence missile systems, 6,448 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 884 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 3,563 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 7,127 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. #MoD #Russia #Ukraine #report @mod_russia_en WtR HOM And Briggs Marine forge alliance for Japanese market Horizon Ocean Management (HOM) a subsidiary joint venture between Mitsui and Hokutaku has signed a collaboration agreement with Briggs Marine (UK) to establish an offshore wind operations and maintenance consultancy and service provision offering within the Japanese market. The agreement will see both companies work together to provide pre-bidding development advisory services, development loss prevention services, installation support and operational strategic advisory and service provision across the offshore wind asset spectrum. Nobuyuki Takagi, Managing Director of HOM, commented: The European offshore wind supply chain has a wealth of marine and subsea experience via its long history in sectors such as Oil & Gas, in order to realise our national offshore wind deployment vision, HOM believe that learning from and working with the leading companies in these more advanced markets will develop and improve Japanese competence earlier, ultimately helping to establish middle to long-term local capability. We identified Briggs Marine early as one of the best full lifecycle offshore cable experts around and are delighted to be collaborating with them here in Japan. With a wealth of experience in offshore wind and one of the first companies to secure multi-year O&M frameworks from major offshore wind developers, we believe that our arrangement with Briggs Marine will help establish real offshore wind competence in Japan much earlier. Collieson Briggs, Managing Director of Briggs Marine, commented: We are delighted to be collaborating with HOM, helping expand our geographical offshore wind footprint beyond Europe. We continually monitor growing overseas opportunities and identified Japan as the most appropriate market to establish a presence within the rapidly evolving Asian renewable sector. It was clear from early discussions that Briggs and HOM shared a number of common aspirations and ideologies, the decision to establish a collaboration agreement was an easy one to make. We are confident that HOM will be a strong player in the Japanese offshore wind market when the O&M service market reaches critical mass in the coming years and we are delighted to be adding to their suite of asset servicing capabilities. The opportunity to immediately support the Japanese sector by sharing the lessons we have learned in Europe was very compelling. Providing offshore wind strategy and advisory services, loss prevention advice and risk mitigation expertise allows us to further develop our presence across all phases of the offshore wind lifecycle. Operations Update Q3 2022 Sydney, Nov 8, 2022 AEST (ABN Newswire) - PYX Resources Ltd ( LON:PYX ) ( NSX:PYX ), the world's second largest publicly-listed zircon producer by zircon resources, is pleased to provide an operational update for the nine months ended 30 September 2022 ("Q3 2022" or "the period"). During the period, the Company performed strongly with an increase in mineral sands production including the commencement of rutile and ilmenite production, sales volume growth and robust sales prices. In the nine months ended 30 September 2022, PYX produced 12.7kt and sold 6.4kt of premium zircon, rutile, and ilmenite, resulting in a year-on-year ("YoY") production increase of 153% and an overall 34% rise in sales. Premium zircon production increased by 35% YoY to 6.8kt and sales grew by 29% to 6.1kt. The Company expanded its finished goods inventories to 6.8kt; this growth is attributable to the commencement of rutile and ilmenite production, which the Company plans to export upon the granting of its export licence. Commenting on the Company's achievements in Q3 2022, PYX Resources' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver B. Hasler, said: "We continue to fast-track PYX's aggressive expansion strategy to cement its position as a key international supplier of premium zircon and take advantage of the strong mineral sands market. Accordingly, the fruits of our labours are increasingly visible, with production and sales of our premium zircon reaching new heights, and further value being achieved with the titanium dioxide minerals by-products. The remainder of 2022, will, we believe, continue in the same positive vein." In Q3 2022, the Company achieved record premium zircon sales of 2.3kt, with production standing at 2.5kt and resulting in an increased inventory. This represents an impressive YoY sales volume increase of 50% and 62% increase in production. In December 2021, PYX completed the first phase of an expansion programme, which boosted capacity at its Minerals Separation Plant ("MSP") by 6ktpa or 33% to 24,000tpa. This enabled it to add titanium dioxide minerals, rutile and ilmenite, to its sales profile, which have large, fast-growing end markets. In particular, demand has grown for titanium metal due to its increased use in body and engine parts for aeronautics, defence applications, biomedical and sporting goods, as well as welding flux cord wire used in ship building, and steel construction. Market commentators suggest that titanium feedstock production as an industry is worth approximately US$4.5 billion each year. The Company achieved robust, stable prices for its products, with ongoing price increases in H1 2022 and a stabilisation of prices in Q3 2022; pricing for Q3 2022 was up 50% compared with Q3 2021. PYX continues to receive strong investor support. Post period end, on 4 October 2022, the Company announced a GBP20 million investment commitment from the international investment firm GEM Global Yield LLC SCS. The proceeds will extend the Company's effort to upgrade its mining operations and increase its production volumes, which enables PYX to continue its growth trajectory. Market Environment Over the past quarter, the mineral sands market has been largely supported by China's demand for imported ilmenite. Although, demand softened in the build up to the mid-autumn holiday period, this was largely offset by stronger demand from Europe. Demand for minerals sands is expected to ease in Europe as a result of the unfolding energy crisis which is putting cost pressure on a myriad of manufacturing sectors. In Q4, weakness in Europe is expected to be countered partially, if not fully, by an uptick in Chinese manufacturing activity. While we expect some downward price movements in mineral sands products to extend to the yearend, the structural supply gap in the market, the prolongation of supply chain constraints and the reactivation of the Chinese manufacturing sector indicates that the impact will be relatively minor. 'PYX Cares' Programme PYX continued with its "PYX Cares" programme, its blueprint for making a meaningful difference to the communities in which it operates and achieving sustainable growth. To further its goals based on the five pillars of the programme, People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership, during 2022, the Company has launched projects on quality education, clean water and sanitation, viable employment, and building partnerships. Additionally, on 2 August 2022, PYX joined the United Nations Global Compact initiative ("UN Global Compact"), a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices. The membership aligns with the "PYX Cares" sustainability programme, based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations Development Programme, which include: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Clean Water and Sanitation, Climate Action, Gender Equality, and Quality Education among others. *To view the production summary, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/J15XFQ68 About Pyx Resources Limited PYX Resources Limited (NSX:PYX) (LON:PYX) is a global producer of premium zircon listed on the National Stock Exchange of Australia and the London Stock Exchange. The Company's flagship asset is the Mandiri mineral sands deposit, located in the alluvium sediment rich region of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Boasting the world's 5th largest producing deposit of zircon, PYX is a large-scale, near-surface open pit operation in production since 2015 and with exploration to date validating the presence of additional Valuable Heavy Minerals such as rutile, ilmenite among others within its mineral sands. Life as an immigrant in the United States can be challenging. There are powerful anti-immigrant sentiments that can have real, dangerous impacts on our lives. There is no shortage of politicians spreading racist, anti-immigrant rhetoric to bolster their own political careers. What they dont understand is how powerful the voice of the immigrant community is, and the way many of us cherish our vote when we become citizens of this country. Most U.S. citizens, either born here or naturalized, understand the critical importance of our right to vote as a basic, guaranteed right in the United States. Many naturalized citizens who have been living in the United States for years without a voice take their right to vote even more seriously, and take their values with them to the polls. I had the recent pleasure of joining many members of my community at a park to celebrate the upcoming election. We had taco trucks, music and together we all walked to the polls, where three OLE members who are new citizens got to vote for the first time. Myself and many others were thrilled to celebrate these new citizens and the voting power they hold in their communities. Though not everyone present was eligible to vote, many friends and family members joined us at the polls to support their loved ones who could vote that day. Through OLEs citizenship program, New Mexico immigrants can work toward their U.S. citizenship. This is a program Im proud to have been a part of, and it has been an honor to see so many folks in our community feel relief and joy after becoming citizens. For many naturalized citizens in the United States, the process of becoming a citizen can take years, and even decades. It often requires temporarily sacrificing relationships with family members in other countries in order to fulfill the requirements of the stringent immigration process. After that long journey, full of emotional, financial and legal challenges, it is deeply emotional to watch someone become naturalized. Watching that person vote for the first time is equally powerful, as theyre finally able to exercise their voice in the country theyve lived in for years. The right to vote is undoubtedly a cornerstone of what it means to be an American citizen. Not only is this meaningful, but it also has real implications for the policies that affect my community. When we cant vote, we dont get to affect the very systems were impacted by like the immigration system that are largely determined by elected officials. In countless ways, the political system influences my life and the lives of immigrants in my community. And were influenced differently than those born with U.S. citizenship. This is why I and so many other immigrants like me cherish our right to vote. Because our voices matter, and we will make sure were heard. I hope you will all join me at the polls this year, and exercise the right to vote so many of us dream of attaining when we become citizens. On Wednesday, Nov. 9, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Haaland v. Brackeen, a case brought by three states and individual prospective non-Indian adoptive parents. It challenges the constitutionality and provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), enacted in 1978 to ensure tribal authority over the adoption of Indigenous children. ICWA addressed the then-common removal of Indian children from their homes and placement with non-Native families, a practice so widespread and disproportionate to similar actions among non-Native children it showed grave lack of understanding of tribal cultures and the vital role of Native extended families. This caused a serious threat to tribal survival. Brackeen contains a radical attack on the entire body of federal Indian law. It argues the federal concept of Indian is based on a racial classification that violates the equal protection of the 14th Amendment. This contradicts the history of tribal sovereignty in federal courts, which have consistently held federal legislation with respect to Indian tribes is not based on impermissible racial classifications (U.S. v. Antelope, 430 U.S. 641, 1977). Indian is a political classification based on membership in a federally recognized tribe. This distinction flows from the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the federal government exclusive authority over relations with Indian tribes. Any limitation on this federal authority would negate federal ability to fully administer its trust responsibility. Brackeen also challenges ICWAs placement preferences and regulations promoted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The three plaintiff states in Brackeen Texas, Louisiana and Indiana have tiny Indian populations. Many parties have filed friend of the court briefs supporting ICWA: 497 tribes, 62 tribal organizations, 27 states containing 94% of all federally recognized tribes, and many child welfare organizations. New Mexico is home to 23 sovereign tribal nations 19 Pueblos, three Apache tribes, the Navajo Nation each culturally distinct. In 2022, the New Mexico Legislature enacted the Indian Family Protection Act, which incorporated many of the provisions of ICWA into state law. As people of faith, Christian churches have a special responsibility to protect ICWA because of the roles we have historically played in forcibly taking Native children from their homes to draconian boarding schools whose goal was to eliminate tribal languages and cultures and often resulted in Native childrens deaths. We must stand with our Indigenous siblings. We urge Christians to support ICWA to protect tribal sovereignty and authority over tribal adoptions and childrens protection. Our church First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Albuquerque is honored to join the excellent friend of the court brief by the National Indigenous Womens Resource Center, Stephanie Benally and Sandy White Hawk, et al., in this case. Were proud to live in one of the 10 states that have enacted laws protecting tribal authority over adoptions of Native children. As ICWA states, (t)here is no resource more vital to the continued existence of Indian tribes than their children. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Voter turnout has already reached 32% or more than 439,000 votes cast as New Mexico heads into a critical midterm election that will determine whether Republicans hold on to a newly redrawn congressional seat and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wins a tough reelection campaign. This years turnout patterns so far look similar to a corresponding point in the 2018 election cycle, but with one exception: The popularity of absentee voting has exploded. New Mexico county clerks have already received almost 86,000 absentee ballots this year a 25% increase over the 2018 total, even a day before the election. Completed absentee ballots can still be turned in to poll workers on Election Day. Voting by mail, especially among Democrats, took off in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. People like absentee its easy for them, Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine Clark said Monday. But even with help from mail-in votes, it isnt clear this years turnout will reach 2018 levels, when about 56% of registered voters cast ballots in New Mexico. Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc., said the number of ballots cast so far suggest New Mexicos turnout will likely climb above 50% with the 2018 rate a good number to strive for. But midterm elections sometimes draw much fewer voters. In 2014, for example, about 40% of New Mexicos registered voters cast ballot. Having more than half the people vote in a non-presidential election cycle is decent turnout, Sanderoff said. Traveling the state In the governors race, the leading candidates spent the last day before Election Day barnstorming across New Mexico. Republican Mark Ronchetti, who is challenging the incumbent Democratic governor, held campaign rallies in Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Albuquerque to wrap up a 42-stop RV tour over the last 10 days. We have all the momentum, and were going to win, Ronchettti told the Journal. Lujan Grisham, for her part, spent most of Monday in northern New Mexico, with stops at Casa Benavidez in Taos and Charlies Spic & Span Cafe in Las Vegas, in an attempt to energize Democratic supporters in advance of Election Day. She was then scheduled to join other Democratic candidates for a final pre-election rally in Albuquerque on Monday evening. The governors reelection campaign was touted last week by President Joe Biden, who made a brief stopover in New Mexico and said no one is going to fight harder for this state than Lujan Grisham. The race for governor is shaping up to be one of the most expensive races in state history, as Lujan Grisham has raised over $12 million this election cycle and Ronchetti has exceeded $9 million. Libertarian Karen Bedonie trails far behind in fundraising but could end up being a factor in the race. Meanwhile, outside groups have also spent hefty amounts of money on the contest, with national Democratic and Republican governors groups flooding the TV airwaves with a barrage of hard-hitting attack ads. Last chance to vote Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday the final 12 hours of voting for the general election. In Bernalillo County, 72 polling places will be available, and voters can cast a ballot at any location. Theres one probably within three or four miles of wherever they are, Bernalillo County Deputy Clerk Jaime Diaz said Monday. He and other election administrators throughout New Mexico advised voters planning to cast their ballot Tuesday to be prepared. They suggested checking out sample ballots available at nmvote.org and making a plan ahead of time. If youre familiar with how youre going to vote when you get here, Lea County Clerk Keith Manes said, its going to take a lot less time. In Santa Fe County, the clerks office website will have wait times and other information listed for polling locations operating on Election Day. Its usually 20 minutes or less, Clark said, but the differences among sites can be substantial, with the fairgrounds and downtown locations often the busiest. Diaz said the busiest times of day tend to be first thing in the morning as people vote before work, around 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. when people take their lunch break and at the end of the day, from about 4:30 p.m. on. Overall, about 32% of the states 1.4 million voters have cast ballots so far, either absentee or at early voting places. At a similar point in the 2018 cycle, about 34% of voters had cast a ballot. Clark said about 47% of registered voters in Santa Fe County have already cast their ballot, the second highest rate in the state. Weve got a pretty solid percentage of the vote in, she said. Manes said Lea County is right on target for its typical midterm election of participation of between 40% and 45%. But were really pushing for a bigger turnout, he said. Lengthy ballot This years ballot is a long one. Voters who have not yet cast their ballots can expect to see races for Congress, six statewide executive offices, two seats on the state Supreme Court and two on the Court of Appeals, a legislative seat, local offices and questions, three proposed constitutional amendments and three state bond issues. New Mexico is also poised to play a critical role in which party controls the U.S. House. The newly redrawn 2nd Congressional District where Republican Yvette Herrell faces Democrat Gabe Vasquez for reelection is among the dozen or so most competitive races that could serve as a tipping point for the House majority. The district stretches from parts of Albuquerque into the oil patch in southeastern New Mexico. Democrats Melanie Stansbury of Albuquerque and Teresa Leger Fernandez are also seeking reelection to the U.S. House. Albuquerque, meanwhile, is set to serve as a battleground as Republicans seek gains in the Legislature. Democrats now hold a 45-24-1 majority in the state House of Representatives, with all 70 seats in the chamber on the ballot this year. Voters this year also will determine whether to authorize heftier withdrawals out of New Mexicos largest permanent fund to expand spending on early childhood education and public schools. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE The U.S. Justice Department announced Monday it would have federal monitors on the ground in two New Mexico counties Bernalillo and San Juan on Election Day to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws. The announcement comes as state and county elections officials are readying for a high-stakes Election Day that could feature elevated political tensions and claims of voting irregularities. Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has voiced concern about the potential for disruptive poll challengers at voting locations, and the Democratic secretary of state has clashed in the past with state Republican Party officials over ballot drop boxes and other voting protocols. In addition, some New Mexico county commissioners faced pressure not to certify the primary election results in June due to voting integrity questions. In Otero County, commissioners also voted to approve the results after the state Supreme Court ordered them to do so. The U.S. Justice Department did not provide information Monday about why the different sites had been selected for federal monitoring, but they include some of the most populous counties in the nation. The two New Mexico counties are among 64 counties in 24 different states that will have federal monitors on hand, with others including Miami-Dade County in Florida, Maricopa County in Arizona and Los Angeles County in California, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The federal monitors will include staffers from the U.S. Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Mexico, who will coordinate with state and local election officials. Mario Jimenez, the executive director of Common Cause New Mexico, said having the federal monitors on site could send a message to any poll challengers or candidates who, intentionally or unintentionally, spread misinformation on Election Day. Its certainly a good thing that we have those election officials on the ground, Jimenez told the Journal. He also pointed out both Bernalillo County and San Juan County border tribal lands, saying Native American voters have faced voting challenges in some recent elections, including the 2020 general election cycle in which some polling places were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The early returns on the expanded Opportunity Scholarship program are encouraging. After years of steady declines, enrollment in N.M.s public colleges and universities is up 4.1% over last year, the first growth since 2010. Higher Education Department officials credit broader eligibility requirements that include those who never went to college, or started, but never finished a certificate or degree. HED reported approximately 4,000 more New Mexicans enrolled in a certificate, associate, or bachelors degree program at the states public colleges and universities this fall compared to the prior year. The number of first-time, full-time students also increased by more than 9%. If the trend holds, the Legislature is going to have to make more money available to cover projected enrollment growth and tuition increases. The agency is seeking $100 million for the program next year, up from the $75 million this year. The states Opportunity and Lottery scholarships removing/limiting the financial barrier is a first step to improving educational attainment among New Mexicans. But lowering barriers to college isnt enough. New Mexicos tuition-free opportunities will attract many first-generation college students who will need extra support. We were glad to see UNM President Garnett Stokes address this in a recent column. She wrote that a record 27% of this years freshmen are first-generation college students, creating an added responsibility for faculty and staff. N.M.s Legislature, Higher Education Department, and college administrators and instructors must continue to collaborate to provide the support needed to help students finish their certificate or degree program. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Its been an election year to remember for some and one to forget for many other New Mexicans after millions of dollars of negative TV ads and mailers. One exception is a joint ad from Democratic Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard and Republican challenger Jeff Byrd. In the ad sponsored by the New Mexico Democracy Project, Garcia Richard calls for secure elections while Byrd touts the freedom to vote. Both say theyll acknowledge the results after due process. Its a refreshing change after the attack ads weve seen for months. With the advent of no-excuse-needed absentee balloting, early voting and Voter Convenience Centers where anyone from a particular county may vote voting here has never been easier. Theres no excuse for sitting this one out. A spokesman for the Secretary of States Office says increased absentee balloting and an expected heavy turnout on Election Day could drive overall turnout as high as 60%, up from 56% four years ago. While 68,376 New Mexico voters cast absentee ballots in 2018, there were already 85,788 absentee ballots received by Monday. Every county is allowed to start preparing absentee ballots for scanning at least five days before Election Day. Absentee and early ballots are counted and tabulated first on Election Day, followed by votes cast on Election Day. The SOS recommends voters choose off-times such as late morning or early afternoon today to avoid long lines. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Voters can also call their county clerk to find where lines are shorter. Those who havent returned their absentee ballots should drop them off at a polling location, drop box or county clerks office. Its too late to mail them. And New Mexicans who are not registered can register and vote today at their clerks office; some counties, including Bernalillo County, provide same-day registration at all voting locations; check with your clerk on whats offered. To register and vote today, bring your drivers license or state ID card, or a photo ID and a document with your address, or a valid student ID and fee statement with your address. Voting is not just a privilege, its a civic duty. Educate yourself on the races with the voter guide at ABQJournal.com, then weigh in. Dont be deterred by the negativity. As Garcia Richard and Byrd note, Your vote counts. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal Julian Sanchez and his friend had been drinking and playing blackjack at a casino before driving home early Saturday morning. On Tramway and Rover NE, just south of Menaul, 21-year-old Sanchez crashed in the median, toppling a street sign. The two young men were in and out of consciousness as police arrived, according to Sanchezs family. And a short time later police say at least one officer saw a firearm and fired shots, killing Sanchez. Now his family is speaking out, wanting more information about what happened and disputing the idea that Sanchez was a danger to police or anyone else. Everybody in our family is just at a loss for words, said Desirea Sanchez, his older sister. Julian, not him because its not like him to ever be in a situation like this. Its not right and its not fair. Well, especially since we dont really know what happened. He was a good kid he didnt do drugs, he didnt hang out with the wrong crowd. In a briefing along Tramway early Saturday morning, Chief Harold Medina said officers had removed a passenger from the vehicle and were in the process of removing the driver when an officer indicated that there possibly was a firearm on scene and shots were fired. Rescue was called but Sanchez died. The Multi-Agency Task Force is investigating the shooting, as is standard. An APD spokesman said he cannot answer questions about why officers believed Sanchez was a threat since the investigation is in its preliminary stages. The Albuquerque Police Department typically holds a briefing and releases body camera video footage weeks after a shooting. Desirea Sanchez said shes spoken with her youngest brothers friend but he told her his memory of how everything unfolded is murky. She said Julian Sanchez always kept his gun legally owned in his center console for protection and knew the responsibilities of having a firearm. I dont know what happened when he was in the car accident if it became dislodged, she said. His friend said that his gun was in the console. So I dont know if it was, like, displaced whenever they had hit the sign. Desirea Sanchez said her brothers friend told her that the officers had him detained on the ground and he heard shouts of gun, gun, gun and then the shooting. He said when they took him back to the station that he was just in and out of it , she said. But they didnt tell him until the morning that Julian was deceased. Julian Sanchez was the youngest of four and grew up in Albuquerque knowing to be wary of house parties and bad crowds, his sister said. She said their dad had gotten him a job at a food distributor off West Central and he was just about to start a new job at UPS. He has no criminal history in New Mexico, according to online court records. Hes someones kid, hes someones brother, hes someones baby. He was our baby , Desirea Sanchez said, adding that she has seen many hurtful comments about the shooting on social media. Thats someones family, and its someones blood. Theres just so much hate and we need to bring awareness that bad things happen to people. Over the weekend, Desirea Sanchez and their oldest brother came to Albuquerque from Kansas to be with family. On Monday they put a memorial at the spot where Julian Sanchez was killed. Julian Sanchez was the eighth person killed by Albuquerque police this year. In total, officers have fired at 16 people, injuring three and missing five others. One of the people officers fired at, but missed, had killed himself right before they fired. SANTA FE, N.M. The wife of a former Espanola city councilor was sentenced to 100 hours of community service and three years of probation for her conduct while aiding her husbands mayoral campaign in 2018. Laura Seeds, the wife of former Espanola City Councilor Robert Seeds, was sentenced on Friday for her convictions for committing intimidation in a municipal election, coercion of a voter and disturbing a polling place in a municipal election. Jerri Mares, a spokeswoman for the Attorney Generals Office, told the Santa Fe New Mexican that Laura Seeds also is prohibited from participating in running elections. Seeds has earlier convictions stemming from her conduct in her husbands 2016 city councilor race. In that case, she was sentenced to five years of probation and six months of electronic monitoring for her convictions for making false statements relative to the municipal election code, conspiring to violate the election code and unlawful possession of an absentee ballot in a municipal election. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal After nearly 75 years of serving New Mexicos Jewish community and raising funds for local, as well as global, Jewish institutions and causes, the Jewish Federation of New Mexico is shutting down operations, and there is little hope the organization will be resurrected. Robert Efroymson, the federations recently elected president, on Friday released a statement to members of the Jewish community in which he said, My tenure will be a short one. The main task we face is an orderly shutdown of the organization. We are almost out of money. We have no employees. Critical insurance has been canceled. We cannot fulfill the purposes for which the organization was founded. The organization has collapsed under the weight of internal conflict, board member resignations, the drying up of donations, lawsuits and allegations of the mismanagement of money and a lack of financial transparency. Efroymsons statement went on to say, You might ask if we can recover. Surely, we can raise money again, hire new employees, get another insurance carrier? That might be true, but we must be honest. Decisions made by the prior leadership of the organization have placed us in a very poor position. The Jewish Federations of North America, the umbrella organization for 146 Jewish federations, said shutting down the New Mexico organization was the correct choice under the circumstance, adding that it was committed to partner with the Jewish community and help rebuild the New Mexico organization, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency news service. Efroymson declined to say more about how the federation reached this juncture, indicating an independent accounting review is currently being conducted. A lawsuit filed in October 2021 by longtime federation outreach director Sara Koplik against the executive committee of the federation and its former executive director, Rabbi Rob Lennick, alleged gender discrimination, retaliation, creating and fostering a hostile work environment. Lennicks conduct became predatory and harassing, especially toward female employees and employees who were part of the LGBTQ community, the lawsuit said. Lennick is currently head of the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties in Florida. He could not be reached Monday for comment. The lawsuit alleges that Lennicks conduct was reported to the federations executive committee, which concealed it from the rest of the board of directors. In addition, Koplik alleged being denied financial reports that she previously had access to regarding the programs under her direction. Eleven board members and three staff employees subsequently resigned in the following weeks and months, the lawsuit said. A separate lawsuit against the federations executive committee and Lennick, filed in January 2022, by Rabbi Jordi Gendra alleged violation of the New Mexico Human Rights Act and retaliatory discharge. Gendra was working under the supervision of Koplik on the Sephardic Heritage Project, where he conducted historical and genealogical research, and reviewed applications from people as part of a program with the Spanish government for people to gain Spanish citizenship as reparation for the forced expulsion or conversion of Jews during the Inquisition. Gendra maintained that Lennick impeded his ability to perform his job or develop new program funding sources, refused to give him administrative support, and displayed hostile, abusive and discriminatory behaviors. The dissolution of the federation affects the programs the organization supported. Efroymson asked that members of the community continue charitable donations and activities on behalf of those programs. He noted that the Jewish Care program is now under the auspices of the Jewish Community Center, and donations can be directed to the JCC; the Hillel chapter at the University of New Mexico is accepting contributions directly. Efroymson also suggested that people contact the Jewish Community Foundation about setting up a donor advised fund for programs that the federation previously supported. Among those programs have been youth and cultural programs at the JCC, various Jewish centers and temples in New Mexico, the Keshet Center for the Arts, and the Holocaust and Intolerance Museum of New Mexico. Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal More than $52 million for food assistance is being distributed to the families of over 91,000 New Mexico children under the age of 6. The funds are part of the 2021-22 childcare and summer Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer programs, according to a news release from the New Mexico Human Services Department. The program was created to provide emergency assistance to schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this program is to provide good nutrition to New Mexican families when they are facing financial hardship, Angela Medrano, deputy secretary of the Human Services Department, said in the release. We are working tirelessly to improve food security for New Mexicos children. Only children who were enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from August 2021 through July 2022 are eligible to receive funds. The amount each of the 91,460 children gets is determined by the number of months they were enrolled in the program, the release states. Fund distribution began Oct. 26 and will continue through Nov. 16, according to the release. Eligible children receive $34.31 for every month they were enrolled in SNAP, Marina Pina, communications director for the agency said. Those enrolled during the summer of 2022, which includes June and July, will receive a one-time payment of $391 on Nov. 16. The Human Services Department is really working to continue helping New Mexico families who need it the most at this moment, Pina said. BAGHDAD 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 Baghdads 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 mans 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 Karradas 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. 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 Iraqs 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. MIAMI Tropical Storm Nicole churned toward the northwestern Bahamas and Floridas Atlantic coastline on Tuesday, gradually gaining strength as it neared hurricane strength, forecasters said. Nicole reached 70 mph (110 kph) late Tuesday, just shy of the 74 mph (119 kph) to become a Category 1 hurricane. A range of warnings and watches remain in place. Many areas are still reeling from damage caused by Hurricane Ian, which hit Floridas southwestern Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm in late September before dumping heavy amounts of rain across much of the central part of the state. Forecasters said heavy rain could fall on areas still recovering from Ians flooding. Hurricane warnings were in effect for the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini and Grand Bahama Island, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in an advisory. Other areas of the Bahamas, including Andros Island, New Province and Eleuthera remained under a tropical storm warning. Residents in at least three Florida counties Flagler, Palm Beach and Volusia were ordered to evacuate from barrier islands, low-lying areas and mobile homes. The evacuation orders are set to take effect Wednesday. Officials at Orlando International Airport, the seventh busiest in the U.S., said commercial operations would stop Wednesday afternoon until it was safe to resume flights. This incoming storm is a direct threat to both property and life, said Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald. Our infrastructure, particularly along the coastline, is very vulnerable because of Hurricane Ian. In the Bahamas, long lines formed at gas stations and grocery stores earlier Tuesday, said Eliane Hall, who works at a hotel in Great Abaco island. We just boarded it up, she said of the hotel, adding that the impact of Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm that struck in 2019, was still fresh in many peoples minds. Were still affected, she said. Authorities said they were especially concerned about those now living in about 100 motorhomes in Grand Bahama after Dorian destroyed their homes, and about the migrant community in Great Abacos March Harbor that Capt. Stephen Russell, emergency management authority director, said has grown from 50 acres (20 hectares) to 200 acres (81 hectares) since Dorian. The previous community of Haitian migrants was among the hardest hit by the 2019 storm given the large number of flimsy structures in which many lived. The hurricane center said the storms track shifted slightly north overnight, but the exact path remains uncertain as it approaches Florida, where it is expected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane late Wednesday or early Thursday. By Tuesday night, hurricane warnings were issued for a large portion of Floridas Atlantic Coast, from Boca Raton to north of Daytona Beach. Tropical storm warnings are in place for other parts of the Florida coast, all the way to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. The warning area also stretches inland, covering Floridas Lake Okeechobee, with tropical storm watches in effect on the states Gulf Coast from Bonita Beach in southwestern Florida to Indian Pass in the Panhandle. The tropical storm watch extends north to the South Santee River in South Carolina. Jack Beven, a National Hurricane Center forecaster, said the storm has a very large cyclonic envelope, meaning that even if it makes landfall along the central Florida coastline, the effects will be felt as far north as Georgia. NASA announced that because of the storm, next weeks planned launch of its much-anticipated moon rocket will be pushed back two days to Nov. 16. The 322-foot (98-meter) rocket will send an empty crew capsule around the moon and back in a dramatic flight test before astronauts climb aboard in a couple of years. However, the storm did not have any impact on voting in Florida on Tuesday. Officials in the Bahamas opened more than two dozen shelters across the archipelago on Tuesday as they closed schools and government offices in Abaco, Bimini, the Berry Islands and Grand Bahama. Authorities warned that some airports and seaports will close as the storm nears and not reopen until Thursday, and they urged people in shantytowns to seek secure shelter. Communities in Abaco are expected to receive a direct hit from Nicole as they still struggle to recover from Dorian. We dont have time to beg and plead for persons to move, Russell said. Some counties in Florida were offering sandbags to residents. In Indian River County, which is north of West Palm Beach, shelters were set to open at 7 a.m. Wednesday, though no mandatory evacuation orders had been issued by late morning Tuesday, said spokesman Mason Kozac. Any evacuations would be strictly voluntary, with residents having a conversation with themselves about whether they need to leave or not, Kozac said. The mandatory evacuation order in Palm Beach County affects 52,000 residents of mobile homes and 67,000 residents of barrier islands, officials said in an afternoon news conference. Shelters up and down the coast were opening at 7 a.m. Wednesday, officials said. Schools will be closed in multiple counties across Florida as the storm approaches. Some announced closures through Friday, already an off day because of the Veterans Day holiday. Other districts have said they would cancel classes on Thursday. The University of Central Florida, one of the largest U.S. universities with 70,000 students and 12,000 employees, was closing on Wednesday and Thursday. Disney World outside Orlando planned to close its Typhoon Lagoon water park and two miniature golf courses on Thursday. In Seminole County, north of Orlando, Hurricane Ian caused unprecedented flooding, and officials are concerned the impending storm could bring a new round of flooding and wind damage. The water on the ground has saturated the root structures of many trees. The winds could bring down trees and those could bring down power lines, Alan Harris, Seminole Countys emergency manager, said at a Tuesday news conference. In South Carolina, forecasters warned several days of onshore winds from Nicole could pile seawater into places like downtown Charleston. Thursday mornings high tide was predicted to be higher than the water level from Hurricane Ian. At 10 p.m. Tuesday, the storm was about 150 miles (240 kilometers) east-northeast of the northwestern Bahamas and 325 miles (525 kilometers) east of West Palm Beach, Florida. It was moving west-southwest at 10 mph (17 kph). Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 380 miles (610 kilometers) from the center of the storm, the National Hurricane Centers advisory said. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The last storm to hit Florida in November was Tropical Storm Eta, which made landfall in Cedar Key, on the states Gulf Coast, on Nov. 12, 2020. Since record keeping began in 1853, Florida has had only two hurricanes make landfall in November, said Maria Torres, a spokesperson for the Hurricane Center. The first was the Yankee Hurricane in 1935, and the second was Hurricane Kate, which struck Floridas Panhandle as a Category 2 storm in 1985. ___ Walker reported from New York City. Associated Press writers Danica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mike Schneider in Orlando, Florida, Terry Spencer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina contributed to this report. ___ For more AP coverage of hurricanes: https://apnews.com/hub/hurricanes KYIV, Ukraine Ukraines president has suggested hes open to peace talks with Russia, softening his refusal to negotiate with Moscow as long as President Vladimir Putin is in power while sticking to Kyivs core demands. Volodymyr Zelenskyys appeal to the international community to force Russia into real peace talks reflected a change in rhetoric. In late September, after Russia illegally annexed four Ukrainian regions, he signed a decree stating the impossibility of holding talks with Putin. But the preconditions the Ukrainian leader listed late Monday appear to be non-starters for Moscow, so its hard to see how Zelenskyys latest comments would advance any talks. Zelenskyy reiterated that his conditions for dialogue were the return of all of Ukraines occupied lands, compensation for war damage and the prosecution of war crimes. He didnt specify how world leaders should coerce Russia into talks. Western weapons and aid have been key to Ukraines ability to fight off Russias invasion, which some initially expected would tear through the country with relative ease. That means Kyiv cannot ignore how the war is seen in the U.S. and the European Union, according to political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko. Zelenskyy is trying to maneuver because the promise of negotiations does not oblige Kyiv to anything, but it makes it possible to maintain the support of Western partners, Fesenko, head of the Kyiv-based Penta Center independent think tank, said. A categorical refusal to hold talks plays into the Kremlins hands, so Zelenskyy is changing the tactics and talks about the possibility of a dialogue, but on conditions that make it all very clear, he added. While support for Ukraine has garnered strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, a growing conservative opposition could complicate that next year if Republicans take control of the House in Tuesdays elections. Recent comments by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy that lawmakers would not cut a blank check to Ukraine reflect the partys growing skepticism about the cost of support. In private, Republican lawmakers who support aid to Ukraine see an opportunity to pass one more tranche of assistance this year with the current Congress. Russia and Ukraine held several rounds of talks in Belarus and Turkey early in the war, which is now nearing its nine-month mark, and Zelenskyy repeatedly called for a personal meeting with Putin which the Kremlin brushed off. The talks stalled after the last meeting of the delegations, held in Istanbul in March, yielded no results. Zelenskyy said Monday that Kyiv has repeatedly proposed (talks) and to which we always received crazy Russian responses with new terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail. Russia resumed calls for talks after it started losing ground to a Ukrainian counteroffensive in the east and the south in September. Zelenskyy rejected the possibility of negotiating with Putin later that month after the Russian leader illegally claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory. Zelenskyy said Monday that Ukraines conditions for dialogue included the restoration of (Ukraines) territorial integrity compensation for all war damage, punishment for every war criminal and guarantees that it will not happen again. Russias deputy foreign minister, Andrei Rudenko, said Tuesday that Moscow was not setting any conditions for the resumption of talks. He accused Kyiv of lacking good will. This is their choice. We have always declared our readiness for such negotiations, Rudenko said. Putin and other Russian officials have repeatedly claimed that the United States is preventing Ukraine from engaging in peace talks, which several countries have offered to mediate. In an interview released Tuesday, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said Western countries wouldnt push Kyiv to negotiate on Moscows terms. Ukraine is receiving rather effective weapons from its partners, first and foremost the U.S., Podolyak said. Were pushing the Russian army out of our territory. And given that, its nonsense to force us to negotiate, and de facto to concede to Russias ultimatum! No one will do that. In other developments: In the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, which the Russians are struggling to take full control of, Moscows shelling killed three civilians and wounded seven others over the past 24 hours, according to Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko. Kyrylenko said the fatalities occurred in the city of Bakhmut, a key target of Russias grinding offensive in Donetsk, and the town of Krasnohorivka. Ukraines deputy defense minister last week described the Bakhmut area as the epicenter of fighting in eastern Ukraine. Elsewhere, two civilians were seriously wounded by unexploded mines in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region, where Kyivs forces retook broad swaths of territory in September, Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. In the partially occupied Kherson region in the south, where Ukraines troops are conducting a successful counteroffensive, Russian-installed authorities said they have completed the evacuation of residents ahead of anticipated Ukrainian advances. The Kremlin-appointed administration has sought to relocate tens of thousands. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press show a rapid expansion of a cemetery in southern Ukraine in the months after Russian forces seized the port city of Mariupol. Its unclear how many people were buried there. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations reassured Ukrainian farmers that extending a wartime deal that allowed Ukrainian grain and other commodities to be shipped on the Black Sea was a priority for the U.N. The agreement brokered by the U.N. and Turkey has allowed more than 10 million tons of grain to leave Ukrainian ports and travel along a designated corridor. It is set to expire on Nov. 19. A Russian diplomat on Tuesday cited Moscows dissatisfaction with its implementation and said the Kremlin had not decided whether to extend it. During a visit to Kyiv, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield was asked whether she was telling the Ukrainians about American ideas to end the war. She replied: Russia started this and Russia can end this, and they can end it by pulling their troops out and stopping committing the atrocities that they are committing against the Ukrainian people. She announced $25 million in additional U.S. assistance to help Ukrainians get through the winter. ___ Karmanau reported from Tallinn, Estonia. Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed from Washington. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine MILAN Italys new far-right-led government has blocked humanitarian rescue ships from accessing its ports, resulting in a standoff with charities that patrol the deadly central Mediterranean, rescuing people in trouble at sea. Nongovernmental organizations, as well as human rights and international law experts, say vessels are legally required to rescue people in distress and coastal nations are required to provide a place of safety for them to disembark. Italy claims the flag countries of the ships are responsible for taking on the migrants and that charity vessels just encourage people-smuggling. Here are some of the issues behind the standoff: WHAT IS GOING ON NOW IN THE MEDITERRANEAN? Two charity rescue boats that entered Italian waters this weekend were directed to the Sicilian port of Catania, where Italian authorities allowed the disembarkation only of migrants it deemed vulnerable families with children, unaccompanied minors and people needing medical care. Those boats are now refusing to leave until the rest of the migrants are allowed to get off as well, but Italy is not budging. A third charity ship, carrying 89 people rescued at sea, unloaded all of the people it rescued in Calabria on Tuesday. The reason for the different treatment was not immediately apparent. A fourth boat remains in international waters for the 17th day with 234 people on board, its requests for a safe port unanswered. WHAT IS ITALYS FAR-RIGHT-LED GOVERNMENT SAYING ABOUT RESCUES? Italy says it is not responsible for taking on migrants rescued by charity rescue ships. It says that responsibility falls to the countries whose flag the ships fly. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the ships as islands and anyone on them as falling under the jurisdiction of the flag countries. Humanitarian groups, maritime legal experts and human rights activists all reject that interpretation of a flag states jurisdiction. Italys new far-right-led government paved the way to closing its ports to private rescue ships by telling port authorities that two of the ships the Ocean Viking and the Humanity 1 did not follow European norms while carrying out rescues. Piantedosi claimed they did not await instruction by search and rescue authorities. The groups have denied the claim, saying they followed correct protocols to inform the authorities in Italy, Malta or Libya, depending on the search-and-rescue area once a boat in difficulty has been identified. Often, they say, national authorities never answer their calls for help. HOW HAVE PAST ITALIAN GOVERNMENTS HANDLED RESCUES AT SEA? The new governments confrontational posture is reminiscent of the standoffs orchestrated by Matteo Salvini when he was briefly interior minister from 2018-19. Salvinis refusal to open ports resulted in ships having to travel to France or Spain to disembark migrants, adding up to three days to the migrants journeys. A German captain, Carola Rackete, famously defied Salvini and entered an Italian port despite orders not to, citing an emergency situation on board. Salvini, who is infrastructure minister in charge of ports in the new government, is facing trial on charges of kidnapping for refusing to let the Spanish migrant rescue ship Open Arms dock in an Italian port in 2019. Another case against him has been dismissed. Other Italian governments have delayed ships arrivals to get agreements with other European Union countries to take migrants before they land, or conducted inspections that the charity groups argue seek to prevent them from conducting rescues. WHAT DOES INTERNATIONAL LAW SAY? Article 98 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea requires every shipmaster to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost. Charity ships say rescuing migrants from flimsy, unseaworthy smuggling boats, or in many cases straight from the water, is their legal obligation. International Maritime Law also requires coastal states to run adequate search and rescue services, including by cooperating with other nations in the same region during rescues. Rescues are only considered complete after survivors are disembarked to the nearest place of safety, to be assigned by the maritime authority in charge of search-and-rescue coordination. But NGOs say their requests for a place of safety in the Mediterranean Sea are increasingly delayed, ignored or denied by both Italy and Malta. WHATS THE PROBLEM WITH LIBYA? Libya, with European support, is responsible for a massive search-and-rescue area in the Central Mediterranean since 2018. But human rights activists and maritime law experts say the war-torn country currently lacking a central government- cannot adequately and safely perform search and rescue missions. People smugglers have also been linked to members of the Libyan coast guard in charge of interceptions at sea. U.N. agencies say that Libya cannot be considered a place of safety for the disembarkation of people rescued at sea, due to the inhumane conditions at the detention centers they are returned to. Many migrants and refugees have spoken of enduring horrific abuses in Libya, including beatings, rape and killings. Despite millions spent by the EU to improve conditions, little has changed. HOW MANY MIGRANTS HAVE NGO VESSELS RESCUED? The International Organization for Migration says charity ship rescues accounted for only 15% of the 88,000 migrants who have reached Italy by sea so far this year. Most arrived on their own, or were rescued by the Italian Coast Guard or other national rescue ships. But many dont survive the dangerous crossing, with some 1,300 migrants dying or missing in the Central Mediterranean this year, according to the IOMs missing migrants project. Although the number of arrivals is far below the peak of 2016 when 180,000 people arrived on Italian shores, the death rate remains high. Non-governmental groups say they are needed in the Mediterranean, the deadliest known migration route in the world, to fill the rescue gap left by European countries who have increasingly relied on North African nations to stop migrants from crossing. ___ Brito contributed from Barcelona, Spain. ___ Follow all AP stories about global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. Buu Nygren has ousted Jonathan Nez as president of the Navajo Nation, a position that wields influence nationally because of the size of the tribes reservation in the U.S. Southwest and its huge population. Nygren defeated Nez in the nonpartisan race with a message of delivering basic needs to Navajos and expressing frustration at the pace of tribal government and infrastructure projects. He acknowledged that hard work lies ahead. Ive said it time and time again, that we want to do the things that are tough, he said to a rowdy crowd gathered at the fairgrounds in the tribal capital of Window Rock. Nygrens win, along with his running mate Richelle Montoya, means the Navajo Nation will have a woman in the Office of the President and Vice President for the first time. Navajo voters twice advanced Lynda Lovejoy to the general election for the presidency, but she lost both times. Unofficial results from the tribes elections office showed Nygren ahead of Nez by about 3,500 votes with all 110 precincts reporting. Turnout among the roughly 125,000 registered voters surpassed 50%. Nygren, 35, positioned himself as the candidate for change and as someone who could get the ball rolling on long-awaited projects. He has a background in construction management but has never held political office. Im used to being held accountable in every job, Nygren, a tribal vice presidential candidate in 2018, said ahead of Tuesdays election. Im taking that approach. If I dont perform, I have no business being here. The Navajo Nations population of 400,000 is second only to the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. It also has the largest land base by far of any tribe at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) stretching into parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. Nygren pledged to work more closely with the Navajo Nation Council that often is seen as more powerful than the tribal presidency. Newly elected leaders take office in January. Nygren is married to Arizona state Rep. Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren. Nez is a seasoned politician who ascended to the presidency after years as a community leader, Navajo County supervisor, Navajo Nation Council delegate and vice president. He encouraged voters to choose continuity in the race, saying progress takes time. Nezs spokesman, Jared Touchin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night from The Associated Press. Nez and his running mate, Chad Abeyta, gathered in a separate area of the fairgrounds. Nez said more than $1 billion in federal coronavirus relief funding that the tribe has approved for infrastructure projects would help spur economic development and bring home Navajos who have left the reservation for jobs. Tens of thousands of Navajos still live without running water, electricity and broadband. The coronavirus pandemic highlighted those inequities and thrust the Navajo Nation into the spotlight when it had one of the highest infection rates in the U.S. The tribe has long relied on revenue from the coal industry to fund its government, but those revenues have been declining as coal-fired plants and mines shut down. While the Navajo Nation owns a stake in one coal plant and some coal mines, its been working to develop renewable energy sources. Tourism also helps fuel the Navajo Nations economy. Towering rock formations in Shiprock, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly are international draws for tourists, as is the story of the famed Navajo Code Talkers who developed a World War II code that the Japanese never cracked. PHOENIX Democrat Katie Hobbs led Republican Kari Lake in the race for Arizona governor, but the battle for control of the crucial battleground state was too early to call. Lake, a former television news anchor, says she would not have certified the states 2020 election results. Her television-ready demeanor, confrontations with journalists and combative message for Democrats made the first-time candidate a rising star on the right whose future in national politics is already being debated. Hobbs, Arizonas secretary of state, rose to prominence defending the integrity of President Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, where he eked out the smallest margin of any state he won two years ago. The results will be a window into the pulse of the electorate in Arizona, a longtime Republican stronghold that turned toward Democrats during the Trump era. Theyll provide insight into whether Bidens success here in 2020 was a onetime event or the onset of a long-term shift away from the GOP. Republicans nominated for statewide offices a slate of Trump-endorsed candidates who have promoted falsehoods about the 2020 election as a centerpiece of their campaigns. All trailed their Democratic rivals in initial election returns, which reflected mail ballots received ahead of the election. Those margins were expected to diminish as more ballots were counted. Hobbs and other Democrats told supporters they were encouraged by the early returns but warned a long slog of counting was ahead. I have every confidence that the counties administering this election conducted a free and fair election, and their results will be accurate, Hobbs told supporters gathered in Phoenix. But they will take time, so prepare for a long evening and a few more days of counting. Mail ballots returned Tuesday or shortly before were not yet reported and will be counted in the coming days. With razor-thin margins between the parties, it often takes days to know the results of key races in Arizona, and its not uncommon for the candidate leading on election night to end up losing when all votes are counted. Trouble with vote-tabulation machines at about 25% of polling places in Maricopa County, Arizonas most populous, generated criticism on social media, but officials said every vote would be counted. The election comes as Biden struggles from lagging approval and Trump strongly hints that he will run again in 2024. With such high stakes, Arizona has been central to efforts by Trump and his allies to cast doubt on Bidens victory with false claims of fraud. Trump-endorsed candidates who deny the legitimacy of Bidens victory won GOP primaries up and down the ballot and could take control of offices with a central role in elections. Nine in 10 voters say the future of democracy in the U.S. is a factor in their voting decisions, according to AP VoteCast, an expansive survey of more than 3,200 voters in Arizona. They were evenly split between the two candidates for governor. Roughly 4 in 10 say it is the single most important factor. A majority roughly 7 in 10 voters say they are confident that votes will be counted accurately in this years election. Among these voters, about 6 in 10 backed Hobbs. Among the roughly one-quarter who said they were not confident that votes would be counted accurately, about 8 in 10 backed Lake. Lake predicted she will make up the gap and overtake Hobbs, reminding her supporters that she was down in early returns from the GOP primary before overtaking her establishment-backed rival as more ballots were counted. God did not put us in this fight because it was going to be easy, Lake told supporters at a GOP celebration in Scottsdale. Not one thing that weve had to go through has been easy. She condemned the printer mishap in Maricopa County, calling it another stark reminder that we have incompetent people running the show in Arizona and pledging that her first line of action is to restore honesty to Arizona elections. Hobbs has cast the race for governor as a contest between sanity and chaos, branding Lake as seriously dangerous and drawing attention to the Republicans opposition to abortion rights. Hobbs, a social worker before turning to politics, was weighed down by her decision not to debate Lake. She ran a cautious campaign, sticking largely to scripted and choreographed public appearances. Lake brought people dressed as chickens and sometimes live hens to campaign events to make the case that Hobbs was scared to confront her. She also highlighted a successful discrimination lawsuit brought by a Black woman who was fired as a policy adviser to state Senate Democrats while Hobbs was the top Senate Democrat. Lake is well known in much of the state after anchoring the evening news in Phoenix for more than two decades. She ran as a fierce critic of the mainstream media, which she said is unfair to Republicans. Polished in front of the camera and comfortable in front of a crowd, Lake built an enthusiastic following and drew international media attention. She was endorsed by Trump, who admired her ability only slightly exaggerated to respond to any question with a message about fixing elections. Lake has repeatedly refused to say that she would accept the results of the election if she loses. Nearly half of Arizona voters say the economy is the most important issue facing the country, according to AP VoteCast. And nearly all voters said inflation was a factor in their votes, with about half saying it was the single most important factor. For about two-thirds of Arizona voters, the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade, the ruling that recognized a constitutional right to abortion, was an important factor. Those voters overwhelmingly favored Hobbs over Lake. Federal and state election officials and Trumps own attorney general have said there is no credible evidence the election was tainted. The former presidents allegations of fraud were also roundly rejected by courts. ___ 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. ___ Associated Press writer Terry Tang contributed to this report. China urges Britain to abide by one-China principle: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 08:32, November 08, 2022 BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's Foreign Ministry on Monday urged Britain to abide by the one-China principle and stop all forms of official contact with Taiwan, following plans by a British minister to visit the island. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing that China has reiterated its principled position on the Taiwan question on multiple occasions. There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, Zhao said, adding China firmly opposes 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 Britain, Zhao noted. "We urge Britain to earnestly respect China's 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 spokesperson said. "The Taiwan authorities should also beware that any attempt to seek independence by colluding with external forces is doomed to fail," Zhao added. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) Copyright 2022 Albuquerque Journal The dean of University of New Mexicos Anderson School of Management is leaving her post for a job with the University of Utah, UNM announced Monday. Mitzi Montoya, who will soon begin her new position as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost come January, served as the Anderson School dean since July 2020. The University of Utah on Monday also announced her hiring. This was a very difficult decision for me because I believe deeply in the great work we are doing here at Anderson and in the community, Montoya said in an email Monday announcing her departure. The university said its conducting a national search for a full-time replacement, beginning immediately. An interim dean is also expected to be announced for the first half of 2023, with the goal of having a new dean in place by fall of 2023, UNM said in a news release. Montoya said in her email that Provost James Holloway is already considering possible candidates for this interim role. In her new role with the University of Utah, Montoya will guide the strategic focus and academic vision. That includes several high-impact initiatives, such as doubling on-campus student housing, recruitment of first-generation students and becoming a Hispanic-serving university, the university said. Before joining UNM as dean of the Anderson School of Management the first Hispanic to hold the position and the first female to do so in a permanent capacity Montoya worked at Washington State University as a provost and executive vice president, and as a professor at WSUs Carson College of Business. Montoya also worked as a dean at the Oregon State University College of Business and Arizona State Universitys College of Technology and Innovation in recent years. Montoyas career in education began at North Carolina State University first as an assistant professor, then a full-time professor and eventually an assistant dean of research where she worked for 15 years. Speaking with the Journal in 2020 on her transition into administration work, Montoya said she saw importance in helping all students succeed. I saw who could get in or not to a university and who could be successful or not once they got into (a) university. And I saw a huge need to design things differently in order to help students that had different needs, she said. In July 2020, she replaced then-Interim Dean Shawn Berman, who had been in the position for more than a year. Berman, in 2019, had replaced Craig White, the Anderson Schools dean on an interim basis and, eventually, on a full-time basis of more than four years. In announcing her departure, which will come at the end of December, Holloway said Dean Montoya has been a change agent at UNM and I am so very grateful that she has given us her energy and talent over the past few very difficult years. Holloway added: The Anderson School of Management has been moved in positive directions under her leadership, and all of UNM has benefited from her positive energy and her challenging of the status quo. The annual marquee event of the Asian video industry, the Asia Video Summit, returned in full swing, hosting over 300 delegates in person and online as a hybrid conference, amidst a time of immense innovation and disruption in the video industry. The Summit opened with clear views from industry stalwarts, Henry Tan, Group CEO, Astro, Clement Schwebig, Chairman, Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA), and Vivek Couto, Executive Director, Media Partners Asia, that a return to profitability and a focus on revenue was much needed for sustained growth across Asia. Though Asia was a huge but diverse and difficult market, there was no doubt certain markets will continue to grow, said Couto. However, disruption was going to continue for the next few years, added Tan, and all players had to be prepared for a rollercoaster ride. James Gibbons, President & Managing Director, Western Pacific, Warner Bros. Discovery, also shared his views on the massive changes that the industry had gone through over the last decade. While there used to be a real emphasis on subscriber growth, and the belief that the market for subscription video-on-demand was infinite, a business without an advertising component was no longer meaningful. A wholesale reassessment of how to assess the growth and value of a company was now needed. And content was no longer an individual line of business, but represented an entire franchise opportunity that enabled businesses to build a special relationship with their consumers across all touchpoints. This focus on content certainly resonated through the Summit. For Donovan Chan, Founding Partner, Beach House Pictures, sticking to premium programming that was efficiently produced at a high quality to deliver on what the audiences want and need was a key part of his strategy to move more content from East to West. Kirana Cheewachuen, Deputy Director, Planning & Business Development, Strategic Content Group, True Corporation, also added that with Korea leading in script development, there was also a need to attract and develop the right talent in order to discover the secret sauce behind the success of Korean content, and hopefully replicate it in other parts of Asia. However, while content was king, it was not an either or situation, it needed to be across content, activation, distribution, and pricing, said Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India. Leading on to rebundling, Ricky Ow, Partner, Quest Ventures, also shared that it was not one size fits all and that there was a need to meet personal consumer demand and at a price point that made sense. There was also the need to solve this problem as a benefit to consumers as well as content providers, for less churn and more sustainability. For Clarissa Tanoesoedibjo, Managing Director, Vision+, aggregation was the way moving forward, with more integration across the ecosystem. The topic of sustainability was certainly one that reiterated with the panellists this year as well. Chris Sewell, Founder, Net Zero Media, felt that more verifications and guidelines were needed around businesses to help people make informed decisions. Similarly, Esther Peh, Associate Director, Public Policy, Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, also said that while there were industry wide tools to help take the first step towards being more conscious about your footprint and being more aware of the environmental impact, it was still very much at the nascent phase, and it was important for industry stakeholders and partners to come together. For Globe Telecom, Apple Evangelista, Head, Sustainability and Social Responsibility, while it was becoming a standard in the way they did business, there was also a need to reduce value chain emissions, both upstream and downstream, with the next step being customer education after greening the value chain. On the advertising front, stakeholders too needed to come together as there was certainly enormous opportunity for growth in the OTT advertising space, which was currently under-indexed in Asia. While OTT was the natural evolution of TV, Elaine Tan, Head of Sales, Southeast Asia, International Business Department Advertising, iQIYI International, felt that OTT was not quite mainstream as yet and there was still a lot of room to grow in the premium space especially with premium Asian content. If we bring the content that users want, the growth will follow, said Tan, with the advertising dollars following suit as well after. And though TV was evolving to OTT and Connected TV(CTV), for Alex Lowes, Vice President, Client Engagement and Growth, APAC, Finecast, the one commonality was that they were both addressable premium broadcast quality content. And with addressable TV becoming part of an omnichannel strategy, addressable TV was the future. However, a key challenge that still remained for Kanika Manglik, Regional Managing Partner, Investments Strategy, Mindshare, was the adoption of unified measurement. Despite these challenges, there was still much positivity among the panellists. Vignesh Narayanan, CEO, Airtel Ads, shared his prediction that US$200M was the addressable opportunity in India on the table over the next 2 years. Summing it up, Alysha Dino, Senior Director, Global Business Development, Publica, added that with 50% of viewers in Southeast Asia watching content online, this was a transforming time in the industry in Asia Pacific, to make these challenges into a good opportunity. The Asia Video Summit is proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsors Brightcove, BytePlus, INVIDI, PubMatic, Tencent Cloud, TV5MONDE, Silver Sponsors AsiaSat, Broadpeak, Dolby, Edgio, Gracenote, InvestHK, Irdeto, Magnite, MEASAT, Mirada, NAGRA, SES, Synamedia, YouTube. Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor supports the Community Outreach Programme that provides complimentary passes for local video and creative industries-related SMEs and tertiary students to participate in the virtual Summit. Complimentary in-person Mentoring Workshops will also be held on 10 November to provide insightful tips about the media industry. The Asia Societys Global Board has elected Mrs Sangita Jindal as its new Trustee at the Fall Meeting held in October 2022. She was elected along with two other Trustees Kuo Chuan Kung and Rabbi Angela Buchdahl. "We are delighted to welcome to Asia Societys Global Board of Trustees three new Trustees with diverse and varied backgrounds and experience, said Asia Society President and CEO Kevin Rudd. Each have made unique contributions to their fieldsfrom the arts and cultural heritage preservation, to finance, to social and spiritual developmentthese new Trustees will bring important new perspectives to our Global Board. Founded in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, Asia Society is a non-partisan, non-profit institution established with a purpose to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology. As a global network of Centres across the world, Asia Society fosters insight, encourages engagement, elevates regional voices, informs and educates new audiences, addresses complex and where necessary contentious challenges, engages in creative problem-solving, and helps deliver real solutions for the benefit of all. Asia Society has presence across New York, Hong Kong, and Houston, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Mumbai, Paris, San Francisco, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo, Washington, D.C., and Zurich. Commenting on her election as a Trustee of Asia Societys Global Board, Mrs Sangita Jindal said, The Asia Society is dedicated to identifying future pathways for Asia and the world. As the new Trustee of Asia Societys Global Board, it enables me to contribute to the ongoing efforts in shaping US-Asia economic, political and cultural relations. Mrs Sangita Jindal is the Chairperson of JSW Foundation, the social development arm of JSW Group. During the last two decades, she has spearheaded JSW Foundations efforts as it enlarged its scope of activities in the areas of education, health, livelihood creation, local sports development, heritage & art conservation etc. Mrs Jindal established the Jindal Arts Centre in 1992 and started publishing Art India, an art magazine in 1994. She was among the founding team that conceptualized the Kala Ghoda festival for which she was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship in 2004. She has also undertaken extensive heritage restoration at Hampi, Bombay Synagogue among other monuments. She is currently restoring Mughal Gardens and David Sassoon Library & Reading Room. Mrs Sangita Jindal is also a member of the Board of Asia Society India and National Culture Fund. She is a Trustee of the World Monument Fund, Advisor to TEDxGateway and a member of the IMC Ladies Wing Art, Culture and Film Committee. Tata CLiQ Luxury, Indias premier luxury lifestyle platform, has partnered with leading interior expert and designer Gauri Khan to launch her brand Gauri Khan Designs, exclusively available on the platform. With this launch, consumers can now shop Gauri Khans favorite designs on Tata CLiQ Luxury to elevate their homes and office spaces. Founded in 2013, the brand was born from Gauri Khans long-standing passion for designing spaces and aims to become a one-stop destination for everything interior. Her design philosophy is a blend of her personality and art, with an emphasis on everything that is elegant yet imaginative. As the most sought-after interior designer in the country, for Gauri Khan, its all about designing her products meticulously so that they are practical yet luxurious. The brands flagship Mumbai store houses a variety of curated pieces across categories. To expand the reach further and make her designs and creations available to a larger audience, the brand has forayed in the e-commerce space for the first time with its launch on Tata CLiQ Luxury. The platform will offer easy access to an extensive selection of Gauri Khan Designs soft furnishings and accessories, including rugs, cushions, bed linens, trays, breakfast trays, glassware, cheese platters, artwork, coasters, small sculptures, candle holders, table lamps, side tables, trolleys, pouffes, among others. In addition, consumers can also shop from a range of marble accessories, which include cheese platters, planters, candle stands, artifacts, and more. Commenting on the launch, Gitanjali Saxena, Business Head, Tata CLiQ Luxury, said, At Tata CLiQ Luxury, we are constantly focused on offering the best of luxury products and brands across categories to consumers. Our existing home category on the platform includes a wide range of products, from decor to serve ware and more. As we strive to expand and strengthen our home category, we are thrilled to exclusively launch Gauri Khan Designs on our platform. A coveted interior designer, Gauri Khan has carved a niche for herself in the realm of interior designing and her creations are known for their exquisite design aesthetics. We are delighted to offer our discerning customers across the country an opportunity to shop from a thoughtfully curated selection of products across a wide assortment of soft furnishings and accessories to artistically transform their spaces. Speaking about this partnership, Interior designer and Producer, Gauri Khan said, I am elated to share that Gauri Khan Designs has found a new home at Tata CLiQ Luxury. At Gauri Khan Designs, we are constantly innovating and curating designs and products that will appeal to the consumers sense of evolving aesthetics. Tata CLiQ Luxury is Indias leading luxury lifestyle platform that offers an engaging and elevated online shopping experience for customers. Through this partnership, Gauri Khan Designs will now be able to reach and be accessible to consumers across the country who are looking at revamping their spaces. We look forward to a fruitful partnership. Browse through the range of products on the platform, each of which has been designed skilfully. Amp up your space this season that reflects your individuality with products from Gauri Khan Designs that are now available on Tata CLiQ Luxury. Link: https://luxury.tatacliq.com/gaurikhandesigns In the last 10 years, PR has taken a different dimension, especially after the entry of social media and the rapid shift to digital, especially in the pandemic period. At the same time the industry has been facing stiff challenges, moreover client expectations have also increased, with more emphasis being given to digital and online reputation management. The industry has undergone a radical shift and the current times have pushed the industry to change gears. In conversation with Adgully, Manali Pilankar, Vice President - Corporate Communications, JM Financial, talks about the changes in the corporate communication space in past few years, challenges faced while working with clients, role of PR in CSR, and more. How have you seen the corporate communications space in the last few years? One of the noteworthy transitions is that the corporate communications narrative has become more inclusive and holistic. Corporates have adopted a balanced approach factoring in all the key elements such as employee communication, brand and leadership communication, reputation management, etc., to develop a favourable identity and image to create a lasting impact. As the strategic vision and functional arc of a corporate are in the process of constant evolution, corporate communication professionals now develop a strong brand storytelling with an integrated dissemination framework to align all the key stakeholders with the transformations. In addition, the multidisciplinary operational dynamics have made cross-functional collaboration a new-normal. Authentic communication by brands and its leaders, a digital first approach and the growing adoption of data visualisation are some of the changes that enhance messaging impact and coverage outcomes. What are some of the challenges that you face when you are working with your PR clients/ partners? Well, a client-agency relationship is made of various tangible and intangible elements. Having said that, to make the relationship work, grow and remain mutually beneficial, we need collective efforts involving multidisciplinary team members. So, there are no challenges per se. But, in a multi-layered association, there are a few areas which need a more intrinsic engagement from the PR partners need to ensure better outcomes. The framework of such engagement can be built by developing better understanding of products and product strategies, keeping up with media outreach, integrating social media listening and mapping traditional media channels to drive consistent brand storytelling and engagement as well as setting up processes that make it easy to for both to come together to work collaboratively as an integrated team. It is said that PR in India still works on strong media relations. Whats your view on it, and dont you think we now need to think beyond media relations with more focus on strategic thinking? Quality media coverages impacting the media narrative driven by positive news pegs continues to be an integral part of the PR. However, media coverage shouldnt be treated as a yardstick to assess the PR impact. PR encompasses numerous strategies and processes, one of it being media relations. To make a lasting impact, one needs to have a truly in-depth approach. Deep diving into the media consumption habits of the target audience as well as analysing the data analytics always pays off when it comes to leveraging the right media vehicles be it newspapers, online portals, podcasts, owned media, etc. What are your key learnings from your experience of handling PR in the financial services domain? I think PR in general has a bigger role to play while driving demand and awareness for a product or service both at the business and consumer level. The rule applies to the financial services domain as well. It is not entirely about publicising the launch of IPOs, bonds or announcements PR needs to build awareness on those instruments among the potential leaders. Apart from positioning the launch news in the media, a skillful PR professional leverages her/his in-depth understanding and contacts in the media to develop an effective thought-leadership narrative, which revolves around objective analysis of those financial instruments while abiding by the required regulatory compliances. Developing category leadership is critical to command visibility and acceptability. In addition, as the market scenario is always evolving, identifying the right time for going to the market with the intended message is a challenge which one has to live with. It also means, we have to be flexible and learn to adapt to situations as they unfold. Moreover, reputation management in this era of digital media needs to be extremely agile so that situations remain under control. What is the role of PR in CSR according to you? With environmental, social and governance (ESG) influencing corporate decision-making and investors increasingly demanding a robust ESG proposition, organisations now shoulder a greater commitment to engage with social and environmental issues. Thats where the significance of effective CSR communication lies. Going beyond the responsibility of disseminating information through various communication channels on a range of CSR initiatives undertaken by a particular corporate, a PR professional must adopt a strategic approach so that such social engagements resonate well with both internal and external stakeholders. Companies which are able to communicate consistently and transparently are valued and respected. PR has a crucial role to play to build and strengthen the image of a corporate as a social value creator. Cooperative societies are the lifeblood for the underprivileged sections of the society. They aid in economic upliftment with their extensive network across agricultural and industrial sectors, benefiting Kerala in more ways than one. Felicitating individuals and organisations catalysing the growth of Keralas co-operative society, News18 Kerala, the leading news channel of the state, presents Co-operative Awards and Conclave22. To be held on 29th October at Trivandrum, the prestigious ceremony will be exclusively telecast by News18 Malayalam TV and digital platforms. Promoting healthy competition amongst grass-root level co-operatives for socio-economic development, the ceremony will honour dignitaries in various categories A stringent, editorially-driven selection process is involved in selecting the rightful winners of this accolade. Besides the awards ceremony, the event will also feature a panel discussion on the topic Co-operative sector till today/ Challenges/ Diversification & many more. Celebrate the crusaders of socio-economic upliftment with News18 Kerala Co-Operative Awards and Conclave22. Mumbai-based digital communications agency Oktobuzz has won the digital marketing mandate of Westside. The agency will be responsible for managing the social media handles and campaigns of the fashion brand from the house of Tatas. Oktobuzz will also work with the brand on improving their overall online presence through data-led digital communication campaigns and other mar-tech projects. Westside is India's preferred fashion destination from the house of Tatas, offering a wide range of contemporary and confident wardrobe solutions for men, women and children. It also offers urban and warm home decor and an extensive range of cosmetics, ambrosial fragrances and luxurious bath & body products. Established in 1998, Westside has a presence of over 200 stores across India. The brand has entrusted Oktobuzz with the responsibility of helping them build a strong presence and establish the legacy of Westside as a house of Tata brand in the online world. The agency will be working majorly on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. It will also work with the brand to help enhance the brand experience across platforms including website, App, UI/UX and videos. Regarding the partnership with Oktobuzz, Umashan Naidoo, Head-Customer and Beauty, Trent Limited, said, Westside has already established itself as one of the leading fashion retail brands in the country. As we grow our presence across the country, we also want to leverage Digital in the most constructive way and thereby make Westside the brand of choice for consumers aspiring for efficient and accessible fashion. Oktobuzzs robust understanding of the market and digital ecosystem made the mark for us. Oktobuzzs association with Westside is a result of several months of meetings and rigorous research. The agency met the brands marketing team earlier this year with an insight-led strategy and they liked the vision for the brand the Oktobuzz team brought to the table. The agencys understanding of data and converting them into actionable insights for the brand is something that has helped the brand considerably. Expressing his happiness on this win, Hemal Majithia, CEO & Founder, Oktobuzz, said, We are extremely delighted to partner with Westside in this phase of hyper-growth, especially harnessing the power of digital. We are aligned with the brand's ambitious vision of being at the forefront of fashion and intend to convert data-led insights into clutter-breaking creative solutions that not only pushes creative boundaries but also impacts business positively. We are delighted to add another marquee brand and an industry leader like Westside to our clientele. With India on the rise and the fashion sector booming, Westside, over the last two decades, has played a pioneering role in making India fashionable and at Oktobuzz, we are committed to further Westsides digital presence with strategic planning at all levels. added Rohan Nair, Sr. Vice President-Business and Strategy, Oktobuzz. Apart from Westside, Oktobuzz has managed social media and digital mandates for several reputed brands, including CNN-News18, Citi India, Amazon Audible, CNBC-TV18, Satya Paul, Hamleys India, Bath & Body Works, Aldo Shoes, author Amish Tripathi, Chetan Bhagat, and Tata Strive. Santoor, the flagship brand of Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting announced the relaunch of its classic Sandalwood and Turmeric soap, Santoor Orange. The relaunch comes with Young Soch as the renewed and fresh take to connect with young consumers The product upgrade further comes with new packaging, improved fragrance, and better moisturization. The fragrance inspired by the goodness of Sandal and Turmeric captures the essence of Santoor, and the promise of younger looking skin. With higher natural moisturizing benefits, the product offers a luxurious, indulging bathing experience and a glowing, moisturized skin after. Signaling a bold transition, Young Soch campaign aims to disrupt common stereotypes and long-standing perceptions about a womans identity. The Santoor woman of today is limitless with a young and fresh take to life, urging women to say yes, why not... kyon nahi? Her child is also a part of this exciting journey, supporting her mother and bearing witness to her accomplishments, emphatically expressing kyon nahi? On the relaunch, Mr. Neeraj Khatri, Chief Executive, Consumer Care, India and SAARC Business, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, said, Santoor is the flagship brand of Wipro Consumer Care. For over three decades, millions of Indian women have trusted Santoor. Today, Santoor Sandal and Turmeric Soap is synonymous with younger looking skin. As part of our growth strategy, Santoor seeks to constantly innovate to match the ever-changing needs of the new-age consumers. The upcoming refreshed version of our flagship and best-selling product is a testament to our commitment. We are confident that this transformation will accelerate our growth by not only strengthening our premium positioning in the market but also making us one of the most aspirational brands for consumers. Mr S Prasanna Rai, Vice President Marketing, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, said, "The key strength of Santoor has been the uniformity in communicating the core proposition of younger looking skin while refreshing the context and indicating the aspirations of the young women today. Young Soch is at the heart of Santoors brand purpose of inspiring dynamic women today. Keeping the essence of Santoor in mind, we are trying to tell a brand-new story of the Santoor Woman. Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company and American performance and lifestyle footwear brand, today announced actress Kriti Sanon as a new Brand Ambassador for Skechers India. Kriti will be the face of the fashion and lifestyle categories for the brand and appear in the upcoming Skechers Street campaignthe brands trendy line of streetwear sneakers. Commenting on this association, Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers South Asia said, Skechers began operating in India sighting a huge potential in the footwear market ten years ago. Kriti is a fashion icon for young consumers, and her influence paired with Skechers aim to increase awareness about fashion without compromising on comfort, makes this association organic and effortless. With Kriti being the face of Skechers for the fashion and lifestyle category, we aim to widen our brand appeal and increase our reach throughout India. Speaking on her new partnership with Skechers, Actress 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 Skechers and I cant wait to share the cool campaign with all of my fans. Launched in 2012 in India, Skechers offers a wide range of its 3,000 footwear styles to men, women and children across the country, along with apparel and accessories. Skechers products are available at retail outlets nationwide, including more than 350 Skechers stores, and online at Skechers.in. The Hindu Group publisher of The Hindu, businessline, Sportstar and Frontline has assembled a power synergy for its ad sales team in South India by elevating its team captains. Sundaresan. S is now the South Head of Revenue. Rajesh Menon will be the Tamil Nadu Head and Vidhu Shankar will head Karnataka and East region. The trio have strong experience in consultative sales. They have time and again exceeded sales revenue targets and contributed to the overall profitability of The Hindu Group. They sustain and create collaborative partnerships to drive customer strategies. After two dull years, the ad volume growth in the print industry is returning to normal levels. According to TAM Ad Ex Data (media research firm), ad volume for English newspapers climbed 17% in 2022 compared to 2021. Hence, it is vital for us to assemble a focused team that provides strategic and creative solutions to our groups global clientele. A few areas that propelled to form this synergism are their proven ability to build and deliver solutions that increase ad sales and revenue, new customer acquisition and improve client satisfaction. Suresh Balakrishna, Chief Revenue Officer of The Hindu Group said, These elevations are aimed at building team synergy across the south region. The three heads will provide strategic sales leadership for revenue growth and advance the brands image and reputation with customers. Saudi Arabias national airline Saudia is set to buy 100 Lilium Jets as part of an agreement that will also see the airline help with certifying the eVTOL aircraft in the region. The MoU agreement makes Saudia the first airline in the Middle East to announce plans to buy the eVTOL aircraft and establish a network to operate them across the region. ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> Saudia expects to support Lilium with the necessary regulatory approval processes in Saudi Arabia for certification of the Lilium Jet and any other required regulatory approvals. Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA said, We consider our eVTOL network project with Lilium to be an undertaking of great significance for the Kingdoms aviation industry and will contribute effectively to spurring sustainable tourism in Saudi using zero-emission aviation. We intend to meet a growing demand for regional air mobility and offer our valued Guests a superior on-board experience. The potential for such an airborne transit network is limitless. Alexander Asseily, vice chairman of Lilium said, We are thrilled to work with innovative partners for whom sustainability is a priority. This partnership with Saudia, our first in the Middle East, is an exciting development for Lilium. We look forward to working with SAUDIA to deploy an eVTOL network across Saudi Arabia. The proposed arrangement between SAUDIA and Lilium is subject to the parties completing a feasibility assessment, agreeing to commercial terms, and entering into definitive agreements with respect thereto and satisfaction of certain conditions. The Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft will be able to carry five passengers, with a planned range 250km (155 miles) and a cruise speed of 280km/h (175mph) at an altitude of up to 10,000ft. Lilium said that it Jets flexible cabin architecture is well suited to the needs of the premium market, which will help drive the early adoption of eVTOL aircraft required to scale. Barring a 3 A.M. multi-million ballot dump, the Republican Party is set to take control of both the House and the Senate. From this result, I foresee two scenarios unfolding. First, there is the reaction of the Left, which will be not to form a circular firing squad, but rather an infantry square, firing at anything outside their insulated box. Since the Party can never err, it must be the fault of saboteurs, hoarders, kulaks, former Republican presidents, and those insufficiently devoted to the cause. First and foremost, theyll blame their Useful Idiot, and before 2024 theyll use promises of ice cream to lure him into the group home lounge to watch The Price is Right to make way for a more cognizant sock puppet. Theyll blame Big Tech for not sufficiently censoring misinformation. Theyll blame suburban white women. Theyll blame nonexistent voter suppression. Theyll blame white supremacy, transphobia, and ableism. Theyll blame the voters priorities, such as Chris Cillizza pooh-poohing concerns about crime by explaining to us that perception often matters more than reality. The documented increase in aggravated assaults, burglaries, robberies, and motor vehicle thefts is just your perception, poor child. Theyll borrow from the Obama playbook, like Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) did, and lament that they again did a poor job of communicating their grandiose vision to the unwashed masses. Use smaller words, fellas, smaller words. And theyll flat-out bare their seething contempt for the citizenry, as David Frum did when he wrote this that voters cant be expected to apprehend the longer-term consequences of the votes they cast. Frum attributes 2014 Republican election gains to fear of Ebola, and claims that Putins threat of nuclear war excites conservatives, but dont let that sully your appreciation for the burden he carries of thinking for the rest of us. The Left will blame everyone and everything other than their own putrid ideology. Theyll continue to plow forward, full steam ahead, without moderating their agenda an inch. Second, I fear that, having won a majority, congressional Republicans will comfortably settle into doing what they do best: keeping the chairs warm for the Democrats. Republicans have held majorities in both chambers simultaneously with the presidency from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2017 to 2019. This is a cumulative total of six years theyve had free rein to enact their agenda. What do they have to show for it? Other than a couple tax cuts and trade deals, nothing. Did they reform education or break the teachers unions? Nope. Bush gave us No Child Left Behind. Did they reduce the bureaucracy? Nope. They expanded and empowered it, with the grotesque Department of Homeland Security, the Patriot Act, and star chamber FISA courts (now weaponized by the FBI to target American citizens on behalf of the Democrats). Did they secure the border and begin seriously deporting illegals? Nope. When they do discuss immigration, they push comprehensive reform (i.e., amnesty) alongside their Democrat counterparts. The last Gang of Eight four Republican representatives were Marco Rubio, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Jeff Flake. Need I say more? We havent had a true conservative speaker since Newt Gingrich. Dennis Hastert was a sexual predator. John Boehner was a literal crybaby. Paul Ryan was beyond useless, and is one of only two adults ever to have been alpha-maled into obscurity by Joe Biden. At least Corn Pop fought back. Mitch McConnell is the leader of the RINO Old Guard. Yes, I know, he has been instrumental in getting federal and Supreme Court justices appointed. Give credit where credit is due, even if its the bare minimum we should expect. But other than this, what does he have to show for 36 years in the Senate? When Donald Trump unexpectedly won in November 2016, along with a majority in both houses, Republican leadership had over two months to draft legislation (or, better yet, dust off legislation they should have already drafted) that they could have had on Trumps desk on January 21st. By February, they could have had the wheels in motion to secure the border, repeal ObamaCare, drain the bureaucracy, reform education, and forward a myriad of solutions that theyd been campaigning on for the entire Obama presidency. Instead, they had absolutely nothing ready to go. Trumps many accomplishments were achieved despite the Republican Congress. The wall construction, Middle East peace deals, deregulation, energy independence, destruction of ISIS, Operation Warp Speed, strangulation of surrender to Iran, and Paris nuttery were largely done via his constitutional authority as President. He also singlehandedly converted more minority voters than any other Republican in living memory. But nothing enrages narcissists like exposing their utter uselessness. McConnell opposed Trump not because of policy or ideological differences, but because Trump publicly humiliated him by displaying his expendability on live TV for the nation to see. McConnell never forgave him for this slight. Trump has been out of office for nearly two years, but McConnell continues to nurse his grudge by pulling money from any Republican candidate deemed too pro-Trump. In Alaska, McConnell is backing attack ads against candidate Kelly Tshibaka, a conservative running to unseat the swamp creature Lisa Murkowski (who, like Liz Cheney, now endorses Democrats running against Trump-backed Republicans). In Arizona, he pulled nearly $10 million in ads from the hotly-contested Senate race because Trump-backed candidate Blake Masters publicly criticized him. In New Hampshire, he cut $5.6 million from Republican candidate Don Bolduc for stating that he would not support McConnell as Senate leader. Arizona and New Hampshire are down to the wire, and if we lose, we can reasonably attribute these losses to McConnells decision to not support our candidates. He has proven that he is more concerned with his ego and his retention of power than the protection of our constitutional liberties. Hed make a great Democrat. What gives me hope that I am wrong is that McConnell (along with Romney who, in a 51-49 Senate, could emerge as the Democrats new favorite maverick) is among the last of this Old Guard. The Bushes and the Cheneys, along with most prominent RINOs like Ben Sasse, Jeff Flake, and John Kasich, have been relegated to fiddling alongside Nero. Assuming they win, newly-minted senators Masters, Holduc, and Tshibaka will be in no mood to take marching orders from McConnell, nor likely will Herschel Walker, Mehmet Oz, or J.D. Vance. Facing original Tea Partiers Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and Mike Lee, and other true conservatives like Tom Cotton, Joni Ernst, and Josh Hawley, the RINO clingers must realize that a steadily growing permanent class of younger senators are edging them out the door. But we have to be on them like white on rice. The Left is willing to lose a Joe Manchin or Krysten Sinema in one election if it means possibly electing a True Believer the next time around. They play the long game well. We are gradually learning to do the same, but we need to keep up the pressure. In the meantime, Joe Bidens veto pen shouldnt be an excuse for our new majority to do nothing. For the next two years, the Democrats should be up to their eyeballs in congressional subpoenas. Investigations should be launched against Alejandro Mayorkas, Anthony Fauci, Mark Zuckerberg, Merrick Garland, the Dobbs leaker, and everyone who had any operational-level decision-making with Russiagate, the Hunter laptop coverup, the COVID lockdowns, and the Mar-a-Lago raid. They should subpoena the release of all security video from January 6th, so the American people can see for themselves what happened. Republicans should withhold funding for the FBI, IRS, and DoJ until after theyve removed political weaponization from their procedures and provided transparency to prove it. They should withhold Pentagon funding until it reprioritizes battlefield readiness over political witch hunts and pronoun lunacy. And Joe Biden should be impeached. Twice. Our representatives need to be periodically reminded that their authority is temporary, conditional, and exists not by birthright, but as the privilege of a private citizen. We have the power to ensure that they earn, and continue to earn, what weve given them. Image: Library of Congress Less than half of American families paid any income tax last year. But those who did have a right to expect the money we fork over to Uncle Fed will do at least some good for us. Of course, we all realize a trillion or two disappears into the DC swamp. But learning we sent more than a billion dollars to Taliban-run Afghanistan, whose favorite song on the radio is Death to America, Cha, Cha, Cha, does raise the hackles somewhat. Even worse, the Biden government has illegally decreed that we poor American working stiffs should never know where that money went once it arrived in Kabul. It may surprise you to know there is actually a government agency tasked with tracking where our money goes after we give it to our sworn enemies, such as the Taliban. That agency is called SIGAR. (No, thats not a misspelling of Bill Clintons favorite toy.) SIGAR is the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. SIGAR is tasked under the law to conduct and supervise audits and investigations of programs that you and I pay for to help rebuild Afghanistan. As you might expect, this Inspector General has been about as successful as other American generals were in Afghanistan over the past twenty years. But this time, the enemy is not AK 47-bearing bearded men in man dresses. This time, high-level Biden administration bureaucrats ensure this Inspector General fails in his mission to account for your money. One quick caveat. This $1.1 billion is not part of the $7-plus billion in high-tech military equipment we left behind when we fled Kabul airport with our tails between our legs. This is an additional $1 billion in cold, hard cash we gave them after our cut-and-run evacuation! Image: Life under the Taliban. YouTube screen grab (cropped). The $1.1 billion was a partial payment on useless virtue-signaling programs to help reconstruct Afghanistan after the war. How you reconstruct a country whose first acts included blowing up the schools we built for them during the war escapes me. Unfortunately, we will never know where the money went. Its not that the Taliban wont tell us. This time its our government doing it to us. Specifically, the Biden-appointed heads of the US Agency for International Development and the Treasury Department, wont tell us where your cash went. Both departments refused to cooperate with SIGAR in any capacity in tracking your money shipped to Afghanistan. That is not an overstatement. That refused to cooperate phrase is an exact quote from SIGAR head John Sopkos report to Congress. Sopko did not mince any words in his report. He reminded Congress that hiding any information about this billion-dollar boondoggle is in direct violation of Section 1229(h)(5)(A) of the NDAA for FY 2008 (requiring the agencies to provide information and assistance upon request) and Section 6(c)(1) of the Inspector General Act of 1978. Steve Bannon was just sentenced to 4 months in the Crossbar Hotel for refusing to wallow before Nancy Pelosis January 6th Congressional Kangaroo Court. Does anyone want to bet the Biden acolytes who broke the law and refused to tell us where our money went will ever receive anything more than a quiet attaboy from the White House? SIGARs report mentions that these violations have been reported to Congress. I wonder how much overtime one of Nancy Pelosis staffers earned working late to shred the report? There should be more to this story. Crusading reporters from the MSM should be digging into this like the FBI dug into Melania Trumps undies drawer. Ill give you great odds if you want to wager that this will ever happen. Government accountants should dig into overseas accounts to see whose wallet grew fat. Fat chance. Some might argue that, regardless of where the money goes in radical-ruled Afghanistan, it helps build a future bond between our country and the militant extremists. They think we can play nice with men who only want to return their country to the 14th Century, with the ability to enjoy Baywatch reruns while they take a break from shooting women who dont cover enough of their hair. All the Super Glue in the world would not create such a bond. As proof of our governments continued idiocy, the Biden administration announced yet another $3.5 billion in Afghan aid on September 14. Less than two weeks later, the Taliban leaders demonstrated the type of links they want with our country by committing to buy one million tons of Russian gasoline, another million tons of Russian diesel, 500 tons of LP gas, and two million tons of Russian wheat. These purchases give Moscow a vast infusion of American-supplied cash, just when Putins war on the Ukrainians is straining the Kremlin budget. Why did the Taliban wait 13 days to rub this into our faces? They probably wanted to ensure the U.S. government check cleared the bank before they announced they are shafting us yet again. Needless to say, these are not the failure facts Team Biden wants to be broadcast on the evening news. When someone, especially when that someone is a government employee, chooses to keep something secret, always ask yourself, Why? The law authorizing this Afghan aid specifically prohibits your money from going to the Taliban itself. But since the Taliban runs everything in Afghanistan, and Uncle Fed wont tell us where our money went, I think we know who got it. I wonder how deep the pockets are in those man dresses? Finally, the worst part of this fiasco; SIGARs report of this billion-dollar debacle only covers three months of 2022. As proven by the September 14th foolishness, the cash handouts and DC coverup have not stopped. The money secretly slipping out of Washingtons piggy bank continues every day. Think about that when you cough up $5-plus per gallon for gasoline soon after Election Day. Think about that when you file your income tax return. Think about it when you see Biden and Harris, better known inside the Beltway as Mumbles and Giggles, tell you everything is just peachy keen in all 54 states, especially when you ride in a big, yellow, electric school bus. Try not to think about it as you attempt to go to sleep tonight. Ed Sherdlu is a pseudonym. Sensible people long have written off the state government of California as a corrupt, wasteful bastion of the far left, but for the first time in many years, there is a path toward reversing course. A Republican candidate has a decent chance of winning the race for an obscure but vitally important office: state controller. That office audits how state money is spent, and in one-party Corruptofornia, there is a huge amount of dirt waiting to be excavated and a public that is sick and tired of paying high taxes and getting lousy state services for its money. If you think I am dreaming, consider that in California's primary election, Lanhee Chen won the GOP nomination for controller by finishing first in the so-called "jungle primary" (where the top two vote-getters go on to the general election, regardless of party), handily beating the Democrats' nominee, Malia Cohen. That's right: a Republican already beat a Democrat in a statewide contest this year. That hasn't happened in California for 16 years, since Arnold Schwarzenegger won re-election as governor. Make no mistake: Lanhee Chen is no MAGA Republican. He served Mitt Romney's presidential campaign as a senior adviser, declares himself pro-choice, and proudly states that he didn't vote for Trump and won't vote for him if he runs again. Frankly, that's the only kind of Republican that could get elected to statewide office in California, and such is the depth of corruption and abuse that the person who could start the process of exposing and remedying the black hole of Democrat politics in the Golden State deserves my support, no matter what his thoughts on abortion, Trump, or anything else. Chen states, We have $300 billion a year we spend and very little accountability for any of it. The controller's office is the office that's responsible for giving taxpayers accountability for how that money is spent. I can't think of a more important project to get the state back on track than an office that's supposed to be a watchdog for taxpayers but too often has really just been a rubber stamp. For me, it's personal, it's about how do we keep California a place where folks want to live and have their families and create jobs? And we just don't have enough of that right now. That's a message that resonates. Almost unbelievably, Chen has outraised Cohen by $1.4 million and recently has been running TV ads in which he promises to get to the bottom of where our gasoline taxes are going. Everyone who drives in California knows two things: gas taxes are ridiculously high, and the roads are ridiculously bad. Chen's ads are also attacking Cohen's problems with paying her own taxes: Chen's ads against Cohen are based on reporting in the Los Angeles Times in early October raising questions over a recent license suspension of Cohen's consulting business for failing to pay taxes and file required paperwork, as well as the foreclosure of her San Francisco condo more than a decade ago. Cohen's failure to file proper business documents doesn't end there. According to records maintained by the California secretary of state and reviewed by RealClearPolitics, another business where Cohen served as president, MobiJuice USA, was twice cited in 2020 and 2021 for failing to file its annual statements of information. Cohen's campaign is so lame that she is emphasizing her support for abortion as her main point. This ignores the fact that the controller has nothing to do with abortion and that Lanhee Chen is very pro-choice. Her previous experience was as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, currently notorious for approving a $1.7-million public toilet (a single-holer, too), and as head of the State Board of Equalization, which adjusts taxes on utilities and the like, and which gives her little to crow about. Chen is a very smart man and was an academic star at Harvard, which he attended as an undergraduate (where his roommate was Tom Cotton), and went on to get a law degree and a Ph.D. in government, which is what Harvard calls political science. He is now a fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford, where he also teaches. Such is his appeal to establishment types in California that he has been endorsed by every major newspaper in the state, including the L.A. Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. I have little doubt that Chen's plan is to uncover horrendous stories of waste and abuse, and maybe even a few high-profile tales of corruption leading to court cases. This could well position him to eventually run for governor, tapping into a deep vein of public anger and cynicism about the way money is wasted by the state government. Here is Chen on Steve Hilton's Fox News show, The Next Revolution, last Sunday: And here is a news segment on KPIX-TV, CBS in San Francisco, last week, showing the relatively friendly coverage he is getting in the mainstream media, who all know how corrupt, wasteful, and inept the state government really is. Here is Chen's final camaign ad: It also bears noting that California's Asian-heritage population is almost 15% and growing. This may be a help to Chen, especially if he runs for governor in later elections. Photo credit: Rumble video screen grab. Who knew that I'd remember Frankie Valli on Election Day? Frankie and the guys did record "Bye Bye Baby," and it's time turn up the volume and say "Bye-bye, Beto, Beto, goodbye." Texas will call strike three and send Beto O'Rourke back to the minors. Believe it or not, Texas Democrats will thank us quietly. I'm not sure they like him any more than we do. Furthermore, they need to move away from people like Beto if they want to grow in Texas. "Beto-ism" is everything wrong with today's Democrats. This is from Ben Domenech: Democrats across the country should be grateful for what Republicans are about to do: rid them of a nagging disease known as Betoism. Beto O'Rourke, the erstwhile congressman from El Paso, Texas, who has far more glossy national magazine profiles than winning campaigns, is about to go down to defeat in his attempt to unseat centrist conservative Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott is a popular governor and quite capable in his own right of popping wheelies over most Democrats. A few days ago, a Democrat mentioned to me the obvious question: Why did we nominate another liberal for governor? My Democrat friend knows Texas better than Beto O'Rourke does. In the end, Beto could not escape all of those remarks about expropriating the AR-15s or that fellow named Biden in the Oval Office. Every TV ad from Beto's rival, GOP governor Greg Abbott, featured one of "Beto's greatest hits" from his failed 2020 campaign and ended with a reminder that Beto is Biden. On issues, O'Rourke does not understand that parents want more control over their kids' education. He is all about public education, but the parents want more than that. On the power grid, a vulnerability for the governor, he does not explain how green energy is going to run one of the largest GDPs in the world. On abortion, he wants Roe back, but that was overturned last June. Getting rid of the likes of Beto may open the door for a future Democrat who understands that this is Texas, not San Francisco. I'd bet you that there are lots of Democrats who agree with that. PS: Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Elon Musk had a high-profile dispute with several celebrities over comedic parody and free speech on his newly acquired Twitter platform this past weekend, and Kathy Griffin appears to have borne the brunt of Musk's wrath in response. Griffin, 62, was locked out of her Twitter account with over 2 million followers after joining Sarah Silverman, Valerie Bertinelli, and several other influencers on the site in a game of virtual poke the bear with Musk, tweeting from personal accounts after switching their names to Elon Musk to make it appear, to some, as though the messages were from Musk himself. (The pranks were easily debunked once a user clicked on the tweeters' homepage.) Sarah Silverman posted a childish attempt at humor... I am a freedom of speech absolutist and I eat doody for breakfast every day Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) November 6, 2022 ...while impersonating Musk and was given a warning about being in violation of Twitter's terms of service, leading her to quickly switch her account back to her name before any further action was taken, all while attempting (unsuccessfully) to strike up a legitimate conversation via tweets with Musk concerning accurate sources on the site. If this is actually true and really works that would be amazing. Its been a real long time since weve had any baseline truth. How will it be done? Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) November 7, 2022 Bertinelli tweeted that she was finished having fun and alluded to some point being made but said she was no longer enjoying the spotlight of "trending" on the platform and quickly switched her account back to her name as well. Okey-dokey Ive had my fun and I think I made my point. Im just not a trending kind of gal. Never have been, never want to be. Have a safe Sunday everyone! xo valerie bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) November 6, 2022 Griffin, however, turned defiant and decided to escalate the confrontation with Musk, which did not end well for the notorious comedienne, who was fired by CNN from her New Year's Eve show with Anderson Cooper in 2017 for posting a picture of herself holding the severed head of then-president Donald Trump. In a blatant attempt at election misinformation, Griffin used her remaining time impersonating Musk to tweet out messages urging readers to support Democrats and #VoteBlue this Tuesday. That tweet seems to have been the final straw for Musk, as Griffin was soon locked out of her account, unable to access it or send messages. And then that's when things got very strange. While some users were celebrating the news of Griffin's banishment from the site... ...Griffin logged into her deceased mother's account and began tweeting at the ACLU, The Daily Beast, the Huffington Post, and a slew of other liberal accounts pleading for help. Im using my beloved mothers account. PS my IG and Facebook have also been hacked. Please remember. Today its me, tomorrow it will be you. Can any high profile onliners please amplify this for me? @ACLU_SoCal @elijahdaniel @BoutrousTed @StormyDaniels @JeniferLewis @sarahkendzior https://t.co/JiON3SsY1N Elon Musk (@TipItMaggieG) September 16, 2019 Some on the left came to her defense and posted messages about "fascism" at work on the site... Twitter suspending accounts for stating biological facts = Thats just accountability, Build your own platform, Twitter is a private company and can do what it wants, etc. Twitter suspending Kathy Griffin for impersonating Elon Musk = Fascism pic.twitter.com/3fBLM5KzTL Andrew Doyle (@andrewdoyle_com) November 7, 2022 ...with a #FreeKathy hashtag, while others tweeted about a lack of free speech and accused Musk of not being able to take a joke. But Musk showed his own sense of humor, tweeting to his 110 million followers that Griffin had been suspended for "impersonating a comedian"... Actually, she was suspended for impersonating a comedian Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 ...and that she could have her blue check-mark account back if she paid the $8 monthly fee like everyone else. Afterward, Griffin continued to antagonize Musk by changing her mother's account to impersonate him and began sending harassing tweets aimed at the Twitter boss. So far, no action has been taken by Musk to suspend Griffin from site permanently. However, Musk did send a signal that he definitely would not #VoteBlue in Tuesday's election. Early Monday, Musk tweeted his support for Republicans in the midterms... 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 ...and asked independent-minded voters to ensure that a Republican-controlled Congress be sent to Washington to balance the Democrat president in the White House. In the 1970s, I attended a private preparatory academy. Even then, the culture of the school was far more conservative, but also equally if not more diverse than it is today we had students from nearly every race, religion, and orientation, but the one thing we didn't have was a "Director of Equity" or some other top-down authority figure charged with disseminating (and tacitly demanding compliance with) all the current fads and hysteria of the radical left. All of us got along just fine on our own, and we never even thought about "differences" among us. It isn't until adults enter the picture especially government-sponsored or state-sanctioned adults with an official agenda and self-importance that our nation's young adults are conditioned and psychologically altered from the more natural ways that they instinctively possess concerning group behavior, cooperation, and acceptance. They are literally taught to see differences, but in a way that divides, separates, and alienates one group from another. (You'll notice in this school website, one announcing "anti-racism" training, that all the seated attendees being lectured to are White.) A recent alumnus mailing from this same secondary school in Connecticut further underscored the explicit and systematic policy of divisiveness that is poisoning our youth. The administration proudly announced (what they market as the "WOW" factor and "Exciting News") that several members of the school are attending a "Never Is Now" conference on hate, held in New York City. While such a topic is necessary and vital to confront, take a look at the line-up of speakers at the conference who are deemed "extraordinary experts" on this topic: Pfizer chairman and CEO Albert Bourla Congresswoman Liz Cheney FBI director Christopher Wray Co-anchor of ABC News's Nightline Juju Chang Could these individuals possibly be inclined to spin a larger problem of "hate" into just such a hate objective, in order to indoctrinate young adults? They all explicitly represent the very hate that they are putatively there to lessen but are instead prime symbols of division and hysteria, directed at hating dissenters (the "unvaccinated" by Pfizer's CEO), hating Donald Trump and Republicans (Liz Cheney and the J6 committee), hating conservatives and branding them as "terrorists" (Christopher Wray), and hating alternative media and opinion (Nightline's JuJu Chang) as "disinformation" that must be suppressed. But the "Never Is Now" conference does much more: it seeks to equate conservatism as anti-Semitism. In my own experience, the left is no safe harbor against such hate or prejudice. Here are a few themes from the seminar that seek to indict conservatism as bigotry, but worse, as crime: Securing Democracy: Taking Hate and Extremism to Court After the Midterms: Elections, Extremism, and Disinformation How QAnon and other Conspiracy Theories Fuel Antisemitism and Hate It is clear that the radicalized left is "priming the pump" to discredit election results that are not in their favor; indeed, to cast an election loss as a form of hate speech, disinformation if other results are even questioned, and that such election-questioning is subject to judicial punishment and intimidation. Even today, the left has no monopoly on the Jewish vote, or any other vote, and looks increasingly desperate. But worse, willing to create hate and dissension in order to further its aims. It implies that Jews and others who do not comply with the current DNC agenda are themselves anti-Semitic or "self-hating," perhaps, and this conference in New York is working overtime before the November elections to intimidate through shaming and threat, while throwing overboard the millions of Jewish voters who identify broadly with conservative principles and values. Our young adults deserve better, of course, and the schools they are being sponsored by to attend such obvious political and ideological conditioning also raise a fascinating question concerning their not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status, which can be jeopardized by institutional partisanship. The Never Is Now event is in reality a political campaign event, and the students are being sponsored and encouraged to attend by school administration, including by their official "diversity" director, who appears more a minister of party loyalty. According to an agency notice, "The Restriction of Political Campaign Intervention by Section 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organizations," such schools are "absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office." While the conference is presented as one addressing ethno-religious hate, the real topic is political hate, and with it, the generation of leftist political allegiance by casting opposition in one of the most shameful abuses and inversions of racial, ethnic, and religious interests and freedoms. Image: Watkinson School. Dobbs Chooses Life: A Good Start for Saving the Children The political Left has been striving to divest Americans of the right to have any say-so in the lives of their children, unless it be to take the lives of those children by killing them in-embryo or immediately post-birth. Although the recent Dobbs decision does not make abortion an un-Constitutional act, it puts abortion law firmly within the jurisdiction of every individual sovereign state, as the Founders intended for all laws that do not fall under the Enumerated Powers Clause. The lives of many children have already been saved as a result. The political fall-out for Republicans has been close to nil, since most parents agree on the community control abetted by this ruling, especially in light of what has been happening to put so many childrens lives at risk during the last two years under Biden and the Democrats. A License to Kill During School Hours Pregnant teens may use abortion as birth control in many jurisdictions, including California, where anyone who is pregnant has the right to have an abortion before the baby is viable outside the womb. School nurses may, therefore, facilitate access to abortion services for teen girls with impunity. In other words, the same nurses who are barred from giving aspirin to minors for headaches are permitted by law to offer those same minors if pregnant access to abortions. Parents across America have been rattled by this Progressive agenda. Suicide by Sex-Change In many jurisdictions, the abuse of children by sex-change surgery is not only legal but is being promoted by the medical and educational establishments. It is now legal for the childish whims of minors to be honored often over parental objections. In California, the same children whose immature caprices are honored when it comes to radical surgical procedures are barred from getting a tattoo from a licensed tattoo artist even with parental consent until they reach adulthood; twelve years old is the age of consent for a permanently life-altering surgery whose recipients commit suicide at a rate twenty times higher than that of the general population. If a child complains of parents who are not affirming his or her decision, the state may declare the parents abusive and place the child in foster care, paving the way for an easy conversion of healthy children into what Dr. Paul McHugh characterizes as feminized men or masculinized women. Parents who follow science, rather than the preferences of the Democrat party, prefer to listen to the facts presented by Dr. McHugh, who asserts that about four out of five children with gender issues spontaneously grow out of their gender dysphoria, if they are simply allowed to do so. Parents Objecting to Porn Are Targeted Many of the libraries in Americas public schools (often run on an honor system allowing students to borrow and return books without a formal check-out or check-in procedure in place) offer such fare as Lawn Boy and Gender Queer. Because the schools operate in loco parentis in place of the parent the question of government censorship is not at issue. Schools should be providing a rich educational curriculum within the community standards of decency that parents deem to be safe for children. Many school districts are not doing so, and there are even school boards who are asking Bidens FBI to target as domestic terrorists any unhappy parents who challenge district porn policy at school board meetings. Child Slavery and Sex-Trafficking The governments open-border policy over the last two years has permitted the cartels and other evildoers who participate in the trafficking of children as sex slaves to profit as never before. In contrast to Trumps having shut down child sex-slavery to a great extent, Bidens open border has caused a huge uptick in the kidnaping and selling of young children. Websites like CityXGuide and Backpage, which once freely engaged in sex trafficking and child prostitution, were shut down by Trumps Department of Justice, but Trumps efforts have, unfortunately, been successfully countered by Biden and the Democrats over the last two years. This has not gone unnoticed by parents. Revenge of the Parents Parents are on a crusade to take back control of their childrens lives. Most parents know that children are not wise enough to choose to have an abortion or a vaccine without parental guidance. And if this much is true, those same children are certainly not grown-up enough to make decisions regarding their own genital mutilation. Also, parents do not want the public schools to become glorified porn distribution hubs; and the child sex-trafficking that Trump worked so fervently to curtail, only to be reinvigorated by Bidens open border, needs to be shut down for good. President Trump signed eight laws and two executive orders to fight human trafficking, with special emphasis given to saving the children. Parents are now realizing that, in order to choose life, in accord with their Judeo-Christian family values, it has become necessary to vote for common-sense conservatives who share their values and to do so in numbers great enough to overcome ballot harvesting, illegal voting, and all other forms of election fraud. Trump endorsed Republican outsiders throughout the primaries, to rid his party of its most corrupt incumbents; and, to beat Democrats at the polls, Trump has been telling anyone willing to listen the authentic news at his rallies in the run-up to November 8th. Things are going to change, not only in DC, but in the states and municipalities as well, for the red wave that has arrived to institute change and bring justice is borne of an unquenchable parental desire to save the children. Paul Dowling has written about the Constitution, as well as articles for American Thinker, Independent Sentinel, Godfather Politics, Eagle Rising, and Free Thought Matters. Public domian image I have a suggestion for the next election: During the primaries, ask candidates just one question, a question that will reveal everything you, and all the other voters, need to know about that candidate: Where do you stand on bringing gender identity issues into schools? Its an important question because I firmly believe that the Democrats, by committing 100% to the whole so-called transgender issue, have chosen the wrong issue. Americans love their children, and that love will transcend all other issues. As always, Libs of TikTok is invaluable when it comes to exposing what the left has planned for your children. First up is a video from Childrens Minnesota, a childrens hospital in the Twin Cities, in which an it person (someone clearly female but pretending to be vaguely male) giving a Ted talk insisting that toddlers already know their gender identity and that slightly older kids are ready for so-called puberty blockers (castration drugs used on sex offenders) and cross-sex hormones (which dont change a childs biological sex but do destroy the childs body): Director of the Gender Health Program at @childrensmn says kids can know they are transgender from the moment they can talk and that not all boys have penises. Childrens Minnesota treats kids as young as 3 and offers puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. pic.twitter.com/zkurLEntTL Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 7, 2022 Director of the Gender Health Program at @childrensmn says kids can know they are transgender from the moment they can talk and that not all boys have penises. Childrens Minnesota treats kids as young as 3 and offers puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. pic.twitter.com/zkurLEntTL Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 7, 2022 In sum, the preceding two tweets show that, in Minnesotaas is the case across Americaformerly reputable medical establishments are all-in on convincing Americas children to deny their biological reality and, having done so, to give them treatments that will permanently destroy their healthy bodies. When you know that, you can appreciate that the person in the following video (originally recorded for Chinese-controlled TikTok), is making points that are obvious (and easily refuted) lies: Transgender activists use TikTok to target youth and their guardians with false information about gender affirming care. This activist claims puberty blockers are completely reversible and minors arent receiving sex change surgeries. pic.twitter.com/SOCgjTO9BA Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 7, 2022 Its not just the crazies, though, or the people directly profiting from this madness who are promoting it. Watch Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer talk about people with a period because she can no longer bear to say the word woman when discussing a biological event unique to the human female: People with a period . I wonder if @GovWhitmer can answer what is a woman? pic.twitter.com/Ia6ub2by3X Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 7, 2022 This is all insanebut thats a good thing. Why is it good? Because Americans are nice people and quite remarkably tolerant. However, while theyll put up with a lot of insanity, that stops when it touches their children. Americans love their children. And if parents havent been completely brainwashed (and most havent), theyve discovered that theyre infinitely less tolerant when its their children who are in the line of fire. Theyre beginning to push back hard against the effort to sexually confuse and mutilate their children: Your daily reminder that when they accuse Republicans of banning books theyre referring to pornographic books which are offered to kids in schools across the country. For some reason they never provide examples with pictures So heres a glimpse: pic.twitter.com/t6zMfWwVwe Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 6, 2022 GRAPHIC CONTENT A parent reads from the book Crank which is available in elementary schools in @MooreSchools. The book discusses drug use and describes a girl getting raped in graphic detail. pic.twitter.com/vRXL8jBLYv Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 7, 2022 Can we say grooming? Anyone who supports bringing gender madness near our children is unfit for office. For conservatives, its helpful that the same people who promote these ideas also support other madness, such as open borders, a gender-confused military, attacks on police paired with support for criminals, unlimited money printing, the end of fossil fuel, unlimited abortion, etc. But when dealing with parents who have always voted Democrat, we dont need to touch upon those substantive issues. All we need to say to them is, This candidate wants to give your child toxic chemicals and hormones and conduct radical surgery on your childs healthy, perfect body. Thats going to kill the Democrat party going forward. Image: Activist for so-called transgenderism. Twitter screen grab. Corrected Michigan governor's name: Gretchen not Meg The polls all say the same thing: Republicans will reclaim the House and Senate. The Republicans know this. The Democrats know this. And most alarming, the political operatives know this. They also know what the internal polls say, which are inevitably worse for Democrats because such things aren't push polls done for public relations purposes. What's a Democrat to do? We know that the Democrats are determined. They are fighting. They've got the big guns of their party, President Obama, Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden, out there on the campaign trail, each unwittingly blundering it up in his own way. Based on their common talking point about "saving democracy," it's pretty obvious they feel "entitled" to win, too. By their argument, the opposition is evil. With this the case, their political operatives have undoubtedly been told by their moneybags masters: "Well, we'll just have to win, then," to use the words of Bill Clinton to his Machiavellian operative at the time, Dick Morris. This should be on the minds of all Republicans expecting an easy victory. What should concern Republicans now, given that victory is within reach? Cheating. The Democrats cheated their way into power in 2020, so look for some of the same techniques employed to rear their ugly heads again. At the zero hour, where the setup manipulations for the election have already been partially exposed, and to some extent nullified note this article by Molly Ball of Time, gleefully writing about the elites' maneuvers to rig the elections to "save democracy" in 2020 and are too late to reestablish now about the only thing the Democrats have left are cheatings within the counting of ballots. That's why delayed election counts ought to be looked at very, very closely by Republican observers. That's the last arrow in the Democrats' quiver. Delayed election counts have already been promised by whoever it is who gives orders to social media, with Twitter foreshadowing the broader effort to soften the public up to delayed counts by blandly stating that these delays in counting are all but certain. The White House is already priming the pump: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre: "We may not know all the winners of elections for a few days." pic.twitter.com/nAIoM8Xzeo Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 7, 2022 What an odd thing to say over the more customary "we are confident we will win." The mainstream media have marched in lockstep to this talking point, too: Delaying vote counts allows Democrats to see how many ballots they need to place their candidates over the top, and then "find" them in someone's car trunk, in some bin or closet, which is what we have seen in the past. It happens a great deal if we see stops in the vote-counting, as happened in 2020, when election officials falsely claimed a water main break, which never happened, and mysterious halts in the count happened around 2:00 A.M. When the counting resumed, the direction of the count switched, and all of a sudden, all the voters were voting for Joe Biden. That has yet to have produced a satisfactory explanation, which is why so many Americans are distrustful of the integrity of the elections. Democrats who count ballots don't even try to answer these kinds of questions. Their answer to the public is "safest, securest election in history." If Democrats who count ballots (why the heck isn't vote-counting a bipartisan affair?) get away with this, all will be lost at the last minute, and the gaslighting of what voters saw will begin. But if they don't, Republicans cannot take their wide margin of victory for granted. They must immediately pass bills and use political leverage to force Joe Biden to sign them about election integrity, requiring all ballots to be counted by Election Night and elections to be held on just one day. They must seriously consider use of paper-only ballots and bipartisan counting procedures. They also must hold election officials accountable for failures to do that, with the consequence that they will be booted from office if they don't and prosecuted if more than incompetence can be proven. These procedures are normal procedures in any representative democracy in places like France, where paper ballots are counted by hand and results are tallied on Election Night alone. There is no third-world banana republic extended voting, mass mail ballots, and delayed tallying. It's one and done, and as a result, the public has confidence in the results of the voting. The GOP may not get a chance like this again, given its likely wide margin of victory, which could all too easily be stolen by the party that considers "democracy" democracy only when the Democrat wins. Republicans should be ready for it on Election Night tonight, and ready to make sure it won't be so tenuous in future elections. Democrats will have to win elections on their socialist ideas, not electoral rigging. And if those ideas don't sell with voters, then maybe they will have to moderate them. The current extremism of the Democrats has a lot to do with not having to worry about election results. That has got to stop. Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License. Just outside one of the five exits of Tokyo's Shibuya Station is a bronze statue of a dog named Hachiko. It is one of the most popular meeting points in the immense city of Tokyo. Everyday thousands of people walk past it, stand in front of it, snap a picture or chat around with friends. To understand why the statue of a dog is so famous in a city the size of Tokyo, where there is certainly no shortage of hangouts, you have to hear his story. Hachiko was a golden-brown Akita dog born in 1923 on a farm near the city of Odate, in Akita Prefecture. He was picked up by Professor Hidesaburo Ueno who took him home to his house not far from Shibuya Station, and he showed himself to be a good and kind master. The dog adored him. Every morning as the professor headed off to work, Hachiko would accompany his master, walking along with him as far as Shibuya Station. He would watch him buy his ticket and disappear into the station. Hachiko would then sit down in the small square in front of the station and wait for his masters return from work in the late afternoon. The statue of Hachiko outside Tokyo's Shibuya Station. Photo credit This became a daily routine for a year until one day in May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. Unbeknown to Hachiko, his master had suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage and died, leaving Hachiko waiting, watching trains arrive and hoping for a reunion that would never happen. Each day for the next nine years, nine months and fifteen days, Hachiko appeared precisely when the train was due at the station and awaited Ueno's return. The story of the dog that never gave up gained a lot of attention from local and national news, inspiring many people to visit Hachiko at Shibuya Station to offer treats. During these years he was taken care of by the professor's relatives but he never gave up the vigil at the station for his master. Hachikos legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty that impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachiko's vigil as an example for children to follow. Left: Hachiko in his later years. Right: Last known photo of Hachiko - pictured with his owner's wife Yaeko Ueno (front row, second from right) and station staff in mourning in Tokyo on March 8, 1935. Eventually, Hachiko himself died on March 8, 1935. A year before his death, a bronze statue in his likeness was erected at Shibuya Station, and Hachiko himself was present at its unveiling. During the Second World War, the statue was torn down and melted to make ammunition, so a new one was erected in 1948 once the war ended. Each year on March 8, Hachiko's devotion is honored with a solemn ceremony of remembrance at Tokyo's Shibuya railroad station. In addition to the Hachiko Statue at Shibuya Station, there are statues in Hachiko's home town, outside the Odate Station, and another one in front of the Akita Dog Museum. The University of Tokyo also erected another statue of Hachiko playing with his master, the professor. The exact spot where Hachiko waited in the train station is permanently marked with bronze paw-prints and text in Japanese explaining his loyalty. There is also a monument to Hachiko next to his master's grave in Aoyama cemetery. The Shibuya Station exit outside which Hachiko stood guard was named after him. He himself remains preserved and on display at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. Hachikos story was brought to the world at large by the 2009 Hollywood movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale, where Richard Gere played the character of Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit Photo credit The Hachiko Wall at the Shibuya Station. Photo credit A Hachiko valve cover located only a few feet way from the actual statue. Photo credit Hachiko exhibited at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno. It's hard to tell from the picture, but he was actually a pretty big dog. Photo credit Hachiko's monument on the side of Professor Ueno's grave in the Aoyama Cemetery, Minato, Tokyo. Photo credit A statue of Hachiko greeting his master at The University of Tokyos campus. Photo credit Photo credit Sources: Wikipedia / Go Japan Go / RocketNews24 (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 8 - France will open the port of Marseille to the Ocean Viking, one of three NGO run migrant rescue ships currently in a standoff with Italy over disembarking migrants, a French interior ministry source told ANSA Tuesday. France "is gearing to open the port of Marseille to the Ocean Viking ship, either in the night of Wednesday-Thursday or in the day of Thursday," the source said. "It will depend on when it leaves the southern Mediterranean". The Ocean Viking, a humanitarian ship chartered since July 2019 by the French SOS Mediterranee association, has been at sea waiting to be assigned a port of safety for almost three weeks with 234 people on board. Two other charity ships are in Catania port having been allowed to land only the most vulnerable of their human cargo. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini hailed the French opening saying "the wind has changed". (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 8 - One of two Syrian migrants who dived into the sea from the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) NGO run migrant rescue ship Geo Barents in Catania port Monday has been taken to hospital with a f ever, sources said Tuesday. The man, who gave his name as Ahmed, was running a fever of 39 degrees. The Geo Barents, which flies a Norwegian flag, was allowed to land over 200 migrants but prevented from landing over 200 others including Ahmed and Youssuf, the other Syrian who jumped into the sea at the port Monday. Youssuf is refusing to go back on board the ship and has also been refusing food and water since Tuesday morning, MSF said. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, NOV 8 - All of the rescued migrants on board the French SOS Mediterranee NGO run Ocean Viking will land at Marseill and there will be no selection as there has been with two ships in Italy, French interior ministry sources told ANSA Tuesday. "The disembarkation at Marseille will take place under the supervision of the Prefecture," they said. "All the migrants will be taken off the ship and then registered as asylum seekers. "We are preparing as if the ship were set to come in the next few hours". Italy has allowed off the two ships at Catania the weakest and most vulnerable migrants but forced the others to stay aboard. The French interior ministry sources stressed "there are no possible restrictions, all are entitled to present an asylum request". (ANSA). REGGIO CALABRIA - A group of 89 asylum seekers picked up by the Rise Above migrant-rescue vessel run by German NGO Mission Lifelive were allowed to disembark early on Tuesday in Reggio Calabria after spending days off the eastern coast of Sicily as they were waiting to be assigned a port of landing. The migrants were transferred to a school gym in the city where a center of first hosting was set up ahead of their transfer, based on the national system established by the interior ministry. The people saved by the Rise Above include some 40 minors, eight of whom are very young. The disembarkation of the 89 passengers was allowed because it was considered a SAR event, contrary to the situation of two different migrant-rescue vessels, the Geo Barents and Humanity 1 in Catania, according to authorities who were present when migrants landed in Reggio Calabria. The acronym SAR, or search and rescue, is used to indicate naval search operations aimed at safeguarding human lives in particular situations of danger. Over 200 migrants are instead still on the Geo Barents and Humanity 1 after only passengers who were considered 'vulnerable' were allowed to disembark over the weekend. The two vessels have refused to return to international waters with the asylum seekers still on board, as requested by the government. Lawyers representing Humanity 1 on Tuesday morning appealed to the civil court of Catania, asking a judge to order the immediate disembarkation of the 34 passengers who have remained on board. In this context, opposition parties have criticized the government, accusing it of being "inhumane". But Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini has said the tough stance is necessary to stop traffickers running "organized trips" for migrants. TUNIS - Tensions continued to be reported Monday in Zarzis, Tunisia, where families of people reported missing after the shipwreck of a boat carrying 18 migrants on board on September 21, supported by dozens of citizens, set up a tent for a sit-in at the entry of the commercial port, blocking activities, asking authorities to "reveal the truth" on the fate of their relatives, Tap news agency reports. Twelve passengers are still missing. Since the day of the shipwreck, families and citizens have been staging demonstrations in Zarzis, blaming authorities for mistakes in managing the crisis, including delays in search operations, in the identification of victims and their burial. A general strike on October 18 and a "day of rage" on November 4 registered the participation of thousands of people in Zarzis. Tunisian President Kais Saied repeatedly declared in public that he is following the case's development closely, stressing that every actor involved must take responsibility. A former king of Spain has begun an appeal bid after losing a High Court fight with an ex-lover. Danish businesswoman Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn is taking legal action against Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014, seeking damages for personal injury. The 57-year-old alleges he caused her great mental pain by spying on and harassing her. Juan Carlos, 84, denies wrongdoing and disputes the claims made against him. Juan Carlos I of Spain, left, has denied any wrongdoing (David Ramos/PA) Lawyers representing Juan Carlos argued that 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 a High Court judge disagreed. Mr Justice Nicklin ruled earlier this year that the claim could go ahead in England. Two Court of Appeal judges in July allowed Juan Carlos to challenge some of the conclusions reached by Mr Justice Nicklin. Three appeal judges Lady Justice King, Lady Justice Simler and Lord Justice Popplewell began considering detailed arguments at a Court of Appeal hearing in London on Tuesday. The hearing in due to end on Tuesday afternoon and the judges are expected to deliver a ruling later this year. Court of Appeal hearings are held in the main hall at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London (Aaron Chown/PA) Barrister James Lewis KC, who is leading Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayns legal team, told the three appeal judges that Juan Carloss challenge should be dismissed. The issue raised in this appeal is whether (Juan Carlos) is entitled to state immunity in respect of those elements of (Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayns) claim for harassment that pre-date his abdication on 18 June 2014, he said in a written case outline. These acts include those of (Juan Carloss) loyal friends with intelligence and surveillance agents as his agents. He added: (Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayns) case against (Juan Carlos) in relation to post-abdication allegations of harassment is currently stayed pending determination of this appeal. Judges have heard that Juan Carlos ruled from 1975 until his abdication in 2014, and the succession of his son, King Felipe VI. They have been told that Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who lives in England and has a home in Shropshire, wants an injunction and damages resulting from a continuous and ongoing campaign of harassment against her, commenced by (Juan Carlos) from 2012, following the break-up of an intimate romantic relationship and her refusal to let (Juan Carlos) use a financial sum irrevocably gifted to her, or to return other gifts. Lawyers representing her have alleged to judges that conduct includes (the former king) or his agents smearing her and her business in the media, following her, entering her home in Shropshire, and bugging her homes and electronic devices. Mr Justice Nicklin rejected the argument that, despite his abdication, Juan Carlos remains a sovereign and is entitled to personal immunity under the State Immunity Act 1978. He also said Juan Carlos is not a member of the current kings household within the meaning of that Act. Mr Justice Nicklin said the former kings position under the Spanish constitution is entirely honorary and provides him no continuing role. Timothy Otty KC, who is leading Juan Carloss legal team, told judges in a written argument: His Majesty emphasises at the outset that he considers this claim to be vexatious. He emphatically denies that he engaged in, or directed, any harassment of the respondent whatever, and he rejects her allegations to the contrary as untrue and inconsistent with previous public statements made by her. The allegations also involve an alleged abuse of power wholly inconsistent with His Majestys important role in the transition of Spain to a successful parliamentary democracy and his long period of service as sovereign. Embattled minister Sir Gavin Williamson has failed in his bid to prevent his constituency being carved up, which could see him struggle for reselection ahead of the next general election. The Boundary Commission for England has rejected his argument not to merge his South Staffordshire constituency with a section of another as the number of MPs in the region shrinks. Another loser from the shake-up looks to be Dominic Raab, with the Liberal Democrats believing the changes will increase their odds at snatching the Surrey seat of the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary. (PA Graphics) The commissions revised proposals published on Tuesday sees the number of constituencies in England increasing from 533 to 543. But the county of Staffordshire in the West Midlands would go from 12 to 11 MPs, and with all seats currently held by Conservatives, someone in the area would lose out. Sir Gavins seat is set to merge with part of South Dudley, currently held by Tory MP Mike Wood, to become Kingswinford and South Staffordshire. The changes could see Cabinet Office minister Sir Gavin fighting Conservative colleagues for a seat to contest, potentially with Sir Bill Cash in the neighbouring seat of Stone. The number of electors in each constituency currently varies widely. That's why the Boundary Commission is developing proposals for new constituencies with balanced electorate sizes of between 69,724 and 77,062 (excl. protected areas). Share & follow @BCEReviews to keep updated. pic.twitter.com/96oJW8452C Boundary Commission for England (@BCEReviews) August 1, 2022 Sir Gavin had argued that the unique character of Staffordshire would be negatively impacted by combining it with parts of the Black Country. But the commissioners said his counter-proposals would see nine electoral wards split between constituencies, an increase of six from the initial proposals. They also concluded that the counterproposal would significantly disrupt local ties in parts of Birmingham and the Black Country, demonstrating the clear knock-on effects of treating Staffordshire as a standalone sub-region, the report added. They also judged that the proposals would cause severe disruption to existing constituency boundaries and local ties across the region. For this reason, they did not recommend changing the sub-region grouping for these revised proposals, the report says. The decision comes as Rishi Sunak defied calls to sack Sir Gavin despite conceding his threatening and abusive texts to a colleague are not acceptable. Meanwhile, Mr Raabs seat in Esher and Walton, where he commands a slim and shrinking majority over the Lib Dems, also faces changes, with analysts expecting them to benefit his rivals. In 2019, the Lib Dems saw a surge of support to bring them within 3,000 votes of dethroning Mr Raab, and their internal projections put them on course for seizing the seat. Privately, figures in the party agreed they would be further benefited by the proposed boundary changes removing two strongly Conservative-leaning wards. A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: Weve been making great progress in this seat and are confident we can take the fight to the Conservatives there whatever the boundaries. The commissions shake-up is aiming to ensure seats broadly have a similar number of voters, by redrawing boundary lines as people move around the nation. Unless it is an utter wipeout for the Tories at the next election, Conservative peer and elections expert Lord Hayward said the party are the main beneficiary of the changes. Broadly the Tories will gain five to 10 seats net because the new seats are in overwhelmingly Tory areas, he said. The commissions third and final consultation on a new electoral map is now open until December 5, with the final recommendations expected to be submitted to Parliament in July. A senior Metropolitan Police officer has said the force is determined to bring to justice Just Stop Oil protesters who cause disruption on the M25 after 16 arrests were made on Tuesday. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said operations launched in response to the activists come at a cost, and police officers could otherwise be dealing with violent crime and safeguarding. Just Stop Oil said approximately 15 of its supporters climbed on to overhead gantries in multiple locations on the UKs busiest motorway from 7am on Tuesday, causing police to halt traffic. The Metropolitan Police said 16 protesters were arrested in a joint operation with neighbouring forces including Essex Police, Surrey Police and Kent Police. Traffic is being held northbound at the #A282 #DartfordCrossing due to an @EssexPoliceUK led incident. There are delays of 60 minutes and 5 miles of congestion on the approach. Road users may wish to reroute or delay their journey. pic.twitter.com/eLsxVTtopT National Highways: South-East (@HighwaysSEAST) November 8, 2022 Meanwhile, eight people charged with conspiracy to cause a public nuisance following protest action on Monday are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court. On Tuesday, Essex Police said a protester climbed on to the gantry at junction 31, causing the Dartford Tunnel to be closed. In a statement following Tuesdays arrests, Mr Twist said: The Met, in a joint operation with neighbouring police forces, has again responded swiftly and robustly to todays attempts by Just Stop Oil activists to disrupt the M25. We are all absolutely committed to providing a quick and effective response to those activists who continue to significantly disrupt peoples daily lives. Operations like these come at a cost. Since the start of October we have used more than 11,000 officer shifts to police Just Stop Oil protests. These are officers who would otherwise be dealing with issues that matter to local communities such as knife crime, safeguarding and responding to burglaries. We are determined to bring to justice all those who conspire to cause significant and unreasonable disruption to London and the motorway network and well work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to make sure this happens. National Highways said earlier in the day there were delays of an hour, with congestion for five miles. Just Stop Oil also targeted at least six other locations on the M25. We are currently on scene at the north-bound track of the M25 at the Dartford River Crossing where a protester has climbed on to the gantry at junction 31. Dartford tunnel and two lanes are closed. We are working as quickly as we can to keep you moving. pic.twitter.com/SAD8gCAtkS Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) November 8, 2022 The Met said earlier: We know how disruptive and distressing these road closures caused by protesters are to the traveling public. Please rest assured that when they occur, police will arrive quickly and deal quickly with the situation and get roads open again as soon as possible. The force said it deployed specialist removal teams to deal with the protesters. It urged members of the public stuck in traffic to stay in their cars and refrain from using the hard shoulder. Protests took place at 13 locations on the M25 on Monday. Police believe some of those involved in the demonstrations could have breached a High Court injunction obtained by National Highways. Just Stop Oil said in a statement: We will not be intimidated by changes to the law, we will not be stopped by private injunctions sought to silence peaceful people. Our supporters understand that these are irrelevant when set against mass starvation, slaughter, the loss of our rights, freedoms and communities. The Met is conducting an operation to foil the protests in conjunction with the National Police Coordination Centre. Just Stop Oil staged 32 days of disruption from the end of September and throughout October, which the Met said resulted in 677 arrests with 111 people charged, and officers working a total of 9,438 additional shifts. According to the group, Just Stop Oil supporters have been arrested nearly 2,000 times since its campaign began on April 1, and five are currently in prison. It warned the Governments refusal to halt North Sea oil and gas extraction will contribute to global warming, which will result in the collapse of ordered civil society, the loss of our rights and freedoms and the death of countless millions of people. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said Just Stop Oil protesters do have a point in (a) sense. He told Sky News: I do think theres a major issue when individuals can go on to motorways or even just outside Parliament, in fact, periodically, at will, just sit down in the middle of the road and disrupt the traffic sometimes, indeed, emergency services get caught up in that as well. But when it was put to him that the environmental activists have a point, he said: Well, they do in (a) sense. Couple of points one is, absolutely, we are all determined, and this Government above all else is absolutely determined, to bear down on the use of fossil fuels. Second point I would make is that we do have to strike the right balance between the right of individuals to express their opinion and protest, which is absolutely fundamental to a civilised democracy which is what we have in our country and, at the other time, making sure that we dont inconvenience the public or indeed endanger the public in some circumstances. The Government will do whatever is necessary to ensure people get the support on their energy bills they are entitled to, a minister has said after reports that hundreds of thousands could be missing out. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said there was a blockage in getting vouchers to some of the millions of customers with pre-payment meters across Britain. The most important thing, as I say, is that the Government is going to be gripping this issue and doing whatever is necessary to make sure that we unblock the blockage that there is in terms of getting those vouchers out, he said on ITVs Good Morning Britain. In May, then Chancellor Rishi Sunak promised 400 to each household in Britain from October to help them with soaring energy bills. The support will be paid out in six instalments of either 66 or 67. Most households will have this taken off their bills automatically, but some households with pre-payment meters will need to redeem vouchers and recent data showed that thousands have not done so yet. Mr Stride said that a huge number of people have been in touch to say they are struggling to get the vouchers. He added: Firstly the Government is very alive to the issue, and will be working with the energy companies, and are as we speak, to resolve those particular issues. Last week, PayPoint revealed that a little over half (53%) of the 800,000 vouchers it had issued so far have not been redeemed yet. It could mean that households with pre-payment meters, which are often more vulnerable than those that pay by direct debit, are missing out on around 27 million in support, PayPoint said. Energy bills were capped at 34p per unit of electricity and 10.3p per unit of gas between the start of October and the end of March. The cap was originally set to last for two years, but when he became Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said it would be reviewed and reduced in six months. Households were still eligible for the 400 payments even after the cap. A strike by London Underground workers will go ahead on Thursday after last-minute talks failed to resolve a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said Transport for London (TfL) had refused its offer to suspend strike action. The union said it asked TfL to pause job cuts and detrimental pension changes to give both sides the space to come to a negotiated settlement. The RMT said it proposed today that planned job cuts were suspended until the end of this year and that TfL make a clear statement that London Underground would not agree to detrimental attacks on pensions arising out of a review they are conducting with the Government. Mick Lynch, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (Jonathan Brady/PA) RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: TfL have missed a golden opportunity to make progress in these negotiations and avoid strike action on Thursday. Our members are resolute in their determination to see a just settlement to this jobs and pensions dispute. They will continue their industrial campaign for as long as it takes. TfL need to start making compromises and work with the union to reach a deal that works for staff and avoids further disruption to the lives of passengers. TfL urged passengers to check before they travel on Thursday, warning London Overground and DLR services may be subject to last minute changes as a result of the Tube strike, while London Trams will be running a reduced timetable. Disruption from the strike will continue to affect services into Friday morning. Glynn Barton, TfLs chief operating officer, said: I would like to apologise to our customers for any disruption caused by Thursdays industrial action. We met with the RMT and Unite this week to urge them to call off this Tube strike as no proposals to change pensions or conditions have been made. Unfortunately, no agreement could be reached but we remain open for discussions as there is still time for the unions to call off this action. Customers should check before they travel on Thursday and we are advising them to expect very limited or no service on the Tube. London Overground, the Elizabeth line and DLR services may be subject to last minute changes, including non-stopping at some stations shared with London Underground. London Trams will also be running a reduced timetable. Five of the UKs biggest supermarkets have agreed to join forces to speed up their work on tackling climate change with suppliers in the next year. The pledge comes as WWF announced its goal of halving the environmental impact of food shopping by 2030 as it warned there was an urgent need for accelerated action from the sector and greater support from the UK Government, especially in areas such as agricultural supply chains and including removing deforestation from food production. In response to the report, the chief executives of Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Sainsburys, Tesco and Waitrose announced they would support their suppliers to adopt science-based targets to reach net-zero climate emissions by 2050. They have also agreed to work with Waste & Resources Action Programme (Wrap) charity to develop and deliver an ambitious climate action programme for the grocery retail sector with the aim of halving their climate emissions by 2030. WWF chief executive Tanya Steele said: Nature is in freefall and we know 60% of global biodiversity loss and 30% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the food system. Shoppers want to know that their purchases are not contributing to the destruction of our planet, so we urge other supermarkets to join the five who have committed to our goal to halve the environmental impact of our food shopping by 2030. But beyond words and commitments, we need action to reduce deforestation, nature loss and climate change both from the retail sector and government. Sustainable food systems must be at the heart of future negotiations on both climate change and biodiversity. A joint statement from the five supermarkets said: WWFs findings leave no doubt of the scale of the task we collectively agreed to undertake when it comes to improving our food supply chains and enabling a sustainable shopping experience for our customers. We restate our commitment to work with WWF, our customers, suppliers, and the UK Government to halve the environmental impact of UK shopping baskets by 2030. We believe that this goal is achievable and is vital for the future of nature, our planet, our businesses and, crucially, our customers. Richard Swannell, Wraps interim chief executive, said: We welcome this timely and important report and the leadership and commitment shown by accelerating action on climate change where urgent action is required, and collaboration key to reducing the impact feeding people puts on the planet. Wrap is delighted to work with WWF and the Commitment to Nature signatories, and to scale this action in the sector through the Courtauld Commitment 2030 to support the supply chains we all rely on to set targets, measure and take action on high-impact changes. Stars of The Crown will reunite for a star-studded London premiere event ahead of the launch of the eagerly anticipated fifth series. New cast members including Imelda Staunton, Jonathan Pryce, Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki will hit the red carpet ahead of their debuts in the hit Netflix series later this week. The premiere will take place at the Royal Theatre in Drury Lane, central London, on Tuesday, with the release scheduled for Wednesday. Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki as Diana (Netflix/PA) Staunton takes over from Olivia Colman as the Queen, alongside Pryce as the Duke of Edinburgh, with West and Debicki being handed the baton by Josh OConnor and Emma Corrin to become Charles and Diana. Other new cast members include Lesley Manville, Olivia Williams, Claudia Harrison, James Murray, Salim Daw, Khalid Abdalla and Prasanna Puwanarajah, all of whom are expected at the London premiere. The new series is set to cover storylines including Martin Bashirs controversial Panorama interview with Diana and the subsequent media storm surrounding her relationship with Charles. A young Prince William will be shown as a pupil at Eton, seeing his mothers interview on TV, and Charles will reportedly be shown yelling and swearing in response to the broadcast. The fifth series of The Crown will launch on November 9 (Netflix/PA) Another storyline is expected to show Charles cutting short a holiday with Diana to host a secret meeting with Sir John Major at Highgrove in 1991 in which they discuss potentially ousting the Queen. The series has already faced criticism from the likes of Dame Judi Dench and former prime ministers Sir John and Sir Tony Blair as a result of its plotlines. Last month, Netflix put a disclaimer in the description of its YouTube trailer for the fifth series of The Crown, saying the production is a fictional dramatisation and inspired by real events. But Dame Judi accused the show of verging on crude sensationalism in recent series, while Sir John said fiction should not be paraded as fact. A spokesman for Sir Tony described another scene, in which Charles is reportedly shown trying to recruit the politician as an ally to protect his future, as complete and utter rubbish. The essence of The Crown. Imelda Staunton leads in the new season, arriving 9th November. pic.twitter.com/1FGVYMMKqj The Crown (@TheCrownNetflix) October 31, 2022 But The Crowns new star, Australian actress Debicki, said the shows audiences know it is clearly fictional. Asked whether she felt defensive over the criticism, she told The Guardian: I dont really. I understand what the show is and what its trying to do. I also understand the reaction to it. I think this is a period of time thats been told many times over and will continue to be told, and I know the degree of care and respect people enter into these stories with. Netflixs hit royal drama will return on November 9. Peace in the UK cannot be taken for granted while Vladimir Putin wages war in Ukraine, Rishi Sunak said as he prepared to welcome Natos chief to Downing Street. Jens Stoltenberg will become the first international leader to visit No 10 since Mr Sunak became Prime Minister, in a sign of the concerns over the situation in Ukraine and the importance of the Nato alliance. The meeting comes as the Government considers how to update its integrated review of defence and foreign policy to respond to the changing threats around the world. Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg will visit Ukrainian troops being trained in the UK (Leon Neal/PA) Ahead of the meeting on Wednesday, Mr Sunak said: Nato is the cornerstone of our security, and the security of our allies. As the war in Ukraine continues to rage, we must not take peace at home for granted. I am determined the UK will be the bedrock of Nato for generations to come. But in order to face the challenging future we must evolve as an alliance to meet, and remain ahead of, the threat from our adversaries. We must also continue backing the Ukrainian people in their resistance to Putins brutality. #NATO SG @jensstoltenberg will travel to the #UnitedKingdom on 9 Nov. He will meet with PM @RishiSunak & Foreign Secretary @JamesCleverly, and also visit a British military facility for training Ukrainian soldiers w/ Defence Secretary @BWallaceMP : https://t.co/NwHiKcfNMF pic.twitter.com/OwTM4cd43h Oana Lungescu (@NATOpress) November 8, 2022 The UK will send a further 12,000 extreme cold weather sleeping kits and 150 tents to Ukraines military as troops face continued fighting during the freezing winter. Mr Stoltenberg will also visit Ukrainian troops at Lydd army camp in Kent as they receive training from UK counterparts as part of Operation Interflex. The UK is also set to deliver more than 25,000 sets of extreme cold weather clothing by mid-December, ensuring troops are able to operate and survive the plunging temperatures in Ukraine. The extreme cold weather kits are in addition to more than 7,000 sets of normal cold weather kit distributed to recruits on Operation Interflex. Mr Sunak said: Im pleased that UK-donated kit will be keeping the Ukrainian Armed Forces warm and safe as they face a perilous winter fighting for their country. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: With winter fast approaching, this equipment will ensure that the armed forces of Ukraine are able to operate effectively through the next few months. Alongside our training programme and the provision of lethal aid, it demonstrates our commitment to making sure that the basic Ukrainian soldier is well trained, well equipped and given the best possible chance to fight and determine their own future. Three men have been arrested in dawn raids at two north London addresses as part of a Metropolitan Police crackdown on drugs and violence in the capital. The trio, aged 24, 25 and 29 and all from Islington, were detained on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs on Tuesday and remain in custody. Police are currently targeting London drug lines as part of Operation Yamata, launched in April as an offshoot of the forces county lines response. Police raid a house in Islington as part of Operation Yamata (PA) It comes after new Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley listed drug gangs as one of five key areas the Met will focus on in a bid to boost confidence in Britains largest police force. As part of the plan for his first 100 days, the force is seeking to disrupt high-risk and high-impact offenders, identifying those responsible for enforcing illegal markets through serious violence. Since April, the operation has closed 112 lines, arrested 91 people and seen 85 charged, and seized 135,086 in cash, according to figures from the Met. The latest action saw three people arrested (PA) Outlining his plans for reform in September, Sir Mark highlighted drugs lines as one of the issues the Met would prioritise, along with arresting wanted suspects, neighbourhood policing, fraud and violent offenders. He pledged changes including issuing every officer with their own work mobile phone and looking at advances in digital forensics. Sir Mark said he wants to be able to show the public that progress has been made in key areas in 100 days, and to bring the force out of a form of special measures in 12 to 18 months. He also wants to bring the annual number of homicides down below 100. A Cabinet minister has said it would be utterly, utterly unacceptable if under-fire minister Sir Gavin Williamson did tell a senior civil servant to slit your throat. Rishi Sunak is under increasing pressure over his decision to bring his ally back into Government after The Guardian reported fresh incendiary allegations about his conduct, with a Ministry of Defence (MoD) official telling the newspaper Sir Gavin made the remarks in front of colleagues in a meeting, and on another occasion told them to jump out of the window. But Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said that at the moment, the report is in the realm of media speculation. Sir Gavin has said he strongly rejects the allegation and insisted he has enjoyed good working relationships with officials. But the allegations, including that Sir Gavin deliberately demeaned and intimidated the civil servant on a regular basis, will add to the calls for his sacking. The Prime Minister is already 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. Mr Stride said: There is an independent inquiry, as you know, going on around another alleged incident between himself and the then-chief whip Wendy Morton. I think the important thing we do now is not to start intervening and opining on whos right and wrong or what may or may not have happened, but to wait for the results of that investigation. And then when we have that, and any other investigation that may be triggered in the meantime, then I think we can take stock and come to a firm conclusion. Any investigation could take several weeks, with Mr Stride suggesting Sir Gavin will still be in post by Christmas as any process will take some time and weve got to wait to see what comes out of that. The PA news agency understands Ms Morton is referring Sir Gavin to Parliaments Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, which handles bullying complaints. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said no minister was un-sackable (Victoria Jones/PA) The Times, which first revealed the development, reported that it was linked to concerns about a whitewash by the Conservative Party. Mr Stride, who spoke of an aura or mystique around Sir Gavin, said that no minister was un-sackable. The reality with Cronus is he was much touted but he never actually was released to bite anybody, Mr Stride told Sky News, in reference to the pet tarantula owned by Sir Gavin while he was chief whip. Labour has continued to maintain the pressure on the Government, with shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper on Tuesday accusing the prime minister of making grubby political deals that arent in the national interest to appoint Sir Gavin and Suella Braverman. In a series of expletive-laden texts exposed over the weekend, Sir Gavin accused Ms Morton of seeking to punish MPs out of favour with then-premier Liz Truss by excluding them from the Queens funeral, warning: There is a price for everything. Sir Gavin, who was sacked as defence secretary in 2019, issued a statement denying the broad allegations in The Guardians report but did not specifically deny using the language alleged. I strongly reject this allegation and have enjoyed good working relationships with the many brilliant officials I have worked with across government, he said. Former chief whip Wendy Morton (Yui Mok/PA) No specific allegations have ever been brought to my attention. The newspaper said the official, who later left government, complained to the MoDs head of human resources about the alleged incidents, but it was understood the Cabinet Offices propriety and ethics team has not received a complaint about Sir Gavins conduct towards officials. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: The Cabinet Office has not received notice of any formal complaints about Gavin Williamsons behaviour from his time at the Ministry of Defence or any other department. Conservative former cabinet minister Baroness Morgan said she had run-ins with Sir Gavin when he was Theresa Mays chief whip, adding: None of this surprises me, sadly. She told TalkTV on Monday: Unfortunately Gavin has a reputation, its not a very nice one, and I really dont know why Rishi Sunak felt he had to have him back in Government. 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. British immigration officers could be stationed in French control rooms for the first time under a new deal to curb Channel crossings. The Government said the fresh agreement between the UK and France, understood to be worth about 80 million, is in its final stages. This is expected to allow Border Force officers to observe French operations co-ordinating beach searches for boats being launched into the Channel and hunts for people trafficking gangs. The money which the Daily Mail described as the largest sum ever handed by the UK taxpayer to France will also pay for an increase in the 800 daily patrols that are currently carried out by French officers, as well as more surveillance equipment to detect boats before the enter the water, The Times reported. Downing Street said no timeline had been set on the discussions but declined to comment on any details that could be contained in the deal. The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: There are still discussions ongoing so I cant get into that sort of speculation at this stage, adding: We will set out detail at the earliest opportunity. Rishi Sunak vowed to grip this challenge of illegal migration by working with European nations when he attended Cop27, adding that he had renewed confidence and optimism. The Prime Minister and French president Emmanuel Macron embraced at the UN climate change conference in Egypt on Monday during their first face-to-face encounter since Mr Sunak entered Number 10. There have been concerns about overcrowding at the Manston processing centre in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride hailed a fundamental shift in the tone of relations between Britain and France as officials thrashed out the final details of the deal. He told Sky News: The mood music seems to be good at the moment. My understanding is were in the final stages of what could be an agreement, which would be very good news. I think there has been a fundamental shift in the tone between ourselves and the French. Almost 40,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel so far this year. As yet there have been no crossings in November as bad weather continues, leaving the provisional total for 2022 to date still standing at 39,913. It comes as a group of MPs who sit on the home affairs, women and equalities and human rights parliamentary committees visited the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent after concerns were raised about overcrowding. The Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson, who is chairwoman of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, said after the visit that while overcrowding had reduced and staff were making valiant efforts to improve conditions, the crisis is not over. She called on Home Secretary Suella Braverman to end the crisis once and for all by tackling the backlog in asylum cases and establishing an efficient and fair system. There were now around 1,200 people at the site, which is back below the maximum capacity of 1,600, Ms Johnson told BBC Radio 4s PM programme. Shortly after the delegation left on Tuesday, a man who shouted help and claimed he had been at the site for 30 days was seen being pinned up against a fence and dragged away by security guards when he tried to speak to members of the press. Earlier, an inquest heard the man suspected of firebombing another immigration facility last month died of asphyxiation. Andrew Leak was found dead at a nearby petrol station eight minutes after the terror attack at Western Jet Foil in Dover on October 30. Meanwhile, Fenland District Council in Cambridgeshire became the latest in a string of local authorities taking legal action in a bid to stop the Government from using a hotel to house asylum seekers. East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Ipswich Borough Council were due at the High Court on Tuesday. Scotlands First Minister has announced a 5 million funding pot to tackle loss and damage caused by climate change in developing countries. Speaking ahead of a panel discussion at Cop27 in Egypt, Nicola Sturgeon announced a boost in funding from Scotland, following on from the 2 million pledged during last years summit in Glasgow. Following a conference on loss and damage hosted in Scotland this year, the Scottish Government has said it will offer the cash as grants as opposed to loans, so as not to compound financial hardships already seen in the countries impacted by climate change. The First Minister announced the increase in funding on her second day at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit, with the money due to come from the Scottish Governments climate justice fund. In virtually everything we do on loss and damage, Scotland is trying to ensure that we listen to international perspectives, especially the perspectives of the global south, the First Minister said. After all, for more than 30 years now since the views of island states were first ignored decisions at Cop have been dominated by the voices of the global north. With loss and damage now on the formal agenda for the first time, this Cop can mark a turning point in ensuring the views, experiences and perspectives of the global south assume a far more central role. If that does happen, it will lead to greater progress on loss and damage and will also, I hope, lead to quicker action on other aspects of climate change. I encourage all parties to make space for serious, open and honest discussion over the next two weeks. The funding Scotland has announced today is a small sum in terms of the overall scale of the loss and damage that developing countries face, but I hope that it sends an important message. The First Minister added that countries dont have to wait for a decision to be taken at Cop27 on loss and damage funding. I very much hope that we will make collective progress on loss and damage at this Cop, she continued. If that doesnt happen, I expect that more and more governments will take action on their own my belief is that as we do, it will create a momentum for change which will feed into future Cop summits. Meanwhile, Kenyan environmental activist Elizabeth Wathuti said countries acknowledging the problems caused by climate change was a step in the right direction, but added that a real political commitment and collective effort from developed countries through a loss and damage finance facility is crucial. We need permanent, reliable and sufficient funding, Ms Wathuti said. Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, said: More money from the Scottish Government to address loss and damage is very welcome. However, like all rich nations, the Scottish Government should ensure this money is fully new and additional, and avoid in any way squeezing the support it provides to its partner countries to help them adapt to the climate crisis. To achieve this, while also increasing investment to urgently cut Scotlands climate-damaging emissions, the Scottish Government should identify new sources of finance which make polluters pay for their damage. Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: Its great to see the Scottish Government continue its support for climate justice, recognising the fact that most of those impacted hardest by climate change did least to cause the problem. We particularly welcome the move by the Scottish Government to build upon its announcement at Cop26, in Glasgow last year, of funding for action on loss and damage. Pouring his heart out. Lance Bass is breaking his silence days after Aaron Carters death at age 34. Read article Its taken me a little while to gather my thoughts as the news about @aaroncarter is incredibly devastating, the 43-year-old singer wrote via Instagram on Monday, November 7, alongside a photo of himself and Carter with their arms around one another. Bass went on to share one of [his] first memories with the Aarons Party artist, who rose to fame in the early 2000s as NSync dominated the charts. When I was around 17, the @nsync guys and I were staying at the same hotel as Aaron in Germany. He was around 9 years old at the time, the Out of Sync author continued. I was in my hotel and kept hearing a little kid run up and down the hallways. I opened the door and saw Aaron sprinting around, banging on the guys hotel doors and pretending to throw up on people. He ran into my room and instantly we were buds. Courtesy of Lance Bass/Instagram The Mississippi native added: He quickly became the little brother to all of us and was known for being quirky, funny and always trying to make people laugh. Read article Us Weekly confirmed on Saturday, November 5, that Carter was found dead in his California home. A 911 call was made at 11 a.m. local time, according to reports from TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter. His cause of death has not yet been released, but the Dancing With the Stars alum had previously been candid about his mental health challenges after growing up in the spotlight. As the years went by, Ive seen Aaron hit so many highs and lows. Through witnessing Aarons struggles and having countless conversations with him, Ive learned so much about addiction and mental health, Bass noted in his tribute on Monday. It makes me so angry and sad to know that it got the best of him and unfortunately those who enabled him turned a blind eye. His good friends and his family did absolutely everything they could and this will forever be an incredible loss. I know Aaron is finally at peace and Im sure hes playing jokes on his loved ones that have passed. The Single Parents alum concluded: My prayers go out to @nickcarter @angelcharissma and family as they grieve this incredible loss. Will miss you. Before his death, the I Want Candy artist was estranged from brother Nick Carter and twin sister Angel Carter. The Backstreet Boys artist, 42, issued a heartfelt statement on his familys loss via social media. Read article My heart has been broken today, Nick wrote on Sunday, November 6. Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded. 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 get a chance to finally have some peace you could never find here on earth. Fellow 00s icons have shared their own memories of Aaron, who welcomed son Prince with Melanie Martin in November 2021. For Aaron Im deeply sorry that life was so hard for you and that you had to struggle in-front of the whole world, Hilary Duff wrote of her on-off ex in a touching Instagram post on Saturday. You had a charm that was absolutely effervescent boy did my teenage self love you deeply. Sending love to your family at this time. Rest easy . Tech bros move fast and break things, and none wields the hammer as aggressively as Elon Musk, the Tesla CEO who now owns Twitter. In just a few days of ownership, Musk has laid off half the staff, alienated advertisers that provide most of the companys revenue and proposed several changes that might drive users away. Many regular tweeters fear Musk will let anybody post anything, turning the platform into a gusher of nasty propaganda. The Twitterverse may be in shock, but this is nothing new for Musk. Since starting his first company in 1995, Musk has built a remarkable entrepreneurial career on bold moves that sometimes seem reckless and unfiltered opinions he rarely apologizes for, no matter who he offends. A review of Musks many ruckuses reveals he has become brasher as his successes have multiplied. Unlike most CEOs, Musk has no fear of controversy, and may actually relish it. He pushes boundaries and usually gets away with it. When venturing beyond his areas of expertise, Musks views can seem naive, but they reflect boundless confidence in his ability to solve any problemwhich hes now applying to Twitter. Heres are some of Musks memorable dust-ups over the years: 2009 Co-founder spat. Martin Eberhard, one of five Tesla co-founders, sues Musk over his ouster two years earlier in a battle for control of the company. Musk and Eberhard settle on confidential terms. 2010 Trophy wife. Musks first wife, Justine Musk, publishes an article asserting that Musk tried to mold her into a trophy wife, along with other personal insights into Musks formation. Musk has been married three times to two women and has dated celebrities such as Amber Heard and Grimes. He has at least nine children and jokes he is doing my best to help the underpopulation crisis. 2013 Going after critics. Musk fights back after the New York Times trashes Teslas first sedan, the Model S, saying the car conked out on a highway. Musk personally rebuts the review in a Tesla blog post, citing data logs from the car that supposedly disprove the Timess assertions. The Times rebuts the rebuttal, leaving the truth somewhat cloudybut proving Musks tenacity in the face of criticism. 2015 Rocket men. Musk, also CEO of SpaceX, trolls Jeff Bezos, owner of the Blue Origin space company, over whose rocket is better. SpaceX founder Elon Musk reacts at a post-launch news conference after the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifted off on an uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., March 2, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 2016 Roughing it. Musk reveals he spend nights at the Tesla factory in a sleeping bag to help the company meet aggressive production targets. Analysts wonder if a CEO ought to be doing this. Autopilot troubles. The first death of a Tesla driver using the self-driving Autopilot feature occurs in Florida. As of 2022, there have been more than 30 fatalities in Tesla vehicles operating on Autopilot, with critics saying Tesla promotes the technology too flippantly. The government is investigating. Musk, ever the technology pioneer, remains defiant, saying Autopilot saves lives, on net. [Follow Rick Newman on Twitter, sign up for his newsletter or sound off.] Out there. Musk challenges the scientific accuracy of the Matt Damon blockbuster The Martian and says he would like to send people to Mars by 2025. 2017 Cheap boss? Musk rebuts a story about firing his assistant when she asked for a raise. The journalist who reported it says the anecdote was very well sourced. It's unclear whos right. Thick skin. A former employee files a racial-discrimination lawsuit against Tesla, citing, among other things, an email Musk sent to employees saying it is important to be thick-skinned if somebody acts like a jerk but later apologizes. Some critics think Musk is subtly telling workers to put up with racist behavior. Tesla, over the years, has faced dozens of accusations of racism and settled some cases for millions of dollars. Immigration mitigation. Musk tweets that President Donald Trumps immigration ban is not rightbut then quickly deletes the tweet. Musk fans and critics speculate over what his real message is. 2018 Haha. On April Fools Day, Musk tweets that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. Everybodys gets that its a joke, but critics wonder if its the kind of thing a CEO should do. Of course, its not. Pedo guy. Musk offers an experimental mini-submarine to help rescue children trapped in a cave in Thailand. A diver working on the rescue tells CNN that Musk can stick his submarine where it hurts. Musk jabs back by calling the diver a pedo guy, or pedophile. Rescuers free the Thai kids. It remains unclear if Musks mini-sub would have worked. The diver finally sues Musk for defamation. Musk wins. $420. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charges Musk with securities fraud for claiming in a tweet that he plans to take Tesla private at $420 per share, when there is no such plan. Musk never deletes the tweet. But he does settle with the SEC, by paying a fine, giving up the chairmans role and agreeing to have company-related tweets approved by lawyers, tee-hee. Puff. Musk takes a hit of weed on Joe Rogans podcast. Moralists howl, and Teslas stock falls 8%. But nothing happens and the stock recovers. Must later says weed is not for him, because it is not very good for productivity. Just kidding. Musk derides the SEC, with which he'd just signed a settlement agreement, as the Shortseller Enrichment Corporation. Critics say he should be more careful. But nothing happens. 2019 Still here. In a tweet, Musk says he deleted his Twitter account. He didnt. 2020 I'm not a doctor but ... Musk publishes a string of bogus information about the COVID-19 pandemic, such as predicting it will promptly disappear and saying children are immune. Medical experts say Musk should stick with cars and rockets. Trumpy. Musk goes Trumpy, reopening Teslas California factory in defiance of a local COVID shutdown order. Two months into the pandemic, Musk tweets, FREE AMERICA NOW. After telling Tesla workers they could stay home, he fires some who say they dont feel safe coming back to work amid the pandemic. Sell! Musk tweets, Tesla stock price is too high, mimicking no CEO, ever. The stock falls 9%. Heads explode trying to figure out if its market manipulation when a CEO deliberately sends his own stock lower. He/him. Musk upsets transgender activists by tweeting, pronouns suck. Five months later, he clarifies: I absolutely support trans, but all these pronouns are an esthetic nightmare. 2021 Duh. The Wall Street Journal reports on correspondence from the SEC to Tesla claiming Musk has violated the 2018 agreement requiring company lawyers to vet Musks tweets. Nobody knows what to do about it. Anti-union. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) orders Tesla to reinstate a worker fired in 2017 while organizing for a labor union, with back pay. Musk had suggested workers joining a union could lose stock options, which the NLRB interpreted as a threat. 2022 Biden-basher. In a tweet, Musk calls President Joe Biden a damp sock puppet in human form. Musks beef with Biden is apparently his reluctance to highlight Tesla as an electric-car pioneer because it isnt unionized. Business historians try and fail to find another instance of a prominent CEO publicly trolling the American president with juvenile imagery. Bernie-basher. After Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders tweets, We must demand that the extremely wealthy pay their fair share, Musk replies, I keep forgetting that youre still alive. Taiwan peace plan. Musk says in an interview that Taiwan could ease hostilities with China by ceding some control back to the communist government in Beijingwhich would contravene U.S. policy. Chinas ambassador to the United States praises the idea. A Taiwanese official says,our freedom and democracy are not for sale. Geopolitical experts tell Musk to stick with cars and rockets. Ukraine peace plan. Musk tweets a 42-word plan to bring peace to Ukraine, by formalizing Russias permanent annexation of the Crimea region and allowing other areas under Russian occupation to vote on which country they like best. Ukrainians go ballistic, because Musks plan is similar to Russias own talking points. Musk may have talked with Russian president Vladimir Putin or his representatives before tweeting the plan. Geopolitical experts tell Musk to stick with cars and rockets. Twitter subscription plan. After completing his purchase of Twitter on October 27, Musk says Twitter would begin offering the desired blue-check verification badge to anybody who pays $8 per month. He also says hell repeal Twitters ban on Trump, and suggests there will be looser rules on posting bogus content. Many prominent tweeters have threatened to leave, and social-media experts say Musk should stick with cars and rockets. Except Musk is now in charge at Twitter. Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter at @rickjnewman Click here for politics news related to business and money Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Download the Yahoo Finance app for Apple or Android Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and YouTube A former king of Spain is preparing to stage an appeal after losing a High Court fight with an ex-lover. Corinna Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, a Danish businesswoman, has taken legal action against Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014, and is seeking damages for personal injury. She alleges he caused her great mental pain by spying on and harassing her. Juan Carlos, 84, denies wrongdoing and disputes claims made against him. Juan Carlos I of Spain, left, has denied any wrongdoing (PA) Lawyers representing Juan Carlos argued that he was entitled to immunity from the jurisdiction of the English courts in his capacity as a senior member of the Spanish royal family. But a High Court judge disagreed. Mr Justice Nicklin ruled earlier this year that the claim could go ahead in England. Two Court of Appeal judges in July allowed Juan Carlos to challenge some of the conclusions reached by Mr Justice Nicklin. Three appeal judges, Lady Justice King, Lady Justice Simler and Lord Justice Popplewell, are due to consider detailed arguments at a Court of Appeal hearing in London on Tuesday. A view of the main hall at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, where Court of Appeal hearings are staged (PA) Lawyers representing Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn have argued that the former kings appeal bid should be dismissed. Judges have heard how Juan Carlos ruled from 1975 until his abdication in June 2014 and the succession of his son King Felipe VI. They have been told that Ms zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who lives in England and has a home in Shropshire, wants an injunction and damages resulting from a continuous and ongoing campaign of harassment against her, commenced by (the former king) from 2012, following the break-up of an intimate romantic relationship and her refusal to let (the former king) use a financial sum irrevocably gifted to her, or to return other gifts. Lawyers representing her have alleged to judges that conduct includes (the former king) or his agents smearing her and her business in the media, following her, entering her home in Shropshire, and bugging her homes and electronic devices. Mr Justice Nicklin rejected the argument that, despite his abdication, Juan Carlos remained a sovereign and was entitled to personal immunity under the State Immunity Act 1978. He had also said Juan Carlos was not a member of the current kings household within the meaning of that act. Mr Justice Nicklin said the former kings position under the Spanish constitution was entirely honorary and provided him no continuing role. Fabio Lovino/HBO If The White Lotus resorts hope to survive another tourist season, they really must do something about all these murders. In the first season of Mike Whites hit HBO series, Maui hotel manager Armond meets the wrong end of a pineapple knife after one of his guests catches the staffer defecating in his suitcase. In season 2, Italy doesnt fair much better than Maui: The bodies are positively piling up as manager Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore) does frantic damage control on the coast of her Sicilian resort. We learn from fellow employee Rocco (Federico Ferrante) that at least a few guests have been murdered this go-round, their corpses flotsam for the Ionian Seamuch to the horror of guest Daphne Sullivan (Meghann Fahy), who discovers one such body as she enjoys a last-minute pre-departure swim. Which leads us to the question at the heart of Whites sneering comedy, both this season and last: Who did the killing, and why? Only two episodes in, we only have so much evidence to go on, though already a few culprits seem likely. (Surely you, too, can imagine Jennifer Coolidge with a knife in her hand.) Still, White loves a red herring, so we best not be too precious with the lowest-hanging fruit. With that in mind, lets lay out the mystery before us and take a few stabser, swingsat unveiling the victims. Theory #1: Albie is the murderer. Or one of them. In season 2, were introduced to a wide-ranging cast that includes three generations of Di Grasso men: Bert Di Grasso (F. Murray Abraham), the grandfather; Dominic Di Grasso (Michael Imperioli), the father; and Albie Di Grasso (Adam DiMarco), the son. Bert is a womanizing installment of the Old Guard, proclaiming family values while making moves on virtually every young woman who crosses his path. Dominic is more subtle but no less vexed, having seemingly lost his marriage over an as-yet-unclarified infidelity. (Or infidelities.) He reveals to local sex workers Lucia (Simona Tabasco) and Mia (Beatrice Granno) that hes trying to kick his sex addiction, and hiring two young Sicilian women to parade around his hotel room isnt helping matters at home. Only Albie seems to have excised the sexual entitlement of his pedigree. During an episode 2 dinner with the listless young assistant Portia (Haley Lu Richardson), he reveals hes a nice guy, the peacemaker of the family, who looks the other way when Bert and Dominic wink and flirt. Still, he has no desire to follow in their footsteps himself. Such an attitude, he claims, has made his escapades with potential partners more challenging: When women realize hes a nice guy, they seem to lose interest. When Albie later walks Portia back to her hotel room, he kisses her outside the door, which seems to take her by surpriseand not an entirely welcome form of it. Then, in episode 3, he attempts to chide his father and grandfather for their misogyny, only for Portia to seem even less interested than before. Its far too early to proclaim Albie an incel or anything of the sort. But White is clever enough to understand the alarm bells the term nice guy is sure to set off in a segment of The White Lotuss viewership. All too often, men use their supposed nice guy status to justify a sexual entitlement no less insidious than Bert and Dominics own, just painted with a more palatable veneer. If these men are so nice, why wouldnt beautiful women want to sleep with them? Especially pretty wounded birds, to whom Albie says he finds himself most attracted. Oof. White has made it obvious The White Lotus season 2 is all about knotty sexual politics, particularly between heterosexual men and women. Its possible, then, that the showrunner is positioning Albie as incel-adjacent, or at least dangerously sensitive, in which case the youngest Di Grasso just mightperhaps unintentionallyhurt someone in retaliation for a rebuffed attraction. That said, its just as likely Portia might harbor a murderous streak, especially if Albie refuses to take a hint. Theory #2: Lucia and Mia are the murderers. A recurring image throughout The White Lotus season 2 is that of testa di moro, the legend of the Moors Head. So the story goes, a Sicilian girl was once seduced by a Moorish man, only to discover he was already marriedwith children. In response, she sliced off his head. Such Moors Head busts populate guest rooms at The White Lotuss Sicilian property, a visible reminder (and instigator) of our casts adulterous suspicions. It would stand to reason, then, that the actual plot this season might mirror the legend. Lucia and Mia are both Sicilian girls who, as of episode 3, are becoming increasingly immersed in the goings-on of the hotel guests (and their sexual proclivities). Right now, they seem to have no interest in love; theyre at The White Lotus for business, to enjoy the gaudy lifestyles of the men and women who feed off their island. But should emotions run hot, violence is far from out of the question. Theory #3: Greg is one of the victimsbecause hes already dying. If you watched season 1 of The White Lotus, youll recall that Coolidges Tanya McQuoid-Hunt first encountered her now-husband Greg at the Maui resort where Armond met his end. As of season 2, theyre now married, though Gregs shed much of the charm that made him likable in the shows first chapter. This time, hes work-obsessed, critical and controlling, which throws Tanyas own acute paranoia into a tailspin. Her concerns calcify in episode 1, when she overhears Greg on the phone in the bathroom, telling an unknown caller, Look. Listen, I dont want to fucking talk about this right now, okay? Yes, Im going to. Yeah. This is not the time. When Tanya asks who hes talking to, he explains, Its work. Its Bob. Later, in episode 2, Tanya crawls out of bed to discover him on the phone again, saying, Yeah, shes clueless as usual. Ill be home tomorrow, give you a call when I get in. All right, yeah, I love you too. And I look forward to it. Our first instinct is to assume hes cheating on her. (That would certainly fit the themes swirling around this season.) And, in episode 3, these suspicions bear weight when a fortune teller reveals to Tanya that your husband is in love with someone else. But, again, White often depends on these moments to make broader claims about class, sex, and gender. What if this is a mere misunderstanding, a case of bad timing and fear festering into irrationality? Remember that, during last seasons Hawaiian adventure, Greg revealed he was dealing with an illness. By the time this Sicilian trip comes around, he seems healthy and sprysomething he attributes to Tanyas help and wealthbut what if the disease has returned? And what if hes keeping it from Tanya to save her the anxiety? If thats the case, he could be talking to a friend, a co-worker, even his child (which would explain the I love you too.) And if thats the case, Tanyas inaccurate suspicions could prove lethal. Theory #4: Greg is one of the victimsbecause hes cheating. But perhaps Greg really is cheating. When Tanya wants to have sex with him in episode 1, he doesnt seem too thrilled about it, plus hes on the phone with Bob on vacation! Some fans on Reddit seem to think hes secretly gay, or perhaps bisexual. Might such a secret send Tanya into a jealous rage? Then theres the matter of a prenup: In episode 2, Greg mentions that he and Tanya cant get a divorce because itd leave him destitute, especially if he didnt have a job. Might he be scheming behind her back to inherit her money, should sheI dunnoexperience a tragic cliff-diving accident? Theory #5: Daphne is faking it. Ah, but weve yet to discuss the pair of perfectly ill-suited double-daters on this vacation. Daphne, who discovers the dead body bobbing around in episode 1, is the radiant, mind-bogglingly rich wife of Cameron (Theo James), with whom she shares two children. Camerona self-assured finance bro with the chiseled stature of, well, a Hollywood actorbelies no lack of confidence in his marriage, which seems airtight even as lawyer Harper (Aubrey Plaza) attempts to poke holes with her disapproving gaze. Shes arrived in Sicily with husband Ethan (Will Sharpe), Camerons college roommate and a newly wealthy tech genius. At nearly every opportunity, Harper clashes with Cameron and Daphnes sociocultural myopia, but theres no denying a current of heat running between Cameron and Harper as the long, sun-baked days roll on. If The White Lotus continues down this road, as its all but assured to, might Daphne be much more than the sweet, simple-minded housewife she seems? In episode 3, she reveals that Cameron has cheated on her, but she insists shes not a victim. She plays her own mind games with her husband. With that in mind, is it possible she might have faked her surprise at encountering a dead body in the ocean? If so, shes quite the actress, but thats the fun of a show like this one. The characters continue to surprise youuntil they dont surprise you at all. Theory #6: Cameron and Daphne are scam artists. Remember that Cameron and Daphne are the ones who invited Harper and Ethan on this trip. Surely they must have ulterior motives beyond near-attempted murder on jet skis. In episode 3, Daphne not-so-subtly refers to Camerons friends as Bernie Madoff types, and Cameron himself tries to convince Ethan to invest with his company. I would love to help you and Harper, he says. Please, let me. Why does his conviction smell of desperation? And if hes desperate, might he and Daphne not be quite as rich as they seem? If they are indeed scammers, gobbling up money through less-than-legal enterprises, that could get them into trouble with their new BFFs, not to mention with The White Lotus property itself. This story will be updated. You Might Also Like Elon Musk and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey argued on Sunday over Musks decision to rename the platforms feature that allows users to write contextual notes on misleading tweets. Musk in a tweet said his mission for Twitter is for the platform to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world, sparking a series of back-and-forth messages that started with Dorsey asking accurate to who? As judged by the people of Twitter via Community Notes (formerly Birdwatch), Musk wrote back. I still thinkBirdwatch is a far better name and more informative a far better goal, Dorsey subsequently responded. In January of last year, Twitter introduced the Birdwatch feature, which was initially piloted on a different site and enables contributors to write notes on tweets they believe are misleading. Other contributors can then rate the note, and if a consensus forms among people who have sometimes disagreed in the past that the context is helpful, the note appears for all users viewing the tweet. Musk, who closed his $44 billion Twitter takeover deal late last month and has signaled he will relax the sites content moderation policies, indicated he didnt like the features existing name. Birdwatch gives me the creeps, Musk wrote to Dorsey. Community notes is the most boring Facebook name ever, Dorsey shot back. Not everything needs to have bird in the name! Too many bird groups fighting each internally other at Twitter. Angry Birds, Musk responded. The Tesla and SpaceX CEOs desire to change Twitters content moderation policies has raised alarm among civil rights groups who believe the changes will cause an increase in misinformation and hate speech on the platform. Musk has already announced sweeping changes to Twitter, including mass layoffs across the company, adjustments to the platforms rules and the introduction of a monthly subscription to gain verification. The Sunday exchange between Musk and Dorsey also caught the eye of billionaire Mark Cuban, who offered his own suggestion for Musk on the new subscriptions. You might consider proactively offering your $8 verification program for free to those you deem the most accurate Notes contributors. Wont be easy to confirm accuracy. But if AI can try to model out bias, maybe it can model in accuracy? Cuban tweeted. $8 for all, Musk responded. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (AP) After months of primaries, campaign events and fundraising pleas, the midterm elections that will determine the balance of power in Washington and state capitals are finally here. Republicans are predicting a massive red wave as anxious Democrats defend their narrow majorities in Congress while struggling to overcome pervasive concerns about the economy, crime and President Joe Bidens leadership. Democrats are hoping that a backlash against the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade will save them. The political environment has led to an unusually large playing field as emboldened Republicans press into Democratic strongholds like New York, California, New Mexico and Washington state. Still, the marquee races are taking place in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, all of which could help determine the outcome of the 2024 presidential contest. Because of close contests and extended vote counting, it could take days or weeks before the final outcome is known in several key races. What we're watching on Election Day: RED WAVE RISING? All signs point to Republicans making significant gains on Tuesday. But whether it's a red ripple or a tsunami remains to be seen. Voters are overwhelmingly pessimistic about the direction of the country as inflation surges and political divisions explode. And history suggests that voters will take out their frustrations on the party in power. The party that occupies the White House has suffered significant losses in nearly every presidents first midterm election for more than a century. Exceptions were in 1934 during the Great Depression; in 1998 during the effort to impeach Bill Clinton; and in 2002 after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Democrats were initially hopeful that the Supreme Court's decision to eliminate abortion rights might be enough to disrupt historical trends or at least limit their losses but party leaders have turned increasingly concerned as Election Day approached. Operatives in both parties expect the GOP to win the House majority, which would require a net gain of five seats. But with a big wave, the GOP could win 25 new seats or more. Sensing opportunity, Republican groups invested millions of dollars in Democratic-leaning districts in California, New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania in the election's final days. The fight for the Senate majority is more competitive. If Republicans pick up even one seat, they would control the Senate's upper chamber. Democrats are fighting to protect vulnerable incumbents in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and New Hampshire, while Republicans believe they're within striking distance in Colorado and Washington state. The GOP chances are hampered somewhat by flawed candidates in Arizona, Georgia and New Hampshire, who have been boosted by former President Donald Trump. Pennsylvania represents the Democrats' best opportunity to flip a Republican-held seat, while GOP-held seats in North Carolina and Wisconsin also remain close. At the same time, races for governor and statewide officers like secretary of state loom larger than normal. The political environment is giving Republicans confidence in gubernatorial races in blue states like Oregon and New Mexico. Should a massive red wave materialize, Democrats may struggle everywhere. FILE - U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., speaks a campaign event in Clarkston, Ga., on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Bob Andres, File) THE ROE EFFECT After the Supreme Court eliminated Roe v. Wade in June, Republicans, including Trump, worried aloud that the decision might trigger a backlash against GOP candidates who oppose abortion rights. And there have been signs in recent months that voters suburban women and younger voters, in particular were energized and ready to vote for Democrats on Nov. 8. But more than four months after the ruling, the abortion effect may be fading. Democratic candidates have shifted their message away from abortion in recent weeks, at least somewhat, in favor of the economy, Social Security and Medicare. And some elected officials, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent, warned that Democrats have relied too much on abortion rights as a galvanizing issue. The issue is especially critical in the push for suburban women, a group that swung against Trump's GOP in 2020 and seemed to swing back after Trump left office when the GOP shifted its focus to pandemic restrictions and the economy. DO LATINO VOTERS DRIFT FURTHER RIGHT? Democrats sought to improve their outreach to Latinos after underperforming with the group in 2020. But there are reasons to believe that Democrats may do even worse this year among the key voting bloc, long a pillar of the party's coalition. Both parties have been especially focused on the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas, made up of heavily Latino communities where the Biden administration's struggle to address problems along the U.S.-Mexico border is a central issue. The GOP believes it will win as many as three House seats in the former Democratic stronghold. The GOP is also bullish about its standing in Florida's Miami-Dade County, home to 1.5 million Latinos of voting age and a Democratic stronghold for the past 20 years. The GOP made significant gains there in the last presidential election. Should Democrats lose Miami-Dade, it would virtually eliminate their path to victory in statewide contests, including presidential elections. The Latino vote will be consequential in other states but none more so than in Arizona and Nevada, where Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto, the nation's first Latina senator, is locked in a close race. HOW DO TRUMP'S CANDIDATES PERFORM? Trump remains a dominant force in the Republican Party, but Tuesday's contests will test his strength among the broader electorate. He is not on the ballot, of course, but dozens of Trump-endorsed candidates are. They include several controversial picks who beat out alternatives backed by the party's establishment. Should Trump's higher-profile endorsees struggle, it would raise questions about his political strength as he weighs a 2024 presidential run that could be launched shortly after the midterms. In Pennsylvania, Trump loyalist Doug Mastriano, the Republican candidate for governor, has struggled in the polls against Democrat Josh Shapiro. Trump's pick for the Senate, Dr. Mehmet Oz, is locked in a close race with Democrat John Fetterman. In Arizona, gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and Senate contender Blake Masters, who both promoted Trump's lies of a stolen 2020 election, are in position to win. Other Trump loyalists to watch: Ohio Senate candidate JD Vance, North Carolina Senate contender Ted Budd, Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon and New York gubernatorial hopeful Lee Zeldin. Mehmet Oz, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, speaks during a campaign event in Washington Crossing, Pa., Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) THE 2024 IMPACT In ways big and small, the 2022 midterms will help shape the 2024 election. 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. Good-government advocates are particularly worried about dozens of election deniers running for state office across several presidential battlegrounds. In Nevada, Republican Jim Marchant is running to become the secretary of state, the state's chief elections official. Marchant is head of the America First Secretary of State Coalition, a collection of Trump loyalists who falsely say the 2020 election was plagued by voter fraud. It's the same in Arizona and Michigan, where fellow coalition members Mark Finchem and Kristina Karamo are running for secretary of state. And in Pennsylvania, Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, another vocal election denier, would have the authority, if he wins, to appoint his own chief elections official. Election administration aside, other statewide candidates could use a strong showing on Tuesday to position themselves for the 2024 ticket. Lake, Arizona's Republican candidate for governor, is already thought to be a potential Trump running mate. And in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is running for reelection Tuesday, is also considering a 2024 presidential bid, whether Trump runs or not. WHAT WILL WE KNOW BEFORE WE GO TO BED? Its possible maybe even likely that the outcome in several key contests may take days or even weeks to be finalized. The reasons are many. In Georgia, a candidate must earn at least 50% of the vote to win outright. Otherwise, the election goes to a Dec. 6 runoff. Strategists on both sides believe the state's Senate race, in particular, may do just that. In other states, the process of counting votes can be long and complicated, especially as voting by mail becomes more popular. Under Arizona law, for example, all ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day, but officials have 20 days to finalize their counts. In Nevada, counties have four days to count late-arriving mail ballots and give voters two more days to fix mail ballots that arrive in envelopes with errors or missing information. In some swing states, including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, officials are not allowed to begin validating mail ballots until Election Day. Nineteen states provide a grace period to receive mail ballots as long as they were sent by Election Day. Such ballots in California can be received up to seven days later. This could take a while. Security guards watch over a ballot drop-off site Monday in Phoenix. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Two years after former President Trump attempted to overturn his loss to Joe Biden, the electoral process remains in the shadow of the 2020 election, plagued by threats to election workers, efforts to misinform or intimidate voters and the rise of far-right candidates who have echoed false claims of election fraud. Nowhere is the new paradigm more evident than in Arizona, where election officials in Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, have received hundreds of threats and been forced to increase security around the office where mail ballots are counted. Last week, a federal judge restricted a far-right group from sending armed people to monitor ballot drop boxes and observe voters. And one of the state's most popular Republican nominees, Trump-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, has cast doubts on the last election and been vague about whether she would accept a loss in this one. On Tuesday morning, ballot counting machines at 20% of vote centers in Maricopa County experienced issues, giving new fodder to election critics ready to cast doubt on the results. Were trying to fix this problem as quickly as possible, and we also have a redundancy in place, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates said in a video. Each ballot counting machine has a secure drawer where ballots can be stored until a machine is fixed or the ballots are transported to the central counting location. Voters also have the option to cast their ballots at any of the countys 223 vote centers. Tammy Patrick, a former federal compliance officer for the Maricopa County Elections Department, said that while its disconcerting that so many vote centers are having difficulties with their ballot tabulators, its not uncommon for the machines to have issues. She compared the tabulator difficulties, which she said appear to be caused by an alignment issue, to trying to feed an old dollar bill into a vending machine. For months weve known going into this election that anything that would occur thats normally standard is going to be blown out of proportion, its going to be weaponized, and its going to be used as some sort of demonstration that we shouldnt trust the outcomes of our elections, she said. And it couldnt be further from the truth. Arizona GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake takes the stage Monday in Phoenix. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Lake pointed to the tabulator issues as proof the state needs her in office. I am getting flooded with calls and text messages from people who are having trouble voting all over Maricopa County, Lake tweeted Tuesday. THIS is why we must reform our elections. Election officials have expressed optimism and pride in the work theyve done leading up to Tuesday. In Maricopa County, which has 2.4 million registered voters, officials have received more than 974,000 early ballots and had verified signatures and processed the majority of them as of Monday night. Last week, the office answered more than 8,000 phone calls and 3,000 emails from voters, according to Stephen Richer, the countys top election official. Arizona, and really Maricopa County, is at the center of the universe in terms of the democratic process that makes this country so beautiful, Richer told reporters Monday. Richer and other Maricopa officials held a news conference on the eve of the election to dispel false narratives and conspiracy theories, such as accusations that not having every ballot counted on election night implies that there is fraud or that counting machines are faulty, compromised or lead to inaccurate results. For years, Arizona has allowed any voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Election officials are allowed to start processing those ballots a few weeks before the election, and ballots must be received by the time polls close. In a closely contested race, the results might not be available for a few days. Close elections in other key states, such as Michigan and Pennsylvania, could also take days to tally. In California, where a handful of key U.S. House races could determine the margins of the chamber, the final count of mailed ballots will likely take weeks. The concern for election officials is that misinformation and threats of political violence tend to spread in the time between when polls close and the final ballots are counted. Protesters descended on vote-counting centers in swing states in 2020, as Trump called on election workers to stop tallying ballots that had been mailed in on time. That year, far-right supporters of Trump gathered outside the Maricopa County Elections Department, shouting to those inside that they were there to "stop the steal." Since then, officials have increased security, with new fencing and cameras and more coordination with the sheriff's department. For us, it's about ensuring that balance between what potentially could happen and making sure that the ballots and all the people here at the elections department are safe, said Megan Gilbertson, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Elections Department. Arizona has been a hotbed for election misinformation since the 2020 presidential election, when Biden became the first Democrat to win the state in more than 20 years. Audits and lawsuits found no evidence of widespread election fraud. A rally for Lake, who has said she will accept the results of Tuesday's election only if she wins. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Still, conspiracy theories around the electoral process have grown in the state, where the Republican candidates for major races have helped fuel Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Arizona is one of the states featured prominently in "2000 Mules," a discredited film by right-wing conspiracy theorist Dinesh D'Souza that claims cellphone data show that thousands of so-called "mules" stole the 2020 election by stuffing boxes in swing states with fake ballots. Last month, armed and masked members of far-right groups including the Oath Keepers and Clean Elections USA started appearing at ballot drop boxes in Maricopa and nearby Yavapai counties, where they photographed, filmed and surveilled voters and their cars. A federal judge restricted the ability of Clean Elections USA to monitor the drop boxes and required the group's founder, Melody Jennings, a QAnon adherent, to stop posting misleading information about who may return an early ballot. Under Arizona law, relatives, housemates and caregivers may return a ballot on someone else's behalf. Democrats and voting rights advocates have warned that the candidates at the top of the Republican ticket could upend the state's election process if they're victorious Tuesday. "Kari Lake is as fervent an election denier as Donald Trump, and unlike him, she's actually on the ballot," said Norm Eisen, an elections and political law expert who served as President Obama's ethics czar. "If she is successful and becomes the governor, she'll be in a position to implement that dangerous ideology, not only as a false conspiracy theory about the past but in the present and the future." The campaign of Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, the Democrats' nominee for governor, has made that warning a key part of her messaging against Lake, a former local news anchor. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs canvases Monday in Phoenix. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Rallying supporters Sunday in Tucson, Hobbs said it was perhaps the most important gubernatorial race in the state's history. "I know we say every election this is the most important election in our lifetime," Hobbs said. "This is possibly the last election in our lifetime if we don't elect the right people, if we don't stop the election deniers on the ballot, who are much more focused on the 2020 election than this one." Steve Brown, a 73-year-old retired teacher who attended the Hobbs event, told The Times he thought a Republican streak at the top of the ticket is "the next step along the slippery slope to authoritarian government." Adele Allyn, a 57-year-old administrative assistant, attended the event with her daughter, 37-year-old registered behavior technician Adele Baker, and two grandchildren. Allyn wore a shirt she made ahead of the 2016 election that read: If we value our democracy we must vote. This might be the last election that is not going to be just all about lies and hurting people and stopping people from voting, Allyn said. Were losing our grip on democracy. The election deniers can't be anywhere near our elections. They just can't, because our democracy is not going to ever recover from something like that, Baker said. We just cannot afford someone in our election process who will not accept an election result if it doesn't fit their idea of what it should be. Arizona's Republican statewide candidates have presented a united front on the campaign trail ahead of Tuesday's election, in contrast to their Democratic challengers. They've spent the last few days on an "America First" bus tour, joined by local candidates and conservative personalities. Aside from a major rally with Obama earlier this month, Democrats have not put on many high-profile events to bring together candidates from the party's slate. During a Sunday-night rally, Lake, Senate candidate Blake Masters and attorney general hopeful Abraham Hamadeh were joined by Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Kelly Ward; Rick Grenell, who was acting director of national intelligence under Trump; conservative commentator Jack Posobiec; and Stephen K. Bannon, a former senior advisor to Trump. Several speakers mocked Democrats for saying that democracy is on the line in the election. Supporters cheer at Lake's rally. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) The media wants to say, Oh, it's going to be terrible, we're fascists.' ... That's so silly, that's what we need to stop, said Melissa Katz, a volunteer with the grass-roots organization Mighty American Strike Force, which sends volunteers across the county to help Republican candidates. Lake has said she will accept the results of Tuesday's election only if she wins. Asked Sunday if she has faith in the state's election system, she criticized Hobbs for not recusing herself from overseeing the election as secretary of state and blamed her for issues with recent elections at the county level, such as incorrect ballots and ballot shortages. Though the problems were resolved, critics have tried to point to the mistakes as evidence of widespread problems. "How unethical to even be involved in this election," Lake told reporters after the Sunday rally. "We're gonna have to change the laws so that we prevent that kind of thing from happening again." A similar controversy occurred in Georgia in 2018, when Secretary of State Brian Kemp, a Republican, refused to recuse himself from overseeing the gubernatorial election, in which he defeated Stacey Abrams, the former Democratic minority leader of the statehouse. Abrams, who is in a rematch against Kemp this year, has faced criticism from Republicans for claiming that the last election was stolen due to voter suppression. Lake said Sunday that Arizona is "the pivotal state" ahead of the midterms. "Everyone is watching what happens in Arizona," Lake said. "We are at ground zero when it comes to the border, we're at ground zero when it comes to the fentanyl crisis, we're at ground zero when it comes to election integrity, crime you name it." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A 44-year-old pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run accident, North Carolina officials say. The driver has not been located. William Dave Guthrie Jr.s body was spotted just before 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, by a passing driver near the intersection of Nine Foot Road and Cooper Lee Drive in Newport, according to a news release from Carteret County Sheriffs Office. He was found less than half a mile from his home. Deputies said Guthrie left his home around 10 p.m on Nov. 7 to walk to a convenience store. While on his way, he was hit by a driver who fled the scene. Detectives are investigating the incident as a hit-and-run. Local businesses and residents are asked to check their camera footage for any details about the crash, and anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at (252) 726-INFO or the North Carolina State Highway Patrol at (252) 726-5766, deputies say. Newport is about 90 miles northeast of Wilmington, North Carolina. Goofy dad with infectious smile dies after hit-and-run in parking lot, NC cops say Sophomore from Raleigh in critical condition after hit-and-run, Ole Miss officials say Driver runs away after crashing bus with teens inside, NJ officials say. He faces DUI On a Wednesday morning in late October, MLou Bancroft sits in a small storage room in Dallas surrounded by colorful pillow covers. She sorts through them in the dim light, trying to decide which ones would sell best over the Christmas season. High shelves piled with embroidered place mats, table runners and more pillow covers line the walls. The intricate stitching looks like it came straight from a factory. The sales wont benefit MLou, though. All the proceeds will go to the women in southern Honduras who created the inventory with their needle and thread by hand. MLou and her husband Bill Bancroft, the founders of the sewing co-op Honduras Threads, sell the items in North Texas and anywhere else they can find a market. Barbara Velhum looks through the greeting cards for Christmas designs on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, at Honduran Threads in Dallas. All the proceeds go to the Honduran artisans that created the products. Honduras is a dangerous place to be a woman. At least 318 Honduran women died from violence in 2021, a result of a culture of gangs, drugs and machismo. The lack of good jobs and a 60% poverty rate makes it difficult for them to provide basic necessities for their families, a reason some of them undertake the difficult journey to the United States. Bill Bancroft said the income the women earn from Honduras Threads changes the narrative for them. They can buy food and school supplies for their children without leaving their village. According to MLou, in the 20 years since Honduras Threads came into existence, none of the women or their immediate family members have tried to come to the U.S. The history of this organization has always been about creating jobs and income for these women, right? Bill Bancroft said. So If you have a job, if you have some income, then dignity and self respect, you know, follow. Humble beginnings In 2001, the Bancrofts took a mission trip with the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Dallas to the rural Honduran village of Santa Cruz Arriba. As they got to know the women, they learned jobs were scarce. Many worked as live-in domestics for wealthy families in Tegucigalpa, a two to three hour bus ride away. They missed their kids desperately, MLou Bancroft said. And really, they only had Sunday afternoon with their kids, with their families. The Bancrofts, former Peace Corps volunteers in Bolivia, began searching for ways to help the women of Santa Cruz Arriba find work closer to home. When they heard that all Honduran girls learn to embroider in elementary school and that a church in San Antonio hired a group of Honduran women to make banners and wall hangings, the idea for Honduras Threads was born. When the first box of handicraft arrived from Honduras, MLou Bancroft said she wanted to cry. The colors didnt match. The work was shoddy. The women only knew one embroidery stitch, and they didnt follow the pattern. MLou Bancroft sorts through pillow cases for Honduras Threads Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, in Dallas. Honduras Threads works with women in Honduras who create the products for customers in United States. Instead of giving up, she made another trip to Honduras and brought samples of what she wanted. The women were eager to learn, and gradually the work improved. They have come a long, long way, MLou Bancroft said. And now I couldnt possibly do the stitches they do. They went way past me. The sewing co-op eventually expanded from Santa Cruz Arriba into other villages. There are 28 women from five rural communities embroidering for Honduras Threads. In 2017 the organization became a social enterprise, a business recognized by the Honduran government and owned by the women. Generational change Sonia Nazario, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and member of the Honduras Threads Advisory Board, said even though the sewing co-op is small, its having a positive impact on Honduran society. Violence and poverty in Honduras drive many women to migrate to the United States in search of safety and a better income for their families. Even though it may bring short-term relief, Nazario said migration can be disastrous for family relationships. These kids say, you know, Youre the person in the world whos supposed to most love and protect me my mother. And you walked away from me and you said youd be back in one or two years but it took, you know, 10 or 15 years, Nazario said. And even when these children reunify with their mothers, theres deep resentment and even hatred toward their mothers for leaving them. Carolina Sagastume has worked with Honduras Threads for about 14 years. She joined because of her mother, who also embroiders for the co-op. In a telephone interview from Honduras, Sagastume told the Star-Telegram in Spanish that shes always enjoyed crafts like crochet and embroidery, and working with Honduras Threads has given her a chance to improve her skills and make beautiful things. One of the advantages we have working with the embroidery is we can work from home, Sagastume said. We can see our children and be available for them. MLou Bancroft and Barbara Velhum sort through cards and embroidered cases for Honduras Threads Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, in Dallas. Honduras Threads works with women in Honduras who create the products for customers in United States. The money Sagastume earns pays for transportation so her 12-year-old daughter doesnt have to walk 45 minutes to school. For us, its been a blessing to have this work, she said. Seven women have worked with Honduras Threads from the start. Some of their children now work with Honduras Threads too. Others have gone to vocational school or university. MLou Bancroft said the most fulfilling aspect of the co-op for her has been seeing the women blossom. They used to be quiet and reserved. Now they speak up with confidence, and the children are proud of their mothers work. Theyre understanding that their mom is making something beautiful and earning money, she said. And that, in the macho kind of society they live in, is really, really great. And they really respect their moms abilities. Politicians keep trying to slow the flood of migrants from Honduras and other developing countries, but Nazario said experience shows hard-line immigration policies, like building a wall and separating families at the border, dont work. At the same time, the needs that drive migration are real and need to be addressed. [Honduras Threads] is a pragmatic solution that actually works, Nazario said. And Id love to see more churches, more people of faith step forward with these kinds of efforts. How to Help Honduras Threads is always looking for volunteers to fill and ship orders, tag new items or sell the products at events and shows. The organization is also seeking fabric donations that the Honduran women can use to make their products and monetary donations to cover the cost of sales and marketing. If you want to purchase items that the women in Honduras have made, you can shop at the Honduras Threads online store. More than 3,700 bodies are buried in very close proximity in the historic Lebanon Cemetery. A growing movement based out of York, Pennsylvania is dedicated to helping preserve the citys historic Black cemetery, CNN reports. A group of volunteers called Friends of Lebanon Cemetery has worked for more than three years to uncover the headstones of several thousand people buried in the neglected cemetery. The organizations official website notes that volunteers are committed to uncovering the rich history of York Countys African-American burial grounds by researching, identifying and documenting the people interred in these cemeteries, linking familial ties, preserving and restoring not just their locations but their stories. Hundreds of headstones of Black people have been recently uncovered in a Pennsylvania cemetery (not pictured here). (AdobeStock) The city of York once boasted its own Black Wall Street and its first colored school was led by educator James Smallwood, who is buried at the historic Lebanon Cemetery, according to the CNN report. Friends of Lebanon Cemetery volunteers were told that there are at least 2,300 grave markers. They have so far uncovered 800 buried headstones, including that of Anna Johnson, the great-grandmother of decorated Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne. Johnson was 84 when she died mysteriously after the 1969 race riots in York and was buried at Lebanon Cemetery. Until the mid-1960s, it was one of the only graveyards in the area where Black people could be buried. Claiborne had for years searched in vain for Johnsons headstone at Lebanon. Friends of Lebanon ultimately uncovered it and invited Claiborne, 69, to visit the site. Her great-grandmothers resting place, like most other headstones, was barely protruding from the dirt and seemingly lost to the earth under decades of overgrown rock, brush and mildew. They buried her and didnt have the (respect) to spell her name right, Claiborne told CNN, noting that the H in Johnsons name was missing on the headstone. Thats pretty poor. I was elated that I was able to find her grave, but I was not elated to see how it wasnt respectful to her. According to cemetery records, more than 3,700 are likely tightly buried in Lebanon, ground-penetrating radar found. If theyre not touching, theyre nearly touching, said geophysicist Bill Steinhart, who has surveyed most of the cemetery, according to the CNN report. Friends of Lebanon Cemetery has discovered that the people buried at the site range from common folk such as schoolteachers and factory workers to prominent figures, including Buffalo soldiers, veterans, including a Tuskegee Airman, as well as agents of the Underground Railroad. Some of the gravestones that have been discovered include Mary J. Small, the first woman elected elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Rev. John Hector, a Civil War soldier and noted Temperance Movement speaker famously dubbed the Black Knight and William Wood, who helped inventor Phineas Davis build his first locomotive engine. Relatives and descendants travel from near and far to tend to the graves. Telling their stories through the preservation of their last resting places is vital to providing an authentic narrative of American history, Friends of Lebanon Cemetery states on its website. Lebanon and similar long-forgotten burial grounds could benefit from funding through the proposed African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act, which U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) have introduced. For too long these burial grounds and the men and women interred there were forgotten or overlooked, Brown said in a statement, according to CNN. Saving these sites is not only about preserving Black History, but American history, and we need to act now before these sites are lost to the ravages of time or development. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Hundreds of headstones of Black people uncovered in Pennsylvania cemetery appeared first on TheGrio. FILE PHOTO: Demonstrators take part in a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in Athens. DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran's courts will deal firmly with anyone who causes disruption or commits crimes during a wave of anti-government protests, the judiciary said on Tuesday, signalling the authorities intend to hand down harsh sentences to convicted demonstrators. One of the biggest challenges to Iran's clerical leaders since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the demonstrations have already persisted for eight weeks despite tough security measures and severe warnings from security forces. More than 1,000 people have been indicted in Tehran Province alone in connection with what the government calls "riots". "Now, the public, even protesters who are not supportive of riots, demand from the judiciary and security institutions to deal with the few people who have caused disturbances in a firm, deterrent and legal manner," judiciary spokesman Masoud Setayeshi said. The anti-government demonstrations erupted in September after the death of a Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by morality police for allegedly flouting the Islamic Republic's strict dress code imposed on women. The activist HRANA news agency said that 318 protesters had been killed in the unrest as of Saturday, including 49 minors. Thirty-eight members of the security forces had also been killed, it said. State media said last month that more than 46 members of the security forces, including police officers, had been killed. Government officials have not provided an estimate of any wider death count. Iranian leaders have accused enemies including the United States of fomenting the unrest. Hardline Iranian lawmakers have urged the judiciary to "deal decisively" with the perpetrators. "For how long can we tolerate this?" Setayeshi said. People from all walks of life have taken part in the nationwide protests, with students and women playing a prominent role, waving and burning headscarves. Two Iranian journalists are facing charges of collusion against national security and propaganda against the state, Setayeshi said, adding that the two were in prison under a temporary arrest warrant and that their case was about to be finalised. One of those facing charges is Niloofar Hamedi, who worked for the pro-reform Sharq daily and was the first to signal to the world that all was not well with Amini with a photo of her parents hugging each other in a Tehran hospital. The second journalist is Elaheh Mohammadi, who covered Amini's funeral in her Kurdish hometown of Saqez, where the protests began. Some 300 Iranian journalists last month demanded their release. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Alex Richardson, Angus MacSwan and Alison Williams) A sign points to a polling place at Barack Obama Elementary School during the primary election in St. Louis in August. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Officials in Florida and Missouri are pushing back against routine efforts by the Justice Department to monitor local election procedures in their states, suggesting that the presence of federal monitors at polling places would be disruptive and intimidating. The public challenges follow an announcement from the Justice Department Monday that federal election monitors with the departments Civil Rights Division would be deployed to 64 jurisdictions in 24 states to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws during Tuesdays midterm elections. Among the jurisdictions slated to receive Justice Department monitors were Floridas Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, and Cole County, Mo. Though the DOJs announcement was issued against the backdrop of heightened concerns about possible voter intimidation and harassment of election workers, the Justice Department made clear in its press release that Election Day monitoring of local voting procedures is standard practice. 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 department said. Voters go to the Coliseum polling precinct to cast their ballots on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images) Still, some officials have sought to paint the practice as unusual and unnecessary. First, Cole County, Mo., Clerk Steve Korsmeyer said he would not allow federal monitors inside polling places in his county, in a decision backed by Missouris Republican secretary of state, Jay Ashcroft. Under Missouri law, the local election authority is empowered to decide who, other than voters and poll workers, may be at polling locations, Ashcroft said in a tweet. Cole County Clerk Steve Korsmeyer has rightfully declined to allow this overreach and the secretary of states office fully supports him. People drop off their ballots on Tuesday in Miami. (Saul Martinez/Getty Images) Then, Brad McVay, the chief counsel for the Florida Department of State, sent a letter Monday evening to the elections coordinator for the Civil Rights Divisions Voting Section arguing that Florida law does not include Justice Department personnel among the list of people who may enter any polling room or polling place, and that federal monitors would not qualify for the Florida statute that allows law enforcement inside polling sites. Absent some evidence concerning the need for federal intrusion, or some federal statute that preempts Florida law, the presence of federal law enforcement inside polling places would be counterproductive and could potentially undermine confidence in the election, McVay wrote. Instead, McVay said, the Florida Department of State which is overseen by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis would be sending its own monitors to those three counties, which are among the most heavily Democratic in the state. These monitors will ensure that there is no interference with the voting process, he wrote. A poll worker stamps a ballot at a drive-in drop box on Tuesday in Miami. (Saul Martinez/Getty Images) This is not the first time federal election monitors have been dispatched to polling sites in Florida, nor to these particular counties. Ahead of the 2020 election, the Justice Department similarly announced that it would be sending monitors to six Florida counties, including Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Justice Department personnel were also deployed to oversee the 2018 elections in Palm Beach County as well as two other Florida jurisdictions. Though DeSantis ordered members of the Florida National Guard to locations across the state on Election Day in 2020 in case of potential civil unrest, his administration doesnt appear to have prohibited the Justice Departments monitors from accessing polling places. And quotes from local election officials in jurisdictions that received federal monitors that year, including Orange and Hillsborough counties, suggested little pushback from those running elections on the ground. This is a standard practice for the DOJ, Craig Latimer, supervisor of elections for Hillsborough County, said at the time. Miami-Dade County elections department employees begin counting mail-in ballots on Tuesday in Miami. (Saul Martinez/Getty Images) A request for comment from McVay was forwarded to Mark Ard, director of external affairs for the Florida Department of State, who directed Yahoo News to remarks made by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd at a press conference in Tallahassee Tuesday morning. In response to a question about the change in policy toward DOJ election monitors, Byrd insisted that there was no change in policy, but rather that his office had pushed back against a new ask by the DOJ to place monitors inside polling places. My understanding was they didnt ask to be in the polling places in 2020, he said. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on the pushback its election monitors have received from officials in Florida and Missouri. 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. 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin visits a military training center in Ryazan, Russia, on Oct. 20. (Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/Kremlin pool photo via AP) KYIV Are they leaving or not? This is the question that observers of Ukraines eight-month war have been asking about what looks to be a gradual Russian withdrawal from the occupied city of Kherson, a strategic regional capital in Ukraines south, although no such military retreat has been announced by Moscow. Yet on Nov. 3, Ukrainians awoke to a pleasant surprise: Russian checkpoints, previously manned by armed soldiers, were abandoned and the citys administrative building no longer flew the Russian tricolor. By all outward appearances, it too had been deserted. Three days later, a group of Ukrainians confirmed the fact by filming themselves wandering through the ransacked but empty offices and vacant corridors. Russia certainly appears to be planning to leave the first and only major population center it has managed to seize control of during the war. For weeks now it has been systematically relocating its civilian occupation forces to the east bank of the Dnipro River, the main water artery that bisects the Kherson district in Ukraines commercially vital southern port region, home to about 300,000 before the war. Kherson was one of four regions that Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed his government was annexing just over a month ago following a series of illegal and coercive referendums. Evacuees from Kherson arrive at the railway station in Anapa, in southern Russia. (AP) On Nov. 3, the Russian-installed Deputy Gov. Kirill Stremousov posted a video insisting that at the moment, everything is fully under control, while simultaneously urging all civilians remaining on the west bank of the Dnipro to evacuate. As many users on social media pointed out, Stremousov recorded the video pretty obviously midflight from the provincial capital, riding in a car clearly filled with enough personal belongings to suggest he wasnt due back in the near future. Then, earlier Monday, Stremousov declared the evacuation of civilians from the city of Kherson to more secure Russian turf. We closed the road from the left bank to the right bank today and we do not recommend returning to the city, he said in a video posted to his Telegram channel. Earlier, Putin had called only for the removal of Khersons civilian population from the dangerous zone of action. Yet now reports out of Moscow suggest the Kremlin is seeking to reshape the narrative to account for an imminent loss of major territory, and so soon after a series of stunning defeats to Ukrainian defenders over the past two months. Further evidence that Russia is preparing for a pullout came Monday by way of the independent, Lithuania-based Russian news outlet Meduza, which obtained copies of two new manuals for Russian propagandists, prepared by Putins administration. One states that Kherson is the most difficult for the Russian army at the current stage of the special operation and anticipates a massive Ukrainian bombardment campaign. A school in the Kherson region village of Arkhanhelske, which was formerly occupied by Russian forces. (Bulent Kilic/AFP via Getty Images) More worrisome is that the document telegraphs what some fear may be Moscows last resort a massive attack against the regions civilian infrastructure, choreographed by Russia but blamed on the Ukrainians. On Oct. 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told EU leaders that the Russians had mined the Kakhovka dam at the hydroelectric plant in Kherson, one of the few remaining routes by which Russians can retreat across the Dnipro. Should they blow it up, more than 80 settlements, including Kherson, will be in the zone of rapid flooding, Zelensky said. Hundreds of thousands of people could be affected. Yet the Kremlin manual insists that Ukrainian forces are planning to stage a terrorist attack by destroying the Kakhovka plant, which would incur all the same dire consequences on the surrounding areas. Ukraine would gain little from such an act, which would gravely harm a host of Ukrainian-held settlements. Even the pro-Kremlin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda acknowledged that blowing up the dam would create a 16-foot wave that within two hours would hit Kherson city, flooding the very terrain Ukraine was looking to retake. The Russian government often preemptively blames its adversaries for or planning to do what it itself has been preparing. Perhaps not coincidentally, the publication of the manual comes over a week after Russias Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu floated unfounded claims that Ukraine was preparing to unleash a dirty bomb a combination of conventional explosives and uranium in a phone call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson accused Shoigu of lying, calling such a suggestion a pretext for [Russian] escalation, and the U.S., the U.K. and Ukraine have all warned that Shoigus allegation could be read as a preemptive excuse for Russias use of a dirty bomb. A Ukrainian howitzer targets areas controlled by Russian troops, trying to give support to the Ukrainian army in the Kherson district, on Nov. 5. (Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Natalya Humenyuk, the spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Command, urged caution about Moscows true intentions. In a televised statement on Monday, she warned that the apparent Russian pullback might be a trap, an effort to create the impression that settlements have been abandoned, and that it is safe to enter them in order to lure Ukrainians into kill zones. Russian military units were also fleeing the city of Kherson disguised as civilians, Humenyuk alleged. (Yahoo News cannot independently verify this claim.) She also suggested that Russia has been pouring in large numbers of newly mobilized and poorly trained Russian conscripts to assume the duties on the frontlines in Kherson as units of more experienced regulars migrate across the river to fortify their positions on the east bank of the Dnipro. What can be confirmed is how the Russians are leaving. Videos and photographs depict scenes of rampant looting in Kherson, from everyday items, including a childrens train car, to the regions most prized bits of cultural patrimony. The Russians have driven off with exhibits from the Kherson Fine Art Museum, removing them to the Russian-occupied peninsula of Crimea. Even the animals from the Kherson Zoo were transferred to the Crimean Safari Park. And in what may yet prove to be a potent metaphor for Putins invasion of Ukraine, the Russians also reportedly dug up and absconded with the long-buried corpse of Count Grigory Potemkin. An 18th century Russian commander, Potemkin became synonymous with villages in Crimea that already existed but were falsely attributed to his supposedly enterprising governorship of the region when his patron, Catherine the Great, toured the peninsula in 1787. Damaged vehicles in the Kherson region, where Ukrainian forces have retaken control. (Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) What the fleeing Russian occupiers didnt steal, they often destroyed. Khersons provincial capital is now without water and power. The head of Khersons regional administration blamed the Russians for destroying a miles length of electric cables in the nearby city of Berislav, where Yaroslav Yanushevych, the exiled head of Ukraines military administration, accused the Russians of also mining water towers. Petro, one local in the Kherson region interviewed by the New York Times, alleged that the Russians blew up the power poles, so we have no light and no water. They are taking out everything they can, and ruining the rest, like barbarians, Serhiy Khlan, a member of Ukraines military and a local government official, told the Wall Street Journal. Russian state media, meanwhile, blamed the loss of power on a barrage of Ukrainian sorties on the Kakhovka dam using High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), a crucial U.S.-supplied weapon, although there has been no independent analysis confirming the Russian claim. Kyiv is reluctant to comment on developments in a place it has long signaled it wants to reclaim. Two senior officials in Ukraines Ministry of Defense told Yahoo News that they could not address their plans for Kherson owing to operational security. Reporting blackouts have been a common feature in the run-up to Ukrainian counteroffensives, a way to maintain the element of strategic surprise. It is how Ukraine managed to launch an unannounced campaign in Kharkiv, in the northeast, which allowed it to recapture thousands of square miles of territory from unsuspecting Russian troops all while eyes were focused elsewhere, on Kherson. A Richland man died Sunday evening when he crashed his 2016 Corvette on Interstate 90 between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Alexander D. Pappas, 36, was driving east at 7:30 p.m. when he lost control of his car and hit a guardrail on the right side of the eastbound lanes, according to the Washington State Patrol. His car then continued down the road until it hit the embankment on the right side of the interstate and came to a stop in the ditch. Pappas died before he could be taken to a hospital. He was wearing a seat belt, according to the state patrol. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The right lane was blocked for about three hours. Friends posted on social media that he was returning to the Tri-Cities after attending a tabletop war gaming event in Seattle. An amazing dude whose loss will be sorely missed, posted a fellow gamer. Alexs laugh & smile will never be forgotten and he will be forever part of our community and will never be forgotten. Pappas was a professionally licensed geologist and worked as an engineering program manager for Washington River Protection Solutions at the Hanford nuclear reservation site for seven years before taking a job as a senior project manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific about a year ago, according to his LinkedIn profile. There are no words to describe the sadness that hung over us today, Washington River Protection Solutions posted on social media Monday evening. Counseling was available to employees. For years, Alex worked at WRPS as an engineer, exploring and championing new ideas, the Hanford contractor posted. He was a mentor to many of our interns. Friends and coworkers remembered Pappas as kind and enthusiastic. The Support, Advocacy and Resource Center, or SARC, in Richland, posted that Pappas had volunteered one summer at its summer day camp for children impacted by violence. On career day he brought rocks and displays and talked to the kids about being a geologist, according to SARC. The children absolutely loved him. One young camper said he now wanted to go to college and become a geologist because of Alex. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Princess Martha Louise, the daughter of Norways King Harald, said Tuesday she no longer will officially represent the Norwegian royal house following many questions relating to me and my fiance's role. The 51-year-old princess, who is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, got engaged in June to Durek Verrett, an American who describes himself as a shaman and a healer on his website. At least one foundation for which Martha Louise served as a patron subsequently ended its connection with the princess. I have decided that at the present time I will no longer carry out official duties for the royal household, she said in a statement issued by the palace, adding that the decision was made in coordination with her parents to create peace around the royal household. The princess will retain her title, but the palace said she informed the organizations where she still served as patron that she was relinquishing the role. Her younger brother, Crown Prince Haakon, 49, is the heir to the throne. I am sorry that the princess will no longer represent the royal house, Harald said during a press conference about the issue. The 82-year-old king said that we agree to disagree. Related video: Princess Martha Louise Of Norway Is Engaged To Shaman Durek We have looked at this process from all sides, his wife, Queen Sonja added. This has been a unanimous decision." Harald said Verret probably thought he could do anything without it affecting us. He must also take into account what we stand for, Sonja said. The palace statement said the couple would clarify the distinction between their own activities and the royal household and will not use the title of princess or refer to royals in social media or commercial activity. Bo Gleditsch, secretary-general of the Norwegian Rheumatism Association, told Norwegian news agency NTB it was an orderly and wise decision from our patron. She has resolved this on her own initiative, and thats good," Gleditsch told NTB. Norwegian media have accused Martha Louise and Verrett of allegedly using her royal title for commercial gain along with promoting alternative health care methods. On Instagram, Martha Louise said I believe that alternative methods can be an important supplement to the established medicine." Verrett, 47, will not have a title or represent Norways royal house when he and Martha Louise marry, according to the statement. The pair, who have been together since May 2019, according to Norwegian media, will attend family-related occasions and traditional royal events. Martha Louise has three daughters from her first marriage, which ended in 2016. According to Norwegian media, she plans to relocate to California with them. The palace did not say whether the change for Martha Louise would have any effect on her daughters. Alongside her royal duties, the princess has written books in which she claimed to have contact with angels. A poll published by Norways Dagbladet newspaper last month had 68% of respondents saying they wanted to keep the monarchy. When Norwegian broadcaster NRK asked the same question in 2017, support for the royal house stood at 81%. ___ This story corrects the age of Martha Louise to 51 and corrects that Crown Prince Haakon is her younger, not older, brother. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has hit out at the rank deception of fossil fuel firms with net zero pledges who are still expanding their operations. Mr Guterres was speaking at the launch of a report by an expert group he established last year to tackle greenwashing and gaps in net zero commitments by companies, banks, cities and regions. The report, which has been launched at the Cop27 climate talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, sets out red lines on greenwashing, and standards and criteria for net zero commitments, to ensure they help cut emissions to curb dangerous warming. UN scientists warn that globally, pollution needs to fall to zero overall known as net zero by around mid-century to prevent warming of more than 1.5C, beyond which the worst impacts of climate change will be felt. Net zero commitments can't be a mere public relations exercise if we want to win the fight against climate change. We must have zero tolerance for greenwashing. The report from my Net-Zero Expert Group will help us move to the net-zero future we need: https://t.co/tvMrDeY4ye pic.twitter.com/ZSmWdd5rCH Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) November 8, 2022 Mr Guterres said: A growing number of governments and non-state actors are pledging to be carbon-free and thats good news. The problem is that the criteria and benchmarks for these net zero commitments have varying levels of rigour and loopholes wide enough to drive a diesel truck through. We must have zero tolerance for net zero greenwashing, he said. And he issued a warning to fossil fuel companies many of which have net zero targets but are still investing in new exploration or continued production, are relying on offsets, or are focusing emissions reductions on production, not use, of their oil, gas or coal and their financial backers. Using bogus net-zero pledges to cover up massive fossil fuel expansion is reprehensible. It is rank deception, he said. This toxic cover-up could push our world over the climate cliff. The sham must end, he warned, as he said they must review their pledges and align them with the recommendations in the report. The report by the expert group, led by the former Canadian environment minister Catherine McKenna, says businesses, cities, regions and financial organisations should commit to immediate reductions in absolute emissions across the board. They should have detailed plans, short, medium and long-term targets, and capital expenditure should be aligned with the goals. The reports greenwashing red lines also say that non-state actors can no longer claim to be net zero while continuing to build or invest in new fossil fuel supply, deforestation or other environmental destruction. And they cannot buy cheap carbon credits that often lack integrity to offset emissions, instead of immediately cutting their own emissions. The report also warned they cannot lobby to undermine ambitious government policies directly or through trade associations, and said there should be a move from voluntary initiatives to regulated requirements to effectively tackle greenwashing. The @UN Expert Groups report means those who have put in the work to reach #NetZero will benefit, and those who are greenwashing will need to pick up their game. Read the report https://t.co/7XJBvTiGhK#COP27 pic.twitter.com/fAvmiO1Kym Catherine McKenna (@cathmckenna) November 8, 2022 Ms McKenna said: After consulting with hundreds of individuals and organisations and incorporating the latest research and science, we have a roadmap to ensure that net zero commitments by industry, financial institutions, cities and regions are ambitious, transparent and credible. This is about cutting emissions, not corners. Our roadmap provides clear standards and criteria that must be followed when developing net zero commitments. Right now, the planet cannot afford delays, excuses, or more greenwashing. Expert group member and climate scientist Bill Hare, chief executive of Climate Analytics research organisation, said: If industry, financial institutions, cities and regions mean what they say in their net zero pledges, they will adopt these recommendations. If fossil fuel companies think that they can expand production under a net zero target, they need to think again. 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. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. In the framework of his working visit to the Republic of Poland, the Secretary of Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan met on November 8 with the Secretary of State, Head of the National Security Bureau of Poland Jacek Siewiera. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Security Council of Armenia, the parties discussed issues related to regional security, within the framework of which Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan presented the current regional security situation. The interlocutors outlined the perspectives of cooperation in the security sphere and agreed to continue bilateral discussions. Egypt's president urges developed countries to honor climate financial pledges Xinhua) 08:38, November 08, 2022 Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi addresses the opening of the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit (SCIS) during the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Nov. 7, 2022. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi Monday called on developed countries to fulfill their climate pledges to help developing countries that suffer the most from the climate crisis. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi Monday called on developed countries to fulfill their climate pledges to help developing countries that suffer the most from the climate crisis. Sisi made the remarks in an inaugurating speech to the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit (SCIS), which gathers heads of state and government worldwide here at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Egypt's coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Addressing the summit, Sisi called on world leaders to take real and concrete steps towards reducing emissions, enhancing adaptation to the consequences of climate change, and providing the necessary financing for developing countries that suffer the most from the current climate crisis. "Time is running out for the world and there is no way to retreat from implementing climate commitments," Sisi said. Representatives pose for a group photo before the opening of the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit (SCIS) during the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Nov. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) "It is necessary for developing countries, especially in our African continent, to feel that their priorities are responded to and taken into consideration," he said "These countries bear their responsibility, to the extent of their capabilities and the amount of appropriate support and finance, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, granting them some satisfaction with their position on global efforts to combat climate change," Sisi added. He stressed that this can only happen by creating an atmosphere of confidence as well as taking additional serious steps and of developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments. He pointed out that the world is still facing many challenges that cast a shadow on its ability to reach the goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which is to keep the global average temperature rise this century as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the opening of the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit (SCIS) during the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Nov. 7, 2022. Addressing the climate summit, Guterres warned global leaders of the current climate challenges. "We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator," he said, adding "the planet is fast approaching the tipping point that will make climate chaos irreversible." (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) Addressing the climate summit, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned global leaders of the current climate challenges. "We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator," he said, adding "the planet is fast approaching the tipping point that will make climate chaos irreversible." "Greenhouse gas emissions keep growing, global temperatures keep rising, and our planet is fast approaching tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible," he adds. He noted that humanity must "cooperate or perish" in the face of international crises that have battered economies and shaken international relations. "It is either a climate solidarity pact, or a collective suicide pact," Guterres warned. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) by Nikos Tzoitis He fought a long illness. For 16 years he headed the oldest Christian autocephalous reality, opposed a secularised conception of the Church and relaunched relations with Rome, making the words of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew his own. Istanbul (AsiaNews) - After a long battle against an incurable illness, the Orthodox archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II, head of the oldest Christian autocephalous church, died yesterday morning, as sanctioned by the 4th ecumenical synod. Born Herodotos Demetriou on 10 April 1941, His Beatitude embraced monasticism at an early age, and then attended the prestigious Faculty of Theology in Athens. In 1978, Archbishop Makarios III appointed him head of the ancient diocese of Pafos, where the Apostles Paul, Matthew and Barnabas had preached. With the death of his predecessor Chrysostomos I, in 2006 he entered as an outsider in the trio of candidates for the archiepiscopal throne: he had obtained the least number of preferences, as emerged from the primary voting of the faithful (male and simple clergy), according to the ancient tradition of the Church of Cyprus. The synod then elected him with great surprise as the new archbishop. After centuries of stagnation, during his 16 years in office he breathed new life into this very ancient Church, distancing himself from a secularised conception, also born of geopolitical pressures from various states. Chrysostomos II reconstructed the statute of the synod of the Church of Cyprus. He thus restored dignity to his clergy, until then dependent on political influences, and at the same time founded the Cyprus School of Theology for the training of clergy and laity. What mattered to him was the unity of the Church as the true body of Christ and not as an instrument of personal ambitions. He was one of the most active supporters of the work of the Pan-Orthodox synod in Crete (2016), and worked intensively for the unity of the Church, never claiming privileges. On the Ukrainian issue, he recognised the autocephaly granted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, provoking the wrath of the pro-Russian party in his own synod. Chrysostomos II, however, always tried to reconcile the schism with the Russian world and beyond: he was convinced that the Russian Church was succumbing to a secularised conception. As a reference he had the Synod of Constantinople of 1872, which had condemned 'philetism', the prevalence of a nationalist conception in the Church of Christ. That is why he also regarded Turkish Cypriots as brothers from the same land of God. During his years as head of the Church of Cyprus, Chrysostomos II revived relations with his sister Church in Rome: for his ecumenical efforts Pope Benedict XVI (June 2010) and Pope Francis (December 2021) visited Cyprus. He had also adopted the words of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who considers Rome and Constantinople to be Siamese Churches. Bartholomew will be present at his funeral, the first time for an ecumenical patriarch. by Melani Manel Perera Thefts of cars, spare parts and livestock are on the rise. The number of murders is also up. According to experts, these are the consequences of the financial situation that has gripped the country for months. Colombo (AsiaNews) - Police statistics show an increase in crime over the past year amid the countrys economic woes. Police data note especially a rise in vehicle thefts: as of September 2022, 1,406 were stolen, including 12 buses, 25 vans, 16 lorries, 14 cars, 311 three wheelers, 1,016 motorcycles, and 12 other. According to transport providers, vehicle thefts have grown since spare parts costs skyrocketed. Percy Perera, a resident of the capital, said that on Sunday, while attending mass at St Anthony's shrine in Kochchikade, thieves stole two side windows of his car.. I filed a complaint, but so far I did not receive a good response, he told AsiaNews. The number of killings has also increased. In the first nine months this year, 435 murders were reported compared to a total of 403 last year. According to police, shootings related to organised crime have also increased. For economists, as people become impoverished, they turn to crime because of their financial difficulties. Piyasiri Somaratne, a 60-year-old poultry farm farmer in Kuliyapitiya, told AsiaNews that farmers who raise cattle, chicken and goats are making great efforts to protect their livestock from thieves. "No matter if it is day or night, we have to protect our livelihood from robbers. We must always be vigilant, Piyasiri explained. At the start of the crisis it was very difficult to have a meal a day. We, who ate and drank well have no words about the destruction caused by these politicians and the government. Piyasiri added that expenses have also increased, because to protect the farm, it is necessary to keep the lights on in the chicken coop and barn until dawn. "Then at the end of the month we get an electricity bill for four or five thousand rupees (US$ 11 to 14). In light of this, we wonder whether we will live or die. by sr. Rose Celine A Sisters testimony introduced the meeting with Pope Francis in Manama. We involve ourselves in prison ministry, and visit hospitals, the sick and needy families, she said. In a world changing by leaps and bounds, the nuns educate young minds from migrant families to follow Jesus. Manama (AsiaNews) Along with the contribution offered to dialogue between religions, Pope Franciss recent trip to Bahrain provided a great opportunity to learn about the vitality of Catholic migrant communities in the countries of the Persian Gulf. In this regard, we propose below the testimony given by an Indian nun, Sister Rose Celine, before the pontiff on Sunday in Manama during the meeting with priests, men and women religious, and pastoral workers. In the text she talks about the experience in Bahrain of the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel, a congregation founded in India in 1870 that combines the Carmelite charism with the mission of teaching. Since 1969 the Sisters have been present among Catholic migrants in Kuwait. In 2003 they began their ministry in Bahrain with the Sacred Heart School, providing support for the pastoral activities of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia. I, Sister Rose Celine, would like to give you a summary of our life and mission. The Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel, the first among the Carmelites to be an active mission Congregation, have been pioneers in girls education and faith training. We began our missionary journey in the Kingdom of Bahrain on 3 January 2003 following our foundation in Kuwait. Bahrain, known as the land of smiles, welcomed us warmly. The compassionate and merciful love of the Father urges us to commit ourselves to the service of our people here. We bear witness to the abundance of Gods mercy which warms the heart and rekindles hope in the lives of many. We involve ourselves in prison ministry. In particular, we spend time with female prisoners, sharing the Word of God, counselling and praying with them. Our presence here is a unique sign that God picks us up from wherever we are, and leads us in new and unfamiliar ways towards our goal, lived out under our motto, God alone is Sufficient. We Sisters are involved with different groups in the Church, one of them being the Legion of Mary. The weekly meetings offer us a great opportunity to grow in our spirituality through prayer and community fellowship. Along with the Legionaries, we visit hospitals, the sick, and needy families. We see that the world around us is changing by leaps and bounds. This rapid change is raising new challenges and much that was familiar to us is moving into a certain ambiguity. Yet we respond creatively to the needs of the time, by being mediators of change, hope and transformation both within and outside our community. To help the youth of today we have involved ourselves in the catechetical ministry helping the students in their faith training so that they may be equipped to respond to the rapid changes around them, and face the new challenges that come their way. Opportunities are provided to them by organising quizzes, talent shows and various other activities to enhance their leadership, communication, and creative thinking skills. Every year, we prepare students and adults to receive the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation. Our Foundress, Venerable Mother Veronica, has handed over to us a legacy flowing from her experience of God as her All. Following in her footsteps, we Sisters, nurture the members of the Carmel Blossoms (a lay association for our students), with greater faith and commitment to Jesus. We teach and share the charism of the Apostolic Carmel through various activities and fellowship, educating young minds to live and transform the world with the humane values of truth, justice, love, peace, and excellence. Further to all these activities with different nationalities, we attend parish council meetings and participate in all Church events. During the pandemic, we assisted the priests to celebrate the Eucharist in different languages. Our Blessed Mother, Queen and beauty of Carmel, is our model and she encourages us to efface ourselves in the service of the Church and His people. Insofar as possible, we radiate the joy of the Gospel in and around us. (Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article) Photo: Vatican News by Fady Noun Back from Bahrain, the pontiff appealed to Lebanese leaders. The Maronite patriarch hopes that the pope will be heard. The apostolic journey to Lebanon was cancelled and never rescheduled. The pope remains close to the country and its people, praying for them. Beirut (AsiaNews) Pope Francis launched an appeal on Sunday to Lebanese politicians, urging them to "leave aside self-interest. Since 1 November, the country has been without a president after President Michel Aouns term in office ended. We want the appeal made yesterday by the pope to be heard," Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Al-Rahi said yesterday. "Lebanon is a sorrow for me, complained Pope Francis, during the traditional press conference on board the plane bringing him back to Rome, at the end of his pastoral visit to Bahrain (3-6 November). Lebanon is not a country in itself, a pope said it before me, Lebanon is not a country, it is a message, Francis said. Lebanon means a lot for all of us. And Lebanon right now is suffering. I pray, and I take this opportunity to make an appeal to Lebanese politicians: leave aside self-interest, look at the country and be in agreement. First God, after that the country, then interests. God and the country. Right now, I don't want to say, Save Lebanon, because we are not saviours, but please, you have to support Lebanon, help so that Lebanon stops in this descent, so that Lebanon regains its greatness. Last spring, for health reasons, the pope cancelled a pastoral visit to Lebanon planned for June. Earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis had cited Lebanon during his address to bishops, priests, consecrated persons, seminarians, and pastoral workers at the Sacred Heart Church in Manama. [S]ince I see that some of you are from Lebanon, I assure you of my prayers and closeness to your beloved country, so weary and sorely tried as well as to all [the] peoples suffering in the Middle East. After arriving in Lebanon on Sunday from Manama, where he had accompanied the pope, the Maronite patriarch, Card Bechara Al-Rahi said that King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa reaffirmed his "solidarity with Lebanon". Indeed, "The King of Bahrain told me that he will not abandon Lebanon," Card Al-Rahi said. Lebanon is going through the most dangerous phase of its political and economic history. We hope that they (lawmakers) will listen to the appeal launched yesterday by the pope," said the head of the Maronite Church on Monday at the opening of the annual session of the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon (APECL). Despairing of the political leadership, the patriarch said he was convinced that "those who have made war will not be able to make peace." After meeting several times for a month, Lebanons parliament has yet to agree to a compromise candidate for the countrys presidency. So far, no one has been able to gather the number of votes required for the election (65 votes). In his Sunday homily, Patriarch Al-Rahi had already reproached lawmakers, or at least some of them, convinced that they do not want to elect a new head of state. What value is your parliamentary mandate if you are not free to decide in the election of a president? And if you are free to decide, it is a crime not to elect a free president, he cried out. by Steve Suwannarat Over the next two weeks, scores of heads of state and governments will attend the G-20, APEC and ASEAN meetings, all scheduled in the region. Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia are the host countries. Conflicts in Ukraine and Myanmar will be key issues. Bangkok (AsiaNews) For the next two weeks, Southeast Asia will host high-level events. At the top of the list is the G-20 in Bali (15-16 November), which will have a lot on its agenda, especially the crisis in Ukraine. Two other important summits will take place before and after the meeting in Indonesia. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold its 40th summit next Friday (11 November) with the heads of state and government from its 10 member states. The meeting will take place in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, marking the end of Cambodia's rotating presidency, with Indonesia set to pick up the heavy baton. One major issue will be Myanmar, an ASEAN member that plunged into a civil after the military seized power war on 1 February 2021. So far, ASEAN has essentially reiterated the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of its members, but it faces internal and external pressure for stronger action. The associations five-point plan drawn up last year to end the hostilities and find a solution to the confrontation between the military and the resistance has failed for all intents and purposes. With some members more directly aligned with China, like Myanmar, and a non-democratic regime in a number of member states, coming out with a clear condemnation of Myanmars military regime has proven difficult. The host country, Cambodia, has itself been under the de facto dictatorship of Prime Minister Hun Sen for over thirty years. In light of this, it is hard for ASEAN to provide a concrete response to the Myanmar crisis. While closing the door to the participation of Myanmars strongman, General Min Aung Hlain, the regional organisation continued to welcome "non-political" interlocutors designated by the junta in its various meetings. The post-pandemic crisis, the climate crisis and the conflict in Ukraine are also expected to dominate the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok (Thailand) on 18-19 November. Currently under Thailands rotating presidency, as an organisation, APEC has an economic focus, bringing together 21 countries, whose combined population stands at almost three billion with US$ 42 trillion in GDP. Its aim will be finding ways to bring the region back to adequate levels of wealth and development. However, different views on the issues of democracy and human rights could derail the meeting as was the case for the meeting of trade ministers in May, when the participants could not agree on a final document due to divergent views on Russias aggression against Ukraine. Russia is also an APEC member. by Vladimir Rozanskij Request for EU membership follows the similar one adopted in Ukraine. Approved in parliament at first reading amid protests from the opposition, which claims it is a weapon against politicians disliked by the government. Georgian Dream founder Ivanisvili excluded from its measures as a "patron and benefactor". Tbilisi (AsiaNews) - In Georgia, the new law known as the "de-oligarchisation" law, a term imposed by Europe as one of the conditions for Tbilisi to become a member of the EU, could come into force very soon. The parliament approved the text in the first reading, copying it entirely from the similar Ukrainian law, thereby provoking much protest from the opposition, most of which did not take part in the vote. The opponents of the majority fear that the law could be used as a weapon against politicians disliked by the Georgian Dream, the ruling party, starting with former president Mikhail Saakashvili, in prison and in poor health. The party president Iraklij Kobakhidze has spoken of him in recent days, promising to implement the de-oligarchization decree as soon as possible, and accusing the opponents of the National Movement of 'only being interested in bringing the oligarchs back to power, like Saakashvili and Kezerasvili, and not in fulfilling the demands of Europe... We want to act in the country's sole interest, and do not want to see the return of those who have accumulated millions and billions in blood on the skin of our people'. The ex-president is associated in various accusations with his main supporter, former defence minister David Kezerasvili, now owner of the opposition TV channel 'Formula', as well as bankers Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Dzaparidze, the leaders of the liberal-nationalist 'Lelo' party. In contrast, the founder of the Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanisvili, the richest man in Georgia, cannot be considered an oligarch by his associates, but only 'a patron and a benefactor'. The paradox is that the National Movement opposes the Ukrainian legislative model after being its main supporter, as Saakashvili himself was one of its inspirers during his political activity in Ukraine. Party leader Khatija Dekanoidze, in declaring her vote against, explained that the new law 'intends to put Ivanisvili above the law', where his influence on politics would be undeniable, while 'this cosmetic law is only used against opponents'. The Movement promised some time ago to present an alternative bill, but has so far failed to find an acceptable formula. The vice-speaker in the minority quota, Levan Ioseliani of the 'Citizens' party, went against the trend, agreeing to participate in the parliamentary committee for the preparation of laws corresponding to EU demands. However, he too contested some points of the law on oligarchs, voting against it because 'the law does not correspond to our reality; we have to make a law for Georgians, just as the Ukrainians and Moldovans make laws for their own peoples... we have other types of oligarchs'. According to the various oppositions, several layers of the system set up by Ivanisvili at the time of his leadership remain in all organs of power, with many people from his inner circle and financial structures. The Ukrainian authorities themselves have placed some members of this 'pro-Russian caste' under sanctions, prompting protests from the Georgian Dream. Opponents hope that Ivanisvili himself will be included among the sanctioned, before the six months within which Brussels' response on Tbilisi's new laws is expected. Email Newsletters Get the best of The Aspen Daily News in your inbox. Our newsletters are free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Y-Connect allows the rider to connect his or her smartphone directly to the 4.2-inch display of the infotainment system, which is joined by a 3.2-inch display for the speedometer just above it. Handlebar-mounted switchgear also needs to be mentioned, along with the Y-Connect smartphone app which, will be launched today, November 8th, at 10:00 PM Eastern Time.Regarding satellite navigation, the user is required to install the Garmin StreetCross app on his or her smartphone. As expected, the 4.2-inch display can be used for turn-by-turn navigation. Also free of charge, this app is compatible with both Google Android and Apple iOS devices.Y-Connect can be paired with a Bluetooth headset for music and volume control, as well as the ability to receive calls. Y-Connect further sweetens the deal by displaying text and email notifications, weather forecasts, the phone battery level, connection status, and time on the scooters display.Offered exclusively in Granite Gray , the U.S. version of the Yamaha XMAX for the 2023 model year will be available from dealers beginning January 2023 for $6,099, excluding taxes. Your only engine choice is a single-cylinder Blue Core that flaunts nearly 300 cubic centimeters, a liquid-cooled powerplant crafted from DiASil aluminum for the sake of heat dissipation.The only piston featured is forged, as is the crankshaft. Equipped with a semi-dry-sump lubrication system and a counterbalancer for minimal vibrations, this motor is connected as standard to a continuously variable transmission. Traction control, 15- and 14-inch wheels, disc brakes, a 3.4-gallon (make that 12.87 liters) fuel tank, and up to 75 miles per gallon (3.13 liters per 100 kilometers) pretty much round off the list of goodies. The Panamera in the featured clip, for example, isnt even the most performance-oriented variant offered. Be that as it may, Daniel of Carwow pushed the Turbo S to 11.2 seconds in the quarter mile, which is pretty darn impressive for a family-sized car that weighs 2,080 kgs (4,586 lbs).As opposed to the plug-in Turbo S E-Hybrid that belts out 691 horsepower and 642 pound-foot (870 Nm) of torque between 2,000 and 4,500 revolutions per minute, this fellow makes do solely with the internal combustion side of the powertrain. The 4.0-liter V8 engine, internally referred to as EA825 , makes 621 ponies and 605 pound-foot (820 Nm).On the other lane of the runway, Mat Watson of Carwow runs the quarter mile in the slightly heavier and less powerful Audi S8 in 11.7 seconds. Tipping the scales at 2,220 kilograms (4,894 pounds), the full-size luxury uses the very same powerplant, although tuned for 563 horsepower and 590 pound-foot (800 Nm) from 2,000 to 4,500 revolutions per minute.The S8, which comes exclusively with this V8, manages to win just once from a rolling start. I forget to shift gear, explains Daniel in the Panamera. The following race, it loses badly to the Panamera due to its higher curb weight, less powerful engine, and more laidback character.The all-German showdown in the featured clip was filmed at the runway that Carwows Mat Watson regularly uses for racing videos.Facelifted for the 2022 model year, the A8 plays the luxury game that little better than its Porsche-badged sibling due to the revival of the Horch brand for the range-topping trim level of the A8. Officially designated A8 L Horch, this variant was developed specifically for the Chinese market. The closest thing Porsche has is the Exclusive Manufaktur division, which offers a plethora of customization possibilities for the appropriate money. BMW opens new Designworks studio in California https://t.co/LvEQcLbvbh pic.twitter.com/qWgg8FTgbL Automotive News (@Automotive_News) November 7, 2022 Chuck Pelly funded DesignworksUSA in 1972. Its U.S. headquarters has been at Newbury Park for the last 34 years. The design studio, which started as a consultancy, became a BMW subsidiary in 1995 with additional outposts in Munich and Shanghai.Perhaps the most non-automotive design studio in the industry, BMW's DesignworksUSA is a powerhouse with notable design awards and accolades over the years.Some of its noteworthy work includes the futuristic camper concept of North Face , David Letterman's livery for the new hybrid BMW race car, and business class cabins for EVA Air.The new design studio meant to house its 65 employees was opened on Monday. It's a downshift in footage from 70,000 square feet to 16,000 square feet. According to BMW Group's design director, Adrian Van Hooydonk, the shift is a response to current work-life balance demands.He told Bloomberg that the group didn't want to subject its employees to LA's notorious 101 highway, especially after coming out of Covid's 'work from home' period that has lasted roughly three years.The new space's minimalistic nature is characterized by Scandinavian-style furniture that features warm wood, chocolate browns, and orange tones. The typical hybrid office has small booths, group tables, and individual workstations.A notable omission in the design studio is clay model staging traditionally used in automotive design. According to Van Hooydonk, such large spaces aren't necessary today since most design work has shifted from physical to digital spaces in computers."The space is still just large enough to put a car model in and to look at that if you want to do a check. But the ways of working that we have now are far more connected with Munich. Far more digital. We felt that the footprint of the studio needed to reflect that," he added. MPV The Homtruck was presented in December 2021. It is a semi-truck that can have a battery pack, fuel cells, swappable battery packs, or a range extender. Farizon decided it could also have a Cabless derivative with Level 4 capabilities. Unlike other companies promising autonomous vehicles, the Chinese commercial vehicle company will restrict the Homtruck Cabless to closed environment operation on fixed routes. Farizon names ports and logistics hubs. In the future, it may expand these operational environments.As interesting as that seems, the most crucial product presented by the Chinese brand is the SuperVAN. It will have a wide variety of hats over the platform it introduces. The Geely Multi-purpose Architecture (GMA) is defined as an intelligent dual-redundancy drive-by-wire modular commercial vehicle architecture. Although Farizon states it is the first of its kind, Canoo already sells a steer-by-wire. We suspect the SuperVAN will be similar to that concept.More than its capacity to offer multiple bodies for different applications, the SuperVANs most important goal is taking Farizon to new markets. By 2024, the company plans to sell the new electric commercial vehicle in Europe, Australasia, Southeast Asia, South America, and the Middle East. Thats when mass production starts. In the second half of 2023, small quantities of the SuperVAN will be tested in China.The plan is not only to export the new Farizon. That will be only the first step. As more clients start demanding more significant quantities of these brands vehicles, Geely said it would establish localized R&D centers, knocked-down (KD) factories, and operational branches. Foxtrot 8 is one of the four vessels that won the 2022 Flagships of the Year Awards, Heritage Machines reports, for its public engagement program and media campaign in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.During the 1982 Falklands war, Foxtrot 8 played a crucial part, together with other amphibious craft. An Mk2 Landing Craft, Vehicle Personnel (LCVP), the Foxtrot 8, contributed to taking the task force off the ships and onto the beach, to liberate the Falkland Islands. It also helped provide supplies and support ashore and later transported a second brigade to the location.This is the most famous operation in Foxtrot 8s service, but it did much more than that. Built in 1964 in Dorset, it entered service onboard the assault ship HMS Fearless. Only 43-foot-long (13 meters), it was able to carry either 35 fully-equipped troops or two lightweight Land Rovers. Throughout 19 years of service, this landing craft was active in the Nigerian Civil War, as well as in Grenada, Cyprus, and Lebanon.In 1977, the Foxtrot 8 even made an appearance in the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me. By 1983, all the Mk2 and 3 were replaced by the Mk4 LCVP. It was the end of service for the Foxtrot 8. Luckily, more than a decade later, it was purchased by a boat salvage yard, but many years would pass until funds were finally granted for its restoration.The restoration process was completed last year, and the Foxtrot 8 is now operating at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where its available for harbor tours and private charters.Together with the other three winners, the historic LCVP will receive a 250 ($288) grant and a distinguishing mark visible at its masthead. ICE Stellantis is a massively huge company. Frankly, it is no wonder that some of its brands seem overlooked. And the Italians from Abarth fit the bill until very recently. But together with Lancia (who is also on a Renaissance path of redemption), the European brand wants to recapture the imagination of folks who love their posh automobiles in pocket-like sizes.We are kidding, of course; its just friendly banter on the dimensions of the Abarth range that is fully based on Fiats smallish yet iconic 500 nameplate. Alas, the brand does promise it is all set to launch a new era: new places, new projects, new power. And their first endeavor is the first fully electric Abarth model , which is set for the world premiere on Tuesday, November 22nd, from 2 p.m. Rome time (thats 10 a.m. in Sao Paulo, Brazil or 10 p.m. in Tokyo, Japan).The Scorpions New Era is based on something we already know well that would be Fiats New 500 (aka 500e) fully electric city car. However, the company promises its electric version will be More Abarth than Ever. But that is not all, asfans can also have a little bit of Abarth freshness in their lives.This is because the automaker recently announced the updated (regular) Abarth range, comprised of a simplified model line and coming with a few new ideas. Customers can now choose between Turismo or Competizione, opt for the 165ps/163 hp Abarth 595 or 180 ps/178 hp Abarth 695 , select a color, and fine-tune it with additional new packs. The latter include the fresh Tech or Comfort packs. Of course, there is also a new color: the heritage-inspired (Fiat 131 Racing Volumetrico Abarth) Orange Racing livery. The centre successfully conducted the 15-second hot test of Agnilet Engine for Agnikul Cosmos on November 4, 2022 at its Vertical Test Facility of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Thiruvananthapuram. (Representational Image/PTI) NELLORE: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the lead centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for development of launch vehicles, has facilitated hot testing of a rocket engine developed by an Indian space start-up. The centre successfully conducted the 15-second hot test of Agnilet Engine for Agnikul Cosmos on November 4, 2022 at its Vertical Test Facility of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Thiruvananthapuram. The test had been carried out as part of an MOU between ISRO and Agnikul, thereby providing an opportunity for Indian space start-ups to use ISRO facilities through IN-SPACe (Indian National Space, Promotion and Authorisation Centre). IN-SPACe had been created under Department of Space to encourage, promote and handhold private sector, so that it can participate in the Indian space sector. Through IN-SPACe, private players will be able to use ISRO infrastructure, a decision of the government that has been welcomed by scientific community. There are more than 500 companies that partner with ISRO in carrying out space activities. The broad areas and sectors covered by private companies are providing materials, mechanical and electronic fabrication, system development, and integration, among others. In the post-reforms space, there is also New Space India Limited (NSIL), which helps build satellites and launch vehicles, provides space-based services and enables technology transfers. EV The Taiwanese company will also buy $100 million in preferred stock, but that investment only replaces the $100 million backing in the joint venture it would have with Lordstown. That said, this is an amount that was already committed to the startup and had already been announced, even if not in the same way.Lordstown will put the $70 million from the common stock sale into general corporate purposes. The $100 million will go to the development of a new vehicle with the help of Foxconns Mobility-in-Harmony (MIH) Open Platform . The American startup confirmed it has started working on this new vehicle, but it did not disclose what it intends to build with Foxconn.The safest bet is another electric pickup truck. Lordstown Motors already said that it would focus on commercial vehicles, focusing on fleet owners. That alone restricts the options quite a bit. On the other hand, it also suggests Foxconn may already have the answer with minor tweaks.Just remember the Foxtron Model V , an electric pickup truck Hon Hai presented in October. We wrote at the time that the new vehicle could fit Lordstowns lineup. Considering Foxconn stated categorically that it has no intentions of becoming a car maker only to sell manufacturing services putting a Lordstown badge on it would be a way to sell a pickup truck quickly in the American market.To corroborate that, $100 million is just a fraction of the money needed to develop any new car project. They usually cost north of $1 billion, even with a platform already used by other vehicles. Either Foxconn already has something almost ready for production, or it will need to invest more money in developing the new Lordstown. The first hypothesis makes more sense. On the other hand, theres Android Automotive , the fully featured operating system that comes pre-loaded with new-generation cars and offers more advanced capabilities and deeper integration of Google services.But when it comes to new-generation cars, Google isnt always the one winning the race to bring its software to drivers.In the case of the all-new smart #1 , for instance, the company powering the entire experience behind the wheel will be HERE Technology, often considered a leading name in the navigation software market. Its products are among the top alternatives to the likes of Google Maps and Waze, with HERE also offering a suite of solutions that can be embedded by automakers in their vehicles right from the factory.smart #1 will therefore come with HERE Connected Vehicle Services and access to advanced navigation capabilities, such as up-to-date maps, real-time traffic information, constantly updated POIs with detailed information on on-street and off-street parking, as well as Waze-like warnings of potential road hazards.Given smart has also adopted HEREs SDK, the company can build a companion app that offers more advanced capabilities, including the precise location of charting points.Needless to say, this shows that HERE continues to be a leading name when it comes not only to mapping software but also to advanced capabilities for modern vehicles. HEREs investments in solutions aimed at electric vehicles are rapidly paying off as more and more companies adopt its services for instance, HERE SDK offers high-fidelity vector maps covering no more, no less than 190 countries and 60 different languages. As its name immediately suggests, The Constitution has a lot more prestige than a humble caboose. Like an experienced veteran, this train car invites you to step inside with care and respect. According to the owner, Willie Cade, its one of the three Pullman cars that were completed at the beginning of 1906. Apparently, the president of Illinois Railway Museum also believes it to be the best-preserved Pullman train car in the U.S.These particular trains were meant for charter service, which wasnt cheap. The price for one day was the equivalent of $2,000 today. Thats because it included four bedrooms, a dining room, a kitchen, and an observation room, with two attendants and a cook catering to the passengers. The old Constitution is even said to have hosted not just one but two U.S. Presidents: Warren Harding and Woodrow Wilson.Cade told Trains that by 1930, the Constitution was taken off the rails and turned into a weekend home after Lauren J. Drake had purchased it. Sitting in Plano, very close to Chicago, it stayed in the family as a quirky getaway for years.Cades family eventually decided to turn into an Airbnb , allowing other folks to enjoy this piece of history as well. The best part is that the original interior was preserved for the most part. The modern additions include a bathroom, a master bedroom, and two living rooms with fireplaces. This adds up to a total of four bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus generous socializing areas, enough for eight people to feel right at home.Surrounded by equally-old oak trees, the Constitution continues to sit proudly in Plano, welcoming those who want to learn more about its history while also enjoying a unique vacation. A symbol of excellence and grandeur, Rolls-Royce always knew how to create great vehicles. Apart from that, the brands efforts to keep clients happy no matter what is one of the qualities that put it at the top of the food chain in the automotive world. Now, in an attempt to give back to the community, Rolls-Royce decided to make something extraordinary once again.The Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) collaborated with an artist named Sacha Jafri. He was put on a mission to paint the Gallery of six Phantom Series II models. The man had to creatively and elegantly display earth, water, fire, wind, air, and a conceptualized view of humanity. Jafri accepted the challenge, and Rolls-Royce had to find the owners.In just one week, all six cars were allocated to serious buyers from the Middle East. They will also get an NFT. This digital artwork will not be locked with the car, even though a QR code will be found on each of the cars. The owners will be able to sell them if they wish to. But the QR code will remain etched in the glove compartment. However, if they ultimately choose to get rid of them, a portion of the sale will automatically go as royalty towards charities curated by Rolls-Royce.By selling these unique vehicles as part of the "Six Elements Collection," Rolls-Royce also met and exceeded the original goal of this project it raised over $1 million for charity. The organizations that will receive the money will be announced in December during a private event.According to Rolls-Royce, the main differentiating factor between the six vehicles is the painted Gallery. Thats what the British brand calls its dashboard made from a single piece of glass that can house whatever the owner desires. Customers will most likely be able to choose their preferred configurations for the vehicles, but the artwork done by Sacha Jafri will be unique for each of the six Phantoms Lastly, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Director for Middle East & Africa Cesar Habib said the idea to work with the contemporary artist started after a simple phone call. One of the projects were rooting for is that of spaceplanes being cooked in the laboratories of a company called Space Engine Systems. That would be the Hello-1 (suborbital cargo and crew transporter), and Hello-2 (suborbital and low lunar orbit plane), both capable of making trips to space for as little as $300 per kg.Were a long way from that moment, though, as Space Engine Systems is only at the stage when its getting ready to test a demonstrator for the spaceplanes. In effect a drone named Sexbomb , its meant to prove the capabilities of a turbo-ramjet engine dubbed DASS GNX.The DASS GNX is a turbo-ramjet meant to kick in as an after-burning turbojet at speeds of between zero and Mach 3. When the drone passes past the Mach 3 mark, it behaves like a ramjet, delivering 20,000 lbf of thrust.Although a definitive test flight for the Sexbomb was never announced, we did know the company planned to test the drone over the Canadian province of Manitoba. This week, a change of plans was announced, with the test flight now to take place at Cornwall Spaceport in the UK. The date for it still hasnt been announced, but we are told an upgrade for the DASS GNX is in the pipeline.The initial plan for the Canada test flight called for a stratospheric balloon to lift the Sexbomb to 33.5 km (110,000 ft), from where it would have dropped until it reached speeds of Mach 1.8. Once there, the engine would have ignited, shooting the thing to Mach 5 for about 300 seconds. After the burn had been completed, the drone would have glided down to its home base. Space Engine Systems did not say if the change of location is accompanied by a change of procedure as well. Stellantis is just the latest company Twitter can add to the growing list of large corporations leaving the social media platform. Unsure of the direction the company will take under the leadership of Tesla's Elon Musk, companies are reluctant to advertise on Twitter until there is a clearer picture on how the company will manage posts with regard to misinformation campaigns.Musk paid a king's ransom of $44 billion for the company last week after months of back-and-forth maneuvering. He immediately fired the chief executive and the chief financial officer and shortly thereafter relieved 3,700 people from their posts.In a little more than a week, General Motors, Volkswagen AG, United Airlines, General Mills, luxury automaker Audi of America, and now Stellantis have bailed on their advertising commitments. Several of the companies have stated they are 'pausing' paid posts.We're pausing paid advertising posts until we have a clearer understanding of the future of the platform under its new leadership,the automaker said of Twitter in a statement to Reuters You have to wonder if there is more to it than waiting to see what the Musk way of running the popular social media site will be. As far as the exodus of the automakers goes, it may be worth wondering whether their motivation is based on the fact that Twitter is now owned by the very man who is kicking their collective cans in the electric vehicle market.Just maybe they cannot justify feeding the Musk & Company coffers and want to see Twitter bleed out and draw Musk's attention away from Tesla's continuing dominance in electric vehicles.Everyone will get a good look at Twitter's new open approach to information sharing this week when the mid-term elections unfold in the U.S.Whatever reason for companies pulling away from Twitter, we have all learned not to underestimate Musk. Meet Megafactory, our new Megapack factory in Lathrop, CA ???????????? pic.twitter.com/aw85eHECXI Tesla (@Tesla) November 7, 2022 So it should be no surprise that Musk & Company will utilize the most recent company (Twitter) to come under the Tesla umbrella to keep the world informed and up-to-date on what is going on within the technology behemoth.It just so happens that is what occurred on November 7 as the company tweeted a brief video showing off the inner workings of their new Megafactory just outside Stockton, California, in the small town of Lathrop.The factory is dedicated to producing Tesla's Megapack that, until now, was produced at Giga-Nevada. The company claims the factory will have the capacity to produce 10,000 Megapacks per year which will help keep pace with growing demand. In Tesla's third-quarter earnings call, the company stated that deployments of their energy storage products increased by 62% year over year, totaling 2,100 megawatt hours in Q3 alone.Energy deployments in the Tesla product line are made up of Megapacks, Powerwall , and Powerpacks.The Tesla Megapack battery is proving to be a hit with municipalities by enabling them to store unused energy produced from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power during the day and use the energy to power generators when their production decreases. In Fact, the state of Hawaii was recently able to eliminate its reliance on coal energy because of the effectiveness of the Megapack The short tweet revealed the enormity of the squeaky-clean factory with an ominous sign. The factory appears to be highly automated, with huge robots and gantries moving products about the manufacturing floor, leaving one to wonder how many jobs the factory will create. Back in October of 2021, Tesla stated the factory would provide 1000 jobs for the San Joaquin Valley town and grow to 2000.One thing is certain; Tesla will continue to be omnipresent throughout social media and broadcast news. The asking price is $17,899. Would you buy it? It's certainly something to think about. The pictures show a vehicle in great condition, with a clean engine bay and almost no visible wear. Just remember that it has already driven more than the average distance between the Earth and the Moon, which is around 238,855 miles (384,000 kilometers). Finally, one can only wonder could someone do something similar with an EV in 13 months? How often do you drive long-distance trips? Well, one thing is for sure you might look at high-mileage vehicles with different eyes from now on. It is hard to believe that someone was able to add 248,740 miles on the odometer of a 13-month-old vehicle, but it happened! The best part about it? You can buy it!A self-identified Honda advocate and product specialist trainer named Jason found a 2022 Honda Civic for sale whose previous owner drove it for around 613 miles (987 kilometers) every single day since they took delivery. If at first, it looks like something unfathomable, the Carfax report confirms what the selling dealer says in the listing. It really has that many miles, and, given that it is currently for sale, the number most likely is still going up with each test drive.The car was created by a Japanese brand. Its engine and transmission were sourced from the U.S. The final assembly was done in Canada. The purchase was finalized in Texas . Now that's a good, localized supply chain strategy!Since it was acquired, the car was listed as a personal vehicle. It had only one owner until the selling dealer got it. But given the high mileage, it could be that a small company gave it to more drivers to finish their tasks. Most likely, we are looking at a vehicle used by skilled workers who are required to travel a lot.While some social media users were in disbelief, others said a medical courier could pull off something like this by themselves.This Honda Civic and its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine needed 27 service appointments to keep running without any issues. That means a shop visit was scheduled after every 9,200 miles (14,806 kilometers). Like many enthusiastic surfers, Dani decided one day to drive all the way to South America, looking for a lost paradise. He took a few months off from work and left Oregon, but once he arrived in Nicaragua, his entire life changed. This is the beginning of the story he told Dwell, culminating with the creation of his awesome camper home.Building a house there couldnt have been farther from his mind at the time, even though he studied architecture at the University of San Sebastian in his home country, Spain. The Pastime camper he had purchased in 2019 for only $1,500 was supposed to be just his traveling vehicle and temporary refuge on the beach.At first, Dani only thought of improvising a temporary roof for the camper due to the occasional bad weather. He already knew a lot about tropical architecture after having spent time in places like Guatemala and Bali. Inspired by what he could design in this gorgeous tropical area, Dani purchased a small piece of land (1/2 acre/0.2 hectares) and settled his camper among the fruit trees.Eventually, he decided to incorporate the detached camper into a sustainable, all-natural modular house inspired by local architecture. The entire thing was built and furnished from scratch by Dani and his carpenter friend, Tiemo Riediger. They only used basic tools (a drill and a radial arm saw) and basic materials (locally-sourced teak wood).The result was a 240-square foot (22.2 square meters) thats totally unique and sustainable. The detached camper became the bedroom, with enough space for two beds plus storage space for surfboards under it. The first step was to secure the camper to the ground by placing it on stilts and fixing those onto a concrete base.Next, the two friends incorporated the camper into an open-air wooden frame with a rooftop made of corrugated steel. The camper-turned bedroom sits at one end of the end. At the opposite end, the two built a small bathroom thats designed like a sauna, with plenty of wood. Dani added modern appliances to this.The center of this tropical tiny home is a unique kitchen/living area that connects to the outdoors. Instead of windows, Dani experimented with rustic wood panels operated through ropes and pulleys. As long as the weather is fine, they stay open day and night. The absence of conventional doors and windows makes this area feel much more spacious and closer to nature.As for the outdoor area, hanging paper lanterns light up the place when it gets dark, while a rustic fence made of teak rods marks the propertys borders. Plus, the avocado trees nearby are the best source for delicious breakfasts. This place truly sounds like an off-grid paradise.The young architect wanted everything to be as simple and sustainable as possible. The whole thing only cost around $8,000, including the camper, the tools, and the kitchen basics. How many people out there can say that theyve paid this little for a private heaven?Dani is now living the dream in his own camper house in Nicaragua. For six months each year, he gets to surf all day, chill in the hammock, and enjoy natural foods. During the rest of the year, when he goes back to Spain or hits the road again, his home becomes a temporary retreat for paying guests. Its a win-win situation. Not to mention that the camper house isnt his only project in the area, as he also created similar, tropical-inspired dwellings for other customers there.Danis camper home in Nicaragua turned out to be a life-changing endeavor. Its almost hard to believe that it all started out with a $1,500 camper once riding from Oregon down the Pacific Coast. Sargis Khandanian, a member of the Civil Contract parliamentary faction who sits on the foreign-relations committee, told RFE/RLs Armenian Service that the meeting late on November 7 focused on the latest developments in the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process, in particular, the two latest summits between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Prague and Sochi in October hosted by European leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin, respectively. Khandanian said that except for some details the public knows about the talks from public statements made by the Armenian leadership. The key message was that nothing has changed in our commitments as the peace agenda remains our main agenda today, and we are moving forward in that direction, the pro-government lawmaker underscored. Asked whether a peace deal could be signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan before the end of the year, Khandanian said that it is our desire and Armenia is ready for that. But we understand that it takes two sides to sign a bilateral peace agreement, and Azerbaijan should also aim for that, he added. According to Khandanian, border delimitation is one of the issues that needs to be clarified before concluding a peace agreement. Because the terms [of the agreement] must be clear so that this agreement can be guaranteed. Therefore, it is difficult to say whether a peace agreement can be signed before the end of the year or not. But it remains unchanged that Armenia intends to do this, the Armenian lawmaker concluded. As Pashinian discussed a possible peace deal with Azerbaijan with members of his political team, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan was having a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Washington on Monday. The two diplomats were later joined by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken who hosted trilateral talks at Blair House, a state guest house across from the White House. Before proceeding to talks behind closed doors, in his public comments Blinken praised Armenia and Azerbaijan for taking courageous steps toward peace. 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, adding that 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, the top U.S. diplomat added. In a statement following the meetings the Armenian Foreign Ministry said that the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan shared views on the elements of a possible peace treaty and acknowledged that there is a range of issues that still need to be addressed. Both sides reiterated the commitments undertaken by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in their meetings on October 6 in Prague and October 31 in Sochi. They agreed to expedite their negotiations and organize another meeting in the coming weeks. Both ministers expressed their appreciation to the U.S. side for hosting the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Armenian ministry said. As Russia 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. In a Twitter post on Tuesday, Toivo Klaar, the EUs special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, described the Washington meeting between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers as important. He wrote that it is encouraging that the two ministers are engaged in a substantive process of negotiations for a bilateral peace treaty. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been locked in a conflict over the mainly Armenian-populated Nagorno-Karabakh region since 1988. Some 30,000 people were killed in a war in the early 1990s that left ethnic Armenians in control of the former autonomous oblast inside Soviet Azerbaijan as well as several adjacent districts of Azerbaijan proper. 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 Armenians losing control over parts of the region and seven adjacent districts. Under the cease-fire Moscow deployed about 2,000 troops to the region to serve as peacekeepers. HYDERABAD: TRS working president and IT minister K.T. Rama Rao described the demonetisation, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, 2016, as a 'colossal failure' and demanded his apology. Rama Rao based his demand on recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data which revealed that six years after demonetisation the cash with the public had increased by 72 per cent from Rs. 17.97 lakh crore in 2016 to Rs. 30.88 lakh crore now. The 'failed' demonetisation completes six years on Tuesday, he pointed out while recounting the impact of the decision. Rao on Monday tweeted, "What a colossal failure this Demonetisation was & lets not forget how it crippled the growing Indian economy (sic)." Dubbing it a half-baked idea, Rao stated that this move had led to eight consecutive quarters of slowdown, serving a body blow to the vibrant economy. The fact that six years after that hasty decision to scrap the high-value currency in circulation, the amount of currency with the public had hit an all-time high was proof of the magnitude of the failure of demonitisation, he added. Rao said that when demonetisation was announced, Modi listed out several benefits that would accrue over a period of time. Six years later, it is clear that all those claims have fallen flat. Wild claims were made that it would reduce cash in circulation, end terrorism, reduce black money and counterfeit currency and usher in cashless economy. All these claims have proved wrong, he said. He demanded the Prime Minister to take urgent measures to bring the economy back on track. Addressing army officers in the key Azerbaijani-controlled Karabakh town of Susa (Shushi) on November 8, a day that Azerbaijan marks as Victory Day in the 2020 war, Aliyev referred to one of the terms of a Russia-brokered ceasefire agreement that put an end to a six-week war between the two South Caucasus nations over the Nagorno-Karabakh region two years ago. He stressed that providing the Zangezur corridor is Armenias commitment that it must fulfill. For two years we have not prohibited vehicles from going from Armenia to Karabakh and back along the Lachin road. We are committed to our commitment to free movement. Armenia also undertook to provide a road connection between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. Two years have passed, but there is still no feasibility study [for the road project], no progress, no railroad, no automobile road. How long do we have to wait? Aliyev said, as quoted by Azerbaijani media. Responding to previous similar demands for what Azerbaijan expects to be an extraterritorial corridor via Armenias southern Syunik province also commonly known in both countries as Zangezur, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has insisted that Armenia must maintain sovereignty over any routes passing through its territory. Stressing that Armenia is interested in the general unblocking of transport links in the region, the Armenian leader has said that unlike it is in the case with the Lachin corridor the 2020 Moscow-brokered ceasefire does not require any extraterritoriality for routes via Armenia. Reacting to Aliyevs statement, Eduard Aghajanian, head of the foreign-relations committee in the Armenian parliament, said on Tuesday that Armenia has never assumed any obligation to provide an extraterritorial corridor to Azerbaijan. He reiterated official Yerevans position that this is a red line for Armenia. Our position has never changed on this issue and will never change, the senior lawmaker stressed. In August, Armenia offered to open three checkpoints at its border with Azerbaijan for automobile traffic to and from Nakhichevan, stressing that the routes would operate under Armenian legislation. Baku rejected the offer, citing unsuitable terrain and climate conditions of the offered roads. It insisted instead on a route through the southern part of Syunik where a railway operated in Soviet times. In his todays remarks the Azerbaijani leader also insisted that Armenia must honor another commitment under the 2020 deal and withdraw its troops from the Karabakh territory. What are the Armenian armed forces doing in Karabakh? Our patience is not infinite. And I want to once again warn that if this obligation is not fulfilled, Azerbaijan will take the necessary steps, Aliyev warned, without elaborating. Armenia insists that currently it has no troops in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh where about 2,000 Russian peacekeepers are deployed, and that the terms of the 2020 ceasefire did not require any disarmament among the local ethnic Armenian militia known as the defense army. Aliyev insisted at the end of his speech that Azerbaijan wants peace. His comments came shortly after another round of talks focused on a peace deal between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov, that was hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington. In his November 7 remarks before proceeding to talks behind closed doors, Blinken praised Armenia and Azerbaijan for taking courageous steps toward peace. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. FILE - Menthol cigarettes and other tobacco products are displayed at a store in San Francisco on May 17, 2018. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Philip Morris USA are underwriting an effort to repeal the state's ban on flavored tobacco sales. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The High Court will decide whether the BJP has the locus to file a petition seeking a probe by the CBI (File Photo: PTI) HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court will decide on Tuesday whether the BJP has the locus to file a petition seeking a probe by the CBI or any independent agency into the alleged TRS MLAs poachgate episode. Justice Bollam Vijaysen Reddy after hearing the arguments of the BJP, the police and the government in the petition filed by BJP general secretary G. Premender Reddy, said on Monday that the court will first decide the locus standi of the petitioner. The Court had passed interim orders deferring investigation in the case on the BJP petition. The Cyberabad police wondered how a political party could file the petition and objected to its locus standi. Additional advocate general J. Ramachandra Rao argued that none from the BJP was arrayed as a party in the FIR but the BJP was espousing the cause of the three accused Ramachander Bharati, Kore Nandu Kumar and Simhayaji. It was neither accused nor the victim in the FIR or remand report. Within 24 hours after the crime came into light, the BJP approached the High Court, alleging bias and prejudice and involvement of top police officials, which is a premature move by the BJP, he said. Ramachandra Rao wanted to know how the CBI was an independent agency, when it was following the diktat of the Union home ministry. J. Prabhakar, senior counsel, representing the BJP, submitted that media statements by the Cyberabad police, even before seizing the offence spot, created doubts that the state police was working under the directions of TRS leadership. He said that even the Chief Minister had accused the BJP for plotting the episode. Uday Holla, former advocate general of Karnataka High Court, representing the accused persons, submitted that TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao intended to put pressure on the courts and judiciary, by releasing videos. The court advised another counsel, representing journalist Tangella Shiva Prasad, who is an implead petitioner in the BJP petition, not to comment on personal issues when he said the Chief Minister was targeting the Union home minister and he had bought a copter each for himself and for his legal team. VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday unveiled the logo for the Global Investors Summit 2023, scheduled to be held on upcoming March 3 and 4 in Visakhapatnam. Minister for industries, investment and commerce Gudivada Amarnath said the event will facilitate investments for the state and with the development of Vizag and Kakinada ports gaining momentum, the government will also take up port works at Machilipatnam and Bhavanapadu to promote trade. Amarnath said, Visakhapatnam and Kakinada Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) corridors are the biggest corridors in the country and we are focused on developing them further. Multiple ports and fishing harbours in the state would be completed soon. CM Jagan has set a deadline of December 2023 for completing the Ramayapatnam port. Also, Bhavanapadu and Bandar (Machilipatnam) port works have been fast-tracked. The state government is working dedicatedly to bring in more industries and companies into the state. He said that the state government is focused on giving a thrust to major sectors of agri-food processing, marine projects, defence, EVs, etc. The state is comprehensively focussing on reviving all sectors post the Covid pandemic. Over Rs 1,25,000 crore worth of MoUs in investments were signed at the World Economic Forum conference in Davos earlier this year, the minister said. Amarnath said that the government is also exploring possible ways to utilise its resources to attract investments. While many states requested a bulk drug park, only three states got it. Andhra Pradesh is one of them. Because of this, we got Rs 40,000 crore investments and this will create as many as 35,000 jobs directly and indirectly, he said. Elaborating on the state governments efforts, Amarnath said, The Chief Minister has directed officials to figure out efficient techniques to help MSMEs in the state prosper across the globe. Considering the state's capability, the CM directed officials to learn best practices in agriculture sector from Israel, in electronics sector from Taiwan and South Korea, and MSME techniques from Europe and United Kingdom. He said that roadshows will be organised in USA, UK, Germany, Israel, Taiwan, South Korea and other countries to promote the summit. Amarnath said that while Jagan Mohan Reddy remains the brand ambassador for the state, those currently running successful industries will be the ambassadors for the summit. The minister said that investor summits were not held for a majority of the past three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, following which states are now rushing to organise such events. He cited investors summits in Bengaluru from November 2-4 and similar events in Odisha, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Special chief secretary R. Karikal Valaven, maritime board CEO S.E. Shanmohan, APMSME chairman Vanka Ravindranath, AP maritime board chairman Kayala Venkata Reddy, APTPC chairman K. Ravichandra Reddy and industries advisor L. Sridhar were present at the logo launch event. Gwyn Lewis (left), the U.N. resident coordinator for Bangladesh, speaks to reporters at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Nov. 8, 2022. A.K.M. Moinuddin, general secretary of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, sits to her left. Updated at 4:53 p.m. ET on 2022-11-08 The top U.N. official in Bangladesh voiced concern Tuesday about violence at political rallies, as the U.S. State Department said it hoped to see a high turnout and free and fair elections in the South Asian country. Foreign officials are taking note of the tense political climate in Bangladesh as the main opposition party attracts tens of thousands of people to weekly rallies. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its supporters are demanding that the Awami League government step aside and allow a neutral caretaker administration to oversee the next election, expected by January 2024. People have been injured over the last months ... people have also been killed; so obviously we are concerned, Gwyn Lewis, the U.N. resident coordinator in Bangladesh, told reporters gathered at the National Press Club on Tuesday. Lewis said United Nations officials have had discussions with the government, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies. Protests and rallies are part of democracy and it should be respected, she said. Earlier this week, dozens of people were reported injured in two incidents of violence related to politics in Bangladesh. In Kishoreganj district, some 65 miles north of Dhaka, at least 31 people, including 11 police officers, were injured during a clash between BNP supporters and crowd-control police as the BNP staged a demonstration, officials said. Also on Monday, 15 more people were reported injured in a clash between BNP and Awami League supporters in Jhenaidah district, some 120 miles west of the Bangladeshi capital. The Awami government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been in power uninterrupted since January 2009. The BNP accuses it of massive vote tampering in the last general election. Lewis made the comments a day after U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price responded to a question about conditions for political rallies in Bangladesh. With respect to the political process and the next election in Bangladesh, we hope for a robust civic participation, and the people of Bangladesh ultimately will be able to choose their own government through free and fair elections, Price told a press briefing in Washington on Monday. We urge the Government of Bangladesh to create a safe environment for people to peacefully assemble and to voice their concerns, and relatedly, for opposition parties to campaign without facing intimidation and repression. During a visit to Dhaka on Sunday, Afreen Akhter, the State Departments assistant deputy secretary for South and Central Asia, said the U.S. was working with Bangladeshi civil society actors to ensure that the next general election, expected to be held by January 2024, be fair. Akhter made the remark after meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, according to the Daily Star newspaper. The people will vote for me again We are not worried by comments of concern and advice on how the next general elections should take place. Our party chief and head of the government herself has assured that the next general elections will be free and fair, Momens boss, Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen, told BenarNews on Tuesday. Our leaders position is [this]: I have brought huge development in Bangladesh; I have changed the face of Bangladesh. The people will vote for me again. I would rather not stay in power if they do not vote for me even after doing so much work, Momen said, quoting Hasina. He said foreign diplomats had their own agendas and national interests in mind in making such comments. They want to keep Bangladesh under pressure. They issue such comments ahead of the elections as the government shows more flexibility in an election year, Momen said. As for the concerns expressed by the U.N. official, Many NGOs in Bangladesh provide the U.N. with wrong and untrue information and it is regrettable that U.N. officials entertain the journalists with wrong information, Momen alleged. Zahir Uddin Swapon, who serves as chief press officer for the BNP, said Lewis had accurately spoken about the sentiments of Bangladeshis. The government has damaged the culture of healthy democratic practices and the constitutional rule, destroyed the electoral system and snatched all civil rights. Violence may erupt in such situations, he told BenarNews. A general election acceptable to all parties through reforming the electoral system can save the country from violence. Only then we can restore constitutional rule, he said. BNP began holding weekly rallies on Oct. 12. The party plans to keep holding such rallies through Dec. 10 which marks Human Rights Day around the world. The opposition party is calling for the ruling Awami League to restore an election-time non-party caretaker government system and dissolve parliament heading into the vote, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said last week. Shantanu Majumder, a political science professor at Dhaka University, question how Lewis had described the situation in the country. The political violence and situation have not deteriorated to the extent that the U.N. resident coordinator should use the word concern. I would prefer using the word uneasiness about Bangladeshs current political situation, he told BenarNews. This report has been updated to include some details about fresh incidents of political violence in Bangladesh. Luxury watches under the ASEAN brand to be presented to world leaders attending the summit this week. Around two dozen VIPs at the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh this week will receive a limited-edition, luxury watch that a website for collectors said was worthy of a Swiss or German high end manufacture label. The swag has a purpose, according to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who as host of the event will present the dignitaries the watch this week. It showcases his countrys scientific and technical progress and its intention to become a player in the luxury timepiece market, he said in a Facebook post. But the gifts have also highlighted Hun Sens own interest in fine goods, despite what on paper is a meager government salary, as well as his links to a prominent businessman who has emerged as one his closest advisers. Truly a symbol of Cambodias chairmanship. People dont realized (sic) how these things are perceived by others, do they? tweeted Ou Virak, president of Future Forum, a Phnom Penh think tank that promotes democratic reforms in the country. He said in an email that recipients would likely look at the gift as a Cambodian effort to buy favors. A growing conglomerate The watch was produced by Prince Horology, which is part of the Prince Group, one of the fastest-growing companies in Cambodia that has a seemingly limitless amount of cash to spend. The business began in 2014 as a real estate developer but has since grown to include banking, gambling, tourism and food and beverage interests. The Prince Group is run by Chen Zhi, who was born in China but naturalized as a Cambodian citizen in 2014. Chen is often seen by Hun Sens side during important events, including as part of a delegation that traveled with the prime minister to Havana in September to meet with Cuban government officials. Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news service affiliated with BenarNews, reported last month that Chen was part of a shadowy investment group that purchased a $1.4 billion stake in a Cuban cigar company. The prime minister, who is also serving as the 2022 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), commissioned Prince Horology to produce 25 tourbillon watches for attendees of the ASEAN conference, including the leaders of nine of the 10 countries that make up the regional bloc. Watch aficionado The word tourbillons, which was derived from the French word for whirlwind, refers to mechanisms invented by 19th century watchmakers to counter the effect of gravity on pocket watches accuracy. Advancements since have rendered the instruments unnecessary, but their intricate workings remain sought after among aficionados including Hun Sen, whose own weakness for watches is well-known. Since 2018, the prime minister has been the subject of seven posts by Insane Luxury, a Facebook page dedicated to the expensive watches worn by public figures. Each post chronicles a single watch spotted on the strongmans wrist, collectively representing $13 million of retail-price value. Four of the watches were of the tourbillon variety. Hun Sens detractors have pointed to the discrepancy between his $2,500-a-month salary and the high-end horologes on his wrist, a criticism that was repeated on the news last week that 25 timepieces would be offered to commemorate the summit. (Myanmars ruler, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, was not invited due to the lack of progress in the war-torn country on an ASEAN-developed peace effort.) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen chairs a government meeting, Nov. 2, 2022. [Facebook: Hun Sen] Concerns over corruption Um Sam An, a former member of Parliament representing the Cambodia National Rescue Party, an opposition party dissolved by the Cambodian Supreme Court in 2017, said the money to produce the watches would have been better spent helping victims of recent flooding in the country. Given Cambodias reputation for corruption, Um Sam An said few world leaders would likely wear the watch. Cambodia ranked close to the bottom, at 162 out of 198 countries, in Transparency Internationals 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index. Political analyst Em Sovannara told RFAs Khmer Service in an earlier interview that the leader should have opted for something that highlights Cambodias cultural identity, such as the Apsara sculptures or other cultural emblems. Sok Ey San, spokesperson for the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, dismissed criticism of the gift, noting that presents are a tradition at ASEAN summits. In 2019, for example, host nation Thailand presented visiting leaders and their spouses seven-inch silver garlands in bronze enamel boxes. We can give anything as a souvenir. We can switch types of souvenirs, Sok Ey San said. A growth opportunity Hun Sens Facebook post announcing the gift received tens of thousands of likes and was shared nearly 7,000 times on Facebook. Most commentators complimented what they saw as the excellent craftsmanship by Cambodian watchmakers, as well as Hun Sens leadership. The watches also represent a new opportunity for economic growth in the country, according to Hun Sen. An estimated 2.8 million people live below the poverty line in Cambodia, where per capita GDP is about $1,500, well below what the ASEAN summit watch would likely fetch on the market. Prince Horology has developed a manufacturing workshop and a training center for would-be Cambodian watchmakers. Its first class graduated last week. The limited edition ASEAN watches were all assembled by Cambodian technicians, Hun Sen said. We have branded the watches as ASEAN, but they are made in Cambodia so that they will know that Khmer can produce watches, he said at a commencement ceremony last month, as reported by the Phnom Penh Post. Hun Sen said Monday on Facebook that he planned to wear the watch at the ASEAN summit Nov. 10-13, at the G20 Summit in Indonesia on Nov. 15-16, and then during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Thailand on Nov. 17-18. The handicraft has been reviewed favorably by watch-collector website Deployant, which in a review said the watches are worthy of a Swiss or German high end manufacture label. The dial side is very simple, with a champagne gold dial with Dauphine hands, and dagger applique markers, the website noted. The watch features a sunken subsidiary seconds hand with the engraving of what looks like the Cambodian national flower Romduol. The inner workings of the watch, and its whirling tourbillon mechanism, are visible through a clear backing, emblazoned with the words Made in Cambodia and Prince Horology. Russian President Vladimir Putin tours an open air interactive museum to commemorate the 81st anniversary of a military parade after the World War II era Battle of Moscow, at Red Square in Moscow, Nov. 8, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin likely wont attend next weeks G20 summit in Bali in person, an Indonesian presidential aide said Tuesday, while the American and Chinese presidents are expected to be there. Group of Twenty chair and meeting host Indonesia can expect to preside over a fraught gathering of world leaders, with divisions within the grouping of the globes leading economies over Russias invasion and war in Ukraine. [T]here is a strong likelihood that President Putin will not attend, Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, a member of the Presidential Staff Office, told BenarNews. Russia will still be present, but maybe not the president, she said. Putins Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will participate virtually as an observer at the summit on Nov. 15-16 after having said that he wouldnt if Russias president were attending it, Ukraines state-run broadcaster reported. In an interview with the Financial Times, Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo said he had talked with Putin over the phone and was under the impression that the Russian leader would not travel to Bali. However, Jokowi later told reporters there that the Russian leader may ask to join the meeting virtually, the Reuters news agency reported. According to Siti, the Indonesian leader was still trying to persuade Putin and Zelenskyy to come to Bali in the hopes that their presence could help deescalate the war in Ukraine. Jokowi said leaders from 17 countries had confirmed their participation at the Bali meeting, including United States President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. A few days ago I spoke on the phone with President Putin and President Zelenskyy. They said they would come if the situation allowed, Jokowi said as he inspected summit venues in Bali. If not, just like Zelenskyy said the other day, maybe virtually, he said. Having 17 leaders attending the summit would be an achievement for Indonesia, Jokowi said. In normal times 17 or 18 leaders would attend. These arent normal times, the world is in a very difficult situation, all countries are having difficulties. If the same number [of leaders attend] I think that would be very good, Jokowi said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne quoted Zelenskyys spokesperson on Tuesday as saying the president may attend the G20 summit virtually, Reuters reported. Zelenskyy had previously told Suspilne that he would refuse to attend the meeting in Bali if Putin was there. Political issues are certainly unavoidable Siti, the presidential aide, stressed that the G20 was a forum for discussing economic cooperation. However, political issues are certainly unavoidable, especially since the war [in Ukraine] is still ongoing, she said. As this years holder of the rotating G20 presidency, Jokowi has sought unity within the G20 grouping of industrialized and emerging economies ahead of the summit. In March, U.S. President Joe Biden, who is also expected to attend the summit, urged Jokowi to invite Ukraine as a guest if Russia was not expelled from the group for invading its smaller neighbor in late February. Western countries have condemned Russia for invading Ukraine while other G20 members including China, Indonesia and India have refused to follow suit and maintain ties with Moscow. During the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Bali in July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov walked out at least once in protest of what he called the frenzied castigation of Moscow over Russias invasion of Ukraine in February. He took the action after top U.S., British, Canadian and Ukrainian financial diplomats walked out as a Russian official addressed a G20 meeting in Washington on April 20. Focus on the economy Putins likely absence would allow the G20 to focus on economic issues without being sidetracked by geopolitics, said Riza Noer Arfani, an international relations lecturer at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. Putins absence will be a relief to Western countries, especially the United States, but we should not let them call all the shots, Riza told BenarNews. He suggested that Indonesia build more intensive communication on economic issues with fellow emerging economies such as Brazil, South Africa and China. This was important, Riza said, in the face of an impending recession. According to another observer, the issue of Putins presence in Bali poses a dilemma for Indonesia. As the leader of G20 member, it is important for Putin to attend the summit, but some Western leaders may cancel their participation, said Agus Haryanto, head of the international relations department at Jenderal Soedirman University in Purwokerto. I think the government of Indonesia is expecting a Russian representative to attend in person or Putin to attend virtually, if possible and agreed to by other G20 members, Agus said. Militants identified as former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group take an oath of allegiance to the Philippine government following a ceremonial surrender of their weapons in Jolo, Sulu province, July 30, 2022. Ten members of the Abu Sayyaf Group extremist group have surrendered to government forces in the southern Philippines in recent days rather than risk being killed in a counter-militant offensive, military officials said Tuesday. Since January, 174 Abu Sayyaf suspects have turned themselves in to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the south, including about 40 non-combatants who were providing logistical support to the group, the military said. The overall strength of the Abu Sayyaf Group is believed to have fallen to 130 active fighters in ASGs strongholds on the southern islands of Basilan and Jolo, the military has also said. The former ASG members revealed that due to their groups weakened manpower and capability, they just have to run and hide from the government forces. They grew tired, thus, they surrendered, said Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu. Seven of the Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the task force on Friday, turning in six automatic rifles and a handgun. Three other militants who were allegedly involved in attacks against government troops in the towns of Sumisip, Tipo-tipo and Al-Barka surrendered on Basilan island on the same day. The three identified as Bero Ankun (alias Abu Bero), Ridwan Jikiri (alias Abu Paruk) and Abdulgani Radjuli (alias Ganih) turned over two rifles, two magazines and 21 rounds of ammunition. The military will be relentless in pursuing and catching the remaining terrorists who are still out there, afraid and confused, said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the acting head of the militarys Western Mindanao Command. Founded in the 1990s, the Abu Sayyaf Group, or Bearers of the Sword, is the smallest and most violent of Muslim militant groups in the southern Philippines. It allied itself with Osama bin Ladens al-Qaeda, and carried out large-scale attacks, including bombings and kidnappings of missionaries and foreigners. Later, it shifted allegiance to the Islamic State and one of its commanders, Isnilon Hapilon, emerged as a regional leader. He would lead hundreds of Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern fighters in sacking the southern city of Marawi, during a militant siege that lasted five months in 2017. Hapilon, who was killed at the end of a long-running battle in Marawi, was succeeded by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, whose operations were based largely in Jolo. Sawadjaan masterminded the bombing of a Catholic church in January 2019 where an Indonesian couple who strapped bombs to their bodies killed themselves and 21 others, Philippine officials said. Military intelligence officials have said they believe that Sawadjaan was killed in a July 2020 shootout. While authorities never recovered his body, Sawadjaan has not been heard from since. Hyderabad: The image of Rahul Gandhi has undergone a transformation among the people. The Congress leader has moved close to the underprivileged and those striving for justice. Right from the day he entered Telangana on October 23 till the culmination at Madnoor on Monday, a feature of the yatra has been the enthusiastic support he has been getting from all sections of society. During his 12 days of walking in Telangana, he interacted with various groups and everyone narrated their woes. The smile intact, Rahul Gandhi came up with comforting assurances of what the Congress would do for them once it retains power. Amina Javeed, a lawyer from Hyderabad, said Rahul Gandhis vision for this county has attracted me. He wants to involve each and everyone, especially youth, in the reconstruction of India. That is the reason we believe that this is not a political walk. Kotha Swathi, a student of Osmania University, told him about scholarships and fee reimbursement problems the students were facing in the state. His persona, which is reassuring, is so unlike other politicians. We see a better India through him, she said. Maria Tabassum said there was no iconic leader in Congress for a long time. This image of Rahul Gandhi, with a grey beard, and his urge to restore Indias greatness has reassured our trust in the Congress. 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. Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu has bobbed up again. He rises like a cork which comes up regardless of the forces by which it gets pushed down like, in his case, electoral politics and graft cases that seem to lie suspended in keeping with the slowness with which the wheels of justice are known to move. He has risen again in the electoral waves of an Israel that has been swinging to the right for two decades now, but with a definitive recent shift propelled by the will of youth voters who will be more dominant in the polls in the years to come. The whole of Latin America has been seen swinging to the left marking a distinct movement that should prove fascinating to students of politics. But just as the liberals may have been taking heart from such a development, Europe has seen a rightward shift in a clutch of countries like Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Hungary while the centrists have just managed to cling to power like in France. The signals from Bibis latest comeback carry dangerous portents because of the rise of some of those on whom he has leant on. The rise of the 46-year-old Itamar Ben-Gvir of the far-right Jewish Power Party as the kingmaker in the prevailing equation means that whatever little chance remained of a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue has evaporated. So too was any prospect of tensions easing among Israeli Arabs and in Gaza, which in any case were minimal after the disturbances in the wake of an Israeli raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem last April. The importance of Mr Ben-Gvir in the current dispensation points to the increasing attractiveness of a Jewish ethno-nationalism, worship of the creation of Israel and adoration of the power of armed forces, and not only in the electoral scene. With his claims to representing the far-right as well as the Israeli mainstream, his projection of himself as a future Prime Minister of Israel is not to be dismissed lightly. Grateful as Bibi must be to the far-right elements for another term as PM, he may be unable to do the balancing act like before. It may be a very different Israel with which allies and friends will be dealing though this bigger swing to the right might make little difference to the India-Israel ties that have progressively strengthened in the time of Bibi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People walk outside Twitter headquarters in San Francisco on Friday. Employees were bracing for widespread layoffs as new owner Elon Musk overhauls the social platform. 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. Officials with a local union gather before taking a tour of General Dynamics Mission Systems in Pittsfield last week, joined by their union's national president, Carl Kennebrew, third from left. Others are, from left, IUE Local 255 Vice President Kyle Brownell; IUE Local 255 Vice President Ken Greer; Kennebrew; IUE Local 255 Business Agent Bryon Waterman; IUE Local 255 President James Mole; and IUE Local 255 Secretary/Treasurer Andrew Burdick. NORTH ADAMS Several balloons were tied to the side of Doris Cotes Church Street home. Hugs & prayers, one read. The message I love you adorned two others. Neighbors remember Cote as a sweet and friendly person. The news of her death shocked the quiet neighborhood. A police car outside of the home recently was an odd sight, neighbor John Lord said. He grew up in the neighborhood and now lives down the street, and he had never seen a police car outside her house before. Doris took frequent walks in her neighborhood and would always stop to say hello, said Lord and his girlfriend Dorothea Haskins. She had a cheery way about her, Haskins said. Everyone in the neighborhood knew her, Lord said. It was a pleasure knowing someone as sweet as Doris, Haskins said. Our hearts go out to the family. Its a horrible tragedy. Cotes granddaughter, Kelsie Cote, 26, pleaded not guilty on Monday to multiple charges in connection with Cotes death. Neighbors were surprised to learn of Kelsie Cotes arrest in the case. It almost seems theres no way shes done that, said Brianna Lord, John Lords daughter who went to school with Kelsie Cote and described her as tiny, sweet, harmless. It doesnt match up to the person we know, Haskins said. Graziana Ramsden has been Doris Cotes neighbor for about 20 years. I was very much taken aback by the news of her death, Ramsden said on Monday. Like Haskins and the Lords, she also remembers seeing Doris Cote taking walks in the neighborhood, often with her husband, Ray, before he died early this year. She was always very kind, very jovial. Always in a good mood, both of them, Ramsden said. We will remember her as someone who was truly a wonderful neighbor. Ramsden, originally from Italy and a language professor at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, learned about the community through Cote. She would tell me some North Adams local history from a personal point of view of her own. Thats fun, Ramsden said. I think that its always interesting to hear local stories by people who have lived them it gives you a completely different perspective as an outsider. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Our Opinion Our Opinion: On an Election Day with much at stake, please take up your civic duty and vote Of the close to 1 million ballots already cast, the secretary's office reported, more than 776,000 shipped back their ballots to clerks' offices through the mail. NEW DELHI: In open and productive talks with Russian foreihn minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday in Moscow, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar once again conveyed Indias message to Russia that this is not an era of war and that New Delhi advocates a return to dialogue and diplomacy on the Ukraine conflict as well as respect for international law and support for the UN Charter, in what clearly articulated New Delhis anguish over the prolonged conflict. The minister also said the global economy was too inter-dependent and that any conflict would have adverse implications for the world, including in food security. The two foreign ministers also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and the special strategic partnership between the two in defence, trade, investment, energy, space and civil nuclear energy. Mr Jaishankar also referred to the substantial and time-tested bilateral ties with Russia and the initiative to make this more durable, sustained and balanced. Emphasising the need -- at a joint press conference with Mr Lavrov -- for the time-tested bilateral defence relationship to continue smoothly, Mr Jaishankar also conveyed Indias growing concerns over the trade imbalance with Russia amid flourishing and thriving bilateral trade ties. Mr Lavrov said bilateral trade between the two nations was already about $17 billion and the two nations will increase that to about $30 billion. Mr Lavrov also spoke of economic cooperation with India in the Russian Far East region and the North-South transport corridor. The Russian foreign minister said Russian technologies in the civil nuclear sector will continue to give India access to clean and safe energy, adding that both nations also discussed the joint production of modern weaponry. Other issues discussed at the talks included Indias concerns over cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, the Indo-Pacific region, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the need for the Taliban to fulfil its commitments and the necessity of not allowing Afghan soil to be used for terrorism against India. Mr Jaishankar echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modis words to Russian President Vladimir Putin uttered at the Uzbek city of Samarkand in mid-September this year that this is not an era of war. He added India would support any initiative to stabilise the global order. In his opening remarks ahead of the talks, Mr Jaishankar said: Our meeting today is, of course, devoted to assessing the state of our bilateral cooperation; exchanging perspectives on the international situation and what that means to our respective interests. Where bilateral ties are concerned, you would agree that it is our objective today to fashion a contemporary, balanced, mutually beneficial, sustainable and long-term engagement. Especially as our economic cooperation increases, this is a significant imperative. We would be discussing how our shared goals are best achieved. He added: Where international situation is concerned, the last few years of the Covid-19 pandemic, financial pressures and trade difficulties; these have taken a toll on the global economy. We are now seeing the consequences of the Ukraine conflict on top of that. There are also the more perennial issues of terrorism and climate change, both of which have a disruptive impact on progress and prosperity. Our talks will address the overall global situation as well as specific regional concerns. India and Russia engage each other in an increasingly multi-polar and re-balanced world. We do so as two polities who have had an exceptionally steady and time-tested relationship. Mr Jaishankar also met Russias deputy PM 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, that was also held on Tuesday in Moscow. In his address there, he said: Our two countries have a long tradition of close cooperation and friendship which is reflected in our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership The cooperation between our two countries continues to make steady progress. I believe, we are on track to achieve a target of $30 billion in terms of the annual trade turnover. He added: I am confident we will be successful in realising the optimum potential of our trade and economic relations. And that we will also be able to address the trade deficit and market access issues that are between us. LEWISTON - The Lewiston City Council will again look at determining the city's official stance on dam breaching by considering a resolution to support keeping the four lower Snake River dams at their regular meeting on November 14. In May, the council considered a resolution after hearing from both sides of the issue but it failed to pass. The motion failed by a vote of four to two. Council members Hannah Liedkie and Luke Blount supported the resolution. Blount announced his resignation from the Council in July. A final report issued in August by Washington Governor Jay Inslee and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, said they approve of dam breaching, but the benefits provided by the four giant hydroelectric dams must be replaced before the dams can be breached. A report released last week said Washington residents' electrical cost could increase $330 per year, on average, through 2050 if the dams were removed. The report was co-published by the Washington Policy Center and the American Experiment think tanks. The 3,033 megawatts capacity for power generation that the dams provide accounts for roughly 10 percent of the Evergreen States total generation capacity, according to the report. Replacing that capacity could cost up to $34.3 billion, a figure that is on the high end of dam power generation replacement estimates. The additional costs account for the needed upgrades to electrical transmission and storage capacity inherent with the intermittent nature of replacing hydroelectric generation with renewables such as wind and solar. The average household paying more for heat this winter, the White House urges Americans to wear facemasks, Covid causing a surge in alcoholism, a new survey ranks the unhappiest places in the country. Plus, the true story of the pilgrims and the voyage of the Mayflower. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Older age is the most important risk factor for dementia, with prevalence increasing exponentially after the age of 65 Japan-based pharmaceutical firm Eisai Co. has announced that its Thai sales subsidiary Eisai (Thailand) Marketing Co. has made an agreement to collaborate in supporting access to treatments for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, in Thailand with Thai Life Insurance Public Company. In Thailand, the number of people suffering from dementia is expected to increase significantly from the current 600 thousand to 1.1 million by 2030 due to the rapid aging of the population, and the financial burden of the people suffering from dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and their families due to care is also expected to increase. With this agreement, Eisai Thailand, together with Thai Life Insurance, which has expertise in the design and development of life and medical insurance products, will work together to design insurance products to cover dementia, including Alzheimers disease raise awareness of the disease, and build a dementia ecosystem to secure access to next-generation Alzheimers disease treatments in Thailand. Police in the Philippines have implicated the country's prison chief as being behind the killing of a journalist. Percival Mabasa was shot dead in October when he drove into his radio studio. According to the BBC he had reported on allegations of corruption by Bureau of Corrections director general Gerald Bantag. Police have also charged Bantags deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta with murder. The alleged hired gunman Joel Escorial turned himself in last month after his face was captured from CCTV cameras. According to Al Jazeera Mabasa was murdered by two assailants who were hired on a $9,400 contract. Seventy-three percent of South Africans use loyalty programmes and Clicks ClubCard is the most popular among consumers, according to the latestwritten and released by local customer loyalty consultancy Truth. Source: Clicks The whitepaper is a comprehensive annual snapshot of the loyalty habits of over 33,000 South African adults with a gross monthly household income of R10,000 or more. For the first time, there is additional insight into the loyalty behaviour of South Africas mass market consumer included in the loyalty whitepaper. Most-used programmes Clicks ClubCard has regained its position as the most used loyalty programme in South Africa, for the fourth year since the whitepaper series began in 2015. According to the report, 79% of South African consumers who use loyalty programmes claim to use the Clicks ClubCard programme. At the recent Leaders in Loyalty Summit organised by Truth, Melanie Van Rooy, head of marketing at Clicks Group stated: Meaningful and personal customer relationships have become key in the modern retail environment. The war of the wallet and mind space of the consumer is more fiercely contested. This has propelled us to really re-think our loyalty programme and the way that we interact with our customers through traditional relationships. Truth & BrandMapp South African Loyalty Whitepaper click to enlarge Pick n Pay Smart Shopper has dropped to second place after occupying the top spot last year. The relatively new loyalty programme from Checkers, Xtra Savings, has gained ground on other retailers in the top 10 and now occupies third position, ahead of Dis-Chem Benefit, Woolworths WRewards, Spar Rewards and Makro mCard, Shoprite Xtra Savings and TFG Rewards. Outside of the retail sector, FNB eBucks and Spur Family Card retain their top positions as the most used financial services and QSR/restaurants loyalty programmes, respectively. In terms of the loyalty programmes that South Africans claim they cant live without, both Discovery Vitality and Standard Bank UCount are the winning brands in terms of being indispensable to their members. Average of 9.2 programmes per person The South African market has been consistent over the past six years in terms of over 70% of South Africans using loyalty programmes. Amanda Cromhout, CEO of Truth states: South Africa is a mature loyalty market. We have exceptional loyalty experiences in South Africa and the results in the 2022 Truth & BrandMapp Loyalty Whitepaper confirm this once again. We have seen an explosion in the volume of programmes which South Africans use over the past eight years. This has grown from an average of 3.6 programmes per person to 9.2 programmes in 2022. Cash continues to remain king Cashback from points remains the number one loyalty benefit of choice; all ages, income and genders vote for cashback. Interestingly, the BrandMapp study asked consumers if they prefer to save points for a bigger reward or to be instantly rewarded. Customers tend to fall into three groups: those who wish to save points for a bigger reward, those who wish to be instantly rewarded and those who want both. Surprisingly, consumers still prefer to swipe a loyalty card than identify themselves via apps or other digital means like digital cards. Shoprite Xtra Savings dominant among lower-income consumers For the 2022 loyalty whitepaper, there is additional insight into the loyalty behaviour of South Africas mass market consumer, based on a parallel loyalty study by MoyaApp, reaching consumers with a household income of R10,000 or less. Eighty-two percent of mass market consumers are using loyalty programmes and the loyalty programmes strongly influence their choice of shopping and banking brands. Shoprite Xtra Savings is the most used loyalty programme for the lower-income consumer, followed by Pick n Pay Smart Shopper. The most used financial services brand is Capitec Live Better, a relatively new loyalty offering in the South African market. The 2022 loyalty whitepaper findings offer great insights for brands looking to become market leaders in loyalty. In todays competitive environment, staying close to your customers via a loyalty programme is a must and a powerful strategic tool to help you serve your customers better, concludes Cromhout. Sakhumnotho Group Holdings (SGH) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pakworks Proprietary Limited (Pakworks) together with management, a company indirectly majority-owned by Afgri Group Holdings. Pakworks was founded in 2000 when Paul Grobler founded the company as a joint project with Simba. In 2000, Simba made the strategic decision to transfer Heilbron's peanut and Chipnick business to local management under Paul Grobler, who was then in charge of Simba Isando and the Heilbron plant. In South Africa, Pakworks manufactures NikNaks, Doritos, and Simba peanut variations on behalf of Simba, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PepsiCo. Pakworks is the largest co-manufacturer in South Africa and the second largest in the AMEA region. The company produces two million packets of NikNaks per day. Pakworks sources the finest raw ingredients from trusted South African suppliers and adheres to strict food safety regulations and quality control systems throughout the manufacturing process to create amazing snack products that are always fresh and full of flavour. The focus is on operational and organisational expansion, as well as strengthening its position as the leading employer in the community. SGH identified the Pakworks asset as a priority follow on investment in the sector. The intention of the Group is to build scale in the food processing sector (and agriculture as a whole) regionally, nationally and across the African continent. The transaction will result in Sakhumnotho Group holding 85% in Pakworks with Jan de Beer retaining 15% in Pakworks. Jan de Beer will remain as CEO of Pakworks and the company will look to enhance its BEE rating. Prof. Sipho Mseleku, president and CEO of Sakhumnotho Group Holdings, said on the agreement: The acquisition aligns perfectly with our objective of extending our investment portfolio. It gives us a presence in what is becoming an increasingly growing food segment. The demand for convenient snacks is increasing due to changes in social and economic patterns and increased expenditure on food and beverages. As one of the prominent players, we intend to focus on expansions and mergers as strategies to cater to the increasing demand from consumers. This will give us a competitive advantage in the market. According to Jan de Beer: I believe that the new partnership with Sakhumnotho will further strengthen and enhance the relationship we have built over many years with PepsiCo. Sakhumnothos BBEEE credentials together with a depth of business management resources and expertise will be a great enabler to continue the growth of the business. Together with Sakhumnotho, the Pakworks team will continue to focus, not only on sustainable business performance, but also on embracing our social and environmental management obligations. BusinessTech offers a range of advertising options which make it easy to reach the business owners who visit the site every day. BusinessTech is the best online platform to reach South African business owners, thanks to its position as the largest business news website in the country. Its leading position in the business space makes it the first website business owners, company directors, C-level executives, managers, and professionals visit each day. This is evident when looking at BusinessTech's monthly audience, which includes: CEO/director 131,000 Business owner 856,000 Senior management 712,000 Middle management 1,331,000 Junior management 1,085,000 These readers are highly influential in terms of the purchasing decisions their businesses make, thanks to their positions of authority. Equally important is the fact that these business decision makers share the information they absorb from platforms like BusinessTech with their peers. In the case of business owners, this can mean an amplification of information which they find relevant and valuable. Advertising on BusinessTech BusinessTech offers a range of advertising options which make it easy to reach the business owners who visit the site every day. This includes sponsored articles with social media amplification, homepage takeovers, display banners, Business Talk interviews, video reviews, dedicated mailers, and more. BusinessTech's marketing team also takes care of all aspects of an advertising campaign including targeting, performance optimisation, and reporting. To find out more about advertising on BusinessTech, click here. Source: Supplied The retailer states that the new online shop will feature an "impressive range" of popular products for every room in the home, with a strong focus on new and exclusive online-only premium brands, such as Zwilling, Staub and Siemens. It will also feature the latest range available in stores, such as the TCL brand which recently launched in South Africa. Bonus Smart Shopper benefit Customers will earn Smart Shopper points on the new online store, but they will also get 10% back on every purchase to spend on groceries. This 10% cash-back will be redeemable over 10 months in any Pick n Pay supermarket and will be automatically loaded to customers Smart Shopper cards. This bonus Smart Shopper benefit is in addition to any special offer, such as its daily launch deals and upcoming Black Friday deals. Shoppers can select from thousands of products across various categories. This includes large and small appliances, televisions and tech, home & kitchenware, baby, outdoor and more. The range is set to expand in the near future with the launch of new product categories, the retailer says. Nationwide delivery will take place within two to five days and costs R99, and delivery is free for purchases over R500. There is no basket limit on orders. Accelerating e-commerce Online shopping for the home has really accelerated over the last few years. Our new service aims to take advantage of this trend and will offer an easy, convenient shopping experience," says Vincent Viviers, retail executive: omnichannel at Pick n Pay. We have created an inspirational online shop that lets customers shop for their homes, from the comfort of their homes. Our nationwide delivery and Smart Shopper benefits mean that Pick n Pay Home is both practical and affordable. The website was designed to help customers quickly search for and compare the prices of products. We have used artificial intelligence to make sure our customers get fast, personalised results for precisely what they are looking for. During the last six months, Pick n Pay reported an online sales growth of 82%. One of the early adopters, Pick n Pay launched its scheduled delivery business in 2001. Last month the retailer increased its on-demand offering with the launch of its new PnP Groceries on Mr D service, tapping into Mr Ds 2.5 million active customer base. We are very excited about Pick n Pay Home, our latest online offering. We have built an excellent nationwide scheduled grocery business and can now deliver the same excellence for our customers homeware needs, concludes Viviers. Has the Land Bank finally turned a corner? Possibly. Fields of wheat are seen on farmland on the banks of the Orange River near Van der Kloof, South Africa, File. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings The state-owned company, which provides loans to established and emerging farmers, is profitable again after being on a money-losing streak for two years since 2020. The Land Bank pencilled in a profit of R1.39bn for the year to 31 March 2022, from a loss of R711m in 2021, and a loss of R905m in the previous year. The Land Banks latest profits were largely driven by crafty but legitimate accounting practices. The Land Bank quickly wrote off soured loans of farmers to ensure that manageable and not large losses were recorded an exercise that contributed to about 93% of its profits. Also boosting its profits were gains or income it received on its investments and the reduction of company expenses, mainly managing its loan book worth more than R20-billion internally rather than paying fees for someone else to do so. Read the original article on Daily Maverick. With 38 of its 54 states being coastal or island states, it is no surprise that Africa is home to over 100 port facilities, including massive terminals in Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in the south, and Mombasa and Dar es Salaam in the east, and Lagos in the west. 90% of Africa's imports and exports travels by sea. The volume of trade through these ports is enormous with South Africa alone in pre-pandemic 2019 handling almost five million TEU (20 foot container equivalents) with just over 9,000 ship calls nationally. However, few of these ports operate optimally, lacking a fully integrated rail and road system which enables all of the operational elements to speak to each other, and for freight and logistics companies to monitor the progress of their goods. Manually operated loading and offloading at the ports is fraught with potential dangers and delays and the entire sector is therefore failing to extract the most out of what could be a far more lucrative freight economy. Together with Huawei, Tianjin Port in China has built an intelligent horizontal transport system at the terminal of Section C in the Beijiang Port Area, achieved through unified data sharing using smart technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, big data and IoT. Huawei and its partners transformed Tianjin Port into an intelligent and zero-carbon port, with scenario-based solutions and embedded cloud, AI, and 5G technologies. Ports are where cargo begins and ends it journey, says Jiang Kaimin, senior marketing expert at Huaweis customs and port business. Ports must operate every single day and delays in any part of the process of arrivals and departures, shoreside operations, horizontal transport, yard and gate operations and tractor trailer transport can result in enormous financial loss. In Tianjin, Huawei has used cloud based centralised dispatching to increase port-wide efficiency. With the introduction of an intelligent horizontal transport system, the port has resolved the disadvantages of existing systems, with autonomous vehicles travelling multiple paths through the port complex, safely and efficiently. Precision positioning allows for 90% of quay cranes successfully aligning on the first try, maximising time and operational efficiency. African ports can benefit enormously from digital transformation and adopting smart systems that will keep supply chains moving smoothly. The digitisation of Africas ports is a logical solution to meet the increasing demand of increased freight transport volumes. Thus, it will enhance Africas trade efficiency, investment attraction, and bring about huge economic and social development. Even as African governments are investing in expanding port infrastructure to alleviate congestion and delay, which adds a lot to the trade costs, they need simultaneously to look at digitisation for the operational aspects of port management. The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA) is another important factor in the need to increase port efficiencies, said Yang Chen, vice-president of Huawei Southern Africa Region. As well as handling the additional volume of regional trade, improving port operations through digital transformation will further enable Africa to integrate in global markets. Increased use of 5G, AI and AR technologies in the scenario-based solutions such as those introduced by Huawei into Tianjin Port can improve not only portside operations but can also assist in the overall integration of transport nodes into and out of ports, which is currently a weakness in a number of African countries. Fully connected road, rail, air and port models will position African port operations at the forefront of smart, safe and environmentally sound hubs for the export and import of goods on which the continent relies. A survey conducted by Savanta ComRes, which was commissioned by Vodacom, has revealed that digital tools can help farmers in Africa fight climate change, but government support is urgently needed to support the increase of these tools. Over 200 farmers across South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Egypt were asked how they feel about digitalising their farms, and how they are handling different threats like environmental challenges, geopolitical and societal pressures, as well as supply chain issues, which have caused a rise in equipment and materials costs. As expected, climate change is top of the list of threats facing farmers in Africa. Nearly all farmers surveyed in Africa (93%) say climate change is affecting the financial viability of their farms. And around half of African farmers say that they have been impacted to a great extent by climate change (45%). This number rises to 62% in Tanzania and 52% in Kenya. Other threats cited by farmers include low market prices for crops and livestock, increased operating costs and a lack of support from the public sector. War in Ukraine impacts availability of crucial farming resources Results also show that the war in Ukraine is having an impact; creating concern among farmers around fuel and energy costs, as well as the availability of key agricultural resources. The African markets are mostly worried about increased fuel and energy costs (52%), and the availability of fertiliser (42%). In addition, there was increased concern expressed among farmers from Egypt (51%), and South Africa (44%) about being cut off from existing markets. How technology can help. The survey results highlight how digital technologies can help farmers manage with fewer resources and secure the future success of their operations; 89% of respondents in Africa felt this way and more than half of farmers said they were optimistic about the future of farming as an industry. The use of digital agri tools is already widespread. The survey found that close to half of the farmers in Africa are already using digital tools to reduce water use (41%) and to improve soil health (42%). There is also clear evidence that farmers are willing to further invest in digital technology to help them combat issues like climate change. Almost all of the surveyed African farmers (94%) plan to invest more in digital tools in the next 12 months. But there are challenges. While farmers are keen to invest in future digital technologies, adoption isnt easy. The cost of devices and other hardware is another prominent barrier for 48% of African farmers surveyed; access to reliable mobile connectivity and the cost of applications and software are other challenges. Sources and types of supply With farmers expressing a clear desire to use technology to overcome the challenges presented by climate change, the question is: what support is needed to help them do so, successfully? While most of the surveyed farmers acknowledge that they are getting some help from government already, it is not enough. Around half (55%) of surveyed farmers in Africa say their government is taking action to support them and 87% of African farmers want more government support. However, they are not only seeking financial support. Around 54% of farmers in Africa want assistance with training to help them make better use of digital solutions, which indicates that addressing barriers to the adoption of digital technology may start with addressing the lack of confidence in using these new technologies. Connectivity is also a key ask; 36% of respondents say that better mobile internet connectivity is something their governments can do to enable them to use more digital tools and solutions on their farms. "Our farmers are facing unprecedented challenges and they need help. It is incredibly encouraging to see that this community is already embracing digital solutions and that they understand the value these tools and technologies offer. But more must be done to ensure that African farmers fully embrace precision agriculture, comments Shameel Joosub, CEO at Vodacom Group Limited. "Our farmers are willing to invest in digital tools and they are keen to use these tools to transform their operations. Governments working together with the private sectors must take note of the issues they face so that they can help these farmers to mitigate the effects of climate change, use farming resources and inputs more effectively and better provide for themselves, their families and their communities." The brand, for example, has made strides in heeding this call to action, increasing network coverage across rural areas in its markets, and making affordable handsets available to millions of Africans to date, In Tanzania, the M-Kulima mobile platform connects smallholder farmers to a wealth of information and resources via short message service (SMS), unstructured supplementary service data (USSD), and interactive voice response (IVR). M-Kulima provides timely weather forecasts that help farmers plan around climate change and offers important market information to help farmers get the best price for their products. M-Kulima is also integrated with the financial-services platform M-Pesa, to nurture financial inclusion by providing a mobile-phone-based money transfer service and enabling payments and micro-financing. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the end-to-end DigiFarm platform available via USSD or via the app provides everything from basic farming advice to more advanced and mechanised support, much in the same way that M-Kulima does. Methodology The survey was conducted online in Europe and by telephone in Africa by Savanta Comres in 13 countries: Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Turkey, for Europe; Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania, for Africa. Fifty farmers were surveyed in each market, except in Romania, where 21 were surveyed. Respondents were from a cross-section of farm sizes. Fieldwork took place in September and October 2022. In the South African medical aesthetic landscape, Dr Maureen Allem and Victor Snyders have created one of the leading medical aesthetic clinics through a unique blend of medical excellence and entrepreneurial flair. The clinic is one which competes on a global scale as a result of the fact that the clinic is a business that is ultimately about a passion and not profit for both of them. Both Victor and Maureen had a desire to change people's lives and, through their work, give people the gift of self-confidence in ensuring that they become the best version of themselves. Dr Maureen Allem & Victor Snyders The fact is that the lives they change continue to be as much the patients lives as the employees within every growing and constantly evolving business. An organic growth Dr Maureen, who had qualified as a healthcare professional, saw an opportunity to see patients privately for medical aesthetic treatments. Dr Maureen, medical director and founder, runs and owns Skin Renewal with her business partner and life partner, Victor Snyders. Victor and Maureen didnt ever sit down in 2004 and think, lets build this business it happened organically, and they had no idea where the business was going. It grew from Dr Maureen operating from her apartment into a multi-branch and then multi-provincial offering. Reinventing the constant The essential difference is they force the journey through the doctor but in a way that the medical aesthetic doctor and medically trained therapist are equal. Every patients Skin Renewal journey begins with a doctors consult, following which the doctor and therapist work together. To ensure synergy between doctor and therapist, Skin Renewal created its own in-house training academy. Very early on, it adopted a culture of rapid and frequent change - change is underlying and constant - we reinvent ourselves constantly, states Victor Snyders. The organisation doesnt change for the sake of doing something different. Still, it engenders a culture of a willingness to embrace change, constantly reinvesting in the business as there is a high redundancy rate in technology. There is the need to reinvest and reinvent. In building the business, Victor made as many mistakes as possible. He believes, if you limit your mistakes to being small mistakes and leverage your success to being a success weighed venture capital. When something is not working, stop trying to be right. Redefining leadership Victor and Maureen make a phenomenal power couple as Maureen is the medical director, ensuring that the business remains one of South Africas leading medical aesthetic clinics in its solutions. Victor is the business brain with a unique ability to find opportunities in adversity and troubleshoot to ensure that there is no lost opportunity at any point. Victor, decribes himself as a generalist as, although he is an architect by profession who spend many years in the property development industry specifically in retail development, brings with him a huge understanding of retail and consumer behaviour. Maureen is the specialist. Although they describe themselves as Beauty and the Beast. The perfect blend of scientific knowledge with a vision and business acumen has made the business excel and continue to grow. Victor and Maureen have mastered the creation of systems. They attest to the fact that they have been able to scale a personalized business in which individual approach is integral to the fact that they have created and implemented effective systems. They constantly ask and access what is the path that ensures consistency but allows personalisation. Virtually every business function is in-house, marketing, HR, finance, training, and logistics; they dont use outside other than on a freelance basis. It allows people with experience and qualifications in another industry to be involved in a business like theirs and bring a different perspective. They teach outside people the industry inside out and try to balance the two. Victor and Maureen are also mindful of the importance of not only attracting but retaining good staff. In building a business which employs over 200 people there is a huge opportunity for growth to ensure that the talent pool remains strong. Senior members of staff are from diverse divisions within the business and ensure that the business also has continuity and is robust and not solely reliant on Victor and Maureen. Maureen and Victor also built Skin Renewal on the premise that you treat yourself as an employee. They believe, Separate the fact that we own a business that is an investment division from the fact that we run a business as a role when we talk as a shareholder and as a person who manages the business. We need to ensure we have the ability to wear different hats and put the interests of the business first. Techno-alignment Dr Maureen believes that when it comes to catering to the ever-evolving need of the healthcare space, it is critical for healthcare companies to align their offerings with the latest advancements. She states, the difficult thing is understanding the technology you acquire - is it sustainable or is it a fad. All technology is positioned as the industry panacea; hence one needs to know which things to follow and adopt. Further, she believes that you are stuck with it once you embrace it. Investment in technology and machinery is capital intensive. Pandemic learning The pandemic meant that the company created systems (systemisation) - part of it out of necessity. Maureen and Victor could not be at the coal face and had to find ways to monitor and measure the sales floors business, so they created systems to give them strategic input. Victor emphasizes, data was accessible, and systems were put into place so that we could analyze the business performance and make decisions accordingly. Effective communication also became key. Victor is passionate tech guru having self taught himself the intrcties of numerous anyaltics tools. Everything within the business is measured in real time, benchmarks are created and KPIs put into place. Due to the implementation of real time measurement system Victor is able to ensure that the business is nimble and able to respond to changing dynamics immediately. Valuable piece of advice When asked about their valuable advice to the budding entrepreneurs, Dr Maureen states, Choose the team you surround yourself with but wisely. She further advised enthusiasts aspiring to venture into the healthcare business, No fear. You have prepared to make mistakes. On one side, its an ego-driven thing, and on the other, a finance-driven one. People. Above all, the ethics, the ethos, and the morality of the people you employ have to be in line with the company. People either get what we do and are part of it - any skill can get taught, but fitting into the Skin Renewal mold is either intrinsic or not. Future map When narrating about scaling Skin Renewal, Victor states, we are in a fortunate position where we dont have to grow because the shareholders require growth; the growth has to be organic. He believes the business opportunity for growth is for people in the company to grow. This puts the company in a position to be very picky, and it doesnt grow for growths sake but where the opportunity is right. He further states, we are very selective about how and why we grow. Variations in the business model to expand into SA or Sadic markets/ Internationally. Another important thing is recognizing we dont have a single business; we have multiple businesses that need to be run differently and create flexibility in the structures (nuts and bolts). We have 18 clinics, and each one has its nuances, states Victor. This last comment is key as Skin Renewal boasts 18 clinics but due to the South African climate and the fast that the 18 clinics are based in 3 different provinces they cater to different skin types, different languages, different cultural nuances. The marketing team under Victors leadership needs to ensure that each marketing activation and campaign works effectively at a micro level. For print and design purpose Company: Skin Renewal Featuring: Dr Maureen Allem, Founder and Victor Snyders, CEO Quote: Skin Renewal is the perfect blend of scientific knowledge with a vision and business acumen that has made the business excel and continue to grow. URL: www.skinrenewal.co.za Petrol station Engen is launching a new convenience food retail offering, called Cafe 365, at its new-look Quickshop & Co. premium stores. Source: Supplied Serving up snacks and refreshments for customers on the go, Engen is targeting an extensive national rollout of Cafe 365 across its network of more than 1,000 service stations by the end of 2023. The first convenience two convenience cafes are set to open in the Western Cape this November at Engen Protea Heights Convenience Centre in Brackenfell and Engen Tierberg Convenience Centre in Parow. This will bring the Cafe 365 experience to patrons across South Africa ensuring ready access to its friendly and convenient food experience, which features a range of everyday treats, tasty baked goods and healthy snacks, accompanied by Engens unique blend of coffee that originates from Guatemala, Brazil and Tanzania, says Enoch Hermanus, Engens general manager: retail. Source: Supplied Cafe 365 has been thoughtfully designed with South African lifestyle needs in mind, meaning whoever you are, or wherever youre headed, you will feel at home and very welcome at Cafe 365 every day of the year, he adds. Engen states that the company is focused on continually evolving its food convenience offerings and forecourts to meet customers changing needs. Always here and always welcome, Cafe 365 and Quickshop & Co provide the quality, value and variety that all Engen customers can trust while on the move, says Hermanus. Business Developer - Solar PV Location: Johannesburg Remote work: Remote work allowed optional Education level: Degree Job level: Mid Own transport required: Yes Travel requirement: Often Type: Permanent Reference: #candiBD Company: candi solar Job description Meeting or exceeding quotas for overall sales target and KPIs Generating profit by building and maintaining a sales pipeline in South Africa and Africa in line with the candi strategy Prospecting clients in the C&I space Developing strong business relationships with key industry players such as EPCs, channel partners, industry associations, regulators, etc. Taking ownership of and driving the sales process to guarantee a deals success working with stakeholders to clear technical, administrative, regulatory and financial aspects Working closely with the Engineering team and other support functions to guarantee the delivery of the project to the client in a timely manner Reporting and actively using and updating candis CRM tool (Salesforce)to reflect business development activity Analysing sales metrics along with feedback from the market and trends to determine whether current sales strategies are effective and how they may be adapted Supporting the Marketing team with all relevant events, meetings and conferences Innovating and implementing processes and tools to streamline the teams activities Staying informed on, and analysing the impact of, energy policy and regulatory changes. You agree to live out the candi values every day of your employment: this includes to put empathy before ego , being authentic no matter what , that we work as one and follow the candi principle that less is more , being , that we and follow the candi principle that A dynamic, cross-functional team player, willing to take initiative on projects in the context of a multicultural scale-up trying to execute big, bold ideas. Having experience working for an international company, or having studied or worked abroad, is considered a plus. Remote working is the norm but must be prepared to work in the office as and when required. You must be open, honest, trustworthy, a strong communicator, and understand that what we get done as a team surpasses what we get done individually. candi is an equal opportunities employer. We focus on helping businesses of all sizes in emerging markets get access to cheap, clean rooftop solar energy. We have a strong emphasis on a client-centric & innovation-driven working culture. We are an international team where remote working is commonplace, where we trust our team members to actively carve out a role for themselves according to their skillset. Requirements Tertiary qualification (preferably Business Administration, Marketing or an equivalent degree in Engineering coming with experience in sales) First-hand experience of business development in renewable energy, other infrastructure, finance or other related industry in South Africa, preferably in your assigned geographic area Proven track record of hitting target and KPIs Ability to juggle multiple tasks from client acquisition to closing Ideally joining with an existing network of potential clients, partners (EPCs/ commission agents) to tap into across the C&I sector in South Africa. Exposure to, or a good understanding of, solar financial (or similar/related) products Financial modelling and commercial contract understanding are a plus Being savvy with creating, selling and clearly communicating techno-commercial proposals to a non-technical client audience Display a track record of thriving in a fast-paced sales environment, able to work towards and hit KPIs. Being a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit is paramount The role will include a significant amount of travelling to meet clients, which you must be very comfortable with Must be very comfortable working in the digital realm, using tools such as Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office, CRMs and other tools such as Asana, Slack, etc. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, written and spoken English required, Afrikaans or African languages is a plus Company Profile: candi is a dedicated rooftop solar company for businesses across Asia and Africa. We bring together international capital, through our Swiss-based platform, and local expertise in order to provide a unique offering to this underserved sector. In doing so, candi aims to have a big social impact, reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, increase energy access, and save money for businesses of all sizes in emerging markets. www.candi.solar Job Summary: The company is looking to recruit an ambitious and energetic Sales professional, who will help candi to lead the solar revolution. Given that candi is taking solar into a new realm with a new set of tools, the role will require creativity, innovation and a new way of thinking.Specifically, the job requires taking ownership of the following for the South African team:Location:oror(combined with working from home)Hours: Full time (80%+ will be considered depending on the circumstances)Working culture:candi is unique because...The application must include a cover letter - included in this letter should be a brief discussion regarding why you believe you would be a fit for this role and for candi solar.Only qualified candidates will be contacted.Posted on 08 Nov 11:53, Closing date 7 Jan South Africa: Public hearings into water agency bill kick off Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, has emphasised that the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) is not the solution to the current challenges facing the country, but it would work simultaneously with other projects to alleviate water issues. Phillips was speaking during a public consultation held in Boksburg to present the draft National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Bill. The Director-General recently kicked off the national public consultation for the draft NWRIA Bill for public comment and input from sector stakeholders. The Bill seeks to establish the NWRIA, which will result in the bulk water infrastructure, its asset management and revenue collection functions integrated, owned, and managed under one entity and be able to raise finance for requisite further infrastructure development. The NWRIA is to be registered as a State-owned company in terms of the Companies Act, 2008 (Act No. 71 of 2008) and listed as a major public entity in terms of schedule 2 of the PFMA. Phillips said the aim of agency is to get a better method of funding than what the department is currently managing. He said an agency would be better positioned to raise funds from sources other than the fiscus, from which the department is currently dependent. In terms of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), listing and authority, credit rating and condition of assets, the agency could raise commercial and development finance, domestically and internationally, while for some projects, it could also enter public-private partnerships. Other rationale for the establishment of the agency include governance and transparency. Establishing the NWRIA will strengthen governance and transparency in the water sector by separating the roles of player and referee. The NWRIA will [also] address the current fragmentation of asset management and revenue collection functions for national water resource infrastructure, Phillips explained. The mandate of the NWRIA is to: Implement water resource management infrastructure as identified in water resources planning processes within Department of Water and Sanitation; Manage national water resources infrastructure of both economic and social nature; Generate and collect revenue from the sale of water as its primary source of income; Develop options to increase the sources of revenue, e.g., recreational use of assets and hydropower; Raise commercial funding on the strength of its balance sheet and operational cash flows (actual and projected) for commercially viable projects; and Facilitate public-private partnerships. Phillips said the department is also planning and implementing a range of major projects to augment national bulk water resource infrastructure, these including Lesotho Highlands Phase 2 and uMkhomazi projects, amongst others. This, coupled with the addressing of non-revenue water at municipal level and improving billing and revenue collection across the water value chain, among many others, said the DG. The draft bill has been published for public comments before being sent to Cabinet for approval. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-11-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Busy agenda points to key role in world By XU WEI (China Daily) 08:42, November 08, 2022 This photo taken on Oct 16, 2022 shows the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua] Visits by foreign leaders, two big events show China's strong global engagement China has again drawn global attention over the past week with a highly packed diplomatic agenda involving four official visits by international leaders, an import expo that attracted enterprises from 127 countries and regions, and a global conference on wetland protection. Analysts said the timing of the visits and the two grand events held by China, which took place less than two weeks after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, epitomized the strong desire of various nations to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the country and to explore the opportunities offered by its vast market. "The string of high-level meetings is a testament to China's growing stature on the world stage, and its increasing willingness to engage with other countries on a wide range of issues," said Andy Mok, a research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization. President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, hosted visits by Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz from Oct 31 to Friday. The president also delivered speeches via video link at the opening ceremony of the fifth China International Import Expo on Friday and the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on Saturday. It was Trong's first overseas visit since he was reelected to the current position, and the first visit to China by Sharif, Hassan and Scholz since taking office. During talks with the four leaders, Xi explained the key outcomes from the 20th CPC National Congress, envisioned the growth of bilateral relations and promoted a host of important cooperative projects. Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the China Institute of International Studies' Department of American Studies, said one of the key messages from the talks is that China has remained true to its general direction of deepening cooperation with various nations and attaining win-win cooperation. Guo Yanjun, director of China Foreign Affairs University's Institute of Asian Studies, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that Vietnam and Pakistan are both key neighboring countries of China, and the latest visits have charted the way forward in promoting bilateral relations and building a community with a shared future between both sides. Su, from China Institute of International Studies, said the latest high-level exchange between China and Tanzania is another example of the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith being upheld by Beijing, and spoke volumes about the level of importance China attaches to unity and cooperation with Africa. The whirlwind one-day visit by Scholz, who was accompanied by a team of German industry executives, marked the first visit by a European and G7 leader to China in almost three years. In a social media post after his visit, Scholz highlighted reliability and trust as two values playing important roles in German and Chinese culture. "At the same time, they form the basis of diplomatic relations and political partnerships. It is a good thing that we met in person and held talks," he wrote. Su said the fact that the German chancellor has taken the lead among European leaders in visiting China and conducting face-to-face dialogues with Chinese leaders was a forceful response to theories about decoupling and set a fine example for positive interaction with China. One of the major messages from Xi during the talks and his keynote speech at the CIIE was that China will continue to widen its opening-up and share opportunities with the world. Mok, from CCG, said the visits by leaders from all over the world show that China is serious about its responsibility as "an increasingly important member of the global community, and demonstrate its confidence that its hard-won insights and experience can contribute to a safer and more hopeful world". (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Our president, who originally said he was going to help bring our nation back together after four years of Trump, was back to pounding wedges again this week, speaking of Republicans as fascists, even though he was the leader who chose to stand in the dark, backlighted by fierce red like Hitler at a night rally only a few weeks ago. by Jonathan Turley: Last night, President Joe Biden returned to his earlier claim that his political opponents are fascists seeking to establish authoritarianism in the United States. While the hellish red background is gone from his controversial Philadelphia address, the message remains: a vote for the GOP is a vote for tyranny. Despite polls showing citizens view the President as inciting political unrest and potential violence with such attacks, the theme was quickly picked up and magnified in the media. Presidential historian Michael Beschloss actually suggested on MSNBC that we could be just days away from an authoritarian hellscape if the GOP prevails in midterm elections raising the specter of our children being taken away and killed. If you thought that the election was being decided on the top polling issues of the economy, crime, and classic kitchen table issues, think again. On MSNBCs All In with Chris Hayes, Beschloss went all in on the democracy-or-death pitch before the midterms: [S]ix nights from now, we could all be discussing violence all over this country. Theres signs that may happen, may God forbid, that losers will be declared winners by fraudulent election officers, or secretary of state candidates, or governors, or state legislatures We could be six days away from losing our rule of law, and losing a situation where we have elections that we all can rely on. You know, those are the foundation stones of a democracy Joe Biden is saying the same thing tonight, and a historian 50 years from now if historians are allowed to write in this country and if they are still free publishing houses and a free press which Im not certain of but if that is true, a historian will say what was at stake tonight and this week was the fact whether we will be a democracy in the future, whether our children will be arrested and conceivably killed. So much for gas prices. The choice is now voting Democratic or lining up your children in front of a firing squad. (Strangely, it will only be our children and not adults targeted by the roaming GOP goon squads). However, it will all be off-the-books. After all, Beschloss warned Hayes, we both write history, you and I and he is not certain that historians [will be] allowed to write in this country if Republicans gain a majority in Congress. In other words, there may be no history books, no living children, and no democracy, but feel free to vote your pocketbook, America. At the same time, Democrats and the J6 Committee are pursuing those who engaged in similar inflammatory rhetoric leading up to the January 6th riot. The airways are also now filled with warnings from leaders such as Hillary Clinton that the midterm elections are about to be stolen. Likewise, many are campaigning to ban books by figures like Justice Barrett in the name of protecting free speech. The alarm raised over many of these GOP candidates is particularly ironic since Democrats spent millions to support the most conservative candidates in Republican primaries. Those candidates (now denounced as election deniers) prevailed in their primaries with Democratic campaign support and could now win in states like New Hampshire. It is all perfectly Orwellian, but it is not particularly effective. With the over-the-top rhetoric and open bias in the media, the public is tuning out many in the press (which is at record lows in trust). This is becoming a type of primal scream session among friends, cathartic but confined. President Biden was widely criticized for his Philadelphia speech, but he and others are now doubling down on this type of reckless rhetoric. The likely effect will be to incite further violence and to give license to the most unhinged in our society. We reported earlier today that the royal commission on the robo-debt scheme had dominated question time in the House of Representatives today. The inquiry is investigating how the scheme went ahead despite government departments knowing the debt calculation method was illegal. The evidence at the royal commission today included testimony from a public servant who said she was ashamed about lacking the courage to speak up against the robo-debt scheme despite knowing it was illegal. Serena Wilson, former deputy secretary at the Department of Social Services, told the royal commission that deliberate, specific and comprehensive legal advice was provided to the Department of Human Services (now called Services Australia) before the program was rolled out. She believed this advice was not passed on to Scott Morrison - then social services minister - because there was some role confusion between the two departments. Wilson described Morrisons ministerial style as fast-moving, energetic and highly interactive in a verbal setting. She said her own understanding of the scheme was different to what was implemented by the other department. At the time, I thought we had come to an understanding ... the essential elements of what became the robo-debt scheme, and in particular the income smoothing or averaging, would not go ahead, she said. In hindsight, I was clearly wrong. But when she realised in 2017 that income averaging - an unlawful calculation method - was being used to determine debts, she did not alert anyone. Wilson said she lacked courage and was consumed with other responsibilities. Human services were running and implementing the program and it was a difficult position [for me] to be in, she said. Now, Im ashamed and in hindsight I could have spoken up. The commission heard Wilsons notebooks that could have contained details of meetings about robo-debt were destroyed when she retired. They were not official records, they were personal jottings that were mainly lists, she said. Robo-debt, which operated between 2015 and 2020, was an initiative of the former Coalition government that falsely accused welfare recipients of owing money. Hundreds of thousands of Australians were sent debt notices under the scheme, which recovered more than $750 million. Yesterday the commission heard that people who did not respond to debt notices issued under the failed robo-debt scheme were assumed to be satisfied they owed the money. Commissioner Catherine Holmes said the cynical view was that the department went ahead with the program because the pilot showed more than half of people who were issued notices wouldnt respond, and the debt could then be raised. But the former director in the departments compliance branch, Jason Ryman, said they wanted customers to engage with them. The commission is accepting submissions from people affected until February 2023, with a final report due by mid-April. There have been media reports that the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has raised questions about some dealings that have involved Premier Daniel Andrews. Anti-corruption agencies like IBAC have a tremendously important role to play in our societies and they should strenuously hold politicians and public servants to account. Since its formation in 2013 IBAC has conducted many investigations and as a result, exposed problems and raised the level of public administration in Victoria. Premier Daniel Andrews has been the subject of reports involving an IBAC investigation. Credit:The Age There was resistance to the formation of IBAC. The common theme at the time was that Victoria was not mired in the depths of corruption that tainted pre-Fitzgerald Queensland, or that which passed for normal politics in NSW. However, when it got down to work it did find significant breaches in areas such as transport, education and corrections, to name a few. Each of these investigations led to improvements in government performance. Comparatively, Australia is a low corruption country. Ordinary Australians can go about their daily business without the fear of being shaken down by corrupt public servants. Australian politicians do not take a cut of the budgets for which they are responsible and stash the funds in secret offshore accounts. But this does not mean that we should be complacent about corruption. The Syndicate in its meeting held on Monday deliberated on all the agenda items and few of them are as follows. The Syndicate has accepted all the recommendations made by the Board of Finance in its meeting held on dated 14.10.2022. The Syndicate approved Vice Chancellor to nominate two University Associate Professors on the Academic Council for the remaining term upto 31.1.2024 and two University Assistant Professors (one from the Science Faculty and one from other Faculties) by rotation, on the Academic Counil for the remaining term upton 31.1.2024. The Syndicate deferred the grant of temporary extension of affiliation to Institute of Management, C/o DAV College, Sector-10, Chandigarh, for MBA (Two Year Course) Ist and 2nd year (60 seats each) for the session 2021-2022. The Syndicate accepted the minutes dated 22.08.2022 of the Committee, with regard to Faculty Strength Audit in the matter regarding break up of 1378 teaching positions. The Syndicate in the recommendation of the Regulation Committee dated 31.10.2022, has approved to follow the UGC guidelines in toto in context to Ph.D. The Syndicate has accepted minutes of the Committee held on dated 08.08.2022 to examine the placement of those faculty members in the Master Seniority list, who joined in the year 2005 i.e upto 31.12.2005 The Syndicate accepted the proposed honorarium on account of holding the additional charge of the posts of Registrar and Controller of Examinations, Panjab University, Chandigarh. The Syndicate accepted the minutes dated 17.10.2022 of the Committee, to frame templates and application forms for direct recruitment for Assistant Professor, Associate Professor. VC Raj Kumar apprised the house that Prof. Indu Pal Kaur, Chairperson, UIPS was awarded with the prestigious National Intellectual Property Award for year 2021 & 2022 for being the top Indian Individual for patents filing, grant and commercialization. The award was presented by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry for her magnanimous achievement. Dr. Indu Pal Kaur The Syndicate deferred to the next meeting to the adoption of Gazette notification dated 30.03.2022 of the Chandigarh, Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated 29.03.2022 and notification No.28/17/94-IH(7)-2022/5169 dated 30.03.2022 of Department of Personnel, Chandigarh. Earlier VC Raj Kumar apprised the house that Prof. Indu Pal Kaur, Chairperson, UIPS was awarded with the prestigious National Intellectual Property Award for year 2021 & 2022 for being the top Indian Individual for patents filing, grant and commercialization. The award was presented by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry for her magnanimous achievement. He told that University is proud of featuring of names of 27 faculty members in the list of top 2% scientists. The analysis was conducted by a team of scientists at Stanford University, USA, assessing scientists for citation impact during the calendar year 2019 and the database was published in a journal on October 16. Elections to the Panjab University Campus Students Council were conducted peacefully during October, 2022 with the distinct help and support of the UT administration and our university officials. With pro-active cooperation of all stakeholders, the 3rd Global Alumni Meet of our vibrant university has been successfully held on November 4-5, 2022. Sh. Jagdeep Dhankhar ji, Honble Vice President of India and Chancellor of our university inaugurated the same. The house pay homage to the departed soul, Professor M.M. Puri ji, former Vice-Chancellor on October 10, 2022 and two-minute silence was observed. MELBOURNE, Thursday.-Dramatic evidence was given to-day to the General Court-martial which trying Private Edward Joseph Leonski, 24, U.S. soldier, on charges of having murdered three women. Witnesses alleged that Leonski had confessed to them that he had committed the crimes. The report of the Medical Board which examined Leonski to determine the question of his sanity was submitted to the court-martial. It stated that Leonski was not insane and never had been. It revealed that his family relationships had always been unhappy. His father, a Russian, had been a chronic alcoholic, and had been very cruel. One of his brothers had served a term in prison, another was shiftless, and a third was in a mental hospital. According to the report, Leonski had said that he was ready to take his punishment He did not want to live because this will always be thrown up at me. I KILLED, I KILLED Leonski is charged with having murdered Mrs. Ivy McLeod, 40, at Albert Park, on May 3; Mrs. Pauline Buchan Thompson, 31, at Spring Street, Melbourne, on May 9; and Miss Gladys Lilian Hosking, 40, at Parkville, on May 18. Mrs Ivy McLeod, Leonskis first victim. Excerpts from the hearing: A first-lieutenant of the United States Military Police said that he had told Leonski that a woman named Thompson had been murdered and the body found in the alley. Witness asked him whether he knew anything about it. Leonski said: I remember a woman singing to me, and looking into my eyes. She seemed to be just singing for me. We were in a hotel drinking. When I went broke she continued to buy drinks. When we left the place, she picked up her bag. We walked along the street, and as we were walking she was singing in my ear. She had a nice voice. We came to a long flight of steps. I wanted her to keep singing, and I choked her. How could she keep singing when I choked her? I ripped her clothes. I was afraid someone would see me. I wanted to get back to camp, but I had no money. I picked up my cap, and her bag, got two-and-a-half pounds and threw the bag away. I then took a taxi and went back to camp. NEVER BEEN INSANE Leonski is not-insane, and never has been. Cross-examined on the report of the Special Board, a U.S. Army major said that the description psychopathic case as applied to Leonski implied inability by the patient to adjust himself to his environment. It did not refer to intellect. Loading The fact that an individual was unable to adjust himself adequately to his environment did not mean that he was insane. Sky gazers were treated to the spectacular sight of a blush-coloured moon above Sydney as the last total lunar eclipse Australians will witness for three years illuminated the night sky on Tuesday night. The total lunar eclipse, or blood moon, began at 8.09pm in Sydney and NSW, as the sun, Earth and moon aligned, and the shadow of the Earth fell across the moon. The blood moon in Sydney. Credit:Steven Siewert Stellar astrophysicist Dr Devika Kotachery, from Macquarie University, was among 400 people who gathered to watch the event from Observatory Hill. Crowds of amateur astronomers and photographers also flocked to vantage points, including beaches and the harbours edge, to capture the full moon turning red. I think we could not be in a better place than Sydney to watch this beautiful eclipse tonight, Kotachery said. JOHN CHARLES LARKIN May 4, 1939-November 4, 2022 It was 1958 and a young John Larkin had an important decision to make. What do you want to be, the editor barked, a journalist or a wandering player? At the time Larkin was a cadet reporter on the (now defunct) Telegraph newspaper in Brisbane. He had been late for work that day, a crime on an afternoon newspaper. His excuse was that he had a very late night after acting in a play staged by a local theatre company. John opted for journalism where he would have a stellar career as a daily columnist and feature writer, an author and a documentary maker. He was a great storyteller and communicator, journalist, actor, writer, human and animal rights activist, seeker of the truth. He always managed to find the best in people he wrote about. But the wandering player was never far away. In his late teenage and early adult years, he acted in several productions with Twelfth Night Theatre in Brisbane, but apparently managed to get to work on time as well. Years later in Melbourne when he received a prestigious Myer Performing Arts Award, the judges described his theatre reviews as unique. Larkin, they said, had made a significant contribution to raising the status of performing artists in our community and coincidentally raising the status and standards of theatre criticism. John Larkin grew up in Brisbane and was educated at St Columbans College and Churchie, the Church of England Grammar School as it was called in those days. After completing his cadetship, he moved to Melbourne where he made a distinctive mark at The Age for the next 25 years. It was a golden era at the newspaper, much of it under the leadership of the inspirational editor, Graham Perkin, and at a time when The Age was reckoned to be one of the worlds top-10 newspapers. After assignments as Trades Hall reporter and Sydney bureau chief Larkin was a foundation member of the newspapers Insight team. With Geoffrey Barker, he wrote The Holt Report an Insight book published a few months after the disappearance of Prime Minister Harold Holt in the sea in 1967. He was a joy to work with, Barker recalled, reliable, professional, slightly dreamy but always kind, considerate and excellent company. Peter McLaughlin, who worked with Larkin in Sydney and Melbourne, thought he had the ability to capture readers up in his remarkable enthusiasms. He was also an amusing and mischievous companion, McLaughlin said. During his years at The Age, Larkin was a senior feature writer, and he played a key role in several major campaigns, most notably the Minus Children Appeal which had an enormous impact in Victoria. Sally White, who worked on the campaign with him for several months said Larkin combined empathy with a dogged persistence to get the story out and right. Another major involvement was the Give the Yarra A Go campaign. As a feature writer and columnist Johns interests and passions ranged impossibly wide and far: from the future of the Great Barrier Reef to meditation and animal rights, from Aboriginal issues to yoga, motor sport, theatre and dance. The wandering player interviewed, among others, Joan Sutherland, Sophia Loren, Lauren Bacall and Rudolph Nureyev and he wrote a biography of Maina Gielgud, former artistic director of the Australian Ballet. Among prominent Australians in the performing arts Larkin interviewed and profiled David Williamson, Helen Morse, Jacki Weaver, Neil Armfield and Claudia Karvan. In the political arena, he wrote feature articles after spending time with Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke and Don Dunstan. He interviewed Mick Jagger, the Beatles and Bob Dylan who invited him to come to America. Larkin collaborated on several books with Australian political figure Don Chipp and on scripts with film director Paul Cox. John won more than a dozen Australian and international honours for his newspaper, magazine and screenwriting. They included a gold medal from the New York Film Festival for his script on the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires in Victoria and South Australia, a United Nations Association Media Peace Prize, and on three occasions first prize in the Australian Medical Associations National Press Awards. In 1968, Larkin had been granted a one-year World Press Institute fellowship studying and working in the US and the experiences that followed were major influences on his outlook and writing style. One of the highlights was a private, exhausting lunch with Hunter S. Thompson, the pack leader of Gonzo journalism. Another was attending the historic 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and the violence that accompanied anti-Vietnam War protests there. Years later, in East Africa, he travelled through Eritrea and Somalia reporting on famine and civil war. Jenny Hayes sat in her car outside a townhouse for four minutes, where she texted a man who had wronged her: Im setting your house on fire right now. She then stormed into the southwest Melbourne home and lit a deadly fire, killing a young couple and their 19-day-old baby. These actions demonstrated a level of premeditation, despite Hayes not knowing the family was asleep upstairs when she started the blaze, prosecutors have told the Supreme Court in Melbourne. The evidence is there was a degree of forethought before she embarked on this destructive exercise, crown barrister Raymond Gibson, KC, said on Tuesday. Len McLeod was 15 years old when he was accepted to serve in World War II. Its a scenario thats hard to fathom today, when most Australian teenagers are at school. It was 1942, and the baby-faced but tall lad from Footscray succeeded on his fourth attempt in six months to join up by lying about his age. Baby-faced digger: Len McLeod in his uniform. McLeod was determined to do my bit, as he puts it, for the war effort, but in the three years he served in the Pacific he was often scared. Many, many times I thought, This is it, he says. Graded exercise therapy involves slowly building a persons strength through movement. It was prescribed for people with ME/CFS based on the theory that their muscles had become deconditioned after long periods of rest, and that when patients started moving again, they misinterpreted normal pains as symptoms of the disease. In 2011, the Lancet published a large randomised trial of treatments for ME/CFS, including graded exercise therapy. The study concluded the treatment was moderately better than standard care. An earlier Cochrane review (that did not include the Lancet study) came to a similar conclusion. But heres the thing: many people with ME/CFS are deeply critical of graded exercise therapy, for two reasons. Loading First, a proportion have post-exertional malaise: being forced to exercise can leave them bedridden for days. Second, theres a sense the therapy is based on the idea that their condition is not real. When they are forced by their doctor to do graded exercise therapy, they get worse they crash, says Anne Wilson, CEO of ME/CFS advocacy organisation Emerge Australia. Doctors and clinicians say they know better. Why believe the patients? Youre being told when you get more physically fit your ME/CFS symptoms will improve. Bullshit. The Lancet study became controversial almost as soon as it hit the internet. Patients, organisations and experts shredded it in open letters. Freedom of information applications were filed. Perhaps the most damning criticism I have seen is that the scientists changed the measures they were using to decide if a patient had recovered, after the trial had started. In general, this is a big no-no because it can allow researchers to manipulate a study to get the result they wanted. (The researchers offer a defence here.) When independent scientists reanalysed the Lancets data using the original outcome measures, any effect from graded exercise therapy disappeared. Worse, when other scientists asked to see the raw data from the Lancet study, they were basically told to go away. Now, none of this is to say graded exercise therapy wont work for long COVID. We just dont have the data. Several clinics say, anecdotally, they are having success. This story is more a marker of the confusing times were in. It is really important to state that whilst ME/CFS shares many similarities to long COVID, they are not the same illness, says Associate Professor Anthony Byrne from the St Vincents clinic. Important differences in pathophysiology and disease are known. It is not correct nor appropriate to interchange the two, particularly in terms of exercise. Byrne pointed me to a small study hed published showing the therapy was at least safe for long COVID patients (the study was not big enough to show effectiveness). Another important point: different long COVID patients seem to have different symptoms, and only some report post-exertional malaise. There is a subgroup of people who have seen benefit from graded exercise therapy, Alexia Koutoulas, an exercise physiologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospitals long COVID clinic tells me. But even then, its not straightforward: some spontaneously develop post-exertional malaise. Steven Faux started by offering all his long COVID patients exercise therapy. We indeed saw some young people suffering from it. So he changed his approach, individualising treatment, mindful that building them up suddenly might not always be the right thing to do. Recovery and RECOVERY There are more than two dozen trials of treatments for long COVID right now, many focusing on anti-inflammatory drugs. Thats the good news. The note of caution is: weve been here before and fumbled the ball. When the pandemic started, researchers around the world launched thousands of small studies that were not big enough, nor well enough designed to be able to tell us if the treatments actually helped patients get better. Australia somehow did even worse: we spent millions on trials that often couldnt even manage to recruit 10 patients, and largely learnt nothing. It took RECOVERY, a large randomised, controlled trial that linked hospitals in the UKs National Health Service, to show that hydroxychloroquine did not work; weeks later it would uncover a cheap medicine, dexamethasone, that dramatically reduced mortality. This trial changed the course of the pandemic. Australia has a pool of long COVID patients. We have high-quality expertise in clinical trials and immunology. I absolutely think we could do a RECOVERY, says The Alfred Hospitals head of respiratory medicine research, Professor Anne Holland. We have the infrastructure for it. But chronic conditions are harder to trial than acute illnesses. And we lack a solid definition and well-established biomarkers to indicate when a patient has long COVID; its possible (likely?) there are multiple long COVIDs with different and interacting causes. A long COVID RECOVERY is going to be tricky. The other question is political will. There is an opportunity for Australia to become a leader in long COVID research and post-viral illness more broadly. The former federal government allocated some money to long COVID research in 2021; major investment would make us a major player. The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australias key health research funder, tells me it has only two projects on the books, each worth less than $1 million. The federal health department lists another $8 million or so worth of COVID research, although its not clear how focused that is on long COVID. Research depends on funding, and we havent seen any specific funding pathways, says Associate Professor Shidan Tosif, part of the long COVID team at the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne. We would be ready and keen to support research its just the funding call has not come yet. The results of the collapse of the single employer bargaining system appear on my desk each week. Individual employment contracts prepared by major corporations and their lawyers and signed en masse by their employees. There is no bargaining, no negotiation. And unless youre Alan Joyce or another CEO represented by the Business Council of Australia, no real wage increase. And as we now recognise, the collapse of single employer bargaining and the ascendancy of employment contracts has produced a decade of wage stagnation. Absent a functional collective bargaining system, the labour market reverts to no bargaining and no real wage increases. For many years now, employees have been told that a real wage rise is imminent. Credit:James Davies For many years now, employees have been told that a real wage rise is imminent. For the last decade, Treasury officials have predicted healthy wage rises year after year. No dice. Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg kept telling employees wage rises were just around the corner. In 2021 Frydenberg urged that the key to driving increased real wages is actually to get a tighter labour market. Then in March this year, he counselled that Switching jobs allows workers to move up the job ladder for better pay. That didnt work either. Finally, he urged workers to be patient. Five years ago, Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe declared a low wage crisis and urged employees to ask for higher wages. Nothing changed. A year later, his insight into the labour market had matured. Lowe recounted to a banking conference in Portugal that when he questioned Australian business leaders why they hadnt offered more pay for highly sought-after workers, they look at me as if Im mad. Lowe recognised that big business has become rather fond of wage suppression. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been drawn into negotiations over his governments controversial industrial relations bill as it circulated further changes, including making it easier for unions to strike over multi-employer agreements. Debate continued into Tuesday night on the Secure Jobs, Better Pay bill, which the government hopes to push through both houses of parliament before Christmas. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been drawn into negotiations over Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burkes industrial relations bill. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Multi-employer bargaining, which would allow the majority of workers across many businesses to jointly force their employers to the bargaining table, is the sticking point. Businesses fear it could expose them to unworkable deals and industrial action. One change put to groups involved in the talks would backtrack on a three-month renewal period imposed on unions for them to be legally allowed to take industrial action. This would be a return to the status quo, which allows unions to take industrial action for the life of negotiations after giving 30 days notice. Pandemic-era measures that allowed Australians to withdraw billions from their retirement savings would be banned under a federal government plan to protect superannuation by enshrining a definition in law. Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones also said the budget impact of some super tax concessions had to be considered but a legislated objective needed to come first. Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones says the government will enshrine a definition of superannuation. Credit:Oscar Colman The move sets up a stoush with the Coalition after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton recently recommitted to a policy of giving first-home buyers early access to their super to help them gain a foothold in the property market. In a speech on Tuesday, Jones said the vicious cycle of plans to raid super would continue unless it was protected. He highlighted proposals to use it for university debts or house deposits as well as the former governments disastrous decision to allow more than 3 million people to withdraw nearly $38 billion from their funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Labor ministers are being urged to act on migration reforms to protect a growing underclass of migrant workers more than three years after the previous government endorsed the proposal but never changed the law. Former competition boss Allan Fels called for criminal sanctions on employers who exploit migrant workers under looming changes to the migration system long after he completed his review of the system for the previous government in early 2019. Labor ministers are being urged to act on migration reforms to protect a growing underclass of migrant workers. Credit:Sanghee Liu The call comes as union leaders warn of widespread problems with illegal labour after this masthead revealed thousands of workers had come to Australia under false claims. Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles have asked for a snap review of the visa system by former Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson and others, with a separate investigation looming over visa scams revealed by this masthead in the Trafficked series. SPEAKER'S ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE HOUSE OUGHT TO BE SUPPLEMENTED BY ISSUANCE OF GAZETTE NOTIFICATION, SAYS ADVOCATE HEMANT KUMAR Face2News/Chandigarh It has been over three years since the current 14th Legislative Assembly of State of Haryana got constituted with effect from Oct 25, 2019 pursuant to issuance of statutory notification by Election Commission of India (ECI) under Section 73 of Representation of the People Act, 1951 post conclusion of Assembly General Elections. Gian Chand Gupta The same day, Gupta as Speaker made an announcement in the House recognizing Bhupinder Singh Hooda, leader of then 31 member Congress Legislature Party (CLP) as Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly. Meanwhile, the strength of Congress in the House has since been reduced to 30. However even after passage of three years, neither the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretariat nor the Parliamentary Affairs Department of State Government has issued any sort of Public/Gazette Notification in this regard i.e. pertaining to duly notifying the name of BS Hooda as recognized LoP in the State Assembly. High Court Advocate Hemant Kumar, asserted that in Haryana there is no practice for issuance of such sort of Notification. A recent reply provided under RTI by Assembly Secretariat substantiates this fact. However, in March, 2021, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Haryana Legislative Assembly were amended and in Rule 2 therein, Leader of the Opposition was explicitly defined therein who would be recognized as such by the Speaker. B.S.Hooda Meanwhile, an Advocate at Punjab and Haryana High Court, Hemant Kumar, asserted that in Haryana there is no practice for issuance of such sort of Notification. A recent reply provided under RTI by Assembly Secretariat substantiates this fact. However, in March, 2021, the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Haryana Legislative Assembly were amended and in Rule 2 therein, Leader of the Opposition was explicitly defined therein who would be recognized as such by the Speaker. On August 17 this year, it got further amended and it has been inserted therein that a Notification to this effect (i.e. regarding LoP) shall be published in the Official Gazette. However the same remains to be issued in respect of Hooda. Few months back, Hemant also wrote to the Assembly Speaker and State Government in this regard but in vain. He even mentioned the example of neighboring State of Punjab wherein on April 25, 2022 a similar sort of Notification was published in Punjab Government Gazette by State's Parliamentary Affairs Department pertaining to notifying name of PS Bajwa as LoP in Punjab Vidhan Sabha under Section 9 of Salary and Allowances of Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Act, 1978. Be that as it may, Hemant said that unlike Punjab, the Legislative Assembly of Haryana has till date not enacted any sort of law regarding Salaries and Allowances of LoP but nevertheless Section 2(d) of Haryana Legislative Assembly (Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members ) Act, 1975 defines LoP as member of the Assembly. Also Section 4 of ibid 1975 Act makes Special Provisions regarding LoPs Salary, Allowances and other facilities/perquisites etc. which are equivalent in the rank and status to that of a Cabinet Minister in Haryana. Even the income tax on LoP's Salary and Allowances is paid by the State Government from the public exchequer as is done in case of Chief Minister/Ministers. Hemant recalls that earlier too, Hooda remained LoP in Haryana Assembly firstly during the tenure of OP Chautala Government during Aug, 2002 to May, 2004 after former CM Bhajan Lal was replaced by Hooda and secondly during fag end of Khattar-1 dispensation i.e. for a month in Sep-Oct, 2019 when then CLP leader Kiran Chowdhry was replaced by Hooda. The Advocate also asserts that although after announcement made by the Speaker in the House on Nov 4, 2019 pertaining to recognizing Hooda as LoP in the Assembly, the same was conveyed to the State Government by Assembly Secretariat, still a Public/Gazette Notification in this regard ought to be essentially issued since post of LoP is although not Constitutional but nevertheless it is statutory in nature viz. under Section 2(d) of 1975 Act as mentioned hereinbefore. Even otherwise, Hemant asserts that whenever the Assembly Speaker makes any sort of announcement in the House be it in his administrative or legislative capacity regarding the constitution of any Select/Standing Committee comprising members of the House to examine any pending Bill/Legislation or takes any decision for some other purpose, then the same is also immediately and duly notified in the Official Gazette by Vidhan Sabha Secretariat. In case of both Houses of Parliament viz. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha too, similar sort of Notifications pertaining to LoP in both Houses are also published in Gazette of India. Queensland will be staring down strikes across its already-strained hospitals if the government does not quickly start negotiating workplace agreements that are now months out of date, a key union has warned. The comments from Together Union secretary Alex Scott came amid criticism of the governments efforts to expand the health workforce to staff promised hospital builds or expansions. Workers strike outside Brisbanes Princess Alexandra Hospital on Friday afternoon over the state governments public service wage freeze in 2020. Credit:Lydia Lynch. While negotiations between other workforces and departments are continuing, Queensland Health is still lacking the approvals needed to even start formal talks. If that doesnt get addressed soon, we will see strike action across the hospital system throughout Queensland as our members demand ... to be listened to about the long-term issues, Scott said. The chief executive of Sculpture by the Sea has defended an artwork that depicts Taiwan as part of China, arguing it is a beautiful piece of work that does not carry a political message. Taiwanese community leaders have claimed the artwork misrepresents the status of the self-governed island that China claims as its own. Mao Ling Gangs Earth is Flat sculpture is one of more than 100 artworks featured at this years exhibition, which ran between Tamarama and Bondi Beach in Sydneys eastern suburbs. Mao Ling Gangs Earth is Flat artwork at the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. The artwork is a map of China and includes the self-governed island of Taiwan in the bottom right. Credit:Charlotte Curd Aileen Yen, the Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association president said: if you believe that the Earth is flat, then you believe Taiwan belongs to China. David Handley, the chief executive and founder of Sculpture by the Sea, said Mao hasnt said anything political in his artistic statement and dismissed questions about the political implications of the artwork as irrelevant. Kyiv: Hollywood actor and director Sean Penn, sanctioned by Russia for criticising its war in Ukraine, has loaned his Oscar statuette to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Kyiv. Its just a symbolic, silly thing, he said, seated beside the Ukrainian leader at a ceremonial table on Tuesday and pressing his hand on his arm to emphasise his words as aides smiled and laughed. When you win, bring it back to Malibu. Actor Sean Penn and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky presented Penn, who is making a documentary in Ukraine and marking his third wartime visit, with the Order of Merit for strengthening relations, backing Ukraines territorial integrity and helping to popularise the country, the presidents office said. A video showed the two men on their way to view a plaque bearing Penns signature, dated February 24, the date of the Russian invasion, and set in the paving stones of an Alley of Courage Zelensky inaugurated in August to honour friends of Ukraine. London: Britains Conservative government has scrapped a 250 million ($444 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 prioritise funding for boosting UK defences 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. An artists impression of a new national flagship, the successor to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which former prime minister Boris Johnson said would promote British trade and industry around the world. Credit:AP Parliaments defence committee warned last year there was no evidence of the advantage to the Royal Navy of acquiring the national flagship, which would cost up to 30 million a year to run. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said he was instead prioritising the procurement of ocean surveillance vessels that could perform more than one role, including protecting undersea cables and pipelines amid Russias invasion of Ukraine. In his resignation letter, Williamson said he had apologised for the text messages and was cooperating with an investigation of that conduct. But he rejected suggestions that the second incident involved bullying. After that, a senior civil servant alleged that Williamson subjected them to sustained bullying, telling the individual to slit your throat on one occasion and jump out of the window on another. Gavin Williamson announced his resignation in letter posted on Twitter, four days after the Times of London published expletive-laden text messages he sent to another member of Parliament. I refute the characterisation of these claims, but I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this government is doing for the British people, Williamson wrote. I have therefore decided to step back from government so that I can comply fully with the complaints process that is underway and clear my name of any wrongdoing. Loading Williamsons resignation comes amid criticism that Sunak has failed to live up to his pledge to make integrity a central focus of his government. Opposition leaders have also called for the resignation of Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who Sunak reappointed just six days after she resigned for breaching the rules on ministerial conduct. Sunak took office two weeks ago after his predecessor, Liz Truss, was forced to step down after her budget proposals triggered economic turmoil. Truss was prime minister for just six weeks after she replaced Boris Johnson, who resigned after a series of scandals ranging from illegal parties during pandemic lockdowns to allegations of improper use of political donations. Many observers were surprised when Sunak named Williamson to a position in his government because he was twice forced out of previous Cabinet posts. Williamson resigned as defence secretary in 2019 after a leak of confidential information from the National Security Council. He lost his job as education secretary in 2021 after standardised exams were disrupted due to the pandemic. 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 This article was provided by Mamdouh Refaat, chief data scientist, Altair Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) were once concepts relegated to only the most optimistic observers, much like self-driving electric vehicles and smartphones once were. But if it isnt obvious, the times have changed. Today, ML and AIalong with the immensely powerful data collection and analytics tools that power those processesare a mainstay of modern life. Every day, people interact with products and services powered by some of the worlds most ground-breaking technology. In the financial sector specifically, ML and AI present an enormous opportunity to institutions to revolutionise their businesses and generate both top- and bottom-line results. The technologies can be used to assess client creditworthiness, detect and prevent financial crimes, and improve customer experiences. According to a recent ML adoption in Australia report, there is a strong appetite for ML in the local market, with 82% of organisations being interested in ML. In addition, 86% of respondents see ML as being critical or one of the several important technologies going forward, and 49% of those who have not yet started plan to do so in the next 12-24 months. But ML, AI, and data science tools have historically been undemocratic, inaccessible technologies, meaning that only the most advanced users in select organizations and industries could utilize them. According to the same report, only 69% of organizations with models in production reported sufficient ML capability. This is partly because these technologies are complex, as is getting the high-quality, abundant, and secure data thats crucial to their success. In addition, it can be challenging for IT departments within organizations to open the data sources, operating systems, and deployment technologies that facilitate the implementation of enterprise-wide ML and AI. That said, todays ML, AI, and data analytics tools are easier to use than ever, and are only becoming more accessible. Additionally, organizationseven small oneshave access to more data than anyone would have imagined a few decades ago, giving them the information they need to build ML and AI strategies that can make their operations, products, and services more efficient, more cost-effective, and better for customers and employees alike. Moreover, more students and professionals are using ML, AI, and data analytics software, which gives organizations more talent to choose from when building teams that can turn concepts into action. In other words, theres never been a better time to invest in ML and AI. ACCESSIBILITY AND DOING GOOD Indeed, ML and AI is a game-changer, and provides mind-boggling ROI when supported by a solid team of data scientists, analysts, and technology that ensures it can evolve and grow. And todays ML and AI software is also more transparent than ever, often incorporating explainable AI features that show users exactly how the algorithms and technology is interpreting, organizing, and acting upon the data its drawing from. But most importantly, the proliferation of low-code and no-code ML and AI technology has opened doors to users who otherwise might not have the technical expertise needed to craft strategic models. By giving non-expertswho are often closer to an organizations tactical operationsaccess to technology that can help them apply intelligent, data-driven insights, organizations can rethink the way they operate. From finance departments to HR, marketing to sales, engineering to risk analysis, there are more ways to use ML and more people that can use it. But while its easy to sing the praises of new, exciting technology, every organization (and layperson) should be thoughtful and ask themselves: Why democratization? After all, giving more users access to vital data can create potential security risks, and giving non-data scientists the freedom to create ML models can lead to potentially life-altering mistakesespecially in industries that greatly impact peoples well-being like healthcare, insurance, and finance. The answer is that democratization can also enable a flood of ground-breaking innovations that do immense good, that make peoples lives healthier, safer, more sustainable, and more secure. The world only has so many data scientists if more people (non-data scientists) in more industries have ML and AI know-how in their toolkit, it gives them the ability to combine their domain knowledge with powerful tools that can help them achieve their goals and create better services, products, processes, and experiences for everyone. SEAMLESSLY MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE Bear in mind that the democratization of ML, AI, and data analytics wont happen overnight but the gears are turning, and the worlds largest players and most innovative small start-ups alike are laying tomorrows AI-powered foundation. As the technology continues to grow and develop along with peoples ability to conceptualize and implement it itll only become a more integral aspect of modern life. In the near future, its likely that ML and AI will be embedded into our technology so seamlessly we forget its there. Much like a self-driving car tracks movement, visualizes road conditions, and detects signs and signals all thanks to data and ML, its possible tomorrows bicycles and trains may do the same. The same goes for tomorrows credit lending industry, healthcare operations, emergency response infrastructure, and more. In all, organizations and users should be thoughtful and thorough when implementing the ML and AI tools of the present and future, but its also an opportunity to make tomorrows world a safer, greener, more accessible, and more efficient place. Dr. Mamdouh Re faat Chief Data Scientist Altair Mamdouh is Altairs chief data scientist and senior vice president, product management where he is responsible for the companys data analytics products. Refaat is an expert and published author with more than 20 years of experience in predictive analytics and data mining, having led numerous projects in the areas of marketing, CRM and credit risk for Fortune 500 companies in North America and Europe. Refaat joined Altair (then Angoss) in 1999 to establish the companys consulting practice before assuming leadership for data science. Prior to joining Altair through the acquisition of Datawatch, he held positions at Predict AG (acquired by TIBCO Software) and UBS in Basel, Switzerland. Refaat earned a PhD in Engineering from the University of Toronto and an master of business administration degree from the University of Leeds. Mamdouhs notable publications include the books, Data Preparation for data mining Using SAS, 2006, and Credit Risk Scorecards: development and implementation using SAS, 2011. NewJeans is now becoming a fan-favorite girl group. (Photo: SBS Radio, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped) NewJeans have been receiving heaps of praise for their unique talent and incredible visuals. They even get more applause when their baby pictures emerge online. NewJeans effortlessly gets everyone's attention since they enter South Korea's music scene. After debuting just this year, the five-member group, composed of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, has been racking up much popularity and is recognized by many. Recently, a collection of the band's photos started circulating online and getting much attention. The images just prove that each member possesses remarkable beauty even in their younger days. One netizen said they grew up so well, while another claimed Danielle looked crazy cute when she was young. A different fan stated they grew up exactly the same, having the same visuals from when they were kids until today. "How can they grow up looking the same?" another asked. Someone blurted out that she wanted to pinch their baby cheeks, while the last one stressed they were natural beauties and looked like mochis. So, to prove their success aside from their beauties, one of NewJeans' debut singles, "Hype Boy," has already garnered a whopping 100 million streams on Spotify. The group's agency, ADOR, confirmed the claim on Tuesday, November 8, via Korea Times. As of Sunday, the song had 100,704,055 streams, less than 100 days after its release in August. It also remained high on Spotify Korea's weekly top songs chart for 14 consecutive weeks and topped it for three consecutive weeks last month. That said, another song from the group, "Attention," is expected to reach 100 million streams soon as it has already accumulated around 92.5 million. Meanwhile, NewJeans has already given their fandom an official name. After celebrating their 100th day in the business since their debut, they revealed their official fan club's name and light stick. They will be called "Bunnies" or "Tokki," which means rabbit in Korean. However, some say their light stick is similar to that of B.A.P's, which is shaped like a rabbit called Matoki, which is also the group's mascot. This resulted in a discussion on the online community Instiz, debating the similarities between the two light sticks. One fan said that the only similarity between the two is that they're both rabbits. Another claim is that they don't look similar at all, with one explaining NewJeans' light stick just reminds them of B.A.P.'s. A different fan explained that the design and color are different, differing them from each other. "I'm a B.A.P fan, but I didn't think anything of this," someone stressed. People are seen at the G20 conference for private sector leaders in Buenos Aires, Argentina October 5, 2018. (Photo: Eliana Raszewski/Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin may skip next week's Group of Twenty (G20) leaders' meeting, according to his Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo, the bloc's host. Widodo stated last week that Putin had not ruled out attending the Bali meeting and would do so if possible. "But if not ... maybe he'll ask to do it virtually," Widodo told reporters during a visit to Bali. He said in his interview that Russia is still welcome to attend the summit despite the "very worrying" escalation in global tensions that he believed was overshadowing it. Indonesia, which is hosting the G20, has resisted calls from Western nations and Ukraine to exclude Russia from the leaders' meeting and to oust it from the organization, arguing that it lacks the power to do so without agreement from all members. In an interview with the Financial Times, Widodo emphasized that Russia is still welcome at the summit, which he worried was being eclipsed by a "very worrying" escalation in global tensions. "The G20 is not meant to be a political forum," he said. "It's meant to be about economics and development." To appease outside critics, Indonesia has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to appear, either in person or via video link. He also undertook a "peace mission" in Kyiv and Moscow earlier this year, offering to mediate the conflict and seeking grain supplies from conflict-torn eastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy has stated that he will not participate if Putin does. The presence of the Russian leader at the summit would surely dominate the proceedings, perhaps creating a situation in which leaders' attendance at critical sessions may be interpreted as a vote on their countries' positions on the Ukraine war. In this scenario, it is difficult to see how Indonesia's summit goals might be realized. It's difficult to determine if the host countries, Indonesia and Cambodia, would embrace this change of events, despite the fact that the former's stakes may be significantly bigger. For Widodo, the summit will be significant. The Indonesian president, who isn't renowned for being particularly interested in international politics, sees his country's G20 leadership as an opportunity to boost its stature on the world stage. Furthermore, Indonesia, which is concerned that the Russia-Ukraine conflict may overshadow its largely economic agenda, is undoubtedly interested in having all of the group's members, including Russia, participate. This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. The (CCI) which has received both praise and criticism for taking on tech giants Amazon, Google, and Meta over alleged anti-competitive behaviour will have to walk a tightrope in trying to ensure a balance between innovation and fair play, experts say. Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt Ltd plans to invest Rs 150 crore to bolster infrastructure at its facility in the national capital as the company expects larger cargo volumes in the coming months. A part of Celebi Aviation, the company operates two cargo terminals with a combined capacity of 7,00,000 tonnes per annum at the Delhi airport. Earlier, one of the two terminals was exclusively catering to erstwhile Jet Airways, which shuttered operations in April 2019. After the airline stopped flying, the terminal remained non-operational. Last month, the company re-opened the refurbished terminal as it started handling cargo of the newly-launched Akasa Air. Celebi Aviation forayed into cargo and warehousing services in 2009 with the setting up of Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management India Pvt, a joint venture with Delhi International Airport Ltd. "For Delhi (cargo facility), we have plans maybe to invest another Rs 150 crore depending on what kind of infrastructure improvement is going to be required from our side," Kamesh Peri, chief executive officer of Celebi Delhi Cargo Terminal Management Pvt India Ltd told PTI. "As of now, we are here to invest as per the requirement of the business and we are also keen and committed to invest in the future opportunities as and when they present to us," he said. Further, he said India remains a market of keen interest and importance for Celebi. "We would look at any opportunity that comes our way... and once we look at these opportunities from the point of view of operationalising it, whatever required infrastructure that comes along...we would be investing from our side," he said. Apart from Akasa Air, the company is also looking for other customers to use the refurbished cargo terminal. The company has signed a pact with dedicated freighter operator QuikJet to handle its flights. QuikJet is expected to operate its services with two departures and arrivals per day to and from Delhi Airport. Two other operators -- budget carrier IndiGo and cargo airline Pradhaan Air -- have already commenced their dedicated freighter services from Delhi. (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.) Chiratae Ventures, a leading early-stage technology-focused venture capital fund, has announced the first close of its fundraising, which will be dedicated solely to the growth-stage portfolio. The Chiratae Ventures Growth Fund - I (CGF - I) has been oversubscribed at Rs 759 crore. Chiratae plans to do the final close of the fund by December 2022. Chiratae Growth Fund -I will invest in the growth rounds of leading technology startups from its portfolio and outside. It will be a sector-agnostic fund to support the growth and expansion of tech . The fund is targeting to invest across 15-20 . It would mainly focus on startups raising Series C stage funding round in the range of $5 million to $20 million. This is one of the fastest fundraise we have seen, said TC Meenakshi Sundaram, Founder and Vice-Chairman of Chiratae Ventures, which started its fundraising 3-4 four months ago. We are oversubscribed and are looking to close this by the end of the year. This is the first growth fund raised by Chiratae Ventures. The fund counts domestic institutional investors such as Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan's Family Office, Choksi Family Office (promoters of Asian Paints), SBI and IIFL Wealth & Asset Management and other Family Offices, as well as existing global investors and key LPs. I am glad that Chiratae has achieved its fastest fund closure of Chiratae Growth Fund 1, said Kris Gopalakrishnan, Member, Global Advisory Board, Chiratae Ventures. This is on the back of a decade-plus long history of stellar returns, high governance, firm institutionalization, backing unicorns with capital from Indian as well as global investors repeatedly. Chiratae Ventures has raised five early-stage funds and manages $1.1 billion in assets under management (AUM). It has been an early backer of technology-led such as Bizongo, Curefit, Firstcry, Lenskart, Myntra and PolicyBazaar. Chiratae closed its fourth fund, oversubscribed at $337 million in 2021. The team has delivered value for its investors through the years with over 45 exits, 3 IPOs and 8 unicorns. Regarding the impact of the uncertain macroeconomic environment and funding winter on tech firms and startups, Sundaram said that there is a correction going on in the metrics related to funding and valuations. There was a time when people would have got funded based only on growth at all cost," said Sundaram. Now it is profitable growth and every additional unit of revenue should reduce losses and then turn profitable. Recently, Fireside Ventures, another early-stage venture fund investing in digital-first consumer brands, said that it has closed its third fund at Rs 1,830 crore ( $225 million). This is double the size of its previous fund which had a corpus of Rs 863 crore, and the first fund had a corpus of Rs 350 crore. Fireside Fund III is anchored by new and existing Indian and global investors which includes, Self-Reliant India Fund, Investment Corporation of Dubai, SBI, Premji Invest, Waterfield - Fund of Funds, ITC Limited, Emami Limited, Sharrp Ventures and several start-up founders. Congress leader on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, saying it was a deliberate move by "PayPM" to ensure that two-three of his billionaire friends could monopolize India's economy. Speaking during his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Maharashtra later in the day, he also dubbed the November 2016 decision as an "attack" on farmers and small and medium businesses. The Congress has often used 'PayCM' and 'PayPM' jibe at the BJP to allege corruption under its rule at the Centre and in states. It is a play on the digital payment platform PayTM. Gandhi's attack came on the sixth anniversary of demonetisation. It was on this day in 2016 that Prime Minister Modi announced the decision to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes with the stated aim of reducing corruption and black money. "Demonetisation was a deliberate move by 'PayPM' to ensure 2-3 of his billionaire friends monopolise India's economy by finishing small & medium businesses," Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi. Later, speaking at Biloli in Maharashtra's Nanded district during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress leader said demonetisation and the 'faulty' implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) wrecked the backbone of those who provide employment, that is, farmers and small-and-medium businesses. The fact is that note-ban was not a move for eliminating black money. It was an attack on small merchants, small and medium businesses and farmers. Every poor person is reeling under that impact even today, he said. Speaking at the same gathering, Gandhi also alleged that education and healthcare systems are being privatised. The Modi government and the state government are handing over the entire system to just "two-three people", he said. The entire public sector is being privatised, the Congress leader claimed. Note-ban and GST have closed one road, privatisation has closed the other (for the youth), he said while talking about unemployment in the country. The Congress on Tuesday also demanded a white paper from the Modi government on demonetisation. "The government failed in its objective to make India a digital, cashless economy as the currency with public stands at a new high of 30.88 lakh crores as of 21 October almost 72% higher than 6 years ago," the Congress said in a tweet from its official Twitter handle. (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.) has said its discussions with Indian and global for building a new generation turboprop aircraft are progressing well. The Brazilian plane maker, which produces both civil and military jets, has been scouting for partners for its proposed aircraft programme, which could include the manufacture of planes as well. We are in discussions with potential partners in India and globally on a selection of partnering options for the next generation turboprop aircraft including manufacturing. These discussions are ongoing and progressing well, has said. The next generation turboprop aircraft is in the development phase and a decision to launch the project has not been made, it added. shared this project update in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent remarks on how India could become a manufacturing hub for large . He made the remarks at the inauguration of the Tata- C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara on October 30. Embraer has more than 1,700 commercial jets in service globally. In July, it released a 20-year market outlook, estimating global demand for turboprops could touch 2,280 units. Of this, it said, around 960 units could come from the Asia Pacific region. The E175 is its most popular aircraft and US airline Sky West is the largest operator of these planes, with 230 jets. In India, Star Air operates five ERJ145 planes and recently signed an agreement to induct two E175 aircraft. At present, there are also 22 Embraer-made business jets in the country. did not respond to a query on assembly of planes in India. Boeing is in a sweet spot to continue delivering on our commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the US plane maker said. Our business and supply chain teams are constantly evaluating opportunities where India can continue to become a more significant part of Boeings global supply chain, it added. Boeings annually sources around $1 billion worth of aircraft parts from its network of over 300 suppliers in India. It, however, manufactures all its passenger planes in the US. It has a completion centre in China where seats are fitted in planes built and flown from the US. has aircraft assembly lines in China and the US. Aircraft production rates have still not recovered to pre-Covid levels. Manufacturing and assembly would require billions of dollars in investment plus certified and skilled manpower. Then there is the question of market size. Manufacturers will not duplicate facilities unless there is a sound business case, said an veteran. On2Cook India, a food start-up that made an appearance on season 1 of business TV reality show 'Shark Tank', has raised Rs 17 crore in seed funding at a valuation to Rs 100 crore. The funding round was led by angel investor Mayur Desai, who infused the first tranche of Rs 16 crore for 16 per cent equity. The round also saw the participation of NRI investor Nirbhay Gandhi, who put in Rs 1crore for 1 per cent equity. On2Cooks device combines with induction or flame acting on the food from outside and microwaves from inside, said Sanandan Sudhir, the companys founder and CEO. Engineered to disrupt the food industry, the product is designed to help both domestic as well as commercial kitchens save up to 70% on time and 50% on energy. Additionally, the food cooked retains water-soluble nutrients while preserving colour, texture and consistency. After being granted patents across India, US and UK, our invention stands to create a new product category in the space, Sudhir said. There hasn't been a technological shift in the appliances space in the post-industrial world for decades, if not centuries. On2Cook brings into the 21st century. We are happy to join forces with Sanandan in his tryst to usher in a landmark transition in an industry, and even in the lifestyle of everyone, said Shaival Desai, of the Desai family office. On2Cook will appear on GulfHost 2022, Middle East and North Africas hospitality and food service event at the in Dubai. Realty firm Godrej Properties has acquired 12 acres of land in for development of a that has an estimated sales revenue potential of about Rs 2,000 crore. According to a regulatory filing, the company has, on an outright basis, acquired a 12-acre land parcel in Mundhwa-East, . The development on this land will primarily be for a premium group . The project will have a developable potential of approximately 2.2 million square feet with an estimated revenue potential of around Rs 2,000 crore, it added. Mohit Malhotra, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties, said, "Mundhwa is an important micromarket in and we are happy to add this land parcel to our portfolio. This will further expand our presence in Pune and fits with our strategy of deepening our presence in established micro markets across India's leading cities." Godrej Properties, which is part of business conglomerate Goderj group, is one of the leading developers of the country. Earlier this month, Godrej Properties had bought 50 acres of land in Maharashtra to develop a plotted residential project with an expected revenue of about Rs 500 crore. It has entered into an agreement for the outright purchase of a land parcel in the micro market of Manor, Palghar. Spread across 50 acres, the proposed project is estimated to have a developable potential of about 1.2 million square feet of saleable area primarily comprising residential plotted development. Godrej Properties had in September acquired a 7-acre land parcel in Bengaluru for the development of a premium that has an estimated Rs 750 crore revenue potential. In August, the company's Executive Chairman Pirojsha Godrej had said the firm would like to add projects with gross development value (GDV) of Rs 15,000 crore in this fiscal year to sustain growth in sales bookings. "The pipeline is super strong. So I think I'm quite hopeful. We will have a large number of big announcements in the next few quarters," Pirojsha had said in an interview with PTI when asked about acquisition of new land parcels for future development. As part of its expansion plan, the Godrej Group company is acquiring land outright and also entering into Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) to develop residential projects. It focuses on four cities -- Delhi-NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune and Bengaluru. In February, Pirojsha had announced plans to invest Rs 7,500 crore over next 12-18 months to expand its portfolio. Godrej Properties clocked sales booking of Rs 7,861 crore in 2021-22 fiscal year and is targeting Rs 10,000 crore in FY23. In line with the target, the company's sales booking jumped five-fold to Rs 2,520 crore during April-June period on a year-on-year basis, registering the highest-ever first quarter sales. (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.) Realty firm Godrej Properties on Tuesday said it has acquired 12 acres of land in for development of a housing project that has an estimated sales revenue potential of about Rs 2,000 crore. According to a regulatory filing, the company has, on outright basis, acquired a 12-acre land parcel in Mundhwa-East, . The development on this land will primarily be for a premium group housing project. The project will have a developable potential of approximately 2.2 million square feet with an estimated revenue potential of approximately Rs 2,000 crore, it added. Mohit Malhotra, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties, said, "Mundhwa is an important micromarket in and we are happy to add this land parcel to our portfolio. This will further expand our presence in Pune and fits with our strategy of deepening our presence in established micro markets across India's leading cities." Godrej Properties, which is part of business conglomerate Goderj group, is one of the leading real estate developer of the country. (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.) Quona Capital, an firm, has announced the final close of its Fund III at $332 million, exceeding its $250 million target. This is Quona Capital's third fund since inception, bringing the firms aggregate committed capital to over $745 million. Quona focuses its investments on technology that are expanding access to financial services for consumers and businesses in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Middle East and North Africa. Quona Capital has invested in more than 17 in India that include India Mart, Zest Money, Fisdom, Shivalik Bank, and Neogrowth. Quonas Fund III investors include an array of leading global asset managers, insurance companies, and commercial banks, university endowments, foundations, family offices and development finance institutions. The majority of Fund III investors returned from prior Quona funds. With 35% of the global population and over 150 million small businesses, the Asia region hosts a very large proportion of the worlds marginalised consumers and small businesses, said Ganesh Rengaswamy, who leads the firms investments in India and Southeast Asia. Quona Capital was established as an independent firm in 2015 by co-founding managing partners Monica Brand Engel, Jonathan Whittle, and Ganesh Rengaswamy. Almost 30 per cent of the company's global team is based in India. Monica Brand Engel, who leads Quonas investments in Africa and MENA. Our prior fund performance, robust pipeline of inclusive fintechs, and growing LP interest in our offerings are ringing endorsements of our view on the prospects of impact-oriented venture investing in . Days after it became known that was set to acquire Metro AG's wholesale business in India, a report in Mint said that the German retailer believes RIL will retain the company's current management after the deal is officially signed by the end of this month. The report, citing people familiar with the Rs 4,060-crore deal, also said that considered the ability of Reliance Retail, the country's largest retailer, to safeguard the employees' interests and get quick regulatory approvals. The company's India subsidiary has about 5,000 employees on its rolls. "The deal is on and it will be officially inked hopefully by the month end," a person, seeking anonymity, told the newspaper. "Based on the discussions with Reliance, we believe they're keen on the current management to stay, and a key attractionapart from the robust business modelwas the quality of people at Metro in India," he added. On Monday, PTI reported that the conglomerate led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani was set to buy the German firm in a deal which includes 31 wholesale distribution centres, land and other assets owned by Metro. Both Metro and have so far not commented on the development. "Our company evaluates various opportunities on an ongoing basis," a Reliance spokesperson told the agency. Metro AG's spokesperson said, "We do not comment on market rumour or speculations." has a presence in 34 countries. It entered the Indian market in 2003. The business operates six stores in Bengaluru, four in Hyderabad, two each in Mumbai and Delhi, besides a store in several other Indian cities, including Kolkata and Jaipur. Chinese Z-20 designer claims the China-developed utility helicopter is better in many terms than the US Black Hawk.Though the basis is the UH-60, many changes have been implemented, according to the state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV). Chinese Z-20 Helicopter Deng Jinghui commented as he was questioned on a CCTV program last Saturday if the homegrown helicopter has replicated or taken inspiration from the UH-60 due to the similarities in looks between the two choppers, reported the Global Times. A 4th-generation helicopter that has several innovations the Black Hawk does not, along with a fly-by-wire flight control system, which is a common feature to render a helicopter ranking as among 4th generation, Deng stated. China had little reference once it produced the fly-by-wire flight controls by itself; nevertheless, this same chief designer said that the Black Hawk with fly-by-wire updates has still not started operating. He asserted that the Chinese Z-20 medium-lift helicopter has active vibration and noise control mechanisms, whereas the Black Hawk helicopter does not. Deng emphasizes that the American Black Hawk helicopter must still adapt and install specific equipment and avionics into its Chinese-improved UH-60 template. It has a robust engine that can operate in high-altitude operations and has been completely designed and constructed in China. As said by Chen Guang, vice general manager of AVICOPTER, the helicopter division of the government-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), in an interview earlier with the Global Times, noted Digit News. Read Also: Prince Andrew Net Worth 2022: How Much Wealth Does Queen Elizabeth II's Child Has Amid Jeffrey Epstein Issue? The medium vertical lift vehicle has these goodies as part of the 4th generation package in its airframe. Fly-by-wire technology, a vibration reduction system, and even a five-blade rotor with a high-performance aerodynamic shape have all been integrated into what some might consider a mere copy but is years ahead of its time. A utility helicopter to be used as a mule by the PLA, but with the promise of many variants that can be developed from its capable airframe. Manufactured to be made in numbers and types, the Chinese military can imagine its template. Medium-Lift Helicopters Distinct Features Although the Sikorsky S-70/UH-60 and the Z-20 have comparable configurations, there are a few visual distinctions, such as a more squared-off fuselage silhouette, especially at the back of the passenger compartment, per The EurAsian Times. A less obvious improvement made by the Chinese is the use of two windshields rather than three, which has a significant impact on improving visibility for the pilots inside. The S70-C has two windshields equipped with weather radar and a more compact FLIR infrared nose turret, unlike the Z-10 and Z-19. Pilots like the US Pave Low can fly even at night in the worst visibility. A powerful rotorcraft capable of airlifting a new light howitzer like the US M777 for attack and air defense, it can mount machine guns and various armaments like its template. At high altitudes, the rotor has de-icing when it's very frosty, and dual WZ-10 turboshafts with 2,400 hp each. It has been in service for a while too. By far, the Chinese Z-20, in comparison to the US Black Hawk, has made innovations that make it a different helicopter with better specs. Related Article: China Makes knockoffs of Black Hawk Helicopter, Hellfire ATG Missiles @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Chennai-based company Corporation on Tuesday said that it has crossed $1 billion in revenue in 2021 with its India business growing by 77 per cent year-on-year (YoY). Buoyed by this, the tech firm is planning to open 100 points of presence (PoPs) around the world in five years to provide users a faster network. The company, which has a workforce of 11,000, has slowed down hiring amid fears of an economic downturn. We have crossed $1 billion in revenue during 2021. Our fastest-growing market is India and close to it is the Middle East. Across the board, the growth rate has come down. The US is number 1, number 2 and India is approaching number 3 for us. India can be number 2 in the next 4-5 years and number 1 in 10 years based on the growth rate at which it is growing, said Sridhar Vembu, (CEO) and co-founder, Corp. After all, we cannot compile new energy. Unfortunately, recent developments in our industry, amid the rapidly-deteriorating global economic outlook, are a rude reminder of our own limits as technologists," Vembu added. offers web-based business tools, including software for businesses, software for customer relationship management, human resource management, enterprise collaboration platform, and GST-compliant accounting software. Vembu said, While growth has slowed down quite a bit in 2022, our diversified product portfolio and the fact that we save money for customers have helped us. We hope to continue to serve our customers by bringing the highest quality offerings at very affordable prices. The company has businesses in over 150 countries and built a user base of over 80 million in the last 25 years. "Fundamentals matter now more than ever, and our industry has to learn to lower the friction of so that becomes far more affordable," Vembu added. The company also plans to double investments for technologies such as and (AI). Vembu said: "We will add 100 more network PoPs around the world in the next five years to enhance network access. We are also working on adding Indian language support for our AI and technology for universal validation. Our focus will be on technologies that businesses regardless of their size and location will be able to use securely." He added that the company's growth is driven by research and development and a lot of firms are shifting to Zoho applications. This is driving growth for the company. Zoho has received 25 patents in the last three years. The government on Tuesday said it will abolish 8,000 vacant posts of permanent school teachers as a larger number of contractual faculty members are already working through the Sarba Siksha Abhiyan (SSA). Opposition parties and student organisations slammed the government claiming that the step is against the interests of vernacular medium schools. Minister Ranoj Pegu said that the state government in 2020 had offered a regular pay scale and other benefits such as service tenure up to 60 years of age to 11,206 contractual teachers working under the SSA in Lower Primary and Upper Primary schools. "In order to maintain rationality against this near-regularisation, the Govt. decided to keep 8000 sanctioned posts of regular teachers vacant to avoid duplicity and financial neutrality," he said in a Facebook post. The minister said that as these vacant posts have been kept frozen and shall be vacant for a long period till the retirement of the contractual teachers, the government has considered it "prudent to abolish them for financial discipline". He, however, said that the state government may create posts as and when required owing to an increase in enrolment in the future. Reacting to the announcement, Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi alleged that the step to abolish the posts is "short-sighted" and against the public system. "Such conspiracies of the government against vernacular medium schools are very old and the latest is the abolishing of thousands of teachers' posts. Such a decision related to the education sector, which is a Constitutional subject, is not at all acceptable," he said. All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) organisational general secretary Aminul Islam said that instead of giving jobs to the unemployed youths, the government abolished thousands of opportunities. "This step is really unfortunate at a time when only one teacher is imparting education in 4,000 schools in the state. To maintain the teacher-student ratio as per the NEP, more hiring is required," he added. The All Students' Union (AASU) general secretary Sankarjyoti Baruah claimed that the BJP-led government in Assam is planning to "finish" the vernacular medium institutions in the state. "This will destroy all government schools in Assamese, Bodo and other local languages. There are around 500 Assamese medium schools where there is no teacher at all. We demand that the government withdraw the decision immediately," Baruah added. After reactions from the opposition started pouring in, Pegu called "an urgent press conference" on the subject on Wednesday. On Monday, School Education Secretary Bijoya Choudhury wrote to the Accountant General of Assam informing the official of the decision to abolish the vacant posts of the regular teachers. She said in her letter that out of the total posts, 4,285 are in Lower Primary schools and the remaining 3,715 are in Upper Primary schools. (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.) Climate finance for developing nations is a mirage and adapting measures such as early warning about extreme weather events will save lives, said Indias environment minister Bhupender Yadav at the UNs annual climate-change summit in Egypt on Tuesday. Early warnings for all play a part in not just containing the immediate physical impacts, but also mitigating the far-reaching long-term socio-economics implications that follow, Yadav said. leads the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an international organisation developing applications for climate forecast and early warning for reducing infrastructure loss and disruption in basic services. CDRI at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) will pitch a proposal to support the climate-change adaptation projects by island nations on November 17. The initiative follows the launch of Infrastructure Resilient Island States (IRIS) last year which supports the 58 small island developing States (SIDS) in achieving sustainable development through a systematic approach to resilient, sustainable, and inclusive infrastructure. Also read: COP27: 112 nations pledge to protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030 We would be interested in supporting the island states through our three core activities--capacity building, knowledge sharing and technical assistance. The program would look at early warning systems, nature-based solutions, climate resilient infrastructure among others. Most of it is adaptation focus and the agenda also is to build on our work to get additional finance for climate resilient infrastructure, said Amit Prothi, director general, CDRI told this paper recently. CDRI is a partnership of national governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, and knowledge institutions to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems for climate and disaster risks in support of sustainable development. It was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2019 at the UN Secretary-Generals Climate Action Summit in New York, United States. is working to strengthen early warning systems for all hydro-meteorological hazards and this has reduced the impact on human life, said Yadav at the UN Secretary General High Level Round Table to launch the 'Early Warnings for All Executive Action Plan'. We have reduced mortality from cyclones by up to 90 per cent over the last 15 years. On both east and west coasts, we have nearly 100 per cent coverage of early warning systems for cyclones. Similarly, for other hazards such as heat waves we are making swift progress, leading to much greater resilience of our communities, Yadav said. Yadav said the Meteorological Departments Cyclone Warning Division (CWD) acts as a multilateral Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre for monitoring, predicting and issuing warning services on tropical cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean. It works along with 13 countries in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea region. The collaboration helped in the exchange of meteorological data from the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and Arabian Sea countries to IMD and improved monitoring and forecast. Moreover, the meteorological data of satellite and radar, and model guidance from IMD along with tropical cyclone advisory bulletins helped the countries to minimise losses of lives. Yadav said that the number of lives lost in tropical cyclones in the last 10 years in India and other countries in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea has been minimised after IMDs forecast and advisories. "Around the world, vulnerable communities have no way of knowing when hazardous weather is on its way. The new Early Warnings for All Executive Action Plan sets out the way to right this wrong and protect lives & livelihoods, said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Lt Governor V K Saxena has given his nod to prosecute two activists for allegedly burning copies of the Constitution and insulting the SC/ST community during a protest in 2018, sources said on Tuesday. Saxena has approved the prosecution of the accused under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Police sources said. The accused had also uploaded videos of the protests on social media, they said. The L-G has given sanction to prosecute the accused persons in the case registered on August 10 under sections of the SC/ST (POA) Act and Prevention of Insults to National Honours Act, 1971. These are special statutes and police require L-G nod to book the accused under the acts. "Taking a very serious view against incidents of insults to Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes and the Constitution, the L-G has sanctioned prosecution of the accused -- Krishan Mohan Rai and Ashutosh Kumar -- activists of 'Youth Equality Foundation' and 'Aarakshan Virodhi Party' for acts of insult committed during a protest on August 9, 2018. "These two persons along with others had shouted slogans 'Aarakshan Murdabad', etc. and also tore and burnt copies of the Constitution in a protest against SC/ST Act Amendment Bill and reservations at Parliament Street on the said date," a Police source said. "These prosecution sanction will help the police take the case to a logical conclusion by bringing the guilty to the book. The initial FIR in this regard was filed on the complaint of Anil Tanwar, national in-charge of 'Akhil Bhartiya Bheem Sena'," the source 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.) External Affairs Minister arrived in on Monday as a part of his two-day visit to Russia. During the visit, Jaishankar will be holding talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in continuation of the regular high-level dialogue between the two sides. During the EAM's visit, talks between the two sides are expected to cover a range of bilateral issues and exchange of views on various regional and international developments. Jaishankar last visited Russia in July 2021 followed by the visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to New Delhi in April 2022. Earlier on Monday, ahead of EAM's visit, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Russia and India stand for the active formation of a more just and equal polycentric world order. "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. 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 decade. "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 would 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 . 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 peace and diplomacy. (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.) As countries from across the globe come together at to take action on the collective goals under the and Convention from 6-8 November 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, here are the key concepts you must know about:Energy colonialismThe concept of Energy colonialism became a highlight at when think tank Power Shift Africa's director and famous activist, Mohamed Adow accused European nations, especially of practicing Energy Colonialism. Energy colonialism can be defined as a situation where foreign countries or companies use land and resources belonging to another country to generate energy for their own use. "Europes dash for gas was threatening to lock Africa into polluting fossil fuels, rather than pursuing greener alternatives such as renewables," Adow said while criticizing Europe's move toward Africa to reduce its dependence on Russian fossil fuels for energy supply. Carbon neutrality When there is a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere in carbon sinks, a country is said to be 'carbon-neutral'. colonialism The concept of colonialism is often defined as the exploitation of resources in the Global South by Global North nations to achieve their own green agendas. Global North is often seen as the developed and rich countries including Europe and US. And 'Global South' includes the developing or the under-developed nations. In 2021, the European Green Deal was criticised and accused of being blind to the damages that Europe has caused historically to other countries, especially the Global South. For example, a push for greener sources of energy, particularly in the Global North, has increased the demand for metals like nickel and cobalt. But, the exploitative mining conditions and displacement of an indigenous community in achieving these green targets is not much discussed. Carbon offsetting Carbon offsetting is a practice by which rich and developed countries purchase the right to release more greenhouse gases (GHG) than they have committed to. And in return, they invest in carbon sequestration facilities in developing countries as compensation for missing their targets. crisis The United Nations started describing the phenomenon of climate change as a climate crisis in the past few years. The United Nations report says that climate change is a major threat to international peace and security. "The effects of climate change heighten competition for resources such as land, food, and water, fueling socioeconomic tensions and, increasingly often, leading to mass displacement." Calling 'climate' a risk multiplier, the UN says that it aggravates the challenges the world faces today. "Droughts in Africa and Latin America directly feed into political unrest and violence. The World Bank estimates that, in the absence of action, more than 140 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia will be forced to migrate within their regions by 2050." says the UN report on Climate Crisis. Climate Reparations Historically, developing nations have blamed the developed world for the rising climate change and have asked that they pay for losses incurred by poor or vulnerable nations by the impact of Climate change. The most recent example is Pakistan. The country faced catastrophic floods and heatwaves in the past year, which has been attributed to the impact of the Climate crisis. Small island nations like Tuvalu, Antigua and Barbuda, which are vulnerable to hurricanes and ongoing sea-level are also among the countries that are demanding reparations from the developed world. In 2021, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro asked for payments from the world to preserve the Amazon rain forests also known as the "Lungs of the World". Loss and damage It is the measure of harm and destruction that occurs when people and places are not fully prepared for climate-driven disasters. The UN in 2013 agreed to set up a formal financial mechanism to tackle 'loss and damage'. But, at present, it is mostly donations based and not much progress has been made to formalise the mechanism as an insurance method against climate impact. The UN secretary general Antonio Guterres calling for aid to flood-hit Pakistan, in a joint statement with Pakistan president Shehbaz Sharif, said If there is any doubt about loss and damage, go to Pakistan, the loss is there." Guterres then called for "a clear roadmap, including the creation of an institutional framework and financing to compensate the country" Climate Finance UNEP describes as local, national, or transnational financing, which may be drawn from public, private, and alternative sources that seek to support mitigation and adaptation to climate change with a focus on supporting developing countries to access . Indias environment minister Bhupender Yadav at the said, " for developing nations is a mirage and adopting measures such as early warning about extreme weather events will save lives". Maharashtra deputy chief minister on Monday asked state (Goods and Services Tax) department officials to work closely with the cyber security department of the home ministry to curb increasing cases of financial frauds and cyber crimes. Fadnavis, who also holds home and finance portfolios, issued the instruction after holding a meeting with officials as well as those of the state finance department. The review meeting was regarding the current functioning of the department, its achievements, growth in collection and intelligence network, among other issues. The deputy CM also held a meeting with officials of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Mumbai and sought support of the Philippines-based multilateral agency in various sectors. After the meeting, he said, We need more support from the ADB not only in funding but also in sharing best financial practices across the globe. The state is working to shift its entire public transport system on green energy. We need support in this sector, too." Efforts in green energy and solar power will help in saving nature and curbing pollution, he added. The state finance minister asked officials of the Prime Minister Gati Shakti initiative to give priority to projects such as AURIC (Aurangabad Industrial City), the Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway and other major infrastructure ventures in Maharashtra. (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 for Road Transport and Highways has said that remarkable work has been done in the agriculture sector in . Under the leadership of CM Chouhan, has received the Krishi Karman Award in a row. Now, has also started exporting agricultural products. The have now become Urja Data along with Annadata. He made the above remark while addressing the inauguration of a road projects program here on Monday. Gadkari laid the foundation stone of five road projects in Mandla for Mandla and Dindori districts worth Rs 1261 crore. Gadkari said, "Mandla is the abode of nature, it is the land of Rani Durgavati and has the world-famous national park like Kanha. Roads are very important for the development of tribal works". He said that after a detailed study of road development proposals given by the local public representatives, including CM Chouhan and Union Minister of State Faggan Singh Kulaste the schemes would be approved. He gave detailed information about the new projects started by the Ministry of Transport in the field of energy across the country. He explained the need for the operation of electric buses in the field of transport in Madhya Pradesh. He said, "Production of bamboo can be promoted in Mandla, Dindori and other tribal areas. In future, ethanol will be made from bamboo, which can be used to generate energy for transportation and other sectors". Union Minister Gadkari talked about, the new project in the 'Gati Shakti Yojana' for road development in the Kanha-Balaghat region on the occasion.Besides, Gadkari discussed about Mandla-Jabalpur Highway. He expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of highway construction and apologised before the forum for the inconvenience caused to the people of Mandla and the surrounding area. He directed the concerned officers to repair the old work of the National Highway and issue a new tender soon for the construction of the bad part of the road. Gadkari discussed the development of roads and bridges from different projects in the coming years.Gadkari said, "The construction of Barahmasi roads is going on by the Central Government to reach all religious destinations of the country. Regarding the construction of the Narmada Expressway from Amarkantak to Dhar-Jhabua, he said that the study is going on by Mantralaya for the construction of this route. Devotees performing Narmada Pradakshina will definitely benefit from the development of this route". Union Minister Gadkari congratulated Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on behalf of all the students for starting medical education in Madhya Pradesh in the Hindi language. He said, "It is our resolve to take development to the poor and deprived sections". (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 Minister has asked all officials concerned to ensure strict implementation of the prohibition law, with focus on stemming the supply of liquor to the state. Chairing a meeting of top officials in his office on Monday, Kumar asked them to identify the routes being used to smuggle liquor to from other states. Liquor ban was enforced in in April 2016. Shortly after the meeting, Chief Secretary Amir Subhani said, "The CM has made it clear that the focus of the police, prohibition and excise departments should be to break all liquor supply and distribution chains across the state. If those involved in the supply and distribution of liquor to Bihar are nabbed, the availability of liquor will automatically be checked." "Therefore, the priority of officials should be to identify the routes through which liquor is being smuggled to Bihar from other states and nab those involved in this illegal trade," he added. As per law, a person caught the first time for consuming alcohol will be fined Rs 2,000-Rs 5,000, Subhani said. "If the first-time offender fails to pay the fine, then he or she will be jailed for 30 days. Second-time offenders don't get any relief as per the law, and he or she will have to serve a jail sentence of one year," he said. As many as 20,000 people were arrested in October for violating the prohibition law, said KK Pathak, the additional chief secretary of the Prohibition Excise and Registration Department. (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.) Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has met Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman here and discussed Indo-US ties and ways to further advance their bilateral security and regional cooperation, the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and Ukraine. During the meeting on Monday, Sherman underscored the US' commitment to the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal war of aggression, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said. They also discussed ways to improve regional and multilateral coordination, including via the partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, he said. The or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia was set up in 2017 to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders also "reaffirmed our shared commitment to democratic principles, regional security and prosperity, and strengthening people-to-people ties, Price said. "Great meeting Indian Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatra to discuss #USIndia relations and advance our security and regional cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific region and the world," Sherman tweeted. India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the resource-rich region. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. China also has territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea. Kwatra is on an official trip to the city. He arrived in Washington DC from New York on Sunday night. (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.) Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau has been warned by intelligence officials that China has allegedly been targeting his country with a vast campaign of foreign interference that includes a clandestine network of at least 11 federal candidates that ran in the 2019 elections. The allegations, which were delivered to Trudeau and several cabinet members in a series of briefings and memos, include other details. These are Beijing's attempts to further its influence globally and, in turn, subvert Canada's democratic process. China Warning The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) released recent information that claimed those efforts by China involved payments through intermediaries to candidates affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This involved placing agents into the offices of MPs in order to influence politics and sought to co-opt and corrupt former Canadian officials. This was an attempt made to gain leverage in Ottawa and the intelligence claimed that Beijing mounted aggressive campaigns to punish Canadian politicians who the CCP considered threats to its interests, as per Global News. The CSIS noted that it was not able to answer some questions regarding the intelligence but confirmed that it has identified the PRC's foreign interference within the country. This could include covert funding to influence election outcomes. The agency's briefings did not identify the 2019 candidates that were allegedly sponsored by the CCP. However, it alleged election interference network included members from both the Liberal and Conservative parties. According to The Guardian, amid the intelligence reports, Prime Minister Trudeau warned that China was "play[ing] aggressive games" in order to undermine democratic institutions. The official's comments on Monday followed the reports of Beijing's reported efforts within the country. Read Also: Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelensky Blames Iran for Helping Russia Prolong Devastating War Undermining Democracy The allegations came on the same day that a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russia previously interfered in elections in the United States. They are also likely to intensify concerns regarding the expanse of foreign intrusion in Canadian domestic politics. On Monday afternoon, Trudeau said that the Canadian government has already taken significant measures to strengthen the integrity of election processes and other systems. He added that they would continue to invest in the battle against election interference or foreign interference in democracy and institutions. Despite the reports, it remained unclear whether the CSIS of the Canadian federal government believed that the efforts were successful. The country's former ambassador to China, David Mulroney, said that the allegations were "far more aggressive" than officials had previously suspected. Trudeau also said that the world is changing and noted that sometimes, this could be going in a frightening direction. He added that we need to make sure that the people responsible for keeping us safe every single day are able to do that properly. The situation comes as more than a decade ago, in 2010, former director of CSIS Richard Fadden said during an interview that there were "several municipal politicians in British Columbia" and Crown ministers "in at least two provinces" whom the agency believed were under the general influence of a foreign government, The Epoch Times reported. Related Article: North Korea: Military Confirms Missile Tests Are Simulations To 'Mercilessly' Counter South Korea, USA @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. At least four persons were feared drowned after a private car skidded off the road and rolled into the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Tuesday, an official said. The took place at Shibnote-Karara along the Batote-Kishtwar Highway around 7.30 pm, Subdivisional Magistrate (Thathri) Athar Amin Zargar said. Quoting preliminary information, he said the car was on its way to Kishtwar from Doda when it rolled down into the fast-flowing river. A police party, along with local volunteers and rafters of JK Adventures who are stationed near the site at Shibnote, launched a rescue operation but there was no trace of neither the vehicle nor its four occupations, the official said. Reinforcements have been rushed to the scene and a massive search operation is underway to trace the victims, he added. Former chief minister and Democratic Azad Party chief Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is touring Doda and Kishtwar districts, was spotted at the scene of the in a video shared from the area. He was accompanied by his colleague and former minister GM Saroori, who could be heard in the video appealing for expediting the rescue operation. Azad was returning after addressing public rallies at Changa-Bhalessa and Gali-Batoli in Doda district, officials 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.) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday extended greetings on Guru Purab, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, reminding people of the path of inclusive society shown by him. Guru Nanak, the vice president said, showed us the path of a compassionate virtuous life and an inclusive society. "May Guru Nanak Dev Ji's eternal message guide us on the path of creating a kind and peaceful world," the Vice President Secretariat tweeted, quoting Dhankhar. (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.) Calling for integration of mangroves conservation with the Reducing from and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programmes for carbon sequestering, India on Tuesday joined the Mangrove Alliance for (MAC). India is among the first five countries to join the MAC, at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) at Sharm el-Sheikh in . The others are Australia, Japan, Spain, and Sri Lanka. The move is in line with India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5- 3 billion tonnes of (CO2) equivalent, through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. Dubbing mangrove forests the most productive ecosystems of the world at the launch of the MAC, Union Minister for Environment Forest and Change Bhupender Yadav said: This tidal forest serves as a nursery ground for several organisms, protects coastal erosion, sequesters carbon, and provides the livelihood for millions of people, besides it harbours an array of faunal elements in its habitat. Highlighting that mangrove forests can absorb four-five times more than landed tropical forests, the minister said that creating new carbon sinks from mangrove afforestation and reducing from mangrove are two feasible ways for countries to meet their NDC targets and achieve carbon neutrality. Mangroves can also act as a buffer for ocean acidification and act as a sink for microplastics. Giving a clarion call for joining hands to protect one of the most precious assets of tropical coasts, Yadav said: India can contribute to the global knowledge base due to its extensive experience in mangrove restoration, studies on ecosystem valuation, and carbon sequestration. He further said the partnership would also benefit from associating with other nations regarding cutting-edge solutions and generating appropriate financial instruments for mangroves conservation and restoration. To sustain the blue economy, it is imperative to ensure the sustainability of coastal habitats, particularly mangroves for tropical nations, at the local, regional, and international levels, Yadav said. Mangroves are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and are found in 123 countries. According to the State of the World's Mangroves report 2022, from 2010 to 2020, the human-driven loss represents 62 per cent of total losses of over 600 square kilometres or 60,000 hectares. Global mangrove extent in 2020 was 147,359 km2. South Asia comprises 6.4 per cent of the global mangroves cover. India accounts for over 50 per cent of total mangrove cover in South Asia. The most extensive area of mangroves is found in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia alone comprising a fifth of global total. Together, Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and Nigeria host almost half the worlds mangroves, according to the State of the World's Mangroves report. At a planetary scale, mangroves are ahead of the curve. Some 42 per cent (61,287 km2) of all the worlds remaining mangroves fall within protected areas recognised by the IUCN. Due to a large amount of carbon stored in mangroves, it is crucial to conserve the current areas in order to prevent potential CO2 emissions. According to the Forest Survey report 2021 released in January, mangroves cover in the country is 4,992 km2, which is 0.15 per cent of the countrys total geographical area. An increase of 17 km2 in mangroves cover has been observed as compared to the previous assessment of 2019. The top three states showing an increase in mangroves cover are Odisha (8 km2), Maharashtra (4 km2), and Karnataka (3 km2). All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and some other Dalit organizations approached the municipal corporation seeking permission to celebrate at the Idgah Maidan in Karnataka's Hubli, which was recently in controversy over the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Some Dalit organisations and AIMIM have submitted a memorandum to the corporation commissioner seeking permission to celebrate at Idgah Maidan. Soon after, Sri Ram Sena also came into action and submitted a memorandum seeking permission to celebrate Kanakadasa Jayanti there. Mayor Veeresh Anchatgeri told ANI that religious activities can be done at Idgah Maidan but no big leaders will be allowed. Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra told ANI, "It is a matter which is related to Hubli Dharwad Mahanagar Palika and the mayor, the Karnataka Chief Minister will look into it." Earlier in August, the Karnataka High Court had allowed Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations to go ahead at the Idgah ground in Hubbali. The order rejecting the petition filed by Anjuman-E-Islam said, the ground is the property of the Hubli-Dharawad Municipal Commission and they can allot the land to whoever they desire so. Later, the case was moved to the Supreme Court against the Karnataka High Court order. However, the Idgah Maidan was granted permission for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi. This was the first time that the Hindu festival was celebrated at the controversial ground. The Idgah ground in Hubballi has been caught up in a controversial dispute for decades until 2010, when the Supreme Court in its judgment held that, the ground is the exclusive property of Hubli-Dharawad Municipal Corporation. In 1921, the ground was leased to the Islamic organization, Anjuman-E-Islam for 999 years to hold prayers. Post-Independence, many shops were opened on the premises. This was challenged in court and a long litigation process started which halted in 2010 after the Supreme Court judgment. The top court had granted permission for prayers twice a year and not to build any permanent structure on the ground. (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 mood is upbeat at the after the successful completion of trials for movement of cargo to the northeastern states using the Indo- Protocol Route. Under this plan, cargo from the ports of Kolkata and Haldia will sail to ports in from where they will take the land route to states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. On their way back, the ships will carry goods from the northeastern states, both for export as well as the domestic market. This will reduce dependence on the congested land route through the narrow chicken neck corridor that connects the northeastern states with the rest of the country. Use of the waterways will not only be faster and cheaper, but also eco-friendly. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) in Kolkata has already started movement of cargo to and from Assam through Waterways 1 and Waterways 2. On Monday, Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairman, Kolkata Dock System (KDS), SMP, hailed the successful completion of cargo movement between Tamabil and Chittagong well ahead of schedule. Tamabil is in Sylhet, Bangladesh, and very close to Meghalaya. It has a Land Customs Station to facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries. The successful trial along this route will enable ships from Kolkata and Haldia to berth at Chittagong. Cargo will then move by road to Tamabil, about 400 km away and then cross the border in Meghalaya. Similarly, goods from Meghalaya will take the return route back to Kolkata or Haldia. "The other routes that were explored are between Mongla and Tamabil, Chittagong-Sheola and Mongla-Bibirbazar. We hope to put things in place by December," Rahi said. P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, SMP, also expressed his satisfaction at the development. The Sheola Land Port is also in Sylhet and close to Karimganj, Assam. Its distance from Chittagong is about 390 km. Similarly, Bibirbazar is in the Comilla district of and close to Tripura. Bibirbazar is about 305 km from Mongla. --IANS jayanta/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.) 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 joined hands with the and formed the government... 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 candidate Neelam Devi," Modi said. --IANS ajk/pgh (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.) Switzerland, one of the worlds richest nations, has an ambitious goal: It promises to cut its in half by 2030. But the Swiss dont intend to reduce by that much within their own borders. Instead, the European country is dipping into its sizable coffers to pay poorer nations, such as Ghana or Dominica, to reduce there and give credit for it. Here is an example of how it would work: is paying to install efficient lighting and cleaner stoves in up to 5 million households in Ghana; these installations would help households move away from burning wood for cooking and rein in . Then Switzerland, not Ghana, will get to count those emissions reductions as progress toward its goals. Veronika Elgart, deputy head of international policy at the Federal Office for the Environment in Switzerland, said these sorts of arrangements could bring on additional climate action while benefiting the host countries. Still, there are questions over whether this mechanism is fair an issue at the heart of discussions at this weeks United Nations climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. One of the main diplomatic sticking points centers on the extent to which rich nations should be compensating poorer countries for the damage caused by climate change, and helping them adapt, particularly since the wealthier world is disproportionately responsible for the carbon dioxide emissions warming the world. If other nations follow Switzerlands lead, critics say, it could delay climate action in wealthier parts of the world while shifting the work of reducing emissions toward the global poor. In addition, it could take advantage of projects in poorer countries that would have proceeded anyway, with or without foreign funding. Its a way of passing on the responsibility to reduce emissions, said Crispin Gregoire, a former ambassador to the United Nations from Dominica, a tiny island nation of 72,000 people that made an agreement with last year. Instead of reducing emissions itself, Switzerland is going to other countries ones that have very low emissions to fulfill that obligation. At last years global climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, Bolivian President Luis Arce called the idea tantamount to carbon capitalism. The 2015 Paris Agreement tentatively allowed countries to cooperate in reducing their . And nations have made progress in laying down some of the rules at global talks for example, creating guidance to make sure that emissions reductions arent double counted. But much of how that would actually work still needs to be fine-tuned, including how projects will be assessed and monitored. The issues are part of a wide-ranging agenda for climate negotiators gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh. Switzerland has been explicit that it wont reach its emissions reduction targets on its own and that it needs to look for at least one-third of its cuts elsewhere. It already generates the bulk of its electricity using renewable energy namely, hydroelectric and making further emissions cuts difficult. Switzerland has so far signed pacts with eight nations Peru, Ghana, Senegal, Georgia, Vanuatu, Dominica, Thailand and Ukraine and is in talks with at least three more nations. and Sweden have said they intend to pursue similar arrangements. There is concern that deals such as these could end up funding projects that might have already been in the works, said Thomas Day, an expert in carbon markets at the NewClimate Institute, an organization in Cologne, Germany, that advocates bolder climate policies. For example, the Swiss initially aimed to invest in making public buildings in Georgia more energy efficient. But Georgia was already planning those upgrades. That meant Switzerland would have gotten credit for emissions cuts that would have happened anyway, he said. Then, Georgia would have to take on more difficult or expensive projects to further meet its own targets, while, in effect, giving the Swiss credit for the easier work. Rich nations such as Switzerland have an obligation to help developing nations without claiming something in return, said Jade Begay, climate justice director at NDN Collective, an Indigenous-led social and environmental organization based in Rapid City, South Dakota. The rule that allows such deals is dangerous, Begay said, because it allows wealthier countries to continue polluting, and to continue with business as usual, which is the root of the problem. Mischa Classen, director at the KliK Foundation, a nonprofit in Switzerland that is working with the government to implement the agreements, said Switzerland was now planning to fund more ambitious policies in Georgia, such as investing in energy efficiency for private homes. And Georgia can authorize or reject projects covered under the agreement, Elgart said. Its partner countries are in the driving seat, she said. Switzerland will also ensure that the projects would not have happened otherwise, she added. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia did not respond to a request for comment. The debate comes as rich nations of the world face criticism for failing to compensate poorer nations as promised so they can better adapt to warming temperatures. According to an analysis by the Overseas Development Institute, Switzerlands contributions to global climate funding fall almost 40% short of what would be their share of an internationally agreed target of $100 billion a year. It is also falling behind on its goals for emissions reductions under the Paris Agreement. The on Monday recommended the Centre to conduct a inquiry into the alleged irregularities in admission in colleges in the year 2021 in the state. 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 colleges via NEET 2021 has come to the fore, which was followed by the action by the 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.) A fast track court on Tuesday postponed till November 14 judgement on a plea seeking permission to allow worship of a "Shivling" claimed to have been found in the Gyanvapi mosque complex here. As the civil judge (senior division) of the court Mahendra Pandey is on leave, the court posted the matter for November 14, Assistant District government counsel Sulabh Prakash said. After hearing arguments of both the sides, the court had on October 27 reserved its order on the suit for November 8. On May 24, plaintiff Kiran Singh, who is general secretary of the Vishwa Vedic Sanatan Sangh, had filed the suit in the district court seeking a ban on the entry of Muslims into the Gyanvapi complex, handing over the complex to the Sanatan Sangh and permission to offer prayers at the "Shivling". On May 25, district court Judge A K Vishvesh had ordered the transfer of the suit to a fast track court. district magistrate, police commissioner, Anjuman Intezamia Committee that is managing the Gyanvapi mosque, and Vishwanath Temple Trust were made respondents in the suit. On April 26, a lower court (civil judge-senior division) that was earlier hearing a plea by a group of women seeking permission for daily worship of idols of Hindu deities on the mosque's outer walls had ordered a videographic survey of the Gyanvapi complex and the Hindu side had claimed a "Shivling" was found during the exercise. However, the Muslim side has maintained that the object was part of the water fountain mechanism at the "wazookhana" reservoir where devotees carry out ablutions before offering 'namaz'. The Supreme Court had transferred the case from a civil judge (senior division) to a district judge on May 20, saying looking at the "complexities" and "sensitivity" of the issue, it is better if a senior judicial officer with an experience of over 25-30 years handles the case. District Judge A K Vishwesh is hearing another case demanding a survey of closed underground places in Gyanvapi premises. This case will be heard on November 11. (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.) India will continue buying Russian oil as it is advantageous for the country, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Tuesday after meeting his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. India has emerged as Russias largest oil customer after China, as refiners snap up discounted Russian oil shunned by Western buyers over Russias invasion of Ukraine on February 24. India, the worlds third-largest oil importer and a traditional ally of Russia, has not explicitly condemned what Russia calls its special military operation in Ukraine. It is our fundamental obligation to ensure that the Indian consumer has the best possible access on most advantageous terms to international (oil and gas) markets, said Jaishankar. In that respect we have seen that the India and Russia relationship has worked to advantage. So if it works to my advantage I would keep that going. The statement comes a month ahead of the US and its allies in the Group of Seven rich nations taking steps to prevent Russia from profiting from oil by putting a cap on prices. Jaishankar said India and Russia had an exceptionally steady and time-tested relationship and the objective was to fashion a balanced, mutually beneficial, and long-term engagement in the backdrop of the increasing economic cooperation. Indias diesel exports to Europe have jumped after the Ukraine war, according to media reports. A report by Refinitivs Commodity Research said Indian refiners had raised their exports to Europe, averaging at 730,000 million tonne per month post-invasion, or 21 per cent of its total exports of 2.64 mt/month, peaking at a high of 1.1 mt in March, versus the pre-invasion average of 570,000 mt/month. United States President Joe Biden expressed his support for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in an attempt to stave off a potential major upset by Republican candidate Lee Zeldin. The Democratic president's efforts come as there are other candidates who are in much tighter races across the country that could help in determining who takes majority control of the House and Senate. 11th-Hour Campaigns for Midterms Over the weekend, Biden called the midterm elections "one of the most important elections. One of the most important elections in our lifetime." However, on Monday, the Democrat, instead of supporting candidates in tight races who were on their own, will campaign for Wes Moore, the candidate for Maryland governor who is already set to take a victory on Tuesday. Furthermore, Moore is set to hold a rally on Monday night that will be attended by President Biden, the first lady, and several prominent Maryland Democrats. The president's appearance comes as the latest poll showed Moore ahead by 31 percentage points over his Republican rival, Dan Cox, as per Fox News. The polling data website FiveThirtyEight gave Moore a more than 99% chance of winning the race to replace moderate Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. The rally also marks the last campaign event for Biden before Election Day. It comes as the president traveled for campaign events in largely blue areas in the last week, which includes New York, Illinois, and California. Hochul, on the other hand, was making a desperate attempt to stave off a major upset by Republican opposition Zeldin. She focused on areas where high Democratic voter turnout will be crucial for her chances of winning the race. According to the New York Times, Biden expressed his support of Hochul in an 11th-hour rally on Sunday at Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester County, New York. The Democratic leader called the governor someone who can "get things done." He also characterized Election Day as a "choice between two fundamentally different visions of America." Read Also: US Midterm Elections: Here's What To Watch in The Critical Polls Tight Election Races Biden, speaking for a half-hour in front of a crowd filled with college students and other supporters, repeatedly criticized Zeldin for the Republican's stances on gun control and abortion. He also ridiculed Zeldin's focus on crime as empty and rhetoric. The visit also underlined that the governor's race in New York, which was previously thought to be a smooth victory for Democrats, has grown to become a tighter race, which reflects that party's troubles across the country. The president's appearance also came on the heels of an event in Brooklyn on Saturday with former President Bill Clinton. The latter urged party faithful voters to reject what he characterized as fear-mongering and macho bravado that was voiced out by Zeldin. Biden was not the only one trying to shore up support for Democrats as First Lady Jill Biden was in Northern Virginia campaigning with Rep. Jennifer Wexton in a congressional district that the president won by nearly 20 points in 2020. On the other hand, former President Donald Trump was set to join a rally alongside Republican J.D. Vance on Monday evening in Dayton, Ohio. It is a deep-red state where Democrat Tim Ryan has been forced into a tight race for the open Senate seat, Politico reported. Related Article: US Presidential Election 2024: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Rises as New Threat to Joe Biden, Donald Trump @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The (Sebi) has received fewer complaints on average so far this year, despite monthly grievances rising from their June lows. The markets regulator received an average of 3,011 complaints every month so far in the 2022-23 financial year (FY23), shows an analysis of data collated from the Complaints Redress System (SCORES). This is a 15.4 per cent decline over the 3,558 average monthly complaints in FY22. The average monthly figure was higher in FY21 (4,906), FY20 (4,627) and in the pre-pandemic year of FY19 (3,517). On the other hand, the number of has risen significantly over the years. There are now over 100 million investor accounts compared to 40 million in FY19. Even as complaints decrease, the number of days it takes to resolve one has dropped from 36.8 days in October 2021 to 29 days as of September 2022. The lowest average resolution time was in April 2022 when it hit 24 days. The system often addresses complaints by forwarding it to the entities against which are filing complaints. The concerned entities are required to send a written reply to the investor and file an action taken report in the complaints platform. The majority of investor complaints are against stock brokers, according to yearly data from the annual report. There were 11,261 complaints filed against stock brokers in FY22. The next biggest source of complaints were issues related to refund, allotment, dividend, transfer, bonus, rights, interest and redemption matters which accounted for 6,789 complaints. Registrars to an issue and share transfer agents were the source of 3,877 complaints; mutual funds were next -- with 3,866 complaints -- followed by depository participants with 3,794 complaints. Of the 42,694 new complaints received during 2021-22, 37,425 complaints (or 87.2 per cent) were e-complaints, while remaining 5,460 complaints (or 12.8 per cent) were physical in nature, noted the 2021-22 annual report. The largest number of complaints were received at the head-office and accounted for nearly half the investor complaints received. The northern region (which includes Delhi and others) was second and accounted for nearly a fifth of the total. This was followed by the western region (14 per cent) excluding Daman and Diu as well as Maharashtra and including states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. The remaining complaints came from the southern and the eastern regions. A slowing global economy with many countries headed to a recession, debt crisis, millions slipping back into poverty due to Covid-19, climate crises, breakdown of supply chains due to the war in Europe, and the geopolitical upheavals caused by Russias invasion of Ukraine -- these are the major challenges that nations will look to find consensus on under Indias leadership, said the countrys Sherpa to on Tuesday. By the time we take over, there will be a slowing down of global economies. Many parts of the world will go into a and therefore, this will be a challenge to the world. Second, there is a major crisis of debt. Almost 70 countries will be impacted by global debt, like Sri Lanka, and there will be a spiralling impact on many parts of the world, Kant said at an event organised by industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce. We have not yet recovered from the Covid pandemic that impacted large sections of the population. Instead of progress on sustainable development goals, Covid has pushed back many people into poverty. The world has regressed and not progressed and therefore, there's a challenge of development across the world, Kant said. The former chief executive said that was another big crisis that the world faced, impacting larger nations, as well as threatening to submerge smaller island nations. Kant said that the war in Europe has led to geopolitical ramifications, and disrupted supply chains, especially in commodities and energy, and these were the issues that will have to deal with. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the official logo of G20 with India as its president. India will take over the presidency of the powerful international grouping on December 1, and will be the head of G20 for nearly a year. The PM is interacting with all the leaders of Global South, as he mentioned today. Based on his interactions, a number of key issues will emerge, which will form a part of our priorities, Kant said. Speaking about one of the key agenda -- reforms in multilateral institutions -- Kant said: G20 is about building consensus and institutional reforms will be one of the issues which will be discussed and debated. How we arrive at a consensus with other countries will be a challenge. Kanto reiterated a point made by other senior policymakers, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, about India showcasing its digital prowess at G20. We are the only country where competes with PhonePe and Paytm competes with WhatsApp Payments in the marketplace. But that is under the umbrella of UPI which is a public entity. We believe that this will be the model for the future. This will be the key to development in the world across sectors, he said. A new web-based system for faster export consignment clearance is likely to be rolled out in a graded manner, starting early next financial year (2023-24), according to government officials. Every few decades, society has an allergic reaction to corporations. This happened in the 1890s, when were demonized as blood-sucking octopuses. It happened in the 1930s, when they were denounced as threats to the common good. It is happening again today. Remember when was celebrated as an agent of global harmony? Now known as Meta Platforms Inc., it is widely reviled as a poisoner of democracy. Or when everybody agreed that governments should be run more like businesses? The worlds best-known businessman-turned-politician is . Polemicists compete with each other to produce the most disobliging terms to describe corporations though the prize, in my view, still goes to Matt Taibbis 2009 description of Goldman Sachs as a great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money. This hostility to is no longer confined to the usual suspects on the left. Conservatives routinely denounce woke companies for trying to subvert democracy in the name of elite values. Some want to go further and take them on over low pay and poor conditions. The most successful example of corporate bashing in recent years was the work not of Bernie Saunders or Elizabeth Warren but of Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida who brought the Walt Disney Company to heel. For all the billions of dollars that corporations spend on public relations, as a class they are doing a remarkably bad job of burnishing their public image. In the wake of a trifecta of crises the 2008 financial crisis, the 2016 presidential election and the murder of George Floyd they have collectively settled on two formulae which have now frozen into corporate dogma: ESG (environmental, social and governance) and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion). These formulae arent doing anything to address the legitimacy crisis, since they alienate the Republican half of the electorate. Nor are they doing much to address the environment or diversity because they lump so many bad ideas along with good ones. Anyone who wants to think a bit more deeply about these mighty organizations could do no better than to turn to William Magnusons new book, For Profit: A History of Corporations. (Full disclosure: I have also written a history of the company, together with John Micklethwait, the editor-in-chief of Bloomberg News). A professor of corporate law at Texas A&M University School of Law, Magnuson tells the story of the corporation through individual that are chosen to exemplify various themes: the Medici Bank (trust), the East India Company (shares), Ford Motor Company (the assembly line), Exxon Mobil Corporation (globalization), KKR & Company Inc. (private equity) and (start-ups). Magnuson sees the upside as well as the downside of companies, which is in itself a remarkable thing in todays academic world, where the only two attitudes you normally come across are sanctimony and dislike. He even praises Exxon Mobil for performing engineering miracles by erecting oil platforms in the North Sea, where gale-force winds roared, and waves rose to a hundred feet. Magnuson ends his historical tour de force with eight pieces of advice that companies and regulators need to take seriously if we are to bring out the best in companies and fend off a potentially devastating backlash. For the sake of time, let me highlight five of these before going on to offer some thoughts of my own: Dont overthrow the Republic Companies can contribute to the breakdown of political systems in two ways. They can corrupt the workings of the political system by bribing politicians, spreading disinformation or opening the door to foreign agents. The Southern Pacific Railroad (later absorbed into Union Pacific) regularly bribed or bullied California legislatures, provoking the novelist Frank Norris to denounce it as an excrescence, a gigantic parasite fattening upon the life-blood of an entire commonwealth. Exxon Mobil funded industry groups that tried to undermine the growing scientific consensus on climate change. was so intent on growing at breakneck speed that it allowed foreign agents to use its platform to spread lies and hate. They can also take on excessive risk that results in bankruptcy or even social breakdown. Britains South Sea Company created such a crash that it discredited the corporate form for a generation. KKR and other private equity companies have encouraged utilities and even hospitals to load up on debt, increasing the chances that they will go bankrupt and thereby deprive the public of essential services. Think long-term The temptation to focus on the short term is greater than ever in a world of always-on stock markets, widely dispersed share ownership and performance-related pay. Companies and regulators need to construct countervailing forces such as strong fiduciary rules that oblige executives to protect the long-term interests of the company, public disclosure rules that force companies to explain why they are making their decisions and giving founders more voting rights, through special classes of shares, so that they can continue to pursue their long-term vision regardless of the whims of regular investors. Compete fairly Regulators have long been aware of the dangers of monopoly. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890), inspired by the giant combinations of the Gilded Age, states plainly that anyone who monopolizes a trade is guilty of a felony. Yet companies are equally aware of the desirability of monopolies: You can charge what you want and rest on your laurels. And politicians, judges and regulators have repeatedly softened absolute bans on monopoly. In Verizon v. Trinko (2003), the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia declared that the mere possession of monopoly power, and the concomitant charging of monopoly price, is not only not unlawful; it is an important element of the free-market system. The combination of judicial permissiveness and the network effects that are at the heart of social-media business models means the world is witnessing another Gilded Age in which companies not only exercise extraordinary control of markets (Google controls 90% of search for example), but also use their super profits to buy up potential competitors and lobby politicians. Its time to stop giving potential monopolists the benefit of the doubt. Dont take all the pie for yourself The era that started in the 1980s has seen an enormous increase in inequality. CEOs have exploited (and distorted) Michael Jensens agency theory to increase their pay and stock options while making sure that they are well compensated if they fail. Private equity managers routinely take home tens of millions of dollars a year (in 2020, Blackstones top two executives earned a combined $827 million) while also imitating many of the corporate perks that they once railed against. (Jerome Kohlbergs perks when he retired from KKR included reimbursement for a secretary and a driver and a new Lincoln Town Car every year.) Lots of things can be done about this that have more bite than ESG. Companies could refuse to provide failed executives with golden parachutes. The US government could revise the tax rule whereby interest payments on debt are tax deductible while dividend payments to shareholders are not. Governments in general could also do more to cooperate globally to close tax loopholes. Dont move too fast or break too many things The corporation was designed as an institution to let people take risks and shoot for extraordinary targets. Limited liability is a supreme device for encouraging people to risk a bit of their capital without risking personal ruin (everything including your cufflinks as they used to say at Lloyds). Companies have taken awe-inspiring risks the East India Company sailed to the other side of the world at a time when that was equivalent to traveling to the moon, for example. But too many companies have used this as an excuse for reckless risk-taking. This is particularly the case in Silicon Valley where Mark Zuckerbergs motto of move fast and break things is regarded as a piece of Platonic wisdom rather than a description of irresponsibility. Facebook has been so obsessed by increasing its number of users that it has consciously encouraged social media addiction while also skimping on internal checks that might have reduced the amount of harmful content and prevented Russian military intelligence agencies from spreading deliberately false and polarizing information. The move-fast-and-break-things culture that might have made sense when Zuckerberg was operating a laptop in his Harvard dorm room is dangerous and irresponsible now that the re-named Meta is a global network serving billions of people. Regulators need to work harder to make sure that corporations dont use the shield of limited liability as an excuse for irresponsible behavior. They can impose broader product-liability rules on companies and their executives (tech companies will never listen to sermons unless they are backed up by real punishments). They can do more to investigate bad behavior and impose punishments that hurt. They can develop regulatory sandboxes where companies considering a new technology are obliged to work closely with regulators to understand the potential consequences. Magnuson underestimates the importance of animal spirits spirits that, if they dont quite operate on a Nietzschean plane beyond good and evil, at least mix virtue and vice as liberally as they mix creation and destruction. Entrepreneurs are almost always unreasonable people who succeed precisely because they are so unreasonable. They are also frequently mixtures of great virtues and horrific vices. Henry Ford was a business hero who put America on wheels and doubled the pay of his employees at a stroke. Young man, he once said during an argument with his son, I invented the modern age, and he wasnt wrong. He was also an incorrigible anti-Semite who drove his workers at a furious pace (the one phrase that foremen had to learn in English, German, Polish and Italian was hurry up), spied on his employees to make sure they lived respectable lives, and unleashed his private goon squad of thugs with cauliflower ears and broken noses on trade unionists. Magnuson also flirts with the modish idea that companies should only have licenses to operate if they commit to acting for the common good. He praises the East India Company for signing up to a bit of Elizabethan boilerplate about acting for the Honour of this our Realm of England, as for the Increase of our navigation, and laments the fact that, sometime in the 19th century, it became possible to acquire a corporate charter by submitting a bit of paperwork to the local authorities. We have abandoned the founding purpose of the corporation as a tool for crafting a flourishing society. Companies certainly owe a general debt to society at large for the privilege of limited liability, which imposes some of the costs of failure on the public at large. But was the world really a better place in the days when company founders had to persuade a collection of politicians to grant them a charter whenever they wanted to launch a business? For the East India Company, contributing to the national interest meant enriching a group of about 200 insiders by, for example, trading in slaves and milking India of its wealth with the help of an army. And did things really take a turn for the worse when companies were given freedom to determine their own ends? The liberalization of companies from the shackles of purpose in the mid-19th century led to an explosion in the number of companies and with it a boost in collective prosperity. Magnuson is nevertheless to be congratulated for writing a book that is both fresh and thought-provoking. For too long, the debate about the corporation has been dominated by three groups: neoliberals who are willing to forgive companies anything (including monopoly), left-wing activists who regard companies as spawns of the devil, and corporate reformists who have fixated on ESG and DEI while somehow turning a blind eye to carried interest. Magnuson puts forward a whole world of ideas that we should be discussing for harnessing the creative powers of corporations while also minimizing their more destructive tendencies.ORG: Oil Drops as China Covid Cases Swell, Dollar Gains Into Midterms Landlocked in the heart of Africa, the is seeking Indian investors to mine its abundant natural resources ranging from oil, and lithium to gold, diamonds, iron ore and copper. The African nation's Minister for Economy Lea Doumta, who led a delegation on a two-day visit here, said her country is "mighty impressed" with India's growth and development model and is keen to emulate it. "We see India as a role model and are keen to partner with its government and companies in our economic progress," she told PTI here. Bordered by Cameroon, Chad, the two Congos, and the two Sudans, the is one of the poorest nations despite its abundant natural resources. According to the World Bank, the former French colony has 470 minerals, with oil, gold and diamonds having the greatest potential. Diamonds account for nearly half of the country's total export earnings. A nation comparable to the size of Ukraine has the largest reserve of iron ore in the world and the best quality of rare wood and timber across the globe. "We have all the resources but not enough technological and financial resources to mine them," she said. The country also has uranium, iron ore, copper and manganese deposits. "We want the Indian government and its companies to help us build infrastructure like roads as well as in sustainable exploitation of our mineral wealth," she said. "India needs natural resources to feed its vast expanding economy and we need their technical know-how. It's a win-win partnership for both." Besides iron ore, the also has deposits of lithium -- the critical component used in batteries for or EVs. India is short on lithium and needs to import it for its fast-expanding EV fleet. Indian companies such as mining conglomerate Vedanta Ltd can come and look at resources in the country, she said, adding the Central African Republic is mapping its mineral wealth. Situated on a fertile plateau and abundant in water resources, the Central African Republic has considerable agricultural potential and is now throwing open its land rights to the outside world, wherein investors can buy large land parcels online, she said, adding it is only the second country in the world that has Bitcoin as an official currency and such purchases can be done in Bitcoins. During the visit, the African nation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bengaluru-based EV manufacturer Pravaig Dynamics. Under the MoU, the company can access strategic resources such as lithium and rhodium and also operate the country's first special economic zone (SEZ). Doumta, the fourth-senior most minister in the government, said her country was also keen to open an embassy in New Delhi and wants India to do so in Bangui. Currently, anyone visiting India has to seek a visa from the Indian embassy in neighbouring countries like Cameroon. Her delegation included Feikeram Thierry, General Director of Mines; Samba Mokamende Ghilsain, General Director of Infrastructure; and Ouilibona Cyprien, General Director of Industry. She said her country also plans to tokenise all the available agricultural land in 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.) Leaders from poor countries criticised wealthy governments and oil companies for driving global warming, using their speeches on Tuesday at the climate summit in Egypt to demand that they pay up for damages being inflicted on their economies. Small island states already buffeted by increasingly violent ocean storms and sea-level rise called on oil companies to shell out some of their huge recent profits, while developing African states called for more funds. The oil and gas industry continues to earn almost $3 billion daily in profits, said Gaston Browne, Antiguas prime minister, speaking at the conference on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States. It is about time that these companies are made to pay a global carbon tax on their profits as a source of funding for loss and damage, he said. While they are profiting, the planet is burning. But some countries at the conference were more likely to direct their frustration at wealthy nations, not drillers. Senegals President Macky Sall told the conference that poor developing countries in Africa needed increased funding from rich nations for adaptation to worsening climate change, and would resist calls for an immediate shift away from fossil fuels African countries need to fuel their economies. Lets be clear, we are in favour of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. But we Africans cannot accept that our vital interests be ignored, he said. Developing countries need $1 trn a year in climate finance Developing countries need to work with investors, rich countries, and development banks to secure $1 trillion a year in external financing for climate action by the end of the decade and to match that with their own funds, a report said on Tuesday. Commissioned by the current and previous climate summit hosts, Egypt and Britain, the report, released at the summit in Egypt, said the funding was required to cut emissions, and boost resilience. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India will "benefit" from the proposed price cap on oil, Treasury Secretary has said, arguing that the United States does not want Russia to "profit unduly" from the war by enjoying prices that are essentially very high due to its Ukrainian invasion. Developing countries like India and China have been increasingly buying discounted Russian oil as global energy prices remain high and Western nations seek to scale down their reliance on Russian energy. We want Russian oil to continue to supply global markets; stay on the market. But we want to make sure that Russia doesn't profit unduly from the war by enjoying prices that are essentially very high due to the war, Yellen told PTI in an exclusive interview on Monday ahead of her trip to India later this week. India's oil purchase from Russia and the Ukrainian invasion is expected to be significant topics of discussion during her India trip, where Yellen is travelling to primarily co-chair the US-India Economic and Financial Partnership (EFP) dialogue along with her Indian counterpart Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Our objective is to hold down the price that Russia receives for its oil and keep that oil trading. The gainers from this will be particularly those countries that do buy cheap Russian oil, and our hope would be that India would take advantage of this price cap, though its firms are bargaining with Russia, Yellen said. If they (India) want to use Western financial services like insurance, the price cap would apply to their purchases. But even if they use other financial services, we believe the price cap will give them leverage to negotiate good discounts from world markets. We would hope to see India benefiting from this programme, the Treasury Secretary told PTI in response to a question. India, which imports nearly 85 per cent of its fuel requirement, until March imported just 0.2 per cent of all oil requirements from Russia. Russia now makes up for 22 per cent of India's total crude imports, ahead of Iraq's 20.5 per cent and Saudi Arabia's 16 per cent. India's G-20 presidency will be another major topic of discussion during Yellen's meetings with Indian leaders. We are very supportive of India's G20 presidency. We certainly want to make sure that it's a successful year, she said. There will be topics on our agenda for meetings. For example, climate change will be very important. We are both concerned about debt sustainability. A large number of low-and middle-income countries in this difficult global environment are encountering problems of unsustainable debt, she said. We need to figure out a way to deal with debt overhangs in a collective way. The multilateral development banks and their evolution and the rules of the digital economy, I think all of these areas will be a focus for India during the G-20. I expect those are things that we'll discuss, Yellen said. I'm sure we're going to also discuss the spill-overs of Putin's war in Ukraine, that's having negative spill-overs around the globe. This is something that G-20 will need to address. There's broad consensus in the G-20 that the best thing for the global would be for Russia to end its war, Yellen told PTI in response to a question. (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 advisory panel for the finance minister has 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, Xinhua news agency reported. 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) 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, 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 programme. 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. --IANS int/sha (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.) Singapore, which is facing manpower shortage, hopes that the foreign talent will choose to "anchor" in the country and make it their home, but does not guarantee fast-track residency. "Granting PR (permanent residency) or citizenship to deserving global talent means that we can anchor them here to continue creating opportunities for and Singaporeans in the long run," Manpower Minister Tan See Leng told Parliament on Monday. Responding to a question, he said Singapore, though on a talent hunt globally, does not provide any guarantee or fast-track the PR (permanent residency) for employment pass or Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass holders. The minister was responding to an adjournment motion by Nominated Member of Parliament Raj Joshua Thomas, on building a global talent strategy. Thomas, a lawyer and the president of the Security Association Singapore, set out in the motion two main suggestions on how the government can bolster its global talent policy and ameliorate local concerns. He said that while Singaporeans recognise that the country cannot "indigenously" produce all the talent needed to grow the economy, there appears to be an impression that its global talent policies are "synonymous with immigration". "As such, my view is that we should make clear that our relationship with global talent coming into is transactional in the first instance," Channel News Asia quoted Thomas as saying. "This transactional first instance will be a testing phase, to see if they like us and we like them. If it's a match, then we should certainly invite them to become permanent residents and citizens," he said. Thomas said must ensure that foreigners working and seeking to settle here also respect and accept the country's national identity, shared values and way of life. "Immigration and our global talent policy, although related, should not be seen as one and the same," he said. "I, therefore, encourage the government to emphasise that citizenship and to a certain extent permanent residency, is not merely a matter of skills and qualifications, but also one of fit and acceptance," he said. Tan, while agreeing to the suggestions, said Singapore maintains "a clear distinction" between its work pass and immigration frameworks. Applications for permanent residency or citizenship are assessed independently and based on considerations including the applicant's family ties to Singaporeans, ability to integrate into society, economic contributions and commitment to sinking roots in Singapore, he said. Tan said there are clear benefits if work pass holders are well-integrated into Singapore's society. "A healthy respect for our laws, our culture, and their local colleagues will make for less friction in the workplace and at the same time produce stronger teams," the Channel quoted the Minister as saying. There are orientation programmes for them but these are not compulsory, Tan said. Thomas also said there should be respect for the capabilities of Singaporeans. He quoted statistics shared by Tan last month that more than 1,700 employers have been placed on the Fair Consideration Framework's (FCF) watchlist for having a high concentration of a single foreign nationality source, and that 300 companies have breached the FCF from 2017 to 2020. "We must not allow our local workers to be overlooked due to preferences other than merit," said Thomas. He said while some Singaporeans may lose jobs to global talent, Singapore's policies must ensure that over time "foreigners will lose jobs to Singaporeans, as we become able to fill these roles ourselves". "This replacement is, also however, dependent on us grooming our local talent to themselves become global talent." To accomplish this, he suggested that more be done in schools to encourage a global mindset among students. Tan said Singapore does have programmes to start such capability-building early, and that the manpower and education ministries will work together to start "cultivating a global mindset" even earlier. "Developing a global mindset is not something that the government can do alone," he said. "It requires our workforce, our individuals to be willing to learn, to be ambitious, to have the hunger to succeed and to be tenacious to overcome challenges. It also requires companies to devote resources to nurturing young local talents." Tan also pledged to do more with unions, workers and companies, and encouraged the public to participate in Forward Singapore engagement sessions to put forward their ideas. (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 Tuesday accused the United States of cooking up a plot-breeding story on its alleged arms transfer to Russia, arguing it has never sent artillery shells to Moscow. Last week, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby accused of covertly supplying a significant number of the ammunition to Russia. He said the United States believes was trying to obscure the transfer route by making it appear the weapons were being sent to countries in the Middle East or North Africa. We regard such moves of the US as part of its hostile attempt to tarnish the image of (North Korea) in the arena," an unidentified vice director at the ministry's military foreign affairs office said in a statement carried by state media. 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 vice director said. In September, US officials confirmed a newly downgraded US intelligence finding that Russia was in the process of purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea. North Korea later dismissed that report, calling on Washington to stop making reckless remarks and to keep its mouth shut. On November 2, Kirby said the US has an idea of which country or countries the North may funnel the weapons through but wouldn't specify. He said the North Korean shipments are not going to change the course of the war, citing Western efforts to resupply the Ukrainian military. Slapped by sanctions and export controls, Russia in August bought Iranian-made drones that US officials said had technical problems. For Russia, experts say North Korea is likely another good option for its ammunition supply, because the North keeps a significant stockpile of shells, many of them copies of Soviet-era ones. Even as most of Europe and the West has pulled away, North Korea has pushed to boost relations with Russia, blaming the US for the crisis and decrying the West's hegemonic policy as justifying military action by Russia in Ukraine to protect itself. In July, North Korea became the only nation aside from Russia and Syria to recognise the Donetsk and Luhansk territories as independent. The North Korean government has also hinted it is interested in sending construction workers to help rebuild pro-Russia breakaway regions in Ukraine's east. North Korea's possible arms supply to Russia would be a violation of UN resolutions that ban the North from trading weapons with other countries. But it's unlikely for North Korea to receive fresh sanctions for that because of a division at the UN Security Council over America's confrontations with Russia regarding its war in Ukraine and its separate strategic competitions with China. Earlier this year, Russia and China already vetoed a US-led attempt to toughen sanctions on North Korea over its series of ballistic missile tests that are banned by multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Some observers say North Korea has also been using the Russian aggression in Ukraine as a window to ramp up weapons testing activity and dial up pressure on the United States and South Korea. Last week, the North test-fired dozens of missiles in response to large-scale US-South Korea aerial drills that Pyongyang views as a rehearsal for a potential invasion. In a separate statement published on Tuesday by state media, a senior North Korean diplomat criticised UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' recent condemnation of North Korea's missile launch barrage, calling him a mouthpiece of the US government. The UN secretary general is echoing what the White House and the State Department say as if he were their mouthpiece, which is deplorable, said Kim Son Gyong, vice minister for organisations at the North Korean Foreign Ministry. Kim said that Guterres' unfair and prejudiced behaviour has contributed to the worsening tensions in the region. (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.) Police in Brazil said on Friday that they had almost completed removing hundreds of barricades set up by Jair Bolsonaro's far-right followers, who had been protesting since their candidate lost to seasoned leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Following Lula's close victory on Sunday, Bolsonaro's supporters occupied army facilities and blocked roads in an effort to retain the incumbent in office. Brazil Election Results The blockades threatened to wreck the biggest economy in Latin America, but they have largely subsided after Bolsonaro asked his supporters to "unblock the roads" on Wednesday. According to police, more than 960 obstacles have been removed. There were just 100 Bolsonaro-supporters protesting outside military posts in Brasilia on Friday morning, 300 in Sao Paulo, and none in Rio de Janeiro. After the election, the former army captain Bolsonaro remained silent for over two days, which led to worries that he might try to hold onto power with the help of his hardcore followers. But when a number of significant supporters accepted the outcome, he said on Tuesday that he would uphold the constitution and gave the go-ahead for the transition to begin in preparation for Lula's inauguration on January 1. But Bolsonaro has yet to publicly admit defeat or offer Lula his congratulations. On Thursday, the outgoing president had a brief meeting with Lula's transition team leader Geraldo Alckmin, the vice president-elect. While Bolsonaro urged his followers to remove their barricades, he also backed "legal demonstrations," which fuels concerns that Brazil may still be in for turbulence. A 12-year-old girl was shot during a Lula victory celebration in the city of Belo Horizonte on Wednesday and died on Thursday from her injuries, marking the most recent violent event associated with the acrimonious election campaign. Per The Strait Times, the closest presidential election in Brazil's modern history saw former metalworker and president Lula, 77, win a historic third term with 50.9 percent of the vote to Bolsonaro's 49.1 percent. Read Also: North Korea Vehemently Reveals That Missiles Tests' Purpose is To Practice Attacking South Korea, US Targets Moraes Calls Brazilian Protestors 'Criminals' On November 1, false claims that the head of Brazil's electoral court had been arrested spread, prompting Bolsonaro supporters to exult in Porto Alegre. Not One Media Outlet Is Covering Protests In #BRAZIL, As Millions Of Protesters Hit The Streets, Questioning Electoral Integrity. pic.twitter.com/2lAMPqBG5d Planet Ponzi (@PlanetPonzi) November 7, 2022 The false allegations surfaced after Alexandre de Moraes, the chief election official of the country and a justice of the Supreme Court, ordered the state's military police to remove blockades that Bolsonaro supporters had set up on major highways throughout Brazil to protest the results of the presidential run-off election on Sunday. Moraes insisted that the election was fair, and anyone who protests the outcome is breaking the law and will be prosecuted while there have been reports that Brazil was now on media blackout, as per Tommy Robin News. According to Agencia Brasil, the blockades created significant delays for both travelers and essential transport services, such as the delivery of oxygen to hospitals. A huge throng is seen cheering in video shot in Porto Alegre by Joo Pedro Tavares. According to Brazilian news publication CartaCapital, many in the crowd were misinformed using an unnamed messaging app. The Supreme Federal Court issued a statement announcing that Bolsonaro had met with judges and had formally acknowledged the results of the election held on Sunday, starting the process of transferring power. A few hours before to the meeting, Bolsonaro delivered his first speech since losing the election to Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro stated he would "continue to execute all the precepts of our Constitution" in his speech, but he avoided outright admitting he lost the election or mentioning his successor. The Bolsonarist organizations that oppose Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's electoral triumph have been referred to as criminals by Chief Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and he has warned that they would be punished, as per Folha De S. Paulo. Related Article: Iran Protests: 10 People, Including Children, Reportedly Killed as Security Forces Shoot Protesters @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Oil prices fell on Monday, paring gains after rising to more than two-month highs, on mixed signals over China, the world's top crude importer, potentially relaxing its strict COVID-19 restrictions. Brent crude futures fell 65 cents to settle at $97.92 a barrel. Earlier in the session, they rose to a session high of $99.56 a barrel, the highest since Aug. 31. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 82 cents to settle at $91.79. It earlier rose 74 cents to a session high of $93.74 a barrel, the highest since Aug. 30. Prices climbed during the session on news that Chinese leaders are considering reopening the economy from strict COVID-19 restrictions but are proceeding slowly and have set no timeline, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources. "The market seems to be thinking that if opens the economy, that would tighten supply significantly and put further upward pressure on prices," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group. However, weighing on futures, Chinese health officials at the weekend reiterated their commitment to strict COVID containment measures. Meanwhile, China's imports and exports contracted unexpectedly in October, but its crude oil imports rebounded to the highest level since May. Adding some price support, the U.S. dollar sank against the euro on Monday and sterling was supported by risk-on sentiment and a rally in European stock . A weakening dollar makes greenback-denominated oil less expensive for other currency holders, helping push prices higher. Oil prices have also been underpinned by expectations of tighter supplies when the European Union's embargo on Russia's seaborne crude exports starts on Dec. 5, even though refineries worldwide are ramping up output. "For a lot of folks, it looks like there is going to be a scramble for barrels come December, in particular in the euro zone," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York. U.S. oil refiners this quarter will run their plants at breakneck rates, near or above 90% of capacity. China's largest private refiner Zhejiang Petroleum and Chemical Co (ZPC), meanwhile, is raising diesel output. Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Co (KIPIC) said on Sunday the first phase of its Al Zour refinery had started commercial operations, the KUNA state news agency reported. (Reporting by Stephanie Kelly; additional reporting by Rowena Edwards, Florence Tan and Mohi NarayanEditing by David Goodman, Mark Potter, Josie Kao and Paul Simao) (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.) Police in northeastern said that seven people have been arrested following a clash between residents and authorities enforcing COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. The violence comes as reports new cases nationwide, with 2,230 cases reported Tuesday in the southern manufacturing and technology hub of Guangzhou. While the numbers remain relatively low, has relentlessly pursued its strict zero-COVID policy of quarantines, lockdowns and daily or near-daily compulsory testing. A news release from the police department in the Shandong city of Linyi said public security would take strong measures against those who illegally violated the legal rights of personal protection of citizens. Anti-pandemic measures have prompted backlashes across the country, forming a rarely seen challenge to Communist Party authority. It wasn't immediately clear who was arrested after the clash. News of the arrests appeared on social media Tuesday morning, but were erased by the country's censors before noon. Chinese leader has made zero-COVID a hallmark of his administration, which gained a boost last month after he was granted a third five-year term in power and promoted loyalists to top positions. Those include the former party leader of Shanghai, where a draconian lockdown over the summer led to food shortages, confrontations with authorities and severe disruptions to global supply chains that have grown dependent on Chinese manufacturing and shipping. While the rest of the world has mostly opened up, China has taken only highly cautious minor steps, with its borders still largely closed and officials under heavy pressure to enforce restrictions. China reported its trade shrank in October as global demand weakened and anti-virus controls weighed on domestic consumer spending. Exports declined 0.3% from a year earlier, down from September's 5.7% growth, the customs agency reported Monday. Imports fell 0.7%, compared with the previous month's 0.3% expansion. Speculation about a possible relaxation of zero-COVID roiled markets, but the government has kept its plans, including the possibility of importing foreign vaccines, a closely held secret. Last week, access to the industrial zone where a factory that manufactures Apple iPhones is located was suspended for one week following a surge in infections in Zhengzhou and the departure of workers from the factory. Many climbed fences and walked along highways to avoid being placed in quarantine centres where food, sanitation and privacy standards have been heavily criticised. Apple announced Sunday that customers will have to wait longer to get its latest iPhone models, saying the Foxconn factory in the central Chinese city Zhengzhou is operating at significantly reduced capacity. (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.) and the US on Tuesday discussed the impacts of Washington's restrictions on exports of advanced semiconductor equipment to China and ways to resolve related uncertainties in the industry, Seoul's industry ministry said. The discussions were made during the inaugural working group meeting on dual-use export controls under the Korea-U.S. Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue (SCCD), according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The meeting took place in Seoul and brought together Moon Dong-min, Seoul's deputy minister for trade and investment, and Thea Kendler, U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for export administration, it said. The SCCD platform was launched in May in an effort to facilitate closer bilateral collaboration on supply chain resilience, export controls, health care technology and the digital economy, reports Yonhap news agency. During the meeting, the two sides checked the implementation of their ban on exports to Russia of strategic materials over its invasion of Ukraine, and shared the respective nation's regulations and measures regarding export restrictions of dual-use items, according to the ministry. "They also exchanged opinions on the impact that the U.S.' measures to bar chip exports to China would have on South Korean industries, as well as ways to address uncertainties stemming from the move," the ministry said in a release. Last month, the Joe Biden administration announced a set of measures that cut China off from certain semiconductor chips made with U.S. equipment in an apparent bid to slow Beijing's technological and military advances. The move sparked fears of disrupting operations of the South Korean chip giants in China, as they must undergo a case-by-case review by Washington to sell advanced chips to China, though South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc. were temporarily exempted from the measures and are allowed to continue normal production activities in China for one year. "The two sides agreed to hold the working group talks on export restrictions on a regular basis, and to devise plans on detailed goals and a time frame," the ministry said. --IANS na/ (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.) British Prime Minister on Monday declared that it was time to act faster on because it is the right thing to do as he committed 11.6 billion pounds as the country's commitment to the climate fund during his address at the summit in Egypt. In his first major address on the world stage since taking charge at 10 Downing Street, the Indian-origin leader pointed to green energy investment as a "fantastic source of new jobs and growth" as he pledged to build on the room for hope created during the UK's presidency of COP26 in Scotland last November. He also used his speech to pay tribute to COP26 President, Indian-origin former minister Alok Sharma, "for his inspiring work" to deliver on the Glasgow climate pact of last year. [Russian President] Putin's abhorrent war in Ukraine and rising energy prices across the world are not a reason to go slow on they are a reason to go faster," said Sunak, in his relatively short address at the summit being held in Sharm El Sheikh. "Instead of developing countries being unfairly burdened with the carbon debt of richer nations and somehow expected to forgo that same path to growth, we are helping those countries deliver their own fast track to clean growth," he said. Sunak referenced a speech by the late Queen Elizabeth II to the COP26 summit last year, where she said there was "hope" for the climate if countries come together. "She reflected how history has shown 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," he said. The UK Prime Minister reflected on the fact 90 per cent of countries are now signed up to net zero targets even as he admitted the pandemic "all but broke" the global economy. "But I can tell you today the United Kingdom is delivering on our commitment of 11.6 billion pounds, and as part of this we will now triple our funding on adaptation to 1.5 billion pounds by 2025, he said, adding that he profoundly believed it is the right thing to do. Listen to Prime Minister Motley of Barbados as she describes the existential threat posed by the ravages of climate change, or look at the devastating floods in Pakistan where the area underwater is the same size as the entire United Kingdom. When you see 33 million people displaced, with disease rife and spreading through the water, you know it is morally right to honour our promises. But it is also economically right too. Climate security goes hand-in-hand with energy security," Sunak said. Sunak called on nations to honour the promises made in Glasgow and direct public and private finance towards the protection of the planet, which would turn the struggle against 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. So, as we come together once again in common cause today, there really is room for hope. Together, let us fulfil it," he noted. Earlier on Monday, he held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit in Egypt, including his first in-person interaction with French President Emmannuel Macron and European Commission President Urusula Von Der Leyen. (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.) has told advertisers that its daily user growth has hit an "all-time high" after Elon Musk's takeover last week, as several advertisers leave the platform amid internal chaos. According to a company document obtained by The Verge, Twitter's monetisable daily user (mDAU) growth has accelerated to more than 20 per cent after Musk takeover. "Twitter's largest market, the US, is growing even more quickly," according to the document. As per the report, has added more than 15 million mDAUs, "crossing the quarter billion mark". last reported 237.8 million mDAUs and a 16.6 per cent annual growth for its second quarter. The Twitter FAQ for advertisers said that "levels of hate speech remain within historical norms, representing 0.25 per cent to 0.45 per cent of tweets per day among hundreds of millions." Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Group joined several other in pausing their spending on Twitter, out of concerns that their ads could appear alongside problematic content. Danish brewing company Carlsberg Group also said it had advised its marketing teams to do the same, according to reports. United Airlines has also suspended advertising on Twitter. Musk said last week that Twitter has seen a massive drop in revenue as activist groups were putting undue pressure on its advertisers. In a tweet, the new Twitter CEO said these activist groups are destroying 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," Musk said in a tweet. "Extremely messed up! They're trying to destroy free speech in America," he added. The company lost $270 million in the April-June period after revenue slipped 1 per cent to $1.18 billion, reflecting advertising industry headwinds. Advertising revenue was $1.08 billion while subscription and other revenue totalled $101 million, a decrease of 27 per cent year-over-year, --IANS na/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.) US House Speaker said on 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 fuelling 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, Pelosi's 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. I'm sad because of my husband, but I'm 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 US 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. Pelosi's husband, Paul, was bludgeoned 11 days before the election by an intruder authorities said broke into the family's 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 he's 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 it's 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 January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol, was fuelled 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 am on the morning of October 28. I was very scared, Pelosi told CNN in an interview. I'm thinking my children, my grandchildren. I never thought it would be Paul. We didn't 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 husband's recovery, It's going to be a long haul. (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.) Ukraine's president has suggested he's open to peace talks with Russia, softening his earlier refusal to negotiate with Moscow while President Vladimir Putin is in power while sticking to Kyiv's demands. Volodymyr Zelenskyy's appeal to the community late Monday to force into real peace talks reflected a change in rhetoric for a man who signed a decree in late September stating the impossibility of holding talks with Putin. But since his preconditions appear to be non-starters for Moscow, it's hard to see how Zelenskyy's latest comments would advance any talks. Zelenskyy reiterated that his conditions for dialogue were the return of all of Ukraine's occupied lands, compensation for damage caused by the war and the prosecution of war crimes. Western weapons and aid have been key to Ukraine's ability to fight off Russia's invasion, which some initially expected would tear through the country with relative ease. But U.S. midterm elections Tuesday will define the amount and the shape of Washington's future political and financial support for Ukraine. While that support has garnered strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, a growing conservative opposition could complicate that next year if Republicans take control of the House. Recent comments from Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, saying lawmakers would not cut a blank check to Ukraine have more clearly reflected the party's growing skepticism about the cost of support for Kyiv. In private, Republican lawmakers who support aid to Ukraine say there could be an opportunity to pass one more tranche of assistance this year with the current Congress. and Ukraine held several rounds of talks in Belarus and Turkey early on in the war, which is now nearing its nine-month mark, and Zelenskyy initially even called for a personal meeting with Putin something the Kremlin has brushed off. The talks stalled after the last meeting of the delegations, held in Istanbul in March, yielded no results. Zelenskyy said Monday that Kyiv has repeatedly proposed (talks) and to which we always received crazy Russian responses with new terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail. resumed calls for talks after Ukraine's successful counteroffensive in the east and the south of the country began in September but ever since Putin illegally annexed four regions of Ukraine, Kyiv has rejected the possibility of negotiating with him. Zelenskyy on Monday listed conditions for the dialogue to begin, including the restoration of (Ukraine's) territorial integrity ... compensation for all war damage, punishment for every war criminal and guarantees that it will not happen again. Russia's deputy foreign minister, Andrei Rudenko, stressed on Tuesday that Moscow is not setting any conditions for the resumption of talks and accused Kyiv of lacking good will. This is their choice, we have always declared our readiness for such negotiations, Rudenko said. Ukraine's presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak insisted in a tweet Monday that Ukraine has never refused to negotiate," but first, Russia needs to withdraw its troops from the country. Is Putin ready? Obviously not, Podolyak wrote. In other developments: In the eastern Donetsk region, which the Russians are struggling to take full control of, Moscow's shelling killed three civilians and wounded seven others over the past 24 hours, according to Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko. Kyrylenko said the fatalities occurred in the city of Bakhmut, a key target of Russia's grinding offensive in Donetsk, and the town of Krasnohorivka. Ukraine's deputy defense minister last week described the Bakhmut area as the epicenter of fighting in eastern Ukraine. Elsewhere, two civilians were seriously wounded by unexploded mines in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, where Kyiv's forces retook broad swaths of territory in September, Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. In the partially occupied Kherson region in the south, where Ukraine's troops are conducting a successful counteroffensive, Russian-installed authorities said they have completed measures to evacuate residents ahead of anticipated Ukrainian advances. The Kremlin-appointed administration had sought to relocate tens of thousands of people in anticipation of a Ukrainian advance deeper into the region. Ukrainian military and civilian officials have previously described the relocation measures as forced displacement. Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the Kremlin-backed administration, has repeatedly denied that. Russian-backed officials in Kherson announced that motorized ferries transporting civilians across the Dnieper River and deeper into Russian-held territory were no longer running. According to the announcement, made Monday on Telegram, the main remaining relocation route is across the Antonivskiy Bridge, which Ukrainian attacks have repeatedly damaged and is now operated by the Russian military. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations reassured Ukrainian farmers that extending a wartime deal that allowed Ukrainian grain and other commodities to be shipped on the Black Sea was a priority for the U.N. The agreement is set to expire on Nov. 19. I am here seeing Ukraine as the breadbasket of the world. ... This (war) really has had an impact on the entire global food market," U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said while speaking to farmers and reporters at a grain storage facility in Kyiv. Brokered by the U.N. and Turkey, the shipping initiative has allowed more than 9 million tons of grain in 397 vessels to leave Ukrainian ports and travel along a designated corridor. Russia briefly suspended its participation in the deal last week, alleging that a Ukrainian drone had attacked its Black Sea fleet in Crimea on Oct. 29. (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.) Voters in five states are deciding on Election Day whether to approve recreational marijuana, a move that could signal a major shift toward legalisation in even the most conservative parts of the country. The proposals are on the ballot in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota and follow moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalising . Biden last month announced he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of under federal law. Advocates of the initiatives have said Biden's announcement may give a boost to their efforts. Recreational marijuana is legal in 19 states, and polls have shown opposition to legalization softening. All of the states with recreational marijuana on the ballot, except for Maryland, voted for Trump in the 2020 presidential election. The five states also currently have legal medical marijuana programs. That includes Arkansas, which in 2016 became the first Bible Belt state to approve medical marijuana. The state's dispensaries opened in 2019, and more than 91,000 patients have cards to legally buy marijuana for medical conditions. The legalisation campaigns have raised about USD 23 million in the five states, with the vast majority in Arkansas and Missouri. More than 85% of contributions in those two states have come from donors associated with companies holding medical marijuana licenses, according to an Associated Press analysis of the most recent campaign finance reports. In Arkansas, supporters have been running upbeat ads touting the thousands of jobs they say will be created by the measure. Opponents have run more ominous spots, warning voters to protect Arkansas from big marijuana. The initiative has drawn the criticism of traditional legalization opponents as well as some medical marijuana advocates, who say the Arkansas proposal places too many limits and would only benefit a handful of dispensaries. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a former head of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, has also opposed the measure. Missouri's proposal would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older and expunge records of past arrests and convictions for nonviolent marijuana offenses, except for selling to minors or driving under the influence. Maryland's proposal would also make changes in criminal law and create automatic expungements of past marijuana possession convictions. North Dakota's measure would allow people 21 and older to legally use marijuana at home as well as possess and cultivate restricted amounts of cannabis. It also would establish policies to regulate retail stores, cultivators, and other types of marijuana businesses. South Dakotans, including a sizable number of Republicans, voted to legalize marijuana possession in 2020, but that law was struck down by the state Supreme Court in part because the proposal was coupled with medical marijuana and hemp. This year, recreational pot is standing by itself as it goes before voters. In Colorado, where recreational marijuana has been legal for nearly a decade, voters on Tuesday are taking up a proposal that would allow the use of certain psychedelic substances. If approved, it would make Colorado the second state to take such a step. (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.) Hans Kluge, regional director for Europe at the (WHO), called the current response to "dangerously inconsistent and far too slow" in a statement. " and the crises it has triggered have long been clear health emergencies. WHO and (its) partners have long sounded the alarm," Kluge said, urging participants of the current United Nations Conference (COP27) in Egypt to act faster and more coherently. To avoid increasing exposure and vulnerability to heatwaves and other extreme weather events, Kluge called for drastic adaptation and mitigation measures that could tackle climate change and improve individual, societal and planetary health, Xinhua news agency reported. According to Kluge, the devastating wildfires that hit Europe last summer had caused the highest carbon emissions since 2007, "polluting our air, killing many people". He warned that extreme temperatures caused heat stress, which had become the leading weather-related cause of death in Europe. Based on country data, the WHO puts the number of heat-related deaths to 15,000 in 2022, Kluge said. Last year, high-impact weather and climate events like floods and storms directly affected over half a million people, he said. Kluge cited a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), saying that Europe was the fastest-warming region in the world, where extreme temperatures had accounted for over 148,000 lives lost in the last 50 years. According to Kluge, his organization intends to "use the collective power of WHO member states to (...) integrate health into any climate change plan". "We need to do it now if we are to prevent the climate crisis from turning into an irreversible climate disaster for our region and our entire planet," he said. --IANS int/sha (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.) Inc. now under new management, if thats the right word fired about half its workers over the weekend, a big story by anyones standards. Yet some teams and countries suffered worse and that is a story with global political implications. In India, for example, seems to have laid off 90% of its employees. In Brazil, a team of 150 was let go, according to Bloomberg Linea. Shortly after took over the company, the number of employees with the ability to suspend or ban an account for breaches of user policies was at least temporarily reduced from hundreds to about 15. Musks vision for is not particularly complex. He views it as a software platform first, and only then as a . The company should care about the plumbing that lies behind the posts, not the posts themselves and how they connect to each other: Speech on the network should be largely unmoderated and unmediated. The obvious corollary is that Twitters halls should filled with coders; all the content people are superfluous to the companys mission. Yet Musk has said his goal for Twitter is actually to empower the voice of the people and to become by far the most accurate source of information in the world. Lets take these claims at face value. Do his actions further them? Can a company dominated by coders really fulfill those goals in places such as India, if it employs just a dozen people locally? Musks idea that unmoderated, unmediated speech on a values-free platform will lead to democratization and empowerment simply doesnt hold true in the countries where most Twitter users live. Half of the companys ad revenues come from the United States but over 80% of its users live elsewhere most of them in countries that dont have the constitutional and legal protections for speech that Americans such as Musk take for granted. Platforms that want to operate in such countries need to be able to make hard choices over content. Traditionally, Twitter has said that, in order to create an attractive and accessible space for its users, it will follow government and court orders in the countries where it operates. But it also takes action beyond what is strictly required by law, removing tweets and suspending accounts that violate its own internal rules on hate speech and disinformation. Importantly, the company also occasionally says its unable to obey official dictates. Last year, Twitter got into a tussle with the Indian government when it refused to block some accounts bureaucrats had ordered it to shut down. At the time, the company insisted that we do not believe that the actions we have been directed to take are consistent with Indian law, and, in keeping with our principles of defending protected speech and freedom of expression, we have not taken any action on accounts that consist of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians. In other words, to empower the voice of the people in most countries around the world, you sometimes have to do more than what is strictly required by law, and sometimes you have to do less. Promoting free speech in the US is relatively simple, given that the First Amendment is on your side. Elsewhere in the world, it requires teams of content specialists, government relations people and lawyers. The charitable way of looking at this is that Musk whose online bio currently reads Twitter Complaint Hotline Operator is so naive that he genuinely thinks he can solve a lot of these problems himself. Its been reported, for example, that he was personally moderating tweets about the closely fought Brazilian election last week. (There are 20 million Twitter users in Brazil.) Even if you think that Musk is Superman, or possibly Tony Stark, the evidence is already piling up that this task might be a little beyond one man. You cant easily apply political intuitions that have been formed in a very specific US discourse to other, complicated countries such Brazil. Unsurprisingly, this approach created trouble for Musk within a week, when he promised to look into the suspension of some right-wing accounts in Brazil. The assurance was given, publicly and on Twitter, to a not-at-all-suspended television personality with a million followers, who also happens to be the grandson of Brazils last military dictator. Musk might think the Twitter he bought crimped free speech. But governments from Turkey to Nigeria to India disagree. They worry that Twitter brings American notions of what constitutes free expression into their societies, reducing their ability to police speech. They would celebrate a platform with less moderation and less capacity to push back against state power. The chances are that they are right and Musk is wrong about what it takes to defend free speech. Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin admitted on Monday that he had made attempts to interfere in United States elections and warned that he would continue to do so in the future. The businessman's remarks are the first such admission from a figure who was implicated by Washington in efforts to influence American politics. Prigozhin, in comments that were posted by the press service of his Concord catering firm on Russia's Facebook counterpart, VKontakte, said that they have interfered in U.S. elections, carefully, accurately, and surgically in their own way. Russian Interference in US Elections The admission was also made by an individual who is seen as a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The remark was posted on the eve of the United States midterm elections. The oligarch added that during their pinpoint operations, they were able to remove "both kidneys and the liver at once." Prigozhin, who is often referred to as "Putin's chef" because of his catering company, has been formally accused of sponsoring Russia-based "troll farms" that sought to influence U.S. politics, as per Reuters. The US State Department in July offered a reward of up to $10 million for information on the Russian oligarch in connection with "engagement in US election interference." Prigozhin has since been hit with sanctions by the US, Britain, and the European Union. The Russian businessman had previously served nine years in prison during the Soviet times over robbery and other crimes. That was before he went into business during the 1990s and had since kept a low public profile. According to CNN, Prigozhin's remarks come as he has no position in the Russian government but remains an individual who has close ties to the Kremlin. The oligarch is reportedly one of Putin's trusted confidants. Read Also: Canada: Justin Trudeau Highlights Threats to Democracy as China, Others Play 'Aggressive Games' Admission of Responsibility Despite his comments, it was not immediately clear how serious Prigozhin was with his admissions, which were seemingly made sarcastically. However, they come amid a flurry of sanctions over several issues, including the official funding of the Internet Research Agency. The agency is a notorious Russian troll farm that is allegedly responsible for interfering in several recent elections in the United States. The Russian businessman was also charged with conspiracy to defraud the US in 2018 by special counsel Robert Mueller in relation to the alleged election meddling. Since at least 2016, the Kremlin has been accused of interfering in US elections after Russia-linked hackers successfully gained access to emails from the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. The documents were also released during the final stages of the campaign to embarrass the Democratic nominee at the time. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Prigozhin's comments "do not tell us anything new or surprising." She added that it was well known and well documented in the public domain that entities linked with Prigozhin have sought to influence elections worldwide. Jean-Pierre noted that the Russian oligarch's actions have prompted various authorities from around the world to issue sanctions against him, NPR reported. Related Article: Brazil Election Results: Brazilians Take the Streets To Protest Amid Media Blackout @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. slipped as investors weighed Chinas renewed commitment to strict anti-Covid-19 policies against a global market backdrop of depleted inventories. Brent edged down below $98 a barrel, after losing ground in the weeks opening session as reaffirmed its commitment to its zero Covid-19 strategy, including demand-sapping movement curbs and lockdowns. On Monday, more than 7,000 local cases were reported in the worlds largest crude importer, the highest daily number in more than six months. Though prices edged lower on Tuesday, they were trading in a relatively narrow range, with production cuts from the OPEC+ grouping helping to underpin a recent renewed push toward $100 in the global Brent benchmark. OPEC+ can respond if more supply is needed on the market, Omans oil minister said on Tuesday. Godrej Properties announced that it has, on outright basis, acquired a 12-acre land parcel in Mundhwa -East, Pune. The development on this land will primarily be for a premium group housing project. Among the most centrally-located residential areas in Pune, the location has established physical and social infrastructure and offers excellent connectivity to all major social and commercial hubs of Pune city. It is also in close proximity to upmarket Koregaon Park. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The RPG Group company's consolidated net profit declined 31% to Rs 55 crore despite a 13% rise in revenues to Rs 4,064 crore in Q2 FY23 over Q2 FY22. Total expenses jumped by 18% to Rs 4,054 crore in Q2 FY23 from Rs 3,446 crore in Q2 FY22. Cost of material consumed stood at Rs 1,826 crore (up 3% YoY), erection & sub-contracting expenses aggregated to Rs 1,520 crore (up 49% YoY), employee expense was Rs 354 crore (up 12% YoY) and other expenses amounted to Rs 350.39 crore (up 17% YoY). Finance cost during the period under review increased by 74% to Rs 128 crore from Rs 73 crore in the same period last year. Consolidated EBITDA declined by 30% to Rs 178 crore in Q2 FY23 from Rs 253 crore posted in Q2 FY22. EBITDA margin in Q2 FY23 was 4.4% as against 7.1% reported in corresponding quarter previous year. Profit before tax slumped 74% at Rs 27 crore in the quarter ended 30 September 2022, from Rs 101 crore recorded in the same period last year. The company's year to date (YTD) order intake was Rs 10,465 crore, a growth of 25% YoY. The YTD order book stood at Rs 27,569 crore, recording a growth of 25% YoY. The L-1 order pipeline was more than Rs 34,000 crore. Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International commented, We have delivered a strong growth in revenues and order intake. The margins continue to be impacted due to the elevated logistics costs, execution of legacy projects with adverse commodity prices and SAE Brazil performance. We have significantly reduced our exposure to legacy projects and have commenced execution of projects which are secured based on current commodity prices and logistics costs. This augurs well for us and gives us confidence of a sequential improvement in the margins in the quarters to come. Based on the traction in order intake, record order book + L1 of over Rs 34,000 crore and a healthy tender pipeline, we are confident of delivering a continued strong growth in the coming quarters. KEC International is a global infrastructure engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) major. It has presence in the verticals of power transmission and distribution, railways, civil, urban infrastructure, solar, smart infrastructure, oil & gas pipelines, and cables. Shares of KEC International declined 1.45% to close at Rs 435.90 on Monday, 7 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.) On a consolidated basis, PB Fintech reported net loss of Rs 186.64 crore in Q2 September 2022, lower than net loss of Rs 204.44 crore in Q2 September 2021. Revenue from operations surged 105.1% year on year to Rs 573.47 crore in Q2 September 2022. Pre-tax loss for the quarter stood at Rs 186.61 crore, lower than pre-tax loss of Rs 204.45 crore in the corresponding period last year. During the quarter, total expenses jumped 62.6% to Rs 815.12 crore. Advertising and promotion expenses surged 93.51% to Rs 312.38 crore. Network and internet expenses increased 36.69% to Rs 24.33 crore. Employee benefit expense climbed 48.37% to Rs 410.29 crore. Net cash flow from operating activities stood at Rs -272.15 crore in six months ended 30 September 2022, higher than net cash flow of Rs -139.79 crore in six months ended 30 September 2021. Core business adjusted EBITDA was Rs 12 crore positive for the quarter (absorbing an Rs 5 crore loss by the non-insurance business), thus core insurance business had an adjusted EBITDA of Rs 18 crore for the quarter. The fintech major's new initiatives, which include its seller aggregator platform PB Partners, generated a revenue of Rs 164 crore, up 10X YoY. PB Fintech said that its lending business grew 94% YoY during the quarter and currently has a disbursal annualised run rate (ARR) of Rs 12,000 Cr, with over 75% disbursals coming from its existing customers who are demonstrating strong repeat behaviour. Digitization is becoming significant in lending - currently led by credit cards where about 73% of cards issued in Q2 were end-to-end (E2E) digital. "As the lending moves to more E2E digital, a digital marketplace with improving experience like ours would stand to benefit," the company said in a statement. By the end of September, Paisabazaar had 3.2 million total transacting customers on its platform, with 31 million having accessed their credit scores on the platform. The company expects its credit business to be adjusted EBITDA positive by Q4, 22. Meanwhile, insurtech vertical Policybazaar witnessed a 79% YoY growth in ARR for insurance premium. The company's current ARR for insurance premium stands at over Rs 10,000 crore, it said. Policybazaar processed insurance premiums worth Rs 2,545 crore in Q2 FY23 as against Rs 1,423 crore in the same period last fiscal year, while its total transacting customers stood at 12.8 million at September-end. "While there has been an industry slowdown in retail protection sales, we delivered 34% growth in health insurance premiums and 29% in life insurance new biz premiums, which is 2-5x of the industry," the company said. PB Fintech reiterated that it expects to be adjusted EBITDA positive by Q4 this year. PB Fintech, the owner of Policybazaar and Paisabazaar platforms, is India's largest online platform for insurance and lending products. Shares of PB Fintech rose 2.49% to Rs 386.25 on Monday, 7 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.) MP Saumitra Khan on Tuesday urged all opposition parties, including the and the Left Front, to join hands with the saffron camp to defeat the Trinamool in the panchayat polls due next year. The and the Left Front, however, dismissed Khan's proposal by terming the and the TMC as two sides of the same coin. The ruling TMC claimed that Khan's appeal proved that the three parties have a tacit understanding in . In the rural polls at the booth level, the fight should be TMC versus all. All we want is to defeat the TMC, and anyone or any force willing to fight against the TMC can join hands. If someone at the booth level can defeat the TMC and needs our support, we will support them, Khan told reporters here. His comments came against the backdrop of the victory of opposition parties in cooperative elections in Purba Medinipur and some other parts of the state. Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the grand old party would never join hands with the saffron camp. Yes, in West Bengal, we are fighting against the TMC. But that doesn't mean we will join hands with the . For us, the TMC and the BJP are grave threats to Bengal, he said. Echoing him, CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty said the Left and the secular forces would defeat both the TMC and the BJP in the near future. The TMC and the BJP are both sides of the same coin. Those who were leaders of the TMC till a few years back are now leaders of the BJP or vice-versa. There is no difference between the two, so the question of joining hands with the BJP doesn't arise, he said. The ruling TMC claimed the cat is now out of the bag. The truth has been revealed. Since the last Lok Sabha polls, we have been saying that the Left, Congress and the BJP have a tacit understanding in . Saumitra Khan has proved us right, senior TMC leader Tapas Ray 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.) Chief Minister hit out at the opposition BJP, accusing it of "forming a PIL gang" to disturb the UPA government in the state. Soren also claimed that the saffron party had been "looting" the state since it was formed. The chief minister, who was addressing a public meeting here on Monday after the Supreme Court allowed his appeal in a mining lease case, alleged that the BJP, "hell bent" on destabilising the democratically elected government in the state, was misusing agencies like the ED and Income Tax department to serve its interests. The BJP, he alleged, had "ruled and looted the state for 20 years and did nothing for the rural masses, the poor, the farmers, youths and the old". The saffron party, in a retort, said the Soren government, instead of fulfilling the promises it made to people, was "busy grabbing the limelight". The apex court on Monday allowed Soren and the state government's appeals against a high court order which had accepted the maintainability of PILs for a probe in the mining lease issue. "A peculiar situation had been prevailing in the state ever since the UPA government came to power in with the clear intention to deliver and ensure development of the state. Some forces became so active that they have formed a PIL gang to file litigations against our government with false allegations," he said. "They (BJP) had also claimed that former chief minister Madhu Koda was involved in a Rs40,000-crore scam. How much could they recover?" Soren asked, accusing the saffron party of "ruining" his (Koda's) future. Koda was the chief minister of the UPA government of Jharkhand from 2006 to 2008 and had resigned after the JMM withdrew support. It was alleged that he was involved in a mining scam in the state and took huge bribes for illegally allotting iron ore and coal mining contracts. He was arrested by the state police vigilance wing on November 30, 2009 in connection with the scam and was released on bail from Birsa Munda prison here on July 31, 2013. A special money-laundering court in Delhi attached Koda's properties worth Rs 144 crore and CBI is investigating the scam on the orders of Jharkhand HC. Referring to the saffron party's protests against corruption outside block offices in the state on Monday, Soren said, "I want to ask why and for what are you protesting. The allegations of corruption you have lodged against me and my government have been dismissed by the apex court today," Soren said amid loud cheers from the crowd which had gathered to hear him. He claimed that the BJP's protests were being held by people it had hired. Continuing his attack on the saffron party, Soren said, "You (BJP) are scared of the overwhelming response my government is getting for our popular welfare schemes... We are aware that you (BJP) have a degree in inciting people, in driving a wedge between people and other tricks to spread hatred. "They (opposition) first try to bargain and if it fails to materialise, file a PIL," Soren said, adding that such an approach is hindering development work. The was able to rule the state for 20 years and loot it, as tribals were uneducated and did not understand . "The always took the tribals to be fools, capable of only selling hadia (country liquor). The UPA government is committed to carry out development work and put the mineral rich state on the path of progress," he said. Soren said the opposition party's claim of development in the state during its rule was "only on paper" as people remained neglected. The schemes of the UPA government are aimed at strengthening the rural economy, he added. Meanwhile, the president of Jamshedpur Mahanagar Committee of the BJP, Gunjan Yadav, said in a statement that the Soren government has failed to deliver on its promise of providing employment to five lakh youths in the state. "Besides, the chief minister had assured unemployed youth of allowances. All of those promises have remained unfulfilled as the government is only engaged in grabbing publicity," Yadav 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.) A Seva Dal functionary died after collapsing during the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Maharashtra's Nanded district on Tuesday, a senior official said. Senior leader Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the 3,570km-long foot-march, expressed grief over the death of Seva Dal general secretary Krishna Kumar Pandey. Paying tributes, he said Pandey held the flag till the very last moment. "His dedication towards the country will be a source of inspiration," Gandhi said, while extending condolences to Pandey's family. Later, speaking at a gathering at Biloli in Nanded district, where party leaders paid respect to Pandey and recalled their past interactions with him, the former president said the Seva Dal functionary gave us life for the rally and the party can never forget this. We thought that all will complete the journey, but one of our beloved party colleagues will not reach Srinagar (where the yatra will conclude early next year). But his thoughts will complete this journey with us, Gandhi said. While walking with senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and others, Pandey felt shortness of breath and uneasiness, a senior district official said. Pandey was taken in an ambulance to Shankar Nagar primary health facility where doctors declared him dead, the official said, adding the deceased was a resident of Nagpur. The body was later taken to Naygaon rural hospital for post-mortem, he added. Congress leader Ramesh said Pandey was holding the tricolour and walking with him and party veteran Digvijaya Singh when he collapsed. "After a few minutes, as is the practice, he handed the flag to a colleague and moved back. Thereafter he collapsed and was taken in an ambulance to a hospital where most sadly he was declared dead," Ramesh tweeted. "He was a staunch Congressman and used to take on the RSS in Nagpur. It is a most humbling moment for all the Yatris," the former Union minister added. "The Yatris, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee and @RahulGandhi paid last respects to Krishna Kumar Pandey this afternoon at the Yatra halt site in Atkali village in Nanded district," Ramesh said in another tweet. Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan also condoled Pandey's death, saying the party has lost a "staunch and loyal warrior". The Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra arrived in Maharashtra on Monday night and entered its 62nd day on Tuesday. Gandhi visited Gurdwara Yaadgari Baba Zoravar Singh ji Fateh Singh ji on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti a few hours after the yatra entered Maharashtra on Monday night from neighbouring Telangana. At the gurdwara, the Lok Sabha member from Kerala prayed for harmony and equality, the party tweeted. During the foot-march on Tuesday, Gandhi was flanked by senior Maharashtra Congress leaders, including former chief ministers Sushilkumar Shinde and Ashok Chavan, state party president Nana Patole and others like Balasaheb Thorat, Manikrao Thakre and Naseem Khan. (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 commerce minister on Tuesday alleged that the (DFC) and Ahmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train projects got delayed due to an "unethical" government in Maharashtra. He was referring to the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi or MVA coalition government which had Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress as its main constituents. The DFC project picked up pace after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power at the Centre in 2014, Goyal said. "Had a party (Shiv Sena) in Maharashtra not betrayed us and formed a totally unethical government, three years may not have been wasted. Even the Bullet Train project would have progressed rapidly. That government wasted our three years. They did not let the project (DFC) move forward," said the BJP leader, addressing a gathering of professionals here. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena parted ways with the BJP in 2019 and joined hands with NCP and Congress. The event in Vadodara was organised by the ruling BJP as part of its campaign for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections. Goyal also targeted the Thackeray-led Sena faction over the Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor plant controversy. "A young Shiv Sena leader keeps asking why the plant went to Gujarat (instead of Maharashtra)," he said, apparently referring to Aaditya Thackeray. "I want to tell him that such decisions are not taken in two months. When such a huge investment is in question, the investors have to take into account 100 factors," said Goyal. A Taiwanese delegation told him recently that they did not consider Maharashtra as a location for new offices or factories in the last two or three years because of "political instability and corruption", Goyal claimed. "People want stability, credibility and reliability to set up industry. This is the reason why Gujarat has a host of industries and now defence and semiconductor players are also seeing potential here," the Union minister said. The entire world is today envious of India because of its democracy, democratic institutions, judiciary, media, free speech as well as its decisive and powerful leadership, he 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.) A Seva Dal functionary died after collapsing on Tuesday during the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Maharashtra's Nanded district on Tuesday, party leaders said. Senior leader Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the foot march, expressed grief over the death of the Seva Dal general secretary Krishna Kumar Pandey. He said Pandey held the national flag till the very last moment. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh said Pandey was holding the tricolour and walking with him and party veteran Digvijaya Singh. "After a few minutes, as is the practice, he handed the flag to a colleague and moved back. Thereafter he collapsed and was taken in an ambulance to a hospital where most sadly he was declared dead," Ramesh tweeted. "He was a staunch Congressman and used to take on the RSS in Nagpur. It is a most humbling moment for all the Yatris," Ramesh added. "The Yatris, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee and @RahulGandhi paid last respects to Krishna Kumar Pandey this afternoon at the Yatra halt site in Atkali village in Nanded district," Ramesh said in another tweet. Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan also condoled Pandey's death, saying the party has lost a "staunch and loyal warrior". The Congress's Bharat Jodo Yatra arrived in Maharashtra on Monday night and entered its 62nd day on Tuesday. Gandhi visited Gurdwara Yaadgari Baba Zoravar Singh ji Fateh Singh ji on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti a few hours after the yatra entered Maharashtra on Monday night from neighbouring Telangana. At the gurdwara, Gandhi prayed for harmony and equality, the party tweeted. During the yatra on Tuesday, Gandhi was flanked by senior Maharashtra Congress leaders including former chief ministers Sushilkumar Shinde and Ashok Chavan, state party chief Nana Patole, and other leaders like Balasaheb Thorat, Manikrao Thakre and Naseem Khan. (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 Tuesday alleged that was independent India's "greatest organised loot" and demanded a white paper from the Modi government on the 2016 move. Addressing a press conference on the sixth anniversary of at the AICC headquarters here, leader Gourav Vallabh said Prime Minister Modi had surprised all by declaring that currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 were being scrapped on this day in 2016 and the decision triggered "panic, creating unspeakable problems linked to cash and destroying countless small and medium businesses". It has been six years since independent India's "greatest organised loot", Vallabh said and accused the government of destroying the economy through . Cash in circulation today is Rs 30.88 lakh crore, while it was merely Rs 17.97 lakh crore in November 2016, he said. "One of the stated objectives of the demonetisation was to promote digital transactions as the government felt too much cash was in circulation. The sharp jump in cash has clearly exploded that objective of the government sending it the way of its other goals like fighting corruption, weeding out fake notes and curbing terror funding," Vallabh said. Black money didn't come, only poverty came and the economy became weaker, not cashless, he alleged. "Small businesses and crores of jobs were finished off, not terrorism," he said. "The emperor demolished India's economy by giving the people illusions of a better outcome in 50 days," Vallabh said. He said the demands a white paper on demonetisation. "The prime minister is yet to acknowledge this epic failure that led to the fall of the economy. He must acknowledge that," Vallabh said. He said the government must share what plan it has for the unorganised sector and MSMEs who had suffered most in this exercise. Vallabh said the Congress also demands an employment creation plan, saying "we can't convert demographic dividend to demographic disaster". On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Modi had announced the decision to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes with the ultimate aim of reducing corruption and black money in the economy. (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.) Feature: Chinese artist uses calligraphy to promote China-Japan cultural exchanges Xinhua) 09:01, November 08, 2022 TOKYO, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- This year marks the 30th anniversary of Chinese calligrapher Jin Ou's arrival in Japan. "In the 30 years since I came to Japan, I have been introducing Chinese culture through calligraphy and seal carving works, and promoting the art exchange of calligraphy and painting between the two countries," he said. To commemorate the anniversary, Jin recently held an exhibition at the China Cultural Center in Tokyo displaying calligraphy and seal carving works by him and his students, where Jin said he wants to help the Chinese people in Japan strengthen their traditional cultural learning and seek their culture roots from calligraphy. "Kanji, as Chinese characters are called in Japan, come from China, and calligraphy has always been very popular in Japan," he said. Jin, who was born in Wuzhen, east China's Zhejiang Province, in 1957, went to Japan for study in 1992. During the period of his stay, he studied Chinese calligraphy and Japanese calligraphy at the same time, and published "Jin Ou's Calligraphy, Painting and Seal Carving Works" and "History of Japanese Ancient Seals and Ancient Seals Research". Over the years, Jin has actively participated in various large-scale cultural exhibitions in Japan and performed seal carving skills, which has attracted a lot of attention from the Japanese media. In 2002, Jin opened the Jin Ou Art Academy, teaching calligraphy, painting and seal carving. "In Japan, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving are generally taught by three teachers, but I teach the three categories at the same time all by myself, and I modify my way of teaching to suit each student's personal interests and aptitudes," he explained. Because of the distinctive teaching method, many Japanese came to the school to learn art, and Jin's academy has gained increasing popularity in Japan. Hajime Matsunaga has been studying calligraphy and seal carving with Jin for nearly 20 years. In the exhibition, his work Four Divine Beasts in Seal Carving is placed in a prominent position. His art and skills shine through the vivid depiction of the four mythical beasts as well as the carved characters. "I come to the school almost every day now, and I am very happy to learn calligraphy and seal cutting, and classical Chinese culture," Matsunaga told Xinhua. In 2004, Jin and several other Chinese calligraphers in Japan established the All-Japan Chinese Calligraphers Association, hoping to provide a greater platform and promote more in-depth exchanges between Chinese and Japanese calligraphy and seal cutting circles. Nowadays, Jin instructs a monthly charity calligraphy class at the China Cultural Center for overseas Chinese for free. "Calligraphy not only brings peace of mind to people, but also allows them to relive the traditional Chinese culture and find the roots of their souls," he said. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) A lunar eclipse is expected to be visible on November 8, 2022 and will grace the sky of observers from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, North America, and several parts of South America. Such an event occurs when the moon passes behind our planet with respect to the Sun, passing through the Earth's shadow. A lunar eclipse is considered to be a total eclipse when the moon passes through the deepest part of our planet's shadow, which is called the umbra. Total Lunar Eclipse At this moment, it dims the moon's light and shades it red as the only light that reaches the lunar surface that is filtered through the Earth's atmosphere. People who are observing from Hawaii and Alaska will be able to view the event entirely. However, the moon will set over Puerto Rico just after the eclipse reaches totality but on the other hand, in the UK, Europe, and the majority of Africa, will not be able to view the event at all. For many observers in North America, the event will last a bit more than three and a half hours in total, as per MSN. The first hints of a partial eclipse will begin at around 3:02 a.m. EST, which is the time when the moon will move into the Earth's outer, and lighter shadow, which is called the penumbra. However, it would not be noticeable until after about an hour at around 4:09 a.m. EST. NASA wrote on its website that to the human's naked eye, as the moon moves into the umbra, it would look like a bite is being taken out of the lunar disk. Totality is when the entire moon is within our planet's umbra and is estimated to begin at around 5:17 a.m. EST and end at roughly 6:42 a.m. EST. According to the New York Times, the chief scientist at the Planetary Society, Bruce Betts, said that the most significant thing about this lunar eclipse for him was that it gives a sense of three-dimensional geometry that is rarely seen in space, which is one orb passing through the shadow of another. Read Also: Astronomers Discover Elusive Neutrinos Streaming From Supermassive Black Hole Blood Moon: A Rare Phenomena An astronomer at the University of San Francisco, Andrew Fraknoi, said that the big issue in trying to watch the eclipse was that it would be before Election Day. He joked that maybe some people would be too worried about the elections that they would not be able to sleep and thus be able to watch the event unfold. An astronomer at George Washington University, Shanil Virani, cited that in previous generations, there was a different outlook on eclipses. For our ancestors, the disappearance of the moon was viewed as a time of danger and chaos. Astrophysicist Alphonse Sterling from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center said that such events are not that common, which makes it nice to view them whenever possible, referring to the blood moon phenomenon. A total lunar eclipse happens roughly once every one and a half years on average, with the next total eclipse expected to take place on March 14, 2025. In the meantime, partial and penumbral lunar eclipses will continue to be observable, CNN reported. Related Article: Space Observatory Captures Stunning Image of Giant Star's 'Ghost' Made up of Cosmic Dust, Gas @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. GMR International Airport Limited, an upcoming facility at Mopa in North Goa, on Tuesday unveiled its new brand Logo. "We are very happy to announce the launch of our New Airport Brand Identity Logo, as a part of creating a distinct marque amongst our valued customers," GGIAL CEO RV Sheshan said. The company has crafted a logo that has a perfect amalgamation of the key elements of Goa, he said. "It conveys our commitment to serving our customers with the best world-class airport experiences while remaining true to our longstanding reputation." As a prominent representation of the company, people, and brand, the new logo is playful, optimistic and smart. Inspired by the sun, sand, palm trees, sea, sky, earth and fun which define Goa, the logo for New Airport has incorporated each of these attributes, a media release by GGIAL said. "The new Goa airport is about relaxing and also moving, thus unfolding a new and smooth pace of life. The new Goa airport is about the hills, the water, the greenery and the Goan Spirit. All the colours that define state on the southwestern coast of India and the emotions that surround it find expression in the New Wave Logo," it added. The company has said all the attributes that symbolise the spirit of Goa are present in this corporate insignia. The new airport would be developed in stages initially to service about 4.4 million passengers per anum and will be scaled up as per traffic growth demands. This Airport will be a full-service airport catering to domestic and international passengers besides freight services. (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.) India's presidency will be an opportunity for it to share its expertise with the world in areas of women empowerment, democracy and digital technologies, Prime Minister said on Tuesday after unveiling the logo, theme and the website for the upcoming tenure. The prime minister also said that as the chair of the influential grouping, India's endeavour would be that there should be "no first world or third world" and it should be only "one world". India will assume the presidency of the powerful grouping from the current chair Indonesia on December 1. The or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies. "A big opportunity has come. It is a matter of pride for every Indian, it is a matter of increasing his pride," Modi said in his address at an online event. The prime minister also delved into India's development journey and said all governments and people after the Independence contributed in their own way to taking India forward. "After independence we started a significant journey starting from zero, aiming for the top. This includes the efforts of all the governments in the last 75 years. All the governments and citizens in their own way have tried to take India forward together," he said. "We have to move forward with this spirit today with a new energy taking the whole world along. India's thousands of years old culture has taught us one more thing -- when we strive for our progress, we also envision global progress," he said. Highlighting India's democratic values, Modi also the country can show the world that the scope of conflict can come to an end when democracy becomes a culture. He said the summit in India would not just be a diplomatic meeting and that the country sees it as a "new responsibility". "India sees this as the confidence of the world in the country. Today in the world there is an unprecedented curiosity to know India, to understand India. Today India is being viewed in a new light," he said. The prime minister said India's achievements in many fields can be useful to other countries of the world. For example, he added that the way India has used digital technologies for development, inclusion, eradicating corruption and for increasing ease of doing business can be helpful for developing countries. "Similarly, today India is making progress in women empowerment," he said and cited schemes like our Jan Dhan Yojna and Mudra scheme which are aimed at ensuring the financial inclusion of women. "Our experience in various such fields can be of great help to the world. And India's presidency in the G20 is coming as an important medium to take all these successful campaigns to the world," he said. Modi said India can assure the world that both "progress and nature" can go with each other. "We also have to make sustainable development a part of individual life instead of just a system of governments, it has to be expanded. The environment should become a global cause as well as a personal responsibility," Modi said. The prime minister said India's presidency of the G20 would be a representation of the strength and potential of 130 crore Indians. He said the G20 logo is not just a logo. It is a message. This is a feeling, which is in our veins. In this logo the lotus flower, the mythological heritage of India, our faith, our intellect, is depicting all these together, Modi said. The G20 logo draws inspiration from the vibrant colours of India's national flag -- saffron, white and green, and blue. It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus, India's national flower that reflects growth amid challenges. The earth reflects India's pro-planet approach to life, one in perfect harmony with nature, according to an official statement. The theme of India's G20 Presidency -- "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "One Earth One Family One Future" -- is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. Essentially, the theme affirms the value of all life -- human, animal, plant, and microorganisms -- and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe, the statement said. The theme also spotlights LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices, both at the level of individual lifestyles as well as national development, leading to globally transformative actions resulting in a cleaner, greener and bluer future. The G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union (EU). The G20 summit is taking place on November 15 and 16 in Bali and Modi is set to be among top leaders attending it. The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation representing around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. India is currently part of the G20 Troika (current, previous and incoming G20 presidencies) comprising Indonesia, Italy and India. (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.) India has demonstrated expertise in mangrove restoration for nearly five decades and can contribute to the global knowledge base due to its experience, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said Monday at the launch of the "Mangrove Alliance for Climate". The UAE and Indonesia have launched the MAC on the sidelines of the COP27, to strengthen conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems worldwide. India, Australia, Japan, Spain and Sri Lanka have joined the alliance. Yadav said creating a new carbon sink from mangrove afforestation and reducing emissions from mangrove deforestation are two feasible ways for countries to meet their NDC targets and achieve carbon neutrality. NDCs means national plans and pledges made by countries to limit global temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius. "The integration of mangroves into the national programmes for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation is the need of the hour. India can contribute to the global knowledge base due to its extensive experience in mangrove restoration, studies on ecosystem valuation and carbon sequestration," Yadav said. India has demonstrated expertise in mangrove restoration activities for nearly five decades and restored different types of mangrove ecosystems both on its east and west coasts, he said, adding there has been a significant increase in the mangrove cover in India in the Andaman, Sundarbans and the Gujarat regions. As part of this alliance, an international mangrove research centre will be established in Indonesia which will conduct studies on mangrove ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and ecotourism. Mangroves are a means of climate adaptation and protects coasts from rising seas levels, erosion and storm surges. Mangrove trees can grow in saline waters, and can sequester up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests. Eighty per cent of the global fish populations depend on mangrove ecosystems. (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.) Stressing on gender equality, actor Jonas on Tuesday said government schemes are there, but the real need is to change the mindset of people towards girls and women. The goodwill ambassador, who was on a two-day visit to the Uttar Pradesh capital since Monday, also described child abuse as a bane of society. "No matter how many schemes you implement, they have done (their job). But real change can come only by changing the mindset of society towards females," she told PTI here. "Our country India has a huge population and the mindset is very old. Until this mindset that girls do not need anything, girls do not have any rights and girls are our property changes, how will a transformation come on a large scale," she asked. The goodwill ambassador lauded the Uttar Pradesh government's women helpline number '1090', saying it "can digitally track the victim and provide her help in times of distress". On Monday, she had visited the centre here from where the helpline is operated. Boys have to be taught to respect girls and how they should treat them, said Priyanka Chopra, who also visited a few girls' schools and anganwadi centres, and interacted with people there. "It is important to end stereotypes that girls are 'paraya dhan', what is the need for girls to study and why should money be wasted on girls. Such thinking needs to be changed in the house. Until these changes are brought, not much can be achieved," she said. To a question on why films are not prominently highlighting cases of child abuse, she said, "I have not done Hindi films for a long time. But I would say that you put high equity on films. We are not lawmakers, we only make films and stories." "People watch movies, enjoy movies and go. But change will not come because somebody made a social media comment. Change will not come because something has been shown in a scene (of a movie). Change will come when there is a change in the mindset," the actor said. Lauding digitisation in the context of implementation of the government schemes to end child abuse, she said, "The pace at which digitisation has taken place in the country, it has not taken place at the same pace anywhere else in the world." said Uttar Pradesh's population is larger than that of Brazil and an anganwadi worker has to keep 50 registers and something might get missed sometime. Owing to digitisation, today there is an application that has all the relevant information, she said, apparently referring to the POSHAN tracker app developed by the central government to eliminate malnutrition. The app has information about children covered by an anganwadi worker. Asked about whose biopic she would like to enact, the actor said, "I do not think on those lines about my films. I will go by a good story and a good idea. (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.) One of the four Japanese that are to be situated in a smart city being developed by an arm of Ltd near Gurugram, has done ground-breaking for a medical devices unit. "Model Economic Township Limited (MET City), a wholly owned subsidiary of Limited (RIL) is developing a world class Greenfield Smart City near Gurugram, Haryana," billionaire Mukesh Ambani's firm said in a statement. MET City is a Japan Industrial Township (JIT) and houses four leading Japanese in its integrated industrial township. "Nihon Kohden, one of the 4 Japanese and manufacturer of medical devices, recently did a ground-breaking ceremony on their plot at MET City," it said. "This facility of Nihon Kohden will be their largest manufacturing facility in India, and it will further enhance the position of MET City as a leading location for setting up companies in Haryana and North India." Panasonic, Denso and T-Suzuki are other Japanese companies in MET City. On the occasion of this ground-breaking ceremony, S V Goyal, CEO, MET City, said, "With 400+ industrial customers, walk-to-work masterplan and world-class infrastructure, MET City today is one of the fastest growing greenfield smart city in North India." "Being a Japan Industrial Township, we are very happy to have more Japanese companies coming to us and selecting MET City as their partner in India. The plug-n-play infrastructure of MET City is an added advantage for any company coming to us for their requirement," he added. Vaibhav Mittal, Vice President and Head Business Development, MET City, said attempts will be made to get more and more Japanese companies to MET City and make it one of the most sought-after business cities of North India. Kentaro Kusano, Managing Director, Nihon Kohden India Pvt Ltd, said the new 8,900 square metres haematology analyser reagent factory will be built on 16,135 square metres of land will be almost four times bigger than the firm's current factory in Gujarat. "This facility marks an important milestone for our commitment to growing our business in India and positions Nihon Kohden well to achieve our vision for India to be a trusted partner and provider to improve healthcare in the country," he said. MET City (METL) is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Reliance, which is developing a world class greenfield smart city on over 8,000 acres land in Jhajjar near in Haryana. The project has already seen completion of trunk infrastructure comprising power infrastructure including 220 KV substation developed by MET City, water treatment plant, water distribution network, wide road network and extensive landscaping. (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 world should adopt a treaty that stops the spread of energy, much like it has tried to with nuclear weapons, a prominent small island leader proposed as vulnerable nations Tuesday continued to push for more action and money at international climate talks. Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano told The Associated Press Tuesday morning that he would propose a non-proliferation treaty for coal, oil and natural gas later in a speech at the climate summit in Egypt. Natano and Tuvalu, along with other vulnerable nations, have moral authority in negotiations, especially in light of mega climate disasters. A year ago at climate talks in Glasgow, a proposal to call for a phase out coal the dirtiest of the fossil fuels was changed at the last minute to phase down by a demand from India, earning the wrath of small island nations and some vulnerable countries. Small island nation leaders also called for some kind of global tax on the profits of corporations that are making billions of dollars of profit a day during a global energy crisis triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While they are profiting the planet is burning, said Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, speaking on behalf of his and other small island nations. Zimbabwe President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa called on similar nations to form a countermanding bloc of the victims of climate change.'' In a departure from the criticism that rich countries have so far endured from many developing nations' leaders at this year's international climate meeting, the president of Malawi praised leaders present in Egypt for simply showing up. The temptation to abstain from COP this year was great, President Lazarus Chakwera said, referring to the talks by their UN acronym, "because of the great and unprecedented economic hardships your citizens are suffering in your own nation, he said. But you resisted this temptation and chose the path of courage. Chakwerea said any agreements forged at the two-week meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh should recognise the different abilities of developed like the United States and high-productivity countries such as China on the one hand, and developing nations like his own on the other. So far, China has insisted that it cannot be held to the same standards as developed economies such as the United States or Europe because it is still lifting millions of its citizens out of poverty. But there is growing pressure on Beijing to step up its climate efforts given its massive economic clout. Jochen Flasbarth, a senior German official and veteran climate negotiator, said China only formally meets the criteria of a developing country. In truth it is the top emitter worldwide and it is also an extremely prosperous economy, he said. "That's why we expect, and this is also being done in some areas, that more responsibility is taken on (by China), nationally and internationally. Meanwhile, Guterres and leaders such as Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said it was time to make companies contribute to funds which would provide vulnerable countries with financial aid for the climate-related losses they are suffering. It is about time that these companies are made to pay a global carbon tax on their profits as a source of funding for loss and damage, Antigua's Browne said. Profligate producers of fossil fuels have benefited from extortionate profits at the expense of human civilization. And if the small islands can't get a global tax on fossil fuel profits, Browne suggested going to international courts to get polluters to pay for what they've done. A group of scientists from Dartmouth College calculated specific damages for all the world's countries and how much was caused by other nations, saying it would work well in international court cases. Browne also quoted William Shakespeare's Macbeth' in sharing his frustration with lack of action. Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time. And all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death, Browne said. Despite 27 climate summits tomorrow has not come. Governments and corporations come to the COP each year delivering grand statements with lofty commitments. But these commitments are only partially honoured. The idea of a windfall tax on carbon profits has gained traction in recent months amid sky-high earnings for oil and gas majors even as consumers struggle to pay the cost of heating their homes and filling their cars. For the first time, delegates at this year's UN climate conference are to discuss demands by developing nations that the richest, most polluting countries pay compensation for damage wreaked on them by climate change, which in climate negotiations is called loss and damage. The US mid-term elections were hanging over the talks Tuesday, with many environmental campaigners worried that defeat for the Democrats could make it harder for President Joe Biden to pursue his ambitious climate agenda. Germany climate envoy Jennifer Morgan said the Biden administration's recent climate law had given the United States a higher level of standing internationally. Asked about the possible impact of the US midterm election on the talks, Morgan said that individual votes can't change the fact that we're in a climate emergency. Also hanging over the conference was the fate of one of Egypt's most prominent jailed pro-democracy activists, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who has been imprisoned for most of the past decade. His family stepped up pleas for world leaders to win his release after he stepped up a longtime hunger strike. Abdel-Fattah stopped even drinking water on Sunday, the first day of the conference, vowing he is willing to die if not released, his family says. The head of the UN human rights office called Tuesday for the immediate release of Abdel-Fattah amid concerns about his health. Volker Trk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said the activist, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, is in great danger. His dry hunger strike puts his life at acute risk. Rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani relayed Trk's comments at a UN briefing on Tuesday and said that all activists and others affected by climate change should have a seat at the table at the UN climate conference that opened a day earlier in the Egyptian seaside resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Egypt's longtime history of suppressing dissent has raised controversy over its hosting of the annual conference, known as COP 27, with many international climate activists complaining that restrictions by the host are quieting civil society. On Tuesday, more world leaders were to take the stage, including Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan, where summer floods caused at least $40 billion in damage and displaced millions of people. After the speeches, the conference delegates will delve into negotiations on a range of issues including for the first time on compensation, known as loss and damage. Some of the strongest pleas for action came so far from leaders of poor nations that caused little of the pollution but often get a larger share of the weather-related damage. (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.) Every September, unveils its latest phones at its futuristic Silicon Valley campus. A few weeks later, tens of millions of its newest handsets, assembled by legions of seasonal workers hired by its suppliers, are shipped from Chinese factories to customers around the world. The annual release of Apples usually runs like clockwork, a prime example of how the U.S. tech giant has become the most profitable company of the globalization era by seamlessly navigating the worlds two largest economies. But this year, a smooth rollout for the iPhone 14 was the latest casualty of the growing difficulties of doing business in . Beijings no-holds-barred approach to stopping Covid-19 and heightened tensions with the have forced to re-examine major aspects of its business. A recent outbreak of cases in the region surrounding Apples largest iPhone factory, in Zhengzhou, in central China, prompted local officials to order a seven-day lockdown last week. As a result, the company said on Sunday, it will not be able to produce enough phones to meet the demands of the holiday season. For much of this year, has also been the focus of a bipartisan intervention in Washington, where alarm over Beijings military provocations and technology ambitions has upended orthodoxy about free trade. Word trickled out in March that Apple was in talks with an obscure Chinese chip maker, Yangtze Technology Corporation, or YMTC, to supply components for the iPhone 14. That collided with work being done by a coalition of lawmakers and more than a dozen congressional aides, which had spent months examining the ins and outs of Apples supply chain in . The Commerce Department issued restrictions last month that prohibited American companies from selling machinery to YMTC, making it difficult for Apple to go ahead with the deal. Apple has confirmed publicly that it talked with YMTC, which didnt respond to requests for comment. But an Apple spokesman declined to comment when asked if the company had abandoned the possibility of working with the Chinese maker. The recent developments underscore how Apples close ties to China, once considered a strength of its business, have turned into a liability. It is no coincidence that Apples rise from near bankruptcy in the 1990s to the worlds most valuable company has closely followed Chinas economic ascent. It pioneered a best-of-both-worlds business model: Products designed in California were assembled inexpensively in and sold to the countrys growing middle class. Apple raked in profits as Chinas economy roared. But as U.S.-China relations falter, and both governments meddle in Apples business, the company has gone from one of globalizations greatest success stories to a symbol of its fracture. Apple is discovering that geopolitics drive business models not the other way around, said Matthew Turpin, a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution specializing in U.S. policy toward China. This whole collection of supply chain risks are creating a real liability for them. Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, has forced business leaders to reconsider long-held assumptions about operating in the country. For several decades, economic growth was the Chinese governments top priority. But Mr. Xi used an important Communist Party congress last month to make it clear that security issues and the more ideological viewpoints of the party would take precedence over business concerns. Mr. Xis zero Covid policy has slowed factory output and throttled the countrys economic growth, and his government has faced pressure from business leaders and markets to ease the restrictions. But it has not signaled clearly that it will make a change. Loosening Covid restrictions could allow Apple to fill some of its supply shortages and meet some demand, but the company will still lose sales this holiday season, said Jeff Fieldhack, an analyst with Counterpoint Research, a technology research firm. It would be difficult for Apple to untangle itself from China. The company spent two decades working with manufacturing partners to build enormous factories supported by a vast network of suppliers in the country. Over time, it has added more Chinese components to its products and benefited from their lower prices. In a bid to limit its exposure to China, Apple began manufacturing a small percentage of its newest in India. It shifted production of several other products to Vietnam. But both markets offer factories with only tens of thousands of workers a small fraction of the scale that Apple enjoys in China, where its manufacturing partners employ some three million workers. Apple depends on factories like the iPhone manufacturing plant in Zhengzhou, which is operated by Foxconn, its biggest assembly partner. When Covid-19 cases started to spike in the area, Foxconn walled its roughly 200,000 workers inside the grounds of a factory that can produce as much as 85 percent of worldwide, according to Counterpoint Research. It wasnt long before Covid started to spread and Foxconn struggled to balance business demands with the countrys ultra-strict pandemic policy. As stories of unrest and food shortages flooded Chinese social media, workers began to fear for their lives. Hundreds fled. The assembler initially offered workers an extra $14 a day to continue working. It later nearly quadrupled that amount, to $55 a day. When officials ordered the region around the plant into a lockdown, the factory was forced to operate at significantly reduced capacity, Apple said on Sunday. Its unclear when operations will return to full capacity. The production slowdown in Zhengzhou forced Apple to warn investors for the third time in three years that sales would be affected by pandemic-related disruptions to its operations in China. While Beijings stringent Covid policies are crimping Apples iPhone production plans, Washington is watching carefully what goes into its products. YMTC, the small Chinese chip maker, was founded in 2016 with a $2.9 billion government investment and a mission to help reduce Chinas dependence on foreign chip makers. Apple, which declined to comment, was in talks about a supply agreement with the Chinese firm, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Memory chips, YMTCs specialty, are one of the iPhones most expensive components, accounting for roughly 25 percent of its material costs, according to Susquehanna International Group, a financial firm. Because it would offer lower prices to gain market share, YMTC could help Apple pressure its current Western suppliers to lower their costs, said Walter Coon, a semiconductor analyst with Yole Group, a market research firm. But YMTCs importance to China made it a target of U.S. national security researchers. In late 2020, a team led by James Mulvenon, a Chinese linguist and researcher at the U.S. defense contractor SOS International, issued a 17-page report that detailed YMTCs connections, through its parent company, Tsinghua Unigroup, to entities that sold products to Chinas military. In February 2021, Mr. Mulvenon presented his findings to about two dozen Republican and Democratic staff members on Capitol Hill. He outlined the risks that he believed YMTC posed, because its government subsidies could empower it to undercut competitors on price. It never made sense to cluster the entire supply chain inside a country that was the most potent cyberthreat to the United States, Mr. Mulvenon said. As Apple geared up for this years iPhone release, Wall Street analysts at Credit Suisse issued a report saying that Apple might include YMTC chips in upcoming models. Though Apple and YMTC neither confirmed nor denied the report, the potential deal prompted lawmakers, including Senators Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, and Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida and a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, to send letters urging the Biden administration to investigate Apples plans. Semiconductor industry officials also raised concerns with lawmakers that Apple had assisted in recruiting engineers from Western companies to help YMTC improve its production, according to three people familiar with the matter. Apple later sought to reassure lawmakers by telling them that it would use YMTC chips only for iPhones sold in China. But that did not address congressional leaders bigger concern that any purchase from YMTC would hurt the market for memory chips. Lawmakers urged Gina Raimondo, the commerce secretary, to put YMTC on the United States entity list, a designation that would bar it from buying American technology and components without a waiver. On Oct. 7, the department stopped short of that, placing export restrictions on YMTC and 30 companies believed to have ties to Chinas military. The new restrictions cost YMTC access to critical American machinery for a new factory in Wuhan and may limit its ability to work with a company like Apple. In the days after the restrictions were issued, the Japanese business outlet Nikkei published a report saying Apple had dropped its plans to use YMTC. When asked if the Nikkei report was accurate, an Apple spokesman declined to comment. Lawmakers continue to pressure Apple and YMTC. In a statement to The New York Times, Mr. Rubio said, referring to Apples chief executive: If Tim Cook understands the risks that YMTC and the rest of the Chinese Communist Partys chip-making efforts pose to U.S. national security and that of our allies, then he and his company should clearly commit not to proceed. South Korean electronics maker is among a few companies that has an interoperable ecosystem of its products. Fresh in its ecosystem is the Galaxy Buds2 Pro wireless . These premium wireless boast a long list of exclusive features, including 24-bit high fidelity audio support enabled by Seamless codec, Dolby Atmos-powered 360-degree audio with direct multi-channel (5.1 and 7.1) surround sound experience, and multi-device connectivity. On paper, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro justify its Pro moniker with the upgrades it brings over the processor. However, the headline features of the earphones are restricted to products in the Samsung ecosystem. Moreover, barring the current generation premium models such as Galaxy Z Fold4 (review), not all Samsung devices support all features because each feature has different requirements. Take, for example, the 24-bit Hi-Fi audio. It requires Samsung Seamless codec, which is exclusive to Samsung smartphones running on its One UI 4.0 or later interface. Likewise, the 360-degree audio is available in Samsung phones with One UI 3.1 or newer, and the head tracking and multi-channel audio is available in Samsung phones with One UI 4.1.1 or newer. Ecosystem conundrum aside, the Buds2 Pro are excellent wireless with snug and comfortable fit, rich audio, and class-leading noise cancellation working in its favour. Starting with design, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are a tad smaller and lighter compared to the predecessor. The new design aids comfort quotient and allows for extended usage. Besides, the redesigned earbuds profile make them fit discreetly in the ears cavity. Complementing the design is the rich audio experience, especially when used with supported Samsung devices. Both the 24-bit Hi-Fi audio and 360-degree sound movement make a perceptible difference in experience. These work with audio streaming services such as Prime Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. However, the best is experience through Apple Music because it is the only audio streaming platform available with native support for lossless and Dolby Atmos audio for Hi-Fi and spatial experience. Rounding up the package is the active noise cancellation. The earphones renewed design gives them better passive noise isolation capability. But it is the ANC that lets you zone out from the ambient noise. The ANC is intensive but not intrusive. It cuts down the ambient noise, but does not make you feel lightheaded like many other ANC-enabled earphones. Like the predecessor, the earphones have a voice detect feature to let users communicate with the earphones on the earbuds temporarily disable the ANC and enable the transparency mode. However, it has not improved much since last generation and seems to be a novelty in its current form. On-battery time is another thing that has not gotten better since last generation. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro is good for only three to six hours on a mixed usage, including attending calls, with ANC enabled and disabled. With the case, the battery time can be extended to up to 22 hours in total. These are not good on-battery time figures. On a positive side, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro supports fast-charging and Qi-based wireless charging. So there you are covered as long as you get time to put them on charge. Verdict At Rs 17,999, the Buds2 Pro are excellent wireless earbuds for users in the Samsung ecosystem. For others, these might not be as good a deal, because most of its headline features are restricted to Samsung products. With 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 when he completed his $44 billion acquisition of . 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 - named after an extinct breed of mammoth - looks like Twitter, with hashtags, political back-and-forth and tech banter jostling for space with cat pictures. But while 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 2016, 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, the platform's advocates say. If an extremist voice emerged with their own server, they say, it would be easy enough for other servers to cut ties with it, leaving the account to talk to its own shrinking band of followers and users on the isolated server. 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. Fast growth has led to overload and server glitches. Seeing economist Paul Krugman struggling to get his Mastodon account running, Musk on Monday mocked the upstart network. "If you don't like Twitter any more there is awesome site called Masterbatedone," he wrote in a swiftly deleted tweet above a screenshot of Krugman's misfired toots. 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 Ulrich Kelber 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 European Union bodies to toot from. "No exclusive information should be sent over a legally questionable platform," 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 climate activist Greta Thunberg is globally known. 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. (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.) Home-grown consumer technology brand on Tuesday launched its new wireless in India. Called the Two, it is the company's third headphone and a successor of One, launched last year. Priced at Rs 1,499, the are available on the company's online store and e-commerce platform Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra. It comes in bold black, calm white and serene blue colours. "We at Noise, believe in creating products for every use case. This is where the new launch comes into the picture. In our endeavor to strengthen wireless portfolio, we are delighted to announce Noise Two, designed for the ones looking to own innovative Bluetooth headphones for a power-packed audio experience, said Amit Khatri, Co-Founder, Noise. Noise Two: Specification Noise Two features over-the-year design with padding on ear cups for comfortable fit. The headphones' headband is adjustable. These have a built-in SD card slot for users to access music offline. The wireless headphones feature an AUX port, for wired connectivity. These have built-in FM radio. Other features include Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity, a USB-C port for charging, and four play modes. It is IPX5 rated for water resistance. The headphone comes with dual pairing support for the user to connect them with two devices. There are built-in microphones for Bluetooth calling. The company claims that the headphones can last up to 50 hours of playtime and up to 40 meters of distance coverage. Launched last year, the Noise One wireless headphones were powered by a 500mAh battery. These headphones had Bluetooth 5 for wireless connectivity and a micro-USB port for charging. Other features of the headphones include IPX4 rated for water resistance and support for Google Assistant and Siri voice assistant. The headphones were compatible with iPhones and Android smartphones. These had buttons to control music, adjust volume, and receive/reject calls. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi explained to CNN's Anderson Cooper how she learned that her husband, Paul, had been attacked, saying that she was "very scared" when Capitol Police knocked on the door. In her first in-depth interview since the attack, Nancy Pelosi said that she had been asleep when her doorbell rang early in the morning in Washington, DC, where she had arrived the previous evening from San Francisco. Paul Pelosi Attack The violent attack on Paul Pelosi has sparked new concerns over threats of political violence motivated by partisan animosity and increasingly hostile political rhetoric, as per CNN. It has also highlighted the potential vulnerability of lawmakers and their families in the current political climate. Nancy Pelosi claimed that the doorbell rang again and that she then heard "bang, bang, bang, bang, bang on the door." In the interview, Nancy Pelosi recounted the incident's aftermath and disclosed shocking facts about the state of her husband's health after the vicious attack. Throughout the conversation, Nancy Pelosi showed signs of emotion. "I've been on the verge of tears several times throughout this chat," she said. At the end of last month, a male attacker assaulted Paul Pelosi with a hammer at the couple's San Francisco home, according to the authorities. ourt records state that the attacker was looking for the House speaker. In connection with the attack, David DePape is charged of six offenses, including attempted murder, burglary, assault, false imprisonment, and threatening a family member of a public figure. To every state charge, he has entered a not guilty plea. In the wake of the assault, Paul Pelosi underwent surgery "to heal a skull fracture and major damage to his right arm and hands," according to an earlier statement by Drew Hammill, a spokesman for Nancy Pelosi. Last week, he was discharged from the hospital. Read Also: Brazil Election Results: Brazilians Take the Streets To Protest Amid Media Blackout Nancy Pelosi Retirement In addition, Nancy Pelosi stated that if Democrats lose the House in the next midterm elections, the attack on her husband will have an impact on her choice to leave Congress. Per The Hill, Nancy Pelosi said "yes" when Cooper pressed her more about if the attack will affect her choice; the complete interview with CNN is set to run at 8 p.m. on "AC360." The interview takes place right before the Midterm elections, in which Republicans are expected to gain control of the House. If this happens, Nancy Pelosi's term as Speaker would come to an end, and it would be unclear if the longstanding head of the House Democratic Caucus will step down. Nancy Pelosi said in 2018 that she would retire the Speaker's gavel at the conclusion of this term, but some Democrats believe she may stay in office if the party manages to pull off an upset and maintain control of the lower chamber. But with Republicans being heavily predicted to take back the House, such a result would come as a huge shock. If Democrats don't win the majority in the House this week, a lot of Nancy Pelosi's party members have stated they expect her to retire. She has been the House Democrats' leader for 20 years. If Democrats lose the lower house following the widely anticipated midterm elections on November 8, the 82-year-old House Speaker has been the subject of growing political rumor. Nancy Pelosi pledged in 2018 to serve just a four-year term as House speaker, but she hasn't made an official announcement on her future in leadership or politics. Pelosi is predicted to triumph handily in her reelection contest against Republican John Dennis in California's 11th Congressional District on Tuesday night, as per NY Post. Related Article: Paul Pelosi Attack Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Attempted Murder, Other Charges @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 8 (ANI/NewsVoir): Prapul (21) and Prajwal (24), siblings from Bengaluru helped save the lives of two blood cancer patients. The brothers were matched to two different genetic twins within a brief time after their registration as potential blood stem cell donors with DKMS BMST Foundation India, a non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. This is the first time for DKMS-BMST that two brothers were independently matched with two different patients from India, and their donated stem cell helped save the two precious lives. Prapul says, "As a dental student, I am aware of the challenges that blood cancer and other blood disorder patients face. Stem Cell transplant is the only chance at survival for most of these patients. I registered as a donor in one of the registration events organized by DKMS BMST Foundation India in my college. Registration is a simple process wherein you only have to give your cheek swab sample and fill a consent form. Within a year of the registration, I got the opportunity to donate my stem cells. It has been a great feeling knowing that I helped someone get a second chance at life!" Prapul is a BDS student, registered in 2019, and he got the opportunity to donate in 2021. Prajwal, the elder sibling got inspired by his younger brother and decided to register in 2021 and donated in 2022. Their parents and family were incredibly supportive, and they have become a role-model in their extended family and local community. The brothers are actively encouraging other people to register as potential donors. Prajwal says, "After Prapul donated his stem cells, I noticed a profound sense of pride and fulfillment in him. It gave me the confidence and motivation to register as a donor. After I got the chance to donate, I could also feel the same as Prapul. It is a great feeling; I cannot express it in words. Both of us are now actively encouraging our friends and family to register as potential blood stem cell donors." In India, the percentage of people who know about blood stem cell transplant as a lifesaving treatment modality is abysmal. When some patient needs a stem cell transplant, their odd of finding a match is more amongst people of similar ethnicity. For Indian patients, having a large donor registry comprising people of Indian registry will ensure that more people who can benefit from this treatment modality can find genetic matches. Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS BMST Foundation India, "In India, we see over one lakh new cases of blood cancer and blood disorders every year. Despite this huge burden, the number of Indians that are registered in stem cell registries are significantly lower than many other countries. A stem cell transplant is likely to be successful only if the donor's HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) tissue type is a close match to that of the patient. Only about 30 per cent of the patients can find a sibling match and the rest 70 per cent depend on finding a matching unrelated donor. There is a possibility of finding the perfect match from a donor of the same ethnicity. Unfortunately, patients of Indian ethnicity have a hard time finding a matching donor due to lack of potential donors in Indian registries. Hence, there is an urgent need for youngsters like Prapul and Prajwal to come forward and register as a potential donor." According to World Marrow Donor Association, there are over 40 million donors registered across the globe and only 0.5 million of these are from India. India is an ancient population with a diverse ethnicity; therefore, it becomes especially important that more and more people from varied ethnic background to come forward to register as a stem cell donor. Registration process: Interested citizens between 18-50 age-group can register at: (https://www.dkms-bmst.org/get-involved/become-a-donor). All it takes is five minutes of your time and a simple 3 step process: Step 1: Visit the site, fill up an online form and you will receive a DIY swab kit at home. Step 2: Once you receive the swab kit, fill out the consent form and take a tissue sample from the inside of your cheeks with 3 cotton swabs provided in the kit. Step 3: Send back your swab sample in the pre-paid envelope provided. DKMS laboratory will then analyze your tissue type and your details will be available in the global search for blood stem cell donors. If you do come up as a suitable donor, DKMS-BMST will get in touch with you straight away. Your blood stem cells will be collected from the bloodstream via Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection process, which is similar to a blood platelet donation wherein only your stem cells are taken. This is a safe, non-surgical outpatient process. A non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, such as thalassemia and aplastic anemia. Our aim is to improve the situation of patients suffering from blood cancer and other blood disorders in India and throughout the world, by raising awareness about blood stem cell transplantation and registering potential blood stem cell donors. By doing this DKMS-BMST provides patients in need of a blood stem cell transplant with a second chance at life. DKMS-BMST is a joint venture of two reputed non-profit organizations: BMST (Bangalore Medical Services Trust) and DKMS, one of the largest international blood stem cell donor centers in the world. For more information, please visit (https://www.dkms-bmst.org). This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content in this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) slapped a fine of $1.3 million on Kim Kardashian last month. The reason. The reality TV star was promoting crypto security on Instagram without disclosing that she was paid for it. In Australia, there is a five-year jail term for financial influencers who operate without a licence. But in India, where the number of finfluencers and their followers are rapidly rising, their promotional activities seem to fall in a grey area. So far, the countrys financial regulators have not carved out any specific norms that finfluencers should stick to. Our next report offers insight into it The Karnataka High Court recently asked the government to come up with regulatory measures to keep a tab on Instagram influencers. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the 103th amendment to the Constitution, which paved the way for 10% reservation for people of economically weaker sections. A Constitution bench in a 3-2 verdict said that reservation on economic basis does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. So what will be the likely impact of this judgement? Moving on to financial markets, the recent earnings report card of various public sector banks saw profitability improving better-than-expected due to broad-based credit growth. While this does make a case for further re-rating of the sector, data suggests are trading 25% higher than their historical average. Does this make them investment worthy at current levels? Key financial sector regulators like SEBI, RBI, IRDAI, IFSCA and PFRDA recently came together to allow an interoperable . It will help them launch hybrid products and services which may need overseeing by more than one regulator. But what exactly is a This episode of the podcast explains it in details. Reservation on economic basis does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. A five-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice of India UU Lalit, observed this on Monday while nixing a bunch of petitions challenging the 103rd amendment to the Constitution. The amendment provided a 10 per cent reservation to people of economically weaker sections in central government jobs and educational institutions. But the EWS category excluded those from the SC, ST and OBC categories. The petitioners, while challenging the amendment, had claimed that the grant of 10 per cent reservation to EWS violated the 50 per cent ceiling cap on quota. They also sought a decision on whether economic backwardness alone could be the sole criterion for granting quota in government jobs and educational institutions for those who were under the general quota. But the judgement wasnt unanimous. CJI Lalit and Justice Ravindra Bhat dissented with the majority view. The other three judges were Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, Bela M Trivedi and JB Pardiwala. Justice Maheshwari said that reservations were an affirmative action measure not only for socially and economically backward classes, but also for any disadvantaged section. Therefore, reservation solely on an economic basis did not violate the Constitution. Second, the exclusion of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes from EWS reservations was constitutionally valid. Meanwhile, voicing the dissent, Justice Bhat said the amendment struck at the heart of the equality code, and was discriminatory and violative of the basic structure of the Constitution. Ashwini Deshpande, a professor of economics at the Ashoka University, said the verdict reinforced the point that this was a quota for the upper castes, even though it was presented as a move away from caste-based quotas. Noting that the income ceiling had not been touched, Deshpande said that any change in it would have opened up a whole new controversy as India did not have very reliable income figures. The professor believes that the current ceiling is not a good measure of the genuinely poor population, as most Indians fall below this cut off. According to her, poverty is a transient state and should be addressed through vigorous anti-poverty programmes. Shankar Raghuraman, a senior editor with a national daily, had previously written that if the was 10 per cent, the line that separated the poor from the rest should have been determined in such a manner that it covered only the poorest 10 per cent of the population. Instead, a family that was at the EWS quotas income threshold of 8 lakh rupees in gross income annually would actually be within the top 10 per cent. In January, the government had told the that the annual family income of 8 lakh rupees was a reasonable threshold to determine EWS. It said that the income criterion for EWS was more stringent than the one for the OBC creamy layer because despite being the same cut-off number, their composition was different. On Monday, Justice Bhat said that allowing a breach of the 50 per cent cap set on reservation could lead to further infractions, which could result in compartmentalisation. For their part, the three judges who gave the majority verdict noted that the did not breach the ceiling limit of 50 per cent placed by the Indira Sawhney judgment on reservations. [SANJAY HEGDE byte] Analysing the verdict, senior advocate Sanjay Hegde said the case dealt with a complex definitional problem. According to him, following the verdict, there will be great competition among the forward castes to be declared economically backward. Hegde foresees a much more fragmented society following this judgement. He reasons that as they compete with each other, the heartburn that existed among the forward castes towards the reserved categories will now also become visible within the former category itself. [SANJAY HEGDE byte] Now that the verdict is out, the government will have to carefully track the second order effects that follow, given how sensitive the topic of reservations is in India and the far-reaching social and economic consequences it can have, especially for the most marginalised among us. Hu Yifeng, former president of the high court in North Chinas Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Chinas top prosecutor has ordered the arrest of Hu Yifeng, former president of the high court in North Chinas Inner Mongolia autonomous region on charges of accepting bribes. An investigation by the countrys top anti-graft agency concluded that Hu violated party rules to take gifts and bribes, traded power for money, and breached regulations on the selection and appointment of officials. Hu, a former secretary of the courts leading party members group, was expelled from the Communist Party in September after coming under official investigation in April. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspections (CCDI) investigation also found Hu took advantage of his position to help others seek benefits in case handling and project contracting and accepted a huge amount of money and valuables in return, according to a September statement from the authority, which added that Hu wantonly interfered in judicial activities and seriously undermined judicial credibility. The CCDI has handed the case over to prosecutors, the Supreme Peoples Procuratorate said in a statement Monday. Hu, 68, became the president of the High Peoples Court of Inner Mongolia in January 2011 and served in the post for seven years before retiring in January 2018. He is one of numerous officials in the political and legal system in Inner Mongolia to fall under investigation for graft in recent years. Former police chief of the autonomous region Ma Ming received a life sentence in February after confessing to taking 158 million yuan ($22 million) in bribes in May 2021. Xing Yun, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Inner Mongolia, pleaded guilty in August 2019 to accepting bribes worth 449 million yuan, a record sum for a provincial-level official caught up in Beijings sweeping anti-graft campaign since late 2012. In June 2019, the former party chief of Inner Mongolias capital city Hohhot, Yun Guangzhong, was placed under investigation on suspicion of corruption. Contact reporter Kelly Wang (jingzhewang@caixin.com) and editor Jonathan Breen (jonathanbreen@caixin.com) Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter. Whats new: American clothing retailer Gap Inc. is selling its business in greater China to Chinese e-commerce services provider Baozun Inc. for as much as $50 million, Baozun said Tuesday. Baozun, which has partnered with Gap Greater China since 2018, also signed a series of business agreements to get exclusive authorization to produce, market and sell Gaps products in China and to design Gap products in China. The agreements will last 10 years and can be renewed for 10 years. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval, Baozun said Tuesday in a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange. Baozun said the purchase includes Gaps Shanghai and Taiwan subsidiaries. The Shanghai company last year reported a net loss of 256.1 million yuan ($35.3 million), while the Taiwan company lost 200 million New Taiwan dollars ($6.3 million). Gap entered China in 2010 and expanded to more than 200 stores at the peak across the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Some of the stores closed in recent years as many fast fashion brands withdrew from the market. The background: Gap is struggling with years of slumping sales globally. The company reported an 8% decline in comparable sales in the second fiscal quarter and a net loss of $49 million, compared with a profit of $258 million in the same period a year ago. Baozun runs e-commerce and store operations for a variety of brands in China. It has helped Gaps digitalization in China since 2018. Mark Breitbard, president and chief executive of Gap Brand, said Baozun helped the apparel retailer achieve online growth and penetration in greater China over the past four years. But Baozun is specialized in online operations, and taking over more than 100 physical stores will be a big challenge, the company acknowledged. Since the spring of 2022, multiple Covid-19 outbreaks across the country and control measures have depressed physical retail consumption. In the first nine months of 2022, Chinas retail sales of apparel products decreased by 4% year on year. Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. To read the full story in Chinese, click here. Contact reporter Denise Jia (huijuanjia@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bob.simison@caixin.com) Download our app to receive breaking news alerts and read the news on the go. Get our weekly free Must-Read newsletter. Tribes across the United States are watching in concern as the Supreme Court has taken up the Native Adoption Law amid a hearing for a four-year-old Navajo child identified only as Y.R.J. The little girl would soon be known by the nine justices of the United States Supreme Court who, for much of her short life, has been living with Dr. Jennifer Brackeen and Chad Brackeen. They are a suburban couple from Texas who are fighting with the Navajo Nation to adopt the little girl. Y.R.J.'s birth mother is Navajo while the Brackeens are white. Native Adoption Law The Supreme Court, including Judge Clarence Thomas, is set to hear arguments in the case on Wednesday, which could affect not only the little girl's adoption but also those of thousands of Native American children in foster care. Depending on how the justices of the nation's highest court rule, the outcome of the case, which is known as Brackeen v. Haaland, could also unravel other federal protections. The worries come as the case, which primarily pits the Brackeens and Texas against the US Department of the Interior and five tribes, could turn into whether or not the Supreme Court finds that the tribes are racial classifications rather than political ones. This is a prospect that the tribes find deeply threatening, as per the New York Times. The plaintiffs in the case are requesting the justices to invalidate the 44-year-old Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which prioritizes the placement of Native children in custody proceedings with Native families. However, they are also contesting a constitutional foundation of Indian law itself. The plaintiffs have allied with Republican legal groups and lawmakers in an attempt to kneecap congressional authority to regulate tribes for the benefit of their own members. The Supreme Court, after greenlighting countless laws diminishing tribal sovereignty, could soon strike down legislation that attempts to enhance it. According to Slate, the Supreme Court could also do so on the basis of history that is seen as objectively false. It is rooted in a mistaken theory about the Founders' vision for relations with Native tribes that have been conclusively debunked before. Read Also: Nancy Pelosi Gets Emotional as She Remembers Scary Attack on Her Husband, Hints About Possible Retirement Supreme Court's Rule In 1787, the Framers needed to provide a solution to various problems that were a result of the Articles of Confederation. These include challenges around Indian affairs. The Articles had attempted to split authority over tribal relations between the states and the federal government, which ended in a disaster. For instance, some states refused to comply with treaties between the federal government and tribal nations, leading to violent conflicts over white settlement on Indian land. In order to address the issue, the new Constitution handed all authority over Indian affairs to the federal government, giving it broader treaty and war powers. In 1978, the ICWA law was passed unanimously to rectify what Congress at the time called the "most tragic and destructive aspect of American Indian life today." This was the widespread and sometimes forced removal of Native children to boarding schools and families with no links to their tribes, the Washington Post reported. Related Article: Joe Biden Expresses Support for NY Gov. Kathy Hochul in Attempt To Avoid Major Upset @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ex-US President Donald Trump announced Monday that he would make a major announcement on November 15 from his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. He hyped the news during an Ohio GOP event. "Not to detract from tomorrow's very important even critical election, and I would say in the strongest way it's a country-saving election ...I'm going to be making a very big announcement on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida," Trump said, as per Fox News. Donald Trump has been dropping hints for over a year that he wants to run for president again, and he has recently started to ramp up his language in anticipation of an imminent announcement. The report noted that many Republicans urged Trump to hold off at least until after the November elections, and the former president now seems prepared to follow through Donald Trump 2024 Presidential Run. He followed his Nov. 15 statement by listing GOP candidates for the midterms. Trump abstained from attacking his fellow Republicans, as well. In contrast to a prior rally, Trump did not refer to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as "Ron DeSanctimonious" when he ran through poll data on the big screen. Rather, he has thrown his support behind DeSantis' bid for re-election as Florida governor. Donald Trump Earlier Announced His Desire To Run Again as US President Trump also remarked that there are "a lot of good people" in the potential GOP field as the screen cycled through various surveys from states such as Nevada, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kansas showing Trump as the front-runner. Additionally, Donald Trump devoted a majority of his time to criticizing Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democratic candidate for the Ohio Senate, and supporting JD Vance, a Republican. Three Donald Trump advisors and a GOP insider informed CBS News that he may run for president again after Tuesday's midterms. The ex-president has been communicating with supporters through phone calls to share his current thoughts and get their input on the Donald Trump presidency. Read Also: Nancy Pelosi Gets Emotional as She Remembers Scary Attack on Her Husband, Hints About Possible Retirement Trump teased Iowa rallygoers on Donald Trump 2024 Presidential Run the last week. He said was inclined to reveal soon that he will "very, very probably do it again." The New York Times reports that the former US President wants to start a formal Donald Trump 2024 Presidential Run to portray that federal and state probes on him are politically motivated. Trump v. Biden Rematch in 2024 According to CNBC, Trump has unprecedented support among Republican voters as he prepares to formally launch the Donald Trump 2024 Presidential Run. When compared to the only other Republican presidential candidate who consistently receives double-digit support, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trump enjoys an average support margin of more than 20 percentage points. Trump would also join the campaign with more than $60 million in cash held by his leadership PAC, Save America, and a prolific fundraising apparatus. Trump and President Joe Biden will probably face each other again in a replay of their 2020 presidential election if Trump runs for and wins the Republican nomination. Joe Biden's reelection campaign plans have come together in recent weeks, though he has not publicly announced his candidacy yet. Related Article: US Midterm Elections: Here's What To Watch in The Critical Polls @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. There have apparently been arguments between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over their Netflix docuseries, which has resulted in the duke taking time off for himself. The couple has allegedly "been entangled in multiple conflicts about their next projects," according to Woman's Day NZ's November 7 edition, which would lead to the 38-year-old "packing his bags and heading off for a few days." Prince Harry, Meghan Markle on Feud? The Duke of Sussex allegedly quarreled with his wife about the modifications made to their Netflix docuseries. Along with his upcoming memoir 'Spare,' there are supposedly certain aspects there that do not line up. "Word is, he blames Meghan for going off the script and expressing too much of her own truth in the docuseries," a source for the publication claimed. The source continued, "Prince Harry has every right to be irritated. They've been working on this rollout of their projects for years and now there's a real risk of the Netflix series falling apart, just like her children's series 'Pearl' did earlier this year. And given that their California house is heavily mortgaged, they need the money." The publication also said that there are problems in the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and gave evidence that were supposed to support this allegation. This includes his participation in a Masters of Scale Summit in October in San Francisco. Prince Harry "showed up without Meghan Markle and didn't even mention her at all, which is unusual of him-typically, they can't wait to pour praise on each other," according to a different source. Later in November, Meghan Markle will allegedly go alone to Indianapolis for a women's conference, according to reports. It is said that he was not in a rush to return to his Montecito house and "stay in the Bay Area as long as he could." Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's alleged marital problems, however, have long been the subject of rumors and have not been shown to be genuine. Read Also: Johnny Depp Appeals Amber Heard's $2 Million Defamation Win; Actress' Twitter Account Vanishes Following Ex-Boyfriend Elon Musk's Takeover Is Meghan Markle Jelous to Another Girl? According to an another claim, Meghan Markle reportedly lost her temper when she found that Prince Harry had kept in touch with Chelsy Davy while he was writing his memoir. According to reports, the Duke of Sussex asked friends in the UK and other people from his past to contribute to his book, 'Spare' and his previous partners, including Cressida Bonas and Davy, with whom he spent seven years. Prince Harry apparently "begged" them to speak with J.R. Moehringer, his ghostwriter. According to a source who spoke to The Sun, his publisher, Penguin Random House, demanded more enticing material, so he was obliged to "sex up" his memoir. Davy and Bonas "were courteous and said they would think about it but eventually most said No," according to another insider, who now claims that Meghan Markle was "rankled when she found out he'd hit up Chelsy." According to a source quoted in the November 14 issue of New Idea, "Everyone knows he probably would have married Chelsy if she did not listen to the idea of public life." The source continued, "It's a fact that Meghan tries to push aside, but knowing they've been in touch brings back all her insecurities." She allegedly urged Davy to "stay away from my husband" and has apparently been keeping a close check on the Duke of Sussex and the lady known as his "the one who got away." It is unknown, though, whether Prince Harry asked his previous partners to write for his memoir. Additionally, there is no evidence that Meghan Markle became irritated when her husband tried to contact them. Davy is already married and a mother. The royal couple's marriage, if the evidence is needed, demonstrates their friendship with Meghan Markle. Davy and Bonas attended the wedding in May 2018 as guests. Related Article: Prince Harry Memoir Leak: Here's Why Duke May 'Blow It' with Royal Family, Jeopardize Children's Future @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Election experts anticipate a surge in internet misinformation as Americans walk to the polls on Tuesday's US Midterm Elections, days after Twitter Inc. sacked half its workforce and new owner Elon Musk suggested voting for Republicans on the popular social media platform. Researchers who monitor election misinformation told Reuters that threats, foul language, and false claims of vote rigging have been widely disseminated in the run-up to the US midterm elections, which will decide control of Congress for the next two years. It's a common belief that fraud is to blame for the slow counting of votes, and that sickness outbreaks are staged as "scare tactics" to influence the election. Twitter's Friday layoffs appear to have slowed the company's response to fake stories, as per Common Cause, a D.C.-based nonprofit that monitors social media for voter suppression activities. Common Cause reported that Twitter was taking longer than usual to review the tweets it flagged, although Twitter staff were still acknowledging receipt of the tweets. The organization expressed concern about the fact that it has taken Twitter significantly longer than usual to determine whether or not the tweets in question violate Twitter's regulations. The organization stated that the procedure generally only takes a few hours, but that tweets reported on Friday were still "under review" as of Monday evening. A request for comment was not immediately answered by Twitter, which just lost a large portion of its communications crew. Twitter Management Assures Continued Monitoring of Misinformation Despite Layoffs Elon Musk dismantled Twitter's content filtering, human rights, and machine learning ethics teams a week after acquiring it for $44 billion. The layoffs extended to engineers working on both the product and the essential infrastructure departments. Yoel Roth, Twitter's head of safety and integrity, and Elon Musk, the company's chief executive officer, have both made public statements to reassure users, civil rights organizations, and advertisers ahead of the midterm elections. Read Also: Russia-Ukraine War: Chilling Video Shows Massive Grave of Dead Russian Soldiers as Troops Slam Vladimir Putin's 'Incompetent' Chiefs After meeting with activist groups that have pushed advertisers to stop running Twitter advertisements, Musk tweeted last week that Twitter would maintain and implement its election integrity regulations. On Friday, Roth added that the trust and safety team, which is in charge of policing inappropriate information, was less affected by the cutbacks than other departments. On Monday, Twitter's new CEO Elon Musk announced platform-wide guidelines, adding to the uncertainty about what kinds of posts will be tolerated going forward. Elon Musk New Guidelines Fail To Address Misinformation Elon Musk claimed the regulations will "evolve," but the guidelines he connected to on Monday did not address how the business will combat inaccurate statements on the platform, The Hill reported. The new regulations do make it clear that some behaviors, such as glorifying violence, promoting terrorism, sexually exploiting children, and harassing specific individuals, are not permitted. They prohibit impersonating others and publicizing private information. The Twitter Rules announced Monday and shared by Musk to his 114 million followers do not reference several standards the network had in place before Musk's $44 billion acquisition, such as rules to prevent misrepresentation regarding COVID-19 or crisis disinformation concerning conflict zones like Ukraine. Users are prohibited from using Twitter "for the aim of manipulating or meddling in election or other civic processes," as stated in Twitter's policy on civic integrity, which is not affected by the new restrictions. CNA reported that one of Elon Musk's proposals is to charge users US$8 per month to have a blue tick next to their name, which is now a badge of authenticity for politicians, celebrities, journalists, and others. Musk has stated that this is an effort to curb online trolling by making it unfeasible for trolls to maintain several accounts. Related Article: US Midterm Elections: Here's What To Watch in The Critical Polls @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Accusing Washington of spreading "groundless" allegations to "tarnish" its reputation, North Korea has refuted American claims that it shipped artillery shells and ammunition to Russia for use in the conflict against Ukraine. The White House said last week that North Korea may be breaking several UN resolutions by receiving a "significant number" of munitions shipments covertly from Russia. North Korea Denies Arms Dealings with Russia Unidentified vice director of the military foreign affairs office of the North Korean ministry was quoted by state media KCNA as stating, "We see such measures of the US as part of its hostile endeavor to damage the image of North Korea in the international arena." As Western nations imposed sanctions on the Kremlin, North Korea became closer to Moscow, its longtime ally. The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, has publicly praised Russia's attack on Kyiv and stated his desire to send laborers to assist restore the areas of Ukraine that Russia has occupied. Additionally, it was one of the five nations that voted against a UN resolution last month that criticized Russia for annexed Ukrainian land, according to The Independent. As the two nations opened their borders for the first time in more than two years, just days after the US accused North Korea of aiding the Kremlin's conflict in Ukraine, Moscow sent a trainload of 30 coveted thoroughbred horses. This information "indicates that the DPRK is covertly supplying Russia's war in Ukraine with a significant number of artillery shells," National Security Council coordinator John Kirby had told reporters a week before. The North Koreans tried to conceal these shipments by making them "appear as though they're being sent to countries in the Middle East," Kirby said, as per Washington Examiner. When questioned if the Russians had in fact received the artillery rounds, Kirby stated that "our suspicions are that the DPRK is secretly supplying and we're going to watch to see whether shipments are received." Read Also: Russia-Ukraine War: Chilling Video Shows Massive Grave of Dead Russian Soldiers as Troops Slam Vladimir Putin's 'Incompetent' Chiefs Russia-Ukraine War Update Along with North Korea, Russia has tried to boost its troops with hundreds of Iranian drones that it has used to attack Ukraine's electrical grid, putting millions of people in the dark and having an impact on water supply and water water treatment facilities. Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, issued a warning on Sunday, saying that if Russia is successful in acquiring more weapons from Iran, it may resume its regular strikes against Ukraine's electrical infrastructure. The 'significant' number of shells sent are sufficient to help Russia prolong the conflict, which began with Moscow's invasion of its former Soviet neighbor in February, but not enough to give it an advantage over Ukrainian forces, which are receiving supplies from the US and NATO allies, according to Kirby. In September, Pyongyang refuted claims made by the White House that it intended to supply ammunition to help the Russian military restock its stockpiles, which have been badly depleted by the conflict, which has now been raging for eight months. As a result of international sanctions that restrict their ability to restock, Kirby said the shipments were "a sign of Russia's own defense product shortages and needs," which is also why Iran sent drone supplies. Kirby refused to provide the means of transportation or routes taken by the North Korean munitions. On possible steps, he added, the US will discuss partners and friends including at the UN. In reaction to last week's US-South Korean war games, Pyongyang on Monday threatened a "resolute and overwhelming" military retaliation. North Korea's most recent warning to the US came only one day after its last denial. The military of North Korea has revealed that its most recent ballistic missile launches were a response to the so-called 'Vigilant Storm' operation by Seoul and Washington, Daily Mail reported. Related Article: North Korea Vehemently Reveals That Missiles Tests' Purpose is To Practice Attacking South Korea, US Targets @YouTube @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. EXCLUSIVE: Youtube animator Christian Brantley, better known as CircletoonsHD (2.35 million subscribers), has signed with talent management company Odd Projects. Odd Projects will represent Brantley in all areas and support the expansion of the CircletoonsHD business, initially focusing on merchandise, licensing, and endorsements. Brantley is based in Maryland and has become well-known for his humorous videos which cover the worlds of video games, movies, and memes. His simplified animation style, made mostly with MS Paint, utilizes dynamic camerawork to supplement the on-screen action and allows Brantley to put out videos incredibly quickly, meaning that the content on his channel is consistently current. His most popular videos include Life of a Speedrunner (22 million views) and Max Level in an RPG (13 million views). Carbon Re raises GBP4.2m seed funding to address cement industry carbon emissions ICR Newsroom By 08 November 2022 Carbon Re, the Cambridge University and UCL joint spin-out, will accelerate the roll-out of artificial intelligence (AI)-based industrial decarbonisation technology. The company has raised GBP4.2m (US$4.8m) seed funding to scale up the development and deployment of its Delta Zero AI platform, which enables the cement industry to reduce over 50,000tpa of CO 2 emissions per plant. This is the equivalent of taking 11,000 cars off the road. Carbon Re's cloud-based Delta Zero platform models the unique production environment of each cement plant and uses advanced machine learning and AI techniques to achieve previously out-of-reach operational efficiencies. The platform continuously analyses manufacturing data to enable plant operators to optimise production processes on a near-live basis. Optimal processes can be identified for the lowest possible CO 2 output and fuel use, reducing operational costs and carbon emissions to otherwise unachievable levels, with no capital expenditure. Planet A Ventures, a Berlin-based climate tech venture capital firm, led the investment, with follow-on participation from Clean Growth Fund, UCL Technology Fund and Cambridge Enterprise. The new investment will enable product roll-out into the global cement market and expand into other energy-intensive industries, such as steel and glass. In just two years, Carbon Res innovative software is already being used in pilot projects to cut fuel use and CO 2 emissions by up to 10 per cent at cement plants in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Sherif Elsayed-Ali, CEO of Carbon Re, said, "At a time of escalating fuel prices and increasing emphasis on CO 2 reduction targets, there is an urgent need for action. Carbon Re is connecting the biggest challenge of our time climate change with the biggest opportunity advances in AI. Our cement plant trials have demonstrated that Delta Zero can deliver dramatic CO 2 savings on a near-live basis. "Our platform provides a unique solution for energy-intensive industries that delivers GBP2m in fuel cost savings and 50,000t of CO 2 savings per plant. This latest funding round will enable us to accelerate our mission to reduce carbon emissions by gigatonnes every year." Published under For as long as we can remember, there have been unsolved mysteries that continue to puzzle people even to this day. They do not necessarily have to be criminal in nature, though they seem to have grown in popularity in recent years thanks to true crime documentaries. These unsolved mysteries have actually led many to become online sleuths trying to uncover clues and discover the truth. It is probably no surprise that some asked the question "What's one unsolved mystery you'd like to see solved before you die?" in the r/AskReddit subreddit. Here are some of the replies: Bain Family Murders Reddit user tomazinak asked one simple question in his reply, "Did David Bain kill his family?" The question refers to what is known as the Bain family murders, which took place on New Zealand on June 20, 1994. Husband and wife Robert and Margaret Bain were shot and killed, as were three of their four children. Charged with the murders of his family members was Robert and Margaret's eldest son, David. He was eventually sentenced to life in prison. However, he was eventually acquitted of all charges in 2009. Disappearance of Andrew Gosden A reply to the Reddit thread that received 9,800 upvotes as of press time is about the disappearance of Andrew Gosden. Andrew Gosden, then aged 14, disappeared in London on September 14, 2007. He first left home dressed in his school uniform. He was then seen withdrawing money from his bank account. "He went back home after his parents had gone to work and changed out of his uniform, then went to the train station and bought a one way ticket to London (about two hours away by train)," Redditor kank84 narrated. Gosden was last seen leaving the King's Cross station. Disappearance of Brian Shaffer Another disappearance that Reddit users wants solved involves Brian Shaffer, who disappeared in 2006. At the time of his disappearance, he was a medical student at the Ohio State University and had gone out on March 31 with his friends to head to a bar. He was last seen by the entrance of the bar before 2 a.m. on April 1 and security camera footage caught him heading back inside. However, he has not been seen since. Related Article: Reddit Users Express Disgust Over Pete Davidson's Taco Bell Ad Disappearance of William Tyrrell William Tyrrell was only three years old when he disappeared while playing at his foster grandmother's house in Kendall, a town in Australia, with his sister. He had been wearing a Spider-Man suit when he disappeared. The young child was initially believed to be abducted. However, his foster mother eventually became a person of interest in the case, according to a report by 9News. A report in 2021 by ABC that the police shifted their search for the remains of the boy. The Location of Keith Bennett's Remains Keith Bennett is one of the five children who lost their lives after being killed, with the murders eventually being known as the Moors Murders. The murders and sexual assaults, in some cases, were carried out by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley between July 1963 and October 1965. The murders took place in around Manchester in the United Kingdom. While the bodies of some of the children have been found, the same cannot be said for Keith Bennett. However, author and investigator Russell Edwards has claimed that he has found Bennett's remains, according to a report by the BBC. The police, however, say otherwise. Read Also: Gamers on Reddit Name the Underappreciated Video Games They Believe Deserve a Sequel Millions of Americans in the workforce are heading back to school to further their education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, college students over the age of 25 are projected to increase 11 percent by 2026. These adult learners are enrolling for a variety of reasons to train for a new career, satisfy an urge to expand their knowledge base, or earn an MBA or masters degree to improve their growth in their current job. If you decide additional education is the right option for you, be aware that tuition costs are on the rise. How will you pay for it? Here are some options to contemplate: Your savings. Consider what savings you may have available to put toward tuition. If your return to school is still a semester or two away, start setting aside specific savings you can use for this purpose. Be sure to account for the cost of books, technology and other fees your school of choice may require. Resist the urge to tap into your retirement accounts. While it may be tempting, you have other sources of funds to pay for school that are not available to pay for your retirement. 529 Plans. A tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan is typically used as a savings vehicle for future education needs of children or grandchildren. But you can also establish a 529 for your own education or tap unused assets you established in a childs account for your own expenses. Tuition reimbursement. Returning to school is particularly attractive if your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program. In practical terms, this means you could further your education and potentially improve your job and career prospects at a reduced cost to you. Important caveats may be tied to the reimbursement, such as only covering tuition for coursework in an area relevant to your current role or requiring you to remain with your employer for a period of time after completing your education. Check with your human resources department to see what benefits are available to you. Grants and scholarships. There is no age limit to qualify for federal financial aid. Financial need dictates the ability to qualify for grants at the federal level, which may limit your opportunities. However, you may also be able to find scholarships from other sources that apply specifically for older students. Your schools financial aid office may be a helpful resource. Loans. Adult students are eligible to take out traditional student loans. If you do, be thoughtful about the amount you borrow and diligent about repaying them quickly after graduation. You may be able to deduct a portion of the student loan interest from your gross income, subject to certain limitations. Tax credits. There may be opportunities to reduce your tax bill if you qualify for education-related tax credits. For example, the Lifetime Learning Credit is a tax credit of up to $2,000 per tax return for qualifying higher education expenses (income limits apply). Which option or combination of options is right for you? Enrolling as a full-time student means higher upfront costs and a bigger time commitment. Yet, it can result in a degree or certification faster, which may be ideal if you are eligible for a higher-paying position afterward or if you are funding your schooling through scholarships and loans. If you choose to complete a class at a time, your education will take longer. Financially, this could allow you to absorb tuition and fees into your regular budget or pull the funds from a 529 account that is earning investment income in the meantime. Additionally, doing so may maximize your tax credit and reimbursement options. No matter how you fund higher education, consider how the cost fits within your overall financial strategy. A good place to start is to sit down with a financial advisor to discuss how you can prioritize school amid your other financial goals. * * * Cody Sims, CRPC, AAMS, AWMA, is a financial advisor and franchise owner with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in Chattanooga, Tn. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 27 years. To contact him, ameripriseadvisors.com/james.e.sims, 423-648-2900, and 412 Georgia Ave., Suite 210, Chattanooga, Tn. 37403. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. A man serving food behind the Community Kitchen was arrested for aggravated rape of a woman he took home after serving her dinner at the center on E. 11th Street. Kenneth Jones, Jr., 66, of 959 Gateway Ave., Apt. 1628, was charged in the incident that occurred Saturday. Community Kitchen officials said, "Mr. Jones had approached us about volunteering a few weeks ago, but he did not follow through with it. On the day of the assault, Mr. Jones set up a grill behind our building by the employee parking area. Our CEO was informed of this and went out to tell Mr. Jones he needed to stop, that he had not started the volunteer application process and was unauthorized to provide meals or any services on our property. He obliged, collected his grill and tables and left without a problem." Police received a call about an assault and rape around 7:27 p.m. that occurred at Jones' apartment. Police spoke with the victim at the apartment, who said she had gone with Jones to his apartment the night before because she needed a place to stay, but once there he proceeded to physically assault her and had non-consensual sex with her. An investigator met with the victim at a hospital where she was taken for her injuries, which included visible bruises and scratches all over her face and neck, and a broken nose. She told the investigator she met Jones at the Community Kitchen, where he was serving hot dogs as a volunteer. She said that after dinner they left and went to his apartment, where he told her to take a bath. She said while she was bathing, he hid her clothing and personal items around the apartment. She said she went to his bedroom after her bath, but she did not know where her clothes were. She said he then came in and had forcible sex with her while she was yelling at him to "please stop." She said he continued and began striking her on her face and body with his fists. She said the beating continued for several hours. She said they both eventually fell asleep and that Jones got up and went back to the Community Kitchen around 5:30 a.m. She still did not know where her clothes were and she was in extreme pain, so she said she did not make an attempt to escape at that time. She said she later made two attempts to leave the apartment, but Jones grabbed her and forced her to stay inside against her will each time. She said Jones came and went throughout the day, but at some point she was able to find her clothes. When Jones left the apartment around 7 p.m. to go to the liquor store, she was able to put her clothes on and run outside. She said she found some people standing outside who called 911. She said that throughout the time Jones raped her, she was bleeding and he was pulling her hair. She said he took personal items out of her purse (Colgate toothpaste, a blue and white folding toothbrush and a prescription for Amlodipine.) She also said Jones forced her to ingest methamphetamine. Jones was taken into custody in the lobby of the Dogwood Manor Apartments. A search warrant was obtained for his person and his residence. Police obtained a buccal swab from Jones and then went to his apartment, where they observed items consistent with the victim's statement, including blood on the bed sheets and mattress, bloody napkins in the trash can, two wads of brown hair on the floor near the bed and a Sunbeam brand heating pad, which the victim mentioned she used for the pain caused by the assault. Lee Universitys Department of Natural Sciences, along with the Tennessee Iota chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, inducted three new members into the national preprofessional honor society and service organization, Alpha Epsilon Delta. Following the induction, Alpha Epsilon Delta held an informal dinner where students were able to get to know one another better and to hear more about some of the clubs service opportunities. This years inductees are Audrey Dutton, Katie Huynh and Emma Sentell. We are so excited to welcome these new members who are already extremely involved in the Lee community through sports, scientific research, and various other clubs, said Taylor Odum, scalpel reporter and historian for the Lee chapter. Alpha Epsilon Delta encourages and recognizes excellence in preprofessional health scholarship and service. The chapter began at Lee November of 2020. As future healthcare professionals, we want to use our gifts and talents to serve God and to serve others, so being a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta allows us to refine our skills and equips us to make an eternal difference in our community, said Corban Anderson, president of Alpha Epsilon Delta. Membership is open to students majoring in a health preprofessional curriculum leading to careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health professions requiring post-baccalaureate study leading to advanced degrees and is based on scholastic achievement. Student members must complete community service hours each semester. Alpha Epsilon Delta provides a forum for students to interact with members in other chapters across the United States, establish contacts in the healthcare profession, and be considered for AED scholarships. For more information about the Alpha Epsilon Delta club or membership, contact Dr. Pamela Hobbs, chapter advisor and assistant professor in health science at Lee, at phobbs@leeuniversity.edu. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced Monday that Tennessee, along with a coalition of other attorneys general, has obtained two multistate settlements with Experian concerning data breaches it experienced in 2012 and 2015 that compromised the 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 states a combined amount of more than $16 million. Tennessee will receive a total of $271,559.42 from the settlements. When consumers make purchases, they should be confident that the personal information they provide will be secure, said General Skrmetti. With hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans affected by this security breach, I was glad to partner with other attorneys general to protect our citizens and insist that companies ensure data privacy now and in the future." 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 information associated with consumers who had applied for T-Mobile postpaid services and device financing between September 2013 and September 2015, including 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. 200,849 Tennessee residents were impacted by the 2015 breach. Neither Experians consumer credit database, nor T-Mobiles own systems, were compromised in the breach. A 40-state multistate group has obtained separate settlements from Experian and T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 data breach. Under a $12.67 million settlement, Experian has agreed to strengthen its due diligence and data security practices going forward. Those include: Prohibition against misrepresentations to its clients regarding the extent to which Experian protects the privacy and security of personal information; Implementation of a comprehensive Information Security Program, incorporating zero-trust principles, regular executive-level reporting, and enhanced employee training; Due diligence provisions requiring the company to properly vet acquisitions and evaluate data security concerns prior to integration; Data minimization and disposal requirements, including specific efforts aimed at reducing use of Social Security numbers as identifiers; and Specific security requirements, including with respect to encryption, segmentation, patch management, intrusion detection, firewalls, access controls, logging and monitoring, penetration testing, and risk assessments. 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. This is in addition to the four years of credit monitoring services already offered to affected consumers two of which were offered by Experian in the wake of the breach, and two that were secured through a separate 2019 class action settlement. The deadlines to enroll in these prior offerings have since passed. If you were a class member in the 2019 class action settlement, you are eligible to enroll in these extended credit monitoring services. Affected consumers can enroll in the 5-year extended credit monitoring services and find more information on eligibility here. The enrollment window will remain open for six months. In a separate $2.43 million settlement, T-Mobile has agreed to detailed vendor management provisions designed to strengthen its vendor oversight going forward. Those 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; and 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 T-Mobile in August 2021, which is still under investigation by a multistate coalition of Attorneys General co-led by Connecticut. Concurrently with the 2015 data breach settlements, Experian has agreed to pay an additional $1 million to resolve a separate multistate investigation into another Experian-owned companyExperian Data Corp. (EDC) in connection with EDCs failure to prevent or provide notice of a 2012 data breach that occurred when an identity thief posing as a private investigator was given access to sensitive personal information stored in EDCs commercial databases. Under that resolution, entered into by a separate group of 40 states, EDC has agreed to strengthen its vetting and oversight of third parties that it provides personal information, investigate and report data security incidents to the Attorneys General, and maintain a Red Flags program to detect and respond to potential identity theft. The Bradley County Commission on Monday night voted 8-6 against moving citizen input ahead of the business items on the agenda. Several commissioners said citizens were welcome to contact them by phone, email or a personal visit, and said such concerns could be aired at the agenda session prior to the voting meeting. Commissioner Howard Thompson said, "We need to take care of the business first." After the vote, several citizens decried a "lack of transparency" on the part of commissioners. Dan Rawls, a former commissioner, said, "Some of the ones who voted no are the ones who won't answer calls or respond to an email." Commissioner Tommy Ledford said he had heard from 30-40 citizens who wanted the change. He said he had pledged "to be a voice of the people." Several other commissioners said they had not been contacted by anyone on the issue. Voting in favor were Commissioners Ledford, Cindy Slater, Josh Rogers, Daniel Beaty, Mike Hughes and Denny Collins. Opposed were Commissioners Thompson, Thomas Crye, Louie Alford, Bill Winters, Milan Blake, Bobby Goins, Scott Gilbert and Tim Mason. The Junior League of Chattanooga invites members of the Chattanooga community to the annual Touch-A-Truck event in Warner Park, 1100 McCallie Ave. this Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with a 9-10 a.m. quiet hour. "With over 20 trucks committed to attend, this event is sure to be a fun and an educational opportunity for children of all ages," organizers said. "Touch-a-Truck Chattanooga is a family-friendly, hands-on event that offers opportunities for children to explore, climb and touch trucks of all kinds, including emergency response vehicles, heavy machinery and other equipment. Kids will also have the opportunity to meet the personnel who protect, serve and build our community. Learning will come alive when children connect these gigantic vehicles to our Tennessee economy and possible careers like farming, manufacturing, construction and public service."More information on the event and an opportunity to purchase tickets can be found here Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ANDERSON, MARCUS TERRANCE 1803 WILSON STREET #B CHATTANOOGA, 37406 Age at Arrest: 43 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT BENNETT, FRANK HOMELESS , 384622037 Age at Arrest: 49 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DOMESTIC ASSAULT BOWLING, SHAUN MATTHEW 2803 SALEM VALLEY ROAD RINGGOLD, 30736 Age at Arrest: 43 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) COOLEY, KAELANI M 2833 DAYTON BLVD RED BANK, 37415 Age at Arrest: 20 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD CRIMINAL TRESPASSING COOPER, DANIELLE LEEANNE 7437 PRIVATE LN APT 9 BIRCHWOOD, 37341 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION ASSAULT ON FIRST RESPONDER AGGRAVATED BURGLARY DENHAM, JACOB N HOMELESS HARRISON, 37341 Age at Arrest: 21 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County AGGRAVATED ASSAULT DIXON, AMANDA HOPE 2322 FREEDOM BAY DRIVE SODDY DAISY, 37379 Age at Arrest: 43 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE DOMINGUEZ, JONATHAN IVAN 4049 AUBURN HILLS DR #19 OOLTEWAH, 37363 Age at Arrest: 29 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE ERAWOC, ADJOA 7255 LEE HWY CHATTANOOGA, 37421 Age at Arrest: 24 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL TRESPASS EVANS, SAXXON TYLER 1777 CANDLEBERRY ST BUNNELL, 32110 Age at Arrest: 34 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE GAMBLE, JEREMY S 452 ELLIOTT STREET SODDY DAISY, 37379 Age at Arrest: 41 years old Arresting Agency: Soddy Daisy UNLAWFUL CARRYING/POSSESSION OF A WEAPON UNLAWFUL CARRYING/ POSSESSION OF A WEAPON POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY GILBRIDE, JONATHAN ANDREW 7513 S DENT RD HIXSON, 37343 Age at Arrest: 33 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE HAGGARD, SHEENA E 818 COUNTY RD 497 FLAT ROCK, 35966 Age at Arrest: 26 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County FUGITIVE (ARREST FOR CRIME IN ANOTHER STATE) HALE, TRENYCE D 8111 THORNWOOD DR HIXSON, 37343 Age at Arrest: 18 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County ASSAULT HENDRICKS, RICKY LEE 1063 EAST VIEW CIRCLE GEORGETOWN, 37336 Age at Arrest: 39 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) HERNANDEZ, BENJAMIN 1216 MAIN STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37404 Age at Arrest: 28 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE HOUSTON, DOMINIQUE DANIELLE 1413 CAROUSEL RD CHATTANOOGA, 37411 Age at Arrest: 30 years old Arresting Agency: Hamilton County HARASSMENT IRELAND, RHONDA PIRRELLO 215 HARDY ROAD LOOKOUT MTN, 37350 Age at Arrest: 65 years old Arresting Agency: Lookout Mountain DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE SPEEDING DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE JOHNSON, BENJAMIN DEJVAN 7428 DAVIS MILL CIRCLE HARRISON, 37341 Age at Arrest: 36 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE IMPROPER PASSING (MUST PASS SAFELY) JOHNSON, HENRY CHRISTOPHER 1818 TUNNEL BLVD CHATTANOOGA, 374062624 Age at Arrest: 51 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD AGGRAVATED BURGLARY (OCCUPIED HABITATION) CRIMINAL TRESPASSING DISORDERLY CONDUCT PUBLIC INTOXICATION JURGES, RONALD WILLIAM 2545V GLENADE DR NE HOMELESS NOW CONYERS, 300131412 Age at Arrest: 47 years old Arresting Agency: Soddy Daisy POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURINGKING, JAQUAY SAUNDERS D2606 HARRISON PIKE APT. B CHATTANOOGA, 37406Age at Arrest: 23 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyDRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE (MARIJUANA)KLEMANN, AUSTIN RYAN304 JACKSON RD HIXSON, 37343Age at Arrest: 28 years oldArresting Agency:VIOLATION OF PROBATION (ATTEMPT OF POSSOF HERION FVIOLATION OF PROBATION (ATTEMPT POSS OF METH FOR RLANE, JAY EMMANUEL QUEST4800 NORTH WIND DRIVE CHATTANOOGA, 37416Age at Arrest: 24 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDTHEFT OF PROPERTYLAPOINTE, ASHLEY LYNN1516 E 49TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 374073503Age at Arrest: 36 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDPOSSESSION OF HYDROCODONELAYMON, BENNET2619 BOYCE ST CHATTANOOGA, 37406Age at Arrest: 38 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyRECKLESS ENDANGERMENTLEE, MARVIN VINSON7116 CANE HOLLOW RD HIXSON, 37343Age at Arrest: 28 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDPOSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCELEPARD, WINTER RHEA4577 W HASSLER RD HAMILTON COUNTY, 37377Age at Arrest: 43 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyBURGLARYLEWIS, SYDNEY6616 DANBY DR CHATTANOOGA,Age at Arrest: 19 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDTHEFT OF PROPERTY UNDER 1000LINDSEY, JAMIR J3007 TUGALOO ST CHATTANOOGA, 37406Age at Arrest: 25 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyVIOLATION OF PROBATION(POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAHERNLOPEZ, ANTHONY JOSEPH1320 BONNELIA CIRCLE SODDY DAISY, 37379Age at Arrest: 42 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyDOMESTIC ASSAULTFALSE IMPRISONMENTMAJORS, ERICKSON JAMAL5514 JERNIGAN LN MURFREESBORO, 37128Age at Arrest: 29 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)MAPLES, WALTER DEWAYNE518 BRUNING LN CHATTANOOGA, 374156205Age at Arrest: 39 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)MCCORMICK, COLLIN WILLIAM420 MARBORROW AVE UNIT 2 CHATTANOOGA, 37411Age at Arrest: 33 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDVANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEFMCLAIN, TAJAE E ELIJAH1818 NEWTON ST CHATTANOOGA, 374063035Age at Arrest: 20 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDPOSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMEDDRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALEPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIATRAILER REGISTRATION REQUIREDMOORE, REGINALD VAN3310 TAYLOR ST CHATTANOOGA, 374063937Age at Arrest: 54 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDDRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSENEW, MICHELLE ANNE807 N EAST AVE 2 WAUKESHA, 53186Age at Arrest: 30 years oldArresting Agency: East RidgePUBLIC INTOXICATIONRETALIATION AGAINST JUDGE, JUROR, OFFICERPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIAROGERS, KOBE NYLAN823 WOODMOORE TERRACE CHATTANOOGA, 37411Age at Arrest: 24 years oldArresting Agency:Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)SELLERS, BARRY STEPHEN1221 BIRDHOUSE LANE SODDY DAISY, 37379Age at Arrest: 44 years oldArresting Agency: Soddy DaisyDOMESTIC ASSAULTSMITH, EQUATA MARIE802 MOSS ST CHATTANOOGA, 374111326Age at Arrest: 38 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)SMITH, JAMIE MATTHEW12315 MIDWAY CHURCH RD SODDY DAISY, 37379Age at Arrest: 34 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyTHEFT OF PROPERTY (CONDUCT INVOLV.MERCHANDISE)SUTTON, ROBIN FRED2436 NORTH BRIAR CIRCLE CHATTANOOGA, 37406Age at Arrest: 34 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCEVIENTOS, BRIDGETT NICOLE727 E 11TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 374033104Age at Arrest: 45 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)WATTERS, DARNELL EUGENE4513 ROGERS RD CHATTANOOGA, 37411Age at Arrest: 32 years oldArresting Agency: Hamilton CountyVIOLATION OF PROBATION (UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A WVIOLATION OF PROBATION (SIMPLE POSSESSION OF COCAIVIOLATION OF PROBATION (DRIVING ON REVOKED LICENSEZETINA, JOSE IGNACIO4105 WATSON ROAD APT A CHATTANOOGA, 37415Age at Arrest: 50 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDDRIVING ON ROADWAYS LANED FOR TRAFFIC, VIOLATIONDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCEFINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITYDRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE Here are the mug shots: ANDERSON, MARCUS TERRANCE Age at Arrest: 43 Date of Birth: 06/30/1979 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): NONSUPPORT AND FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT BENNETT, FRANK Age at Arrest: 49 Date of Birth: 07/10/1973 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT BOWLING, SHAUN MATTHEW Age at Arrest: 43 Date of Birth: 05/25/1979 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) COOLEY, KAELANI M Age at Arrest: 20 Date of Birth: 12/06/2001 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): CRIMINAL TRESPASSING COOPER, DANIELLE LEEANNE Age at Arrest: 37 Date of Birth: 12/08/1984 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION ASSAULT ON FIRST RESPONDER AGGRAVATED BURGLARY DENHAM, JACOB N Age at Arrest: 21 Date of Birth: 06/20/2001 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): AGGRAVATED ASSAULT DIXON, AMANDA HOPE Age at Arrest: 43 Date of Birth: 03/05/1979 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE DOMINGUEZ, JONATHAN IVAN Age at Arrest: 29 Date of Birth: 09/22/1993 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE ERAWOC, ADJOA Age at Arrest: 24 Date of Birth: 04/06/1998 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL TRESPASS EVANS, SAXXON TYLER Age at Arrest: 34 Date of Birth: 01/08/1988 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE GAMBLE, JEREMY S Age at Arrest: 41 Date of Birth: 02/19/1977 Arresting Agency: Soddy Daisy Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): UNLAWFUL CARRYING/POSSESSION OF A WEAPON UNLAWFUL CARRYING/ POSSESSION OF A WEAPON POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY HAGGARD, SHEENA E Age at Arrest: 26 Date of Birth: 06/17/1996 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): FUGITIVE (ARREST FOR CRIME IN ANOTHER STATE) HALE, TRENYCE D Age at Arrest: 18 Date of Birth: 04/15/2004 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): ASSAULT HENDRICKS, RICKY LEE Age at Arrest: 39 Date of Birth: 02/08/1983 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) HOUSTON, DOMINIQUE DANIELLE Age at Arrest: 30 Date of Birth: 03/01/1992 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): HARASSMENT IRELAND, RHONDA PIRRELLO Age at Arrest: 65 Date of Birth: 02/09/1957 Arresting Agency: Lookout Mountain Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE SPEEDING DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE JOHNSON, BENJAMIN DEJVAN Age at Arrest: 36 Date of Birth: 12/15/1985 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE IMPROPER PASSING (MUST PASS SAFELY) JOHNSON, HENRY CHRISTOPHER Age at Arrest: 51 Date of Birth: 02/22/1971 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): AGGRAVATED BURGLARY (OCCUPIED HABITATION) CRIMINAL TRESPASSING DISORDERLY CONDUCT PUBLIC INTOXICATION JURGES, RONALD WILLIAM Age at Arrest: 47 Date of Birth: 08/14/1975 Arresting Agency: Soddy Daisy Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING KING, JAQUAY SAUNDERS D Age at Arrest: 23 Date of Birth: 05/20/1999 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE (MARIJUANA) KLEMANN, AUSTIN RYAN Age at Arrest: 28 Date of Birth: 10/11/1994 Arresting Agency: Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION (ATTEMPT OF POSSOF HERION F VIOLATION OF PROBATION (ATTEMPT POSS OF METH FOR R LANE, JAY EMMANUEL QUEST Age at Arrest: 24 Date of Birth: 02/01/1998 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): THEFT OF PROPERTY LAPOINTE, ASHLEY LYNN Age at Arrest: 36 Date of Birth: 11/11/1985 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF HYDROCODONE LAYMON, BENNET Age at Arrest: 38 Date of Birth: 03/17/1984 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT LEE, MARVIN VINSON Age at Arrest: 28 Date of Birth: 01/16/1994 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LEPARD, WINTER RHEA Age at Arrest: 43 Date of Birth: 01/06/1979 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): BURGLARY LEWIS, SYDNEY Age at Arrest: 19 Date of Birth: 04/13/2003 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): THEFT OF PROPERTY UNDER 1000 LOPEZ, ANTHONY JOSEPH Age at Arrest: 42 Date of Birth: 03/11/1980 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT FALSE IMPRISONMENT MAJORS, ERICKSON JAMAL Age at Arrest: 29 Date of Birth: 10/06/1993 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) MAPLES, WALTER DEWAYNE Age at Arrest: 39 Date of Birth: 05/28/1981 Arresting Agency: Hamilton County Last Date of Arrest: 11/07/2022 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) Girl's Leadership Summit will be a one-day girls summit to provide education, awareness and understanding, and give young ladies the support needed around the topics of teen dating violence in order for them to lead healthy lives, and encourage healthy relationships. The one-day girls summit will be held Feb. 11, 2023, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. during National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month at The University of TN at Chattanooga's University Student Center. It will consist of speakers and vendor booths with community resources. There will be a free lunch for each attendee, door prizes and giveaways. Officials said, "The State of the Child 2021 report from the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth found more than one in six Tennessee high school girls reported experiencing physical dating violence in 2021. That was a significant increase from past years and was twice as high as the national average. "When we had a chance to talk to young people, the common theme was a lack of knowledge of what was a normal relationship and what was not normal in a relationship. "The Tennessee Commission on Children and youths primary mission is to advocate for the improvement of the quality of life for Tennessee children and families. RiseUP Cooperative's mission is to engage and equip teens and young adults with life and leadership skills to help them be ready for tomorrow." Registration for the Summit will be free and open to all young ladies. Registration will be found on Eventbrite at the end of November. Follow Girl's Leadership Summit on Facebook for more details and to know when the Eventbrite link drops. Netflixs From Scratch chronicles the life and romance of Amahle Amy Wheeler (Zoe Saldana), a Black American woman who puts her law school career on hold to study art in Italy. Amy falls for a Sicilian chef named Lino (Eugenio Mastrandrea), whom she eventually marries and begins a life with in Los Angeles. Saldana was the perfect actor to portray Amy since she had a special connection to the show. Zoe Saldana as Amy Wheeler and Eugenio Mastrandrea as Lino Ortolano in From Scratch | Jessica Brooks/Netflix From Scratch is based on writer Tembi Lockes real life Based on Tembi Lockes memoir, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home, Netflixs From Scratch is based on Lockes real-life experiences moving to Italy in the early 90s and falling for a Sicilian chef named Rosario Saro Gullo. While the names have been changed in the series, much of what is seen on-screen is what actually occurred. 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. Zoe Saldana had a special connection to the show Saldana was cast in the show after dinner with Reese Witherspoon, whose production company Hello Sunshine produced From Scratch. However, the actor also had a special connection to the series. I lost my dad, so I remember grief from my 9-year-old self, and looking up at my mother, I saw how difficult it was for her, she told Today. So the book really kind of opened that scope of what its like to lose a partner. I know what its like to lose a dad, but not what its like to lose your partner. Saldana noted that because she experienced this type of immeasurable grief as a child, not as an adult, she relied on Tembis guidance quite a lot. There were certain emotional moments that, either because I havent experienced them as an adult or because I did experience them as a child and due to trauma, shut down certain departments within me I was unable to channel myself, she told Tudum. And Tembi was monumental in helping us all get there. Tembi Locke trusted Zoe Saldana to portray her in From Scratch Though the losses they experienced in their lives were very different, Locke still trusted Saldana to portray her in the limited series. Zoe and I had lots of talks about things, so I felt very confident, the writer/executive producer told Shadow and Act. By the time we would get on set, I was like, Okay, this scene is in good hands. There were times when it was too much. It was a lot to relive. Some scenes are literally frame-by-frame recreations of things that happened. Theres a delicate balance, but I also had Attica there to say, You dont need to be here today. Go home. It was also helpful that Lockes sister Attica Locke served as the showrunner on the series, which meant that she could step in when it was too painful for Tembi to do so. The rain scene, thats where it actually happened, the same block. Its the same corner, Tembi revealed. When we got to Italy, that was happening over and over and over again both in Florence and later when we went to Sicily, these coincidences, non-coincidences, were sort of miraculous. RELATED: From Scratch: Reese Witherspoon Helped Zoe Saldana Get Her Role in the Series New technology has been coming around to every aspect of people's lives. One of the good things innovation reached is our security measures. The advancements have brought us more effective and efficient protection for both ourselves and our homes. Here are gadgets to make your home become safer. Video Doorbell Even before with peepholes, intruders can still hide in some blind spots. They can easily enter your home after you opened the door. A video doorbell has a wider coverage for your porch, and you won't have to leave your couch to see who's there. There are even camera systems that identify what's on your porch, whether it's a person, animal, or package. It can also be viewed even when you're not at home. Be sure to check out your options for the best security you can install. Outdoor Security Light A motion sensor security light will provide ample lighting when you get home in the dark. This way, you can easily see your surroundings and spot if someone is lurking. It can also startle people who try to sneak in with the cover of the night. You can place it anywhere but ideally, it should be in places where it can illuminate a wider range. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector The standard smoke alarm usually starts beeping whatever smoke it detects. With smoke and carbon monoxide detector, you can now detect where it's coming from as well. According to Satchells, Nest Protect is an alarm that can detect smoke and carbon monoxide. The security feature can allow you to turn the alarm off from your smartphone. Of course, you should do this only if you know that the smoke is harmless. Fake Security Cameras If you're afraid of having your security cameras hacked, you can put up fake ones instead. These are also cheaper than the real ones. I t can be enough to deter burglars, but of course, it still can't provide the protection a working security camera can. Make sure that you buy ones that are convincing, as suggested by Peak Home Security. Read Also: How to Choose the Best Home Security System Pressure Doormat Alarm You can install a pressure doormat alarm so you would get alerted if someone is at the door. This can be helpful when it's nighttime and someone is trying to jimmy the lock open. You wouldn't really need this if you have a video doorbell, especially if it can detect people, but that's up to you. The doormat alarm can also serve as an alternative if you don't have a doorbell. Barking Dog Alarm Burglars would think twice if they knew that there was a dog guarding the house. However, not everyone can or wants to have a dog. You may not know how to care for them or don't have the time. There is a way around that of course. You can purchase a motion sensor dog barking alarm. It can be triggered once it's activated and senses movement. Related: Looking To Protect Your Home? Here Are Some of the Best Home Security Cameras in 2022 The Young and the Restless Star Eric Braeden Said Changing His Name Was 1 of the Most Painful Decisions Hes Ever Made While daytime television fans have surely heard the name Eric Braeden before, as Braeden has portrayed Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless for the past four decades. However, these fans probably would not bat an eye if the name Hans Gudegast was mentioned. Eric Braeden | Ella Hovsepian/Getty Images Indeed, most Y&R fans are simply unaware that Eric Braedens given name is Hans Gudegast. Read on to learn more about Braedens upbringing and why the 81-year-old actor decided to change his name when making it to Hollywood. How Eric Braeden went from living in a German village to Hollywood Hans Gudegast was born in the small German village of Bredenbek in the spring of 1941. The little boy would cheat death before even reaching the age of four. As the young boy had been born in Germany during the midst of World War II, violence was all around. According to IMDb, on January 30, 1945, little Hans Gudegast was one of the civilians aboard the MV Wilhelm Gustloff, a German-armed military transport ship that was evacuating German civilians and military refugees across the Baltic Sea. The ship was ultimately sunk by the Soviet submarine S-13. An estimated 9,000 people died, according to Britannica, which marked the largest loss of life in a single ship sinking in history. Somehow, little Hans Gudegast made it out alive. After cheating death and living an otherwise uneventful childhood, Gudegast packed his back when he turned 18 years old and headed to the States. Of this decision, he later told CBS, I saw America as a land of opportunity, but also as the land of adventure, the land of cowboys and Indians. After arriving in New York via ocean liner, Gudegast headed to Galveston, Texas, to meet up with his cousin, Dr. Maren Bakker. After working for his cousin for a short time at a medical school lab, Gudegast moved to Missoula, Montana, to attend the University of Montana on a track and field scholarship. The painful process of choosing a new name to better fit into the Hollywood scene As 'Y&R' Prepares to Turn 50, Eric Braeden Says Soaps Are Still Good as [email protected] https://t.co/odcnJaJ88E Young & The Restless (@YRInsider) September 30, 2022 While at the University of Montana, Gudegast made a documentary of his journey of conquering the Salmon River, or the River of No Return, in Idaho. After making the documentary, he decided to head to Los Angeles to find a distributor for his film. Gudegast soon fell in love with the city and stayed to pursue his own acting career. After just a few months in Hollywood, Gudegast landed a number of acting roles. According to IMDb, throughout the 1960s, he appeared in shows like Combat!, Mission Impossible, The Virginian, and The Rat Patrol. By 1970, Gudegast began to feel the pressure from Hollywood to get rid of his German name and change it to something that would be more marketable and appealing to an American audience. According to CBS, it was when Gudegast landed the starring role in the film Colossus: The Forbin Project, where he would be the first German actor to play an American in a major Hollywood film, that the studio seriously began to pressure him to change his name. The decision was painful for Gudegast, but he knew anglicizing his professional name was what was best for his acting career. Hans Gudegast eventually landed on the name of Eric Braeden. Of this decision, he told CBS, Eric is a family name, and Braeden is from the name of my village in Germany. Changing my name was one of the most painful decisions Ive ever made, so I needed to choose a name that I could still identify with. Becoming one of the most iconic soap actors of all-time Eric Braeden /Victor Newman is basically an honorary family member in some of our homes. https://t.co/TDcXrauzJk pic.twitter.com/x403d5ggIb Stephanie. (@qsteph) November 13, 2021 Daytime television fans will undoubtedly recognize the name Eric Braeden. A decade after changing his name to appease Hollywood, Braeden landed the role of Victor Newman on the CBS soap The Young and the Restless. Braeden has maintained his role as the business mogul since 1980. In 1998, Braeden won a Daytime Emmy for his portrayal of the character. What may be more impressive is that Braeden is still portraying Victor Newman at 81-years-old. In 2020, Braeden celebrated his 40th work anniversary with The Young and the Restless and is still going strong today. From cheating death as a boy to becoming one of the most iconic soap actors of all time, Eric Braeden has lived a very eventful life over the last 81 years. RELATED: The Young and the Restless Star Eric Braeden Discussed How Disrespected Daytime Soap Actors Are The wait is almost over for Taylor Sheridans Yellowstone to return with season 5. Its no secret that Sheridan likes to reuse his favorite actors in the shows that he creates. In Yellowstone season 5, a new villain arrives in Montana, and the actor who plays her also had a role in 1883. Dawn Olivieri | Ethan Miller/Getty Images Dawn Olivieri plays Sarah Atwood in Yellowstone Season 5 Actor Dawn Olivieri returns to the Taylor Sheridan universe for Yellowstone Season 5. Market Equities and its CEO, Caroline Warner, have been a problem for the Dutton family and the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock. In season 5, Olivieri portrays Sarah Atwood, the counselor for Market Equities. The main goal is to get their project back in line, Olivieri said in featurette. Beth may have finally met someone who can go head-to-head with her in season 5. Sarah will be an adversary for Beth in a way that shes never experienced, Kelly Reilly added. Thats gonna be like two Goliaths. When she sees her opportunity, shell take it. Olivieri also had a role in the Yellowstone prequel 1883 1883 fans may recognize the name, Dawn Olivieri. The actor portrayed Claire Dutton in the prequel series. Claire was Johns sister who began the journey North with the Dutton family. However, Olivieri only appeared in two episodes of 1883. In the second episode, the Duttons and their group encounter trouble when a handful of men stop by their camp. Claire orders the men to leave and throws rocks in their direction. The men later return and attack, killing Claires daughter Mary Abel. Afterward, Claire chose not to continue the journey. She shot herself in the head. Olivieri is known for a slew of other roles. She appeared in Showtimes House of Lies for 41 episodes, acted in the third season of HBOs True Blood, and portrayed a reporter and Damon Salvatores girlfriend in The Vampire Diaries. Olivieri also appeared in the October 2009 issue of Maxim. Market Equities has a complicated history with Beth Dutton Market Equities first appeared in Yellowstone Season 3. The firm plots to buy out several landowners in Montana, including the Duttons and the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock, to build an airport. Roarke Morris represents the company in Montana in season 3, but Rip ends him with a rattlesnake. Market Equities also bought the company Beth worked for, Schwartz & Meyer. When Market Equities took ownership, Bob Shwartz didnt do anything to stop them from firing Beth. However, in season 4, CEO Carline Warner arrives and offers Beth a job, which she uses to get revenge on Bob. Beth also plots to take down Market Equities, but her job isnt done yet. Though the company was dealt a blow, Caroline is bringing in the big guns in the form of Sarah Atwood in Yellowstone Season 5. Yellowstone Season 5 premieres Sunday, November 13, on the Paramount Network. RELATED: Yellowstone: Wes Bentley Says Jamie Is Full of Rage in Season 5 Dr. Rene Booysen researches the exploration of mineral deposits. At the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF), belonging to the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), she develops sensor-based exploration techniques to identify resources in a non-invasive way. Each year, the UNESCO and the Fondation L'Oreal honor femal researchers who have contributed to overcoming todays global challenges. Booysen's exploration research addresses one of these challenges. For the scientific excellence of her work, the South African researcher receives the award within the regional program South Africa National Young Talents Programme. Current times highlight how important raw materials are, but also how dependent we are on them. Especially Rare Earth Elements (REE) are essential resources to ensure the energy transition, e-mobility and green technologies. Conventional exploration methods are costly, time-consuming and often not environmentally friendly, particularly in remote areas. Dr. Rene Booysen and her colleagues of the exploration department at the HIF developed a novel approach to detect and assess REE deposits. We employ drones with own developed hyperspectral sensors to detect REEs at the Earths surface, says Booysen. The sensors can detect tiny changes in the infrared light not visible to the human eye. This characteristic spectral information can be used to identify rock types over a large area and to target potential resource occurrences. Hyperspectral Imaging was also the topic of her PhD study she completed this year at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg (South Africa). The UNESCO and the Fondation L'Oreal are honoring female scientists like Booysen to raise awareness of their research and women in science. After all, according to UNESCO statistics, only 33 percent of researchers are female globally. The award therefore not only highlights the achievements of women in science, but also aims to overcome stereotypes at the same time. The L'Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science South Africa National Young Talents Programme is being awarded for the fourth time and aims to promote young South African women in science. The program honors six talented women for their research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). "I am thrilled to receive this award, which highlights the scientific work of women in particular," says the Freiberg-based researcher - as well as the Scientific Director of the HZDR, Prof. Sebastian M. Schmidt: "The award once again underlines the fact that excellent talents from all over the world are working at the HZDR. Our special initiatives and programs for promoting young women in science, are thus already showing success. The research of Rene Booysen and her colleagues at our Helmholtz Institute in Freiberg plays a central role in meeting the challenges in the energy sector. I am extremely pleased that this has been recognized with an award." You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2), a weather satellite that will monitor the weather phenomenon of Earth from space, will be launched by NASA on Thursday, November 10. Along with the mission is the test of a new inflatable heat shield, which makes it worth waiting and watching. The JPSS-2 is an environmental satellite that will be launched to the polar Earth orbit. The satellite will be launched atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Here's How to Watch JPSS-2 Weather Satellite Launch The launch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) JPSS-2 mission and NASA's Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) will be live-streamed by NASA on its TV channel, as per Digital Trends. You can start tuning in early in the morning of November 10. The coverage will begin at 3:45 a.m. ET (12:45 a.m. PT). However, the launch itself will start at 4:25 a.m. ET (1:25 a.m. PT). You can head to NASA's YouTube page to watch the launch. The weather satellite will be launched using a ULA Atlas V rocket. Aside from the satellite, the mission will also involve testing of LOFTID, an experimental piece of NASA technology. The LOFTID is an inflatable heat shield designed to ensure that the craft is safe from the heat of re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, which is caused by friction. This new technology from NASA could be useful for future missions to other planets like Mars. In addition, it could be used by returning craft to Earth. The JPSS-2 mission is a joint project of NASA and NOAA. The two agencies aim to bring a new satellite into the polar orbit around the Earth. Once launched, the satellite will join other NOAA and NASA satellites in space. These satellites are used to monitor weather phenomena as well as atmospheric readings. They are greatly helpful in forecasting the weather and predicting extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. Read Also: NASA Warns 2 'Potentially Hazardous' Massive Asteroids to Get Close to Earth This January 2022; Will It Hit? Faulty Battery of Atlas V Rocket Delays Launch of JPSS-2 The launch of JPSS-2 as well as the test of the new heat shield were originally scheduled for last week on November 1, according to Space.com. However, due to an issue with the battery of Atlas V's Centaur upper stage, it had to be delayed to November 9. On Tuesday, November 3, NASA announced that the launch date was pushed back again by one day. According to a blog by NASA, "both the JPSS-2 and LOFTID are healthy and ready for launch." The technicians have activated a replacement for the faulty battery. In order to ensure that the launch will proceed as planned, the technicians will exchange and retest the battery. NOAA will operate the JPSS-2. It will study planet Earth from the polar orbit of the planet using five different science instruments. According to the mission team members, the data from the satellite will aid scientists in monitoring the impact of climate change. Meanwhile, LOFTID will ride in an Atlas V rocket to the polar orbit. Afterward, it will return to Earth at high speed, deploying parachutes. It will splash down in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. During the upcoming test run, researchers will study the performance of LOFTID to determine the potential of inflatable heat shields in landing heavy payloads on other planets. Related Article: NASA Looks at Launching Mission to Uranus with Detailed Plans Starting Next Year Theres no sanitary way to recount the downfall of Jerry Falwell Jr. How could there be? The saga hinges on an illicit relationship between the former president of Liberty University; his wife, Becki; and a young pool attendant at Miamis Fontainebleau hotel. Not a great start, and it gets worse. In 2012 Jerry and Becki seduced the 20-year-old Giancarlo Granda and, over the next seven years, kept him in their thrall with promises of financial success, implicit threats of exposure, and assistance from a well-placed fixer. All this while Falwell presided over one of the largest Christian universities in the world. Its no surprise the story would spark all manner of exposes. Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, and others have all covered it. More recently, Granda himself has published his side in Off the Deep End. Granda also speaks out in Hulus new documentary God Forbid. Predictably, other sordid tales have surfaced as well, of Becki aggressively pursuing a Liberty student and Jerry regularly showing up to work drunk. The more we learn, the more we cringe. And the hits keep coming. Pulling back the curtain yet more, the Gangster Capitalism podcast uncovered even deeper levels of corruption at Liberty. That series in turn paved the way for a ProPublica investigation into the schools mishandling of Title IX complaints, where numerous Liberty students and staff charged the school with indifference and bullying after they reported being sexually assaulted. This alleged institutional misconduct spurred a lawsuit against Liberty that was settled this May. But thats far from the last well hear of this tragedy. At least two other television productions about Liberty are underway: one on the Title IX Jane Does fight for justice, and another more sympathetic to the Falwells. Of negative coverage on Liberty, there seems to be no end. Which brings us to the pressing question: How should Christians respond? For the sake of the victims, we cannot ignore the coverage. But for the sake of our souls, neither can we revel in it. So whats the solution? In this situation, as always, we must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Our Christian obligations demand that we engage these scandalous revelations with discernment, motivated by an unwavering commitment to truth, grace, and justice. Practically, how that plays out may look different for each of us. Some among us may simply be unable to follow along. Perhaps personal histories make the reporting too triggering. The details may be too tawdry or the framing too salacious. Each of us knows best our own emotional bandwidth, and we are wise to protect it, especially in the face of such ugliness. What we cannot do, however, is dismiss the coverage out of reflexive tribal loyalty, imagining these stories as merely devilish attacks on a righteous school. Some evangelicals may have good reason to believe the journalistic spotlight shines unfairly bright on Liberty and suspect that some reporters are gleeful to magnify any minor missteps. But its hard to dispute that the spotlight has exposed much that demands our attention. Yes, the bulk of recent reporting on Liberty has come from outside evangelicalism, and some of the attempted analyses miss the mark by far and betray the producers political and ideological agendas. The Hulu show God Forbid, for example, leaves Grandas story far behind as it closes with the January 6 insurrection and intimates that the political violence there stemmed entirely from evangelicalism. Better to follow the lead of someone like Daniel DAddario, whose review of the documentary deftly separates out the objective details from the framing. Specifically, he finds the projects aims too ambitious and the evidence too thin: Director Billy Corbens attempts to connect [Grandas] collision with the boomer-generation Falwells to the broader story of evangelicals in the United States seems at times like a stretch. Article continues below For Christians especially, concerns about the storytellers motivations and shortcomings pale in comparison to the heartbreaking stories of abuse and corruption brought to light by these reports. In each project, producers have given a platform to those silenced by Falwell or Libertymembers of the school community who can finally reclaim their narrative and talk about the harm they experienced. These are the people we have an obligation to listen to, no matter the medium. And I daresay that for every victim whose voice has been amplified by the current reporting, there are numerous others who still need to be heard. Ignoring this reporting effectively continues to silence them. Some might suggest that we should disregard these stories because theyre unpleasant. Isnt it better to focus on the good done by Liberty and the evangelical movement overall? To be sure, theres a danger in fixating on depravity, cataloging the sins of others, and detailing offenses. Galatians 6:1 cautions believers against these dangers, admonishing them to restore sinners in a spirit of humility and gentleness lest they themselves fall. But Scriptures charge to expose deeds of darkness (Eph. 5:11) is just as strong. Both stances, theneither blithely ignoring the coverage or indulging our morbid curiosityfail to take seriously our responsibility as Christians. Instead, we should approach the situation with grief, lament, and prayer and with demands for an independent investigation into the culture at Liberty. Falwells behavior was shameful, and much of that corruption is coming to light through the projects named above. But what about the system that he led? What about the leaders at Liberty who failed to hold him accountable? What other damaging consequences need exposure and correction? Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) is a cautionary tale of what happens when leaders ignore red flags and resist accountability. The devastating consequences of RZIMs fall have rippled out well beyond the ministry itself, compromising evangelical apologetic witness more broadly. We run the same risk in Christian higher education and beyond if we settle for scapegoating Falwell. Liberty, too, must be held accountable. Where theres smoke, there may not be fire. But the unrelenting smoke swirling around Liberty cannot be ignored. If the fire is left unacknowledged, it will consume anyone and anything in its path. True, the onslaught of recent Liberty coverage doesnt always hit the mark, but it does offer us an opportunity. Rather than ignore the reports or take delight in the downfall of others, and rather than further silence victims by dismissing the messengers, Christians must trust the power of the gospel story and demonstrate its relevance to this tragedy. The truth will set us all free (John 8:32). We shouldnt be afraid to learn what lies behind the Falwell scandal and to expose the school conditions that permitted such perversity. To this point, Liberty has avoided a reckoning. Instead, it has promised investigations that two years on seem little more than appeasement and impression management. As more Falwell and Liberty coverage mounts, we have a responsibility to no longer accept those fig leaves. There is a better way. For the sake of all involved, we must encourage the school to change course. If Liberty submits to a thorough independent investigation, if current and former leaders own their wrongdoing and are willing to set things right despite personal or institutional cost, and if they trust the provision of Gods grace through it all, then this shameful episode can yet be a powerful witness to the gospels glorious good news. Marybeth Baggett is a former English professor at Liberty University and two-time alumna of the school. Her most recent book is Telling Tales: Intimations of the Sacred in Popular Culture. The singing of psalms spans thousands of years of church tradition. Todays songwriters and worship leaders mine these texts for words and inspiration as they craft new songs for the church. For the past three years, Jesse and Leah Robertswho perform as the duo Poor Bishop Hooperhave sung every word of every psalm and are hoping to help revive widespread interest in the singing of Scripture. Their project joins a history of singing psalms that spans centuries, from monastic recitation to contemporary songwriters and worship leaders who mine these texts for words and inspiration. We should have songs that are not only upright but holy, that will spur us to pray to God and praise Him, to meditate on His works so as to love Him, to fear Him, to honor Him, and glorify Him, wrote John Calvin in his preface to the 1543 Geneva Psalter, which guided Reformed churches in the practice of singing unaccompanied metrical psalms. Though we look far and wide we will find no better songs nor songs more suitable to that purpose than the Psalms of David. For the monk in the medieval monastery, chanting all 150 psalms each week, the psalms were his daily bread, words always on his lips, the foundation of his life of prayer, wrote musicologist James Dyer. Chanting the entire Book of Psalms each week required total devotion, a rhythm of life built for prayer. Releasing an original song based on a chapter in Psalms each weekas Jesse and Leah Roberts have done with their recent EveryPsalm projectrequired its own kind of creative focus and commitment. For the past three years, the Psalms have been musical and spiritual sustenance for the Robertses. Since January 2020, they have written an original song every week, releasing the new recordings Wednesdays on YouTube and music streaming sites. They finish their collection of musical settings for the psalms with Psalm 150, which releases on November 9. The modern-day psalter is meant as a resource for Christians and churches. The process of creating the songs has reminded them that there is a psalm for every moment, affect, and impulse to call out to God. Theres so much permission in the Psalms to approach the Lord in so many different ways, said Jesse Roberts. If you look at the top [worship] charts, how many songs ask a question and dont answer it? That has been so influential for me as I go to the Lord in prayer. To be able to ask those questions, to ask them and sit in the mystery. The musical settings by Poor Bishop Hooper include meditative ballads, exuberant praise choruses, and blues-inflected songs. The uplifting arrangement of Psalm 5 features sparkling instrumentals and layered vocals in close harmony. Psalm 11 is treated as a quiet, peaceful ballad with unexpected chromaticism. Some arrangements, like Psalm 23 and Psalm 148, are simple and tuneful, suited for congregational singing. Others are more complex and vocally demanding, inviting engagement through meditation and listening. The duo has also recorded and released instrumental versions of some of the more intricate arrangements. The EveryPsalm project did not start as a pandemic project, but it did end up spanning those unexpectedly difficult, chaotic years. Sustaining creative energy and commitment week after week was not easy. Our twins went to kindergarten, but everything went online, so we homeschooled, said Leah Roberts. Particularly in that season, we would put the kids to bed, and then every night Jesse and I would go to the studio and its like, All right, put your game face on! Its 8:30, and weve gotta record a couple of psalms. Article continues below I definitely had fleshly moments where I thought, This is going to be a waste of time, Jesse Roberts said. No ones going to listen, were going to do it for three years and theyre all going to sound the same. People did listen: Psalm 1 has over 700,000 plays on Spotify, and the video for Psalm 1 has 69,000 views on YouTube. Even through the difficulties of finding time, space, and energy to carry on with the project, Jesse and Leah remained resolute in their commitment to covering a psalm every week. And the weeks that were most difficult were often the most rewarding. Those were the ones that it was such a privilege to, in the shallowness of my offering, say, Take this offering unto you and let it be pleasing because I just want to go to sleep right now! But let my worship be a pleasing offering, a pleasing sacrifice, said Leah Roberts. Even if it didnt make sense to me or look like it was going to be a real ministry to anyone, added Jesse Roberts. Many Christians can likely relate to the experience of coming to worship in the midst of mental or physical exhaustion, especially over the past three years. Some found it difficult to offer praise while streaming a virtual service, feeling detached and lonely. Others are still struggling to feel comfortable in a congregation again. Even though EveryPsalm didnt begin in response to the pandemic, it became clear to Leah and Jesse that it was a timely undertaking that could lead to the creation of a valuable resource. In a time of uncertainty, loss, and longing, it seemed right to rely on the Psalms as sustenance, words of prayer, and praise when they are hard to generate. Eugene Peterson wrote of the Psalms, They are not provided to teach us about God but to train us in responding to him. The practice of chanting the Psalms, over and over, week after week, is training in lament, thanksgiving, praise, questioning, and even anguish before God. We will expect, Peterson wrote, to find the experience of being human before God, exposed and sharpened. As with monks who recite every psalm, regardless of the circumstances that come with any particular day or week, honoring their commitment to the weekly psalm allowed Jesse and Leah to approach God for a kind of dialogue as they listened and responded to every unique text. Singing a psalm of lament when one has no person to mourn, for example, can be an exercise in openness and sensitivity to the suffering of others. When I sing the laments, even when everything in my life is great, it opens my eyes to intercessory prayer. To see that the world is a broken world, Jesse Roberts said. There will always be something that I can lament over. Millions of Christians in the global church sing and recite psalms every week as part of corporate liturgy and in personal devotional worship. For those in traditions or denominations in which psalm-singing or recitation is not a weekly practice, Jesse and Leah hope that EveryPsalm might spark new interest. They are already receiving requests for resources from worship leaders and church musicians. We get requests nearly every day for chords, Jesse Roberts said, noting that they are working on making chord charts for each song freely available. The EveryPsalm music and other resources like Golgotha, an album that reflects on the stations of the cross, can be accessed on the Poor Bishop Hooper website for free. Eventually, the Robertses hope to release a bound version of some of the songs from EveryPsalm. Our hope is to continually bless the church, to continue to resource the church to use Gods Word and love it, and long for it, Jesse Roberts said. Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro and his surrogates worked to win evangelical voters up to the final hour of the runoff election on October 30. Christian influencers posted pictures with him on Instagram, proudly announcing they would be supporting Bolsonaros bid for a second term. And First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro rallied women at Rio de Janeiros Assembleia de Deus Vitoria em Cristo (Assembly of God Victory in Christ), one of the largest churches in the country. Beloved, it would have been nice if we had won in the first round, she said. But we needed this second round for the awakening of the church. To Christian voters not persuaded by the presidents own faiththough the Catholic former military officer was rebaptized six years ago in the Jordan RiverMichelle offered her own evangelical bona fides. Dont look at my husband, look at me, she said. Im a servant of God. But these efforts ultimately proved insufficient. One trusted poll released days before the election showed evangelical support shifting slightlyjust four pointsfrom Bolsonaro to his Workers Party challenger Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. But when the votes were counted, Lula, as he is universally known, won the election by less than 2 percent. Some observers credit the swing to Lulas decision to directly appeal to some of evangelicals core concerns. Lula, a former president, became eligible to run for office in March 2021 when the corruption convictions that had sentenced him to 12 years in jail were annulled. Running for president, though, his primary outreach came through biblical references in campaign speeches. Evangelicals make up about 30 percent of the electorate. That subtle approach changed in a meeting with church representatives in Sao Paulo on October 19. Lula released a letter stating his positions on a number of core concerns. On abortion, for example, he wrote that life is sacred, the work of the Creators hands and that decisions on the issue would rest with the National Congress. On education and ongoing debates about what schools should teach children about gender, he said public schools should work with parents, not against them. The home and the guidance of parents are fundamental in the education of their children, and it is up to the school to support them by dialoguing and respecting the values of families, without interference from the State, Lula wrote. The letter also addressed false rumors that he would persecute Christians. In May, one member of the legislature was ordered to delete social media posts making untrue claims that Lula and his party supported the invasion of churches and the persecution of Christians. Another Assembly of God pastor admitted this year that he had been telling his congregation without evidence that their church might be closed if the Left returned to power. Lula rebutted these and similar unfounded allegations. I know people are saying that Im going to close the churches. In fact, Im the guy who created the religious liberty law, he wrote. For someone to say that Im going to close churches is so evil and ignorant, its hard to believe it. I would never close a church because I think if theres one good thing people do in life, its them strengthening their faith and looking after their spirituality. Last election, Bolsonaro received 70 percent of evangelical support. Over the course of his presidency, Bolsonaro seemed to cultivate only a closer relationship with evangelicals, as CT previously reported, appearing alongside well-known televangelists and Pentecostals, including Silas Malafaia, Marco Feliciano, and Edir Macedo, the bishop in the largest prosperity-preaching denomination in the country. The president also participated in the March for Jesus. Some of his critics saw Bolsonaros actions as highly transactional. Bolsonaro has manipulated and co-opted Christians, offering himself as the only salvation against the Left, against the Workers Party. He presented himself as a messiah. He took important issues for Christians, like abortion and the family, and made them the basis of his campaign, author and seminary grad student Jacira Monteiro told CT earlier this year. He also played (and continues to play) a two-sided game: Either I am the president and I will free you from evil, from Satannamely, from the PT and the Leftor Brazil returns to darkness. All the while, his campaign employs aggressive and polarizing language. Despite providing a significant boost to Bolsonaro in the last election, however, evangelicals are not all the same. The Frente Parlamentar Evangelica (Evangelical Parliamentary Front), a group that identifies itself as the official evangelical voice of the countrys legislature, said that its members include 196 deputies and seven senators across 19 different political parties. Only 42 were part of Bolsonaros right-wing Liberal Party. Bolsonaro lost some evangelical support due to his handling of COVID-19 and economic issues. But heading into the general election and then the runoff, he appeared to be building back support. In the final days, however, enough evangelicals changed their minds to make a difference. Bolonsaros decision to minimize the pandemic, disregard important scientific information, hurt him with many voters, said Guilherme de Carvalho, the director of LAbri Brasil. We saw an attitude of contempt, confrontation, and avoiding dialogue. Not only that, a spirit of irresponsibility with peoples health with jokes about people who were in danger of dying, he said. The presidents supporters did coffin dances. Another important issue for some evangelicals was the environment, said de Carvalho, pointing to increased deforestation and forest fires under Bolsonaro. Who defeated Bolsonaro was Bolsonaro himself, he said. Given Lulas narrow margin for victory and Bolsonaros reticence to concede, some evangelical leaders are now worried about church unity in coming months. Lulas victory prolongs another 4 years of even more polarization, and the dream of more political options is left for 8 years from now, tweeted Filipe Duque Estrada, the pastor of Onda Dura Global. Because in 4 years the only options will be Bolsonaro and Lula again. If Bolsonaro had won, this cycle would have ended. Some called for peace. I know that in these elections many bonds were broken, people hurt, offenses said, but for every mistake made there is the goodness of God to lead us to repentance and reconciliation, wrote Christian influencer Ze Bruno on Instagram. See where you went wrong and repent. Seek to see where they went wrong with you and forgive. Do not carry on evil, but put an end to it through good, love and mercy, for it will triumph over judgment. [ This article is also available in Portugues and Francais. ] 'I thank the Lord': 107-year-old woman credits obedience to the Word of God for her long life A woman who recently celebrated her 107th birthday credited God and following the Bible for her long life, which appears to support previous research that devotion to the Lord enhances peoples well-being. Born on Oct. 10, 1915, South Carolina resident Adell Julie Thompson has lived through 18 U.S. presidencies, never dreaming that shed live to see the election of the first black President Barack Obama. For her 107th birthday this year, Thompsons friends and family held a parade in her honor. Thompson, who was raised in the town of Santee, where she still resides today, credited reading the Bible and her obedience to the Word of God for her longevity, WLTX reported. I had no dream of being 107 years. But the Lord spared me, and I try to do the right thing, I guess so people dont talk about you," she said. Thompson has lived so long that she can remember the people of Santee transitioning from riding horses and mules to driving cars. Santee now is a city. I think its past a city, its so big," she said. Thompson attended school in the town of Elloree, later serving as a substitute teacher in the 1930s and marrying her late husband, Eddie Thompson, in 1940. The South Carolina resident also worked for years on a farm with her four brothers, picking cotton and doing domestic work. I could pick 260 pounds of cotton a day, yes sir. Ill never do it no more. I sure would drag now if I had to do it," Thompson said. Thompson has a large family, consisting of three children, six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great, great-grandchildren. I thank the Lord to have me to do the right thing until I do go, she said. The 107-year-old grandmother and great-grandmother is not the only American woman to live past 100 and credit God for her longevity. In June 2019, North Carolina resident Ruth Hilliard celebrated her 106th birthday, telling ABC News affiliate WTVD that her long life was a testament to her Christian faith. She celebrated her birthday at the assisted living home where she resided in Hampton County. While poor vision prevented her from reading the Bible at her age, the grandmother recited Scripture from memory on a regular basis. Her favorite verse was Psalms 91:14-16, according to the news outlet. "He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation," the scripture reads. Hilliards saw the Bibles verses as a promise to her from God, saying that theyre the reason she lived so long. She was born on June 5, 1913, before "stoplights, Band-Aids, bubble gum, ballpoint pens, microwave ovens and the discovery of penicillin," according to WTVD. Hilliard was the mother of one son and a grandmother to three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The North Carolina House of Representatives also sent Hilliard a certificate of recognition on her birthday. According to Hilliard's obituary, she lived to be 107 before passing away at her residence in April 2021. A 2017 study by Baylor University researchers found that devotion to God can enhance older peoples well-being. Specifically, spending time in prayer was shown to improve their mental health and decrease depression. Researchers analyzed data from the nationwide Religion, Aging and Health Survey. The 1,024 respondents who were at least 65 years and older were categorized into three groups: currently practicing Christians, Christians in the past but not presently religious, and individuals not affiliated with any faith at any point in their lifetime. For older people who felt highly secure in their faith, praying served as a natural barrier to chronic stress, and they experienced a greater sense of well-being. The results for those with a moderate attachment to God, however, were mixed. Some had an increase in well-being, while others registered a decrease. The results appear to support the conclusion of a 2015 analysis of more than 1,500 reputable studies examining the link between health and regular worship. Those who devoted more time to prayer had better physical and mental health, with consistent religious practices helping them cope better with stress. Archaeologists discover Christian monastery in UAE that may predate Islam The discovery of an ancient Christian monastery on an island in the United Arab Emirates purportedly might shine a light on the faith's early history before the rise of Islam in the region. As The Associated Press reports, archeologists found the monastery on Siniyah Island, a dune in the UAE city of Umm al-Quwain that lies about 30 miles northeast of Dubai on the Persian Gulf. It is the second monastery discovered in the Emirates that could be as many as 1,400 years old. Last Thursday, UAE Culture and Youth Minister Noura bint Mohammed al-Kaabi, Sheikh Majid bin Saud Al Mualla and the Chairman of the Umm al-Quwain's Tourism and Archaeology Department Sheikh Majid bin Saud Al Mualla visited the site. UAE's Culture Ministry is sponsoring the ongoing dig, which is taking place near the vicinity of buildings belonging to a village that predates Islam. The carbon dating sample of the recently discovered monastery's foundation dates between 534 and 656 A.D. The Islamic prophet Muhammad was born in 570 A.D. and is believed to have died in 632 A.D. after conquering Mecca in what is now known as Saudi Arabia. The monastery's floor plan suggests Christians worshipped in a single-aisle church. A second building near the structure containing four rooms may have housed a church leader. Other rooms inside the monastery hold a baptismal and an oven for baking communion bread or wafers. Another section of the building, known as a nave, likely held an altar and a place for communion wine. In the early 1990s, archaeologists discovered the first Christian monastery in the UAE, on Sir Bani Yas Island. The structure dates back to the same time period as the recently discovered monastery in Umm al-Quwain. Timothy Power, an associate professor of archaeology at the United Arab Emirates University, who helped investigate the Umm al-Quwain monastery, described the present UAE as a "melting pot of nations." "The fact that something similar was happening here 1,000 years ago is really remarkable and this is a story that deserves to be told," Power told AP. Today, just over 12% of the UAE population is Christian. According to a 2021 U.S. Department of State report, UAE's constitution declares that Islam is the country's official religion but allows freedom of worship that does not conflict with public policy. The law also prohibits religious discrimination and criminalizes acts of "religious hatred." "According to non-Muslim religious community representatives, there was a high degree of societal tolerance for minority religious beliefs and traditions, particularly for those associated with houses of worship officially recognized by the federal or local emirate governments, although conversion from Islam was strongly discouraged," the State Department's annual International Religious Freedom report states. In 2019, UAE announced plans to open the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island near Abu Dhabi. The complex will house a church, synagogue and mosque to promote religious harmony and bridge adherents of the three Abrahamic religions. The archaeological examination of other historical Christian sites throughout the Middle East has provided insight into several military conquests depicted in the Bible. According to a study published earlier this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a new dating technique allowed researchers to link archaeological contexts with Old Testament accounts of military campaigns against the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The study, conducted by Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University, purportedly dated 21 destruction layers at 17 archaeological sites in Israel. Twenty researchers from different countries and disciplines used archaeomagnetic dating to gather readings from ancient geomagnetic fields preserved through time to track changes. Specific archaeological findings, such as pottery, bricks and roof tiles can record the Earth's temperatures when heated. The findings' magnetic minerals remagnetize when subjected to high temperatures, with scientists using this to connect them with the Earth's geomagnetic field at the time this occurred. The researchers claim their findings indicate that King Hazael of Aram-Damascus' army was responsible for the destruction of the cities of Tel Rehov, Tel Zayit and Horvat Tevet, in addition to Gath, a Philistine state. However, the team also stated that their research shows that Hazael did not conquer Tel Beth-Shean. Other geomagnetic findings appear to confirm theories that Edom took advantage of Jerusalem's fall and razed parts of Southern Judah to the ground. One of the project's supervising professors, Erez Ben Yosef, highlighted the team's discoveries about the Kingdom of Judah and its end. According to the professor, the kingdom's last days are still hotly debated. "Some researchers, relying on archaeological evidence, argue that Judah was not completely destroyed by the Babylonians," Yosef said. "While Jerusalem and frontier cities in the Judean foothills ceased to exist, other towns in the Negev, the southern Judean Mountains and the southern Judean foothills remained almost unaffected." The magnetic results in the study appear to support the idea that the Babylonians were not solely responsible for Judah's demise. "Several decades after they had destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, sites in the Negev, which had survived the Babylonian campaign, were destroyed probably by the Edomites who took advantage of the fall of Jerusalem," Yosef said. Yoav Vaknin of Tel Aviv University's Institute of Archaeology and one of the study's lead authors said in an Oct. 25 interview with The Times of Israel that the study is the first to have a "large enough database" to conduct reliable archaeomagnetic dating. Christian woman testifies of Gods faithfulness after husband, son martyred in Nigeria A new short feature film from a global missions organization serving persecuted Christians shares the inspiring story of courageous faith faced by a Christian woman in northern Nigeria. Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) released Rebecca: Nigeria, the true story of a Nigerian Christian woman who watched helplessly with her daughter as Boko Haram militants killed her husband and son and burned their home. "There was nothing we could do to defend ourselves," she said. "I was devastated. I mourned for many months." After the attack, Rebecca searched the charred remains of their home and recovered the Bible she and her husband received as a gift from church on their wedding day. She said she and her husband read that Bible together every day. "I still use this Bible," Rebecca said. "It reminds me of God's faithfulness." "The Lord is a husband to all widows," she added. "I look to Him for every need. This is what I am still holding onto." The feature was released to coincide with the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP) on Monday, a global prayer movement for Christians worldwide who boldly proclaim their faith, regardless of the cost. Todd Nettleton, chief of media relations and message integration for VOMUSA and host of VOM Radio, told The Christian Post he hopes the film personalizes the struggle so many Christians face around the world. "Every year for IDOP, we do a short film for churches to use, for families to use to kind of put a face on persecuted Christians, to put a face on the people that we're praying for," Nettleton said. Nigeria is designated as a "hostile" nation in the 2022 VOM Prayer Guide, a designation for countries or large areas of nations where governments may attempt to protect the Christian population but Christians are still persecuted. For Nettleton, Rebecca's story is essential for the world to hear, and "it also illustrates the importance of God's word for our persecuted brothers and sisters." In addition to Nigeria, Nettleton said there are other global hotspots where Christians face increased persecution, including China and Iran, which has faced growing turmoil in recent weeks following the death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old was arrested for not wearing the mandatory dress code and died in police custody. Nettleton said since Amini's death, the Gospel is going forth as a sort of counter-culture messaging in response to the growing discontent with the Islamic Republic among many Iranians. "There are Christians out among the protesters, not necessarily to protest but to be a witness for Christ, and to say, 'Hey, we understand your frustration with the government, we understand your frustration with Islam, let me tell you about Jesus'," said Nettleton. Nettleton hopes "this year's IDOP resources from VOM will drive hundreds of thousands of Christians around the world to pray for our family in Nigeria" and "our spiritual family members in other restricted and hostile nations." When asked to share a story about the practical impact of a global effort, such as IDOP, Nettleton shared the story of Petr Jasek, who traveled to Sudan in 2015 on behalf of VOM to meet with pastors and help persecuted Christians. Jasek was arrested and later charged with conspiring against the Sudanese government. He spent 14 months in a prison in Sudan, part of that time sharing a cell with Islamic State fighters. "His life was in danger," Nettleton said. "And yet, every night at 9 o'clock the lights go out, and Peter would go right off to sleep, no matter what was going on around him, no matter what danger he was in. The lights go out, and Peter goes right off into a restful sleep." After serving his sentence, Jasek returned home to the Czech Republic and learned that his church congregation had faithfully prayed for him every night at 8 p.m. When it is 8 p.m. in Prague, it is 9 p.m. in Sudan the exact time the lights were going out and Jasek went off into a restful sleep. "He immediately knew that it was their prayers that had been the cause of his ability to go to sleep so quickly and his ability to rest so well, even in prison, even when he was in danger," said Nettleton. "So when people ask me, 'Does it matter if we pray? Does it make any difference if we pray?' I always think of Peter going to that prison in Sudan and the prayers of his own church congregation that were allowing him to do that." Let Women Speak rally drowned out by trans activists before police intervention; 1 arrested WASHINGTON At least one trans activist was arrested Monday for disrupting a rally featuring a British women's rights campaigner speaking out against what she believes is the erasure of women's rights and the danger of experimental gender medicalization in children. Assembled with fellow demonstrators on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Monday afternoon, a rally featuring activist and mom of four Kellie-Jay Keen was drowned out by approximately 15 trans rights activists with sirens and bullhorns. About halfway through Keen's Let Women Speak event, the U.S. Park Police separated the protesters from the group, one of which was arrested. Keen, who is the founder of Standing for Women and has been putting on free speech events called "Speakers Corner" addressing the perils of gender ideology across the United Kingdom for years, told The Christian Post in an interview that the selection of the historic monument was intentional given its symbolic importance for freedom. "This is about letting women speak, not necessarily about large crowds. It's not necessarily about the opposition we face, but those are always the stories to tell. It really is about creating a space in which women can speak so that they can talk about the things happening to them." The event comes on the heels of several stops around the United States that Keen has made as part of a nationwide speaking tour. She is also filming a documentary about her advocacy and how women from all walks of life are speaking up against what they say is the incursion of gender ideology, the harms of hormone blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries on gender-confused minors. The police in other cities have not removed the protesters, according to Keen, and she believes that the right to free speech outlined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is not much good if such speech cannot be heard, something that she believes the authorities in D.C. recognized and enforced. Soon after Monday's event began, a group of trans rights activists, waving pink and blue flags and chanting trans rights slogans, disrupted the event. One person held a siren next to the speakers' ears until ordered to cease or be arrested by the U.S. Parks Police. Having failed to secure a permit to protest, the person and their fellow demonstrators were ordered to another area of the memorial grounds. Video footage captured by documentarian Ford Fischer shows that shortly after the police moved the protesters with sirens, the individual was fleeing on foot and chased by police and SWAT. In a statement to The Daily Signal, Park Police confirmed the arrest of one adult at about 2:15 p.m. in the area o the Lincoln Memorial. The individual was charged with disorderly conduct-disrupting a public gathering, resisting arrest, violating demonstration regulations, interfering with agency function and violating of closure of the public use limit. An African American woman who went by the pseudonym LadyStudio told CP in an interview that she was inspired to speak at the Lincoln Memorial by a policy at her local gym in Virginia. She recalled a time when a man in the locker room saw her in a state of undress. In part because of Keen's advocacy, LadyStudio learned how this gender ideology has spread through every area of culture and how female objections were being censored when it comes to things like biologically male rapists being transferred into women's prisons and biological men being housed in women's hospital wards. "I keep thinking that there is a bottom to this," she said disgustedly, "but it's a bottomless pit and it's always something else." Kara Dansky, the author of The Abolition of Sex: How the 'Transgender' Agenda Harms Women and Girls and president of the U.S. chapter of Women's Declaration International, secured the permit for the #LetWomenSpeak event. She believes that the silencing tactics of trans activists and the legacy media are part and parcel of the larger strategy to squelch and ignore their voices. "These people really want to shut women up. There's a reason for that. They know that if the general public can hear what we have to say, they will lose," Dansky wrote in her Substack Tuesday. Amid the blaring sirens from the trans activists, she called the park police, who sent two officers. Dansky showed them the permit and was told they were within their rights. But the park police did not take action until conditions grew rowdier, she said. "Once they saw the real threats that we were facing, they told me that they were calling for additional officers, and they did. More officers appeared, including one officer identified as 'SWAT,'" she said. "Countless hundreds of tourists saw what happened. They saw a group of women trying to speak and being silenced by misogynists." Keen arrived in the U.S. in the middle of October and will be making appearances for similar events in Philadelphia and New York before returning home to the U.K later this month. As many pollsters are predicting Republicans to pick up gains in the midterm elections on Tuesday, Keen says she is excited about the prospects. "But if you're a Democrat and there is a red wave and you know about this issue, I think you'll also be elated because maybe the Democrats will take a punishment and correct their course," Keen believes. "But at the moment, neither party is in too much glory when it comes to this issue. Trump was in power for four years and did pretty much nothing about the butchering of kids. But out of the very few speaking up, it does seem to be Republicans." DPRK takes countermeasures against U.S.-S.Korea joint air exercises Xinhua) 09:50, November 08, 2022 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. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) TikTok is one of the most popular social media services in the world. In 2021, Cloudflare ranked TikTok as the most popular website, even surpassing Google. In 2020, it surpassed two billion mobile downloads worldwide. The short-form video hosting service owned by ByteDance is a force to contend with. In 2020, former US president Donald Trump warned that he would ban the app unless its US operation is bought by an American firm. The social media giant is seen as a risk to the country's national security. But how did TikTok grow so popular? How did it become the social media giant that it is now? What contributed to its fast-rising popularity? Here are the five things you didn't know about the history of TikTok. 1. TikTok Started as Three Different Apps TikTok originated from two apps before it became TikTok. The first app was Musical.ly. It is an app that was launched in Shanghai in 2014. However, the app was found to have strong US business links. Two years later, in 2016, Chinese tech company ByteDance launched Douyin in China. According to BBC, the app immediately got the attention of 100 million users in China and Thailand in a span of one year. Later on, ByteDance decided to expand under a different brand, thus, the beginning of TikTok. In 2018, the company decided to buy Musical.ly, folded it in, and started the global expansion of TikTok. 2. TikTok is Banned in India TikTok enjoyed massive popularity in India when it was launched in September 2016. However, the Indian government permanently banned the app in the country in August 2020 because of public safety issues. TikTok was initially banned in India in April 2019 because of claims that it was being used to spread pornography, according to Startup Talky. There was a court order mandating its removal from app stores. However, that decision was overturned on appeal. But the following year, it was permanently banned from the country. Read Also: Editing Your TikTok Profile on Desktop Now Comes in Handy Along With 'Profile View History' 3. TikTok is a Platform for People Under 25 According to BBC, while apps like Twitter and Instagram are seen as a platform for older users, TikTok is considered a "meeting place" for those under-25s. In fact, according to Startup Talky, 60 percent of TikTok users are aged 16-24. In the US, the possibility of banning the app means a great loss for the young people who are using TikTok in order for their voices to be heard. As news of the possible banning of the app surface, downloads of other app rivals such as Byte and Triller have increased. 4. TikTok has a Huge User Base in the US With more than 3.5 billion downloads all over the world, TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps, according to Investopedia. It can be accessed in more than 150 markets and in over 35 languages. One of the notable facts about it is 56 percent of its users are female, and its users spend an average of 46 minutes per day on the app. Of the 3.5 billion users of TikTok, 136 million of its active users are from the US. 5. Some American Companies Actually Own Part of TikTok ByteDance, a Chinese technology company, owns the majority of TikTok. But due to pressure from Trump, the Chinese company agreed to create a new company, TikTok Global, in late 2020. While ByteDance continues to own 80% of TikTok Global, Oracle and Walmart serve as minority owners and US partners. Related Article: TikTok Tests Clear Mode - What is It? Michigan Gov. Whitmer draws criticism for calling women people with a period Locked in a competitive bid for a second term, Michigan's Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing criticism from her Republican opponent after a resurfaced clip of her referring to women as "people with a period" created a stir on the eve of the election. On Monday, the popular Twitter account Libs of Tik Tok shared a 15-second clip of a video posted on Whitmer's TikTok account last November of her announcing that she signed legislation repealing the tampon tax in Michigan. People with a period ????. I wonder if @GovWhitmer can answer what is a woman? pic.twitter.com/Ia6ub2by3X Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 7, 2022 In the clip, Whitmer makes her pitch to voters by touting a "bipartisan tax cut" that "will help reduce the economic burden of the cost of menstrual products, especially for low-income Michiganders." She insisted that the tax cut would result in "saving people with a period from paying taxes on up to $4,800 in spending over the course of their lifetime." Whitmer's use of the term "people with a period" did not go unnoticed by her Republican opponent, conservative commentator and businesswoman Tudor Dixon. In a tweet Monday, Dixon responded to a Fox News article highlighting Whitmer's apparent overture to trans-identified and "gender-fluid" individuals by stating "the word she refuses to say is 'women.'" The word she refuses to say is "women". Gretchen Whitmer continues to devalue the existence and reality of women by referring to us as "people with periods." https://t.co/GwnHnB4QK5 Tudor Dixon (@TudorDixon) November 7, 2022 "Gretchen Whitmer continues to devalue the existence and reality of women by referring to us as 'people with periods,'" Dixon added. Whitmer's comments about "people with a period" are the latest notable development in a hotly contested gubernatorial campaign. Political forecasters have divergent opinions about the trajectory of the Michigan gubernatorial election. FiveThirtyEight's Deluxe Model, which predicts the outcome of elections based on polls, fundraising past voting patterns" and the opinions of political experts, gives Whitmer an 85% chance of winning re-election and projects a margin of victory of 5.8 percentage points for the incumbent governor. The RealClearPolitics average of polls taken over the past week gives Whitmer a 1-percentage-point lead over Dixon. The adjusted poll average, which considers the degree to which pollsters underestimated Republicans and Democrats in the past, gives Dixon a 1.2-percentage-point lead. Whitmer was elected in 2018, securing 53.3% of the vote against her Republican opponent Bill Schuette, who received 43.7% of the vote. Since taking office, Whitmer has allied herself with the LGBT community, an important constituency in the Democratic Party. Last year, Whitmer signed an executive order banning the practice derided by critics as "conversion therapy" for youth with unwanted same-sex attraction. In addition to her LGBT advocacy, Whitmer has also emerged as an outspoken supporter of abortion rights. Whitmer's re-election campaign is taking place concurrently with a campaign to enshrine a right to abortion in the Michigan constitution. As Michigan voters fill out their ballots Tuesday, they will be asked to weigh in on Proposition 3, which would restore the constitutional right to abortion established in the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that the United States Supreme Court struck down in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization earlier this year. If voters approve Proposition 3, Michigan would join 16 other states and Washington, D.C., that have established a right to abortion throughout most or all of pregnancy. The state has a pre-Roe abortion ban on the books, but a court order has blocked it from taking effect. The outcome of the gubernatorial election and other statewide races in Michigan will impact abortion law there. If Dixon and the Republican candidate for attorney general win, they would likely push to enforce the state's pre-Roe ban as opposed to Whitmer and incumbent Attorney General Dana Nessel, who have fought against it. Whitmer's statement is not the first time progressives have faced criticism for referring to women based on the characteristics of their reproductive system. J.K. Rowling, the author of the famous Harry Potter children's book series, took to Twitter to express discontent with the headline of a 2020 Devex op-ed featuring the phrase "people who menstruate" in the headline. "I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?" the author said, referring to the word "women." Rowling sees the use of phrases such as "people who menstruate" as an example of "erasing the concept of sex." The phraseology used to replace the word "women" also extends to well-respected educational institutions and medical journals. Harvard Medical School's Postgraduate and Continuing Education referred to women as "birthing people" in a Nov. 8, 2020 tweet, while medical journal The Lancet faced intense pushback for labeling women "bodies with vaginas." Supporters of such phrases view them as necessary to include LGBT people, but critics maintain that they are degrading and dehumanizing to women. New York church challenges state ban on firearms in houses of worship A church in New York state has filed a lawsuit over a new law banning guns in houses of worship despite rising concerns about church security. The law firm First Liberty Institute has filed a lawsuit on behalf of His Tabernacle Family Church and Pastor Micheal Spencer. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York Thursday, challenges the states newly enacted Senate Bill S51001, which prohibits carrying firearms in sensitive locations, including houses of worship. The Democrat-controlled New York state Senate approved the measure on a party-line vote as the Democrat-controlled Assembly approved the bill over the opposition of nine Democrats and all Republicans. New Yorks Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul promptly signed it into law. The complaint suggests that by enacting Senate Bill S51001, New York state was disregarding two recent Supreme Court decisions finding that state laws and policies had infringed on its citizens First and Second Amendment rights. It specifically cited the courts 2020 ruling in Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo, which determined that the state had imposed unconstitutional worship restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic and a 2022 ruling invalidating the states exceedingly restrictive concealed-carry licensing regime. Singling out houses of worship for total disarmament demonstrates hostility toward religion, leaves them defenseless to rebuff violent attacks, and defies at least two recent Supreme Court rulings against New York. said First Liberty Senior Counsel Jordan Pratt In a statement shared with The Christian Post. Religious leaders are no less qualified than secular business owners to determine whether to allow carrying a firearm for self-defense, and New York should end its defiant assault on First and Second Amendment freedoms. Erin Murphy of the law firm Clement & Murphy, which is also representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, added: No American should be forced to sacrifice one constitutionally protected freedom to enjoy another. Houses of worship have a constitutionally protected freedom to decide for themselves whether to allow otherwise legally possessed firearms into their facilities. One of the defendants in the lawsuit, First Deputy Superintendent of New York State Police Steven Nigrelli, warned that if you violate this law, you will be arrested. Other defendants in the lawsuit are Chemung County District Attorney Weeden Wetmore and Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten, the top law enforcement officials in two of the three counties where His Tabernacle Family Church has campuses. The church has a third location in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, which is unaffected by New York's law. Spencer has a concealed carry permit and kept a firearm on him at both of his New York locations and the Pennsylvania campus before the new law took effect. He allowed his congregants to do the same until S51001 was enacted and continues to allow those attending services at the Pennsylvania location to carry firearms. The complaint noted Spencers concern that someone planning to harm him or kill his flock will not be deterred by S51001, and may in fact be emboldened by it since it leaves houses of worship defenseless against those bent on doing violence to people of faith. It stressed that Pastor Spencer regularly receives threatening mail, and he has received at least two death threats that necessitated the involvement of law enforcement. In one incident, an individual threatened to shoot Pastor Spencer and his late wife in the head with a .45 caliber pistol. In another, Pastor Spencers mentally disturbed neighbor made threats during and after a church service, then fired his gun while the pastor was at home, the lawsuit added. In addition to these threats targeted at Pastor Spencer himself, the Church has been burglarized and vandalized on multiple occasions. In recent months, following the U.S. Supreme Courts ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organizationthat determined that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion, churches have found themselves subject to varying degrees of vandalism, although no one has been hurt thus far. The lawsuit did not specify when the threats and vandalism directed at His Tabernacle Family Church and Spencer took place. In recent years, churches and houses of worship have found themselves subject to mass shootings. Most notably, a 2017 massacre at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, left more than a dozen people dead and nearly a dozen others injured. Earlier this year, a Chinese man shot and killed one person and wounded four other churchgoers at the Taiwanese Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California. In 2015, Dylann Roof opened fire at an African American church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine. Synagogues have also become targets of mass shootings, with a 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a 2019 shooting at a synagogue in Poway, California, among the most prominent examples. The lawsuit asks a judge to rule that the new law violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as well as the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Second Amendment. It also seeks payment of the plaintiffs attorneys fees and nominal damages. Pro-life doctor responds to NPR audio of woman undergoing first-trimester abortion A pro-life doctor has pushed back against a National Public Radio reporter's comparison of abortion to childbirth and offered her insight after the news outlet broadcast audio of a woman undergoing a first-trimester abortion. As people in Michigan consider Proposal 3 to enshrine abortion as a constitutional right during the midterms, NPR aired audio Friday from host Kate Wells' reporting inside the Northland Family Planning clinic in Sterling. After interviewing several abortion-minded women, the NPR reporter joined an unnamed woman as she underwent a surgical abortion at 11 weeks pregnant. A loud vacuum-like sound from the suction machine can be heard during the procedure. A staffer named Brandy tells the woman to "Just keep breathing." At one point, the woman can be heard complaining that she can't breathe. After the abortion is complete, Brandy and abortionist Audrey Lance encourage the woman, cheering, "You did it!" "Most patients are partially awake during the procedures. They get IV medication for pain and anxiety," the reporter said. "The lights are dimmed, there's soothing music, it actually feels a lot like a childbirth, in a medical gown, your bare legs and stirrups, and a person next to you, saying, 'You can do this.'" In an analysis of the audio conducted by the pro-life research organization Charlotte Lozier Institute and emailed to The Christian Post, OB-GYN Dr. Ingrid Skop outlined how an abortion procedure differs from childbirth. Skop serves as CLI's director of medical affairs and has over 25 years of experience as an OB-GYN. "A sharp-toothed grasping instrument, called a tenaculum, is used to grasp the cervix, providing traction as the abortionist inserts progressively larger metal dilators to stretch open the cervix," Skop, who has delivered more than 5,000 babies, wrote. "Then, as we heard on NPR, the electric vacuum aspirator is turned on so that the abortionist can suction out the unborn baby." The doctor refutes Planned Parenthood's description of the procedure as a "gentle suction," citing former abortionist Dr. Anthony Levatino's video breakdown of the procedure. Levatino, who has conducted over 1,200 abortion procedures, says the electric vacuum aspirator used in a first-trimester surgical abortion has up to "10 to 20 times the suction power of a household vacuum." Skop speculates this is why the mother in the NPR recording can be heard groaning in pain. Skop said the suction "rips out" the adherent placenta and unborn child. Even after the mother receives pain medication, Skop said a suction that powerful is still likely to hurt. "Tragically, while the mother's physical pain may be over, there is no guarantee that the emotional pain will subside quickly," she wrote, citing a 2018 study that analyzed a bevy of scientific literature on abortion and its negative impact on women's mental health. "Surely, our society can offer better solutions to women," the OB-GYN wrote. Tara Sander Lee, a Harvard-trained scientist who serves as director of life sciences at Charlotte Lozier Institute, pushed back against NPR describing an 11-week-old fetus as "pregnancy tissue." Lee said that by 11 weeks, unborn babies have developed their fingers and toes and display a preference for using "their right or left hand when sucking his thumb." "By 11 weeks, the baby already had 4,000 distinct anatomical parts, or 90% of the named body parts found in an adult," Lee wrote in a statement. Science confirms that an unborn babys heart is beating rhythmically by 6 weeks. By 11 weeks, the age of the baby aborted in the NPR broadcast, the baby had a heart rate of 168 beats per minute and the heart had already beat over 9 million times." By 11 weeks, the baby that NPR describes as pregnancy tissue was alive and active," Lee continued. "In fact, scientists have determined that at 11 weeks the unborn baby has brain activity and doesnt stay still for more than 13 minutes at a time. The phrase pregnancy tissue is a cruel exercise in semantics designed to deny or obscure what science knows about the humanity of the baby." NPR's Wells shared other stories from her investigation in an Oct. 26 article, including a woman named Melissa from Ohio who traveled to Michigan for an abortion. Melissa was a single mother with two kids, working and attending school at the time of the abortion. By the time she had the abortion, the mother was 14 weeks pregnant. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade this summer, Ohio enacted a law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. A judge has placed an indefinite hold on the ban. However, the state's attorney general is appealing to reinstate it. In response to Roe's reversal, Michigan's Proposal 3 intends to enshrine abortion into the state constitution. Critics of the measure have claimed that it could authorize minors to obtain abortions without parental consent or notice and reduce medical regulations surrounding the practice. However, proponents claim the law wouldn't immediately invalidate parental consent laws unless the issue goes to court. 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. 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." 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." 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. Church leaders raise concerns over Christianitys future in Iraq The Islamic State has been defeated and bombings and kidnappings have also decreased, but Iraqs Christians still dont find the cradle of Christianity livable and continue to leave the country that has now become a land of militias, causing concerns among church leaders. St. Josephs parish in Baghdad once had 5,000 families, but the number has now reduced to 150 thanks to a mass exodus in the last decade to the West. They feel there is no peace, law or justice here in Baghdad, and that our country has become a land of militias, the parish priest, Father Nadheer Dako, told The Telegraph. A parishioner, Nasib Hana Jabril, further explained, It is true that people are no longer getting kidnapped as much, and the Islamic State is gone. But the infrastructure of the country has been ruined, and people want a better future, not so much for themselves but for their children. Christians are also concerned about their safety, as they dont have traditional tribal networks for self-defense. We have no tribe here, so if things go wrong, there is nobody here to help us, the parishioner revealed. Dako, who earlier served as a priest in London, confirmed what the parishioner said. Returning here from London after six years, I've noticed how the quality of education in Baghdad has gone down in nearly all the primary schools. The new generation just have very little hope of making a life here anymore. If Christians continue to leave, Dako fears, Will there still be a Christian community here in Baghdad in 2050? The persecution facing Christians and other minorities in Iraq is unprecedented, said Loay Mikhael, head of foreign relations for the Chaldean Syriac Assyrian Popular Council, on Wednesday at the National Prayer Breakfast sideline event on religious persecution worldwide, co-hosted by the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., and 21Wilberforce. He explained that because of persecution at the hands of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or IS, the Christian population in Iraq dwindled from 1.5 million to just 250,000. He said his own family was forced to relocate due to persecution. We are all over the world, he said, not because of our choice, but because we were forced to flee. The challenge is tremendous. After IS was driven out of Iraq, Christians hoped that life would return to normal and be prosperous once again, Mikhael said. Yet, thousands remain displaced, jobless and traumatized with life taken from them in the presence of the international community. Mikhael criticized the Iraqi government for its inaction, explaining that no official has tried to do something tangibly on the ground to bring those communities back to their lives. Its really unspeakable, he said. I believe, to restore the dignity, you need to create jobs, you need to improve security He urged the international community to make efforts to improve life for Christians, Yazidis, and other minorities in their home countries instead of accepting thousands of refugees every year. People want to stay, he stressed. Nobody wants to leave. Last year, some media outlets, including ProPublica, criticized the U.S. Agency for International Development for giving a grant to help restore the Nineveh Plains and strengthen communities victimized by IS, claiming that USAID could be in violation of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution for favoring Iraqi Christian groups for grants in a predominantly Muslim country. However, some religious freedom advocates said they felt that criticism of USAID funding going to these groups was an attempt to turn Americas bipartisan desire to aid religious minority communities decimated by IS and on the verge of extinction into a partisan issue. It is irrational, immoral and inconsistent with international human rights theory and policy to argue that the United States should not be helping Christians or a religious group targeted with religious genocide by ISIS, international human rights lawyer Nina Shea, a senior fellow with the conservative think tank Hudson Institute, told The Christian Post. Their conclusion is that the U.S. should not be helping religious genocide survivors because they are a religious group even though they were targeted for religious reasons. Before the Trump administration came to power in 2017, USAID funding for Iraq was funneled through the United Nations. But many advocates spoke out about how aid funding that was sent to the U.N. was not making its way to help thousands of displaced Christians. Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, whose Kurdistan-based archdiocese sheltered and fed thousands of displaced Christians afraid they would be persecuted at U.N. displacement camps, was on the forefront of speaking out about how little to no aid was going to help the displaced families his archdiocese was caring for. 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." A phone tapping scandal involving Greek politicians and journalists forces the government to implement a blanket prohibition on the sale of spyware. The move follows suspicions that politicians and business personalities are being watched by the state as reported by a newspaper, Al Jazeera writes. The Greek Government Was Assumed Responsible For The Wiretaps The Greek government quickly denied the wiretapping allegations, and has decided to ban the sale of spyware altogether to avoid other similar incidents in the future. While the government says that this was, in no way, an admission of guilt, they still would not allow phone-tapping scandals to poison the minds of Greek society. This comes after the left-wing newspaper Documento released a list of names of people whose phones are allegedly bugged by a spyware. In July, European parliament member Nikos Androulakis discovered that he had been targeted by a mobile spyware called "Predator." "Predator" infiltrates and steals data from mobile devices, which are then sold to the North Macedonian company Cytrox, Gizmodo details. At that time, it was Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who was at the receiving end of accusations, as suspicions were raised that the culprit for the wiretapping might be the government. The prime minister denied the accusations, claiming that the reports were unfounded since there was no evidence that the cabinet was behind the surveillance, Al Jazeera says. Even the Greek government's spokesperson Giannis Oikonomou says that the state had not purchased and used any spyware, and added that the authorities will be investigating the reports. However, the investigation proved that the Greek intelligence service did monitor Androulakis, but the government denies the use of Predator in any way. Because of this, the Documento report developed into a big scandal called "Watergate," sparking political uproar in the country. Read More: Spyware Security Issue Exposes Users to Major Data Breach: Be Careful of Stalkerware The Scandal Is Nowhere Near Its End As More Victims Surface Since the news first broke, more victims of wiretapping, mostly politicians and journalists, have discovered that their phones had Predator on them. Because of this, the scandal grew bigger, sparking a slew of resignations from members of the government which included the country's intelligence chief. According to Gizmodo, the Greek government continues to deny their involvement in the wiretapping scandal, and has since ordered a ban on the sale of spywares in the country. As of the moment, a special European parliamentary committee (PEGA) is investigating the use of Predator and other similar surveillance spyware. Swiss Info reports that the special committee paid a visit to Greece and Cyprus last week amid the phone-tapping scandal. PEGA's committee delegation member Sophia In 'T Veld tells Greek reporters that the matter needs to be urgently clarified by next year since Greece is having their elections in 2023. Despite the scandal, Greece sets a good precedent for other countries in the world who still let the spyware industry thrive in their areas. Across Europe, spyware scandals have been putting governments in risky situations as other European Union members still use these tools purchased legally from cyber weapons markets. Related Article: Papa John's Has Been Sued for Wiretapping Its Own Website Total lunar eclipse to bring 'blood moon' over US as voters head to the polls for midterm elections The last total lunar eclipse until 2025 will occur early Tuesday morning, just hours before voters across America start heading to the polls for what could be a pivotal moment in the nations history. The Nov. 8 lunar eclipse often referred to as a blood moon due to the reddish hue of the moon as it falls within the umbra, the darkest part of Earths shadow will be visible across North and Central America, according to NASA. Just after 3 a.m. EST, the moon will move into whats known as a penumbral eclipse, followed by a partial eclipse just after 4 a.m. NASA predicts the eclipse is expected to reach totality the stage of the eclipse where the moon is entirely in Earths shadow between 5:17 a.m. and 6:42 a.m., Skywatchers in Alaska and Hawaii will be able to see every stage of the eclipse, while Asia, Australia and New Zealand will see at least some of the show. After Nov. 8, the next blood moon wont occur until March 14, 2025, which will coincide with the end of Purim, when the Old Testament book of Esther is read by Jews in Israel and around the world. The last lunar eclipse which occurs when the Sun, Earth and moon align so that the moon passes into Earths shadow took place in May during what was dubbed a super flower blood moon. Scientists believe the cause of the moons reddish hue is due to sunlight passing through Earths atmosphere, where the shorter wavelengths of blue or green are filtered out and longer wavelengths like the stark reddish color punch through and are visible to the naked eye. Tuesdays astronomical event coincides with what many analysts believe will be a pivotal midterm election in the U.S., with a potential power shift in Congress in favor of Republicans and a number of gubernatorial races up for grabs. While most voters might not be aware of the blood moon, for students of Bible prophecy, total lunar eclipses are more than a passing interest. A number of prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments refer to the so-called blood moons, most notably Joel 2:31, which reads, The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come. That scene is echoed in Acts 2:20, which cites the same prophecy from Joel. Perhaps the most dramatic reference to a blood moon comes in the final book of the Bible, which foretells of an Earth-shaking event in Revelation 6:12: "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood." In recent years, the blood moon narrative has become something of a cottage industry among Christian prophecy fans, with the release of countless books, DVDs and even feature-length films on the topic. A series of four consecutive blood moons known as a tetrad occurred between April 15, 2014, and Sept. 28, 2015, coinciding with Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles in both years. The extremely rare event sparked rampant speculation that the End Times had arrived. God is shouting to us, Something big is about to happen!" wrote pastor and author John Hagee in 2014. However, when life continued on as relatively normal following the tetrad, some commentators accused Hagee and others of exploiting the event for personal gain. Is it all going to stop now? The blood moons are over. The alleged Shemitah is a year gone, and now the highly dubious Jubilee year just ended. And none of the financial asteroids arrived, wrote blogger Jerry Bowyer in 2016. Despite the commercial hype, Jeff Zweerink, an astrophysicist and senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe, said in an emailed statement to The Christian Post that is blood moon is simply another name for a total lunar eclipse. "As a rule, every year has between two and seven eclipses (of either the sun or the moon). As far as eclipses visible from North America, there will be one partial lunar and one partial solar eclipse in 2023, three partial lunar eclipses and one total solar eclipse in 2024, and two total lunar eclipses and one partial solar eclipse in 2025. So, technically it is correct that the next blood moon (total lunar eclipse) is in three years, but there will be many lunar and solar eclipses during that time." Many Americans are tying the blood moon to Tuesdays elections, with Republicans expected to eclipse Democrats and possibly gain a majority in Congress. Zweerink stressed, however, that there is no correlation to be made. The fact that this particular lunar eclipse happens to align with an election day in the United States is nothing unusual. It only happened because the eclipse season happened around November this year. Speaking to how Christians should use this event for evangelism, he added, Christians should not try to make this an omen of the times. Rather, the fact that eclipses occur reveal the beauty of Gods creation as well as providing tools to advance science." For example, a total solar eclipse in 1919 was used to verify Einsteins newly proposed General Theory of Relativity. This theory is the most well-tested, successful theory of gravity known to scientists, and the testing scientists have done over the past 100 years provides strong evidence that the universe began just like the Bible describes in Genesis 1. Religious, political leaders urge Western Church to remember 'forgotten' persecuted Christians Religious and political leaders urged the Church in the West to speak up for persecuted Christians and warned that if the U.S. doesnt lead the fight for religious freedom, the world will regress to our natural fallen state." There is more persecution worldwide than at any other time in modern history. And there's never been a greater need for action, former Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf said Wednesday night during the In Defense of Christians 2020 digital summit. He cited statistics from the Pew Research Center revealing that 80% of the worlds population lives in a religiously repressive environment. Out of all the global religions, Christians are the most persecuted group, he said. Wolf, a longtime advocate for international religious freedom who authored the legislation that created the international religious freedom office at the State Department, specifically mentioned the persecution of Christians,Uighur Muslims and Falun Gong in China. He also decried the genocide occurring in Nigeria. Boko Haram has killed more people, more Christians in Nigeria, than all the people that ISIS killed in Iraq and Syria combined, he said. But according to Wolf, the cries of the persecuted are met with the sound of silence" from many in the faith community in the West. Many Christians in these communities really feel abandoned. And when you visit them, sometimes they almost feel doomed, he explained. He cited William Wilberforce, who stated: You may choose to look the other way. But you can never say again that you do not know. With all the information out there today, you really can't say that we do not know, Wolf contended. You should be speaking out for those who are being persecuted and then, regardless of the cost, you're to be acting, doing something about it because we are facing a very, very critical time. The West needs to step up particularly the Church in the West needs to step up. The 81-year-old was among many who participated in the online global summit hosted by the prominent Washington-based human rights advocacy organization In Defense of Christians, which engages in grassroots political advocacy campaigns to lobby for the protection of persecuted ancient Christian communities in the Middle East. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, one of several religious leaders to address the summit, said that when he meets with persecuted Christians in foreign countries, theyll constantly say to me, We feel forgotten. We don't hear anybody speaking up for us. We feel like we're orphans. I say to them, You got it, Dolan told the audience. And Im asking all of you not to make me a liar. We cant forget those Christians suffering throughout the world. We cant ignore them. As part of the event, IDC named Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, the IDC Champion of 2020 for advocating for the protection and preservation of Christians and Christianity in the Middle East. Here in the U.S. we enjoy freedom, Crenshaw said while accepting the award. Freedom to largely do what we please, say what we will, where we want to, with whom we want to do it. But we're unique both today and in the longer history of the world. These are freedoms not everyone enjoys, and in far too many places, those freedoms don't even exist at all. Freedom to gather, the freedom of conscience, freedom of worship, is not the norm. Crenshaw stressed that the fight for freedom here and abroad is not one that will ever be totally won." "Its a constant battle that requires our eternal vigilance and willingness to be the shining city on the hill that leads by example and is willing to stand up and fight for the freedoms founded on our Judeo-Christian faith that we hold so dearly," the Republican said. Evils like the Islamic State can only exist when America refuses to lead, he added. We say 'The price is too high. The burden is just too much.' If the U.S. refuses to lead or fight for the truth that man is born free with inalienable, God-given rights, the world will regress to our natural fallen state where freedom is not the norm, but a brief memory of the distant past, Crenshaw asserted. Freedom matters, the representative said. Your freedom matters, freedom of Christians across the globe, but especially in the Middle East, the rights of free conscience to pray freely and the ability to worship without fear, matters. Opening the digital event, IDC President Toufic Baaklini praised the Trump administration for contributing to historic milestones for religious freedom, mentioning Trump's Executive Order on Advancing International Religious Freedom and the recognition of the Armenian genocide in Congress. We want to thank President Trump for what he's done, Baaklini said. No other president in U.S. history has done for the Christians all over the world [what hes done]. Wednesdays event was co-chaired by Reps. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., and Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb. EWTN News anchor Tracy Sabol served as the master of ceremonies. 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. 4 times Democrats denied election results Amid warnings of Republican election deniers prevailing in the upcoming 2022 midterm elections that will determine the control of Congress for the next two years, recent history shows that several Democrats have also claimed that elections were stolen or hacked. With just days to go until the midterm elections, much talk has focused on election deniers, a derogatory term frequently used by the corporate press and some Democrats to refer to people who have raised questions about the results of the 2020 presidential election between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Media figures and Democrats have presented election deniers as a unique threat to American democracy in light of the riots that broke out at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress gathered in a joint session to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. CBS News identified 308 so-called election deniers on the ballot in Tuesdays elections. The network classified an election denier as anyone who wont say Biden was legitimately elected, [believes the 2020 presidential] election was stolen, [repeats] disproven claims of fraud, signed onto [a] lawsuit to overturn the 2020 election, objected to certify electoral college results in [Arizona and Pennsylvania] or [supports a] post 2020-audit. According to CBS News, this includes 238 Republican candidates seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives, 20 Republicans seeking election to the U.S. Senate and 20 Republicans running in gubernatorial races. The Electoral Count Act allows members of Congress to offer objections to the certification of the electoral votes in a particular state when the joint session of Congress to certify the election results takes place on Jan. 6, two months after a presidential election. Under the Electoral Count Act, Every objection shall be made in writing, and shall state clearly and concisely, and without argument, the ground thereof, and shall be signed by at least one Senator and one member of the House of Representatives before the same shall be received. After an objection is raised, both chambers of Congress pause the counting of electoral votes and debate whether to reject the electoral votes of the state in question. Following the 2020 presidential election, amid questions about the numerous changes made to state election laws during the coronavirus pandemic without approval by state Legislatures, Rep. Paul Gozar, R-Ariz., and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, objected to the certification of the electoral votes in Texas. Following a debate, 121 House Republicans and six Senate Republicans voted to object to the electoral college votes in Arizona. Those numbers did not produce enough support to successfully reject the electoral votes. Of the 121 House Republicans who voted to object to the electoral votes in Arizona, all but 17 are seeking reelection, and two are Republican nominees for U.S. Senate seats. Only one of the six Senate Republicans who objected to the electoral votes in Arizona, Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana, is on the ballot this year. Additionally, Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., and Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., raised objections to the certification of electoral votes in Pennsylvania. This effort picked up the support of 138 House Republicans and seven Senate Republicans, once again coming up short. There was much overlap between the lists of members who objected to the Arizona and Pennsylvania results, with all but 18 House members running for reelection and none of the senators who objected to the Pennsylvania results appearing on the ballot this year. Outrage over the riot at the Capitol led to a second impeachment against Trump, whose critics saw his raising questions about the validity of the results of the 2020 election as the instigation that led to the chaos that day. As a lawyer defending the then-president pointed out during impeachment proceedings, Democrats have raised questions about the results of numerous elections that they did not win over the years and engaging in similar actions that have led to some of their Republican colleagues being called election deniers. Here are four times when Democrats raised questions about the authenticity of election results. 1 2 3 4 5 Next 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. Most Americans don't view the Bible as primary determinant of right and wrong: study A new study reveals that less than one-third of Americans believe the Bible should serve as the foundation for determining right and wrong, even as most people express support for traditional moral values. The fourth installment of the Americas Values Study, released by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University Tuesday, asked respondents for their thoughts on traditional moral values and what they would like to see as Americas foundation for determining right and wrong. The survey is based on responses from 2,275 U.S. adults collected in July 2022. Overall, when asked to identify what they viewed as the primary determinant of right and wrong in the U.S., a plurality of participants (42%) said: what you feel in your heart. An additional 29% cited majority rule as their desired method for determining right and wrong, while just 29% expressed a belief that the principles laid out in the Bible should determine the understanding of right and wrong in the U.S. That figure rose to 66% among Spiritually Active, Governance Engaged Conservative Christians. The only other demographic subgroups where at least a plurality of respondents indicated a desire for the Bible to serve as the determinant of right and wrong in the U.S. were respondents who attend an evangelical church (62%), self-described Republicans (57%), theologically defined born-again Christians (54%), self-identified conservatives (49%), those who are at least 50 years of age (39%), members of all Protestant congregations (39%), self-identified Christians (38%) and those who attend mainline Protestant churches (36%). By contrast, an outright majority of respondents who do not identify with a particular faith at all (53%), along with half of LGBT respondents (50%), self-described moderates (47%), political independents (47%), Democrats (46%), self-described liberals (46%) and Catholic Church attendees (46%) maintained that what you feel in your heart should form the foundation of what Americans view as right and wrong. Sizable numbers of adherents to a faith other than Christianity (45%) and respondents who identified as both Republican and moderate (38%) said the same, as did pluralities of Americans between the ages of 18-29 (47%) and 30-49 (44%). The view that what you feel in your heart should form the foundation of what Americans characterized as right and wrong extended across all racial demographics, both genders and all marital statuses. The report found that 71% of those surveyed indicated support for the traditional moral values of integrity, justice, kindness, non-discrimination, trustworthiness, free expression, property ownership, individual self-expression and self-control. A majority of those who identified as liberal on social and political issues (52%) supported traditional moral values compared to 70% of respondents who classified themselves as moderates on such matters and 89% of self-described conservatives on social and political issues. The overwhelming majority of Christians expressed support for traditional moral values (82%), followed by smaller shares of non-Christians (67%) and those who do not have any particular faith at all (50%). A strong majority of respondents who believe the Bible is Gods true word have traditional moral values (83%), along with 63% of those who do not view the Bible as the true and accurate words of God. Ninety-one percent of adults who identified the Bible as their source of moral guidance espouse traditional moral values, as do 74% of those who primarily seek moral guidance from society, 71% of respondents who rely on their family as their primary source of moral guidance, 67% of those who turn to themselves for such guidance and 50% of those who point to science as their source of morality. Support for traditional moral values also extended across all age groups. However, support for traditional moral values was measured at 76% among those aged 30 and older and just 56% among respondents between the ages of 18 and 29. Three-quarters of Americans maintain that people are basically good, and less than half of all Americans believe in God or that the Bible is Gods true, relevant and reliable words to humanity, said George Barna, the director of research at the Cultural Research Center, in response to the survey's findings. Consequently, Americans have become comfortable with the idea of being the arbiters of morality. In the same way that most Americans contend there is no absolute moral truth, they now believe that there is no divine guidance required or even available to define right and wrong, Barna said, lamenting that most Americans are now more likely to take their moral cues from government laws and policies than from church teachings about biblical principles. He added: Americans have historically said when they elect a president that they choose a president they are choosing a chief executive, not a pastor-in-chief, but that distinction appears to be passe. One could reasonably argue that the nations ideas about right and wrong are now more likely to come from the White House and the halls of Congress, than from our houses of worship. How should Jesus followers vote? America stands at a spiritual, cultural, economic and political crossroads. Today's midterm elections are perhaps the most significant in decades, the outcome of which can dramatically change the trajectory of our nation, for good or for evil. The political parties and their platforms represent two distinctly different directions for America, as evidenced by past elections. First and foremost, for a follower of Jesus, choosing not to vote dishonors God. Furthermore, its un-American and irresponsible. As Americans, we the people have the God-given, sacred honor to vote. Furthermore, we owe both a debt of gratitude and we possess a responsibility to those soldiers, both past and present, who fought and died for our American freedoms. Every vote is necessary and matters. American citizens need to remember that we have the power to vote the elected officials, who serve at our pleasure, in and out of office. Founding Father Samuel Adams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, eloquently said, Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote ... that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country. With freedom, comes responsibility. How do followers of Jesus discern how to vote and bring their judicial Christian values into their decisions? Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Church Tony Evans sermon series and book by the same name, Kingdom Politics, is a powerful guide to arm Christians with the knowledge and the understanding to make informed voting decisions, based on the word of God, instead of party lines, personal preferences and family history. Evans explains that: unless God and His Word are the overarching influencer and rationale over how followers of Jesus make our electoral decisions, then we cannot expect God to be the overarching influencer in our nation. Nor can we expect God to pour out His blessings on our country, when He has been similarly marginalized, and at times even dismissed, from the political equation. Evans reminds us, that as born-again Christians, we have dual citizenship. We are citizens of the United States, and also citizens of the kingdom of God. He encourages kingdom believers to advance Gods kingdom agenda defined as the visible manifestation of the comprehensive rule of God over every area of life, including in the political sphere. As citizens of America and Gods kingdom, we owe both our allegiance, but when God says one thing about an issue, and a political party or a candidate says another, then we must choose. How do we wisely discern how to vote when we agree with some of the policies of a candidate or political party, but not all of them? What if we are in agreement with the policies and direction of a party platform or policy, but dont like the personality of the politician running for that office? As a fiscally and socially conservative pro-life womb-to-tomb Christian who believes in small government, individual liberty, parents' rights, free market enterprise, strong borders, strong national defense and a representative government, by and for the people, the choice for me is very clear. However, I realize that the choice may not be as clear for others. So it is to the undecided, the "on the fencers" and even the apathetic the "my vote doesnt matter" folks that I offer the following as guideposts to better discern how to make a wise and thoughtful decision on today. Matthew 6:33 tells us to Seek first Gods Kingdom, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Gods word further warns us in Proverbs 14:34, "A nation is exalted by the righteousness of its people, but sin heaps disgrace upon the land." Proverbs 29:2 explains that "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." The righteous in this verse is in direct contrast with the wicked. The biblical meaning of righteousness represents the perfect justice of God's law and grace, while wickedness is the opposite. In a song I wrote decades ago, I lamented, "Searching in my blues, searching in my blues, everywhere all around, injustice seems to brew. Whatever happened to our land where God reigns true?" Founding Father and Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Alexander Hamilton said, "People get the government they deserve." While our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, we had drifted so far from our Godly heritage. By seeking Gods kingdom and His righteousness, we can rely on Gods promises that our nation will be exalted. Pray for Gods will. Pray for Christians and pastors to speak the truth in love about the issues in both the private and the public square. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. The best way to know Gods will and testament is to know His Word because His Word is His Will. Keep an eternal perspective. The Apostle Peter said in 1 Peter 1:17, If you call God your Father, live your time as temporary citizens on earth. Recognize that we are ambassadors of Christ, called to be salt and light, to speak the truth in love and to pursue justice and mercy. When we live with eternity in view while eagerly awaiting the return of the Lord Jesus, its important to remember that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We will be held accountable and answer for our choices, priorities and service to God and others for His glory and purposes. That includes how we vote. Make a decision to vote based on what God says in His Word. Vote for the candidates, party and policies that best align with Judeo-Christian values. In order to do so, its paramount to find out what the Word of God says on the pressing policy issues at the forefront of this election. The Bible does speak to the following: the role of government, national security, defense and borders, Israel, immigration, the plight of the poor and hungry, the economy, education, energy, economics, crime, corruption, family, marriage, racism, human slavery, national debt, taxes, the rule of law, justice, foreign policy, and terrorism. His word also addresses the rights of human beings, created in the image of God, to life, liberty and prosperity. Assess the character, integrity and consistency of the candidate. While this is a challenge in cancel culture, with media bias and hateful rhetoric, remember that actions speak louder than words. Character matters. Research the position of the candidate, their party and their policies on the above and other issues you care about. Closely examine each partys platform to discover which position best aligns with a Judeo-Christian worldview and the word of God. The Republican and Democratic parties represent differing priorities as well as two distinctive worldviews. This is a key consideration since most candidates, with the exception of a scarce few, like Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, tend to vote in the majority of cases down the line with their respective party. Leaders who make and follow policies based on these different worldviews change the trajectory of a nation. We have certainly seen this play out to the detriment of our nation since the 2020 election. President Ronald Reagan reminds us to ask the question, Are we better off now than before? In light of his question, here are some issues to consider: Our once-booming economy is now failing. Gas and food prices have soared. Homelessness is on the rise. Chaos and crime in our streets are rampant, especially in many of our inner cities, run by left-leaning officials Our once strong and secure southern border is now overrun with thousands of illegal aliens, some dangerous, flooding into our nation daily, and rampant illegal drug and trafficking enterprises are thriving. Our immigration system remains broken. Our energy independence has been shifted to dependence on foreign oil. Excessive government spending continues to deepen the national debt. Our great American creed of "no American left behind" has been abandoned, as evidenced by the Afghanistan withdrawal. Over 50 years ago, President Reagan said: "The issue of this election is whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them for ourselves." Remember, every vote matters, including yours, your family's, your friends and your neighbors. It cannot be wasted. In the famous words of John F. Kennedy, "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Do the right thing and vote today and encourage others to do the same! 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. 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. 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. A subtropical storm named Nicole has been brewing in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida's Space Coast. Reports say that it could pass through Kennedy Space Center. But, if things turn out well, NASA can launch the moon rocket Artemis 1, on November 14th as planned, according to Space.com. The weather is still being monitored and based on the current forecast data, it is still safe enough to keep the Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket and Orion, at Launch Pad 39B. They will move the launch for the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, the moment that the storm is deemed too dangerous. The Weather NASA is working with the US Space Force and US National Hurricane Center, to keep an eye on the storm. The National Hurricane Center stated there might be a dangerous storm surge, on November 9th, throughout the east coast of Florida. For most of the Florida peninsula, heavy rainfall is anticipated, with surface winds exceeding 58 mph which could before November 11th. The rainfall will reach Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, which oversees the close Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The possible subtropical storm has put Kennedy Space Center in a Hurricane Condition (HURCON) IV status. This implements checklists for preparations for the storm. It was stated that the agency will continue to prioritize its employees in the Kennedy area, should the storm come. The Kennedy Space Center is not new to this kind of emergency, seeing as it has happened before with Hurricane Ian. NASA transferred the SLS rocket back to the Assembly Building to put it out of the hurricane's way. Fortunately, the Artemis 1 stack and the Orion Capsule, did not incur any damage. Read Also: NASA's Artemis 1 Will Have a Critical Fueling Test on Sept. 21 Artemis I Formerly called Exploration Mission-1, this will mark NASA's first integrated test for deep space exploration systems. It will be the start of a series of complex missions. The first uncrewed flight test will provide insights for NASA, into whether humans will be capable of conducting deep space exploration. If that has proven to be successful, human existence may extend to the Moon, and maybe even farther. The mission will be breaking records, as it is the most powerful rocket to ever be sent to space. The SLS rocket will fly 280,000 miles from Earth, which is farther than any spacecraft built for humans. The future mission will travel beyond the Moon and will take around four to six weeks to complete. The mission wills see Orion stay in space longer without docking to a space station. If the mission is successful, the second flight will include astronauts. They will begin to build testing systems near the Moon, to prepare for lunar surface missions and explore farther destinations like Mars. The rocket, initially able to carry 25 metric tons, will be able to carry at least 45 metric tons in the next flight, according to NASA's website. The mission could eliminate the dependence on Earth, as they will assemble a dock with a gateway. With the dock, astronauts can conduct deep-space operations to and on the Moon. NASA will use the lunar orbit to gain the experience needed, to further extend human exploration into the solar system. Related: 10 More Things to Know About the Artemis 1 Moon Mission North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, left, holds hands with Russian leader Vladimir Putin before they hold a summit in Vladivostok, Russia, in this April 25, 2019 file photo. Korea Times file North Korea's military said Tuesday it has never exported weapons or ammunition to Russia and has no plans to do so, accusing the United States of spreading "groundless" rumors. In a statement issued by the vice director of the Military Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of National Defence the previous day, Pyongyang warned Washington against spreading such a "plot-breeding story." "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 (UNSC) against the DPRK," he said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "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," he added in the English-language statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Earlier, U.S. intelligence said Russia may be in the process of purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea, which would violate multiple UNSC resolutions on the North. In response, the North denied such an arms deal in a statement released by its vice director general of the General Bureau of Equipment in September. (Yonhap) Canadas PNP immigration targets will continue to exceed Express Entry Canada is increasing the number of economic immigrants it welcomes through provincial nominee programs. Canadas PNP immigration targets will continue to exceed Express Entry Canada is increasing the number of economic immigrants it welcomes through provincial nominee programs. Canadas PNP immigration targets will continue to exceed Express Entry Canada is increasing the number of economic immigrants it welcomes through provincial nominee programs. Edana Robitaille Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A The Immigration Levels Plan announced on November 1 will significantly increase the target of permanent residents arriving in Canada by up to 500,000 per year by 2025. A large part of the overall target increase is the rise in allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In 2022 the program invited a total of 83,500 new permanent residents but the Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025 shows a sharp spike of an additional 20,000 new permanent residents, up to 105,000, for 2023. The PNP target increases for 2024 and 2025 will be more modest at 110,000 and 117,500, respectively. This means that by 2025, one fifth of the total number of new permanent residents will be admitted through a PNP. While the provinces select the immigrants they feel will best contribute to the provincial labour force, it is still Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that has the final say on whether a candidate can become a permanent resident. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration This is part of the multi-year PNP allocation plan that Canadas immigration ministers agreed to develop during a meeting last summer. In contrast, Express Entry programs will invite 82,880 new permanent residents in 2023, up to 114,000 by 2025. This is a continuation of the high targets for 2022 when PNP targets overtook Express Entry PNP targets are broken down into allocations for each province. For example, in 2022 IRCC allocated 6,500 provincial nomination certificates to Alberta and 9,700 to Ontario. The allocation for each province over the next three years has not yet been made public. Until the Immigration levels Plan 2022-2024, even though Canada sets its permanent residence targets over a three-year period, PNP allocations were determined on an annual basis. The ministers agreed that in future, PNP allocation targets will also be set on a three-year basis. Provinces asked for larger PNP targets Earlier this year the provinces met and called upon the government for a drastic increase in immigration targets through the PNP, citing Canadas historic labour shortage. There are currently nearly one million job vacancies in Canada and an unemployment rate of 5.2%. There are not enough people in the Canadian workforce to fill all the vacant positions, particularly as many of them are in specific skilled sectors such as healthcare and tech. Provinces typically offer immigration streams that target specific occupations that are in-demand within the province. By increasing the number of immigrants provinces can select and invite through these streams, they are better equipped to fill their most urgent job vacancies, which can differ between each province. This also benefits immigrants as they are more likely to find skilled employment, settle and integrate more easily. What is the PNP Immigration is a shared responsibility between the federal and provincial governments as set out by the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA). Under the PNP, provincial governments decide which skill set will be the most beneficial for the provincial economy and then invite skilled candidates to apply. If a candidate accepts a provincial nomination, meaning they intend to live and work in the province, they can then apply for permanent residency though IRCC. The PNP began in 1998 and welcomed 400 immigrants in 1999. The number has grown each year until reaching more than 40,000 by 2012. It has since more than doubled to over 80,000 admissions per year as of 2022. The PNP has experienced steady yearly target increases because the federal and provincial governments consider it an effective tool to promote the economic development of the country outside of the provinces and urban centres with already high immigrant population. Before provincial nomination, immigrants overwhelmingly chose to settle in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. This meant that the benefits of immigration, such as a robust workforce and diverse communities, did not have a strong presence in the prairies, the Atlantic provinces, or the territories. Provincial nomination incentivizes Express Entry candidates by adding an additional 600 points to their score through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates who are not eligible for Express Entry may also find it easier to obtain permanent resident status with a provincial nomination. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. Ergonomics is often one of the most overlooked health concerns within the office. While there are OH&S regulations for lifting, moving heavy objects, and safety when working with chemicals and electricity, and there are guidelines for how long a person should be sedentary (i.e sitting), there are no formal governance requirements for the chairs that people use, or their computer equipment. Sitting for long periods of time day in, day out, has been associated with repetitive strain injury, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, chronic pain and metabolic syndromes (heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure). Musculoskeletal conditions costs $4.8 billion, and back pain costs $2.8 billion in Australia per year. This can be a serious cost to both businesses and the economy, and can also cause deep levels of dissatisfaction in working conditions and lifestyle. Poor ergonomics is, by stealth, one of the greatest productivity costs in Australia, and IT has a big role to play in helping to address it. Consider the eyes too Staring at the wrong screen all day long can cause issues for two reasons: It can force the head into a position that causes strain, tiredness, and potentially causes damage to the neck muscles. It can also lead to poor posture habits in the long term. A poor quality monitor can also cause eye strain. The expectation for professionals to sit in front of screens for long periods of time whether working from the office or remotely does not appear to be wanning, despite the health issues being well-known. So, with the needs of professionals in mind, Samsung has worked hard to develop a business monitor range to help promote healthier working habits. Firstly, Samsungs entire range of business monitors feature VESA mount compatibility, and a variety of tilt, swivel, and pivot control points designed to give the user fine levels of control for just about any environment. This is important because modern wisdom suggests that people should vary how they work through the day. In recent years, standing desks have become popular, because they are proven to improve blood pressure and reduce lower back pain. At the same time, standing at a desk all day can cause new problems, such as foot pain. So, most office workers are encouraged to alternate between sitting and standing positions throughout the day now. However, shifting between sitting and standing reorients the body and requires fine control of the monitor to help maintain a comfortable head and neck position each time. This is what the VESA mount compatibility facilitates. Meanwhile, the business monitors have also all been given TUV certification for intelligent eye care. TUV Rheinland is one of the worlds leading testing service providers, and it tests displays against the ISO 9241-307 standard to ensure that they reduce annoying reflections, are designed to safeguard image quality from different perspectives, facilitate adjustable blue light content and helps to ensure displays are flicker-free. With as many as 90 per cent of digital device users experiencing the symptoms of digital eye strain, investing in monitors that are proven to minimise the strain on the eyes is a quick pathway in ensuring that the majority of the workforce are comfortable while at work. The best practices while using a monitor Of course, technology can only be part of the solution, and with ergonomics, best practices really need to be built into workplace policy and education to help protect the employees. With regards to monitors and computers, employers should complement the investment in ergonomic equipment by encouraging their employees to: Keep the monitor at a good distance. Larger monitors are actually good for this as they encourage the employee to position themselves further away to have a good view of the whole screen. Take quick and regular breaks to move away from the screen for a short time. This could be a quick coffee run or even a moment to step away from the desk and stretch out. Its a good idea to leave the mobile behind when doing that, so that they avoid the temptation to look at a screen at all. Adopt a neutral posture. If sitting make sure to use the backrest, rather than hunch over forwards. If standing, be mindful to split the weight between both feet to distribute the weight evenly. By looking after the ergonomics at a workplace, the organisation will enjoy better productivity and a more positive workforce. At a time where skill shortages are severe, its more important than ever to make sure that employees are healthy, well looked after, and happy in their jobs. To learn more about the Samsung business monitor line, and its ergonomic benefits, click here: https://www.samsung.com/au/business/monitors/ Prime Minister Han Duck-soo ordered the interior ministry Tuesday to double-check the country's anti-missile evacuation and other emergency response systems amid heightened tension in the wake of a series of North Korean missile launches. Han issued the order during a Cabinet meeting, saying there has been criticism of the government's air raid alert system when a North Korean missile flew across the inter-Korean sea border toward Ulleung Island last week before crashing near South Korean waters. The missile launch prompted the central government to issue an air raid siren, but the island's residents were belatedly informed about what the situation was and how they responded. Han ordered the interior ministry to "work closely with local governments to review measures on public action and response systems for emergency situations." "The relevant ministries should prepare first to prevent damage caused by North Korea's provocations, safety accidents, and fires," Han said. With calls for accountability growing over the Oct. 29 Halloween crowd crush that killed at least 156 people, Han again apologized for the tragedy. "I feel a great responsibility for not sufficiently protecting the lives and safety of people," Han told the meeting. The government will make its utmost efforts to identify the cause of the tragedy, hold those responsible to account and come up with measures to prevent such a tragedy from happening again, Han said. (Yonhap) 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 Last month, the Times published a story on sexual harassment in the fundraising sector. In it, the broadsheet named an alleged perpetrator following testimonies by victims. Bill Giles has now resigned his position with the fundraising agency Action Planning and is no longer practising in the sector. This is a step forward in a campaign led by victims and publicised in this magazine and other sector press since 2019. But it is only one step. The cover story this month revisits the topic of sexual harassment in the sector but this time through the lens of donor dominance and the impact this can have on fundraisers. It focuses on the inherent power imbalance at the heart of fundraising, particularly in relation to major and corporate giving, where often the donors are older, wealthy individuals and the fundraisers are young professionals. This takes the narrative beyond the problems within the fundraising community itself to examine the broader duty of care that organisations have to their employees. There is an ethical dilemma at the core of donor relationships: should charities accept what are often vital funds, if the giver is a known predator? And where should the line be drawn? The answer to both questions should be simple zero-tolerance. No fundraiser should feel belittled, uncomfortable or threatened when doing their job. Nor should they feel guilty or ostracised for whistle-blowing. The solution is not to move them off the account; the solution is to refuse the money and tell the donor that their behaviour is unacceptable. But that rarely happens, so the cycle of abuse continues. This is all built, remember, on the bravery of victims; real people whose lives have been impacted and some of whom are traumatised. Charities owe it to these fundraisers to set higher standards and to hold individuals to those standards when deciding whether to accept gifts. An organisations values must be rooted deep in all departments, or they are not values at all. For many years, charities have refused funds from the tobacco and arms industries. Pressure is increasing to refuse money from fossil-fuel companies and high-carbon-emitting sectors. The same rationale has to be applied to individuals that perpetuate sexual harassment or coercion. It is the duty of care of charities to protect their employees, whatever the cost. Stephen Cotterill is the editor of Fundraising Magazine @stevejcotterill sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Especially in times of economic upheaval, there is understandably some suspicion of the encouragement of enterprise. Trading by charitable organisations has often been framed as a silver bullet that can compensate for there being less money around. Regardless of whether theres any merit in that argument, it can feel disconnected from the hardships experienced by real people. So, before I start, this article isnt that. Instead, this piece makes the case that consideration of enterprise and trading whether you support it directly or not must exist in grant-makers application of systems thinking. Specifically supporting their ambitions to: Fund the field: Shifting from supporting the capacity of individual charities to address specific issues, towards supporting the capacity of a field of interdependent actors within a system. Fund more equitably: Removing barriers which prevent funding equality and taking action to remedy this (credit to City Bridge Trust for this definition). Funding with a systems lens Applying a systems lens to funding acknowledges that social issues are influenced by complex interactions between macro factors (such as welfare policy) and micro (such as the relationship between two individuals). The different approaches might be conceptualised as follows: A good systems approach would not just involve one funder but would instead see coordination and collaboration between funders. It would also consider how power is distributed. Though overly simplistic, the graphic shows that funding with a systems lens seeks to support the capacity of a field of actors within a system and recognises that outcomes cannot be attributed to any one actor. How does trading come into this? Excellent work has been done on exploring systems funding by Toby Lowe and New Philanthropy Capital, amongst others, and Lankelly Chase has pioneered developing approaches to funding networks. However, to my knowledge, I dont think these explorations have explicitly looked at the role of trading in systems. This matters because trading exists within the systems that all our grantees operate in. Take the school system, for example. Many actors are seeking to help improve the attainment of pupils through the provision of tutoring. Some are for-profit companies, some are charities that are wholly grant-funded, and some are charities that charge fees to schools. A systems lens needs to recognise that by supporting a charity that is 100% grant-funded, we risk potentially skewing a schools selection criteria from an emphasis on quality to affordability. We need to be purposeful in our funding to minimise the risk of having a negative effect on the field around the grantee through our subsidy. In our pursuit of funding equitably, we need to look critically at why some organisations are entirely grant-funded while others, deliver similar activities within the system, trade. How far is this determined by the networks and social capital of the individuals involved? Is part of the reason some charities rely entirely on grant funding because they have good connections with funders? Does the absence of such networks require others to trade? There are of course good reasons why funding models vary. Taking the school example again, it is clear that schools have different capacities to commission programmes. Similarly, some local economies will have more capacity to pay for some services than others. But the point is this: regardless of whether we want to encourage trading, as responsible funders, we should not ignore the role of enterprise in the system and its interaction with our own funding decisions. I have the honour of having been recently appointed as the chair of the Enterprise Grants Task Force. Its remit is to boost enterprise in the sector through better use of enterprise grants. My personal motivation is to understand better how the pieces of the funding ecology fit together and see if we can design this better, for the benefit of the communities we exist to serve. This is a complex task and I ask my colleagues funders, grant recipients and researchers to contribute critique and insight to this mission. Anna de Pulford is incoming chair of the Enterprise Grants Task Force and director of the Dulverton Trust sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, German auto supplier Bosch has agreed pay $25 million to resolve Californias probe into the companys role in the diesel emissions scandals at Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler, the company and state said Monday. The settlement, which is subject to court approval, resolves allegations Bosch participated in misconduct by providing hardware, software, and software programming or calibration services to Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler now known as Stellantis when it knew or should have known that these auto manufacturers were violating environmental and consumer protection laws, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said. Bosch confirmed the settlement but said it neither acknowledges the validity of the claims brought forward, nor does it concede any liability. Under the settlement, Bosch must disclose to California if it concludes a manufacturer will use or has used software to evade emissions rules. Bosch violated consumer trust when it gave Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler the technology they needed to skirt state and federal emissions tests, Bonta said. Boschs actions facilitated one of the biggest environmental crimes of our time, and today, they are paying the price. Bosch previously agreed to pay more than $400 million to U.S. diesel VW and Fiat Chrysler owners and resolve claims from state attorneys general over diesel emissions. Volkswagen admitted in 2015 to using illegal software to cheat U.S. pollution tests, pleaded guilty as part of a $4.3 billion settlement reached with the Justice Department that overall cost the German automaker more than $30 billion in fines, penalties and vehicle buyback costs. Diesel car owners sued Bosch in 2015 claiming the company helped design secret defeat device software that allowed VW to evade emissions rules and alleged Bosch was a knowing and active participant in Volkswagens decade-long scheme. Stellantis FCA US unit in June pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy and agreed to pay $300 million to resolve a Justice Department diesel emissions fraud investigation. Fiat Chrysler previously paid a $311 million civil penalty and $183 million in compensation to more than 63,000 people as part of a class-action diesel lawsuit. An attorney for the Texas public adjuster accused of pocketing $7.6 million in insurer settlement checks told an administrative law judge that the case doesnt warrant any administrative penalties and if any restitution is ordered, it should be limited to $224,312.24. The Texas Department of Insurance asked an administrative hearing office to revoke the public adjuster license issued to Andrew Joseph Mitchell, impose an administrative penalty and order Mitchell to pay restitution for all of the money he swindled from churches, businesses and homeowners. A hearing was held on Oct. 12. The department and Mitchells attorney filed closing arguments with the State Office of Administrative Hearings last week. Mitchells lawyer, David W. Alexander, said that Mitchell has already agreed to surrender his public adjuster license, so the states first point is moot. He also argued that the state does not have authority to order restitution to two churches that allegedly suffered the largest losses from the scheme because they are not residents of Texas. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, which allegedly was defrauded for more than $6 million, is located in Albany, Georgia. St. Pauls Lutheran Church, allegedly scammed for $322,531, is in St. James, Minnesota. Alexander said the Texas Insurance Code provides that the state insurance commissioner may direct restitution only to Texas residents, Texas insureds and entities that operate in Texas. The Insurance Department said Mitchell, who operated Mitchell Adjusting International, defrauded at least 20 insureds, including four churches. He allegedly forged the signatures of clients on settlement checks and deposited the money in his own personal account. In some instances, state investigators acknowledge that Mitchell remitted some of the settlement money to clients. The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, for example, received $800,000 out of the $6.8 million in settlement checks sent to it by Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co. for damage caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018, according to the departments filings. The church used the money to make repairs. However, Friendship Missionarys church complex is still so badly damaged that the only space in which services can be conducted, or activities held is in the main sanctuary, TDI attorney Cassie Tigue says in closing arguments. The rest of the complex, including the gymnasium, a commercial kitchen, the childrens ministry center, and all other areas outside of the sanctuary remain unusable. The closing arguments submitted by Alexander do not address the four settlement checks made out to Friendship Missionary that Mitchell deposited into his own account. Alexander does say that his client did not forge any signatures. The mere act of signing a persons name on a check without intent to defraud or harm the named payee does not rise to the crime of forgery, the closing argument says. Alexander says TDI identified only seven legitimate complaints against Mitchell, and three of those were filed because a contractor that Mitchell hired to make repairs did not do the work. In the other four complaints, the money has already been returned to the insurer or Mitchell is working in good faith to make the complainers financially whole. Alexander says Mitchell paid a contractor, MZM Consulting LLC, to make repairs and kept only his 10% public adjuster fee from the insureds settlement check. The pleading states that Mitchell was not aware that the work had not been done until he learned about the customers complaints. Unfortunately, the complainants had the misunderstanding that respondent was responsible for their injuries, the closing argument says. Among the other four complaints, either the complainants were already made financially whole, the insurance money was returned to the insurer, or respondent is working in good faith to make the complainant financially whole. The Insurance Department said Mitchell is not a bank and had no right to take funds that were intended for the insureds, even if he did on some occasions return a portion of the money or pay for repairs. Each of these violations are individual grounds for which the commissioner is authorized to revoke his license, its closing argument says. Mitchells license must be revoked. Mitchell demonstrates a clear pattern of behavior in his business dealings which necessitates severe sanctions. As of Monday, Administrative Law Judge Rachelle Nicolette Robles had not yet ruled on TDIs petition. SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) A large fire burned Monday inside a chemical plant on the coast of Georgia, where authorities ordered nearby neighborhoods to evacuate because of threats from toxic smoke and potential explosions. Emergency responders safely evacuated a small handful of employees working when the fire broke out at about 4 a.m. Monday at the plant outside the port city of Brunswick, Georgia, said fire Capt. Eric Proswimmer, who was on the scene with fire crews from Jacksonville, Florida, sent to help battle the flames. The plant is located about 70 miles (113 kilometers) south of Savannah. The fire sent a large plume of thick smoke into the air. As a precaution, local emergency officials ordered neighborhoods within a 1-mile (1.6 kilomter) radius of the plant to evacuate, said Glynn County government spokesperson Katie Baasen. People within a 3-mile (5-kilomter) radius were told to shelter in place. Baasen said officials were mostly concerned about hazards posed by smoke drifting into populated areas. But she said there was also potential threat from explosions. Proswimmer said heat from the fire had caused three metal tanks containing chemicals to explode, prompting firefighters to back away. He said firefighters had exhausted more than 1 million gallons (3.8 million litres) of water stored in tanks on the site, further complicating efforts to fight the blaze. Its not widespread, its not crazy right now, Proswimmer said of the fire. But weve got chemicals that are hazardous and we are staying back from them at this time. He said one firefighter suffering from exhaustion had been taken to a hospital, but there were no other injuries. The plant is operated by Symrise, a company based in Germany that produces fragrances, flavoring and other ingredients for foods and cosmetics. The company said in a statement Monday the cause of the fire was not known. Currently, Symrise has no reason to believe that the fire will cause additional health hazards to the local community, Symrises statement said. Symrise will closely cooperate and support local authorities in analyzing the causes for the fire as soon as the authorities allow return to the area. Proswimmer said an investigation would be conducted after the fire was extinguished. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site / Yonhap Nuclear test would have no immediate benefits at this time: expert By Kang Seung-woo A much-hyped North Korean nuclear test did not happen ahead of the U.S. midterm elections although all preparations for a seventh nuclear test are reported to be complete. Diplomatic observers view there is no urgent need at this point for the Kim Jong-un regime to push ahead with another nuclear test that could backfire. According to Beyond Parallel, a project of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, Monday (local time), a day before the U.S. midterm elections, there was no new activity of significance observed at Tunnel No. 3 at the Punggye-ri nuclear test facility. "This is expected because both the United States and South Korea assess North Korea as having finished all preparations for conducting a nuclear test using this tunnel," it said, citing the latest satellite image. The South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities believe that North Korea has been ready to go with a nuclear test since May, saying that the only thing left before an actual test may be a political decision. The National Intelligence Service expected that North Korea could carry out a nuclear test between Oct. 16 and Nov. 7. China held its party congress from Oct. 16 to 22, where President Xi Jinping was elected for his third term, and the U.S. elections were scheduled for Nov. 8. "North Korea is technically not in an urgent situation enough to conduct another nuclear test, thanks to its past six tests," said Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher from the Korea Institute for National Unification. "Its activities indicating North Korea has been preparing for a nuclear test meant that the country was set to resume advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities rather than detonating a nuclear device immediately," he said. Even if North Korea carries out another nuclear test, it would be of no benefit, according to Cho. "Should a nuclear test occur, it would be aimed at pressuring the U.S., not developing its nuclear technology. But considering the current situation, another test would not be helpful because it could be overshadowed by the U.S. midterm elections and draw hardline responses from the U.S. Democratic and Republican parties," he said. In the lead-up to the U.S. elections, there had been growing speculation that Pyongyang would not test a nuclear bomb. Unification Minister Kwon Young-se told the National Assembly, Monday, that there had been no signs that a nuclear test was imminent, although he said that the North could carry out a nuclear test at any time. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesman Col. Kim Jun-rak also said, Tuesday, that North Korea had been expected to carry out a nuclear test in a short period of time, based on a political decision, but that there is nothing to explain further at this time. With no provocation before the U.S. elections, the question has shifted to when North Korea will detonate a nuclear weapon. Some predict that the North may push ahead with it when U.S. President Joe Biden attends the G20 summit in Indonesia, scheduled for Nov. 15 and 16. However, Cho said that it would be an unfeasible scenario, as a nuclear test during the summit would lead North Korea to see adverse effects. "For North Korea, a nuclear test is a bargaining chip against the U.S., but a nuclear test, while Biden is at the G20 summit, could see a stronger response from the U.S.," Cho said. "North Korea will conduct a nuclear test when the country thinks it can maximize the effects of the experiment. In that respect, the current situation is not that urgent for the North." He added: "North Korea will decide on a nuclear test, based on the situation on the Korean Peninsula." Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung met with European Union Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez on Tuesday and emphasized the importance of building a "permanent and stable peace regime" on the Korean Peninsula in the wake of a series of North Korean missile launches. "Military tension has been escalating on the Korean Peninsula recently," Rep. Lee of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) told the top envoy during their meeting at the National Assembly. "Establishing a permanent and peaceful peace regime is very important." Lee also noted how the EU stands as an excellent model of transitioning into a successful alliance from a region once fraught with conflicts. "It serves as an excellent model for building a permanent and stable peace regime, a peace and security alliance in Northeast Asia, including the Korean Peninsula." Mentioning how the EU began as a peace project, Fernandez stressed that sustaining peace and security is only possible through dialogue and solidarity and that the EU is ready to support this process on the Korean Peninsula. Lee and Fernandez also discussed the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Fernandez noted how the war not only affects Europe but Asia as well, while Lee said he hopes it will soon come to an end through swift and peaceful means. (Yonhap) People, Tuesday, mourn the victims of the Halloween crowd crush tragedy that happened in Itaewon, Seoul on Oct. 29. Korea Times photo by Suh Jae-hoon 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 Iran to Korea Saeed Badamchi Shabestari Ambassador of Iran to Korea Saeed Badamchi Shabestari On behalf of the People and Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I would like to convey my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the friendly nation and government of the Republic of Korea, and especially, bereaved families in deepest grief for loss of their beloved family members in the tragic disaster in Itaewon on Oct. 29, 2022. Also, I share deep sorrow and grief with the nation of Korea, foreign residents and above all things, with the bereaved families suffering indescribable hardship for loss of valuable and noble lives, especially young people still in the flower of their youth, including five Iranian nationals. I hope the passage of time will alleviate deep anguish and sorrow and find inner strength to overcome the tragic situation as well as swift recovery of the injured people. Singaporean Ambassador to Korea Eric Teo Singaporean Ambassador to Korea Eric Teo On behalf of the Singapore Embassy in Seoul, I express my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the Itaewon tragedy that struck on Oct. 29. We are truly saddened to learn of the loss of so many young and bright lives, especially in what should have been a night of celebration and good fun. In this time of sorrow, Singapore stands together with the people of South Korea and all those affected by the tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved families and friends of the victims. We also wish the injured a swift recovery. Saudi Ambassador to Korea Sami M. Alsadhan Ambassador of Saudia Arabia Sami M. Alsadhan On behalf of the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and injured, as well as to the people of the friendly Republic of Korea. I grieve with the citizens of Seoul and the people of Korea and send my best wishes for a quick recovery to all those who were injured. Please accept Saudi Arabia's deepest sympathy and solidarity. Ambassador of Thailand to Korea Witchu Vejjajiva Thai Ambassador to Korea Witchu Vejjajiva Upon learning of the tragic incident in Itaewon on Oct. 29, 2022, I was deeply saddened by the loss of lives, including many young casualties as well as a Thai national. On behalf of the people of Thailand and the Thai community in the Republic of Korea, I wish to extend my profound sympathy and sincerest condolences to the people of the Republic of Korea and to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones from this tragedy. While we grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea in this time of sorrow, I would also like to send my best wishes for a quick recovery to all those injured. Mongolian Ambassador to Korea Erdenetsogt Sarantogos Ambassador of Mongolia Erdenetsogt Sarantogos The Mongolian people are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Itaewon. In these hard times for our friends, we share the pain and grief of the Korean people and all those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. We wish a speedy recovery for those injured. Ambassador of Slovenia to Korea Jernej Muller Ambassador of Slovenia to Korea Jernej Muller It was a shock to learn about the tragic event in Itaewon last Saturday. An evening of joy and festivities turned into a night of tragedy and a morning of sadness. On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia and all Slovenian people I would like to express deepest condolences to families and friends of the victims, Korean and other nationalities. I would also like to wish a speedy recovery to those injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with Itaewon, Seoul and the people of Korea. Charge d'Affaires of Georgia to Korea Aleksandre Kekelia Charge d'Affaires of Georgia to Korea Aleksandre Kekelia On behalf of the Government and People of Georgia, our embassy extends heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the numerous victims and their families affected by this horrific tragedy. We grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea and send our best wishes to the injured ones. Charge d'Affaires of Colombia to Korea Francisco Alberto Gonzalez Colorado Politics is published both in print and online. Our website features subscriber-only news stories daily, designed for public policy arena professionals. Member subscribers also receive the weekly print edition of our award-winning newspaper, containing outstanding features and news stories, in their mailboxes every Saturday. The remains of another South Korean soldier killed during the 1950-53 Korean War have been identified, two years after being discovered in an excavation project, the defense ministry said Tuesday. The ministry's excavation team and service members from the 36th Infantry Division found seven pieces of Ssg. Song Byeong-seon's remains, including his arm and rib bones, in the county of Pyeongchang, 126 kilometers east of Seoul, in July 2020. They also discovered 11 pieces of his personal belongings, including his boots, at the site. They initially had difficulty analyzing the remains due to decades of weathering, but they were able to identify them based on a DNA sample Song's daughter registered with the government. Born in the western port city of Incheon, Song joined the military in December 1950 and served as part of the Army's 7th Infantry Division. He was killed during a weeklong battle in the mountainous county that began on March 6, 1951, and ended with the South retaking two villages from the North, the ministry said. The government will hold a ceremony marking the return of Song's remains at his family's home in Incheon on Wednesday. South Korea has so far identified the remains of 199 service members killed in the conflict since it launched the excavation project in 2000. (Yonhap) Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today! Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published. Error! There was an error processing your request. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Gorge Social Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. Offer a personal message of sympathy... By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. A special investigation team raided the office of the national police chief and dozens of other offices Tuesday as part of an investigation into the deadly Itaewon crowd crush that killed at least 156 people. A total of 55 offices were raided, including the offices of National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun and Kim Kwang-ho, the chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA), according to officials. Other locations include offices of senior SMPA intelligence and situation monitoring officers, the Yongsan Police Station, Yongsan Ward office chief Park Hee-young, the Seoul Metropolitan Fire Disaster Headquarters and the Yongsan Fire Station. The Seoul Metro headquarters and the Itaewon Subway Station were also searched. Police and fire authorities, as well as the Yongsan Ward office, have been under fire following revelations there had been warning signs before the deadly accident on Oct. 29, but they did little to prevent it or to respond in a timely manner. Lee Im-jae, ex-chief of the Yongsan Police Station, Yongsan Ward office chief Park Hee-young, and two other senior police and fire officials have been booked for an investigation on charges of professional negligence resulting in death in connection with the deadly crowd collapse. (Yonhap) Japan gov't urged to end free COVID-19 vaccinations Xinhua) 09:51, November 08, 2022 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. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) Choi Seong-beom, chief of Yongsan Fire Station provides updates on the Itaewon crowd crush disaster during a press briefing held in Itaewon, Seoul, Oct. 30. Newsis By Lee Yeon-woo Choi Seong-beom, chief of Yongsan Fire Station, has become a visible figure online after the Itaewon crowd crush disaster. He gained public support as video footage about his press briefing on the scene of the tragedy went viral. As Choi updated the media, his left hand was seen visibly shaking after he shouted at some absent-minded revelers who were being noisy, this instantly garnered plenty of online support for the firefighter tasked with delivering the grim details of the tragedy. Ever since, the internet has been flooded with social media posts and messages praising him. However, Choi is now among six officials who are facing further police investigations for alleged negligent responses to the tragedy. The National Policy Agency said Monday that its special investigation team booked Choi for failing to perform his professional duties at the Itaewon crowd crush scene. They also booked former Yongsan Police Station chief Lee Im-jae, Mayor of Yongsan District Park Hee-young and Senior Superintendent Ryu Mi-jin, who was in charge of monitoring the situation that night, as well as two police officers from the Yongsan police station. The special investigation team explained that Choi failed to manage the situation properly after the crowd crush had occurred. They referred to the situation where an ambulance from Jongno fire station arrived much earlier at the scene than the one from Yongsan fire station, whose location is much closer to Itaewon Station. It is known that the ambulance from Yongsan fire station left the station at 10:07 p.m. to transport a patient bleeding from his head but arrived late to the scene. The team will also look into whether Yongsan fire station's countermeasures and relief work observed protocol that night. "Choi is facing allegations, too," Kim Dong-wook, a special investigation team spokesperson said. The news disappointed many internet users who publicly supported Choi. "The whole country has seen the fire station chief of briefing with his hand shaking as he was worn out rescuing people," an online user said. "The ambulance was late because it was transporting a patient. They weren't playing. It is ridiculous to accuse them of failing in their professional duty (at the Itaewon crowd crush disaster)," another online commenter wrote. Since Monday afternoon, the keywords "fire station chief" have become a trending topic on Twitter. More than 13,000 posts about the issue have been uploaded. Most of them show compassion for Choi and criticize the special investigation team for laying charges against the wrong person. There is even a petition calling to reconsider whether he should be investigated. It was posted on the National Assembly's website on Monday. "The administrative system was indeed insufficient but this is not due to the police officers and rescue workers who were at the scene. Do not sacrifice the chief of the fire station and the crews just to assign blame, they did nothing but their best to control the situation. This tragedy happened due to an unorganized system, and top-down miscommunication," it said. Microsoft's Windows Phone platform may be long gone at this point, but don't despair: You can still get a fantastic Microsoft experience on your mobile device. You just have to look to an unlikely bedfellow. With Windows Phone out of the picture, Microsoft has been devoting an ever-increasing amount of energy to creating its own mini-platform within Google's Android ecosystem. And given Android's immense flexibility and customization potential, that opens the door to some pretty compelling possibilities. With the right set of apps, in fact, you can basically create a Windows-centric environment on any Android device with everything from the services you adore to the phone-to-PC harmony you crave. Here are the steps and ingredients you need to get started. 1. Create your Microsoft-focused Android home screen The core of your Android setup is your home screen and the app that'll turn that area of your interface into a hub for your Microsoft-Android experience is the aptly named Microsoft Launcher. On the surface, Microsoft Launcher has the same sorts of features you'll find in other Android launchers the typical tools for customizing your home screen's appearance, creating gesture-based shortcuts, and so on. But beyond that, it adds a hefty dose of Microsoft into the mix, with Bing-powered search by default, integrated access to various Microsoft services, and prominent placement of recommended Microsoft apps. And then there's the most distinguishing element of all: To the left of the main home screen panel sits Microsoft's take on the standard Google Discover feed a card-based collection containing items such as news, weather, agenda info, and quick glances at your notes, tasks, and recent documents from the appropriate Microsoft services. JR Raphael/IDG The Microsoft Launcher's feed and main home screen panel. We'll get into more phone-to-PC connecting possibilities in a second, but first, an alternate home screen option for anyone who's really missing the classic Windows Phone look: Try Square Home. The launcher which isn't actually developed by Microsoft emulates the tile-centric "Metro UI" from the Windows Phone platform. You'll sacrifice the tight integration with Microsoft services provided by the official Microsoft Launcher, but if your phone's interface is a top priority, you might just be happy with the tradeoff (even if only for an occasional bit of weekend nostalgia). JR Raphael/IDG A taste of Windows Phone on Android via the Square Home launcher. 2. Establish your Windows-Android connection All right so your home screen is all set with a hearty helping of Microsoft magic. Now let's get your PC fully connected with your phone for the full Microsoft-Android experience. The first thing you'll want to do is download and install the Microsoft Link to Windows app (formerly known as Your Phone Companion) on your Android phone. Open it and follow the steps it provides for establishing a link between your phone and your Windows computer. It'll make sure you're signed into the same Microsoft account in both places and then prompt you to find and connect the equivalent app for Windows to get everything squared away on the PC side of things. Once you do all of that and authorize a handful of pertinent permissions, you'll be able to handle a whole bunch of stuff from your phone right on your Windows computer including: Sending and receiving text messages Making and receiving calls Viewing recent photos Adjusting your phone's volume and ringer settings Seeing your phone's battery and connection status Turning your phone's Bluetooth on or off JR Raphael/IDG Microsoft's Link to Windows system lets you interact with your Android phone directly from your Windows computer. (Click image to enlarge it.) On an annoyingly limited subset of Android phones, including Microsoft's Surface Duo and a handful of recent Samsung Galaxy flagships, you can also wirelessly transfer files between your phone and computer and even open apps from your phone on your computer. Why are those advanced options limited to such a small pool of products, you might be wondering? For no apparent reason that's why. Presumably, it's just a matter of Microsoft making extra money by keeping those features available only for its own self-made phones and those that are part of an agreement between it and Samsung. Maybe that'll change one day but for now, at least, it is what it is. And we have Microsoft to thank for the limitation. 3. Set up Windows-Android clipboard syncing It's confoundingly buried and separate from the Link to Windows app, but Microsoft has a helpful way for you to connect your Android phone's clipboard to your computer and make it especially easy to move text between the two systems. The key lies in the SwiftKey keyboard app, which Microsoft bought back in 2016 and has slowly but surely been putting its stamp on ever since. Once you install SwiftKey on your phone and go through its initial setup process, you'll have to dig up and activate the clipboard-syncing option: Tap the horizontal three-dot menu icon in the keyboard's upper-right corner. Tap "Settings," then "Rich input," then "Clipboard." Flip the toggle next to "Sync clipboard history" into the on position. Then, on your Windows computer: Open the Windows Settings app. Click "System" and then "Clipboard." Make sure the toggles next to both "Clipboard history" and "Sync across devices" are in the on position. Just note that you'll need to be signed into the same Microsoft account both in SwiftKey and in Windows. As long as you are, you should then see anything you copy on one device automatically appear and be available for pasting in the other device's keyboard for one hour and then present in the system's clipboard history area, if available, onward from there. 4. Embrace Microsoft's Android browser power For the most Microsoft-like framework for your Android-based web browsing, you'll want to grab the official Android Microsoft Edge app. The Edge Android browser makes it easy to move content between your phone and PC. And beyond that, it automatically syncs your history, favorites, and collections a built-in system for saving articles to read later so you can seamlessly hop between different devices while working. JR Raphael/IDG Microsoft's Edge browser provides a familiar web browsing environment with seamless syncing between your phone and PC. 5. Set up access to your Microsoft storage on Android Microsoft's OneDrive is built directly into Windows and with a couple quick taps, it can be built into your Android device, too. Grab the OneDrive app and have easy always-synced access to your files, no matter where you may roam. 6. Install the Office/Microsoft 365 pack for Android Microsoft's Office apps (now renamed Microsoft 365 apps) on Android have come a long way. These days, the Android versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint available as individual downloads or as an all-in-one Office (Microsoft 365) app package are fully featured, polished, and pleasant to use. Plus, if you're already living in Microsoft's universe, they'll give you a completely consistent experience with your desktop-based software and let you work on your files from any device without the need for any conversions or adjustments. (Note that you'll need an active Microsoft 365 subscription in order to utilize all of the apps' features and to use them at all for editing on any large-screen mobile devices.) Don't forget, too, that Outlook and OneNote are both available on Android. If you're using either program on your Windows desktop, you'll probably appreciate having it on your Android phone as well. 7. Turn your Android phone into a Windows authentication key Make your life a little easier and let your phone serve as the key to your Windows computer with the Microsoft Authenticator app. Authenticator can act as a regular two-factor authentication code generator, but it also has the ability to let you avoid entering your Microsoft password entirely and instead authorize access to your computer simply by unlocking your phone and approving a notification. 8. Consider some other Microsoft-Android odds and ends The apps and procedures above are the most significant pieces of the Microsoft-Android puzzle, but Microsoft has a handful of other noteworthy offerings that also might be worth your while: If you find yourself needing to scan physical documents or whiteboards often, the Microsoft Lens app is up to the task. It'll crop and clean up such snapshots and save 'em as PDFs, Word files, or PowerPoint files in OneNote or OneDrive or even just on your device's own local storage. JR Raphael/IDG Microsoft Lens simplifies the process of capturing physical documents and saving them to your Microsoft storage. It's not the best all-around to-do app on Android, but Microsoft To Do has the unique advantage of syncing up with the rest of Microsoft's ecosystem including the same-named app on Windows. Want to translate languages without leaning on Google? Microsoft Translator is standing by and waiting to say bonjour. Last but not least, if you're truly going all in with Microsoft, the Microsoft Bing app will make sure Microsoft's full search setup is always just a tap away. It's the closest equivalent you'll find to the self-named Google app that comes installed on most Android devices out of the box. All that's missing at this point is Clippy and I think we can all agree his absence is a very good thing. This article was originally published in March 2018 and most recently updated in November 2022. Zoom has announced a host of new innovations to its collaboration platform, including new email and calendar integrations and conversational AI features in Zooms contact center. In addition to the updates, Zoom is also launching Zoom Spots, a virtual co-working space designed to help to drive employee connection and collaboration. The latest platform innovations were announced at Zooms annual Zoomtopia conference, which kicked off Tuesday. Speaking at a briefing before the event, Joseph Chong, head of product, solutions and industry marketing at Zoom, said that one of today's biggest challenges facing businesses of all sizes is how to stay nimble and adapt to customers' evolving needs, while trying to figure out what hybrid work means to their organisations and find new ways to make employees feel more connected. As organizations shift and move more deeply into flexible work, our mission becomes all the more important, Chong said. We're listening to customers, and we're deeply focused on creating revolutionary innovations that deliver a connected communications experience on a single cloud platform. Empowering hybrid work through unified communications Although Zoom became synonymous with videoconferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, as workers started to emerge from lockdown the company has pivoted towards offering customers a more unified approach to collaboration and facilitating hybrid work efforts. As a result, most of the announcements made at this years conference dont relate to Zooms videoconferencing solution at all, instead focused on offering users continuous collaboration across all of Zooms platforms. A primary example of this is the announcement relating to connected workstreams across Zoom One, Zooms all-in-one communication and collaboration offering that brings together Team Chat, Phone, Whiteboard, Meetings, and more. Among the new capabilities announced at Zoomtopia is a new integration between Team Chat and In-Meeting Chat, allowing users to move between Team Chat and Meetings to reduce information silos and continue conversations once meetings have ended. For customers who are looking for enhancements to their video meetings, Zoom has added more video and recording capabilities, including smart recordings to make meeting recordings more consumable, customizable meeting templates, new animal, human and Meta avatars, and the ability to create and share short video clips. Also announced Tuesday are new email and calendar integrations that aim to cut down on the time spent toggling among apps by allowing users to access their email and calendar directly in Zoom. Outlook, Gmail integrate with Zoom Cari Dick, senior product marketing manager at Zoom, explained that popular email and calendar services such as Outlook and Gmail will be integrated directly into Zoom, meaning users can quickly access their communications and scheduling. Additionally, for businesses that dont have dedicated IT services but are focused on privacy and security, Zoom has also launched a new Zoom-hosted email and calendar services, also directly integrated with the Zoom platform. Zoom Mail Service provides end to end encrypted email, when messages are sent directly between active Zoom Mail Service users, Dick said. Zoom Mail and Calendar Services will launch in beta in 2023. Finally, Zoom Spots is a new virtual co-working space, set to launch in early 2023. Described by Zoom as a video-enabled persistent space, Zoom Spots integrates with the Zoom platform to help facilitate conversations, keep colleagues connected, and bring the benefits of in-person interactions to distributed, hybrid teams. Dick said that at companies where employees are working in disparate locations, there's a desire for connection, with colleagues often missing those serendipitous conversations that used to happen in the office. We're recreating that connection, virtually, with Zoom Spots, Dick said, explaining that users will be able to join in conversations or catch up with colleagues in an ad-hoc and organic way. Our vision is that Zoom Spots will help foster inclusive discussions, keep colleagues connected on projects and bring the fluid organic interactions of in person work to distributed hybrid teams throughout the day, Dick said. Updates to Zoom Contact Center Having announced its intention to move into the contact center market at Zoomtopia in 2021, the failed acquisition of cloud-contact center company Five9 a month later saw Zoom press pause on its plans. Then, in February 2022, Zoom launched its own video-optimized contact center platform. Since then, Zoom acquired Solvy, a startup that specializes in conversational AI and automation solutions for the contact center, in May 2022. The fruits of that acquisition now appear to be paying off. The biggest update to the Zoom Contact Center comes in the form of a new virtual agent, a chatbot that uses natural language processing and machine learning to understand and quickly resolve issues for customers. Called Zoom Virtual Agent, the new capability provides around-the-clock multiple support channels to deliver fast, personalized customer experiences, with the aim of reducing call volumes to human agents and drive operational efficiencies for businesses. Zoom Virtual Agent will be available in early 2023 and can be fully integrated with Zoom Contact Center or purchased as a standalone chatbot solution. A new integration with Zoom Kiosk will allow users to walk up to a kiosk and use the touch screen to step though the path they need to access the Contact Center resource. Zoom has also announced new integrations with tools like Zendesk and ServiceNow. President Yoon Suk-yeol leaves the new presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, in a convoy, Nov. 8. Yonhap President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady Kim Keon-hee have moved into the new presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, officials said Tuesday, following months of renovation and other preparation. Yoon left for work from the new residence Tuesday morning and went straight to an undisclosed location for a private event, according to the officials. The new presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul / Korea Times file Iran's judiciary indicts over 1,000 protesters; mounted police deployed Iran's courts today announced it will deal firmly with anyone who causes disruptions or commits crimes during the ongoing wave of anti-government protests, as more than 1,000 people have been indicted in connection with what the government calls "riots". Anti-government demonstrations erupted in September after the death of a Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. Photo courtesy Twitter/@AnonOpsSE In what has become one of the biggest challenges to Iran's clerical leaders since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the seven-week-old demonstrations have persisted despite a deadly crackdown and severe warnings from security forces. A group of 227 parliament members in Iran has called on the Judiciary to issue death sentences for people arrested during the ongoing anti-government protests. The parliament, elected in a non-competitive election in February 2020, is packed with hardliners and Revolutionary Guard officers. In a statement that was read out in the parliament on Sunday, the lawmakers called the protesters mohareb - which literally means warrior in Arabic, but in Islamic law or sharia it means enemy of God that carries the death penalty. They also compared the protesters to members of ISIS, who "attack people's lives and property..." Describing the current wave of popular protests as riots, the MPs claimed that the US and other enemies are inciting violence, organising rallies, and providing financial support and weaponry to commandeer the protests. Anti-government demonstrations erupted in September after the death of a Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by morality police for allegedly flouting the Islamic Republic's strict dress code imposed on women. A group of 227 parliament members in Iran has called on the Judiciary to issue death sentences for people arrested during the ongoing antigovernment protests. Photo courtesy: Twitter/@nexta_tv Amini, an Iranian of Kurdish origin, died on September 16, three days after she was arrested in Tehran by the morality police, igniting nationwide protests. The Iranian authorities have adopted a range of tactics in a bid to suppress the protests. Security forces have fired directly on protesters using live ammunition, bird shot, tear gas and even paintballs. The government has also imposed internet restrictions, including blocking access to Instagram and WhatsApp, and have waged a campaign of mass arrests. Germany and eight other EU member states are planning to expand sanctions on Iran to include individuals and organisations linked to violence against protesters in the Islamic Republic, magazine Der Spiegel reported. The ruling People Power Party floor leader Joo Ho-young, center, speaks at a party meeting held at the National Assembly in western Seoul, Nov. 8. Yonhap The ruling People Power Party (PPP) accused the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) of attempting to take advantage of the Itaewon crowd crush for political gains after a DPK lawmaker was caught reading a text calling for the disclosure of the names of the crush victims. DPK Rep. Moon Jin-seog was caught on press camera Monday reading the text message from an official at the DKP-affiliated Institute for Democracy think tank that all possible means should be used to obtain the names, photos and other identities of the victims and establish a memorial space for them. The tragedy killed 156 people, mostly in their 20s. "An idea like this is ... an immoral act of politically taking advantage of the sorrow of the bereaved families," PPP floor leader Joo Ho-young said, calling the text message "shocking." "It openly laid bare the ulterior intentions the Democratic Party is holding." The DPK lawmaker said he rejected the idea. On the DPK's request to launch a parliamentary investigation and an independent counsel probe into the Halloween disaster, Joo said they could hamper efforts to uncover the truth and punish those who are responsible as such investigations require a parliamentary discussion and legal steps. "If the ongoing investigation turns out to be insufficient, we will push ahead with a parliamentary investigation or a special counsel probe," Joo said. (Yonhap) By Michael Bergmann "We understand that, unlike in usual times, it was not a problem that could have been solved by deploying police or firefighters in advance. As you know well, yesterday there were various disturbances and protests in downtown Seoul, so police troops were dispersed to these places." Minister for Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min has drawn criticism for this both insensitive and immature attempt to dodge responsibility in the immediate aftermath of the Itaewon crowd crush disaster. It has not widely been recognized, however, that with his ill-conceived first statement, Lee might have unwittingly anticipated much of the search for the deeper cause of the preventable tragedy. Some commentators have defended the police with the argument that guaranteeing citizens' freedom of movement in the public space has been a core principle of South Korea's democratization. Yes, but the law stipulates, similarly to most democratic countries, that the authorities must not intervene in the free flow of people and events unless there are concrete signs of danger. And that is where judgment, mentality, culture and common sense (or lack thereof) on the side of the authorities kick in. Lee tried to justify the decision to deploy 6500 security forces to control anti-government protests, which he called "disturbances" even though no incidents have been reported and political demonstrations in Korea are overwhelmingly peaceful, whereas 137 officers were sent, inadequately equipped, to monitor the predicted crowds gathering for Halloween. Protecting citizens from danger, if necessary from themselves, is not what police "usually" do, according to Minister Lee, even when the danger is quite obvious. Then what do police "usually" do? Protect the state from politically interested citizens, thought to "disturb" the public order in contrast to harmless party crowds? But this cannot be the mindset of security agencies in a democratic country. I'm not even touching upon the hierarchical structures and how they could lead to a delay of more than three hours from the first emergency calls until a real response was initiated. But my doubts regarding an adequate understanding of police responsibility, in general, grew further, unfortunately, over revelations that police departments are already drafting up "reports on liberal civic groups comparing the Itaewon tragedy to the Sewol Ferry disaster in 2014." Is monitoring public debate and warning the government against its citizens another "usual" field of police activity? And isn't it worth asking why things go repeatedly terribly wrong in hierarchical organizations like the Police and the Coast Guard in a country where all service-oriented professions, including medical emergency services and even "low-ranking" police "in the streets," are known for their promptness, competence and common sense? Michael Bergmann (bergmann2473@yahoo.de) is a teacher in Seoul. In todays data-driven world, data breaches can affect hundreds of millions or even billions of people at a time. Digital transformation has increased the supply of data moving, and data breaches have scaled up with it as attackers exploit the data-dependencies of daily life. How large cyberattacks of the future might become remains speculation, but as this list of the biggest data breaches of the 21st Century indicates, they have already reached enormous magnitudes. For transparency, this list has been calculated by the number of users impacted, records exposed, or accounts affected. We have also made a distinction between incidents where data was actively stolen or reposted maliciously and those where an organization has inadvertently left data unprotected and exposed, but there has been no significant evidence of misuse. The latter have purposefully not been included in the list. So, here it is an up-to-date list of the 15 biggest data breaches in recent history, including details of those affected, who was responsible, and how the companies responded (as of July 2021). 1. Yahoo Date: August 2013 Impact: 3 billion accounts Securing the number one spot almost seven years after the initial breach and four since the true number of records exposed was revealed is the attack on Yahoo. The company first publicly announced the incident which it said took place in 2013 in December 2016. At the time, it was in the process of being acquired by Verizon and estimated that account information of more than a billion of its customers had been accessed by a hacking group. Less than a year later, Yahoo announced that the actual figure of user accounts exposed was 3 billion. Yahoo stated that the revised estimate did not represent a new security issue and that it was sending emails to all the additional affected user accounts. Despite the attack, the deal with Verizon was completed, albeit at a reduced price. Verizons CISO Chandra McMahon said at the time: Verizon is committed to the highest standards of accountability and transparency, and we proactively work to ensure the safety and security of our users and networks in an evolving landscape of online threats. Our investment in Yahoo is allowing that team to continue to take significant steps to enhance their security, as well as benefit from Verizons experience and resources. After investigation, it was discovered that, while the attackers accessed account information such as security questions and answers, plaintext passwords, payment card and bank data were not stolen. 2. Aadhaar [tie with Alibaba] Date: January 2018 Impact: 1.1 billion Indian citizens identity/biometric information exposed In early 2018, news broke that malicious actors has infiltrated the worlds largest ID database, Aadhaar, exposing information on more than 1.1 billion Indian citizens including names, addresses, photos, phone numbers, and emails, as well as biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans. Whats more, since the database established by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in 2009 also held information about bank accounts connected with unique 12-digit numbers, it became a credit breach too. This was despite the UIDAI initially denying that the database held such data The actors infiltrated the Aadhaar database through the website of Indane, a state-owned utility company connected to the government database through an application programming interface that allowed applications to retrieve data stored by other applications or software. Unfortunately, Indanes API had no access controls, thus rendering its data vulnerable. Hackers sold access to the data for as little as $7 via a WhatsApp group. Despite warnings from security researchers and tech groups, it took Indian authorities until March 23, 2018, to take the vulnerable access point offline. 2. Alibaba [tie with Aadhaar] Date: November 2019 Impact: 1.1 billion pieces of user data Over an eight-month period, a developer working for an affiliate marketer scraped customer data, including usernames and mobile numbers, from the Alibaba Chinese shopping website, Taobao, using crawler software that he created. It appears the developer and his employer were collecting the information for their own use and did not sell it on the black market, although both were sentenced to three years in prison. A Taobao spokesperson said in a statement: Taobao devotes substantial resources to combat unauthorized scraping on our platform, as data privacy and security is of utmost importance. We have proactively discovered and addressed this unauthorized scraping. We will continue to work with law enforcement to defend and protect the interests of our users and partners. 4. LinkedIn Date: June 2021 Impact: 700 million users Professional networking giant LinkedIn saw data associated with 700 million of its users posted on a dark web forum in June 2021, impacting more than 90% of its user base. A hacker going by the moniker of God User used data scraping techniques by exploiting the sites (and others) API before dumping a first information data set of around 500 million customers. They then followed up with a boast that they were selling the full 700 million customer database. While LinkedIn argued that as no sensitive, private personal data was exposed, the incident was a violation of its terms of service rather than a data breach, a scraped data sample posted by God User contained information including email addresses, phone numbers, geolocation records, genders and other social media details, which would give malicious actors plenty of data to craft convincing, follow-on social engineering attacks in the wake of the leak, as warned by the UKs NCSC. 5. Sina Weibo Date: March 2020 Impact: 538 million accounts With over 600 million users, Sina Weibo is one of Chinas largest social media platforms. In March 2020, the company announced that an attacker obtained part of its database, impacting 538 million Weibo users and their personal details including real names, site usernames, gender, location, and phone numbers. The attacker is reported to have then sold the database on the dark web for $250. Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) ordered Weibo to enhance its data security measures to better protect personal information and to notify users and authorities when data security incidents occur. In a statement, Sina Weibo argued that an attacker had gathered publicly posted information by using a service meant to help users locate the Weibo accounts of friends by inputting their phone numbers and that no passwords were affected. However, it admitted that the exposed data could be used to associate accounts to passwords if passwords are reused on other accounts. The company said it strengthened its security strategy and reported the details to the appropriate authority. 6. Facebook Date: April 2019 Impact: 533 million users In April 2019, it was revealed that two datasets from Facebook apps had been exposed to the public internet. The information related to more than 530 million Facebook users and included phone numbers, account names, and Facebook IDs. However, two years later (April 2021) the data was posted for free, indicating new and real criminal intent surrounding the data. In fact, given the sheer number of phone numbers impacted and readily available on the dark web as a result of the incident, security researcher Troy Hunt added functionality to his HaveIBeenPwned (HIBP) breached credential checking site that would allow users to verify if their phone numbers had been included in the exposed dataset. Id never planned to make phone numbers searchable, Hunt wrote in blog post. My position on this was that it didnt make sense for a bunch of reasons. The Facebook data changed all that. Theres over 500 million phone numbers but only a few million email addresses so >99% of people were getting a miss when they should have gotten a hit. 7. Marriott International (Starwood) Date: September 2018 Impact: 500 million customers Hotel Marriot International announced the exposure of sensitive details belonging to half a million Starwood guests following an attack on its systems in September 2018. In a statement published in November the same year, the hotel giant said: On September 8, 2018, Marriott received an alert from an internal security tool regarding an attempt to access the Starwood guest reservation database. Marriott quickly engaged leading security experts to help determine what occurred. Marriott learned during the investigation that there had been unauthorized access to the Starwood network since 2014. Marriott recently discovered that an unauthorized party had copied and encrypted information and took steps towards removing it. On November 19, 2018, Marriott was able to decrypt the information and determined that the contents were from the Starwood guest reservation database, the statement added. The data copied included guests names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, Starwood Preferred Guest account information, dates of birth, gender, arrival and departure information, reservation dates, and communication preferences. For some, the information also included payment card numbers and expiration dates, though these were apparently encrypted. Marriot carried out an investigation assisted by security experts following the breach and announced plans to phase out Starwood systems and accelerate security enhancements to its network. The company was eventually fined 18.4 million (reduced from 99 million) by UK data governing body the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in 2020 for failing to keep customers personal data secure. An article by New York Times attributed the attack to a Chinese intelligence group seeking to gather data on US citizens. 8. Yahoo Date: 2014 Impact: 500 million accounts Making its second appearance in this list is Yahoo, which suffered an attack in 2014 separate to the one in 2013 cited above. On this occasion, state-sponsored actors stole data from 500 million accounts including names, email addresses, phone numbers, hashed passwords, and dates of birth. The company took initial remedial steps back in 2014, but it wasnt until 2016 that Yahoo went public with the details after a stolen database went on sale on the black market. 9. Adult Friend Finder Date: October 2016 Impact: 412.2 million accounts The adult-oriented social networking service The FriendFinder Network had 20 years worth of user data across six databases stolen by cyber-thieves in October 2016. Given the sensitive nature of the services offered by the company which include casual hookup and adult content websites like Adult Friend Finder, Penthouse.com, and Stripshow.com the breach of data from more than 414 million accounts including names, email addresses, and passwords had the potential to be particularly damning for victims. Whats more, the vast majority of the exposed passwords were hashed via the notoriously weak algorithm SHA-1, with an estimated 99% of them cracked by the time LeakedSource.com published its analysis of the data set on November 14, 2016. 10. MySpace Date: 2013 Impact: 360 million user accounts Though it had long stopped being the powerhouse that it once was, social media site MySpace hit the headlines in 2016 after 360 million user accounts were leaked onto both LeakedSource.com and put up for sale on dark web market The Real Deal with an asking price of 6 bitcoin (around $3,000 at the time). According to the company, lost data included email addresses, passwords and usernames for a portion of accounts that were created prior to June 11, 2013, on the old Myspace platform. In order to protect our users, we have invalidated all user passwords for the affected accounts created prior to June 11, 2013, on the old Myspace platform. These users returning to Myspace will be prompted to authenticate their account and to reset their password by following instructions. Its believed that the passwords were stored as SHA-1 hashes of the first 10 characters of the password converted to lowercase. 11. NetEase Date: October 2015 Impact: 235 million user accounts NetEase, a provider of mailbox services through the likes of 163.com and 126.com, reportedly suffered a breach in October 2015 when email addresses and plaintext passwords relating to 235 million accounts were being sold by dark web marketplace vendor DoubleFlag. NetEase has maintained that no data breach occurred and to this day HIBP states: Whilst there is evidence that the data itself is legitimate (multiple HIBP subscribers confirmed a password they use is in the data), due to the difficulty of emphatically verifying the Chinese breach it has been flagged as unverified. 12. Court Ventures (Experian) Date: October 2013 Impact: 200 million personal records Experian subsidiary Court Ventures fell victim in 2013 when a Vietnamese man tricked it into giving him access to a database containing 200 million personal records by posing as a private investigator from Singapore. The details of Hieu Minh Ngos exploits only came to light following his arrest for selling personal information of US residents (including credit card numbers and Social Security numbers) to cybercriminals across the world, something he had been doing since 2007. In March 2014, he pleaded guilty to multiple charges including identity fraud in the US District Court for the District of New Hampshire. The DoJ stated at the time that Ngo had made a total of $2 million from selling personal data. 13. LinkedIn Date: June 2012 Impact: 165 million users With its second appearance on this list is LinkedIn, this time in reference to a breach it suffered in 2012 when it announced that 6.5 million unassociated passwords (unsalted SHA-1 hashes) had been stolen by attackers and posted onto a Russian hacker forum. However, it wasnt until 2016 that the full extent of the incident was revealed. The same hacker selling MySpaces data was found to be offering the email addresses and passwords of around 165 million LinkedIn users for just 5 bitcoins (around $2,000 at the time). LinkedIn acknowledged that it had been made aware of the breach, and said it had reset the passwords of affected accounts. 14. Dubsmash Date: December 2018 Impact: 162 million user accounts In December 2018, New York-based video messaging service Dubsmash had 162 million email addresses, usernames, PBKDF2 password hashes, and other personal data such as dates of birth stolen, all of which was then put up for sale on the Dream Market dark web market the following December. The information was being sold as part of a collected dump also including the likes of MyFitnessPal (more on that below), MyHeritage (92 million), ShareThis, Armor Games, and dating app CoffeeMeetsBagel. Dubsmash acknowledged the breach and sale of information had occurred and provided advice around password changing. However, it failed to state how the attackers got in or confirm how many users were affected. 15. Adobe Date: October 2013 Impact: 153 million user records In early October 2013, Adobe reported that hackers had stolen almost three million encrypted customer credit card records and login data for an undetermined number of user accounts. Days later, Adobe increased that estimate to include IDs and encrypted passwords for 38 million active users. Security blogger Brian Krebs then reported that a file posted just days earlier appears to include more than 150 million username and hashed password pairs taken from Adobe. Weeks of research showed that the hack had also exposed customer names, password, and debit and credit card information. An agreement in August 2015 called for Adobe to pay $1.1 million in legal fees and an undisclosed amount to users to settle claims of violating the Customer Records Act and unfair business practices. In November 2016, the amount paid to customers was reported to be $1 million. By Yoon Jong-jin On Nov. 7, the ashes of deceased veterans of the Korean War arrived at Incheon International Airport with honor guards lining up. The deceased veterans French veteran Robert Picquenard and Dutch veterans Mathias Hubertus Hoogenboom and Eduard Julius Engberink were in their late 10s and early 20s when they joined the Korean War in defense of the Republic of Korea and all three of them wished to rest in the country they fought to protect. Yoon Jong-jin Bipartisanship crucial to enhancing public safety The ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) are engaged in a political battle over the deadly Halloween crowd crush that claimed 156 lives in Seoul's nightlife district of Itaewon on Oct. 29. It is regrettable that the rival parties are busy playing politics, instead of working together to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy and map out preventive measures. The DPK has begun a political offensive by demanding a parliamentary probe and an independent counsel probe into the Itaewon disaster. However, the PPP dismissed the demand, saying that such probes will only hinder or delay the police's ongoing investigation to reveal the exact cause of the accident. It is absurd for the DPK to call for a probe by the National Assembly or a special prosecutor even when the police investigation is underway. The party has stressed the need for such probes, arguing that the police cannot conduct a thorough and objective investigation because many senior officers are suspected of having neglected their duty to protect the people's safety and lives. It has pointed out that the public will not trust any investigation results from the police. Besides, the DPK has upped the ante by calling for the sacking of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Minister of Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min and National Police Agency (NPA) Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun. It seems to be right to hold them accountable for not taking precautionary measures ahead of the Halloween weekend. Yet the party's demand for the dismissal of Han and Lee could be seen as its move to put pressure on the Yoon Suk-yeol administration for political purposes. As for the NPA chief, it would be better for wait for the results of the ongoing investigation. He may face charges of professional negligence in connection with the tragedy. The president has repeatedly vowed to take stern action against those who are found responsible for the disaster. It won't be late for the opposition to call for the dismissal of any Cabinet members after the outcome of the investigation comes out. In this regard, the DPK cannot avoid criticism for trying to take advantage of the crowd crush for political gains. DPK Chairman Lee Jae-myung is at the forefront of his party's political offensive against the Yoon administration. Concerns are growing that Lee and his party are applying more pressure on the government in a bid to block the prosecution's investigation into allegations that Lee and his aides were deeply involved in multiple corruption scandals, including controversial land development projects and acceptance of illegal campaign funds. The PPP is also under fire for inappropriately responding to the DPK's demands. Its interim leader Chung Jin-suk said that a set of large-scale disasters had also taken place during the tenure of former President Moon Jae-in. He listed a fire at a hospital in Miryang and another fire in a storage house in Icheon, which claimed 47 lives and 38 lives, respectively. His remarks were seen as an attempt to shirk responsibility on the part of the Yoon administration. They were also seen as a political attack on the DPK, which was the ruling party under Moon's rule. This is not the time for political wrangling between the rival parties. It is a time for bipartisanship which is urgently needed to heal the wounds of the victims' families and overcome the shock from the deadly accident. We urge the government and the parties to overhaul the nation's disaster prevention and response system and work out fundamental measures to prevent a recurrence of disasters such as the Halloween mishap. So Ed Miliband thinks Britain has a historical responsibility to pay climate reparations to the developing world. Why? Because the Industrial Revolution happened here first, Mr Miliband argues, British taxpayers should subsidise other countries to atone for the climate sins of the past. What kind of topsy-turvy world does the shadow secretary of state for climate change and net zero inhabit? Those countries demanding reparations include some of the most cruel, corrupt and dangerous regimes on earth, and are led by Xi Jinpings China which, besides its oppression of its own people, is by far the worlds worst polluter. DANIEL JOHNSON: While the UK has been straining every sinew to reduce its carbon footprint, the Chinese have tripled their CO2 emissions in just two decades. Pictured: Steam rising from cooling towers at a power plant in Beijing, China in 2021 While the UK has been straining every sinew to reduce its carbon footprint, the Chinese have tripled their CO2 emissions in just two decades, now producing more than the whole developed world put together. And since 1850, China has been responsible for 11 per cent of man-made greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, nearly four times as much as the UKs 3 per cent. Pakistan, singled out by Mr Miliband, has indeed suffered terribly from floods in recent months. Britain has been notably generous in providing both emergency aid and development projects there. But Pakistan is also a nuclear power with a space programme. Should we be subsidising its arms race with India? So Ed Miliband thinks Britain has a historical responsibility to pay climate reparations to the developing world (pictured in 2019) Injustices Talking of India, the country has seen its CO2 emissions quadruple since 1990, making it the third-largest producer of greenhouse gases on the planet. Even as we prepare to beggar ourselves by adhering to economically punishing net-zero targets, should we now also accede to Indias demands for reparations, despite its economic success? Intellectually it would be utterly idiotic. Why, in any case, should Britain apologise for dragging the rest of the world out of the abject poverty in which it had lived since time immemorial? Of the many benefits that Britain has brought humanity, perhaps the greatest of all is the Industrial Revolution. Until new British technologies arising from coal and steam made possible the rapid rise in prosperity from around 1800, practically everyone lived in what would now be considered extreme poverty. For the first time in history, new industries created enough wealth to bring a sustained increase in living standards and life expectancy. Britain led the way, but other nations soon followed and over the last two centuries technological progress has lifted entire nations out of poverty. The issue of climate reparations is already dominating this weeks Cop 27 conference in Sharm el-Sheikh. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is pictured addressing delegates during the summit on November 7 Between 1800 and the present day, average global life expectancy has risen from 29 to 71. Thanks to the transformation pioneered by British scientists and entrepreneurs, billions of people now enjoy levels of health that even kings could once only dream of. The notion that industrial development and economic growth are crimes against humanity, for which reparations are owed by the country that led the way, is the exact reverse of the truth. And yet, the Lefts obsession with blaming Britain for historical injustices, real or imagined, knows no limits. The campaigning charity War On Want has come up with the (suspiciously round) figure of 1 trillion and that only covers what we supposedly owe in climate reparations. How on Earth have they come to that absurd figure? Even if there were any merit in the case for reparations, such vast sums in any case would be completely unaffordable. The UKs GDP in 2021 was just under 2.2 trillion. So War On Want is expecting taxpayers to pay half of their entire incomes to satisfy the Lefts implacable desire to redistribute wealth. Precedent Yet the instinctive cringe that afflicts British politicians when they are confronted with these grotesque demands is not limited to the Labour Party. Yesterday Grant Shapps, the Business Secretary, squirmed when he was asked on LBC about climate reparations. We industrialised first and without knowing about releasing carbon from fossil [fuels, we] of course contributed towards it, he said. True, Mr Shapps stopped short of Mr Milibands blank cheque. Ominously, though, he was supportive of discussions about reparations. Meanwhile Scotlands First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has already offered 2 million in compensation for loss and damage the only country apart from Denmark to do so. The promises Mr Miliband and Miss Sturgeon are so blithely making are perilous. Reparations are appropriate only for specific, culpable and above all recent damage for example, after a war. To extend this legal concept to cover climate change opens a Pandoras box of other demands for financial compensation for events in the distant past. A precedent was set in 1997 by Tony Blairs apology for the Irish Potato Famine. It was easy, of course, for him to blame the governments of Peel and Russell for having failed their people 150 years earlier though famine relief was then in its infancy. Ever since, the habit of turning British history into a source of shame rather than pride has accelerated. A new survey by the think tank Policy Exchange shows that only one in five people aged 18 to 24 has a positive view of Winston Churchill. Of the many benefits that Britain has brought humanity, perhaps the greatest of all is the Industrial Revolution (file image) Though Churchill was voted the greatest Briton of all time two decades ago, the influence of woke attitudes on young people now means that they see Churchill not as the hero who saved Europe from the Nazis, but as an imperialist responsible for the Bengal famine of 1943. The relentless chorus of demands for the return of objects from our museums to their countries of origin shows no sign of abating. It is the same story with calls for statues to be removed or names of public places to be changed. The biggest issue of all is slavery. Even though the British were the first to abolish the slave trade, enforced by the Royal Navy at great cost, there are demands for reparations to be paid to former colonies. The truth is that reparations for the slave trade, like those for climate change, make no sense except as part of the Lefts perennial obsession with redistribution, now on a global rather than a national scale. That obsession has been repeatedly rejected at the ballot box, although the UK has always been a generous donor of international aid. Blackmailers The issue of climate reparations is already dominating this weeks Cop 27 conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, in what increasingly resembles a shakedown of the West by the rest. Boris Johnson, speaking at a fringe event, sensibly rejected the whole concept of assigning compensation for past emissions and put his finger on the key question: Who devises the reparations? He added: Lets look to the future. His successor but one, Rishi Sunak, addressed the summit yesterday, and many will be concerned that instead of dismissing the proposal out of hand, he simply dodged the issue. If Mr Sunak is wise, he will focus on the many ways in which British expertise can show countries directly affected by climate change how to adapt. As for so-called reparations: for the sake of posterity, he should have stood up to the climate blackmailers in his speech yesterday. Sadly, he didnt. Dame Judi Dench (pictured) recently complained that The Crown 'seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism' This is why The Crown is so irritating, and, finally, so pernicious: it piously suggests that the viewer is for once being given the 'true story' behind real events, while at the same time giving itself carte blanche to invent any old scene, no matter how ludicrous. A few years ago, I took part in an on-stage discussion about depictions of the Royal Family at the Mumbai Literary Festival with Stephen Daldry, who produced and directed The Crown from 2016-2020. He is a popular figure, and instantly likeable, but I happened to be suffering from jet-lag, and was feeling irritable. This meant that I was rather less obliging than I might otherwise have been. On stage, Daldry robustly defended The Crown from my repeated accusations that it invented stories while presenting them as true. With great charm, he insisted that this was not the case. I don't have a recording of the event itself, but this is what he said, on the same topic, to a magazine called British Heritage: 'What's interesting about The Crown and The Audience, actually is everything is meticulously researched. Almost every situation we know happened. 'Obviously, a lot of the dialogue is different; we make that up. What's remarkable is certain things that you're not expecting to be absolutely true were researched and are, in fact, true.' But is this actually the case? Wouldn't that last sentence read more accurately if its final word was 'false'? Everyone who has properly researched the Royal Family knows that The Crown is riddled not just with artistic licence but with blatant falsehoods. Sir John Major (left) went further, calling one particular scene, in which Prince Charles (right) complains that his mother should be sent to prison for her deficient parenting, 'a barrel-load of malicious nonsense' Last week, my colleague Robert Hardman, who is a trusted expert on matters royal, examined the latest series and found it to be 'ten hours of cruel conjecture and fabrication artfully wrapped around a skeleton of real events'. He offered plenty of examples, including the idea that the Queen tried to pressure the Government to keep the Royal Yacht afloat ('monumental nonsense'), and that Prince Charles tried to draw John Major into a campaign to oust his mother ('risible tosh'). At one point, the Queen is seen ticking off the Russian president for demolishing the house in which the Tsar and his family were murdered. She tells him it is 'an act of great disrespect to my family'. Hardman rightly calls this scene 'off-the-scale drivel'. Dame Judi Dench recently complained that The Crown 'seems willing to blur the lines between historical accuracy and crude sensationalism', adding that it was at times 'cruelly unjust'. Sir John Major went further, calling one particular scene, in which Prince Charles complains that his mother should be sent to prison for her deficient parenting, 'a barrel-load of malicious nonsense'. In Mumbai, I challenged Daldry about one particular episode he had directed, in which, as a schoolboy at Gordonstoun, Prince Philip misbehaves, and is punished by not being allowed home to Germany at half term. This means his elder sister, Princess Cecilie of Hesse, who is pregnant, is obliged to fly to Britain, but her plane crashes, and she is killed. At her funeral, their father, Prince Andrew of Greece, rounds on Philip, saying: 'It's true, isn't it, boy? You're the reason we're all here, burying my favourite child.' In Mumbai, I challenged Daldry about one particular episode he had directed, in which, as a schoolboy at Gordonstoun, Prince Philip (pictured) misbehaves, and is punished by not being allowed home to Germany at half term I pointed out to Daldry that this never happened: yes, Philip's sister was killed in a plane crash, but Philip had nothing to do with it. He hadn't misbehaved; his sister was not flying to Scotland to see him, but was on her way to her brother-in-law's wedding. The death of his sister was, says royal expert Hugo Vickers, 'one of the great sadnesses of Prince Philip's life'. When I pointed all this out, Daldry hummed and hawed in his charming way, and talked about artistic licence. But basically he stuck to his guns, maintaining that the series creator, Peter Morgan, had researched everything meticulously, and it was all 'based on truth', etc, etc. After our session, my wife chatted with Daldry, while I signed copies of my book about Princess Margaret. Daldry told her that he had in fact been very uncomfortable with this particular episode. He had, he said, remonstrated with Peter Morgan. Prince Philip was still alive when that episode was broadcast: was it really fair to falsely accuse an elderly man of being responsible for his beloved sister's death, all those years ago? But Morgan is the all-powerful figure behind the series, and so the episode went ahead just as he had written it, regardless of the truth. SHOPPING: Products featured in this Mail Best article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, DailyMail.com will earn an affiliate commission. You know what its like. One day youre looking in the mirror, skillfully applying eye makeup and heading out with friends. The next you're gazing at the skin around your eyes with concern, wondering where those lines and dark circles and bags came from and what you can do about them. 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As the couple confirms their romance is back on, FEMAIL took a look back at what led to the reconciliation - from how they first met to how the romance got derailed to how they found their way back to each other And while both have denied that they were anything more than costars, sources later revealed that speculation surrounding Bradley and Lady Gaga's relationship played a huge role in his and Irina's split However, after Bradley was seen sharing an intimate moment with his A Star Is Born costar Lady Gaga on stage during the 2019 Oscars, rumors started to swirl that the actors were having an affair The actor and the supermodel, who share a five-year-old daughter, named Lea, first started dating in 2015, but didn't go public with their romance until a year later The duo went their separate ways back in June 2019, but fans have wondered if they were secretly back together for months - and now, they finally have the confirmation they've been waiting for Advertisement The love story between Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk has been through more twists and turns than a Six Flags rollercoaster ride - but it appears the pair have finally reached the point of smooth sailing, as they confirmed to the world this week that their romance is back on, following a three-year split. After months of speculation and rumors about their reignited relationship, Bradley, 47, and Irina, 36, finally made clear their true feelings for one another when they were spotted enjoying a romantic stroll through New York City together on Monday. To the casual observer, the pair looked like any other loved-up couple out for a walk with their pets - but to fans of the duo, the outing marked the confirmation of what many have suspected for months on end: the on-again-off-again couple is on, once again. From cozy appearances at events to suggestive Halloween outings, there have been no end to the hints of a rekindled romance between actor Bradley and his model girlfriend Irina, who first began dating back in 2015 - although they would end up keeping their relationship a closely-guarded secret for a year. To many, it seemed like a picture-perfect match made in Hollywood heaven between the handsome actor and the former Victoria's Secret model - and when they welcomed daughter, Lea, into the world in 2017, it seemed as though their romance was sealed. But hearts were shattered (and no doubt some celebrations were held) when it was revealed two years later that Bradley and Irina were both back on the market after breaking up in June 2019. After months of speculation that they were back together, Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk appeared to confirm their romance was back on as they packed on the PDA during a romantic stroll in New York City on Monday The couple first started dating in 2015 and welcomed a daughter together in 2017, but rumors that he was having an affair with Lady Gaga erupted in 2019 after they performed together at the Oscars and got cozy on stage But it seems that they have now put whatever caused the breakup behind them. As the couple finally confirms that their romance is back on, FEMAIL has taken a look back at what led to the reconciliation From how they first fell in love to how the romance got derailed to how they found their way back to each other after three years apart, here's everything you need to know about Bradley and Irina's rollercoaster ride love story To make the break-up all the more dramatic, it came amid furious speculation over Bradley's clear-for-all-to-see chemistry with his A Star Is Born co-star Lady Gaga. The pair sparked a frenzy with their incredibly intimate February 2019 Oscars performance, which saw them gazing into one another's eyes during a rendition of their hit Shallow - all while Irina watched on from the audience. Even comedian David Spade weighed in on the frenzy surrounding the duo's steamy performance, sharing a snippet from it on his Instagram account, and writing: 'Is there any chance these two aren't f**king?' Lady Gaga was quick to shut down the rumors, insisting that the pair had simply 'fooled' the world with their incredible acting skills, and going on to describe Bradley as a 'dear friend.' The actor would eventually deny the romance rumors himself - although not until 2021, when he reiterated what his co-star had said: it was all an act intended to bring the A Star Is Born story to life on the Oscars stage. Still, when Bradley and Irina went their separate ways just months after the now-infamous performance, rumors began flying that her beau's close bond with Gaga may have played a role in the decision to end the relationship. 'The rumors about Bradley and Gaga having a love affair didn't help especially with his constant travels [promoting the film],' a source told People after news of Bradley and Irina's split was made public. But it seems that they have now put whatever caused the breakup behind them. As the couple finally confirms that their romance is back on, FEMAIL has taken a look back at what led to the reconciliation. From how they first met and fell in love to how the romance got derailed amid the Lady Gaga affair rumors to how they found their way back to each other after three years apart, here's everything you need to know about Bradley and Irina's rollercoaster ride love story. How it all started: Irina and Bradley start dating in 2015, but wait an entire year before going public Cooper and Shayk dated for four years before ultimately calling it quits in 2019. They are seen together in February 2019 Sealed with a kiss: They confirmed their relationship in 2016 by making their red carpet debut and sharing a kiss at Paris Fashion Week Bradley was fresh off of his relationship with Suki Waterhouse when he was spotted with Irina for the first time in the spring of 2015. The two were seen leaving the Broadway show Finding Neverland together, and a few days later, they were caught cozying up at Rihanna's Met Gala afterparty. 'They were definitely together,' an onlooker from the bash told People magazine afterwards. Another source told Us Weekly: 'Theyve known each other for awhile. They have a good time together.' Irina then flew to London later that month to see Bradley perform in the play The Elephant Man, and photographers caught them sharing in a steamy kiss afterwards. In August 2015, they jetted off to Italy together on a romantic getaway, and by September, Irina was even caught spending time with Bradley's mom, Gloria Campano. But despite being seen together on multiple occasions throughout 2015, they stayed tight lipped about their romance to the public. And it wasn't until a year later that they'd officially confirm their relationship to the world by making their red carpet debut - attending the L'Oreal Red Obsession Party together in March 2016, and sharing in a romantic smooth at the event. After that, their relationship moved pretty quickly - as Irina revealed she was pregnant that November when she walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and showed off a baby bump. And just one month later, she sparked engagement rumors after she was seen wearing a huge emerald on her ring finger. Baby on board: Irina and Bradley welcome their daughter Lea in March 2017 Irina revealed she was pregnant in November 2016 and the two welcomed their daughter, Lea, into the world in March 2017. The family is pictured in August 2018 The two welcomed their a baby girl, who they named Lea, in March 2017. And at this point of their relationship, it became clear that they preferred to keep the details of their romance private from the rest of the world. However, in September 2018, Bradley gave a rare glimpse into his life as a parent, telling NPR that it was something he 'always dreamed of.' 'I guess having a child, and having a family of my own which is a miracle and something Ive always dreamt of has opened me up even more, I guess, to the day, and to be present,' he gushed. 'Thats the thing I want my daughter to have I just always want her to feel loved.' Soon after Lea's birth, the family headed to Tahiti on a lavish vacation, alongside tons of celebrity pals including Allison Williams and her then-husband Ricky Van Veen, Anderson Cooper and his then-partner Benjamin Maisani, Diane von Furstenberg, and Andy Cohen. They also made another rare appearance together when they dazzled on the 2018 Met Gala red carpet, with Irina donning a stunning diamond-encrusted gold feathered gown with a plunging V-neck and Bradley wearing a dapper tuxedo and bowtie. Irina flashed the large emerald ring once again during the appearance, but it appears that the engagement rumors never amounted to anything since the pair didn't end up tying the knot during their four-year relationship. Trouble in paradise: Bradley sparks cheating rumors after cozying up to his A Star is Born costar Lady Gaga during saucy Oscars performance Engaged? Irina sparked engagement rumors after she was seen wearing a huge emerald on her ring finger in December 2016 and once again at the Met Gala in 2018 (pictured above) But many fans couldn't help but notice the chemistry Bradley shared with his A Star Is Born costar Lady Gaga when they performed at the Oscars together. Both later denied that anything had happened between them Around this time, Bradley shot into the spotlight with his performance in A Star is Born - which he also wrote, produced, and directed - alongside Lady Gaga. Irina was fully supportive of Bradley's role in the movie, and she was spotted by his side at the Golden Globes red carpet in 2019. He also commended his girlfriend at the 2019 BAFTAs, saying during his acceptance speech: 'I also need to thank Irina for putting up with me while I was trying to make music in our basement for a year.' But many fans couldn't help but notice the chemistry he and Lady Gaga had in the film as love interests - which seemed to trickle over into their real-life appearances together. Their performance in the movie was so believable that many suspected something was going on behind-the-scenes, especially after they hit the stage at the Oscars to perform Shallows together in February 2019, and were caught starring romantically into each other's eyes, and all while Irina was in the audience, just meters away. However, both of them denied that anything was going on between them. Irina also gave the performance a standing ovation. Around the same time as the Oscars performance, Irina opened up about why she made the decision to keep her private life under wraps during an interview with Glamour. 'Because my work requires me to be out there, I just decided my personal life will be quiet,' she told the outlet. 'Thats why its called personal, because its something for you and your family and I feel happy with it. 'I have a lot of friends who share a lot of their personal life on Instagram or social media, very publicly. I admire it and I think its great but I think its all about personal choice.' Meanwhile, Lady Gaga fired back at rumors of a romance between herself and Bradley during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, insisting that the intense chemistry was all a calculated act. 'That is what we wanted you to see,' she declared when asked about the pair's sizzling display at the Oscars. 'This is a long song. It is a love story and we worked so hard. I knew he had the vision for how it should go.' The songstress then further dispelled rumors by highlighting her previous work with musical legend Tony Bennett. She said: 'I've had my arms wrapped around Tony Bennett for the last three years. It's what you do when you sing love songs.' It's over: Bradley and Irina officially call it quits months later Even so, Bradley and Irina officially called it quits in June 2019. And it eventually came out that the speculation about Bradley and Lady Gaga played a huge role in their split. They are seen months before the split, in January 2019 Despite Gaga's denial that anything had gone on between herself and Bradley, just months after their Oscars performance, Irina and the actor split. Their break-up came in June 2019 - with sources at the time revealing that the endless speculation and rumors about Bradley and Lady Gaga had taken a serious toll on the romance. 'The movie had a major impact on Bradley and Irinas relationship,' a source told Us Weekly at the time. 'Even though there was nothing romantic between Bradley and Gaga, the noise was difficult for Irina to deal with.' 'The rumors about Bradley and Gaga having a love affair didn't help especially with his constant travels [promoting the film],' an insider added to People. The source added at the time that Bradley had a 'huge and overwhelming connection to Gaga,' although they noted that any suggestion of a romantic relationship between the pair was 'premature.' Other insiders claimed that the pair had been leading 'totally separate lives' in the lead-up to their romance ending, with one telling Page Six that the couple had struggled 'to make a life together outside of [their daughter Lea].' That source added: 'After the lust wore off, they had very little in common.' However, Irina insisted that the split happened on good terms, telling British Vogue in 2020: 'I think weve been very lucky to experience what we had with each other.' 'Life without B is new ground,' she continued. 'Its hard to find a balance between being a single mom and being a working woman and provider. Trust me, there are days I wake up and Im like, "Oh, my God, I dont know what to do, Im falling apart."' Moving on: Irina and Bradley both entered into new relationships after the breakup, but neither lasted long After the split, the exes remained close as parents and friends - and when both of the stars eventually embarked on new relationships, they were nothing but supportive of each other Irina was rumored to be dating Kanye West in 2021, and after news of the romance hit the web, a source told Us Weekly that Bradley was totally cool with it. They are pictured together in September 2022 After the split, the exes remained close as parents and friends - and when both of the stars eventually embarked on new relationships, they were nothing but supportive of each other. Irina was rumored to be dating Kanye West in 2021, and after news of the romance hit the web, a source told Us Weekly that Bradley was totally cool with it. 'Bradley would be fully supportive of whoever Irina chooses to date he just wants her to be happy,' the insider said in June 2021. 'Bradley and Irina are not just on good terms as co-parents, they're also close as friends and share personal things with each other.' As for Bradley, he sparked dating rumors with Anthony Weiner's ex-wife, Human Abedin, earlier this year. The two were spotted in the Hamptons together in July, and a source told Page Six at the time: 'Bradley has been quietly dating Huma for a few months now, [and] theyve been keeping it really quiet.' Just after Bradley and Huma's rumored relationship came to light, he was spotted jetting off on a family trip with Irina to the Bahamas. However, an insider close to the trio told Page Six that Huma had nothing to worry about. 'Bradley and Irina have always had the upmost respect for each other,' the source divulged. 'They were always better friends than lovers.' 'Seeing each other as parents has made their respect and love for each other grow even more. Bradley and Irina want to keep going on vacations as a family and Huma respects that.' Irina also praised Bradley's parenting to HighStyle in September 2021, gushing: 'He's a full-on, hands-on dad - no nanny. Lea went on holiday with him for almost two weeks [and] I didn't call them once.' Back together: The couple confirm their romance has reignited after fans spend months speculating that their love is back on Fans have speculated for months now that Bradley and Irina were secretly back together, something they seemed to confirm as they wrapped their arms around one another and cozied up on Monday. They are seen together last November By August, they were vacationing together in the Bahamas. And while they might have just been friendly exes taking their daughter Lea, five, on a trip to together, Irina captioned the gallery she uploaded from the vacation with a heart emoji Just one month later, the two were spotted sharing a hug on the streets of New York while with their daughter Despite both trying out new relationships, fans have speculated for months now that Bradley and Irina were secretly back together, something they seemed to confirm as they wrapped their arms around one another and cozied up on Monday. The reconciliation rumors first started back in November 2021. The duo raised eyebrows when they were spotted linking arms while walking together down the street in New York City. And interestingly enough, their daughter wasn't present. They were also seen taking their daughter to see the Nutcracker later that month. A source told DailyMail.com at the time: 'They are a very close family. But they are not officially back together.' However, the two only got closer since then. During the New York premiere of Nightmare Alley the following month, Bradley brought Irina as his plus-one, and he later told ET that it was 'very special' to have the model's support at the event. All smiles: The ex-couple seemed to be getting along quite well when they were dropping their daughter off at a Halloween party last week The actor was unrecognizable as he donned a full-length furry suit and mask while joining Irina, who wowed in a racy Bettie Page look, for a night of trick or treating with their daughter Now, the exes appeared to confirm their romance was back on as they packed on the PDA during a romantic stroll in New York City on Monday The following March, she was spotted leaving his house. She also called him 'the most amazing dad' during an interview with Elle. 'I never understood the term co-parenting. When I'm with my daughter, I'm 100 per cent a mother, and when she's with her dad, he's 100 per cent her dad. Co-parenting is parenting,' she added. When asked about her relationship with Bradley, she stated: 'Its something that belongs to me, and its private. Its just a piece of my inner self that I dont want to give away.' And by August, they were vacationing together in the Bahamas. While they might have just been friendly exes taking their daughter Lea, five, on a trip to the Bahamas together, Irina sparked more rumors when she captioned a gallery of pictures from the trip with a heart emoji on her Instagram. Just one month later, in September, the two were spotted sharing a hug on the streets of New York while with their daughter. They were also all smiles while taking Lea to a Halloween party last Thursday. Now, the exes appeared to confirm their romance was back on as they packed on the PDA during a romantic stroll in New York City on Monday. Irina and Bradley couldn't keep their hands off one another as they walked arm-in-arm, with Irina giving Bradley a cheeky pat on the posterior. It's also going to dive into the devastating psychological and mental impacts that the sexual assault had on her in the months leading up to her death The family of murdered soldier Vanessa Guillen have laid bare the 'evil and corruption' that she faced at Fort Hood, while detailing her horrific decline in the months before she was killed by a sergeant in an upcoming Netflix docuseries. US Army soldier Guillen, 20 - who was training at the Fort Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas - disappeared in April 2020, shortly after she told her family that she was being sexually harassed by an unnamed sergeant. Her dismembered remains were discovered two months later buried near the Leon River; police then found evidence linking sergeant Aaron David Robinson to her death, but when they attempted to arrest him for the murder, he fatally shot himself. Robinson allegedly bludgeoned her to death with a hammer after she found out he was having an affair with a married woman; it's unclear if he was the man who had sexually harassed her. The family of murdered soldier Vanessa Guillen (pictured) have laid bare the 'evil and corruption' that she faced at Fort Hood in an upcoming Netflix docuseries Guillen, 20 - who was training at the Fort Hood Army Base in Texas - disappeared in April 2020, shortly after she told her family she was being sexually harassed by an unnamed sergeant Her body was discovered two months later; police then found evidence linking sergeant Aaron David Robinson (seen) to her death, but he died by suicide before he was arrested At the time, claims made by her family that she had been assaulted at the Texas base and that the Army didn't do anything to stop it sparked a furious response from the public, and it lead to a massive social media movement of former and active service members speaking out about their own experiences in the military with the hashtag #IAmVaessaGuillen. Now, a brand new Netflix show, called I Am Vanessa Guillen, is set to lift a lid on Guillen's tragic ordeal - including her multiple pleas for help before hand, which were allegedly ignored by her superiors, and the devastating psychological and mental impacts that the sexual assault had on her in the months leading up to the death. One of her sisters is seen in the documentary Now, a brand new Netflix show, called I Am Vanessa Guillen, is set to lift a lid on Guillen's tragic ordeal - including her multiple pleas for help before hand, which were allegedly ignored by her superiors, and the devastating psychological and mental impacts that the sexual assault had on her in the months leading up to the death. 'Vanessa's always been the bravest of all of us,' one of Guillen's sisters told cameras during a trailer for the upcoming docuseries, which is set to premiere on November 17. 'Something was wrong with her the few months after she was stationed at Fort Hood.' Another family member recalled: 'Not being able to sleep, losing weight. She would tell me that things weren't what they seemed.' Her mother added, 'Over at Fort Hood, it's nothing more than a place of corruption and evil.' 'The military did not give a d**n,' another relative said, while a different person agreed, 'Fort Hood seems to cultivate the worst of the worst. A lot of missing soldiers, a lot of dead soldiers, a lot of bad there.' 'Something was wrong with her after she was stationed at Fort Hood,' one of Guillen's sisters (left) said during a trailer. Her mother (right) added, 'It's a place of corruption and evil' 'The military did not give a d**n,' another relative said, while a different person agreed, 'Fort Hood seems to cultivate the worst of the worst. A lot of bad [happened] there' Robinson bludgeoned Guillen (seen) to death with a hammer after she found out he was having an affair with a married woman; it's unclear if he was the man who sexually harassed her Guillen, who grew up in Houston, Texas, joined the Army in 2018. But two years into her training, after she moved to Fort Hood, she told her family that she was being sexually harassed by someone at the base after they noticed a severe change in her mental state. She allegedly said that she had spoken to her superiors about the abuse but that her complaints had been dismissed, and that she feared she would face retaliation if she made an official report. After she went missing on April 22, 2020, a widespread search for the soldier erupted across the country; many people became enthralled with the case and were determined to find out what happened to Guillen and bring justice for the soldier. As the investigation continued, her family told reporters that they were unsatisfied with the Army's handling of the investigation, and now, the documentary is set to dive deeper into the government's efforts - or lack thereof - to help the young soldier. 'She was in the Army, she's supposed to be safe there,' her sister said in the preview. 'I called the staff sergeant and he's like, "We don't know anything about her." [I asked], "You guys don't have cameras, nothing?" They were like, "No."' Her mom asked: 'How come these animals won't look for my child? I have to look for my daughter myself.' After she went missing on April 22, 2020, her family told reporters that they were unsatisfied with the Army's handling of the investigation Now, the documentary is set to dive deeper into the government's efforts - or lack thereof - to help the young soldier. Her mother is seen in the doc, which premieres on November 17 'She was in the Army, she's supposed to be safe there,' her sister (seen) said in the preview. Her mom asked: 'How come these animals won't look for my child?' Two months after she went missing - on June 30, 2020 - Guillen's body was found cut up into pieces at the edge of a nearby river 'This was not one of those cases that the military could sweep under the rug,' an unnamed person said in the trailer. Someone else added: 'The military counts on survivors staying quiet' 'This was not one of those cases that the military could sweep under the rug,' an unnamed person added. Robinson's lover, Cecily Aguilar (pictured), 22, who was married to another soldier, was later arrested for helping him dispose of the body, and is facing 11 different charges for her involvement; her trial is set to begin on January 3, 2023 'The military counts on survivors and their families staying quiet and they miscalculated dramatically,' someone else said. Two months after she went missing - on June 30, 2020 - Guillen's body was found cut up into pieces at the edge of a nearby river. Robinson's lover, Cecily Aguilar, 22, who was married to another soldier, was later arrested for helping him dispose of the body, and is facing 11 different charges for her involvement; her trial is set to begin on January 3, 2023. She told police that Robinson killed Guillen after she saw a photo in his phone of herself and Robinson together, which he feared would get him in trouble since she was married. Her family later filed a lawsuit against the US Army seeking $35 million in damages on the basis of sexual harassment, abuse, assault, rape, sodomy, and wrongful death. In April 2021, the Army released a report confirming that officers ignored Guillen's sexual harassment complaints, and that she had verbally reported it at least twice in 2019, which lead to the firing or suspension of 14 Army officials. Weather wreaks havoc on skin. 'During fall/winter months you have to deal with extremes,' said New York-based dermatologist Diane Madfes. 'The skin has to fluctuate to different environments, including the temperature changes going from indoors to out.' To adapt to all the elements, the leading dermatologist reveals simple changes you can make to your daily routine, starting with your shower's water temperature. 'During the winter, I recommend tepid water temperatures and shorter showers/baths, said New York-based dermatologist Dr. Madfes, who sees patients in Manhattan, Connecticut and Florida Take a cold shower 'During the winter, I recommend tepid water temperatures and shorter showers/baths, said Dr. Madfes who sees patients in Manhattan, Connecticut and Florida. Despite how good they feel on a cold day, hot showers remove protective oils from the skin, and increases moisture loss and skin irritation. Cold water promotes blood circulation, removes toxins from the body and tightens the pores making you look renewed and refreshed. While bathing, the sought after celebrity-dermatologist suggests using a moisturizing body wash that will soothe dry, sensitive skin. Use a gentle cleanser According to Diane, proper skincare starts with the right cleanser. 'In the summer you needed something with a little bit of acid in it to get off all of your sunblock, but during the winter you want to use something that is a little gentler, like foaming or hydrating cleansers. 'CeraVe makes two of the best because they leave a little bit of moisture behind and they're not too drying.' Follow this with your moisturizer cream, sunblock and/or your makeup. 'In the summer you needed something with a little bit of acid in it to get off all of your sunblock, but during the winter you want to use something that is a little gentler, like foaming or hydrating cleansers Meet the day with a protective layer 'You want to have less transepidermal water loss, meaning you want to have less of the moisture in your skin being drawn out,' said the board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. 'A slightly thicker moisturizer is needed to improve our skin barrier against the elements. Look for products containing a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, copper peptides and glycerin.' While many are under the misconception that sunblock is only needed during the summertime, the expert reminds us that the sun's rays are actually closer in the winter. Dr. Madfes recommends wearing an SPF 15, and an SPF 30 if you're going to be outside a lot. 'Sunblocks also protect against infrared so it's very important to wear it every day.' Maintain your glow year-round While self tanners are popular in colder months, Dr. Madfes warns against them. 'They tend to be uneven during the winter months as people have dry skin,' she explains. 'Tinted moisturizers work better for keeping that summer glow!' 'Between the indoor heat and the days' dryness, we need a heavier base shared Dr. Madfes. 'Your night cream should be filled with antioxidants and mild exfoliants' Sleep, beauty While you're getting your Zzz's your skin is regenerating. 'Between the indoor heat and the days' dryness, we need a heavier base shared Dr. Madfes. 'Your night cream should be filled with antioxidants and mild exfoliants.' 'Continue to exfoliate in the winter (twice a week), especially because the dead cells just sit there and use a hydrating mask (once a week).' She suggests applying a 15 minute face mask that has hyaluronic acid, in addition to using one in the evening on a really windy day or a snowstorm. Stay hydrated During the summer our bodies cool down by sweating, which can cause dehydration. 'We tend to drink less in the fall and winter as we evaporate less from our surface of the skin,' said Dr. Madfes. She recommends 4-6 glasses of liquid. Saying, 'water comes in all forms (i.e. tea, kombucha, juice etc...but remember caffeine can be a diuretic and negate the benefits).' The Queen is portrayed as being close to tears as she stands in the charred ruins of her Windsor Castle home following the 1992 blaze in new photographs of the upcoming series of The Crown. The Netflix show recreates the blaze of November 20, 1992, when 115 rooms were destroyed in a fire started by a faulty spotlight in Queen Victoria's private chapel. It took five years to rebuild the castle. The pictures show the Queen, played by Imelda Staunton, devastated by the fire, watching on tearfully as firefighters try to tackle the blaze, which raged for 15 hours. The controversial fifth series of the programme is set to be released tomorrow, but critics have been outraged in its rewriting of history and relationships. The Queen is portrayed as being close to tears as she stands in the charred ruins of her Windsor Castle home following the 1992 blaze in new photographs of the upcoming series of The Crown The pictures show the Queen, played by Imelda Staunton, devastated by the fire, watching on tearfully as firefighters try to tackle the blaze, which raged for 15 hours The Netflix show recreates the blaze of November 20, 1992, when 115 rooms were destroyed in a fire started by a faulty spotlight in Queen Victoria's private chapel. It took five years to rebuild the castle In one photograph from the scene the late monarch and Philip (Sir Jonathan Pryce) console each other - but it is another example of fictionalisation by The Crown. It was reported at the time that the Queen visited the scene with Prince Andrew on the night of the blaze and returned the next morning, but it is doubtful she embraced Philip amid the ruins. Prince Andrew was the only member of the Royal Family present when the fire started and helped to organise a human chain to save precious paintings. The fire came at the end of a tumultuous year for the Royal Family following a series of scandals. The Queen famously dubbed 1992 an 'annus horribilis'. The Queen famously dubbed 1992 an 'annus horribilis' after she saw a number of marriages break down in her family and the fire (pictured) Burghley House near Stamford in Lincolnshire stood in for Windsor in the fire episode and the burnt-out shell of the castle was recreated at Elstree film studios in Hertfordshire. Sources say the challenge of depicting the blaze required smoke and fire simulations and 'real elements'. It was filmed over two days with around 60 extras playing firemen and soldiers, carrying works of art and furniture to safety. The scene of the aftermath was shot at Elstree, in a set based on the Great Hall at Burghley House, with the burned walls, windows and roof created as computer-generated special effects. Sources say the challenge of depicting the blaze required smoke and fire simulations and 'real elements' (pictured, Imelda Staunton on set) In one photograph from the scene the late monarch and Philip (Sir Jonathan Pryce) console each other - but it is another example of fictionalisation by The Crown The latest series is likely to be scrutinised even more as its the first season since Elizabeth II died aged 96. The final two series of The Crown will cover the Royal Family's history throughout the 1990s and into 2003 and will see the Queen making a speech on her 40th anniversary of her accession in 1992, in which she called the year an 'annus horriblis'. She was referring to the breakdown of three of her children's marriages; Prince Andrew, Princess Anne's and Prince Charles' divorce from Princess Diana. The breakdown of Charles and Dianas relationship will be a central part of the new series. Netflix is set to warn viewers of The Crown that the series is a fictionalised drama but still refuses to put the disclaimer at the start of every episode. The fire came at the end of a tumultuous year for the Royal Family following a series of scandals The Netflix show recreates the blaze of November 20, 1992, when 115 rooms were destroyed in a fire started by a faulty spotlight in Queen Victoria's private chapel. It took five years to rebuild the castle Instead the US streaming giant plans to place a 'fiction warning' on the home page where viewers click to play episodes, which critics last night blasted as a fudge. The Mail on Sunday previously revealed the fury of former Prime Minister John Major, who called the big-budget drama 'malicious nonsense' over bogus scenes in the latest series in which Prince Charles plots to force his mother the Queen to abdicate the throne. Friends of King Charles III called for a boycott over the scenes. Sir Tony Blair also revealed his anger over the show last week, with a spokesman calling The Crown 'complete and utter rubbish' over its fake storylines. Netflix has resisted calls for a disclaimer on episodes but recently included one on a trailer for the latest series, which is released tomorrow. Mike Tindall will 'embarrass' the Royal Family with his I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! performance, a royal expert has said. Jack Royston has slammed the former rugby star's appearance, claiming it 'blows up that mystique and mystery and enigma that surrounds them'. Speaking on Good Morning Britain today, Newsweek's Chief Royal Correspondent also believes the reality show debut will only add to the troubles brewing amid The Crown's release this week, and Prince Harry's upcoming memoir Spare. 'He is already spilling the beans,' he told Susanna Reid and Ed Balls. 'We've also had pictures in The Sun with his hands all over a female TV producer which doesn't look good for the royals and probably will be embarrassing for Zara.' Jack Royston (pictured) has slammed the former ruby star's appearance, claiming it 'blows up that mystique and mystery and enigma that surrounds them' Mike Tindall (pictured) shocked the group with a hidden talent, revealing he could rap to a string of eighties and nineties hits Yesterday's episode saw Mike, 44, telling other contestants how he met his wife Zara Tindall - the niece of King Charles III - in Sydney, in 2003. He told campmates that the pair 'went out for lunch locally' and it ended up being 'quite boozy'. 'Then we figure out we both quite like getting smashed,' Mike joked. He also shocked the group with a hidden talent, revealing he could rap to a string of eighties and nineties hits, leaving viewers 'speechless' as he demonstrated his skills in camp. Culture expert Nick Ede also appeared on Good Morning Britain today, defending the ex-rugby player Branding him a 'rather fantastic man', Nick (right) also said that Mike is a safe bet to send into the show because of his friendly relationship to the whole family. Jack pictured left Fans pointed out that Mike's royal in-laws must know about his hidden talent while his campmates were quick to dub him 'Vanilla Mike'. After an awe-struck reaction from his campmates, Mike gleefully added that he also knew the lyrics to DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince Boom! Shake the Room. Jack was not impressed, and said that Mike will make the Royal Family look 'cheap'. 'We're waiting for Harry's memoir, it's going to come out it's gonna be full of all these bombshells,' the expert today explained. 'And then all of this machinery of royal sources and Palace sources and so on will kick into gear to say he's cashing in on his royal fame and his royal connection.' He continued: 'Who enters this tinderbox environment from stage left? None other than Mike Tindall carrying a plate of kangaroo bum.' After an awe-struck reaction from his campmates, Mike gleefully added that he also knew the lyrics to DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince Boom! Shake the Room However others appear to be enjoying Mike's appearance on the programme. Culture expert Nick Ede also appeared on Good Morning Britain today, defending the ex-rugby player. 'I really think he could be the new King of the jungle because he has got such a great personality,' he said. 'You've got to remember he was a celebrity before he was part of the royal family.' Branding him a 'rather fantastic man', Nick also said that Mike is a safe bet to send into the show because of his friendly relationship to the whole family. 'From a PR point of view this is a great thing for them because all eyes are going to be on The Crown, all eyes are going to be on Harry's book and actually this is a really positive way of showing him as a really fun person who's part of a great family,' he added. Yesterday's episode saw Mike, 44, telling other contestants how he met his wife Zara Tindall - the niece of King Charles III - in Sydney, in 2003. The couple pictured in 2011 'He's also going to show that he's extremely inclusive. We can see already that's got this power to make sure everyone's together, especially during not particularly good raps...he's really good fun.' Jack however also stressed his worry that the move will influence other members of the royal family, and encourage them to cash in on their connection to the monarch. He said people in the 'outer orbit' of the family could potentially all go out and start doing stuff like this' 'You know, how are you going to say to Pippa Middleton, for example, who hasn't even married a member of the royal family that she shouldn't do any media appearance she wants to,' he told presenters. 'What's to stop Pippa Middleton from being CNN's next on-contract royal expert.' Further citing the Middletons as an example, Jack claimed that they could make more of their connections to the Crown, 'but they don't because they're team players'. However, Nick insisted Mike would bring the royals good publicity, saying that he's not only charismatic, but has his own life and work outside the monarchy. 'Remember, lots pf people talk about taxpayers' money and the royals absorbing all this money,' he said. 'He is getting his own money on his own merit and actually earning a living which is a really good thing to see.' By Cho Hee-kyoung There are supposed to be five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I can pinpoint the exact moment when my disbelief and denial turned into anger over the Halloween disaster in Itaewon that has so far taken 156 lives. It was when Minister of Interior and Safety, Lee Sang-min appeared on camera the following day and claimed that this kind of disaster could not have been prevented even if they had placed many more police officers and emergency personnel there. Clearly, those words were hogwash. Initial media reports had used words like "stampede" and "crowd surge" as if the disaster was caused by some kind of out-of-control crowd where people trampled over each other while out partying in drunken revelry in this first maskless Halloween post-COVID. We know that there was no stampede, the crowd was neither drunk nor disorderly. Instead, there was a complete failure by the police and other relevant government authorities to take the most basic precautions of crowd management on a night when they were expecting more than 100,000 people to gather in Itaewon. The narrow alleyway where most of the fatalities occurred was a shortcut leading directly from Itaewon subway station to another backstreet where many popular clubs and bars were. The mouth of the alleyway was partially obstructed because of pop-up stalls hawking Halloween goods. Extruding into the alleyway was an illegal extension constructed by a landmark hotel in Itaewon. At its narrowest section, the 50-meter-long alleyway was just over three meters wide, sloping downwards toward the narrower end. Thousands of people crammed from both directions into this bottleneck. Experts describe how once the crowd density goes over eight people per square meter, people are packed so tightly together that there is a risk of being squashed to death even while standing up. For days, everyone knew that a very large crowd of people were expected in Itaewon for Halloween. On that fateful night, people called the police and emergency service workers hours before the disaster asking for police intervention to manage the crowd, specifically warning of crush deaths. But there was no effective response by those who were tasked to keep the people safe. The government is trying desperately to deflect blame away from itself. It claimed that there was no organized Halloween event in Itaewon and that the situation was, in the words of Yongsangu Office Chief Park Hee-young, merely "a phenomenon," and therefore there was no law mandating the government to manage the crowd. On the contrary, there are laws aplenty that spell out the duties of the state and its organs to keep its citizens safe at all times, whether there is an organized event or not. The Constitution, the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety, the Police Act and the Police Officers Duties Enforcement Act all clearly detail obligations of the state to keep the people safe and prevent harm in situations like this. There were other red herrings. A witch hunt was on for a man wearing bunny ears who was alleged to have deliberately pushed people in the crowd causing the disaster. But the man came forward and showed that he was not even at the scene when the tragedy occurred. The interior minister also blamed various protests being held around Seoul that depleted the police force and left insufficient numbers to control the Halloween crowd. More finger pointing led to a foreign commentator citing Confucianism, herd mentality and Korean culture as contributing to the disaster. Others had the temerity to blame the victims and chastise them for celebrating a tradition that is not even Korean and going to a place they knew was going to be crowded. Yet another angle was that the disaster occurred because we are still a backward, underdeveloped nation that is merely passing off as an advanced nation. The truth is that this is the kind of disaster that befalls on the people when the government is simply not interested in the business of governing. We have a president who seems only to be interested in having the power and status of his office but not in executing the duties that come along with it. The people he has appointed to his administration are of the same ilk handpicked from cronies and old friends. Nothing illustrates this better than the interior minister who has no experience in administration; the prime minister who makes jokes at a press conference when asked about the government's responsibility for the disaster; the justice minister who seizes this tragedy as an opportunity to wrestle back power for the prosecution office. We tend to confuse politics and government. Politics is the struggle for power and resources. But government is about the job of governing which is mostly made up of really mundane stuff: tax collecting; rubbish disposal, road repairs, electricity supply, waterworks and sewage treatment, traffic control, crowd management and so on and so forth. If attention is not paid to the nitty gritty details of governing, if people in government are too preoccupied with politics and neglect the most basic, fundamental job of governing itself, then the people end up suffering needlessly and senselessly. What makes this disaster even more tragic is the fact that most of the victims were young, of the same generation as the Sewol ferry victims. This is yet another grief for which there could be no acceptance. Cho Hee-kyoung (hongikmail@gmail.com) is a professor at Hongik University College of Law. The Grand Duke of Russia and his wife have shared adorable snaps with their newborn son. Grand Duke George Romanov, 40, and his wife Victoria, also 40, who live in Moscow, posed up a storm with their son Prince Alexander at their lavish home on Sunday. Prince Alexander of Russia, who was born, on October 21, looked cosy in a baby blue ensemble and he donned a wool bonnet for the wholesome snaps. Grand Duke George Romanov, 40, and his wife Victoria, also 40, who live in Moscow, posed up a storm with their son Prince Alexander at their lavish home on Sunday The Grand Duke of Russia and his wife have have shared adorable snaps with their newborn son The doting parents posed with the tot in their opulent sitting room which was decorated with bright lavender walls, gold framed portraits and a luxurious chandelier. While in another snap they beamed for the camera in Prince Alexanders nursery which was painted a light blue and decorated with stuffed toys and framed photographs. George looked smart in a black suit which he paired with a white shirt, while in another set of pictures he opts for a more casual look in a navy jumper. Victoria looked typically elegant in a cream top and matching pencil skirt and her brunette locks were styled in loose curls. Prince Alexander of Russia, who was born, on October 21, looked cosy as he was wrapped in a blanket and donned a wool bonnet for the wholesome snaps The doting parents posed with the tot in their opulent sitting room which was decorated with bright lavender walls, gold framed portraits and a luxurious chandelier Victoria looked typically elegant in a cream top and matching pencil skirt and her brunette locks were styled in loose curls In May the couple shared on their royal Instagram account that they were expecting a baby in the Autumn. A statement revealed that Victoria is in good health and does not intend to postpone any of her engagements, but might reduce her outings as her due date approaches. This happy news comes just eight months after George and Victoria tied the knot during a glitzy St Petersburg ceremony. A statement shared in English by George's official account read: 'H.I.H. Their Heir Tsesarevich and Grande Duke George and his spouse, H.S.H. Princess Victoria are pleased to announced that Princess Victoria is expecting a baby in the autumn of this year. Victoria looked casual in another set of snaps as she donned a cream knit jumper which she paired with a pearl necklace The Grand Duke George opted for a more casual look in a navy jumper which he paired with navy chino trousers Victoria posed with her newborn in his stylish nursery which featured stuffed animals hanging from the walls While in another snap they beamed for the camera in Prince Alexanders nursery which was painted a light blue and decorated with stuffed toys and framed photographs The wide eyed tot appeared in great spirits as his mother Victoria cooed over him in his nursery 'H.I.H The Grand Duchess Maria, Head of the Imperial House of Russia, has received this news with great joy and gratitude to God. 'The Princess is in excellent health and for the moment, does not intend to cancel or postpone any current engagements, although she may well limit her acceptance of new commitments as autumn approaches.' This comes less than a year after the couple married in St Petersburg. Victoria and George said their vows at the Saint Isaac's cathedral in the former imperial capital Saint Petersburg in the presence of dozens of royals. The pair posed on a cream couch next to their cute pooches surrounded by opulent furnishings In another sweet snap the happy couple peered through a gold framed mirror with their adorable baby boy The bride donned a stunning white satin gown which featured a high neck, long sleeves and a billowing skirt, as well as a glittering diamond tiara, which was designed by Chaumet, official jeweller to Empress Josephine and Napoleon. Born in Madrid, Romanov is the son of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna Romanova, the self-proclaimed heir to Russia's imperial throne. She is the granddaughter of Grand Duke Kirill, a cousin of Nicholas II, the last Russian tsar who was executed along with his wife and five children by the Bolsheviks in 1918. George is distantly related to the British royal family, and is the great-great-great-great grandson of Nicholas II of Russia, who was cousins with Britain's George V, and Alexandra Fedorovna, who was Queen Victorias granddaughter. The new parents beamed for the camera as their cute dogs sat beside them for a picture with the newborn Baby Prince Alexander of Russia donned a white dress with a sweet matching bonnet on his head The doting couple cooed over their newborn son Prince Alexander from their home in Moscow Princess Victoria Romanovna posed with her newborn as she placed him down on a blanket on her bed Meanwhile he is also the godson of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, King Constantine of Greece, and King Simeon of Bulgaria. Romanov, who graduated from Oxford and spent much of his life in France, met Bettarini in Brussels, where he worked in the European Parliament. Bettarini converted to the Orthodox faith last year and changed her name to Victoria Romanovna. Romanov also held jobs at Russian mining giant Norilsk Nickel before moving to Russia three years ago. Their pregnancy news came just eight months after George and Victoria tied the knot during a glitzy St Petersburg ceremony last October The news was announced shared on George's Instagram account. The gender of the baby was not revealed at the time The couple met as youngsters, with Rebecca often accompanying her father to official receptions where they crossed paths. Later, they both started working in international companies and met again at a reception at the French embassy in Brussels. After living in Belgium for six years, the couple moved to Russia, where he works as a lawyer, and she works as a writer. The couple first lived in the Moscow suburbs before relocating to the city centre next to the Kremlin. Now Romanov works on several charity projects. Romanov said he believes European and Russian royals could help Moscow and the West mend fraying ties. 'I think that we can be ambassadors of goodwill.' Expert says Her Majesty was aware of the sacrifices her husband made for her The Queen 'cut Prince Philip some slack over his friendships with women' as the late monarch was aware her husband was made to 'walk a tightrope' as her consort, a royal expert has claimed. Historian Dr Tessa Dunlop - who has penned the biography Elizabeth and Philip: A Story of Young Love, Marriage and Monarchy - says the late royal couple 'clearly had an enduring and loving marriage'. Appearing on the Mail Plus' Palace Confidential series, the royal expert commented on a storyline in the new series of the The Crown which will see Prince Philip pursuing an extra-marital relationship with Penny Knatchbull. Countess Mountbatten of Burma became the Duke's 'closest confidante' and was one of the 30 mourners who attended his funeral in April 2021. The Netflix hit series is reported to have filmed 'intimate scenes' between Prince Philip and Penny Knatchbull - who had a 32-year age difference - which lands on screens tomorrow, just over two months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Speaking to host Jo Elvin, Dr Dunlop said: 'The inference is that he wasn't sexually faithful - that's what people have inferred. Royal expert Dr Tessa Dunlop says Her Majesty 'cut the Duke of Edinburgh some slack' as she was aware he had to 'walk a tightrope' as her Consort. The Queen and Prince Philip pictured on their 60th wedding anniversary in November 2007. Penny Knatchbull became one of Prince Philip's 'closest confidantes' in the last 30 years of his life after the Duke helped the Countess through her grief over losing her child to cancer. The pair pictured at the Royal Windsor Horse show in May 2007 'But whether he was or not, the Queen and him clearly had a loving and enduring marriage and a partnership that she leant on and he leant on. They both depended on each other.' What's more, the expert said that it is well-known that high-profile aristocratic couples of the time weren't always strictly faithful to each other. She added: 'Monogamy didn't have the high currency it does in today's world.' In 1947, Prince Philip renounced his claim to the Greek and Danish thrones so he could step into the role of the Queen's Consort. The new series of the Crown will show Prince Philip pursuing an affair with Penny Knatchbull. Pictured Jonathan Pryce and Natasha McElhone as Penny Knatchbull The Queen and Prince Philip pictured on their wedding day in 1947. Prince Philip renounced his claim to the Greek and Danish thrones so he could step into the role of the Queen's Consort that year When The Queen inherited the throne in 1952, it was confirmed that the Royal Household would be known as 'Windsor' - before the couple decided eight years later that their descendants without HRH status would have the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. Despite hoping that they could remain in Clarence House, Prime Minister Winston Churchill - who was in office when King VI passed away - was adamant the young couple take up residence in Buckingham Palace. Commenting on the impact this had on their marriage, Dr Dunlop continued: 'I think the Queen understood Philip's need for freedom. She was asking a lot of an alpha male to step in behind her and support her. To relinquish his name. To relinquish his home.' Addressing the Duke of Edinburgh's alleged infidelity, the expert said: 'I think the Queen absolutely understood the tightrope Prince Philip was asked to walk and she cut him some slack. Penny Knatchbull and The Queen pictured at the Royal Windsor Horse show in May 2018. In the Netflix series, Prince Philip is seen telling Penny that him and his wife have 'grown in separate directions' Penny Knatchbull was one of just 30 mourners who attended Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021. Pictured leaving Windsor after the funeral 'Whatever that means about his behaviour with women, I don't know. He didn't want us to know and the Queen didn't want us to know and was seemingly at peace with whatever happened.' Netflix uses the death of Penny's daughter from cancer at the age of five in 1991 as a jumping off point for relationship her Philip. In the programme, the Duke - played by Jonathan Pryce - is portrayed telling Lady Mountbatten -played by Natasha McElhone - that he and the Queen have 'grown in separate directions'. And in another episode, the Duke explains he is looking for 'companionship', before the Queen summons Lady Mountbatten to Windsor. Dickie Arbiter, who was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's spokesman from 1988 to 2000, previously told how it was distasteful that scenes involving Penny and Philip would be played out only weeks after her funeral. 'Coming just weeks after the nation laid Her Majesty to rest next to Prince Philip, this is very distasteful and, quite frankly, cruel rubbish,' he said. 'The truth is that Penny was a long-time friend of the whole family. Netflix are not interested in people's feelings.' Majesty magazine editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward added: 'It's in exceedingly bad taste. 'This is fiction. There's no way in a million years he'd discuss his marriage with anybody. The royals probably won't watch it for their own sanity.' In the second season of the hit royal drama, writers implied that Prince Philip had a secret romance with Russian ballerina Galina Ulanova in the 1950s after The Queen - played by Claire Foy - found a picture of the dancer in her husband's briefcase. The UK's highest-rated Uber driver says the secret to his success is simply getting customers to their destination 'as soon as possible and as comfortably as possible'. After seven and a half years working for Uber in and around Manchester, Michael Quinn, 73, has received the most five-star ratings of any driver across the UK. And with 67,000 trips under his belt, he's also completed the most rides country-wide He even completed one recent trip where he rushed a university student who had suffered a suspected heart attack to hospital when it emerged an ambulance would take 45 minutes. On Tuesday November 1, Michael received an Uber Hero Award at a ceremony in London in recognition of his achievements, which he described as 'a very proud time in my life'. Having previously worked as a taxi driver before he joined Uber, he now averages approximately 200 trips in his six-day working week, starting at 6am and finishing around 8pm Michael,73, loves his work and says the secret to being a top-rated driver is simply making sure that customers get there comfortably and in good time Michael, who claimed the title ahead of over 85,000 Uber drivers across Great Britain, said he has been labelled 'the best driver' in Manchester by passengers and said he enjoys being able to 'enhance' a stranger's day. He said: 'You're meeting people from all walks of life - different ages, different backgrounds, all with hopes and dreams in their lives and aspirations and worries and anxieties. 'It's marvellous to get feedback from complete strangers with you for such a short time and yet you're able to enhance their day in that moment of meeting them. 'I get comments like, "Thank you, Michael, for getting me to the train on time," and "Yes, you are the best driver in the city!"' Michael, who claimed the title ahead of over 85,000 Uber drivers across Great Britain, said he has been labelled 'the best driver' in Manchester by passengers 'It's a great profession.' Michael was born in Liverpool but has spent most of his life in Manchester, and now lives alone just 10 minutes outside the city centre. Having previously worked as a taxi driver before he joined Uber, he now averages approximately 200 trips in his six-day working week, starting at 6am and finishing around 8pm. He was recognised for his momentous amount of trips and top ratings from customers at Tobacco Dock in east London on Tuesday, receiving an Uber Hero Award. 'It was a very proud time in my life, actually,' Michael said. 'It was very, very humbling - I just get on with my work and that's good enough for me, and to be recognised is really fantastic. 'I think everyone has milestones in their life and certainly this is one for me.' But Michael's career has not only included helping people catch their train - just last week he drove a university student who had suffered a suspected heart attack to A&E. 'The nearest ambulance was 45 minutes away,' he said. 'The university rang an Uber and I was there to take him to an A&E as soon as possible. 'And keep him calm - because he really was so worried and panicking.' Michael said he was able to keep the young man settled before safely seeing him into the hands of hospital staff at Manchester Royal Infirmary. His journeys have also featured moments of 'beauty' which he said have stayed with him. The Uber driver revealed: 'I always remember this couple I picked up a long time ago now, a very young couple that had just gone to the chippy. He was recognized for his momentous amount of trips and top ratings from customers at Tobacco Dock in east London on Tuesday, receiving an Uber Hero Award 'It was a Saturday night about eight o'clock, and their evening was going to be in front of the fire with their fish and chips, and each other. 'It's always been with me, that experience... how beautiful to see - they had nothing, but they had each other.' Michael provided some tips and advice on how to be a great Uber driver that he has learned over the last seven years. He said: 'Your opening words are crucial, so are your closing words. 'Speak whenever you need to speak or what have you, but it's mainly to make sure that person gets to where they are going from A to B as soon as possible and as comfortably as possible.' He added that keeping a positive attitude and ensuring your vehicle is clean and tidy can also help to boost in-app ratings. Michael praised Uber for recognising their drivers following Tuesday's award ceremony. 'It was a great honor and it's just typical of a company like Uber to recognise their drivers in this way,' he said. 'Because I have no other companies I've heard of that do this. 'And the customer is so, so important - that is what I love about Uber.' Michael was honoured as Uber celebrated 10 years since it first launched in London - when just 69 drivers worked for the company. Alongside data on the most trips and highest ratings over the last decade, Uber's busiest day in the UK was revealed - December 14 2019 when over one million rides were completed in 24 hours. The app's top visited destinations and cities in the UK include New Station Street in Leeds, London King's Cross, Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street and Victoria Station, London. Uber also confirmed its longest journey taken by a passenger - a six-hour, 438-kilometre trip from Heathrow Airport to Loch Lomond in Scotland. A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'Emergency services remain under significant pressure, and we are working hard to ensure everyone who needs an ambulance gets one as quickly as possible.' 'However, we must attend to the most life-threatening conditions and injuries first, and this can mean some patients are waiting longer than we would like. 'To be as transparent as possible about the pressure we are facing, we offer estimated times of arrival, which allows patients to consider making alternative transport arrangements to the hospital, as happened in this case. 'If this is not possible, an ambulance will frequently arrive sooner than advised. 'We are grateful to patients for considering alternatives for non-urgent health concerns, including NHS 111 online, GP or local pharmacy, which helps us keep our ambulances available for other patients' emergencies.' The Crown's cast have defended the controversial new series ahead of it's release tomorrow, insisting they 'ignore real events' while filming and instead 'focus on what the royals are feeling.' Netflix has been under growing pressure to introduce a disclaimer for The Crown amid fury over its faked storylines based on the Royals. The Mail on Sunday previously revealed the fury of former Prime Minister John Major, who called the big-budget drama 'malicious nonsense' over bogus scenes in the latest series in which Prince Charles plots to force his mother the Queen to abdicate the throne. Friends of King Charles III called for a boycott over the scenes. Other scenes to have caused a stir ahead of its release include the portrayal of an 'intimate' friendship between Prince Philip and a close friend, Penny Knatchbull. However speaking today at a press conference ahead of the show's release, actor Jonathan Pryce, who plays Prince Philip, said the plotlines are 'all part of our story', adding: 'We enter into it as characters in a story. It's just like normal filmmaking. You don't think about those real events - at least, I don't.' Meanwhile Lesley Manville, who portrays Princess Margaret, said she actually 'ignored real events', saying: 'The thing is, about our scripts, it can absolutely hone in what any of these characters are feeling.' The Crown's cast have defended the controversial new series ahead of it's release tomorrow, insisting they 'ignore real events' while filming and instead 'focus on what the royals are feeling' Scenes to have caused a stir ahead of its release include the portrayal of an 'intimate' friendship between Prince Philip and a close friend, Penny Knatchbull. After being asked about how challenging it was to act out stories which 'the world thinks they already know', Lesley said: 'What can happen in The Crown is, you can actually ignore the real events.' 'It's more about what these people are feeling and thinking.' She continued: 'When the public watches a real public event, you don't know. You have to imagine how they're feeling. 'The great thing about our scripts is, it can absolutely hone in what any of these characters are feeling about that. Netflix has been under growing pressure to introduce a disclaimer for The Crown amid fury over its faked storylines based on the Royals Among the actors to defend the fictional storylines was Lesley Manville, who plays Princess Margaret (pictured) 'They come to these events with their own stories going on and lives ticking on underneath. 'It's great to be able to tell the private and personal stories about these people, and view them in that way.' Meanwhile Jonny Lee Miller, who portrays Prime Minister John Major in the series, praised creator Peter Morgan for his wortk. He said: 'That's what peter does so generously and empathetically, and with real class actually. 'That's what the audience has always connected with. 'It's about humanizing people, and what that life is like...The more understanding there is just better.' The Mail on Sunday previously revealed the fury of former Prime Minister John Major, who called the big-budget drama 'malicious nonsense' over bogus scenes in the latest series in which Prince Charles plots to force his mother the Queen to abdicate the throne Elsewhere, Jonathan confessed the Queen's death is 'bound to affect the audience's perception' of the latest series. However he went on to say he was 'confident' it would help to boost viewing figures for the controversial series. He added: 'People will, I don't want to sound too pompous, they'll gain some comfort from seeing her embodied again. 'It's a reflection of where our society is at with a lack of trust and a lack of believability in our politicians.' He compared the public's reaction to that which came after Diana died, saying: 'Part of seeing people queue for the Queen, it was saying, "This is the kind of people we want leading our country.". Meanwhile the cast also said they believed the Queen's death would 'boost' viewing figures for the controversial series Meanwhile Imelda Staunton, who portrays the late monarch in the series, added she felt an admiration for 'people who stick at one thing, or just keep going.' She said: 'It amazed me people really admired this woman. Here we are, celebrating a woman, with her own face, who just...she just did the job. 'Not anything outside the job, not the stuff around it. Just a straight line.' Controversy has reached fever pitch ahead of the series release tomorrow, with a number of storylines in the show receiving heavy criticism from critics as fictitious. Netflix is to warn viewers of The Crown that the series is a fictionalised drama but still refuses to put the disclaimer at the start of every episode. Instead the US streaming giant plans to place a 'fiction warning' on the home page where viewers click to play episodes, which critics last night blasted as a fudge. Sir Tony Blair revealed his anger over the show earlier this week, with a spokesman calling The Crown 'complete and utter rubbish' over its fake storylines. Royal expert Thomas Blaikie said: 'Netflix is trying to have its cake and eat it too. If it is going to finally put a disclaimer on, it should be at the start of every episode. As it gets nearer to the present day, it becomes more concerning when the series departs dramatically from what actually happened.' David Mellor, a cabinet minister under Major, said: 'The reality is that Netflix does not want people to think this is a total fabrication. They want people to watch it on the basis that there's a lot of truth in the story so anything that draws attention to the viewer that this is a pack of lies is not in their own best interest. 'By putting a disclaimer tucked away on the Netflix page they can claim that they are being clear to people that this is fictionalised when really they are not being clear at all.' Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith said: 'They should put a big warning right at the beginning in black and white stating that it is a fictionalised drama. Doing anything other than that is totally disingenuous.' Meanwhile, palace insiders disputed claims that King Charles had given his blessing to actor Dominic West, who plays a young Prince Charles in the new series of The Crown. West told the Radio Times that, after landing the role with the Netflix programme, he wrote to the palace offering to resign from his position as a charity ambassador for The Prince's Trust. West claimed he received a reply stating: 'You do what you like, you're an actor. It's nothing to do with us.' However, palace insiders said 'recollections may vary'. They said the actor did indeed write to the King's office and received a letter back from a senior aide. But they said the reply did not offer any indication that the King approved of West's decision to take the role. A Palace source said: 'By relaying this anecdote about private correspondence, the implication is that His Majesty's office gave tacit agreement or condoned the programme in some way. This is not the case.' Buckingham Palace and the Prince's Trust declined to comment. Princess Martha Louise of Norway has renounced her official duties but will still keep her royal title following her engagement to a US shaman with a 'controversial' history. King Harald V, 85, announced today that his daughter, 51, will no longer represent the Royal household in any form - after the mother-of-three initially stepped back as a working royal in 2019. Although the monarch has allowed Princess Martha Louise, 51, to keep her royal title, her father re-iterated that she will not be allowed to use it in any future commercial partnerships with her partner Durek Verrett, 47. The Queen took a similar approach with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when quit their public duties and relocated to Montecito, California in 2020. Speaking to 2News today, King Harald of Norway explained discussions had taking place over the course of four or five months. 'We have arrived at a solution which I believe will give greater distance between the princess's activities and the royal house,' he said. 'I am sorry that the princess will no longer represent the royal house.' He stressed that his daughter has remained a princess at his request, saying: 'She is our daughter, and she will continue to be. So she is Princess Martha Louise.' Princess Martha Louise of Norway has renounced her official duties today. King Harald V, 85, announced today that his his daughter, 51, will no longer represent the Royal household in any form Princess Martha Louise will keep her royal title, despite no longer being a working royal. Pictured with her fiance Durek Verrett, who she has been dating since 2019 The King and Queen of Norway thanked their daughter for the 'care, warmth and great commitment' Princess Martha Louise had displayed over the years. The trio pictured in July 2017 at the unveiling of Norwegian Trekking Association gift for The Queen of Norway 80th birthday He also paid tribute to his daughter's partner as 'a really great guy, and really fun to be with'. 'He has a lot of humor and we laugh a lot, even in this difficult time,' he said. 'I think both we and he have gained a greater understanding of what this is about, and we agree to disagree, so to speak. The royal admitted that Shaman Durek had struggled to understand why his daughter's royal status could not be used to promote commercial projects. 'The Americans don't understand the significance of this, they have no idea what a royal house is,' he explained. 'He thought he could do whatever he wanted without it affecting us at all.' A statement from Norway's Royal Family read: 'Princess Martha Louise wants to contribute to a clearer distinction between her own activities and the connection to the Royal Household. 'Therefore, the Princess renounces her official duties and will not represent the Royal Household. 'The King has decided that the Princess will retain her title, but Princess Martha Louise and her fiance Durek Verrett will not use the title in their commercial activities. 'The King and Queen wish to thank Princess Martha Louise for the important efforts she has made through her official work for decades. She has carried out her work with care, warmth and great commitment.' The official announcement comes after weeks of mounting speculation over Martha's future within the institution following her engagement to guru to the stars Durek Verret in June. Last month, Prince Haakon, 49, told local press that he feels 'responsible' for the future of the Norwegian monarchy and admitted that some of his future brother-in-law's views had caused controversy in Norway. Prince Haakon of Norway, who is heir-to-the-throne, 49, told local press that he feels 'responsible' for the future of the Norwegian monarchy, Norwegian media NRK reported Referring to his sister's June engagement with guru to the stars Durek Verrett, who works under the name of Shaman Durek, right, and lives with Martha Louise in California, Haakon said he liked him on a personal level, but admitted some of the spiritual personality's viewers had caused controversy in Norway Shortly after the mother-of-three announced her engagement, a Norweigan publishing house dropped Durek's book 'Spirit Hacking' over pseudoscientific claims, including 'children can get cancer from being unhappy' Among his other claims, Durek says he once came back from the dead, recovering from a month-long coma, by letting his soul 'burn' and he has also spoken of having to undergo a kidney transplant from his sister as a child. It is unclear why he needed the kidney or how he became wheelchair bound, as he has described. The illness which sent him into a coma is also undisclosed. Haakon told local press NRK that he would like to 'welcome' Durek into the 'family' and that he had met the Shaman on 'a number of occasions.' However, he then went on to touch on Durek's recent controversial comments. 'We have of course noticed that some of what has been said and done has caused quite a bit of discussion.' Haakon said. 'Some of it has also been controversial.' Publishing Manager Knut Ola Ulvestad also told a Norwegian newspaper at the time that he wasnt aware of the cancer claims in the book until after the US release. Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit with King Harald V and Queen Sonja in 2004 'When I read through the Norwegian translation and found the parties dealing with the causes of cancer and treatment, it became impossible to publish this book,' he said in 2019. 'If this is read literally, it can simply be harmful.' 'We all have friends and colleagues affected by cancer, who have children affected by cancer. 'And what Durek writes about, for example, is that when children have cancer, its because theyre unhappy and thinking about it, so yeah, I just dont have an adequate comment on this.' According to the Times, a recent poll revealed that 17 per cent of the public now views the Norwegian monarchy more negatively than they did a year ago, with 'Martha Louises relationship with Verrett, 47, cited by many as the reason'. Durek Verrett (pictured while holding a lecture in Stavanger, Norway) shares his interest in spirituality with the Norwegian princess Princess Martha Louise of Norway announced her engagement to Durek in June. The princess was previously married to Ari Behn, who she wed in 2002 and had three children together Maud Angelica, 19, Leah Isadora, 17, and Emma Tallulah, 14. They split in 2016, and Ari took his own life on Christmas Day in 2019. The same year Princess Martha Louise started dating Durek, the Norwegian royal house announced in 2019 that she would no longer use the title of princess in commercial contexts. The princess was previously married to Ari Behn, who she wed in 2002 and had three children together Maud Angelica, 19, Leah Isadora, 17, and Emma Tallulah, 14. They split in 2016, and Ari took his own life on Christmas Day in 2019. With a huge celebrity following, the belief he can talk to the spiritual world and very colourful history, Shaman Durek is hardly your typical royal groom. But the couple's shared interest in all things spiritual suggests the couple are well-suited, and indeed, and he has previously said of the royals 'over years weve built such a lovely relationship. I love them'. Born Durek Verrett in Sacramento in November 1974, the groom-to-be claims he first became 'aware' of his shamanic abilities when he was five but that he didn't start training until age 11. King Vadar's statement follows neighbouring monarch Queen Margrethe II of Denmark stripping four of her grandchildren of their His or Her Royal Highness status in September. From January 1 2023, the children of her second son, Prince Joachim, who lives in France, Prince Nikolai, 23, Prince Felix, 20, Prince Henrik, 13, and Princess Athena, 10, will become Counts and Countesses, and will be known as Their Excellencies. Queen Maxima of The Netherlands looked as elegant as ever as she stepped out for a meeting in Eindhoven. The 51-year-old royal wowed in striking scarlet gown for a financial health action meeting at the VDL Groep. The Argentine-born royal paired the floor-length, long-sleeve gown with burgundy leather boots. Queen Maxima of The Netherlands looked as elegant as ever as she stepped out for a meeting at the VDL Groep in Eindhoven She cinched her ensemble at the waist with a burgundy chunky belt and carried a matching handbag. She accessorised the look with a stunning statement diamond earrings and a silver ring. Her blonde locks were straight and she brushed it over into a chic side parting. Maxima has served as the UN Secretary-Generals Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA) since 2009. The 51-year-old royal wowed in a striking scarlet gown for a financial health action meeting in the Netherlands The Argentine-born royal paired the floor-length, long-sleeve gown with burgundy leather boots As Special Advocate, she is a leading global voice on advancing universal access to and responsible usage of affordable, effective and safe financial services. It comes after Maxima brought a touch of glam to her winter wardrobe as she wore a multicoloured floral coat to pose for photos with her family at an historic Amsterdam church. The Queen, who is known for her bold, colourful style, has stayed faithful to a coat she has been seen in several times over the past two years as she posed for family photos with her husband King Willem-Alexander and their daughters, Amalia, 18, Alexia, 17, and Ariane, 15. Showing her deep affection for her daughters, the Argentine royal put her arm around Ariane for one of the photos, which were taken at the 15th Century Niewe Kirk Church in Amsterdam, which is just a stone's throw from the Royal Palace. Underneath her bright coat, the Queen wore a burgundy dress with matching suede heels and accessorised with big earrings containing jade and garnet coloured gems. She cinched her ensemble at the waist with a burgundy chunky belt and carried a matching handbag Queen Maxima was greeted as she stepped put of her car and approached the venue for the meeting She accessorised the look with a stunning statement diamond earrings and a silver ring and her blonde locks were straight and she brushed it over into a chic side parting To her left, Princess Ariane contrasted her mother's bright outfit with a monochrome look, sporting a black top, white trousers and a black-and-white checked blazer. Alexia kept it simple, wearing a black suit with a white shirt accessorised with a charm necklace, and wore her auburn locks down, curled to frame her face. Meanwhile heir to the throne Amalia opted for a dark green suit with a white shirt. The King and Queen's eldest daughter took a little time out from her studies to attend the photoshoot, after starting her degree at the University of Amsterdam in early September. Although it was originally intended for the Princess of Orange to live in student accommodation with her peers, she sadly had to move out of her halls just a few weeks into the term due to security threats. Queen Maxima of The Netherlands elevated her scarlet outfit with a large velvet rimmed hat, complete with box, when she attended the launch of an only job platform in Utrecht later on in the day The Dutch Queen attended the launch of the online job platform for job seekers with a refugee background in Utrecht She was pictured in animated conversation with attendees and was eager to met those who the platform would benefit The platform is an initiative of the Dutch Council for Refugees and the Start Foundation. Queen Maxima look thrilled to be the one who launched it The Dutch Queen looked regal in her deep purple hat, matched perfectly to her diamond earrings and subtly contrasting with her elegant scarlet dress The Queen, who is known for her bold, colourful style, has stayed faithful to a coat she has been seen in several times over the past two years as she posed for family photos with her husband King Willem-Alexander and their daughters, Amalia, 18, Alexia, 17, and Ariane, 15 Princess Alexia posed with her doting mother Queen Maxima alongside Princess Amalia as they visited the exhibition century of Queen Juliana in the Nieuwe kerk Speaking about the arrangements during a visit to Sweden, King Willem-Alexander said the family had found it 'very difficult', while Maxima revealed the threats had had 'enormous consequences' for her life. Euronews reported the Queen said: 'She hasn't left the house. That means she doesn't live in Amsterdam, she can't really go out. The consequences are very difficult for her.' Despite a turbulent few months for the heir to the Dutch throne and her family, they were all smiles for the family portraits, which were taken in front of a horse-drawn carriage. The King and Queen have had a whirlwind week after spending Monday to Wednesday in Athens, where they were on a state visit. They were hosted by Greek president Katerina Sakellaropoulou, attending several events with her during their three-day visit. The King was cheered by Morrisons workers after he wished them an early 'happy Christmas' at the beginning of a two-day tour of Yorkshire. The monarch was beaming as he arrived at the head office for the engagement this morning in Yorkshire, where he met people from Morrisons Farming, Community, Sustainability and Apprenticeship programmes. He toured the Bradford HQ of the supermarket giant as hundreds of staff watched from balconies and stairwells. As he arrived, he chatted to people who worked at stores around the region, telling them: 'Thank-you for your wonderful efforts. I hope they let you off at Christmas.' The King was cheered by Morrisons workers after he wished them an early 'happy Christmas' at the beginning of a two-day tour of Yorkshire He was greeted by hoards of royal fans, many of whom had gathered in crowds and were waving union flags as they welcomed the King to the organisation Later, in a short speech, he told the staff: 'It's a great joy to see you all today. I had no idea quite how many of you worked here at Morrisons.' After discussing his tour and work he had heard about in the community, the King said: 'I can only thank you for all that, wish you every possible success in the future and, eventually, a really happy Christmas ahead.' The King was given tips on roasting potatoes as he toured the development kitchen at Morrisons, examining special dishes prepared from triple-smoked salmon and pan-roasted short-horn beef by chefs Mark Richmond and Richard Jones. He talked to a variety of producers about sustainable livestock rearing and current issues in farming. The King visited the Leeds Building Society and met its staff during his visit to Yorkshire this afternoon The Monarch issued a plaque to commemorate his visit to the Building, as staff applauded cheerfully King Charles also toured the 'Rebellion to Romance' exhibition during his visit to Leeds Central Library and Art Gallery today One of the artists taking part in the exhibition talked the Sovereign through this work of art, named 'The World Reimagined Globes' The King took deep interest in the globe, which was adorned with portraits of different activists and people During a visit to Leeds Central Library and Art Gallery, Charles greeted members of the West Indian community The royal was seen shaking hands and chatting with members of the public during this afternoon's engagement During his visit, Charles spoke with curator Susan Pitter as he is shown the exhibition 'Rebellion to Romance' (left and right) Prince Charles appeared impressed as he surveyed different pieces of artwork during the outing today As he was introduced to producers of recently launched carbon-neutral eggs, Charles asked about the new rules to combat bird flu. Claire Anderson, commercial manager of Chippendale Foods, which supplies the 'Planet Friendly' eggs to Morrisons, said the royal visitor asked whether all the birds now had to be kept indoors, which she said they did. Charles looked intrigued by how the eggs get their carbon-neutral status, by being fed on black soldier fly larvae, which themselves feed on waste products from the supermarket operation. Ms Anderson said he also asked whether the eggs are more expensive than normal eggs which, she said, they were slightly. After his tour of Morrisons, King Charles greeted members of the public as he arrives to visit Leeds Central Library and Art Gallery this afternoon King Charles III walked with Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin as he viewed 'The World Reimagined Globes' at the Central Library and Art Gallery in Leeds The royal appeared relaxed as he arrived for a reception with young leaders from across Bradford at Bradford City Hall (pictured left and right) King Charles meets Safiyyah Syeed at a reception with young leaders from across Bradford, at Bradford City Hall Crowds had gathered outside the city hall, with many waving union flags as they welcomed King Charles The King was shown around the HQ, where about 2,000 people work, by Morrisons chief executive David Potts. The firm set out a version of its trademark Market Street fresh food aisle in its main atrium and Charles took time to talk to butchers, fishmongers, florists and bakers, as well as apprentices working in these areas, as he voiced a liking for hake and plate steak. He also met some of the community champions, who work on projects around the country, based at Morrisons stores. The King told the Morrisons staff in his speech: 'It has been a great pleasure to meet at least some of you and to see what a remarkable operation is run throughout this country.' He said the work done by the community champions 'is so enormously heartening'. The King left Morrisons for further engagements in Bradford city centre and Leeds. Crowds had gathered to greet the King as he visited the head office of Morrisons in Bradford today The monarch unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit and shared a laugh with staff during the engagement On Wednesday, he will be joined by the Queen Consort for engagements in York and Doncaster, including unveiling a statue of his late mother at York Minster. He will also confer city status on Doncaster. Earlier this week,palace insiders disputed claims that King Charles had given his blessing to actor Dominic West, who plays a young Prince Charles in the new series of The Crown. West told the Radio Times that, after landing the role with the Netflix programme, he wrote to the palace offering to resign from his position as a charity ambassador for The Prince's Trust. West claimed he received a reply stating: 'You do what you like, you're an actor. It's nothing to do with us.' The royal was given a tour of the facility and met with The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, as well as the Chief Executive of Wm Morrisons Supermarkets, David Potts The royal appeared in high spirits during the outing today in what is his first engagement during a two day visit to Yorkshire However, palace insiders said 'recollections may vary'. They said the actor did indeed write to the King's office and received a letter back from a senior aide. But they said the reply did not offer any indication that the King approved of West's decision to take the role. A Palace source said: 'By relaying this anecdote about private correspondence, the implication is that His Majesty's office gave tacit agreement or condoned the programme in some way. This is not the case.' Buckingham Palace and the Prince's Trust declined to comment. It has also emerged Netflix will place a notice that The Crown is a 'fictionalised dramatization inspired by real events' upon it's release tomorrow. Charles, dressed in a smart grey suit, pink shirt and blue tie, was in high spirits as he arrived at the event, beaming as he was introduced to different members of staff at the office King Charles appeared to be in high spirits today as he visited the headquarters for supermarket giant Morrisons - hours before the release of the controversial fifth series of The Crown The US streaming giant plans to place a 'fiction warning' on the home page where viewers click to play episodes, which critics last night blasted as a fudge. Netflix has been under growing pressure to introduce a disclaimer for The Crown amid fury over its faked storylines based on the Royals. The Mail on Sunday previously revealed the fury of former Prime Minister John Major, who called the big-budget drama 'malicious nonsense' over bogus scenes in the latest series in which Prince Charles plots to force his mother the Queen to abdicate the throne. Friends of King Charles III called for a boycott over the scenes. Sir Tony Blair also revealed his anger over the show this week, with a spokesman calling The Crown 'complete and utter rubbish' over its fake storylines. Netflix has resisted calls for a disclaimer on episodes but recently included one on a trailer for the latest series, which is released on Wednesday. The end of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's marriage will be a main storyline in the new series. Pictured: Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki in character as Prince Charles and Princess Diana Royal expert Thomas Blaikie said: 'Netflix is trying to have its cake and eat it too. If it is going to finally put a disclaimer on, it should be at the start of every episode. As it gets nearer to the present day, it becomes more concerning when the series departs dramatically from what actually happened.' David Mellor, a cabinet minister under Major, said: 'The reality is that Netflix does not want people to think this is a total fabrication. They want people to watch it on the basis that there's a lot of truth in the story so anything that draws attention to the viewer that this is a pack of lies is not in their own best interest. 'By putting a disclaimer tucked away on the Netflix page they can claim that they are being clear to people that this is fictionalised when really they are not being clear at all.' Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith said: 'They should put a big warning right at the beginning in black and white stating that it is a fictionalised drama. Doing anything other than that is totally disingenuous.' The real-life Wolf of Wall Street Jordan Belfort's ex-wife has revealed that she 'walked away from their marriage with absolutely nothing' - after she was asked to turn over all of her valuables to the government following his arrest. Nadine Macaluso, 54, who is now a marriage counselor and family therapist in California, met Belfort at one of his parties in the Hamptons when she was 22 years old and working as a model. The two soon became engulfed in a whirlwind romance, tying the knot in 1991 and welcoming two children together, before they ultimately divorced in 2005 after 14 years of marriage. And according to the 54-year-old, when she decided to split from the financial crook, all she was left with was her 'curtains' - but she said she was happy to give up her life of luxury since it all came from Belfort's 'blood money.' The real-life Wolf of Wall Street Jordan Belfort's ex-wife claimed that she 'walked away from their marriage with absolutely nothing' after turning all her valuables over to the government Nadine Macaluso, 54, who is now a marriage counselor and family therapist in California, met Belfort at one of his parties in the Hamptons when she was 22 years old and working as a model The two tied the knot in 1991 and welcomed two children together, before they divorced in 2005, and after the marriage ended, Macaluso accused him of physical and mental abuse Now, she has revealed that all she was left with was her 'curtains' after the split - but added that she said she was happy to give up her life of luxury since it came from Belfort's 'blood money' Belfort spent 22 months in prison after it was brought to light that he had scammed more than 1,500 people out of thousands of dollars through an elaborate stockbroker scheme in 1999 - all while he was married to Macaluso. The former model, who later accused Belfort of physical and mental abuse, has now opened up about her tumultuous marriage to the criminal in a series of videos posted to TikTok, and she explained that she finally felt safe enough to leave him following his arrest. Belfort spent 22 months in prison after it was brought to light that he had scammed more than 1,500 people out of thousands of dollars through an elaborate stockbroker scheme in 1999 - all while he was married to Macaluso. They are pictured at their wedding in 1991 She added that as soon as his financial wrongdoings came to the surface, she no longer wanted the lavish things that he had purchased her. 'I asked him for a divorce [after the arrest] because I knew I could finally be safe because he had an ankle bracelet,' she said in the video, which has now been watched more than 357,000 times. 'Jordan was all about making money. However, right when he got arrested, I completely understood that it was all blood money. 'I walked away from my marriage with absolutely nothing. I always joke and I say I just took my kids and my curtains. 'I gave all the jewelry that I had to the government. We gave up all of our homes, all of our money. 'And that was the right thing to do. It was fine to walk away with nothing and it feels really good to say that.' Belfort and Macaluso's first interaction was showcased in the 2013 movie about his life, entitled The Wolf of Wall Street - which starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort and Margot Robbie as Macaluso (who was called Naomi in the flick), as well as Jonah Hill, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jon Bernthal, and Matthew McConaughey. Speaking out: The former model opened up about their tumultuous marriage in a series of TikTok videos, and she explained that she finally felt safe enough to leave him after his arrest New life: She added that as soon as his financial wrongdoings came to the surface, she no longer wanted the lavish things that he had purchased her In the flick, the two were seen being introduced by mutual friends at a party, after Belfort and his friends took a sedative called Quaalude. But when Belfort attempted to talk to his future-wife, his actions were overshadowed after his pal Donnie Azoff, who was played by Hill and was based on real-life stockbroker Danny Porush, unzipped his pants and started to touch himself - and Macaluso insisted that's how it really went down. 'So you guys have been asking, "How did you meet [Belfort], the Wolf of Wall Street?" Well it's actually pretty similar to the movie,' she explained in a previous TikTok. 'I was 22 years old and modeling, my boyfriend at the time said, "Do you want to go to the party in West Hampton at a house on the beach?" I was like, "Sure." 'We pulled up and I remember walking into the house. There were all these people and they were acting really weird. Little did I know, they were all Quaalude-d out, I had no idea. 'They were all there with their wives but they were making lewd and weird comments. 'That scene where someone exposes himself to me was true. I actually got terrified by that. I'm 22 and I said to my boyfriend at the time, "We have to leave this party," and we left right away.' Macaluso did not confirm who the person was who exposed themselves to her; While Hill's character in the movie was said to be loosely based on Porush, he has previously insisted that the fictitious version in the film 'is not him' and that he never engaged in many of the antics portrayed on screen. In another TikTok, Macaluso claimed that Belfort - who was married to his high school sweetheart, Denise Lombardo, at the time - became 'obsessed' with her following their first meeting. Belfort and Macaluso's story was showcased in the 2013 movie about his life, entitled The Wolf of Wall Street - which starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort and Margot Robbie as Macaluso According to the mom-of-two, the X-rated moment in the film, in which Jonah Hill's (pictured) character, Donnie Azoff, exposed himself to her and began to pleasure himself was totally real In another TikTok, Macaluso claimed that Belfort - who was married to his high school sweetheart, Denise Lombardo, at the time - became 'obsessed' with her after they first met 'After he met me he became totally obsessed with me,' she revealed. 'He had a white [Ferrari] Testarossa with this huge muffler, and it was so loud. 'I'd hear him when I had my Hamptons house driving by my house all the time. People say he was looking for me ever since he met me.' In the comment section of the video, a viewer asked Macaluso, 'Wait, so he stalked you?' to which she replied, 'Yes, totally.' Someone else said they 'couldn't decide' if it was 'romantic or scary,' and she answered, 'Both.' 'Oh man, that was definitely a first red flag,' wrote another user, and Macaluso agreed, writing, 'Truth.' In a fourth video, she spoke further about how their romance formed, and she said Belfort once bribed her friend with $15,000 to set them up on the date. 'What happened was that - a mutual friend of ours, he reached out to her and said, "You have to get Nadine to meet me on a date." He said to her, "I will make you $15,000 in stock,"' she recalled. 'So this woman kept calling and calling and calling me. I was like, "Why is this woman calling me to go out?" 'So finally I said yes, and she said, "Oh by the way, that guy Jordan is gonna come." And I was like, "Why is he coming?" Macaluso recalled thinking it was 'a little weird' especially because he was married, but she agreed to go - adding that she had no idea that it was meant to be a date. She continued: 'So sure enough, she picked me up and we went to this place Mezzaluna in Manhattan, he pulls up in his Testarossa wearing his cowboy boots and saunters over to the table and we just started talking. Opening up: She claimed that he'd drive by her home in the hopes of seeing her, something she now calls a major 'red flag' In the comment section, a viewer asked Macaluso, 'Wait, so he stalked you?' to which she replied, 'Yes, totally' Someone else said they 'couldn't decide' if it was 'romantic or scary,' and she answered, 'Both' 'Oh man, that was definitely a first red flag,' wrote another user, and Macaluso agreed, writing, 'Truth' 'And we had an amazing conversation because he was from Queens, I was from Brooklyn. We knew a lot of the same mutual people. I had no idea it was a setup. None.' Belfort drove her home and the next day, just like in the movie, she said she came home to hundreds of flowers filling her house. The mother-of-two added that she was 'very confused' about his marital status because he 'told her he was separated from his wife.' 'Looking back at it as a 54-year-old woman, I should have been a lot more inquisitive and really figured out exactly what his marital status was and not just simply believed him,' she added. While Macaluso said some things that happened in the movie were real - like Azoff's expose - she admitted that 'a lot of it wasn't exactly true.' 'I think if you look at it through [Belfort's] lens it was really accurate, but if you look at it through my lens, it wasn't,' she explained in a different video. 'That makes sense because that was actually how our marriage was.' The marriage counselor added that it was 'not fun' to have a movie 'made about her life,' but that she is now 'ready to share her side of the story.' 'I'm ready to share my side of the story and the wisdom I've learned along the way,' she stated. 'I am very ready now to tell my truth on exactly what happened through my experience, my narrative, and my lens as a mother, wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and most importantly a therapist and educated woman.' She told her followers to 'hold on tight' because she has 'a lot of great things to expose.' In a fourth video, she said Belfort (seen left in the movie and right in real life in 2018) once bribed her friend with $15,000 to set them up on the date Macaluso added that it was 'not fun' to have a movie 'made about her life,' but that she is now 'ready to share her side of the story.' She is seen left in the movie and right in real life She told her followers to 'hold on tight' because she has 'a lot of great things to expose' The mom-of-two also told her followers that Martin Scorsese's office called her before production kicked off and asked if she would meet with Robbie so that the actress could learn how to speak like her. She agreed to help, and flew to New York, where she went out to dinner with the movie star. 'She was 22, she was adorable, so sweet,' she recalled. 'In the middle of dinner she said to me, "I'm really scared of being naked and all the sex scenes." 'I said, "That's it right there. That fear that you feel about speaking your truth to powerful men, embody that and you'll do a great job." And you know what? She did, she was fantastic.' On the video streaming platform, Macaluso also reflected on the 'many signs' she 'ignored' during her relationship with Belfort. 'In the beginning of my relationship, whenever I would express a need or a desire or value that I wanted to hold a boundary with, he plowed through it,' she revealed. 'When I didn't want to have kids, he was like, "If you don't have kids I'm not gonna marry you." 'When I wasn't ready to get married he said to me, "If you're not gonna marry me I'm not gonna date you." He would not allow me to hold a boundary.' After they split, Macaluso accused Belfort of domestic violence, which she said was fueled by his drug addiction and infidelity Macaluso has since remarried; she has been with her new husband, John Macaluso, who has three kids from a past relationship, for 22 years now As for her and Belfort, she said they're 'still friends' and are focused on co-parenting their two kids After they split, Macaluso accused Belfort of domestic violence, which she said was fueled by his drug addiction and infidelity. '[Belfort] was abusive - emotionally and verbally abusive,' she told DailyMail.com in a 2020 interview, adding that his drug use 'ramped up' his 'viciousness and cruelty.' On TikTok, she said he had an 'extreme temper' from the start - which she admitted she 'didn't know how to deal with.' 'I grew up with a single mom and I didn't grow up with a lot of yelling in my home,' she told her followers. 'So when he first started to yell at me, I was really shocked and taken aback. I didn't know how to deal with it.' Macaluso has since remarried; she has been with her new husband, John Macaluso, who has three kids from a past relationship, for 22 years now. As for her and Belfort, she said they're 'still friends' and are focused on co-parenting their two kids. 'We're both strong personalities, but at the end of the day, we both love our children and he gets along great with my [new] husband,' she revealed. This is the moment a Christmas tree was craned into the King's country estate Sandringham House, as the new monarch began preparing for the year's festivities. Footage published by the Norfolk home on Instagram showed the tree being lifted by crane before it was lowered into the country grounds on Monday. The text on the video said: 'The team have been prepping and positioning the large Christmas tree in the courtyard today ahead of @luminateuk launching this weekend.' The tree was installed days after the King travelled to Sandringham, where the Royal Family has spent their Christmases since the 1980s, for the first time since the death of his mother on 8 September. Footage published by staff the Norfolk home showed the tree being lowered into the country grounds on Monday The tree was installed days after the King travelled to Sandringham, where the Royal Family has spent their Christmases since the 1980s, for the first time since the death of his mother on 8 September The news comes as Christmas furnishings and decorations will go up a day earlier than last year, the Royal Collection Trust confirmed. A statement from the organisation said: 'Dates for our popular Christmas displays have just been announced! 'Windsor Castle Christmas decorations will be on display from 24 November 2022 to 2 January 2023. 'Decorations at Holyrood Palace will be up from 1 December 2022 to 2 January 2023. In the clip, the enormous tree was erected ahead of the launch of the Christmas festivities at the estate (stock image) 'Special events in December include Christmas Exclusive Evening Tours for adults and a Christmas activity day for children. 'See our bio links for more details. Both displays are included with standard admission tickets.' Royal Christmases at Sandringham During the 1960s, when the Queen's children were young, many festive seasons were celebrated at Windsor, but since 1988, when the castle was rewired, royal Christmases returned to Sandringham. The Queen traditionally spent both Christmas and New Year at the estate, before leaving in February. She usually returned to London or Windsor on the anniversary of her father's death on February 6. Last year, a Royal insider told the Mail on Sunday the Sandringham estate was special 'not only because of all the fond memories of Prince Philip and the hard work he did to transform the estate, but also because its the very place where her father passed away'. Advertisement Members of the royal family usually spend Christmas at Sandringham, although the last few years had seen a change in routine due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the 1960s, when the Queen's children were young, many Christmases were celebrated at Windsor, but since 1988, when the castle was rewired, royal Christmases returned to Sandringham. The Royals have made Sandringham their base for Christmas and New Year since 1988, with the Queen traditionally returning to London or Windsor on the anniversary of her fathers death on February 6. However in 2020 and 2021, the Queen spend Christmas at Windsor. The Christmas tree was erected today as it emerged Prince Harry will not return to the UK to spend the first Christmas since Queen Elizabeth II died with his family amid controversy over his upcoming memoir, Spare. Sources close to the couple told The Mirror relations between Harry and wife Meghan and the rest of the royal family are 'near rock bottom' and they could decline an invitation to spend the festive period with Harry's family. The developments were evealed days after new details were revealed about Prince Harry's 'nuclear' memoir. Billed as a work of 'raw, unflinching honesty', the controversial book will be called Spare a 'loaded' reference to his position as the younger brother of the heir to the throne. Family members were not informed of the title in advance of the announcement, while the Spanish language version is even more pointed, having been given the subtitle En La Sombra, or 'in the shadow'. It had been hoped that relations would thaw somewhat after the Queen's death, but sources told The Mirror that the couple have 'no plans' to travel to the UK for Christmas. The Royals have made Sandringham their base for Christmas and New Year since 1988, however in 2020 and 2021, the Queen spend Christmas at Windsor The rest of the royal family were reportedly surprised at the memoir's title. Another source told The Mirror the book could spell 'the end' for any reconciliation efforts between the Sussexes and the royals: 'This book could spell the end for any relationship Harry wants to have with his family, it's desperately sad.' An initial release date had been pencilled in for 'late 2022' to capitalise on the lucrative Christmas market, but the book will not be on the shelves until January 10 said to be as a mark of respect following the death of the Queen, and, it is rumoured, due to last-minute alterations requested by the duke. A spokesman for the King declined to comment on the book. But it is understood that the Royal Household has already been warned that the 416-page, 28 book is 'critical of everyone and everything' and they are 'dreading' it. Among the grievances Harry may air is the decision to 'ban' him from wearing military uniform during the Queen's funeral. Following a series of reports about the issue, the Duke of Sussex's spokesman issued a pointed statement, which read: '[Prince Harry] will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother. 'His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.' Her numerous tattoos and long armpit hair were on full display at the event - something that is rare in the modeling industry. She has 'around 18' ink designs in total, including one of a cow, Donald Duck, and a rabbit She paired the look with an eye-catching silver belt, Kiko Kostadinov boots, and a Puppets and Puppets black purse, which had a giant chocolate chip cookie in the center of it The 22-year-old - who is the daughter of the Vice President's husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and his first wife, Kerstin - donned a black, silky gown with a V-neck made by the brand Khaite Advertisement Kamala Harris' model step-daughter, Ella Emhoff, flashed a rare smile on the CFDA Fashion Awards on Monday evening - as she showed off her long armpit hair and many tattoos in a sleeveless black dress. Ella, 22, was skyrocketed into fashion fame practically overnight after she wore a dazzling Miu Miu coat and a custom Batsheva dress to President Joe Biden's inauguration in January 2021 - and completely stole the show with the eye-catching look. She quickly went from an average college student to a style sensation after the event - and has since become well known for her funky sense of style, often wearing bright colors and clashing patterns and completely owning it. But when she headed to the CFDA Awards in New York City on Monday, she opted for a much more simple look in a black, silky gown with a V-neck made by the brand Khaite, which she paired with an eye-catching silver belt and Kiko Kostadinov boots. Dazzling: Kamala Harris' model step-daughter, Ella Emhoff, stunned on the red carpet at the CFDA Fashion Awards on Monday evening - as she showed off her long armpit hair and many tattoos in a sleeveless black dress Beauty in black: Ella, 22, who has become well known for her funky sense of style, opted for a much more simple look for the CFDA Awards, donning a black, silky gown with a V-neck made by the brand Khaite She paired the look with an eye-catching silver belt and Kiko Kostadinov boots The 22-year-old is the daughter of the Vice President's husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and his first wife, Kerstin Ella has plenty of inkings on her arms, including a dessert, a cow, Donald Duck, and a vase of flowers The 22-year-old - who is the daughter of the Vice President's husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, and his first wife, Kerstin - also carried a $475 Puppets and Puppets black purse, which had a giant chocolate chip cookie in the center of it. Happy: The model left her brown, curly hair loose around her face, and grinned from ear to ear as she posed on the red carpet Ella mingled with some of the industry's top stars at the event, which took place at Casa Cipriani in New York City - including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Kylie, Kendall, and Kris Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Irina Shayk, Bradley Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, Cher, Patti Wilson, Kerry Washington, Vanessa Hudgens, and Katie Holmes. The model left her brown, curly hair loose around her face, and grinned from ear to ear as she posed on the red carpet. Her numerous tattoos and long armpit hair were on full display at the event - something that is rare in the modeling industry. The college student-turned-catwalk queen appears to be a huge fan of body art, and she told the New York Times last year that she has 'around 18' in total - some of which her parents 'may not know about.' Some of her other ink designs include a cow, a rabbit, Donald Duck, a flower pot, a plate with eggs and bacon, and a cake that says 'boo' on it, among others. After catching the world's attention by stunning at the the inauguration last year, Ella, who was studying design at Parsons at the time, soon became a top model - signing with agency IMG, releasing her very own knitwear collection, attending the Met Gala, posing for well-known magazines like Vanity Fair and Vogue, and walking in shows for big brands like Balenciaga and Proenza Schouler. She was even present at the Vogue World back in September. Ella strutted her stuff on the catwalk at the event, and the fact asked to participate in the coveted show - which was hosted by Vogue editor Anna Wintour - alongside some of the modeling industry's most well known members showed that Ella has already been given the ultimate seal of approval in the fashion world. On top of all that, Ella was also named a style 'icon' at the 2022 Harper's Bazaar Icons & Bloomingdale's 150th Anniversary party that same month. And according to Ella, she never expected to gain so much fame. Inked up: Her numerous tattoos were on full display at the event - something that is rare in the modeling industry The college student-turned-catwalk queen appears to be a huge fan of body art, and she told the Times last year that she has 'around 18' - including a cow, a rabbit, Donald Duck, a flower pot, a plate with eggs and bacon, and a cake that says 'boo' on it Ella mingled with some of the industry's top stars at the event, which took place at Casa Cipriani in New York City - including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Kylie, Kendall, and Kris Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Irina Shayk, Bradley Cooper, Cher, and Katie Holmes She carried a Puppets and Puppets black purse, which had a giant chocolate chip cookie in the center of it She told People magazine that she was 'shocked' but 'incredibly honored' to have been given the title, especially since she admitted she still doesn't think of herself as a professional model. 'It's kind of shocking,' she told the outlet. 'This is an incredible honor and as someone who doesn't really think of herself like that it's nice reassurance. And it makes me check myself and the way I perceive myself... So exciting. 'I'm so grateful. For some reason, I feel like I'm seeing myself from the outside. It's a very interesting experience that I will never forget. I feel like every day it sinks in a little more. It's a slow process.' According to the star, she never expected to come so far in the fashion industry after being plagued with insecurities as a teen. Ella was skyrocketed into fashion fame after she wore a dazzling Miu Miu coat and a custom Batsheva dress to President Joe Biden 's inauguration in January 2021 - and completely stole the show with the eye-catching look She went on to sign with agency IMG, release her very own knitwear collection, attend the Met Gala, pose for well-known magazines like Vanity Fair and Vogue, and walk in shows for big brands like Balenciaga and Proenza Schouler And according to Ella, she never expected to gain so much fame. 'It's kind of shocking,' she told People. 'It makes me check myself and the way I perceive myself... I'm so grateful. It's a very interesting experience that I will never forget' 'Growing up, I never saw myself as someone stylish, at all,' she admitted to Elle. 'Obviously, I loved fashion and cared a lot about it. 'But I was really into doing my own thing and being really comfortable in my own body, you know? I never saw myself as a "fashion person." And I dont know if my classmates did either.' She told the outlet that she doesn't put too much thought into what she wears, and she simply puts on things that she 'feels good' in. 'If I had to describe my style right now, its not even a way of dressing. Its just wearing clothes that you feel good in, not really being influenced by what other people want you to be wearing,' she explained. 'Growing up, I never saw myself as someone stylish, at all,' she also told Elle . 'I was really into doing my own thing and being really comfortable in my own body, you know? I never saw myself as a "fashion person"' Dressing for herself: She told the outlet that she doesn't put too much thought into what she wears, and she simply puts on things that she 'feels good' in 'If I had to describe my style right now, its not even a way of dressing. Its just wearing clothes that you feel good in, not really being influenced by what other people want you to be wearing,' she explained Under fire: Ella received some backlash when she walked on Prabal Gurung's catwalk at New York Fashion Week earlier htis year, and bared her breasts for the entire audience to see (seen above) But that hasn't seemed to bring her down. When it comes to her future, she said she's living in the moment, and keeping her plans 'loose and open.' She is seen with her step-mom 'And also, not getting boxed in by what you used to wear, or what people think you would be wearing. Because its not the actual clothes youre wearing. Its the confidence you have, and the ability to live your life, in those clothes.' She previously told Vanity Fair that her dad has other plans for her - he wants her to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer like him, but she doesn't see that in her future. She is pictured with her brother, dad, and step-mother Ella received some backlash when she walked on Prabal Gurung's catwalk at New York Fashion Week earlier this year, and bared her breasts for the entire audience to see. But that hasn't seemed to bring her down. When it comes to her future, she said she's living in the moment, and keeping her plans 'loose and open.' 'What I like now could be completely different from what I like next season,' she explained to People. 'So I just like the process and the journey of it, and I've already got to walk for so many great designers like Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Proenza - those are already above and beyond my lists. The only way to make it in this industry is to keep a level head, keep expectations level.' She previously told Vanity Fair that her dad has other plans for her - he wants her to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer like him, but she doesn't see that in her future. 'My dad asks me very often, "So have you reconsidered law school?" and I keep saying, "Doug, not happening,"' she said. '"I'm going to leave it to you and I will be the artist."' Prosecutors raided the offices of the nation's largest bakery chain SPC Group on Tuesday as part of an investigation into alleged unfair practices of awarding business contracts to affiliates. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office probing the case obtained relevant documents from the headquarters and offices for allegedly violating a law that bans unfair business practices among the group's affiliates. The prosecution is also reportedly investigating new allegations of dereliction of duty on the group's executives. Prosecutors suspect the executives committed the unfair practice to make it easier for SPC Group Chairman Heo Young-in's children to take the wheel of the group. Affiliates of SPC allegedly helped the group's only listed affiliate, SPC Samlip, earn 41.4 billion won ($29.3 million) between 2011 and 2018 by unfairly awarding contracts to it, according to prosecutors. In 2020, the country's antitrust regulator fined SPC Group 67.4 billion won for the alleged violation. The regulator also referred three top executives of SPC, including Chairman Hur Young-in, to prosecutors for further investigation. (Yonhap) Advertisement Melania Trump broke cover as she stepped out to vote alongside her husband, former President Donald Trump, on Tuesday - in her first public appearance since August. Melania, 52, who has stayed largely out of the spotlight since her husband, 76, left office last January, stunned for the rare outing, donning a $1,990 gray and black Alexander McQueen pinstripe and checked wool-blend midi dress. The tight-fitting gown, which featured a black sleeveless top and a gray ruffled skirt, showcased her slim figure and left her toned calves on full display. She paired the look with $795 Christian Louboutin black pumps, and shielded her eyes with a pair of dark shades. She also carried a stunning Hermes Kelly handbag as she left the voting polls in Palm Beach, Florida, with her husband. Rare sighting: Melania Trump broke cover as she stepped out to vote alongside her husband, former President Donald Trump, on Tuesday - in her first public appearance since August Melania, 52, stunned for the rare outing, donning a $1,990 gray and black Alexander McQueen pinstripe and checked wool-blend midi dress Fashionable: She paired the look with $795 Christian Louboutin black pumps, and shielded her eyes with a pair of dark shades The former First Lady has stayed largely out of the spotlight since her husband, 76, left office last January But she decided to step back into the public eye on Tuesday to vote alongside her husband Melania carried a stunning Hermes Kelly handbag as she left the voting polls in Palm Beach, Florida, with Donald The purse's exact price is not known - since the exclusive brand is pretty tight-lipped when it comes to the costs of its bags However, a similar pocketbook is being resold on Sothebys for $30,500 The purse's exact price is not known - since the exclusive brand is pretty tight-lipped when it comes to the costs of its bags - but a similar pocketbook is being resold on Sothebys for $30,500. The tight-fitting gown, which featured a black sleeveless top and a gray ruffled skirt, showcased her slim figure The former First Lady and her husband, who wore a blue suit and red tie for the poll visit, walked side-by-side as they exited the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center on Tuesday morning. They both appeared in good spirits - with Melania cracking a bright smile as the two made their way to a waiting vehicle while surrounded by Secret Service men. Donald stopped to briefly speak to the hoards of camera men, photographers, and supporters who gathered outside. Ever since Donald left office in January 2021, Melania has kept a low-profile. She's only been seen at events a handful of times, and has mostly evaded paparazzi - while her husband has continued to make regular appearances. In fact, the last time she was pictured publicly was nearly three months ago, in August, when she was spotted leaving the John Frieda Salon in New York City. She kept it casual for the hair salon trip in a khaki sun dress with a brown belt around her waist. One day earlier, the mother-of-one looked all business when she was seen arriving at her and Donald's Manhattan apartment in a black power suit - while toting a $7,000 Chanel handbag. For that outing, she donned dark trousers, a white top, and a matching, unbuttoned jacket as she made her way into the building. Melania left her long, highlighted locks in loose waves around her face She wore minimal makeup for the outing, and her skin looked smooth and healthy Power couple: Melania and her husbandwalked side-by-side as they exited the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center on Tuesday morning Donald, for his part, wore a blue suit and red tie for the poll visit They both appeared in good spirits - with Melania cracking a bright smile as the pair made their way to a waiting vehicle while surrounded by Secret Service men Speaking out: Donald stopped to briefly speak to the hoards of camera men, photographers, and supporters who gathered outside Melania stood by his side as he addressed the crowds At one point, the two even grabbed hands, sharing in a tender moment outside of the voting station Quieter lifestyle: Ever since Donald left office in January 2021, Melania has kept a low-profile She's only been seen at events a handful of times, while her husband has continued to make regular appearances But she broke cover to vote in the midterm election The last time she was pictured publicly was nearly three months ago, in August, when she was spotted leaving a hair salon in New York (left). One day earlier, she was seen arriving at her and Donald's Manhattan apartment (right) The last time she was seen alongside her husband was at his ex-wife, Ivana Trump's funeral in July The last time Melania was seen publicly alongside her husband was at his ex-wife, Ivana Trump's funeral in July. Donald's daughter Ivanka Trump, 41, also stepped out to vote for the midterm elections - as she shared a snap of herself holding up an 'I Voted' sticker to her Instagram one day earlier Ivana, who was married to Donald from 1977 to 1992, died at the age of 73 on July 14, 2022, after she was found by a staff member 'unconscious and unresponsive' at the bottom of a set of stairs in her New York City townhouse. Days later, on July 20, hoards of her loved ones - including Donald and Melania - gathered at St. Vincent Ferrer Roman Catholic church for an emotional funeral service. Donald's daughter Ivanka Trump, 41, also stepped out to vote for the midterm elections - as she shared a snap of herself holding up an 'I Voted' sticker to her Instagram one day earlier. Unlike her step-mother, who dressed up to visit the polls, Ivanka dressed casually in a pair of blue jeans, a gray and black sweater vest - which had the popular Chinese design Yin Yang all over it - and a pair of white sneakers when she went to vote. 'Vote!' she captioned the photo, which showed her smiling at the camera and showing off her sticker while holding up a peace sign. Last week, it was reported by Axios that Donald's team was eying November 14 - the Monday after the midterm election - as the date that he'll announce his 2024 presidential bid. The outlet claimed that he 'plans to surf the GOP's expected post-midterm euphoria' to build excitement around his own attempt to retake the White House. Unlike her step-mother, who dressed up to visit the polls, Ivanka dressed casually in a pair of blue jeans, a gray and black sweater vest - which had the popular Chinese design Yin Yang all over it - and a pair of white sneakers when she went to vote Melania's outfit totaled more than $3,3285 This isn't the only Hermes bag that Melania owns, as she's been seen toting them around on a few occasions in the past She treaded carefully down the steps in her enormously high heels Melania and Donald seemed as close as could be during the poll visit The couple has been living at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, since they moved out of the White House last January The pair appeared as a united front while greeting their fans outside of the polls on Tuesday Last week, it was reported by Axios that Donald's team was eying November 14 - the Monday after the midterm election - as the date that he'll announce his 2024 presidential bid The outlet claimed that he 'plans to surf the GOP's expected post-midterm euphoria' to build excitement around his own attempt to retake the White House However, if Senate control isn't yet determined - potentially due to a run-off race in Georgia between Republican Herschel Walker and Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock, he may hold off, Axios added The former President came close to announcing a 2024 bid at rally in Iowa last week - which holds the nation's first presidential contest - and on the anniversary of his 2020 election loss 'And now, in order to make our country successful and safe and glorious - I will very, very, very probably do it again,' he said at the event. 'OK? Very, very, very probably. Very, very, very probably' He told the riled up Sioux City crowd to 'get ready' earlier this month, adding, 'That's all I'm telling you, very soon.' He and Melania are seen at the polls on Tuesday Only time will tell when the former President will announce his campaign However, if Senate control isn't yet determined - potentially due to a run-off race in Georgia between Republican Herschel Walker and Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock, he may hold off, Axios added. The former President came close to announcing a 2024 bid at rally in Iowa last week - which holds the nation's first presidential contest - and on the anniversary of his 2020 election loss. 'And now, in order to make our country successful and safe and glorious - I will very, very, very probably do it again,' he said. 'OK? Very, very, very probably. Very, very, very probably.' He told the riled up Sioux City crowd to 'get ready,' adding, 'That's all I'm telling you, very soon.' Cost-saving energy hacks may be putting our health at risk, an expert has warned. Millions of Britons are keeping their windows closed, turning the heating off and using log burners in a bid to save energy and keep bills down. But these actions increase exposure to pollutants such as those from cooking or burning wood according to Professor Catherine Noakes, a mechanical engineer at the University of Leeds. A lack of ventilation also drives up the chance of spreading illnesses, such as Covid and flu, and raises the risk of damp and mould, which can trigger respiratory infection. Professor Noakes, a member of SAGE who advised the Government on its pandemic response, told Britons to open their windows 'intermittently' and turn on extractor fans after showering and cooking to boost air turnover. The cost-of-living crisis is seeing Brits avoid making their homes colder so they don't need to turn the heating on amid warnings average annual bills will double to 2,500. With food, fuel and mortgage rates also soaring, many may be unwilling to run the risk of making their home colder. Professor Noakes, a member of SAGE who advised the Government on its pandemic response, told Britons to open their windows 'intermittently' and turn on extractor fans after showering and cooking to boost air turnover WHY IS VENTILATION IMPORTANT? Ventilation is the process of introducing fresh air into indoor spaces while removing stale air. Letting fresh air into indoor spaces can help remove air that contains virus particles and prevent the spread of infections such as Covid, flu and measles. Good ventilation has also been linked to health benefits such as better sleep and concentration and fewer sick days from work or school. When someone with a respiratory viral infection breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release small particles that contain the virus that caused the infection. While larger droplets fall quickly to the ground, aerosols containing the virus can remain suspended in the air for some time, including after an infected person has left the area. These particles may then be breathed in by others or can come into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth. In poorly ventilated rooms the amount of virus in the air can build up, increasing the risk of spread, especially if there are lots of infected people in the room. Source: UK Health Security Agency Advertisement Professor Noakes, who was speaking in a personal capacity and not on behalf of SAGE, said: 'I have a real concern that some of the things people are doing actually have a compounding effect. 'So if you are at home, for example, and you don't turn the heating on and you keep the window shut, not only have you reduced ventilation, but you've also created a condition where you might get more damp and mould, which has a knock-on effect of impacting your health.' Previous research by Professor Noakes suggested that being in a room with fresh air reduces the risk of catching Covid from airborne droplets by more than 70 per cent. This is because ventilation dilutes the particles containing Covid. But the benefits of fresh air also apply to other viruses, such as chickenpox, measles and influenza, which pose a higher risk in poorly ventilated spaces, she said. Professor Noakes said: 'We breathe about 14,000 litres of air every day. 'A lot of what we're exposed to comes from what we breathe. 'Around 90 per cent of the time we're indoors that might be your home, workplace, schools, transport and social settings. 'There is so much evidence that the quality of the air we breathe is really important for our health and ventilation is a really big part of that.' She said there are many ways in which ventilation can be improved at low or minimal cost. These include ensuring ventilation systems are well maintained and raising awareness about the importance of ventilation, Professor Noakes said. She said: '[When] you open windows intermittently, you can get some of that fresh air in without actually having a significant impact on your energy use. 'Making sure you open a window after you've had a shower or using an extractor fan in your kitchen when you cook can also help. 'You're only using it for short periods of time so you're not using much energy to provide ventilation.' Where improving ventilation is difficult, using air cleaning devices can be a low-energy way of improving indoor air quality, she added. Better ventilation in workplaces and schools is also associated with fewer illness absences, Professor Noakes said. Along with an international team of scientists, Professor Noakes is spearheading a campaign called World Ventil8 Day, which takes place on November 8 to raise more awareness about how building ventilation supports health and wellbeing. She said: 'It is critical to making buildings more resilient to health threats including our regular battles with the transmission of colds and flu around crowded indoor spaces.' Professor Noakes is on SAGE and sub-committee Environmental Modelling Group (EMG) and has conducted research into the spread of the virus. She warned in June 2020 that it was too soon to ease social distancing rules and that a person could catch Covid from someone four metres away in a poorly ventilated space. A drug for women with one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer has been given the green light for NHS use in England. Triple-negative breast cancer is responsible for one in four breast cancer deaths. But around 1,600 patients a year in England will now be offered pembrolizumab, which reduces the chances of the cancer progressing by 40 per cent. Research suggests the immunotherapy drug, given intravenously with chemotherapy before breast cancer surgery, can potentially lead to the disappearance of any detectable cancer. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) approved pembrolizumab for women with primary triple-negative breast cancer, where the cancer has a high risk of returning after treatment. Immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, brand name Keytruda has been approved for women with an advanced form of breast cancer after a previous rejection Helen Knight, interim director of medicines evaluation at drugs watchdog Nice, said: 'Triple negative breast cancer has a relatively poor prognosis and there are few effective treatments compared with other types of the disease. 'Today's draft guidance means that we have now recommended three new treatments for routine use in the NHS since June, helping to address this unmet need and giving hope of a longer and a better quality of life to thousands of people.' Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said: 'For far too long, patients with this type of breast cancer have faced the frightening reality of limited treatment options. 'This new treatment can potentially lead to any detectable cancer disappearing by the time of surgery, meaning patients will then possibly face less invasive, breast-conserving surgery.' Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for around 15 per cent of all breast cancer cases. It is more common in women under 40, black women and those with a mutation of the BRCA2 or BRCA1 gene dubbed the 'Jolie gene' because the mutation was carried by Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, who had a mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer. Pembrolizumab can completely wipe out breast cancer cells before surgery, so that some women no longer need a mastectomy but can keep their breasts and have a smaller operation to remove a lump instead. It is more common in women under 40, black women and those with a mutation of the BRCA2 or BRCA1 gene dubbed the 'Jolie gene' because the mutation was carried by Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, who had a mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer The drug also reduces the likelihood of triple-negative breast cancer coming back after treatment and spreading to other parts of the body, becoming incurable. That means it brings hope of more lives potentially being saved from the devastating disease. For those whose cancer does come back, this could take longer if they are on the drug, although no benefits have yet been found showing pembrolizumab helps people to live longer. The drug, which is also know as Keytruda and made by the company MSD, blocks a protein on the surface of certain immune cells in the body which makes cancer invisible to them. When the protein is blocked, these immune cells can detect and kill tumour cells. The NHS in England said it has struck a deal with the manufacturer to get pembrolizumab to breast cancer patients as soon as possible. The drug is set to be fast-tracked into the Cancer Drugs Fund, so should be available this month. Women will be given it every three to six weeks for around a year. This is the second new drug for triple-negative breast cancer to be made available on the NHS this year after Trodelvy was recommended for women with incurable cancer by NICE in June. NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard described the deal as a 'hugely significant moment for women', adding: 'It will give hope to those who are diagnosed, and prevent the cancer from progressing, allowing people to live normal, healthy, lives.' I had to cancel my dream wedding because I was diagnosed with cancer... now I'm free of the disease after taking this drug What is pembrolizumab and how does it work? What is pembrolizumab? Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy. It is also known by its brand name, Keytruda. You might have it as a treatment for: non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) melanoma skin cancer bladder cancer Hodgkin lymphoma You might also have pembrolizumab as part of a clinical trial for another type of cancer. How does it work? Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy. It stimulates the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. Pembrolizumab targets and blocks a protein called PD-1 on the surface of certain immune cells called T-cells. Blocking PD-1 triggers the T-cells to find and kill cancer cells. Source: Cancer Research UK Advertisement It was four months before Lauren Sirey was due to walk down the aisle that she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Suddenly, rather than worrying about the flowers being wrong or the caterer not turning up, she was having to cancel her wedding and start chemotherapy. On top of it all, she was facing the prospect of a mastectomy at the age of 31. But after starting a course of pembrolizumab in a clinical trial, the lump in her breast started to disappear and she felt more confident making the choice to have a lumpectomy instead. Miss Sirey, now 36, said: 'There was a lot of drama with losing 10,000 from the cancelled wedding and having to face being ill with breast cancer when I felt far too young. 'I felt having a mastectomy would be even more psychologically damaging, but the treatment made me feel more confident that I could have a lumpectomy. 'Now I just have a tiny scar under my armpit and you would never know I had breast cancer. 'More importantly, I feel lucky to know I have a reduced chance of the cancer coming back because of this drug.' The mental health nurse is now five years cancer-free and planning to celebrate with her fiance, 38-year-old account manager Craig Miller, in Las Vegas. The couple, who live in Godalming, Surrey, also plan to finally have their wedding either next year or in 2024. Miss Sirey recently ran a 10k race for a breast cancer charity. She said: 'This treatment helped me to make a full recovery and I am delighted to hear it has now been approved for use in the NHS.' Miss Sirey is going to Las Vegas next March and ran the 10k for breast cancer charity the Bennos Boobs Foundation. When Angela Clayton's doctor recommended a short course of antibiotics for her urinary tract infection, she was initially reluctant to take them. 'No one in my family is able to take antibiotics we all have bad physical reactions,' says the married 57-year-old care worker from Chepstow in Monmouthshire. Yet her GP was adamant without the tablets the risk was serious kidney damage. However, within hours of starting the medication, Angela developed a 'burning' sensation in her legs and feet. She also had muscle spasms 'that made my limbs jerk'. To try to dampen down this reaction to the drugs, doctors put her on diazepam (also known by brand name Valium), a benzodiazepine drug with a sedative effect, slowing functions in the body and brain. But within days, Angela had developed inexplicable symptoms. Now fully recovered, Angela works as a volunteer on the helpline one day a week. 'The telephone rings constantly with people in the same kind of situation as I was,' she says. A stock image is used above 'I had seizures where some or all of my body suddenly twitched or jerked, like I'd had an electric shock, and crippling stomach cramps,' she says. 'I could only lie in an embryonic position on the bed for hours. I also had days where I could not talk and was instead talking gobbledegook. I could only communicate by scribbling notes.' Soon Angela's skin started to shed and she developed problems with swallowing. Her weight plummeted from 12st to 7st 6lb over the ensuing months. 'Being 5ft 10in, it made me skeletal,' she says. But worst of all were the psychiatric symptoms, she says. 'I started to have suicidal thoughts. I wanted to live, but these intrusive, compulsive thoughts felt like they were driving me to kill myself. I was psychotic, gripped by fear, panic and anger.' Eight years on, Angela now knows that she was having a severely adverse reaction to the diazepam. But rather than taking her off the medication, her doctors tried to solve the problem by prescribing more. Angela was also referred to a psychiatrist, who prescribed the antidepressant mirtazapine for the psychological symptoms caused by the benzodiazepine. And her symptoms only worsened. 'I was falling apart in front of my family's eyes and mentally totally disturbed,' she says. In fact, the helpline run by the Bristol & District Tranquilliser Project established by Val Stevens, who herself struggled to come off prescribed benzodiazepines and advertised in the local press to meet others who shared her predicament is the only national helpline in the country. A stock image is used above But while doctors seemed convinced Angela had developed a psychiatric illness, her husband Aaron, 56, a musician and former care worker, felt they were wrong. Scouring the internet, he found a forum that supports people having problems with benzodiazepine drugs. Their symptoms were similar to Angela's and he decided to contact the Bristol & District Tranquilliser Project, an independent charity that runs a free telephone helpline accessible to anyone in the UK. He spoke to Ian Singleton, who joined the charity after he became the first person it helped following its launch in 1984. Ian's advice convinced Aaron that his wife's problems were indeed driven by the prescribed drugs and that she needed to come off them. But quitting this addictive medication proved to be Angela's biggest battle of all. 'I would be gripped by constant panic, anxiety and aphasia [difficulty speaking], as well as hair loss and seizures,' she says. 'There were brief periods when I felt normal but that would be for, say, only one day out of a whole three weeks.' But throughout the hellish year or so it took to get over the after-effects of quitting her medication, Angela and Aaron had weekly helpline support from the Bristol & District Tranquilliser Project. 'Ian reassured us things would get better, and kept saying: 'Keep going, you'll get through in the end,' ' says Angela. 'And on December 21, 2015, a year after that psychiatrist's visit, I woke up and all my symptoms had gone. It felt like a miracle.' Quitting this addictive medication proved to be Angela's biggest battle of all. 'I would be gripped by constant panic, anxiety and aphasia [difficulty speaking], as well as hair loss and seizures,' she says. A stock image is used above Angela's dreadful experience in trying to come off her medication is hardly unique. A 2019 report by Public Health England (PHE, now the UK Health Security Agency) concluded that nearly 12 million people about one in four adults in England are taking medicines for pain, depression or insomnia that they can find hard to stop. This staggering total included 7.3 million taking antidepressants and half a million on opioid painkillers for more than three years, for chronic conditions such as lower back pain (opioids aren't meant to be used for chronic pain). Other research has found more than a quarter of a million people take sleeping pills called Z-drugs (such as zolpidem) far beyond the recommended maximum of four weeks. The landmark PHE report came about only because of pressure from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Prescribed Drug Dependence supported by a campaign by Good Health. The report called for a national helpline and website to advise and support those with prescription medicine dependency. Three years later, nothing has been done. In fact, the helpline run by the Bristol & District Tranquilliser Project established by Val Stevens, who herself struggled to come off prescribed benzodiazepines and advertised in the local press to meet others who shared her predicament is the only national helpline in the country. But even this is under threat of closure because the local NHS is proposing to withdraw its financial support, saving just 65,000 in doing so. An NHS grant funds two-thirds of the project's 97,000 annual costs. The rest comes from charitable donations. The money pays for four members of staff. Together with three volunteers, they support up to 300 clients a year from across the UK. 'With counselling, we get people off the medication,' says Jane Hoyle, a psychologist who manages the service. 'Each case is individual. They vary in complexity from someone simply trying to withdraw from one benzodiazepine drug, to people being on various combinations of benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, antipsychotics and antidepressants, which they may have been taking for years.' While Angela quit abruptly and endured a year of debilitating after-effects most people are more likely to succeed by gradually tapering their dose, experts say. This means reducing the amount you take by ten per cent at a time, says Jane Hoyle. 'This is roughly once a month for benzos, once every six weeks for antidepressants, though you have to slow the reductions towards the end as the final withdrawals are more intense.' Dr Mark Horowitz, a clinical research fellow in psychiatry at North-East London NHS Trust, who has pioneered psychiatric-drug withdrawal research, told Good Health: 'Careful tapering is crucial, particularly towards the end, because even a tiny dose of a benzodiazepine or antidepressant has a significant effect on the brain.' He and his colleague, David Taylor a professor of psychopharmacology at King's College London have published a tapering protocol that sets out that patients should be tapered at the same proportion of their dose all the way through their dose reduction. 'So if someone is reducing by ten per cent each time, when they're taking a 10ml dose they should reduce it by 1ml and when they are down to taking only a 1ml dose, they should reduce it by only 0.1ml. That approach has now been taken up by the drug-treatment watchdog NICE [National Institute of Health and Care Excellence] in its guideline on tapering from benzodiazepines.' Jane Hoyle says tapering differs from one patient to another. 'And people can be with us for years on end. There's no support for these people, other than us.' In September, the Integrated Care Board (ICB) the NHS body that funds local healthcare announced it would stop the charity's funding in six months. 'It beggars belief,' says Jane Hoyle, adding that they got a temporary reprieve until late December after NHS health chiefs realised they were helping patients with prescribed drug dependency and not substance misuse. The irony for Bristol is that forthcoming new guidelines are expected to call on commissioners at ICBs across the country to fund similar new services. But the guidelines keep getting delayed. Dr Anne Guy, a psychotherapist from Hampshire and secretariat co-ordinator at the APPG on Prescribed Drug Dependence, says they have been delayed 'three times' this year. NHS England told Good Health the commissioning framework is imminent. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB, said it was 'rationalising contracts with local providers where there are existing alternative services in place' adding: 'We are undergoing an engagement process with Bristol Tranquilliser Project to understand the local need and the ICB will then consider next steps.' Now fully recovered, Angela works as a volunteer on the helpline one day a week. 'The telephone rings constantly with people in the same kind of situation as I was,' she says. 'Many were put on the drugs for relatively trivial things: antidepressants for relationship problems, or exam stress at university, or opioids for backache. 'These people are desperate and we are their lifeline. Some callers say they are thinking of taking their own lives. 'If they didn't have this service, I dread to think what it might mean for them.' A laser thats thinner than a matchstick could be an effective new way to treat an enlarged prostate, without affecting erectile function. The EchoLaser can be guided into place by ultrasound and will burn away excess prostate tissue without damaging nearby healthy cells. The procedure can be performed in less than 30 minutes under local anaesthetic. It offers a new approach for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which affects around 50 per cent of men aged 50 and over. The prostate, which is usually the size of a walnut, is located below the bladder and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate gets bigger with age, and in BPH it gets so big that it puts pressure on the bladder and the urethra. This can lead to frequent urination and difficulty starting to pee or trouble fully emptying the bladder. These symptoms can be distressing and interfere with quality of life. The EchoLaser can be guided into place by ultrasound and will burn away excess prostate tissue without damaging nearby healthy cells. The procedure can be performed in less than 30 minutes under local anaesthetic. A file photo is used above Treatments range from lifestyle changes, such as drinking less alcohol and caffeine (both of which can exacerbate symptoms) to drugs, including alpha blockers, which relax the muscle in the prostate gland and the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass more freely. Those whose symptoms dont respond to medication may be offered surgery to remove the excess prostate tissue. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for this, but can have unwanted effects, including erectile dysfunction and incontinence. It can also lead to retrograde ejaculation, where semen travels backwards into the bladder, leading to male infertility. This complication of surgery affects as many as 65 to 75 per cent of men, according to the NHS, and happens as a result of damage to the nerves and muscles between the bladder and prostate. EchoLaser, it is hoped, could offer a less risky option. It consists of an optical fibre, the width of two human hairs, which carry the laser light inside a fine needle which is around one-third of a millimetre in diameter. The needle is inserted through the perineum (the space between the anus and scrotum) and guided into position. Treatments range from lifestyle changes, such as drinking less alcohol and caffeine (both of which can exacerbate symptoms) to drugs, including alpha blockers, which relax the muscle in the prostate gland and the bladder neck, allowing urine to pass more freely. A file photo is used above When activated, a rotating ball of heat is created at the end of the needle, which heats and destroys the unwanted tissue. New research based on 38 men shows it to be effective and safe. All the patients were discharged within eight hours and, after one month, urinary flow had improved by a third, on average, and the amount of urine left in the bladder halved. The urologists from the University of Florence, who carried out the trial, reported in the journal Frontiers in Urology, said that there were no cases of retrograde ejaculation and all the men no longer needed the medication for enlarged prostate that they had been taking. Commenting on the research, Professor Raj Persad, a consultant urologist at Bristol Urology, said: Over the years, because of the potential side-effects of the traditional operation for BPH [i.e. TURP], which include bleeding, urethra and bladder neck scarring, various minimally invasive procedures have been devised. If the efficacy of this [EchoLaser] approach is as good as the others, it will be a major contender for BPH treatment being offered with the least inconvenience and potential side-effects for the patient. It may turn out to be a cost-effective treatment to an already financially challenged NHS. An extract of a berry from a dwarf pine tree may be as effective as medication for enlarged prostate, according to a study by medics from Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, published in Drugs & Aging. Researchers found that the extract of saw palmetto berries was as effective as an alpha-blocker drug at improving urinary flow and reducing the size of the prostate. It is believed the berry extract has an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to shrink the gland. Did you know? Dogs may smell stress from our sweat, recent research suggests a finding that could help train therapy dogs better. Researchers at Queens University Belfast took sweat samples from 36 participants before and after they did a maths quiz and found that dogs were able to identify between the participants relaxed and stressed scents, even when they didnt know the person. Stress sweat is released in response to cortisol and adrenaline (the stress hormones) by glands in the skin. Jabs of blood ease dry eyes Dry eyes can be treated using the patients own blood. Research suggests that injecting a few drops of platelet-rich blood into the tear glands of people with severe dry eye disease led to a 50 per cent improvement in tear production after three months. Dry eye affects up to 50 per cent of adults, and typically occurs when the lacrimal glands dont produce enough tears. In the study, reported in BMC Ophthalmology, researchers took blood from 28 patients and processed it to boost the concentration of platelets, which are rich in growth factors. The solution was injected into one eye, with the other eye acting as a control. Dry eye affects up to 50 per cent of adults, and typically occurs when the lacrimal glands dont produce enough tears Fish can protect brain from toxins Eating fish strengthens the blood- brain barrier a wall of specialist cells that stops harmful toxins linked with conditions such as dementia from entering the brain, say researchers at Nottingham Trent University and Queen Mary University of London. Fish and seafood contain a molecule called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which makes the brain barrier less leaky. Tests by the scientists on mice showed those with the highest levels of TMAO in their blood were less likely to have problems remembering or recognising things, the journal Microbiome reports. Twenty healthy children in England died of Covid during the first two years of the pandemic, official figures show. Health chiefs today held the statistics up as proof that youngsters face a 'very, very low' risk from the virus. It comes amid a never-ending row over whether Britain should approve vaccines for babies. Authorities have so far held out despite massive pressure, due to concerns that the benefits don't outweigh any potential risks. Children rarely get seriously ill with Covid and the majority are thought to have already been infected. Covid data for u-20s: The graph shows Covid confirmed (dotted red line) and estimated (solid red line) infections among under-20s in England, along with Covid deaths (black bars) and non-Covid deaths (blue bars) between March 2020 and December 2021 Everything you need to know about Covid vaccines for children Which children can get the vaccine? All children aged 5 and over can get a first and second dose of a Covid vaccine. They are given either jabs by Pfizer or Moderna. Over-5s with a severely weakened immune system can get a third dose. High-risk children can also get booster jabs, if needed. But vaccines have yet to be approved for under-5s. Do children get ill with Covid? Most children only experience mild symptoms after being infected with Covid. Just one in 300,000 children who test positive for Covid die, according to UK Government data. And the risk of being hospitalised and getting admitted to ICU is similarly low. But the risk is higher to children with serious underlying conditions. Doesn't the vaccine have complications? One of the main fears is that the vaccines have been linked to cases of myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle. But experts insist the majority of cases are mild, and that rates in Britain are lower than in Israel and the US, where concerns were first sparked. The virus itself can also cause the condition. Covid vaccines approved for use in the UK have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. They can cause some side effects in children, but not everyone gets them. Any side effects are usually mild. Advertisement Researchers at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) trawled through data on all 6,790 deaths that occurred among under-20s in England between March 2020, when the virus reached Britain, and December 2021. This included 185 among people who died within 100 days of testing positive for the virus. Fewer than half (81) died directly because of the virus, according to results published in the journal PLOS Medicine. This means Covid was, in total, responsible for 1.2 per cent of all the deaths. The figure is slightly lower than the number of under-nines who die in accidents per year in England and Wales (90), according to separate data from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Of the 81 Covid deaths, three-quarters had underling conditions that put them at higher risk, such as neurodisabilities and immunocompromising conditions. Twenty had none. Marta Bertran, a UKHSA epidemiologist, and team estimated that just 0.7 out of every 100,000 youngsters who got infected died. This figure the equivalent of one in every 143,000 will be higher among those at risk. They warned that one of the current metrics to measure Covid deaths those that occurred within 30 days of a positive test 'substantially overestimate fatalities' in children and young people. The researchers said: 'These findings confirm that death due to Covid remained rare in children and young people even as new variants of the SARS-Cov-2 virus emerged. 'They also highlight which children might be at greater risk of Covid death, which could help inform parents, clinicians and policymakers about prevention through vaccination, for example, and seeking early treatment.' They added: 'With the implementation of Covid vaccination for adolescents and, more recently, for 5 to 11-yea-olds, it is hoped that those at increased risk will be protected against severe and fatal Covid.' Study co-author Professor Shamez Ladhani, paediatric infectious diseases specialist at St George's Hospital in London and an epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: 'Our national surveillance in England continues to show a very very low risk of death due to Covid in children and teenagers, with most fatalities occurring in those with multiple and life-limiting underlying conditions.' It comes as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is assessing an application from Moderna to approve its vaccine for children aged six months to five-years-old. Officials claimed the jab won't be approved unless it meets 'stringent standards of safety, quality and effectiveness'. The US and EU have already approved the vaccine for the age group. But only over-fives can currently get Covid vaccines in the UK. Some experts, such as the University of Bath's Dr Kit Yates, have argued that children should be given the vaccine to avoid infection, long Covid and time off school. However, other leading experts say the risk to children after recurrent waves of infection that have infected virtually all of them is so low that it's not worth offering them a jab. They say the tiny risk of harm from the vaccine outweighs the benefit of immunising them and a rollout to younger groups would be 'unnecessary'. A Michigan health system is barring children under five from visiting its hospitals amid an outbreak of respiratory viruses on pediatric wards. Corewell Health East, which operates 22 clinics across the state, will only allow young kids in if a family member is very unwell - or there is an end-of-life situation. It comes as 13 schools in Alabama switched to remote learning amid a severe outbreak of seasonal illnesses. Children five and younger are particularly vulnerable to the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) both of which are surging across Michigan and the US. There has been a 500 per cent jump in positive tests for respiratory viruses among minors at Corewell in recent weeks - suggesting hospital spread. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 7,119 new RSV infections during the week that ended on October 29 - up from less than 2,000 in August. Just over 7,500 cases of influenza were also reported nationwide that week up from just a few hundred in August. The unseasonably early and aggressive surge has filled pediatric hospitals across the country - with 78 per cent of the beds are occupied US-wide, and 72 per cent in Michigan. Americans are thought to be particularly at risk of severe disease this year because stay-at-home orders robbed them of exposure to healthy germs. Corewell Health East is barring visitors under five from its 22 hospitals amid a surge of RSV and the flu. The hospital reports a 500 per cent increase in pediatric respiratory illnesses in recent weeks. Young children are especially vulnerable to viruses like RSV Slide me The flu has rapidly spread across America in recent months, with the number of states experiencing 'high' flu activity increasing from two during the week that ended on October 8 to 11 during the week that ended October 29 Cases of influenza are fast-rising in the US according to CDC data, eclipsing the 7,000 mark during the final week of October Confirmed PCR cases in the US peaked two weeks ago, but test positivity increased to 18.9 per cent this week, a point the figure has not reached in the past two years. This signals that cases are rising even as official figures fall 'We're seeing an unprecedented number of patients in our emergency departments and upper respiratory infection caused by RSV,' Dr Matthew Denenberg, chief of pediatrics at the hospital system told ABC. 'It's been a really early and severe year for RSV. Worse than any other year that I've seen. I've been doing this 20 years.' The CDC reports that up to 500 children in America die from RSV each year. Entire Alabama school district of 5,000 students switches to remote learning amid influenza outbreak Thirteen schools in Alabama have switched to remote learning amid a surging flu outbreak, with virus hospitalizations in the state three times higher than normal. The Marshall County school district said it was suspending in-person teaching for four days. The closures will 'mitigate the spread of the virus', according to the school which said it can't stay open due to rising teacher absences. Last week CDC data revealed America is facing its worst flu crisis in a decade with seventeen states already recording 'high' or 'very high' levels of the disease. The move will see more than 5,000 elementary and high school students forced to complete their lessons at home rather than in the classroom. Students will have to log on to the school system from home to access their lesson materials. Some parents have already raised concerns, suggesting their child does not have access to a computer at home. Advertisement In young children, an infection can often cause pneumonia or inflammation of airways in the lungs. These are potentially deadly symptoms. Health officials have long warned that this year's flu season would be more brutal than years past. Common viruses like the flu largely disappeared during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, as masking and social distancing prevented spread. They are roaring back this year, though, as many do not have the necessary immune protection to fight off the virus. Some have even warned of a 'tripledemic' as the flu, RSV and COVID-19 all usually reach their peak at the end of the year. Confirmed RSV cases reached 9,832 during the week that ended on October 22, according to the CDC. While weekly figures have since declined, the jump in test positivity signals the true amount of cases is rising. Test positivity is considered a more accurate measure of an outbreak because it accounts for fluctuations in the numbers of tests carried out. The 18.9 per cent test positivity rate is the highest of this season so far - growing from only 15 per cent last week, and is higher than it was at any point in the last two years. The flu is surging across America for the first time since Covid hit as well, with the US south being slammed the hardest. According to the CDC, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee are all reporting 'very high' levels of influenza activity - as of most recent data from October 29. In Tennessee, 8.7 per cent of outpatients at hospitals in the state are showing flu-like symptoms - shattering the CDC baseline of 3.1 per cent as an acceptable level. Alabama's figure eclipsed 10 per cent during the final week of October - tripling from three per cent only two weeks earlier. According to official state data, outpatients showing flu-like symptoms peaked at around five per cent at the end of 2021. The outbreak reached such a point in north Alabama that the Marshall County school district - which includes 5,000 students across 13 schools - went into remote learning this week. South Carolina is recording exorbitantly high rates of flu-like symptoms as well. Just under 11 per cent of outpatients in the Palmetto state are displaying flu-like symptoms. The CDC is also reporting 'very high' flu activity in Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas and North Carolina. While other viruses surge, COVID-19 cases have remained flat in recent weeks - even as the cold weather months - that usually brought in a fresh a surge in previous years - arrive. The US is currently recording 40,000 new infections each day, a six per cent increase over the past two weeks. America is suffering 300 daily deaths from the virus as well, a 15 per cent fall across 14 days. A BBC journalist ended up in hospital after failing to spot her own sepsis just weeks after highlighting the issue on TV. Sarah McMullan required emergency treatment and was left 'very unwell' after developing the life-threatening condition. In September, Miss McMullan, 30, interviewed sepsis survivor Kimberley Bradley, who was in a coma for eight days after being struck down with the illness. But Miss McMullan, from Glasgow, has now revealed that just weeks after conducting the interview, she was affected by the same condition. Sarah McMullan required emergency treatment and was left 'very unwell' after developing the life-threatening condition Re-sharing the clip on social media, she said: 'A month after doing this interview, I ended up very unwell with sepsis myself. 'Resulting in an A&E visit, a week in hospital and a couple more weeks of tablets and rest. 'If you suspect sepsis, don't hesitate to get help. I should've acted sooner.' She told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme: '[Miss Bradley] spoke through all of the symptoms and what to look out for and what to remember and when to get help and I did not remember them well enough.' Sepsis occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection and starts damaging tissue and organs. In the initial interview, broadcast on the BBC Scotland's The Nine programme, Miss Bradley described the 'five key' symptoms of sepsis. She said: 'To be honest I hadn't really heard of sepsis before. I wasn't aware of the symptoms to look out for. 'I didn't know how common it was. I was 39, I was active and actually the healthiest I've been and yeah, it really hit me out of the blue. 'The five key symptoms of sepsis are cold and blotchy skin, confusion, not passing as much urine as possible and uncontrolled shivering. 'I had quite a lot of those and if you have any of these that are starting to deteriorate then you really need to get urgent medical attention because they are symptoms of sepsis.' She told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme: '[Miss Bradley] spoke through all of the symptoms and what to look out for and what to remember and when to get help and I did not remember them well enough' Re-sharing the clip on social media, she said: 'A month after doing this interview, I ended up very unwell with sepsis myself. Resulting in an A&E visit, a week in hospital and a couple more weeks of tablets and rest' Slurred speech, dizziness and fainting, breathlessness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, muscular aches and a fast heartbeat can also indicate sepsis, according to the NHS. Without rapid treatment, the condition can lead to organ damage and death. Harry Potter star Robbie Coltrane, who died last month at the age of 72, was reportedly suffering from sepsis among other conditions at the time. Sepsis Awareness Month took place in September and sought to raise awareness of the main sepsis symptoms and the dangers of the condition. Colin Graham, chief operating officer of Scottish charity Sepsis Research FEAT: said: 'We are sorry to hear Sarah developed sepsis just a month after interviewing sepsis survivor and Sepsis Research FEAT supporter Kimberley Bradley. 'This highlights the importance of sharing sepsis stories to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of this life-threatening condition. 'We are glad to hear that Sarah got the medical help she needed and we hope that she continues to do well in her recovery.' In April, scientists from the University of California revealed they have developed a blood test that could stop sepsis in its tracks. A major cause of organ damage from sepsis occurs due to blood clots. The new test detects early signs of clotting, by identifying the proteins responsible for blood clot formation early on. This could save vital time in the diagnosis of sepsis and boost chances of recovery. It is hoped the method could become part of routine blood tests in the near future. NHS England is investigating a 'potential serious incident' after giving the wrong type of flu vaccine to some over 65s. A 'small number' of people who have received an autumn flu jab have mistakenly been given a standard egg culture influenza vaccine (QIVe), which is known to be less effective. NHSE said everyone affected will be contacted and given an opportunity to get another type of vaccine if they want but assured that 'there is no clinical risk' to the QIVe vaccine and that it still provides some protection. It was unable to confirm the number of people affected as it said some cases where a QIVe jab was recorded were due to reporting errors. A 'small number' of people who have received an autumn flu jab have mistakenly been given a standard egg culture influenza vaccine (QIVe), which is known to be less effective NHSE has so far delivered 15million flu vaccines in total to over 65s and other priority groups. NHSE's investigation was laid bare in a letter sent out by NHS England's South East regional team, titled: In confidence: potential serious incident in the flu programme. It said: 'The NHS regional direct commissioning team are investigating reported administration of QIVe flu vaccine to patients aged 65 years or older by a number of primary care providers (primary care and pharmacy) across the region. 'QIVe is not recommended for use in this age group due to its poor effectiveness.' It said officials were contacting practices and pharmacists directly where there was a record of QIVe vaccine having been given to the older age cohort to identify whether this is a recording coding error, or a genuine administration of QIVe. Initial investigations 'suggest a mixture of both', it said. Six different vaccines are being used in the flu vaccine rollout. Quadrivalent Infuenza Vaccine, made by French pharmaceutical company Sanof Pasteur, is authorised for everyone over six-months-old. Supemtek, made by the same company, is on offer to all over-18s. FluenzTetra, from Covid vaccine maker AstraZeneca, is available to those aged two to 18 and Infuvac sub-unit Tetra, made by US-based Viatris, is being offered to those aged over six months. Two of Australian flu vaccine maker Seqirus' vaccines are being used it's Cell-based Quadrivalent Infuenza Vaccine for over-twos and its Adjuvanted Quadrivalent Infuenza Vaccine for over-65s The letter, seen by HSJ, added: 'If any patient 65 or over has received QIVe, we will be asking the practice or pharmacist to treat this as an incident. Patients will need to be contacted, informed of the error, its potential implications and offered the opportunity to receive a vaccine which is appropriate for their age group. 'We are aware this situation is replicated nationwide and the General Pharmaceutical Council has been informed.' The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommends that if aQIV and QIVr are not available, QIVc is an acceptable alternative influenza vaccine for over 65s, and notably, 'preferable' to QIVe. Every year primary care has to order the vaccine ahead of JCVI guidance, so sometimes providers will have ordered slightly different versions of the vaccine, according to NHSE. An NHS spokesman said: 'While this issue was found to be mainly a result of data being recorded inaccurately, there is no clinical risk to the small number of patients affected and all providers have been asked to contact those impacted.' NHSE said it 'remains vital' that anyone who has been invited for an NHS flu jab comes forward and books as soon as possible - either through your GP, local pharmacy or at one of the hundreds of sites now on the new National Booking Service. This type of toad secretes a psychedelic drug called bufotenin, which some use Americans are being warned by a federal agency to stop licking toads to get 'high'. The National Park Service (NPS) issued the bizarre warning on its Facebook page last week. It said the Sonoran desert toad secretes an extremely potent toxin that can make a person sick or 'poison your mouth'. Bufotenin, or 5-MeO-DMT, is a potent hallucinogenic found on the skin of the toad, as well as in some mushrooms and plants. Shamans throughout Mexico and the southwestern US have been harvesting and smoking the substance for decades. But it has grown in popularity in recent years with legendary boxer Mike Tyson opening up about his experiences on the Joe Rogan podcast this year. Other notable users include Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, who said the 'profound experience kept him sober for a year. The liquid is extracted by milking the toad's toxic venom glands and then dehydrating it into a crumbly dry paste. But the NPS is concerned that as the drug becomes increasingly popular, people may turn to physically licking the Sonoran toad. The animal is found in southern Arizona, as well as parts of California and New Mexico and western Mexico. The National Park Service warned park goers in Arizona to avoid Sonoran desert toads, and even to avoid licking them The Colorado River toad secretes a toxin bufotenin that gives users an extreme, yet short lived, psychedelic high (file photo) Mike Tyson (left) famously said that he felt like he 'died' after using toad venom for the first time. He has since used the drugs dozens of times since. Hunter Biden (right) said the 'profound experience' of using the drug helped him get sober '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. Thank you. Toot!' the NPS wrote in a Facebook post. The Sonoran desert toad - also known as the Colorado River toad - is one of the largest toads native to North America. It secretes the white milky substance bufotenin as a defense mechanism. Pharmacologists had known the Sonoran desert toad could make 5-MeO-DMT, but it wasn't until 1983 that a reclusive artist named Ken Nelson drove to the Sonoran desert, milked a toad, dried the poison on his van's windshield and smoked it. Bufotenin: The psychedelic drug that comes from TOADS The Sonoran Desert toad, also known as the Colorado River toad, emits a toxic substance called bufotenin. The milky, white, substance is used a defense mechanism for the animal. It is so potent that it can kill a fully sized dog and cause severe effects to a human who uses it. Humans who use the drug experienced a significant, severe, high that lasts around 30 minutes. Mike Tyson described it as so intense that he felt like he had 'died'. Licking the back of the toad can lead to a person ingesting the toxin and getting the high. The National Park Service warns against touching or licking the frogs. Advertisement The drug - which is about five times more potent than its better-known cousin DMT (dimethyltryptamine) - has only grown in popularity ever since. It can be inhaled, smoked or snorted and users will often experience a very strong psychedelic high that last around 30 minutes. It works by blocking serotonin in the brain, sometimes known as the 'cuddle hormone'. Bufotonin also heavily constricts blood vessels and raises a person's blood pressure. Individuals that have taken the toad venom described their trips as being one with the universe and feeling 'reborn' one user said they felt 'a total fusion with God' while under the influence. Users experience bright colors, moving environments, or recursive patterns. According to researchers, the drug often leaves users immobile and unresponsive, and can cause intense emotional reactions, euphoria, convulsions, and vomiting. 'These toads have prominent parotoid glands that secrete a potent toxin,' the NPS warns. 'It can make you sick if you handle the frog or get the poison in your mouth.' The Oakland Zoo warns the toxin is so potent that it can kill a full grown dog and cause significant harm to humans. Bufotenine is federally considered to be a Schedule I drug, making it illegal for a person to buy, sell or possess. Actual reported cases of people licking the toads themselves in Arizona are limited. There is a growing trend of people using extracted forms of bufotenine to get a high. Mr Tyson said at a conference last year in Miami that he had used the drug at least 53 times, which his first trip being the strongest. 'I did it as a dare I was doing heavy drugs like cocaine, so why not? It's another dimension. Before I did the toad, I was a wreck,' he told the New York Post. He described the experience as feeling like he had 'died'. Mr Tyson said it exposed that he had low self-esteem by stripping away his ego. He then said on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast earlier this year that his toad venom experience convinced him to get back in the ring in his mid-fifties. In his 2021 memoir, Hunter Biden wrote that he had used the toad venom as a tool to treat his drug addiction and alcoholism after while he traveled to Mexico in 2014. 'It was a profound experience. It connected me in a vividly renewed way to everyone in my life, living or dead,' he explained. 'Any division between me my Dad, my mommy, Caspy, or Beau vanished, or at least became irrelevant.' Hamilton Morris, an American journalist who has investigated use of psychedelic drugs throughout his career called the trend worrying. Mr Morris told The Joe Rogan Experience last year that so many celebrities promoting use of the drug could endanger the animals. 'For conservation purposes its necessary that people stop milking toads,' he explained. 'Its become too popular if a celebrity said they like something that can have a tangible effect on the environment.' The species is considered to be 'endangered' in California and 'threatened' in New Mexico. A manufacturing plant of Samsung Electronics in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Korea Times file Park & charge? Not likely! A new report has found that fewer than half of all commuter car parks have at least one electric car charger Fewer than half of all commuter car parks in Britain have an electric vehicle charging point, according to a new investigation. Just 44 per cent of all large business parks, popular train stations and park & ride locations in major cities were found to offer charging facilities, in the latest damning report on the nation's lacking public infrastructure. The research uncovered that of the 12,000 parking spaces checked, less than one per cent had an EV chargepoint. The investigation was carried out by the Electric Car Scheme in its inaugural Commuter Car Park Report - yet another piece of research highlighting the UK's desperate need for more to be done to help motorists make the switch to electric vehicles, ahead of the 2030 ban on sales of petrol and diesel cars. With over a third of properties in the UK not having off-street parking, millions of future drivers will depend on being able to charge their cars at public devices. However, this latest report proves that boosting batteries while at work or travelling into cities isn't currently a viable option. With fewer than 36,000 public charging devices currently operational in Britain, the Government is facing intensifying pressure to provide funding and support for local authorities to install thousands more. MPs have pledged to have 300,000 public charging points in place and usable by 2030, but currently only around 875 a month are being added to the infrastructure. In order to meet its ambitious target by the end of this decade, the Government needs to increase the average rate of device installations to 3,015 per month - a monumental uplift of 245 per cent. The Electric Car Scheme found that commuter car parks in Scotland offered more charging points to EV owners than those in England, with 60 per cent of sites in Scotland having at least one device, compared to 44 per cent in England and just 25 per cent in Wales. This mirrors the overall statistics for chargepoint availability in the UK, with Scotland enjoying 60 charge points per 100,000 people well above England's 53. That said, a recent BBC investigation over a two-month period found that a quarter of chargepoints in Scotland were faulty, with EV owners unable to use them. A staggering 56% of all large business parks, popular train stations and park & ride locations were found to offer no charging facilities. It's the latest damning report for the nation's public EV charging infrastructure Thom Groot, co-founder of the Electric Car Scheme, said the infrastructure needed to move much faster in order to meet the UK's net zero goals. 'It's worrying that only one per cent of public car spaces in commuter belts offer charging points, when currently 16 per cent of new cars sold are electric,' he said. 'Fossil fuel car infrastructure has had a century-long head-start, so we need everyone to pitch in to help make the switch as smooth as possible. 'People who run park & ride stations or business parks should consider introducing new charging infrastructure. 'And the Government should move urgently to extend the tax benefit that currently makes leasing new electric cars attractive for employees which is currently set to run out in 2025. 'Germany has guaranteed its similar rate until 2030, giving those signing up for multi-year leases a lot more certainty as they are the first into the water while infrastructure is not fully up and running. Why can't the UK do the same or better?' Last week, Zap-Map published results of its annual charging networks satisfaction survey - the biggest and most informative of its kind for EV drivers in the UK. Fastned and MFG EV Power scored the joint highest scores, which was based on the feedback from 4,300 owners of battery-powered vehicles. At the opposite end of the spectrum, it was bad news for two of the biggest oil giants, with BP and Shell - both of which recently announced soaring profits - seeing their networks slip towards the bottom of the league table. The maker of Marlboro cigarettes will snap up the Swedish manufacturer of smoke-free tobacco products for 14billion after Elliott Management backed the deal. Philip Morris International will take control of Swedish Match, having secured approval from 83 per cent of its shareholders. Activist investor Elliott had built a 10.5 per cent stake in the Stockholm-based business and initially opposed the offer. Buyout: Philip Morris International will take control of smoke-free tobacco firm Swedish Match, having secured approval from 83% of its shareholders But it is now believed to have offered up its shares to Philip Morris, paving the way for the takeover to proceed. Swedish Match makes alternatives to cigarettes, including snus, a tobacco product placed between the upper lip and gum. The business also sells tobacco-free nicotine pouch Zyn. Philip Morris is picking up the business as it looks to move away from cigarettes to so-called next generation products to create a smoke-free future. Buying Swedish Match will also give it a foothold in the smoke-free tobacco market in the US, where the Swedish firm is a major player. Sister Sanna Seif believes he could be on next flight home if PM makes it priority Alaa Abd El-Fattah, 40, has spent most of the past decade behind bars in Egypt Stressed his 'deep concern' about the case and hopes to see it resolved quickly Rishi Sunak has met with the Egyptian President to call for the release of a British political activist, as the dissident's sister says her family is 'pinning their hopes' on the Prime Minister's efforts. Alaa Abd El-Fattah, 40, 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. Sanna Seif has travelled to Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt - where the Cop27 summit is taking place - as she works to highlight the plight of her brother, who is on hunger strike in prison. She said she believes her brother could be on the next flight to London if Rishi Sunak makes his case an 'urgent political priority'. 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 yesterday. 'The Prime Minister said he hoped to see this resolved as soon as possible and would continue to press for progress,' Downing Street said. 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 (pictured) Detained writer Alaa Abd El-Fattah (pictured) 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 His sister Sanaa Seif (pictured) said her family is 'pinning our hopes' on the Prime Minister's efforts to help 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-Fattah's 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'. 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, we're 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. Mr Abd El-Fattah, a father, has been on partial hunger strike in prison, eating only 100 daily calories for the past 200 days In his letter to Mr Abd El-Fattah's family, Mr Sunak described Cop27 as 'another opportunity to raise your brother's case with the Egyptian leadership' Speaking to BBC Radio 4's World At One programme, she suggested 'hecticness' in UK politics had hindered work on her brother's 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 weren't 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. We've been warning them that this is coming.' Friend and actor Khalid Abdalla said the possibility Mr Abd El-Fattah could die during the Cop27 summit is 'a terrifying prospect'. The Crown star likened Mr Abd El-Fattah to suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, saying he represents the 'progressive fight in Egypt'. Mr 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 friend's detention is 'completely absurd'. Friend and actor Khalid Abdalla (pictured) said the possibility Mr Abd El-Fattah could die during the Cop27 summit is 'a terrifying prospect' Ms Seif (pictured centre) said: 'I really believe that if he makes this an urgent political priority, my brother will be on the next flight to London' He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'The actual reason technically for him being in prison is for sharing a Facebook post, it's 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 added: 'All 120 world leaders are descending on Sharm El-Sheikh right now. If all of them can't result in Alaa being released from prison, then what hope have we got of saving the climate?' In his letter to Mr Abd El-Fattah's family, Mr Sunak described Cop27 as 'another opportunity to raise your brother's 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 Alaa's release, and we're imploring Rishi Sunak and UK officials to urgently follow through on this with the Egyptian authorities. 'The Prime Minister mustn't return from Egypt without having secured Alaa's release and a firm commitment that he be allowed to safely leave the country.' Fetterman suffered a stroke six months ago which drastically impaired his speech - a worry for many voters The most recent poll on Monday night placed Oz ahead but only by 0.1 percent after weeks of back and forth The Senate race between Mehmet Oz (R) and John Fetterman (D) is one of the tightest across the country It ruled that any ballots that weren't correctly dated would be ruled invalid - sending thousands into a panic Voters in Pennsylvania lined up for hours last night to correct voided mail-in and absentee votes before today Advertisement Pennsylvania voters lined up for hours last night to fix voided mail-in and absentee ballots in a last-ditch effort to sway one of the closest races in the country between Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz. At Philadelphia City Hall, voters lined up for three hours to ensure their votes would be counted after a Supreme Court ruling last week canceled 3,800 mail-in and absentee ballots across the state. Republicans have sued all over the country to cancel mailed votes that do not have dates written on their envelopes. In Pennsylvania, it resulted in nearly 4,000 early votes being canceled just as Fetterman and Oz came close to being neck-and-neck; a Monday night poll puts Oz ahead by 0.1. The race is one that will go towards deciding whether the Democrats hold or Republicans retake the Senate by Wednesday morning. Voters wait in line to cast their ballots in the midterm election in Rydal, Pa., Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Nearly 4,000 votes across the state were canceled by the Supreme Court last week in response to a complaint from Republicans that they weren't properly dated Mehmet Oz and his wife Lisa cast their ballots in Bryn Athyn Borough Hall in Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning Democrat candidate John Fetterman and his wife Gisele at a polling station in Braddock, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday morning After Fetterman's rocky debate performance, Pennsylvania's polls have narrowed further, with Oz taking a .1 percent lead in the Real Clear Politics polling average in the last four days, making the race a true toss-up But the issues and potential of litigation from both sides if the results are close suggests the results could not be known for days like in the 2020 presidential election, or event months. The Department of State said it was unclear just how many ballots are at issue across the state. The agency over the weekend asked counties to provide the numbers, broken down by political party. Officials said some counties were not letting voters fix their mistakes. Ahead of Tuesday's 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 Oz and Fetterman. Fetterman's campaign has already warned that their won't be a result on Wednesday and has urged his supporters to wait until all 'eligible' results are counted. 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. Voters wait in line before the Kendrick Recreation Center polling location opens on November 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, United States A voter arrives at a polling station to cast a ballot during the 2022 U.S. midterm election in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday A voter presents an identification card as he arrives to cast his ballot at a polling station during the 2022 U.S. midterm election in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 8, 2022 Voters arrive to cast ballots in the US midterm election at a polling place in a school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 8, 2022 Ezra Horvath, 2, joins his parents in line before voting at Kendrick Recreation Center on November 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, United States Voters walk outside a polling location at the Environmental Charter School, during the 2022 U.S. midterm elections, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 8, 2022 A new federal lawsuit over the envelope dates was filed Monday in Pittsburgh federal court by the national congressional and senatorial Democratic campaign organizations, two Democratic voters and Fetterman's U.S. Senate campaign. A separate filed Friday makes a similar argument. 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 thousands of ballots in the battleground 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 the rural border community of Cochise County, Arizona, challenging a Republican effort to count ballots by hand. The lawsuit aims to stop the county board of supervisors from expanding what is normally a small hand tally used to verify machines accuracy to include all early ballots and all Election Day ballots as well. There were lines outside City Hall in Philadelphia last night as many rushed to correct last minute votes that were canceled by the Supreme Court ruling Voters wait in line to make a correction to their ballots for the midterm elections at City Hall in Philadelphia, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. Some 3,800 votes across Pennsylvania were canceled by the Supreme Court A challenge against voting by absentee ballot was thrown out Monday after a judge ruled that a Republican candidate for secretary of state 'failed dramatically' to produce any evidence of violations in the majority-Black city. Pennsylvania's 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 won't 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. An ex-political staffer who rubbed shoulders with some of the nation's top lawmakers has successfully had her licence suspension substantially cut down after her drunken attempt to fix a wedding wardrobe malfunction ended in her flipping her Mercedes and almost dying. Crystell Jade Lane, 31, was left with a life-changing back injury after flipping her hired Mercedes-Benz off the Sea Cliff Bridge near Coalcliff, south of Sydney, on March 25 this year. She was drinking at a wedding near the bridge when she suffered a wardrobe malfunction and decided to quickly duck out at about 4.30pm to get a new outfit. With the rain pouring and under the influence of alcohol, Lane struggled to make it across the winding bridge. The court heard she smashed the luxury car into an embankment, causing it to fly into the air, collide with several road signs and finally crash into a tree, which sent it onto the wrong side of the road. Crystell Jade Lane flipped her hired Mercedes-Benz after she lost control on the Sea Cliff Bridge near Coalcliff, south of Sydney, on March 25 this year While driving along the Sea Cliff Bridge (pictured), Lane smashed the luxury car into an embankment, causing it to fly into the air before colliding with several road signs and finally crashing into a tree, which sent it onto the wrong side of the road The 31-year-old had to be cut from the car and was charged with mid-range drink driving after she returned a blood alcohol level of 0.104. Lane, from Logan, south of Brisbane, was slammed by Magistrate Darryl Pearce at Wollongong Local Court in August when he slapped her with a $1500 fine, a compulsory interlock and disqualified her from driving for 12 months from her August 17 court date. Lane appeared in court again on November 4, arguing for a reduction in her sentence and that the suspension should be backdated from March 25 - the day she crashed. 'I was incredibly stupid and selfish. I broke the law,' she told the court, as reported by the Courier Mail. 'What I am appealing is the excess five months.' Lane argued that because she had been told by police not to drive since the crash, the ban should be backdated to March. Judge Andrew Haesler on Friday agreed, meaning Lane will be able to get behind the wheel in March next year - five months earlier than she originally thought. Lane, a former political staffer, has spent years rubbing shoulders with some of the nation's top lawmakers. Lane's social media pages show her with former treasurer Wayne Swan, and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek (pictured together), who she described as her 'idol' The 31-year-old (pictured with former treasurer Wayne Swan) was convicted of drink driving and had her licence disqualified for 12 months Photos on her social media showed her posing with former treasurer Wayne Swan and current Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, the latter she described as her 'idol'. 'I had the amazing opportunity to work with my political idol today. Such a class act,' Lane captioned a photo of her and Ms Plibersek from 2014. Lane also worked as a political staffer for Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers and was thanked in his maiden speech to parliament in 2013. During sentencing in August, Magistrate Darryl Pearce said he 'had no idea' how someone wasn't killed in Lane's 'appalling' crash. The 31-year-old had to undergo surgery after breaking her back in the horror accident, and said she 'just wanted to be proud of herself'. As well as her relationship with some of Labor's top leaders, Lane's mother Teresa is also a councillor for the City of Logan. Both Lane and her mother Teresa have been contacted for comment. As Mr Gorne paddles away the shark surfaces and tries to bite onto the oar The professional fisherman filmed the great white shark circling his kayak A three-metre-long great white shark has attacked a terrified kayaker and tried to take a chunk out of his paddle in footage caught on camera. Matthew Gorne was fishing from his kayak in Spencer Gulf, 10km outside of Port Augusta, South Australia, when the great white shark swam towards him. The fisherman filmed the encounter with the three-metre monster using his GoPro and shared the footage on Monday, showing the massive predator passing underneath and alongside his kayak. The predator suddenly appears with its mouth agape and tries to bite Mr Gorne's kayak oar as the fisherman attempts to paddle away (pictured) The curious shark disappears and within seconds comes back into view as it circles the kayak once more. 'I know I'm stupid for going out there without a shark shield,' Mr Gorne told The Advertiser. 'I will definitely be investing in one now though.' As Mr Gorne begins to paddle away, believing the shark had finally left him alone, the great white surfaces with its mouth agape and tries to latch on to his paddle. The fisherman is heard yelling 'f***' before rigorously paddling away. Mr Gorne remained calm as the great white shark swam underneath his kayak and circled him (pictured, Mr Gorne fishing in his Kayak) A local council spokesman said the seaside area was popular with fishermen as it's known for kingfish and snapper. 'It's a spot where a lot of fishermen berley the water... fortunately for most sharks that come up here are usually well fed by the kingfish,' the spokesman said. 'Where there's big fish theres often bigger fish.' Australia has two white shark populations, an eastern population that ranges from Wilson's Promontory, Victoria to central Queensland and a southern-western population ranging from Wilson's Promontory to north-western Western Australia. Taronga's Australian Shark Incident Database recorded only two shark attacks in the Spencer Gulf The fisherman filmed the terrifying moment a great white shark swam underneath his kayak and started to circle him in waters off the coast of South Australia (pictured) Data recorded from Taronga's Australian Shark Incident Database found Spencer Gulf has the lowest number of shark encounters in South Australia, with only two non-fatal attacks recorded. The highest number of non-fatal shark attacks have occurred in the Fleurieu Peninsula with 19 since records began, followed by Eyre Peninsula with eight, Yorke Peninsula with seven, Adelaide Metro area with six and four on the Limestone Coast. The last confirmed fatal shark attack in South Australia was in February 2014 when a 28-year-old man was killed while spearfishing 100 metres off Locksmith Beach near Edithburgh on Yorke Peninsula. A suspect has been charged in the grisly slaying of his girlfriend six weeks after her dismembered remains were found stuffed in two different suitcases with a meat cleaver alongside it, in her Brooklyn home, officials said. Justin Williams, 24, was charged on Monday with murder and concealment of a human corpse in the savage slaying of 22-year-old D'Asia Johnson, the NYPD said, per the The New York Daily News. Cops tracked Williams down and arrested him on October 1 on an unrelated assault, grand larceny and bail jumping in Nassau County, officials said. As Williams remained behind bars he was a person of interest in Johnson's brutal murder, according to Nassau County Assistant District Attorney Brittany Gurrieri. During a court appearance, it was revealed that Williams' had another girlfriend who had been using the victim's benefits card after her death. On September 21, police discovered Johnson's decomposed remains in the bathroom of her apartment on Linwood Street near Atlantic Avenue in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn. Justin Williams, 24, was charged on Monday with murder and concealment of a human corpse in the savage slaying of 22-year-old D' Asia Johnson Police discovered Johnson's remains inside the bathroom of her apartment in Brooklyn During a court appearance, it was revealed that Williams' had another girlfriend who had been using the victim's benefits card after her death D'Asia Johnson, 22, was the victim of the gruesome murder. An autopsy later revealed she had died of multiple stab wounds to her torso, The New York Daily News reported Police at the scene of 315 Linwood Street in East New York where two suitcases containing human remains were discovered. On September 21, police discovered Johnson's decomposed remains in the bathroom of her apartment on Linwood Street near Atlantic Avenue in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn An autopsy later revealed she had died of multiple stab wounds to her torso, the news outlet reported. Months leading up to the heinous crime, neighbors said that Williams would often beat Johnson in the hallway. 'He broke her ribs, her legs, a couple months ago. She came back on crutches, Stephanie Harris said, The Daily News reported. Harris said she cried to Johnson trying to warn her about Williams and told her, 'Listen, I don't want to see you on the news.' Police removed evidence bags from the apartment where Johnson's remains were discovered stuffed inside of two suitcases along with a meat cleaver Brooklyn District Attorney said Monday: 'I hope that this prosecution brings some measure of solace to D'Asia's family and friends.' One of the many women who have accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault recounted to a jury on Monday how she was locked in a hotel suite bathroom where the disgraced movie mogul masturbated on her. Lauren Young told jurors at Weinstein's Los Angeles rape trial that she was an aspiring actress at the time who had hoped to meet the former film producer about a script she wrote in 2013, when she claimed actress Claudia Salinas locked her and Weinstein in the bathroom of the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. Young described Weinstein's penis as 'disgusting' and said it looked like it 'had been chopped off and sewn back on.' She had previously recounted the experience at the disgraced mogul's New York trial back in February 2020 after prosecutors asked her to help establish a pattern of Weinstein's sex pest behavior. In an animated cross-examination later on Monday, Weinstein's attorney Alan Jackson picked apart Young's testimony, as he dramatically acted out bits of it, pounded his fist on the podium, and prompting a rare reaction from his client, who laughed at his commentary. Jackson poked holes in Young's story about being locked in the bathroom, saying she 'felt that you were locked in there,' but wasn't actually, and then added that she 'felt' she was 'being sexually assaulted,' but she 'was not.' Young was not one of the accusers whose stories would lead to Weinstein's conviction of rape and sexual assault, and his eventual 23-year prison sentence. Now, though, Weinstein, 70, is facing another 11 counts of sexual battery by restraint for the same crimes. If convicted, he could face life in a California prison. Lauren Young told jurors at Weinstein's trial how she was aspiring actress who had hoped to meet the former film producer about a script she wrote in 2013, when actress Claudia Salinas locked her and Weinstein in the bathroom of the Montage Hotel and he masturbated on her Weinstein, 70, is facing 11 counts of sexual battery by restraint and could get life in prison In court on Monday, Young told jurors how she was working as a model in early 2013, but wanted to be an actress and a screenwriter. She was able to set up a meeting with Weinstein through his personal assistant, Claudia Salinas whom she considered a friend, for the night of February 19, 2013 about a script she was working on. Young said Weinstein was distracted and uninterested in anything she had to say, and suggested she might be a reality television host on a show like America's Next Top Model, which his company helped produce. At one point, Young said, Weinstein said he had to get ready to go present an award to Quentin Tarantino at the Los Angeles Italia Film Festival and suggested she accompany him to his room to continue the discussion. So, Young said, she followed him into his suite at the Montage and into his bathroom. She said she thought there would be another door on the other side, and he was leading her somewhere else and was shocked to see actress Claudia Salinas close the door behind them. During cross-examination of Young, Weinstein's attorney Alan Jackson gave the trial rare moments of visual drama with a pair of clothing demonstrations including her dress That's when, Young said: 'Harvey Weinstein started the shower and immediately took off his clothes.' 'I was disgusted,' she continued. 'I had never seen a big guy like that naked. 'I actually laughed nervously and thought 'no, no, no,'' she added as she began to cry. Meanwhile, Young said, Weinstein simply continued their conversation. 'He was just staring at me talking,' Young recalled. 'I had never seen someone that big naked, so I just couldn't fathom what was even happening to me right now,' she said. 'He was just talking about the business and other actresses. And saying this is what they do, this is how I know you can act.' 'I kept saying 'no no no,' she recounted. 'He just ignored what I said.' 'Everything happened so fast.' At that point, Young said, Weinstein got into the shower while Young tried to make her escape. But, she said, Weinstein got out of the shower and blocked her from the door before she could get away. 'He said, 'We're just gonna talk,' I said 'no, no no no.' Still, Weinstein continued to harass her, and soon started 'touching' her. Young said she backed up toward the sink and turned away from the movie mogul, but he unzipped the back of her dress and pulled it down to around her hips. 'He was grabbing my breasts and jerking off, like squinting at me, not looking at me,' she said. 'Holding me there and talking to me.' 'He was just masturbating and groping me.' She said she kept saying 'no' throughout, but he continued for several minutes, and also tried to touch her vagina though she blocked him with her hands from penetrating her. Young was no one of the accusers whose stories would lead to Weinstein's conviction of rape and sexual assault, and his eventual 23-year prison sentence. She is pictured here in 2020 Young previously recounted the experience at disgraced mogul's New York trial in February 2020 after prosecutors asked her to help establish a pattern of Weinstein's sex pest behavior 'I was really grossed out by his body and the look he was giving me,' Young said. 'I was wondering: 'How do I get out of here safe, what am I going to do? What are they gonna do to me?' 'I was very numb feeling,' she continued. 'I felt like I was outside of my body watching what was happening, I couldn't move I was frozen. I was so scared.' 'I was scared of Harvey Weinstein. that he would hurt me, or send someone to hurt me, or ruin my career, or make my life hell.' After groping her for several minutes, Young said, 'he went back to groping my right breast even harder' before ejaculating on the towel he was using and leaving the bathroom. 'I was in so much shock, I was wondering how I was going to leave, and if they were going to let me leave,' she said. 'I just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.' 'I pulled up my dress and I exited the bathroom.' 'I saw Claudia Salinas right there. I shot her an evil look. She didn't say anything. She looked at me. She had this evil look. Like a smirk. Like she roped me in on something.' She said she also saw Weinstein changing clothes before she walked out of the suite to a car. 'I sat in my car and cried and was in complete shock. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know if I should call the cops. 'I wondered 'What do I do? This guy is so powerful.' I didn't know what to do. I called my friends, got a hold of them, messaged them.' Ultimately, Young said, she decided not to tell police about what she had experienced. 'I was scared at that point that he might have an in with the cops or was corrupt like that,' she said. 'I knew he had a lot of power I was really scared.' Young was then asked to describe Weinstein's body. Young said Weinstein's assistant at the time, Claudia Salinas, invited her to meet with the movie mogul to discuss her script. She is pictured walking into court on Monday The incident allegedly occurred at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, now the Maybourne 'He had rolls and he was really hairy and there was moles on his body,' she replied. 'His penis was disgusting. It looked like it had been chopped off and sewn back on, like something wasn't right about it.' And when asked about Weinstein's testicles, Young said: 'I didn't really see a full sack, I literally just saw a penis.' Young said she never saw Weinstein again, but the very next day she saw Barbara Schneeweiss from Weinstein Co. with Claudia Salinas sitting in the waiting room. 'I told her 'Don't f******talk to me,'' Young said she told Salinas. 'She didn't say anything. She stayed there and just was right by me until I went into the office room. She talked to Barbara for a little bit. She talked about job offers that they wanted to give me, I told her I wasn't really interested in doing reality TV.' Young then went on to say that she was afraid of what would happen if she did not go to the meeting, but she never followed up on it. It wasn't until others started speaking out at the beginning of the #MeToo movement in 2017, Young said, that she decided to call a police hotline. 'At that point, other people were coming out and I felt safe to do so,' she said. 'I wanted to prevent it from happening to anyone else.' In her testimony, Young says Salinas, a Mexican model, locked her in bathroom with Weinstein In court on Monday, Young also positively identified photos of herself with Salinas and identified the dress and slip she wore to the meeting, which she previously gave to New York authorities. Young also drew a picture of Weinstein's anatomy for LAPD, showing him naked, masturbating and holding up the hand that he was allegedly grabbing her breast with. Of the unusual testicles, Young said: 'I wasn't trying to look at it, but it was something I hadn't seen before.' Video played at the trial of suite 520 at the Montage, now the Maybourne, seemed to corroborate her story as a shower door appears to partially block the doorway out, and it seems like it would have been easy for Weinstein to step out and block the door. During cross-examination, though, Weinstein's attorney, Alan Jackson pushed her on why the text message from Claudia Salinas inviting her to meet with Weinstein has since apparently been deleted. 'You would agree, that text from CS is pretty important,' he said. ''It's the catalyst that put you in touch with Mr. Weinstein on the 19th. 'Where's that text?' he asks. 'Did you seek to delete that text? Did you seek to destroy any communication with Miss Salinas?' 'No,' Young said in response, saying she dug through computers, WhatsApp and other places to try to find it. Still, Jackson persisted, pointing to an October 2018 interview in which she told police: 'It's weird that I lost everything on my phone, when my phone erased except my numbers. 'I was very distraught in the beginning and trying to remember everything,' Young replied before Jackson questioned her about the date of the meeting saying she had previously said it had happened much later. Later Monday, Jackson gave the court rare moments of visual drama with a pair of clothing demonstrations during cross-examination. He pulled out the dress Young had been wearing that night and got her to acknowledge that a DNA test failed to prove Weinstein had touched it. Jackson pulled out the dress Young had been wearing that night and got her to acknowledge that a DNA test failed to prove Weinstein had touched it Jackson also tried to cast doubt on whether Weinstein could have slipped out of his suit as quickly as she described. He pulled off his own suit coat to demonstrate. 'I'm just going to take my jacket off, I'm not going to go any further,' Jackson said. 'Please don't,' Young answered. When asked how Weinstein could have unfastened everything so quickly, Young answered that he may have gotten started while he was walking down the hall, a method she used to use for quick changes as a model. 'Does Mr. Weinstein strike you as a model?' Jackson asked. 'No, but he's definitely a monster,' Young replied. Young initially told detectives that the assault had taken place a year earlier, days after she had been at a dinner with Weinstein at a Beverly Hills restaurant. Jackson pointed out that she was saying the same as recently as 2020. Jackson also brought up her previous confusion about the site of the assault, and she acknowledged that she could not name the hotel in her first three interviews with authorities, the most recent in 2020. 'I had pushed it out of my memory,' Young said. She decided it was the Montage when police suggested it and took her to the suite where Weinstein had been staying. 'And since then your testimony and your statements have gotten far more detailed and far more colorful, right?' Jackson said. 'My trauma, I got to relive it by walking through that room,' Young said. 'I had been in other rooms and didn't feel anything. When I walked in that room, I felt everything flow back in.' Young also defended herself by saying that 'when you are sexually assaulted, things get blocked out,' so she remembers 'bits and pieces,' but added that through her interviews with authorities, she was able to remember details more clearly. 'It was traumatic and it's a memory that I have that I wish never happened,' she said. 'There are parts I will never be able to forget.' 'I know that's your story,' Jackson started. Young shot back: 'It's not a story. It's what happened to me.' Weinstein could be seen shaking his head from the defendant's table. At one point, Jackson pointed out that Young told detectives she was 'trapped' inside a sliding bathroom door at the hotel, but then showed the jury photos of the door on a hinge. 'Do you want to change your statement about being trapped and locked in that bathroom?' Jackson asked. 'You're describing a full-blown kidnapping, right?' 'I felt locked in there I was describing how I felt,' Young said. Jackson shot back: 'You felt that you were locked in there, but you were not locked in there. You felt that you were being sexually assaulted, but you were not.' 'I was definitely sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein,' Young said. According to allegations in an indictment and court testimony, the assault of Young came the day after Weinstein raped an Italian model at a different hotel during the run-up to that year's Academy Awards, where Weinstein was annually a major player. Weinstein, 70, has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of rape and sexual assault involving five women. He has said that many of those incidents were consensual, though in the case of Young his defense denies there was any sexual interaction. Young's testimony echoes that which she gave at a New York trial in February 2020 Young tried to keep a low profile by keeping her head down and covering her hair with a scarf when she arrived to court in New York Her testimony on Monday echoes what she told a New York jury back in 2020. But at the time, Weinstein's defense lawyer Damon Cheronis tried to cast doubt on Young's testimony by pointing out that she initially told the Los Angeles District Attorney that she 'blacked out' for a portion of the alleged assault. Young said: 'I stated it was a blacking out of my memory. I blocked out some memories because it was such a traumatic experience.' 'So when you told (prosecutors in May 2019) you used all your strength to try and open the door, that was just wrong?' she was asked. 'Yes,' she replied, adding she 'recollected all my memories and retraced all my steps.' Jutronich said she saw the shark bite her leg and then shook it off while swimming to the beach alongside her swim partner After being hit hard enough to come out of the water, she said she immediately knew it was a shark and began heading towards the shore Jutronich, told local news outlets she was swimming in the Pacific Ocean on November 4 when she felt an object bump her legs Lyn Jutronich, 50, is missing part of her thigh after she was attacked by a shark at a San Diego area beach on Friday A woman is recovering after she had a chunk of her thigh bit by a shark over the weekend at a San Diego area beach. Lyn Jutronich, 50, was swimming at Del Mar Beach just north of downtown San Diego on Friday morning when she felt something bump into her in the water. At the time of the attack, Jutronich said that she and her swimming partner were taking a rest in the water before heading back into shore. 'We usually relax for a couple of minutes, tread water, talk about maybe what we're gonna get for breakfast and then we head in,' Jutronich told NBC 7. Lyn Jutronich, 50, is recovering after being bit by a shark at a San Diego beach on Friday A person at the beach caught the moment that Jutronich was seen getting help from lifeguards after being bitten 'I felt a huge, like a really hard hit right, I don't know how else to say this, like right between my legs and it pushed me,' Jutronich told ABC 10 in San Diego. It immediately concerned her because of how strong the hit was. 'It hurt and it pushed me up and out of the water,' Jutronich said Despite having little reason to believe it was a shark as attacks are relatively uncommon, she said almost immediately knew what was happening. Jutronich, who said she swam competitively in college and swims in the ocean several times a week, jumped right into action and took off. 'I looked down and I saw the shark bite my thigh,' said Jutronich. 'Fortunately, it released. It shook maybe one time, that's where I have the tears from, and then released,' she told NBC 7. Jutronich said everything happened so quickly that some of the events still are unclear. After shaking the animal off, she was able to come up and scream at her partner, David, to alert him to the attack. A shark was spotted swimming near the shores of Del Mar beach over the weekend after a woman was bit on Friday '"I've just been bit, I've just been bit,"' she recalled of what she said at the time. '"We have to get to shore, you have to get me into shore,"' she said. 'I was still swimming with one arm, we just knew we had to get to shore,' Jutronich continued. 'And thats all youre focused on at that point.' Typically a popular destination, Del Mar Beach was closed to the public over the weekend 'I just remember saying to him over and over again, "David Im bit, Im scared, Im bit."' Jutronich and her partner were able to get back to the beach and were met with assistance from lifeguards and first responders. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she has been recovering from her injuries since. Doctors are treating her for her injuries and draining any bacteria from the shark or ocean. She' expected to be released from the hospital in the coming days. Signs were posted at the beach telling visitors that the water would be closed due to a recent shark attack Del Mar Beach was closed for multiple days after the attack. Lifeguards at Del Mar Beach later confirmed that Jutronich had been bit by a juvenile great white shark. 'For having being bit by a shark, Im doing pretty well,' she told KSWB. 'My friend sent me an article that said I should buy a Powerball ticket because apparently, the chances of winning the power ball are less than being attacked by a shark so I've got that going for me.' Lifeguards at Del Mar Beach confirmed that Jutronich had been bit by a juvenile white shark Earlier this year, CBS 8 reported that there was an increase of white shark sightings in San Diego County. Dr. Chris Lowe, Director of the Shark Lab at California State University Long Beach, told the outlet that the Southern California county is a hot spot for the animals and has become a 'nursery site' in recent years. 'Starting about 2 years ago, we started seeing juvenile white sharks down in San Diego County, and now thats one of our biggest hot spots,' Lowe said. The sharks range from four to nine feet before they are six years old. Juvenile white sharks have taken to San Diego County in recent years as the population has recently seen an uptick Before reaching adulthood, the animals seek out shallower waters because they believe it's safer near the shore. 'People dont often think of a 5-foot white shark as being afraid of anything, but they are,' Lowe told CBS 8. 'So theyre born, theyre given no parental care, completely on their own, and we think the reason why they choose shallow water on beaches is its a safe place for them.' In the same interview, Lowe said that shark attacks with the juvenile great white sharks and incredibly uncommon. 'There is a relatively low risk of people being injured by those juvenile white sharks that are using our popular beaches as their nursery,' said Dr. Lowe. According to one expert, juvenile great white sharks swim closer to the shore where they believe the waters are safer In the United States so far this year, there have been more than two dozen shark attacks across the country. Data compiled by the Wall Street Journal shows that the majority of the attacks have occurred on Florida's shorelines with 28 in total and only two of those having been provoked. 'The most frequent type of unprovoked bites are so-called hit and run attacks, the museum says. These normally happen in the surf zones as coastal shark species follow schools of fish close to shore,' a report from WSJ said. Most sharks do not return to after they have inflicted an initial injury, like a bite or cut. The most common states for attacks include Florida, Hawaii, California, and South Carolina. 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. North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released a photo showing troops saluting on tanks during a military parade to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang This photo provided on October 10, 2022, by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects a missile test at an undisclosed location in North Korea, as taken sometime between September 25 and October 9 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. North Korea has held a recent flurry of missile tests including dozens fired on the same day this week amid fears Kim is gearing up for a nuclear test. Pictured: A North Korean missile test 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. 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. A South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter fires an air-to-surface missile across the maritime border with North Korea in retaliation for a missile that was test-fired in the other direction early Wednesday 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. The Twitter logo is seen on a cell phone, Oct. 14, in Boston. AP-Yonhap Elon Musk used his Twitter megaphone to appeal to ''independent-minded voters'' on Monday, urging them to vote Republican in Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections and stepping into the country's political debate that tech company executives have largely tried to stay out of so their platforms wouldn't be seen as favoring one side over the other. Musk, who bought Twitter for $44 billion, has expressed political views in the past, on and off the platform. But a direct endorsement of one party over another now that he owns it raises questions about Twitter's ability to remain neutral under the rule of the world's richest man. ''Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic,'' Musk tweeted. It's one thing for the CEO of Wendy's or Chick-fil-A to endorse a political party, said Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a professor at Syracuse University who studies social media and politics. It's a whole other thing, though, for the owner of one of the world's most high-profile information ecosystems to do so. ''These social media platforms are not just companies. It's not just a business. It is also our digital public sphere. It's our town square,'' Stromer-Galley said. ''And it feels like the public sphere is increasingly privatized and owned by these companies and when the heads of these companies put their finger on the scale it feels like it's potentially skewing our democracy in harmful ways.'' Musk's comments come as he seeks to remake the company and amid widespread concern that recent mass layoffs at the social media platform could leave the company unable to deal with hate speech, misinformation that could impact voter safety and security and actors who seek to cast doubt on the legitimate winners of elections. Though Musk has vowed not to let Twitter become a ''free-for-all hellscape,'' advertisers have left the platform and Musk himself has amplified misinformation. It's not a secret that when it comes to tech workers and executives, the political mix tends to favor the left, with a good amount of Silicon Valley libertarianism thrown in. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, for instance has donated to candidates on both sides of the political spectrum, but in recent years he's veered more toward Democrats. Publicly he's stayed away from pledging allegiance to either party. But in their platform policies and content moderation, tech companies such as Facebook (now Meta), Google and even Twitter have taken great pains to appear politically neutral, even as they are routinely criticized largely by conservatives but also by liberals for favoring one side over the other. ''Now, you might say, look, Rupert Murdoch owns Fox News and that's his voice amplified,'' said Charles Anthony Smith, a professor of political science and law at The University of California at Irvine. ''But the difference is that gets filtered through a variety of different script writers and on-air personalities and all this other sort of stuff. So it's not really Rupert Murdoch. It may be people that agree with him on things, but it's filtered through other voices. This is an unadulterated direct contact. So it's an amplification that is unrivaled.'' Musk's tweets could also stir up trouble in global politics outside of the U.S. elections. On Sunday, the billionaire signaled willingness to explore reversing decisions blocking some accounts of Brazilian right-wing lawmakers. The nation's electoral court last week ordered their suspension; all are supporters of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, who on Oct. 30 lost his reelection bid by a narrow margin, and most had aired claims of election fraud. Paulo Figueiredo Filho, a political analyst who often defends Bolsonaro on social media and is also the grandson of the military dictatorship's final president, tweeted that Twitter has become a strict and spontaneous censor. ''Your moderators are currently being more dictatorial than our own courts!'' Figueiredo wrote. Musk responded: ''I will look into this.'' The suspended accounts include that of Nikolas Ferreira, who garnered more votes in the October race than any other candidate for a seat in the Lower House. According to orders issued by the electoral authority, Ferreira's account and most others were blocked for sharing a live video from an Argentinian digital influencer questioning the reliability of Brazil's electronic voting system. The video was largely shared by allies of Bolsonaro, who himself has often claimed the system is susceptible to fraud, without presenting any evidence. Twitter's policies, as of Monday, prohibit ''manipulating or interfering in elections or other civic processes.'' An image of Elon Musk is seen on a smartphone placed on printed Twitter logos in this picture illustration taken April 28. Reuters-Yonhap Blood moon will begin at 8.09pm AEDST on east coast, QLD 7.09pm (AEST) This will be the last lunar eclipse until September 8, 2025 astronomers say The viewing times across Australia will differ based on time zones The 'blood moon' event will occur on night of November 8 across the country A rare lunar event turning the Moon deep shades of red across Australia will occur tonight - and will be the last lunar eclipse for three years. The eclipse will be visible right across the country on November 8, with viewing times varying depending on where you live. The 'blood moon' event occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon align, resulting in the Moon passing into the Earth's shadow. When the Moon is completely covered it will turn a deep red - the reason for the 'blood moon' description. On the east coast, the event starts at 8.09pm, with the total eclipse expected to begin at 9.16pm, while in Queensland it begins an hour earlier. In South Australia the event begins at 7.43pm, at 6.42pm in the Northern Territory and 6.43pm on the west coast. A rare lunar event turning the Moon deep shades of red across Australia will occur tonight in what will be the last lunar eclipse for three years The blood moon event occurs when the Sun, Earth and Moon align, resulting in the Moon passing into the Earth's shadow. When the Moon is completely covered it will turn a deep red which is why it is known as the 'blood moon' Astronomer at the Melbourne Planetarium, Dr Tanya Hill, told the ABC this 'blood moon' will be a long lunar eclipse and the last one until 2025. 'I love lunar eclipses because they happen at the same time for everybody, it's just the time zone that changes things,' Dr Hill said. 'We should get out to see this total lunar eclipse, because we won't see another one in Australia until September 8, 2025.' A 'blood moon' eclipse occurs in three phases: penumbral, partial and total. Penumbral phase The penumbral phase is the start of the eclipse and can barely be seen by the naked eye. In this phase, the Moon passes through the Earth's outer shadow. The second penumbral phase is after the total eclipse when the Moon moves back into the Earth's outer shadow. Partial phase The partial phase occurs when the Moon crosses over the edge of the planet's central shadow. In this phase, the Earth's shadow moves across the Moon's face slowly, blocking its brightly lit centre so only a thin glowing outer strip of the Moon's edge remains visible. The eclipse will be visible right across Australia on November 8, with viewing times varying depending on where in the country you live The partial phase continues up to the point the outer strip completely disappears and the Moon is in Earth's complete shadow, beginning the final phase. The second partial phase begins when a bright light begins to reappear on the Moon's edge as it starts to move out of Earth's shadow once more. Total phase The total phase is when the Moon is completely in Earth's shadow. It is in this phase where the Moon will appear the deepest red 'blood' colour. A Marine drill instructor showed 'indifference to the well-being of recruits' when he forced a 19-year-old to complete extra physical training last summer in 90 degree heat, leading to the recruit's collapse and death. Pfc. Dalton Beals, 19, from New Jersey, died at the Parris Island training camp in South Carolina on June 4, 2021. On Monday, the internal investigation into his death concluded that it was 'likely avoidable', and was strongly critical of his instructor. The instructor, who the Marines are not naming, was described as being a terrible leader - unapproachable, disinterested and lacking the 'the maturity, temperament, and leadership skills' for the job. Recruits were reluctant to tell him about their problems, including medical issues, the report concluded, in a copy obtained by the website Task and Purpose. Pfc. Dalton Beals, 19, died in June 2021 during a test known as the Crucible, at the end of the Marine recruitment course Beals, from New Jersey, died of overheating after being forced to take part in additional physical training in 90 degree heat Marine recruits are pictured during the Crucible training in Parris Island, South Carolina, on March 24 A drill instructor is seen shouting at a recruit on Parris Island on March 24 Beals died during what is known as the Crucible - a series of challenges that test recruits 'physical strength, skills and the Marine Corps values they have learned throughout training,' the Marines say on their website. It adds that recruits are 'only allowed a limited amount of food and sleep'. The Crucible is the test at the end of the grueling 13-week training course, and includes an intense nine-mile hike, which concludes with the recruits receiving a pin which signifies that they have earned the title of Marine. The Marines' investigators said that the Crucible demonstrated the instructor's incompetence for the role. 'While his performance as a senior drill instructor appeared to improve somewhat throughout the cycle, during the Crucible he demonstrated little leadership over his team, and at times appeared disinterested in leading or supervising them,' the investigation says. 'Although it is impossible to determine, his perceived indifference to the well-being of recruits demonstrated prior to the Crucible, could have impacted Recruit Beals or other recruit's willingness to seek medical attention when Recruit Beals was clearly showing signs of a heat injury during the Crucible.' The investigators found that the drill instructor ignored warnings about the temperatures that day. 'Instead of appropriately taking into account the weather conditions (as reflected by yellow red, and black flag conditions throughout the Crucible), Recruit Beals' team leader [REDACTED] intensified training for Recruit Beals' team, including directing unauthorized incentive training throughout both days of the event,' the investigation says. 'Those actions increased the impact of the weather conditions on Recruit Beals and other recruits.' Temperatures of 90 degrees and above represent Black Flag conditions, during which, 'Physical training and strenuous exercise suspended for all personnel (excludes operational commitment not for training purposes),' according to the Marine Corps. Beals (center) is pictured with his family. The seemingly-healthy teenager died suddenly during the Crucible Beals, pictured with a friend, will be be awarded his Marines title posthumously A native of Pennsville, New Jersey, Beals only graduated from Pennsville Memorial High School the year before his death The cause of Beals' death was determined to be hyperthermia, commonly known as overheating. On the day he died other recruits said that Beals 'looked wobbly, drained, and didn't look like himself.' He often slowed down, the report concluded - irritating other recruits. Beals was native of Pennsville, New Jersey, and only graduated from Pennsville Memorial High School the year before his death. Brigadier General Walker Field, the commanding general at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, is now reading the report and considering whether to refer charges. 'An Article 32 hearing has been conducted and a Preliminary Hearing Officer Report has been provided to the Commanding General of MCRD Parris Island/Eastern Recruiting Region, which includes recommendations as to referral of court-martial charges,' said Major Philip Kulczewski, a spokesman for Parris Island. 'The Commanding General is considering the recommendations of that report at this time, and will make a decision as to referral of charges after consultation with legal counsel.' Brigadier General Walker Field, the commanding general at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, is now deciding whether the unnamed drill instructor should face charges A sign over a road at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina Beals was one of two recruits to die at Parris Island in 2021. Pvt. Anthony Munoz, 21, died on his first training day in October 2021 after falling from a balcony. Five years ago, another Parris Island drill instructor was sentenced to 10 years in prison for abusing recruits, one of whom was killed after he jumped over a stairwell and fell to his death. Beals' mother, Stacie Beals, said she hopes the instructor involved in her son's death is charged. 'You get one bad person that gets all these recruits in their hands and they take it to the extreme,' she said. 'And they feel that they can do what they will and what they want, instead of following the guidelines of the military. They need the harshest penalties.' She added: 'It's not ever going to bring my son back.' Three women were forced to hide in a stranger's apartment after a predatory fake Uber driver allegedly began attacking them when they refused to pay for their ride with sex. The women were on their way home from Perth's CBD at about 7am on Sunday when they claim their 'Uber' driver told them they would have to pay for the ride with sexual acts. They have chosen to stay anonymous as their attacker hasn't been caught. 'He started turning towards the back seat, towards where the two girls were sitting, and saying sexual comments that we had to do this and that to him for our fare home,' one of the women told 7News. The women managed to escape the fake Uber on Pier St, just blocks from where they were picked up by the man. Horrifying footage showed the moment they managed to escape the car before being chased down by him. One woman was shown on the ground fighting to keep the aggressive man off her while the other tried to use her high heels to swat him away. 'Then he just started hitting, punching - clenched fists just punching into us. Side of the faces, got us onto the ground. Booting us...booting,' the woman said. The women said that throughout the attack the man yelled racial slurs at them and continued making sexual comments. Neighbours heard the women's terrified screams and ran to the scene. Nearby resident Rangi Paki helped the girls escape the man and hid them in his apartment until police arrived. The women believe if he hadn't been brave enough to step in, they could have been killed. Three women were viscously attacked by a fake Perth Uber driver after they refused his sexual advances (pictured, two of the women fighting to get away from the man) The women urged Uber to be more aware of the danger young women face when using their service. 'People have got to be aware that many young girls get intoxicated and then order an Uber and they can do anything,' one said. Uber said it was important riders check they were entering the right car and use the app's Safety Toolkit. 'At Uber, we continue to build cutting-edge technology and features to help improve safety and users can access these in the Safety Toolkit in the app,' the rideshare company said. 'These advances in safety are important but for them to be effective, riders need to be in the right car. 'When riders request an Uber and are matched to a driver-partner, we provide the photo of the driver-partner, the make of the vehicle, and the number plate of the vehicle in the app so riders can confirm it is the right person picking them up before getting in.' 'If the driver-partner does not match the photo or number plate, we encourage riders to report it to Uber right away so we can take action.' Riders can use the Safety Toolkit to call emergency services, track the Uber's journey and share it with friends and use a verification pin-code to identify a driver. Western Australia Police said it had not yet laid any charges over the incident. 'The investigation is ongoing and if a racial motivation to this matter is established, appropriate action will be taken,' a spokesperson said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Uber for comment. Two Florida police officers are under investigation after footage emerged of them arresting a legally blind man who's navigational cane they briefly thought was a weapon. October 31 bodycam footage from Columbia County Sheriff's Deputy Jayme Gohde showed her and Sergeant arresting 61-year-old James Hodges for 'resisting arrest without violence' after he refused to provide them with his identification. The cops had stopped Hodges because they thought the white cane folded up and tucked in his back pocket might have been a gun. Even though he immediately showed officers that it was not a weapon, they insisted that he give them his ID. Insisting he hadn't committed a crime and did not need to comply, Hodges refused to provide his ID, at which point the officers cuffed him and decided to arrest him. Hodges spent 26 hours in prison before he was released, then later released the bodycam footage on YouTube himself. Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter told the Daily Beast he was 'troubled' by the incident, and insisted an investigation was underway. James Hodges, 61, was arrested for 'resisting arrest without violence' after he refused to provide them with his identification Columbia County Sheriff's Deputy Jayme Gohde Hodges' arrest affidavit said the altercation started after Gohde saw him cross the street despite the light showing a don't walk signal. In the video she could be heard telling Hodges she stopped him because she thought he had a weapon in his back pocket. He immediately told her it was a 'navigational aid,' then voiced his frustration at the stop. 'What's the problem, are you a tyrant?' he said. 'Yeah, I am, actually,' Gohde said. 'What's your name and date of birth?' 'What's the problem, are you a tyrant?' Hodges asked Columbia County Sheriff's Deputy Jayme Gohde Hodges then held up his cane for Gohde to see as she said 'you don't have to be a d*** to me' Another officer arrived on the scene and also asked Hodges for his identification. The officer was unnamed in the arrest affidavit Hodges then refused to provide his information, telling her he did not need to give her anything because he hadn't committed a crime. She insisted she was investigating him for suspicion of carrying a weapon illegally, at which point she added 'do you want me to put you in handcuffs right now?' Hodges then held up his cane for her to see as she said 'you don't have to be a d*** to me.' 'Well you're being one to me,' Hodges responded, before asking if he was being detained. Gohde said he was, and after insisting she had no right to detain him he asked to speak with her supervisor. 'He's right here,' she said, as the second officer arrived on the scene. Hodges explained to both officers he did not need to give them his ID as he had clearly shown them that he did not have a weapon The officers quickly cuffed Hodges after he refused to provide them with his identification The cops putting Hodges in cuffs while he asks for their names and badge numbers Hodges explained the incident to the officer, who then also asked him if he had an ID. 'I do have an ID but you don't need it,' he said. The cops then suddenly put Hodges in cuffs while he asks for their names and badge numbers. The officer then asked Hodges if he was legally blind, to which Hodges replied that he was and that he'd used the cane to help him walk through the dark to jury duty that morning. Hodges stands in silence with the officer for a few moments while Gohde appears to do some paperwork. She finally said 'Alright, Mr. Hodges, was that that hard?' Hodges responded, 'It's gonna be. I want your name and badge number.' At that point the officer seemed to lose his temper, saying 'You know what? Put him in jail for resisting' while shrugging his shoulders. Hodges stands in silence with the officer for a few moments while Gohde appears to do some paperwork Officer Mark Harrison throws up his arms and says to throw Hodges in jail for resisting arrest Hodges is placed in the squad car after officers flippantly decide to arrest him for resisting The Columbia County Sheriffs Office released a statement on its Facebook page saying it was conducting an internal investigation. 'We are aware of the Columbia County Sheriffs Office body camera video involving the arrest of Mr. James Hodges on October 31, 2022. Sheriff Hunter is troubled by what he has seen in the video and the matter is being addressed,' police office said. 'An administrative investigation was initiated on November 3, 2022 when the incident was brought to our attention. If policy violations are sustained at the conclusion of that investigation, appropriate action will be taken. While we understand the frustration and concern associated with this event, please know we are working to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.' A Muslim high school student has been left with 'psychological and mental trauma' after she was in a class where a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad was shown. A teacher at Mount Ridley College in Craigieburn - 25km north of Melbourne's CBD - showed the cartoon in a Year 11 media lesson on October 14. The female student's father immediately complained to the school and has since demanded an apology. 'She was forced to watch an explicit and blasphemous cartoon material developed somewhere in Europe against our Holy Prophet Muhammad,' her father said. The depiction of the Prophet Muhammad is forbidden in most, but not all, interpretations of Islam. A Muslim student has been left with 'psychological and mental trauma' after an offensive cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad was shown in class. Pictured is a stock image of a young woman wearing a hijab The cartoon, which was not on the formal Victorian government schools' curriculum, was a front page of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. That image, and others in the publication, sparked a mass shooting at the magazine's Paris office on January 7, 2015 that that left 12 people dead and 11 others injured. According to the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), the teacher warned at the start of the class that potentially 'confronting' content would be shown and advised that students were free to leave if they wished. 'The Muslim student in question did raise objections to the material presented but the teacher continued,' the ICV said in a statement. The girl's father wrote on social media that 'unfortunately the teacher didn't care and continued to play the video, forcing my child to view that content'. 'This has aggravated my child and my family's sentiments in a painful manner and has put us in a painful psychological and mental trauma,' he added. The student's parents raised their concern with the school, the ICV, Victoria's Department of Education and Training (DET) and the state government. A DET spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the department was reviewing the incident. 'Once the review is completed and the department has consulted with community groups a decision will be made as to whether any extra advice should be provided to schools in relation to similar sensitive issues,' the spokesperson said. 'Full support is being provided to any student that has been affected.' The father met the school's principal and others to discuss the complaint. 'A representative from the ICV's Islamophobia Support Service attended this meeting as well as a DET representative, a lawyer acting as a support person for the father, and other supporters of the family,' the ICV said. The school contacted the family and is offering support to their daughter. The family wants the teacher suspended, a public apology from the school and the chance to talk to the school community about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. A teacher at Mount Ridley College (pictured) reportedly played an 'explicit and blasphemous' cartoon in a year 11 media lesson on Friday, October 14 The teenager's father said the family demands 'an explanation as to why this kind of event even happened. 'We also want confirmation that such kind of events should not take place in any institutions which hurts our sentiments.' The ICV said it 'understands that many in the community are extremely upset about what they have heard and want to voice their anger and disapproval'. 'The ICV is working closely with the family in question and with others connected and asks that the community give the ICV and the others working to address this matter the time to complete the investigations, and to take the appropriate action.' Advertisement Prince Albert of Monaco has posed for a photo with his two children by former lovers for the first time, wrapping his arm around his daughter, who smiles next to her half-brother. The extraordinary picture, taken in New York, was shared online by his ex, Nicole Coste, 50, a Togolese former Air France hostess. The Prince, 64, had his arm around his daughter Jazmin Grimaldi, 30, in the photo, who was sat next to her half-brother Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste, 19. Ms Grimaldi, whose mother is American waitress Tamara Rotolo, 61, met her father for the first time when she was 11 after a DNA test confirmed that Prince Albert was a match. 'It's wonderful that it happened when it did, and we've been enjoying a great relationship ever since,' she said. In the photograph, Ms Grimaldi has her arm round Mr Grimaldi-Coste, son to Ms Coste. Prince Albert is pictured in New York, posing for a photo with two children by his former lovers Prince Albert with his ex, Nicole Coste, 50, a Togolese former Air France hostess, and their son Alexandre Grimaldi-Coste American waitress Tamara Rotolo, the royal's former lover Albert also has seven-year-old twins with his wife, the former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene, 44, whom he married in 2011 Prince Albert confirmed that he was Alexandre's father just before he was enthroned as ruler of the principality in 2005. 'Paternally king,' Ms Coste remarked in the photo caption. The Prince also has seven-year-old twins with his wife, the former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene, 44, whom he married in 2011. Last week the couple attended the annual Princess Grace Awards in New York. Dressed in a vibrant floral gown, Charlene joined her husband to welcome guests to the gala held at 583 Park Avenue. She finished off her look with a dazzling necklace, which is thought to have featured the 'Grace Diamond', an Australian diamond that brand Maison Mazerea dedicated to Charlene's late mother-in-law Princess Grace after purchasing it in 2021. The event is named after Prince Albert's late mother, Oscar-winning actress Grace Kelly, and is held annually to raise funds for the US-based Princess Grace Foundation. Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene stole the show Thursday night as they attended the annual Princess Grace Awards in New York The Prince acts as vice chairman for the foundation, which recognises and supports emerging talent in theatre, dance and film. Zimbabwean-born Charlene has been continuing her return to the world stage after a difficult 18 months - in which she spent some 10 months in South Africa last year, after contracting a serious sinus infection during a solo charity trip. The illness left her hospitalised and delayed her return to Monaco - and after returning to the principality last November, the mother-of-two almost immediately left and went to Switzerland to receive treatment for 'exhaustion'. She returned to public duty in May, making the occasional public appearance with her husband Prince Albert and her children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella by her side. She posed with Albert for a portrait marking their 11th wedding anniversary, and joined him in taking her children back to school in September. Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella with their parents in September at a traditional picnic Princess Charlene of Monaco delighted royal fans by sharing the twins' school photo However she made her biggest return to public duty so far when she joined her husband at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in London, joining 2,000 other mourners at Westminster Abbey. In October, Charlene visited an animal shelter in a village between Monaco and the French Alps - which she and Prince Albert had opened a month earlier. She was pictured stroking a rescue dog at the Society of the Protection of Animals (SPA) shelter in Peille. Charlene has been president of the animal welfare charity since September. Since re-engaging with royal duties the Princess has put to bed rumours of a possible divorce or permanent move to Switzerland. Princess Charlene shared photo of herself stroking a rescue dog at the Society of the Protection of Animals (SPA) shelter in Peille The couple put on a united front and held hands after declaring the animal shelter open in September. Princess Charlene spent almost a year away from Monaco after undergoing treatment for an unspecified condition In an interview in Monaco-Matin newspaper, she said: 'I am very happy to be back in Monaco and with my family.' She told the newspaper that she was determined to overcome her problems. 'My state of health is still fragile and I don't want to go too fast,' she said. 'The path has been long, difficult and very painful.' Referring to the twins, Charlene said: 'When I returned to the Principality, I focused all my energy on my children, my husband and my health because they are my priority.' The Monaco palace has consistently denied media reports of a rift between Charlene and the principality's ruler Albert, who were wed in 2011. Prince Albert of Monaco and Prince Charlene of Monaco attend the State Funeral of The Queen at Westminster Abbey on September 19 However rumours the pair were incompatible were sparked from the outset, with Charlene attracting a barrage of attention over an apparent bad dose of pre-wedding jitters which, reportedly, saw her seeking refuge in her country's embassy and gaining the moniker 'the Runaway Bride'. In December 2020, it seemed the relationship was plagued by rumours, with a third paternity suit emerging. The allegations in December 2020 claimed that Albert had fathered a love-child (which would be his third, if proven) with an unnamed Brazilian woman during the time when he and Charlene were already in a relationship. The woman said she met the Prince in a nightclub in Rio de Janeiro in 2004 when Charlene and Albert were supposedly dating. Her daughter, a 15-year-old Brazilian schoolgirl, sent a handwritten note in Portuguese to Prince Albert at the Royal Palace last September. Albert's legal team call the allegations 'a hoax' and the legal team of the woman concerned declined to comment. It was due to come to court in Milan in February but never commenced. Some believe the matter has been settled. Soon after the allegations came to light in December 2020, Charlene famously shaved half her head in the style of a punk rocker. By the spring, she left for South Africa. Advertisement A mother-of-two who died from a rare eye cancer aged 30 has been dissected for a Channel 4 show in a UK television first. Toni Crews was forced to have her eye removed after she was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that spread across her face. She then raised awareness for her illness by sharing photos documenting the tumour's spread on her Instragram page blingkofaneye_. Though the mother from Kent tragically died in 2020, she bravely gifted her body to science to help fight the war on the disease - allowing her body to be dissected in Channel 4's programme My Dead Body. In the documentary, which will be broadcast on British television next month, Toni can be heard narrating her own story through the use of to voice-replicating technology that weaves in diary entries and letters she wrote to family and friends. Describing how the decision to donate her body made her feel happy, she says: 'This gives me peace for the future'. Toni Crews was forced to have her eye removed after she was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that spread across her face She then raised awareness for her illness by sharing photos documenting the tumour's spread on her Instragram page blingkofaneye_ Though the mother from Kent tragically died in 2020, she bravely gifted her body to science to help fight the war on the disease - allowing her body to be dissected in Channel 4's programme My Dead Body The Mirror reports that the programme shows students watching Professor Claire Smith, head of anatomy at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, lead a series of workshops in which different parts of Toni's body are examined. Prof Smith admits she's 'nervous', having never performed a dissection quite like Toni's before. She explains: 'We have been so privileged to explore the journey of cancer through the incredible donation made by Toni. Though she tragically died in 2020, she bravely gifted her body to science to help fight the war on the disease - allowing her body to be dissected in Channel 4's programme My Dead Body 'As part of this documentary, we were able to invite more than 1,000 students, including nurses, paramedics and neuroscientists, who wouldn't normally get to learn about this one in a million cancer. 'Toni's gift of body donation doesn't end with this documentary either. Her body will be used to educate our medical students and doctors for years to come.' Channel 4 commissioning editor Anna Miralis said: 'By donating her body to public display, the first of its kind in the UK, Toni Crews has given us an extraordinary and unique look into the journey of the disease. 'While the presence of her voice in the form of diary entries and letters and social media posts ensures the film is filled with all the warmth and generosity that characterised Toni's inspiring life.' My Dead Body comes 20 years after Channel 4's Autopsy programme, when Professor Gunther Von Hagens carried out a post mortem on a 72-year-old German man. Hundreds of travellers have been evacuated from Perth airport as firefighters rush to the scene. Passengers arriving at the Virgin Terminal on Monday were confronted with wild scenes as several firetrucks were seen arriving at the international terminal. A Department of Fire and and Emergency Services spokeswoman said a small fire had started in the bin in an airport bathroom but that it had been fully extinguished. She said fire crews arrived at about 7.20am and were only required to be present for a short time. President Joe Biden was interrupted by three separate hecklers on Monday night at his final campaign rally ahead of the midterm election. 'You're a disgrace,' one of them shouted at the president. It's unclear if Biden saw all of them. One was in the back of the gym where the rally took place and the crowd drowned out another one. But the president did address one of them, telling the man wearing a large Uncle Sam top hat: 'Don't jump. You look crazy enough to jump.' The three hecklers, all white males, were in different parts of the crowd seating at the event, and each took their turns shouting at the president. Rally officials rushed to each of them, escorting them out of the gym at Bowie State University. The rally was Biden's last pitch to voters to keep Democrats in control of Congress going into Tuesday's midterm election. In his closing arguments, the president repeated his plea he needs Democrats in Congress to keep his agenda going for the next two years. His final pitch came as Republicans are predicted to win control of the House, where they've vowed to stymie Biden's legislative agenda and investigate his administration. Biden reminded voters he needs Democrats to codify Roe vs. Wade into law. And he repeated his warnings Republicans will cut Social Security and Medicare while raising taxes on wealthy. He also repeated his argument the election is about choosing democracy. 'Our lifetimes are going to be shaped by what happens,' Biden the crowd at the historically black university in Bowie, Maryland, near Baltimore. 'We know in our bones that our democracy is at risk and we know that this is your moment to defend it.' First lady Jill Biden joined the president at the event, giving his a kiss before he made his remarks. 'This is too important to sit out,' Jill Biden told the crowd of the election. The first lady has spent the past few weeks pushing the get-out-the-vote message among Democratic worries their supporters won't show up on Tuesday. Arriving back at the White House after the rally, Biden said: 'I think well win the Senate. I think the House is tougher.' Asked what the reality of governing will be like if Republicans win, he responded: 'More difficult.' President Joe Biden was interrupted by three hecklers at his final campaign rally before the midterm election A man in an Uncle Sam top hat interrupted the president; Biden told him: 'Don't jump. You look crazy enough to jump.' Another heckler yelled at Biden: 'You're a disgrace' A third heckler was also removed Jill Biden gives President Biden a kiss before he starts his remarks The first couple was 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. Election forecasters have Republicans winning the House of Representatives. The 50-50 Senate, where any one contest can tip the majority to either party, is seen as a closer contest. Many races, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona and New Hampshire, are toss-ups. President Biden spent the day at the White House where he did a virtual events for the Democratic National Committee. He kept an optimistic spirit: 'We have a shot at keeping the Senate and increasing it and I'm optimistic about the House as well.' And, as he has been doing these past few months, he painted Tuesday's contest as a choice between democracy and autocracy. 'We're up against some of the darkest forces we've ever seen in our history. These MAGA Republicans are a different breed of cat. This is not your father's Republican Party. It's a different deal,' he told Democrats on Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, Jill Biden spent the afternoon in Virginia, campaigning for Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton, a heavy GOP target. Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore, left, with President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. President Biden takes pictures with supporters after the rally President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden leave the White House on Monday night for their final political rally ahead of Tuesday's election Jill Biden campaigned for Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton in Virginia on Monday; Republicans are heavily targeting Wexton and two other Virginia 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. In their Monday 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 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. 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. Hayley Dodd, 17, disappeared while hitchhiking in Western Australia in July, 1999 The mother of missing teenager Hayley Dodd allegedly received a chilling call from a stranger telling her they had murdered her daughter and that she was next. Hayley was just 17 when she disappeared while hitchhiking from Dongara, a fishing town 350km north-west of Perth, down to Moora, about a two-hour drive south-west in the state's wheat belt. It was July 29, 1999 and she was on her way to visit a friend but would never be seen again. Hayley's shattered mother Margaret Dodd allegedly received the terrifying hoax call last month. The anonymous man on the other end allegedly told Ms Dodd he'd murdered Hayley and then threatened to kill her mother. Hayley Dodd was just 17 when she disappeared while hitchhiking to a friend's house in WA, in July, 1999 The man has since been charged with making a threat to unlawfully do an act and is believed to suffer mental health issues, the West Australian reported. He will face court in Perth later this month. It's another disturbing blow to Hayley's family, with the teen's disappearance one of WA's most famous cold cases as her body is yet to be found. Francis John Wark has been convicted twice of killing Hayley. He was found guilty of murder in a judge-alone trial in 2017, but that was overturned in 2020. In a retrial last year he was cleared of the murder charge but a jury found him guilty of manslaughter and he was sentenced to 18 years with a 16-year minimum term - the longest manslaughter sentence in the state. He is now appealing the manslaughter conviction with an outcome yet to be heard. Hayley's mother Margaret Dodd allegedly received a phone call from an anonymous man telling her he'd killed her daughter and threatened to kill her as well Francis John Wark has been convicted twice of killing Hayley. He was found guilty of murder in a judge-alone trial in 2017, but that was overturned in 2020 Hayley had been walking near Badgingarra when it's believed she encountered Wark, 66, who was driving home in his ute before he allegedly snatched her. The disappearance of the teenager and the hunt to find her killer was one of the state's most enduring mysteries and shattered a close-knit family. Hayley, her parents Margaret and Raymond and five siblings had emigrated to Australia from the United Kingdom in 1990 and settled in Mandurah, 70km south of Perth. Wark had lived for 15 years on North West Road near Badgingarra where Hayley was last seen and was quickly deemed a person of interest in her disappearance. He has always maintained his innocence, claiming he was on his fortnightly shopping trip to Moora about 50km away when Hayley went missing. Public appeals for information were launched after she vanished and Hayley's last known movements were re-enacted but her body was never found. About 130 people would eventually be identified as persons of interest. Hayley had been walking near Badgingarra when it's believed she encountered Wark, 66, who was driving home in his ute before he allegedly snatched her A distinctive earring Hayley had bought two days earlier and was wearing when she disappeared led to Wark's arrest, after it was found in the bench seat cover of a Holden ute he'd been driving that day. The earring lay undiscovered in a police evidence bag for 14 years until it was examined in a cold case review, along with a hair that had a mitochondrial DNA profile consistent with Hayley and Ms Dodd that was found in the vehicle's passenger side footwell. The two pieces of evidence were crucial in Wark, who was living in Queensland at the time, being extradited to Western Australia in 2015 and charged with Hayley's murder. He'd been on the police's radar as he was currently serving time for raping and bashing a hitchhiker he picked up on a rural Queensland road in 2007. Wark has appealed his manslaughter conviction which saw him jailed for 18 years Wark's lawyer David Grace KC had argued during a hearing on the appeal this year that his client's manslaughter conviction was 'unsafe and satisfactory'. He argued there was little opportunity for Wark to commit the crime in the time frame Hayley went missing. Mr Grace also raised the possibility of whether the earring had been planted by police - which prosecutors shut down. 21 more unmarked graves discovered in U.S. Tulsa Race Massacre investigation: media Xinhua) 09:54, November 08, 2022 A woman with Tulsa displayed on her forehead attends an event in remembrance of the 100th year anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, in New York, United States, May 31, 2021. (Xinhua/Michael Nagle) 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. 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. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used. 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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 British immigration officers will be deployed to tackle the Channel crisis in French territory for the first time as part of a landmark deal, the Daily Mail can reveal. The crucial agreement will allow UK Border Force officers into French control centres to help combat small-boat departures across the Channel. The deal will also see the largest-ever sum handed by the UK taxpayer to France thought to be around 80million for escalated anti-dinghy patrols. Rishi Sunak indicated yesterday that an agreement was imminent after his first meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron. The Prime Minister said he had 'renewed confidence and optimism' that deals could be struck with Paris and other European partners to combat illegal immigration. But critics warned that any new deal would have to deliver after years of broken promises. Rishi Sunak indicated yesterday that an agreement was imminent after his first meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron (pictured together) The Prime Minister said he had 'renewed confidence and optimism' that deals could be struck with Paris and other European partners to combat illegal immigration Six weeks ago the Mail revealed that a previous attempt at an accord with France had been torpedoed by Liz Truss's remarks about Mr Macron. Boris Johnson's government had been poised to announce a 'ground-breaking' agreement but Miss Truss unintentionally scuppered the deal when she said the 'jury is out' on whether Mr Macron was a 'friend or foe'. Mr Macron's government pulled out of the Channel negotiations a few days later, even though an agreement was on the cusp of being signed and sealed. Last night negotiations were back on track as Downing Street confirmed talks were nearing a conclusion following a meeting between the two leaders at the Cop27 summit. 'A deal is being discussed and I think is in its final stages,' the Prime Minister's official spokesman said. After meeting Mr Macron in Egypt yesterday, Mr Sunak said: 'There is an opportunity for us to work closely not just with the French but with other countries as well. 'I'm actually leaving this with renewed confidence and optimism that [by] 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. Officials are understood to be hammering out final details, with a formal announcement expected next week. A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dungeness beach by the Dungeness lifeboat following a small boat incident in the Channel last month The Prime Minister said he had 'renewed confidence and optimism' that deals could be struck with Paris and other European partners to combat illegal immigration. Pictured: a group of men at Manston yesterday Challenged over Home Secretary Suella Braverman's handling of Britain's asylum system - amid chaotic overcrowding at the Manston processing centre in Kent - Mr Sunak insisted she was at the forefront of efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers at the site. '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.' Almost 40,000 migrants have arrived in Britain in small boats so far this year compared with a then record 28,500 in the whole of 2021 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 Ahead of his meeting with Mr Macron, 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'. Although British border guards have been deployed in France for almost 20 years to conduct passport checks, the new deal will mark a significant breakthrough. It will allow UK Border Force officers to work inside French control rooms which co-ordinate beach searches for people trafficking gangs and dinghy launches. The cash boost is also expected to increase the number of beach patrols which currently number 800 a day. Almost 40,000 migrants have arrived in Britain in small boats so far this year compared with a then record 28,500 in the whole of 2021. Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: 'This represents a glimmer of hope but really should have been done four years ago. 'This joint working will have to be properly implemented if it is to make a difference. I can't help being a wee bit sceptical about whether it can solve this problem.' There has recently been overcrowding at the Manston site, which has prompted severe criticism of Home Secretary Suella Braverman Business Secretary Grant Shapps - who was briefly home secretary when Mrs Braverman resigned last month before being reappointed by Mr Sunak six days later - yesterday 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. Nancy Pelosi has claimed that her husband Paul was attacked inside their San Francisco home because she is 'very effective', describing herself as 'outstanding' - even as she hinted the break-in may encourage her to retire. In her first television interview since her 82-year-old husband suffered skull fractures in the hammer attack, Pelosi told CNN that he had part of his skull removed and reshaped during surgery - describing it as a 'pretty serious operation'. Holding back tears at times, Pelosi told Anderson Cooper that she was 'traumatized' by the fact that her husband was injured as a result of her actions. 'This for me is really the hard part because Paul was not the target, and he's the one who is paying the price,' she said, in an interview which was broadcast on Monday night. 'I've been a target for a long time. Because I'm very effective. 'I'm a great, she says, master of the legislation. 'I love doing that. That is what I love to do, is to write legislation, and - on the policy side. 'On the political side, I'm an outstanding, shall we say, a master of the resources necessary, intellectual, financial, political to win elections. 'So they have to put a stop to me, right, because they know that I'm about having our members succeed.' Nancy Pelosi on Monday night gave her first television interview since her husband was attacked on October 28 Paul Pelosi (right) was attacked by a man with a hammer last month at the couple's San Francisco home. Speaker Pelosi (left) was not home at the time of the attack Pelosi, also 82, said that her husband was recovering well, but faced a long road ahead of him following the October 28 attack. His attacker, David DePape, 42, was arrested immediately and is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapons and assaulting a relative of a federal official. Pelosi told Cooper her husband was hit with a hammer in the head, 'on the top in two places.' She added: 'And that's pretty awful. That's pretty awful. 'But the good news was: the healthcare professionals at San Francisco General, they told us it had not pierced his brain, which was - could be deadly or worse.' She said the hammer cracked his skull. 'It had cracked. What they have to do is take off the skull, reshape it and put it back so it isn't scratched or pierce the brain. 'So it's pretty serious operation.' She said their son Paul Jr was by his bedside when he came round following the operation and, on learning Nancy was on her way, said: 'Oh, your mother's gonna be very happy because the Ravens won last night.' She said his remarks gave her hope for his long-term prognosis. Nancy Pelosi told Anderson Cooper she was 'traumatized' by the attack on her husband Aerial footage showed broken panes and shatter glass at the backdoor of Pelosi's home FBI agents work outside the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi where her husband Paul Pelosi was 'violently assaulted' after a break-in at their house Pelosi told of the moment she learnt of the attack, admitting she was 'scared' when she heard the doorbell and five bangs at her Washington DC apartment door assuming that whoever was there was mistaken, and had got the wrong place. 'I look up, I see it's 5am, they must be at the wrong apartment,' she said. 'So I run to the door, and I'm very scared. 'I see the Capitol Police and they say, 'We have to come in to talk to you.'' Pelosi said she immediately thought about her grandchildren and children, and initially did not suspect the news would be about her husband. David DePape (pictured) is charged with six counts relating to the attack, including attempted murder, burglary, assault, false imprisonment and threatening the family member of a public official 'I never thought it would be Paul because, you know, I knew he wouldn't be out and about, shall we say,' she said. 'And so they [Capitol Police] came in. At that time, we didn't even know where he was. 'All we knew is there had been an assault on him in our home'. DePape is charged with six counts relating to the attack, including attempted murder, burglary, assault, false imprisonment and threatening the family member of a public official. He has pleaded not guilty to all state charges. Immigration officials revealed after the attack that DePape was in the country illegally, after overstaying his visa from Canada. In the closing stages of midterm campaigning, Democrats say the attack on Paul Pelosi is evidence of the heightened risk of political violence and have solely placed the blame on former President Donald Trump's rhetoric and his supporters' actions. At some point during the break-in and attack, Paul Pelosi managed to get to a bathroom where he was able to call the police. Nancy said she has not been able to bring herself to listen to the audio. DePape was listening in on the phone call, and knew police were going to arrive, according to FBI interrogators. On his arrest, he 'explained that he did not leave after Pelosi's call to 9-1-1 because, much like the American founding fathers with the British, he was fighting against tyranny without the option of surrender.' Pelosi said that she thought Joe Biden was correct when he drew a correlation between the January 6 riot and the attack on her husband. 'There's no question. It's the same thing,' she said. 'Copycatter, whatever it happens to be, inflamed by the same misrepresentation. 'But the fact is right now it's time for healing. We want the country to heal. This is not a path that we can continue on.' Paul and Nancy Pelosi married in 1963 and have five children; above they are seen together in London last year when she had meetings at 10 Downing Street She said she was dismayed that Elon Musk and Donald Trump both shared conspiracy theories about the attack, suggesting that Paul Pelosi somehow knew his assailant. 'It's really sad for the country,' she said. 'It's really sad for the country that people of that high visibility would separate themselves from the facts and the truth in such a blatant way. 'It's really sad, and it is traumatizing to those affected by it, they don't care about that, obviously.' The veteran politician, who was first elected to Congress 35 years ago, said she felt there needed to be a strong Republican party, but was saddened that it had turned into 'a cult'. 'The G.O.P., a strong Republican party, has done great things for our country and they should take pride in that - instead of yielding to a cult, to a thug, actually, the way I see it,' she said. Pelosi, who has served in Congress since 1987, said that the attack on her husband will affect her decisions about her political future following the midterm elections on Tuesday. She has not yet said if she would remain in her Democratic leadership role if her party loses House control following the results of the November 8 midterms. Cooper asked Pelosi if she would confirm if she has made a decision on leadership, saying: 'there's been a lot of discussion about whether you'd retire if Democrats lose the House.' She said that she did not want to make any announcement, and would not reveal whether her mind had been made up, but replied: 'The decision will be affected about what happened over the last week or two.' Cooper asked: 'Will your decision be impacted by the attack in any way?' 'Yes,' Pelosi said. Twitter staff in the UK are weighing legal action against Elon Musk after the billionaire launched sweeping job cuts. Scores of workers have approached lawyers for advice after being locked out of their IT systems on Friday morning, just 11 days after Mr Musk bought the company for 38billion. London firm Winckworth Sherwood is now hoping to represent staff, as another suit kicks off in California. Jo Keddie, senior partner at the firm, said Twitters size and scale... would lead to expectations of legal and proper behaviour. Scores of workers have approached lawyers for advice after being locked out of their IT systems on Friday morning, just 11 days after Mr Musk bought the company for 38billion Drawing parallels with the way P&O Ferries sacked around 800 employees earlier this year without notice, replacing them with cheaper agency workers, Miss Keddie added: The way these employees have been treated is appalling. It is thought that around 190 of Twitters UK employees face redundancy. Twitter has around 360 staff in London and Manchester, not including contractors, according to technology union Prospect. Mike Clancy, Prospects general secretary, said: This is a repeat of the P&O issue. Its cowboy capitalism. Mr Musk, who also leads electric car firm Tesla, is set to sack around half of Twitters 7,500-strong global workforce. Unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4million/day, the 51-year-old tweeted on Friday. In the UK, firms sacking more than 20 people must consult staff first. Miss Keddie said Twitter locking workers out of their accounts first, and adding that they were being consulted later, made it look like the firm was covering its back. Twitter did not respond to a request for comment. The Business Department said: We are watching what is happening at Twitter with interest. n Facebook is also to lay off thousands of staff starting this week after a weak fin-ancial forecast by parent firm Meta saw around 58billion ($67billion) drop from its stock market value, on top of more than half a trillion dollars lost this year. The 46-year-old man died after collapsing in Hilton, Perth on Monday afternoon Homicide detectives have released an image of a white ute as part of an investigation into the mysterious death of a 46-year-old man. Police were called to a property at Carrington Street at Hilton in Perth's south at about 4pm on Monday, where a man had collapsed on the footpath. Paramedics administered first aid along with members of the public but the man died at the scene. Homicide detectives have released an image of a white ute as part of an investigation into the mysterious death of a 46-year-old man Detectives have now released an image of a white ute spotted in the area as they appeal for anyone with information to come forward. 'Detectives wish to speak to anyone who saw a white Toyota Hilux, WA registration 1DOJ521 which was seen in the area between 2.30pm and 4.30pm,' WA police said in a statement. Anyone with CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam vision of the Carrington Street area between 2.30pm and 4.30pm has been urged to contact police. He sent text messages to 93 victims however none of them paid ransom money A Sydney teenager has admitted to using data stolen during the Optus breach to attempt to blackmail vulnerable customers into handing over thousands of dollars. Dennis Su, 19, appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to two counts of using equipment connected to a network to commit a serious offence. Su targeted nearly 100 customers whose details had been posted online by hackers, texting them and demanding they pay $2,000 into his account. His attempt was unsuccesful. None of the 93 customers who received a text message from the Rockdale teen between September 24 and October 6 paid the blackmail fee. Dennis Su, 19, appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to two counts of using equipment connected to a network to commit a serious offence The data of up to 9.8million Optus customers was stolen in a major breach in September Charges were laid after police twigged the money had to be sent to his bank account. Su is not accused of being responsible for the major hack but attempting to financially benefit from the data stolen by Optus hackers. The telecommunications company was targeted by cybercriminals in September who accessed the personal details of up to 9.8million customers. The hackers stole details like full names, dates of birth, phone numbers and email addresses with a small number of customers also having their passport, Medicare numbers and driver's licenses stolen. The telecommunications company was targeted by cybercriminals in September who accessed the personal details of up to 9.8million customers Dennis Su, 19, is not accused of being responsible for the major hack but attempting to financially benefit from the data stolen by Optus hackers Cyber-Security Minister Claire O'Neal has called the Optus breach 'a basic hack', although the telco has denied this claiming the data was 'encrypted' and had 'multiple firewalls'. Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin has previously said the data was encrypted and that the telco had multiple layers of protection. 'We invest heavily in our cyber defences, and we really are doing everything we can to ensure that our environment is secure,' she said. The federal government has announced new regulations in lieu of the cyberattack, including opening the lines of communication between banks and telcos after hacks so mutual customers who were targeted can be identified. The Mail+ readers overwhelmingly agree that Britain should not pay any climate change damages to poorer countries. In a poll of 3,900 people, a staggering 98 per cent said that no money should be handed over to developing countries hit by global warming. Just 2 per cent voted in favour of paying reparations. The findings will come as a blow to the charity War On Want, which has called on the UK to pay out 1trillion in environmental reparations. File photo: The charity War On Want called on the UK to pay out 1trn in climate change reparations to poorer nations as the COP27 got underway, but a staggering 98% of readers in a Mail+ poll disagreed It claimed that the huge fee would mirror the total amount of greenhouse gases the UK produces by burning fossil fuels thought to be around 3.5 per cent of all emissions. Executive director Asad Rehman added that, as Britain was the first country to industrialise, it has historically been one of the worlds biggest emitters. Rishi Sunak has pledged to triple funding to help nations adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Prime Minister told the Cop27 summit yesterday that he will invest 65million into a range of green projects. Maths degrees are being 'politicised' because of demands to decolonise the curriculum, top academics have warned. They accuse the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), an independent charity that checks on standards in the university sector, of engaging in 'tokenistic anti-racism efforts'. The watchdog has published proposed guidance which states that 'the curriculum should present a multicultural and decolonised view' of mathematics. The subject benchmark statement, which has been put out for consultation, adds that students 'should be made aware of problematic issues' in the history of mathematics. It means mathematicians at risk of being 'decolonised' include British statistics pioneer Karl Pearson, who founded the first statistics department at UCL in 1911, but also believed in the existence of 'inferior races'. Sir Isaac Newton was a shareholder in South Sea Company that traded in slaves. In their letter of protest, shared with Times Higher Education, 12 leading mathematicians said: 'We struggle to imagine what it would mean to decolonise, for example, a course on the geometry of surfaces. Mathematicians at risk of being 'decolonised' include British statistics pioneer Karl Pearson (left), who founded the first statistics department at UCL in 1911, but also believed in the existence of 'inferior races'. Sir Isaac Newton (right) was a shareholder in South Sea Company that traded in slaves. 'For the most part, the concept of decolonisation is irrelevant to university mathematics, and our students know this. 'If we engage in obviously tokenistic anti-racism efforts, we will simply be sending a signal that we do not take racism seriously.' Signatory John Armstrong, a lecturer at King's College London, said that although many of the subject requirements 'might be very reasonable', it was facile to insist 'absolutely every single maths course to cover these same things'. Dr Armstrong said he felt the guidance should be concerned only with what the basics of a mathematical curriculum might be, adding that a centralised description of content 'reduces the academic freedom of mathematicians to deliver the courses they wish to deliver'. In their letter of protest, shared with Times Higher Education, 12 leading mathematicians said: 'We struggle to imagine what it would mean to decolonise, for example, a course on the geometry of surfaces.' (Stock image) Eight Royal Society Fellows have signed the letter, including Sir John Ball, professor of mathematics at Heriot-Watt University, Philip Dawid, emeritus professor of statistics of the University of Cambridge, and Mary Rees, emeritus professor of mathematics at the University of Liverpool. The Daily Mail has previously highlighted how universities have been 'decolonising' their business, chemistry and even thermodynamics courses to mollify woke activists. A QAA spokesman said: 'Subject benchmark statements don't prescribe or mandate set approaches to teaching, learning or assessment. 'They are created by the subject community for the subject community, to be used as a tool for reflection when designing new courses or updating existing courses.' Bill Clinton on Monday laughed off questions about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, saying as he was hustled away from the questioner: 'I think the evidence is clear.' The former president, 76, was in Texas on Monday to campaign on behalf of Representative Henry Cuellar in Laredo, and House hopeful Michelle Vallejo in the Rio Grande Valley. At the Laredo rally, reporter Juan Mendoza with Real America's Voice, asked him: 'Mr. Clinton, any comment on the allegation of your alleged connection with Jeffrey Epstein?' Clinton laughed, and his aide appeared to hustle him from Mendoza. 'I think the evidence is clear,' he said as he moved away. Bill Clinton, 76, was asked in Laredo, Texas on Monday about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein The former president immediately laughed, shocked at the question His spokesman Angel Urena (right) can be seen looking on, about to urge the president to move on following the awkward question Clinton moved away, still laughing, and said over his shoulder: 'I think the evidence is clear' I confronted @BillClinton at the rally he held with @RepCuellar in Laredo about his alleged connections to child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. I think the answer is clear. pic.twitter.com/ZtDR96PJwF Juan More News (@JuanMoreNews) November 7, 2022 Clinton has never been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. He has long faced questions about his connection to the millionaire pedophile financier, who hanged himself in jail in 2019, awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking of minors. Clinton invited Epstein to the White House, with the mysterious money man visiting at least 17 times between 1993 and 1995, according to logs obtained by DailyMail.com. The former president also flew several times on Epstein's private jet, dubbed 'Lolita Express' for all the underage girls who were present on the flights. Epstein's former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell was invited to Chelsea Clinton's July 2010 wedding. Maxwell was sentenced in June to 20 years in prison for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors. Clinton has never commented publicly on their friendship. Clinton, Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell are pictured inside the White House in 1993 Epstein visited Clinton's White House at least 17 times, according to White House logs Statement on Jeffrey Epstein. pic.twitter.com/98ha9YYd1l Angel Urena (@angelurena) July 8, 2019 In 2019, on Epstein's death, Clinton issued a statement via his spokesman and said the trips on the private jet included stops in connection with the Clinton Foundation and that he was accompanied by staff, foundation supporters and Secret Service agents on 'every leg of every trip.' 'President Clinton knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida some years ago, or those with which he has been recently charged in New York,' the statement said. The statement said Clinton made 'one brief visit' to Epstein's apartment in New York, with a 'staff member and his security detail', in 2002. The two men also met at Clinton's Harlem office 'around the same time' as the apartment visit, the statement said. 'He's not spoken to Epstein in well over a decade, and has never been to Little St. James Island, Epstein's ranch in New Mexico, or his residence in Florida,' the statement read. Advertisement A couple who were paid 7,000 a month in benefits but let seven children live in 'repugnant' conditions in a house crammed with 35 dogs have been jailed for six years each. Christopher Bennett, 35, and Gemma Brogan, 41, were sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty at Lewes Crown Court to seven counts of child neglect. They also admitted animal cruelty after being prosecuted by the RSPCA. Police officers were called to their three-bedroom house in Eastbourne, East Sussex, after reports of a domestic incident on June 14, 2021 and were appalled at the conditions inside. Officers winced when they realised that a filthy, neglected seven-year-old asleep on a sofa near a dead dog was covered in animal faeces. The child, who was naked apart from a nappy with her hair matted and dirty, had been severely neglected for years, the court heard. Seven children, aged between four and 17, as well as 35 dogs were removed from the home and taken into care, with the four youngest children now living with supportive families. Gemma Brogan, 41, and Christopher Bennett, 35, were sentenced to six years after pleading guilty at Lewes Crown Court to seven counts of child neglect The house was crammed with 35 dogs. Detective Constable Ashcroft said the home looked as though it had been 'filthy for a number of years' Addressing Lewes Crown Court, Judge Stephen Mooney said that Bennett and Brogan had 'frittered away 7,000 a month which should have been spent on the children'. The couple would have been receiving 84,000 in benefits each year. Judge Mooney added: 'It is impossible for any person to comprehend the enormity of your failings. 'Whatever was going on in their relationship, they should have been looking after those children. How do you have 35 dogs, 7,000 in benefits, how is this allowed to happen?' Police were called to the defendants' address to a report of a domestic incident. Detective Constable Fiona Ashcroft, of Sussex Police, said: 'Upon entering the address, our officers were shocked about the state of the property and had major concerns for the welfare of all the children. Bennett at Lewes Crown Court. Detective Constable Ashcroft, of Sussex Police, described the couple's house as 'shocking and repugnant' A sleeping child in only a soiled nappy was found by police on a sofa next to a dead dog. Pictured, the dogs at the property 'The stench as you entered the hallway hit officers hard; they were not able to breath normally due to the stench. 'The state of the whole house was shocking and repugnant; it was cluttered and was strewn with discarded clothing, litter, rotting food and animal faeces. 'It looked as if it had been filthy for a number of years. 'There was a deafening sound of dogs yapping and barking coming from the room in front of the hallway. 'When the door to the living room was opened, officers were shocked to see dozens of dogs climbing over each other to try and reach the open door. 'All the dogs looked malnourished and skinny. Their fur was greasy, matted and covered in each other's faeces. 'In amongst the filth and melee of dogs, officers removed a sleeping child from the sofa, who was dressed in just a soiled nappy and had dogs jumping all over them. 'All seven children, then aged between four and 17, were immediately taken into emergency protection and, following partnership working with the local authority children's services, they were subsequently rehoused. Detective Constable Ashcroft said there was a deafening sound of dogs barking in the house The couple had 'crammed in' 35 dogs, which were removed and rehomed by the RSPCA When officers entered the property, they saw dozens of dogs climbing over each other to try and reach the open door 'The four youngest children are now living with supportive families and are learning all the principle social, mobility and life skills that our society hinges on. 'This was a particularly dreadful example of child neglect. The address is a three-bedroom property which had 10 occupants and 35 dogs crammed in. 'It is impossible to paint an accurate picture of the full extent of degradation and filth these vulnerable children had to endure. It is unequivocally one of the most awful addresses I have ever been in.' The RSPCA removed the 35 dogs, which have been rehomed, as well as a dead dog. For the animal cruelty offences, Brogan was sentenced to an 18-week prison sentence suspended for two years. She was given a five-year ban for all animals, 30 rehabilitation activity days and 100 hours' community service work. Bennett was sentenced to 18 weeks' imprisonment and was disqualified indefinitely from keeping all animals. A Royal Navy submarine which was fully armed with nuclear missiles aborted a top secret operation after a fire broke out onboard. The 3billion HMS Victorious, which is one of Britains four Trident submarines, had been sailing to a base overseas when the electrical fire started six weeks ago. The blaze, which destroyed an electrical converter, was quickly extinguished before the 30-year-old vessel returned to Scotland for repairs. Around 130 sailors were on board at the time but no one was injured, a naval source said. The 3billion HMS Victorious, which is one of Britains four Trident submarines, had been sailing to a base overseas when the electrical fire started six weeks ago A Royal Navy spokesman refused to comment on the details but said the continuous at-sea [nuclear] deterrent is unaffected. The crew put on hazmat suits as smoke poured from a compartment housing an electrical conversion system. Even those who were off-duty at the time were summoned from their bunks. A naval source said: The fire destroyed an AC to DC electrical converter. The incident was taken very seriously. But nobody was injured and there was no serious damage to the submarine. All members of the crew are trained firefighters. This ensures that our ships and submarines are able to respond to incidents swiftly and efficiently, assuring operational outputs are not affected. The 30-year-old vessel - which is overdue a major refit - broke surface in the north Atlantic to flush out toxic fumes. The 16,000-tonne sub is one of four that provides non-stop nuclear deterrent patrols - but was understood not to be in that role at the time. Advertisement The University of Kentucky student accused of calling a desk clerk the n-word over 200 times during a drunken rage has been bailed after pleading not guilty to assault and disorderly conduct. Sophia Rosing, 22, was arrested early Sunday morning after 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 a 'n*****' 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. Pictures obtained by DailyMail.com show her walking out of the Fayette County Detention Center later Monday night, still wearing a tight skirt and boots. She was accompanied by her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, who paid her $10,000 bond. Rosing is now banned from contacting Spring and will not be allowed to return to Boyd Hall, or drink alcohol. Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com show University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing, 22, leaving the Fayette County Detention Center Monday night, still in her boots and tight skirt The blonde 22-year-old was pictured trying to obscure her face as she left the jail Monday night She was escorted out of the jail by her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, after apparently posting bail Earlier photos obtained by DailyMail.com show Jill and Don Rosing leaving the detention center They apparently walked out in the sunset without their adult daughter before coming back with the bail money Rosing was caught on camera physically assaulting two black students at the University of Kentucky and calling a student employee a 'n***** b****' 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. University Police were finally able to take Rosing into custody just before 4am on Sunday following the now viral incident. She was being held at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours. Now, university students are calling for Rosing to be expelled from the university and are also urging President Eli Capilouto to do more. 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.' When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing. 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. 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 Her parents appeared to discuss the case with a third man after Rosling pleaded not guilty to all four offences Rosing 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 modest three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings Rosing had bragged to fellow students the year before the vile racist incident, saying 'I'm rich as f*** and you're 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. Meanwhile, Rosing herself 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 Dillard's has been terminated immediately.' 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 Video of the attack showed Rosing, who is white, calling Spring a 'n***** b***' as the front desk clerk tried to restrain her and prevent her from getting into an elevator. '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. 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 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: '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. '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*****.' 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 Rosing is being held on a $10,000 bail after being arrested by campus police 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.' 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. 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 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.' CCTV has captured the terrifying moment a dog lunged at a little girl walking with her mum - leaving her fearing for her life. Nadia Taoube and her seven-year-old daughter were walking home from the shop in Bardwell Valley in Sydney's south on Sunday when an off-lead dog they'd never seen before in their neighbourhood crossed their path. The footage shows the frightened girl trying to avoid a confrontation with the aggressive looking dog but she is repeatedly bowled over and pinned to the ground. 'I'm going to die, I'm going to die,' the petrified girl is heard screaming. A frantic Ms Taoube tries to intervene by shooing and pulling the dog away but is unable to calm the animal. The commotion alerted brothers Mohamed and Billy Zahr, who rushed outside to help. 'It was just going at her ... she was screaming and crying,' Billy told Seven News. 'I even ran away from it ... I came out to be a hero and ended up being the victim.' Mohamed added: 'As soon as I started running I could hear the screaming ... she looked so terrified. One of the men managed to pull the dog away by grabbing it by the ear with the animal last seen fleeing towards a nearby park. Nadia Taoube (right) says her little girl (left) is still traumatised after she was attacked by an off-leash dog roaming the neighbourhood on Sunday The girl's parents said their daughter escaped with minor scratches but remains shaken by her harrowing ordeal. The family wants answers as to why the dog was roaming the streets off-leash. Bardwell Valley is part of Bayside Council, which encourages residents on its website to report dog attacks. A dog is considered a nuisance if it is habitually at large or repeatedly runs at or chases any person, animal or vehicle, according to the council website. The best way to prevent a confrontation with a dog is to turn sideways, according to experts. 'Turning your back and running is going to stimulate that excited response,' dog behaviourist Elliot Mason said. Cybersecurity experts warned yesterday that Cop27s official app could be spying on delegates. The online guide requires access to a users location, photos and even emails allowing Egyptian officials potentially to view confidential data. This is a cartoon super-villain of an app, Gennie Gebhart, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation told The Guardian. The biggest red flag is the number of permissions required, which is unnecessary for the operation of the app and suggests they are trying to surveil attendees. Cybersecurity experts warned yesterday that Cop27s official app could be spying on delegates Egypts government, headed by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (left), came to power in a coup in 2013 and has around 65,000 political prisoners 'Its an open question how this information will be used it raises a lot of scary possibilities. It is feared the data could be used to crack down on internal dissent. Egypts government, headed by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, came to power in a coup in 2013 and has around 65,000 political prisoners. More than 25,000 heads of state, diplomats, negotiators, journalists and activists are due at the summit in Sharm El Sheikh. The official Cop27 app, which has already been downloaded more than 5,000 times, requires sweeping permissions from users before it installs, including the ability for Egypts ministry of communications and information technology to view emails, scour photos and determine users locations. Experts warn that information gathered from the phones of attendees could be used to crack down on dissent in the country. Brenton Tarrant is appealing against his convictions and life sentence for murdering 51 worshippers in the Christchurch Mosques terror attacks. A spokesperson for the New Zealand Court of Appeal confirmed to AAP on Tuesday that Tarrant has filed an appeal against his convictions and sentence. She said no date has been set for a hearing and grounds of appeal were not available. The Australian man pleaded guilty to planning and carrying out the 2019 massacre and, in a legal first for New Zealand, was sentenced to a lifetime in prison without the possibility of parole. Mass murderer Brenton Tarrant (pictured) is appealing his life sentence for killing 51 people in the Christchurch Mosques terror attacks A year ago human rights lawyer Tony Ellis wrote in a memo to a coroner that Tarrant told him his guilty pleas were obtained under duress. He was also allegedly 'subject to inhumane or degrading treatment while on remand, which prevented a fair trial'. 'He sent me about 15 pages of narrative of how he had been treated since he'd been in prison,' Dr Ellis wrote in the memo. 'He said because of how he was treated while he was awaiting trial and afterwards, (that affected) his will to carry on and he decided that the simplest way out was to plead guilty.' Tarrant, who represented himself at his sentencing in August 2020, subsequently disposed of Dr Ellis' services. Police are seen at the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, March 15, 2019 - 51 people were killed after a gunman opened fire at two mosques The Grafton, NSW, raised man's decision to reverse his earlier pleas and confess his crimes came as a major surprise and meant the matter did not go to trial. In October last year, chief coroner Deborah Marshall announced there would be a coronial inquiry into the mosque attacks, saying it would allow a 'more in-depth investigation into the causes and circumstances of the deaths'. Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman made his closing argument to voters back in Pittsburgh Monday night, casting Republicans as extreme and shoring up his credentials as being pro-police after being hammered by rival Dr. Mehmet Oz on crime. 'How refreshing to have a ticket 100 percent sedition free. On the other side, it's not a bug, it's a feature - all that kind of conspiracy,' said Fetterman, who continues to speak haltingly as he recovers from his May stroke. Fetterman was talking about Oz's appearance Saturday in Latrobe, Pennsylvania alongside former President Donald Trump and Pennsylvania's Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, who was in D.C. on January 6. 'You cannot stand on the stage to a stronger opponent for abortion rights than Doug Mastriano,' Fetterman also said of the GOP gubernatorial hopeful, which prompted boos from the crowd. Oz was able to chip away at Fetterman's large early lead in the race by running ad after ad portraying the Democrat as too liberal on criminal justice reform and among those progressives who want to 'defund the police.' Fetterman, again, expressed how he ran for mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania because two of his GED students were gunned down. 'I was so proud to partner with the police and fund the police,' he said. Earlier, Fetterman's wife Gisele - who was introduced as the 'SLOP,' the second lady of Pennsylvania - played up the late breaking endorsement for her husband by D.C. cop Michael Fanone, who's become a household name after he was beaten by the MAGA mob on January 6. Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman made his closing argument to voters back in Pittsburgh Monday night, casting Republicans as extreme and shoring up his credentials as being pro-police after being hammered by rival Dr. Mehmet Oz on the issue Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman holds up a flag for the carpenters union, which hosted his final campaign event Monday night in Pittsburgh, before voters head to the polls across the U.S. Tuesday A line of supporters waits to get into the Carpenters Union Hall in Pittsburgh for Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman's final rally before Election Day A food truck filled with Fetterman merchandise was parked outside Monday night's rally site. The truck had New Jersey plates with a bumper that was painted to say: 'Look familiar, Dr. Oz?' John Fetterman's (left) wife Gisele (right) introduced her husband and highlighted the late breaking endorsement he received from D.C. cop Michael Fanone, who has become an outspoken GOP critic after being beat up by the MAGA mob on January 6 'Democracy is also on the line,' Gisele Fetterman said. 'And that's why Michael Fanone, a former D.C. police officer who was brutally attacked on January 6 while protecting the U.S. Capitol, has endorsed John.' 'He knows there's only one candidate in this race who's going to stand up to Trump and stand up for our democracy,' she added. Democratic Congressional hopeful Chris Deluzio also tied Republicans to January 6. 'They wrap themselves in the flag,' Deluzio said. 'It is not patriotic to storm the Capitol with bats and pipes and beat the hell out of cops.' Using a classic 'yinzer' insult, Deluzio also said of Republicans: 'These guys are going to be yes men for the corporate jagoffs.' Fetterman, for his part, commented that he knew the locals because of their 'Yinz' t-shirts. Yinz is the Pittsburgh version of 'ya'll.' Much of his speech was what he had delivered for weeks on the stump - championing the 'union way of life,' abortion and gay marriage rights and arguing he's the better fit to represent Pennsylvania because he's spent his life serving others - getting his start helping people get their GEDs. 'There's no power, there's no prestige, there's no money there,' Fetterman said of his early career. Fetterman, a York, Pennsylvania native, moved to Pittsburgh after attending graduate school at Harvard and became the mayor of the steel town Braddock, located just outside of Pittsburgh's borders. He'll also spend election day in the steel city, though it's unclear if there will be a result by Tuesday night. 'So in closing - last favor for you - please send me to Washington, D.C. Send him back to New Jersey,' he said of Oz. Earlier, Fetterman's campaign sent a memo to reporters Monday morning saying that the vote count in Pennsylvania could take 'several days' in his nail-biting race against Oz. 'Buckle up for a long week,' said a memo penned by Fetterman's Campaign Manager Brendan McPhillips. 'This race is close, and we should all be prepared for a process that takes several days before all eligible voters are properly counted and the results are clear.' Once again, Pennsylvanians are able to use mail-in ballots to cast their votes - and around 1.4 million were requested this election. Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman's campaign sent a memo to reporters Monday morning saying that the vote count in Pennsylvania could take 'several days' in his nail-biting race against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz After Fetterman's rocky debate performance, Pennsylvania's polls have narrowed further, with Oz taking a .1 percent lead in the Real Clear Politics polling average in the last four days, making the race a true toss-up According to Spotlight PA, roughly 70 percent of those requests came from registered Democrats. And the biggest share of requests came from Allegheny County, which surrounds Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. Philadelphia's suburban counties, including Bucks, Montgomery and Northampton, came after Allegheny and Philadelphia, in number of mail-in ballots requested. Pennsylvania's Republican-dominated legislature imposed a rule that won't allow election workers to start counting the mail-in ballots until 7 a.m. Tuesday morning - meaning results from in-person voting could likely be reported before those ballots that were mailed in. Fetterman's campaign called this 'an intentional move to help Republicans baselessly sow doubt about the election results when it suits them.' Like in 2020, when former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden were on the ballot, Oz could look drastically ahead of Fetterman on election night, only to have his lead chipped away as more mail-in ballots are counted. 'Because Pennsylvania is one of the only states that reports Election Day totals first before ballots cast by mail, and because more populated counties around Philadelphia can take longer to report, we should expect one of the most dramatic shifts in the country from initial GOP support in early results to stronger Democratic gains as more votes are processed,' Fetterman's campaign warned. County officials in Allegheny, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties told Spotlight PA they expected to be finished counting the mail-in ballots by Wednesday. A Bucks County official estimated that counting could be concluded Wednesday or Thursday. On top of that, voters have until November 14 in Pennsylvania to 'cure' their ballot and fix some mistakes in order to have it counted. Fetterman's campaign manager said the campaign would be reaching out to voters to ensure they know they have this option. Last week, the Republican National Committee and other GOP groups were successful in getting Pennsylvania's high court to instruct state election officials not to count ballots that are undated. When voters fill out their mail-in ballots they must sign and date the back of the envelope before sending it in. Both Allegheny County and Philadelphia County have publicly released a list of voters' names whose ballots have been received but may not be counted due to this court requirement. Election officials have advised these voters to come to the county election offices to cure their ballot, request a new mail-in ballot or vote by provisional ballot on election day to fix these mistakes. In Latrobe, Pennsylvania on Saturday, Trump already began stoking fears that the election would once be 'stolen' from Oz and GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, who has been behind in the polls for months. Trump expressed in Iowa on Thursday that all voting should be done in-person, on Election Day using paper ballots - the only way to guarantee there would be no fraud. After Fetterman's rocky debate performance, Pennsylvania's polls have narrowed further, with Oz taking a .1 percent lead in the Real Clear Politics polling average in the last four days. This makes the race a true toss-up, as droves of Pennsylvanians votes had already been cast by the time Fetterman and Oz met on the debate stage. BBC bosses shunted a documentary about King Charles III's power from broadcast to iPlayer during the Queen's mourning period because they feared disrespecting monarch's death, the show's creator claimed. John Bridcut said that Born to be the King had been planned to be broadcast on the third day after the death of the Queen on Thursday, September 8. However executives at the corporation decided on Saturday morning to move the documentary from its broadcast slot to iPlayer, he said. The package, which included interviews with the then prince, prime ministers, cabinet secretaries, religious leaders, actors and academics was commissioned in 2010. BBC bosses shunted a documentary about King Charles III's power from broadcast to iPlayer during the Queen's mourning period because they feared disrespecting monarch's death, the show's creator claimed. Pictured, the then Prince Charles in the documentary John Bridcut said that Born to be the King had been planned to be broadcast on the third day after the death of the Queen on Thursday, September 8 In the hour-long programme the then Prince Charles said that he would stop 'meddling' when he became monarch. It has been watched by tens of thousands of people via the streaming service, but may have seen millions of viewers had it been broadcast on the television. Mr Bridcut said that he thought the decision was a 'miscalculation' by the BBC. 'I think they were afraid of being accused of not giving the death of the queen sufficient time and respect,' he told The Times. 'They didn't appreciate sufficiently that sadness over the death of the Queen would be coupled with a feeling of welcome for the new King. Both run in parallel, not one displacing the other.' It comes as David Dimbleby slammed the BBC's reluctance to criticise the royal family and says he is surprised by the 'degree of control' the Palace has over the corporation. The former Question Time presenter, 83, has accused the broadcaster of avoiding topics 'they feel their viewers will not like' after returning to cover the Queen's funeral last month. He also spoke of his surprise over the 'degree of control that Buckingham Palace has over the image of the royal family'. This included emails from palace officials on whether specific clips should not be shown during a broadcast live from St George's Chapel in Windsor, The Times reports. Mr Bridcut said that he thought the decision to move the documentary to iPlayer only was a 'miscalculation' by the BBC. Pictured, the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in the documentary Mr Bridcut added that in April this year, he was told that a choir singing God Save The King would be the wrong tone for the end of the documentary coming three days after Her late Majesty's death. However the national anthem reinstated after the British public began singing the new version in the wake of the monarch's death before the programme was pulled from the broadcast timeslot. The documentary maker said that he was told by the corporation that it no longer had space on any of its channels for the documentary. The programme explores Charles' life campaigning for environmental and social issues, and what Brits might be able to expect from the new monarch. It included commentary from actress Dame Judi Dench, playwright Sir Tom Stoppard and former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and David Cameron, among others. Former cabinet secretary Lord Wilson of Dinton said that Charles would write him letters on policy issues when prince, adding that as monarch he would 'be able to ensure he gets across his own views'. In a 2018 interview shown in the documentary, then Prince Charles said that he wouldn't be 'stupid' to 'meddle' when he becomes King, adding: 'I do realise its a separate exercise being sovereign.' A spokesperson for the BBC said: 'Following the death of Queen Elizabeth and the accession of King Charles, the BBC made a broad range of special content available across the BBC, including on iPlayer. This includes "Born to be The King" which was prominently displayed in the featured rail and is still available to watch.' It builds on discussions between former PM Liz Truss and president Joe Biden PM Rishi Sunak could announce details of the deal after the Cop27 summit Comes amid warnings of blackouts after energy crisis caused by Ukraine war US planning to sell billions of cubic metres of liquefied natural gas to Britain Rishi Sunak is close to clinching a major gas deal with the United States, it was reported last night. The Prime Minister could announce details of the energy security partnership after the Cop27 climate change summit, with talks said to be in their final stages. The US is planning to sell billions of cubic metres of liquefied natural gas to Britain over the next year as part of the deal, The Daily Telegraph reported. It comes amid warnings of potential blackouts this winter after the war in Ukraine caused energy shortages. Rishi Sunak is close to clinching a major gas deal with the United States, it was reported last night (the Prime Minister is pictured addressing delegates during the Cop27 climate summit on November 7) Importing more fossil fuels while urging action to tackle climate change leaves Mr Sunak open to attacks from Labour. But the strategy is perceived as being essential to guaranteeing energy security and preventing the lights from going out this winter. The deal builds on discussions between Mr Sunaks predecessor, Liz Truss, and US President Joe Biden. The Telegraph said it had spoken to half a dozen current and former government figures familiar with the talks, with the UK side hoping around 10 billion cubic metres of liquefied natural gas can be imported. It comes amid warnings of potential blackouts this winter after the war in Ukraine caused energy shortages (file image) A deal had been due to be announced on October 21, but this was scrapped after Miss Truss resigned the day before. An announcement could come in the next week or two and would be used by ministers to show that the UK is moving away from Russian-linked oil and gas imports and becoming more energy independent in the wake of Moscows invasion. It would also shore up energy supplies amid warnings from National Grid of potential blackouts at peak times if there are problems importing energy supplies from Europe. The ABC has been accused of 'grooming' children by airing a Play School special episode where a drag queen reads a children's book about a girl wearing pants. Liberal senator Alex Antic made the claim during Senate Estimates on Tuesday, prompting a furious argument with Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young. The South Australian politician asked ABC managing director David Anderson why well-known drag queen Courtney Act read the book on the children's program. 'The program was rated G and has been heavily promoted on TV and on the app. Why is the ABC grooming children with this sort of adult content?' he asked. The ABC has been accused of 'grooming' children by airing a program where well-know drag queen Courtney Act (pictured) reads a children's book about a girl wearing pants ABC managing director David Anderson rejected the premise of the question, pointing out the book was just about dressing up. 'I don't see that as grooming children with our content. That particular program is reading from a book that is about dressing up,' he said. Senator Antic cut him off to press his point, and Senator Hanson-Young interjected to object to the language he used. 'You mean young girls wearing pants? Seriously,' she asked. 'It's offensive. It is deeply, deeply offensive.' Senator Antic replied: 'If it's offensive, you don't have to hang around, Sarah... if you don't want to.' The argument only got more heated from there. 'Heavens above girls wearing pants. That is the level of rubbish you are putting forward,' Senator Hanson-Young exclaimed. Senator Alex Antic made the bizarre claim during Senate Estimates on Tuesday Poll Is it acceptable for a drag queen to read a children's book on Play School? Yes No Is it acceptable for a drag queen to read a children's book on Play School? Yes 448 votes No 1471 votes Now share your opinion Senator Antic replied: 'It is amazing what triggers a response. The truth. The truth that the ABC is grooming our children.' Senator Hanson-Young insisted the suggestion of grooming was offensive and needed to be called out. 'Grooming is a really serious matter. It's not for being played with by conservative senators to make headlines,' she said. 'Sexual assault survivors right around this country will be deeply offended, deeply offended by you playing politics.' But Senator Antic insisted: 'That is what grooming looks like.' Mr Anderson finally managed to get a word in, simply stating that the ABC was not grooming Australian children. The committee chair managed to bring something resembling order to the room and the questioning continued. 'Cross dressing. Let me ask you this, does ABC agree that transgender or cross dressing are adult concepts?' Senator Antic asked. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young found Senator Antic's line of questioning offensive and interjected, kicking off a furious argument Mr Anderson agreed that some people didn't identify with the gender they 'were born as' but didn't accept that a drag queen reading a book was 'adult content'. 'I don't accept what you are saying about somebody who is trans grooming Australian children. That's not that whole story time was not about that, it was about dressing up,' he said. 'I think children do dress up senator, and a story about dressing up is acceptable.' Senator Antic then asked if programs like that contributed to Australia's 'gender dysphoria problem'. 'I don't see a gender dysmorphia 'problem, what I see is a complex set of issues that exist within Australian society,' Mr Anderson replied. 'I don't think we're generating anything. If anything, the ABC reflects what is happening the Australian community.' Senator Antic then asked a question Mr Anderson had no way of answering on the spot. 'What percentage of Australian children are getting read to by people dressed like this, men dressed like this?' he asked. The South Australian politician asked ABC managing director David Anderson why the well-known drag queen read the book on the children's program Mr Anderson replied: 'I don't have the audience data with regard to that but what we have is a story about dressing up.' Another senator remarked at how long the argument was going on for: 'It feels like we've been here for decades'. Senator Antic moved on to another line of questioning, this time about diversity at the national broadcaster. 'I think it is important for the ABC to reflect the community that it serves,' Mr Anderson replied. What was Courtney Act reading on PlaySchool? The Spectacular Suit is a children's picture book by Kat Patrick where Frankie, a young girl, tries to decide what dress to wear to her birthday party. She tries on all her dresses but none of them feel quite right, so she tries on some pants and feels comfortable in them. The lesson of the book is that children should be empowered to dress and express themselves in whatever way make them feel comfortable. The program was part of a series of seven-minute Play School spin offs where celebrities read children's books on an orange couch in a colourful room. 'Find your favourite toy and get comfy on the Story Time couch as some of Australia's most well-known celebrities read an adventure packed range of children's picture books,' the iView description reads. Courtney Act was sitting next to Humpty-Dumpty as she read her book. The episode is promoted as: 'Dressing up and looking fabulous! The sensational Courtney Act and dashing Humpty share a story by Kat Patrick and Hayley Wells. 'Glitter and sequins are all on show in The Spectacular Suit: a story about being yourself.' Advertisement Senator Antic then asked: 'Why?' Mr Anderson said Australia was a diverse country and its national broadcaster should reflect who we are as a community. 'Whether it be First Nations culture to linguistically diverse communities, whether it's the LGBTQIA+ communities, whether it's people living with a disability, I think that we reflect the diversity of the nation,' he said. 'If we're going to be relevant to all Australians, and we need to be relevant to all Australians, then I think we need to reflect the diversity that's in the community.' Senator Antic asked how having a 'so-called diverse workforce' (complete with air quotes) actually impact on ABC's output. Mr Anderson pointed out that more than half of Australians are born overseas or have a parent who was, and having a diverse workforce meant that could be covered more accurately. When asked what the ABC would do if it had a less qualified minority candidate, Mr Anderson said he hired the best people available, but made sure everyone had an equal opportunity. Senator Antic finished his questioning with the ABC's struggling Q&A program, asking why it had its lowest ratings ever this year. Mr Anderson gave a bland answer but acknowledged the Twitter feed broadcast on the show was 'not helping' and moving to Thursday night was a bad idea. Senator Antic claimed the topics discussed were out of touch with the Australian public, which Mr Anderson refused to engage with. The MP then asked if the ABC was considering 'taking it out to the country where the real Australians are'. Mr Anderson agreed Q&A should go 'on the road'. Greens founder Bob Brown has been arrested while protesting against logging in Tasmania's highlands just days after he blasted Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek for giving him the cold shoulder. His arrest was revealed by his foundation and came after he spent the night camped out in the state's Eastern Tiers Forest Reserve alongside defenders of a swift parrot habitat. 'This is a national disgrace, I call on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to halt this logging which is illegal under Australia's international obligations,' Mr Brown said of the logging area. His arrest comes just days after he called out the environment minister for giving him the cold shoulder after the two ran into each other at the same restaurant. Labor's Tanya Plibersek was touring Tasmania last week to 'consider the environmental impact on this special part of Australia, understand the cultural and heritage significance, and to hear the views of the local community' when she ran into Mr Brown. Taking to Twitter on Friday, Mr Brown shared a photo of himself at a cafe in Tullah, two hours west of Launceston, and complained that Ms Plibersek had snubbed him. Bob Brown's arrest was revealed by his foundation after he had spent the night camped out in the area alongside defenders of a swift parrot habitat Bob Brown (centre) shared this photo in which Ms Plibersek is seen dining with a group of men just over his shoulder (pictured) 'Last night, Australia's Environment Minister Plibersek dined with senior mining officials not Bob Brown and environmentalists, two tables away,' the Bob Brown Foundation account tweeted. 'The minister declined an invitation to see rainforests with Bob today. An absolute low in Australian environmental history.' Mr Brown has continued fighting for the environment since stepping down as the leader of the Greens in 2012. In an earlier media release about the swift parrot protest, Mr Brown said: 'To camp here with swift parrots overhead and in the remains of the forest around us is to experience the feeling that Australia is committing a crime against nature. 'These critically endangered birds are here, and nowhere else on Earth, and nesting. 'No nests, no birds. And the government is licensing the destruction of the big trees, the very ones needed for nesting. 'The same applies to the masked owl which called directly above my campsite last night under the full moon. '(Tasmanian) Premier Jeremy Rockliff can halt this debacle immediately. In this era of mass extinction, it is unconscionable that this critically endangered birds feeding and breeding habitat in Tasmania is being destroyed for woodchips to China,' he added. In a statement, Tasmania Police told Daily Mail Australia: 'Police attended a timber production zone at Lake Leake this morning following reports a group of people was obstructing the work of logging contractors. 'Some of the people in the group were moved on without incident, however a man who initially failed to move on from the area will be summonsed to attend court on a Trespass matter. 'Two women who had secured themselves to logging equipment with metal lock-on devices were arrested and charged with Trespass and Obstruct Police after Search and Recue officers had to attend and release them from the equipment. 'They will appear in court at a later date.' Mr Brown is a long-time resident of Tasmania and his Bob Brown Foundation promotes environmental awareness - including pushing for the Tarkine region to be World Heritage Listed, which would prevent mining. Ms Plibersek (pictured) will need to make an opinion on whether to back the Chinese-owned MMG mine building a tailings dam in the pristine Tarkine area of Tasmania According to Tasmania's Department of State Growth the pristine Takyna/Tarkine area of northwestern Tasmania contains the largest area of cool temperate rainforest in Australia and a multitude of Aboriginal heritage sites. But the area is also rich in minerals and is one of Tasmania most 'critically' important sites for the mining and forestry industries which bring in billions in revenue. Ms Plibersek said, as part of her two day tour of the Tarkine region, she 'met with workers from a zinc and copper mine that's been operating in the area for over 85 years'. 'The mine is seeking federal government approval for a new dam. I take these decisions seriously,' she said. The Chinese-owned MMG heavy metals mine at Rosebery is seeking approval for a 285-hectare tailings dam - an embankment used to store mining byproducts. In July this year, the Bob Brown Foundation argued in court former environment minister Sussan Ley's decision to allow work to commence at the site was not authorised under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. The Federal Court ruled in his favour that Ms Ley did not take into account the area is the habitat of Tasmania's rare masked owl. Ms Plibersek said on Friday she was carefully considering her decision. 'I'll carefully consider what I've seen and heard in making a decision, as I am required to do by law. For now, I have to be careful about what I say publicly, because any suggestion I have prejudged a decision could see it challenged in court,' she said. The former chancellor famously stands 5ft 6inches tall, but remained in sight for the group photo It was Mr Sunak's first time mingling with world leaders as UK's leader at the event in Egypt Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had to settle for a spot on the back row for a group photo at Cop27 Advertisement Rishi Sunak made his debut on the world stage at Cop27 in Egypt and posed in part of a huge group photo for the international environmental conference. The diminutive Prime Minister was placed on the back row for the photo, which marked the gathering of world leaders by the Red Sea, after he reversed a decision to stay away to focus on domestic economic problems. Mr Sunak famously stands at just 5ft 6inches tall, making the former Chancellor the shortest occupant of Number 10 since Winston Churchill, who was the same height as the current Tory leader. Despite his shorter than average frame Mr Sunak was still in clear view for the photo, but had to settle for a position at the back and off to the side. The image-conscious Mr Sunak is also known for positioning himself in photos so that his shorter stature is less obvious, including at the top of stairs. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (circled on the back row to the left) posed in the group photo for the international environmental conference Cop27 US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meet on the sidelines of the COP27 climate summit Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R) and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (L) meet during the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference Rishi Sunak addresses delegates during the COP27 summit at Sharm el-Sheikh Mr Sunak greeted French president Emmanuel Macron, who is just slightly taller, earlier that day The PM was able to meet French president Emmanuel Macron today at the conference, who himself stands at just under 5ft 7in. The average height for a man in the UK is 5ft 9in, whilst for a woman it is 5ft 3in. In a photo with his Treasury team in March last year, Mr Sunak was seen at the top of the staircase of Number 11, with taller members of his team lower down. Other European leaders such as Germany's chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called for more speed in the fight against climate change, is said to be below average height at around 5ft 5. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who was not in attendance in Egypt, is only slightly taller than his German counterpart. Other world leaders who will not be attending , or have not yet visited, such as US President Joe Biden stand just under 5ft 10, whilst Canada's Justin Trudeau is 6ft 1 and Dutch PM Mark Rutte is 6ft 3in. Russia's despot ruler Vladimir Putin is an estimated 5ft 7in, but North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is just 5ft 2in. The image-conscious Mr Sunak is also known for positioning himself in photos so that his shorter stature is less obvious In a photo with his Treasury team in March last year, he was seen at the top of the staircase of Number 11, with taller members of his team lower down Mr Sunak's predecessor as PM, Liz Truss, is around 5ft 5in, whilst his former boss Boris Johnson is just under 5ft 8. Other recent Tory PMs have also been taller than Mr Sunak. David Cameron is just over 6ft, whilst Theresa May is around an inch taller than the new PM. Former Labour Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are 6ft and 5ft 11in respectively, whilst Margaret Thatcher was 5ft 5in. Her successor John Major is 5ft 11in. Elon Musk is reportedly considering putting Twitter behind a paywall in another attempt to monetize the site, as the company reports it has actually gained users since the Tesla CEO took over last week. The 51-year-old billionaire has been discussing the idea of creating a paywall for all Twitter users with tech investor David Sacks, sources familiar with Musk's plans told Platformer on Monday. The proposal comes as the company reported that it has actually gained more users since he became the CEO, tweeting over the weekend: 'Twitter user numbers have increased significantly around the world since the deal was announced.' It remains unclear what a paywall for Twitter may look like, but one person familiar with the plans said an option would be to allow everyone to use the site for a set amount of time each month, and pay a subscription to keep browsing. The amount a user spends to get past the paywall would then be in addition to the $8 Twitter users could spend each month for verified blue check marks as Musk seeks to monetize the site he bought for $44billion. But the SpaceX founder is also struggling to hold on to the sites existing revenue streams after several advertisers fled the site amid fears that the platform won't be a 'safe place for brands.' Elon Musk is said to be discussing the possibility of adding a paywall for all Twitter users. He is pictured here leaving the Twitter headquarters in New York City It is just one of the many ways Musk is seeking to monetize the social media company he bought for $44 billion Over the weekend, Musk tweeted that 'Twitter user numbers have increased significantly around the world since the deal was announced' In one apparent attempt to get advertisers like General Mills, Audi and Pfizer back on the site, Twitter executives distributed an internal FAQ to its sales team on Monday to refer to when talking to potential advertisers. The FAQ, obtained by The Verge, stresses that more users have been joining the social media site since Musk took over. It says that Twitter's monetizable daily users a measure advertisers use to determine profitability of a site has grown more than 20 percent while 'Twitter's largest market, the US, is growing even more quickly.' According to the FAQ, Twitter has added more than 15million daily users who are able to see ads (mDAUs) 'crossing the quarter billion mark' at the end of the second-quarter, when it stopped reporting financial information as a public company. At that time, Twitter reported that it had 237.8million mDAUs and a 16.6 percent yearly growth rate. Twitter defines mDAUs as monetizable daily active users who are logged in, or who access the site on any given day. General Mills, which makes Cheerios, Pillsbury and Haagen-Dazs, announced last week it was pausing advertisements on the website Oreo-maker Mondelez International has also reportedly paused Twitter ad spending The FAQ also sought to assuage advertisers about content moderation and Musk's leadership. It was shared by Alex Josephson, a 10-year company veteran who is now the vice president of Twitter Next, a team that has helped brands create campaigns. The memo notes, according to the Verge, that 'levels of hate speech remain within historical norms, representing 0.25 percent to 0.45 percent of tweets per day among hundreds of millions.' It also stresses that Musk will be subject to the same rules and content moderation as any other Twitter user, and restates Musk's claims that Twitter won't change its content moderation policies until it forms and convenes a 'content moderation council of widely diverse viewpoints.' And it notes that the planned revamp of Twitter Blue 'will not affect exiting verified accounts at this time' and that 'large brand advertisers who are already verified will now have a "official" label beneath their name upon Twitter Blue's relaunch this week.' Twitter rolled out its new Twitter Blue subscription over the weekend, only to later postpone its launch until after the midterm elections Twitter rolled out the new subscription plan over the weekend, only to later postpone its launch until after the midterm elections. As part of the revamp, the company largely via Musk's personal account said it will be launching new features, like reduced ads, the ability to post longer videos and a feature that allows users to receive priority ranking in replies, mentions and searches. But the proposal has been met with much skepticism amid Twitter employees and users alike. The existing version of Twitter Blue only had a little more than 10,000 subscribers, according to Platformer, and the new version will be 37.5 percent more expensive, requiring verified account holders to pay $8 a month to keep their blue check mark. Employees had reportedly tried to sell Musk and Sacks on the idea of just asking business accounts to pay for the extra features, since many use Twitter to reach larger audiences. And, as some employees pointed out, the new feature that would cut ad loading time in the Twitter app by half would also cost the company revenue, with some estimates showing that Twitter will lose about $6 in ad revenue per user in the United States under the scheme. But, Platformer reports, those ideas were dismissed in favor of offering wide-scale verification though it remains unclear how many people or businesses would sign up for the new experience. A senior male staff member of a government agency resigned after he allegedly urinated on colleagues - as questions are raised over whether it happened at the work Christmas party. The unnamed manager at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is accused of urinating on staff in a 'private capacity'. APVMA chief executive Lisa Croft said she was aware of the incident but denied it happened at a work function, after it was suggested it occurred at the agency's Christmas party last year. Ms Croft was grilled over the incident during Senate estimates on Tuesday, with Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson asking if she was aware of the allegations. 'I am not aware of it in that context, not at a Christmas party,' Ms Croft said. When asked if she knew if it occurred during any work function, the CEO then took a long, eight-second pause. 'Uh - I am aware of an incident that occurred in a private capacity, not at a work function,' she said. Ms Croft said the matter had been raised to her directly by staff members but no official complaint was made. Mr Whish-Wilson said he'd heard that three complaints had been made against the male staff member by three female colleagues. When Ms Croft was asked if she knew about any complaints, she said she had not heard of any issues raised in relation to any sexual harassment by the male worker. Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority chief executive Lisa Croft said she had been made aware of the incident but an official complaint had not been made The chief executive took another long pause when asked why the urination accusation would be raised with her if it occurred in a private capacity. 'I understand the people directly involved wanted me to be made aware of the matter, there was no official complaint made to me,' she said. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said it was the first time he had heard of the 'very concerning' allegations and would be seeking an urgent briefing from his department. The APVMA was moved from Canberra to Armidale in regional NSW in 2019. Senator Whish-Wilson had been asking Ms Croft about her agency's workplace culture when the allegation was brought up. 'There was no official complaint made, yet they felt like they needed to raise it with you as CEO. That sounds like a pretty serious matter if they needed to raise the matter with you direct,' Senator Whish-Wilson said. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said it was the first time he had heard of the 'very concerning' allegations and would be seeking an urgent briefing from his department The executive staff member resigned after the issue was raised with the HR team. Ms Croft said she didn't speak to her colleague in question about the incident before he resigned. 'Discussions were had in terms of what may be able to be done in relation to the matter, and the staff member resigned very soon after that,' she told the hearing. Senator Whish-Wilson said he would be filing further questions to the authority. She had hoped to nab the seat of Fowler but was upended by Independent Dai Le The career move comes after her humiliating defeat at the last federal election Ms Keneally said she was excited to join the organisation who she felt inspired by Kristina Keneally has taken up a new executive role, in the wake of her humiliating defeat at this year's federal election. The former Labor senator has been appointed CEO of the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation. Ms Keneally was toppled by Independent Dai Le in the fight for the south-west Sydney seat of Fowler last May - which had been a safe Labor seat. Kristina Keneally was appointed CEO of the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation Kristina Keneally was toppled by Independent Dai Le (pictured on Election Day) in the fight for the seat of Fowler last May, which had been a safe Labor seat Kristina Keneally copped flack this year when she was parachuted from her ritzy home in the city's northern beaches to the migrant community in the city's suburbs (pictured, Ms Keneally at the National Press Club three days before this year's federal election) The charismatic leader said she was 'thrilled' to join the non-profit organisation, which described her as a passionate advocate for 'society's most vulnerable'. 'I have long been inspired by SCHF and I am excited to join SCHF leadership team and build upon the great foundation to ensure we can continue to create an enduring and positive impact on children's health,' Ms Keneally said. The ex-NSW Premier copped flack this year when she was parachuted from her ritzy home in the city's northern beaches to the migrant community in the city's suburbs. But the seat was nabbed by Ms Le, a former refugee hailing from Vietnam. The independent won the seat by a narrow margin of less than 3000 votes. SCHF Board Chair, Mr Len Chersky said the charity was delighted to welcome the 'calibre' of the former NSW premier. 'We know her voice and vision will help SCHF continue to make a positive impact on the lives of sick kids and their families through funding world-class healthcare and research,' Mr Chersky said. 'Kristina is a fierce advocate for children and their families, as well as improving access to healthcare for kids. 'Importantly, Kristina is a proven leader who has demonstrated her strength, discipline and composure during her career and will bring the strategic and leadership skills ... to achieve its important mission.' 'Importantly, Kristina is a proven leader who has demonstrated her strength, discipline and composure during her career,' the charity said about Ms Keneally (pictured on Election Day) A furious ABC journalist has fired back at accusations a Liberal senator made in Parliament that a speech she gave to a lawyers' dinner brought her network into 'disrepute'. Liberal Senator, and former ABC employee, Sarah Henderson tabled a letter of complaint against Louise Milligan at Senate Estimates on Tuesday over a speech the journalist gave to the ACT Women Lawyers Association on October 21. Ms Henderson read out the letter, in which ACT Bar Association president Rebecca Curran allegedly calls Ms Milligan's speech 'insensitive and polemical' and made some members feel 'deeply offended and distressed'. In her speech, Ms Milligan spoke about female complainants in alleged rape cases. Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson (pictured) accused ABC journalist Louise Milligan of bringing the network into disrepute over a 'insensitive and polemical' speech which 'deeply offended' The Four Corner's journalist has disputed an opinion piece in The Australian newspaper that claimed her speech 'shamed' criminal defence lawyers who defended accused rapists. Senator Henderson on Tuesday grilled ABC boss David Anderson asking whether he agreed with Ms Milligan's speech. Mr Anderson replied that he had not read the speech or attended the event but senior staff, who reviewed the speech, said there was 'absolutely no problem with what Ms Milligan said on the day'. Ms Henderson then read out parts of complaint letter which said Ms Milligan's controversial speech had 'significant problems' and 'promoted misconceptions'. 'She [Milligan] demonstrated no understanding of the difficult and powerful work done by barristers of all genders,' the letter said. 'There were other significant problems with Ms Milligan's speech. 'She seemed to encourage lawyers to run cases in the media and promoted misconceptions concerning the criminal justice system.' The Liberal senator then claimed Milligan brought the ABC into disrepute and emphasised 'very concerning comments' allegedly made by the journalist that suggested 'women, when making allegations should always be believed'. The ABC boss argued the complaint had not been sent to the ABC and Ms Milligan was not representing the network at the event. Four Corner's reporter Louise Milligan (pictured) gave a speech to the ACT Women Lawyers Association in October The senator referenced media reports that Ms Milligan claim are 'completely fictitious'. The journalist slammed Ms Henderson on Twitter (pictured) and challenged her to repeat the false claims outside of parliament During the fiery parliamentary session, Ms Milligan voiced her frustrations on Twitter and called out Senator Henderson's claims. 'Senator Henderson said just now in parliament is completely fictitious. And the opposite of what I said in my speech,' Ms Milligan wrote. 'This is the second time she has told something to parliament about me that is completely inaccurate. 'Rebecca Curran from the ACT Bar Association both thanked me for my speech and pitched me a story on the night.' Ms Milligan challenged the Senator to repeat the claims outside of parliamentary privilege - a legal immunity granted to actions done or statements made by legislatures. 'I challenge Senator Henderson to repeat these false claims outside parliament,' Ms Milligan wrote. In Parliament later, Henderson later accused Ms Milligan of 'going rogue' and labelled her tweets as 'disgraceful' and 'prima facie defamatory'. Pyrrhus Concer was born a slave before being freed, and sailed across the world on whaling ships in the nineteenth century before returning home to become a successful entrepreneur in Southampton Advertisement Activists in celebrity hotspot Southampton have accused the town council of dragging its feet over plans to rebuild the house of a 19th century black whaler. Local curators of Southampton's black history have been trying to rebuild the home of Pyrrhus Concer - a black man who became a prominent businessman in the community in the eighteen-hundreds - after a Credit Suisse banker bought the building and knocked it down to put up a summer home in 2013. The plans for the mansion were scrapped after public outcry, but since the town purchased the property for $4.3million in 2015 the project to rebuild the house has seen little progress. Brenda Simmons and Georgette Grier-Key, both local historians, said the town has allowed the project to languish in bureaucracy for years because it doesn't want a monument to black culture on a hot piece of property in the center of town. 'We want to be recognized,' Grier-Key told The New York Times, 'And we believe that this is what we deserve. Period.' 'But because it's in the heart of Southampton on prime property, they don't think that we deserve to be here.' Brenda Simmons and Georgette Grier-Key, both local historians, said the town has allowed the project to languish in bureaucracy for years because it doesn't want a monument to black culture on a hot piece of property in the center of town Pyrrhus Concer was born a slave before being freed, and sailed across the world on whaling ships in the nineteenth century before returning home to become a successful entrepreneur in Southampton Pyrrhus Concer's house before it was torn down in 2015. The house was demolished to make way for a luxury home before the project was scrapped The lot has remained empty since the house was demolished in 2015 The drama started in 2012 when Paul Chiarani, the longtime resident of Concer's modest home, considered tearing down the property. Chianari did not know the house had belonged to Concer, and applied for a permit to have the house torn down. As it was located in Southampton's historic district, a consultant was sent to the home to determine whether the house had any historic significance. The consultant surveyed the exterior of the house and found no apparent historic importance and deemed the house fit for demolition. Chiarani soon changed his plans however and decided to sell the property to his neighbors, Credit Suisse banker David Hermer and Silvia Campo for $2.75million in 2013. Hermer and Campo had plans to knock down the old house and put in a two-story home with a pool, and submitted demolition permits for the project. Proposed floor plans and designs for the reconstruction of the house Pyrrhus Concer can be seen on the far left partaking in a boat parade in Southampton in 1890 A number of beams and other building materials were removed from Pyrrhus Concer's demolished house. They have been in storage for years Who was Pyrrhus Concer? Pyrrhus Concer was born in 1814 to a slave woman owned by Southampton captain. He earned his freedom at the age of 28, and took to the seas aboard a whaling ships which he eventually would pilot. In 1843 he set sail aboard the whale ship Manhattan. The boat sailed across the world, and off the coast of Japan Concer became involved in the rescue of a number of shipwrecked sailors. The rescue was memorialized in a number of paintings from the time, and one of which appears to show Concer. Back in the states, Concer tried his hand at gold mining in 1849, but eventually returned home to Southampton and started a local ferry. He also invested in property in the area. Concer died in 1897 and donated most of his savings to a local church. Advertisement Simmons, executive director and founder of Southampton African American Museum, caught wind of the demolition permit and ran to the town mayor to say that they couldn't knock down the home because she believed it had belonged to Concer. The town held a public hearing about the demolition, where Simmons, Grier-Key, and other local historians presented their evidence - deeds and estate documents, according to The New York Times - which indicated he lived at the property. As Concer was one of the most prominent members of Southampton's community during his time in the eighteenth century - not to mention one of the most prominent black members of the community - they argued the home needed to be protected under the village landmark laws. In response to the hearing a second survey of the house was commissioned in which the interior was also inspected, and it was determined there were numerous indicators that the house had been built in the mid-nineteenth century. The inspection found that though house's 'present size and massing has resulted from numerous alterations and additions to the original dwelling,' the central bones of the home were historical. The town finally denied Harmer and Campos' demolition request in December 2013, noting 'this application has generated a substantial amount of contention and controversy among the applicants, the Board and members of the public.' In March of 2014 Harmer and Campos then sued the town for $10million on the grounds that the landmark committee had no power over what happened on the interior of buildings, and that the town had cowed to public pressure. The following May, the Southampton mayor negotiated a deal which would let Harmer and Campos to tear down the home, while allowing preservationists to remove whatever building materials they wished to salvage. The couple tore down the house, but then decided not to build the new house and instead put the property up for sale. A number of beams and other structural building materials were pulled from the demolition, which have sat in storage ever since. A Japanese painting of the whale ship Manhattan which Pyrrhus Concer sailed on A plaque to Pyrrhus Concer in Southampton Southampton supervisor Jay Schneiderman told The New York Times he thought the project had gotten stuck in the mud 'Everyone here is in favor of honoring that legacy,' said the Town of Southampton's zoning board chairman Mark Greenwald at a meeting last year, before he lamented the parking problem Southhampton then bought the property in 2015 for $4.3million, and Simmons' museum agreed to manage the property. In 2017 Southampton issued permits allowing for Concer's house to be rebuilt. Simmons and Grier-Key felt that the house should also serve as a museum to Concer, displaying artifacts which had been found on the property and serving as a place to educate the public about his life and the history of blacks in the community. 'We need that building to help educate that community and the kids,' Simmons told The Times. Things moved slowly, however. It wasn't until four years later in 2021 that the property was designated a landmark, and since then little has been done, with the piles of beams still sitting in storage. Simmons, Grier-Key, and other advocates for the project have become frustrated with the pace of progress as the Southampton town board's debate things like the size of the desired visitor center, and where its parking lot would go. 'Everyone here is in favor of honoring that legacy,' said the Town of Southampton's zoning board chairman Mark Greenwald at a meeting last year, before he lamented the parking problem. Southampton supervisor Jay Schneiderman told The Times he thought the project had gotten stuck in the mud. 'If the village board believes the museum building is too large, then it has to be smaller,' he said. Su sent the details of his 16-year-old brother's Commonwealth bank account He sent text messages to 92 people however none of them paid ransom money Su asked victims pay $2,000 to have their confidential data erased from system Dennis Su, 19, pleaded guilty to two counts of using equipment connected to a network to commit a serious offence on Tuesday A 19-year-old boy sent victims of the Optus hack threatening texts demanding they pay him $2,000 - but his brazen bid for quick money unravelled after one of the victims plucked up the courage to confront him. Dennis Su, from Rockdale in Sydney's south-west, pleaded guilty to two counts of using equipment connected to a network to commit a serious offence at the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday. The 19-year-old contacted 92 customers impacted by Australia's biggest cyber attack when their phone numbers and personal details were uploaded to a website by mystery hackers in September. According to a statement of police facts tendered in court, the teenager admitted he wanted to 'scam victims' with text messages in a desperate bid to make 'quick money'. He demanded $2,000 from the victims, writing: 'Hello, Optus has left security measures allowing us to access the personal information of their customers including name, email, phone number, date of birth, address and license number.' 'Optus has since not responded to our demand of paying the 1M$USD random as much your information will be sold and used your fraudulent activity within 2 days or until the payment of $2,000AUD is made then the confidential information will be erased off our systems.' On October 6, members of the Australian Federal Police raided the south Sydney home Su lives in with his parents and seized his iPhone XS The 19-year-old contacted nearly 100 customers impacted by Australia's biggest cyber attack after finding their contact details online (pictured is a screenshot of the text sent by Su) One of Su's 92 victims warned the teen police had his details (pictured is the mocked-up texts) Su then provided the details of his 16-year-old brother's Commonwealth Bank account which he had opened the previous May. He told police he used this account as he had thought it would be more difficult for police to detect. When Commonwealth Bank suspended his account, Su visited his local branch to inquire about the account being unlocked. According to police facts, one of Su's 92 victims replied to him with a single emoji - leading him to search through the stolen information to find the victim's name so they thought he was a 'real hacker' and give himself 'credibility'. The hacking victim replied: 'Send me that message again. I'll pay' 'The police have your details. And I have nothing you can gain. So good luck.' Su is not accused of being responsible for the Optus hack but attempting to financially benefit from the data stolen by hackers (pictured, AFP officers during a raid at Su's Rochome) According to a statement of police facts tendered in court, Su (pictured on October 27) admitted he wanted to 'scam victims' with text messages in a bid to make 'quick money' The data of up to 9.8million Optus customers was stolen in a major breach in September (pictured, a Optus store in Melbourne) On October 6, members of the Australian Federal Police raided the south Sydney home Su lives in with his parents and seized his iPhone XS. Charges were laid after police twigged the $2,000 had to be sent to Su's bank account, which technically belonged to his younger brother. Su is not accused of being responsible for the Optus breach but attempting to financially benefit from the data stolen by the hackers. The teenager faces a maximum penalty for the two charges of 10 years behind bars and will return to Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on February 7. The Labor senator said he was 'trying to keep some civility' in proceedings A cranky senator has been condemned by all sides of politics for calling a colleague a 'naughty little girl' during a committee hearing. Labor MP Glenn Sterle chairs the regional and rural affairs committee and grew exasperated with a spat between two other members on Tuesday. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie was in an increasingly heated argument with Agriculture Minister Murray Watt over her question about dairy farming to an official from the Rural Research and Development Corporations. 'We were doing so well,' Senator Sterle said, about to intervene in the discussion in Senator McKenzie's favour, when she continued to talk over him. 'Senator McKenzie, do you always have to have the last word, I was going to defend you then... honestly, like a naughty little girl,' he said in an angry tone. 'Can you just be quiet while somebody else finishes? You don't have to have the last word.' Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Bridget McKenzie looks stunned after being called a 'naughty little girl' Another senator tried to interject, presumably to object to Senator Sterle's comment, but was shut down. 'No you can't, because I'm about to do me block in a minute,' he said, demanding that Senator McKenzie be allowed to continue in silence. Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson pressed him to withdraw his remarks but Senator Sterle refused: 'I don't care... because you're all as bad as each other'. 'I will not with draw it because I'm probably the easiest one to get along with, but at the moment you're all going like this.' In an unlikely alliance, Nationals senator Matt Canavan backed up his Greens colleague in asking Senator Sterle to withdraw. 'Don't, no Matt, do me a favour... don't add to it because I've just told Peter no... I'm trying to keep some civility here,' he replied, continuing to ask Senator McKenzie to continue. Senator McKenzie immediately asked Senator Sterle to withdraw 'calling me a naughty little girl'. This time he relented: 'Yes I will take that back, you're not a naughty little girl, I apologise... now, do you want to ask your question?' Labor Senator Glenn Sterle (pictured) has been condemned for calling a female senator a 'naughty little girl' Senator Sterle later made a more substantial apology after he was criticised even by senior Labor ministers. 'I want to apologise for my outburst under pressure, there is no excuse for the language that I used,' he told the committee. 'I hope you will accept my apology. That was unlike me, but I'm not dodging it, it was out of order.' The prime minister and attorney-general used the passing of workplace laws aimed at reducing sexual harassment on Monday to call for more respect towards women. Women's Minister Katy Gallagher condemned the comments. 'Senator Sterle's comments were unacceptable and he's done the right thing by publicly apologising to Senator McKenzie,' she told AAP. Her cabinet colleague Mr Watt also branded the remark as unacceptable and 'extremely unfortunate'. 'I don't want to see those kind of remarks made by any senator, no matter what their party is,' he told reporters on Tuesday. 'I've spoken with Glenn about it and I know he's remorseful. 'He's made his apology but it's utterly unacceptable for those kinds of remarks to be made in any workplace environment or in society as a whole.' Senator McKenzie was in an increasingly heated argument with Agriculture Minister Murray Watt (pictured) over her question about dairy farming to an official from the Rural Research and Development Corporations Elsewhere in parliament on Tuesday, super tax concessions are in the Albanese government's line of sight as it looks for opportunities to boost revenue and repair the budget bottom line. Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said tax concessions on super funds are costly to government finances and are being used to amass wealth. 'If the objective of super is to provide a tax-preferred means for estate planning, you could say it is doing its job,' Mr Jones told the Australian Financial Review's wealth and super summit. Concessional taxation of super was introduced to encourage more people to save super rather than rely on the pension. Under the rules, anybody can pay money into their super fund and it is taxed at 15 per cent, which is much less than the 45 per cent marginal rate high-income earners pay. Mr Jones said there were 32 self-managed super funds with more than $100 million in assets. 'I celebrate success, but the concessional taxation of funds like these has a real cost to the budget which needs to considered.' Grattan Institute research has found the tax benefits of super tax concession are poorly targeted, with around 50 per cent of the tax benefits flowing to the wealthiest 20 per cent of households. To make the system fairer, some groups have been arguing for a limit - say $5 million - on how much people can save within the super system. 'The argument goes that you would simply pay income tax at normal rates rather than 15 per cent,' H&R Block tax expert Mark Chapman explained. John Fetterman's heart condition should give voters more pause than his stroke, an eminent internal medicine doctor has claimed. Fetterman, 53, suffered a stroke in May and his campaign for the Senate in Pennsylvania has been dogged by questions over his fitness for office. The Democrat's doctor last month declared that he was mentally fit, but still had some difficulties with 'auditory processing.' It later emerged Dr. Clifford Chen had given cash to Fetterman's campaign and dozens of other Democrat causes - with more than 300 mostly small contributions since 2015. On Monday night, Dr. Marc Siegel, an internal medicine specialist at NYU Langone, told Fox News host Tucker Carlson that there remained significant questions about Fetterman's health. 'You know what we haven't talked about: we haven't talked about his heart, and there's a lot of info about his heart that is very concerning,' said Siegel. Dr Marc Siegel, an internal medicine specialist at NYU Langone, appeared on Fox News on Monday night and said he was concerned about Fetterman's heart health Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman is seen on Sunday evening at a rally in Newtown After Fetterman's rocky debate performance, Pennsylvania's polls have narrowed further, with Oz taking a .1 percent lead in the Real Clear Politics polling average in the last four days, making the race a true toss-up 'In 2017, his real cardiologist saw him - Dr. Ramesh Chandrah, in Pittsburgh - who said that his legs were swollen and his heart was weak. And he put him on medication. 'And you know what Fetterman did? 'He didn't show up to another doctor for five years, and he didn't take that medication. Which doctors would all be horrified at.' Fetterman then suffered his stroke, and had a pacemaker fitted. The hoodie-wearing Pennsylvanian has been open about how foolish he was to ignore Dr. Chandrah's advice, and said that 'like many men' he did not take his health seriously enough. Siegel continued: 'Fetterman himself has said his stroke was due to a blood clot from the heart.' The doctor cited a medical journal, Stroke, that looked at 6,000 people in Great Britain, and found that if the blood clot comes from your heart, your long-term life expectancy is curtailed. 'You have a more than a 60 percent chance of either not living five years, or having another stroke within those five years - greater than 60 percent chance,' Siegel said. 'So I say to the voters of Pennsylvania tonight who are ready to check a box tomorrow, I think before you check a box you should consider a statistic like that. 'Greater than 60 percent chance that someone like Fetterman, with a heart in his condition, having had a stoke, could either have a recurrence or won't survive the term.' Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman made his closing argument to voters back in Pittsburgh on Monday night, casting Republicans as extreme and shoring up his credentials as being pro-police after being hammered by rival Dr. Mehmet Oz on the issue Fetterman holds up a flag for the carpenters union, which hosted his final campaign event He said that he admired Fetterman's courage, but just wanted more transparency. In June, a month after Fetterman's sudden campaign halt, Chandra released a letter saying that he had previously diagnosed Fetterman with atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heart rhythm. He said Fetterman did not follow his advice, or attend subsequent check ups. Chandra also said he told Fetterman that he has cardiomyopathy in addition to atrial fibrillation, hence the decision to implant the pacemaker. Despite this, he said that as long as Fetterman takes his medication and lives a healthy lifestyle, then 'he should be able to campaign and serve in the U.S. Senate without a problem.' Fetterman released a statement of his own, saying that his stroke 'didn't come out of nowhere.' The 6ft 8 Senate-hopeful said: 'Like so many others, and so many men in particular, I avoided going to the doctor, even though I knew I didn't feel well. As a result, I almost died. 'I want to encourage others to not make the same mistake.' As the questions continued to swirl, Fetterman's doctor, Dr. Clifford Chen, issued a further statement, attempting to reassure nervy voters. It later emerged that Chen, who works out of a clinic in Duquesne, a suburb of Pittsburg, had given cash to Fetterman's campaign. Chen donated $500 to Fetterman's fund, Fetterman For PA, in June 2021, according to campaign records. Dr Clifford Chen (left) examined John Fetterman, and the results were published on October 19 - with Chen saying Fetterman was recovering well from his May 13 stroke. It has since emerged that Chen is a Democrat donor Chen donated $500 to Fetterman's campaign in June 2021 He also gave money to the campaigns of Democrats including Val Demings in Florida, and Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in Georgia. Chen contributed $170 to Joe Biden's presidential campaign, and gave to Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders in previous cycles. His biggest contributions were to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), to whom he gave at least $1,100. At times Fetterman has stumbled over his words and he has used closed-captioning video equipment to help him respond to interview questions. In his one-page letter, Chen said Fetterman continued to recover well. 'His speech was normal and he continues to exhibit symptoms of an auditory processing disorder which can come across as hearing difficulty,' he wrote after examining him on Friday. 'Occasional words he will 'miss' which seems like he doesn't hear the word but it is actually not processed properly.' John Fetterman last month released a doctor's letter saying that he was recovering well from his stroke but still had some difficulties with 'auditory processing' In a one-page letter, Dr. Clifford Chen said Fetterman continued to recover well after suffering the medical emergency five months ago. He said he had examined him TV's Dr. Oz has turned Fetterman's health into a campaign issue, questioning whether the Pennsylvania lieutenant governor has the cognitive ability to serve in the Senate He added that Fetterman exhibited no ill effects on his 'cognitive ability.' The letter also said his vita signs were all normal and included a declaration that he was fit to work. 'Overall, Lt. Governor Fetterman is well and shows strong commitment to maintaining good fitness and health practices,' it concluded. 'He has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office.' Fetterman said the emergency had encouraged Pennsylvanians to share their own stories of health problems and made him only more determined to help them. And he hit back at his Republican opponent, Dr Mehmet Oz. 'Unfortunately for Dr. Oz, I'm ready to serve and continue to get better every single day,' he said. The bad-tempered race has been marked by frequent exchanges of insults as the two candidates battle for Pennsylvania's open Senate seat. 'This is not about me or him. This is about the voters,' Oz told the Hugh Hewitt show. 'They have a right to know what's going on in his body so they can tell if his wife is right or not. Is she going to be the senator or is he going to be the senator. 'These are topics that he is continually ducking.' A woman and toddler were in shock after a white sedan smashed head on into their vehicle, with their dashcam recording a child crying in the wake of the horror collision. The frightening incident occurred on a narrow highway at Weir Views in south-west Victoria last month. Dramatic dashcam footage showed the car sailing along a rural road before a black ute in front of them was clipped by an oncoming vehicle that had strayed onto the wrong side of the road. Dramatic dashcam footage showed the car sailing along a rural road behind a black ute in front of them (pictured) The ute was clipped by an oncoming vehicle that had strayed onto the wrong side of the road The impact sent the ute smashing into a roadside barrier, as the sedan continued its way along the wrong side of the road (pictured) The sedan (pictured) careened head on into the car with the dashcam last month The impact sent the ute smashing into a roadside barrier, as the sedan continued its way along the wrong side of the road and careened head on into the car with the dashcam. A child was heard crying out for 'mummy' seconds after the nasty smash, as the woman was moaning from the impact. Confronting footage of the crash was put up online by Dash Cam Owners Aus, with the caption: 'Accident near Eynesbury Victoria. everyone survived'. 'This is why flexible wire barriers dividing traffic save lives,' a commenter said. 'Wire-barriers save so many lives where 2/3rds of road trauma occurs in Australia, regional roads like this.' A child was heard crying out for 'mummy' seconds after the nasty smash, as the woman was moaning from the impact (pictured, the dashcam footage after the impact) 'So you want wire barriers down the middle of every road? Including narrow sections like this where they would be frequently damaged by trucks?' another fired back at the suggestion. 'Thats pretty confronting visually and from an auditory perspective,' another added over the crying heard from the toddler. 'Unsure why the driver went onto the wrong side of the road, distracted, fell asleep, medical episode?' another asked. Victoria police told Daily Mail Australia officers are investigating the three-car collision, which occurred on Greigs Road, Weir Views about 4.15pm on October 21. Confronting footage of the crash was put up online by Dash Cam Owners Aus, with the caption: 'Accident near Eynesbury Victoria. everyone survived' 'Investigators alleged a car crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with another car before colliding with another vehicle,' a spokeswoman said. 'The driver of the first car, a 44-year-old man from Truganina, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 'No one was injured in the second vehicle, while a woman and child in the third vehicle were taken to hospital for observation. 'The investigation into the crash is ongoing.' The founder of the UK's Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil movements has a lover half his age who helped him 'organise the coming revolution' in a London love nest, it was revealed today. Roger Hallam, 56, met German Frieda Luerken, 24, when she was a student at Cardiff University around four years ago where she graffitied its buildings because they invested in Shell and BP. Frieda, who was born in Dresden, moved to the UK via Belarus. Hallam, who has a daughter the same age as his partner, then co-founded the XR movement with the psychology graduate before they moved in together in London and started Insulate Britain as a 'lockdown lovechild'. Hallam recently said online: 'Myself and my partner Frieda are now in a permanent rented flat. It has a spare room in which to organise the coming revolution. It is perfect. But I need money to afford it'. As part of their self-styled 'rebel life', they have since expanded again to help run Just Stop Oil, the unpopular group causing carnage for ordinary Britons by blocking roads including the M25 as well as smashing petrol stations and shutting down refineries. He was among eight people charged with conspiracy to cause a public nuisance following protest action on Britain's busiest motorway. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today. The former organic farmer, who blamed the collapse of his business on extreme weather, has said previously protesters should be ready to cause disruption through personal 'sacrifice'. If necessary, they 'should be willing to die', he claimed. Hallam, whose following has been described as 'cult-like' and is funded by supporters' monthly donations, also wants those responsible for climate change to face Nuremberg-style trials. He once stood unsuccessfully in the 2019 European Parliament election in the London constituency as an independent, winning 924 of the 2,241,681 votes cast, which was around 0.04 per cent of the vote. Roger Hallam, 56, (left) met German Frieda Luerken, 24, (right) when she was a student at Cardiff University around four years ago where she graffitied its buildings because they invested in Shell and BP Roger Hallam, pictured being arrested at Heathrow in 2019, was held on Sunday night ahead of Just Stop Oil's M25 protests, which continue today Roger Hallam among eight eco-zealots charged over M25 protests Hallam predicts that climate change will 'destroy... our ability to grow food and then 'the collapse of our society. He added: This means war and violence, the slaughter of young men and the rape of young women on a global scale Eight people have been charged with conspiracy to cause a public nuisance following protest action on the M25. Police launched a major operation to arrest those suspected of planning to take part in Just Stop Oil demonstrations on England's busiest motorway this week. All eight are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police said. They are: Roger Hallam, 56, of Walworth, south London; Tim Hewes, 72, of Charney Bassett, Wantage, Oxfordshire; Daniel Shaw, 36, of Northampton; Christopher White, 29, of Yeovil. Somerset; Karen Matthews, 60, of Overstone, Northamptonshire; Ian Bates, 63, of Northampton; Alexander Wilcox, 21, of Northampton; and Louise Lancaster, 57, of Cambridge. Advertisement The Sun has pictured them today walking down a South London street clutching what appears to be a takeaway or leftovers in a plastic tub. Frieda attended the exclusive St. Benno Gymnasium, a German secondary school in Dresden. It is a highly selective elite fee-paying private school founded in 1709 and Latin is mandatory for all students. Prior to beginning her degree in Cardiff, she took a gap year volunteering with victims of Nazi Germany in Belarus. She spent a year living there. She and Hallam have repeatedly moved over recent years, with her boyfriend relying on monthly donations from supporters to get by. In a series of Facebook posts Hallam would beg for somewhere for them to stay. In one he said: 'I need to leave my present accommodation and need a room for myself and my partner. We both leave early and come back late on most days such is the life of rebels'. Frieda lists her jobs on LinkedIn as Movement Accelerator Coordinator for the International Planned Parenthood Federation pressure group. Her other role is listed as Co-Founder of Extinction Rebellion UK. Her duties include: 'Creating and implementing training plans, facilitating planning processes and ecruiting and onboarding new volunteers'. On occasions when Hallam has been in custody, Frieda has taken over his Facebook account to update supporters and also urge them to send him letters. After one post where she said he was on hunger strike in Pentonville Jail. Admitting she was mistaken, she wrote: 'Apparently, Roger has not been on hunger strike at all - I suppose that kind of miscommunication happens when you don't allow someone to speak with anyone, including their lawyer, for more than a week'. She later wrote: 'Pentonville doesn't look like it's ever been the crown jewel of British prisons but Covid 19 has made the situation even worse. Roger is mostly being denied vegan or vegetarian food. It took him 7 days to get hold of a pillow. 'For five days, he could only leave the cell one single time for 40 minutes. What's possibly worst for him is that he can't access the prison library, meaning that he spends most of his time writing and watching the evening news'. The couple may have got together around the time Hallam apologised for comments he made describing the Holocaust as 'just another f**kery in human history'. In an interview with the weekly Die Zeit, in which he referred to the Holocaust several times, Hallam said: 'The fact of the matter is, millions of people have been killed in vicious circumstances on a regular basis throughout history.' The former organic farmer was quickly condemned by Extinction Rebellion groups in Germany, as well as the German government after his comments to a newspaper in the country. Gridlock caused on the Dartford Crossing this morning by the Just Stop Oil protesters again Injunction which was supposed to STOP eco-zealots grinding M25 to a halt National Highways has secured a High Court injunction to prevent Just Stop Oil protesters disrupting England's busiest motorway - but it appears to have totally failed. 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 a court order obtained by National Highways earlier this year that targeted protesters including those from Insulate Britain. 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. Advertisement Germany's foreign minister, Heiko Maas, tweeted: 'The Holocaust is more than millions of dead and horrific torture methods. To want to murder and exterminate Jewish women and men is uniquely inhumane. We must always be aware of that so we can be certain: never again!' The German branch of Extinction Rebellion also said: 'We explicitly distant ourselves from Roger Hallam's belittling and relativising statements about the Holocaust. In so doing he contravenes the principles of XR, which does not tolerate antisemitism, and he is no longer welcome in XR Germany.' Hallam, 56, was taken in for questioning on Sunday night after police were informed that his group were planning to scale motorway gantries on the M25 and bring traffic to a standstill. Despite him and other ringleaders being rounded up, Just Stop Oil campaigners managed to shut down the roads yesterday and today. Mr Hallam was not at home when the police arrived to arrest him, but they confiscated evidence and later confirmed that a 56-year-old had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance. His group were planning daily action until Christmas, with one member boasting: 'It is almost impossible to stop. We will not back down.' Mr Hallam, who also co-founded Extinction Rebellion said: 'This is not just another action. It's potentially the most significant act of civil disobedience in decades.' He added: 'If it goes on for two days, fine. It it's three or four days it is the biggest disruption in British history.' Hallam's ego is plastered over his website, which is headlined 'Farmer Mobiliser Revolutionary'. The global expansion of Extinction Rebellion (XR), which he co-founded in 2018 and has taken off in dozens of countries, may have gone to his head and - like many 'revolutionaries' before him - has even accused his 'own movement' of turning against him. But his grandiose claims, which include citing Martin Luther King and Gandhi as influences, appear to contradict his desire to be seen as 'just a farmer from Wales'. Born in Manchester, he moved to Carmarthen where he was an organic farmer for 20 years, before blaming the collapse of his business on a series of extreme weather events several years ago. Later he researched the history of civil disobedience for a PhD at King's College London while 'sleeping in his car'. The divorcee left to set up Insulate Britain, despite owning a farmhouse which was described as 'poorly insulated' in an official energy performance certificate six years ago. It is unclear if he has taken steps to improve the rating. Other incendiary remarks include stating his desire to 'bring down all the regimes in the world', starting with Britain, and his belief that those running society 'should have a bullet through their heads'. He currently earns 1,258 from 124 'patrons' who have signed up to make monthly donations to support him. Ironically, a year ago it emerged that 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 seven years ago. Apex Group Ltd. , a global financial services provider, has announced, on the 7th November 2022, its appointment by Aliph Capital, the Middle Easts first female-led private equity firm. Aliph Capital an alternative investment manager focused on mid-market private equity across the GCC region. Aliph Fund I (LP), which will focus on acquiring sizeable, active positions in privately owned mid-market companies across the GCC that possess robust business fundamentals. Preqin research shows that women continue be underrepresented in the alternative assets industry, with only 20.9% of roles in the sector held by women; which drops substantially to only 12.9% at senior levels. Apex Group is committed to enabling diverse managers such as Aliph Capital, through the provision of market-leading fund services and to driving positive change and equity in the industry. Apex Group will deliver timely, accurate and independent Fund Administration services to Aliph Capital, providing financial information, multi-currency transaction processing and flexible valuation periods. Apex Groups integrated global fund administration solution and is underpinned by a connected approach to technology, supporting the secure transfer of data, across the full value chain, enabling the Group to service even the most complex of structures across all asset classes and regions. Fund Administration is at the core of Apexs single-source solution, delivering timely, accurate and independent services, underpinned by market leading technology platforms. According to a recent Total Economic Impact (TEI) report by Forrester Consulting, clients of Apex Groups single-source solution achieve, on average, cost benefits of $5.39m, with a net present value of $2.75m over a three-year period. This announcement is the latest in a series of commitments by Apex Group to drive positive change in the societies and environments in which it operates, including the launch of its own Womens Accelerator Program to drive equity for female progression in financial services. Venki Subramanian, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi at Apex Group comments: We are excited to be working with Aliph Capital to support their active participation in the regional diversification drive, supporting companies to thrive and sustain into the future through active ownership and tech enablement. Our purpose as a business is to drive positive change for a more sustainable, inclusive and socially responsible future and to be the partner of choice to help diverse investor groups and management teams achieve their potential. Our fund administration services will enable the Aliph Capital team to focus on deploying capital with the highest levels of efficiency and regulatory compliance. Huda Al Lawati, CEO, Aliph Capital further comments: Apex Group have an excellent reputation in the Gulf region, and we are pleased to be working with a partner that demonstrates values aligned with our own commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the financial services industry. Their scalable business model provides the fund administration services we require, now and in the future, and we have been particularly impressed with their local teams experience, flexibility and responsiveness. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires Local police are investigating and the Dept of Foreign Affairs has been alerted He was last seen in the city on Oct 26 and his apartment appears untouched He has been living in Brazzaville, the Congo's capital, for more than six years An Australian English teacher has gone missing in a dangerous region in Central Africa as distressed family members express fears he's been kidnapped or killed. Mark Ciavarella, 56, who is from Leeton in the NSW Riverina, has been working in the Republic of the Congo for more than six years. He was last seen in the nation's capital, Brazzaville, on October 26 before mysteriously vanishing without a trace. Brazzaville has a reputation for organised crime, with tourists warned about the dangers prevalent in the city as local gangs roam the region. The troubled nation is also plagued by political instability, civil war and the constant threat of violent coup plots. Australian English teacher Mark Ciavarella (pictured), 56, has been missing for two weeks in Central Africa, with family members holding grave concerns for his welfare Mr Ciavarella was last seen in Brazzeville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, in Central Africa. He has lived and taught in the city for more than six years Mr Ciavarella was reported missing after he didn't turn up for classes and missed appointments. His apartment appeared untouched and the only item missing was his phone. Mr Ciavarella's friends and family have made a desperate plea for his safe return. 'For him to disappear and not be there for these kids it out of the ordinary,' Mark's brother, Darren Ciavarella, told 7News. 'Very gut-wretching, it's like you want to help but you're hamstrung by the distance.' His cousin, Nick Ciavarella, said: 'You're sort of a bit numb from the shock of it all and then your mind goes through the scenarios.' Tourists are warned about the dangers prevalent in the Congo, especially in the country's capital (pictured, youth in eastern Congo) The troubled nation is plagued by political instability, civil war and violent coup plots (pictured, Congo Police officers drive on a pick up truck as anti-Rwanda protesters make their way to the border of the Congo and Rwanda) He added that family members think 'something untoward' possibly happened. A family friend of made a post to Facebook, writing, 'Mark was an English teacher there and disappeared without a trace. We hold grave fears for his safety'. 'We would appreciate any information that you may be able to give if you have seen Mark or know anything about his whereabouts. 'Could you please share this post to all of your friends, make it public, and ask others to share as well.' Mark's family members have expressed their fears over his wellbeing, believing 'something untoward' might of happened to the english teacher (pictured, people walk by tanks set on fire by crowds in eastern Congo) Mr Ciavarella (pictured) was reported missing after he didn't turn up for classes and missed appointments. His apartment appeared untouched. Local police are investigating Mr Ciavarella's family were sent a video on his WhatsApp account that showed an African man. The sender has made no further contact. Local police in Brazzaville are investigating his disappearance and have several leads. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been alerted, as has the Australian and Italian embassies. DFAT have been in regular communication with Mr Ciavarella's family. All 24 passengers onboard the plane were evacuated and no one was injured The Qantas Link aircraft was travelling from Lord Howe Island to Sydney Airport A Qantas flight has caught on fire near the tyre area after landing in Sydney Passengers onboard a Qantas flight have been evacuated after the plane caught on fire at Sydney Airport. The Qantas Link Dash-8 aircraft had arrived at Sydney after travelling from Lord Howe Island, in the Tasman Sea, when a fire broke out near the plane's tyres around 5:30pm on Tuesday. All 24 passengers onboard the flight were safely evacuated through the front stairs and no one was injured. Passengers onboard a Qantas Link aircraft (pictured) have been evacuated after a fire broke out near the plane's tyres There was no smoke in the cabin. The fire has since been put out. Both airport fire and ambulance crews are at the scene. Qantas Link Chief Operating Officer, Petrea Bradford, confirmed in a statement that flames had started near the tyre area and that all passengers were accounted for. 'We appreciate this was unsettling for the passengers and we thank them and our crew for the calm and orderly evacuation,' she said. 'Airport fire crews attended, passengers were bussed to the terminal and engineers will inspect the aircraft.' Airport fire crews and paramedics were at Sydney Airport after the plane landed Read Qantas' scathing response to being given an infamous 'Shonky' award that labelled the airline the 'Spirit of Disappointment' Qantas has slammed consumer watchdog Choice for giving it a 'Shonky' award and labelling it one of the worst companies in Australia while dubbing the airline the 'Spirit of Disappointment'. The Australian airline was one of five brands given a Shonky Award by Choice, which names and shames major brands for poor service or subpar products. The award for Qantas came after a difficult year for the airline, marred by cancelled flights, poor customer service, lost luggage and frequent flight delays as it struggled to resume operations after the Covid travel bans. But Qantas has fired back at Choice, claiming its measures to determine the award were unfair and based on data that was factually incorrect. Qantas fired back at consumer group Choice after they gave the airline a 'Shonky' award and dubbed them the 'Spirit of Disappointment' (pictured, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce) 'These awards are clearly out of date and the data Choice is using is itself a bit shonky,' a spokesperson for the airline told Daily Mail Australia. Qantas acknowledged that the airline had 'several months of poor performance earlier this year' but said the service had improved 'significantly' since August. 'We've been very transparent with our performance figures, both good and bad, but Choice is using figures that are just wrong,' the spokesperson continued. 'No one is disputing the fact we had issues earlier this year, and we apologised for that, but it's disappointing that Choice failed to acknowledge the impact that Covid and border closures have had on the entire aviation industry.' Qantas put forward alternative figures to Choice, made comparisons to rival airlines and explained how it had improved its service. It claimed to have 'beaten' rival airline Virgin for flights being on time across eight of the past 12 months. In some of those months, the spokesperson said Qantas was better than Virgin 'by a significant margin'. The airline said its call wait times were 'less than half what Choice is claiming' and customers had 'redeemed more than $1 billion in Covid-related flight credits'. Australia's flagship airline said the data Choice used to determine its eligibility for the award was factually incorrect and its service had improved 'significantly' since (stock image) Choice awarded Qantas with a Shonky amidst months of cancelled flights, poor customer service, lost luggage and endless delays (pictured, People lined up at Qantas' domestic arrivals terminal at Melbourne airport) Choice said Qantas being awarded a Shonky this year came after multiple complaints were sent to the consumer group about the airline. 'If there was ever a company that appeared to deliberately be going out of its way to win a Shonky Award, it's Qantas,' Choice travel expert Jodi Bird said. 'People are still paying premium prices to fly Qantas, but it's clear from the complaints we've heard, they're not getting a premium service.' 'Qantas has made it difficult and confusing for their customers to use flight credits for cancelled travel. 'This includes forcing many people to spend extra money, putting limits on available flights, being unable to make bookings using credits online the list goes on.' Qantas offered $50 vouchers to millions of its frequent flyer members in August after passengers suffered relentless delays and cancellations, as well as lost baggage. Hundreds of passengers took to social media to slam the airline for taking days to return their luggage, with those on a recent flight to London from Sydney via Darwin told their bags were being left behind in Australia. Qantas said ongoing operational problems were caused by staff sickness and isolation requirements - which were scrapped in September. The response from the airline comes after millions of Qantas frequent flyers were offered $50 discounts in August after numerous issues (stock image) Aviation supply chain issues from manufacturers Boeing and Airbus are also being touted as a cause of delays, as well as an industry-wise labour shortage. CEO Alan Joyce recently revealed the company was just 11 weeks from going broke at the start of the Covid pandemic in March 2020. Mr Joyce warned the issues plaguing Qantas would likely continue for the next 18 months due to aviation supply chain issues from plane manufacturers. Despite its woes, Qantas has reported a return to profitability after five consecutive half-year losses. Mr Joyce said the carrier expected a 'very strong' profit before tax of between $1.2billion and $1.3billion for the first half of the 2022/23 financial year. 2022 Shonky award winners Qantas - for being the Spirit of Disappointment VetPay - for a finance product targeting distressed pet owners Steggles Chicken Nuggets Boosted with Veggies - for hiding veggies so well that we could barely find them Bloomex - for flowers that don't deliver Zega Digital cookware - for an expensive 'self-cooking' smart pot that doesn't properly cook Advertisement A Choice mystery shop tested the airline in September, which uncovered staggering wait times for phone enquiries. 'Our research revealed on average, you'll be on the phone for 21 minutes before your call is answered, and up to 50 minutes,' Mr Bird said. 'By comparison, Virgin came in under a quarter of that average time with five minutes wait, and a maximum of 13 minutes.' Choice CEO Alan Kirkland slammed the airline for 'making redeeming flights credits a nightmare'. Advertisement Rishi Sunak repeated his 'confidence' in Gavin Williamson today despite claims the minister told a senior civil servant to 'slit your throat' and 'jump out of a window'. The PM held a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street - but there was no sign of Sir Gavin entering the building after a Ministry of Defence official alleged he 'deliberately demeaned and intimidated' them. Sir Gavin is believed to have used a back route to get to the Cabinet Room in No10. The 'slit your throat' comment was made in front of other shocked civil servants during a meeting when Sir Gavin was Defence Secretary between 2017 and 2019, 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 behaviour to the MoD's head of human resources, but did not make a formal complaint. The MoD official claimed Sir Gavin 'shouted and raged', and a senior military official from the department later apologised for not calling out the now Cabinet Office minister. Sir Gavin denied bullying the official but did not appear to deny using the specific words. The PM's official spokesman insisted the minister retained his confidence and Mr Sunak believed the denial, but said they were checking the 'proper processes' to follow. It is understood that discussions are ongoing in Downing Street over whether and how the issue should be examined. There has yet to be a formal complaint, but the Propriety and Ethics Team could take charge of a probe. Sir Gavin is already facing an investigation by CCHQ into allegations he sent expletive-laden texts to then-chief whip Wendy Morton about attending the Queen's funeral. Ms Morton's case is also believed to have been referred to the Parliamentary authorities. In a round of interviews this morning, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said it would be 'utterly, utterly unacceptable' if Sir Gavin Williamson told a senior civil servant to 'slit your throat' and 'jump out of the window'. Mr Stride told Sky News: 'If that is the case, that is utterly, utterly unacceptable, but at the moment it is in the realm of media speculation.' Mr Stride said he served in the Whips' Office under Sir Gavin, and saw him as someone with 'this sort of aura or mystique around him'. 'There was always this great aura of do you remember Cronus, the spider, the tarantula etc? And the reality with Cronus is he was much touted but he never actually was released to bite anybody. 'So that was how I always saw Gavin as somebody who had this sort of aura or mystique around him, but the reality was he just generally got on with his job.' A Ministry of Defence official alleged that Sir Gavin Williamson (pictured yesterday) 'deliberately demeaned and intimidated' them regularly when he was defence secretary Home Secretary Suella Braverman (right) and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove smiled for photographers near No10 Nadhim Zahawi (right) and Lord True (left) leaving Downing Street after the Cabinet meeting today Grant Shapps (left) and Ben Wallace (right) arriving for the Cabinet meeting this morning Deputy PM Dominic Raab was also in Downing Street as Mr Sunak assembled his senior team for their weekly meeting There are signs that the rows over Mr Williamson, Suella Braverman and Channel migrants have been pouring cold water on the initial poll bounce for Mr Sunak Sir Gavin 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. 'No specific allegations have ever been brought to my attention.' A Cabinet Office spokesman said: 'The Cabinet Office has not received notice of any formal complaints about Gavin Williamson's behaviour from his time at the Ministry of Defence or any other department.' The allegation was revealed after Downing Street insisted Rishi Sunak retains full confidence in Sir Gavin despite a female MP accusing Sir Gavin of raising sensitive details about her private life in an attempt to silence her. 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, according to The Times. It is the latest claim to surface just days after abusive messages Sir Gavin sent to Ms Morton were revealed. No10 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.' Downing Street has insisted Rishi Sunak (pictured during the Cop27 summit yesterday) retains full confidence in Sir Gavin Sir Gavin is already facing an investigation into allegations he sent expletive-laden texts to then-chief whip Wendy Morton about attending the Queen's funeral 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.' Mr Stride told Sky News: 'There is an independent inquiry, as you know, going on around another... alleged incident between himself and the then-chief whip Wendy Morton. 'I think the important thing we do now is not to start intervening... and opining on who's right and wrong or what may or may not have happened, but to wait for the results of that investigation. 'And then when we have that, and any other investigation that may be triggered in the meantime, then I think we can take stock and come to a firm conclusion.' Asked who will carry out the investigation, Mr Stride said: 'The independent parliamentary authorities. 'The complaint, as I understand it, was made by Wendy Morton about Sir Gavin Williamson... at that point it was a party matter because it was made to the Conservative Party central office, and so it will go through that process but it will be independent, and it will be thorough, and it will come to a firm conclusion.' It comes as it emerged that Sir Gavin has failed in his bid to stop his constituency being carved up - potentially leaving him struggling to be selected to stand at the next election. 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. Anti-Russian activists and former Moscow politicians have gathered in Poland to discuss overthrowing Vladimir Putin and 'physically eliminating' the Kremlin leader. The group, who met in Jablonna near Warsaw over the weekend, said that a revolution and civil war was the only way to remove Putin from power, with some suggesting that the Kremlin leader 'should be killed'. Other activists, such as lawyer Alexei Baranovsky, said that those who remained loyal to Putin throughout the Ukraine war should also be killed, reports Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza. Former Russian politician Viacheslav Maltsev pointed to how a revolution could occur given that some of Putin's opponents are already involved in a 'guerrilla fight' aimed at ending the war in Ukraine which has seen around 100,000 Russian soldiers killed. 'The main goal is to physically eliminate Putin,' Maltsev, who fled Russia after the Kremlin accused him of being an 'extremist' for opposing the government, said during the meeting. Maltsev added that Putin's assassination would lead to a civil war, but it would 'not be as bloody as the war in Ukraine'. Another former politician, who was not named, said: 'The fight against terrorists requires terrorists' methods.' Anti-Russian activists and former Moscow politicians have gathered in Poland to reportedly discuss overthrowing Vladimir Putin and 'physically eliminating' the Kremlin leader (pictured on Monday) Volunteers of the Ukrainian World Foundation inspect a former Russian military fortification in the northern Kherson region But some of the former Russian politicians and anti-Kremlin activists were opposed to a plan of killing Putin, saying instead that the Russian leader should be 'handed over to international courts' for a trial over war crimes committed in Ukraine. The gathering of the activists in Poland is yet another example of growing anti-Kremlin sentiment, with even Putin's troops staging mutinies against the warmonger for sending them to the front line with a lack of supplies and equipment. In September, a group of Russian politicians from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kolpino risked their livelihoods to demand Putin resign in the wake of his collapsing invasion. 'We believe that the actions of President Vladimir Putin inflict harm on the future of Russia and its citizens,' they said in a statement, adding: 'We demand the resignation of Vladimir Putin from the office of President of the Russian Federation.' The talk of ousting Putin comes as he struggles to make gains in Ukraine, with his soldiers suffering catastrophic losses in the battlefield. In an extraordinary move, Russian marines from Russia's 155th Naval Brigade wrote a scathing letter to their regional governor after 300 men from their battalion had been killed or injured in four days of heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine. Videos show the desperate Russian troops fleeing from their burning tanks and a group of soldiers being blown up by Ukrainian missiles during the disastrous assault on the town of Pavlivka. Footage shows Russian marines from the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade driving a burning T-80BVM tank, along a road in the largely destroyed town of Pavlivka, as flames and black smoke erupted from the vehicle following a Ukrainian strike A group of Russian soldiers can be seen climbing on top of the tank and jumping down before they ran away from the burning wreck Footage shows the marines driving a burning T-80BVM tank along a road in Pavlivka, as flames and black smoke erupted from the vehicle following a Ukrainian strike. A group of Russian soldiers can be seen climbing on top of the tank and jumping down before they ran away from the burning wreck. Another astonishing video shows dozens of Russian marines, packed closely together, running into a deserted house in the town. A few seconds later, Ukrainian missiles rained down on them in a deadly strike. Further footage shows Russian soldiers driving their tanks through minefields, with their vehicles erupting into flames one by one. A number of Vladimir Putin's men can be seen lying dead in the ditches of the fields surrounding Pavlivka after they were shot by Ukrainian soldiers after they tried to flee their burning tanks. The videos show just how calamitous Russia's assault on Pavlivka earlier this month was - and provides further evidence of Russian generals treating their recruits as 'cannon fodder'. The assault was so disastrous that the Russian marines from the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, who led the four-day assault, publicly criticised their 'incompetent' generals in an open letter. Another astonishing video shows dozens of Russian marines, packed closely together, running into a deserted house in the town A few seconds later, Ukrainian missiles rained down on them in a deadly strike Further footage shows Russian soldiers driving their tanks through minefields, with their vehicles erupting into flames one by one The soldiers 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 marines 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 soldiers 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 disastrous assault 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'. 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'. 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 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. 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 on Sunday 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. This is the shocking moment a plane smashed into an antenna and crash-landed at an airshow in Argentina, leaving two spectators in hospital after they were hit by debris. The incident happened during the festival Bragado Vuela in Bragado City, Buenos Aires, on the afternoon of November 5. In the airshow, the pilot, from Nuevo de Julio, who works for Aerolineas Argentinas, was doing stunts. The right wing of the DHC-1 Chipmunk aircraft flew low before its right wing hit the antenna. The pilot had to make an emergency landing while a portion of the antenna also broke and fell to the ground. The crash left the pilot unharmed, but four spectators were wounded by debris and suffered minor injuries. Two of the injured were treated at the scene, while the other two spectators were taken to hospital, reported Bragado informs. Moments before the crash, spectators became concerned as the pilot was flying a few metres above the ground. They were shocked as the plane was very close to the people in the crowd. The right wing of the DHC-1 Chipmunk aircraft flew low before its right wing hit the antenna. The pilot had to make an emergency landing while a portion of the antenna also broke and fell to the ground The crash left the pilot unharmed, but four spectators were wounded by debris and suffered minor injuries After the smash, the wing of the plane was severely damaged and coming loose from the root Pictured: The plane comes down in the middle of the stunt show in Argentina When the situation was resolved, the event organiser authorised the show to carry on and it continued for several more hours After the smash, the wing of the plane was severely damaged and coming loose from the root. When the situation was resolved, the event organiser authorised the show to carry on and it continued for several more hours. The Transportation Safety Board of Argentina's Ministry of Transport said in a statement that it will be investigating the accident. Advertisement Britain faces more downpours today with more than 80 flood warnings and alerts issued after hundreds of homes were left without power last night in the South West. Heavy rain is expected to continue drenching parts of the UK today after a wet and windy night prompted weather warnings across swathes of the country. There are currently more than 80 flood warnings and alerts in place across the UK with nine flood warnings and 50 flood alerts in England alone. Yellow weather warnings were in force for heavy rain and strong winds last night in several parts of the country, with gales and floods expected in some areas. Strong gusts of up to 60mph were anticipated on the mainland with wind speeds set to reach up to 70mph in coastal areas. And flood warnings were issued yesterday on the Isle of Wight and in several parts of East and West Sussex. The Environment Agency issued five flood warnings on Monday for Alfriston, Barcombe Mills and Hellingly and Horsebridge, in East Sussex and for Mock Bridge, near Shermanbury, West Sussex, on the River Adur. 'We had some very lively weather last night,' forecaster Alex Deacon told The Sun. 'We call this a squall line - A very active weather front. It's a narrow but intensive line of rain that's making its way in from the west. 'It's not just the heavy rain - as it moves winds will be whipping up.' Heavy rain is expected to continue drenching parts of the UK today after a wet and windy night prompted weather warnings across swathes of the country. Pictured: This car in Bournemouth battled with deep surface water as the unsettled weather looks to continue throughout the week There are currently more than 80 flood warnings and alerts in place across the UK with nine flood warnings and 50 flood alerts in England alone. Pictured: Windy weather and high tides in Penzance, West Cornwall Yellow weather warnings were in force for heavy rain and strong winds last night in several parts of the country, with gales and floods expected in some areas. Pictured: Gale force winds and massive waves batter the Welsh coastline at Aberystwyth in Ceredigion Stormy scenes at Southbourne Beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, this morning Gale force winds and large waves batter the small Welsh seaside resort of Porthcawl in Bridgend A driver hangs his arm into the water as he drives through Lullington Road to the village of Alfriston, East Sussex, where the River Uck has burst its banks due to persistent heavy rain The stormy English Channel at Selsey in West Sussex today as heavy rain batters Britain. Most areas will see a mix of sunny intervals and showers today, with thunderstorms in some places, according to the Met Office 'We had some very lively weather last night,' forecaster Alex Deacon said. Pictured: Flooding in the village of Pulborough, West Sussex Large stormy seas crash against the Cobb harbour wall at Lyme Regis in Dorset during gale force winds Most places are expected to be dry on Wednesday with long sunny spells and some patchy cloud, although there is a threat of showers, which may be heavy, across western areas. Thursday looks to have a wetter outlook with some rain and stronger winds at times for many northwestern areas, particularly western Scotland. While further south and east, the weather is expected to be drier and sometimes brighter, but widely very mild, particularly so in the northeast. It comes after hundreds of homes were blacked out after the West Country was lashed during the night by heavy rain and winds which could top 70mph. As traffic police warned drivers to slow down because the rain was mixing with autumn leaves to form slushy 'skidpan' surfaces, the Roche to St Dennis road was blocked when a lorry slewed out of control and spilled tons of gravel at Cleers Hill. Devon and Cornwall Police said 'The fire service also attended the scene. The male driver of the lorry has been taken to hospital to be checked over. 'Recovery of the vehicle is currently being arranged.' Among a crop of other crashes, the A3078 Polvarth Road near Truro was closed when a lorry jack-knifed, and an air ambulance landed to ferry victims to hospital after a two-vehicle smashed blocked the A39 near Falmouth. Strong gusts of up to 60mph were anticipated on the mainland with wind speeds set to reach up to 70mph in coastal areas. Pictured: Bournemouth And flood warnings were issued yesterday on the Isle of Wight and in several parts of East and West Sussex. Pictured: Penzance, West Cornwall The Environment Agency issued five flood warnings on Monday for Alfriston, Barcombe Mills and Hellingly and Horsebridge, in East Sussex and for Mock Bridge, near Shermanbury, West Sussex, on the River Adur. Pictured: A man walks in the rain near Wells Cathedral, Somerset Most places are expected to be dry on Wednesday with long sunny spells and some patchy cloud, although there is a threat of showers, which may be heavy, across western areas. Pictured: A man holds on to his umbrella as its blown out by the wind as he walks in the rain near Wells Cathedral, Wells, Somerset Thursday looks to have a wetter outlook with some rain and stronger winds at times for many northwestern areas, particularly western Scotland. Pictured: Two women holding Union Jack umbrellas during a rain shower, on the Millennium Bridge in London While further south and east, the weather is expected to be drier and sometimes brighter, but widely very mild, particularly so in the northeast. Pictured: People walk on a footpath near Wells, Somerset It comes after hundreds of homes were blacked out after the West Country was lashed during the night by heavy rain and winds which could top 70mph. Pictured: Penzance, West Cornwall Vehicles attempt to pass flooded roads in Littlington Lane Alfriston, East Sussex, where the River Uck has burst its banks due to persistent heavy rain A woman holding an umbrella during a rain shower on Bankside in London A woman walks near Bishops Palace in Wells, Somerset People walk along Vicars Close in Wells, Somerset A farm vehicle drives through a flooded lane in Alfriston village in East Sussex after more heavy rain which is forecast to continue across Britain over the next few days The Poole and Swanage lifeboats conduct a search. Emergency services respond to a concern for someone believed to be in the water near to Boscombe Pier, Dorset, as strong winds and wet weather sweep across the south coast Sunrise this morning from the Tak ma Doon Road, Kilsyth, overlooking the Kelvin Valley Many areas were hit by power cuts as the gales hit, including 162 homes which were blacked out near Truro, almost 200 near Plymouth and 25 in Torquay. One of the three ferries taking vehicles and passenger across the Tamar estuary was taken out of service for several hours after photos emerged showing it had run aground. Tamar Crossings tweeted yesterday afternoon: 'Due to a technical issue, which is being investigated, currently two out of three ferries are in service. 'Apologies for any delays experienced from both Devonport and Torpoint.' Reports later said the ferry had been re-floated and normal services had resumed, but weather forecasters warned heavy rain and strengthening winds will hit the West Country today. He was one of the few men deemed fearless enough to be selected for the SAS shortly after the elite Army unit had been formed during the Second World War. From 1942, Douglas Berneville-Claye served in the Special Air Service in North Africa under its hero founder David Stirling and key second in command Paddy Mayne. Yet a new book reveals how the officer, who was born Douglas Claye but added the second element of his surname to boost his kudos, became a traitor after he was captured by the Germans. From Churchill's SAS to Hitler's Waffen-SS, by Michael Scott, tells how, while in captivity, Claye signed up for the British Free Corps (BFC), a unit of the German military that was made up of volunteers from Britain. Claye even went on to wear the distinctive black uniform of a captain in the murderous Waffen SS as he became one of more than 300,000 foreign troops and the first British officer to serve in the unit. But the traitor escaped punishment for his activities and emigrated to Australia in the 1950s - after being briefly jailed in 1949 for bigamy. He died there in 1975 as a much loved member of his community in New South Wales. He had been decorated for bravery with British and French medals during the war, and also somehow avoided dismissal from the army after a 1946 court martial for an 'improper association' with a female member of the Auxiliary Transport Service (ATS). Claye's daughter Margaret Metcalfe, whom he disowned when she was a baby, was horrified when she delved into her father's past. She also discovered his serial bigamy and the fact that he had sired at least ten children. The SAS's origins are currently the subject of major BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes, which stars Connor Swindells as Stirling and Jack O'Connell as Mayne. He was one of the few men deemed fearless enough to be selected for the SAS shortly after the elite Army unit had been formed during the Second World War. From 1942, Douglas Berneville-Claye served in the Special Air Service in North Africa under its hero founder David Stirling and key second in command Paddy Mayne. Above: Claye with his mother, Daisy in 1941 Yet the officer, who was born Douglas Claye but added the second element of his surname to boost his kudos, became a traitor after he was captured by the Germans. The former SAS member became the only British officer to join the Nazis during the war when he signed up for the British Free Corps. Above: Claye's mugshot when he was imprisoned in Germany When the Second World War broke out in 1939, Claye had already left his first wife while she was pregnant with their daughter, Yvonne. After a stint in the forces in the mid 1930s, he rejoined the Army in August 1937, but was then discharged from October 1938 until the summer of 1939. He married his second wife, Nina, bigamously in 1940 after saving her from drowning. Claye had signed up to the RAF after the outbreak of war. It was his fourth period of military service in six years. But in March 1940, Claye was discharged from the RAF because he was 'unlikely to make an efficient pilot'. He was later arrested for posing as an RAF pilot. But, after starting to refer to himself as the Honourable Douglas St Aubyn Webster Bernville-Claye from the start of 1941, he enlisted in the military again, this time as a soldier. He later also falsely claimed to have been educated at the prestigious Charterhouse school and Oxford University. These lies prompted his selection for officer training, and he was sent to the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst for a short war course. Claye was a serial bigamist who sired at least ten children. He is pictured above with his last wife Gisela Despite his previous failures, he passed the course and joined the West Yorkshire Regiment. Claye volunteered to joined the SAS in August 1942, when he was posted in Egypt, after surviving a misconduct case which saw him court-martialed for the first time. The SAS had been formed the previous year by David Stirling. Along with key members such Paddy Mayne, Jock Lewes and Reg Seekings, Stirling led a force that existed to wreak havoc behind enemy lines in North Africa. The fearsome unit targeted German and Italian air bases in daring nighttime raids that saw them destroy hundreds of enemy aircraft. But the operations were extremely dangerous. Claye survived the disastrous September 1942 raid on Benghazi in Libya, in which many members of the original SAS were killed. In the aftermath of the mission, which was codenamed Operation Bigamy, Claye was among those who were selected to continue with the SAS. Later, he was promoted under Mayne's command of the SAS's A Squadron to 'war substantive lieutenant'. But he was then captured and also wounded in the Tripoli area of Libya just before Christmas in 1942. He initially spent time at camps in Italy, where he later claimed to have tried to escape. Claye is pictured in 1934, when he would have been aged 16 or 17. The soldier made it into the SAS despite acts of wrongdoing Claye moved to Australia with his wife and sons in the late 1950s. There he taught English at a Catholic boys' school. When he died of cancer in 1975, he was allegedly a reformed man after converting to Catholicism. Above: The former soldier during a visit to England in 1974 (left); the traitor with his family at his home in Canberra in 1964 In the autumn of 1943, Claye was sent to Germany. He was interned first at a camp for lower-ranked POWs but was ultimately transferred to Oflag 79 in Brunswick in April 1944. There, he was briefly joined by Stirling himself, who had been captured in January 1943. Claye's daughter Margaret Metcalfe (pictured above in 2002), whom he disowned when she was a baby, was horrified when she delved into her father's past A British SOE double agent who was infiltrated into the camp in October 1944 said that when he arrived Claye was already a member of the Free Corps. Members of the Free Corps - Britisches Freikorps - were lured by the prospect of better food, pleasant living quarters and access to women. Whilst their value to the Germans was largely as an instrument of propaganda, Claye is believed to have been the only British Army officer to have donned the uniform of an SS Captain and commanded the BFC. Claye was removed from his camp for his own safety by the Germans in February 1945, after it was claimed he had passed information to the Germans about the subversive activities of other camp inmates. Other British inmates had allegedly planned to try him for being an informer and would have carried out an execution if he was found guilty. Stirling later told MI5 that he believed Claye to 'have been more than a minor stool pigeon who acted in a fit of temper'. In the dying days of the war, Claye had tried to lead the Free Corps in a last-ditch attempt to defend Berlin from the advancing Red Army - but the men in his command refused to cooperate. By then, Claye had been made an SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer (Captain). Fellow BFC member Thomas Cooper later said that, Claye told him in April 1945 he had been serving in the SS for two months. After Germany had finally been defeated by the Soviet Union and other Allied forces, Claye escaped capture or death by changing back into his SAS uniform, which he had hidden, and making it to British lines. The Daily Mail reported in 1946 on how he had been court-martialed for his relationship with an ATS private. The woman, Mrs Therasa Hanf, had recently married. After an intimate encounter, she told him he was pregnant and he told her that 'if she would keep quiet about it he would help her but if she made a public issue of it he would deny he was responsible' Once back in England, he resumed his life as an Army officer. The Daily Mail reported in 1946 on how he had been court-martialed for his relationship with an ATS private. The woman, Mrs Therasa Hanf, had recently married. After an intimate encounter, she told him he was pregnant and he told her that 'if she would keep quiet about it he would help her but if she made a public issue of it he would deny he was responsible'. After he was hauled before military judges, he insisted the woman's claims were 'a tissue of lies from beginning to end'. But he was charged with improperly associating with the girl and also being intimate with her. Claye served under SAS founder David Stirling (left) and key second in command Paddy Mayne He also denied charges of stealing Army petrol and paying for items with cheques without ensuring he had the funds to back them up. Ultimately however, Claye avoided dismissal and was instead severely reprimanded. He also survived an MI5 investigation into his wartime activities, with the authorities concluding that a trial for treachery was unlikely to succeed. Even though he was by then married, he tied the knot bigamously with another woman in 1949, an offence that saw him landed with a short prison sentence. By the late 1950s, he had moved to Yorkshire and earned a living as a sales rep. He and his wife, Greta, had three sons. But he then had another affair with a married neighbour and fled abroad with her. SAS Rogue Heroes depicts the real-life events revealed at great length in historian Ben Macintyre's 2016 book of the same name. Above: Actors Alfie Allen (left), Connor Swindells (centre) and Jack O'Connell in their roles as Jock Lewes, David Stirling and Paddy Mayne SAS Rogue Heroes depicts the real-life events revealed at great length in historian Ben Macintyre's 2016 book of the same name. Above: Actors (left to right) Stuart Campbell, Jacob Ifan, Jacob McCarthy, Tom Glynn-Carney and Alfie Allen star as SAS members Bill Fraser, Pat Riley, Johnny Cooper, Mike Sadler and Jock Lewes When his money ran out, he abandoned the woman and went to Australia with his wife and sons. From Churchill's SAS to Hitler's Waffen-SS is published by Pen and Sword on November 30. There he taught English at a Catholic boys' school. When he died of cancer in 1975, he was allegedly a reformed man after converting to Catholicism. Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2002 after she wrote a book about her family's history, Ms Metcalfe said: 'I was knocked sideways. I felt besmirched; guilty by association. 'It was an attempt to understand, and ultimately to try to forgive him.' Ms Metcalfe began piecing together her family tree after retiring in 2000. Born in Little Ouseburn, near York, she discovered her father had met her mother, Ada, when she worked as a cleaner at Claye's father's pub. She was 22 when she fell pregnant, whilst Claye was 16. But when Claye went off to pursue other women and his military career, Ms Metcalfe was raised by her mother, aunt and grandparents. Ms Metcalfe also discovered how her father had denied paternity and washed his hands of any responsibility for her. Ms Metcalfe added: 'Douglas had been a traitor for his country. I felt sullied by my association with him.' From Churchill's SAS to Hitler's Waffen-SS is published by Pen and Sword on November 30. A former US military helicopter pilot has been jailed for selling secrets to the Chinese government. Shapour Moinian, 67, from San Diego, California, was jailed for 20 months after he was paid thousands of dollars by the Chinese to pass them confidential information. The pilot-turned-defense contractor became the latest in a string of Chinese spies uncovered in the military. He handed over US secrets for Chinese money to the tune of $32,000 over at least three years. Just last month the Biden administration unveiled charges against 13 Chinese spies in an explosive press conference while accusing Beijing of 'interfering with the rights and freedoms' of Americans. Attorney General Merrick Garland led a press conference announcing the law enforcement actions alongside Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and officials from the Eastern District of New York and New Jersey attorneys offices. Shapour Moinian, 67, of San Diego, admitted in federal court to acting as an agent for the Chinese government and providing President Xi Jinping's regime secret aviation-related information from his defense-contractor employers. Stock picture Ten of the 13 people charged are Chinese intelligence officers or government officials, according to Wray. The first case involves newly-unsealed charges against two accused Chinese spies who tried to recruit a federal government employee 'to steal confidential information about the United States criminal prosecution' of a China-based company, Garland said. In another, agents accused a China-based academic institute of trying to entice people to further Beijing's 'intelligence mission' and crack down on US-based protests that would have been 'embarrassing' for the ruling Communist Party. The third case involved seven accused spies of participating in a mission to hunt down and harass Chinese dissidents overseas into returning to the authoritarian state. Two of them were arrested just last week, Garland said. Retired US Army helicopter pilot Moinian pleaded pleaded guilty earlier this year to selling classified aviation technology secrets to China for up to $32,000. He admitted in federal court to acting as an agent for the Chinese government and providing President Xi Jinping's regime secret aviation-related information from his defense-contractor employers. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen (pictured) of the Justice Department's National Security Division said: 'Moinian was a paid agent of the Chinese government who sold American aviation-related technology' Moinian also pleaded guilty to making related false statements during national security background checks. The former US Army helicopter pilot was born and raised in Iran but immigrated to the US when he was 21. Less than five years after he arrived he joined the military and served in the army from 1977 to 2000 in the United States, Germany, and South Korea. As part of the plea agreement, federal prosecutors recommended a sentence of no more than 20 months. Moinian traveled to Hong Kong in 2017 where he allegedly agreed to provide information related to multiple types of aircraft designed in the US in exchange for approximately $10,000. At that meeting and all subsequent meetings Monian knew those attending were employed by the Chinese government, according to his plea agreement. When he returned to the US he began gathering aviation-related materials, transferring it to a memory stick. In September that year, he met with Chinese government officials and gave them the hard drive, which included proprietary information from a cleared defense contractor (CDC). He then arranged for payment through the South Korean bank account of his stepdaughter. Moinian told his stepdaughter that these funds were payment for his consulting work overseas and instructed her to transfer the funds to him in multiple transactions. Moinian also received a cell phone and other equipment from these individuals to communicate with them and aid in the electronic transfer of materials and information. At the end of March 2018, Moinian traveled to Bali and met with these same officials again. Later that year, he began working at another CDC. During this timeframe, the same people in China transferred thousands of dollars into the South Korean bank account of Moinian's stepdaughter, who subsequently wired the funds to Moinian in multiple transactions. In August 2019, Moinian traveled again to Hong Kong and met with these same officials where he was again paid approximately $22,000 in cash for his services. Moinian and his wife smuggled this cash back into the United States. According to his plea agreement, Moinian also admitted that he lied on his government background questionnaires in July 2017, and March 2020, when he falsely stated that did not have any close or continuing contacts with foreign nationals and that no foreign national had offered him a job. After his time in the Army, he worked for various cleared defense contractors in the United States including in San Diego as well as the Department of Defense. 'Cleared' is a term that indicates a contractor is permitted to work on projects that involve classified information. According to his plea agreement, while Moinian was working for a cleared defense contractor, or CDC, on various aviation projects used by the U.S. military and U.S. intelligence agencies, he was contacted by an individual in China who claimed to be working for a technical recruiting company. This person offered Moinian the opportunity to consult for the aviation industry in China. Sentencing is scheduled for August 29. As part of the plea agreement, federal prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of no more than 20 months. Stock picture Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division said: 'Moinian was a paid agent of the Chinese government who sold American aviation-related technology. 'The Department of Justice has no tolerance for those who help foreign governments break the law to undermine American competitiveness and innovation.' Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California said: 'This conduct was an outrageous breach of trust by a former member of the U.S. military. 'The United States will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who works at the direction of foreign governments to steal American technology and intellectual property.' Special Agent in Charge Michelle Kramer of the NCIS Office of Special Projects added: 'Mr. Moinian sold information to the Chinese government and lied repeatedly to cover up his crimes. 'NCIS and our partners remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting the U.S. military and rooting out criminality that threatens the superiority of the U.S. warfighter.' Freya Leach felt 'unsafe' after reading extreme exam question with a Freya in it An Australian university student has demanded a 'public apology' over a violent, sexually explicit law assignment question she believes directly mocked her. Freya Leach, 19, a second year University of Sydney student, claimed a character also named Freya in her law assignment is meant to 'depict' her. The character kills a man, then has sex without disclosing her HIV-positive status and is ultimately murdered herself. Students were asked to determine the criminal liability of three case studies in the question, including Freya, who runs down a 'Chardonnay socialist' in a hit-and-run incident then has unprotected sex with her friend while HIV-positive. Freya Leach, 19, a second year Sydney university student, claimed a character also named Freya in her law assignment is meant to 'depict' her The criminal law assignment asks students to read three linked scenarios and determine criminal liability for each. In one, 'right-wing' Freya kills 'Adam' in a hit-and-run Students were given the 2,000 word take-home assignment last Friday and must complete it by this coming Sunday. Ms Leach accused the university of mocking her political views, as she is well-known among students and tutors at Sydney University for her conservative views and being a member of the NSW Young Liberals. 'The problem question uses my name and characterises me as a right-wing person who kills a left wing person. It then recounts a sex scene in graphic detail and says I am HIV positive,' Ms Leach said in her complaint to the university Ms Leach felt targeted when a character in the assignment question with the same name as her kills a man, then has sex without disclosing her HIV-positive status and is ultimately murdered herself She complained to the Dean of the Sydney Law School, Professor Simon Bronitt, alleging 'reputational damage' and asking for a 'public apology' In the first criminal law assignment 'right-wing' Freya pressing the accelerator of her Mercedes-Benz to the floor and says to herself 'Ill give that chardonnay socialist a fright' before killing 'Adam'. Freya's friend Daniel had fought with Adam in another scenario, describing him as a 'woke prick' because he'd asked Daniel to recycle a document. In another scenario, Freya and Daniel have 'penile-vaginal sex' and although she knows 'she is HIV-positive ... does not disclose this to Daniel, who fails to wear a condom'. Freya is then pushed to her death from a window by Daniel's drunken fiance. Ms Leach claimed 20 fellow law students had texted her saying they believed Freya in the assignment was based on her. She complained to the Dean of the Sydney Law School, Professor Simon Bronitt, alleging 'reputational damage' and asking for a 'public apology'. She wants the apology to be emailed to 'my entire law cohort' and requested 'a five day extension' as compensation. Ms Leach claimed she was being targeted after confrontations with 'socialist' students who had called her 'a parasite' in a 'zoom bombing'. She argued in her complaint that it was unusual for an assignment question to use 'uncommon' names such as hers. She also claimed memes were circulating among students depicting her as having HIV as a result of the assessment. In response a Sydney university spokesperson said the use of the name 'Freya' was 'entirely' a coincidence. It claimed the same name had been used in exams and class questions in previous years Since the question was issued four days ago Ms Leach had felt 'unsafe'. In response a University of Sydney spokesperson said the use of the name 'Freya' was 'entirely' a coincidence. It claimed the same name had been used in exams and class questions in previous years. But the university also apologised for 'for any offence or distress caused'. It also pledged to avoid using the first names of any current students in future criminal law assessments. This is the horrifying moment a boy was flung from a high-speed carousel in the Philippines, crashing into a steel pole and losing a lung. Mark Fajardo, 13, was on the 'wave swinger' attraction during Halloween celebrations in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan province in the Philippines on November 1. The ride began to accelerate and onlookers screamed in delight, remarking on the carousel's high speed. However, the jubilant shrieks were replaced with cries of terror when moments later Mark was sent flying from his seat and slammed into a set of steel grills with a loud crash. Mark Fajardo, 13, and other youngsters were spinning on the 'wave swinger' attraction during Halloween festivities in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan province in the Philippines on November 1. The fairground ride was going at a fast speed and people were shocked as they watched on Mark came off the ride and landed on some metal grills. Members of the crowd rushed to his aid People are seen helping Mark before he was taken to hospital for treatment Mark survived but his family said he had to undergo pneumonectomy to remove one of his lungs due to the impact Holidaymakers rushed the unconscious boy to hospital as he had sustained serious injuries. Mark survived but his family said he had to undergo pneumonectomy to remove one of his lungs due to the impact. The teenager's mother Marivic Fajardo said: 'Doctors told me he had to be careful since he now only has one lung left. 'I hope the operators won't make up stories. They're blaming my son, saying he removed the lock. Why would he do that when the ride was going so fast?' The teenager's mother Marivic Fajardo said: 'Doctors told me he had to be careful since he now only has one lung left' Police Major General Ria Tacderan, Pangasinan police public information officer, said officers are now investigating the ride. Pictured: Mark in hospital Police Major General Ria Tacderan, Pangasinan police public information officer, said officers are now investigating the ride. The policeman said: 'Our problem now is to see if anyone is monitoring or checking the rides before they are used.' The wave swinger attraction has been suspended while investigations are ongoing. Police said that the fairground has a permit and is operating legally but the document could be revoked if safety violations are proven. n the lead up to COP27, the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Egypt in November, over 700 youth from twenty one African countries have signed a joint open letter calling on the leadership of the African Union (AU) to prioritize systemic change in the face of the worsening climate crisis. The delivery and publishing of the letter is the culmination of the Africas Youth Voices Online conference series organized by the African Climate Alliance, a youth-led group acting and advocating for Afrocentric climate justice. The conference series brought together youth from across the continent to discuss pertinent issues arising in communities affected by climate change and to collaborate on the development of the open letter. The aim was to amplify messaging from communities across Africa whose voices are not always heard in the negotiations taking place at meetings such as COP27. This letter contains the messages and hopes that many youth and communities across the continent want the leaders in Africa to hear ahead of COP27, says Mitchelle Mhaka, programmes manager of the African Climate Alliance. We need to prioritize indigenous knowledge and to call on the global north to provide climate reparations to address the loss and damage facing communities in Africa due to climate impacts. In addition to the hundreds of youth who have signed on, the letter has been endorsed by 350 Africa, Dont Gas Africa, Power Shift Africa, Khantsa Energy and Africa Climate Movement-of-Movements. This is their letter: Dear African Union Leaders, This year an African country Egypt will host COP 27, where world leaders will come together to address how to limit global emissions and reduce the impacts of global warming and climate crisis. We believe that this is a critical opportunity for African leaders to showcase their leadership in addressing the climate crisis and safeguarding the people that they represent. Many countries in Africa continue experiencing the escalating harsh impacts of the climate crisis and ecological breakdown to a massive degree. From torrential rainfall across Malawi causing flooding in areas that were already affected by floods due to tropical storm Ana, to thousands of livelihoods displaced due to floods in Eastern and Western regions of Uganda, to communities facing severe drought conditions across the Horn of Africa. People are feeling the very real effects of climate change, made worse as there are insufficient adaptation systems or effective safety plans to reduce the damage caused by it. There is an urgent need for adaptation and mitigation plans to be financed. The detrimental effects of climate change are only set to worsen and will become unmanageable if we do not act fast. We know that resources including coal, oil and gas were plundered from Africa and used by countries in the global north to build up their economies while destabilizing the climate, all on the backs of African peoples slave labour. African countries have not experienced the wealth made by their own resources, and still have to deal with the effects and harms of the way the resources were extracted. Some may argue that African countries should now be given the opportunity to exploit fossil fuels but this is neither a path towards energy security, nor to a safe climate. History must not be misused as an excuse to build fossil fuel infrastructure and put the land and people in harms way. Furthermore, if Africa develops new infrastructure for fossil fuels, these will become stranded assets in a few years time, as the world shifts to renewables, and countries realise the opportunity to go green. The people of Africa especially those already living in energy poverty cannot afford billions to be wasted. Therefore, due to the nature and urgency of the crisis, the development of renewable energy sources in Africa is essential, not only to reduce emissions but also to avoid economic hardships in the future. Financing to develop infrastructure for renewable energy and alternatives is widely available for countries who wish to move away from fossil fuels. This will directly benefit African youth, affording us the opportunities to have financial stability. As leaders of the African Union (AU), you are in a unique and powerful position to negotiate for climate reparations for loss and damage finance rather than loans that accrue interest. Climate reparations are essential to compensate for the loss and damage experienced by Africa due to the extraction and burning of fossil fuels. Reparations will also assist in building green infrastructure. Renewable energy has also been proven to be cheaper and have a faster turnover period than fossil fuels, and has the potential to create thousands of jobs which can benefit African youth. This is in stark comparison to projects such as the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline, of which 70% of the profits will go to foreign companies. We cannot stress enough the importance of and responsibility on the part of you, our AU leaders, to put systems in place that ensure that money earmarked for decarbonising African economies is used for its intended purpose and that it benefits the people and not corrupt systems. Renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydro electricity with current technology is not a perfect solution to our climate change crisis and energy poverty. We need to improve the ways in which renewables are procured and rolled out to ensure we are not repeating patterns of neo-colonial violence. For example, the Democratic Republic of Congo is a major hotspot for battery mining projects, but mining operations are leaving people destitute and prone to diseases. Social and environmental impacts must be rigorously addressed as the transition towards renewables and alternatives is underway. The expansion of renewable energy and alternatives brings an opportunity to change the way resource extraction is done, and is an urgent and essential step in the right direction. Only by abandoning and abolishing fossil fuel exploration can we make space for an African economy that causes less social and environmental harm and potentially unlocks better long-term solutions than what exists currently. Importantly, the actions taken to address climate change and ecological breakdown cannot be done in isolation. Therefore we call on you, our AU leaders, to consider, strategise and implement practices with the help of experts that go beyond technical solutions. Practices that centre indigenous knowledge through consultation and collaboration with indigenous community leaders and knowledge holders. Practices that work towards habitable futures and ecological sustainability through local methodologies like soil management, reforestation, climate-resilient agricultural practices, water catchment management, sustainable production, plastic reduction, waste management and more. Practices that also involve local people and centre-localised environmental literacy and education in schools, as part the work on the ground. Indigenous African practices have always fostered a more sustainable relationship between people and the land. We, as people of Africa, must emancipate ourselves from the idea that this is backward and that we should be aspiring to live like the global north. Embracing the wisdom of Indigenous knowledge does not mean anti-development, but rather exploring innovative new solutions based on Afrofuturist principles rather than extractive principles; a world defined and measured by the well-being of its people and its land rather than GDP alone. In this light we also call on you as our leaders to regulate the impact of big corporations and work in active dialogue with communities and companies to find solutions that put people and our only habitable planet over profit and greed. Youth all over the continent have been rallying together to change our reality from one of hopelessness, to a more hopeful, sustainable and inclusive one. Please join us in envisioning a future where we move into a just transition under your leadership. As youth in Africa, we acknowledge the power that you hold. It is time for you to take action to avert the climate crisis, to harness African innovation and indigenous wisdom to go far beyond the solutions developed already. We need action that is smart, measurable and based on realistic timelines for goals to address the climate and ecological crisis. We need deep adaptation and mitigation strategies to ensure our future is secured, while we do all we can to decrease the effects of the crisis. We need funding for sustainably developed environmental projects, as well as for you, our AU leaders, to put pressure on Western leaders to open channels for loss and damage finance. We need youth in Africa to be put at the forefront of consideration when taking on these actions so that there is a clear understanding of what the world and future will be. It is time for a holistic system change. We say to all our African leaders Dont Gas Africa, leave fossil fuels in the ground, and enable a rapid and just transition to 100% renewable energy. Please let us know how you intend to leave no African child behind and how you intend to secure the future of youth in Africa, in the midst of climate and ecological crisis. We believe that COP27 on African soil is a great opportunity to effect the most impactful change any COP has ever had. Please do not waste it. We look forward to your response. Signed by over 700 youth from 21 African countries including Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Eswatini, Senegal, Somalia, Cameroon, Togo, Angola, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, South Sudan, Morocco Collaboratively written by African Climate Alliance and supported by 350 Africa, Dont Gas Africa, #StopEacop, Power Shift Africa and Khantsa Energy. Advertisement Meghan Markle today claimed that 'strong-minded women' are branded 'difficult' because it is a codeword for 'b**ch' - and said that while 'not everyone is going to like you, the goal can be for them to respect you'. In her latest Archetypes podcast for Spotify, the Duchess of Sussex said that the 'B-word' is being used to 'gaslight' women who know what they want. Meghan also described disliking the word 'pushy' and admitted moderating her behaviour to avoid being perceived that way. Describing what people mean when they say 'b**ch', Meghan says: 'What these people are implying when they use that very charged word, is that this woman, "Oh, she's difficult". Which is really just a euphemism or is probably not even a euphemism. It's really a codeword for the B-word.' And speaking about the word 'difficult' as a way to describe women, she added: 'My friend said to me, there's a certain point when you come to terms with the fact that not everyone is going to like you, the goal can't be for everyone to like you, but the goal can be for them to respect you.' Meghan said friends are 'reclaiming' and 'embracing' the 'B-word' - but she herself refuses to say it on the podcast, calling it the 'B-word' throughout or spelling it out for listeners. She said she would never use it except when referring to a female dog. She said: 'I remember when I was a kid and people would say "sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you". Well, that was just a flat-out lie. Of course names hurt. But what happens when we use that pain to fuel purpose, when the B-word is shouted with one intent, but you're able to let it go and to remind yourself of all the other words with a 'B' that better describe you. Beautiful, blessed, brilliant, beguiling, blissful, bedazzling. Take your pick'. On this week's episode Meghan spoke to business leaders and entrepreneurs including Mellody Hobson, the chairwoman of Starbucks who was the first black woman to chair an S&P 500 company. She is married to Star Wars creator George Lucas. The episode entitled 'To 'B' or not to 'B'' also stars Victoria Jackson, the make-up mogul and a friend of Meghan. Miss Jackson is part of the Sussexes' 'close-knit group of friends' in Montecito, California. She described being 'raped and stabbed' by the notorious 'pillowcase rapist' in the 1970s. Miss Jackson went on to build a $1billion business and then moved into medical research after her daughter was diagnosed with a rare and often fatal eye condition. Meghan's new episode 'To "B" or not to "B" is about the use of the word 'b**ch' and how it and other language is used to put women down On the show Meghan speaks to business leaders and entrepreneurs including Mellody Hobson, the chairwoman of Starbucks, and her close friend Victoria Jackson, the make-up mogul Meghan wishes she was 'living La Dolce Vita' with her friend Mellody Hobson over the summer Meghan Markle said she was 'jealous' after hearing about Mellody Hobson's summer. Opening her conversation with Miss Hobson, Meghan said: 'Oh, it's so nice to see you. Before we jump in... How is summer?' The podcast was edited so listeners do not hear Miss Hobson's response. But Meghan says: 'I'm so envious. I wish I had just been living La Dolce Vita with you.' Although the Duchess of Sussex did not describe what she did over the summer, the end of the season for her was dominated by the Sussexes' pseudo-royal tour of Europe, which began in the first weekend of September. Days later, on Thursday, September 8, the Queen died, which extended her and Harry's time in the UK by a fortnight. Advertisement Meghan has discussed a number of similar subjects with her guests on Archetypes, from what it means to be 'a diva' with Mariah Carey, to the myth surrounding singletons with Mindy Kaling. She also revealed her favourite TV programme growing up was the quiz show Jeopardy! on the latest episode of her Archetypes series. The Duchess of Sussex , 41, released the eighth episode of her podcast today, which was titled 'To "B" or not to "B"' and featured Victoria Jackson, the make up mogul and Mellody Hobson, the chairwoman of Starbucks. During the introduction to the show, the mother-of-two spoke of her love of television shows and movies, saying she spent 'a lot of time in front of the TV growing up.' The former actress went on to reveal Jeopardy was her 'favorite show growing up', adding: 'I would eat my dinner on a TV tray in front of the screen, watching each category with bated breath and intense focus trying to absorb whatever facts they were firing off in the form of a question.' She added that host Alex Trebek was 'a daily part of her life', even claiming that when he died in November 2020, she 'received messages of condolences.' Meghan started the podcast by saying: 'At this point in the series I think we've established that I spent a lot of time in front of the TV growing up. 'I loved movies and shows. I had my favorite programs and, as we continue to unearth with Archetypes, many of them can be influenced by pop culture and by the media. 'Growing up in the 80s and 90s - my generation - we were raised with television in the same way that this generation is raised with social media. 'We didn't have that then. There was no Instagram or Tik-Tok. You couldn't even record shows. 'Unless you had a blank VHS tape that you could race to queue up at the exact time. 'So you'd hope not to miss your favorite show. For Gen Z listeners, you're going to have to Google, or I guess, Tik-Tok what I'm even talking about. 'But for those of you who remember these days, you'll also remember the shows that you were always ready for. Now for me, this was Jeopardy.' Meghan said that Jeopardy host Alex Trebek was 'a daily part of her life', even claiming that when he died in November 2020, she 'received messages of condolences' (pictured) The Duchess of Sussex's guest on her last Spotify podcast episode was Sophie Trudeau, wife of Canadian prime minister Justin. The friends spoke about the challenges of parenting and being a partner to two famous men. The pair described the 'crushing guilt' of being a mother in the public eye. Meghan revealed she threw a pool party this summer for Mrs Trudeau, in which the two 'giggled like schoolgirls' and drank wine on the terrace of her Montecito mansion. On episode eight of her Archetypes show, called 'Good Wife/Bad Wife, Good Mom/Bad Mom', Meghan also chatted to comedian Pamela Adlon, best known as the voice of Bobby Hill in animated comedy series King of the Hill, who became a British citizen in 2020. Meghan also revealed that she prepared for the Life in the UK test. Although she is LA born and based, Meghan is not believed to be a British citizen, having reportedly abandoned the idea after Megxit in 2020. Experts said she did not live in the UK for the three years required to get spousal citizenship after marrying Harry, 38, in 2018. She arrived in Britain in November 2017 and left by December 2019. The Duchess of Sussex said: 'That citizenship exam is so hard. I was studying for it [the test] and I remember going, 'Oh my goodness'. I would ask my husband, 'Did you know this? Did you know this?' And he would say, "I had no idea".' She did not expand on whether she ever took the test - or just studied for it. But Ms Adlon joked: 'I think they made it harder for you. They were like, "We're gonna really throw up walls on this one".' Meghan Markle's star guest on her last podcast episode was First Lady of Canada, Sophie Trudeau. Both are pictured together in a photobooth at the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) at Soho House in Toronto in 2016 Meghan revealed she studied for the UK citizenship test - and Harry struggled with some of the answers - but it has long been reported that she did not end up taking the test Meghan would have needed to pass the Life in the UK Test, which costs 50 per try and has a 75 per cent pass mark, before applying for citizenship. The 45-minute test features 24 multiple choice questions about UK laws and the legal system, working in the country, its history, culture and other details of British life. It can be rebooked an unlimited number of times, but applicants must pay each time. It can also contain questions about the Royal Family - which she remains a member of - such as which King was executed in 1649 and who established the Church of England. When her engagement to Harry was confirmed in 2017, Buckingham Palace announced the former Suits star would become a British citizen. But the Sussexes quit the working monarchy in 2020 and moved to the US via Canada, amid reports Meghan had abandoned the process. Meghan Markle reveals her love of Jeopardy! as she confesses she 'spent a lot of time in front of the TV growing up' and would 'eat her dinner on a tray in front of the screen' Meghan Markle has revealed her favourite TV programme growing up was the quiz show Jeopardy! on the latest episode of her Archetypes series. The Duchess of Sussex , 41, released the eighth episode of her podcast today, which was titled 'To "B" or not to "B"' and featured Victoria Jackson, the make-up mogul, and Mellody Hobson, the chairwoman of Starbucks. During the introduction to the show, the royal mother-of-two spoke of her love of television shows and movies, saying she spent 'a lot of time in front of the TV growing up'. She went on to reveal Jeopardy was her 'favorite show growing up', adding: 'I would eat my dinner on a TV tray in front of the screen, watching each category with bated breath and intense focus trying to absorb whatever facts they were firing off in the form of a question.' She added that host Alex Trebek was 'a daily part of her life', even claiming that when he died in November 2020, she 'received messages of condolence.' Meghan Markle, 41, has revealed her favourite TV programme growing up was the quiz show Jeopardy! on the latest episode of her Archetypes series Meghan started the podcast by saying: 'At this point in the series I think we've established that I spent a lot of time in front of the TV growing up. Alex Trebek: Meghan's all-time favourite TV host Starting out in radio and television in his native Canada, Trebek worked on a slew of game shows in Hollywood before landing the revival of Jeopardy! in 1984. Packaged with the Wheel of Fortune and syndicated throughout the country, the show became 'part of the fabric of American life,' Trebek wrote in his 2020 autobiography. 'Viewers have gotten used to having me there, not so much as a showbiz personality but as an uncle. I'm a part of the family more than an outside celebrity who comes into your home to entertain you.' Trebek, whose family called him 'Sonny,' grew up in the nickel-mining town of Sudbury, Ontario. He studied philosophy. Bilingual, Trebek spent 12 years announcing and hosting on radio and TV for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in English and French before moving to Los Angeles to host The Wizards of Odds in 1973. Trebek made his cancer diagnosis public in early 2019 and he wrote that there were moments he wished he had not done so. Nonetheless, he was touched by the amount of support he received from Jeopardy! viewers about the illness and throughout the decades. 'I really can't say enough how grateful I am for our show's fans. I try to show that gratitude as much as possible,' he wrote. He hosted over 8,000 episodes of Jeopardy! and won several awards including Emmys. Advertisement 'I loved movies and shows. I had my favorite programs and, as we continue to unearth with Archetypes, many of them can be influenced by pop culture and by the media. 'Growing up in the 80s and 90s - my generation - we were raised with television in the same way that this generation is raised with social media. 'We didn't have that then. There was no Instagram or Tik-Tok. You couldn't even record shows. 'Unless you had a blank VHS tape that you could race to queue up at the exact time. 'So you'd hope not to miss your favorite show. For Gen Z listeners, you're going to have to Google, or I guess, Tik-Tok what I'm even talking about. 'But for those of you who remember these days, you'll also remember the shows that you were always ready for. Now for me, this was Jeopardy. She continued: 'Jeopardy was my favorite show growing up and I would eat my dinner on a TV tray in front of the screen.' Meghan went on to discuss the former host Alex Trebek, who died aged 80 in November 2020. Before his death, Trebek continued to host the 37th season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Trebek has hosted more than 8,200 episodes of Jeopardy!, which has won 39 Emmy awards, according to its website. She said: 'My obsession with this show was so deep, you guys, when Alex Trebek passed away, I started to receive texts of condolence. 'I didn't know him, but everyone who knew me knew how meaningful Jeopardy and its host was, as a daily part of my life. 'This love of facts extended into my love of words and grammar, admiring people with expansive vocabularies. 'I was and I still am a word nerd.' Elsewhere, she claimed that 'strong-minded women' are branded 'difficult' because it is codeword for 'b**ch'. The Duchess of Sussex also argued that the 'B-word' is being used to 'gaslight' women who know what they want. Meghan described disliking the word 'pushy' and admitted to moderating her behaviour to avoid being perceived that way. Meghan said friends are 'reclaiming' and 'embracing' the 'B-word' - but she herself refuses to say it on the podcast, calling it the 'B-word' throughout or spelling it out for listeners. Although she says she would never use it unless it is to refer to a female dog Meghan has discussed a number of similar subjects with her guests on Archetypes, from being a Diva with Mariah Carey to the myth surrounding singletons with Mindy Kaling. Last week, Meghan hosted First Lady of Canada Sophie Trudeau. The friends spoke about the challenges of parenting and being a partner to two famous men. The pair described the 'crushing guilt' of being a mother in the public eye. Meghan, 41, revealed she threw a pool party this summer for Mrs Trudeau, in which the two 'giggled like schoolgirls' and drank wine on the terrace of her Montecito mansion. On episode eight of her Archetypes show, called Good Wife/Bad Wife, Good Mom/Bad Mom, Meghan also chatted to comedian Pamela Adlon, best known as the voice of Bobby Hill in animated comedy series King of the Hill, who became a British citizen in 2020. Meghan also revealed that she prepared for the Life in the UK test. Although she is LA born and based, Ms Markle is not believed to be a British citizen, having reportedly abandoned the idea after Megxit in 2020. Experts said she did not live in the UK for the three years required to get spousal citizenship after marrying Harry, 38, in 2018. She arrived in Britain in November 2017 and left by December 2019. The Duchess of Sussex said: 'That citizenship exam is so hard. I was studying for it [the test] and I remember going, "Oh my goodness". I would ask my husband, "Did you know this? Did you know this?" And he would say, "I had no idea".' She did not expand on whether she ever took the test - or just studied for it. But Ms Adlon joked: 'I think they made it harder for you. They were like, "We're gonna really throw up walls on this one".' Meghan spoke about her love of the TV show growing up, crediting it with helping her to develop a 'passion for words' Meghan would have needed to pass the Life in the UK Test, which costs 50 per try and has a 75 per cent pass mark, before applying for citizenship. The 45-minute test features 24 multiple choice questions about UK laws and the legal system, working in the country, its history, culture and other details of British life. It can be rebooked an unlimited number of times, but applicants must pay each time. It can also contain questions about the Royal Family - which she remains a member of - such as which King was executed in 1649 and who established the Church of England. When her engagement to Harry was confirmed in 2017, Buckingham Palace announced the former Suits star would become a British citizen. But the Sussexes quit the working monarchy in 2020 and moved to the US via Canada, amid reports Meghan had abandoned the process. A mysterious white blob has left experts puzzled after washing up on a Cornish beach. Helen Marlow, 50, from Stockport, spotted the fleshy object on Marazion beach while holidaying with her husband in Cornwall. She said: 'I was walking my dog along the beach when I spotted an unusually large, white object on the sand. 'It appeared to be a white, fleshy-looking substance. It had no definite features such as limbs but appeared to be one mass. 'I couldn't bring myself to touch it but I did try to move it with my boot and as I did so it wobbled a bit like a big, fat jelly! 'Seaweed was wrapped around it. So was what I assumed to be a long piece of white rope, slightly frayed in places.' She continued: 'I felt really curious and baffled as to what it was exactly. A mysterious white blob has left experts puzzled after washing up on a Cornish beach Helen Marlow (pictured), 50, from Stockport, spotted the fleshy object on Marazion beach while holidaying with her husband in Cornwall She said: 'I was walking my dog along the beach when I spotted an unusually large, white object on the sand.' Pictured: Marazion beach, looking towards St Michael's Mount 'I just couldn't recognise it or compare it to anything I had seen before. All I could be sure of was that it was definitely organic matter and I assumed it had come from the sea. 'I had absolutely no idea what it was.' The blob was an estimated one-and-a-half metres across and around 30 to 40cm thick. It didn't smell, nor did it show any obvious signs of damage. Looking for answers, Helen took some advice from her husband and shared her photos with a marine study group on Facebook. Some people said it was a whale placenta, others that it was a stomach or intestines, while some even said it was a weather balloon. Rob Deaville, project manager for the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, said: 'It's difficult to say from these images alone. The blob was an estimated one-and-a-half metres across and around 30 to 40cm thick Some people said it was a whale placenta, others that it was a stomach or intestines, while some even said it was a weather balloon 'In my opinion, they look like the fragmentary remains of stomachs or an intestinal tract. 'The species and even the broad taxonomic group is not clear unfortunately. 'Maybe it's a large cetacean species, or possibly a basking shark; but I know the latter is perhaps less likely given the time of year. 'But we do routinely receive reports of fragmentary remains of animals during each year.' Whatever the blob may be, Mrs Marlow feels lucky to have encountered something so strange. She said: 'I feel honoured to have seen this creature and really keen to discover its origin and species.' Most of Russia's combat losses since mid-May have been down to friendly fire, a pro-Kremlin commander has sensationally claimed. Alexander Khodakovsky, leader of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic's Vostok Battalion, said 60 per cent of losses since the city of Mariupol fell have been down to Russian troops attacking one-another. Khodakovsky said he knew of mortar teams shelling their own side because they cannot use electronic targeting systems, and of engineers laying mines in the path of their own tanks due to poor communication. Video of recently-captured Russian soldiers seems to underline this point, with the men complaining they were shelled by their own side for three days straight. While the 60 per cent figure is unconfirmed and likely to be exaggerated, analysts say it speaks to well-established issues with Putin's military that have likely been made worse after he fired most of his top generals. Video of recently-captured Russian conscripts near the city of Svatove shows them complaining that their own units shelled them for three days straight Alexander Khodakovsky, leader of a pro-Russian battalion in Donetsk, recently complained on Telegram that 60 per cent of Moscow's casualties are due to friendly fire Experts from the Institute for the Study of War wrote: 'the fact that a Russian commander is publicly speculating on such a damning indicator of Russian and proxy competency indicates the deep challenges Russian forces face. 'Friendly fire typically does account for a limited number of losses in war but ordinarily nowhere near 60 per cent of total casualties, which demonstrates a lack of communication and command and control coordination between Russian forces. 'The frequent replacement of Russian military leaders, promotion of inexperienced soldiers, and cobbled-together Russian force... likely contributes to frequent friendly fire incidents.' Analysts point to another incident near the village of Pavlivka, in Donetsk oblast, during recent fighting where Russian trucks drove into a defensive ditch dug by their own engineers. This 'further demonstrates a widespread lack of cross-training and coordination between Russian troops,' the experts wrote. Russia is known to have suffered heavy casualties in Pavlivka, with some 300 men killed or wounded in just four days of fighting - though pro-Kremlin sources suggest the true toll is far higher. Writing on his Telegram account on November 5, Khodakovsky said: 'After the Mariupol operation, we believe that we suffered most of the losses from friendly fire. 'Someone even called the figure 60 per cent. This is an ordinary phenomenon, but its depends, of course, on the competence of commanders - especially artillerymen.' Russian troops fighting near the town of Pavlivka, in eastern Ukraine, are hit by an artillery shell as they try to take shelter in a building - amid a recent failed attack Some 300 Russian marines were left dead, wounded or missing after a recent failed attack in Pavlivka, in eastern Ukraine, which they blamed on 'incompetent' commanders He goes on to describe an incident in which Russian forces found themselves under mortar fire and traced the rounds back to one of their own units. When confronted, he claims the mortar team explained they were given orders to shoot at a set of coordinates on the map and opened fire without checking what they were shooting at. 'We corrected them ourselves, downloaded programs to their smartphones, [and] taught them how to use them,' he added. In another incident, he claims a tank unit rotating away from the frontlines for a rest ran into a minefield that had been laid behind their backs. Khodakovsky wrote: 'Some army general gave a command to his engineers to mine the front, which was completed in a day, but he did not even bother to tell anyone. 'As a result, several people died, including a tank crew with the tank company commander, who was going on foot to receive an order.' Another commander, he said, had ordered engineers to dig defensive ditches across roads being used by Russian troops - causing several trucks to overturn. He added: 'With such geniuses [on our side], we dont even need enemies. Lord army chiefs, please control the situation - it's time to grow up.' Russia is now well into its ninth month of fighting in Ukraine, and is thought to have sustained heavy losses. Moscow has admitted suffering just over 6,000 casualties, but given that Putin recently ordered 300,000 reservists to be mobilised for the front, that figure is almost certainly a wild under-estimate. A Ukrainian soldier is pictured standing guard at a position in the northern Kherson region, where troops are pushing to take territory from Russia Ukrainian soldiers inside a dugout at a position in the northern Kherson region, where heavy fighting has been underway for months Ukraine believes that 75,000 Russian troops have been killed in fighting, though the West puts that figure lower. James Heappey, British armed forces minister, said in late September that around 25,000 Russian soldiers have died. The Pentagon said 75,000 had been killed an wounded, though gave that figure back in July and has not updated it since. While we may never learn the true toll, it is clear the losses are severe and that the Ukraine war is likely Russia bloodiest since the Second World War. And that issue is unlikely to get better as poorly-trained conscripts arrive on the frontlines where inexperienced commanders appear to be leaving them to their own devices while staying far behind enemy lines. Video captured recently by Ukraine's 92nd Brigade fighting near the city of Svatove, in eastern Donbas, showed a group of 21 mobilised soldiers who were captured. In the footage, the men complain their were abandoned by their commanders with no food, shelter, and in poorly-dug trenches. 'For three f***ing days our own were shelling us,' one of the men complains. 'We had no coms at all, everything's rotten... 'We were thrown immediately on to the frontline, like meat.' British financier Sir Evelyn de Rothschild has died at the age of 91, his family has said in a statement. Sir Evelyn was the son of Anthony de Rothschild and Yvonne Cahen dAnvers of the Bischoffsheim banking family. He is widely recognised as one of the leading philanthropists and financiers of his generation and was knighted by the Queen in 1989 for services to banking and finance. A keen horse trainer and owner, Sir Evelyn's horse Crystal Ocean won the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2018. In a statement, his family said: 'It is with great sorrow that Lady de Rothschild announces the death of her beloved husband, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, after a short illness. 'Sir Evelyn passed away peacefully yesterday evening at his home in London with his loved ones by his side. 'The family appreciates thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.' Sir Evelyn de Rothschild has died at the age of 91, his family has said in a statement. He is pictured in 2018 in New York Born in London in 1931, he attended Harrow School and the University of Cambridge before dedicating his life to his family's bank after his father retired in 1961. Sir Evelyn was chief executive and chairman of the bank NM Rothschild and Sons Ltd between 1976-2003, and he was chairman of The Economist from 1972-1989. The financial dynasty had been started by his great-great-great-grandfather in the late 18th century and helped to finance the Duke of Wellington's victory over Napoleon in the 1815 Battle of Waterloo. Under Sir Evelyn's watch his family's bank's total assets swelled from 40 million to 4.6 billion. In 1989 he was knighted by the Queen for services to banking and finance. Before he finally stepped down from his finance role, Sir Evelyn managed to achieve his long-planned goal of uniting the London branch of his family bank - known today as Rothschild & Co - with its French counterpart, Rothschild & Compagnie Banque. 'The first important strength of the family is unity,' he told the New York Times in 1996, as he and his cousin, David de Rothschild, head of the French house, announced their new partnership. Sir Evelyn was the son of Anthony de Rothschild and Yvonne Cahen dAnvers of the Bischoffsheim banking family As well as his role with his family's bank, Sir Evelyn was also the chairman of the Economist magazine from 1972 to 1989, a paper which he called 'probably the most important independent publication in the world' during an interview with Bloomberg News in 2002. The Rothschild dynasty was founded by Mayer Amschel, who started out buying and selling old coins in a Frankfurt ghetto. In the early 1800s, Mayer sent his five sons out across Europe to establishes bases in London, Paris, Vienna, Naples and Frankfurt. However, by the 20th century the family's influence had started to wane, with European countries relying more on American banks to finance both world wars against Germany. Sir Evelyn is survived by his wife Lynn, pictured left, three children and two step-sons Sir Evelyn was married three times, in 1966 to Jeannette Bishop, in 1973 to Victoria Schott, and in 2000 to Lynn Forester. He had three children with Victoria, and two step-sons with Lynn. In later life Sir Evelyn turned to philanthropy, chairing the Eranda Rothschild foundation, which has donated more than 73 million to medical research, education and the arts. In 2002 he also founded Elephant Family, a conservation charity, with the Rajmata of Jaipur, and the Duchess of Cornwall's late brother Mark Shand. In racing circles he is perhaps best known as the owner and breeder of Crystal Ocean, who won eight times for Sir Michael Stoute before being retired at the end of 2019. A keen horse trainer and owner, Sir Evelyn's horse Crystal Ocean won the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2018. Sir Evelyn is pictured receiving the trophy at Ascot from King Charles in 2018 The son of Sea The Stars claimed Group One honours in that year's Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot under Frankie Dettori. He also won the 2018 Hardwicke Stakes, as well as back-to-back renewals of both the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown and the Al Rayyan Stakes at Newbury. Other notable horses to carry the Rothschild silks to big-race success include the Stoute-trained pair of Crystal Capella and Hillstar, with the latter a Royal Ascot winner in the 2013 King Edward VII Stakes before going on to claim the Canadian International the following year. Sir Evelyn also enjoyed top-level success over jumps courtesy of Ogee, trained by Renee Robeson - winner of the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at the 2009 Grand National meeting at Aintree. He is survived by his wife Lynn and three children Jessica, Anthony, and David, as well as two step-sons, Benjamin Forester Stein and John Forester Stein. The Tories could be handed an election boost at the next election as constituency boundaries are changed in England - as senior ministers face losing their seats. Under-pressure Cabinet minister Sir Gavin Williamson has failed in his bid to prevent his constituency being carved up, which could see him struggle for reselection. The Boundary Commission for England has rejected his argument not to merge his South Staffordshire constituency with a section of another as the number of MPs in the region shrinks. Another loser from the shake-up looks to be Dominic Raab, with the Liberal Democrats believing the changes will increase their odds at snatching the Surrey seat of the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary. The commission's revised proposals published on Tuesday sees the number of constituencies in England increasing from 533 to 543. Scotland will have 57 constituencies, two fewer than at present, while in Northern Ireland the number of constituencies remains unchanged at 18, and Wales is to lose eight, leaving it with 32 MP and keeping the total of 650 MPs at Westminster. Unless it is an 'utter wipeout' for the Tories at the next election, Conservative peer and elections expert Lord Hayward said the party are the main beneficiary of the changes. 'Broadly the Tories will gain five to 10 seats net because the new seats are in overwhelmingly Tory areas,' he said. But the county of Staffordshire in the West Midlands would go from 12 to 11 MPs, and with all seats currently held by Conservatives, someone in the area would lose out. Sir Gavin's seat is set to merge with part of South Dudley, currently held by Tory MP Mike Wood, to become Kingswinford and South Staffordshire. Sir Gavin's seat is set to merge with part of South Dudley, currently held by Tory MP Mike Wood, to become Kingswinford and South Staffordshire. Meanwhile, Mr Raab's seat in Esher and Walton, where he commands a slim and shrinking majority over the Lib Dems, also faces changes, with analysts expecting them to benefit his rivals. The changes could see Cabinet Office minister Sir Gavin fighting Conservative colleagues for a seat to contest, potentially with Sir Bill Cash in the neighbouring seat of Stone. Sir Gavin had argued that the 'unique character' of Staffordshire would be negatively impacted by combining it with parts of the Black Country. But the commissioners said his counter-proposals would see nine electoral wards split between constituencies, an increase of six from the initial proposals. 'They also concluded that the counterproposal would significantly disrupt local ties in parts of Birmingham and the Black Country, demonstrating the clear knock-on effects of treating Staffordshire as a standalone sub-region,' the report added. They also judged that the proposals would cause 'severe disruption to existing constituency boundaries and local ties across the region'. 'For this reason, they did not recommend changing the sub-region grouping for these revised proposals,' the report says. The decision comes as Rishi Sunak defied calls to sack Sir Gavin despite conceding his threatening and abusive texts to a colleague are 'not acceptable'. Meanwhile, Mr Raab's seat in Esher and Walton, where he commands a slim and shrinking majority over the Lib Dems, also faces changes, with analysts expecting them to benefit his rivals. In 2019, the Lib Dems saw a surge of support to bring them within 3,000 votes of dethroning Mr Raab, and their internal projections put them on course for seizing the seat. Privately, figures in the party agreed they would be further benefited by the proposed boundary changes removing two strongly Conservative-leaning wards. A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: 'We've been making great progress in this seat and are confident we can take the fight to the Conservatives there whatever the boundaries.' The commission's shake-up is aiming to ensure seats broadly have a similar number of voters, by redrawing boundary lines as people move around the nation. The commission's third and final consultation on a new electoral map is now open until December 5, with the final recommendations expected to be submitted to Parliament in July. Russia and the US are discussing resuming their nuclear weapon reduction talks in the coming weeks. Talks between the two sides on strategic nuclear weapons have been non-existent since Russia invaded Ukraine on February. But the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) talks may resume in the next few weeks after Moscow toned down its nuclear threats following talks with American officials. The talks could be held in the Middle East as Moscow no longer sees Switzerland, the traditional venue, as sufficiently neutral after it imposed sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine war, sources told Russian newspaper Kommersant. In September, Russia said it was studying the possibility of a face-to-face meeting between Russian and US negotiators on the landmark nuclear arms treaty. The treaty is one of the very few diplomatic agreements that remain in place between Moscow and Washington as relations hit rock-bottom over Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Russia and the US are discussing resuming their nuclear weapon reduction talks in the coming weeks. Pictured: The 'Yars' intercontinental ballistic missile launches during training in Russia on 26 October 2022 The New START treaty limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers, and envisages sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance. But in August, Russia announced a freeze on US inspections of its nuclear arsenals, claiming that Western sanctions have hampered similar tours of American facilities by Russian monitors. It marked the first time the Kremlin halted US inspections since the New START treaty was signed by President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in 2010. Servicemen line up by Yars intercontinental ballistic missile systems of the 54th Guards Rocket Division of the 27th Guards Missile Army of the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces based in Teikovo, Russia, in February this year Just days before the New START was due to expire in February 2021, Russia and the United States agreed to extend it for another five years until February 2026. But in August, the Kremlin told the US that time was running out to negotiate a replacement for the treaty expired in 2026 without a replacement then global security would be weakened. And now, Russia and the US are discussing resuming their talks on the nuclear treaty. Washington is expected to talk about the resumption of on-site inspections, reports Kommersant. After both Moscow and Washington withdrew from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, New START is the only remaining nuclear arms control deal between the two countries. They were rescued by a Swedish boat and Viana do Castelo Lifesaving station Crew fled as yacht cracked due to force of orca's jaws on the hull of the boat This is the astonishing moment seven orcas destroyed a sailing yacht and sank it in 45 minutes, with the terrified crew fleeing for their lives on a life raft near Portugal. Footage from November 1 shows the orcas circling and bumping the vessel, called Smousse while crew members Elliott, Augustin, Roman and Corentin were on board. Augustin said that when they heard the boat shaking and a loud noise at the back of the yacht, they realised they were surrounded by orcas. As the attack continued, the boat eventually began to crack because of the force of the orca's jaws and the killer whales ripped a hole in the hull of the 40ft boat. Augustin went to the back of the boat and realised it was fast filling with water and the men had to flee. The crew members put out a distress call and gathered on the top of the boat as it sank around 14 miles west of the port of Viana do Castelo. They were all uninjured and rescued by a Swedish boat nearby and a search and rescue team from Viana do Castelo Lifesaving station arrived. The yacht had sailed on October 30 from the Galician port of A Coruna. Footage from November 1 shows the orcas circling and bumping the vessel, called Smousse while crew members Elliott, Augustin, Roman and Corentin were on board. Pictured: One of the orcas by the boat Augustin said that when they heard the boat shaking and a loud noise at the back of the yacht, they realised they were surrounded by orcas. Pictured: The boat sinking Augustin went to the back of the boat and realised it was fast filling with water and the men had to flee (pictured) As the water rose, the skipper, pictured, put out a distress call. The men fled the boat as it sank around 14 miles west of the port of Viana do Castelo They were all uninjured and rescued by a Swedish boat nearby and a search and rescue team from Viana do Castelo Lifesaving station arrived. Pictured: The orca The men saw the boat sink as they were rescued and went to the port of Povoa de Varzim. Pictured: The boat sinks Pictured: Roman, Corentin, the skipper of the Swedish rescue vessel, Augustin and Elliott after the rescue Speaking to the Portugal Resident, Augustin said: 'We believed they would play a while, maybe the boat would not be so damaged. 'This is why we did not radio for help at first, we believed it would be over, and we would be able to assess damage.' The men saw the boat sink as they were rescued and went to the port of Povoa de Varzim. All of the crew members are now in Porto for a few days while they work out what to do next. Speaking to Le Parisien, Pierre Robert de Latour, the founding president of Orques sans frontieres, said: 'Adult killer whales weigh several tons. Even when a young man pulls the rudder (from a boat) he has considerable strength. This raw strength is truly impressive.' It is the latest orca attack on a sailing boat off the coast of Portugal and comes amid an increase in interactions with the killer whales. In August, two boats were reportedly sunk by orcas off the coast of Portugal. 'There were two orca "attacks" in the early morning of Sunday July 31 near Sines,' writes Portugal Resident. 'One ended with the sinking of a boat and the rescuing of five crew members.' Last year, a British sailor was surrounded by a pod of killer whales which tried to capsize his boat Last year, a British sailor was surrounded by a pod of killer whales which tried to capsize his boat in Spain. Alan Bruce, 63, was manning a 44ft sailing yacht in the Gibraltar Strait with Frenchman Stephen Peare, 49, when four orcas suddenly began ramming and rocking the vessel. The experienced sailors retreated below deck and radioed for help before enduring 90 minutes of harassment from the animals as they repeatedly shunted the hull of the boat. They also broke the rudder which disabled the yacht. Ester Kristine Storkson, a medical student from Norway, also experienced a pod of orcas 'ramming' her father's yacht off the coast of France. Speaking to NPR, she said: 'They were ramming the boat. They [hit] us repeatedly ... giving us the impression that it was a coordinated attack.' The attack left the yacht's rudder so damaged that Ms Storkson and her father were forced to cut their trip short and carefully make for land at Brest. 'The second one involved a smaller sailing boat, en-route from Lisbon to the Algarve, with two men on board. 'The men were both asleep when the killer whales hit the boat with some considerable impact, biting the rudder and immobilising it. 'The boat was later towed to dry dock, as concern among the sailing fraternity about these incidents is rising.' While the reason for the behaviour remains unclear, scientists suggest that orcas may like the water pressure produced by a boat's propeller. Speaking to NPR, Renaud de Stephanis, president and coordinator at CIRCE Conservacion Information and Research, explained: 'What we think is that they're asking to have the propeller in the face.' When the animals experience a propeller that isn't in motion, 'they get kind of frustrated and that's why they break [it],' de Stephanis added. However, that wouldn't explain an encounter off the coast of Spain last year, in which orcas attacked a boat with its propeller in motion. While the reason for the behaviour remains unclear, scientists suggest that orcas may like the water pressure produced by a boat's propeller. Researchers believe that the attacks are being carried out by just a few young male orcas, and could simply be another temporary cultural fad. Other examples of temporary cultural fads in teenage orcas include playing with prawn and crab traps, and wearing dead fish on their heads as hats. In a 2004 study, researchers from Dalhousie University explained: 'An example is the "dead-salmon carrying" fad of the well-studied "southern resident", fish-eating, orcas of the Puget Sound area of the northeast Pacific. 'It began with a female in K-Pod carrying around a dead salmon in 1987, spread to the other two pods in the southern resident community over a 56 week period and then stopped. 'It was noted a few times the following summer, and then never again.' Thankfully, there have been no recorded orca killings of humans in the wild. The country has been defending its freedom against Putin 's bloody invasion since February 24 The US Ambassador to the UN has traveled to Kyiv today in a show of continued support for Ukraine. The country has been defending its freedom against Putin's bloody invasion since February 24. The UN's US mission said Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield will reiterate the United States' 'unwavering support' for Ukraine as it 'defends its freedom and territorial integrity amidst Russias brutal and unprovoked invasion'. Her first stop appeared to be at a flour mill in the Ukrainian capital, where she was presented with a loaf of bread. The US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield (pictured today) traveled to Kyiv today in a show of continued support for Ukraine Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield met workers at the Kyiv Mlyn flour mill on November 8 during her trip to Ukraine She was presented with a loaf of bread that had both the Ukrainian and American flag on top of it Later today she will meet with Ukrainian government leaders in Kyiv to discuss the 'ironclad' American commitment to the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will also hear first-hand accounts from survivors of Russian war atrocities and see how Ukrainian officials are documenting and preserving evidence of alleged war crimes. She will then discuss the global food insecurity crisis exacerbated by Russias invasion and underscore the need for an extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative into next year. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield met Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana, Albania on November 7 She will also meet with humanitarian organizations aiming to protect vulnerable people fighting a cold winter in Ukraine. The Ambassador has been on a tour of Europe and just yesterday was in Albania. She met with Prime Minister Edi Rama and Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka and discussed shared goals of strengthening international support for Ukraines sovereignty and independence. Her visit to Ukraine today comes as an attack to retake the city of Kherson could be imminent, Russian state media suggested. New footage reveals Kyiv's troops fighting for their lives. Heart-stopping video captured on an unknown battlefield in recent weeks shows Ukrainian soldiers opening fire on their Russian counterparts with rifles, machine guns, and rocket launchers as they battle for control of a town. Heart-stopping footage taken from a battlefield somewhere in Ukraine shows Kyiv's men attacking Russian troops with machine guns (left) and rifles (right) The gritty footage also shows wounded Ukrainian troops - one of whom requires a tourniquet after being hit in the leg (left) and another of whom is shown lying against a wall (right) The footage even shows one Ukrainian going down wounded with blood pouring from his leg as one of his comrades rushes to apply a tourniquet to save his life. Though it is unclear exactly where the video was filmed, it emerged as Russian state media warned the city of Kherson may soon come under attack. 'Today is the last day of the [civilian] evacuation,' one Russian official told a state TV channel early Tuesday. 'People who did not leave are realizing the seriousness of the situation and my warnings.' China, which has second-largest military in world, has threatened to annex Taiwan by force if necessary Advertisement China will focus on preparing for war with the country's security 'increasingly unstable and uncertain', President Xi Jinping has declared. Beijing will now comprehensively strengthen its military training and preparation for any war, Xi said today, according to state broadcaster CCTV. His warning comes after Xi last month called for faster military development, 'self-reliance and strength' in technology and defence of China's interests abroad, raising the likelihood of further conflict. Xi's announcement that China will focus on preparing for a war will raise fears that the nation may invade the self-governing island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. China, which has the second-largest economy and military in the world, has repeatedly threatened to annex Taiwan by force if necessary. Experts say Xi's comments are 'extremely concerning' and the West must 'take him at his word' and use all means necessary to deter the Chinese leader from invading Taiwan. Dr Alan Mendoza, Executive Director of the human rights group Henry Jackson Society in London, told MailOnline: 'Comments like this from Xi Jinping are extremely concerning. 'For years, Xi has been ratcheting up his rhetoric around the use of miliary force to reunify Taiwan with mainland China, and in response the West has done very little. Liberal Democracies must now take him at his word, and work collectively, using all means necessary to deter Xi from invading Taiwan.' Beijing will now comprehensively strengthen its military training and preparation for any war, Xi said today, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Pictured: Chinese troops during a military parade in Beijing China will comprehensively strengthen its military training and preparation for any war, state broadcaster CCTV quoted China's President Xi Jinping as saying on Tuesday Self-governed Taiwan's 23 million people live under the constant threat of invasion by authoritarian China, which views the island as its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary Dr Mendoza added: 'As a priority, Western nations must begin the process of removing all Chinese influence from critical industries such as energy, water and nuclear power. 'Next, we must immediately start the process of decoupling China from many of our most relied upon supply chain networks and develop new ones with likeminded partner nations. 'If the global community is to hit China with the same level of sanctions that has crippled Russia, we must be ready for the economic upheaval caused as a result. If we do not prepare, the economic ramifications will be a drop in the ocean compared to the current cost-of-living crisis caused by the sanctions against Russian energy.' Last month, China's Communist Party added a line to its constitution on 'resolutely opposing and deterring' Taiwan's independence and 'resolutely implementing the policy of 'one country, two systems',' the formula by which is plans to govern the island in the future. If China does attack Taiwan, the conflict would almost certainly draw in the United States, which provides Taiwan with defensive weapons and is legally required to treat threats to the island as matters of 'grave concern,' along with its treaty allies, the most important and closest in geographical proximity being Japan. The US has responded to China's threats to attack Taiwan by announcing it will deploy nuclear-capable bombers to Australia - in a bid to 'warn' China against what would be the 'worst war in modern history'. It comes as China carried out its largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan after a recent visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The trip infuriated Beijing, which saw it as a U.S. attempt to interfere in China's internal affairs. Beijing sent ships and planes across the midline of the Taiwan Strait - a buffer zone between the sides - in what was seen by some as a rehearsal of a blockade that could presage an attack. China also declared testing zones around the island in some of the world's most heavily traveled shipping lanes and fired at least four missiles over Taiwan, some of them landing in Japan's exclusive economic zone. Last month, US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday warned that China could take Washington and the world by surprise and invade Taiwan as soon as this year. Amid the military exercises by air and sea of Taiwan's coast, Admiral Gilday said: 'It's not just what Jinping says, it's how the Chinese behave and what they do. 'What we've seen over the past 20 years is that they have delivered on every promise they've made earlier than they said they were going to deliver on it.' Ballistic missiles are launched from bases in China's Fujian province towards Taiwan in August during military drills that state media has said are a rehearsal for an invasion Chinese helicopters flew out over the Taiwan Strait in August, as Beijing carried out the largest-ever live-fire military drills around the self-governing island Last month, US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday warned that China could take Washington and the world by surprise and invade Taiwan as soon as this year Admiral Gilday warned that China could invade Taiwan later this year or in 2023. He said: 'I can't rule that out. I don't mean at all to be alarmist by saying that. It's just that we can't wish that away.' US Secretary of State Antony Blinken backed up such predictions last month when he said China is speeding up its timeline to take back Taiwan. US officials have worried that Xi may soon take a page out of Vladimir Putin's playbook - Beijing has not condemned Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Just before Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine on February 24, Xi and Putin put out a joint statement hailing a new era of boundless cooperation and friendship. In the early days of the war, China's foreign ministry repeated Russian talking points about NATO expansionism, the West's 'Cold War mindset', and castigated journalists for using the words 'war' or 'invasion'. But as Moscow's forces have been mauled on the battlefield, China's tone has changed. At a summit in Uzbekistan in September, Putin was forced to publicly acknowledge that Xi had 'questions and concerns' after meeting with him. Last week, Xi issued a direct warning to Putin not to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine in China's bluntest rebuke yet to the Kremlin. Xi also urged German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who was visiting Beijing, to push for peace talks - saying the international community should 'create conditions for the resumption of negotiations (and) oppose the use or threat of nuclear weapons.' Scholz, the first Western leader to visit Beijing since Xi was given his third term as leader, urged Xi to put pressure on Putin to end attacks which have killed civilians and destroyed cities. 'President Xi and I agree: nuclear threats are irresponsible and incendiary,' Scholz said after the meeting. 'By using nuclear weapons, Russia would be crossing a line that the community of states has drawn together.' Meanwhile, Xi has ramped up military drills along Taiwan's coastline in the Taiwan Strait in recent months. Xi, in his address to China's Congress last month, described a 'great rejuvenation' of China, putting it at the centre of global affairs as an 'irreversible historical process.' It comes as China and the US are locked in an arms race to create the most cutting-edge weapons. China's testing of a 25,000mph hypersonic nuclear-capable missile has indicated that Beijing's missile programme is more advanced than previously thought, amid an intensifying race for the next generation of long-rang weapons that are harder to detect and intercept The Chinese military is pictured on August 4 testing its long-range missiles. On Monday, The Washington Post reported that Pentagon-funded technology was being sold through intermediaries to China In July and August 2021, the Chinese military launched a rocket that used a 'fractional orbital bombardment' system to propel a nuclear-capable 'hypersonic glide vehicle' around the earth for the first time. The test left the United States stunned, showing that China's capability was far beyond what was previously known. In October 2021 General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged the test for the first time, and said the missile - designed to evade American nuclear defences - was 'very close' to a 'Sputnik moment' for the United States. 'What we saw was a very significant event of a test of a hypersonic weapon system, and it is very concerning,' General Milley said at the time. China's rapid gains in hypersonic missiles is concerning as they are harder for the US to detect. Beijing is also improving their abilities to shoot down satellites, or shove them out of orbit. In addition to its advances in hypersonic weapons, China has been expanding its network of underground silos that could be used to launch intercontinental-range nuclear missiles, and it has rebuffed US calls to join nuclear arms control talks. The U.S. has rushed to counter those threats by building a ring of low-orbiting satellites that aims to hasten the detection of hypersonic launches and also to build in redundancy, so if one US satellite is attacked, the remainder of the ring is still operating. Cannons, attack boats and hangars that could house NUCLEAR missiles: New images reveal full extent of Beijing's military build-up on disputed South China Sea reefs By Tom Brown and Chris Pleasance for MailOnline Extraordinary photos of Beijing's military bases in the South China Sea have given the most-detailed view yet of what Xi Jinping has been building and show them bristling with defences. The Chinese Communist Party has spent the better part of a decade turning a remote series of atolls and reefs in the region into highly developed military bases that are now equipped with naval guns, anti-aircraft systems, radar arrays, attack ships and hangars capable of housing dozens of fighters. At least two huge vehicle bays have also been built which are large enough to conceal mobile launchers designed to fire anti-ship, anti-air and ballistic missiles which could be tipped with nuclear warheads. The bases are part of a territory-grab by Xi over the entirety of the South China Sea within borders that Beijing refers to as the 'Nine Dash Line'. By controlling the sea, Xi aims to project power over neighbouring countries as well as fertile fishing grounds and shipping lanes through which $5trillion-worth of goods pass each year. However, Beijing's claims have no basis in international law and were overruled by an international arbitration court. Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have competing claims to the same piece of ocean. New images give the most-detailed picture yet of military bases that China has spent the best part of a decade building on remote reefs and atolls in the South China Sea, as it tries to lay claim over the entire region Fiery Cross Reef Fiery Cross Reef is controlled by China as part of Sansha of Hainan Province, despite Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines all claiming the island as their own. Large multi-story hangers capable of housing ballistic missiles tipped with nuclear material can be seen across the island next to radar systems. A US Navy reconnaissance mission in March revealed the militarisation of the reefs, but high-quality photos of the islands have not emerged until recently. The mission found the artificial islands armed with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets. The US sent a P-8A Poseidon plane on the reconnaissance mission, which spotted the structures, despite President Xi's promise not to convert the islands into military bases. US Indo-Pacific commander Admiral John C Aquilino called the sight 'the largest military build up since World War II' by the People's Republic of China. Beijing says its military profile is purely defensive, arranged to protect what it says are its sovereign rights. The Fiery Cross was the name of a famous British tea clipper, a speedy merchant sailing vessel, which took part in the Great Tea Race of 1866 where vessels competed to be the first to transport tea from China to Britain. Large multi-story hangers capable of housing ballistic missiles tipped with nuclear material can be seen across the island next to radar systems. A KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft is visible on the taxiway A medical landing pad, painted with a red cross, can be seen on the right. Smaller hangars can be seen next to the terminal building. The bases are part of a territory-grab by Xi over the entirety of the South China Sea within borders that Beijing refers to as the 'Nine Dash Line' An airfield, buildings, and structures are seen on the artificial island built by China in Fiery Cross Reef. China has progressively asserted its claim of ownership over disputed islands in the South China Sea by artificially increasing their size Another full-size runway and airfield are seen. The hangers could be loaded up with dozens of combat aircraft, it is thought. The Chinese Communist Party has spent the better part of a decade turning the reefs into military bases A wider-angle view of the same island shows a collection of buildings at the near end and another array of radome-topped towers at the far end Subi Reef On the smaller side of the Spratly Islands, Subi Reef is also administered by China Hainan province. But under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, only the Philippines has the right to build structures there. From the close-up photos, Subi Reef also appears to feature hangers capable of housing nuclear weapons. China sought to shore up its vast territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea by building island bases on coral atolls nearly a decade ago. The US responded by sending its warships through the region in what it calls freedom of operation missions. The US has no claims itself but has deployed Navy ships and aircraft for decades to patrol and promote free navigation in international waterways and airspace. China routinely objects to any action by the US military in the region. The other countries in the area claim all or part of the sea, through which approximately $5 trillion in goods are shipped every year. A collection of buildings close to an array of radome-topped towers at the far end. There is little sign of activity on the ground at any of the installations Close-in defensive weapons are installed on roughly 30-foot-wide platforms set atop clusters of hexagonal concrete towers Buildings, recreational facilities, and other structures are seen on the artificial island built by China in Subi Reef. Undeveloped ground and planted areas are among the large cluster of buildings Subi reef features hangers which are capable of housing nuclear weapons, seen alongside a lighthouse at the end of the island. It also features radar domes similar to others nearby The reefs are located between countries that contest China's claim to the region and stake their own assertions on defensive and economic access The close-up pictures are some of the most detailed photos yet available of what China is up to in the region Mischief Reef On Mischief Reef, one of the larger islands, two Type 022 Houbei class catamaran fast attack missile crafts can be seen docked on the left side of the island, readily recognizable by their camouflage scheme. Reports emerged that the People's Liberation Army Navy had deployed Type 022s to the islands last year. The boats can carry up to eight YJ-83 subsonic anti-ship missiles and a 30mm H/PJ-13 Gatling guns. Last April, the missile craft apparently chased away the boat operated on behalf of the ABS-CBN news crew, in an aggressive encounter when they approached the island. The reef sparked a 2016 ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which found that China's claim over the island was without basis. A pair of Type 022 Houbei class catamaran fast attack missile crafts can be seen docked on the left side of the island, readily recognisable by their camouflage scheme. Reports emerged that the People's Liberation Army Navy had deployed Type 022s to the islands last year. The boats can carry up to eight YJ-83 subsonic anti-ship missiles and a 30mm H/PJ-13 Gatling guns Buildings and structures are seen on the artificial island built by China in Mischief Reef on October 25, in the Spratly Islands A wider-angle view of the same island shows a collection of buildings at the near end and another array of radome-topped towers at the far end Four aids to navigation mark the visibly deeper channel between the island and another section of the reef Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam all have territorial claims to the areas in which China has built islands and put its flag Cuarteron Reef Cuarteron Reef photos show naval gun emplacements on a series of towers, alongside a radar gunnery director. China has long used the 'nine-dash line', a maritime boundary drawn up by it in 1947, to justify its jurisdiction over most of the resource-rich sea - often to the displeasure of Hanoi, which also claims parts of the waterway. The nine-dash line is a maritime boundary in the South China Sea drawn up by China, which claims to own the territory inside the line. The U-shaped line was initially claimed by the government of the Republic of China in 1947. In 1992, the Communist Party of China adopted the boundary while updating its law on the territorial sea and the contiguous zone, according to Strategic Regions in 21st Century Power Politics, a Cambridge Scholars book edited by Martin Riegl, Jakub Landovsky, and Irina Valko. Chinese passports issued from 2012 onwards feature the Chinese map printed with the nine-dash line on three pages. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled that there was no legal basis for much of China's claims to the area. The Chinese government has strongly objected to the ruling. Cuarteron Reef photos show naval gun emplacements on a series of towers, alongside a radar gunnery director. A large radome sits atop the battlements, likely positioned there for a better line of sight over the horizon Drive said the island could house host Type 730/1130 close-in weapon system (CIWS) and a H/PJ76 76mm multi-purpose deck gun, providing protection against low-flying air threats, like cruise missiles, aircraft, and drones Gaven Reef Gaven Reef was first pictured when the Philippines released photographs of Chinese construction work in the disputed waters in 2015. Last year, photos emerged of more than 200 boats lashed together in rows, in an act of aggression from China designed to 'squeeze out' other countries in Asia. The Filipino government's National Task Force-West Philippines Sea said they counted 254 ships as well as four Chinese warships in the Spratly Islands on March 29, 2021. They claimed the ships were not fishing vessels as China said but instead part of China's maritime militia, a group of sometimes armed civilians in the sea. China refused to move the boats from the area. One of the smaller man-made islands is on Gaven Reef, which has 76mm deck guns extending from its platform A harbor area and a handful of large domes are visible on Gaven Reef, one of the islands China has artificially built up Hughes Reef Hughes Reef appears to have a helicopter pad and a multi-story building at the other end, complete with what looks like a large swimming pool. Photos of Chinese 'Island Fortresses' emerged last year, which experts said would allow the Chinese government to extend the range of its navy, air force, coastguard and fishing fleets in the region. The reefs are located between countries that contest China's claim to the region and stake their own assertions on defensive and economic access Killer got life in prison for murder and 10 years for false imprisonment in 2002 Danielle was last seen near her home in East Tilbury, Essex, on June 18, 2001 He refuses to reveal where her body is and now has a parole hearing in new year Danielle Jones, 15, disappeared in 2001 and never saw her family again A notorious killer who abducted and murdered his niece - and refuses to divulge the whereabouts of her body - has been granted a parole hearing in the new year. Stuart Campbell, now 64, is serving a life sentence for the murder of 15-year-old Danielle Jones, who was last seen near her home in East Tilbury, Essex, on June 18, 2001 while walking to a bus stop. Her body was never found, but after police found a pair of white stockings with Danielle's DNA on them, as well as a lip gloss used by her, he was arrested and later found guilty. Campbell was found to have lured her into his blue transit van to abduct her. In December 2002 Campbell was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder and ten years for abduction, with the two to run concurrently. The High Court ruled that Campbell should not be considered for parole until he has served the minimum of 20 years - and now that he has completed that term, Campbell could be released. MailOnline can confirm that Campbell is expected to have a parole hearing in February 2023 and if successful, could be released weeks later. A second option is for the Parole Board to recommend a move to an open prison. This is normally a first step in the preparation for eventual release on licence. Despite recent appeals by Danielle's family and Campbell's brother Alix Sharkey to the ex-builder to reveal where he hid the body, Campbell has refused to disclose any information. Stuart Campbell, now 64, who was found guilty of abducting and murdering his teenage niece Danielle Jones, has never divulged the location of her body and has been granted a parole hearing for February next year On the 20th anniversary of the schoolgirl's death, Danielle's mother Linda Jones said she hoped Campbell would 'do the right thing and allow us to lay our darling daughter to rest'. Pictured: Danielle's parents Tony and Linda at the scene of a search for Danielle's body in Thurrock, May 2017 As a result, the case will be one of the first to be heard under Helen's Law which legally requires the Parole Board to consider whether a prisoner has admitted guilt or expressed remorse. This makes it harder for killers like Campbell to be released if they refuse to give up details on where they hid the victim's body and give full disclosure of their crimes. Helen's Law is named after Helen McCourt, a 22-year-old insurance clerk who was murdered in 1988. Her killer, Ian Simms, has never revealed the location of her body. Campbell is expected to give evidence to the three-person panel and will emphasise that he has behaved during his prison sentence. A spokesperson for the Parole Board said: 'We can confirm the parole review of Stuart Campbell has been referred to the Parole Board by the Secretary of State for Justice and is following standard processes. A hearing is expected to take place in early 2023. 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. 'Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing. 'Evidence from witnesses such as probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements may be given at the hearing. 'It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.' Mrs Jones had described Danielle as a 'beautiful, fun-loving girl' with 'everything to live for' In his trial for Danielle Jones's murder, it was revealed that Campbell faked texts from the teenager to himself to make it seem like she was still alive. On the 20th anniversary of the schoolgirl's death, Danielle's family appealed to Campbell to reveal where he hid her body. Her mother Linda said she hoped Campbell would 'do the right thing and allow us to lay our darling daughter to rest'. Danielle left her home in East Tilbury, Essex, in June 2001 to catch a bus to St Clere's School in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex - and her parents never saw her again. Campbell, a father-of-two and body-builder, denied any involvement in his niece's disappearance, but the prosecution produced evidence that he had developed an 'irresistible sexual attraction' to her. He regularly picked her up from the school bus stop in his van, sent her 'an inordinate amount of text messages' and kept a diary chronicling his contact with her. Campbell's brother Alix Sharkey, also 64, who is currently living in Barbados, has written a book about his brother's crimes and spoke of his 'profound scorn' for Campbell. He said in an interview in the Sunday Times Magazine last year he is 'furious' with his brother for not telling Danielle's parents where her body is, and hopes his book will encourage Campbell to do the right thing. Pictured: The blue van belonging to Stuart Campbell. During the investigation police looked into a sighting of a blue van, whose driver was seen speaking to a girl resembling Danielle 'I hope it will shift something in him, to make him understand that you cannot pretend to anyone, including yourself, that this is over, that you can start again,' he told the publication. 'You can't do that. I won't let you. You have to tell these people what you did with that girl's body. 'I was so angry with him, because I could see what he was trying to do,' Sharkey said. 'I realised with Ian Simms that with the way the law stands you can leave prison without confessing your crime, without expressing remorse for what you did you can still get out of prison. Then I was furious. I was furious with myself for being complacent about the whole thing, and furious with him.' He added that he believes his brother feels shame for what he did, demonstrable by the fact Campbell has never replied to any of his letters. 'A response means a conversation, a conversation means being confronted with his crime. I guess he can't handle that,' Sharkey said. An alleged knifeman accused of stabbing an 87-year-old charity busker to death on his mobility scooter will enter pleas next month, a court heard today. Lee Byer, 44, is said to have fatally stabbed Thomas O'Halloran in the neck and chest in Greenford, west London, at 4.06pm on August 16. The grandfather, originally from County Clare, Ireland, has been described as an '87-year-old grandfather known locally in the community'. After being attacked, Mr O'Halloran travelled 75 yards on his scooter and flagged down a member of the public for help but could not be saved. Byer was arrested at his mother's house on Allenby Road, Southall, on August 18 and was later charged with murder and possessing an offensive weapon. He did not appear at the Old Bailey today via video link from HMP Belmarsh. Byer was due to enter pleas but this has been adjourned to December 9 for further reports. An alleged knifeman accused of stabbing 87-year-old Thomas O'Halloran (pictured) to death on his mobility scooter will enter pleas next month, a court heard today Anand Beharrylal, KC, defending, said: 'I regret that we are not able to progress.' Prosecutor Louise Oakley earlier told the court: 'The defendant is charged with the murder of Thomas O'Halloran on 16 August of this year. 'The facts of that case are that shortly after 4 o'clock on the afternoon of 16 August a 999 call was received by police. 'The caller of that call had discovered the deceased travelling in his motorised mobility scooter in a passageway. Lee Byer, 44, is said to have fatally stabbed Thomas O'Halloran in the neck and chest in Greenford, west London, at 4.06pm on August 16. Above: Byer at an earlier court hearing in August 'At that time the deceased was able to tell that individual that he had been stabbed although it was obvious that he had sustained a number of stab wounds to his body. 'Police arrived within a matter of minutes and found that the deceased had collapsed and was being assisted by various members of the public. 'The police took over emergency first aid and were subsequently assisted...by the London Ambulance Service. 'Despite their best efforts the deceased's life was pronounced extinct at 16:54 hours.' A post-mortem examination found that the grandfather had sustained 'multiple incised wounds' to his neck, chest and abdomen, the court heard. Ms Oakley said the provisional cause of death was stab wounds to the neck and chest. Mr O'Halloran, 87, was riding a mobility scooter in Greenford, West London, when he was attacked A post-mortem examination found that the grandfather had sustained 'multiple incised wounds' to his neck, chest and abdomen, the court heard. Above: Forensics officers are seen at the scene of the murder in Agust '...In the early hours of 18 August at 01:35 hours the defendant was arrested on suspicion of murder and cautioned,' the prosecutor said. Byer was interviewed twice at the police station that day before he was charged, it is said. His two-to-three week trial is provisionally listed for 2 May next year at the same court. Mr O'Halloran had busked on the street to raise money for Ukraine in the months before the killing. He is survived by his family, including sister, two brothers, nieces and nephews. Byer, of no fixed address, faces murder and possession of an offensive weapon. Taxes will rise under Anthony Albanese's government if it follows the advice of its own top public servants. Treasury secretary Dr Steven Kennedy has urged Mr Albanese to raise taxes and cut spending to counter 'profound' budget pressures on the horizon. Dr Kennedy said the war in Ukraine and the Covid pandemic were the two big factors that have put the budget under stress, in a statement to the Economics Legislation Committee on Tuesday. His comments come at a time when food and energy prices are soaring across the country. Treasury secretary Dr Steven Kennedy has urged Anthony Albanese to raise taxes and cut spending to counter 'profound' budget pressures on the horizon The war in Ukraine has put the global economy under pressure and had also stressed the Australian economy While the October budget 'significantly lowered near-term deficits and debt' more pressures on the government's purse strings are just around the corner. An increase in taxes is a lever Mr Abanese may have to pull despite Australia having lower levels of debt as a proportion of GDP than many nations. 'Beyond the near term, the budget pressures are more profound and will likely require a combination of spending restraint and increases in taxes to reduce deficits and lower debt,' Dr Kennedy said. 'Higher borrowing costs and lower nominal GDP growth projections in the October Budget mean more active budget repair is required to stabilise debt-to-GDP in a timely way.' The October budget predicted electricity prices would increase by up to 56 per cent for Australian consumers over the next two years Higher energy prices have impacted grocery prices in Australia The bureaucrat noted the global economic outlook has deteriorated since the April adding it is now increasingly likely that 'major developed economies' will experience recessions. The main causes, he said, were 'pandemic and war'. 'One of the impacts of Russia's unjust war against Ukraine is being transmitted through higher energy and food prices,' Dr Kennedy said. International gas prices rose more than 600 per cent between March 2021 and September 2022, he said. This has intensified costofliving pressures for Australian consumers - and people around the world. Coal prices have also risen 400 per cent, he said. The October budget predicted electricity prices would increase by up to 56 per cent for Australian consumers over the next two years. Dr Kennedy said Treasury backs 'direct' government intervention on energy prices. 'The circumstances of war-driven price shocks are different and outside the frame of such an approach. In our view, such shocks bring into scope government intervention,' he said. The collection is expected to fetch up to 3,000 at auction soon Melted sake bottle and glass window show the furnace of Fat Man bomb in 1945 Documents which show the damage to the Japanese city after bombing on sale Top secret military report and relics of the aftermath of Hiroshima up for auction A top secret military report and poignant relics relating to the aftermath of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima have emerged for sale nearly 80 years later. Documents detailing damage wrought in the Japanese city by a devastating atomic bomb dropped by the American B-29 Superfortress bomber Enola Gay on August 6, 1945 have come to light. One of only 92 original official copies of a military report compiled by a British scientific research team in 1945, it contains four official aerial photos of the bombsite taken by the US Air Force. The views were captured so soon after detonation fires are seen blazing on the ground. There is also a damage map, over-printed on an aerial photograph. Another page, entitled 'Details of Damage', lists numerous key infrastructures in the city - all with the word 'Destroyed' next to them. Documents detailing damage wrought in the Japanese city by a devastating atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima are on sale for the first time Pictured: Aerial images by the US Air Force of Hiroshima showing fires still burning A sake (Japanese rice wine) bottle that was damaged in the Hiroshima atomic blast at the climax of WWII A fragment of melted window glass from the heat of the Fat Man explosion with window frame nails still embedded in it These include a large industrial complex, Hiroshima main station, telephone exchange, power station, electricity sub-station and barracks. The impact of the blast is also brought home by a Sake bottle warped by the heat of the blast with dirt melted into the glaze. A fragment of melted window glass from the heat of the explosion with window frame nails still embedded in it, is also in the poignant collection. Glass usually melts at temperatures at around 1,500C whereas porcelain can resist around another 100C of heat before it succumbs. It is thought that the items were acquired by a British scientist who was sent to Hiroshima to study the aftermath of the explosion in August 1945. They will be offered by Hansons Auctioneers in January next year with a guide price of 2,000 to 3,000. The seller, from Herefordshire, said: 'I was given the collection by a close friend who had it for several years. I believe he purchased it from a collector of historical military items. 'I was told that in 1945 a government scientist, unfortunately name unknown, visited Hiroshima as part of a UK mission to record the effects of the 'Little Boy' Atomic Bomb on the city. The reports and photographs must have been given to him as part of his work at the time. 'However, the Sake bottle and melted glass were probably picked up as curiosities. 'In later years, after the Second World War, the scientist worked at a British university as a professor. I am told he gave the items to an interested student. 'I know similar melted relics have surfaced before - macabre wartime souvenirs picked up by soldiers visiting the city. Nevertheless, they tend to be rare outside museum collections. However, the official government photos, reports and maps appear to be items unique to the marketplace. In all my searches, I have never come across other examples. If any do exist, they are almost certainly in official archives and not in private hands. 'The atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were pivotal moments in world history and utterly tragic and horrific. The scale of human suffering was terrible. I hope the collection will be viewed and appreciated for the events it represents, and that it will remind people of the horrors of war. 'Ideally, a museum or public collection may wish to purchase it, or a passionate militaria collector. I am selling now as it does not feel right to keep such important historical items locked away in a box unseen.' Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: 'As we look towards Remembrance Sunday, with conflicts raging around the world - and, horrifically, threats of nuclear war - I hope this rare and sensitive group of objects will provide a timely reminder of the loss of life and devastation caused by these ferocious weapons. 'It is important to learn lessons from the past, and to remember the millions of people - military or civilian - who have lost their lives in war. Like our vendor, Hansons hopes a museum may acquire these items for public view.' A British military report on Hiroshima part of the collection which could fetch up to 3,000 On August 6, 1945, during the Second World War, the United States detonated an atomic bomb over the Japanese city of Hiroshima, followed by another on August 9 at Nagasaki. The Allies produced two types of atomic bombs - 'Fat Man', a plutonium implosion-type nuclear weapon, and 'Little Boy', an enriched uranium gun-type fission weapon. Over the next two to four months, the effects of the atomic blasts killed between 90,000 and 146,000 people in Hiroshima and 39,000 and 80,000 people in Nagasaki. Roughly half occurred on the first day. For months afterwards, many people continued to die from the effects of burns, radiation sickness, and injuries, compounded by illness and malnutrition. Though Hiroshima had a sizable military garrison, most of the dead were civilians. Japan surrendered to the Allies six days after the bombing of Nagasaki on August 15, 1945. Scholars have studied the effects of the bombings and there is much debate concerning the ethical and legal justification for them. Supporters believe they were necessary to bring a swift end to the war. Others have highlighted the moral and ethical implications of using nuclear weapons and the subsequent deaths caused to civilians. Advertisement A University of Kentucky student sobbed in court after pleading not guilty to calling a desk clerk the n-word over 200 times during a drunken rage. Sophia Rosing, 22, was arrested early Sunday morning after 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 a 'n*****' more than 200 times. Rosing on Monday sobbed as she appeared via video link at at District Court to plead 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. Pictures obtained by DailyMail.com show her walking out of the Fayette County Detention Center later Monday night, still wearing a tight skirt and boots. She was accompanied by her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, who paid her $10,000 bond. Rosing is now banned from contacting Spring and will not be allowed to return to Boyd Hall, or drink alcohol. Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com show University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing, 22, leaving the Fayette County Detention Center Monday night, still in her boots and tight skirt The blonde 22-year-old was pictured trying to obscure her face as she left the jail Monday night She was escorted out of the jail by her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, after apparently posting bail Rosing sobbed as the charges were put to her, before pleading not guilty to all four of the charges that she faces Earlier photos obtained by DailyMail.com show Jill and Don Rosing leaving the detention center Rosing was caught on camera physically assaulting two black students at the University of Kentucky and calling a student employee a 'n***** b****' Spring attended a anti-racism march on Monday night following the attack on Sunday, where she made an impassioned speech and told Rosing 'you will not break my spirit.' Rosing attempted to cover her face while leaving the detention centre on Monday night, and her parents ignored questions when approached by DailyMail.com. Rosing became emotional at her arraignment hearing on Monday afternoon, with her parents in attendance 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. University Police were finally able to take Rosing into custody just before 4am on Sunday following the now viral incident. She was being held at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours. Now, university students are calling for Rosing to be expelled from the university and are also urging President Eli Capilouto to do more. A petition on Change.org has also been set up to get Rosing expelled from the school, with 117 people signing so far. 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.' They apparently walked out in the sunset without their adult daughter before coming back with the bail money 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 Her parents appeared to discuss the case with a third man after Rosling pleaded not guilty to all four offences Rosing 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 modest three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings Kylah Spring gave an impassioned speech at an anti-racism march in her honour on Monday night, telling Rosing 'You will not break my spirit' When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing. Rosing had bragged to fellow students the year before the vile racist incident, saying 'I'm rich as f*** and you're 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. Meanwhile, Rosing herself 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 Dillard's has been terminated immediately.' 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 Video of the attack showed Rosing, who is white, calling Spring a 'n***** b***' as the front desk clerk tried to restrain her and prevent her from getting into an elevator. '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. 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 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: '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. '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*****.' 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 Rosing is being held on a $10,000 bail after being arrested by campus police 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.' 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. 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 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.' The lover was questioned by police in Tahiti but was released without charge Her family say she was with a Swiss lover and jewels are missing from her cabin A tycoon who owns Tiffany jewelry empire in Turkey has died after plunging to her death from a cruise ship during a South Sea Islands holiday. Dilek Ertek, 71 - the distributor of Tiffany in Turkey for more than 20 years - fell into the South Pacific off the coast of Tahiti from the Norwegian Spirit ship on October 26. Respected Turkish newspaper Sabah reported that her family have urged police to investigate Miss Ertek's Swiss national lover, who was with her on the trip. Her son Gokce Atuk says jewelry had gone missing from the safe in his mother's cabin. And despite ship CCTV footage showing she probably fell at 3am, her unnamed lover only reported her missing some 20 hours later, according to local media. A wealthy tycoon who owns Tiffany jewelry empire in Turkey has died after plunging to her death from a cruise ship during a dream South Sea Islands holiday Dilek Ertek, 71 - the distributor of Tiffany in Turkey for over 20 years - fell into South Pacific off the coast of Tahiti from the Norwegian Spirit ship on October 26 Miss Ertek's son Gokce Atuk says jewelry had gone missing from the safe in his mother's cabin on the liner (pictured) Experts seem baffled over how Miss Ertek - who was just 5ft2 and tee-total - was able to fall over the 3ft-high guard rail to her cabin. The 74-year-old partner was kept under observation by the ship's crew in a separate cabin before they then docked in Tahiti three days later. He was reportedly questioned by police in Tahiti before being released due to a lack of evidence. He has since returned to Switzerland. A search at sea for Miss Ertek's body has been discontinued. Miss Ertek had boarded the vessel on October 24 in Papeete Island, French Polynesia, to celebrate her birthday in Bora Bora, a small South Pacific island on November 5. The cruise was set to end in Honolulu, in Hawaii. Experts seem baffled over how Miss Ertek - who was just 5ft2 and tee-total - was able to fall over the metre-high guard rail to her cabin She had boarded the vessel on October 24 in Papeete Island, French Polynesia, to celebrate her birthday in Bora Bora, a small South Pacific island on November 5 A search for her body was organised immediately but to no avail, with the vessel reporting the situation to the authorities and returning to the nearest port, on Papeete Island. Security footage from the vessel is being studied, with images showing that an unknown figure fell into the sea at that time, according to Turkish media. Turkish media has reported that there are also issues with the investigation. It is claimed that Tahitian authorities did not search Miss Ertek's room properly. Some feel they have only gone through the motions as the death happened outside their area of jurisdiction. Dilek Ertek was born in Istanbul and graduated from Mimar Sinan University, Department of Architecture But lawyers for Miss Ertek have reportedly argued that the investigation is Tahiti's responsibility as it was the closest country when the incident happened at sea. Her lawyers are reportedly preparing to file a suit against the ship's operator. Gokce Atuk reportedly went to Tahiti to help with the search efforts, which have now been stopped, prompting him to launch legal challenges. Captain Mustafa Can reportedly said: 'It is difficult to fall from this type of passenger and cruise ship.' Dilek Ertek was born in Istanbul and graduated from Mimar Sinan University, Department of Architecture. She went on to study diamonds at the Gemological Institute of America in New York. At the end of 1995, she opened the first Tiffany store in Istanbul. She was the distributor of Tiffany & Co in Turkey for more than 20 years. A senior Labour frontbencher was slapped down by Downing Street and his own party boss today after suggesting compulsory ID cards for all Britons as a way of tackling the migrant crisis. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said today that Labour was 'reviewing' the idea of a 'basic' identity system akin to that first mooted when Tony Blair was prime minister. He told Times Radio the system should 'be on the table' because it would be 'helpful in terms of giving people the reassurance that they're looking for, that we have control of our borders'. But he was slapped down by shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper - his immediate superior - who told the BBC it was not happening. No10 also said there were no plans to bring in such cards. And Former Policing Minister Kit Malthouse told Times Radio such cards were unnecessary with a deal with France on the horizon. He added that it was 'not far to jump from that to us all having a barcode tattooed on us at birth'. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said today that Labour was 'reviewing' the idea of a 'basic' identity system akin to that first mooted when Tony Blair was prime minister. He told Times Radio the system should 'be on the table' because it would be 'helpful in terms of giving people the reassurance that they're looking for, that we have control of our borders'. No10 also said there were no plans to bring in such cards. And Former Policing Minister Kit Malthouse told Times Radio such cards were unnecessary with a deal with France on the horizon. Speaking to Times Radio today Mr Kinnock said a registration process and system 'needs to be looked at very, very carefully indeed', adding that it was 'certainly something that Labour is reviewing and will be looking at very carefully'. 'Just about every member state of the European Union has a proper registration and ID card system,' he said. It can't be beyond the wit of man to look at this and put a system in place that both addresses the issues around civil liberties, but also make sure that we know who is living in our country, and how many people are living in our country. 'And that will just be so helpful, I think in terms of giving people the reassurance that they're looking for, that we have control of our borders, and that we don't have the complete and utter shambles and incompetence and cruelty frankly, that defines the current government.' But when his remarks were put to Ms Cooper and asked if it was a Labour policy, she told the Today Programme: 'No, I think the issue is that there's no proper employment enforcement and that has just got weaker and weaker' Tony Blair first unveiled plans for a national identity register and ID cards in 2006. He said it would provide additional protection against organised crime, terrorism and illegal immigration, while protecting vulnerable people and make it easier to access services. But the idea was later canned after a massive civil liberties backlash. Asked today if Rishi Sunak was open to the idea of introducing ID cards, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'There are no plans for UK ID cards nor a national identity database. 'It is true that we already widely use e-visas for people coming to visit and live in the UK and that acts as digital evidence of someone's immigration status. 'That makes it easier and quicker for individuals to access services they're entiteled to, as well as for employers, landlords and others to determine someone's legal status.' British immigration officers will be deployed to tackle the Channel crisis in French territory for the first time as part of a landmark deal, the Daily Mail revealed today. The crucial agreement will allow UK Border Force officers into French control centres to help combat small-boat departures across the Channel. The deal will also see the largest-ever sum handed by the UK taxpayer to France thought to be around 80million for escalated anti-dinghy patrols. Rishi Sunak indicated yesterday that an agreement was imminent after his first meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron. The Prime Minister said he had 'renewed confidence and optimism' that deals could be struck with Paris and other European partners to combat illegal immigration. But critics warned that any new deal would have to deliver after years of broken promises. Six weeks ago the Mail revealed that a previous attempt at an accord with France had been torpedoed by Liz Truss's remarks about Mr Macron. Boris Johnson's government had been poised to announce a 'ground-breaking' agreement but Miss Truss unintentionally scuppered the deal when she said the 'jury is out' on whether Mr Macron was a 'friend or foe'. Mr Macron's government pulled out of the Channel negotiations a few days later, even though an agreement was on the cusp of being signed and sealed. Last night negotiations were back on track as Downing Street confirmed talks were nearing a conclusion following a meeting between the two leaders at the Cop27 summit. Downing Street TODAY declined to comment on any details that could be contained in a UK-France deal on illegal Channel crossings. The PM's Spokesman said: 'I've seen obviously a lot of detail this morning speculating on what might be in a future deal. 'There are still discussions ongoing so I can't get into that sort of speculation at this stage.' Downing Street said that no timeline had been set on those discussions, amid an expectation of a deal between the two countries. The spokesman said he would not be going into details of discussions at Cop27 between Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron. 'I think what is good for the people of the UK is to let those discussions continue in private and then we will set out detail at the earliest opportunity.' Floridians were seen braving torrential rain to stock up on food and groceries ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole's expected landfall Wednesday, taking precautions for the potential hurricane - with Hurricane Ian still fresh in their minds. Residents of Southeast Florida flocked to stores all across the coast as officials issued a hurricane alert for the region late Monday. The storm strengthened from subtropical to tropical early Tuesday, as it continued on a course that officials said could see it strike anywhere from South Florida up to Jacksonville, along the state's east coast. As of 9 am ET, the storm was about 380 miles east northeast of the northwestern Bahamas, and moving at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. In its latest advisory bulletin early Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said that the forecast track had shifted slightly north, on a path that could bring it directly over Orlando. At that point, the storm is poised to continue to strengthen and reach a top wind speed of 75 mph - putting it at Category 1 hurricane strength. Residents of Southeast Florida braved torrential rain to stock up on supplies ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole's expected landfall Wednesday, after officials issued a hurricane alert for the region With Ian still fresh in their minds, residents stocked up on water and other supplies in preparation for the potential hurricane, which strengthened to a tropical storm Tuesday The effects of the strengthening storm could already be seen in the region Monday night. As of 9 am ET, the storm was about 380 miles east northeast of the northwestern Bahamas, and moving at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph In its latest advisory bulletin early Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said that the forecast track had shifted slightly north, on a path that could bring it directly over Orlando The unwelcome prospect of a November hurricane comes just weeks after Hurricane Ian unleashed devastation on the Gulf coast and Central Florida in September, claiming the lives of at least 120 residents. This time around, officials are especially wary, with the unique, late-season storm set to slam the coast Wednesday night, bringing with it storm surges and potential flooding. 'With Nicoles structure beginning to take on more tropical characteristics, strengthening is likely to commence later today,' the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in an advisory. At that point, on either Wednesday evening or early Thursday, the storm is set to continue to strengthen and reach a top wind speed of 75 mph - putting it at Category 1 hurricane strength A range of alerts remain in place in coastal cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, as the National Weather Service warned Tuesday that 'life-threatening' storm surge is possible along the neighboring Broward and Palm Beach county coasts. Storm surge, the wind-driven rise in sea levels that accounted for many of the deaths when Hurricane Ian hit the opposite coast in September, could reach 2 to 4 feet in South Florida and be 'accompanied by 'large and destructive waves,' the center said. High speed winds up to 75 mph are also possible, officials said, with both Broward and Palm Beach counties facing a 20-30 percent chance of high-end tropical-force winds, putting residents largely spared by Ian's 150 mph winds at risk. The chance of hurricane-force wind speed, which starts at 75 mph, is 5-10 percent in Palm Beach County and five percent in Broward and other nearby counties, including Orange County to the north, which houses Orlando, about an hour inland. With that said, officials warn that the entire east coast of Florida is likely to face high winds, heavy rain, and storm surge, with cities in more central parts of the state such as Orlando also at risk. The region is still recovering from devastation wrought by Ian. Many areas are still reeling from damage caused by Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida's southwestern Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm in late September. After striking the Gulf Coast and cities such as Fort Meyers and Naples, the storm proceeded to dump heavy amounts of rain across much of central part of the state. The storm is expected to make landfall along Florida's coast as a Category 1 hurricane late Wednesday or early Thursday, spurring wary residents to take necessary precautions A range of warnings and watches remain in place. Areas are still reeling from damage caused by Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida's southwestern coast as a Category 4 storm in September The unwelcome prospect of a November hurricane comes just weeks after Hurricane Ian unleashed devastation on the Gulf coast and Central Florida in September, claiming the lives of least 114 The region saw itself put flash flood emergency, after river levels rose above 30 ft and winds nearing 100mph are being recorded. Orlando and the aforementioned cities are currently under hurricane watch, as well as the dozens of counties littering and near the state's east coast, who are all poised to see inclement weather conditions for much of the rest of the week. Hurricane warnings were in effect for the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini and Grand Bahama Island, the advisory said. Other areas of the Bahamas, including Andros Island, New Province and Eleuthera remained under a tropical storm warning. The hurricane center said the storm's track shifted slightly north overnight, but the exact path remains uncertain. It is expected to make landfall along Florida's coast as a Category 1 hurricane late Wednesday or early Thursday. In the U.S., tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches were issued for much of Florida's Atlantic coastline north of Miami, to Altamaha Sound, Georgia. The warning area stretches inland, covering Florida's Lake Okeechobee, with tropical storm watches in effect on the state's Gulf Coast - from Bonita Beach in southwest Florida to the Ochlockonee River in the Panhandle. The storm is set to strike as voters in the Sunshine State head to the polls for this week's midterms. Pictured are voters exiting polls after casting their ballots on the first day of early voting at the Supervisor of Elections Main Office in West Palm Beach 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. The storm is set to strike as voters in the Sunshine State head to the polls for this week's midterms. '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.' Subtropical Storm Nicole will likely develop into a hurricane later this week - and is unique in that it has occurred this 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 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. 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. A tropical storm, meanwhile, is classified by winds ranging from 39 mph to 74 mph. 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. Wind speeds reached over 50 mph Wednesday as they passed over the Bahamas on Tuesday Parts of Florida's east coast have also been placed on Storm Surge Watch, with up to four inches of rain expected around Tampa and two in Orlando 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 southwest 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. The difference between a subtropical and tropical storm is largely academic. A subtropical storm is a non-frontal low-pressure system that has characteristics of both tropical and extratropical cyclones and tend to have a larger wind field, extending much farther from their centers. Advertisement The RSPCA has released footage of the moment they rehabilitated neglected dogs crammed into a 'repugnant' home by a couple who were paid 7,000 a month in benefits but let seven children live in squalid conditions. Christopher Bennett, 35, and Gemma Brogan, 41, were jailed for six years each yesterday after pleading guilty at Lewes Crown Court to seven counts of child neglect as they also admitted animal cruelty after being prosecuted by the RSPCA. The 35 dogs have since been rescued and groomed back to health by the RSPCA after they were found in filthy conditions in their own faeces and among litter in the house. Police officers were called to their three-bedroom house in Eastbourne, East Sussex, after reports of a domestic incident on June 14, 2021 and were appalled at the conditions inside. Officers winced when they realised that a filthy, neglected seven-year-old asleep on a sofa near a dead dog was covered in animal faeces. The child, who was naked apart from a nappy with her hair matted and dirty, had been severely neglected for years, the court heard. Seven children, aged between four and 17, as well as 35 dogs were removed from the home and taken into care, with the four youngest children now living with supportive families. The RSPCA has released footage of the rehabilitation neglected dogs crammed into a 'repugnant' home by a couple in East Sussex Gemma Brogan, 41, and Christopher Bennett, 35, were sentenced to six years after pleading guilty at Lewes Crown Court to seven counts of child neglect. They also admitted animal cruelty When officers entered the property, they saw dozens of dogs climbing over each other to try and reach the open door The house was crammed with 35 dogs. Detective Constable Ashcroft said the home looked as though it had been 'filthy for a number of years'. Left (before): One of the dogs left in squalid conditions; Right (after): The dog being groomed by carers at the RSPCA A neglected dog being cared for and rehabilitated by RSPCA workers with a shampoo and a coat trim The poor creatures were in dire need of some care before they were rehomed by the RSPCA Addressing Lewes Crown Court, Judge Stephen Mooney said that Bennett and Brogan had 'frittered away 7,000 a month which should have been spent on the children'. The couple would have been receiving 84,000 in benefits each year. Judge Mooney added: 'It is impossible for any person to comprehend the enormity of your failings. 'Whatever was going on in their relationship, they should have been looking after those children. How do you have 35 dogs, 7,000 in benefits, how is this allowed to happen?' Police were called to the defendants' address to a report of a domestic incident. Detective Constable Fiona Ashcroft, of Sussex Police, said: 'Upon entering the address, our officers were shocked about the state of the property and had major concerns for the welfare of all the children. Bennett at Lewes Crown Court. Detective Constable Ashcroft, of Sussex Police, described the couple's house as 'shocking and repugnant' A sleeping child in only a soiled nappy was found by police on a sofa next to a dead dog. Pictured, the dogs at the property 'The stench as you entered the hallway hit officers hard; they were not able to breath normally due to the stench. 'The state of the whole house was shocking and repugnant; it was cluttered and was strewn with discarded clothing, litter, rotting food and animal faeces. 'It looked as if it had been filthy for a number of years. 'There was a deafening sound of dogs yapping and barking coming from the room in front of the hallway. 'When the door to the living room was opened, officers were shocked to see dozens of dogs climbing over each other to try and reach the open door. 'All the dogs looked malnourished and skinny. Their fur was greasy, matted and covered in each other's faeces. 'In amongst the filth and melee of dogs, officers removed a sleeping child from the sofa, who was dressed in just a soiled nappy and had dogs jumping all over them. 'All seven children, then aged between four and 17, were immediately taken into emergency protection and, following partnership working with the local authority children's services, they were subsequently rehoused. The dogs have been given a new lease on life after being housed in absolutely 'repugnant' conditions Detective Constable Ashcroft said there was a deafening sound of dogs barking in the house The couple had 'crammed in' 35 dogs, which were removed and rehomed by the RSPCA 'The four youngest children are now living with supportive families and are learning all the principle social, mobility and life skills that our society hinges on. 'This was a particularly dreadful example of child neglect. The address is a three-bedroom property which had 10 occupants and 35 dogs crammed in. 'It is impossible to paint an accurate picture of the full extent of degradation and filth these vulnerable children had to endure. It is unequivocally one of the most awful addresses I have ever been in.' The RSPCA removed the 35 dogs, which have been rehomed, as well as a dead dog. For the animal cruelty offences, Brogan was sentenced to an 18-week prison sentence suspended for two years. She was given a five-year ban for all animals, 30 rehabilitation activity days and 100 hours' community service work. Bennett was sentenced to 18 weeks' imprisonment and was disqualified indefinitely from keeping all animals. A Wisconsin hospice nurse is facing up to 40 years in prison after being accused of amputating the foot of a dying man without his permission. Mary Brown, 38, allegedly cut off the 62-year-olds foot after he suffered from frostbite and told investigators she wanted to give him some dignity. She faces one count of physical abuse of an elderly person and one count of mayhem after allegedly cutting of his limb on May 27 this year. Brown, who worked at the Spring Valley Health and Rehab Centre as a nurse, also claimed that she wanted to preserve and display the foot. The patient had been placed in the nursing home in March 2022 after suffering from frostbite on both of his feet, which became necrotic. He fell in his own residence and the heat went out, with the criminal complaint saying he was taken to the home to be cared for. According to court documents Brown did not have doctors orders to conduct the amputation, adding: Brown did not have victim's permission to amputate his foot. Brown, who worked at the Spring Valley Health and Rehab Centre as a nurse, also claimed that she wanted to preserve and display the foot Brown and another nurse told cops that they did not think the man felt any pain during the unauthorized procedure Administrators of the nursing home agreed that it was outside of the scope of Brown's practice to conduct such a procedure and a doctor's order was necessary prior to any amputation. She told authorities that she would have wanted the foot to be amputated if it had been her in the same position. Facility administrator Kevin Larson told police that if a hospice doctor had been asked then he believes they would have approved the procedure. He told Brown to stabilize the mans foot, which was only connected b a tendon because the man was so close to death. When she later asked him what to do with the amputated foot he assumed that it had fallen off rather than Brown cutting it off. The patient had been placed in the nursing home in March 2022 after suffering from frostbite on both of his feet, which became necrotic She told authorities that she would have wanted the foot to be amputated if it had been her in the same position Brown and another nurse told cops that they did not think the man felt any pain during the unauthorized procedure. Another nurse said that the man told her a few days after the incident that when they cut his foot off he felt everything and it hurt very bad. Several others claimed that Brown told them she wanted to have the foot taxidermied, with one adding her family own a taxidermy shop. Two told police that Brown intended to make a display out of the foot with a sign warning people to remember to wear their boots. It is unclear exactly when the man died, and Brown is facing a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for each charge. Reports indicate the Biden administration has told Zelensky it is time to signal an openness to negotiating the end of the war with Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that global leaders need to pressure Moscow to consider 'genuine peace negotiations' U.S. officials have repeatedly instructed Americans not to travel to Ukraine to join the war At least seven other Americans have died on the frontlines of the war since it began in February Timothy Griffin of New York became the latest American to die in Ukraine while fighting in the war against Russia Another American man has died fighting in Ukraine, bringing the total U.S. death toll in the war with Russia to at least eight. Timothy Griffin had been fighting alongside Ukrainians in the International Legion, which is comprised of foreign volunteers who are helping to defend the country against Russian forces. According to the legion, Griffin had been taking part in Ukraine's counteroffensive effort on the eastern front when he was killed. A spokeswoman for the legion told NBC News that Griffin's unit came under attack and he was 'killed in action.' Griffin's age and hometown remain unknown, but an American death was confirmed by the US state Department. Two people with knowledge of Griffin's death said he was from New York state and had fought in the Kharkiv region of the country. 'Timothy's memory will live on in his unit, in the Legion and the Armed Forces of Ukraine,' said the International Legion. Fighting on Ukraine's eastern front has attracted some Americans to join the country's International Legion - despite warnings from the US government to refrain from joining up A Ukrainian soldier of an artillery unit fires towards Russian positions outside Bakhmut on November 8, 2022 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that world leaders need to 'force Russia into genuine peace negotiations' Dane Partridge, 34 and a father of five, is one of the Americans who died fighting in Ukraine. He sustained fatal injuries in a Russian attack near Luhansk in early October Bryan Young became another American to die while fighting in Ukraine. It is unclear exactly how many Americans have gone to Ukraine to fight against the Russian military Luke Lucyszyn also perished on the battlefield. Ukraine's International Legion says more than 20,000 foreigners have enlisted to help defend the country against Russian forces '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,' said the spokeswoman. The State Department says it is in touch with the deceased's family and again cautioned Americans not to travel to Ukraine. '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.' In June, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby warned Americans against traveling to Ukraine to fight against Russia. 'We want to stress that this is not the place or time for Americans to go to Ukraine,' he said. 'It is a war, and if you want to help the people of Ukraine there are a lot of other better options to do that than going to put yourself in harm's way in the middle of that war.' Prior to Kirby's statement, the State Department had confirmed the death of American Stephen Zabielski, 52, an American from Florida, who was killed on May 15 while fighting in the village of Dorozhniank. In April, American Willy Cancel, 22, became the first known American to die fighting in Ukraine. He was working with a private military contractor and is survived by a wife and child aged about one. In July, the US confirmed that two more Americans had died fighting. Bryan Young and Luke Lucyszyn both died fighting in the eastern region. Last week, the body of another American killed in Ukraine, Joshua Jones - a 24-year-old, was returned to Ukrainian custody by the Russians. Jones' body is being held by Ukraine as part of a war crimes investigation. American Dane Partridge, 34 and a father of five, was also killed last month after Russian vehicles ambushed him and his unit in the trenches of Eastern Ukraine. And Skyler James Greggs' death was also recently confirmed. The 23-year-old died fighting in the northeast of Ukraine. Willy Cancel, 22, became the first known American to die while fighting for Ukraine back in April. He left behind a wife and a child aged just a few months old at the time Stephen Zabielski, 52, of Florida was killed in May prompting additional administration warnings to Americans to refrain from traveling to Ukraine to fight Joshua Jones, 23, also died in combat. His body was recently returned to Ukrainian authorities after being held by the Russians. Ukraine is keeping his body at present as part of war crimes investigation It's unknown precisely how many Americans have traveled to Ukraine to fight. Though the country's foreign minister said roughly 20,000 foreigners have joined the effort. Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said world leaders should 'force Russia into genuine peace negotiations.' He added that Kyiv has 'repeatedly proposed' talks and accused Russia of consistently obstructing those efforts. Those remarks trailed reports that the Biden administration has privately counseled Kyiv that it's time to signal an openness to Moscow to end the war. Washington and Moscow have maintained high level communication since the outset of the war, according to the White House. Advertisement A racist University of Kentucky student ranted for 10 minutes and sang the word n***** at a desk clerk while others begged her to stop. Sophia Rosing, 22, was arrested early Sunday morning after 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 a 'n*****' more than 200 times. In the full 10-minute-long clip, Rosing is told that she ruined her life to which she brazenly replied 'no I didn't' before quietly singing the n-word over and over before police arrived to arrest her. Even after the University of Kentucky officer has her in handcuffs, the business and marketing major can still be heard softly singing the word as she is dragged away. Rosing can also be heard telling Spring to 'do her chores' as well as calling her an 'ugly n***** b****' while horrified students look on and some try to intervene. Spring attended an anti-racism march on Monday night following the attack on Sunday, where she made an impassioned speech and told Rosing 'you will not break my spirit.' The desk clerk, a freshman at the university, became emotional as she addressed the dozens of people who attended the march in her honour. Breaking down as she addressed the crowd, Spring said: 'I was physically, verbally and racially assaulted by Jane Doe, aka Sophia Rosing. Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com show University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing, 22, leaving the Fayette County Detention Center Monday night, still in her boots and tight skirt Kylah Spring gave an impassioned speech at an anti-racism march in her honour on Monday night, telling Rosing 'You will not break my spirit' The blonde 22-year-old was pictured trying to obscure her face as she left the jail Monday night She was escorted out of the jail by her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, after apparently posting bail Rosing sobbed as the charges were put to her, before pleading not guilty to all four of the charges that she faces Earlier photos obtained by DailyMail.com show Jill and Don Rosing leaving the detention center Rosing was caught on camera physically assaulting two black students at the University of Kentucky and calling a student employee a 'n***** b**** 'This is a recurring issue in and across the American school system no matter what age. I am deeply saddened by the events that took place, but I am most grateful for justice that is to come. 'To Miss Rosing. You will not break my spirit and you will be held accountable for your actions. I only pray that you open your heart to love and try to experience life differently and more positively. Rosing became emotional at her arraignment hearing on Monday afternoon, with her parents in attendance 'As Michelle Obama once said, when they go low, we go high. I will continue to address this situation with grace and humility.' Rosing on Monday sobbed as she appeared via video link at at District Court to plead 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. Pictures obtained by DailyMail.com show her walking out of the Fayette County Detention Center later Monday night, still wearing a tight skirt and boots. She was accompanied by her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, who paid her $10,000 bond. Rosing is now banned from contacting Spring and will not be allowed to return to Boyd Hall, or drink alcohol. Rosing attempted to cover her face while leaving the detention centre on Monday night, and her parents ignored questions when approached by DailyMail.com. During her rampage, Rosing 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. They apparently walked out in the sunset without their adult daughter before coming back with the bail money 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 Her parents appeared to discuss the case with a third man after Rosling pleaded not guilty to all four offences Rosing 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 modest three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings University Police were finally able to take Rosing into custody just before 4am on Sunday following the now viral incident. She was being held at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours. Now, university students are calling for Rosing to be expelled from the university and are also urging President Eli Capilouto to do more. A petition on Change.org has also been set up to get Rosing expelled from the school, with 117 people signing so far. 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.' When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing. Rosing had bragged to fellow students the year before the vile racist incident, saying 'I'm rich as f*** and you're 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. 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 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. Meanwhile, Rosing herself 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 Dillard's has been terminated immediately.' 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. Video of the attack showed Rosing, who is white, calling Spring a 'n***** b***' as the front desk clerk tried to restrain her and prevent her from getting into an elevator. '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.' 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 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. 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: '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. '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*****.' 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 Rosing is being held on a $10,000 bail after being arrested by campus police 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.' 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. 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 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.' Two British-Iranian journalists working in the UK have received 'credible' death threats from Iran's security forces, the channel's broadcaster said Monday. Volant Media, the London-based broadcaster of Iran International TV, said two of its journalists have received 'death threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps'. The channel condemned the threats as a 'dangerous escalation' of attempts by the Iranian regime to silence independent media in the face of mass protests. Two Iranian-British journalists working in London have been warned of threats to kill them by Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (file image, Iranian protesters in London) A statement said: 'Two of our British-Iranian journalists have, in recent days, been notified of an increase in the threats to them. 'The Metropolitan Police have now formally notified both journalists that these threats represent an imminent, credible and significant risk to their lives and those of their families. 'Other members of our staff have also been informed directly by the Metropolitan Police of separate threats.' The channel did not give any more information about the journalists, their work, or the exact nature of the threats. Iran International is based in the UK but broadcasts in Farsi into Iran. The channel has covered recent protests against the country's ruling Islamist regime. The statement added: 'These lethal threats to British citizens on British soil come after several weeks of warnings from the IRGC and Iranian government. Iran International said police had warned two of its reporters of 'an imminent, credible and significant risk to their lives and those of their families' 'Britain is the home of free speech. Iran International stands as part of that tradition. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran, and specifically the IRGC cannot be allowed to export their pernicious media crackdown to the UK. 'We hope that the UK Government, international governments and other organisations will join us in condemning these horrific threats.' A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the force does not comment on specific threats to individuals. Iran is in the midst of widespread public unrest triggered by the death of Mahsa back in September. Daily demonstrations have seen protesters clash with security forces who have sometimes opened fire, with opposition activists estimating hundreds have died. Iran is in the midst of mass unrest sparked when Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini died in police custody, after being arrested for failing to wear a head covering More than 1,000 people have been indicted in Tehran Province alone in connection with what the government calls 'riots'. On Tuesday, Iran's top court signalled it would 'deal firmly' with arrested protesters - teeing up the possibility of harsh sentences for anyone caught. 'The public, even protesters who are not supportive of riots, demand [that we] deal with the few people who have caused disturbances in a firm, deterrent and legal manner,' judiciary spokesman Masoud Setayeshi said. Iranian leaders have accused enemies including the United States of fomenting the unrest. Hardline Iranian lawmakers have urged the judiciary to 'deal decisively' with the perpetrators. Cornell University has temporarily banned fraternity parties after 'at least four' students had their drinks spiked with 'roofies' and another was sexually assaulted. The four cases of 'drug laced drinks' happened in the last six weeks at off-campus parties hosted by the school's fraternities in Ithaca, New York. In the early hours of Sunday morning a fifth report was made to university police that a student was sexually assaulted near the Alpha Epsilon Pi frat house. It is currently unclear whether that sexual assault was related to the four reported uses of Rohypnol - the notorious date rape drug. On Sunday evening Cornell's Interfraternity Council, which overseas fraternities, held an emergency meeting and 'temporarily suspended all fraternity parties and social events, effective immediately,' the school said in a statement. Anonymous sources also told the Ithaca Voice that six women were 'recently' taken to hospital after being drugged but when exactly those incidents happened is not clear. Cornell University has temporarily suspended all fraternity parties and events after a recent spate of reports that women were drugged at off-campus frat houses At 4.45am on Sunday somebody reported to Cornell University Police that they had been sexually assaulted on the 100 block of Thurston Avenue. The only fraternity house on the block is that of Alpha Epsilon Pi Four cases of individuals being 'roofied' were also reported to police. Those incidents allegedly took place near 800 block of University Avenue. One of the two nearby frat houses is that of Theta Delta Chi According to Cornell daily crime logs 'students reported to have consumed little to no alcohol at an off-campus location but became incapacitated while attending parties.' The four instances of 'drug laced' drinks happened between September 24 and November 3 - all at the 800 block of University Avenue. The only frat houses on that block are Chi Psi and Theta Delta Chi. The sexual assault incident happened between 2.30am and 4.30am on November 6 in the 100 block of Thurston Avenue. Alpha Epsilon Pi frat house is the only fraternity on that block. 'At approximately 4.45am an individual reported to Cornell University Police that they were sexually assaulted,' a crime alert said. Another frat house near to the 800 block of University Avenue where the four reports of drug laced drinks allegedly happened is Chi Psi Cornell President Martha Pollack said in a statement on Monday that all fraternity parties and events would be suspended 'IFC student leaders made this decision voluntarily Sunday evening after an emergency meeting with staff, and we fully support this necessary pause,' wrote Cornell president Martha E. Pollack in the statement. 'Fraternity leaders will take this time to implement stronger health and safety plans. No IFC-affiliated social events will resume until student leaders and Cornell staff are confident activities can take place responsibly and safely.' The decision to suspend fraternity parties came after an emergency meeting held by the school's Interfraternity Council, which overseas Cornell fraternities In the crime report put out by Cornell Police students are advised to take measure to protect themselves, including watching how their drink is made and making sure to never leave it unattended. Ithaca Police said on Monday that they are also aware of the drugging cases and well as Sunday's sexual assault case. Cornell has a history of sexual assault taking place on its campus. A survey carried about by the university last November was completed by around 2,300 students and found that 44 percent had experienced some form of sexual harassment. Data collected by the NY State Department of Education between January and May 2018 found that Cornell had more reports of sexual assault than any other university or college in New York - almost twice as many as the second worst which was NYU with more than twice the number of students. In 2017, a former fraternity president at the school was sentenced to six years probation after he admitted to forcibly touching a woman at a party at the Psi Upsilon fraternity house in the university's Ithaca campus. The UN has demanded Egypt immediately release a jailed British political dissident who has been on hunger strike for seven months, warning his life is 'in great danger'. Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a prominent Egyptian-British activist and blogger, was sentenced in December in 2021 to five years in prison on charges of spreading fake news. The 40-year-old has been on hunger strike for 220 days against his detention and prison conditions. In an escalation of his protest that coincided with the arrival of world leaders in Egypt for the COP27 climate conference, Abd el-Fattah told his family he would stop drinking water on Sunday. Abd el-Fattah's family today told world leaders at the conference they had not heard from since he had been due to stop drinking water, as U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for his immediate release. 'We don't where he is. We don't know if he's alive,' Abd el-Fattah's sister Sanaa Seif said during the UN climate summit, this year held at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Turk said Abd el-Fattah's life is 'in great danger', adding: 'His dry hunger strike puts his life at acute risk.' 'We don't where he is. We don't know if he's alive,' Abd el-Fattah's sister Sanaa Seif said during the UN climate summit, this year held at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh Alaa Abd el-Fattah (pictured), a prominent Egyptian-British activist and blogger, was sentenced in December in 2021 to five years in prison on charges of spreading fake news Asked whether there was a risk he may have already died, given the lack of communication, Volk's spokesperson said in Geneva: 'We are very concerned for his health and there is a lack of transparency as well around his current condition.' Abd el-Fattah's mother said she did not receive a weekly letter from him on Monday when she visited the jail northwest of Cairo, despite waiting there for hours. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who attended the COP27 climate talks on Monday, told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi that he hoped to see the issue resolved as soon as possible. However, Seif said Britain had not replied to her request for proof that her brother was alive. 'I asked the British authorities to get us some proof that Alaa is alive and conscious, I did not get any response.' Asked about the case on Monday, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told CNBC that prison authorities would provide Abd el-Fattah with healthcare. Abd el-Fattah rose to prominence during Egypt's 2011 popular uprising which led to Egypt's first democratic presidential election. Pictured: Alaa Abdel Fattah (right) arrives with his wife and child to the public prosecutor's office in Cairo, Egypt, on March 26, 2013, over his involvement in the protests British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who attended the COP27 climate talks on Monday, told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (pictured together on Monday) that he hoped to see the issue resolved as soon as possible Egyptian officials have not responded to Reuters requests for comment on Abd el-Fattah. They said previously that he was receiving meals. Amr Darwish, an Egyptian member of parliament attending COP27, said Abd el-Fattah was convicted in court and questioned his family's appeal for international support, which pro-government figures have portrayed as an interference in Egypt's internal affairs. Abd el-Fattah rose to prominence during Egypt's 2011 popular uprising which led to Egypt's first democratic presidential election. The new Muslim Brotherhood president, Mohamed Mursi, was toppled by the military - then led by Sisi - after mass protests against his rule in July 2013. The following month security forces broke up two pro-Mursi sit-ins in Cairo and killed hundreds of civilians. Abd el-Fattah, a software developer from an activist family, was detained in the subsequent crackdown on Islamists, leftists and liberals alike, and has been behind bars for most of the time since then. Some rights campaigners have criticised the decision for Egypt to host COP27, citing what they say is its repression of political dissent. They have also raised concern over access and space for protests at the United Nations climate talks. Sisi has said security measures were needed to stabilise Egypt after the 2011 uprising. Adam Rosendorff, the lab director, said this was a mischaracterization of his visit and said she must 'pay her debt to society' Holmes requested a new trial after she said her former lab director showed up at her house and indicated he was being forced to exaggerate his testimony She famously overstated the effectiveness of her blood-testing technology, despite rolling it out to thousands of pharmacies across the country Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes saw her requests for a new trial denied on Monday after the judge said it would be unlikely to end in an acquittal anyway Elizabeth Holmes, the founder of fraudulent medical company Theranos, has been denied a new trial after she was found guilty of deceiving investors as her judge says it is unlikely to result in an acquittal. Holmes, who is pregnant with her second child, faces up to 20 years in prison along with fines after she was found guilty in January on four counts of criminal fraud when she misled investors about the effectiveness of her blood-testing technology. U.S. District Judge Edward Davila said Monday that Holmes' three requests for a new trial did not introduce sufficient new evidence or prove there was governmental misconduct, and her sentencing will go forward on November 18. A main reason Holmes requested a new trial was a visit at her home from former Theranos lab director Adam Rosendorff, who was a key witness in the government's case against her. According to Holmes, Rosendorff showed up at her home unannounced in August and admitted his testimony against her had been twisted by prosecutors. But Rosendorff has disputed this characterization of his visit to her home and said he did not want to retract his testimony. U.S. District Judge Edward Davila said Monday that Elizbeth Holmes' three requests for a new trial did not introduce sufficient new evidence or prove there was governmental misconduct. Pictured at a courthouse in San Jose, California, USA, 17 October 2022 Holmes, seen here with partner Billy Evans, is pregnant with her second child, but will still face sentencing on November 18. The couple pictured on October 17 U.S. District Judge Edward Davila said Monday that even if he were to grant a new trial for Holmes, it would be unlikely to end in an acquittal Court documents filed by Holmes' legal team had previously alleged a distressed Rosendorff told Holmes 'he tried to answer the questions honestly at Ms. Holmes' trial, but the government tried to make everyone look bad.' He said he felt remorseful about the possibility that Holmes 15-month-old child with partner Billy Evans would be without her mother if Holmes is sentenced to prison. Judge Davila ordered a new hearing based on the incident, but Rosendorff said his testimony against Holmes was truthful. 'I don't want to help Ms. Holmes,' Rosendorff said. 'The only person that can help her is herself. She needs to pay her debt to society.' In Monday's decision not to grant a new trial, Davila said he found 'Dr. Rosendorffs statements under oath to be credible.' Davila added that Rosendorff's 'post-trial statements are too vague and general to imply that any specific testimony was actually false or misleading.' Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani, Holmes' ex-boyfriend and deputy at Theranos, also saw his requests for an acquittal and new trial denied. Balwani was found guilty on 12 counts of conspiracy and fraud during a separate trial that ended in July. He has had his sentencing delayed until December 7 after it was originally scheduled for next week. Mr. Balwani cited the limited availability of his family to attend and one of his lawyers filed a statement from Mr. Balwanis urologist, though his personal medical details were redacted. Holmes found herself in hot water after she falsely claimed that her blood tests could diagnose a multitude of health conditions with a drop of blood. Holmes, center, arrives at federal court with her father, Christian Holmes IV, left, and partner, Billy Evans, in California on Oct. 17, 2022 Adam Rosendorff, her former lab director and a key witness in the government's case against her, reportedly said he felt bad for Holmes' child as her mother may be sentenced to prison Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani, Holmes' ex-boyfriend and deputy at Theranos, also saw his requests for a new trial denied - he was found guilty on 12 counts of conspiracy and fraud Theranos - which the businesswoman founded when she was a 19-year-old student at Stanford University - falsely claimed that it was able to diagnose a multitude of health conditions with a simple blood test. Prosecutors also accuse her of lying to pharmacy chain Walgreens to set up a lucrative partnership that saw Theranos' technology deployed at the retail giant's nearly 10,000 drugstores across the country. Officials further allege that Holmes duped prospective buyers by claiming that her company's testing device could scan for hundreds of diseases and other maladies with a few drops of blood taken with a finger prick instead of a needle in a vein. The concept was so compelling that Theranos and Holmes raised nearly $1billion in investments, with media magnate Rupert Murdoch and software titan Larry Ellison representing just some of the high-profile backers of the lofty project. The company, based in Palo Alto, also negotiated potentially lucrative deals with major supermarket retailer Safeway. During this whirlwind of support, Holmes was soon viewed as a visionary and wunderkind, gracing magazine covers and seeing her net worth balloon nearly $5billion. However, unknown to most people outside the company, the blood-testing technology that Holmes had touted to investors as the future, was largely flawed, often producing inaccurate results that could have endangered the lives of patients who took the tests. Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes listens as the court clerk reads before Judge Edward Davila that she was found guilty on four of 11 counts in her fraud trial at Robert F. Peckham U.S. Courthouse in San Jose, California, U.S., January 3, 2022 Theranos staffers soon started to become aware of the technology's shortcomings, with many reportedly approaching senior Theranos staffers, including Balwani and former U.S. Secretary of State and then-Theranos board member George Shultz, to flag the inconsistencies - but repeatedly found themselves rebuffed. The dream then came crashing down in 2015 when whistleblowers went public with the blood-testing tech's supposed flaws, and a Wall Street Journal investigation revealed further holes in the startup's testing methods and technological capabilities. Theranos would then experience a monumental collapse, leaving officials to figure out how to address the rapidly surfacing allegations of fraud from the multibillion-dollar company's litany of high-powered investors. The Justice Department eventually filed its criminal case in 2018, enlisting several of former Theranos employees to testify that Holmes repeatedly lied about her creation's capabilities, constituting fraud. The camp has a packed dormitory and a dungeon-like cellar inside it Wives and mothers have said they are labelled 'traitors' for their decision A picture shows Russian troops held in a Putin 'punishment camp' for brave mobilised heroes who refuse to fight in his illegal war. The enlistees were dumped in a cellar in Donetsk region where they are 'starved' and 'threatened with mass execution by firing squad'. Independent Russian media outlet The Insider highlighted the plight of 21 refuseniks illegally held in the Donetsk People's Republic, which Putin has annexed. Most have written statements stating they refuse to fight because Putin's war is against their conscience. Their wives and mothers say they are labelled 'traitors' and face intolerable pressure to force them to rescind their statements. The enlistees were dumped in a cellar in Donetsk region where they are 'starved' and 'threatened with mass execution by firing squad', pictured Pictured: The camp has a packed dormitory alongside a dungeon-like cellar The barbaric camp - including a packed dormitory but also a dungeon-like cellar in Zavitne Bazhannia - is feared to be one of many run by Putin's military or forces allied to them, amid suspicions many more men than realised have refused to take up arms against Ukraine. A collective letter from the wives and mothers of some of the men held in this hell-hole said: 'While in Ukraine, our relatives were forced to storm enemy positions. 'In this connection, they wrote [statements] refusing to participate in combat actions, citing convictions of conscience [saying] they could not, and would not, kill people. 'Subsequently, officers of different ranks repeatedly came to see the soldiers who had signed the reports, and interviewed them. 'However, after seeing they couldn't convince them, the commanding officers started threatening them with execution.' The barbaric camp - including a packed dormitory but also a dungeon-like cellar in Zavitne Bazhannia - is feared to be one of many run by Putin's military or forces allied to them, amid suspicions many more men than realised have refused to take up arms against Ukraine On 4 November one of the men managed to contact his relative to say 'they had not been fed for three days. 'The illegal detention of the servicemen in the basement continues to this date. 'They are not given personal hygiene items, nor have they been told the reasons for their forcible detention. 'They are called traitors and threatened with execution. 'On our part, we have appealed to the authorities, submitted statements [about] crimes, but there has been no appropriate reaction from the law enforcement agencies.' A collective letter from the wives and mothers of some of the men held in this hell-hole said: 'While in Ukraine, our relatives were forced to storm enemy positions. 'In this connection, they wrote [statements] refusing to participate in combat actions, citing convictions of conscience [saying] they could not, and would not, kill people'. Pictured: The dormitory of the camp Elena Kashina told The Insider how her husband, 33, and other draftees were given cursory training with clapped-out weapons before being sent to the front. The worried wife revealed: 'He called me and said they were forced to attack enemy positions. 'He told me: 'I realised for myself I would never be able to kill a man 'I would close my eyes and ears, and I'll be simply shot dead'.' He wrote a formal legal statement on 12 October declaring he was a conscientious objector. He told her: 'Before I wrote it, a political officer of the 5th company in the DPR [pro-Putin Donetsk People's Republic] told me: 'If you guys write anything, we'll execute you by shooting by firing squad, throw you into a common grave and tell your relatives you went missing'. He told her that 14 men were threatened in this way. 'He called me and said: 'Lena [Elena], they might shoot me today. Our men will execute me'. Elena Kashina, pictured, told The Insider how her husband, 33, and other draftees were given cursory training with clapped-out weapons before being sent to the front The wife said: 'Morally they are completely broken people. 'They are broken psychiatrically and psychologically. 'They were driven away and thrown into a basement not too far from the front line.' There are now a total of 21 men, she said. Many of the men should not have been sent to the war, even under the Russian criteria for selecting draftees. Her husband had done only basic military conscription before - as a mechanic. Others detained in the hell-hole 'punishment camp' worked for a defence plant and should have been exempt. The commander overall responsible for the campaign is General Sergei 'Armageddon' Surovikin, appointed by Putin. Pictured: The general and his wife Anna The training they received shows the chaos in Putin's mobilisation. 'When they were at the range, they were given the opportunity to practice shooting for one day using an assault rifle,' she said. 'The rifle had a sight bent sideways, so he was unable to hit the target either from 400 meters or even from 100 meters. 'The next day they were digging trenches, and that was all their combat training. 'After that, they were sent to Ukraine. 'My husband worked at a mining and smelting complex, which is considered a defence enterprise, so [under the Russian rules], they shouldn't have called him up for military service. 'But he was not so lucky.' The Insider said: 'The last time her husband got in touch was on 31 October, when he said that the objectors, including him, were being taken somewhere.' The commander overall responsible for the campaign is General Sergei 'Armageddon' Surovikin, appointed by Putin. Two rappers died from knife and gunshot wounds to their torsos after 'bicycle-riding' murder suspects burst into a house in east London, an inquest was told today. Saydi Abu Sheikh, 23, who rapped under the name Giddy, and Zakariya Jeilani Mohamed, 32, who used the name Shifty, were fatally injured in Ilford on October 25. Coroner Nadia Persaud opened inquests into their deaths at East London Coroner's Court in Barking this morning, adjourning them due to ongoing police investigations. The Met Police has said the men, both from Ilford, died in an 'unspeakable act of extreme violence' after reports of a shooting inside a house in Henley Road. Detectives are hunting the murder suspects who arrived on bikes before the shooting then sped away from the scene in a car after killing the men at a notorious drug den. CCTV footage shows a group of men, believed to be rival gang members, fleeing from the house where the two men were killed and another was seriously injured. Several local residents said the attack at a suspected 'trap house' was intentionally orchestrated to happen on Diwali as fireworks would mask the gunshots. Saydi Abu Sheikh, 23, who rapped under the name Giddy (pictured), and Zakariya Jeilani Mohamed, 32, who used the name Shifty, were fatally injured in Ilford on October 25 Police guard a cordon in Henley Road, Ilford after the fatal shooting last month Uniformed officers sealed off parts of the residential area, which is dotted with nearby parks and homes costing more than 500,000, while forensic teams comb through the crime scene Metropolitan Police Inspector Dave Holgate addresses the media after the shooting in Ilford, east London Mr Mohamed died from hypovolemic shock after he suffered stab and gunshot wounds to the torso, Ms Persaud heard on Tuesday. Mr Sheikh died from stab wounds to the torso, coroner's officer Brenda Dowsett told her. Ms Dowsett said: 'Mr Sheikh was at an address in Ilford when suspects entered the premises, discharged a firearm and stabbed Mr Sheikh, resulting in fatal injuries.' The Met Police previously said they were called at just after midnight on October 25 to reports of a shooting inside a house in Henley Road. Scotland Yard has said Mr Sheikh and Mr Mohamed died at the scene and a 30-year-old man was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds in a 'life-threatening condition'. In a previous statement, Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood, leading the investigation, said: 'This was an unspeakable act of extreme violence that has devastated two families and sent shockwaves throughout the community. 'My team is working around the clock to identify those responsible and I would like to express my thanks to the people who have already provided information - they can be sure that we will act on everything they have provided. 'We still want to hear from anyone who was inside or near the house in Henley Road when the attack took place. 'The suspects responsible for this horrific act are violent criminals and it is important that they are not protected by a wall of silence -help us take them off your streets by telling us who they are. 'It doesn't matter if you speak to us directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers - but please do get in touch.' The Met Police said no arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing. Murder-accused nurse Lucy Letby became 'very upset' during girl's fatal collapse as she told doctor 'this is my second baby that this has happened to', a court heard today. Dr Emily Thomas said Letby, 32, had been the nurse in charge of caring for Baby D on the night she collapsed and died in June 2015. In a statement read to the jury at Manchester Crown Court, she recalled: 'A nurse called Lucy was the designated nurse for D. 'I believe she'd been the designated nurse for Baby A, and later she became very upset in front of me. 'She said to me 'This is my second baby that this has happened to'.' The court heard how Baby A was the first of seven babies Letby is alleged to have murdered while working in the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. He died on June 8, 2015 thirteen days before medics failed to resuscitate Baby D as she collapsed for a third time on June 21. The little boy's sister, Baby B, survived a near-fatal collapse on June 10 and was still in the neonatal unit when D was admitted. Earlier in the hearing, Dr Sarah Rylance, who cared for D in her role of registrar on the day shifts of June 20 and 21 at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neo-natal unit told the jury Baby D was making 'good progress' before she later collapsed. The court heard the mother's waters had broken on June 18 but she was not given a Caesarean section until two days later, on June 20, after attempts to induce labour. Twelve minutes after birth Baby D lost colour, became floppy in her father's arms, and required five rescue breaths. The mother said she had been concerned about getting an infection but was not given antibiotics. Dr Emily Thomas said Lucy Letby (pictured), 32, had been the nurse in charge of caring for Baby D on the night she collapsed and died in June 2015 Click here to listen to The Mail+ podcast: The Trial of Lucy Letby The Trial of Lucy Letby, Episode 5: Baby C, 'The smallest baby I had ever seen' This week, Liz and Caroline review what the jury heard about the death of baby C, described by one nurse as the smallest baby she had ever seen. It is alleged that Lucy Letby was close to the infant's cot and injected him with air causing his collapse, while her defence say she was not responsible and the hospital was not equipped to deal with a baby of his size. In this episode, we'll also hear texts Lucy Letby shared with a colleague after this night shift, as well as testimony from the prosecution's expert witnesses who say Baby D did not die of natural causes. Follow us on Twitter @LucyLetbyTrial Advertisement Baby D first received antibiotics when she was transferred to the neo-natal unit under Dr Rylance's care - some four hours after her birth. The registrar also noted Baby D's blood gas readings were 'abnormal' and she needed help with her breathing. Dr Rylance told jurors at Manchester Crown Court that Baby D was progressing well the next day as she decided to try her off CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) respiratory support. However, her breathing became 'irregular' and her oxygen levels dropped 'a few times' and CPAP was continued. Dr Rylance said she did not attach much importance though to the changes and added: 'She was heading in the right direction and was not needing any additional oxygen.' Asked by prosecutor Simon Driver what her clinical assessment of Baby D was as she handed over to the night shift on June 21, Dr Rylance said: 'I believe she was a stable baby. 'She was receiving a very minimal level of breathing support. She was responsive, making good progress and she had responded well to treatment given since she had been admitted to the neo-natal about 24 hours earlier. 'Yes she was not a healthy baby by that time and still required some level of respiratory support, but much less. I was happy with her progress.' Dr Thomas said that when called to the emergency involving Baby D she had noticed an unusual rash on her abdomen. She could see that the infant was struggling to breathe and a monitor showed that her oxygen levels were low. She asked a nurse to put a crash call out while two of her colleagues began to carry out full CPR on the baby. Susan and John Letby, parents of the defendant, arrive at Manchester Crown Court at another hearing earlier this month The duty registrar, Dr Andrew Brunton, rushed into the unit and took control of the resuscitation attempts. While he was trying to open an airway into the infant's mouth a nurse called Kathryn Percival-Ward, that night's shift leader, was holding a phone to his ear. There were a few moments' confusion as he talked to the person at the end, believing he had been put through to Dr Elizabeth Newby, the on-call consultant. 'He thought he was talking to Dr Newby, but he was talking to Baby B's mother. 'He was shocked when he learned who was on the phone. He was mortified about the mistake and was upset when he realised who was on the phone'. Dr Thomas recalled the parents of Baby D coming into the unit prior to the resuscitation attempts being halted. Elizabeth Marshall, a Band 4 nurse on the unit, acted as scribe during the emergency, noting down the drugs and their quantities being shouted out by a colleague, Caroline Oakley. 'I was writing on a paper towel,' she said. 'I'd been in the room for about 15 minutes when the decision was taken to stop. 'Afterwards there was a quick meeting. There was no formal debrief as such and there were no conclusions as to what had happened'. Letby, 32, originally from Hereford, denies the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of 10 others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. Her trial, which is expected to last another five months, resumes tomorrow. It could see US sell billions of cubic metres of liquefied natural gas to Britain No10 says Britain can 'do more' to work with US to combat soaring energy prices Britain can 'do more' to work with the US to combat soaring energy prices, No10 said today - amid reports Rishi Sunak is close to clinching a major trans-Atlantic gas deal. Downing Street said discussions were ongoing between Britain and the US on how to cooperate to reduce volatility in energy markets in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It came after the Daily Telegraph claimed the Prime Minister could announce details of an 'energy security partnership' with the US after the Cop27 climate change summit. The newspaper said talks are in their final stages on an agreement that could see the US sell billions of cubic metres of liquefied natural gas to Britain over the next year. It comes amid warnings of potential blackouts this winter after the war in Ukraine caused energy shortages. Rishi Sunak, who addressed the Cop27 climate summit last night, is reportedly close to clinching a major gas deal with the US It comes amid warnings of potential blackouts this winter after the war in Ukraine caused energy shortages Asked this morning about the reports, the PM's official spokesman pointed to recent commitments by the US and UK on 'reducing global reliance on Russian fossil fuels', as well as the 'transition to the green economy'. Rishi Sunak's predecessor as PM, Liz Truss, and US President Joe Biden discussed the issues in their talks at the UN General Assembly in New York in September. The spokesman said there would be 'further discussions' on energy markets at next week's G20 summit of world leaders in Bali, Indonesia, but refused to comment on 'speculative reports in more detail'. 'We've been open with a number of countries - and the US is one - where we do feel there is more we can do to work together to help tackle some of these energy price spikes and the volatility that is being caused by Russia's illegal war,' the spokesman said. He added: 'I don't have anything more to add at this moment, we are still discussing with the US what the right approach would be. I've seen the reports on that but at this stage I don't have any more detail.' Importing more fossil fuels while urging action to tackle climate change would leave Mr Sunak open to attacks from Labour. But the strategy is perceived as being essential to guaranteeing energy security and preventing the lights from going out this winter. The Telegraph said it had spoken to half a dozen current and former government figures familiar with the talks, with the UK side hoping around 10 billion cubic metres of liquefied natural gas can be imported. The newspaper said a deal had been due to be announced on October 21, but this was scrapped after Ms Truss resigned as PM the day before. It added an announcement could come in the next week or two and would be used by ministers to show that the UK is moving away from Russian-linked oil and gas imports and becoming more energy independent in the wake of Moscows invasion. It would also shore up energy supplies amid warnings from National Grid of potential blackouts at peak times if there are problems importing energy supplies from Europe. Critics questioned why the UK was prepared to import gas from the US, where fracking for shale gas is popular, when Mr Sunak had recommitted to a ban on fracking in Britain. A Met Police officer accused of sending grossly offensive messages on WhatsApp will face trial in January. PC Tom Phillips, 33, from Croydon, south London, faces five charges in breach of the Communications Act 2003. The officer, who is part of the Met Ops team, was excused from attending his case management hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning. Colin Banham, defending Phillips, said the prosecution have served a summary of all the background in this case, but they refuse to disclose the items requested because they say they might undermine the prosecution. PC Tom Phillips, 33, was excused from attending his case management hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning One of the more pressing matters is that we require an expert to look at the data. Our expert has asked to have access to the data and the CPS has refused despite their own expert having access to the data. I would like at least some words to be said about that. A further case management hearing was set for November 18 for the prosecution to disclose the expert evidence. The officer, who is part of the Met Ops team, faces five charges in breach of the Communications Act 2003 (stock image) Phillips denies five charges of sending a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character between April 8 and May 8, 2021. His trial has been fixed for January 24, 2023. The officer was off duty at the time of the alleged offences and has been suspended from duty. Oz spoke to Fox & Friends and reporters at his Pennsylvania polling site in Huntingdon Valley His campaign told reporters he would not be answering questions at his polling site, as he wouldn't be able to understand them due to his ongoing auditory processing issues - the after-effects from his May stroke Fetterman and his wife Gisele pulled up to their polling place in Braddock in a pick-up truck, with Fetterman sporting gym shorts and a blue puffer jacket Both Pennsylvania Senate hopefuls Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz cast their votes in person on Election Day morning Advertisement Both Pennsylvania Senate candidates Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz were up early on Election Day to cast their ballots in one of the most closely watched races this midterm cycle. Fetterman, wearing his trademark gym shorts and a blue puffer jacket, pulled up in a pick-up truck to his polling place in Braddock, outside of Pittsburgh, and cast his ballot alongside his wife Gisele. Campaign aides for Fetterman warned reporters beforehand that he wouldn't be taking questions, as he wouldn't be able to understand the cacophony of shouts due to his ongoing auditory processing issues, the after-effects of the stroke he suffered in May. 'Hey, hi,' Fetterman said waving as he was asked how he was doing this morning and if Democrats would hold onto the Senate. On the way out he grabbed hands with Gisele as the couple walked back to their truck. Fetterman later tweeted out a picture of the couple with the words, 'We voted.' Oz and his wife Lisa voted at a polling place in Huntingdon Valley, with the TV personality sporting a suit and his wife a red dress. The Republican talked to Fox & Friends and also some of the reporters gathered outside. 'I'm very proud of how I've run this campaign. Pennsylvania is sending a very clear message to Washington: We want less radicalism, and more balance. I encourage everyone to vote. It's your duty,' Oz said. The two hopefuls are vying for the seat occupied by retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey. Even before Election Day, there were problems with votes cast in Pennsylvania. Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman (left), wearing his trademark gym shorts and a blue puffer jacket, pulled up in a pick-up truck to his polling place in Braddock, outside of Pittsburgh, and cast his ballot alongside his wife Gisele (right) Republican U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz and his wife Lisa cast their votes at Bryn Athyn Borough Hall, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania Fetterman greeted a voter as he emerged from the polling station on Tuesday. He trails Oz by 0.1 percent in the Real Clear Politics polling average Fetterman and his wife Gisele walk back to their car after casting their ballots on Tuesday morning in Braddock, Pennsylvania Dr. Mehmet Oz, joined by his wife Lisa, leaves a polling station in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday Fetterman tweeted this photograph after voting Due to the Republican National Committee and other GOP groups winning a lawsuit in state court that would make undated mail-in ballots not count, thousands of voters in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas were alerted they must 'cure' their ballots. Election officials have advised these voters to come to the county election offices to cure their ballot, request a new mail-in ballot or vote by provisional ballot on Election Day to fix these mistakes. Voters have until November 14 in Pennsylvania to 'cure' their ballot. The Fetterman campaign has since filed a lawsuit in federal court to challenge the ruling, made by the divided Pennsylvania Supreme Court. 'The Date Instruction imposes unnecessary hurdles that eligible Pennsylvanians must clear to exercise their most fundamental right, resulting in otherwise valid votes being arbitrarily rejected without any reciprocal benefit to the Commonwealth,' attorneys for Fetterman and other Democratic groups argued. 'The date on a mail ballot envelope thus has no bearing on a voters qualifications and serves no purpose other than to erect barriers to qualified voters exercising their fundamental constitutional right to vote. This unnecessary impediment violates the Civil Rights Act and the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution,' they continued. Additionally, a judge in Monroe County in Northeast Pennsylvania on Monday green-lit the way for voters to be alerted that their ballots had mistakes. Also, just the counting of the mail-in ballots alone could take several days. On Monday, Fetterman's campaign manager sent a memo to reporters advising them to '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 voters are properly counted and the results are clear,' said Fetterman's Campaign Manager Brendan McPhillips. In Pennsylvania this election cycle, 1.4 million mail-in ballots were requested. According to Spotlight PA, roughly 70 percent of those requests came from registered Democrats. And the biggest share of requests came from Allegheny County, which surrounds Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. Philadelphia's suburban counties, including Bucks, Montgomery and Northampton, came after Allegheny and Philadelphia, in number of mail-in ballots requested. Pennsylvania's Republican-dominated legislature imposed a rule that won't allow election workers to start counting the mail-in ballots until 7 a.m. Tuesday morning - meaning results from in-person voting could likely be reported before those ballots that were mailed in. After Fetterman's rocky debate performance, Pennsylvania's polls have narrowed further, with Oz taking a .1 percent lead in the Real Clear Politics polling average in the last four days, making the race a true toss-up Fetterman's campaign called this 'an intentional move to help Republicans baselessly sow doubt about the election results when it suits them.' Like in 2020, when former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden were on the ballot, Oz could look drastically ahead of Fetterman on election night, only to have his lead chipped away as more mail-in ballots are counted. 'Because Pennsylvania is one of the only states that reports Election Day totals first before ballots cast by mail, and because more populated counties around Philadelphia can take longer to report, we should expect one of the most dramatic shifts in the country from initial GOP support in early results to stronger Democratic gains as more votes are processed,' Fetterman's campaign warned. County officials in Allegheny, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties had originally told Spotlight PA they expected to be finished counting the mail-in ballots by Wednesday. Now, Philadelphia could take even longer to report a result, as city commissioners imposed a procedure to catch double votes, as Republicans were suing if that safety check didn't occur. In Bucks County, an official estimated to Spotlight PA that the counting could be wrapped up by Wednesday or Thursday. In Latrobe, Pennsylvania on Saturday, Trump already began stoking fears that the election would once be 'stolen' from Oz and GOP gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, who has been behind in the polls for months. Trump expressed in Iowa on Thursday that all voting should be done in-person, on Election Day using paper ballots - the only way to guarantee there would be no fraud. After Fetterman's rocky debate performance, Pennsylvania's polls have narrowed further, with Oz taking a .1 percent lead in the Real Clear Politics polling average in the last four days. This makes the race a true toss-up, as droves of Pennsylvanians votes had already been cast by the time Fetterman and Oz met on the debate stage. An Albanian family have proudly shown off the home they've built using the money sent from their son who entered Britain illegally. Sait Shabaj and his wife Xheride were the lucky beneficiaries of their 30-year-old son Nimet's arrival in London on the back of a truck, one of thousands of Albanians who have crossed into the UK. Their 100,000 pink mansion includes an orange tree orchard and offers views over a river valley in Rrasek. But the project remains unfinished because the builder has also fled the country for a better life in England, one of 10,000 adult compatriots to cross the Channel by boat this year. Sait, 70, and Xheride, 53, had hoped their sons, who are all working abroad, would return once the home was built. Sait Shabaj and his wife Xheride pose in front of their pink home in Albania built with the money sent from their son who entered Britain illegally Sait and Xheride were the lucky beneficiaries of their 30-year-old son Nimet's arrival in London on the back of a truck (pictured together) But the three children have signalled they want to continue forging their paths away from their home town. Locals say they are now living in ghost towns amid the huge brain drain of young men heading to more prosperous European countries. Villages like Rrasek are nearly abandoned with its population dwindling from 500 to 100, as Albanians increasingly vie to enter Britain, often on flimsy rafts across the Channel. Latest figures show they are the biggest migrant group making the crossings which the Home Office is trying to crack down on, with 12,000 making the journey this year, up from 50 in 2020. Sait, a retired electrician, told The Sun: 'It is a big problem because now there are only old people here. Their 100,000 pink mansion offers an orange tree orchard and views over a river valley in Rrasek 'All the young men have gone for work, so all the young women have gone as well. It means that I can't find a builder to finish my front wall.' The father-of-three says it is thanks to the higher salaries in the UK they were able to build their lavish new home. He claims salaries are five times higher in England than home in Albania and it is worth the 20,000 payment to traffickers to ensure passage to British soil. He said: 'England is the best place on this Earth. It is the champion of destinations.' Seven years ago, Nimet got a lift through Europe then paid to get on a truck which took him through the Eurotunnel. The builder has since married in the UK, giving him right to remain, and he regularly sends money home to his parents. The father-of-three says it is thanks to the higher salaries in the UK they were able to build their lavish new home His two older brothers also support their parents from Greece and Italy, and Nimet has ten other relatives working in the UK. Last month, Dan O'Mahoney, Border Force clandestine threat commander, said 12,000 Albanians have crossed the Channel by small boat since the start of this year, 10,000 of whom were 'single adult males'. He said this was equivalent to roughly one to two per cent of the young male population of the country - a category that is understood to include men aged 20 to 40. 'Two years ago, 50 Albanians arrived in the UK on small boats, last year it was 800 and this year, so far, it's been 12,000 - of which about 10,000 are single adult men,' he told the Home Affairs Select Committee. 'So the rise has been exponential, and we think that is in the main because Albanian criminal gangs have gained a foothold in the north of France and have begun facilitating large numbers of migrants. Locals say they are now living in ghost towns amid the huge brain drain of young men heading to more prosperous European countries Dan O'Mahoney, Border Force clandestine threat commander, said 12,000 Albanians have crossed the Channel by small boat since the start of this year, 10,000 of whom were 'single adult males'. File photo of migrants crossing the Channel 'Just to put this into context, that number of 10,000 is between one and two percent of the entire adult male population of Albania who have travelled to the UK in small boats.' Mr O'Mahoney said only a low proportion of Albanian men who made asylum claims were successful. 'Some of them will of course need our help and will make legitimate asylum claims but the grant rate for single Albanian men - about 12 per cent,' he said. 'A lot of them are not actually interested in seeing their asylum claim through. We'll typically put them in a hotel for a couple of days then they'll disappear and work illegally in the UK for six months, possibly a year, then go back to Albania.' Former Home Secretary Priti Patel signed a deal with the Albanian government to fast-track deportations back to the Balkan state and for Albanian police officers to be stationed in Dover. Before the summer, around nine out of ten Albanians were claiming asylum even though there has been no conflict there for more than 25 years. Just Stop Oil protestors including their alleged ringleader have appeared in court today charged with plotting to cause mayhem on the M25. Reverend Tim Hewes, 72, Daniel Shaw, 37 and Darcy Mitchell, 27, Roger Hallam, 56, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court after eco-zealots tried to block the motorway again this morning. Hewes, from Wantage, Oxfordshire, Shaw, of Northampton, and Mitchell, from trendy Totnes in Devon, and five other activists, including Just Stop Oil leader Roger Hallam, 56, were charged earlier today with conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. Prosecutor Tom Heslop told the court: 'On 2 November there was a Zoom meeting between members of Just Stop Oil, planning on blocking the M25.' Members of the group were heard saying if there was anyone at the meeting 'not prepared to commit they should leave.' Shaw worked in adult social services for ten years before turning to environmental activism, the court heard. Extinction Rebellion co-founder Roger Hallam was charged with conspiracy to cause a public nuisance Frieda Luerken, the partner of Just Stop Oil activist Roger Hallam, outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, where he appeared charged with conspiracy to cause a public nuisance Darcy Mitchell, of Totnes, Devon, who is charged with causing a public nuisance, represented himself in the dock Laura O'Brien, for Shaw, said: 'This was a peaceful protest relating to traffic. 'Essentially this relates to one Zoom call and even on the face of prosecution evidence Mr Shaw's involvement is limited.' District judge Nina Tempia remanded Shaw in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark crown court on 6 December. Flat where Roger Hallam and his girlfriend Frieda Luerken live in Kennington, South London Father-of-three Mitchell, who appeared in court wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans was representing himself and said: 'If I plead guilty then you might decide it has to go to another court anyway for sentencing, so in terms of me trying to look after three children and make travel arrangements, I don't really benefit, I am going to plead not guilty.' The 14 people charged by the Met for causing public nuisance on M25 Louise Harris, 24 (07.01.98), of Chaul End Road, Caddington (Junction 25) Rosemary Jackson, 24 (18.09.98), of Buxton Road, Startford (Junction 30) Luke Elson, 29 (17.02.93), of Buxton Road, Stratford (Junction 30) Joseph Linheart, 22 (28.10.00), of Dickenson Road, Crouch End (Junction 27) Jan Goodey, 57 (22.01.65), of Makefing Road, Brighton (Junction 16) Theresa Norton 64 (30.09.58) [address not available at the time of publication] (Junction 1a) Anthony Whitehouse, 71 (20.09.51), of West Park Street, Dewsbury (Junction 6) Callum Goode, 23 (07.11.99), of Compton, Ashton (Junction 7) Anna Retallack, 58 (15.02.64), of Grovehill Crescent, Falmouth (Junction 9) Arne Springorum, 58 (08.03.64), of no fixed address (Junction 6) Catherine Rennie-Nash, 50 (08.03.72), of Garden Road, Kendal (Junction 11) Darcy Mitchell, 47 (06.02.75), of Eight Trees, Staverton, Totnes (Junction 12) Aaron Gunning, 23 (22.01.99) [address not available at the time of publication] (Junction 22) Amy Friel, 20 (08.10.02) [address not available at the time of publication] (Junction 20) Advertisement He was released on bail on condition he does not enter London or the M25 before a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark crown court on 6 December. Mitchell added: 'My primary responsibility has to be caring for my 3 children my wife is an NHS doctor who works full time.' Hewes' case was put back until later today for his solicitor to gather relevant documents regarding his past convictions, his case will commence again this afternoon. Police have launched a 'significant' operation to identify and arrest climate change protesters suspected of planning 'reckless and serious' motorway disruption as Cop27 gets underway. The latest arrests follow a pre-emptive operation to prevent motorway disruption by the Met Police, Essex Police, Surrey Police and other neighbouring forces. Earlier today officers arrested around 16 protestors who targeted the Dartford Tunnel and at least four other junctions during the morning rush hour. Two lanes were shut at Junction 31 causing chaos at Lakeside and Essex police were also forced to shut Junction 27 where another protestor scaled the gantry. Just Stop Oil carried out an entire month of action in October and were planning daily action until Christmas. Hallam, from Walworth, is due to appear in court charged with conspiracy to cause public nuisance later today. The Met has just announced that another 14 people were charged with causing a public nuisance following protests on the M25 yesterday morning (7). They will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court this afternoon. Just Stop Oil published a statement earlier today that 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. 'We will not be intimidated by changes to the law, we will not be stopped by private injunctions sought to silence peaceful people. Our supporters understand that these are irrelevant when set against mass starvation, slaughter, the loss of our rights, freedoms, and communities.' Officials urge that if stalking victims are in imminent danger, to call 911 immediately The man reported to the police station to tell officers that he was threatened by the woman's father He later added that women enjoy rape fantasies like pornography or BDSM The man didn't understand the problem with his actions and said that females like to be chased because it is 'exciting' A video shows the moment a man told police in Lenoir City, Tennessee, he chased his female co-worker down the street after she refused to talk to him The disturbing moment a man told police that he had chased a female colleague down the street after she rejected his advances - before ranting about the 'belligerent woke LBGT s*** that has her' - has been caught on camera. In the video, the unnamed man - dubbed a 'delusional incel' by one social media commenter - tells officers that he had visited a Cracker Barrel restaurant In Lenoir City, Tennessee, where he works to play a song for his co-worker to allow her the 'free will' to decide whether she wanted to be with him. The man told officers that he followed the woman for a few blocks as she tried to escape him. Police didn't immediately get involved with the case but later said they would go to the restaurant to talk to the woman. 'I got there, and she saw me, and she immediately pulled away,' the man said. 'I wasn't forcing her to listen or anything... I just wanted to play the song for her - give her - her own choice to be with me.' 'Does she know you?' one cop asked. To which the man, who is not identified in the video, responded: 'We were talking a little bit, but it never really got serious.' He said when the woman went into the parking lot, she pulled away once she saw him. 'So I chased her a little bit - just cause - woman are crazy - like I felt like she wanted me chasing her.' The video appears to have been recorded by the man himself while talking to officers at the Lenoir City Municipal Building in Tennessee off Highway 321, which leads straight to the Cracker Barrel restaurant. It does not appear the man was arrested or that a report was filed. DailyMail.com reached out to the Lenoir City Police Department for further details. A viral video showed the moment a man told police he chased his female co-worker down the street after she refused to talk to him It's unclear where the incident occurred but the man reported to the police station to tell officers that he was threatened by the woman's father The man told police that he had worked with his female colleague for about five or six months and the pair were 'talking' at one point, but it wasn't a serious relationship. He said that he contacted them because he wanted to report that the woman's father had called him from an unidentified number and 'threatened' him to stay away from his daughter. 'Her father called me up and he made some threats to me - onto my life - so I just want to have his name on file,' the man told police. 'I think he said he's going to stab me... he said "I'm going to do something to you I swear."' To which one cop responded: 'For chasing his daughter?' 'Yeah, but it wasn't chasing, it was like going down a couple of streets. That's like fun to women. Women like that. There's a little bit of excitement,' the man said. 'Do you not think chasing somebody is crazy?' the cop responded. 'Well... I only went like a couple of blocks down the street... I had my song playing and I wanted her to hear it,' the man said. The man was confused as to why the father of his female co-worker called him after he chased her for the 'excitement' that women enjoy. It's unclear what Cracker Barrel the incident occurred out but there is on off Highway 321 in Lenoir City (pictured) The video was filmed at the Lenoir City Municipal Building - just five minutes away from the local Cracker Barrel where the alleged stalking incident occurred Police attempted to explain how the man shouldn't of chased the woman - but the man didn't see how his actions were wrong Meanwhile, one officer told him that chasing women isn't 'exciting.' 'What about BDSM and porn where women like to have rape fantasies,' the man then said. The cop responded: 'Well apparently this woman doesn't.' 'Well, who knows? Most women do like having rape fantasies,' the man insisted. 'I just want to get his name on file, just in case he does do anything to me... She's being controlled by him... I think she should go do porn.' The man couldn't provide the officers with the name of the father but insisted they would go talk to the woman. 'Here is my suggestion, leave her alone...Fathers will hurt you over their daughters,' the cop said. After the officers declined to arrest the man, they suggested he leave the woman alone and depart the Municipal Building. The man continued to record as he went to the parking lot and entered a vehicle. It was at this point that he left a message he said he hoped the woman's father would see. 'Do you know what happens when women don't ever come to terms with themselves - bad sh** happens,' he said. He then rambled about how the woman was tied up in the 'LGBT' community. 'The cops want to deny me trying to get her to be straight,' he said. 'I don't see why these traditional a***** think they could speak s*** whenever it is this belligerent woke LBGT sh** that has her.' People on social media were disturbed by the six-minute video and called the man a 'danger' to women. Video commenters were concerned about the man's past and future actions Some were i disbelief that he thinks women enjoy rape Others didn't blame the father for calling up the man and telling him to back off 'The way he talks about women and rape fantasies is a gigantic glaring red sign - saying he's thinking of raping the girl he's stalking,' one person wrote. 'This delusional incel is a serious danger to women.' 'He is 100% convinced that if he raped her, she would enjoy it and it would turn her straight and she'll fall in love with him,' another added. 'That's scary, I'd be making threats if I was her dad too.' 'That was practically a confession that he wanted to (probably even planned) [to] rape that girl.' 'Dude needs therapy, we all do, but he needs it like, this afternoon.' The man ended with the video saying he was depressed. Two more beaver enclosures are to be built near to Jamie Oliver's home to help reduce flood risk in the area. The TV chef, 47, bought an Elizabethan manor house in Finchingfield, Essex, in 2019, and a pair of Eurasian beavers were brought into the nearby Spains Hall Estate the same year. In 2020, the adult beavers, Woody and Willow, had two babies, known as kits. Two more beaver enclosures are to be built at Finchingfield Brook ahead of the introduction of two new families of beavers early next year. The 350,000 project, funded by an environmental partnership, will see two new 50-acre enclosures built, 10 times the size of the original enclosure which was built in 2019. Two more beaver enclosures are to be built near to Jamie Oliver's home to help reduce flood risk in the area The TV chef, 47, bought an Elizabethan manor house in Finchingfield, Essex, in 2019, and a pair of Eurasian beavers were brought into the nearby Spains Hall Estate the same year In 2020, the adult beavers, Woody and Willow, had two babies, known as kits Archie Ruggles-Brise, Spains Hall Estate manager, said: 'The chance to bring more natural engineering skills to the estate is beyond exciting. 'Since 2019 we've seen what beavers can do to reduce flood risk, increase drought resilience, clean water and create year-round habitat for wildlife. 'Now, thanks to the incredible support of our partners, we can supersize these benefits. 'With a massive new area to work in the beavers will help make the Finchingfield area more able to weather the changes climate change will bring, and all the while providing inspiration and experience that others can use elsewhere.' The beavers help reduce flood risk by building dams which slow down the river flow and send it through new channels and wetlands. Throughout this year's drought, the dams also helped river flows by slowly releasing retained water, helping to protect local wildlife. Two more beaver enclosures are to be built at Finchingfield Brook ahead of the introduction of two new families of beavers early next year The 350,000 project, funded by an environmental partnership, will see two new 50-acre enclosures built, 10 times the size of the original enclosure which was built in 2019 Environment Agency lead on the project Matt Butcher said: 'The beavers have shown what effective flood engineers they are in the past few years and it'll be great to extend this to a wider area.' Dr Robin Price, director of quality and the environment for Anglian Water, said: 'The effects of climate change, including the risk of drought and flooding, are felt more keenly in the east of England more than anywhere else in the UK. 'We need to find new and better ways of dealing with the challenges they bring while continuing to protect homes and businesses - and what better way to approach the problem of flooding here in Finchingfield than this wonderful, nature-based solution.' Chief Twit Elon Musk has found himself in hot water after posting an insensitive joke with an image of a Nazi soldier. The Tesla and Twitter CEO posted a photo of a World War II soldier with a crate and three carrier pigeons on his back and the caption three unread messages. Musk, the worlds richest man, then commented how times have changed, before adding: Back when birds were real. But if Twitter is bird, thats means. He compared the pigeons in the image to Twitters own blue bird to his 115 million followers, with the image of the soldier sparking outrage. Users picked up that it was of a Wehrmacht soldier from Nazi Germany, but it did not feature any obvious insignia. One, who claimed they were a descendant of ta survivor of the Holocaust called the post unacceptable beyond belief. They said: It actually sickens me there must be consequences for using such images. Advertisers should withdraw their spend on Twitter. The picture is of a German Wehrmacht soldier, part of the unified Nazi armed forces, carrying messenger pigeons on the Western front during the German invasion of France, known as the Battle of France, in WWII, circa May 1940. It carries a warning on Getty that it may contain themes, or have descriptions, that do not reflect current understanding. Elon Musk has found himself in hot water after posting an insensitive joke with an image of a Nazi soldier. He is pictured here leaving the Twitter headquarters in New York City The Tesla and Twitter CEO posted a photo of a World War II soldier with a crate and three carrier pigeons on his back and the caption three unread messages' Musk, the worlds richest man, then commented how times have changed, before adding: Back when birds were real. But if Twitter is bird, thats means. Human rights lawyer Arsen Ostrovsky pointed out that it was of a Nazi soldier, asking Musk if it was intentional. Some were quick to point out that it did not show any actual insignia, but others were angry at the way he chose to depict his off-color joke. Musk, who has dubbed himself the Twitter Complaint Hotline Operator has kept the post up despite the backlash. It comes after reports claim the CEO could put the social media giant behind a paywall in an attempt to monetize the site. The company reports that it has gained users since Musk took over the site after his $44billion buyout. The 51-year-old billionaire has been discussing the idea of creating a paywall for all Twitter users with tech investor David Sacks, sources familiar with Musk's plans told Platformer on Monday. The proposal comes as the company reported that it has actually gained more users since he became the CEO, tweeting over the weekend: 'Twitter user numbers have increased significantly around the world since the deal was announced.' Musk, who has dubbed himself the Twitter Complaint Hotline Operator has kept the post up despite the backlash Hundreds of users hit out at Musk for using the image of the Nazi soldier, with one calling it 'unacceptable beyond belief' It remains unclear what a paywall for Twitter may look like, but one person familiar with the plans said an option would be to allow everyone to use the site for a set amount of time each month, and pay a subscription to keep browsing. The amount a user spends to get past the paywall would then be in addition to the $8 Twitter users could spend each month for verified blue check marks as Musk seeks to monetize the site he bought for $44billion. But the SpaceX founder is also struggling to hold on to the sites existing revenue streams after several advertisers fled the site amid fears that the platform won't be a 'safe place for brands.' In one apparent attempt to get advertisers like General Mills, Audi and Pfizer back on the site, Twitter executives distributed an internal FAQ to its sales team on Monday to refer to when talking to potential advertisers. The FAQ, obtained by The Verge, stresses that more users have been joining the social media site since Musk took over. It says that Twitter's monetizable daily users a measure advertisers use to determine profitability of a site has grown more than 20 percent while 'Twitter's largest market, the US, is growing even more quickly.' According to the FAQ, Twitter has added more than 15million daily users who are able to see ads (mDAUs) 'crossing the quarter billion mark' at the end of the second-quarter, when it stopped reporting financial information as a public company. At that time, Twitter reported that it had 237.8million mDAUs and a 16.6 percent yearly growth rate. Over the weekend, Musk tweeted that 'Twitter user numbers have increased significantly around the world since the deal was announced' Twitter defines mDAUs as monetizable daily active users who are logged in, or who access the site on any given day. Twitter rolled out the new subscription plan over the weekend, only to later postpone its launch until after the midterm elections. As part of the revamp, the company largely via Musk's personal account said it will be launching new features, like reduced ads, the ability to post longer videos and a feature that allows users to receive priority ranking in replies, mentions and searches. But the proposal has been met with much skepticism amid Twitter employees and users alike. The existing version of Twitter Blue only had a little more than 10,000 subscribers, according to Platformer, and the new version will be 37.5 percent more expensive, requiring verified account holders to pay $8 a month to keep their blue check mark. Employees had reportedly tried to sell Musk and Sacks on the idea of just asking business accounts to pay for the extra features, since many use Twitter to reach larger audiences. And, as some employees pointed out, the new feature that would cut ad loading time in the Twitter app by half would also cost the company revenue, with some estimates showing that Twitter will lose about $6 in ad revenue per user in the United States under the scheme. But, Platformer reports, those ideas were dismissed in favor of offering wide-scale verification though it remains unclear how many people or businesses would sign up for the new experience. But Mexico City's attorney general's office had a second autopsy done under the request of Lopez's family and it determined she died of multiple force trauma Sheinbaum said Carmona's office ruled out violence as the cause of death and indicated Lopez had died of alcohol intoxication The Morelos state attorney general's office anti-corruption division said Monday it is investigating allegations of the murder's coverup Astudillo turned himself in Monday in Nuevo Leon and was transferred to the custody of police in Mexico City on Monday night Lopez's body was discovered the same day by bicyclists on the side of a road in Tepoztlan, a city in the central state of Morelos 57 miles outside Mexico City A disturbing surveillance camera video captured the shocking moment a businessman carried the body of a mother-of-one down the hallway of his Mexico City apartment building and then through an indoor garage before it was abandoned on the side of a road in the central state of Morelos. Ariadna Lopez, 27, was found dead October 31, a day after he joined her would-be alleged killers Rautel Astudillo, 34, and his girlfriend, Vanessa Flores, 20, at a local bar in the Mexico City neighborhood of Roma. The three left the bar just after 6pm local time and headed to Astudillo's apartment to party, arriving there with an unknown number of people around 7pm. Although details of how Lopez was exactly killed have not been released by the Mexico City prosecutor's office, security camera footage revealed how Astudillo carried Lopez's over his right shoulder as he walked past the elevator the morning of October 31. Astudillo proceeded down the hallway and went through the stairwell entrance. He was then picked up by a second security camera less than a minute later carrying Lopez through the garage. He then placed her inside his SUV and drove off. Lopez's body was discovered hours later by two bicyclists on the side of a road 57 miles away in the Morelos municipality of Tepoztlan. The couple took photos of her corpse's tattoos and shared them on social media with the hope that her family would recognize her. Ariadna Lopez was found dead by bicyclists October 31 on the side of a road in the Morelos city of Tepoztlan Rautel Astudillo is escorted by the police at Mexico City International Airport on Monday night. He is being investigated for the murder of Ariadna Lopez, whose body was found dumped on a road in Morelos on October 31 Surveillance footage showed Astudillo carrying Lopez's body through his building garage before placing it inside his SUV Authorities investigating the femicide arrested Flores in Ecatepec, State of Mexico, on Sunday. Astudillo turned himself in at a police station in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, on Monday before dawn. He was extradited from Monterrey to Mexico City on Monday evening and is currently being held at a prison in the Mexico City borough of Iztapala. His first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 11.30am local time. According to Mexican TV station Telediario and SDP Noticias, Mexico City investigators found that Astudillo placed nine phone calls to the Morelos state attorney general's office for guidance on where to dump Lopez's body. Investigators canvassed Astudillo's apartment and discovered blood stains on a seat cushion, the living room floor, and one of the bedrooms. Astudillo and Flores attended Lopez's funeral service Friday. The couple at one point was spotted hugging in front of the coffin. The videos contradicted Astudillo, who told reporters outside the funeral parlor that Lopez had left his apartment by herself in a taxi. Flores, who worked with Lopez at a bar, told investigators that she fell asleep and had no recollection of what occurred inside the apartment. She said that Astudillo told her that Lopez had left the home in a cab. Vanessa Flores, the girlfriend of Rautel Astudillo, was arrested Sunday in connection to the murder investigation but has not been formally charged Ariadna Lopez went out with friends to a bar in the Mexico City neighborhood of Roma and returned The damning video evidence came out hours after the Morelos state attorney general's office anti-corruption division said it had launched an investigation into the state attorney's office of Morelos and the alleged coverup led by state attorney general Uriel Carmona. Carmona held a press conference Friday and shared results of an autopsy that found Lopez's death was caused by a 'serious alcoholic intoxication and a consequent bronchial aspiration.' The attorney general added there were signs of violence on Lopez's body and that 'technically, forensically up to this point the autopsy is not consistent with a femicide.' Lopez's family, Sheinbaum explained, then reached out to the Mexico City attorney general's office and requested a second autopsy. An investigation by Mexico City prosecutors released Sunday concluded Lopez had died of multiple force trauma. On Monday afternoon, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum accused Carmona of covering up the crime. Vanessa Flores (center), the 20-year-old girlfriend of Rautel Astudillo, was taken into custody Sunday in connection to the murder of Ariadna Lopez Ariadna Lopez, a mother-of-one, was found dead on the side of a road in the central Mexican state of Morelos on October 31 Astudillo carried Lopez's body to his SUV before he drove out of the garage '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 the 2024 general elections. '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.' Carmona defended his state's forensic team's autopsy in an interview with Radio Formula after Sheinbaum's accusations came out 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.' Morelos' state anti-corruption prosecutors' office said it was looking 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. Morelos is one of the states with one of the highest rates of femicide in a country where some 10 women on average are killed every day. Five women were found dead Friday. A former marine was accused of slitting his girlfriend's throat and leaving her almost decapitated body on the ground after he flew into a violent rage. Matthew Terry, 47, was said to have murdered his girlfriend Kay Baker, 43, at their home in Lithia, Florida, by repeatedly stabbing her after an argument. The former marine's trial started on Monday at the Hillsborough County Courthouse Annex in Tampa. Prosecutors said the evening before Baker died she and Terry were at a bar and grill restaurant with friends. Matthew Terry, 37, (pictured) is accused of murdering his girlfriend Kay Baker, 43, by slitting her throat During their time eating and drinking, Baker got up to use the restroom. Diaz said video of her walking back showed her passing a friend and dancing, while a stranger walking past put his arms up and shimmied past the pair. This brief encounter enraged Terry, the court heard, and he accused Baker of dancing with the man. Later that night she called a friend from the car as she and Terry drove home. She said: 'Please tell him I wasn't dancing with another man.' Her friend said she heard her tell Terry to 'quit being stupid.' Baker sent her a text at 11.56pm that said: 'Lol. Sorry for that. So dumb. All good now.' Around 30 minutes later her neighbors Jonathan and Ruth Figgins found Baker in the early hours of May 28, this year. Kay Baker had two sons and was a third grade math and science teacher at Cypress Creek Elementary School in Ruskin Prosecutors used 911 recordings and statements to give the jury an idea of the scene they found. The Figginses ventured outside after hearing a woman's cries in the early hours of the morning. They saw what they thought was a drunken teenager passed out on the ground at the next door home. Yet when they got closer they realised it was a woman covered in blood with a large gash across her neck. She was struggling to breathe. Ruth called 911. While on the phone to them, she said: 'I don't see them breathing. I don't think they're with us.' Mother-of-two Baker was just 43 when she died that morning. Prosecutors say her live-in boyfriend Matthew Terry cut her throat, killing the third grade elementary math and science teacher, who had two sons. Assistant State Attorney Justin Diaz said when Hillsborough sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene they followed a trail of blood that led from Baker's body, through the backyard to a crop of bushes. There, they found Terry lying on his back in a T-shirt and underwear that was soaked in blood, he said. It's not the first time Terry has been accused of stabbing one of his girlfriends. The Florida man was previously jailed for three years in Michigan after he stabbed his then-girlfriend Michelle Rogers seven times in the neck, banged her head on the floor, broke her nose and slashed her face. Although capital punishment would be against the Baker family's wishes, Gov Ron DeSantis's (right) new Hillsborough State Attorney Susan Lopez (left) has said she would seek it if the jury finds Terry guilty Michelle told the Tampa Bay Times that Terry had previously dated Baker when he was in Michigan. She said the pair only reconnected during his 2017 trial for the attempts to cause bodily harm to her. The court has not yet heard about Terry's past convictions that led to Rogers being hospitalized for five days. If he is found guilty, it may be that prosecutors use the information during a sentencing hearing, where they would push for the death penalty. Although capital punishment would be against the Baker family's wishes, Gov Ron DeSantis's new Hillsborough State Attorney Susan Lopez has said she would seek it if the jury finds Terry guilty. The trial continues. Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan has said he wants to return to Australia - a year after comparing his neighborhood in Californias Venice Beach to a zoo. The frail 83-year-old, who shot to stardom in 1986, said hes bored of Los Angeles and wants to spend more time with his family. His comments come after he apparently put up a sign outside the $3.5m home he shares with son Chance, 24, warning off homeless people. 'This is my house, not yours,' said the sign, which was written in red marker pen. Venice Beach has become a homeless hotspot in recent years, with tents pitched across the neighborhood and drug paraphernalia discarded on the streets and beaches. Crocodile Dundee star Paul Hogan said he'd be happier in his native Australia than Venice Beach, where he lives in a $3.5million home, after comparing the neighborhood to a 'zoo' Hogan shot to fame in the 1986 move Crocodile Dundee and moved to Venice Beach in 2005 He also opened up in a recent interview about ongoing health problems that have left him frail Hogan previously complained during last years Covid lockdown, when he said: I'm like a kangaroo in a Russian zoo, I don't belong here. In the latest interview, Hogan told Australias A Current Affair show: 'I'm not in the place I'm meant to be, but I'm not allowed to complain about anything... 'I'd be happier if I was sort of back in Sydney permanently, because I'm sort of, I'm bored here. Hogan added: People in Australia are not aware of what an amazing place they live in. We're a mighty nation. We have an army, navy and air force. We have (an) independent, free, democratic government and sort of the best climate and some of the most beautiful spectacular places in the world. Hogan denied putting a sign outside his home last year that read 'this is my house, not yours' Hogan, 83, said he didn't put up the sign - even though he was pictured with a red marker pen The actor complained Venice Beach was like a 'zoo' amid ongoing issues with homeless camps He also revealed a debilitating condition has ravaged his health and left him too weak to carry out basic tasks on his own. The actor has struggled with muscle wastage and dramatic weight loss after being diagnosed with retroperitoneal fibrosis. The disorder leads to inflammation and extensive scar tissue in the abdominal cavity. Hogan revealed the benign growth has wrapped around the abdominal aorta and pressed on his kidney. 'I've had such a gifted life. I've had so many wonderful things happen to me without deserving them so I shouldn't complain but, yeah, ideally I'd rather be back in Sydney because I miss the rest of my family there.' He added: I'm here with Chance and I'm the only family he's got really here. He likes visiting there (Australia), but he's got his life here. He has all his friends, his bands, girlfriends, hobbies, everything. He was raised here. He is a Yank, he is a Yaussie, (a) Yank-Aussie. Paul Hogan lives in a $3.5million Venice Beach home with 24-year-old son Chance, pictured Hogan also spoke passionately about his native Australia, calling it an 'amazing, mighty' nation Hogan, pictured meeting Queen Elizabeth II, was catapulted to fame by his Croc Dundee role Hogan revealed last month he'd been 'homesick for years', as the Venice Beach neighborhood surrounding his home became a magnet for vagrants. 'I miss the people, the ambience and there's something you just can't put your finger on, but there's something about Australia that is friendlier and more laid-back,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'It never takes itself seriously there's no arrogance like there is in other places.' He moved to Los Angeles in 2005 with his ex-wife and former co-star Linda Kozlowski, who he met on the set of Crocodile Dundee. He left his first wife Noelene to pursue a love affair with much-younger Linda, now 64, and they wed in 1990. In 2014 she filed for divorce but they are said to still be on good terms and live in the same neighborhood while co-parenting their son. His home is in the once-elite beachside suburb of Venice, where a vast increase in homelessness has seen hundreds of tents line the beach's famous boardwalk and a sharp increase in crime. When asked in another recent interview how he was coping with Los Angeles' crime wave, Hogan simply said he 'doesn't go anywhere.' He added: '[I'm] bored in lockdown, and the minute I can get on the plane without being locked in a hotel for two weeks, I'm back.' Hogan put up a sign warning of the homeless in May last year. Venice Beach, where Hogan has lived since 2005, has issues with drug use and homelessness The trendy neighborhood has seen dozens of homeless tent camps spring up in recent years There are issues with open drug use, with paraphernalia left discarded on streets and beaches At the time, exclusive DailyMail.com photos showed tent-dwellers had abandoned downtown LA's Skid Row and the freeway ramps in Long Beach for Venice. Syringes with a needles attached were nestled in the sand in a children's play area on the beach and some residents said they couldnt even walk their dogs or ride their bike anymore. The homeless population has mushroomed in Venice. A count in 2014 showed only 175 people living rough. Five years later that figure stood at more than 1,200. But it was since 2020 that residents say things have spiraled out of control. Los Angeles is currently experiencing a crimewave thats put pressure on politicians to toughen up their soft-touch approach to dealing with criminals. 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. 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. Murders in LA rose 52 percent last year from 2019, and shooting incidents were up 59 per cent, according to LAPD data. Investigator Ryan Scheiderer testified Monday at the trial of George Wagner IV, one of the men accused of executing eight members of the Rhoden family He said The Boondock Saints film may have inspired the brothers in the slayings Scheiderer laid out parallels between the films and the killings The lead investigator in the Pike County massacre testified in court on Monday that the slayings of eight members of the Rhoden family in rural Ohio may have been inspired by The Boondock Saints film series. Ryan Scheiderer took the stand in the trial of George Wagner IV, 31, one of the men accused of executing members of an Ohio family in 2016, and laid out parallels between the movies and the killings. Scheiderer told the court on Monday that the Wagner brothers dyed their hair to look like the characters and showed a photo of a Beretta pistol used in the slayings, the same as those used in the films. It comes after Wagner's brother, Jake Wagner, 26, who already pleaded guilty in the murders, testified last month that he watched The Boondock Saints to 'psych himself up before the killings,' FOX19 reported. The brothers, along with their parents, George 'Billy' Wagner III, 47, and Angela Wagner, 48, were arrested for the 2016 murders of the Rhoden family in rural Ohio. Prosecutors on the case say a custody dispute between two families spurred the massacre in rural southern Ohio that started with a plan to kill just one of them, a young mother refusing to give up her daughter. Ryan Scheiderer, the lead investigator in the Pike County massacre testified at the trial of George Wagner IV (pictured) that the 2016 slayings of eight members of the Rhoden family in rural Ohio may have been inspired by The Boondock Saints film series Scheiderer told the court Monday it's believed the Wagner brothers dyed their hair to look like the characters and showed a photo of a Beretta pistol used in the slayings - same as in the films Scheiderer testified that the brothers used ski masks and equipped their guns with silencers in the killings, just like the characters did in The Boondock Saints films The trial for George Wagner IV reached its 11th week with the state expected to wrap up its arguments on Tuesday, Law & Crime reported. His brother, Jake Wagner pleaded guilty last year to shooting five members of the Rhoden family in Pike County, Ohio on April 22, 2016. Their mother, Angela Wagner, also pleaded guilty to helping plan the slayings. Both testified against George Wagner IV last month. Jake and George's father, George 'Billy' Wagner III, has pleaded not guilty. He likely won't go on trial until next year. In court on Monday, Scheiderer testified that the brothers used ski masks and equipped their guns with silencers in the killings, just like the characters did in The Boondock Saints films. The Boondock Saints is about two Irish Catholic brothers who become vigilantes and wipe out Boston's criminal underworld in the name of God. The investigator also told the court about a scene in the film in which 'The Scorpion and the Frog' fable was talked about just moments before a father kills his best friend with the help of his two sons. Scheiderer pointed out that after the massacre, George Wagner IV got a tattoo of a scorpion, which he suggested was a reference to the scene about the fable. Several other people testified for the state on Monday including Kelly Cinereski, a priest at the church the Wagner family attended in Alaska. Cinereski said the family was 'trying to find their relationship with the Lord' when they moved there in 2017. 'I hoped that they could not have done something like thatmurder,' Cinereski said, then added that the slayings were 'evil' and 'disgusting.' Scheiderer also pointed out a photo George Wagner IV holding a Beretta pistol used in the slayings, the same as what was used in the films Scheiderer told the court about a scene in the film in which 'The Scorpion and the Frog' fable was talked about just moments before a father kills his friend with help of his two sons Scheiderer also pointed out that after the massacre, George Wagner IV got a tattoo of a scorpion, which he suggested was a reference to the scene about the fable from the movie Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery star in The Boondock Saints in 1999. Jake Wagner said he watched The Boondock Saints to 'psych himself up before the killings,' FOX19 reported Tattoo artist Shawn Fisher also took the stand on Monday and testified that a tattoo of a skull and eight ball he created for George was to cover up a past tattoo and that he had suggested the design. There has been speculation that the eight ball tattoo was a symbol of the massacre of the Rhoden family, as there were eight people who died. Prosecutors said the Wagner family at the time of the massacre became 'obsessed' with getting custody over Jake's then three-year-old daughter with Hanna Rhoden after they feared the child would be molested by Hanna's new boyfriend. Hanna, then 19, was pushed by the Wagners to give custody to Jake but later wrote on social media months before the slayings that 'they will have to kill me first.' Jake testified last month that Hanna's comment was his 'tipping point' and worried his toddler daughter was at risk for abuse. 'I had no other choice than to kill Hanna,' Jake said in the crowded courtroom. Jake Wagner (center) testified in court against his brother George Wagner IV as a part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. He pleaded guilty last year to shooting five members of the Rhoden family in Pike County, Ohio on April 22, 2016. Jake pictured in court in 2021 Hanna, then 19, was pushed by the Wagners to give custody to Jake but later wrote on social media months before the slayings that 'they will have to kill me first.' She was shot in her sleep after she claimed Jake had to kill her in order to gain custody of the three-year-old they shared Hanna wasn't the only one killed in the massacre - eight members of Rhoden family were murdered, all but one were shot in the head while they slept in their homes. The victims were Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40; his ex-wife Dana Manley Rhoden, 37; and the couple's three children, Christopher Rhoden Jr., 16; Hanna May Rhoden, 19; and Clarence 'Frankie' Rhoden, 20. Frankie Rhoden's fiancee, Hannah Gilley, 20; Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother, Kenneth Rhoden, 4; and a cousin Gary Rhoden, 38, were also murdered. The Wagner family planned the massacre for nearly three months and bought masks, ammunition and a device to cut off phone signal, Prosecutor Angela Canepa said. On the night of the massacre, George, Jake and Billy drove to four separate homes across rural Ohio where the victims were killed and moved the bodies. Hanna was the main target for the Wagners - but her brothers Chris and Frankie Rhoden and their father Chris Rhoden Sr. were also on their hit list. She was shot multiple times as she slept next to her baby that she shared with another man. Jake said he previously thought about pinning the murders on Hanna's boyfriend Corey Holdren. Hanna Rhoden, the 19-year-old mother of Jake Wagner's toddler daughter, was shot multiple times while sleeping with her newborn baby. Her 16-year-old brother Christopher Jr, right, was also killed in the slayings Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40, and his ex-wife Dana Rhoden, 37, were among those killed in April 2016 in Ohio Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother Kenneth Rhoden, 44, (left) and a cousin, Gary Rhoden, 38, were also shot dead Clarence 'Frankie' Rhoden, 20, and his fiancee, Hannah Gilley, 20, were shot dead while sleeping with their child Last month, the matriarch of the Wagner family who helped with the Pike County Massacre testified in court against her son, claiming that it was her husband's idea. Angela Wagner, 52, testified that it was her husband George 'Billy' Wagner III's idea to kill the Rhoden family as he feared they would seek revenge if their son Jake, now-29, killed his baby's mother. Angela Wagner said that her younger son, Jake, had wanted to kill his child's mother, Hanna May Rhoden, 19, but that her husband, Billy, 50, objected because he believed the woman's family would seek revenge. 'They'll know, and then they come for Jake. They'd shoot him, if not all of us,' Angela Wagner said her husband had told her. He also said the rest of the woman's family 'had to be murdered,' she testified. The slayings stemmed from a child custody dispute involving another of Angela's sons and one of the victims, authorities have said. She testified it was her husband George 'Billy' Wagner III's idea to kill the Rhoden family as he feared they would seek revenge if his son Jake, now-29, killed his baby's mother (pictured L-R) Angela and Billy Wagner) Her son Jake (right) suspected his daughter Sophia was getting sexually abused as she would return to his house with her genitals being 'red' and had a 'foul odor,' according to Angela. Jake and Angela took plea deals and agreed to testify against George IV (left), who has pleaded not guilty Angela Wagner, 52, (pictured) was seen walking into court last month Angela testified that they feared Jake's daughter Sophia was being sexually abused because she would return to their home with her genital area 'red' and it had 'strong odors.' She testified that the murders were performed to protect the child, Fox19 reported. When asked why the family didn't contact Child Services, Angela reportedly said she didn't know. Angela Wagner, who was asleep when the murders happened but knew about it, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to 14 counts and agreed to testify against her older son and her husband. In return, prosecutors dismissed eight counts of aggravated murder and agreed to not seek the death penalty. Investigators claim the family bought ammunition, a magazine clip, brass catchers and a bug detector to prepare for the crimes. It is claimed that they constructed a homemade silencer that was used in the shootings and used 'counter-surveillance devices' on the properties as well as tampering with phones, cameras and parts of a home security system. The Wagner family lived in Alaska (pictured) briefly in spring 2017. Everyone but Billy wanted to live there permanently after the murders, but the father didn't because his own dad was ill The Wagner family fled to Alaska after the murders. From left to right: Edward 'Jake' Wagner, Angela Wagner and George Wagner IV are pictured outside a supermarket in 2017 Forged documents were found on the computer purporting that Hanna Rhoden had agreed to shared custody. The Wagner's took phones from six of the victims, as well as a recording device and trail cameras. Angela reportedly confessed that the family took a vote on whether they would commit the murders and both her sons and husband said yes. Prosecutors claim that Billy lured Christopher Sr to his death by setting up a fake 'lucrative' drug deal at the Union Hill Road Property before he was shot dead. George and Jake were hidden in the car and are accuse of ambushing Hanna's father before going on to three other homes along the road. In a 911 call following the shootings, a woman sounded out of breath as she frantically told a dispatcher: 'I think my brother-in-law's dead ... There's blood all over the house.' 'There's blood all over the house. My brother-in-law is in the bedroom and it looks like someone has beat the hell out of him.' In this 2016 photo, a private property sign guards the boarded up garage on property on Union Hill Road near the trailer where the bodies of Dana Rhoden and her children, Chris Rhoden Jr., and Hanna Rhoden, were found on April 22, 2016 Crime scene investigators were first called to Union Hill Road at 8.21am, when seven of the victims were found. The first three homes where bodies were found are located within a couple miles of one another on a sparsely populated stretch of road, while the eighth body was found in a house within 30 miles just before 2pm. The Wagner family moved to Kenai, Alaska, after the killings but returned to Ohio in 2018 when they ran out of money. They were arrested in November of that year. At the time, the family said they were moving to escape what they claimed was unfair speculation that were responsible for the murders. A 1,700-year-old Hindu temple in India has revealed it is sitting on a fortune of 26billion after finally counting its huge fortune. Every year, around 40million devotees visit the Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirupati Balaji, in the hills of the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh, and donate gold jewellery, bundles of cash and prized possessions, to the god Venkateswara. Despite being one of the most popular religious sites in the world, the vast riches of the so-called 'temple of wealth' were not known and an audit had never been carried out until now. But now, it has been revealed the holy site has more than ten tonnes of gold, 2.5 tonnes of jewellery, 17billion in bank deposits and 960 properties across India. Its remarkable total holdings of 26billion put it on the same level as Nestle India, the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, and major banks. A secretive 1,700-year-old Hindu temple in India has revealed it is sitting on a fortune of 26billion after finally counting its huge wealth Millions of devotees visit the Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirupati Balaji, in the hills of the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh The temple is run by a trust set up by Britons in 1933 and many Hindus believe they have to visit it once to achieve spiritual fulfilment. Venkateswara is a form of Vishnu believed to have appeared on earth to rid mankind from strife. Parsa Venkateshwar Rao Jnr, named after the temple, told The Times: 'It attracts worshippers from every corner of the country. 'People don't come once, they come again and again, for every special occasion. It defeats rational explanation but it fulfils a need in Hindus.' Pilgrims donate gold jewellery, bundles of cash and prized possessions, dedicated to the god Venkateswara The temple is run by a trust set up by Britons in 1933 and it is believed by many Hindus they have to visit it once to achieve spiritual fulfilment The site is also known as the 'rich man's temple' and is very popular with tycoons and entrepreneurs who hope it will bring them fortune. It is believed it accrued most of its current wealth during the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565 when diamonds and gold were donated. The emperor was a regular visitor and he gilded the roof with his own gold and jewels before installing a statue of himself there. Later on, neighbouring rulers went on pilgrimages to the temple and offered their own lavish donations. The site is also known as the 'rich man's temple' and is very popular with tycoons and entrepreneurs who hope it will bring them fortune During colonisation, it passed into the hands of the East India Company who gave it special status and avoided interference. In 1933, the independent Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams trust was established by the British government to manage the finances of the most visited religious centre in the world. It is the trust that has now declared the temple's enormous wealth for the first time. They own 960 properties across India spread over 7,123 acres, including guest houses, cottages, private hospitals and nearly five dozen other lavish temples. But the jewel in the trust's crown is the iconic Tirumala temple with its halls of riches. A second forensic expert comparing the fingerprints of a man facing extradition to the US have 'similar characteristics' to wanted fugitive Nicholas Rossi. Anita Vezza, a Tenprint Identification Officer, was called to give evidence at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday. The court is trying to establish the identification of a man, 35, who claims he is Arthur Knight, but whom officials in America have insisted is Nicholas Rossi who is wanted for a rape charge in Utah. American authorities claim Rossi faked his death from cancer in the US to avoid a sexual assault charge, before fleeing to Scotland. Ms Vezza, 53, confirmed she was asked to compare fingerprints taken by police from the man in HMP Saughton with those of wanted Rossi, which were issued on an Interpol red notice. The witness, who has worked in forensics for 16 years, told the court: 'I found there were similar characteristics on each that were unique to that person.' A man (pictured), whom officials in the United States have said is Nicholas Rossi, appeared at an extradition hearing in Edinburgh today The claim comes 24 hours after another identification expert, Lisa Davidson, gave evidence in court suggesting the prints were 'identical'. 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.' In today's court hearing, Ms Vezza said when comparing the man's fingerprints released by police and those of Rossi printed on an extradition request, the left thumb, the right forefinger and the left forefinger 'all had similar characteristics, unique to that individual'. Mungo Bovey KC, defending, asked Ms Vezza if she required a certain number of similarities to reach a particular view, to which she replied: 'We don't use numbers. The way it's formed is unique to that person, you're looking for uniqueness.' Cindy Aze, a registrar of birth, death and marriages for Bath and north east Somerset, was also called to give evidence at the hearing. 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 was asked to confirm details on a marriage certificate for a Nicholas Brown, 33, and a Miranda Knight, 33, who were married on February 22 2020 in Bristol. The certificate said the name and occupation for the father of Nicholas Brown was 'unknown', while for Mrs Knight the details were given. 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. 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. Rossi (left) is accused of faking his death from cancer in the US to avoid a sexual assault charge, before fleeing to Scotland 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.' 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. The case continues. Commander Abraham Thompson told DailyMail.com that they are working on identifying the victim and still looking for the missing head Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart said the victim appeared to be a white male The grisly discovery was found in the woods near an abandoned home The following day, investigators found additional body parts including a headless body that had one of its arms removed A resident in South Jackson, Mississippi, spotted a dog carrying what appeared to be a severed charred human arm in its mouth on Saturday and called police A dog was spotted running around a Mississippi neighborhood with a severed human arm hanging from its mouth as authorities search for the head of the headless corpse they discovered. The bizarre ordeal happened on Saturday when a resident driving along Middle Road in South Jackson saw a dog carrying something unusual in its mouth and then called the police. Video posted to social media showed what appeared to be a German shepherd carrying a charred human arm. The mystery in the rural Mississippi town deepened. On Sunday, as Jackson investigators combed the woods near an abandoned home on Terry Road they made the gruesome discovery of a headless body, with one of its arms missing. The victim appeared to be a white male, according to Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart, WLBT News reported. On Tuesday afternoon, Commander Abraham Thompson told DailyMail.com that they are still working on identifying the victim and still looking for the missing head. He said that he is not able to confirm if a German shepherd was the dog that located the severed limb, but he did confirm it was a canine. 'We are following up on leads and still getting phone calls, ' Thompson said. Human remains were found close to the abandoned home (pictured) on Terry Road Jackson investigators combing the crime scene after discovering a headless corpse on Sunday The rural Mississippi neighborhood where the human remains were discovered A map detailing where the severed arm was discovered and then the headless corpse It is unclear if the body was found the same day or the following day, or if the parts were removed prior to the victim's death. The headless body is currently at the Hinds County Morgue awaiting examination. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba expressed his concern at a Monday news conference regarding the grisly discovery. 'That is a very graphic and brutal picture. The mutilation of a body, my reaction is one of disgust, is one of concern,' Lumumba said. 'It's not something you grow accustomed to. It's never something you want to grow accustomed to.' As of Tuesday afternoon, Commander Abraham Thompson told DailyMail.com that they are still working on identifying the victim and still looking for the missing head. He said that he is unable to confirm if a German shepherd was the dog that located the severed limb, but he did confirm it was a canine Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba expressed his concern on Monday regarding the grisly discovery. He added: 'The way I deal with concern is to ask questions and push forward to how we can bring justice.' Jackson Deputy Police Chief Deric Hearn said this is Jackson, Mississippi's 117th homicide of the year, CBS News reported. Anyone with any information is asked to call JPD's Homicide Unit at (601) 960-1278 or contact Crime Stoppers at (601) 355-TIPS. One of the many women who have accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault recounted to a jury on Monday how she was locked in a hotel suite bathroom where the disgraced movie mogul masturbated on her. Lauren Young told jurors at Weinstein's Los Angeles rape trial that she was an aspiring actress at the time who had hoped to meet the former film producer about a script she wrote in 2013, when she claimed actress Claudia Salinas locked her and Weinstein in the bathroom of the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. Young described Weinstein's penis as 'disgusting' and said it looked like it 'had been chopped off and sewn back on.' She had previously recounted the experience at the disgraced mogul's New York trial back in February 2020 after prosecutors asked her to help establish a pattern of Weinstein's sex pest behavior. In an animated cross-examination later on Monday, Weinstein's attorney Alan Jackson picked apart Young's testimony, as he dramatically acted out bits of it, pounded his fist on the podium, and prompting a rare reaction from his client, who laughed at his commentary. Jackson poked holes in Young's story about being locked in the bathroom, saying she 'felt that you were locked in there,' but wasn't actually, and then added that she 'felt' she was 'being sexually assaulted,' but she 'was not.' Young was not one of the accusers whose stories would lead to Weinstein's conviction of rape and sexual assault, and his eventual 23-year prison sentence. Now, though, Weinstein, 70, is facing another 11 counts of sexual battery by restraint for the same crimes. If convicted, he could face life in a California prison. Lauren Young told jurors at Weinstein's trial how she was aspiring actress who had hoped to meet the former film producer about a script she wrote in 2013, when actress Claudia Salinas locked her and Weinstein in the bathroom of the Montage Hotel and he masturbated on her During cross-examination of Young, Weinstein's attorney Alan Jackson poked holes in her story about being 'locked' in the bathroom and gave visual drama with a dress she had worn Weinstein, 70, is facing 11 counts of sexual battery by restraint and could get life in prison In court on Monday, Young told jurors how she was working as a model in early 2013, but wanted to be an actress and a screenwriter. She was able to set up a meeting with Weinstein through his personal assistant, Claudia Salinas whom she considered a friend, for the night of February 19, 2013 about a script she was working on. Young initially told detectives that the assault had taken place a year earlier, days after she had been at a dinner with Weinstein at a Beverly Hills restaurant. Weinstein's attorney Alan Jackson later pointed out that she was saying the same as recently as 2020, as he attempted to poke holes in her story. Jackson also brought up her previous confusion about the site of the assault, and she acknowledged that she could not name the hotel in her first three interviews with authorities, the most recent in 2020. 'I had pushed it out of my memory,' Young said. She decided it was the Montage - which is now called the Maybourne - when police suggested it, stating she was taken to the suite there where Weinstein had been staying. 'Are you sure as you sit here today that you actually went up to Harvey Weinstein's hotel room that night?' Jackson pressed. 'Yes I'm sure,' she responded. During her testimony on Monday, on Young told the court that Weinstein was distracted and uninterested in anything she had to say, and suggested she might be a reality television host on a show like America's Next Top Model, which his company helped produce. At one point, Young said, Weinstein said he had to get ready to go present an award to Quentin Tarantino at the Los Angeles Italia Film Festival and suggested she accompany him to his room to continue the discussion. So Young said she followed Weinstein into his suite at the Montage and into his bathroom. Young added that she thought there would be another door on the other side, and he was leading her somewhere else but was shocked to see actress Claudia Salinas close the door behind them, and that she was 'trapped.' Jackson later tried to rip apart her testimony, by showing the jury photos of the door on a hinge. Jackson later claimed that her 'dramatic description' of the door sliding closed past Salinas' face was 'completely false.' 'Do you want to change your statement about being trapped and locked in that bathroom?' Jackson asked. 'You're describing a full-blown kidnapping, right?' Jackson pointed out that Young had told the detective she was 'positive' door was locked because she was 'tugging' on it. 'And the problem is, the door doesn't lock from the outside, and it's not a sliding door, right?' he pushed. She responded: 'I felt trapped.' 'I'm not asking what you felt, I'm asking what you said,' he fired back. 'I felt locked in there I was describing how I felt,' Young responded. Jackson shot back: 'You felt that you were locked in there, but you were not locked in there. You felt that you were being sexually assaulted, but you were not.' 'I was definitely sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein,' Young said. Young was not one of the accusers whose stories would lead to Weinstein's conviction of rape and sexual assault, and his eventual 23-year prison sentence. She is pictured here in 2020 Young said Weinstein's assistant at the time, Claudia Salinas, invited her to meet with the movie mogul to discuss her script. She is pictured walking into court on Monday In Young's earlier testimony, she said: 'Harvey Weinstein started the shower and immediately took off his clothes.' 'I was disgusted,' she continued. 'I had never seen a big guy like that naked. 'I actually laughed nervously and thought 'no, no, no,'' she added as she began to cry. Meanwhile, Young said, Weinstein simply continued their conversation. 'He was just staring at me talking,' Young recalled. 'I had never seen someone that big naked, so I just couldn't fathom what was even happening to me right now,' she said. 'He was just talking about the business and other actresses. And saying this is what they do, this is how I know you can act.' 'I kept saying 'no no no,' she recounted. 'He just ignored what I said.' 'Everything happened so fast.' At that point, Young said, Weinstein got into the shower while Young tried to make her escape. But, she said, Weinstein got out of the shower and blocked her from the door before she could get away. 'He said, 'We're just gonna talk,' I said 'no, no no no.' Still, Weinstein continued to harass her, and soon started 'touching' her. Young said she backed up toward the sink and turned away from the movie mogul, but he unzipped the back of her dress and pulled it down to around her hips. 'He was grabbing my breasts and jerking off, like squinting at me, not looking at me,' she said. 'Holding me there and talking to me.' 'He was just masturbating and groping me.' She said she kept saying 'no' throughout, but he continued for several minutes, and also tried to touch her vagina though she blocked him with her hands from penetrating her. Young previously recounted the experience at disgraced mogul's New York trial in February 2020 after prosecutors asked her to help establish a pattern of Weinstein's sex pest behavior 'I was really grossed out by his body and the look he was giving me,' Young said. 'I was wondering: 'How do I get out of here safe, what am I going to do? What are they gonna do to me?' 'I was very numb feeling,' she continued. 'I felt like I was outside of my body watching what was happening, I couldn't move I was frozen. I was so scared.' 'I was scared of Harvey Weinstein. that he would hurt me, or send someone to hurt me, or ruin my career, or make my life hell.' After groping her for several minutes, Young said, 'he went back to groping my right breast even harder' before ejaculating on the towel he was using and leaving the bathroom. 'I was in so much shock, I was wondering how I was going to leave, and if they were going to let me leave,' she said. 'I just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.' 'I pulled up my dress and I exited the bathroom.' 'I saw Claudia Salinas right there. I shot her an evil look. She didn't say anything. She looked at me. She had this evil look. Like a smirk. Like she roped me in on something.' She said she also saw Weinstein changing clothes before she walked out of the suite to a car. 'I sat in my car and cried and was in complete shock. I didn't know what to do. I didn't know if I should call the cops. 'I wondered 'What do I do? This guy is so powerful.' I didn't know what to do. I called my friends, got a hold of them, messaged them.' Ultimately, Young said, she decided not to tell police about what she had experienced. 'I was scared at that point that he might have an in with the cops or was corrupt like that,' she said. 'I knew he had a lot of power I was really scared.' Young was then asked to describe Weinstein's body. The incident allegedly occurred at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, now the Maybourne 'He had rolls and he was really hairy and there was moles on his body,' she replied. 'His penis was disgusting. It looked like it had been chopped off and sewn back on, like something wasn't right about it.' And when asked about Weinstein's testicles, Young said: 'I didn't really see a full sack, I literally just saw a penis.' Young said she never saw Weinstein again, but the very next day she saw Barbara Schneeweiss from Weinstein Co. with Claudia Salinas sitting in the waiting room. 'I told her 'Don't f******talk to me,'' Young said she told Salinas. 'She didn't say anything. She stayed there and just was right by me until I went into the office room. She talked to Barbara for a little bit. She talked about job offers that they wanted to give me, I told her I wasn't really interested in doing reality TV.' Young then went on to say that she was afraid of what would happen if she did not go to the meeting, but she never followed up on it. It wasn't until others started speaking out at the beginning of the #MeToo movement in 2017, Young said, that she decided to call a police hotline. 'At that point, other people were coming out and I felt safe to do so,' she said. 'I wanted to prevent it from happening to anyone else.' In her testimony, Young says Salinas, a Mexican model, locked her in bathroom with Weinstein In court on Monday, Young also positively identified photos of herself with Salinas and identified the dress and slip she wore to the meeting, which she previously gave to New York authorities. Young drew a picture of Weinstein's anatomy for LAPD, showing him naked, masturbating and holding up the hand that he was allegedly grabbing her breast with. Of the unusual testicles, Young said: 'I wasn't trying to look at it, but it was something I hadn't seen before.' Video played at the trial of suite 520 at the Montage, now the Maybourne, seemed to corroborate her story as a shower door appears to partially block the doorway out, and it seems like it would have been easy for Weinstein to step out and block the door. During cross-examination, though, Weinstein's attorney, Alan Jackson pushed her on why the text message from Claudia Salinas inviting her to meet with Weinstein has since apparently been deleted. 'You would agree, that text from CS is pretty important,' he said. ''It's the catalyst that put you in touch with Mr. Weinstein on the 19th. 'Where's that text?' he asks. 'Did you seek to delete that text? Did you seek to destroy any communication with Miss Salinas?' 'No,' Young said in response, saying she dug through computers, WhatsApp and other places to try to find it. Still, Jackson persisted, pointing to an October 2018 interview in which she told police: 'It's weird that I lost everything on my phone, when my phone erased except my numbers. 'I was very distraught in the beginning and trying to remember everything,' Young replied before Jackson questioned her about the date of the meeting saying she had previously said it had happened much later. Later Monday, Jackson gave the court rare moments of visual drama with a pair of clothing demonstrations during the continuation of his cross-examination. He pulled out the dress Young had been wearing that night and got her to acknowledge that a DNA test failed to prove Weinstein had touched it. During cross-examination, Jackson pulled out the dress Young had been wearing that night and got her to acknowledge that a DNA test failed to prove Weinstein had touched it Jackson also tried to cast doubt on whether Weinstein could have slipped out of his suit as quickly as she described. He pulled off his own suit coat to demonstrate. 'I'm just going to take my jacket off, I'm not going to go any further,' Jackson said. 'Please don't,' Young answered. When asked how Weinstein could have unfastened everything so quickly, Young answered that he may have gotten started while he was walking down the hall, a method she used to use for quick changes as a model. 'Does Mr. Weinstein strike you as a model?' Jackson asked. 'No, but he's definitely a monster,' Young replied. Jackson then pointed out her confusion in the statements she gave detectives, which have grown in details since then. 'And since then your testimony and your statements have gotten far more detailed and far more colorful, right?' 'My trauma, I got to relive it by walking through that room,' Young said. 'I had been in other rooms and didn't feel anything. When I walked in that room, I felt everything flow back in.' Young also defended herself by saying that 'when you are sexually assaulted, things get blocked out,' so she remembers 'bits and pieces,' but added that through her interviews with authorities, she was able to remember details more clearly. 'It was traumatic and it's a memory that I have that I wish never happened,' she said. 'There are parts I will never be able to forget.' 'I know that's your story,' Jackson started. Young shot back: 'It's not a story. It's what happened to me.' Weinstein could be seen shaking his head from the defendant's table. Young's testimony echoes that which she gave at a New York trial in February 2020 Young tried to keep a low profile by keeping her head down and covering her hair with a scarf when she arrived to court in New York According to allegations in an indictment and court testimony, the assault of Young came the day after Weinstein raped an Italian model at a different hotel during the run-up to that year's Academy Awards, where Weinstein was annually a major player. Weinstein, 70, has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of rape and sexual assault involving five women. He has said that many of those incidents were consensual, though in the case of Young his defense denies there was any sexual interaction. Her testimony on Monday echoes what she told a New York jury back in 2020. But at the time, Weinstein's defense lawyer Damon Cheronis tried to cast doubt on Young's testimony by pointing out that she initially told the Los Angeles District Attorney that she 'blacked out' for a portion of the alleged assault. Young said: 'I stated it was a blacking out of my memory. I blocked out some memories because it was such a traumatic experience.' 'So when you told (prosecutors in May 2019) you used all your strength to try and open the door, that was just wrong?' she was asked. 'Yes,' she replied, adding she 'recollected all my memories and retraced all my steps.' The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said the campaign of harassment ended when her parents removed her from school Rosing also spread false rumors her classmate had gotten pregnant and had an abortion The woman alleges that when she was 15, she was constantly harassed and bullied by Rosing who doxxed her by posting her number online with a message that she would send nudes A high school classmate of racist University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing has branded her a 'bully who made my life hell' and has now had her 'true personality' revealed. The woman alleges that when she was 15, she was constantly harassed and bullied by Rosing who doxxed her by posting her number online with a message that she would send nudes - and spread false rumors around their school that she had gotten pregnant and had an abortion. At one point the girl and her family even threatened to involve the police and press charges. The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, told DailyMail.com that the constant harassment and bullying only ended when her parents removed her from Beechwood Independent High School at the end of the year. Rosing, a 22-year-old business and marketing major, was arrested early Sunday after launching herself at Kylah Spring, a black student who was working the front desk of the dorms at the University's Lexington, Kentucky campus. Footage showed her unleash a 10-minute-long racist tirade during which, court documents reveal, she called Spring a 'n*****' more than 200 times - and sang the slur as she was carted off by cops. A former classmate of racist University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing (pictured), who attended Beechwood with her, has branded her a 'bully' who has had her 'true personality' exposed by her own vile rant Rosing, pictured in high school, allegedly started rumors about the pupil 'getting pregnant and getting an abortion' in high school, which was not true On Monday, Rosing sobbed as she 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. She was later released on $10,000 bail and collected her parents. Her lawyer has said she will now go to rehab for 'treatment for her issues' and will attend a racial sensitivity course. Rosing's ex-classmate said: 'I always felt like I had to bow down to her. She started rumors about me, she told a bunch of people that I was pregnant and got an abortion in high school which was not true. 'The harassment caused by her was just constant, she would say nasty comments in the hallway and at one point we had to threaten to press charges unless she stopped. 'She would also comment on big Instagram pages posting my number and saying that I would send explicit images, so I would be harassed by men of all ages because of her doing that. 'She also tried to get me, and my siblings kicked out of school, saying that they didn't live in the district. Beechwood is an independent school, and you have to live in the district. 'Once she saw my stepbrother go home to his mom's so then tried to get us all kicked out of Beechwood. She bullied me and made my life hell. 'I was pulled out of the school at the end of the year because of her constant bullying.' She also says Rosing's parents will 'throw money' at the problem in an attempt to 'make it go away'. The business and marketing major was pictured leaving Fayette Detention Centre on Monday night, with her parents Jill and Don Rosing who paid her $10,000 bail. Her head was covered and she tried to hide her face by holding paper in front of herself. Rosing, 22, has 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. She was later released on $10,000 bail and collected her parents. Rosing, 22, was arrested early Sunday morning after 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 Rosing is seen here early Sunday morning launching herself at fellow student Kylah Spring, who was working at the front desk of a dormitory on campus 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 In an Instagram post following the altercation, Kylah Spring described what she had endured Her ex-classmate added: 'Not a lot of people of color attend Beechwood, but I don't recall her ever saying anything outwardly. 'Her parents are going to throw money at this to try to make it go away for her. The video 100% shows her true colors, her behavior has been the same since high school. 'She doesn't live in a mansion by any means, but she does live in a very expensive area. Her bragging about how much money she has isn't new either, she would do that at school too. 'Everything that happened is not new behavior, it was not a loss of judgement she has just had her true personality be exposed due to her drunken behavior. 'She is not a very nice person, and karma comes around.' In the full 10-minute video of Rosing's assault, which shows her use the n-word 200 times, she is told that she has ruined her life to which she brazenly replies 'no I didn't' before singing the n-word over and over before police arrived to arrest her. Even after the University of Kentucky officer has her in handcuffs, she can still be heard singing the word as she is dragged away. Rosing can also be heard telling Spring to 'do her chores' as well as calling her an 'ugly n***** b****' while horrified students look on and some try to intervene. During her rampage, Rosing told University of Kentucky police officers that she gets 'special treatment' because she has 'lots of money'. Court documents revealed she 'kicked and bit' officers as they tried to place her under arrest. University Police were finally able to take Rosing into custody just before 4am on Sunday following the now-viral incident. She was held at the Fayette County Detention Center where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours so was processed as a Jane Doe. When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing. She was escorted out of the jail by her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, after apparently posting bail The blonde 22-year-old was pictured trying to obscure her face as she left the jail Monday night In an email to students following the altercation, President Eli Capilouto said Spring 'acted with professionalism, restraint and discretion.' 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. But Capilouto is now under pressure from students to expel Rosing. Spring 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.' Spring, made an impassioned speech at an anti-racism march on Monday night, a day after the attack. When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing The desk clerk, a freshman at the university, became emotional as she addressed the dozens of people who attended the march in her honor. She told the crowd: 'I was physically, verbally and racially assaulted by Jane Doe, aka Sophia Rosing. 'This is a recurring issue in and across the American school system no matter what age. I am deeply saddened by the events that took place, but I am most grateful for justice that is to come. To Miss Rosing. You will not break my spirit and you will be held accountable for your actions. I only pray that you open your heart to love and try to experience life differently and more positively. 'As Michelle Obama once said, when they go low, we go high. I will continue to address this situation with grace and humility.' 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 A year before the vile racist incident, Rosing had bragged to fellow students: 'I'm rich as f*** and you're 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. Since Sunday's attack, Rosing herself 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 Dillard's has been terminated immediately.' A Scottish nationalist MSP has been blasted for wearing a home-made a pro-independence 'peace' poppy at Holyrood with veterans branding her actions 'an insult'. SNP backbencher Michelle Thomson is facing a backlash after attending a finance committee hearing at Holyrood today wearing the white poppy with a 'yes' logo at its centre. The move comes less than 72 hours before Armistice Day, marking the end of the First World War and honouring Britain's military personnel who died defending the nation. Ms Thomson has insisted she never meant to cause offence and said she only attached the 'yes' badge to keep her poppy on as she didn't have a safety pin. But her actions have outraged veterans, with former troops claiming her decision to use the political symbol was both distasteful and offensive. SNP backbencher Michelle Thomson is facing a backlash after attending a finance committee hearing at Holyrood today wearing the white poppy with a 'yes' logo at its centre 'This is an insult to veterans,' Bruce Wilson, a former Royal Marine Captain and veterans spokesman for the Scottish Lib Dems told the Daily Telegraph. 'It seems like there is nothing the nationalists wont slap a Yes sticker on. 'Regardless of whether you choose to wear a white poppy or a red one, this is a symbol of solemn remembrance, not a stunt to publicise your narrow-minded political cause.' White poppies are handed out by a pacifist body called the Peace Pledge Union, which says the symbol represents all victims of war rather than just the members of the British military. Traditionally, the red poppy is worn to mark the period of Remembrance each November. But some anti-war campaigners have claimed the icon has become associated with militarism and has lost its original meaning. Her actions have outraged veterans who branded her decision to wear the 'peace' symbol an 'insult' Ms Thompson's decision to wear the white poppy ignited a wave of criticism from rival politicians at the Scottish Conservative Party. 'This is beyond tacky and tasteless from Michelle Thomson,' Tory MSP Sharon Dowey said, according to the Herald Scotland. 'To stoop so low as to politicise our fallen war heroes to push her pro-independence message actually beggars belief. 'Its clear that her obsession with separating Scotland from the UK trumps everything including her sense of decency. 'Imagine the outcry if a company sought to co-opt the poppy for advertising purposes. Well, this is the political equivalent of that its shameful and yet shameless. 'Remembrance is a solemn time of the year when the nation unites to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. Whatever their political beliefs, all right-thinking Scots will be appalled by Michelle Thomsons cheap stunt.' A spokesman for Ms Thomson insisted the SNP MSP had never meant to cause any offence and that a 'yes' independence badge had been attached to the white poppy to keep it pinned to her jacket A spokesman for Ms Thomson insisted she had only attached a political symbol to the symbol as her previous white poppy had disintegrated, the Telegraph reported. 'Michelle wore a white poppy all last week, and its message of peace is something she strongly believes in, the spokesman said. 'Unfortunately, this poppy, being made of paper, came apart at the weekend. Upon arrival at the committee, she asked a colleague for another white poppy and received one but without a safety pin. 'She used her Yes badge to affix it prior to obtaining another safety pin after the committee. No offence was intended. 'Her white poppy, promoting the message of peace, will be affixed in the usual manner in the Scottish Parliament after committee today.' Advertisement Three men have been arrested in dawn raids at two north London addresses as part of a Metropolitan Police crackdown on drugs and violence in the capital. The trio, aged 24, 25 and 29 and all from Islington, were detained on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs on Tuesday and remain in custody. Police are currently targeting London drug lines as part of Operation Yamata, launched in April as an offshoot of the force's county lines response. It comes after new Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley listed drug gangs as one of five key areas the Met will focus on in a bid to boost confidence in Britain's largest police force. As part of the plan for his first 100 days, the force is seeking to disrupt high-risk and high-impact offenders, identifying those responsible for enforcing illegal markets through serious violence. Three men have been arrested in dawn raids at two north London addresses as part of a Metropolitan Police crackdown on drugs and violence in the capital The trio, aged 24, 25 and 29 and all from Islington, were detained on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs on Tuesday and remain in custody Police are currently targeting London drug lines as part of Operation Yamata, launched in April as an offshoot of the force's county lines response It comes after new Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley listed drug gangs as one of five key areas the Met will focus on in a bid to boost confidence in Britain's largest police force As part of the plan for his first 100 days, the force is seeking to disrupt high-risk and high-impact offenders, identifying those responsible for enforcing illegal markets through serious violence Since April, the operation has closed 112 lines, arrested 91 people and seen 85 charged, and seized 135,086 in cash, according to figures from the Met Outlining his plans for reform in September, Sir Mark highlighted drugs lines as one of the issues the Met would prioritise, along with arresting wanted suspects, neighbourhood policing, fraud and violent offenders He pledged changes including issuing every officer with their own work mobile phone and looking at advances in digital forensics Sir Mark said he wants to be able to show the public that progress has been made in key areas in 100 days, and to bring the force out of a form of special measures in 12 to 18 months The Commissioner also wants to bring the annual number of homicides down below 100 Officers from Metropolitan Police raid a house in Islington, north London, as part of a crackdown on drugs and associated violence in the capital Since April, the operation has closed 112 lines, arrested 91 people and seen 85 charged, and seized 135,086 in cash, according to figures from the Met. Outlining his plans for reform in September, Sir Mark highlighted drugs lines as one of the issues the Met would prioritise, along with arresting wanted suspects, neighbourhood policing, fraud and violent offenders. He pledged changes including issuing every officer with their own work mobile phone and looking at advances in digital forensics. Sir Mark said he wants to be able to show the public that progress has been made in key areas in 100 days, and to bring the force out of a form of special measures in 12 to 18 months. He also wants to bring the annual number of homicides down below 100. Advertisement New York Governor Kathy Hochul was joined by Democrat firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Tuesday morning in a last ditch attempt to appeal to voters as her advisers and top donors panicked over opponent Lee Zeldin's sudden surge in the polls. Both AOC and Hochul are running in today's midterm elections but Hochul, who inherited the governorship from Andrew Cuomo last year, is facing mounting resistance from Republican Lee Zeldin. In a tighter-than-expected race, she now has 52 percent of the vote to Zeldin's 45 percent, according to a recent poll by RealClearPolitics. It is a considerably small margin for New York and less than the 12 point lead she held just a month ago. By contrast, Cuomo won the 2018 midterm election with 59 percent over his Republican opponent's 36 percent. Zeldin's comeback has spooked Hochul's donors and advisers, some of whom fear she will pay for ignoring key issues like crime and the economy. Some told CNBC on Tuesday they are 'concerned' about her narrowing lead and fear she has not reassured New Yorkers, many of whom are terrified by the ongoing crime wave across the state and largely in New York City. Last week, Hochul tried to attract last-minute donations with a $50,000-a-table fundraiser at Manhatta, one of New York City's glitziest restaurants which sits on the 60th floor of a towering downtown skyscraper. On Tuesday however, she greeted voters at a polling station in Woodside, Queens, and met with members of the New York Working Families Party. Earlier in the day, Hochul appealed to voters at diners in Manhattan while Zeldin, her Republican opponent, cast his vote in Mastic Beach. Scroll down for video Kathy Hochul and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez make a campaign stop at the 61st subway stop in Woodside Queens to drum up final votes. AOC is expected to win in New York's 14th Congressional District but Hochul is facing tougher resistance in the governor's race Hochul and AOC were in Queens appealing to voters as millions headed to the polls. It is the first time Hochul has run for the governorship - she inherited it in 2021 from Andrew Cuomo AOC, one of the Democrats' most left-wing candidates, is expected to comfortably reclaim her seat in the House A large part of the problem for Hochul is a surge in crime across New York City that has been blamed largely on Democrats like Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. CNBC reports on Tuesday that Hochul's advisers and top donors have been warning her to stop ignoring key voter issues like crime and the economy, but that it largely fell on deaf ears. She has been choosing instead to remind voters of her opponent's track record of supporting anti-abortion legislation. In in a recent debate, she even told Zeldin 'I don't know why that's so important to you' when he challenged her on crime and bail reform. While her focus on the economy seems to have increased, her stance on crime has not become any tougher. Last week, she held a last-minute fundraiser at Manhatta, a downtown hotspot and one of New York's most expensive restaurants, where tickets cost up to $50,000-a-table. It was a final effort to attract more donation. But her investors fear a surprise upset in today's election that they say could be reminiscent of Trump's shock victory in the 2016 Presidential Election. One told CNBC anonymously that he still has 'PTSD' from the Trump win. Among donors who fear Hochul is not delivering the right message is New York businessman Bernard Schwartz, who gave Hochul's campaign $69,000. Hochul's opponent is Lee Zeldin, a Republican who is focused on cracking down on crime and helping the economy recover. He is shown casting his vote today in Mastic Beach In a tighter-than-expected race, she now has 52 percent of the vote to Zeldin's 45 percent, according to a recent poll by RealClearPolitics. It is a considerably small margin for New York and less than the 12 point lead she held just a month ago. By contrast, Cuomo won the 2018 midterm election with 59 percent over his Republican opponent's 36 percent Hochul's lead on Zeldin has narrowed in the last few months and is now in the single digits - a surprising result in a historically Democratic state 'I am concerned. She changed her strategy, but she was being advised that the voter was most concerned about the economy and less concerned about crime. 'Im not so sure that that message is being projected out by the Democrats because the economy should be a stronger point for the Democrats,' he told CNBC. Zeldin has been endorsed by The New York Post Kathryn Wylde of the New York business lobbying group Partnership for New York City said some business leaders across New York believed Hochul had been 'too ambivalent on crime, aside from gun control' throughout the campaign. Some have begged her to promise to fire Bragg if she is elected to demonstrate to voters that she does care about crime. She is said to have refused to do so, citing the fact that he was elected as reason for why he should stay in office. One donor who is throwing his weight behind Zeldin is Estee Lauder billionaire Ronald Lauder. 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. They are among New Yorkers who have become sick of the escalating crime. ''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,' Lauder said, speaking to the dangers of the country being run entirely by Democrats. He added: 'You couldn't pay me to get on the subway', and said he wouldn't want his children or grandchildren having to use public transport with bodyguards. 'It has nothing to do with money for myself, a millionaire tax. Frankly, if I was a different person, I would have moved already,' he said. 'He sees the city heading in the direction that it headed in the mid-1970s. He doesnt want to see that. And I understand that,' Richard D. Parsons, the former chairman of Citigroup, told The New York Times of Lauder's position. But instead of focusing on crime, Hochul has repeatedly referred to Zeldin's track record on Roe v Wade while campaigning. He has been supportive of anti-abortion legislation in the past but insists he will not do anything to change the law in New York, where abortion is codified. 'The abortion law in New York, which was passed a few years ago, codified far more than Roe. 'When we woke up the day after the [Supreme Court] decision, the law in New York was exactly the same as it was the day before. Nothing changed, and Im not going to change it,' he said last month. Democrats, including Hochul, are suspicious of him. The discovery of an extra 1,400 pieces of legislation is threatening the Government's promise to review all EU laws retained in Britain by the end of 2023, it has emerged. Ministers have been pursuing plans to assess all EU laws kept on the UK statute book after Brexit with the aim of scrapping those that are no longer considered necessary. An ongoing Government audit of retained EU law - to identify where Brussels' rules should be removed, replaced or updated - has so far found more than 2,400 pieces of legislation. But, according to the Financial Times, there has now been the discovery of 1,400 additional pieces of legislation by the National Archives. It means Whitehall now faces the prospect of having to trawl through 3,800 retained EU laws. The newspaper reported that Business Secretary Grant Shapps was keen to slow down the ongoing review of EU legislation after being warned hundreds of extra staff would be needed. 'We will slow things down to a sane pace,' an ally of the Cabinet minister said. But Mr Shapps' predecessor, Jacob Rees-Mogg, today insisted it would be 'simple' to remove extra pieces of legislation uncovered by the National Archives. He said: 'These laws are ones departments do not use and were dredged up from the National Archives. 'Removing them is simple and the fact that they were unknown shows the absurdity of retained EU law. It must go.' Ministers have been pursuing plans to assess all EU laws kept on the UK statute book after Brexit with the aim of scrapping those that are no longer considered necessary An ongoing Government audit of retained EU law - to identify where Brussels' rules should be removed, replaced or updated - has so far found more than 2,400 pieces of legislation Former business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted it would be 'simple' to remove the extra pieces of legislation - but his successor Grant Shapps is said to want to slow down the review Mr Rees-Mogg had spearheaded efforts to review remaining EU legislation before resigning from the Government last month. Prior to his departure as business secretary, he had championed the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, which sets a deadline of 2023 for the work to be completed. Mr Rees-Mogg has previously described the Bill as being of 'fundamental constitutional importance' because it 'removes the supremacy of EU law', as well as 'restoring parliamentary sovereignty'. Fellow Tory eurosceptic David Jones, a former Brexit minister, warned he would be 'very unhappy' if there was a delay to completing the review of retained EU laws by the end of 2023. He added he 'absolutely' believed the exercise could be completed by then. But Theresa Villiers, another Tory Brexiteer, has recently expressed fears the ongoing review could overwhelm the civil service as there was 'an immense amount of work to do'. It is understood that ministers have yet to verify the 1,400 pieces of additional legislation found by the National Archives, which uses a different method for tracking retained EU laws. A Government spokesperson said: 'The Government is committed to taking full advantage of the benefits of Brexit, which is why we are pushing ahead with our Retained EU Law Bill, which will end the special legal status of all retained EU law and allow us to ensure our laws and regulations best fit the needs of the country. 'The process of identifying and recording EU-derived legislation is an ongoing process, and an essential exercise in accelerating regulatory reform and reclaiming the UK statute book. 'The Governments record of legislation will be refined over time, as more retained EU legislation is repealed, replaced, or identified.' Advertisement An American aid worker was shot dead during an ambush attack in Baghdad while with his wife and child. Stephen Edward Troell was shot in his car Monday as he drove through the streets where he lives in the central Karrada district on the east bank of the Tigris River, officials said. Troell was cut off by one car and then shot dead by assailants that passed him in another car. The attack was described as a 'botched kidnapping attack,' according to Kurdistan 24, a local news outlet. 'We are closely monitoring local authorities' investigation into the cause of death,' a spokesperson for a State Department said. 'We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss and stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.' Troell's wife and child were uninjured - and the aid worker's body was later taken to the Sheikh Zayed Hospital. The gunmen haven't been identified. Stephen Edward Troell, an American aid worker, was shot while driving with his family on Monday in Baghdad. Pictured: Troell with his family Troell worked in Baghdad alongside his wife (above). She was in the car when he was shot Troell was driving through his street in the central Karrada district when he was cut off by a car and shot by assailants in another car He was taken to the Sheikh Zayed Hospital (above) where he was pronounced dead The ambulance believed to be carrying Troell's body on Monday Officers were seen outside the hospital Troell was taken to on Monday night Troell was a Tennessee native and worked in advertising at the Global English Institute in Iraq - a language organization with headquarters based in Texas known as Millennium Relief and Development Services. The company paid tribute to Troell, who worked in Iraq alongside his wife. 'He loved the people of Iraq,' the company wrote in a statement, according to The Washington Post. 'He will be remembered as a source of great encouragement and will be missed by all who knew him and were touched by his life.' Weeks before his death, Troell posted a video on Social Media advertising the work of the Global English Institute in Baghdad. The video showed Troell enthusiastically introducing new English learning courses and a CPR class. 'We would be glad to help you on your English language journey, we love what we are doing here, helping people enjoy the English language and taking that journey,' Troell said. The institute announced Troell's death on Facebook and said the center would be closed for the next two weeks. 'It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to our dear (Stephen Troll), who has always loved Iraq and its people and sought to serve it,' the center wrote. 'We apologize that the center will be closed for two weeks and after that, we return to complete our English courses to keep our message as we promised you, which is learning English and spreading love and peace for the sake of our country's people. Iraq officers were seen standing outside the hospital where the body was taken One officer was seen standing at the car entryway of the hospital Monday's killing was rare - especially since Iraq has become more safe for visitors in recent years Troell had appeared in a social media video two weeks before to talk about English courses offered at his work, the Global English Institute Troell had been renting an apartment in the Karrada's Wahda area since May last year, according to the Associated Press. His social media profile shows he was a deeply religious and devoted family man, often posting photos with his wife and three young daughters, with a special devotion to the Middle East. In his Twitter biography, he described himself as living and serving in the region. In one post, Troell posed with his wife on a Baghdad bridge as the sun set behind them. "What a wonderful place!" he wrote. The death of a foreigner in Iraq is rare, especially since security conditions have enhanced and tourism has improved. Such attacks against individuals in the Iraqi capital have been sparse 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. Advertisement As midterm voting kicked off around the country Tuesday, pockets of problems were quickly reported in states including Arizona, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in elections expected to draw record turnout. In Arizona's Maricopa County - the most populated county, which has the ability to swing an election between Republicans and Democrats - the chairman of the county supervisors Bill Gates said that 20 percent of the 223 voting centers had machines that were malfunctioning. In a video posted to Twitter Gates explained that about one in five ballots at those centers wasn't being properly read by the 'tabulators.' 'We're trying to fix this problem as quickly as possible,' Gates said. 'And we also have a redundancy in place.' He then showed how voters could place their ballots instead in a secure box so they could be tabulated later. Registered voters in Maricopa County can go to any voting center in the county. Still, Republicans on Twitter were furious at the news - as Arizona hosts both a competitive Senate and gubernatorial race. In Pennsylvania, due to the Republican National Committee and other GOP groups winning a lawsuit in state court that would make undated mail-in ballots not count, thousands of voters in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas were alerted they must 'cure' their ballots. Election officials have advised these voters to come to the county election offices to cure their ballot, request a new mail-in ballot or vote by provisional ballot on Election Day to fix these mistakes. In Arizona's Maricopa County 20 percent of the 223 voting centers had machines that were malfunctioning 'We're trying to fix this problem as quickly as possible,' said Bill Gates (left), chairman of the Maricopa County supervisors. 'And we also have a redundancy in place' Voters in Philadelphia wait in line to vote on Election Day. In Pennsylvania, thousands of mail-in ballots could be tossed out, as voters didn't date them properly In Allegheny County, where Pittsburgh is located, nearly 1,000 voters were on a list of individuals who forgot to date or incorrectly dated their ballots. In Philadelphia, the Board of Elections alerted nearly 2,000 their ballot lacked a date. Nearly 400 more potentially dated their ballots incorrectly. Additionally, around 150 Philly voters didn't sign their mail-in ballot, while around 1,000 voters turned in 'naked' ballots, meaning they forgot to mail in their ballots surrounded by a secrecy envelope. Voters have until November 14 in Pennsylvania to 'cure' their ballot. The campaign for Democratic Senate hopeful John Fetterman has filed a lawsuit in federal court to challenge the ruling, made by the divided Pennsylvania Supreme Court. 'The Date Instruction imposes unnecessary hurdles that eligible Pennsylvanians must clear to exercise their most fundamental right, resulting in otherwise valid votes being arbitrarily rejected without any reciprocal benefit to the Commonwealth,' attorneys for Fetterman and other Democratic groups argued. 'The date on a mail ballot envelope thus has no bearing on a voters qualifications and serves no purpose other than to erect barriers to qualified voters exercising their fundamental constitutional right to vote. This unnecessary impediment violates the Civil Rights Act and the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution,' they continued. Additionally, a judge in Monroe County in Northeast Pennsylvania on Monday green-lit the way for voters to be alerted that their ballots had mistakes. In Mercer County, New Jersey all the Dominion-made voting machines were down. Officials told voters they can still show up to the polls and cast a traditional paper ballot. 'The Board of Elections has advised the county of issues with voting machines. Poll workers will be on hand to walk voters through the process. The board is working with Dominion, the machine maker, to resolve the issue,' the country's Facebook page read. New Jersey residents aren't voting for a governor or a senator this year, but more than a quarter of the state House seats are competitive. In Iron County, Utah, voters were warned they may have to vote in person because of delays in mail-in ballots. MIAMI, FLORIDA: There's also several tight governor's races across the country that could see MAGA Republicans leading more states NEW GLOUCESTER, MAINE: Republicans are expected to make a strong showing on Election Day, according to multiple polls RYDAL, PENNSYLVANIA: Images from all along America's East show long lines of voters already waiting to cast their ballots on Election Day The former president briefly spoke with reporters after casting his ballot, urging all Americans to do the same 'no matter who you vote for' Donald Trump and his wife Melania voted in person on Tuesday morning at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center in Palm Beach, Florida Meghan Markle has voted in the California midterm elections, she revealed today - while sharing an image of herself proudly sporting an 'I voted' sticker AOC, one of the Democrats' most left-wing candidates, is expected to comfortably reclaim her seat in the House Britain could agree a deal with the EU over Northern Ireland before the end of the year as Brussels tests a UK goods tracking system. Officials from the bloc are said to be carrying out checks on a UK database system that would alleviate customs problems at Ulster's sea borders with Britain. If it meets with approval it could create a landing strip for a deal, Bloomberg reported, though other outstanding issues remain. They include the role of the European Court of Justice in dispute resolution. But it remains the best hope of unlocking a problem that has brought Northern Ireland's political system to a standstill. It comes as Ireland's foreign minister said a deal between the EU and the UK on post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland is possible before January. Simon Coveney's optimism comes as the governments in Dublin and London prepare for talks at a British-Irish summit later this week. Europe's pointman on talks to resolve the row, Maros Sefcovic, on Monday said agreement could come within weeks with the right 'political will'. Officials from the bloc are said to be carrying out checks on a UK database system that would alleviate customs problems at Ulster's sea borders with Britain. It remains the best hope of unlocking a problem that has brought Northern Ireland's political system to a standstill (Stormont parliament pictured) It comes as Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney said a deal between the EU and the UK on post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland is possible before January. Europe's pointman on talks to resolve the row, Maros Sefcovic, on Monday said agreement could come within weeks with the right 'political will'. Mr Coveney said Ireland's prime minister Micheal Martin will meet his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak at the summit in Blackpool on Thursday. 'We need to get this issue behind us in terms of the protocol in a way that respects an international treaty that's been signed,' he said. 'I think it's doable by the end of the year,' he told reporters in Dublin, stopping short of a definitive timeline for talks. Relations between EU member Ireland and the UK, which left the bloc in 2021, have been damaged by disagreements over the implementation of trade arrangements in UK-run Northern Ireland. The deal signed by London and Brussels effectively keeps Northern Ireland within the European single market and customs union. Northern Ireland has the UK's only land border with the EU but it needs to be kept open under the terms of a 1998 peace deal that ended decades of violence over British rule. It has led to checks on goods heading to the province from Great Britain - England, Scotland and Wales - which the UK and pro-UK parties in Northern Ireland oppose. The UK wants to unilaterally overhaul the protocol through legislation currently making its way though parliament despite EU warnings it could spark reprisals and a possible trade war. Coveney said this week's summit would also give the UK the opportunity to provide 'some clarity' on its approach to elections in Northern Ireland. Last week, London backtracked on calling a December election to the region's devolved assembly, which has been paralysed since February over unionist opposition to the Northern Ireland protocol. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the largest pro-UK party in the province, wants the arrangements overhauled or scrapped entirely, saying they threaten Northern Ireland's constitutional place in the UK. Coveney called for compromise on all sides, including in the DUP and said talks were the way forward. In London, Sunak and his senior ministers agreed that restoring the Belfast assembly and protecting the Good Friday Agreement was their 'absolute priority'. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris told his colleagues he had carried out 'extensive engagement' in the region in recent days, Sunak's office said in a statement. He was expected to outline his 'informed approach' based on those discussions to parliament on Wednesday, it added. It is understood that the baby recovered after receiving CPR for 15 minutes Wheeler had invited a friend round and they snorted two lines of cocaine each The baby started to cry and his heart beat faster before he stopped breathing He was jailed for 18 months at Perth Sheriff Court after exposing him to cocaine Goe Wheeler, 30, from Perthshire, was looking after the baby in December 2020 A man who was meant to be looking after a nine-week-old baby while the child's mother attended a funeral has been jailed after the child ingested cocaine and stopped breathing. Goe Wheeler, 30, from Blairgowrie in Perthshire, Scotland was jailed for 18 months after the baby was exposed to the Class A drug while in his care and almost died, but recovered after receiving emergency medical attention. He pled guilty to culpably and recklessly causing the baby to ingest cocaine to the danger of his life in December 2020. Perth Sheriff Court heard he was looking after the nine-week-old boy while the child's mother attended a funeral. Goe Wheeler, 30, from Blairgowrie in Perthshire, Scotland was jailed for 18 months after the baby was exposed to the Class A drug while in his care and almost died But Wheeler invited a friend round and they took two lines of cocaine each. The court was told it likely entered the boy's system when Wheeler took the child out of the crib. It became clear something was wrong when the baby was constantly crying, his heart was beating faster than normal and he was refusing to feed. The child, who cannot be identified, was taken to a medical centre where he stopped breathing and had to be given CPR for 15 minutes to revive him. It is understood that the child recovered. The court heard urine samples taken from the child during his distress at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee showed he had ingested cocaine. Perth Sheriff Court heard he was looking after the nine-week-old boy while the child's mother attended a funeral (file image) It was said that Wheeler then admitted he had taken cocaine while he was looking after the baby and suggested he might have passed some to the child either from his body or his personal items. Sheriff Euan Duthie said: 'You clearly endangered [the child's] life and this incident involved a high degree of recklessness on your part. 'I am satisfied, given the seriousness of the offence, that the only suitable disposal is a custodial sentence.' Fiscal depute Bill Kermode said the child had already been ill for some time when he was left in the care of Wheeler at a property in Rattray. Mr Vine labelled Belfield 'the Jimmy Savile of trolling' during the Nottingham trial Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson said 5 years and 28 weeks was too lenient A High Court judge may have been 'unduly lenient' by not handing down a harsher sentence to a former BBC local radio presenter for stalking broadcasters, the Solicitor General has said. Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson said the judge 'fell into error' when he imposed a sentence of only five years and 26 weeks to Alex Belfield, 42, who stalked BBC broadcasters including TV star Jeremy Vine. Belfield was found guilty at Nottingham Crown Court of waging a relentless campaign, with Mr Vine subjected to an 'avalanche of hatred'. Mr Vine labelled Belfield 'the Jimmy Savile of trolling' during a trial, which heard he repeatedly posted or sent abusive messages, videos and emails. In a letter to the Victims' Commissioner for London last month, Mr Tomlinson said he agreed the judge made an error, adding: 'The sentence may be unduly lenient.' A High Court judge made a mistake by not handing down a harsher sentence to Alex Belfield, 42, a former BBC local radio presenter for stalking broadcasters, the Solicitor General has said. Belfield is pictured Mr Tomlinson said the case was re-listed before the sentencing judge, Mr Justice Saini, where he 'agreed that there had been an error in his approach to sentencing' but opted not to alter the sentence. London's Victims' Commissioner, Claire Waxman, wrote back to Mr Tomlinson to express her 'deep disappointment' the case could not be referred under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme due to a 28-day time limit on referrals. She said Belfield's case proved 'injustice within the ULS scheme continues' and the 'current system is simply not fit for purpose'. Jurors accepted Belfield caused serious alarm or distress to two victims and found him guilty of 'simple' stalking in relation to Channel 5 and BBC Radio 2 presenter Mr Vine and theatre blogger Philip Dehany. BBC Radio Northampton presenter Bernie Keith was left suicidal by a 'tsunami of hate', the trial was also told. In his letter to Ms Waxman, Mr Tomlinson said the judge's error was in relation to the sentencing conclusion over Belfield's nine-year campaign against Mr Keith. The Solicitor General concluded by saying: 'The matter was listed before the sentencing judge on October 21 and, although he agreed that there had been an error in his approach to sentencing, he declined to interfere with the sentence. 'I understand that the offender is seeking to appeal the sentence and, if he does so, my office will request that the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) draws the sentencing error to the court's attention.' TV star Jeremy Vine is pictured arriving at Nottingham Crown Court on July 13. A BBC broadcaster was found guilty at the Crown Court of waging a relentless campaign, with Mr Vine subjected to an 'avalanche of hatred' Mr Vine gave evidence against Belfield, of Mapperley, Nottingham, telling jurors: 'This is not a regular troll here. This is the Jimmy Savile of trolling.' Likening watching Belfield's videos to swimming in sewage, Mr Vine said of the defendant's conduct: 'It felt like I had a fish hook in my face and my flesh was being torn, and the only way to avoid further pain was to stay completely still.' Jurors convicted Belfield of four charges committed between 2012 and 2021. In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Saini said Belfield, who has 361,000 followers on his YouTube channel, The Voice Of Reason, and 43,000 on Twitter, directed his attacks via social media 'in highly negative and often abusive terms'. As well as jailing Belfield, Mr Justice Saini issued indefinite restraining orders banning the DJ from contacting his victims. Similar orders in favour of four other individuals - the BBC's former head of the north Rozina Breen, former BBC Radio Leeds presenters Liz Green and Stephanie Hirst and BBC executive Helen Thomas - were also made. A mother of one of the two girls slayed in the Delphi murders case has said she is being forced to 'relive' the nightmare 'all over again' in her first interview after cops charged a suspect. Carrie Timmons, the mother of Libby German, 14, said that she was taken by 'complete surprise' when Richard Allen was charged with the murder of her daughter and friend Abigail Williams, 13. Allen, a CVS pharmacist, was arrested last month with the killings in February 2017 leaving the area in complete shock. The 50-year-old has pleaded not guilty to both counts of murder, and prosecutors have sealed his arrest warrant from being access by the public. Officers with Indiana State Police are insisting that the case is still active, which leaves the door open for others to be charged. Timmons described the moment she found out about the charges as surreal, but she isn't allowing herself to get her hopes up. Speaking to the US Sun, she said: 'It's been extremely emotional. Of course, I'm excited and happy there's been an arrest but he hasn't been proven guilty, it's all alleged, so it's not a time to celebrate. Carrie Timmons (right) , the mother of Libby German, 14, (left) said that she was taken by 'complete surprise' when Richard Allen was charged with the murder of her daughter and friend Abigail Williams, 13 Richard Allen, 50, has been charged with the slayings of Libby, 14, and Abigail Williams, 13, in Delphi, Indiana in 2017 Abigail Williams, left, and Liberty German, right, were murdered in February 2017 after going for a walk along the Delphi Historic Trail near the Monon High Bridge 'It's all been rather triggering because it's bringing everything back, and in a sense, I'm reliving everything all over again. 'But it feels like we're now at the beginning of the last chapter, so I hope that's the case, but there's still a long road ahead of us'. Authorities never publicly linked him to the case before, with the culprit behind the murders remained a mystery for five years, as cops remained tight-lipped about how the girls were killed. Judge Benjamin Diener last week gave permission for some details to be released about the case, with a hearing set for November 22 to determine if the documents will remain under seal. He has since recused himself from the case, again for reasons that are unclear and have not been made public. A docket of the crimes has indicated that Allen has been charged under a specific subsection of Indiana's statute which involves at least one underlying offense though it is unclear what they are. Currently the only details that have been released are that Allen's initial bail was set at $20million following his arrest, though he is reportedly now being held without bond. Timmons discovered police had made a charge after Libby's grandmother, and legal guardian, Becky Patty received a call from police and passed the information on. A photo shows Richard Allen, 50, smiling with his wife - while over his shoulder, a police sketch strongly resembling him is posted on the wall inside Bob Matlock's bar Libby German was filmed by her friend and fellow victim Abigail Williams in February, 2017, moments before they were murdered She said: 'I want nothing more than to look this person in the eye. So as terrified as I am by the thought of it all, I'm trying to prepare myself for that moment. 'But I don't believe there's going to be any closure, not until I'm no longer here and I'm back with Libby again. Closure is not really what I'm looking for anyway. 'I want peace and I want peace for the girls. Those girls need justice so they can rest in peace, and I need that for them more than anything. 'It's all very surreal still. As long as I've waited for this moment nothing could have prepared me for it. 'Maybe a little bit of weight has been lifted off of me, and maybe we're finally about to get some answers. 'They've made an arrest and they've filed charges but stranger things have happened so I don't want to get my hopes up too high. 'I want to go to court and I hope we can get a conviction, but there's still a lot of questions. 'We don't know what evidence law enforcement has ... it feels like there are now more questions than we've ever had before. Allen was photographed sitting close to this sketch. It is one of several released following the February 2017 murders Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland said Allen's arrest is a 'step in the right direction' 'But obviously he's innocent until proven guilty ... though I hope they've got the right person and soon we'll know what happened and why it happened.' Timmons also believes that Allen should 'suffer for the rest of his life' after killing her daughter, before adding that 'death is too good' for him. A composite sketch was released in 2017 showing a possible suspect in the case Allen has been moved to state custody for his own safety, with a court order ruling that he was in 'imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, or represents a substantial threat to the safety of others.' Police reports seen by Fox 59, revealed that officers were sent to Allen's home on 18 June 2015 at around 3.30am to reports of a 'domestic' incident. Sheriff Tobe Leazenby said Allen, a dad-of-one and a CVS technician, was allegedly drunk, and his wife took him to a hospital for a medical evaluation. Authorities confirmed that their role was to 'keep the peace' during the incident and no arrests or charges were filed. Indiana cops released Snapchat footage documented by the girls of a man following them closely on a bridge shortly before their deaths who was dubbed 'Bridge Guy'. Libby and Abigail went for a walk together along the Delphi Historic Trail near the Monon High Bridge on February 13 but were reported missing when they failed to show up to meet their parents. The family members of Libby German and Abigail Williams listened intently during the news conference Allen is pictured here with his wife, Kathy, in an undated picture. They live just miles from the bridge from where the two teens disappeared in 2017 Indiana State Police announced that Allen had been charged in the murders of the two girls Their bodies were found close to the bridge the day after they vanished, with several suspects being linked to the case over the years, but no arrests were made until last week. It is unclear if Allen is the man in the footage or the voice which uttered the phrase 'down the hill' recorded by Libby's cell phone shortly before the crime. The bridge where the girls were last seen is located just a few miles from Allen's home which is also just a half-mile from the middle school the two teens attended. Libby had shared a 'snap' on Snapchat of herself walking along the railroad tracks on the day of her murder, with the social media updates causing a sensation that made the case one of the United States' most notorious unsolved murders. After news of Allen's arrest broke, a disturbing photo emerged showing his own daughter posing in the same spot where the teenage victims were last seen alive. Brittany Zapanta, 28, is pictured posing on the Monon High Bridge. The photo was posted to Facebook by Allen's wife Kathy, 50, in 2018 just over a year after the girls disappeared in February 2017. It's unclear when the photo was taken and also no indication as to who took the snap on the Monon High Bridge Trail. Allen is seen with his wife Kathy in an undated photo. He does not appear to have a prior criminal history and was known locally for working in the local CVS The arrest of Allen could be the end of a years-long investigation during which numerous possible leads have led nowhere, and police have remained tight-lipped about the details of the case. Exactly how the girls died remains unknown to the public, and the state their bodies were discovered also remains shrouded in mystery. Over the summer, the details of a search warrant revealed that Libby and Abigail were found covered in blood and that their killer appeared to have taken a souvenir of some sort from the murder site. The warrant offered no further detail on what the souvenir was - although it did say that 'the rest of [the girls'] clothing was recovered,' implying that the killer had taken something they'd been wearing. The murderer also reportedly 'staged' the girls' bodies in a particular way after killing them - although it remains unclear exactly how he did this. Investigators believed photographs or videos were likely shot of the grotesque set-up to 'memorialize' the crime scene. Over the years numerous people have been put forth as possible suspects in the case. Ron Logan, who died in 2020, had long been the prime suspect. The girls' bodies were discovered on his property - just 1,400ft from his house - and it was revealed over the summer that his alibi for the day of the murder did not line up. The photo of Allen's daughter, 28-year-old Brittany, was posted to Facebook by his wife Kathy, 50, in 2018 - just over a year after the girls disappeared in February, 2017 An unidentified man now believed to be Allen was filmed approaching Libby and Abby before their deaths His home was searched and he was arrested shortly after the killings, but he was released and never charged. The voice in the clip was described as being 'not inconsistent' with that of Logan, the FBI investigation concluded. Another man, Kegan Kline, 27, of Peru, Indiana, was also previously named as a suspect in the murders. He is said to have admitted to talking to Libby German using a fake Instagram profile called Anthony_shots. Kline - who is heavy-set and pasty-faced - used an image of a ripped and muscular young man to trick underage girls into speaking to him. He is said to have arranged to meet with Libby on the Delphi High Bridge the day before she was murdered while walking along it. But he is also said to have shared his Anthony_shots password with others - including his father - and said his father could be a prime suspect in the killings. Kline is being held in jail after being arrested on separate child porn charges in 2020 The Indiana State Police Department's tip line can be reached by email at abbyandlibbytip@cacoshrf.com or by phone at 765- 822-3535. Three Americans died after inhaling carbon monoxide while on vacation in Mexico City, the Mexican capital's office of the attorney general told DailyMail.com on Tuesday. Jordan Marshall and Kandace Florence, both aged 28, and Courtez Hall, 33, were each found dead on October 30 inside the Airbnb home they were renting out in the borough of Cuajimalpa de Morelos. Florence, of Virginia Beach, and Marshall, of New Orleans, had traveled together to meet up with Marshalls's friend Hall, who also resided in New Orleans, and celebrate the Day of the Dead festivities, according to NBC affiliate television station WAVY. Florence reportedly informed her boyfriend during a conversation on the night of October 30 that she was not feeling well. The phone call suddenly dropped and after failing to get her back on the phone, he reached out to the Airbnb host and asked them if they could visit the residence for a wellness check. Security at the apartment complex requested the assistance of the Mexico City police after detecting a strong gas odor from the trio's apartment, according to the Mexico City prosecutor's office. 'According to the [forensic] expert studies carried out, the three people referred to died of carbon monoxide poisoning,' the attorney general's office said. Jordan Marshall was one of the three Americans who were found dead inside a Mexico City apartment October 30. The cause of death for him and his two friends is unknown Virginia resident Kandace Florence flew to Mexico City to celebrate the Day of Dead festivities with two of her friends. Florence contacted her boyfriend October 30 to tell him that she was not feeling well. At one point the phone call dropped and her boyfriend attempted to get her back on the phone. He then contacted the Airbnb host to do a wellness check and authorities found Florence and her two friends dead in the apartment Courtez Hall, a teacher in New Orleans, flew to Mexico City on October 29 to vacation with two friends and celebrate the Day of the Dead. The 33-year-old was found dead alongside Virginia natives Kandace Florence and Jordan Marshall The families said they have been in contact with the U.S. embassy to repatriate their bodies and have autopsies done. Marshall and Florence were friends since high school. Marshall and Hall were teachers in the New Orleans school system and Florence operated her own candle business. 'To lose your child is one thing, but in a whole other country and having to maneuver language barriers and travel and trying to get his body home, it's been a lot,' Marshall's mom, Jennifer Marshall, said. Courtez Hall was among three Americans who were found dead inside a Mexico City Airbnb on October 30. DailyMail.com reached out to the Mexico City attorney general's office for comment. The cause of death for the three victims is still unknown The family of Kandace Florence said they were unable to get help from the U.S. embassy to have an interpreter accompany them to the morgue and police station in Mexico City Virginia Beach native Jordan Marshall was one of three Americans who died while vacationing in Mexico City last week. He and two friends were found dead inside the Airbnb home they were renting October 30 She traveled to Mexico City and spent hours at a police station waiting for a translator to show up. She was unable to retrieve his personal belongings which were being held by authorities. Chad Florence traveled with his wife to Mexico and said the embassy was unable to provide interpreters to accompany them to visit the morgue and police. Hall's mother, Ceola Hall, told NBC affiliate WDSU that he had flown out to Mexico City on October 29 and last spoke to him that night. 'It's been so hard,' Ceola Hall said. 'We tried calling back over there for the funeral homes. Because of the language barrier and stuff you cannot get anything through or really understand.' The Government is paying for empty hotel rooms as councils try to block agreements to house migrants in their areas, the High Court has been told. Hull and Ipswich local authorities argued at a hearing in London on Tuesday that there had been an 'unauthorised material change of use' under planning rules through the Home Office's attempts to book accommodation for asylum seekers in their local areas. The councils asked for previously granted injunctions to be extended. Lawyers representing one of the hotel companies told the court that the Government is currently paying for empty rooms at its property because of the legal action. This comes as several local authorities across the country are now queuing up to take legal action against the government to prevent migrants from being housed in local hotels. The court was also told that Government contractor Serco is currently responsible for 35,646 asylum seekers, of which about 11,200 are being provided with initial accommodation at 84 hotels in different parts of the country. In the last week, Serco had to find places for 950 people. Secretary of State for the Home Department Suella Braverman is pictured arriving at 10 Downing Street for a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, as the court hears the councils' case The High Court (pictured) was told around 11,200 migrants are being provided with initial accommodation at 84 hotels in different parts of the country, on Tuesday East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) is asking Mr Justice Holgate to continue an interim injunction preventing migrants being accommodated at the Humber View Hotel in Hull, which the local authority applied for after it was contacted by the Home Office with a proposal to use the site. Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) is also asking for the extension of an interim injunction to stop further asylum seekers being placed at the four-star Novotel hotel in Ipswich city centre, where 72 people were already being housed. Both local authorities secured temporary injunctions against hotel companies and contractors at urgent hearings last month, claiming there has been a breach of planning rules. The local authorities argue the interim court orders could be extended by four to six weeks ahead of a final hearing on the issues in the cases. The judge said he hopes to give his decision on the councils' applications later this week. The hearing came as Fenland District Council announced it was taking legal action to block the use of the Rose and Crown Hotel in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, to accommodate asylum seekers. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is asking the court to continue an interim injunction preventing migrants being accommodated at the Humber View Hotel in Hull (pictured) Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) is also asking for the extension of an interim injunction to stop further asylum seekers being placed at the Novotel hotel (pictured) in Ipswich city centre It also follows a failed bid by Stoke-on-Trent City Council last week to continue an interim injunction preventing migrants being housed in the 88-room North Stafford Hotel close to the city's train station. Gethin Thomas, representing ERYC and IBC, told the court that the hotel plans did not warrant 'turning a blind eye to planning requirements' and that the injunction in each case was seeking 'to prevent people from arriving' and maintain the 'status quo'. Mr Thomas said the situation around the hotels was an issue 'of the Home Office's own making', arguing that the Government, or the hotel companies, could have taken a different approach such as securing planning permission. In written arguments, he said the councils' case is that there has been an 'unauthorised material change of use from hotel use... to hostel'. He told the court the 101-room Novotel hotel, which can accommodate 202 people, has a 12-month contract with the Government and is not taking further bookings. Some 11,200 asylum seekers are currently being housed at 84 hotels in the UK. An inflatable craft carrying migrant men, women and children crosses the shipping lane in the English Channel in July 2021 A group of migrants are brought into Dover Marina by Border Force and Immigration Officials in October The council is not seeking to remove the people already present at the hotel, he said. Mr Thomas also said there had been discussions over proposals for a 12-month term contract in relation to the Humber View Hotel for housing single males, which has cancelled all weddings, corporate events and bookings from the end of October. He said ERYC believed the proposed hotel's location is 'unsuitable' due to not having nearby services and facilities, that there were 'road safety concerns' due to a close busy main road, while also noting it was near the Humber Bridge, a 'known suicide spot'. Richard Kimblin KC, for Fairview Hotels (Ipswich) Ltd - which runs the Novotel hotel, accused IBC of a 'knee jerk' reaction and said it had 'wholly failed' to take an 'appropriate and proportionate' approach to the case. In written submissions, he said the local authority was seeking to use the court 'to keep any further asylum seekers from the shelter and subsistence which the hotel would provide'. 'It is tolerably clear that the council does not want those people in its town,' he added. He said that because of the council's legal action 64 rooms, which could accommodate up to 128 people, are empty yet still being paid for. 'The public purse continues to pay for those rooms which lie empty because that is what the contract provides for,' he said. The barrister said the council's injunction 'will have a chilling effect on other hotel operators who will see the mess which they may be drawn into and thus decline to assist central Government'. 'In turn, the supply of hotel accommodation to those who are destitute, would be diminished,' he added. He also claimed that the council being granted an injunction 'would send a message that it is wrong to accommodate those of other nationalities in hotels pending determination of their applications'. Mr Kimblin argued 'no material change of use has occurred' at the hotel, the biggest in Ipswich town centre, adding that there was 'no breach of planning control' and 'no evidence of harm'. There has recently been overcrowding at the Manston site, which has prompted severe criticism of Home Secretary Suella Braverman People can be seen inside a containment area inside a migrant processing centre in Manston, where the Home Secretary was criticised due to its overcrowding Government contractor Serco is currently responsible for 35,646 asylum seekers, of which about 11,200 are being provided with initial accommodation at 84 hotels in different parts of the country In court, Mr Kimblin said a question for the judge was 'whether or not there's any material difference in accommodating people who happen to have the label asylum seekers as to accommodating German tourists'. Paul Brown KC, representing Serco in the Ipswich case, said in written arguments that the contractor was required to house asylum seekers on the same day the the Home Office instructs it to, with the number needing accommodation in the UK now at 'record level'. He said the Government has faced 'difficulties' over such provision - including the 'overcrowding and condition of facilities' such as at the Manston processing site in Kent. Mr Brown said 'the lives, health and wellbeing of large numbers of people are directly impacted by the lack of space at existing facilities', including those who had 'already undergone perilous journeys to escape dangerous conditions in their own countries'. He said there is a 'clear and pressing need' for accommodation such as the Novotel and added that a failure to make suitable provision would put the Home Secretary in breach of her duties. He argued providing initial short-term accommodation to asylum seekers at the hotel was 'largely indistinguishable from a block-booking by a tour company'. Robin Green, for LGH Hotels Management - which manages the Humber View Hotel, said in written submissions that the proposed use of the premises 'would not involve a material change of use'. 'Yes, asylum seekers would be accommodated, but the use made of the hotel would not be significantly different if occupied by 'ordinary' guests,' he said. Mr Green said housing asylum seekers would provide 'secure income' for the hotel 'which has been operating at a loss and is at risk of being mothballed'. Mears Group, a company involved in the commissioning of the Humber View Hotel for the Home Office, opposed the injunction through William Upton KC, while Mack Residential Limited, a contractor involved in its operation, was unrepresented at Tuesday's hearing. Some Republican strategists are saying former President Trump swept in to 'make the election about him' by revealing he will have a major announcement next week on the eve of the midterms. 'We want nothing to detract from the importance of tomorrow. You understand that,' Trump said at a rally for Senate candidate J.D. Vance in Ohio on Monday night. 'I'm going to be making a very big announcement on Tuesday, November 15,' he added, saying the announcement would come at his Mar-a-Lago property in Florida. 'When someone says they don't want to detract, get ready for some detracting,' griped longtime GOP strategist Douglas Heye to DailyMail.com. 'Trump is all about Trump and after months of being on the sidelines - good months for Republicans - Trump had to make it all about him. Again.' Another Republican strategist said that the results are already 'baked into the cake' and the former president throwing his name into the mix will have little effect. 'I think the cake is baked on the 2022 election and the specter of a Trump candidacy probably has little to no effect at the outcome. Had he announced his candidacy in advance of the election it might have been a different story,' said strategist Ken Spain. Some Republican strategist say former President Trump swept in to 'make the election about him' by revealing he will have a major announcement next week on the eve of the midterms Donald Trump and Former First Lady of the United States Melania Trump talk to the media after voting at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Palm Beach, Florida, Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Strategist Jim Dornan told DailyMail.com Trump announcing on Monday could have been a 'real problem' for Republicans. 'Thank goodness he held off from announcing anything last night. That could have been a real problem in many of these close races,' he said. 'Regarding next week, I think an announcement this quickly after the midterms may indicate some concern on his part that hes losing his grip on the party and frankly, hed be probably right about that.' 'I don't think however it changes the landscape significantly as far as who gets into the primary or not,' Dornan added. He noted that potential contenders like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is term-limited out of office in 2027, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2026. 'So would [DeSantis] forgo 2024 and look to 2028 when he would have been out of office for two years? Would Youngkin wait for 3? Trumps numbers arent as strong as they were, so I think the fear factor among other would be candidates is dissipating a bit,' Dornan said. Trump insiders said the former president was gunning to announce his run before the midterm elections. Many urged him to wait, in part to avoid turning the election into a referendum on him and partly to avoid blame should Republicans underperform on Tuesday. But the former president is eager to piggyback off GOP momentum and after endorsing nearly 300 candidates, and also to signal to other Republicans who have signaled they might want to run to back off. Among Trump's most formidable potential GOP opponents is DeSantis, who is running his own reelection race for governor that he looks poised to win. But if Trump announces just after midterms, DeSantis will have just won reelection for governor and would be hard-pressed to immediately throw his hat into the ring for the presidency. In Ohio, where Trump announced his announcement, venture capitalist and Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vance now is running eight points ahead of Democrat Tim Ryan for the open Senate seat, according to Real Clear Politics. During Trump's speech he also hammered Democrats on crime levels and the economy, both of which are expected to be top issues for voters and ones that Republicans have largely led on in the polls. '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 we've all been hearing about,' Trump said. Republicans ride into Tuesday comfortably poised to take the majority in the House, and with a decent shot at wresting power in the Senate. If that happens it will be in no small way down to Trump's impact on the midterm elections and an unlikely band of outside candidates who have turned longshot campaigns into toss-up races. RealClearPolitics forecasts a decisive Republican majority in the House of Representatives and a likely win in the Senate A GOP aide told DailyMail.com that a slim win in the Senate could lead to bigger gains in 2024, when more Democratic seats are up for grabs than Republican The economy is still top of mind for most voters, and an albatross for Democratic candidates as Republicans tie them to Biden's financial policies Trump promised a 'big announcement' on November 15, which has prompted some Republican fears that the specter of a Trump 2024 announcement would put off Independents President Joe Biden told reporters on Monday night that it would be 'difficult' to govern with a Republican majority in both chambers of Congress Trump, according to some insiders, had wanted to announce on election eve at a rally in Dayton, Ohio Trump has been increasingly overt about his plans, saying in recent days he would 'very, very, very probably' run again and would be formalizing his intentions 'very, very soon' But questions arise whether injecting Trump into the races could motivate Democratic turnout against Republicans and whether it would motivate Republicans in favor of the former president or turn them off. Before Trump named November 15 as the date to watch, longtime ally Rep. Matt Gaetz urged him on Twitter to announce a run Monday night. 'To all the press texting & calling me: Trump should announce tonight His candidates won the primaries Biden's central message was the 'ULTRA MAGA' scare And we are going to win BIGLY!,' the Florida Republican said. 'Trump deserves all the credit for this wave election & announcing tonight he will seize it.' Trump has been increasingly overt about his plans, saying in recent days he would 'very, very, very probably' run again and would be formalizing his intentions 'very, very soon.' 'I will probably have to do it again but stay tuned,' he said Sunday night in Miami. 'Stay tuned to tomorrow night in the great state of Ohio.' Ohio Republican political strategist and attorney Mehek Cooke said she never believed Trump would announce his run in Ohio, but thought it was 'definitely motivating' to tease at a run before elections. 'He's going to go to Florida. I think that's the best place to announce. It's one of the strongest states in our country right now, in terms of rebounding out of COVID and all the policies that we've seen out of that state, so I'm not surprised he did announce yesterday,' she told DailyMail.com. 'But I think it's definitely motivating for Republicans to get out and vote,' Cooke added, 'J.D. Vance in Ohio, was behind initially until President Trump came in and endorsed him during the primary. So he has been influential and instrumental in helping a lot of voters decide who to vote for in key races.' Dr. Adam Quinn, U.S. political science professor at the University of Birmingham, said that Republican operatives were likely to find the announcement an 'unwelcome distraction' at the 11th hour of campaigning. 'Most Republicans candidates and operatives will regard news reports about Trump's plans to announce his presidential candidacy early as an unwelcome distraction from their core campaign themes. The former president is not widely popular with the general electorate, and in most cases Democrats will welcome the opportunity to make Trump an issue in voters' minds even when he is not on the ballot himself.' But Trump seemed unconcerned about the prospects of detracting from down-ballot Republicans, telling reporters after casting his own ballot in Palm Beach, Fla. on Tuesday he was 'looking forward' to next week's announcement. Asked about his potential 2024 candidacy while in Palm Beach, Trump replied: 'I think Tuesday (Nov. 15) will be a very exciting day for a lot of people, and I look forward to seeing you at Mar-a-Lago.' 'I think were going to have a great night, its going to be great for the country,' he told reporters of the midterms after casting his ballot. 'No matter who you vote for, you have to vote. This is going to be a very important election.' The woman was charged with endangerment and carrying a weapon on school grounds Featchurs had been involved in a custody dispute at the time In the video, Desira Featchurs, 29, appears to walk toward a vehicle outside of the school while reaching into her bag and pulling out a gun The incident happened on September 22 outside of the Mountain View School in north Phoenix Bodycam footage shows the moments that a cop stopped a woman attempting to pull a gun outside of an Arizona elementary school Newly released body cam footage shows the moment when a 'heroic' police officer stopped a woman with a gun outside of an elementary school. On Monday, the Phoenix Police Department shared footage of the incident in which a woman pulled out a gun while approaching a car with a child. According to FOX 10, Desira Featchurs, 29, was arrested and charged after she grabbed her weapon at the Mountain View School in north Phoenix. The incident happened on September 22 just before 2.40pm when the woman, who has a child at the school, attempted to stop the student from getting in a car. The child can be seen getting into the vehicle before the woman pulls out the gun The woman pulled the small black gun out of her bag while approaching the vehicle with the child The officer can be seen lunging towards the woman with his arms out and grasping her tightly The situation stemmed from a 'child custody dispute,' according to officials, and the responding officer was actually a school resource officer who had been called to the front office by the school. The video, just 17 seconds, shows Featchurs coming out of the building as the child steps into a car on the left side of the screen, a white pickup truck. 'He wanted to get in. He's getting in,' the police officer says to the woman as the approaches the vehicle. Featchurs responds while reaching into her purse: 'you think I'm f**king playing?' The next frame of the video shows the woman holding a black handgun and pointing it toward the truck. At that moment, the officer wearing the body camera lunges at the woman and appears to wrap his arms around her so that she cannot move. When it comes to protecting your children, there is no time to waste when we see a threat. Thanks to the heroic actions of this #PHXPD officer, a possible shooting at a school was prevented. #ThisIsWhoWeAre pic.twitter.com/1jThwNGymi Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) November 7, 2022 'When it comes to protecting your children, there is no time to waste when we see a threat,' the Phoenix Police Department tweeted Monday. The Arizona law enforcement agency shared the clip in their tweet, showing the moment that the woman began to approach the car and scream out expletives. 'Thanks to the heroic actions of this #PHXPD officer, a possible shooting at a school was prevented. #ThisIsWhoWeAre,' the department continued. Featchurs was arrested after the incident and has reportedly been charged with endangerment and carrying a weapon on school grounds The reactions to the video rolled in quickly, with many applauding the officer who prevented a potentially tragic ending. 'Omg. She pulled that gun fast! Could have been tragic. Great work. Thank you,' said one person on Twitter. 'Give that officer a raise,' wrote another. 'LOVE our officers! Thank you for all you do to keep us safe, even when it puts you in harm's way. Don't think we don't appreciate you, because we do,' said another Twitter user. Featchurs arrived at the Mountain View School on September 22 to pick up her child before she pulled a gun over a 'child custody dispute' The woman has previous arrests in Arizona for driving with a suspended license, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest Another person who responded on Twitter claims to be Desira's sister, who goes by 'DejavuCold' on the social media app. 'This is my sister & she did NOT pull her gun out to "shot" ANY FCKN BODY! She was GOING to ASK the officer on campus to HOLD her gun, while SHE dealt with her abusive, KIDNAPPING baby daddy,' the woman wrote on Twitter. 'She has ALL rights to my niece and nephew, AND THEY DROPPED THE CHARGES !! Fake NEWS,' she continued. DailyMail.com spoke with a representative from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office who clarified that the charges had not been dropped, but that the case was sent back to the police for further investigation. She had been charged with counts related to endangerment and carrying a weapon on school grounds, according to FOX 10. This is my sister & she did NOT pull her gun out to shot ANY FCKN BODY! She was GOING to ASK the officer on campus to HOLD her gun, while SHE dealt with her abusive, KIDNAPPING baby daddy !!!!! She has ALL rights to my niece and nephew, AND THEY DROPPED THE CHARGES !! Fake NEWS https://t.co/eiW5Rh5W8v DejavuCold (@Dejavucold) November 7, 2022 Featchurs herself spoke publicly about the video after its release Monday in a post on Facebook. 'I know it's easy for people to imagine what happened in any situation, however, were you actually there,' the woman wrote. This isn't the Phoenix resident's first trouble with the law, however. Featchurs has previously been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, improper tinting of windows, and driving with a suspended license. U.S. enterprises eye further investment, cooperation at CIIE Xinhua) 09:56, November 08, 2022 Among exhibitors from 145 countries, regions and international organizations, nearly 200 U.S. companies are attending this year's CIIE, and they are pleased with the results of the participation and want to grow with the expo, U.S.-China Business Council President Craig Allen told Xinhua. SHANGHAI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- At the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which kicked off last week, U.S. enterprises continue to be a large presence, longing for further investment and cooperation in the Chinese market. Among exhibitors from 145 countries, regions and international organizations, nearly 200 U.S. companies are attending this year's CIIE, U.S.-China Business Council President Craig Allen told Xinhua. American companies are pleased with the results of the participation and want to grow with the expo -- the world's first import-themed national-level expo, Allen said. U.S. enterprises continue to tap into the Chinese market. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, in 2021, total bilateral trade increased by 17.6 percent over 2020, and China was the fourth-largest U.S. goods trading partner, the fourth-largest U.S. export market and the largest source of U.S. imports, when the European Union is considered as one trading partner. This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2022 shows a vehicle of U.S. electric automaker Tesla exhibited at the automobile exhibition area of the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Top U.S. goods exports to China include semiconductor chips and equipment, agricultural products, aircraft, gas turbines and advanced medical devices, while top U.S. imports from China include consumer electronics, appliances and other consumer goods, it said. For advanced countries, besides China's huge market, what matters even more is that China offers high-level expertise "that they cannot find anywhere else," said Khairy Tourk, a professor of economics with the Stuart School of Business at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. As China has seen fast technological progress and "is already setting standards in many fields," the expo is "the best platform" to get information on advances in new areas such as high-end manufacturing, new materials and new electronics, he said. The CIIE has become a "one-stop platform" for enterprises to showcase their technologies and solutions, debut their flagship innovative products, expand investment in China and expand cooperative partnerships, Yu Feng, president of Honeywell China, told Xinhua. A staff member instructs as a visitor tries a flight simulator at the Honeywell booth at the Intelligent Industry &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, Nov. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren) It's the fifth consecutive year that Honeywell, a U.S. industrial conglomerate, has attended the expo. With a long history of development in China that dates back to 1935 with its first franchise in Shanghai, it was one of the first global companies to join the first CIIE in 2018. At the past four CIIEs, Honeywell displayed nearly 100 innovative technologies, products and solutions and debuted many of them. This year, Honeywell plans to display more than 60 innovative products and ready-now solutions that cover five areas including energy transformation, aviation, intelligent building, smart supply chain management and life science. U.S. conglomerate Honeywell displays its smart hospital solutions during the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Renzi) Thanks to the CIIE's effect as a high-quality platform, Honeywell in the past years has continued to expand investment in China and build closer ties with more Chinese partners, said Yu. Currently, all Honeywell's business groups are represented in China, its largest single market outside the United States and one of the company's most important sources of growth. Yu said the CIIE has continuously motivated Honeywell to "turn exhibits into commodities" and "turn exhibitors into investors." Echoing Yu's remark, Tourk said the expo has brought buyers and sellers together and gives them firsthand knowledge on investment opportunities. U.S. enterprises also value the stability and predictability of the Chinese economy. "It is enjoying steady, positive growth, a stable currency, a financially strong foundation. That's why it is a very attractive country to invest in," said Tourk. Varian Medical Systems, a U.S. leading company in radiotherapy, displays its proton therapy system during the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 5, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) Taking the CIIE as an opportunity, Honeywell, one of the world's top 500 companies, established in 2020 a wholly-owned subsidiary in the central Chinese city of Wuhan as its headquarters for mass-mid segment business in China, which reflects the company's long-term determination to develop in China, Yu said. "China is a significant market for our international business and having a presence at CIIE demonstrates our commitment to our stakeholders and valued partnerships here," said Jason Smith, senior vice president of Allergan Aesthetics, a pharmaceutical company in medical aesthetics headquartered in the United States. After attending the expo last November for the first time, Allergan Aesthetics decided to build an innovation center in Shanghai, which was launched in September with an aim to train 2,000 healthcare professionals every year. "Allergan Aesthetics has maintained a great momentum of development for more than 10 years since it entered China, and in recent years has rapidly become one of the important growth engines in the Asia-Pacific region and even the global business," said White Wang, the company's area vice president of Japan and Asia-Pacific. This photo taken on Nov. 2, 2022 shows gaming capsules of U.S. company Qualcomm to be displayed in the upcoming fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) With more and more enterprises across the world showing interest, the expo has manifested China's opening-up across more areas and in greater depth. As the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China held last month has said, China has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions, it leads the world in total volume of trade in goods, and it is a major destination for global investment and a leading country in outbound investment. China is doing its best to keep its market open and attract foreign investment, like removing foreign ownership caps on some financial sectors, Tourk said. "What China has proposed is a different type of globalization; that is the globalization based on development. It points to a direction that is to create prosperity for all of mankind," said William Jones, Washington bureau chief of the U.S. publication Executive Intelligence Review. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) A man has been charged with manslaughter almost a year after a boy died from a snake bite. Queensland Police established Operation Uniform Weft to investigate the sudden death of the 11-year-old boy at a Murgon property in the state's South Burnett region on November 21 last year. A Murgon man, 31, known to the boy has since charged with manslaughter following an extensive 12-month investigation. A police strike force was set up to establish how the boy died from the snake bite A man has been charged with manslaughter 12 months after a boy died from a snake bite (stock image) Police will allege the man failed to seek medical attention after the boy reported being bitten by a snake. Police haven't described the relationship between the man and boy. The man will appear in Murgon Magistrates Court on December 6. Murgon is small rural town 260km north of Brisbane with a population of 2,378. Advertisement Under-fire minister Sir Gavin Williamson was facing fresh 'bullying' allegations tonight after a former colleague claimed he once boasted of 'owning' a Tory MP given financial help. Ex-Conservative MP Anne Milton, who worked alongside Sir Gavin for almost a year in the Tory whips' office between 2016 and 2017, claimed the 46-year-old 'loved salacious gossip' including about people's 'sexual preferences'. She added Sir Gavin would use 'salacious gossip' as 'leverage against MPs if the need arose' when he was Tory chief whip. The latest claims come as Sir Gavin - who was handed a Cabinet-level role by the Prime Minister last month - faces the prospect of three probes into his conduct. Rishi Sunak has repeated his 'confidence' in Sir Gavin despite claims the minister told a senior civil servant to 'slit your throat' and 'jump out of a window'. The former official tonight lodged a formal complaint with Parliament's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme. Sir Gavin has also been hit by a row over the expletive-laden text messages he sent to fellow MP Wendy Morton after he was excluded from the Queen's funeral. In the newest claims, made in an interview with Channel 4 News tonight, Ms Milton alleged Sir Gavin would use 'salacious gossip' as 'leverage' against Tory MPs when he was chief whip - a role that meant he was responsible for party discipline - in Theresa May's government. Ms Milton, who served as deputy chief whip at the time, said: 'I got the impression that he loved salacious gossip and would use it as leverage against MPs if the need arose.' Asked if any particular incidents stood out from her time working under Sir Gavin, she added: 'There were a few - the salacious gossip, which I've talked about, people's sexual preferences, that sort of thing. 'He loved all that. He would come into the office and say: "Guess who enjoys some form of sex or another". 'I found it very distasteful apart from anything. He also, on one occasion, we had an MP who'd got a few financial problems, some financial help was given. 'It wasn't a great amount, but I do remember him asking me to give the MP in question the cheque. 'And he waved it under my nose and said: "Make sure when you give him this cheque he knows that I now own him". 'I'm sure if you ask Gavin Williamson about this, he will say it was a joke. I don't think it was a joke.' Ms Milton also recalled an email sent by Sir Gavin in 2016 in response to a female civil servants inquiry about why a minister had to change travel plans to attend a vote. 'Always tell them to f*** off and if they have the bollocks to come and see me. F****** jumped up civil servants,' she claimed he sent to her in reply. MailOnline has attempted to contact Sir Gavin about Ms Milton's allegations. Ms Milton was Conservative MP for Guildford between 2005 and 2019 but lost the Tory whip towards the end of her time in Parliament during the bitter Brexit battles in the House of Commons. She subsequently stood as an independent candidate at the 2019 general election, but failed to hold onto her Surrey seat. The latest claims come as Sir Gavin Williamson - who was handed a Cabinet-level role by the Prime Minister last month - faces the prospect of three probes into his conduct Ex-Conservative MP Anne Milton, who worked alongside Sir Gavin for almost a year in the Tory whips' office between 2016 and 2017, claimed the 46-year-old 'loved salacious gossip' including about people's 'sexual preferences' Make sure when you give him this cheque he knows that I now own him. Sir Gavin Williamson has been accused of issuing an inappropriate threat to an MP in financial trouble by former deputy chief whip Anne Milton, who used to work with him when he was chief whip. pic.twitter.com/bo8WTBkGmQ Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) November 8, 2022 This morning, the PM held a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street with Sir Gavin is believed to have used a back route to get to the Cabinet Room in No10 as he faces a 'bullying' storm. His alleged 'slit your throat' comment was made in front of other shocked civil servants during a meeting when Sir Gavin was Defence Secretary between 2017 and 2019, an 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 behaviour to the MoD's head of human resources, but did not make a formal complaint at the time. The MoD official claimed Sir Gavin 'shouted and raged', and a senior military official from the department later apologised for not calling out the now Cabinet Office minister. Sir Gavin denied bullying the official but did not appear to deny using the specific words. The PM's official spokesman insisted the minister retained his confidence and Mr Sunak believed the denial, but said they were checking the 'proper processes' to follow. It is understood that discussions are ongoing in Downing Street over whether and how the issue should be examined, but the Propriety and Ethics Team could take charge of a probe. But the former civil servant has now lodged an official complaint with Parliament's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme. 'I have made the decision to formally report Gavin Williamsons behaviour while at the Ministry of Defence to Parliaments Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme,' they told The Times in a statement. 'This was an incredibly difficult period for me. Gavin Williamsons words and actions had an extreme impact on my mental health. 'Government ministers have a code of conduct that they are required to follow. Any form of abuse is unacceptable.' Sir Gavin is already facing an investigation by CCHQ into allegations he sent expletive-laden texts to then-chief whip Ms Morton about attending the Queen's funeral. Ms Morton's case is also believed to have been referred to the Parliamentary authorities. In a round of interviews this morning, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said it would be 'utterly, utterly unacceptable' if Sir Gavin Williamson told a senior civil servant to 'slit your throat' and 'jump out of the window'. Mr Stride told Sky News: 'If that is the case, that is utterly, utterly unacceptable, but at the moment it is in the realm of media speculation.' Mr Stride said he served in the Whips' Office under Sir Gavin, and saw him as someone with 'this sort of aura or mystique around him'. 'There was always this great aura of do you remember Cronus, the spider, the tarantula etc? And the reality with Cronus is he was much touted but he never actually was released to bite anybody. 'So that was how I always saw Gavin as somebody who had this sort of aura or mystique around him, but the reality was he just generally got on with his job.' A Ministry of Defence official alleged that Sir Gavin Williamson (pictured yesterday) 'deliberately demeaned and intimidated' them regularly when he was defence secretary Home Secretary Suella Braverman (right) and Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove smiled for photographers near No10 Nadhim Zahawi (right) and Lord True (left) leaving Downing Street after the Cabinet meeting today Grant Shapps (left) and Ben Wallace (right) arriving for the Cabinet meeting this morning Deputy PM Dominic Raab was also in Downing Street as Mr Sunak assembled his senior team for their weekly meeting There are signs that the rows over Mr Williamson, Suella Braverman and Channel migrants have been pouring cold water on the initial poll bounce for Mr Sunak Sir Gavin 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. 'No specific allegations have ever been brought to my attention.' A Cabinet Office spokesman said: 'The Cabinet Office has not received notice of any formal complaints about Gavin Williamson's behaviour from his time at the Ministry of Defence or any other department.' The allegation was revealed after Downing Street insisted Rishi Sunak retains full confidence in Sir Gavin despite a female MP accusing Sir Gavin of raising sensitive details about her private life in an attempt to silence her. 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, according to The Times. It is the latest claim to surface just days after abusive messages Sir Gavin sent to Ms Morton were revealed. No10 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.' Downing Street has insisted Rishi Sunak (pictured during the Cop27 summit yesterday) retains full confidence in Sir Gavin Sir Gavin is already facing an investigation into allegations he sent expletive-laden texts to then-chief whip Wendy Morton about attending the Queen's funeral 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.' Mr Stride told Sky News: 'There is an independent inquiry, as you know, going on around another... alleged incident between himself and the then-chief whip Wendy Morton. 'I think the important thing we do now is not to start intervening... and opining on who's right and wrong or what may or may not have happened, but to wait for the results of that investigation. 'And then when we have that, and any other investigation that may be triggered in the meantime, then I think we can take stock and come to a firm conclusion.' Asked who will carry out the investigation, Mr Stride said: 'The independent parliamentary authorities. 'The complaint, as I understand it, was made by Wendy Morton about Sir Gavin Williamson... at that point it was a party matter because it was made to the Conservative Party central office, and so it will go through that process but it will be independent, and it will be thorough, and it will come to a firm conclusion.' It comes as it emerged that Sir Gavin has failed in his bid to stop his constituency being carved up - potentially leaving him struggling to be selected to stand at the next election. 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. Casey Anthony, 36, is set to give a bombshell on-air interview 11 years after she was acquitted of murdering her toddler daughter, Caylee Anthony, 2 Casey Anthony is set to give her first on-camera bombshell interview after she was acquitted of murdering her toddler daughter in 2011. It would be her first on-camera interview surrounding the 2008 disappearance of her two-year-old daughter Caylee, whose remains were found in a garbage bag a half mile from the family's Orlando home nearly six months after she was reported missing. In the exclusive three-part documentary: Casey Anthony: Where The Truth Lies, Anthony will tell her side of the story more than a decade after the heinous crime that sent shockwaves across the nation when the young mother was acquitted. During the official teaser, Anthony, now 36, dressed in a dark-colored dress and sporting a more sophisticated look, appears ready to unload the mystery surrounding her child's death. As the camera rolls, a voice asks: 'Why talk to me now when you are not getting creative control?' Anthony does not respond but instead looks straight into the camera. The three-part docuseries is set to stream on Peacock from November 29. Casey Anthony: Where The Truth Lies, three-part docuseries is set to air November 29th on Peacock Casey Anthony holding her daughter Caylee. The case made national headlines when the young mother was accused of murdering her baby girl The controversial case that captivated the nation as it played out on national television has led to several movies and documentaries over the years. Anthony has only spoken out about the case once, in a non-televised 2017 interview with the Associated Press. During the interview, Anthony conceded that her reputation amongst the general public was still in shambles - but said that she did not care. 'I don't give a s**t about what anyone thinks about me,' she told the outlet. 'I never will. Based off what was in the media, I understand the reasons people feel about me. I understand why people have the opinions that they do. 'I didn't do what I was accused of, but I fought for three years. Not just for me, but for my daughter.' Caylee was last seen alive on June 16, 2008, and was reported missing to the Orange County Sheriff's Office by Casey's mother, Cindy Anthony, nearly a month later, on July 15. In a 911 call, the grandmother told dispatchers she had not seen Caylee for 31 days and that she had smelled a foul odor emanating from her daughter's car, as if a dead body had been inside it. Cindy Anthony also revealed that Casey Anthony had given inconsistent explanations when asked about the child's whereabouts. Later, she told her mother that she had not seen her for weeks. Casey Anthony was subsequently arrested on July 16, 2008, and questioned at Orange County Jail. During questioning, Anthony lied to detectives, telling them Caylee had been kidnapped by a nanny on June 9, that she had been trying to find her and that she was too frazzled to tell cops. She told investigators the nanny was named Zenaida Fernandez-Gonzalez. However, it was soon determined Anthony had no nanny and that the woman, an acquaintance of Anthony's, had never met her daughter, or other family and friends. Anthony was charged the next day with giving false statements to law enforcement, child neglect, and obstruction of a criminal investigation. She was initially denied bail by a judge. Her bail was initially set at $500,000 at a bond hearing on July 22, 2008, and she was released a month later when the bond was posted by the nephew of a California bail bondsman. Months later, in October, she was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter of a child, and four counts of providing false information to police, and was arrested again. Casey Anthony smiles before the start of her sentencing hearing on charges of lying to a law enforcement officer at the Orange County Courthouse July 7, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. Anthony was acquitted of murder charges on July 5, 2011 Casey Anthony (pictured) was acquitted on Tuesday, July 5, 2011, of killing her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Caylee Marie Anthony, 2, daughter of Casey Anthony, went missing in June 2008 and was found in the woods near her grandparents Orlando home six months later All the while, cops and thousands of volunteers combed Orange County and Greater Orlando for the child, whose remains were eventually found in a trash bag on December 11, 2008, with more remains found in nearby woods near Anthony's home. The remains were identified as belonging to Caylee roughly a week later. Jury selection for the trial began on May 9, 2011, and ended on May 20, 2011, at the Pinellas County Criminal Justice Center in Clearwater, Florida. During the ensuing six-week trial, jurors were sequestered in a nearby hotel to minimize influence in the case, which captivated and angered the general public. The 12 jurors and five alternates sat through 33 days of testimony - examining more than 400 pieces of evidence while hearing from 91 witnesses - as 40 million Americans watched it all unfold in real time, on live television. The verdict was announced July 5, 2011 - with jurors acquitting Anthony on the first-degree murder count, as well as the manslaughter and child abuse charges. The jurors did, however, find Anthony guilty on four counts of providing false information to police - charges that saw the mom handed a four-year prison sentence. Anthony was given credit for time served in prison and was released on July 17, 2011, 12 days after the trial's conclusion. The verdict shocked Americans, with many assuming Anthony would be found guilty of murder. A month after the verdict was announced, a male juror told People that none of the jurors 'liked Casey Anthony at all.' 'She seems like a horrible person,' the juror said. 'But the prosecutors did not give us enough evidence to convict.' He continued: 'My decision haunts me to this day. I think now if I were to do it over again, I'd push harder to convict her of one of the lesser charges like aggravated manslaughter. At least that. Or child abuse.' 'I didn't know what the hell I was doing, and I didn't stand up for what I believed in at the time,' the unnamed juror said. 'They gave us a lot of stuff that makes us think that she probably did something wrong, but not beyond a reasonable doubt.' The jurors have since kept a low profile and many were forced to move after they were publicly named. Anthony has only spoken out about the case once, in a non-televised 2017 interview to the Associated Press (pictured). During the interview, Anthony conceded that her reputation amongst the general public was still in shambles - but said that she did not care Caylee's disappearance sparked a six month-search for the tot, as thousands of volunteers looked for the toddler, following up on hundreds of leads Anthony has also tried to keep a low profile since the trial, living a quiet life in South Florida where she has tried to avoid the spotlight and the general public. Last year, Anthony made headlines after getting into a bar fight with a woman over a man the pair had both dated. Cops were called to the scene at O'Shea's Irish Pub in West Palm Beach in May 2021, where Anthony told police that the woman, named Thelma Moya, had poured a drink on her leg. 'I'm still wet,' Anthony told the responding officer in the footage. 'I got a drink thrown at me. This girl has been harassing me for a while. I have her cellphone.' Anthony launches into an explanation of the altercation, captured on a police body cam, saying the shared ex was a West Palm Beach Police sergeant. 'She verbally assaulted me, but physically assaulted me with witnesses,' Anthony says. 'I am still damp from the drink she threw at me.' When pressed by the officer to elaborate on the circumstances of the dispute, Anthony revealed: 'We dated the same person for a couple of years, Malcolm Allison...who is one of your sergeants.' 'Whether they're together or not together, she got upset that he had texted me. I let her know that he had. And she came inside and threw a drink at me.' Anthony did not press charges against Moya. Anthony also was seen at the same West Palm Beach bar in 2018 and 2019. But for the most part, both Anthony and the source close to her have said, she now maintains a life largely of solitude, wary of others. During the interview, Anthony revealed that she has attempted to maintain a social life in her new surroundings in West Palm Beach, where she currently works as private investigator, by drinking with friends at local bars. Here she is pictured at a bar in the South Florida city in 2019 Anthony made headlines last year after getting a into a bar fight with a woman over a man the pair had both dated. She allegedly got a drink poured on her. Bodycam footage shows Anthony detailing the May 2021 encounter to cops She currently lives in the South Florida home of Patrick McKenna, the 71-year-old private detective who served as the lead investigator on her defense team. For the past several years, Anthony has been learning the ropes from the veteran sleuth, doing online social media searches and other investigative work. McKenna was also the lead investigator for the defense in the murder trial surrounding OJ Simpson, who was accused of killing his wife, Nicole Brown, in 1994. He too was acquitted. Anthony told AP that shed since become fascinated with the case, saying there are 'a lot of parallels' to her own circumstances. 'I can empathize with his situation,' she said. The victim died after being transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries Students inside the Seattle high school where one student was shot and killed Tuesday morning described a terrifying and chaotic scene. Ingraham High School students described hearing 'seven super loud bangs,' hiding in dark closets as they heard 'everyone screaming,' and frantically texting their parents when the school was plunged into lockdown as authorities hunted for the gunman. One student was killed in the shooting, which authorities suspect was a targeted attack, rather than a random act of violence. A male suspect was apprehended onboard a bus near the school about an hour after the shooting. Police said they found a gun in his backpack. The school remained in lockdown for nearly two hours as desperate parents waited outside to be reunited with their children. Police have not shared any information about the suspect, but the victim was confirmed to be a student and reports suggest he was a male. Both of their identities remain unknown. The victim was initially taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, but later succumbed to them. The school shooting suspect is seen being arrested at a bus stop near the school Parents console each other while waiting outside the Ingraham High School in Seattle after the shooting on Tuesday Parents wait outside the Ingraham High School in Seattle during the lockdown on Tuesday morning Student Zack McCarthy told KOMO News that he was playing Ode to Joy on the piano in his music class when he heard shots break out. 'We hear, like, seven super loud bangs, and at first we think it's like the locker, right? Because no one thinks the school's going to get shot up. Then the teacher runs over and she's like, nah we gotta close the door, so then everyone starts freaking out.' 'We heard screaming, and people were screaming that there was a gun and stuff, it was super scary.' Grant Pinney said he was in the hallway when the shooting broke out and then ran into the nearest classroom. 'I ran into a random class, we all just ran into the band room, cut the lights, and closed the doors, and then just hid basically. And then we ran into a closet, and it was just pitch black in there, no one said a word. It was pretty surreal.' Tomas Barr also described hearing a series of loud bangs before his teacher locked the door, turned off the lights and helped students hide during the lockdown. 'I was really scared at the start because I didn't know what was happening, and it was really close,' he said. 'Some people were crying, but everyone was basically texting their parents and telling them what was happening.' Police gather near the scene of a a Seattle high school where one victim was shot and has life-threatening injuries, but police have arrested one suspect Students were released and met by parents who cheered at a reunification site nearby The victim was taken by ambulance to Harborview Medical Center The male suspect found an hour after police were called when officers searched the area, said Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz. Witnesses said the suspect was arrested at a bus stop nearby as dozens of heavily-armed officers swarmed the area. He did not resist the arrest. After school was secured students were released and met by parents who cheered at a nearby reunification site. The victim was taken by ambulance to Harborview Medical Center, and police are asking for residents to avoid the area. One student wounded after reports of a shooting inside #Ingraham High School in North Seattle @KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/Fvyo5ibicL Sebastian Robertson (@srobertsontv) November 8, 2022 Masses of parents gathered at the reunification site and eagerly awaited for students to be released from the school One parent who saw the victim being treated told KIRO7 they were 'very sad for what happened.' 'I couldn't stop crying, my heart just sank,' said the parent. 'I don't know why we live in a society like this.' Another parent of a freshman student said his son texted him they were on lockdown. He added there is a rumor the shooter has been taken from the property. Now she is withdrawing from her business and marketing course to attend rehab after the footage went viral Advertisement A racist University of Kentucky student who ranted for 10 minutes and sang the word n***** at a desk clerk is being sent to rehab to address her 'issues' and will withdraw from classes. Sophia Rosing was arrested early Sunday morning after 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. It comes after DailyMail.com revealed that the 22-year-old allegedly doxxed a 15-year-old girl while they were at high school together, publicly posting that she would 'send nudes' and falsely claimed she had an abortion. Her attorney Fred Peters told DailyMail.com that the business and marketing major will be 'withdrawing' from school and will be 'getting treatment for her issues' - though he would not confirm if they were alcohol related. Peters said that Rosing was a 'very, very embarrassed and humiliated young lady' and would also be undertaking 'racial sensitivity' training. It is unclear if the treatment and training will affect the criminal case against Rosing, who was charged with a felony offence of a third-degree assault of a police officer. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges, including to charges of intoxication in a public place, fourth-degree assault and second-degree disorderly conduct. Footage showed her violent and racist outburst against Spring, with court documents revealing that she called her a 'n*****' more than 200 times. In the full 10-minute-long clip, Rosing is told that she ruined her life to which she brazenly replied 'no I didn't' before quietly singing the n-word over and over before police arrived to arrest her. Even after the University of Kentucky officer has her in handcuffs, the business and marketing major can still be heard softly singing the word as she is dragged away. Rosing can also be heard telling Spring to 'do her chores' as well as calling her an 'ugly n***** b****' while horrified students look on and some try to intervene. On the quiet, sun-dappled street in Fort Mitchell where Rosing grew up, neighbors approached by DailyMail.com on Tuesday all seemed to be aware of her shocking racism scandal, though few wished to comment. 'They're good people,' one neighbor said regarding the family, which includes Rosing, her parents and sister. That neighbor declined to offer his name, as did a young mother down the street, who said she knew the family only in passing, but said: 'They seem like upstanding people. I usually see them walking the dog.' Following word that Rosing is preparing to check into rehab, no one answered the door at her family home on Tuesday afternoon. Exclusive photos obtained by DailyMail.com show University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing, 22, leaving the Fayette County Detention Center Monday night, still in her boots and tight skirt Kylah Spring gave an impassioned speech at an anti-racism march in her honour on Monday night, telling Rosing 'You will not break my spirit' The blonde 22-year-old was pictured trying to obscure her face as she left the jail Monday night She was escorted out of the jail by her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, after apparently posting bail Rosing sobbed as the charges were put to her, before pleading not guilty to all four of the charges that she faces Earlier photos obtained by DailyMail.com show Jill and Don Rosing leaving the detention center Rosing was caught on camera physically assaulting two black students at the University of Kentucky and calling a student employee a 'n***** b**** Rosing's victim attended an anti-racism march on Monday night following the attack on Sunday, where she made an impassioned speech and told Rosing 'you will not break my spirit.' The desk clerk, a freshman at the university, became emotional as she addressed the dozens of people who attended the march in her honour. Breaking down as she addressed the crowd, Spring said: 'I was physically, verbally and racially assaulted by Jane Doe, aka Sophia Rosing. Rosing became emotional at her arraignment hearing on Monday afternoon, with her parents in attendance 'This is a recurring issue in and across the American school system no matter what age. I am deeply saddened by the events that took place, but I am most grateful for justice that is to come. 'To Miss Rosing. You will not break my spirit and you will be held accountable for your actions. I only pray that you open your heart to love and try to experience life differently and more positively. 'As Michelle Obama once said, when they go low, we go high. I will continue to address this situation with grace and humility.' Before the march by students, Rosing on Monday sobbed as she appeared via video link at at District Court to plead 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. Pictures obtained by DailyMail.com show her walking out of the Fayette County Detention Center later Monday night, still wearing a tight skirt and boots. She was accompanied by her parents, Jill and Don Rosing, who paid her $10,000 bond. Rosing is now banned from contacting Spring and will not be allowed to return to Boyd Hall, or drink alcohol. Rosing attempted to cover her face while leaving the detention centre, and her parents ignored questions when approached by DailyMail.com. They apparently walked out in the sunset without their adult daughter before coming back with the bail money 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 Her parents appeared to discuss the case with a third man after Rosling pleaded not guilty to all four offences Rosing 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 modest three-bedroom and two-bathroom family property in Fort Mitchell with her parents and siblings Her attorney Fred Peters, pictured, told DailyMail.com that the business and marketing major will be 'withdrawing' from school and will be 'getting treatment for her issues' - though he would not confirm if they were alcohol related University Police were finally able to take Rosing into custody just before 4am on Sunday following the now viral incident. She was being held at the Fayette County Detention Center - where she refused to identify herself to officers upon her arrival in the early hours. Now, university students are calling for Rosing to be expelled from the university and are also urging President Eli Capilouto to do more. A petition on Change.org has also been set up to get Rosing expelled from the school, with 117 people signing so far. 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.' When asked by DailyMail.com if Rosing would be suspended, the University declined to comment because the disciplinary investigation was ongoing. Rosing had previously bragged to fellow students the year before the vile racist incident, saying 'I'm rich as f*** and you're 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. 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 Rosing is being held on a $10,000 bail after being arrested by campus police 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. Meanwhile, Rosing herself 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 Dillard's has been terminated immediately.' 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. Video of the attack showed Rosing, who is white, calling Spring a 'n***** b***' as the front desk clerk tried to restrain her and prevent her from getting into an elevator. '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.' During her rampage, Rosing 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. 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 Prince Andrew's accuser has sensationally admitted that she 'may have made a mistake' by claiming that she was forced to have sex with a high profile lawyer. Virginia Roberts said she was 'very young' and in a 'very stressful and traumatic environment' when she was around Jeffrey Epstein which led her to wrongly identify Alan Dershowitz. Today she dropped a defamation case she brought against Dershowitz in 2019 with no financial payment made to either side. The extraordinary development comes months after Roberts settled a civil claim with the Duke of York for a reported $12million. Roberts claimed she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times when she was 17 at Epstein's bidding. Dershowitz was among the other high profile men that Roberts claimed she was 'loaned out' to at Epstein's command. Virginia Roberts dropped a defamation case Tuesday she brought against attorney Alan Dershowitz in 2019 with no financial payment made to either side Roberts said she was 'very young' and in a 'very stressful and traumatic environment' when she was around Jeffrey Epstein which led her to wrongly identify Alan Dershowitz. She sued the 84-year-old Harvard law professor in a court in New York for defamation in 2019 and he strongly and vehemently denied the allegations. Roberts claimed she was forced to have sex with Prince Andrew three times when she was 17 at Jeffrey Epstein's bidding Dershowitz, who has represented OJ Simpson and was a lawyer for Epstein who negotiated his 2009 sweetheart plea deal, has become a strong critic of the MeToo movement and wrote a book called 'Guilt by Association' criticizing it. In a statement at the conclusion of the case, Roberts, 38, who now lives in Australia and goes by her married name Giuffre, said: 'I have long believed that I was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to Alan Dershowitz. 'However, I was very young at the time, it was a very stressful and traumatic environment, and Mr. Dershowitz has from the beginning consistently denied these allegations. 'I now recognize I may have made a mistake in identifying Mr. Dershowitz. This litigation has been very stressful and burdensome for me and my family, and we believe it is time to bring it to an end and move on with our lives'. The case had been due to go to trial next year and would have been the first time that Roberts would have faced questioning in a court of law about any of her claims. Her claims were used in the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell for recruiting and trafficking underage girls for Epstein last year, which resulted in a conviction and 20 year sentence. The Duke of York was photographed with his arm around the bare waist of then 17-year-old Virginia Roberts. In the background, Ghislaine Maxwell. Roberts claims she was forced to have sex with the royal three times In a statement, Dershowitz said he was 'gratified' that the lawsuit had ended. He said: 'As I have said from the beginning, I never had sex with Ms. Giuffre. I have nevertheless come to believe that at the time she accused me she believed what she said. 'Ms. Giuffre is to be commended for her courage in now stating publicly that she may have been mistaken about me. 'She has suffered much at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein, and I commend her work combatting the evil of sex trafficking'. Roberts's lawyer David Boies said in a statement that the conclusion of the case meant all parties can 'move on'. He said: 'I know that Alan Dershowitz has suffered greatly from the allegation of sexual abuse made against him an allegation that he has consistently, and vehemently, denied. 'I also know that this litigation has imposed, and continues to impose, a significant burden on Ms. Giuffre'. A spokesman for Prince Andrew declined to comment. Roberts sued Dershowitz for defamation for calling her a liar about her allegations. In her civil complaint she said: 'During the time period that Roberts was being trafficked by Epstein she was forced to have sex with Alan Dershowitz. 'Roberts was forced to engage in sexual acts with Dershowitz in, among other locations, Epstein's (New York) mansion'. Roberts went on to claim that 'from the beginning, Dershowitz and Epstein have sought to hide their crimes behind a curtain of lies'. She claimed: 'Only a person seeking to conceal improper conduct would have engaged in the pattern of lies which has characterized Dershowitz's statements since his sex trafficking was revealed' In a statement, Dershowitz said he was 'gratified' that the lawsuit had ended. 'As I have said from the beginning, I never had sex with Ms. Giuffre. I have nevertheless come to believe that at the time she accused me she believed what she said' In a joint statement by all parties, they said: 'The resolution does not involve the payment of any money by anyone or anything else. Maxwell is currently appealing her conviction and could cite the Dershowitz case as evidence that Roberts's claims should be reevaluated by an appeal court. Roberts also sued her for defamation in 2016 in a case that was settled by Maxwell. In a deposition for that case she claimed she remembered having sex with Dershowitz on a plane. She also claimed to have been loaned out to former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and billionaire investor Glenn Dubin, who have both denied wrongdoing. Appearing on the Megyn Kelly show on Sirius XM, Dershowitz said: 'As far as I'm concerned the matter is now resolved and we can all go on living our lives, me with a clean record.' He called the agreed statements by all parties 'pretty darn good.' Dershowitz added that Roberts' claims were a 'terrible mistake that caused me a lot of grief' but now he wanted to 'wish her well'. Roberts' claims against Andrew forced him to retreat from public life. He was stripped of his military titles and his patronages of dozens of charities and reportedly cried when told by King Charles that there was no way back for him. A Queens man who was attacked on New York City subway train said he's voting for Lee Zeldin in the midterm elections because he believes the Long Island congressman will give New Yorkers a 'safer community.' Henry Cai, 34, is the latest victim of the city's rash of subway crime this year. He was robbed, beaten and shot with a gel gun on the No. 7 train in Flushing, Queens on Sunday. Cai, who is Asian American and believes the attack was a hate crime, told the New York Post he's not into politics but said the city isn't safe and revealed that he would be voting for Zeldin on Tuesday over Gov. Kathy Hochul as crime rates soar. In a tighter-than-expected race, as of late Tuesday afternoon, Hochul has 52 percent of the vote to Zeldin's 45 percent, according to a recent poll by RealClearPolitics. Henry Cai, 34, who is the latest victim of New York City's rash of subway crime this year, was robbed, beaten and shot with a gel gun on the No. 7 train in Flushing, Queens on Sunday Cai revealed that he's voting Lee Zeldin (below) over Gov. Kathy Hochul (pictured) in the midterm elections Tuesday because he believes Zeldin will give 'us a safer community' Hochul's opponent is Lee Zeldin, a Republican who is focused on cracking down on crime and helping the economy recover. He is shown casting his vote today in Mastic Beach Cai was attacked on Sunday just two days before the midterm elections. He said he does not think current governor Hochul is doing a good job because of the rising crime rates in the city. 'The subway, it's getting more scary,' Cai told The Post. 'After the pandemic, it's too much crime. On the train, it's not safe anymore.' Cai revealed that Zeldin has his vote. 'I'm not into politics, but I heard a lot of good things about him,' he added. 'Right now, New York City is not safe. Maybe he would give us a safer community.' Cai was on a southbound train at the Main Street station in Queens when a group of unknown assailants harassed him and followed him to another subway train car where they robbed him. He said they demanded his Ray-Ban prescription glasses and gold chain before slapping him in the face and then shooting him with a gel gun - an imitation weapon that fires water-absorbing polymer beads. 'They said, "Give me your chain,'" he told The Post. 'Of course I'm not going to give them my chain, so they kept chasing me. They kept attacking me. I had to go to a different car to avoid them. Eventually, they took my glasses, and I couldn't see. 'They hit me with their fist on the back of my head and the front and the face. They shot me with a gel gun. I thought it was a BB gun. It still hurts, but it didn't leave no injuries or marks.' Cai added that there were many bystanders who witnessed the attack, but no one stepped in to help him. 'Nobody was trying to help. Everybody could see,' he said. 'The train was full of people, and they didn't intervene. [The suspects] attacked me, and nobody said anything.' Cai was on a southbound train at the Main Street station in Queens when a group of unknown assailants harassed him and followed him to another subway train car where they robbed him He said they demanded his Ray-Ban prescription glasses and gold chain before slapping him in the face and then shooting him with a gel gun. They fled the area and have not been arrested Once the train pulled into the station, the attackers fled the area with Cai's $500 glasses. He said he finally got help from police on another platform of the station. Cai said he believed the attack was a hate crime. However, police have not labeled it as such. 'It feels like a hate crime because they see I'm Asian and I'm by myself and I really like fancy stuff, so I became a target,' he said. The attack on Sunday is just the latest in a string of crimes in the city this year as the race between Hochul and Zeldin narrowed significantly by Tuesday. 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 The less than 12 percent lead is a considerably small margin for New York. By contrast, Cuomo won the 2018 midterm election with 59 percent over his Republican opponent's 36 percent. Zeldin's comeback has spooked Hochul's donors and advisers, some of whom fear she will pay for ignoring key issues like crime and the economy. Some told CNBC on Tuesday they are 'concerned' about her narrowing lead and fear she has not reassured New Yorkers, many of whom are terrified by the ongoing crime wave across the state and largely in New York City. A large part of the problem for Hochul is a surge in crime across New York City that has been blamed largely on Democrats like Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. CNBC reports on Tuesday that Hochul's advisers and top donors have been warning her to stop ignoring key voter issues like crime and the economy, but that it largely fell on deaf ears. In a tighter-than-expected race, she now has 52 percent of the vote to Zeldin's 45 percent, according to a recent poll by RealClearPolitics. It is a considerably small margin for New York and less than the 12 point lead she held just a month ago. By contrast, Cuomo won the 2018 midterm election with 59 percent over his Republican opponent's 36 percent Hochul's lead on Zeldin has narrowed in the last few months and is now in the single digits - a surprising result in a historically Democratic state Hochul has been choosing instead to remind voters of her opponent's track record of supporting anti-abortion legislation. In a recent debate, she even told Zeldin 'I don't know why that's so important to you' when he challenged her on crime and bail reform. While her focus on the economy seems to have increased, her stance on crime has not become any tougher. 'I am concerned. She changed her strategy, but she was being advised that the voter was most concerned about the economy and less concerned about crime. 'Im not so sure that that message is being projected out by the Democrats because the economy should be a stronger point for the Democrats,' he told CNBC. President Biden has 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. Zeldin's comeback has spooked Hochul's donors and advisers, some of whom fear she will pay for ignoring key issues like crime and the economy Should Zeldin win he would become the state's first GOP governor since George Pataki left office in 2006 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 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. 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. October was a particularly prolific month for subway shovers, with at least five incidents occurring so far while there are still as many days left in the month. There were at least two subway shovings in September, three in June, one in April, and another two in January. Manhattan saw at least six shovings - including both fatalities. The Bronx and Brooklyn saw at least three pushings each, and Queens saw one. The latest shoving took place on October 23 when Ronald Baptiste, a 62-year-old grandfather, was waiting on the platform while on his way to work when Deshaun Smith, 21, allegedly punched him in the back of the head without warning. Police said Smith then shoved Baptiste onto the tracks and fled. Baptiste was able to pull himself off the tracks before a train arrived. Cops said they believed the attack may have been a part of a social media 'knockout game,' in which people challenge each other to try to knock strangers unconscious with single punches. Baptiste issued a plea to New York City Mayor Adams to use his power to clean up the subways. Deshaun Smith, 21, (above) allegedly punched Ronald Baptiste, 62, in the back of the head without warning and then pushed him onto the tracks Two days prior on October 21, 32-year-old David Martin was walking down the Wyckoff and Myrtle Avenue subway station in Brooklyn when Lamale McRae, 41, randomly charged across the platform and knocked him down into the tracks. The attack was caught in a terrifying video which showed McRae - a career criminal who had served 20 years in jail for attempted murder - calmly placing his bag down on the subway before launching himself after Martin and then fleeing. McCrae was arrested on Monday, and his relatives described him as mentally unwell. On October 17, 48-year-old Heriberto Quintana died after Carlos Garcia, 50, punched him in the face and knocked him in front of an oncoming train. Garcia was arrested and charged with assault and manslaughter. Days earlier, footage emerged showing Miguel Ramirez, 35, stalking 26-year-old German Sabio across the East 149th Street Station at 11:50am on October 15, before lunging at him into the path of a train. Sabio was pulled to safety before the train rushed through the station. Ramirez was arrested and remained silent as reporters asked him why he pushed Sabio. Lamale McRae, 41, randomly charged across the platform and knocked 32-year-old David Martin down into the tracks The October spree kicked off on the 3rd when Clarence Anderson, 32, a Bronx man with more than 40 arrests to his name, shoved a 25-year-old man onto the 6 train tracks at the 14th Street Union Square Station. Bystanders helped the man off the tracks. Anderson was later detained uptown at the Columbus Circle station after he threw a rock at a construction worker. On September 19 a 22-year-old Brooklyn woman was left with a battered and swollen face after on way home from work when a random man knocked her unconscious with a punch and then pushed her onto the tracks in Crown Heights. On September 5, 59-year-old Xing Zhou was on her way to church when Vladimir Pierre, 41, walked up to her and punched her in the face at Union Square Station. Pierre was arrested, and it was revealed he had been arrested and released for sucker-punching another random person just four days prior. Carlos Garcia, 50, was arrested and charged with assault and manslaughter. He allegedly punched Quintana in the face during a fight and knocked him in front of an oncoming train Quintana had accidentally knocked Garcia's phone onto the tracks after bumping into him, and Garcia (above) demanded he retrieve it On June 25 at the 125th Street Station in Manhattan, a 64-year-old man was pushed onto the tracks at 2:40pm while trying to break up a fight. The man made it off the tracks before tragedy, and one suspect was taken into custody. Days earlier on June 17, a 51-year-old was pushed to the tracks during a fight at 42nd Street and Grand Central station in Midtown Manhattan. Shocking video from June 4 showed Theodore Ellis, 31, randomly grabbing a 52-year-old woman and aggressively throwing her onto the tracks. Ellis was charged with attempted murder, and later told cops that he had been drinking when he committed the assault and didn't mean to do it, according to the Post. Shocking video from June 4 showed Theodore Ellis, 31, randomly grabbing a 52-year-old woman and aggressively throwing her onto the tracks In April a 24-year-old narrowly avoided disaster at the 59th Street station in Brooklyn when 23-year-old Ricky Vidal shoved them from behind in attempt to knock them to the tracks. On January 23 a 62-year-old man was pushed from behind onto the tracks at the Fulton Street Station in Lower Manhattan just as a train was pulling into the station. An the year kicked off with the fatal shoving of Michelle Go, 40, on January 15 at the Times Square Station. The year kicked off with fatal shoving of Michelle Go on January 15 at Times Square Station A vigil is held for Go in Times Square after she was shoved onto the subway tracks in January Go was waiting on the NQRW platform that Saturday at about 9:40am when 61-year-old Simon Martial shoved her in front of an oncoming train. Martial, who has a lengthy criminal history, gave a deranged answer when asked by reporters why he pushed Go. 'Yes, because I'm God. Yes, I did it. I'm God. I can do it,' he repeated as he was led into a police car. Martial, a diagnosed schizophrenic, was committed to a mental hospital months after his attack. Republicans took an early scalp in the midterms as early results indicated Guam voted for its first GOP delegate to Congress since 1993. Republican Sen. James Moylan defeated Democrat former Speaker Judi Won Pat in the delegate race in the U.S. territory in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the Pacific Daily News reported. The local news outlet reported that Moylan was ahead of 1,648 his opponent Judi Won Pat. Moylan had 17,075 votes and Won Pat had 15,427 as of Wednesday morning. Guam's delegate to Congress is non-voting - so the win is more symbolic than impactful in Congress - but Moylan will be only the second Republican sent to Washington D.C. by the island since the position was created in 1972. Republican Sen. James Moylan defeated Democrat former Speaker Judi Won Pat (right) in the delegate race in the U.S. territory in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the Pacific Daily News reported Voters said that crime, the economy and the recovery from the COVID pandemic were among the top concerns at the ballots - including ongoing questions about the island's political representation in D.C. Military issues are also a key factor for residents because of the U.S. Naval and Air Force bases. In the last delegate election in 2020, the Republican candidate attracted just 21 percent of the 28,293 people on the island who voted, according to the Guam Electoral Commission. In other races the island's Democratic governor held on by 11 points and Democrats gained a seat in the legislature. Guam is 'where America's Day Begins', is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Time and has a population of 153,836. Moylan had trailed in exit polls recorded earlier Tuesday by 13 points, which was within the margin of error. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich celebrated Moylan's victory as the 'first GOP win of 2022', and said there was 'a lot more to come'. The GOP said on Twitter: 'Congratulations to Guam Republican James Moylan for becoming the next delegate to the United States Congress. Guam hasn't sent a Republican to Congress since 1993.' The results from Guam represented the first of the night in the midterms. Polls start to close on the East Coast at 6pm and results will come in through the night. Projections have Republicans taking a decisive majority in the House while the Senate is still on a knife-edge with key races in Arizona, New Hampshire, Georgia and Pennsylvania going down to the wire. The local news outlet reported that Moylan was ahead of 1,648 his opponent Judi Won Pat. Moylan had 17,075 votes and Won Pat had 15,427 as of Wednesday morning Guam is 'where America's Day Begins', is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Time and has a population of 153,836 More than 3.5 million people live in the U.S. territories that include Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. The Congressional delegates can serve on committees but can't vote on any legislation. Island residents also cannot vote in the presidential election. Voters are generally most concerned about the island's political status and military issues. But voters heading to the polls on Tuesday also said that the rise in crime is one of the biggest worries. We need the neighborhood patrol, but also the home invasions have to stop,' resident David Taitano Guerrero told the Pacific Daily News. 'We just have to be careful when we get out of our cars.' Rishi Sunak facing questions about his judgment after bringing Sir Gavin back for a third spell in Cabinet He was due 16,876 in severance despite being back in Government for just two weeks - but he turned it down Alleged he told civil servant to 'slit your throat' and sent abusive texts to by former chief whip Wendy Morton Gavin Williamson said that he is quitting Cabinet and will 'comply fully' with probes into bullying allegations Advertisement Tory MPs last night turned on Sir Gavin Williamson after he sensationally quit the Government following a slew of bullying claims - including allegations he told officials to 'slit their throat'. The Cabinet minister yesterday announced he would be stepping down from his role, admitting that a slew of bullying accusations had become a 'distraction' for the Government. It was reported that he had earlier told Rishi Sunak 'several times' that he was planning to quit before publicly announcing his departure. Mr Williamson was due 16,876 in severance pay despite being back in Government for just two weeks - but last night he confirmed he would turn it down. He tweeted: 'To dispel any speculation, I want to make it clear that I will not be taking any severance. This is taxpayers money and it should go instead toward the Governments priorities like reducing the NHSs waiting lists'. He quit following another frantic day of claims about his behaviour - including that he told a senior civil servant to 'slit your throat'. He had faced fresh allegations from fellow Conservative MPs yesterday. One said last night: Hes a weedy little bloke who likes to think of himself as a hard man. Sir Gavin said in his resignation letter that he was determined to clear his name of wrongdoing. Responding, Mr Sunak wrote that he was accepting 'with great sadness'. 'I would like to thank you for your personal support and loyalty,' he added. Before lunchtime the PM's spokesman was still voicing 'confidence' in Sir Gavin and stressing his contribution to government. But by 4pm No10 was making clear that Rishi Sunak might not wait for the outcome of investigations to act. It is the third time he has been ousted from Cabinet, after being sacked as Defence Secretary by Theresa May and Education Secretary by Boris Johnson. Gavin Williamson has quit the cabinet saying that he wants to 'comply fully' with the complaints process and clear his name following bullying allegations Sir Gavin's letter of resignation sent to Mr Sunak , saying he recognised the allegations were becoming a 'distraction' Responding, Mr Sunak wrote that he was accepting 'with great sadness'. 'I would like to thank you for your personal support and loyalty,' he added Mr Williamson was due 16,876 in severance pay despite being back in Government for just two weeks - but last night he confirmed he would turn it down. The rise and (multiple) falls of Sir Gavin Gavin Williamsons political career has been filled with mishap and controversy. Born and raised in Scarborough, he was managing director of a fireplace firm before becoming an MP. His reputation as a master of the dark arts was cemented when chief whip in 2016 and 2017. He revelled in his tough reputation, telling delegates at the 2017 Conservative Party conference: We take a carrot and stick approach. Personally I dont much like the stick, but it is amazing what can be achieved with a sharpened carrot. He kept a red-legged Mexican tarantula named Cronus in a glass box on his desk, which is said to have provided added menace when dealing with errant MPs. He said the spider was a perfect example of an incredibly clean, ruthless killer. Sir Gavin went on to raise eyebrows with his language while he served as defence secretary from 2017 to 2019. At the height of the furore over the Salisbury novichok attack he told Russia to go away and shut up. Theresa May sacked him as defence secretary in May 2019 following an inquiry into a leak from a National Security Council meeting about Chinese involvement in the development of 5G networks. Boris Johnson brought him back as education secretary but was then forced to resign again after the fiasco around grading of GCSE and A-level exams. Sir Gavin also received criticism over free school meals and over the recovery plan to help pupils catch up after Covid. He came under fire for telling a newspaper he had held a Zoom meeting with Rashford, but he had in fact met rugby player Maro Itoje. He was sent to the backbenches in September 2021 but returned two weeks ago as minister without portfolio under Rishi Sunak. Advertisement The departure will raise fresh questions about Mr Sunak's judgment after he brought Sir Gavin back to the top table, despite knowing about his dispute with former chief whip Wendy Morton over foul-mouthed text messages concerning invites to the Queen's funeral. The stage is now set for a gruelling PMQs session tomorrow, although No10 will hope that Sir Gavin falling on his sword will make it less damaging. Mr Sunak pledged a new era of 'integrity' in government when he took over from Liz Truss, but has immediately been embroiled in rows over reappointing Suella Braverman as Home Secretary and then drafting in Sir Gavin. Opposition parties seized on the news, with deputy Labour leader Angel Rayner saying: 'This is a damning reflection of a weak Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak appointed Gavin Williamson with full knowledge of serious allegations about his conduct and repeatedly expressed confidence in him.' In his resignation letter, Sir Gavin wrote: 'As you know, there is an ongoing complaints process concerning text messages I sent to a colleague. I am complying with this process and have apologised to the recipient for those messages. 'Since then, there have been other allegations made about my past conduct. I refute the characterisation of these claims, but I recognise these are becoming a distraction for the good work this government is doing for the British people. 'I have therefore decided to step back from government so that I can comply fully with the complaints process that is underway and clear my name of any wrongdoing. 'It is with real sadness that I tender my resignation, but I want to take this opportunity to offer my full and total support from the back benches. I am incredibly proud to have worked with you in government over the last few years and during the campaign.' Downing Street was carrying out a fact-finding exercise into the claims about Sir Gavin's conduct towards the defence official, which could have resulted in a formal propriety probe. Meanwhile the Tory party and Parliament's bullying watchdog are looking into allegations made by Ms Morton. Pressure mounted on Sir Gavin as his former deputy Anne Milton alleged he used intimidatory and threatening tactics while he was chief whip. In the latest disclosures, Ms Milton accused Sir Gavin of seeking to use an MP's financial difficulties as leverage against them and sending an expletive-laden email about a female civil servant. Ms Milton, who was deputy chief whip from May 2015 to June 2017, described his behaviour as 'unethical and immoral', claiming: 'I think he feels that he's Francis Urquhart from House Of Cards.' Ms Milton, who was stripped of the Tory whip during the Brexit rows in 2019 and subsequently lost her seat, told Channel 4 News: ' 'I got the impression that he loved salacious gossip and would use it as leverage against MPs if the need arose.' Asked if any particular incidents stood out from her time working under Sir Gavin, she added: 'There were a few - the salacious gossip, which I've talked about, people's sexual preferences, that sort of thing. 'He loved all that. He would come into the office and say: 'Guess who enjoys some form of sex or another'. 'I found it very distasteful apart from anything. He also, on one occasion, we had an MP who'd got a few financial problems, some financial help was given. 'It wasn't a great amount, but I do remember him asking me to give the MP in question the cheque. 'And he waved it under my nose and said: 'Make sure when you give him this cheque he knows that I now own him'. 'I'm sure if you ask Gavin Williamson about this, he will say it was a joke. I don't think it was a joke.' Ms Milton also recalled an email sent by Sir Gavin in 2016 in response to a female civil servant's inquiry about why a minister had to change travel plans to attend a vote. 'Always tell them to f*** off and if they have the bollocks to come and see me. F****** jumped up civil servants,' she claimed he sent to her in reply. She questioned Mr Sunak's decision to give Sir Gavin a ministerial job, saying: 'I think (at) best it was probably a bit naive. I don't know that there are many people that would hang out the bunting to see Gavin Williamson back in government.' Ms Milton was Conservative MP for Guildford between 2005 and 2019 but lost the Tory whip towards the end of her time in Parliament during the bitter Brexit battles in the House of Commons. She subsequently stood as an independent candidate at the 2019 general election, but failed to hold onto her Surrey seat. The claims by Ms Milton followed allegations that Sir Gavin clashed with a civil servant while he was defence secretary. Sir Gavin denied the official's allegation of a campaign of bullying but did not deny making the remarks, including telling the civil servant to 'jump out of the window'. The Guardian, which first reported the allegations, said a complaint had now gone to the ICGS. In a statement, the complainant said they had an 'incredibly difficult period' working for Sir Gavin at the MoD and that the alleged bullying had had 'an extreme impact' on their mental health. Sir Gavin has also been hit by a row over the expletive-laden text messages he sent to fellow MP Ms Morton after he was excluded from the Queen's funeral. Downing Street is understood to be undertaking a fact-finding exercise, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman conceding this afternoon: 'Those are serious allegations that have come in.' In a statement following the Guardian report, Sir Gavin said: 'I strongly reject this allegation and have enjoyed good working relationships with the many brilliant officials I have worked with across Government.' It is understood that former chief whip Ms Morton has referred her complaint to Parliament's bullying watchdog, while an internal Tory party inquiry is ongoing. Having given strong backing to Sir Gavin at lunchtime, by yesterday afternoon Mr Sunak's spokesman was indicating he would not feel the need to wait until the resolution of existing investigations to act if the circumstances demanded it. 'Obviously he would act if and when he felt it was appropriate to do so,' the spokesman said. The Tory party and Parliament's bullying watchdog are looking into allegations made by former chief whip Wendy Morton (pictured) Ex-Conservative MP Anne Milton, who worked alongside Sir Gavin for almost a year in the Tory whips' office between 2016 and 2017, claimed the 46-year-old 'loved salacious gossip' including about people's 'sexual preferences' Ironically Sir Gavin's ministerial responsibilities were only announced yesterday afternoon, having been a mystery for the past fortnight. They included the Geospatial Commission, the Government Communications Service and the 'Great Campaign' to promote the UK. The Prime Minister has been coming under sustained pressure over his decision to bring his ally back into Government despite knowing about the complaint made by Ms Morton. The Times said she referred her complaint to Parliament's Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme over fears of a 'whitewash' by the Conservative Party. In a series of texts peppered with swear words, Sir Gavin accused Ms Morton of seeking to 'punish' MPs out of favour with then-premier Liz Truss by excluding them from the Queen's funeral, warning: 'There is a price for everything.' The Liberal Democrats demanded an independent inquiry into Sir Gavin's conduct so the Tories do not 'mark their own homework'. Sir Gavin, who was knighted after being nominated for the honour by Mr 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 former PM Theresa May as defence secretary in 2019 for allegedly leaking details of a National Security Council meeting, and then by Mr Johnson as education secretary over the Covid-19 exams debacle. However, he was regarded as a key figure in Mr Sunak's campaign over the summer to become party leader. A young woman killed in an alleged hit and run was reportedly arguing with her sister in a car moments before the horrific tragedy, a court has heard. Melbourne woman Asyai Luk, 22, faces up to 10 years behind bars after she was charged with dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop and render assistance. It's alleged her older sister, aged 24, had tried to get out of the vehicle being driven by Luk when the black SUV accelerated and dragged the victim along the road before crushing her against a parked Jeep in Sunshine on Monday afternoon. Luk allegedly left her older sister for dead and drove off. The black SUV was captured on CCTV driving down High Street after the alleged collision. The sister was rushed to Royal Melbourne Hospital with serious head injuries but later died. Luk appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday night, where harrowing details of the events leading up to the alleged collision were heard. Asyai Luk has been charged over the alleged hit and run which claimed the life of her sister in Melbourne's west on Monday (pictured, police examining the scene in Sunshine) The two sisters had been involved in a verbal and physical altercation in the car before Luk got out to get help from residents, The Herald Sun reported. 'The accused returned to the driver side of the vehicle and continued with a verbal altercation with their sister,' the prosecutor told the court. The court heard the sister was 'kicked out' of the car and tried to get back in the vehicle in a 'distressed' state when Luk allegedly drove off, the court was told. The vehicle travelled a short distance before colliding with a white Jeep parked nearby. The sister was pinned between the two vehicles after her head hit the Jeep's front bumper bar. 'The victim has lost her grip on the door and collided with the stationary parked vehicle with her face impacting the front bumper bar,' the prosecutor told the court. The black SUV (pictured) was captured on CCTV driving down High Street after the collision Magistrate Jason Ong noted the seriousness of the charges but granted Luk bail on strict conditions to appear in court at a later date. She had no family in attendance at Tuesday night's court appearance. It comes as witnesses who rushed the injured sister's aid after the alleged collision described the confronting scenes. Despite bleeding from the head down, the woman was conscious and speaking to witnesses as they provided first aid before she died in hospital hours later. 'It was pretty horrific what I had to deal with,' Daniel Gomez told reporters. 'Basically bleeding from the head down, so she was still active and crying ... She was in complete shock. 'It was like something out of a horror show. It was very devastating.' Investigations into the collision continue. Sean Penn has given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky his Oscar, telling him to bring it back to Malibu when his nation emerges victorious from the war with Russia. The actor and director, 62, has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine since war broke out in February and had already travelled to Kyiv twice this year prior to today's trip. Returning to the Ukrainian capital to see Zelensky, whom he earlier referred to as his 'great friend', Penn was filmed withdrawing one of his Academy Awards from a bag and placing it on the Ukrainian president's desk. 'This is for you,' the actor told Zelensky. 'It's just a symbolic silly thing, but if I know this is here with you then I'll feel better and stronger for the fight... 'When you win, bring it back to Malibu. I'll feel much better knowing a piece of me is here,' he concluded. Zelensky, who prior to his entry into politics was a well-known actor and comedian, was clearly flattered and gratefully accepted the Oscar statuette, describing it as a 'great honour'. He was later seen carefully placing the golden trophy on the mantelpiece in his presidential office. Zelensky in turn presented Penn with a Ukrainian Order of Merit to thank him 'for his sincere support and significant contribution to the popularisation of Ukraine in the world'. Sean Penn (L) has given Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) his Oscar, telling him to bring it back to Malibu when his nation emerges victorious from the war with Russia This handout picture taken and released by Ukraine's presidential press-service on November 8, 2022 shows the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meeting with US actor Sean Penn (L) after receiving latter's Oscar statuette during their meeting in Kyiv Volodymyr Zelensky (2nd-R) is seen walking in the Ukrainian capital with US actor Sean Penn (2nd-L) after their meeting in Kyiv Penn, who won a pair of Best Actor academy awards for his performances in Mystic River (2003) and Milk (2008), is one of several prominent US actors to have made the journey to Ukraine since Russian tanks rolled across the border on February 24. He was banned from entering Russia in September when Vladimir Putin's foreign ministry added him, along with Ben Stiller, to a list of US citizens barred from the country due to his overt criticism of the conflict. Penn was in Ukraine recording a documentary when Russia invaded and was forced to flee, crossing into Poland like many Ukrainian refugees. He has since expressed great admiration for Zelensky, and also admitted he'd considered taking up arms to fight alongside the Ukrainian military as it continues to battle Russian forces in Ukraine's south east. 'Part of what makes [Zelensky] so particularly extraordinary is that courage, he's the face of so many Ukrainians. I mean this is leadership we aspire to, this is freedom of thought and true leadership that mostly is just so moving,' Penn said earlier this year. 'If you've been in Ukraine [fighting] has to cross your mind. And you kind of think what century is this? Because I was at the gas station in Brentwood the other day and I'm now thinking about taking up arms against Russia? What the f--- is going on?' Stiller meanwhile travelled to Ukraine this summer in his role as a goodwill ambassador for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Millions of Ukrainians have been displaced amid the fighting. The star of Zoolander, Meet the Parents and Dodgeball, told Zelensky: 'It's a great honor for me. It's really wonderful. You're my hero,' and also toured several neighbourhoods near the Ukrainian capital affected by the war. Sean Penn, 62, earlier this year said he was 'thinking about taking up arms against Russia' while at the gas station in Brentwood, California shortly after he returned from the war-torn country Hollywood actor and Goodwill Ambassador Ben Stiller meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continued, in Kyiv, Ukraine in June Stiller met with Zelensky after walking through a bombed-out neighborhood in Ukraine in June. At their meeting, Stiller told Zelenskey that he was inspired by him, 'for what you've done in this country and for the world' Russian and Ukrainian forces remain locked in a stalemate throughout much of the south east of Ukraine. Zelensky today hinted at the possibility of peace talks with Russia - a shift from his earlier refusal to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian president urged the international community to 'force Russia into real peace talks' and listed his usual conditions for dialogue the return of all of Ukraine's occupied lands, compensation for damage caused by the war and the prosecution of war crimes. The announcement signalled a change in rhetoric for Zelensky, who in September signed a decree stating 'the impossibility of holding talks' with Putin. But since his preconditions appear to be non-starters for Moscow, it is unlikely that his apparent willingness to reopen communications with the Kremlin will yield any results. In the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, which the Russians are struggling to take full control of, Moscow's shelling killed three civilians and wounded seven others over the past 24 hours, according to Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. Mr Kyrylenko said the fatalities occurred in the city of Bakhmut, a key target of Russia's grinding offensive in Donetsk, and the town of Krasnohorivka. Ukraine's deputy defence minister last week described the Bakhmut area as 'the epicentre' of fighting in eastern Ukraine. Elsewhere, two civilians were seriously wounded by unexploded mines in Ukraine's north-eastern Kharkiv region, where Kyiv's forces retook broad swathes of territory in September, Kharkiv governor Oleh Synehubov said. In the partially occupied Kherson region in the south, where Ukraine's troops are conducting a successful counter-offensive, Russian-installed authorities said they have 'completed' measures to evacuate residents ahead of anticipated Ukrainian advances. Election denier Kari Lake claimed voting problems in Arizona could be part of a plot to thwart a 'red tsunami' on Tuesday, as she urged supporters to stay in line until their vote was cast. Just a few hours into election day, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer announced that about a fifth of its electronic vote tabulation machines were malfunctioning. Right-wing figures, including former President Donald Trump, seized on the problems to warn of fraud. And as the afternoon wore on, Republican campaigns in the state - including Blake Masters, who is running for governor - failed with an emergency suit to keep polling stations open late. Lake issued her warning after casting her own ballot as she views to become the state's next governor. She advised voters to wear comfortable footwear and to take food when they went to vote. 'The people of Arizona would walk over hot coals and they would walk over broken glass to vote today,' she told reporters, as she said she planned to travel around to encourage people to stay in line despite delays. 'And I know that they can stand in line for a couple hours if they have to. I know they'll stand in line for eight hours. 'And they will vote and my message to the people of Arizona is do not get out of line until you have cast your vote. Do not get out of line until you've cast your vote. 'Things are looking very good for us. They may be trying to slow a red tsunami but it's coming.' I spoke to the press about the latest Arizona election debacle after voting today in downtown Phoenix. Watch and do me a favor. Be patient. Stay in line. Vote. pic.twitter.com/2tpG0s0fYL Kari Lake (@KariLake) November 8, 2022 'They may be trying to slow a red tsunami but it's coming.' Kari Lake, Republican candidate for governor in Arizona, suggested problems with voting machines Tuesday were part of a plot 'We're trying to fix this problem as quickly as possible,' said Bill Gates (left), chairman of the Maricopa County supervisors. 'And we also have a redundancy in place' Voters wait to cast their ballots at the Biltmore Fashion Park on November 08, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. Lake urged voters to wait in line as voting machine faults were reported Arizona became one of the centers for conspiracy theories after Trump narrowly lost the state to Joe Biden - the first time a Democratic candidate had won it since 1996. Trump was even more explicit on Tuesday, posting on his Truth Social account: 'People of Arizona: Don't get out of line until you cast your vote. 'They are trying to steal the election with bad machines and DELAY. Dont let it happen!' Lake has campaigned on a platform that insists Trump was the rightful winner. And Maricopa county has already been hit by controversy, after armed men were spotted monitoring ballot drop boxes. On Tuesday, Richer said ballots were not lining up properly inside the machines and were not being read, but promised that every vote cast would be counted. Lake quickly issued a 'voter alert' on her Twitter account. But she later said that she had encountered no problems when she cast her vote in what she described as a left-leaning area of the city. 'We were right to come to vote in a liberal area,' she said. 'They've got to fix this problem.' Donald Trump weighed in on the problems with claims of a plot to steal the election The former president briefly spoke with reporters after casting his ballot, urging all Americans to do the same 'no matter who you vote for' She also clashed with reporters, 'I am going to not only be the governor of Arizona for four years,' she said. 'I am going to do two terms. 'I'm going to be your worst freaking nightmare for eight years, and we will reform the media as well. We are going to make you guys into journalists again.' Lake's campaign and that of Masters launched an effort to keep polling open late. Their emergency suit was joined by the Republican National Committee. Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman, said: 'The widespread issues in an election administered by Democrat Secretary of State Katie Hobbs are completely unacceptable, especially as Republicans flock to the polls to vote in-person on Election Day.' However, a judge was not persuading, saying they had not provided evidence anyone had been unable to vote, before rejecting their case. Arizona was not the only place where problems were reported. In Pennsylvania, due to the Republican National Committee and other GOP groups winning a lawsuit in state court that would make undated mail-in ballots not count, thousands of voters in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas were alerted they must 'cure' their ballots. Election officials have advised these voters to come to the county election offices to cure their ballot, request a new mail-in ballot or vote by provisional ballot on Election Day to fix these mistakes. Voters in Philadelphia wait in line to vote on Election Day. In Pennsylvania, thousands of mail-in ballots could be tossed out, as voters didn't date them properly MIAMI, FLORIDA: There's also several tight governor's races across the country that could see MAGA Republicans leading more states In Allegheny County, where Pittsburgh is located, nearly 1,000 voters were on a list of individuals who forgot to date or incorrectly dated their ballots. In Philadelphia, the Board of Elections alerted nearly 2,000 their ballot lacked a date. Nearly 400 more potentially dated their ballots incorrectly. In Mercer County, New Jersey all the Dominion-made voting machines were down. Officials told voters they can still show up to the polls and cast a traditional paper ballot. 'The Board of Elections has advised the county of issues with voting machines. Poll workers will be on hand to walk voters through the process. The board is working with Dominion, the machine maker, to resolve the issue,' the country's Facebook page read. Additionally, around 150 Philly voters didn't sign their mail-in ballot, while around 1,000 voters turned in 'naked' ballots, meaning they forgot to mail in their ballots surrounded by a secrecy envelope. A woman in a superhero costume and a man kidnapped a girl in Alabama and took her to Florida where she was beaten in an abandoned building before being left under a tree. Molly Michele Jarrett, 19, was wearing a superhero costume and cowboy boots when she was arrested with Coby Jerome Jordan, 22, after the girl they allegedly bound in duct tape was discovered by sheriff's deputies. Jarett and Jordan, both from Alabama, took the girl across state lines to Jackson County in Florida on Friday night. There she was beaten and left bound under a tree at some point before dawn. Sheriff's deputies were informed by a Jackson County resident at around 6.15am on Saturday November 5 that they had spotted the girl. 'Deputies found a minor with her hands bound behind her back,' the Jackson County Sheriff's Office said. The girl was rushed to hospital and is expected to survive. Coby Jerome Jordan (left), 22, and Molly Michele Jarrett (right), 19, were arrested on Saturday by Houston County Sheriff's the day after they bound and beat a girl in an abandoned building. Jarrett was wearing a superhero costume at the time of her arrest One of the vehicles the two were driving was a blue ford pick-up truck Jerome picked up the teenage girl at some point on Friday evening, deputies said. That night Jordan met up with two females, one of whom was Jarrett. At around 1am on Saturday morning the girl was taken to an abandoned building in Florida where Jordan beat her and bound her hands and feet. She was later left alone under a tree. Jarett and Jordan were booked in Houston County jail before being transported to Jackson County where the girl had been beaten Jarrett and Jordan were arrested later on Saturday by deputies in their native Houston County, back in Alabama. Unofficial photos shared by Jackson County deputies show Jarrett dressed as the superhero Raven from the show Teen Titans. Molly Michele Jarrett, 19, after her make-up had been removed and on being booked into Jackson County in Florida She is photographed in front of a blue Ford pick-up truck wearing cowboy boots featuring the stars and stripes. It is not clear why she was wearing that outfit. Florida court records seen by AL.com list Jordan as living in Dothan, Alabama, and Jarrett in nearby Taylor, also in Alabama. Jordan faces charges of robbery, false imprisonment, tampering with a victim and battery. Jarrett is charged with assisting Jordan in all of those crimes. An administrator in the Jackson County Correctional Facility confirmed to DailyMail.com that on Tuesday evening the two remained in the jail. The age of the girl that was beaten is unknown but Fox News reported that she is a teenager. Investigators did not say if the suspects knew her before the incident. Lisa was staring in shock at the block of flats once filled with happy families. The two ends still stood but the middle had collapsed into rubble. Books, carpets, curtains and shoes poked out from bricks, charred wood and twisted metal. On the fourth floor, a womans clothes were visible hanging in a door-less wardrobe: a maroon dress, white blouses, a black belt. Neatly folded bed linen was on the shelf above. In the next-door room, a jumble of files stashed in a cupboard. This was the site of a massacre. Scores of lives snuffed out in seconds by Russian bombs and Lisa had returned home to see where her childhood friend Olena had died alongside her husband, two young daughters, parents and grandmother. Two years ago we celebrated our graduation anniversary with all our classmates getting together, including Olena. If only I knew that was the last time Id ever see her, Id have said and done things so differently, the 30-year-old told me. Dr Yurii Kuznetsov shows the basement of a hospital which was used as the surgery department during heavy shelling and occupation by Russian troops in Izyum, Ukraine What we saw on the news was one thing, but when Im standing here and looking at this building I try to imagine what it was like for the people living here. At least 50 people died when weapons of war exploded in their homes. The cries of trapped people could be heard for three days. The bodies of Olena and her family lay rotting in the ruins for 11 weeks; it is feared some corpses still remain there. This attack took place in March, during a month of brutal fighting for Izyum. Then the town in Kharkiv region suffered the terror of Russian takeover for six months followed by the joy of freedom when Ukrainian forces swept forward to regain it in September. Yet the wounds will take years to heal. Izyum is a shattered town filled with shattered people possibly the most devastated place in Ukraine, where one man said they are living in caves amid the wreckage as they await the freezing winter. This industrial town, founded in the 17th century with a Cossack fortress and now 40 miles from the wars front line, highlights the scale of the struggle facing Ukraine even if it wins its fight against Vladimir Putins forces. Lisa pointed out their nearby school. It was wrecked too like every other school in the town and I had just met one of the teachers, who wept in the street when an aircraft flew overhead. Im sorry, Im very emotional. I start crying when I hear this sound now, said Vera, 65, who teaches Ukrainian language. This sound is so horrible to me because after hearing the sound of an aeroplane I stepped outside and saw everything was on fire. She told of seeing hell coming to earth when those flats were targeted, with people screaming in basements, dying in the fire, and you cant do anything to help them. Oksana Bezpalenko, 33, said she watched neighbours being led off with bags on their heads. She is pictured with her 3 children aged 12 to four, and four-month-old baby girl Milana, in Izyum, Ukraine The pensioner was far from alone in weeping. Tears fell down faces of young women and old men alike as we spoke, since almost everyone in this town has confronted horror. Liberation is simply the first step in recovering from such events. More than 1,000 residents of a town of 47,000 before the war have died. A mass grave was found in the forested outskirts filled with torture victims. At least 37 men, taken into Russia, are still missing. Many more fled after collaborating. Now Putin is trying to destroy Ukraines energy infrastructure. And as temperatures fall, dropping below freezing at night when I stayed in Izyum, an astonishing 85 per cent of homes, shops and offices in the town centre bear the cruel scars of war. We live in caves here, said Dmytro, 48, a construction worker. We can survive without water or electricity since we went through so much. Whatever is to come our way does not scare us. It just cant get any worse. But as we talk, we hear the sound of distant explosions and a passing pensioner panics. No one is at peace here, she exclaims loudly. Anything can happen at any time. Dmytro admits everyone in the town is tormented by the sound of aircraft. Im a grown man but I duck down every time I hear the noise. They would fly really low and drop their bombs again and again. As I walked along the streets, scrunching through glass and stepping around shell craters, almost every building from banks to bus stations, cafe to courtroom, police station to post offices had chunks blasted off, windows blown out, roofs burned. More than 1,000 residents - of a town of 47,000 before the war - have died. The wreckage of a street in Izyum is pictured Holes in the walls of hastily abandoned homes exposed the humdrum debris of daily life such as cots, coats and cups. Signs warned of mines, even next to a hospital. A plaque on one stately building, bearing the Soviet hammer and sickle, showed that a Red Army rifle regiment had been based there in 1943 but like all others around the central park, it was wrecked after the invasion by todays Russian troops. Somehow a sign spelling out I love Izyum by the destroyed town hall survived the blitz, as did the mural of John Lennon saying Give Peace A Chance a grotesque irony amid such carnage. About 14,000 people remain amid the ruins: survivors of the destruction as Russian forces, on one side of the river which snakes through Izyum, fought to capture the entire town. Now they tell tales of brutality, beatings and looting during occupation. One mother of young children said Russian troops had come to her house to execute her husband as he was a military veteran. I told them it was too late said Yulia, 39. Hed died a week earlier so I buried him by my house. Then she quietly told how three drunk soldiers came back, dragged her outside by her hair and assaulted her at gunpoint. They raped me and humiliated me, she said. After this I went into hiding with my children until the end of the occupation. Another resident, detained over an innocuous text message found on her phone, had to listen to screams of people being brutalised. We are all trying to forget what happened, said Anna, 36, who worked for a gas firm. A population of about 14,000 people remain living amid the ruins of Izyum My boss and his wife were held for ten days and tortured since their son worked for Ukraines security service. It was horrific I dont know how they survived. They were kept in different basement cells. She was raped. We all know of such cases. Their pain was intensified since the worst looting and atrocities were carried out by militia from Luhansk, the neighbouring region of Ukraine seized by Putin in 2014, and illegally annexed after a sham referendum last month. We are one country but they came to kill us, said Anna. Russia is a different country but Luhansk is our people. They came with such hatred. That was the scariest thing that your own brothers could treat you like this. One local dignitary spoke of their crushing feeling of powerlessness: first hiding in a basement with many others, uncertain if they would escape explosions blowing up their homes, then finding themselves at the mercy of young thugs with guns. They could take you off and shoot you or your loved ones whenever they wanted, said Andriy Plishan, 61, head of a consumer association, whose son was beaten. Officials say state workers, military veterans and activists were targeted. Their desire was to get rid of all the people who refused to accept that Ukraine was part of the Russian empire, said Kostyantyn Petrov, secretary of the city administration. He said many of the 471 corpses found in the mass grave had their hands bound or bullet holes in their heads. It is very likely they died from torture but then, it is also a crime against humanity when people are dying in their homes from missile strikes. Oksana Bezpalenko, 33, watched neighbours being led off with bags on their heads and cats shot for fun by occupying troops, while her children aged between 12 and four saw someone beaten to death in their yard. A lot of people suffered here, she said. She was heavily pregnant during the bombing. Now her daughter Milana born in a corridor of the last functioning hospital after Oksana defied the curfew and braved threats to shoot from soldiers at a checkpoint is one of just 370 children living here. An astonishing 85 per cent of homes, shops and offices in the town centre bear the cruel scars of war. The wreckage of an Izyum street is pictured The childs birth was aided by Yuriy Kuznetsov, who was for almost two months the only doctor working in Izyum, as he battled to save lives in a hospital wrecked by air strikes. This selfless trauma surgeon worked tirelessly for weeks on end in a makeshift operating theatre created in the cold, dingy and poorly lit hospital basement, patching up bodies left horrifically injured by bombs, bullets, mines and shrapnel. The most difficult casualties were the chest wounds with collapsed lungs, heavy bleeding, extreme shock from pain, and trying to stabilise shredded limbs, he said. We did not have an anaesthetist so many things were not possible. One day he had 17 wounded arriving in three hours. Early in the war, many patients were injured by cluster bombs. In recent weeks, butterfly mines led to amputations and his own home was hit in the fight to free the town. Little wonder that his face looks etched with fatigue. Kuznetsov, 55, said he found it hardest when he could not save patients especially those he knew in this close-knit town. Any death is horrible but it is especially painful if you know the person. An apartment block that was destroyed by Russian occupying forces is pictured on October in Izyum is pictured He recalled one friend who carried in his wife pleading for help. He was screaming for me to save her. She had a direct hit on her heart but she was beyond medical help. In a state of shock hed brought in her body when she was already dead. The morgue overflowed with corpses, the stench of death intensifying due to the lack of electricity and the execution of the coroner by the Russians. Most of those remaining in Izyum are elderly. Many rely on meals cooked by volunteers. One social worker said some residents are so traumatised that they hoard donations of food and clothes. I went to my neighbours apartment and could not enter because of all the supplies stacked inside. People have not been to the shops for nine months and are scared so theyre panicking a bit, she said. Yevhen Horbenko, a teacher who gave me a sofa in his flat for the night, told me of listening to Ukrainian radio under occupation and hearing that his town had suffered worse destruction than Mariupol, the port that was besieged and battered so badly. He lost more than a stone during the fighting and occupation. His son was hit in the arm by shrapnel. Yet Yevhen would risk his life to run to the top of a hill to find a phone signal to call his wife, stranded on the other side of the front line. An apartment block that was destroyed by Russian occupying forces is pictured in late October in Izyum He knew liberation had come when he woke up to silence rather than missile sounds. Their flat escaped comparatively lightly: a few broken windows, two blown-out doors and a hole in the apartment blocks roof, patched up by residents. I was in a state of shock when I came back here, said his wife Natalia, 63. When I saw my husband, I just stood staring at him for 20 minutes. Then when he took me around the city, I struggled to take in the terrible new reality. City officials are assessing the damage, reconnecting gas and hoping to restore heating to almost one-third of the 198 city centre apartment blocks before winter. The Red Cross is handing out blankets and heaters. But there are disquieting hints of tension. I heard anger against officials who fled the city, bitterness over failures to deliver assistance, concern over the lack of jobs and perhaps most corrosively deep fury over claims of collaboration. One rape victim told me she had been accused of sleeping with the enemy. Another woman said her husband was forced to work for the occupiers but was now being detained for collaborating. A sweet-natured man who had sheltered scores of people in his basement was suddenly accused of collaboration in the street by a prominent city official. Yet for all the suffering and trauma, only 12 people have accepted evacuation. Most residents seem to feel pride or communal relief in survival, fused with fierce determination to get through the travails of winter and rebuild their broken town. I hope the city can be rebuilt, said Lisa after visiting the distressing scene of her friends death. No matter the condition of their apartments, people cover up their windows and say they can survive. They say: this is our hometown, our motherland, we are not going anywhere and we want to rebuild it. This inspires me so much. He found Mr Killen on Tuesday morning and learnt he'd been there since Sunday A 'tough' 95-year-old farmer has miraculously survived after spending two days trapped in the mud near his dam before his friend came to the rescue. Tom Killen was discovered by his friend 'covered head to toe' in mud on Tuesday after becoming trapped while checking irrigation pipes at his property in Carters Ridge, around two hours north of Brisbane. Loyal friend Dave Grey said he'd gone searching for Mr Killen after his phone calls went unanswered for a few days. Mr Grey found Mr Killen early in the morning just metres from his tipped over tractor, lying in the mud of his dam. 95-year-old Carters Ridge farmer Tom Killen was rescued from the mud of his dam early Tuesday morning after being stuck for two days (pictured, Mr Killen's tractor) The 95-year-old farmer had been there since midday Sunday, unable to call for help. It is not yet clear what caused Mr Killen to become stuck, whether it was a fall or medical episode. Mr Grey immediately jumped to action and pulled his friend from the mud before calling emergency services. '(He's) probably one of the toughest people I've seen at that age... even ambos and police were commenting on how resilient he is, a tough old bloke,' Mr Grey told Nine News. Paramedics arrived at the scene at about 7am and began treating Mr Killen for hypothermia, dehydration and minor injuries. Loyal friend Dave Grey (above) found Mr Killen and pulled him from the mud after he failed to hear from the farmer for two days 'The tractor was bogged quite severely next to a dam and it appears the gentlemen has tried to step off the tractor,' Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson Shaun Bright told reporters. '(He) has then had some sort of medical episode which has left him out in the weather for several days. 'He's a very tough gentleman. He works on the property by himself.' Mr Killen is being treated at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital were he remains in a serious but stable condition. The Australian Defence Force will launch an investigation into claims China's government has tried to recruit retired Australian RAF fighter pilots to train their own armed forces in how to defeat Western forces. Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the investigation, saying his department had turned up enough evidence supporting the claims to warrant an investigation. 'The information provided to me so far presents enough evidence to warrant the need for a detailed examination of the adequacy of current Defence policies and procedures addressing this matter,' Mr Marles said. Mr Marles said Australians who worked for the government in any capacity - 'particularly the ADF - who come into possession of the nation's secrets, have an obligation to maintain those secrets beyond their employment with the Commonwealth.' He said he expected recommendations as a result of the investigation 'in due course'. It was reported last month that Australians were a part a cohort of 30 pilots who were head-hunted via a South African flight school, acting as an intermediary for the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the PLA Air Force. A Western official has claimed the targeted group, including British ex-fast jet and helicopter pilots, and ex-ADF personnel, are working in China, with more being targeted (pictured, Typhoon and F15 and F16 jets in action). Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles has now launched an investigation into Australian involvement in the scheme It is understood Australians were included in a group of 30 pilots who were head-hunted to train the PLA (pictured, Chinese forces marching out to raise the nation's flag in Tibet) 'I would be deeply shocked and disturbed to hear that there were personnel who were being lured by a pay check from a foreign state above serving their own country,' Defence Minister Richard Marles (pictured) said last month when news of the incident broke At the time Mr Marles said he would be 'deeply shocked and disturbed to hear that there were personnel who were being lured by a pay check from a foreign state above serving their own country.' UK pilots were also lured as part of the group by the communist country, with generous pay packages of 237,911 British pounds (AUD$427,067). A Western official has claimed the targeted group, including British ex-fast jet and helicopter pilots are working in China, with more being targeted. The Ministry of Defence in Britain is taking steps to 'deter and penalise' UK staff who have enlisted with the CCP. A 'two-strike' rule idea has being raised by authorities to hinder British pilots from working with the Chinese government. The officers would be given a warning before they are prosecuted. A British Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the training and recruiting did not breach any current UK law but the practice had been discouraged. Defence Analyst Francis Tusa told Sky News the revelations are a major security breach. 'Let's be honest, China is an enemy,' Mr Tusa said. 'As such we have got British subjects who have decided that their best interests are served by teaching our enemy how to defeat us - this is incredibly frightening.' A Red Arrows pilot has been sacked amid claims of sexual assault. Flight Lieutenant Damon Damo Green is the first Top Gun from the world-famous aerobatics team to be dismissed following the biggest scandal in its 60-year history. More than 40 serving and former Red Arrows personnel many of them young women have accused male colleagues of sexual misconduct and bullying. They also claim that the RAF covered up the allegations in a bid to preserve the Red Arrows reputation. An initial military police probe found there was insufficient evidence against Fl Lt Green and others to justify criminal charges. But following pressure from the alleged victims, top brass ordered a non-statutory inquiry. Evidence and testimony gathered in this second investigation was presented to senior officers and defence ministers on the Air Force Board. They met recently to decide Fl Lt Greens fate and concluded that he could no longer serve. Red Arrows Flight Lieutenant Damo Green, pictured, has been sacked amid claims of sexual assault. He is alleged to have had an affair with a female colleague The future of a second Red Arrows pilot, Flight Lieutenant Will Cambridge, who is alleged to have had an affair with a female colleague, is due to be decided at a forthcoming meeting of the Air Force Board. Appearing before the Commons defence committee yesterday, Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said: On the Red Arrows case, a non-statutory inquiry has concluded, in terms of interviews, and is being finalised. One case has come to the Air Force Board and that individual will be discharged from the service on the basis of the evidence. A second individual is due to come to the Air Force Board soon, where we will consider the case against that individual and decide on his future. Fl Lt Green, from Sheffield, was Red 8 in the team before leaving for what were officially described as personal reasons earlier this year. The officer, who is in his late 30s, is understood to be married with at least one child. He joined the air squadron at the University of Bath as a maths student. He then joined the RAF and flew extensively on operations in the Middle East, earning a prestigious Joint Commanders Commendation. He applied to join the Red Arrows in 2018. Like his colleague, Fl Lt Cambridge was a frontline Typhoon pilot before joining the display team in 2019. The so-called toxic culture in the Red Arrows, fuelled by heavy drinking and high jinks on tour, also led to the resignation of a senior pilot, Squadron Leader Nick Critchell. The Red Arrows is pictured marking the 75th Anniversary of VE Day during the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020 An Oxford University modern history graduate, who is in his late 30s, he has described being a Red Arrow as a huge privilege. The claims brought against more senior Red Arrows pilots has caused huge embarrassment for the RAF, in particular, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, commander of the service. Complainants say their bosses pleaded with them not to raise issues against the pilots. Some pilots were alleged to have boasted they were untouchable. The so-called toxic culture in the Red Arrows, fuelled by heavy drinking and high jinks on tour, also led to the resignation of a senior pilot, Squadron Leader Nick Critchell. He confronted colleagues over their misconduct before quitting the team. Affairs and widespread allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment also destroyed unit cohesion, according to insiders. The Red Arrows are shown at the British Grand Prix on 3rd July 2022 The Red Arrows are pictured flying in formation over Buckingham Palace in London as part of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration. The RAF is footing the bill for the healthcare of alleged victims suffering mental health issues Affairs and widespread allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment also destroyed unit cohesion, according to insiders. The alleged victims suffered mental health issues, costing some of them their military careers. The RAF is footing the bill for their healthcare. An RAF spokesman said: We have a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour. Following allegations of such behaviour within the Red Arrows, we commissioned a thorough and far-reaching investigation to establish the facts and have taken appropriate actions where wrongdoing has been proven. The experienced mountaineer Mr Matthews, who had previously conquered Kilimanjaro, died in 1999 Advertisement TV adventurer Bear Grylls has led a secret expedition to Mount Everest aiming to recover the body of Pippa Middleton's brother-in-law, who died in a mountaineering accident hours after becoming the youngest Briton to conquer world's highest peak. The Chief Scout, who counts the Princess of Wales among his friends, led an expedition to Mount Everest earlier this year to try to recover the body of Michael Matthews. Mr Matthews died aged 22 in a mountaineering accident in 1999 after following the example of his friend Mr Grylls, who had reached the summit of Everest the previous year at the age of 23. He was the brother of Pippa Middleton's husband, the racing driver turned hedge fund manager James Matthews, 47. He and his brother, the Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, are friends of Mr Grylls, 48, the son of late Tory MP Sir Michael Grylls. Michael Matthews, 22, (left), with friend Jamie Everett in front of the summit of Everest in 1999 Mr Matthews on the mountain in 1999, when he broke Mr Grylls' record and became the youngest Briton to climb the world's highest peak Mr Grylls (left), age 23, with Neil Laughton on the summit of Mount Everest in 1998 The Chief Scout, who counts the Princess of Wales among his friends, led an expedition to Mount Everest earlier this year to try to recover the body of Mr Matthews 'We actually had an expedition on Everest to try to recover the body of the brother of a good friend, who climbed it the year after I was there but was never found,' Mr Grylls said. 'We really tried. We had the best team in the world.' The Matthews family are desperate to find his body, and a source believes a mountain guide knows where it might be. Speaking at the Oxford Union, the Old Etonian said: 'We had a team of, like, ten Nepalese guys and some other incredible Western climbers.' Mr Grylls, who has attracted big names including former US President Barack Obama and Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Ben Stiller to appear on his show, Running Wild With Bear Grylls, added: 'The story has not come out yet, so I am not going to talk too much about it, but it was a really special moment for [Michael's] family. The Chief Scout led an expedition to Mount Everest earlier this year to try to recover the body of Mr Matthews Mr Grylls on Mount Everest in 1998, when he was a record-setting 23-years-old. He said Mr Matthews' death shows 'the reality of high-altitude mountaineering' The dangers of death on Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain Mount Everest has a record for the most deaths on a mountain across the globe. Some 310 climbers have died on the slopes of the world's tallest mountain, which stands at 8,848.86 meters above sea level. Many of the bodies have never been found, and others have been exposed as the conditions change on the mountain. In most cases, it is too difficult to move the body off the mountain due to the harsh conditions and difficult locations. Some climbers requested that their bodies stay on the mountain if they died while climbing it. Causes of death on the mountain can include exhaustion, heart attack, and asphyxiation by avalanche. Altitude sickness can also play a part in weakening the human body, with climbers becoming too ill to continue, and their body shutting down. Advertisement 'It is the reality of high-altitude mountaineering, as people pay the ultimate price up there.' In March this year, Spencer Matthews was reportedly in the early stages of making a documentary about his late brother's last days. The CleanCo founder, 33, was said to be 'hugely passionate' about embarking on the journey, which would retrace the steps of his sibling. He was said to have the backing of his parents and his brother James, who is married to Miss Middleton, to create the 'emotional' project, which will see Spencer visit his brother's final resting place. The Sun reported that Spencer was intent on bringing his brother's body home. A source said at the time: 'Spencer's documentary about Michael and his final days is at the very early stages and Disney+ have shown an interest. 'Though the Matthews family were never able to recover Michael's body, there is a guide who believes they know his final resting place. 'It is a hugely emotional project and will be a very upsetting journey for many reasons, but Spencer is hugely passionate about embarking on it if he can make it work.' Experienced mountaineer Mr Matthews, who had previously conquered Kilimanjaro, died in 1999 on a quest in which he became the youngest Brit to conquer Everest. He was the 162nd person to die on Everest. Although he reached the summit of the world's highest mountain, he became separated from his group on the route down. Mr Matthews' body has never been recovered and his family have never been able to fully understand what happened to him. In March Spencer Matthews, pictured, was reportedly in the early stages of making a documentary about his late brother's last days before he died descending Mount Everest Spencer, youngest bottom, described his brother Michael, left next to sibling James, as an 'incredible force of nature' Mr Matthews' brother James is married to Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of the Princess of Wales (pictured with Michael, Carole and James Middleton) in 2019 Spencer Matthews is married to model and TV star Vogue Williams Pippa Middleton named her son Arthur Michael William Matthews in tribute to her father and her husband's younger brother who died while climbing Everest In 2018, Pippa Middleton and husband James Matthews paid tribute to the late Michael Matthews when they named their son. The couple, who named their son Arthur, gave their baby boy the middle names Michael and William. Their baby boy weighing 8lb and 9oz was born at the private Lindo Wing, at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, in October 2018. Pippa Middleton and husband James Matthews gave their son Arthur the middle names Michael and William The name Michael is a tribute to Pippa's father and her husband's younger brother who died while climbing Mount Everest in 1999. Michael Matthews went missing on the mountain's infamous Death Zone while he was trying to become the youngest Briton to climb the worlds highest peak. Following his tragic death brother James Matthews accompanied by wife Pippa have become committed to fundraising for poverty-stricken areas in Africa and Asia through the Michael Matthews Foundation. The birth of the couple's baby came just hours after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were expecting a child. Advertisement He was an accomplished climber who had scaled the Pyrenees, the Swiss Alps and Kilimanjaro before he went on to attempt his fateful Everest trek, which cost around 22,000, using a climbing company. After leading the group, the rest of the climbing pack said he began to struggle near the end, and on their descent, 100mph winds hit, leading to Michael's separation from the group. David Matthews, the millionaire patriarch of the family, has always claimed that the negligence of the mountain guides was to blame for his death. He brought a private case against three men working for the firm amid claims the safety briefings were inadequate, his oxygen supply was faulty and the guides failed to keep Michael in their sights during the climb. The case was dismissed as the judge insisted there was no evidence of negligence. Spencer and his family have since raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for The Michael Matthews Foundation, created in his brother's memory to support education projects in Africa and Asia. In Spencer's 2013 book Confessions of a Chelsea Boy: The Autobiography, he discussed the devastating loss of his sibling. Speaking about the family, including his other brother James, he said: 'His loss was devastating for the family and over time this became worse because the circumstances surrounding Michael's death have never been fully explained. 'James took the news badly. With just a year and a half between them, he and Mike were the closest of friends. The loss was heartbreaking for James.' Of the unanswered questions surrounding the death, Spencer went on: 'We have not been able to say goodbye in person. We have nowhere to go to sit with him. 'He lives on with us in our minds only. On Mike's birthday James and I send mum and dad red roses for the age he would have been. I guess our family's way of dealing with losing Mike is to believe that he goes on with us.' In a 2001 Guardian article on the tragedy, Spencer and Michael's father David explained how he originally trained with his son and his colleague Jamie Everett for the Everest expedition. David was forced to drop out of the climb following a training climb up Aconcagua, during which he discovered that the surgery he had had on his carotid artery prevented him from climbing well at altitude. In 2016, Pippa Middleton climbed to the summit of the Matterhorn, having conquered its 14,691ft peak on July 29. The then 32-year-old made the climb in honour of Michael. Pippa was supported by her brother James Middleton on the climb, with the pair raising money for The Michael Matthews Foundation. Just hours after her descent, Pippa spoke movingly about what had inspired her and how she was longing to share her adventure with her then fiance. She told The Mail on Sunday at the time: 'It was humbling to have been able to climb one of the worlds most beautiful mountains and raise money for a charity created in memory of an extraordinary young man who lost his life on another peak. 'Although I have raised money in the past for the Michael Matthews Foundation, it has now become even more important to me and my family. 'Although neither I nor my brother ever met Michael, we both share his spirit and passion for the mountains. We made this climb knowing he would have been there nudging us on, and we are honoured to be supporting his memory.' She added: 'It would have been good if my fiance James had been here to share the experience, something I know he would have loved to have done. Mountain climbing, though, has disturbing memories and understandably James kept his feet firmly on the ground, while giving us his complete support.' The Princess of Wales' sister has already conquered Mont Blanc, swum the Bosphorus in Istanbul and cycled across America. But the challenges of the jagged pyramid of the Matterhorn, which rears up above the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt, are greater than anything she has ever faced. Each year, the mountain claims three or four lives and was one of the last in Europe to be conquered. It was a passion for the worlds peaks that beckoned Michael from a promising City job to Everest. But while he was still in the so-called 'Death Zone' everything from around 26,000ft above sea level, where the air is too thin to sustain human life he was torn from his path and his guide by a snowstorm. The foundation founded in his name gives children in some of the worlds remotest places an education. It operates in countries including Burma, Thailand, Nepal and Tanzania, building schools which double as health centres and community hubs. Much of the fundraising has been done by James Matthews through sports events. EXCLUSIVE: 'I just assumed he'd come back': Spencer Matthews admits he 'never really processed' late brother Michael's death until 'just now' - following his passing aged 22 while climbing Mount Everest By Callum Wells For Mailonline He recently filmed a documentary about his late brother Michael's last days before he died descending Mount Everest. Now Spencer Matthews has revealed he 'never really processed' his death until 'just now', adding that he assumed the 'superhero' would return. The former Made In Chelsea star, 34, was ten-years-old when Michael tragically died aged 22 - after becoming the youngest Brit to reach the peak of Everest in 1999. EXCLUSIVE: 'I just assumed he'd come back': Spencer Matthews has admitted he 'never really processed' his late brother Michael's death until 'just now' - following his passing aged 22 while climbing Mount Everest Speaking on his new podcast, Big Fish, released on Wednesday, he told Ant Middleton: 'I never really processed Mike's death until just now. He died in 1999, you know, 23 years ago. And he was 22, the youngest Brit to reach the summit. And I was ten. 'So, to me, losing him was not something I fully understood. Mike was my superhero figure in my life. I just assumed he'd come back, I didn't believe that he was dead for a period of time. 'And you know, as time passed, I understood I would never see him again. I've always had this burning desire to find him. And obviously I understood through my teenage years how complicated that would be. 'I'm not a particularly externally emotional person. I can't really remember the last time I cried. I'm a very black and white character who just deals with issues when I face them. 'I became very close with people on that mountain and they came home, you know, one of the lads lost 20 kilos because he was there the whole time, and he was different, you know, he came back and was affected by it.' Spencer - who has children Theodore, four, Gigi, two, and Otto, six months, with his wife Vogue Williams - continued: 'Otto was five days old when I left for Everest for five weeks [for filming]. I had nothing but support from Vogue. Vogue was so on board with it and so proud that we were doing it. 'And she feels really close to Michael having never met him, of course, and was deeply emotionally touched by the whole thing.' Candid: Speaking on his new podcast, Big Fish , released on Wednesday, Spencer Matthews told Ant Middleton (right): 'I never really processed Mike's death until just now' Opening up: Spencer added, 'And you know, as time passed, I understood I would never see him again. I've always had this burning desire to find him' Earlier this year, it was reported Spencer was in the early stages of making a documentary about his late brother Michael's last days. Spencer allegedly had the backing of his parents and his brother James, 34, who is married to Pippa Middleton, to create the 'emotional' project, which will see Spencer visit his final resting place. According to The Sun, Spencer was intent on bringing his brother's body home, and a source said: 'Spencer's documentary about Michael and his final days is at the very early stages and Disney+ have shown an interest. Project: Earlier this year, it was reported Spencer, pictured, was in the early stages of making a documentary about his late brother Michael's last days Heartbroken: Speaking about his loss, Spencer previously said: 'His loss was devastating for the family and over time this became worse' (Michael Matthews, left, with friend Jamie Everett in front of the summit of Everest) 'Though the Matthews family were never able to recover Michael's body, there is a guide who believes they know his final resting place. 'It is a hugely emotional project and will be a very upsetting journey for many reasons, but Spencer is hugely passionate about embarking on it if he can make it work.' Experienced mountaineer Michael, who had previously conquered Kilimanjaro, died in 1999 on a quest that saw him become the youngest Brit to conquer Everest. He was the 162nd person to die on Everest. Although Michael reached the summit of the world's highest mountain, he became separated from his group during the route down the mountain. Michael's body has never been recovered and the Matthews' family have never been able to fully understand what happened to him. Michael was an accomplished climber who had scaled the Pyrenees, the Swiss Alps and Kilimanjaro before he went on to attempt his fateful Everest trek, which cost around 22,000, using a climbing company. After leading the group, the rest of the climbing pack claimed he began to struggle near the end and on their descent, a storm with 100mph winds hit leading to Michael's separation from the group. David Matthews, the millionaire patriarch of the family, has always vowed the negligence of the mountain guides was to blame for his death. He brought a private case against three men working for the firm amid claims the safety briefings were inadequate, his oxygen supply was faulty and the guides failed to keep Michael in their sights during the climb. The case was dismissed as the judge insisted there was no evidence of negligence. Spencer and his family have since raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for The Michael Matthews Foundation, created in Michael's memory to support education projects in Africa and Asia. Spencer most recently entered the Ice Ultra, which is a 230km self sufficient foot race (carrying all food and equipment) through the mountains of Arctic Sweden. Latest challenge: Spencer most recently entered the Ice Ultra, which is a 230km self sufficient foot race (carrying all food and equipment) through the mountains of Arctic Sweden Update: The media personality was forced to pull out of the race due to contracting Covid, however he was in 10th position at the time of withdrawal The media personality was forced to pull out of the race due to contracting Covid, however he was in 10th position when he withdrew. In October he completed the gruelling six-day Marathon Des Sables in Morocco. The ex Made In Chelsea star ran the ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert in memory of his late brother alongside his business partner David Folkman,. The ultra-fit pair were raising money for The Michael Matthews Foundation. Spencer described his brother as an 'incredible force of nature' as he took to Instagram at the time to tell his followers about his upcoming adventure. He wrote: 'Next week, together with @cleanco MD David Folkman, I will compete in the @marathondessables - a gruelling 251km self-sustained ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert. Race: Spencer most recently completed the gruelling six-day Marathon Des Sables in Morocco Partners in crime: The entrepreneur ran the 251 km race alongside his business partner David Folkman, 45 'In what's dubbed as the 'toughest footrace on earth', we are raising funds for @michaelmatthewsfoundation - the charity founded in memory of my late brother who died whilst descending Mount Everest in 1999. At the time, he was the youngest Brit to have reached the summit at just 22 years old. 'My brother was an incredible force of nature and I now feel like I'm in the best place to do this challenge justice; whilst supporting an incredible charity that builds schools and provides safe accommodation for girls in remote parts of Africa and Asia. 'Please visit the GoFundMe link in my bio, if you are able to support.' Challenging: 'In what's dubbed as the toughest footrace on earth, we are raising funds for @michaelmatthewsfoundation', Spencer wrote Adventurer: Michael Matthews was an accomplished climber who had scaled the Pyrenees, the Swiss Alps and Kilimanjaro before he went on to attempt his fateful Everest trek In Spencer's 2013 book Confessions of a Chelsea Boy: The Autobiography, he discussed the devastating loss of his sibling. Of the unanswered questions surrounding the death, Spencer went on: 'We have not been able to say goodbye in person. We have nowhere to go to sit with him. 'He lives on with us in our minds only. On Mike's birthday James and I send mum and dad red roses for the age he would have been. I guess our family's way of dealing with losing Mike is to believe that he goes on with us.' A sex worker who burnt alive an entire family while they slept in their home was not prosecuted over their murders because a key witness had previous convictions for being dishonest. 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. Jenny Hayes, 46, was arrested and charged with three counts of murder, but managed to avoid a murder trial 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 Abbey Forrest, 19, Inda Sohal, 25, and their baby daughter Ivy had no chance of escaping the inferno Daily Mail Australia can reveal prosecutors were worried a jury would not believe Hayes had been told by Aakash Aakash that his mates were sleeping upstairs before she set fire to the property. Hayes - an $180-an-hour sex worker - had been called to the family's property by Aakash - a mate of an oblivious Mr Sohal - on the night she would incinerate the young family. Aakash, who had been given access to the couple's downstairs bedroom, had met Hayes outside the property just after 2am that night. Crown prosecutor Ray Gibson, QC told the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday that Akash had sworn under oath he told Hayes his mates were asleep upstairs before inviting her into their Point Cook home, in Melbourne's south-west. The young family's fate would be sealed after Hayes denied Aakash's demands for more sex after a 30-minute session. The court heard Hayes was furious when 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 Aakash she would set his house on fire. 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. Jenny Hayes, 46, was arrested in December and charged with three counts of murder. She accepted a plea deal to lesser charges The Point Cook home that Jenny Hayes set on fire after a dispute with Mr Sohal's mate During Hayes' pre-sentence plea hearing, Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth described Askash as a 'very unimpressive witness'. 'His statements were self-serving, he's got prior convictions for fraud, for dishonesty, for lying to police, et cetera,' she said. The court heard Aakash had a prior conviction for making a false report to police in relation to his car being stolen and for shoplifting. While Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions Kerri Judd QC has not revealed why she offered the deal to Hayes, the court heard the prosecution had failed to convince Justice Hollingworth that there was any evidence to suggest Hayes knew someone was in the house when she set it alight. 'I wouldn't be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt on what (Aakash) said,' Justice Hollingworth said. Mr Gibson said there was no evidence to suggest Aakash had told lies to police. 'The statement that he agreed was true and correct subject to the penalties of perjury, and he signed it as a true and correct statement,' Mr Gibson said. 'He told the police that he had a conversation with the accused outside in which he informed her that she needed to be quiet because his mates were sleeping upstairs, which is in fact the case. His mates were sleeping upstairs.' The court heard Hayes had blatantly lied to police about what had happened that night. 'She told some lies afterwards about, for instance, the suggestion that he threw cardboard on the fire,' Justice Hollingworth conceded. 'There's no basis for coming to that conclusion, or that the fire started when he (was) inside. There's no basis for that conclusion either, from the footage you've shown me, he had driven off before she started the 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 Justice Hollingwood was scathing of Aakash's behaviour on the night of the tragedy. 'He had good motive for lying. His friends had died. He did a really stupid thing. He left an angry woman, who he had annoyed by stealing money from her,' she said. 'He'd left her in somebody else's house. He hadn't told the people upstairs. He must have been, I would imagine if he's got any decency, he'd have been wracked with guilt, that he would want to shift the blame and not be blamed himself for what happened and it would be perfectly understandable.' While a jury of Hayes' peers will never get a chance to decide if they had a reasonable doubt over her actions, Justice Hollingworth suggested the prosecution may have struggled. 'I don't see how you're going to get me over beyond reasonable doubt,' she said. 'If he hadn't been a coward and walked away, if he'd actually either not stolen the money from her or stood and made sure she got out of the house and that he closed the door and said to his mates "We're going", he's got good reason and no doubt these things would have been explored had this gone to trial, but he's got plenty of motive for lying to protect himself from any personal role or responsibility.' Without proving the aggravating factor that Hayes was told people were inside, the triple killer stands to receive an even shorter sentence. Under the deal, Hayes is subject to a maximum penalty of 25 years in jail instead of a possible life sentence. Justice Hollingworth provided an account of Hayes' previous character. 'She's not got a history of violence. She was angry, she undoubtedly wanted to punish the man who'd stolen from her but there's no evidence and any basis for thinking that she was so indifferent to whether there were people upstairs,' she said. 'I mean, it's not only that he's got motive to lie and he's got a history of lying. It's really out of character for her to want to do something to harm someone or to be indifferent to harming someone or do you say there's some evidence of a desire to harm complete strangers or the neighbours or things of that sort.' Abbey Forrest's mother, Elizabeth, outside the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday. She believes she will be denied justice Abbey Forrest, her sister Emily Forrest and their parents - each of whom gave heart breaking victim impact statements to the court on Monday Justice Hollingworth suggested the prosecution made a good choice in abandoning a murder trial. 'I certainly said to my associates when we walked out of court: 'That's a very unimpressive witness'. He was not someone to hang your hat on for a conviction,' she said. Earlier that day, Justice Hollingworth had sat through heart breaking victim impact statements delivered in person by the family's relatives. 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.' Hayes will be sentenced on Friday. Abbey Forrest (left) and sister Emily (right) Abbey Forrest and baby Ivy are farewelled at St. Mary's Basilica in Geelong on December 17, 2020 SHOPPING: Products featured in this Mail Best article are independently selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, DailyMail.com will earn an affiliate commission. With a 12 Megapixel camera, 24-hour battery life and voice command functionality via 'Hey Google', the Google Pixel 6A is one of the smartest phones out there. And right now on Amazon, it's also one of the best value as you can snap up an unlocked handset that's ready to use on your choice of network for $349. That's a 22 percent saving on the regular $450 listing price. Google Pixel 6A (unlocked) A Google Pixel smart phone adapts to you, recognizing the apps you use more often and allocating more battery to those. Powered by Google Tensor, its super fast, smart, and secure, with an amazing battery and camera. Its an unlocked Android smartphone, so you can choose the data plan and carrier that work for you. Shop Currently, the Google Pixel 6A is around $500 cheaper than the comparable iPhone 13Pro meaning you could buy three Google Pixels for the cost of one Apple device. It's all thanks to Amazon's Early Black Friday sale, which sees bargains dropping each day in the run-up to Black Friday on November 25. If you use your phone a lot for photos and social media, you may find the Google Pixel easier to use and performs better than an iPhone. The camera on the Google Pixel 6A has features like Face Unblur and Real Tone to make your pictures clearer as well as Magic Eraser to put you at the center of the frame with no distractions Firstly, the camera app contains a magic eraser so you can make background items disappear or blur into the background. Second, the phone has inbuilt Face Unblur so features remain sharp even when in movement. It also has a feature called Real Tone which shows the nuances of different skin tones authentically so that your pictures feel more alive. Nobody could question that the battery is also significantly better than an iPhone's as it's designed to last 24-hours on a single charge. When you plug it in, just a few minutes of charge gets you a few hours more battery life. You'll be smiling when you check battery life as the Google Pixel 6A has more than 24-hours of battery on a single charge so you can do what you need to do on the go The battery is even adaptive, meaning it learns your favorite apps and doesn't waste power on the ones you rarely use. Travel a lot or mix with foreign communities? The Google Pixel 6A has a Live Translate feature meaning you can chat in 11 different languages and translate signs through the camera. Want to communicate with people who speak different languages? The Pixel 6A can do that for you in real time to make shopping or ordering food so much easier An IP67 Waterproof rating means the phone can handle some dust and water, so you never have to worry about taking it on adventures. All you have to think about is getting the phone while it's such a great deal. We suggest heading to Amazon right now as we don't know how long it will stay at the bargain price of $299. Monarch butterflies have been spotted in the mountaintop forests of central Mexico, suggesting the colorful insects are leaving the US and Canada in search of warm weather. Mexico's Environment Department said the butterflies were seen around their three largest traditional wintering grounds Sierra Chincua, El Rosario and Cerro Pelon in Michoacan state. The monarchs' migration is the longest of any insect species known to science, up to 2,500 miles from its breeding grounds down to several spots in Mexico - and the area could see 500,000 this season. The department found the monarchs are arriving a few days later than usual and although a reason is not known, it could be due to the rare warm temperatures across North America in the last few weeks. The butterflies, however, were added to the endangered species list this summer. Monarch butterflies have started their winter migration to Mexico where they will stay until around March. Pictured is a colony perching on a tree in the winter nesting grounds of El Rosario Sanctuary in 2020 After wintering in Mexico, the butterflies fly north, breeding multiple generations along the way for thousands of miles. The offspring that reach southern Canada begin the trip back to Mexico at the end of summer. The main group of butterflies is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, depending on weather conditions, the department said in a statement. It is too early to say how big this year's annual migration from the United States and Canada will be. Those counts are usually made in January, when the butterflies have settled into clumps on the boughs of fir and pine trees. The annual butterfly count does not calculate the individual number of butterflies, but rather the number of acres they cover when they clump together. Last year, 35 percent more monarch butterflies arrived compared to the previous season. The rise may reflect the butterflies' ability to adapt to more extreme bouts of heat or drought by varying the date when they leave Mexico. Peak viewing season for the butterflies in Mexico is between mid-January and the end of March. The department found the monarchs are arriving a few days later than usual and although a reason is not known, it could be due to the rare warm temperatures across North America in the last few weeks Before the mid-January, the air temperature on the mountain is colder and the butterflies do not flutter as much. This year, however, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature added the migrating monarch butterfly to its 'red list' of threatened species and categorized it as 'endangered' two steps from extinction. The group estimates the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined between 22 percent and 72 percent over 10 years, depending on the measurement method. Monarch butterflies are major pollinators that migrate across the continent. They carry with them seeds and nectar to support about one third of the food people eat depends on the work of pollinators. The winged insects are also a major food source for many birds across North America. This includes the black-backed orioles and black-headed grosbeaks. Their habitat in Mexico is being destroyed due to illegal logging and disease and in the US, the butterflies have lost much of the only food source for its larva due to the herbicide glyphosate. Peak viewing season for the butterflies in Mexico is between mid-January and the end of March. This image shows the butterflies perching at the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Preserve this past January Then there is climate change that is destroying much of their homes with storms, droughts and other damaging weather events. Nick Haddad, a conservation biologist at Michigan State University, told AFP: 'What we're worried about is the rate of decline. 'It's very easy to imagine how very quickly this butterfly could become even more imperiled.' Haddad, who was not directly involved in the listing, estimates that the population of monarch butterflies he studies in the eastern United States has declined between 85 percent and 95 percent since the 1990s. Experts have not turned a blind eye to the declining population and have sent out warnings over the past few years. Most recently in 2021, the population was found to plummet on the California coast. Fewer than 2,000 monarchs were recorded in November and December, compared to 200,000 barely three years ago. In the 1980s, the monarch butterflies migrating south to groves from Marin County to San Diego was estimated at 4.5 million. By 1997, when volunteer counts began, that number dwindled to about 1.2 million. Advertisement As beautiful as they are mysterious, these images capture a blue ribbon of light which lit up a small Lapland village and left locals bemused. Swedish skywatchers first thought the phenomenon was a strange kind of aurora, but as they continued to stare the blue light remained stationary, while the green aurora danced around it. The village of Abisko is famed for having its own natural wonder in the form of a 'blue hole' - a patch of sky which extends from 3.8 to 7.7 square miles and remains clear irrespective of the weather conditions. However, this blue light was different. Experts rushed to find out what it could be and have since come to the conclusion that it may have been caused by a Russian submarine testing Intercontinental ballistic missiles. The basis for this theory is that Moscow successfully test-fired a Bulava ballistic missile from the Russian nuclear-powered submarine Generalissimus Suvorov in the White Sea on the day the blue light was spotted on November 3. Strange: As beautiful as they are mysterious, these images capture a blue ribbon of light which lit up a small Lapland village and left locals bemused The village of Abisko is famed for having its own natural wonder in the form of a 'blue hole' - a patch of sky which extends from 3.8 to 7.7 square miles and remains clear irrespective of the weather conditions. However, this blue light (pictured) was different Experts rushed to find out what it could be and have since come to the conclusion that it may have been caused by a Russian submarine testing Intercontinental ballistic missiles WHAT IS A BALLISTIC MISSILE? An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a long-range weapon used to deliver warheads to distant targets. It is a type of ballistic missile, which are powered and guided toward a target but fall onto to it under gravity. This means the trajectory of the missiles is a high, arching path. To be classed as an ICBM, a missile must carry a warhead more than 3,400 miles (5,400km) either through the air, or through space. Those that travel through space - which includes almost all nuclear missiles - are painstakingly designed to survive the heat and pressure of re-entry. ICBMs typically deliver nuclear weapons but can also carry conventional warheads. Advertisement 'Our team of photographers has been photographing the night sky for more than a decade and this event was unlike anything we have ever seen,' said Chad Blakley, the director of the aurora tour company Lights over Lapland, speaking to Space.com. It wouldn't be the first time a missile test has been blamed for causing a bizarre aurora-like light show. In 2017, similar blue ribbons were spotted in the skies above the Arctic Circle after Russia launched a number of missiles during a battle drill. Auroras occur when particles from incoming solar storms strike gases in our planet's atmosphere, with the collision often leading to these eye-catching displays. The best vantage points for the natural wonder are in places in the far north such as Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. On the other side of the planet, in the far south, places such as Tasmania and New Zealand also offer great views of an aurora. The has been a recent increase in activity from the sun as a result of it coming towards the most active phase in its 11-year solar cycle hitting peak activity in 2024. Studies have shown that the level of solar activity currently happening, is about the same as it was 11 years ago, during the same point in the last cycle. The 'blue hole' that Abisko is known for is caused by a little-known meteorological phenomenon. It makes the village one of the best places in the world to consistently witness the Aurora Borealis. The basis for this theory is that Moscow successfully test-fired a Bulava ballistic missile from the Russian nuclear-powered submarine Generalissimus Suvorov in the White Sea on the day the blue light was spotted on November 3. Pictured on a previous occasion 'Our team of photographers has been photographing the night sky for more than a decade and this event was unlike anything we have ever seen,' said Chad Blakley, the director of the aurora tour company Lights over Lapland The 'blue hole' that Abisko is known for is caused by a little-known meteorological phenomenon 'The dominating wind direction in this area is from the west, which means that moist air masses from the Atlantic have to rise to higher (colder) altitudes to pass over the Scandinavian Mountains,' explained Hakan Grudd, research support coordinator and deputy station manager of the Abisko Scientific Research Station. 'When this happens, clouds form and the air loses moisture through precipitation. In Abisko, on the leeside of the mountains, the air is now drier and sinks to lower altitudes clouds disintegrate, hence the 'blue hole'.' Abisko also draws tourists for another rare view - 'moonbows', which are also known as lunar rainbows and lunar halos. These occur when moonlight reflects and refracts via water droplets and crystals near the blue hole. Expert says finding the tomb of the ancient queen would be 'the most important discovery of the 21st century' The tunnel is carved through layers of rock and stretches for more than 4,800 feet and measures six feet high Theories suggest she was buried beneath Taposiris Magna Temple, near the ancient capital of Alexandria Archeologists working at a site in Egypt believe they have found a tunnel that leads to Cleopatra's tomb Advertisement A tunnel carved through layers of rock has been discovered beneath Egypt's ancient Taposiris Magna Temple, which may lead to the long-lost tomb of Cleopatra. The tunnel, which is being hailed as a 'geometric miracle', stretches for more than 4,800 feet, measures about six feet high and is said to resemble the Tunnel of Eupalinos on the Greek island of Samos revered as one of the most important engineering achievements of the Classical world. Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez of the University of San Domingo has been convinced for more than a decade that Egypt's last pharaoh Cleopatra and her lover Mark Antony were laid to rest within the temple, and is sure the tunnel could be the path to this discovery. The Taposiris Magna Temple, whose name means 'great tomb of Osiris', is located near the Egyptian city of Alexandria, once the country's capital. Martinez said there's a good chance the queen is buried there and if she is, finding the remains of Egypt's last pharaoh would be 'the most important discovery of the 21st century.' The carved rock, which is being hailed as a 'geometric miracle', stretches for more than 4,800 feet and measures about six feet high. Archaeologists are hopeful that Cleopatra and her lover Mark Antony's remains are at the end of the tunnel Experts believe Cleopatra made plans for herself and Antony to be buried at a temple called Taposiris Magna in order to imitate the ancient myth of Isis and Osiris Cleopatra ruled from 51 BC to 30 BC - right up until the day she died. She was the queen of Egypt and the last and most famous of the Ptolemaic dynasty The Taposiris Magna Temple is located near Alexandria, the capital of ancient Egypt and where Cleopatra killed herself in 30 BC TAPOSIRIS MAGNA: A CITY ESTABLISHED BY PTOLEMY II Taposiris Magna is a city in Egypt established by Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus between 280 and 270 BC. Its position on the arm of the now dried up bed of Lake Mareotis suggests it may have played a role in trade between Egypt and Libya. Traders from the west would be able to go by water to the harbor, then take a caravan route onwards. The name means 'great tomb of Osiris' and likely comes from a great temple. During an excavation in 2020 a team of archaeologists found a mummy with a golden tongue, likely so that it could speak with Osiris in the afterlife. The temple in the city was thought to be the final resting place of Cleopatra. Advertisement Martinez told Heritage Key: 'If there's a one per cent chance that the last queen of Egypt could be buried there, it is my duty to search for her. 'This is the first time that any archeologist has found tunnels, passages underground [and] inside the enclosure walls of the temple, so we have changed forever what they know about the architecture.' The archaeologist believes that, after Mark Antony killed himself following his defeat to Caesar Augustus, also known as Octavian, Cleopatra put detailed plans in place for them both to be buried there, in echoes of the myth. Martinez, who has been working at the Taposiris Magna Temple for over 15 years, previously told National Geographic: 'Cleopatra negotiated with Octavian to allow her to bury Mark Antony in Egypt. 'She wanted to be buried with him because she wanted to reenact the legend of Isis and Osiris. 'The true meaning of the cult of Osiris is that it grants immortality. 'After their deaths, the gods would allow Cleopatra to live with Antony in another form of existence, so they would have eternal life together.' Martinez may now be on the right track after uncovering the tunnel carved in rock that sits about 43 feet below the temple. Teams working at the site found a part of the tunnel that was submerged under the Mediterranean, a number of pottery vessels and pottery tractors were found under the mud sediment, as well as a rectangular block of limestone and a blind completion. The research team believes that the Taposiris Magna Temple's foundation may also be underwater due to at least 23 earthquakes hitting the Egyptian coast between 320 AD and 1303 AD. Martinez also uncovered several important artifacts inside the temple including coins bearing the images and names of both Queen Cleopatra, Alexander the Great and a number of beheaded statues, and statues of the goddess Isis, as well. The tunnel sits about 43 feet underneath Egypt's ancient Taposiris Magna Temple, or 'Great tomb of Osiris', located outside ancient Egypt's capital Alexandria During the excavations, part of the tunnel was discovered submerged beneath the Mediterranean, and a number of pottery vessels and pottery tractors were found under the mud sediment Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez of the University of San Domingo may now be on the right track after uncovering the tunnel carved in rock Two years ago, the team reported the discovery of two mummies of two high-status ancient Egyptians one male and one female. The mummies, which had lain undisturbed for 2,000 years, are in a poor state of preservation because water had seeped into the tomb, but they were originally covered with gold leaf, a luxury reserved for only the top members of society's elite, suggesting they personally interacted with Cleopatra. Cleopatra ruled from 51 BC to 30 BC - right up until the day she died. Pictured is Elizabeth Taylor as the queen in the 1960 film Cleopatra Cleopatra, often known as the world's first celebrity, was the last of a long line to Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt - descended from Greek general Alexander the Great. She ruled from 51 BC to 30 BC up until the day she died. Cleopatra became Cleopatra VII, queen of Egypt, upon the death of her father, Ptolemy XII, and her brother was made King Ptolemy XIII at the same time. The siblings ruled Egypt under the formal title of husband and wife. In order to fix herself and Antony as rulers in the minds of the Egyptian people, she also worked hard to associate themselves with the myth of Isis and Osiris. To gain support among the ancient Egyptian people, Cleopatra was also proclaimed the daughter of Re, the Egyptian sun god. During her life, which ran from 69 BC to 30 BC, Cleopatra was known both as a seductress and as a captivating personality as depicted by Elizabeth Taylor in the 1963 film 'Cleopatra'. She famously used her charms to first seduce Julius Caesar to cement Egypt's alliance with Rome, and then to seduce his second in command, Mark Antony. However, Antony married another woman, Octavia, to mend a strained alliance with her brother, the ruler Octavian. Pictured, two mummies found two years ago inside a sealed tomb at Taposiris Magna, where digs are ongoing to uncover the grave of Cleopatra Archaeologists believe they found where Antony and Cleopatra are buried. Here, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor star as the famed ancient couple in the 1963 film (file photo) The Taposiris Magna Temple, whose name means 'great tomb of Osiris', is located near the ancient Egyptian capital of Alexandria. Pictured, an internal view towards south of the Osiris Temple in Taposiris Magna HOW DID CLEOPATRA AND MARK ANTONY DIE? In 41 BC, Mark Antony was in dispute with Julius Caesar's adopted son Octavian, which was known as The War between Antony and Octavian over the succession of the Roman leadership. In 31 BC, Mark Antony and Cleopatra combined armies to take on Octavian in a sea battle at Actium, on the west coast of Greece. Octavian won the battle after one of Antony's former generals delivered to Octavian Antony's battle plan. Cleopatra and Mark Antony fled to Egypt but Octavian pursued them and captured Alexandria in 30 BC. With his soldiers deserting him, Mark Antony took his own life and Cleopatra chose the same course, committing suicide on the 12th August 30 BC. Antony and Cleopatra's dramatic lives are the subject of a Shakespeare play (Antony and Cleopatra) and featured in a long four-hour epic starring Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra and Richard Burton as Mark Antony. Advertisement Antony later left his new wife for Cleopatra, according to the History Channel, and the lovers were then married, which violated a Roman law restricting Romans from marrying foreigners. Octavian then declared war on Cleopatra and Antony, defeating them both. Cleopatra then took refuge in the mausoleum she had commissioned for herself and her disappearance led to the belief that she had killed herself. Antony died in Cleopatra's arms after fatally stabbing himself because he thought his queen had taken her own life. Cleopatra did then kill herself shortly after her lover succumbed to his wounds' reportedly by letting a poisonous snake bite her, although this has been debated. Ancient accounts tell of a snake that was hidden inside a basket of figs brought in from the countryside and was used by the queen to commit suicide on August 12, 30 BC, as well as killing two of her servants. But academics have dismissed the popular view, saying venomous snakes in Egypt, such as cobras and vipers, would have been too large to sneak unseen into the palace. Octavian returned to Italy where he became the first Emperor of Rome, while Cleopatra and Antony were buried somewhere in Egypt. And their tombs could be somewhere through the newly discovered tunnel. However, some doubts have been cast on the theory that Cleopatra and Antony were buried at Taposiris Magna Temple. Other experts believe Cleopatra was hastily buried in Alexandria itself the city from where she ruled Egypt until her death in 30 BC, at the age of just 39. Martinez also uncovered several important artifacts inside the temple including coins bearing the images and names of both Queen Cleopatra, Alexander the Great and a number of beheaded statues, and statues of the goddess Isis (pictured) During previous excavation seasons, experts found important artifacts inside the Temple including coins bearing the images and names of both Queen Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and a number of beheaded statues, and statues of the goddess Isis But because Cleopatra and Antony worked hard to associate themselves with the myth of Isis and Osiris, Taposiris Magna Temple must have relevance to their life and death, others say. According to the myth of Isis and Osiris, Osiris was killed and hacked into pieces that were scattered across Egypt. After finding all of the pieces and making her husband whole again, Isis was able to resurrect him for a time. Martinez believes Taposiris Magna was closely associated with the myth as the name means 'tomb of Osiris'. It could have been one of the places where his body was scattered in the story. Maiken Mosleth King, a lecturer in ancient history from the University of Bristol's Department of Classics and Ancient History, said burying Cleopatra and Antony at Taposiris Magna would have been a 'powerful political and religious statement'. King told MailOnline: 'The Ptolemies styled themselves as traditional Egyptian Pharaohs and displayed their royal power and close relationships with the Egyptian gods by building magnificent temples all over Egypt. 'As a Ptolemaic queen, Cleopatra VII was depicted on temple walls in the guise of the goddess Isis. Cleopatra and Antony presented themselves in public as Isis and Osiris, consolidating their position as gods on Earth. 'The great temple at Taposiris Magna had for millennia been revered as one of the burial sites of Osiris, whose body was dismembered and scattered by his brother Seth. 'If Cleopatra and Antony were buried in this temple, this would have made a powerful political and religious statement, likening the death of Antony to the murder of Osiris. 'This would also have placed Cleopatra in the role of the dutiful mourning wife Isis, for posterity to see. To the Egyptian public, it would have sent the message that the god-like power of the Pharaohs could not be extinguished by Roman savagery.' Advertisement Early risers in the US awoke to a stunning cosmic display of a reddish hued moon hanging in the dark sky on Tuesday morning. Known as blood moon, it occurs when Earth's shadow cloaks the moon and blocks reflection of all direct sunlight - this caused the moon's color to dim and turn a coppery red. Peak totality - the stage of the eclipse where the moon is entirely in Earth's shadow - occurred around 5:00 am ET and the large, red moon was seen over New York City, Washington DC, Virginia and other parts of the US until it returned to its silvery color about two hours later. Tuesday's event marks the second blood moon this year, following one in mid-May, and the next one is not expected until March 14, 2025. Early risers in New York City woke to a glowing red moon Tuesday morning. This blood moon is the last full lunar eclipse until March 14, 2025 A blood moon occurs when Earth's shadow cloaks the moon and blocks reflection of all direct sunlight - this caused the moon's color to dim and turn a coppery red. A stunning image of the moon starting to set behind the Statue of Freedom on top of the US Capitol dome in Washington DC The show was visible across the US in the early morning hours. Pictured is the red moon hanging above Richmond, Virginia The eclipse was also visible across eastern Asia, Australia, the Pacific, South American and all of North America. Skywatchers in Asia and Australia saw it with their evening moonrise, while the spectacle played out for observers in other parts of North America in the early morning hours before the moon set. And it was visible to the naked eye wherever skies were clear in those regions. The entire eclipse unfolded over a period of nearly six hours as the moon gradually edged into the Earth's paler, outer shadow, its 'penumbra,' then entered the Earth's darker, inner shadow, or 'umbra,' before reaching totality and eventually emerging from the other side. The blood moon was full for about 90 minutes before transforming back to its silvery color. Here it is passing behind the Empire State building in New York City The moon darkens and is reddish during a total lunar eclipse in the sky. Here it is next to the Washington Monument in Washington DC The eclipse was also visible across eastern Asia, Australia, the Pacific, South American and all of North America. This captivating image shows the total lunar eclipse past the Savior of the World monument in Salvador del Mundo Square, in San Salvador People in China were also able to experience the breathtaking show. Here is the moon rising over the Yongdingmen Gate Tower during a total lunar eclipse in Beijing NASA said the moon was 242,740 miles from Earth during this lunar event that lasted for about 90 minutes. Those living on the east coast of the US were graced with totality toward the northwestern horizon from about 5:16 am ET to 6:41 am ET. People in the Midwest saw the blood moon peak at 3:16 am ET through 4:41 am ET and those on the west coast experienced the full reddish hue at 3:02 am ET, which also lasted for one and a half hours. Andrew Fraknoi, an astronomer at the University of San Francisco, told The New York Times: 'The big issue here will be that it's before Election Day. 'I joke around that many people are so nervous about Election Day this year that maybe they'll be up all night, and they can watch it.' Those living on the east coast of the US were graced with totality toward the northwestern horizon from about 5:16 am ET to 6:41 am ET. This image shows the moon glowing in the background of Cleveland, Ohio The blood moon and last total lunar eclipse until 2025 moves across the sky in the early morning hours over Hull, Massachusetts. This image captured the different hues of red and orange glowing from the lunar surface Blood moon happens when the moon is shrouded in Earth's shadow, blocking direct sunlight from the lunar surface A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in the shadow of Earth. This is an area known as the umbra, where light from the sun is blocked by our planet. The light refracts differently in the atmosphere and, as it hits the moon, it appears red. This gives rise to its blood red appearance during a total eclipse, when the entire moon is in shadow. If it skirts the shadow, known as a partial or penumbral eclipse, the effect is less dramatic. When the moon first enters the Earth's partial shadow, know as the penumbra, a dark shadow begins to creep across the moon. This gives the illusion that the moon is changing phases in a matter of minutes instead of weeks. At the eclipse's peak, the moon enters the Earth's full shadow; the umbra. At this stage, the Earth's atmosphere scatters the sun's red visible light; the same process that turns the sky red at sunset. As a result, the red light reflects off the moon's surface, casting a reddish rust hue over it. Advertisement The claim of a blood moon being a sign of the beginning of the end times originates in the Book of Joel, where it is written 'the sun will turn into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.' The blood moon that appeared in 2015 sparked fear among some religious leaders who believed that would be the last one the world would see. Most of these leaders headed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and feared the event meant the end of the world was near. The Mormon Church told its 15 million followers to be 'spiritually and physically prepared for life's ups and downs' but warned people not to speculate about when Doomsday would be. The apocalypse is a key part of Mormon religion and many of its members prepare their homes with extra food and water in case of any disaster. The lunar eclipse that occurred September 27 and 28, 2015 was the fourth in two years and all of them have fallen on Jewish holy days. Christian Pastor John Hagee said in 2015 that this sequence, known as a 'tetrad', could be a sign of the Old Testament prophecy predicting the end of the world. His beliefs are based on a passage from the Bible that says: 'The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord comes.' In 1493, the first Tetrad saw the expulsion of Jews by the Catholic Spanish Inquisition. The second happened in 1949, right after the State of Israel was founded and the most recent one - in 1967 - happened during the Six-Day War between Arabs and Israelis. In his book, Hagee says: 'The heavens are God's billboard. 'He's been sending signals to Earth, and we haven't been picking them up. Two blood moons, in 2014 and 2015, point to dramatic events in the Middle East and, as a result, changes in the whole world.' However, the world did not end and was around to see the latest blood moon Tuesday morning. Ancient civilization also deemed the blood moon as evil. The Incas believed the deep red coloring was due to a jaguar attacking and feasting on the moon, fearing the creature would soon make its way to eat Earth, The Independent reports. During this time, people would shout, shake their spears and make their dogs bark and howl, hoping to make enough noise to drive the beast away. And in ancient Mesopotamia, a lunar eclipse was considered a direct assault on the king. Some Hindu folktales interpret lunar eclipses as the result of the demon Rahu drinking the elixir of immortality. People living in Washington DC had a front row seat to the blood moon display. It appeared shortly before polls opened on Election Day This incredible image highlights the importance of this blood moon, as Americans were waking early to stand in line to vote in the Mid-term elections This image was snapped in an Arizona resident's backyard, who captured it in huge resolution. This picked up every detail of the lunar surface, including craters left by meteor impacts The lunar eclipse has had different means throughout history. Native Americans believed the red glow meant the moon was sick. This view is from this morning in Albany, New York And for many people in India today, the blood moon comes with ill fortunes. During a lunar eclipse, Indians cover food and water as they perform rituals to ward off evil intentions. However, Native American tribes in the US thought the red-colored hue meant the moon was sick. Hupa and Luiseno would serenade the moon, hoping to heal it. MailOnline takes a look at ancient tombs still to be located thousands of years after their occupants passed Advertisement This week, archeologists discovered an underground tunnel beneath an Egyptian temple, which they believe may lead to the long-lost tomb of Cleopatra, one of the most famous queens in history. Cleopatra, who is thought to have been interred together with her lover Mark Antony, is possibly the most famous ancient figure whose remains are still to be found, although there are countless others. Here, MailOnline takes a look at the ancient tombs that remain yet to be found, thousands of years after their occupants were laid to rest. From Cleopatra to Nefertiti and Alexander the Great, MailOnline takes a look at the ancient tombs that still remain a mystery, thousands of years after their occupants were laid to rest ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Cleopatra was the last of a long line to Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt. She ruled from 51 BC to 30 BC up until the day she died. Cleopatra became Cleopatra VII, queen of Egypt, upon the death of her father, Ptolemy XII, and her brother was made King Ptolemy XIII at the same time. The siblings ruled Egypt under the formal title of husband and wife. Cleopatra was known as a seductress and as a captivating personality. She used her charms to seduce Julius Caesar to cement Egypt's alliance with Rome, and then to seduce his second in command, Mark Antony. Antony married another woman, Octavia, to mend a strained alliance with her brother, the ruler Octavian, although Antony later left his new wife for Cleopatra, violating a Roman law restricting Romans from marrying foreigners. Octavian then declared war on Cleopatra and Antony, defeating them both. Cleopatra then took refuge in the mausoleum she had commissioned for herself and her disappearance led to the belief that she had killed herself. Antony died in Cleopatra's arms after fatally stabbing himself as he thought she had taken her own life. Cleopatra did then kill herself shortly after her lover succumbed to his wounds. Advertisement CLEOPATRA Cleopatra was Egypt's last pharaoh and the ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, from 51 BC until her death 30 BC, at the age of just 39. During her life, Cleopatra was known both as a seductress and as a captivating personality. She famously used her charms to first seduce Julius Caesar to cement Egypt's alliance with Rome, and then to seduce one of his successors, Mark Antony. In order to fix herself and Antony as rulers in the minds of the Egyptian people, she also worked hard to associate them with the myth of Isis and Osiris. According to the myth, Osiris was killed and hacked into pieces that were scattered across Egypt. After finding all of the pieces and making her husband whole again, Isis was able to resurrect him for a time. Cleopatra and Antony both died by suicide and were buried together, and their remains are thought to be beneath Egypt's ancient Taposiris Magna Temple, near the Egyptian city of Alexandria, once the country's capital. Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez of the University of San Domingo thinks a newly-discovered tunnel under the temple leads to the remains. She said finding them would be 'the most important discovery of the 21st century'. The tunnel, which is being hailed as a 'geometric miracle', stretches for more than 4,800 feet, measures about six feet high and is said to resemble the Tunnel of Eupalinos on the Greek island of Samos revered as one of the most important engineering achievements of the Classical world. Despite the fact researchers have been excavating the Taposiris Magna Temple site since 2005, only a tiny percentage of the vast site has been explored. But other experts believe the remains of Cleopatra and Antony are elsewhere; another theory is they were hastily buried in Alexandria itself the city from where she ruled Egypt until her death in 30 BC. Cleopatra ruled from 51 BC to 30 BC - right up until the day she died. She was the queen of Egypt and the last and most famous of the Ptolemaic dynasty Experts believe Cleopatra made plans for herself and Antony to be buried at a temple called Taposiris Magna in order to imitate the ancient myth of Isis and Osiris NEFERTITI Nefertiti was a queen of the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, the first dynasty of the New Kingdom, a period when Egypt truly became a global power. Along with her husband Pharaoh Akhenaten, Nefertiti ruled Egypt between 1370 to 1330 BC, a time described as the wealthiest period of ancient Egyptian history. The royal couple's devotion to the god Aten representing the disc of the sun was so great that they created a whole new capital in his honour at Amarna, a city on the banks of the Nile. Known for her great beauty and power, Nefertiti is thought to have been stepmother of the boy-pharaoh King Tutankhamun. Akhenaten fathered Tutankhamun after sleeping with his sister, it's believed. The bust of Nefertiti was found in Egypt in 1912 at Tell el-Amarna, the short-lived capital of Nefertiti's husband, the Pharaoh Akhenaten. It is now housed in Berlin Nefertiti is thought to have lost her husband around 1336 BC and then may have reigned over Egypt alone. But her own death and burial place are shrouded in mystery. She is reckoned to have died about six years after her husband, possibly from the plague that struck Egypt at that time. Nicholas Reeves, a British archaeologist at the University of Arizona Nefertiti, said in 2015 that there were voids behind the walls of Tutankhamun's tomb which he proposed to be the burial chamber of Nefertiti. However, a later study that performed subsequent radar scans concluded 'there are no hidden chambers immediately adjacent to the Tomb of Tutankhamun'. This photo shows a view of the gold burial mask of the ancient Egyptian New Kingdom Pharaoh Tutankhamun (1334-1325 BC) on display at the Egyptian Museum in the centre of Egypt's capital Cairo. Nefertiti is thought to have been stepmother of the Tutankhamun ANKHESENAMUN Sculpture fragment believed to be of Ankhesenamun, Brooklyn Museum, US Ankhesenamun was the third of six known daughters of the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti and the wife of Tutankhamun. Despite being married, Ankhesenamun and Tutankhamun were half-siblings; they shared the same father, Akhenaten, but had different mothers. Some time in the 9th year of his reign, about the age of 18, Tutankhamun died suddenly, leaving Ankhesenamun alone and without an heir about the age 21. She then wed Ay, who ruled from 1327 to 1323 BC, but following Ay's death, Ankhesenamun disappears from the historical record. In 2010, DNA tests on two mummies found in tomb KV21 in Egypt's Valley of the Kings suggested that one of the two was the mother of the twins found in Tutankhamun's tomb, and therefore Ankhesenamun. However, not enough data was obtained to make more than a tentative identification. While we don't know much about Ankhesenamun's appearance beyond golden figures, which may have been glamorised by ancient sculptors, they appear to show an elegant and beautiful woman. ALEXANDER THE GREAT Alexander III, commonly known as Alexander the Great, was a king of Macedon, a state in northern ancient Greece between 336 and 323 BC and is today considered one of history's most successful military commanders. The forces of Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) are depicted fighting those of the Indian rajah Porus (active 327-315 BC) on the banks of the River Hydaspes, (now the River Jhelum in Pakistan) WHO WAS ALEXANDER THE GREAT? Alexander III of Macedon was born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia in July 356 BC. He died in Babylon in June 323 BC. Alexander led an army across the Persian territories of Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt claiming the land as he went. His greatest victory was at the Battle of Gaugamela, now northern Iraq, in 331 BC, and during his trek across these Persian territories, he was said to never have suffered a defeat. Following this battle in Gaugamela, Alexander led his army a further 11,000 miles (17,700km), founded over 70 cities and created an empire that stretched across three continents. This covered from Greece in the west, to Egypt in the south, Danube in the north, and Indian Punjab to the East. Advertisement Never defeated in battle, he created a vast empire that stretched from Greece to India before dying in Babylon in 323 BC at the age of just 32. Following Alexander's death, his body was initially buried in Memphis, Egypt, before being transferred in the late 4th or early 3rd century to Alexandria, where it was reburied. Now, Alexandria is generally considered to be the actual location of Alexander the Great's tomb, although exactly where is a mystery. More than 100 official attempts have been conducted to find it. In 2021, an Egyptian official claimed Alexander the Great's tomb is in Siwa Oasis, an urban area near the Libyan border with Egypt, although any purported evidence of the claim was not verified. Alexander the Great's cause of death is something of a mystery too, although theories include fever, infection, alcoholism, murder and even the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), according to a 2018 paper in the Ancient History Bulletin. The lavishly-furnished tomb of Alexander's father, Philip II, was discovered during the late 1970s. ATTILA THE HUN Attila the Hun, considered one of the most powerful warriors in world history, was the ruler of the Huns (the nomadic people of Central Asia and Eastern Europe) from AD 434 until his death in 453. Also known as the Scourge of God, he began his rule by slaughtering Goth tribes in modern-day Germany and Austria, then attacked the enfeebled Roman Empire. Attila (406 - 453) the Hunnish King known as the 'Scourge Of God', is depicted here circa AD 450. He's considered one of the most powerful rulers in world history Atilla ruled territories from Germany to the Caspian Sea for almost 20 years, but he reached an undignified end in his mid-40s in March 453. On his wedding night, he drank heavily and passed out before choking to death on his own blood, either due to a nosebleed, a rupture or something else. There's also speculation his new wife, Ildico, murdered him. Again, what happened to his body and where it lies today is unknown, although the sole surviving written source about his funeral suggests his tomb was fit for a king. Jordanes, an ancient writer from the 6th century, said Attila was buried in a triple coffin the innermost coffin made of gold, the middle coffin made of silver and the outermost coffin made of iron. It may be located on the Hungarian Puszta (also known as the Great Hungarian Plain), Laszlo Veszpremy, a professor at Pazmany Peter Catholic University in Budapest, told Live Science earlier this year. GENGHIS KHAN Genghis Khan (AD 1162 to 1227), the brutal founder of the Mongol Empire, created a military state that invaded its neighbours and extended across Asia, causing the deaths of roughly 40 million people in the process. He was a prolific lover, fathering hundreds of children across his territories. Some scientists think he has 16 million male descendants alive today. By the time he died in August 1227, the Mongol Empire covered a vast part of Central Asia and China. In all, Genghis conquered almost four times the lands of Alexander the Great. He is still revered in Mongolia and in parts of China. The cover of a biography of the Mongolian warlord Genghis Khan (1162 - 1267) by Norman Kotker circa 1960. Genghis Khan was the founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire Historians estimate he was responsible for the deaths of nearly 40 million people with his large-scale massacres of civilian populations. After dying of a sudden illness in 1227 at the age of 72, the Mongol leader was buried at a secret location that has yet to be uncovered. According to legend, Genghis Khan lies buried somewhere beneath the dusty steppe of Northeastern Mongolia, entombed in a spot so secretive that anyone who made the mistake of encountering his funeral procession was executed on the spot. The bronzes, including depictions of Apollo and Igea, the ancient Greek god and goddess of health, bear both Etruscan and Latin inscriptions The statues, however, suggests the groups lived in harmony even though they were at war The Etruscan civilization controlled Italy for centuries before the Roman Empire formed, but lost all power around the second century BC and first century AD Advertisement More than two dozen beautifully preserved bronze statues fashioned 2,000 years ago have been pulled from ancient thermal baths in Tuscany, Italy in a new discovery that 'will rewrite history' about the transition from the Etruscan civilization to the Roman Empire. Some of the bronzes are entire human-like figures of deities, while others are of individual body parts and organs which would have been offered up as votive offerings to the gods for intervention for medical cures via the thermal waters, the ministry said in a statement. The trove of artifacts suggests that while the Etruscans and Romans were entangled in conflict between the second century BC and first century AD, the groups living in this area prayed together to deities in the sacred sanctuary. This, according to archaeologists, is the conclusion because the statues, including depictions of Apollo and Igea, the ancient Greek god and goddess of health, bear both Etruscan and Latin inscriptions. The new Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, describes them as 'an exceptional discovery for Italy' and 'immense and unique treasures.' More than 24 bronzes have been pulled from the mud of an ancient thermal spring in central Italy and archaeologists said the discovery rewrites Italy's history Most of the Etruscan civilization liked in Italy nearly 500 years before the Roman Empire gave rise. While in Italy, Etruscans controlled most of northern and southern regions by becoming a trading power in the Mediterranean. They started to lose their foothold once the Greeks took control of Sicily, which was shortly followed by the Roman Empire in 27 BC that began to spread across the nation. The Roman Empire began to take Etruscan cities one, by one, while also destroying any evidence that it existed - it is very rare to find artifacts from the Etruscan civilization. However, not all was war between the two, as the recent discovery shows the groups once lived in harmony. The statues are beautifully preserved thanks to being encased in mud for more than 2,000 years. They include both Etruscan and Latin inscriptions, suggesting the groups did live in harmony although their civilizations were at war Archaeologists pulled the figurines and 6,000 coins from the mud, which kept the ancient items in a perfect state of conservation. Etruscans migrated to Italy from western Anatolia centuries before the rise of the Roman Empire The Etruscans lived on the Italian peninsula about 2,500 years ago, before the peak of the Roman Empire, and not much is known about their culture except that they were a trading power in the Mediterranean because it flourished with minerals The discovery is being hailed as a sensational find, noting the statues, depicting Hygieia, Apollo and other Greco-Roman divinities, used to adorn a sanctuary before they were immersed in thermal waters, in a sort of ritual, 'probably around the first century AD' The statues, part of excavations that started in 2019, were discovered in San Casciano dei Bagni, a hilltop town in the Siena province, about 100 miles north of Rome. Jacopo Tabolli, who coordinated the dig for the University for Foreigners in Siena, said the discovery was significant because it sheds new light on the end of the Etruscan civilization and the expansion of the Roman Empire. 'While there were social and civil wars being fought outside the sanctuary ... inside the sanctuary the great elite Etruscan and Roman families prayed together in a context of peace surrounded by conflict,' Tabolli said. 'This possibility to rewrite the relationship and dialectic between the Etruscan and Romans is an exceptional opportunity.' He also noted that the sanctuary was active from the third century BC until the fifth century AD. The sacred area was then abandoned as Christianity began to take hold, which led to the statues being submerged in the water and the pools were closed off with massive pillars and stones. The find represents the largest deposit of bronzes from this era in Italy and it is also the longest surviving antiquities from the period are primarily in terracotta, the ministry said. 'It's a discovery that will rewrite history,' Tabolli said in a statement, noting its shows when the Etruscans were being assimilated into Roman society, following centuries of prolonged territorial warfare. Massimo Osanna, a top culture ministry official, called it one of the most remarkable discoveries 'in the history of the ancient Mediterranean' and the most important since the Riace Bronzes, a giant pair of ancient Greek warriors, were pulled from the sea off the toe of Italy in 1972. The statues were discovered in San Casciano dei Bagni, a hilltop town in the Siena province, about 100 miles north of Rome Many of the statues are still intact, holding on to the details that were used to create them more than 2,000 years ago The statues were given as offerings to gods in rituals and both civilizations were pray together at the site, and at the same time The archaeologist said his team had recovered 24 large statues, plus several smaller statuettes, and noted that it was unusual for them to be made out of bronze, rather than terracotta It was an 'era of great conflicts' and 'cultural osmosis', in which the Great Bath sanctuary of San Casciano represented a 'unique multicultural and multilingual haven of peace, surrounded by political instability and war,' the ministry said. The statues were covered by almost 6,000 bronze, silver and gold coins, and San Casciano's hot muddy waters helped to preserve them 'almost like as on the day they were immersed,' Tabolli said. The archaeologist said his team had recovered 24 large statues, plus several smaller statuettes, and noted that it was unusual for them to be made out of bronze, rather than terracotta. The statues including etchings of what the experts believe are the names of powerful local families, who may have paid to have the artifacts commissioned. It was an 'era of great conflicts' and 'cultural osmosis', in which the Great Bath sanctuary of San Casciano represented a 'unique multicultural and multilingual haven of peace, surrounded by political instability and war Archaeologists work at the site of the discovery of two dozen well-preserved bronze statues from an ancient Tuscan thermal spring in San Casciano dei Bagni, central Italy. The sacred area was then abandoned as Christianity began to take hold, which led to the statues being submerged in the water and the pools were closed off with massive pillars and stones In 2016, researchers uncovered a 2,500-year-old sandstone tablet at the Poggio Colla site in northern Etruria, northeast of modern-day Florence. They believe the slab, weighing around 500 pounds, is a rare example of an Etruscan sacred text, with at least 70 legible letters and punctuation marks, and possibly the name of a god or goddess. Archaeologist Professor Gregory Warden, principal investigator of the Mugello Valley Archaeological Project, said in a statement: 'This is probably going to be a sacred text, and will be remarkable for telling us about the early belief system of a lost culture that is fundamental to western traditions. Most Etruscan discoveries are typically grave and funeral objects, for example. The slab weighs around 500lbs and it is nearly four feet tall by more than two feet wide. It has at least 70 legible letters and punctuation marks, said Professor Warden, main sponsor of the project. It is likely to contain words in the lost language that have never been seen before. The slab was discovered in the foundations of a monumental temple where it had been buried for more than 2,500 years. Scholars in the field predict the stele, the name given to this kind of tablet, will provide a huge amount of new knowledge about the lost culture of the Etruscans. A 76-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex skull, one of the most complete in history, is being hailed as 'the ultimate trophy' as it is set to hit the auction block next month with an estimated sale of $20 million. Sotheby's New York, which made headlines in July for selling the first-ever Gorgosaurus skeleton, is hosting the live auction that will see the more than six-foot tall fossilized skull make its debut and be sold off to the highest bidder. The skull, nicknamed Maximus, was unearthed in South Dakota where other prized T-rex skeletons like Sue and Stan have been found - Sotheby's head of science refers to this area as 'the world capital for T-rexes.' The rest of the dinosaur's bones were lost to the tests of time, but the skull still has the tooth bearing jaw elements and most of the external bones on both right and left sides. This is one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skulls ever found. It was unearthed in South Dakota Sotheby's is hosting a live auction next month, where the skull could fetch up to $20 million Henry Galiano, Sotheby's Consultant, Natural History, said in a statement: 'This T-rex fossil is an extraordinary discovery. 'Unearthed in one of the most concentrated areas for T-rex remains, the skull retained much of its original shape and surface characteristics with even the smallest and most delicate bones intact, with an extremely high degree of scientific integrity. 'Without the work of experienced field paleontologists who carefully collected and preserved this skull, it may have eroded away and been lost to science forever.' Maximus comes from Magnus Maximus who was a Roman emperor and military commander, and was chosen to honor his reputation as a fighter and hunter. The skull was discovered and excavated on private land in Harding County, South Dakota in the Hell Creek Formation. Accompanying the skull is full documentation certifying condition, authenticity, and legality of ownership, including osteograph, bone inventory, field photographs, and preparation notes, further proving the exemplar specimen is in a class by itself The rest of the dinosaur's bones were lost to the tests of time, but the skull still has the tooth bearing jaw elements and most of the external bones on both right and left sides There is a puncture mark on the skull, which Sotheby's believes was made while fighting with another dinosaur, likely another T-rex This geological formation is world-renowned for yielding more T-rex material than any other location in the world, having also produced Sue, the first dinosaur ever sold at auction, which fetched a record $8.3 million at Sotheby's in 1997, and Stan, sold in 2020 for $31.8 million. The site is also well known for the excavation of other popular dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period including that of Triceratops, Edmontosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Pachycephalosaurus and many others. The dig site where the T. rex skull was unearthed had been severely weathered over time, and most of the skeleton was destroyed by erosion - it was just by a stroke of luck the skull remained intact. Accompanying the skull is full documentation certifying condition, authenticity, and legality of ownership, including osteograph, bone inventory, field photographs, and preparation notes, further proving the exemplar specimen is in a class by itself. Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's head of science and popular culture, said two large puncture holes in the skull were evidence that the animal had been in a fight, probably with another T-rex. Cassandra Hatton, senior vice president, global head of department, Science & Popular Culture at Sotheby's, points at two large puncture holes likely from a fight with another dinosaur, on a Tyrannosaurus rex skull excavated from Harding County, South Dakota, in 2020-2021, in New York City on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. When auctioned in December, the auction house expects the dinosaur skull to sell for $15 to $25 million. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey) 'We don't know that this is what caused the death of this animal, but we can tell that it did have a major battle during its lifetime,' she said. Marks on the skull are interesting to study 'because they give us an idea about what life was like during the Cretaceous period,' Hatton said. This specimen may not be headed to a research institution, though. 'Its the ultimate trophy,' Hatton said. 'To place in ones home.' The issue regarding this statement has been raised several times this year by paleontologists who are sadden by such sales because this means the specimen is lost to science. Thomas Carr, a paleontologist form Carthage College in Wisconsin, told DailyMail.com in July following the sale of the Gorgosaurs: '[Sales like this] are like the last copy of a book being thrown into the fire when the skeleton was purchased by a private collector, it no longer exists to scientists anymore. Image all we know about humanity is just you and me. 'learly, that is not enough information to know about everyone.' Carr said dinosaur fossils need to be placed somewhere, such as the Museum of Natural History in New York City, that is accessible to the scientific community, experts say, otherwise they are deemed lost to the world. Advertisement I recently returned from a flight-free winter trip to Ibiza from Newcastle, showing that even popular Mediterranean holiday destinations are easily reachable by train. And a ferry. I had been offered an all-expenses-paid trip to the party island the jolly even included a nightclub session by Ibiza legend Pete Tong but it didn't include travel, so I had to get there on my tod. Simple - there are plenty of cheap direct flights from Newcastle to Ibiza. Except I don't fly. Not anymore. Not in Europe anyway. I opted to take high-speed trains to Barcelona and an overnight ferry to the island. And packed my Brompton bicycle for a bit of pedal-power assistance. The ferry there's a choice of three services leaves Barcelona at 10pm, arriving at the Port of Ibiza eight hours later. I could have just about made it to Barcelona from Newcastle in a day, but with some business to do in London, I chose a relaxing start to the trip by taking the LNER service on the East Coast Main Line and staying a night in the capital. I booked a budget hotel close to St. Pancras International and set the alarm for 'stupidly early' to get the first Eurostar of the day, the 6am service to Paris. Carlton Reid travelled from Newcastle to Ibiza without flying, instead choosing to take trains and an overnight ferry to the Spanish island. Once the ferry docked, Carlton cycled into Eivissa (above), Ibiza's port capital Carltons folded Brompton bicycle at Newcastle Station as the LNER to London arrives Carlton spent a night in London before heading to mainland Europe from St Pancras International (above left) French train company SNCF had already alerted me that my journey across France might not be plain sailing. Their email warned that a one-day 'mouvement social national interprofessionnel' or multi-sector strike could slow me down. It did more than that - it added 24 hours to the journey. It was annoying to get to Ibiza a day later than planned but even if I had flown to this Balearic island, a strike by French air traffic controllers, for instance could have put a spanner in the works at any time. Ditto for bad weather. 'These storms have shut down flights at Heathrow,' tweeted Gary Lineker in October, complaining of a flight delay that meant he missed a match at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium. We were travelling a couple of nights apart, but, as Lineker's gripe demonstrated, my failure to get to Barcelona on schedule was not a problem specific to train travel. When not delayed, flying is quicker than taking the train, but if you've got a little extra time, taking trains and the ferry to Ibiza is more of an adventure. And for the seven per cent of travellers afraid to fly, it's one of their only options. Either way, it's glorious to gaze at the fields, hills, and mountains as you speed along the rails at 199mph. It's not a cheap option, though. Ibiza is well served by budget airlines. According to the Ryanair website, flights from Newcastle to Ibiza start at a ridiculous 7.99. In reality, they're more like 50 and above, but that's still far cheaper than the train and ferry prices. Flight-free to Ibiza cost me 340 and 455 to get back (fares are dynamic so it could be higher or lower depending on how far you book ahead or whether you're choosing to travel at peak periods). Ryanair doesn't fly to Ibiza from Newcastle between November and March. Winter flights from KLM and British Airways are more costly, with a return costing 350 on average. And get this: the British Airways flight, with connections, takes more than 15 hours. The KLM flight takes even longer at 22 hours - not that much different from the flight-free journey. Carlton says he set the alarm for 'stupidly early' to get the first Eurostar of the day, the 6am service to Paris. On the left, his Eurostar arrives in Paris. Pictured right is the station sign at Gare de Lyon - Carlton got the 11.52am train to Lyon Perrache Above is Carlton's high-speed TGV Duplex train to Lyon at Gare de Lyon, Paris. He says: 'It's glorious to gaze at the fields, hills, and mountains as you speed along the rails at 199mph' The upper deck of Carlton's TGV train at Beauvoir-de-Marc Newcastle-London-Paris-Barcelona by train and then the overnight ferry to Ibiza had been planned to be low-stress with ample connection times and was booked through the Omio smartphone app. All tickets were electronic and stored on my iPhone. The bookings worked - one of the trains didn't. I'd learned of the strike a few days before the start of the trip and knew that getting to Lyon from Paris could be touch and go. As it turned out, that hop went fine, but when I arrived in Lyon, there was no sign of my connection through to Barcelona. Clearly, it had been a late casualty of the strike, and no amount of fiddling with timetables on local trains would get me to Barcelona before 10pm and the evening ferry. Firing up the Omio app showed buses and trains (and planes), but they wouldn't get me to the port in time. Car sharing is also in the app, but that was also a non-starter. After a frantic hour of researching all of the assumed options hope springs eternal I realised I had none. I would have to complete my journey to Barcelona the following day. Once I admitted defeat a decision rather forced on me, of course the adrenalin that had been fuelling my frantic journey searches drained away, and I switched focus. I cancelled one night of the hotel stay in Ibiza and claimed a refund via the Omio app for the booked train journey. Lyon is an expensive city, so I headed for Narbonne instead, halfway to Barcelona and somewhere I'd not visited before and knew nothing about. (I'd been in Lyon a few weeks previously, so I wanted somewhere fresh as well as cheaper.) I booked an Ibis Budget hotel on Booking.com and used the Omio app to pay for that evening's train journey and the following day's ferry crossing. I couldn't get the 40 back for the missed ferry crossing. Top tip: pay a little extra for flexible ticketing. I arrived in Narbonne late in the evening. The onward connection to Barcelona wasn't until after 10am, so I got up early to explore, riding out to the saltwater lagoons south of this former Roman seaport. Centuries of the Aude river silting have left this small city dozing ten miles inland. With my own wheels, I had time to visit what appears to be a ruined cathedral. In fact, Narbonne's Cathedral of Saint Just and Saint Pasteur, was left unfinished building work started in 1272, but the silting of the Aude left the city impoverished, and finishing it would have meant demolishing the city's ramparts. Work stopped in the 14th century, leaving a shell. When Carlton's train to Barcelona was cancelled, he decided to spend a night in the historic town of Narbonne (above) 'I'm a sucker for Roman stuff,' says Carlton. He visited an uncovered section of the Via Domitia Roman road (left) - the Roman road between the Alps and Spain - in Narbonne Nearby, between the town hall and large white Instagrammable letters spelling 'Narbonne', is an exposed section of the Via Domitia, the Roman road between the Alps and Spain. I'm a sucker for Roman stuff, so the unscheduled visit to Narbonne was far from a time-sink. Soon after leaving Narbonne on the morning high-speed train to Barcelona, we crossed a sliver of land with saltwater lagoons on either side. I sat opposite a Norwegian pensioner couple and their bulldog. Like many others on the train, he was entranced by the colonies of pink flamingos visible from the train. On the morning high-speed train from Narbonne to Barcelona (above), Carlton crossed a sliver of land with saltwater lagoons on either side The Norwegian bulldog that was seated opposite Carlton enjoying the view of flamingos from the train between Narbonne and Barcelona We pulled into Barcelona Sants station a couple of hours later. I had just a short time in this Catalonian city in my original itinerary. Now, thanks to the French rail strike, I had much of the day and some of the evening. I explored by bike, sweating up to the elevated Park Guell laid out in the early 1900s by Catalonian architect and artist Antoni Gaudi. Nightfall alerted me that I had to cycle to the ferry port. I left Barcelona at 10pm on the Marie Celeste. It was actually Balearia's Bahama Mama, but this 1,000-person ship was surprisingly low on passengers, with just a handful of tourists and a few bored truckers. Not good for the ship's carbon footprint, but at least it's powered by natural gas rather than diesel. To save money I opted not to travel in a sleeper cabin, choosing to lay out my camping mat on the floor outside the duty-free shop. A facemask blocked out bright lights, and I had a surprisingly comfortable night. With time to spare in Barcelona, Carlton explored the city by bike, sweating up to the elevated Park Guell (pictured) Ferry services docked in the port of Ibiza. Carlton travelled to the Spanish isle on Balearia's Bahama Mama 'I had a surprisingly comfortable night,' Carlton says of his overnight ferry ride on Balearia's Bahama Mama (left). He arrived at the Port of Ibiza (right) before sunrise The one-day delay in getting to Ibiza was out of my control but one of the reasons for taking the ferry had been the supposed romantic arrival at sunrise. That's what it's like in summer but I arrived in October at 7am, and it was still pitch black, with no chance of taking evocative photographs as we pulled into port. Once off the ship, there were no taxis available at the port's ferry terminal and no buses either. Ibiza closes for winter in mid-October. While the handful of tourists now had to wait for the public transport to start or use shank's pony I unfolded my Brompton bike, snapped on the front bag, and rode into Eivissa, Ibiza's port capital. Four days later there were no delays on the return journey. The overnight ferry landed me in Barcelona in plenty of time for the 9.10am train. I was in Paris six and a half hours later and only five minutes late. The connection with Eurostar was tight and made even tighter by the five-minute delay, but I made it into the customs queue for the 5.13pm train to London after a swift ride from Gare De Lyon to Gare du Nord, primarily by bike path. On a bike, I wasn't subject to traffic delays. A drone shot of Carlton riding on the battlements of Dalt Vila, part of Ibizas old town walls A woman looking at the view from the high-speed train from Barcelona to Paris, near Figueres, on Carlton's return journey Thanks to losing an hour when crossing under the channel, I arrived in London at 6.30pm. I had one more train journey: the fast one along the East Coast Main Line to Newcastle. I was in bed before midnight. The train journey from Barcelona to London took ten hours. A flight from London to Barcelona takes just over two hours but add in the travel time to and from the airports, and the two hours required before international flights, and the time difference isn't so great. Flying remains the standard way of getting to Ibiza from the UK, but it's eminently possible to take the train instead with the ferry crossing adding to the journey's charms. A key stumbling block remains the price: at three or four times the cost of flying, the flight-free trip to Ibiza sadly isn't currently for the cost-conscious. The Inspector pays 366 for a dinner, bed and breakfast package at The Headland hotel Advertisement The new spa or Aqua Club, as its known at The Headland is quite something. It sits bang on the coast overlooking the raging (at this time of year) Atlantic and has no fewer than six pools, designed to take you on a thermal journey; plus its own cafe, gym, sun deck, steam rooms, saunas and treatment rooms. Its sleek design is in stark contrast to the heavy-going lobby of this Victorian landmark hotel, much loved by families, above Fistral Beach in North Cornwall. But I get the impression that the Armstrong family, which still owns it, are slowly making changes. Many of the bedrooms have been updated and in January the whole place will close for a couple of months while Samphire, the huge main dining room, is revamped. The Inspector calls at The Headland (centre), a Victorian landmark hotel that sits above Fistral Beach in North Cornwall The hotel's 'sleek' new Aqua Club spa (pictured above) is 'quite something', says the Inspector The Aqua Club's six pools, one of which is pictured left, are designed to take you on a thermal journey. Aside from the swimming pools, the Aqua Club features a cafe (right), a gym, a sun deck, steam rooms, saunas and treatment rooms You wont recognise it, says our waiter. Thatll be good because at the moment its dreary and soulless. Go for a room with a view of the ocean, but they dont come cheap. Our budget wont stretch that far and so we make do with an internal room, where the blinds are drawn. No wonder. It looks out at a concrete wall and were paying 366 for a dinner, bed and breakfast package. Even so, the room is cheery, with a high upholstered headboard and splashes of colour here and there. The Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, convalesced at the Headland after suffering from mumps while training at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth; and writer Rosamunde Pilcher, who grew up nearby, used to attend parties at the hotel. More recently, the 1990 movie of Roald Dahls The Witches was filmed here. Dinner at Samphire is a big disappointment. Everything we want to eat comes with a whopping supplement, including 25 per person for the rib of beef. 'Go for a room with a view of the ocean, but they dont come cheap,' the Inspector advises It's a historic setting - the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, convalesced at the Headland after suffering from mumps, and the 1990 movie of Roald Dahls The Witches was filmed here I rarely turn my nose up at whats on my plate but just cant manage more than a couple of bites of the slimy warm mackerel starter. Breakfast is a far more jolly affair. Its pouring with rain outside, but its still a magnificent view. A South African man is at the next door table with his girlfriend. If I leave here without walking on Fistral Beach I will always regret it, he says. And no country does rain quite like the UK.' Dressed in a see-through top, baggy gold trousers and half a ton of make-up, this really isnt the dapper Alexander Armstrong were used to seeing. So why has this much-loved presenter suddenly ditched his rather strait-laced look all designer suits and carefully coiffured hair for one so far removed from his usual style? Well, hes in South Korea and in his second major series for Channel 5, he's embarking on an epic journey across one of the most influential and successful countries on earth. Emerging from the ashes of a challenging twentieth century Japanese occupation, war, and dictatorship - South Korea has become the 10th biggest economy in the world. Mysterious and fascinating, it's a country of extremes which has become as famous for its cultural exports as it is for being a manufacturing powerhouse. From K-Pop to K-Drama and Squid Game to Korean BBQ, Alexander hits the streets of Seoul and Busan to see these phenomena up close and to discover how Korean culture has taken over the world. Alexander Armstrong is South Korea the mysterious yet fascinating country of extremes responsible for some of the greatest cultural phenomena of recent years As he visits robot labs, flying monks and fire festivals, Alexander Armstrong in South Korea makes clear that this is a country unlike any other. 'Its a global powerhouse, an economic miracle,' explains Xander, 'yet its smaller than England and only 70 years old, younger than David Hasselhoff. 'I wanted to find out more about Korea's incredible history and culture.' Alexander Armstrong at Gyeongbokgung Palace Xanders first task is to infiltrate the world of K-pop (thats Korean pop to you and me), a music sensation thats taken the world by storm - and doesn't he look the part! And he does just that as he explores a 14th century palace, learns to play a 10th century Jjango drum and meets a North Korean defector along with trying the local liquor and rather interesting foods But why the sheer top and gold trousers? Xanders first task is to infiltrate the world of K-pop (thats Korean pop to you and me), a music sensation thats taken the world by storm. Its not only produced the biggest-selling band on earth (BTS), its also worth a staggering 5 billion a year. But, as Xander learns, squeaky clean pop sensations in South Korea dont happen overnight. He meets Stay-C, a girl band tipped to be the Next Big Thing. They may already have won numerous awards but theyve been years in the making. 'I became a K-pop trainee when I was 13 and debuted at 20,' admits one member thats seven years of training with producers and teachers watching and guiding their every move. K-pop is taken very seriously - theres even a statue of hands in the famous Gangnam style move made famous by Psy in the heart of Seoul Its taken very seriously theres even a statue of hands in the famous Gangnam style move made famous by Psy in the heart of Seoul. In fact, the K-pop industry is based in Gangnam, an area of the capital that translates as south of the river. Its where Xander goes to see if hes got what it takes to become a star hence his fashionable transformation. But Seoul is not just about K-pop. Its a thriving, bustling, frenetic city of youth and skyscrapers where only the newest and most modern fads and crazes will do. Seoul is a thriving, bustling, frenetic city of youth and skyscrapers where only the newest and most modern fads and crazes will do. Half the South Korean population live in the city (compared to just nine million in London) and they work hard and play hard hence, theres a very big drinking culture. And its their determined and focused keeping up with the Joneses style attitude thats led to the countrys economic success. But along with this you have to keep up appearances too, with Korean men amongst the biggest beauty product users on the planet. Theres so much pressure, in fact that Xander discovers one tower block in the middle of a busy shopping district that houses nothing but plastic surgery clinics. 'It really does matter to look good here,' he says. 'To be honest, everything looks good its so clean. Its cleaner than many a grimy European capital. And its fun, its playful.' Xander visits South Koreas largest fish market in Busan But its not just looking good that means so much to South Koreans, its eating well too. And one of the UK's favourite meals fried chicken and beer also happens to be one of theirs too. But the difference is, in this part of Asia, its served by robots rather than humans. Thats where the resemblance to Western food seems to end, however, because soon Xander finds himself eating a whole host of interesting dishes youd be unlikely to see on a British menu. They include raw horse (the tartare is absolutely delicious, our host admits sheepishly. Im going to have more dont tell anyone!) and eel soup in a restaurant where the fish are the only things on the menu. Then theres South Koreas largest fish market in Busan (vegetarians look away now) where the fantastical-looking seafood can be found much of it still alive (even when its eaten). Theres spoon worms (which are good for hangovers apparently) and sea pineapple (for digestion). His next stop is the home of the local rice wine called makgeolli which is made from cakes of wheat pressed into shape by workers feet. Xander visits a 'poo cafe' for a cup of coffee served in a mini toilet... How does it taste? Like rough white wine, he laughs. But theres not much time for drinking when there are Scouse impersonators to meet, competitive eaters to slurp noodles with and poo cafes to drink coffee out of mini toilets in (yes, you read that right). And it seems Xander is more than at home in this wonderful country. 'The people of this beautiful, chaotic, fascinating city have made me so welcome,' he beams. You too can fall in love with this amazing country tune into Channel 5s Alexander Armstrong in South Korea on Tuesday at 9pm to find out more. There are big changes ahead for MasterChef Australia next year. Channel 10's hit cooking show is undergoing a makeover for the 2023 season, judge Jock Zonfrillo has revealed. The Scottish chef, 46, told The Australian viewers can look forward to a shorter season with fewer contestants. There are big changes ahead for MasterChef Australia next year with Channel 10's hit cooking show undergoing a makeover for the 2023 season, judge Jock Zonfrillo has revealed He also said the show will no longer be bringing back past 'favourites', which has been the theme of recent seasons. The Melbourne-based restaurateur added that MasterChef 2023 will have a celebrity guest judge - possibly Gordon Ramsay. Most of the details for next year's season are still under wraps, but Jock confirmed the number of contestants will be limited to 18, down from 24. The show is also scrapping the preliminaries, with the contestants instead getting straight into the competition, he revealed. The Scottish chef, 46, told The Australian viewers can look forward to a shorter season with fewer contestants. (Pictured with fellow judges Andy Allen, left, and Melissa Leong, centre) Jock joined the MasterChef judging panel in 2020 alongside food critic Melissa Leong and restaurateur Andy Allen, after original judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston left the franchise. MasterChef concluded its Fans & Favourites season in July as a ratings triumph. Billie McKay's winner announcement had a five-city metro audience of 875,000 viewers with the episode overall drawing 755,000, averaging out to 815,000. The Melbourne-based restaurateur added that MasterChef 2023 will have a celebrity guest judge - possibly Gordon Ramsay (pictured) The cooking show more than doubled Big Brother's audience on Seven (363,000) and also smashed Nine's Australian Ninja Warrior: Record Breakers (448,000). The MasterChef 2022 finale saw returning favourites Billie and Sarah Todd go head to head for the title. It was Billie who emerged victorious, winning the $250,000 cash prize after a 'mind-blowing' final dish. The franchise veterans were tasked with recreating an elaborate dessert made famous by guest judge Heston Blumenthal. Married At First Sight's Martha Kalifatidis showed off her blossoming baby bump on Monday as she modelled clothes from an Australian activewear band. The 34-year-old, who is expecting her first child, looked glowing as she posed in a grey dress from Stax in videos posted to her Instagram Story. Filming herself in front of the mirror, the influencer tried on a dress and crop top, which she described as 'so comfy'. Married At First Sight's Martha Kalifatidis showed off her blossoming baby bump on Monday as she modelled clothes from an Australian activewear band Making note of her changing body, she joked: 'How big are my boobs?' Keeping her raven tresses long and loose, the mum-to-be opted for an everyday makeup look with thick black mascara and a creamy foundation. She paired the slate grey dress with a pair of fluffy sliders, before heading out shopping with her mother, former Big Brother contestant Mary Kalifatidis. Martha became alarmed after her baby stopped moving for a day and headed to emergency in Sydney as a precaution last week. The 34-year-old, who is expecting her first child, looked glowing as she posed in a grey dress from Stax in videos posted to her Instagram Story Her fiance Michael, 31, took to Instagram during the evening to allay her fans and follower's fears, and explain the situation. 'This morning was a little stressful... Martha hadn't felt the baby move for a day, when it's been super active, so we decided to be safe and get it checked,' he explained. Alongside the post, Michael shared a photo of Martha wearing a red bathrobe and white pants on a hospital bed in emergency. Married At First Sight's Martha Kalifatidis (pictured) was rushed to hospital last week after 'not feeling her baby move for a day' The reality star wore a face mask and was seen tapping on her phone. Michael then shared a selfie with Martha at home, who was laying in bed playing with her iPhone. It comes after Martha, who has been bed-ridden for months while suffering severe hyperemesis gravidarum, stepped out for the first time in weeks for a rare public outing to attend the Melbourne Cup. Martha's partner Michael, 31, took to Instagram during the evening to allay their follower's fears, and explain the situation. 'This morning was a little stressful... Martha hadn't felt the baby move for a day, when it's been super active, so we decided to be safe and get it checked,' he explained Martha looked radiant on the day, showing off her baby bump in a form-fitting crop top under a mesh dress with flowing trousers. To protect herself against the cold, she threw a boxy pink jacket over her ensemble. In true races style, the mum-to-be donned a netted hair piece which covered her flawless face and clutched a Balenciaga mini bag. She completed the look with a lick of pink nail polish and modest sandal heels, and let her signature dark locks fall around her shoulders. Abbie Chatfield is no stranger to skimpy bikinis. And the TV and radio host, 27, stripped down to a skimpy black two-piece at Bondi Beach on Monday - just days after footage emerged of her ex-boyfriend Konrad Bien-Stephen hooking up with another woman on set of a reality show. Abbie showcased her curves as she posed on the sand following a refreshing dip in the ocean. TV and radio host Abbie Chatfield (pictured) flaunted her sensational figure in a skimpy black bikini at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Monday 'Perfect black bikini,' she captioned the video, tagging the brand Monday Swimwear. The former Bachelor star was flooded with praise from her fans. It comes after footage emerged of her ex Konrad kissing Megan Marx in a jacuzzi on the set of new Channel 10 series The Challenge. Abbie showcased her curves as she posed on the sand following a refreshing dip in the ocean Radio hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson leaked footage of the pair's steamy romp. 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. Two separate sources confirmed the pair's tryst, with one revealing: 'Oh, my gosh! The drama is insane. Konrad is sleeping with Megan [Marx]. It comes after footage emerged of Abbie's ex Konrad kissing Megan Marx in a jacuzzi on the set of new Channel 10 series The Challenge '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 Abbie. She later confirmed they'd called it quits several weeks before he flew to Argentina. Two separate sources confirmed the pair's tryst, with one revealing: 'Oh, my gosh! The drama is insane. Konrad is sleeping with Megan Marx' (pictured) 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. 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. The Block's Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Abu Malik celebrated their record-breaking auction victory with their 'millionaire mate' Adrian Portelli - the man whose aggressive bidding drove up the price of their Gisborne home. Adrian shared a celebratory post on Instagram of Monday of himself relaxing in a swimming pool with Omar and Oz, who won $1.6million in prize money during Sunday night's nail-biting finale. But eagle-eyed followers noticed a small detail in the background that appeared to poke fun at the boys' heartbroken co-stars Tom Calleja and Sarah-Jane Wilson, who walked away with a profit of just $20,000. The Block's Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Abu Malik celebrated their record-breaking auction victory with their 'millionaire mate' Adrian Portelli (right) - the man whose aggressive bidding drove up the price of their Gisborne home The photo showed the trio posing for a selfie in the pool while The Block was playing on the living room TV in the background. Fans pointed out that Tom and Sarah-Jane were visible on screen, with one writing: 'Tom and Sarah-Jane on the TV... brutal.' 'Tell me that's The Block on TV lmaooooo,' another commented, while a third added: 'Love what's on the TV in the background.' Fans noticed a small detail in the background that appeared to poke fun at the boys' co-stars Tom Calleja and Sarah-Jane Wilson, who walked away with a profit of just $20,000. Tom and Sarah-Jane could be seen on the TV in the background, which was showing The Block's finale It comes after Adrian, an online promotions guru with an estimated net worth of $8million, hit back at false claims he colluded with Omar and Oz to 'rig' their record-breaking auction on Sunday. He had opened the bidding on House 5 at $4.5million, which was much higher than the $4.08million reserve price. His aggressive bidding 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. Fans eagerly pointed out Tom and Sarah-Jane pictured on the TV, with one person writing: 'Tom and Sarah-Jane on the TV... brutal' Conspiracy theories have since run wild on social media with some viewers baselessly accusing the western Sydney mates of 'rigging' the auction by roping in Adrian to drive up the price. However, Adrian 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.' It comes after Adrian, an online promotions guru with a net worth of $8million, hit back at false claims he colluded with Omar and Oz to 'rig' their record-breaking auction on Sunday Matthew Perry was seen dressed in all-black as he prepared to take a flight out of New York City over the weekend. The 54-year-old Friends alum wore a leather jacket and a v-neck t-shirt with black pants at a heliport in the Big Apple. Days earlier he was in Princeton, New Jersey, where he had a conversation about his memoir Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing with journalist Elizabeth Vargas. Spotted: Matthew Perry was seen dressed in all black as he prepared to take a flight out of New York City over the weekend The actor, who has reemerged into the spotlight to discuss his book, looked handsome with his graying hair slicked back. He appeared to be in a good mood as he donned clear-framed eyeglasses and sported a goatee. He walked with his hands in his pockets after exiting a black SUV, wearing a pair of gray shoes. Weekend style: The 54-year-old Friends alum wore a leather jacket and a v-neck t-shirt with black pants at a heliport in the Big Apple Taking to social media after their sit-down chat, Vargas shared a selfie with Matt and said, 'Great night interviewing [Matthew] Perry about his new memoir tonight at Princeton!' Behind them there was an audience of people holding up their copies of his book, which was released November 1. Perry also took to Instagram to reflect on the evening, sharing a snapshot of him smiling on stage. He said to his 7.7 million followers: 'NJ, youre incredible. It was a joy to see you all for an unforgettable night, and a big thanks to @evargastv for moderating. I hope all of you enjoyed it too. DC is next!' On the go: He walked with his hands in his pockets after exiting a black SUV, wearing a pair of gray shoe Ahead of the Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing's release the entertainer had teased portions of bombshells from the literary effort. In it, he opens up about everything from having his first drink at 14, to getting hooked on Vicodin in 1997 while recovering from a jet ski accident. His memoir has caught attention for its no-holds-barred accounts and recollections, including the effect alcohol his intimate life. One story involved his failed attempts to lose his virginity to his 1980s girlfriend Tricia Fisher. 'I sat there, soft and sad,' he penned. Working: Days earlier he was in Princeton, New Jersey, where he had a conversation about his memoir Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing with journalist Elizabeth Vargas Proud: Perry took to Instagram to reflect on the evening, sharing a snapshot of him smiling on stage with Vargas And elsewhere in the pages, he admitted to crushing on his longtime costar Jennifer Aniston. But the author told Jess Cagle that his romantic feelings for the actress 'dissipated' once he learned she had a crush on David Schwimmer as they all shot the acclaimed TV series Friends. He also revealed he asked Jennifer out before they were on the show, but she amicably declined. It seems that Channel Nine's star reporter Amelia Adams is still learning the ropes in her new role as co-anchor at Today. The 39-year-old was caught eating live on air during the breakfast show on Tuesday morning. Amelia was struggling to swallow a mouthful of food when the cameras cut to her and co-host Karl Stefanovic after newsreader Alex Cullen finished his bulletin. New Today host Amelia Adams was caught eating her breakfast live on air during Tuesday's morning show Amelia has just returned to Sydney after four years as Nine's Senior International Correspondent in Europe and North America. Her appearance on Today coincides with rumours Allison Langdon will soon be named as Tracy Grimshaw's replacement as host of A Current Affair. Karl, 48, teased his new co-host over her embarrassing gaffe. He did not step in to introduce the next segment as Amelia tried to speak and chew at the same time. Instead the brekkie TV veteran buried his head in a newspaper. 'Thanks for your support,' Amelia complained to Karl as she swallowed her mouthful of food. Amelia was struggling to swallow a mouthful of food when the cameras cut to her and co-host Karl Stefanovic after newsreader Alex Cullen finished his bulletin Karl, 48, teased his new co-host over her embarrassing gaffe and then flinched as he pretended Amelia had spat food all over him Karl then flinched as he pretended Amelia had spat food all over him. 'I got peanut butter and everything,' he said wiping at his face. Amelia, who is set to join 60 Minutes as a full-time reporter, was given a glowing introduction by Karl last week as she fill-in for regular Today co-host Allison Langdon. Amelia has just returned to Sydney after four years as Nine's Senior International Correspondent in Europe and North America He described the Nine veteran as 'one of Australia's all-time great correspondents'. But things took an awkward turn when he said co-hosting the Today show was a step down from the dizzying heights of foreign reporting. 'From the pinnacles of reporting greatness to working with Alex [Cullen, newsreader] and I. It's a long way down,' he said. KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show has been Sydney's top-rated FM breakfast radio show for years. But now Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson have a new milestone to celebrate after toppling 2GB rival Ben Fordham while earning the most listeners for any Aussie radio show in history. The pair, who told Daily Mail Australia they were 'speechless' by the results, attracted 818,000 listeners in the latest survey, while their Kyle and Jackie O Show podcast was downloaded 1.7 million times in October alone. Kyle Sandilands (left) and Jackie 'O' Henderson (right) spoke to Daily Mail Australia about their KIIS FM radio show becoming the most-listened to Aussie show in history 'The huge jump we've made left us speechless; we didn't see it coming,' said Jackie. 'Radio is still growing and we're thrilled that people keep jumping on board,' Kyle added. 'We always want to grow the audience,' he continued. 'We've grown the audience over 50 per cent in the last five years.' Jackie said the most common feedback she hears from listeners is that they listen to The Kyle and Jackie O Show for an 'escape' from the news and stresses of daily life. 'They're on the way to work, they're stuck in peak-hour traffic, and they just want to laugh and listen to something that's fun,' she explained. 'We do serious things as well,' Kyle clarified. 'We do a lot of givebacks to people that are struggling, there's a lot more to it than you normally read in the headlines.' 'We always want to grow the audience,' Kyle said. 'We've grown the audience over 50 per cent in the last five years' When asked about toppling Ben Fordham, Kyle admitted he broke the ratings news to the talkback radio star via text. 'I sent Ben a text prior to the results being out in the public and said, "Sorry, Benny!" And he wrote back, "How did you go?" And I said, "Just a little bit better than you."' A stunned Jackie chimed in: 'Did he not know? Were you the one to tell him?' 'He never knows,' Kyle said. 'He waits for the press release to come out. He's only new to radio so he doesn't know what we know.' Jackie added: 'Ben's always pretty gracious. He'll always send a text and congratulate us when it happens.' 'Yeah, he's alright,' Kyle said. 'He'll be crying tonight in his wife's arms and his wife listens to us as well, so what hope has he got?' When asked about toppling 2GB's Ben Fordham (pictured), Kyle admitted he broke the ratings news to the talkback radio star via text Fordham fired back when contacted by Daily Mail Australia, saying: 'You win some, you lose some. Head to head, we've won 16 surveys and they've won two.' 'Good luck to them. Well be back,' he added. Discussing the edgier tone of The Kyle and Jackie O Show compared to other FM shows, Kyle said they try to tap into 'what people really think' and also focus on promoting different viewpoints from all sides. '[Newsreader] Brooklyn [Ross] loves electric cars and green power and wants the wind to power us forever, and I love putting fuel in the car, but we still get on and respect each other,' he said. 'He tells me things in the hope that I'll learn; I just wish he'll grow up one day and realise that just because the ABC says something doesn't mean it's true. 'But we all get on well, there's no hate and everyone's got a voice. One of our staff thinks alien exists!' Fordham fired back when contacted by Daily Mail Australia, saying: 'You win some, you lose some. Head to head, we've won 16 surveys and they've won two' 'It's a tricky time for everybody, I think,' Jackie added. 'So much is changing and there's so much more acceptance in many areas and we've always embraced that and that's been for the better. 'But I also think people do feel it's going too much in the other direction and so they don't want a show that is completely 100 per cent woke. They want the balance and they want the discussion. 'They like hearing those open discussions where we're all honest and not worried about saying the wrong thing, but just saying exactly what we're thinking and what we're questioning.' The Kyle and Jackie O Show enjoyed a surge in listeners in the latest ratings survey, claiming a 14.9 per cent share, up 2.1 per cent, while also attracting 818,000 listeners, up 80,000 from Survey 6. It's the highest number of listeners ever recorded for any radio show in history. This is also Kyle and Jackie O's 31st consecutive #1 survey result. Duncan Campbell, ARN Chief Content Officer, said in a statement: 'The Kyle and Jackie O are now officially the most successful breakfast team in the history of Australian radio, with a show that is not only revered but often emulated worldwide. Jackie said the show's listeners want 'honest discussions' and not something that's 'completely 100 per cent woke' 'These exceptional results today demonstrate the unparalleled connection they have with their listeners, and it is truly remarkable that after 22 years on air together they continue to grow their audience and break records as Australia's most listened to radio show, delivering stellar results for our advertisers.' Kyle and Jackie recently swept the Australian Commercial Radio Awards, winning Best On-Air Team and Best Networked Program, among other trophies. The pair were also inducted into the hall of fame. Last month, Kyle blasted a Sydney newspaper for 'manufacturing' a story about advertisers threatening to pull out of The Kyle and Jackie O Show. The Daily Telegraph was pushing an anti-Kyle agenda at the time, claiming there had been widespread outrage over his use of the word 'spaz'. In reality, most listeners of The Kyle and Jackie O Show weren't offended by the term - which the publication called an 'ableist' slur - and only a handful of disability activists on Twitter complained about it. After the newspaper upped its attack by running a story about brands 'reviewing their contracts' with KIIS FM, Sandilands unleashed live on air. He said he was genuinely sorry if any regular listeners were offended by his words, but made it clear the story was a beat-up intended to 'ruin' him, adding that the station's advertisers only spoke out under pressure from The Daily Telegraph. 'I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I like to make people feel fun, relaxed, happy and safe,' he said, before adding firmly: 'I'm never going to change. I'm still not changing [for] the woke world.' Kevin Hart has purchased a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX he's nicknamed 'The Dark Knight,' just more than three years after a car crash in Southern California in which he suffered serious back injuries. The comic/actor, 43, on Tuesday showed off the vehicle as he attended the Las Vegas car show SEMA, where it was showcased at the booth for the company MagnaFlow. According to TMZ, Hart told the crowd at the auto show, 'I don't just sit in the cars, I drive the cars. This will be a daily driver.' The latest: Kevin Hart, 43, has purchased a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX he's nicknamed 'The Dark Knight,' just more than three years after a car crash in Southern California in which he suffered serious back injuries. He was pictured in LA in July The Ride Along star's new vehicle, according to the outlet, was fitted with a new exhaust, carbon fiber hood, splitter and custom front fascia bumper in an eight-month restoration job. A Cadillac V-Series V6 engine was installed in place of the Buick's engine. The vehicle was constructed by the Wisconsin-based business Salvaggio Design, the company said in a news release. The company, which has worked with the Hollywood star on previous projects, collaborated with designer Sean Smith on the high-powered vehicle. 'The subtle Dark Knight theme is apparent in its sinister black exterior, plus the blue and grey interior that echoes the superhero's suit and cape,' the company said. 'Bronze accents were inspired by the famous utility belt.' The Ride Along star's new vehicle was fitted with a new exhaust, carbon fiber hood, splitter and custom front fascia bumper in an eight-month restoration job Salvaggio Design, which worked on the car, said that 'the subtle Dark Knight theme is apparent in its sinister black exterior' A Cadillac V-Series V6 engine was installed in place of the Buick's engine The company said that 'the front bumper was 3D-printed, incorporating functional ducts to improve the cooling and aerodynamics,' while 'the printed bumper was used to mold the carbon fiber bumper. 'Carbon fiber was also used for the hood, chin spoiler and mirrors as well as details inside the car and under the hood. The next task was to "tighten" the body lines, giving them crisper contours and reprofiling the doors shut lines to allow everything to flow better.' The company added 'new door handles based on the originals, machined from billet and given carbon fiber inlays' and a modern interpretation of the Grand National badge. The company Magnaflow showcased the vehicle at its booth in Vegas and on its social media Hart told the crowd at the auto show, 'I don't just sit in the cars, I drive the cars. This will be a daily driver' Hart is more than three years removed from suffering major injuries in a September 1, 2019 car crash in Malibu Hills, California while he was a passenger in his own 1970 Plymouth Barracuda when it veered off Mulholland Highway and careened into a ditch. The vehicle was being driven by Jared Stanton, the partner of Rebecca Broxterman, who is the personal trainer of Hart's wife, Eniko Parrish. Hart in May of 2020 spoke with the Joe Rogan Experience podcast about the aftermath of the crash, as he said he wept after leaving the hospital following a 10-day stint following the crash, ahead of a lengthy rehabilitation process. 'My biggest cry in life came from the first day that I came home from the hospital because I never had to see that house again,' he said. 'Like there was an option of me never seeing that home again. There was an option of me never walking on that driveway again. There was an option of me never seeing my wife and my kids again.' Hart said of his efforts to hasten his recovery: 'I lied in the hospital because I didn't want them to know that I was having pain because I thought that they were gonna stop me from letting me continue to try my walks.' Kate Beckinsale looked every inch the action heroine as she filmed scenes for her new film Canary Black in Zagreb, Croatia. The actress, 49, looked like she meant business in a black turtleneck jumper over a purple shirt and black jeans. Her brunette locks were cut in a short bob with neat waves, and she sported a fake bruise on her forehead. New thriller: Kate Beckinsale looked every inch the action heroine as she filmed scenes for her new film Canary Black in Zagreb, Croatia Kate was snapped running behind red and white tape and looking concerned as she shot the action thriller. She first posted about her newest project on her Instagram last week, screenshotting a first look image. Captioning it she excitedly wrote: 'Whee lets go #canaryblack'. Stylish: The actress, 49, looked like she meant business in a black turtleneck jumper over a purple shirt and black jeans Wounded: Her brunette locks were cut in a short bob with neat waves, and she sported a fake bruise on her forehead Action shot: Kate was snapped running behind red and white tape and looking concerned as she shot the action thriller Details: According to Deadline , the project is directed by Taken's Pierre Morel and the screenplay is by Matthew Kennedy. According to Deadline, the project is directed by Taken's Pierre Morel and the screenplay is by Matthew Kennedy. The action flick also stars Rupert Friend and follows a top CIA operative named Avery Graves who is played by Kate. Avery is blackmailed by terrorists into betraying her own country to save her kidnapped husband. Co-star: The action flick also stars Rupert Friend and follows a top CIA operative named Avery Graves who is played by Kate Plot: Avery is blackmailed by terrorists into betraying her own country to save her kidnapped husband Story: Cut off from her team, she turns to her underworld contacts to survive and help locate the coveted intelligence that the kidnappers want Cut off from her team, she turns to her underworld contacts to survive and help locate the coveted intelligence that the kidnappers want. Betrayed at every turn, she must rely on her cutting-edge training and primitive fighting skills in a deadly race to deliver a ransom that could trigger a global crisis. It comes after Kate shared a cheeky behind-the-scenes snap to Instagram on Monday, while in costume for the film. The Underworld star 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.' Exciting: Betrayed at every turn, she must rely on her cutting-edge training and primitive fighting skills in a deadly race to deliver a ransom that could trigger a global crisis Expression: The actress looked serious between scenes as she got into character Touch up! Kate had her fake bruise touched up in between takes Julia Fox debuted dramatic new grey locks and flashed her black lingerie as she made a shocking arrival to the CFDA Fashion Awards in NYC on Monday. The actress and former flame of Kanye West, 32, sported frosted locks and futuristic eye make-up, while posing in a bizarre black cut-out gown, which revealed her cleavage, midriff and toned legs. The star exuded confidence in the dramatic draping gown while posing up a storm. Wow: Julia Fox debuted dramatic new grey locks and flashed her black lingerie as she made a shocking arrival to the CFDA Fashion Awards in NYC on Monday The star flashed her derriere as she struck some sultry poses, while modelling colored contacts and bleached eyebrows. Her frock featured a high neck, long sleeves and a flowing skirt with the gaping cut-out over her midriff. Julia flashed her back tattoos in her racy outfit. Ethereal: The actress and former flame of Kanye West, 32, sported frosted locks and futuristic eye make-up, while posing in a bizarre black cut-out gown Cheeky: The star exuded confidence in the dramatic draping gown while posing up a storm and flashing her derriere Kanye's ex flame: Fox flashed her back tattoos and derriere as she struck some sultry poses while modelling colored contacts and bleached eyebrows The outing comes after Julia joked that men should not 'be allowed to have penises' on the trailer for season two of Ziwe, which dropped earlier this month. 'Should men be allowed to have opinions?' Ziwe, 30, asked Julia who shot back: 'They shouldn't even be allowed to have penises.' While she received accolades for her role in 2019's Uncut Gems opposite Adam Sandler, Julia is best known as West's ex-girlfriend. The two dated briefly. Racy: Her frock featured a high neck, long sleeves and a flowing skirt with the gaping cut-out over her midriff In good spirit: She smiled and wore a pair of sandals as she made her way inside, opting for comfort Posing up: Julia flashed her washboard abs as she posed up with friends at the event Quirky: Her friend held up a boxed clutch emblazoned with her last name The pair began dating earlier this year after meeting at a New Year's Eve party in Miami, but only lasted a few weeks with Julia's rep releasing a statement on Valentine's day saying 'Julia and Kanye remain good friends and collaborators but they are no longer together.' In a New York Times interview published in March the busy actor blamed conflicting schedules on the split. 'I already had a jam-packed life. How do I fit this really big personality into this already full life? It just wasn't sustainable,' she said. She also shared that she dropped weight when with West: 'I lost like 15 lbs in that month.' In an interview with ES, she elaborated a bit more about her relationship with the troubled rapper, saying, that she noticed some red flags resulting from the Donda artist's divorce from ex-wife Kim Kardashian, 42. 'It just seems like he had a lot to work on, and I just don't have time for it, or energy. I don't have the bandwidth or emotional capacity for it.' Ashley Graham put on a leggy display while attending the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on Monday. The 35-year-old model and mother wore a rich brown trench coat slit down the center, revealing the inside of her right leg. A black belt with a huge gold buckle holding it together around her waist. Gray-blue buttons dotted the brown garment. Leggy: Ashley Graham put on a leggy display while attending the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on Monday She stood in gold stiletto high heels which perfectly matched her huge gold hoop earrings. The Nebraska native pulled her hair back in a tight bun, and her plump lips were painted a very light pink. Her appearance at the event, an awards show put on by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, came after she shared an unfiltered look at her postpartum tummy with her fans. She posted an up-close photo of her postpartum stomach after having three kids - Isaac Ervin, two, and twins Malachi and Roman Ervin, born in January. Dark brown: The 35-year-old model and mother wore a rich brown trench coat slit down the center, revealing the inside of her right leg Stylish: The Nebraska native pulled her hair back in a tight bun, and her plump lips were painted a very light pink She wrote over the image: 'Hi new tummy. You look very different from what I'm [used] to. But I do appreciate you.' The supermodel wore black sweatpants and a cropped white t-shirt, baring her belly in the outtake. She rested her beautifully French manicured hand on her torso, flaunting a beautiful gold ring on one finger. Graham, who built her successful modeling career on body positivity, shares her sons with husband Justin Ervin. They welcomed their twins this past January, with Ashley documenting much of her pregnancy online. Candid: Ashley Graham was active on Instagram Wednesday as she popped in to share a photo of her postpartum stomach with her followers Message: She wrote over an image of her midsection, 'Hi new tummy. You look very different from what I'm [used] to. But I do appreciate you'; seen with her three sons New mom: In March she resurfaced after a brief social media hiatus and shared an adorable photo with her babies on her chest The Glamour Award for The Body Activist winner has been candid about her motherhood journey and her second pregnancy. In March she resurfaced after a brief social media hiatus and shared an adorable photo with her babies on her chest. 'Been off the gram. here are two big reasons why,' she wrote in the caption of the snapshot, which showed her makeup-free with a smile on her face. She wasn't shy about sharing her experience breastfeeding in tandem as she juggled two newborns and an infant. She's been careful to protect her children's identities, opting to obscure their faces in the pictures she shares with fans. Advertisement Selling Sunset star Tina Louise is expecting her first child with her boyfriend Sei Moon. The ex-girlfriend of celebrity realtor Brett Oppenheim confirmed her pregnancy on Sunday while taking a stroll down the beach with Sei, who is the CEO of Wiser Hospitality Group. The 41-year-old model, whose other famous exes include Brian Austin Green and P. Diddy, cradled her baby bump as she soaked up the sun in Los Angeles. Selling Sunset star Tina Louise (right) is expecting her first child with her boyfriend Sei Moon (left). She confirmed her pregnancy on Sunday while taking a stroll down the beach in LA with Sei, who is the CEO of Wiser Hospitality Group Tina held hands with her partner as they walked across the sand, and at one stage leaned in for a tender kiss. The LA-based restaurateur looked sensational in a tangerine bikini, but later covered up in a pair of striped mini-shorts and a white linen shirt. She concealed her gaze behind designer sunglasses and accessorised with necklaces, rings and a gold bracelet. The 41-year-old model showcased her baby bump as she soaked up the sun Sei wore an open white shirt and a pair of olive green shorts for the couple's scenic walk. Tina's pregnancy will come as a surprise to fans of Netflix series Selling Sunset, as she hadn't announced she was expecting on social media. She also hadn't posted about having a new man in her life, despite following Sei on Instagram for a while. Tina, whose other famous exes include Brian Austin Green and P. Diddy, gazed lovingly at her boyfriend Tina held hands with her partner as they walked across the sand At one stage, they leaned in for a tender kiss Sei was previously the marketing director for London's Hilton on Park Lane hotel, before taking up his current role at Wiser Hospitality Group in 2017. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) from Imperial College London in 2007. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tina and Sei for comment. Sei wore an open white shirt and a pair of olive green shorts for the couple's scenic walk The LA-based restaurateur looked sensational in a tangerine bikini Tina's pregnancy will come as a surprise to fans of Netflix series Selling Sunset, as she hadn't announced she was expecting on social media Tina was last pictured in August during a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. She was snapped by the paparazzi in a barely there white bikini but showed no sign of a pregnancy at the time. Tina was previously in a relationship with Brett Oppenheim, one of the leading men from Selling Sunset, who is now dating tattoo artist Samantha Abdul. Tina was previously in a relationship with Brett Oppenheim, one of the leading men from Selling Sunset, who is now dating tattoo artist Samantha Abdul Tina and Brett are pictured together during their brief relationship Tina and Brett started dating in April last year but split up eight months later. During their brief romance, the tattooed bombshell made an appearance on season five of Selling Sunset. Brett confirmed their break-up during an Instagram Q&A when a fan asked about his relationship status. 'Okay, this question has absolutely nothing to do with real estate, but I will answer it. As of very recently, actually, yes,' he responded. Tina and Brett started dating in April last year before splitting up eight months later - but it was all for the best because now she has found the love of her life in Sei They called it quits after Tina started to think about potentially having a family, TMZ reported last December. 'We were together for eight months, so it got to a point where I wanted to take the next step in the relationship, and he wasn't quite there yet,' she said. 'That sort of ended the relationship.' During their brief relationship, the tattooed bombshell made an appearance on season five Selling Sunset Brett later thanked Tina for their time together in a heartfelt Instagram post. 'I am grateful for you, Tina. For your love, your laugh, your smile, and for our enduring friendship,' he wrote. 'Tina is the most genuine... loving... beautiful woman I could have ever dreamed of... with the most breathtaking smile... I will always love her and be her friend.' Before getting together with Brett, Tina was linked to rapper Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs after they were pictured kissing in Malibu in October 2020. She had earlier dated Brian Austin Green in June 2020, about the time of his separation from Megan Fox. Before getting together with Brett, Tina was linked to rapper Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs after they were pictured kissing in Malibu in October 2020 Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield and Kate Garraway have joined a host of famous faces to celebrate Save The Children's Christmas Jumper Day. Each of the celebrities has modelled second-hand vintage jumpers, some of which will be distributed to Save The Children charity shops across the country to buy. Holly, 41, and Phillip, 60, showed why they're one of the country's most beloved duos as they slipped into a joint jumper for one hilarious snap. Inspiring: Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield and Kate Garraway have joined a host of famous faces to celebrate Save The Children's Christmas Jumper Day Holly also tried on a bright orange jumper adorned with holly leaves to poke fun at her own name. While Kate wore a green sweater and charming Christmas Tree hat, while being draped in festoons of tinsel. Speaking about the campaign, Holly said: 'Im really excited to be taking part in Save the Childrens Christmas Jumper Day again this year and Im delighted that I get to do it alongside Phil!' Stunning: Kate wore a green sweater and charming Christmas Tree hat, while being draped in festoons of tinsel Doing their part: Each of the celebrities has modelled second-hand vintage jumpers, some of which will be distributed to Save The Children charity shops across the country to buy Namesake: Holly also tried on a bright orange jumper adorned with holly leaves to poke fun at her own name Phillip added: 'Im supporting Save the Childrens Christmas Jumper Day because I never forget we knitted squares for Save the Children when I was in infant school so sometime last century! 'Its such a brilliant cause and I had so much fun trying to squeeze into that jumper with Holly!' They were joined by Olly Murs who modelled a patterned jumper and playfully posed with a boa of tinsel. Speaking about the campaign, Holly said: 'Im really excited to be taking part in Save the Childrens Christmas Jumper Day again this year and Im delighted that I get to do it alongside Phil!' Phillip added: 'Im supporting Save the Childrens Christmas Jumper Day because I never forget we knitted squares for Save the Children when I was in infant school so sometime last century!' Playful: They were joined by Olly Murs who modelled a patterned jumper and playfully posed with a boa of tinsel. Also swapping their glad rags for festive knits were The One Show presenter Alex Jones and Loose Women panellist Katie Piper. Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice looked handsome even wearing a Rudolph the red nosed deer jumper. Mother-daughter duo Andi and Miquita Oliver sweetly wore a two-person jumper decorated with stockings. Joining in on the fun: Also swapping their glad rags for festive knits were The One Show presenter Alex Jones and Loose Women panellist Katie Piper Dashing: Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice looked handsome even wearing a Rudolph the red nosed deer jumper Like mother like daughter! Mother-daughter duo Andi and Miquita Oliver sweetly wore a two-person jumper decorated with stockings And Martin Kemp and his wife Shirlie posed together in matching green elf jumpers and hats. Martin, 61, said: 'Christmas Jumper Day is all about looking silly for a serious cause. I love to embarrass Harley and Roman with the wackiest jumpers I can find! 'So, dig out your Christmas jumper on December 8 and dont forget to donate to Save the Children if you can. Loved-up: And Martin Kemp and his wife Shirlie posed together in matching green elf jumpers and hats Martin, 61, said: 'Christmas Jumper Day is all about looking silly for a serious cause. I love to embarrass Harley and Roman with the wackiest jumpers I can find! He added: 'So, dig out your Christmas jumper on December 8 and dont forget to donate to Save the Children if you can' He went on: 'This year, every donation will be matched by the UK Government so your money will go twice as far how cool is that!' 'This year, every donation will be matched by the UK Government so your money will go twice as far how cool is that!' Also modelling sweaters were Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo sharing a funny naughty or nice jumper. Arlene Phillips looked as classy as ever in her emerald green and Christmas pudding themed knit. Naughty or nice? Also modelling sweaters were Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo sharing a funny naughty or nice jumper Chic: Arlene Phillips looked as classy as ever in her emerald green and Christmas pudding themed knit And Good Morning Britain's Adil Ray and Charlotte Hawkins tried on a red jumper emblazoned with the message 'Make the world better with a sweater'. Suzi Ruffell wore a Santa hat and adorable penguin jumper, while Adam Hills was almost unrecognisable behind a pair of Rudolph inspired glasses. And Seema Jaswal looked at home in her red Christmas pudding jumper and Santa hat. Positive: And Good Morning Britain's Adil Ray and Charlotte Hawkins tried on a red jumper emblazoned with the message 'Make the world better with a sweater' Sweet: Suzi Ruffell wore a Santa hat and adorable penguin jumper, while Adam Hills was almost unrecognisable behind a pair of Rudolph inspired glasses. Looking good: And Seema Jaswal looked at home in her red Christmas pudding jumper and Santa hat The charity is also urging the public to up-cycle old jumpers to create new festive looks with the addition of old baubles and tinsel. The portraits marks 11 years of Save The Children's Christmas jumper day and aims to encourage the public to reuse their old jumpers instead of buying new. The money raised will go towards helping disadvantaged children access food, healthcare and medication. Save the Children said its Christmas Jumper Day being held on December 8 and which asks those taking part to donate 2 has raised more than 30 million since launching in 2012. For 2022, the campaign is set to reach twice as many children as before due to the Governments Aid Match funding which will double every donation up to 2 million. Important message: The charity is also urging the public to up-cycle old jumpers to create new festive looks with the addition of old baubles and tinsel Plea: The portraits marks 11 years of Save The Children's Christmas jumper day and aims to encourage the public to reuse their old jumpers instead of buying new Good cause: The money raised will go towards helping disadvantaged children access food, healthcare and medication Wow! Save the Children said its Christmas Jumper Day being held on December 8 and which asks those taking part to donate 2 has raised more than 30 million since launching in 2012 Jenna Dewan was laughing in the rain on Monday while out and about in Los Angeles. The 41-year-old actress cracked up while shopping for pastries in the upscale Bel Air area during a rare rainstorm. Jenna covered up in a long brown coat that she wore over a grey top and black trousers. Wet weather: Jenna Dewan was laughing in the rain on Monday while out and about in Los Angeles She completed her outfit with black boots with thick soles and also carried a small black purse. Jenna had her dark hair parted down the middle and straight down during her solo outing. She let her natural beauty shine without makeup while running errands. Jenna and her fiance Steve Kazee, 47, last week attended the amfAR Gala at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California. Good times: The 41-year-old actress cracked up while shopping for pastries in the upscale Bel Air area during a rare rainstorm She stunned in a sheer black Georges Chakra gown while attending the fundraiser with Steve. Steve and Jenna have been engaged since February 2020. They have two-year-old son Callum together and Jenna also has nine-year-old daughter Everly with her ex-husband Channing Tatum, 42. Sheer delight: Jenna was a sheer delight earlier this month while attending the amfAR Gala at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California Jenna and Steve last month dressed up as pinatas as they went trick-or-treating with Callum and Everly. Everly was dressed as Sophie from Keeper Of The Lost Cities, while Callum wore a Spider-Man costume. Jenna currently stars on season five of the ABC police drama The Rookie as Bailey Nune, the girlfriend of LAPD officer John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion, 51. She appeared in a recurring role during season three and was moved into a main role for season four. Halloween fun: The actress and fiance Steve last month dressed up as pinatas as they went trick-or-treating with Callum and Everly Made In The 80s: The Decade That Shaped Our World Rating: **** Farming On The Spectrum: We Are England Rating: ***** Only once in my life have I glimpsed the future. And I wasn't impressed. The future looked like a death-trap. It was trundling round the marketplace in Moreton-in-Marsh, where I was the local reporter in 1985, and at any moment it looked like going belly up. An early electric road vehicle, the Sinclair C5, was being demonstrated. This wobbly three-wheeler was so low to the ground that it needed a flag on a long pole at the back, just so it could be seen by other traffic. Unlike its inventor, Sir Clive Sinclair, I had no notion that, within 40 years, petrol cars would be close to obsolescence and that every auto manufacturer would be pinning their hopes on battery power. Sir Clive Sinclair, (left) shaking hands with Sir Alan Sugar, head of Amstrad Consumer Electronics plc, after it was announced that Amstrad had bought all rights to sell Sinclair computers worldwide in a 5million deal in 1986 Made In The 80s: The Decade That Shaped Our World (C4) captured that moment in the Thatcher decade when the future was in the shop window and most of us failed to recognise it. Alan Sugar did see the opportunity and went into partnership with Sinclair to produce a low-cost home computer. Their former PR man Nick Hewer chuckled over footage of Sinclair and Sugar, one bald with a ginger beard, one with a mass of dark curls and a Florida tan. 'The boffin and the barrow boy,' Nick called them. This engrossing documentary, the last of three, found a new way of looking at the 1980s, through the prism of technology, and set it to a pulsing electronic pop beat everything from foppish New Romantics ABC to Adamski's drum machines. Video game designer Shahid Kamal Ahmad talked about the thrill of owning his first PC and learning to write computer code a skill that gave him the confidence to stand up to the bullies persecuting his family on their council estate. I'd forgotten the existence of the Acorn PC and its sibling, the short-lived BBC computer. Acorn co-founder Hermann Hauser explained how an accidental discovery with a circuit board led to the development of the ARM chip, now used in virtually every smartphone. Nick Hewer chuckled over footage of Sinclair and Sugar, one bald with a ginger beard, one with a mass of dark curls and a Florida tan, on Made In The 80s: The Decade That Shaped Our World The Sinclair C5: This wobbly three-wheeler was so low to the ground that it needed a flag on a long pole at the back, just so it could be seen by other traffic writes CHRISTOPHER STEVENS The chip's manufacturer is today valued at 35 billion there's an unexpected British success story. On a smaller scale, but even more pleasing, is the success story of Pennyhooks farm in Wiltshire. With just 30 beef cattle, plus an assortment of goats, donkeys and chickens, this charming family business is doing something extraordinary. Since 1994, farmer Lydia Otter has welcomed young people with autism to come and work with the animals. Some were still at primary school when she first met them, and now they are in their 30s. 'It's just a wonderful privilege to watch them grow up,' she said. As the father of a young man with profound autism, I know how much dedication and effort must go into making this possible. Lydia has to raise more than 100,000 a year to keep her charity afloat, and the money is just one aspect of all her work. This delightful half-hour, part of the We Are England series (BBC One), was a welcome antidote to relentless grim news and a reminder that this country is still rich with wonderful people who do selfless things for others. The benefits that Pennyhooks brings to its regulars cannot be overstated. Matt, a 24-year-old with Asperger syndrome, emphasised how much farm life had helped alleviate his boredom and loneliness, and it was evident how much he wanted to do his best there. 'If I didn't have this farm, I'd probably have gone mad years ago,' he joked. 'Animals are much simpler to understand than humans.' Autistic or not, there's always truth in that. Amanda Seyfried was a beauty in black as she attended the Council of Fashion Designers of America's annual award show in New York City on Monday. The 36-year-old walked the red carpet at the event at Manhattan's Cipriani South Street donning an ensemble from the Michael Kors Collection. The Oscar-nominated actress donned a one-shoulder black bodysuit with a sheer black gown held on by a black belt with gold buckle. The latest: Amanda Seyfried, 36, was a beauty in black as she attended the Council of Fashion Designers of America's annual award show in New York City on Monday The Mamma Mia stunner accessorized with a silver bracer and diamond earrings, and wore her trademark blonde locks to the side with a sheer layer of makeup at the A-list event in the Big Apple. The Les Miserables actress and her spouse Thomas Sadoski, 46, are parents to daughter Nina, five, and son Thomas, two. The Dropout star was one in a number of notable names at the event Monday, as her fellow attendees included Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, Cher, Keke Palmer, Katie Holmes, Kerry Washington, Vanessa Hudgens and Mariska Hargitay, among others. The event, which honors standouts in the American fashion industry, was set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the nonprofit organization, which was founded by late fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert, according to Vogue. The 36-year-old walked the red carpet at the event at Manhattan's Cipriani South Street donning an ensemble from the Michael Kors Collection. The Mamma Mia stunner accessorized with a silver bracer and diamond earrings She wore her trademark blonde locks to the side with a sheer layer of makeup at the A-list event in the Big Apple The CFDA Awards - which were presented in conjunction with Amazon Fashion - was hosted by Natasha Lyonne with honorees set to include stylist Law Roach, curator Andrew Bolton and the late designer Virgil Abloh. Lenny Kravitz was set to be presented with the 2022 Fashion Icon award, while the Environmental Sustainability Award was set to be awarded to the United Nations. A new honor called the Innovation Award was slated to be presented to Kardashian's successful shapewear brand Skims. Seyfried was pictured with Gone costar Jennifer Carpenter at the swanky event in NYC Gigi Hadid donned a number of different patterns while attending the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on Monday. The 27-year-old model donned a blue and white knitted sweater over a sleeveless red, plaid top. She added a pair of white, red and blue striped pants with a thick length of rope wrapped around her slender waist. Tons of patterns: Gigi Hadid donned a number of different patterns while attending the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on Monday Her white socks had red and blue stripes running near the top of them, matching the stripes on her pants. She stood in shiny black shoes, supported by large heels. A blue, red and white piece of fabric ran just below her navel. The sister of Bella Hadid's tummy was shown off by her long sleeve, white crop top. Her lips were painted a dark blue. Blues and reds: The 27-year-old model donned a blue and white knitted sweater over a sleeveless red, plaid top Striped: Her white socks had red and blue stripes running near the top of them, matching the stripes on her pants Gigi pulled her hair, dyed a wheat blonde, back into a tight bun. Her dark brown eyebrows were groomed quite neatly above her eyes. Hadid's appearance at the event came after she decided to reduce her public presence. On Saturday, the supermodel informed her 76.2 million Instagram followers that she 'deactivated' her Twitter account due to 'its new leadership [sic].' Elon Musk finalized his purchase of the company last month. '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. Blue lips: The sister of Bella Hadid's tummy was shown off by her long sleeve, white crop top. Her lips were painted a dark blue Blonde dye: Gigi pulled her hair, dyed a wheat blonde, back into a tight bun. Her dark brown eyebrows were were groomed quite nearly above her eyes The five-foot-ten beauty 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.' '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 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' 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. Before her departure from the microblogging site, the Vogue cover girl had over 10,536,819 followers. Protesting: 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 Now, when fans go to her former profile, all it says is 'this account doesn't exist.' 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. Fashion designer Vera Wang showed off her age-defying looks as she attended the CFDA Fashion Awards on Monday night. The 73-year-old seemed to have found the fountain of youth as she flaunted her incredible figure at the event that celebrated her with a Lifetime Achievement Award nearly ten years ago. Wang also received the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2005. Spotlight: Vera Wang as she attended the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on Monday The fashionista styled her dark locks in two long braids and wore a bandeau-style spaghetti strap top that flared out on the sides with sleeves, leaving her shoulders bare. The designer added thigh-high black stockings and black platform heels. Exquisite details, intricate draping, and a calm sense of style characterize the Vera Wang aesthetic. Wang, a native New Yorker, understands women who embrace fashion. Turning back the clock: The 73-year-old flaunted her youthful complexion at the event that celebrated her with a Lifetime Achievement Award nearly ten years ago Wang has created a unique aspirational world that alludes to sensuality and youthful sophistication. By age 23, Wang was the youngest ever Vogue fashion editor and stylist, where she remained for 16 years before moving to Ralph Lauren as a design director. In 1990, Wang opened her first flagship store on Manhattan's famed Madison Avenue, introducing fashion to the bridal industry with revolutionary designs and refined detailing. Beauties: Wang was joined on the red carpet by Vanessa Hudgens who managed to look gorgeous in a minimalist sheer black bra Since then, she has expanded her collections to include RTW, footwear, eyewear, fragrance, flowers, china and crystal, silver and gifts, bedding, fine papers, and her first book, Vera Wang On Weddings. 2010 marked Vera Wang's 20th Anniversary as a brand, celebrating two decades spent at the forefront of fashion. Wang was joined on the red carpet by Vanessa Hudgens who managed to look gorgeous in a minimalist sheer black bra. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association with over 450 of America's foremost designers in womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designs. Sylvester Stallone looked relaxed while attending the Tulsa King premiere in Toronto, Canada, with his wife Jennifer Flavin on Monday. The Rocky actor, 76, donned a stylish purple blazer over a gray sweater and a black t-shirt. He added blue jeans to the outfit. His graying hair was brushed off to the left, and his gray beard was trimmed down neatly against his strong jaw. Casual chic: Sylvester Stallone looked relaxed while attending the Tulsa King premiere in Toronto, Canada, with his wife Jennifer Flavin on Monday Stallone's better half, 54, wore a big gray coat, tied around her waist, over a beige t-shirt. Navy blue trousers finished off her outfit. Her makeup was perfectly applied, and her dirty blonde bangs were parted in the middle. Her tresses fell to the top of her back. The happy couple flashed big smiles at the premiere for Stallone's new show which centers on a mafia capo (Stallone) who is 'exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he builds a new criminal empire with a group of unlikely characters,' according to the film's IMDb page. The show will premiere Friday, November 13 on Paramount+. Casual: The Rocky actor, 76, donned a stylish purple blazer over a gray sweater and a black t-shirt Lady love: Stallone's better half, 54, wore a big gray coat, tied around her waist, over a beige t-shirt. Navy blue trousers finished off her outfit New project: The happy couple flashed big smiles at the premiere for Stallone's new show which centers on a mafia capo (Stallone) who is 'exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he builds a new criminal empire with a group of unlikely characters,' according to the film's IMDb page While Stallone and Flavin looked happy at the premiere on Monday, they've seemingly been through quite a bit in recent months. In August, a rep for the Rocky star confirmed for a reality series fall the Stallone family stating: 'The Stallones are presently filming a reality show together, which will debut on Paramount+.' Shortly after, former model Jennifer who shares a three daughters with the Rambo star - filed for divorce on Aug. 19 after 25 years of marriage. The news sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with many expecting a bitter divorce battle to rival Brad and Angelina. Yet just a month later, the divorce was called off and the couple were then seen smiling and reuniting as they were pictured out and about in Los Angeles, much like Kim and her family. Been through a lot: While Stallone and Flavin looked happy at the premiere on Monday, they've seemingly been through quite a bit in recent months (pictured October 2022) Soon-to-be reality stars: In August, a rep for the Rocky star confirmed for a reality series fall the Stallone family stating: 'The Stallones are presently filming a reality show together, which will debut on Paramount+' (pictured 2014) Divorce? Shortly after, former model Jennifer who shares a three daughters with the Rambo star - filed for divorce on Aug. 19 after 25 years of marriage They still have work to be done, the source for People 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.' 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. 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. 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.' Working things out: 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 (pictured 2016) Professional problems: At the same time he and his wife nearly went through a split, Stallone was dealing with hurt feelings about a film series he created (L to R: Sistine Stallone, Scarlet Rose Stallone, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Flavin and Sophia Rose Stallone, pictured 2019) At the same time he and his wife nearly went through a split, Stallone was dealing with hurt feelings about a film series he created. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Stallone talked about a reported spinoff about Ivan Drago that producer Irwin Winkler wanted to make. 'They wanted another Rocky,' he explained. 'And I was willing to do it. But I said, "After 45 years, can we change the playing field a little bit? Level it out? Cant I get a piece of what I created all these years ago?"' He continued by talking about executive producer credits, noting that he's not an executive producer on any of the Creed films even though he's listed as a producer on his IMDb page. Spin-off? In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter , Stallone talked about a reported spinoff about Ivan Drago that producer Irwin Winkler wanted to make (pictured with Michael B. Jordan in Creed II) Fighting for his life: Creed III will follow Adonis Creed (Jordan) as he's forced into the ring against a childhood friend fresh our of prison (Jonathan Majors) (pictured 2018 in Creed ii) Stallone went on to say that the creative team took the project in a different direction that he would've. 'Its a different philosophy Irwin Winklers and Michael B. Jordans. I wish them well, but Im much more of a sentimentalist,' he said in the interview. 'I like my heroes getting beat up, but I just dont want them going into that dark space. I just feel people have enough darkness.' Creed III will follow Adonis Creed (Jordan) as he's forced into the ring against a childhood friend fresh our of prison (Jonathan Majors). Michael B. Jordan made his debut as a director in the film which is set to hit theaters next year. Olivia Frazer and her new British filmmaker boyfriend William couldn't keep their hands - or lips - off each other on Friday. The former Married At First Sight star, 29, and her beau shared a passionate kiss as they had lunch in Sydney. The couple embraced one another and shared a smooch as they enjoyed a glass of beer at The Eveleigh Hotel. Olivia Frazer and her new boyfriend packed on the PDA as they enjoyed lunch in Sydney... just weeks after meeting at Halloween party The former Married At First Sight star, 29, and her beau shared a passionate kiss as they had lunch in Sydney Olivia looked stylish for the outing in black trousers, a white jumper and a pair of white sandals. The reality TV star left her blonde locks out and went makeup free for her lunch date. Meanwhile, William dressed casually in black pants and a purple T-shirt. He accessorised with a pair of black sneakers and wore sunglasses. The couple embraced one another and shared a smooch as they enjoyed a glass of beer at The Eveleigh Hotel Olivia looked stylish for the outing in black pants, a white jumper and a pair of white sandals Olivia recently met William at a Halloween party in Sydney while her ex-boyfriend Jackson Lonie flirted with a mystery woman just metres away. She was spotted kissing her new man at the spooky bash hosted by Believe Advertising and PR at Sussudio in Potts Point. 'They were all over each other, and she didn't even seem to notice Jackson was just a few feet away in the same venue,' an onlooker told Daily Mail Australia. The reality TV star left her blonde locks out and went makeup free for her lunch date Meanwhile, William, a filmmaker from England, dressed casually in black pants and a purple T-shirt He accessorised with a pair of black sneakers and wore sunglasses 'The bloke she hooked up with is from Manchester and only arrived in Australia a few weeks ago. I don't think he had any idea who Olivia was.' After partying at Sussudio, Olivia and Will went with a group of friends to a karaoke bar in the CBD, where they continued to make out. The pair left the venue together at about midnight. Olivia recently met William at a Halloween party in Sydney while her ex-boyfriend Jackson Lonie flirted with a mystery woman just metres away Vinny Guadagnino and Heidi D'Amelio were both eliminated on Monday's episode of Dancing With The Stars during '90s Night on the Disney+ streaming service. Heidi, 50, and her partner Artem Chigvintsev had the lowest scores at the end of the night after points from a bonus round were tallied and were eliminated. The judges then made the difficult decision whether to save either Vinny, 34, and his partner Koko Iwasaki or 90210 star Trevor Donovan, 44, and his partner Emma Slater who were the two remaining couples in the bottom. At the end of the show, the judges ultimately chose to save Trevor over Vinny. Double elimination: Vinny Guadagnino was eliminated on Monday's episode of Dancing With The Stars during '90s Night on the Disney+ show Before the 1990s themed competition started, though, host Tyra Banks, 48, paid tribute to former contestant Aaron Carter who died last week at the age of 34. 'We offer our sincere condolences to his family,' Tyra said. The show opened with En-Vogue joined by Salt-N-Pepa singing their hit song Whatta Man as dancers swirled around them. Trevor and Emma were the first of the eight contestants of the night. Emma said for 90's night they were going to salsa to Barbie Girl by Aqua. Also eliminated: Heidi D'Amelio and her partner Artem Chigvintsev had the lowest scores at the end of the night after points from a bonus round were tallied and were eliminated Paying tribute: Before the 1990s themed competition started, though, host Tyra Banks, 48, paid tribute to former contestant Aaron Carter who died last week at the age of 34 Trevor dressed like Ken, wearing a pink vest, spun Emma around who was dressed like Barbie. 'So fun,' Tyra said when they finished. 'That was so much fun and such a great way to start the show,' Len Goodman, 78, said. First up: Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater were the first of the eight contestants of '90s Night 'That intro was perfectly plastic,' Derek Hough, 37, said. The judges gave them a score of 34 out of 40. Drag queen Shangela and Gleb Savchenko performed dressed as their version of the Spice Girls. Gleb told him they were dancing the Samba to Spice Up Your Life by the Spice Girls Spicy routine: Drag queen Shangela and Gleb Savchenko performed dressed as their version of the Spice Girls For their performance, Shangela first took the stage and danced with four other female dancers dressed as Spice Girls. Gleb then joined her on stage for the dance with them both dressed in bright yellow. 'That was lit,' Carrie Ann Inaba, 54, said. 'That was amazing.' The judges gave them a score of 37 out of 40. High praise: 'That was lit,' Carrie Ann Inaba, 54, said. 'That was amazing' The contestants also had a chance to earn extra judges points in a relay dance round. Wayne Brady, 50, and Witney Carson shared that he taped three shows a day and was incredibly tired but showed up for rehearsal because he had a fire in him. The two danced the salsa to Boyz II Men's song Motownphilly. Wayne wore white overalls and a headband and flipped Witney over his head. 'When you get into the groove you are unstoppable,' Bruno Tonioli, 66, said. Salsa dance: Wayne Brady, 50, and Witney Carson danced the salsa to Boyz II Men's song Motownphilly 'That was your best dance by far,' Carrie Ann said. The judges gave them a perfect score of 40 out of 40. Coda actor Daniel Durant, 32, who is deaf, danced jazz to Depeche Mode's song Enjoy The Silence with his partner Britt Stewart. During rehearsals Daniel shared with her details of his childhood and how he was adopted when he was 18 months old. He said he didn't know what his mother looked like, but heard she was also deaf and started doing drugs. Opening up: During rehearsals Daniel shared with her details of his childhood and how he was adopted when he was 18 months old and met his birth mother shortly before she died 'When I graduated high school, I got a message and it was my birth mother and we decided to meet for the first time,' Daniel said. 'She hugged me right away.' Daniel said he learned later she had cancer and had passed away. He got emotional sharing that he wished they would have spent more time together. The actor wanted to show the judges and audience what it was like to dance without the music and had it turned off for part of their routine. Music off: The actor wanted to show the judges and audience what it was like to dance without the music and had it turned off for part of their routine 'That dance was not only educational and profound but it was so funky,' Carrie Ann. 'It was an honor to watch you dance.' 'That was so insanely powerful,' Derek said crying. 'I'm telling you, Daniel, the world is proud of you,' Bruno said. Getting emotional: 'That was so insanely powerful,' Derek Hough said crying 'I got to show the world,' Daniel said. 'I'm successful. You can be successful no matter what.' The judges gave them an almost perfect score of 39 out of 40. Heidi and Artem were frustrated that they weren't doing better in the competition and ended up the previous show in the bottom two. Artem encouraged her to not hold back her emotions. The two danced contemporary to Alanis Morissette's song Ironic. Contemporary dance: Heidi and Artem danced contemporary to Alanis Morissette's song Ironic Len didn't think the song was a good fit for Heidi, but Derek disagreed. 'I thought that was beautiful,' Derek said. 'There moments of absolute beauty and vulnerability,' Carrie Ann said. Wrong song: Len Goodman didn't think the song was a good fit The judges gave them a score of 35 out of 40. The Bachelorette star Gabby Windey, 31, and Val Chmerkovskiy danced the samba to Ricky Martin's song Livin' La Vida Loca. Val worried in rehearsals about them perfecting the samba roll. 'Was that not just hot?' Tyra said. Samba dance: The Bachelorette star Gabby Windey, 31, and Val Chmerkovskiy danced the samba to Ricky Martin's song Livin' La Vida Loca 'I feel like I've been hit by a sex bomb,' Bruno said. 'You have become this incredibly well oiled machine out there,' Carrie Ann said. The judges gave them a score of 35 out of 40. Good score: The judges gave them a score of 35 out of 40 Derek and Bruno both took off their shirts after being inspired by the male dancers who had been dancing shirtless. The judges gave them a perfect score of 40 out of 40. Tyra encouraged her co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, 51, to take off his shirt. Shirts off: Derek and Bruno both took off their shirts after being inspired by the male dancers who had been dancing shirtless 'I don't even have what I used to have,' Tyra said, putting her hand over her stomach. 'It's gone. It's over.' Vinny and Koko went next. They danced the tango to Haddaway's song What Is Love. 'There is no skipping in the tango,' Bruno said. Tango time: Vinny and Koko went next. They danced the tango to Haddaway's song What Is Love 'There is still a way to go but you came out and you really came out and performed,' Len said. The judges gave them a score of 29 out of 40, which was the lowest score of the night. TikTok star Charli D'Amelio,18, and Mark Ballas danced an international tango to Blur's Song 2. International tango: TikTok star Charli D'Amelio,18, and Mark Ballas danced an international tango to Blur's Song 2 'The tiniest slip up could put you at risk,' Charli worried. 'I want you to know that if you were a painting you are a Picasso,' Carrie Ann said. 'That was beyond anything I feel like I've ever witnessed on this dance floor.' 'For a young lady you dance with such maturity,' Len said. The hosts: Tyra co-hosted the two-hour episode with former champion Alfonso Ribeiro The judges gave them a perfect score of 40 out of 40. The contestants had a chance to win five extra points from the judges by facing off against each other in a bonus relay round. Shangela went up against Daniel dancing the ChaCha as Vanilla Ice performed his hit song Ice Ice Baby live. Len declared Shangela the winner. Vinny went up against Trevor dancing the Samba as En Vogue sang their hit My Lovin' live. Carrie Ann ruled Trevor was the winner of the round. Extra points;: Vinny went up against Trevor dancing the Samba as En Vogue sang their hit My Lovin' live for extra points Heidi went up against Wayne doing the samba as Salt-N-Pepa performed their hit song Shoop. Bruno was their judge and said Wayne was the winner. Charli went up against Gabby to win the bonus points. Derek, who was their judge, told them they would be dancing the salsa as Kid 'n Play performed the song Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody live. Derek said Charli was the winner. The winner: Charli went up against Gabby to win the bonus points and won At the end of the night, Vinny was in eight place, Heidi was in seventh. Trevor and Daniel were tied for fifth place. Gabby was in fourth place. Shangela was in third place, while Wayne and Charli were tied for first place. When the additional five points from the judges were factored in Heidi was in the bottom and eliminated. The judges then voted Trevor over Vinny. Dancing with The Stars will return Monday night on the Disney+ streaming service. Kanye West is being sued by a record company over adding Life Of The Party, his collab with Andre 3000, to his Stem Player device without getting authorization from the company that owns rights to a song he sampled for his track. In Life Of The Party, West, 45, sampled the track from 1987 song South Bronx by Boogie Down Productions, featuring hip-hop legend KRS-One. The song was initially released by the now-defunct label B-Boy Records, whose catalog is overseen by the company Phase One Network, according to Discogs. The latest: Kanye West, 45, is being sued by a record company over adding Life Of The Party, his collab with Andre 3000, to his Stem Player device without getting authorization from the company that owns a track he sampled for his song. He was pictured last month in Paris The company that owns the rights to the track said in legal docs reviewed by TMZ that West never procured the rights to sample South Bronx for Life Of The Party. West included the song as a Donda bonus track that he released on the Stem Player. The record company said that West and his team used the song in advertising for the device. West and business associate Alex Klein made about $2.2 million dollars after moving about 11,000 Stem Player units in its first day of release, the record company said in court docs, adding West's team tried to license it initially, but eventually took back its offer. In the suit, the record company is asking the court to block West from further sampling the track, and pay them profits accumulated off its use. West included the song as a Donda bonus track that he released on the Stem Player In Life Of The Party, West sampled the track from 1987 song South Bronx by Boogie Down Productions, featuring hip-hop legend KRS-One (pictured last year in NYC) West is coming off turbulent month of October in which he dominated the headlines after he made a series of anti-Semitic remarks, leading to a number of companies to break ties with him. He was pictured at an event in Nashville last month West is coming off turbulent month of October in which he dominated the headlines after he made a series of anti-Semitic remarks, leading to a number of companies to break ties with him. The race-related controversies kicked off October 3 when he and and conservative commentator Candace Owens donned tops that read White Lives Matter during a Paris Fashion Week showcase for his Yeezy line. West faced restrictions on his social media sites after he tweeted October 8: 'I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE ... The funny thing is I actually can't be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also ... you guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.' The professional fallout to West's repeated statements about anti-Semitism included Adidas cutting their ties with him October 25 over his conduct. Foot Locker and Gap have also removed Yeezy merchandise from its shelves, while fashion mainstays including Vogue magazine and Balenciaga publicly distanced themselves from the rapper/fashion designer. The talent agency CAA dropped West from its roster, while a documentary about West made by the studio MRC has been shelved. Jason Momoa took to Instagram on Monday to reveal he had adopted a wild pig after meeting the animal on the set of his new Netflix movie Slumberland. The actor, 43, shared a gushing video where he cuddled the pet and admitted he had yet to decide between the names Lau Lau and Manapua - which are both pork dishes from his native Hawaii. Jason even suggested taking the animal with him to the movie's premiere but not before 'painting her nails' and 'putting a top hat on her head'. Latest addition: Jason Momoa, 43, took to Instagram on Monday to reveal he had adopted a wild pig after meeting the animal on the set of his new Netflix movie Slumberland The upcoming movie follows youngster Nemo, played by Marlow Barkley, who has a stuffed pig that comes alive at night. While Jason plays Flip a magical character who helps the little girl travel through dreams. Jason captioned the sweet clip: 'This is why I can't work with animals. I want to bring them home. Wild and feral like his pops'. The sweet animal appeared to wear a sparkly pink harness in the clip as she nestled into the hunk's arms. Jason asked the pig: 'You want to come to the Slumberland premiere?' before suggesting: 'We can paint your nails pink and put a little top hat on you.' Gushing: The actor, 43, shared a video where he cuddled the pet and admitted he had yet to decide between the names Lau Lau and Manapua - which are both pork dishes from Hawaii Fashion statement: Jason even suggested taking the animal with him to the movie's premiere but not before 'painting her nails' and 'putting a top hat on her head' Movie magic: The upcoming movie follows youngster Nemo, played by Marlow Barkley, who has a stuffed pig that comes alive at night However his mother Coni can he heard saying that 'might be a little over the top' only for Game of Thrones actor quickly reply: 'Well, mom, I'm kind of over the top.' His co-star Marlow rushed to the comments section writing: 'Ahhhh, I LOVE him! Please bring him! I wont tell pig!'. Animal lover Jason also shares a donkey, two half wolves, a dog, and a python with ex-wife Lisa Bonet. Sweet: Jason captioned the sweet clip: 'This is why I can't work with animals. I want to bring them home. Wild and feral like his pops' Can't wait to meet him: His co-star Marlow (pictured) rushed to the comments section writing: 'Ahhhh, I LOVE him! Please bring him! I wont tell pig!' It comes after the actor returned to Hawaii last week to promote people registering for the bone marrow registry. He did this on behalf of his long-time friend Travis Snyder, who suffers from leukaemia, and a six-year-old boy named Rhyder Lopez, who was born with the ultra-rare genetic disease Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The Aquaman star took to his Instagram to share videos from the event and to get his 17.2 million followers to get involved with his Be The Match campaign. He shared a video which showed him rolling up to campus on a motorcycle to cheering fans, while he met young Rhyder Lopez. Later Jason and Rhyder received leis while a haka was performed for them, before meeting Rhyder's family and signing a number of autographs. He also went out to meet his fans and thanked them for coming, adding he would take a picture with anyone who got swabbed to try and, 'be the match.' Slumberland is set for release on Netflix on November 18 Kerry Washington looked hot to trot as she stepped out at the star-studded CFDA Fashion Awards in New York on Monday. The braless Django Unchained actress, 45, put her trim pins on display in a pair of tiny lace shorts, which she teamed with sky-high heels and an edgy, plunging blazer. Also attending the 2022 Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards were the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Vanessa Hudgens. Hot to trot: Kerry Washington put on a leggy display in a pair of tiny lace shorts and went braless in an edgy plunging blazer at the CFDA Fashion Awards in NY on Monday Kerry's blazer featured ornate sleeves and a layered design over the shoulders. In a racy touch, the blazer also featured suspenders. Kerry looked polished with her dark locks slicked back and off her face into a high bun and makeup including a matte red lip and lashings of mascara. Edgy: Kerry's blazer featured ornate sleeves and a layered design over the shoulders. In a racy touch, the blazer also featured suspenders Cheeky: The braless Django Unchained actress, 45, put her trim pins on display in a pair of tiny lace shorts Law Roach is an American fashion stylist best known for currently serving as a judge on Legendary. At the event, Kim Kardashian was honoured for her shapewear line, SKIMS. 'We have put a strong emphasis since our launch on continuing to shape the industry to embrace size equality and diversity as a fixture and not just a trend and I see so many of you are doing just that,' Kim said in her acceptance speech. On the evening, she stunned in a beige, strapless PVC dress. In good company: Law Roach is an American fashion stylist best known for currently serving as a judge on Legendary At the event, Kim Kardashian was honoured for her shapewear line, SKIMS. On the evening, she stunned in a beige, strapless PVC dress Kerry meanwhile, has been particularly busy lately doing the promotional rounds for her newly released Netflix film The School Of Good and Evil. The mother-of-three recently discussed being joined by her family on-set during the making of the film as it was shot in the UK during the pandemic when schools were closed. She has kids Isabelle and Caleb with husband Nnamdi Asomugha, 41. 'We shot the film in Belfast and it was in pandemic so the whole family went and my kids were there and they had a blast,' she said on Good Morning America. 'They thought Charlize was a lot cooler than me, they liked her costume more, you know the evil kids are, they always look cooler,' said the Django Unchained actress. She added, 'It was great, it was really great to have them there. It was great for me to do something that they can watch also. 'You know, they are not, they are not watching Little Fires they didn't watch Scandal, maybe one day, maybe one day.' In her new fantasy movie, The School For Good and Evil, students are taught to either be heroes or villains. Kerry plays the role of the dean of the school of good. Tiffiny Hall has unveiled her post-baby body in a new Instagram post. The celebrity trainer showed off her trim and taut figure as she donned a crop top and skin tight leggings. The 38-year-old beamed in the photo, which she posted on Tuesday alongside a caption calling the outfit 'Sleek, classy, and flattering'. Tiffiny Hall (pictured) has unveiled her post-baby body in a new Instagram post. The celebrity trainer showed off her trim and taut figure as she donned a crop top and skin tight leggings The outfit is one from her own mytxo.com clothing brand website. It comes after Tiffiny showcased her transformation after welcoming daughter Vada in May. The wife of comedian Ed Kavalee shared photos to Instagram highlighting her progress since early June. It comes after Tiffiny showcased her transformation after welcoming daughter Vada In May The images show how much her body has changed after giving birth The images show how much her body has changed after giving birth. 'I'm halfway through the Bounce Forward challenge, what a milestone!' Tiffiny began. 'I'm slowly gaining back my fitness and strength and feeling more powerful every single day.' The former Australian Gladiators star revealed she 'threw out the scales' and was instead using her activewear to measure her progress. The former Australian Gladiators star revealed she 'threw out the scales' and was instead using her activewear to measure her progress 'I still wee myself a little when jumping but I'll take all the small wins and non-scale victories (NSVs) I've already achieved and I'll keep going,' she added. 'I'm so excited for the next six weeks of this journey. Bring it on! My goal is to be fit enough to film more TXO workouts in the new year!' The fitness guru broke down in June as she struggled to accept her new body. The fitness guru broke down in June as she struggled to accept her new body 'It's not easy. I stand in front of my mirror, looking at my new body with my big bump, Vada's house, and it's really hard to accept that it's going to take time,' she said. She admitted she was feeling 'super emotional' and accepts that 'healing takes time'. 'It depends what birth you had too. I've got a few stitches and stuff going on and it's all a bit painful. But she's absolutely beautiful. She's worth it,' she added. Appearing on 2Day FM's Hughesy, Ed and Erin in June, Tiffany said people were still asking when she was due because she hadn't yet lost the baby weight. Appearing on 2Day FM's Hughesy, Ed and Erin in June, Tiffany said people were still asking when she was due because she hadn't yet lost the baby weight She admitted she 'absolutely felt the pressure' to drop the kilos as her body had been 'a billboard' for her fitness program for so long. 'People are still asking me when I'm due and I'm like, "I'm not pregnant anymore, I've had the baby,"' she said. 'It's not the easiest time being in a postpartum body. It's not easy.' She and husband Ed, 43, are also parents to four-year-old son Arnold. Tegan Kynaston welcomed her first child in August. And on Tuesday, the 37-year-old was fighting fit as she went on a coffee run in Sydney's upmarket suburb of Bellevue Hill. The fiancee of shock jock Kyle Sandilands popped to her local cafe for some takeaway drinks. Tegan Kynaston (pictured) welcomed her first child in August. And on Tuesday, the 37-year-old was fighting fit as she went on a coffee run Sydney's upmarket suburb of Bellevue Hill She looked fresh and relaxed, donning a pair of $1770 Louis Vuitton sneakers and a Fendi mini backpack valued at $3290. But Tegan kept things down to earth with a pair of budget bike shorts from the brand Exie. The Shifter Short in khaki is currently on sale on the label's website for just $10. The fiancee of shock jock Kyle Sandilands popped to her local cafe for some takeaway drinks Tegan had on minimal makeup and wore her blonde locks down around her face in soft waves. It comes after her fiance Kyle Sandilands gushed over his soon-to-be wife Tegan and their newborn son Otto. The radio mogul, 51, welcomed his first child in August, but had never really thought about becoming a father until he met his fiancee. She looked fresh and relaxed, donning a pair of $1770 Louis Vuitton sneakers and a Fendi mini backpack valued at $3290. But Tegan kept things down to earth with a pair of budget bike shorts from the brand Exie that cost just $10 Speaking exclusively with Daily Mail Australia, Sandilands revealed what made him reconsider becoming a dad. 'It just wasn't on the radar,' he admitted. 'And then Tegan said to me once, "What are your thoughts about children? I get the vibe you're not into them."' 'And I was like, "Oh, I just never thought about it."' The Australian Idol judge went on to say starting a family was a big priority for Kynaston. It comes after her fiance Kyle Sandilands (pictured) gushed over his soon-to-be wife Tegan and their newborn son Otto 'She said, "It's important to me. I want to have children so yell out now if you're not into it, because I'm in my 30s and I need to make some decisions,"' he recalled. 'I actually thought about it. And I thought "Well, of course I'd like that." I just hadn't been on the on the radar. And now, I would just never change it.' Sandilands continued to gush over his 10-week-old son: 'People say "Oh you don't know laugh until you've looked into his eyes." And I thought, "f***ing whatever!" But it's so true. When he looks at me I get thrills.' Claire Danes looked sensational as she graced the red carpet at the premiere of her new FX series Fleishman Is In Trouble in New York on Monday. The actress, 43, stunned in a flowing Grecian gown as she put on a loved up display with husband Hugh Dancy, 47, at the city's Carnegie Hall. Claire's silver chiffon frock featured a chic geometric cut out neckline as well as a flowing train. Loverbirds: Claire Danes, 43, looked sensational as she joined husband Hugh Dancy, 47, the red carpet at the premiere of her new FX series Fleishman Is In Trouble in New York on Monday The former Homeland star, who wed the British actor back in 2009, accentuated her features with a hint of make-up as well as a classic pillar box red lip. She carried the gown's colour story into her accessories with small silver earrings and a matching cuff. Hugh cut a dapper figure in a tailored grey suit which he layered over a crisp white shirt and striped tie. Beaming: The couple, who share sons Rowan, four, and Rowan, nine, appeared in high spirits as they enjoyed quality time together Grecian goddess: Claire's silver Grecian-inspired gown featured a chic geometric cut out neckline as well as a flowing train The couple, who share sons Rowan, four, and Rowan, nine, appeared in high spirits as they enjoyed quality time together. They met on the set of the film Evening in September 2006 and celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary in September. Two years after wrapping her hit series Homeland, Claire made her return to television with two new series in 2022. Grecian goddess: Claire's silver Grecian-inspired gown featured a chic geometric cut out neckline as well as a flowing train Stunner: The former Homeland star, who wed the British actor back in 2009, accentuated her features with a hint of make-up as well as a classic pillar box red lip The actress started shooting Fleishman Is In Trouble back in February, which also stars Jesse Eisenberg and Lizzie Caplan. The nine-episode limited series created by author Taffy Brodesser-Akner, follows Toby Fleishman (Jesse), a doctor and recent divorcee who wades into the mysterious world of online dating. While he finds himself having much more success than he imagined, his life is turned upside down when his Claire's character, Rachel, disappears and leaves him with the kids. Dapper: Hugh cut a dapper figure in a tailored grey suit which he layered over a crisp white shirt and striped tie Stars: (L-R) Jonnie Davis, Lizzy Caplan, Adam Brody, Claire Danes, Jesse Eisenberg and Taffy Brodesser-Akner Silver lady: She carried the gown's colour story into her accessories with small silver earrings and a matching cuff Toby finds himself juggling his parental responsibilities with a new promotion at the hospital where he works and all of the eligible women Manhattan has to offer, while also finding out what happened to Rachel and their failed marriage. Earlier in the year, Danes also made her return to TV in the gothic romance period drama miniseries The Essex Serpent. She plays London widow Cora Seaborne, a woman who moves to Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent. Eventually, Vora forms a surprising bond of science and scepticism with the local pastor (Tom Hiddleston), but when tragedy strikes, locals accuse her of attracting the creature. Megan Fox watched from the wings on Monday as boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly promoted his latest film at a Q&A screening in Los Angeles. Kelly, 32, was onstage at the city's Harmony Gold Theatre while fielding questions about forthcoming drama Taurus, in which he stars alongside Megan. But the actress, 36, played second fiddle while her musician boyfriend discussed their new project ahead of its official US release on November 18. Low key appearance: Megan Fox watched from the wings on Monday as boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly promoted his latest film at a Q&A screening in Los Angeles Those in attendance could easily spot Fox, who wore a large hat and thick winter coat as she stood in the shadows beneath a theatre exit sign. Kelly plays popular but self-destructive musician Cole in the new film - a character he claims parallels his off-screen persona - while Fox takes a supporting role as Mae and Maddie Hasson plays his long-suffering assistant, Illana. Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter Awards Chatter podcast, he said: '[Illana] understands that [Cole] was just a broken boy who has Peter Pan syndrome which is me. Centre stage: Kelly (far right) was onstage at the city's Harmony Gold Theatre while fielding questions about forthcoming drama Taurus, in which he stars alongside Megan There she is: Those in attendance could easily spot Fox, who wore a large hat and thick winter coat as she stood in the shadows beneath a theatre exit sign 'You don't want to grow up. You know what I mean? You're a lost boy, but you have Wendy, and Wendy doesn't want to be with the lost boy, but she's like, "Come back home and be a grownup with me." And you watch Peter Pan have the choice.' Fox met Kelly while filming Midnight in the Switchgrass in March 2020. They revealed on Instagram that they became engaged in January 2022. The actress has three children, Noah Shannon Green, 9, Bodhi Ransom Green, 8, and Journey River Green, 5 with former Beverly Hills 90210 star Brian Austin Green. Wild! The pair caused headlines when they dressed as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee at a Casamigos Tequila Halloween party in Beverly Hills Shocking: They later faced a furious backlash from Christians after the rocker dressed up as a priest for his Halloween costume The couple recently generated headlines when they dressed as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee at a Casamigos Tequila Halloween party, with Kelly filmed snorting a white substance from her breast in a now-deleted post. They later faced a furious backlash from Christians after the rocker dressed up as a priest for his Halloween costume. The couple took to Instagram to share three snaps of their racy outfit, which included the actress clad in PVC black bondage while tied to a dog lead and receiving Communion from her fiance. The post sparked fury from Christian followers who quickly accused the couple of mocking the religion, with one branding the display 'abhorrent and offensive.' Heidi Klum shared a hysterical throwback video with her 10.2M Instagram followers on Tuesday as she dressed up as a colourful mermaid. The supermodel, 49, wore a black bralet along with a pink and purple tail to hop around her swanky abode. Eventually collapsing into fits of giggles, she laid down on the ground and flapped her fin high in the air. Mermaid: Heidi Klum, 49, shared a hysterical video with her 10.2M Instagram followers on Tuesday as she dressed up as a colourful mermaid Kooky: The supermodel wore a black bralet along with a pink and purple tail to hop around her swanky abode Despite the quirky ensemble, Heidi looked gorgeous with her long blonde locks tied back in a peach scrunchie. The beauty giggled to her pal behind the camera: 'I'm like a worm'. Referencing her incredible Halloween last week, she wrote: 'Earlier this Year .. dreaming about becoming a worm'. The Emmy-winning host unveiling her epic worm costume during her 21st Annual Halloween Party at Sake No Hana in Manhattan. Giggles: Heidi couldn't contain her smile as she posed in the fun costume Flat out: The model later laid down flat on her shiny wooden floor She told Vogue she came up with the idea to become a worm two years ago, and she started prepping it with Oscar-nominated make-up artist Mike Marino and his Prosthetic Renaissance team of 15 on June 22. It comes after daughter Leni, 18, broke her silence over the backlash she received for posing in lingerie with her mother for the Italian brand Intimissimi. When asked about the criticism of the campaign by social media users, the 18-year-old, who recently moved from California to New York City for college, said it didn't sway how she feels about the photo shoot. Still got it: Despite the quirky ensemble, Heidi looked gorgeous with her long blonde locks tied back in a peach scrunchie LOL: Eventually collapsing into fits of giggles, she laid down on the ground and flapped her fin high in the air Spooky: Referencing her incredible Halloween last week, she wrote: 'Earlier this Year .. dreaming about becoming a worm' 'I honestly didn't look at a lot of the reactions,' she admitted. 'I am overall happy with the campaign and I had an amazing day with my mom.' Additionally, she raved that she thought 'the photos turned out great' and she 'had an amazing time.' Leni insisted she doesn't 'pay any attention' to negative feedback and is grateful to work on a shoot with her mother, who she described as her 'inspiration.' 'Just the advice she gives me, the way she works, everything about her, I can go on and on,' the teen told Page Six at her mom's annual Halloween party. 'I love shooting with her.' Samantha Womack has revealed her breast cancer was found during a 'random check' and said the disease has 'attacked' her 'femininity'. The EastEnders star, 50, appeared on Tuesday's This Morning alongside hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby to discuss her cancer diagnosis. Samantha previously announced she'd 'started her battle' with the disease as she paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John, who died aged 73 after long fight with cancer. Health: Samantha Womack has revealed her breast cancer was found during a 'random check' and said the disease has 'attacked' her 'femininity' Speaking on This Morning, Samantha said she didn't find a lump when she was diagnosed four months ago, saying her cancer was discovered in a random check. 'It was really incredible because I didn't find a lump, I didn't feel unwell,' she explained. 'There had been a lot of illness around our friends and family and I just thought I'd get a random check and I had an ultrasound, and it showed a little shadow - at that point it could be anything, a cyst then I had further investigations and then that diagnosis.' Samantha described herself as 'very lucky' because the lump was less than 2cm and she was able to have a lumpectomy to have the piece of tissue and five lymph nodes removed. Update: The EastEnders star, 50, appeared on Tuesday's This Morning alongside hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby to discuss her cancer diagnosis She went on to describe breast cancer as a disease which 'attacks' your 'body' and your 'femininity' as she urged other women to get checked. She said: 'Breast cancer is a strange one, it attacks your body and your femininity, your hair, your breasts, all these beautiful women of all ages. 'So many women should be checking themselves in their thirties. That is an important message to get out and checked as well.' The actress, also described battling cancer as 'terrifying' but praised the treatments that are available now to treat the disease. Diagnosis: Samantha previously announced she'd 'started her own battle' with the disease as she paid tribute to Olivia Newton-John, who died aged 73 after long fight with cancer Samantha, who announced her diagnosis on social media by posting a picture of Olivia Newton John following her death, explained why she revealed her news in that way. She explained: 'I always had quite a precarious relationship with what you share on social media but also challenging yourself, thinking, "Am I doing this because I want likes or am I doing this because there's actual genuine intention behind it?" 'So at the beginning, I was like, "I don't know if it's the right thing to do" and then Lily, my daughter was in the kitchen with Ollie [Samantha's partner] cooking and she read about Olivia Newton John, and she was on her phone. 'She just read it in the kitchen and I'd been with Olivia, just for a dinner after a show I'd done, I'd played Sandy in Grease. Random check: Speaking on This Morning, Samantha said she didn't find a lump when she was diagnosed four months ago, saying her cancer was discovered in a random check 'It was just at the beginning of her diagnosis and what struck me was her journey had been 30 years and she was at the end and I was just at the beginning, and it took me back - I felt very moved by it I thought, "I want to share it. I want to talk to people. I want to put it out there" and it was amazing, the love that came back. I felt empowered by it.' Her latest comments come after Samantha gave an update on her health as she returns to work while battling breast cancer. The actress took the theatre by storm to play her part of the White Witch on stage in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on Wednesday night. Ahead of her performance and return to Narnia, Sam, who recently underwent chemotherapy treatment, said: 'I'm back at work at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Surgery: Samantha described herself as 'very lucky' because the lump was less than 2cm and she had a lumpectomy to have the piece of tissue and five lymph nodes removed 'It's been a rough couple of months but I am blessed to be back.' Last month, Samantha revealed she's been struggling with headaches and a loss of appetite after beginning her chemotherapy for breast cancer. The star, shared a sweet snap with her boyfriend Oliver Farnworth after he cooked her a delicious open fire dinner. Penning a candid caption, Samantha revealed she had started to regain her appetite several days after her first round of 'red devil' chemotherapy, with many celebrity pals offering their support in the comments. In the image shared to Instagram, Samantha could be seen beaming at her boyfriend Oliver as they enjoyed a vast meal together. Brave: Samantha recently gave an update on her health as she returns to work in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe while battling breast cancer Her caption read: 'This was a few days ago - after getting appetite back - following ''Red Devil chemo'' Oli made this on an open fire in Valencia. 'Struggling with migraines at the moment, but Xena the rescue dog by my side, keeping her Topaz eyes on me..' Red devil is the nickname for the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, due to its bright red colour. In October, Samantha revealed that she was set to undergo her first chemotherapy session as she shared a health update with her fans. Candid: Last month, Samantha revealed she's been struggling with headaches and a loss of appetite after beginning chemotherapy for breast cancer She took to Instagram to thank her 87,600 followers for their support following her breast cancer diagnosis. Samantha has two children, Lili and Benji, with former husband Mark Womack, who appears in Emmerdale. They split up four years ago, but have carried on living together. For the past two years she has been dating actor Oliver Farnworth, 40, and the three of them now form a 'blended parenting unit' dividing their time between homes in Bedfordshire and Liverpool. The Macmillan Support Line offers free, confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. Call 0808 808 00 00 for support. This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV & ITV Hub. Doctor Who has already seen a number of overhauls ahead of its upcoming series, with a new logo unveiled, Russell T Davies returning as showrunner and Ncuti Gatwa cast as the new Time Lord. And the popular sci-fi franchise is also set to get a record-breaking new budget after the BBC signed an exciting new deal with Disney+, according to reports. Sources told Broadcast magazine the budget is set to increase from 1-3million per episode to a staggering 10million per installment when the show returns next year. Big changes: Doctor Who has already seen a number of overhauls ahead of its new series, with a new logo unveiled and Ncuti Gatwa being cast as the new Time Lord One source told the publication that the ramping up of production values and investment from Disney+ is an attempt to help the show find success in the US. The reported budget would break BBC records and see Doctor Who become its most expensive series, surpassing the previous record-holder His Dark Materials, which had a budget of around 6million per episode due to its HBO collaboration. MailOnline has contacted Disney+ for comment. Disney+ is set to become the new global home for Doctor Who, with episodes from late 2023 premiering on both the BBC and the streaming service. New budget: The show is also set to get a record-breaking new budget after the BBC signed a deal with Disney+, according to reports. Pictured: David Tennant returning to the show Russell T Davies said of the collaboration: 'I love this show, and this is the best of both worlds with the vision and joy of the BBC and Disney+ together we can launch the TARDIS all around the planet, reaching a new generation of fans while keeping our traditional home firmly on the BBC in the UK.' As reports of more money being pumped into the show, the BBC have already secured huge names for its big 60th anniversary in 2023, including Neil Patrick Harris starring as a mystery villain. The actor, 49, will play the 'greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced', with fans convinced that he will take on the nostalgic villain The Toymaker during his guest-starring stint. The budget comes as part of a huge overhaul which has seen Russell, 59, return as showrunner in a bid to save the show from falling ratings - 12 years after he stepped away. Production values: Sources told Broadcast the budget is set to increase from 1-3million per episode to a staggering 10million per installment. Pictured: Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor Jodie Whittaker's final episode pulled in just 3.6million average viewers with a peak of 4million, according to overnight ratings. Her last hurrah as the Time Lord proved more popular than the New Year's special, which racked up just 3.2million average viewers with a peak of 3.4million. However, audience numbers still remained far below the start of Jodie's tenure as the Doctor in 2018, which pulled in a staggering 9million viewers. As Jodie, 40, stepped back from the role after five years, David Tennant made his shock return as The Doctor in October's much-anticipated epic. Big names: As reports of money being pumped into the show, the BBC have already secured huge names for its 60th anniversary, including Neil Patrick Harris starring as a mystery villain The Power of the Doctor was jam-packed with excitement as famous faces returned, Jodie bowed out after five years as the Time Lord, David made his return, and fans were given a first-look at Ncuti Gatwa as the 14th Doctor. A number of former assistants - including Janet Fielding, who plays Tegan - and former Doctors Peter Davison and Colin Baker made guest appearances in the epic. The episode came to a very dramatic conclusion as Jodie's Doctor shockingly regenerated into a very familiar face - David Tennant's 10th Doctor. Despite not being ready to regenerate, she said while watching the sunset: 'The blossomiest blossom. That's the only sad thing. I want to know what happens next.' He's back! The budget comes as part of an overhaul which has seen Russell, 59, return as showrunner in a bid to save the show from falling ratings - 12 years after he stepped away 'Right then, Doctor Whoever-I-am-about-to-be. Tag, you're it,' before Tennant made his shock appearance. The newly regenerated Doctor ran his fingers over his teeth and said 'I know these' clearly perplexed as he returned to his former body. David is returning for three special episodes, set to air in November 2023, after bowing out from the role in 2010. The feature length 60th celebration of the sci-fi series will also star Catherine Tate before Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa takes control of the Tardis. Audiences dropping: Jodie Whittaker's final episode pulled in 3.6million average viewers with a peak of 4million, according to overnight ratings Jodie's finale episode on Sunday night ended with a short trailer for the new series, which will hit screens in 2023. The trailer teased Ncuti's much-anticipated arrival as the star was seen asking: 'Can someone tell me what the hell is going on?' Following the episode, Russell said: 'If you thought the appearance of David Tennant was a shock, we've got plenty more surprises on the way!' 'The path to Ncuti's Fifteenth Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun! And how is it connected to the return of the wonderful Donna Noble? How, what, why? We're giving you a year to speculate, and then all hell lets loose!' Kim Kardashian urged the fashion industry not lose its momentum towards diversity and inclusivity when she accepted the first-ever Innovation Award presented by Amazon at the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America Fashion Awards on Monday in NYC. The SKIMS founder praised her contemporaries for the work they have already done in the plurality of races, genders, body types and so on. The fashion mogul advocated for it to not be a 'trend' but instead something that runs through the core of the sector. Reality star: Kim Kardashian attended the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City on Monday. At the show, she urged the fashion industry not lose its momentum towards 'diversity' She accepted the gong for Innovation at the CFDA's 60th annual awards. The 42-year-old reality TV personality told the audience on Monday, 'We have put a strong emphasis since our launch on continuing to shape the industry to embrace size equality and diversity as a fixture and not just a trend and I see so many of you are doing just that.' Kardashian called for inclusivity of all body shapes as she accepted the inaugural award alongside her SKIMS co-founder and CEO Jens Grede and Chief Product Officer Emma Grede. Meanwhile, Kim who has nine-year-old daughter North, six-year-old son Saint, four-year-old daughter Chicago and three-year-old son Psalm with her ex Kanye West, 45, who legally changed his name to Ye last year marked the weekend with a sweet social media update about how her three youngest were sleeping soundly by her side. Successful night: The reality star wore PVC to accept the inaugural Innovation Award for her shapewear brand SKIMS On a photo of the trio, she posted on her Instagram Story on Monday: 'My morning.' The Kardashians star has been facing a tumultuous time recently as her Stronger hitmaker ex was dropped by his talent agency CAA and his endorsement deals - such as his Yeezy collab with Adidas after he posted a series of anti-Semitic comments last month. The sportswear brand said: 'After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately, end production of Yeezy branded products and stop all payments to Ye and his companies. 'Adidas will stop the Adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect. Award winners: The fashion designer posed with co-founders Jens and Emma Grede with their Innovation Awards Another first was the CFDA's first Stylist Award received by Law Roach, who has styled the likes of Zendaya, Halle Berry, Kerry Washington, and Mary J. Blige. In other categories, award winners included Lenny Kravitz receiving the CFDA's Fashion Icon Award. Previous recipients of the award included Zendaya, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez. The late designer Virgil Abloh was honored for his contribution to global fashion with the Board of Trustee's Award. Natasha Lyonne served as the evening's host at the event marking the CFDA's 60th anniversary. The winners and honorees celebrated the fashion awards in partnership with Amazon Fashion at Casa Cipriani in Manhattan. Gino D'Acampo left hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby in a state of shock on Tuesday's edition of This Morning - after already being blasted as 'xenophobic' by viewers for claiming he disliked the French. The celebrity chef, 46, was on hand during a phone-in and his advice when he offered rather unsuitable advice for a mid-morning show. When bride-to-be Gemma asked help with pre-wedding jitters Gino advised she try 'masturbation' in a bid to relieve her nerves. NSFW: Gino D'Acampo left hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby in a state of shock on Tuesday's edition of This Morning, shortly after being blasted as 'xenophobic' by viewers It came after earlier in the episode when Gino angered viewers by claiming he 'didn't like' French people. The distressed caller told Holly, Phil and Gino: 'I'm just a little bit nervous, a little bit stressed. I'm just wondering how you would cope with it,' Offering his advice Gino said: 'Do what you want to do, stop listening to people around you, and relax. Find something that makes you relax. Anything will do. I've got an idea' Rude: The celebrity chef was on hand during a phone-in and his advice when he offered advice unsuitable for a mid morning show Pardon? When a bride-to-be Gemma asked help with pre-wedding jitters Gino advised her to try 'masturbation' in a bid to relieve her nerves Holly suggested: 'What about a long walk?'. Only for Gino to reply: 'I was thinking something different, but if you want to go for a long walk, you go for a long walk'. Gino then lent in to Holly and asked: 'Can you say the word masturbate?'. Holly looked horrified by the question as an exasperated Phil replied: 'No, don't say that'. Exasperated: Holly looked horrified by the question as an exasperated Phil replied: 'No, don't say that' It came after the Italian television personality made the revelation about his dislike for the French nation as he cooked a chicken cordon bleu during one segment. Despite the dish being considered French, Gino insisted it wasn't before launching into a tirade about the country. He said: 'Not that I have to explain myself but this is called pollo impanato, which is stuff chicken breast. Now the French call it blah blah blah but it's really pollo impanato. Shock: It came after earlier in the episode when Gino angered viewers by claiming he 'didn't like' French people Cooking up controvesy: The Italian television personality made the revelation about his dislike for the French nation as he cooked a chicken cordon bleu during one segment 'Plus everybody knows I will never cook a French dish. I don't like to cook other nation's food. 'I am going to be honest with you, apart from my friend Fred Sirieix, I don't like French people.' While Holly and Phil looked on he added: 'Too close to Italy, they always think everything they do is the greatest. There is no need for French people in the world.' Unhappy: Taking to Twitter one viewer wrote: 'Just imagine the outrage if Gino Decampo [sic] said, I don't like Pakistaini people, or I don't like African people, he would (rightly) be branded a racist. But it's absolutely Ok to say I don't like French people Taking to Twitter one viewer wrote: 'Just imagine the outrage if Gino Decampo [sic] said, I don't like Pakistaini people, or I don't like African people, he would (rightly) be branded a racist. But it's absolutely Ok to say I don't like French people. While another added: 'Tell me how Gino Decmapo [sic] allowed to be racist on your programme?: If a British person said the same thing, Holly or Phil would have blasted them for it'. And a third shared a GIF of a lady with her head in her hands writing: 'When Gino D'Acampo is on TV'. Sylvester Stallone has emotionally reflected on his friend Bruce Willis' diagnosis with brain condition aphasia and subsequent retirement from acting in a poignant new interview. Stallone, 75 - who has been friends with Willis, 67, for decades, with the pair starring in The Expendables and The Expendables 2 together - said the Die Hard actor's diagnosis 'kills me' and that he had been 'incommunicado.' Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the Rocky star said: 'Bruce is going through some really, really difficult times. So hes been sort of incommunicado. That kills me. Its so sad.' Friends forever: Sylvester Stallone has emotionally reflected on his friend Bruce Willis' diagnosis with brain condition aphasia and subsequent retirement from acting in a poignant new interview (pictured 2010) Back in March when Willis' diagnosis was revealed, Stallone shared a montage of photos with the his former Planet Hollywood partner, captioned: 'We go back a long way, praying for the best for you and your wonderful family...' Stallone and Willis famously starred alongside one another in the 2010s action franchise The Expendables - a project that spawned the pair's first and only public feud. The first snap included in the Rambo star's tribute post was a major throwback from 1992 and taken during Willis' ex-wife Demi Moore's 30th birthday celebration at Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park. Stallone and Willis were aboard one of the park's many thrill-seeking rides with model Brigitte Nielsen. Heartbreaking: Stallone, 75 - who has been friends with Willis, 67, for decades - said the Die Hard actor's diagnosis 'kills me' and that he had been 'incommunicado (pictured 2011) Another showed the duo mounted on motorcycles as they made a joint appearance on the David Letterman Show in 2008. Stallone also threw in a shot of him and the Die Hard star mingling on the red carpet at the premiere of the HBO documentary His Way, which follows the career of legendary producer Jerry Weintraub, in 2011. Last but not least, the Predator actor shared a behind-the-scenes snap taken during the filming of the first or second Expendables film. The very first Expendables hit theaters in 2010, with the sequel premiering just two years later in the summer of 2012. Willis, who played CIA operative Mr. Church, was set to star in the third installment but dropped out after an alleged 'money demand' that was not met. Soon after the news broke - and Harrison Ford had signed on as Willis' replacement - Stallone published an explosive tweet aimed at the Red star. 'GREEDY AND LAZY A SURE FORMULA FOR CAREER FAILURE,' wrote the Escape Plan star in September 2013. Despite the very public criticism, Stallone insisted in an interview that same September that he still considered Willis a 'lifelong friend' and that his tweet came out of 'frustration.' Wow: Stallone and Willis famously starred alongside one another in the 2010s action franchise The Expendables - a project that spawned the pair's first and only public feud (pictured in The Expendables 2 in 2012 with Arnold Schwarzenegger) A little over a year later, Stallone took to Twitter to reveal that he and Willis had officially buried that hatchet. 'Made up with BRUCE W. A stand up guy, my mistake.... ' he posted on November 2014. Hollywood icon Willis withdrew from acting earlier this year after being diagnosed with the brain condition aphasia, which causes language abilities to deteriorate. His family have been open about his condition - which has meant his ability to speak and understand speech has been affected. Prayers: Stallone said he wss 'praying' for his friend-turned-costar back in March Throwback: The first snap included in the Rambo star's tribute post was a major throwback from 1992 and taken during Willis' ex-wife Demi Moore's 30th birthday celebration at Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park. Stallone and Willis were aboard one of the park's many thrill-seeking rides with model Brigitte Nielsen An insider told People his family was 'doing whatever they can' for him and 'have rallied around him in a big way to help Bruce cope with what is to come.' Bruce married Emma Heming, 44, in 2009 and has welcomed two daughters with her - Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, eight. Bruce's blended family issued a joint statement at the end of March announcing that he was 'stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.' What is Aphasia? The Mayo Clinic defines aphasia as 'a condition that affects your ability to communicate' that 'can affect your speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language'. The condition could occur following a head injury or stroke, or can be a predecessor to a brain tumor or Alzheimer's disease. Patients who are living with the condition are typically treated with speech therapy and taught ways to communicate non-verbally. Advertisement The statement revealed he 'has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.' His ex-wife Demi Moore and the three daughters she shares with Bruce - Rumer, 34, Scout, 31 and Tallulah, 28 - all signed the statement along with Emma, Mabel and Evelyn. The Mayo Clinic defines aphasia as 'a condition that affects your ability to communicate' that 'can affect your speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language'. The actor's family did not reveal what brought on his bout with aphasia, which has a number of potential causes. The condition could occur following a head injury or stroke, or can be a predecessor to a brain tumor or Alzheimer's disease. Patients who are living with the condition are typically treated with speech therapy and taught ways to communicate non-verbally. This comes after Bruce was reunited with his former costar John Travolta in the action-packed trailer for their upcoming film Paradise City. His latest movie is releasing digitally on November 14 in the UK. Biker bros: Another showed the duo mounted on motorcycles as they made a joint appearance on the David Letterman Show in 2008 Co-stars: Last but not least, the Predator actor shared a behind-the-scenes snap taken during the filming of the first or second Expendables film. The action film, which will be released on November 11, is one of several that Willis completed before his family announced in March that he was retiring from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia. The movie also appears to be the first major collaboration between Willis and Travolta, 68, in a feature film since they starred in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 crime classic Pulp Fiction. Willis stars in the film as an aging bounty hunter taking on one of his most dangerous missions yet in Hawaii. After he is shot and presumed dead, his son Ryan (Blake Jenner) teams up with his father's former partner (Stephen Dorff) to hunt down his killers, all while dealing with a sadistic crime lord (Travolta). Justin Bieber will reportedly perform at Takeoff's upcoming memorial service later this week, which will be held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Further details of how the 28-year-old pop star will pay tribute to the rapper, who was shot and killed, at age 28, last Tuesday in Houston, are currently unknown. The Baby hitmaker previously collaborated with the late performer's band, Migos, on the tracks What You See and Looking for You. Paying tribute: Justin Bieber will reportedly perform at Takeoff's upcoming memorial service later this week, which be held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia At this time, the Grammy winner has not publicly posted about Takeoff's tragic passing on his social media. No other performers have been confirmed and attendees' phones will reportedly be 'confiscated from anyone' that will present at the memorial, according to TMZ. The arena, where the performer's loved ones will gather to honor him, is capable of holding more than 20,000 people. Private: No other performers have been confirmed and attendees' phones will reportedly be 'confiscated from anyone' that will present at the memorial, according to TMZ; seen in 2019 Reverend Jesse Curney, III, the senior pastor of New Mercies Christian Church, has revealed he will be giving the eulogy. '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. Rest in peace: 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; Takeoff pictured in 2021 '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.' '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. The venue: The funeral will reportedly take place at the State Farm Arena Takeoff was killed around 2:30 a.m. on 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. Drake and 21 Savage are being sued by publishers Conde Nast for $4M in damages over creating fake Vogue magazines, which they promoted as authentic to their captive combined 281M social media followers. 'Me and my brother on newsstands tomorrow!' the Canadian 35-year-old announced on October 30, sharing Photoshopped images of the pair appearing to be on the cover. Making the prank seem real, Drake added: 'Thanks @voguemagazine and Anna Wintour for the love and support on this historic moment.' However, it was all a publicity stunt to promote the joint studio album Her Loss, which Drake and 21 Savage dropped last Friday. Fake news: Conde Nast is suing four-time Grammy winner Drake (R, pictured October 19) and Grammy winner 21 Savage (L) for $4M in damages over creating fake Vogue magazines, which they blatantly promoted as authentic to their captive combined 281M social media followers Vogue and its editor-in-chief Anna Wintour 'have not endorsed Her Loss in any way' asked the Privileged Rappers 'multiple times' to take down the covers, which never happened - according to TMZ Hip Hop. Drake (born Aubrey Graham) and 21 Savage (born Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph) also reportedly did an email blast, and they enlisted street teams to hand out physical copies of their faux Vogue and plastered cities with the cover. In actuality, Emmy-winning writer Michaela Coel was featured on the November cover of Vogue and Grammy-nominated pop diva Jennifer Lopez is currently featured on the December cover of the 130-year-old fashion mag. The Canadian 35-year-old announced on October 30: 'Me and my brother on newsstands tomorrow! Thanks @voguemagazine and Anna Wintour for the love and support on this historic moment' 'Available everywhere!' It was all a publicity stunt to promote Drake and the London-born, Atlanta-raised 30-year-old's joint studio album Her Loss, which dropped last Friday Denied: Vogue and its editor-in-chief Anna Wintour (R, pictured in 2015) 'have not endorsed Her Loss in any way' asked the Privileged Rappers 'multiple times' to take down the covers, which never happened Pranksters: Drake (born Aubrey Graham) and 21 Savage (born Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph) also reportedly did an email blast, and they enlisted street teams to hand out physical copies of their faux Vogue and plastered cities with the cover The real deal: In actuality, Emmy-winning writer Michaela Coel (L) was featured on the November cover of Vogue and Grammy-nominated pop diva Jennifer Lopez (R) is currently featured on the December cover of the 130-year-old fashion mag The Rich Flex duo also took their deepfake promotional tour to SiriusXM's The Howard Stern Show and several news outlets were fooled by the cleverly-edited interview allegedly shot on October 26. 'He did this kinda interesting thing. Instead of doing a press tour, he made up a fake press tour and released it,' the 68-year-old rock-jock marveled on Monday. 'And then he even put out a clip of me interviewing him. He edited himself in to look like he's in our studio, and he's answering questions from me using clips from a different interview...He put together this whole thing and I was like, "Jesus Christ!" 'Like, whenever I have to promote something. I should've done it. Hell, whenever I have to go visit my mother I wish I could do this. Drake did such a good job that the news outlets are reporting on it as if it's real and that's sort of the weird thing about our lives now. The video has 16M views.' 'Absolutely no filter': The Rich Flex duo also took their deepfake promotional tour to SiriusXM's The Howard Stern Show and several news outlets were fooled by the cleverly-edited interview allegedly shot on October 26 The 68-year-old rock-jock marveled on Monday: 'He even put out a clip of me interviewing him. He edited himself in to look like he's in our studio, and he's answering questions from me using clips from a different interview...He put together this whole thing and I was like, "Jesus Christ!"' Drake and 21 Savage even enlisted A Journal for Jordan actor Michael B. Jordan to introduce their fake performance on the set of NBC's Saturday Night Live. It prompted rapper-turned-rocker Machine Gun Kelly - who's engaged to Megan Fox - to commented: 'Y'all are smart as f***.' The hip-hop twosome also expertly recreated the set of NPR's Tiny Desk in order to pretend they were there too. Drake 'is both surprised and confused by the lawsuit as so many other organizations all gladly jumped on board and had fun with it,' a source told the site. 'Musical guest once again': Drake and 21 Savage even enlisted A Journal for Jordan actor Michael B. Jordan to introduce their fake performance on the set of NBC's Saturday Night Live It prompted rapper-turned-rocker Machine Gun Kelly - who's engaged to Megan Fox - to commented: 'Y'all are smart as f***' Fake it til you make it! The hip-hop twosome also expertly recreated the set of NPR's Tiny Desk in order to pretend they were there too Drake's concert scheduled for this Friday at the Apollo Theatre in Manhattan's Harlem neighborhood was postponed until December 6-7 in honor of the late Migos rapper Takeoff's funeral. The Euphoria executive producer is also up for six trophies - including artist of the year - at the 50th Annual American Music Awards, which air November 20 on ABC. Drake also scored three nominations - including male artist of 2022 - at the fan-voted 48th People's Choice Awards, which air December 6 on NBC/E! It was a wild boys weekend for the Toms in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval kicked back for a few days of gambling, cocktails and fun at the Ocean Casino Resort where they weighed on what fans can expect for season 10 of Vanderpump Rules. Schwartz & Sandy, who recently opened their very own Los Angeles cocktail lounge, promised that the reality series will 'get back to its roots'. AC: Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval kicked back for a few days of gambling, cocktails and fun at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City where they weighed on what fans can expect for season 10 of Vanderpump Rules Vanderpump Rules will soon return to Bravo with an all new 10th season which the stars called 'transformative' and 'dynamic'. Adding that the series will return to its original glory. Tom and Tom brought the fun and their signature flare to the first birthday celebration of Nola's Bar & Lounge at Ocean. The dynamic duo hosted a raucous soiree, as only they know how, shaking up some of their signature cocktails. Sandoval stepped out on the Jersey Shore in a pair of Kelly green slacks and a long sleeve black shirt while his counterpart rocked a bold red leopard print Polo with charcoal jeans. What to expect: Schwartz & Sandy, who recently opened their very own Los Angeles cocktail lounge, promised that the reality series will 'get back to its roots' Winner, winner: While in America's Playground, the Toms tried their luck at some of AC's famous table games, sitting down at the blackjack and roulette tables Cheers: The dynamic duo hosted a raucous soiree, as only they know how, shaking up some of their signature cocktails While in America's Playground, the Toms tried their luck at some of AC's famous table games, sitting down at the blackjack and roulette tables. Despite not having his backing band, The Most Extras, Sandoval still managed to put on quite a show for the crowd. He hopped up on stage for an unscheduled, impromptu performance of Sweet Child of Mine with the band Turning the Tide. Currently, the pair are busier than ever with the official opening of their Franklin Village lounge, Schwartz & Sandy's. Epic: Tom and Tom brought the fun and their signature flare to the first birthday celebration of Nola's Bar & Lounge at Ocean Rocker: Despite not having his backing band, The Most Extras, Sandoval still managed to put on quite a show for the crowd Rules: Vanderpump Rules will soon return to Bravo with an all new 10th season which the stars called 'transformative' and 'dynamic' They also recently returned from an action-packed weekend in New York City at BravoCon. During their Cocktails at Schwartz & Sandy's panel, the Toms revealed plans to bring their boozy empire east with an outpost of their new cocktail lounge in New York City. The Schwartz & Sandy panel, which was moderated by DailyMail.com, was the final panel of BravoCon2022 and the Toms made sure it was as fun, fabulous and chaotic as possible - and that included a surprise visit from Raquel Leviss. Barkeeps: The pair are busier than ever with the official opening of their Franklin Village lounge, Schwartz & Sandy's In the front row of the audience sat Raquel dressed in an oversized black hoodie with TomTom written in bronze rhinestones - fueling rumors she and Schwartz are a couple - and upsetting Tom's ex Katie Maloney in the process. The BravoCon crowd was also treated to a sold out show by Tom Sandoval and his band The Most Extras. His set list was a toe tapping collection of chart toppers from the last several decades including: Working For The Weekend, Power Of Love, Cake By The Ocean, I Write Sins Not Tragedies and Groove Is In The Heart. Not only were Vanderpump Rule fans in the crowd but there were tons of Bravolebrities as well, including Mr. Bravo himself, Andy Cohen. What a day! They also just returned from an action-packed weekend in New York City at BravoCon where DailyMail.com hosted the Toms at the Cocktails at Schwartz & Sandy's panel When Tom spotted Andy Cohen in the crowd, sources tell DailyMail.com that he made a special point to thank the Bravo head honcho for his support and for being such an inspiration. The premiere date for season 10 of Vanderpump Rules has yet to be announced but it is expected to air in the coming months. In addition to the Toms and, of course, Lisa Vanderpump, co-stars Scheana Shay, Katie Maloney, Lala Kent, James Kennedy, Ariana Madix, Brock Davis, and Raquel Leviss are all expected to return. Advertisement Elizabeth Debicki, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton and Gillian Anderson led the stars attending the premiere of The Crown season five in London on Tuesday. Actress Elizabeth, who plays Princess Diana in the new season, cut a glamorous figure on the red carpet in a black sleeveless gown by Dior. The strapless garment also featured a matching stripe detail while Elizabeth added height to her frame with a pair of heels. Stars: Elizabeth Debicki, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton and Gillian Anderson led the stars attending the premiere of The Crown season five in London on Tuesday Also sporting several gold Dior bracelets the TV star styled her blonde locks into an updo for the star-studded event. Elizabeth was joined on the red carpet by child actors Timothee Sambor, 12, and Teddy Hawley, seven, who star as Prince William and Prince Harry. Imelda Staunton, who takes over the role of Queen Elizabeth II from Claire Foy, opted for a black blazer and matching trousers along with a crisp white shirt. Dominic West, who takes over the role of the then Prince Charles from Josh O'Connor, looked dapper in a black suit with a white shirt. Event: Elizabeth, who plays Princess Diana, posed on the red carpet alongside child actors Timothee Sambor (right) and Teddy Hawley (left) who play Princes William and Harry The actor attended the premiere alongside his wife Catherine FitzGerald and their four children Senan, Dora, Francis and Cristabel. Gillian Anderson, who portrayed Margaret Thatcher in season four, donned a black sleeveless gown with a bejewelled embellishment. Claudia Harrison, who portrays Princess Anne in the Netflix drama, looked elegant in a black off the shoulder dress. The outfit also featured a high leg split along with a waist strap and a layered detail on the shoulder. On screen: Elizabeth and Dominic portray a tumultuous period in Diana and Charles' lives in the new season Glamour: Elizabeth cut a glamorous figure on the red carpet in a black sleeveless gown Family: Dominic attended the premiere alongside his wife Catherine FitzGerald and their four children Senan, Dora, Francis and Cristabel Heartwarming: Elizabeth looked in good spirits as she greeted Teddy and Timothee on the red carpet Claudia also sported a pair of black heels while she styled her brunette tresses into loose curls. Erin Richards, who plays Kelly Fisher, the ex-girlfriend of Princess Diana's partner Dodi Fayed, opted for a baby pink long-sleeved midi dress. The garment featured a high collar while Erin also opted for a pair of mauve heels and silver earrings. Lesley Manville, who plays Princess Margaret, looked sensational in a black short-sleeved dress with a sequinned detail. Flawless: Claudia Harrison, who portrays Princess Anne in the Netflix drama, looked elegant in a black off the shoulder dress Premiere: Olivia Williams, who plays Camilla Parker Bowles, opted for an all red look while Lesley Manville, who plays Princess Margaret, sported a black short-sleeved dress Couple: Khalid Abdalla, who plays Dodi Fayed in the new season, attended the premiere alongside his wife Cressida Trew Sensational: Gillian styled her blonde locks into an updo and donned a pair of open-toed heels Cast: It was revealed late last year that Timothee and Teddy had been cast to play William and Harry during their childhood years The garment had a lace detail along the neckline along with a sheer detail while Lesley also wore a pair of matching heels. Olivia Williams, who stars as Camilla Parker Bowles, effortlessy turned heads in a bright red blazer and matching trousers. The Victoria & Abdul star's outfit also featured a tassel detail while she added height to her frame with matching heels. Wearing her brunette locks in an updo, Olivia accessorised with a silver clutch bag as she posed for the cameras. Pals: Khalid was all smiles on the red carpet as he posed alongside Salim Daw who plays Dodi's father Mohamed Cast: Elizabeth, Dominic, Imedla and Jonathan Pryce, who plays Prince Philip, all posed together at the event Show: Series five of The Crown will take place in the 1990s and, like each previous season, will consist of 10 episodes Role: Dominic is taking over the role of the then Prince Charles from Josh O'Connor Marcia Warren, who portrays The Queen Mother, donned a burgundy patterned dress with a matching shawl and bright red shoes. The actress also wore a bright red necklace and added to her outfit with a bejewelled gold handbag. Khalid Abdalla, who plays Dodi Fayed in the new season, attended the premiere alongside his wife Cressida Trew. The actor looked dapper in a black suit while his partner opted for a navy long-sleeves dress with a plunging neckline. Prasanna Puwanarajah, who plays Martin Bashir, looked dapper at the premiere as he arrived in a navy velvet blazer with a white shirt and black trousers. The actor portrays the journalist who conducted the now infamous BBC Panorama interview with Princess Diana in 1995 where she discussed her marriage and separation from Prince Charles. Return: It was also revealed that the next instalment will premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, November 9 - where fans will see Imelda Staunton take on the role of Queen Elizabeth II for the first time Congrats: Lesley Manville was confirmed to have joined the cast of The Crown as Princess Margaret back in 2020 Emma Weymouth ensured all eyes were on her as she walked the red carpet in a black strapless gown with a flowing train. The garment featured a sweetheart neckline while Emma also sported a matching black cardigan. The former Strictly Come Dancing star added to her outfit with silver earrings with an emerald jewel embellishment. Letting her raven locks fall loose down her shoulders, Emma added to her look with a light palette of makeup. Family: Olivia was joined at the premiere by her husband Rashan Stone and their daughter Roxana Outfit: Catherine donned a white blouse along with black trousers and matching heels Smart: Prasanna Puwanarajah, who plays Martin Bashir, looked dapper at the premiere as he arrived in a navy velvet blazer with a white shirt, black trousers and Malone Souliers shoes The fifith season of The Crown follows Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family through the 1990s, with Imelda Staunton playing the late monarch. Series five of The Crown will take place in the 1990s and, like each previous season, will consist of 10 episodes. Fans will not see the death of Princess Diana in this series as her passing - which took place in 1996 - will not be covered until the sixth and final series. The new series of The Crown will also be the first to air since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8. Characters: Marcia Warren stars as The Queen Mother in season five while Erin Richards portrays Dodi Fayed's former partner Kelly Fisher Premiere: Several members of the cast and crew of the Netflix drama posed together on the red carpet The breakdown of the then Prince Charles and Diana's relationship will be a central part of the new series. The fourth series, which streamed in November last year, told the story of the early romance between Charles and Diana. It was announced last year that Elizabeth would take over from Emma Corrin and play Diana for the fifth and sixth series, which will cover Diana's death in 1997. The actress said of her casting: 'Princess Diana's spirit, her words and her actions live in the hearts of so many. It is my privilege and honour to be joining this masterful series, which has had me absolutely hooked from episode one.' Radiant: Emma Weymouth cut a glamorous figure as she attended the premiere of The Crown season five in London on Tuesday Stunning: The socialite, 36, ensured all eyes were on her as she walked the red carpet in a black strapless gown with a flowing train Style: The garment featured a sweetheart neckline while Emma also sported a matching black cardigan The final two series of The Crown will cover the Royal Family's history throughout the 1990s and into 2003, however it is not yet know which moments will be seen. There are several poignant moments which could be used, including the Queen making a speech on her 40th anniversary of her accession in 1992, in which she called the year an 'annus horriblis'. She was referring to the breakdown of three of her children's marriages; Prince Andrew, Princess Anne's and Prince Charles' divorce from Princess Diana. In demand: After earlier dazzling on the red carpet, Elizabeth was surrounded by autograph hunters as she left the peremiere after party at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane Glamour: The actress continued to look stylish in her black gown, which she teamed with a pair of flat black sandals Popular: Fans had gathered outside hoping to get an autograph from The Crown actress Enough: The stunner held up her hand to the camera as she climbed into her taxi Mum's the word: Erin Richards flashed a small smile after earlier revealing her pregnancy at the premiere Other notable events during the time period included a fire at Windsor Castle, her golden wedding anniversary in 1997, and the deaths of Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother. Also joining The Crown in series five is Lesley Manville, 64, who is set to star as Princess Margaret while Jonathan Pryce, 73, will take over the role of Prince Philip. James Murray will take on the role of Prince Andrew, replacing Tom Byrne, who played the Queen's second son in series four. Caught off guard: Dominic West pulled an alarmed expression as he left the after party with his family Right this way: The actor was seen leading his children down the steps and towards their car Sweet: Dominic kissed with Caroline o the cheek as they prepared to leave In we go: The actor was seen helping his family into a waiting car following the after party Dapper: Dominic looked as stylish as ever in his dark black suit and bowtie What a night: The thespian appeared delighted as he prepared to head home after the glamorous evening Sharon Johal has spoken of the tense relationships between the teams on The Block. Sunday's nail-biting auction saw Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Malik score a record-breaking profit, while two other couples walked away empty-handed after their homes were passed in. Sharon, who failed to sell the Gisborne property she renovated with husband Ankur Dogra, told the Herald Sun 'no one' was speaking to 'the boys' after they swept the floor with the competition. The Block's Sharon Johal told the Herald Sun 'no one' from the show was speaking to 'the boys' Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Malik after they swept the floor with the competition 'No one else is really talking to the boys and haven't been for some time. They've had issues for ages,' she said, adding that she and Ankur are the exception because they are still 'friends with all the couples'. The ex-Neighbours star, 34, addressed the teams' post-show relationships after Tom Calleja and Sarah-Jane Wilson, who made a profit of just $20,000 on auction day, said they weren't interested in being friends with Sharon and Ankur. She said the remark was 'quite unnecessary and nasty'. 'No one else is really talking to the boys and haven't been for some time,' she said, adding that she and husband Ankur Dogra are the exception because they're 'friends with all the couples' Sharon also shed light on Tom and Sarah-Jane's confidence heading into the auction, saying they felt they 'were going to win the whole thing'. 'Going in as favourites, even airtime wise, they were definitely pushed as the favourites the whole season, winning a lot of rooms. That was the biggest shock of the day,' she said. Sharon feels lucky her home was passed in last weekend because that means they can have a 'better outcome' in the future as a private sale. 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 It comes after The Block host Scott Cam 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 Scott telling radio show Fitzy & Wippa on Monday he's still looking for answers. 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, Scott 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. 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) Scott 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.' A Nine spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald, 'The Block finale was a public auction run according to the rules, and anyone is welcome to bid' - and Daily Mail Australia does not suggest otherwise. The Block buyers' advocate Frank Valentic (pictured), of Melbourne-based Advantage Property Consulting, agreed the auction outcome was 'freaky' Nine made an estimated $19million profit from The Block auction, which took place in the Macedon Ranges on Saturday and aired on the show on Sunday night. The network paid $11million last year for the 28ha plot of land, which was subdivided into seven lots with five assigned to the contestants, reports The Australian. The reserves for each home were over $4million, and Scott's own reno will likely sell at a later date. It's believed Nine will make $30million when the entire lot is sold. Channel Nine made an estimated $19million profit from The Block auction, which took place in the Macedon Ranges on Saturday and aired on the show on Sunday night. (Pictured: hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft) Omar and Oz were crowned the winners, selling their property for $5,666,666 and taking home a record-breaking $1.6million in prize money. The western Sydney mates made the largest sum of all five Block houses, far exceeding the $4.08million reserve. Ryan and Rachel Carr placed second, selling their home for a $169,000 profit. But there was also heartache for two couples, Ankur and Sharon, and Jenny Heath and Dylan Adams, who failed to sell their homes at auction. Omar Slaimankhel and Oz Malik (pictured) were crowned the winners on Sunday, selling their reno for $5,666,666 and taking home a record-breaking $1.6million in prize money Their properties were passed in when they failed to attract a bidder over the reserve, with both homes only reaching $4,075,000. The couples continued to negotiate with their highest bidders after filming. It marked the first time a Block property had failed to sell at auction since season four in 2011 when two teams' homes were passed in. Tom and Sarah-Jane didn't fare much better, with their home going for a profit of just $20,000, forcing them to sell their car to make up for lost earnings. Her new holiday film Falling For Christmas is set to stream on Netflix on Thursday, November 10. And two days before the premiere, Lindsay Lohan took part promotional tour for the project in New York City. The 36-year-old actress looked gorgeous in a white blouse with a matching skirt, adding a chic gold belt and matching heels. Looking lovely: Her new holiday film Falling For Christmas is set to stream on Netflix on Thursday, November 10. And two days before the premiere, Lindsay Lohan took part promotional tour for the project in New York City Lindsay sported a sleeveless white blouse that grazed her thighs, adding a white skirt with a thigh slit. The Mean Girls star cinched the waist with a gold belt, paired with matching stiletto heels. She added hoop earrings and delicate rings, as well as her diamond wedding band with red polished finger nails. Lindsay wore her red tresses center parted and in waves, opting for pink glossy lipstick and smokey eye makeup. Stunning: The 36-year-old actress looked gorgeous in a white blouse with a matching skirt, adding a chic gold belt and matching heels Elegant: Lindsay sported a sleeveless white blouse that grazed her thighs, adding a white skirt with a thigh slit Lindsay is in the Big Apple to promote her upcoming film Falling For Christmas, which is an original movie by Netflix. The film will start streaming on Thursday; the romantic comedy stars Lindsay, Chord Overstreet and George Young. Lindsay stars as Sierra Belmont in the Falling For Christmas, and she also serves as a executive producer. Coming soon: Lindsay is in the Big Apple to promote her upcoming film Falling For Christmas, which is an original movie by Netflix She is also starring in another Netflix project called Irish Wish, which will be released in 2023. Lindsay married financier Bader Shammas earlier this year; she confirmed the news on her Instagram after calling him her 'husband.' 'I am the luckiest woman in the world. Not because I need a man, but because he found me and knew that I wanted to find happiness and grace, all at the same time. I am stunned that this is my husband. My life and my everything. Every woman should feel like this every day,' she wrote. Lindsay and Bader got engaged in Fall 2021 after they first sparked romance rumors in February 2020. Julia Fox was seen heading to a CFDA Awards afterparty at Temple Bar in New York City late on Monday evening. The ex-girlfriend of Kanye West showed off her very toned tummy in a denim bandeau top that matched her low-rise slacks, adding a leather motorcycle jacket. Also seen heading to the soiree were Christine Quinn, Justin Theroux and Jaden Smith. Double denim: Julia Fox wore a denim outfit with a red motorcycle jacket to attend the CFDA afterparty in New York City on Monday Fox had worn a revealing Valerievi outfit to the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America awards on Monday. But then changed into a more casual look for the after party. The Uncut Gems actress appeared at the afterparty in a double denim outfit with baggy, distressed jeans and a tiny belt of denim as a bra to show off her abs. Over the outfit, she wore a cropped red motorcycle jacket. Blue jeans: The Uncut Gems actress appeared at the afterparty in a double denim outfit with baggy, distressed jeans and a tiny belt of denim as a bra to show off her abs. Over the outfit, she wore a cropped red motorcycle jacket Feeling blue: To accessorize, she carried a light denim shoulder bag to match her blue ensemble To accessorize, she carried a light denim shoulder bag to match her blue ensemble. She wore black platforms underneath the wide, bootcut jeans that were intentionally frayed at the top and distressed on one knee. The fashion trailblazer intensified her smoky eyeliner from the awards show by adding cool-toned blue eyeshadow to draw attention to her gray hair. Fox, 32, wore the same hair and makeup from the awards her brunette tresses slicked back and frosted with white at the top. The fashion trailblazer tells The Cut her hairstyle is 'a love letter to getting older'. Risky business: Fox had worn a revealing Valerievi outfit to the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America awards on Monday She opted out of any jewelry to not detract from her statement look. The outfit was her overstated interpretation of a casual party attire. The denim ensemble she sported was reminiscent of one of her previous looks. In the past spring, she stepped out in LA wearing a full outfit made out of only a pair of jeans. The trendsetter seemed to be known for these extreme looks that risk wardrobe malfunction. Her denim outfit appeared to have been chopped from the waist line to create a raw edge, and the remaining waist was flipped into a mini crop top. Glamorous: Former Selling Sunset reality star Christine Quinn attended the afterparty in a long halter gown and luxe coat after hosting the CFDA awards Suited up: American actor Justin Theroux attended the afterparty in a trim suit with only one button attached at the top The risky uniforms gave her an air of confidence and effortless composure. She looked seemingly indifferent to the daring look. The it-girl was joined by reality star Christine Quinn, who looked elegant in a black dress and heels. Actor Justin Theroux wore a suit and tie with boots. And actor-rapper Jaden Smith had on a three piece suit with bow tie. Although not in attendance at the afterparty, Fox risked a run-in with Kim Kardashian, with whom she shares an ex at the star-studded CFDA awards. Dapper: Actor-rapper Jaden Smith wore the ruffled suit and chunky boots to the afterparty that he previously sported at the CFDA awards Fox was projected into the spotlight after her relationship with the controversial musician and fashion mogul Ye. Like Kardashian, Fox's style was heavily influenced by Ye. She revealed in the past that their first date consisted of Ye making over her entire closet and throwing everything out. Her style has only grown increasingly daring. Now she has made a name of her own as a contemporary fashion pacesetter. They were heartbroken when their home passed in at auction over the weekend. But it could all be a blessing in disguise for The Block's Sharon Johal and Ankur Dogra, who are now looking forward to making a profit in a private sale. The former Neighbours star, 34, revealed on A Current Affair on Tuesday the couple was 'discussing options' with potential buyers. The Block's Sharon Johal (left, with ACA reporter Seb Costello) has revealed there are multiple buyers interested in her Gisborne home after it was passed in at auction over the weekend 'We're having two new buyers; we've had one already and another one coming in to see the property,' she told ACA reporter Seb Costello. While their time on the show was often controversial, Sharon and her husband Ankur have been gracious in defeat since Sunday's disappointing auction day. Despite walking away empty-handed, they have remained friends with the other teams and even congratulated winners Omar Slaimankhel and Ozman 'Oz' Malik. 'We're the only ones that are friends with all the couples,' Sharon told the Herald Sun. 'No one else is really talking to the boys [Omar and Oz] and haven't been for some time; they've had issues for ages, but we're fine.' 'We're having two new buyers; we've had one already and another one coming in to see the property,' said Sharon (pictured with husband Ankur Dogra and The Block host Scott Cam) It comes after The Block host Scott Cam 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 Scott telling radio show Fitzy & Wippa on Monday he's still looking for answers. 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 Scott (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, Scott 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. 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) Scott 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.' A Nine spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald, 'The Block finale was a public auction run according to the rules, and anyone is welcome to bid' - and Daily Mail Australia does not suggest otherwise. The Block buyers' advocate Frank Valentic (pictured), of Melbourne-based Advantage Property Consulting, agreed the auction outcome was 'freaky' Nine made an estimated $19million profit from The Block auction, which took place in the Macedon Ranges on Saturday and aired on the show on Sunday night. The network paid $11million last year for the 28ha plot of land, which was subdivided into seven lots with five assigned to the contestants, reports The Australian. The reserves for each home were over $4million, and Scott's own reno will likely sell at a later date. It's believed Nine will make $30million when the entire lot is sold. Channel Nine made an estimated $19million profit from The Block auction, which took place in the Macedon Ranges on Saturday and aired on the show on Sunday night. (Pictured: hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft) Omar and Oz were crowned the winners, selling their property for $5,666,666 and taking home a record-breaking $1.6million in prize money. The western Sydney mates made the largest sum of all five Block houses, far exceeding the $4.08million reserve. Ryan and Rachel Carr placed second, selling their home for a $169,000 profit. But there was also heartache for two couples, Ankur and Sharon, and Jenny Heath and Dylan Adams, who failed to sell their homes at auction. Omar Slaimankhel and Oz Malik (pictured) were crowned the winners on Sunday, selling their reno for $5,666,666 and taking home a record-breaking $1.6million in prize money Their properties were passed in when they failed to attract a bidder over the reserve, with both homes only reaching $4,075,000. The couples continued to negotiate with their highest bidders after filming. It marked the first time a Block property had failed to sell at auction since season four in 2011 when two teams' homes were passed in. Tom and Sarah-Jane didn't fare much better, with their home going for a profit of just $20,000, forcing them to sell their car to make up for lost earnings. On Monday, Oscar winner Nicolas Cage continued filming his unrecognizable role as a balding man on the Toronto set of Norweigean director Kristoffer Borgli's comedy Dream Scenario. The eccentric 58-year-old - who's currently 'commanding $4M a picture' - wore a prosthetic bald cap and padding, glasses, and a grey beard with winter clothing selected by costume designer Natalie Bronfman. Word has it that Hereditary and Midsommar filmmaker Ari Aster - who's producing Dream Scenario - was the one who convinced Nicolas to take on the mystery part in the A24 film. Action! On Monday, Oscar winner Nicolas Cage continued filming his unrecognizable role as a balding man on the Toronto set of Norweigean director Kristoffer Borgli's comedy Dream Scenario Shooting is expected to run through November 19 on Dream Scenario - which also features Tim Meadows, Michael Cera, Julianne Nicholson, and Dylan Baker. Cage was first pictured on the set October 28 while filming a scene at the entrance of a movie theater with 51-year-old Julianne, who won an Emmy Award for her work in HBO's 2021 miniseries Mare of Easttown. On Monday, C2 Motion Picture Group CEO Dave Caplan confirmed Deadline's report that The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent producer-star will co-produce and star in Osgood Perkins' psychological thriller Longlegs, which shoots next year. Nicolas reportedly received close to $3M from Universal Pictures for a supporting role as Count Dracula in Chris McKay's horror-comedy Renfield, which hits US theaters April 14. Transformation: The eccentric 58-year-old - who's currently 'commanding $4M a picture' - wore a prosthetic bald cap and padding, glasses, and a grey beard with winter clothing selected by costume designer Natalie Bronfman Horror master: Word has it that Hereditary and Midsommar filmmaker Ari Aster - who's producing Dream Scenario - was the one who convinced Nicolas to take on the mystery part in the A24 film Cast: Shooting is expected to run through November 19 on Dream Scenario - which also features Tim Meadows (L), Michael Cera (M), Julianne Nicholson (R), and Dylan Baker But first, audiences can catch Cage as Colton Briggs in his very first western Brett Donowho's The Old Way, which is scheduled to hit US theaters next month - according to IMDb. On the personal front, the Long Beach native welcomed daughter August Francesca with his fifth wife Riko Shibata on September 7. Nicolas is 31 years older than the Japanese actress, whom he married February 16, 2021 in an intimate ceremony at Nevada resort and casino, Wynn Las Vegas. 'Pumped about this one!' On Monday, C2 Motion Picture Group CEO Dave Caplan confirmed Deadline's report that Cage will co-produce and star in Osgood Perkins' psychological thriller Longlegs, which shoots next year Hitting US theaters April 14! The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent producer-star reportedly received close to $3M from Universal Pictures for a supporting role as Count Dracula in Chris McKay's horror-comedy Renfield Motivated by motherhood! Rachael Finch becomes the face of Jeans For Genes Day after being driven by the thought of baby Violet 'being in a less fortunate situation' She recently spoke to Daily Mail Australia in support of her fellow mum's right to breastfeed in public. And now Rachael Finch's motherhood has led to her involvement with Jeans For Genes Day, which raises funds for research into birth defects and diseases. 'The thought of my daughter, Violet, being in a less fortunate situation motivates me to help raise awareness around such a wonderful cause,' she told WHO Magazine. Scroll Down For Video Heart of gold! Rachael Finch offered up her amazing looks to a good cause as she becomes the face of 2014's Jeans For Genes Day The 26-year-old, who gave birth to daughter Violet last September, was adorned in various denim looks for the shoot. One picture sees her donning a double denim look, sporting jeans and a sleeveless top. Another has the Miss Unverse Australia winner in a grey top and colourful track jacket on top of her blue jeans. She pulled back her brunette locks for th e shoot, showing o ff her beautiful complexion and pretty face. 'Every child deserves a chance at a happy and healthy life,' she said to the magazine. Jeans For Genes Day 2014 takes place on Friday August 1. For a cause: She said her daughter Violet led her to join the campaign On Wednesday night Rachael spoke passionately to Daily Mail Australia about the social issue of mothers breastfeeding in public. The breastfeeding discussion was fueled by a Sunday Style article that argued women who are proud of how long they breastfeed make other mothers feel bad about their own choices. Rebecca Judd later responded to the article, saying it perpetuates the phenomena of 'mummy bullying.' On the topic, Rachael said 'as long as their child is loved, fed, happy, clothed and safe, who are we to say "youre breastfeeding in public!?"' She had daughter Violet with husband Michael Miziner, who she wed in 2013. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (AP) - The world should confront climate change the way it does nuclear weapons, by agreeing to a non-proliferation treaty that stops further production of fossil fuels, a small island nation leader urged Tuesday. The proposal by Tuvalu came as vulnerable nations pushed for more action and money at international climate talks in Egypt, while big polluters remained divided over who should pay for the damage industrial greenhouse gas emissions have done to the planet. "We all know that the leading cause of climate crisis is fossil fuels," Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano told his fellow leaders. The Pacific country has "joined Vanuatu and other nations calling for a fossil fuels non-proliferation treaty," Natano said. "Its getting too hot and there is very (little) time to slow and reverse the increasing temperature. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize fast-acting strategies." Vanuatu and Tuvalu, along with other vulnerable nations, have been flexing their moral authority against the backdrop of recent climate-related disasters. The idea of a non-proliferation treaty for coal, oil and natural gas has previously been advanced by campaigners, religious authorities including the Vatican, and some scientists, but Natano's speech gave it a boost in front of a global audience. A year ago at climate talks in Glasgow, a proposal to call for a "phase out" of coal - the dirtiest of the fossil fuels - was changed at the last minute to "phase down" by a demand from India, earning the wrath of vulnerable countries. Kausea Natano, prime minister of Tuvalu, speaks at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Since then the global energy crunch triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted a scramble by some countries and companies seeking to tap fresh gas and oil sources. Pushing back against that, vulnerable nations also called for a global tax on the profits of fossil fuel corporations that are making billions of dollars daily from sky-high energy prices. "It is about time that these companies are made to pay a global carbon tax on their profits as a source of funding for loss and damage," said Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda. "Profligate producers of fossil fuels have benefited from extortionate profits at the expense of human civilization." The idea of a windfall tax on carbon profits has gained traction in recent months amid sky-high earnings for oil and gas corporations even as consumers struggle to pay for heating their homes and filling their cars. For the first time, U.N. climate conference delegates are to discuss demands by developing nations that the richest, most polluting countries pay compensation for damage wreaked on them by climate change, which in climate negotiations is called "loss and damage." Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley said fossil fuel companies should contribute to those funds, which would provide vulnerable countries with financial aid for the climate-related losses they are suffering. Other leaders rejected the idea. "I think this is not the place now to develop tax rules, but rather to jointly develop measures to protect against the consequences of climate change," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters. If the small islands cant get a global tax on fossil fuel profits, Antigua's Browne suggested going to international courts to get polluters to pay. Scientists from Dartmouth College calculated specific damages for all the worlds countries and how much was caused by other nations, saying it would work well in international court cases. Browne quoted William Shakespeares "Macbeth" in sharing his frustration with lack of action. "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time. And all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death," Browne said. Despite 27 climate summits "tomorrow has not come," he said. Speaking for a country that has suffered from the consequences of climate change recently, Somalias president said it faces "one of the worst droughts in modern history." President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said more than 7 million Somalis, or about half the population, cannot meet their basic food needs as the Horn of Africa region has seen two years of failed rains. "We are trying desperately to respond," he said. The drought has killed thousands of people, many of them children. It is also reshaping Somalias landscape as the country struggles with one of the worlds fastest urbanization rates as many people flee parched areas. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif told fellow leaders how his country was struck by catastrophic floods in recent months that affected 33 million people and caused more than $30 billion in economic damage. "This all happened despite our very low carbon footprints," Sharif said, insisting: "Of course it was a manmade disaster." Sharif called for additional financial support for his country and others suffering from the effects of climate change, saying money to help Pakistan rebuild after the floods should be on top of other aid and not come in the form of loans. Further debts, he said "would be a financial death trap." The president of Malawi, meanwhile, praised those leaders present in Egypt for simply showing up. "The temptation to abstain from COP this year was great," President Lazarus Chakwera said, referring to the talks by their U.N. acronym, "because of the great and unprecedented economic hardships your citizens are suffering." "But you resisted this temptation and chose the path of courage," he said. Chakwerea said any agreements forged at the two-week meeting should recognize the different abilities of countries such as the United States and China, and developing nations like his own. There is growing pressure on Beijing to step up its climate efforts given its massive economic clout. So far, the world's biggest polluter has insisted that it cannot be held to the same standards as developed economies like the United States or Europe because it is still lifting millions of its citizens out of poverty. Beijing's climate envoy said Tuesday that the meeting in Egypt should focus on "implementation" of existing pledges. "The developed countries will take the lead in effectively scaling up their emission reduction targets and achieving carbon neutrality ahead of time," Xie Zhenhua said, according to an official translation of the speech. Xie said it was up to developed countries to "achieve substantive results" on measures for adapting to climate change and financial aid for the poor that are "of greatest concern to developing countries." The U.S. mid-term elections were hanging over the talks, with many environmental campaigners worried that defeat for the Democrats could make it harder for President Joe Biden to pursue his ambitious climate agenda. Also hanging over the conference was the fate of one of Egypts most prominent jailed pro-democracy activists, Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who has been imprisoned for most of the past decade. He stopped even drinking water Sunday, the first day of the conference, vowing he is willing to die if not released, his family said. Numerous world leaders raised his case in meetings with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and the head of the U.N. human rights office called for his immediate release. Egypts longtime history of suppressing dissent has raised controversy over its hosting the annual conference, with many climate activists complaining that restrictions by the host are quieting civil society. ___ Seth Borenstein and Samy Magdy contributed to this report. ___ 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. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, speaks via video at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Abdoulaye Maiga, acting prime minister of Mali, walks onstage to speak at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Kausea Natano, prime minister of Tuvalu, speaks to The Associated Press at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Teresa de Miguel) Climate activists Luisa Neubauer, of Germany, left, and Vanessa Nakate, of Uganda, center, joined by others of Fridays for Future protest against Germany's Olaf Scholz's climate policy at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Mia Mottley, prime minister of Barbados, speaks at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Trees stand in a small park in Frankfurt, Germany, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Sanaa Seif, sister of Egypt's jailed leading pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah, who is on a hunger and water strike, speaks during a sessions at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Journalists work in a media room at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, prime minister of Pakistan, listens to speeches at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, center left, walks after speaking at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. European Council President Charles Michel is at left. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Members of the Kuwait delegation talk at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Xie Zhenhua, China's special envoy for climate, speaks at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) A SENIOR Harare lawyer accused of unprofessional conduct for allegedly negotiating to buy an immovable property from an accused person without consulting his client has been cleared of wrongdoing by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ). Agmos Moyo from Kantor and Immerman, was representing South African firm, Umbrella Holding and Goldstone against local businessman Rodney Dangarembizi who had allegedly swindled his client of more than US$1 million in an agricultural service deal. Umbrella Holdings and Goldstone, represented by directors Antony Denga and Owen Sher reported Moyo to LSZ after they suspected that the transaction could be a bribe meant to destroy their case against Dangarembizi. Denga also raised a host of complaints against Moyo, forcing the latter to recuse himself from representing the firm. In clearing Moyo, LSZ said the complaint was made by a disgruntled client who failed to substantiate the allegations. LSZ, through its secretary Edward Mapara, said the council was of the view that the complaint was without merit and ought to be dismissed. Council at its meeting held on the 30 of August 2022 considered your complaint and the respondents responses. Council noted that this complaint was made by disgruntled litigants. You failed to substantiate your allegations against the respondent. You were dissatisfied with the decision of the court and you ought to have sought recourse from the same court. Council was of the view that the complaint was without merit and ought to be dismissed, Mapara said in the letter that cleared Moyo. Council resolved that the respondent be found not guilty of any unprofessional conduct and that the complaint be dismissed. We will, therefore, proceed to close the file and will not take any further action. Be advised accordingly. Denga had accused Moyo of negotiating an out-of-court settlement with Dangarembizi in his absence and preparing a deed of settlement whose contents were never made public, leading to delays in the court case. In his response to LSZ, Moyo said he had made an offer to purchase a property, which he later discovered belonged to Dangarembizi. I went into the market for the purchase of an immovable property. My offer was duly accepted and I requested the usual property documentation in order to carry out the due diligence exercise in respect of the property. That is when I discovered it belonged to Rodney Dangarembizi, Moyo said at the time. Newsday A fresh new concept featuring an Italian chef is set to open at the historic Dayton Arcade. Dayton Arcade to welcome new Italian Restaurant A fresh new concept featuring an Italian chef is set to open at the historic Dayton Arcade. Est! Est!! Est!!! will open at 45 W. Fourth Street in the Arcades Commercial and Fourth Street Buildings. At the corner of Fourth and Ludlow Streets, this location will be an extension of Mayfair Hospitalitys flagship restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina that has been in operation since early 2022. The dining space will feature an intimate feel with authentic Italian food and an extensive wine selection, as well as exterior and interior patio dining. Est! Est!! Est!!! will serve an array of appetizers, brick oven pizzas, handmade pasta, gelato, and other authentic Italian dishes. Their menu will be enjoyed with fun Italian cocktails or a glass of wine from the restaurants sophisticated wine list. Est! Est!! Est!!! will be led by Chef Simone Conosciani of Rome, Italy. Being Italian, it has been a life-long dream of mine to bring authentic Italian cuisine to the United States. Living in the United States has given me nothing but further inspiration for all types of cuisine from around the world. The pure expression of culture through food, in my opinion, is magical, said Chef Conosciani. Construction on Est! Est!! Est!!!s 5,520 sf space at the Dayton Arcade is set to begin in the next few weeks, with an anticipated opening date of spring 2023. Est! Est!! Est!!! joins a growing list of food-based businesses to open in the Dayton Arcade, including Gather by Ghostlight, Table 33, and the 6888 Kitchen. BJP state president Somu Veerraju said the party leaders have proposed two routes -- one from Old ITI (NAD) to Ammavari temple and another on the RK Beach Road. (Twitter) Vishakapatnam: The state unit of the BJP will organise a roadshow to accord a grand welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 11, party president Somu Veerraju has said. Addressing a press conference in Visakhapatnam on Monday, Veerraju said the party leaders have proposed two routes -- one from Old ITI (NAD) to Ammavari temple and another on the RK Beach Road. We submitted the proposals to the party high command in New Delhi and the leaders will decide as to which route is better for the roadshow, Veerraju said. The BJP chief said on November 12, before launching the new projects here, the prime minister might hold a discussion with senior state-level leaders of the BJP. The Modi visit would be used by the party to tell the people that all the recent developmental initiatives in Visakhapatnam were done at the behest of the central government, he said. The state government, under YSRC rule, did not take up any development except for supporting the mafias that have taken over the rackets in sand business and land-grabbing, he said. Unemployment scenario remains worse. There is no job calendar, no talk of mega DSC and no filling of police department posts. The chief minister also diverted the SC sub-plan funds, the BJP chief alleged. The BJP, on its part, is organising Sampark Abhiyan in Dalit Hamlets programme of the party in all the districts for the benefit of the SCs. The one that we held in Kadapa the other day was obstructed by the ruling YSRC members, he said. Asked whether the BJP would be inviting Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan for the public meeting, Veerraju said the party has invited all the political parties for their participation in the PMs meeting. Asked about the special category status (SCS) and privatization of the steel plant, Veerraju said former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu had collected `7,500 crore as a special package for AP instead of the special category status. SCS and the steel plant privatization issue are now part of history, said Rajya Sabha member GVL Narasimha Rao. HYDERABAD: The forests in Vikarabad district, a popular weekend destination for many from the city, are fast turning into killing grounds for chital, or the spotted deer, the state animal. On an average at least one chital is being killed by packs of stray dogs roaming the reserve forests in the district, particularly in and around the popular Anantagiri Hills and the Damagundam forest block. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had selected the chital as the state animal in November 2014. On the state governments Telangana State portal, the spotted deer is described as an animal that reflects the mindset of the people of Telangana as it (the deer) is very sensitive and innocent. The portal also says the chital is deeply associated with Indian history and a reference to this graceful animal was there in the great epic Ramayana. However, despite the sentiments with which the deer was chosen as the state animal the chital do not appear to have any help in the face of packs of dogs that roam the Vikarabad forests. These attacks rise, according to some residents in the area, just after monsoon after the rutting season. Sometimes, heavily pregnant female deer fall prey to the dogs. Even fully grown stags are killed regularly by the dogs from the villages that dot the forest. We have asked the local municipal officials multiple times to catch the stray dogs. They say they do not have the manpower and sometimes cite the problems they had in the past with animal rights groups which insist that the dogs cannot be removed from their areas, Vikarabad range officer Aruna Naik said, when asked about the steps taken by the forest department to end the stray dog attacks on the deer. There are three civic bodies the Vikarabad municipality, and the Podur and Kotrepalli mandal parishads whose jurisdictions have patches of these forests, and unless officials from all three work together, the stray dog menace cannot be checked. The latest instance of a deer being killed occurred next to the fence of the upcoming National Prison Academy on the morning of November 6. The 150-acre prison academy area that is being fenced is cutting off the traditional moving routes of the deer that move from one patch of the forest to another. The new real estate ventures coming up in the area too are learnt to be cutting off access to the deer. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court acquitted three men sentenced to death for the gangrape and murder of a 19-year-old woman in Delhi's Chhawla area in 2012, noting the prosecution failed to provide leading, cogent, clinching and clear evidence, including those related to DNA profiling and call detail records (CDRs), against the accused. The three men were accused of abducting, gangraping and brutally killing the woman in February 2012. Her mutilated body was found three days after she was abducted. A bench of Chief Justice U U Lalit and Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi acquitted the convicts in a 40-page order passed on Monday. "The evidence with regard to the arrest of the accused, their identification, discoveries and recoveries of the incriminating articles, identity of the car, the seizures and sealing of the articles and collection of samples, the medical and scientific evidence, the report of DNA profiling, the evidence with regard to the CDRs etc. were not proved by the prosecution by leading, cogent, clinching and clear evidence much less unerringly pointing the guilt of the accused, the bench said. It said that the possibility of tampering with the samples collected also could not be ruled out. "The prosecution has to bring home the charges levelled against them beyond reasonable doubt, which the prosecution has failed to do in the instant case, resultantly, the court is left with no alternative but to acquit the accused, though involved in a very heinous crime, it said. It may be true that if the accused involved in the heinous crime go unpunished or are acquitted, a kind of agony and frustration may be caused to the society in general and to the family of the victim in particular, however the law does not permit the courts to punish the accused on the basis of moral conviction or on suspicion alone, the bench said. "The court is constrained to make these observations as the court has noticed many glaring lapses having occurred during the course of the trial. It has been noticed from the record that out of the witnesses examined by the prosecution, 10 material witnesses were not cross-examined and many other important witnesses were not adequately cross-examined by the defence counsel. It may be reminded that Section 165 of the Indian Evidence Act confers unbridled powers upon the trial courts to put any question at any stage to the witnesses to elicit the truth, it said. The bench added, In the instant case, material witnesses examined by the prosecution having not been either cross-examined or adequately examined, and the trial court also having acted as a passive umpire, we find that the accused were deprived of their rights to have a fair trial, apart from the fact that the truth also could not be elicited by the trial court... The accused are acquitted from the charges levelled against them by giving them a benefit of doubt. The bench, however, said that family members of the victim would be entitled to the compensation even though the accused have been acquitted. In 2014, a trial court awarded death penalty to the three accused, terming the case rarest-of-rare. The judgment was later upheld by the Delhi High Court. According to the prosecution, the woman worked in Gurgaon's Cyber City area and belonged to Uttarakhand. She was returning from her workplace and was near her home when the three men abducted her in a car. When she didn't return home, her parents lodged a missing person report, the prosecution said, adding that the woman's mutilated and decomposing body was found in a village in Rewari, Haryana. The police found multiple injuries on the woman's body. Further investigation and autopsy revealed she was attacked with car tools, glass bottles, metal objects, and other weapons. She was also raped, they said. Police arrested the three men involved in the crime and said one of the accused allegedly took revenge after the woman turned down his proposal. WARANGAL: Vice-chairman of the state planning commission Boinapally Vinod Kumar laid stress on the need for the radical change in Indian election system for the sake of future generations. Along with the TRS leaders, Vinod Kumar visited the famous Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple and offered special prayer after the TRS victory in the Munugode bypolls here at Vemulawada in Rajanna Sircilla district on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, Vinod Kumar said that the TRS had gained 42.9 per cent of the votes in the Munugode Assembly bypoll. The Congress party lost its traditional vote bank, that is why it lost its deposit in the Munugode byelections. Ponnam Prabhabkar, who contested on a Congress ticket from Karimnagar Parliamentary segment in the previous elections, has also lost his deposit. If Ponnam would have got the required number of votes of deposit, then I would have won as an MP from Karimnagar, he said. Even though 62 per cent of votes were polled against the BJP, by getting only 32 per cent of votes across the country, the BJP formed a government at the centre and Narendra Modi became Prime Minister. This is the election system that India has, and it must be changed, he opined. In other countries, the election system depends on the major percentage of votes any party gets in the election process and its candidates will be elected, which is good for coming generations. It is time for the intellectuals to discuss the Indian election system, he appealed. Speaking about the development of the temple, Vinod Kumar said that the state government was committed to the development of the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple, which is known as Dakshina Kashi. Several developmental works along with the expansion of the temple are already in progress. Very soon, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao will conduct a review meeting and take up the developmental works of the Rajanna temple along with completing the works as early as possible, he added. VISAKHAPATNAM: The state BJP unit is awaiting permission from the Prime Ministers Office and the special protection group to conduct a roadshow to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the city on November 11. Senior BJP leaders, including state chief Somu Veerraju, Rajya Sabha member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao and former floor leader P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, held a meeting at the partys Visakhapatnam office on Tuesday to discuss arrangements for a roadshow. If permissions are accorded, the plan is to hold a roadshow from NAD or at RK Beach, party members said. We are expecting confirmation from SPG on Wednesday morning, Vishnu Kumar Raju said. Meanwhile, TD leaders said that their MLAs Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, P.V.G.R. Naidu and Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar and MLC Duvvarapu Rama Rao are yet to get invitations for the PMs event. Even if they get invitations, the chances of being allowed into the venue could be remote, given the present situation, TD vice-president Pasarla Prasad said. Recalling PMs Bhimavaram programme, where a ruling party MP was denied entry, another leader said the Vizag PM programme would be a YSRC-only show. Jana Sena leader and GVMC corporator P.L.N. Murthy Yadav, who is leading a campaign against YSRC on land grabbing, said he was yet to get an invitation, as per the protocol, as the venue for the event Andhra University falls under his ward. I have written to the PMO seeking invitation to participate in the PM programme. The letter has been acknowledged but no invitation was sent, Murthy Yadav said. In view of the PMs visit, the police promulgated Section 30 to prevent all rallies and processions in the city until further orders. HYDERABAD: Minister K.T. Rama Rao, through a tweet on Tuesday, asked education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy to resolve the issue of hostel accommodation at Nizam College, following which she said she would personally look into it. The exchange came after first-year undergraduate girl students protested outside the principals chamber on Saturday seeking hostel accommodation, alleging that the college was only housing PG students. Following the protest, 15 students were detained by the Abids police. On Tuesday, reacting to a video of the clashes between the police and the students, Rama Rao tweeted that a girls hostel was built and that the current situation was unwarranted. Sabitha Indra Reddy responded with the tweet: I will personally look into the matter @KTRTRS garu. Will resolve it ASAP. She said she would hold a meeting with higher education officials over the hostel issue on Wednesday and announce a decision after the meeting. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders greeted L K Advani, considered the architect of the party's rise as a major national force, on his 95th birthday on Tuesday. Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Advani's residence here to greet him. After visiting Advani, Modi tweeted, His contribution to India's growth is monumental. He is respected all across India for his vision and intellect. His role in building and strengthening the BJP is unparalleled. I pray for his long and healthy life. Home Minister Amit Shah said Advani, with his relentless efforts, strengthened the party organisation across the country and also made invaluable contribution to the country's development while being part of the government. Shah wished him good health and a long life. Union minister Nitin Gadkari called Advani a source of inspiration. Singh said Advani has made a very important contribution to the country, society and the party and is counted among the country's tallest personalities. Paying rich tributes to the veteran who groomed a generation of young leaders, BJP president J P Nadda described him as a leading light of Indian politics and a guide to party leaders. His life dedicated to the nation and the party is a source of inspiration to them, he said. Born in 1927 in Karachi, now part of Pakistan, Advani joined the RSS at a young age and later worked for Jana Sangh where he made a mark with his organisational abilities. He was a founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980 and was its face along with former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for several decades. He is also the BJP's longest serving president. A keen strategist, Advani's 'Rath Yatra' in 1990 in support of building the Ram temple in Ayodhya at a site believed to be the birth place of Lord Ram is seen as an epochal turn in national politics, marking the unstoppable rise of the party to power. While Vajpayee, the popular face of the party who enjoyed acceptability beyond its support base, became prime minister, Advani was home minister. He became deputy prime minister later. HYDERABAD: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Telangana on November 12, the TRS has launched a 'protocol war' on the BJP. The PM will arriving in the state to dedicate to the nation the Ramagundam Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd (RFCL) plant at Ramagundam. The TRS on Tuesday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of not following protocol and insulting Telangana people by sending a communication asking Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao to participate in the inaugural event rather than inviting him. The TRS took to Twitter to lash out at the BJP and Modi on this issue. The party claimed that despite the Telangana government having 11 per cent stake in RFCL and offering the Centre all assistance necessary to revive the plant, the Centre had failed to send a proper invitation to the CM. Further, the party took serious objection to the CM's name appearing on the list behind the PM and Dr Mansukh Mandavya, Union's minister of fertilisers. Party sources said the the Centre's communication to the CMO stated, "You are requested to participate in the event." The party questioned the need for the PM to inaugurate or dedicate the plant to the country since production had commenced in March last year and approximately 10 lakh tonnes of fertiliser had been produced, the majority of which had been used in Telangana. The TRS further claimed that the BJP was attempting to use the RFCL event to deflect attention away from the recent Munugode bypoll fiasco as well as from the poachgate controversy in which the BJP allegedly attempted to buy four TRS MLAs before the Munugode bypoll. The Telangana government, according to the party leaders, purchased land, built roads, spent Rs 100 crore on Mission Bhagiratha to supply drinking water to the plant's new township, as well as providing Yellampalli project with a reliable power and water supply to support the revival of the plant and production. An additional Rs 160 crore was spent to create infrastructure facilities at the plant, the party added. Party sources claimed that the CM never broke protocol and that he did not receive Modi at the airport only when the Prime Minister arrived to take part in 'private programmes' such as inauguration of Statue of Equality, the event marking the Indian School of Business anniversary and the BJP's national executive meetings. They said as per protocol there was no need for the CM to receive the PM on private visits. They recalled that when the CM tried to welcome and meet the PM when he arrived in Hyderabad in November 2020 to visit Bharat Biotech, the PMO refused the permission. As a result, the CM stayed away from the PMs private visits. CHENNAI: The DMK has decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against the verdict upholding the validity of the 103rd Amendment to the Constitution, thus allowing the implementation of 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among the upper castes in employment and education, DMK general secretary Duraimurugan announced. The move was to protect the social justice of 82 per cent of the countrys population comprising people from the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, safeguard the basic structure of the Constitution and uphold principles of reservation laid down through the judgment on the Mandal Commission case, he said. The DMK, which had been traditionally fighting for social justice, will take up the case, Mr Duraimurugan said in a statement on Tuesday, pointing to the remarks of one of the dissenting Supreme Courts judges, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, that the amendment will weaken social justice and shatter the basic structure of the Constitution. He also noted that Chief Justice of India U.U. Lalit had sided with Justice Bhat. The Tamil Nadu government had announced earlier on Tuesday that it would convene a meeting of all legislature parties on November 12 to discuss the next course of action following the Supreme Court upholding the 10 per cent EWS quota. It said that chief minister M.K. Stalin will chair the meeting. This quota system is against social justice and equality and contrary to the social justice policy, a government release said about the EWS reservation. The CM has written to all legislature party leaders on the matter and each party can nominate two representatives for the meeting, it said. Stalin had on Monday said the Supreme Court verdict on EWS was a setback to century-long social justice struggle. Tamil Nadu has 69 per cent quota in education and jobs and a case is currently pending in the apex court against the reservation system. Vijayawada: The Jana Sena on Tuesday announced a financial aid of Rs 1 lakh each for residents of Ippatam village whose constructions were razed for road-widening works in Tadepalli mandal of Guntur district. Partys political affairs committee chairman Nadendla Manohar said on Tuesday that party chief Pawan Kalyan visited the village. He said that the ruling YSR Congress government demolished compound walls and houses partially, using heavy machinery amid heavy police deployment last Friday, to avenge villagers for the support extended to Jana Sena to hold an event in the village on March 14. Manohar said that Pawan Kalyan was moved by the suffering of the villagers during his visit and decided to extend moral and financial support to the victims. He said that Pawan Kalyan himself would hand over the aid in person to the affected people soon. Democracies start off setting for themselves lofty goals which they hope to achieve at some point in time. The Declaration of Independence of the United States insisted that all men are created equal but it took another 87 years and a civil war for it to abolish slavery and more time to give women voting rights. The Civil Rights Act which bestowed citizens of colour their basic rights was passed as late as 1964. Passed one and three quarters of a century after the US Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of India resolved to secure to all its citizens such great goals as justice, liberty and equality, knowing well that the task was too daunting. It incorporated an Article (Article 17) to abolish Untouchability, an age-old practice of keeping people off human activity based on the caste into which they had been born, reflecting the social realities of the time. Reservation for education and in jobs based on caste and social and educational backwardness was a tool the framers of the Constitution deployed primarily to ensure representation in power to peoples who had been kept off the mainstream for ages. That logic of affirmative action for handholding discriminated communities has changed now. All the five judges of the Constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Monday upheld the 103rd amendment to the Constitution which provided reservation based on economic criteria. While the majority judgments of three judges also found the 50 per cent ceiling in reservation, fixed by a nine-member bench of the apex court, can be breached, two others held that the ceiling is inviolable. The majority judgment, again, held that those who get reservation otherwise are not eligible for reservation based on economic criteria while the other two held it as discrimination. All democracies and their Constitutions are works in progress and those who believe that it is time we introduced an economic criterion to reservation can take heart in the constitutional amendment and the court verdict. The long and short of the exercise is that it is the polity, and the will of the people as reflected in Parliament, which decides the course of the nation, not just the written documents. The framers of the Constitution did not include economic criteria not because there were no poor people in India when they were on the job: Estimates say between 65 and 80 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line at the time of Independence. It is not that their proportion has gone up now: Various agencies would put the size of such a population now between 20 and 30 per cent. It would have been more logical if the apex court had placed on record data to support the introduction of economic criteria for reservations and to make a shift in affirmative action aiming at lifting the fortunes of people from those groups. It is ironic that the judges who said reservation cannot be forever and must be reviewed for their efficacy added another category to the quotas, but the point cannot be missed. The Constitution has promised the creation of an egalitarian society and it is the job of governments to work towards that ideal. There must be periodical assessment of the reservation policy and its impact based on data and changes made accordingly. Otherwise, it will be reduced to a political tool of inefficient governments used in order to escape the scrutiny of the people. Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter, said he had "no choice" but to severely downsize the company's workforce, a move that has thrown the future of many up in the air, especially those employed on work visas, like the H-1B. Regarding Twitters reduction in force, unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4M/day. Everyone exited was offered 3 months of severance, which is 50% more than legally required. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 4, 2022 Musk's purported severance package has not spelled relief for all, as an interview of Twitter employees with The New York Times shows. As per a Forbes article, where they cite US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data, analysed by the National Foundation for American Policy, Twitter has 625 to 670 employees in H-1B status, which represents 8 per cent of the company's 7,500 employees. Also read | Elon Musk defends paid blue tick plans for Twitter One individual commented, "All of the people I know who are here on visas have no idea what will happen to them. And they have not been told anything. So this is more than just privileged tech people crying because were moving from one six-figure salary to another six-figure salary. These are people who are trying to immigrate to this country and have gainful employment and do a good job, who are highly skilled." Another said, "Some of them are here on work visas. If they lose this job, they have 60 days to find another job, or theyre out of the country. So it could not be more serious for the folks who have these jobs." What is an H-1B visa? The H1-B visa is granted under the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 101, so US employers can temporarily hire foreign workers for specialty positions. What are the H-1B visa rules if a worker is laid off? As per the USCIS, if employees are laid off, fired, if they quit, or otherwise cease employment with the previous employer, they have up to 60 consecutive days or until the end of the authorised validity period whichever is shorter to find new employment, change the status, or depart from the US. If people find new employment, they can transfer under the H-1B Portability Rule where they can begin working for the new employer the day the USCIS gets the new employer's H-1B transfer petition. However, this must come before the H-1B visa expires. Also read | Twitter fires over 90% of India staff, leaving just a dozen What laid-off Twitter employees with H-1B visas can do For H-1B workers who have already been counted against the annual quota, there is some upside, as William Stock of Klasko Immigration Law Partners explained to Forbes, saying, "H-1B workers benefit from the fact that they have already been counted against the annual H-1B quota, so it is somewhat easier for another employer to sponsor them." Another option for H-1B workers who cannot find a job after the layoff is to file for an I-539 application which changes the status of the visa to B-2. This is essentially a tourist visa, which gets the worker out of the immigration jam for some time but they cannot work in the US on this visa, so they must have savings to support themselves while job hunting. If Twitter employees have applied for green cards, then their options depend on the stage of the process. For those who have filled up the I-140 immigrant petition, and it has been approved for six months the place in the backlog line is secure. However, a green card is based on someone taking up the job they were sponsored for, so a change in employers usually requires applicants to repeat the first two stages of the process. Those in the last stage of the process, called adjustment of status, have it relatively easier in switching employees without impacting their green card application. There is a rush, nonetheless, because a job offer has to be shown to complete the green card process. Stock explained, "An H-1B visa holder would not be able to make an application for adjustment of status, however, unless they have a job offer from the petitioning employer in the same job for which the immigrant petition is approved. An H-1B visa holder who transfers to a new employer would need that employer to file a new labor certification and immigrant petition on their behalf. That new immigrant petition would have the same priority date as the first immigrant petition filed by earlier employers." As distress calls started coming in from Keralites among the Indian seafarers held in Equatorial Guinea, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take urgent measures for their release. As many as 16 Indians were in the Norwegian vessel MT Heroic Idun held in Equatorial Guinea on August 12. Even as the shipping company reportedly paid the fines on September 28, the seafarers are yet to be released. Three Keralites among them had contacted their families in Kerala and expressed fears that they were being taken to Nigeria. They also sent video messages conveying their plight. Around 15 are kept in a room and not being given food and water, they said. There were also reports that chief officer Sanu Joseph was already taken to Nigeria. The Chief Minister said in a letter to the Prime Minister that the undue delay in the release would affect the mental and physical health of crew members and could also put their lives in danger. A cap on university places available in Northern Ireland is acting like a handbrake on the regions economy, MPs have warned. The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee highlighted that in 2019 about two thirds of the 17,000 local students who were studying in Great Britain did not return. The committee said that trend was widening the gap between the skills employers want and the talent available within the regions workforce. In 2020, the cap on student places across Northern Irelands two universities was set between 6,000 and 7,000, the committee said. In a report focusing on bolstering investment in Northern Ireland, the committee urged Stormont and the Government to work together to find ways to raise the cap. Committee chairman Simon Hoare said: Northern Ireland generates no shortage of talented people and has two fantastic universities, but a brain drain has persisted, leaving Northern Ireland worse off. Although no panacea, we think raising the cap would help slow the leak, leading to greater prosperity, and we want the UK Government and the Executive, when formed, to find ways of increasing student numbers. Prosperity is the other side of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement coin, and this is why getting these things right is so important. Earlier this year, former Stormont economy minister Gordon Lyons highlighted the financial implications of raising the cap, warning it would require introducing higher tuition fees or taking money from another Stormont department. Northern Irish students who study at local universities currently pay 4,630 a year in tuition fees, compared with a maximum of 9,250 for those who study in England. Last month, Mr Lyons announced a full review of the higher education funding system. The committee also urged reform of the apprenticeship levy in Northern Ireland. It expressed concern that, unlike the system in England, the money generated by the levy on businesses in the region is not ring-fenced to fund apprenticeships. Funds raised by the levy in Northern Ireland can be spent on any policy area. Mr Hoare added: We heard frustrations that businesses are seeing little return for their money. Meanwhile, good people in areas of high unemployment in Northern Ireland are blocked from getting the skills that would enable them to secure the stable jobs they sorely need and deserve. Given the damage this could do to business confidence and the demand to increase training in Northern Ireland, a way around this while respecting devolution must be found. Committee members also highlighted that Northern Ireland has received proportionally less than the other UK nations from the first round of the Governments Levelling Up funding. They called on the Government to work more collaboratively with Stormont and consider giving it more control over how Levelling Up funding is spent. The committee also urged the Government to ensure there are no gaps or shortfalls in allocations from the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is due to replace outgoing EU structural funding. Irish parliamentarians have paid tribute to the 10 victims of the Creeslough service station blast and the strength of their community a month on from the tragedy. Politicians also emphasised the continuing need for counselling supports, particularly ahead of the Christmas period, as the pain and grief was still very raw. The names of the victims of the tragedy were read out in the Irish parliaments lower house, Dail Eireann, as time was set aside to remember the victims of the devastating explosion in the Co Donegal village. The names of the victims were listed by several politicians: Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe, fashion student Jessica Gallagher, Celtic fan Martin McGill, Sydney native James OFlaherty, Catherine ODonnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan, shop worker Martina Martin, 14-year-old Leona Harper, and carpenter Hugh Kelly. Speaking in the chamber on Tuesday afternoon, they also praised the work of the local clergy, the locals who who tried to help those trapped in the blast rubble, and the first responders at the scene. The moving speech of James OFlahertys teenage son Hamish at his fathers funeral was also praised by politicians. Minister for Agriculture and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue said that the moment at 3.18pm on October 7 would be etched into the souls of the people of Donegal for generations. He said: Each of our emergency services working with local people were heroic in their efforts. They risked their own lives to save those in Creeslough. He also paid tribute to the cross-community response, as well as the digger driver who worked late into the night without taking a break to help with the recovery efforts. He added: When the Taoiseach Micheal Martin visited the site the day after the explosion, he was very much moved by how volunteers were so giving of their time as part of the search efforts as well as ensuring everyone at the site was looked after. He mentioned the Coffee Pod cafe that looked after people, as well as Father John Joe Duffy, who Mr McConalogue called a tower of strength. He added: Our thoughts at all times have never left those who have lost their loved ones and whose lives are irreparably changed and altered forever. He said that the Taoiseach wanted to praise the work of those at the coffee shop Coffee Pod in particular. The road that the service station is located on remains closed, but Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan told the Dail that they would do everything to help restore that connectivity. Mr Ryan said also that he had attended mass at St Michaels Church in Creeslough two weeks ago, when Father Duffy was absent due to contracting Covid-19. Sinn Fein TD for Donegal Pearse Doherty said that a focus needed to be put on what the community in Creeslough needed. He said: The grief felt by their families in the community of Creeslough is the grief of this nation, and indeed, beyond its waves. Their loss is the loss for the nation. We also need to recognise that the physical hub of the community is destroyed, it lies in rubble. Labour leader and TD Ivana Bacik said that it was hoped that answers would be forthcoming to make some sense of the tragedy. The question of what if may be in the back of our minds, and the one thing that may come out of any report and any investigation is that we might find recommendations that could be applied to prevent any such similar terrible event or incident reoccurring, she said. The incident is being treated as a tragic accident, with a gas leak believed to be one theory. Former Gaeltacht minister and Fine Gael TD for Donegal Joe McHugh said he would like to remember the people who were still hurting over the enormous loss, this enormous tragedy. He said: Its very very raw for the people who are still grieving. Were in the middle of the months minds and Im conscious this evening that there are people who are in tremendous pain and are hurting for the loss of their loved ones, their neighbours, their relatives, their friends. Sinn Fein TD Matt Carty said that Creeslough is a symbol of the best of humanity, the best of Ireland, the best of Donegal, a symbol of community coming together, of resilience, of solidarity. Donegal TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn said that they had just reasons to criticise the actions Church in Ireland before, but that the way in which priests supported the locals in Creeslough was admirable. Brid Smith said that she understands that a surge in demand for counselling services is expected in the lead up to Christmas, which she said was perfectly understandable. She added: Christmas is a time for family, for joy, and for togetherness, and it is going to be very, very tough on them. So I think all of our thoughts should be with the family and friends and indeed those who are injured and those who ended up in hospital or maybe still are in hospital. Emer Higgins told the Dail that Creeslough is an exceptionally strong community and that while they grieve the loss of their loved ones, they will learn to laugh and smile again. Independent Donegal TD Thomas Pringle said that he was disappointed that drop-in counselling services were scaled back at Creeslough, and that the weeks ahead will be difficult for those dealing with the unspeakable tragedy. He said that some members of the community were struggling with sleeping in particular. Mr Pringle also criticised junior minister Josepha Madigan for a tweet she sent soon after news of the tragedy emerged, which he said was in such bad taste that its hard to understand. Ms Madigan has apologised for the tweet. Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail said that a pall of grief and sadness fell over the country after the tragedy, and noted the sincerity of the contributions by politicians. He and members of the chamber then stood for a minutes silence to remember the victims and the heroes of Creeslough, but also the victims of the 2015 Carrickmines fire, the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, and the teenage girls killed in a Navan road crash in 2005, who were all mentioned during the tributes. Spectacular drone light show marks 73th anniversary of PLA Air Force (People's Daily App) 13:51, November 08, 2022 A drone show featuring hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles lit up the night sky over Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force. The formation of drones creates the shapes of various air force fighter jets and other objects in the sky. The PLA Air Force was founded on November 11, 1949, about a month after the founding of the People's Republic of China. (Video source: official weibo account of PLA) (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- November, 8, 2022 -- Silvaco Group, Inc. (Silvaco), a provider of TCAD, EDA software and design IP, today announced the addition of John Cleveland, Dr. Hau Lee, William Molloie, Dr. Walden Rhines and Jodi Shelton to its board of directors (the Board). The new members bring a wealth of financial, business, and operational expertise to the Board to help oversee Silvacos domestic and global businesses. The new board members are all accomplished executives with strong technology, management, financial and human resources experience in the high-technology market, said Kathy Pesic, the Chair of the Board. These additions to the Board will guide our business as we continue to serve the semiconductor and optoelectronics design communities and help strengthen the corporate governance of Silvaco. John Cleveland served as Chief Human Resources Officer of Seagate Technology Holdings plc, a data storage and management solutions company, from 2017 to 2020, and as its Vice President Global Compensation, Benefits, Mobility, Compliance, M&A from 2006 to 2017. Prior to joining Seagate, Mr. Cleveland held human resources and leadership roles at various high-technology systems, software, semiconductor, and aerospace companies. Mr. Cleveland is a lead advisor of SkyDeck Berkeley, a startup accelerator at the University of California, Berkeley, is an executive advisor to Empath Ventures and Neowork Ventures and was an adjunct faculty lecturer at San Jose State University. Mr. Cleveland received a B.A in industrial psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. Dr. Hau L. Lee is the Thoma Professor of Operations, Information and Technology at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His areas of specialization include global value chain innovations, supply chain management, global logistics, inventory modeling, and environmental and social responsibility. Dr. Lee is also the faculty advisor for the Stanford Institute for Innovations in Developing Economies and is a co-director of the Stanford Value Chain Innovation Initiative. Dr. Lee has been elected to the US National Academy of Engineering, and is a Fellow of INFORMS, MSOM and POMS. He has consulted extensively in the public and private sectors, and was a co-founder of DemandTec, which went public in 2007. Dr. Lee serves on the board and advisory board of several logistics services and supply chain software companies and has also given executive training workshops on supply chain management and global logistics in Asia, Europe, and [North] America. Dr. Lee received a B.Soc.Sc. in Economics and Statistics from the University of Hong Kong, a M.Sc. in Operational Research from the London School of Economics and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Operations Research from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. William Molloie is currently a Lecturer in the graduate program of the University of California, San Diego, Rady School of Management and is a member of the Board and the compensation committee of a San Diego-based early-stage biotech company. In July 1986, Mr. Molloie joined PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and served as an Assurance Partner from October 1997 until June 2020. Mr. Molloies primary areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions, capital transactions, initial and secondary public offerings, private placements, and venture capital. During his time at PwC, Mr. Molloie served as lead partner on many publicly traded and private technology and pharma/life science clients in Philadelphia, China and Southern California and led PwCs Southern California Pharma/Life Science practice. Dr. Walden Wally C. Rhines is President and CEO of Cornami, Inc. Dr. Rhines previously served as CEO of Mentor Graphics for 23 years and Chairman of its board for 17 years. Prior to joining Mentor Graphics, Dr. Rhines served as Executive Vice President, Semiconductor Group, of Texas Instruments and was responsible for the companys worldwide semiconductor business. Dr. Rhines serves on the Board of QORVO and has previously served on the Board of Cirrus Logic, TriQuint Semiconductor, Global Logic, PTK Acquisition Corp., and SRC and as Chairman of the Electronic Design Automation Consortium (for five two-year terms). He is a Lifetime Fellow of the IEEE and has served on the Board of Trustees of Lewis and Clark College, the National Advisory Board of the University of Michigan, and Industrial Committees advising Stanford University and the University of Florida. Dr. Rhines received a B.S.E. in metallurgical engineering from the University of Michigan, a M.S. and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Stanford University, an MBA from Southern Methodist University and Honorary Doctor of Technology degrees from the University of Florida and Nottingham Trent University. In 2021, the Global Semiconductor Alliance honored Dr. Rhines with its prestigious Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award. Jodi Shelton is the co-founder and CEO of Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA). A pioneer within the technology space, Shelton was instrumental in the creation of the Alliance and has continuously addressed global issues in the industry as the voice of its members. Under Ms. Sheltons leadership, GSA has grown its membership to include companies throughout the supply chain, representing 45 countries across the globe. She is the key liaison between GSA and the business community at financial and industry conferences, providing insight on key topics pertaining to the global fabless supply chain. Ms. Shelton also co-founded Shelton Group, a strategic investor relations firm in February 1994 and has served as its Chair since its inception. Ms. Shelton earned a B.S. in Political Science from San Diego State and a M.S. in Political Science from the University of Houston. She also received Corporate Governance program certification from Columbia Business School. We are pleased to welcome the new board members to the Board, said Babak Taheri, CEO of Silvaco Group. This is an exciting time for Silvaco. We have worked diligently to ensure that the Silvaco board and leadership represent a variety of experts within the semiconductor market and the new additions are no exception. About Silvaco Group, Inc. Silvaco is a provider TCAD, EDA software and semiconductor design IP, used for process and device development for advanced semiconductors, power IC, display, memory, and SoC design. Silvaco is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. A couple of days ago, Musk-led Twitter fired half its workforce, including about 200 employees in India. As per Musk himself, the reason behind the layoffs is that the microblogging platform is running on a loss of $4M daily, roughly equal to Rs. 32 crores. However, several reports suggest that the tech mogul has taken a loan of about $13 billion to acquire Twitter, and the interest exceeds $1 billion per year, which also explains why Twitter is so eager to roll out the new Blue subscription for $7.99 a month. Nevertheless, amidst the chaos, Union IT Minister of India, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has criticised Twitter's decision to fire its employees in India. Union IT Minister condemns layoffs at Twitter In a public statement, Vaishnaw said, "We condemn the way Twitter has sacked employees in India." As mentioned earlier, Twitter fired about 200 of its employees in India on the same day it laid off half its workforce through email. Additionally, Vaishnaw says that Twitter should have given the employees a "fair time to transition." By fair time to transition, Vaishnaw could be referring to the notice period employees are given if their company has to lay them off. However, per Musk, all those fired were given three months of severance. Twitter India fired employees from several departments, including marketing, sales, content curation to corporate communications. They lost access to the company's official Slack channel and their official email address. While a few Indian employees still work for the company, they fear they could meet the same fate sooner or later. In a related development, Twitter has seen a massive drop in its total advertising revenue, which happens to be its primary source of income. For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in. Xiaomi will likely launch its next-gen flagship smartphone Xiaomi 13 Pro before the November end. The company is yet to announce the official date for the launch. However, ahead of the release, we have already got a live image of the upcoming phone, spilling the expected specifications as well as the look of the phone. Now, a new report has shared its renders and some more specs. OnLeaks and Zoutons have partnered to release renders of the forthcoming flagship, showing the phone off from all sides. According to the leaks, the Xiaomi 13 Pro could have 163.0 x 74.6, 8.8mm (11.8mm if you include the camera bump) dimensions. For the unintiated, these are also roughly the dimensions of the previous model Xiaomi 12 Pro, except that this new model is slightly thicker and slimmer than the 12S Ultra. In addition, the report suggests the new Pro model would feature a smaller display than its predecessor, 6.65" from the previous 6.73", and the display could have curved sides with a central selfie camera placement and an under-display fingerprint reader. According to the rumors, Xiaomi 13 Pro is set to launch on December 30 in the Chinese market and will be the first smartphone to feature the next-gen new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Meanwhile, Qualcomm will launch its next-gen chipset between November 14- November 17, and the company claims that the new chipset will be a game changer in the Android market from 2023. Coming back to the phone, it will likely feature the same 1" IMX989 sensor as the 12S Ultra. On the camera front, the details suggested that it would pack a massive 50MP sensor, with Ultra wide and telephoto cameras (both 50MP). However, the sensor size and focal length still need to be discovered. The price for the model in India will be 66,800, which converts roughly to $815/815. For more technology news, product reviews, sci-tech features and updates, keep reading Digit.in. RIL appoints K V Kamath as an independent director The board of directors of Reliance Industries Ltd, at its meeting on Friday, considered and recommended to the shareholders for approval the appointment of K V Kamath as an independent director of the company. Kamaths appointment to the board will be for five consecutive years with effect from the date of his assumption of office, RIL stated in a stock exchange filing. Kamaths appointment is based on the recommendation of the Human Resources, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the company stated. The board also approved the postal ballot notice for shareholder approval. Further, Reliance Strategic Investments Limited (RSIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, has appointed K V Kamath as an independent director and non-executive chairman. RSIL will be renamed as Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) and listed pursuant to a scheme of demerger approved by the board of directors for demerger of the financial services business of the company into RSIL. Kamath will continue as independent director and non-executive chairman of JFSL upon consummation of the scheme and listing of JFSL on stock exchanges, the release added. A mechanical engineer with a post graduation in business administration from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, K V Kamath started his career in 1971 at ICICI. In 1988, he moved to the Asian Development Bank and spent several years in South East Asia before returning to the ICICI as its managing director and CEO in 1996 and post its merger into ICICI Bank, was managing director and CEO of ICICI Bank. Under his leadership, ICICI transformed itself into a diversified, technology-driven financial services group with presence across banking, insurance and asset management in India, with a global presence. He retired as managing director and CEO in 2009 and continued as the chairman of ICICI Bank till 2015. Kamath has also served as chairman of Infosys. In 2015 he was appointed as the first president of the New Development Bank set up by the BRICS countries from where he retired in 2020. He is currently the chairman of the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID). Kamath was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of Indias highest civilian honours, in 2008. Reliance to acquire Metro Cash & Carry India in 500 m deal Reliance Industries is set to acquire German retailer Metro AG's Cash & Carry business in India in a deal estimated at around 500 million euros (Rs4,060 crore), industry sources said. Metro, which operates 31 stores in 21 cities across India, has been active in the market since 2003. It operates six stores in Bengaluru, four in Hyderabad, two each in Mumbai and Delhi, and one each in Kolkata, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Zirakpur, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Indore, Lucknow, Meerut, Nasik, Ghaziabad, Tumakuru, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Guntur and Hubballi. With around 3,350 employees and reported sales of around 765 million euros, the Indian business contributes just about 2.6 per cent of its annual revenue. The deal also includes land banks and other assets owned by Metro Cash & Carry in India, reports citing sources said. The acquisition will help Reliance Retail, the country's largest retailer, expand its presence in the B2B segment. Metro has been exploring strategic options for its Indian unit and is in advanced discussions over a deal, a group spokesperson said. Reliance Industries and Metro have been in discussions for the past few months and the German parent firm agreed to Reliance Retails offer only last week, say reports. Metro Cash & Carry supplies to retailers and kirana stores, hotels, restaurants and caterers, corporates, SMEs, companies and institutions. Metro AG, which operates in 34 countries, entered the Indian market in 2003. The B2B segment in India is highly competitive with local wholesalers having a firm grip on the retail segment and is considered to be a low-margin business. Multinationals such as Carrefour have exited the country in 2014, finding the market not lucrative. In July 2020, e-commerce major Flipkart Group acquired 100 per cent stake in Walmart India Pvt Ltd, which operates the Best Price cash-and-carry business. Other retailers in the race to acquire Metro Cash & Carry included Thailands Siam Makro, which operates Lots Wholesale cash-and-carry trading business under the brand name LOTS Wholesale Solutions. Musk fires almost all Twitter staff in India in global downsizing Elon Musk, the new owner and chief executive of social media platform Twitter, has fired almost all of the companys India team, as part of a global restructuring of its workforce to reflect its new ownership. The US-based microblogging platform on Friday fired nearly 180 of its 230-odd employees in India, reports citing employee and other sources said. The layoffs affected content, partnerships, content curation, sales, and social marketing teams, the reports added. Twitter employees in India started receiving termination notices as early as 4 am in the day. A few lucky ones also received survivor emails, reports citing Twitter staff said. Musk plans to slash half of its global workforce of around 7,500, according to reports by Bloomberg and Reuters. Twitter employees globally started receiving emails at around 4am IST on 4 November, informing them that they will lose access to Twitters internal systems, like Slack, emails etc, if their job is impacted by the downsizing. Twitter had, on Thursday, sent formal emails reportedly asking workers to stay at home and wait for another email that will update them about the status of their job. In an effort to place Twitter on a healthy path, we will go through the difficult process of reducing our global workforce," said the email sent to workers, Reuters reported on Friday. Musk, who completed the $44 billion takeover of Twitter last week, immediately started the purge, first firing its top executives, including CEO Parag Agrawal, CFO Ned Segal along with legal and policy head Vijaya Gadde. Several top executives, including CMO Leslie Berland, left the company on their own after the firing of top executives. All offices of Twitter will remain temporarily closed and employee badge access will be suspended. This, according to the company, is being done "to help ensure the safety of each employee as well as Twitter systems and customer data." Survivor list included mostly those engaged in extremely critical maintenance operations as well as government engagement functions, reports said. These employees too have been retained for now and the social media platform will decide on their roles soon, say reports citing employees. Russia's Lukoil rejects US buyout firm's offer to buy its Sicily refinery Russias Lukoil has rejected US buy-out firm Crossbridge Energy Partners offer to buy its fund-starved oil refinery in Sicily, Italy as it doubted the firm's ability to pay for the deal, reports citing sources close to the development said on Friday. Lukoil's ISAB refinery in Sicily accounts for around 20 per cent of Italian refining capacity. But ISAB has been forced to rely solely on Russian oil after creditor banks halted financing and stopped providing guarantees needed to buy oil from alternative suppliers. Lukoil was hit by western sanctions ever since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The refinery that sourced its crude from a variety of countries was forced to rely entirely on Russian supplies as lenders stopped providing financing. The solution now offered to Lukoil is to sell the refinery to non-Russian owners who would be able to source crude and credit elsewhere. Italys economic development minister Adolfo Urso said the government was weighing options, including nationalisation, of the plant, in order to avoid the plants shutdown. Lukoil is one of the largest publicly traded, vertically integrated oil and gas companies in the world accounting around 2 per cent of the world's oil production and around 1 per cent of the proved hydrocarbon reserves. With operations in 30 countries, Lukoil supplies energy to consumers in over 100 countries around the globe through the supply of power and heat. The company employs over 100,000 people across the world. Meanwhile, commodities trading giant Vitol is reported to have offered to finance the deal at a much lower rate than the US fund could get from a traditional lender, newspaper reports said. US ''interference'' in Hamburg terminal deal spooks China Beijing has reacted angrily to a US advise to Germany against its decision to sell a part of a Hamburg port terminal to Chinese shipping giant Cosco. Washington cautioned against Beijing getting a controlling stake in Hamburg's port terminal. Last week the German cabinet approved acquisition of a 24.9 per cent stake by Cosco in one of logistics firm HHLA's three terminals in Germany's largest port, in what an economy ministry source described as an "emergency solution" to approve the deal but mitigate the impact. Although Germany's coalition was divided over the deal, the cabinet made a compromise deal limiting the stake to 24.9 per cent against the 35 per cent Cosco had sought for. The approved investment does not give Cosco any say in management or strategic decisions. The decision came ahead of a scheduled departure by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Beijing for a one-day visit where he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping. Cosco made a bid last year to take a 35 per cent stake in one of logistics firm HHLA's three terminals in Germany's largest port, but Germany's coalition was divided over the deal. The one-quarter threshold cannot be exceeded in the future without a new investment review process, the German ministry said. It added that Cosco is prohibited from contractually granting itself veto rights over strategic business or personnel decisions. The deal, however, is contentious as it comes at a time when Germany is trying to wean itself off energy imports from Russi, the closest ally of China. The investment could give leeway for Beijing to politically manipulate part of German, and European, infrastructure for political purposes. Foreign minister Annalena Baerbock had argued that Berlin needed to avoid repeating with China the mistakes it made with Russia. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also warned against becoming too dependent on China. "We have to learn lessons, and learning the lesson means we have to reduce unilateral dependencies wherever possible, and that applies to China in particular," Steinmeier told public broadcaster ARD during a Tuesday visit to Ukraine. German intelligence agencies said earlier this month that China's finances might become a risk for Germany, particularly because of the strong economic and scientific ties between the two countries. Cosco holds stakes in several other European ports, including the Greek port of Piraeus. More than 100,000 patients have gone without beds in Irish hospitals so far this year. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has called for the Government to bring in measures needed to retain nurses and midwives to help address the crisis. In analysis released on Tuesday, the INMO said more than 1,903 children have been waiting on trolleys. This is the earliest in the year that this high number of admitted patients has ever been recorded, according to the INMO. The INMO has been warning of unprecedented overcrowding in 2022 since early summer. The five worst-hit hospitals so far this year are University Hospital Limerick with 15,322 patients left on trolleys; Cork University Hospital with 10,107 patients; Sligo University Hospital with 6,919 patients; St Vincents University Hospital with 6,359 patients; and Letterkenny University Hospital with 5,366 patients. The trade union has called for a four-pronged approach to tackle overcrowding and the recruitment and retention crisis. It wants non-urgent elective care to be cancelled in public hospitals and private hospitals used for this work. It calls for the introduction of retention measures, including provision of accommodation for essential workers such as nurses and midwives particularly in rent pressure zones. The union has also called for legislation to underpin the implementation of the safe staffing and skill mix framework, and the prioritisation of funding for publicly delivered long-term care in the community. INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: This is the earliest in any given year that trolley figures have reached this unacceptable level. It is not good enough that nurses and the patients they are trying to provide safe care to are expected to accept this as normal. Senior figures in the health service have warned the Irish public that waiting over 24 hours to be admitted to hospital is the new normal. In no other country would this level of indignity be accepted. Behind our trolley figures that we publish everyday are vulnerable patients trapped in undignified and unsafe conditions. Our members are working incredibly hard, it is clear that our public health service can no longer provide both emergency care and elective care. To that end we are calling for all non-urgent elective care in public hospitals to be curtailed. Private hospitals must be now brought on the pitch to provide elective care until the end of March 2023 at the very least. We know that many nurses and midwives are signalling their intention to leave the profession or go abroad to work in safer conditions. 10,679 people were on trolleys in October. 393 of those were children, making it the worst month for paediatric overcrowding on record. Were in an overcrowding crisis. Public hospitals cant cope with both emergency and elective care. Private capacity must be used urgently! pic.twitter.com/6Si0urWzqE Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) October 30, 2022 Directors of nursing and midwifery in hospitals are telling us how incredibly difficult it is to recruit but also retain staff, particularly in large hospitals. We are now calling on the Government to deal with this unsafe, unacceptable and inhumane situation. While it is welcome that safe staffing is prioritised in the winter plan, we know that in many hospitals that safe staffing is not being met, a number of hospitals around the country have insufficient rosters and inappropriate skill mix to provide safe care. We do not need more pronouncements of increasing bed capacity, which is a meaningless endeavour if you do not have the staff to ensure that these beds can be opened safely. The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive cannot afford to be passive. Between overcrowding and retention of nurses, the situation is worsening every day. Every possible measure that can be taken in the coming days and weeks must be taken. Irelands housing minister has said there has been a step change in housing delivery this year compared with the previous 10 years, and that his plan has taken hold. Darragh OBrien also said the Government will reach its overall target of delivering 10,500 social homes through various methods of bringing properties on to the market by the end of the year. Im still confident that were going to be able to hit that overall target, he told reporters in Dublin. Delighted to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Peter McVerry Trust @PMVTrust & the important work they do tackling homelessness across our country. Im launching their annual report here in #Rathmines today where 19 homes will be completed early in 2023. #HousingforAll pic.twitter.com/omGtBDNuPz Darragh O'Brien (@DarraghOBrienTD) November 8, 2022 We set a target this year of 24,600 new homes both public, private and affordable, through all different tenures and were going to exceed that target significantly this year, even though weve had a difficult year. So, you know, were doing quite well. We will have a good year for delivery this year. Were never going to turn this around in two years, no question about that, but what I am genuinely positive about is that the plan itself has taken hold. We have a good pipeline into next year, he said. The Government has come under increasing pressure this year to solve the years-long housing crisis while also trying to provide suitable accommodation for arriving Ukrainian refugees. The official homeless figures have reached record highs for three consecutive months, with the latest figure of 10,975 being recorded in September. Eagle lodge will be fully refurbished, brought up to a high spec, and result in 19 homes for older persons.@PMVTrust aim to deliver 300 during the period of our Winter moratorium and @DeptHousingIRL will continue to support the organisation in every way. pic.twitter.com/UADMc0m4zJ Darragh O'Brien (@DarraghOBrienTD) November 8, 2022 Under criticism from opposition parties, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has defended his Governments plan as the only detailed, comprehensive strategy to solve Irelands housing crisis. Asked about the record high homeless figures on Tuesday, Mr OBrien said there are still significant challenges. The first people I think about every single morning when we get up are those in homeless services, and those who we want to be able to provide permanent homes for. He said he has directed local authorities to purchase more homes with the tenants in situ, and claimed that this has resulted in an increase, but did not give an exact figure. In that period of time, weve seen a significant increase, he said. And thats increasing every day where were bringing more homes in. Mr OBrien also said he is not thinking about extending the evictions ban because he is more interested in increasing the supply of accommodation through the state. Ive been very critical in opposition in relation to the previous governments housing policy as well. Were dealing with 10 to 12 years of under delivery, but thankfully were seeing a step change this year in relation to housing delivery, he said. Were going to deliver affordable homes for the first time pretty much in the generation. If you take, for example, the First Homes Scheme, weve had 640 approvals under that scheme already, and that only launched in July. Were going to deliver more new-build social homes than weve done in decades. Im not going to speculate on where were going to end at the end of the year, and the reason for that is the last quarter is a very strong quarter for delivery. It comes as national housing charity the Peter McVerry Trust revealed that it helped 10,000 people last year, which an almost 30% increase on the same figures from the year before. Speaking at the launch of its annual report, Peter McVerry Trust CEO Pat Doyle said the increase was mostly due to being invited by local authorities to collaborate on projects. I was down in Kerry yesterday, were bringing in 33 units in Kerry before Christmas and we werent in Kerry a year ago. We got word this morning that we got approval for 12 units in Limerick in Mallow Street. Thats an old (Office of Public Works) OPW building, so thats another angle under Housing for All that were taking old public service buildings and bringing them back. He said that regeneration projects such projects as the one in Rathmines in Dublin could be the key to eliminating homelessness. I think we have a real opportunity to eliminate homelessness in rural Ireland by non-used buildings, empty buildings, vacant buildings, old commercial buildings, and then in the cities, then we need multiples of this. And the really good thing about this, its an existing structure so it was much easier much quicker on the planning. However, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald claimed the government will miss its social and affordable housing targets for the third year in a row. You promised 9,000 social homes this year by the end of June, you had delivered only 1,765. You promised 4,100 affordable homes this year. You have delivered only 925 today, Ms McDonald told the Dail. Meanwhile, homelessness is at a historic high. Even with the ban on evictions, it is likely to rise. Child homelessness has increased by a staggering 51% since April 2021. So it is beggars belief that any member of government could claim that your housing policies are working. She also claimed that the government has underspent its housing capital budget by two billion euro. Two billion euros sitting there, while people watch housing prices go through the roof and know that they have no chance of affording their own home, Ms McDonald added. While young mothers and fathers and their children squeeze into the box rooms of their own parents homes, while families languished for years and years on council housing waiting lists. However, this was denied by the Minister by Public Expenditure Michael McGrath. It is always the case that the final quarter of the year is the period in which there is the largest delivery, he added. That is when schemes get closed out, thats when accounts get done, that is when draw-down payments happen. So there will be no such underspend in relation to housing capital this year. He also said that the government is expected to reach its target in building social housing. He added: We currently estimate we will build about 8,000 new homes, but that will be supplemented by purchases of new homes, by leases of new homes. That will, in our view, bring us close if not in a position to reach the overall target of 10,500 of social housing additions to the stock in 2022, which is the highest number in this country for a long number of years. A Sinn Fein TD has criticised the government for not providing domestic violence victims to an entitlement of 10 days paid leave. Louise OReilly said it is a failure that domestic violence survivors will not have the statutory entitlement of 10 days. On Tuesday, the proposed domestic violence leave was introduced at committee stage in the Dail, taking it a step closer to becoming law. The proposed legislation will allow victims of domestic violence to take up to five days paid leave. It forms part of the proposed Work Life Balance Bill, and is part of the Governments plan to bring the EUs work-life balance directive into Irish law. But Ms OReilly has criticised the government for not delivering 10 days paid leave. The Dublin Fingal TD had tabled her own private bill that allow victims to take 10 days leave from their employment. The Sinn Fein spokeswoman on enterprise, trade, and employment said the decision urged the government not to push through what she described as flawed and unsuitable legislation. I am deeply disappointed that the government today insisted on going ahead with a number of deeply flawed amendments which will fail survivors of domestic violence who require paid leave from work, Ms OReilly said. This decision is inexplicable and flies in the face of best practice and expert advice. I am urging the government to do the right thing and stop attempting to push through this flawed and unsuitable legislation. Since the publication of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic OGorman has been criticised by politicians, stakeholders, and trade unions for not going far enough with proposals to support victims of domestic violence. Clearly aware of the flaws in his legislation the Minister brought forward a number of amendments to the Bill today. However, his amendments have only solidified problematic aspects of the Bill. This is especially true of Minister OGormans failure to deliver 10 days paid domestic violence leave for victims. Instead, the ministers amendments only grant five days leave for victims in limited circumstances. This is insufficient and totally fails victims. Domestic violence leave is intended to facilitate victims in accessing supports and completing their journey to safety, and five days leave is not enough in this regard. Ten days paid leave would enable victims to take the time they need to seek support, find accommodation, find new schools for their children, open a new bank account, attend court, or undertake any multitude of things they may need to do during such a traumatic time. Providing only five days leave will also create a two-tier system in the public service where 10 days domestic violence leave is already the norm in many agencies and institutions. Louth TD and the Labour Party's spokesperson for enterprise, Ged Nash, has today warned that unless a new national industrial policy framework prioritised the scaling up of indigenous Irish enterprise, Ireland will continue to be exposed to a dangerous and excessive reliance on foreign direct investment for high value, high paying jobs. Deputy Nash said: This is a really worrying time for jobs and for our economy. In the wake of Twitters outrageous actions last week it is clear that these job losses are just the beginning of the wave of redundancies across the tech sector over future months. We know the exposure that Ireland has to big tech. 7% of all Irish jobs are in the ICT sector, and that actually constitutes 12% of our income tax take as well. So significant is the tech sector for Ireland that both IDA and Enterprise Ireland should provide an urgent briefing to all opposition parties on what we can expect to be dealing with in the coming weeks and months. We know about Facebook and the threats there and the problems facing Twitter. There have been issues in the undergrowth over the last few months." Referring to job losses in Louth recently, Deputy Nash continued, saying, in my own constituency we lost 100 jobs in recent weeks when a US payments-related firm upped sticks and closed its doors at the drop of a hat. This is unacceptable and shows how vulnerable we are to the global tech shock. The indications were that there was going to be a correction this year and that some of these tech firms were in fact overvalued. Some tech firms overshot the runway in terms of adding jobs over the last few years. However, the question for the IDA is; what is the scale of these job losses going to be? How prepared are they? What is IDA going to do to minimize those job losses? Given that the State has invested millions in some of these companies such as Stripe, the government has a particular onus to ensure that workers are not dumped and particularly those with less than two years service who have no legal entitlement to statutory redundancy." The Louth TD added, in recent years, the Labour Party has identified the need for the state to diversify our economy more generally. There is an excessive reliance on foreign direct investment for high value, high paying jobs. While we want to see Ireland remain an attractive location for FDI, the overall industrial policy approach needs to change. A new industrial strategy for Ireland must focus on adding value to our indigenous enterprise space and in helping Irish enterprises to scale-up, become more productive and be more export-orientated. As a country we need to get serious on developing a new national industrial policy that will continue to ensure that we can attract the kind of high quality foreign direct investment but also grow our indigenous enterprise base. Partners welcome wide political support for a new partnership A transition to a sustainable blue economy for the Mediterranean Sea Partnership to be accompanied by a new financial vehicle to accelerate investment in the blue economy for the Mediterranean Today at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) announced the creation of the Blue Mediterranean Partnership, which aims to support the development of a sustainable blue economy in the European Unions Southern Neighbourhood countries in the Mediterranean region. The Blue Mediterranean Partnership is the partners response to the commitments made at EU level to fully integrate the blue economy into the Green Deal, the priorities outlined in the EUs new Agenda for the Mediterranean, the Union for the Mediterranean ministerial declaration on sustainable blue economy and the UfM blue economy agenda as well as to the environmental challenges faced by the Mediterranean region. This partnership has received wide political support, including from the European Commission. It aims to bring together international donors, beneficiary countries, interested financial institutions and philanthropies to support policy reforms, attract donor funding and mobilise public and private financing for projects initially in Egypt, Jordan and Morocco. Egypt Minister of Environment and COP27 Envoy H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad said: With the Red and Mediterranean seas, the Suez Canal and River Nile, Egypt understands the critical importance of a sustainable blue economy for the future development of our country. As host of COP27, we want to stress the integral role of the seas and oceans in climate action. The proposed Blue Mediterranean Partnership is fully aligned with our new National Climate Change Strategy 2050 and we are keen to cooperate with international partners and IFIs. Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Nayef Bakheet said: Jordans access to the sea is restricted and therefore extremely precious. There is an urgent need in the country for comprehensive, integrated water resources and solid waste management, including sustainable desalination, to protect our precious water ecosystems and resources. A Blue Mediterranean Partnership would increase the financing opportunities alongside the policy reforms. EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius said: Promoting a sustainable blue economy in the EU and its sea basins is the commitment of the European Commission. The Blue Mediterranean Partnership will strive to deliver support to our Mediterranean neighbours by developing their blue economy sectors and activities sustainably. I am extremely pleased to see the various partners work together in a common effort to protect our oceans and seas. UfM Secretary General Nasser Kamel said: We are raising the bar on our collective ambitions of governments, civil society, and the research and private sectors to ensure that maritime activities are sustainable, innovative and job-creation-oriented, and that they address the main challenges of our times. At the same time, we are tackling important drivers for the recovery from the pandemic and for the long-term restructuring of the sector. EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said: Oceans are life. The Mediterranean has been the cradle in which our societies have been born and flourished. It is source of life, wealth and prosperity, therefore its protection is of major relevance to all of us. This Blue Mediterranean Partnership is a call for action from our partner countries and the European Commission. Sustainable development and environmental protection are at the core of the EBRDs mandate, and we have experience in delivering impact through environmental partnerships. We look forward to joining forces to clean and preserve the Mare Nostrum, Our Sea. EIB President Werner Hoyer said: I am delighted that the Blue Mediterranean Partnership is receiving strong endorsements. The EIB, the EUs climate bank, promotes a sustainable blue economy and supports investments preserving the health of our oceans and seas. I hope that many others will join us, as partnerships like the Blue Mediterranean are instrumental in accelerating tangible blue economy projects, tackling environmental challenges, and maintaining economic prosperity in the Mediterranean region. AFD President Remy Rioux said: Promoting a sustainable blue economy is critical in the Mediterranean basin, the cradle of our civilization, but also a symbol of many of its environmental issues. The Blue Mediterranean Partnership plans to do so at the right scale, in the most relevant sectors and with dedicated financial tools. This is how we will leverage and initiate transformational change. We support this new partnership which will also be able to draw on AFD's experience as a blue bank in the region. KfW Member of the Management Committee Christian Kramer said: The Mediterranean Sea has been formed over millions of years as an interface between Europe and the MENA region, connecting them naturally and by destiny. But do we only need a few decades to pollute it to the point of irreversible degradation? We have to do much, much more and faster than before to better protect and conserve it. We must take into account both ecological and economic challenges and conditions in all undertakings and, above all, involve the people affected. Only then a simultaneous conservation, development and sustainable utilisation of the Mediterranean is possible. KfW is fully prepared to support this important endeavour. Swedens Ambassador to Egypt H.E. Hakan Emsgard said: The Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership is an example of successful regional cooperation where more than one billion euros had been mobilised for improved wastewater treatment in the Baltic Sea. Sweden supports similar partnership cooperation in the Mediterranean region to boost sustainable blue economy investments. Ambassador of Spain in Egypt Alvaro Iranzo said: The Mediterranean Sea is very fragile. The eyes of the world are looking at us. We now have to act on our pledges. All major stakeholders are on board to make the Blue Mediterranean Partnership possible. I am very glad that Spain is a committed partner, and we would like to join our hands with this initiative. The Mediterranean Sea basin is a recognised marine biodiversity hotspot and a vital resource of economic activities for 480 million people living in the regions 22 countries. It is the fifth largest economy in the region after France, Italy, Spain and Turkey, generating an annual economic value of more than US$ 450 billion. However, the Mediterranean Seas ecosystem is under threat from habitat loss and degradation, over-fishing, pollution and climate change. The Blue Mediterranean partnership will promote the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles (SBEFP), the worlds first global guiding framework ensuring alignment of investments with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 14 life below water. Achieving these goals, the Partnership aims to support and attract investments in the sustainable blue economy and policy reforms, prioritising innovation and including, where possible, natural capital and nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation. Financing of wastewater treatment facilities, solid waste management and plastic waste reduction will help reduce pollution entering the sea, decrease pressure on fisheries through sustainable aquaculture, improve coastal resilience investments, and reduce emissions through sustainable marine mobility. The Blue Mediterranean Partnership intends to create a new financial vehicle, pooling contributions from donors and beneficiary countries in the Southern Neighbourhood, to provide both capital expenditure and technical assistance grants for sustainable blue economy projects, that will help close an estimated 6 billion investment gap in the next 8 years. EBRD extends support for Egypts private-to-private renewables sector New US$ 5.5 million tranche of loan to TAQA Arabia renewables subsidiary Loan to finance the construction of a 7 MWp solar PV plant at El Minya The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is promoting the expansion of renewable energy in Egypt by releasing a new tranche of financing worth US$ 5.5 million to TAQA PV for Solar Energy, TAQA Arabias renewable energy subsidiary, under its existing facility for green private-to-private projects. The new funding comprises a US$ 4.95 million loan from the EBRD and a US$ 550,000 concessional loan from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to finance the construction and operation of a 7 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) project in El Minya. The project will sell all of its electrical output to ASCOM Carbonate and Chemical Manufacturing (ACCM) under a 25-year power purchase agreement. This tranche follows an initial US$ 4.2 million loan in December 2020 to finance the construction and operation of a 6 MWp solar PV power plant at Dina Farms in the Beheira governorate, 80 km from the Egyptian capital, Cairo. This plant was the first private-to-private renewable energy project financed by the EBRD in Egypt and it enables Dina Farms, the largest dairy farm in Africa, to use clean energy for some of its energy consumption. These investments contribute to the ongoing energy transition in Egypt, host of the COP27 global climate summit, by supporting the growth of renewable energy. The Egyptian government aims to raise the national share of electricity generation capacity from renewables from 20 per cent in 2022 to 42 per cent by 2035. The government has pursued energy diversification and liberalisation by facilitating a market for private renewable energy development in recent years. The expansion of the private-to-private segment is an important milestone in the gradual liberalisation of the Egyptian electricity sector. Nandita Parshad, Managing Director of the EBRDs Sustainable Infrastructure Group, said: We are very proud to be extending our partnership with TAQA Arabia to scale up private renewable energy capacity in Egypt. Supporting the growing private-to-private segment of renewable energy is critical to accelerate the decarbonisation of the economy and foster green supply chains in Egypt and across the African continent. Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia, said: This project confirms TAQA Arabias ability to provide the latest sustainable solutions to a large base of private-sector companies, such as ACCM. The new plant will contribute to ACCMs efforts to maximise the opportunities of using renewable energy resources, reducing its total annual electric power consumption by 16%. Its gives us great pride to extend our partnership with the EBRD, a development finance institution that focuses on promoting private-to-private, green, sustainable energy projects aimed at developing society and providing a better quality of life. TAQA PV for Solar Energy is a project company incorporated in Egypt for the purposes of developing the private-to-private renewable energy business of TAQA Arabia SAE, an Egyptian joint stock company (a subsidiary of Qalaa Holdings). This project falls under the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Private Renewable Energy Framework (SPREF), which supports the development and financing of innovative business models and the mobilisation of private finance for renewable energy projects in the southern and eastern Mediterranean region. The framework is supported by the Global Environment Facility and the Clean Technology Fund. SPREF also comes under the umbrella of the Regional Dialogue Platform on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, created by the Union for the Mediterranean to promote the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in energy generation, transmission, distribution and end use. To date, the EBRD has invested more than 10.3 billion in 154 projects in Egypt, where the Banks areas of investment include the financial sector, agribusiness, manufacturing and services, as well as infrastructure projects in areas including the power sector, municipal water and wastewater services, and transport. THE first sign of Christmas has hit the streets of Cork: The 2022 Holly Bough. And its a very special edition, as the hugely popular annual Christmas publication is celebrating its 125th anniversary. This years fabulous cover was designed by Cork artist Sheena Dempsey, and shows a suitably festive and fun, snowy scene up Bridge Street and St Patricks Hill. Sheena, an acclaimed illustrator of childrens books, says that view is special to her, as her father once managed the AIB Bank on the corner, while she went to school up the hill, at Scoil Mhuire. The Holly Bough launched in 1897, and has become a staple part of the Cork Christmas. This years edition is packed with 164 pages of great stories, remarkable photos, puzzles, and so much more. The Holly Boughs 125th anniversary is marked with an eight-page special report on how it began and how it changed down the decades, while always remaining a key part of the Corkonian Christmas. Available now for 6. You can buy it in shops and online at echolive.ie/hollybough A PARTNERSHIP has been agreed between Cork County Council and MaREI, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine at University College Cork (UCC) that will see the entire coast of Cork assessed and mapped for coastal erosion. The three-and-a-half-year project will see the UCC researchers conduct a detailed review of the 1199km Cork coast to assess areas that are vulnerable to coastal erosion. The projects outputs will inform the future planning of coastal management along the Cork coastline and the development of coastal management activity in the future. The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins welcomed the project: Cork County is renowned for its coastline which is one of our greatest assets. It is vital that we work together and bring the information that has been prepared by various agencies into a single format that can be measured, tracked, and used to make informed decisions on any necessary future activity. Chief executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey added: Cork County Council will provide funding assistance for the project team to develop predictive models for the prioritisation of coastal monitoring sites. The project will also include coastal monitoring of select sites which will document coastal change over time and provide a valid predictive model. Professor John OHalloran, President of UCC said: It is imperative that universities work together with local authorities, business and communities on the subject of climate change. We will bring our research expertise to work together with Cork County Council on this partnership to help safeguard our beautiful coastline. Professor Sarah Culloty, Head, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, UCC said: Protecting our coastline is a major challenge for our local authorities and this project will harness MaREIs world-leading expertise to help shape coastal management strategies in Cork. The project will comprehensively collect and capture all existing available information relating to coastal erosion along the countys coastline and map it in a specific geographic information system. A monitoring and modelling programme will also be developed in order to acquire a greater understanding of the coastline behaviour and use this information as a possible precursor to engineering works. The research project team will liaise with the Office of Public Works, the Climate Action Regional Office, the Geological Survey of Ireland and other lead agencies to build on existing studies and collaborate with related projects currently underway. DENVER - The VF Corporation, which owns brands including Vans, The North Face, Timberland and Dickies, has shared details of its efforts towards its sustainability goals. The company's new 2022 'Made for Change' sustainability report includes updates on progress toward its science-based targets, product traceability goals, and other social and environmental commitments. Our latest Made for Change report demonstrates how were making meaningful progress toward our long-term sustainability commitments through the constant pursuit of responsible and profitable growth, said VF chairman, president and CEO Steve Rendle. COP stands for Conference to the Parties to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which aims to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations to prevent dangerous global warming. A total of 198 nations have ratified the UNFCCC. The U.S. was the fourth overall nation and the first industrialized nation to ratify the UNFCCC. The Kyoto Protocol, passed in 1997, called on 37 industrialized nations to reduce emissions by five percent of 1990 levels by 2012. The Paris agreement marked the first time both developed and developing nations committed to reducing emissions in a legally binding treaty. Under the Paris Agreement, nations submit nationally determined contributions (NDC) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions every five years. NDCs strengthened after COP26 marked the world on track to 2.4 to 2.6 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100. There were more delegates from the fossil fuel industry at COP26 than from any one nation. In 2009, wealthy countries pledged $100 billion a year by 2020 to help developing nations respond to the climate crisis but they never delivered. Around 100,000 people joined protests calling for more ambitious action during COP26. What Is the COP Process and Why Is It Important? For around two weeks every fall, climate reporting will center on a large international gathering referred to as a COP. But what exactly does this mean? COP stands for Conference of the Parties. A party is one of the 198 nations that have ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The goal of the UNFCCC is to maintain the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (human induced) interference with the climate system. The ultimate purpose of the yearly COPs is to track collective progress towards this goal. This includes reviewing the emissions and emissions reduction plans of each country, determining whether or not existing plans are sufficiently effective and negotiating additional plans to reduce emissions. The COPs are important because they are the main forum for the worlds nations to come together and make concrete decisions about how to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis. What Is the History of the COP Process? 1992 UNFCCC Adopted: This groundbreaking agreement was adopted at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, also known as the Rio Earth Summit. It was an important development because, at the time, there was less scientific consensus around the reality and causes of climate change, even though certain scientists had raised the alarm about the atmospheric buildup of greenhouse gases since at least the 1970s. The U.S. was the fourth nation overall and first industrialized nation to sign. The convention also aimed to raise awareness of climate change and convene yearly meetings with world leaders, experts and non-governmental organizations. However, it wasnt legally binding because it set no actual limits on greenhouse gas emissions but instead postponed determining those limits for future meetings. It entered into force in 1994 once 50 nations had ratified it. Rio Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 2, 1992. Antonio RIBEIRO / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images 1995 COP1: The first-ever COP was held in Berlin after enough nations had ratified the convention to justify a meeting. It established the Berlin Mandate, which allowed countries to pick and choose from a list of commitments and initiatives to reduce emissions. The UNFCCC had put the burden to act on so-called Annex 1 countries, industrialized nations belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The argument was that these nations had contributed the most to the climate crisis both historically and currently. The Berlin Mandate assured that non-Annex 1 countries did not have to make commitments. Delegates of the first UN climate conference during the opening event in Berlin Germany on March 28, 1995. Peer Grimm / picture alliance via Getty Images 1997 COP3 / Kyoto Protocol: Passed at a COP in Kyoto, Japan, the Kyoto Protocol mandated that 37 industrialized nations reduce their emissions of the six main greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride. The countries were supposed to reduce their emissions by five percent of 1990 levels by 2012. However, there were two main weaknesses to the agreement. The first was that major developing economies including India and China only had to reduce emissions voluntarily. The second was that major emitters China and the U.S. never ratified the agreement. While the U.S. did sign the agreement under then-President Bill Clinton, both the Senate and following President George W. Bush opposed it. Vice President Al Gore speaks at COP3 in Kyoto, Japan on Dec. 8, 1997. THIERRY ORBAN / Sygma via Getty Images 2007 COP13 / Bali Action Plan: By the time of the 13th COP in Bali, Indonesia, it was clear the Kyoto Protocol had not lived up to expectations. Parties agreed to the Bali Action Plan to set the stage for a post-Kyoto legally binding climate agreement. This was supposed to be decided at COP15 in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009. U.S. Senator John Kerry speaks during COP13 in Nusa Dua, Bali on Dec. 10, 2007. JEWEL SAMAD / AFP via Getty Images 2009 COP15 / Failure in Copenhagen: Despite high hopes, the COP in Copenhagen was seen as a failure by both negotiators and environmental activists. The initial goal for the conference was The conclusion of a legally-binding climate agreement, valid for the whole world, which will be implemented as of 2012. Specifically, the aim was for nations to agree to reduce emissions to less than 50 percent of 1990 levels by 2050. Leading emitters China and the U.S. dashed these hopes only three weeks before the summit at a meeting in Thailand, at which they declared that any agreement reached at Copenhagen would not be binding. It was also at COP15 that wealthy nations first pledged $100 billion a year by 2020 to help developing nations both adapt to the climate crisis and transition away from fossil fuels, a promise that has yet to materialize. Protestors march towards the United Nations Climate Change Conference at the Bella Center on Dec. 12, 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Miguel Villagran / Getty Images 2015 COP 21 / Paris Agreement: After years of stagnant international negotiations, COP15 in Paris, France, was a major breakthrough. Under the so-called Paris Agreement, both developed and developing countries came to a legally binding agreement to take action with a goal of limiting global warming to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. It opened for signatures on Earth Day, 2016 and entered into force in November of that same year. Currently, 194 of the 198 Parties to the UNFCCC have ratified the agreement. While the U.S. was instrumental in negotiating the Paris Agreement under then-President Barack Obama, the next President Donald Trump withdrew the country from the accord. President Joe Biden then rejoined as soon as he took office. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (center right) with United States President Barack Obama (seated center) and Jacob Zuma (seated right), President of the Republic of South Africa, at the luncheon hosted by French President Francois Hollande (top left) for world leaders attending the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP21). Also pictured: Segolene Royal (seated left), Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy of France. United Nations Photo 2021 COP26 / Glasgow Climate Pact: COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland was considered the next most important COP after COP21. This was the first COP in the Paris Agreements five-year cycle of submitting emissions-reduction plans. It was supposed to take place in 2020 but was delayed by one year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ahead of the conference, the UN Emissions Gap Report said that national plans put the world on track for 2.7 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100. At the conference, nations agreed to the Glasgow Climate Pact to resubmit their emissions-reduction plans in line with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming. They also finalized the so-called Paris Rulebook outlining how the agreement would be implemented. Alok Sharma, president of the 26th United Nations Climate Conference, hosts COP26 in Glasgow, UK on Nov. 13, 2021. Tim Hammond / No. 10 Downing Street 2022 COP27: COP27 began Sunday, November 6 in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt and is expected to last until November 18. More than 35,000 delegates and more than 100 heads of state are scheduled to attend, including Biden. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks during the COP27 climate conference in Egypt on Nov. 8, 2022. JOSEPH EID / AFP via Getty Images How Does the Paris Agreement Work? Fulfilling and refining the Paris Agreement has dominated every COP since it passed. The main goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aim of limiting it to 1.5 degrees. To this end, signatories are supposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible with an ultimate aim of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. To make sure this happens, the agreement puts both short and long term mechanisms in place. The short term mechanisms are referred to as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Countries are required to state every five years how they plan to reduce emissions. The idea is that these NDCs will become more ambitious each cycle. In addition, countries are invited to submit voluntary long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies (LT-LEDS) to set their NDCs within a broader strategic plan to reach net-zero. While the Paris Agreement involves every country promising to reduce emissions regardless of economic status, it still acknowledges that wealthy, industrialized nations have contributed more to the climate crisis than poorer, developing ones that are nevertheless suffering the brunt of its impacts. To this end, it makes allowances for developing countries to reduce emissions more slowly. It also provides mechanisms for wealthy countries to offer financial and technological assistance to help developing nations both transition away from fossil fuels and adapt to impacts like sea level rise and extreme weather events. Progress in both adapting to and mitigating the climate crisis will be tracked through something called the enhanced transparency framework (ETF), to which nations will submit any actions taken and any aid either given or received. This framework will launch in 2024. The information posted to the ETF will be used for a Global Stocktake of collective progress that will then inform future plans. The first Global Stocktake will take place in 2023 and then every five years thereafter. While the treaty is legally binding, because there is no international judicial system, there is nothing the UNFCCC can actually do to a country that does not set or fulfill NDCs. That said, the country in question could face consequences both in the form of protest at home and either economic or political conflict with other parties. COPs and the IPCC What scientific information do the COPs use to determine the extent and consequences of human-generated climate change? The UNFCCC has an important relationship with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This is the UN body tasked with studying and reporting on the climate crisis in order to help policy makers determine their response. It was founded in 1988 by the UNs World Meteorological Organization and the UN Environment Programme. Its regular reports on the causes of, risks of and potential solutions to climate change help inform international climate negotiations. COPs both work with and support the IPCC. Perhaps the most important example of the relationship between the two groups is the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5C. The COP invited the IPCC to compile this report in conjunction with the passage of the Paris Agreement, and the IPCC chose to accept the invitation. This influential report revealed that there would be a great divide between 1.5 and two degrees Celsius of warming, and that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees was essential to prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis including the death of 99 percent of coral reefs and the impoverishment of hundreds of millions of people by 2050. What Is at Stake at COP27? COP27 comes at a time when the impacts of the climate crisis are more apparent than ever, from a spring and summer of record-breaking heat waves to flooding in Pakistan that left a third of the country underwater. At the same time, only 29 countries have submitted updated NDCs in the wake of Glasgow. The 2022 UN Emissions Gap Report found that revitalized NDCs submitted after COP26 still put the world on track for 2.4 to 2.6 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100. To keep the 1.5 goal alive, nations would have to reduce emissions by 45 percent by 2030 compared with current policies, which would require a system-wide transformation. Implementation: Given the urgency of the climate crisis, COP27 is a test to see if world leaders can increase their ambitions and rise to the challenge. Specifically, the focus of this conference is on concrete implementation of countries emissions-reduction pledges, as well as on whether or not a majority of countries can come forward with revamped pledges as promised. Loss and Damage: One major climate justice issue on the agenda at COP27 is loss and damage. Loss and damage refers to the impacts that countries are already experiencing due to climate change. Poorer, vulnerable nations want wealthier nations to set up a fund helping them respond to these impacts, but developed nations like the U.S. and the EU have dragged their feet on the issue. It was tabled at COP26 and was added to the official agenda for the first time at COP27 and is expected to be a major source of friction at the talks. Another point of contention between developed and developing countries is the still-missing $100 billion in climate finance that was supposed to be paid once a year from 2020 to 2025. Ahead of negotiations, India called on wealthy nations to meet their commitment and to increase the yearly amount going forward. What Are Some Criticisms of the COP Process? Its Moving Too Slowly: One major criticism of the COP process to date is that it simply has not yet delivered the emissions reductions needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Its history is full of false starts like the Kyoto Protocol, and its unsure in this context if the Paris Agreement can deliver. Climate scientist and activist James Hansen, who testified before Congress about the greenhouse effect in 1988, said he thought the agreement was a fraud because it was all promises and no action and said the only way to meaningfully reduce fossil fuel emissions would be to place an extra fee or tax on burning them. Climate activist Greta Thunberg recently called the process a scam and said that it was designed to make gradual changes, but we have run out of time. Its Greenwashing: Another criticism Thunberg made of the COP process was that it allowed corporations and nations to attend and make big promises, thereby greenwashing their images. Polluting industries including finance, agribusiness, transportation and fossil fuels are present. Indeed, at COP26 the delegation from the fossil fuel industry was larger than any one nations, with 503 lobbyists. Activists have called for fossil fuel representatives to be banned from these talks since they have a vested interest in their failure. The issue of greenwashing came to a head with COP27 when Coca-Cola was named as a sponsor. Coca-Cola is one of the worlds biggest users of plastic and sources of plastic pollution, and plastic is typically made from fossil fuels. A petition with nearly 240,000 signatures is calling on UNFCCC to stop accepting corporate sponsorship beginning with ejecting Coca-Cola from COP27. Human Rights Concerns with COP27: COP27 has faced added criticism because of the human rights record of the Egyptian government, which has essentially made public protest illegal and arbitrarily detained thousands of people. It further arrested nearly 70 in the runup to the conference and is only allowing protests in a designated space separated from the main conference center. This is concerning because protests have historically played a major role at past COPs. At COP26, around 100,000 people took to the streets. Environmental and human rights groups and advocates have launched a petition calling on Egypt to allow space for civil society and release anyone arbitrarily detained. Takeaway While the COP process has so far been an exercise in too little, too late, it is also the chief mechanism through which most of the key stakeholders discuss a potential solution for the climate crisis. So far, it has recognized that there is a problem and reached an agreement that, if effectively implemented, could avoid the worst impacts of climate change. COPs are also a chance for the media to inform the public about the climate crisis and for civil society to mobilize for more ambitious plans. Whats at stake at COP27 and every COP hereafter is whether or not world leaders can make the commitments necessary to both reduce emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and deliver climate justice by making sure developing nations have the means to adapt to a problem they had a much smaller hand in causing. 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. John Kerry, who has been mobilizing for a plan for private companies to fund the renewable energy transition, speaks at COP27. AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP via Getty Images The U.S. is set to unveil a plan at COP27 for private companies to fund the renewable energy transition in exchange for carbon credits. U.S. president Joe Bidens climate envoy John Kerry has reportedly been speaking with private companies and national governments to build support for the idea. It is slated to be announced at the UN climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Wednesday, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. One of the things were looking at is the possibility of the private sector, in effect, being enticed to the table, Kerry said last month, as the Financial Times reported. He added that money would be siphoned directly into closing down some coal plants and acquiring renewables, which is direct emissions reduction. The plan, first reported by the Financial Times on Sunday, would see either regional or national governments amass carbon credits by shutting down fossil fuel infrastructure like coal-fired plants and replacing it with renewable energy. Private companies could then purchase these credits to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme would be voluntarily and would be certified by an independent entity still to be determined. The purpose of the plan is to provide an incentive for private companies to help fund the renewable energy transition in poorer countries, The Washington Post reported. Fossil fuel companies would not be allowed to participate, according to Reuters. The plan has many potential weaknesses. For one thing, carbon offsets are already controversial because they give companies a license to continue polluting without any real guarantee that an equal amount of carbon will be drawn down from the atmosphere to compensate. In this case, a company purchasing carbon credits from a coal plant turned into a wind farm, for example, would only truly offset its emissions if the transformation would not have happened without its assistance. People familiar with the plan told the Financial Times that it currently lacked the details that would make its offsets mechanism robust. [Carbon credits are not] the kind of thing you can have half-baked. The rules matter, the details matter, the anonymous person said. Theres no easier way to get people angry than to throw offsets into the mix. Another problem with offsets is that they distract from the essential truth that every company and nation needs to get its real emissions as close to zero as soon as possible in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis. However, there is a strong argument in favor of finding a way to get the private sector involved in the clean energy transition in the developing world. Developed nations have still not followed through on their pledge to send $100 billion a year by 2020 to help poorer nations both wean themselves off of fossil fuels and adapt to climate impacts. And actual needs are even greater than that around $3.8 trillion in investments yearly over the next three years Bidens senior advisor on climate change John D. Podesta told The Washington Post. So far, only 16 percent of that has materialized. 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. On the other hand, many leaders in the Global South are frustrated with the broken promises of their Global North counterparts and are mistrustful of corporate financing. Are we really delivering on climate change, or are we delivering on guarantees to ensure profits for the private sector? Egypts lead climate negotiator Mohamed Nasr told the press ahead of COP27, as The Washington Post reported. The thinking has to change. Investors should be thinking of their climate-positive impacts as part of their assessment of projects and delivery for investors. East Java, Indonesia firms up efforts to stop LSD The provincial government of East Java, Indonesia, has strengthened efforts to prevent lumpy skin disease (LSD), a viral infection that affects livestock, following the detection of one case in Kendal, Central Java. "The first case of LSD infecting cattle appeared in Indonesia, (specifically) in Riau province, in February 2022," East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said on November 7. "Two weeks ago, LSD was reported in Kendal, Central Java." To prevent LSD in East Java, Parawansa had asked all regional heads, especially the heads of livestock offices across the province, to take concrete actions, such as carrying out LSD vaccinations for cattle. "If there are cows in East Java that are indicated to be infected with LSD or have been infected by the (viral) vectors, concrete actions should be immediately taken, one of which is to administer vaccines," she said. - Antara Hatch supports Ireland's progress toward becoming aquaculture tech hub Ireland is seeking to establish itself as a hub for aquaculture technology, according to Wayne Murphy, the co-founder of Hatch, a programme assisting start-ups in the sector globally. The country is drawing on its status as a European hub for many of the world's largest technology and life science companies to boost its aquaculture sector, Murphy said. "Ireland's start-up system is very developed," Murphy told SeafoodSource. "[Ireland's strength] will not be in the volume of aquaculture produced but in technology, we can develop and export." Working alongside state agencies, Hatch is hoping to build on the momentum growing in Ireland's aquaculture sector, Murphy said. One of the start-ups it is assisting is Aquamonitrix, a nitrate and nitrite analyser allowing operators of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to monitor fresh or saline water quality autonomously and in real-time, thus improving the growth performance of their fish stocks. Aquamonitrix sales manager John McGrath said support from Hatch and Irish government agencies allowed the company to test and verify the efficiency of its technology through partnerships with research centers, including the James Hutton Institute in the United Kingdom. "From a chemical point of view, it's very difficult to monitor nitrite and salinity adds an extra challenge, but our technology can handle this," he said. Another company assisted by Hatch is NanobOx, which has developed technology to make the aeration process in aquaculture 50 times more energy efficient, according to company founder John Favier. His technology "drastically reduces" the cost of oxygenation of water which, he said, is the largest cost for land-based aquaculture systems after feed. Ireland is "very active in developing its aquaculture technology sector," Favier told SeafoodSource. Hatch, meanwhile, is "helping us engage with potential industry partners and prospective customers," he added. - SeafoodSource University of Nebraska-Lincoln marks construction of Feedlot Innovation Center in Nebraska, US The University of NebraskaLincoln (US) officially marked construction of the Feedlot Innovation Center at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska, the United States, during a groundbreaking ceremony on November 4. In concurrence with the groundbreaking, Greater Omaha Packing Co., a supplier of premium beef, announced a US$700,000 pledged gift to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support the construction of the state-of-the-art facility. In recognition of its philanthropic support, the university will name the new center's animal handling and instructional classroom building for the company. The naming is pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. The center will provide new capacity to develop and evaluate emerging technology used in managing animals in feedlot settings. Featuring the latest innovations, a commercial-scale feedlot and an animal handling facility will be used in teaching, research and extension efforts by the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The project was approved by the Board of Regents on June 23. With an estimated cost of US$7.5 million, it is funded through a combination of private giving, grants and IANR programme funds. Henry Davis, chief executive officer of Greater Omaha Packing Co., said its support of the Feedlot Innovation Center symbolises the company's 100-plus-year commitment to the continuous improvement of the US cattle industry and the communities in which it operates. It also reflects the long-standing relationship between Greater Omaha Packing and the University of NebraskaLincoln. "We all have a stake in the long-term success of the beef industry," Davis said. "In partnership with the University of Nebraska and other contributors, Greater Omaha Packing is confident that our support of the Feedlot Innovation Center will lead to groundbreaking research, technology and insights that will help advance the industry, strengthen and expand the entire supply chain and ultimately drive value back to family farms." Mike Boehm, Harlan vice chancellor for IANR and University of Nebraska vice president for agriculture and natural resources, said the center will offer many opportunities for collaboration. "The Feedlot Innovation Center presents an incredible opportunity to bring together industry partners, cattle producers and UNL researchers and students to advance sustainable beef production," Boehm said. "IANR has a long-standing and productive partnership with Greater Omaha Packing, and we are thrilled with their support of this project and that of others and look forward to continued collaboration." The center will include a complex with cattle comfort and research buildings, a feed technology facility, innovative open lots and an animal handling facility that contains instructional classrooms. It will create real-world facilities to test new precision technology, solve environmental challenges facing the feeding industry and improve cattle performance and welfare while comparing different environments and housing systems. The project will also allow for innovation in manure collection and management that will innovate both new and possible modifications for existing operations. The center will allow students to gain hands-on experiences while being exposed to the newest research and technology, and is a key component of the university's Beef Innovation hub, which aims to advance, support and communicate continuous improvement of beef production, economic vitality and natural resources stewardship through innovative research, education and extension. - Star Herald Export growth of New Zealand's red meat still driven by high global prices High global prices continue to drive export growth for New Zealand red meat, with the value of exports to almost all major markets increasing during September. However, there are signs of a slowdown in some key markets, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA). New Zealand exported red meat and co-products worth $777 million during September, a 21% increase on last year. The top three markets were China ($286 million), the United States ($149 million) and the Netherlands ($29 million). High export values over the last 12 months also saw the value of total red meat and fifth-quarter exports (co-products) reach $11.5 billion in the year ended September, up 20% from the previous year. Beef exports were worth $4.8 billion for the year (up 25%), sheepmeat exports were worth $4.5 billion (up 15%), and fifth-quarter exports were worth $2.2 billion (up 20%). MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said export volumes of both sheepmeat and beef increased in September, compared to the same period last year and were the largest volumes exported in September in recent years. However, there were also challenges in some key markets, with a large drop in the value of Japan's yen impacting consumer spending in the country. Beef exports to Japan were worth $16 million, down 23% compared to last September. "Beef exports to the US were also down 13% by volume compared to September 2021," Karapeeva said. "Drought in the US has seen an increase in domestic beef production and record levels of beef in cold storage in the US. That is continuing to impact beef exports." The large volumes of beef that China had been importing in recent months, particularly from Brazil, also appeared to be having an impact on prices, she said. "The Free on Board (FoB) value of beef exports to China in September was $9.24 a kilo, down from a record $10.54/kg in July," Karapeeva noted. New Zealand's overall volume of beef exports rose by 3%, compared to last September, to 34,665 tonnes, with the value increasing by 25% to $338 million. Beef followed a similar pattern in recent months, with an increase in exports to China (up 37% to $152 million). The volume of beef exports in the third quarter was largely unchanged from Q3 2021 at 117,659 tonnes, but the value increased by 23% to $1.2 billion. This meant that the average FoB value of beef exports was $10.31 for the quarter compared to $8.29 for Q3 last year. The value of fifth-quarter exports in September was $184 million, up 19% from September last year. - NZME Tynwald to consider changes to beneficial ownership law Improved access to the Manx Governments beneficial ownership database will be permitted to certain organisations from 31 December 2022, if Tynwald approves proposed changes to the Beneficial Ownership Act 2017 next month. The Beneficial Ownership (Obliged Entities Access) Order has been drafted to fulfil a political commitment made in 2019 alongside the other Crown Dependencies that full access would be granted by the end of 2022 for the purpose of customer due diligence checks. The move underlines the Islands continued and unwavering commitment to upholding international standards in the drive against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, in line with the Financial Crime Strategy 2021-2023, published in June 2021. Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson MHK said: The amendments contained within the Order being brought to the December sitting of Tynwald are designed to demonstrate the Island takes seriously both its commitment to fighting financial crime as well as its responsibilities on the international stage. The changes have been made in close consultation with Guernsey and Jersey and, if approved, will be in place by the end of the year. Two of the largest crypto exchanges have just announced one of the stranger tech mergers in recent memory (and that's saying something). Binance plans to acquire its rival FTX after a brief but very public dispute. As Bloomberg explains, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao sold about $529 million in FTX's native token on November 6th in response to "recent revelations that came to light," particularly a CoinDesk report that FTX was facing a liquidity crisis. That led to FTX chief Sam Bankman-Fried accusing Binance of attacking his company with "false rumors," and maintaining that everything was "fine." By today, however, the two companies had reached a takeover deal while acknowledging that Binance would help resolve a "liquidity crunch" affecting FTX's transactions. Data suggests FTX may have been in a particularly bad state. In a discussion with TechCrunch, CryptoQuant noted that FTX's net crypto asset holdings plunged 83 percent in just the past two days. That reportedly made withdrawals so difficult that FTX had to introduce stablecoin (crypto pegged to an external value) liquidity to process the moves through the markets or other exchanges. The company's stablecoin reserve has fallen by 93 percent in the past two weeks, and related withdrawals fell to near-zero by early this morning. The trouble prompted an investor "exodus," Bloomberg says. 1) Hey all: I have a few announcements to make. Things have come full circle, and https://t.co/DWPOotRHcXs first, and last, investors are the same: we have come to an agreement on a strategic transaction with Binance for https://t.co/DWPOotRHcX (pending DD etc.). SBF (@SBF_FTX) November 8, 2022 The deal is non-binding, and the companies will only start conducting due diligence (that is, an appraisal) in the "coming days." If completed, however, the acquisition could shake up the crypto industry by eliminating Binance's main competitor. This won't overcome fears of a sustained crypto market downturn, but may give Binance a US presence it doesn't currently have. That "if" is important, mind you. FTX's Bankman-Fried has been testifying in Congress, and Binance has reportedly faced investigations from both the US Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the UK's Financial Conduct Authority. The countries are concerned Binance isn't complying with regulations, and (in the US) possibly breaking the law. It's not guaranteed that regulators in either country will be keen on the proposed union, particularly when Binance's US affiliate was banned in 2019. China has a zero-Covid policy in place and this has slowed growth and hindered global supply chains. Speculation that China was about to change its policies caused massive volatility on Friday. AUDUSD was up over +3% and commodities surged. However, Chinese officials denied the rumours over the weekend and said China is committed to its zero-Covid policies. Markets are broadly continuing on from Fridays themes as a new week gets underway. Equities are higher, the USD is lower and yields are flat. The German Dax led the way up in stocks with an early rally but has now rallied into potential resistance at the 200-day moving average at 13620. Currencies are also testing resistance with EURUSD back at the familiar 1.00 level after a strong two session winning streak. The driver behind the recent moves at first seemed to be the NFP release in the US. This of course is the focal point of the monthly data calendar and key input into Fed policy. It produced a solid beat of the consensus headline figure and also showed wages were rising at a faster pace than expected. This should have been good news for the USD, but it dropped significantly on Friday while commodities surged. The real driver actually came from news that China planned to soften its Covid policies. Chinese stocks in Hong Kong had their best week for more than seven years and industrial metals confirmed this theory as they rallied up to +5%. AUDUSD was the big currency winner with a gain of nearly +3%. China Speculation Fridays oversized moves were contra to the trend of the week, which until Friday had produced four lower closes on the S&P500 and a good rally in the USD. The Chinese news came as a surprise and it seems like a number of traders were caught trying to press trades post-NFP only to be squeezed out viciously. In fact, the news was never confirmed and Chinese health officials have already pushed back on the speculation. Heres the FT to explain: Beijing has quashed hopes for an immediate easing of the countrys rigid zero-Covid restrictions, setting China-linked shares up for more volatile trading on Monday, analysts said. Chinas National Health Commission reiterated the countrys commitment to eliminating Covid-19 at a press conference on Saturday and warned that the situation was set to become even more severe and complex as the country entered the winter flu season. The denials havent hurt equities and the USD much at all on Monday, but there are plenty of reasons to be cautious around this news. Even if policies were to be eased, China is likely to struggle as many western countries head into recession or at least see growth slowing substantially. The drop in Chinese exports is testament to this and data could remain on the weak side. Euro Benefits The Australian Dollar was the best performer on Friday and the USD the worst performer. EURUSD also managed to gain over +2% and is well positioned to benefit from any changes in Chinese Covid policies. The issue, though, is whether the speculation has any merit. Given that it remains at lower highs with the October peak and couldnt even sustain a break of 1.00, the outlook doesnt look too bright. Europes elevated exposure to the China growth story means that the euro should benefit from speculation that Beijing will loosen Covid restrictions... this appears premature speculation, and Chinese growth is still facing the grim prospect of slowing global demand, noted ING. With US CPI a major driver later this week, any large moves in the USD may have to wait until then. This means the EURUSD could hold up for a short-time longer, but could struggle to build on recent gains. Fairfield, MT (59436) Today Snow showers this morning. Becoming partly cloudy later. High near 10F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 50%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. Low 4F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. With the D.C. Beltway awash in rumors that former President Trump will be indicted after the Nov. 8 midterms, the FBI may have set a perjury trap at Trumps Mar-a-Lago home, according to his former national security adviser, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. In June, the FBI suspected Trump hid classified papers from his presidential collection that it had subpoenaed on behalf of the National Archives, which sought them after Trump left the White House. Two months later, agents raided Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, seizing more than 11,000 documents, of which fewer than 1% were marked classified. Now a federal grand jury is investigating whether Trump and his aides conspired to conceal the documents from agents and made false statements when certifying they produced all of them. Flynn told RealClearInvestigations that the FBI and DOJ are using semantics to target Trump. Flynn points out that FBI agents in a May 11 subpoena asked Trump for all documents in his custody bearing classification markings, as opposed to classified documents, which he says was a carefully worded distinction designed to trip up the former president. The FBI declined to comment. Whats the Difference? Flynn says that Trump and the custodian of his records likely believed many documents were no longer classified or had classification markings that had been voided or revised. Therefore, he speculates, his lawyers searched for and turned over records they believed to still be classified, and in turn, certified that they were in full compliance with the subpoena. Christina Bobb, one of Trumps lawyers acting as the custodian of his records, certified in a sworn statement on June 3 that any and all responsive documents had been handed over and that none were withheld. It now appears that the statement was untrue, since many documents marked classified were still at Mar-a-Lago. Bobb, who has hired a criminal defense attorney, recently was questioned by prosecutors who reportedly want to know if Trump directed her to make the statement. Flynn said that the parsing of the subpoena suggests trickery. He said agents and prosecutors were very clever asking for documents that bear classification markings rather than classified documents, which may have led Trump and his custodian into a "perjury trap." The way they stated specifically what they were looking for documents that have classified markings versus classified documents it is a semantics drill that a team of smart but corrupt lawyers in DOJ would come up with, Flynn said in an interview with RCI. The FBI arrives and asks very specific questions and DJT's lawyers think everything is fine when they leave, he added. "But then they go back to a sequestered grand jury and the entrapment drill begins." Prosecutors used similar hedging words to describe the documents seized in the Mar-a-Lago raid. In an Aug. 25 court filing, Jay Bratt, the Justice official running the investigation, said that the government executed a search warrant at the premises owned by the former president and seized documents marked as classified. Again, he did not say they found classified information. On June 3, Bratt and a handful of FBI agents visited Mar-a-Lago and picked up a batch of documents from Trump and his lawyers, while allegedly thanking them for their cooperation. They advised only that they add a more secure lock to the storage facility. Flynn said it might as well have been a sting operation. If they thought additional documents remained there, he explained, they could have issued another subpoena for them. Instead, they secretly monitored Trumps security camera footage for months before returning on Aug. 8 with an army of more than 30 armed agents who rummaged through every bedroom and closet at Trumps home including those of his wife and son. Flynn said the FBI and Justice Department, who prosecuted him for lying to FBI agents, are using similar tactics against Trump. The charges against Flynn were later dropped, but the FBI and DOJ succeeded in pushing him out of the White House. They are trying to set up the former president at Mar-a-Lago like they tried to set me up, Flynn told RCI. Flynn is not alone in his suspicions. Some FBI vets point to other signs their old agency may have played dirty pool at Mar-a-Lago. Former assistant FBI director Chris Swecker pointed to unredacted portions of the FBI affidavit supporting the search warrant which suggest that investigators may have set Trump up for failure. It turns out that Trump, by keeping the records at his estate, may actually have been complying with recent Justice Department directives not to move them. What stood out to me in the affidavit was how he was ordered to keep the records on the premises until further notice and then was hit with a search warrant because he kept the records on the premises, Swecker told RCI. The affidavit reveals that on June 8, Bratt wrote to Trumps lawyer demanding that his papers remain in storage at Mar-a-Lago. We ask that the room at Mar-a-Lago where the documents had been stored be secured and that all of the boxes that were moved from the White House to Mar-a-Lago (along with any other items in that room) be preserved in that room in their current condition until further notice, the official requested. But then several weeks later, the FBI asked a magistrate judge in West Palm Beach for permission to search Trumps property because there was probable cause to believe that presidential records remain at the premises, according to the Aug. 5 affidavit. Whats more, the affidavit complained that Trumps locked basement storage facility and his office were not currently authorized locations for the storage of classified information. Added the Washington-based special FBI agent who swore out the warrant: I do not believe that any spaces within the premises have been authorized for the storage of classified information at least since the end of FPOTUSs [Former President of the United States] presidential administration on Jan. 20, 2021. But Flynn and others say the FBI likely believed this to be the case because of the little-known fact that President Biden broke with longstanding tradition when he took office and ordered the intelligence community to stop giving intelligence briefings to his predecessor; that effectively decertified the special secure room known as a SCIF" Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility which Trump had set up at Mar-a-Lago to receive daily intelligence briefings and classified reports when he vacationed there as president. All former presidents receive such briefings, which are conducted in such secure rooms th eymaintain in their home offices. But Biden argued that because Trump was erratic, he posed a potential national security threat. Biden therefore ordered he be cut off from receiving the same reports provided Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. As a result, DOJ appears to now be punishing Trump for allegedly storing and mishandling sensitive government documents in a room that was once authorized for such storage but only became unauthorized when Biden cancelled Trumps classified briefings. Thats not Trumps fault, Flynn argued. He said it was Bidens actions that set Trump up for prosecutors to make the complaint against him. Biden Involved Despite repeated and unqualified White House denials that politics played any role in this drama, Biden was involved in the Mar-a-Lago fray. In April, correspondence reveals, the Justice Department asked the president to request that the National Archives provide the FBI access to boxes of documents Trump had earlier turned over to the White House-controlled agency. The next month, the FBI subpoenaed Trump for additional records. Nonetheless, Biden has insisted he and the White House were completely in the dark about the Mar-a-Lago raid and investigation. Swecker doubts the government has a prosecutable case, judging from the affidavit and other court filings, which make clear the raid developed from a civil dispute between Trump and the National Archives, which says it is seeking missing presidential records. He said he thinks Attorney General Merrick Garland, who personally approved the unprecedented action against a former president, was trying to publicly humiliate Trump ahead of the November midterm election, which features Trump-supporting Republicans in key races. I really think this case is un-prosecutable and was more of a thumb in Trumps eye by Attorney General Garland, Swecker said. It has been reported that Trump will announce his plans to run again in 2024 after Tuesdays midterm elections. Others, however, are convinced there is sufficient evidence to indict Trump on obstruction charges. Not only did Trump, through his team, falsely represent that all remaining classified documents were in the envelope theyd turned over, [but] prosecutors stress that the search 'cast serious doubt on the claim in the certification that there had been a diligent search for records responsive to the grand jury subpoena, said former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy, who defended Trump throughout the FBIs and DOJs discredited Russiagate investigation. Therefore, I believe Trump is likely to be charged with obstruction of justice and causing false statements to be made to investigators, he added. Under the relevant federal statutes, however, prosecutors must prove that Trump knowingly concealed documents with the intent to obstruct the Mar-a-Lago investigation. Which is to say they have to produce evidence that the former president intentionally withheld subpoenaed records and that it wasnt just an oversight. So far, unsealed court filings do not indicate they have evidence of knowing concealment by Trump. Prosecutors have been careful to say in their filings that documents were likely concealed and that efforts were likely taken to obstruct the investigation, indicating they still lack solid evidence. And Trump is not mentioned as a target in any of the filings. It is not clear from the filing if the FBI has evidence of intentional acts of concealment as opposed to negligence, George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley said. However, Bloomberg News recently reported that prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence to charge Trump with obstruction, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg. The outlet said the team of attorneys handling the case has not yet made a formal recommendation to Garland, who would make the final decision to bring charges in the politically radioactive case. The stakes couldnt be higher. If the attorney general were to charge a former president, he and his reputation would be on the hook for the highest-profile criminal case in American history. In a sign Garland might be serious about indicting Trump, he recently assigned David Raskin one of the departments most experienced national security prosecutors to the Trump investigation. Raskin has successfully prosecuted federal employees whohave kept classified documents unlawfully. Prosecutors have questioned several aides, including the Trump lawyer who signed the certification letter and a Mar-a-Lago valet who allegedly moved documents from a storage room. Next, they plan to grill Trumps representative to the National Archives, Kash Patel, about how Trump, his aides and his lawyers dealt with requests from the government to return the records. Patel, who declined comment, reportedly has agreed to testify before the grand jury in exchange for immunity from criminal prosecution. Jurors are deliberating in heavily Democratic D.C., increasing the odds of indictment. As for the alleged false statements, legal analysts say the Trump team left wiggle room in the sworn certification when it claimed a diligent search was conducted. They note that diligent" is a legally ambiguous term open to interpretation. And the government itself demonstrated that searching for the subpoenaed documents was like looking for needles in a haystack. It took some 35 agents searching Trumps sprawling estate for several hours to locate just 100 with classified markings out of 11,000 documents seized,which suggests Trumps custodian could have reasonably overlooked them. Also, Trumps presidential papers were intermixed in file boxes with newspaper and magazine articles, photos, various printouts, and other items making them difficult to identify. The National Archives said 15 boxes retrieved several months earlier from Mar-a-Lago contained newspapers, magazines, print news articles, photos, miscellaneous print-outs, notes, presidential correspondence, personal and post-presidential records and most of the boxes included classified records that were unfoldered, intermixed withother records, and otherwise improperly identified. Much speculation has been made of 46 "empty folders with classified banners found in the FBI raid. In one recent court filing, investigators speculated that classified materials may once have been stored in these folders, suggesting Trump or his aides removed subpoenaed documents from the folders and secreted them elsewhere. But legal analysts point out that it could also mean that Trumps team previously turned over the contents of the folders to the Archives or to FBI agents in June. Or it could mean the classified contents were mixed in with other files or loosely stored in file boxes with other documents, given that the Archives noted that it found classified records unfoldered in the 15 boxes Trump transferred to the Archives early this year. Or it could simply mean there was never anything in them. Prosecutors have also raised suspicions Trumps lawyers were trying to hide something when they allegedly cordoned investigators off from some boxes kept in a basement storage room during their June 3 visit. Although agents were permitted to visit the storage room, the former presidents counsel explicitly prohibited government personnel from opening or looking inside any of the boxes that remained in the storage room, giving no opportunity for the government to confirm that no documents with classification markings remained, Bratt said in a court filing. A Democrat, Bratt has donated exclusively to fellow Democrats, as well as the DNC, according to FEC records. Trumps legal team has told the court that DOJ significantly mischaracterized the June meeting with Bobb and another lawyer, but did not elaborate. History of Animus Whatever the truth of what happened at Mar-a-Lago, it is clear there is a history of animus between federal law enforcement and Trump and his aides. As one of the FBIs and DOJs original Trump-era targets, Flynn is understandably suspicious that they may be engaging in similar skulduggery now, possibly setting Trump up in the Mar-a-Lago imbroglio. It appeared to many that the FBI broke normal protocols and essentially set a perjury trap for Flynn in early 2017, when it sent agents to the White House to question Trumps newly appointed national security adviser over his December 2016 calls with Russias U.S. ambassador during the presidential transition. In those conversations, which then-FBI Director James Comey privately described as legit, indicating there was no real basis for investigation, Flynn urged Russia not to engage in an escalating tit-for-tat with the outgoing Obama administration, which had just issued sanctions against Moscow for allegedly interfering in the 2016 election. A declassified FBI email from counterintelligence official Peter Strzok dated Jan. 21, 2017 the day after Flynn took office reveals that the FBI schemed to use a defensive briefing on a national security issue for Flynn as a pretext to interviewing him about the phone calls, which the FBI had intercepted, and catching him in a lie. Making false statements to a federal agent is a felony. Handwritten notes from Strzoks then-immediate boss Bill Priestap reveal the intent of their planned Jan. 24 meeting with Flynn inside the White House. What is our goal? Truth/Admission or to get him to lie, so we can prosecute [Flynn] or get him fired? Priestap wrote. For such a serious legal matter, the FBIs own protocols would have entailed going through the White House counsels office. Instead, it arranged the meeting directly with Flynn, who was flattered to speak with two national security agents and was unguarded in answering their questions. Going in, the FBI agreed not to suggest Flynn bring a lawyer to the interview. And they never instructed him that any false statements he made could constitute a crime. Years later, Comey would brag about sending agents in to ambush Flynn and get him to allegedly lie about his conversations with the ambassador. I sent them, he told MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace during a 2018 forum. Planting trees on the farm does not always mean taking hectares of land out of agriculture and turning it over to permanent woodland, according to one rural property specialist. Here, Sarah Radcliffe, forestry manager for H&H Land & Estates, highlights that this is not the case and that farmers do not have to give up food production. Increasing the amount of woodland or trees on your farm does not mean you need to give up that productive field. All farms have areas that are too wet, too steep or where the tractor cannot get into and there are various options for keeping this land productive and increasing the tree cover over the farm We are all well aware that the climate is changing, with increased periods of extreme temperatures, drought and wetter weather. However, as well as helping the environment by preventing flooding and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, trees can help keep livestock cool, sheltered, reduce stress and provide nutrition. . Trees within the farming landscape can come in many different forms including individual hedgerow trees, wood pasture, low density scrub planting or traditional shelterbelts. Attracting wildlife to the farm, connecting hedgerows, and creating wildlife corridors all contribute to increasing biodiversity. Hedgerow trees and wood pasture provide shelter for livestock both in the heat of summer and from wet cold weather in the winter. Providing an outside environment for livestock to graze with areas of shelter and shade offered by trees reduces stress and can also deliver additional nutritional benefits from the leaves and bark. Low density tree planting, and scrub creation is an ideal shelter for wildlife as well as game birds. Shelterbelts have the ability to modify the microclimate of a field by reducing windspeeds and increasing daytime temperatures. The slower windspeeds along the ground surface slow down the evaporation of water, retaining moisture more efficiently within the crop. Planting slightly larger areas of conifer woodland is known to help to reduce flooding lower down steam. By doing this you slow the flow of water by intercepting the water droplets that land on the branches and soak into the soil. Small conifer woodlands also act as a long-term income source for the farm through thinning and felling management. Any timber harvested from farm shelterbelts can be chipped and used as animal bedding or used in wood fuel boilers to heat the buildings, both supporting the farms carbon footprint reduction programme. Planting broadleaf trees along riverbanks can help to stabilise the banks and reduce soil erosion. Trees can also increase the shade over the river, keeping the water temperature cool. Pigs and poultry contribute to approx. 20% of the ammonia being released in the UK. Planting trees around poultry buildings will help absorb some of these gases and also provide a cool, sheltered environment for the birds to roam. Planting more trees on your farm does not mean you need to stop farming, and whatever type of trees you do choose to plant it will benefit both your livestock and the environment. Mycoplasma bovis is more widespread than previously thought, affecting beef and dairy cattle across the country, according to results from a new surveillance programme. The results, from vet practices across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, show that M bovis is present in every region, in both beef and dairy herds. As part of the surveillance programme, vets were offered free M bovis tests regardless of whether herds were exhibiting signs of disease or not. Of the 41 farms from across the UK taking part, 18 tested positive, six were inconclusive or void, and 17 were negative. But the results also revealed that some types of analysis were more sensitive than others. Of the 25 blood tests, 52% were positive while 20% were inconclusive and 28% were negative despite the fact that eight of those negative / inconclusive results were from farms with symptomatic animals. An interesting result was that the five bulk milk serology tests all came back positive. The 11 PCR tests mainly of bulk milk samples failed to show a single positive result. Graeme Fowlie, director of Meadows Vets in Aberdeenshire, who took part in the programme, said: For a few years, I have suspected that M bovis is more prevalent than expected. And from working with vets across the country taking part in the surveillance programme, its become clear that that is the case." The disease causes pneumonia, mastitis, swelling, sore joints and otitis, and is also likely responsible for a range of chronic underlying health issues, which have a significant impact on welfare and productivity. Ben Pedley, farm clinical director at Willows Farm Vets, Cheshire, said: In the past two years we have found M bovis on a number of farms after PCR testing lung samples taken post-mortem from pneumonia cases. "Since diagnosing the infection, calf pneumonia on these units has been greatly reduced via management changes including specific vaccination programmes for Mycoplasma. Meadows Vets have found similar results to this study, Mr Fowlie said: We have been using blood tests on calves over five months old to screen herds. Dairies could also be screened via bulk milk serology. "Sick animals can be identified with PCR testing of either nasal swabs, post mortem material, joint fluid or milk samples. Since he started using these tests two years ago, hes returned more positive samples than in the previous 20 years. Mr Fowlie added: One of the biggest problems with M bovis is that its very hard to treat it doesnt respond to many common antibiotics, so prevention is much better than cure. That means screening herds via blood/bulk milk serology testing and PCR testing of sick animals/post-mortem samples to confirm the presence of the disease initially and have confidence in those results." The surveillance programme will continue this winter, with further free testing available to vets across the UK. Funeral homes often submit obituaries to the newspaper as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we are happy to accept obituaries from family members. You may use the form linked below, or you may email Jeanne Cobert at jcobert@fauquier.com or call her at 540-270-4931. Go to form Austria-based Lenzing Group, a producer of wood-based specialty fibres, has announced the release of a suite of new features on its Lenzing e-branding service platform that is now available across textile brands Tencel, Lenzing, Ecovero as well as nonwovens brand Veocel. Users will be able to use the new features to enjoy a smoother experience and greater convenience, as well as enhanced transparency across the value chain. The new features Artwork Approval, Fibre Blending Quick Check Tool, Onboarding Tool, E-Branding Master Class, and E-Branding Helpdesk also complement existing services, such as fibre certification, application for product licenses, and branding materials, according to a press release by Lenzing Group. Austria-based Lenzing Group has announced the release of a suite of new features on its Lenzing E-Branding Service platform that is now available across textile brands Tencel, Lenzing, Ecovero as well as nonwovens brand Veocel. Users will be able to use the new features to enjoy a smoother experience and enhanced transparency across the value chain. Since the introduction of Lenzing E-Branding Service in 2018, we have been on a mission to pioneer the digitalisation of value chain management. While we remain committed to providing unprecedented traceability across the industry value chain, ensuring better user experience remains the key foundation of the Lenzing E Branding Service, said Harold Weghorst, vice president of global marketing and branding at Lenzing AG. With our latest upgrade, users can leverage the new Artwork Approval process to access licensed marketing or co-branding materials with a few clicks, and learn about our service offerings via a suite of comprehensive resources. While material verification during the production process is important, we will not stop there. We aim to extend such verification services to finished garments, enabling greater traceability along the value chain, added Weghorst. As more consumers become aware of greenwashing, there is a growing need for brands and retailers to enhance descriptions of the sustainability elements in their products. Since 2017, the number of applications for fabric certifications, product licenses, and swing-tickets in the E-Branding Service platform has grown exponentially, by around 1.5 times annually. To address the growing need for co-branded marketing content, the Artwork Approval process was launched to ensure fast turnaround for artwork confirmations. With a structured online collection of approved artworks, users can access their artwork collection anytime, anywhere, and apply selected artwork for multiple license applications. To ensure accurate labelling of product ingredients, fabric manufacturers can leverage the new Fibre Blending Quick Check Tool to easily check whether the planned fibre blend of a specific fabric is in accordance with Lenzings Certification Standards. The tool can also verify the correct Lenzing fibre brand for each fibre type, which significantly helps retailers promote the final product among consumers. The Fibre Blending Quick Check Tool can be found on the landing page of the E-Branding Service. It is accessible to all visitors to the platform and does not require one to register. To support the increasing number of users from different regions, the new E-Branding Service Onboarding Tool features a series of step-by-step guides that advises users on how to use the platforms features. The recently launched E-Branding Masterclass also enables users to expand their knowledge of the platform through live webinars and recorded self-study learning modules covering certification and licensing of Lenzings Tencel, Veocel, and Lenzing Ecovero brands. The self-study learning modules are available in English with subtitles in 10 languages. The E-Branding Masterclass is supplemented by the E-Branding Helpdesk service which provides users with live support from a dedicated team of helpdesk specialists, creating a comprehensive knowledge sharing platform. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB) US imports of textiles and apparel have continued to grow at a high rate despite the impact of the economic challenges on discretionary expenditure globally. It rose by 26.36 per cent to $103.950 billion in the first nine months of 2022, compared to $82,268 billion in the same period of 2021. With 26.20 per cent share, China continues to be the largest supplier of textiles and clothing to the US, followed by Vietnam with 14.34 per cent. Within textiles, apparel constituted the bulk of the imports by the US in January-September 2022, amounting to $78.856 billion, while non-apparel imports accounted for $25.094 billion, according to the latest Major Shippers Report, released by the US department of commerce. Segment-wise, among the top ten apparel suppliers to the US, imports from Indonesia and India shot up by 54.66 per cent and 53.39 per cent year-on-year, respectively. Imports from Bangladesh and Cambodia too grew by 50.98 per cent and 46.58 per cent, respectively. Additionally, imports from Pakistan, which is among the top 10 suppliers to the US, registered a growth of 40.11 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year. US' imports of textiles and apparel have continued to grow at a high rate despite the impact of the economic challenges on discretionary expenditure globally. It rose by 26.36 per cent to $103.950 billion in the first nine months of 2022, compared to $82,268 billion in the same period of 2021. China is the largest supplier of textiles and clothing to the US. In the non-apparel category, among the top ten suppliers, imports from Cambodia soared by 65.29 per cent year-on-year. Imports from Vietnam and Italy too climbed by 29.34 per cent and 20.65 per cent, respectively. On the other hand, imports from Turkey dipped by 11.03 per cent. Of the total US textile and apparel imports of $91.733 billion during the period under review, man-made fibre products accounted for $53.302 billion, while cotton products were worth $45.115 billion, followed by $3.288 billion worth of wool products, and $2.244 billion worth of products from silk and vegetable fibres. In 2020, the US textile and apparel imports had decreased sharply to $89.596 billion compared to imports of $111.033 billion in 2019, mainly on account of the COVID-19 pandemic induced disruption. But imports rebounded again in 2021 to reach $113.938 billion, thus surpassing the pre-pandemic levels. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 7, 2022 / St. Anthony Gold Corp. ("St. Anthony" or the "Company") (CSE:STAG)(Frankfurt:M1N)(OTC PINK:MTEHF) announces it completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Financing") on November 4, 2022. The Company accepted subscriptions on this final tranche of 21,472,600 units at a price of $0.035 per unit, for gross proceeds of $751,541. The Company paid finders fees to qualified finders of $16,363.48 and issued 467,528 broker warrants, which are on the same terms as the warrants forming part of the units. The Company raised a total of $1,522,545.57. A total of 43,501,300 Units and 1,011,128 broker warrants were issued pursuant to the Financing. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at $0.05 for a period of two years from the date of closing. Securities issued on this closing are subject to a statutory hold period until March 5, 2023. The net proceeds of the Financing will be used for general working capital. About St. Anthony Gold Corp. St. Anthony Gold Corp., a Canadian-based mineral exploration corporation, is focused on identifying and advancing high-value mineral properties. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEE THE COMPANY'S WEB SITE AT https://stanthonygoldcorp.com Email to info@stanthonygoldcorp.com Contact: Peter Wilson CEO - 604-649-0945 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Further information about the Company is available on www.SEDAR.com under the Company's profile. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the business of the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: St. Anthony Gold Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/724463/St-Anthony-Gold-Corp-Announces-Closing-of-Over-Subscribed-Financing Growing penetration of smartphones and increasing health awareness among people drive the growth of the global healthcare gamification market. PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Healthcare Gamification Market By Game Type (Exercise Games, Serious Games, Casual Games), By Application (Education, Therapeutics, Prevention), By End User (Enterprise Based, Consumer Based): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031." According to the report, the global healthcare gamification market size was estimated at $3.3 billion in 2021, and is anticipated to hit $9.0 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 11.0% from 2022 to 2031. Download Free Sample Report (200 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/11353 Prime determinants of growth- Growing penetration of smartphones and increasing health awareness among people drive the growth of the global healthcare gamification market. On the other hand, low acceptance rate and lack of knowledge about the apps among patients hinder the growth to some extent. However, rise in incorporation of games into digital health monitoring apps by mobile health app developers is expected to create lucrative opportunities for the key players in the industry. Covid-19 scenario- Growing adoption of digital health apps during the pandemic impacted the global healthcare gamification market positively. As the majority of fitness institutes and therapy centers were not functional during the outbreak, people were compelled to use digital healthcare apps and tools to monitor their health. The casual games segment to dominate by 2031- Based on game type, the casual games segment generated more than two-fifths of the global healthcare gamification market revenue in 2021 and would lead the trail through 2031. This is attributed to their associated health benefits. The serious games segment, on the other hand, would display the fastest CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period. This is due to the rising trend of medical practitioners using serious video games to enhance patient behavior and educate patients. Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/11353 The prevention segment to maintain the lion's share- Based on application, the prevention segment held nearly two-fifths of the global healthcare gamification market revenue in 2021 and would maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Increasing adoption of wearable devices and growing incorporation of prescription tracking in healthcare monitoring apps propel the segment growth. The therapeutics segment, simultaneously, would manifest the fastest CAGR of 11.5% from 2022 to 2031. Medical practitioners are using video games and apps to educate and motivate patients suffering from mental disorders. Such factors are driving the demand for healthcare gamification for therapeutic applications, thus driving the segment growth. The enterprise-based segment to retain its dominance- Based on end user, the enterprise-based segment accounted for nearly two-thirds of the global healthcare gamification market revenue in 2019, and is anticipated to lead the trail by the end of 2027. This is due to the fact that growing penetration of smartphones and the internet have fueled the development of consumer-based healthcare gamification apps. Simultaneously, the consumer-based segment would grow at the fastest CAGR of 11.3% till 2027. This is because consumer-based gamification apps keep healthcare records of individuals, thereby helping medical practitioners to prescribe personalized medicines and therapies to individuals. Asia-Pacific garnered the major share in 2021- Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the major share in 2021, generating more than one-third of the global healthcare gamification market. The same region would also cite the fastest CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period, due to increasing adoption of wearable devices and internet penetration across the region. Key players in the industry- Nike Fitbit Bunchball Ayogo Health EveryMove Mango Health Akili Interactive labs JawBone Hubbub Health Microsoft The report analyzes these key players in the global healthcare gamification market. These players have incorporated various strategies such as expansion, new product launches, partnerships, and others to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report is helpful in assessing the operating segments, their business performance & product portfolio, and so on. Trending Reports in Healthcare Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount): Radiation Oncology Market by Type (External Beam Radiation Therapy, Internal Beam Radiation Therapy), by Application (Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Gynecological Cancer, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Viral Clearance Market by Method (Viral Removal, Viral Inactivation), by Application (Recombinant Proteins, Blood and Blood Products, Cellular and Gene Therapy Products, Vaccine, Other Applications), by End User (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Contract Research Organizations, Academic Research Institutes, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 Hair Transplant Market by Procedure (Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Combination of FUT and FUE, Others), by Gender (Female, Male), by Service Provider (Hospitals, Dermatology Clinics): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Market by Type (Tetravalent, Nonavalent, Bivalent), by Disease Indication (Cervical Cancer, Anal Cancer, Vulvar & Vaginal Cancer, Penile Cancer, Oropharyngeal Cancer, Others), by Industry Vertical (Public and Private Alliances, Government Entities, Physicians, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 Medical Cannabis Market by Product Type (Buds/Marijuana Flower and Cannabis Extracts), Application (Chronic Pain, Mental Disorders, Cancer, and Others), and End User (Pharmaceutical and Research & Development Centers): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 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. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/life-sciences Follow Us on Blog: https://www.globalhealthcareindustry.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/healthcare-gamification-market-to-reach-9-0-bn-globally-by-2027-at-11-0-cagr-allied-market-research-301670353.html Wheelchairs Market Growth Accelerating with Rising Developments in Assistive Technologies. China is set to exhibit a CAGR of nearly 4.3% in the global wheelchairs market during the forecast period. Demand for wheelchairs in Germany is expected to register a growth of 3.0% CAGR over the next ten years. NEWARK, Del., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As per Future Market Insights' latest industry analysis, the valuation for the global wheelchairs market was around US$ 5.5 Bn in 2021, and is projected to exhibit growth at a CAGR of close to 3.2% over the forecast period. Utilizing the skills and resources of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors is essential to fostering innovation and removing obstacles to accessibility and affordability for assistive technology (AT). For people to become more economically and civically engaged and to avoid adverse health effects, access to an appropriate wheelchair is essential. A wheelchair is considered appropriate if it: satisfies the user's demands and environmental requirements; offers a proper fit with ergonomic adjustment; is safe and reliable; is readily available in the nation; and can be obtained, maintained, and provided with services in the nation at a reasonable price. The usage of a appropriate wheelchair improves users' mobility and flexibility, which is a requirement for active involvement in civic, professional, and educational activities. Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-15754 Wheelchairs are among the most widely used assistive devices. Those who require wheelchairs have mobility limits and may include individuals with congenital abnormality, people with developmental and neurological problems (such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy), people with a spinal cord injury, and people with musculoskeletal conditions (lower limb amputation), people living with physical handicap caused by polio or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes or stroke, and older people. The wheelchair market is expected to grow as demand is created and consolidated around the best products in terms of effectiveness, features, quality, and cost. Additionally, in order to lower production costs and promote the adoption of strict quality standards, manufacturers and suppliers must collaborate in order to shape the global wheelchairs market for greater revenue sales. Key Takeaways from Market Study Manual wheelchairs are the leading segment as product, and hold approximately 70.5% market share in 2021, owing to their adoption by people with mobility issues, who do not suffer from chronic conditions. market share in 2021, owing to their adoption by people with mobility issues, who do not suffer from chronic conditions. Lightweight wheelchair segment is set to lead in terms of function for wheelchairs with a projected market share of around 30.0% by 2032, owing to the ease of its use. by 2032, owing to the ease of its use. Institutional sales accounted for around 82.2% of the global wheelchairs market, by distribution channel, in 2021, owed to the high adoption of treatment within institutional settings. of the global wheelchairs market, by distribution channel, in 2021, owed to the high adoption of treatment within institutional settings. North America is considered as the leading region with a global share of 35.4% in 2021, owed to the large number of available distributors for wheelchairs in the region. Ask an Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-15754 "Mobility issues associated with ageing are likely to affect older generations, which is predicted to raise demand for wheelchairs and fuel market expansion for wheelchairs over the forecast period," says an analyst of Future Market Insights. Market Competition The market for wheelchairs is highly fragmented, and there exists a number of competitors within the market sphere. Several local producers exist in low and middle-income nations, owing to favorable government regulations, incentives to manufacture locally, and the belief that wheelchairs are a low-tech product. Invacare Corporation announced the release of a new, slimmer version of the Invacare AVIVA STORM RXTM rear wheel drive power wheelchair in January 2022 . . Sunrise Medical announced the introduction of two new electric wheelchairs in January 2022 for both its adult QUICKIE and pediatric ZIPPIE lines. What Does the Report Cover? Future Market Insights offers a unique perspective and actionable insights on the wheelchairs market in its latest study, presenting a historical demand assessment of 2015 - 2021 and projections for 2022 - 2032. The global wheelchairs market is segmented in detail to cover every aspect of the market and present a complete market intelligence approach to the reader. Report Customization available @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-15754 Key Market Segments Covered in Wheelchairs Industry Research By Product: Manual Wheelchairs Powered Wheelchairs By Function: Standard Transport Wheel Chair Self-Propelled Wheel Chair Sports Wheel Chairs Standing Wheel Chairs Recliners Wheel Chairs Bariatric Wheel Chairs Light-weight Wheel Chairs By Distribution Channel: Institutional Sales Retail Sales By Region: North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania Middle East and Africa (MEA) Table of Content 1. Executive Summary 1.1. Global Market Outlook 1.2. Demand Side Trends 1.3. Supply Side Trends 1.4. Analysis and Recommendations 2. Market Overview 2.1. Market Coverage / Taxonomy 2.2. Market Definition / Scope / Limitations 2.3. Inclusions and Exclusions 3. Key Market Trends 3.1. Key Trends Impacting the Market 3.2. Product Innovation / Development Trends View Full Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/wheelchairs-market Have a Look at Related Research Reports of Healthcare Bariatric Transport Wheelchairs Market Size: North America and Europe are the most lucrative markets for bariatric transport wheelchairs. Factors such as increasing rates of non-communicable diseases leading to disability and a growing epidemic of obesity are contributing factors driving the growth of bariatric transport wheelchairs market Paediatric Wheelchairs Market Share: While there are a variety of products serving the needs of adult disability patients who need mobility support, there is also a niche market for paediatric wheelchairs that serve all the needs of the children who need assistance in mobility. Healthcare IT Outsourcing Market Trends: The global healthcare IT outsourcing market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 50,025.3 Million in 2022 Animal Healthcare Market Analysis: The animal healthcare market is valued at US$ 42.3 Billion in 2021. The market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% through 2027 Healthcare Interoperability Solutions Market Outlook: During the forecast period, the healthcare interoperability solutions market holds an average growth prospect with an anticipated CAGR of 14% to reach a valuation of US$ 5.5 Bn by 2026, from US$ 3.3 Bn in 2021 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: sales@futuremarketinsights.com ???? Browse Latest Market reports: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/FMI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/wheelchairs-market-is-expected-to-enjoy-a-worth-of-us-5-7-bn-and-expand-at-a-cagr-of-3-2-to-reach-a-valuation-of-us-7-9-bn-during-the-forecast-period-of-2022-32--future-market-insights-inc-301670356.html As the 2022 holiday season approaches, specialist online jewelry retailer Reiki Healing Store announces an expanded range of Reiki-inspired gift collections. Wilmington, Delaware--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - An enhanced collection of Reiki-inspired jewelry from Reiki Healing Store has been launched, with the goal of offering several new gift ideas for the 2022 holiday season. Product categories now include rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. A new selection of themes has also been introduced, such as vintage, family and friends, and geometric. More details can be found at: https://reikihealingstore.com Quartz & Amethyst Necklaces: Holiday Gift Jewelry Launch By Reiki Healing Store To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/143439_2488895c44402b19_001full.jpg The update is the result of several months of development and has been timed to coincide with traditional gift-giving events such as Christmas and New Year. In addition to the new selection of jewelry, Reiki Healing Store is also now offering gift cards covering the full line. Reiki Healing Store's expansion comes as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) sees growing popularity across the US. Having roots in ancient eastern cultures, Reiki is a form of energy healing that rose to prominence in Japan in the early 1900s. Cleveland Clinic describes the practice as a gentle and non-invasive complementary therapy. The enhanced selection of jewelry from Reiki Healing Store focuses on the use of stones within the practice. While Reiki often involves the use of hands to direct energy flow, crystals such as quartz and amethyst also form part of the teaching, and these have been incorporated into the retailer's latest products. The new range is available in gold, rose gold, and 925 silver, with several other finishes, also offered. In addition to jewelry, Reiki Healing Store has also introduced several further product types, including Reiki phone cases, massage wands, and healing balls. Reflecting current trends in consumer purchasing, Reiki Healing Store is now a fully online retailer and states that the majority of its products are only available via its website. The company offers support with product selection and sizing and also accepts a variety of payment methods. A company representative recently stated: "Our latest products have been crafted with carefully selected stones and represent the highest levels of quality. We aim to make jewelry that is timeless and could be worn for any celebration or just a simple casual day." Interested parties can learn more by visiting: https://reikihealingstore.com Contact Info: Name: Avi Benyamin Email: avi@reikihealingstore.com Organization: REIKI HEALING STORE Address: 910 Foulk Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States Website: https://reikihealingstore.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143439 DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI) affirmed Indonesia's commitment to become one of the centers of world Islamic finance, through the introduction of four programs to strengthen this ecosystem in Indonesia and abroad. Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir has led the Ministries preparation of four featured programmes to form this ecosystem. First, developing the halal industry market within the country and abroad. The second one is developing the sharia financial industry. Third, friendly investment involving local entrepreneurs. And the fourth one, continuous growth of the sharia economy in rural areas. Recognising Indonesian sharia economy potential, Minister Thohir expressed his desire for Indonesians not only to be consumers of imported halal goods but to be the producers. "We should be the producers and a global player. Yet that would be impossible if we do not have a strong sharia financial system," said Thohir. According to the indicator report from The State of Global Islamic Economy, Indonesia has continuously shown significant growth. In 2019, the country was one of the top 10 countries of the world's sharia economy. In 2020, this rank was raised, placing Indonesia in the top five. Thohir established the holding of the state's sharia bank, Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI). BSI is a result of the merger of 3 sharia banks namely BNI Syariah, BRI Syariah, and Bank Syariah Mandiri which was inaugurated on February 1, 2021. BSI is the largest Islamic bank and the 7th largest bank in Indonesia. Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Ma'ruf Amin said, BSI should be able to make Indonesia the center for the sharia industry and the world's halal ecosystem. "Our hope is that BSI will not only take this role nationally, but also globally. Analogically, now Islamic banks are not just playing in a small pool, but are able to swim in the wide ocean," said Ma'ruf, during a visit to the BSI representative office at Dubai, United Arab Emirates on November 4, 2022. BSI President Director Hery Gunardi declared the bank's commitment to fully support all initiatives to reinforce the ecosystem towards the goal of becoming the world's sharia economy centre of gravity. BSI, he said, has persistently developed the country's sharia financial ecosystem. "Indonesia has big potential in halal industry," Gunardi added. This is supported by the fact that more than 229 millions of its population are Muslim, which equals to 87.2% of the country's total population. The halal food industry has the potential up to USD164,76 billion. Further potential can be found in clothing with USD20 billion, halal media USD9,52 billion, halal tourism USD10,48 billion, health industry USD4,76 billion, halal cosmetics and hajj and umrah USD3,81 billion. Other sharia businesses, such as investment, have potential around USD122,65 billion. BSI has also started its business penetration in the global market. One of them is in the Middle East in line with cooperation with international conglomerates and start-ups in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which also marks the expansion of the largest Islamic bank in Indonesia in the global arena. This step was an acceleration for BSI to be taken into account in the international community through increasing capabilities, competitiveness, and reputation. The presence of overseas business networks allows BSI to interact directly with important components of the global banking industry. Gunardi hopes that BSI will be closer to global investors so that the company can contribute more in supporting the programs of the government of the Republic of Indonesia, both in funding infrastructure and development projects through the issuance of Global Sukuk as well as support for the development of national MSMEs. BSI kept its positive performance in the third quarter of 2022, achieving USD218,36 million net profit, growing 42% (yoy). This performance was also supported by public trust, proven by 11.86% rise of third party funds that reached USD16,68 billion. The financing side also grew significantly. BSI financing as a whole recorded USD13,59 billion, growing 22.35%. By segments, micro financing contributed the most with 37.32%. Consumer financing grew 25.26%, wholesale financing 21.79%, card financing 35.81%, and also gold pawn with 30.15% growth. Additionally, net NPF was only 0.43%. Solid and healthy performance was also reflected by 11.53% asset growth. BSI also strived for cost efficiency, shown by better BOPO ratio of 74.02%. Until September 2022, there were already 4.44 million users of BSI Mobile, soaring 43% yearly. Based on customer profiles in BSI, as many as 97% have shifted to e-channel for banking activities. Cumulative transactions for BSI Mobile reached 187.20 million transactions. Sustainable financing reached USD3,47 billion or 25.54% of total BSI financing. "Promoting sustainable financing is one of our commitments as part of our social and environmental responsibilities in various areas of this country as well as supporting the G20 Indonesia Presidency," Gunardi added. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941007/TRW2022_1_25.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/indonesia-towards-the-center-of-global-sharia-economy-301671098.html As the property of sovereign ownership, Goldmark Oakham's Soul Diamond has always stood firm in the market. Gaithersburg, Maryland--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Goldmark Oakham is actively developing and has recently introduced the unique Magic Soul Diamond, using a technology that develops ashes into cremation diamonds containing DNA elements. Positioned as an "Antique mixed with modernity" in the market, the soul diamond is progressively advanced with technology with the goal of storing all generations of family happiness into luxury jewelry pieces. French Luxury Jewelry Brand Goldmark Oakham Introduces The Magic Soul Diamond To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/143044_b679a896443f79e7_001full.jpg To preserve the memory and bond of loved ones, the soul diamond cremation diamonds are made from carbon extracted from cremation ashes or hair. After the hair and cremation ashes are purified, they are placed in the synthesis environment. The precisely controlled chamber turns ashes into diamonds by recreating the natural conditions for diamond growth. Each cremation diamond is naturally grown and truly unique. Learn more here: https://www.goldmarkoakham.com/soul-diamond-process The Ambassador of Goldmark Oakham claimed: "Goldmark Oakham, as a business that brings family connections, connects the world with the goal of ensuring the most effective and reasonable resources for future generations." Recreating the natural conditions for diamond growth in the synthesis environment, Goldmark Oakham's precisely controlled chamber turns ashes into truly unique soul diamonds that are diverse in size, shape, and color. Each step of the soul diamond business at Goldmark Oakham, despite requiring a large amount of capital and the activities of collecting rare materials such as ivory, tiger fangs, or even parts of Hollywood superstar DNA, maintains the standards and exclusiveness. From the stage of Calcium Carbonate refinement, the High Pressure-High Temperature Process to the diamond polishing process that is strictly in accordance with the 4C gradings of gemological institutes, the organization ensures the soul diamonds be purified to an extremely high level. Differentiating itself as more than jewelry, soul diamonds meet the criteria of "non-conflict", "legal and authorized", and fully comply with UN resolutions. They represent the largest value that occupies the smallest space. The jewelry is extremely easy to store and carry and thanks to a Certificate of Free Circulation, while an equal amount of gold requires more storage space and weight. For more information, please visit https://www.goldmarkoakham.com/. About Goldmark Oakham Goldmark Oakham was inspired in Paris in 1947 by D Corneone Oakham and is long renowned for quality craftsmanship and unparalleled design. Having the vision to create a high-end jewelry brand that is still environmentally friendly, developing nature and future generations of mankind, Goldmark Oakham's designs are not only sophisticated, and perfectionist but also breathe life. All diamond products at Goldmark Oakham are meticulously crafted from the golden hands of skilled craftsmen. Contact Info: Name: Christina Hathaway Email: rsp@goldmarkoakham.com Organization: Goldmark Oakham Website: https://www.goldmarkoakham.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143044 Registration is now open for Roca One Day Design Challenge 2022 The sixth UAE edition of Roca's international express design competition will be held at Etihad Museum on 12th November DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Roca One Day Design Challenge returns to UAE on 12th November. After attracting over 100 participants at national level in 2021, the competition promises to once again test the imagination and skill of hundreds of students and professional designers and architects under the age of 30 from all over the country. They will be challenged to create innovative solutions for the bathroom space that can contribute towards a more sustainable and conscious future. The competition, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, is an example of Roca's commitment to talent, innovation, and sustainability to promote the importance of design when facing key global challenges, such as the climate emergency and the new social realities worldwide. Once again, the contest will continue to fulfill its goal of giving visibility to young talents and promoting access to professional opportunities and renowned judges. The projects will be evaluated by a jury comprised of renowned professionals from the world of design and architecture: CEO & Founder of Kristina Zanic Consultants, Kristina Zanic, Vice President of Interior Design for AlDar Properties Dunia Khaleel, Design Manager of Select Group, Mennah Darwish; Founder and Managing Director of J+T Partners Joe Tabet; and Luc Siezenis, Country Manager of Roca Representation Office Middle East Organisation and registration Roca One Day Design Challenge is organised in a time trial format, inviting young designers and architects to prove the value of their ideas for the bathroom space in the course of one intense day. On 12th November, participants will have to create projects based on a briefing given at 9:30 am at the Etihad Museum, Dubai, racing against the clock to upload them on the competition's website until 5.00 pm. The winners will then be announced at 7:30 pm at the Etihad Museum, Dubai. The winning project will receive a prize of 6000 AED and there are additional prizes of 4000 AED and 2000 AED for the second and third-placed entries. The awards ceremony will take place at Etihad Museum, Jumeirah 1 Dubai UAE on 12th of November. Registration for Roca One Day Design Challenge 2022 is open until 11:59 PM on November 9th UTC+4. A global competition Roca One Day Design Challenge was born in Spain in 2012 and has since rapidly expanded worldwide. In 2022 competitions have already been confirmed in 7 countries: Portugal, Poland, Oman, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, and Morocco. In the countries where it is not possible to do a live event, the contest will be held virtually. For further information about Roca One Day Design Challenge, please visit: www.onedaydesignchallenge.net Roca One Day Design Challenge When: Saturday, November 12, 2022 Programme: 8:30 am to 6 pm : Welcome, online briefing and project development : Welcome, online briefing and project development 5 pm : Project submission and jury deliberation : Project submission and jury deliberation 7:30 pm : Announcement of winners Where: Etihad Museum, Jumeirah 1 - Al Mina Road, Dubai UAE Registrations: https://www.onedaydesignchallenge.net/en/contests/uae/uae-2022 About Roca Roca is a global leader dedicated to the design, manufacturing and sale of bathroom products for architecture, construction and interior design. Founded in 1917, it combines tradition and knowledge with a passion for innovation and respect for the environment, in order to meet the demands of customers and contribute to improving the well-being of society. Sustainability and a commitment to ensure a better planet for future generations are core elements in Roca's manufacturing processes. The company has implemented this philosophy in the 170 countries in which it operates and in its 77 factories, through the daily efforts of its more than 21,500 employees. www.roca.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940329/Roca_Design_Challenge.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-6th-edition-of-the-roca-one-day-design-challenge-comes-to-uae-after-last-years-success-in-participation-301670408.html Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Nov 8, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - One of PLN's efforts to accelerate decarbonization is to decrease the usage of fossil energy. In the power sector, PT PLN (Persero) will begin to gradually early retire Coal Fired Power Plant (CFPP). Meanwhile, to reduce emissions from existing operational CFPPs, PLN has implemented biomass co-firing technology.PLN Director of Transmission and System Planning, Evy Haryadi, has explained that PLN is implementing co-firing technology at 33 CFPPs. Whereas, for the next two or three years, PLN will add more co-firing technology at 52 CFPPs.Evy said, the co-firing technology conducted by PLN is not solely to reduce emission. Biomass co-firing technology is inviting the community to be actively involved by planting biomass, or even by managing their regional household waste to be processed and converted into pellets for co-firing at CFPP - hence creating new value creation opportunity for the local community."Up until now PLN has produced 653 GWh of clean energy from biomass co-firing, which is equal to reducing 656 thousand tones CO2 emission," said Evy on Climate Change Summit (COP 27) at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, Sunday (6/11).By 2025, PLN aims to utilize 10 million tones biomass annually to implement co-firing technology at CFPPs. This amount is equal to 12 percent biomass composition as feedstock in the CFPPs. Hopefully, with this step PLN can reduce carbon emission for 11 million tones CO2 per year.The challenge ahead, Evy said, is to secure adequate biomass supply for co-firing implementation. To secure the supply, PLN has cooperation agreement with 3 SOEs, namely PT Perhutani, PT Perkebunan Nusantara and PT Sang Hyang Seri."We also work with local government to process municipal waste into solid recovered fuel or SRF, which can be used as biomass material for co-firing," Evy explained.The Government also expressed support for PLN's co-firing program. Deputy Management Environment and Forestry Coordinating Ministry for Maritime & Investment Affairs, Nani Hendarti, explained that the action PLN has taken is aligned with the goals of Government of Indonesia in reducing carbon emission.Furthermore, Nani explained that in order to develop this technology, Government of Indonesia is supporting the development of energy forest to utilize idle area for energy plantation. The Government also supports local stakeholders to manage municipal waste to be converted to biomass feedstock for PLN co-firing."The next challenge is to ensure the supply of biomass is sufficient for PLN's CFPP. Recently, we are coordinating across ministries to create a regulation or law framework, so that the scheme can run smoothly and with economical raw material," Nani said.Contact:Gregorius Adi TriantoExecutive Vice President of Corporate Communications and TJSL PLNT: 0217261122Source: PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) [IDX: PLN]Source: PT PLN (Persero)Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. CONFIRMATION OF THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY FEATURING ALMOST 480 LOTS UNDER DEVELOPMENT TO MEET THE DEMAND OF OUR DIVERSE CLIENTS CBo Territoria confirms its sustained activity level at this time of year 2022 on the Housing sector with close to 480 lots under development (units and building plots) located on 4 major development sites. Commercial success is maintained for Marie Caze, Saint-Paul, a very attractive sector for private investors This residential area designed by CBo Territoria, located just 10 minutes from the new Western Reunion Hospital Centre and the national highway, close to shops and schools, but also to the western beaches, is still under development. Indeed, the Z irondelles residential estate of 34 plots and Zoizeau Blanc of 30 ready-to-build plots of surface area ranging from 260 to 500 m will both be delivered in the 4th quarter of 2022. In addition, the Le Bengali 1 residence, comprised of 33 flats (one, two and three-bedroom units), eligible for the Pinel Outre-Mer and Girardin corporate tax schemes, will be delivered in the first half of 2023. It will be followed by phase 2 of the project due for completion at the end of 2023 and consisting of 32 units, for which the reservation rate has already reached over 70%. Finally, the construction of both residences Le Foulque (85 intermediate housing units) and Clos des Serins (30 social housing units) is well underway. Both are sold as off-plan projects to the SHLMR, Action Logement group and due for completion in the second half of 2023. Successful launch of the 4 programs currently under development in Beausejour, Sainte-Marie CBo Territoria is pursuing its development of Beausejour, an emblematic quarter that the company has been expanding for over 10 years. This is reflected in the ongoing construction of the Kaloupile residence, comprised of 35 units ranging from one to three bedrooms, sold off-plan and eligible for the Pinel Outre-Mer and Girardin corporate tax schemes, with more than 90% of the units sold to date. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2023. At the same time, the construction of the Lobelie residence is underway. Sold as an off-plan project to the SHLMR, Action Logement group, it will contain 47 intermediate housing units. The housing developments Jardin des 4 epices (31 plots) and Le Hameau (18 plots) will be delivered before the end of 2022, offering a wide range of products both in terms of price and surface area, thus satisfying a variety of customer profiles. Cornerstone laid for new Hamelia residence in Roche Cafe, St-Leu This quarter of Saint-Leu, nestled on the hillside between sea and mountain, and close to the attractive Portail hub, will welcome the laying of the Hamelia residence's cornerstone on 31 October 2022. This development of 42 one- to two-bedroom units is currently almost 80% sold and will be completed in December 2023. This development has proved to be a genuine commercial success, thanks to its geographical location and the high quality of the residence, notably its swimming pool and stunning views of the ocean and the mountains. New plots of land marketed in Grands Bois, Saint-Pierre, an area in full expansion The expansion of the Cap Austral joint development zone is also underway through the release of the first 29 plots of the Le Kaisary project by the end of 2022. This geographical sector of Saint-Pierre, in the wake of the Terre Sainte business estate, is booming along with an increased demand for housing. About CBo Territoria (FR0010193979, CBOT) CBo Territoria has been a leading real estate player in Reunion Island for nearly 20 years, having developed 1,000 land plots, 3,300 housing units, and nearly 190,000 sq.m. of office, retail and activity spaces. The Group has shifted into a multi-regional real estate company specializied in commercial assets (302.6 million as of June 2022, i.e., 79% of its portfolio). The Group, which operates across the entire property value chain (land and property developer and investment property), is developing thanks to its land reserves but also by acquiring land to be developed. CBo Territoria finances its growth strategy through development activities (either residential or tertiary) and, through the scheduled sale of its residual residential assets to the social and intermediate housing landlord SHLMR. CBo Territoria is a property investment company listed on Euronext Paris (compartment C) that is eligible for the PEA PME scheme. Since its inception, CBo Territoria has been a responsible and committed company to more sustainable real estate, ranking in the Top 10 of compartment C of the Gaia-Index for the past six years, a French benchmark index of the most virtuous small and medium-sized companies in terms of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). More information on cboterritoria.com INVESTORS Contact persons Caroline Clapier - Chief Financial Officer - direction@cboterritoria.com Agnes Villeret - Komodo - Tel: 06 83 28 04 15 - agnes.villeret@agence-komodo.com PRESS Contact persons Finance: Agnes Villeret - agnes.villeret@agence-komodo.com Corporate - Paris: Dina Morin - dmorin@capvalue.fr La Reunion: Catherine Galatoire - cgalatoire@cboterritoria.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: xmdsZ5iXYWeayZ5qYplmm2NjamlplWGaa5eWyJaalpiab29kl25kbMjKZnBolmZu - 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-0-77118-cbot-pr-actualite-chantiers-en-cours-08.11.22.pdf LONDON (dpa-AFX) - WPP plc (WPP.L, WPPGY), on Tuesday, announced that Chief Financial Officer John Rogers has decided to step down from the company. The Board has appointed Joanne Wilson to succeed John as CFO. The company stated that John has made a significant contribution to WPP in his three years in the role, has led the first important stages of its transformation programme and is now looking to pursue broader executive opportunities outside the company. The Board has agreed that he will step down as Chief Financial Officer and as an Executive Director of the Board following the finalisation of the 2022 Annual Report & Accounts next year. Joanne is currently Chief Financial Officer at Britvic plc (BVIC.L), the UK-listed international soft drinks company. Prior to Britvic, Joanne had career at Tesco where she gained extensive experience both in the UK and internationally in a variety of financial and commercial roles. These included Chief Financial Officer of dunnhumby, a global leader in customer data science that is part of the Tesco group. Joanne began her career at KPMG, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant and spent three years in Hong Kong. She is currently a non-executive director of Informa plc (INF.L). Joanne is the chair of Britvic's ESG Committee. Joanne is expected to join WPP in the first half of 2023. To ensure a smooth transition, John will remain available until later next year, WPP added. 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. SASE pioneer's explosive growth beats popular cloud and consumer companies in reaching this key milestone. Record pace further validates Cato SASE Cloud as the secure foundation for today's digital enterprise TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cato Networks, provider of the world's leading single-vendor SASE platform, announced today that annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew from $1 million to $100 million in just five years. This best-in-class performance for enterprise network security compares with LinkedIn and faster than consumer-oriented brands, such as Twilio, Wix, Zapier, Canva, and Shopify. Like these companies, Cato was the first to bring a born-for-the-cloud architecture to disrupt its category. Since its founding in 2015, Cato's vision has been of a single, global platform to converge enterprise networking and networking security in the cloud, a vision that was adopted in 2019 by Gartner in the SASE framework and more recently the market guide for Single-Vendor SASE. To date, Cato SASE Cloud has been adopted by 1,500+ enterprise customers spanning 23,000+ branch locations and cloud instances and 450,000+ remote users across 150+ countries. "Cato is leading the biggest disruption of the networking and network security markets since the introduction of the next-generation firewall 17 years ago," says Alon Alter, Chief Revenue Officer at Cato Networks. "The simplicity, agility, visibility, and control of the Cato SASE Cloud brings world-class security protection and optimal network performance to businesses of all sizes. Driven by security and networking experts, Cato has the right service DNA and technology to become the mission-critical platform for the digital enterprise." "With Cato, we got the speed of a Porsche with all of the capabilities and costs of a sedan. Cato improved our ability to collaborate with one another, enabled our worldwide telecommunications cost reductions by 15 to 20 percent, while enhancing our security posture," says Rodney Masney, chief information officer at O-I Glass, a $6.4B producer of glass bottles and jars worldwide. O-I Glass has nearly 200 locations today on Cato, servicing some 24,000 people across 19 countries. "Cato is transforming our ability to connect to our network in a different and meaningful way with respect to mobile work, working from home, better throughput and performance, and a higher level of security." Time Required for Cloud-native Startups to Reach $100M ARR Born-in-the Cloud, Cato Networks Revolutionizes Networking and Security Achieving $100 million in ARR, the so-called Centaur status, is seen as better predictor of business success than becoming a Unicorn, which Cato achieved in 2020. Like other Centaurs, Cato's remarkable growth was propelled by revolutionizing its industry, introducing the first and most mature single-vendor SASE solution. Until Cato, enterprise IT teams suffered the costs, complexity, and risks of networks built from discrete, specialized security and networking appliances. With the Cato Single Pass Cloud Engine (SPACE) architecture, Cato showed how replacing appliances with a single-vendor SASE platform could transform enterprise IT infrastructure. "At the end of the day, we needed a way to support our 50 locations and 20,000 remote users with a solution that was simple, allowed us to co-manage because we like to maintain control, and with a dev ops approach within IT of whoever builds and runs it," says Joel Jacobson, Global WAN Manager at Vitesco Technologies, an international leader in intelligent and electrified drive systems for sustainable mobility. "Cato allowed us the flexibility to incorporate our WAN, Internet, and remote access solutions into one neat package that could be managed with a small team of people. There was no other package out there quite like it." Cato: The Gold Standard for Single-Vendor SASE Platforms Cato's transformation of networking and security into a converged cloud architecture led to the industry realignment of SASE. The percentage of new single-vendor SASE deployments is expected to more than triple in the next three years. According to Gartner, "By 2025, one-third of new SASE deployments will be based on a single-vendor SASE offering, up from 10% in 2022." At the same time, Gartner expects that the SASE market will grow at a CAGR of 35.8%, reaching almost $21 billion by 2026.1 This architectural shift is the unsung story of SASE. The cloudification and convergence of networking and security brought cloud agility and economics to bear on IT infrastructure. It is this architectural change that allows massive operational IT improvements and efficiencies and leads, as Gartner noted, to improved security posture, network and staff security efficacy, and user and administrator experience2. Integrating appliances together may share similar features as a single-vendor SASE solution but will lack the cloud's benefits. "Cato's strength is the ability to provide a SASE solution as a full package," says Toru Maruta, an executive officer and head of product management at KDDI. "Since the start of COVID-19, hybrid work has spread rapidly, and security solutions including SASE have become enablers for this. Hybrid work is achieved through the combination of various components including local breakout with SD-WANs, remote access with SSEs, and endpoint protection with EDR. However, combining and smoothly managing a variety of components is a large pain point for corporate IT managers. Cato's full package makes it easy to combine and manage such services, and it has won the approval of many customers. The partnership between KDDI, with its long years of experience providing and operating network services, and Cato, with its full package SASE solution, represents the optimal solution for corporate IT environments that aim to accelerate their digital transformation." Cloud delivery and convergence of capabilities are transforming IT. Cato is a driving force behind that trend in networking and security -- and we have only just begun our journey. Whether a company is in the Fortune 500 or 500-employees, all can be connected and secured by the Cato SASE Cloud. For more information about Cato and Cato SASE Cloud, visit us at www.catonetworks.com 1Gartner, Market Guide for Single-Vendor SASE, Neil MacDonald, John Watts, Jonathan Forest, and Andrew Lerner, 28 September 2022 2Gartner, Market Guide for Forecast Analysis: Secure Access Service Edge, Worldwide, Nat Smith, Neil MacDonald, Andrew Lerner, Jonathan Forest, John Watts, and Christian Canales, 21 October 2022 About Cato Networks Cato provides the world's most robust single-vendor SASE platform, converging Cato SD-WAN and a cloud-native security service edge, Cato SSE 360, into a global cloud service. Cato SASE Cloud optimizes and secures application access for all users and locations everywhere. Using Cato, customers easily replace costly and rigid legacy MPLS with modern network architecture based on SD-WAN, secure and optimize a hybrid workforce working from anywhere, and enable seamless cloud migration. Cato enforces granular access policies, protects users against threats, and prevents sensitive data loss, all easily managed from a single pane of glass. With Cato, your business is ready for whatever's next. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941209/Cato_Networks.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cato-networks-reaches-100-million-arr-in-just-five-years-to-become-fastest-growing-enterprise-network-security-startup-301671242.html Cantargia has presented new data concerning its IL1RAP-targeting antibody, nadunolimab (CAN04), which demonstrates the drug's ability to reduce levels of tumour-promoting molecules in a pancreatic cancer (PDAC) microenvironment model. Similar reductions have been observed in PDAC and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with nadunolimab. Importantly, an IL-1 targeting antibody showed no such effect (nadunolimab blocks both IL-1a and IL-1 activation). Investors will recall the failure of Novartis's canakinumab (an anti-IL-1 antibody) to demonstrate meaningful survival benefits in Phase III trials for the treatment of NSCLC in October 2021. In our view, the newly presented data provide encouraging differentiation for nadunolimab's mechanism of action (complete IL-1 pathway abrogation) in oncology. Our valuation of Cantargia is unchanged at SEK7.35bn or SEK44.0 per share. 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. Agreement will provide traders with real-time ESG data, AI-powered sentiment analysis and financial news to help drive better investment decisions LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / High-growth European investment trading platform, Capital.com , today announced a strategic agreement with Refinitiv, a (LSEG) London Stock Exchange Group Business, to provide investors and traders with environmental, social and governance (ESG) data. With this agreement, traders can directly access ESG scores and financial data from the Capital.com platform to help them make sustainable investment and trading decisions. Refinitiv offers one of the most comprehensive ESG databases in the industry, underpinned by more than 450 different ESG metrics. It measures a company's relative ESG performance, commitment and effectiveness across 10 main themes, including emissions, environmental product innovation, human rights, and shareholders based on publicly-reported data. Commenting on the collaboration, Kypros Zoumidou, Chief Commercial Director, Capital.com, said: "More and more investments are now linked to ESG criteria but much of this remains under the exclusive purview of institutional fund managers. Investors have to pay managers expensive fees if they want to participate in ESG investments. We do not think this should be the case." According to the findings of Capital.com's recent survey , a lack of knowledge and high fees prevent retail investors from making more sustainable investment decisions. "To further break down the barriers to investing and to empower more people to make sustainable investment decisions for themselves, we have incorporated Refinitiv's market leading ESG data into the platform. Traders will have comprehensive ESG data at their fingertips, at no cost, at the precise moment they need to make an investment decision," added Zoumidou. Refinitiv uses proprietary data feeds powered by artificial intelligence to provide a more timely view of a company and its ESG goals based on news and social media. This helps ensure the ESG data is accurate and free of corporate "greenwashing." Sune Mortensen, Head of Investment & Wealth Solutions, Data & Analytics, LSEG, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Capital.com and offer users the ability to combine and analyse ESG data using cutting-edge applications for in-depth analysis. Together with Capital.com we have decided to enhance the information accessible to the traders by adding a layer of Artificial Intelligence. This will further ensure precision and relevance. Besides that, it enhances the overall user-experience for the traders on the Capital.com platform." In addition to Refinitiv's real-time ESG data, traders will have access to economic calendars, quantitative stock reports, global financial news services including access to Reuters news and exclusive insights, as well as AI-enabled sentiment analysis. Today's announcement marks Capital.com's commitment to support its clients with extensive education resources including data, analytics and research to help them make informed investment decisions. "With the provision of Refinitiv's world-leading financial news content alongside Capital.com's own cost-free educational resources, our traders will not only be able to make sustainable investment choices but also lean on world-class financial data and news to better decipher the long-term direction of price movements. We are delighted to be able to partner with Refinitiv who share our commitment to provide investors with the tools they need to make better investment decisions," added Zoumidou. To help self-directed investors on their investment journey, Capital.com provides an extensive repository of information, insights and analysis including a free educational app that they can use on the go, Investmate. The Capital.com platform also hosts a demo site, regular news feed, as well as more than 5,000 pages of immersive financial content available on its website and through its YouTube trading channel, Capital.com TV. For further information , visit https://capital.com/esg-rating ENDS Notes to Editors About Capital.com Capital.com is a high-growth investment trading group of companies empowering people to participate in financial markets through simple and innovative platforms. Its intuitive award-winning platform, available on web and app, enables investors to trade thousands of world-renowned markets. To help investors trade with confidence, the platform is fitted with robust risk management controls and transparent pricing while its all-in-one 'Investmate' app delivers financial lessons and educational content to support clients in their investment journey. Capital.com has a global network with offices located in Cyprus, UK and Australia. In 2021, the platform reported a 350 per cent growth in its client base, making it one of Europe's fastest growing investment trading platforms with more than 7 million registered users. Capital Com (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under registration number 793714. Capital Com SV Investments Limited is Authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), under licence number 319/17. Capital Com Australia Pty Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under AFSL Number 513393. To find out more, please visit: www.capital.com About Refinitiv, an LSEG business Refinitiv, an LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) business, is one of the world's largest providers of financial markets data and infrastructure. With over 40,000 customers and 400,000 end users across 190 countries, Refinitiv is powering participants across the global financial marketplace. We provide information, insights, and technology that enable customers to execute critical investing, trading and risk decisions with confidence. By combining a unique open platform with best-in-class data and expertise, we connect people to choice and opportunity - driving performance, innovation and growth for our customers and partners. www.lseg.com This press release is for media use only. It's not intended for individual investors and doesn't include personal advice or recommendations. If you don't want to receive our press releases, please let us know by responding to this email and we'll remove you from our distribution list. SOURCE: Capital.com View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/724183/Capitalcom-Signs-Strategic-Agreement-with-Refinitiv-to-Accelerate-Sustainable-Investing-Among-Retail-Investors With Sovereign SaaS, VMware Sovereign Cloud Providers Capture Modern Workloads, Create Stronger Differentiation, and Simplify Operations New Research Highlights the Need for Sovereign Clouds to Help Enterprises Address the Delicate Balance Between Data Monetization and Data Sovereignty VMware Explore 2022 Europe-VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW) today announced the number of VMware Sovereign Cloud providers has more than doubled to 25 partners globally. VMware is also announcing VMware Tanzu on sovereign cloud, VMware Aria Operations Compliance pack for sovereign clouds, and new open ecosystem solutions. Together these new Sovereign SaaS innovations will enable partners to deliver services equivalent to those found in public clouds, while also better assuring data is protected, compliant, and resident within national territories. With sovereign SaaS, VMware Sovereign Cloud Providers can build highly differentiated solutions to capture modern workloads, simplify operations with continuous compliance monitoring, and support data monetization with lower risk. The VMware Sovereign Cloud Framework and associated capabilities that make up the VMware Sovereign Cloud Initiative are aligned with Gaia-X and other global data sovereignty regulations to further simplify the delivery of sovereign clouds. New VMware Sovereign Cloud providers include Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd., Fundaments B.V., Hitachi, Ltd., Macquarie Government, National Information Center, NCS PTE Ltd., PT Aplikanusa Lintsarta, Tata Communications Limited and Credence. Hear what these partners have to say about the importance of sovereign cloud. VMware is now building a portfolio of sovereign SaaS offerings. Partners deliver sovereign SaaS natively using VMware software running in their sovereign cloud data centers, completely disconnected from the public Internet. All data remains resident and exists only within a given sovereign region, with no access by foreign jurisdictions, no data or metadata leaves the country or provider. "There is no data sovereignty without cloud sovereignty. And sovereignty does not have to come at the expense of cloud innovation," said Rajeev Bhardwaj, vice president, cloud provider platform solutions, VMware. "With our new sovereign cloud innovations, we're again setting the agenda by bringing SaaS services into sovereign environments. This will enable VMware Sovereign Cloud providers to help their customers innovate and drive digital transformation while reducing the risk of unlocking the value of data." VMware Tanzu on Sovereign Cloud Highly regulated customers recognize the strategic need to modernize applications to improve customer engagement with enhanced security, efficiency, and resiliency. Containers and Kubernetes offer a pathway to modernization. With VMware Tanzu on sovereign cloud, organizations can build, run, manage, and better secure modern applications consistently on sovereign cloud infrastructure with enterprise Kubernetes built in. The Tanzu portfolio simplifies platform operations and frees developers to move faster and access the right resources for building the best applications. Sovereign-ready Tanzu is delivered by partners natively from their sovereign cloud data centers, completely disconnected from the Internet. VMware Tanzu on sovereign cloud includes: Tanzu Kubernetes Grid: VMware's enterprise-ready, Kubernetes runtime provides customers with simplified installation, automated multi-cluster operations, and integrated platform services. Carvel-based tooling provides a set of reliable, single-purpose, composable tools that aid in application building, configuration, and deployment to Kubernetes. For sovereign clouds, Tanzu Kubernetes Grid includes open source components such as Fluent Bit, Prometheus, Grafana, and Contour that offer monitoring and ingress capabilities. Organizations can observe and adapt based on open-source metrics, traces and logs which display where Kubernetes cluster failures may arise, and better ensure traffic is safe and allowed. Tanzu Application Platform: Sovereign-ready Tanzu Application Platform provides development teams with the tools and services they need to get their code to production faster and more securely. Tanzu Application Platform has added air-gapped installation for enhanced security and compliance in sovereign cloud environments. Developer productivity has been enhanced with the addition of Dynamic API spec registration using the Backstage API plugin to more securely automate publishing, consumption, and collaboration on APIs for software development. A new, centralized vulnerability monitoring dashboard will aid app teams with their pre-deployment security checks and secure app deployments. Tanzu Application Platform has added support for Red Hat OpenShift, Jenkins, and Carbon to expand the footprint of ecosystem integrations. Tanzu Mission Control: Sovereign-ready Tanzu Mission Control will provide policy-based cluster automation and management at scale for better visibility, control and security for operators, more consistency and speed for DevOps, and flexibility and autonomy for developers. Tanzu Mission Control will enable sovereign cloud partners to benefit from full Kubernetes visibility while maintaining full control over their network infrastructure connectivity. Simplified Kubernetes cluster management from a single control plane will help eliminate cumbersome and time-consuming tasks to streamline operations. VMware is working to add support for private deployments of Tanzu Mission Control in sovereign cloud environments. The solution is in private beta today. VMware Data Solutions: VMware Data Solutions (formerly Tanzu Data Services) support compliant and conformant data management. Customers have access to a self-service user interface and API for lifecycle management of these services so they can tune their instances for optimal performance of their applications. VMware RabbitMQ is a lightweight and easy-to-deploy message broker that supports multiple messaging protocols and can be deployed in distributed and federated configurations to meet high-scale, high-availability requirements. VMware SQL is a relational database service providing cost-efficient and flexible deployments on-demand, at scale, while automating time-consuming administration. VMware Data Solutions are integrated with VMware Cloud Director, further simplifying operations and deployment to sovereign cloud environments. VMware RabbitMQ is available and VMware SQL is in preview with more services to come. VMware Aria Operations for Sovereign Clouds VMware Aria Operations Compliance pack for sovereign clouds provides continuous compliance monitoring, reporting, remediation, and automation capabilities that help partners remain compliant with both regulatory benchmarks and VMware Sovereign Cloud guidelines. Sovereign-ready Aria Operations provides comprehensive capabilities across availability, performance, capacity management, cost management, and compliance for infrastructure or applications. VMware Aria Operations Compliance packs include out-of-the-box regulatory compliance kits, configuration checks, and reporting based on the 20-point Sovereign controls such as microsegmentation, data at rest and in-transit encryption, and ISO 27000 compliance. Full integration with VMware Cloud Director and a unified dashboard provide an automated and efficient way to demonstrate compliance across the complete sovereign cloud infrastructure. VMware is announcing initial availability for VMware Aria Operations Compliance pack for sovereign clouds. Open Ecosystem Solutions for Sovereign Clouds Working with its open ecosystem partners, VMware has delivered third-party offerings from partners such as Cloudian, Veeam and Fortanix for Object Storage, ransomware protection, backup/recovery, and key management. These services are tightly integrated with VMware Cloud Director for multi-tenant deployment and a seamless user experience. VMware continues to build this open ecosystem with the unveiling of the following new partner services: Risk and Compliance management: VMware has collaborated with Caveonix to deliver a fully integrated security, compliance, and governance platform within the sovereign domain to manage the data sovereignty compliance requirements of sovereign cloud. The platform continuously monitors and assesses the security and compliance posture of the VMware environment to help ensure immediate reporting and mitigation of any drift, thus protecting all data assets stored in the sovereign cloud. Data Lakehouse as a Service: VMware Tanzu Greenplum, a massively parallel processing (MPP) data warehouse platform, seamlessly integrates with Cloudian HyperStore S3-compatible object storage to deliver the same data lakehouse architectures available in public clouds to sovereign clouds. This VMware-certified solution enables new efficiencies and savings and is ideal for the creation and deployment of advanced analytics models for complex enterprise applications. Customers can vary the number of compute nodes running Greenplum or storage nodes running HyperStore elastically, independently, and on-demand, allowing customers flexibility and better economics within the sovereign cloud environment. "For years, OVHcloud has developed a strong partnership VMware," said Thierry Souche, chief technology officer, OVHcloud. "With the strengths of our common offering in the field of Hosted Private cloud, we now embrace a new step with the deployment of sovereign-ready Tanzu in a completely trusted and isolated mode that protects data all along its lifecycle. Building on this unique commitment among the world's leading cloud technology players, we are very proud to deploy best in class solutions that will address cloud native application and platform needs with cutting edge solutions. Data sovereignty has never been more important for IT decision makers in Europe, and we're pleased to further expand our portfolio to help them seize the full potential of a trusted cloud." "We have now established foundational sovereign cloud capabilities in our Nordic data center network for our customers and are actively taking existing and new customers to this new modern solution," said Alberto Valero, Head of Technology Growth for Tietoevry Connect. "We see that the next logical step for us to help our customers in their digitalization transformation is to provide for them the Tanzu Application Portfolio. With Tanzu Application Platform, customers get a very comprehensive tool set supported by our professional services to significantly improve their ability to boost their data driven ecosystems. We are really excited about the possibilities these bring to power up the data economy in the digital sovereign context." Sovereign Clouds and the Delicate Dance of Data Monetization vs. Data Sovereignty1 New research conducted by Vanson Bourne and commissioned by VMware reveals that over the next two years, 96% of all companies surveyed believe data will be a source of revenue, and 50% believe it will be a significant revenue source. As economic uncertainty intensifies, it is not surprising that more business leaders are zeroing in on their data as an untapped revenue source. Yet the downside is just as big: respondents identified data sovereignty as one of the key challenges facing organizations with 95% admitting it is a concern. Organizations that fail to comply with data-sovereignty regulations often must pay fines in the hundreds of millions of dollars and suffer damage to brand reputation because of data compromise. Today, 100+ countries have their own laws governing how data should be managed and stored within their sovereign borders, and most of these regulations are changing constantly. VMware Sovereign Cloud Providers offer their customers a safer path forward in de-risking data monetization. Read the full report here. About VMware Explore VMware Explore is an evolution of the company's flagship conference, VMworld. VMware Explore aims to be the industry's go-to event for all things multi-cloud. This year, it will feature industry-led solution and technical sessions, an extensive ecosystem of 90% of the top cloud partners, a thriving marketplace of multi-cloud ISVs and several networking events. To learn more about VMware Explore, please visit: www.vmware.com/explore.html. About VMware VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMware software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the company's 2030 Agenda. For more information, please visit www.vmware.com/company. 1) "Multi-Cloud Maturity Research Report," Vanson Bourne, October 2022. VMware, Explore, Tanzu, RabbitMQ, VMware Aria, Greenplum, and VMworld are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. VMware makes no guarantee that services announced in preview or private beta will become available at a future date. The information in this press release is for informational purposes only and may not be incorporated into any contract. This article may contain hyperlinks to non-VMware websites that are created and maintained by third parties who are solely responsible for the content on such websites. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005074/en/ Contacts: Roger T Fortier US Media Relations +1.408.348.1569 rfortier@vmware.com ATHENS, Greece, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening in Athens, Arturo Burzio from the United Kingdom representing Scarfes Bar at Rosewood was crowned elit Vodka's Martini Master 2022, as he 'shook off' impressive competition from bartenders representing 9 other countries. As a 10-time platinum award-winning vodka and advocate of social responsibility, elit Vodka paired the best bartenders in the industry from 10 countries (United Kingdom, France, Austria, Spain, Italy, Greece, Israel, Australia, United Arab Emirates and Mexico) to bring the perfect sustainable martini to life and unearth the future of the classic cocktail. The finals, held at two Michelin starred restaurant Delta, saw some of the best bartenders in the world compete in challenges designed to showcase and test their cocktail skills, knowledge and creativity. Each of the 10 finalists showcased their interpretation of the perfect sustainable martini presented to a panel of esteemed judges, including Ago Perrone of The Connaught Bar, Sandrae Lawrence from Cocktail Lovers, Maserati MSG Racing's Edoardo Mortara, and elit brand ambassador and awards winning bartender Jack Sotti. Upon winning, Arturo said: "This has been an incredible experience, I can't believe I'm the 2022 elit Martini Master! There were so many amazing drinks it could have been any one of us who won. I'm looking forward to celebrating and excited for the next 12 months." Damian McKinney, CEO of Stoli Group commented: "All of our finalists showcased incredible talent, initiative and innovation. They truly blew us away with their creativity and craft, but Arturo really nailed the brief. We're delighted to have him become our 2022 elit Martini Master and we're really looking forward to working with them in the year ahead." To learn more about elit Martini Masters, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @elitvodka and elitMartiniMasters across social channels. For more information about elit Vodka visit https://elitvodka.com/. About Stoli Group Stoli Group was established in 2013 and is responsible for the production, management, and distribution of a global spirits and wines portfolio. Mainly known for the Stoli Vodka brand, Stoli Group has expanded to appeal to luxury on-premise and more sophisticated global consumers. Signature brands are: Stoli Vodka, elit Vodka, Bayou Rum, Kentucky Owl, Villa One, Gator Bite Rum Liquers, Cenote Tequila, Tulchan Gin, Se Busca Mezcal and Stoli Group's wine division, Tenute del Mondo. With a presence across a network of more than 176 markets, Stoli Group works with a passionate team of 200 distributors around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli has production facilities in Spain, Italy, Argentina, and the United States, some of which are steeped in history dating back to the early part of the last century. About elit Vodka Part of the Stoli Group's brands, elit Vodka is one of the highest-rated white spirits in the world, receiving 10 platinum awards and has been named as the best vodka of the year on 10 occasions by the Beverage Tasting Institute, Chicago, USA. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941256/THE_2022_ELIT_MARTINI_MASTER.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/arturo-burzio-is-crowned-the-2022-elit-martini-master-301671279.html Next generation Ozobot Bit+ robot coming soon to select international countries NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ozobot, global leader of programmable robotics and STEAM-based learning solutions for K-12 education that empower the next generation of creators, today debuted Bit+ - a feature-packed programmable robot that brings coding and creativity to the classroom and home. An evolution of the original Ozobot Bit robot, the new Bit+ will be available exclusively to international customers beginning Q1 2023. Packed with new technology and features, Bit+ takes the best of the tried and true Bit robot and adds more functionality and utility, including increased connectivity and battery life, Arduino compatibility, and a larger, stronger design. "The original Bit robot is long hailed as the alternative to connected coding, allowing students to learn to code without screens, using Color Code Markers," said Andy Fathollahi, CEO of Ozobot. "With the new Bit+, students are now able to learn to code online with Ozobot Blockly, appealing to older students while also delivering an unparalleled screen-free coding experience, enhanced by Arduino extensibility." Compared to Ozobot Bit, the next generation Bit+ features: Double the battery life Arduino compatibility Upgradable feature firmware updates (via USB connection) Ozobot Blockly connectivity (via USB connection) Battery disconnect switch to maximize battery life Larger design with a strong polycarbonate shell Fathollahi added, "The Bit+ is an impressive, international exclusive alternative to our mainstay Evo robot, and we're proud to continue innovating and delivering products with purpose, equipping students and educators with enhanced technology solutions to deliver a seamless STEAM experience." Ozobot Bit+ will be available exclusively to customers outside of North America starting in Q1 2023. Bit+ will be sold individually as part of the Bit+ Entry Kit and in a set of 12 as part of the Bit+ Classroom Kit. For sales inquiries, please contact sales@ozobot.com. About Ozobot Ozobot is redefining the role of robotics in education with award-winning programmable robots, patented screen-free coding programs, and STEAM-based learning solutions that transform the way children learn and create across all grades, subjects, and environments. Led by a world-class team of educators, engineers, and computer scientists, Ozobot delivers award-winning solutions by integrating innovative product design with leading LMS platforms and emerging technologies, including Augmented Reality-based learning, powered by Ozobot's coding platform, Ozobot Blockly, that supports its proprietary JavaScript and Python editors that run native code on connected devices. Together with students, educators, and parents around the world, Ozobot has become the #1 most trusted robotics platform in education and continues to empower the next generation of creators to discover new and exciting ways to learn. For more information on Ozobot, please visit ozobot.com. Media Contact: Kelly Cunningham Ozobot kelly@ozobot.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940907/Ozobot_Bitplus_Coding_Robot.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1705203/Ozobot_wordmark_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ozobot-debuts-bit-coding-robot-301671139.html PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Carrefour (CRERF.PK, CRRFY.PK, 0NPH.L) said the company is launching its new strategic plan, Carrefour 2026, to accelerate its transformation. The company is stepping up the pace of its annual investments to 2.0 billion euros, and has set a target of more than 1.7 billion euros in net free cash flow by 2026. Under the plan, the Group will continue to develop and promote its range of Carrefour-branded products with the aim of representing 40% of food sales in 2026. The Group will increase the number of partner producers to 50,000. The Group also confirmed its objective that omnichannel customers should represent 30% of Carrefour customers in 2026, compared with 11% in 2021. Carrefour is also joining forces with Publicis to create a leader in Retail media. The partnership will take the form of a joint venture in which Carrefour will hold 51%. Carrefour noted that the cash generated will enable a cash dividend to be paid each year, with annual growth of at least 5%. The Group will continue share buyback policy initiated in 2021 with annual programs. 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. Exhibition of excellent Chinese audiovisual programs launched in Indonesia Xinhua) 14:19, November 08, 2022 People watch video collection of Chinese film and television works at the launching ceremony of the 2022 Audio-Visual China - Excellent Audio-Visual Program Indonesia exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 7, 2022. At the launching ceremony, film and television production and dissemination agencies from the two countries reached the cooperation intention of having China's popular TV series such as "Minning Town", "Nothing But Thirty" and other excellent Chinese film and television products broadcast in Indonesia. (Xinhua) JAKARTA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The 2022 Audio-Visual China - Excellent Audio-Visual Program Indonesia exhibition was launched in Jakarta on Monday. The director of the International Cooperation Department of China's National Radio and Television Administration, Yan Chengsheng, announced the launch of the exhibition via video link. The General Secretariat and the Department of International Cooperation of Indonesia's Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology extended congratulations. Yan said in his speech that China and Indonesia have carried out a series of fruitful exchanges and cooperation in the fields of radio, television and online audio-visual in recent years, which uphold the principles of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and have made positive contributions to promoting people-to-people bonds and bilateral relations. People watch video collection of Chinese film and television works at the launching ceremony of the 2022 Audio-Visual China - Excellent Audio-Visual Program Indonesia exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov. 7, 2022. At the launching ceremony, film and television production and dissemination agencies from the two countries reached the cooperation intention of having China's popular TV series such as "Minning Town", "Nothing But Thirty" and other excellent Chinese film and television products broadcast in Indonesia. (Xinhua) China and Indonesia should further strengthen policy communication, content cooperation and technical exchanges, he said. "Today, we launched the exhibition and broadcasting of China's excellent audio-visual programs. We also warmly welcome our Indonesian counterparts to actively recommend their programs to be broadcast on China's TV and online audio-visual media," said Yan. At the launching ceremony, film and television production and dissemination agencies from the two countries reached the cooperation intention of having China's popular TV series such as "Minning Town", "Nothing But Thirty" and other excellent Chinese film and television products broadcast in Indonesia. (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Liang Jun) LONDON, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acin, the pioneering operational risk data company, has announced that Serge De Coster has joined the company as Chief Client Officer, a new role for the organisation. Serge and his team will be responsible for the development of Acin's value proposition as well as generating and delivering insights derived from the Acin Network. Serge is the latest senior figure to join Acin, whose solution has been widely adopted by the world's most significant financial institutions, three more of which have recently joined the data network. Serge was recently the Head of Analytics and co-Head of CIB at Coalition Greenwich, a leading provider of Benchmarking Analytics to the financial service industry. Prior to Coalition Greenwich, Serge spent 4 years at Oliver Wyman, where he advised Global Corporate & Investment banks in Europe, US, and Asia. Serge has an educational background in Finance, Computer Science and is a qualified Actuary. Serge brings deep expertise in Data Analytics, Benchmarking and Risk Management, acquired by advising most Global banks on Capital Management and Capital Optimisation. Paul Ford, CEO at Acin, said: "We are delighted to join Serge to the Acin team as Chief Client Officer, his experience in risk analytics, benchmarking and capital are perfectly aligned with the Acin vision. Serge is also hugely experienced in working with top tier financial institutions at the highest level and in understanding their needs and delivering quantitative solutions to those needs." Serge De Coster, Chief Client Officer at Acin, said: "Having worked extensively in consulting and benchmarking analytics, I was impressed with Acin's ability to build relationships with tier 1 institutions by leveraging both technology and expertise to deliver insights. Acin's approach to gather data, ensure like-for-like comparison and then extract valuable insights works well to support bank with their Operational Risk needs, but has wide possibilities beyond that." Notes to Editors For PR-related questions, please contact: siobhan.allen@acin.com (mailto:siobhan.allen@acin.com), +447738656969 About Acin Founded in 2018, Acin has built the defining data network for operational risk control, for leading financial institutions. Acin's award-winning Risk Control Diagnostics platform digitizes and assures operational risk controls in a connected data network across the financial services industry. Backed by Fitch Ratings, and trusted by JP Morgan, Credit Suisse, Standard Chartered and other pioneers. Acin assures operational risk controls are complete, efficient and calibrated to the market. Using technology and data science Acin is equipping financial institutions to quantify, calibrate, and visualize their operational risk control data - transforming operational risk control from a manual, qualitative and subjective discipline into one that is automated, quantitative, and robust. Our dynamic Acin platform powers a first-of-its-kind peer-to-peer network that enables anonymized benchmarking and the sharing of collective intelligence on operational risk controls, ensuring they are complete, effective, correctly calibrated, and efficient. This empowers customers to measure, mitigate and manage operational risk more effectively, and in turn safeguard their reputation, reduce costs, and build operational resilience. Acin is used business-wide at many of the world's most significant financial institutions. It has achieved global industry recognition, including Risk.net's coveted OpRisk Innovation of the Year Award (https://www.risk.net/) 2022, Top AIFinTech100, Best ESG risk data provider 2022, ESG Insight Awards, Chartis Research as a 2022 RiskTech100 'Rising Star', American Financial Technology Awards 2020, Regulation Asia Awards 2020, UK FinTech Awards 2020, and was named one of the most innovative RegTech companies in 2019 and 2020. Read Acin's latest report (https://www.acin.com/report/2022-risk-net-research-report/), Risk Control 2022: What's now and What's next? in conjunction with Risk.net, exploring the current state of risk controls, the challenges of effective engagement, and the opportunity to develop a more proactive and dynamic approach to risk control. www.acin.com (http://www.acin.com/) This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com (mailto:rns@lseg.com) or visit www.rns.com (http://www.rns.com/). KUALA LUMPUR & TAIPING, Nov 8, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - Spritzer is pleased to announce that the Company has won the national award under beverages, for the water category of the World Branding Awards - Brand of the Year 2022-2023, a premier award recognition programme organised, assessed, evaluated and judged by the World Branding Forum. This is Spritzer's eighth (08) consecutive year winning the prestigious award.The national award was presented to Spritzer on 3 November 2022 at Kensington Palace, London. The 15th edition of the World Branding Awards - Brand of the Year 2022-2023 saw more than 3,500 brands from over 45 countries nominated across multiple categories under three levels - global, regional and national, with only 250 brands declared winners.The award is uniquely judged and assessed through three streams, with each stream contributing a percentage to the total score - with brand valuation and public online voting each getting 30% weightage and consumer market research getting 40% weightage. Only one national award is given to a brand from each product or service category from participating countries.Spritzer would like to take this opportunity to thank all their loyal consumers, suppliers, and business partners for the support. The management wants to also thank the Spritzer team who worked hard to make this happen. This award is testimony to the quality of their silica-rich mineral water.The source of Spritzer's silica-rich natural mineral water extracts from underground aquifers in a pristine 390-acre site located in Taiping, Perak neighbouring a tropical rainforest. Spritzer will continue to offer only the best quality to consumers and is active in supporting community initiatives.Spritzer Bhd: [Bursa: SPRITZER; 7103] [RIC: SPTZ:KL] [BB: SPZ:MK] [OTC: SPZRF], https://www.spritzer.com.mySource: Spritzer BerhadCopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. 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. Chris Caldwell of United Renewables in Conversation with Sam Baker of Walk2COP27 DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, Nov. 08, 2022, climate activist and ex-Partner at Deloitte, this week. As head of ESG and Climate Change at the 'big four' consultancy group until 2021, Baker worked closely with a number of the world's biggest firms on their ESG and sustainability strategy and reporting. Speaking to host Chris Caldwell on an episode of ESG-focused podcast Conversations on Climate, Baker announced that truly sustainable transformation remained 'elusive and underinvested in,' within the major multinationals he worked with over his 23-year career at the consultancy firm. With the exception of a few smaller businesses, most fail to 'own [their impact] and bring it into the heart of the business model.' COP 27 business links under scrutiny Baker - who left Deloitte to found the direct-action group Walk2COP- made the comments with just days remaining until the opening of the global COP 27 climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, on November 8th 2022. The climate conference's relationship with major multinationals has already come under fire in recent months. The announcement that the conference would be sponsored by Coca-Cola has been condemned as an example of 'greenwashing' by Greenpeace and other advocacy groups. Despite its 'ambition' to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, Coca-Cola has been repeatedly declared the world's worst polluter in audits by monitor Break Free From Plastic. Green business leadership speaks out Baker's comments were echoed in the conversation with Chris Caldwell, CEO of United Renewables, a full-cycle developer of clean energy infrastructure with over 40 projects operating globally across wind, solar, tidal and anaerobic digestion. Caldwell himself has been a vocal advocate for big business to do more to combat climate change, drawing on his decades of experience running a sustainability-focused company and as host of the sustainable business podcast Conversations on Climate. Conversations on Climatebrings world-leading thinkers from business and academia together to share their expertise on the subject of climate change. Previous guests include Sir Andrew Likierman, Julio Dal Poz, Professor Jean-Pierre Benoit, and Professor Ioannou. All previous episodes can be found here. Related articles can be found here. CONTACT Isabella Hawke - Sales and Marketing Consultant COMPANY United Renewables PHONE +447624457139 EMAIL IIhawke@unitedrenewables.co.uk WEB unitedrenewables.co.uk/resources A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4bd7bcbc-2444-4212-9913-5c0c719d60e8 Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Centre won the 'Best Cancer & Super Speciality Hospital' & 'Most Advanced Hospital for Cancer Treatment' in Bangladesh and 'Most Promising Leader - Healthcare, Bangladesh' for their Managing Director Mr Sakif Shamim, for the year 2022. The felicitation ceremony will be held at the Palm Jumeirah - Waldorf Astoria on the 10th of December 2022 in Dubai. LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Brand Awards is an annual event held by Global Brands Magazine (GBM), an international publication headquartered in the UK. Labaid was evaluated on the grounds of innovation and research in medical sciences. For all the group has done in the field of cancer research, it won multiple awards from Global Brands Magazine. Commenting on Labaid winning the awards, ShivKumar (CEO) of Global Brands Magazine said, "Labaid Cancer Hospital is committed to delivering the best cancer care possible. In addition to providing essential cancer treatment, their doctors care for the patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The judges were particularly impressed with Labaid - positively impacting cancer care, and we wish them the best in their future endeavours." Sakif Shamim, Managing Director, Labaid commented on winning the awards, said, "I wish to express my most sincere gratitude and appreciation to Global Brands Magazine for recognizing 3 awards to my organization and me. Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Centre is a leading healthcare provider in Bangladesh committed to providing trusted healthcare services driven by excellence through innovation, quality, teamwork & advanced technologies to ensure optimum patient care and satisfaction. Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Centre is the country's first Comprehensive Cancer care hospital. Currently, we are providing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and organ-specific treatment to all patients. Our vision is winning Cancer, and our mission is patients' first clinical excellence and ethical practices. My future goal is to establish 10 tertiary hospitals and 30 cancer centres across the country. I believe in humanity and want to give back to my community. Finally, I am truly honoured to receive these awards for our hospital, which is one of the best experiences in my professional career. I work for my passion, not only for money. Thanks to Global Brand Magazine for conveying such kind of awards on the globe." About Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Centre Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Centre is a complete integrated multidisciplinary cancer hospital at the forefront of medical technologies and expertise in Bangladesh. The lack of quality treatment and the suffering of the patients in Bangladesh inspired the visionary leader Dr A M Shamim to set a new trend in treatment for Bangladeshi patients. As a result, LABAID Diagnostic was established to believe that a cure results from an accurate Diagnosis with the best possible care. Today LABAID is one of the leading groups of companies in the country, which includes the business of Health Care, Pharmaceuticals, Financial, Education, Agros etc. However, the core of the LABAID Group lies in health care services. Also, Labaid Cardiac Hospital gives excellent treatment to cardiac patients. They also have 10 super speciality hospitals around the country with 250-500 beds each. About Global Brands Magazine Global Brands Magazine (GBM) has been at the forefront, bringing news, views and opinions on brands shaping the future of their industry. The UK-based magazine provides its readers with the latest news and information on 'best-in-class brands'. About Global Brand Awards Global Brand Awards honours brands for their excellence in performance and rewards companies for the quality of their services. The Brand Awards highlight the accomplishments of organizations that have performed remarkably well in their respective industries. Global Brand Awards recognize vital players who progress towards excellence by providing a platform to acknowledge their efforts. Check out our social media shout outs from the links below: Facebook: https://bit.ly/3UCkXAL Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3UGcoor Twitter: https://bit.ly/3FYzvXw Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Edjbk7 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1764747/GBM_2022_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/labaid-cancer-hospital-bags-multiple-awards-at-the-10th-edition-of-global-brands-magazine-awards-301671342.html Canadian Stock Symbol Changed To EPW On Canadian Securities Exchange VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / EMPOWER CLINICS INC (CSE:EPW)(OTCQB:EPWCF) ("Empower Clinics" or the "Company"), an integrated healthcare company serving patients through medical centers, telemedicine platforms, a medical device company, and a high complexity medical diagnostics laboratory, announced today that the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) has revoked the cease trade order (CTO) and trading will resume. The Company expects that its common shares will resume trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") on or about November 8, 2022. NEW STOCK SYMBOL FIRST OF MANY NEW CHANGES TO COME AS EMPOWER CLINICS IMPROVES FINANCIAL REPORTING AND AUDITING SYSTEM The Company announced that it will change its ticker symbol on the CSE from "CBDT" to "EPW". The symbol change is to take effect immediately upon resumption of trading. The change in the ticker symbol is being made to provide greater visibility to the Company's focus on integrated healthcare and full divestment from all cannabis-related business, as well as, to provide consistency with the Company's "EPWCF" stock symbol in the United States. No action is required by existing shareholders regarding the ticker symbol change. "Along with our many shareholders and followers, we welcome the resumption of trading of our shares and are looking forward to trading under the new 'EPW' symbol on the CSE," said Steven McAuley, Chairman and CEO of Empower Clinics. "The new symbol directly aligns with the vision of the Company to focus on integrated healthcare and to continue adding significant value to our shareholders." Mr. McAuley continues, "We have endured a difficult time, a difficult auditor, a difficult audit. I am grateful for shareholder patience and support. I appreciate our team members who show up each day, work hard every day, who support patients, distribute products, and make a difference to the lives of people across North America. I thank you, we thank you, for the continued support of all who have an interest in our Company." The Company has filed audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021, as well as unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three-months ended March 31, 2022, and the six-months ended June 30, 2022, along with the related management's discussion and analysis and required certifications. All filings are available at www.sedar.com. The Company has met its continuous disclosure obligations pursuant to securities laws and the revocation orders granted by the securities regulators. With respect to additional new changes for the purposes of improving its financial reporting, filing, annual audit process and continuous disclosure requirements, the Company has implemented or anticipates implementing the following initiatives: 1. Search For A New Auditor After repeated audit delays, the Company and its auditor have mutually agreed to end their relationship. Empower Clinics has already begun the search for a new auditor and will advise of an appointment in the near future. 2. Apply To Change The Fiscal Year End To March 31st To Relieve Pressure On Future Audits The audit industry has not been immune to staffing shortages that have impacted every industry across North America over the past two years. This major problem is exacerbated by the fact that 57% of Canadian public companies have a year end of December 31st, which results in an almost insurmountable capacity issue, that impacts issuers and appears to be an issue for the foreseeable future. 1) As such and in consultation with new potential audit firms, the Company will be filing with the CRA an application to change its fiscal year end to March 31st, a period in which only 6.5% share as their year-end. 1) 3. Hiring A New Chief Financial Officer The Company suddenly and unexpectedly lost its previous Chief Financial Officer due to personal reasons. Empower Clinics will be recruiting and hiring a new CFO with a track record of excellence in financial operations for public companies. 4. Re-Listing On Frankfurt Stock Exchange We will immediately begin the process of re-listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange to support our vast, loyal, and invaluable shareholders in Germany and in German speaking countries. The Company will provide updates on this process as early and as often as possible. Following a trade resumption and related updates above, the Company anticipates important and meaningful business-related announcements in the days and weeks ahead. This press release is available on the Empower Clinics Verified Forum on AGORACOM for shareholder discussion, questions and engagement with management https://agoracom.com/ir/EmpowerClinics 1) https://blog.auditanalytics.com/when-does-a-canadian-companys-year-end/ About Empower Empower is an integrated healthcare company that provides body and mind wellness for patients through its clinics, with digital and telemedicine care, and world-class medical diagnostics laboratories. Supported by an experienced leadership team, Empower is aggressively growing its clinical and digital presence across North America. Our Health & Wellness and Diagnostics & Technology business units are positioned to positively impact the integrated health of our patients, while simultaneously providing long term value for our shareholders. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Steven McAuley Chief Executive Officer CONTACTS: Investors Tamara Mason Steven McAuley Business Development & Communications CEO 1-855-855-9058 1-855-855-9058 t.mason@empowerclinics.com s.mcauley@empowerclinics.com DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release, and include statements regarding the Company's ability to positively impact the integrated health of its patients while simultaneously providing long term value for shareholders. Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as "plans", "continues", "expects", "projects", "intends", "believes", "anticipates", "estimates", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including: that the Company will be successful is finding a new auditor; that the Company will receive an approval from the CRA to amend and change the financial year-end of the Company, and that such change will relieve pressure on future audits; that the Company will be successful in hiring a new Chief Financial Officer, or that the Chief Financial Officer will have a track record of excellence in financial operations for public companies; that the Company will be able to re-list on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange; that the Company's products may not work as expected; that the Company may not be able to maintain or expand its current COVID-19 testing; that legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company's business and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its business plan; that general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in connection with any proposed transactions; and other factors beyond the Company's control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws. SOURCE: Empower Clinics Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/724514/Empower-Clinics-Resumes-Trading-with-New-Canadian-Stock-Symbol-Search-For-New-Auditor-and-CFO-As-Company-Resumes-Growth-Strategy Complicated, Tedious and expensive installation is anticipated to curb the sales of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems. North America is a growing VRF systems market with an approximate revenue of 15%.Europe is the second leading VRF systems market with a revenue of 24%. NEWARK, Del., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems market is worth US$ 16.61 Bn as of now and expected to reach US$ 29.89 Bn by the year 2032 at a CAGR of 6% between 2022 and 2032. Expanding construction sector along with energy-efficient products and technologies are expected to keep the momentum going for VRF systems market. Also, end-consumers are into acceptance of wireless control systems to monitor indoor units at workplaces, homes, and various referral areas. At the same time, higher investment costs coupled with dearth in understanding of the advantages offered by VRF systems is likely to restrain the VRF systems market in the forecast period. Request a Report Sample to Gain Comprehensive Insights@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4149 Also, the emerging economies are pretty slow with respect to adoption of digitization. This is another factor bound to hamper the VRF systems market. Future Market Insights has enlisted these facts with insights in its latest market study entitled 'Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems Market'. It has its line of expertise in the form of analysts and consultants to have it tabled. Key Takeaways from Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems Market The Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share due to it being home to various key players like Daikin, Panasonic Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, and Toshiba Corporation, along with an ever-increasing adoption of the HVAC systems in various commercial buildings over here. holds the largest market share due to it being home to various key players like Daikin, Panasonic Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, and Toshiba Corporation, along with an ever-increasing adoption of the HVAC systems in various commercial buildings over here. North America holds a significant market share due to VRF systems gaining popularity due to simple installation and higher energy efficiency. Along these lines, LG Electronics, since November 2018 , has its V5 multi-variable refrigerant flow systems operational in Canada . It's being made available in the range of 6 to 42 tons, with 3-phase electrical power - 575V, 460V, and 208/230V as heat pump outdoor units. holds a significant market share due to VRF systems gaining popularity due to simple installation and higher energy efficiency. Along these lines, LG Electronics, since , has its V5 multi-variable refrigerant flow systems operational in . It's being made available in the range of 6 to 42 tons, with 3-phase electrical power - 575V, 460V, and 208/230V as heat pump outdoor units. Europe is expected to hold a remarkable market share going forward due to the fast changing climate. is expected to hold a remarkable market share going forward due to the fast changing climate. Coming to LATAM, Argentina and Brazil are subject to an ever-increasing investment in development of infrastructure. and are subject to an ever-increasing investment in development of infrastructure. MEA is expected to pick up pace on the back of Iran , Iraq , the UAE, Kuwait , and Saudi Arabia . Competitive Systems Panasonic Corporation, in May 2020 , inked an agreement with Quantum Cooling to distribute VRF systems along with mini-split equipment all across Florida . The latter is known for producing HVAC equipment and the building automation systems. , inked an agreement with Quantum Cooling to distribute VRF systems along with mini-split equipment all across . The latter is known for producing HVAC equipment and the building automation systems. Panasonic Corporation, in October 2019 , inked a technology agreement with WAT (Welcome Air-tech) to develop sustainable and energy-efficient ventilation and air conditioning solutions to cater to the commercial sector in Southeast Asia . , inked a technology agreement with WAT (Welcome Air-tech) to develop sustainable and energy-efficient ventilation and air conditioning solutions to cater to the commercial sector in . Daikin Industries, Ltd., in November 2018 , completed acquisition of AHT Group for US$ 747.98 Mn . It is based out of Rottenmann ( Austria ) and engaged in the production, development of refrigeration, and freezing the showcases. , completed acquisition of AHT Group for . It is based out of Rottenmann ( ) and engaged in the production, development of refrigeration, and freezing the showcases. Fujitsu General Ltd., in October 2018 , did acquire 51% shares in F.G. Europe Italia S.p.A. for nearly US$ 8.48 Mn . F.G. Europe is based out of Greece and basically engaged in the sales as well as aftersales services of the air conditioners in Turkey , Italy , Balkans, and Greece . , did acquire 51% shares in F.G. Europe Italia S.p.A. for nearly . F.G. is based out of and basically engaged in the sales as well as aftersales services of the air conditioners in , , Balkans, and . Toshiba Carrier Corporation's functionality includes Toshiba's VRF system as well as air-conditioning business. Both - commercial and residential uses are catered to by these VRF systems. For any Queries Linked with the Report, Ask an Analyst@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-4149 "Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems help in controlling the quantity of refrigerant required at the time of cooling or heating. This factor is bound to help the VRF systems market grow unabated in the forecast period", says an analyst from Future Market Insights. Key Segments Profiled in the VRF systems market Survey By Type: Heat Recovery System Heat Pump By Compressor Units: Air-Cooled Unit Water-Cooled Unit By End User: Hotels & Restaurants Residential Transport By Region: North America Latin America Asia Pacific MEA Europe The Central Idea Future Market Insights offers an exclusive perspective and various real-time insights on the variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems market in its latest study, presenting historical demand assessment of 2016 - 2021 and projections for 2022 - 2032. The research study is based on type (heat recovery system and heat pump), by compressor units (air-cooled unit and water-cooled unit), and by end-user (transport, residential, and hotels & restaurants). With advantages like energy savings and high energy efficiency, unparalleled part-load performance, minimum ductwork, and proper zoning control, the global VRF systems market is likely to grow on an impertinent note in the forecast period. Click on the Below Link to Buy this Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/4149 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 3.1.1. Drivers 3.1.2. Restraints 3.1.3. Opportunity 3.1.4. Trends Report Preview@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/variable-refrigerant-flow-vrf-systems-market Have a Look at Related Research Reports of Industrial Automation Market Insights Produced Water Treatment Systems Market Size: The global produced water treatment systems market is estimated to be worth around US$ 4.29 Bn in 2022 Asia Pacific Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Market Share: The Asia Pacific Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) market share is projected to reach US$ 27,601.4 Mn in 2032 Distribution Components Market Trends: The global distribution components market is set to be valued at US$ 39,236.6 Mn in 2022. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2022 to 2032 Softgel Encapsulation Machine Market Forecast: The global softgel encapsulation machine market size is set to be valued at US$ 104.5 Mn in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2022 to 2032. Absorption Chillers Market Analysis: Absorption Chillers Market by Source of Energy, Refrigerant, Packaging, Application, End Use and Regional Forecast-2022 to 2032 Electricity Transmission Infrastructure Market: Global Electricity Transmission Infrastructure Market by Product Type (Switchgear and Switchboard apparatus, Transformers include power and distribution transformers, among others), Transmission line Type (Overhead power transmission, and Underground power transmission), Technology (High-voltage direct current (HVDC), Smart Grid, and Others), Application (Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Transportation and Others) & Region - Forecast to 2022 - 2032 Optical Transreceivers Market Share: Optical Transreceivers Market by Form Factor (SFF & SFP, CFP, QSFP, XFP, CXP, Others), Fiber Type (Single Mode Fiber, Multimode Fiber), Data Rate (Less than 10 Gbps, 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps, 41 Gbps to 100 Gbps, More than 100 Gbps), Application (Telecommunications, Data Centers, Enterprises) & Region - Forecast to 2022 - 2032 Electrochromic Glass and Devices Market: the global Electrochromic Glass and Devices market is set to enjoy a valuation of US$ 2,422.7 Mn in 2022, and further grow at a CAGR of 13.4% during 2022-2032 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?? Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/FMI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vrf-systems-market-is-likely-to-be-valued-at-us-16-6-bn-in-2022--is-expected-to-surge-at-a-cagr-of-6-to-exhibit-a-growth-of-us-29-8-bn-during-forecast-period-of-2022-32--future-market-insights-inc-301671348.html TOKYO, Nov 8, 2022 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO and Accenture (NYSE: ACN) are collaborating to accelerate the adoption and application of Web3 for addressing social issues.Web3 is a new iteration of the web driven by blockchain technology. It has the potential to form a new digital economy with a greater social impact than conventional economies, providing clearly defined benefits and secure environments for success.Together, NTT DOCOMO and Accenture will:- Promote ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Issues. Diverse and long-term stakeholder collaboration is necessary to help solve many societal issues, including those related to regional development. The two companies will create case studies for addressing ESG issues -- including the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.- Establish a secure technology platform for Web3. Web3 is a way of utilizing technologies to enable new products, services, and community building. The companies will work together to develop and grow a secure technology platform that creates an environment where people can use these new technologies easily and safely. The work together will identify and resolve the challenges facing these emerging technologies.- Develop talent. To address the growing demand for Web3 talent, the companies will provide training courses for those interested in working in the Web3 field, including engineers and business leaders. This approach will create a community for professionals and organizations alike to learn and gain practical experience in Web3.NTT DOCOMO will bring its expertise in telecommunications networks and digital services, as well as its experience working on society-wide issues. Accenture will help build an operational foundation for the initiatives with a view to future global expansion, leveraging the knowledge gained through its work on regional development efforts, including that New windowwith Aizu Wakamatsu City in Fukushima.Web3 is already being used in Japan to provide valuable solutions for society. For instance, it's being used to help companies and government streamline the carbon credit markets as a way to address climate change.The ultimate goal of the collaboration between NTT DOCOMO and Accenture is to facilitate the adoption of Web3 globally -- enabling everyone to enjoy its advantages and benefits -- while positioning Japan as a leading Web3 market.Motoyuki Ii, president & CEO, NTT DOCOMO said, "Web3 is the most impactful technological development since the Internet. DOCOMO, in collaboration with Accenture, will revolutionize social infrastructure by utilizing blockchain and building a safe and secure Web3 environment. We will build an environment where the power of creators and developers can come together. We are glad to be promoting the Japan-developed Web3, and we welcome individuals and companies to join us in the global development of Web3 services."Atsushi Egawa, a senior managing director at Accenture who leads its business in Japan, said, "Our collaboration with NTT DOCOMO is designed to create an industry platform leveraging blockchain and other digital technologies. At Accenture, we use digital technologies to help our clients achieve 360 degrees value - which includes issues related to sustainability, inclusion and diversity, and delivering exceptional experiences. We will help accelerate adoption of Web3 by leveraging the expertise we have gained in regional development through our collaborations with stakeholders from industry, government and academia."About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 84 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ("+d" partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/.About AccentureAccenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Technology and Operations services and Accenture Song - all powered by the world's largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 721,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com.Source: AccentureNTT DOCOMOCopyright 2022 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. stocks were moving lower on Tuesday, with resource shares declining amid fading hopes of top consumer China easing its strict zero-COVID policy. Signs of increased coronavirus cases in Guangzhou and other Chinese cities and caution amid the U.S midterm elections also dented sentiment. The benchmark FTSE 100 was down 24 points, or 0.3 percent, at 7,276 after declining half a percent on Monday. Miners Anglo American, Antofagasta and Glencore fell 1-2 percent, while oil & gas firm BP Plc gave up 1.7 percent and Shell declined 1.4 percent. 3i Infrastructure jumped 3.4 percent after reporting improved earnings in the first half of the year. Associated British Foods soared more than 5 percent. After reporting a jump in annual profits, the Primark owner has announced a 500mln share buy-back program for the current financial year. Hammerson climbed 9 percent. The retail property firm said that footfall at its Irish flagships improved to 90pc of 2019 levels in the third quarter of 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Provenance Gold Corp. (CSE: PAU) (OTCQB: PVGDF) (the "Company" or "Provenance") is pleased to announce that a NI 43-101 technical report has been filed on SEDAR for its Eldorado gold property in Malheur County, Oregon. The purpose of this report was to form a baseline for the property, which will be expanded further in 2023 following a confirmation drilling program planned by the Company. Eldorado has a historic drill hole database consisting of 242 drill holes that have outlined a large shallow open-ended gold system. This historical database is currently not sufficient as the basis for developing a current mineral resource, but work is underway to verify and bring current the historical data. In 1990 the first mineral inventory was calculated by Pincock, Alan and Holt (PAH) a reputable engineering firm that was used industry wide for this type of work. PAH modeled 158 of the historic drill holes which identified approximately 52,896,000 tons that graded 0.578 g/t gold (0.0169 oz/t gold) at a cut-off of 0.274 grams per ton (0.008 oz/t) in the completely open-ended gold system. The Company is aware of a second historical resource estimate that was calculated by ICAN Minerals and a further projected resource estimate by ICAN from work completed between 1989 and 1997 where the tonnage and grade were substantially higher. The Company is not treating any of these estimates as current mineral resources and a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the estimates as current mineral resources. The estimates were prepared prior to the enactment of National Instrument 43-101 and should not be relied upon for investment decisions. The purpose of presenting this information is to show that the Eldorado property has potential to hold a large mineral inventory. Provenance plans to update these historical estimates into a current resource model. Near term work includes confirmation drilling by twinning a number of the historic holes, certifying and comparing assays between the old and new holes, validating all historic holes in the field with a GPS and confirming historic metallurgical test results. When the Company is comfortable with these upgrades in compliance, then a new stand-alone current resource can be calculated. Other than these, the Company is not aware of any more recent estimates prepared for the property. Within the Eldorado mineralized area there are many higher-grade zones. For example, as quoted from the NI 43-101 report, ICAN Minerals' hole R-96-C-1 intersected 1.51 g/t gold (0.0441 oz/t gold) over 196.9 meters (646 feet). The estimate predates and does not comply with current CIM Definition Standards but illustrates that the gold system is large and extends to depth, not just in area. Examples of High Gold Intercepts in Some Drill Holes Hole # From/To (m) Thickness (m) g/t Gold (0.1 g CO) High Assay R-136 22.9-157 134.1 2.08 g including 111.3-150.8 39.6 5.0 g including 126.5-129.5 3 30.48 g 44.19 g R-90 0-67 67 3.23 g including 48.7-65.5 16.7 9.63 g 40.5 g R-26 0-70.1 70 1.47 g 36.0 g R-137 21.3-44.2 21.3 2.21 g 24.9 g Hole # From/To (ft) Thickness (ft) oz/t Gold (0.1 ppm c/o) High Assay R-136 75 to 515 440 0.06 opt including 365-490 130 0.147 opt including 415-425 10 0.891 opt 1.29 opt R-90 0-220 220 0.094 opt including 160-215 55 0.28 opt 1.17 opt R-26 0-230 230 0.043 opt 1.05 opt R-137 70-145 70 0.065 opt 0.73 opt Eldorado Geology and Historic Drill Holes Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5654/143445_2f70f5f1047f0b76_001full.jpg As stated within this new technical report: "The Eldorado magmatic/hydrothermal system is interpreted as a classic porphyry gold system. Gold is found in veinlets, stockworks, fractures, and hydrothermal breccias. Mineralization is controlled by both strong fracture development and pyrite veining coincident with gold mineralization. Pyrite veining, or its oxidized equivalent, is common throughout all of the drill holes." The historic metallurgical work suggests the gold is largely recoverable by standard methods. Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories and Mountain States R&D International conducted metallurgical tests that were encouraging, and these tests will be duplicated using material obtained from the upcoming drill program. "Dawson composited five unoxidized sulfide-bearing samples into a 13.15 kg test sample that assayed 1.233 g/t gold (0.036 oz/t gold). Pyrite was found to be the most common sulfide. Approximately 90% of the gold was recovered by two-stage gravity-flotation. Significant free gold was observed in both the gravity and flotation concentrates." Additionally. "The Mountain States laboratory conducted a series of bottle-roll tests on composite sulfide samples from the Property. Three composite test samples yielded recoveries on unground rock that yielded 71%, 76%, and 77% recoveries. Grinding increased the recoveries to 92%, 86%, and 83%." Based on Historic Metallurgy, Gold in Both the Oxidized Rock (yellow) and Unoxidized Rock (grey) is Readily Recoverable by Conventional and Even Non-Chemical Methods Figure 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5654/143445_2f70f5f1047f0b76_002full.jpg After review of the historic drilling and after surface inspection of the Eldorado Property, Provenance believes the gold system is open to expansion in all directions and will also expand with in-fill drilling. The Company believes that the area of mineralization extends far beyond initially thought, and the surface mineralization expands even further. Steve Craig, Project Manager states, "With future drilling programs, this project will grow with step-out and infill drilling. Even in the central area, some major mineralized areas remain partially drilled. An important early additional plus is that the historic metallurgy by reputable laboratories indicated the gold is mostly recoverable even in the sulfide zone, by gravity and flotation in addition to standard chemical extraction. This is because the gold appears to have come in after the pyrite, so it's exposed and accessible to recovery. This is unusual and very fortunate." The report concludes that the favorable geological setting of the Property, as well as mineralization intersected in historic drill programs indicate the presence of porphyry style gold mineralization at the Eldorado Property. Based on Mr. Gibson's site inspection, as well as the authors' review of historic and recent work completed at the Property, it is the opinion of the authors of this Report that the Eldorado Property is a property of merit that warrants future exploration. As a result, the authors recommend a staged exploration program for the Property, with Phase 2 exploration being dependent on the results of Phase 1. The Company will report on its next steps for advancing the Eldorado Property within the coming weeks. The Company has now submitted all the final permitting documents requested and required by DOGAMI, to finalize the review process. The Company is unaware of any further issues likely to arise and has been told that no further information will be required to complete the permit. Site visits to the property have identified additional areas of obvious surface mineralization. Based on these studies, the Company wants to expand the currently planned drilling to include some of these areas inside and outside the historically drilled area. The Company plans to conduct its initial drilling program in the Spring to allow use of the new information to help guide exploration of these undrilled areas and to take advantage of more favorable weather. More will be reported on these newly recognized mineralized areas in the very near future. NI 43-101 Technical Report An NI 43-101 Technical Report (the "Report") entitled "Technical Report on the Eldorado Property, Malheur County, Oregon " has been completed and filed on behalf of the Company. The report was completed by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo. of Apex Geosciences Ltd. and Jodie Gibson, M.Sc., P.Geo. with an effective date of October 20, 2022. The report was prepared to provide an independent evaluation of the exploration potential of the Eldorado Property. The Report has been posted on the Company's website and is available on SEDAR. Qualified Person Steven Craig, CPG, an independent consultant and qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release. About Provenance Gold Corp. Provenance Gold Corp. is a precious metals exploration company with a focus on gold and silver mineralization within North America. The Company currently holds interests in three properties, two in Nevada, and one in eastern Oregon, USA. For further information please visit the Company's website at https://provenancegold.com or contact Rob Clark at rclark@provenancegold.com. On behalf of the Board, Provenance Gold Corp. Rauno Perttu, Chief Executive Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange, nor its regulation services provider, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143445 For further queries, please contact: Randi Navdal Bekkelund, CFO Tel +47 22 11 40 00 randi.navdal@avancegas.com ABOUT AVANCE GAS: Avance Gas operates in the global market for transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The Company is one of the world's leading owners and operators of very large gas carriers (VLGCs) and operates a fleet of thirteen modern ships including two dual fuel LPG newbuidlings and an additional four Dual Fuel LPG newbuildings due for delivery in 2023 and Q1 2024. For more information about Avance Gas, please visit www.avancegas.com. 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) - Oil prices fell around 1 percent on Tuesday amid fading hopes of top consumer China easing its strict zero-COVID policy. Benchmark Brent crude futures fell 0.8 percent to $97.15 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were down 1.1 percent at $90.80. Both benchmarks hit their highest since August Monday on the back of expectations that Beijing will lift strict COVID-19 restrictions in the near future. China, the world's top crude importer, is seeing a surge in new coronavirus cases in Guangzhou and other Chinese cities, preventing the country from stamping out the virus and relaxing controls. The global manufacturing hub is fighting its worst flare-up ever, testing its ability to avoid a Shanghai-style lockdown. The new virus outbreaks sparked fears of lower fuel demand and outweighed supply worries. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Beijing may take a gradual approach to easing pandemic policies despite concerns about the impact on the economy. Authorities would like to proceed cautiously and there is no set timeline or measures for lifting the zero-COVID policy, the report said. A firmer greenback also weighed on oil prices as Americans vote in the U.S. midterm elections. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Due to increasing vehicle sales throughout the world, players in the global automotive filter market are projected to have significant growth prospects in the years to come Due to fuel economy regulations, there is likely to be an increase in demand for automotive filters. WILMINGTON, DEL., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global automotive filters market was worth around US$ 21.67 Bn in 2020. Sales analysis of automotive filters market expects the market to progress at 1.70% CAGR during the forecast period, from 2021 to 2031. It is predicted that by 2031, the size of automotive filters market will attain value of US$ 26.08 Bn. By collaborating, forming alliances, and merging and acquiring companies, major competitors in the automotive filters market are concentrating on growing their market share. The increasing sales of automobiles throughout the world is likely to present firms in the global automotive filters market with prospects for expansion in the years to come. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and other gases that come from moving vehicles leave a very negative impact on the environment. The demand of automotive filters market to lower carbon emissions is anticipated to increase as a result of these factors. Besides, the expansion of the market is anticipated to be driven by rising research and development (R&D) efforts in several emerging markets to extend the lifespan of automobile filters. The global market is driven by the rising investments and marketing initiatives undertaken by governments in developing nations to reduce emissions. The usage of automotive filters is also expected to be significantly influenced by the increase in vehicle manufacturing, pollution levels, and urbanization in different locations. The global market is expected to rise, although restricted usage of filters in electric automobiles and increasing implementation of non-replaceable filters are expected to impede market expansion. The Asia Pacific market is being driven by strict laws and regulations on emission control enforced by the regional regulatory authorities and fuel economy of automobiles. Automotive producers are likewise concentrating on innovative approaches to meet these demands. The need for automotive filters in Asia Pacific is being driven by this aspect. Request Sample Report at - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=23384 Key Findings of Market Report Automotive filters are utilized to lower maintenance costs by exhaust fumes, preventing germs, and dust particles from entering the engine of the vehicle. Additionally, this reduces air pollution. Sales of automotive filters are being fueled by the strict pollution regulations that different governments have imposed on vehicles. In 2020, intake air filters made up a significant portion of the global automotive filters market depending on filter type. In 2020, the category held a market share of more than 40%. An air filter purifies the air before it reaches the engine for combustion, thereby increasing the vehicle's fuel economy. A sizable portion of the global market for automotive filters is anticipated to be held by North America . Higher pollution standards, increasing vehicle manufacturing, and high annual average miles travelled in places like Mexico and the US estimated to fuel market expansion. Demand for passenger automobiles and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) is rising in the US. Ask for References - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=ARF&rep_id=23384 Global Automotive Filters Market: Growth Drivers In order to minimize carbon emissions, the increasing pollution levels throughout the world call for fuel-efficient as well as environmentally friendly automobiles. Consumers' increasing awareness about the need to utilize fuel-efficient solutions is what expected to propel the global market. A significant driver propelling the global automotive filters market is the profitable presence of automotive filter manufacturers throughout the globe. In addition, the cellular filter media is anticipated to overtake other forms of filter media due to its higher cost-effectiveness. The segment is likely to acquire considerable automotive filters market share as a result of the product's hassle-free accessibility brought on by expanding global distribution channels. Make an Enquiry before Buying - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=EB&rep_id=23384 Global Automotive Filters Market: Key Players Some of the key market players are Emerson Electric Co. Johnson Controls International PLC Daikin Industries Ltd Fujimak Corporation United Technologies Corporation AB Electrolux Global Automotive Filters Market: Segmentation Product Type Freezer Refrigerator Refrigerated Vending Machines Display Cases/Showcase Others Category Self-contained Remote Condensing Refrigerant Type Fluorocarbons Inorganic Hydrocarbons Application Food Service Food Retail Food Distribution Food Production Others Distribution Channel Direct Sales Indirect Sales Automotive Research Reports Semi-trailer Market- Semi-trailer Market is expected to reach US$ 41.7 Mn by the end of 2031 Autonomous Car Market- Autonomous Car Market is expected to cross the value of US$ 3.0 Trn by the end of 2031 Electric Vehicle Market- Electric Vehicle Market to Reach US$ 1.53 Trn by 2031 Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market- Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market size is expected to reach US$ 12.75 Bn by the end of 2031 Caster Wheels Market- Caster Wheels Market is expected to reach US$ 13.2 Bn by the end of 2031 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converter Market- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converter Market is expected to exceed the value of US$ 13.84 Bn by the end of 2031 Trailer Wheel Market- Trailer Wheel Market to surpass value of US$ 1.5 Billion by the end of 2031 Automotive Retrofit Electric Vehicle Powertrain Market- Automotive Retrofit Electric Vehicle Powertrain Market to Reach US$ $ 117.9 Bn by the end of 2031 About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research registered at Wilmington, Delaware, United States, is a global market research firm that offers market analysis reports and business consulting. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insights for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools & techniques to gather and analyze information. Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. For More Research Insights on Leading Industries, Visit our YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8e-z-g23-TdDMuODiL8BKQ Contact Us: Nikhil Sawlani Transparency Market Research Inc. CORPORATE HEADQUARTER DOWNTOWN, 1000 N. West Street, Suite 1200, Wilmington, Delaware 19801 USA Tel: 1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Blog: https://tmrblog.com Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1682871/TMR_Logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/automotive-filters-market-to-propel-at-a-cagr-of-1-70-to-hit-a-revenue-of-us-26-08-billion-by-2031--report-by-transparency-market-research-inc-301671398.html BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Austria's trade balance logged a deficit in August, as imports rose faster than exports, data from Statistics Austria showed on Tuesday. Retail sales increased in September from a year ago, another data from the statistical office revealed. The trade balance logged a deficit of EUR 2.33 billion in August. Exports grew 17.9 percent yearly in August and imports rose 23.1 percent. 'The upward trend in foreign trade continued in the second half of 2022,' Statistics Austria Director General Tobias Thomas said. The increase in imports was largely due to the 66.9 percent jump in the import value of fuels and energy, which was mainly due to price increases in this group of goods, the official said. The retail trade, excluding the motor vehicle trade, including service stations in nominal terms increased an unadjusted 12.0 percent yearly in September. Sales of food grew 14.6 percent annually in September and those of non-food trade gained 8.8 percent. In real terms, retail trade rose 1.6 percent on a yearly basis in September. 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. LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wirex, the leading payments platform, in partnership with The Cryptonomist, has today announced the winners of the 2022 Rising Women in Crypto Power List. The 13 winners were chosen by the judges out of over 200 incredible entries. Wirex opened nominations for this year's Power List on the 15th September, inviting 232 nominations of women from the crypto space, both by themselves and from others. Now in its third year, this brings the total number of nominations to over 700, solidifying Wirex's initial goal to promote women in the crypto sector and break the stereotype that only white, younger males can get involved. After an intense decision-making process, the five experienced female judges from the crypto sector chose who they believed to be the most outstanding women in the space. The winners were selected for their unprecedented levels of achievements, potential, influence, ambition, leadership skills and innovation, and above all else, who were considered to be a 'rising star' in crypto. The 2022 Rising Women in Crypto Power List winners (in no particular order): Lauren Ingram , Founder of Women of Web3 , Founder of Women of Web3 Tavonia Evans , Founder of GuapCoin , Founder of GuapCoin Oluchi Enebeli , Founder of Web3Ladies , Founder of Web3Ladies Yasmin Johal , Financial Services Regulation Associate at CMS , Financial Services Regulation Associate at CMS Gabriella M Kusz, CEO of the Global Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency Association Lisa Loud , Co-Founder and CEO of FLUIDEFI , Co-Founder and CEO of FLUIDEFI Irina Karagyaur, Head of Ecosystem Growth and Business Development at Unique Network Gail Cruz Macapagal , Counter Director of DynaQuest & Founder of Women in Blockchain Philippines , Counter Director of DynaQuest & Founder of Women in Blockchain Philippines Naomi Metzger , Professional Athlete & NFT Creator , Professional Athlete & NFT Creator Lisa Francour , Chief Revenue Officer of Crypto Tutors , Chief Revenue Officer of Crypto Tutors Maliha Abidi , Founder of Women Rise (social media influencer of the year) , Founder of Women Rise (social media influencer of the year) Leanne Holder, CEO of Giving to Services (newcomer of the year) Valentyna Dynovska, Communication Expert at the World Smart Cities Forum, (young Ukrainian of the year) Diana Carrasco-Vime, Non-Executive Director of Wirex and Managing Director of Merchant Services at Lloyds Banking Group, and one of the Power List judges, commented, "I'm grateful to be involved in such an important initiative celebrating the most incredible women in the crypto sector. With so many strong entries from all backgrounds and sectors, judging wasn't an easy decision, but this shows how many female extraordinary women exist, many of whom go unnoticed. It's also great to see such a range in nominations of women from their peers, colleagues and friends, as well as those having the confidence to nominate themselves." The announcement today concludes Wirex's 2022 Women in Crypto campaign but the company will continue to promote the initiative year-round. To view the winners of the Power List, please visit: https://wirexapp.com/blog/post/winners-of-the-rising-women-in-crypto-power-list-2022-announced-0684 To see more exclusive content from women within the crypto industry and learn more about the campaign, visit: https://wirexapp.com/blog/category/women-in-crypto-0009 About Wirex Wirex is a worldwide digital payment platform and regulated institution that has forged new rules in the digital payments space. In 2015, the firm developed the world's first crypto-enabled payment card that gives users the ability to seamlessly spend crypto and traditional currencies in real life. Wirex was created in 2014 by CEOs and co-founders Pavel Matveev and Dmitry Lazarichev, who identified the need to open up the esoteric world of cryptocurrencies and make digital money accessible for everyone. With the core aim of making it as easy as possible to use digital assets in everyday life, Wirex provides a trusted and cost-effective service for crypto and traditional currency transactions by incorporating the next generation of payments infrastructure integrated with cryptocurrency blockchains. With over 5 million customers across 130 countries, the company offers secure accounts that allow customers to easily store, buy and exchange multiple currencies instantly at the best live rates on one centralised mobile app. Quick and simple crypto transfer options are available, as well as the freedom to spend 150+ traditional and cryptocurrencies in more than 80 million locations around the world using the Wirex card. Wirex continues to develop the product in line with market developments, whilst adhering to regional regulations and securing appropriate licensing where it exists. A proven industry pioneer, Wirex launched their own native utility token, WXT, and introduced the world's first crypto reward programme, Cryptoback, which earns cardholders up to 8% back in WXT for every transaction they make. To reflect the growth of the metaverse, throughout 2021, the company has expanded their product to enable mainstream access to DeFi. Starting with the launch of their popular X-Accounts feature, offering unprecedented levels of interest, Wirex has continued to add to their DeFi arsenal with the release of the non-custodial Wirex Wallet and a partnership with Nereus, a decentralised liquidity market provider. Wirex is based in London, with offices in Singapore, Kyiv, Dallas, Dublin and Atlanta. With over $5bn worth of transactions processed already and rapid expansion into new territories, including the US, Wirex is uniquely placed to support and promote the mass adoption of a cashless society through creative solutions. Starting from February 2022, Wirex donates all the revenue earned from in-app transactions to Ukraine humanitarian efforts. The company's largest office is based in Kyiv and Wirex stands with everyone affected by the war. As a long supporter of democratising access to crypto, Wirex's 'Women in Crypto' campaign was created in 2020 and endeavoured to recognise talented female leaders working in the sphere. With the core aim of celebrating women in the crypto sector and encouraging others to get involved, they launched the 'Rising Women in Crypto Power List', asking for nominations of women that had done incredible things in the crypto sector. Having a large percentage of female employees at the company, this initiative is close to their hearts and they hope to continue for years to come. | wirexapp.com | About The Cryptonomist We are happy to announce a media partnership with The Cryptonomist for this year's Women in Crypto campaign. The Cryptonomist is a punctual and rigorous information site to offer news and updates to its readers, but also authoritative in having opinions and making a disclosure on the most innovative aspects of the crypto economy. It aims to become the most authoritative online newspaper in Italian and English and narrate an economic and technological revolution that conquers more and more spaces and consents compared to traditional models of production and exchange. Written in a simple and captivating way, The Cryptonomist also provides videos and insights on the most current topics made by leading experts in the field. The Cryptonomist is also a marketing agency, helping crypto and fintech companies and start-ups to advertise their projects. With more than 1 million readers per month, the publication is leading the Italian and Swiss media market. | https://en.cryptonomist.ch/ | Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1761027/Wirex_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/wirex-announces-winners-of-2022-rising-women-in-crypto-power-list-301669776.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / Mawson Gold Limited ("Mawson" or the "Company") (TSX:MAW)(Frankfurt:MXR)(OTC PINK:MWSNF) summarizes recent news from its majority-owned Australian subsidiary, Southern Cross Gold Ltd ("SXG"), which recently reported further results from four drill holes at its 100% owned Sunday Creek property, Victoria, Australia. Mawson owns 60% of SXG following its May 2022 initial public offering ("IPO") on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX"). Highlights: 48.9 m @ 3.0 g/t AuEq in 550 m step out from Apollo (2.0 g/t Au, 0.64% Sb) from 182 m in hole SDDSC049, at the "Golden Dyke" shoot west of Apollo, including 13.7 m @ 9.4 g/t AuEq (6.6 g/t Au, 1.79% Sb) from 201.3 m, including 2.7 m @ 20.9 g/t AuEq (10.4 g/t Au, 6.59% Sb) from 204.4 m, and 2.3 m @ 27.9 g/t AuEq (24.7 g/t Au, 2.01% Sb) from 211.0 m (2.0 g/t Au, 0.64% Sb) from 182 m in hole SDDSC049, at the "Golden Dyke" shoot west of Apollo, including Broad zone of mineralization, coupled with extremely high grades at Apollo in SDDSC045 89.5m @ 1.9 g/t AuEq (1.8 g/t Au, 0.04% Sb, no lower cut applied) from 97.4m, including 0.4 m @ 52.5 g/t AuEq (52.4 g/t Au, 0.04% Sb) from 174.7 m 0.3 m @ 362.6 g/t AuEq (362.5 g/t Au, 0.04% Sb) from 184.3 m First hole in NW-SE orientation demonstrating continuity of high-grade mineralization and shows the true thickness of the Apollo shoot (up to 50 m, with higher grades over 20 m - 40 m). Third drill rig mobilized, with SXG now drilling three areas along an 800 m strike of known surface mineralization Three holes are in geological processing, and three holes in progress The deepest drilling to date undertaken Of particular interest is drill hole SDDSC050 now at 770 m down hole , designed to drill the Rising Sun shoot (between Apollo and Golden Dyke) in a previously untested west to east orientation Mawson owns 60% of Southern Cross Gold Ivan Fairhall, Mawson CEO, states: "The stellar drill results just keep coming from Sunday Creek. High grades continue at Apollo and show ever-increasing continuity and predictability. Excitingly, we now see the new zone discovered at Golden Dyke and a compounding of the discovery success on the property - first observed as Apollo was extended down plunge, and now along strike 800 m to Golden Dyke. Mawson shareholders benefit from exploration opportunity on multiple properties - here, via Mawson's 60% ownership of SXG with three rigs now operating, at Mawson's Skelleftea Swedish 85% earn-in, and most importantly in Finland, where down-plunge and regional opportunities look to build on the recent Rajapalot PEA which highlighted a post-tax NPV5 of US$211m for the 1moz AuEq Rajapalot discovery." Results Discussion Golden Dyke Holes SDDSC047 and SDDSC049 are SXG's first drill test under the most productive historic mining area (Golden Dyke) at Sunday Creek. These results are an extremely significant result as it demonstrates that multiple mineralized areas exist over a 700 m strike, including: Golden Dyke drill hole SDDSC049 reported here: 48.9 m @ 3.0g/t AuEq (2.0 g/t Au, 0.64% Sb) from 182 m (no lower cut) including drill hole SDDSC049 reported here: (2.0 g/t Au, 0.64% Sb) from 182 m (no lower cut) including Rising Sun, drill hole SDDSC046 located 210 m east from SDDSC049: 21.5 m @ 15.0 g/t AuEq (12.2 g/t Au and 1.7% Sb), and drill hole SDDSC046 located 210 m east from SDDSC049: 21.5 m @ 15.0 g/t AuEq (12.2 g/t Au and 1.7% Sb), and Apollo, drill hole SDDSC033 located 550 m east from SDDSC049: 119.2 m @ 3.2 g/t Au and 0.4% Sb (3.9 g/t AuEq). SDDSC049 was drilled 35 m beneath historic workings at Golden Dyke and 160 m below the shallow historic drill hole CRC020 54.0 m @ 1.9 g/t AuEq (1.5 g/t Au, 0.3% Sb) from 0 m, including 3.0 m @ 17.9 g/t AuEq (16.2 g/t Au and 1.1% Sb). SDDSC049 intersected 1.4 m @ 6.8 g/t AuEq (0.3 g/t Au, 4.09% Sb) from 195.8 m, including 0.4 m @ 22.97 g/t AuEq (0.7 g/t Au, 14.10% Sb) from 195.8 m (0.3 g/t Au, 4.09% Sb) from 195.8 m, including 13.7 m @ 9.4 g/t AuEq (6.6 g/t Au, 1.79% Sb) from 201.3 m, including 2.7 m @ 20.9 g/t AuEq (10.4 g/t Au, 6.59% Sb) from 204.4 m, and 2.3 m @ 27.9 g/t AuEq (24.7 g/t Au, 2.01% Sb) from 211.0 m (6.6 g/t Au, 1.79% Sb) from 201.3 m, including SDDSC047 drilled 30 m east of SDDSC049, and also reported here, demonstrates a wide zone of arsenic anomalism from 177.6 m to 206 m (28.4m), with lower grade gold including 10.2 m @ 0.9 g/t AuEq (0.9 g/t Au, 0.01% Sb) from 192.8 m, including 0.3 m @ 5.1 g/t AuEq (5.1 g/t Au, 0.02% Sb) from 197.8 m and is considered a near miss. Apollo Drill hole SDDSC045 intersected a very broad zone of mineralization from 97.4 m - 186.8 m downhole ( 89.5m @ 1.9 g/t AuEq (1.8 g/t Au, 0.04% Sb, no lower cut applied)) coupled with extremely high grades, including: 7.6 m @ 1.6 g/t AuEq (1.6 g/t Au, 0.01% Sb) from 97.4 m 1.4 m @ 3.6 g/t AuEq (2.8 g/t Au, 0.56% Sb) from 126.8 m, including 0.3 m @ 8.1 g/t AuEq (7.0 g/t Au, 0.71% Sb) from 127.1 m 0.3 m @ 5.8 g/t AuEq (4.3 g/t Au, 0.95% Sb) from 131.3 m 11.2 m @ 1.1 g/t AuEq (0.8 g/t Au, 0.14% Sb) from 154.0 m, including 0.6 m @ 9.9 g/t AuEq (6.5 g/t Au, 2.17% Sb) from 163.4 m 8.8 m @ 2.8 g/t AuEq (2.8 g/t Au, 0.01% Sb) from 168.9 m, including 0.4 m @ 52.5 g/t AuEq (52.4 g/t Au, 0.04% Sb) from 174.7 m 3.8 m @ 28.9 g/t AuEq (28.9 g/t Au, 0.01% Sb) from 183.0 m , including 0.3 m @ 362.6 g/t AuEq (362.5 g/t Au, 0.04% Sb) from 184.3 m , including Drill hole SDDSC042, drilled 40 m above SDDSC045 intersected a very broad zone of mineralization from 111.9 m - 146.9 m down hole (36.1 m @ 1.4 g/t AuEq (1.2 g/t Au, 0.08% Sb no lower cut applied)): 14.0 m @ 1.3 g/t AuEq (1.2 g/t Au, 0.03% Sb) from 111.9 m 6.3 m @ 4.7 g/t AuEq (4.1 g/t Au, 0.35%Sb) from 137.5 m 0.2 m @ 12.3 g/t AuEq (0.9 g/t Au, 7.21% Sb) from 137.5 m 0.6 m @ 16.6 g/t AuEq (16.4 g/t Au, 0.10% Sb) from 143.3 m Drillhole SDDSC045 graded 3.8 m @ 28.9 g/t AuEq (28.9 g/t Au, 0.01 % Sb) from 183.0 m, including 0.3 m @ 362.6 g/t AuEq (362.5 g/t Au and 0.04% Sb) and 0.4 m @ 52.5 g/t AuEq (52.4 g/t Au, 0.04 % Sb) from 174.7 m. SDDSC042 graded 6.3 m @ 4.7 g/t AuEq (4.1 g/t Au, 0.35 % Sb) from 137.5 m including 0.6 m @ 16.6 g/t AuEq (16.4 g/t Au, 0.10 % Sb). Importantly, both holes form part of a cluster of higher-grade intersections within a 60 m x 30 m x 30 m area in the Apollo shoot (Figures 3 and 4). These exceptionally high-grade results are the first drill test undertaken in a NW-SE orientation across the NNE-trending Apollo shoot, demonstrate continuity of high-grade mineralization and show the true thickness of the Apollo shoot (up to 50 m, with higher grades over 20 m - 40 m). Multiple holes within this area drilled in various orientations have now demonstrated significant grades and widths Update on Current Drilling SXG has three rigs drilling at Sunday Creek at Sunday Creek at the Golden Dyke, Rising Sun and Apollo prospects. Three holes (SDDSC048A/51/52) are being geologically processed and analyzed, with three holes (SDDSC050/53/54) in drill progress (Figure 2). SXG reports of particular interest is drill hole SDDSC050, designed to drill the Rising Sun shoot in a previously untested west to east orientation. A preliminary visual geological log of SDDSC050 indicates the Rising Sun shoot was intersected around 350 m with multiple zones of mineralization occurring from 393 to 763 m with visible gold noted in certain restricted zones (Photos 1-3). This appears to be the thickest intersection of mineralization seen to date, pending assays. The hole remains in progress at 770 m down hole depth and is the deepest hole on the project by 251 m (previous deepest hole was MDDSC026 at 519.2 m). Sunday Creek Overview Mineralized shoots at Sunday Creek are formed at the intersection of the sub-vertical to shallower dipping 330 degree striking mineralized veins and a steep east-west striking, north dipping structure hosting dioritic dykes and related intrusive breccias. The dimensions of each shoot will be uncovered with further drilling, but typically: In the down plunge orientation (80 degrees towards trend of 020 degrees), high grades show a linear continuity to at least 400 m from surface and remain open. 20 m to 30 m wide in the up-dip/down-dip orientation but can blow out to be wider (i.e. around SDDSC033), and; wide in the up-dip/down-dip orientation but can blow out to be wider (i.e. around SDDSC033), and; A true thickness of up to 50 m, with higher grades between 20 m and 40 m in the cross section of the shoot but further drilling will be required to establish a more accurate average. Sunday Creek has a 10 km mineralized trend that extends beyond the drill area and is defined by historic workings and soil sampling which have yet to receive any exploration drilling and offers potential future upside. Historic drilling extends mineralization 500 m west of Golden Dyke to the historic Christina mine. The 10 km NE direction covers historic mining areas at Leviathan, Consols, Aftermath and Tonstal, all held within SXG 100% exploration tenure (Figure 5). Figures 1-4 show project location and plan, longitudinal and cross section views of drill results reported here and Tables 1-3 provide collar and assay data. The true thickness of the mineralized intervals is interpreted to be approximately 60% - 70% of the sampled thickness of high-grade mineralization. All drill results quoted have a lower cut of 0.3 g/t Au cut over a 3.0 m width, with higher grades reported with a 5 g/t Au cut over 1.0 m, unless otherwise indicated. Technical Background and Qualified Person The Qualified Person, Michael Hudson, Executive Chairman and a director of Mawson Gold, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this release. Analytical samples are transported to the Bendigo facility of On Site Laboratory Services ("On Site") which operates under both an ISO 9001 and NATA quality systems. Samples were prepared and analyzed for gold using the fire assay technique (PE01S method; 25 gram charge), followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. Samples for multi-element analysis (BM011 and over-range methods as required) use aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis. The QA/QC program of Southern Cross Gold consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold content, blanks within interpreted mineralized rock and quarter core duplicates. In addition, On Site inserts blanks and standards into the analytical process. Gold equivalent "AuEq" for Sunday Creek is = Au (g/t) + 1.58 Sb (%) based on assumed prices of gold US$1,700/oz Au and antimony US$8,500/metal tonne, and total year metal recoveries of 93% for gold and 95% for antimony. Given the geological similarities of the projects, this formula has been adopted to align to TSX listed Mandalay Resources Ltd Technical Report dated 25 March 2022 on its Costerfield project, which is located 54 km from Sunday Creek and which historically processed mineralization from the property. For previously reported exploration results, refer to the following: May 4, 2020 CRC020 March 8, 2022 SDDSC021 May 30, 2022 SDDSC033 October 4, 2022 SDDSC046 Refer to Mawson's announcement 20 October, 2022 for full disclosure relating to the results of the Rajapalot PEA. Gold equivalent grades (AuEq) and ounces for Rajapalot are to align to the PEA metal prices of $1,700/oz Au and $60,000/t Co and recovery assumptions of 95% Au and 87.6% Co. (AuEq2 = Au g/t + Co ppm / 988). About Mawson Gold Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, OTCPINK:MWSNF) Mawson Gold Limited is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic Arctic exploration company with its 100% owned flagship Rajapalot gold-cobalt project in Finland, and right to earn into the Skelleftea North gold project in Sweden. Mawson also owns 60% of Southern Cross Gold Ltd (ASX:SXG) which in turn owns or controls three high-grade, historic epizonal goldfields covering 470 km2 in Victoria, Australia. About Southern Cross Gold Ltd (ASX:SXG) Southern Cross Gold holds the 100%-owned Sunday Creek project in Victoria and Mt Isa project in Queensland, the Redcastle and Whroo joint ventures in Victoria, Australia, and a strategic 10% holding in ASX-listed Nagambie Resources Limited (ASX:NAG) which grants Southern Cross a Right of First Refusal over a 3,300 square kilometre tenement package held by NAG in Victoria. On behalf of the Board, "Ivan Fairhall" Ivan Fairhall, CEO Further Information www.mawsongold.com 1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7 Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary +1 (604) 685 9316 info@mawsongold.com Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate, and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, Mawson's expectations regarding its ownership interest in Southern Cross Gold, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates, changes in world metal markets, changes in equity markets, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the current pandemic known as COVID-19 on the Company's business, risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; exploration potential being conceptual in nature, there being insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource on the Australian-projects owned by SXG, and uncertainty if further exploration will result in the determination of a mineral resource; planned drill programs and results varying from expectations, delays in obtaining results, equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions, local community relations, dealings with non-governmental organizations, delays in operations due to permit grants, environmental and safety risks, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com . 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, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Figure 1: Location of the Sunday Creek project, along with SXG's other Victoria projects. Figure 2: Sunday Creek plan view showing locations of drillholes for results reported in this announcement, pending holes, and select prior drill holes. Figure 3: Sunday Creek east-west longitudinal section looking towards 000, along the trend of the dyke/structure showing individual shoots defined to date. Also, prior reported drillholes shown Figure 4: Sunday Creek Apollo cross section of main Apollo shoot looking towards 045 degrees showing drillholes SDDSC042/45 reported here, plus prior reported drillholes. (20 m wide section) Figure 5: Location of the Sunday Creek drill area at Golden Dyke - Rising Sun -Apollo, showing undrilled 10 km extension to the north-east with historic mines and gridded gold in soil geochemistry. Photo 1: SDDSC049 211.35m, field of view 60mm, showing visible gold in yellow circles within quartz, carbonate and stibnite vein in altered metasediment. Photo 2: SDDSC049 211.9m, field of view 20mm, with visible gold within quartz. Photo 3: SDDSC049 212.4m, field of view 60mm, showing visible gold in yellow circles within quartz, carbonate and stibnite vein with altered dioritic dyke on margin of vein. Table 1: Drill collar summary table for drillholes reported in this announcement (including in progress). Hole_ID Hole Size Depth (m) Prospect East GDA94_Z55 North GDA94_Z55 Elevation Azimuth Plunge SDDSC041 HQ 174.0 Rising Sun 330776.9 5867890.5 295.4 221.0 -67.0 SDDSC042 HQ 250.5 Apollo 331019.3 5867839.9 299.3 137.5 -61.6 SDDSC043 HQ 323.4 Rising Sun 330753.0 5868022.7 294.5 198.0 -61.6 SDDSC044 HQ 338.9 Apollo 330977.0 5867847.6 296.7 91.6 -63.9 SDDSC045 HQ 237.3 Apollo 331019.0 5867840.2 299.4 139.0 -69.8 SDDSC046 HQ 240.0 Rising Sun 330753.4 5868022.0 294.6 188.6 -47.2 SDDSC047 HQ 260.8 Golden Dyke 330613.1 5867886.0 300.0 209.1 -60.7 SDDSC048 HQ 62.6 Apollo 330814.3 5867599.0 295.7 36.8 -49.4 SDDSC048A HQ 645 Apollo 330814.3 5867599.0 295.7 39.9 -46.4 SDDSC049 HQ 308 Golden Dyke 330615.8 5867886.4 300.2 218.4 -54.6 SDDSC050 HQ In progress Plan 650 m Rising Sun 330538.6 5867885.4 295.5 77 -63.5 SDDSC051 HQ 263.5 m Apollo 331191.4 5867848 307.4 226.5 -74.5 SDDSC052 HQ In progress Plan 235 m Apollo 331191.4 5867848 307.4 246.8 -67.4 Table 2: Tables of mineralized drill hole intersections reported in this announcement using two cut-off criteria. Lower grades cut at 0.3 g/t lower cutoff over a maximum of 3 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq cutoff over a maximum of 1 m Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au g/t Sb % AuEq g/t SDDSC042 111.9 125.9 14.0 1.2 0.03 1.3 including 137.5 137.7 0.2 0.9 7.21 12.3 SDDSC042 137.5 143.8 6.3 4.1 0.35 4.7 including 140.3 143.8 3.5 6.7 0.17 6.9 SDDSC042 167.0 167.5 0.5 0.6 0.00 0.6 SDDSC042 177.0 178.0 1.0 0.5 0.00 0.5 SDDSC045 97.4 105.0 7.6 1.6 0.01 1.6 SDDSC045 126.8 128.1 1.3 2.8 0.56 3.6 including 127.1 127.4 0.3 7.0 0.71 8.1 SDDSC045 131.3 131.5 0.3 4.3 0.95 5.8 SDDSC045 138.8 139.1 0.3 0.5 0.00 0.5 SDDSC045 154.0 165.2 11.2 0.8 0.14 1.1 including 163.4 164.0 0.6 6.5 2.17 9.9 SDDSC045 168.9 177.7 8.8 2.8 0.01 2.8 including 174.7 175.1 0.4 52.4 0.04 52.5 SDDSC045 183.0 186.8 3.8 28.9 0.0 28.9 including 184.3 184.6 0.3 362.5 0.04 362.6 SDDSC047 177.0 178.6 1.6 0.4 0.02 0.4 SDDSC047 183.2 183.8 0.7 0.3 0.03 0.3 SDDSC047 192.8 203.0 10.2 0.9 0.01 0.9 including 197.8 198.0 0.3 5.1 0.02 5.1 SDDSC047 215.0 216.9 1.9 0.5 0.00 0.5 SDDSC049 182.0 186.0 4.0 0.4 0.10 0.6 SDDSC049 190.1 191.0 0.9 0.2 0.06 0.3 SDDSC049 195.8 197.2 1.4 0.3 4.09 6.8 including 195.8 196.2 0.4 0.7 14.10 23.0 SDDSC049 201.3 215.0 13.7 6.6 1.79 9.4 including 204.4 207.1 2.7 10.4 6.59 20.9 including 211.0 213.3 2.3 24.7 2.01 27.9 SDDSC049 218.4 219.3 0.9 1.5 0.13 1.7 SDDSC049 251.0 252.0 1.0 3.9 0.02 3.9 SDDSC049 255.6 256.0 0.4 2.0 3.85 8.1 including 255.6 256.0 0.4 2.0 3.85 8.1 Table 3: All individual assays reported from SDDSC042/45/47/49 in this announcement >0.1g/t AuEq. Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au g/t Sb % AuEq g/t SDDSC042 18.0 19.0 1.0 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC042 111.9 113.0 1.1 1.4 0.00 1.4 SDDSC042 113.0 114.0 1.0 2.0 0.00 2.0 SDDSC042 114.0 115.1 1.1 0.8 0.00 0.8 SDDSC042 115.1 116.2 1.1 0.6 0.01 0.6 SDDSC042 116.2 117.0 0.8 1.6 0.02 1.6 SDDSC042 117.0 117.9 0.9 2.7 0.11 2.9 SDDSC042 117.9 118.7 0.8 0.6 0.14 0.8 SDDSC042 118.7 119.0 0.3 0.3 0.02 0.3 SDDSC042 119.0 120.4 1.3 0.7 0.01 0.7 SDDSC042 120.4 120.9 0.6 3.4 0.01 3.4 SDDSC042 120.9 122.0 1.1 1.0 0.02 1.1 SDDSC042 122.0 123.2 1.2 0.3 0.02 0.3 SDDSC042 123.2 123.9 0.7 0.3 0.02 0.3 SDDSC042 123.9 124.8 0.9 1.9 0.08 2.0 SDDSC042 124.8 125.5 0.7 1.5 0.02 1.5 SDDSC042 125.5 125.9 0.3 1.9 0.29 2.4 SDDSC042 125.9 126.5 0.6 0.3 0.00 0.3 SDDSC042 137.5 137.7 0.2 0.9 7.21 12.3 SDDSC042 137.7 139.0 1.3 0.7 0.12 0.9 SDDSC042 139.0 140.3 1.4 1.3 0.03 1.3 SDDSC042 140.3 140.9 0.6 5.0 0.22 5.3 SDDSC042 140.9 141.2 0.3 2.2 0.04 2.3 SDDSC042 141.2 142.0 0.8 5.8 0.08 5.9 SDDSC042 142.0 143.3 1.3 4.9 0.26 5.3 SDDSC042 143.3 143.8 0.6 16.4 0.10 16.5 SDDSC042 143.8 144.9 1.0 0.3 0.01 0.3 SDDSC042 144.9 145.6 0.8 0.2 0.00 0.2 SDDSC042 145.6 146.1 0.5 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC042 146.1 146.9 0.8 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC042 146.9 148.0 1.1 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC042 167.0 167.5 0.5 0.6 0.00 0.6 SDDSC042 177.0 178.0 1.0 0.5 0.00 0.5 SDDSC042 178.0 179.2 1.2 0.2 0.00 0.2 SDDSC045 96.0 97.4 1.3 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC045 97.4 98.0 0.7 0.6 0.00 0.6 SDDSC045 98.0 99.3 1.3 1.6 0.01 1.6 SDDSC045 99.3 100.5 1.2 1.2 0.01 1.3 SDDSC045 100.5 101.0 0.5 0.4 0.00 0.4 SDDSC045 101.0 102.0 1.0 1.4 0.01 1.4 SDDSC045 102.0 103.0 1.0 2.0 0.01 2.1 SDDSC045 103.0 103.4 0.4 3.8 0.01 3.8 SDDSC045 103.4 104.0 0.6 2.5 0.01 2.5 SDDSC045 104.0 104.5 0.5 3.4 0.01 3.4 SDDSC045 104.5 105.0 0.5 0.4 0.02 0.4 SDDSC045 105.0 105.5 0.5 0.1 0.02 0.2 SDDSC045 107.0 108.1 1.1 0.1 0.02 0.1 SDDSC045 109.1 110.0 1.0 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC045 110.0 110.8 0.8 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC045 125.0 126.4 1.3 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC045 126.4 126.8 0.4 0.2 0.02 0.3 SDDSC045 126.8 127.1 0.3 2.1 0.55 2.9 SDDSC045 127.1 127.4 0.3 7.0 0.71 8.1 SDDSC045 127.4 128.1 0.7 1.3 0.50 2.1 SDDSC045 130.4 130.8 0.4 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC045 131.3 131.5 0.3 4.3 0.95 5.8 SDDSC045 131.5 132.6 1.1 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC045 132.6 133.2 0.6 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC045 134.8 135.1 0.3 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC045 136.1 136.5 0.4 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC045 138.8 139.1 0.3 0.5 0.00 0.5 SDDSC045 141.2 141.7 0.5 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC045 151.9 152.9 1.0 0.2 0.00 0.2 SDDSC045 154.0 154.8 0.8 1.0 0.00 1.0 SDDSC045 154.8 155.2 0.4 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC045 155.2 155.6 0.4 0.4 0.01 0.4 SDDSC045 155.6 156.1 0.5 0.5 0.01 0.5 SDDSC045 156.1 156.4 0.3 2.7 0.69 3.8 SDDSC045 156.4 157.3 1.0 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC045 157.3 158.0 0.7 0.6 0.01 0.6 SDDSC045 158.0 159.0 1.0 0.3 0.00 0.3 SDDSC045 159.0 160.0 1.0 0.2 0.00 0.2 SDDSC045 160.0 161.2 1.2 0.4 0.00 0.4 SDDSC045 163.4 164.0 0.6 6.5 2.17 9.9 SDDSC045 164.0 164.4 0.3 3.9 0.05 4.0 SDDSC045 164.4 165.2 0.8 0.5 0.01 0.6 SDDSC045 168.0 168.9 1.0 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC045 168.9 170.4 1.5 0.3 0.01 0.3 SDDSC045 171.1 171.4 0.3 1.7 0.00 1.7 SDDSC045 173.5 173.9 0.4 1.2 0.02 1.2 SDDSC045 173.9 174.1 0.3 0.5 0.01 0.5 SDDSC045 174.7 175.1 0.4 52.4 0.04 52.5 SDDSC045 175.1 175.4 0.3 2.6 0.02 2.6 SDDSC045 175.4 176.5 1.0 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC045 176.5 177.2 0.8 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC045 177.2 177.7 0.5 0.7 0.00 0.7 SDDSC045 177.7 178.2 0.5 0.3 0.00 0.3 SDDSC045 183.0 184.3 1.3 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC045 184.3 184.6 0.3 362.5 0.04 362.6 SDDSC045 184.6 185.0 0.4 0.5 0.01 0.5 SDDSC045 185.0 185.3 0.3 0.6 0.06 0.7 SDDSC045 185.3 186.1 0.8 0.3 0.01 0.3 SDDSC045 186.1 186.8 0.7 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC045 186.1 186.8 0.7 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC047 177.0 177.6 0.6 0.4 0.00 0.4 SDDSC047 177.6 178.6 1.0 0.3 0.02 0.3 SDDSC047 180.0 180.6 0.6 0.1 0.05 0.1 SDDSC047 181.5 182.3 0.8 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC047 182.3 183.2 0.8 0.1 0.06 0.2 SDDSC047 183.2 183.8 0.7 0.3 0.03 0.3 SDDSC047 184.6 185.7 1.1 0.0 0.02 0.1 SDDSC047 185.7 186.6 0.9 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC047 186.6 188.0 1.4 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC047 189.8 191.0 1.2 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC047 191.0 191.9 0.8 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC047 191.9 192.8 1.0 0.3 0.00 0.3 SDDSC047 192.8 193.6 0.8 1.4 0.01 1.4 SDDSC047 193.6 194.0 0.4 1.0 0.00 1.0 SDDSC047 194.0 194.5 0.6 1.3 0.01 1.3 SDDSC047 194.5 195.4 0.9 0.7 0.01 0.7 SDDSC047 195.4 196.4 0.9 1.7 0.01 1.7 SDDSC047 196.4 196.7 0.3 0.6 0.00 0.6 SDDSC047 196.7 197.1 0.4 0.2 0.01 0.2 SDDSC047 197.1 197.8 0.7 0.4 0.01 0.4 SDDSC047 197.8 198.0 0.3 5.1 0.02 5.1 SDDSC047 198.0 198.6 0.6 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC047 198.6 199.6 1.0 1.3 0.01 1.3 SDDSC047 199.6 200.8 1.2 0.8 0.01 0.8 SDDSC047 200.8 201.3 0.5 0.4 0.00 0.4 SDDSC047 201.3 202.0 0.7 0.6 0.00 0.6 SDDSC047 202.0 203.0 1.0 0.4 0.00 0.4 SDDSC047 203.0 204.1 1.1 0.2 0.00 0.2 SDDSC047 204.1 205.0 0.9 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC047 205.0 206.0 1.0 0.0 0.02 0.1 SDDSC047 211.0 212.0 1.0 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC047 215.0 216.3 1.3 0.5 0.00 0.5 SDDSC047 216.3 216.9 0.7 0.4 0.01 0.4 SDDSC047 217.3 218.0 0.7 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC049 182.0 183.0 1.0 0.5 0.00 0.5 SDDSC049 184.0 185.0 1.0 0.5 0.01 0.5 SDDSC049 185.0 186.0 1.0 0.8 0.39 1.4 SDDSC049 187.0 188.0 1.0 0.1 0.04 0.2 SDDSC049 190.1 191.0 0.9 0.2 0.06 0.3 SDDSC049 192.0 192.9 0.9 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC049 194.1 195.3 1.2 0.0 0.03 0.1 SDDSC049 195.8 196.2 0.4 0.7 14.10 23.0 SDDSC049 196.2 196.5 0.3 0.0 0.22 0.4 SDDSC049 196.5 196.9 0.4 0.2 0.03 0.3 SDDSC049 196.9 197.2 0.3 0.3 0.05 0.4 SDDSC049 197.2 197.6 0.4 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC049 197.6 198.0 0.4 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC049 199.0 200.4 1.4 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC049 200.4 201.3 0.9 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC049 201.3 202.0 0.7 0.4 0.07 0.5 SDDSC049 202.0 203.0 1.0 0.1 0.02 0.2 SDDSC049 203.0 204.0 1.0 0.3 0.01 0.3 SDDSC049 204.0 204.4 0.4 0.1 0.01 0.2 SDDSC049 204.4 204.7 0.3 34.0 2.67 38.2 SDDSC049 204.7 206.1 1.4 11.7 9.56 26.8 SDDSC049 206.1 206.5 0.4 1.6 5.66 10.5 SDDSC049 206.5 207.1 0.6 1.6 2.24 5.1 SDDSC049 207.1 208.1 1.0 0.2 0.08 0.3 SDDSC049 208.1 208.8 0.7 1.0 0.78 2.2 SDDSC049 208.8 209.7 0.9 0.3 0.04 0.4 SDDSC049 209.7 210.3 0.6 2.0 0.06 2.1 SDDSC049 210.3 210.8 0.4 1.3 0.48 2.0 SDDSC049 210.8 211.0 0.3 0.4 1.59 3.0 SDDSC049 211.0 211.8 0.8 30.2 4.29 37.0 SDDSC049 211.8 212.4 0.6 27.6 0.39 28.2 SDDSC049 212.4 213.3 0.9 17.8 1.07 19.5 SDDSC049 213.3 214.0 0.7 1.3 0.88 2.7 SDDSC049 214.0 215.0 1.0 0.7 0.08 0.8 SDDSC049 215.0 216.0 1.0 0.2 0.03 0.2 SDDSC049 216.0 217.0 1.0 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC049 218.4 219.3 0.9 1.5 0.13 1.7 SDDSC049 219.3 220.3 1.0 0.1 0.02 0.2 SDDSC049 223.1 224.2 1.1 0.1 0.00 0.1 SDDSC049 224.2 225.0 0.8 0.0 0.05 0.1 SDDSC049 225.0 225.7 0.7 0.0 0.08 0.1 SDDSC049 226.3 226.8 0.5 0.0 0.02 0.1 SDDSC049 226.8 227.8 1.0 0.0 0.12 0.2 SDDSC049 227.8 228.9 1.1 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC049 229.9 230.9 1.0 0.1 0.03 0.1 SDDSC049 251.0 252.0 1.0 3.9 0.02 3.9 SDDSC049 255.0 255.6 0.6 0.0 0.02 0.1 SDDSC049 255.6 256.0 0.4 2.0 3.85 8.1 SDDSC049 256.0 257.0 1.0 0.0 0.14 0.2 SDDSC049 257.0 258.0 1.0 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC049 262.6 262.9 0.3 0.0 0.09 0.2 SOURCE: Mawson Gold Limited View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/724495/Mawsons-Subsidiary-SXG-Delivers-Further-High-Grade-Hits-at-Sunday-Creek-Victoria-Australia BONN (dpa-AFX) - Package delivery and logistic major Deutsche Post DHL Group Tuesday raised fiscal 2022 EBIT guidance after reporting higher third-quarter profit with strong revenues. The company also maintained its mid-term outlook for 2024. CEO Frank Appel said, 'The first three quarters of the year were the most successful in our company's history thanks to the international DHL business.... Even if global growth is losing momentum, we are well on track to achieve the best result ever with an EBIT of around EUR 8.4 billion.' The company previously expected EBIT of 8.0 billion euros with a maximum variance of + / - 5 percent. Looking ahead to the final quarter, Deutsche Post DHL said it prepares for a peak season with the typical seasonal development of shipment volumes in its B2C businesses, despite continuing global economic uncertainties. The mid-term outlook for 2024 remains stable with an EBIT of around 8.5 billion euros. In the third quarter, consolidated net profit grew 13 percent to 1.23 billion euros from last year's 1.09 billion euros. Earnings per share were 1.02 euros, up 16 percent from 0.88 euro last year. Operating profit or EBIT improved 15.2 percent from last year to 2.0 billion euros. At 8.5 percent, the EBIT margin was slightly below the prior-year level of 8.8 percent. Revenue grew 20 percent to 24.04 billion euros from last year's 20.04 billion euros. The strong revenue and EBIT growth reflected the B2B business of DHL's Global Forwarding, Freight, Supply Chain and Express divisions. The results also were benefited by returning growth in the domestic parcel business and the ongoing trend towards e-commerce. The Express division's EBIT increased 4.2 percent, while EBIT margin declined, and revenue climbed 21.8 percent. International time-definite express or TDI shipments per day declined 2.6 percent. The Global Forwarding, Freight division's EBIT growth was 57 percent and revenue increased significantly by 38.2 percent due to the continued high freight rates. Air freight volumes decreased year-on-year. Supply Chain EBIT improved significantly by 54.9 percent, ans revenue increased across all regions, rising by a total of 14.5 percent. eCommerce Solutions revenue increased in all regions, rising by 8.2 percent. In Germany, Deutsche Post shares were trading at 35.48 euros, down 0.96 percent. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX DEUTSCHE POST-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de Tel Aviv, Israel--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Israel-based digital engagement platform Green Swan Lab announces the launch of its new platform for ESG performance validation and reporting. The platform facilitates a peer-review process that connects business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and climate change advocates with experts worldwide to identify the most critical ESG and environmental issues. The platform integrates Artificial Intelligence with human expertise to ensure a holistic approach towards ESG performance validation. The experts on the platform assist businesses to generate potential solutions to climate issues and also improve their ESG validation process. Through its peer review platform, Green Swan Lab aims to provide better tools and expertise to evaluate the ESG performance of companies. With numerous ESG standards asking companies to disclose different information, GSL helps them provide that information timely. It helps them identify, collect and disclose the right information and produce a report summarizing that data and adding the peer-review, providing recommendations as well as objective and unbiased assessment. "In lieu of international standards, companies choose which standards to follow and often disclose information voluntarily. Companies have to decide when to release what information about which aspects of their operations. We are helping companies address these problems by integrating the best of machine efficiency and human expertise with our peer review platform for ESG evaluation," says Boaz Nol, Co-Founder and CEO of Green Swan Lab. Usually, the ESG validation of businesses relies mostly on companies' own disclosures. However, the peer review platform developed by Green Swan Lab validates and improves the value of corporate ESG disclosures. The platform is committed to filling the knowledge gap in the ESG realm through its in-depth data collection and review process. The platform integrates human expertise with machine-driven insights in order to add resolution and clarity to metrics disclosed by companies. The peer review platform helps companies maximize understanding and minimize greenwashing around environmental impact. "The objective of metrics produced for the purpose of finance and investment requires due diligence. Subjectivity has no appropriate place in financial ratings used to compare companies. However, objective information lacks the qualitative explanation needed to accurately understand what the numbers measure. Ideally, objective quantitative disclosures would be accompanied by objective qualitative information that explains what is being measured, what the disclosed answer means in context, and whether the disclosure is sufficient to understand the relevant aspect of impact theoretically being measured. That is the power of peer review that the GSL platform brings to the table," says Professor Joseph Klafter, Chairman of the board at Green Swan Lab. Green Swan Lab is a digital platform headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. The platform connects start-ups, investors, decision-makers, corporations and field experts to resolve environmental challenges and validate ESG performance. Using machine learning, Green Swan Lab provides all members of the ecosystem with qualitative assessments of their ESG performance, innovative start-ups and technologies. Media Contact: Name: Boaz Nol Email: nolboaz@greenswanlab.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143459 BEIJING, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dreame Technology, a fast-growing company leading in smart home appliances, will release its newest AI-powered robot vacuum, DreameBot D10s Pro in November. DreameBot D10s Pro makes intelligent automated cleaning a reality thanks to AI-powered obstacle recognition, advanced LDS mapping, and a powerful 5,000Pa suction. D10s Pro applies a massive 5,000Pa suction and versatile bristleless rubber brush - which digs deep into carpets to shake up underlying dust, grabs dirt off of hard floors, and prevents hair tangling - to give your home a comprehensive clean. These features make the D10s Pro perfect for families with pets. Although D10s Pro is a robot vacuum without a base station, it is equipped with an advanced AI and LDS obstacle avoidance - powerful tech that is often seen in high-end products. With this technology, D10s Pro offers a truly hands-off approach to cleaning. AI accurately identifies and avoids obstacles, identifies rooms to recommend cleaning strategies, and rapidly constructs maps of your home to deliver effective, efficient cleaning that doesn't miss a spot. D10s Pro recognizes and avoids household obstacles in a smart way. The lasers detect the shape and distance of the object and the RGB camera captures the environment to help the AI recognize different household obstacles, such as power cords, toys, etc. As a result, D10s Pro reacts to different types of obstacles with tailored avoidance strategies - determining factors like how close the robot should get to an obstacle to avoid getting in trouble. With the Dreamehome app, you can activate the remote video supervision function and get a robot's-eye view of your home to check up on your home, your pets, or even your children from wherever you may be. DreameBot D10s Pro has a 5,200mAh battery that delivers up to 280mins of continuous cleaning. When power runs low, your robot automatically returns to recharge and then picks up cleaning from right where it left off to ensure your whole home is cleaned. With D10s Pro, Dreame Technology is making a bold move to make AI-powered automatic cleaning more convenient and accessible to all. D10s Pro will be available on MSD in early November. About Dreame Technology Established in 2017, Dreame Technology is an innovative consumer product company that focuses on smart home cleaning appliances with the vision to empower lives through technology. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information please visit: https://global.dreametech.com/. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941063/Dreame_Technology_redefines_AI_powered_cleaning.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dreame-technology-redefines-ai-powered-cleaning-301671469.html JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vision Energy Corporation (OTCQB:VIHDD) ("Vision Energy" or the "Company") provides an update on the company's pioneering Green Energy Hub in North Sea Port of Vlissingen, the Netherlands. Vision Energy, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Evolution Terminals BV, is in the advanced stages of planning for the construction and delivery of Northwestern Europe's first import, storage and handling terminal designed exclusively for hydrogen carriers, renewable energy products and low-carbon fuels. The Company is in advanced development of its 16.4 hectare Vlissingen site, with the Phase 1 development plan investment estimated at EUR 450 million for up to 400,000 cubic meters (CBM) of storage for green and low-carbon products and fuels. The project will include investment in a new deep-water jetty, quay wall redevelopment, truck and rail loading facilities. Evolution Terminals' substantial redevelopment will adopt industry leading sustainable operating practices to reduce emissions from terminal activities. The development, situated on a remediated brownfield site, brings a green and renewable energy business model to the Netherlands at an opportune moment. The Company's project will be a significant investment in the Port of Vlissingen providing local and regional contractor and employment opportunities for decades. The project also supports North Sea Port Authority's ambition to become a leader in green and sustainable port operations. The Company will further assess the feasibility to integrate an Ammonia Cracking Facility at the site, to be connected to the Company's Green Ammonia storage infrastructure, for cracking Green Ammonia to Hydrogen and exploiting the site's close proximity to the future European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB). The Company would like to thank North Sea Port for their continued support throughout the project's development stages. The Company is scheduled to submit all remaining permits by December 2022, with FID expected towards the end of 2023. About Vision Energy Vision Energy is an integrated energy company developing assets and solutions for the commercial, industrial and transportation sectors. Leveraging its proven track-record in site and asset procurement, accelerating development and permitting processes, plant design, and grid integration to facilitate low-carbon energy production, supply and distribution. The Company pursues reliable offtake relationships and operating partnerships with energy industry participants and end users seeking carbon abatements across feedstock and fuels. Vision Energy is committed to providing low carbon energy solutions with the highest yield, and where possible, projects are designed to leverage existing gas and power infrastructure to integrate and facilitate import and or distribution of reduced-carbon energy to domestic and global supply chains. Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "forecast", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" and "intend," among others. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and actual results could differ materially. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof. Vision Hydrogen Corporation/Investor Relations 95 Christopher Columbus Drive, 16th Floor Jersey City, NJ 07302 551-298-3600 USA https://visionh2.com/ EV Technology Group's strategic partner, MOKE International, has announced that the Electric MOKE Californian is now available to order from MOKE International's new US website (https://mokeinternational.com/) with prices starting at USD$41,900 A refundable reservation fee of $990 secures customers a build slot Sales of the US market-exclusive Electric MOKE Californian are limited to 325 cars per year Bespoke design cues include an exclusive reimagination of the original 'Californian' badge MOKE International owns the original 1964 MOKE trademark - the Electric MOKE Californian is the first official MOKE vehicle to go on sale in the US since 1982 The Electric MOKE Californian is the only highway-legal MOKE vehicle on sale in America with a top speed of 50mph (80kph) TORONTO, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EV Technology Group Ltd. (the "Company" or "EV Technology Group") (NEO: EVTG, OTCQB: EVTGF, DE: B96A) announces that its strategic partner MOKE International Limited ("MIL" or "MOKE International") has launched a new website dedicated to American-based customers wishing to secure a build slot, with prices starting at USD$41,900. Having announced it was returning to America after 40 years, MOKE International has already received strong interest in the new Electric MOKE Californian. American sales will be limited to 325 cars a year in accordance with the 2015 Low Volume Motor Vehicles Manufacturers Act. After seven years of lobbying from Specialty Equipment Market Association ("SEMA"), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") implemented legislation that allows heritage brands to produce derivatives of any of their models that are over 25 years old, but comply with current Federal safety standards for motor vehicle equipment. The new Electric MOKE Californian is a faster, more powerful and, crucially, emissions-free reinvigoration of the original car that sold in America between 1977-1982. The Electric MOKE Californian accelerates from 0-34mph (55kph) in 4.3 seconds, while its petrol-powered ancestor achieved the same sprint in around 6.3 seconds. Power is up from 39hp to 44hp. This limited-run version - only available to buy in the US - also features bespoke styling cues such as the 'Californian' name badge and specially designed MOKE logos. Isobel Dando, CEO MOKE International, said: "The interest in the Electric MOKE Californian since we announced its return has been huge, although perhaps not surprising considering how popular the original car was. We are thrilled to be able to offer American customers a genuine MOKE vehicle once again." Wouter Witvoet, CEO and Founder of EV Technology Group said: "Without doubt, the Electric MOKE Californian will go down a storm as it returns to its home territory. Since EV Technology Group started working with MOKE International, the first question from North American investors has been 'when can we buy one?', so I'm confident build slots will soon be at capacity." Hand-built in the UK, the Electric MOKE Californian has a range of up to 80 miles (120km)* - enough to cruise Route 101 down to Malibu Beach from Santa Barbara - and a top speed of 50mph (80kph), which makes it legal to drive on the highway. This is the first time a highway legal version of the Mini Moke has ever gone on sale in America. A full charge takes four hours on a US Type 1 charger. Just like the Electric MOKE that is on sale in Europe, the Electric MOKE Californian is a reimagination of the 1964 Mini Moke - MOKE International owns the original 1964 British Motor Corporation MOKE trademarks and is recognized in over 100 jurisdictions as the owner of the MOKE brand. Since its birth the Mini Moke stood as an emblem of fun and freedom, beloved for decades in coastal locations such as the French Riviera thanks to its open-top design and go-anywhere attitude. Using an electric powertrain, the Electric MOKE and Electric MOKE Californian now play a part in keeping these beautiful locations clean. MOKE International is the first 1960s automotive brand to go 100% electric. * Subject to Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure testing Media Rachael D'Amore rachael@talkshopmedia.com +1519-564-9850 Investor Relations Dave Gentry dave@redchip.com +14074914498 EV Technology Group Wouter Witvoet CEO and Chairman of the Board wouter@evtgroup.com About EV Technology Group EV Technology Group was founded in 2021 with the vision to electrify iconic brands - and the mission to redefine the joy of motoring for the electric age. By acquiring iconic brands and bringing beloved motoring experiences to the electric age, EV Technology Group is driving the EV revolution forward. Backed by a diversified team of passionate entrepreneurs, engineers and driving enthusiasts, EV Technology Group creates value for its customers by owning the total customer experience - acquiring and partnering with iconic brands with significant growth potential in unique markets, and controlling end-to-end capabilities. To learn more visit: https://evtgroup.com/ About MOKE International MOKE and the MOKE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of MOKE International Limited in the European Union and other territories. MOKE International, a company registered in England, is the only manufacturer of genuine MOKE vehicles worldwide. The mark was acquired from Casti S.p.A. and derives from the original 1964 British Motor Corporation registration. The MOKE is a revitalized, re-engineered version of the iconic Mini Moke that was originally designed by the legendary Sir Alec Issigonis, the designer of the 1959 Mini, and launched in 1964. The Mini Moke was created as a low-cost and easy to maintain recreational and utility vehicle, but it quickly gained cult status in fashionable resorts such as the French Riviera and the Caribbean. It has been driven by Beatles, Bridget Bardot and James Bond alike. MOKE International has brought the Mini Moke into the modern age by integrating up-to-date driving technologies, including full electric power, while remaining faithful to the iconic design which made it a global hit in the 1960s. True to its heritage, MOKEs today are engineered and built in Northamptonshire, England. Production takes place at a 500,000sq ft state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by British automotive manufacturing services company, Fablink Group. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to: the implementation of the 2015 Low Volume Motor Vehicles Manufacturers Act, receipt of approval from Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure testing, specifications of and consumer demand for the Electric MOKE Californian or the pricing of the Electric MOKE Californian. Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "planned", "reflecting", "will", "containing", "remaining", "to be", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements, including those factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the filing statement, annual information form and base shelf prospectus of the Company. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except where required by law. There can be no assurance that these forward-looking statements 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 statements. THE NEO STOCK EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/884723a3-9125-4267-aa76-0c602a68aba4 East Ridge Exploration Area Typhoon Anomaly to be Explored Further High-Grade Copper Assays Received from Infill Drilling at Santa Cruz Deposit Area Santa Cruz Infill Drill Hole SCC-084 Intersects 314 Meters Grading 1.06% Copper, Including 144 Meters of 1.38% Copper, 76 Meters of 1.86% Copper and 14 Meters at 2.41% Copper NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE American:IE)(TSX:IE) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Friedland is pleased to announce the discovery of the East Ridge oxide copper zone at the Santa Cruz Copper Project, located west of Casa Grande, Arizona. These exploration results have demonstrated the effectiveness of Ivanhoe Electric's proprietary Typhoon surveying system for identifying hidden copper deposits in the American Southwest. In addition, we are beginning to receive high-grade copper assay results from the extensive drilling campaign in the Santa Cruz Deposit area. These results will be incorporated into the updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Santa Cruz Project expected in January 2023. Mr. Friedland commented: "The discovery of copper mineralization at East Ridge is exciting in that it appears to be open for expansion in all directions. This area, identified by our Typhoon surveying system, and backed by detailed geological analysis, has proven the effectiveness of our ability to discover new copper deposits in areas hidden under gravel cover within the Basin and Range Province of the Western United States." "In addition, the results from our drill campaign at Santa Cruz have confirmed the spectacular grade of the known Santa Cruz Deposit. With the steady pace of new information being received from our work at Santa Cruz, we are increasing our understanding of this enriched copper deposit. Using our Typhoon technology, and now with the knowledge of the Santa Cruz 'fingerprint', we are encouraged by the prospect of additional copper discoveries in the area." Graham Boyd, Vice President of U.S. Projects, commented: "Drilling at East Ridge has returned impressive oxide copper mineralization in our first step-out exploration holes. In particular, hole SCC-105 has returned strong visual results, intersecting over 100 meters of consistent copper oxides. Further, at the Santa Cruz Deposit area, the assays received for infill hole SCC-084 have demonstrated a broad zone of soluble oxide copper in exotic, oxide and chalcocite mineralization. These results suggest that we have only begun to uncover the potential of this district." 360-degree photogrammetry video of drill core from drill hole SCC-084 at 742.90 meters depth showing Oracle Granite with chrysocolla (a leachable mineral that is approximately 30% copper by weight) and atacamite (a leachable mineral approximately 60% copper by weight) mineralization in fractures. Click on the image below for the high-resolution video. 360-degree photogrammetry video of drill core from drill hole SCC-105 at 582.90 meters depth showing Oracle Granite with chrysocolla (a leachable mineral that is approximately 30% copper by weight) and chalcanthite (a leachable mineral that is approximately 25% copper by weight) mineralization. Click on the image below for the high-resolution video. 360-degree photogrammetry video of drill core from drill hole SCC-105 at 581.80 meters depth showing Oracle Granite with bright blue chrysocolla (a leachable mineral that is approximately 30% copper by weight) mineralization. Click on the image below for the high-resolution video. Atacamite is a deep green, leachable copper-chloride mineral which is 60% copper by weight. Chrysocolla is a bright blue, leachable copper oxide mineral which is approximately 30% copper by weight. Chalcanthite is a dark blue, leachable copper-sulfate mineral which is approximately 25% copper by weight. These leachable minerals are amenable to a solvent extraction/electrowinning ("SX/EW") process allowing for direct copper cathode production. Core sample from East Ridge drill hole SCC-105 at 559.8 meters depth showing Oracle Granite with spectacular chrysocolla (blue), atacamite (green) and bright bands of hematite (an iron oxide mineral, red) mineralization. Core sample from East Ridge drill hole SCC-105 at 583.2 meters depth showing Oracle Granite with extraordinary chrysocolla (blue) and atacamite (green) mineralization throughout the sample. Sarah Bala, Geologist, logging drill chips produced by reverse circulation exploration drilling at Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Copper Project map with drill holes, exploration areas and section location Step-out exploration drilling at East Ridge confirms discovery by TyphoonTM As previously announced on September 15th, 2022, our proprietary Typhoon technology identified multiple large-scale anomalies at the Santa Cruz Copper Project. In addition to the significant chargeability anomaly identified by Typhoon, the East Ridge exploration area displayed abundant geological evidence, including hints of copper mineralization in widely spaced historic drill holes. The initial exploration results from East Ridge are promising and appear to confirm exactly what TyphoonTM had indicated, which is that additional sulfide bodies exist and appear to be associated with new zones of enriched soluble copper mineralization. Additionally, the East Ridge discovery area is only 300 meters from the Santa Cruz Deposit, indicating the potential for nearby additions to the resource. District long section showing Typhoon anomalies at East Ridge, Texaco Ridge and Texaco. The East Ridge copper oxide discovery is associated with the margin of a Typhoon chargeability anomaly. The Texaco Ridge Exploration Area Texaco Ridge is part of the greater Texaco exploration target, located approximately 3 kilometers northeast of the Santa Cruz Deposit. Ivanhoe Electric previously disclosed drill hole SCC-019 on the Southern margin of the Texaco exploration target, which intersected 73 meters of 2.21% total copper (refer to the Santa Cruz Technical Report dated June 7, 2022). TyphoonTM has identified a large zone of chargeable material in a shallower "ridge" environment in the subsurface basement topography. This area has been very sparsely drilled and is another area with the potential for the discovery of additional enriched copper mineralization. We plan to start drilling in this area in the near future. Santa Cruz drill program The Santa Cruz drill program currently consists of six diamond drill rigs from Major Drilling America of Salt Lake City, Utah. Cutting and sampling efforts are currently averaging approximately 250 meters per day, and there are currently 7,200 meters of drill core at both Skyline Assayers & Laboratories of Tucson, Arizona and Societe Generale de Surveillance SA ("SGS") of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We expect a steady return of assay results from both labs currently processing samples for the Santa Cruz Copper Project drill core over the next several weeks. Table 1. Highlighted intercepts from recent Santa Cruz Deposit area drilling (Refer to the Santa Cruz Drill Results page on Ivanhoe Electric's website for complete details of all reported drill holes.) DRILL HOLE FROM (M) TO (M) INTERVAL LENGTH (M) TOTAL COPPER (%) TOTAL SOLUBLE COPPER (%) SCC-021 549.00 565.00 16.00 2.26 2.02 631.00 651.00 20.00 1.40 1.33 SCC-022 314.00 329.60 15.60 1.28 1.15 SCC-022A 557.00 596.00 39.00 1.35 1.29 604.00 694.00 90.00 0.52 0.28 SCC-023 522.00 530.39 8.39 3.39 2.60 632.71 672.00 39.29 0.98 0.90 SCC-052 646.23 702.00 55.77 0.91 0.78 Including 646.23 676.00 29.77 1.22 1.21 SCC-084 602.00 915.90 313.90 1.06 0.95 Including 661.00 805.00 144.00 1.38 1.31 Including 707.00 783.00 76.00 1.86 1.80 Including 759.00 773.00 14.00 2.41 2.37 *Total Soluble Copper is the calculated summation of all soluble copper derived from the sequential copper analysis suite *Reported intervals are calculated using a 0.39% total copper cut-off grade and allowing up to a maximum of 6-meters of material less than 0.39% total copper *Results are core intervals and may not be true widths but are believed to be representative of actual drill thicknesses *Some rounding errors may occur *SCC-022A is a wedged hole from parent hole SCC-022 *SCC-052 is pending complete assays *Reported intervals for SCC-084 are calculated using a 0.39% total copper cut-off grade and allowing up to a maximum of 12-meters of material less than 0.39% total copper These results demonstrate significant copper grades over continuous intervals of enriched mineralization, both contained within the current underground mineral resource blocks and outside the resource area. These results will be incorporated into the updated mineral resource estimate expected in January 2023. Santa Cruz in-fill drill hole SCC-084 at 748.3 meters depth showing Oracle Granite with a bright band of atacamite (green) mineralization and hematite (red). This sample assayed 3.94% copper (3.92% total soluble copper) and forms part of 144.00 meters grading 1.38% copper (1.31% total soluble copper) beginning at a depth of 661.00 meters downhole. Nansen Olson, Ph.D., Geologist, logging drill core in the Santa Cruz core shed Additional underexplored areas exist at Santa Cruz with the potential for the discovery of new copper zones Ivanhoe Electric is currently drilling an area known as the "Newmont Parcel" (see figure below). This is an 80-acre parcel immediately contiguous to both the highest-grade zones of the Santa Cruz Deposit and the East Ridge discovery. The "Newmont Parcel" was not drilled by previous operators during any of the major exploration campaigns completed by David Lowell (Hanna-Getty of Cleveland, Ohio and East Meadow, New York, respectively) or ASARCO of Tucson, Arizona in the 1970s. This specific parcel of land was owned by Newmont Corporation of Denver, Colorado at the time, but Newmont never drilled the area. The parcel subsequently was consolidated by previous project owners, but was also never drilled. It now forms part of our 100%-owned interests, and is an important exploration area. Ivanhoe Electric has drilled three holes on the "Newmont Parcel", SCC-008 and SCC-011 (refer to the Santa Cruz Technical Report dated June 7, 2022) and SCC-105 (see above). All three holes have intersected significant zones of oxide copper mineralization that remain open in all directions. As previously described, SCC-105 demonstrates that the East Ridge discovery is open in multiple directions for expansion. SCC-005, which intersected 57 meters grading 3.52% copper (2.77% total soluble copper) at a downhole depth of 636 meters (refer to the Santa Cruz Technical Report dated June 7, 2022), was collared just 60 meters from the western boundary of the Newmont Parcel, and mineralization remains open into the Parcel area. SCC-099 is currently being drilled on the western boundary of the "Newmont Parcel". "Newmont Parcel" map showing its location relative to the current Santa Cruz mineral resource area and the East Ridge exploration area. Qualified Persons Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature included in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and technical data underlying the information, have been reviewed, verified, and approved by Glen Kuntz, P.Geo., and Christopher Seligman, MAusIMM CP (Geo), each of whom are Qualified Persons as defined by Regulation S-K, Subpart 1300 promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Each of Mr. Kuntz and Mr. Seligman is an employee of Ivanhoe Electric. Ivanhoe Electric has had prepared an independent technical report summary for the Santa Cruz Project prepared under SEC Regulation S-K, Subpart 1300 and an independent technical report prepared under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. The reports are available on the company's website, on EDGAR and on the company's SEDAR profile: "Technical Report Summary on the Santa Cruz Project, Arizona, USA" prepared by Nordmin Engineering Ltd. ("Nordmin") with an effective date of June 7, 2022 (S-K 1300 Report). "NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Santa Cruz Project, Arizona, USA" prepared by Nordmin with an effective date of June 7, 2022. The technical report summary and technical report include relevant information regarding the assumptions, parameters and methods of the mineral resource estimates on the Santa Cruz Project cited in this news release, as well as information regarding data verification, exploration procedures and other matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Ivanhoe Electric Ivanhoe Electric is an American technology and mineral exploration company that is re-inventing mining for the electrification of everything by combining advanced mineral exploration technologies, renewable energy storage solutions and electric metals projects predominantly located in the United States. Ivanhoe Electric uses its Typhoon transmitter, an accurate and powerful geophysical survey system, together with advanced data analytics provided by its subsidiary, Computational Geosciences, to accelerate and de-risk the mineral exploration process as well as to potentially discover deposits of critical metals that may otherwise be undetectable by traditional exploration technologies. Through its controlling interest in VRB Energy, Ivanhoe Electric also develops and manufactures advanced grid-scale vanadium redox battery storage systems. Finally, through advancing its portfolio of electric metals projects located primarily in the United States, headlined by the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona and the Tintic Copper-Gold Project in Utah, as well as projects in Montana, Oregon and North Carolina, Ivanhoe Electric is also well positioned to support American supply chain independence by delivering the critical metals necessary for electrification of the economy. Contact Information Investors Evan Young, Vice President of Corporate Development 604-689-8765 Valerie Kimball, Director, Investor Relations 720-933-1150 Forward-looking statements Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable U.S. and Canadian securities laws. 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 news release. Such statements include without limitation statements regarding: (i) completion of an updated mineral resource for the Santa Cruz Project in January 2023, (ii) future exploration and drilling activities; and (iii) future mineral resource expansion. This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation (including estimated future production, the anticipated tonnages and grades that will be mined and the estimated level of recovery that will be realized), which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that ultimately may prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on: (i) fluctuations in copper, gold or other metal prices; (ii) results of drilling and other exploration activities; (iii) metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates and/or changes in mine plans; (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licenses; and (vii) changes in law or regulation. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including changes in the prices of copper or other metals Ivanhoe Electric is exploring for; the results of exploration and drilling activities and/or 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 final assessment of exploration results and information that is preliminary; the significant risk and hazards associated with any future mining operations, extensive regulation by the U.S. government as well as local governments; 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; and the impact of political, economic and other uncertainties associated with operating in foreign countries, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economy. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements described in Ivanhoe Electric's registration statement on Form S-1, as amended, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and base PREP prospectus filed with Canadian securities commissions. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Ivanhoe Electric cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release, and Ivanhoe Electric expressly disclaims any requirement to do so. SOURCE: Ivanhoe Electric Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/724506/Ivanhoe-Electric-Confirms-East-Ridge-Discovery-at-Santa-Cruz-Copper-Project-in-Arizona WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Voting for U.S. mid-term elections has begun on Tuesday. The first poll to open was in Vermont, at 5 AM EST, followed by Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, New York and Virginia. All the 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election, alongside one-third of the Senate. Out of the 35 seats being contested, tough, key races are taking place in Nevada, Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Also up for grabs are 36 state governorships. The Democratic Party narrowly holds the majority in the House, but an outcome in favor of the Republicans will have a major impact on the remaining two years of Joe Biden's presidency. GOP lawmakers will be able to effectively block Biden's agenda and nearly every piece of legislation proposed by him in the Congress. Biden's approval rating among voters has been below 50 percent since August 2021. Polls suggest that Republicans are poised to take control of the House and the Democrats could hold on to the Senate. More than 41 million voters in 47 states have already cast their votes through postal ballots or early voting, but the majority of people will cast their ballots Tuesday. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump hit the campaign trail on election eve. Biden addressed a rally Monday night for Maryland's gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore and the state's Democratic Party candidates. Biden acknowledged that Democrats face an uphill task to retain control of Congress. Trump rallied for Republican Senate candidate J.D. Vance in Ohio. He has promised to make a big announcement next Tuesday if he will be in the running to be the Republican presidential candidate for 2024. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Empower Her 101 (EH101) has unveiled their innovative business model that bridges the gap between students pursuing work experience and businesses seeking talented young people for further growth and expansion. The organization's innovative model connects aspiring entrepreneurs from the student community who want to get hands-on training in different aspects of running a business. The model's focus is to develop students' confidence and skills by introducing various experiences that include internships that center on improving entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and professional relationships. They also give students access to connect with organizations in different industries, which helps them identify which industry they would like to focus on in their entrepreneurial journey. Students can approach Empower Her 101 to access a supportive network of entrepreneurs who can provide them with valuable experiences. Empower Her 101 provides the 'work from home' approach in their scheme, which offers tasks for these organizations and can thus hone their entrepreneurial skills. EH101 is a not-for-profit networking and mentoring organization that aims to equip women and young girls with tools they need to become successful entrepreneurs and attain financial independence. EH101 regularly plans and executes events like workshops and community events as a platform for young female entrepreneurs to network and gain financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. Commenting on the business model, Tamesha Blackwood, the founder of Empower Her 101, said, "This model is a win-win deal for both the entrepreneurs who sign on to mentor these young girls and for the students who end up getting practical work experience in a field of their interest. Female entrepreneurs already face several systemic challenges that handicap them from the get-go. My goal with Empower Her 101 is to provide aspiring women entrepreneurs with access to a community of positive role models that they could look up to and that would watch out for them. With this kind of support, they are free to learn about the basics of building a business in a setting that is free of sexist bias. I believe that we have come a fair way in achieving this goal with this model, which is of great benefit to all the parties involved." About Empower Her 101 Empower Her 101 is a not-for-profit networking and mentoring organization for women and young girls that was set up with the goal of helping females become their best selves. It provides young women with opportunities to gain first-hand experience in different aspects of running a business while working alongside qualified and experienced professionals. Media Contact: Name: Tamesha Blackwood Email: info@empowerher101.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143463 - Shareholders endorse climate action plan at 2022 AGM - SYDNEY, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sims Limited (ASX:SGM), a global leader in sustainability and an enabler of the circular economy, today announced the publication of its fiscal year 2022 Sustainability Reporting Suite, which includes the company's sustainability report, databook and inaugural climate report. The newly released reporting suite highlights Sims Limited's accelerated sustainability ambitions to provide circular solutions that enable decarbonisation efforts across the globe. The company presented the Sims Limited 2022 Climate Report and transition plan to shareholders for an advisory vote at this year's annual general meeting where 89.46 percent of the issued capital was voted in favour of the plan. "We are dedicated to maintaining a positive impact on our environment while simultaneously working toward new and innovative solutions that will raise the bar on global decarbonisation efforts and redefine manufacturing," said Alistair Field, CEO and managing director at Sims Limited. "The vote gave shareholders an opportunity to endorse our sustainability targets, which are validated by our actions - namely cutting greenhouse gas emissions substantially since our baseline year." In FY22, Sims Limited announced new sustainability targets to reflect its commitment to climate action. These targets include becoming carbon neutral by 2030 (brought forward from 2042) and using 100 percent renewable electricity at all sites by 2025. The company's other achievements of note include: - Female Board of Directors representation surpassed 40 percent - Women in leadership roles rose to 25 percent - All employees and agents trained on the company's code of conduct, anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies - All employees trained on human rights, modern slavery and labour rights Over the past year, Sims Limited received various accolades, some of which included recognition as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations by Corporate Knights (for the eighth time), one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek and being named a 2022 Climate Leader by Financial Times. Guided by the company's purpose, create a world without waste to preserve our planet, Sims Limited helps to give millions of tonnes of materials a second life by driving positive impact to the environment while creating value for stakeholders. The full sustainability reporting suite is available to view or download at www.simsltd.com. About Sims Limited Founded in 1917, Sims Limited is a global leader in sustainability and an enabler of the circular economy that employs 4,400 employees who operate from more than 200 facilities across 15 countries. The company's ordinary shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: SGM), and its American Depositary Shares are quoted on the Over-the-Counter market in the United States (USOTC: SMSMY). The company's purpose, create a world without waste to preserve our planet, is what drives them to constantly innovate and offer new solutions in the circular economy for consumers, businesses, governments and communities around the world. For more information, visit? www.simsltd.com . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sims-limited-releases-2022-sustainability-reporting-suite-301671526.html London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Active Energy Group (AIM: AEG) (OTCQB: ATGVF), today announced that Michael Rowan, CEO of Active Energy Group ("AEG") will be attending the Q4 Investor Summit Live in NYC at the Sheraton Times Square. During the presentation, Michael will be discussing the Company's key focus, which is on the development of the next generation of biomass fuels. Its primary product, CoalSwitch, is a black pellet that is made using sustainably sourced resources, namely residual product from lumber operations that would otherwise be left as waste. As a result of global energy requirements and net zero commitments, there is increasing demand for improved biomass fuels. AEG is dedicated to begin and scale up production of this important green energy transition fuel during Q1 2023. Event:Q4 Investor Summit Date: November 14th, 2022 Presentation: November 14th at 12:30 P.M. ET Location: Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, 811 7th Avenue, W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Webcast: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lCE_-rXTSkyYOK9XcdmiFw 1x1s will be available for qualified investors. The conference is completely complimentary to qualified investors. Please register at Complimentary Investor Registration. About Active Energy Group Active Energy Group plc is a London listed (AIM: AEG) renewable energy company focused on the production and development of next generation biomass products that have the potential to transform traditional coal fired power and heavy industries and the existing renewable biomass industry. AEG has developed a proprietary technology platform which transforms waste biomass material into high-value renewable fuels. Its patented product CoalSwitch is a leading drop-in biomass renewable fuel that can be co-fired with coal, completely replace coal as an alternative feedstock without requiring significant plant modifications or wholly replace existing biomass feedstock resources. Active Energy Group's immediate strategic focus is the production and commercialisation of CoalSwitch. CoalSwitch is a registered trademark belonging to Active Energy Group plc. Investor Relations: Amrit Nahal, Director, Equity Sales Allenby Capital Limited a.nahal@allenbycapital.com www.aegplc.com About Investor Summit Group The Investor Summit (formerly MicroCap Conference) is an exclusive, independent conference dedicated to connecting smallcap and microcap companies with qualified investors. The Q4 Investor Summit will take place in-person and virtually, featuring 50+ companies and over 300 investors comprised of institutional investors, family offices, and high net worth investors. Sectors Participating: Biotech, Communication Services, Consumer, Energy, Energy/Tech, Financial, Healthcare, Industrials, Materials, Real Estate, Technology, and Tech/Crypt. Contact: info@investorsummitgroup.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143239 Johannesburg, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - DRDGOLD Limited (JSE: DRD) (NYSE: DRD), today announced that Niel Pretorius, Chief Executive Officer of DRDGOLD Limited will be attending the Q4 Investor Summit live in NYC at the Sheraton Times Square. During the presentation, DRDGOLD's Chief Executive Officer, Niel Pretorius, will introduce the Company and its value proposition of gold-price exposure, ESG and dividend history. The presentation will be made available on the DRDGOLD website at www.drdgold.com on 14th November 2022. Event:Q4 Investor Summit Date: November 14-15, 2022 Presentation: November 14 at 1:00 P.M. ET Location: Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, 811 7th Avenue, W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Webcast: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cug0SzCEQGyHRGsh93zfIA 1x1s will be available for qualified investors The conference is completely complimentary to qualified investors. Please register at Complimentary Investor Registration About DRDGOLD Limited Established 128 years ago, DRDGOLD is one of the oldest continuously listed companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with a secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange. It is the only company in South Africa focused solely on the retreatment of surface gold tailings and its longevity is a result of adapting to an ever-changing environment, taking full advantage of good fortune as and when it presents itself, as well as maintaining a disciplined approach to what is within our control. Our capacity to treat mine waste, our recently established relationship with Sibanye-Stillwater and the enthusiasm and energy of our team, place DRDGOLD in a very strong position to continue to play a role in the future of mining in South Africa, and perhaps even internationally. Early adoption of sustainable development as the primary idea in shaping our thinking and informing the deployment of our resources and capital, has meant that for us, ESG requires a nuanced adaptation of our existing narrative. The work has been done and the foundation is in place to continue on a path of sustainable, responsible mining. Our network of assets is unrivaled in South Africa and our focus is to optimize these assets to increase gold production and mine as much of our resource as we possibly can. Contact Information: Niel Pretorius, CEO +27 82 788 4082 niel.pretorius@drdgold.com www.drdgold.com About Investor Summit Group The Investor Summit (formerly MicroCap Conference) is an exclusive, independent conference dedicated to connecting smallcap and microcap companies with qualified investors. The Q4 Investor Summit will take place in-person and virtually, featuring 50+ companies and over 300 institutional, family office, and high net worth investors. Sectors Participating: Biotech, Communication Services, Consumer, Energy, Energy/Tech, Financial, Healthcare, Industrials, Materials, Real Estate, Technology, and Tech/Crypt. Contact: info@investorsummitgroup.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143304 Southbend, Indiana--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc. (OTCQX: STRW) (the "Company"), today announced they will be attending the Q4 Investor Summit Live in NYC at the Sheraton Times Square. During the presentation the Company's Chairman & CEO, Moishe Gubin, and Chief Investment Officer, Jeff Bajtner, will highlight the Company's Q3 2022 financial performance, the recent accomplishment of beginning to trade on the OTCQX and their vision for 2023 and beyond. The presentation will be webcast and an archived recording will be made available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. Event:Q4 Investor Summit Date: November 14th, 2022 Presentation: November 14th at 10:00 AM ET Location: Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, 811 7th Avenue, W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Webcast: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-yjuIIHLSJGRc3hMVf1hwQ 1 on 1's will be available for qualified investors The conference is completely complementary to qualified investors. Please register at Complimentary Investor Registration About Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc. Strawberry Fields REIT, Inc., is a self-administered real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, acquisition, development and leasing of skilled nursing and certain other healthcare-related properties. The Company's portfolio includes 79 healthcare properties, of which 78 are owned, located throughout the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. The properties comprise 85 healthcare facilities, consisting of 74 stand-alone skilled nursing facilities, two dual-purpose facilities used as both skilled nursing facilities and long-term acute care hospitals, and three assisted living facilities. Investor Relations: Jeffrey Bajtner Ir@sfreit.com 1-773-747-4100 www.strawberryfieldsreit.com About Investor Summit Group The Investor Summit (formerly MicroCap Conference) is an exclusive, independent conference dedicated to connecting smallcap and microcap companies with qualified investors. The Q4 Investor Summit will take place in-person and virtually, featuring 50+ companies and over 300 investors comprised of institutional investors, family offices, and high net worth investors. Sectors Participating: Biotech, Communication Services, Consumer, Energy, Energy/Tech, Financial, Healthcare, Industrials, Materials, Real Estate, Technology, and Tech/Crypt. Contact: info@investorsummitgroup.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143307 Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - C-COM Satellite Systems Inc., (TSXV: CMI) (OTCQB: CYSNF) ("C-COM" or the "Company"), today announced that Dr. Leslie Klein, President and CEO of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc., will be attending the Q4 Investor Summit Live in NYC at the Sheraton Times Square. C-COM President and CEO, Dr. Leslie Klein will highlight the company's existing satellite communication products, its most recent sales and profitability as well as its latest phased array antenna technology under development. This new product will make it possible for the company to access a new and rapidly developing $17 billion market, which will make it possible to deliver mobile Internet connectivity in Ka-band for terrestrial, aero, marine and military markets using Low Earth Orbit satellites. Event: Q4 Investor Summit Date: November 14th, 2022 Presentation: November 14th at 11:00 AM ET Location: Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, 811 7th Avenue, W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Webcast: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SHSQBZW5Sqy2lSmUYizFIg 1x1s will be available for qualified investors The conference is completely complimentary to qualified investors. Please register at Complimentary Investor Registration About the Investor Summit The Investor Summit (formerly MicroCap Conference) is an exclusive, independent conference dedicated to connecting smallcap and microcap companies with qualified investors. The Q4 Investor Summit will take place in-person and virtually, featuring 50+ companies and over 300 investors comprised of family offices, institutional investors, and high net worth investors. Sectors Participating: Biotech, Communication Services, Consumer, Energy, Energy/Tech, Financial, Healthcare, Industrials, Materials, Real Estate, Technology, and Tech/Crypt. Contact: info@investorsummitgroup.com About C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. is a pioneer and world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of transportable and mobile satellite-based antenna systems. The Company has developed proprietary, auto-acquisition controller technology for rapid antenna pointing to a satellite with just the press of a button, enabling Broadband Internet via Satellite across a wide range of market applications worldwide, including regions unserved or underserved by terrestrial access technologies. C-COM has sold more than 10,000 antenna systems, in over 100 countries, through a dedicated dealer network that provides service to a wide range of vertical markets such as Oil & Gas Exploration, Military Communications, Disaster Management, SNG, Emergency Communications, Cellular Backhaul, Telemedicine, Mobile Education, Government Services, Mobile Banking, and others. The Company's iNetVu brand is synonymous with high quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. C-COM is in late-stage development of a potentially revolutionary Ka-band, electronically steerable, modular, conformal, flat panel phased array antenna. In cooperation with the University of Waterloo, C-COM is engaged in the design of this unique antenna with the intent of providing low-cost, high-throughput mobility applications over satellite for land, airborne and maritime verticals. For additional information please visit www.c-comsat.com iNetVu is a registered trademark of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. The Company is publicly traded on the Canadian Venture Exchange (TSXV: CMI) and on the US OTC Exchange (OTCQB: CYSNF). Company Contact: Leslie Klein, President and CEO investor@c-comsat.com www.c-comsat.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143310 Research presented at the PDT-PDD Conference in Nancy, France showed that a large food processing plant in Manitoba, Canada, was able to reduce the rate of COVID-19 amongst its employees following the use of Ondine Biomedical's nasal photodisinfection. The rate of COVID-19 positive tests in the workforce fell from 6.4% to 0.5%, a reduction of over 10 times (p<0.0001) compared to rates in the community. The reduction in COVID-19 cases at the plant meant that food production was able to continue without disruption at a crucial time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between July 2020 and August 2021, approximately 1,500 employees were nasally photodisinfected on a voluntary basis during paid work hours. Compliance with the treatment was extremely high at 85% by the end of the study period. During the study, employees used Steriwave nasal photodisinfection to eliminate bacteria, fungi and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, from their noses. The nose has been shown to be the primary infection site for many infectious diseases, and eliminating pathogens from the nose has been demonstrated to reduce disease progression.i Steriwave works to eliminate nasal bacteria, viruses and fungi with a simple, 5-minute treatment. The two-step process involves the application of a light-activated agent to each nostril using a nasal swab, followed by illumination of the area with a specific wavelength of laser light. The light activates the photodynamic agent, causing an oxidative burst that destroys all types of pathogens. Dr. Nicolas Loebel, President and Chief Technology officer of Ondine Biomedical Inc., said: "These results were provided to us by the local infection control team in Manitoba. Facilities like this plant are highly vulnerable to disease outbreaks, significantly disrupting food production and impacting sales. When nasal photodisinfection was added to the standard infection control bundle, COVID-19 rates were suppressed by over 10 times compared to the surrounding community rates." About Ondine Biomedical Inc. Ondine Biomedical Inc. is a Canadian headquartered company innovating in the field of photodisinfection therapies. Ondine has a pipeline of investigational products, based on its proprietary photodisinfection platform, in various stages of development. Products beyond nasal photodisinfection include therapies for a variety of medical indications such as sinusitis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, burns, and other indications. i https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-18513-0.pdf View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005647/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Simon Vane Percy, Amanda Bernard +44 (0) 77 1000 5910 amanda@vanepercy.com Enterprise and government customers in Japan and Canada can now securely host data within their borders Keeper Security, the leading provider of zero-trust, zero-knowledge and FedRAMP Authorised cybersecurity software, is expanding its global presence with the deployment of two new secure cloud data centres in Japan and Canada. The cloud data centres are powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and expand Keeper's existing global network of data centres in Europe, Australia, the United States and GovCloud (US) regions. Keeper's growing global presence provides key benefits for all of our customers, from consumers to enterprises of all sizes and government entities: Enterprise customers can now choose to securely host their data within their preferred geographic region, which enables them to meet internal and regulatory compliance requirements. Additional data centres allow Keeper to deliver content closer to customers, which means both consumers and businesses in those areas enjoy faster performance and reduced latency. Data residency refers to the localisation of data storage and processing. Privacy laws within specific countries, or broader multi-national regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), dictate how and where data can reside. Supporting data residency indicates that a business respects privacy, and that a business can meet regional data protection and privacy requirements. Keeper's new cloud data centres enable organisations to simplify the process of meeting these regulations. "Keeper is never at rest. We are continually adapting, updating and upgrading our products and services to best meet our customers' needs," said Craig Lurey, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "These new data centres empower our customers to host their vaults and data in the location of their choosing, with a fully-isolated, zero-trust and zero-knowledge cybersecurity solution." Keeper delivers the ultimate in enterprise security and cyberthreat prevention by protecting access to applications, systems, secrets and IT resources with a zero-trust and zero-knowledge architecture. Keeper simplifies and strengthens auditing and compliance while achieving organisation-wide visibility, control, event logging and reporting. More than 80% of successful cyberattacks can be attributed to weak or stolen passwords, credentials and secrets. Keeper's password security and encryption platform is a human-centric solution for consumers and organisations of all sizes. Keeper's platform takes only minutes to deploy, requires minimal ongoing management and scales to meet the needs of any size organisation, from the smallest of small businesses to the largest of large enterprises. Keeper integrates seamlessly into any data environment single cloud, multi-cloud or hybrid and any security stack. About Keeper Security Keeper Security, Inc. ("Keeper") is transforming the way organisations and individuals protect their credentials, secrets, connections and sensitive digital assets to significantly reduce the risks of identity security-related cyberattacks, while gaining visibility and control. Keeper is the leading provider of zero-trust and zero-knowledge security cloud services trusted by millions of people and thousands of organisations for password management, secrets management, privileged access, secure remote infrastructure access and encrypted messaging. Keeper's products are the highest-rated in the industry across G2, Trustpilot, PCMag and U.S. News World Report. For the last several years, Keeper has received several InfoSec Awards from Cyber Defense Magazine for its cybersecurity enterprise software. Keeper is SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified, FIPS 140-2 validated and FedRAMP Authorised. Keeper is backed by Insight Partners, a leading venture capital and private equity firm with $90b AUM. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005689/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Archetype for Keeper Security keeper@archetype.co Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Li-FT Power Ltd. (CSE: LIFT) (FSE: WS0) ("Li-FT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the board of directors has appointed Mr. Francis MacDonald as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Mr. Alex Langer as President ("President") of the Company effective immediately. Julie Hajduk, the former CEO, will continue as an active and engaged member of the board of directors and will support the management team during a transition. The Company thanks Ms. Hajduk for her integrity, leadership and dedication to the Company since Li-FT's incorporation in May 2021. Mr. MacDonald, who currently serves on the Company's board of directors, brings over 15 years of experience in the mining industry and is an exploration geologist by training. He is a co-founder of Kenorland Minerals, a North American-focused exploration company that generates greenfield exploration opportunities across different commodities. Prior to co-founding Kenorland Minerals in 2016, Mr. MacDonald spent the majority of his career with Newmont Mining Corporation doing greenfield exploration in Nunavut, West Africa, and East Africa. "I am very excited to take on a new role as CEO of Li-FT. We have an excellent pipeline of targets in Quebec which should make for a very exciting exploration story. I would like to thank Ms. Hajduk for bringing the company to this point and remaining committed to the team as a board member." Mr. Langer, who currently serves on the Company's board of Directors, is a successful public markets specialist with over eighteen years of experience in all aspects of equity financing. He worked with Canaccord Genuity for four years as an Investment Advisor, where he helped fund over 100 private and publicly listed companies in various sectors including technology, mining, healthcare, forestry, and green technology. Mr. Langer was instrumental in the recent success of Millennial Lithium Corp., bringing key financial support and industry partners from his global connections through his role as Vice President. He is currently the CEO, President, and Director of Sierra Madre Gold and Silver. About Li-FT Li-FT is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties, specifically lithium pegmatite projects located in Canada. The Company currently holds a 100% interest on the Rupert Project, which is a 155,000 hectare greenfield lithium pegmatite exploration initiative, and has recently signed an option agreement for a 15,323 hectare project with 70% interest on the Pontax Property. On September 21, 2022 The Company additionally entered into an option agreement for a 18,535 hectare property with a 100% on the Lac des Montages Project. All properties are located in the James Bay region in Quebec, Canada. For further information, please contact: Julie Hajduk Chief Executive Officer Tel: (604) 609-6185 Email: info@li-ft.com Website: www.li-ft.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, including the effects of COVID-19. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. 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 implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the statements will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143438 OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - The United States and Norway jointly launched the Green Shipping Challenge during the World Leaders Summit of Climate Change in Egypt. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry chaired the launch. Countries, ports, and companies made more than 40 major announcements on issues such as innovations for ships, expansion in low- or zero-emission fuels, and policies to help promote the uptake of next-generation vessels. The United States and South Korea announced technical cooperation to help facilitate establishment of a green shipping corridor. The U.S. Department of State, Department of Energy, South Korean Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will undertake a feasibility study to explore the potential of creating a green shipping corridor between major cargo ports in the two countries. This work will be performed through the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission, in close consultation with the U.S. Northwest Seaport Alliance and the Port of Busan. Separately, the United States and Canada announced the Great Lakes/Saint Lawrence Seaway System Green Shipping Corridor Network Initiative. The U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of State, and Transport Canada will work with state, provincial, local, private-sector, non-governmental leaders, and Indigenous Peoples in both the cuontries to host consultations with ports and other stakeholders, with the goal of facilitating the establishment of a Great Lakes Green Shipping Corridor Network. The United States and the United Kingdom announced launching a US.-UK green shipping corridor task force to support the establishment of green shipping corridors between the two countries. In early 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development will release a transportation sector decarbonization blueprint, which will serve as a roadmap for expanding federal agency priorities to create options for traveling smarter, more efficiently, and cleaner. The United States and its partners in the Zero-Emission Shipping Mission are announcing the launch of a Green Shipping Corridor Hub, an online platform with resources and tools that aim to streamline the formation and deployment of green shipping corridors globally. The U.S. Department of State is launching the Green Shipping Corridors Initiation Project with $1.5 million, subject to Congressional notification and the completion of domestic procedures, to support feasibility studies for green shipping corridors involving developing countries Greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping sector would rank among the top ten largest emitters globally. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Agreement/Share Exchange for Acquisition via Florida Special Purpose Vehicle ('SPV') of OK.de BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / German-managed Fintech investor and incubator, the Nevada-incorporated Fast Finance Pay Corp. ('FFPP' on OTCIQ), announces it has agreed in a related party transaction to acquire from FFPP's majority parent organization, Frankfurt Stock Exchange-traded Fast Finance 24 Holding AG ('FF24 Holding'; 'FF24' on XETRA and Frankfurt), a German private limited company, FF24 Sustainability GmbH ('FF24 Sustainability'), incorporated in the north-western German State of North Rhine-Westphalia. Formerly named OK.de, the target contains the OK.de mobile 'free-mailer' e-mail and end-to-end secure, encrypted, instant messaging service which attracted the FF24 Holding investment team in Berlin. Ok.de currently has approximately 2.3 million users of its e-mail service, which to date predominantly addresses only the domestic German consumer market, as does the OK.de IM app., which benefits from access to military-grade encryption software described by attorney and IP law specialist, Armin Dartsch, the Director at FFPP who is non-executive Chairman of the quoted German 'umbrella' company, FF24 Holding, as 'exceptionally robust.' The IM app, which is not dissimilar in performance and confidentiality to the popular Signal IM app, has particular attractions to a group such as FFPP, where FF24 Holding is concentrating its interests in the burgeoning FinTech segment. OK.de/FFPP are working with their software development partner to develop functionalities not yet considered 'standard fare' in the universe of IM apps, including a uniquely secure mobile crypto-currency wallet with facilities not only to switch between different leading crypto-coins, and between crypto- and major fiat currencies using the app but also to transfer crypto- currencies C2C between app users, securely by means of something as simple as an IM. Commenting on the logic behind the acquisition of OK.de through SPV OK.de Holding, Inc., Dartsch said, 'Because of the areas of e-finance our present two subsidiaries, ff24Merchant Services GmbH and ff24 Ventures GmbH, address, which are B2C e-payments processing, and C2C e-banking and cross-border remittances respectively, OK.de not only represents a channel for us to communicate with potential customers for these offerings but it gives us an insight into what people might wish to be able to do in terms of e-financial services, which is where OK.de and its software partners can step in to develop solutions or fill a gap in the market. The logical place in the Fast Finance universe for OK.de had to be alongside our other FinTech businesses, within FFPP. Although OK.de belonged to FF24 Holding in Berlin, around 12% (twelve per cent.) of the shares of the Florida SPV corporation will go to outside investors who had acquired a contingent interest in the target corporation. Instead of ending up with shares in a private SPV, these are being exchanged for FFPP's new, Series 'E' Convertible Preferred Stock so, when those in Europe who bought a seat at the OK.de table early convert their Series 'E' into FFPP common stock, they will in a year's time also have attained a liquidity event.' IMPORTANT NOTICE This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), including all statements that are not statements of among other things: (i) the Company's financing plans; (ii) trends affecting the Company's financial condition or results of operations; (iii) the Company's growth strategy and operating strategy; and (iv) the declaration and payment of dividends. The words "may", "would", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "intend" and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including the risk disclosed in the Company's reports filed with the SEC. The Company is not eligible to rely on the safe harbor provided by Section 21E(c) of the Exchange Act because it is not subject to filing periodic reports under Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. This announcement has been issued after due and careful enquiry and the Directors of Fast Finance Pay Corp take responsibility for it. Enquiries Keith, Bayley, Rogers & Co. Limited* London Corporate Adviser to FFPP * Authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom; please noteKeith, Bayley, Rogers & Co. Limited is not an IR / financial PR company Contact: Graham Atthill-Beck; cell: +44 (0) 7505 43 41 07; blackpearladviseers@gmail.com SOURCE: Fast Finance Pay Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/724540/Fast-Finance-Pay-Corp-FFPP-acquires-Okde-Holding-Inc-and-through-it-the-Okde-Mobile-Business COVID-19 clinical trial pipeline constitutes 420+ key companies continuously working towards developing 520+ COVID-19 vaccines and drugs, analyzes DelveInsight LAS VEGAS, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's 'COVID-19 Competitive Landscape - 2022' report provides comprehensive global coverage of available, marketed, and pipeline COVID-19 vaccines in various stages of clinical development, major pharmaceutical companies are working to advance the pipeline space and future growth potential of the COVID-19 competitive domain. Key Takeaways from the COVID-19 Pipeline Report Over 420+ COVID-19 companies are evaluating 520+ COVID-19 pipeline therapies in various stages of development, and their anticipated acceptance in the COVID-19 market would significantly increase market revenue. COVID-19 companies are evaluating COVID-19 pipeline therapies in various stages of development, and their anticipated acceptance in the COVID-19 market would significantly increase market revenue. Leading COVID-19 companies such as Westvac Biopharma, Xenothera, Windtree Therapeutics, Vir Biotechnology, ViiV Healthcare, Verastem, VBL Therapeutics, Vasomune Therapeutics, Inc., Valneva, Uni-Pharma Kleon Tsetis Pharmaceutical Laboratories, UNION Therapeutics, Trustem, Toscana Life Sciences, Throne Biotechnologies, Thirty respiratory Limited, Theravance Biopharma, TC BioPharm, Syntax for Science, S.L, SyneuRx, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, Swedish Herbal Institute AB, Stemedica Cell Technologies, Staidson ( Beijing ) Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Sound Pharmaceuticals, Sorrento Therapeutics, SolAeroMed, SK Bioscience, Sinovac Biotech Co., Ltd, Sinocelltech, Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co., Ltd., Shaperon, Senhwa Biosciences, Inc., Selva Therapeutics, Archivel Farma, R-Pharm, Rohto Pharmaceutical, Revimmune, Resverlogix Corporation, Restorbio, Resolve Therapeutics, Renibus Therapeutics, ReiThera, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, RedHill Biopharma, Red de Terapia Celular, Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Qurient Co, Quercis Pharma, PureTech, Pulmotect, PTC Therapeutics, Pluristem Ltd., Pliant Therapeutics, Pharming Technologies B.V., Pharmenterprises, Pharmamel S.L., Pharma Holdings, Pharco Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Petrovax, Paion UK Ltd., Ashvattha Therapeutics, Inc. (Orpheris), OPKO Health, Oncotelic Inc., National Resilience, Inc. (Ology Bioservices), Olatec Therapeutics LLC, Novavax, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Notitia Biotechnologies Company, Noorik Biopharmaceuticals, Nobelpharma, Moderna, Moderna, MetrioPharm, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Merck KGaA, Medicago Inc., Mallinckrodt , Mabwell ( Shanghai ) Bioscience Co., Ltd., Lifefactors Zona Franca, Leading BioSciences, Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., 3M , 4D Pharma, AbbVie, Apotex, AgelessRx, AgenTus Therapeutics, AiCuris, AlloVir, Apeiron Biologics, Bausch Health Americas, BeiGene, Biotest, Bio-Thera Solutions, Cadila Healthcare Limited, Cellenkos, Cellularity Incorporated, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Clene Nanomedicine, Codagenix, Debiopharm, Direct Biologics, Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Emergent Biosolutions, Enlivex Therapeutics, Evergreen Therapeutics, Faron Pharmaceuticals, Frontier Biotechnologies, FSD Pharma, Genentech, Inc., Globavir Biosciences, Grand Medical, Grifols Therapeutics LLC, Inotrem, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Kamada, Kiadis Pharma, Medicine Invention, MedRegen LLC, Miltenyi Biomedicine, Natureceuticals Sdn Bhd, NeoImmune Tech, Neutrolis, Ology Bioservices, Oncovir, OPKO Health, Organicell Regenerative Medicine, and others are evaluating novel drugs for COVID-19 to improve the treatment landscape. and others are evaluating novel drugs for COVID-19 to improve the treatment landscape. Key COVID-19 pipeline therapies in various stages of development include XAV-19, Sinapultide, VIR-7831, Maraviroc, Duvelisib, VB 201, AV-001, VLA2001, T3 solution for injection, UNIKINON, UNI911, Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells, MAD0004J08, Stem Cell Educator therapy, RESP301, TD-0903, TCB008, Bemiparin, Pentarlandir UPPTA, Emapalumab, Kan Jang capsules, hMSC, BDB-001, Ebselen, COVI-DROPS| Placebo, STI-5656, COVI-AMG, PSC-04, S-1226, GBP510 , SARS-COV-2 inactivated vaccine, SCTA01, SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cells), Inactivated, NuSepin, Silmitasertib, SLV213, RUTI vaccine, Olokizumab + RPH-104, Mesenchymal stem cell (ADR-001), CYT107, Apabetalone, RTB101, RSLV-132, RBT-9, GRAd-COV2, REGN-COV2 Antibody Cocktail, ABC 294640, Upamostat, Mesenchymal Stromal Cells, Bardoxolone methyl, Telacebec, IQC-950AN, LYT-100, PUL-042, PTC-299, PLX-PAD, PLN-74809, Conestat alfa, Treamid, Melatonin, LTX-109, Selenium, Ramipril, PF-06650833, Polyoxidonium, Remimazolam, OP-101, Rayaldee, OT-101, ADM03820, OLT 1177, NVXCoV 2373, DFV890, Crizanlizumab, MAS-825, NBT-NM108, Ambrisentan, Sargramostim, Gam-COVID-Vac, mRNA-1283, mRNA-1273, MP1032, Molnupiravir, M5049, Covifenz, INOmax, MW33, COVID-19 convalescent plasma, LB1148, Mavrilimumab, and others. and others. In October 2022 , eFFECTOR Therapeutics announced the completion of enrollment for the second cohort of a three-cohort Phase Ib clinical trial of zotatifin in non-hospitalized adults with confirmed COVID-19 infection. announced the completion of enrollment for the second cohort of a three-cohort Phase Ib clinical trial of zotatifin in non-hospitalized adults with confirmed COVID-19 infection. In October 2022 , Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna's bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines targeting the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron have been approved for use in children and adolescents in the United States . and bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines targeting the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron have been approved for use in children and adolescents in . In October 2022 , an intranasal formulation of AstraZeneca's widely used COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, failed at the first hurdle, with results from a phase I trial revealing that it was unable to stimulate a strong immune response to the virus. an intranasal formulation of AstraZeneca's widely used COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, failed at the first hurdle, with results from a phase I trial revealing that it was unable to stimulate a strong immune response to the virus. In September 2022 , Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccine candidate codenamed BBV154, which has now been rechristened iNCOVACC became the world's first intranasal Covid-19 vaccine to be granted emergency use authorization (EUA) after the Indian drug regulator approved it for a two-dose primary immunization of those aged 18 years and above. COVID-19 intranasal vaccine (BBV154) has proven to be safe, well-tolerated, and immunogenic in subjects in controlled clinical trials phase III Covid-19 vaccine candidate codenamed BBV154, which has now been rechristened iNCOVACC became the world's first intranasal Covid-19 vaccine to be granted emergency use authorization (EUA) after the Indian drug regulator approved it for a two-dose primary immunization of those aged 18 years and above. COVID-19 intranasal vaccine (BBV154) has proven to be safe, well-tolerated, and immunogenic in subjects in controlled clinical trials phase III In July 2022 , Revive Therapeutics Ltd. is pleased to provide an update on the Company's U.S. Food & Drug Administration ("FDA") Phase III clinical trial (the "Study") (NCT04504734) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Bucillamine, an oral drug with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The Company had unblinded the pre-dose selection data (the "Data") to potentially support the amended Study protocol with the new primary efficacy endpoints. The assigned unblinded statistician team is currently analyzing the Data, and the Company aims to submit the amended Study protocol to the FDA shortly thereafter. The proposed new primary efficacy endpoints may include the rate of sustained clinical resolution of symptoms of COVID-19, which addresses the shift in COVID-19 clinical outcomes observed over the course of the pandemic, and, therefore, to have more meaningful study endpoints for the FDA to consider for potential Emergency Use Authorization is pleased to provide an update on the Company's U.S. Food & Drug Administration ("FDA") Phase III clinical trial (the "Study") (NCT04504734) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Bucillamine, an oral drug with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The Company had unblinded the pre-dose selection data (the "Data") to potentially support the amended Study protocol with the new primary efficacy endpoints. The assigned unblinded statistician team is currently analyzing the Data, and the Company aims to submit the amended Study protocol to the FDA shortly thereafter. The proposed new primary efficacy endpoints may include the rate of sustained clinical resolution of symptoms of COVID-19, which addresses the shift in COVID-19 clinical outcomes observed over the course of the pandemic, and, therefore, to have more meaningful study endpoints for the FDA to consider for potential Emergency Use Authorization In April 2022 , Direct Biologics, FDA approved the company to proceed with its Phase III clinical trial using its investigational EV drug, ExoFlo, to treat Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due to Covid-19. Direct Biologics is the first and only EV Company to receive FDA Phase III approval for an Investigational New Drug (IND) indication to date FDA approved the company to proceed with its Phase III clinical trial using its investigational EV drug, ExoFlo, to treat Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due to Covid-19. Direct Biologics is the first and only EV Company to receive FDA Phase III approval for an Investigational New Drug (IND) indication to date In April 2022 , Direct Biologics announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had awarded their EV drug product ExoFlo with a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for the treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) associated with COVID-19. announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had awarded their EV drug product ExoFlo with a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for the treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) associated with COVID-19. In March 2022 , Akston BiosciencesCorp and Biolexis, a division of Stelis Biopharma Ltd., entered into a licensing, manufacturing, and commercialization agreement for Akston's AKS-452, a protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine. Biolexis gained the right to manufacture and commercialize AKS-452 (branded as AmbiVax-CTM) in India and over 130 countries in Asia , Latin America , and Africa , largely covering the low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Biolexis will also leverage the capabilities of Strides Group for launching this vaccine across regions where the group has a deep market presence, and established relationships Request a sample and discover the recent advances in COVID-19 treatment @COVID-19 Competitive Landscape Report COVID-19 Overview Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus, SARS coronavirus 2. (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 causes a respiratory illness similar to the flu. The COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. The majority of people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and will recover without the need for special care. People over the age of 65 and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illnesses. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted through saliva or nasal discharge droplets. Discover more about COVID-19 testing @New Treatment for COVID-19 COVID-19 Pipeline Analysis: Drug Profile Sargramostim: Nobelpharma Nobelpharma's drug Sargramostim is a synthetic version of a natural substance produced in the body. It is used to boost the body's production of white blood cells. Sargramostim is given to patients with decreased ability to produce white blood cells. It is also used in some medical procedures (for example, bone marrow/stem cell transplants). It is a supportive medication but does not aid cancer treatment. The product is currently in Phase II/III development for the treatment of COVID-19. Sotrovimab: Vir Biotechnology Vir Biotechnology's Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2. The antibody binds to an epitope on SARS-CoV-2 that is shared with SARS-CoV-1 (the virus that causes SARS), indicating that the epitope is highly conserved, which may make resistance development more difficult. Sotrovimab, which incorporates Xencor, Inc.'s XtendTM technology, has also been designed to achieve high concentrations in the lungs for optimal penetration into SARS-CoV-2-affected airway tissues and to have an extended half-life. Discover more about the list of FDA-approved drugs for COVID-19 @Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19 Treatment A snapshot of the COVID-19 Pipeline Drugs mentioned in the report: COVID-19 Drugs Company Phase MoA SKYCovione Sarepta Therapeutics Registered Immunostimulants Sotrovimab Vir Biotechnology Registered Virus internalisation inhibitors Sargramostim Nobelpharma Phase III Granulocyte stimulants; Haematopoiesis stimulants; Macrophage stimulants; Neutrophil stimulants Tradipitant Vanda Pharmaceuticals Phase III Neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists; Substance P inhibitors XAV-19 Xenothera Phase II/III Virus internalisation inhibitors MAD0004J08 Toscana Life Sciences Phase II/III Virus internalisation inhibitors RESP301 Thirty respiratory Phase II/III Membrane fusion protein inhibitors; Virus replication inhibitors Niclosamide UNION Therapeutics Phase II/III Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers; MTOR protein inhibitors; Notch signalling pathway inhibitors; STAT3 transcription factor inhibitors; Virus internalisation inhibitors; Virus replication inhibitors Sinapultide Windtree Therapeutics Phase II Cell membrane permeability enhancers MAS-825 Novartis Phase II Interleukin 1 beta inhibitors; Interleukin 18 inhibitors Maraviroc ViiV Healthcare Phase II CCR5 receptor antagonists; Virus internalisation inhibitors Abivertinib ACEA Therapeutics Phase II Apoptosis stimulants; Epidermal growth factor receptor antagonists; Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors; Raf kinase inhibitors; Ras protein inhibitors; Receptor protein-tyrosine kinase antagonists Ebselen Sound Pharmaceuticals Phase II Antioxidants; Cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors; Glutathione peroxidase stimulants; Leukotriene B4 receptor antagonists; Prostaglandin receptor antagonists; Viral papain like protease inhibitors; Viral protein inhibitors; Virus replication inhibitors Duvelisib Secura Bio Phase II Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase delta inhibitors; Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase gamma inhibitors TCB008 TC BioPharm Preclinical Immunologic cytotoxicity; T lymphocyte replacements Learn more about the emerging COVID-19 pipeline therapies @COVID-19 Clinical Trials Scope of the COVID-19 Competitive Landscape Report Coverage : Global : Global Key COVID-19 Companies : Westvac Biopharma, Xenothera, Windtree Therapeutics, Vir Biotechnology, ViiV Healthcare, Verastem, VBL Therapeutics, Vasomune Therapeutics, Inc., Valneva, Uni-Pharma Kleon Tsetis Pharmaceutical Laboratories, UNION Therapeutics, Trustem, Toscana Life Sciences, Throne Biotechnologies, Thirty respiratory Limited, Theravance Biopharma, TC BioPharm, Syntax for Science, S.L, SyneuRx, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, Swedish Herbal Institute AB, Stemedica Cell Technologies, Staidson ( Beijing ) Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Sound Pharmaceuticals, Sorrento Therapeutics, SolAeroMed, SK Bioscience, Sinovac Biotech Co., Ltd, Sinocelltech, Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co., Ltd., Shaperon, Senhwa Biosciences, Inc., Selva Therapeutics, Archivel Farma, R-Pharm, Rohto Pharmaceutical, Revimmune, Resverlogix Corporation, Restorbio, Resolve Therapeutics, Renibus Therapeutics, ReiThera, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, RedHill Biopharma, Red de Terapia Celular, Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Qurient Co, Quercis Pharma, PureTech, Pulmotect, PTC Therapeutics, Pluristem Ltd., Pliant Therapeutics, Pharming Technologies B.V., Pharmenterprises, Pharmamel S.L., Pharma Holdings, Pharco Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Petrovax, Paion UK Ltd., Ashvattha Therapeutics, Inc. (Orpheris), OPKO Health, Oncotelic Inc., National Resilience, Inc. (Ology Bioservices), Olatec Therapeutics LLC, Novavax, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Notitia Biotechnologies Company, Noorik Biopharmaceuticals, Nobelpharma, Moderna, Moderna, MetrioPharm, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Merck KGaA, Medicago Inc., Mallinckrodt , Mabwell ( Shanghai ) Bioscience Co., Ltd., Lifefactors Zona Franca, Leading BioSciences, Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., 3M , 4D Pharma, AbbVie, Apotex, AgelessRx, AgenTus Therapeutics, AiCuris, AlloVir, Apeiron Biologics, Bausch Health Americas, BeiGene, Biotest, Bio-Thera Solutions, Cadila Healthcare Limited, Cellenkos, Cellularity Incorporated, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Clene Nanomedicine, Codagenix, Debiopharm, Direct Biologics, Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Emergent Biosolutions, Enlivex Therapeutics, Evergreen Therapeutics, Faron Pharmaceuticals, Frontier Biotechnologies, FSD Pharma, Genentech, Inc., Globavir Biosciences, Grand Medical, Grifols Therapeutics LLC, Inotrem, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Kamada, Kiadis Pharma, Medicine Invention, MedRegen LLC, Miltenyi Biomedicine, Natureceuticals Sdn Bhd, NeoImmune Tech, Neutrolis, Ology Bioservices, Oncovir, OPKO Health, Organicell Regenerative Medicine, and others : Westvac Biopharma, Xenothera, Windtree Therapeutics, Vir Biotechnology, ViiV Healthcare, Verastem, VBL Therapeutics, Vasomune Therapeutics, Inc., Valneva, Uni-Pharma Kleon Tsetis Pharmaceutical Laboratories, UNION Therapeutics, Trustem, Toscana Life Sciences, Throne Biotechnologies, Thirty respiratory Limited, Theravance Biopharma, TC BioPharm, Syntax for Science, S.L, SyneuRx, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, Swedish Herbal Institute AB, Stemedica Cell Technologies, Staidson ( ) Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Sound Pharmaceuticals, Sorrento Therapeutics, SolAeroMed, SK Bioscience, Sinovac Biotech Co., Ltd, Sinocelltech, Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co., Ltd., Shaperon, Senhwa Biosciences, Inc., Selva Therapeutics, Archivel Farma, R-Pharm, Rohto Pharmaceutical, Revimmune, Resverlogix Corporation, Restorbio, Resolve Therapeutics, Renibus Therapeutics, ReiThera, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, RedHill Biopharma, Red de Terapia Celular, Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Qurient Co, Quercis Pharma, PureTech, Pulmotect, PTC Therapeutics, Pluristem Ltd., Pliant Therapeutics, Pharming Technologies B.V., Pharmenterprises, Pharmamel S.L., Pharma Holdings, Pharco Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Petrovax, Paion UK Ltd., Ashvattha Therapeutics, Inc. (Orpheris), OPKO Health, Oncotelic Inc., National Resilience, Inc. (Ology Bioservices), Olatec Therapeutics LLC, Novavax, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Notitia Biotechnologies Company, Noorik Biopharmaceuticals, Nobelpharma, Moderna, Moderna, MetrioPharm, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Merck KGaA, Medicago Inc., , Mabwell ( ) Bioscience Co., Ltd., Lifefactors Zona Franca, Leading BioSciences, Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., , 4D Pharma, AbbVie, Apotex, AgelessRx, AgenTus Therapeutics, AiCuris, AlloVir, Apeiron Biologics, Bausch Health Americas, BeiGene, Biotest, Bio-Thera Solutions, Cadila Healthcare Limited, Cellenkos, Cellularity Incorporated, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Clene Nanomedicine, Codagenix, Debiopharm, Direct Biologics, Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Emergent Biosolutions, Enlivex Therapeutics, Evergreen Therapeutics, Faron Pharmaceuticals, Frontier Biotechnologies, FSD Pharma, Genentech, Inc., Globavir Biosciences, Grand Medical, Grifols Therapeutics LLC, Inotrem, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Kamada, Kiadis Pharma, Medicine Invention, MedRegen LLC, Miltenyi Biomedicine, Natureceuticals Sdn Bhd, NeoImmune Tech, Neutrolis, Ology Bioservices, Oncovir, OPKO Health, Organicell Regenerative Medicine, and others Key COVID-19 Pipeline Therapies: XAV-19, Sinapultide, VIR-7831, Maraviroc, Duvelisib, VB 201, AV-001, VLA2001, T3 solution for injection, UNIKINON, UNI911, Umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells, MAD0004J08, Stem Cell Educator therapy, RESP301, TD-0903, TCB008, Bemiparin, Pentarlandir UPPTA, Emapalumab, Kan Jang capsules, hMSC, BDB-001, Ebselen, COVI-DROPS| Placebo, STI-5656, COVI-AMG, PSC-04, S-1226, GBP510 , SARS-COV-2 inactivated vaccine, SCTA01, SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cells), Inactivated, NuSepin, Silmitasertib, SLV213, RUTI vaccine, Olokizumab + RPH-104, Mesenchymal stem cell (ADR-001), CYT107, Apabetalone, RTB101, RSLV-132, RBT-9, GRAd-COV2, REGN-COV2 Antibody Cocktail, ABC 294640, Upamostat, Mesenchymal Stromal Cells, Bardoxolone methyl, Telacebec, IQC-950AN, LYT-100, PUL-042, PTC-299, PLX-PAD, PLN-74809, Conestat alfa, Treamid, Melatonin, LTX-109, Selenium, Ramipril, PF-06650833, Polyoxidonium, Remimazolam, OP-101, Rayaldee, OT-101, ADM03820, OLT 1177, NVXCoV 2373, DFV890, Crizanlizumab, MAS-825, NBT-NM108, Ambrisentan, Sargramostim, Gam-COVID-Vac, mRNA-1283, mRNA-1273, MP1032, Molnupiravir, M5049, Covifenz, INOmax, MW33, COVID-19 convalescent plasma, LB1148, Mavrilimumab, and others. Dive deep into rich insights for drugs for COVID-19 treatment; visit @COVID-19 Vaccines Table of Contents 1. COVID-19 Pipeline Report Introduction 2. COVID-19 Pipeline Report Executive Summary 3. COVID-19 Pipeline: Overview 4. Analytical Perspective In-depth Commercial Assessment 5. COVID-19 Clinical Trial Therapeutics 6. COVID-19 Pipeline: Late Stage Products (Pre-registration) 7. COVID-19 Pipeline: Late Stage Products (Phase III) 8. COVID-19 Pipeline: Mid Stage Products (Phase II) 9. COVID-19 Pipeline: Early Stage Products (Phase I) 10. COVID-19 Pipeline Therapeutic Assessment 11. Inactive Products in the COVID-19 Pipeline 12. Company-University Collaborations (Licensing/Partnering) Analysis 13. Key Companies 14. Key Products in the COVID-19 Pipeline 15. Unmet Needs 16. Market Drivers and Barriers 17. Future Perspectives and Conclusion 18. Analyst Views 19. Appendix For further information on the COVID-19 guidelines, reach out @COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Related Reports COVID-19 Pipeline COVID-19 Pipeline Insight - 2022 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key COVID-19 companies, including Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Clene Nanomedicine, Codagenix, Debiopharm, Direct Biologics, Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Emergent Biosolutions, Enlivex Therapeutics, Evergreen Therapeutics, Faron Pharmaceuticals, among others. Common Cold Market Common Cold 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 common cold companies, including Sanotize Research and Development, Orbis Biosciences, Exscientia, EURRUS Biotech, among others. 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Connect with us at LinkedIn Contact Us Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +1(919)321-6187 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/extremely-robust-covid-19-clinical-trial-pipeline-with-420-key-companies-expected-to-change-the-pace-of-the-covid-19-treatment-301671343.html Corporations in the Asia-Pacific region are set to contract a record 7 GW of renewable capacity in 2022, according to a new report by Wood Mackenzie. Solar accounts for 57% of the region's contracted corporate renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) to date. India, Australia and Taiwan account for 89% of overall capacity in the region.Renewable energy corporate PPAs in the Asia-Pacific region are set to reach a record 7 GW of capacity in 2022, according to a new report by energy research company Wood Mackenzie. That corresponds to an 80% increase on 2021. In the second half of 2022, corporate ... 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. Alexander Bojer ZUG, SWITZERLAND, Nov 8, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - The Board of Directors of Inacta Group AG ("Inacta") has elected Alexander Bojer as a new member of Inacta's group management. He joins Ralf Glabischnig and Marco Bumbacher on the management team from 1 January 2023.As CEO of Inacta AG, Alexander will continue to drive forward Inacta's core operating businesses of consulting and product development. Ralf Glabischnig will focus on the further growth of Inacta Ventures and take care of the overall development of the group. Marco Bumbacher will continue to manage the corporate functions of the Inacta Group and act as COO of Inacta AG.Founded in 2009 by Marco Bumbacher and Ralf Glabischnig, Inacta AG is an expert partner for digital transformation and innovation. Leading Swiss companies rely on Inacta's digitalisation know-how and products. For the past five years, Inacta has additionally focussed on blockchain and related areas of innovation, where it plays a pioneering role.Inacta Ventures is the Inacta Group's own venture-building structure that identifies new business models, designs business models and transfers them into its own start-ups or joint ventures. At the end of 2021, Inacta included 15 majority-owned companies and more than 40 minority-owned companies. In addition, expansion into the Middle East was pursued and a new investment company, Crypto Oasis Sentio, was founded in Dubai, which has already made over 30 investments in start-ups.From 2002 to 2013, Alexander Bojer held a number of roles, including as a management consultant at Accenture and The Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Since 2014, he has co-founded several technology start-ups and was most recently responsible for building the health start-up, Well Gesundheit, AG as its CEO.Alexander Bojer says, "I am very much looking forward to shaping the great success story of Inacta together with the two founders, the board of directors, the management team and all employees."Ralf Glabischnig says, "With these new structures we have the right people in key positions to continue to successfully drive the Inacta Group forward. Thanks to this new management organisation I have the opportunity to focus even more on strengthening and growing Inacta Ventures at home and abroad."Daniel Sauter, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Inacta Group AG: "With Alexander, we have been able to gain a competent and experienced CEO. With his broad expertise as an entrepreneur and consultant, he will further advance our core business of consulting services and product development."About Inacta GroupInacta Group stands out from its peers with its innovative services and products related to digital transformation, blockchain-based business models and information management and is involved in the international venture business with offices in Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. The Inacta Group emerged from the fast-growing Inacta AG - an independent Swiss IT company founded in Zug in 2009. It owns stakes in international start-ups and service providers with a focus on blockchain, digital assets, fintech and artificial intelligence.Press contact:Jennifer Arman+41 41 725 08 86jennifer.arman@inacta.chSource: Inacta GroupCopyright 2022 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. HAMBURG, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / Energy and Water Development Corp., (OTCQB:EAWD) ("EAWD"), an innovator in alternative energy and green tech, has signed a letter of intent with Trioflex Incubator (Pty) Ltd and KB Engineering GmbH to develop and implement renewable energy and water harvesting technology in South Africa. Trioflex Incubator and KB Engineering were appointed through a competitive bidding process with the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality in South Africa's Free State province as part of the Presidential District Development Model programs in infrastructure and agriculture, and renewable energy projects. "Water scarcity and infrastructure limitations of the current power supply continue to hinder development in South Africa and many other areas in the world in need of developing effective, efficient and sustainable off-grid production of drinking water and extended solar energy storage. Implementation of renewable energy and water harvesting technology projects will help improve lives and support the economic growth initiatives of the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality," said Irma Velazquez, MSc, CEO of EAWD. "There is a growing need for additional, reliable sources of power and water generation worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Through the Trioflex Incubator, the partnership between EAWD and KB Engineering brings the proven technology and engineering experience to create sustainable production of water and energy while also developing skills and creating jobs within our community to further our goal of eradicating poverty," said Thapelo Mokoena, CEO of Trioflex Incubator-Strategic Partner of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality. Me. TPM Lebenya, the Municipal Manager of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality, thanked Trioflex Incubator and KB Engineering for arranging such an important meeting, and applauded Mr. Mokoena for vision and perseverance, as these interactions will go a long way in improving the economy of the district and livelihood of its people. The Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality encompasses the six local municipalities of Dihlabeng, Maluti-A-Phofung, Mantsopa, Nketoana, Phumelela and Setsoto. It is committed to creating integrated, self-reliant and sustainable communities by improving living conditions and developing a conducive environment for business opportunities and job creation. Key priorities include sustainable infrastructure, local economic development, job creation, tourism, agriculture and rural development, social development, sports, arts and culture, community participation and financial viability. "The interest and support from the local government in South Africa to work with local communities in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality to develop sources of sustainable energy and water is encouraging," said Norbert Kajuter, Managing Director, KB Engineering. "This cooperation and partnership will benefit communities going forward as we work with them on installation." EAWD and KB Engineering are working collaboratively to develop turnkey sustainable energy and water production plans worldwide, including other areas of southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Central America, South America, North America and Europe. About Energy and Water Development Corp Energy and Water Development Corp. is an engineering solutions company focused on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions of water and energy. EAWD builds water and energy systems out of already-existing, proven technologies, utilizing their technical know-how to customize solutions to their clients' needs. The company offers design, construction, maintenance and specialty consulting services to private companies, government entities and non-government organizations (NGOs). For more information, please visit www.energy-water.com. About KB Engineering The company KB Engineering was founded in 2018 by Norbert Ferdinand Kajuter and Rolf Barlag in Ibbenburen, Germany. The company founders do have a mechanical background, each with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. KB Engineering is a global company responsible for sales activities for well-known international customers. The main business area of KB Engineering is the design of building material plants and the development of new, innovative products. The product areas in the building materials sector are mainly aerated concrete, sand-lime bricks, ceramic bricks, concrete and refractory products and insulation boards. KB Engineering is recognized for its close cooperation with clients as well as by its neutrality, since there is no supplier relationship. The company's core values are sustainability and trusting relationships with clients. The mission of KB Engineering is to develop sustainable production facilities, with their own (regenerative) energy generation as far as possible. For more information, please visit www.kb-engineering.de. About Trioflex Incubator Trioflex Incubator is 100 % Black Owned and Managed, Trioflex is Accredited by QCTO as a Training Provider - ARTISAN DEVELOPMENT. Trioflex is also accredited by QCTO and Department of Higher Education and Training as TRADE TEST CENTRE. Trioflex is a Strategic Partner of Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality appointed to train Artisans and be a source of funding for unfunded projects as per DDM ONE PLAN. Trioflex Incubator secured a partnership with KB Engineering. Trioflex is also a business Incubator - developing entrepreneurs to become successful. Trioflex also secured the partnership with Department of Higher Education and Training as the technical partner, and through its partnership with KB Engineering, secured relationship with EAWD. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding EAWD's operations and expansion plans. When used in this press release, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "believe," "expect," "continue," "anticipate," "target," "could," "plan," "intend," "seek," "goal," "will," "should," "may" or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Items contemplating or making assumptions about actual or potential future production and sales, market size, collaborations, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward looking statements, including those found in EAWD's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which is on file with the SEC and available from the Company's website at https://energy-water.com/investors/. EAWD has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and assumptions about future events. While 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 EAWD's control. You are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available at that time. Except as may be required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake, and expressly disclaims, any duty to update or revise our forward-looking statements based on new information, future events or otherwise. Media contact: Maureen Richardson, River Communications + 914-686-5599 mrichardson@riverinc.com Investor Relations contact: Bret Shapiro, CoreIR BretS@coreir.com SOURCE: Energy and Water Development Corp. (EAWD) View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/724405/Energy-and-Water-Development-Corp-and-KB-Engineering-Tapped-for-Sustainable-Water-and-Energy-Project-in-South-Africa London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Unique Network, IAAI GloCha, Un-Habitat, Climate Chain Coalition will be on the ground with world leaders at COP27, the UN climate summit in Egypt from November 6 - 18. Unique Network will lead blockchains' role in the fight against climate change at the COP27 Digital Innovation Pavilion. They are delighted to partner with leading technology projects to present the Digital Innovation and DigItal Art 4 Climate pavilion at the UN Climate Conference COP27. Digital Innovation and Digital Art 4 Climate Pavilion COP27 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9085/143461_29acfe5154db78bc_001full.jpg Unique Network have been actively supporting the vision to use NFTs and advanced blockchain technology to deliver sustainable solutions for the future. In September, the Digital Art 4 Climate project was presented at a conference in the United Nations Headquarters, where the CEO Alexander Mitrovich also represented the industry on UN Web TV. Leading minds, voices and artists gathered in New York City to discuss the role of digital art, NFTs, and technology in helping to solve youth-focused climate action empowerment. The conference showcased the opportunities for Digital Art to transform the way climate change is represented. "I believe that blockchain has a tremendous potential to help in our challenges to tackle climate change. Consider the impact the industrial revolution had on how we lived 100 years ago, and now consider how we can use blockchain to improve the next generation of digital transformation. At the end of the day, we want to say as humans that we helped more than we destroyed the planet," says Alexander Mitrovich, CEO of Unique Network. The COP27 Digital Innovation Pavilion is a space in which digital solution providers and the global climate action and climate governance communities can meet and learn from one another in order to find pathways towards accelerated, environmentally sound and socially accepted deployment of emerging technologies like blockchain technology, AI, IoT and other digital innovations for all-of-society climate action empowerment and implementation of the global climate action goals of the Paris Agreement. The pavilion is being co-hosted by Unique Network, The HBAR Foundation, SUSTEX (Sustainability Tech Expo) and Carbon Market Exchange and its program is being presented in collaboration with a wide range of partners incl. Evercity NovaSphere Canada @Sustainable Digital Finance Alliance ClimateScience Cointelegraph UN Habitat Youth programme @UNEP World Environment Situation Room, government of Slovenia, UNIDO ClimaTechRun, ACE_AT Arts Help @iycforyouth @Global Youth Development Institute MetaCOP @Haqq Association Social Alpha Foundation United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Open Earth Foundation. As the journey to COP27 begins and the world focuses on climate action to tackle our biggest climate issues it is worth reflecting on the impact of digital art already this year. About Unique Network Unique Network is an infrastructure for the next generation of NFTs. The first NFT chain for Kusama and Polkadot, Unique Network provides developers independence from high network transaction fees, dense upgrades, and siloed NFTs. The Unique Network team has partnered with numerous NFT projects in order to deepen the integrations needed to expand NFT use cases and usability. Media Contact Charu Sethi CMO, Unique Network cs@unique.network To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143461 Regulatory News: Valbiotis (FR0013254851 ALVAL, PEA SME eligible) (Paris:ALVAL), a Research and Development company committed to scientific innovation for preventing and combating metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, informs the public that an amendment to the Universal Registration Document was filed with the French Financial Markets Regulator (AMF) on November 8, 2022. This document is made available to the public free of charge under the conditions provided for by the regulations in force and can be consulted and downloaded from the Valbiotis website (https://www.valbiotis.com/en/regulatory-information/) as well as from the AMF (www.amf-france.org/). In addition to the Universal Registration Document filed with the French Financial Markets Regulator (AMF) on May 19, 2022 under number D.22-0451, this amendment sets out the highlights recently communicated as well as the update of the risks relating to the Company's new commercial strategy (press release of October 7, 2022). About Valbiotis Valbiotis is a Research Development company committed to scientific innovation for preventing and combating metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in response to unmet medical needs. Valbiotis has adopted an innovative approach, aiming to revolutionize healthcare by developing a new class of health nutrition products designed to reduce the risk of major metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, relying on a multi-target strategy enabled by the use of plant-based terrestrial and marine resources. Its products are intended to be licensed to players in the health sector. Created at the beginning of 2014 in La Rochelle, the Company has forged numerous partnerships with leading academic centers. The Company has established three sites in France Perigny, La Rochelle (17) and Riom (63) and a subsidiary in Quebec City (Canada). Valbiotis is a member of the "BPI Excellence" network and has been recognized as an "Innovative Company" by the BPI label. Valbiotis has also been awarded "Young Innovative Company" status and has received major financial support from the European Union for its research programs via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Valbiotis is a PEA-SME eligible company. For more information about Valbiotis, please visit: www.valbiotis.com Name: Valbiotis ISIN code: FR0013254851 Ticker symbol: ALVAL EnterNext PEA-PME 150 This press release contains forward-looking statements about Valbiotis' objectives. Valbiotis considers that these projections are based on rational hypotheses and the information available to Valbiotis at the present time. However, in no way does this constitute a guarantee of future performance, and these projections may be affected by changes in economic conditions and financial markets, as well as certain risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Valbiotis Universal Registration Document filed to the French Financial Markets Regulator (AMF) on May 19, 2022 and completed by an amendment on November 8, 2022. This document is available on the Company's website (www.valbiotis.com). This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe, or a solicitation to purchase or subscribe to Valbiotis' shares or financial securities in any country. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005810/en/ Contacts: Corporate communication Valbiotis Carole ROCHER Communication and Public Affairs Director Marc DELAUNAY Communication Manager +33 5 46 28 62 58 media@valbiotis.com Financial communication Actifin Stephane RUIZ Associate Director +33 1 56 88 11 14 sruiz@actifin.fr 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 8 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 8 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 : 80,000 Weighted average purchase price paid : 350.1044 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 353.5 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 346 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 14,446,710 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 231,644,713 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 8 November 2022) Number of shares purchased Transaction price (GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 226 347.00 08:11:26 00062007512TRLO0 LSE 1 347.00 08:11:26 00062007513TRLO0 LSE 241 347.50 08:11:26 00062007514TRLO0 LSE 23 347.50 08:11:26 00062007515TRLO0 LSE 2832 346.00 08:17:03 00062007804TRLO0 LSE 79 349.00 08:40:07 00062008634TRLO0 LSE 319 349.00 08:40:07 00062008635TRLO0 LSE 2005 349.00 08:40:07 00062008636TRLO0 LSE 1023 349.00 08:43:26 00062008756TRLO0 LSE 2913 349.00 08:43:26 00062008758TRLO0 LSE 1706 349.00 08:43:26 00062008760TRLO0 LSE 720 349.00 08:43:26 00062008761TRLO0 LSE 1329 349.00 08:43:34 00062008774TRLO0 LSE 2111 349.00 08:46:42 00062008912TRLO0 LSE 2111 348.00 08:46:45 00062008913TRLO0 LSE 2572 347.50 08:55:11 00062009077TRLO0 LSE 309 347.50 09:55:15 00062011412TRLO0 LSE 2076 347.50 09:55:15 00062011413TRLO0 LSE 2307 348.00 10:40:58 00062013242TRLO0 LSE 2054 347.50 11:15:01 00062014003TRLO0 LSE 600 348.00 11:15:01 00062014004TRLO0 LSE 1338 348.00 11:15:01 00062014005TRLO0 LSE 36 348.00 11:15:01 00062014006TRLO0 LSE 466 348.00 11:15:01 00062014007TRLO0 LSE 2303 348.00 11:58:20 00062015214TRLO0 LSE 1000 347.50 12:00:01 00062015284TRLO0 LSE 1208 347.50 12:00:01 00062015285TRLO0 LSE 2222 347.50 12:00:01 00062015286TRLO0 LSE 2328 349.00 13:15:23 00062017796TRLO0 LSE 34 349.00 13:15:23 00062017797TRLO0 LSE 514 349.00 13:15:23 00062017798TRLO0 LSE 310 349.00 13:15:23 00062017799TRLO0 LSE 2179 349.00 13:16:23 00062017877TRLO0 LSE 22 349.00 13:16:23 00062017878TRLO0 LSE 560 349.00 13:16:23 00062017879TRLO0 LSE 2306 348.50 13:32:13 00062018748TRLO0 LSE 1223 350.50 14:17:03 00062020649TRLO0 LSE 1220 352.50 14:38:49 00062022063TRLO0 LSE 263 352.50 14:38:49 00062022064TRLO0 LSE 1 352.50 14:38:49 00062022065TRLO0 LSE 3572 352.50 14:38:49 00062022066TRLO0 LSE 325 352.50 14:38:51 00062022067TRLO0 LSE 2216 352.50 14:42:13 00062022224TRLO0 LSE 1178 353.50 14:51:14 00062022692TRLO0 LSE 681 353.50 14:51:14 00062022693TRLO0 LSE 82 353.50 14:51:14 00062022694TRLO0 LSE 142 353.00 14:58:27 00062023177TRLO0 LSE 2286 353.00 14:58:27 00062023178TRLO0 LSE 897 353.00 15:08:28 00062023663TRLO0 LSE 1075 353.00 15:08:28 00062023664TRLO0 LSE 2273 353.50 15:15:54 00062024272TRLO0 LSE 2049 353.00 15:19:40 00062024635TRLO0 LSE 1876 353.00 15:19:40 00062024636TRLO0 LSE 359 353.00 15:30:08 00062025394TRLO0 LSE 2305 353.00 15:30:08 00062025395TRLO0 LSE 2430 351.50 15:37:43 00062026167TRLO0 LSE 505 351.50 15:48:13 00062027247TRLO0 LSE 1156 351.50 15:48:13 00062027248TRLO0 LSE 111 351.50 15:48:13 00062027249TRLO0 LSE 431 351.50 15:48:13 00062027250TRLO0 LSE 2020 351.50 15:53:11 00062027586TRLO0 LSE 94 351.50 15:53:11 00062027587TRLO0 LSE 2061 352.50 16:07:30 00062028747TRLO0 LSE 1989 352.50 16:16:38 00062030199TRLO0 LSE 797 352.50 16:16:39 00062030200TRLO0 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 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Aftermath Silver Ltd. (TSXV: AAG) (OTCQX: AAGFF) (the "Company" or "Aftermath Silver") is pleased to announce it is increasing its previously announced non-brokered private placement from up to 11,764,705 units to up to 17,647,058 units at a price of $0.17. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one-half of one non-transferable common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable by the holder to acquire one Common Share for a period of 24 months from closing of the Private Placement at a price of C$0.27 per share. The private placement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the securities will be subject to a four month and one day hold period under securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the private placement for metallurgical and other technical studies on the Berenguela Silver-Copper project in Peru, and the Challacollo Silver-Gold project in Chile, and for general working capital purposes. Warrant Exercises The Company also announces that a total of 3,320,406 $0.12 warrants were exercised between August 31, 2022 and October 31st for proceeds of $398,449 broken down as follows: Sept 2022: 250,000 warrants for proceeds of $30,000 Oct 2022: 3,070,406 warrants for proceeds of $368,449 A total of 1,445,000 warrants expired unexercised. About Aftermath Silver Ltd. Aftermath Silver Ltd. is a leading Canadian junior exploration company focused on silver, and aims to deliver shareholder value through the discovery, acquisition and development of quality silver projects in stable jurisdictions. Aftermath has developed a pipeline of projects at various stages of advancement. The Company's projects have been selected based on growth and development potential. Berenguela Silver-Copper project. The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest through a binding agreement with SSR Mining. The project is located in the Department of Puno, in southern central Peru. A NI 43-101 Technical Report on the property was filed in February 2021 (available on SEDAR and the Company's web page). The Company is currently drilling at Berenguela and planning to advance the project through a pre-feasibility study. Challacollo Silver-Gold project. The Company recently completed the acquisition of a 100% interest in the Challacollo silver-gold project from Mandalay Resources; see Company news release dated August 11, 2022. A NI 43-101 mineral resource was released on December 15, 2020 (available on SEDAR and the Company's web page). The Company is currently permitting road access in anticipation of an upcoming drill program. Cachinal Silver-Gold project. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Cachinal Ag-Au project, located 2.5 hours south of Antofagasta. On June 10, 2022, Aftermath announced it had reached an agreement to sell Cachinal to Honey Badger Silver Inc. On September 16, 2020, the Company released a CIM-compliant mineral resource estimate and accompanying NI 43-101 Technical Report (available on SEDAR and on the Company's web page). ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Ralph Rushton" Ralph Rushton CEO and Director 604-484-7855 Neither the 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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements"), including details about the proposed Private Placement and the Company's proposed use of proceeds from the Private Placement. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Company's control, including risks associated with the inability to complete the Private Placement, timing of receipt of regulatory approval, change in market conditions, and predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, and assumptions of future events or performance, including without limitation, exploration plans at the Company's mineral projects. Although the Company believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are reasonable, its forward-looking statements have been 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 statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143535 SANTA CLARA (dpa-AFX) - Two months following which the U.S. stopped China's access to two of Nvidia's high-end microchips, the semiconductor design giant revealed a substitute with a reduced processing speed for its second-largest market. The Nvidia A800 graphic processing unit is 'another alternative product to the Nvidia A100 GPU for customers in China,' a spokesperson for Nvidia said in a statement. 'The A800 meets the U.S. government's clear test for reduced export control and cannot be programmed to exceed it,' he added. The A100 processor is known for powering supercomputers, artificial intelligence, and high-performing data centers for industries ranging from biotech and finance to manufacturing. Alibaba's cloud computing business has been one of its customers. A100, along with Nvidia's enterprise AI chip H100, were placed under a U.S. export control list to 'address the risk that the covered products may be used in, or diverted to, a 'military end use' or 'military end user' in China and Russia.' Nvidia previously reported that the U.S. ban could affect as much as $400 million in potential sales to China in the third quarter, so the new chip seems to be an attempt to remedy the financial loss. The A800 GPU went into production in Q3, according to Nvidia's spokesperson. Chip distributors in China, are already marketing A800 in their product catalogs. The chip looks to be designed to circumvent U.S. export rules while still carrying out other core computing capabilities. Most of the key specs of A100 and A800 are identical except for their interconnect speeds: A800 runs at 400 gigabytes per second while A100 functions at 600 gigabytes per second, which is the performance standard set by the U.S. ban. Nvidia isn't the only one slowing down its chips in order to evade U.S. sanctions. Alibaba and Chinese chip design startup Biren, which have been pouring resources into making rivals of Nvidia processors, are modifying the performance of their latest semiconductors, as per reports. That's because Alibaba and Biren, like other fabless semiconductor firms, contract Taiwan's TSMC to make their products. And because U.S. export controls cover chip sales by companies using American technologies, sales from TSMC fabs to China could be curtailed. Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX NVIDIA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de Orlando, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Helix Contracting Solutions, a business management consulting firm that specializes in cybersecurity, is holding corporate workshop engagements in many locations around the country. These corporate workshop engagements will educate training executives and technical teams on protecting payment card data while maintaining a good standing on their contractual agreements and attestation. Helix Contracting Solutions expects this will help the industry to properly apply the appropriate risk mitigation measures for securing their cardholder data while stopping cyber attacks before they occur. "Our customers will be able to eliminate operational waste and save costs by automating manual remediation tasks that reduce billing hours on audits," says company founder Joshua Tolbert. "Customers will be able to reduce risk and lower cyber insurance through our advisory for security hardening on critical infrastructure and assets." In other words, Helix Contracting Solutions' workshops will permit the company to increase the strength and scope of their clients' cybersecurity measures. Insurance companies will thus view Helix Contracting Solutions' clients as being lower-risk and will therefore bill them less for insurance. Larger companies are also concerned about cyberattacks due to the increasing sophistication of threat actors. According to Tolbert, "Payment card transactions will continue to flow and the industry is growing, however, more threat actors are appearing due to the large incentive payouts of exfiltrating payment card data. Threat actors utilize compromised privileged accounts and credentials, and social engineering, which are the leading causes of security breaches in modern times." In the company's workshops, Helix Contracting Solutions will be focused on validating external and internal vulnerability scans, as well as implementing the least privilege model when it comes to group shared accounts and credentials. The company believes that this will best prepare their customers for the external PCI audits which determine their insurance rates. In addition to conducting workshops, Helix Contracting Solutions is expanding advisory and consulting verticals to help prevent cyber attacks, including ransomware for those who store, process, or transmit data. Helix Contracting Solutions believes that by vertically expanding in both an advisory and consulting capacity, the company will be able to achieve better damage control by overseeing more of the process and mitigating the inconsistencies and miscommunication which tend to occur when different areas of the cybersecuring process are handled by different organizations. Helix Contracting Solutions was founded in 2010 by cybersecurity expert and author Joshua Tolbert. The company offers advisory and consulting to enterprises and merchant services that must comply with the PCI DSS compliance standards. The firm offers services such as corporate workshop training, ransomware prevention, PCI DSS 4.0 and PCI DSS 3.2.1 compliance readiness, and cyber insurance analysis. The company is vertically expanding to further remediate operational waste for clients and to further increase their business revenue by automating and streamlining their compliance audits. For more information on Helix Contracting Solutions, please visit https://www.helixcontractingsolutions.com/ or contact: Joshua Tolbert info@helixcontractingsolutions.com +1 (800) 617-2035 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143429 Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. (TSXV: SOIL) (FSE: SMKA) (OTCQX: OILSF) ("Saturn" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. "The third quarter of 2022 is the first reporting period reflecting the highly positive impact of the Viking acquisition, closed on July 6, 2022, in terms of increased netbacks and additional production, resulting in record corporate cash flow," commented John Jeffrey, Chief Executive Officer of Saturn. "Saturn is now actively developing the newly acquired Viking asset with 21 of our recent 27 drilled Viking wells targeting light oil on the new acreage, with a 100% success rate." Third Quarter 2022 Highlights: Closed the Viking Acquisition for $240.1 million, after interim closing adjustments, funded by equity financings of $75.2 million and a $200 million expansion of our Senior Term Loan facility; Realized record average production in the third quarter of 2022 of 10,965 boe/d, a 57% increase compared to 6,970 boe/d in the third quarter of 2021; Achieved record quarterly petroleum and natural gas sales of $105.7 million, up 29% from $82.2 million in the second quarter of 2022 and an increase of 124% from $47.1 million in the third quarter of 2021; Achieved record quarterly Adjusted EBITDA (1) of $50.3 million, a 179% increase over $18.0 million in Q2 2022; Achieved operating netbacks (1) for the third quarter of 2022 of $67.78 per boe compared to $36.59 per boe in Q3 2021 and $76.22 per boe in Q2 2022; Generated Adjusted funds flow (1) of $39.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2022 ($0.69 per basic share), compared to $14.5 million in Q2 2022 ($0.45 per basic share), an increase of 174% (53% per share increase); Invested $36.8 million of development capital in the third quarter, drilling 30, 100% working interest wells; 23 in the Viking area and 7 Frobisher wells in the Oxbow area (including 1 disposal well), and spudding an additional four 100% working interest Viking wells prior to the end of the quarter; Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (CAD $000s, except per share amounts) 2022 2021 2022 2021 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Petroleum and natural gas sales 105,728 47,059 256,399 60,969 Cash flow from (used) in operating activities 13,472 16,160 44,215 (14,318 ) per share - Basic 0.23 0.64 1.13 (0.82 ) - Diluted 0.23 0.54 1.11 (0.82 ) Adjusted funds flow (1) 39,756 13,923 66,833 16,265 per share - Basic 0.69 0.55 1.71 0.93 - Diluted 0.68 0.46 1.68 0.73 Net income (loss) 167,307 (23,307 ) 91,544 (54,433 ) per share - Basic 2.89 (0.93 ) 2.34 (3.12 ) - Diluted 2.87 (0.93 ) 2.30 (3.12 ) Capital expenditures(1) 36,991 4,445 53,430 4,647 Net debt(1), end of period 232,655 71,761 232,655 71,761 OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS Average production volumes Crude oil (bbls/d) 10,163 6,413 7,914 2,819 NGLs (bbls/d) 363 278 328 115 Natural gas (mcf/d) 2,634 1,673 2,197 700 Total boe/d 10,965 6,970 8,608 3,051 % Oil and NGLs 96% 96% 96% 96% Average realized prices Crude oil ($/bbl) 110.90 78.37 116.19 77.78 NGLs ($/bbl) 55.59 35.46 61.46 35.12 Natural gas ($/mcf) 5.95 3.83 5.66 3.59 Processing expenses ($/boe) (1.25 ) (1.05 ) (1.50 ) (0.81 ) Combined ($/boe) 104.81 73.39 109.10 73.21 Operating netback ($/boe) Petroleum and natural gas sales 104.81 73.39 109.10 73.21 Royalties (12.57 ) (10.68 ) (15.58 ) (10.26 ) Net operating expenses (1) (23.86 ) (25.57 ) (25.77 ) (25.17 ) Transportation expenses (0.60 ) (0.55 ) (0.69 ) (0.81 ) Operating netback (1) 67.78 36.59 67.06 36.97 Realized loss on derivatives (17.18 ) (7.98 ) (29.28 ) (7.83 ) Operating netback, net of derivatives (1) 50.60 28.61 37.78 29.14 Common shares outstanding 59,839 25,145 59,839 25,145 Weighted average common shares outstanding Basic 57,907 25,145 39,168 17,430 Diluted 58,336 30,021 39,769 22,327 (1) See Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Message to Shareholders With the close of the Viking acquisition on July 6, 2022, Saturn's operations were bolstered by the addition of the high cash flowing, light oil producing assets acquired in its core Viking operations area in West-central Saskatchewan. The Viking acquisition had the positive effects of: Increasing production by approximately 4,000 boe/d, or 55% above previous levels; Lowered overall operating costs per boe of production; Reduced Saturn's corporate royalty rates; and Consequently, increased netbacks per boe and corporate adjusted funds flow. The accretive nature of the Viking acquisition is evidenced by Adjusted funds flow(1) per basic share increasing 53% to $0.69 per basic share for the three month period ended September 30, 2022 compared to the prior quarter of Q2 2022, despite the benchmark WTI oil price decreasing from an average of USD 108.41 in Q2 2022 to USD 91.58 in Q3 2022. Operations Update The third quarter of 2022 has been the most active drilling period in the Company's history. Saturn has drilled 29 horizontal wells targeting light oil in the Viking and Oxbow core operating areas with a 100% success rate and a 100% working interest. With the ongoing operation of one rig in each core area, Saturn continues to achieve strong results from the newly drilled wells and is drilling, equipping and bringing the new production onstream in a cost-effective basis. Saturn remains on target with expected production rates for new wells in the Oxbow area and has had tremendous success in its development in the Viking area: Saturn has now drilled 12 Viking wells in 2022 which have accumulated 30 days of production with on average initial rates 43% above Saturn's expected type curves used for guidance, with approximately 28% increase of capital costs incurred per location above budget; and To date, Saturn has drilled 18 wells in the Oxbow area targeting Frobisher and Tilston light oil formations with 30 days of production data, including wells drilled at the start of the Oxbow drilling program in Q4 2021, with production results and capital costs consistent with guidance assumptions. The following table updates the average 30 days initial production rates from the most recent drilled wells with at least 30 days of production data: Number of Locations Average IP30 per Location Guidance Type Curve Actual vs. Guidance Total Capital Capital Efficiency Oxbow New Horizontal Wells 18 69.4 bbls/d 69 bbls/d - $18.5M $14,810 /bbl/d Viking New Horizontal Wells 12 97.3 bbls/d 68 bbls/d +43% $17.7M $15,160 /bbl/d Total 30 80.6 bbls/d $36.2M $14,970 /bbl/d Investor Webcast Saturn will host a webcast at 10:00 AM MT (12:00 PM Noon ET) on November 9, 2022, to discuss the third quarter financial report and provide investors an update. Participants can access the live webcast via: https://saturnoil.com/invest/q3-2022-results-webcast, or through the Company's website www.saturnoil.com. A recorded archive of the webcast will be available afterwards on the Company's website. About Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. is a growing Canadian energy company focused on generating positive shareholder returns through the continued responsible development of high-quality, light oil weighted assets, supported by an acquisition strategy that targets highly accretive, complementary opportunities. Saturn has assembled an attractive portfolio of free-cash flowing, low-decline operated assets in Southeastern Saskatchewan and West Central Saskatchewan that provide a deep inventory of long-term economic drilling opportunities across multiple zones. With an unwavering commitment to building an ESG-focused culture, Saturn's goal is to increase reserves, production and cash flows at an attractive return on invested capital. Saturn's shares are listed for trading on the TSX.V under ticker 'SOIL', on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under symbol 'SMKA' and trade on the OTCQX under symbol 'OILSF'. The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and corresponding Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the nine month period ended September 30, 2022 are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on Saturn's website at www.saturnoil.com. Copies of the materials can also be obtained upon request without charge by contacting the Company directly. Please note, currency figures presented herein are reflected in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Further information and a corporate presentation is available on Saturn's website at www.saturnoil.com . Saturn Oil & Gas Investor & Media Contacts: John Jeffrey, MBA - Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 (587) 392-7902 www.saturnoil.com Kevin Smith, MBA - VP Corporate Development Tel: +1 (587) 392-7900 info@saturnoil.com Reader Advisory NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES Throughout this news release and in other materials disclosed by the Company, we employ certain measures to analyze financial performance, financial position and cash flow. These non-GAAP and other financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other issuers. The non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered to be more meaningful than GAAP measures which are determined in accordance with IFRS, such as net income (loss) and cash flow from operating activities as indicators of our performance. The Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and MD&A as at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are available on the Company's website at www.saturnoil.com and under our SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. The disclosure under the section "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" including non-GAAP financial measures and ratios, capital management measures and supplementary financial measures in the MD&A is incorporated by reference into this news release. The following are non-GAAP financial measures: capital expenditures, capital expenditures net A&D, free funds flow, net operating expenses, operating netback and operating netback net of derivatives. Where applicable, these non-GAAP financial measures are presented on a multiple, per boe or a per share basis resulting in non-GAAP financial ratios. These non-GAAP financial measures and ratios are not standardized financial measures under IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See the disclosure under the section "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios" in our MD&A for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, for an explanation of the composition of these measures and ratios, how these measures and ratios provide useful information to an investor, and the additional purposes, if any, for which management uses these measures and ratios. The following are capital management measures used by the Company: adjusted working capital, net debt, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted funds flow. See the disclosure under the "Capital Management" note in our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, for an explanation of the composition of these measures, how these measures provide useful information to an investor, and the additional purposes, if any, for which management uses these measures. Where applicable, the supplementary financial measures used in this press release are either a per unit disclosure of a corresponding GAAP measure, or a component of a corresponding GAAP measure, presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements. Supplementary financial measures that are disclosed on a per unit basis are calculated by dividing the aggregate GAAP measure (or component thereof) by the applicable unit for the period. Supplementary financial measures that are disclosed on a component basis of a corresponding GAAP measure are a granular representation of a financial statement line item and are determined in accordance with GAAP. BOE PRESENTATION Boe means barrel of oil equivalent. All boe conversions in this MD&A are derived by converting gas to oil at the ratio of six thousand cubic feet ("Mcf") of natural gas to one barrel ("Bbl") of oil. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion rate of 1 Bbl: 6 Mcf is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio of oil compared to natural gas based on currently prevailing prices is significantly different than the energy equivalency ratio of 1 Bbl: 6 Mcf, utilizing a conversion ratio of 1 Bbl: 6 Mcf may be misleading as an indication of value. ADVISORIES AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND STATEMENTS Certain information included in this press release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project", "scheduled", "will" or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking information in this press release may include, but is not limited to, the drilling of development wells, workover program and the maintenance of bas production and the business plan, cost model and strategy of the Company. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Saturn, including expectations and assumptions concerning: the timing of and success of future drilling, development and completion activities, the performance of existing wells, the performance of new wells, the availability and performance of facilities and pipelines, the geological characteristics of Saturn's properties, the application of regulatory and licensing requirements, the availability of capital, labour and services, the creditworthiness of industry partners and the ability to source and complete asset acquisitions. Although Saturn believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Saturn can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), constraint in the availability of services, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, the current COVID-19 pandemic, actions of OPEC and OPEC+ members, changes in legislation impacting the oil and gas industry, adverse weather or break-up conditions and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. These and other risks are set out in more detail in Saturn's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2021. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such information but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Saturn believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because Saturn can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified in this press release, assumptions have been made regarding and are implicit in, among other things, the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of all conditions to the completion of the share consolidation. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which have been used. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and Saturn undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. 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 press release. All dollar figures included herein are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143537 A record year continues to develop with the support of stable production and high oil prices during the third quarter Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Forza Petroleum Limited (TSX: FORZ) ("Forza Petroleum" or the "Corporation") today announces its financial and operational results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. All dollar amounts set forth in this news release are in United States dollars. Financial Highlights: Revenue of $85.1 million for Q3 2022, consisting of an average realized sales price of $79.11/barrel of oil ("bbl") on working interest oil sales of 900,800 bbl and $13.8 million in recovery of carried costs Field operating costs, representing the Corporation's working interest share of operating expenses, of $5.9 million ($6.54/bbl) for Q3 2022 versus $4.7 million ($6.57/bbl) for Q3 2021 Field operating costs per bbl are stable versus the comparable period with increases in security, diesel and consumable costs offset by a 25% increase in sales volumes Profit of $23.7 million ($0.04 per common share) in Q3 2022 versus $7.6 million ($0.01 per common share) in Q3 2021 primarily attributable to an increase in net revenue resulting from increased realized sales price and recovery of carried costs, and higher sales volumes Net cash generated from operating activities was $25.4 million in Q3 2022 versus $13.9 million in Q3 2021 Net cash used in investing activities during Q3 2022 was $15.3 million, including payments related to drilling and facilities work in the Hawler license area, versus $7.7 million in Q3 2021 $53.6 million of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2022 Payment of $20.6 million for oil sales into the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline during June 2022 was received after September 30, 2022 Operations Update: Average gross (100%) oil production of 15,100 bbl/d (working interest 9,800 bbl/d) in Q3 2022. A sidetrack of the previously drilled Demir Dagh-9H well targeting the Cretaceous reservoir reached total depth on July 2, 2022. The well is on production. The Zey Gawra-9 well targeting the Cretaceous reservoir reached total depth on October 1, 2022. The well was completed and is currently producing. Activity during the third quarter of 2022 also included the conversion of the previously drilled Zey Gawra-2 well to a water disposal well and workover operations on the Demir Dagh-13 well to replace a leased jet pump with a progressive cavity pump owned by the Corporation. One rig has recently started redrilling the horizontal drain of the temporarily abandoned Zey Gawra-6 well in the Cretaceous reservoir and another is being mobilized now to complete the Ain al Safra-2 well in the Triassic reservoir. The undeveloped Ain al Safra field is east of and in the same structure as the Zartik wells in the Baeshiqa PSC area, where production commenced in mid-June from the Zartik-1 well. The Corporation plans to finish its 2022 work program later this year by completing the Ain al Safra-1 well in the Jurassic reservoir and spudding a new well to be completed early next year in the Tertiary reservoir in the southern part of the Zey Gawra field. Planned facilities' work for the balance of 2022 includes installation of flowlines to connect the Banan field to the Hawler production facilities at the Demir Dagh field. Commissioning of the lines is forecast for the end of the current year after which transportation of oil from the Banan field by road tankers will be discontinued. 2022 Forecasted Capital Expenditures: Forza Petroleum forecasts $67 million of capital expenditure for 2022, down from $72 million forecast on May 13, 2022, due to timing issues. Liquidity Outlook: The Corporation expects cash on hand as of September 30, 2022 and cash receipts from net revenues from sales, exclusively made to the Kurdistan Regional Government at the tie-in to the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline, will fund its forecasted capital expenditures and operating and administrative costs through the end of December 2023 and the $76.2 million in deferred purchase consideration, falling due at end of March 2023, owing in connection with the original acquisition of the Hawler license area. CEO's Comment Commenting today, Forza Petroleum's Chief Executive Officer, Vance Querio, stated: "Operations during the third quarter resulted in a modest increase in oil production rate and contributed to a $10.2 million increase in the Corporation's balance of cash and cash equivalents at period-end. The cash and cash equivalents balance of $53.6 million at period-end is supplemented by a $36.5 million increase in the trade and other receivables balance to $71.0 million. The Corporation's liquidity permits continuation of an active work program for the balance of 2022 and into 2023. We are happy to be mobilizing a drilling rig to the Ain al Safra field, which was evacuated due to the invasion of ISIS in 2014. We look forward to completing the previously drilled AAS-1 and AAS-2 wells in the Jurassic and Triassic reservoirs, respectively, and to assessing the productive capacity of these completions. Forza Petroleum remains on track to achieve what should be its most successful year yet." Selected Financial Results Financial results are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and the reporting currency is US dollars. The following table summarizes selected financial highlights for Forza Petroleum for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, as well as the year ended December 31, 2021. Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 Year Ended December 31 ($ in millions unless otherwise indicated) 2022 2021 2022 2021 2021 Revenue 85.1 48.7 266.2 130.1 187.8 Working Interest Production (bbl) 901,600 717,200 2,627,400 2,123,400 2,886,600 Average WI Production per day (bbl/d) 9,800 7,800 9,600 7,800 7,900 Working Interest Oil Sales (bbl) 900,800 718,500 2,629,300 2,123,000 2,885,300 Average Realised Sales Price ($/bbl) 79.11 56.81 84.80 51.34 54.52 Operating Expense 9.1 7.3 27.0 20.7 30.1 Field Operating Costs ($/bbl)(1) 6.54 6.57 6.67 6.35 6.78 Operating Expenses ($/bbl) 10.06 10.10 10.27 9.77 10.42 Profit (Loss) 23.7 7.6 77.4 33.1 10.3 Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share ($/sh) 0.04 0.01 0.13 0.06 0.02 Net Cash generated from Operating Activities 25.4 13.9 83.6 29.8 51.2 Net Cash used in Investing Activities (15.3 ) (7.7 ) (54.6 ) (18.5 ) (34.7 ) Capital Additions(2) 11.3 10.0 40.7 25.3 45.8 Cash and Cash Equivalents 53.6 19.5 53.6 19.5 24.7 Total Assets 658.0 605.8 658.0 605.8 587.7 Total Liabilities 113.1 115.8 113.1 115.8 120.9 Total Equity 544.9 489.9 544.9 489.9 466.8 (1)Field operating costs represent Forza Petroleum's working interest share of gross operating costs and exclude the partner share of operating costs carried by Forza Petroleum. (2)Excludes non-cash changes to the decommissioning obligation. Revenue increased to $85.1 million in Q3 2022 versus $48.7 million in Q3 2021 due primarily to a 39% increase in realized average oil sales prices and a 25% increase in oil sales volumes. Gross (working interest) production and sales of oil in Q3 2022 were 901,600 barrels and 900,800 barrels, respectively, versus 717,200 barrels and 718,500 barrels, respectively, for Q3 2021. The increase in sales volumes versus the earlier period reflects the success of drilling activity in the last four quarters. The average oil sales price realized in Q3 2022 was $79.11 per barrel versus $56.81 for Q3 2021. In addition to oil sales, revenue for Q3 2022 includes the recovery of $13.8 million of carried costs, versus the recovery of $7.9 million of carried costs in Q3 2021. Effective September 1, 2022, the Kurdistan Regional Government has implemented a new pricing mechanism for crude oil purchases. Under the new pricing mechanism, the realized sales price for a month is equal to the average market price realized by the KRG for the Kurdistan blend (KBT) sold at Ceyhan, Turkey during the month, discounted by approximately $10/bbl for pipeline system tariffs and fees, and adjusted for differences in oil gravity and sulphur between Hawler production and KBT. For sales in September 2022, the new pricing mechanism results in an approximately $10 reduction in the realized sales price versus the previous pricing mechanism. It is not clear how KBT will price relative to Brent Crude in future sales. Operating expense, which includes the Corporation's carry of partner costs, increased to $9.1 million in Q3 2022 versus $7.3 million in Q3 2021 and is primarily attributable to increased security, personnel, consumables, and diesel costs. The increased security costs were due to increased activity and a higher rate that was implemented during the second quarter of 2021. Diesel, personnel, and consumables costs have increased due to both higher prices and increased activity. Operating expenses on a per barrel basis were stable in Q3 2022 versus Q3 2021 with the increase in operating expense offset by a 25% increase in sales volumes. General and administration expense increased to $2.0 million in Q3 2022 versus $1.5 million in Q3 2021 due primarily to larger share-based performance awards, higher consulting costs and increased accruals for discretionary compensation. Of general and administration expense, 49% is forecast to be cost recoverable from the Corporation's oil and gas operations. Profit for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was $23.7 million compared to $7.6 million for Q3 2021. The improved result is primarily attributable to a $21.5 million increase in net revenue resulting from increased realized sales price and recovery of carried costs, and higher sales volumes. Sales volumes were 25% higher in Q3 2022 versus Q3 2021 due primarily to successful drilling activity during the last four quarters, and 3% higher versus Q2 2022. Cash generated from operating activities was $25.4 million in Q3 2022 compared to $13.9 million in Q3 2021. The increase mainly relates to higher crude oil sales revenue received during the period resulting from both higher average oil sales prices and sales volumes. Cash generated from operating activities would have been higher except only two months' of sales invoices were settled during the period compared to the usual three. Cash used in investing activities was $15.3 million in Q3 2022 compared to $7.7 million in Q3 2021. Capital additions in Q3 2022, which excludes non-cash changes to the decommissioning obligation, totalled $11.3 million compared to $10.0 million in Q3 2021. In Q3 2022, $10.2 million was invested in drilling activities in the Hawler license area at the Demir Dagh and Zey Gawra fields. Q3 2022 capital expenditures also included $0.6 million of facilities expenditures and $0.5 million of directly attributable support costs. Cash and cash equivalents increased to $53.6 million at September 30, 2022 from $43.5 million at June 30, 2022 reflecting $25.4 million generated from operating activities partially offset by $15.3 million used in investing activities. The Corporation is obligated to make a further payment to the seller of the Hawler license area in the amount of $76.2 million. In accordance with a forbearance agreement entered with the seller of the Hawler license area, and subject to pending negotiations to restructure the obligation, the full amount is forecast to become payable at the end of March 2023. As at November 8, 2022, there are outstanding: (i) 600,306,357 common shares, (ii) unvested Long Term Incentive Plan awards which are expected to result in the issuance of up to an additional 14,873,032 common shares upon vesting, and (iii) 33,149,000 warrants that were issued in 2020 in connection with an amendment to a loan agreement that was subsequently settled in full. Regulatory Filings This announcement coincides with the filing with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities of Forza Petroleum's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the related management's discussion and analysis thereon. Copies of these documents filed by Forza Petroleum may be obtained via www.sedar.com and the Corporation's website, www.forzapetroleum.com. ABOUT FORZA PETROLEUM LIMITED Forza Petroleum Limited is an international oil exploration, development and production company. The Corporation's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol "FORZ". Forza Petroleum has a 65% working interest in and operates the Hawler license area in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which has yielded oil discoveries in four areas, three of which are contributing to production while appraisal and development activity continues. Further information about Forza Petroleum is available at www.forzapetroleum.com or under Forza Petroleum's profile at www.sedar.com. For additional information about Forza Petroleum, please contact: Kevin McPhee General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Tel.: +41 (0) 58 702 93 00 info@forzapetroleum.com Reader Advisory Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information", including statements related to forecast work program and capital expenditure, drilling and well workover plans, development plans and schedules and chance of success, future drilling of wells and the reservoirs to be targeted, future facilities work, ultimate recoverability of current and long-term assets, possible commerciality of our projects, future expenditures and sources of financing for such expenditures, expectations that cash on hand as of September 30, 2022 and cash receipts from net revenues from export sales exclusively through the Kurdistan Oil Export Pipeline will fund the Corporation's forecasted capital expenditures and operating and administrative costs through the end of December 2023 and the $76.2 million in deferred purchase consideration owing in connection with the original acquisition of the Hawler license area, the issuance of shares as a result of the vesting of Long Term Incentive Plan awards and the exercise of warrants, future requirements for additional funding, discussion regarding future prices for KBT, cost recoverability of general and administration expenses, estimates for the fair value of the deferred purchase consideration arising from the acquisition of OP Hawler Kurdistan Limited in 2011, the expected timing for settlement of liabilities including the deferred purchase consideration arising from the acquisition of OP Hawler Kurdistan Limited in 2011, cost recoverability of general and administration expense, and statements that contain words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "expect", "plan", "estimate", "potentially", "project", or the negative of such expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical fact, constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Although Forza Petroleum believes these statements to be reasonable, the assumptions upon which they are based may prove to be incorrect. For more information about these assumptions and risks facing the Corporation, refer to the Corporation's Annual Information Form dated March 23, 2022 available at www.sedar.com and the Corporation's website at www.forzapetroleum.com. Further, statements including forward-looking information in this news release are made as at the date they are given and, except as required by applicable law, Forza Petroleum does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. If the Corporation does update one or more statements containing forward-looking information, it is not obligated to, and no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Reader Advisory Regarding Certain Figures Unless provided otherwise, all production and capacity figures and volumes cited in this news release are gross (100%) values, indicating that figures (i) have not been adjusted for deductions specified in the production sharing contract applicable to the Hawler license area, and (ii) are attributed to the license area as a whole and do not represent Forza Petroleum's working interest in such production, capacity or volumes. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143547 Human Security (formerly White Ops), a New York-based company safeguarding enterprises from digital attacks, acquired clean.io, a Baltimore, MD-based provider of protection against malvertising and e-commerce fraud. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. With the acquisition, Human Security will make malvertising costly for bad actors and enhance protection across the media ecosystem. Led by CEO Geoff Stupay, clean.io is a digital engagement security platform that provides businesses with the tools they need to protect their user experiences and brands by controlling the third-party code that executes on their websites. From helping some online publishers to prevent malvertising, to giving e-commerce merchants the ability to block the injection of unwanted discount codes at checkout, the companys mission is to ensure that brands truly own and control their most valuable digital assets. Led by CEO Tamer Hassan, Human is a cybersecurity company that safeguards 1,000+ brands from digital attacks including bots, fraud and account abuse. The company leverages modern defense to increase the cost to cybercriminals while simultaneously reducing the cost of collective defense. Human verifies the humanity of more than 20 trillion digital interactions per week across advertising, marketing, e-commerce, government, education and enterprise security. The acquisition is the third strategic market move Human has made this year, beginning with the announcement of a $100m growth funding round led by WestCap and NightDragon followed by the merger with PerimeterX, which included a $100m debt facility from Blackstone Credit. FinSMEs 07/11/2022 Juvena Therapeutics, a Redwood City, CA-based biotechnology company, raised $41M in Series A funding. The round was led by Mubadala Capital and Horizons Ventures, with participation from Bison Ventures, Manta Ray Ventures, IRONGREY, Alumni Ventures, Plum Alley, Jeff Dean, Transform VC, Karl Pfleger, BoxOne Ventures, Intersect VC, Compound, and Felicis. The company intends to use the funds for the expansion of its drug discovery platform and advance its biologics pipeline targeting chronic and age-related diseases. Co-founded by Dr. Hanadie Yousef, and Dr. Jeremy OConnell, Juvena Therapeutics is a biotech company accelerating the development of therapeutics by unlocking the therapeutic potential of secreted proteins. Secreted proteins are a class of biologics with proven therapeutic potential that has been under-leveraged due to the complexity of identifying and screening such proteins. The company is developing a patent-pending computational drug discovery and development platform that is delivering novel biologics to address major unmet medical needs in chronic and age-related diseases by mining regenerative proteins secreted by stem cells. As the company expands its platform, it is also accelerating its preclinical programs, having secured funding from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine and the National Institute of Health for the treatment of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, a rare disease that is incurable today. FinSMEs 08/11/2022 Mytraffic, a Paris, France-based provider of a location analytics platform, raided 30M in Series B funding. The round was led by AXA Venture Partners. The company intends to use the funds to support the development of its location analytics platform and accelerate its growth across Europe. Led by CEO Hakim Saadaoui, Mytraffic provides a SaaS platform which offers accurate and dynamic information about physical locations: shopping centers, streets and city centers. Created in 2015, the company has more than 400 customers and is already present in 7 countries (France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands). Retailers (McDonalds, Amorino, The Body Shop), real estate operators (JLL, Nhood, Redevco) and city authorities (Montpellier, BME Brussels, Karlsruhe ME) currently use its platform to select the best locations to open stores, monitor the performance of their real estate assets, attract visitors, and negotiate leases. The round will support the development of its location analytics platform and accelerate its growth across Europe: Activities will include: Planned product developments, which include tourist insights, purchasing habits and rental value. It will complement existing analytics such as footfall data, vehicle traffic, competitive benchmarking, catchment area monitoring and visitor profiling. Recruitment across its seven European locations, with 20 senior hires across various fields (Tech, marketing, business acquisition, design, legal) and more than 30 sales representatives. FinSMEs 08/11/2022 Zitcha, a Melbourne, Victoria, Australia-based provider of an independent retail media platform, raised $2.9M in Seed funding. The round was led by OIF Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to launch a new phase of expansion that will see the platform officially launch in the U.S. Led by CEO Troy Townsend, Zitcha provides a platform that allows retailers to monetize their assets such as websites and socials, while also helping suppliers to target shoppers through the path to purchase. The company connects the media assets of retail brands including email, apps, digital in-store screens, web and social media to automate the purchasing of media (across these channels) allowing retail suppliers to connect directly with consumers at every touchpoint enabling sales attribution. After establishing a 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 growth in the coming years. Brands such as Microsoft, LEGO, Asahi, Samsung and Nestle have already onboarded with Zitcha. Retailers already utilizing the platform include Adore Beauty and The Warehouse Group. FinSMEs 08/11/2022 More than 80 students named to Spring 2022 President's List A distinguished group of students gathered in the Flagler room on Nov. 4 to celebrate their academic success during the Presidents List ceremony. This is a list of students who, not just academically, but in a comprehensive way, are making the most of their time at Flagler, Dean of Academic Life, Craig Woelfel said during his opening ceremony remarks. Woelfel acknowledged the level of commitment this achievement required from them. Its not a small accomplishment, it means you didnt let anything slip- I mean anything, he said. Thats a serious accomplishment that requires serious dedication. The President's List is compiled in recognition of students achieving a certain standard of academic excellence and is distributed by the Office of Academic Affairs. Students who earn a 4.0 grade point average with at least 12 semester hours of graded credit are named to the President's List. Woelfel said the dedication to academic excellence that every student on this list help shape the tone of classroom conversation and inspire earnest engagement with ideas, texts, and creative processes. He said these students are integral to the academic culture at Flagler as a whole. The academic culture of a campus lives only to the extent that students breathe life into it, Woelfel said. All of the students that are being recognized today are being recognized in part because they breathe a lot of life into our campus. In his ceremony remarks, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Art Vanden Houten, called this the highest level of accomplishment, that a student could earn. As an Associate Professor of Political Science, Vanden Houten also recognized the joy that is to work in a classroom setting with students that maintain such a commitment to their academic standing. Working closely with the best students is one of the most rewarding parts of the job, he said. This academic success is something that Vanden Houten said sets Presidents List recipients up to be positively influential members of Flaglers campus. Education, particularly at a place like Flagler, is fundamentally a community endeavor- you should, as students with such great accomplishments, see yourselves as leaders in the community, he said. Tagged As On 5 November, Cyprus largest English newspaper Cyprus Mail published Ambassador Liu Yantaos article titled Chinese Modernization: an OPEN Journey. It presents the key message of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and elaborates on the rich meaning of Chinese Modernization. The full text is as follows: Chinese Modernization: an OPEN Journey Where is China headed for? This is a question on the mind of many who were watching with interest the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Indeed, Chinas development trajectory was laid out openly and clearly at the Congress. One of the key messages is Chinese modernization, whose underlying meaning may be summarized with the word O-P-E-N. The letter O stands for Overall leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Throughout its history, the CPC has explored and spearheaded Chinese modernization despite all vicissitudes. The Chinese nation is a great nation that has made indelible contributions to human progress. Yet after the Opium War of 1840, China was gradually reduced to a semi-colonial, semi-feudal society and suffered great ravages. To save the nation from peril, the CPC, after its founding in 1921, led the people to fight tough battles for independence and liberation, securing the founding of New China in 1949. Following that, the CPC has continued to lead the people to turn China from a closed, backward and poor country into the worlds second largest economy that is increasingly open and prosperous. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 when General Secretary Xi Jinping took office, three major events have taken place: we celebrated the CPCs centenary, ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and eradicated absolute poverty and finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. In this process, Chinese modernization has made much progress. For example, Chinas GDP has more than doubled with an annual average growth rate of 6.6%. It has contributed 38.6% to global growth each year, higher than G7 countries combined. The Chinese peoples average disposable income has risen by nearly 80%. China also boasts the worlds largest foreign trade volume, foreign exchange reserves, manufacturing sector, and networks of high-speed railways and expressways. To put modernization on a solid footing, China has focused on building its self-reliance and strength in science and technology while giving priority to the development of education and relying on talents to pioneer and propel development. As a result, breakthroughs have been made in key technologies such as manned spaceflight, lunar and Martian exploration, deep sea and deep earth probes, supercomputers, and new energy technology, which in turn has further boosted modernization. The CPC has delivered for the people, and the people trust it. According to a Harvard University survey, 93% of Chinese citizens are satisfied with the central government. With the reelection of General Secretary Xi Jinping, the CPC will take Chinese modernization to a new level, with the vision of basically realizing socialist modernization from 2020 through 2035, and building China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful from 2035 through the middle of this century. The letter P stands for People-centeredness. The country is its people; the people are the country. Chinese modernization is for the people and by the people, and its fruits are shared among the people. Modernization in a country with 1.4 billion people, more than the combined population of all developed countries, has never happened in human history. This means we need to feed nearly 20% of global population with 9% of the worlds farmland and 6% of freshwater, an essential reality that needs to be taken account of. There is no ready experience for follow or rulebook to go by. China needs to be patient and take steady and incremental steps to sustain progress, or crossing the river by feeling for the stones. It needs to be cautious by adopting pilot measures first before spreading them nationwide. It has every reason to be confident as well, because through whole-process peoples democracy, the Chinese people have been highly involved in the modernization endeavor, with their wishes accommodated, creativity respected, and wisdom pooled, which has helped build synergy to drive modernization. In pursuing modernization, no one should be left behind. In the past decade, China has lifted nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty, winning the largest battle against poverty in human history. It has also built the worlds largest education, social security, and healthcare systems, with an average life expectancy reaching 78.2 years. In taking forward modernization, efforts will be made to achieve prosperity for all, which is not egalitarianism and cannot happen overnight. It takes sustained efforts to make the pie bigger first and then divide it properly. In this context, we will continue to support low-income earners and expand the middle income group while encouraging people to get rich through hard workas a rising tide lifts all boats, everyone will get a fair share. The letter E stands for Even emphasis. As its different aspects are interconnected and interdependent, Chinese modernization needs to be advanced with the whole picture in mind and in a holistic manner. Economic development underpins modernization. What China aims to achieve is high-quality development, under the new development philosophy featuring innovative, coordinated, green, and open development for all. Efforts have been accelerated to foster a new development pattern that is focused on the domestic economy and features positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows. In this context, China will promote high-standard opening up. Solid steps will be taken to steadily expand institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management and standards. China will foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. This will create more business opportunities for the whole world. Material want is not modernization, nor is cultural impoverishment. With the development of the economy, peoples intellectual and cultural needs are growing as well. To meet such needs, much can be drawn from Chinas fine traditional culture, which carries the wisdom of Chinese civilization and is still highly relevant today, such as the concepts of pursuing common good for all and constantly seeking self-improvement. China will also extensively apply the core socialist values, enhance civility across society, and further develop cultural programs and the cultural sector, which helps increase peoples cultural confidence and promote their well-rounded development. Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. To realize sustainable modernization, it is imperative to maintain harmony between humanity and nature, and protect nature and the environment as we do to our own lives. China has taken substantive steps in this regard. For example, it has contributed to one-fourth of the increase in global afforestation and one-fifth of the net restored land, and cut air pollutants by nearly 40% from 2013 to 2020. Clean energy now takes up 24.3% of Chinas energy consumption, and 55% of global new energy vehicle sales take place in China. With the aim of peaking CO2 emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060, China will continue to pursue green development and get more actively involved in global governance on climate change. The letter N stands for New form of human advancement. Some countries achieved modernization through war and colonization. But the Chinese path to modernization is peaceful development. The pursuit of modernization, vital for all countries, is beset today by global challenges such as COVID-19, climate change, food and energy insecurity. Selfish steps, including building fences and barriers, decoupling and disrupting industrial and supply chains, would only backfire and serve the interest of none. An ancient Chinese philosopher observed that all living things may grow side by side without harming one another, and different roads may run in parallel without interfering each other. Despite their seeming differences, countries are committed to the shared values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, and should and can work together toward modernization like passengers in the same boat. In this context, modernization may be achieved in step with the building of a human community with a shared future. Importantly, all countries are equal, irrespective of their size, strength or wealth. They need to respect each others sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the development paths and social systems independently chosen by themselves. On such basis, if countries can engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and pursue the common good, then their modernization will be advanced in a mutually reinforcing manner. China has taken steps in this direction. In pursuing its own modernization, China has presented global public goods such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative. It has invested more resources to help other developing countries, engaged in international cooperation against COVID-19, and promoted peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue. China has also made clear that no matter what stage of development it reaches, it will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion. It needs to be stressed that China attaches great importance to its ties with Cyprus in the modernization endeavor. Thanks to the personal commitment of President Xi Jinping and President Nicos Anastasiades, the China-Cyprus relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership in November 2021, which has got off to a good start this year. Politically, China and Cyprus have firmly supported each others efforts to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly on the Taiwan question and the Cyprus issue. Economically, bilateral trade volume hit 603 million US dollars in the first eight months this year, up 33.8% over the previous year. The LNG project undertaken by a Chinese company is well on track. On people-to-people exchanges, the Chinese embassy has held the event of Collection of China-Cyprus Friendship Stories and will soon hold the Second China-Cyprus Youth Forum. Three more pairs of sister cities have been set up, with more in the pipeline. Going forward, government and party leaders of the two sides are expected to have more mutual visits and dialogues to exchange views on modernization. Cyprus is encouraged to tap the massive Chinese market by exporting more goods and attracting more Chinese tourists. Through more cultural and people-to-people exchanges, China and Cyprus, as two ancient civilizations, are expected to further enhance mutual learning and mutual understanding. In this sense, Chinese modernization is like an open journey. It prompts China to open even wider to the international community, and importantly, it opens new and even brighter prospects for China-Cyprus relations. 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. TUESDAY, NOV. 8 American Veteran, a four-part PBS series, is streaming now through Dec. 4, and will remain available on PBS Passport after that. Kelly Wadsworth, a member of Veterans for Peace Linus Pauling Chapter 132, Corvallis-Albany, is interviewed in the series. From the citizen-soldiers who fought in the nations earliest conflicts, to the men and women in todays all-volunteer armed forces, the series presents a moving story told through personal remembrances that draw civilian viewers into an unfamiliar culture. Specific program information is available at pbs.org. Through a Veterans Lens, through Saturday, Nov. 12, main gallery, The Arts Center, 700 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis. The show celebrates artistic expressions of veterans and their loved ones, through photographs. The exhibit was organized through Samaritan Health Services veterans services manager Kyle Hatch, ArtsCare manager Erin Gudge and Arts Center curator Jennie Castle. Hours: noon to 5 p.m. daily. Information: https://theartscenter.net/throughaveteranslens. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9 Wall of Honor display, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 9 through 11, Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin St. SW. Information: grampa.dave@comcast.net. 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. VETERANS DAY Hospitality table, 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., near Ferry Street entrance, First Christian Church, 432 Ferry St. SW. Complimentary doughnut holes, hot chocolate and coffee will be offered. Church restrooms will be open to the public. The Veterans Day Parade starts at 11 a.m., and the route ends adjacent to the church on Ferry Street at Fifth Avenue. Veterans display, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, and Saturday, Nov. 12, Conser House, 114 N. Main St., Jefferson. Information: amybailey.jeffersonmuseum@gmail.com. Seventy-first annual Veterans Day Parade, 11 a.m., downtown Albany. Theme: Welcome Home, Veterans. The event honors all who served. Information: www.linncountyveteransdayparade.org. Veterans Voices IV, 3 p.m., community room, Majestic Theatre, 115 SW Second St., Corvallis. The project explores the realities of serving and being a veteran in our country. The content is written locally and inspired by real veterans lending their voice to the plays. Tickets: $11; free for veterans and active military members. Information: majestic.org. Dinner for Veterans, 5:30 p.m., Corvallis Elks Lodge, 1400 NW Ninth St. A complimentary dinner for veterans to be recognized for their service to our country. Information: 541-740-3517. SATURDAY Willamette Valley Concert Band Veterans Day concert, 3 p.m., Lebanon High School, 1700 S. Fifth St. See the Thursday announcement for details. UofG researchers contribute to new bioengineering consortium Researchers from the James Watt School of Engineering are part of a consortium which has won 4.95M (4.32M) in funding from the European Innovation Council to support a cutting-edge bioengineering project. The interdisciplinary consortium, named Supervised Morphogenesis in Gastruloids or SUMO, is one of 39 new projects sharing in 145M (126.6M) from the EICs Pathfinder programme. The funded projects are the first of Pathfinder projects selected under the EIC challenges call. The Pathfinder programme supports the early-stage development of future technologies up to the proof-of-concept stage over the course of five years. SUMO is led by researchers from University Hospital Oslo, Norway. Professor Nikolaj Gadegaard is leading the University of Glasgow team. SUMO aims to challenge the current limitations for realistic in vitro organ models by building on state-of-the-art gastruloid technology. Gastruloids are multi-tissue embryonic organoids that can recapitulate mammalian developmental processes, including early organogenesis, in a dish. They harbour great promise for both fundamental and applied science for their ability to model organ primordia in the framework of their native three-dimensional context. To fully harness the potential of gastruloid technology, the SUMO consortium will tackle current bottlenecks regarding gastruloid reproducibility, tissue organization and physiology using cutting edge technology including Raman imaging, artificial intelligence and bioengineering. Specifically, the consortium aims to achieve reproducible and scalable formation of gastruloids with embryo-like morphology that enter advanced organogenesis stages, focusing on cardiac and gut development. Professor Gadegaards contribution to SUMO will focus on bioengineering and the implementation of artificial intelligence. He said: It is fantastic to be part of a strong European consortium like SUMO, which has the potential to underpin new advances in organ engineering. Our connection and collaboration with international partners is vital to deliver to our research at the highest level, and Im proud to be working with leading researchers with such a wide range of expertise. The SUMO consortium enters a portfolio of seven consortia that are funded within the Engineered Living Materials EIC challenge. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth at the European Innovation Council, said, Congratulations to all projects selected under the first EIC Pathfinder Challenges call. With the support of EIC Program Managers, they will progress together towards common goals and create new opportunities for radical innovation. With the new mechanisms under the EIC, we have the means to support the whole value chain and to transform these innovative technologies into successful companies in Europe. The SUMO consortium unites researchers from the University Hospital Oslo, Norway (Stefan Krauss, coordinator), Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) (Jesse Veenvliet), Imperial College London, UK (Molly Stevens), University of Glasgow, UK (Nikolaj Gadegaard), Tel Aviv University, Israel (Iftach Nachman), Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut fur Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Germany (Jens von Kries) and University of Oslo (Jan Helge Solbakk). Sydney, Feb. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Djibouti-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW The additional capacity and resilience should make services cheaper and so encourage subscriber growth. This in turn will make the company more attractive to prospective foreign buyers looking to invest in a market which has thus far been one of the very few globally wherein the incumbent telco has retained a monopoly on services. Djibouti Telecom has also recently invested in its several international cable interests, in which it holds stakes via various consortia. The country will benefit from Googles Blue-Raman cable which will link Italy, Israel, and India. The Raman section will run from Jordan to Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, and Oman. The consortium building the 10,000km Africa-1 cable expects the work to be completed by the end of 2023. The cable will initially have landing stations in Kenya, Djibouti, Pakistan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and France, with others planned for north African Mediterranean countries, as also several on the continents east coast running to South Africa as the cable is extended. Djibouti will also benefit from connectivity to the Africa2 cable. With Djibouti Telecom building a third data centre to manage traffic from several cable systems, the hope is that the company can monetise its cable interests, and exploit data centre and mobile money services to develop revenue growth, and thus attract foreign investment. Key developments: Djibouti Telecom builds a new landing station; Government confirms plan to sell a minority stake in Djibouti Telecom; Djibouti Internet Exchange (DjIX) joins the African IXP Association; Report update includes the regulator's market data for 2020, updated Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of the pandemic on the telecoms sector, recent market developments. Companies mentioned in this report: Djibouti Telecom (Evatis, Adjib); Telecom Italia Sparkle; Saudi Telecom Company (STC); Algerie Telecom. Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Djibouti-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW Westford, USA, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the demand for renewable energy sources is growing. Printable solar cells are used in a variety of applications, including portable electronics, building-integrated photovoltaics, and consumer electronics. The demand for printable solar cells market is growing as the technology becomes more advanced and more accessible. The benefits of these cells are that they are cheaper to produce than traditional silicon solar cells, and they can be printed on any surface. This means that they can be used in a variety of applications, from portable electronics to building-integrated photovoltaics. Printable solar cells are made by depositing thin layers of semiconductor materials onto a substrate, such as glass or plastic. In line with this, the global printable solar cells market has been witnessing strong demand thanks to their several advantages over traditional methods of manufacturing solar cells. First, it is much cheaper and easier to scale up production of printable solar cells than it is to manufacture conventional solar cells. Second, printable solar cells can be made on flexible substrates, which opens up the possibility of using them in a wide variety of applications, including portable electronics and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Get sample copy of this report: https://skyquestt.com/sample-request/printable-solar-cells-market Third, the use of flexible substrates also allows for the development of new types of devices that were not possible with conventional solar cell technologies in the printable solar cells market. For example, printed solar cells could be used to create smart windows that darken or lighten in response to the level of sunlight outside. Alternatively, they could be used in solar clothing that would power portable electronic devices like cell phones or MP3 players. However, one of the challenges facing the commercialization of printable solar cells market is their efficiency. Current devices are only about 1% efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. However, research is ongoing to improve the efficiency of these devices, and it is expected that they will continue to become more efficient over time. The report provides an overview of the global market and analyzes key trends that are shaping the industry. It also profiles leading companies in the space and outlines the competitive landscape. Automotive Sector Offer Lucrative Growth Opportunity for Printable Solar Cells Market SkyQuest has analyzed market and believes it has strong growth potential. The market is still in its early stages, but is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of over 4.3 % through 2022. This will be driven by continued technical improvements, declining costs, and increasing demand from a variety of end markets. Our analysis of the global printable solar cells market indicates that printable solar cells could capture up to 10% of the global solar power market by 2030, making them a significant force in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The technology holds particular promise for rooftop and other distributed applications, where printable solar cells could enable more flexible and lower-cost installations than traditional silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) modules. Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://skyquestt.com/report/printable-solar-cells-market The automotive sector is one of the largest potential for printable solar cells market. The report notes that electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with sales expected to reach 6.8 million units by the end of 2022. Electric vehicles have a higher efficiency than gasoline-powered cars and produce zero emissions. Solar panels can be used to power electric vehicles, providing a clean and renewable source of energy. We expect that vehicles will increasingly be equipped with solar panels to power accessories and provide supplemental charging for electric vehicles. Moreover, as autonomous driving becomes more prevalent, solar-powered cars will become more common, as they will not need conventional headlights or taillights. The consumer electronics sector presents another significant opportunity for printable solar cells market. Portable devices such as laptops, TV remotes, and smartphones are increasingly being used outdoors, making them ideal candidates for solar charging. In addition, wearable devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches are also well suited for solar power, as they are often used in activities where conventional charging. Slot Dry Method to Remain Key Area of Concern for Players in Printable Solar Cells Market Challenges in slot dry method: The slot-dye method is a popular method for printing solar cells, however there are some challenges that arise when using this method. One challenge is the fact that the solar cell must be very thin in order to be able to absorb all of the sunlight. This can be difficult to achieve with the slot-dye method in the printable solar cells market. Another challenge is ensuring that the solar cell is uniform and has no defects. The slot-dye method can sometimes result in non-uniform or defective solar cells. Finally, the slot-dye method can be expensive and time consuming. Lack of standardization: There are no industry-wide standards for these cells, which makes it difficult for manufacturers to produce consistent products. This lack of standardization also makes it difficult for consumers to compare products and make informed choices about which product is best for their needs. Efficiency: Printable solar cells are not as efficient as conventional silicon-based solar cells. The efficiency of these cells ranges from 3-8%, whereas that of silicon-based cells is about 15% in the printable solar cells market. This means that more printable solar cells are required to generate the same amount of power as a traditional solar cell. Durability: Printable solar cells are also not as durable as their silicon-based counterparts. They tend to degrade over time and are not able to withstand extreme weather conditions like high temperatures or hail storms Competition from traditional solar cell manufacturers: These companies have been making solar cells for many years and have well-established manufacturing processes and economies of scale in the printable solar cells market. They are also able to sell their products at a lower price than printable solar cell manufacturers. As a result, printable solar cell manufacturers need to find ways to differentiate their products in order to compete in the market. Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements: https://skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/printable-solar-cells-market Top Players in Printable Solar Cells Market Nanosolar Corporation (US) InfinityPV ApS (Denmark) E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (US) Triton Solar LLC (US) Solarmer Energy, Inc. (US) Nanosys (US) BrightSource Energy (US) Miasole (US) First Solar (US) Solopower Systems, Inc. (US) Abound Solar (US) SolarCity (US) Global Solar Energy (US) Sanyo (Japan) Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (US) Related Reports in SkyQuests Library: Global Probe Card Market Global IC Packaging Market Global Frameless Solar Panel Market Global Solar Power Market Global Semiconductor Production Equipment 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 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. 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 York, US, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR)," Automotive Diagnostic Tool Market Research Report Information By Type, Vehicle Type, Equipment Type Forecast 2030, the global market will reach USD 43,312.2 million at a 5% CAGR by 2030. Automotive Diagnostic Tool Market Analysis The worldwide automotive diagnostic tool market is predicted to expand as vehicle production and usage increase globally. The growing demand for vehicles as a result of rapid urbanization, which is favoring personal mobility, is likely to fuel the demand for vehicle diagnostics solutions. Increasing Need of Consumers for High-End Vehicles to offer Robust Opportunities The current trend in developed countries worldwide is to purchase luxury category cars with more precise, efficient, and quick diagnostic devices. The luxury car market has been propelled by a significant growth in genuine premium vehicle offers, a shift in consumer preferences from SUVs to sedans and rising disposable incomes. As new technologies are used in automobiles for making them more efficient & sustainable, demand for OBD solutions in both personal and commercial vehicles remains high. Connected automobiles, big data and analytics, human-machine interfaces, and electric vehicles all necessitate enhanced diagnostic tools for controlling and regulating high-tech vehicle components. Key Players Eminent industry players profiled in the global automotive diagnostic tool market report includes, Robert Bosch Gmbh Denso Corporation AVL List Gmbh Continental AG and few others. Get Free Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5245 Restraints High Initial Price of Advanced Diagnostic Tools to act as Market Restraint To stay up with continuous developments in automobile computer technology, workshops require increasingly powerful automotive diagnostic instruments, but most small and medium-sized workshops cannot afford to buy these all for the initial cost of the tools. The overall cost of automotive diagnostic devices has decreased. However, newer technologies are more expensive than basic OBD-I (first generation) systems. This could reduce demand for more inventive and cutting-edge technologies. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) regularly put pressure on diagnostic tool manufacturers to reduce diagnostic tool pricing. Many manufacturers are also hesitant to invest in R&D due to the high costs, particularly in emerging markets such as China, Russia, Turkey, India, Brazil, and others where OEMs are still releasing new models with rudimentary diagnostic systems. Automobile diagnosis necessitates highly complex instruments and equipment in order to comply with stringent safety regulations, which raises the cost. Challenges Dearth of Skilled Workforce to act as Market Challenge There will soon be a scarcity of trained people in the automotive business. The scarcity of highly skilled personnel and automotive engineers is hampering the growth of the automotive diagnostic tool market. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of training programs for automotive experts. Besides, the complexity of the scan tool may also act as a market challenge over the forecast period. Report Scope: Report Metrics Details Market Size by 2030 USD 43,312.2 Million CAGR during 2022-2030 5.0% Base Year 2021 Forecast 2022-2030 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Key Market Opportunities Growing Demand of Consumers for High-End Cars Key Market Drivers Increasing Production and Usage of Vehicles across the Globe Browse In-depth Market Research Report (100 Pages) on Automotive Diagnostic Tool Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-diagnostic-tool-market-5245 Automotive Diagnostic Tool Market Segmentation The global automotive diagnostic tool market has been bifurcated based on type, vehicle type, and equipment type. By type, the automotive diagnostic tool market is segmented into diagnostic equipment hardware, repair and diagnostic data, diagnostic software, and automotive diagnostic scan tool technology. By vehicle type, the automotive diagnostic tool market is segmented into commercial vehicle and passenger car. By equipment type, the automotive diagnostic tool market is segmented into vehicle emission test system, digital battery tester, wheel alignment tester, and others. COVID-19 Analysis The COVID-19 epidemic has had a substantial impact on numerous industries around the world, including the automotive sector, as regular lockdown measures have shut down industrial operations, affecting the production of new automobiles, particularly in emerging markets such as China. The disruption in the supply chain of numerous automobiles has had a substantial influence on market growth. Furthermore, many automotive manufacturers have seen a decline in revenue, and production of automotive diagnostic tools has been reduced in comparison to previous years due to unavailability of raw materials due to a lack of labor, supply chain issues, and taxation increases, all of which have a negative impact on the growth of the automotive diagnostic tool market. Ask for Discount: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/5245 Automotive Diagnostic Tool Market Regional Analysis APAC to Head Automotive Diagnostic Tool Market Over the projected period of 2022 to 2030, Asia-Pacific is expected to have the fastest growth rate. This is due to factors such as expanded infrastructure and industrialization operations, greater population purchasing power, and the presence of significant markets such as India, China, and Japan, which have spurred a growth in demand for automobiles. Global OEMs such as Volkswagen and General Motors cater to this vehicle diagnostic tool industry through collaborative ventures with domestic manufacturers. Due to the deployment of new technologies, the installation of more manufacturing units, and the formation of value-added supply chains between manufacturers and material providers, Asia-Pacific has emerged as a market with significant growth potential. Due to increased vehicle production and usage, as well as an increase in service stations and automotive workshops, Asia-Pacific is predicted to hold the biggest market share over the projection period. Europe to Have Admirable Growth in Automotive Diagnostic Tool Market Due to an increased per capita disposable income, Europe accounts for the second-largest market share. Mandatory On-board Diagnostics (OBD) requirements, stringent emission regulations policies, and the presence of major automotive manufacturers in the region, such as Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental AG, Actia SA, Softing AG, and others, are expected to drive massive demand for automotive diagnostic tools throughout Europe. Talk To Expert: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/ask_for_schedule_call/5245 Europe is also expected to expand significantly as a result of the supportive environment created by governments across the region and increased awareness about safety and security as a result of new technology such as linked and autonomous cars. Related Reports: Automotive Diagnostic Scan Tools Market Research Report: Information by, By equipment Type, By product type, Vehicle Type & Region - Global Forecast till 2030 Automotive Test Equipment Market Research Report: Information by Product Type, Vehicle Type, Application, and Region Forecast till 2030 Automotive Sensors Market Research Report: Information By Sensors Type, Technology, Vehicle Type - Forecast till 2027 About Market Research Future: Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis regarding diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions. English Norwegian Lery Seafood Group ASA will present its results for Q3 2022 on 15 November 2022 at Hotel Continental, Stortingsgata 24/26 in Oslo at 08:00 CET. The presentation will be held in Norwegian followed by a Q&A session. Delicious seafood will be served from 07:45 CET. You may alternatively follow the Norwegian presentation and submit questions through a live broadcast available on https://www.leroyseafood.com/no/investor/ . The quarterly report and presentation will be published at 06:30 CET. A recording of the presentation in English will be available from 12:00 CET on http://www.leroyseafood.com/en/investor . This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. English French REGULATED INFORMATION The autoimmune disease platform has completed a successful phase IIb trial targeting cGVHD (chronic Graft vs Host Disease), with a demonstrated efficacy of more than 75% Phase III is under preparation with expected accelerated examination by FDA Other indications should follow with wider market potential, including lupus and systemic sclerosis Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, November 8, 2022, 7am CET BIOSENIC (Euronext Brussels and Paris: BIOS), the company specialized in serious autoimmune /inflammatory diseases and cell repair, today announces an update on its systemic autoimmune disease platform, originally designed by Medsenic. The update follows the announcement of the merger between Bone Therapeutics and Medsenic, and the listing on Euronext Brussels and Paris. The BioSenic autoimmune platform has been constructed to target systemic autoimmune diseases using arsenic trioxide (ATO). This uses ATOs first-in-class mechanism of action as an active anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent. Medsenic has developed its systemic autoimmune disease platform over a 12-year period to utilize the immunomodulation properties of arsenic trioxide. The properties of ATO as a small molecule are now well established, said Prof. Francois Rieger, President and CEO of BioSenic. Following the merger, BioSenic is now developing controlled dosages and new formulations that are adapted to a significant number of important indications with unmet medical needs. We are looking to demonstrate that arsenic can potentially cure and save lives. Combining both our platforms, ALLOB from Bone Therapeutics and the new ATO platform by Medsenic, BioSenic will trigger key value creation milestones during the first half of 2023. The unique efficacy of ATO to create long-lasting remission of a rare cancer condition, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), has been previously recognized by both FDA and EMA, with market approvals. BioSenic is now further actively clinically testing ATO as a main therapeutic asset for autoimmune diseases. There are two mechanisms of action of arsenic trioxide for counteracting autoimmunity and inflammatory chronic diseases. The first is a significant increase in oxidative stress of activated immune cells leading to their death. The second inhibits the synthesis and/or release of proinflammatory cytokines. By combining the mechanisms of action, inflammation and active autoimmunity is drastic decreased. These immunomodulatory properties have important and long-lasting effects on the immune pathology in a number of autoimmune diseases. This has been extensively previously demonstrated in adequate animal models by Medsenic and other organizations. BioSenic assets now comprise two platforms: The ALLOB MSC platform uses cells with immune privilege, anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to differentiate into bone tissues when injected into the specific bone sites to be regenerated or repaired. The phase IIb trial of ALLOB, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with high-risk tibial fractures, is still ongoing and set to report important interim results in H1 2023. The autoimmune disease platform using ATO has completed a phase IIb trial with positive results on safety and efficacy in 20 patients for cGVHD (chronic Graft vs Host Disease). A headline result for this corticosteroid-controlled trial was that patients corticosteroids levels decreased as soon as six weeks following the start of the treatment with ATO, to reach minimal levels. "Medsenic/BioSenic has recently completed a phase II study of Arsenic Trioxide in combination with corticosteroids as initial therapy for moderate-severe cGvHD. The promising response rates at six months justifies pursuing a phase III study, with a goal of broadening treatment options and reducing the overall morbidity of chronic GVHD in our transplant recipients," said Prof. Corey Cutler, medical director of the Stem Cell Transplantation Program at Boston's Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Cutler's field of expertise is Graft Versus Host Disease. The acquired clinical results and expected results from both platforms enable BioSenic to move forward into confirmatory Phase III studies prior to Market Access procedures with regulatory agencies in US and Europe. The phase III study of the autoimmune disease platform in cGvHD (Chronic Graft vs Host Disease) has been designed to reach the market as quickly as possible through the framework of an expedite 505b2 FDA regulatory pathway. In addition to cGVHD, BioSenic is also preparing a randomized placebo-controlled phase IIb study with ATO in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. This disease has a high prevalence - the worldwide prevalence of SLE can reach 108 per 100,000 inhabitants and its incidence 5.14 per 100,000 inhabitants per year (Tian et al, 2022, Ann Reum. Dis.). As a result, this disease is potentially a strategic target for BioSenic. In addition, promising preclinical data gathered by Medsenic has provided clinical data to support a phase II clinical trial with ATO targeting systemic sclerosis. As a result, BioSenic expects key value creation milestones in H1 2023 with the interim phase IIb results of ALLOB and the start of the phase III study with ATO in cGvHD. BioSenic will start the process to engage with industrial partners to co-develop late-stage clinical projects and to look at other segments of interest in autoimmune diseases and cancer. About BioSenic BioSenic is a leading biotech company specializing in the development of clinical assets issued from: (i), the allogeneic cell therapy platform ALLOB and (ii) the Arsenic TriOxide (ATO) platform. Key target indications for the platforms include Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD), Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and high-risk tibial fractures. Following the merger in October 2022, BioSenic combines the strategic positionings and strengths of Medsenic and Bone Therapeutics. The merger also enables Biosenic to add to its innovative cell therapy platform and strong IP for tissue repair protection with an entirely new arsenal of various anti-inflammatory and anti-autoimmune formulations using the immunomodulatory properties of ATO/OATO. BioSenic is based in the Louvain-la-Neuve Science Park in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium. Further information is available at http://www.biosenic.com. About BioSenic technology platforms BioSenics technology is based on: 1) The allogeneic cell and gene therapy platform, developed by Bone Therapeutics with differentiated bone marrow sourced Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) that can be stored at the point of use in hospitals. Its current investigational medicinal product, ALLOB, represents a unique, proprietary approach to organ repair and specifically to bone regeneration, by turning undifferentiated stromal cells from healthy donors into bone-forming cells on the site of injury. These cells are produced via a proprietary BioSenic scalable manufacturing process. Following the CTA approval by regulatory authorities in Europe, the Company has initiated patient recruitment for the Phase IIb clinical trial with ALLOB in patients with difficult tibial fractures, using its optimized production process. ALLOB continues to be evaluated for other orthopedic indications including spinal fusion, osteotomy, maxillofacial and dental, and should be of value in new indications when cells will be further adapted or transformed with additional targeting properties. 2) The Arsenic TriOxide (ATO) platform developed by Medsenic. The immunomodulatory properties of ATO have demonstrated a double basic effect on cells of the immune system. The first effect is the increase of the cell oxidative stress in activated B, T or other cells of the innate/adaptative immune system to the point they will enter a cell death program (apoptosis) and be eliminated. The second effect is potent immunomodulatory properties on several pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in inflammatory or autoimmune cell pathways. One direct application is its use in onco-immunology to treat GvHD (Graft-versus-Host Disease) in its chronic, established stage. GvHD is one of the most common and clinically significant complications affecting long-term survival of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). GvHD is primarily mediated by the transplanted immune system that can lead to severe multiorgan damage. Medsenic had been successful in a phase II trial with its intravenous formulation, allowing arsenic trioxide to be granted an orphan drug designation status by FDA and EMA and is heading towards an international Phase III confirmatory study, with a new, IP protected, oral (OATO) formulation. Moderate to Severe forms of Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) is another selected target, using the same oral formulation. ATO has shown good safety and significant clinical efficacy on several affected organs (skin, mucosae and the gastro-intestinal tract) in a phase IIa study. Systemic Sclerosis is, in addition, part of the clinical pipeline of BioSenic. Preclinical studies on pertinent animal models are positive. This gives good grounds to launch a phase II clinical protocol for this serious disease that badly affects skin, lungs or vascularization, and with no actual current effective treatment. For further information, please contact: BioSenic SA Francois Rieger, PhD, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +33 (0)671 73 31 59 investorrelations@biosenic.com For Belgian Media and Investor Enquiries: Bepublic Bert Bouserie Tel: +32 (0)488 40 44 77 bert.bouserie@bepublicgroup.be International Media Enquiries: IB Communications Neil Hunter / Michelle Boxall Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 4685 neil.hunter@ibcomms.agency / michelle@ibcomms.agency For French Media and Investor Enquiries: NewCap Investor Relations & Financial Communications Pierre Laurent, Louis-Victor Delouvrier and Arthur Rouille Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 bone@newcap.eu Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Company or, as appropriate, the Company directors current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such persons officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. English Norwegian 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, 8 November 2022 Reference is made to the stock exchange announcement made by SalMar ASA (SalMar) on 7 November 2022 in connection with the completed merger between SalMar and Norway Royal Salmon ASA (NRS) (the Merger). The following key information is given with respect to the delivery of the merger consideration shares in the Merger: Merger effective date: 7 November 2022 First day of trading in Merger consideration shares (ex date): 8 November 2022 Record date: 9 November 2022 Delivery of Merger consideration shares to eligible recipients: 10 November 2022 Arctic Securities AS acts as financial advisor 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 section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. 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. Portland, OR, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new business intelligence report released by Allied Market Research, the global Healthcare IT Consulting Market size was estimated at USD 21.9 billion in 2021 and is expected to hit USD 103.6 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 16.7% from 2022 to 2031. The report provides a detailed analysis of the top investment pockets, top winning strategies, drivers & opportunities, market size & estimations, competitive landscape, and evolving market trends. The market study is a helpful source of information for the frontrunners, new entrants, investors, and shareholders in crafting strategies for the future and heightening their position in the market. Download Free Sample Report (320 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/9865 Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20222031 Market Size in 2031 $103.6 Billion CAGR 16.7% No. of Pages in Report 320 Segments Covered Consulting type, End-user, and Region. Drivers Increase in the prevalence of cancer and chronic diseases Rise in adoption of digitalization in healthcare IT solutions Opportunities Emerging healthcare IT consulting services in the developing countries Restraints Dearth of skilled professionals and high cost of consulting service Covid-19 scenario- Growing demand for integrated healthcare networks during the pandemic impacted the global healthcare IT consulting market positively. This drift is likely to persist even if the pandemic is almost over, due to rising adoption of these services by healthcare organizations. The global healthcare IT consulting market is analyzed across consulting type, end user, and region. The report takes in an exhaustive analysis of the segments and their sub-segments with the help of tabular and graphical representation. Investors and market players can benefit from the breakdown and devise stratagems based on the highest revenue-generating and fastest-growing segments stated in the report. Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/9865 Based on consulting type, the healthcare application analysis, design, and development segment garnered more than one-fifth of the total market revenue in 2021, and is expected to dominate by 2031. The same segment would also project the fastest CAGR of 17.8% throughout the forecast period. The other segments studied through the report include HCIT strategy and project/program management, HCIT integration and migration, HCIT change management, Healthcare/medical system and security set-up and risk assessment, Healthcare enterprise reporting and data analytics services, and Healthcare business process management. Based on end user, the healthcare providers segment held nearly half of the total market revenue in 2021, and is expected to dominate by 2031. The same segment would also cite the fastest CAGR of 17.2% throughout the forecast period. The healthcare payers segment is also assessed in the market report. Based on region, the global healthcare IT consulting market across North America generated nearly half of the total market revenue in 2021, and is anticipated to retain the lions share by 2031. The Asia-Pacific region, simultaneously, would showcase the fastest CAGR of 18.3% throughout the forecast period. The other provinces analyzed through the report include Europe and LAMEA. The key market players analyzed in the global healthcare IT consulting market report include Epic System Corporation, Cognizant, Deloitte, McKesson Corporation, Allscripts Healthcare LLC, IBM Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Oracle Corporation, Siemens AG, and General Electric Company. These market players have embraced several strategies including partnership, expansion, collaboration, joint ventures, and others to highlight their prowess in the industry. The report is helpful in formulating the business performance, product portfolio, operating segments, and developments by the top players. 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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. English French Quadient launches Parcel Pending smart lockers in Ireland to support on-going modernisation of the residential property industry The launch of Parcel Pending smart parcel lockers will help property developers and managers improve services for residents, free up employee time and reduce environmental impact of deliveries Dublin, Ireland, 8th November 2022 Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a leader in helping businesses create meaningful customer connections through digital and physical channels, today announced the launch of Parcel Pending by Quadient in Ireland. By providing secure, self-service smart parcel lockers to businesses across the country, together with a dedicated support centre and response and repair team, Quadient will help the Irish economy capitalise on the property boom by simplifying parcel delivery and improving residents experience. With the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) expecting 50,000 new homes to be built across 2022 and 2023, Quadient will help property developers and property management organisations transform parcel pickup: providing a secure location for residents parcel deliveries with 24/7 access; in turn freeing up time for building management to deal with other tasks; and reducing the physical and environmental footprint of parcel delivery. Property is a highly competitive marketplace in Ireland, and high-density housing will be crucial to meeting the countrys housing needs, said Ian Caminsky, SVP and MD Parcel Locker Solutions, UKI & DACHIT at Quadient. This demands a new approach for processing parcels and packages. An Post alone delivered 56 million packets and parcels in its last reporting year an average of 29 per household. Combine that figure with deliveries from other carriers, and management teams at high-occupancy communities will be faced with a flood of parcels every week. Employees will either need to receive, log, store and distribute these parcels, taking time away from other tasks, or run the risk of unwatched parcels potentially being stolen. Automated lockers can reduce the pressure on management teams, while creating a more pleasant, liveable service and environment for residents. Quadient already has a presence in Ireland through its mailing and customer experience services. By bringing Parcel Pending smart lockers into the country, it will provide more opportunities to the property industry to realise the benefits of automated lockers, including: Increased security Ensuring packages can only be picked up by the intended recipient, reducing opportunities for parcel theft and giving residents confidence they live in a safe environment. Ensuring packages can only be picked up by the intended recipient, reducing opportunities for parcel theft and giving residents confidence they live in a safe environment. Improved efficiency It can take up to four minutes for a delivery driver and building staff to complete handover of a package plus the time to hand it to the recipient. Quadients parcel lockers reduce this time to seconds, freeing up the delivery driver and building staff time. It can take up to four minutes for a delivery driver and building staff to complete handover of a package plus the time to hand it to the recipient. Quadients parcel lockers reduce this time to seconds, freeing up the delivery driver and building staff time. Reduced footprint Instead of maintaining a dedicated desk for parcels, developers and building managers can provide a secure, unobtrusive way to give residents access to their deliveries 24/7. Instead of maintaining a dedicated desk for parcels, developers and building managers can provide a secure, unobtrusive way to give residents access to their deliveries 24/7. Digital integration Quadients parcel lockers are designed to integrate with cloud services and applications, for instance resident engagement portals such as Spike Global allowing property managers to offer a modern, streamlined experience and immediate access to their services to residents. Quadients parcel lockers are designed to integrate with cloud services and applications, for instance resident engagement portals such as Spike Global allowing property managers to offer a modern, streamlined experience and immediate access to their services to residents. Environmental impact By guaranteeing delivery the first time, preventing re-visits, and ensuring that couriers and residents only have to visit a single location, parcel lockers help both reduce emissions and create a safer environment for residents. With nearly 17,000 installations worldwide serving millions of users, Quadient has considerable experience and existing footprint to benefit not only the Irish residential market and university accommodation, but also retail and home delivery, where parcel lockers can improve efficiency, guarantee delivery, and offer a better service to customers. We are dedicated to the Irish market and are excited about making the most of our expertise in the country, continued Ian Caminsky. We have undeniable evidence of the benefits developers, property managers and residents have already seen from our lockers: to the extent that for many developments the lockers themselves have become a selling point for new residents. Indeed, in some locations we have seen the number of lockers triple following positive feedback. The future of high-density housing is one that makes best use of the space available; reduces the impact on the environment; and gives residents the fastest and easiest possible access to the services they need, without compromising their comfort or security. Our parcel lockers are an essential part of this vision, and we look forward to making this journey in Ireland. For more information about Parcel Pending by Quadient, visit https://www.parcelpending.com/en-gb/ireland/. Parcel Pending by Quadient will be exhibiting at Ireland's Residential Investment and Development Conference in Dublin on November 10th to find out more, visit: https://www.bisnow.com/events/dublin/multifamily/irelands-build-to-rent-conference-7481. About Quadient Quadient is the driving force behind the worlds most meaningful customer experiences. By focusing on three key solution areas, Intelligent Communication Automation, Parcel Locker Solutions and Mail-Related Solutions, Quadient helps simplify the connection between people and what matters. Quadient supports hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide in their quest to create relevant, personalized connections and achieve customer experience excellence. Quadient is listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and is part of the SBF 120, CAC Mid 60 and EnterNext Tech 40 indices. For more information about Quadient, visit www.quadient.com. Quadient UK press contact: Dominic Walsh, Spark Communications +44 (0)20 7436 0420 or quadient@sparkcomms.co.uk. Attachment China calls on the U.S. to stop unilaterally strengthening confrontation, shoulder its responsibility with actions, and respond to the legitimate and reasonable concerns of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to create conditions for the resumption of meaningful dialogue, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Zhang Jun said on Friday. China remains committed to maintaining peace and stability and achieving denuclearization on the peninsula and resolving issues through dialogue and consultation, Zhang said at the UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation of the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK fired three short-range ballistic missiles eastward after it slammed the U.S. and South Korea's decision to extend the ongoing Vigilant Storm joint air drills, Yonhap reported Thursday. Noting that the U.S. and relevant country, after a five-year hiatus, relaunched their large-scale air drills with hundreds of warplanes involved, Zhang said the recent DPRK launches do not happen in isolation, and are directly linked to the words and deeds of relevant parties. Under the current circumstances, the Security Council should, in particular, strive to mitigate confrontation, ease tensions and promote the political settlement, the ambassador said. "The relevant discussion in the Council should help maintain stability, prevent chaos on the peninsula, contribute to the resumption of dialogue and negotiation, and resolve the humanitarian and livelihood difficulties faced by the DPRK rather than creating obstacles for it," he added. Dublin, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Global Market Report 2022: By Drug, By Disease" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global biosimilar lymphocyte modulator market is expected to grow from $1.16 billion in 2021 to $1.34 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4%. The market is expected to reach $2.10 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 11.8%. The main types of drugs in biosimilar lymphocyte modulator are campath-1H, natalizumab biosimilar, efalizumab - A1089-anti-CD11A biosimilar, anti-CD38 daratumumab biosimilar, anti-CS1 elotuzumab biosimilar. Campath is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of CLL. Campath can be taken on its own or in combination with other drugs. The different diseases include arthritis, diabetes, multiple myeloma, enterocolitis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, others Immunotherapy combined with other cancer treatments is expected to drive the growth of the biosimilar lymphocyte modulators market. The combination of immunotherapies or pairing of immunotherapies with other types of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation enhances the benefit associated with lymphocyte modulators. According to a study conducted by the researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, combining two immunotherapy strategies into one can give better results for certain blood cancers such as leukaemia. Evidence suggests that this new approach could be safer with reduced side effects than other cellular immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell. The combination approach, therefore, saves patients' life from a life-threatening reaction of the immune system thereby driving the growth of the lymphocyte modulator market. The shortage of raw material for lymphocyte modulator drugs is expected to restrict the growth of the biosimilar lymphocyte modulator market. Drug shortages are due to several factors including challenges for acquiring raw materials, manufacturing problems, regulatory issues, business decisions, and numerous disturbances within the supply chain. They adversely affect patient care by causing the replacement of safe and effective therapies with elective medicines, compromising or delaying medical procedures, or causing medication errors. For instance, in January 2019, the American Society of Haematology, an association comprising of clinical scientists and physicians that provides care to patients in diverse settings, sent a letter to USFDA highlighting the issue of shortage of critical hematologic drugs such as etoposide and methotrexate, which have no alternatives. Mainly the drug etoposide, which is a chemotherapeutic drug, that is a crucial component in treatment regimens designed to be curative for life-threatening conditions including leukaemia and lymphomas. Due to the shortage, some patients have received less effective treatment. Thus, the raw material shortages cause delayed and compromised medical treatments and also results in limiting the growth of the market. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Immunotherapy has been gaining popularity in recent times because of its positive results in anti-cancer treatments. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) comprise of all lymphocytic cell populaces that have occupied the tumor tissue. TILs have been depicted in various solid tumors including breast cancer, and are emerging as a significant biomarker in predicting the efficacy and result of treatment. Due to promising results, many companies have started launching TIL technologies. For instance, in January 2020, Lovance Biotherapeutics, a US-based start-up company, has licensed TALEN technology from Cellectis to develop gene-editing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) to treat several cancer indications. Other companies investing in TIL technology are Optera Therapeutics Corp and TILT Biotherapeutics. Scope Markets Covered: 1) By Drug: Campath-1H; Natalizumab Biosimilar; Efalizumab - A1089-Anti-CD11a Bisoimilar; Anti-CD38 Daratumumab Biosimilar; Anti-CS1 Elotuzumab Bisoimilar 2) By Disease: Arthritis; Diabetes; Multiple Myeloma; Enterocolitis; Multiple Sclerosis; Psoriasis; Others Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market Characteristics 3. Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market Trends And Strategies 4. Impact Of COVID-19 On Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator 5. Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market Size And Growth 6. Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market Segmentation 7. Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market Regional And Country Analysis 8. Asia-Pacific Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 9. China Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 10. India Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 11. Japan Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 12. Australia Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 13. Indonesia Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 14. South Korea Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 15. Western Europe Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 16. UK Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 17. Germany Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 18. France Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 19. Eastern Europe Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 20. Russia Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 21. North America Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 22. USA Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 23. South America Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 24. Brazil Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 25. Middle East Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 26. Africa Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 27. Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market Competitive Landscape And Company Profiles 28. Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Pipeline Analysis 29. Key Mergers And Acquisitions In The Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market 30. Biosimilar Lymphocyte Modulator Market Future Outlook and Potential Analysis 31. Appendix Companies Mentioned Pfizer Biogen Genentech Novartis Celltrion For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ak4hvy Attachment Dublin, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Commercial Electric Vehicles Global Market Report 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global commercial electric vehicles market is expected to grow from $68.43 billion in 2021 to $101.44 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 48.2%. The market is expected to grow to $303.15 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.5%. The main technologies in commercial electric vehicles are battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Battery electric vehicles operate only on stored electricity, and their main components consist of a high-voltage battery, one or more electric motors (either alternating current [AC] or direct current [DC]), and a controller for managing the power electronics. The vehicle types involved are bus, truck, pick-up truck, van. The charging infrastructure involved is pantograph, plug-in, inductive. Government subsidies to consumers and manufacturers help in the adoption of electric vehicles. The adoption of electric vehicles has been identified as an effective method to reduce carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels. So the governments of many countries are providing direct subsidies to both the buyers and manufacturers to increase the adoption rate of electric vehicles. In March 2019, the Indian government under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) scheme announced an outlay for 1434.45 million USD (10,000 crores) to promote the use of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. The scheme had 213.6 million USD (1,500 crores) outlay in 2019-20; 716.7 million USD (5,000 crores) in 2020-21 and 501.69 USD (3,500 crores) in 2021-22 and will cover buses with Electric Vehicle (EV) technology; electric, plug-in hybrid and strong hybrid four-wheelers; electric three-wheelers including e-rickshaws and electric two-wheelers. The difference in vehicle performance acts as a restraint to the growth of the commercial electric vehicle market. Electric vehicles provide excellent torque at low speed but at higher speeds the performance drops. The range of current battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is typically between 50 to 100 miles. For example, the Nissan LEAF electric vehicle has high torque, 236 lb-ft, but relatively low power at 147 HP. On the other hand, the conventional fuel car Honda S2000 has a decent power of 256 who. Technological advances to improve charging speed and enhance battery design make the latest trend in the commercial electric vehicles market. Manufacturers are looking at solid-state batteries which use graphene as the potential solution and are expected to increase both range and the charging speed of the batteries of the electric vehicle. Apart from the improvements in battery design and charging speed, there will be a significant shift toward diversifying the sources of power for EVs. Solar panels have already become much more efficient at capturing the sun's energy. With the recent development of three-phase charges, the most modern electric vehicle can charge up to 80% in just 30 minutes. For instance, Earthday, a Catalan startup, introduced fast-charging graphene-based batteries that weigh only 55 Kgs and use a paste-like electrolyte based on graphene. Earthday claims that the graphene-based battery charges up to 1350 times faster than normal batteries based on lithium technologies. Scope Markets Covered: 1) By Technology: Battery Electric Vehicles; Hybrid Electric Vehicles; Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 2) By Vehicle: Bus; Truck; Pick-Up Truck; Van 3) By Charging Infrastructure: Pantograph; Plug-in; Inductive Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Commercial Electric Vehicles Market Characteristics 3. Commercial Electric Vehicles Market Size And Growth 4. Commercial Electric Vehicles Market Segmentation 5. Commercial Electric Vehicles Market Regional And Country Analysis 6. Asia-Pacific Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 7. China Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 8. India Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 9. Japan Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 10. Australia Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 11. Indonesia Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 12. South Korea Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 13. Western Europe Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 14. UK Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 15. Germany Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 16. France Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 17. Eastern Europe Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 18. Russia Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 19. North America Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 20. USA Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 21. South America Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 22. Brazil Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 23. Middle East Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 24. Africa Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 25. Commercial Electric Vehicles Market Competitive Landscape And Company Profiles 26. Key Mergers And Acquisitions In The Commercial Electric Vehicles Market 27. Commercial Electric Vehicles Market Trends And Strategies 28. Commercial Electric Vehicles Market Future Outlook and Potential Analysis 29. Appendix Companies Mentioned Tesla Nissan BMW Chevrolet Ford Volkswagen Kia Motors Audi BYD Daimler Volvo JAC Geely Hyundai ZD Zotye BAIC Tata Electric Hero Electric Mahindra Electric YOBykes Electric TVS Electric Ashok Leyland Emflux Electric Menza Motors Fiat Mercedes Benz Renault Skoda Infiniti EV For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d6mudv Attachment Pune, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Industry 4.0 market size was valued at USD 65137.39 million in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 22.36% during the forecast period, reaching USD 218572.35 million by 2027. "Industry 4.0 Market" Insights 2022 By Types, Applications, Regions and Forecast to 2027. The global Industry 4.0 market size is projected to reach multi million by 2027, in comparison to 2022, with unexpected CAGR during the forecast period, the Industry 4.0 Market Report Contains 126 Pages Including Full TOC, Tables & Figures, and Chart with In-depth Analysis Pre & Post COVID-19 Market Outbreak Impact Analysis & Situation by Region. Industry 4.0 Market - Covid-19 Impact and Recovery Analysis: We have been tracking the direct impact of COVID-19 on this market, as well as the indirect impact from other industries. This report analyzes the impact of the pandemic on the Industry 4.0 market from a Global and Regional perspective. The report outlines the market size, market characteristics, and market growth for Industry 4.0 industry, categorized by type, application, and consumer sector. In addition, it provides a comprehensive analysis of aspects involved in market development before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Report also conducted a PESTEL analysis in the industry to study key influencers and barriers to entry. Final Report will add the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on this industry. TO UNDERSTAND HOW COVID-19 IMPACT IS COVERED IN THIS REPORT - REQUEST SAMPLE It also provides accurate information and cutting-edge analysis that is necessary to formulate an ideal business plan, and to define the right path for rapid growth for all involved industry players. With this information, stakeholders will be more capable of developing new strategies, which focus on market opportunities that will benefit them, making their business endeavors profitable in the process. Get a Sample PDF of report - https://www.proficientmarketinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample/21703401 Industry 4.0 Market - Competitive and Segmentation Analysis: This Industry 4.0 Market report offers detailed analysis supported by reliable statistics on sale and revenue by players for the period 2017-2022. The report also includes company description, major business, Industry 4.0 product introduction, recent developments and Industry 4.0 sales by region, type, application and by sales channel. The major players covered in the Industry 4.0 market report are: Texas Instruments Inc. Rockwell Automation Inc. Basler AG Denso Group Cisco Systems General Electric Company Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company 3D Systems Corporation Alphabet Inc. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation ABB Ltd. Microsoft Corporation Stratasys Ltd. International Business Machines Corporation Siemens AG Cognex Corporation Qualcomm Inc. Intel Corporation Short Summery About Industry 4.0 Market : The Global Industry 4.0 market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2022 and 2027. In 2021, the market is growing at a steady rate and with the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon. The global Industry 4.0 market size was valued at USD 65137.39 million in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 22.36% during the forecast period, reaching USD 218572.35 million by 2027. Industry 4.0 is the digital transformation of industrial markets (industrial transformation) with smart manufacturing currently on the forefront. Industry 4.0 represents the so-called fourth industrial revolution in discrete and process manufacturing, logistics and supply chain (Logistics 4.0), the chemical industry, energy (Energy 4.0), transportation, utilities, oil and gas, mining and metals and other segments, including resources industries, healthcare, pharma and even smart cities. The report combines extensive quantitative analysis and exhaustive qualitative analysis, ranges from a macro overview of the total market size, industry chain, and market dynamics to micro details of segment markets by type, application and region, and, as a result, provides a holistic view of, as well as a deep insight into the Industry 4.0 market covering all its essential aspects. For the competitive landscape, the report also introduces players in the industry from the perspective of the market share, concentration ratio, etc., and describes the leading companies in detail, with which the readers can get a better idea of their competitors and acquire an in-depth understanding of the competitive situation. Further, mergers & acquisitions, emerging market trends, the impact of COVID-19, and regional conflicts will all be considered. In a nutshell, this report is a must-read for industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who have any kind of stake or are planning to foray into the market in any manner. Get a Sample Copy of the Industry 4.0 Market Report 2022 Report further studies the market development status and future Industry 4.0 Market trend across the world. Also, it splits Industry 4.0 market Segmentation by Type and by Applications to fully and deeply research and reveal market profile and prospects. On the basis of product type this report displays the production, revenue, price and market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into: Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality Internet of Things 3D Printing Industrial Robotics Others On the basis of the end users/applications this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, including: Aerospace & Defense Agriculture Food Chemical Electronics and Semiconductor Energy & Power Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Others Industry 4.0 Market - Regional Analysis: Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share and growth Rate of Industry 4.0 in these regions, from 2015 to 2027, covering North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Turkey etc.) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.) Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa) Some of the key questions answered in this report: What is the global ( North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa ) sales value, production value, consumption value, import and export of Industry 4.0? ) sales value, production value, consumption value, import and export of Industry 4.0? Who are the global key manufacturers of the Industry 4.0 Industry? How is their operating situation (capacity, production, sales, price, cost, gross, and revenue)? What are the Industry 4.0 market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Industry 4.0 Industry? Which application/end-user or product type may seek incremental growth prospects? What is the market share of each type and application? What focused approach and constraints are holding the Industry 4.0 market? What are the different sales, marketing, and distribution channels in the global industry? What are the upstream raw materials and manufacturing equipment of Industry 4.0 along with the manufacturing process of Industry 4.0? What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Industry 4.0 market? Economic impact on the Industry 4.0 industry and development trend of the Industry 4.0 industry. What are the market opportunities, market risk, and market overview of the Industry 4.0 market? What are the key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges of the Industry 4.0 market, and how they are expected to impact the market? What is the Industry 4.0 market size at the regional and country-level? Our research analysts will help you to get customized details for your report, which can be modified in terms of a specific region, application or any statistical details. In addition, we are always willing to comply with the study, which triangulated with your own data to make the market research more comprehensive in your perspective. Inquire more and share questions if any before the purchase on this report at -https://www.proficientmarketinsights.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/21703401 Detailed TOC of Global Industry 4.0 Market Research Report 2022 1 Industry 4.0 Market Overview 1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Industry 4.0 1.2 Industry 4.0 Segment by Type 1.2.1 Global Industry 4.0 Market Size Growth Rate Analysis by Type 2022 VS 2027 1.3 Industry 4.0 Segment by Application 1.3.1 Global Industry 4.0 Consumption Comparison by Application: 2022 VS 2027 1.4 Global Market Growth Prospects 1.4.1 Global Industry 4.0 Revenue Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2027) 1.4.2 Global Industry 4.0 Production Capacity Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2027) 1.4.3 Global Industry 4.0 Production Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2027) 1.5 Global Market Size by Region 1.5.1 Global Industry 4.0 Market Size Estimates and Forecasts by Region: 2017 VS 2021 VS 2027 1.5.2 North America Industry 4.0 Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2027) 1.5.3 Europe Industry 4.0 Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2027) 1.5.4 China Industry 4.0 Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2027) 1.5.5 Japan Industry 4.0 Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2027) 2 Market Competition by Manufacturers 2.1 Global Industry 4.0 Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2022) 2.2 Global Industry 4.0 Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2022) 2.3 Industry 4.0 Market Share by Company Type (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3) 2.4 Global Industry 4.0 Average Price by Manufacturers (2017-2022) 2.5 Manufacturers Industry 4.0 Production Sites, Area Served, Product Types 2.6 Industry 4.0 Market Competitive Situation and Trends 2.6.1 Industry 4.0 Market Concentration Rate 2.6.2 Global 5 and 10 Largest Industry 4.0 Players Market Share by Revenue 2.6.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion 3 Production Capacity by Region 3.1 Global Production Capacity of Industry 4.0 Market Share by Region (2017-2022) 3.2 Global Industry 4.0 Revenue Market Share by Region (2017-2022) 3.3 Global Industry 4.0 Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 3.4 North America Industry 4.0 Production 3.4.1 North America Industry 4.0 Production Growth Rate (2017-2022) 3.4.2 North America Industry 4.0 Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 3.5 Europe Industry 4.0 Production 3.5.1 Europe Industry 4.0 Production Growth Rate (2017-2022) 3.5.2 Europe Industry 4.0 Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 3.6 China Industry 4.0 Production 3.6.1 China Industry 4.0 Production Growth Rate (2017-2022) 3.6.2 China Industry 4.0 Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 3.7 Japan Industry 4.0 Production 3.7.1 Japan Industry 4.0 Production Growth Rate (2017-2022) 3.7.2 Japan Industry 4.0 Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 4 Global Industry 4.0 Consumption by Region 4.1 Global Industry 4.0 Consumption by Region 4.1.1 Global Industry 4.0 Consumption by Region 4.1.2 Global Industry 4.0 Consumption Market Share by Region 4.2 North America 4.2.1 North America Industry 4.0 Consumption by Country 4.2.2 United States 4.2.3 Canada 4.3 Europe 4.3.1 Europe Industry 4.0 Consumption by Country 4.3.2 Germany 4.3.3 France 4.3.4 U.K. 4.3.5 Italy 4.3.6 Russia 4.4 Asia Pacific 4.4.1 Asia Pacific Industry 4.0 Consumption by Region 4.4.2 China 4.4.3 Japan 4.4.4 South Korea 4.4.5 China Taiwan 4.4.6 Southeast Asia 4.4.7 India 4.4.8 Australia 4.5 Latin America 4.5.1 Latin America Industry 4.0 Consumption by Country 4.5.2 Mexico 4.5.3 Brazil Get a Sample Copy of the Industry 4.0 Market Report 2022 5 Segment by Type 5.1 Global Industry 4.0 Production Market Share by Type (2017-2022) 5.2 Global Industry 4.0 Revenue Market Share by Type (2017-2022) 5.3 Global Industry 4.0 Price by Type (2017-2022) 6 Segment by Application 6.1 Global Industry 4.0 Production Market Share by Application (2017-2022) 6.2 Global Industry 4.0 Revenue Market Share by Application (2017-2022) 6.3 Global Industry 4.0 Price by Application (2017-2022) 7 Key Companies Profiled 7.1 Company 7.1.1 Industry 4.0 Corporation Information 7.1.2 Industry 4.0 Product Portfolio 7.1. CIndustry 4.0 Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 7.1.4 Companys Main Business and Markets Served 7.1.5 Companys Recent Developments/Updates 8 Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Cost Analysis 8.1 Industry 4.0 Key Raw Materials Analysis 8.1.1 Key Raw Materials 8.1.2 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials 8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure 8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Industry 4.0 8.4 Industry 4.0 Industrial Chain Analysis 9 Marketing Channel, Distributors and Customers 9.1 Marketing Channel 9.2 Industry 4.0 Distributors List 9.3 Industry 4.0 Customers 10 Market Dynamics 10.1 Industry 4.0 Industry Trends 10.2 Industry 4.0 Market Drivers 10.3 Industry 4.0 Market Challenges 10.4 Industry 4.0 Market Restraints 11 Production and Supply Forecast 11.1 Global Forecasted Production of Industry 4.0 by Region (2023-2027) 11.2 North America Industry 4.0 Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2027) 11.3 Europe Industry 4.0 Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2027) 11.4 China Industry 4.0 Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2027) 11.5 Japan Industry 4.0 Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2027) 12 Consumption and Demand Forecast 12.1 Global Forecasted Demand Analysis of Industry 4.0 12.2 North America Forecasted Consumption of Industry 4.0 by Country 12.3 Europe Market Forecasted Consumption of Industry 4.0 by Country 12.4 Asia Pacific Market Forecasted Consumption of Industry 4.0 by Region 12.5 Latin America Forecasted Consumption of Industry 4.0 by Country 13 Forecast by Type and by Application (2023-2027) 13.1 Global Production, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2023-2027) 13.1.1 Global Forecasted Production of Industry 4.0 by Type (2023-2027) 13.1.2 Global Forecasted Revenue of Industry 4.0 by Type (2023-2027) 13.1.3 Global Forecasted Price of Industry 4.0 by Type (2023-2027) 13.2 Global Forecasted Consumption of Industry 4.0 by Application (2023-2027) 13.2.1 Global Forecasted Production of Industry 4.0 by Application (2023-2027) 13.2.2 Global Forecasted Revenue of Industry 4.0 by Application (2023-2027) 13.2.3 Global Forecasted Price of Industry 4.0 by Application (2023-2027) 14 Research Finding and Conclusion 15 Methodology and Data Source 15.1 Methodology/Research Approach 15.1.1 Research Programs/Design 15.1.2 Market Size Estimation 15.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation 15.2 Data Source 15.2.1 Secondary Sources 15.2.2 Primary Sources 15.3 Author List 15.4 Disclaimer Continued. Purchase this report (Price 3250 USD for a single-user license) -https://www.proficientmarketinsights.com/purchase/21703401 About Us: Proficient Market Insights is the credible source for gaining the market reports that will provide you with the lead your business needs. Our objective is providing a platform for many top-notch market research firms worldwide to publish their research reports, as well as helping the decision makers in finding most suitable market research solutions under one roof. Our aim is to provide the best solution that matches the exact customer requirements. This drives us to provide you with custom or syndicated research. CHICAGO, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, leading supply chain visibility company FourKites announced a partnership with Sony Network Communications Europe. The partnership will integrate data from Visilion Sonys real-time cargo and asset tracking solution with FourKites real-time, end-to-end supply chain visibility platform. This collaboration will help enterprise customers solve their most complex use cases. Now, customers will be able to view FourKites real-time data for shipments in transit and in the yard, together with Visilions granular real-time data on cargo location and condition to provide best-in-class estimated times of arrival (ETAs) and enhanced end-customer experiences. Faced with ongoing global supply chain disruptions including port congestion, port and rail strikes, global conflicts and more businesses need more meaningful insights to mitigate preventable delays and damage, and to keep goods moving to their final destinations. Real-time visibility and actionable analytics regarding the location, temperature and status of shipments is critical, particularly for those in the Consumer Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage and Pharmaceutical industries, who ship products that require specific in-transit conditions to maintain quality. Businesses today require more high-quality, real-time supply chain data, said Nimesh Patel, vice president of global alliances and partnerships at FourKites. The Visilion solution from Sony provides an extra layer of granular data about the contents of containers and status of sensitive and/or temperature-controlled shipments. Our partnership will ensure that this data becomes more accessible than ever to businesses around the world. Visilion, Sonys real-time cargo and asset tracking solution, offers industry-leading shock, tilt and temperature detection capabilities, among others, to ensure that goods are handled properly and maintained at the right temperature and humidity during transit, thereby mitigating losses. This functionality, combined with FourKites market-leading Dynamic ETA across all modes, provides shippers with complete visibility into potential disruptions and product loss for goods in transit. In addition, FourKites international tracking capabilities, together with Visilion sensor data, provide an added dimension of granular visibility into ocean containers that often move through complicated, multi-stop journeys. FourKites shared commitment to industry-leading innovation, product quality and industry collaboration made them the obvious partner for us, said Erik Lund, Head of Tracking Division, Sony Network Communications Europe. We look forward to working together to provide our mutual customers with integrated supply chain data to fuel better decision-making and, ultimately, more efficient supply chain operations in Europe and around the world. Over the last year, FourKites has experienced record growth in the European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) markets , achieving 97% growth in shipments YoY as of October 2022. The number of customers tracking loads with FourKites in EMEA grew 40% in the same time period, while the number of carriers tracking shipments grew by 50% in the same period. About FourKites Leading supply chain visibility platform FourKites extends visibility beyond transportation into yards, warehouses, stores and beyond. Tracking more than 3 million shipments daily across road, rail, ocean, air, parcel and last mile, and reaching over 200 countries and territories, FourKites combines real-time data and powerful machine learning to help companies digitise their end-to-end supply chains. More than 1,200 of the worlds most recognized brands including 9 of the top-10 CPG and 18 of the top-20 food and beverage companies trust FourKites to transform their business and create more agile, efficient and sustainable supply chains. To learn more, visit https://www.fourkites.com/ . Media Contact: Marianna Vyridi Big Valley Marketing for FourKites (650) 468-3263 mvyridi@bigvalley.co A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ca9966d-7966-4823-9df2-f817500a85b6 New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Healthcare Claims Management Market Research Report by Solutions, Delivery Mode, End User, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06338921/?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 Healthcare Claims Management to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Solutions, the market was studied across Claims Integration, Claims Management Reporting, Claims Review Management, Claims Status Management, and Remittance Management Solutions. Based on Delivery Mode, the market was studied across Cloud-based and On-premise. Based on End User, the market was studied across Healthcare Payers and Healthcare Providers. 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 Healthcare Claims Management 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 Healthcare Claims Management 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 Healthcare Claims Management Market, including Accenture plc., Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., Athenahealth, Avaya Inc., CareCloud, Cerner Corporation, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, Conifer Health Solutions, eClinicalWorks, Genpact Limited, Infor Inc., International Business Machine Corporation, Kareo, Inc., McKesson Corporation, nThrive Revenue Systems, LLC, Optum Inc., Oracle Corporation, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, and The SSI Group, 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 Healthcare Claims Management Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Healthcare Claims Management Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06338921/?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. __________________________ English French MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KP Tissue Inc. (KPT) (TSX:KPT), which holds a limited partnership interest in Kruger Products L.P. (KPLP), will release the financial results for KPT and KPLP for the third quarter of 2022 on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 before the market opens. KPT will hold its conference call the same day at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Details of the Conference Call Via telephone: 1-888-396-8049 or 416-764-8646 Via the internet at: www.kptissueinc.com Presentation material referenced during the conference call will be available at www.kptissueinc.com Conference Call Rebroadcast A rebroadcast of the conference call will be available until midnight, November 16, 2022 by dialing 1-877-674-7070 or 416-764-8692 and entering passcode 883805. The replay of the webcast will remain available on the web site until midnight, November 16, 2022. About KP Tissue Inc. (KPT) KPT was created to acquire, and its business is limited to holding, a limited partnership interest in KPLP, which is accounted for as an investment on the equity basis. KPT currently holds a 14.1% interest in KPLP. For more information visit www.kptissueinc.com. About Kruger Products L.P. (KPLP) KPLP is Canada's leading manufacturer of quality tissue products for household, industrial and commercial use. KPLP serves the Canadian consumer market with such well-known brands as Cashmere, Purex, SpongeTowels, Scotties, White Swan and Bonterra. In the U.S., KPLP manufactures the White Cloud brand, as well as many private label products. The Away-From-Home division manufactures and distributes high-quality, cost-effective product solutions to a wide range of commercial and public entities. KPLP has approximately 2,700 employees and operates nine FSC COC-certified (FSC C-104904) production facilities in North America. For more information visit www.krugerproducts.ca. INFORMATION: Francois Paroyan General Counsel and Corporate Secretary KP Tissue Inc. Tel.: 905.812.6936 francois.paroyan@krugerproducts.ca INVESTORS: Mike Baldesarra Director of Investor Relations KP Tissue Inc. Tel.: 905.812.6962 IR@KPTissueinc.com SOURCE KP Tissue Inc New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Blockchain in Automotive Market Research Report by Mobility, Provider, Application, End User, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06336929/?utm_source=GNW 81 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 Blockchain in Automotive to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Mobility, the market was studied across Commercial Mobility, Personal Mobility, and Shared Mobility. Based on Provider, the market was studied across Application and Solution Provider, Infrastructure and Protocols Provider, and Middleware Provider. Based on Application, the market was studied across Financing, Mobility Solutions, Smart Contracts, and Supply Chain. Based on End User, the market was studied across Mobility as a Service Provider, OEMs, and Vehicle Owners. 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 Blockchain in Automotive 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 Blockchain in Automotive 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 Blockchain in Automotive Market, including Accenture PLC, Autoblock Srl, AXT, Inc., Carblock, Carvertical, Consensys Inc, Context Labs, Inc., Cube Technology, Inc., Dashride, Foam SpA, GEM Co Ltd, HCL Technologies Limited, IBM Corporation, Loyyal Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, NXM Labs Inc, RSK Labs Ltd., Shiftmobility, ShiftMobility Inc., Tech Mahindra Limited, and Xain AG. 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 Blockchain in Automotive Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Blockchain in Automotive Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Blockchain in Automotive Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Blockchain in Automotive Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Blockchain in Automotive Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Blockchain in Automotive Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Blockchain in Automotive Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06336929/?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. __________________________ English French MONTREAL, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) is pleased to announce that it has joined the United Nations Global Compact initiative a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices. Launched in 2000, the UN Global Compact is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 15,000 companies and 3,800 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and more than 69 Local Networks. "We are proud to join companies across the world that are demonstrating leadership by implementing responsible business practices. Sustainability is central to CNs objective to be the safest and most carbon-efficient, operationally effective, and customer-centric railroad in North America. Tracy Robinson, CN's Chief Executive Officer The UN Global Compact calls for companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of UN goals and issues embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals. As a participant of the initiative, CN encourages you to visit its profile on the UN Global Compact website and learn more about CNs latest sustainability work on the Companys website at https://www.cn.ca/delivering-responsibly About the United Nations Global Compact As a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Our ambition is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. About CN CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 18,600-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Contacts: New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market Research Report by Product Type, Technology, End user, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06306403/?utm_source=GNW 54% to reach USD 5,759.03 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 Chromatography Accessories & Consumables to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Product Type, the market was studied across Autosamplers, Chromatography Fittings & Tubing, Columns & Column Accessories, Flowmeters & Pumps, Fraction Collectors, LC Detectors & GC Detectors, Mobile Phase Accessories & Consumables, Other Accessories & Consumable, and Pressure Regulators. Based on Technology, the market was studied across Gas Chromatography, Liquid Chromatography, and Other Chromatography Technologies. Based on End user, the market was studied across Educational & Research Institutes, Environmental Agencies, Food & Beverage Industry, Hospitals & Clinics, Oil & Gas Industry, Other, and Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry. 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 Chromatography Accessories & Consumables 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 Chromatography Accessories & Consumables 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 Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market, including Agilent Technologies, Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., DANI Instruments SpA, General Electric Company, Gilson, Inc., Gl Sciences Inc., Hamilton Company, Hitachi, Ltd., Jasco, Inc., Merck KGaA, PerkinElmer, Inc., Phenomenex Inc., Restek Corporation, SCION Instruments NL BV, Shimadzu Corporation, SRI Instruments, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Trajan Scientific Australia Pty Ltd., Valco Instruments Co. Inc., and Waters Corporation. 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 Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Chromatography Accessories & Consumables Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06306403/?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. __________________________ New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management Market Research Report by Organization Size, Application, Industry Vertical, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06306069/?utm_source=GNW 49% to reach USD 101.74 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 Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Organization Size, the market was studied across Large Enterprises and Small and Medium Enterprises. Based on Application, the market was studied across Collaborative Design and Engineering, Compliance Management, Customer Management, Portfolio Management, and Product Data Management. Based on Industry Vertical, the market was studied across Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Energy and Utilities, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Industrial Machinery and Heavy Equipment, Retail and Consumer Goods, Semiconductor and Electronics, and Telecommunications and IT. 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 Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management 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 Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management 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 Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management Market, including Accenture PLC, Aras Corporation, Arena Solutions, Inc., Autodesk, Inc., Capgemini SE, Centric Software, Inc., Dassault Systemes, Duro Labs, Inc., Exenta, Inc., HCL Technologies Limited, IFS AB, Infor, Inc., L&T Technology Services Limited., Lascom, Odoo, Oracle Corporation, Propel PLM Inc., PTC, Inc., Razorleaf Corp, SAP SE, Siemens AG, Telekom Deutschland GmbH, Upchain Inc., Virtusa corp, and World Fashion Exchang (WFX PLM). 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 Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Cloud-Based Product Lifecycle Management Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06306069/?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. __________________________ ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Florida Watermelon Association, hosting the 54th Annual Florida Watermelon Association Convention at the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg, crowned Alyssa Armentrout, of Highlands County, the 2023 Florida Watermelon Queen. The Florida Watermelon Queen Program is a communications contest that provides scholarships to the winner and first runner-up. The Florida Watermelon Queen is the Florida Watermelon Association Ambassador, traveling North America promoting the Florida Watermelon. At the end of her reign, the Florida Watermelon Queen can compete for the title of National Watermelon Queen, representing the entire industry, along with her companion State Queens. Said Trey Miller, President of the Florida Watermelon Association, "On behalf of the FWA, I extend thanks to all the contestants who participated in this year's Queen Program. The Florida Watermelon Queen is essential in bringing support to the American farmer. Congratulations to Alyssa Armentrout, we look forward to your reign and the hard work you will put in promoting the Fresh Florida Watermelon." For more information on the Florida Watermelon Association and the 2023 Queen, visit www.flfwa.com. ### Contact Information: Madison Vogelbach Communication & Community Outreach madison@wilbursmith.law 239-334-7696 Related Images Image 1: Florida Watermelon Association Logo This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment SAN DIEGO, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reach Healthcare is pleased to announce a new feature within its Happy Mama App called Happy Mama Birthing. Happy Mama offers an innovative, personalized, person-centric solution customized to meet the unique needs of women ranging from pre-conception through pregnancy, labor and delivery, and up to 12 months postpartum. This newest feature extends the Happy Mama maternal health reach by delivering the first multi-sensory immersive platform to birthing rooms. It is a CES 2022 Innovation Tech Award recipient. Reach Healthcare will feature its Happy Mama immersive experience at HLTH 2022 as part of its three-part multi-sensory experiential exhibition entitled "Beyond the Ordinary," centrally located in the Bassano Rooms (#2602, 2603 and 2604). HLTH 2022 runs Nov. 13 through 16 at the Venetian Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas Nevada. Reach Healthcare's Happy Mama is reimagining the end-to-end pregnancy experience and ecosystem - whether at home, hospital or in birthing centers. By moving beyond the traditional physical focus of pregnancy, Happy Mama is a comprehensive biopsychosocial wellness platform for maternity care. Designed for and with pregnant women the Happy Mama App and Platform gives women a sense of control, safety, and calm during the birthing experience. It closes gaps in maternal health between what healthcare providers (HCP) offer and what women need and want. This Happy Mama digital therapeutic solution delivers immersive music, sound, visualization, biofeedback, and aroma therapy techniques without the need for wearable technology. Expectant moms can also create a personalized favorites list suitable to their chosen birth environment through Happy Mama's robust library of audio tracks for education, preparation, and use during pregnancy and labor, and after birth. Collaborations and Innovation Happy Mama is partnering with HealthTunes, a "digital pharmacy" of streaming evidence-based music therapies, and Moving Art by Louie Schwartzberg, a virtual imagery program. HealthTunes and Moving Art by Louie Schwartzberg are integrated into Happy Mama, enabling a highly personalized immersive sound and visualization solution for childbirth. "To realize change, maternal health needs the validation and adoption of innovative technology solutions that improve access to care, communication, care coordination, behavioral change, and social support," advocates Christina Wurster, Chief Executive Officer of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Other collaborators joining Reach Healthcare's Happy Mama at HLTH 2022 are Johnson and Johnson's Aveeno Baby, Beekley Medical's Elequil, Harman International, and Samsung Electronics. Other Happy Mama features to be on display include Zoom and HARMAN RCP. ABOUT HLTH 2022: HLTH (pronounced "health") is the leading platform bringing together the entire health ecosystem, focused on health innovation and transformation. From unparalleled events with industry-leading speakers to inspirational digital content and mission-driven initiatives, HLTH creates a unique marketplace for the health community leading the dialogue and development of a better health ecosystem. HLTH's mission is to gather the health community in curated, purposeful engagements that accelerate healthcare innovation. "Beyond the Ordinary" Special Media Tour for press only on Monday, Nov. 14 at HLTH 2022. RSVP: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLTH2022MEDIATOUR ABOUT REACH REACH is a 501c3 global innovative social impact organization whose mission is to improve and transform healthcare delivery and outcomes for providers and patients, as well as to offer cost-effective solutions for payers. Maternal mortality and morbidity prevention is a top priority area for the organization. Reach is the founder of the National Save Moms Campaign (http://savemoms.us), Save Moms Global (http://savemoms.global), Maternal Application of Technology for Community Health (MATCH) Coalition (http://matchcoalition.us), and Happy Mama (http://happymama.global) Contact Information: Matt Walker Community Outreach Lead info@reachtl.org 619-800-6443 Related Images Image 1 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Messaging Convention (STC), in partnership with the National Computer Emergency Response Team of Kazakhstan (KZ-CERT), announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deploy the international online safety campaign, STOP. THINK. CONNECT. in Kazakhstan. Originally launched in the United States in 2010, STOP. THINK. CONNECT. was founded by the APWG and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) along with a consortium of industry and government partners to educate people about how to protect themselves against all manner of cybersecurity and digital safety concerns. Since the initial launch of the campaign, 26 nations have officially engaged the campaign, deploying it through cabinet-level government ministries, national CERTs and national-scope NGOs. STC counts Japan, Spain, France, Poland, Nigeria, Nepal, Bangladesh, Panama, Romania and Tonga among those partnerships. At its launch, the KZ-CERT STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign will be the 25th national deployment of STOP. THINK. CONNECT. since the inaugural launch of the U.S. government's campaign in October 2010. Messaging Convention principals are in development discussions with national curators for deployments in the Americas, South Asia, Europe and Africa. State Technical Service JSC is a quasi-public organization that ultimately aims to form, develop and ensure the security of the information and communication infrastructure and cyberspace of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Having over 14 years of experience in performing its activities, STS JSC also serves as the head organization for KZ-CERT. The National Computer Emergency Response Team (KZ-CERT), in its turn, functions as the single center for national information systems users and Kazakhstani Internet segment, which provides collection and analysis of security incidents reports, as well as consultative and technical assistance to users in preventing cyberthreats. "Through establishing and developing international communication, KZ-CERT cooperates now with more than 80 countries around the world. As practice shows, engaging with foreign partners brings a positive effect in the field of ensuring information security. KZ-CERT has been an official APWG Member since June 27, 2012, and it has progressed with stable cooperation through the years. Now, together with STC, it became possible to strengthen our ties," said the Head of KZ-CERT. "Online safety and security is a growing global concern. As our lives become ever more connected, it becomes more important than ever that all people know how to protect themselves, how to identify and avoid malicious actors, and what steps they can take to defend their data," said Aimee Larsen Kirkpatrick, President of the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Messaging Convention. "As a society, we can begin by teaching the building blocks of what it takes to navigate the digital world safely and securely, and what to do if there is a breach. We're thrilled to have Kazakhstan become the latest country joining us in our mission to deliver basic digital safety awareness and education," Larsen Kirkpatrick said. The STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign's foundation is a series of actionable instructions that people can apply to their daily digital interaction. STC seeks to empower individuals to take control of their digital presence and learn how to navigate cyberspace using a framework of judgment based on the types of interactions and places one might experience online. "As an organization responsible for the safe cyberspace within Kazakhstan's territory, we recognize that improving our citizens' awareness on digital hygiene is one of the key tasks in performing our activities. We are pleased to have such an opportunity to establish cooperation with STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Messaging Convention, which will gradually help us reach the goal," said the Head of KZ-CERT. The agreement between the two organizations is an MoU to promote the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Campaign to the people of Kazakhstan. Campaign materials and messaging will be made available to KZ-CERT for building a localized campaign that will meet the needs of Kazakhstan. The Messaging Convention and KZ-CERT agree to co-develop materials to support the Kazakh national cybersecurity awareness campaign, including logos and messaging in Kazakh and Russian. Additionally, the organizations agree, when possible, to exchange cyber threat data, exchange experience on handling information security incidents, and seek to exchange information and ideas that will further understanding and cooperation in cybersecurity. "We are honored to bring KZ-CERT into the Messaging Convention as a national curator and as a development partner. KZ-CERT extends the global footprint of the campaign and comes with the special expertise and purview of a national computer emergency response team," said APWG Secretary General and Messaging Convention CEO Peter Cassidy. "Concluding this Memorandum of Understanding, KZ-CERT has high hopes for our future fruitful joint work that will come of great experience and value for both sides," said the Head of KZ-CERT. Contact Information: Peter Cassidy Secretary General pcassidy@apwg.org 6176691123 Related Images Image 1: KZ-CERT KZ-CERT Image 2: APWG APWG Image 3: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. STOP. THINK. CONNECT. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Australian-owned travel company, Inspiring Vacations, who offers experiences around the world from Egypt tours to tours of Cape York, travel and tourism can provide huge benefits for communities, particularly when managed sustainably. As consumers grow increasingly concerned about the negative impact caused by the sector, Inspiring Vacations says it has influenced purchasing decisions as travellers look for providers that offer sustainable or environmentally-friendly options. Awareness has increased around the emissions from air travel, the social harm caused by over-tourism and the environmental destruction caused by the development of tourist infrastructure. Inspiring Vacations says in response, many travel brands are moving to confront the issue and a growing niche industry is emerging that prioritises sustainability. Intrepid Travel is one of the first carbon-neutral tour operators and has recently removed short haul flights from its top 50 itineraries, replacing them with alternatives such as bus and train travel. Recently, the company urged delegates at the Abta travel convention in Morocco to take industry action now. Passionate about travel and making the booking experience as easy as possible for customers, Inspiring Vacations has partnered with the best tour operators in the industry, including Intrepid, to offer the very best tours possible, while encouraging customers to make responsible travel choices. Working to maximise the benefits created by tourism, Inspiring Vacations works in partnership with a worldwide network of local travel experts. Aiming to provide exceptional travel experiences worldwide from the best guided tours Egypt wide to Cape York tours and everywhere in between, the travel operator encourages travellers to support communities and preserve nature while travelling. With consumers more concerned about sustainability than ever, the travel industry needs to consider how it can improve customer experiences and make sure it is demonstrating how it is making an impact to address concerns. To discover sustainable travel options including tours to Egypt and tours to Cape York, contact Inspiring Vacations. Contact Information: Inspiring Vacations Marketing Manager bookme@inspiringvacations.com 1300 88 66 88 Related Images Image 1: Inspiring Vacations Inspiring Vacations This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment Haas team boss Guenther Steiner is optimistic about the team's chances in Brazil. In the preview on the team's website, Steiner says he is excited by the prospect of a sprint race and thinks the team will do even better next year. Article continues under ad With two races to go, it looks very much like eighth place among constructors is the highest Haas can achieve this season. While that is not a great result, it is an improvement on the past two seasons. Haas still has to be careful though, as AlphaTauri is nipping at the US team's heels with just one point difference. The race in Brazil will be the third race this year preceded by a sprint race. For Steiner, a reason to be positive as sprint races have produced good results for Haas this year. "In Austria and Imola this year we scored points in both sprint and the main race. So yes, I was very happy with that. I would like to see more sprint races because it makes the whole race weekend more interesting." 'This trend will continue into next season' Looking ahead to next season, Steiner says he is optimistic about the team's chances. After a disappointing season in 2020 and effectively sacrificing the 2021 season to push development forward, Steiner says there has been visible progress with the car. In his estimation, the trend of improvement will continue next year. These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Realme is introducing its latest number series in China next week, and we expect to see the Realme 10 Pro and Realme 10 Pro+, as well as a 5G-enabled version of the Realme 10 that is launching globally tomorrow. The company now teased key details about the screen of the 10 Pro/10 Pro Plus - it will have an ultra-thin 2.33 mm bottom bezel thanks to the COP Ultra technology. The teaser also mentioned 120Hz refresh rate and 61-degree curvature of the sides. The big question is whether these specs will be applicable to both Pro devices or only the Pro+ is getting the flagship-tier features. Realme 10 series teasers The Pro duo was also allegedly benchmarked, as phones with model numbers RMX3687 and RMX3663 appeared on Geekbench. If we can trust the listings, the former, being the more powerful, is the Realme 10 Pro+ and it reached 845 in the single-core score, 2,377 with multiple cores. The results of the latter are less impressive, meaning the phone is indeed the 10 Pro, and the source code revealed an Adreno 619 GPU which is usually part of the Snapdragon 695 chipset. Realme 10 Pro+ and Realme 10 Pro on Geekbench The Geekbench results reveal Android 13 out of the box, and we can hope they will have Realme UI 4.0 on top, which should be announced during the November 17 event as well. Source (in Chinese) | Via The legacy of Master Carver Robert Philip Taitano, who died Saturday at the age of 84, will be carried on by his son, Roby Taitano and grandson, Jerrick Salas, said Kaya Taitano, the master carvers granddaughter. They continue to honor his work at The Ifit Shop, located at his Yigo home where he worked on his carvings, Kaya Taitano said. Recognized as a master carver by the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, Robert Taitano was known for his specialty pieces that were created for many dignitaries and government leaders, and his efforts to pass on his craft. Robert Philip Taitanos legacy is celebrated by the impact he made in the lives of the people who knew him. The ripples he made extended far and wide, wherever he went. He always made people laugh and helped everyone who needed him, Kaya Taitano said. Through his artwork, stories of the CHamoru people span the world. On Guam, he provided numerous workshops and presentations for children in local schools and through his involvement with a youth program run by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, according to Guampedia. In 2018, the CHamoru master participated in a grant program to teach three inmates at the Department of Corrections how to carve. This is good, makes me help the people so they can help themselves when they get out, he said about the program. We join the island of Guam in mourning the passing of master carver Robert Philip Taitano, who used his natural gift for wood carving to give priceless gifts to the people of Guam and beyond for nearly 40 years, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in a statement on Tuesday. Whether it was wooden tables, cabinets, clocks or cutting boards, he not only created timeless showpieces he nurtured a self-taught, God-given ability to bring a sense of artistry to our endemic ifit tree. Wherever his works may go, we know they will carry his heart and soul, and thus the heart and soul of Guam, Leon Guerrero said in the statement. Legacy and accomplishments According to Guampedia, Taitano was born in Hagatna in 1938 to Francisca Santiago Taitano and Robert Flores Taitano. After World War II, the family moved to Yigo, where Taitano went on to practice his craft at The Ifit Shop, which is located next to his home. Taitano taught himself how to carve in the 1980s, and his talents gained enough recognition that he was able to establish his business by taking on requests to carve wooden items. Taitanos carvings became sought after by numerous Guam governors, senators, and dignitaries. According to Guampedia, in 1998, with only a few weeks notice, Taitano was tasked with carving 13 ifit wood chairs to seat President William Clinton and other visiting dignitaries. The chairs are now housed in a museum in Hawaii. In homes across our island and especially in the CHamoru diaspora, our people always will have a beloved piece of his to cherish and pass down for generations, Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio said in the statement. At his shop in Yigo and at the Chamorro Village, he and his family and apprentices embodied the Hafa Adai spirit and offered so much more through their art than could ever be manufactured. This caliber of talent and commitment should serve as an inspiration to all cultural artists, as well as those who will step up to perpetuate the art of ifit carving for the future, Tenorio said. Family memories Kaya Taitanos fondest memory of her grandfather is when he would take her and her cousins ayuyu hunting overnight. We didnt need headlamps at the cliffline because the moon lit up the entire area, including the ocean. We set ponne along the same caves and trails that sustained my family for generations, even before their home and farm were destroyed during the Japanese occupation, Kaya Taitano said. She remembers sitting with her cousins, listening to her grandfather tell stories around the fire. We were up before dawn and started down the trail one more time before returning home. Along the way, we came across a baby deer and its mother. They stared at my papa unafraid. Everyone was silent. This same picture regularly comes to me in my dreams. In this peaceful moment, everything was perfect. I now wonder how my papa interpreted that moment. Looking back at it, could the deer have been a representation of my nana and Annie, his little sister who died and was buried along the side of the trail to Manenggon? Was my nana letting him know that they were together and OK? Only he would know, Kaya Taitano said. A vintage Datsun and a later model Nissan are displayed by their owners during the first Nissan Generation (NGEN) car show and car meet at the Nissan-Infiniti Guam dealership in upper Tumon on Dec. 1, 2018. The 3rd Annual NGEN Car Show will be held on Nov. 12, 2022, at the Nissan Guam dealership. For children living in shelters, group homes or in foster care, birthdays can be difficult. A local nonprofit is asking for help to bake birthday cakes for kids who do not normally get a cake to celebrate their special day. Deane Jessee-Jones, acting chair of Bake Their Day, spoke to the Rotary Club of Tumon Bay about the organizations mission on Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency Guam in Tamuning. Bake Their Day is made up of 19 volunteer home bakers who create specialized birthday cakes based on a childs hobbies or interests. An example is a superhero themed cake with the kids favorite character, Iron Man. Jessee-Jones said they get this information from the childs social worker. Some of the children they bake for have never had their birthdays celebrated, or gotten a cake before, she said. The nonprofit has served youth at the Alee Shelter, Sanctuary Inc., I Guma Minaase Home, Liheng Sinafo Homeless Shelter, the Department of Youth Affairs and foster care. A lot of times these kids dont have their family to celebrate with them, so you do a lot for the community, said Sanctuary Inc. Executive Director Victor Camacho. They have baked 65 cakes since the nonprofit was launched in January. Jessee-Jones asked the club members and community for help to either become volunteer bakers or donate money to buy ingredients. Even though its volunteers, and they are donating ingredients, its $100 for each cake, she said. The organization is currently holding a sponsor-a-cake campaign known as the Holiday Cake Angels program. The first 50 donors who give $100 or more will receive an apron recognizing their contribution as a cake angel. She said another way to contribute is by making Bake Their Day the charity of choice on Amazon Smile, which means a small percentage of items purchased through the site will go to the non-profit at no extra cost to the customer. At the meeting the club presented Jessee-Jones with a check for $500. Precinct officials from Talo'fo'fo' arrive at the tabulation center at the University of Guam Calvo Field Nov. 8, 2022. The economy and drug-related crime are some of Guams biggest challenges during the next four years, the islands gubernatorial candidates said Tuesday morning after they cast their ballots in the general election. Democratic Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and former two-term Republican Gov. Felix Camacho voted within minutes of each other at John F. Kennedy High School before leaving to visit polling places islandwide. Guams biggest challenge is the economy, the cost of living, said Leon Guerrero, who is seeking a second term with running mate Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio. Crime, of course influenced by drugs, and just overall lifting up the quality of life for our people. Leon Guerrero said her administration has addressed those issues, even in the height of a god-awful pandemic. We continue to stabilize our finances, we continue to diversify our economy. We come out with a very strong economic future, Leon Guerrero said. The unemployment rate is low, and the islands gross domestic product is growing, she said. Youre seeing more people shifting into better-paying jobs because of our work and our partnership with GCC, UOG, the Trades Academy, she said. Theres been a lot of fear in the community about crime and violence thats been ongoing out there, said Camacho, who is seeking a third term at Adelup with running mate Sen. Tony Ada. The only thing thats gone down in price has been the price of meth. Illegal drug problem Camacho said addressing the illegal drug problem will require a multi-faceted approach, with properly staffed and equipped Guam law enforcement working with federal law enforcement. Those involved in the drug trade right now, theyre part of a large organization that is beyond the shores of Guam, and were going to need federal assistance to tackle this, he said. Military buildup Ada, during a Guam Contractors Association meeting in October, said the government of Guam can expect about $100 million a year in revenue in connection with military buildup projects, with a steady stream of additional tax revenue after those projects are complete. Leon Guerrero said that additional revenue is being used wisely, in a fiscally responsible way, to invest in the community. Were pushing it back out in better public service for our people, more police officers out there, more teachers out there, more nurses out there, more firemen out there giving it also to help businesses maintain their operations, employ their people, she said. The military is very aware that I support the military buildup, with conditions, Leon Guerrero said. The conditions are to respect our people, our culture and our island. Businesses Camacho, who supports lowering the business privilege tax from 5% to 4%, said Guam should use the buildup tax revenue to improve infrastructure. There are many areas of Guam, pockets of Guam, right now where the individual family, homeowners or even developers cannot afford to bring in water, sewer, power, Camacho said. If we can lay that foundation upon which they can build their homes, then businesses can also become established. There is so much to be done, Camacho said. Twenty years ago, I came in and we had nothing. There was no hope, there was no money. It was a totally destroyed economy. Now its destroyed by decisions made by Gov. Leon Guerrero and Josh, with the (health emergency) executive orders. Leon Guerrero said her political opponents have campaigned negatively during this election, without offering any solutions. It was mostly gloom and doom and personal attacks, she said. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio declared victory early Wednesday morning on the stage of their campaign headquarters, leading their Republican opponents by thousands of votes at the time, with most of the general election ballots counted. After all ballots in the 67 precincts were tabulated, Democrats Leon Guerrero and Tenorio led Republican former Gov. Felix Camacho and running mate Sen. Tony Ada by 18,381 votes to 14,620. The best is yet to come, Tenorio told supporters at about 3:15 a.m. The next four years are going to be remarkable. There will be challenges, but theres going to be way more opportunities. Leon Guerrero and Tenorio shared the stage with some of the winning Democratic legislative candidates, who joined supporters in shouting, four more years. Leon Guerrero is the first woman elected, and now reelected, as governor of Guam. In the next four years you will see a strong economy. In the next four years you will see a new hospital, Leon Guerrero said. You will see Simon Sanchez (High School) built. In the next four years you will see all our schools maintained and improved and expanded and renovated, because our children deserve no less than that. Leon Guerrero said the tax revenue from increased economic activity will be returned to the community by investing it in education, public safety and infrastructure. You believed in us, and forever I will be grateful for that, Leon Guerrero said. And Ill tell you, in this next four years Josh and I are going to work even harder for our people of Guam, very closely with the Legislature. These are our partners up here. With all precincts counted, the Democrats will retain the majority during the next Legislature, by a margin of 9-6. The Guam Diabetes Association will host its 23rd Annual Guam Diabetes Conference from 8 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday at the Micronesian Room of the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. Themed Who Cares for Diabetes, the event will feature several doctors and guest speakers discussing more information about the disease. Some of those set to appear are Dr. Melliza Young, Dr. Karla Silverio-Fernando and Dr. Katherine Banal. Presenters Young, whos from Guam Regional Medical City and a consultant for the Pacific Chronic Disease Council, has contributed to the Guam Diabetes Control Coalition by helping create the diabetes registry framework. She has strengthened partnerships between GRMC and the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services to improve health literacy through a patient education program. Shes expected to present on how diabetes affects the community. Silverio-Fernand is from St. Lukes Medical Center in the Philippines. She is part of the Technical Working Group of the ongoing Clinical Practice Guidelines on Type 2 Diabetes and was recently elected as Board of Trustees of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. She will be leading a session on recognizing and preventing diabetic complications. Banal, also from the Philippines, is a consultant for The Medical City hospital, where a large number of the patients she sees daily are people with diabetes mellitus. She will be discussing ways on how to manage diabetes through medication and effective monitoring. Registration Although online registration is closed, those interested in attending can register at the Hilton before the start of the conference. The event is also free of charge. Guam residents in support of self-determination march toward the District Court of Guam building on Marine Corps Drive in Hagatna Sept. 2, 2019. Lee Webber is the former publisher of the Pacific Daily News, Honoululu Advertiser, president of Gannett Pacific and Asia area manager for USA Today international. Editors note: This column has been edited for length. Read it in its entirety online at guampdn.com. Haiti - Justice : Worsening of detention conditions in Haiti Lawyers Without Borders Canada (ASFC) is deeply concerned about the deterioration of detention conditions in prisons in Haiti in recent weeks. Unsanitary conditions, promiscuity, lack of access to drinking water and food are inhuman conditions of detention that violate the fundamental rights of detainees, prescribed by the Haitian Constitution and international instruments for the protection of human rights. This degradation occurs in a context where the resurgence of cholera has already killed at least 25 people in the civil prison of Port-au-Prince. Cases are also suspected at the Croix-des-Bouquets prison. It should be noted that the Ministry has not updated, for an unknown reason, the cholera situation in the National Penitentiary since October 12, the balance sheet of which then stood at: 271 suspected cases +33.49% in 24 hours (the day before 203 suspected cases) 12 Confirmed cases +0 in 24 hours (the day before 12 confirmed cases) 14 Deaths +16.66% in 24 hours (the day before 12 deaths) Meanwhile, the dysfunction of the judiciary has worsened. The Court of First Instance in Port-au-Prince is still occupied and controlled by gang members, several courts of appeal, Courts of Peace and First Instance (TPI) have been vandalized in various jurisdictions, including in Gonaives and Petit-Goave. Faced with this observation, ASFC calls on the authorities concerned to take urgent and effective measures to combat prison overcrowding. Nearly 11,000 people are currently imprisoned in Haiti. The occupancy rate in the country's four main prisons exceeds 400%. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23478-haiti-flash-haiti-world-champion-of-prison-overcrowding.html "[...] The situation prevailing in Haitian prisons is more than worrying : it is a crisis within a crisis. The Haitian State must act quickly to restore the judicial system in Port-au-Prince as in all the jurisdictions of the country," declared Me Gael Petillon, Director of ASFC-Haiti. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34148-haiti-flash-the-hell-of-haitian-prisons-report.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33408-haiti-justice-detainees-in-haiti-at-the-gates-of-hell.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23478-haiti-flash-haiti-world-champion-of-prison-overcrowding.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20317-haiti-justice-gustavo-gallon-harshly-judge-the-haitian-prison-system.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20013-haiti-flash-nightmare-at-the-national-penitentiary.html HL/ HaitiLibre Local francophone community upset over health hub name change Fred Sherwin Nov. 10, 2022 Members of Orleans francophone community are upset over the renaming of the Orleans Health Hub to the Aline-Chretien Health Hub, which translates to the Carre-four sante Aline-Chretien. The decision to remove Orleans from the name of the Orleans Health Hub has upset a a number of francophone leaders living in the community. MONTFORT FOUNDATION GRAPHIC But they are not so upset over the choice of the person who the building has been named after as they over the fact that the word Orleans has been removed without any consultation with the community. According to the Orleans Health Hub website, the centre received a $1.5 million donation as part of a campaign to raise $12 million to help fund construction of the building. There's is no mention of who made the donation accept that it precipitated the name change. The Montfort Foundation offers major donors a say in the naming that meets their level of giving. Thus, following an exceptional pledge, in consultation with the Hopital Montforts administration, the Hub will henceforth bear the name Aline-Chretien Health Hub." The naming of buildings and other significant landmarks is often reserved for prominent community leaders, such as politicians like mayors and prime ministers, or people who have played a role in building the local community. Not only was Aline Chretien not a community figure of any standing in Orleans, its doubtful she had ever visited the community. Societe franco-ontarienne du patrimoine et de lhistoire dOrleans (SFOPHO) vice-president Louis Patry is responsible for naming a number of streets and parks in Orleans after the areas earliest settlers and community builders. In order to name a street or park in the City of Ottawa, you have to go through an extensive process that includes submitting documentation as to why the persons name should be used, which is followed by a period during which members of the public can provide their own input. In an interview with the Orleans Star, Patry made it clear that he has nothing against Aline Chretien, rather he wants Orleans to somehow remain part of the name. Patry found out about the name change on Oct. 20, the day it was announced during a reception for major donors at the Health Hub. He was taken by complete surprise as was a number of other prominent francophone leaders in the area, especially after the facility had been advertised as the Orleans Health Hub for more than 10 years and during the entire fundraising campaign. The whole fundraising campaign was carried out using the name Carrefour sante Orleans, and then as soon as they reach their goal they remove the name Orleans. Its trickery, argues Patry who was subsequently informed in a letter from Montfort Foundation president and CEO Marc Villeneuve that naming the health hub after Madame Chretien was the exclusive responsibility of the Montfort Hospitals board of directors. Haiti - News : Zapping... Assassination of Jovenel Moise, already 16 months May 7, 2021 - November 7, 2022 it has been 16 months since Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in his home by a commando made up of foreign elements https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html Reaction from former First Lady Martine Moise : "16 months that HAITI, the DIASPORA are fighting to obtain justice for President JOVENEL MOISE. This odious crime affects justice, education, the life of the people. We will continue to ask for a special international tribunal so that light is shed on execution of the President," Martine Moise Reaction from former Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe : "It's been 16 months that we demand Justice for Jovenel. We will never stop until JUSTICE is done !" Laurent Lamothe Interception of a vehicle stolen as part of a kidnapping case A gray Jeep, SCION brand and registered: AA-57382, stolen as part of a kidnapping case in Delmas 75, was intercepted on Saturday November 5, 2022 in Mirebalais. The driver of the vehicle Jhoncy Vincent, 20 years old, from Belladere, was arrested. He is currently in custody pending the necessary legal action. 2 suspected bandits mortally wounded Two alleged bandits were fatally injured in exchanges of fire with the Police, at the Puits Blain station, this Monday, November 7, 2022. A 9mm caliber pistol was recovered by the agents during this operation. A bounty on the heads of 3 gang leaders Secretary of State Antony Blinken said yesterday Monday "Today the U.S. Department of State announced rewards of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of three Haitian gang leaders allegedly responsible for the kidnapping for ransom of 16 Americans in Haiti in October 2021." https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38080-haiti-usa-$3m-for-the-capture-of-three-gang-leaders-and-more.html Release of 2 hostages Agronomist Anthony Dessources, member of the executive committee of the political party Fanmi Lavalas and Ronald Germain were released on Friday November 4, 2022, after several days of confinement. They had been kidnapped on Saturday October 29, 2022 by armed individuals. While "strongly" condemning this kidnapping, Fanmi Lavalas had denounced all the crimes and kidnappings committed in the country plagued by insecurity and the high cost of living. HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2022/11/07 | Source Actor Lee Dong-wook greeted fans on his debut anniversary and birthday. Advertisement On the 6th, Lee Dong-wook posted a long post on Instagram. In the post, Lee Dong-wook said, "Yesterday, today. I sincerely thank you for your debut anniversary and birthday wishes", he said. He then said, "I reflect on my passion once again", and added, "I am so happy that it is a job that is shown so much love". However, Lee Dong-wook said, "But this year, I felt bad to feel the happiness completely", and added, "It was a week where many emotions intersect", he recalled. Lee Dong-wook said, "I sincerely wish you good health and peace. Be happy", he added, "I always believe that happiness is in the closest place". Meanwhile, Lee Dong-wook celebrated his birthday on the 6th following his debut anniversary on November 5th. Currently, he is scheduled to appear in tvN's new drama "Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938" and is set to air in 2023. Published on 2022/11/07 | Source Actor Lee Hak-joo is married. Advertisement Lee Hak-joo married a non-celebrity bride on November 6th. The wedding of the two was held behind closed doors with only relatives and close acquaintances attending. In particular, a large number of actors who worked with Lee Hak-joo in JTBC's "Private Lives" attended the event, drawing attention. Seohyun said on her Instagram, "Hak-joo, I sincerely congratulate you on your wedding. Even if we gathered after a long time, I uploaded a picture with the "Private Lives" team, which is as strong as we met yesterday". The released photo shows the friendly images of Lee Hak-joo and the actors who attended the wedding. Earlier, SM C&C, the agency, delivered the news of Lee Hak-joo's marriage in September, saying, "The bride-to-be is a non-celebrity, and we promised to become a lifelong partner based on strong trust and love with actor Lee Hak-joo". In addition, Lee Hak-joo said on the fan cafe that he was marrying someone who has been by his side for a long time and that he'd love for his fans to give their blessings. Meanwhile, Lee Hak-joo made his debut in 2012 with the movie "The World of the Married", "My Name", " Political Fever", "Private Lives", "Artificial City", "Shadow Detective", movies, "The Negotiation", "Welcome to the Guesthouse", "Sinkhole", and "Decision to Leave". Published on 2022/11/07 | Source The late actor Song Jae-ho marked the second anniversary of his death. Advertisement The deceased finally closed his eyes on November 7th, 2020, after struggling with chronic diseases for a long time. The deceased, a native of South Pyongan Province, was called the 'the nation's father' for appearing in more than 200 dramas and movies. He starred in the movies "Yeong-ja's Heydays", "Three Short Times", and "That Winter Was Warm" and met with the audience with "Memories of Murder", "The President's Last Bang", "South of the Border", "May 18", and "Haeundae". He has appeared in many dramas such as the drama "Homecoming", "TV Chun-hyang", "Tree with Love", "Miss. Ripley", "Que Sera, Sera", "Precious Family" and "Empress Myeongseong", and his posthumous work is the movie "Race to Freedom: Um Bok Dong". The late Song Jae-ho paid special attention to the environment and children and worked hard on social welfare activities, and participated in the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics as a referee because he had a license to judge the International Shooting Federation. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (PANA) - 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 We're a family of seven living in Georgia where Andrew's working as a professor at GSU. You can read more about us here Opening on 10th November 2022 , EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art unveils its largest project to date: a new 1000m exhibition space dedicated to Collection Kakkonen. Bridging the gap between art and design, Collection Kakkonen has been brought together over the course of 35 years by prominent businessman and collector Kyosti Kakkonen, subsequently gaining recognition as the most significant collection of unique and limited-edition Finnish glass and ceramics in the world. Collection Kakkonen will be introduced to the media on Tuesday, 8 November, at 10 am at EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art. You can follow the streaming of the event on Zoom via this link. In Finnish. The exhibition is a collaboration between Kyosti Kakkonen, EMMA and the City of Espoo and it has been curated by EMMA's curator Aura Vilkuna. Design classics and works by some of the most important artists and designers from the golden age of Finnish design (1930s60s) to today will be exhibited alongside next generation figures, creating an unparalleled insight into the story of Finnish craftsmanship. The exhibition architecture has been designed by design studio Aivan. Helmi Riitahuhta (left), Alma Jantunen (right). Collection Kakkonen, EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Exhibition Centre WeeGee, 2022. Ari Karttunen / EMMA Collection Kakkonen features works by Alvar Aalto, Jasmin Anoschkin, Arttu Brummer, Rut Bryk, Alfred William Finch, Kaj Franck, Liisa Hallamaa, Annikki Hovisaari, Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, Alma Jantunen, Birger Kaipiainen, Joonas Laakso, Tyra Lundgren, Aino Marsio-Aalto, Francesca Mascitti Lindh, Toini Muona, Gunnel Nyman, Aimo Okkolin, Johannes Rantasalo, Heini Riitahuhta, Kristina Riska, Yrjo Rosola, Kyllikki Salmenhaara, Antti Salmenlinna, Markku Salo, Timo Sarpaneva, Michael Schilkin, Aune Siimes, Kim Simonsson, Nanny Still, Gerda Thesleff, Raija Tuumi, Oiva Toikka, Kati Tuominen-Niittyla, Helena Tynell and Tapio Wirkkala. Kyosti Kakkonen began gathering the collection in 1988. Following the death of ceramist Toini Muona, he acquired her entire surviving oeuvre, marking the start of his love affair with Finnish design. Beginning with The Story of the Collection, the exhibition is divided into thematic displays which are drawn from, and inspired by, the works on show. In Art and Design, parallels, rather than distinctions, between these two fields are brought to light. For instance, Gerda Thesleff's ceramic dish (1922), illustrated with an intricate, hand-painted landscape, can be viewed as both design object and artwork. Touching Beauty reviews changing tastes and fashions, whilst Molten Glass, Fired Clay observes the works through a more technical lens, reviewing their different materials, how they are made, and the history of these techniques. Oiva Toikka, Glass Forest, 2003. Collection Kakkonen, EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Exhibition Centre WeeGee, 2022. Ari Karttunen / EMMA Forms of Power showcases works which have served as instruments of power, exploring how artists wield influence through the subject matter of their art. Emphasising these evocative pieces as products of their historical context, EMMA invites viewers to take a critical and contemporary look at the challenging imagery and symbolism they illustrate. In addition, the exhibition explores how the power of art and design was harnessed in building Finnish national identity most specifically after the 1940s, when a war-impoverished nation gained new international visibility with its technical and artistic prowess. Art and design in post-war Finland is similarly explored in Art for Every Home, when ceramic and glassware experienced a rapid rise in popularity. Due to the newfound value of home life, increased social equality, and boom in Finnish design, such objects instantly became design classics and were welcomed as emblems of a new, modern age. Works such as Alvar Aalto's Savoy Vases (1937) ask us to question why certain pieces have achieved iconic status, what they mean to us, and what might be deemed a future 'classic'. Collection Kakkonen includes more than 10,000 items, of which 1,300 works are lent to EMMA in a long-term co-operation agreement with specific highlights being exhibited regularly. For instance, this November, glass artist and designer Markku Salo's work Gazebo (1990/2022) invites visitors to step into an intricate glass hut designed with organisms and animals across its surface, whilst his Amazonas (1991/2022) voices a sculptural commentary on the decimation of Amazonian rainforests. Toini Muona, vases, 1940s1950s. Collection Kakkonen, EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Exhibition Centre WeeGee, 2022. Ari Karttunen / EMMA The opening of Collection Kakkonen's exhibition space coincides with the 50th anniversary of the City of Espoo, an area steeped in design and architectural tradition, situated 30 minutes from the country's capital, Helsinki. The opening of the exhibition plays a remarkable role in the jubilee of the City of Espoo. Located in Espoo's WeeGee Exhibition Centre a 1960s brutalist complex designed by esteemed Finnish architect Aarno Ruusuvuori the new exhibition space pays homage to Ruusuvuori through a concrete interior which echoes his Modernist vision. Elements of Finnish wood will be interwoven into the exhibition design, gesturing to the significant role nature has played as both an inspiration for the works and the origin of their raw materials. The enduring appeal of glass art and ceramics rests upon a legacy of skills and knowledge passed down through generations. The artists featured in Collection Kakkonen draw inspiration from both international trends and local traditions, revealing the history of 20th and 21st century Finnish design, while mirroring the best of boundary-pushing design from across the world. EMMA's Executive Director, Pilvi Kalhama, expands: "As a collector, Kyosti Kakkonen has carried out a unique cultural deed over decades. The opening of Collection Kakkonen will bring the largest collection of Finnish glass and ceramic art on display at EMMA and further strengthen our position as a presenter of design. The exhibition will offer EMMA's visitors a unique opportunity to explore the many perspectives on the story of Finnish design.'' Collector Kyosti Kakkonen says: "The WeeGee building offers an excellent setting for displaying my collection of glass and ceramic design. What started as a young man's dream nearly forty years ago has now grown in scale to be Finland's largest private art collection of its kind. The collection has seen various international design exhibitions around the world most recently in Japan and in Germany - but I am more than delighted to see the works in Finland, housed in a bespoke space at EMMA. Here, the Finnish artists can get their works most of them unique closer to nature, the very source of their inspiration. I dare say that my collection of glass and ceramics will certainly inspire other artists, collectors, and, above all, glass and ceramic design lovers, thus further enhancing Finland's reputation as the epicenter of design.'' Birger Kaipiainen, Bead Bird (Curlew), 1960. Collection Kakkonen, EMMA Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Exhibition Centre WeeGee, 2022. Ari Karttunen / EMMA HT Source: Espoo Museum of Modern Art The newspaper wrote yesterday citing eight sources that the government is struggling enormously to agree on language that is acceptable also to the Centre Party. THE GOVERNMENT of Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) is scrambling to draft its response to an interpellation presented by opposition parties about the nature restoration regulation proposed by the European Commission, reports Helsingin Sanomat. Sources from several ruling parties revealed that the ruling party is continuing to make new demands to, effectively, move the goal post further and further. The Centre has demanded that the government position on the proposal be revised during the parliamentary process to include tougher language, receiving support not only from the National Coalition but also from the Social Democrats and Swedish Peoples Party. The Green League and Left Alliance, in turn, have supported the position the ruling parties agreed on originally, which also views that the proposal must be amended. Tiina Elo (Greens) in October outlined that the governments position supports the goals of the regulation but also makes critical observations on, for example, the cost impacts, lack of data, uncertainties related to impact assessments and the varying circumstances and leeway of member states. The unusual thing about this is that the ruling parties dont even disagree on the restoration regulation. Theyre all calling for changes to it. This isnt about content, but about creating impressions, one source stated to Helsingin Sanomat on Monday. Also Iltalehti and Ilta-Sanomat wrote yesterday about the disagreement that, at worst, could topple the government. The government has to respond to the interpellation on Wednesday, with a confidence vote looming on Friday. Most of the Centres lawmakers siding with the opposition parties would be enough to swing the vote in favour of no-confidence. The dispute is widely attributed to the struggles of the Centre, according to Helsingin Sanomat. The party has sought to disrupt the work of the government throughout the autumn in a bid to put an end to its abysmal performance in opinion polls. Helsingin Sanomat on Monday wrote that four of its sources believe the party is seeking to prolong the process to coerce the prime minister to declare that the country will vote against the regulation unless its amendment demands are met. Other members of the ruling coalition pointed out that adopting a categorically negative position is dubious because the proposal will not be put to a vote until after the parliamentary elections held in Finland in April 2023. The impasse was described as absurd by many of the sources, according to the newspaper. Finlands official position on the regulation, they reminded, is not defined by how the government responds to the interpellation, but rather by the Parliaments Grand Committee late in November. The European Commission is proposing in its draft regulation that at least 20 per cent of forest, water and wetland areas in the 27-country bloc be restored by 2030. It is noteworthy that restoration, as defined by the commission, does not signify protection but simply the restoration of the habitat type from the 1950s. The proposal has driven a wedge between the ruling parties throughout the autumn. It has also come under criticism from other stakeholders in Finland. Finnish Forest Industry has argued that the restoration target and associated costs are unfair because the country started utilising its forest resources later than other member states. The Association of Finnish Municipalities, in turn, has criticised the proportional targets set for increasing green areas in cities and municipalities. In Finland, municipalities consist of a lot more than densely built residential areas. The obligation to increase [green areas] by three per cent could mean hundreds of hectares of new green areas in a single municipality in Finland, Miira Riipinen, the head of urban development and environment at the Association of Finnish Municipalities, told Helsingin Sanomat in October. Our interpretation is that itd radically affect construction, she summarised. CORRECTION: An unedited version of this article erroneously claimed that the Parliament will vote on confidence in the government on Wednesday. While the government has to respond to the interpellation on Wednesday, the vote is set to take place on Friday. Aleksi Teivainen HT Commissioners commit the last of county's $22.8M rescue plan award Committing the last of $22.8 million in American Rescue Plan money Henderson County received, the Board of Commissioners agreed to appropriate $1.5 million to cover the cost of running water and sewer lines to an affordable housing community off Sugarloaf Road. Commissioners said it was appropriate to spend the last of the ARP money on affordable housing, which is widely regarded as one of the most urgent needs for working families priced out of the county's inflated housing market. The average cost of a home has reached $450,000 and only 16 percent of homes currently on the market are listed for under $300,000, Ashlyn McCoy, the Housing Assistance Corp.'s executive director, told commissioners Monday night. The water and sewer lines from the city of Hendersonville utility system would serve Apple Ridge, a proposed development of 60 apartments and 20 single-family homes. Not having to borrow $1.5 million for the water and sewer line extension means that the cost of the single-family homes will be substantially lower, HAC says. Apartment rent is projected to range from $329 to $1,033. Although it did not win approval for tax credit financing from the N.C. Housing Finance Agency this year, HAC plans to apply again next year, McCoy said. The single-family homes are expected to sell to qualified families for $229,000. HAC is using a USDA loan to construct the homes and using its Self Help and New Homes programs to get them occupied by qualified applicants. Commissioner Daniel Andreotta wanted the county to commit to half the total and call on the Hendersonville City Council to cover the other half. County Manager John Mitchell said he had spoken to City Manager John Connet but had not gotten a commitment. Im disappointed that the city has met (since commissioners first suggested the cost-sharing) and I was hoping they would be on board with the idea," Andreotta said. Commissioner Rebecca McCall made the motion to allocate $1.5 million for the utility extension. If the City Council agreed to cover half the cost, the county would get half its appropriation back. "I think we all agree we would like to use that extra money for a good project that can be easily followed and reported back" to the U.S. treasury, she said. "This one makes it very clean for accountability. ABOUT 40 people from Leichlingen visited Henley for a delayed celebration of the 40th anniversary of the towns being twinned. The visitors included the Mayor of the German town, which was officially partnered with Henley in 1980. The get-together with about 20 locals at the town hall was the first to be held for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. There were drinks, snacks and a display of photographs of previous meetings over the last four decades. The Germans were welcomed to the reception by Mayor Michelle Thomas. She said in English: Heres to you. Leichlingen Mayor Frank Steffes replied, saying that Henley was beautiful. He also offered his condolences on the loss of the Queen whom he said had provided this country with consistency. Mr Steffes said: The original idea of twinning is a very important one. Its about peacekeeping in Europe and meeting friends. Cheers. Councillor Thomas replied: Prost [cheers]. Afterwards, she said she had been looking forward to the occasion. I mentioned it in my speech in May when I became Mayor, she said. Some people say twinning has fallen out of fashion but I still think its really important. Unfortunately, I hadnt learned any German but my mother helped me write a speech in German and my son, whos learning German, helped me with my pronunciation. I laid out some award-winning sausages from Gabriel Machin butchers and the Fairmile Vineyard kindly gave us some fizz and I brought some cheddar cheese straws. I wanted to give them a taste of Henley. Patrick Fleming, who has chaired the Henley Leichlingen Twinning Association since 2013, said: I became involved because of my children, who took part in an exchange. Im also half German so I have an interest in building these relationships and once you make friends you want to see those friendships grow. I enjoy being chairman because weve created such a strong community. Helga Schumacher, the Leichlingen chairwoman, said: During covid, when we could not meet, it was not an easy time for anyone. We had to live with different laws and regulations in our countries and some were affected by the loss of family and friends. Our lives changed and thats why were all the more glad to be here now. Thank you to everyone who helped to organise this. The visitors stayed for three days and were joined by the Mayor on a tour of Windsor. A celebration dinner was held at Leander Club. Mr Steffes stayed at the club while others stayed at Badgemore Park or with host families. When the twinning arrangement became official 42 years ago, Jack Carson-Bury, who was mayor of Henley at the time, flew to Leichlingen, where Union flags hung in almost every shop and there were window displays of English goods. There were also posters showing an illustration of the two towns joined by their river bridges. A friendship had developed in the few years before with initiatives such as music exchanges between Gillotts School and its counterpart in Leichlingen. Mandy Sadler, of Greys Road, Henley, who used to organise the exchanges, caught up with a friend from Leichlingen, Christiane Genschel, at the town hall reception. She said: We met through this at least 25 years ago when we set up the music exchange and our children became close because they took part. I ran it on our side and her husband ran it on their side. Its very nice to be able to see each other again after covid. Its very important to meet people from other countries and find out that we are all the same. Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The US has hailed the commencement of a meeting between military commanders of the Ethiopian Government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), as a concrete implementation step that reflects a commitment by both parties to silence the guns RightsTunis, Tunisia (PANA) Nineteen Sahrawi activists languish in prison years after Moroccan courts convicted them in unfair proceedings, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said in a statement on Tuesday A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Angama Amboseli will be a gentle start or finish to any East African safari, and a lovely contrast to the wide open plains of the Maasai Mara. Angama is delighted to announce the November 2023 opening of Angama Amboseli, an intimate lodge of just 10 suites in the private 5,700-acre Kimana Sanctuary, against the famed backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Designed by the same team behind Angama Safari Camp architecture by Jan Allan with creative direction and interiors by Annemarie Meintjes and Alison Mitchell the lodge's concept offers a fresh take on the Amboseli ecosystem. The tented suites including two sets of interleading family units welcoming children of all ages feature a super king, extra length bed, a personalised drinks armoire and a dressing area connecting to a bathroom which includes a double vanity and a double shower. To maximise the views of Kili, each suite has floor-to-ceiling screened doors leading to private a deck with a shaded lounge area, an outdoor shower and of course, Angama's signature rocking chairs, perfect for mountain gazing. The Guest Area will feature indoor-outdoor dining with an expansive baraza and a sundowner fire pit where guests can watch the light change on Africa's tallest mountain throughout the day. The Studios will house a safari shop, a fun games room for the whole family, a gallery and makers' studio for Kenyan artisans along with a photography studio to assist guests with everything from hiring cameras and editing pictures to photoshoots. However, the focal point is sure to be the raised rim-flow swimming pool, fringed by fever trees and fronted by a drinking trough for the elephants and Kili's snow-capped peak in the distance. With exclusive traversing rights and unrestricted game viewing, the best time to view the mountain is in the early hours of the morning on a pyjama safari. The Sanctuary is home to eland, buffalo, reedbuck, giraffe, zebra, warthogs in their hundreds, along with leopard, cheetah, serval, and many birds of prey offering remarkable density of wildlife for the ecosystem. Guests may also choose to visit Amboseli National Park, a short 45-minute drive from the lodge. Those interested in a behind-the-scenes look at conservation work can join Angama's partner, Big Life Foundation, for half- or full-day experiences. Activities include ranger patrol demonstrations, visits to schools, camera trap monitoring or learn about the importance of generating economic benefits for communities from protecting ancient wildlife corridors and reducing human-wildlife conflict. Easily accessible, there are scheduled daily flights from Wilson Airport to the Sanctuary's private airfield or nearby airstrips, operated by Safarilink. Private charters are also welcome for direct connectivity to and from the Maasai Mara. By car, guests can enjoy an easy 3h30minute drive straight from Nairobi to the gate on a paved road. Hotel website Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Grayson Hotel, introducing The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand to New York. In a city that has been rewriting its story for nearly 350 years, Grayson Hotel's industrial-chic personality pays homage to the turn-of-the-century industrialization of New York and the cross-cultural culinary awakening it inspired, ushering in a bright new chapter. Located in Midtown Manhattan and steps from Fifth Avenue and Bryant Park, Grayson Hotel gives guests the freedom to explore the very best of the city that never sleepsdiscovering story worthy experiences like never before. Although Grayson Hotel occupies a brand-new building at 30 W. 39th Street, it tells the story of its surrounding neighborhoods: Murray Hill, named for the Irish-born merchant who came to New York in 1753; the Garment District, America's fashion epicenter since 1919; and most recently, Hudson Yards, a sprawling 28-acre neighborhood built over a historic rail yard. ACCOMMODATIONS Each of Grayson Hotel's 296 guestrooms have been carefully designed with the destination in mind, showcasing a collection of artwork curated by Indie Walls, a full-service global art consultancy, highlighting beloved historical sites in New York City. Guestrooms and suites feature the juxtaposition of grace and gritinteriors with exposed concrete ceilings, bathrooms with subway tiles, and bespoke artwork designed to evoke an authentic sense of Manhattan style. Decor elements in both the rooms and suites feature vintage books and objects that represent industrial accomplishments, past and present, fully immersing guests in the unique story of the hotel. Three interconnecting hotel suites on the fourth floor offer private balconies with views of landmarks old and new. In-room amenities include a butler style mini bar service offering to-go craft cocktails and locally sourced snacks and beverages. Additional amenities include Lather bath and body products in bamboo lemongrass scent; custom-designed "hoodie" bathrobes and a bronze statue of the hotel's French Bulldog mascot, Grayson. Guests will also be met with a 24-hour fitness center, GRIT, which features all the essentials for a great workout, including SoulCycle commercial bikes, TRX treadmills, a StairMaster HIIT machine, dumbbells, cross trainers, and more. Hotel guests benefit from Midtown Manhattan neighborhood perks such as views overlooking picturesque Bryant Park, the Empire State Building, the new Freedom Tower, and One Times Square, site of the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. CULINARY Acclaimed New York City-based hospitality company Apicii, helmed by founder and CEO Tom Dillon and led by an all-star team of hospitality veterans including Michelin-starred Chief Culinary Officer Jonathan Benno and Beverage Director Kyle Tran, will open multiple dining experiences at Grayson Hotel beginning this fall. Inspired by the team's deep knowledge and experience with Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, as well as extensive travels and long relationships with culinary pioneers, distillers and craftsmen across each region, Grayson Hotel's culinary and beverage concepts deliver an oasis away from the bustle of Bryant Park and Midtown Manhattan. All restaurant concepts and design are overseen by Dutch East Designs. The ground floor all-day dining restaurant, Harta, will offer a pan-Mediterranean Brasserie featuring a collaborative menu between Chef Jonathan Benno and Executive Chef Mark Zuckerman that reflects an exploration of regional cuisine. Among Harta's dish highlights are artichokes with red kuri squash and rainbow carrots, brodetto with a variety of seafood in a tomato-saffron broth, and black bass with artichokes, fennel, radish and vadouvan broth. These join a dessert menu with items such as a creme fraiche panna cotta served with shredded honey filo, blackberries and mint. The wine program features a hand-picked list of Old and New World wines selected to complement the cuisine. Bar Harta, a convivial wine and tapas bar with a seasonal patio, will welcome guests on the second floor. Located on the 28th floor, Bar Cima is an intimate, rooftop mezcaleria with indoor-outdoor seating spanning views from the Empire State Building to the East and Hudson Rivers. The interior evokes polished Mexican luxury, welcoming guests through walnut and brass-adorned doors into an intimate lounge area with jewel-toned seating in patterned velvets, custom stone tables with ornately carved bases and an antique mirrored ceiling. The bar itself is a jewel box for the expansive mezcal and tequila collection, made from tall walnut shelving lined with earth-toned stone panels. Out on the north terrace, guests will find a wall of tiles with copper sconces playing off their patterns and furnishings with wrapped-rope and colorful metal details, alongside breathtaking views. DESIGN Among Grayson Hotel's architectural highlights, guests will find concrete ceilings, high-gloss woods, and a stunning spiral staircase that invites guests on an unforgettable journey celebrating the New York City neighborhoods and ethnic cuisines that define and unite the city. The architecture and design of Grayson Hotel is credited to Italian Marcello Pozzi, founder and principal of MarceLLO Pozzi architecture & design (MLLO), a progressive practice that spans architecture, interior and industrial design. The guestroom's design elements are developed and implemented by The Setting New York. The new-build hotel is owned, developed and managed by the Fortuna Hotel Collection. The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand includes 35 unique hotels around the world with the addition of Grayson Hotel. Whether it's a captivating past, an exclusive location, famous architecture and design, or an award-winning dining experience, each property within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand maintains a distinct character, freedom to be unique and inspires stories worth collecting, while providing guests with the World of Hyatt loyalty program and a trusted brand name and reputation. Opening preview rates begin at $409 per night. To book a stay at Grayson Hotel or to learn more about the property, please visit www.graysonhotel.com or @graysonhotelnyc on Instagram. Hotel website Poe brings nearly three decades of sales and marketing leadership experience to Lodgistics. Most recently, Poe was Senior Director of Enterprise Relationships at ALICE, where she was a significant contributor to the company's growth over the last four years. Previously, she led sales efforts for TravelClick, assisting hotels with their digital strategy, across the Northern New England territory. Poe brings extensive brand and property level tenure to her role including Hilton, Marriott, Fairmont, and Kimpton. Additionally, she played an integral role in successful openings of iconic properties including Rosewood Sand Hill and Solage by Auberge Resorts. Poe holds a bachelor's degree from Oregon State University and is active in numerous industry organizations, including serving as an AHLA ForWard Ambassador. Lodgistics Raleigh, North Carolina United States Website Iqbal Ahmed was born in Kashmir in 1968 and has lived in London since 1994. His books have been chosen as Books of the Year in The Guardian, The Independent on Sunday, Economist and New Statesman. They have also been favourably reviewed in many newspapers and magazines, including the TLS, The Independent, The Independent on Sunday, The Daily Telegraph, Financial Times, The Tablet, Le Temps and New Zealand Listener. Iqbal writes from the standpoint of an immigrant who has travelled widely and worked in a variety of occupations in London. His curiosity and cosmopolitan outlook have been nourished by his vantage point as concierge of a busy London hotel that is part of a worldwide chain. The service robotics industry is set to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.5% to reach $216 billion in 2030, driven by investments across consumer facing industries, including travel and tourism. The overall robotics industry is set to grow from $70 billion in 2022 to $568 billion in 2030, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. GlobalDatas latest report Robotics in Travel and Tourism, reveals that consumer robots, logistics robots, drones, and inspection, cleaning, and maintenance robots will receive the most investment from companies across the travel and tourism value chain. Robotics in travel and tourism was considered as a gimmick in the past, used as early as 2015 for guest experiences without improving efficiency for staff. But, as the technology improved, investment has started increasing, resulting in robots for room service deliveries, cleaning services using UV light, inspection services using drones, translation services, and customer service to improve operational efficiency. Sarah Coop , Analyst at GlobalData Consumer robots and logistics robots are predicted to grow at a CAGR of 29% and 21% between 2020 and 2030, respectively, as robotic intelligence and cloud robotics develop, coordinated cleaning fleets and language translation check-in assistants will become more common and useful. Coop added: The COVID-19 pandemic has made hygiene a priority for travellers. Robots can ensure that high risk areas are kept constantly clean, freeing up staff time, at a time where the hospitality industry is experiencing global staff shortages. In cheaper hotels, robots can provide operational efficiency and improve margins, keeping room prices low. In luxury hotels, robots can provide a unique guest experience. Some hotels have already started investing in cloud robotics. Huazhu Hotels Group and BTG Homeinns Hotels Group, which hold 7.04% and 5.49% of the global market share, respectively, (as measured in GlobalDatas database by the number of properties), have invested in Shenzhen ExcelLand Technology, a robotics mobile platform provider. Source: GlobalData Plc Coop continues: Robotics is increasingly becoming a strategic priority for travel and tourism companies and company filings show an increase in mentions of robotics year on year. For example, Thomas Cook India is using robotics and AI to automate several manual processes, which it says, increased productivity while lowering expenses. Huazhu Group in China has deployed AI-powered smart robots, which it claims, can travel the entire hotel to make deliveries of snacks, toiletries [as well as] greet guests and lead them to their rooms. Coop concludes: Robotic intelligence and cloud robotics are the future and will drive investment in robotics from big market players. Robots will be able to collaborate and access huge amounts of data, creating intelligent fleets of robots performing collectively. Advances in AI will also improve robotic intelligence, such as improving translation capabilities and facial recognition. About GlobalData 4,000 of the world's largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData's unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData's mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors. GlobalData | LinkedIn | Twitter GlobalData Press Office +44 207 832 4399 GlobalData Plc Members of the Washington Hospitality Assn. and students at Washington State University will come together next week to learn, connect, and network with peers, identify trends, and see the latest technologies that ensure the best guest and staff experiences; Visit React Mobile at Table 13. SEATTLE - Next week members of the Washington Hospitality Assn. (WHA) will convene in Ruston, Wash., to attend the Washington State Hospitality Conference, the first co-produced event of the WHA and Washington State University. To be held November 17 at the Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma Point Ruston Waterfront, attendees will learn from the experts by attending sessions with world class researchers from the WSU School of Hospitality Business Management; connect with industry partners and WSU alumni; and network with industry-leading suppliers including React Mobile at Table 13 during the interactive trade show. As a global leader of panic button solutions for hotels, React Mobile will also serve as a Hotel Tour Sponsor during the event. React Mobile is thrilled to be attending the Washington State Hospitality Conference as an exhibitor and sponsor this year. With Washington state legislation mandating that every hotel, motel, retail or property services contractor who employs an employee to provide each with a panic button, its critical that React Mobile be visible and impactful in as many ways possible. For the first time, we will be introducing our latest and most responsive, reliable, and self-managing panic button solution to WHA members. React Mobile ensures that alerts are dispatched from panic buttons to responders in the fastest time possible; 99.99% of alerts are delivered in less than half a second. Ryan Heideman, React Mobile VP of Sales Heideman said he hopes attendees will leave the WSHC event with a better understanding that not all panic button solutions are alike especially when it comes to response times and alert device location accuracy. Some employee safety device suppliers boast that after a panic button is pushed, their system will dial first responders on the hotels behalf. The problem is that help will not arrive for at least 20 minutes or more in certain municipalities or not at all in cities where those types of calls would get zero response, as their police force has abdicated all nonviolent responses. React Mobile will be on hand to explain to Washington hoteliers exactly what is required specific to their property to ensure that it is being responsible and compliant. Washington State Panic Button Requirements The following effectiveness criteria will help Washington hotel operators select an acceptable panic button device (and system) for their properties: The panic button is designed to be carried by the user (e.g., lanyards, clip-ons, etc.). The device should be simple to activate (e.g., a single action like a push, pull, or tap provides a sustained signal) without delays caused by entering passwords or waiting for the system to turn on. When activated, the signal is effective for the circumstances (e.g., designated personnel will be able to detect it regardless of their location and distinguish it from other audible or visual alarms and noise from vacuum cleaners and other sources.). The device is designed to summon immediate assistance and allows responders to accurately identify the users location. The device reliably works in all locations on all shifts and the activation of one device wont obscure the activation of others. The device should minimize inadvertent activation and resist possible disabling by attackers. React Mobile Four Safety Steps Photo by React Mobile Several things separate React Mobile 2.0 from other workforce safety platforms on the market, Heideman said. Unlike competitors that use noisemakers to deter troublemakers, React Mobile 2.0 triggers a silent alarm that brings help without alerting others that a response is coming. Once the silent alarm on the panic button has been pressed a light begins flashing red. In less than one second (when a responder receives the alert and confirms help is on the way) the flashing light turns blue, providing visual verification of dispatch to the employee that their alert was received. This is the fastest response time on the market. React Mobile 2.0 also prevents panic buttons from being triggered erroneously and it complies with many Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) that protect employees from being tracked on a property when not in danger, saving panic button battery life and honoring employee privacy. Michele Arney, Seattle Downtown & South King County Territory Manager for the WHA, said both producers of this event are proud to bring cutting edge technology and industry research to members. We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, November 17th at the Silver Cloud Tacoma Point Ruston hotel from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for a full day of breakout sessions led by WSU faculty regarding tourism and hospitality trends, staffing solutions, sustainability, and cybersecurity, Arney said. We are eager to give everyone the opportunity to network with peers during our tradeshow to see the latest and greatest guest- and staff-experience products and services. We are especially grateful for our sponsors who are making Hotel Tour possible the 30 minute tours will run between 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and will be capped at 10 persons each. A reception hour will be followed by dinner featuring an awards program, with music and dancing to end the evening. WSU students will be in attendance throughout the event to introduce themselves to future employers and mentors in hospitality. To learn more about React Mobile 2.0, visit www.reactmobile.com. About React Mobile Founded in 2013, React Mobile is a global leader in providing panic button solutions for hotels. Our best in class hospitality safety platform helps hotels keep their employees safe. The React Mobile system is an open and flexible platform that allows management to deploy response resources to the exact location of an emergency within seconds of an alert, getting help to where it's needed anywhere on or off property. In an emergency quick response times are essential and React Mobile gives you the tools to react fast. For more information, visit www.reactmobile.com. Barbara Worcester PRPRO +1 440 930 5770 Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Columbia-Greene Media has recently teamed up with the US Postal Service to provide same-day delivery of your local newspaper with your mail. Our expanded daily delivery of your local news reaches into the following areas: remaining of Thank you for using HudsonValley360! On your next view you will be asked to log in or create an account to continue reading. National Family Caregivers Month: The Impact of OFF Time for People With Parkinsons Disease and Their Care Partners MCLA Alumni to Present at Creative Writing Event NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The MCLA English & Communications Department will host 15 alumni for a creative writing reading and showcase event to learn more about their post-graduate paths on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. in Murdock Hall 218. Alumni will read poetry and prose, and present visual art and graphic design projects. The event will also showcase possible career paths after graduating with a liberal arts degree. For participating alumni, their work ranges from small business operations to social justice work, from the publishing industry to graduate work at various universities. Some still reside in Berkshire County, but others will travel from the Pioneer Valley and New York City. Zachary Finch, Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing organized the event after a discussion with a former student, Jon Hoel '17, about a book he published. He realized a lot of his former creative writing students had various projects they could return to talk about. "It's partly a reunion for the alumni, but it's also for the current students," Finch said. "The discussion started with Jon who is friends with other alumni, and it snowballed from there." A few of the alums are former editors of MCLA's Spires Literary Journal and took classes together. "For prospective students, I often hear "What can I do with a liberal arts degree? Where does it lead to?" and now we'll have 15 answers for that," he said. "I think it's awesome for students to get a sense of what happens after they graduate." Finch said he hopes this event can occur periodically either in a small group setting or where individuals can come back to campus. The event is free and open to the public and will include a question-and-answer session. Refreshments provided. Page Content On October 21st and 28th, 2022, the Honorable Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson visited the winners of the Second Annual Justice Sector Essay Contest (JSEC) at their respective schools to award certificates and prizes. As a part of the program, the winners have won a field day at their chosen department with the respective department heads, a customized Justice Sector Essay Contest t-shirt, and gift certificates courtesy of Klass Electronics. At each institute, Minister Richardson was accompanied by the respective department head, her support staff, and Klass Electronics representative Mr. Roger Mahtani. They were welcomed by the principals of each institution and other faculty staff. The secondary institutions visited were Learning Unlimited (LU), Milton Peters College (MPC), St. Dominic High School (SDHS), and the St. Maarten Academy. Minister Richardson stated as she addressed the winners, I just want to express my profound happiness that you participated in the second annual Justice essay contest. The objective is to spike the interest of our youth to recognize the wide array of careers and opportunities that are within the Ministry of Justice. We want you to start to think about it and if you were in a capacity, what would you do to contribute to our community, operating in the best and safest way for all inhabitants. This is your start and youve done a phenomenal job. Thats why your essay won. So a huge congratulations to you, your teachers, and overall your school for this huge win and recognition. The students and the department heads are Jamie Lynch (LU) who will be spending her day with the Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson; Jason Yang (LU) with Chief of Police Carl John; Siddhant Vaswani (LU) with Public Prosecutor Hieke Buist; Aryan Notani (LU) with Courthouse Director Richelda Emmanuel; Heland Mo (LU) with Senior Legal and Policy Advisor of the Department of Judicial Affairs; Valeria Arello Torres (LU) with President of the Victim Support Services Board Cassandra Richardson; Johanna Millet (MPC) with IBP Management Team member Alexandra Yeung; Daveho Bazil (MPC) with Youth Delinquency Department Director Dientje Muller; Lehar Marata (SDHS) with Court of Guardianship Director Kimberly Brown; Alana Carazo Graves (SDHS) with Coast Guard Captain Roberto Levenstone; and Sarai Willemsberg with Prison Director Steven Carty. This exercise will allow the students the opportunity to experience the role and daily operations of the organization they chose to write about. All institutions congratulated this initiative and expressed that they look forward to even more students joining the JSEC 2023. Id like to thank all of the 33 participants and 11 winners who took part in the second annual JSEC. This is five more participants and five more winners than in 2021. This reflects how much our youth are more and more interested in pursuing careers within the criminal justice system. As Minister of Justice, I continue to see the need for fostering justice professionals within our society and that begins with our youth. I take this time to also thank and commend Klass Electronics for their efforts in collaborating with the Ministry of Justice by awarding gift certificates to the essay contest winners. Thank you for recognizing the positive influence such an initiative can have on our youth. As such, I look forward to the students learning and getting to know the justice sector on a more intimate level, stated Minister Richardson. Photo caption: Learning Unlimited (top left), Milton Peters College (top right), St. Dominic High School (bottom left) and St. Maarten Academy (bottom right) Page Content Indigo Shores Development will break ground with a 250-room five-star Resort and Condominiums complex this month. On Wednesday, Altree Developments and Indigo Shores, based in Toronto and St. Maarten respectively, met with the Interim Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunications (TEATT), the honorable Omar Ottley. Minister Ottley welcomed the developers and thanked them for their initiative. "St. Maarten has been a preferred destination for tourists for decades. With tourism as our number one economic pillar, we welcome developments like this new Resort. It will boost economic activity and increase employment opportunities on the island. The goal is to provide employment opportunities in all sectors, from the ground-breaking to the opening and provide world-class hospitality through our local hotel sector workers " said Ottley. The Minister visited the site of the luxury boutique hotel "Vie L'Ven," which sits a few steps from the beautiful beach of Indigo Bay. It covers some 21 acres of oceanfront land and, on completion, will include a Luxury Spa and fine dining. The developers confirmed they would work with as many local contractors as possible to complete their project. They also intend to work with the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau on the sales and marketing of the facility. They are already committed to bringing in a professional film crew in January to generate content from the island and project for their worldwide marketing and promotion of the island and Resort in collaboration with the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB). "We intend to return St. Maarten to its rightful place as the number one tourism destination in the Caribbean. The construction of Vie L'Ven five-star boutique hotel will play a major role in boosting the destination's swift return to the number one position in the region," said Ottley. According to the developers, the sale center construction will begin this month, with the total completion of the hotel scheduled for 2027. Minister Ottley met with the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Altree Developments, Zev Mandelbaum, along with the Head of Construction Management, Troy D'Ambrosio, and the Senior Manager of Finance Developments for Altree Developments. Marc van de Bilt, Director of Indigo Shores Development, says a phased media release is being planned internationally, which will roll out over the coming months regarding the project. Altree Developments, based in Toronto, Canada, has consistently developed high-end projects for many years, with a critical focus on providing a turnkey solution for its clients. With an investment expected to surpass USD 250 million and a combination of hotel rooms and condominiums for private ownership, the new five-star boutique hotel aims to be the pre-eminent luxury hotel in the region. On November 2, CBC News, a division of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation announced it would shutter its Beijing news bureau after repeated attempts to secure visas for journalists and media workers were met with silence. The news division claims it had organised several meetings and discussions with Montreals Chinese Consulate since October 2020, attempting to secure a visa for Radio-Canada Beijing correspondent Philippe Leblanc. CBC claims the consulate only ever returned an acknowledgement of the request. CBC News' previous Beijing correspondent, Sasa Petricic, left the country following the imposition of Chinas COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. CBCs presence in China since the start of the pandemic has been limited to coverage of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, an event marred by censorship and attacks on press freedom. Prior to this decision, the CBC had maintained a presence in China for over forty years. In a blog, CBC News editor in chief Brodie Fenlon expressed the news organisations commitment to covering China and East Asia. While CBC News looks for a new office, some staff will temporarily operate out of Taiwan. Through its monitoring work, the IFJ has documented the decline of press freedom in China and its influence overseas. Its most recent report The Story That Wont Be Silenced: Hong Kong Freedom of Expression Report 2022 was released in October 2022. The report details the attempted destruction of press freedom and independent journalism in Hong Kong as Beijings influence over the citys legal system and media grows. The President of the CWA Canada, Martin OHanlon, said: Were very disappointed to hear that the CBC has decided to close its China bureau, but we understand that the decision was made because the Chinese government has refused to grant visas to CBC journalists, and the bureau has effectively been closed for over two years. We urge the CBC to continue to press the Chinese government to approve visas and to reopen the bureau if possible. We also call on the Canadian government to pressure China to grant the visas. The IFJ said: Chinas latest attack on press freedom is not unprecedented by any means. The exclusion of the CBC News team is indicative of an increasingly hostile environment for journalists and media workers in China. The IFJ calls on the Canadian government and the CBC to advocate for the rights of journalists and media workers and urges the Chinese government to stop its attacks on press freedom. Nowadays, businesses in the Philippines are taking advantage of recalibrating their processes and including sustainability in their core business strategies. According to PwC Philippines, 84 percent of chief executive officers (CEOs) in the country aim to raise their organizations' spending on technology. On the other hand, over two-thirds want their companies to bolster environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments. Further elaborating on this trend, recently at 'Transform Tomorrow, Today: SAP Philippines CXO Roundtable' last August 2022, business leaders from SAP, Globe Telecom, and Unioil discussed significant challenges in today's world and how they reshaped the future through innovation and sustainability for long-term success. Importance of Innovation in facing challenges Innovation comes in different forms. For Suzelyn Urbano, VP IT Enterprise Services of Globe Telecom, innovation is disruptive and life-changing. With nearly ten years of ongoing product and service developments, Urbano remarked that innovation has always pushed the telecom provider's boundaries while considering the needs of its customers. According to Urbano, 70 percent of Globe Telecoms internal systems are run by SAP. With SAP solutions already in place across its business units globally, the company migrated to SAP S/4HANA to improve fragmented processes, manual workloads, inefficiencies, lack of insights, and delayed decision-making. Meanwhile, SAP Fiori apps helped enhance the user experience and access to insights. Enhanced visibility helps enable well-informed decision-making throughout the organization, and automation and fewer reconciliations in finance allow faster financial transaction processing, book closing, and error-free reporting. Finance functions became integrated and efficient, providing real-time business insights, and IT security was strengthened with improved authorization controls and compliance. By facilitating these improvements, SAP S/4HANA proved to be a catalyst for change for Globe Telecom, helping it adapt to changes easily in its business environment. Empathy lies at the heart of Globe's innovation. We look at the problems we have now and innovate from there, making sure to solve the real issues," Urbano shared. "Globe's vision has always been making families' dreams come true and empowering businesses to flourish to help achieve an admired nation. As we create our products, we always anchor them in that vision." Innovating to continue thriving Meanwhile, for Nestor De Guzman, Digital Transformation Evangelist of Unioil, innovation means survival despite being at the top of their game. Unioil adopted SAPs S4/HANA ERP system to enable a more unified and smoother operational system integrations. While De Guzman remarked that digital transformation has fundamentally altered Unioil, it is more than just using sophisticated technology, like SAP solutions. For us, at Unioil, digital transformation involves combining the appropriate technology, leadership, and culture. Innovation begins when business executives embrace the transformation enabled by smart technologies, said De Guzman. Gintare Zukauskaite, Innovation Lead of SAP Southeast Asia, could not agree more. She said that innovation is something that adds value to businesses. To innovate, organizations must consider what is happening now and think slightly outside the box to create ideas that will improve their businesses because disruptive thinking creates the change today, she added. Using Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage Today Today, Unioil is driving a sustainable and green future. De Guzman revealed that Unioil is leading the charge in decreasing carbon emissions. For instance, the company uses Smartlocker technology to supply its service stations with solar energy that powers Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers. De Guzman also stated that Unioil aims to assist the nation in developing its energy supply rather than relying on foreign energy sources in light of the current crisis the country is experiencing. He believes Unioil helps bring a sustainable future with its green projects, including EV charging, solar farms, and Smartlocker technologies. For Globe, Urbano explained that its core values center on sustainability. For instance, in addition to its well-known fintech platform GCash, Globe has forayed into the fields of health and education. The company has combined KonsultaMD and HealthNow, enabling its consumers to obtain around-the-clock teleconsultations and even receive their medications at home. On education, Globe launched EdVenture and Kodego. Kodego is an online learning platform, where technical people like software engineers get trained and eventually get placed to their dream jobs and companies. "Sustainability is a mindset. It is an opportunity to foster your company, the planet, people, and communities," added Zukauskaite. Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, announced the appointment of Frederic Abecassis as the Head of Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) Industry Sector, Southeast Asia. In an increasingly hyperconnected world, evolving consumer behavior is driving rapid digital transformation across Southeast Asias BFSI sector. Frederic will spearhead Wipros BFSI business growth across this region, including Hong Kong. He will partner with and help clients achieve their core business and digital transformation goals, while realizing their topline, bottomline and ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) ambitions. Frederic will also help strengthen Wipros ecosystem of technology partners in the region. A digital transformation pioneer and an expert in Financial Services (FS), Frederic brings over two decades of experience in leading strategy and business & technology consulting across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. He has been supporting leading FS institutions to shape and deliver large transformation programs, right from strategy to execution. We are excited to welcome Frederic to our leadership team. Driven by digital disruptions, the BFSI industry across Southeast Asia is rapidly evolving and continues to be on a high growth trajectory. With Frederics vast experience and deep expertise, I am confident of strengthening our position as a market leader in the region, deepening our engagement with existing clients and establishing a thriving ecosystem with our technology partners, said Badri Srinivasan, Managing Director - Southeast Asia, Wipro Limited. Financial Services organizations are operating in an exponentially changing world. More than ever, the industry is facing an absolute need, but also a unique opportunity, to shape the future by partnering in new ways to accelerate digital transformation, innovate, increase efficiencies, and serve both economic and societal priorities. It is a privilege to join Wipro, an organization that is not only a leading transformational partner to the worlds pre-eminent FS institutions, but also a model of social good. I am excited about the journey ahead, leading our BFSI business in this diverse region that I am deeply passionate about, driving value for our clients, growing our talent base, and contributing to Wipros growth, said Frederic Abecassis. Prior to joining Wipro, Frederic was with Capgemini Invent, where he held various leadership roles, including FS Strategic Deals Lead in France, Head of FS Middle East, and Managing Director of Hong Kong & Southeast Asia. He holds a Masters in Management & Finance from EDHEC Business School in France. Frederic is based in Hong Kong. Southeast Asia is one of the six focus regions that comprise Wipro's APMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East, India and Africa) Strategic Market Unit. Wipro has been present in Southeast Asia for over two decades, having partnered with leading public and private sector enterprises across multiple industry verticals in their business transformation and digital journeys. Wipro also has a presence in the region through its acquired entities Capco, Designit, Topcoder and Rizing. In line with our growth ambition for the region, we continue to invest in localization, building talent at scale, while strengthening our partnerships and knowledge of regional demands to offer differentiated services and experience to our clients. Wipro has been recognized by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer in Singapore for 2022 Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With over 250,000 employees and business partners across 66 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our customers, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world.For additional information, visit us at www.wipro.com The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipros beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature, inherently uncertain and outside Wipros control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipros growth prospects, its future financial operating results, and its plans, expectations and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry.Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at www.sec.gov . We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. The Mumbai bench of the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) has directed the state government to keep one post of a police sub-inspector (PSI) reserved for transgenders. MAT chairperson, retired Justice Mridula Bhatkar, issued on Monday saying that it was bound by the Supreme Court's 2014 judgment asking all state governments to have a reservation for transgenders for all public appointments. BCCL The order came in a plea filed by one Vinayak Kashid, who sought to apply for the PSI's post as a transgender candidate. As per the application, Kashid was a male by birth and later opted to be a female. Kashid applied for the post of PSI, seeking to be considered a female candidate. Kashid had in the application sought reservation of posts for transgender persons in the recruitment to 800 PSI posts set out in an advertisement issued by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) in June 2022. Maharashtra govt sought time to frame policy In August this year, the tribunal had directed the Maharashtra government to develop a policy in six months regarding the provision of posts for transgenders in educational institutions and public offices. BCCL On Monday, the state government lawyer told the tribunal that it was still considering framing a reservation policy for transgenders. Irked over this, the tribunal said the government had to follow the law of the land and the apex court judgment, which said all transgender persons have the right to decide their self-identified gender and directed the Centre and all state governments to extend reservation in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments. Bound by SC order "It is difficult to accept the stand of the state government that the policy decision is not taken till date. In view of the Supreme Court judgment of 2014, it is obligatory on part of the government to follow the law of the land," the MAT said in its order. Even though the government had not taken any decision, the tribunal was bound by the decision given by the apex court, it added. BCCL "We hereby direct the respondent (state government) to keep one post of PSI reserved for transgenders in socially and economically backward class for this examination first and thereafter at all stages (of appointment) as only one applicant has approached this tribunal," the tribunal said. Reservation in other states In December 2021 Karnataka government had decided to give 1% reservation to transgenders across all the ranks in the police department. In August this year, Chhattisgarh recruited nine transgenders as constables. Twitter/RK Vij IPS However, the first transgender to be appointed as a police officer was Prithika Yashini, who became a Sub-Inspector in Tamil Nadu Police in 2017. For more on news, sports, and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Page Content In the coming days, several large concerts will be held on the island and during these events the police will be present. Police will be present at these events in order to ensure general security. Remaining safe during these events goes well beyond common sense. Amid the excitement of a live performance, the thrill of being with friends and consuming substances, its easy to forget that these events like any other busy event can be a risky environment. There are several precautions people can take to remain safe and enjoy the performance. Always remember the point of going to a music concert is losing yourself in the music. Yet you should always be aware of what's going on around you. An understanding of the space around you sometimes requires for making a plan in advance if something happens. Find an exit route close to the area you are in. Dont hesitate to leave if something seems unsafe. Despite the fact that many concert goers sometimes dislike security and safety procedures, they are actually deployed for a reason. Their main purpose is to ensure the safety of all and also to make sure nothing goes wrong during any visit to the concert site. In case of any emergency please call 911. Founded in 2004 by Jodi Sharman, JLS comprises seven professionals who have developed long-term relationships with a variety of well-regarded large Australian businesses. Its team has a combined experience of many decades and a proven track record of success across several industries. The team will now join its Gallagher colleagues at the Gallagher branch in East Melbourne. Gallagher noted that the acquisition of JLS is in keeping with its ongoing strategy of expansion and marks its fifth acquisition in the past six months. Sarah Lyons, Gallagher Australia chief executive commented on the deal and said: I am pleased to welcome JLS Insurance Consulting to the Gallagher family. Jodi and the team have built an impressive portfolio over the past few decades and the merging of our businesses will allow us to learn from each other and use our combined skills and experience to grow in Victoria. Helicopters are flying in bread, milk, and medical supplies. In a jaw dropping picture provided by Loeve, her own home is like a small island in a lake (see picture below). We can boat to town, she said. [It] takes about 35 minutes. MGA has offices across Australia, particularly in regional areas. Loeve said the main business risks she works with are farm and crop. We can't insure crops against floods, she said. A lot of people will lose their crops, but it won't be anything that's claimable. MGA does offer commercial property coverage in Walgett, but Loeves not expecting any flood claims. Read next: Insurers called to lower premiums for customers in disaster-prone areas The town is surrounded by a levee bank, which went in in the 1950s, so since then, there hasn't been any flooding in town, she said. Loeve said this levee is around the whole town and many houses are right next to it. However, despite this sturdy protection, Loeve said she has heard anecdotally that local residents have complained about big increases in the cost of their flood premiums. I think that when you look at our postcode, we are on two rivers, so people think that flood risk is high, but if you're in town with our levee bank, it's definitely not [a high risk], she said. Unlike the towns of Forbes or Moree, where rivers run through the middle of the town, Walgetts rivers bypass it. Were upstream from Forbes, so we wont get Forbes water, said Loeve. We have the Barwon and the Namoi [rivers] and the Namoi has started to drop but we will get Gunnedahs water - that was flooding last week. When more water arrives in the coming days, she expects the 1950s levee to protect the town. Our levee bank has done a great job and it's being patrolled - we've got four or five SES [State Emergency Service ] choppers here at the moment and we've got SES boats, she said. Loeve said the main issue for Walgett will be the length of time it takes for the water surrounding the town to recede. Our town is very safe, just very isolated and we're quite flat so it will take a while because the water has nowhere to go and everything is so wet, she said. This week, emergency management minister Murray Watt called on insurers to lower premiums for customers in disaster-prone regions. The call came as the federal government significantly invests in infrastructure to minimise loss during extreme weather events. Read next: Extreme weather events leave Australians exhausted and unprepared Allianz At the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) annual conference, the minister emphasised the government's vow to spend up to $200 million annually on disaster mitigation projects, arguing that the investment must be reflected in lower insurance premiums. [The] government is doing what insurers told us was needed a significant increase in mitigation investment, Watt said at the conference, as reported by The Guardian. Now, we expect the insurance industry to fulfil its end of the bargain. However, the Insurance Council of Australias (ICA) website shows that, just for the flooding across NSW and Queensland in February and March, insurers have paid out more than $5.5 billion in claims out of more than 230,000 claims lodged. We need to be investing at least a billion dollars a year more in flood levees, in raising homes, and ultimately, going back and fixing past mistakes, said ICA CEO Andrew Hall to the ABC during a visit to flood stricken Tasmania last month. There are areas of this country where houses were built that should never have been built, and we need to make sure moving forward that development isnt approved in areas that are prone to flood. According to a recent report from Allianz Australia's (Allianz), repeated rounds of extreme weather have left Australians feeling indifferent and fatigued, leading to a lack of preparedness for these potentially catastrophic events. Allianz's claims data showed that 38% of home insurance claims resulted from extreme weather events. Since Australia moved into a La Nina weather pattern, the insurer has seen an 81% increase in weather-related home and motor insurance claims during the CAT season. The insurers researchers also found that one quarter of respondents said they no longer tune into weather reports. The additions of McGill and Partners, Miller Insurance and Ardonagh Specialty Holdings highlights WBNs expansion into the wholesale and reinsurance space, the network said. McGill and Partners is a global boutique specialist (re)insurance broker headquartered in London. Miller Insurance is a specialist insurance and reinsurance broker operating through Lloyds, the London market and internationally. Ardonagh Specialty Holdings is an independent wholesale insurance and reinsurance broker at Lloyds, headquartered in Bermuda and with offices in key regional and global insurance centers around the world. Unisure Group is a global health and life insurance provider with a focus on the mining and energy sectors and their supporting industries. Read next: WBN partners with Zurich for resilience The addition of McAfee as WBNs exclusive digital wellbeing partner will provide network members and their clients with access to comprehensive digital wellbeing services designed to protect individuals and their employers from cybercrime. WBN also recognized longtime member Armfield, Harrison & Thomas, an indirect subsidiary of BRP Group, for its continuing participation and for extending its network commitment to include BRP, making WBN membership accessible to the entire BRP organization. I am pleased to welcome BRP, McGill and Partners, Miller and Ardonagh Specialty Holdings as our newest global members, said Olga Collins, CEO of WBN. I am also thrilled to welcome Unisure Group as a new sponsor and McAree as our exclusive digital wellness partner. WBN is continuing to evolve and grow our global footprint at a rapid pace and I'm excited to welcome all these highly respected companies to our network. These partnerships bring WBN an additional step closer to becoming a one-stop shop for the risk management and employee benefits needs of global clients. I look forward to working with and connecting with each of our new partners in the near future. However, Mondelezs insurer Zurich indicated in 2018 that coverage for the more than $100 million in cyberattack recovery expenses would be denied due to a war exclusion clause, as NotPetya was heavily suspected to be a state-sponsored ransomware campaign from Russia. This led to the food giant suing the insurance company to seek relief for breaches of contractual obligations, and claiming Zurich failed to honor its promises. The case has since been held as an example of the potential gap in cyber policies. Read more: Mondelezs action against Zurich signals potential gap in cyber policies Specific details of the settlement were not disclosed. The Register reached out to Mondelez for comment, but the food company declined to provide word. A spokesperson for Zurich said that "the parties have mutually resolved the matter." "I would be willing to bet a lot that, especially the carrier, did not want to publicly reveal what their settlement position is on the applicability of war exclusions, and particularly both sides wanted to avoid a judge making a definitive ruling on that," Theon Technology advisory council member and attorney Bryan Cunningham told The Register. Page Content Torrential rainfall may result in flooding in some areas Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation & Telecommunication (TEATT), the honorable Omar Ottley, issued an urgent advisory to businesses, especially those in the low-lying area, to exercise caution and possibly close early for their safety and that of their staff. This evening, Minister Ottley's release came around 8:00 pm as several areas on St. Maarten started experiencing signs of potential flooding. Although the Government has not issued a mandatory close order, this advisory was given mainly to the business community, in particular, to consider their workers who may need to get home to secure their families and belongings. "We ask all business owners to use their discretion with their employees. If your businesses are in low laying areas, we advise you to take precautions and possibly close to ensure the safety of everyone," Said Minister Ottley. According to the release, heavy rainfall in St. Maarten is causing flash flooding in some low lying areas and rock falls along hillsides. As such, motorists should also avoid areas known for rock falls and floods. "Residents in areas prone to flooding are also advised to act responsibly and take all necessary precautions until the water levels subside." Said Minister Ottley. These areas are L.B. Scott Road from Emilio Wilson Park to Cake House Supermarket, Zagers gut from Petro Plus Gas Station until the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Welgelegen Road, Cay Hill from Welgelegen Road Roundabout until the One Tete Loke Roundabout, Beacon Hill Road from Sunset Bar and Grill until the beginning of White Sands Road, and Rhine Road also known as Mullet Bay Road, after Sonesta Maho Beach Hotel to the entrance of Cupecoy from the intersection of University Drive until the corner of Rio Grande. The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten also stated at 6:00 pm this evening that a combination of favourable mid- to upper-level conditions and a low-pressure system would maintain abundant moisture and instability through the weekend and into early next week. As a result, cloudy to overcast skies can occur with scattered showers, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across the local area. Heavy rains may lead to flooding in vulnerable areas. Consequently, a flood watch is in effect for St. Maarten. The advisory also states moderate to rough seas are expected throughout the weekend. A small craft advisory is in effect for St. Maarten, as waves are predicted to peak at 10 feet. Sea users and persons with interest along the coast should exercise caution. This post is part of a series sponsored by SWBC. At industry conferences across the country, the most common challenges I hear from brokers about offering private and excess flood insurance stems from affordability and accessibility. In fact, these are two of the top selling points for this type of coverage. Affordability Private and excess flood continues to become more and more affordable now that the NFIP is deploying Risk Rating 2.0, which is levelling the playing field. The NFIPs mandate and purpose prevent it from excluding prior loss properties, which should, over time, transition the program into a higher risk poolunless agents continue to use it like a preferred market and artificially prop it up. Accessibility Agents and brokers have been reluctant to quote and issue flood insurance in the private market due to lengthy manual applications, trailing documents, policy issuance in excess and surplus markets, and a lack of training, but private flood insurance is evolving rapidly to address those concerns. Private flood providers are evolving to offer real time online quoting platforms with high levels of accessibility that are much easier to use. Insurance commissioners recognize the value of growing the private flood market and many states are adding them to their export lists so agents and brokers no longer need to obtain declinations from admitted markets. Many private flood providers are in the process of developing and releasing admitted options, but they need agents help to keep the momentum. Without adequate volume and normalized results, insurers wont have the confidence needed to commit to filing and issuing coverage on an admitted basis. Unlike the NFIP, private markets arent constrained by unpopular and sometimes arbitrary rules like waiting periods, elevation certificates and the inability to cancel a policy, which will continue to offer them a competitive advantage. NFIP Coverage Limitations Standard flood insurance through the NFIP does not usually cover: Sub-level structures, including basements Damage incurred from moisture, mildew, or mold not directly caused by flooding Replacement value of precious metals, stock certificates, bearer bonds, or cash Exterior features such as trees, septic systems, walkways, decks and patios, fences, or pools Temporary housing Loss of income Vehicles The Value of Private Flood Insurance In late September, Hurricane Ian devastated thousands of homes in southwest Florida, leaving 119 people dead and causing over $40 billion in property damage. It was one of the most destructive and costliest storms to ever hit the state. In the past weeks, residents have returned to their flood-damaged homes feeling overwhelmed about the prospect of having to rebuildmany without the benefit of flood insurance. According to the New York Times, In the counties whose residents were told to evacuate, just 18.5 percent of homes have coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Within those counties, homes inside the government-designated floodplain, the area most exposed to flooding, 47.3% of homes have flood insurance. In areas outside the floodplainmany of which are still likely to have been damaged by rain or storm surge from Ianonly an estimated 9.4 percent of homes have flood coverage. In many cases, even those fortunate enough to have had NFIP coverage are now facing staggering costs to rebuild. For example, residents of Lee County (one of the most heavily impacted areas) recently saw their property values increase 32.4% for an average sale price of $577,953, which means the maximum NFIP building coverage accounts for less than half of what it will cost to rebuild. Private and excess flood insurance goes much farther than the standard coverage limits under the NFIP. Depending on the policy, excess coverage can cover the total cost of rebuilding your clients homes, regardless of the size or expense. It can also cover the actual cash value of stand-alone contents that may be valued above the NFIP limits. Private flood insurance also covers funding for clients living expenses to help them navigate the rebuilding process. If they have to temporarily relocate, private insurance may also provide for short-term housing. SWBCs excess flood insurance coverage goes above and beyond the standard coverage limits offered by the NFIP. The program also covers funding for living expenses to help the insured through the transition process, which is something the NFIP does not offer. In addition, SWBC is rapidly expanding coverage to help agents access new private flood insurance options for their clients so that they can offer direct alternatives to the NFIP. Visit our website to learn more about our excess and private flood insurance options. Topics Flood Excess Surplus New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester will pay $55 million to survivors of sexual abuse committed by clergy members under a settlement announced by Rochester Bishop Salvatore Matano last week. The $55 million from the upstate New York diocese, its parishes, and other Catholic entities will go towards creation of a trust to cover claims by abuse survivors. The plan calls for insurance policies to be assigned to the trust. However, insurers are not part of the settlement at this point and their contributions are not yet known. The settlement was negotiated with the Official Creditors Committee, which represents about 475 sexual abuse survivors. In exchange for the settlement payment, the diocese will receive a discharge in bankruptcy and be released of all liabilities for the sexual abuse claims. The deal should reduce litigation-related delays and costs for claimants and the diocese. Perpetrators and non-affiliates of the diocese, such as religious orders, are not included in the settlement and will not be released. After two and one-half years of mediation, the Official Creditors Committee and insurers have been unable to agree on a deal over insurance payments. Thus the restructuring plan as currently written assigns the dioceses insurance policies to the trust so that it may then pursue a more substantial recovery from the insurers than has been offered to date, according to the attorney for the survivors committee, Ilan Scharf of Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones. The Committee has sought a fair and reasonable resolution for Rochesters survivors for over three years. The Committee has stood strong and united in its efforts to represent the interests of their fellow survivors. It will continue to do so as we move into the next phase of this process, which will seek an appropriate payment from the Dioceses insurers, said Scharf. Rochester Diocese, Insurers Plan for January Hearing on Sexual Abuse Settlement The diocese declared bankruptcy in 2019 after hundreds of lawsuits were filed against it under the states Child Victims Act. Almost 500 sexual abuse claims have been filed in this case. The claims relate to instances of abuse that occurred many years ago, some of them and decades ago. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Paul R. Warren, who is overseeing the bankruptcy, has already approved moving ahead with the plan, which is called a Restructuring Support Agreement. The $55 million settlement will be incorporated into a plan of reorganization that survivors will have an opportunity to vote on. Scharf expects that process to take approximately six months to complete. The diocese, which had previously offered to contribute $40.5 million, said that with this latest plan it hopes that it can ultimately emerge from Chapter 11 sometime mid-summer to early fall 2023. We believe that this Restructuring Support Agreement represents the fairest approach for the survivors and most viable path forward for the Diocese and its related Catholic entities to continue our shared mission of healing and reconciliation, Bishop Matano stated in a Letter to the Faithful on Nov. 3. Insurance Proceeds The diocese said that it was forced to come up with a settlement despite the absence of an insurance agreement after the survivors committee rejected insurance proposals aimed at breaking the log jam in its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. The first proposal, which included certain London Market Companies, Interstate Fire and Casualty Co. and National Surety Corp., was denied by the court in July 2021. The diocese then moved for approval this past May on a settlement with each of the diocese primary insurers LMI, Interstate, certain Underwriters at Lloyds, London and Continental Insurance Co. (CNA) for about $107 million. This is scheduled for a trial in January 2023. Noting that both insurance settlements have been strenuously opposed by the Official Creditors Committee, the diocese stated it is keenly aware of the significant challenges that it may face in achieving confirmation of a Chapter 11 plan that meets the requirements of the second insurance proposal but does not have the support of the survivors committee or the vast number of survivors of sexual abuse. Attorney Jeffrey Anderson, whose firm represents 175 of the claimants against the Rochester diocese, called the ability for the survivors to legally prosecute all insurers of the diocese groundbreaking. This is a historic day with a historic deal, Anderson said. Mitchell Garabedian, who represents 96 of the claimants, told The Associated Press that the settlement allows many clergy sexual abuse victims to deservedly obtain validation, self-worth and a sense of accomplishment. Individual parishes of the Rochester diocese were not part of the Chapter 11 filing. However, they have been named in individual lawsuits and face potential liability in individual state court actions that could be channeled to the trust under the plan, according to the diocese. The deal also calls for non-monetary commitments from the diocese, including child protection measures and disclosure of certain documents. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts, Inc. has agreed to pay $3.2 million after allegedly failing to follow prescription pricing procedures intended to keep costs down and prevent overcharges in the states workers compensation insurance system, according to Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. This case is part of an ongoing review by the AG into prescription pricing procedures in the workers compensation system. AG Healey said she has reached settlements with Optum Rx in February ($5.8 million), Walgreens in February 2019 ($2.2 million); Stop & Shop in March 2021 ($517,000), and United Pharmacy in November 2021 ($701.000) over workers compensation drug pricing among others, with violations totaling approximately $16 million. Under the states workers compensation system, injured employees are entitled to payments for certain injury-related expenses, in addition to payments for lost wages and compensation for injuries. The system sets limits for the cost of prescriptions for injured workers and requires companies to validate prices against certain regulatory benchmarks before processing their charges. In a filing in Suffolk Superior Court, the AG alleged that in some circumstances Express Scripts failed to apply various regulatory benchmarks like the federal upper limit for Medicare and the Massachusetts maximum allowable cost to its pricing for certain workers compensation insurance prescription drug charges. According to the settlement, these failures allegedly occurred on prescriptions filled in Springfield, Boston, and Worcester at Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid locations. The terms of the AGs settlement require Express Scripts to implement procedures to prevent overcharges workers compensation and cooperate with the AGs monitoring of the companys future regulatory compliance. Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Massachusetts Drugs New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Authorities say they still dont know what caused several dozen children and adults to fall ill at an eastern Pennsylvania school last week, prompting an evacuation. Chief Scott Van Why of the Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department told The (Allentown) Morning Call on Sunday that tests of the air turned up nothing to explain what affected 48 children and adults Friday at Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School. Emergency responders were sent to the school after nearly a dozen people were reported sick in one of the three buildings. Officials said that building, which houses seventh- through twelfth-grade students, was evacuated out of an abundance of caution, but normal operations continued at other buildings where younger students are taught. Susan Mauser, CEO of the Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, said most of those taken to hospitals for evaluation had been released as of Friday night, LehighValleyLive.com reported. Fire and hazmat officials checked for oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride and flammable gases and found all within normal ranges, Mauser said. A visual inspection for hazardous materials also failed to turn up anything and the HVAC unit was found to be operating properly, she said. The building owner was scheduled to bring in air quality specialists in coming days to further evaluate the building, Mauser said. The charter school has 1,825 students who come from 16 school districts in the area. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics K-12 Pennsylvania Indonesian authorities said on Monday it could take up to a month to free a crude oil tanker stuck in its waters, while the United States slapped sanctions on the vessel for alleged links to Hezbollah and a branch of Irans Revolutionary Guards. The Indonesian navy has been trying to free the Djibouti-registered vessel, Young Yong, which ran aground off Indonesias Riau Islands on Oct. 26. The U.S. last week issuedsanctions against an international oil smuggling network it said supports Hezbollah and Irans Quds Force, targeting dozens of people, companies and tankers as Washington sought to mount pressure on Tehran. The Young Yong was among the vessels sanctioned. U.S. embassy officials in Singapore and Jakarta did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Capable of carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, the stranded tanker is almost full, according to shipping data on Refinitiv Eikon. Rear Admiral Arsyad Abdullah of the Indonesian navy said an operation was underway to free the ship. We need to be careful with the process because there are (natural gas) pipes, so it may take about a month, he told Reuters on Monday. The ship ran aground in the Singapore Strait near a key pipeline that supplies natural gas to Singapore. No injuries or leaks have been reported. It typically loads crude oil bound for China from floating storage at the Singapore-Malaysia Straits. The ship is owned by Technology Bright International Co Ltd and managed by East Wind Ship Management Ltd. The companies could not be reached for comment. (Reporting by Stanley Widianto in Jakarta, Chen Lin and Muyu Xu in Singapore; writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; editing by Ed Osmond) Topics Energy Oil Gas Danske Banks former chief executive Thomas Borgen was cleared by a Danish court on Tuesday of any liability for shareholder investment losses linked to the lenders involvement in one of the worlds largest money-laundering scandals. A group of 155 institutional investors suing Borgen had demanded 2.4 billion Danish crowns ($322 million) from him, alleging he failed to disclose information about suspicious payments funneled through Danske Banks former Estonian branch. The case could provide some indication of future litigation woes faced by Danske Bank as it contests several lawsuits over alleged misrepresentation to investors. The court in Lyngby has acquitted former director of Danske Bank, Thomas Borgen, of a compensation claim of DKK 2.4 billion, the local court said. The verdict by a panel of three judges had been unanimous, the court said. We are disappointed by the courts verdict, which we are currently reviewing, said Edouard Fremault, Chief Strategy Officer at Deminor, which filed the complaint on behalf of the investors. The verdict can be appealed within four weeks, a court spokesperson told Reuters. Deminor had not yet decided whether it would appeal the verdict, said a spokesperson for the Belgian consultancy, which specializes in representing institutional investors in class actions. We have now read the verdict and are very satisfied with the courts reasoning and of course also the result, Borgens lawyer Peter Schradieck said. The plaintiffs were ordered to pay 10 million crowns to Borgen for legal costs, the court said. Denmarks biggest lender is under investigation in several countries including the United States over 200 billion euros ($199.84 billion) in suspicious payments made via its now shuttered Estonia branch between 2007 and 2015. We have noted the development in the court proceedings initiated by institutional investors against Thomas Borgen in relation to the Estonia case We do not comment on court proceedings, Danske Bank said in a written statement. Borgen, who was chief executive of Danske between 2013 and 2018, had also been in charge of Danske Banks international operations, including Estonia, between 2009 and 2012. Danish prosecutors dropped all charges against nine former Danske Bank executives last year, including Borgen, citing a lack of evidence of gross negligence and thus a violation of the Danish money-laundering act. Danske Bank separately last month booked a provision of 14 billion Danish crowns over the Estonia case, edging closer to a long-awaited settlement with authorities in the United States and elsewhere. ($1 = 7.4437 Danish crowns) ($1 = 1.0008 euros) (Reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard and Stine Jacobsen, editing by Terje Solsvik, Alexandra Hudson) Topics Lawsuits A federal grand jury in Chicago, Illinois, returned an indictment, which was unsealed yesterday, charging three Illinois men with operating an odometer and title fraud scheme that involved hundreds of used cars over the course of many years. According to court documents, Laith Ghzo, 36, of Oak Lawn, Hussein Ghzo, 40, of Palos Heights, and Musab Sawai, 35, of Worth caused the mileage of hundreds of used vehicles to be rolled back and altered title documents to reflect the false, low mileage. Those used vehicles were then sold to unsuspecting wholesale buyers and ultimately consumers, who paid more for those vehicles than they would have paid if they had known the truth about the vehicles mileages. Laith Ghzo and Hussein Ghzo are charged with conspiracy to make counterfeit securities and commit mail fraud, making counterfeit securities and mail fraud. Musab Sawai is charged with conspiracy to make counterfeit securities and mail fraud. The defendants made their initial court appearances yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cole of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. If convicted, Laith Ghzo and Hussein Ghzo face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each mail fraud count, and Musab Sawai faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Departments Civil Division, U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch Jr. for the Northern District of Illinois, Acting Inspector in Charge Kai Pickens of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chicago Division and Acting Administrator Ann Carlson of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made the announcement. The NHTSA Office of Odometer Fraud Investigations and the Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Joshua D. Rothman and Thomas Rosso of the Justice Departments Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kartik K. Raman for the Northern District of Illinois are prosecuting the case. NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually. Source: DOJ Topics Illinois An increase in new markets, and better brand recognition and distribution from existing markets, has led to more competition in the insuring cannabis space. Thats a good for the insurance consumer, and that trend seemed to please a group of cannabis insurance experts giving their take on the market in 2023 and beyond. I also think 2023 will be a year where claims contract certainty and accurate and fair law settlements being made is going be really important, said Erich Schutz, vice president at Jencap. I think in the past, capacity was king and having high property was sort of the end all and be all. In my opinion, having high, high property limits is great, but if youre not paying claims in the first $5 million of the tower, whats the point in having it all? So I think theres going to be a lot more focus on the quality of coverage claims handling. And its going to be interesting here. Schutzs assessment and that of the group were among the highlights of a panel titled Insuring Cannabis Foresights & Intelligence for 2022 and Beyond. The panel was hosted by Jim McErlean, business development manager at Cannasure. Also on the panel were Jay Virdi, chief sales officer for Hub Internationals cannabis specialty practice, and Matt Engle, vice president with Insurance Office of America. They were among more than 30 speakers appearing during Insuring Journals annual virtual Insuring Cannabis Summit on Oct. 26 and 27. The two-day event featured panels on cannabis laws and lawsuits, a panel with carriers, experts tackling tough questions, and a large roundtable panel. Virdi oversees some 200 brokers who work in the cannabis specialty. He believes ligation is coming to the space soon. You know, theres going to be a lot of lawyers that are jockeying for position or looking for ways to really put themselves out there and attack this emerging space, Virdi said. Engle, who has been in insuring cannabis since 2013, has seen the market go from a highly limited and narrow line of insurance products for cannabis companies to a more competitive space. He believes that evolution will continue. Nowadays youve got probably five different specialty programs through MGA programs and a host of other carriers both in the E&S and now the admitted market space that that are coming into play here, he said. So, the evolution of the markets and whats available from a customer standpoint, from the operator side is getting better. And I would say even on those specialty programs, theyre starting to add some of the management liability lines and your D&O, your EPL, your cyber to their offerings. It wont all be positive changes for insureds. Engle noted that Hurricane Ian is likely to impact an already tough property market for cannabis operators. Youre talking about a $60 to $75 billion catastrophic loss that the reinsurers are going to be paying out, Engle said. So capacity is going to shrink up, the reinsurers are going to charge more, which trickles down to the MGAs, the markets, ultimately the cannabis operator, he added. So, property I see as a real topic to talk about. And not just the rate either. The other big deal with so many of these cannabis operations, theyre heavy on property limits because they invested millions to build out their cultivation facilities or do whatever they were doing to build out. The panel also gave its take on how potential federal legalization would impact insurance coverage and prices. Virdi, who works in Canada, where cannabis is federally legal, explained what has occurred there. Four years into legalization here for adult recreational use and its still very much a specialty MGA, very niche play, he said. Theres not a lot of domestic carriers or a lot of movement here. So, I do anticipate that theres going to be a lot of entrants that are going to be interested, because that whole legality of cannabis-related money transactions is going to be out the door with the SAFE Act or with federal legalization, but theres still going to be a very large learning curve. Many of the audience questions the panel fielded revolved around best practices, and advising clients on matters like security. Virdi took a question about armed guards. We always advise our friends and clients in the cannabis industry to sublet that to a third party company, he said. Reason being is that you dont want to assume that liability of hiring people with armed security guards. You know, with the tumultuous times that were living in, with the civil unrest and previously the pandemic, its just something that I would avoid and really transfer that risk over to a professional company that assumes that liability and has the appropriate insurance coverage for any kind of mishap that may happen. Related: Topics Lawsuits Cannabis Property New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! A U.S. judge on Monday said British billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson must face shareholder claims he concealed problems in Virgin Galactic Holdings Incs spaceship program, and sold hundreds of millions of dollars of stock at inflated prices. While dismissing most claims in the proposed class action, U.S. District Judge Allyne Ross in Brooklyn said shareholders could try to prove that Virgin and Branson defrauded them into overpaying for the space tourism companys shares, which now trade more than 90% below their February 2021 peak. Shareholders can sue over July 2019 statements that Virgin had made great progress overcoming hurdles to commercial spaceflight, despite a near-disastrous test flight five months earlier when its rocket plane Unity suffered critical damage. Branson must also defend his July 2021 statement that his own just-completed flight on Unity, where he soared 50 miles (80.47 km) above the earth, had been flawless though Unity had strayed from its assigned airspace. In a 55-page decision, Ross said shareholders also could sue over approximately $301 million of stock that Branson sold the month after the flight. Lawyers for Virgin and Branson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In seeking a dismissal, they said there was no proof of intent to defraud, and that the defendants had thoroughly disclosed safety and design issues in developing commercial space travel, unquestionably a high-risk proposition. Laurence Rosen, a lawyer for the shareholders, declined to comment. Virgin is based in Tustin, California, and went public in October 2019 by merging with a special purpose acquisition vehicle, Social Capital. The lawsuit covers shareholders who owned the stock of either from July 10, 2019, to Oct. 14, 2021, when Virgin grounded Unity and delayed its commercial space travel service. Its shares fell 16.8% the next day, to $20.01. Branson, 72, is worth $3.7 billion, according to Forbes magazine. In Monday afternoon trading, Virgin shares were up 5 cents at $4.97. The case is Kusnier et al v. Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 21-03070. Topics Lawsuits USA New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! A coalition of 40 state attorneys general has obtained two multistate settlements for $12.67 million with credit data firm Experian concerning data breaches in 2012 and 2015 that compromised the personal information of millions of consumers nationwide. The attorneys general have also obtained a separate $2.43 million settlement with T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 Experian breach, which they say affected more than 15 million individuals who submitted credit applications with T-Mobile. In September 2015, Experian reported that an unauthorized actor gained access to part of its network storing personal information on behalf of its client, T-Mobile. The breach involved information associated with consumers who had applied for T-Mobile postpaid services and device financing between September 2013 and September 2015. The data 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. Credit Firm Experian Dealing with Fallout from T-Mobile Customer Breach The states participating in the settlements are Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Credit Bureau Experian Facing Litigation, State Probes Over Data Breach Under the settlements, Experian has promised to improve its data security practices and 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. T-Mobile has agreed to implement a vendor management program to strengthen its vendor oversight. Experian and T-Mobile had independent obligations to safeguard consumers personal information. They each failed to do so in their own respects. Our multistate settlement sends a strong message to companies that we will hold them accountable if they fail to take reasonable measures to protect consumers informationwhether that information is managed on their own systems or entrusted to a third party, said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, one of the leaders of the investigation into the breaches whose state will receive a total of $886,175 from the settlements. The settlement with T-Mobile does not concern the data breach announced by T-Mobile in August 2021, which is still under investigation by state attorneys general. In July, T-Mobile offered to pay $350 million and spend an additional $150 million to upgrade data security to settle litigation over this cyberattack that compromised information belonging to an estimated 76.6 million people. T-Mobile to Pay $350 Million in Settlement Over Massive Hacking Concurrently with the 2015 data breach settlements, Experian has agreed to pay an additional $1 million to resolve a separate multistate investigation into another Experian-owned company, Experian Data Corp., in connection with EDCs failure to prevent or provide notice of a 2012 data breach. Page Content Government seeks to improve safety measures 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 involvement of all countries in the Kingdom. The 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 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 for 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 expose 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. CU: Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Silveria Jacobs with NCSC Representatives and BAK Representative Angelique Gumbs. An attorney for the Texas public adjuster accused of pocketing $7.6 million in insurer settlement checks told an administrative law judge that the case doesnt warrant any administrative penalties and if any restitution is ordered, it should be limited to $224,312.24. The Texas Department of Insurance asked an administrative hearing office to revoke the public adjuster license issued to Andrew Joseph Mitchell, impose an administrative penalty and order Mitchell to pay restitution for all of the money he swindled from churches, businesses and homeowners. A hearing was held on Oct. 12. The department and Mitchells attorney filed closing arguments with the State Office of Administrative Hearings last week. Mitchells lawyer, David W. Alexander, said that Mitchell has already agreed to surrender his public adjuster license, so the states first point is moot. He also argued that the state does not have authority to order restitution to two churches that allegedly suffered the largest losses from the scheme because they are not residents of Texas. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, which allegedly was defrauded for more than $6 million, is located in Albany, Georgia. St. Pauls Lutheran Church, allegedly scammed for $322,531, is in St. James, Minnesota. Alexander said the Texas Insurance Code provides that the state insurance commissioner may direct restitution only to Texas residents, Texas insureds and entities that operate in Texas. The Insurance Department said Mitchell, who operated Mitchell Adjusting International, defrauded at least 20 insureds, including four churches. He allegedly forged the signatures of clients on settlement checks and deposited the money in his own personal account. In some instances, state investigators acknowledge that Mitchell remitted some of the settlement money to clients. The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, for example, received $800,000 out of the $6.8 million in settlement checks sent to it by Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co. for damage caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018, according to the departments filings. The church used the money to make repairs. However, Friendship Missionarys church complex is still so badly damaged that the only space in which services can be conducted, or activities held is in the main sanctuary, TDI attorney Cassie Tigue says in closing arguments. The rest of the complex, including the gymnasium, a commercial kitchen, the childrens ministry center, and all other areas outside of the sanctuary remain unusable. The closing arguments submitted by Alexander do not address the four settlement checks made out to Friendship Missionary that Mitchell deposited into his own account. Alexander does say that his client did not forge any signatures. The mere act of signing a persons name on a check without intent to defraud or harm the named payee does not rise to the crime of forgery, the closing argument says. Alexander says TDI identified only seven legitimate complaints against Mitchell, and three of those were filed because a contractor that Mitchell hired to make repairs did not do the work. In the other four complaints, the money has already been returned to the insurer or Mitchell is working in good faith to make the complainers financially whole. Alexander says Mitchell paid a contractor, MZM Consulting LLC, to make repairs and kept only his 10% public adjuster fee from the insureds settlement check. The pleading states that Mitchell was not aware that the work had not been done until he learned about the customers complaints. Unfortunately, the complainants had the misunderstanding that respondent was responsible for their injuries, the closing argument says. Among the other four complaints, either the complainants were already made financially whole, the insurance money was returned to the insurer, or respondent is working in good faith to make the complainant financially whole. The Insurance Department said Mitchell is not a bank and had no right to take funds that were intended for the insureds, even if he did on some occasions return a portion of the money or pay for repairs. Each of these violations are individual grounds for which the commissioner is authorized to revoke his license, its closing argument says. Mitchells license must be revoked. Mitchell demonstrates a clear pattern of behavior in his business dealings which necessitates severe sanctions. As of Monday, Administrative Law Judge Rachelle Nicolette Robles had not yet ruled on TDIs petition. Topics Texas New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! The Florida insurance commissioner has approved a decrease in overall workers compensation rates for 2023, and he did not demand a sharper decrease from actuaries. The National Council on Compensation Insurance in August recommended an 8.4% average cut in rates for the voluntary market, for most classifications. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation on Monday announced that Commissioner David Altmaier had approved the reduction, which is the seventh straight decrease for Florida. In four of the last six years, though, Altmaier has demanded a larger reduction than the NCCI has recommended. For 2021, the NCCI proposed a 5.7% cut but Altmaier asked for more, and ultimately approved a 6.6% decrease. The 2023 rates take effect Jan. 1, 2023. The NCCI recommendation was based on Florida insurers favorable experience and trends in 2019 and 2020, as of the end of 2021, the NCCI said in its filing. The analysis found that lost-time claims have declined over the last eight years and indemnity costs have remained relatively consistent, although medical costs have been slightly more volatile. Topics Trends Florida Workers' Compensation Pricing Trends New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! When a big property owner in Naples, Florida, recently tried to refinance some loans, the owner was surprised to discover that 31 properties had no insurance despite having paid thousands of dollars in premiums. Late last month, investigators with the Florida Department of Financial Services provided some answers when they announced the arrest of Veronica Skopp, a long-time insurance agent based in Pompano Beach. The woman, a licensed agent for almost 30 years, was charged with fraud and forgery on Oct. 25, and was booked into the Broward County jail, the DFS said in a statement. Skopp reportedly had the property owner wire $41,418 in premium money to her business bank account but she used the money for personal expenses and issued a fake certificate of insurance, Floridas chief financial officer said. After meeting with DFS detectives, Skopp confessed to misappropriating the premiums from the victim and from additional consumers, and to providing fraudulent documents, authorities said. Insurance fraud is a costly crime thats especially heinous when committed by a trusted financial advisor, CFO Jimmy Patronis said. In this case, the victim was unknowingly left hanging with no insurance coverage, which opened them up to untold liability at no fault of their own. Skopps Linkedin page notes that she has owned a We Insure franchise since 2014. If convicted of the charges, she could face up to 20 years in prison. Her license has been suspended, DFS said. A complaint about the agency has been posted on the Better Business Bureaus website. Topics Florida Agencies Four workers were injured, including one critically, by a release of carbon dioxide in a Los Angeles International Airport utility room, authorities said. One man was initially in grave condition but was upgraded to critical on arrival at a hospital, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Brian Humphrey said in a statement. The man was initially described as being in his 50s but was later confirmed to be 36. Two other men and a woman were treated at the scene for minor complaints. The gas release was initially reported in the Terminal 8 baggage area but was later determined to be in a utility room about 200 feet away, Humphrey said. No travelers were directly affected by the release, but airport officials moved about 100 people to neighboring Terminal 7. The terminal serves United Airlines and United Express. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Monday in a room containing electrical equipment that has a fire suppression system that releases carbon dioxide, Capt. Erik Scott, a fire spokesperson, said at a press conference. The four victims were independent contractors who were working in the room and heard a popping sound, followed by deluge of carbon dioxide, Scott said. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Workers' Compensation Aviation A Washington State University police sergeant accused of sexual misconduct while on duty in Pullman has resigned. Police Sgt. Matt Kuhrt submitted his resignation effective this week, KXLY-TV reported. A university investigation found Kuhrt engaged in predatory grooming behavior, made sexually explicit comments and nonconsensual physical contact with coworkers, and engaged in sexual activities while on duty, university officials said. In August, three members of the universitys Polices command staff retired before they were to be disciplined for mishandling the sergeants sexual misconduct allegations. The police command staff did not properly report the allegations to the university, officials said. Retired Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins has been appointed as interim chief, and Dawn Daniels as assistant chief. Under Jenkinss and Daniels leadership, were seeing a renewed commitment throughout the department to professionalism and strong efforts to improve and rebuild community trust, University President Kirk Schulz said in a statement. Investigations began in March 2022 when a concerned member of the campus police force contacted university leaders. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Washington Education Universities Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has dismissed fears of advisor resources being insufficient for as many farmers as possible to apply for the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). Faced with a barrage of questions from rural TDs in the Dail, many of whom were critical of the new scheme, the Minister assured them that ACRES is a well-funded and farmer-friendly scheme, and will be an important income support for farm families, while bringing about environmental improvements. Some TDs alleged there is a shortage of agri-consultants and lack of resources in Teagasc to carry out ACRES applications. Several asked for the application period for ACRES to be extended, to enable as many farmers as possible to apply. The deadline for applications in this first tranche of ACRES is midnight on Monday, November 22. With more than 45,000 expressions of interest in ACRES received by October 25. Farmers must pay for the services of an approved ACRES advisor to choose the most appropriate actions and locations on their farms, with a view to maximising payments. Nearly 700 advisors are trained and approved for ACRES. Intake into the scheme will be phased in at least two tranches, to spread the workload for advisors. Advisors started training in July, and have been preparing ACRES farm plans since mid-August. Farmers in eight defined high-priority geographical areas may apply for the ACRES Co-operation approach, and the ACRES General approach is available nationally outside of the eight zones. The budget allocation will facilitate the participation of 50,000 participants (30,000 in ACRES General and 20,000 in ACRES Co-operation are targeted) ACRES is open to "active farmers" aged over 18 who have a herd number and who submitted a Basic Payment Scheme application in 2021. Farmers approved into the scheme undertake certain actions on their land for at least five years (starting on January 1; advance payments are scheduled for the last quarter of 2023). These actions must go beyond the conditions for farmers to receive EU income aid, and beyond the voluntary eco-schemes required from 2023 to qualify for about 25% of their EU income aid. The Government has committed 1.5 billion to ACRES (the largest amount ever for an agri-environment scheme), including a large portion of carbon tax receipts. The scheme is the successor to the Green Low Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS), which will expire on December 31 next, for more than 43,500 participants. Drag queen Panti Bliss is heavily rumoured to be among the Dancing with the Stars Ireland line-up for its next season, due in the new year. Media reports today suggest Rory ONeill will take part in the competition as his alter ego, performing in drag and paired with a male professional dancer a first for the show. The first Irish study of long Covid symptoms has found almost half of people affected have memory problems and 17% have thought about harming themselves. The study found that people with long Covid had as many as 33 symptoms, with the median being eight. Some were sick for up to 20 months and the median was one year. Symptoms also include sexual dysfunction (13%) and tinnitus (38%), with more than two in three reporting fatigue, stomach upset, heart palpitations, and muscle pain, among other symptoms. Just 9% of long Covid sufferers were hospitalised when they first had the virus. The study, Impact of long Covid on health and quality of life, for which 988 people were surveyed, was conducted by Cork University Hospital (CUH), APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork, and Long Covid Advocacy Ireland. Consultant in infectious diseases at Cork University Hospital Corinna Sadlier. Dr Sadlier said: 'There is a clear and compelling need for dedicated cross-disciplinary specialist services.' File picture: Orla Murray/Coalesce APC principal investigator and UCC professor of immunology Liam OMahony said the virus can have significant long-term effects on multiple organ systems. That was really the shocking thing, that people were suffering from so many different symptoms all at one time, said Prof OMahony. He is hopeful research, including on the role of the immune system and the gut, could benefit patients. CUH infectious diseases consultant Corinna Sadlier said the survey identified emerging clusters of multisystem symptoms. The study demonstrates the significant and wide-ranging impacts long Covid is having not only on physical health, but also on ability to carry out usual daily activities, return to employment, and overall quality of life, said Dr Sadlier. 'That was really the shocking thing, that people were suffering from so many different symptoms all at one time,' said Liam OMahony principal investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland, one of the instigators of Ireland's first study into long Covid. Picture: Gerard McCarthy Long Covid Advocacy Ireland representative Tanja Buwalda has struggled with long Covid since March 2020. Thousands of people are suffering needlessly because they do not have access to multidisciplinary clinics or effective treatments, said Ms Buwalda. A representative of Long Covid Advocacy Ireland, she warned: Thousands of people are suffering needlessly because they do not have access to multidisciplinary clinics or effective treatments. Long-lasting symptoms Long Covid patients in Ireland can suffer up to 33 symptoms, with the condition lasting on average 12 months, the first Irish survey of symptoms has found. Among 988 people, 89% have not yet returned to their pre-Covid health, with 60% missing work days. More than two out of three reported fatigue, memory problems, heart palpitations, stomach upset, muscle pain, and other symptoms. Some 30% reported experiencing anxiety, including 17% experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Fatigue is a dominating symptom, but 20% reported high levels of restlessness. Some 16% are on social welfare payments due to being ill, while 22% were temporarily in need of benefits. The survey was produced in a partnership involving Cork University Hospital (CUH), APC Microbiome Ireland, a world-leading Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) research centre at University College Cork, and Long Covid Advocacy Ireland. APC principal investigator and UCC professor of immunology Liam OMahony said the condition can be frightening. In a way these people should nearly be classified as having a disability. Tanja Buwalda of Long Covid Advocacy Ireland: '[M]uch more must be done in terms of patient care, diagnosis, and treatments, as well as the underlying root causes of long Covid.' Picture: Gerard McCarthy Responses to impact of long Covid on health and quality of life were received from 31 counties. What weve shown is what has been described in other parts of the world has also happened in Ireland, and the shocking thing for me is that people are suffering for a long time with many different symptoms, said Prof OMahony. But there is hope, because if we do the research we will be able to find out what is going on and at some stage, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, we will be able to do something about it. He said there is evidence of an immune component to the illness, chronic problems in the gut, or problems with blood vessels. We need the next round of research to tie-in which of these are actually causing the disease, and how to treat them, Prof OMahony said. CUH infectious diseases consultant Corinna Sadlier said significant and wide-ranging impacts on physical health and quality of life were identified. There is a clear and compelling need for dedicated cross-disciplinary specialist services, Dr Sadlier said. In parallel, research is urgently required to identify mechanisms underlying long Covid symptoms as well as effective treatments to improve outcomes for this patient group. Corkwoman Tanja Buwalda has struggled with long Covid since March 2020. A representative of Long Covid Advocacy Ireland, she said a collaborative approach is urgently needed. We believe that much more must be done in terms of patient care, diagnosis, and treatments, as well as the underlying root causes of long Covid, she said. It is not yet known how many people here are affected, but a Scottish study indicated one in 20 infected people develop long Covid. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Dail will hear a motion seeking immediate action on specialist services for long Covid patients. Independent TD Denis Naughten said the regional group of TDs will seek cross-party support to have immediate help available for patients with long Covid, regardless of where they live or how they are impacted. Denis Naughten TD said the regional group of TDs will seek cross-party support to have immediate help available for patients with long Covid. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins The HSE interim model of care envisages six long Covid clinics, and eight for people with short-term symptoms. However, despite funding of 6.6m, the clinics have encountered recruitment challenges. The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital has run a separate long Covid clinic since June 2020. A hospital spokesman said: The Mater Hospital was not selected as one of the designated sites to receive funding for a long Covid clinic. He added: In line with the HSEs plan, the Mater Hospital will be closing its long Covid clinic in time and will ensure continuity of care to patients by referring them to the national long Covid treatment facilities. In 2021, Android phone users around the world spent 16.2 trillion minutes on TikTok. And while those millions and millions of users no doubt had an enjoyable time watching clips on the addictive social video app, they also generated a colossal amount of data. TikTok collects information on how you consume its content, from the device you are using to how long you watch a post for and what categories you like, and uses that information to fine tune the algorithm for the apps main feed. For anyone with a passing knowledge of how platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Google function or who has read Shoshana Zuboffs Age of Surveillance Capitalism this data harvesting is not revelatory. However, when it comes to TikTok, the question that consumes many politicians and sceptics is where that data goes. More specifically: does all that information end up being accessed by the Chinese state? Owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, TikToks success more than 1 billion users worldwide is combining with well-established fears about social medias data collection practices and concerns over Chinas geo-political ambitions to generate a background hum of distrust about the app. As the geopolitical situation changes, I suspect we will see companies such as TikTok will continue to be treated with some caution in the West, says Alan Woodward, a professor of cybersecurity at Surrey University. The distrust has already been expressed in scrutiny from regulators and politicians around the world, worried about the amount of data TikTok collects and whether Chinese authorities have access to it. Global concerns In the US, Donald Trump in August 2020 signed an executive order that blocked people from downloading the app, which was followed by an order for TikTok to sell its US business. The order issued on August 6, 2020, stated: TikTok automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories. This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist party access to Americans personal and proprietary information. This, the order claimed, paves the way for China to track the locations of government employees, build dossiers for blackmail and conduct corporate espionage. The orders were never enforced due to legal challenges and then Trump leaving office. Trumps successor, Joe Biden, revoked the orders and instead directed the US commerce department to work with other agencies to produce recommendations to protect the data of people in the US from foreign adversaries. The US Committee on Foreign Investment, which scrutinises business deals with non-US companies, is also conducting a security review of TikTok. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have in recent months called for stricter regulation and inquiry. In India, where TikTok had more than 200 million users, the government in September 2020 banned the platform and dozens of other Chinese apps, after warning that user data was being mined and profiled by elements hostile to national security and defence of India. In Ireland, the data protection watchdog which regulates TikTok on behalf of the EU, in September 2021 launched an investigation into transfers by TikTok of personal data to China and TikToks compliance with the GDPRs requirements for transfers of personal data to third countries. Mere weeks after the UK lawmakers expressed their concern, the director of UK spy agency GCHQ, Jeremy Fleming, said he would encourage young people to use TikTok. File photo And the UK parliament shut down its TikTok account this August after a lobbying campaign by Conservative politicians, including former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith and recent leadership candidate Tom Tugendhat. In a letter to the speakers of the Houses of Commons and Lords, politicians claimed data security risks associated with the app are considerable. They also alleged that data from the UK, where the app has an estimated 18 million users, was routinely transferred to China. TikToks use of data has also been the subject of several news investigations, including a report from BuzzFeed in June that said, based on leaked recordings of internal TikTok meetings, that China-based employees at ByteDance have accessed non-public data about US TikTok users. In one recording a member of TikToks trust and safety department said everything is seen in China, according to BuzzFeed. Separately, Forbes reported in October said that a China-based team at ByteDance planned to track two American citizens through the collection of TikTok location data. This week, TikTok spelled out to its European users that in certain circumstances, for instance checking on the functioning of algorithms or for security reasons, China-based employees can access their data. Earlier this year it acknowledged similar access to US user data. Expert opinions But experts and analysts differ in their assessments of the TikTok data issue. Mere weeks after the UK lawmakers expressed their concern, the director of UK spy agency GCHQ, Jeremy Fleming, said he would encourage young people to use TikTok. This reflects a British security establishment view that the app is not problematic because it does not process data in China. In July, a US-Australian cybersecurity firm, Internet 2.0, published a report in which it said data collection on the app was overly intrusive and flagged a connection in the app to a server in mainland China , run by Guizhou BaishanCloud Technology Co Ltd. The report said the data that TikTok can access on your phone includes device location, calendar, contacts and other running applications. TikToks approach to data gathering is more aggressive than WeChat, the Chinese super app that performs multiple functions from messaging to ride-hailing, according to David Robinson, co-chief executive of Internet 2.0. In our opinion, based on detailed analysis, TikTok harvests much more data than WeChat. Their aggressive way of continuously requesting access to contacts after a user has decided not to share contacts is unusual, he says. But last year a study by the University of Torontos Citizen Lab found that the app did not exhibit overtly malicious behaviour in terms of data collection and its use of advertising and user activity tracking software was not exceptional when compared to industry norms. TikTok has disputed both the accusations that it collects more data than other social media companies, and that Chinese authorities could access data from its users. TikTok says that its use of data is in line with industry practices and helps the app function properly and operate securely, as well as helping give users more of what they want. A spokesperson adds: The TikTok app is not unique in the amount of information it collects. Read More TikTok says staff in China can access EU user data The company says its data is not held in China, but in the US where US user data is routed through cloud infrastructure operated by US firm Oracle and Singapore, and that it plans to start storing European user data in Ireland next year. Since beginning transparency reporting in 2019, we have received zero data requests from the Chinese government, a TikTok spokesperson added. The company has denied it is used to target US citizens in the wake of the Forbes report. In response to the BuzzFeed report, Shanahan said the company has talked openly about its efforts to limit employees access to US user data and the BuzzFeed News report shows TikTok is doing what it said it was going to. Referring to the Chinese server claim by Internet 2.0, a TikTok spokesperson said the IP address cited in the report is in Singapore and the network traffic does not leave the region. TikTok insists that the app is independent. TikTok is an independent platform, with its own leadership team, including a CEO based in Singapore, a COO based in the US and a Global Head of Trust & Safety based in Ireland, it says. Woodward says that even if there is no evidence that TikTok is doing anything with user data other than what is being done by the other major social media platforms, the background presence of China will remain difficult to shake for sceptics. The Chinese governments pervasive yet secretive approach to surveillance means that those who do not trust them do not believe the lack of evidence is proof they are not using data from TikTok. He says considerable doubt is generated by Chinas National Intelligence Law of 2017, which states that all organisations and citizens shall support, assist and co-operate with national intelligence efforts. Woodward says: I am sure that many companies, and individuals, feel strongly that they would never provide data from their customers to the Chinese state but how could they resist: the law is absolute, and the government are not shy about punishing those who fail to comply. Its less about TikTok and more about the Chinese Communist party, said James Lewis, a senior vice-president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a US thinktank. The CCP is unscrupulous and opportunistic when it comes to spying, so distrust is more than justified. Social media pages are a great source of personal detail for spy agencies, Lewis says, adding that intelligence is now a big data game. For some, data is less of a concern than TikToks potential for manipulation of opinion. File photo: AP/Martin Meissner For others, data is less of a concern than the platforms potential for manipulation of opinion. Matt Schrader, an adviser on China at the International Republican Institute, a non-profit organisation, says the data issue is a sideshow. He adds: It is far less of a concern for me than the issue of political manipulation on the platform. It is difficult to spot and there is limited evidence of its presence but it is a concern to me because the potential for front-running, widespread manipulation of political discourse by the authorities in Beijing who have zero compunctions about using social media in that way. As TikToks influence grows, and geopolitical tensions between the US and China remain, concerns about data and privacy are likely to stay. Guardian Gavin Williamson allegedly told a senior civil servant to slit your throat in what they claimed was a bullying campaign while he was British defence secretary. Rishi Sunak is under increasing pressure over his decision to bring his ally back into government after The Guardian reported fresh incendiary claims about his conduct. The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) official told the newspaper Gavin made the remarks in front of colleagues in a meeting, and on another occasion told them to jump out of the window. The Cabinet Office minister said he strongly rejects the allegation and insisted he has enjoyed good working relationships with officials. But the allegations, including that Mr Williamson deliberately demeaned and intimidated the civil servant on a regular basis, is bound to add to the calls for his sacking. Mr Sunak is under fire for bringing Mr Williamson back into the government when he knew he was under investigation for allegedly bullying former chief whip Wendy Morton. In a series of expletive-laden texts exposed over the weekend, Mr Williamson accused Ms Morton of seeking to punish MPs out of favour with then-British prime minister Liz Truss by excluding them from Queen Elizabeths funeral, warning: There is a price for everything. The Prime Minister 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 (PA) Mr Williamson, who was sacked as British defence secretary in 2019, issued a statement denying the broad allegations in The Guardians report but did not specifically deny using the language alleged. I strongly reject this allegation and have enjoyed good working relationships with the many brilliant officials I have worked with across government, he said. No specific allegations have ever been brought to my attention. The newspaper said the official complained to the MoDs head of human resources about the alleged incidents, but it was understood the Cabinet Offices propriety and ethics team has not received a complaint about Mr Williamsons conduct towards officials. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: The Cabinet Office has not received notice of any formal complaints about Gavin Williamsons behaviour from his time at the Ministry of Defence or any other department. Labour Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds said: These allegations are extremely serious and speak to the toxic culture at the top of the Conservative Party. 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Myanmar has suffered almost two years of turmoil and violence since the military staged a coup, claiming fraud at the 2020 election in which the NLD won a landslide victory. International monitors dismissed that claim as false. The military regime detained Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the countrys President U Win Myint before trying them on various charges. The junta has also detained another 12,890 people, mostly for anti-regime activism. The regime has launched a brutal crackdown on protesters while struggling to quell popular armed resistance against military rule that has sprung up nationwide. So far, the junta has killed more than 2,400 people but failed to establish control over the strife-torn country. In April last year, ASEAN adopted a five-point peace plan for its member Myanmar that includes the immediate cessation of violence and a dialogue between all parties. But the peace plan has been ineffective as the regime has failed to implement its points. Special envoys from ASEAN and the UN visited the country but were barred from meeting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. ASEAN has been criticized for sticking to the five-point plan, and pressed to engage with Myanmars shadow National Unity Government rather than working with the junta. The NLDs statement, released Tuesday on the second anniversary of its electoral victory that was cancelled by the military, and ahead of an ASEAN summit that will prioritize Myanmars plight, also warned that international assistance to solve the countrys problems must be practical and respect Myanmar peoples desires. It added that the international community must beware that a narrow focus on solving immediate problems may not only damage Myanmars democratic movement and human rights but also push the country further into conflict, it said. The junta has said a general election will be held early next. The NLD and many in the international community have denounced the move as fraudulent. Marking the second anniversary of Myanmars 2020 election on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the regimes planned sham election, which could not possibly be free and fair in the current context, would only fuel more violence, prolong the crisis, and defer the countrys transition to democracy and stability. We urge the international community to deny the military and its so-called elections, credibility and instead meaningfully engage with pro-democracy leaders who uphold a vision for an inclusive and prosperous Burma [Myanmar], he said, while pledging US support for the countrys pro-democracy movement. Burma Karen Rebels Claim to Have Killed 369 Myanmar Junta Troops in October Karen National Union troops and allied resistance fighters with seized junta weapons after occupying an outpost in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, in September. / KNU Almost 6,000 Myanmar junta troops have reportedly been killed in clashes in Karen State since last year, including around 369 deaths in October. The countrys oldest rebel group the Karen National Union (KNU) and its armed wings, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and Karen National Defense Organizations, have been fighting the regime since March last year after hundreds of peaceful anti-regime demonstrators were killed across the country. Resistance groups trained and armed by the KNU fight with the Karen forces in Karen and Mon states and Bago and Tanintharyi regions. The rebel group said on Monday that 286 clashes with regime troops and its border guard allies were reported during October. Around 369 regime troops were killed and 302 injured while six resistance fighters were killed and 46 suffered injuries, according to the KNU. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports. Four regime soldiers surrendered, 33 soldiers were captured, 18 military vehicles were destroyed and the junta conducted six airstrikes last month, according to the KNU. On October 28, the KNLA and its allies raided a police outpost in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, killing a regime soldier and seizing around 20 weapons and ammunition. Another heavy clash broke out in Kawkareik town on October 21 when Karen troops attacked junta targets, including a district police office and an administrative office. The junta responded with indiscriminate shelling and aerial bombardments of resistance forces and residential areas. On October 16, sixteen soldiers, including a major and two captains, were captured along with weapons when Karen resistance troops attacked junta reinforcements in the northwest of Kyainseikgyi Township in Karen State. Six other junta soldiers were reportedly killed. The KNU said 3,664 regime and border militia troops have been killed and 2,700 injured in 3,845 clashes with Karen forces between January and October. An estimated 2,190 junta troops were killed and 2,048 injured in 3,152 clashes last year. More than 300,000 civilians have fled their homes with more than a third of them urgently needing humanitarian aid, the KNU reported. Burma Mother Killed as Myanmar Junta Artillery Targets Sagaing Civilians Houses lie in ruins at a village in eastern Wetlet Township after being torched by junta troops in October. / Supplied A 30-year-old mother was killed and her mother, husband and 3-year-old daughter seriously injured by regime shelling in Shein Makar village, Wetlet Township, Sagaing Region on Monday, according to residents. A shell fired by junta troops stationed at the Shein Makar police outpost struck the familys house at about 7.50 pm, said villagers, who expressed anger over the indiscriminate artillery attack. The religious festival of Tazaung Mone falls on Tuesday, but residents of Shein Makar shunned the traditional rituals of lighting candles, making food, giving alms and visiting temples over fear of further junta attacks. Instead of respecting the Buddhist festival period, they fired a shell into the village without any reason, said one resident. Shein Makar is just 24 kilometers southeast of Wetlet, home to the Unesco world heritage site of Hanlin, an ancient Buddhist city. Despite the shelling, no clashes between junta troops and resistance forces have been reported in the area recently. Ko Phyo Zaw Oo, a spokesman for Wetlet Peoples Defense Force (PDF), confirmed the artillery attack but said the PDF was not fighting regime forces in the area. They are shelling villages without facing encounters against us. We have been avoiding them for over a week after they deployed more troops. I am speechless over this inhumane act, he said of the artillery attack on civilians. On Tuesday, junta soldiers deployed at Shein Makar also torched houses in nearby Padauk Choung village, forcing hundreds of residents to flee, said locals. Meanwhile, two regime fighter-jets were spotted in the east of Wetlet Township. Junta forces began attacking villages in eastern Wetlet Township in October and have killed at least 12 civilians and 20 residents. Thousands of villagers in the area have fled their homes. Burma War-Crime Committing Myanmar Junta Air Chief Appointed to Lead ASEAN Body Regime Air Force chief General Tun Aung attends the graduation ceremony for the 84th intake of trainee air force pilots at Meiktila airbase on October 28, 2022. (Photo: Cincds) Myanmars junta air force chief, General Tun Aung, has been appointed chair of the ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference (AACC) while directing a brutal aerial bombing campaign against civilians at home. The chair rotated to Myanmar at a meeting of the 19th AACC in Laos, held amid regime airstrikes that are killing a growing number of civilians including children, triggering global condemnation. Targets of junta airstrikes in recent weeks include a school in Let Yet Kone Village, Depayin Township in Sagaing, where at least 12 people including seven children were killed, and a concert held by the Kachin Independence Organization in Hpakant, Kachin State on October 23, where around 80 people were killed. General Tun Aung led the junta delegation attending the 19th AACC in Laos on Friday (Nov. 4). Junta-controlled state media said on Tuesday that Tun Aung also met with the air force chiefs of Laos, Brunei and Thailand on Nov. 3 to discuss strengthening cooperation, including to combat terrorism. The junta uses the word terrorism to describe armed resistance to its military rule in Myanmar. On Nov. 4, the Laos air force chief transferred the ASEAN Air Chief Conference chair to Myanmar for the 20th AACC in 2023, the junta announced. Tun Aung was promoted from chief of staff to air force chief in January, replacing General Maung Maung Kyaw. Under his command, the air force has escalated its brutal campaign against Myanmars people, inflicting heavier civilian casualties and damage and even crossing the border into Bangladesh and Thailand on bombing missions. General Tun Aung must be held accountable for his crimes under international law, not emboldened to step up his slaughter of civilians, rights group Justice for Myanmar (JFM) said in a statement issued on Tuesday. ASEAN appointed General Tun Aung knowing that he and the junta he represents are committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. ASEAN is therefore actively aiding and abetting those international crimes, the statement added. JFM also pointed out that the Myanmar junta remains co-chair of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus Experts Working Group on counterterrorism. JFM said that as co-chair of the regional blocs working group, the junta posts disinformation and propaganda on the groups website. These posts label Myanmars shadow civilian government and democratic institutions the National Unity Government (NUG), Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) as terrorist, a designation that the junta, which is a terrorist organization under Myanmar and international law, uses as a pretext for its ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity, JFM said. The posts also espoused the militarys false claims that the 2020 general election was marred by fraud. The NUG and its parliamentary CRPH were formed by elected lawmakers of the National League for Democracy and their ethnic allies in the wake of the Feb. 1 2021 coup. The junta will lead the ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference next year, overseeing a series of interactions between the regions air forces and hosting the next ASEAN counterterrorism meeting via video from December 5-6, JFM said. It is unacceptable that ASEAN and its partners see it as appropriate to allow the junta to lead regional defense bodies, providing it with legitimacy, support and platforms for its disinformation and propaganda, JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung said. JFM said the juntas roles as chair of the ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference and co-chair of ADMMs counterterrorism group must be revoked. It should also be deprived of control over the counterterrorism working groups website and excluded from all ASEAN meetings and activities, the group added. Myanmars Crisis & the World Myanmar Shadow Govt Barred From Global Town Hall Meeting After UN Objects Global Town Hall 2022 press material released ahead of the meeting shows NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung among the speakers. Two representatives of Myanmars shadow National Unity Government (NUG) were barred from participating in the Global Town Hall 2022 meeting at the last minute after the UN complained to a co-organizer that their inclusion would amount to taking sides in the countrys conflict, sources close to the matter said. Joined by leading public figures such as former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and current US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink among many others, Saturdays livestreamed meeting, Sustaining Peace and Development in a Divided World, was hosted by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) in partnership with international advocacy organization Global Citizen to discuss pressing foreign policy issues. Global Citizen, also known as the Global Poverty Project, works with the UN in various sectors including poverty reduction. Press materials released ahead of the meeting show NUG Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung among the speakers, along with two senior UN officials. NUG Deputy Foreign Minister U Moe Zaw Oo is listed as a member of a discussion panel. Formed following the military coup last year, Myanmars NUG is a parallel government, challenging the regimes legitimacy at home and abroad. It claims a mandate as a legitimate representative of the Myanmar people, enjoying widespread support at home and informal support internationally. When the meeting started on Saturday, however, Daw Zin Mar Aungs prerecorded opening remarks were not aired and U Moe Zaw Oo was barred from joining the discussion. The meeting announcement had been updated to exclude Daw Zin Mar Aungs picture. When I entered the link to participate in the Global Town Hall as a discussant after the key note speech, I was sent to the breakout room. Then I was informed that I had been removed from the agenda due to a complaint from the UN, U Moe Zaw Oo told The Irrawaddy. The FPCI held a meeting with the NUG deputy foreign minister on Monday, apologizing to him for what happened on Saturday. According to U Moe Zaw Oo, FPCI director Dr. Dino Patti Djalal told him that Global Citizen was told by a high level UN official to drop NUG representatives from the meeting because the world body was afraid of appearing to take sides by inviting them. The FPCI said their partner Global Citizen pressured them to take us out even though the FPCI didnt wish to ban us, U Moe Zaw Oo said. After having the NUG representatives removed from the meeting, the UN also withdrew one of its two participantsAmia J. Mohammed, the UN deputy secretary generalfrom the meeting. U Moe Zaw Oo denounced the UNs interference in the meeting. The UN has nothing to do with such a meeting and they shouldnt interfere with anyone. The organizer has the right to invite anyone, and the participants have the right to freedom of discussion, he said. The FPCI has already organized several engagements involving the NUG and said it would arrange another event or diplomatic briefing for the civilian government. War Against the Junta Nearly 70 Myanmar Regime Personnel Killed in Four Days of Resistance Attacks -- An army major and at least six pro-regime militia members were among 67 regime forces killed by Peoples Defense Force groups (PDFs) during their relentless attacks on regime targets across the country in the last four days. The PDFs also seized a junta cargo ship carrying 15,000 rice bags of rations for the military. Incidents were reported in Mandalay, Magwe, Sagaing, Bago and Tanintharyi regions. Some military casualties could not be independently verified. Army major assassinated in Mandalay The resistance group Tawgyi Mway Pwaye claimed that it and two other PDF groups jointly assassinated army Major Aung Naing Soe in Madaya Township, Mandalay Region on Monday. The victim was killed while he was at his house in Mway Taline Village. A PDF photo shows the dead body of an army major. 20 junta soldiers killed, injured in Tanintharyi Local resistance group King Cobra Force claimed to have killed or injured at least 20 regime forces when it used a cluster of land mines to ambush three military vehicles between Palaw and Myeik townships, Tanintharyi Region on Monday morning. The convoy was attacked while it was traveling from Palaw to Myeik. During the ambush, two vehicles were destroyed. Four junta soldiers killed in Tanintharyi Four regime soldiers were killed and another injured in Tanintharyi Township, Tanintharyi Region on Sunday when two PDF groups clashed with regime forces near a village, said PDF-Myeik District, which coordinated the attack. Regime forces attacked in Tanintharyi Many regime forces are believed to have been killed or injured in Bokepyin Township, Tanintharyi Region last Friday when Kawthaung District PDF and another local resistance group jointly used land mines to ambush 15 regime forces of military Light Infantry Battalion 560 near a village, said the resistance groups. After the ambushes, a 30-minute clash broke out between the regime forces and PDF groups. In the shootout, three PDF fighters suffered injuries. Some junta explosives and ammunition were also seized by the PDF groups. Junta ration ship sized by PDF in Sagaing A cargo ship carrying 15,000 rice bags for the military was seized by the Civil Defense and Security Organization of Myaung (CDSOM) in Myaung Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday, the group claimed. The vessel was seized while it was traveling south from Mandalay along the Irrawaddy River. The PDF group said it shared the rice bags with residents of the township. It also said it abandoned the cargo ship after being tipped off that a military flotilla and a military detachment of 70 soldiers were heading towards the PDF-occupied ship. Three junta forces killed in Sagaing Three regime forces were killed in Myinmu Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday when two PDF groups used grenades to attack regime forces guarding the junta-controlled Myanmar Economic Bank in the town of Myinmu, claimed Zero Guerrilla Force, which coordinated the attack. 17 junta soldiers, six PDF fighters killed in intense clash in Sagaing Seventeen regime soldiers and six resistance fighters were killed during an intense clash in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday when four PDF groups jointly attacked about 150 regime forces stationed in a village, said Chindwin Attack Force, which coordinated the attack. In the clash, regime forces used over 100 heavy explosives and some chemical weapons that left the PDF fighters feeling dizzy, the PDF groups said. After facing PDF attacks, three regime military detachments responded with offensive actions against the resistance groups. In the clashes, a total of six resistance members were killed. Of those, two were PDF fighters who were executed by regime forces as soon as they were captured. A video shot by the PDF groups shows PDF fighters engaged in a heavy clash. Junta police outpost attacked by PDF drone in Sagaing A local PDF group, Tiger Women Drone Forces, claimed to have bombed a junta police station in Kyauk Yit Village in Myaung Township, Sagaing Region using drones on Sunday morning. However, regime casualties were unknown. An aerial video shot by the PDF group shows blasts in the compound of the police station after being bombed by a drone. Junta motorboat bombed in Sagaing A PDF drone drops a bomb on the roof of a junta motorboat in Katha Township on Monday. / Katha PDF A military motorboat was bombed by the Drone Team of Katha-PDF group in Katha Township, Sagaing Region on Monday, according to the group. The vessel was attacked while traveling to Katha Township from neighboring Shwegu Township in Kachin State along the Irrawaddy River. An aerial video shows a bomb dropped by the Katha Drone Team exploding on the roof of the motorboat. However, it is unknown whether there were any casualties. Junta police station bombed in Sagaing The junta police station in Kyauk Yit Village in Myaung Township is bombed by a PDF drone on Sunday. / T.G.R. Women Drone Force Three junta police officers were killed in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region on Sunday when two PDF groups used 60-mm, 80-mm and 120-mm motor rounds to bomb a township police station in the town of Salingyi, said Brother Defense Forces, which was involved in the attacks. The group said it used over 60 mortar shells to attack the police station. All PDF members escaped from the area despite regime forces responding with heavy explosives and automatic firearms. 12 junta forces killed in fierce clash in Bago Resistance fighters during a clash with regime forces in Yaytashe Township last Friday. / NTPDF At least 12 regime soldiers were killed and many others injured in Yaytashe Township, Bago Region last Friday when Northern Thandaung PDF group ambushed 90 soldiers between two villages, the PDF group claimed. After being attacked for four hours, the regime forces retreated from the area. A video shows PDF fighters engaged in a fierce clash. Pro-regime militia leader, village administrator killed in Bago A pro-regime Pyu Saw Htee militia leader and a junta-appointed village administrator were killed in Paungde and Oakpo townships, Bago Region on Monday and Saturday, said Bago Region PDF. On Monday afternoon, Tharyarwaddy District PDF group assassinated Pyu Saw Htee militia leader Than Tun on a road in Oakpo Township. The PDF group said Than Tun, who was also a junta informant, was armed. On Saturday morning, U Saung Tin, a junta-appointed administrator of Phar Yar Gyi Village in Paungde Township, was killed by PDF-Pyay District. Bago Region PDF said both assassinations were parts of Operation Nann Htike Aung against regime targets. Five pro-regime militia members killed in Magwe Five pro-regime Pyu Saw Htee militia members were reportedly killed in Myaing Township, Magwe Region on Sunday morning when three PDF groups attacked a militia group from a village. The military group was attacked from close range as they were heading out to do farm work, said Pakokku PDF group, which was involved in the shootout. 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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. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. Hong Kong: Coastal defence museum to reopen The Leisure & Cultural Services Department today announced that the Museum of Coastal Defence, after a major revamp, will reopen to the public on November 24, with free admission. Converted from the Lyemen Fort, the Museum of Coastal Defence is located at Tung Hei Road in Shau Kei Wan and is the city's only military museum. Due to the severe damage caused by super typhoon Mangkhut, the museum has been closed for repair and renovation works since mid-September 2018. It is made up of the reception building, the redoubt and the historical trail. Multimedia elements, innovative presentation methods and a thematic approach have been introduced in the revamped permanent exhibition and the historical trail to narrate the unique story of Hong Kong's coastal defence. The new permanent exhibition in the redoubt, The Story of Hong Kong Coastal Defence, consists of 11 galleries which include the introduction of a military presence under successive dynasties, military arrangements, port facilities, history of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, stories of multi-ethnic soldiers who served in Hong Kong as well as the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison. The museum features more content on the history of the Japanese invasion of China, the Japanese attack on Hong Kong, the Battle of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong-Kowloon Independence Brigade of the East River Column to deepen public awareness of this chapter in the city's history. Twenty-four checkpoints have been set up on the Lyemun Fort Historical Trail, including the Torpedo Station built in a cave on the shore, the Lyemun Redoubt on the hilltop, and batteries and caponiers. Visitors can experience and enjoy the unique beauty of the built structures embedded in the natural scenery, and immerse themselves in the military and historical ambience of the site through walking the historical trail. Click here for more details. This story has been published on: 2022-11-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. To overcome the prevailing obstacle, we propose to establish an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka, with an ancillary institution in Maldives, which would be the first of its type. President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the COP 27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt said that unbridled industrialization of the developed countries is the root cause of climate change, leaving the poor to suffer the consequences. He said that the problems facing poor countries are augmented due to the absence of adequate funding. Devastating floods in Pakistan [Photo Credit: UNICEF/UN0691098/Sami Malik] As a result, these countries are facing double jeopardy struggling to develop economically while fighting to protect the living standards of their populations. Therefore, President Wickremesinghe said that the developed countries must deliver on their pledge in Glasgow by doubling their funding to compensate the developing countries for loss and damage. Accordingly, he said that as proposed by the Climate Vulnerable Forum, commissioning a Special Report on this aspect to strengthen international awareness for future responses would be appropriate. President Wickremesinghe thus proposed that before COP 28 in Dubai, like-minded nations should meet at Ministerial Level to discuss the way forward on all aspects of climate finance. He also noted that this should be followed with a meeting of the Heads of Government of these countries on the margins of COP 28 to display a collective frame of mind to stave off the calamity. Following is the full speech delivered by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Cop 27 Climate Change Summit; The salubrious environs of the green city of Sharm El-Sheikh will undoubtedly inspire our discussions at COP 27 to a successful conclusion. I sincerely thank the Government of Egypt for your warm welcome and hospitality. Sri Lanka is replete with biodiversity and has consistently addressed the challenges of climate change. Let me record the action of Sri Lanka in this regard: Sri Lanka Commenced the process of reducing carbon emissions by 14.5% by 2030 Initiated Marine Spatial Planning Recently established a Climate Office Spearheaded the UN declaration of the 1st March, as World Sea Grass Day Sri Lanka is Employing the National Policy for Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Mangrove Ecosystems Implementing the Commonwealth Pilot project for Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Led the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group on Mangrove Ecosystems and Livelihoods Sri Lanka Will not increase further energy capacity via coal power Will phase out fossil fuel subsidies Will aim for 70% of renewable energy for electricity generation by 2030 Will join the recent Global Methane pledge made in Washington Yet, for climate action to be successful, wide-ranging measures to complement the UNFCC and Paris Agreement must be pursued. The lack of capacity is the biggest obstacle to the implementation of Climate Action plans. Therefore, capacity building is vital in this regard. To overcome this obstacle, we propose to establish an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka, with an ancillary institution in Maldives, which would be the first of its type. This seat of learning can be a trans-disciplinary global centre for green and blue studies for scientists, environmentalists, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and of course, students the world over, to interchange knowledge transcending national and disciplinary boundaries. The envisaged Climate Change University will offer both short-term courses and postgraduate academic awards to build capabilities for mitigating and adapting to climate change. The University will also expedite the skills of the new generations to deliver the political, economic, social, cultural and digital transformations required to prevent a 1.5-degree world. It will be the vehicle to enlighten domestic climate change challenges and prospects. The collaboration of multilateral institutions and organizations such as the Commonwealth, World Bank and the ADB amongst others, will be sought for the establishment of this institution of higher learning making it a multi-stakeholder partnership transcending national boundaries. I hope Sri Lankas proposal will receive extensive support and endorsement from the international community. Since the prescriptions for addressing climate change have to be dispensed in the global domain, we will meet again next year, charged with high hopes. However, the chequered implementation of previous decisions, including those of COP 26 is extremely disheartening. Regrettably, the ground reality is that the fossil fuel-based industrialized countries of G7 and G20 who have been the main promoters of green hydrogen are now backtracking to use of fossil fuel. In the last year, Carbon Dioxide emissions increased by 2bn metric tonnes from 34.3bn to 36.3bn metric tonnes. Such double standards are unacceptable. Developed nations should be given leadership to overcome climate challenges rather than abdicating their responsibilities. It is no secret that climate financing has missed the target. It is ironic that the 100 bn dollars pledged annually, have not been available in the coffers to finance climate challenges as many developed nations deem it fit to renege on their climate financing contributions. These countries who are also on both sides of the Ukraine war seem to have no qualms about spending for a war which will finally exceed $350bn. A conflict waged purportedly for the security interests of the combatants. The only security at stake is food insecurity, acerbated to levels not experienced before the war. Many living both in the developed and developing world are outside the scope of three meals a day. It is estimated that between 30 to 40 million people are being driven into hunger, especially in Africa. This war has also resulted in the upward spiralling cost of living, and shortages of oil and gas supplies, and it has brought the fight against hunger to our homes. Expectedly, it has led to the curtailing of much-required climate finance pledged by these very same countries. The issue we have is not finding the party responsible for the war, but the party that will end the war. Why do we need this funding? It is a known fact that the practice of colonialism transferred the rich resources of Asia and Africa to Europe and was used to industrialize their countries. We became poor from this plunder. The unbridled industrialization of the developed economy is also the root cause of climate change, the consequences of which, we the poor countries are forced to suffer. Our problems are augmented due to the absence of adequate funding. Therefore, those in the South are facing double jeopardy struggling to develop economically while fighting to protect the living standards of our populations. It is therefore imperative that the developed countries deliver on their pledge in Glasgow by doubling their funding. Adding insult to injury, damages caused by extreme weather conditions are increasing, and their impacts are exceedingly costly. Developing countries which are the worst affected by the rise in emissions from the industrialized world, need to be compensated for loss and damage. While the issue of loss and damage is now included in our formal agenda, we have to ensure that the emitters contribute financially to those affected. As proposed by the Climate Vulnerable Forum, commissioning a Special Report on this aspect to strengthen international awareness for future responses would be appropriate. Considering the failure of the developed world in bringing about the much-discussed relief, it is proposed that before we get to Dubai for COP 28, like-minded nations should meet at Ministerial Level to discuss the way forward on all aspects of climate finance. This should be followed with a meeting of the Heads of Government of these countries on the margins of COP 28 to display a collective frame of mind to stave off the calamity. In conclusion, let me recall the UN Secretary-Generals recent words, The choice is between collective action or collective suicide. The vacuum created due to inaction now requires the global display of sustained political will through dynamic action and constructive cooperation on the part of like-minded countries to prevent this catastrophe. Let us traverse this path urgently. Russia and Iran seem to have got mired in a controversy unnecessarily. What seems to have happened is that just as Iran did reverse engineering on US drone technology, Russians also did a good job to remake the Iranian kamikaze drones that were in its inventory prior to the special military operation in Ukraine. by M. K. Bhadrakumar The manner in which Tehran handled its drone deal with Russia has been somewhat clumsy. The fact that the first leak on this topic originated from none other than President Bidens National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan should have alerted Tehran that something sinister was afoot. Instead, for whatever reasons, Tehran went into a flat denial mode. And now in a turnaround, we are given to understand that Irans denial was factually correct, albeit not wholly true in content. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has acknowledged that the drone part is true, and we provided Russia with a small number of drones months before the Ukraine war. Drones are seen at an underground site at an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on May 28, 2022. [Photo: Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)] The minister added the caveat that This fuss made by some Western countries, that Iran has provided missiles and drones to Russia to help the war in Ukraine the missile part is completely wrong. Howsoever good Irans drone technology might be, it has not been a game changer for Russia in the war in Ukraine. Russias own missile capability is surprising even the western experts who had predicted months ago that it was running out of its inventory. In fact, the missile strikes may continue until Ukraine collapses and the West has no meaningful interlocutor left in Kievs rubble. Russia and Iran seem to have got mired in a controversy unnecessarily. What seems to have happened is that just as Iran did reverse engineering on US drone technology, Russians also did a good job to remake the Iranian kamikaze drones that were in its inventory prior to the special military operation in Ukraine. Kiev now says, after examining the debris of the Russian drones that it shot down, that they had Ukrainian parts, too! It stand to reason that the Russian defence industry picked something from Irans technology, something else from Ukraines, and came up with a startling Russian model. That probably explains the sophistry in Moscow consistent stance that it didnt use Iranian drone. Amirabdollahian revealed that Iran offered to explain the situation to Ukrainian authorities and a meeting was even set up in Poland to clear the misunderstanding and restore Irans diplomatic ties with Kiev, but the Americans got it scuttled. Evidently, the US is not interested in a normalisation of Ukraine-Iran relations. Israel too would have an interest in keeping Iran at arms length from Kiev. The US and Israel would apprehend that a strong Iranian diplomatic presence in Kiev might work to Russias advantage. Be that as it may, Amirabdollahians candid admission will have consequences. Iran possibly got carried away by the exhilarating feeling that a superpower stooped to source its military technology, and furthermore, relished the high publicity its drones received not to mention the embarrassment caused to Ukraines western patrons who watched helplessly when the Russian drones created panic on such a scale. However, belatedly, Iran realised the potential political and diplomatic fallout. In reality, all this fuss, as Amirabdollahian put it, stems from Tehrans refusal to sign the EU draft nuclear agreement at Vienna, which infuriated Brussels and Washington, dashing their hopes that Iranian oil would come to the rescue of Europe by replacing the Russian oil imports that are being terminated w.e.f December 5. Again, Irans increased oil production was what the US was counting on to introduce tensions within the OPEC and split the cartel. According to a Spiegel report, Germany and eight other EU states have put together a new package of sanctions against Iran in Brussels on Wednesday, which contains 31 proposals targeting officials and entities in Iran connected with security affairs as well as companies, for their alleged violence and repressions in Iran. The alibi is human rights violations. Evidently, the West has reverted to its bullying tactic. President Biden has pledged to free Iran from its present political system although the Americans know from past experience that public protests are nothing unusual for Iran but regime change remains a pipe dream. Why is the West resuscitating the Iran question at this point? There are two underlying reasons perhaps, three. One is, Benjamin Netanyahus victory in the Israeli election last Sunday virtually guarantees that Israels existential rivalry with Iran is once again in the centre stage of West Asian politics. Without that happening, Netanyahu will come under pressure to address the core issue in West Asia, namely, the Palestinian problem. As things stand, the Iran question will return to the centre stage of West Asian politics. There is a congruence of interests between Tel Aviv and Washington on that score at a time when there is going to be some friction inevitably in the US-Israel relations, as the racist anti-Arab Religious Zionism alliance, Netanyahus latest coalition parters, contains elements that the US once regarded as terrorists. Whipping up frenzy over Iran comes handy for both Israel and the US. But on the other hand, Netanyahu is realistic enough to know that it will be suicidal for Israel to attack Iran militarily without American support and second, that the Biden Administration has not yet entirely given up hope on a nuclear deal with Iran. Therefore, in the event of the midterms radically changing the profile of the Congress to the detriment of the Biden Administration, trust Netanyahu to insert Iran nuclear issue as a key template of US domestic politics and the US-Israel relations. A second factor is the trajectory of the war in Ukraine. Although the proxy war is in the home stretch and the US and NATO are staring at the defeat and destruction of Ukraine, the Biden Administration cannot simply walk away in humiliation, since this is Europe and not the Hindu Kush, and the fate of the western alliance system is at a crossroads. Most certainly, US troops have appeared on Ukrainian soil and they can only be regarded as an advance party. Will Ukraine turn out to be another Syria, with the regions to the west of the Dnieper River the Rump denuded of natural resources coming under US occupation so that its NATO allies in the periphery do not jump into the fray of dormant ethnic tensions inherited from history to carve out their pieces out of the carcass? Or, will a US-led coalition of the willing be preparing to actually fight the Russian forces in eastern and southern Ukraine? Either way, the point is, the strategic ties developing between Iran and Russia will remain a focal point for the West, Amirabdollahians clarification notwithstanding. It is only natural that in the conditions under sanctions, Russias external relations are in the cross-hairs of the US. Iran has a stellar record of rubbishing the maximum pressure strategy. Put differently, having Iran as an ally will be a strategic asset for Russia in a multipolar setting. Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union have decided to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement while Tehran is also working out swap deals involving Russian oil. Simply put, Europeans can keep their SWIFT for whatever it is worth and that is not going to make any difference to Russia or Iran and the rest of the world is watching this happening in real time, especially in Irans neighbourhood where oil is traded in dollars. By now it is also clear to the US and its allies that JCPOA or no JCPOA, the overarching tilt toward Russia and China is Tehrans version of the Israeli Iron Dome, in diplomacy. The bottom line is that Iran is becoming a role model for the Persian Gulf region, as is evident from the queue lengthening for membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, even as the parallel track of the Abraham Accords has disappeared in the endorheic basin of the Arabian Peninsula. M. K. Bhadrakumar was a career diplomat by profession. Roughly half of the 3 decades of his diplomatic career was devoted to assignments on the territories of the former Soviet Union and to Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Other overseas postings included South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Turkey. He writes mainly on Indian foreign policy and the affairs of the Middle East, Eurasia, Central Asia, South Asia and the Asia-Pacific. Today Partly cloudy. High 58F. Winds light and variable. Tonight Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low 47F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Tomorrow Cloudy and damp with rain in the morning...then becoming mostly sunny by afternoon. Thunder possible. High 62F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Spains former King Juan Carlos I on Tuesday reopened a British court battle over claims of molestation by his former lover and is calling for his legal immunity as king to be confirmed. Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, 58, is seeking damages for assault from the 84-year-old former monarch, who ruled Spain from 1975 until his abdication in 2014. The British resident has accused Juan Carlos, who now lives in the United Arab Emirates, of spying on and harassing her after their relationship fell apart in 2012. She filed a harassment lawsuit in London in 2020, claiming he pressured her to return gifts worth 65 million ($65 million), including artwork and jewelry. Juan Carlos, who appears in court under his full name Juan Carlos Alfonso Victor Maria De Borbon y Borbon, has not appeared for hearings and has strenuously denied any wrongdoing. In March, the High Court in London rejected Juan Carlos claim that English courts had no jurisdiction to hear the case because he enjoys state immunity as King. Judge Matthew Nicklin said that whatever special status the defendant retained under the law and constitution of Spain, he was no longer a sovereign or head of state which would entitle him to personal immunity. The former kings lawyers appealed and obtained permission for a legal challenge regarding the time Juan Carlos was on the throne. This will be considered by three judges at the Court of Appeal from 10:30 GMT on Tuesday, with a verdict expected in a few weeks, after which the harassment lawsuit will continue. podcast Hearings continue as Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn discussed the relationship in a recent podcast titled Corinna and the King. Court filings claim that the married Juan Carlos had an intimate love affair with the estranged from 2004 to 2009 and showered her with gifts. She claimed that after their relationship failed, Juan Carlos began harassing her, using threats, break-ins into their properties and surveillance. Juan Carlos demanded the return of gifts, she claimed, and she suffered trespassing and criminal harm at her home in rural central England. Shots were fired at security cameras at the propertys front gate and damaged, she claimed, accusing the former king of being furious at her refusal. The couples relationship came to light in 2012 when the monarch broke a hip while on holiday in Botswana with Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn and had to be flown home, sparking public fury during a period of record unemployment in Spain. Two years later, at the age of 76, Juan Carlos, haunted by the scandals and health problems, abdicated in favor of his son Felipe VI. who has now distanced himself from his father. Juan Carlos went into self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates in 2020. The couple attended Queen Elizabeth IIs state funeral in September and sat together. Juan Carlos was protected for decades by his enormous popularity as a key figure in the democratic transition following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. NEW YORK, Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Teck Resources Limited (Teck or the Company) (NYSE: TECK). Those investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, extension 7980. The investigation concerns whether Teck and certain of its officers and/or directors engaged in securities fraud or other illegal business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On August 19, 2020, the Canadian federal government announced its decision to participate in an environmental assessment of a major expansion of the Tecks Castle coal mine in British Columbia. Canadas Environment Ministers office said the decision was made after analyzing the projects potential to cause adverse impacts in areas of federal jurisdiction. As a result of this news, Tecks stock price fell $0.82 per share, or 6.47%, to close at $11.86 per share on August 20, 2020. The Pomerantz law firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Paris, is one of the leading law firms in the areas of corporate, securities and antitrust litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as Dean of the Class Attorneys Association, the Pomerantz firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz law firm continues the tradition he established and fights for the rights of victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and corporate misconduct. The firm has recovered numerous multi-million dollar claims on behalf of group members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com . A speech by EU Council President Charles Michel, scheduled to be broadcast at the opening of a major Chinese trade fair, has been abruptly canceled due to censorship wrangling, diplomats told AFP on Tuesday. The recorded video address was scheduled to be shown at the opening of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Friday, but Michels spokesman and three Beijing-based diplomats confirmed it was not broadcast. The Chinese wanted to censor parts of Charles Michels speech. Brussels preferred to cancel the speech altogether, a European diplomat told AFP, asking for anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. Another European diplomat said the Chinese authorities wanted to censor all parts of Michels speech on the Ukraine crisis, a sensitive issue for Beijing. China is trying to remain neutral on the crisis but has offered diplomatic support to its strategic ally Russia. The second diplomat said the EU asked to discuss censorship, but the Chinese side refused, so the video address was dropped. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian denied any knowledge of the matter during a routine media briefing on Tuesday. Michels spokesman Barend Leyts told AFP the EU leader had been invited to speak at the 5th Hongqiao Forum/CIIE in Shanghai. As requested by the Chinese authorities, we had indeed provided a pre-recorded message that was ultimately not shown, Leyts said. We have raised this through normal diplomatic channels. China-EU relations have deteriorated rapidly since the two sides imposed sanctions over Chinas alleged human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region last year. Beijing later imposed a trade embargo on virtually all Lithuanian goods in response to Vilnius deepening ties with Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own territory. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, European Union leaders have repeatedly urged China to condemn Moscows actions and withdraw its support for Russia, but to no avail. The bloc officially views China as partners, economic competitors and systemic rivals, according to a formulation passed in 2019. Michel, who is president of the EU body made up of the leaders of member states, will attend next weeks G20 summit in Bali alongside senior EU official Ursula von der Leyen and Chinese President Xi Jinping. French President Emmanuel Macron faced allegations on Tuesday for making a major foreign policy U-turn after what appeared to be a cordial encounter with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro on the sidelines of the COP27 climate summit in Egypt. The minute-and-a-half handshake and conversation on the sidelines of the summit in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, while brief, was in stark contrast to previous statements by Macron, who described Maduro as illegitimate in 2019. I would be happy if we could talk to each other longer to do useful bilateral work for the region, Macron said to Maduro, according to a video recording of the meeting. Addressing Maduro as President, he added, Ill call you. France, the US and several European allies never recognized Maduros reelection for a second term in the 2018 election, instead recognizing his rival Juan Guaido as incumbent president. But Guaidos influence has waned after Maduro clung to power, and Western countries are also keenly aware of Venezuelas status as a key OPEC oil producer at a time of the global energy crisis. In 2019, Macron recognized Guaido as acting president, called Maduros election illegitimate and called for a restoration of democracy in the country. Excellent handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron, Maduro tweeted after the meeting. The doors of Venezuela are open to the French. Macrons major U-turn in Maduros Venezuela, commented the left-leaning French daily Liberation. The leader of the ultra-left French party France Unbowed (LFI), Jean-Luc Melenchon, a longtime admirer of Venezuela under Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez, tweeted that the need for oil makes people polite. He said Macron finally acknowledged Maduros choice. The encounter also came as Macron prepares this week to receive Colombias first left-leaning President Gustavo Petro, who has resumed diplomatic ties with neighbor Venezuela and aims to normalize ties after a three-year hiatus. Venezuela is also sending a senior official to the Paris Peace Forum, a major annual conference backed by Macron that begins Friday. During the discussion between the two presidents, Maduro said that France should play a positive role in Latin America. The occasionally surreal exchange between the two men during which the presidents stare at each other also saw Maduro declare that we have very good friends in common and Macron ask, When are you visiting? While networks deliver a wide variety of genres such as rom-com, crime, thriller, and more, there's no denying that one of the all-time favorites is historical K-dramas were fans of actors who looked stunning in hanbok. Regardless of the weather at the time that they are filming the series and whether they are portraying protagonist and even villain roles, these stars are certified hanbok hotties who appeared in 2022 K-dramas. Bae In Hyuk (Under the Queen's Umbrella) The ongoing buzzworthy K-drama "Under the Queen's Umbrella" features a drop-dead gorgeous Crown Prince portrayed by Bae In Hyuk. In the historical series, he is the heir to the throne who faced mysterious death and had to leave the position vacant. In hopes of filling the throne, the King had to choose who among the grand princes and princes are the most worthy to replace the late royal. "Under the Queen's Umbrella" not just showcased Bae In Hyuk's versatility but also illustrate how he aced playing the role of the Crown Prince with his well-mannered attitude and responsible leader. Currently, he is also starring in the rom-com youth K-drama "Cheer Up" along with Han Ji Hyun of "The Penthouse." Moon Sang Min (Under the Queen's Umbrella) Also in the same K-drama, Moon Sang Min portrayed the role of Grand Prince Seongnam, who is also the brother of the Crown Prince. Due to their extreme closeness, the late royal taught him the ins and outs in the palace as well as the skill that every prince must learn. In "Under the Queen's Umbrella" Moon Sang Min shines playing the Grand Prince as the royal's headstrong personality will make him convinced that he has what it takes to become the next Crown Prince. Lee Soo Hyuk (Tomorrow) The South Korean heartthrob appeared as one of the main characters in the action thriller series "Tomorrow" together with SF9's Rowoon, Kim Hee Sun, and Yun Ji On. Playing the role of the grim reaper, the K-drama featured a back story of Lee Soo Hyun's character Park Joong Gil, who lived in the Joseon era and is Goo Ryun's former lover. The action thriller series not just showed the actor's hotness in hanbok but also his impressive sword fighting skill. Kim Min Jae (Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist) The medical historical K-drama "Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist" stars Kim Min Jae as the royal physician Yoo Se Yeop, who was expelled from the Kingdom after being accused of killing the King. Apart from it, his father, who is one of the royal council, was murdered inside the palace after trying to uncover the reason behind the King's death. Losing everything, he started from the start and lived with his new identity Yoo Se Poong. Hwang Min Hyun (Alchemy of Souls) One of the most talked about K-dramas this 2022 is none other than "Alchemy of Souls" which stars Hwang Min Hyun as the romantic Seo Yul who came from a noble family. Despite being the second male lead in the tvN series, the 27-year-old star mesmerized fans with his dapper looks wearing a traditional outfit. Lee Joon (Bloody Heart) Last on the list of 2022 K-drama featuring stunning actors in hanbok is Lee Joon for his role in "Bloody Heart." Almost similar to Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" the historical series featured Lee Joon as the heir to the throne Lee Tae, who is willing to give up his crown for his first love. KDramastars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Former "Private Lives" co-stars Seohyun and Go Kyung Pyo surprised fans with their sudden reunion. Want to know the reason for their recent meeting? Then keep on reading the article. 'Private Lives' Stars Seohyun & Go Kyung Pyo's Reunion Creates Buzz SNSD Seohyun's Instagram update created a buzz after she was spotted with her "Private Lives" on-screen partner Go Kyung Pyo. The reason for their sudden interaction as they attended the wedding ceremony of one of their co-stars Lee Hak Joo. He tied the knot with his non-celebrity girlfriend. Seohyun did not just meet Go Kyung Pyo but also the rest of the drama's cast. The idol-actress posted the photos on November 6 and wrote in the caption, "Hak Joo oppa, congratulations to you and your marriage!". In addition, other "Private Lives" stars who were in the special event and were captured in the photos include Kim Hyo Jin, Jang Jin Hee, Tae Won Suk, and more. What To Know About Mystery-Romance Drama 'Private Lives' "Private Lives" aired in 2020, tells the story of swindlers who discover a secret of the nation and work for hand in hand to reveal the secret. They must go up against a big company by using their skills. Go Kyung Pyo plays Lee Jeong Hwan, a team leader for the major corporation. He looks deceiving for his mysterious figure. Seohyun takes the role of Cha Joo Eun, a swindler-who is a sweet and innocent lady but has a special skill to bring down enemies. Jeong Bok Gi (Kim Hyo Jin), is a skilled, elegant, and charismatic swindler who always targets other swindlers. And last, Kim Jae Wook (Kim Young Min), who is Jeong Bok Gi's partner in crime. Where Are Seohyun and Go Kyung Pyo Now? Though it has been two years since the series concluded, lead stars Seohyun and Go Kyung Pyo are still making an impact in the K-drama scene. The actor is currently appearing in the romantic series "Love in Contract" alongside Park Min Young. Apart from it, he is about to have his immediate small-screen return with "Connect" which is scheduled to premiere in Disney+ this coming December. He also finished three movies this year namely "Decision To Leave," "6/45," and "Seoul Vibe." SNSD member Seohyun, on the other hand, reunited with Girls' Generation members and made a group comeback last August. She also finished her drama "Jinxed At First," where she starred with Na In Woo. Now, the idol-actress is preparing for her next Netflix series, "Bandit: The Sound of the Knife," in which she will share the frame with actors Kim Nam Gil, Yoo Jae Myung, Lee Hyun Wook, and Lee Ho Jung. What can you say about the unexpected reunion of the "Private Lives" cast? Share your thoughts/replies with us in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars. Kdramastars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. Finally, the long wait is over as "Dr. Romantic 3" gears up with a cast lineup with a mix of new and returning actors. From familiar faces such as Han Seok Ku, Lee Sung Kyung, and Ahn Hyo Seop, the upcoming season will showcase not just a highly anticipated story as well as interesting team-ups between the cast. Helmed by Yoo In Shik of "Dr. Romantic 2," "Vagabond" and "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," the beloved medical K-drama, is currently in production and slated to debut its highly anticipated season in 2023. As expected, the third installment will focus on triple board-certified surgeon Boo Yong Joo also known as Teacher Kim among his colleagues and rookie doctors at the humble Doldam Hospital. While viewers can't wait for the drama's release date, here's a rundown of the "Dr. Romantic 3" cast. Han Seok Ku The veteran actor was among the stars who were announced to be returning in "Dr, Romantic 3." Playing the role of Teacher Kim, he is Doldam hospital's chief surgeon who lives under the radar after getting caught up in a controversy. From then on, he became the mentor of budding doctors starting with Kang Dong Joo (Yoo Yeon Seok) and Yoon Seo Jung (Seo Hyun Jin.) Interestingly, he is set to reunite with Seo Woo Jin (Ahn Hyo Seop) and Cha Eun Jae (Lee Sung Kyung) who appeared in the second season. Lee Sung Kyung As mentioned, the model-actress will reprise her role as Cha Eun Jae who entered Doldam as a 2nd year fellow for surgery. Cha Eun Jae is a smart and confident rookie doctor but her trauma and past experience hinder her from becoming a skilled surgeon. Ahn Hyo Seop The South Korean heartthrob lands the role of Seo Woo Jin, a 2nd-year fellow who dreams of becoming a doctor despite living in a poor and challenging environment. Teacher Kim sees Seo Woo Jin's potential as he has what it takes to become a great surgeon however, he has a pessimistic personality. Kim Joo Heon Playing the role of Park Min Guk, Kim Joo Heon's character often illustrates tense confrontation between Kim Sa Bu a.k.a teacher Kim. Will "Dr. Romantic 3" continue the riff between these two skilled surgeons? Jin Kyung Who would forget the fearless chief nurse Oh Myung Shim, played by Jin Kyung? She is among the trusted nurses of Teacher Kim. She is also the ex-wife of Jang Ki Tae played by Im Won Hee. Yoon Na Moo For two seasons, Yoon Na Moo reprised his role as medical specialist Jung In Soo. Interestingly, viewers will get to see the actor for the third time playing the same role in "Dr. Romantic 3." Shin Dong Wook He appeared in season 2 playing orthopedic surgeon Bae Moon Jung. Shin Dong Wook's character used to be Cha Eun Jae's ultimate crush and the reason why she joined his department club. Byun Woo Min Also joining the drama in season 1, Byun Woo Min played the role of freelance anesthesiologist Nam Do Il. He is also among the long-time employees of Doldam hospital and a close friend of Teacher Kim. Kim Min Jae The rapper-actor played the role of the charming nurse Park Eun Tak. he is closely working with chief nurse Oh and has a special connection with rookie doctor Yoon Ah Reum. So Joo Yeon The actress is among the latest stars who confirmed her appearance in "Dr. Romantic 3." She played the role of Yoon Ah Reum who ends up with nurse Park Eun Tak. will their loveline continue in the upcoming sequel? Lee Hong Nae Following his remarkable appearance in "The King: Eternal Monarch" with Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun, he is set to join as a new character in "Dr. Romantic 3." Lee Hong Nae will be playing the military doctor. Will he be working with the strict Teacher Kim at Doldam hospital? Lee Shin Young Last on the list of new cast members joining the medical K-drama is Lee Shin Young from "Crash Landing on You." He will be portraying maknae or a newbie doctor under Teacher Kim. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 'Dr. Romantic 2' Stars Lee Sung Kyung and Kim Min Jae Sizzles in a Dance Collab 'U 2 Luv' KDramastars owns this article Written by Geca Wills The beauty of first loves are often depicted in the South Korean consumable media, which become a recurring theme in dramas, enticing teenage viewers and even young adults alike. Here are some of the K-Dramas that featured the beauty of first loves and how tragic they can be! Prepare your tissues and keep on reading! 'Youth of May' Lee Do Hyun and Go Min Si's romance melodrama "Youth of May" depicted a very sorrowful story in which two young people realize their dreams during a chaotic time in their lives. Their romantic journey begins with a meet-cute blind date and ends with the melancholic demise of Go Min Si's character. In spite of time, Lee Do Hyun's character still feels the loneliness of her absence while still seeking love elsewhere. 'Snowdrop' Set in the early '90s in South Korea, BLACKPINK Jisoo and Jung Hae In's "Snowdrop" was an absolute controversy when it aired due to its polarizing themes of a South Korean woman falling in love with a North Korean soldier. The two characters' romance was taken away as quickly as it began as the couple met their death early on in the story, leaving viewers with their tear-stained cheeks. Their pain was doubled when Jung Hae In's character was shot in the arms of BLACKPINK Jisoo. During its conclusion, the fans mourned and cried their hearts out. 'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Indeed one of the best releases in 2022, "Twenty Five, Twenty One" starring Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk has the viewers from all over the world on a chokehold! It captivated the audience with its familiar vibes as it was set in the early 2000s. The story follows the romantic tryst of young adults who navigate their lives through unexpected hardships. The drama also gave the viewers resonance as the characters fall deeply with one another but gradually stray apart due to distance. Like many first loves, Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk's love didn't last long as they took separate paths in the end. '20th Century Girl' The most recent release is Kim Yoo Jung and Byun Woo Seok's "20th Century Girl," a Netflix film that takes viewers on a nostalgic journey in the past while unfolding the beautiful stories of youth. Despite the joyous and upbeat vibe of the first part of the film, "20th Century Girl" takes a much painful turn when Kim Yoo Jung's character-20 years later-learns about her first love's passing. KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. 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. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Court of Appeal at the Edmonton Law Courts building is shown on June 28, 2019. Albertas Court of Appeal has dismissed the case of a woman who was unable to get an organ transplant because she refused to take a COVID-19 vaccine. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson A doctors journey through constraints and creativity in the ER [PODCAST] Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! Jay Baruch is an emergency physician and author of Tornado of Life: A Doctors Journey Through Constraints and Creativity in the ER. We discuss his emergency medicine journey, poignant cases, the importance of stories in the doctor-patient relationship, why writing is so important, and how physicians can be creative. 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. Burnout is caused by many factors, one of which is clinical documentation. Studies indicate physicians spend two hours documenting care for every hour spent with patients. At Nuance, we are committed to helping physicians do what you love care for patients and spend less time on clinical documentation. The Nuance Dragon Ambient eXperience, or DAX for short, is an AI-powered, ambient clinical intelligence solution that automatically captures patient encounters securely and accurately at the point of care. Physicians who use DAX have reported a 50 percent decrease in documentation time and a 70 percent reduction in feelings of burnout, and 83 percent of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational. Rediscover the joy of medicine with clinical documentation that writes itself, all within the EHR. 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/RDClKe Powered by CMEfy. This article is sponsored by Mental Health Technologies (MHT), a cloud-based platform that enables health care providers to screen and measure mental health and substance abuse disorders. Mental Health Technologies (MHT) brings much-needed technological innovation to a space in desperate need of it. Via our online, HIPAA-compliant assessment tool, medical practices are able to send, evaluate, and bill DSM-IV and DSM-V tests remotely or in person. Physicians use that information to determine the type of treatment and overall level of care that best suits their patients needs and continuously monitor that care with a range of analytics on patient progress and clinician performance. MHT founder and chief executive officer Ernie Wallerstein says the MHT platforms objective is to improve patients lives through a medically-supervised journey to wellness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States has a mental illness in any given year, said Mr. Wallerstein. Clearly, there is a need for technological innovation, both from a customer experience perspective, as well as from a clinical and analytical perspective. Mental health applications, which are focused on conditions and disorders like depression, suicidality, and addiction, enable people to access professional support outside their therapists regular office hours, he added. How does MHT work? The MHT ecosystem can be summarized in five steps: Assessments sent to the patient a. Sent one to two days prior to the appointment Test results captured a. Uploaded into physician EMR and MHT platform Treatment plans and automated referrals a. If a patient has a high test score, they will be asked for consent to be contacted directly by a specialist Submittal to insurance for payment Follow-up The MHT assessment screens can be sent to the patient electronically, via email or text message, or filled out at the doctors office prior to their appointment. Our platform also sends reminders to patients before their appointment if any of the tests provided to them have not been fully completed. MHTs tool is able to screen for a variety of mental health conditions, including but not limited to: substance abuse depression anxiety PTSD suicidal ideation Suppose the patient answers any questions on our tests that would trigger an alarm for their safety. In that case, an alert will be immediately sent out to the appropriate resources as determined by the health care provider. Upon receipt of test answers, results are automatically uploaded into to the physicians EMR system. Physicians then read the test data and correspond them to the appropriate treatment, including automated referrals. A key differentiator between MHT and other tech-enabled mental health companies: Insurance is can be billed on behalf of the physician, ensuring a seamless payment and a profitable revenue source for the medical office. Subsequent testing by referring medical professionals will provide the initial physician with test results, allowing a well-rounded knowledge of patients health for their entire health care team. Meet our founder and CEO Ernie Wallerstein Jr. is the founder and chief Executive officer of Mental Health Technologies. As a dedicated and lifelong employee of cloud computing and software programs, Ernie understands the untapped potential that stands to benefit the health care field. When it comes to mental health care, we noticed a significant void in the services provided to screen patients and collect objective data, he said. With the efficient technology, health care professionals would be able to consistently provide mental health care services to patients across the country. A major pain point for health care providers trying to tackle the burgeoning mental health and substance abuse crisis? Efficiency. The demand for mental health and drug abuse screening is immense, but there arent enough people to deal with it, noted Mr. Wallerstein. MHT fills a critical void, with the capabilities to support a wide range of providers and clinicians. We aim to provide efficient tools not only to the mental health industry to treat patients but also for health care professionals who arent necessarily experts in mental health to screen patients. This helps health care professionals to understand if the patient needs further assessment, has to be referred to a mental health care/substance abuse professional, or if they need to consider that mental health issues are comorbid with the primary symptom. To add perspective to our platform, consider this scenario. When someone has back surgery and is put on a physical therapy regimen, the recovery period for a depressed patient is longer than for someone without it. But imagine if that person is undiagnosedand untreatedfor their mental health issue. It becomes vital to understand if the patient is already suffering from another underlying condition while the doctor treats the primary issues. The problem is enormous, but the current health care environment is not enough to address it. Even as the economy bounces back from COVID-19, mental health remains one of the biggest health care issues in the United States. There are so many patients out there who need help but have no access to it, said Mr. Wallerstein. That is one of the reasons we founded MHT in 2018 to equip health care service providers with efficient tools to combat mental health issues. Looking ahead: What does the future hold? MHT has several technological patents pending, submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These patents are focused on the efficiency in the delivery of the tests and data analysis to deliver more insights efficacy of treatment based on preexisting comorbid mental health disorders. We have many innovations planned for our platform, with a near-term focus on ADD/ADHD testing, telemedicine, and advanced AI integration, MHTs founder and CEO said. For ADD/ADHD testing, traditionally forms are mailed to parents and teachers. This makes for an inefficient and manual process. We have made this whole process electronic; patients, their guardians, and their teachers can electronically fill in ADD and ADHD assessments, and the data will be available to the health care provider immediately. Mental Health Technologies is also planning to partner with tele-video companies specializing in telepsychology to enhance the level of care provided remotely. Over the medium to long term, one of our goals is to expand our predictive analytical capabilities. Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning engines into our platform to take our data and cross-reference it with the health care information for the patient, Mr. Wallerstein said. Why incorporate AI and ML? This will open up a massive new door to the mental health care space, allowing providers to benchmark and access other considerations related to the patients mental condition, substance abuse issues, and comorbidity with other conditions. Become a member of the family At MHT, our employees have over 100 years of combined experience. Serving physicians nationwide, our exceptional team is here to help. Talk to one of our customer service representatives today to learn more about the MHT platform and how you can receive a 30-day free trial. We look forward to speaking with you. Resources: Mental Health Technologies: Data-Driven Mental Healthcare Services Mental Health Technologies: A Technology-led Revolution in Behavioral Health Space VISIT SPONSOR https://www.mhtech.com/ 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 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. 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. Organised by Knit Happens Kilkenny, Heart Strings is a campaign to collect handmade knitted hats for Crumlin Children's Hospital, The National Maternity Hospital (Holles Street) and Rotunda Maternity Hospital. These hospitals strive to make their little patients as comfortable as possible but sometimes they need our help. The kindness of strangers is amazing [and] there are so many ways that people can give back and help us. Every so often, we receive something (like handmade knitted hats!) and it really makes us smile." Patients at Crumlin Children's Hospital, for example, range from babies all the way up to sixteen year olds. Many of these patients experience hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment. Newborn babies at The National Maternity Hospital and Rotunda Hospital require comfortable and warm little hats too. Interested knitters can drop their finished hats into Bollards Bar, Mondays to Sundays during opening hours. Or they can join the group on Wednesday evenings from 6pm-8.30pm to knit in a companionable group setting. Remember, hats are not just for Christmas so the group likes to make all hats created season neutral. The following guidelines have been confirmed by the hospitals. They must be strictly adhered to and each item must tick all the boxes, otherwise they will not be usable. Criteria Newborn hats (weight range 2kg to 4kg): Must be made from DK (double knit) baby yarn that is 100% acrylic. They must also be reasonably tightly knit so as to protect tiny fingers from getting caught. Avoid embellishments eg. flowers, buttons etc as these can be dangerous if they come off. The hospitals do not take in hats for premature babies. These babies are placed in incubators to keep them warm, so wearing hats runs the risk of overheating. Toddlers and kids hats and headbands: Use Stylecraft (or similar) DK, Aran or Chunky 100% acrylic yarn. Easy to wash, lovely and soft, comes in loads of different colours. Embellishments are permissible, but must be securely attached. Size variation is important to consider, for the age range you are knitting for. Teens hats and headbands: Here's where a little more creative freedom with yarns, embellishments and styles is possible. In addition to the above yarn recommendations, you can also use mohair or alpaca/acrylic blends. These wools are super soft and cause minimal skin irritation. They can also be machine washable but don't forget to check the yarn labels in advance. Label hats with the yarn composition when dropping off. All hats must be seamless for sensitivity and comfort. For this reason crochet, or using circular knitting needles to knit on the round is recommended. If knitting on the flat, use a mattress stitch to join up. Please use Fairy Non Bio (or similar) when washing and do not use fabric conditioner. Where possible please include yarn labels with your items. You can check out the groups tutorials page for some recommended knitting and crochet patterns. There's no excuse not to get knitting for this deserving cause. Materials and equipment Recommended shops: Kilkenny The Crafty Bride (Celebrate It), James's Street, Kilkenny Uniform World, Newpark Shopping Centre, Kilkenny Guiney's, Upper John Street, Kilkenny Home Focus, Loughboy Retail Park, Kilkenny Euro Value, High Street Kilkenny Mr. Price, Kells Road, Kilkenny Carlow Carlow Fabric and Crafts, Hadden's Carpark, 42 Bridewell Lane, Carlow Shaws, Hadden's Carpark, 42 Bridewell Lane, Carlow ToGo, Barrow Valley Retail Park, Sleaty Rd, Graigue, Carlow Mr. Price, Barrow Valley Retail Park, Sleaty Rd, Graigue, Carlow Walking the streets of Kilkenny, you arent simply walking on pavements, you are walking on the multi-layered history of the city itself. Names such as Friary Street, Rose Inn Street and Parliament Street all have their origins in the Citys history and the commercial and religious activity that coursed through its busy and diverse communities over hundreds of years. The following is a short summary of some of the most distinctive and colourful street names that adorn the high-ways and by-ways of Kilkenny City. They are a fascinating glimpse into the centuries of local history that shaped and created this unique place. High Street - is a long narrow street that broadens in the middle, a legacy of its past when it hosted a medieval marketplace. There is a plaque at the end of High Street which states High Street 1200 - widened in 1860. The street is named because it was the highway from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice's Cathedral built by William Marshal. The Tholsel is the defining building on the High street and its name derives from two words toll (tax) and sael (hall) - the place where tolls were paid. Now Kilkennys City Hall, the Tholsel in medieval times acted as a courthouse, custom house, guildhall and also a meeting place for the citys merchant class. There was also once a public gallows on the street while the Hole in the Wall tavern was a supper house and watering hole with a colourful reputation. Both Charles Stewart Parnell and Eamon De Valera spoke at public events on the High Street. Kieran Street - this street which runs parallel to High Street was also known in the past as Low Lane, Back Lane and King Street. It was named for Ciarans Well, the site of an ancient church at its northern end which was demolished, the site later forming part of the public market. It was the original thoroughfare from the Castle to St Canices and is probably one of the oldest streets in Kilkenny. It was also reportedly home to Alice Kyteler, the infamous witch of Kilkenny who escaped the City after being condemned for heresy in the 14th century. Parliament Street - this street was named for the Confederate Parliament of 1648 but was earlier known as Coal Market Street as it was the site of the public market where coal from the Castlecomer mines was sold. The street was built as an extension of the High Street on the request of the occupying English who agreed a lease of the ground from the Church for an annual rent of 4 ounces of gold. Apart from Graces Castle, the other notable building on the street is Rothe House, a 16th century merchants house restored in 1966, where the Gaelic League once taught Irish. Where the Watergate Theatre now stands, was once a defensive city gate. The Parade - this open area outside Kilkenny Castle was so named because soldiers used to drill or parade on the site. Up until the 17th century it was known simply as Castle Street. From 1758 on it was called the Parade. On assuming the title, the 16th Earl of Ormonde launched the restoration of the Castle, part of which involved the construction of a public road. The 17th Earl commissioned the buildings where the Design and Crafts Council Ireland are now homed between 1800 and 1820. The areas artistic legacy also includes the site of the Kilkenny Theatre which dates from about 1794. Friary Street - this street was named after the Capuchin Friars on the street. The Capuchins first arrived in Kilkenny in 1643. In 1756 they built a friary known as the Poor House Chapel on Walkin Street just off the central thoroughfare of High Street. In 1848 the present-day Church of St Francis was built on this site. The current classical-style friary residence was constructed in 1897, over the basement and incorporating the fabric of the earlier, eighteenth-century building. Friary Street was the site of an ambush by the First Battalion of the IRA on a convoy of British soldiers in 1921. There were three fatalities, two IRA members and one unlucky passing civilian. Rose Inn Street - is situated in the Cathedral parish of St Marys in the townland of the Dukes Meadows and the street name is of Norman origin. Prior to the Norman occupation of Kilkenny, only one bridge spanned the Nore, situated where Greens Bridge is now. With the building of St Johns Abbey about 1200 by the Earl Mareschal, a bridge was constructed across the Nore near the present Johns Bridge. This meant that a roadway to connect with Castle Street, now the Parade, was needed. There is a lot of uncertainty around the origin of the name. Rose Inn Street. Some say it derives from the Rose Inn which was situated on the street but this appears to be incorrect as in a Corporation record dated 1637 it appears as Rosin Street, and in Rocques survey of the city, dated 1757, it is spelled Rozon Street. In a document from1668, it is referred to as Rosin Street, and only when the inn on the street was christened the Rose Inn later, did people then begin to call it Rose Inn Street. Taking time to absorb these stories transforms a walk around the City into a trip back though time and allows you to imagine the life of the streets in long ago eras. Doctor Bianca Skinner from County Kilkenny is celebrating this week after being named Kilkennys Most Inspirational Person at this years Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media. Dr Skinners extensive and inspirational work in health care within the local community earned her the title of Inspirational Person in this years awards. Established four years ago to celebrate individuals who work to create better communities with their selfless acts and inspirational deeds, Gala Retail awarded inspirational people from every county in Ireland, naming county inspirational people who were each gifted 1,000 in Ireland Hotel vouchers. Dr Skinner really impressed the judges for her work in the local community and is a worthy winner of the county award for her inspirational efforts. A mother of five children, one son and two sets of twins, Dr Skinner is a professional Medical Doctor/General Practitioner with diverse experience in managing chronic and infectious disease patients as well as acute patients, in particular obstetric and gynaecological emergencies. Since moving to Ireland five years ago, Dr Skinner and her husband have done everything they can to uplift and invest in their community. Recently, the local doctor proposed buying the old Credit Union building near to where her family live so that she could start a safe space for women to come for health checks, counselling, create art and enjoy upskilling. The proposal was unfortunately turned down but everything Dr Skinner does is for the people of her community. From a huge volume of nominations, 26 county heroes were crowned. Noreen Murphy, from Bantry in County Cork, was named as the Overall Inspirational Person of the Year for her services to mental health with the establishment of Lisheens House Suicide Prevention Charity. According to Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, choosing the winners was a challenging task. Weve heard some truly inspirational stories from people across Ireland during these awards, which has affirmed something we already knew that we have so many selfless people carrying out great work in our communities, Gary said. We were overwhelmed by the level of nominations and Dr Skinner along with the fellow inspirational heroes are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place. Congratulations Dr Skinner and all our county heroes! As a community retailer with 175 convenience stores nationwide, Gala store owners often hear of inspirational stories in their local communities, and this years Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media have elevated Irelands unsung heroes onto a national stage, giving these inspirational people the recognition they deserve. Paschal Donohoe said the state is making progress in recovering taxpayers funds used to rescue banks after it sold off another part of its stake in AIB. The Minister for Finance said it sold part of its stake to institutional investors for 396.6 million euro. It has now reduced its shareholding in AIB from 71.1% at the beginning of the year to 57%. It is the states latest effort to sell its stake in the banking sector following its multi-billion euro rescue plan for the banks during the 2008 global financial crash. Minister @paschald has welcomed the successful disposal of part of the States shareholding in AIB Group plc. Read more: https://t.co/SoZuWJYjMW pic.twitter.com/c5h4bfEGTs Department of Finance (@IRLDeptFinance) November 8, 2022 The Government put 64 billion euros into Irish banks during the property crash. Mr Donohoe welcomed the sale by way of an accelerated bookbuild (ABB) transaction. Mr Donohoe said: As announced earlier today, the state sold a tranche of AIB shares at a price of 2.96 euro per share which will generate 396.6 million euro for the Exchequer. The transaction was well received by a large number of international institutional investors. As I have previously stated, this Government believes that banking is an activity that should in the main be provided by the private sector and that taxpayer funds which were used to rescue the banks should be recovered and used for more productive purposes. As todays news shows, we continue to make progress in achieving this goal. As is the convention following such transactions, the state has now entered into a lock-up period of approximately three months before another ABB can be considered, with a slightly reduced lock-up period of approximately two months for the now paused AIB trading plan. The state retains a 57% ownership position in AIB, and following the three-month lock-up period, will continue to assess additional opportunities for share sales as they arise. It comes as the state sold its remaining shares in Bank of Ireland in September, making it the first bank to return to full private ownership since the crash. The Government has now recovered almost 6.7 billion euro in cash from its 4.7 billion euro rescue plan for Bank of Ireland. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 37F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 37F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Blustery with snow showers. Morning high of 45F with temps falling to near 25. Winds NNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 16F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. As we all know, dogs are our friends. However, they are more than friends in the militarythey are fighters with special skills. After professional training, they can undertake important missions that are impossible for human. They are good hunters, loyal guards, and rescuers that can search through debris.Still, they can do more. The Jefferson City Council held a public hearing Monday night to discuss Capitol Avenue properties deemed as dangerous. The hearing gave the public an opportunity to come before the council and voice their opinion on what to do with these properties. A poll worker holds a sticker that reads "I voted" on May 17 in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina. Americans head to the polls Tuesday for an election that has state and local officials across the country on edge as they brace for potential problems at the polls. This picture taken in December 2011 shows the Pentagon building in Washington, DC. The US State Department announced on November 7 that a US citizen recently died in Ukraine. Presidential Chief of Staff Kim Dae-ki answers lawmakers' questions during a National Assembly audit of the presidential office at the Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap Special investigators raid 55 locations, including police chief's office By Nam Hyun-woo The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) ratcheted up pressure on the presidential office during a National Assembly audit of the office, Tuesday, to replace Cabinet members, including the interior and safety minister, and ranking police officers for their inadequate response to the Itaewon crowd crush. However, presidential Chief of Staff Kim Dae-ki responded by saying that removing those officials at the moment will not be helpful, reiterating that the people who are responsible will be replaced once an ongoing investigation into the tragedy is completed. When asked by DPK lawmaker Choi Ki-sang how the police can investigate its commissioner general and station chiefs over the incident while they are in power, Kim said, "We should hold someone responsible after finding the cause. Replacing them is not an urgent issue." Kim also referred to the 2014 ferry disaster which killed 304 passengers. "When you recall the Sewol ferry sinking, the oceans minister at the time resigned from the post eight months after the incident to address the aftermath," he said. A special police investigation team has been conducting a sweeping internal inspection to find whether its chiefs had responded properly to the incident. The team on Tuesday raided the offices of National Police Agency (NPA) Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun and Seoul Metropolitan Police chief Kim Kwang-ho. Police officers move boxes at the Seoul Metropolitan Police building in Jongno District, Seoul, Tuesday, when a special investigation team raided the regional police headquarters over the Itaewon crowd crush. Yonhap The presidential chief of staff's comments came as Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Safety Minister Lee Sang-min and the NPA commissioner general face mounting criticism over their response to the Itaewon crowd crush, which killed 156 people enjoying Halloween festivities on Oct. 29. A day earlier, President Yoon Suk-yeol lambasted the police during a closed-door meeting attended by the interior and safety minister and NPA commissioner general, saying the responsibility of the police is to prevent disasters from happening. However, the president stopped short of saying he would replace any of them. "During the Seongsu Bridge collapse, the country could immediately replace ministers because there was no confirmation hearing process. But when we try to replace the minister and commissioner general now, it will end up creating an administrative vacuum," Kim said. He was talking about the DPK's earlier reference to former Prime Minister Lee Yung-dug, who tendered his resignation to then-President Kim Young-sam hours after the bridge collapsed on Oct. 21, 1994 and killed 32 people. His resignation was not immediately accepted, but the president at the time replaced then-Seoul Mayor Lee Won-jong on the same day of the incident, holding him accountable for the tragedy. Back then, the Seoul mayor was not an elected official. Korea began to hold confirmation hearings on prime ministers in 2000, and the mandatory hearing process was expanded to police commissioner general in 2003 and to all ministers in 2005. Kim also said there is no Cabinet member, police commissioner or presidential secretary who offered their resignation to take responsibility for the Itaewon crowd crush. He added that he has not advised the president to replace Cabinet members. National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun attends a meeting of the National Assembly Special Committee on Budget and Accounts at the Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady Kim Keon-hee pray during a requiem mass at Myeongdong Cathedral, Jung District, Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap President vows not to repeat such tragedy By Nam Hyun-woo With the weeklong national mourning period for victims of the Itaewon crowd crush last weekend over on Nov. 5, attention is now on how President Yoon Suk-yeol will deal with political pressure from growing criticism of the government's poor handling of the tragic incident that killed 156 people. Over the past week, Yoon and his administration focused on mourning the deaths of the victims, the majority in their teens and 20s, taking care of those injured and investigating the cause of the tragedy, while deflecting political attacks from the opposition calling for a parliamentary investigation into the case. Yoon visited the memorial altars set up for the victims in Seoul on a daily basis and attended religious events to offer his condolences. "As the president who has to take responsibility for the lives and safety of the people, I feel very heartbroken and sorry," Yoon said during a Buddhist memorial service for the victims in Seoul, Friday, making his first public apology over the incident. On Sunday, Yoon said during a meeting with his staff he cannot hide the pain and heavyheartedness he feels because the government could not protect the youth. "Although the national mourning period is over, I, as the president, have the responsibility to prevent such a tragedy from happening again," Yoon was quoted as saying by Kim Eun-hye, his spokesperson. "Please make every effort to make Korea a country where the loss of innocent lives does not occur again," he added. During the mourning period, the presidential office has been trying to prevent itself from getting mired in political debates over accountability for the tragedy. Minister of Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min has been under heavy fire for his comments that the disaster could not have been prevented by the deployment of police and firefighting forces in advance, and that security forces had been dispersed due to protests in other parts of the downtown Seoul area. The ministry has been reiterating that "discovering what exactly happened during the incident should come before asking who is responsible." The presidential office has been disclosing detailed information on Yoon's response to the incident, such as the exact timeline of Yoon getting briefed about the situation at the site. Yoon also ordered the police to reveal a transcript of emergency calls it received on Saturday night, to clarify whether the police's early response to the incident was appropriate. As those records imply that the responses of the safety ministry and police were insufficient, calls are growing that Yoon should hold Safety Minister Lee and National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun responsible, while the opposition bloc is beginning to criticize the entire Yoon administration The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has already demanded that the president replace Safety Minister Lee, Commissioner General Yoon as well as Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, whose inappropriate joke during a press conference with foreign reporters about the disaster drew fierce criticism. Also, the DPK seeks to form a coalition with the minor opposition Justice Party to demand officially an investigation into the government, to expand its target of criticism to the entire Yoon administration. During a press conference, Sunday, the DPK demanded that Yoon make an official apology and replace the prime minister and others who were responsible. The party also urged the ruling People Power Party to agree on the request for a probe of the government. "News reports and investigations are finding that the president, the central and municipal governments and police are not free from their responsibility on the Itaewon disaster," the DPK said in a statement. "The government and the National Assembly are obliged to respond through thorough investigations." DPK spokesperson An Ho-young also said the Itaewon tragedy was "a government disaster driven by the insufficient responses across the Yoon administration" and it is also "a man-made disaster" because it was triggered by the negligence and irresponsibility of the people who run the response system. Against this backdrop, voices are also growing that the party should demand the resignation of Yoon's entire Cabinet, with former National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won saying "the members of the Cabinet and the presidential office should resign for their political and moral responsibility (in the tragedy)." On Saturday, various civic groups each held candlelight rallies across Seoul to mourn for the victims, and in some rallies held by liberal groups, participants were holding banners and placards demanding Yoon's resignation. According to reports, 60,000 people participated in the candlelight rallies. A person, center, holds a sign that reads "President Yoon Suk-yeol should resign" during a memorial candlelight rally for the victims of the Itaewon crowd crush at Seoul Plaza, Saturday. Yonhap A Seoul court approved the release of former Defense Minister Suh Wook on Tuesday, 17 days after he was arrested in connection with the 2020 death of a fisheries official at the hands of North Korea. Suh, 59, was arrested on Oct. 22 as part of the prosecution investigation into the previous Moon Jae-in administration's alleged mishandling of the fisheries official's death near the Yellow Sea border between the two Koreas by the North's coast guard. The Moon administration concluded at that time the official was killed while attempting to defect to the North, but critics suspected the conclusion was drawn without sufficient evidence to curry favor with Pyongyang. Suh has been accused of having deliberately ordered the deletion of intelligence reports suggesting the fisheries official did not intend to defect to the North. On Tuesday, the Seoul Central District Court decided in favor of Suh's request to reconsider the legality of his arrest following a court hearing a day earlier. (Yonhap) Prosecutors indicted a close confidant of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday on charges of receiving illegal political funds worth 847 million won ($591,000) from property developers in the city of Seongnam, just south of Seoul. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said it referred Kim Yong, deputy head of the Institute for Democracy, a think tank affiliated with the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), for court trial on suspicion of violating the political fund law. Kim was arrested on Oct. 19 on suspicion of taking the funds from Seongnam's property developers, including lawyer Nam Wook, last year in collusion with Yoo Dong-gyu, former acting president of Seongnam Development Corp., and another lawyer Chung Min-yong. Prosecutors suspect the 847 million won was handed over to Kim on four occasions between April and August last year ahead of the DP's primary election to pick its candidate to run for this year's presidential election. They believe the money was used to help fund Lee's primary election campaign. Lee won the party's presidential nomination later last year but was defeated by a narrow margin by President Yoon Suk-yeol in the presidential election in March this year. Kim has flatly denied all the charges but prosecutors have said all statements of those involved, including Nam, Yoo and Chung, about how the money was delivered are consistent. Following Kim's indictment, prosecutors are expected to expand their investigations to include corruption allegations by another confidant of Lee, named Jeong Jin-sang. (Yonhap) Elon Musk enters Twitter's headquarters in San Francisco, Oct. 26, carrying a sink through the lobby area. AP-Yonhap By Park Jae-hyuk Elon Musk firing nearly half of Twitter's staff globally, including several employees of the U.S. firm's Korean office, could be in violation of the Korean Labor Standards Act, according to legal experts, Tuesday. After the new Twitter owner decided to carry out mass layoffs last weekend, at least eight among some 30 employees of Twitter Korea are said to have been forced to leave the company. "All members of Twitter Korea's communication team left Twitter," Twitter Korea and its PR agency, Erum, told reporters on Monday. "Erum's contract with Twitter Korea was also terminated on Nov. 4." They also asked reporters to contact Twitter's U.S. headquarters for inquiries. Shin Hee-jung, a former head of communications at Twitter Korea, tweeted last Friday that it was heartbreaking to leave the company that she loved. "All employees were informed via email of Friday's planned layoffs, and we were advised to check our personal email accounts, as laid-off workers will be blocked from access to their company email accounts," Shin also wrote on Twitter the next day. "One after another, people were blocked from access to their company email accounts, and when I checked my personal email account, I finally realized (that I was fired)." Musk mentioned Twitter's snowballing losses as the reason for his decision. If an employer seeks to dismiss an employee for "managerial reasons" under Korean labor law, there must be an urgent managerial need, all-out efforts to avoid dismissal, reasonable and fair criteria to select those who are dismissed, notification at least 50 days before the date of dismissal and talks with the union or a person who represents more than half of the staff. "Twitter Korea is subject to the Korean Labor Standards Act, as it is a limited liability company employing more than five employees," said Ki Sei-hwan, a certified public labor attorney from Taegwang Labor Law Firm. "It should be reviewed whether the company fulfilled the requirements for dismissal based on managerial reasons." Twitter is facing a class action lawsuit in the U.S. from its former employees, with the claim that the company's recent layoffs violate federal and California state law. At this moment, it remains uncertain whether Twitter Korea's former workers will sue their previous employer. The Ministry of Employment and Labor is reportedly trying to contact Twitter Korea to check whether the company complied with the nation's labor law. Ki said that Twitter Korea may avoid government sanctions if the former workers do not raise any objections to the layoffs. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Cloudy this morning with showers during the afternoon. High around 55F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Rain likely. Thunder possible. Low 28F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Indeed, TWICE Tzuyu with (G)I-DLE Shuhua is the idol interaction a lot of K-pop fans have been waiting for! Here's what happened. TWICE Tzuyu Praised Following 'Nxde' Challenge With (G)I-DLE Shuhua TWICE Tzuyu did the "Nxde" challenge with Shuhua of (G)I-DLE, and this caused a huge meltdown among ONCEs and Neverlands. On November 6, the "Nxde" challenge video with Tzuyu and Shuhua was released on (G)I-DLE's official YouTube channel and other SNS. Just a day after its release, the clip trended, amassing over 455k views, about 70k likes and 1k comments. The first reason the dance challenge is gaining attention was due to the combined visuals and skills of the two stars. The two, who both have blonde hair, flaunted their flawless visuals wearing cropped long sleeves and pants. Their outfits were simple yet their incredible body line still stood out. In the video, Tzuyu and Shuhua performed the "Nxde" choreography as well, while still showing extreme visual harmony. ONCEs, Neverlands Rejoice After Seeing TWICE Tzuyu & (G)I-DLE Shuhua Together Aside from their skills and visuals, the second reason fans are cheering after seeing the clip was due to them being referred to as the "Taiwan line." In particular, both of them were Taiwanese nationals and previously certified through SNS that they were building friendships with former CLC Elkie from Hong Kong. Taiwanese ONCEs (TWICE fandom) and Neverlands, (G)I-DLE fans, were particularly delighted by the interaction as they have been waiting to see them in 1 frame. Under YouTube video, Taiwanese netizens expressed their joy, such as: "It's the moment I've been waiting for." "I'm crying because it's touching." "I love this Taiwanese line." "Please continue to be together." People also highlighted Tzuyu and Shuhua's similarities, such as being both Taiwanese beauties, visuals of their groups, maknae of their groups and both have blonde hair. (G)I-DLE Continues To Set New Records With 'I Love' & 'Nxde' As "Nxde" becomes a more popular dance challenge, its album "I Love" also continues to set new records. According to Billboard on November 6 (KST), (G)I-DLE's fifth mini-album entered the "Top Album Sales" chart in 9th place. Earlier on November 1, the album entered 71st on the Billboard 200, while its title song, "Nxde" entered 13th on the Billboard Digital Song Sales Chart, 50th on the Billboard Global 200 and now 34th on the Billboard Global (U.S. and overseas) chart, rising 164 places. "Nxde" then topped the domestic music charts every day, firmly maintaining the top spot on the charts, and the new album "I love" topped 40 regions around the world upon its release, surpassing initial sales of 678,000 copies, recording a 284% growth rate. Not only these, but "Nxde" MV has not only surpassed 24 million views within a day of its release but also proved its hot popularity by maintaining the No. 1 position in the country's soaring popularity video every day. In addition, it surpassed 100 million views on YouTube within 17 days and 16 hours of its release on October 17, setting the "shortest period among fourth-generation girl groups." (G)I-DLE also holds its eighth 100 million-view music video, setting a record for the "group with most MVs with 100M views among fourth-generation girl groups." READ MORE: (G)I-DLE Miyeon Receives Hate For Drinking Water THIS Way Neverlands Defend Idol For more K-Pop news, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dawson. Patna (Bihar) [India], November 8 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday offered prayers at Patna Sahib Gurdwara on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Calling the Gurudwara a very "important" place, Bihar CM said, "It is a very important place as Guru Nanak was born here. We have built this place in such a way that the new generation will be aware." Also Read | Indian Sailors Detained in Equatorial Guinea: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Writes to PM Narendra Modi To Help for Release of 16 Stranded Seafarers. Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurupurab, is a sacred festival that marks the birth of the first guru of Sikhism - Guru Nanak Dev. The auspicious occasion is observed on the full moon date of Kartik month or Kartik Purnima every year.Bihar CM also extended his greetings to the people via his social media platform. "Greetings and best wishes on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Guru Nanak had the qualities of a philosopher, yogi, householder, founder of a religion, social reformer, poet, patriot and Vishwabandhu in his personality," he said in a tweet. Also Read | India to Host No Money For Terrorism Ministerial Conference Next Week in Delhi. He further said that we all should work together to fulfil Guru Nanak Dev Ji's dream of creating a holistic and harmonious society. The day is also celebrated as Parkash Utsav. Devoted to the Divine from his childhood, Guru Nanak Dev was a man of peace who spent his entire life emphasising equality and tolerance. He was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi village, now known as Nankana Sahib, near Lahore in present-day Pakistan. Guru Nanak composed many hymns, which were collected in the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan. He visited pilgrimage sites throughout India. The main verses from the Guru Granth Sahib elaborate that the creator of the universe is one. His verses also propagate selfless service to humanity. Prayers are being held in Gurdwaras on Gurpurab. The different aspects of the celebration go on till night. (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 8 (PTI) A 42-year-old man died after a fire broke out in his room in southwest Delhi's Najafgarh area on Tuesday morning, officials said. The fire department said they received information about the blaze at 4.12 am, following which three fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Also Read | Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra Demands Apology From Rahul Gandhi Over Karnataka Congress MLA Satish Jarkiholi's 'Hindu' Remarks. The fire was doused by 5 am, officials said. The police reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. The man was charred to death. He was identified as Rajendra Dagar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Harsha Vardhan said. Also Read | Demonetisation: No New Rs 2,000 Notes Printed From 2019-2022, Says RTI Reply. The man used to drink and smoke, police said, adding that after seeing smoke coming out of his room, family members informed the authorities. The body of the deceased was shifted to Rao Tularam Memorial Hospital for inquest proceedings, they said. The deceased used to work in the construction material supply sector and is survived by two sons. He was apparently being treated for insomnia at PGI Rohtak, police added. Last week, three people died and 17 suffered injuries after a fire broke out in a factory in Narela Industrial Area. (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 8 (PTI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday extended greetings on Guru Purab, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, reminding people of the path of inclusive society shown by him. Guru Nanak, the vice president said, showed us the path of a compassionate virtuous life and an inclusive society. Also Read | Tamil Nadu Shocker: Jilted Lover Threatens To Leak Private Pictures of Woman on Social Media in Chennai, Arrested. "May Guru Nanak Dev Ji's eternal message guide us on the path of creating a kind and peaceful world," the Vice President Secretariat tweeted, quoting Dhankhar. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kochi (Kerala) [India], November 8 (ANI): Kerala High Court on Tuesday declined to stay the appointment of Ciza Thomas as Vice Chancellor in-charge of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala government had requested the court to stay the appointment that was ordered by Kerala Governor Arif Muhammad Khan, chancellor of the state universities. Also Read | Unidentified Bike-borne Miscreants Allegedly Robbed Two Jewellery Shop Employees of Gold Latest Tweet by IANS India. Ciza Thomas is the senior joint director of the directorate of technical education. Kerala Governor on Thursday appointed Ciza Thomas rejecting the government's recommendation to hand over the responsibility of Vice Chancellor in charge to the state higher education principal secretary Ishita Roy who is an IAS. Also Read | Love Knows No Boundary: British Nurse Meets Indian Man on Social Media, Marries Him in Agra. "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section 7 of Section 13 of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University Act, 2015 (Act 17 of 2015), read with clause 7.3 of the UGC Regulations, 2018, the Chancellor of the University is pleased to order that pending the appointment of a regular Vice Chancellor in the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. Prof. (Dr.) Ciza Thomas, Senior Joint Director, Directorate of Technical Education, Thiruvananthapuram, shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice Chancellor, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University with immediate effect, in addition to her normal duties, until further orders," the notification issued by the Raj Bhavan stated. The Supreme Court in October sacked Dr Rajasree MS from the Vice Chancellor post citing a violation of UGC norms. A bench of justices MR Shah and CT Ravikumar allowed the appeal filed by Professor Sreejith P.S. challenging the Kerala High Court order dated August 2, 2021. As per the UGC Regulations also, the Visitor/Chancellor shall appoint the Vice Chancellor out of the panel of names recommended by the Search Committee. Therefore, when only one name was recommended and the panel of names was not recommended, the Chancellor had no option to consider the names of the other candidates, the top court observed. Therefore, the appointment of the respondent Rajasree can be said to be dehors and/or contrary to the provisions of the UGC Regulations as well as even to the University Act, 2015, the top court noted. (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 8 (PTI) India has demonstrated expertise in mangrove restoration for nearly five decades and can contribute to the global knowledge base due to its experience, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said Monday at the launch of the "Mangrove Alliance for Climate". The UAE and Indonesia have launched the MAC on the sidelines of the UN climate summit COP27, to strengthen conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems worldwide. India, Australia, Japan, Spain and Sri Lanka have joined the alliance. Also Read | RK Kulkarni Murder Case: Property Dispute Behind 82-Year-Old Retired IB Officer's Killing in Mysuru; Two Held. Yadav said creating a new carbon sink from mangrove afforestation and reducing emissions from mangrove deforestation are two feasible ways for countries to meet their NDC targets and achieve carbon neutrality. NDCs means national plans and pledges made by countries to limit global temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Pregnant Woman Gang-Raped in Sugarcane Field in Pilibhit; Case Registered Four Months After Sexual Assault. "The integration of mangroves into the national programmes for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation is the need of the hour. India can contribute to the global knowledge base due to its extensive experience in mangrove restoration, studies on ecosystem valuation and carbon sequestration," Yadav said. India has demonstrated expertise in mangrove restoration activities for nearly five decades and restored different types of mangrove ecosystems both on its east and west coasts, he said, adding there has been a significant increase in the mangrove cover in India in the Andaman, Sundarbans and the Gujarat regions. As part of this alliance, an international mangrove research centre will be established in Indonesia which will conduct studies on mangrove ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and ecotourism. Mangroves are a means of climate adaptation and protects coasts from rising seas levels, erosion and storm surges. Mangrove trees can grow in saline waters, and can sequester up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests. Eighty per cent of the global fish populations depend on mangrove ecosystems. (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 8 (ANI): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed that the Ranthambhore Music Festival may be permitted only if it is subjected to the conditions as laid down by a joint committee of the National Wildlife Board, Government of India (GoI) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan after due consideration of its impact on the wildlife and the ecosystem. The bench headed by Tribunal Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel in an order passed on November 7, said, "it appears to be difficult to rule out the possibility of disturbing the wildlife and eco-system by such a large event close to the Tiger Reserve. An informed decision in such a matter by the statutory regulator is necessary in absence of any express permission when the event is within 10 kms of the Tiger Reserve." Also Read | Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: Nitin Gadkari Promises Ropeways, Cable Railway System, Clean Energy Projects Ahead of Vidhan Sabha Polls. National Board for Wildlife in coordination with other concerned authorities, including the National Tiger Conservation Authority may issue appropriate guidelines with regard to such events in the vicinity of other National Parks in the country, preferably within one month. If any such guidelines have been issued, the same may be updated with further inputs, if any. Compliance may be ensured by the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Sawai Madhopur, said the NGT. The NGT further said that it is well known that Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve is an eco-sensitive zone. Activities in its vicinity have to be regulated to ensure that there is no harm to wildlife. It is difficult to accept that such events have no relevance for the protection of wildlife. No evaluation has been undertaken by any statutory regulator or even by the event organizer that it will have no adverse impact on the wildlife. Also Read | Nagpur Shocker: Dog Feeder Mercilessly Thrashed for Feeding Stray Dogs, Blamed For Rise in Population of Canines. The senior lawyer, who appeared for the event organizers' firm stated: the event called "Ranthambhore Festival" is being organized since 2017 to promote the art and culture of the area. The event is organized at Hotel Nahargarh. The brochure stated that it is approximately 5 kms from the Ranthambhore National Park, (notified as such under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972). Audience size is 500-600. The event will be within the Hotel complex at its amphitheatre. Only fabric banners and recycled material is used. There is DG stage but guests use wireless headphones. The event has all permissions/approvals. The PP has made huge investments and efforts for organizing the event, said the counsel who appeared for the event firm. Senior counsel for the firm further submitted that there is no legal restriction under the law for the event in the hotel where such activities are routine as music is life and there will be no harm to the wildlife, the hotel itself is far away from the Tiger Reserve but he was willing to give an undertaking that there will be no music and light in the proposed event except by the use of headphones and the activity will be shifted to indoors from the amphitheatre. The proceedings have been initiated in the matter and a suo motu by the NGT to consider the impact of the proposed musical festival close to the Tiger Teserve in Ranthambhore, Rajasthan, as publicly announced on the website. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bengaluru, Nov 8 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, will address the 25th edition of Asia's largest Tech Event 'Bengaluru Tech Summit' (BTS), during its inaugural here on November 16. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Pregnant Woman Gang-Raped in Sugarcane Field in Pilibhit; Case Registered Four Months After Sexual Assault. The flagship event organised by the Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, S&T, Government of Karnataka along with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) will be held physically from November 16 to 18 at the iconic Bangalore Palace here. Also Read | Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Announces 'Anand Marriage Act' for Sikhs To Register Their Marriages. According to E V Ramana Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt and S&T, Government of Karnataka, it will be a recorded address by both Modi and Macron. Among the dignitaries attending the event are: Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, UAE; Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia; Petri Honkonen, Minister of Science and Culture of Finland, Finland; and Martin Schroeter, Chairman & CEO, Kyndryl, USA. As part of the landmark 25th year celebrations, BTS 2022 will witness the unveiling of the Silver Jubilee Commemoration Plaque of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2022 by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, along with the felicitation of 35 companies from ITE and Biotech who have completed 25-plus years of service in Bengaluru. The event will also witness the coming together of global tech leaders, Indian corporates and startups from IT, Deep tech and Biotech, showcasing disruptive technologies, forging partnerships and alliances. Speaking to reporters, Karnataka Minister for Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, Science and Technology, C N Ashwath Narayan said, the aspiration is to scale-up to the level of Davos in Switzerland, which hosts World Economic Forum, in the years to come. "We plan to ramp up or scale up the summit to a much bigger level in the years to come. What you see in Davos, we want to adapt that style. That's the kind of aspiration we have...if we grow to it, definitely it will be the most happening," he said. BTS 2022 this year will consist of a multi-track Conference on IT & Electronics, Deep Tech, Start-Ups & Biotech, Global Innovation Alliance and India USA Tech Conclave. Over 350 domain experts from over 20 countries will address 70-plus sessions attracting 5,000 business delegates. The ITE & Deep Tech Track will focus on AI, Hybrid Cloud, 5G, Edge Computing, Fintech, ESG, Spacetech, Electronics & Semiconductor manufacturing, EV & Mobility, and AVGC. The Biotech Track will concentrate on Genomics, Bio-Pharma, Gene Editing and Agriculture, One Health, Genomic Medicine, Bio Industrial, Bio Energy, Cell & Gene Therapy, Big Data in Drug Discovery and Bio Investing, while the Startup Track will focus on Digital Public Goods, FinTech, Robotics, Women in Tech, Capital beyond VCs, Social Entrepreneurship and grassroot innovation. BTS 2022 Conference will also see plenary sessions from most prolific minds. It includes Prof. Emmanuelle Charpentier, Nobel Laureate for Chemistry in 2020, Prof. Ajay K Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, Dr. Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital, and S Somanath, Chairman ISRO. An annual highlight at the summit is the Global Innovation Alliance track where partner countries will participate across conferences, exhibition forging partnerships, and collaborations. Some of the participating countries include France, Australia, Canada, Finland, Denmark, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Israel, Germany, NRW, Switzerland, Japan, European Union, Lithuania, Poland and Thailand. Another feature is the India USA Tech Conclave 2.0 curated by US India Business Council to focus on Quad Strategic Tech Update, Reality of the Metaverse, digital health, augmenting and co-creating IP. BTS2022 will also witness India's largest tech exhibition with over 575 organisations participating which will see the confluence of IT & Biotech majors, best of R&D Labs, Tech Nations, states of India. The other highlights include International Exhibition, STPI IT Export Awards, Smart Bio Awards, Bengaluru Impact Award to new Unicorns, National Rural IT Quiz, Bio Quiz and Bio Posters. The summit will also witness the inauguration of the interactive Science Gallery Bengaluru that aims to bring Science back into culture. (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 8 (PTI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Tuesday said the Supreme Court verdict upholding the 10 per cent quota for the economically weaker sections (EWS) in educational institutions and government jobs has raised apprehensions and should be refer to a full bench for review. In a statement, the Left party said the judgment has brought to the forefront "pertinent questions" about its impact on reservation for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes in the absence of caste census, non-availability of data and criteria to determine the economically weaker sections of forward castes. Also Read | India Saw 6% Decline in Hiring Activity in October 2022 Amid Funding Winter and Recession Fears, Says Report. "The judgment has created apprehensions with several political parties and social movements demanding that the judgment be referred to a larger constitution bench of the Supreme Court for clarification and constitutional merit of the judgment. "CPI demands that a full bench of Supreme Court review the present judgment. The legislative intent behind reservation was not poverty alleviation but affirmative action for historically discriminated and deprived sections of our society," the party said. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: Two Held for Rioting After Sacrilege Incident at Mosque in Shahjahanpur. The Supreme Court on Monday upheld by a 3-2 majority the 10 per cent quota for the economically weaker sections (EWS) in educational institutions and government jobs, saying it was not discriminatory and did not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. While Chief Justice U U Lalit and Justice S Ravindra Bhat dissented from the majority opinion that upheld the 103rd Constitution amendment of 2019, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari said use of basic structure doctrine as a "sword" to "stultify" the effort to do economic justice cannot be countenanced. The CPI also said that at a time when privatisation is being "aggressively pursued" by the present government, the fight for reservation in the private sector must continue with even greater strength. "Refer the SC verdict on reservation for EWS to full bench," the statement said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chennai, Nov 8 (PTI) Union Minister for Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy inspected the Vadapalani Metro Rail station here on Tuesday and interacted with the commuters. He travelled by the metro train to Alandur from Vadapalani. Also Read | Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Announces 'Anand Marriage Act' for Sikhs To Register Their Marriages. The minister urged the officials to provide basic amenities to the passengers immediately. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Unveils Logo, Theme, Website of India's G20 Presidency During Online Meet. Reddy, who holds the portfolio of Development of North East Region (DoNER), later told reporters that following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instructions, metro rail facility is being expanded in all the cities. Accordingly, states have been allocated necessary funds. The Tamil Nadu government has also been allocated funds for the metro rail works, apart from that for additional works, he said. Following the completion of metro rail work in cities under the Phase 1 of the project, works have been taken up under the Phase 2 of the project. "Visited and inspected the Vadapalani Metro Railway station in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, today. Had an engaging conversation with fellow passengers while travelling by Metro Rail from Vadapalani to Alandur," Reddy said in a tweet. Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) M A Siddique accompanied the Union Minister during the inspection. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], November 8 (ANI): Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday assured that the 2012 Chhawla rape victim will get justice. "I have spoken to advocate Charu Khanna, who is handling the case and union law minister Kiren Rijiju regarding the Supreme Court's decision of acquitting the three accused in 2012- Chhawla rape case. The victim is the daughter of our country and we will do everything to ensure that she gets justice," Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a conversation with ANI. Also Read | Tamil Nadu: Chola-Era Bronze Idols Recovered From German Couple's Home in Auroville. The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the Delhi High Court order and acquitted three men who were awarded the death penalty by a lower court after being held guilty of raping and killing a 19-year-old woman in Delhi's Chhawala area in 2012. A bench of Chief Justice of India UU Lalit, S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi set aside the judgments and orders of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court and the High Court in the case. Also Read | Love Knows No Boundary: British Nurse Meets Indian Man on Social Media, Marries Him in Agra. The court gave the accused a benefit of the doubt and directed to set free the accused forthwith if not required in any other case. "...the judgments and orders of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court and the High Court are set aside. The Appellants-accused are acquitted from the charges leveled against them by giving them a benefit of doubt, and they are directed to be set free forthwith if not required in any other case. The appeals deserve to be allowed accordingly," the court had said. However, the court also directed that the parents of the victim would be entitled to the compensation, if not awarded so far by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority, as may be permissible in accordance with law. Three men had moved the top court against capital punishment for the rape and murder of a 19-year-old girl in Delhi's Chhawala. The three convicts were awarded the death penalty after being held guilty of raping and killing a 19-year-old woman in 2012. The victim's mutilated body was found in a field with multiple injuries due to assault with objects ranging from car tools to earthen pots. A Delhi court in February 2014 convicted them. The capital punishment was confirmed by the Delhi High Court on August 26, 2014, saying they were "predators" moving on the streets and "were looking for prey". Three men, Ravi Kumar, Rahul and Vinod were convicted under various charges dealing with kidnapping, rape and murder. The three convicts had challenged the Delhi High Court order in the Supreme Court.The case dates back to February 2012, when a 19-year old girl's body was found in Haryana. The girl was brutally killed after being raped. A case was registered regarding this at outer Delhi's Chhawala (Najafgarh) police station. According to the prosecution, the offence was barbaric in nature as they first kidnapped the woman, raped her, killed her and dumped her body in a field in Rodhai village in Haryana's Rewari district. "The woman was kidnapped by the three men in a car from near her house in the Qutub Vihar area on the night of February 9, 2012, while she was returning from office," the prosecution had said. The prosecution had also revealed multiple injuries on the woman's head and other parts of her body and said that the three men had assaulted the woman with a car jack and an earthen pot. The crime was committed by Ravi Kumar with the help of the other two accused as the girl has refused the friendship proposal of Ravi Kumar, the prosecution had alleged. (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 8 (PTI) The world must not forget about the situation in Afghanistan and there are reasons for concerns over terrorist groups operating from that country, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. At a joint media briefing with Lavrov, Jaishankar listed issues such as "factors of instability" such as terrorism and its cross-border manifestation and said it remains a "major concern". Also Read | Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra Demands Apology From Rahul Gandhi Over Karnataka Congress MLA Satish Jarkiholi's 'Hindu' Remarks. The external affairs minister said the Afghan issue figured in his talks with Lavrov and asserted that the neighbours of Afghanistan should work together to ensure that no threat of terrorism comes out of Afghanistan. "It is important that the world (does) not forget what is the situation in Afghanistan because today I think it is not getting the attention that it deserves," he said. Also Read | Demonetisation: No New Rs 2,000 Notes Printed From 2019-2022, Says RTI Reply. The external affairs minister said there is a humanitarian situation in that country and India has been supplying food, medicines and COVID-19 vaccines to the Afghan people as they are going through a "very difficult" phase. "The international community with good reason has concerns about terrorism and terrorists who operate out of Afghanistan," he said. "There have been commitments which have been given in this regard. It is legitimate that the international community, especially the neighbours today work together to ensure that there is no terrorism threat that comes out of Afghanistan," he noted. Jaishankar also underlined the need for fulfilling the commitments covered under the UN Security Council resolution 2593, saying "It is important that those obligations are kept." "We discussed how to continue our support for the people of Afghanistan, even as we urge Taliban to fulfill its international commitments. We are both members of various formats where the Afghan-related issues come up for review and we will continue to be in close touch," he said. India has also been consistently maintaining that it is important that the international community continues to insist on the fulfilment of goals outlined in resolution 2593 on Afghanistan. The UNSC resolution, adopted on August 30 last year under India's presidency of the global body, talked about the need for upholding human rights in Afghanistan and demanded that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism and that a negotiated political settlement should be found out to the crisis. Jaishankar said India and Russia have been in touch on the Afghan issue including under various formats of dialogue. Following the Taliban's capture of power in Kabul, India has been consistently flagging concerns over the possible spillover of terrorist activities from Afghanistan to other countries in the region. "It is part of the tradition of our relationship, India and Russia, that in some of these formats we have cooperated. So we look forward to being present here during the Moscow format as well," Jaishankar said. The two sides also discussed the situation in the Indo-Pacific. "We, as partners, highly value the centrality of ASEAN to the larger regional architecture. From the viewpoint of our respective interests, we exchanged views about how the goals of the international community are best served, including in securing the global commons," Jaishankar said. Referring to the Iran nuclear deal, he said a way forward must be found in the interest of global peace, security and non-proliferation. "I hope to discuss in the coming session the prospects of the Iranian JCPOA, because India believes that a way forward must be found in the interest of global peace, security and non-proliferation," he said. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal was finalised in 2015 between Tehran and several world powers including the EU. It was aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions. The US had withdrawn from the deal in May 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. There have been fresh efforts now to restore the deal. "I also expect a wider exchange of assessments on the current situation in the Middle East what we call West Asia, including matters pertaining to Syria and Palestine. India today has a wide range of interests and a growing footprint," Jaishankar said. He said the world is moving towards greater multi-polarity through steady and continuous re-balancing. "And that especially means a multipolar Asia. As prominent nations who have a positive history of working together, this will naturally influence the conversations between Russia and India," he said. The external affairs minister also talked about India and Russia being part of the G20, the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), amongst others. "How we work together in these formats is also on our agenda. You all know that India has assumed the Chair of the SCO and will take over the Presidency of the G20 in December," he said. "We strongly believe that the pressing concerns of the international community as a whole must be fully recognized and effectively addressed. The state of multilateralism, especially the working of the UN and its key organs, is today clearly wanting," he said. "Even as we focus on the immediate, the case for reformed multilateralism including a reformed UN Security Council is becoming difficult to deny. We welcome Russian support for India in that regard," he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 8 (PTI) To increase India's cotton productivity, supply of good quality seeds is the need of the hour and requires some concrete action from related ministries on a war footing, Union Minister Piyush Goyal has said. He also stressed the need to introduce advanced technologies related to high-yielding cotton seeds and innovative agronomy, such as high-density planting systems, to enhance the productivity of cotton. Also Read | India Saw 6% Decline in Hiring Activity in October 2022 Amid Funding Winter and Recession Fears, Says Report. Goyal called upon the textile industry to self-regulate towards branding and certifying Indian cotton 'Kasturi' and assured that the government will support the initiative with funds matching the industry contribution. The textiles minister held the third interactive meeting with the Textile Advisory Group (TAG) on Monday. Also Read | Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas 2022 Date: Know the History & Significance of Uttarakhand Divas That Marks the State Foundation Day. He also emphasised the strengthening testing facility needed to conform to Kasturi standards, DNA testing and traceability. Goyal assured that adequate modern testing facilities would be created through the Bureau of Indian Standards and Textile Research Associations. He appreciated the action taken by the industry and its nominated body to work on the quality, traceability and branding of Kasturi Cotton. The minister pointed out that the quality of Indian cotton fibre is paramount, therefore implementation of cotton bales quality control order under the BIS Act 2016 is a must for the standardisation of cotton bales. Chairing the meeting, Goyal reviewed the actions initiated subsequent to the last interactive meeting held in New Delhi. A holistic plan for increasing cotton productivity was presented by ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research - (CICR), Nagpur, for improving cotton productivity through a farmer awareness programme, HDPS and global best farm practices. He urged that the textile industry and industry associations should join hands to promote handheld kapas plucker machines. "The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) will take up this project in mission mode with distribution support from Cotton Corporation of India Ltd. Industry Associations and Industry leaders together agreed to fund 75,000 handheld kapas plucker machines. Additionally, FPOs may be actively involved to empower cotton farmers," the textile ministry said. Responding to the demand of the industry for a change of colour of fertiliser bags that are reused by farmers in cotton picking and storing, which have been attributed as one of the major causes of contamination in cotton, Goyal said the Centre has notified 'One Nation One Fertilizer' scheme which defines logo and pattern to take care of this concern. (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 8 (PTI) Home textiles major Welspun India Ltd on Tuesday reported a 95.86 per cent decline in its consolidated net profit to Rs 8.33 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, mainly due to high input costs. It had posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 201.50 crore in the July-September quarter a year ago, Welspun India said in a regulatory filing. Also Read | Uttarakhand Sthapna Diwas 2022 Date: Know the History & Significance of Uttarakhand Divas That Marks the State Foundation Day. Its revenue from operations slipped 15.04 per cent to Rs 2,113.46 crore during the quarter under review. It was Rs 2,487.63 crore in the year-ago period. The company's total expenses in the September quarter fell 4.29 per cent to Rs 2,122.85 crore. Also Read | India in Stable Economic Situation, Growth Momentum Is Good, Says CEA V Anantha Nageswaran. Its revenue from home textiles was Rs 2,011.41 crore and Rs 159.59 crore from the flooring segment. Welspun Group Chairman BK Goenka said: "In view of the macro environment that continues to be challenging, the Company's operating and financial performance demonstrates the trust it enjoys among its global customers. This is evident in the growth registered by the company's brands portfolio and the Domestic Retail business in particular". (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Seoul, Nov 8 (AP) A pair of dogs gifted by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018 are now marred in a South Korean political row, with the country's former president blaming his conservative successor for a lack of financial support as he gave the animals up. Moon Jae-in, a liberal who left office in May, received the two white Pungsan hunting dogs a breed known to be indigenous to North Korea from Kim following their peace summit in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in September 2018. Also Read | Who Is Mehmet Oz? Know All About the Republican Nominee For US Senate Election 2022 in Pennsylvania Who May Become First Muslim Senator. The dogs are officially considered state property, but Moon took the pair and one of their seven offspring home after he left office. The move was made possible by a change of law in March that allowed presidential gifts to be managed outside of the Presidential Archives if they were animals or plants. Also Read | Imran Khan Assassination Attempt: Pakistans Punjab Province Police Finally Register FIR. But Moon's office on Monday said he decided he could no longer raise the three dogs because the current government of President Yoon Suk Yeol was refusing to cover the costs for the animals' food and veterinary care. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said that the dogs were returned to the government on Tuesday and that the parent dogs originally sent from Kim were being examined at a veterinary hospital in the city of Daegu. In its statement released on Facebook, Moon's office accused Yoon's office of inexplicably blocking the ministry's proposal to provide government funds for the animal's care. The ministry confirmed it had drafted a budget plan to provide a monthly 2.5 million won ($1,810) in subsidies, including 500,000 won ($360) for the dogs' food and veterinary care and 2 million ($1,450) for hiring workers to look after them. But the ministry said the plans were put on hold for months because of unspecified opposing opinions from within the ministry and the Ministry of Government Legislation. It seems that the presidential office, unlike the Presidential Archives and the Interior and Safety Ministry, has a negative view about entrusting the care of the Pungsan dogs to former President Moon, Moon's office said. If that's the case, Yoon's government should be cool about ending that entrustment, Moon's office said. There would be disappointment and regrets as they were companion animals (Moon) grew attached to, but there would be no way to reject the termination of entrustment," it said. Yoon's office shifted the blame to Moon, saying it never prevented him from keeping the animals and that the discussions about providing financial support were still ongoing. It was entirely the decision of former President Moon Jae-in to return the Pungsan dogs to the Presidential Archives instead of waiting out a legislative amendment to secure the subsidies, Yoon's office said. Moon and Yoon's spat over the dogs sparked criticism online, with users lamenting that the animals were being treated only as properties. Staking his single presidential term on inter-Korean rapprochement, Moon met Kim three times in 2018 and lobbied hard to help set up Kim's meetings with former U.S. President Donald Trump. But the diplomacy never recovered from the collapse of the second Kim-Trump meeting in 2019 in Vietnam, where the Americans rejected North Korea's demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for dismantling an aging nuclear facility, which would have amounted to a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. Kim has since vowed to bolster his nuclear deterrent to counter gangster-like U.S. pressure and sped up his weapons development despite limited resources and pandemic-related difficulties. The North has fired dozens of missiles this year, using the distraction created by Russia's war on Ukraine to increase arms development and ramp up pressure on the United States and its regional allies. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jerusalem, Nov 8 (AP) Israel's environmental protection minister attended a regional meeting on Tuesday alongside Iraqi and Lebanese leaders at the global climate conference taking place in Egypt, the minister's office said, where the group pledged to work together to tackle climate change. Israel is still officially at war with Lebanon, fighting a war against the militant Shiite Hezbollah in 2006, and Israel and Iraq have no diplomatic relations and a history of hostilities. Also Read | When Will US Midterm Elections Results 2022 Be Declared? As Polling Begins, Know Vote Counting Date and Time Here. While Lebanon and Israel recently signed a landmark, US-brokered maritime agreement, any hint that the two states are open to cooperate even as part of a regional setting would be meaningful. Lebanon bans its citizens from having any contact with Israelis and the sea deal was negotiated through American shuttle diplomacy, with no Israeli or Lebanese officials ever publicly meeting. According to a statement from the office of Israeli Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg, the meeting took place as part of a regional forum of eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. Also Read | Russian Oil Imports: EAM S Jaishankar Says 'Would Like To Keep It Going'; Reaffirms Strong Ties With Moscow. The agreement by the member countries said the parties would work to "strengthen regional cooperation" and "act in a coordinated way on climate change. "The countries of the region share the warming and drying climate and just as they share the problems they can and must share the solutions. No country can stand alone in the face of the climate crisis, Zandberg said in the statement. In photos provided by her office, she is seen seated behind a small Israeli flag. Two seats away from her is Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and across the room is Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, each behind their countries' flags. Mikati's office played down the incident, saying it was being overblown in Israeli media. It said the meeting was called for by the presidents of Egypt and Cyprus and was attended by a large number of Arab and international officials like other meetings at the climate change conference. "There was no contact whatsoever with any Israeli official, it said. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also attended the meeting at a time when peace negotiations with Israel are moribund and a far-right government is likely set to take power in the coming weeks after national elections held last week. An official close to Zandberg said she and Shtayyeh shook hands, a claim a Palestinian official denied. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media. Public contact between Israeli and Palestinian leaders is rare. Zandberg is set to leave the post soon, after her political party Meretz, a dovish faction that supports Palestinian independence, failed to win enough votes to enter the new parliament. Former Benjamin Netanyahu is set to take power in the coming weeks as head of what is expected to be Israel's most right-wing government ever. Netanyahu was prime minister when the Trump administration brokered the 2020 Abraham Accords, a series of deals with Middle Eastern countries the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan that normalized ties with Israel. The climate meeting is not expected to lead to any similar agreements with Israel's enemies. But seeing the leaders of Arab countries in dialogue with an Israeli minister was rare. Leaders from around the world are meeting this week in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Sharm al-Sheikh, where they are hoping to come together to combat the rising threats from climate change. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Little Rock (US), Nov 8 (AP) Sarah Sanders is poised to make the leap from Donald Trump's spokeswoman to Arkansas governor in Tuesday's election, hoping to claim the office her father once held and become the first woman to lead the state. The former White House press secretary and Republican nominee is heavily favoured in the race for governor in her home state, where Trump remains popular among conservatives. Also Read | Who Is Mehmet Oz? Know All About the Republican Nominee For US Senate Election 2022 in Pennsylvania Who May Become First Muslim Senator. Democratic nominee Chris Jones, an ordained Baptist minister and nuclear engineer, has trailed Sanders by double digits in public polls leading up to Tuesday's election. Sanders has shattered fundraising records in the state since she launched her campaign last year. Also Read | Imran Khan Assassination Attempt: Pakistans Punjab Province Police Finally Register FIR. Libertarian Ricky Dale Harrington is also running. Jones or Harrington also would make history if either wins by being the first African American Arkansas has elected to statewide or congressional office. If she wins, Sanders will become the highest profile Trump official in elected office at a time when the president's influence on the GOP is seen in several high-profile races around the country. They are running to succeed Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection. Hutchinson, who has endorsed Sanders, is considering running for president and has often split with Trump. Sanders has proudly nationalised her bid, with ads promising to use the state's top office to fight President Joe Biden and the radical left." She's largely avoided interviews with local reporters during her campaign, but has made frequent appearances on Fox News. She's promised to continue cutting the state's income tax, after a series of reductions enacted by Hutchinson and Republican lawmakers in recent years. But she hasn't detailed a timeline for doing so or how she'd make up for the loss in revenue. Sanders entered the race as the most nationally recognised candidate for governor the state has ever had, after years of defending Trump's policies on television and being lampooned by Saturday Night Live. Trump publicly encouraged Sanders to run for governor when she left the White House in 2019 to return to her home state. During Sanders' nearly two-year tenure at the White House, she scaled back daily televised briefings after repeatedly sparring with reporters who aggressively questioned her. She faced questions about her credibility, particularly after special counsel Robert Mueller's report revealed that Sanders admitted making an unfounded claim to reporters about FBI agents' reaction to director James Comey's firing. But she also earned reporters' respect working behind the scenes to develop relationships with the media. Sanders was a known figure in Arkansas long before Trump. She appeared in ads for her father, former Gov. Mike Huckabee a two-time presidential contender and frequent political commentator and worked on his campaigns. She managed Sen. John Boozman's 2010 election and worked as an adviser to Sen. Tom Cotton's in 2014. Sanders briefly left the campaign trail in September after undergoing surgery for thyroid cancer. Her doctor said Sanders was cancer free after the surgery. Jones has tried to contrast himself with Sanders, portraying himself as a more unifying figure than the former Trump official. He's run on promises to expand preschool access and broadband in the state. Jones entered the race with an online video that quickly went viral and has won the backing of national figures including California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Other former Trump officials who have been elected to office include Ronny Jackson, Trump's former doctor in the White House, who was elected to a Texas congressional seat in 2020. Karoline Leavitt, a former White House staffer under Trump, is running for a congressional seat in New Hampshire. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) A Social Security card is an important tool to get your Social Security payments. In addition, it enables government agencies to identify their records and businesses to review an individual's financial background. There are certain documents individuals are required to present when eyeing to apply for a Social Security card. Social Security Administration noted that the original documents needed are proof of citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate or a U.S. passport. In addition, proof of identity will be needed such as a U.S. driver's license, U.S. passport, and state-issued non-driver identification card. SSA noted that applicants for the first time for an original social security card must present original documents or copies certified by the government agency that issued them. In addition, all documents must be current and applicants cannot present a receipt showing they applied for the required documents. However, losing a replacement card if you lost your Social Security card might take a different process. READ NEXT: SSI Payments Schedule: Here's Why You'll Be Getting Your COLA Increase This December Instead of January 2023 How To Request a New Social Security Card SSA gives its beneficiaries three ways to request a new Social Security card; recipients can either request a new card in person, online or through the mail. The easiest way to request a replacement for a lost Social Security card is online, especially if there will be no changes in your information and you do not live near a Social Security office. Individuals will need to create a My Social Security account to get started. Once signed in, you should click "Replace your Social Security Card at the top." You will then be asked a series of questions to identify if you are eligible to request a replacement card online once you clicked the link. Applicants for a replacement card will need to verify their identities by answering several other questions, then they will have to electronically sign their name before submitting their request. However, there are people who are not eligible to request a card online such as those who live in Alaska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, or West Virginia. Those requesting any change to their card, such as a name change, are also not eligible for a replacement process online. Lastly, those with a driver's license or ID card issued by a U.S. territory are not eligible for online requests for a new card. The Social Security agency noted that it will take around seven to 10 business days to receive the requested Social Security card replacement if they applied online or in person. Meanwhile, those who applied and submitted it through the mail could receive it between two and four weeks before the agency processes and return the documents. Social Security Payments The monthly maximum federal allotments for 2023 are $914 for an eligible individual, $1,371 for an individual with an eligible spouse, and $458 for an essential person. The cost-of-living adjustment increase will be implemented in January 2023, which is an increase of 8.7%. Most of the beneficiaries will get their first check in January, while some will get their increased payments in December this year due to January 1 falling on a holiday. READ MORE: Disaster SNAP Benefits Update: Are You Eligible for New Florida Payments? This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: How Do You Replace Your Social Security Card? - from AARP Answers House Speaker Nancy Pelosi revealed how she found out that her husband, Paul Pelosi, was attacked inside their San Francisco home. Pelosi said that officers "banged" on her door at 5 a.m. and at first, she thought that "they must be at the wrong apartment." However, the knocks continued on. The House Speaker opened up about the incident during her interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper. Pelosi said she was thinking about her children and her grandchildren because she never thought it would be Paul. At the end of October, Pelosi's husband was violently attacked inside their house by an intruder wielding a hammer. Paul was brought to a hospital and underwent emergency surgery to repair a skull fracture after police arrived at 2:31 a.m. READ NEXT: Paul Pelosi Released From Hospital After Attack; Suspect David DePape in the U.S. Illegally and Could Be Deported After Release House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Retirement During their interview, Cooper asked Pelosi if she has made a decision regarding her retirement. Pelosi answered that her retirement decision will be affected by what happened with her husband and their San Francisco home break-in. Cooper further pressed on the matter, asking if her decision will take the assault of her husband into consideration, to which the House Speaker answered, "yes." Pelosi had earlier promised in 2018 that she would give up the House Speaker position at the end of this term. However, some Democrats believe that she may retain her position if the party pulls an upset and manages to hold control of the lower chamber. Pelosi has remained silent about her future plans most of the time. Meanwhile, California Rep. Adam Schiff has been reported to preparing himself as heir to Pelosi's speakership, if she chooses to retire from her role after the midterm elections. He was reportedly "gauging members' interest and planting the seed that leading the caucus is his goal." The California representative has also reached out to progressive and minority-led congressional groups, but the results has been described as "tepid," as reported by People. There are other Democrats aiming for the position if Pelosi decides to step back, such as Reps., James Clyburn, Hakeem Jeffries, and Steny Hoyer. Paul Pelosi Assault The alleged attacker was identified as 42-year-old David Wanye DePape. He was charged with attempted murder, residential burglary, and assault with a deadly weapon. DePape's other charges include elder abuse, false imprisonment of an elder, and threats to a public official and their family. He was also recently charged with federal counts of assault on the immediate family member of a federal official and attempted kidnapping of a federal official. Pelosi said in a statement that her family is "heartbroken and traumatized by the life-threatening attack" on Paul. She also thanked the quick response of law enforcement and emergency services. Meanwhile, DePape waived his appearance in a San Francisco Superior Court. The attacker of the House Speaker's husband is currently being held without bail. DePape allegedly awoke Paul by standing over his bedside and preventing him from escaping while wanting to know the whereabouts of his wife. READ MORE: Nancy Pelosi, Kevin McCarthy Urged in a Letter to Pass Bill on Stock Ban Among Congress Members This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Nancy Pelosi addresses attack on her husband for 1st time on camera - from ABC News Dictator Daniel Ortega is seeking to further increase his power in Nicaragua with the country's municipal elections. It was described as an "electoral campaign without rallies, demonstrations or even real opposition" as Nicaraguans voted on Sunday. According to the Associated Press, Ortega and his Sandinista Party already control all three branches of the Nicaraguan federal government, as well as 141 of Nicaragua's 153 municipalities. In the run-up to the elections, Nicaraguan authorities arrested and clamped down on political opponents, many of whom are running against Ortega-backed candidates. Prensa Latina reported that the elections happened last November 5, and on the ballot are mayors, deputy mayors, and councilors from all 153 municipalities. It is still not clear when the results will be announced, but with virtually no opposition, members of Ortega's Sandinista National Liberation Front are seen to win a lot of seats. Around 6,000 seats are "up for grabs" with this election. Nicaragua Elections 'Under Complete Control' of Daniel Ortega's Party The civic group known as Urnas Abiertas, or Open Ballot Boxes, has reported that at least 17 people have been arrested prior to or during the elections. They also stated that the municipal elections are "under the absolute control" of President Daniel Ortega's Sandinista National Liberation Front. Government employees were reportedly pressured to vote, with members of the Sandinista party "keeping tabs" on who had voted. In polling places, there were Sandinista posters or people wearing Sandinista party promotional gear in around 41% of them. The AP noted that the Sandinista party is now so dominant in Nicaragua that the country is approaching single-party status. Over the last two years, opposition parties have been canceled out completely, and opposition leaders and candidates jailed. Ortega infamously imprisoned everybody who ran against him during the presidential elections earlier. READ NEXT: Nicaragua: Biden Administration Targets Country's Gold in New Move vs. Daniel Ortega Regime U.N., Human Rights Groups and Opposition Criticize Municipal Elections in Nicaragua The Nicaraguan municipal elections have been met with criticism and low voter turnout, according to DW. Hector Mairena, spokesman for the Unidad Nacional Azul y Blanco alliance stated that this "confirmed the lack of faith people had in the elections." The opposition parties have also pointed out that over 755,000 names have disappeared from voter rolls without any explanation. In addition, the Urnas Abiertas group documented 700 instances of political violence, including targeted harassment and threats towards opposition figures this year. These instances have caught the attention of the United Nations. as the U.N. Human Rights Commissariat urged the Nicaraguan government to stop the arbitrary arrests. The human rights body stated, "we call on the government to guarantee the political and civic rights of the Nicaraguan people and stop the repression." The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights also expressed their concerns and stated that the Nicaraguan government did not have "the minimum conditions necessary" to hold free and fair elections. It also called on the government to stop the repression. However, the repressions still continued, as some 2,000 nongovernmental organizations and more than 50 media outlets were closed as the government continued to crackdown on dissent. Another 100 civil society organizations were closed Friday. READ MORE: Daniel Ortega Net Worth: The Life, Wealth, and Crime of Nicaragua's Dictator This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Nicaragua elections: Ruling party seeks to expand hold in local vote - Al Jazeera English President Jair Bolsonaro discreetly told members of the Supreme Court that the highly contested election "is over," according to local reports. Still, thousands of his supporters packed the streets of Brazil on Wednesday, blocking major roads and demanding that military forces prevent Lula from assuming office, per Al Jazeera. According to Tommy Robinson, Brazilians are fighting for their freedom against Lula's socialist takeover despite the media blackout, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, where people are calling on the military to save the country. Meanwhile, Alexandre de Moraes of the Superior Electoral Court tells everyone that the election was fair and that anyone who protests the results is breaking the law and will be prosecuted. READ NEXT: Brazil Election: Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva Hopes Jair Bolsonaro Will 'Have a Moment of Sanity' and Accept Defeat Thousands of Brazilians Cannot Accept Brazil Election Results Protesters in Brazil's capital continue to block the streets in favor of President Jair Bolsonaro, and they have now requested military assistance, Dessert News noted. Bolsonaro has called on his supporters to lift the blockades obstructing the economy's operation in response to their continuous demonstrations over the Brazil election results. The government has also claimed to have cleared 732 barricades, even though numerous highways remain closed. The blockades have been more visible in locations where Jair Bolsonaro supporters are concentrated, such as Santa Catarina and Mato Grosso. Despite Bolsonaro's efforts to give over control to the new president, Lula, demonstrators took a step further on Wednesday, asking the military for assistance in keeping Bolsonaro in office. However, the military has not done anything to help the protesting people. "In a democracy, the armed forces do not have a say in the electoral process," Eduardo Mun hoz Svartman, president of the Brazilian Association of Defense Studies, said. "This silence is desirable." Meanwhile, protest videos are all over Twitter while local media remain silent. According to ONFALL, Brazilian police are shooting at protesters and members of the Indian community. "Brazil is in chaos, it's almost a civil war." The police in Brazil are shooting at the Indians and the population participating in the protests. Brazil is in chaos, it's almost a civil war. Republican Congress Independent ( 1/4)#BrazillianSpring #VoteBlueTomorrow #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/lXp1bYl7YK 0NFALL (@0NFALL) November 7, 2022 Another video was taken from military footage showing a sea of people protesting in front of the military headquarters. Brasilia, Brazil's capital This is a military footage from the protest taken today, November 7th, 2022 Look the sea of people in front of the Military Headquarters Am I dreaming? PLEASE SHARE PEOPLE ARE FED UP WITH THE COMMUNIST LIES IN BRAZIL, AND WE NEED YOUR HELP... pic.twitter.com/vjLw7NJwvk Frog (@VanFrogy) November 7, 2022 Other videos were posted, including a video where a governor supporting Lula sent police to an allegedly peaceful protest and gassed them. Left governor, supporter of Lula da Silva, sends POLICE against families and indigenous people who protest peacefully. A child was gassed. #BRAZIL #ElonMusk #Eleicoes2022 #BrazilWasSloten https://t.co/MaUpeJBGzD Dadai Domingos (@DadaiDomingos) November 7, 2022 Not One Media Outlet Is Covering Protests In #BRAZIL, As Millions Of Protesters Hit The Streets, Questioning Electoral Integrity. pic.twitter.com/2lAMPqBG5d Planet Ponzi (@PlanetPonzi) November 7, 2022 Brazil Is Still in the Middle of a Power Change According to the Associated Press, despite the conservative leader's delay in admitting defeat, Bolsonaro has finally indicated that he will step down and allow the authority to be transferred. "I know you are upset... Me too. But we have to keep our heads straight," he said in a Twitter post. "I will make an appeal to you: clear the highways." ABC News said that despite Jair Bolsonaro's words, other conservative leaders and military groups had supported the newly elected president to avoid a repeat of January 6 uprising after the U.S. presidential election in 2020. "All of Bolsonaro's escape valves were shut off," said Brian Winter, an expert on Brazil and vice president of the New York-based Council of the Americas. "He was prevailed upon from all sides not to contest the results and burn down the house on his way out." READ NEXT: Selena Gomez Apologizes to Francia Raisa Amid "Only Friend" Issue This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Nationwide Protests Spark In Brazil After Historic Presidential Election - From NBC News The U.S. government has officially charged Haitian gang leaders for the kidnapping of 16 U.S. Christian missionaries in Haiti in October. The U.S. Department of Justice filed the charges against the Haitian gang leaders while offering a reward of up to $1 million each, according to a U.S. State Department's press release. The Haitian gang leaders named were Lanmo Sanjou, known as Joseph Wilson; Jermaine Stephenson, known as Gaspiyay; and Vitel'Homme Innocent. They were charged with conspiring to participate in or attempting to participate in transnational organized crime. The State Department continued to say that the United States supports Haitian law enforcement when it comes to imposing the rule of law in Haiti and fighting transnational organized crime. Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released three flyers showing pictures of Sanjou, Stephenson, and Innocent. READ NEXT: Haiti Receives Canada's Assessment Mission Team Amid Security Crisis in Nation Haitian Gang Leaders U.S. officials have also identified a group of seven men who are accused of leading the main gangs in Haiti such as the 400 Mawozo, Kraze Barye, Gran Ravine, Village de Dieu, and Kokorat san Ras. Sanjou and Stephenson are both leaders of the 400 Mawozo while Innocent is the leader of the Kraze Barye gang, according to federal agents. Aside from the Haitian gang leaders, FBI special agents are also looking for Renel Destina, who is also known as Ti Lapli. The 40-year-old is known to be the leader of the Gran Ravine gang. "Manno" or Emmanuel Solomon is also being hunted by U.S. officials. He is the leader of the Village de Dieu gang. Lastly, the leader of the gang Kokorat san Ras was identified as Jean Dolcin. U.S. federal agents are also looking for the Kokorat san Ras leader. Haitian law authorities arrested another leader of the Kokorat gang. He was identified as John Peter Fleronvil. Haitian law enforcement officials arrested him on September 11 while he was trying to cross to the Dominican Republic. Kidnappings and Violence in Haiti Gangs are fighting each other and seizing territory in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, with the violence erupting after the assassination of Haiti's President Jovenel Moise. Haitian gangs have been enforcing power and control over their marked territories on levels not seen before, according to experts. Gangs have also managed to close schools, businesses, and hospitals as they raid new neighborhoods and seize control of the main roads, as reported by Associated Press News. Meanwhile, more children are being recruited into gangs. Gang members were arming children with heavy weapons and creating temporary alliances with other gangs in an effort to take over more territory for economic and political gain. Among the atrocities committed in Haiti by criminal organizations were gang-raping children as young as 10 and setting fire to at least a dozen homes. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet noted in a statement on May 17 that armed violence "has reached unimaginable and intolerable levels in Haiti." Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has remained mum on the growing violence in his country while the new police chief of Haiti, Frantz Elbe, said that dozens of gang members were arrested with another 94 killed since he took over six months ago. Elbe added that around 5,000 suspects have been accused of crimes. READ MORE: 4 of Haiti President Jovenel Moise's 'Presumed Assassins' Killed, 2 Arrested by Police This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Haiti asks for international support as criminal gangs there grow stronger - from PBS NewsHour King Charles reportedly had a meeting with his younger brother Prince Andrew and firmly told the disgraced royal that he "will never return to royal duties," which left him in tears. The meeting was conducted shortly before the death of their mother, Queen Elizabeth, in September, according to an insider. The insider noted that Andrew always had hopes of regaining his position as a senior royal. The younger brother of the king was also stripped of his royal titles after he was connected to Jeffrey Epstein and his sexual assault case. The person with knowledge of the matter added that King Charles told Andrew that he can have a good life, "a nice life," but that "his public life as a royal is at an end." The same person added that Andrew was told that he has to "accept this." However, it was reported that Andrew was "totally blindsided," and "utterly bereft." READ NEXT: King Charles III Net Worth: A Peak to Wealth and Inheritance of the New Monarch After Queen Elizabeth's Death Prince Andrew Will Never to Return to Royal Duties Andrew was struggling to accept the current position he finds himself in when it comes to royal duties. A source noted that the meeting between the two brothers was "emotional and fraught," with those surrounding Andrew expressing concerns for him after he "came out of the meeting shaken." Andrew was reportedly still in shock, completely lost, and "very depressed." The Sun reported that Andrew was also said to feel that he was misled by his relatives and had been rumored to think that he could still add value to the monarchy. One source noted that Andrew was "extremely close" to his mother and he tried to raise the issue of his return to public life many times with her. The Queen would say "mildly conciliatory things." However, most of the time, she would change the subject immediately. In August, Andrew was in intense talks with the Queen regarding his future, wanting a new position to see out his days after his court battle with Virginia Giuffre. Prince Andrew Sexual Abuse Case In March, a U.S. judge dismissed the sexual abuse lawsuit against Andrew. It was weeks after lawyers for Giuffre reached a deal that involves the prince making a substantial donation to Giuffre's charity. In addition, he was to declare that he never meant to malign her character. The lawyers revealed that they had tentatively agreed to a settlement in which the prince would donate to Giuffre's charity. Giuffre reached the settlement with the British prince after the U.S. judge rejected Andrew's bid to win early dismissal of the lawsuit. Andrew acknowledged in a statement that Epstein trafficked "countless young girls" over many years. He also added that he "regrets his association with Epstein," while also commending the bravery of Giuffre and other survivors. The prince has yet to carry out the charity work after he was recently slammed for failing to do the charity work he pledged to make as part of his deal with Giuffre. 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: King Charles made Prince Andrew 'cry' during tense meeting - from Sky News Australia Florida is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Ian, but it may be facing another storm soon. Subtropical Storm Nicole formed in the waters east of the Northwest Bahamas on Monday morning and it will pass near the northwestern Bahamas first before making landfall in Florida. Nicole is expected to grow stronger in the coming days and will become a Category 1 hurricane when it approaches Florida's east coast around late Wednesday or early Thursday, according to CNN. November hurricanes are rare, with the last one happening in 1985 with Hurricane Kate. However, CNN Meteorologist Brandon Miller noted that warmer-than-normal ocean waters "will allow strengthening as the system develops and could lead to the formation of a November hurricane." READ NEXT: Hurricane Lisa Hits Belize, Will Hit Guatemala and Mexico Soon Nicole Expected to Be a 'Very Large Storm' Forecasters believe that people in Florida will not start to see any significant impacts from Nicole until Tuesday night to Wednesday, avoiding disrupting voting on Election Day. However, that may be the least of Floridians' worries as hurricane specialist Phillippe Papin told The Associated Press that Nicole is expected to be a "very large storm, with a very large wind field on the north side." Papin warned that the winds will cause substantial surf and a potentially dangerous storm surge in the eastern coast of Florida. Heavy rainfall and significant winds are also expected over a large area. The National Hurricane Center said a hurricane watch is now in effect along the east coast of Florida, from the Volusia/Brevard county line to Hallandale Beach. It extends from north of Miami to the Space Coast and includes Fort Lauderdale, Cape Canaveral, West Palm Beach, and Melbourne. Experts warned that a storm surge is expected from Broward County to halfway up Georgia's coast. A hurricane warning is also in effect for northwestern Bahamas, the first area that Nicole is expected to hit. The National Hurricane Center warned that several islands, including the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, and Grand Bahama Island are in its path. It will hit Andros Island, New Providence, and Eleuthera as a tropical storm, and a storm warning is already in effect on those areas. It could reach the Bahamas by early Monday. Subtropical Storm Nicole's Path Mapped According to The Weather Channel, Nicole will continue its general westward track toward the Bahamas and Florida through midweek. It will continue to curl north near or over Florida before getting picked up by a cold front that will make the storm to turn northeastward over the Southeast states or its adjacent coastal waters late this week. Nicole is expected to be a large system with impacts spreading far from its center. The heaviest rain is expected in Florida starting Wednesday, and will spread north into parts of eastern Georgia and the Carolinas from Thursday until Saturday. Coastal flooding along parts of the Southeast coast from Florida to the Carolinas are expected to happen as early as Tuesday. Nicole's center will approach early Thursday morning, and this will be when a storm surge is expected. Aside from the storm surge, major beach erosion and some damage to infrastructure are also expected to happen along Florida's east coast and parts of the Georgia coast. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency for 34 counties in the storm's potential path. In a statement, De Santis said: "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." READ MORE: 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: Subtropical Storm Nicole Forms Northeast of Bahamas, Headed for Florida - From WFLA News Channel 8 More than 50 Texas high school students lost their SAT scores after their test papers flew out of a UPS truck. In a statement sent to USA Today on Monday, El Paso Independent School District noted that the incident impacted El Paso High School students who took their SATs there on October 27. The the staff recovered all except for the 55 tests. "El Paso ISD is working closely with the College Board to determine a remedy for the El Paso High School students whose SAT exams were lost in transit after they were securely submitted to UPS," El Paso ISD officials said. According to the school district, the ACT, a different standardized exam that is also used in college admissions, could be taken on December 10 free of charge to children whose tests were missing. The officials said the College Board and the school district would release additional updates. READ NEXT: UPS Worker Fired After Racist Rant While Delivering to a Latino Household UPS Apologizes to the Texas School for the Incident According to reports, the school and students in Texas had received an apology from UPS, and it said it was still trying to retrieve the tests. However, UPS did not identify the employee who was driving the truck, the El Paso Times reported. "Our employees are working to recover as many tests as possible, and we will work with the school to resolve the situation," UPS noted. "The driver's actions, in this case, are not representative of UPS protocols and methods, and we are addressing this with him," it added. According to Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, the situation is quite upsetting. De La Rosa said the students study hard and take the test early to apply early. "Why the tests were sent in the manner that they were is very disturbing. I would hope that the district would have a more secure method of getting those tests secured and delivered to their destination," she noted. All the Test Became Invalid Due to Possible Tampering Senior Ezra Ponzio, an El Paso High School student who said his answers were lost, told KFOX 14 that he had already taken the SAT last year but was not pleased with his score, so he was hoping to redeem himself this year. According to Ponzio, "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." "That is still time and effort that went into studying and trying to do good on this test," he added. Ponzio said he felt pretty good while taking the test and was hoping to land 1260-1300. However, Ponzio will never know his score since the test sheets flew out of a UPS truck on Mesa and Executive. Ponzio noted that their option is to either apply for the ACT, a test they do not know anything about, or to spend another SAT and take it in December. He said that day was the last day to get the test for a lower price, and the incident kept him from applying to schools early, which he wished to do. When KFOX14 asked if UPS would compensate the Texas high school students who paid to retake the SAT, UPS said it was working with the high school to settle the matter. READ MORE: Brazil: Leaked Videos Amid Media Blackout Show Massive Protests Over Jair Bolsonaro vs. Lula Election Results This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: El Paso High SAT Score Sheets Fly out of UPS Truck in West El Paso, Compromising Test - From KTSM 9 NEWS Elon Musk laid off about half of Twitter's employees, including important moderators and ethics staff on Friday. But the next day, the company was getting in touch with some of the people it had fired and asking them to return. Reports said that several workers were fired by mistake. Twitter's brand-new service, Twitter Blue, came out on the same day. Musk wanted the website to make money from it. Like the celebrities, companies, and politicians you follow, Yahoo reported that any user can buy a blue tick for a $7.99 monthly subscription. However, a report, which came out early on Sunday, said the "pay for play" verification check marks will not be given out until after tomorrow's midterm elections. Many employees were worried that organizations or politicians would use recently verified accounts to spread false information about elections. READ NEXT: Elon Musk Fires Thousands of Twitter Employees After Acquisition | Here's Why Elon Musk Has a Solution to Counter Copycats Several comedians were banned from Twitter for tweets that made fun of its new owner, Elon Musk. This happened just days after Musk said that "comedy is now acceptable on Twitter." Both comedian Kathy Griffin and internet sensation Ethan Klein, who had confirmed "blue check" accounts, had their accounts suspended. After switching his identity to" Elon Musk" along with a photo that depicts the Twitter owner, Klein said to his 2.3 million followers: "Yes, I could have ended world hunger instead of buying Twitter." "But people don't understand the importance of having a free and open forum. If somebody dies of starvation in Sudan, it won't affect the world. But being able to say the N-word on Twitter is a right we all deserve," he added. According to Time, Klein's account was soon suspended after posting this tweet. "Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying 'parody' will be permanently suspended," Musk tweeted late Sunday night as he addressed the wave of impersonations. He further noted that this time, the suspension will come without warning. Going forward, any Twitter handles engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying parody will be permanently suspended Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2022 Elon Musk Fights With Founder Jack Dorsey on Twitter Over Birdwatch Feature On Sunday night, Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk fought about Twitter's goal to be the "most accurate source of information" and the renaming of its Birdwatch feature because the new owner said the old name gave him "the creeps." The spar started when Musk tweeted that "Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. That's our mission." Twitter needs to become by far the most accurate source of information about the world. Thats our mission. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 Dorsey, co-founder and former CEO of Twitter, replied, "Accurate to who?" Musk replied: "As judged by the people of Twitter via Community Notes (formerly Birdwatch)," referring to the feature allowing users to leave comments on tweets they find misleading. "I still think...Birdwatch is a far better name. And 'more informative' a far better goal," Dorsey wrote in response, to which Musk replied, "Birdwatch gives me the creeps." As judged by the people of Twitter via Community Notes (formerly Birdwatch) Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022 Dorsey recently started a social media platform called Bluesky. It is a blockchain system that promises to offer users and developers more freedom. READ MORE: Wisconsin Hospice Nurse Amputates Patient's Foot Without Doctor's Order, Faces Abuse Charges This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Elon Musk Threatens to Suspend Impersonator Twitter Accounts - From ABC 7 Chicago Anya Taylor-Joy is an American-born Argentine and British actress. She started as a model, but her dream was to become an actor. Taylor-Joy is now an accomplished actress known for her roles in movies like "The Witch," "Split," "Glass," and "Emma." She also starred in the series "Peaky Blinders" and "The Queen's Gambit." READ NEXT: Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae Secret Wedding: Here's What We Know so Far Anya Taylor-Joy Dating History: From Eoin Macken to Rumored Husband Malcolm McRae Anya Taylor-Joy keeps her private life secret, so little is known about it. She once said in a The Guardian interview that "there's a beauty in being anonymous," which said a lot about who she is, according to Creeto. "There's a reason why we're actors... we're playing other people, so I think the idea of someone being interested in me - I'm quite a private person - is a bit daunting but I try not to think about it," she noted. However, Anya Taylor-Joy has been photographed with a few men that were rumored to be her significant others, despite her reputation as a "private person." Eoin Macken "The Queen's Gambit" star was reportedly dating Irish actor, model, and filmmaker Eoin Macken in 2016. Macken has appeared in films, such as "Resident Evil," "Close," "Killing Jesus," and "Centurion," and posed for GQ, Ralph Lauren, and Abercrombie and Fitch. According to The Sun, little is known about the actor and Anya Taylor-Joy's relationship, but it was reported that they met on the set of the short film "Crossmaglen." Taylor-Joy appeared on the actor's Instagram in November 2016. Macken posted a photo of them together and praised the actress for her "skills." They never stated when they started dating, but in July 2017, Taylor-Joy uploaded her photo with her supposed lover in New York City. When the actress appeared at the 61st BFI London Film Festival Awards with a large rock on her finger a few months later, everyone assumed that they were getting married. In December 2017, the actress was seen kissing Macken and showing off her huge rock, but neither of them confirmed the engagement rumors. However, it was reported in 2018 that they were no longer together and that she had removed the "engagement ring." Nobody knows how long they were together because they kept everything about their relationship a secret. Ben Seed Anya Taylor-Joy was photographed with well-known British photographer Ben Seed during the lockdown in May 2020. They were spotted walking together in London, with a source telling the Daily Mail that "they make a lovely couple." However, there had been no further reports about them after those photos. Malcolm McRae Anya Taylor-Joy reportedly entered a relationship with Malcolm McRae between April and May 2021. McRae is the vocalist of the rock duo "More" with Kane Ritchotte. They currently have a deal with Warner Records. Taylor-Joy and McRae were first photographed kissing in New York City before the actress confirmed her relationship with the musician during her Elle interview last year. The couple went Instagram official in October last year when the musician shared a sweet photo of them on his account. The couple made their red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party in February. Anya told a magazine earlier this year that she had finally "found someone who will happily sit in silence with me reading." Taylor-Joy and McRae have been rumored to be engaged after "The Northman" star was spotted in June wearing a diamond ring on her left ring finger. Then in July, Page Six reported that Taylor-Joy and McRae had an intimate courthouse wedding in the United States. A source told the outlet that the 26-year-old actress and the 27-year-old musician tied the knot in a modest courthouse ceremony in the U.S. before flying back to Australia to continue filming "Furiosa," the prequel to "Mad Max: Fury Road." Although Anya Taylor-Joy and Malcolm McRae made their union legal, sources said they were still planning to have a bigger ceremony with more guests once they return to the U.S. for a longer time. The couple has never issued any statement to the reports of their wedding. READ MORE: Texas High School Students' SAT Exams Lost After Test Papers Flew out of UPS Truck This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Anya Taylor-Joy Plays 'Either or Neither' With Vogue - From Vogue Australia MANZINI - Business Eswatini (BE) wants government to do away with the need for travellers to produce COVID-19 vaccination certificates at border gates, ahead of the festive season. This was said by BE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nathi Dlamini in a statement which was meant to update their members on certain issues. In the statement, the CEO said the organisation had requested the Minister of Health, Lizzie Nkosi, to remove the requirement to produce a vaccination certificate when entering the Kingdom of Eswatini. He said the holiday and shopping season was upon us and the business community was cautiously optimistic about the trading prospects. However, he said the requirement for a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter borders would work against them as businesses. In fact, the CEO said the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on business operations in the past two years still lingered on and as such, they needed all the help they could get from government in order to turn things around. The vaccine requirement is a barrier of our own making that, unfortunately, is giving our neighbouring countries an unfair competitive advantage as they have no such requirement in place. This will keep tourists away at a time when their holiday-spend is desperately needed by our countrys hospitality industry, the CEO said in the statement. Thereafter, Dlamini said as an organisation and businesspeople, they were hopeful that they would receive a positive response from the minister who, to date, had not disappointed them. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health Nkosi, confirmed that she had been approached by BE over the issue of COVID-19 vaccination certificates. In fact, she said before them, the hospitality industry made the same request. However, she said COVID-19 was not over yet, as it reflected in their weekly bulletin. She said based on their COVID-19 data, they were moving to different level of the response - decelerating. Thereafter, the minister said they needed to continue with vaccination to protect the nation. She said people needed to continue with hygiene protocols, including wearing masks when they had flu-like symptoms to protect others. She then said the change of protocols at ports of entry would be announced by the Prime Ministers Office. Situation On the other hand, the CEO said the countrys socio-political situation continued to be of grave concern, primarily as no one seemed to know if there were any credible attempts being made to attenuate the rising temperature out there. He said sources close to the situation had opined that in the absence of any credible measures being taken to de-escalate hostilities through some form of constructive engagement, the situation could well spiral out of control. Dlamini said already, it was beginning to wreak havoc on the investment potential of this country at a time when the economy was beginning to pick up nicely. He added that this was unfortunate, especially in light of the ongoing efforts to create vacancies in order to accommodate the countrys unemployed youth. Again, he said businesses would no doubt agree that the countrys ability to attract foreign and local direct investments in order to create the jobs desperately needed by the people, especially the youth, was largely dependent on the peace and stability of the nation. He said without which the countrys value proposition as a preferred investment destination would be out of kilter with the region. The CEO further said equally, if not most importantly, they were not unmindful of the fact that the investors they already had in-country needed some degree of predictability if they were expected to have the confidence to continue expanding their operations locally. It is critical that we retain the investment projects that we already have, the CEO said. Once more, he said they were aware that no one was unaffected by what was going on and as such, they commiserated with everyone in that regard. He said it was for this reason that they were encouraging all concerned to find it in their hearts to cease hostilities and to sincerely reach out to one another in an unpretentious and dignified manner. He said the situation was calling for visible leadership, which was grounded on humility of heart and public service. Dlamini said the custom of constructive engagement to resolve their differences as emaSwati, was a practice that was deeply embedded in their cultural DNA. He added that it was a beautiful gift bequeathed to them by their forebears who, for centuries, lived and flourished by practising it. As it stands, he said the situation out there was already untenable and an escalation would undoubtedly put paid to any prospects of an amicable resolution. For their part as the private sector, however, he said they would not afford to lose hope as the duty to create the countrys jobs rested upon their shoulders. In that regard, he urged businesses to believe that their leaders would do the right thing and do so urgently. In the meantime, he prayed fervently that they all gave peace a chance. Following 41-years working in the public health service, Michael Knowles, who has been General Manager of the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise for the past seven years, has retired. Mr Knowles, from Stradbally, previously worked in Naas General Hospital as Hospital Manager and was responsible for Community Nursing Units in Kildare and West Wicklow and Palliative Care Services at St Brigids Hospice in the Curragh. To mark his retirement, Interim CEO of the HSE, Stephen Mulvany recently visited the Hospital. During the visit, CEO of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, Trevor OCallaghan paid tribute to his commitment and dedication to service development focused on improving patient care, access and experience. The Hospital Group would like to thank Michael for his work and contribution to developing and enhancing services in Portlaoise. Michael will be a loss to health service management and we wish him the very best in his retirement, he said. John Connaughton, Clinical Director acknowledged the work and commitment of his colleague and friend. Michael has a lifetime of public service devoted to improving health services for patients and supporting staff to improve and develop services. He is a colleague who has led by example and achieved much for the hospital in his time. It has been a pleasure to work with Michael. My colleagues and I wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter, he said. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Michael is pictured with his family Padraig Knowles, Orlagh Knowles, Anne Knowles and Liam Knowles. Ita Kinsella, Director of Midwifery said. On behalf of Maternity Services, we wish the very best to Michael and his family on his retirement after a long and distinguished career in the health service. Michael has been an exceptional leader and mentor and we are sincerely grateful for his incredible contribution and dedication to maternity services, she said. Sandra McCarthy, spoke about the developments in the hospital and the role Michael had in responding to the recent Covid-19 crisis. Your commitment and dedication to the hospital is truly remarkable. You have been a strong leader as we responded to the challenges presented by Covid-19. You listened to staff and supported decisions for improving patient flow and experience. You always placed the patient at the centre of your decisions. Thank you for your great leadership and mentorship. It has been a privilege to work with you to develop services in Portlaoise Hospital, he said. Mr Knowles thanked family, colleagues and friends. It has been my pleasure to contribute in a small part to health services in Kildare, West Wicklow and more recently county Laois. This work has been very rewarding. Most recently, I am honoured to have worked with staff in Portlaoise to grow and develop what is now a very established service delivery in Portlaoise. "I know the work will continue in the very capable hands of those on our management team and I wish you all the very best into the future, he said. A High Court judge has strongly rejected criticisms made by jailed teacher Enoch Burke about other members of the judiciary as being "scurrilous" and "utterly without merit." . Mr Justice Brian O'Moore rebuffed allegations of wrongdoing made by Mr Burke against judges who had made rulings in proceedings taken by the teacher's employer's Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath came before the courts earlier this year. Mr Burke who has been in Mountjoy since early September was back before the High Court on Monday seeking a stay on the full hearing of the action brought against him by the school until his appeal against an injunction obtained by his employer has been determined. Mr Burke claims that in breach of his Constitutional rights to freedom of religion and religious practise he has been jailed over his objection to transgendarism. The school's board of management rejects that contention as says the case is about Mr Burke's refusal to comply with the terms of his paid suspension from his employment. In his submissions to the court Mr Burke, an evangelical Christian, is appealing the High Court decision to put injunctions in place preventing him from teaching at or attending the school until the matter has been full determined. The dispute over the injunctions will centre around the school's entitlement to bring internal disciplinary proceedings, arising out of alleged gross misconduct against Mr Burke. Mr Burke's appeal against injunctions and other issues are due to be heard by the Court of Appeal in Mid-February. In his submissions he remarked that his appeal should be heard before the full hearing. He said that he has a very strong chance of being successful in his appeal against High Court orders regarding a disciplinary process he said is "manifestly unlawful." He claims that the findings against him made by several judges of the High Court should be reviewed by the CoA before any full hearing should be heard. He said that orders had been made against him by High Court judges that were "fundamentally wrong", were "a miscarriage of justice" "shameful" and should be set aside. Mr Justice Max Barrett, he said, had stated that the case was "not about transgendarism". This was fundamentally not the case Mr Burke said, adding that 99.9% of the people on the street believe that the case is about his objection to transgenderism, and that he has been jailed because of his religious belief that there are only two genders. Mr Burke added that he also opposes Ms Justice Eileen Roberts' finding, when she dismissed his application for an order that would have ended his suspension from work, that the case was not about his religious belief and his right to freely express his deeply held Christian beliefs. During his submissions Mr Burke said that the High Court judges should not have granted any orders against him, adding that they had acted in breach of his rights, which are enshrined in and are "the cornerstone" of the Irish constitution. By making orders against him that resulted in his imprisonment he said the judges, who are well renumerated by taxpayers, and paid multiple times more than what a teacher gets, were not adhering to the oath of office they taken before God. He also expressed his fears that if the orders are allowed stand, then other thousands of teachers and workers could, like him, be jailed for expressing their religiously-held objections to transgerndarism. The court's decisions against him he said were "a dark day" for religious freedoms, and it was imperative that those orders be heard first by the court of appeal. He also described the full hearing of the schools against him against him as "an abomination" but says that he has no objection to the full hearing proceeding after the appeal has been heard. The school, represented by Rosemary Mallon Bl, opposed Mr Burke's application for a stay, on grounds including that he would not be prejudiced by any early hearing, and that even if he was successful in his appeal the dispute must be fully heard by the High Court. Following the conclusion of submissions from the parties, the judge said that not noted remarks and comparisons made by the jailed Co Mayo teacher the Irish judicial and judges who presided in totalitarian regimes such as those in the former USSR, China, and North Korea. Mr Justice O'Moore said that while he had allowed the teacher to make submissions to the court without interruption, he wanted to make it clear that Mr Burke's allegations against named members of the Irish judiciary were "utterly without merit." He also described the language used by Mr Burke where he described judges as presiding over "a cover up" or "a stitch up" by the courts against Mr Burke and his beliefs as being "inappropriate." The judge also reminded Mr Burke of a quote contained in the Bible by Jesus, known as the 'Golden rule', that one should "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." That was a fundamental Christian teaching and the judge doubted if Mr Burke's references to the judges and other people could be applied to that quotation. Mr Justice O'Moore said he was reserving his decision on the stay application would give his ruling "in due course." However, the judge said it would not be possible to have the full dispute heard before Christmas. The teacher remains incarcerated at Mountjoy Prison over his refusal to comply with High Court injunction to stay away from and not teach at the Co Westmeath school, in a row he claims centres around his objection to transgendarism. The school brought proceedings against Mr Burke over his alleged failure to comply with the terms of his suspension on full pay from the school. Mr Burke has appealed various High Court decisions including the granting of injunction, which it to remain in place until the High Court has decided the matter, directing him to stay away from the school to the Court of Appeal. Mr Burke was then jailed for being in contempt of court last September. He will remain there until he agrees to comply with a court order that he not attend at or attempt to teach any classes at the school. The school obtained the order committing Mr Burke, who had been suspended pending the hearing of a disciplinary hearing into allegations of misconduct against him, to prison over his failure to comply with the terms of an injunction requiring him to stay away from the school until the disciplinary process has been completed. Mr Burke, a History and German teacher, was suspended on full pay late last August pending an investigation into alleged misconduct. The school claims that his refusal to comply with the injunction was disruptive to the school's students. In a counterclaim Mr Burke, who says he should never have been the subject of disciplinary process after he expressed his objections to the school's direction to its staff regarding how to address a student who wishes to transition from male to female, seeks various orders and declarations against the school. He seeks various declarations including that the school's disciplinary process against him is unlawful and a breach of his constitutional rights, including his rights to freedom of expression, conscience, and religion. He also seeks various orders preventing the school from continuing both his paid administrative leave, and the disciplinary process against him and an order preventing the school from dismissing him from his position. Laois tourism is getting a welcome 1.7 million investment to entice more visitors to the county, announced this week. Four of the top tourist sites, as well as Portlaoise town and long awaited campervan facilities, will share in a slice of the Government cash, planned by Laois County Council over the coming three years, up to 2025. Half a million will be spent to futher develop the Donaghmore famine workhouse and Agricultural Museum, one of the few famine workhouses still standing in Ireland. Portlaoise will get 465,000 spent on it under Destination Town funding. The Rock of Dunamase will get 350,000 towards developing a carpark and visitor facilities. Glenbarrow Waterfall in the Slieve Bloom Mountains will get 150,000 for a new visitor carpark. Another 139,000 will be given towards Coillte's Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails, as the 100km of trails continue to be installed and opened across the mountains, set to be complete next summer. An equal sum will be given by Offaly County Council. And the first campervan parks in Laois are being planned, with 100,000 set aside for facilities to be developed. The money is part of a new 259 million three year capital spending programme by Laois County Council. However "the inclusion of projects is not a guarantee that they will be undertaken" the CEO John Mulholland said. That will depend on getting Government and planning approval as well as cash flow he said. He described the Slieve Bloom Bike Trails as "a major project for the county" with 350,000 of the 465,000 remaining cost to be paid by Failte Ireland. On the Rock of Dunamase carpark, Mr Mulholland said that a site is identified and a Part 8 planning application is being prepared. "We are hoping at some stage of 2023 to be in a position to provide parking there. We have been liaising with the Office of Public Works and a number of studies have been done." Donaghmore workhouse needs roof repairs among other work, Mr Mulholland said. "We have a tender in process. Ongoing works are required for the building, the roof and internally," he said. "The campervan facility came up at the SPC meeting. This is our first time to make a provision for it. We'll be working now to identify areas we can do something with," he said. A date has been set at the Special Criminal Court for the trial of Declan Brady and another man who are charged with helping a criminal gang murder father-of-four Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan six years ago. Mr Justice Tony Hunt fixed a trial date for both men for January 11, 2024. It is expected to last five weeks. The case was listed for mention next on October 9, 2023. Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan (62) was shot six times as he sat in his car on December 22, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Michael Crotty (40) of Sli Aonghusa, Aras na Ri, Cashel, Co Tipperary, is charged with involvement in the murder, contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal justice Act. Brady (56), of The Dairy, Rathasker Road, Naas, Co Kildare is also charged with the same offence. It is alleged that Brady and Mr Crotty 'between October 20, 2016 and December 22, 2016, within or without the State and with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation did participate in, or contribute to by activity, or by being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could facilitate the commission by a criminal organisation or any of its members of a serious offence, to wit: the murder of Christopher (aka Noel) Kirwan', contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal justice Act. Brady was remanded in custody by Mr Justice Hunt and Mr Crotty was remanded on continuing bail. Maynooth University is hosting a public conversation to discuss one of Irelands major health concerns: obesity, which affects 61 per cent of adults. This talk will see a number of experts attend, including: Professor Paul Moynagh, Director of the Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research at Maynooth University along with Prof Donal OShea, Consultant Endocrinologist and HSE National Lead for Obesity, Prof Helen Heneghan, Consultant Metabolic Surgeon and UCD Professor of Surgery, Ms Maura Murphy, Secretary of Irish Coalition for People Living with Obesity (ICPO), and Dr Andrew Hogan, Associate Professor at Maynooth University. These experts will come together to offer answers to a number of questions, such as 'Is obesity a disease?' and 'What are the treatment options for obesity?' They will also explore the issue of weight stigma in society and explain what science is telling us about obesity. Anyone who wishes to attend the event should complete a form, which can be accessed by clicking here. The event will be followed by a short reception. Let's Talk About Obesity: Defeating Stigma With Science Public conversation on the science and stigma of obesity for Science Week will take place at Lecture Theatre 2 of Technology Society and Innovation (TSI) Building, North Campus, Maynooth University. It will begin at 6.30pm on Wednesday, November 16. A sitting judge at Naas District Court became angry at a translator during a court case on Thursday, November 3. Judge Miriam Walsh reprimanded a translator in the case of Sylwia Balecka, with an address listed as 71 Craddockstown Way, Naas. It was heard on a previous court date that the 42-year-old denied a request to wear a facemask while shopping at the Lidl store on the Newbridge Road in Naas on January 4, 2021. During the case, the judge tried to ask the accused if she spoke any English. However, when the interpreter for Ms Balecka, who is originally from Poland, kept on translating for her client, Judge Walsh became frustrated with her and asked her to stop talking. Judge Miriam Walsh. File Pic "Do you need a translator for yourself?" she added. When Judge Walsh subsequently asked defending solicitor Tim Kennelly if Ms Balecka required a translator, he insisted that his client would need one. Judge Walsh adjourned the case for hearing to April 20, 2023. She also certified a translator for the defendant on her next court date. 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. LOBAMBA A number of junior officers yesterday paid a brief visit to former National Commissioner (NATCOM)of Police Isaac Mmemo Magagulas home, but they did not find him. This was after their appearance at the Police Headquarters in Mbabane where they had accompanied their colleagues who had been summoned there. A convoy of about six cars drove to Magagulas residence in the afternoon. The officers did not alight from their vehicles but communicated with some family members who were found in the yard that they had come to see Magagula. In response, the family members stated that Magagula was not at home. The officers said they would return to see the former NATCOM later in the day and drove off. When interviewed later, the junior officers stated that they wanted the Phase II of the salary restructuring exercise of 2014 from Magagula, who was their boss at the time. According to the officers, they had done their investigations about the monies and allegedly knew where Magagula invested it and that the investment was supposed to mature in 2025. Comment Reached for comment regarding the junior officers visit, Magagula said the visit to his residence was an invasion of privacy and peace. He said he did not think police officers would react in such a manner as they knew how their issues were addressed. I am disturbed by the manner they are handling things as though if you are working for government, you carry a bag of money to give individuals, he said. Magagula also said civil servants were remunerated according to government scale and regulated by a circular. He said because he was in office when everything unfolded, the matter should be resolved in the office and not be personalised. National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS), a not-for-profit network specialising in training for the rapidly expanding organic and regenerative farming sectors, was delighted to welcome Minister Pippa Hackett to open its fifth annual Biological Farming Conference - BioFarm 2022. The conference will take place across five days from November 7th - 11th 2022 in The Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, with both virtual and in-person ticket options available. Over the five days, more than 25 renowned Irish and international speakers will present to delegates, including experts from Australia, the USA and the UK. The conference will focus on Biological and Regenerative Farming. Each day a different theme will be covered, and the speakers will explore a number of key issues facing the farming sector, including climate change, carbon sequestration, rising input costs, and farm profitability. Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine commented: I am delighted to see the fifth year of the BioFarm conference taking place with a significant contribution from experts on critical areas including soil health, regenerative farming, and many other topics. The hosting and organisation of BioFarm by National Organic Training Skillnet is a key event for those in the sector to keep up to date on the latest developments and innovations in this constantly evolving and challenging time for farming. As an organic farmer myself I know the value of keeping up with latest developments and the critical role shared information plays to help us all farm in the best way possible. I look forward to not only contributing to the conference but learning from others attending too. Commenting on BioFarm 2022, Sean McGloin, Network Manager at the National Organic Training Skillnet said: We are packing all five days with quality speakers from both the academic fields as well as working farmers from Ireland and further afield, and we will cover as many aspects of biological, regenerative, and organic farming as we can. We see these practices as central to the future of farming in Ireland, and hopefully we can inspire farmers in Ireland to get on board with these methods. Everything is on the table in agriculture at the moment, especially from a climate change mitigation standpoint. The experts, academics, and farmers at BioFarm 2022 are at the forefront of this thinking. Paul Healy, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland said: Irelands organic and regenerative farming sectors are growing significantly and BioFarm 2022 examines innovative ways businesses can navigate the immediate challenges facing the industry. Skillnet Ireland play a pivotal role in developing the talent and expertise needed by the agri-food sector in meeting the targets of the Governments Climate Action Plan. We provide upskilling programmes to over 2,200 companies within the agri-food sector each year and look forward to working with the National Organic Training Skillnet and industry leaders as we develop more initiatives in the future. The hybrid event will feature live-streamed presentations from leading industry experts, roundtable panel discussions, and interactive question and answer sessions where participants can engage directly with the speakers. The COVID situation has provided us with an opportunity to attract a whos-who of biological and regenerative agriculture. Even though most of the overseas speakers will be conferencing in from around the world, we will have at least 15 minutes at the end of each presentation where delegates can ask questions, Sean McGloin added. The event combines scientific and academic thinking with real-life farm practitioners here in Ireland. Dr Elaine Ingham, founder of the Soil Food Web, will be speaking on Monday 7th, with Irish dairy farmer James Foley speaking on Thursday, showcasing the breadth of knowledge from the science-based innovation, to farmers who are practicing these methods on the ground here in Ireland. BioFarm is an opportunity for science to meet practical farming to understand how working with soil health can reduce input costs while increasing incomes for both organic and non-organic farmers, added McGloin. Online tickets available for just 50 for Irish residents, which includes live attendance and lifetime access to recordings. A limited number of in-person audience packages are available which includes a five day all access online ticket, plus one nights B&B with an evening meal in the Landmark Hotel. For those interested in attending, either in-person or via the online streaming service, go to www.nots.ie , email info@nots.ie, or call the NOTS office on 0719640688. A routine eye test at St Hugh's NS, Dowra was the catalyst that led to the discovery of Retinoblastoma Cancer in Rachel McGovern's eye less than a month ago. On the 12th October our lives changed in a split second, her mother Geraldine explains. The rare form of childhood cancer was first picked up in Sligo Hospital, before being examined in Temple Street Children's Hospital. The family were told that the cancer is treatable, but Rachel would need to go to a specialist unit at Birmingham Women and Children's Hospital for her chemotherapy and treatment. Rachel commenced her chemotherapy on October 31, this will be followed by more chemotherapy and laser treatments which will involve numerous trips to Birmingham. Geraldine said they are so lucky to have The Gavin Glynn Foundation which has provided invaluable support to us. The foundation helps with organising flights and accommodation and help finance the medical trips. Geraldine and Noel McGovern live in Dowra with their three children Roisin, Rachel and Kevin. Geraldine who is originally from Carrick-on-Shannon and her husband Noel from Blacklion say the Gavin Glynn Foundation have helped take the stress out of necessary trips for treatments and allow them to keep a normal family life at home. Geraldine said their family and the amazing community around them wish to thank the Gavin Glynn Foundation for all their help and want to provide money to help the next family who will need to leave Ireland for medical treatment. The McGovern family have set up an idonate page and have already raised over 9,000 with the hopes of raising much more with local groups such as MacNean Ice Breakers getting involved in the fundraising. To donate visit: idonate.ie/fundraiser/GeraldineMcGovern The Aura Holohan Group is proud to announce that we have, once again, officially been certified as a Great Place to Work 2022-23, after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work Institute Ireland. The accreditation process is based on direct feedback from employees, provided as part of an extensive and anonymous survey about the workplace experience. Executive Chairman of the Aura Holohan Group Gar Holohan said, "Our unique selling point is our people. You cannot have engaged and loyal customers if you dont have engaged and passionate staff. We are on a mission to increase community-wide participation in sport, fitness and exercise activities in Ireland and to help people live healthier and happier lives. And we are very fortunate to have attracted a team of people who are passionate ambassadors for this mission. That is why we put a huge amount of our resources into focusing on or values and purpose, which in turns makes Aura a great place to be for both our staff and our customers." The Aura Holohan Group is one of the largest employers in the Irish leisure sector. The Aura Swim Academy is Irelands largest swimming academy with over 12,000 children attending lessons each week. Pipelaying crews, currently on the ground replacing an old water main between Bundoran Water Treatment Plant and Leitrims Derryherk Reservoir which supplies the Donegal town, will complete upgrade works by the end of January. In the past, experienced water services teams and the reservoirs capacity have meant that the people of Bundoran rarely experience outages when the old pipes between Bundoran (Lough Melvin) Treatment Plant and Derryherk Reservoir burst. However, the replacement of the water main will put an end to the threat of interruptions to the supply. The project underpins the importance of having one national utility for the provision of water and wastewater services, explained Irish Waters Networks Regional Lead Declan Cawley. These works will ensure that this stretch of main pipe transporting water to Bundoran requires less maintenance in the future. This project, under the National Leakage Reduction Programme, will ensure a much more reliable water supply for Donegals most southerly town. It will also put a stop to the loss of precious treated water underground, Declan added. Between now and the end of January Farrans Construction, working on behalf of Irish Water, will lay 1.5km of new water main along the L-60841. Because of the location of the works, there will be very little disruption to traffic, However, areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise any inconvenience. If any planned interruptions to the supply are required, the project team will ensure that customers affected are given at least 48 hours notice. Customers with questions about the project can call Irish Water on 1800 278 278 or contact us on Twitter @IWCare. For further updates please see the Irish Water website www.water.ie Since 2018, Irish Water has invested more than 500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the National Leakage Reduction Programme. We are investing a further 250 million every year up to the end of 2030 - fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply. For more information on the Leakage Reduction Programme, please visit www.water.ie/reducingleaks The electoral registration process has changed and Leitrim people are being encouraged to check the register to ensure that your details are correct. At Monday's Council meeting, members were told that new changes to the registration process came into effect last month. The changes mean a rolling register has been created where people can register to vote at any time. The changes mean there is no longer any need to fill in a form and have it stamped at a garda station to be verified for addition to the register. You can do so at www.checktheregister.ie As part of the changes, you are required to have a valid PPS number and you must also enter your date of birth and a valid eircode. Even if you are already registered to vote, you now need to add your PPSN, date of birth and Eircode. This will allow the local authority to confirm your details and help to ensure the accuracy of the electoral register. You can also use this website to register to vote for the first time if you have your PPSN and Eircode and are aged 18 or over and living in Ireland. If you are aged 16 or 17 and want to pre-register to register to vote this can also be facilitated on the above website. The changes have been introduced to improve the integrity of the voter register. During the next Conference of the Parties of CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species) which will take place in Panama from 14 to 25 November this year (Cop 19), a vote will be taken on Brazil's proposal to ban the trade in pernambuco wood and, consequently, in bows made from pernambuco. This vote is of huge importance for the world of classical music because it concerns all string players. The proposal made by Brazil could drastically restrict travel and all commercial exchange of bows for violin, viola, cello and double bass. The adoption of this proposal would also lead to the disappearance of the very specialised profession of bow-making, by removing any possibility of the supply of pernambuco wood (Paubrasilia Echinata). We are well aware of the major environmental issues which our society has to face. We are also convinced that culture, in the broad sense, is something absolutely essential to us. And so, lets not fetter the dissemination of culture in general, and music in particular under false pretences, and let us not make the musical world a scapegoat for deforestation. Culture and heritage The volumes of wood, European and exotic, used by instrument makers are extremely modest compared to the volumes used by the paper, building or furniture industries around the world. Moreover, the instrument making sector has been particularly vigilant on the issue of conservation for several decades. For example, luthiers, bow makers and musicians have funded various conservation projects including the extensive replanting of pernambuco (International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative) and ebony (Eben!Holz e.V.: Association for the Protection of Endangered Wood for Musical Instrument Making), both of which are used for the manufacture of bows. We string musicians use pernambuco bows because it is the one material that almost miraculously combines all the qualities required for the expression of our art. Of course, there are bows made with other types of wood or other materials such as carbon fibre. These alternatives may be of interest in some circumstances or for the interpretation of certain works. However, in terms of musical culture and the sensitivity of performers, pernambuco bows in their very wide diversity, are those that allow us to best convey our intentions. This is something that is deeply intrinsic to our culture and heritage. We are interested in your experience using the site. Send feedback Irreplaceable because it is very personal All of us musicians collaborate with our bow makers, in order to always get the best out of our equipment. Our bows are objects, as violins are, that have a very long lifespan, (frequently many centuries); in contrast to the many objects of very short lifespan in everyday consumption. You have 57.52% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. LIMERICK City and County Council is advising members of the public they have until New Years Day to check and make submissions on draft maps that show lands in Limerick that will be subject to the new Residential Zoned Land Tax. The new tax is aimed at increasing housing supply by activating zoned, serviced residential development lands (including mixed-use lands) for housing. It will apply annually at a rate of 3% of the market value of the land. Greenfield and brownfield land which is identified and is zoned for housing (include land zoned mixed-use) will be subject to tax from 2024. The draft maps are now available to view on Limerick.ie and in the councils public offices in Merchants Quay, Dooradoyle, Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Kilmallock. They show the lands that will be subject to the new Residential Zoned Land Tax. Landowners and third parties have until New Years Day January 1, 2023 to make a submission to Limerick City and County Council about whether or not land on the maps meets the criteria for being subject to the tax. Urging people to check the draft maps, Vincent Murray, director of economic development and enterprise with the council, said: I would strongly urge members of the public to assess the Draft Maps published on Limerick.ie and, if required, make a submission before 01 January 2023. Limerick requires increased housing supply to meet our housing needs and the new tax aims to incentivise landowners to develop housing on serviced lands zoned for housing, both land with existing planning permission and land without. Homeowners will not have to pay the Residential Zoned Land Tax if they own a residential property which appears on the local authorities Residential Zoned Land Tax Maps, but which is subject to the Local Property Tax (LPT). CAMPAIGNERS have travelled to Leinster House to highlight their petition calling for necessary upgrading of public hospitals in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. The Mid-West Hospital Campaign met with health spokespersons from four political parties to raise their concerns. The purpose of the visit was to highlight their petition for the reopening of the emergency departments at Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns and also to call for greater support measures to improve the health situation in the Mid-West in the short term. A spokesperson for the campaign said that they used the visit to make clear that despite expert intervention, unacceptable levels of overcrowding persist at University Hospital Limerick. We emphasised that we have both an emergency care problem and an elective care problem in the Mid-West which are two separate issues which can only be resolved with the addition of more model three hospitals in the region. An elective hospital alone will not be enough. We asked them to cost upgrading Ennis and Nenagh to a Model 2S as an alternative to a private elective hospital and as a stepping stone towards the achievement of a full public model three hospital catering for the elective and emergency care needs of all the people living in the Mid-West. We asked them in the interim to look at the pilot project running at Mallow Hospital to alleviate overcrowding at CUH and to ascertain if this could be extended to Ennis and Nenagh to at least keep ambulances in the county where they can reach people in a timely manner. We also raised the out of hours GP services and the lack of alternatives for those who find themselves sick out of hours and highlighted the need for greater support to strengthen these to help reduce presentations at the emergency department. The picture shows the site of the AVIC exhibition hall. (Photo by Zheng Da) ZHUHAI, Nov. 8 -- The 14th Airshow China is open to public at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center from November 8 to 13, 2022. More than 740 companies from 43 countries and regions participate in this airshow. Over 110 aircrafts are displayed, and the indoor exhibition area reaches 100,000 square meters. AVIC debuts 55 exhibits The largest exhibition area presents the exhibits from Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Ltd. (AVIC) Hall in Hall 1, with an exhibition area of nearly 7,000 square meters. Five star models including the J-20, Y-20, Z-20, GJ-11 and FC-31 are displayed at the center of the exhibition area. An official from AVIC said that about 200 pieces of self-developed aviation equipment and technology projects are to be presented in a panoramic and systematic manner, with the number of exhibits being increased by 34 percent compared with previous, and 55 pieces of which are to be exhibited for the first time. Outside the exhibition hall, AVIC also set up a 9,000-square-meter outdoor static exhibition area, displaying three categories of aircraft respectively, namely, military aircraft for export, emergency rescue aircraft, and utility aircraft. Among them, the two-seat FC-1/JF-17 fighter jet, AC352 helicopter and the cabin of AC313A are particularly eye attracting. As a highlight of the airshow, the new full-configuration AG600M (fire-fighting model) independently developed by AVIC will showcase its 12-ton water drop function to the public for the first time, and meet with the Y-20 and C919 in the sky. Besides, Z-20, Z-10, Z-8L and other active PLA army aviation equipment participate in the airshow for the first time. And the Wing Loong-1E UAV will also conduct a wonderful flight show. Air and ground display of J-20 and YY-20 At this air show, the J-20 and YY-20 are to be displayed in the air and on the ground. The J-20 will land to the ground in Zhuhai for the first time for display, and the YY-20 will present its first flight show. Aircraft J-20 is the fifth generation fighter jet independently developed by China. In recent years, it has played an increasingly important role in combat-readiness training for the new era. And 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 Force's capability of long-range maneuverability. The PLA Air Force's new combat forces in a new domain are also to 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 are on static display on the ground. 52 pieces of army equipment to be displayed for the first time China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (hereinafter referred to as "Norinco Group") presents its solutions on the actual combat system for army's combined-arms brigade. It brings 175 exhibits, 52 of which are to be exhibited for the first time and 30 percent of which are newly developed and improved products. It is learnt that it is the first time for Norinco Group to present the export version of integrated operational concept plan for the army's combined-arms brigade at an international defense show. The plan reflects the latest integrated development of mechanization, informatization, and intelligence systems for the PLA Army, as well as the progress of manned/unmanned coordination and air-ground coordination combat concept. The VT4 main battle tank, SH15 vehicle-mounted artillery, AR3 rocket launch system, Sky Dragon air defense missile system, HJ series intelligent ammunition and other internationally renowned trade brands will also be on full display. A technician tests and modifies an anti-tank simulation system in the exhibition area of urban combat equipment. (Photo by Shi Yonghe) MBABANE The four junior police officers who were yesterday summoned to the Police Headquarters have been prohibited from work. Their salaries have also been stopped with immediate effect. This comes after allegations that the officers were part of those who visited the residence of the Prime Minister (PM), Cleopas Sipho Dlamini, last Thursday to engage him on the implementation of Phase II of the police and Correctional officers salary restructuring exercise of 2014. Developments The National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police, William Tsitsibala Dlamini, informed the junior officers about the latest developments through a memorandum issued yesterday. This was after they had appeared before some members of the police executive to show cause why they should not be interdicted from duty in terms of Section 43 of the Police Service Act No. 22/2018, in accordance with the rules of natural justice, and Section 33 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini. According to the memo, the junior officers made oral submissions, which were forwarded with recommendations for consideration. The memo also reads: Having considered the senior officers recommendations and your personal circumstances, through this communication, you are hereby informed that you are interdicted from duty without pay with effect from November 7, 2022. Privileges Dlamini stated that such an interdict was in terms of Section 43 of the Police Service Act No. 22/2018. The NATCOM also informed the junior officers that the powers, privileges and benefits they enjoyed as members of the service shall, during their ban from the workplace, be held in abeyance. However, Dlamini mentioned that the junior officers would continue to be subjected to the same responsibilities, discipline and penalties as if they had not been interdicted. Interviewed yesterday, the junior officers stated that they did not know how they were singled out by the police executive as they were never involved in any demonstration. Further, they mentioned that they had never seen any police officer protesting in the country.The officers noted that they would be seeking legal redress on the matter and were shocked to receive the letters interdicting them from the workplace. A COMMUNITY worker from the city's northside is celebrating after being named Limerick's most inspirational person. Linda Ledger, who runs St Munchin's Community Enterprise Centre in Kileely, was given the prestigious accolade as part of this year's Gala Retail Inspiration Awards in association with Virgin Media. Established four years ago to celebrate individuals who work to create better communities with their selfless acts and inspirational deeds, Gala Retail gave awards to people from every county in Ireland, naming county inspirational people who were each gifted 1,000 in Ireland Hotel vouchers. Linda really impressed the judges for her work in the local community, the firm said. It highlighted the fact the community centre serves Meals on Wheels for about 350 people and 210 hot lunches for primary school children. Linda also has an active role in St Lelias School, which is host to over 45 Ukrainian refugees. When they first arrived in March, there were no proper facilities and Linda worked to feed them and offered to take them to her own house for showers and to do their laundry. Linda has now ensured that the Ukrainian refugees have all the facilities they need as well as running the community centre. From a huge volume of nominations, 26 county heroes were crowned. Noreen Murphy, from Bantry in County Cork, was named as the Overall Inspirational Person of the Year for her services to mental health with the establishment of Lisheens House Suicide Prevention Charity. Gala Retail chief executive Gary Desmond said: "We were overwhelmed by the level of nominations and Linda along with the fellow inspirational heroes are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place. Congratulations Linda and all our county heroes! Over 100,000 patients have waited for beds in Irish hospitals this year. That's according to analysis from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), which released figures today revealing a total of 100,195 patients have waited at overcrowded hospitals so far in 2022, 1,903 of whom were children. The five worst-hit hospitals so far this year are University Hospital Limerick with over 15,000 patients waiting up to November 2022, Cork University Hospital (10,107 patients), Sligo University Hospital (6,919 patients), St Vincent's University Hospital (6,359 patients) and Letterkenny University Hospital (5,366). The INMO has called for a four-pronged approach to tackle overcrowding and the recruitment and retention crisis. This includes the cancellation of non-urgent elective care in public hospitals and use of private hospitals for this work, the introduction of retention measures including provision of accommodation for essential workers such as nurses and midwives particularly in rent pressure zones, and legislation to underpin the implementation of the safe staffing and skill mix framework. They are also calling for the prioritisation of funding for publicly delivered long term care in the community. INMO General Secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said, "This is the earliest in any given year that trolley figures have reached this unacceptable level. It is not good enough that nurses and the patients they are trying to provide safe care to are expected to accept this as normal. "Senior figures in the health service have warned the Irish public that waiting over 24 hours to be admitted to hospital is the new normal. In no other country would this level of indignity be accepted. "Behind our trolley figures that we publish everyday are vulnerable patients trapped in undignified and unsafe conditions. Our members are working incredibly hard, it is clear that our public health service can no longer provide both emergency care and elective care. To that end we are calling for all non-urgent elective care in public hospitals to be curtailed. Private hospitals must be now brought on the pitch to provide elective care until the end of March 2023 at the very least. She continued: "We know that many nurses and midwives are signalling their intention to leave the profession or go abroad to work in safer conditions. Directors of Nursing and Midwifery in hospitals are telling us how incredibly difficult it is to recruit but also retain staff, particularly in large hospitals. We are now calling on the Government to deal with this unsafe, unacceptable and inhumane situation. "While it is welcome that safe staffing is prioritised in the winter plan, we know that in many hospitals that safe staffing is not being met, a number of hospitals around the country have insufficient rosters and inappropriate skill mix to provide safe care. "We do not need more pronouncements of increasing bed capacity, which is a meaningless endeavour if you do not have the staff to ensure that these beds can be opened safely. The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive cannot afford to be passive. Between overcrowding and retention of nurses, the situation is worsening every day. Every possible measure that can be taken in the coming days and weeks must be taken." THERE will be significant Limerick interest in series five of the acclaimed Netflix series, The Crown, when it's released by the streaming company this Wednesday. Actor Dominic West, a familiar face in west Limerick, will play Prince Charles in the new series while his teenage son, Senan West, who has spent a significant part of his childhood in Glin has been cast as Prince William. Ahead of the premiere, Dominic West, who owns Glin Castle with his wife - landscape designer Catherine FitzGerald - has been speaking of the difficulty of playing someone who is still alive. It was really daunting anyway because everyone knows what he looks like and how he sounds, how he moves and can tell that the gap between that reality and whatever I'm doing," he told Ciara Kelly on Newstalk Breakfast. The 53-year-old actor says he was nervous to follow in the footsteps of the hugely awarded Josh OConnor, who played Prince Charles in season four of The Crown. The whole thing was a nightmare, really, to take on. But it's such a glorious show and such a great part that I couldn't resist it. And I've had a ball, you know, overcoming my fears. Seeing as West looks nothing like (the now) King Charles III, Ciara Kelly asked the actor if he was cast against type. I think so, but I think Peter (Morgan) sort of does that. He's got, Jonny Lee Miller playing John Major, which is actually genius. I think that's a thing Peter does, commented West. I said, look, I look nothing like him. Are you sure you're getting the right person here? And he said, that doesn't matter, this is not an impersonation show. There's something about Charles that he sees in me. He never really said what it was, I dont know what it is, added the actor. Dominic West said that the creator of the show, Peter Morgan, was interested in showing a man in his prime, one who hadnt fulfilled his destiny, and one worried he might not get the top job until hes an old man. I think what we've seen in recent events is that, well, I personally think that he is able to achieve far more as the Prince of Wales. And because as Monarch, of course, he's not allowed to do anything, said West. Does Dominic West feel sympathy for King Charles III? West feels enormous sympathy for him. He particularly admires what he did for The Princes Trust, the leading UK youth charity offering training, business start-up support, and work experience. What he did as Prince of Wales, particularly in The Prince's Trust, is extraordinary and his care and interest in people. He has probably met more people than probably anyone else in history, apart from his parents, it's an extraordinary record, said West. The marriage with Diana was a sort of tragic flaw in a way in this and at this time he is sort of a tragic hero and that that tragic flaw came about, you could say for one reason because he had to marry a virgin and, and that's, thank God, not something his son has to do, he concluded. PARIS : Renault SA said it would split itself into several divisions, putting its core business making conventionally powered cars into a joint venture with a Chinese partner and detailing plans for a separate stock-market listing of its electric-vehicle division. The Special Oil Report and Analysis for November 2022 said, Indian refiners have taken advantage of the strong diesel margins from the onset of the invasion and raised their exports to Europe, averaging at 730,000 mt/month post-invasion, or 21% of its total exports of 2.64 million mt/month, peaking at a high of 1.1 million mt in March, versus the pre-invasion average of 570,000 mt/month." According to the report, the Indian refiners are taking advantage of both strong gasoil margins, which saw front-month 10-ppm gasoil/Dubai cracks soared to multiple record-highs that culminated in the all-time high of above $70 per barrel, and steeply discounted Russian crudes, which they have imported at almost 10 times the volume vs pre-invasion levels, at 2.82 million mt/month during March- September. Runs averaged at 99.86% of the countrys 5.14 million bpd capacity post-invasion, versus the pre-invasion average of 94.26%. Gasoil output averaged at 9.75 million mt/month for March-August and hit a record-high of 10.57 million mt in March, well above the pre-invasion average of 8.95 million mt/month," the report said. However, only private refiners Reliance and Nayara Energy can produce EU winter-specification diesel. The other state-owned refiners have focused their output to cover domestic demand, which is also rising in October after the low-demand monsoon season ended. Reliance has been the countrys largest importer of Russian crudes and is also its largest diesel exporter. Its 5.68 million mt/month capacity plant has been running at 93.8% post-invasion, above the pre-invasion average of 92.3%, but still below the pre-Covid 2015-2019 average of 110%, signalling that there is upside to its diesel production, it said. However, the overall upside to Indias diesel exports is limited by the month-long maintenance of Rosneft-owned Nayara Energys 1.67 million mt/month refinery in November, when the entire plant will be shut down. Soaring interest rates and a shaky economic outlook have hit stock prices this year. Health stocks are holding up better than most. Namibia said at the COP27 summit on Tuesday that it had secured over 540 million euros ($544 million) in climate finance from the Dutch government and European Investment Bank. One of the world's sunniest and least densely populated countries, Namibia wants to produce green hydrogen and position itself as a renewable energy hub in Africa. The Dutch grant is from infrastructure funding vehicle Invest International, while the facility from the European Investment Bank is to build green hydrogen and renewable energy projects in Namibia. President Hage Geingob said the funds represented the largest amount of concessionary finance to combat the effects of global warming that his country had secured to date. Also on Tuesday, Namibia signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Union on renewable hydrogen and rare raw materials. Geingob gave no specifics on the agreement but said experts from both sides would soon meet to hammer out joint plans. Hydrogen is categorised "green" when it is made with renewable power and is seen as key to help decarbonise industry, though the technology remains immature and relatively costly. In May, the EU's energy strategy set a goal of importing at least 10 million tonnes of "green" hydrogen by 2030, with another 10 million tonnes to be produced within the bloc. Matthew Luxmoore, The Wall Street Journal President says he is open to negotiations that guarantee Ukraines territorial integrity LOBAMBA - Church leaders yesterday marched to Parliament to deliver a petition, where they are demanding a national dialogue to take place without further delay. This comes after various killings of members of the public during last years unrest and the recent episodes of the assassination of security forces personnel. The church leaders under the umbrella of Swaziland Concerned Church Leaders (SCCL) were in partnership with Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Department and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP). They delivered the petition to two areas where they wanted the Members of Parliament (MPs) to take accountability and make sure that the dialogue happens. The church leaders are also calling for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into all politically motivated killings or deaths and the accompanying arson attacks on citizens. The members of the clerg who started arriving at around 11:30am, were driving in private vehicles, which they parked above the Somhlolo National Stadium and at 12:30pm, they marched to Parliament singing church songs. They were met by the Lobamba Station Commander, Mkhuzeni Kunene, who led them towards Parliament. Petition Before the reading of the petition, Chairperson of SCCL Bishop Canaan George Mathabela, said the church decided to speak up about the current political situation in the country. Bishop Mathabela said as a church body, they could no longer keep quiet and watch. He said Eswatini was a Christian country and through King Somhlolo ensured that the nation lived and followed the Holy Book. He said due to the pain following the killings that had been taking place, the church had taken the responsibility to task Parliament to ensure that the dialogue happened in the country. The bishop stated that the legislators were representing the people through the various constituencies, which was why they came to report to them. Bishop Mathabela said there was no longer peace which was prevailing, as people were being killed every day and had no guarantee what would happen to them when they went back to their homes, that was if they would be alive the next day. The people who are being killed are our herd and we are looking after them. The widows and orphans are also left in our hands, he said. Mathabela said the situation was very painful and had prompted the church body to rise. Reading the petition, Chaplain of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, Father Jechonia Mahazule, said, an all-inclusive and meaningful dialogue would provide solutions to the ongoing political turmoil. Mahazule said it had become more apparent that the country had chosen the path of death than that of life. The cleric stated that over the past years in the country, killings had become part of the ordinary lives. He said the people had taken Gods place as a creator, deciding on the lives of others. Mahazule said the nation had rejected God as the Father and no longer saw each other as brothers and sisters but had chosen the blame game of labelling others as adversaries. Frustration It is clear that we no longer see in each other the God in whose image we have been created (Genesis 1:27) and with Cain we sarcastically ask; Am I my brothers Keeper? questioned Mahazule. According to Mahazule, the nation seemed to be living in the deception that the country had gone back to normal, ignoring the anger of many people, particularly the youth as they saw no answer to their frustration and no space to voice them. He said; They feel that some are full citizens but others second class ones. Some seem to have access to every opportunity in the country and the rest to the leftovers. Mahazule mentioned that in their restlessness, they could be easily deceived by those who offered them violence as the only possible solution. Many problems remain unresolved, he said. According to the priest, Eswatini citizens were elated at the announcement of the national dialogue, following the unprecedented killings and burning of structures witnessed last June/July. He said the church in the country also wished to see the noble process being meaningfully and honestly speedily implemented in order for all emaSwati to develop their potential and contribute to the building of a just, peaceful and progressive Eswatini. Letter Father Mahazule stated that in his first letter to the Corinthians, St Paul wrote; I urge you brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree together, to end your divisions and to be united by the same mind and purpose. Meanwhile, he added that as church representatives, they were condemning all that which constituted a violation of human integrity and everything that offended human dignity. Furthermore, he said they were denouncing all crimes committed in the name of the security of the State as if the State was absolute and not at the service of the people. The petition was received by the Principal Committee Clerk, Mpendulo Ngcamphalala. Ngcamphalala stated that he was receiving it on behalf of Office of Parliament, but was not at liberty to respond but listen and forward to the relevant office. Comment When reached for comment on the visit by the church leaders, Clerk to Parliament Benedict Xaba said he was yet to present the petition to the principals, including the presiding officers. Xaba said he realised that the gist contained in the petition was the promised dialogue in order to restore peace. He said they were yet to look into it and finalise on it before taking it forward. Director of Communications in the King's Office Percy Simelane, recently stated that the King and government had pronounced themselves that the environment was currently not conducive because the people of Eswatini, who were the key stakeholders, continued to be threatened with arson and death if before and during the envisaged national dialogue they were found to be speaking against the stakeholders who were calling for change. Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, warned that there was no guarantee of future peace and democracy through bloodshed. Addressing the media over the recent killings of security forces personnel, Nxumalo warned the perpetrators of violence that even if they were to get what they wanted there was no assurance that they would live in peace. Jeff Strand, coordinator of government and external affairs for the coalition, said they put the scorecard together to give people a glimpse at what living in Tennessee with a disability is really like. Madeline Bennett and Kitty Burkhill from Newtownforbes are celebrating this week after being named Longfords Most Inspirational People at this years Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media. Madeline and Kittys extensive and inspirational work in the Newtownforbes Active Retirement Association earned them the title in this years awards. Established four years ago to celebrate individuals who work to create better communities with their selfless acts and inspirational deeds, Gala Retail awarded inspirational people from every county in Ireland, naming county inspirational people who were each gifted 1,000 in Ireland Hotel vouchers. Both Madeline and Kitty really impressed the judges for their work in the local community and are worthy winners of the county award for their inspirational efforts. Run by Madeline and Kitty, the Newtownforbes Active Retirement Association works to promote positive aging within the community. In partnership with other community members, Madeline and Kitty lead group outings, walks, holidays, badminton, chair aerobics and many more events and activities. Madeline and Kitty are a great example of living life to the full. From a huge volume of nominations, 26 county heroes were crowned. Noreen Murphy, from Bantry in County Cork, was named as the Overall Inspirational Person of the Year for her services to mental health with the establishment of Lisheens House Suicide Prevention Charity. According to Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, choosing the winners was a challenging task. Weve heard some truly inspirational stories from people across Ireland during these awards, which has affirmed something we already knew that we have so many selfless people carrying out great work in our communities, Gary said. Mr Desmond continued, Now in their fourth year, the Inspiration Awards pay tribute to people who play a key role in creating a better country for us all. Operating in communities throughout Ireland, Gala Retailers have seen first-hand some of the great work that people have been doing and we are proud to have been able to recognise some of these inspirational individuals. We were overwhelmed by the level of nominations and Madeline and Kitty along with the fellow inspirational heroes are true examples of people who are making Ireland a better place. Congratulations Madeline and Kitty and all our county heroes! As a community retailer with 175 convenience stores nationwide, Gala store owners often hear of inspirational stories in their local communities, and this years Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media have elevated Irelands unsung heroes onto a national stage, giving these inspirational people the recognition they deserve. Sports & Recreation, Community, Charity & Cause By Chris Boyle Published: November 08 2022 Freshwater Fishing License Requirement Waived for Residents and Non-Residents. Governor Kathy Hochul has announced New York State is honoring veterans with a statewide Free Fishing Day on Friday, November 11. Selected to coincide with Veterans Day, November 11 will mark the final Free Fishing Day of the year. Fishing is considered one of the most therapeutic outdoor activities, making it an ideal activity for veterans, those currently serving in the military, and all New Yorkers looking to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. "We are casting out a line for all of New York's veterans with this Free Fishing Day as a way to honor those who served," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to our extensive conservation efforts to protect our natural resources and environment, New York continues to provide outstanding fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels and abilities. This free fishing day will provide a great opportunity for our brave individuals who have served to protect our democracy and our freedoms to enjoy one of New York State's many world-class fishing locations." During designated Free Fishing Days, anglers do not need a fishing license to fish New York's fresh waters. All other fishing regulations are in effect. For more information on Free Fishing Days visit the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) website. Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC is proud to help honor New York veterans. With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds and 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, New York offers countless freshwater fishing opportunities across the state for anglers to enjoy year-round. DEC and our partners are committed to continuing to engage veterans and active duty military and share the many benefits fishing, hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities can provide to physical and mental health." DEC's Free Fishing Daysprogrambegan in 1991 to give people who might not fish the opportunity to try the sport at no cost, as well as to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license. More information on purchasing afishing licensecan be found on DEC's website. Expanding Fishing Opportunities in New York New York State is committed to making the outdoors more accessible and introducing new anglers to the sport of fishing. Through DEC's I FISH NY Program, the state is increasing fishing participation and awareness of the outstanding fishing opportunities here in New York. This weekend, DEC hosted its annual Veteran Fly Fishing event. For the last 15 years, DEC gives veterans a chance to catch and release steelhead on a private portion of the Salmon River as part of a partnership with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) and CompeerCORPS Rochester. PHWFF is a national not-for-profit dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled veterans and disabled active military service personnel through fly fishing and education about fly tying and rod building. It is now recognized as an innovative leader in the field of therapeutic outdoor recreation. CompeerCORPS provides healing friendship to community members living with mental health challenges, while shattering the stigma around mental health conditions. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Oswego Program Leader John Propster said, "Putting this annual weekend event on, DEC and CompeerCORPS have brought many veterans together in camaraderie and big fish tales. DEC's support of fishing locations, free fishing days, and lodging have made this weekend a highlight of every participants' year, even if they didn't land the big one. We can't thank the DEC enough for their generosity." Rochester CompeerCORPS Fly Rod Warriors School for Disabled Veterans Co-founder Dave Agness said, "It's our distinguished honor to serve these brave men and women who have defended our country. Now we have the opportunity, with DEC, to take them outside in this pristine and tranquil environment in hopes that they enjoy a weekend of camaraderie and large fish." New York State residents who also qualify as active-duty military members (see https://www.dec.ny.gov/ permits/6097.html for details) may receive a free fishing license, as well as a free hunting and/or trapping license, provided they have the appropriate hunter and/or trapper education. Veterans with a service-related disability of 40 percent or more (annual proof required from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) can get reduced fee hunting and fishing licenses and preference for Deer Management Permits. More information about eligibility can be found on the DEC website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/ outdoor/83411.html DEC reminds anglers they can now enjoy New York's trout stream fishing resources year-round. Anglers are required to use only artificial lures and immediately release trout they catch. The catch-and-release season applies to inland trout streams only. Anglers should consult DEC's regulations guide for regulations associated with lakes and ponds that harbor trout before fishing. Find a Place to Fish Near You Earlier this year, DEC launched the new 'Tackle Box' feature to enhance fishing-related tourism and help new and experienced anglers enjoy the great fishing offered throughout New York. The Tackle Box feature is available on DEC'sHuntFishNYsmartphone app (available for iOS and Android) which provides information on nearly all State fishing regulations, waterbodies, State-operated fishing access sites, stocking information, and other useful features like photos to help identify fish likely found in a certain river, lake, or stream. More information on theHuntFishNYMobile app can be found onDEC's website. To find angling opportunities near you, visit thePlaces to Fishpages on DEC's website. For more information on expanded trout fishing opportunities on inland streams consult the Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map on DECinfo Locator. The map provides trout stream anglers with one-stop shopping for information about stocking, fishing access, season dates, and regulations. Community, Charity & Cause By Chris Boyle Published: November 08 2022 Bellone Announces Participation in Operation Green Light; Directs the H. Lee Dennison Building to be Illuminated Green on Veterans Day. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has announced that the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency will host its fourth annual Veterans Resource & Stand Down Event on Thursday, November 10th, 2022 from 3:00PM to 6:00PM in the main lobby for the H. Lee Dennison Building located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge. This year, 5 organizations will participate offering a variety of resources free-of-charge. Registration is required beforehand. To register, please click here. Participating sponsors include: Covanta, PSEG Long Island, Moonjumpers, General Needs and Home Depot. Attending veterans and their families will have an opportunity to receive a variety of resources including: boots, winter coats, socks, t-shirts, underwear, energy-efficient light bulbs, information about local veterans nonprofit programs, and much more. With more veterans than any other county in New York State, here in Suffolk it is not only our duty, but our mission to ensure that those who have put their lives on the line for our freedoms are supported, honored, and recognized, said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. Providing veterans and their families the resources they need for free is just a small way we are able to give back to them, for sacrificing so much for us. Legislator Nick Caracappa, Veteran Affairs Committee Chair said: This event is one of the best events that Suffolk County offers to our Veterans. It is so important to recognize the sacrifices made by the brave men and women that served our great country. Providing resources to those who desperately need them most is what this event is all about. I am so very thankful to everyone who participates in this event and partners with Suffolk County to show how much we appreciate, respect and support our hometown veterans who make up the largest population of veterans than any other county in New York State. Maureen Early, Senior Community Specialist at Covanta said: "Covanta is proud to partner with Suffolk County in helping our local veterans. These men and women selflessly dedicated themselves to our country and it is with this spirit that we give back to them as our neighbors, friends and family. Michael Sullivan, PSEG Long Island vice president, Transmission and Distribution said: We are proud to partner with Suffolk County, Moonjumpers and General Needs to provide and distribute coats, boots and light bulbs to our military veterans. For Veterans Day and throughout the year, PSEG Long Island and our employees are committed to supporting the military community and honoring our neighbors who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces. Bob Benson, President, Moonjumpers said: Moonjumpers would like to thank our Veterans for their service to this country. Your bravery, sacrifice, and strength do not go unnoticed, and we will always be indebted to you and your family for all that you have given to the country. We would like to thank you very much for your service! Thank you for your time, bravery, and sacrifice for this country. Lonnie Sherman, President/Founder of General Needs said: Helping homeless veterans and veterans in need in the NY Metro area is what General Needs does every day. We are honored to participate in this important veteran event, in our own backyard of Suffolk County, in recognition of Veterans Day 2022. We are proud to partner with Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, PSEG Long Island, Covanta & Moonjumpers. Great organizations coming together to support Suffolk County Veterans. County Executive Bellone also announced, for the second year in a row, the Operation Green Light Initiative. It is designed to honor, recognize, and shine a light on the immeasurable contributions and service of our veterans. The initiative is also designed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level to assist veterans and their families. With more veterans than any other County in New York State, residents are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their house or on their front porch to a green bulb. As part of the initiative, Home Depot graciously donated 100 green light bulbs to the County, which will be distributed at our Veterans Resource & Stand Down Event. Green light bulbs can also be purchased at a number of local retail stores. Residents can share their participation on social media by using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight. Community, Charity & Cause By Chris Boyle Published: November 08 2022 Turkeys donated to Island Harvest Food Bank and Long Island Cares, Inc. The Harry Chapin Food Bank. Paule Pachter, Chief Executive Officer of Long Island Cares (far left), Randi Shubin Dresssner, President & CEO, of Island Harvest (2nd from left), Stop & Shops Stefanie Shuman (2nd from right) and Shanon Karafian (far right). Stop & Shop donated 2,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to Island Harvest and Long Island Cares during the first intermission when the New York Islanders host the Calgary Flames on Monday at UBS Arena in Elmont. The Food Bank Presidents participated in the Stop & Shop Shoot-Out attempting a center ice shot to secure their donations. The donation of turkeys is part of Stop & Shops annual Turkey Express program which provides more than 25,000 turkeys to hunger relief organizations across the supermarkets footprint. As the official supermarket of the Islanders, Stop & Shops donation spotlights the increased need the Food Banks are facing going into the holiday season: Two NCPD Officers Injured by Teen While Responding to Hicksville Domestic Disturbance Crime By Chris Boyle Published: November 08 2022 Defendant Rosa Sanchez, 18, is being charged with two counts of Assault 2nd Degree and Resisting Arrest. Second Squad Detectives report the arrest of a Hicksville woman for multiple Assaults that occurred on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 8:27 pm in Hicksville. According to detectives, officers responded to a disturbance at a Hicksville residence located on Harding Avenue. Upon arrival, officers were notified by an adult female complainant that she was having an argument with a family member. The defendant, Rosa Sanchez, 18, approached the officers and became physically combative.Two officers sustained injuries during the course of the arrest as the defendant was violent and combative while resisting arrest. The two injured officers and the defendant were all transported by Nassau County Police Ambulances to a nearby hospital for assessment and treatment. Leonardo, a global leader in aerospace, defence and security sector, will be showcasing a wide spectrum of latest generation technologies for defence and multi-domain surveillance systems for the Arabian Gulf at the Bahrain International Airshow 2022. One of the most prestigious events in the civil and military aviation calendar, Bahrain International Airshow 2022 opens tomorrow (November 9) and runs until November 11 at Sakhir Airbase in Manama. Leonardo, which is attending the tenth edition of BIAS, has a long history of significant partnerships in Bahrain - including the supply of two primary surveillance radars and three Mode-S secondary surveillance radars for the kingdoms Civil Aviation organisation and Royal Bahraini Air Force. These radars enhance the safety and efficiency of national airspace management. This year, Leonardo concluded the delivery of the sixth and last naval unit Al Taweelah, which is part of an agreement for the upgrade of six Royal Bahrain Naval Force ships, said a statement from the company. Leonardo's advanced technologies and expertise in the naval domain were an important focus during the recent visit of the Italian Navys Thaon di Revel Multipurpose Offshore Patrol in Bahrain. From airborne surveillance radar and self-protection systems to multi-mission and training aircraft, Leonardo will showcase at BIAS 2022 a wide spectrum of latest generation technologies for complete situational awareness, and defence and multi-domain surveillance systems for the Arabian Gulf, said the statement. To meet the current needs, which involves constant airspace monitoring, Leonardo proposes the RAT 31DL three-dimensional surveillance radar. For the detection, classification, and tracking of small- and fast-moving aerial threats, such as mini and micro tactical uncrewed systems, the company is offering the multi-domain and dual use TMMR (Tactical Multi Mission Radar) sensor, it stated. The latest, completely digitized and in C-band, together with NERIO ULR electro-optical camera, is an effective solution for anti-drone and Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) scenarios, which require mobility and rapid deployment, and for short-range air defence, surveillance and protection of platforms and vehicles, borders, territories and critical infrastructures. Leonardo said it was able to support the missions of Air Forces worldwide via the provision of a variety of radar and self-protection systems. One leading product is the BriteCloud countermeasure, which has already entered service with the UKs Royal Air Force. As a world-first technology, BriteCloud is undergoing evaluation for potential service with US Armed Forces F-16 aircraft under the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) programme, it stated. In addition to Leonardos wide offer of sensors for surveillance, the company is able to provide complete and multi-mission platforms. The C-27J Spartan, and more crucially the Next Generation variant, is suitable for tactical military transport, medical evacuation, patrol and ISR missions and fire-fighting operations, it added. Having sold over 2,000 training aircraft of various types to 40 countries, Leonardo showcases its latest solutions centred on the M-345 and M-346 aircraft, by which the company is able to cover the entire training syllabus.-TradeArabia News Service (Alliance News) - Avacta Group PLC on Tuesday closed its GBP2.0 million open offer of shares, bringing its total fundraise to GBP64.0 million. Back in October, Avacta, a clinical stage oncology drug company, announced a GBP62.0 million fundraise, which will be partially used to finance its acquisition of Launch Diagnostics Holdings Ltd for up GBP37 million. Launch Diagnostics was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Longfield, Kent, with a French subsidiary and operational hubs in Ireland, Belgium and Luxembourg. It is an independent distributor in the in vitro diagnostics market within the UK. Avacta said it would raise GBP62.0 million from a GBP5.0 million share placing, GBP2.0 million open offer, and GBP55.0 million sale of convertible bonds. It planned to place the new shares at an issue price of 95 pence per share. This represents a 4.0% discount to Avacta's closing price of 99.00p on October 17. Shares in Avacta were up 0.5% to 128.75 pence each in London on Tuesday afternoon. On Tuesday, Avacta said the open offer now has closed. It received applications for 16.3 million shares. This will be scaled back and 2.1 million new shares will be issued. The total proceeds from the fundraise amount to GBP64.0 million, combining the GBP2.0 million open offer with the GBP55.0 million convertible bond offering and GBP7.0 million share placing. By Sophie Rose; sophierose@alliancenews.com Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Dhaka-based generic pharmaceutical products and active pharmaceutical ingredients maker - In the financial year that ended June 30, books pretax profit of BDT6.69 billion, around GBP57.6 million, up 4.9% from BDT6.37 billion a year before. Annual revenue climbs 18% to BDT34.67 billion from BDT29.49 billion, with domestic sales rising by 21% and export sales by 14%. Declares BDT3.5 per share dividend. Managing Director Nazmul Hassan says: "In the current challenging macro environment, we are delighted to be able to report another period of revenue growth. While we have seen the economic downturn have an adverse impact on some of our export markets, this has been more than offset by our domestic performance." Looking to the new financial year, Hassan says Beximco is seeing the impact of "numerous" headwinds relating to the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, and a record depreciation of the Bangladesh taka. "While we expect these issues to have an impact on Q1 and beyond, we remain committed to expanding our businesses, seeking operational efficiencies and delivering on our strategy to maximise the potential of Beximco Pharma," he adds. Company also notes the Bangladesh government is unlikely to order more Covid-19 vaccine doses for the foreseeable future, due to broad available of vaccines in the country. Beximco has an agreement to distribute the Oxford University-AstraZeneca PLC vaccine in Bangladesh. Current stock price: 63.50 pence, down 5.9% in London on Tuesday afternoon 12-month change: down 37% By Heather Rydings; heatherrydings@alliancenews.com Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. WPP PLC - London-based advertising and communications company - Says Chief Financial Officer John Rogers to step down from role, and as an executive director of the board, following the finalisation of the 2022 Annual Report & Accounts next year. Appoints the CFO of soft drinks maker Britvic, Joanne Wilson, in the same role as she informed Britvic of her intention to step down in May 2023, Britvic on Tuesday confirmed, with search for a new CFO underway. Wilson is expected to join WPP in the first half of 2023. WPP Chief Executive Officer Mark Read says: "Joanne is a highly regarded CFO and leader. Beyond her financial credentials, her extensive experience in data, retail and ESG is especially valuable given their importance to our business and our client base." Current WPP stock price: 810.80 pence, up 0.7% on Tuesday 12-month change: down 25% Current Britvic stock price: 751.00p, up 0.4% on Tuesday 12-month change: down 15% By Holly Beveridge; hollybeveridge@alliancenews.com Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of updates by London-listed companies, issued on Tuesday and not separately reported by Alliance News: ---------- Hercules Site Services PLC - Cirencester, England-based labour supply company for the infrastructure sector - Launches skills portal for its HS2 project, triggering an initial payment of GBP44,000. Says the launch follows the completion of successful trial. ---------- Bank of Ireland Group PLC - Dublin-based lender - Reaches an agreement to dispose of Irish and UK non-performing exposures portfolios, through two separate transactions. Says the gross interest income on the portfolios was roughly EUR30 million on an annualised basis. Says the transaction will reduce its NPE ratio to roughly 3.7% from 5.4% and have "a modest positive impact". Expects the deal to complete on November 15. ---------- NIOX Group PLC - Oxford-based developer of medical devices for asthma diagnosis and management, formerly known as Circassia Group - Says it reduced the capital required to lead to the cancellation of its share premium account. Notes that the High Court confirmed the cancellation of its share premium account. ---------- Mila Resources PLC - London-based gold company focused on Australia - Raises gross proceeds of GBP212,000 through a placing of 7.1 million new shares at a placing price of 3 pence per placing share. Says the investors in the placing will receive one warrant per placing share to subscribe for one new ordinary share at an exercise price of 4.8 per share. Says the proceeds of the placing will be used to build upon the highly successful stage 1 drilling campaign at Kathleen Valley. ---------- Reconstruction Capital II Ltd - closed-end investment fund - Says it was awarded EUR4 million in damages plus statutory interest thereon and legal costs in its case against Romar Holding Ltd, Else Holding Ltd and Erghin Hagicalil. ---------- Frontier IP Group PLC - London-based intellectual property commercialisation company - Completes a GBP1.5 million fundraising through an equity funding round with new and existing investors. Plans to develop and scale up its energy-efficient power conversion technology. "We believe Pulsiv will become a major green company. Converting power more efficiently means less energy is wasted, so the technology has the potential to cut carbon emissions, reduce strain on national power grids and cut energy bills for consumers. We are delighted with the results of this funding round," Chief Executive Neil Crabb comments. ---------- Leeds Group PLC - Wetherby, England-based textile manufacturing company - Pretax loss in the year to May 31 widens to GBP3.2 million from GBP508,000, year-on-year. Administrative expenses jump to GBP6.1 million from GBP4.9 million. Revenue falls to GBP29.6 million versus GBP33.0 million. Attributes this to the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. "The German government did not provide the same levels of financial support as they did in 2021 as there were only local restrictions imposed rather than country-wide lockdowns. Thus, the group received government assistance of GBP119,000 in the year as compared to GBP966,000 received in 2021. The group has also been affected by the conflict in Ukraine during the year. The reduced sales figures for the group have not generated enough contribution to cover the fixed overheads and both Hemmers and KMR have, therefore, made losses after interest for this financial year," the company says. ---------- Cobra Resources PLC - Wudinna gold project in South Australia - Says the infill drilling at the Clarke prospect of its Wudinna project intersected gold mineralisation across 500 meters of strike. "We are thrilled to have the drill bit turning again. Whilst we have experienced some delays due to unseasonably wet conditions, the team are progressing the programme well in a safe and environmentally considerate manner. The results of this programme will be the finishing piece of this exploration phase which has yielded exceptional results over the last two years," CEO Rupert Verco comments. ---------- By Abby Amoakuh; abbyamoakuh@alliancenews.com Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. In celebration of Library and Information Services Month, The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) would like to invite everyone to visit the Exhibit of Rare Books and Manuscripts for FREE! Featured in the exhibit are the diverse rare collections of NLP, from the original manuscripts of Dr. Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, and his original poem, Mi Ultimo Adios. Also on display are: Acta de la Proclamacion de Independencia del pueblo Filipino, rare books, photographs, maps and memorabilia. Special feature in this exhibit is the provision of audio transcription for each display, especially made for our visually challenged clients. Try to scan the QR code provided to hear the description. Visit the National Library ! The exhibition is located at the 2nd Floor Lobby of the NLP Building, T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila, and will run up to November 29, 2022 as one of the activities of the 32nd Library and Information Services Month. Photos are from The National Library FB page. Daze, a leading furniture provider in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, has announced the launch of its new showroom on King Abdulaziz Street in the kingdom's Buraydah region. The new branch was inaugurated in the presence of the owners Dr Nasser Al Tayyar, CEO Hussein El Batal and COO Bassel El Batal leading the ceremony, alongside senior government officials and businessmen. "Thanks to designs that blend contemporary sensibilities with traditions of excellence in craftsmanship and quality, Daze quickly became a furniture brand with a strong, vibrant, and ever-growing presence," said a company spokesman. "Pairing timeless elements with fresh twists, each item at Daze is designed to enhance a room or inspire memorable experiences," he stated. With an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of customer service, unmatched product quality and strikingly beautiful designs, the brand has managed to build an identity that sets it apart from the rest. The opening of the new showroom in Buraydah reinforces Dazes commitment to attend to its clientele through a fast-expanding network of branches and unique modern designs, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Sustainability was the key theme for the first day of World Travel Market London, as travel experts, ministers, destinations, tourism firms and airlines gathered at the event running from November 7-9 at the ExCeL exhibition centre. Other themes for panellists included accessible travel, how technology can improve the experience for travellers, diversity and inclusion and how responsible tourism is good for business. The industry needs to come together and work towards standard science-based targets, sharing best practice, delegates were told during sessions dedicated to sustainability, said experts. Shannon Guihan, Chief Sustainability Officer for The Travel Corporation, which incorporates 40 brands, stressed success in carbon reduction should not be seen as a competitive advantage for individual companies but rather something we need to do together as an industry. EasyJet Sustainability Director Jane Ashton said the airline is putting details of how it is meeting decarbonisation targets into the public domain and urged more airlines to do so. Speakers on the Landscape of Travel in 2030 and Beyond panel agreed sustainability is the key travel trend for the 2020s. Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive at the Saudi Tourism Authority, said climate change has been factored into the destinations 2030 vision. Peter Krueger, Chief Strategy Officer at TUI AG, highlighted how tourism is a force for good,, acting as a value transfer from wealthy countries to less developed destinations. Julia Simpson, President and Chief Executive at the World Travel and Tourism Council, highlighted the importance of investing in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and writer Simon Calder said: We will appreciate the value that travel brings to the world and to ourselvesspending money on places interested in sustainability and tackling overtourism, and whose human rights record we respect. More travellers in the future will be able to pay for their holidays with cryptocurrency, according to futurist Rohit Talwar at World Travel Market London. He also urged travel companies to consider developing experiences in the metaverse to cater for younger people and new audiences. Sustainability was another issue for businesses. He urged them to see it as an investment for the future, not a cost. Explorer and TV documentary maker Levison Wood who has visited 120 countries over the past two decades told delegates about his many adventures. He talked about going off the beaten track in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Sudan, and how he is now highlighting the need to protect wildlife in destinations that he visits, such as the elephants of Botswana. The travel industry plays such a huge part in bridging communities, he told the audience. We are all ambassadors; we have a duty to show what the world can be like. More CEOs are pushing responsible tourism towards the top of their agendas underlining its increasing importance in business decisions, delegates heard. Charlotte Wwiebe, Group Sustainability Director at TUI Group, said new CEO Sebastian Ebel puts sustainability in his top-three most important objectives. And Tasha Hayes, Operations Director and Sustainability Officer at Contiki, said her CEO, Adam Armstrong, sits on every sustainability call. Meanwhile, Claire Whitely, Head of Environment at the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said big brands are moving away from standardised guest experiences, with hotel chains incorporating local culture and artwork. Carol Rose, Senior Sustainability Manager at ABTA, said research by the association showed that 41% say they would choose one company over another if the company had sustainable credentials. Delegates also heard how there is a growing consumer demand for responsible travel. Danielle DSilva, Head of Sustainability for Booking.com, said demand is growing across all markets. Research carried out by Booking.com reveals 81% say responsible travel is important, 71% want to travel sustainably in the next 12 months an increase of 10% on last year. Empowering local people is key to helping tourism in the Asia-Pacific region to recover in a sustainable way. A panel brought together by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), heard from the tourism ministers of India and the Maldives Arvind Singh and Abdulla Mausoom plus PATA Chief Executive Liz Ortiguera, Eric Ricaurte, Founder of hospitality consultancy Greenview, and Marga Nograles, Chief Operating Officer at the Philippines Tourism Promotions Board. Ortiguera highlighted research showing sustainability is important to most travellers in the region, and how PATA is supporting destinations to train staff in sustainable planning. Mausoom said Maldives aims to be the most sustainable destination in the world and is also making the islands more accessible to disabled travellers. Singh said the Indian government is supporting initiatives such as homestay tourism, which helps boost local employment and producers. Tourist destinations can learn from the wellness industry and should become more aligned to its principles post-Covid, a WTM London session heard. Professor Terry Stevens, Managing Director of Stevens & Associates, said tourism has to benefit the whole community, just as wellness benefited the whole person. He cited the case of Mali Losinj, Croatia, where a tourism tax paid for local students university education to encourage them to return to their birthplace and start a business. Anne Dimon, Wellness Tourism Association President and Chief Executive, said: People need to feel their tourism dollar is going to the local community,, adding that a selection of clean eating restaurants, with local produce was a must. Fledgling travel brands were urged by an expert panel to put product before technology but to quickly embrace the latter. Jono Vernon-Powell, Founder of Nomadic Thoughts, said start-up brands needed to remember that travel had the best product on the planet and Josh Ryan-Saha, Director, Traveltech for Scotland, said most businesses brought in a chief technology officer to build systems once the company was up and running. The panel told how Barrhead Travel had undertaken three years worth of IT development in one year during lockdown, with a digital presence now a must for any travel brand. Travel is a major part of world GDP, but woefully under-represented at the global top table, a panel at WTM London heard. Paul Charles, Chief Executive of The PC Agency, said: In the UK, [travel and tourism] puts 80 billion into the economy. Travel and tourism is 10% of global GDP and where it needs to start is at G20 level. The Chief Operating Officer of TUI Airline described summer 2022 as the most difficult in three decades. Dawn Wilson said: For our people in the aviation industry, they didnt set out to fail. I saw a huge amount of resilience trying to keep everything going. The last thing we wanted to do was to delay the start or finish of someones holiday they have saved up a lot for that. For the first time, The BIG Airline Session had an all-female panel, with Lynne Embleton, CEO of Aer Lingus, and Wizz Air UK Managing Director Marion Geoffroy. TradeArabia News Service Doctors at King George's Medical University (KGMU) have successfully performed the institution's first combined liver-kidney transplant after the family members of a brain-dead patient donated the organs. Organ Donation Saves Lives Combined Liver-Kidney Transplant The liver, kidneys and corneas were harvested from a 20-year-old resident of Lonar village in Hardoi.He was admitted to the KGMU Trauma Centre after a road accident last month and had been on ventilator support. The accident took place on October 24 in Hamirpur. The donor worked as a helper in the transport sector.The liver and a kidney were transplanted to a 58-year-old man from Azamgarh by a KGMU team led by Dr. Abhijit Chandra, head of the department of gastro surgery. Asim Munir takes charge as army chief of Pakistan 29 Nov 2022 | 5:02 PM Islamabad, Nov 29 (UNI) General Asim Munir on Tuesday took charge as the 17th army chief of Pakistan in a ceremony held in the military's general headquarters in Rawalpindi in the country's eastern Punjab province. see more.. 300 people killed in recent unrest in Iran 29 Nov 2022 | 4:37 PM Tehran, Nov 29 (UNI) At least 300 have been killed in recent unrest in Iran following mass protests triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who passed away while in police custody, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said on Tuesday. see more.. Musk feuds with Apple over Twitter advertising 29 Nov 2022 | 2:49 PM Los Angeles, Nov 29 (UNI) Elon Musk has said Apple has halted most of its advertising on Twitter and accused the company of threatening to remove the platform from its app store. see more.. Giant Shark stalks prey on Dubai beach 29 Nov 2022 | 2:30 PM Dubai, Nov 29 (UNI) There were terrifying moments when a giant shark stalked a prey a few feet from horrified swimmers in the busy Dubai beach. see more.. 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 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. (c) 2022 The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. An instructor pilot from Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi had to eject from his T-38C Talon training jet Monday afternoon after a mishap occurred causing it to crash shortly after takeoff. The jet crashed around 1 p.m. local time at a private property about 30 minutes south of the base. The instructor was taken to a nearby hospital and there were no fatalities, according to a press release. "We had a T-38C flying with the 49th Fighter Training Squadron that was rendered inoperable and unrecoverable upon initial takeoff," Col. Jeremy Bergin, Columbus Air Force Base vice wing commander, told reporters during a press conference late Monday evening. Read Next: US Air Force Says Penis-Shaped Flight Path Pointed at Russian Base Is a Coincidence Two T-38Cs took off Monday, each with one person, an instructor, aboard. They were flying in a formation when one of the jets experienced the malfunction. The pilot was "highly experienced and capable," Bergin said, and praised the airman for his quick thinking during the incident. Shortly after the jet crashed, base security and the local sheriff's department rushed to the scene. Bergin also recognized civilians in the area for helping the pilot get to the hospital. "There were actually some bystanders in the field or nearby the field that helped get that member to the ambulance," Bergin said. "We're exceptionally grateful for our community here." An investigation into the crash is ongoing. When asked whether anything could be done to prevent future accidents, Bergin said he'd need to see what officials determined to be the root problem first. "Every investigation is going to find items worthy of future consideration, and we won't know what those items are until after the investigation," Bergin said. He later added "if there is something that requires us to change our procedures, we will." Monday's crash is not the first incident involving a T-38 out of Columbus Air Force Base. Last year, on Feb. 19, two pilots in a T-38 from the base died during a training mission outside of Montgomery, Alabama, as the jet was making its way to Florida. Killed in the crash was Scot Ames Jr., an instructor pilot with the 50th Flying Training Squadron, as well as a student pilot who was a member of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force. In May 2018, two pilots ejected from their T-38 near the base, and the plane crashed in a remote part of northeast Mississippi. In August the same year, the base halted flight operations for 24 hours after a T-38 ejection seat inadvertently fired while the plane was undergoing inspection. The Air Force has been flying the T-38 since the 1960s. The two-seat, supersonic jet trainer is still used by the service, as well as the Navy and NASA, to instruct pilots. Since 1960, there have been 211 Class A mishaps -- the term used by the military to describe the deadliest or costliest crashes, according to Air Force Safety Center data. There have been a total of 86 pilot deaths and 149 fatalities in total from the T-38 in its 62-year history. The service has been planning for several years to phase out the T-38 Talon. In September 2018, the service gave Boeing Co. a $9.2 billion contract to build a replacement aircraft, with a working name of T-X. In 2019, the Air Force rebranded the T-X as the T-7A Red Hawk, named in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen. The first T-7A is expected to be delivered sometime in 2023, along with new flight training simulators. -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. Related: Air Force Base Halts Flight Operations After 2 Killed in Alabama T-38 Jet Crash "I'm not entirely sure what 'it' is, but this ain't it, " quipped a member of the U.S. Army's Oahu-based 25th Infantry Division as he and his fellow soldiers marched up the road at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island last week. They carried heavy rucksacks and body armor marching under the unforgiving sun into higher elevations where at night they would endure cold wind and rain as well as thinner air as they carried their heavy loads. The training is part of the U.S. Army Pacific's new Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, a series of ranges and training the service is hosting in Hawaii and Alaskaas well as annually in rotating countries across the region. In Hawaii, 6, 350 soldiers have been training since late October. In addition to Poha kuloa, troops in the islands also have been at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai and at Bellows Air Force Station, Dillingham Army Airfield, the Kahuku Training Area, Kawailoa mountain ranges, Helemano Plantation and Schofield Barracks' East and South ranges on Oahu for the Hawaii portion of JPMRC 2022. Soldiers in Hawaii and Alaska used to ship out to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., or Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., to recertify their skills to prove they are deployment-ready. The Army launched JPMRC as an alternative to save money on transportation while also keeping its Pacific troops in the regions they're expected to operate in as the Pentagon revamps its Indo-Pacific policies. The Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard also have played a role in the exercise. Hawaii is one of the few places where each branch has a presence for training. Operating forces in multiple locations throughout the island chain is a challenge as troops train and try to get supplies and resources to the various training grounds. Maj. Gen. Joseph Ryan, the commanding general of the 25th, said that "causes exactly the intended effects " as it forces commanders to make "lot of tough decision-making." This year the 25th Infantry is joined by troops from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. The 25th has been training in exercises in all three countries through the Army's Pacific Pathways program. Ryan said that it has "grown out of exercises that we're doing right there in theater with them. ... I've been out in the theater in each of those three countries, and they express an incredible desire to come here and train alongside us." Sgt. Derek Smith, a soldier based at Schofield, participated in a simulated battle at Pohakuloa as a member of the "opposing force " against "blue forces " representing the U.S. and its allies. Last year he participated in the first JPRMC as a member of the blue forces. He said that across the different training areas in the islands the terrain is very different, forcing different approaches. "(At Pohakuloa ) you can see miles and miles away, you can literally get on top of a berm and see the whole battlefield. It's kind of hard to hide, " Smith said. Military observers from Australia, French Caledonia, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand and Singapore also have come to Hawaii to watch the exercise. Ryan said that so far they have enough space to accommodate multinational training but there are limits to how many other countries can train on the islands at one time. "We're gonna get to the point, candidly, because of the popularity of what we're doing here ... where we're going to have to meter this a little bit, " he said. The Army is in the process of negotiating the renewal of leases it has held on several areas of state-owned land that are set to expire in 2029. The negotiations come at a time when the Navy's handling of the Red Hill water crisis on Oahu has strained relations with Hawaii leaders and residents. "It's not lost on me that some of this comes at a cost to people, whether it's traffic or noise or you know, you name it, " said Ryan. "It's (also ) soldiers and families whose fathers and wives are away. It disrupts life." The U.S. government has attempted over the years to shift its foreign-policy focus from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific as it becomes the center of gravity for the global economy. Increased geopolitical tensions also have meant increased military interest in the region. Much of the attention has been on maritime disputes, particularly in the South China Sea, as naval forces engage in a series of standoffs over navigation and territorial rights over key trade routes and resource deposits. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on Oahu has throughout its history been dominated by the Navyit always has been commanded by an admiral. But there also has been competitionand conflicton land as well. Between May 2020 and January 2021, India and Chinaboth nuclear powersengaged in a series of violent border clashes in the Himalayas that resulted in dozens of soldiers killed. Beijing also has invested heavily in Southeast Asian nationsincluding Thailand and Indonesiaas part of its Belt and Road Initiative, a series of Chinese government-financed projects sometimes called the New Silk Road. Army leaders in Hawaii argue that highlights the importance of armies in the regionand maintaining relationships. "The land power network is a key component in the security architecture that helps keep the Indo-Pacific region safe, free and open, " said Ryan. "I don't want to say they want to hitch their wagon to usthey don't want that, they want to maintain their sovereigntybut they want to know they've got a good partner in the United States of America." As the U.S. military shifts its focus from battling insurgencies in the Middle East, it's preparing for the possibility of pitched battles between conventional military forces. Ryan said reports out of the war in Ukraine have informed U.S. military planners on what that might look like. Both sides in the exercise are training to use dronesand be wary of the enemies' potential use of drones. During the simulated fighting, casualties on both sides were high. "We talked about the golden hour in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, getting casualties back to a higher level of care, within an hour of point of injury. It's just not going to be realistic on a battlefield like this, " Ryan said. "We have got to be able to sustain casualties forward with units. And that means better life-saving equipment, better training for our medical folks, and not only our medical folks, because in the end, everybody's a first responder." Officials around the region have expressed concern about escalating tensions and urged Chinese and American officials to find ways to ease tensions. Ryan said that it's his hope that diplomats will cool tensions and that the war games will remain nothing but exercises, but that it's his responsibility to ensure his troops are ready should diplomacy fail. "We will be the first to go, " Ryan said. "On Dec. 7, 1941, the 25th Infantry Division had to be ready. They were right here when they were attacked at Schofield Barracks (and ) Wheeler Field. We don't want to ever wish we could be more ready, so we have to be ready. That's our role here." ___ (c)2022 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Four soldiers appear to have died by suicide in Alaska in the last month, a grim figure as Army planners and lawmakers have raced to surge mental health resources to remote bases there, according to internal service correspondence reviewed by Military.com. The sudden spike in deaths is still under investigation after two additional Alaska soldiers were confirmed to have died by suicide earlier this year. The news of six suicides across the 11th Airborne Division comes after what appeared to be a steep drop in suicides last year, when 17 soldiers took their own lives in Alaska. "Many of you already know that we lost four Arctic Angels in the past 30 days to the enemy of despair," Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler and Command Sgt. Maj. Vern Daley wrote Friday in a joint letter to the 11th Airborne Division. "We can never replace their loss nor fill the void they left behind. After a significant reduction from last year, these recent losses are a heart-breaking reminder that this battle is not over." Read Next: They Said the Rise in Military Suicide Is a Mystery. Traumatic Brain Injury May Be an Answer. Key leaders in the region have taken dramatic steps, including mandatory mental health screenings, in a bid to combat the crisis. But as service planners increasingly pay attention to mental health struggles in the force, issues with self-harm continue. The four recent deaths, which are under investigation, include three junior enlisted troops and a midlevel noncommissioned officer, according to multiple soldiers with direct knowledge of the situation. Military.com is withholding some of the specifics on the deaths, to include the methods of suicide. The region offers some of the most austere garrison life in the service. In March, Military.com spent more than a week with troops in Alaska, embedded with paratroopers, interviewing key leaders and touring training areas. Soldiers described bases with relatively few resources and the specter of a harsh climate, which can dip below -50 degrees Fahrenheit at remote locations and quickly take a toll on soldiers' mental health. It is unclear whether the spike in deaths is attributable to any particular stressor on troops in the region. Deaths by suicide can often happen in clusters, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through so-called "suicide contagion," a series of events in which being exposed to suicide or suicidal behaviors through a family, peer group or media reports can increase the risk of suicide. Some soldiers interviewed by Military.com blame a confluence of issues, including abrasive leadership and the high-pace training schedule. Just this year, Alaska conducted a massive monthlong training exercise meant to stress test the Army's Arctic capabilities. That event is expected to be repeated early next year. The 11th Airborne Division has also done training missions in Norway and Thailand and conducted expert badge tests, among other field training exercises. "They were my friend, and things have been very bad for [the unit]," one soldier told Military.com on the condition of anonymity, referencing one of the suicides. "It was shocking, and we quickly went back to training. There wasn't a lot of mourning time." Multiple rank-and-file soldiers and leaders told Military.com in March that soldiers seeking behavioral health care would sometimes have to wait up to a month for an appointment. In other cases, soldiers explained there's still a stigma behind seeking behavioral health services, out of concerns for losing their jobs, which often include handling weapons. Even recreation centers and gyms are routinely understaffed, some of that being attributed to the difficulty of recruiting workers. The following month, Alaska Republican Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, along with Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., penned a letter to Army Secretary Christine Wormuth outlining their quality-of-life concerns for Alaska-based soldiers. Suicides in the Army are not limited to Alaska, and early 2022 data shows the service overall is seeing a dip in deaths, including at Alaska bases such as Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Eifler and other leaders in the 11th Airborne Division have told Military.com that Alaska is not for everyone, given the extreme conditions, and that they are slowly trying to make the region a volunteer-dominant assignment. That pitch appears to be working: Alaska is the top choice among new recruits who elected to choose their first duty station. He has issued a slew of new policies, including extra days off for units that remain DUI- and drug-free for 90 days. Soldiers can also earn extra leave, by achieving tasks such as graduating Ranger School or visiting a glacier. Eifler has also expanded behavioral health options, spurring mandatory mental health checks for his formations. Counselors saw more than 10,000 soldiers this year, according to a division spokesperson. Of those, 1,000 troops were forwarded for additional sessions for themselves or couple's counseling. However, mandatory checks run the risk of clogging up appointment times for other soldiers, given the persistent staffing issues the Army experiences in the state. Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston has made mental health care one of the key components of his tenure, often advocating for leaders to tackle the issue through quality-of-life improvements. He says behavioral health is only one resource, warning that some leaders wrongly see a soldier seeking counseling as the problem being solved. "It's OK to seek help if you need help," Grinston said at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual conference in Washington, D.C., in October. "But I do want to caution you that that is not the panacea for all your problems. I think when we use all the resources that we have, I think we're all going to be in a better mental state. We can't just use only one resource." Veterans and service members experiencing a mental health emergency can call the Veteran Crisis Line, 988 and press 1. Help also is available by text, 838255, and via chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net. -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Related: Breakdowns, Ripped Clothing and Dying Batteries: Army Commits to Arctic But Still Figuring Out What Soldiers Need ANKARA, Turkey Sweden still has many steps to take to win Turkey's approval for its NATO membership bid, a top Turkish official said Tuesday as Sweden's new prime minister visited Ankara in hopes of eliminating the hurdle to his country joining the military alliance. Sweden and Finland abandoned their longstanding policies of military nonalignment and applied for NATO membership after Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February, fearing that Russian President Vladimir Putin might target them next. But Turkey, which joined NATO in 1952, has not yet endorsed their accession, which requires unanimous approval from existing alliance members. The Turkish government has accused Sweden and to a lesser degree Finland of ignoring its security concerns. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government is pressing the two countries to crack down on individuals it considers terrorists, including supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, and people the government suspects of orchestrating a failed 2016 coup in Turkey. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson held talks with Turkish parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop on Tuesday before being welcomed with an official ceremony at Erdogan's presidential palace, where two were scheduled to discuss Sweden's NATO membership. Turkey also has called for the lifting of an arms embargo imposed following its 2019 incursion into northern Syria to combat Kurdish militants. Sweden last month said it would lift the embargo. Sentop said the Turkish parliament welcomed Sweden's decision to remove restrictions in the defense industry but said groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists were still able to conduct propaganda, financing and recruitment activities in Sweden. No progress has been made regarding our extradition requests, Sentop added. Kristersson wrote Monday on Facebook that we will do significantly more in Sweden through new legislation that provides completely new opportunities to stop participation in terrorist organizations. Sweden would also support NATOs counter-terrorism fund to support the alliances ability to fight terrorism, he wrote. Sweden's new center-right government is taking a harder line not just toward the PKK, but also toward the Syrian Kurdish militia group YPG and its political branch, PYD. Turkey regards the YPG as the Syrian arm of the PKK. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told Swedish Radio there were close links between the PKK and the YPG/PYD, so Sweden would therefore keep a distance from Syrian groups in order not to harm relations with Turkey. Members of Sweden's previous Social Democratic government criticized the comments. Former Justice Minister Morgan Johansson called the new governments handling of the NATO accession process worrying and acquiescent. Kurds in Sweden were also critical. Kurdo Baksi, a Kurdish writer who has lived in Sweden for decades, called Billstrom's remarks disrespectful, given the sacrifices that Syrian Kurds made in fighting the Islamic State group. Around 100,000 Kurds live in Sweden, while Finland is home to 15,000 Kurds. In Syria, PYD spokesperson Sama Bakdash accused Turkey of supporting terrorist factions in Syria. We believe that the Swedish governments bowing to Turkish blackmail contradicts the principles and morals of Swedish society and the humanitarian attitudes that characterized Sweden, she said. All 30 NATO member countries must officially ratify the accession protocol for Finland and Sweden to join the alliance. Only the parliaments of Turkey and Hungary have yet to do so. Last week, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg traveled to Turkey and urged the country to set aside its reservations, insisting the Nordic neighbors had done enough to satisfy Ankaras concerns. Both countries have taken a number of steps, but it is difficult to say that they have fulfilled their commitments at this stage, the state-run Anadolu Agency quoted Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as saying Monday. ___ Karl Ritter in Stockholm, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark and Hogir Al Abdo in Raqqa, Syria contributed to this report. These days, its hard to think of a veteran who could have served from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Its happened, of course, but imagine a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Mexican War fighting in the Civil War. Thats a span of more than 50 years, much longer than the 24 years that separated the beginning of WWII and the Vietnam War. Then again, pivotal battles werent literally in Americas front yard during the 20th century. Your average 69-year-old might be happy to ride out his golden years from a rocking chair, but not John Burns. He fought in the War of 1812 and the Mexican War and even tried to work as a supply driver for the Union Army. He was ultimately sent back to his home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, none too happy to be excluded from the war. He was considered eccentric by the rest of the town. Thats what happens when youre fighting wars for longer than most people at the time spent in school. Burns also already lived twice as long as the average American of the time and was ready to do more for his country. But Gettysburg was much farther north than the Confederates could ever attack -- or so he thought. Keep off of John Burns lawn. (National Park Service) When Confederate Gen. Jubal Early captured the town, Burns was the constable and was jailed for trying to interfere with Confederate military operations. When the Confederates were pushed out of Gettysburg by the Union, Burns began arresting Confederate stragglers for treason. Still, his contributions to the Union didnt end there. On the morning of July 1, 1863, Burns watched as the Battle of Gettysburg began to unfold near his home. Like a true American hero, he picked up his rifle -- a flintlock musket, which required the use of a powder horn -- and calmly walked over to the battle to see how he could help. He borrowed a more modern musket (now a long-standing Army tradition) from a wounded Union soldier, picked up some cartridges, then walked over to the commander of the 150th Pennsylvania Infantry and asked to join the regiment. This time, he wasnt turned away, but the 150th Pennsylvania commanders sent Burns to Herbst Woods, away from where the officers believed the main area of fighting would be. They were wrong. Herbst Woods was the site of the first Confederate offensive of the battle. Burns, sharpshooting for the Iron Brigade, helped repel this offensive as part of a surprise counterattack. There's a lot of red arrows headed that way. (American Battlefield Trust) Burns was mocked by other troops for showing up to fight with his antiquated weapon and swallowtail coat with brass buttons, yellow vest, and tall hat. But when the bullets started to fly, he calmly took cover behind a tree and started to shoot back with his modern rifle. He also fought alongside the 7th Wisconsin Infantry and then moved to support the 24th Michigan. He was wounded in the arm, legs and chest before he was left on the field when the Union forces had to fall back. Burns ditched his rifle and buried his ammo before passing out from blood loss. He tried to convince the rebels he was an old man looking to find help for his wife, but accounts of how well that story worked vary. Anyone fighting in an army outside of a uniform could be executed as a bushwhacker, but the ruse must have worked on some level because he survived his wounds and lived for another nine years. The Battle of Gettysburg turned out to be a major turning point in the Civil War. The Confederates would spend the rest of the war -- two years -- on the defensive. As the poem John Burns of Gettysburg, written after the war by Francis Bret Harte, goes: So raged the battle. You know the rest. How the rebels, beaten and backward pressed, Broke at the final charge and ran. At which John Burns a practical man Shouldered his rifle, unbent his brows, And then went back to his bees and cows. Burns became a national hero after the battle. When President Abraham Lincoln stopped in the Pennsylvania town to deliver the Gettysburg Address, he asked to speak with Burns and met the veteran at his home. He was photographed, which was a big deal at the time, and a poem was written about his life. A statue of Burns was erected at Gettysburg National Military Park in 1903, where it stands today. The statue of John Burns. (National Park Service) The base of the statue reads: My thanks are specially due to a citizen of Gettysburg named John Burns who although over seventy years of age shouldered his musket and offered his services to Colonel Wister One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Colonel Wister advised him to fight in the woods as there was more shelter there but he preferred to join our line of skirmishers in the open fields when the troops retired he fought with the Iron Brigade. He was wounded in three places. -- Gettysburg report of Maj. Gen. Doubleday. More articles from We Are the Mighty: 11 Regional American foods wed like to see in MREs 11 things I learned about Star Trek after enlisting in the military Genghis Khan killed so many people it was good for the environment We Are The Mighty (WATM) celebrates service with stories that inspire. WATM is made in Hollywood by veterans. It's military life presented like never before. Check it out at We Are the Mighty. -- 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. You can't keep a good man down, especially when that man participated in Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944. British World War II veteran Bernard Jordan was a former Royal Navy officer who used to tell people "what he did during the war was nothing unusual, and only what many thousands of others did for their country," according to his nursing home staff. What he did at age 89 was nothing short of extraordinary. After being denied a trip to return to Normandy for the 70th anniversary of the event with the Royal British Legion, the elderly veteran took it upon himself to go anyway. He walked out of the home one morning and never looked back. On June 5, 2014, Jordan walked out of The Pines care home in Hove, England, at 10:30 a.m. wearing a jacket and his war medals underneath a gray mac raincoat. By evening, the home's staff were worried about Jordan, who had neither returned nor checked in. Police searched the local area for the man. After checking with taxi and bus operators, neither of whom had seen Jordan that day, police officers were flummoxed. They should have checked with ferry and train operators, because Jordan had hopped on a train to Brighton where he then enjoyed a "first-class" trip across the English Channel to France. The staff of The Pines had tried to get Jordan on the Royal British Legion trip, but failed. Jordan was a former mayor of Hove. It was not the home's staff that prevented the former naval officer from going on the trip. The Pines told the Guardian that Jordan had his full mental capacities and was free to come and go from the building as he pleased. "I knew he was a game old boy; he certainly has his wits about him," Brittany Ferries employee Sonia Pittam told ITV. By 10:30 p.m. that night, a younger veteran called his nursing home to tell them Jordan was all right and staying at a hotel in Ouistreham, near the port city of Caen, France. Although his wife was aware of his travel plans, his unannounced trip caught the world's attention and earned Jordan the nickname the "Great Escapee." "My thoughts were with my mates who had been killed," Jordan later said. "I was going to pay my respects. I was a bit off course, but I got there." Along with Jordan and hundreds of other surviving D-Day veterans, France hosted 19 world leaders to the remembrance event, including President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Normandy Veterans Association also held its last-ever parade at Arromanches, before disbanding later that year. 156,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy that day. An estimated 2,500 to 4,000 died there. Another 9,000 German defenders also died in the landings. "There were a lot of other people on the beaches of Normandy that day. This lovely attention is for them, really, not me," Jordan said of the media spectacle his escape caused. D-DAY BERNARD from ITV News Meridian on Vimeo. The day after the 70th anniversary event, he was aboard another ferry, headed home to "face the music." In reality, there wasn't any music to face. Jordan returned to The Pines care home and walked in to a hero's welcome and a cup of tea after his journey. "It was a first class show," Jordan told ITV correspondent Paul Davies. "I had a good time, every minute of it. I'm pleased I did it. I'd do it again tomorrow." Jordan announced his intention to make a similar escape in 2015 to attend the next anniversary. He died peacefully at home in The Pines on Jan. 6, 2015. -- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook. San Francisco, Nov 8 (UNI) After purging his Twitter, Elon Musk has reportedly put together a small team of his own - of friends and confidantes - and entrusted them with the job of implementing his vision for the social media platform. Apparently it includes Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-origin software engineer and former Twitter executive who left the company last year, a BBC report says. Last week, Krishnan, who now works at the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz or a16z, tweeted that he was "helping out Mr Musk temporarily", just after the unceremonious sacking of former CEO Parag Agrawal and other Indian-origin executives. It is not immediately clear in what capacity Krishnan will be joining Twitter, the BBC said, adding that when contacted for comment, Krishnan said he "can't help right now with anything Twitter-related". It's also hard to say how close his association with Musk is at this point, though reports have repeatedly described him as a part of his "inner circle". In a 2021 interview to a YouTube channel called Silicon Valley Girl, Krishnan said he and his wife Aarthi Ramamurthy first got to know Musk when he helped with "something Twitter-related" a few years ago and that they "built a relationship through that". The couple also met Musk during a private tour of SpaceX's headquarters in California "several years ago", according to The New York Times. But the most prominent exchange between them came in February 2021 when Musk appeared in a talk show the couple hosted on Clubhouse. Social media burst out with incredulity - the world's richest man had just showed up on an invite-only app for an exclusive - and the show began to trend heavily, the BBC reported. The Good Time Show, which has since moved to other platforms, continues to be hugely popular in the US. The podcast offers a glimpse into the overlapping worlds of internet culture, politics and the latest developments in Silicon Valley, where Krishnan and Ramamurthy are well-known figures. Marc Andreessen, the co-founder of a16z, says that Mr Krishnan is "perhaps the only person in the world to have served in senior product positions in the three biggest social platforms of our time", according to the company website. In addition to Twitter, the 37-year-old worked at Microsoft, Yahoo, Snap and Facebook in the past. Ramamurthy has worked at Facebook and Netflix before starting two of her own companies. Together, they have been described as a well-connected "tech power couple". Krishnan was born in Chennai to a "very traditional" middle-income household. His life changed when he convinced his father to buy him a computer - a luxury in the late 1990s, he had told the YouTube channel. "It cost about Rs 60,000-70,000, a large part of my father's pay check," he told in the 2021 interview. "I told him I would use it for my studies." But he still did not have internet because a dial-up connection was expensive and unaffordable. So he would buy coding books instead to teach himself the basics, and practise every night. Krishnan met Ramamurthy online in 2002 while studying engineering at Anna University, Chennai. "A mutual friend wanted to start a coding project, so he decided to get the two nerdiest people he knew - me and Aarthi - on board," he told the YouTube channel earlier. "One of our first dates was watching bit-torrent copy of a 1999 Silicon Valley film in my tiny room," Krishnan said in the interview. Their big break came a few months later when one of Krishnan's blog posts on Microsoft was noticed by a company executive, who then hired the couple in 2005. In 2007, Krishnan moved to the US and Ramamurthy joined him six months later. After working at Microsoft, the couple moved on to other big tech companies. They got American citizenship in 2017. Last December, they started their career as podcasters - a decision born out of pandemic-fuelled boredom, Krishnan has explained in the past. So, they decided to get on to Clubhouse, which became popular during the pandemic, to have conversations about the tech space. The interviews are woven with analysis and candid repartee with experts, including the likes of Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, the BBC said. Krishnan has been an open admirer of Musk in the past, describing him as an "inspirational person and an iconic founder". He has also openly supported Musk's vision for Twitter and criticised practices such as de-platforming on the microblogging website. "Having extrajudicial internet cops that lead to enforcement on your platform is the road to dystopian authoritarianism," he wrote on Twitter last month. There's speculation that Musk might have got Mr Krishnan - a cryptocurrency expert - on board to integrate his doge bitcoin with Twitter, the BBC report added. UNI ING MONDAY: The deal is official, with the Padres announcing the signing of Hosmer as well as the key terms. SATURDAY: The Padres have agreed to sign first baseman Eric Hosmer, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The contract is an eight-year deal that includes an opt-out clause after the fifth season, according to MLB Networks Jon Morosi (via Twitter). The deal contains a full no-trade clause for the first three seasons and then limited no-trade protection afterwards, Bleacher Reports Scott Miller reports (Twitter links). Hosmer will be paid $20MM in each of the first five seasons and $13MM in the three remaining years, plus a $5MM signing bonus. The $144MM total figure represents the largest contract in the history of the Padres franchise. Hosmer is represented by the Boras Corporation. The agreement concludes a rather unusual trip through the open market for Hosmer, and he winds up on a team that nobody couldve predicted as a potential suitor last fall. With a rebuild underway and Wil Myers safely locked in at first base, the Padres didnt at all appear to fit as a landing spot for Hosmers services. Instead, San Diego rather quickly emerged as an interested party in Hosmer, as the team felt that his young age (he turned 28 last October) indicated that he could still be a productive cornerstone player when the Padres were again ready to contend. With Hosmer now signed, in fact, its possible that the Friars could push that contention timeline forward by at least one season. [Updated Padres depth chart at Roster Resource] Hosmer is the second major free agent first baseman to join a surprise team this winter, after Carlos Santanas deal with the Phillies. Both signings represent aggressive moves by rebuilding clubs, and while Philadelphia has been widely expected to kickstart their ride back into contention with a big splurge in the 2018-19 free agent market, the Padres were seen to be at least a couple of years away since most of the top names in their well-regarded farm system were still in the lower minors. General manager A.J. Preller is no stranger to aggressive moves, so it wouldnt be surprising if he tried to deal some of those young blue-chippers for players that could help the Padres as soon as 2019. The lackluster San Diego lineup has now added three notable veteran upgrades this offseason, though obviously Hosmer is a long-term asset in a way that Chase Headley and Freddy Galvis (potential trade chips and both signed through only 2018) are not. Myers will shift into a corner outfield spot, leaving Jose Pirela, Hunter Renfroe, Alex Dickerson, Cory Spangenberg, and Matt Szczur all battling for regular at-bats in the other corner position or in bench roles. The Padres could also look to deal from this surplus to add pitching depth in the rotation or bullpen. Hosmer entered free agency on the heels of a career year that saw him hit .318/.385/.498 (all career bests) with 25 homers and 98 runs scored over 671 plate appearances with the Royals last season, and he was also one of five players who appeared in all 162 of his teams games in 2017. As good as he was, however, Hosmer is still looking to string together consecutive quality seasons as a big leaguer he has alternated between strong years and replacement-level performances in each of the last six seasons. Hosmers grounder-heavy offensive attack seems to leave him prone to a wide variance in production, as he has been pretty average in the power and walks department. It has been theorized that Hosmers approach at the plate would differ if he left Kauffman Stadium, though moving to another pitcher-friendly stadium in Petco Park will make it interesting to see what adjustments, if any, Hosmer makes. These question marks surrounding Hosmers status as a top-tier player, plus the general chill surrounding the free agent class as a whole this offseason, may have contributed to a relative lack of teams in his market. With other possible first base-needy teams (i.e. the Red Sox, Mariners, Cardinals) turning to other lineup options, Hosmers market was seemingly limited to just the Padres and Royals. A Hosmer reunion also seemed somewhat curious for a K.C. team that appears to be entering a rebuild stage, though the Royals also valued Hosmers youth and potential as a long-term building block, particularly since he has already contributed to one World Series title and is hugely popular within both the Kansas City community and the Royals clubhouse. The Royals had reportedly offered Hosmer a seven-year deal in the nine-figure range, though the exact dollar figure wasnt quite certain. Instead, the Royals will now receive an extra pick after the first round of the June amateur draft as compensation for Hosmer (who rejected a qualifying offer) signing elsewhere for more than $50MM. Combined with their other compensation pick for Lorenzo Cains deal with the Brewers, plus their Competitive Balance Draft selection, the Royals currently have four of the top 40 picks in the draft, setting them up for a strong reload of their farm system. Another pick will be coming their way if Mike Moustakas signs elsewhere, as well. For the Padres, since they are revenue-sharing recipients and didnt exceed the luxury tax, theyll only have to surrender their third-highest draft pick as penalty for signing Hosmer. The Padres had reportedly issued a seven-year offer worth under $140MM to Hosmer, so it looks like the extra year and the extra bit of cash sealed the deal. Hosmer is guaranteed to make at least $105MM as a Padre, and hell have the option of testing the free agent market again after his age-32 season. MLBTR projected Hosmer for a six-year, $132MM deal this winter (ranking third on our list of the offseasons top 50 free agents), so Hosmers actual deal fell short in average annual value ($18MM per year to our $22MM per year) but contained more potential years and a larger overall dollar figure. If Hosmer does opt out, hell have earned an average of $21MM per season over the first five years. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images In one of the most obvious opt-out decisions in recent memory, Red Sox first baseman Eric Hosmer will forgo his opportunity to return to the open market, tweets Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Hes now locked into the final three years and $39MM of the contract, although the Sox are only on the hook for the league minimum in each of the next three seasons. The Padres are paying the remainder of Hosmers salary each season under the terms of the deadline trade that sent him to Boston. The eight-year, $144MM contract Hosmer signed with San Diego prior to the 2018 season went south almost immediately. A then-27-year-old Hosmer posted a massive .318/.385/.498 slash and swatted 25 homers for the second consecutive season in 2017 his final year with the Royals, who originally drafted him No. 3 overall in 2008. That led to the aforementioned eight-year deal for Hosmer, but his offensive production cratered in year one with the Friars, as he hit just .253/.322/.398 in his first year with the team. Over the first five seasons of that nine-figure contract, Hosmer has been exactly average at the plate, by measure of wRC+. Hes hit .265/.325/.409 and averaged 18 home runs and 30 doubles per 162 games played. Hosmer hasnt necessarily been a bad hitter, but his $18MM annual salary was promised to him under the assumption that hed continue on as a well above-average, middle-of-the-order hitter. That simply hasnt been the case, due in large part to the fact that Hosmers bloated ground-ball rate with the Royals actually got even higher with the Friars. Since signing in San Diego, 56.5% of Hosmers batted balls have been hit on the ground the fourth-highest mark among 315 qualified MLB hitters in that stretch. Perhaps the limitations on infield shifts that are coming in 2023 will help Hosmer in that regard, but his repeated inability to elevate the ball will continue to suppress his power output. The Padres traded Hosmer and a pair of minor leaguers (Corey Rosier and Max Ferguson) to the Red Sox in exchange for former first-round pick Jay Groome, agreeing to pay Hosmers salary down to the league minimum as part of the contract. Hosmer also was granted a full no-trade clause as part of that deal, so hell have the final say on whether hell remain in Boston through 2025 unless the Sox ultimately release him. For now, hell give the Red Sox a cost-effective veteran first baseman or perhaps designated hitter, dependent on when the team is ready to give top prospect Triston Casas a full-time look in the big leagues. Africas most decorated rapper, Michael Owusu-Addo, better known as Sarkodie, has served his fans and the entire music fraternity with the tracklist of his upcoming 8th studio album, "JAMZ." The 10-track album is set to be released finally on Friday, November 11, to replace the incredible year old "No Pressure" album. Out of the 10 tracks, the rapper had his singular way on only one of them, titled "Confam." He featured three Ghanaian artists, King Promise, Cina Soul, and Black Sherif on the tracks "Labadi," "Over Me," and "Country Side" respectively. Four Nigerian artists, Lojay, BNXN, Joeboy, and Oxlade were recruited alongside Jamaican Kranium and also Ink Boy. Sarkodie released his first-ever album, Rapperholic, in 2012, followed by Sarkology in 2014, Mary in 2015, Highest in 2017, Black Love and Alpha (an EP) both in 2019, and No Pressure in September 2021. Many fans are anticipating the rapper's finest albums while hoping he gets a Grammy nomination this year. Check the full tracklist as well as all the featured artistes below; Mr. Opoku Kwarteng, the father of late reggae-dancehall musician, also known as Star Boy Kwarteng, has weighed in on former Shatta Movement (SM) militant Wizla Finito's claims that Shatta Wale should be investigated in connection with Vibrant Fire and Ebony's deaths. Yo Wale since you want to release secrets and lie about Bulldog that he knows something about Kwaw Keses late manager Fenicks death, you too tell Ghanaians what you know about the death of Ebony and Vybrant Fire. I told you that you are playing with fire that you dont want to touch, and all the madness go soon tear from your eye top Falaaa. I will be coming live today to expose you on how you went to Ebonys funeral and shed fake tears to confuse Ghanaians. You wanna play, then bring it on make we see your Fada, portions of Wizlas post reads. He stressed Tell us what you know about Ebonys death, and tell us what you know about Vybrant Fires death. You wish Blacko was out of the way cos you see him as a threat but unfortunately, you are not strong enough like before to get him out. Your days are numbered bro, youre gradually going down Falaaa, mark my words. Mr. Kwarteng claims that the fallout from these allegations has kept him awake at night because, despite his daughter's death, she remains dear to his heart. He has pleaded with the Ghana Police Service to investigate Shatta Wale in the same way that they are investigating Kwaw Kese's late manager, Fennec Okyeres murder allegations. As you already know, I dont joke with anything that affects my late daughter and as Ive always done Ill delve into this. I had to look into it because I cant let go that easily. Soon Ill be reporting the problem with the footage I have and the statement that has been issued to the police headquarters. The celebrated Ghanaian filmmaker, Prince David Osei, has passed some words of caution to his fans and the entire youth of the country. In his assertion, people should be able to differentiate between individuals who are indeed serious in life. According to him, some people are just time wasters. When one is disturbed by another, the actor says he or she should not just decide to retaliate because some people are not worth the valuable time and energy one may use to take revenge on them. In a tweet, the outspoken filmmaker subtly wrote, "Dont waste your words on people who deserve your silence!" Prince recently made headlines after making a U-turn to criticise his 'darling boy' Nana Akufo-Addo over economic hardships. In a lengthy Instagram post, the pro-NPP entertainer urged the President to address the recent economic crisis to save the citizens and to secure his [Nana Akufo- Addo's] legacy. "Mr President! With all due respect Mr President, why are you sleeping on Ghanaians... This is not acceptable Mr President. We deserve better, we know there are global crises and hardships. Yes, we know! "But it looks like you and your ministers are determined to inflict untoward hardship on the citizenry. I decided to give you and your government the benefit of the doubt, I reckon I was wrong!" he said. He continued, The Youth of this nation are not smiling, it pours, but we are still sweating. If things don't change by December, we will mobilise the youth of this country and hit the street irrespective of party affiliations, whether NPP, NDC, CQQ, PNC whatever, it doesn't matter now, we are all in this together. "God bless our motherland ???????? We want to see improvement in our livelihoods. If you have to sack some people do it without fear or favour because your legacy is on the line, Sir!! Nana Akufo-Addo," he stressed. Nigerian film, television, theatre and voice actor Deyemi Okanlawon has clarified the long-held question about his frequent roles in hit movies. The actor has been frequently assigned to roles where he dies in movies like "Blood Sisters" and his recent one, "Elesin Oba." Following the premiere of the new movie, a fan who appeared to be worried or probably curious about it asked on Twitter, "Why is Deyemi dying in every blockbuster film tho?" The actors reply, which has been trending since yesterday, November 7, got many laughing as he only explained he does it for the sake of being paid big. In a pidgin, he responded, Bruh e fit be say na budget cause am o! If I bill you my daily rate you fit wan kee me for real life! meaning it's because of the money involved, if you can afford me a bigger amount, you can even kill in real life. 07.11.2022 LISTEN The newly elected Talensi Constituency Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region Augustine Mmi-Oni Guure has dared that if the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the stalled Pawlungu Multi-purpose dam project. He said he would resign from his position as a constituency Secretary if the NPP government is able to construct the Pawlungu Multi-purpose dam project up to 60 percent before 2024. According to Mr. Guure, his words are not a prophecy but a knowledge of how the NPP government has failed in delivering its promises. The worst they can do is to start the process not to even get to 30 to 40 percent of that project nor talk of completing it and I dare him, he should write it down somewhere and one day he will ask me if is true. I will resign from my office. The NDC Secretary there the challenge during an interview with this reporter on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. According to Mr. Guure, these people are not taking Ghanaians serious. Am telling you to mark it somewhere if by the end of 2 years, by the end of 2024 if the NPP is able to construct the Pwalungu Multi-Purpose dam up to 60 percent, I will resign as Talensi Constituency Secretary. I am a man of my word and I mean what am saying." However, he believes it is about time the governing party speaks the truth to the people of the Upper East region and stop the politics of lies and deceit. We are deprived of development, we are underdeveloped. So, when the opportunities are given we shouldnt be looking at equalization. President Akufo-Addo cut sod for the construction of the Pwalungu Multipurpose dam on November 29, 2019, and since then, the stalled project has generated a whole lot of controversy in the region. 08.11.2022 LISTEN The Chairman of the UK/Ireland Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Alhassan Mbalba has taken a swipe at Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over the worsening economic crisis in the country. He said the weak economic fundamentals have exposed Dr. Bawumia's incompetence. According to him, the Vice President has been caught up in his own web of lies and deceit. Speaking to this reporter Wednesday, November 2, Alhaji Mbalba noted the Vice President should be blamed as head of the Economic Management Team. Alhaji Mbalba described Dr. Bawumia as a failed economist who has quickly abandoned his responsibility as the head of the government economic management team and now found refuge in the digitalisation agenda. A celebrated economist who got appointed as Vice President because of his economist credentials is now going about talking about digitalization, who told him we dont have I.T experts in Ghana? We have a National Communication Authority, we have the Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, and there are a lot of government agencies that are best qualified to talk about I.T in Ghana. But, because he has failed woefully in the area of economics, he is seeking refuge in the area he has no expertise. No wonder, the economy of Ghana is on its knees, he stressed. Dhaka, Nov 8 (UNI) The United States hopes that Bangladesh will have free and fair elections. The country urged the government to create an environment for this and ensure that opposition parties can campaign. MR Price, the spokesperson of the US Department of State, said this in Washington on Monday (November 7). He did not directly answer a question about whether the United States would call for the release of the Bangladeshi opposition leader. Price said the U.S.'s fundamental position, like other countries in the world, is discussed with Bangladesh privately and publicly. Stating that democracy and human rights are central to US foreign policy, he said, "We call for strengthening the democratic process and political institutions in our discussions." At the same time, we call for the rule of law, protection of human rights and preservation of fundamental freedoms for all Bangladeshis. The United States hopes and supports that social participation in the upcoming elections will be strengthened and that the people of Bangladesh will elect their government through free and fair elections. UNI MAZ SHK 1954 Arguably, Ghana under the 4th Republic recorded her first most heated elections in 2008. The battle between the late President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the current President, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo end up in a run-off before late President Mills was declared the winner. At the Electoral Commission's Strong Room, there was a heated argument that got featured in the famous "African Elections" documentary. The verbal exchange occurred between the current aspiring NPP presidential candidate, Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, then-candidate Akufo-Addos agent and NDCs Rojo Mettle, Vandarpuye, Fiifi Kwetey, Kobby Acheampong and two others. As captured in the documentary, at exactly 5:14 PM, NDCs Rojo Mettle is seen making a complaint to someone via phone call, telling the person how Kwabena Agyapongs appearance in the room has suddenly transmogrified the figures to over 95,000. In the midst of an argument, Mr. Rojo and his other NDC reps warned Mr. Agyapong to stop his dubious act or else he won't survive it. Mr. Agyapong responds, "What?" "I won't survive what?" in a confident voice. Mr. Kwabena Agyei was speaking about his role in the 17 candidates who contested the NPP 2008 flagbearership race when the thought of this incident came up. He knew he couldn't win the primaries at the time, but he said it was strategically done to sell himself to the party for members to know what he stands for. According to him, he is very optimistic about winning the upcoming flagbearership race. Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, outgoing NDC Deputy National Youth Organizer 08.11.2022 LISTEN Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, the outgoing National Deputy Youth Organizer for the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has decided his next political ambition. He has declared his intention to succeed the outgoing Ketu North MP, Mr. James Klutse Avedzi. Mr. Klutse, who also serves as the Chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, stated in 2021 that he will not contest again when his term ends in 2025. Mr. Edem Abgana explained in a lengthy Facebook post why he did not run for any position in the party's upcoming national elections, despite being persuaded by many party opinion leaders. According to him, he took the decision after the 2020 general elections after consulting several elderly people in the party. It was not an easy period of waiting for God. Fast Forward, God gave us the signs that we needed, and we took a decision NOT to contest for a national position this year. Many people were disappointed, I was summoned by some elders and leaders of the party, and I needed to answer many questions. Fast forward, here we are, I didnt pick forms for any national executive position. I am very grateful to the NDC for the opportunity to serve as DNYO. We started working on the next project - to represent the people of Ketu North as the Member of Parliament. The enormity of the work ahead scared me at the beginning, but there is something about God, when He gives you a direction, He makes provision for you, he revealed. Read his full write-up below Shortly after the 2020 elections, I consulted some people on the next political step to take. Some viable options were on the table. The key consideration is not just winning an election, it is always about my capacity to do the work. I was very certain that in any of those 4 options on the table, Gods Grace was sufficient to grant me victory and also the capacity to perform excellently. These were people who I respect, and cherish. Their advice came from a good place, I mean, they meant well for me as an individual, the NDC as a party, and Ghana as a whole. On any day, I will always rely on their wise counsel. I took a little break away from everyone else and decided to consult my pastors and spiritual fathers. It was not an easy period of waiting for God. Fast Forward, God gave us the signs that we needed, and we took a decision NOT to contest for a national position this year. Many people were disappointed, I was summoned by some elders and leaders of the party, and I needed to answer many questions. Fast forward, here we are, I didnt pick forms for any national executive position. I am very grateful to the NDC for the opportunity to serve as DNYO. We started working on the next project - to represent the people of Ketu North as the Member of Parliament. The enormity of the work ahead scared me at the beginning, but there is something about God, when He gives you a direction, He makes provision for you. When deciding on your future, consult wide, appreciate everyones perspective, but most importantly, seek Gods voice. Interestingly, a few days before the National nominations were opened, Facebook Memories reminded me of a post I made in October 2010 about becoming a Member of Parliament (See Screenshot in Frame 1). I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE DISAPPOINTED, what I need from you is your Prayers and Support on the journeys ahead. I remain unwaveringly committed to working for H.E John Mahama and the NDC to win 2024. I will officially launch my campaign at the appropriate time, but this is just to answer the numerous questions about why Im not contesting for any national executive position. BEST WISHES TO ALL ASPIRANTS. May the Best emerge Victorious. GOD IS THE LIFTER OF MEN. #GodGotUs Former President John Dramani Mahama has once again offered economic advice to President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo amidst the worsening economic crisis. He wants the President to immediately suspend his plans to build offices for Members of Parliament (MPs) in their various constituencies. This, Mr. Mahama, explained in a Facebook post on Monday, November 7, that it will save Ghana some money to deal with the current economic predicaments the country is facing. The proposed building of Constituency offices for MPs should be shelved until the economy is out of the woods. In the interim, office space can be found within the District Assemblies or other government buildings for the purpose, he noted. The 2020 NDC presidential candidate stressed that government must use the state funds only for things of utmost importance. He added that things that can provide jobs to the unemployed youth and bring about national development. In our current economic state, public funds must go into projects that are necessary and which meet the pressing needs of our people in the communities. Such projects must have tangible and measurable impact on job creation and national development, the former President wrote. The National Communications Director of the governing New Patriotic Party, Richard Ahiagba, has expressed displeasure at the people of Anlo hooted at Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia at the durbar of the Hogbestsosto Za festival. On Saturday, November 5, while delivering a keynote address at the durbar, the disappointed citizens started chanting "away! away!" till the Vice President finished his speech. This is the third time in two months that some disgruntled citizens have expressed their displeasure in the form of booing over what they say is economic mismanagement that has resulted in the current economic quagmire. It all started when President Akufo-Addo was booed by the crowd at the 2022 Global Citizens Festival, held at Independence Square, Accra. He was also booed when during his visit to the Ashanti Region. This, according to Mr. Ahiagba, makes him sad, especially the fact that leaders are not cautioning such youth about such behaviours. Mr. Ahiagba asked the youth to desist from such bad conduct before it turns Ghanaian politics into a "shouting contest." I am saddened by my kinsmen hooting at DMB, at Hogbe, not only that I'm an NPP, but because of the deafening silence of thought leaders at this poor conduct which is fast becoming the norm. We must deal with it b4 our politics turns into a shouting contest, he said in a tweet on Sunday, November 6. Paul Rusesabagina is perhaps one of the world's best known Rwandans. His actions during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi were made famous in the 2004 Hollywood film Hotel Rwanda . The film was inspired by what happened inside Hotel des Mille Collines in the capital, Kigali. Here, 1,268 Rwandans, both Tutsis and Hutus, were saved from genocidal forces waiting beyond its walls. The film depicts Rusesabagina who left Rwanda in 1996 as a hero who saved these lives. Following the film's release, Rusesabagina received several humanitarian awards, including the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 from former president George W Bush. He eventually became a US resident and Belgian citizen. On 27 August 2020, however, Rwandan officials arrested Rusesabagina. Human Rights Watch accused the Rwandan government of intentionally misleading him into a flight to Kigali. The government accused Rusesabagina of supporting anti-Rwanda groups. He was charged with terrorism, arson, kidnapping and murder over two attacks in 2018 that killed nine Rwandans. On 20 September 2021, Rusesabagina was convicted of these charges. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Since his conviction, Rwanda has rebuffed growing international pressure for Rusesabagina's release. In August 2022, during a visit to Kigali, US secretary of state Antony Blinken urged the government to release Rusesabagina. In Hollywood, actors and actresses have highlighted the issue through a Free Rusesabagina clothing campaign. Read more: The US and Rwanda: how the relationship has evolved since the 1994 genocide In my most recent research paper , I focused on the Rusesabagina case. Based on interviews with Rwandans, I conclude that Hollywood's interpretation of historical events significantly differs from those who lived in the hotel during the genocide. Hotel Rwanda is a double-edged sword for the country. On one hand, it introduced the horrific 1994 genocide to a world that knew little of what had happened in the small African nation. Over 100 days between 6 April and 19 July, Rwanda witnessed the deaths of up to one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus. On the other hand, the film's historical inaccuracies built up Rusesabagina's profile. Based on what I found during the course of the interviews I did, I argue that he used his fame to promote his version of Rwandan history and his desire for political power . My research findings echo those of others, including Rwandan academics , who have explored the mismatch in narratives. Many in the global north, whose primary knowledge of Rwanda consists of the film, were swayed to Rusesabagina's rather than Rwandans' expression of their history, goals and desires. This narrative was driven to a large extent by human rights groups, which have been highly critical of the country's human rights record . Differing narratives Between 2008 and 2018, more than 100 Hotel des Mille Collines survivors discussed with me their historical experiences and belief that Rusesabagina was not the reason they were still alive. I conducted most of these interviews at the hotel and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which houses the remains of more than 250,000 genocide victims. My research also used existing networks within the Rwandan government and civil society organisations. Survivors who were at the hotel said Rusesabagina ran the hotel as a personal profit-making venture. If one could not pay him, one would face expulsion from the hotel's grounds, which meant certain death. One survivor said: If you could pay, you would stay in a room. If you couldn't pay for a room, you could pay to stay in a hallway. If you couldn't pay that, you could pay to stay by the pool. If you couldn't pay that, he (Rusesabagina) would demand you to leave. One hotel worker told me this: He (Rusesabagina) didn't care about any of us (workers). I begged him to let them (my family) stay as I was working there (at the hotel) for a long time. He didn't care and demanded I pay him money or he would throw them out to be killed. Several other survivor stories suggest a different narrative from the one in the film. In Hotel Rwanda, Rusesabagina is depicted as collecting money only to pay off genocide perpetrators. Rusesabagina during the genocide Prior to the genocide, Rusesabagina worked at the neighbouring Hotel des Diplomates. He took over the management of Hotel des Mille Collines after discovering that its European manager, Bik Cornelis, had been evacuated. One former hotel worker told me: a few days into the killings, Rusesabagina walked in one day and saw that the old manager (Cornelis) was taken with the other Europeans. He called (the hotel owners) and told them to only work with him. They had no idea what was going on and probably hadn't talked to Cornelis yet, so they agreed. While the film credits Rusesabagina with creating an oasis during the conflict, he's not the reason the hotel one of the few areas offering refuge at the time survived attacks from those behind the genocide. Not depicted in the film are the seven to 10 United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR) soldiers who were constantly positioned in front of the facility. In his book , Romeo Dallaire, a former commander of this UN mission, says he stationed troops at the hotel's only entrance as a symbolic indication that it was under the UN's protection. Dallaire has spoken out against Hotel Rwanda as historical revisionism. Further, the Interahamwe, the primary Hutu death squads responsible for the genocidal killings, had been directed to stay outside the walls of the hotel. They allowed people to run into it, but would threaten or kill those who tried to leave. One former Interahamwe who had been stationed about 20 metres from the hotel's entrance told me that he received instructions from his regional commander to just stay put by the hotel and to allow the Tutsis and others to have access. The hotel was also used for prisoner exchanges and it would be the final spot for us to cleanse (murder the Tutsis) once we beat the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Front). The Rwandan Patriotic Front, led by Paul Kagame, took control of the country in July, ending the genocide. The horrors of the 100-day period led to Rwanda's focus on forming a new single ethnic identity: Rwandan. Jonathan Beloff receives funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. By Jonathan Beloff, Postdoctoral Research Associate, King's College London Brigadier-General (RTD) Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, a former National Security Advisor to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, has disclosed how he was kicked out by President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo. He said seeing the economy heading into a ditch, he decided to reach out to the President to help with advice. Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Neat FM, the security expert revealed how close he used to be with President Akufo-Addo but rejected when he decided to draw the President's attention to the direction the country was heading. I know President Akufo-Addo more than any other politician, I was his campaign Manager in 1998. You said you won't call me so I decided to reach out to him myself but he says he doesn't have the time, what should I do again? he quizzes. He made this revelation when the host asked what he could do to help save Ghana from its current situation. Due to the embarrassment he suffered, Brigadier-General Nunoo-Mensah revealed that he has learned from his mistakes and wouldn't want to be disgraced again. " . . experience is the best teacher and based on our knowledge of the past we knew this would happen so I decided to go to the President. I went with a friend and approached Kwame Mpiani and he called Gabby on the phone to give us access to speak to the President. One week later we didn't hear from anyone . . . I was really sad because we were not going to beg the President for anything . . . I offered myself," he vowed. He stressed that "our [Ghana] politics is ugly. Management of Sunyani Technical University are calling for an increase in the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) annual allocation to the university toward the early completion of the Science Park project, which began almost two decades ago. The 4-storey Science Park project began in 2007 but several years down the line, only the ground floor has been completed and put to use. Speaking at the durbar held over the weekend to climax activities marking the 55th anniversary of the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Ing. Professor Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, noted that the yearly allocation by GETFund toward the completion of the project has been woefully inadequate. I, therefore, appeal to the President to use his good offices to grant a special GETFund allocation to STU for the completion of this important project to resolve the acute staff office and classroom accommodation challenges facing the University at the moment, he stated. The Vice-Chancellor further called for the construction of the four-kilometer road network within the universitys campus, especially the road linking the main campus and the water-loo section of the institution, to save students and staff from grappling with dust during harmattan and mud during the rainy season. Ing. Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah also asked for the construction of a footbridge across the universitys main entrance and the other side of the main Sunyani-Kumasi road to save students and other pedestrians from frequent knockdowns by motorists. Industry captains He called on STUs business partners, alumni, corporate bodies, philanthropists and the public at large to take keen interest in the development of the institution for it to realize its mandate of raising the next generation of entrepreneurially inclined industry captains for job and wealth creation in Ghana and beyond. Ing. Dr. Kwame Agyeman Boakye, Chairman of the STU Governing Council, said in line with the governments decision to place more emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), STU continues to carve a niche for itself in the training of human resources, especially in the areas of engineering, technology, technical and vocational needs of the country. It has over the years produced some of the best professionals who have provided and continue to provide critical services, both in the public and the private sectors across the country, and indeed the world, he added. Ing. Dr. Agyeman Boakye said STU has over the years experienced productive growth, in terms of responsibility, scope of activities and student population, saying; At the moment, STU offers four-year Bachelor of Technology degree programmes, Higher National Diploma programmes all geared toward technical and vocational education and training. I am also happy to announce that we now have administrative approval to run two-year Research Master of Technology (M-Tech) degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Civil Engineering programmes. Efforts are also underway to obtain the requisite accreditation for the running of other post-graduate programmes in the near future, he added. The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene, underscored the crucial role of technical education in Ghanas industrialisation drive, which seeks to stimulate and transform the structure of the economy from primary to secondary levels. In view of this, the NPP government, led by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that technical education is given the needed impetus to drive the transformation to industrialisation and accelerated socio-economic development of the country, she explained. NDC flagbearership aspirant, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor has touted his achievements in the economic development of Ghana. His record as former Finance Minister and Governor of the Bank of Ghana he said, is enough justification that he can help alleviate the economic woes of Ghanaians when elected President. Speaking to Accra-based Kasapa FM, the business mogul asserted that he was gifted with the idea of creating jobs for the unemployed masses, as evidenced by his numerous companies. I have worked to create jobs for others all my life through the many companies that I have established over the years. That is what God has blessed me with. I am fulfilled when I see others working and feeding their families through the jobs I have created. That is my life purpose, he said. The business guru stressed that the achievements he chalked under the late President Atta Mills government are unprecedented, the best ever seen under the 4th Republic. "My economic track record is there for people to judge. From the numerous companies I have created and the thousands of jobs associated with them over the years, to the stable macro and microeconomic conditions during the period that I was Finance Minister under the government of President John Evans Atta Mills. It is the best economic record under this republic, he emphasised. Agbotadua Kumasah, a member of the Hogbetsotso Planning Committee, has spoken about the booing of Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia at this year's Hogbetsotso Za celebration. On Saturday, November 5, the Vice President was next to receive his share and the fifth public hooting in three months, after President Akufo-Addo and Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu. The people of Anlo were heard chanting "away! away!" for about 3 minutes until Dr. Bawumia finished his speech, per videos available on social media and other media outlets. In an interview with Accra-based Joy News, Mr. Agbotadua Kumasah explained that the audience was quiet at the start of the speech and was even applauding him. When he arrived, there was general calmness on the whole assembly ground. When the Asantehene spoke, people applauded him, when the Kwahuhene also spoke, people applauded him. "And then when he started speaking, he spoke drawing attention to what the Asantehene said about unity between the Asantes and the Anlo State that people are enjoying and then they were clapping for him," he noted. According to him, the people became very angry and started hooting when the Vice President started touting some developmental projects they had no knowledge about, some of which was how the NPP has built more airports than any government in history as well as road infrastructure. "When he entered the economic situation, that is when the problem started. He mentioned among others that they built more airports than any other government, they built more roads than any other government and the people who were there did not see the roads, the airports, the roads he was referring to, he said. Mr. Kumasah added, So, that brought some agitation and it became very difficult to control the people because of what he was saying, none of them happened in the area. However, he noted that when he started talking of digitization, those areas were true...but those came late, if he were to start with those ones, things we are all aware that they really happened, then the people will accommodate." "But he started with things that were strange to the people who were there, I think that is what brought the booing by the youth," he explained. Every person on earth is to be protected from extreme and dangerous weather under a United Nations action plan for early warning systems to be implemented within the next five years. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday announced the creation of an advisory board to ensure the plan's success on the first day of the Cop27 climate conference in Egypt. The board will be co-managed by the World Meteorological Organisation and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. "Universal early warning coverage can save lives and deliver huge financial benefits, Guterres said in a statement. Just 24 hours' notice of an impending hazardous event can cut damage by 30 percent and yet, around the world, vulnerable communities have no way of knowing that hazardous weather is on its way. Half of the world lacks multi-hazard early warning systems. Even less have climate resilience measures and local disaster preparedness plans. Coverage, Guterres added, was worst for poorer countries and island states on the frontlines of climate change. 'Small cost, big benefits' Investment over five years is estimated to cost US$ 3.1 billion or what the WMO says is the equivalent of 50 cents per person per year. This is a small fraction of the requested US$ 50 billion in adaptation financing, the WMO said in a press release. It would cover disaster risk knowledge, observations and forecasting, preparedness and response, and communication of early warnings. Egyptian Foreign Minister and Cop27 president Sameh Hassan Shoukry said that science clearly showed the urgent need to help countries fight the negative impacts of climate change. The launch of this plan is an important contribution for adaptation and resilience - particularly in Africa, where 60 percent of people are not covered by early warning systems, he said. News of the action plan comes as WMO data shows the last eight years have been the hottest on record globally. Existing climate policies, the UN warns, will condemn the world to a disastrous a 2.8-degree temperature rise by the end of the century. This is despite a global pledge to limit temperatures to 1.5 degrees. The world has already warmed by more than a degree from pre-industrial levels. Ottawa, Nov 8 (UNI) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused China of attempting to interfere in the country's elections. Beijing has not responded to the allegations raised. The attempted interference is believed to have targeted both major political parties -- Trudeau's Liberal party and the opposition Conservative party. However, it is unclear whether the operation was successful. Trudeau accused Beijing of playing "aggressive games" with democracies and of targeting Canadian institutions. It comes as local media report that Canadian intelligence identified a "clandestine network" of Beijing-backed candidates at recent elections, the BBC reported. At least 11 candidates were supported by China in the 2019 federal elections, officials reportedly told Trudeau. Citing unnamed intelligence officials, local broadcaster Global News reported that Beijing had directed funds to the candidates and that Chinese operatives had acted as campaign advisers to many candidates. In one case, funding of 250,000 Canadian dollars was directed through the office of an Ontario-based provincial MP. The operation, which was reportedly directed from China's consulate in Toronto, also sought to place operatives within the offices of serving MPs in an attempt to influence policy, the outlet alleged. It added efforts were also made to "co-opt and corrupt" former Canadian officials in a bid to gain influence within political circles. Chinese officials in Canada did not respond to questions from Global News about the allegations. "We have taken significant measures to strengthen the integrity of our elections processes and our systems, and will continue to invest in the fight against election interference, against foreign interference of our democracies and institutions," Trudeau told the media on Monday. "Unfortunately, we're seeing countries, state actors from around the world, whether it's China or others, are continuing to play aggressive games with our institutions, with our democracies," he added. The reports come after authorities said they were investigating accusations that China had opened unofficial "police" stations on Canadian soil. Last month, Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they were investigating reports of "criminal activity in relation to so-called 'police' stations", which have also been reported in a number of European countries. Several EU states, including Ireland and the Netherlands, have already ordered China to close the police posts, which have reportedly been used to pressure opponents of the government to return to China and face criminal charges, the BBC report said. The Dutch media found evidence that the so-called overseas service stations, which promise to provide diplomatic services, were being used to try to silence Chinese dissidents in Europe. UNI ING 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' Map showing locations where spiking temperatures are at least three times more likely to occur than in a hypothetical world in which global warming had never happened (between October 2021 and September 2022). By Luca MATTEUCCI (AFP) "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. 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. Praying for rain: mass at the St John the Baptist church in Nairobi. By Simon MAINA (AFP) 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. 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' Protesters in Lebanon also rallied on Monday to demand the release of British-Egyptian political dissident Alaa Abdel Fattah, jailed in Egypt. By ANWAR AMRO (AFP) 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". 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. Sanaa Seif, sister of imprisoned British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, speaks to reporters on the sidelines of the COP27 climate conference: she said the dissident stopped drinking water on Sunday. By JOSEPH EID (AFP) 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. 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 ala'Islam wal Muslimin, or JNIM -- now led by Iyad Ag Ghali, who is himself a Tuareg. The possible death of jailed British-Egyptian dissident Alaa Abdel Fattah in prison is "in no one's interest", his sister Sanaa Seif said, nearly two days after he started refusing water. Following a seven-month hunger strike during which he only had 100 calories per day, Abdel Fattah stopped drinking water on Sunday to coincide with the opening of the United Nations COP27 climate summit in Egypt. Widely considered Egypt's best-known dissident, he has been sentenced to five years in prison for "spreading false news", having already spent the better part of the past decade behind bars. "We are talking about an innocent man who has unjustly spent nine years in prison," Seif said from the climate summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where she travelled to appeal to world leaders to press for his release. Seif, her sister Mona, her mother Laila Soueif and her aunt, celebrated novelist Adhaf Soueif, have campaigned worldwide for the release of the activist, who gained British citizenship through his UK-born mother in April. "We need sensible people to intervene," Seif said in an interview with AFP. "I put my hopes in the British delegation because as his sister, I can't give up or tell myself that my brother will die." Sanaa Seif, sister of imprisoned British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, travelled to the COP27 climate conference in Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh to campaign for his release. By JOSEPH EID (AFP) She acknowledged the risk of travelling to Sharm el-Sheikh, with its heavy security restrictions, saying: "I admit, I was afraid to come." "But it's our last resort," she said. "I came so that Alaa wouldn't be forgotten. I want to remind both Egyptian and British officials that my presence means that someone is dying and that it's possible to save him." British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak raised Abdel Fattah's case in a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Monday, "stressing the UK Government's deep concern on this issue", a Downing Street spokesperson said. Sunak said he "hoped to see this resolved as soon as possible and would continue to press for progress", the spokesperson said. 'Continue the fight' Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi delivers a speech at the leaders summit of the COP27 climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh. By Hamad AL-KAABI (UAE's Ministry of Presidential Affairs/AFP) Amnesty International chief Agnes Callamard on Sunday warned that "there is not a lot of time -- 72 hours at best," referring to Abdel Fattah's possible remaining lifespan. But Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry assured that the dissident "benefits from all necessary care in prison", in an interview with CNBC Monday. Seif nonetheless warned that "the way his case is handled only accelerates the destabilisation of the regime". She accused Egypt of using the COP27 summit to "erase its bad reputation in terms of human rights". But despite clampdowns, Abdel Fattah's cause has been championed by activists, artists, rights defenders and politicians -- including the French president -- during the summit. Protesters gathered near the British embassy in the Lebanese capital Beirut to demand Abdel Fattah's release. By ANWAR AMRO (AFP) France's Emmanuel Macron on Monday said he received an assurance from Sisi that the Egyptian president was "committed to ensuring that (the) health of Alaa Abdel Fattah is preserved". It came as concern continued to grow over his condition. On Monday morning, "my mother went to wait outside the prison to check on him after 24 hours without water," Seif said. By evening, she still had not received word from her son, nor had she been able to deliver the clothes and books she drops off to him every week. "The ball is in the politicians' court, it is up to them to do their job," Seif continued. "We continue the fight and we must not lose hope." 08.11.2022 LISTEN The Ghana Education Service (GES) has instructed heads of kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools, to have their facilities open despite the ongoing strike by teacher unions across the country. Leadership of three teacher unions the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers, Ghana (CCT)declared an industrial action on Friday, November 4, 2022, to protest the appointment of Dr. Eric Nkansah as the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). Citi News checks in some schools across the country indicated the teachers were adhering to the directive by the leadership of the various teacher unions. The Ghana Education Service has, regardless, directed all heads of schools to mobilize management teams to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in schools. The GES in a statement signed by its head of Public Relations, Cassandra Twum Ampofo advised parents to remain calm and assured that management is closely monitoring the situation and will advise on the way forward accordingly. Regional and District Directors have further been directed to ensure that Heads keep schools opened and closely supervise all children who report to school pending further directives from Management of GES, the statement further instructed. The appointment of Dr. Nkansah was met with stern opposition, with many of the teacher unions calling for a revocation of the appointment over his qualification. The Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Adutwum however defended the appointment at a conference of Directors of Education in Accra on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, insisting Dr. Nkansah was qualified and the allegations by the teacher unions were unfounded. -citinewsroom The teacher unions that are striking due to the appointment of a banker as the new Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) have asked their members to continue staying at home because their meeting with the government ended on day one without a decision taken. The meeting has been adjourned to tomorrow, Tuesday November 8. President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev Isaac Owusu told TV3's Daniel Opoku in an interview after the first day of the meeting on Monday November 7 that I can tell you on authority that so far so good we have had a very constructive meeting. The parties have agreed to adjourn and resume tomorrow 2PM to continue with the deliberations. We have not ended the meeting, the agreement here is that the two parties have agreed that we should adjourn and resume tomorrow 2PM. He added The teachers should remain calm and continue to stay at home. Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wireko Brobbey also said We have had another constructive meeting. We have to do further consultation, tomorrow God willing, we will bring this matter to a successful end. 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 knowledge, skills and influence to bear on the activities of teachers and non-teachers in the GES. Contrary to that, the gentleman who was appointed yesterday is not a teacher, he is a 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 08.11.2022 LISTEN The Word 'free' is very scary to many capitalists or study how free health care, or even paid and more affordable Obamacare was fought against. Free Internet may actually improve our health than Obamacare, but even Obama may insist We need to over charge Africa and others to finance NSA monitoring? The primary thing that facilitates Internet is Air, which is free. The man made Internet materials can be covered through advertisement than taxes. Regulations can still give Internet businesses the opportunity to compete, but with caps like no more than fifteen percent profit or compensation. Africa and other poor countries must study and present the idea at UN level and use social media to influence ordinary caring westerners, who will in turn pressure their politicians. Although all sectors will be helped, the argument should focus more on Education, security, and Climate change advantages. Where we cannot agree on worldwide , we must demand 'unlimited' package for Africa or per country, if AU is slow. Like individuals had to evolve from paying for every megabyte to unlimited data package, it is over due for countries to have unlimited data package options and this will likely boost free or reasonable Internet access in Africa. Some of you may not know, but Internet service providers (ISP) pay different amount every month and mainly to the u.s. Do you deserve unlimited data package but not your providers? Using small poor Gambia as example, if the average monthly payment of all ISPs in the Gambia is about one million dollar a month or a year, plus the General licence fee of mobile telephone service providers happens to be one million dollar per year in the Gambia. This may translate to paying the u.s government than Gambia government for using Gambian and international air? We will need smart negotiators for Africa or Gambia, or they may over charge based on excuses. Once a reasonable amount is set based on average for the past few years, population, etc, then we must argue the data transfer energy cost will less likely change, because air is light... If the Gambia government or ISPs are paying one million dollars a year for unlimited data transfer, the global Internet advertising can pick up the rest of any cost. So charge international advertising, instead of countries. Facebook, twitter, youtube, etc are claiming to be offering us services, but they are also making money off of us and not paying enough taxes here, if any. This will make it lot easier for Internet service providers to offer unlimited data packages, especially where the government is not smart enough to make it free. Every minute you see western advertisement while in Africa, know that the data transfer cost was still paid for by you and I, plus our possible business. When NSA paid their employees, they charge us through data transfer indirectly... Beside Feasibility, the advantages far surpasses the so called disadvantages of charging people. Education will boost by what value when Internet is 100% accessible, fast, and free? Inventions will go up around the world, because there is no university library that is bigger than the Internet. You can argue some useless Africans+ will just gossip lot more or share bragging pictures more, but the truth is millions will utilise the Internet more fruitfully. More Internet based universities will emerge to engage the youths towards productivity, away from crimes, and more secure planet. This Marijuana Activist cares about world security than world politicians and anti cannabis folks? Security: free countrywide or worldwide Internet access will immensely boost security. Recently, while talking to my baby sister in the u.s, she ridiculed my 'culture of cameras ' idea, as something not yet for Africa. Her argument was 'where can we use 'I-cloud' and others to store data? She was wrong in the sense that multiple storage options exist for cameras, but she was very right In thinking Internet storage cannot be stolen by street robbers, compare to hard disks, sd cards, etc. Beside deterrence, If they steal the big ones, your neighbours' cameras can get them or the small camera you hid where they least expect can get them. The world will lie that they care about women, but if the Gambian or xyz woman was given free Internet to learn or gossip, but urged to buy body Cameras that will have local storage and other Internet based storage, how much safer will she be? Our leaders have the options of indifferently asking our citizens to pay I-cloud and others, negotiate for us, or start a new storage mechanism for Africa or with cheaper China? It is no more than series of huge hard disks and organised programming through IP addresses. There are many African tech firms that can come up with it and I recommend every camera be linked to at least two online storage points, preferably country level and continent or world level. Climate change is largely driven by human movement in Africa. The more we reduce human vehicle transportation, we reduce pollution, use time more efficiently, and improve the climate. With Every person and department having free Internet, we can finally start or improve long distance transactions, but corrupt officials will ask how can we get bribes or deny s/he never applied ? To travel from Brikama to Banjul may cost you about one dollar , one way. One hour or how much more if traffic is bad, pollution, possible accident, etc and sometimes just to transact five to thirty minutes business that could have been through long distance communication, or Internet in particular. If you care about our globe, know what unlimited global Internet can bring, then you must study and push for its realisation. May God bless us with Showlove Trinity: Let's learn, let's work, let's have fun. By Jarga Kebba Gigo An Activist and Transformer. Optional note: Regulation Is key, especially if it is countrywide instead of worldwide. Africa must smartly buy and have negotiation skills. They will tell you one Antenna is worth million dollars and you buy it without asking if it is truly worth it, or what part of the Antenna can you make in the Gambia or team up with Ghana or Nigeria to build it and reduce cost? If you buy ten Antennas , at least two should be dismantled and studied for possible creation or deeper understanding of at least some parts. The storm that downed some Antennas were perfect for studies, but I saw some on the side road for months, without trying to sell or give them to AU research center, Senegal , or south Africa if they have more research interests. Contracts, contracts, contracts: if both u.s and China wants to sell you Antenna for million dollars, they will argue you will regain the money in five years. It is your responsibility to test smartly: you are selling me a four G Antenna for million dollars, we must state how much you will buy back the Antenna if five G or Six G comes within one to five years. The rate if I switch manufacturer matters. Like Airlines lease Air crafts, Internet equipment should consider leasing culture, especially between countries. With even ten African countries smartly educating each other and reasonably demanding dues, the competing companies will comply. Like international companies who make materials will be paid through service and agreed universal standards of checking value, the national providers will be paid by service, or number of customers. The Air belongs to the Gambia, so regulating have to remove some negotiation rooms. So if Qcell (company A) calls Africel (company B), a fixed percentage will be deducted between carriers. Roaming rate will be regulated, at the national level and nothing like no service... Their customer service and ratings like how quickly they fix Antenna problems will determine how much government pay them like new teachers, police, and xyz of our age... There is Rumours that Ghaddafi was killed for helping Africa reduce how much they pay to the west for Internet transfer fees, but we must not fear. The cost is down compare to decades ago, but Africa is still robbed on Internet fees by the west, and African companies further Rob Africans on Internet cost. Once we agree that the Internet may be the smartest subsidy a developing country or world can make, then only a feasible how matters. For a small country like the Gambia, it becomes easier. Forget the possible corruption through buying everything from the West or China. Like covid vaccines, we can share knowledge and mass manufacture any internet needed material. We can fiber wire the whole Gambia for home and office faster Internet, it will be much more efficient than customer to customer wiring. Train enough people for repairs and educate customers on some repairs. Then mobile Telephone oriented Internet service providers can be like backup, using free Gambian air and unlimited negotiated rate. No computer server will explode if we buy the right ones and have fans for them. No International Internet wire will explode because traffic doubles or triples. Why should we pay u.s or anyone due to more air traffic? NSA disks and staff? Like Countries negotiate how much to pay at U.N level, we can argue how free Internet can reduce the number of Immigrants and how much will richer countries sacrifice to reduce that and have more Internet educated immigrants where need be? So as a country develops, every ten years, we can review how much should each country pay towards global Internet than Global Dollar as reserve... Elon Musk paying in Ukraine war for Internet helps, but imagine if this Global Internet access was more guaranteed? It may make invasion unthinkable, especially where culture of cameras is strong and connected to the Internet. I will recommend every country to have storage mechanism of cameras, but allow citizens to use international ones too. Optional Note 2: Every country must study how well its citizens are utilising or under utilising the Internet, and try to have messages and programs to optimize benefits. How many hours average citizen spends on the Internet and within those hours, what percentage is leaning on learning versus working versus fun. Africa notoriously built cultures around fun, fun, fun and ignore the importance of learning and working. Many will point to small aspects of learning in a fun leaning culture and call it learning? We need learning and enough learning to rise, we also have to have strong work ethics or character than we brag about no homosexuality... A country like the Gambia can have messaging like: The God of Earth and life after death command iqra (learning) to uplift yourself in both worlds, but misleading religious leaders may down play learning for earthly uplifting and brag when God give them a fraction of what Atheists or Christians have in material blessings? Do you spend how much time sending questionable religious messages versus trying to help yourself and others? If Atheists or xyz facilitate your sent message then they deserve how much from your real or illusory dues? They get some on earth and you blame others who respected or respecting learning and working in Repentance? If an Atheist plant hundred trees through Iqra (learning) and as secular guardian of the earth, a Muslim or xyz claims admitting or saying 'God is great' one thousand times will cause an angel to plant a tree in heaven for him/her and may be reckless on sins between creatures; then may I plant thousand trees and praising God while planting them... They subsidise fertiliser but hemp and other Internet learning can give you free fertiliser; they subsidise fuel, but free Internet means less need to physically travel and learning for alternative; they tax you to pay more corrupt police and soldiers, but can free Internet help good police and improve security? They order killer medicines, but I learn about helpful herbs through Internet and personal research ... More physical activity help us on earth. Although you can learn many of that on the Internet, the time you spend on the Internet is largely a compromise on health , especially if it is more than four hours a day... If it happens to be your work, then learn yoga, have enough breaks, and do something physical outside or with the Internet after work. Internet music can keep you dancing, but did you have enough sunlight? In a nutshell, I know some people may abuse paid or free Internet, but we cannot use potential abusers to deny responsible folks opportunities. The richer countries evolved to unlimited data and indifferently charge poorer countries with no reasonable unlimited data package per country, as option? The richer folks in a poorer country also evolving to unlimited data packages, but who will urge for the poor in and beyond your country? If Ghana, Rwanda, or Nigeria argues and have it, then Gambians may wake up? It was forbidden to teach slaves to read, so the worst of westerners may fool good ones and argue against free Internet for learning +. Pray and work towards unlimited free or very affordable Internet for self, country, continent, or world. Voting for the mid-term elections gets underway on Tuesday across the United States. In the deep south state of Georgia, with its bitter past of racial segregation, African Americans hope that for the first time ever a black woman will fill the position of governor. RFI met with grassroots groups making the final push to get black voices heard. In the 1950s and 60s, African Americans - sometimes barely literate - were subjected to a "literacy test" to be allowed to cast their ballot. "Write right to the left from the right as you see it spelled here." "Spell backwards, forwards". "Draw a line around a number or letter in this sentence" are just a few examples of the 50 mindboggling tasks. If there was one single mistake, they would not be allowed to vote anymore. Applicants would only have ten minutes to fulfill the task. It was the tool of the segregationist government of the state to prevent African Americans from influencing politics. Jump forward to 2022. These tests do not exist anymore for the voters turning out for the mid-term elections on Tuesday. DeJuana Thompson is the founder of Woke Vote, an NGO helping people through the complex process of voter registration. She thinks its a good idea to remind people how difficult voting was in the past and so has printed ten of the questions from the 1950s on forms for students to fill in. "We remind people of the kinds of tactics that were used to suppress the vote back in 1964," she told RFI. "Many people were not able to finish these tests," she says. Volunteers hand out the forms to curious looking students who eagerly take the test, at a crowded "Get Out The Vote" (GOTV) event organised at the campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta ... to discover that they, too, would not have been allowed to vote, had the requirement of a "literacy test" been in place today. Filling in the registration to become a voter is still tricky today. A forgotten hyphen or accent may lead to disqualification. "My daughter has three apostrophes in her name," says Fenika Miller, deputy national field director with the Black Voters Matter Fund. "And so if you don't register exactly as it is on your birth certificate, that could also be a barrier." Click below on the image for slideshow: There's some optimism. "We have made some great strides," says Miller, since the dark times of segregation. "Not just political strides, but also just social justice strides." "But we also know that we still have a very, very long way to go," she says pointing to "state sanctioned violence against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Amaud Abery," in reference to African Americans who were killed by US law enforcement officers. Still, society overall seems to be gradually changing. A massive rock carving, depicting proponents of slavery revered by the segregationists in Georgia has recently triggered massive criticism. The enormous monument, carved into a monotlith in Stone Mountain Park just outside Atlanta, features Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Confederate President Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, and General Jefferson Davis. But it is simply too large to face the fate of smaller statues depicting Lee and his co-slaveowners, which have been now removed in some cities. Other than names, visitors to the site get no explanation as to who the three men were and what they stood for. The cheerful conductor of a cable car that sails past the monument merely refers to it as "the largest stone sculpture in the US after Mount Rushmore." The souvenir shop in the Stone Mountain Park lacks any reference to the era. Caleb Cage, a Sophomore student at Morehouse College is not too bothered by it. "You never want to forget your history," he says. "Because if you forget your history, you'll be destined to repeat it. While recognizing that it can be "hurtful and traumatising" for some to see, he sees the carving as "symbolic of the history. That where we come from" but adds that "we need to recognize that and learn from it so we can move on." "One way to move on is to recognize history as it was, including all its horrors. Which may mean a re-write of history text books used in schools. "And that's the reason why we are voting," says Cage. "So that we can elect people that will do things to change the way we are taught in our school, what our children are taught. Because it's important for our children to learn the totality of our history and not learn it from a one sided way or learn it from a coloured lens - a rose-coloured lens," he says. 08.11.2022 LISTEN Who is that Sam Ansah who wrote the above headed article? In the ill-written article, Sam Ansah claimed to be a former Secretary of NDC New York branch. My checks indicate that's a lie. Sam Ansah is a renegade, he, and his group after losing NY Branch elections deserted the branch in an attempt to form another branch which was not recognized by the NDC-USA Chapter and hence NDC Ghana. Rather another NDC-USA renegade group named the Coalition led by Richard Ahlijah, the then Chairman of Florida branch of the NDC, incorporated them into their ranks. It was alleged that at a fundraiser organized at New York by the Coalition and hosted by the Sam Ansah led breakaway group, Sam Ansah misappropriated some funds up to about $10,000.00, $1,000 of which has to do with a refund for the venue. After the Coalition, led by Madam Vivian Maame Aba Dadzie (the current Chairman of NDC-USA) peacefully merged with the NDC-USA Chapter, Sam Ansah disappeared into oblivion only to re-emerge spewing yet another set of lies, beating war drums for another breakaway if things don't go his way. Let's ask Sam Ansah what NDC USA platform he belongs to and which NDC-USA chapter meetings he has ever attended in the last 4 years? What moral right does Sam Ansah have to comment on NDC-USA affairs when he has not been involved in anything NDC-USA? What conference or congress outside New York city has Sam Ansah ever attended? Please Sam Ansah give the Chapter a break. Sam Ansah, the renegade, and warmonger only thinks it is his way or the highway. Sam Ansah does not have the interest of the Chapter at heart. He and Dr Salifu who is contesting for Chairmanship with the support of the Proforum President of North America, Arnold Appiah have already incorporated companies here in the USA and in Ghana waiting for NDC to win power so that they can start lobbying for contracts. They feel the only way for winning juicy contracts is when Dr Salifu wins the USA Chairmanship race. Their fight to host the NDC-USA conference in New York is just to pave a way for Dr Salifu to win the chairmanship so they can unleash their diabolical plan. To them all that matters is to use NDC-USA to make money, knowing very well NDC is coming to power in 2024. Sam Ansah is a canker in NDC-USA and needs to be gotten rid of. How can someone who has not participated in any NDC-USA activities for the past 4 years suddenly become enthused about the Chapters affairs? He needs not to be taken seriously. I challenge Sam Ansah to tell us where in the whole of the United States he has ever travelled to in support of any NDC-USA activity? Sam Ansah should be truthful to state that he was a secretary to a renegade group so people can know him for what he is and his real intentions for writing that piece. Sam Ansah is only a member of the New York branch and the treasure of Proforum USA and has indicated that he is not interested in the NDC-USA Chapter affairs and has stayed true to his words by not participating in any NDC-USA Chapter activities. Again, which NDC-USA WhatsApp platform does Sam Ansah belongs to? Sam Ansah is one of those who thinks that America is just New York City and New York City is America. No one should take him seriously. The Chapter Executives have not made a decision where the next congress will be held and so stating that the NDC-USA Executives have nullified anything is just a big lie and he should be ashamed. When there is a levy for the branches to pay does New York pay more than Illinois, Ohio, and Texas that he mentioned? They claim New York have registered more than 400 people but how much have they remitted to the Chapter in terms of the 60% fee? Now that the renegade group have taken over the New York branch with support from other renegade comrades, who are all members of the Proforum USA, they are moving like rebel soldiers (which they are) beating war drums towards the ultimate target but alas! their mischievous plans will not work and will be nibbed in the bud. No one should take Sam Ansah seriously because his track record is horrible, one that smacks of rebellion. Ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, your boys are behind all the noise in the NDC-USA Chapter so please call them to order otherwise any confusions would be blamed on you and posterity would hold you responsible. NDC USA elections cannot be bought and will not be bought. Long-lived NDC-USA, Long-lived NDC and May God continue to Bless Mother Ghana. 3Y3ZU 3Y3ZA Abdul Toufik (NDCNY Branch) A Forensic Chartered Accountant, Mr. Awuni Akyereba has called the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government as a matter of urgency, reprimand its Member of Parliament (MP) for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Asafuah for scathing attacks on the Education Minister, Hon. Osei Yaw Adu Twum over the appointment of Dr. Eric Nkansah as the Director General of Ghana Education Service (GES). While calling the striking teacher unions to end their ongoing strike, Mr. Akyereba also appealed to teachers in Ghana to look into the competence and expertise of the new GES boss. The Old Tafo lawmaker who happens to be a former Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Education Minister without mincing words recently criticized the Education Minister over the appointment of Dr. Eric Nkansah as Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) on social. According to the young politician, the appointment by the Minister is an 'ill-conceived, selfish and baseless recommendation emanating from the Ministry of Education to the Presidency to relieve an educationist at the helm of affairs of his post and bring in an alien to the industry. Reacting to the seemly power play in government on Kumasi-based Fox FM, Mr. Awuni Akyereba, therefore, fired a shot at Hon Vincent Ekow Asafua for attempting to bring the name of the Education Minister into disrepute. The policy analyst, explains the motive behind the fierce resistance of Dr. Eric Nkansah is the political and parochial interest of persons within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP). "I'm also surprised and flabagasted a whole MP could speak out to an issue like this. Well, am not surprised he wrote poor grammar. As a former PRO for the Education Ministry, he should know when and how to communicate. I thank God I'm not his constituent and that will kill my soul and spirit should I be a resident of Tafo. "A tall list of names has come to me and at right time, I will release those names behind such a sinister move. ...Dr. Nkansah as Technical Advisor and Director in charge of Tertiary Education at the Education Ministry sat and engaged the teachers union on behalf of the government, so where was that union leadership?" Mr. Awuni Akyireba quizzed. Mr. Akyereba also appealed to NPP delegates to reject the second coming of Hon. Asafuah their Member of Parliament to save the people from further disgrace. "You can't behave this way in fact, Old Tafo deserves a better representative," outspoken Awuni Akyereba fumes. A senior member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Bono Region, Mr Yaw Dabie Appiah Mensah, says it will be economically and politically suicidal if Ghanaians allow the National Democratic Congress to regain political power in election 2024. He reminded Ghanaians that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government laid a solid foundation to boost the economy in its first term, until the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war set in, which had had a huge toll on the economy. Speaking in an interview with reporters at Odumase in the Sunyani West Municipality, Mr. Mensah, a former Regional Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the then Brong-Ahafo Region said all hopes are not gone and asked Ghanaians to maintain their trust and confidence in the NPP. He reminded Ghanaians that national development would be a setback, if the NDC regained power in the next election, saying though the current economy was not the best, an NDC government was not an alternative to revive the economy. Mr. Mensah indicated that the numerous governments pro-poor economic, social and poverty intervention policies such as the Planting for Food and Jobs (PfFJs), and the One-District-One-Factory (1D1F) had huge potential to revive the economy in the long term. This is why we must all maintain our trust and confidence in the NPP government because any mistake we make and vote for the NDC would spell economic doom for us, he stated when reacting to the economic situation in the country. Mr. Mensah indicated that successive NDC governments are only good at destroying our solid economic fundamentals laid by successive NPP governments, which turned to drawback national development processes. Our economy is currently going through serious temptations, trials and turbulent moments, but we must remember that whenever Israelites go through dark moments, God appears to save them from their troubles, he stated. Touching on the impending NPPs super-delegates congress to elect a presidential candidate for Election 2024, the former Regional Organiser appealed to the delegates to vote massively for Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to lead the party. He said an overwhelming victory for Alhaji Dr. Bawumia would deepen and sustain the hopes of Ghanaians in the government to transform the economy and alleviate the plight of the people. As a Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Bawumia knows more about the current national economic situation and he remains the best Presidential candidate for the NPP in these crucial moments of our trying times, he said. Mr. Mensah therefore entreated the NPP delegates to endorse the Vice President with at least 95 percent votes in the supreme interest of the NPP and Ghanaians in particular. Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta 08.11.2022 LISTEN An economist at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Prof. Lord Mensah has stressed that he has no doubt the resignation of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta would bring some confidence into the Ghanaian economy. According to him, the Finance Minister has overstayed his welcome and must leave office to give breathing space to the citizens and the investing public who can no longer plan for the future because of him. Speaking to Starr FM in an interview, Prof. Lord Mensah said the calls for the President to remove Ken Ofori-Atta from his position is an indication that things are not well. Obviously it has to do with management so if the entire population is calling for his head. It sends the signal that what is on the grounds is not good. So for him to say that we should focus on the IMF and possibly restore the economy its uncalled for. For me his understanding of the management and influence of economic dynamics, he should understand that the economy is not autopilot, the economy must be managed. If at the end of the day those that are supposed to feel the impact of the economy are saying that things are not going well with them that he should resign, he has to. He is not the one to come and explain and tell us that we have to focus on how we can restore the economy, the Economist emphasised. Prof. Lord Mensah added, I think his resignation will bring about some confidence to the economy and as a result of that maybe the economy will head in the right direction. Trust me you cannot dissociate human thinking when it comes to economic dynamics from the real numbers that are on the ground. We are waiting for him to resign so that we can have breathing space. As we speak now his presence as a Finance Minister has brought about a whole lot of uncertainty in the economy. Later this week on Thursday, November 10, there will be a vote of censure in Parliament to decide the fate of the Finance Minister. The Minority in the house is confident of support from the Majority to get the required vote to remove Ken Ofori-Atta. The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) says the practice of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) committing huge sums of its funds into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) must be stopped. Vice Chairman of PIAC, Nasir Alfa Mohammed, says Parliament needs to scrutinize the budget of GNPC to ensure that the state company uses appropriated funds for the specified project aimed at fetching government enough revenue. Usually, GNPC will end up spending on other areas other than their core mandate, which is to ensure that they do more prospecting and exploration of more oil for us to get more revenue. Nasir Alfa Mohammed made these comments when he was addressing a media engagement during the presentation of its semi-annual report. We are of the opinion that Parliament should pay particular attention to the budgetary request of GNPC, scrutinize very well and ensure that GNPC does not take money approved by parliament and utilize it more on Corporate Social investments, he further added. The Wa Circuit Court has sentenced Uthman Anuwar Sadat, a first-year student of the Nusrat Jahan Training College to 14 months imprisonment for impersonation during the just-ended Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Uthman Anuwar Sadat, aged 20, pleaded guilty to the charge of impersonation and was sentenced according to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Act, Act 719 (2016). The Upper West Regional Controller of WAEC, Mr Donald Tuor, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa, said Uthman Anuwar Sadat impersonated one Daud Hamdan Kunateh, who registered to write the BECE as a private candidate. He said Kunateh was currently at large and added that efforts were underway by the Police to arrest and prosecute him. Mr Tuor explained that the convict was arrested following a thorough surveillance on him of his candidacy after he recurrently reported to the examination hall late after the other candidates were searched and their admission notices inspected. Usually, in admitting candidates into the exams hall, we inspect their admission notices and also search them. But this guy would run into the examination hall after his colleagues had been searched. At the time examination officials would be busy sharing the examination material so they were not scrutinising his admission notice as they should, the Regional Controller said. He indicated that the repeated lateness of the suspect raised suspicion, which led the invigilators to put the spotlight on him, and during the Ghanaian Language paper (Dagaare) on Thursday, October 20, 2022, they queried him in respect of the details on his invoice, which he could not respond to. From there they shifted to the admission notice and realized that it was not his picture that was on it; the picture was different from his face and so they asked him a few more questions. His responses clearly revealed that he was writing for somebody else, he added. Mr Tuor commended the judge, His Lordship Mr Jonathan Avogo, for imposing a custodial sentence since in many such cases elsewhere the culprits were fined, which was not deterrent enough. He also noted with satisfaction the dispatch with which the sentencing was done. He also commended the Police for doing a very good job by being very professional and very objective saying, They built a docket timeously and we went to court. Mr Tuor bemoaned the magnitude and complicated trend of examination malpractices and advised the public against engaging in any of such acts as they were against WAEC laws, human values, and inimical to the development of the country. The private and school candidates wrote this year's BECE concurrently with the private candidates in the Upper West Region sitting for their papers at a centre at the WAEC hall. GNA Kidnapped, held captive and raped by four guards, Messaouda is now free, but too afraid to return to her village, near the southern Niger border with Nigeria. She was held hostage last year in the forest between the two African countries for 19 days by bandits who repeatedly attacked her and fellow captives, until a ransom was paid for their release. Messaouda, in her 20's, was forced from her home in the Maradi region by armed bandits along with her two co-wives, a six-month-old baby and a one-year old child, she told AFP. "They came to steal cattle in our village fourteen days before our kidnapping," she told AFP. But when the bandits returned, it wasn't for livestock. "On the night we had been kidnapped, it was raining like a tornado," she recalls. "Our husband was at the mosque for the evening prayer... (when) a dozen people arrived in our home (and) told us to come." One of the main streets in Maradi. By - (AFP) The group were released only after the payment of two million CFA francs (3,000 euros) in ransom. They have since settled in another village and Messaouda came to the town of Madarounfa to meet AFP. Her story is similar to that of thousands of other victims in neighbouring Nigeria where armed bandits reign by terror and demand ransoms for their victims. Hostages are usually released after ransom payment to the gangs, who reputedly hole up in the vast Rugu forest straddling Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states. But the practice is increasingly common in southern Niger -- the world's poorest country by the benchmark of the UN's Human Development Index. The rise in kidnappings is becoming "really worrying", said regional governor Chaibou Aboubacar. Niger has been hit hard by the jihadist insurgency that began in northern Mali in 2012. The petrol sold on the black market in Maradi comes from Nigeria. By - (AFP) The country faces an explosive mixture of a climate and food crises, as well as a young, poor population in need of jobs -- some of whom seek to arm themselves in response to the bandit attacks alongt the porous border. 'Operation Hedgehog' In his small office, Souffle de Maradi newspaper editor in chief Maham Kaouge writes down every attack, every kidnapping and every ransom in their region. In 2021, he counted 91 people kidnapped -- one every four days. Some 51 million CFA francs (80,000 euros) have been paid in ransoms in total, according to the journalist. One of the kidnap victims was Hamissou, who asked not to be fully identified. The 50-year-old was taken by six armed men in March this year and held for 17 days in the Nigerian forest. His family, two wives and eleven children managed to collect the ransom by selling their land. But the terrifying experience left him determined to try and do what he could against the bandits. Otherwise "soon we will have nothing", he says. "It is important for us who are from Maradi to have our own statistics, which are verifiable." He also plans to join a local vigilance committee in the village, which uses homemade weapons to try and defend the community. Some suggest that these groups are secretly supported by the state. Niger is the world's poorest country by the benchmark of the UN's Human Development Index. By - (AFP) Governor Chaibou has denied it, but says he is open to "any proposal from all or part of the population" that could help tackle the problem. But the main pillar of government policy remains military action, he told AFP. Soldiers, trained by the Belgians, have been deployed along the border with Nigeria in a military operation called "Hedgehog Hunt". "Maintaining social cohesion is the main challenge," says Hassan Baka, from the Association for the Revitalization of Livestock in Niger, one of the main groups for breeders in the region. Together with local officials, Baka helps organise debates in the nearby villages so that "all the communities understand we are linked by the same destiny". A cooperation framework launched in 2017 between Maradi and Nigeria's Katsina region will soon be extended to all parts of southern Niger and more Nigerian states. Baka and local university teacher Nouhou Salifou Jangorzo say they share the real fear that the simmering tensions and violence will morph into the establishment of jihadist groups in the fertile border region. It will be a "great catastrophe" on the day "when this banditry becomes terrorism," the teacher says. South Africa's president, whose coal-dependent country is among the world's biggest polluters, Tuesday criticised international funders for making it difficult for poorer nations to access aid to fight climate change. Support from multilateral organisations "is out of reach of the majority of the world's population due to lending policies that are risk-averse and carry onerous costs as well as conditionalities," Cyril Ramaphosa told the UN COP27 climate summit. Addressing the meeting in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh, he said "funding institutions need to transform ... the way in which they fund projects that will enable us to develop with regard to climate change". According to a UN-backed report released Tuesday, developing countries and emerging economies need investments well beyond $2 trillion annually by 2030 if the world is to stop the global warming juggernaut. South Africa, one of the world's top 12 polluters, last week revealed that it will require about $98 billion over the next five years to transition to net zero. Miners head to work at the Khutala Colliery mine in Kendal, an hour's drive from Johannesburg, in an area known as South Africa's coal belt. By LUCA SOLA (AFP/File) Last year, at the COP26 in Glasgow, Pretoria secured $8.5 billion in loans and grants from a group of rich countries towards its green transition. "We need a clear roadmap to deliver on the Glasgow decision to double adaptation financing by 2025" Ramaphosa said in his address. He called on rich nations to honour their commitments "because failing to honour these commitments breaks trust and confidence in the process". The head of state also assured the summit that South Africa, which generates about 80 percent of its electricity through coal, was on course to retire several of its ageing coal-fired power plants in the next eight years. The World Bank last week granted South Africa $497 million to decommission one of its largest coal-fired power plants and promote renewable energy. South Africa will require at least $500 billion dollars to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, according to the bank. burs-zam/sn/fz The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the 29-kilometer Sunyani inner-city road projects being executed under Synohydro programme. She says considering the pace at which various works on the project are being carried out, the entire project would be completed within schedule to give the regional capital facelift. Accompanied by the Regional Urban Roads Maintenance Engineer and other officials, the Regional Minister, inspected the progress of work on Mungo Park Baakoniaba Berlin Top sections of the project, where asphalting had just begun. Madam Owusu Banahene was happy about the level of work done so far and was certain that the project will soon be completed. Other road projects in the regional capital, which are nearing completion include the Nkwabeng North access roads including May-fair link, Fiapre Odumase road, Berlin Top access roads including Living Grace link and now Mungo Park. Background Vice-President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia cut the sod for the work to begin on the 29-kilometre Sunyani town roads in September 2020. It forms part of the rehabilitation and expansion of major roads across the country being funded under the Synohydro agreement by the Akufo-Addo government with Sinohydro Corporation and the Chinese government. About eight major suburbs and a total of 26 communities under these suburbs in the Sunyani Municipality are benefiting from the project. The suburbs and their surrounding communities included Agyei Ano (Dr. Berko), Mayfair, Baakoniaba, New Town, Berlin Top, and Penkwase roads, as well as Estate inner link roads. 08.11.2022 LISTEN The chiefs and people of Mpuasu in the Japekrom Traditional area in the Bono Region have rounded up their annual Munufie Yam festival with a call on Ghanaians to arise and wage a stronger war against illegal mining than economic hardships. This is in view of the devastating and sometimes irreversible damage caused by illegal mining, popularly called galamsey on human lives, the environment and the future of the country. Speaking under the theme for this year's yam festival which was "Adapting Culture towards Sustainable Environmental Practice" the Omanhene of MpuasuJapekrom Traditional area, Okatakyie Amoa Aturu Nkonkonkyia ll, did not mince words on the need for all Ghanaians to put aside their political affiliations and rally behind the President to deal decisively with galamsey. Let us all stand up and demonstrate against galamsey activities rather than economic hardship because the people of today have thrown out the sustainable way of life we inherited from our ancestors and have adopted get rich quick attitude, Okatakyie Amoa Aturu Nkonkonkyia ll stated. He further added that: what our fathers and mothers toiled for several years to earn, the people of today want to get it in a very short time and as a result, we are quickly destroying the very land on which our lives depend. He stressed that, most of the sicknesses and illnesses most people are suffering from are as a result of the effects of galamsey activities. If this had happened during the colonial days, we would now be blaming the whites for dissipating and destroying our natural resources, and trying to wipe out Africans but look at how we ourselves are wantonly exploiting these resources for our selfish interests, he intimated. He therefore urged the people in the country to rather demonstrate against galamsey menace facing us with the true willingness to stop this menace from impacting negatively on our society. over the past weeks have been engaged in various activities to mark the celebration of this years annual. The Munufie Yam festival is a festival that the people of Jaman South use to mark at the end of the farming season to begin the harvest of the yams and to also plan for the ensuing farming season. The Economic and Financial Court 2 Division of the High Court has granted a GHS 200million bail to the Chief Executive of defunct Beige Capital, Michael Nyinaku. Mr. Nyinaku is also to deposit his passport at the Court's registry. The Court additionally ordered him to present two sureties, each to be justified with documents of landed property worth the bail bond. The valuation of the property is to be done by the Valuation Division of the Architecture And Engineering Services Limited (AESL), Her Ladyship Afia Serwaa Asare Botchwey said. The businessman is facing 43 counts of criminal charges; stealing, fraudulent breach of trust and money laundering. These follow the revocation of the license of Beige Bank in August 2018. According to facts presented before the Court, the receiver's review of the Bank's financials following the revocation identified a number of suspicious and unusual transactions. The transactions were subsequently investigated, and it was found that Mr Nyinaku transferred, for personal benefit, huge sums of depositors funds to companies related to him between 2015 and 2018. These included the transfer of over GHS 448 million in fixed deposit accounts to Beige Capital Asset Management Limited, over GHS 141 million in fixed deposit investments to Beige Group, and, a transfer of GHS 320 million in March 2018 to a fictitious account in First Africa Savings and Loans which was subsequently transferred to Beige Capital Asset Management Limited. These, and other transactions happened without the knowledge of the respective customers, management and shareholders. Mr. Nyinaku is to report to the case investigator on Mondays and Fridays. With a Case Management Conference scheduled for December 22, all disclosures are to be filed by December 9 at 12 noon. Meanwhile, a Deputy Attorney General and Minster for Justice Alfred Tuah Yeboah told Journalists after the Court hearing that the case has been thoroughly worked to arrive at these charges. He maintained that it is only through these actions that the State can recoup the monies expended in the banking sector clean-up exercise. citinewsroom The Martinson family, comprising three adult children have appealed to the US embassy in Ghana, to urgently attend to their immigrant visa applications. The family, resident at Berekusu in the Eastern Region, say they have waited eight years to have their application processed by the US embassy. Speaking in an interview with ClassFMonline, the oldest of the three, Beryl Martinson, explained that: An immigration petition was filed by my father, who is a US citizen under the Family First Preference (F1) Visa, available only for unmarried sons or daughters 21-years-old or older. Since May, 2014, when a petition was filed, the actual process of getting to the stage of Documentarily qualified in 2020, began in 2019. Not much attention has been given the F1 category since 2020, despite the backlog cases. The embassy has attributed the delay to COVID-19. The second daughter of the family, Emily Martinson, indicated her father was aged and cannot wait to come back home to Ghana, however, he awaits the familys arrival to ensure they are fully settled before he returns home. My dad is over 70 years now. He has challenges with his health, he has been in and out of surgery several times. You can imagine, you can imagine him having to go through all that without a single family member being around him. Sometimes when he calls, and you see all that pain in his eyes, you just wish you could be of help. But how can you, when youre limited by distance and a visa? Its been like that for the past seven years and my dad is actually getting old[er] by the day, she said. The last child of the family, who is a banker also bemoaned the family's inability to have a long-term plan here due to the unknown future. So currently, I really want to go back to school. Thats what happened two years ago, after my first degree. After my first degree, I wanted to go back to school, I held on for so long, not wanting to throw away money if I had to leave in the middle of the course. But, it didnt happen, I just went ahead, now Im done, I want to continue but the future is uncertain. Were pleading with the embassy, my dad is getting worse, kindly fast-track our visa applications. Weve been waiting eight years, this is not good, please, if we know we arent going, we can live our lives here permanently but putting us on hold is not helping us plan properly especially when our dad is not well," she said. Meanwhile the US ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer has assured persons awaiting their immigrant visa application that efforts are being made to reduce the backlog of visa applications. You can be assured that reducing wait times for immigrant visas is very much on our minds, so well keep working to reduce the backlogs, the US ambassador said in a video, posted on the embassys YouTube page, Friday, 21 October 2022, on updates on the visa processes. The US embassy in Ghana also announced the reduction in wait time for non-immigrant visa appointments. Applicants will now have to wait for less than six months for visa appointments. The US ambassador to Ghana, explained: The current wait time for non-immigrant visa appointments at the US embassy is now less than six months. Thats down from two and half years when I arrived earlier this year. Thats still too long but we are still taking steps to continue to reduce wait times, particularly for renewal. Source: classfmonline.com Spain's former king, Juan Carlos I, on Tuesday resumed a UK court battle to win immunity over harassment claims by his former lover, just as a new podcast featuring her claims is released. Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, 58, is seeking personal injury damages from the 84-year-old former monarch, who ruled Spain from 1975 until his abdication in 2014. The British resident has accused Juan Carlos, who now lives in the United Arab Emirates, of spying on and harassing her after their relationship soured in 2012. She filed a harassment suit in London in 2020, alleging he pressured her to return gifts worth 65 million euros ($65 million), including works of art and jewellery. Juan Carlos, listed in court under his full name Juan Carlos Alfonso Victor Maria De Borbon y Borbon, has not appeared at any hearings so far and strenuously denies any wrongdoing. In March, the High Court in London rejected his claim that a 1978 UK law meant English courts had no jurisdiction to hear the case because he has state immunity as a royal. Judge Matthew Nicklin said that "whatever special status the defendant retained under the law and constitution of Spain, he was no longer a 'sovereign' or 'head of state' so as to entitle him to personal immunity". 'Agents' The former king's lawyers appealed and won permission for a legal challenge concerning the period when Juan Carlos was on the throne. Three judges at the Court of Appeal began hearing legal arguments on Tuesday. A ruling is expected in a few weeks, after which the harassment lawsuit could continue. Setting out his position, Juan Carlos's lawyer, Tim Otty, argued that immunity is "a procedural bar" and says "nothing about the lawfulness or the morality of the conduct alleged". However, zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn's lawyer, James Lewis, argued the appeal should be dismissed, claiming the alleged harassment had involved "intelligence and surveillance" personnel acting as the former king's "agents". The hearing comes as zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who was also not present in court on Tuesday, has been discussing the relationship in a new podcast series called "Corinna and the King". Its release has stirred fresh controversy in Spain. Its creators -- two London-based journalists -- defend its timing and independence from zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn. "Imagine that someone who says they love your children -- and that you're the love of their life -- would frame you in a criminal investigation," she alleges in the first episode, which was made available on Monday. Shots fired Court submissions claim Juan Carlos, who is married, was in an "intimate romantic relationship" with the divorcee of a German prince from 2004 to 2009 and showered her with gifts. Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn alleged that Juan Carlos began harassing her after their relationship broke down, using threats, break-ins at her properties and surveillance. Juan Carlos "demanded the return of gifts", she claimed, and she suffered "trespass and criminal damage" at her home in rural central England. Gunshots were fired at and damaged security cameras at the front gate of the property, she alleged, accusing the former king of being angry at her refusals. The couple's relationship became public knowledge in 2012, when the monarch broke a hip while on an elephant hunting holiday in Botswana with zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn and had to be flown home. The revelation of the luxury trip, which came at the height of a recession in Spain, sparking public anger there. Two years later, dogged by scandals and health problems, Juan Carlos abdicated at the age of 76 in favour of his son, Felipe VI, who has since distanced himself from his father. Juan Carlos went into self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates in 2020. Juan Carlos and his estranged son attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. By Gareth Fuller (POOL/AFP) He and his son attended the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September and were seated together. Juan Carlos was protected for decades by his huge popularity as a key figure in Spain's transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. The excesses of the monarch only came to light in the last years of his reign, triggering a string of investigations over corruption scandals. 08.11.2022 LISTEN The Cape Coast District Court presided over by Her Worship, Bernice Mensima Ackom has for the fourth time adjourned the case involving the murder of Georgina Asor Botchwey, a student nurse at Sikafuambantem, a suburb of Mankessim in the Central Region. The three accused persons including the third suspect who is alleged to have been hired by the Tufuhene Nana Clark and another accomplice Michael Darko to dig the hole that was used in burying the victim appeared before the court today. The charge against the three still remains conspiracy to wit murder and murder, contrary to section 46 of the Criminal and other Offences Act 1980, Act 29. The suspects are to appear again in court on November 22, 2022. The suspects were not present in court. Speaking to Citi News in an interview, family head of the late nursing student, Papa Annan Swanzy, still maintains the family wants justice served in the matter. I want government and the entire nation to make sure the matter is laid to rest. We wont sit and watch while Justice is denied. We will follow the matter to its logical conclusion. Its the duty of government that we get justice. We know they are in Accra and were not brought to court. We were told that they had no fuel to bring them to Cape Coast, but we wont buy that nor do we want to engage in any misunderstanding with the legal team. So they must do the right thing. Madam Kate Swanzy, auntie to the deceased wants government to structure the judicial system to suit the poor, indicating that they are faced with a lot of obstacles in fighting for justice for their daughter. Government has dragged the striking teacher unions to the National Labour Commission (NLC) over their industrial action. To that end, the leadership of the unions have decided not to take part in the Day 2 of the meeting with government officials, TV3s Daniel Opoku reported on Tuesday. On Monday November 7 the leadership of the unions asked their members to continue staying at home because their meeting with the government ended without a decision taken. President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Rev Isaac Owusu told TV3's Daniel Opoku in an interview after the first day of the meeting on Monday November 7 that I can tell you on authority that so far so good we have had a very constructive meeting. The parties have agreed to adjourn and resume tomorrow 2PM to continue with the deliberations. We have not ended the meeting, the agreement here is that the two parties have agreed that we should adjourn and resume tomorrow 2PM. He added The teachers should remain calm and continue to stay at home. Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wireko Brobbey also said We have had another constructive meeting. We have to do further consultation, tomorrow God willing, we will bring this matter to a successful end. 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 Venezuelan photographer, Fabiola Ferrero, won the 12th Carmignac Photojournalism Award for her series Venezuela, The Wells Run Dry, documenting the disappearance of the Venezuelan middle class following the collapse of the oil industry. RFI met Fabiola Ferrero at the Refectoire des Cordeliers in Paris where her photo exhibition Venezuela, The Wells Run Dry, run by the Fondation Carmignac and part of the PhotoSaintGermain festival, will remain open until 22 November. The interview has been edited for clarity. Fabiola Ferrero: It comes from the idea of something that stops being prosperous. There's a poem that says: "I am very thirsty and I'm right next to the fountain." This idea of Venezuela having such huge natural resources, including oil [...] actually over 90 percent of our economy depends on oil [...] and not having the capacity to produce and to maintain the country with the prosperity that we were used to, made me think of a well that runs dry. RFI: Can you explain what happened in Venezuela in 2002? FF: There has been a lot of political turmoil in the past 20 years. In the year 2002, there was a national strike in the whole country which was paralysed for about two months. A big part of it was the oil industry, the Petroleos de Venezuela company (PDVSA). After that, the president at the time, Hugo Chavez, decided to fire everybody that was involved in this strike. About 18,000 people were fired from the company. And right before this happened, Venezuela was close to producing 3 million barrels of oil per day. After that, it never went back to that number. In the following years, a political crisis began as well and in 2014, the oil prices dropped globally. That's really when the crisis started to deeply hit the country. Right after Hugo Chavez's death in 2013, you could start to see food shortages and more protests in the street, a lot more violence and political prosecution. You can see now the consequences of it that are really deep, especially outside the capital, and in the oil production centers of the country. RFI: Is it easy to report in Venezuela right now? FF: It's not easy. It also depends on what you want to report on. There are certain topics and areas that are a bit more complicated than others. I think personally, from all the places I've been to in Venezuela, I would say the gold mining, which is not part of this project, but is something that I worked on in the past, is definitely the most dangerous one because you are not sure which armed actors are around and where. Zulia State [northwestern Venezuela, bordering Lake Maracaibo] is also a bit complicated because there's a lot of surveillance around oil structures. So that's always something that you have to consider when you report. RFI: Regarding the photos that are part of your exhibition, was it safe to shoot them? FF: It depends. There are some images of the universities that were also a little bit complicated. One of them has been dismantled and destroyed, and it's been taken over by criminal gangs. To get inside, I couldn't go alone. So we had to figure it out with some local people. I didn't see any armed gangs inside. But you can see that there was some movement there because it was completely destroyed. There is no furniture, no computers. Obviously, there are not even any doors left. Even the walls have been destroyed to take out the metal that was inside, to be resold. Besides that, if you are going to people's houses, you obviously feel a little bit safer. A lot of the project also takes place inside the houses and there are a lot of portraits of the people that, to me, are the ones who really bring a form of resistance in the middle of the destruction. RFI: Talking about inside the houses, it reminds me of that photo of a cracked wall inside the house of an elderly woman FF: That's Hilda Ravalillo's house. She was a teacher for the state oil companies that had these houses specifically built for oil workers. In their neighborhoods, they had their own school and churches, they had social clubs, pools. It was all specifically made for the people who worked in the oil industry. They were the upper middle class of Venezuela. And Hilda was part of it. Nowadays her house, which still belongs to the PDVSA company, is cracking. The wall is basically falling apart and cracking right in the middle. She lives too close to Lake Maracaibo in the Zulia state. The ground is sinking and the house is falling apart. RFI: There's another photo, of a parrot, maybe the most optimistic photo in the series. FF: I agree. I think it was also important to me to not only show destruction and first of all to show the dignity of the people that I mentioned, their capacity for resistance to this destruction. But also that's the contrast in Venezuela. You see all the infrastructure decay and then you look around and you see a palm tree or you are in Caracas and you see a guacamayo, which is a bird that likes to go inside your house, they're like very friendly to the people. I like that picture because I'm a fan of these birds, but also, there's some nostalgic in it. You see it in the middle of the rain, it has the eyes closed. And then you see Caracas in the background, with a lot of green and the houses. That's like the tropical sadness that I feel is part of our landscape. RFI: When you came back to Venezuela for this photo project, how did you feel? FF: It's such a strange feeling to put into words, and I don't think anybody who's not a migrant can really understand it. I'm still living in Colombia...You don't really feel like that place is your home yet. Maybe in a few years I'll feel it. So in my case, and I see it with a lot of friends, we learn to live with the pain of loss. I think it's a positive thing that I left and was able to come back less attached emotionally and be able to look at the situation, not with a cold view, like "I don't care", not at all, I care a lot. But being away for two years also allows you to breathe. Logo of Association of Parliamentary Candidates, Aspirants and Citizens of Ghana 08.11.2022 LISTEN Association of Parliamentary Candidates, Aspirants and Citizens of Ghana (APCACG) is a socio-political association which was formed by a group of people who contested the 2020 general presidential and parliamentary elections on the ticket of Ghana Union Movement(G.U.M). The idea of the formation of the Association came into being after the election when the Founder and the Flagbearer of the Party (Ghana Union Movement) dissolved all the structures of the party and asked all members to find some work to do. Members decided to put themselves together as one family to champion the course of making Ghana better, as they would have done if they had gotten the opportunity to be in the Parliament House. The Association is made up of three (3) categories of people, those who could register and contest during the election, those who campaigned but could not register with the Electoral Commission to contest, and the citizens (supporters) who also campaigned for candidates. The association has a membership of about One hundred (100) who are coming from all corners of the country. The Association is governed by a twenty (20) executive members who were elected at a meeting organized at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, to steer the affairs for four(4) year term. The Association is duly registered with the registrar general under the Companies Act, 2019(Act 992). The Association is governed by a constitution which sets our aims and objectives that we uphold in high esteem. The aims and objectives for the formation of this noble Association are, to express our views, and contribute ideas that may help in building our country, Ghana. This inspiration is taken from the fact that, we are parliamentarians. The second aim is to establish and forge a closer cooperation with Organizations and Associations in the country and the outside world. The idea, according to leadership came into mind since no one person or group of people can build the country and the world alone. It needs the cooperation of all. The third aim is to lobby for financial and material supports for the Association to improve the socio political ambition of its members. Last but not the least, to provide support for the Ghanaian youths, especially the unemployed to venture into employable skills. It is said that, when a rich man lives in the mist of the poor, he is considered poor, since all of them will depend on him and the only thing to get the Ghanaian youths out of social vices is to get them some employable skills. The Association is, however, inviting people from all walks of life, political parties, parliamentarians, both former and current, Associations and Non Governmental Organizations to join this noble Association to give some smiles to the Ghanaian youths, and to make Ghana great and strong. The official launching of the Association comes off on Sunday November 20, 2022 at Amasaman in the Greater Accra region. The Public Interest Accountability Committee (PIAC) has urged the Ministry of Finance to seek approval from Parliament to maintain the capping of the Ghana Stabilisation Fund (GSF) at US$100 million. Parliament upon the request of the finance minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, approved the lowering of the capping on the Fund from US$300 million to the current amount in April 2020 when the government decided to set up the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP). Since then, the capping of the Fund had remained at $100 million till 2022. Speaking at a media engagement with members of the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ), Mr Eric Keyman Defor, a PIAC member, said the approval granted to lower the cap was for the 2020 budget year. He, therefore, advised the Ministry to request and justify to parliament in the upcoming budget presentation, why the capping should be maintained at $100 million since the period for which the capping was approved had elapsed. The GSF was set up to cushion government in times of shocks to the economy, or unanticipated shortfalls in oil revenue which necessitates that money be sourced to balance the budget. Even though the economy is in difficulties, Ghana recorded a revenue of $731.94 million for the first half of 2022, representing 93.4 per cent of the 2021 annual petroleum revenue of $783.33 million. The figure, $51.39 million less than petroleum revenue for the entire year of 2021, indicated a 73.73 per cent increase in the projected petroleum revenue for the year and a 108.89 per cent increase in receipts for the first half of 2021, which was $350.3 million. The Vice Chair of PIAC, Mr Nasir Mohammed said the retention of the current cap of US$100 million on the GSF for the year 2022 was not in accordance with the formula stipulated in Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2381. He explained that according to the LI, the computation of the capping should be based on the average of the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) of the current year, the year before the current year and the year after the current year. A proper application of the formula would have returned a figure of US$460,633,074.02 he said. The ABFA constitutes the main channel through which petroleum revenues are used to support the budget. The Minister of Finance, Mr Ofori-Atta, in May 2022 however downplayed earlier calls for the reversal of the US$100 million cap set on the GSF by saying it was too early due to unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. GNA 08.11.2022 LISTEN Two Lotto Associations have rejected the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and its Governing Board's 20 per cent commission offered to lotto writers. The members of Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) and Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana (CLAAG) have asked the NLA to pay 40 percent commission or maintain the 30 per cent it was paying lotto writers. The aggrieved members, clad in red, with placards in protest of the reduction of 30 per cent to 20 per cent commission, said the 20 per cent commission could not sustain their businesses and households in the current economic hardship. At a stakeholder meeting at the GNAT Hall in Accra, the Associations said the reduction of their commission would collapse their businesses with untold hardship on their families. We buy pens, carbon papers, pay electricity and water bills, we also pay for transportation, all these have been increased. GLOA and CLAAG executives said they had tried to implement the directives of the NLA but same had been met with fierce resistance despite public announcements in the media. Mr Eric Duah, Executive Secretary of CLAAG, said they would pursue increment in the commission paid to lotto writers. He said their jobs did not cause harm to the environment and that their commission should be increased and not reduced. Mr Duah said the members were seeking justice and fair play in the payment of commission, stressing that if the NLA would not increase the commission payments, it should not reduce it. According to him the introduction of lottery on phones had reduce patronage, which was making it difficult for them to meet daily targets. The lion is asleep; they should not wake it up, he said, adding that the members would be compelled to demonstrate and march to the Jubilee House to present their grievances to the President if they did not receive favourable response from the NLA. Meanwhile, GLOA and CLAAG executives are expected to meet the NLA on November 9, 2022. The Lotto Act, Act 722 gives the NLA Board the discretion to decide the commission for lotto writers. Since 1962, when lottery was introduced in Ghana, the commission paid writers has been 30 per cent. Some of the placards carried by the members read: Think of the Poor before you act, NLA is for all Ghanaians, and Sammy Awuku Why? GNA The Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, has appealed to the striking teachers to give the newly appointed Director General of GES, Dr. Eric Nkansah, the benefit of the doubt. He indicated that the striking teachers have no case to agitate for his removal. Currently, three teacher unions the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-G) are on industrial strike. Since the appointment of the new GES Director General, they [the teacher unions] have been petitioning the government to remove him on the basis that, being a banker, he lacks the expertise needed to manage the education sector. They have vowed never to call off the nationwide strike action they commenced on November 4 until the government revokes the appointment of Dr. Nkansah. But speaking on Accra-based Peace FMs Kokrokoo morning show today, November 8, Nana Akomea said their reason is unfair. This is not an issue that we should let the students suffer for it, that they will be home because teachers are on strike . . . The question I ask is there something wrong with the way he was given the appointment or is it that the teachers just don't like the person? "If the appointment was done appropriately, then you can rebuke the person only when the person has begun working and you have seen his performance is poor. But this person has not even been in office for a month, therefore how can you say you don't like him and so his appointment should be revoked," he said. He told the unions to allow "cool heads to prevail" and further urges them to "try him (Dr. Eric Nkansah) for about one year...They should give the man time and watch what he also can do at the Ghana Education Service". The Police in Mankessim have commenced investigations to unravel the mystery behind a young lady found dead by a roadside at Baifikrom in the Central Region. The lady believed to be in her 20s was found dead on the Mankessim-Baifikrom stretch of Baifikrom to Dominase road on Monday, November 7. She was found by some residents lying beside the roadside near the Smart Ice Drinking Water depot at Baifikrom-Samaria. With residents unfamiliar with the deceased, a report was immediately filed to get the Police involved. According to the information gathered from sources, her body has been picked up and deposited at the Mankessim Government Hospital. Some residents are alleging that it is possible she was killed by some wicked persons and dumped by the roadside in the middle of the night. With investigations opened into the matter, the police are also working to locate the family or anyone who can identify the deceased. Meanwhile, residents have called on the police to beef up security to guarantee their safety. 08.11.2022 LISTEN When a country is govern on pretense, lies, and faking by the governments and the educated society joining such acts and behaviours are the constant results that Ghana always find itself. Governments run on pretense as well as the educated society becoming jokers in addition is the main cause of Ghana woes. It does appears that governments knows the right things disrupting the economic growth but fails to do the needful, and leading by example and resigning (which is a sign of good governance practice). The same thing goes on in the ministries and other government departments, institutions, agencies, commissions, and authorities. None of these sector leadership leads by example by resigning which would have send a clear message to the Ghanaian citizens and the world at large that things are hard and beyond him/her and so therefore, he/she will give way for new or fresh brains to come and fix the problems for the economy to strive. This type of leadership practice is lacking in Ghana because of the do and die affairs and at all cost to lead by force for selfish interest and gains, and its not about having the entire country at heart. Based on these statements above one could deduce that the problem of Ghana as a country and its management principles and practice is gendered on the following terms: rule by all means and force, rule by pretense on unknown future, rule by faking actions, rule like chiefs and monarchy. One is yet to see the genuineness of democracy as a governance practice in Ghana. The educated citizens on the other hand, behave in a divided and confused manner on party lines whereby they engage in the Medias with hate, quarrels, unnecessary heated debates and above all compounds to the problems that the country faces. No unity and trust in the systems which renders management of the economy useless and mercy to corruption, selfishness and greediness. Also, the Media houses and platforms have turned their stations to party houses or platforms whereby they rant on newspaper headlines and run commentary with the same people (the MPs and government appointees) who are supposed to make sure that Ghana boom but unfortunately they seat and argue about who brought hardship and poverty on Ghanaians less or more to the people of Ghana without any remorse of failed deliverance of their manifestoes. They rant on those stations and platforms like movie actors. They are supposed to solve Ghana problems which is paramount but not to be ranting on TV and radio stations. Even these days, we see and hear some journalist stand on their TV or radio stations and sacking public officers or people appointed by the President of Ghana. That is how the economy is loose. Do we run offices or administration on TV stations? All such acts is mockery and inferior in the eyes of the world at large. Our inaccurate constitution is still paramount in ruling us as a nation and so it stipulate how to get individual citizen problem solved at a point in time using the appropriate channels. The uneducated citizens which is normally referred to as illiterates have also failed to reason through their traditional cultural principles and allowed the politicians to pollute their minds which corrupts and diminished their way of thinking truth and honesty. So, they are at a confused state because they dont understand the economic language, therefore, they follow on tribalism, hypocrisy, and ignorance. This has eroded their societies and communities since they tag each other on party lines. Hence, their decision making process has been corrupted and that reduced their dignity as citizens. More importantly, the country is built on the constitution but the constitution itself has fundamental problems in terms of realities. Hence, it is the major problem of Ghana since it is the one that defines our democratic process of electing leaders. But the moral brain and management principles and practices is enshrined in it which are not put into proper and accurate use. In management theory and practice, it is stated that if decisions does not conform to plans it is the management duty to take control measures. This means that in terms of Ghanas management, who takes control measures in the constitution which already have fundamental problems. This means that Ghana already has very weak fundamentals in its set up hence, the need to correct that by introducing pure management principles and practice as the economic operational tools or activities to change the governance systems and structures for better, without both internal or external influence, fear, or favour. This is the more reason why president Obama ones said in Ghana here that Africa doesnt need strong men but strong institutions. This is a big caveat for Africans to take steps to change the poor fundamentals of governance systems and structures through the constitution first by proper amendments to suite the world governance as current practices with pure management principles and practice in place. In view of all these the governments of Ghana, including their appointees must be prepared and get ready to vacate their positions when their decision fails the country, the nation Ghana. This is the best practice of democracy but not the aforementioned bad principles and practiced such as ruling by force, pretense, faking, as chiefs and monarchy. This way of practices has never yielded any better economic growth for Ghana but what we constantly see with these bad principles and practice is life goes on with the constant debts and challenges which makes us continuously poorer. In contrast, countries that we refer to as advance and developed, practice proper management principles by resigning if they cannot manage with their decisions or if their decisions fails. They give chance to others but this is the law or constitutional system they have been practicing. The happenings in the UK regarding Prime Ministers of UK position in the space of 6 months, they changed three Prime Ministers. Lets not be mistaken and think that the problem that these advance and developed countries have is the same like Ghana problems, no. What it is, is that their problems directly affect Ghana and Africa as a whole since currently we depend heavily on their economies and investors. This must be a win, win situation. With the practice of management principles it will bring good governance and discipline society and economy. The educated society must as from now behave maturely with open minds, objective, and maintain truth without political colours or taking side. By so doing we will have the governments and the public sector working well with deliverables. Moreover, the illiterates must follow their culture and tradition to make decisions without influences or tribalism. If tribalism is what we use to make voting decisions then no wonder all the elected members and leaders of the institutions are behaving like gods and untouchable. No one can change this unless he people themselves. Again, the greediness and selfishness we have in the governments and the public sector institutions must be changed through the implementation of good managers not just politicians or party people. This is the way the administration and governance of the country is mismanaged. What people should understand is that demand and supply or elasticity of demand and supply, and scarcity of goods and services can be achieved if only pure management principles and practice are put in place but not party or political reward sharing. In this case, I would encourage governments to always create proper job design and advertise for a suitable candidate with management background and experience but not just appointing party members without the relevant experience and qualification. Currently, Ghana economy and administration is been managed as political parties sharing the economic wealth of the nation, Ghana. This cannot give us better development. The Media men also run their stations as if they are political party houses and so therefore, there is a lot of hullaballoo in the country from the media journalists. The journalists must change their style of reporting. Reporting in Ghana by practicing the Western or EU, and the American style will never give us good society and governance. In all these, the fundamentals of Ghanas constitution and the kind of models that the governments practice is yet to be identified. The moral behaviour and patriotism among the old and the young ones are distasteful and this needs to change. This means the youth need proper role models to emulate in Ghana and then strive. For example, you see the youths of today joining politics not because they wanted to but its because there are no jobs or enabling opportunities, therefore, they have no choice but to join political party with the hope of becoming like the current or past politicians. In the nutshell, the country must take steps to introduce proper management principles and practice in the administration and governance of the economy for better. If not, they will never be any hope for them. We have to now decode what the 1992 constitution mean by propagating the term management, to manage, and economic management. According to a renowned Management guru and theory, Henri Fayol, identify 14 principles of management namely division of work, authority and responsibility, discipline, unity of command, unity of direction, subordination of individual interest, remuneration, centralization, scalar chain, order, equity, stability, initiative, and esprit de corps. Is this what the constitution predicts? I bear to differ and governments must engage professionals with prerequisite qualification and experience to manage public sector and government institutions and not just by appointing party members. The civil servants role and responsibilities must be a true leadership position that can make concrete decisions for the institutions without political interference or influence. All these principles and practice will be meaningless if the constitution will not be changed to reflect pure management principles and practice, and our institutions will continue to be weak, not strong. The truth also is that the four year term in office to manage the whole country is too small for imagination. How many years to do you take to build a house and how more a whole country in just four years. The destruction to our economic growth and progress is real. Besides, it seems people think of national development as just a president thing, no. All citizens have to have the same mentality of doing good and right things with the governments administration. Without the nation thinking right together, we can never achieve proper human capital development as a nation. The constitution currently divides us and so until it is amended to bring people together in a rightful way. Besides, the regional divisions is not an example of togetherness, hence, our challenges has been compounded. Therefore, all boils down to the shaky constitution. Ghana problems is never four years term solution. So, we must set the constitution, systems and structures right. A-K Adam Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Strong thunderstorms likely. Storms may produce large hail and strong winds. High 77F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 49F. SW winds shifting to NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Chad has accepted the principle of an international inquiry "as soon as possible" to shed light on the deaths of some 50 people at anti-regime protests, the prime minister told AFP on Tuesday. The authorities say the October 20 death toll included a dozen members of the security forces and accused the opposition of mounting an "insurrection". Opposition groups called the demonstrations to mark the date when the ruling military had initially promised to hand over power -- a timeline now extended for another two years by General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno. The 38-year-old took power after his father, president Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled for 30 years, died during an operation against rebels in April 2021. Since the protests, which resulted in 300 wounded and hundreds more arrested, the government has suspended all party political activity. It has also imposed a night curfew "until the total restoration of order" in the capital N'Djamena and the towns of Moundou, Doba and Koumra. "Various partners of Chad wanted this and we have immediately agreed," said prime minister Saleh Kebzabo. "The inquiry must start as soon as possible," he added. Kebzabo, a former opposition figure who was appointed on October 12, said further details would be provided at a press conference in the coming days. According to the Chadian Convention for the Defence of Human Rights, 600 people were detained and held in the Koro Toro high security prison in the north of the country. The public prosecutor Moussa Wade has been leading an investigation at the facility for the last two weeks. The World Organisation Against Torture, known by its French acronym OMCT, says more than 2,000 people were detained during and after the deadly clashes. The European Union strongly condemned an "excessive use of force" and violation of the right to freedom of speech and assembly. 08.11.2022 LISTEN ANYANSAFUOEII, MO WO HEN? was proffered by the former moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Very Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Martey, in 2014 to depict his dissatisfaction, discontentment, agony, and sadness towards the then-ruling administration. The phrase, which served as a distress call to order, represented the afflicted masses in Ghana at the time. It was a call to be freed from economic and political oppression or burden. The phrase is not an insult, abuse or vindictive with malicious underpinnings; it is simply A CALL TO ORDER; A CALL TO REPENTANCE; A CALL TO RIGHTEOUSNESS; A CALL TO PRESIDING/GOVERNING ARIGHT. As a liberation theologian, Prof. Martey is eternally burdened with the duty and obligation to employ godly and legitimate methods to fight for or redeem society's downtrodden and marginalised. This does not exclude him from adhering to the churchs established structures. Since he is no longer the head of the church, he is in a way restricted from voicing out publicly as he used to. This is due to the fact that anything he says may be mistakenly taken as the churchs position. Hence, his recent media silence and the adoption of other means including text messages to fight the same course as he explained in his public lecture at Koforidua. In liberation theology, restructuring is necessary in order to include the poor, underprivilege, deprived or gullible in the totality of human flourishing. Liberation theologians opine that the Bible can better be understood when viewed from the perspective of the impoverished. They proffer that God spoke/speaks primarily through the poor, suppressed or subjugated. Although, it was prophesied before time, it was their distress calls [after several failed attempts in the intertestamental periods] that influenced God to send his only Son, Jesus to pitch his tent among us for the purpose of our redemption. Christs manifesto in Luke 4:18-19 (NRSV) affirms this by giving reasons for his coming; to bring good news to the poorproclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lords favour. In summary, Christ came that we [who are deficient and impoverished] may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10. NRSV). In biblical interpretations, ANYANSAFUOEII MO WO HEN? could be classified as universal (not local), timeless (not timebound) and cross-cultural (not culture specific). Universal in the sense that the phrase is not contextually limited to a particular society, timeless in the sense that it is not limited to a particular time period, era or epoch and cross-cultural in the sense that it applies to all cultures and not limited to a particular culture, tribe, group or government. It can therefore be understood or inferred that ANYANSAFUOEII MO WO HEN? is applicable more to governments that do not exhibit the capacity/thoughtfulness in alleviating the predicaments of citizens. It is applicable to governments that finds it difficult to hold the bull by the horns, especially, in times of economic and political crises. It applies to governments that prioritise the demands of their political parties over those of the nation. Moreover, to regimes that revere their political parties more so than the Creator God. The Apostle Paul used a comparable phrase in Gal. 3:1 which could be rationalised as seeking to achieve a similar intent as Profs phrase. Paul remarked, You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? To Paul, for the Galatians [including their leaders] to know and experience the truth and still stick to doing what is wrong is foolishness. Foolishness is when one acts irrationally. In our local parlance Pauls phrase can be rendered as GALATIANS FO MO NNIM NYANSA. Paul, by this, cautioned the Galatians and called them to order, righteousness and also reminded them to be rational in their thoughts and deeds. He gave them a wakeup call to do what was truthful, right and accurate. The Way Forward: It is evident that there is indescribable hardship in the country. One which the president has acknowledged never existed for over three to four decades. One important thing we need to think about is what ought to be done. This is one of the times that Prof. Marteys ANYANSAFUOEII MO WO HEN? call ought to be taken in earnest. We should take note that; Experts would inundate the government with recommendations for tactics, plans, or policies but how they respond would indicate how seriously the government is taking his call. It would require a wise government/politician to embrace ideas, in the short-term, that would lessen hardships even if they would not be advantageous to them and the party. As a multiparty state, the governments actions towards the opposition and their suggestions or from other CSOs would also signify whether they heeded or are heeding Prof's call. The degree of hair-cuts [sacrifices] the administration would give itself [or offer] would also demonstrate how committed and prepared they are to be declared or called faithful and wise administrators. A president or political partys choice of words in situations like this would suggest whether or not they regard Profs call. A president or political party heeding Profs call would cease all unwarranted propaganda, thoughtless justifications and deception and be consistently truthful or factual to the public. Basically, a faithful government would listen and be truthful to themselves and the people they have signed a social contract with. The point is that, to inspire confident and trust in the populace in this era, a leader or party ought to act beyond expectations. The consolation the broken hearted, the suppressed individual or the citizen burdened with economic hardship get are from those who speak/act for them. Thus, if the government is unable to inspire that confident to garner their trust, they would continue to abhor and react vindictively out of depression and discomfort. This is not to hold brief for them but its the reality on the ground. Moreover, it appears not relevant to voice out concerns or do good works when one is perceived to have sat and watched their deterioration or worsening. We should therefore not be surprised that the populace reacted negatively towards the leaders of the church who went to the galamsey site to get a primary account of events. Many people think it was a good call that should have come earlier especially when the galamsey news broke in the early days and evidence show that lives/property would be at risk. In case they had intervened earlier they could have prevented the loss of some [worsened] lives and property. Public outrage could have decreased as well because people do not usually fight for themselves when they see their leaders fighting for them. When we cast our minds back to ANYANSAFUOEII MO WO HEN? call in 2014, it was observed that the public was extremely happy that Prof. spoke and even showered praises on him for speaking for them. It could be remembered that public anger or rage was curtailed to a certain degree. There was a general catharsis resulting in purgation of the publics emotions. The point is this, the voiceless does not resolve to using chaotic means to express themselves when those with the voice always speak for them. All of us, especially the president and the NPP government, need to be concerned and selfless in our thoughts and deeds in these trying times. Profs call continues to remind us not to think of or seek our own interests but also the interest of others (Phi. 2:4). There are young men actively looking for work today because the walatu walasa (menial jobs) they usually do at many construction sites have ceased due to economic hardship. The market woman who wakes up at 3:00 am, goes to trade and makes no profit or sales would have to sacrifice the little she has for her kids and live on empty stomach or, better, take solace in going to bed on water. The office worker whose salary has not seen any increased is left with no option than to use almost all of it for transportation and food. Religious leaders and society leaders are constantly inundated with calls and pleas from members who find it difficult to get a days square meal. These are the people we have to think about more today and not our selfish political/party interest. Citizens must not be thinking of themselves and their personal gains by charging exorbitant prices. This is the time we need to show greater love to our neighbours by helping them with their needs especially basic needs. Politicians should know that no matter the pain the opponent causes them, the ultimate reason for vengeance is always not good. An Akan proverb reads, when two elephants fight, it is the grasses and the smaller plants that suffer. We need to be one in mind and heart because it is only when we are diversely united that this land of our birth can see progress and proper development. The Church in Ghana has a lot of work to do in addition to effective prayers. The Christian Council and all other Christian bodies have much to do. For Ghana is becoming or has become a place where people no longer feel bad when they do what is wrong or immoral [in words and deeds] and statistically about 70% of these people are in the Church. We are on the verge of collapse; we need to wake up from our slumber and act aright. The Church must effectively use its prophetic voice to bring sanity and redemption to Ghana. To those who cannot withstandinsults and therefore keep quiet amidst corruption [or wickedness] (Martey, 2022). To those who naively and innocently, accept gifts that turn out to be baits and bribes which subsequently muzzle [them] from preaching prophetic messages with power (Martey, 2022). To those who are scared to speak out against corrupt politicians [because] they share the same ethnic background with some of them (Martey, 2022). What charge are you to keep and whats the Masters will? We are not and will never be wiser than the Master, hence, we should not think we can be exonerated from the catastrophes our inactions [silence] creates. We will one day stand in front of the judgement seat of God and account for them. To the faithful few who wish to be given the title, good and faithful servants, let us be strengthened, renew our minds and go back to fight the good fight of faith without fear nor favour as we await the Master and our Lord, Jesus Christ. God help us. Amen. Kwakye Ransford. References: Martey, Emmanuel. Why some Christian leaders are quiet over pervasive corruption Prof Martey explains. Accessed November 5, 2022. Modified May, 2022. https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Why-some-Christian-leaders-are-quiet-over-pervasive-corruption-Prof-Martey-explains-1546448 May, 2022 November 08, 2022 'Putin's Chef' Ridicules U.S. News Outlets - Adds 'Election Interference' Comedy Sketch A number of news outlets are spreading this nonsense: Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin admits interfering in US elections and promises to do it again - Nov 7, 2022 - NYPost Russian oligarch and Kremlin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin said Monday that he had interfered in US elections in the past and intends to keep it up. Prigozhin, the money-man behind Moscows brutal Wagner Group paramilitaries, made the admission in a statement released by his business, the Concord catering firm. 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, read the statement posted to Russian social media platform VKontakte. During our pinpoint operations, we will remove both kidneys and the liver at once, the statement added, without further explanation. The post, made one day before mid-term elections in the US, was in response to questions put to Prigozhin from Russian news outlets. Prigozhin colloquially known as Putins Chef due to his catering firms Kremlin contracts is also thought to be the financier behind Russian internet troll farms. The White House even remarked on it: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that the oligarchs 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 in the United States, she said. Yevgeny is a known bad actor who has been sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom and also the European Union, she added. We also know that part of Russias efforts include 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, Jean-Pierre said. This is of course great nonsense. Prigozhin remarks did not admit anything but were pure sarcasm. They appeared on the Telegram channel https://t.me/s/Prigozhin_hat/. That channel is not directly associated with Prigozhin himself. This is post number 1974 on that channel (https://t.me/s/Prigozhin_hat/1974): bigger A Google translate of that post results in this: Prigozhin's cap Request from Utro.ru news agency and response: REQUEST: Dear Evgeny Viktorovich, we noticed a certain discrepancy between the statements in the telegram channels "Prigozhin's Cap", "Evgeny Prigozhin in Telegram" and the group "Press Service of the Concord Company" in VKontakte. Can you please clarify which telegram channel is the official channel of the press service, if any? ANSWER: Evgeny Viktorovich wanted to answer this question personally: I found out about the existence of the telegram channels Prigozhins Cap and Evgeny Prigozhin in Telegram after your question. More precisely, I heard about the existence of "Prigozhin's Cap", but did not bother with the question whose it was. Therefore, I answer. The Telegram channels Prigozhins Cap, Evgeny Prigozhin on Telegram and the rest have nothing to do with the press service of the Concord company and have nothing to do with me. However, we do not see anything harmful in the information they convey. Moreover, many of them - thanks. But in order to maintain purity in relations with content consumers, I instructed the press service to create a telegram channel Prigozhins Press Service, in which I guarantee that all statements are published from me personally. We publish the comment of the press service: Link to the telegram channel "Prigozhin's Press Service": https://t.me/s/concordgroup_official 65.9K views 15:58 Prigozhin's cap clearly isn't an official outlet of Prigozhin. The first visible post on the new Concord group Telegram channel (https://t.me/s/concordgroup_official/3) is the same as the above one but edited earlier at 15:49. It is headlined: "#897 Request from Utro.ru news agency and response:". Now onto the post by Prigozhin's cap various news outlets reported on which is number 1978 (https://t.me/s/Prigozhin_hat/1978): bigger Google translation: Prigozhin's cap Request from the editors of the Russia News portal and response: REQUEST: Hello! Question to Evgeny Viktorovich. Radio Liberty, citing a Bloomberg article, announced a new interference by Russia in the elections to the US Congress, which will be held on November 8. Journalists of the publication associate attempts of intervention with your name. Can you comment? ANSWER: We publish a comment by Evgeny Viktorovich: I will answer you very subtly, delicately and I apologize, I will allow a certain ambiguity. Gentlemen, we interfered, we interfere and we will interfere. Carefully, precisely, surgically and in our own way, as we know how. During our pinpoint operations, we will remove both kidneys and the liver at once. 46.0K views 08:06 This is an obviously sarcastic remark made "subtly, delicately, .. allowing a certain ambiguity". The unserious nature of the response is confirmed by its last sentence "pinpoint operation ... remove both kidneys and the liver at once". That anyone would take this seriously, and sell it as 'news' only shows how much the intellectual level of the people in that business has degraded. The same remark can be found as post number 5 on Prigozhin's new company channel (https://t.me/s/concordgroup_official/5) headlined "#899 Request from the editors of the Russia News portal and response:" It was posted at 8:04, two minutes before the Prigozhin's cap post, and has a movie citation added to it that makes it absolutely clear that Prigozhin thinks the whole issue is bare nonsense: #899 Request from the editors of the Russia News portal and response: ... We publish the comment of the press service: See the story of "interference" in the American elections in the movie "16th": https://www.ivi.ru/watch/477950 www.ivi.ru 16th (2021) Comedy about the interference of Russian hackers in the course of the American elections. In 2016, Donald Trump became President of the United States, which came as a surprise to many voters. Public dissatisfaction with the outcome of the vote gave rise to many versions of what happened, ... The two minutes long trailer of that hilarious 'election interference' comedy can be watched here. bigger Its fast cut scenes are funny even when one does not understand the Russian language dialogues. I am sure that Prigozhin had a good laugh about all this and is happy about the additional PR-value it is giving to him. Posted by b on November 8, 2022 at 9:36 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page Amplified Intelligence Expands to US with NYC Launch Australian omnichannel attention measurement company Amplified Intelligence has expanded to the US, opening an office in New York and hiring former Unruly exec Alex Khan for the newly created role of EVP Global Partnerships. Founded in 2017 by Karen Nelson-Field and headquartered in Adelaide, the company also has an office in London, and offers proprietary technology giving clients insight and tools to measure attention to advertising. In July, the firm said that future planned offerings include campaign optimisation through attentionADJUST, and media trading tech with attentionTRADE. In the US, the company already works with agency holding companies via API feeds into planning tools, and has been building up omni-channel attention data there for the last two years through partnerships with US-based agencies, media platforms and brands. Khan (pictured) joins from video ad distribution and tracking platform Unruly, where he latterly served as Group MD, International. Prior to this he worked for digital AdTech platform Smaato, as MD APAC, based in Singapore; was responsible for the combined Platforms and Enterprise business for ad and publishing solutions agency Oath in APAC; and was MD for AOL Asia and ANZ. In his new role, Khan will work with Chief Growth Officer Phil Townend (who joined from Unruly in 2020), to scale the business globally through key distribution partnerships. He will report to Nelson-Field, who comments: 'As one of the largest advertising markets in the world, the US is the natural next location in our expanding global footprint. We're excited to officially be on the ground, working with our clients to develop a deeper understanding of their specific needs and support them in using our technology to transform how they measure online advertising. Alex will play a vital role in helping us scale in the US and globally'. Web site: www.amplifiedintelligence.com.au . Wallenberg Tribute Honors Afghanistan Womens Rights and Education Advocate Rangina Hamidi The former minister of education for Afghanistan will be speaking November 13 about the current state of education. Tuesday, November 8, 2022 09:24 AM Rangina Hamidi is being honored as this year's guest lecturer for the annual Wallenberg Tribute. This years Wallenberg Tribute lecture guest is Rangina Hamidi, an Afghan American writer, educator, social activist and politician known for her tireless efforts to advocate for the rights of women, girls and education in Afghanistan Hamidi will present her lecture, Schools and Madrassas: The Battle for Education in Afghanistan on Sunday, November 13 at 3:30 p.m. in the Seegers Union Event Space. The event is open to the public and will be followed by an invitation-only dinner. Every year since 1984, Muhlenbergs Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding has honored the legacy of Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat in Hungary who saved 100,000 Jews from deportation to death camps during World War II, with the Wallenberg Tribute. Muhlenberg commemorates Wallenbergs legacy by inviting a guest speaker who has demonstrated courageous moral action on the behalf of others. Hamidi, a professor of practice at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University and the former minister of education for Afghanistan, was born in Kandahar, Afghanistan. She emigrated to Pakistan in 1981 and then to the United States with her family seven years later. She returned to the country in 2003 and spent 20 years working to better the lives of Afghans, establishing a full value-chain model of an all-womens social enterprise in Kandahar. She also successfully led the Mezan International School to create an internationally-accredited curriculum with a foundation of Islamic education, Afghan history and Afghan values. SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk gestures during a joint news conference with T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert at the SpaceX Starbase, in Brownsville, Texas, Aug. 25, 2022. Palantir, with intimate ties to defense, intelligence and security industries around the world, seems set to play an even larger role in the UKs crisis-ridden National Health System (NHS). Last summer, as readers may recall, executives at NHS England the non-departmental government body that runs the National Health Service in England came up with an ingenious plan to digitally scrape the general practice data of up to 55 million patients and share it with any private third parties willing to pay for it. NHS England allowed patients to opt out of the scheme; they just didnt bother telling them about it until three weeks before the deadline, presumably because if they had, millions of patients would have opted out. When the FT finally broke the story, a scandal erupted. NHS England officials responded by shelving the scheme, saying they needed to focus on reaching out to patients and reassuring them their data is safe. But that hasnt happened. Instead, they have waited for the scandal to die down before embarking on an even more egregious scheme. This time it is patient data from UK hospitals that is up for grabs. And patients will have no opt-out option. In fact, without even consulting patients, NHS England has instructed NHS Digital which will soon be merged with NHS England as part of the UKs governments accelerated reforms to the NHS tech agenda to gather patient data from NHS hospitals and extract it to its data platform, which is based on Palantirs Foundry enterprise data management platform. The pretext for taking such a step is that researching and analyzing patients hospital data will help the NHS better understand and tackle the crisis in treatment waiting times resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. But the result will be yet more private-sector involvement in essential NHS processes. And in this case, the company being involved in those processes is one of the darkest in the tech universe. A Highly Coveted Prize The NHS is the worlds seventh largest employer. And it is home to one of the richest repositories of patient data on the planet. One of the great requirements for health tech is a single health database, Damindu Jayaweera, head of technology research at UK investment bank Peel Hunt told Investors Chronicle. There are only two places as far as I know that digitise the data of the whole population from birth to death China and the UK. As the FT reported earlier this year, Palantir aspires to become the underlying data operating system for the NHS. To that end, it has already lured two senior NHS managers to its executive suites, including the former chief of artificial intelligence. It now has its sights set on the ultimate prize: a five-year, 360 million contract to manage the personal health data of millions of patients. Palantirs latest encroachment into NHS operations came to light thanks to the publication of board papers just hours before NHS Digitals latest board meeting, on November 1. Those papers no longer seem to be accessible so I am relying on a report published on Friday 4 by The Register, a British technology news website, as well as a heavily detailed twitter thread by Phil Booth of MedConfidential, a group campaigning for confidentiality and consent in health and social care. According to Booth, on page 158 of the board papers NHS England instructs NHS Digital to use Palantir Techs Foundry platform to collect patient-level identifiable [hospital] data pertaining to admission, inpatient, discharge and outpatient activity from acute care settings on a daily basis. First, beginning on page 158, are some Directions that @NHSEngland must know will be HIGHLY controversial given they are telling @NHSDigital to use @PalantirTech's #Foundry to collect *patient level identifiable data* from hospitals pic.twitter.com/PM4mEl5z2e Phil Booth (@EinsteinsAttic) November 1, 2022 Following previous data debacles, both the NHS and UK government ministers had pledged that in future any patient data shared for research and analysis purposes would be anonymized. But now they are talking about using pseudonymized data, which is completely different. In 2014, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), the UKs independent regulatory office (national data protection authority) dealing with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation, said the following about pseudonymized data: Pseudonymising personal data can reduce the risks to the data subjects and help you meet your data protection obligations. However, pseudonymisation is effectively only a security measure. It does not change the status of the data as personal data. Recital 26 makes it clear that pseudonymised personal data remains personal data and within the scope of the UK GDPR. Personal data which have undergone pseudonymisation, which could be attributed to a natural person by the use of additional information should be considered to be information on an identifiable natural person In other words, says Booth, while NHS England may want to ignore peoples opt-outs from Research & Planning uses, and contorts itself to say their datas not confidential patient information, the law(s) says otherwise. There are also serious questions about who exactly will be doing the pseudonymisation, and who will hold the keys, says Booth: Theres a world of difference between an independent statutory Safe Haven (i.e. NHS Digital), NHS England which wants ALL the data to use for whatever it wants, and Palantir. A Dark Company Named after the seeing stones used in The Lord of the Rings, Palantir was set up in 2003 with seed money from the CIAs venture capital arm, In-Q-Tel (IQT). It is one of the darkest companies in the tech sphere. While it is making significant inroads in the corporate world, its main line of business is to provide data-mining technology to support US military operations, mass surveillance, and predictive policing. Its technology is also used by ICE to identify illegal migrants before detaining and deporting them. When, in 2018, thousands of Google employees refused to participate in Project Maven, a secret Pentagon-funded AI pilot program aimed at the unmanned operation of aerial vehicles, the project was taken up by Palantir. Critics warn that the technology could pave the way to autonomous weapons that decide who to target without human input. In February 2021, Palantirs chief operating officer boasted to investors that Palantir was driving towards being inside of every missile, inside of every drone. This is a company that deals in death on a daily basis but is also rapidly building a stake in the health and life services sector. During the early months of the pandemic it was one of a number of companies chosen to help collect, store, process and share data for the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a project that the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) warned poses a grave threat to the data privacy of all Americans. On the other side of the pond, the UK Government signed a deal in March 2020 with an assortment of private tech firms, including Palantir, to help run the NHSs massive COVID-19 data store. It was supposed to be a short-term arrangement but in December of the same year the Department of Health and Social Care awarded Palantir an additional two-year contract, worth up to 23 million, to help run the NHS massive database. Palantirs gathering takeover of NHS data services has met strong resistance. In September 2021, the UKs Department for Health and Social Care was forced to terminate a contract with Palantir over the management of social care data, following a massive protest campaign involving more than 50 groups. The move was taken as a tentative sign that the UK government may finally be pivoting away from using Palantirs services, at least in the healthcare sector. That is clearly not the case. But even if the UK government had made that pivot, Palantir had a back-up plan in place, as Bloomberg reported in late September. That plan was laid out by Palantirs regional head Louis Mosley in a Sept. 24 email entitled Buying our way in!, and it essentially involved hoovering up small businesses serving the NHS to take a lot of ground and take down a lot of political resistance. As Cory Doctorow notes in his excellent post last month, How Palantir Will Steal the NHS, Palantir has essentially unfettered access to the capital markets, as well as the deep pockets of its founder, the cartoon villain Peter Thiel. While it is clear that good data management has a crucial role to play in the future of health and social care provision, Palantirs unshakeable commitment to proprietary, secretive software development methodologies makes it woefully ill-suited for NHS service provision: Compare the NHS to Ben Goldacres landmark Better, broader, safer: using health data for research and analysis: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/better-broader-safer-using-health-data-for-research-and-analysis/better-broader-safer-using-health-data-for-research-and-analysis Goldacre argues that the only way to unlock the medical insights in aggregate NHS patient data is with public software: an open and free trusted research platform that anyone can audit and verify. While the code for this platform would be public, NHS patient data would never leave it. Instead, researchers who wanted to investigate hypotheses about the effectiveness of different interventions would send queries to the platform and get results back without ever touching the data. This is a system that only works if its hosted by democratically accountable public services not by private actors accountable to their shareholders, and certainly not secretive companies whose primary expertise is in helping spy agencies conduct mass surveillance. As Doctorow notes, most people in the UK do not want the NHS to be privatised. For them the NHS, founded in 1948 on the principles of free and equal access to medical treatment, is sacrosanct: But while the British people oppose privatisation, the British investor class are slavering for it. Oligarchs love to loot public services, which is why the IMF is so adamant that the countries it helps sell off their public water, housing, even their roads and schools and museums [The NHS] has been subject to the death of a thousand literal cuts, as Tories and Labour alike have starved it of resources. More importantly, both parties have turned ever-larger chunks of the NHS over to private-sector looters who have taken over hospitals, services, record-keeping and more. An Even Bigger Picture But this is not just about the NHS. It is about our governments role as guardians of our most precious data, including our health and biometric information. As governments, central banks and global corporations trip over each other to rush into existence digital identity programs and central bank digital currencies, that role is set to grow exponentially (unless, of course, we can stop them in their tracks). In the new digital age that is rapidly forming around us, citizens will be custodians of our own data. We will be the ones who get to decide which parts of our data get shared and with whom. At least that is what we are being told. But these are just words, and words can be hollow. We have to judge our governments on their actions. And their actions to date including NHS Englands decision to grant custodianship of NHS patients hospital data to Palantir without even informing patients, the US State Departments decision to give intelligence and law enforcement agencies unfettered access to more than 145 million Americans personal data, and the US governments plans to share the biometric data of its citizens with dozens of other governments speak of a whole different reality. My job with the Post has evolved since October 2000, when I began work with The City Paper. In 2008, both publications became aligned via former owner SouthComm Inc. I have served as Post managing editor since 2011. Follow William Williams 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today KateLynn White graduated from Tennessee State University, where she was an editor of the student newspaper. She interned for The Tennessean and The Tennessee Tribune before joining the Nashville Post in 2022. She also contributes to the Nashville Scene. Follow KateLynn White 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today (Natural News) Deception, lying, and hiding the truth are nothing new. Whenever there was a struggle for power, influence, money, or dominance, there was a conspiracy Countless conspiracies turnout out to be true and today we will explore some examples. (Article by Mayukh Saha republished from TruthTheory.com) As it turns out many of them hail from the United States, the land of the brave and the free (just kidding). So, lets check out some of the theories peddled across multiple sites over the last couple of decades. CONSPIRACY THEORIES THAT HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED TO BE TRUE TUSKEGEE SYPHILIS STUDY According to Buzzworthy, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study has been one of the most talked about conspiracy theories in recent times. This was a series of extremely infamous clinical studies that cemented its place in American history. The studies were conducted between the years 1932 and 1972. The studies are a big indicator of the racism that was rampant in rural America. The tests observed the natural growth of syphilis in black men in rural Alabama. What makes this even more deplorable is that the people who were involved in the study were actually not aware of the tests done on them- they simply thought they were receiving free health care from the American government. OPERATION NORTHWOODS This conspiracy theory- which was later proven to be correct- was done at the height of the Cold War. During this tumultuous period in world history, Fidel Castro- the leader of Cuba was quite a thorn in the American side. After failing to oust the Communist leader of the country during the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961, the US government drew up Operation Northwoods. The plan was to lob mortars in Guantanamo Bay initially, but it took a far more deadly turn as they then decided to bomb boats that carried Cubans to Florida and other cities in the south of the USA. The proposals called for CIA operatives to both stage and actually commit acts of violent terrorism against American military and civilian targets, blaming them on the Cuban government. You can see the official report here. DURING THE PROHIBITION PERIOD, THE US GOVERNMENT ROUTINELY POISONED ALCOHOL There have been several claims that the government once poisoned alcohol to stop people from drinking during Prohibition. While we would never be able to judge the verisimilitude behind this statement, it goes without saying that the federal government did take quite a few steps to ensure that the citizens didnt drink. Now- although the government might not have gone so far as to poison the alcohol, they certainly ensured that toxic chemicals were involved in industrial alcohols. USAToday claims that it was absolutely true that the government had been adding toxic chemicals to industrial alcohol which effectively polluted most of the future supplies of bootleg liquor. MK ULTRA CIAS MIND CONTROL EXPERIMENTS One of the most famous conspiracy theories that actually turned out to be true is MK Ultra. During the early part of the Cold War, the American government was convinced that their enemies had possession of a drug that led to mind control. As a response to that, the CIA started developing its own program called MK-Ultra. This was said to be a drug for mind control that could potentially be weaponized against the enemies of the nation. One such journalist that captured the entire program, Stephen Kinzer, called this operation the most sustained search in history for mind control techniques. Further, the journalist mentioned that the process to control the mind was two-fold. Firstly, one had to blast the existing mind. When this created a void- the program would be inserting a new mind. Sadly, Sidney Gottlieb- the main chemist for the program- couldnt really add a new mind to a patient. But he had fun removing shreds of ones existing memory. OPERATION MOCKINGBIRD Another conspiracy theory that grew amidst the turmoil of the Cold War was Operation Mockingbird. In this program, the CIA approached quite a few leading journalists in the country in an attempt to sway public opinion while gathering information. This program apparently went on for three decades. Carl Bernstein, a journalist who wrote for Rolling Stone in 1977, stated that the relationship of journalists with the Agency wasnt straightforward. Some journalists had a tacit relationship with the Agency while others had something explicit. These journalists did provide a whole range of services for the CIA- sometimes they gathered intelligence, while on other occasions they served as a mediator between the CIA and the spies in Communist countries. So, which of the conspiracy theories made you think? Write in the comments below. Read more at: TruthTheory.com (Natural News) The entire censorship boot is coming down the pike and completely silencing dissent to the official narratives about war, medicine, economy, climate change, and of course, deadly vaccines. In fact, the entire misinformation industry is just as much a travesty as the Covid scamdemic itself, leading billions of sheeple down dirty roads and rabbit holes that lead to destitution, sickness, information slavery, perversion and early death. Thousands of self-anointed experts claim to be combating disinformation, which really means fueling propaganda while censoring any truth that reveals the treachery. This campaign of misinformation to battle disinformation comes from many angles and organizations, some government run and others are NGOs, funded by billionaires and those who seek tyrannical power and the total destruction of America. Disinformation czars are misinformation kings Land owners and gun owners are all thats left keeping America intact as a Republic. Fair elections are out the window. Misinformation is at an all-time high. The Vaccine Holocaust is well under way, and the Health Ranger Mike Adams predicted this in July of 2019, before anyone knew about the Covid plandemic. Who else predicted the Vaccine Holocaust, where disinformation from the WHO, CDC, FDA, Trump and the Biden Regime would send 250 million Americans over a health cliff they never saw right in front of them? Crooked Joe Bidens Minister of Truth, Nina Jankowicz, and the Disinformation Governance Board, are waging a war against truth while using a disinformation campaign as their cover. Funded by the deep state and globalists, Western society is being hoodwinked to believe that the misinformation is coming from independent and alt media, when its all coming top-down from the US government, Big Tech, Big Pharma and Communist cabals (like the CCP) around the world. The regime of censorship is silencing all opposing viewpoints, science, research, journalism and all political dissonance. In America, it is now illegal to criticize the Biden Regime, the deadly Covid vaccines or the fake election of 2020. Anyone with popularity, power and/or money who does is persecuted, sued for all theyre worth, de-platformed, bankrupted and some are put in jail indefinitely with no trial. Disinformation experts revealed by truth media One truth-seeking journalist described the whole censorship campaign as the frog-in-boiling-water situation, where the water (censorship) is slowly but consistently heated up, so the frog doesnt notice too much, until its boiling hot and the frog (freedom of speech and press) dies. From the Russia collusion hoax to the Hunter Biden laptop cover-up, all bad news for the demon Democrats is completely false-narrated using misinformation while censoring all truth. The CIA and FBI are certainly in on the gig. The irony is that most Americans cant see the forest for the trees. The Democrats spent four long years saying the 2016 election was corrupt and fixed for Trump, now its illegal to even suggest that the 2020 election was corrupt or fixed for Biden. The Democrats spread the Russia delusion hoax for four years, with ZERO evidence, and it was all disinformation hinged on a totally fabricated dossier. Globalists, Democrats and Extreme Liberals are the biggest hypocrites when it comes to calling out misinformation and disinformation. They spread it, and even when they get caught red-handed, none of them are banned or censored on MSM, social media, YouTube, Google or the like. Thats why it is of dire importance that you do your own research and dont use Google. Try the search engine Brave BETA and get more truth news and real information. Bookmark Truth.news to your favorite websites for truth news thats being censored from the rest of media as you read this. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com Censored.news ThreadReaderApp.com Revolver.news 100PercentFedUp.com (Natural News) When transgenderism began to go mainstream, many conservative commentators began to ask reasonable questions. If a man could become a woman and a woman could become a man simply by saying so by self-identifying as what they felt they were or what they would like to be then how could this not apply more broadly? Could someone, for example, decide to identify as black even if they were white? Could they be trans-species and announce that they were actually something other than human? How far would society have to go in universally affirming the weird self-actualization exercise of the deluded and trendy? (Article by Jonathon Van Maren republished from LifeSiteNews.com) These questions were dismissed as stupid and worse! disrespectful to the legitimate struggles and lived experiences of transgender people. Despite those who pointed out that if the biological boundaries of sex could be traversed at will there was no reason to assume that any other category would hold once the question of who we are was a question of how we feel, the elites embraced the idea that the Binary Was Bad. Occasional disconcerting examples of how these premises could be applied in other situations like the case of Rachel Dolezal, the white woman who identified as black for years were dismissed as crackpot oddities. But that, as they say, was then, and this is now. The premises of gender ideology having been adopted, it is slowly but surely becoming more common for people to identify as different races, as animals, aliens, or made-up creatures. And the transabled movement which I first wrote about in this space back in 2015 is beginning to attract attention. This movement is made up of people who feel themselves to be disabled but are in fact physically healthy. Many of them wish to have a limb removed or to be otherwise mutilated so that their appearance and ability will match how they feel; a medical community which has embraced the practice of cutting off penises and surgically removing healthy breasts for the gender dysphoric doesnt have any compelling grounds to refuse. One recent viral example of this is an October 28 interview on Good Morning Norway with a robust 53-year-old Norwegian male named Jrund Viktoria Alme, who now identifies as a disabled woman because, he told the interviewer, he has always wished he was born a woman who was paralyzed from the waist down. Almes, who works as a senior credit analyst in Oslo, first announced that he was transabled in 2020, and has received predictably sympathetic coverage from the mainstream media while being excoriated on social media. He has occasionally given interviews alongside his wife Agnes, who hasnt detailed how she feels about her husbands category switch presumably morphing her into a lesbian. Almes story really is the sort of thing that, if pitched to a Hollywood producer, would probably be rejected as too far-fetched. He is perfectly healthy, but is in a wheelchair almost all of the time. His identification, he says, is a combination of his gender dysphoria (leading him to claim he is a woman) and Body Integrity Disorder, which leads him to see himself as disabled. Disinterested observers will note that he is neither a woman nor is he disabled. Almes own description of his condition concedes as much: It is a cognitive dissonance: in the same way that I experience being a woman in a mans body, I experience that I should have been paralyzed from the waist down. This is not a desire to be a burden on society. It is about the wheelchair being an aid for me to function in everyday life, both privately and at work. Understandably, people who have actual disabilities have been less than pleased by Almes and his media interviews, with a number of actual women with actual disabilities noting that he is a person with functional legs who chooses to sit in a wheelchair and that his charade was a perpetual insult to the disabled community. The TV station that hosted the interview attempted to defend themselves by saying that Alme (who they obediently referred to by female pronouns) had a deep feeling that certain body parts or body functions feel foreign, but that their search for independent professionals to explain what BID is had so far been unsuccessful. Almes responded by stating that his public airing of his delusions are for the purpose of facilitating diversity and inclusion. But as Reduxx highlighted in their own coverage, Almes performance has a weird aspect to it: In September, Alme confessed to iNyheter that his identity as a disabled woman was sexually motivated. When the question of whether or not he was acting on the impulse to live out a sexual fetish was broached, Alme replied, I dont know, maybe so. I often hunted for beautiful shoes that I bought for Agnes. Once I found a pair of shoes for her. Then I discovered that they had a pair of shoes in a large size. So I bought them too. There was a lot of excitement in buying a pair of shoes with high heels, Alme told Vi. After Alme began ordering womens shoes online, his wife Agnes questioned whether he had been wearing her dresses in private. When he told her he had, she responded with shock, which later turned to frustration. When I heard that, I was shocked. And angry which basically means I was scared. I felt that he had destroyed everything we had together and that I had to leave him, said Agnes. Yet despite his wifes outrage, Alme started dressing as a woman at home, a situation that became a strain for her, as she was struggling with a recent cancer diagnosis. Agnes has been open about her difficulties in accepting her husbands fetishistic behaviors, and has said that she initially tried to leave him twice in despair and grief. Now, Agnes accepts her husbands new identity, although she is clearly uncomfortable with it. Many women facing similar situations havent been able to do that there has been a surge in the publication of the memoirs of trans widows recently, as self-actualization journeys carry people away from their spouses and families. Plenty of people are responding to this story by claiming that those drawing attention to it are merely highlighting weird cases in order to smear the transgender movement as a whole. The truth is that Alme is being interviewed by mainstream media outlets who are utterly accepting of all of his claims, and deleting social media responses by respondents who are not. Once you buy the idea that a man can become a woman, youve accepted that identity no longer needs to correspond with biological reality. A healthy man identifying as a woman paralyzed from the waist down is just a start. Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com (Natural News) Homelessness in the city of Sacramento, Californias state capital, has risen by almost 70 percent since 2019. It now has more unhoused people than San Francisco. At least 9,278 Sacramentans are estimated to be without a home, with majority of them sleeping outdoors or in vehicles. Homeless encampments have also popped up on levees, near schools and next to busy roads. Given this, Sacramento County now has the second highest rate of per-capita homelessness in the entire Golden State. Exorbitant housing costs are to blame in the dramatic rise of homelessness in the River City. According to the Guardian, the median home price in Sacramento County has surpassed the $500,000 mark. The median monthly rent, meanwhile, is now $2,774 more than five percent higher than the 2021 rate. A report by the non-profit Sacramento Steps Forward attested to this, stating that the high cost of housing plays a huge role in growing homelessness. It found that median rent in the city climbed 14 percent between January 2017 and April 2019, and continued climbing an average of 20 percent between March 2020 and November 2021. Rising rents have pushed longtime residents onto the streets, while the shortage of affordable housing has made it difficult for them to find anywhere else to go, the Guardian reported. Figures from 2015 widely acknowledged to be an undercount listed Sacramentos homeless population at 2,659. This rose to 5,561 people in 2019, and to 9,278 in 2022. Sacramento, the capital of the fifth largest economy in the world, lacks over 100,000 units of affordable housing, said Sacramento Homeless Union President Crystal Sanchez. We cant survive here. Ive lived here my whole life. We have encampments everywhere, said Sacramento Coalition to End Homelessness Executive Director Bob Erlenbusch. He commented that the situation in the River City has changed dramatically just in the last three years. (Related: The capital of California is collapsing into chaos, feces, drug addiction and homelessness and its all run by Democrats, of course.) Sacramento City Councilor Katie Valenzuela, meanwhile, said: Our shelters are full of people who have stabilized [and] found jobs [but] cant find housing. Youre starting to see a lot more folks who just cant find housing a lot more seniors [and] folks with disabilities. Will Measure O address Sacramentos homeless crisis? Sacramentos homeless crisis is an issue in the upcoming midterms, as the citys Measure O will appear on the citys ballots. Formally known as the Emergency Shelter and Enforcement Act of 2022, Measure O would ban encampments on public and private property. It would also allow residents harmed by unlawful camping to take a legal action against the city. The measure mandates the city, through the city manager, to establish a minimum number of shelter spaces. Homeless people, meanwhile, could face a misdemeanor charge if they turn down available shelters offered to them. Measure O received the backing of local business leaders dissatisfied with the wanting response of Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. Lawyer Daniel Conway, the former chief of staff to Steinbergs predecessor, Kevin Johnson, pointed out that Steinberg and the city councils actions toward homelessness in the last five years were an impasse at best [and] finger pointing at worst. That is, in many ways, what the city is currently able to do, Conway said, referring to Measure O. We definitely see an emphasis on enforcement, and when it comes to creating shelter capacity, officials kind of shrug their shoulders. Erlenbusch predicted that Measure O will pass in the midterms, saying: None of us would be surprised [if] it passes because of the anger in the community. This, he explained, is because Sacramentos measures were a failure that left residents, advocates and neighborhood councils exasperated with nothing to show for it. The go-to response for most communities is to go back to criminalizing people experiencing homelessness, which they did. We have a homeless crisis, and elected officials are doing hardly anything about it except for continuing to criminalize people. Watch this footage of homeless encampments in Los Angeles a familiar sight in Sacramento and other California cities. This video is from the ZGoldenReport channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Californias wealthy elite finally facing their day of reckoning as liberal policies leave surge of homeless people, used needles and human feces on their doorstep. As San Francisco collapses into Venezuela, the city turns a parking lot into a homeless camp with case officers. Over 50% of fires in Los Angeles this year were caused by the citys surging homeless population. Liberal cities in California becoming homeless wastelands as socialist policies FAIL. Feeding LAs homeless industrial complex. Sources include: TheGuardian.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) New islands, sunken ships and a vast array of lost marine equipment have emerged as drought continues to dry up the Mississippi River. The receding waters along the main river of the second-largest drainage system in North America recently revealed new and old treasures, including an old casino riverboat called Diamond Lady Riverboat in Lake McKellar. The 31-year-old boat, which was christened in Iowa in 1991 by Vanna White, is no longer floating and is one of the many boats stuck in the mud in Memphis as the river hits record-low water levels. The Diamond Lady was stored in Lake McKellar in 2008 and sank in 2021 during a freeze. Captain William Lozier, president of Memphis River Boats, said the relics found in the water are basically dinosaurs of the past. Its not every day you come by and you see devastation like this, a lot of the boats here and boats at other marinas are on the ground and its a very surreal sight, he noted. According to one fisherman, the water level has never been like this. Its practically a boat desert as you can see. Im hoping that we get much, much rain. The Army Corps of Engineers already installed a barrier made of sediment that stretches across the riverbed and serves as a speed bump of sorts last month. They also conducted dredging to prevent more barges from becoming stuck. In addition, the authority managing the Tennessee River system said that it would open two dams. The drought already messed up drinking water, economic and recreational activities According to reports, the water level in some places in lower Mississippi has fallen below records set more than 30 years ago. This condition has crippled one of the most important waterways in the country and has jeopardized the quality of drinking water in the area. It seems that rain would only be the source of relief, but weather forecasters believe that weather conditions in the coming weeks and months are not likely to be favorable. We have seen disasters regarding hurricanes, we have seen disasters regarding tornadoes, said Errick D. Simmons, the mayor of Greenville, Mississippi, a port city of roughly 28,000 people in the Delta region. But we havent seen a historic drought like were seeing on the Mississippi. Plaquemines Parish, a community in New Orleans, is not under a boil water advisory, but health officials are telling up to 3,000 residents with heart health issues not to drink the water. Its salty. You can smell the salt content, Kirk Lepine, community president of Plaquemines Parish, told CNN in a phone interview. It is not suitable for people who have health risks. The saltwater made its way into the communitys water supply because water from the Gulf of Mexico has poured into the river. Because water levels in the river are so low, its flowing slower than usual, which has made it harder to keep the saltwater out, the media portal said. The low water level has already disrupted barge traffic and capacity. According to the Coast Guard, eight barges had run aground in the river, getting stuck in sand and mud that the barges would have easily sailed over last year. Barges had to carry about 20 percent less cargo to avoid running aground, which greatly impact the already messed up supply chains. This has slowed down fertilizer and grain shipments to farmers across several states before the incoming winter freeze. Regional drought conditions also have made it impossible to pass for barges carrying the fall harvest of soybeans, corn and other commodities from farm to market. (Related: Barges dead in the water in drought-stricken Mississippi River; supply chains collapsing.) Meanwhile, recreational activities have also shifted along the Mississippi River. In Missouri, locals are able to walk along what is now a semi-exposed riverbed to Tower Rock, a rock formation in the river. Some marinas in Tennessee have water levels so low, the boats are now sitting in a few inches of muddy water. Mississippi Rivers main stem stretches some 2,350 miles from headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, touching 10 states and then branching out into a web of tributaries. Its watershed covers 40 percent of the continental United States. Visit CleanWater.news for more news related to the disruption of clean water supply in areas along the Mississippi River. Watch this video about climate engineering causing rivers across the U.S. to dry up. This video is from the TruthBeTold channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Parts of Mississippi River forced to CLOSE due to worsening drought crisis. Levee construction underway in Mississippi River to keep salt water out of drinking water amid record low water levels. Mississippi River drought wreaks havoc across Americas supply chains. Massive bean piles appearing along Mississippi River as barges cant navigate shrinking river. Water levels rapidly declining in the Mississippi River, threatening corn and soybean exports during this crucial harvest season. Sources include: DNYUZ.com News.Yahoo.com Gizmodo.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) The worlds five nuclear-armed states are on the verge of a direct armed conflict, according to the Russias Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moscow has warned of catastrophic repercussions and insisted that averting a fight is its top priority. On November 2, the Kremlin released a statement that said Western nations are encouraging provocations with weapons of mass destruction. The Kremlin recently accused Kyiv of planning to use a radioactive dirty bomb, which authorities have denied. Western powers, on the other hand, have also accused Moscow of issuing repeated threats to use nuclear weapons to pressure Kyiv into accepting concessions. Following the attack on Russias Black Sea fleet in Crimea, Russias foreign ministry issued a statement warning the United Kingdom of unpredictable and dangerous consequences after accusing London of helping Kyiv orchestrate a drone attack on its ships in the port of Sevastopol. Such confrontational actions by the British pose the threat of an escalation and can lead to unpredictable and dangerous consequences, the ministry said. Russia also accused the U.K. of being involved in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions in September as it is one of the worlds five major nuclear powers. In a statement dated November 2, Russias foreign ministry said it sees avoiding armed conflict between nuclear powers as a key objective amid simmering tensions over the Ukraine conflict. We are strongly convinced that in the current complicated and turbulent situation, caused by irresponsible and imprudent actions aimed at undermining our national security, the most immediate task is to avoid any military clash of nuclear powers, it said. The Kremlin also noted that it continues to stand by a joint declaration issued in January, in which China, France, Russia and the United States pleaded to do everything in their power to avoid a nuclear war. (Related: Survey finds that more than one-third of Americans are willing to risk nuclear war with Russia over Ukraine.) The January declaration stated: We affirm that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. As nuclear use would have far-reaching consequences, we also affirm that nuclear weapons for as long as they continue to exist should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression and prevent war. On the same day that the Kremlin issued the warning that the five nuclear powers are teetering on the verge of armed conflict, the Pentagon said the United States has not seen any signs that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons. However, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby denounced Russias rhetoric around the potential use of nuclear weapons. Weve been clear from the outset that Russias comments about the potential use of nuclear weapons are deeply concerning and we take them seriously. We continue to monitor this as best we can, and we see no indications that Russia is making preparations for such use, Kirby said. Putin threatens nuclear strikes Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin has on several occasions hinted at the possibility of a nuclear strike while Kremlin officials repeatedly said Russias military doctrine permits the use of nuclear weapons if the countrys territorial integrity is under threat. He also said the U.S. created a precedent at the end of World War II when it dropped two atomic bombs on Japan. Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of the Chechnya region, called for Russia to use a low-yield nuclear weapon in Ukraine. Moscow has sought to portray its actions in Ukraine as preemptive by accusing the West of seeking to establish Ukraine as a military power against Russia, but NATO and Kyiv have denied such claims. The foreign ministry also previously reported that senior Russian military leaders have discussed when and how they would use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine. The officials involved talked about scenarios in which they would use nuclear weapons, showing how frustrated the generals are about setbacks on the battlefield in Ukraine. They did not talk about using the weapons with Putin, although the conversation has heightened concerns about the prospect of a nuclear Armageddon. U.S. government officials also learned about the discussions in mid-October as Moscows nuclear rhetoric intensified just after Putin joked about the prospect of a nuclear war. Back then, he was asked to reassure an audience at the Valdai Discussion Club think-tank that the world is not on the verge of nuclear annihilation to which he chose to respond with a long pause. Host Fyodor Lukyanov pointed out his silence was alarming, but Putin, with a smirk, responded: I did that on purpose so you would be on your guard. The effect has been achieved. Visit WWIII.news for more information about diplomatic relations among countries. Watch the video below for more information about Putins warning of dangerous times ahead. This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: NATO pushing for Kaliningrad CATASTROPHE by provoking Russia into global nuclear war. Russia warns that NATOs proxy war in Ukraine poses serious, real threat of NUCLEAR war. Pentagon lusts after nuclear war, says it will nuke Russia if Putin doesnt pull out of Ukraine. STRATCOM commander sounds the alarm bell, says nuclear war very real possibility with Russia or China. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com (Natural News) Robert and Jamie Agee, the founders of Banners4Freedom (B4F), joined Robert Scott Bell on his eponymous Brighteon.TV program to talk about their campaign to raise banners for truth. During the Oct. 31 episode of The Robert Scott Bell Show, Robert said his campaign kicked off after reading the book of Psalms. In particular, one line from the 20th chapter of the book And in the name of our God, we will raise our banners resonated with him. I was like, Thats it, we are the army of the Lord. Were going to march forward, were going to raise banners for truth across this nation, he told Bell. That is what I had in my heart. According to the B4F co-founder, they had been able to put up 185 outdoor billboards and 500 indoor billboards in 33 states. One billboard they put up has even appeared in New York Citys Times Square. The program host, meanwhile, said the billboards were put up for a reason: People are reading and responding to them. He added that a few have figured out how to utilize advertising techniques for evil, instead of good. B4Fs Robert recounted getting phone calls from Stew Peters and Thrive Time Show host Clay Clark. He added that the latter even invited him and Jamie to speak at the San Antonio leg of the ReAwaken America Tour, where they were able to raise $100,000 for their nationwide billboard campaign. The Agees participated in the Tampa, Florida leg of ReAwaken America Tour in June 2021 with 8,000 other participants. B4Fs Robert cited the event as a key moment that inspired him to push through with the banners for truth campaign. Robert Agee: COVID pandemic a fear-based propaganda According to Robert, the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was a fear-based propaganda administered by the mainstream media. He lamented that people were not searching for alternative sources to get the truth. Given that his family did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the Agee patriarch reiterated that they have a moral obligation to go forth and make sure that other people are aware of the evil that is upon America. In pursuit of this noble goal, Robert and Jamie got involved locally when they returned to their home state in Texas. They spoke the truth and shared information about the COVID agenda during the county commissioners meetings, becoming the voice for others who cannot speak. The Agees recounted to Bell that they took an ad in the local newspaper, which contained the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Jamie shared that the Lord gave them their next sign after they saw a digital billboard in town. B4F eventually put up a banner that indicated the total number of injuries stemming from the COVID-19 vaccine. The banner also encouraged people to visit the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System and see the numbers for themselves. (Related: Banners4Freedom putting up billboards raising awareness about covid vaccine dangers.) I believe the Lord is going to honor all of our work, everybody that has come together and donated to make this possible. And there are so many possibilities coming forward that were going to be getting involved in. Were talking to a lot of different people and were asking for doors to open, B4Fs Robert added. He also said they are working with VaxSafety.org to put up a billboard close to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campus in Atlanta, Georgia. Find more stories like this at Truth.news. Watch the Oct. 31 episode of The Robert Scott Bell Show below. The Robert Scott Bell Show airs every Monday at 4-5 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: Dr. Jason Dean tells Robert Scott Bell: Fighting pandemic misinformation can restore the American Republic Brighteon.TV. Robert Scott Bell and Mary Holland reveal massive pushback against vaccine mandates Brighteon.TV. Banners4Freedom exposes Big Pharma lies, the truth about COVID vaccines Brighteon.TV. Sources include: Brighteon.com BibleGateway.com (Natural News) Natural disasters such as drought and wildfires that plagued California for more than a decade have destroyed 30 percent of the Sierra Nevada conifer forests. A recent study done by the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) measured the decrease in conifer forests that cover the southern area by utilizing geographical forest structure estimates, wildfire perimeter data and forest disturbance tracking algorithms. Apart from the overall decline, the team also discovered that half of the mature forest habitat and 85 percent of high-density mature forests were either completely ruined or turned into low-density forests. Regions with high primary canopy cover and without tall trees were most vulnerable to canopy cover decreases, which the team thinks explains the excessive declines of mature habitats. Researchers are now pushing wildlife officials to actively manage forests rather than just identify threatened areas. The Sierra Nevada region stretches across 27 million acres of land that is abundant with wildlife and various kinds of trees. The region, which spreads from Lake Tahoe in the north to the Sequoia National Forest in the south, has been hit by constant drought, leaving pines more exposed to wildfires and bark beetle invasions. From 2011 to 2020, 30 percent of conifer forests in the southern Sierra Nevada have died due to these threats. During the same time, 85 percent of the regions dense mature forests have either died or substantially thinned. Its kind of a wakeup call, even to those of us that are kind of steeped in this field. Were moving from knowing this is a problem to quantifying the problem, Zackary Steel, a postdoctoral researcher at UCB and lead author of the study, told the Sacramento Bee. (Related: Human intervention has made forests less resistant to drought, pests, wildfire.) Sierra Nevada wildfires becoming bigger and more severe The Sierra Nevada Conservancy mentioned that wildfires are becoming bigger and more severe now than before. Such destructive fires include the 2021 Caldron Fire that burned 221,835 acres in the Eldorado National Forest and other areas of the Sierra Nevada in El Dorado, Amador and Alpine County. These areas once displayed abundant evergreens growing from the ground, but after the Caldron fire the only thing apparent is a desolate landscape. Fires like the Dixie, Caldor, Creek and North Complex have devastated communities and caused significant damage to the resources the region provides, including water, wildlife habitat, recreational access and carbon storage, Sierra Nevada Conservancy said in a statement. Impacts from large, damaging wildfires in the Sierra are felt across the state as they degrade air quality, jeopardize the state water system, and offset progress towards Californias air quality and climate goals. The freshly pruned conifer forests rose from 25 percent in 2011 to 33 percent in 2020, while recently burned mature forests grew from seven percent to 20 percent over the same time. The Sierra Nevada region plays a crucial role in Californias water system, with more than 75 percent of the states residents getting their drinking water from the area. Snowpack is critical for water storage, with the Sierra forests and meadows playing significant roles in assuring water quality and dependability. But the quantity and quality of water from the Sierra Nevada headwaters are endangered by congested forests, deteriorated meadows and a changing climate. Congested forests also endanger the water supply infrastructure. They are also less flexible to drought, beetle invasion and wildfire. The result is unparalleled tree mortality in the Sierra Nevada with 129 million killed by beetles and drought alone since 2010. Forests of dead trees present many challenges for water management from a rise in flooding and landslides to a decrease in water quality and reservoir capacity. Follow Environ.news for more news about natural disasters. Watch the video below about the California wildfire allegedly started by a pyrotechnic device. This video is from the ZGoldenReport channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CONFIRMED: Wacko environmentalism and forest mismanagement caused California fires. Mega forest fires found to be worsened by incompetent government regulation and mismanagement of forests. Los Angeles desperately trying to meet water demand as drought continues to threaten future supplies. Study: Demand for biodiesel in Europe has caused huge areas of forest land to disappear. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk News.Yahoo.com (Natural News) The United States election process is corrupted and broken, according to BardsFM host Scott Kesterson. Its a profound naivety for anybody to believe in the elections as a true change process in this country. The United States election process is permanently and completely corrupted and broken the way it is right now, Kesterson said during the November 3 episode of the show on Brighteon.TV. The backpack journalist and documentary filmmaker said those who believe that the November midterm elections are going to change anything are living in a dream. Kesterson stated that an election is intended to take peoples attention off the great issues that are at play and try to give Americans hope that a red wave happening would bring change to the nation and the deeply corrupted government. The Brighteon.TV host mentioned that an elite GOP or Republican Party and elite Left Democratic Party are playing both ends to the middle and the American people could see another election steal event happening with both parties accusing each other of hijacking the election and calling it an election fraud. He added that the election is nothing more than a sort of nonsensical thing and he pointed out that the candidates that are getting in are not going to change the world for the people, although there may be a couple of them who can change things. Kesterson stressed that the depth of the corruption and the ability of a single person to change things is a big lie because the corruption is too deep to the core and it goes into the depths of billions of dollars, massive graft and assurances, threats to life and blackmail that people cant undo easily. He also mentioned a recent testimony showing that Iranian hackers used an open-source piece of software, which they downloaded in order to hack and take election data. These hackers automatically filled out and sent ballots to the government website for soldiers overseas. (Related: Louisiana AGs investigation into 2020 election fraud concludes it really was rigged.) And they created thousands of fake ballots by doing it, by running it through the system. This election fraud is so deep and so massive and theres no possible way that its not going to happen this time, Kesterson said. He also said that voters should now be asking the question of how and why their candidates won. The Emmy award-winning filmmaker added that these peoples morals are so deeply bankrupt. They dont care about the nation. They care about winning for their cause and their need, Kesterson said. He said a large percentage of people that are voting come from the Left are either atheists or agnostic. Election system has to be brought to the ground, says Kesterson The BardsFM host also called on Americans to vote to prove that the election system is bad and atrocious. Do vote because its an encouragement to make sure the system is stressed to such a degree that hopefully, it falls apart completely. The system has to be brought to the ground, he said. Kesterson added that Americans should never count on the election to change anything since it is trying to find false hope in the institutions of men rather than finding real hope in God. He also reminded American voters that before they cast a vote, they should be making a prayer on behalf of the nation. According to Kesterson, a few elections are not going to fix the system and institutions that are already broken, and it is going to take a concerted effort from the American people to bring a change to the nation. A reset of Americas local governance in a way that truly reflects what is said in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence must happen so that Americans can start moving forward to rebuild the nation one step at a time, he said. For more news about election fraud, visit VoteFraud.news. Watch the November 3 episode of the BardsFM below. BardsFM with Scott Kesterson airs every Thursday at 5 p.m., every Saturday at 4 p.m. and every Sunday at 6 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: GOP lawmakers dispatch scores of election observers to tight races in an effort to guard against Democrat cheating. Critical Disclosure with Jim White: Election integrity on the line in November 2022 midterms Brighteon.TV. Election company Konnech that illegally stored election data in communist China EXPOSED for contributing all political cash to Biden and other Democrats. Election interference: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent $500 million to influence Democrat election officials and unlawfully change the election system. STOP THE MID-TERM STEAL: How much video surveillance is in place for BALLOT DROP BOXES to protect midterm election integrity this November? Sources include: Brighteon.com IMDb.com (Natural News) Elon Musk has not actually changed the content moderation policies at Twitter yet, but President Joe Biden went on a virtual rave on Friday over the prospect of free speech breaking out on a single social media site. As a type of censor-in-chief, Biden has led calls for censorship on social media, which have been largely heeded by companies like Facebook and Twitter. Now Biden is accusing Twitter of spewing lies all across the world by seeking to reduce one of the largest censorship systems in history. The President lamented that the influence of the media will be de minimus. He is a bit late on that front. (Article by Jonathan Turley republished from JonathanTurley.org) President Biden has previously accused social media companies of killing people by refusing to impose robust censorship over a wide range of subjects. Many of those banned or censored were doctors with opposing views on the data and the science related to the pandemic. Some of those doctors were the co-authors of the Great Barrington Declaration, which advocated for a more focused Covid response that targeted the most vulnerable population rather than widespread lockdowns and mandates. Many are now questioning the efficacy and cost of the massive lockdown as well as the real value of masks or the rejection of natural immunities as an alternative to vaccination. Yet, these experts and others were attacked for such views just a year ago. Some found themselves censored on social media for challenging claims of Dr. Fauci and others. The Great Barrington Declaration was not the only viewpoint deemed dangerous. Those who alleged that the virus may have begun in a lab in China were widely denounced and the views barred from being uttered on social media platforms. It was later learned that a number of leading experts raised this theory with Fauci and others early in the pandemic. We are now seeing increasing evidence of back channels used by government and political figures to maintain a censorship system by surrogate in the social media companies and foreign allies. The President, however, was in full censor-in-chief mode this week, referring to censors as editors. He denounced Musk who goes out and buys an outfit that spews lies all across the world. He then claimed There are no editors anymore. There are no editors anymore. The President added the ability of newspapers to have much impact is de minimis. That last statement seemed to lament the loss of a close and active ally for the Democrats. Neutrality is anathema if you have largely been able to control political and social exchanges on social media. What the President said next, however, was particularly telling and chilling: How do people know the truth? What do they how do they make make a distinction between fact and fiction? Theres so much so much going on. And were in the middle of this. Indeed, perish the thought that citizens might be left to pursue the truth on their own without the government or surrogates in the media framing it for them. How could we possibly know the truth without our social media overlords? This view of citizens are gullible dupes needing to be lead to the truth is a recurring theme among Democrats and media allies. It was the theme of a Disinformation and the Erosion of Democracy conference at the University of Chicago with the leading Democratic leaders and media leaders in Chicago last year, including former President Barack Obama. The conference discussed how the views of the public could be shaped if government and media figures worked together to frame what is true and what is not. Former President Barack Obama flogged this false line at Stanford in April 2022. He started by declaring himself pretty close to a First Amendment absolutist. He then called for the censorship of anything he considered disinformation, including lies, conspiracy theories, junk science, quackery, racist tracts and misogynist screeds. President Biden lamented the loss of a Twitter management that was openly antagonistic to traditional free speech values. Soon after he took over, former CEO Parag Agrawal pledged to regulate content and said the company would focus less on thinking about free speech because speech is easy on the Internet. Most people can speak. Where our role is particularly emphasized is who can be heard. Like Biden, many are moving to try to deter Musk from allowing greater free speech by getting companies like General Motors to pull advertising revenue. It is part of the reason that some of us would support monthly fees if it meant the support of a true free speech alternative to other companies like Facebook. Read more at: JonathanTurley.org (Natural News) Independent journalist JD Rucker has warned of catastrophic things that are about to hit Americas supply chain beginning right now. He quoted an article from the Organic Prepper website penned by Daisy Luther: We are facing a perfect storm for our supply chain within the next month unless several things change dramatically. Expounding on this, Rucker cited two things that could seriously damage the supply chain. First, the U.S. only has diesel fuel reserves good for 25 days which Luther described as absolutely catastrophic. Second, rail workers are slated to go on strike starting Nov. 19 after President Joe Biden failed to come to an agreement with the workers unions. According to Luther, the diesel shortage crippling fuel trucks, trains and ships could throw a wrench in the supply chain. It would also affect home heating as the winter season nears, she added. OilPrice.com reported that this shortage is spreading across the country, with one company launching an emergency delivery protocol to request a 72-hour advance notice from clients to be able to make the delivery. Fuel supplier Mansfield Energy said in a note to clients that conditions are rapidly devolving and at times, carriers are having to visit multiple terminals to find supply, which delays deliveries and strains local trucking capacity per a Bloomberg report. (Related: Supply chain on the brink of COLLAPSE as diesel price surge hits trucking industry hard.) Luther stated that some are blaming the shortage on a lack of refining capacity. However, a closer look reveals that refineries are closing down in response to the present administrations policies to move the country to green energy. Moreover, she pointed out that the impending rail strike was narrowly avoided in September when union representatives and the federal government reached a conditional agreement. This fell through, however, when the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED) rejected the deal. Railroaders are discouraged and upset with working conditions and compensation and hold their employer in low regard. Railroaders do not feel valued. They resent the fact that management holds no regard for their quality of life, illustrated by their stubborn reluctance to provide a higher quantity of paid time off, especially in sickness, BMWED President Tony D. Cardwell said in a statement declaring the vote outcome. Rucker: COVID-19 pandemic triggered supply chain collapse In a bid to address the issue, the Biden administration announced plans to tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to counter rising gas prices. Also, officials at the White House have not completely ruled out fuel export restrictions. Two industry unions, the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, wrote a joint letter stating their concerns in early October. Banning or limiting the export of refined products would likely decrease inventory levels, reduce domestic refining capacity, put upward pressure on consumer fuel prices and alienate U.S. allies during a time of war, they wrote. But according to Rucker, the collapse of Americas supply chain began in 2020 during the onset of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He cited it as a trigger for an economic disaster that has continued to snowball. Quoting Luthers article, the veteran journalist said Americans have watched the shelves in America getting cleared in a day in March 2020. Things have never been the same since then, Rucker added, given that global shipping was shut down and farmers cannot harvest their food, get it processed and deliver it to stores. Ultimately, he warned that America is facing a new challenge in the form of transportation collapse. Follow SupplyChainWarning.com for more news about supply chain problems. Watch the video below to know about the impending catastrophe on Americas supply chain. This video is from the JD Rucker channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: JD Rucker: Start prepping for economic collapse or something worse. Biden is not doing anything to resolve the supply chain crisis. Global food, commodities supply chain crisis set to explode as falling river levels crush barge traffic in US. Supply chain disruptions are getting worse as engineered shortages are designed to collapse economies. Supply chain disruptions lead to shortages and soaring prices. Sources include: Brighteon.com TheOrganicPrepper.com (Natural News) A registered Democratic Party voter was arrested in Pueblo, Colorado for tampering with a voting machine using a USB thumb drive. The Pueblo Police Department (Pueblo PD) announced the arrest of Richard Patton, 31, for election crimes after he was determined to have tampered with a voting machine back in June. Officers took Patton into custody on Nov. 3 and subsequently detained without bond at the Pueblo County Judicial Center. According to a CBS News report, poll workers heard noises coming from a voting booth during the June 28 primary elections after Patton cast his vote. When a poll worker went to investigate and clean the machine, they saw an error message and notified a supervisor, the report added. Tamper-evident seals on the machine appeared to be disturbed, [and it] was immediately taken out of service for inspection. Gilbert Ortiz, Pueblo County clerk and recorder, recounted the events leading to the discovery of Pattons tampering. It was actually a slow time, [a] slow part of the election. So there was nothing different about that day than any other day, he said. But according to Ortiz, an election judge noticed something was off with a polling machine after it was disinfected by poll workers as part of pandemic-related health protocols. They went to go clean it right after this gentleman [Patton] was there, the county clerk shared. They noticed on the screen that it was shut down because it had been tampered with. We picked it up, looked underneath it, saw that the seals had been broken on the USB port underneath it and immediately covered it with a box. (Related: Cybersecurity expert informed DHS that voting machines were vulnerable to tampering BEFORE the election.) Ortiz added that following the discovery of the tampered machine, he and other officials called the office of Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold. According to the county clerk, Patton has been a registered Democratic Party voter since 2019 being affiliated with the Green Party prior to his shift. Evidence, testimony point to Patton as the culprit The Pueblo PD released documents related to Pattons arrest, with Colorado TV station KRDO 13 managing to obtain a copy. Officials confirmed that Patton showed up at the polling place to cast his vote on June 28, with Ortiz saying that the 31-year-old presented his drivers license as identification. According to election workers, Patton asked them to cast a ballot in person. But before receiving his ballot, he reportedly asked if there were any security officers posted at the polling place. He then cast his vote and left the premises. The affidavit obtained by KRDO 13 supported the events leading to Pattons tampering, with an election worker seeing the error message USB device detected: Please call a poll worker for assistance on the voting machine. The error message appeared on the screen minutes after Patton cast his ballot. Election supervisor Drake Rambke, who was sent by Griswolds office, notified the PPD of the tampering following Ortiz and other poll workers discovering the breach. Officers on the scene reviewed video footage of Patton entering the polling place. Aside from the voting machine having a security seal torn off on the bottom and a USB port pulled out, it also had wires unplugged from it. A report by ABC News explained: 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. In spite of this, the Pueblo PD assured county residents that all voter safeguards put in place to protect the voter process were successful and that no information has been found to be breached. Head over to VoteFraud.news for more stories related to election meddling. Watch this video that shows how easy voting machines can be hacked by bad actors. This video is from the Homunizam channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Results of any election that used voting machines with attached modems are null and void. CYBER COUP: Investigation underway voting machines repeatedly glitched in favor of Biden. Election thieves caught stealing memory sticks used to program voting machines in Philadelphia. Election security group finds Dominion Voting Machines in Michigan intentionally caused errors. Expert witness team hacks Dominion voting machine live during early voting in Georgia to show how easy it is. Sources include: NewsPunch.com KRDO.com 1 KRDO.com 2 Brighteon.com (Natural News) In order to even begin the process of officially putting an end to the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) nightmare that destroyed millions of lives over the course of several years, those responsible for these crimes against humanity must be punished. It is not enough to just say sorry and move on, as some, including Emily Oster of The Atlantic, are now saying. What needs to happen now is that Oster and the rest of her ilk receive punishment for what they did, just like other criminals are tried and prosecuted for their crimes. This is not something that we can just forgive and forget about, despite Osters pleas for the world to just turn the other cheek. There must be justice, and it must be swift and to the full extent of the law in every instance. (Related: The group Moms for Liberty is saying no amnesty for covid criminals who committed crimes against children.) Oster and others would have us believe that they all just made an innocent mistake and were confused that it was all just a big misunderstanding. Mask mandates that suffocated children all day; vaccine mandates that cost people their jobs these things were just a little oopsie that should now be forgotten about, we are told. There can be NO AMNESTY for the covid criminals If we simply let these serious crimes against humanity go without pursuing any kind of justice, these covid criminals will just do it all again in the future after cooking up their next scheme. If we fail to deliver the proper repercussions to the monsters who destroyed our lives, our families, and our children, then those same monsters will simply be emboldened to pull more authoritarian stunts in the years to come. Emily Oster wants us to forgive each other, but it isnt hate they dished out to us, writes Lew Rockwell. If it had been, that hate might be forgiven. If they hated us because they didnt know any better and now they dont hate us anymore because they know better well, that can be forgiven. However, contempt is not something that can be forgiven by the formerly contemptible. Their contempt for us has nothing to do with us, and it isnt our problem. Their contempt for us should be eliminated not by our forgiveness which is irrelevant but by their own internal change, their own decisions, individually, that we are at least their equals, and quite possibly, in the case of the COVID policy fiasco, examples they could and should have followed, rather than condemned. If Oster and others like her are truly serious with their sentiments, then they must be willing to be held accountable for what they did with no amnesty. Here is a condensed version of the 12-step plan that Rockwell proposes, in paragraph form: The covid tyrants must admit they fell prey to false government messaging and turn their lives over to a Power greater than themselves that is capable of restoring their sanity. They then need to take a full moral inventory of themselves to see how and why they were led to think the way they did and push tyranny on the masses. They then need to humbly repent before God while making a full list of every person they harmed in order to make amends to them all. This must then be followed up with a lifestyle of constant soul-searching, as well as prayer and supplication with God to seek guidance about how to never again inflict this type of harm on other people. So far, none of this is being addressed, Rockwell says. More of the latest news about the covid fiasco can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: LewRockwell.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Nationally, the Democratic Party pinned its political hopes to salvage the midterm elections on two things: Maintaining abortion rights, and painting all Republicans as too dangerous to be in charge both of which are threats to democracy. But at the same time, the partys real standard-bearer, Barack Obama, the man behind Joe Bidens White House, is trying to paint Democrats as being more reasonable in a perfect hypocritical double standard. One thing is clear, and that is this increasing habit of demonizing political opponents, of just yelling and thinking not just that I disagree with someone, but that theyre evil and wrong, Obama told a campaign rally in Arizona late last week. That creates a dangerous climate. And when we have politicians and elected officials in leadership positions who continue to promote over-the-top rhetoric or make light of it more people are going to get hurt. Not long after, Biden reprised an earlier MAGA Republicans are evil speech at Union Station that he gave in Philadelphia in September. Just a few days ago, a little before 2:30 a.m. in the morning, a man smashed the back windows and broke into the home of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the third-highest ranking official in America, he said at one point. The assailant tried to take Paul hostage. He woke him up, and he wanted to tie him up. The assailant ended up using a hammer to smash Pauls skull. All of this happened after the assault, and it just its hard to even say; its hard to even say after the assailant entered the home asking, Wheres Nancy? Wheres Nancy?' It has since been revealed that the alleged assailant is a left-wing nutjob who is a homeless drug abuser. Nevertheless, Biden doing what Obama and his operatives inside the White House told him to do likened the attack on Pelosis husband to the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol Building. Those were the very same words used by the mob when they stormed the United States Capitol on January the 6th when they broke windows, kicked in the doors, brutally attacked law enforcement, roamed the corridors hunting for officials, and erected gallows to hang the former Vice President, Mike Pence, he said. It was an enraged mob that had been whipped up into a frenzy by a President repeating over and over again the Big Lie that the election of 2020 had been stolen. Its a lie that fueled the dangerous rise in political violence and voter intimidation over the past two years. You know, American democracy is under attack because the defeated former President of the United States refuses to accept the results of the 2020 election. He refuses to accept the will of the people. He refuses to accept the fact that he lost, Biden continued. He has abused his power and put the loyalty to himself before loyalty to the Constitution. And hes made a Big Lie an article of faith in the MAGA Republican Party the minority of that party. It is not a big lie as the documentary 2,000 Mules by Dinesh DSouza proves. In September, Biden claimed, Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic, and that a Republican Party that supported Donald Trump was a threat to this country. Meanwhile, per Breitbart News, there is a litany of examples where left-wing lunatics have tried to or committed violence against Republicans that Biden conveniently forgot to mention: Threats of rioting prior to the 2020 presidential election, forcing businesses in Democrat-run cities to board up their windows The attempted stabbing of New York Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. Lee Zeldin at a campaign rally The alleged murder of a teenager in September after a North Dakota man said he suspected the boy was a Republican The vicious beating of a volunteer for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) by men who said Republicans were not allowed in the area The alleged biting of a supporter of Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon by a fan of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) Death threats last week against Republican gubernatorial nominee State Sen. Darren Bailey in Illinois A physical attack on New Hampshire Republican nominee for Senate Don Bolduc (allegedly by a local libertarian) The attempted assassination of Justice Brett Kavanaugh following the leaked draft of the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade The fire-bombing and targeting of pregnancy centers and Catholic churches by pro-abortion activists in the wake of the Dobbs decision Sources include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The fuel crisis in the communist nation of Vietnam may be worse than that of the United States. Gasoline stations all around Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, are suspending operations due to fuel shortages. The closure of gas stations comes just over a week after Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien claimed that Vietnam is not facing fuel shortages. The domestic fuel market has been stable, without any shortage, while prices are comparatively lower than elsewhere in the region, he claimed. He added that Vietnams fuel stocks were sufficient to meet domestic demand until the end of November. (Related: Americas diesel fuel shortage could CRIPPLE the supply chain by Thanksgiving.) Several days after Dien made this statement, Vietnamese officials pivoted by claiming that there is a concern relating to fuel supply but that this concern can immediately be alleviated by companies releasing their reserves of gas. Dien himself made the appeal to the countrys largest energy companies, banking on the patriotic spirit of the private sector by stating how important stable fuel supplies are to national security. Petroleum products are an indispensable source of energy for the country and therefore, leading fuel trading firms have to keep the supply from being disrupted, he said. When this was reported on by VnExpress on Nov. 2, nearly 110 out of 550 gas stations in Ho Chi Minh City were experiencing fuel inventory concerns and the problem was starting to spread to other major cities like Hanoi and Haiphong. Refineries asked to increase output amid worsening gas shortage According to Nikkei Asia, hundreds of gas stations all over Ho Chi Minh City have been experiencing fuel supply problems since early October. This has forced many to temporarily suspend operations from time to time a decision that occasionally affects surrounding cities in southern Vietnam. Fuel supply concerns have even spread north to the capital of Hanoi, where residents are rushing to gas stations to fill up their tanks before the fuel shortages affect them. Another gas station was closed, said Nam, a commuter attempting to refuel his motorcycle, the most common form of private transportation in cities. Here, I at least got gas after waiting for 20 minutes. To resolve the fuel shortage, the government is calling on two of the countrys largest oil refineries to boost output to the maximum extent possible. PetroVietnam, the countrys largest state-run oil company, responded by raising the output rate of its Dung Quat refinery in the central province of Quang Ngai from 107 percent to 109 percent. A refinery executive even stated that the output rate can be pushed to 100 percent or higher if the government asks for it. The Nghi Son refinery in the northern province of Than Hoa is also increasing its output. This comes just months after the refinerys operating rate fell, which is what caused the gasoline shortage in the first place. The Dung Quat and Nghi Son refineries are able to meet a little over 70 percent of the domestic demand for fuel and other oil products. Most of the remaining demand is met by gas imports. In recent months, Vietnam has had more difficulty procuring foreign oil due to the sudden influx of European buyers who have unilaterally sworn of purchasing their oil and gas needs from Russia. [Now that] European countries are buying large amounts of petroleum products, a small country [like Vietnam] finds it hard to augment its purchases, said one high-ranking official who spoke with Nikkei Asia. The communist government is also looking to curtail gas demand by tightening regulations on the basis of protecting the environment and by supporting the proliferation of electric vehicles as part of the governments drive to decarbonize a move that could hamper the efforts of energy companies like PetroVietnam to expand their facilities and production capabilities. Learn more about fuel supply problems all over the world at FuelSupply.news. Watch this clip showing Chinese President Xi Jinping promising to help Vietnam build a stable supply chain amid fuel supply concerns. This video is from the Chinese Taking Down Evil CCP channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Energy crisis forces Austrias only domestic salt manufacturer to cut production by 20%. America is running out of gas: Surging demand leaves US with LESS THAN A MONTHS supply of diesel. Qatar refuses to divert gas flows to Europe due to existing contracts with Asian customers. Europe will experience the worst energy crisis in history if it keeps turning away Russian oil and gas. Gas prices in Los Angeles County hits new record high of $6.466 nearly double the national average. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com Reuters.com 1 Reuters.com 2 Asia.Nikkei.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) An American molecular biologist warned that research on mutant Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) strains funded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will set off the next pandemic. Dr. Richard Ebright, chemistry and chemical biology professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey, blasted a study conducted by researchers from Gates-funded Imperial College London (ICL) in the British capital. According to the Daily Mail, ICL researchers wearing hazmat suits reportedly infected hamsters with two chimera COVID hybrids during an experiment conducted in the institutions Biosafety Level 3 laboratory. The researchers combined aspects of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain that emerged from Wuhan, the capital of Chinas Hubei province, with aspects from the omicron and delta variants. The B16172 delta strain first discovered in India exhibited traits of evading vaccine-induced immunity. Meanwhile, the B11529 omicron strain was more transmissible than earlier variants, but has milder symptoms. According to the papers abstract, the experiment raised the concerning possibility that future [COVID-19] variants could have more severe effects than those seen during omicron infection. Twenty scientists, including a member of the British governments COVID-19 advisory panel, were involved in the research. An ICL spokesperson told the Mail that the study, partially funded by taxpayers money, was safe and adhered to appropriate regulations. But this did not sit well with Ebright, who quickly denounced the research. (Related: American scientist slams researchers at Bill Gates-funded university for mutating COVID strains.) This is insanity, both in terms of the redundancy and waste, he told the Mail. Ebright argued that such research presents a risk of triggering a new pandemic wave upon accidental or deliberate release of the lab-generated viruses. Moreover, he added that the experiment was devoid of any foreseeable practical applications and instead posed too great a risk for too little a reward. Manipulating mutant COVID strains playing with fire If the world wishes to avoid new pandemics caused by lab-generated pathogens, then it is urgently necessary to restrict high-risk, low-benefit research that creates enhanced potential pandemic pathogens and to implement oversight, with force of law, on such research, Ebright continued. The molecular biologist found an ally in the person of Shmuel Shapira, former head of the Israel Institute for Biological Research. Shapira agreed with Ebright, calling for an outright stop to research endeavors such as the one by ICL. According to the Israeli expert, such studies are akin to playing with fire because of the risk of a lab leak. Incidentally, ICL had previously received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation amounting to $140,041 back in October 2020. The 24-month grant sought to model the potential impact of rapid diagnostics for COVID-19. But months before receiving this money, ICL published the notorious COVID Report in March 2020. The said report warned that in the absence of any control measures or spontaneous changes in individual behavior, the U.K. would see 510,000 COVID-19 deaths and the U.S. would see a bigger COVID-19 death toll of 2.2 million. The reports prediction sent shock waves throughout the world, and was used to justify COVID-19 lockdowns that caused more harm than good. A March 2022 piece published by the National Review zeroed in on this report. According to the article, ICLs death estimates in its reports over the years including those for COVID-19, bird flu and swine flu had three things in common: flawed modeling, hair-raising predictions of disaster that missed the mark and no lessons learned. [ICL] should certainly face an audit now, and it should focus on the inadequacies of [its] teams models and on how faulty policy recommendations were derived from them, the article noted. Watch The HighWire host Del Bigtree and Jefferey Jaxen discuss COVID-19 experiments done at Boston University that are similar to the ICL experiment. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Dr. Robert Malone: Boston University broke the rules by creating COVID strain with 80% death rate. Faucis agency funded EcoHealths $1 million grant to help create new 80% kill rate covid strain, in violation of US law. NIH confirms Boston lab that created deadly new 80% death rate covid strain did NOT receive agency research approval. SUICIDE SCIENCE: Boston University creates new chimeric COVID bioweapon with 80% KILL RATE has humanity learned NOTHING? Sources include: NewsPunch.com LifeSiteNews.com GatesFoundation.org NationalReview.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) In his bid for reelection, Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois is claiming to be a champion of bodily autonomy at least when it comes to the right of women to murder their unborn children through abortion. When it comes to Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination, however, Pritzker believes that the government should be able to force chemical penetration on children. Leaked emails reveal a secret plot by Pritzker and his regime to force all students in the Land of Lincoln to roll up their sleeves for injection in order to go to school and get an education. Those who choose to preserve natural immunity will be barred from both on-campus and online learning. From the GO [Governors Office]: To add immunizations, do we have to go through the Committee and have three meetings? asked deputy director Shannon Lightner in an email thread to members of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Lightner received a response from Heidi Clark, Division Chief of Infectious Diseases, stating: That seems to be the case No statutory changes are necessary, which is a plus, but those meetings would be pretty rough, Im sure In other words, the plan is to ramrod through a policy that would force all young-uns across Illinois to damage their DNA and possibly develop deadly shot clots in exchange for getting an education. (Related: Pritzker has repeatedly tried to force all Illinois students and school faculty members to get jabbed for the Fauci Flu.) A vote for Pritzker is a vote for medical fascism against children Keep in mind that in a recent interview with Chicago reporter Amy Jacobson, Pritzker indicated that when it comes to the matter of Fauci Flu injections for school children, he supposedly plans to leave that decision up to the state. This is what Pritzker is saying in public, anyway. In private email chains between his office and other state bureaucrats, there is a secret post-election agenda underway that is quite different from what the Pritzker campaign and Pritzker himself are saying right now in an attempt to siphon more votes. Once reelected, Pritzkers office is planning to unleash hell against children. He wants to erase the medical right to just say no to drugs from the government even if those drugs came from an official government program called Operation Warp Speed. After 2+ years of mandates and orders, most Illinois parents know exactly what do we have to go through the Committee and have three hearings? means when the Governors Office is asking the question, writes E. Woodhouse for the Wood House Substack about the implications made in these secret email chains. This is the same Administration that used state agencies & Democrat lawmakers to suppress religious objections to other Covid-related mandates, including in schools. If re-elected, Pritzker almost certainly will do everything he can to work around existing rules & laws related to putting the covid shot on the list of vaccines required to attend school in Illinois. In the comments, someone pointed out that when Pritzker first started mandating covid jabs for state health care workers, IDPH nurses were specifically and exclusively rendered as exempt from this tyranny. So they could walk into a skilled nursing facility, hospital, etc. *unvaccinated* themselves, and levy fines for any worker who didnt have a sufficient excuse,' this person further explained. Another commenter in response to this wrote that these people are sick. Since the state law only allows vaccines against preventable diseases, and it is clear now and admitted by public health authorities that the Covid vaccine does NOT prevent infection, seems like any decent lawyer for parents should be able to argue it doesnt qualify for the childhood schedule in Illinois, suggested someone else. Want to learn more about covid shots? Visit ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: Woodhouse.Substack.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) A two-part paper released by Drs. Yuhong Dong and Jordan Vaughn dives deep into the phenomenon of Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine clots, including how they form, how to detect them early, and how to effectively treat them. In case you missed it, Operation Warp Speed unleashed a deadly pandemic of jab-induced clots, which appear to be made of strange materials that are not blood. Independent scientists are dissecting these fibrous clots and reporting their findings, which are nothing short of shocking. One of them is Dr. Jane Ruby, who appeared on the Health Ranger Report (HRR) to discuss their self-assembling nature and the presence of nanowires, which are apparently getting implanting into the bodies of the fully vaccinated. Dong and Vaughn cite the findings of licensed embalmer Larry Mills, who describes the objects as strange clots that have been appearing inside cadaver bodies ever since the covid outbreak. These clots are very rubbery feeling and very long as they exit the veins that we use during the embalming procedure, Mills, a funeral director in Alabama, told The Epoch Times. They really appear to be like earthworms. I have never seen this in my career until now. Another embalmer who reported similar findings is Richard Hirschman, who also appeared on HRR recently to draw attention to this phenomenon. Prior to the scamdemic, only 5-10 percent of dead bodies contained these clots, but now it is more than half, he says. I can tell you with certainty that the clots Richard has shown online are a phenomenon that I have not witnessed until probably the middle of last year, said another licensed embalmer who chose to remain anonymous. That is pretty much all I have to say about it. I have no knowledge as to what is causing the clots, but they did seemingly start showing up around the middle of 2021. Spike proteins are the first domino toppled in the formation of covid shot clots Unpacking the nature of these clots and how they form is an ongoing thing, but this latest study points specifically at spike proteins as one of the many non-traditional pathways through which they develop. Since they supposedly invade epithelium cells directly, spike proteins are the first domino toppled in the formation of these strange and unusual clots, Dong and Vaughn say. Subsequent cascade effects finally cause the blood clotting, they wrote in an expose for the Times. The official story is that SARS-CoV-2, which has still never been isolated, enters human cells via a protein receptor called the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, or ACE2. Endothelial cells (ECs) just so happen to express an abundance of ACE2, residing on the inner surface of every blood vessel throughout the body. This mak[es] them a direct target of the virus infection, according to Dong and Vaughn, who point to other research suggesting that the spike protein itself directly damages the structure and function of ECs, including by impairing the mitochondria and downregulating ACE2, which is meant to protect ECs. Researchers observed that both the S1 and S2 parts of the spike protein can induce human ECs to express a peak of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL1B, TNF-alpha, and chemokines CXCL1, and CXCL2), the duo writes. Subsequently, the release of cytokines initiates the switch-like molecule (E-selectin) on the endothelial cell membrane, allowing them to attach with immune cells, thereby initiating subsequent disease processes. Spike proteins also appear to activate inflammation in ECs, inducing a breakdown of connective proteins between ECs and blood vessels, effectively disrupting the proper function of the entire circulatory system. Spike proteins may be only the tip of the iceberg, experts warn In short, spike proteins tip the first domino, which then hits the second, followed by the third, until clots form to such a degree that the victim dies an often sudden and gruesome death. Calling spike proteins the smoking gun in this disturbing shot clot phenomenon, Dong and Vaughn say that what they have uncovered is only just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more events that could be attributed to the clotting issues including sudden death, cardiovascular events, cardiac death, stroke, disabilities, thrombotic events, etc., they say. Blood vessels are in all our organs. The vessel problems could explain a wide range of symptoms from the dysfunction to mild decline of our brain, heart, lung, and extremities. So what can a person do to overcome the health damage caused by covid injections? The first and most obvious answer is to not get jabbed in the first place. This will protect you against any type of jab-induced cardiovascular failure. If you already got jabbed, check out our earlier coverage highlighting the merits of green tea (epigallocatechin gallate), zinc, and hydroxychloroquine, three remedies that have helped many people overcome damage caused by the plandemic. There is also evidence to suggest that certain healing molecules in broccoli can help the body overcome spike protein damage specifically in the brain, which is another vital organ where spike proteins accumulate and cause brain damage (i.e., dementia and cognitive failure). This only affects people who got the jabs, not those who have just had covid, noted a commenter about how a simple positive test for the Fauci Flu without any injections will not result in the formation of these deadly clots. The latest news coverage about covid clot shots can be found at ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Zelenko Freedom Foundation (ZFF) Co-Chair Ann Vandersteel discussed Precinct Strategy (PS), one way that Americans can get involved in the midterm elections, on The Zelenko Report. She tackled this on the Brighteon.TV programs Nov. 2 episode, featuring Everything Home host Michelle Swinick and PS member Steve Stern. According to Stern, he and others with PS met with former President Donald Trump asking for his support. They wanted him to talk about PS at his rallies and invite people to get involved in it. Stern continued that Trumps adviser Gen. Mike Flynn has joined PS as a precinct committee man. He explained that precinct committee persons such as Flynn can do poll watching, conduct door-to-door campaigns for candidates and encourage people to sign up or register. According to the PS member, it is very important for Americans to take part in the endeavor to ensure the integrity of the midterm elections. PS now has at least one to three representatives in every state. He shared that a woman from Elizabeth, New Jersey started with eight people. As time passed, the woman got 90,000 people involved in PS. (Related: GOP lawmakers dispatch scores of election observers to tight races in an effort to guard against Democrat cheating.) According to the PS website, it was started by Arizona resident Dan Schultz, a citizen who believes each conservative Americans top priority should be active engagement as a precinct committeeman in the political Party our Founders and Framers would be members of if they were alive now: the Republican Party. Vandersteel commented that the momentum PS has built has swelled poll numbers across America. She added that experts are now predicting a Republican victory in both chambers of Congress and GOP governors ascending in states a nationwide supermajority. Americans need to vote red to save the country Swinick agreed with Vandersteel that the polling numbers reflect a red wave. The Everything Home host stressed that Americans need to vote for Republicans, since nothing good has come up from the Democrats. She added that this is also the chance for the independents, common sense Democrats and even the Republicans in name only (RINOs) to vote for GOP candidates to save the country and themselves. Swinick also called on Americans to go vote in person during elections and take time to become a poll watcher or poll worker. She also urged people to tell their friends, family members and acquaintances to go out and vote. The Everything Home host mentioned that they had already started a Ban the Machines campaign in Arizona last September and they are using the AZ Saves America website to send out emails and a petition to get rid of the election voting machines, which are fraudulent and uncertified. She added that when they launched this campaign, they were getting so much pushback from both the Democrats and Republicans. Swinick pointed out that the people who badly want the election voting machines know that they can be controlled and the entire election system is fundamentally designed to control the outcomes. Vandersteel agreed, adding that selections not elections have been going on for 40 years. Watch the Nov. 2 episode of The Zelenko Report below. The Zelenko Report with Ann Vandersteel airs Monday to Friday at 1-2 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: B-Alert News with Bishop Leon Benjamin: Americans can prevent or expose efforts to undermine election integrity Brighteon.TV. Lawfare with Tom Renz: Seth Keshel says America is in unparalleled crisis due to lack of election integrity Brighteon.TV. Mainstream media finally admits voting machines connected to internet can be hacked, which is exactly what Trump said. Michael Flynn tells The Right Side: Americans need to fix election systems and processes Brighteon.TV. Bidens hateful rhetoric against Americans presents the GOP with a sterling opportunity. Sources include: Brighteon.com PrecinctStrategy.com (Natural News) Scientists in Spain have found graphene oxide and nanotechnology in Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) injections. According to scientists, graphene oxide can be detected in the immune system as if it were a pathogen. Once injected, it has an affinity for the central nervous system, which can potentially cause paralysis, stroke and alteration of the nervous system. They explained that graphene oxide also has the potential to cause blood clots, which explains why COVID-19 injections increase the risk of people suffering from thrombosis with thrombocytopenia. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, can help control the atoms in the body. Numerous other experts around the world also published their own findings where they allegedly discovered both graphene oxide and nanotechnology in the COVID-19 injections. Strangely, the components of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 injections exhibit no evidence of biological material, including mRNA or DNA. This is according to Dr. Daniel Nagase, a Canadian emergency room physician who examined electron microscope photos of the materials included in the Pfizer and Moderna injections. These samples were examined by Dr. Nagases research team under a standard microscope. Members of Nagases team saw a number of highly intriguing visuals, although they were unsure of what they were seeing exactly. They later utilized an electron microscope to identify the components of the vaccines and found a ball with the legs growing out of it in a Moderna sample. This shape, this ball with the legs growing out of it, for some reason has aluminum in it, Nagase said. And I can say with certainty that this isnt a mold spore or some other type of biological contamination, because the only thing in it is carbon, oxygen, and no signs of nitrogen, no signs of phosphorus, which would indicate something biological of origin. So, this thing thats growing is non-biological. Other vaccines with microtechnology In the United Kingdom, scientists found that graphene nanomaterials were capable of penetrating the bodys natural barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, which can damage the central nervous system and internal organs. It can also destroy blood health, trigger cancer and even cause permanent changes to gene function. Martin Monteverde, an Argentine doctor, presented analyses from the Corona2Inspect researchers on the microtechnology that was found in vaccines manufactured by Cansino, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and Sputnik. Patricia Aprea, director of evaluation and control at the National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Devices (ANMAT), also accidentally admitted that AstraZeneca vaccines contain graphene during a legal case about post-COVID injection death. ANMAT later retracted its admission, stating that the report has a typographical error. It claimed that when the report said graphene is found within its components, it was meant to say that it was not found within its components. But ANMAT failed to explain why it followed up the statement with graphene needing to be noted as a component of the vaccine on labels and leaflets accompanying the injections. Scientists in New Zealand also confirmed that nanotechnology has been found in Pfizers Comirnaty vaccines. Dr. Matt Shelton from New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out With Science (NZDSOS) came forward to disclose his discovery of the formations of nanoparticles found by scientists using specialized microscopic techniques. None of the experts that have been consulted before had ever seen anything like this, and none of these contaminants have been listed as approved vaccines. Finally, in a set of slides of blood samples taken from both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, Dr. Philippe van Welbergen, Medical Director of Biomedical Clinics, demonstrated that the graphene being injected into people is organizing and growing into larger fibers and structures, and are gaining magnetic properties or an electrical charge. The fibers are showing indications of complex structures with striations. He also demonstrated that the shards of graphene are being transmitted from the vaccinated to the unvaccinated, and have destroyed their red blood cells causing blood clots in the unvaccinated as well. More related news about COVID-19 vaccines can be found at Vaccines.news. Watch the video below to know more about graphene oxide in COVID-19 vaccines. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Zambian acting Minister of Education Elijah Muchima delivers a speech during the launch of an information communication technology (ICT) fund in Lusaka, Zambia, on Nov. 3, 2022. Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei on Thursday launched the information communication technology (ICT) fund to develop innovation leaders to accelerate Zambia's digital transformation agenda. (Xinhua/Martin Mbangweta) LUSAKA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei on Thursday launched an information communication technology (ICT) fund to develop innovation leaders to accelerate Zambia's digital transformation agenda. Dubbed the Hakainde Hichilema Innovation Fund, the fund is part of the four-year partnership and initiative by Huawei that will see the training on ICT of 5,000 young people by the year 2025. Huawei's Vice President for Southern Africa Region Phil Li said the company wanted to help identify and develop special and bankable talent that anchor Zambia's digital transformation agenda to accelerate both economic and social development through ICTs. "It is our desire to offer ICT basic skill training to at least 50 instructors and 50 selected government officials in the Ministry of Education and its affiliates," he said. According to him, the launch follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Huawei and the government in March this year for a digital innovation leadership program. The company, he said, will also establish an innovation hub, a physical space for the incubation and actualization of ICT ideas that will accommodate all the necessary infrastructure needed for innovators to generate, develop and test the viability of their digital solutions under the keen mentorship of dedicated experts. Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati welcomed the initiative and thanked the Chinese company, saying it will go a long way in promoting digital skills and entrepreneurship among university and college students. In a speech read for him by Brilliant Habeenzu, the permanent secretary of the ministry, the minister commended Huawei for implementing various projects in the ICT sector in Zambia and for its continued support in the development of the sector. The government was committed to unlocking the country's economic potential through ICTs, he said. Acting Minister of Education Elijah Muchima said the government has partnered with Huawei to ensure that every learner in the country acquires digital skills and is prepared to face the fast-changing digital world. According to him, Zambia has made strides toward digital transformation over the past few years, as evident in digital infrastructure, digital financial systems and digital platforms. He, however, said gaps still exist in digital skills and digital entrepreneurship and commended Huawei for coming up with the initiative to provide young people with ICT skills. "My ministry believes that through technology and digital systems, we can take the learning resources to all parts of this country so that every learner in Zambia has the digital skill to unlock their potential," he said. Huawei's Vice President for Southern Africa Region Phil Li (2nd L) and Zambian acting Minister of Education Elijah Muchima (3rd L) unveil the visual designs of the forthcoming National Digital Innovation Hub during the launch of an information communication technology (ICT) fund in Lusaka, Zambia, on Nov. 3, 2022. Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei on Thursday launched the information communication technology (ICT) fund to develop innovation leaders to accelerate Zambia's digital transformation agenda. (Xinhua/Martin Mbangweta) (Natural News) A stunning connection has been made between first son Hunter Biden and biolabs in Ukraine as well as Wuhan, China, the latter the reported origin of COVID-19, by a former top-rated co-host. Jack Maxey, who starred alongside former top Trump political adviser Steve Bannon on their War Room: Pandemic, podcast, revealed an alleged connection between Biden and Metabiota, which is linked to Ukrainian biolabs, and the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the Chinese city of that name, Lifesite News reported this week, adding: Maxey based his findings on some of the e-mails found in Hunter Bidens laptop, as well as further research he personally conducted. While Maxey has been talking about these connections for some time, the story has been largely overlooked. He explained the connection between the first son and the Wuhan lab during an appearance on the Sovereign Soul Show: Lets go back to COVID. Literally, Hunter Biden and his partners raised millions of dollars from Metabiota. Metabiota was a privatized company that the U.S. intelligence used to run the biolabs in Ukraine which I have uncovered, [they are] also deeply involved inside the Wuhan lab, Maxey claims. You can find papers written by Metabiota describing them as bat and corona experts. And Hunter had a secretary in Beijing, named Xiaoyang, her last name is Zeng, spelled Z E N G, and her husband is a guy named Fu Gao, or George Gao, senior, top guy in the Chinese CDC. And Hunter hooks this guy up with Metabiota, and they essentially run the gain of function experiments inside the Wuhan lab that gave us COVID! he added. U.S. intel and disgusting characters like Tony Fauci et al. are just as responsible for the COVID outbreak as the Chinese Communists because we off-shored their Frankenstein experiments to China because they werent under law allowed to engage in these experiments inside the United States, Maxey charged. And they went completely rogue, and now millions of people around the world lost their lives; the economy of the world lost trillions and trillions of lost opportunities, family businesses destroyed: these people need to be held to account, he said. The outlet noted further: A little research into the connection between Metabiota and the bat and corona research can confirm Maxeys claims. See here for a 2017 study on bats and coronaviruses with Metabiota involvement; as well as another here. By August of this year, Maxey had already developed and presented his thesis quite extensively. At a political rally in Bloomsburg, Pa., Aug. 27, Maxey called Metabiota the prime contractor inside all these Ukrainian labs. He then cited a specific email that he discovered on Hunter Bidens laptop between Eric Schwerin, Hunters broker-dealer manager and Hunter [Biden], which says: Hunter, we gotta get a hold of Xiaoyings husband, because I think he and the CDC could be really helpful for Metabiota. Xiaoying, as it turns out this womans name: Xiaoying Zeng or Zung, as they pronounce it, it is spelled Z E N G she is a daughter inside the major Shanghai CCP crime family, called the Zungs, who runs something called the Shanghai clique, and they have a lot of overlaps in Shanghai with another group called the surprise oil clique,' Maxey continued at the rally. And, guess what, her husband is a guy named Fu Gao or George Gao, trained either at Oxford or Cambridge, [who] spent a bunch of years in the United States, and he is a top guy at the Chinese CDC, he added, going on to explain that Metabiota was created by U.S. intelligence. Well, like everything else under President [George W.] Bush, they realized that by privatizing it, somebody could get rich. So they created Metabiota, he claimed. It is sort of like Blackwater, right? And Metabiota is the prime contractor inside all those Ukrainian labs that they now admit that there are 20 some of them. Sources include: LifesiteNews.com Pandemic.news The United States has the world's largest prison population, with Texas having the most incarcerated people in any state. According to a new study led by researchers at Brown University's School of Public Health, as climate change continues to increase the severity, frequency, and duration of heat waves, the approximately 160,000 people in Texas prisons - as well as those who work in these settings - face intense physical duress in prisons without climate controls. Extreme temperatures take a deadly toll on people in Texas prisons The study, which was published in JAMA Network Open on Wednesday, Nov. 2, looked at the relationship between heat exposure and mortality risks in Texas prisons, focusing on how these risks differed between prisons with and without air conditioning, as per ScienceDaily. The researchers examined data from 2001 to 2019 and discovered that 271 people died as a result of extreme heat exposure during that time period. The researchers discovered that even a 1-degree increase above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can increase the daily risk of death by 0.7%. The research team, which included scholars from Harvard University, Boston University, and the organization Texas Prison Community Advocates, combined data from the U.S. The Bureau of Justice Statistics based its findings on mortality in Texas prisons on NASA temperature data and a novel epidemiologic analysis. According to the team, approximately 13% of mortality during hot months in Texas prison facilities without air conditioning could be attributed to extreme heat. According to lead study author Julie Skarha, who will receive her Ph.D. in epidemiology from Brown in June 2022, while an average of 14 people died each year from heat-related causes in Texas prisons without air conditioning, not a single heat-related death occurred in climate-controlled prisons. "The majority of Texas prisons lack universal air conditioning," Skarha explained. "We discovered a 30-fold increase in heat-related mortality in these settings when compared to estimates of heat-related mortality in the general U.S. population." Heat is often a silent killer, according to study co-author Dr. David Dosa, an associate professor of medicine and health services, policy, and practice at Brown. "We've seen similar situations in nursing homes where heat isn't reported on the death certificate," said Dosa, a practicing geriatrician with dual appointments at Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Rhode Island Hospital. "It's only after we run these analyses that we can determine how much of a role heat played in someone's death." Also Read: Heatwave Prompted by Climate Change May Cause Shortage of Christmas Tree This Year Conditions in prisons during heat waves More than a dozen states, including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, do not have air conditioning in all of their prison units, as per The Conversation. According to recent studies, many of these states also have some of the highest heat risks in the country. Prisons house hundreds or thousands of people in buildings that were not designed with extreme heat and heat waves in mind. Prison building materials and designs can expose inmates to more heat. Some states require prisons to keep indoor temperatures within certain ranges. Temperatures in prisons are not regulated in Texas, but county and private municipal jails supervised by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards must be kept between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30 C). There are no comparable federal standards. J. Carlee Purdum, a Research Assistant Professor of Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center at Texas A&M University show how hazards and disasters affect people who are incarcerated. In a recently published report. Purdum and Benika Dixon collaborated with Texas Prisons Community Advocates, a nonprofit that works to improve conditions in Texas prisons, to learn how incarcerated people in the state deal with heat without air conditioning. High temperatures are especially dangerous in prisons because inmates are more susceptible to heat. People incarcerated have high rates of chronic illness, mental health conditions, and disabilities, and a sizable proportion are over the age of 50. Since 1998, at least 23 incarcerated people in Texas have died from heat illness. Because heat aggravates other underlying physical and mental health conditions, the actual number of heat-related deaths in Texas prisons is almost certainly much higher. Related article: Adapting to Climate Change Could Still Mean Environmental Troubles The Devil's Hole pupfish, a rare desert pupfish from the American Southwest, had its genome sequenced for the first time. The 8 Devils Hole pupfish whose genomes were analyzed had the most similar DNA regions (58% of the genomes), among the most inbred vertebrates ever discovered. Contrary to expectations, five of the 15 gene deletions entailed adaptation to hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, which have been typical of the pupfish's environment. The most inbred creature known is the endangered Devils Hole pupfish Biologists from the University of California, Berkeley report the first complete genome sequences of eight different pupfish species from the American Southwest, totaling 30 individuals, including eight Devils Hole pupfish, in a paper that was published this week in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Surprisingly, the Devils Hole pupfish has undergone such intense inbreeding that, on average, 58% of the genomes of such eight individuals are identical, as per ScienceDaily. The Devil's Hole pupfish exhibit an amount of inbreeding comparable to what would occur if four to five generations of siblings interbred, according to graduate student David Tian, the study's lead author. As a result, dangerous mutations are more likely to be fixed or burned in rather than eliminated, potentially driving a species to extinction through a mutational meltdown. Although populations of Devil's Hole pupfish in the wild and captivity, or refuge populations, are currently thriving, the species' low genetic diversity may cause problems if climate change and human influences increase. The new genome sequences will aid researchers and conservationists in evaluating the condition of native pupfish populations and maybe intervening in refuge populations to boost the genetic variety of these species, specifically the Devil's Hole pupfish. The new genome sequences will aid researchers and conservationists in evaluating the condition of native pupfish populations and maybe intervening in refuge populations to boost the genetic variety of these species, specifically the Devil's Hole pupfish. Read More: Devils Hole Pupfish: Get to Know the Rarest Fish in the World Rate of genetic diversity loss used to identify endangered animals Conservationists can predict the number of generations left before a population hits a threshold of minimal genetic variety using a statistical method created by Janna Willoughby and Andrew DeWoody, then-doctoral wildlife genetics students, at per Purdue University. According to Willoughby, a population's long-term survival depends heavily on its genetic diversity. The method they created identifies populations with insufficient genetic variety, which will prevent the population from surviving over time. They discovered that this approach greatly outperforms existing techniques for identifying species that require conservation efforts. With our current methods, Willoughby warned, we might miss populations with low genetic diversity unless they have experienced a sharp decline in size. So that a species doesn't become extinct just because we didn't notice it, genetic diversity should be taken into account when assessing conservation priorities. Effects of inbreeding animals Animals that have been inbred are less productive and much more likely to develop hereditary diseases, as per LIC. Recessive gene-related illnesses are also more likely to develop in inbred individuals. Calf deformities, miscarriages, and stillbirths can result from these conditions. For an animal to have the condition, two copies of the recessive gene must be present. Each parent gives them one copy of the gene. A copy of the same recessive gene is more likely to be present in closely related animals. Due to this, there is a higher chance that both of them will transfer the gene to their progeny. Related Article: Nevada's Endangered Pupfish Threatened by Climate Change Heavy rain and wind warning are in effect from 6 p.m. this evening until midnight. Downpatrick, Newcastle, and Donaghadee are all included in the yellow warning area. The Met Office issued the warning this morning, saying, a short period of very heavy rain and squally winds is likely to cause some disruption tonight. Northern Ireland weather warning issued by Met Office Autumn has arrived in Northern Ireland, as evidenced by darker nights and a drop in temperatures in recent weeks, as per Belfast Live. Looking ahead to the coming week, the Met Office predicted milder temperatures and stronger winds for Northern Ireland. Much of the week will see a mixed bag of weather conditions, as is typical for this time of year, with sunny intervals and rain showers in the forecast. Travel times will most likely be extended due to road spray and temporary flooding. Delays are likely for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges. There may be some brief outages of power and other services. Looking ahead to the coming week, the Met Office predicts milder temperatures and stronger winds for Northern Ireland. Much of the week will see a mixed bag of weather conditions, as is typical for this time of year, with sunny intervals and rain showers in the forecast. Also Read: Severe Weather Warnings Issued for New Zealand Due to Heavy Rain and Snowfall Met Eireann's 'damaging' double yellow warning for Monday as wind and rain batter country Met Eireann has started the weather week with not one, but two status yellow alerts, as per Irish Mirror. The entire country is under a weather advisory for the entire week, with ran and gales expected to cause major problems along the coast and on island roads. They've since added two yellow alerts, one of which was issued shortly after 5 a.m. on Monday. Both warnings are in effect until Monday at 9 p.m. The first is for wind and was issued for Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford, and Wicklow on Sunday evening. More rain is expected to fall across the country this afternoon and evening, with localized flooding possible. The overall forecast for Monday makes for depressing reading. "This morning will be cloudy and breezy with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, especially in the southwest," Met eireann predicted shortly before 5 a.m. on Monday. It will also become windy, with strong, gusty southerly winds, with the strongest winds in the south and southeast. Maximum temperatures range from 11 to 15 degrees Celsius. Early tonight, the rain will gradually clear eastward, followed by heavy showers from the west. As the rain clears, the southerly winds will become moderate to fresh. The lowest temperatures range from 5 to 9 degrees Celsius. Between 6 p.m. and midnight, rain and strong winds are expected in parts of Northern Ireland, Wales, and southwest England. The Met Office predicts a "short period of very strong winds" with gusts of 50-60 mph, with gusts reaching as high as 70 mph in coastal areas. A "short period of very heavy rain and squally winds" is expected to cause "some disruption, with some delays to road, rail, air, and ferry transport considered likely." Train and bus services will also "probably" be impacted, with longer journey times due to road spray and temporary flooding. With a chance of hail and lightning in a few places, some short-term power and other service outages are also possible. On the River Adur, the Environment Agency issued five flood warnings on Monday for Alfriston, Barcombe Mills, Hellingly, and Horsebridge in East Sussex, and Mock Bridge near Shermanbury in West Sussex. It warns that the towns of Whitwell, Wroxall, Langbridge, and Alverstone on the Isle of Wight's river Eastern Yar are at risk of flooding. A second yellow rain warning was issued for southwest Scotland, Lothian Borders, and Strathclyde from 3 p.m. to midnight. Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, and South Lanarkshire are expected to be affected, as per Sky News. Related article: Scientists Reveal Influence of Climate Change on Extreme Weather Events Champaign, IL (61820) Today Windy. A mix of clouds and sun giving way to showers this afternoon. High around 60F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Windy. Showers this evening with clearing overnight. Low 23F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible. Urbana police and FBI agents continue to delve into threats to shoot Urbana High School students. The third round of threats in two weeks came Wednesday through email to a teacher, prompting district administrators to put the school on a lockdown for much of the day and cancel in-person classes today, which will be an e-learning day. Students should not report to the building during regular school hours, Superintendent Jennifer Ivory-Tatum wrote just before 4 p.m. Wednesday in a letter to families, adding that extracurricular activities would go on as scheduled. A decision regarding in-person learning for Friday will be made by midday Thursday, Ivory-Tatum added. Please continue to check your email, texts and voicemail for updates. Wednesdays scare involved somebody threatening to come in and shoot students at the high school, said police Sgt. Dave Roesch, a supervisor in the investigations division. Urbana police and the FBI are doubling down in their efforts to figure out who is intimidating students and staff and disrupting classes at Urbanas middle and high school. For the second time in three days, callers to the high school, speaking to an employee early Wednesday, threatened to shoot at students, according to Urbana police investigator Sgt. Dave Roesch. Its difficult to know if the threats are locally generated, especially with spoof (phone) numbers and the ability to spoof IP addresses. Its a daunting task, he said of their investigation. Unlike similar calls Monday that prompted the closure of Urbana High School and Urbana Middle School, district officials on Wednesday decided to hold classes. There were no classes on Tuesday because of elections. The schools were put on a soft lockdown and police increased their presence. The largest clinical trial ever conducted in infants younger than age 1 undergoing heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass found that administering steroids during surgery did not improve post-operative outcomes compared to placebo, according to preliminary late-breaking research to be presented 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. According to the American Heart Association's 2022 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistical Update, approximately 40,000 children in the U.S. every year undergo heart surgery to treat congenital heart defects. Despite major medical advances, congenital heart disease requiring surgery during infancy is still considered high risk with potential for complications, including neurological injuries, respiratory failure with need for tracheostomy, cardiac arrest or the need for machines to assist with blood circulation and oxygenation after surgery. These outcomes are often associated with severe systemic inflammatory responses, which may contribute to worse post-operative outcomes. In an effort to reduce this inflammatory reaction and to improve post-operative outcomes, some health care professionals administer steroids during surgery, while others believe that the side effects of steroids outweigh the benefits." Kevin D. Hill, M.D., M.S., lead study author, professor of pediatrics at Duke University Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center in Durham, North Carolina Previous studies have found wide variability among clinicians, with some routinely administering steroids during infant heart surgery, some routinely avoiding steroids and others employing a selective approach depending on the complexity of the case and the patient's age. "Professionals have been debating the use of steroids during infant heart surgery for decades with relatively little evidence to support their safety or effectiveness," Hill said. "Due to the difficulties in enrolling children in clinical trials, there have been only three randomized, controlled trials of steroid use in infants with heart disease reported over the past five years, and the results are conflicting." Researchers examined data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of steroids in infants younger than 12 months of age undergoing heart surgery. The STeroids to Reduce Systemic inflammation after infant heart Surgery (STRESS) Trial compared the administration of steroids at initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass vs. placebo on combined clinical outcomes, including post-operative complications, hospital length of stay and mortality. They also compared individual outcomes in a secondary analysis. This study was conducted at 24 centers across the U.S., and a total of 1,200 infants were enrolled, representing the largest trial ever conducted in children undergoing heart surgery. Approximately half of the patients were female, 16% were Black infants and 12% were Hispanic children, "which is representative of the U.S. population of children undergoing heart surgery," Hill said. The average age at the time of surgery was four months, and more than 30% of patients were younger than 30 days old at the time of surgery. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today After obtaining informed consent from parents, half of the infants were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of steroids during surgery while the other half received a placebo. The primary analysis of the results, after adjusting for baseline characteristics, showed no significant difference in post-operative outcomes between those receiving steroids or placebo. The secondary analysis found that patients receiving steroids had lower odds of bleeding requiring another operation. "When we analyzed the primary endpoint using a different approach known as the 'win ratio,' there was evidence that steroids provided a small net benefit," Hill said, but other outcomes were comparable for the two groups including mortality, post-operative infections and the need for mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay: The mortality rate among the infants who received steroids was 2.0% compared to 2.8% in the placebo group. The rate of mortality or major post-operative complications combined was 17.2% for the steroid group vs. 20.3% of those in the placebo group. Post-operative infection complications occurred in 5.2% of those who received steroids compared to 4% of the placebo group. 6.8% of the steroid group needed prolonged mechanical ventilation compared to 8.5% of the placebo group. The average hospital length of stay for infants who received steroids was 10 days, compared to 11 days for those in the placebo group. Infants in the steroid group were more likely to have high blood sugar, which is a known side effect of steroids, with 19% of infants requiring insulin within 24 hours of surgery. In comparison, 6.7% of the infants in the placebo group required insulin within 24 hours of surgery. The investigators' review of all outcome components concludes that steroid administration may hold a small benefit for some infants. "Although our primary analysis did not find a difference in outcomes for those treated with steroids, there were enough secondary signals indicating a benefit that the consensus of our investigative team, including multiple pediatric cardiologists and congenital heart surgeons, is that steroids may offer a small benefit," Hill said. "Every day, clinical decisions have to be made, and for infants needing heart surgery, there may not be sufficient evidence to support the treatments. There is a need for more studies to determine the optimal dose and to evaluate which children might benefit more than others," he added. "There is also a need to evaluate whether lower doses of steroids may offer similar benefits but with less risk of hyperglycemia." The study's limitations included that more than a quarter of the trial participants were administered steroids after surgery, more commonly among those in the placebo group. "This may have masked some of the effectiveness of prophylactic steroids," Hill said. The modern world is highly industrialized and urbanized. One accompaniment of this change in lifestyle is the rise of food allergies. A new research paper explores associations between food allergies and pre- or post-natal exposure to pollutants in the air, thus paving the way for future studies on the potential sensitization of the gut by exposure of the skin or airway to pollutants, in addition to the alimentary route. Study: Early-life exposure to air pollution associated with food allergy in children: Implications for one allergy concept. Image Credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock Introduction Food allergy is defined as "a specific immune response to particular foods" and is estimated to affect about one in ten people worldwide. This proportion is probably still higher in children. In some cases, the exposure may bring on a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to the concerned food, often occurring within seconds or minutes. Food allergies are responsible for many emergency medical visits, a great deal of medical expenditure, and a restriction of the opportunity to participate in social gatherings involving eating. This could also lead to social isolation, bullying, and low mood. Thus, food allergies pose a health risk, an emotional challenge, and a financial burden on the patient and caregiver, as well as on society, due to the accompanying ill health and loss of productivity. Food allergies are different from other allergies that make up the "atopic march," namely, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema, which represent a progression of disease in childhood. One notable divergence is the 30-year-delay in the rise in the prevalence of food allergies compared to the first wave of allergies that included the other three conditions, leading to its being dubbed the "second wave" of allergy. Secondly, food allergies are due to gut exposure to allergens, while the others are due to skin and airway exposure. However, scientists are currently reconsidering this hypothesis in light of evidence that skin exposure can also lead to sensitization to food allergens, called the "gut-skin dual exposure hypothesis. Air pollution plays a significant role in the evolution of other allergies, but less is known about its part in food allergies. The current paper published in the journal Environmental Research aims to identify associations, if any, between air pollution exposure and the recent rapid increase in the incidence of food allergies in China. This would support their triple exposure hypothesis of food sensitization involving gut, skin, and airway exposure. "If this hypothesis is true, it is believed that air pollution has led to the first and second waves of allergy epidemics, which indicates a concept of 'one allergy' disease." The study was carried out on a cohort of children who participated in the "China-Child-Family-Health (CCHH)" project between September 2011 and January 2012. The researchers asked about children's food allergies, indoor surroundings, and lifestyle. Over 2,500 children from 36 kindergartens (3-6 years of age) took part, and their parents answered the questionnaires. Food allergy prevalence over the child's lifetime was asked using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) form, based on the appearance of eczema, hives, swelling of the lips or eyes, or diarrhea following the consumption of a specific food. Outdoor air pollution was measured in the form of three pollutants, namely, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter with a diameter 10m (PM10), being markers of industrial pollution, traffic pollution, and mixed pollution respectively. The average concentration of pollutants per day was used to estimate the daily exposure for each child, depending on the child's distance from the measuring station. In addition, indoor air pollution was represented by the presence of new furniture, redecoration, mold or dampness, and condensation on windows. The latter two represent the adequacy of ventilation, and the first two are significant sources of airborne pollutants. Prenatal exposure was defined as being within the period of pregnancy, by trimester, and post-natal from the first post-natal month to the last month before the questionnaire was administered. The researchers excluded demographic variables that could confound the results and other factors like whether the household had dogs, smokers, and the cleaning habits used in general. What did the study show? About one in seven children were reported to have a food allergy, with an increased risk in males, those who had parents with atopic conditions, and if the house was rarely cleaned. The risk was highest in the age group of 3-4 years compared to those aged 5-6. The risk of food allergies was increased in children who had prenatal exposure, as when their parents opted for house redecoration and new furniture during pregnancy, as well as if the house was poorly ventilated. For example, when mold/dampness was reported during pregnancy, the offspring were twice at risk for food allergies. Conversely, when the baby breathed in fumes from new furniture or lived in a poorly ventilated home, food allergies increased by 50% and 40%, respectively. Outdoor air pollution was also linked to food allergies in childhood. For example, NO2, reflecting air pollution due to heavy traffic, increased the risk of food allergies by 25% and 38% between quartiles of exposure, depending on whether the exposure occurred pre- or post-natally. Similarly, PM10 and SO2 were linked to ~40% and 30% increases in the risk of food allergies during childhood following post-natal exposure. Earlier studies showed an increase in egg or milk allergies in children exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) relative to unexposed children. Similarly, propylene glycol and glycol ethers (PGEs) are commonly emitted from new furniture. Exposure to these substances in the bedroom increased the risk that the child would show signs of hypersensitivity by 80%. Overall, air pollution appears to be associated with childhood FA between three and four years of age. This corroborates the findings of earlier studies, showing, for instance, an increase in peanut allergy at one year of age with higher NO2 levels. What are the implications? The study provides some evidence that food allergies can arise through airway exposure, supporting the one-allergy school of thought. "Our studies suggest that both the first wave of allergy epidemic (including eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis) and the second wave of allergy epidemic are sensitive to the same environmental exposures, especially air pollutants." This could help control this second wave of food allergies that is sweeping the developed world since the ability to control one form of allergy, such as asthma, by purifying the inhaled air, for instance, could be valuable in the prevention of food allergies as well. "Our study indicates that the rapid increase of childhood food allergies in China is linked with the development during the past decades." A perhaps skewed pattern of economic development led to a massive exodus from the countryside into the cities, coupled with a vast increase in air pollution from a surge of industrial development. Scientists have reported that babies as young as two years in Chongqing had food allergies in almost 8% of cases, vs. only 3.5% in 1999. This rising trend is also visible in other industrialized countries like Canada, the USA, and the UK. "It can be expected that food allergies will further increase in the near future, particularly in low- and middle-income countries" (LMIC) because these nations measure their welfare regarding economic growth and urbanization. The findings of this study could indicate new methods of intervention to prevent or treat such allergies since all arise from the same root cause." Further research should use a prospective design including more air pollutants to correctly estimate the prevalence of food allergies and rule out an association with the reverse directionality of cause-effect. A new treatment developed at Tel Aviv University may significantly enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, reducing the risk for lung metastasis following chemo from 52% to only 6%. Conducted in an animal model, the study identified the mechanism that generates a cancer-promoting inflammatory environment in response to chemotherapy. Moreover, the researchers found that by adding an anti-inflammatory agent to the chemotherapy, metastasis can be prevented. The study was led by Prof. Neta Erez of the Department of Pathology at TAU's Sackler Faculty of Medicine, and researchers from her group: Lea Monteran, Dr. Nour Ershaid, Yael Zait, and Ye'ela Scharff, in collaboration with Prof. Iris Barshack of the Sheba Medical Center and Dr. Amir Sonnenblick of the Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center. The paper was published in Nature Communications. The study was funded by ERC, the Israel Cancer Association, and the Emerson Cancer Research Fund. In many cases of breast cancer, surgical removal of the primary tumor is followed by a chemotherapy regimen intended to kill any remaining malignant cells either left behind by the surgeon or already colonizing in other organs. However, while effectively killing cancer cells, chemotherapy also has some undesirable and even harmful side effects, including damage to healthy tissues. The most dangerous of these is probably internal inflammations that might paradoxically help remaining cancer cells to form metastases in distant organs. The goal of our study was to discover how this happens and try to find an effective solution." Prof. Neta Erez, Department of Pathology, TAU's Sackler Faculty of Medicine To this end, the researchers created an animal model for breast cancer metastasis. The animals received the same treatment as human patients: surgical removal of the primary tumor, then chemotherapy, followed by monitoring to detect metastatic relapse as early as possible. The disturbing results: metastatic tumors were detected in the lungs of a large percentage of the treated animals - similar to the percentage found in the control group. To decipher these adverse effects, the researchers examined the animals' lungs at an intermediate stage when tiny micro-metastases may have already developed, but even advanced imaging technologies like CT cannot detect them. Prof. Erez: "In humans this interval between chemotherapy and detection of metastatic tumors is an inaccessible 'black box'. Working with an animal model we could check what actually happens inside this 'box'. We discovered a previously unknown mechanism: the chemotherapy generates an inflammatory response in connective tissue cells called fibroblasts, causing them to summon immune cells from the bone marrow. This in turn creates an inflammatory environment that supports the micro-metastases, helping them grow into full-fledged metastatic tumors. In this way, the chemotherapy, administered as a means for combating cancer, achieves the opposite result." The researchers also identified the mechanism through which fibroblasts recruit immune cells, and 'train' them to support the cancer. Prof. Erez: "We found that in response to chemotherapy, the fibroblasts secrete 'complement proteins' proteins that mediate cell recruitment and intensify inflammation, often by summoning white blood cells to damaged or infected areas, a process called chemotaxis. When the immune cells reach the lungs, they create an inflammatory environment that supports cancer cells and helps them grow." To combat this newly discovered process, the researchers combined the chemotherapy administered to the animals with a drug that blocks the activity of complement proteins. The results were very encouraging: following the combined treatment the percentage of animals developing no metastases rose from 32% to 67%; and the percentage of those with extensive cancer colonization in their lungs decreased from 52% with regular chemotherapy to 6% when the inflammation inhibitor was added. Prof. Erez concludes: "We discovered the mechanism behind a severe problem in the treatment of breast cancer: many patients develop metastatic tumors following removal of the primary tumor plus chemotherapy. We identified an inflammatory mechanism through which chemotherapy inadvertently supports the growth of metastatic tumors, and also discovered an effective solution: combining chemotherapy with an inflammation inhibitor. We hope that our findings will enable more effective treatment for breast cancer, and perhaps other types of cancer as well to prevent metastatic relapse and save numerous lives worldwide." 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. 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. 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. 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." Alexandre Mebazaa, M.D., Ph.D., study's lead researcher and 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 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 similar 16% 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. A national study led by UBC researchers at the Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation is shedding light on how to more effectively treat atrial fibrillation (AF) a common heart rhythm problem associated with increased risk of stroke and heart failure. The study, published today in The New England Journal of Medicine, shows that early intervention with cryoballoon catheter ablation (cryoablation) is more effective at reducing the risk of serious long-term health impacts, when compared to the current first step in treatment, antiarrhythmic drugs. By treating patients with cryoablation right from the start, we see fewer people advancing to persistent, more life-threatening forms of atrial fibrillation. In the short term, this can mean less recurrences of arrhythmia, improved quality of life and fewer visits to the hospital. In the long run, this can translate into a reduced risk of stroke and other serious heart problems." Dr. Jason Andrade, Associate Professor of Medicine at UBC and Director of Heart Rhythm Services at Vancouver General Hospital Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves guiding a small tube into the heart to kill problematic tissue with cold temperatures. Historically, the procedure has been reserved as a secondary treatment when patients don't respond to antiarrhythmic drugs. "This study adds to the growing body of evidence that early intervention with cryoablation may be a more effective initial therapy in the appropriate patients," says Dr. Andrade. Early intervention halts disease progression AF affects approximately three per cent of the population, or more than one million Canadians. While the condition starts as an isolated electrical disorder, each recurring incident can cause electrical and structural changes in the heart that can lead to longer-lasting events known as persistent AF (episodes lasting more than seven continuous days). "Atrial fibrillation is like a snowball rolling down a hill. With each atrial fibrillation episode there are progressive changes in the heart, and the heart rhythm problem gets worse," explains Dr. Andrade. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The new findings, stemming from a multi-site clinical trial, show that cryoablation can stop this snowball effect. For the trial, the pan-Canadian research team enrolled 303 patients with AF at 18 sites across Canada. Half of the patients were randomly selected to receive antiarrhythmic drugs, while the other half were treated with cryoablation. All patients received an implantable monitoring device that recorded their cardiac activity throughout the study period. After three years, the researchers found that patients in the cryoablation group were less likely to progress to persistent AF compared to patients treated with antiarrhythmic drugs. Over the follow-up period, the cryoablation patients also had lower rates of hospitalization and experienced fewer serious adverse health events that resulted in death, functional disability or prolonged hospitalization. Addressing the root cause Because cryoablation targets and destroys the cells that initiate and perpetuate AF, the researchers say it can lead to longer-lasting benefits. "With cryoablation, we're treating the cause of the condition, instead of using medications to cover-up the symptoms," says Dr. Andrade. "If we start with cryoablation, we may be able to fix atrial fibrillation early in its course." The new study builds on a previous paper in which Dr. Andrade and his team demonstrated that cryoablation was more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs at reducing the short-term recurrence of atrial fibrillation. The researchers say that more effective early interventions would benefit patients as well as the health care system. Currently, costs associated with the provision of atrial fibrillation-associated care are estimated at 2.5 per cent of overall annual health care expenditures. Those costs are expected to rise to four per cent within the next two decades. "The evidence shows increasingly that it's time to rethink how we approach the treatment of atrial fibrillation. With effective early intervention, we can keep people healthy, happy, and out of hospital, which would be a tremendous benefit for patients and their families, and also our entire health system." A new medication, pemafibrate, lowered triglyceride levels among adults with Type 2 diabetes yet did not decrease their cardiovascular risk, according to late-breaking science research 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. "Triglyceride levels are commonly measured as part of routine preventive care in the U.S. Understanding the best course of treatment for elevated triglyceride levels has been a major challenge due to limited data to support specific treatment options," said the study's lead investigator Aruna D. Pradhan, M.D., M.P.H., M.Sc., an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate physician in the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "We were very surprised by our findings," Pradhan said. "Many of us in the scientific community thought lowering triglycerides with this medication class in this population should have worked because high triglycerides are a pretty good marker of who's at risk. Unfortunately, our results showed no lowering of cardiovascular event rates." Triglycerides are a fatty substance in the blood. High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in conjunction with too much "bad" cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and too little "good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Likewise, Type 2 diabetes also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the U.S., about 28 million, or more than 1 in 10, adults have diagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes caused more than 1.6 million deaths worldwide in 2020, according to the American Heart Association's 2022 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update. What remained unclear was whether lowering triglyceride levels may protect against cardiovascular disease among people with Type 2 diabetes. This study, Pemafibrate to Reduce Cardiovascular Outcomes by Reducing Triglycerides in Patients with Diabetes (PROMINENT), examined the effects of pemafibrate, a novel medication designed to lower triglycerides and increase HDL levels. Between March 2017 and September 2020, nearly 10,500 adults with high triglycerides, low HDL and Type 2 diabetes enrolled in the study in 24 countries, with one-fifth of participants in the U.S. They were randomly assigned to receive pemafibrate or placebo for three years, on average, and neither the researchers nor the study participants knew which group was receiving the medication or placebo. The average age of participants was 64 years. Slightly more than one-fourth of study participants were women, and approximately 20% were Hispanic adults and 3% were Black adults. Nearly all were taking a statin to lower cholesterol. At the time of the study, half of participants had Type 2 diabetes for more than 10 years. After three years, results indicate: Pemafibrate reduced triglyceride levels by 26% compared to placebo. However, the medication did not appear to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Approximately 1 out of 10 study participants - in both groups - had a heart attack, stroke, blocked arteries that required treatment or died from cardiovascular disease within three years. The medication was also associated with an increase in LDL cholesterol during the trials. We need to find another solution to this problem. This medication class is the second most commonly used group, after statins, to lower lipid levels and while the medication did not increase CVD risk, the study raises new questions about the best way to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia who continue to experience a high rate of cardiovascular events - 1 in 10 by 3 years despite being on statin therapy and having fairly good control of LDL." Aruna D. Pradhan, M.D., M.P.H., M.Sc., associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate physician in the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital The study had several limitations: the medication did not lower triglycerides or increase HDL levels as much as expected, potentially due to the high proportion of statin use, and Black adults were underrepresented in the study. A single IV infusion of NTLA-2001, a novel CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing therapy, significantly reduced circulating transthyretin (TTR) protein levels in patients with ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy, a progressive and fatal cause of heart failure, according to late-breaking research presented today at the American Heart Associations 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. Transthyretin is a protein that is produced by the liver and transports retinol, also known as vitamin A, and the thyroid hormone thyroxine in circulation through the body. Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is caused by accumulation of fibrils composed of misfolded transthyretin protein in organs including the heart. The fibrils disrupt normal organ function and lead to progressive organ failure. Despite the availability of TTR protein stabilizers as a treatment option for people with ATTR amyloidosis, it remains a progressive and universally fatal disease. Recently, clinical trials investigating therapy with gene-silencing agents targeting mRNA have found that lowering TTR protein levels results in cardiac benefits. Julian D. Gillmore, M.D., Ph.D., Lead Study Author, Professor, University College London Centre for Amyloidosis, UK Researchers evaluated the safety, tolerability and efficacy of NTLA-2001, which precisely knocks out the TTR gene in the liver of people with ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy. A single IV dose of NTLA-2001 is designed to minimize production of the abnormal TTR proteins. The study included 12 participants with ATTR amyloidosis and varying levels of heart failure requiring treatment. Patients received a single infusion of NTLA-2001. Levels of TTR protein concentration in the bloodstream were measured at the beginning of the study and also at periodic intervals - two, four and six months - after the single intravenous NTLA-2001 dose. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The results found that circulating serum TTR proteins were rapidly and profoundly reduced by at least 90% in all patients 28 days after administration of a single intravenous dose of NTLA-2001. These benefits were sustained through to the last study visit conducted between four and six months after receiving the therapeutic infusion. In addition, NTLA-2001 was generally well-tolerated (meaning that there was only one serious adverse event, which resolved), and the majority of adverse events, such as infusion-related reactions, were mild. The primary limitation to interpretation of this study is that it is an original, Phase 1 dose escalation study in patients with ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy, Gillmore said. This is the first-ever human trial of gene editing in vivo, or in the body, and our study proves that gene editing in the human body is possible and also safe in the short term. We were impressed by the significant and consistent reductions in patients serum TTR protein levels, Gillmore said. These results indicate that IV NTLA-2001 is a potential new treatment option that may stop disease progression in patients with ATTR amyloid cardiomyopathy or even bring about improvement. However, further research is needed to establish long-term safety of NTLA-2001 and to continue to monitor and evaluate the potential effects of markedly reduced TTR levels on patients clinical outcomes. In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* server, researchers in Saint Louis, Missouri, examined whether nirmatrelvir treatment reduced the risk of long COVID, the disease encompassing the post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [PASC]. Study: Nirmatrelvir and the Risk of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19. Image Credit: p.ill.i / Shutterstock Background The prevention of PASC is an urgent health priority, for it has gripped millions of people globally. Although several hypotheses are doing rounds about the underlying mechanisms of long COVID, it is not yet clear whether it has something to do with the persistence of the virus, its fragments, or the intensity of the inflammation during the acute phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Unfortunately, there is no approved drug for the long COVID prevention or treatment. In December 2021, oral nirmatrelvir received approval for the treatment of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in the United States (US). Millions of hospitalized people are at risk of progression to severe diseases benefitted from its treatment. However, there is still a lack of data regarding this drug's efficacy in reducing the risk of long COVID. About the study In the present study, researchers used the database of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to identify individuals who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test between March 1, 2022, and June 30, 2022, but did not seek hospital admission. More importantly, 9,353 participants survived the first 30 days after the first positive SARS-CoV-2 test (T 0 ) despite having at least one risk factor for progression to severe COVID-19. The risk factors included older age (>60 years), body mass index >25 km/m2, smoking, cancer, cardiovascular and kidney disorders, chronic lung disease, diabetes, immune dysfunction, and hypertension. The nirmatrelvir group comprised 9424 participants who received nirmatrelvir within five days of T 0 and survived the first 30 days after the first positive SARS-CoV-2 test. The control group had 47,123 individuals who received no COVID-19 treatment during the acute COVID-19 phase and survived 30 days after T 0 . The team created a panel of 12 post-acute COVID-19 outcomes to estimate the effect of nirmatrelvir in the study population versus controls using inverse probability-weighted survival models. The prespecified panel of PASC covered health conditions such as dysrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE), to name a few. The study model also estimated hazard ratio (HR) and absolute risk reduction (ARR) in percentage at 90 days. The researchers also examined the risk of PASC-related death and hospitalization separately and combined. Study findings Of the total study population, 9217 individuals received oral nirmatrelvir treatment within five days after T 0 , and the team followed up with them and 47,123 controls to August 31, 2022. The authors noted that the nirmatrelvir treatment was associated with reduced risk of PASC, with HR and ARR of 0.74 and 2.32, respectively. Additionally, it reduced the risk of 10 of 12 post-acute COVID-19 outcomes. These ten outcomes were cardiovascular system disorders, such as dysrhythmia and ischemic heart disease, and coagulation and hematologic disorders, such as DVT and PE. Additional post-acute COVID-19 outcomes were fatigue, acute kidney and liver disease, muscular pain, neurocognitive impairment, and shortness of breath. Nirmatrelvir treatment also reduced the risk of post-acute death and hospitalization at 90 days, with HRs and ARRs of 0.52, 0.28, and 0.70, 1.09, respectively. Intriguingly, its effect did not vary with vaccination status and history of SARS-CoV-2 infections, including reinfections. Conclusions Overall, nirmatrelvir treatment during the acute phase of COVID-19 reduced the risk of adverse health outcomes related to PASC. However, the magnitude of risk reduction for post-acute COVID-19 outcomes was modest compared to its efficacy during the acute phase. Thus, the clinical decision to initiate treatment with nirmatrelvir should consider its overall effectiveness in both disease phases. Another significant observation was that the benefit of nirmatrelvir treatment progressively increased gradually as the number of risk factors increased and was most pronounced in people with five or more risk factors. Future randomized trials should investigate whether the benefit of nirmatrelvir treatments extends to people without risk factors for progression to severe disease because the current study analyses suggest that those at most risk likely derived the most benefit. Nevertheless, the benefit of nirmatrelvir treatment extends to the post-acute phase of COVID-19 when given within five days of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test (T 0 ). Therefore, future studies should also evaluate the effect of a more extended nirmatrelivir treatment, a higher dose, or both in reducing the risk of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. *Important notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. 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. 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." Pamela S. Douglas, M.D., FAHA, lead study author, 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. 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), and 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 shot were administered outside of British Columbia or had a history of myocarditis or pericarditis within one year prior to second dose were excluded. In all, more than 2.2 million second Pfizer doses were given and more than 870,000 Moderna doses. Within 21 days of the second dose, there were a total of 59 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 Pfizer-;an 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. 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." Naveed Janjua, MBBS, DrPH, lead author of the study and epidemiologist and the executive director of Data and Analytic Services at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today 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 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]." Restoring blood flow to the legs, whether through bypass surgery or a less invasive artery-opening procedure with a stent, reduced pain and improved quality of life for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to preliminary, late-breaking research 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. PAD occurs when the arteries that carry blood away from the heart to the head, arms, legs and feet become narrow due to a build-up of fatty plaque. According to the American Heart Association, PAD affects more than 200 million people worldwide and causes pain, cramping or weakness in the legs and feet when walking. In 11% of people with PAD, the lack of blood flow can lead to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) where people experience pain even when resting. Left untreated, tissue damage in the leg may result in amputation. PAD has a significant impact on a person's health status and quality of life, such as limiting their ability to walk without pain and engage in leisure or social activities. A recent American Heart Association scientific statement on PAD quality of care reports that the negative impact of PAD on a person's daily life "cannot be overstated." This is the first-ever randomized controlled trial of this scale, and it is a landmark effort in its breadth and depth. The large body of high-quality evidence that guides treatment of heart disease and stroke does not exist for PAD, and until now, there has been almost no data to inform the care of CLTI patients. Our hope is that this study may serve as a benchmark for future efforts in treating this particularly vulnerable patient population." Matthew Menard, M.D., lead study author, associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, and co-director of endovascular surgery at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston A common treatment for people with high amputation risk due to PAD is leg bypass surgery, during which a passage around the blocked arteries is created using a patient's leg vein or an artificial blood vessel. Alternatively, a less invasive approach is angioplasty with or without stenting during which a thin balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the blockage to widen it, and a stent is placed to keep the artery open. Balloon angioplasty and stenting are also known as "endovascular" procedures. The Best Endovascular versus Best Surgical Therapy for Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (BEST-CLI) Trial enrolled 1,830 people with severe PAD at 150 centers in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Finland and New Zealand. The first part of the trial compared safety, the need for repeat procedures and amputations between people who had an endovascular procedure and those who had bypass surgery. That part of the study found that people who have bypass surgery with their own leg vein as the bypass vessel had better results compared to those who had an endovascular procedure. In this segment of the trial, BEST-CLI Trial: Quality of Life Analyses, researchers assessed the health-related quality of life for those who underwent either treatment. To measure the health-related quality of life, researchers surveyed participants at the beginning of the study and at six follow-up visits over the four years after their surgery or procedure. The surveys asked about pain, activities of daily living, disease symptoms and severity, physical activity level and mental health (anxiety and depression). The questionnaires included in the survey were the VascuQOL for detecting changes in PAD severity; the European Quality of Life 5D to assess general quality of life, including mobility, self-care and usual activities; the Short Form 12 to assess daily living; and a numerical scale (1 10) to rate pain severity. The study participants were adults aged 67 years on average, 28% were female and 72% were white. Participants included 36% who smoked cigarettes; 69% with diabetes (with and without insulin dependence); and 11% with end-stage kidney disease. About 22% reported leg pain at rest as a primary symptom. The researchers found that quality-of-life scores were low at the beginning of the study, reflecting the notably poor health status and well-being of patients with CLTI, and pain levels were high. After surgery or an endovascular procedure, pain scores decreased substantially, and quality-of-life scores increased for all participants across all measures used for assessment. "We anticipated low levels of quality of life at the beginning of the study due to the pain and other life-altering symptoms associated with chronic limb-threatening ischemia," said Menard. "Improvement in health-related quality-of-life measures regardless of the type of procedure is very encouraging and highlights the importance of timely restoration of blood flow to the leg and foot." Menard noted there were a few differences in scores initially between the two study groups favoring endovascular repair, possibly reflecting the longer recovery time from surgical bypass, however, the differences were minor and leveled out over time. "The quality-of-life data are a nice complement to the clinical results and suggest that both revascularization strategies may effectively improve a patient's quality of life. So, while there is still much work to be done, and quality-of-life measures have not always been the focus in past PAD research, this is an important step forward." The study had some limitations including that there was little existing data to build upon. Additionally, the quality-of-life questionnaires were not all specific for vascular patients, and there were fewer female participants than expected according to the study goals, so conclusions cannot be drawn about sex differences. Co-authors are Alik Farber, M.D., M.B.A.; Kenneth Rosenfield, M.D., FAHA; Taye Hamza, Ph.D.; Mark J. Cziraky, Pharm.D., FAHA; and Niteesh Choudhry, M.D., Ph.D. Authors' disclosures are listed in the abstract. 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. 5-7, 2022, is a premier 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. 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." David Preiss, Ph.D., co-principal investigator, associate professor in the Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit at the University of Oxford, Oxford Population Health, UK 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. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today 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. Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a heart condition caused by defects that arise during fetal development and can have diverse health impacts in affected individuals, including sudden cardiac death. The Intercellular Signaling in Cardiovascular Development and Disease group at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) previously reported that this disease can be caused by two distinct mutations in the Mindbomb1 gene (Mib1). The same group has now shown that the presence of one of these Mib1 mutations does not always lead to non-compaction cardiomyopathy. Instead, the outcome depends on the genetic context provided by mutations in other genes that "modify" the effect of the Mib1 mutations. In a new article published in Circulation, the scientists describe how the context of mutations accompanying one supposedly "causal" mutation for non-compaction cardiomyopathy can condition both the severity and the appearance of different anomalies, so the that the precise outcome depends on the patient's specific combination of mutations. In 2013, the group identified two mutations in Mib1 as the causes of left ventricular non compaction (LVNC) in two separate families. The health impacts of LVNC can be very diverse, in severe cases causing sudden cardiac death, and arise from defects that appear before birth. Building on the earlier study, the team led by Dr. Jose Luis de la Pompa aimed to analyze the specific mechanisms that make Mib1 so important for the correct development of the heart. For this analysis, the team used CRISPR-Cas9 molecular-scissor technology to insert the LVNC-causing mutations into the mouse genome. Analysis of these mouse models showed that the animals developed LVNC only if they carried two allelic copies of one of the Mib1 mutations. As Dr. De la Pompa explained, "this differs from the situation in patients, who manifest the disease in the presence of a single copy of one of the MIB1 mutants. In addition to this, the mice developed heart valve defects, either alone or in combination with LVNC." These differences, explained first author Dr. Marcos Siguero Alvarez, suggest that LVNC patients with an MIB1 mutation may additionally harbor "mutations in other genes that contribute to the severity and diversity of the observed defects." To uncover what was going on, the research team sought the help of the LVNC patients and their families, as well as partners from diverse centers, especially Dr. Juan Ramon Gimeno of Hospital Universitario Virgen Arrixaca in Murcia. With these stakeholders on board, the scientists were able to sequence DNA from LVNC patients carrying MIB1 mutations and from their healthy family members. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Complete sequencing of the protein-coding genomes (exomes) of the members of both families revealed that LVNC and the MINDBOMB1 mutations are accompanied by additional mutations in genes likely to contribute to heart development. Jose Luis de la Pompa clarified that "these results suggest that these congenital heart conditions could be caused by the combined effect of a small group of genes (oligogenic inheritance) or by a single gene (monogenic inheritance)". The team verified the data in mouse models. "When we simultaneously introduced the set of mutations identified in one of the two LVNC families, the mice developed heart chamber defects, leading to an LVNC-like disease and affecting heart function. In contrast, the set of mutations from the other family caused valve defects, showing that the additional variants function as modifiers of the effect of the Mindbomb1 mutation," explained Marcos Siguero Alvarez. A key feature of these experiments was that only one allelic copy of each gene mutant was inserted into the mice. In other words, as seen in patients, the mutant variants generated the phenotype through a dominant effect. Jose Luis de la Pompa commented that "these discoveries advance specific knowledge about LVNC and more generally reinforce the idea that congenital heart disease is not always monogenic, instead involving the intervention of several mutations through oligogenic inheritance." Dr. de la Pompa added that the sequencing of new genes will help to advance diagnosis, while the study of interactions among multiple mutant variants will contribute to the design of new treatments. In another important finding, an analysis of cardiomyocytes differentiated in vitro from patient-derived stem cells demonstrated that non-compaction cardiomyopathy is associated with a defect in cardiomyocyte maturation and an increase in cardiomyocyte proliferation. The findings were recently corroborated by a further study co-led by the CNIC group. This study identified MINDBOMB1 mutations in patients with a familial or sporadic aortic valve defect (bicuspid aortic valve), confirming the implication of MIB1 mutations in human valve disease. The study received funding from the MCIN/AEI, CIBER CV, Fundacion BBVA, the European Commission (H2020-HEALTH), the Medical Research Council, the British Heart Foundation, and Fundacio La Marato de TV3. In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers conducted near real-time safety monitoring in the United States (US) elderly population for 14 safety outcomes weekly following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. In particular, the researchers focused on safety signals following vaccination with Pfizer BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (mRNA-1273), and Janssen (Ad26.COV2.S) COVID-19 vaccines. Study: Surveillance of COVID-19 vaccine safety among elderly persons aged 65 years and older. Image Credit: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock Background Available information concerning the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the 65+ elderly population of the US is limited. They were among the first and disproportionately affected by COVID-19, especially those living in long-term care facilities or nursing homes. Thus, the US advisory committee on immunization practices recommended vaccines for the high-risk US elderly population. Subsequently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data covering 30,712,101 US elderly persons showed that more than 17 million Medicare-insured persons aged 65 years and above received nearly 34 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CMS have routinely used a safety surveillance method for influenza vaccines in the past decade. For COVID-19 surveillance, this method deployed sequential hypothesis testing prospectively as the vaccine data accumulated to detect potential safety signals during the earlier phase of surveillance. It also proved sensitive enough to quickly screen vaccine safety signals for further evaluation in robust epidemiologic studies. Further epidemiological studies would provide more robust safety signals with adjustments for confounding. About the study In the present study, researchers recruited the US Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) beneficiaries aged 65 years or older who received a COVID-19 vaccine since December 11, 2020. The team enrolled these elderly on their vaccination date first. They were continuously involved in the study during an outcome-specific pre-vaccination clean window and also monitored through a post-vaccination clean window. Subsequently, the team described the findings of the weekly sequential testing for 14 safety outcomes to generate rate ratios (RR) of observed outcome rates compared to historical rates. These outcomes were pulmonary embolism (PE), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The researchers compared the observed number of each outcome in the COVID-19 vaccinated population to an expected number based on the historical outcome rate in a similar COVID-19 unvaccinated population before the pandemic, adjusted for the delay in claims processing and standardized by nursing home residency status, age, gender, and ethnicity. The researchers calculated annual background rates within the strata of the standardized variables, where feasible, between 2017 and 2019, January 1, 2020, and December 10, 2020. If annual rates varied, the team selected the minimum rate; otherwise, the median annual rate. Study findings The early warning safety system could not detect statistical signals for the Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines for 14 monitored safety outcomes. However, the researchers identified four new signals for modestly elevated risks (RR<2) of AMI, PE, DIC, and ITP following the Comirnaty administration. Although, these four statistically significant signals might be unrelated to COVID-19 vaccination. Additional analyses indicated that the association was less than double the historical rates and related to factors not accounted for in the study method. The study method could explain only the PE signal by differences in rates between the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods but not the AMI, DIC, and ITP signals. However, intriguingly, some observed outcomes might have arisen due to follow-up care to an existing condition preceding the vaccination in the US elderly population. Conclusions According to the authors, this is the first study to identify a time-varying correlation for PE, AMI, DIC, and ITP following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination in the elderly. However, these findings require cautious interpretation because the early warning system could not prove that vaccines caused these safety outcomes. Fortunately, more robust epidemiologic studies with adjustments for confounding factors, including age and nursing home residency, are in the process of further evaluating these signals. Nevertheless, the US FDA advocates that COVID-19 vaccination outweighs the potential risks of infection. *Important notice medRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Doris Spatz takes a once-a-day pill, Kisqali, to keep her metastatic breast cancer in check. As a patient in the Defense Department health system, she can fill routine prescriptions at a military pharmacy without a copay but also has the option of using a regular pharmacy through Tricare, the Defense Department's private health care program. Spatz found a local pharmacy in her Alexandria, Virginia, neighborhood and was getting the life-preserving medicine there. That is, until Oct. 24, when Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefit manager for Tricare, dropped nearly 15,000 pharmacies from its network. Many of them were small, independent pharmacies, like Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, where Spatz was a customer. That decision created problems, according to Doris' husband, Dr. Michael Spatz, because the breast cancer drug is not carried by every pharmacy. And some larger chains require patients to use a branch of their business known as a specialty pharmacy for pricey or scarce medications for complex diseases. "Express Scripts told us, 'You can just go to CVS,'" Michael Spatz said. "But that was kind of a mess because you can't just go into CVS and get a $1,500 medicine. You have to be in their special pharmacy system." About 27% of all pharmacies in the Tricare network are no longer covered, leaving more than 400,000 military beneficiaries affected. The move has upset customers and many independent pharmacies and has raised concerns among some service member advocates and lawmakers, especially those in rural states, who feel it disproportionally affects rural veterans. In a September letter to the Defense Department, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, said: "No longer able to rely upon their local pharmacy to access needed medications and in-person pharmacist counseling, they would be forced to drive long distances to find corporate in-network pharmacies or be funneled into Express Scripts' mail delivery program. That is unacceptable." Many of the affected pharmacies knew they would be dropped from the network at the end of the year because they didn't accept Express Scripts' terms, which included reduced reimbursement rates. But they were surprised by the early ejection, said Ronna Hauser, senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs at the National Community Pharmacists Association. "This was a very botched rollout of this new network and unfortunate, ultimately, for the patients," she said. The Military Officers Association of America, an advocacy group for active-duty and retired personnel, said it was pressing for a reversal of the decision. While acknowledging that the Defense Department is under pressure to control health care costs, Karen Ruedisueli, the association's director of government relations for health affairs, called the change "unprecedented and shortsighted." Peter Graves, a spokesperson for the Defense Health Agency, which oversees medical care and services for 9.6 million beneficiaries, including service members, military retirees, and their families, said the Pentagon does not participate in contract negotiations between its pharmacy benefit manager and retail pharmacies. But, he said in an emailed statement, the changes will not inconvenience many of the people in the program. Roughly 95% of beneficiaries will have access to at least two network pharmacies within a 15-minute drive, he said, and "99.8%" will have access within 30 minutes. "The Tricare retail network will continue to meet or exceed Tricare's standard for pharmacy access," Graves said. "Beneficiaries will continue to have many convenient, local in-network options for filling their medications, including those beneficiaries in rural locations." In a separate email, Express Scripts spokesperson Justine Sessions said the decision to leave the network was "up to the pharmacy and/or the wholesalers that negotiate on their behalf." She added that roughly 80% of pharmacies being dropped from the network had fewer than 50 prescription claims in the past six months from Tricare and that 25% had none. Sessions said Express Scripts has a team dedicated to contacting the "small percentage of beneficiaries that may be impacted by these changes" and helping them move their prescriptions. "Our charge is to ensure Tricare beneficiaries can access their prescription medication safely, affordably, and conveniently, and at the best value for the Department of Defense and taxpayers," Sessions said. The transition is especially problematic for a small group of Tricare beneficiaries who are chronically ill, have a disability, and receive infusion medications in their homes, according to pharmacists. Logan Davis, vice president of trade at Vital Care Infusion Services, which serves customers in 30 states, said that the company's services are covered under Tricare's medical benefit but that the medications used for the infusions are often purchased from independent pharmacies. The move could delay care for patients with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and Crohn's disease, Davis said. Swapping out intravenous prescriptions isn't simple, he said. "It may not be a huge number of patients, but these are patients on complex drugs that are very ill who depend on getting these drugs to stay out of the hospital and to have a quality of life," Davis said. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups have decried the move. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), and 98 members of Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, sent a letter Sept. 29 to Seileen Mullen, acting assistant secretary for health affairs at the Defense Department, protesting the decision. They said the move could affect beneficiaries' health and lead to higher administrative fees for the Defense Health Agency. "What reasons has Express Scripts given DHA for terminating the 2022 contracts early?" they asked. "This will only further reduce the pharmacy network for Tricare patients and their families, and may force beneficiaries to change pharmacies at a time when many receive annual vaccinations." Carter's website now includes a form that asks affected patients, pharmacists, and health care providers for feedback so the lawmaker can catalog them and press the Biden administration for a reversal. "We've been told by the Biden Administration that they do not believe patients and pharmacists care about losing this access," the website says. "We know you do, and we are bringing your stories to them." Sessions, with Express Scripts, did not give a reason for expediting the pharmacies departure from the network but said pharmacies may have been blindsided because "apparently some wholesalers declined on behalf of their pharmacies without communicating that to them." The National Home Infusion Association reached out to Humana Military and Health Net Federal Services, the private companies that provide medical care and services to the Tricare network, to obtain authorization to provide services but was told that Express Scripts, as the pharmacy arm of the process, will be trying to transition patients to a network provider or send them to a physician's office for their treatment. "This is not an acceptable answer for a disabled veteran," said Connie Sullivan, CEO of the National Home Infusion Association. "They are usually getting our services because they don't have a provider who can do an infusion without spending hours getting there. Transportation is very challenging." The National Community Pharmacists Association sent a letter Oct. 18 to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urging him to allow the pharmacies to stay in the network through 2023 under the same terms as they had this year. "With the vast majority of independent pharmacies out of the network, it is difficult to see how Cigna/Express Scripts is meeting even the reduced access standards in its new contract with DoD," wrote the group's CEO, B. Douglas Hoey, referring to Tricare's standard that 90% of patients have at least one network pharmacy within a 15-minute drive. "Without this action, access to needed medications for Tricare beneficiaries is in peril," he said. In a recent study published in Eurosurveillance, researchers from Israel measured the neutralizing antibody titers against the wild-type strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.75 and BA.5 in healthcare workers fully vaccinated with three doses of the Comirnaty vaccine, who experienced breakthrough Omicron infections. Background Although the severity and associated mortality of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have significantly reduced due to the worldwide impetus to develop vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, emergent variants such as Omicron and its subvariants are soon gaining global dominance. The high mutation rates in the spike proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants are resulting in increased transmissibility and immune evasion. Consequently, the number of breakthrough infections or re-infections among fully vaccinated individuals has increased. The whole genome sequence monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 positive samples in Israel detected the introduction of the BA.2.75 subvariant in the population during the dominance of the BA.5 subvariant. With emergent variants acquiring the ability to escape neutralizing antibodies, it is important to monitor the efficacy of vaccine-induced immunity against the newly circulating variants. About the study The present study used serum samples from a total of 55 healthcare workers from three cohorts to evaluate the levels of neutralizing antibody titers against the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 strain and four Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.75, and BA.5. The healthcare workers were being monitored using serological follow-ups from the onset of the pandemic. The first cohort comprised 14 healthcare workers who were fully vaccinated with three doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) (Comirnaty) vaccine and had never had SARS-CoV-2 infections. The second cohort consisted of 15 previously uninfected healthcare workers who were fully vaccinated with three doses of the Comirnaty vaccine and had subsequently had an Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection. The last cohort comprised previously uninfected and fully vaccinated 26 healthcare workers who had a subsequent breakthrough infection with Omicron BA.5. The study used whole genome sequences from viral cultures of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals to identify the wild-type strain and Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.75, and BA.5 variants. It used neutralization assays to detect the titer levels of neutralization antibodies against the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 strain and Omicron sub-variants. Results The results indicated higher neutralization titers against all the Omicron subvariants among the cohorts with fully vaccinated individuals with breakthrough BA.1 or BA.5 infections as compared to fully vaccinated individuals with no breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections. Sera of individuals from the second cohort who were fully vaccinated and had breakthrough BA.1 infections exhibited similar neutralization efficiency against all sub-variants except BA.5, against which the neutralizing efficacy was significantly lower. The neutralizing efficacy of the sera from individuals of the third cohort, who had breakthrough BA.5 infections after being fully vaccinated, showed the reverse trend, with similar neutralization efficiency against all sub-variants except BA.1. The BA.2.75 subvariant, which is the first second-generation SARS-CoV-2 subvariant reported from regions outside its area of origin, has nine additional novel mutations apart from the mutations reported in the Omicron subvariants. Two of the novel mutations are believed to increase the binding of the BA.2.75 spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor and the immune evasion abilities of the sub-variant. The hybrid immunity granted by complete vaccination status and breakthrough infections of BA.1 or BA.5 exhibit significant protection against BA.2.75. Furthermore, the authors discussed another study that examined the neutralizing antibody titers against BA.4, BA.5, and BA.2.75 in individuals vaccinated with two doses of the Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine and a booster dose of the BBIBP-CorV or Anhui Zhifei Longcom Zifivax vaccine. The results from that study reported lower neutralizing efficacy against BA.4 and BA.5 compared to BA.2.75. Conclusions To summarize, the study examined the neutralizing antibody titers against the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 strain and the Omicron sub-variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.75, and BA.5 among healthcare workers in Israel who were fully vaccinated with three doses of the Comirnaty vaccine and had breakthrough infections with the Omicron BA.1 or BA.5 variant. Compared to the vaccinated individuals with no breakthrough infections, individuals with BA.1 and BA.5 breakthrough infections exhibited similar neutralizing titers against BA.2.75. Interestingly the neutralizing titers against BA.5 in individuals with BA.1 breakthrough infections were significantly lower, and vice versa. However, the results indicate hybrid immunity from complete vaccinations with the Comirnaty vaccine and breakthrough infections exhibit cross-reactive protection against emergent second-generation sub-variants with increased ACE-2 receptor binding and immune evasion abilities. In a recent study published in the Journal of Nursing Management, researchers from Italy performed a qualitative study on the lived experiences of women who were pregnant during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to understand the adverse physical and mental health outcomes associated with experiencing pregnancy and childbirth during the pandemic-enforced restrictions. Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in 21,814,856 cases and 175,407 deaths in Italy. Since early 2020, various mitigation measures, such as social distancing and lockdowns, have been enforced in the country to limit the spread of the virus. The restrictions on the admission of family members into hospitals had severely decreased the familial support available to pregnant women admitted to maternity wards, resulting in increased stress in these expectant mothers. Studies suggested increased mental health disorders and negative birth experiences in recent mothers due to pandemic-associated stress. Elevated anxiety and depression in expectant and new mothers are also known to have long-term impacts on the fetuss health. Children born to mothers with psychological distress during pregnancy show cognitive and behavioral impairments later in life. About the study In the present study, the researchers used a narrative-based medicine approach to understand the experiences of expectant mothers above 18 admitted to the maternity ward of a hospital in Alessandria, Italy, between November 2021 and April 2022. After acquiring informed consent, the patients were invited to write about their emotions and experiences during the first wave of the pandemic and the enforced isolation, which were then collected anonymously. The narrative consisted of the patients experiences from social, institutional, family-related, and linguistic contexts. The data from the records were phenomenologically analyzed to understand conversational sequences and preliminary labels, which were then grouped into major themes and sub-themes. Results The results reported the experiences of 50 mothers, of whom 28 were pregnant for the first time, and 22 were pregnant with their second child. The women in the study group were predominantly Italian and were, on average, 32.66 years old. Around 56% of the participants had a high school education. The experiences of pregnant women for the first and second time were grouped into five broad themes. The first theme described feelings of sadness and fear associated with loneliness due to the absence of a family member or caregiver during the hospitalization. In contrast, the second theme consisted primarily of feelings of peace and calm due to the competence of the hospital staff, who compensated for the absence of family members by providing reassurance and constant care. The third theme expressed the balance between the feelings of comfort and stress associated with having a family member close by during birth. While most mothers wanted a family member to be present while delivering the baby, they also admitted to enjoying the solitude and time spent with the baby during the COVID-19-enforced restrictions. Similarly, the fourth theme also highlighted the mothers positive feelings about having an opportunity to care for and bond with their babies without the presence or involvement of other family members. Most mothers expressed a change in perspective and admitted that their initial fears about taking care of a newborn without the support of their family later felt like an opportunity to establish a symbiotic relationship with their baby. The last theme addressed the feelings associated with physical childbirth pains and the circumstance of having to experience those pains without the support of a family member. Although many women were resilient and admitted to having hitherto unknown reserves of strength, the absence of familial support during childbirth did not seem to be compensated by competent and caring healthcare staff alone. Conclusions To summarize, the study used narrative-based medicine to explore the experiences of expectant mothers who were admitted to a hospital maternity ward in Italy during the COVID-19 enforced social restrictions. Overall, the study reported that feelings of fear, loneliness, and sadness were assuaged to a large extent by the extra care and support provided by the professional and competitive staff of the hospital. Furthermore, many mothers admitted to feeling calm and peaceful and appreciating the quiet time they had to care for and bond with their babies without family members. The one aspect where many mothers felt the lack of familial support was during the physical pain of childbirth. One patient had two toddlers already and was trying to extract herself from an abusive relationship. Another ended up in Michigan after trying to get care in her home state of Ohio; she was handed a Bible at a crisis pregnancy center but no abortion pills. A third thought her childbearing years were behind her and had been looking forward to rejoining the workforce. All three women sought abortion care at Northland Family Planning Center in Sterling Heights, a city in the metro Detroit area. And all told their stories to reporter Kate Wells as she embedded in the clinic for nine days in August and September. Wells' story, produced in partnership with KHN, aired on NPR's "Morning Edition" on Nov. 3. (The story includes audio of one woman's abortion procedure that some listeners may find disturbing.) Northland was started in 1976 by Renee Chelian. She had undergone an illegal abortion at age 16, back in 1966, seven years before Roe v. Wade. In recent months, patients have been traveling to Northland's three locations from Wisconsin, Indiana, Oklahoma, even as far as Florida and Texas. But abortion rights in Michigan are far from certain. So far, courts have blocked enforcement of a 1931 law that bans the procedure with no exceptions for rape or incest. But the judicial wrangling has been confusing. On Aug. 1, for example, rapid-fire court rulings meant that abortion in Michigan was legal at breakfast, illegal at lunchtime, and legal once again by dinner. Michigan voters decide Nov. 8 whether abortion stays legal in the state. What's known as Proposal 3 would explicitly enshrine in the Michigan Constitution the right to abortion, as well as other reproductive rights. This story is part of a partnership that includes Michigan Radio, NPR, and KHN. Various conditions such as postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis can lead to an alteration in maternal behavior and disrupt the mother-child bonding process. A research team led by Daniela Pollak from MedUni Vienna's Center for Physiology and Pharmacology has conducted a study in which they were able to identify the neuronal circuits in the brain that are activated during the learning of maternal behavior. The findings, published in "The EMBO Journal", can serve as a basis for developing therapeutic interventions. In the course of their preclinical investigation, the scientists led by Daniela Pollak from the Division of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology at MedUni Vienna's Center for Physiology and Pharmacology analyzed maternal behavior of female mice towards newborn pups. While the neural processes involved in the development of maternal care behavior in female mice after birth have already been described, the current study addressed the question which circuits in the brain are activated during the learning of care behavior in nulliparous virgin females, female mice that have not been pregnant. The researchers found the answer in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a region in the prefrontal lobe of the brain that is associated, among other things, with the recognition and evaluation of social processes and the development of emotional awareness. The mouse model showed that in females who have not been pregnant or given birth, the ACC gets activated when they acquire maternal behavior upon first contact with pups. Our observations have demonstrated that, through repeated experience with pups, the virgin females are capable of learning maternal behavior that fully resembles those of mothers after delivery." Daniela Pollak, Project Leader The study revealed that during this learning process ACC activity is controlled by an excitatory feedback circuit involving a specific group of neurons in a central brain region (the thalamus). Learning through repeated experience Maternal behavior is defined, among other things, by sensitivity and responsiveness to signals of infant needs. It is instinctively displayed in virtually all mammals and upon first contact with newborns immediately after delivery. In some species, such as rodents, even animals that have never given birth may exhibit maternal care behavior toward newborns. In this case, the care behavior, such as returning displaced pups from outside the nest back into the nest area, where they are warm and protected from predators, are acquired through repeated experience with the pups. We know, for example from observations in adoptive parents, that humans can also learn parental behaviors. Various pathological conditions, such as postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis can lead to alterations in maternal behavior and disrupt the mother-child bonding process. "By showing that maternal behaviors can be acquired and identifying the underlying neuronal circuits in the brain that control this acquisition, we are creating a potential basis for developing therapeutic options for these clinical situations," says Daniela Pollak, outlining the translational relevance of the study results, which were obtained in collaboration with Tibor Harkany from the Division of Molecular Neurosciences at MedUni Vienna's Center for Brain Research. The costliness of drug development and the limitations of studying physiological processes in the lab are two separate scientific issues that may share the same solution. Microphysical systems (MPSs) are in vitro platforms made up of cells in a microenvironment that closely mimics that found in the body, allowing scientists to recreate the conditions of tissues found within the body for both further elucidation of biological conditions and systems and for applications such as testing drugs in a more precise model than animal testing allows. However, the advancements that MPSs could provide have been limited up to this point by an inability to accurately record exactly what is happening at a cellular level. Now, a team of scientists has developed an electrochemical sensing platform that could solve this issue. The results were published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics on October 29, 2022. "Recent bioengineering techniques have realized a construction of tissue model integrated with a perfusable vascular network," said corresponding author Yuji Nashimoto, formally of the Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences at Tohoku University, now at Tokyo Medical and Dental University. "However, to utilize the models as drug screening tools, we need biosensors to monitor their functions in real-time, which until now were lacking. This study developed new electrochemical sensing platform to monitor the vascularized tissue model." The team identified electrochemical sensors as ideal for cell functionality readouts because of their low invasiveness, real-time detection and high sensitivity for in vitro culture platforms. Integrating electrochemical sensors into MPSs, however, has been difficult because of their incompatibility with microfluidic devices, according to the researchers. The researchers were able to integrate their sensing platform for 3D cultured cells with a perfusable vascular network - an engineered vascular system that includes the passage of fluids through it - to measure oxygen metabolism in 3D tissues with vascular flow that mimics that in the human body in real-time. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today This successful integration was achieved in part by designing the system to have an open top and a lower layer with five channels for culturing the vascular network and an upper layer that was used for both culturing 3D cultured cells and for oxygen metabolism analysis. The two layers were separated by a thin membrane. The researchers tested the platform with human lung fibroblast spheroids. They then applied it to a cancer organoid and evaluated the oxygen metabolism changes during drug administration through the vascular network. The results showed that their sensors were successfully integrated into the system to provide the desired accurate measurements. We found that the platform could integrate a perfusable vascular network with 3D cultured cells, and the electrochemical sensor could detect the change in oxygen metabolism in a quantitative, non-invasive and real-time manner. Biosensors are very important tools to realize more physiological drug screening. Our research group has developed various sensors for the purpose. We continue to expand the detectable molecules and to develop more robust and high-throughput sensors." Hitoshi Shiku, Corresponding Author, Graduate School of Engineering and of the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University According to the researchers, future studies should include ways to address the changes of the spheroid and organoid during device culture as well as the development of a perfusable vascular network in an even more controlled environment than currently possible. While the researchers identified the next steps for future studies, the results of this study hold promise for monitoring perfusable vascular networks for drug testing purposes in a way that was not previously achieved. "This study developed oxygen metabolism analysis for the vascularized tissue model," Shiku said. "In the future, the detectable molecules should be expanded, and the signal-to-noise ratio should be improved." The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com New eAuthorization eServices on the National Portal, bahrain.bh, including Electronic Authorizations Issuance', Electronic Authorizations Management, and Electronic Authorizations Verification, have been launched, Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed has announced. The launch is in line with directives by the Government of Bahrain, led by HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for entities to adopt initiatives that comprehensively enhance the quality of government services. Al Qaed said that the launch is also in line with the iGAs efforts to restructure procedures to make them as efficient as possible for citizens and residents. This requires the highest levels of efficiency, skills, quality, and speed, while ensuring that the services are also sustainable, he said. He highlighted the support that the iGA receives from the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information and Communication Technology, Lt. Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who is keen on following up on efforts towards launching new services. Al Qaed said that the new eServices enables individuals to authorize others to carry out government transactions on their behalf, which will streamline procedures, reduce transaction times, enhance privacy, and ensure documents are collected properly, saving the public time and effort. To open an online request to authorize individuals to represent them at government service centers, beneficiaries should visit the National Portal, bahrain.bh, access Electronic Authorizations Services using the Advanced eKey, and enter the required details to complete application procedures, iGA said. Applicants must ensure meeting the service requirements that include that both they and the authorized persons should have Advanced eKey access, are registered with the Government Notifications Service, and are not under 15 years of age, it added. The Electronic Authorizations Management service allows individuals to view, save, and cancel their authorizations, while Electronic Authorizations Verification enables government entities to verify the authenticity of authorizations. Those who are not registered with the Government Notifications System can do so via the National Portal. Users who do not have the Advanced eKey can visit one of the iGAs ID card centers in Isa Town, Muharraq, or Mina Salman. Alternatively, they can use self-service kiosks in these centers or the one at the Financial Harbor. For further information or enquires, people may call 80008001, or send their suggestions via the National Suggestions and Complaints System (Tawasul) or the Tawasul app available on bahrain.bh/tawasul. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Bahrain remains committed to supporting international cooperation to implement green initiatives that mitigate climate change. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, highlighted the role of innovation and technology in developing new and impactful green solutions which will benefit current and future generations. HRH Prince Salman was speaking as he yesterday attended, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Upon his arrival at the conference, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister was welcomed by Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. His Royal Highness was accompanied by the Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Oil and Environment, Bahrains Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, and the Minister of Sustainable Development, Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif. HRH Prince Salman called for increased international cooperation to address climate change and highlighted environmental sustainability as a shared responsibility and a fundamental pillar of economic growth and development. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, emphasised the Kingdom of Bahrains commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and that it is making significant progress toward its 2035 goals set at the Glasgow Conference in the United Kingdom (COP26). He said that the Kingdom has introduced various policies and programs to help it reach its climate goals. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, yesterday visited the Kingdom of Bahrains pavilion at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister emphasised the importance of COP27 in renewing global action to overcome the challenges of climate change. HRH Prince Salman confirmed Bahrains ongoing support for international cooperation to achieve global climate goals and a secure future for all. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Report by Zahra Ayaz Bahrains marine life is in jeopardy due to disposing of trash or industrial waste into the sea and stricter rules are needed to save the islands marine habitats and ecosystems, say marine experts. Marine debris has been affecting the beautiful coastlines of the kingdom for a long time now, it seems human wastage and carelessness are endangering the marine habitat too. A study carried out by the United Nations has found out that a third of marine species in the Arabian Gulf could be wiped out in just 70 years. The biggest threat of ocean plastic pollution comes from micro plastics. These are small fragments of plastic debris, some of which were produced to be this small such as microbeads. Other micro plastics come from the weathering of larger plastic waste. Once larger pieces of plastic waste enter the ocean, or any waterway, the sunlight exposure, temperature, humidity, waves, and wind begin to break the plastic down into pieces smaller than five millimeters longs. Plastics can also be broken down by smaller organisms who will eat plastic debris, breaking it down into small pieces, and either excrete these micro plastics or spit them out, a source pointed out. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Mr Kai Miethig, an environment advocate, said: Marine life is primarily affected by disturbing human behaviour, for example disposing trash or plastics as it will be taken away, the trash is just in another location, meaning in the living space of the marine animals, not one human would dispose trash in their own living space. Marine life can be easily protected if people respect mother nature like they regard their own mothers. Throwing trash into the ocean will poison the water and cause the ocean habitats to die. We all rely on nature, including water, air, and sand, so we must safeguard and maintain it. To raise knowledge of the value of the sea and water for both marine life and human life, campaigns for sea life awareness should be run near shorelines, and perhaps a sea life museum could be constructed, he added. The Supreme Council for Environment earlier stated in a report, Solid, liquid and gaseous industrial waste is one of the key factors adversely affecting the marine environment. Fifty-three outfalls from the refining, petrochemicals, iron, power and sewage treatment plants are located along the eastern coastline of the Kingdom that discharges their wastewater into the marine environment. Moreover, the Arabian Gulf is suffering from repeated incidents of oil pollution due to the large number of oil tankers, oil refineries and oil production platforms, which may cause severe damage to the coastal environment. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) recently held a number of fundraising activities in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The fundraising activities were held in collaboration with local Bahrain charity, The Smile Initiative. With the support of student and staff volunteers, RCSI Bahrain held a zumba and yoga class with all proceeds being donated to the charity. On October 31, RCSI Bahrain welcomed Mr Sabah Abdul Rahman Al Zayani, Chairman of the Future Society for Youth, along with a number of board members from The Smile Initiative, which includes Head of Language and Cultural Unit at RCSI Bahrain, Dr Amal Al-Qallaf, to formally receive the cheque. The event was attended by Professor Sameer Otoom, RCSI Bahrain President; Professor Rebecca Jester, Head of School of Nursing & Midwifery and Mr Fadi Ghosn, Head of Careers and Alumni. Professor Otoom said: RCSI Bahrain is delighted to continue our relationship with The Smile Initiative. We very much value the work carried out by the charity with the children of Bahrain who are battling cancer, and their families. We commend their efforts in supporting local families under very difficult circumstances. Dr Amal Al-Qallaf praised the efforts of RCSI Bahrain, saying: The Smile Initiative is grateful for RCSI Bahrains engagement and interest in the charitys works. The Smile Initiative relies on donations such as this to continue working to support children and families in Bahrain. We hope to continue our relationship with RCSI Bahrain over the coming years. RCSI Bahrain is committed to improving health outcomes for the people of Bahrain and in turn supporting local charities who work to support children and families during difficult times. Bahrainis in Italy, like all other Bahrainis abroad, started casting their ballots to elect the new Council of Representatives. Polling and counting committees have been made available to people from 8 am to 8 pm, the local time of the city in which the embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission is located. The polling station at the embassy in Rome opened exactly at 8 am for the quadrennial event that celebrates Bahrain's strong commitment to the democratic practice of empowering the people to elect their candidates. "We are fully ready for the elections and we are keen on making the process smooth for all," Ambassador Nasser Al Beloushi told Bahrain News Agency (BAN) at the election station at the diplomatic mission in the Eternal City. "Bahrain has been holding elections regularly without fail, and I have been involved in advance polls in Washington, Paris and now Rome." In Bahrain, Election Day for parliamentary and municipal seats will be on November 12. The second round if no candidate gets the majority of votes in the constituency will be on November 19. However, Bahrainis abroad whether they are tourists or living there could from Tuesday cast their ballots in the designated diplomatic missions. The results of the polls abroad will be added to those in the Kingdom to declare the 40 members who will constitute the Council of Representatives, one of the two chambers of the bi-cameral parliament. The abroad ballot and count committees are located in Abu Dhabi, Algeria, Amman, Ankara, Baghdad, Bangkok, Beijing, Berlin, Brasilia, Brussels, Cairo, Damascus, Geneva, Islamabad, Jakarta, Jeddah, Karachi, Khartoum, Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait, Laayoune, London, Moscow, Mumbai, Muscat, Najaf, New Delhi, New York, Paris, Rabat, Riyadh, Rome, Tel Aviv, Tokyo and Tunis. Democracy and the right to elect parliamentary and municipal representatives in Bahrain have been a robust tradition since 2002 and the elections have been held regularly every four years. , Nov 09 ( Nikkei ) - As Elon Musk makes dramatic changes to Twitter following his $44 billion acquisition, Japanese banks that cofinanced the deal find themselves with little choice but to go along for the ride. Seven banks backed the outspoken billionaire's leveraged buyout, which closed on Oct. 27, with $12.7 billion in lending. Morgan Stanley led the group at $3.4 billion, followed by Bank of America, Barclays and MUFG Bank -- Japan's top lender -- at $2.6 billion each. Smaller Japanese lender Mizuho Bank contributed $400 million. At first the excitement was palpable, with one banker saying, "It's important to get involved in a deal that the whole world is watching." But with the prospect of an exit unclear, fatigue appears to be setting in. Under Musk, Twitter has fired thousands of employees -- by some reports half the workforce. Headwinds against the new management team have risen, with major advertisers pulling away from the social media platform over concerns about changes in content moderation. "We are at the mercy of Musk's theatrics," the banker said. "We can't sell the debt in the current market conditions. All we can do is wait for Elon Musk to explain how he will turn things around in a way that investors will agree to." The problem of assessing Musk's sometimes difficult relationship with compliance was discussed in April as Japanese banks pushed the lending proposal through internal decision-making processes at an unprecedented pace. At that time, there were some who argued they could be going even bigger, despite the risk. ...continue reading Research into age-related macular degeneration to help curb vision loss in older adults in Canada HAMILTON, ON, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - With a $750,000 boost in funding from the Juravinski Research Institute (JRI), researchers at the Regional Eye Institute at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton are spearheading the country's most comprehensive study into the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in Canadians aged 55 and older. Dr. Varun Chaudhary, Chief of Ophthalmology at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and a professor of surgery at McMaster University. (CNW Group/St. Joseph''s Healthcare Hamilton Foundation) Known as the Radiographic Evidence study of Age-related macular Degeneration, or R.E.A.D. study, it will leverage a randomized selection of retinal images and biomarkers from people (age 45-85) enrolled in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) and other cohorts. The research team will examine the images to measure and quantify the progressive disease at various stages over time. Not only will this help to determine the prevalence of AMD among Canadians, it may shed light on the genetic and lifestyle risk factors linked to developing it, as well as ways to slow vision loss in patients with AMD. The study is being led by Dr. Varun Chaudhary, Chief of Ophthalmology at St. Joe's and a professor of surgery at McMaster University. "Assessing AMD on a national level has never been done before, and data supports there are a number of environmental, behavioural and genetic risk factors for the disease," Dr. Chaudhary says. "Given the multicultural nature of the Canadian population, fully understanding the disease load among Canadians can help our healthcare system address current and future care needs for AMD." AMD affects central vision the most precious part of a person's eyesight, which means that it impacts how people function on a day-to-day basis. It can lead to a loss of independence, social isolation, and other quality-of-life indicators. As a result, AMD may increase the risk of other health concerns, including depression, anxiety and dementia. Charles Juravinski, the late Hamilton philanthropist who (along with his wife Margaret) created an endowment of more than $100 million to establish the JRI and has given additional in-life donations totalling $11.4 million since then, knew firsthand how devastating the effects of the disease could be. "As he got older, Charlie developed macular degeneration," says Margaret. "It caused his vision to blur, and made day-to-day activities like reading, driving, and even recognizing faces more difficult. I think he'd be happy to know that funding we're providing from the JRI is helping researchers in Hamilton to explore ways that more Canadians can retain the gift of sight as they age." Dr. Chaudhary says 90 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with AMD have the "dry" form of the disease, which occurs in the macula a small area of the retina at the back of the eye that processes what you see in front of you. The remaining 10 per cent have "wet" AMD, which can cause fluid buildup around the retina and hemorrhaging around the macula. "For the last 10-15 years, we've had treatment options for wet AMD in the form of injections. But for the vast majority of people living with dry AMD, there are still no effective treatment options to help slow or limit vision loss," Dr. Chaudhary adds. "Our hope is to change that by better understanding the nature and evolution of this disease." Additional goals of the R.E.A.D. study include developing Hamilton as an international hub for the most up-to-date, evidence-based research for eye diseases that will serve as a critical resource for eye-care professionals and their patients in Canada, and around the world. Right now, it is estimated 2.5-million Canadians are living with AMD and the disease is projected to affect 288-million people globally by 2040. About The Hamilton Regional Eye Institute The Hamilton Regional Eye Institute (also known as the Hamilton Eye Clinic) provides healthcare services to adults with eye disorders in the greater Hamilton area, including Niagara and Brantford. The Institute serves more than two million residents throughout South Central Ontario including the greater Hamilton area, Niagara and Brantford. In addition, St. Joe's provides emergency eye medicine for Hamilton, Dunnville, and Grimsby hospitals. Performing more than 7,000 surgical procedures each year, including: corneal transplant, cataract, vitreoretinal, oculo-plastic and glaucoma surgery, as well as more than 80,000 outpatient visits, the Hamilton Regional Eye Institute's services are aimed at improving the vision of the residents we serve. About the Juravinski Research Institute Established through Margaret and the late Charles Juravinski's historic legacy gift of more than $100 million, the Juravinski Research Institute (JRI) is improving the health of Canadians by advancing groundbreaking health research at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. Thanks to the #JuravinskiLegacy, leading experts from the three institutions are engaged in important research projects examining areas such as the COVID-19 pandemic, improved brain health, health system transformation, child and youth health, integrated care, burn trauma and emerging research priorities. Learn more at www.juravinskiresearchinstitute.ca. SOURCE St. Joseph''s Healthcare Hamilton Foundation For further information: Media Contact: Elaine Mitropoulos, Communications Officer, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, 289-439-5859, [email protected] CALGARY, AB, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has helped millions of Canadians, including seniors, by providing them with supports and benefits related to COVID19. As Canada emerges from the COVID19 pandemic, the Government of Canada will continue to support community organizations that make a difference and create opportunities for seniors to stay active and involved in their communities. Today, Canada's Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera along with Member of Parliament George Chahal, announced an investment of $1,316,138 to fund 61 community-based projects to support seniors in Calgary, Alberta. This funding was awarded through the 202122 New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) call for proposals for community-based projects. The Minister made the announcement while visiting the Dashmesh Cultural Seniors Society. Under the 202122 NHSP community-based call for proposals, over $61 million was invested in more than 3,000 community-based projects across Canada. In Alberta, 254 projects were funded for a total of over $5,227,228 million. NHSP funding creates opportunities for seniors to be more connected, supported and active members of their communities. This year's national priorities aim to do just that by focusing on projects that: support healthy aging; prevent elder abuse; celebrate diversity and promote inclusion; and help seniors age in place. Through a simplified application process, organizations submitted project proposals to help seniors move beyond the pandemic and continue to play important roles in their communities. Quotes "Seniors are the pillars of our communities, and have built the Canada that we proudly call home. With the New Horizons for Seniors Program, seniors are able to create opportunities to connect with and empower each other. By supporting community-based projects like these in Calgary, we not only improve the well-being of seniors but we also strengthen our communities." Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera "By investing in these community-based projects, our government confirms once again its commitment to deliver positive change in Canadian communities like those in Calgary and improve the lives of seniors. These projects provide seniors in Calgary with more opportunities to stay active as well as share their invaluable knowledge and experience with other community members. This is key to enhancing their well-being and overall quality of life." Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, George Chahal "The Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program has helped develop a much-needed Punjabi Based Alexa program to support seniors and their connection with loved ones and vital services through technology. This program will help them connect with doctors, loved ones and vital services with ease and a familiar voice and language. We are proud of the support from this grant to provide this incredible service to our vulnerable population." Virinderjit Singh Bhatti, President, Dashmesh Culture Seniors Society Quick Facts Seniors are the fastest-growing age group in Canada . By 2030, the number of seniors is expected to reach 9.4 million, representing close to one-quarter of Canada's population. . By 2030, the number of seniors is expected to reach 9.4 million, representing close to one-quarter of population. The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help seniors stay active and engaged in the community. Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. in grant funding. Since its inception, the NHSP has funded more than 33,500 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada , with a total Government of Canada investment of more than $720 million . , with a total Government of investment of more than . NHSP funding supports projects that engage seniors in their communities and address one or more of the program's five objectives: social participation, volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse and providing capital assistance. Every year, organizations are invited to apply for NHSP community-based funding through a call for proposals. The projects announced today were approved as part of a call for proposals that was launched on November 23, 2021 , and closed on December 21, 2021 . , and closed on . Budget 2022 proposed an additional $20 million over two years, beginning in 202223, to support more projects that improve the quality of life for seniors and help them continue to participate fully in their communities. Related Documents Backgrounder Canada announces New Horizons for Seniors Program funding for projects in Calgary, Alberta Backgrounder: New Horizons for Seniors Program Associated Links Applicant guide: Community-based projects (up to $25,000) Programs and services for seniors New Horizons for Seniors Program Engaging seniors, strengthening communities Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Facebook SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada For further information: For media enquiries, please contact: Jasmeen Shergill, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Seniors, Kamal Khera, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected] OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - The Canadian economy has made strides towards recovering from the pandemic, having achieved record low unemployment rates. However, significant skills and labour shortages continue to affect many sectors and investments in training are needed to re-build a strong and resilient workforce that can meet the demands of today's economy. Each sector of our economy is unique and often requires tailored approaches to workforce solutions and skills development to remain adaptable and responsive to the changing labour market. Today, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Helena Jaczek, on behalf of Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced that the Government of Canada is providing over $39 million under the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) to the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA)'s Industry Led Training for the Aviation and Aerospace Sector project. This investment will support the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a new technical training and certification system for key occupations in aerospace. Up to 900 new and current aerospace workers in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia will benefit from this investment. This project will produce over 2,000 hours of new digitized training content that will offer employers the tools to provide on-the-job training for workers, from entry level up to full certification the first of its kind in Canada. It will enable employers to use the college educational system, providing another pathway for workers to enter the aerospace sector. This investment will also provide wage subsidies to support on-the-job training, and wrap around supports, such as funding for childcare and transportation, to help workers overcome barriers, including Indigenous peoples, newcomers, persons with disabilities, racialized Canadians, women, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. First announced in Budget 2021, the SWSP helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs by funding organizations to deliver projects that focus on a range of industry-driven activities. These include training and reskilling workers, helping employers retain and attract a skilled and diverse workforce and other creative solutions to help sectors address labour market needs. It will also support equity-deserving groups by promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and providing wrap-around supports as needed to those facing barriers to participation. Quotes "The labour market is rapidly growing and evolving, outpacing employers' abilities to find workers. Through our Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, we're addressing labour shortages in key sectors, like aviation and aerospace, by making sure that all Canadians, including women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, racialized Canadians and other marginalized people have the skills they need to seize emerging job opportunities in this innovative field. We're investing in the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace so that they can continue to provide targeted support to Canadians across the country with unique, high quality training that will help them secure good jobs in the aerospace sector." Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough "Canada's aerospace sector is a strong driver of innovation in research and development. Our government is committed to continue working in partnership with the industry to meet our defence, research and transportation needs while also ensuring our procurements support the creation of jobs in the aerospace industry and participation of under-represented groups for years to come." Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Helena Jaczek "Our Government's funding to the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace will help make training more accessible and facilitate the upskilling of employees in the aviation and aerospace industry - supporting a future-ready workforce in the transportation sector and helping the Canadian aviation sector make a strong recovery from the impacts of the pandemic." Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra "Over the past few years, we have made significant investments to make Canada the green supplier of choice in the aerospace industry. Today's announcement will contribute to securing the labour force and expertise needed for the decades to come." Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Francois-Philippe Champagne "This funding will make a significant contribution to addressing the critical labour and skills shortage in the Aviation and Aerospace industries. The Industry Led Training Program will provide employers with a system to train new hires who have no prior experience or formal education. It will also be an important tool for upskilling the existing work force." Robert Donald, Executive Director, Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace "Addressing critical labour shortages to ensure we have the workforce now and into the future is crucial. The ongoing success of Canada's aerospace industry rests on the strength of its highly trained workforce. This announcement in support of Industry Led Training is an important initiative to ensure we're supporting workers and industry." Mike Mueller, President and CEO, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada Quick Facts As of fall 2022, Canadian employers were seeking to fill over 1 million job vacancies. A significant number of vacancies (243,400) are in the professional, scientific, technical, construction and manufacturing sectors, which were already seeing shortages before the pandemic It is anticipated that population aging and declining participation will exacerbate labour shortages over the long-term, with 600,000 workers that may retire over the next three years. By 2028, the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace estimates that the aviation and aerospace industry will need an additional 58,000 workers in key skilled occupations. First announced in Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is investing up to $629.4 million over two years, starting in 2022-23, through the new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, which will help workers and employers by supporting solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs in key sectors, including: is investing up to over two years, starting in 2022-23, through the new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, which will help workers and employers by supporting solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs in key sectors, including: building talent for Canada's clean economy clean economy supporting needs of workers and employers hardest hit by the pandemic addressing challenges faced by in-demand health care occupations Associated Links Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program ESDC on Twitter ESDC on Facebook Follow us on Twitter SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada For further information: Tara Beauport, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, [email protected], 343-576-1628; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected] WATERLOO, ON, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - All across the country, businesses are developing innovative technologies to improve productivity and food supply, and P&P Optica Inc. is one example. The company has developed a smart imaging system to inspect meat automatically on the production line. Today, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament Bardish Chagger, announced $2,430,023 for P&P Optica Inc. through the AgriInnovate Program to help build and present its innovative, Canadian-made food inspection technology for meat processors. The system analyzes the composition of food, evaluating properties like tenderness, freshness and its protein, water and fat content. It can detect imperfections and eliminate foreign bodies like plastic, bones and rubber. These tasks are done right on the production line in real time, generating information for processors to use to help improve their products, manage suppliers and optimize production. This investment will support P&P Optica Inc. to build demonstration units that allow them to present their technology to potential users. P&P Optica Inc.'s mission is to help processors improve the safety and quality of their products, make the food supply more sustainable and reduce food waste. The investment will also build a demonstration room to optimize their technology for use by potential meat processing clients. This hyperspectral imaging technology evaluates the safety and freshness of meat products by analyzing the colour and moisture. It also gives a large range of data to processors. Investing in automated inspection technologies like P&P Optica Inc.'s smart imaging system creates new market opportunities, grows the economy, and keeps the Canadian meat industry sustainable. Quotes "Canada's processors are adopting new technologies to increase production and offer quality products across the country and the world. P&P Optica Inc.'s technology gives processors essential information that provides many benefits, including helping to reduce food waste. Our government is committed to investing in innovative projects that support the long-term growth and success of our agriculture and agri-food sector." - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "I applaud P&P Optica Inc. for its leadership in developing rapid, real-time technology to evaluate meat quality. Not only is the company an innovator in Canada and internationally, it is also a community leader right here in Waterloo. Our support for the company's innovative approach will help meat processors improve quality and sustainability." - The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo "P&P Optica Inc. is grateful for the support of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and AgriFood through the AgriInnovate program. PPO is focused on working with food processors to improve the safety and quality of our food supply, while reducing waste. We're excited about the opportunity to promote our automated inspection system, which is already operating in plants across the US, to Canadian meat processors. We believe the Canadian meat industry, already a global leader in quality products, can increase our competitive edge even further by using technologies like PPO's Smart Imaging System." - Olga Pawluczyk, Chief Executive Officer, P&P Optica Inc. Quick Facts The AgriInnovate program aims to accelerate the commercialization, adoption and/or demonstration of innovative products, technologies, processes or services that increase sector competitiveness and sustainability. P&P Optica Inc.'s smart imaging system uses physics to understand the chemistry of food, telling processors what is in their products. Additional Links AgriInnovate Program Canadian Agricultural Partnership P&P Optica Inc. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada For further information: For media: Marianne Dandurand, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected], 343-541-9229; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected] GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada's nature, biodiversity, and species at risk. The Monarch butterfly and the Western Bumble Bee are important pollinators in Canada, and essential to the production of many crops and our broader food security. As the Monarch faces a wide range of direct or indirect threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and severe weather events, its population has been more than cut in half over the last ten years. Canadians and stakeholders are encouraged to share their feedback before December 20, 2022, with Environment and Climate Change Canada on the assessments completed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) on the status of the Monarch and the Western Bumble Bee, found to be at risk in Canada. The forty-five day public consultation will be conducted through the Consulting with Canadians website. The feedback received will help inform the decisions made by Environment and Climate Change Canada in administering the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The Government of Canada continues to work collaboratively with Canadians, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders, as well as other governments across Canada to protect pollinators under SARA. The Government of Canada also works with the agriculture industry to conserve and increase pollinator habitat in agricultural areas, which is key to restoring Monarch populations while sustaining food production. From December 719, 2022, Canada will welcome the Parties to the United Nations' Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal, Quebec, for COP15, which will focus on the negotiation of a new global biodiversity framework. This important international conference will be a landmark event with thousands of delegates from around the world gathered to take action on protecting nature. Canada will take a strong leadership role, along with international partners, in championing the development of an ambitious framework with clear targets and actions that also recognize the important role Indigenous peoples and communities play in conservation and biodiversity. Quotes "We need pollinators to maintain biodiversity. They provide the foundations of our food security, health, and quality of life. We must act now to protect pollinators, and halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. By properly accounting for the true value of nature, we can recover species at risk and protect healthy ecosystems for future generations." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Quick facts The Monarch was first assessed in 1997 and classified as special concern. In 2016, COSEWIC reassessed it and recommended it be up-listed as endangered. In 2014, COSEWIC assessed both subspecies of the Western Bumble Bee ( mckayi, occidentalis ) and recommended that they be listed as special concern and threatened, respectively. ) and recommended that they be listed as special concern and threatened, respectively. Wildlife species in Canada are assessed by COSEWIC. The Government of Canada considers these assessments when establishing the official list of Wildlife Species at Risk. Risk categories include not at risk, special concern, threatened, endangered, extirpated, or extinct. are assessed by COSEWIC. The Government of considers these assessments when establishing the official list of Wildlife Species at Risk. Risk categories include not at risk, special concern, threatened, endangered, extirpated, or extinct. The population of the occidentalis subspecies of the Western Bumble Bee has declined by approximately thirty percent in recent years. subspecies of the Western Bumble Bee has declined by approximately thirty percent in recent years. The mckayi subspecies of the Western Bumble Bee is also experiencing a serious decline and faces an uncertain future. subspecies of the Western Bumble Bee is also experiencing a serious decline and faces an uncertain future. Protecting and conserving nature and managing working landscapes more sustainably are some of the critical ways Canadians can help pollinators. Associated links Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada For further information: Kaitlin Power, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-230-1557, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected] Previously estimated at 1 million, this finding highlights improvements in survival but also cancer's long-term toll on our healthcare system and the critical need to advance research to improve prevention and quality of life TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - A new report released today by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) shows that the number of people living with or beyond cancer in this country continues to grow, to over 1.5 million people. This prevalence figure, previously estimated to be 1 million a decade ago, is caused by both increased survival and incidence, making it both a reason for optimism and concern. The report Canadian Cancer Statistics: A 2022 special report on cancer prevalence was developed by the Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee in collaboration with CCS, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The report details that at the beginning of 2018, an estimated 1.5 million people alive in Canada had been diagnosed with cancer in the previous 25 years; approximately 60% of whom were diagnosed 5 to 25 years ago. This highlights the high number of people living long-term with or beyond cancer. "Investments in research are paying off in the form of better methods of timely detection and more effective treatments, and as a result, we're now seeing more people surviving cancer and living longer with and beyond the disease," explains Dr Jennifer Gillis, Senior Manager of Surveillance at CCS. "There has been much accomplished for us to collectively celebrate but these new data also reveal that our work is not nearly done." The rising prevalence is also attributable to rising cancer incidence, or more cases diagnosed. In 2012, approximately 193,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Canada, rising to approximately 206,000 in 2017. Today, it is estimated that 233,900 people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2022. This growth in incidence is largely due to Canada's growing and aging population and emphasizes the importance of cancer prevention. "Increasing prevalence more people being diagnosed and more surviving creates long-term strain on our healthcare system and underlines why we must work together to create a system that can evolve as patients' needs evolve from diagnosis through survival or end of life care," adds Gillis. Cancer's toll on the healthcare system As more people live with or beyond cancer, an already stretched healthcare system will be faced with additional pressures. According to a September 2022 CCS-led report, Living at the crossroads of COVID-19 and cancer, the pandemic has meant delays and interruptions in care for many, which may result in late-stage diagnoses as our healthcare system struggles to cope with additional demand. Without new investments and supporting policies, our healthcare system will be under-resourced to keep up with the growing number of Canadians who will be impacted by cancer. As the number of people living long-term with or beyond cancer increases, the support needed to ensure quality of life in the post-treatment and survivorship periods will increase as well. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for her breast cancer diagnosis at age 30, J. Nadia Headley's next step was the reconstruction process when suddenly the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Because of the strain the pandemic placed on the healthcare system, the surgeries she needed were rescheduled. "Because of COVID-19, I had surgeries shifted twice, 4 to 5 months at a time," says Nadia. "Each shift means the next ones get shifted too. You try to be patient and understand, but you just want to close the chapter on your cancer journey. We need to get better at preventing delays to healthcare." CCS is advocating for all levels of government to work together to help create a sustainable healthcare system for the 1.5 million people who need it right now. People in Canada need immediate investments in our healthcare system that ensure equitable and timely access to cancer care services for all, regardless of where they live or where they receive care. We created Voices for Change a volunteer network for people who want to make a difference because we know there is a growing community of people impacted by cancer who want to join our efforts to make cancer care better. Advancing life-saving research "Research is one of our most valuable tools to turn the tide on the rising cancer prevalence in this country," explains Gillis. "Thanks to advances in research, we are better today than ever before at preventing cancers, detecting them earlier and treating them more effectively, as well as helping people to live well with and beyond cancer." For example, because of research, we now know that virtually all cases of cervical cancer are due to HPV infection, that BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene variants play a significant role in breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer risk, and that liquid biopsies can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes for people with prostate cancer. As more people are diagnosed with and survive cancer, more research investments are needed to help reduce cancer risk, improve methods of timely detection, diagnosis and treatment, and ensure people living with and beyond cancer have a high quality of life. That's why CCS continues to invest in world-leading research taking place across the country. Over the last 10 years, CCS has invested $640 million in cancer research and with the support of donors, aims to increase our annual investment in research steadily in the coming years. In 2021-22, CCS invested $44.33 million in cancer research that is helping more Canadians prevent cancer, live with and survive cancer, and improve life after cancer. A key part of enhancing efforts to prevent cancer and support those living with and beyond cancer is CCS's recent launch of its Centre for Cancer Prevention and Support (CCPS). A first-of-its kind facility in Canada, CCPS leads new nationwide research and programs that help prevent cancer before it happens and address the challenges of life after cancer. Providing a support system While advances in research will offer long-term solutions to reduce the number of people developing cancer and increase the number of those who survive a diagnosis, supports are vital to help the over 1.5 million people currently living with or beyond cancer. "From diagnosis to treatment and life after cancer or end-of-life, people need to feel supported throughout the experience, however long that may be," adds Dr Gillis. "Compassionate support programs are such an important part of the cancer experience; they can help a diagnosis feel less scary, make treatment a little easier and help people facing cancer and survivors thrive." For more information on support programs available through the Canadian Cancer Society, visit cancer.ca. To learn more about cancer in Canada, visit cancer.ca/statistics and view the full report or read the backgrounder. To lend your voice and help make cancer care better, sign up to be a Voice for Change. For programs and services to help you through the cancer experience, visit cancer.ca. Quotes "Timely and accurate data on cancer prevalence in Canada is critical to understanding the disease's toll on society and our healthcare system. Statistics Canada is proud to contribute to the Canadian Cancer Statistics report, which provides insight into the services and research required to better support the 1.5 million people living with cancer in Canada. Data are invaluable in assessing cancer outcomes, measuring how far we've come, and identifying areas for improvement." - Jeff Latimer, Director General, Health Statistics Branch, Statistics Canada About Canadian Cancer Statistics Canadian Cancer Statistics is developed through a collaboration of the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Cancer incidence and mortality data are from the Canadian Cancer Registry and the Canadian Vital Statistics Death databases, respectively, which are maintained at Statistics Canada. The data originate from the provincial and territorial cancer registries and vital statistics registrars. Statistics Canada completed all analyses related to this report, except for analysis by income and urban/rural status which were completed by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. The Public Health Agency of Canada completed the French translation of this report. The Canadian Cancer Society coordinates the production and dissemination of this publication and supports it with charitable funds. For more than 35 years, this publication has been providing information that helps decide what support and services are needed and what research should be done. It also helps assess the impact of prevention, early detection and treatment. For more information about Canadian Cancer Statistics, visit cancer.ca/statistics . About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for people who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today. SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office) For further information: Hailey Mellon, Communications Coordinator, 416 294 9699 Funding will support the first active comparator, multicentre, randomized trial to evaluate optimal first-line treatment strategy for Ileal Crohn's disease TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - The Canadian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Consortium (CIRC) awards the inaugural $1 million PIONEER Grant from Takeda Canada Inc. (Takeda), in support of high-quality, impactful Canadian clinical research to improve patient outcomes and quality of life for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The grant awardee will also receive assistance from Alimentiv, a world-class research organization with deep expertise in conducting clinical trials in IBD, through expertise, research execution and in-kind support. The PIONEER Grant Recipient: Dr. Christopher Ma, an early career investigator and academic gastroenterologist at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. (CNW Group/Crohn's and Colitis Canada) From Left to Right: Dr. Christopher Ma, Rute Fernandes, General Manager, Takeda Canada, and Dr. Neeraj Narula, President, CIRC. (CNW Group/Crohn's and Colitis Canada) With the support of Crohn's and Colitis Canada, CIRC was established in 2017 to attract and facilitate clinical studies in Canada by creating a collaborative network of clinician scientists and offering research support. This year's recipient is Dr. Christopher Ma, the lead investigator for PATHFINDER: A Pragmatic, Active Comparator, Parallel-Group, Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Optimal First-Line Treatment Strategy for Moderate-to-Severely Active Ileal Crohn's disease. IBD causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract which impacts food digestion, nutrition absorption and waste elimination for those affected.i The main forms are Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). More than 300,000 Canadians live with this disease for which there is currently no cure.ii Most patients with CD have inflammation in the last portion of the small bowel, called the ileum. Ileal CD increases the risk for bowel damage so choosing the right medical treatment is critical for preventing complications like hospitalization and surgery. Dr. Ma, along with his colleagues Dr. Remo Panaccione, Dr. Vipul Jairath, Dr. Talat Bessissow, Dr. Cathy Lu, Dr. GY Zou, and Dr. Susan Elliott, will conduct the first randomized, multicentre pragmatic trial that directly compares which of the three classes of biologics (anti-TNF, anti-integrin, and anti-IL-12/23) is optimal for achieving bowel healing (endoscopic remission) at one year. _____________________________ i What are Crohn's and Colitis. Accessed 03/11/2022. Available at: https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Crohn-s-Colitis/What-are-Crohns-and-Colitis. ii What You Need to Know About the Impact of IBD in Canada. Accessed 03/11/2022. Available at: https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/Support-for-You/Information-and-Resources-Hub/Category-1/Key-Findings-from-the-2018-Impact-of-IBD-in-Canada. Quotes: "This is the first clinical trial to investigate which class of biologics is the optimal first-line treatment for patients with high-risk ileal Crohn's disease," said Dr. Christopher Ma, an early career investigator and academic gastroenterologist at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. "We hope that the results from PATHFINDER will provide doctors with evidence-based treatment decisions to ensure better outcomes and quality of life for patients." "The PIONEER Grant is a notable example of how we can develop high-quality, scientific research in IBD through collaboration and partnerships," said Dr. Neeraj Narula, President, CIRC. "The PATHFINDER research project has the opportunity to provide practice-changing evidence to optimize patient outcomes led by Canadian investigators." "At Takeda, we are committed to advancing scientific research in the area of IBD and are proud to establish the CIRC PIONEER Grant to support Canadian researchers in their pursuit of life-changing innovations," said Rute Fernandes, General Manager, Takeda Canada. "We congratulate Dr. Ma and his team for identifying this unique clinical need that could have a significant impact on patients living with ileal Crohn's disease." About Crohn's and Colitis Canada Crohn's and Colitis Canada is on a relentless journey to find the cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the lives of everyone affected by these chronic diseases. Collectively with the support of volunteers, researchers, donors and the community, we are transforming the lives of people affected by Crohn's and colitis through research, support programs, advocacy, and awareness. For more information, visit crohnsandcolitis.ca and follow us @getgutsycanada on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. About the Canadian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Consortium (CIRC) CIRC was founded in 2017 through partnership with Crohn's and Colitis Canada. CIRC is comprised of Canadian gastroenterologists with special interest in IBD. Over the past five years, the organization has grown to include over 60 Canadian gastroenterologist members who collaborate on multicentre IBD clinical research, with a particular focus on multicentre investigator-initiated trials, as well as generation of real-world evidence. About Takeda Canada Inc. Takeda Canada Inc. is the Canadian organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) (NYSE: TAK), a global, values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Japan, committed to discovering and delivering life-transforming treatments, guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Takeda focuses its R&D efforts on four therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Genetics and Hematology, Neuroscience, and Gastroenterology (GI). We also make targeted R&D investments in Plasma-Derived Therapies and Vaccines. We are focusing on developing highly innovative medicines that contribute to making a difference in people's lives by advancing the frontier of new treatment options and leveraging our enhanced collaborative R&D engine and capabilities to create a robust, modality-diverse pipeline. Our employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients and to working with our partners in health care in approximately 80 countries and regions. For more information, visit: takeda.com/en-ca. About Alimentiv Inc. Alimentiv is a global contract research organization (CRO) providing clinical trials, central image management, precision medicine, and real-world evidence services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Headquartered in London, Ontario. Alimentiv is committed to investment in medical research and development, focusing on identifying barriers to drug development and pursuing solutions that advance IBD research. The research findings are operationalized into an efficient clinical trial methodology for clients that aligns with emerging regulatory standards. In collaboration with leading experts, Alimentiv has pioneered the development, validation, and standardization of outcome measures and technology, shaping the evolving clinical trial landscape for multiple indications and providing meaningful long-term consequences for patients, their treatment, and society. For more information, visit: www.alimentiv.com SOURCE Crohn's and Colitis Canada For further information: For media inquiries, please contact: Crohn's and Colitis Canada, [email protected]; Takeda Canada Inc., Amanda Jacobs, [email protected], (647) 798-2231 OTTAWA , ON, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring greater connectivity for Northerners and strengthening trade corridors. This supports our supply chains, helps grow our economy, and creates good, middle-class jobs. Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, and Newfoundland and Labrador's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, made an important investment announcement. Through the National Trade Corridors Fund, Minister Alghabra announced an investment of up to $200,000 for a pre-feasibility study to be led by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will also contribute $200,000, bringing the potential total investment to $400,000. The study will explore the feasibility of a new, all-season roadway connecting northern Labrador to Canada's Trans-Canada Highway network via the Trans-Labrador Highway. In addition to connecting communities, the roadway would facilitate travel, reduce travel and shipping costs and increase food security. It would also facilitate access to essential goods and services, and create economic development opportunities. A road into northern Labrador would be expected to start in the vicinity of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay or the Lake Melville area, and extend as far north as the Inuit communities of Rigolet, Postville, Makkovik, Hopedale, and Nain, and the Innu community of Natuashish. The knowledge gained from the research funded by this investment is expected to have important economic and environmental benefits for the region. The National Trade Corridors Fund provides funding for research projects in the Arctic and the North to support northern transportation infrastructure like ports, airports, all-season roads, and bridges. These projects enhance the safety, security, economic, and social development of the northern area of Labrador, which is comprised of the Nunatsiavut region, Canada's three territories, the Nunavik region in Quebec, and the Town and Port of Churchill in Manitoba. Quotes "Many isolated communities in the Nunatsiavut region are not connected to the Trans-Labrador Highway. They presently, rely instead on air and marine services for travel and goods. A new roadway connection between northern Labrador and the Trans-Labrador Highway would provide an all-season link to the south, and with it, social and economic benefits including access to employment and economic development sites. This pre-feasibility study is a first step in the evaluation process." The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport "Our government has made significant investments for transportation in Labrador, including ferry services for the Strait of Belle Isle and northern Labrador, and for the Trans-Labrador Highway, which was completed earlier this year. Extending the highway with access roads to the northern communities could lead to numerous opportunities and we look forward to this study being completed." The Honourable Elvis Loveless Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure of Newfoundland and Labrador "Ensuring safe transport in and out of Labrador's north has remained a top priority for our government. In partnership with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the strong leadership of the Nunatsiavut Government, I am pleased to see this important investment move forward. By investing in this pre-feasibility study, we are one step closer to making this valuable infrastructure a reality." Yvonne Jones Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Northern Affairs "Transportation is key to economic and social development. This study is a positive first step that will provide us with information to determine the technical, financial, environmental and social viability of a road connection to Northern Labrador. I look forward to working with the Nunatsiavut Government and the Innu Nation as we work towards bridging the transportation infrastructure gap in this region." The Honourable Lisa Dempster Minister of Labrador Affairs and Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation of Newfoundland and Labrador "Having been professionally involved in this important project for many years, I am pleased to now be associated with this exciting next step for strengthening transportation networks in Labrador. The Provincial and Federal partnership for the pre-feasibility study reflects the shared priority to further connect all of Labrador's communities. Stronger and more reliable transportation networks will have social and economic benefits for everyone." Perry Trimper MHA for Lake Melville Quick Facts The National Trade Corridors Fund is a competitive, merit-based program that helps infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical assets that support economic activity in Canada . It represents a long-term commitment by the Government of Canada to work with stakeholders on strategic infrastructure projects. . It represents a long-term commitment by the Government of to work with stakeholders on strategic infrastructure projects. National Trade Corridors Fund projects address the unique and urgent transportation needs in Canada's Arctic and North. The needs include climate resilience and access to markets, creating social and economic opportunities, access between communities and to essential services despite difficult terrain and severe climate conditions, and the high cost of construction along Canada's northern trade corridors. Arctic and North. The needs include climate resilience and access to markets, creating social and economic opportunities, access between communities and to essential services despite difficult terrain and severe climate conditions, and the high cost of construction along northern trade corridors. . Budget 2022 provided $450 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to support supply chain projects through the National Trade Corridors Fund, which will help ease the movement of goods across Canada's transportation networks. This additional funding brings the program's total allocation to $4.6 billion over 11 years (2017-2028). over five years, starting in 2022-23, to support supply chain projects through the National Trade Corridors Fund, which will help ease the movement of goods across transportation networks. This additional funding brings the program's total allocation to over 11 years (2017-2028). Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, Indigenous groups, not-for-profit and for-profit private-sector organizations, federal Crown corporations, and academia are all eligible for funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund. Associated links This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities. SOURCE Transport Canada For further information: Contacts: Nadine Ramadan, Press Secretary and Communications Advisor, Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, [email protected]; Media Relations: Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055, [email protected] A Kano State Magistrate Court presided over by Aminu Muhammad Gabari has ordered public flogging for Mubarak Isa Muhammad and Nazifi Muhamma... A Kano State Magistrate Court presided over by Aminu Muhammad Gabari has ordered public flogging for Mubarak Isa Muhammad and Nazifi Muhammad Bala for defaming the character of Kano State Governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on Tiktok. The pair who are to receive 20 lashes each were also ordered to sweep the premises of the court and keep the toilet facility clean for 30 days. The punishment was handed to them after they pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of defamation and inciting public disturbance. Muhammad and Bala reportedly made snide remarks against the governor in videos posted on their Tiktok accounts alleging that the governor does not see a land without selling it and he sleeps a lot. Barrister Wada Ahmad Wada, the prosecutor from the Kano State Ministry of Justice had applied for a summary trial against the duo and at the proceeding on Monday, trial magistrate Gabari ordered the respondents to pay a fine of N10,000 each for defaming the character of the Kano State Governor and another N10,000 for inciting public disturbance. Gabari similarly administered non-custodial terms against the convicts namely the public flogging and sanitation service at the Justice Aloma Mukthar Court Complex located in the No-Mans-land area in Kano City. He also ordered them to make tender a video apology to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje on their social media. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has warned that there shall be no voting for any unaccredited person. This was st... The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has warned that there shall be no voting for any unaccredited person. This was stated by the new Resident Electoral Commissioner in Jigawa State, Prof. Muhammad Lawal Bashar, while briefing newsmen at the commissions headquarters in Dutse. He said the commission will begin the display of voter registration from 12 to 25 November 2022. He explained that the exercise will take place at the registration area(wards) level and at local government INEC offices across Jigawa State. According to him: Under Section 9(6) and 19(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the commission will commence the display of the register of voters for public scrutiny. Claims and objections at registration areas start on Saturday 12th to Friday 18th November 2022 while claims and objections at local governments will start on Saturday 19th to Friday 25 November 2022. He said the purpose of the exercise is to give voters the opportunity to identify their names on the voter register for possible observations and corrections. Lawan noted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will reject any voter who has any issue with his name. Whenever the BVAS rejects any voter he will not be able to vote as this time around there is nothing like incident form, he said. He advised all eligible voters to visit their wards or local governments to verify their names and pictures and report back to the commission for corrections. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday reacted to the tirades against him by the Benue State ... The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday reacted to the tirades against him by the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom. Atiku said its uncivil for Ortom to blame him for the armed Fulani attacks on the people of Benue State. The PDP presidential candidate insisted that Benue is his home. Ortom had vowed never to support Atikus presidential ambition due to the killings in Benue State. Stressing that to hell with Atiku, the governor said he couldnt support a Fulani man due to herders attacks on residents of the state. Reacting, Atiku said the governor is entitled to support any candidate of his choice in 2023. He spoke through the spokesperson of his presidential campaign team, Dino Melaye. Appearing on Arise TV, Melaye said: Ortom is entitled by right to support whichever candidate he wants; its not proper to place the blame of what is happening in Benue on Atiku; it is not fair. During the Shagari administration, he appointed four Benue indigenes as ministers, also the late YarAdua appointed a Benue indigene as AGF. These two presidents are Fulani by ethnicity, yet they appointed Benue citizens. Melaye avowed: Its uncivil to blame Fulani activities on Atiku, this is not right and not proper. He noted further: In February this year, Atiku donated N50 million to IDPs; he shows love to the people of the state. Benue is a second home to Atiku. Muhammad Galadima, the district head of Kwangami village and six others in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been kidnap... Muhammad Galadima, the district head of Kwangami village and six others in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been kidnapped by bandits. A source told newsmen that the armed terrorists abducted the victims on Monday. According to the source, there was confusion in the village as the residents tried all they could to escape the attack, saying that many people were injured. He explained that the District Head and the other people were abducted from their houses and taken to the camp of the abductors. He said, We are currently living in fear because the bandits are always around us abducting our people and asking for ransom. He revealed that just recently, they (terrorists) abducted 10 of our villagers on their farmlands. They are still in captivity following their inability to pay the ransom. SP Mohammed Shehu, the State Police Public Relations Officer, could not be reached for comment on the incident. The All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Representative candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Pharm. Ejikeme Omeje i... The All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Representative candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Pharm. Ejikeme Omeje is dead. Omeje, a top party candidate in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, died in a motor accident Tuesday morning along Eden Ani/Nsukka road, near El-Rina hotel Nsukka. An APC stakeholder from the zone who confirmed to the incident, said it occurred when he was driving back from Edem-Ani town after a political gathering. He was said to be driving alone along the Erina-Edem Ani road in Nsukka, when he suddenly lost control and his car veered into the bush, hitting a tree in the process. He was rushed to the hospital but later died early Tuesday morning as a result of serious injuries sustained in the accident. Also confirming the incident, the State Secretary of the APC in Enugu State, Mr. Robert Ngwu, described it as shocking. Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says if Nigeria fully harnesses its agricultural potential, it... Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says if Nigeria fully harnesses its agricultural potential, it can feed a significant part of sub-Saharan Africa. Tinubu spoke on Monday when he met the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Maize Association of Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Keutal Hore, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, and Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria, in Minna, the Niger capital. The former governor of Lagos said agriculture played a crucial role in the economy of the country before crude oil was discovered. Northern Nigeria has great agricultural potential due to its abundant arable land, his campaign office quoted him as saying. It must continue to march at the forefront if the sector is to significantly advance at all. Every state and the FCT have some degree of competitive advantage in agriculture, whether horticulture or crop production, fisheries, poultry or animal husbandry. Properly developed, these assets will not only satisfy our domestic needs but make Nigeria a global force within a short time. If Nigeria fully harnesses its agricultural potential, our exports will rise to the level such that we shall feed much of sub-Saharan Africa, allowing us to better balance our economy while fostering social tranquility, stronger consumer bases, and political goodwill between us and other nations in the region and on the continent. On his part, Abdullahi Adamu, chairman of the APC, said Tinubu would treat farmers well because he understands their plight. Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has approved the renaming of the ministry of commerce and industry. The approval was s... Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has approved the renaming of the ministry of commerce and industry. The approval was said to have been given at the state executive council meeting on Monday. Secretary to the state government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, stated this in a press release on Tuesday. He said: The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Obinna Ngonadi will henceforth be addressed as the Commissioner for Industry. The Executive Council Meeting of State Government, approved the renaming of the Ministry yesterday. He said the decision was to enable the Ministry of Industry to focus on the industrialization agenda of the governor, and for greater performance, without bothering about trade and commerce, which used to be part of the ministry. This is as the trade and commerce aspect of the ministry will now be domiciled under the Governors Office. Chukwulobelu said: By implication, all activities relating to trade and commerce should be channeled to the Governors Office. This reorganization is with immediate effect. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Cloudy. High near 40F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Becoming partly cloudy and windy. Low 32F. SE winds at 10 to 15 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph. 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 In this photo illustration, Pfizers Paxlovid is displayed. Dramatically fewer Black and Hispanic adult outpatients were given the leading antiviral medication for COVID-19 than White and non-Hispanics, the CDC said. Joe Raedle/Getty Images/TNS The owner of Culvers in Mobile is eyeing the MS Gulf Coast for his next franchise Election Day is here. Many Louisiana voters went to the poll during early voting, but many more will show up between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Whether you're making plans to vote or looking for election results, our team of reporters has you covered. What's on the ballot? Statewide, voters will decide a U.S. Senate race and eight amendments to the state constitution. See the items on the ballot by general area here: Voters can look up their personal sample ballot on the secretary of state's website. Where to find results? Election results will be posted to the Louisiana secretary of state's office after the polls close at 8 p.m. Find live results at SOS.LA.gov. Read our full coverage by market: Increasing Hydropower Workforce DiversityAnd Other Needs To Support Industry Growth New Study Highlights Hydropower Industry Workforce Trends and Needs Todays hydropower workforce is aging, creating an oncoming wave of retirement. Yet, with the development and deployment of new and lower-impact technologies and increased demand for workers, the hydropower industry is projected to grow. In fact, more than a quarter of the domestic hydropower workforce over the age of 55 will retire in the coming decade. Without a new, diverse workforce, the retirement exodus could impact the hydropower industrys ability to growgrowth that is critical to helping the country achieve the goal of transitioning to a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035. The new hydropower workforce report is the result of years of research by NREL, DOE, and others in the hydropower industry. Photo from iStock; cover design by One Tribe Creative, NREL A new study, U.S. Hydropower Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOEs) Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), provides an updated analysis of current hydropower workforce trends based on data collected by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), DOE, the Hydropower Foundation, and members of the hydropower industry. During the four-year project, NRELs experts engaged with members of the hydropower industry, academics, and students to understand current perspectives about the hydropower sector, career opportunities, and barriers that could hinder workforce growth. Expanding on NRELs 2019 Workforce Development for U.S. Hydropower: Key Trends and Findings, this new report includes more detailed data and recommendations about the hydropower workforce. According to the report, major barriers hindering workforce growth include a lack of hydropower educational programs, limited student awareness of the industry, and retirement and recruiting challenges, particularly for jobs in engineering and skilled crafts and trades. Many students and potential workers have limited knowledge of the hydropower industry and see it as a solved problem, said Jennifer Daw, an NREL researcher who helped lead the workforce analysis project. But hydropower is anything but solved. A 100-Year-Old Industry With Untapped Potential Hydropower may be over a century old, but the industrys technologies have evolved to meet modern needs. Closed-loop pumped storage hydropower plants can provide much-needed long-term energy storage while protecting local ecosystems. And modern investments in low-impact hydropower, safe fish passage, and power for existing dams are all helping the industry become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Hydropower will also play a key role in integrating more renewable energy sources into the grid and nudging the country closer to its aggressive climate goals. But, to fill this critical role, the industry must attract new talent to fill a wide range of jobs across utilities, manufacturing, professional services, construction, and wholesale trade sectors, according to the new report. Students attended the Hydropower Foundations annual Hydro Think Tank Competition in Grand Coulee, Washington, in September 2022. Photo from Bree Mendlin, Hydropower Foundation Because hydropower will be an essential source of clean, reliable energy and energy storage in our decarbonized future, we must increase awareness of the need for workers with technical and nontechnical backgrounds in the industry, Daw said. As competition for workers grows throughout the energy sector, its more critical than ever to strengthen hydropowers domestic workforce pipeline to meet the industrys needs both now and in the future. According to the report, the hydropower workforce pipeline could be strengthened by providing more relevant work experiences, hydropower coursework, and hands-on learning opportunities for students. Additionally, expanding technical training, apprenticeships, and educational outreach could help the industry overcome challenges with recruiting and the job readiness of new hydropower workers. It is clear that more work is required to support the hydropower industry and expand diversity, equity, and inclusion, said NRELs Jeremy Stefek, another project lead. We must educate stakeholders in hydropowers unique ability to enable a global clean energy transformation. The 2022 report includes the following major findings: Jobs in skilled crafts and trades and engineering services will be impacted by high retirement and turnover rates in hydropower in the next 510 years. Demographic data shows a gap in diversity in the U.S. hydropower workforce. The authors found that as of 2022 most workers are men (69%), making up a higher percentage than the average U.S. working population (53%). There is a slightly higher proportion of women in the hydropower workforce (31%) when compared to the energy sector as a whole (25%), but that is lower than the overall U.S. working population (47%). And the share of nonwhite workers in the hydropower industry is 30%, which is higher than the U.S. energy workforce (26%) and general workforce (22%). However, the percentage of white workers has increased 2% since 2019. About 73% industry survey respondents indicated they have experienced or observed difficulty hiring women, members of minority groups, tribal members, and veterans. Survey respondents state these challenges are largely due to limited interest from those groups and a low number of applicants. Nearly 70% of the U.S. schools surveyed do not offer hydropower degree programs, and more than 60% of U.S. students surveyed indicated they were either unsure if hydropower could be a growing field or did not see hydropower as a growing field. More than 77% of surveyed hydropower industry respondents stated that recent graduates have limited knowledge of the hydropower industry, with 23% having no knowledge of it. Workforce Resources Within Reach NREL is already working to address several of the challenges indicated by the report. The Water Power STEM to Workforce project is bridging the hydropower workforce gap with partnerships, open-access educational and training resources, tools for job seekers, hands-on collaboration and engagement opportunities, and an intentional approach to diversity and inclusion. Between 2019 and 2021, the U.S. conventional hydropower industry lost about 3,300 workers, decreasing to about 64,500. With these numbers, the industry represents just 7.5% of workers employed by the U.S. electricity sector, coming in behind other energy industries, including solar power (39%), wind energy (14%), and coal (8.3%). During the 2022 Clean Currents conference, NREL partnered with the Hydropower Foundation to host a conversation called Advancing the Discussion of Hydropower Workforce Development: Identifying Industry Priorities. The discussion, which engaged almost 70 industry members, was framed around the report findings to help identify urgent hydropower workforce needs as well as potential partnerships for current and future workforce efforts. The workshop identified three industry priorities, which include: Building nationwide partnerships Aligning goals with industry to build the pipeline and change perceptions Integrating programs at a local, community-based level. In May 2022, WPTO launched the NREL-administered Hydropower Collegiate Competition to, in part, recruit underrepresented students to the hydropower industry to help increase diversity. The final competition, which aims to help spread awareness and skills to better prepare students for careers in hydropower, will be held in person at Waterpower Week in Washington, D.C., in spring 2023, colocated with the fourth annual Marine Energy Collegiate Competition. NREL researcher Jennifer Daw (behind the podium) presented the diversity, equity, and inclusion recommendations found in the report at the Clean Currents conference in October 2022. Photo by Betsy Stratton, NREL Looking to The Future Now is the time for educators and industry members to work together, Stefek said, to build a stronger, more diverse and inclusive hydropower workforce that will address recruiting and retirement challenges and help the United States achieve its clean energy and climate goals. A variety of educational approaches will be needed to bridge the gaps in the hydropower workforce pipeline. Illustration by Alfred Hicks, NREL Check out the full report to learn more about the challenges facing the U.S. hydropower workforce as well as full reference details, statistics, and more. If you would like to join the virtual follow-on discussion to identify industry priorities and next steps to advancing the hydropower workforce, please contact Jennifer Daw at Jennifer.Daw@nrel.gov. Interested in expanding your hydropower knowledge? NREL offers free, online resources in the hydropower science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (or STEM) portal. Learn more about NREL's research in hydropower education, and don't forget to sign up for the laboratory's water power newsletter. Gov. Eric Holcomb played the role of tourist Monday, visiting the nearly 5,000-year-old Giza pyramids at the start of his visit to Egypt. The Republican chief executive is in northeast Africa this week to speak on Indianas efforts to transition to clean-energy infrastructure and apply innovation to the states energy mix during the 27th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Before heading to the conference, Holcomb posed for a photo alongside Indiana Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers at a pyramid in the desert just outside Egypts capital city, Cairo. Standing in front of one of the great wonders of the world, I am excited to engage in discussions about how Egypt and Indiana can partner with one another to lead the energy transition for a more sustainable future, Holcomb said via Twitter. Three large and several smaller pyramids, along with the Great Sphinx, comprise the Giza pyramid complex. All were built between 2600 and 2500 B.C. about six miles west of the Nile River. God Only Knows the Sail On Beach Boys tribute will bring Good Vibrations, California Dreamin' and even Fun, Fun, Fun to Munster next week. The surf rock tribute band will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 at the Munster High School Auditorium at 8808 Columbia Ave. in Munster, about 135 miles north of Kokomo. Live On Stage, Inc. and Lakeshore Community Concerts are bringing the surf rock party band to town as part of their 2022 - 2023 Concert Season. Artistic Director Felice Jorgeson describes Sail On as "musically sound in every respect. "Beach Boys tribute band, Sail On, brings nothing but 'Good Vibrations' to every venue they play at," Lakeshore Community Concerts Publicity Manager Erika Finley said. "This accomplished group has made a splash on the music scene, establishing themselves as one of the best Beach Boys tribute acts out there today. The group brings a young look and authentic sound reminiscent of the original Beach Boys during the prime of their career. Their impeccable harmonies capture the sound of the iconic band and transport audiences directly to the beach for an evening of lasting memories and music that transcends generations." Lakeshore Community Concerts has been staging concerts in Northwest Indiana since 1947 to offer to every man, woman and child the opportunity to experience the magic of live performance at an affordable cost. Tickets are $30. NiSource grew its profit by 5.2% in the third quarter. The Merrillville-based utility increased net income on a GAAP basis to $52 million in the third quarter, or 12 cents per share. That's up from $49.4 million or 12 cents per share in the same quarter in 2021. In the first nine months of the year, NiSource earned $518.2 million on a GAAP basis, or $1.18 per share. That's up from $377.6 million or 91 cents per share during the same point in 2021. "This quarter confirms the strong regulatory execution of our team across the NiSource footprint," said NiSource President and CEO Lloyd Yates. "Our continued investments in renewable generation and infrastructure modernization provide predictable earnings growth and deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value for our customers. We look forward to presenting the details of our top-tier, long-term growth plan extension at our Investor Day event today in New York." NiSource narrowed its non-GAAP diluted net operating earnings per share to $1.44 to $1.46 for this year. It forecasts $1.50 to $1.57 in non-GAAP diluted net operating earnings per share. The utility expects 6% to 8% growth each year through 2027, up from its current projection of 5% to 7%. NiSource is seeking a rate hike in Indiana that would generate $291.8 million more in revenue. Higher rates would kick in next September and again in 2024. The company is also building out the Indiana Crossroads II Wind project that's expected to start up next year. The Indiana Crossroads Solar and Dunns Bridge Solar I projects will come online at around the same time in 2023. Columbia gas in Ohio also secured a settlement in its rate hike case that will bring in $68.2 million in revenue and a return on investment of 9.6%. Its Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Columbia Gas of Virginia and Columbia Gas of Maryland utilities are also seeking to raise consumer's natural gas bills. NiSource serves 3.2 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers in six states through its NIPSCO and Columbia Gas brands. It employs 7,500 workers. The Society of Innovators at Purdue University Northwest has announced its 2022 Innovators Award winners. The honorees will be feted at the Society of Innovators annual awards luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Hobart. As our region bounces back from the pandemic and the challenges of the times, it is powerful and inspiring to honor the ingenuity of innovators from across the seven-county region of Northwest Indiana, said Sheila Matias, executive director of the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest. These are the women and men who think creatively, dream of new solutions and design solutions that add value and solve community challenges. The Society of Innovators seeks to promote innovation in Northwest Indiana. It bestows the awards on innovators who live or work in Northwest Indiana and create an innovation that creates measurable value, helps society or provides a new solution to a problem. This years class: Chris White, president of Lee Enterprises Eastern Media Group. Erica Rios, a police social worker with the Griffith Police Department. Michael Wells, Cognia Midwest Region director. Albanese Confectionery in Hobart. Cedar Lake Historical Association in Cedar Lake and Hesston Steam Museum in LaPorte County. Michigan City Area Schools. Pandemic Parenting in Valparaiso. Patchables in Hobart. Michigan City Area Schools also will receive the Richard C. Sussman Prize for Team Innovation, which promotes 21st-century innovation. It is named for the former chairman of the Society of Innovators and head of ArcelorMittal Global R&D in East Chicago who died in 2015. Retired attorney Calvin Bellamy won the John H. Davies Lifetime Achievement Award. For more information, visit pnw.edu/innovators-awards. Months after their contract expired and a heated impasse had steelworkers fired up, the United Steelworkers and U.S. Steel have reached a tentative agreement. U.S. Steel is offering a 5% wage increase for four years, or a compounded increase of 21.55%. "Because of our solidarity, we reached a tentative agreement with U.S. Steel that is unanimously recommended by your bargaining committee," the union said in an update to members. "It is a four-year deal that includes wage increases, improvements to health care with no premiums, improved retirement benefits, an additional holiday, improved vacation, new parental leave and a $4,000 bonus." Steelworkers have been rallying across the country for a new contract, including outside Avalon Manor in Hobart when President/CEO David Burritt visited to give a speech last month. USW's bargaining committee traveled back to Pittsburgh this week, and a new deal was inked shortly thereafter. The union will soon mail a contract summary to its members. "Your committee is traveling home and will provide more details soon, including info on the ratification process," USW said in its update to members. "We're working on a full contract summary and will share as soon as it's completed. Thank you to everyone who participated in our actions to achieve a fair contract." The new deal covers 11,000 steelworkers at steel mills, mines and tubular facilities around the country. It must be ratified by steelworkers. We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with the USW that supports our unionized workforce while balancing the interests of all our stakeholders towards our 'Best for All' future, Burritt said. I appreciate the efforts of both sides to work towards a responsible and mutually beneficial agreement. "The time spent resulted in a contract that truly is 'Best for All.' We leveraged our strong balance sheet to reward union employees with a bonus and strong base wages. We also leveraged our overfunded pension and OPEB plans to support the benefits provided to our employees. The tentative agreement reflects our core belief that when U.S. Steel does well, employees do well. "Strong base-wage increases and benefit enhancements to support our employees well-being are key parts of this tentative agreement because we know their hard work is essential to delivering sustainable steel solutions for people and planet and enhancing our customer satisfaction. U.S. Steel employees will continue to receive uncapped profit sharing, which has led to huge bonuses as the company reached record profits in recent years. This tentative agreement is a textbook example of a responsible contract that meets the needs of our business and our employees and maintains the existing uncapped profit sharing plan that enables our employees to be among the highest paid in the industry," U.S. Steel Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Barry Melnkovic said. CHESTERTON Indiana American Water Co. lifted a boil-water advisory for several homes on the northwest side of Chesterton on Tuesday morning. The advisory was issued around 2:30 p.m. Monday for 13 households in the 100 block of North 18th Street. According to the Town of Chesterton Facebook, the advisory was issued after a water main broke Monday morning. IWAC conducted emergency repairs. The boil-water advisory was set to expire at 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Chesterton Facebook page. Customers were advised to boil water for drinking, cooking and oral hygiene purposes. Election Day is here! Indiana and Illinois citizens have the opportunity Tuesday to choose who will represent their interests in government at the federal, state and local level for the next two years, four years, or in some cases, six years. Polling places across Northwest Indiana are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Region time. Polls in Illinois are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. It's the very last chance for registered voters to cast their ballot this year. The offices up for election include one of Indiana's two U.S. Senate seats, the state's nine U.S. House seats, all 100 seats in the Indiana House, half of the 50-member Indiana Senate, Indiana secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer and a host of local elected positions. On the ballot in Illinois are governor and other statewide offices, one of the two U.S. Senate seats, 17 U.S. House seats, members of the state legislature, and numerous local positions. Hoosiers can find their polling place, and see the list of candidates on their ballot, by accessing their voter registration record through the secretary of state's office online at IndianaVoters.com. Illinois voters can find information at elections.il.gov. "I encourage every registered voter to visit the polls and make their voice heard," Indiana Secretary of State Holli Sullivan said. "Indiana is a national leader in running safe and secure elections. Hoosiers can cast their ballots with confidence thanks to the work of election administrators in each of Indiana's 92 counties," she added. Local election results will be available online at nwi.com as they come in throughout the evening, as well as in Wednesday's edition of The Times. PORTER COUNTY As inspector of the voting center at Brummitt Elementary School just east of Chesterton, Dean Hultman jumped on his cell phone early Tuesday when a young woman was told she was not registered to vote. After many minutes of back and forth conversation and searching data bases, he helped to discover that the woman's name had been misspelled in the system and she was handed a ballot. "I really wanted to vote," she said walking away. The woman joined what was by early morning a steady line of voters at the school seeking to cast ballots in the heated midterm election. Voters were met with moderate temperatures and bright sunshine. "I'm proud that there are so many people here," Hultman said. Nearly 200 people had cast ballots at the single site before 9 a.m., he said. "We've had a line all morning and we opened up with a line," Hultman said. A similar turnout was underway early Tuesday a few miles to the west at Ethel R. Jones Elementary School in Portage. "It's been pretty steady," said that site's poll inspector, Doug Clark. About 200 people had cast ballots by 9:30 a.m., he said. Tuesday's turnout was already stronger than it had been during the spring primary election, Clark said, and problems were minimal as of early morning. "I think it's been pretty smooth," Clark said. While there not the lines seen at other polling sites, voting was reportedly going strongly at the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center along Ind. 49 in Porter. "It's been kind of steady," said Poll Inspector Michelle Senderhauf. Nearly 70 people had voted at the site by 9 a.m., and voters seemed to be showing in groups, she said. Senderhauf was expecting to see a surge of voters near the end of the day as commuters arrive back at nearby South Shore Line commuter train station on their way home. At Valparaiso Public Library, the lobby was full of voters waiting to cast their ballots at 3:30 pm. Weve been pretty steady, inspector Brian Babcock said. When we opened the door, there was already 20 people ready to vote. People have been saying the line is moving g fairly well, judge Rick Boersma said. Babcock had some suggestions for improvements in future elections. In the spring, with a school referendum on the ballot as way as primary election candidates, the vote center had more machines. That would help, he said. He also suggested having poll workers wear the same color shirts so they can be more easily identified. Valparaiso University is offering substantial financial support to Ivy Tech students who plan to attend the university after finishing their two-year associate degree at the community college. Valparaiso University President Jose D. Padilla said the private Lutheran college is committed to providing opportunities for higher education for more scholars from across the Calumet Region. Along with my brothers, Chancellors (Aco) Sikoski and (Louie) Gonzalez, we have a responsibility to level the playing field for the hard-working people in Northwest Indiana who have accomplished so much at Ivy Tech, but may not have the means to complete a bachelors degree, Padilla said. The Chancellors Scholars are among the greatest investments Valparaiso University can make for the future of our region. We look forward to seeing these Ivy Beacons continue their success on our campus. The 20 recipients of the 2022 Chancellors Scholarship from Ivy Techs Lake County and Valparaiso campuses are guaranteed admission into Valparaiso University after they graduate from Ivy Tech. They will also get Valparaiso Universitys new Ivy Beacon Scholarship award, which will cover tuition and fees in conjunction with merit scholarships and gift aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Valparaiso University and Ivy Tech plan to formalize that arrangement for future scholarship recipients. This generous gift is now elevating our relationship with Valparaiso University to a new and exciting level and recognizes our students commitment to their academic achievements, said Gonzalez, chancellor of Ivy Tech Lake Countys sites. We are deeply grateful to President Padilla for honoring them in this unique and generous way. Its become more common for students to pursue a community college degree and then transfer their credits to a four-year institution as a way to manage student-loan debt and the overall expense of higher education. Valparaiso University aspires to help students from all backgrounds attain their academic goals, including by offering financial support to transfer students, Padilla said. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has recognized Valparaiso University as a transfer-friendly institution. The university just off U.S. 30 in Valparaiso seeks to work with partners like Ivy Tech to offer a top-tier education to students of any provenance. Thanks to President Padilla, our students can continue their world-class education with confidence as future graduates of Valparaiso University, said Sikoski, chancellor of Ivy Tech Valparaiso, Michigan City and La Porte sites. This offer confirms the intentionality of the partnership. For more information, visit valpo.edu/admission-aid/transfer/. Cornell University announced the temporary suspension of all fraternity parties and social events in a statement on Monday, following alerts from the schools Police Department over the weekend that one student was sexually assaulted and at least four others were drugged at off-campus residences affiliated with fraternities registered with the school. The move came after the Interfraternity Council, which oversees fraternities at Cornell, held an emergency meeting with staff on Sunday, according to the statement. The Cornell police said they were made aware on Nov. 4 of at least four students who said they drank little or no alcohol at off-campus parties in recent weeks but became incapacitated. The students told the officers they had been exposed to Rohypnol, the so-called date-rape drug. And on Sunday at around 4:45 a.m., another student reported that they had been sexually assaulted at another residence in the city, the police said. Cornell did not identify the gender of any of the victims. Follow our live coverage of the 2022 midterm elections for the latest news and updates. An unusually frenetic midterms election cycle in New York will come to an end on Tuesday, when voters across the state fill out their ballots in a number of competitive races that have the power to reshape the states political future. With Democrats anxiously trying to hold on to their thin majority in Congress and Republicans eager to take power, New York has become a key battleground, with a handful of races that could be key in determining control of the House of Representatives. The State Legislature is also being contested, with Republicans hoping to erase the Democrats supermajority, as are other statewide races including the re-election bid of Letitia James, the state attorney general. But perhaps no contest on New Yorks ballots has been more dramatic than the unexpectedly tight governors race. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat who took office 14 months ago, entered with a significant war chest and a sizable lead in polls. But her Republican challenger, Representative Lee Zeldin, has chipped away at Ms. Hochuls advantages, surprising Democrats in a liberal state that hasnt elected a Republican to statewide office since 2002. Theres something bizarre about this argument: As Assemblywoman Deborah Glick pointed out to me, Zeldin is telling pro-choice New Yorkers that we can rely on the Legislature to protect us from him. And while its true that Zeldin wouldnt be able to ban abortion anytime soon, there are many things, short of making abortions illegal, that a governor can do to make them harder to get. Zeldins strategy is similar to the one that Christine Drazan, the anti-abortion Republican with a decent chance of becoming governor of Oregon, is employing in her race. Both are trying to use Democrats success in passing state-level abortion protections against them, by arguing that these laws make their personal opposition to abortion moot. I will not change and could not change New Yorks abortion law, Zeldin said in one ad, while Drazan told Oregon Public Broadcasting that Roe is codified into Oregon law. Regardless of my personal opinions on abortion, as governor, I will follow the law. But when it comes to reproductive rights, the letter of the law isnt the only thing that matters. New York, for example, recently passed a statute that, among other things, prohibits law enforcement from cooperating with out-of-state prosecutors on most abortion cases. But whether a Governor Zeldin would be totally constrained by the law is unclear. He has promised to remove Manhattans district attorney, Alvin Bragg, from office, even though Bragg was elected last year with 84 percent of the vote, suggesting a willingness to push the limit of his authority. Oregon, meanwhile, has no such law, only a written commitment from the governor, the Democrat Kate Brown, to resist out-of-state legal actions over abortion. In both Oregon and New York, there are lots of administrative levers governors could pull to stymie reproductive health care. Zeldin has said it would be a great idea to appoint an anti-abortion health commissioner, a position with a lot of power in the state. Shortly after the draft of the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe was leaked in May, Hochul created the $25 million Abortion Provider Support Fund to help New York providers care for an expected influx of out-of-state patients, and allocated $10 million more to help clinics beef up their security. Zeldin would almost certainly do away with grants like these. Drazan has criticized a similar grant program in Oregon, referring derisively to the funding of abortion tourism. Virginia could also provide clues to the national mood of Black voters, whose tepid enthusiasm for Biden has worried Democrats. Sean Trende, a political analyst who served as a special master during Virginias redistricting process, suggested looking at the returns in Hampton City and Surry Counties to gain insight into how turnout among Black voters in both urban and rural areas is shaping up. A seven-point swing in Spanbergers district would also suggest that polls have been overstating Democrats support elsewhere. In that scenario, some Democratic governors might fall: Tony Evers in Wisconsin, Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan, even Tim Walz in Minnesota. It would signal that Republicans are likely to retake the Senate, where they need to flip just one seat. But, but, but With apologies to Tip ONeill, all politics is national now. But local factors unique demographics, strong and weak candidates, well-run and hapless campaigns still matter at the margins, where races are often won and lost. There are otherwise vulnerable Democrats like Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and Representative Chris Pappas of New Hampshire who might stave off defeat because they face flawed Republican opponents. In a wave year, though, even those seemingly fortunate Democrats might go down. If Marcy loses, we lose every single seat Trump won and probably every seat Biden won by 2 or less, said Brian Stryker, a Democratic pollster at Impact Research. Thats 14 seats. There are also comparatively strong Republican candidates elsewhere along the East Coast like Allan Fung, who could win an open seat in Rhode Island that Biden won by more than 14 points. And if George Logan, a Republican business executive, defeats Representative Jahana Hayes, a Democrat, in staunchly blue northwestern Connecticut, it would suggest that Republicans are persuading Democratic voters to break ranks. What if Luria loses and Spanberger wins, but just barely? Pour yourself a cup of coffee and settle in. Things are going to get interesting. In virtually every race, we rely on calls by The Associated Press, which employs a team of analysts, researchers and race callers who have a deep understanding of the states where they declare winners. In addition to overall vote totals, race callers pay attention to county-level votes, votes by type of ballot and areas where there are ballots left to count. In some tightly contested races, The Times independently evaluates A.P. race calls before declaring a winner. The A.P. describes its decision-making process as aimed at determining the answer to a single question: Can the trailing candidates catch the leader? And only when the answer is an unquestionable no will The A.P. call the race. Not every news organization gets its election results from The A.P. Other election results providers used by news organizations include Edison Research and Decision Desk HQ. Someone with access to video and audio recordings of the calls shared them with The Times. Several participants confirmed the materials authenticity. In a statement to The Times about her work, Ms. Mitchell said her network is about following the law and restoring the election process to one that is accurate, honest, and protects the secret ballot for all voters. Patrice Johnson, who sent the July invitation and oversees meetings of Michigan Fair Elections, referred requests for comment to Mr. Kaardal, who did not respond to queries. Ms. Kiesel said in an interview that she wanted to unify the United States through transparent and trusted elections. She said that although she attended some meetings she is not a member of the coalition. Election officials and governance experts say that if there is an erosion of trust in elections, Mr. Trump and his supporters are causing it. In Michigan, election officials say they are prepared for activists and lawyers to challenge close races in court by asking the judges to discard thousands of ballots in Democratic strongholds such as Detroit and Grand Rapids, and by filing lawsuits that seek to delay or block the certification of results. On one recent Zoom meeting, Mr. Kaardal spoke about plans to try to force the entire governors race to be rerun. Mr. Colbeck last week called for a full forensic audit a buzz word for the type of discredited, partisan examination of votes conducted in Arizona last year regardless of the outcome. WASHINGTON At the height of the chaos at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, two dozen members of the Oath Keepers militia met outside the building with their leader, Stewart Rhodes. When some of them reported that they had just come back from inside the Capitol, Mr. Rhodes was outraged, he testified in court on Monday. Taking the stand at his own sedition trial, he said that those who had gone inside the building that day had done so of their own accord and that he had never had a plan or had given any orders to go in. When I heard that they went in, he told the jury, I said, That was stupid. Testifying for a second day at the trial in Federal District Court in Washington, Mr. Rhodes sought to wash his hands of much of what the Oath Keepers did on Jan. 6, laying the blame on several of his colleagues. He told the jury that one of his co-defendants, Kelly Meggs, who went inside the Capitol with others in the group, had gone off mission. In her first televised interview since her husband, Paul Pelosi, was violently attacked, Speaker Nancy Pelosi described the first terrifying moments after she learned from the Capitol Police what had happened inside their San Francisco home on Oct. 28, and said that the traumatic episode would affect her decision about her political future. I never thought it would be Paul, Ms. Pelosi, 82, appearing visibly emotional, said in a sit-down interview with Anderson Cooper that aired on CNN on Monday night. When Mr. Cooper asked if she had made a decision on whether to retire if Democrats lose the House, Ms. Pelosi said that her decision would be affected by the attack, but she did not specify how. Ms. Pelosi said that on the morning of the attack, she was asleep at her home in Washington when she heard the doorbell ringing and knocking on her door. VANDALIA, Ohio On the climactic, final night of the 2022 midterm campaigns, Donald J. Trump hosted a rally to help lift a Senate hopeful in Ohio and instead grabbed the spotlight entirely for himself. In a windy oration on a chilly airport tarmac outside Dayton, Mr. Trump spent the vast majority of his time talking about his four years as president, the multiple investigations he has survived, the handful of new investigations he is now facing, and, once again, a drawn-out tease about his plan to probably-potentially-in-all-likelihood announce a third campaign for president. This time, however, he named the date and place. Im going to be making a very big announcement on Nov. 15 at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, he said in the final minutes of his 100-minute speech. Mr. Trump has never been one to share the stage for very long, and, to be sure, the vast majority of men and women who waited hours for his jet to taxi to a halt and disgorge the former president did so in order to see him more than to hear J.D. Vance, the Republican Senate candidate in the state, urge them to the polls. ATHENS Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on Monday that Greece would ban the sale of spyware, after his government was accused in a news report of targeting dozens of prominent politicians, journalists and businessmen for surveillance, and the judicial authorities began an investigation. The announcement is the latest chapter in a scandal that erupted over the summer, when Mr. Mitsotakis conceded that Greeces state intelligence service had been monitoring an opposition party leader with a traditional wiretap last year. That revelation came after the politician discovered that he had also been targeted with a spyware program known as Predator. The Greek government said the wiretap was legal but never specified the reasons for it, and Mr. Mitsotakis said it was done without his knowledge. The government has also asserted that it does not own or use the Predator spyware, and has insisted that the simultaneous targeting with a wiretap and Predator was a coincidence. Mr. Mitsotakis has rejected allegations that he was personally running a Predator spyware scheme. Its an unbelievable lie, he said. He insisted that Greeces intelligence service was not using Predator, but said someone outside the government might be. Today, they blew up the power poles, so we have no light and no water, he added. While state media in Russia said that Ukrainian shelling had damaged the power lines, Yaroslav Yanushevych, the exiled Ukrainian head of the Kherson regional military administration, blamed Russian troops. The Russian forces have also placed mines around water towers in Beryslav, Mr. Yanushevych said, referring to a town less than 50 miles from Kherson city and just north of a critical dam near the front lines of the fighting. Ukrainian officials say that Russians, who have told civilians to evacuate, fear that those left behind could feed intelligence to the advancing Ukrainian forces or sabotage the Russian military. The Kremlin-appointed governor of the region has warned that any civilians still there could be treated as hostile. Some 250,000 people lived in the city before the war. Ukrainian activists estimate that 30,000 to 60,000 people remain, but it is impossible to know how accurate such guesses are. Last month, the occupation authorities ordered the evacuation of civilians from the west side of the river. They sent thousands of them eastward, to territory that is held more firmly by Russia, while blocking routes into Ukrainian-controlled areas. The government installed by Moscow also departed, while looting the city, according to residents and Ukrainian officials. Some Ukrainian officials and residents say the civilian evacuation was a pretext for forced deportations. Others say it was about clearing space for newly mobilized Russian troops. Losing Kherson would be a major blow to the Kremlin. When Russian forces stormed across the Antonivsky Bridge over the Dnipro River in March and into Kherson city, a major port and a former shipbuilding center, it marked their biggest success of the early days of the war. Mr. Putin hoped to use the wider Kherson region as a bridgehead for a drive farther west, to the port city of Odesa, but that effort failed. First came the mariachi band, a flame-juggling dancer and the models in bathing suits and ball gowns sauntering beside the pool of a Miami mansion. Then the spectacle began. A businessman who built his wealth on waves of speculation riding the dot-com surge in the 1990s, and then the rapid growth of Bitcoin in recent years popped a drawing out of its frame that he heralded as a page from Frida Kahlos personal diary. Wearing a sequined blazer with the artists portrait on his back, he pinned the picture to a martini glass filled with blue rubbing alcohol. It was set aflame, and the artwork was reduced to ashes. Attendees at the opulent July gathering, which was captured in a promotional video, had been notified that the drawing was being transformed to live eternally in the digital realm through the creation of nonfungible tokens that represented the rebirth & immortality of a timeless piece. Those who chose to buy an NFT with the Ethereum cryptocurrency were promised exclusive access to events and the assurance that 30 percent of the proceeds would go toward charitable causes. This was supposed to be a time of celebration for Daniel Barenboim. A renowned pianist and a titan among the worlds conductors, he was scheduled to lead a highly anticipated new cycle of Wagners Ring this fall at the Berlin State Opera, a herculean undertaking seven years in the making. He had expected to take that companys orchestra, which he has led for three decades, on tour in Asia. And he had planned to perform works by Chopin and Beethoven at a concert in Berlin for his 80th birthday on Nov. 15. Instead, Barenboim has been sidelined by illness which he has described as a serious neurological condition forcing him to cancel those plans along with months of other scheduled engagements. Once one of classical musics busiest performers, he now finds himself, on doctors orders, largely confined to his home in Berlin. He has cut back on his study of musical scores, his friends say, and he plays the piano less frequently. The absence of Barenboim, a towering figure in classical music for decades, has brought into focus his singular stature and power. Many of the institutions he leads, including the Staatskapelle Berlin (the pit ensemble of the State Opera) and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which became internationally renowned ensembles under his direction, have scrambled to find to find substitutes as they wrestle with the uncertainty of his condition. He is scheduled to return to the podium in late December, but his friends and colleagues worry that illness may prevent him from keeping up the frenzied calendar he once relished. Hes not very happy at all to see a figure like him weakened in any way, said Antonio Pappano, the music director of the Royal Opera House in London and a Barenboim protege. It doesnt compute somehow. Hes a dragon slayer. Always has been. So its very unusual. Rarely does an author pull off a pivot as head-spinning as the one Gabrielle Blair made between her first book and her second. Design Mom (2015) is a room-by-room guide to living with children, featuring aspirational photography, tips for decluttering a mudroom and gentle reminders not to skew too highbrow in the Lego phase of life. Now the 48-year-old mother of six is back with Ejaculate Responsibly, a 28-point treatise focusing on the role men play in procreation. Currently, conversations about abortion are entirely centered on women on womens bodies, and whether women have the right to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, writes Blair. Her ideas grew out of a Twitter thread fired off in 2018 when she was tired of hearing male politicians grandstand about abortion. Disciples of Blairs home renovation content were right there with her. In a phone interview, Blair explained her embrace of the unsexy, unpopular word ejaculate, which until now has mostly been confined to high school health classrooms. (Cant you picture it on the blackboard, scrawled in yellow chalk?) Its a lot of syllables. It isnt turning anyone on, she said. Its the least sexy way to talk about sex. Blair was aware that her books title might disqualify her from the morning television circuit, but she stood her ground because I feel like it captures in two words this singular focus: If we radically reduce irresponsible ejaculations, then well radically reduce unwanted pregnancies, which will radically reduce abortions. On the day her book came out, Blair was going about her business at home in Normandy, France (she moved from Oakland, Calif., three years ago), when she started getting messages telling her that Ejaculate Responsibly had been featured in a segment on CBS Mornings. My publicity team had no idea it was going to happen, she recalled. And it was a man presenting, which was even better because these ideas can be hard for men to hear. They dont want a lecture from middle-aged Gabby. Herman Daly, who for more than 50 years argued that the economic gospel of growth as synonymous with prosperity and progress was fundamentally, and dangerously, flawed because it ignored its associated costs, especially the depletion of natural resources and the pollution it engenders, died on Oct. 28 in Richmond, Va. He was 84. The death, at a hospital, was caused by a brain hemorrhage, his daughter Karen Daly Junker said. Dr. Daly, an ecological economist, was almost surely his fields chief popularizer through his more than a dozen books and many journal articles, his faculty positions at the University of Maryland and, earlier, Louisiana State University, and his somewhat incongruous six-year stint at the World Bank. Although he was branded a heretic for his theories or, worse, ignored among traditional economists, he had plenty of adherents, who saw him as prophetic for anticipating climate changes increasingly harmful impact and the vast sums of money needed to address it. His ideas are really relevant now, unlike most other economists, whose ideas tend to lose relevance as time passes and circumstances change, Peter A. Victor, an ecological economist and the author of the 2021 biography Herman Dalys Economics for a Full World, said in a phone interview. Lucid Group, an electric car company that has struggled to ramp up manufacturing, said on Tuesday that it had reached agreements to raise up to $1.5 billion, shoring up its financial position as it works to streamline and expand its production operations. The company said in a regulatory filing that it planned to sell up to $600 million in new shares through Bank of America, Barclays Capital and Citi. It also said it reached an agreement to sell up to $915 million in stock to the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, which already owns a majority of Lucids stock. Shares of Lucid were down about 12 percent in after-hours trading on Tuesday following the disclosure of its plans in the securities filing. The companys stock was trading at just under $12, down from more than $50 last November. Separately on Tuesday, Lucid said that it had lost $670 million in the third quarter, compared with a loss of $524 million in the same period a year earlier. The company said it had significantly increased production in the third quarter. The Biden administration wants corporations to fund renewable energy projects in developing countries in a way that allows the companies to count resulting cuts in greenhouse gases against their own climate goals. John Kerry, President Bidens climate envoy, intends to announce on Wednesday a program that his advisers say could inject tens of billions of private dollars into the economies of developing countries struggling to replace coal, oil and gas with wind, solar and other renewable power. The program, known in climate circles as a carbon offset plan, is the product of months of discussions between Mr. Kerry and major corporations as well as philanthropic groups like the Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, according to several people involved in the talks who were not authorized to discuss them publicly. We need to increase finance by orders of magnitude from what it is now, said Nathaniel Keohane, the president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, an environmental group that is supporting the plan. SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt Hello from the United Nations-led international climate talks at a sprawling convention center here on the shores of the Red Sea. As I write this, we are in the third day of a conference thats supposed to go on until Nov. 18, but could go on longer if the parties cant agree. By parties, I mean the parties to the U.N. climate change convention all 197 countries who have signed on to it, which is why this is called the 27th Conference of Parties to the convention, or COP27. By agree, I mean reach a consensus about what steps they will take to address the existential global challenge of climate change. Its a crucial moment. We are roughly midway between 2015, the year the Paris agreement came together to avert the worst climate hazards, and 2030, the deadline by which the global economy must pivot away from the unchecked burning of fossil fuels in order to avert those hazards, according to the latest scientific consensus. Theres been some significant progress. The world was on track to heat up by 4 degrees Celsius on average by 2100 before the Paris Agreement was signed, and we are now on track to warm up by 2.1 to 2.9 degrees Celsius. Thats still very bad. That much extra heat in the atmosphere, scientists say, is a recipe for far more severe heat waves, sea level rise and devastating storms than what weve seen already. Follow our live coverage of the COP27 Climate Summit in Egypt. SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt For 30 years, developing nations have been calling for industrialized countries to provide compensation for the costs of devastating storms and droughts caused by climate change. For just as long, rich nations that have generated the pollution that is dangerously heating the planet have resisted those calls. At the United Nations climate summit last year, only Scotland, the host country, committed $2.2 million for whats known as loss and damage. But this week, the dam may have begun to break. On Sunday, negotiators from developing countries succeeded in placing the matter on the formal agenda of this years climate summit, known as COP27, or the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties. The addition of loss and damage on the agenda is a significant achievement, and one that we have been fighting for for many years, Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, said on Tuesday. We have a moral and just cause. The Jewish deli is such a defining part of New York City that it might as well be the very air we breathe (along with pizza, dim sum, Trinidadian doubles and curbside halal). On Friday, an exhibit about just that arrives at the New-York Historical Society on the Upper West Side. Ill Have What Shes Having: The Jewish Deli is by all indications the most sweeping survey of this culinary institution attempted by a major museum, Adam Nagourney wrote in The Times when the show made its debut in Los Angeles this summer. The current state of the Jewish deli in New York City is shaky, given the closings of Stage Deli (2012), Carnegie Deli (2016), Fine & Schapiro (2020) and others. But there are still enough of them to overwhelm even the most determined diner, so I reached out to Jeffrey Yoskowitz, a co-author of The Gefilte Manifesto: New Recipes for Old World Jewish Foods and a self-styled deli obsessive. Heres what he had to say. If, like many New Yorkers with a taste for Tibetan food, you are used to finding your momos and shapaley at the top of rickety staircases, or behind cellphone stores, or in the backs of gift shops, your first trip to Nha Sang in Elmhurst, Queens, may come as something of a shock. Nha Sang is almost certainly the grandest and most elaborately designed Tibetan restaurant in the city. Behind doors decked with Tibetan prayer flags is a double-height modern space, painted nutmeg brown, with more than 100 seats on the ground floor and slightly fewer in a glassed-in balcony. The dark wood tables and tall simulated-leather chairs look as if they are waiting to welcome an annual meeting of regional sales managers in the conference center of a recently opened Embassy Suites. They are, in fact, more likely to be taken over by Buddhist monks in cranberry robes or by large, intergenerational families, the youngest children tearing off strips of steamed dough from fist-size braids of tingmo before shakily passing the bread to their grandparents. Big groups like this are often seated against one wall, on a long bench covered with carpets and cushions woven in traditional Tibetan patterns. Running above this bench is a backlighted transparency of Lhasa, a panoramic view of the capital citys palaces and temples rising from the two-mile-high Tibetan Plateau. How do you think about election coverage on the Politics desk? I inherited a smaller but terrific group of reporters, but our department had to be rebuilt and bolstered for the midterms. We also had to do something that was not familiar, which was to engineer our desk both to handle classic political reporting covering candidates, elections and campaigns and to cover the threats and challenges to the system and the questions about the health of our democracy. How has the coverage shifted as the midterms got closer? Certainly theres been an acceleration, and weve been running pretty hot since September. Weve wanted to give our readers who are really obsessive about politics the assurance that were on top of it. So alongside our most ambitious stories, were also delivering shorter pieces and even sentence-long updates, multiple times a day from a large cast of reporters out in the field. In the final days of an election, the whole newsroom really kicks into gear. I feel like Im one of the people on the bridge of an enormous battleship. Youve got editors above and alongside you who know how to do this extremely well and can offer pointers and spot gaps in the coverage. Youve got reporters at the top of their game with ideas spilling over, on the ground all over the country. The Graphics and Photo and Video teams are delivering fabulous visuals that help readers understand things at a glance. Our correspondents on the National desk and in the Washington bureau are contributing; the Metro desk is fully engaged because of the governors race and congressional races in the New York area. And many more departments are pitching in. None of these races can be taken for granted because of the nature of the political environment. Its a coast-to-coast, whole-of-the-newsroom, all-hands moment. Its really inspiring and exciting to be part of. Does that match your expectations of how you viewed the job before you started? People warned me that it would be intense, but its hard to really appreciate that until its happening around you. As a foreign correspondent, I was running a small bureau of a handful of people and covering basically one story at a time. Early in my career, I covered governors races and Senate races in New Jersey, which is about the size of Israel. And so for me, the three elections I covered in Israel felt a lot like campaigns in New Jersey. Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Jeffrey E. Epstein who for years maintained that the law professor Alan Dershowitz had sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager, settled a defamation lawsuit against Mr. Dershowitz on Tuesday and said that she might have made a mistake in accusing him. In a joint statement announcing the settlement, Ms. Giuffre said, I have long believed that I was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein to Alan Dershowitz. However, I was very young at the time, it was a very stressful and traumatic environment, and Mr. Dershowitz has from the beginning consistently denied these allegations. I now recognize I may have made a mistake in identifying Mr. Dershowitz, her statement said. The joint statement announced the end of litigation between Ms. Giuffre and Mr. Dershowitz who had also sued her as well as of two other lawsuits between Mr. Dershowitz and the lawyer David Boies that stemmed from Ms. Giuffres accusation. Ms. Giuffre had sued Mr. Dershowitz on the grounds that he had made defamatory statements about her after her accusation. Her lawyer would not comment on the statement but confirmed that the settlement had been reached. A document confirming that Ms. Giuffre had agreed to dismiss her case was filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan Tuesday afternoon. You might be OK for a few weeks and then suddenly youre not sleeping, and youre having two glasses of wine instead of one, she said. When you focus on what you need to do, that will get you through. In those moments, its the family, its the members, its the city that needs someone to say, This is what happened. You understand that its something bigger than you. The only child of a telephone company worker and a public-school teacher, Ms. Kavanagh grew up near San Francisco. At her swearing-in, she stood across from her mother, who held a white Bible, a gift from the commissioners Italian grandmother, who died in the early days of the pandemic. Ms. Kavanagh has woven herself into New York, moving to the city about 20 years ago, living in all five boroughs and working in political campaigns, including former Mayor Bill de Blasios. She earned a masters in public administration from Columbia University, and held several high-ranking positions at the department before ascending to commissioner. Unlike Mr. Nigro, she did not come up through the ranks as a firefighter or emergency service worker, although not every commissioner has. During her time at the department, Ms. Kavanagh says she has been to all 39 emergency medical service stations and most of the 218 firehouses. She visited many early in the pandemic as first deputy, when hundreds of emergency services workers tested positive for the coronavirus while trying to keep New Yorkers alive. Meeting with employees one-on-one came more naturally to her than being a public figure. Ms. Kavanagh said she was so introverted as a child, she almost did not get into kindergarten because she was too shy to speak with school administrators. She has practiced public speaking for years and adjusted to being on camera. More recently, she has become used to being recognized in public, even when she is wearing a ball cap and jeans. Her shyness engendered a love of reading. She prefers novels Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee, is one of her recent favorites but she has also devoured dozens of nonfiction books on the Fire Department. She was particularly moved by A Widows Walk, a memoir by Marian Fontana, whose firefighter husband died on Sept. 11, 2001. JERUSALEM Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist for the left-wing newspaper Haaretz, was appalled last week after the Israeli electorate gave a far-right alliance nearly 11 percent of the vote, making it the third-largest parliamentary bloc in the Knesset. He called the bloc leader, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a fascist, a description that fits a man who once kept a portrait of the Israeli terrorist Baruch Goldstein in his living room. But Pfeffer is also keeping a sense of perspective. Its awful that 11 percent of Israelis voted for these people, he told me as we made our way to a relaxed lunch in the village of Ein Kerem on Saturday. Now tell me: What percentage of the French voted for Marine Le Pens fascists? The answer is 41 percent. When it comes to the drift of democratic politics toward the far right whether its in France, Italy, Sweden or the United States Israel remains a laggard. Thats a point worth bearing in mind amid the hand-wringing, here and abroad, about the state and character of Israels democracy. The country has had five elections since 2019, a function of an evenly split electorate and unstable coalition politics. It has returned Benjamin Netanyahu for his third turn as prime minister, a testament both to his political gifts and to his appetite for power. Israelis are tired of going to the polls, though 71 percent of the electorate still turned up to vote last week. And unlike in the United States, pretty much everyone accepts the official results. In The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, Karl Marx famously observed, Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please; they do not make it under self-selected circumstances, but under circumstances existing already, given and transmitted from the past. Our choices are shaped, and even bound, by the histories and institutions we inhabit. And yet theyre still our choices. We are moral agents, responsible for our decisions, even if we cant fully escape the matrix in which we make them. And yet so much of the conversation about the modern Republican Party assumes the opposite: that Republican politicians are impossibly bound to the needs and desires of their coalition and unable to resist its demands. Many too many political observers speak as if Republican leaders and officials had no choice but to accept Donald Trump into the fold, no choice but to apologize for his every transgression, no choice but to humor his attempt to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election and now no choice but to embrace election-denying candidates around the country. But thats nonsense. For all the pressures of the base, for all the fear of Trump and his gift for ridicule, for all the demands of the donor class, it is also true that at every turn, Republicans in Washington and elsewhere have made an active and affirmative choice to embrace the worst elements of their party and jettison the norms and values that make democracy work for the sake of their narrow political and ideological objectives. With the holidays approaching, have you thought about how youll accommodate all of your guests when they come for dinner? If youre expecting a big crowd, a small table with four chairs wont cut it unless youre OK with asking people to stand while they eat. But, if you have enough space for a monstrous table capable of seating more than a dozen people, it can feel disconcertingly large and lonely the rest of the year. The best solution for a dining space that works for dinners big and small? Design it with flexibility in mind, by considering how the seating options can expand and contract. So many times, my clients say, Oh, you have to do the dining room so it can sit 16 people, said Vicente Wolf, an interior designer in New York. My first question is always, How often do you need that? Why spend the money, take up the space and create this environment where you look in and its never inviting for dinner on a daily basis? Conservationists who patrol the beaches during the brief migratory stopover each May say the number of birds has declined to a critical level because they cant find enough food. The knots depend on crab eggs to regain weight after a long-distance migration that, for some, begins in southern Argentina. Without an adequate supply of horseshoe crab eggs, conservationists say, many birds will not be able to breed or will die en route to their breeding grounds in Arctic Canada. Horseshoe crabs are also used by the biomedical industry for L.A.L., an extract of crab blood is put toward the detection of bacteria in medical products. The number of crabs taken by the so-called bleeding companies is not published for competitive reasons and is not part of the commissions proposal. Opponents of the commissions plan argue that it is using inaccurate models that overestimate populations of crabs and knots, and that earlier declines in knots alongside higher crab harvests prove how reliant the birds are on this particular food source. Despite that history and the fact that both remain depleted, they are now assuming there is very little relationship between the two, said Timothy Preso, managing attorney of the biodiversity defense program at Earthjustice, a nonprofit law firm that is representing the conservation groups. We hope that A.S.M.F.C. will pause and take a reset on this because there are some big questions they have to answer. Mr. Preso also said the public had not been able to examine the commissions plan because the U.S. Geological Survey has not released specific details of the model. A spokesman for the Geological Survey, Jason Burton, said the agency was reviewing requests for more information from Earthjustice. Mr. Preso added that the commissions plan to lift the harvesting restrictions could be a violation of the Endangered Species Act. DETROIT President Donald J. Trump and other Republicans who have advanced baseless conspiracy theories about Democrats stealing elections seized on a limited computer glitch in Detroit on Tuesday, suggesting it was evidence of fraud. Some voters in Detroit arrived at the polls in the morning to find that, Because of what the city called a harmless data error, electronic poll books showed they had already been issued absentee ballots. Poll workers informed them that they could still cast ballots at the polling sites and that their votes would be counted, according to election officials. The voters were also assured that the city clerks office has put procedures in place to ensure all voters can cast a ballot and each voter only casts one ballot. City officials said the error was resolved by 9:30 a.m. Nonetheless, Kristina Karamo, the Republican secretary of state candidate in Michigan, posted on her Twitter account a news report with a video of a polling place at Nolan Elementary-Middle School in Detroit where the issue cropped up. She claimed the problems were evidence of fraud. Mr. Trump also weighed in on his Truth Social account, calling the absentee ballot situation in Detroit really bad. People are showing up to Vote only to be told, sorry, you have already voted, Mr. Trump wrote, making errors in punctuation. This is happening in large numbers, elsewhere as well. Protest, Protest, Protest. In an evening news conference, Michigans secretary of state, Jocelyn Benson, who is running against Ms. Karamo, said the issue was the kind of technical glitch that arises and gets addressed immediately in well-run elections and thats precisely what we did today. There are always things that can potentially be seized upon, Ms. Benson said. Its a political strategy some have chosen to pursue. We all need to start seeing clearly what it is. Republicans, including Ms. Karamo, have organized in Michigan ahead of the election to raise possible evidence of fraud that could be used later to challenge results. Ms. Karamo was the plaintiff in a lawsuit against the city of Detroit that could have disenfranchised 60,000 absentee voters in the city. A judge on Friday rejected the suit and said was full of baseless allegations. Voter protection hotline monitors say they began to notice the glitch in the morning through calls and observations from monitors in polling places. The voters were still all given a way to vote, they said. Kate Mason, an election protection coordinator with the nonprofit Michigan United, said she saw no sign of election tampering. People try to make it into a big conspiracy thing but its not, she said. Its just a computer glitch that caused the e-polling books to not work properly. Quentin Turner, of Common Cause Michigan, agreed: There is no evidence any fraud occurred. Voting was largely smooth in Michigan, elections officials and monitors said. At one polling place in Ann Arbor, a person serving as a poll challenger repeatedly tried to file invalid challenges against voters for a while, while in a polling place in Detroit another individual told some voters they looked ineligible to vote, according to the Secretary of States office. These situations were isolated and resolved, the office said. In Dearborn some poll monitors and a poll worker said that a Republican poll challenger went to a few polling locations and asked numerous questions of poll workers that were disruptive. Some of the questions were based on misconceptions about voting machines. At a counting center in downtown Detroit that became the center of turmoil two years ago, the count was going on without problems through the closure of polls. Detroits Department of Elections said in a statement that when the polls opened, election inspectors in some precincts had received messages on the electronic poll-book screen saying that the ballot number had already been issued to an absentee ballot voter. This message does not mean that the voter who was issued an absent voter ballot was attempting to vote, the statement said. The problem stemmed from the fact that some precinct voters were given numbers identical to those used for ballots sent to absent voters, the city elections department said. The system flagged the duplicate ballot numbers and issued the error message. In all circumstances eligible voters were able to vote, the city said. The city elections officials said the problem was fixed by adding a letter to the precinct ballot numbers to distinguish them from the absent voter ballots. There was no risk of duplicate ballots, the city said, because safeguards preventing a voter from voting on more than one ballot were still in place. At Nolan Elementary-Middle School, the scene of the report that Ms. Karamo posted on Twitter, voting was running smoothly during a visit in the afternoon. The neighborhood is overwhelmingly Black and Democratic. There were no issues at all, said Cecil Weems, 44, as he was walking out of the gymnasium after voting. Ryan Hooper contributed reporting. SAN FRANCISCO A judge on Monday denied Elizabeth Holmess requests for a new trial, paving the way for the entrepreneur to be sentenced next week for defrauding investors and potentially sent to prison later this month. Ms. Holmes, who was convicted in January on four counts of wire fraud and conspiracy while running her blood testing start-up, Theranos, has spent the intervening months trying to change her fate. She had filed three requests for a new trial based on newly acquired evidence. But in an order on Monday, Judge Edward J. Davila of U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California rejected the requests and said they did not meet the bar for a new trial. Ms. Holmes, 38, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 18. Each fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, which would most likely be served concurrently. Another group of families said they had decided to leave their village of Chervonoblahodatne, on the eastern side of the Kherson region, when Chechen members of the Russian National Guard had occupied it a week earlier. They moved into empty houses, said Lyudmyla, 40. The troops set up checkpoints and began searching residents, and shooting and shelling began, she said. You could not go out because of the shooting. Russian troops have increasingly sought shelter in residential areas and private homes across the region as well as in the embattled city of Kherson as Ukrainian forces have targeted the schools and administrative buildings they had used as bases. Many of those fleeing complained that Russian troops used civilians as cover from Ukrainian fire, or even were carrying out the shelling themselves on villages and then blaming it on the Ukrainian army. A few even said they welcomed the increasingly intense bombardment of Russian positions by the Ukrainian forces. Amid the confusion and conflicting information, most said their sense was that under pressure from the Ukrainians, Russian troops were on the retreat in the Kherson region, territory Russia has occupied since the spring. They are not just leaving, they are running away, Vladimir, 38, a builder from Kherson city, said with a grin. In the city itself, the Russian authorities have evacuated all members of the police force and national guard, as well as people who worked with the Russian administration, he said. From the top of the great pyramid of the ancient Maya city of Calakmul in the southern Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, you can see all the way to Guatemala. The jungle stretches out infinitely in every direction, an ocean of green punctuated only by the stepped pyramid peaks of two other Maya temples. When I was there in March, there were hardly any other visitors. Calakmul was once one of the largest and most powerful cities of the Maya world, but now it stands in ruins, hours from the nearest urban center and enveloped by the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, one of the biggest swaths of unbroken tropical forest in the Americas. It was early evening, and the black howler monkeys were waking up. From under the forest canopy came the guttural, trash-compactor roar of the loudest land animal in the world, one of many endangered species that live here, along with pumas, toucans, spider monkeys and coati-mundis. Perhaps most crucially, the jungle of Calakmul is home to the highest concentration of jaguars in Mexico. This should not come as a huge surprise: Political surveys are surely more appealing to political junkies, who tend to vote and hold ideologically consistent views. But the magnitude of the differences was striking: The share of mail respondents who said they were moderate was more than 12 points higher in the mail survey than in the Times/Siena poll, with both liberals and conservatives representing a smaller share of the telephone sample. Similarly, the share of people who said they were absolutely certain to vote in November was higher in the telephone poll than in the mail survey. There are countless such examples in the data, from how often they take surveys to how closely they follow the news. Social engagement Another major difference between the two surveys was how much respondents appeared to like engaging and interacting with strangers. The people who took the telephone survey, for instance, were likelier to say they wanted to have a job that involved working with people, as opposed to working with their hands or on a computer. And the voters who took the mail survey were likelier to own or say they considered getting a no trespassing or no solicitation sign. The respondents to the typical telephone survey were 10 percentage points likelier to say they hadnt considered putting up such a sign; Republicans had a commanding lead among those who had. Perhaps relatedly, the survey found a wide gap on preferences about immigration: 47 percent of respondents to the mail survey said undocumented immigrants should be deported back to their home country, compared with 38 percent in the Times/Siena poll. Hours before voting began in this Northern Arizona college town, Nina Swidler went over some final notes for her team working an election in the shadow of conspiracy theories and threats. She told them: Arrive at 5 a.m. on Tuesday. Dont put your coffee cup near election materials, or let voters wander away with the pens. And report any security problems. If I cant break it up, I call 911, said Ms. Swidler, a retired archaeologist whose mother once hosted polling locations inside the family garage in Southern California, and who has worked on Election Days for nearly 30 years. This Election Day, the brigades of retirees, grandparents and other civic-minded poll workers who hand out ballots and I Voted stickers now find themselves on the front lines of the countrys seething battle over election fraud and democracy itself. Voter fraud is exceedingly rare in the United States, but that did not stop the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, also a Republican, from establishing one of the first state agencies in the country solely dedicated to election crimes and voter fraud. Earlier this year, the state gave the office of election crimes and security a $1.1 million budget, 15 employees and the authority to assist with complaints, initiate inquiries or conduct preliminary investigations into allegations of election law violations or irregularities. The office, housed within the Department of State, also oversees a voter fraud hotline. Critics say it duplicates work previously handled by the secretary of state, Department of Law Enforcement and attorney general. In August, Mr. DeSantis announced that about 20 people out of the more than 11 million who voted had been charged with casting illegal ballots in the 2020 election. They were all felons convicted of murder or sex offenses who were barred by law from casting ballots. But the violations appeared inadvertent, with police body camera footage showing the people puzzled when officers showed up to arrest some of them. In Florida, a conviction of voter fraud requires proof of intent. Already, a judge in Miami has dropped the charges against one of the 20. MIAMI Floridas Republican secretary of state has rejected a request from the Justice Department to place federal monitors inside polling sites in three of the states most populous counties, a move federal officials say could erode protections for minority and disabled voters. On Monday, the Republican secretary of state in Missouri blocked a similar request to deploy monitors inside sites in Cole County, which includes the state capital, Jefferson City, over concerns some locations did not provide adequate access under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Justice Department is monitoring polling sites at 64 localities in 24 states to guard against violations of federal voting rights laws on Election Day. That is an increase of six states over the 2020 election, when the department dispatched monitors to polling stations in 44 cities and counties with documented histories of violations. No federal monitors were stationed inside polling stations in 2020: The department, then run by Trump administration appointees, decided that the risk posed by the Covid-19 pandemic endangered voters and lawyers. Instead, they positioned monitors outside. Voters will elect governors in 36 states on Tuesday, including in a handful of races that will determine the fate of voting access and abortion rights. The contests with the highest stakes are in key presidential battleground states: Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. These races feature Republicans who question or deny the results of the 2020 election, running against Democrats who are incumbents or have defended their states voting procedures. There are also tight races in Kansas and Nevada, where Democratic incumbents are fighting for re-election in what has become a difficult political environment. And in Oregon, the Democratic candidate, Tina Kotek, is facing headwinds over rampant homelessness in Portland as well as a third candidate, a centrist independent, who is likely to siphon off votes from her. Democratic incumbents are favored to win but hardly guaranteed in Maine, Michigan and New Mexico, while in Georgia, polls suggest that Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, is likely to hold off a challenge from Stacey Abrams, the Democrat he narrowly defeated in 2018. Ranked-choice voting, when voters list candidates in order of preference instead of casting a single ballot, has the potential this election season to shake up the two party system in the United States. Commonly used by cities including New York City, for its 2021 Democratic primary for mayor ranked-choice voting is gaining popularity around the United States as a statewide option. This year, Nevada is deciding at the polls whether to join Maine and Alaska, which adopted ranked-choice in 2021, in using it to conduct future elections. The benefits of ranked-choice, which is sometimes called instant-runoff voting because people vote only once, are plentiful, proponents say. By giving voters more selections, ranked-choice aims to diminish the likelihood of voting along party lines, reducing polarization. If voters recognize that their vote would go toward their next choice if their preferred candidate is eliminated, the system ultimately produces a winner who satisfies more of the electorate. And because it removes the binary choice of voting for only one candidate, ranked-choice incentivizes candidates to build broader backing so they could appeal to their rivals supporters. Dozens of Ukrainian troops recently completed training in Norway on how to operate and maintain the system. The first two NASAMS delivered to Kyiv are now in use, but the number of launchers included in each of them is unclear. This weapon generally falls into what militaries call a medium-range air defense system, able to hit targets at greater distances than weapons like the shoulder-fired Stinger missile the Pentagon has provided Ukraine, but with less range than larger and more expensive ones like the Patriot missile system. So while NASAMS can shoot down drones, helicopters, jets and cruise missiles, it is not considered effective against ballistic missiles of the type Russia is reportedly trying to purchase from Iran. Its an advanced system, more modern than what Ukraine has now, said Ian Williams, the deputy director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank based in Washington. It will allow them to defend larger sites, places like critical infrastructure, and the batteries the launchers themselves can be spread out over quite a big area, he said. A single battery cant defend everywhere, but it will allow them to beef up defenses at certain critical sites that need protection, including around electrical infrastructure. The launcher is capable of firing four different American-made missiles, Mr. Williams said, including the heat-seeking AIM-9X Sidewinder and the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, which has a radar that can home in on airborne threats about 30 miles away. Additionally, it can identify targets approaching from any direction, Mr. Williams said. These missiles are among the most commonly purchased by the air forces of the United States, NATO countries and other partners, with tens of thousands of each in circulation. Several hours before polls opened on Tuesday for Election Day in Florida, former President Donald J. Trump warned the states governor, Ron DeSantis, against mounting a challenge to Mr. Trumps own anticipated presidential candidacy in the 2024 election cycle. If he runs, he runs, Mr. Trump said of Mr. DeSantis to a handful of reporters traveling with him on his private plane recently refurbished and put back into use after a rally Monday night in Dayton, Ohio. But Mr. Trump added, in remarks published on Tuesday by The Wall Street Journal, If he did run, I will tell you things about him that wont be very flattering. I know more about him than anybody other than perhaps his wife, who is really running his campaign. The former president, preparing to announce a rare candidacy for the White House after a defeat, was thus openly threatening to smear the person who would be considered his leading rival, should he choose to run. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court struggled on Tuesday to decide whether Pennsylvania can require corporations to consent to being sued in its courts by anyone, for conduct anywhere as a condition of doing business in the state. Only Pennsylvania has such a law. But if the court rules that it is constitutional, other states will most likely enact similar ones, giving injured consumers, workers and others more choices about where to sue and subjecting corporations to suits in courts they may view as hostile to business. The case, Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway, No. 21-1168, was brought by Robert Mallory, a Virginia man who says he developed cancer from exposure to toxic chemicals while working in Virginia and Ohio for the Norfolk Southern Railway Company, which was based and incorporated in Virginia. The question in the case is whether he can sue in a third state with no concrete connection to the suit Pennsylvania. The Supreme Court has long said that corporations may be sued where they are incorporated or where their headquarters are. And they may be sued in particular cases if the plaintiffs claims are related to the defendants contacts with the state. Voting could already be difficult for those with disabilities. About 17.7 million reported voting in the November 2020 election, according to a report by the Program for Disability Research at Rutgers University and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Eleven percent of them, or nearly two million people, reported that they had some difficulty voting in that election almost double the rate of people without disabilities. The right to vote privately and independently was enshrined 20 years ago by Congress in the Help America Vote Act, which was the first law to require polling places to have accessible voting systems. The law also established the federal Election Assistance Commission, an independent body that sets guidelines for states and counties to accommodate disabled voters, which can be enforced by the Justice Department. Despite the law, Thomas Hicks, the commission chairman, said disabled voters still encountered problems, including those who are blind and have trouble locating accessible voting locations, and those who use wheelchairs and need voting machines to be low enough or adjustable to eye level. For Ms. Halvorson, a former special education teacher, the difficulties include being able to raise her hands and tap the screen of a voting machine, she said, because of her reduced motor skills. She lives with her partner, accompanied by different caregivers, in a one-story house in San Antonio, and also relies on a breathing machine to survive; a bad case of pneumonia in 2014 weakened her lungs, and she was not able to make a full recovery. Voting by mail made things simpler for her. But after reports that Texas had thrown out more than 18,000 mail-in ballots from its most populous counties during the March primaries, Ms. Halvorson who cannot write on her own and feared having to appeal a rejected ballot felt she had no other choice but to vote in person. She wanted to see the ballot go in herself, she said even if it meant risking her health. This election is too important to wait to find out if my vote counted, she said. A week of research about voting in person led Ms. Halvorson to a new kind of machine that Texas had recently put in place, allowing a remote to be connected to the screen and used to make selections. She called her county clerk to ensure those machines would be present at the Igo Library, her local polling place. She did not hear back, she said. While the state-owned power company, Eskom, plans to phase out about half of its coal-fired power capacity over the next 13 years, a government planning document calls for the creation of new coal plants because the current grid is so overwhelmed that there are regular power cuts. The country continues to invest in industries that require coal-generated electricity. Its counter to all the things that weve been talking about in terms of South Africas commitment to reduce emissions, said Nokwanda Maseko, a senior economist at Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies, an economic research institution in South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly promoted a shift to renewables, but his minister of mineral resources, Gwede Mantashe, has maintained that coal will remain a strong part of the countrys energy mix for years to come. Speaking to the climate summit on Tuesday, Mr. Ramaphosa called on developed countries to shoulder the cost of the shift. Our continent only contributed 1 percent of the damage thats been done to the climate, and we believe that the more industrialized countries that are more developed need to live up to the commitment that they have made, he said. He raised concerns that most of the funding that has been pledged to his country, by a group that includes Britain, France, Germany and the United States, was slated to come as loans. That will only add debt that the country can ill afford, he said, arguing that the country needs grants instead of loans, and that a meaningful transition will require $98 billion over five years. PARIS A cardinals admission that he had behaved reprehensibly with a 14-year-old girl over three decades ago was one of several revelations that threw a gathering of French bishops into turmoil this week, renewing scrutiny of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church in France a little over a year after a landmark report on the pervasiveness of the issue. The admission of wrongdoing this week by Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, 78, who retired in 2019 after 18 years as the archbishop of Bordeaux, was one of two recent revelations that have stunned the Catholic community in France. The other involved Michel Santier, 75, the former bishop of Creteil. He stepped down and was disciplined last year after decades-old accusations of sexual abuse against young adults, but the church authorities had not made his case public until the French news media uncovered it. Last month, Catholics angry about that silence protested in front of churches and cathedrals around the country to demand more transparency. In total, according to Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, the archbishop of Reims and the president of the Bishops Conference of France, 11 former or current French bishops had been or still were involved in sexual abuse cases handled by legal or church authorities most of them directly accused of abuse and others of concealing it. KYIV, Ukraine As Ukrainian officials celebrate the arrival of more advanced Western air-defense systems and claim growing success at shooting down Russian rockets and drones, they are warning that Moscow is buying new long-range weapons against which Kyivs forces have little defense specifically, ballistic missiles from Iran. With movement on the ground slowing, the battle in the skies above Ukraine is increasingly central to the course of the war, and both sides are looking to their allies for new weapons. In the past month, Moscows forces have dramatically stepped up strikes far behind the front lines on cities and vital services like power, heat and water. These are part of a lethal campaign to tear down Ukrainian daily life and morale. Ukrainian and Western officials say Russias stocks of precision-guided missiles and drones have run low, prompting it to turn to Iran. A spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force said on Monday that Moscow and Tehran had finalized an agreement to deliver Iranian Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles to Russia, which several news organizations confirmed, citing unnamed sources. A Pentagon spokesman, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, said on Tuesday, I cant corroborate that information, but he called the reports worrying. He added, When we see Iranian ballistic missiles being employed on the battlefield in Ukraine, we will do what we can to illuminate that. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on Tuesday warned that the insane and illegal war provoked by Russia was distracting international attention from the threat of climate change and contributing to the catastrophic effects of global warming. The world needs honesty, we must tell those who do not take the climate agenda seriously, that they are making a catastrophic mistake, he said in a video address to COP27, the United Nations climate change conference taking place in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. He said that the conflict in Ukraine had forced countries to deal with the threat of Russian aggression rather than focus the necessary attention on the common goal of fighting climate change. There can be no effective climate policy without the peace, on the Earth, he said. Russia, he added, must shut the guns and hide its missiles. Live forecast: Estimating the outcome This is our current best estimate for the outcome of this race. We look at the votes that have been reported so far and adjust our estimate based on what we expect from the votes that remain. See the full forecast With a predicted announcement date of November 14, the second presidential campaign of Donald J. Trump will get underway like a determined engine chugging up the funicular, spewing invective and appealing to the worst instincts of the American voter. No telling who Trump will be running against, so he needs an early angle on which to pitch his campaign. In that respect, he might take a page from McDonalds playbook for its elusive McRib sandwich and tell voters this is their last chance to vote for him and to Make America Great Againas he defines great. Since its launch in 1981, the McRib has disappeared more than Harry Houdini, but always makes a comeback, usually when the price of beef and chicken is high relative to pork, as an article in The Street points out. The ersatz barbecue sandwichs avid fans always show up to buy, even keeping track of appearances on a special website, McRib Locator. In that respect, they are much the same as Trumps rabid voter base, who cant wait to see his appearances so they can excoriate and rant along with him. Its a perfect analog: the McRib is a lump of pork formed into the shape of ribs, while Trump is a lump of rich white jerk formed into a presidential candidate. A manufactured product that only America could produce and actually sell. Besides being a junk-food junkie, Trump is no stranger to marketing. A last chance appeal is almost certain to work with those who still havent gotten over the anger Trump ginned up after the 2020 election and who lack the foresight to imagine that there actually might be a better Republican candidate. McDonalds is hedging its position about the finality of the farewell tour of the McRib, saying of this iteration, "Like any true farewell tour, were hoping this isnt a 'goodbye' but a 'see you later.' Because as our McRib fans have experienced time and time again: you never know whenor ifthe McRib is coming back," the chain added. Likewise, even if Trump is unsuccessful, this 2024 campaign run extends his brand and his legacy. We dont know whenor ifhe is coming back. Whether that matters even as much as The McRib has mattered to American life is something for the historians to puzzle out. *** Bill Huey is president of Strategic Communications and the author of Carbon Man (Kindle, 2010). Eurazeo, investment firm, relies on Abernathy MacGregor as it sells its majority stake in NEST New York, marketer of fragrance lifestyle brands, to North Castle Partners in a deal worth about $200M. Laura Slatkin, who founded NEST in 2008, said the partnership with Eurazeo enabled the business to flourish and deliver impressive growth over the past five years. She looks forward to working with North Castle as NEST embarks on its next chapter of growth. Hemanshu Patel, partner at NCP, said NEST fits nicely into NCPs family of health and wellness brands that are leaders in their respective categories. He also noted that Rich Gersten, NCPs beauty industry advisor, has worked with Slatkin and her team in the past. Will Braun and Emma Prenn-Vasilakis are working the account at AbMac, which is part of Havas H/Advisors network of financial firms. Nelly Kennedy Volkswagen Passenger Cars hires Google senior global brand marketing director Nelly Kennedy as CMO, effective mid-February 2023. She succeeds Jochen Sengpiehl, who has moved to Volkswagen Group China as CMO. Before joining Google, she was executive director digital at Conde Nast International and held several senior posts in global marketing at Adidas. I am convinced that Nelly Kennedy and the expertise she brings with her will make a decisive contribution to giving Volkswagen a clear brand profile in all regions, said Volkswagen Passenger Cars board member for sales, marketing and after-sales Imelda Labbe. Leslie Sims Impossible Foods, which produces plant-based meat products, hires Deloitte Digital chief creative officer Leslie Sims to serve as its chief marketing and creative officer, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Before joining Deloitte in 2021, Sims served as chief creative officer, USA at Ogilvy and CCO/North America at Young & Rubicam. At Impossible Foods, Sims will be tasked with building out the companys marketing and creative functions as it works to significantly increase consumer awareness and trial. while pulling well ahead of other plant-based brands into a category of its own. Leslie knows how to set the creative vision for brands and businesses in hypergrowth, build and lead high-performing teams, and create emotional connections with consumers, said Impossible Foods CEO Peter McGuinness. Ana Villegas Saas platform AffiniPay brings on Ana Villegas as chief marketing officer. Villegas was most recently CMO at National Instruments. She previously spent more than 16 years at Dell leading digital marketing initiatives, as well as launching digital payments in the financial sector in Peru. In her new post, Villegas will lead marketing and help drive growth for AffiniPays payment and software offerings. Ana is the ideal fit to lead our marketing strategy, said AffiniPay CEO Dru Armstrong, who added that the company will lean on her wealth of experience as we expand our technology-enabled products. A man who carried out a savage attack in Dublin on a man who he mistakenly thought had invaded his niece's bedroom, kicking him to the head and stabbing his leg, has been jailed for 40 months. James O'Driscoll set upon the man, whom he had never met, on O'Connell Street in Dublin in March 2020 after his niece told him a man had entered her bedroom. The victim had travelled from Tullamore and was walking on O'Connell Street at 7am when the attack took place. The victim, who had spent the night at a crack house in the inner city, suffered a large stab wound to the leg and head injuries in the attack, which was captured on CCTV. O'Driscoll (51) of Champions Avenue, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the man on March 30, 2020. He has 100 previous convictions, including assault, threats to kill, robbery and theft. Sentencing him yesterday at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martin Nolan said it was a savage attack that was at the higher end of the scale. He noted O'Driscoll has a record of criminal convictions. He handed down a sentence of 40 months. Detective Garda Sheila Sheehan told Fiona Crawford BL, prosecuting, said the victim in the case travelled to Dublin from Tullamore to get some pills and drugs. He met some women at Heuston Station and went to a crack house, where he spent the night. He was walking along O'Connell Street around 7am the following morning when he was set upon by O'Driscoll. The court was shown footage which showed O'Driscoll repeatedly kicking the man in the head, as he cowered in a hotel doorway. The hotel was closed at the time due to Covid restrictions. The man was seen by passers-by with blood-soaked tracksuit bottoms and runners and with a bleeding head. He was taken to hospital and given treatment, including a number of staples for his head wound. O'Driscoll was arrested by gardai who recognised him from the CCTV footage. When interviewed, he identified himself on camera, but said he had no recollection of the incident. He told gardai his teenage niece told him she woke up to find a man standing in her bedroom and he went out in the street to look for him. Garrett McCormack BL, defending, said O'Driscoll had a sum of 1,000 in court as a token of remorse for his victim. He wished to apologise and express his deep remorse for his actions that day. He works as a scaffolder, the court heard. Four Closure Orders were served on food businesses during the month of October for breaches of food safety legislation, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has confirmed. Some of the reasons for the Closure Orders in October include: evidence of cockroach activity in the food preparation area; food left to cool overnight at ambient temperatures, presenting a risk for bacterial growth; uncovered ready-to-eat food left outside and unprotected from contamination; a live rodent on the premises; rodent droppings consistent with rats found in food preparation area; pest proofing issues were spotted throughout the building, from holes around pipework, walls and ceilings to open drains in the basement; food utensils found covered in rust and also stored on the ground outside and inside; build-up of slime and greases in back yard; food storage containers unclean and embedded with dirt; failure to implement a food safety management system. The closure orders were pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998, and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. The Closure Orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive. Three Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on: ONeills (public house), 2 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 Nicos (take away), 289 Richmond Road, Ballybough, Dublin 3 Panda Chinese Take Away, Main Street, Clogheen, Tipperary One Closure Order was served under European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on: Golden Beach Supermarket (Closed activities: Part of the activities of the business, its establishments, holdings or other premises be ceased, specifically the preparation and serving of food in the kitchen and service area), 137 Parnell Street, Dublin 1. Commenting on the Closure Orders served in October, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, said it was disappointing that inspectors continue to find a lack of evidence of safe cleaning practices in food businesses. "It is a legal requirement for all food businesses to have their premises protected against pests and kept clean and yet food inspectors continue to find unacceptable levels of non-compliance with food safety legislation in some food businesses. "There is a personal responsibility for managers and all employees to comply with food safety law at all times. There can be zero tolerance for negligent practices that put consumers health at risk and Environmental Health Officers will use the full powers available to them under food law if a food business is found to be in breach. Consumers have a right to safe food and food businesses have a legal requirement to ensure that the food they are processing, serving or selling is safe to eat," Dr Byrne said. Also, during the month of October, a court ruling from 3 May 2022 was upheld in relation to: Mr Domenico Venditti, the former operator of Domenico Take Away, Newcastle, County Tipperary Dr Pamela Byrne welcomed the ruling upheld by Judge John Martin in the Circuit Court on 26 October 2022 in relation to charges brought against Mr Domenico Venditti, the former operator of Domenico Take Away, Newcastle, County Tipperary. Judge Martin agreed with the finding of the District Court judge that the wrongdoing was at the upper end of the scale of offending. He affirmed the order of the District Court, though he adjusted the manner in which the sentences will run. Instead of the two three-month custodial sentences running consecutively, they will now run concurrently. Further, Judge Martin reduced the time for payment of the 500 fine from 12 to 6 months. The prosecution was first taken by the FSAI in May following breaches of a Closure Order and this ruling sends a strong message to food businesses that non-compliance with food safety legislation will not be tolerated under any circumstances this result has a positive outcome for the protection of consumer health. Details of the food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAIs website at www.fsai.ie. Closure Orders and Improvement Orders will remain listed in the enforcement reports on the website for a period of three months from the date of when a premises is adjudged to have corrected its food safety issue, with Prohibition Orders being listed for a period of one month. Newsy 29 Nov 2022 Watch VideoThe last World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically.. Those within the construction industry are applauding Canada's plan to welcome 1.5-million new Canadians within the next three years, with record immigration targets that officials say that will help boost the economy. The targets have also spiked anxiety about where these new citizens will make their homes, given the ongoing housing crisis. The University of Waterloo is reinstating a mask requirement for indoor activities that are part of academic instruction. The new British prime minister says that, with the Ukraine war and tighter national finances, ships must be able to multitask. There is a good chance that US voters will elect many Republican candidates who supported the rioters cause in the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol in Washington DC. A man has been rushed to hospital with head injuries which came as a result of bee stings in Adelaide. A spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said earlier on Tuesday that more time was needed to consider allegations against Williamson. Olivia Culpo thought she was 'going to marry' Nick Jonas, however, he broke up with her in 2015 due to 'distance.' German prosecutors have launched an investigation into the case of an 8-year-old girl who was secretly locked away for most of her life. A probe is underway into how child welfare officials appear to have been duped. Revelations about alleged surveillance of journalists and politicians with spyware continue to surface in Europe, with four EU states accused of illegitimate snooping. Is it "Europe's Watergate"? Stars including Mahalia and Max Cyrus have paid tribute to music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards - someone who "turned on the light in the room" for others to shine. 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. President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump are holding rallies in Maryland and Ohio in one last ditch attempt to mobilize supporters. The outcome could see a swing toward Republicans in the Senate. Kherson, in southern Ukraine, is seen as a vital city for Ukraine to capture and for Russia to defend. Pyongyang said it was not involved in arms dealings with Russia, and had no plans to do so. The US previously indicated North Korea was supplying Russia with artillery shells for its war in Ukraine. North Korea has been cozying up to traditional ally Russia in recent years and even hinted at sending workers to help rebuild Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Newsy 19 Nov 2022 Watch VideoEven with their threadbare House majority, Republicans doubled down this week on using their new power next year to.. On Monday, three migrants not allowed to disembark their boat in Italy were rescued after jumping into the sea in desperation off the Mediterranean. The condition of Egypt's most prominent imprisoned activist Alaa Abdel-Fattah is deteriorating. DW spoke to his sister, Sanaa Seif, who is calling on the international community for support. German police have raided the offices of Swiss banking giant UBS as part of an investigation into Russian tycoon Alisher Usmanov. In Dearborn, Michigan, City Clerk George Darany said the city has contacted 34 voters to inform them of an error in the Arabic-language ballot. Rumble 29 Nov 2022 Why is the world's only neutral country buying Patriot Missiles from the United States all of a sudden? Benjamin.. Taking a potshot at the Congress party in poll-bound Himachal Pradesh, Yogi Adiyanath said that in times of crisis, the brother-sister duo disappear from the country, while under the leadership of PM Modi, the world looks up to India whenever it is faced with a crisis, read a statement from Chief Minister's Office (CMO). New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul is "tone-deaf to the suffering of families like mine" when it comes to violent crime, the dad of an Indiana tourist shot and killed in Brooklyn says. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was called out by Republican challenger Tudor Dixon over an apparent audio issue when the Democrat was asked if she had regrets over COVID-19 lockdowns. All eyes are on Virginia's midterms as Republicans look to take three seats in the House of Representatives with recent GOP trends in the state. Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan argues that former Army Gen. Don Bolduc, her GOP challenger in New Hampshires crucial Senate race, has been casting doubt on election integrity The Duke of Sussex wants to get the documentary shelved until his memoir is released next year. Daily Record 19 Nov 2022 Highland Division - spotted putting up posters last week - is using the Telegram app to bolster its numbers for "action" against.. (RFE/RL) -- 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... The Australian white supremacist who murdered 51 people at two New Zealand mosques in 2019 will appeal his conviction and life sentence, a court official told AFP Tuesday. It is past time that the atrocities committed against Bangladesh by Pakistan in 1971 get universal acknowledgment. While genocides from Armenia to Rwanda are read, analyzed, and debated around the world, the horrifying genocide in Bangladesh is regrettably seldom ever denounced or even brought up. A resolution urging the US... 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. Paducah, KY (42003) Today Scattered thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High near 65F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening, then partly cloudy overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 31F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Photo: (Photo : Alert Me Bands) Every river has its source, and every great story has a beginning. Every success story was once a fairy tale or a dream. Someone's desire to dare and act on their dreams makes even their wildest visions come to life. Erica McMillan is a notable serial entrepreneur, artist, and branding entrepreneur with a profound passion for whatever she does. Erica is the founder of Alert Me Bands and one of the daring personalities who dreamed, dared, and acted. Alert Me Bands is a must-have safety product that communicates for you when you can't. The idea to establish Alert Me Bands came about after Erica's missing child experience, which sparked a need to create a unique, durable, and customized solution. This happened during a family outing to the Georgia Aquarium. Erica's oldest child, only 2 at the time, was playing in an exhibit cave with friends, but after the other children came out from the cave, Erica realized that her son was not with them. Erica and her husband searched the aquarium for almost 20 minutes in a complete panic. Fortunately, the long search ended after a parent noticed their son riding the elevator to different levels in the aquarium. Erica recounts it as the scariest experience of her life, one she wishes no parent will ever face. "That night, I relived that experience, with a horrific feeling of 18 minutes passing that felt like thousands; I couldn't shake how scary it felt and how I wanted to do something, anything that could help prevent this from happening again. I couldn't stop thinking that if my dog had been found three minutes after he was lost, I would have received a call sooner than the 15 minutes it took for me to be reunited with my child! We tag our pets with our phone numbers and our luggage, for that matter, and because of those tags, the 'finder' has the info needed to reunite the dog with its owner faster than this woman could do with my child," Erica explains. Erica purchased every kids id bracelet available online only to be disappointed after her son would immediately remove it from his wrist. She knew that what she needed to keep her son safe, didn't exist - so she decided to create it. After months of research and prototypes, the first ever childproof ID wristband was born; Alert Me Bands. Erica created a patent-pending invention that serves so many purposes and has turned into a product that thousands of parents have not only purchased but remain loyal customers who take responsibility for their child's safety with the Alert Me Band. If you visit the Alert Me Bands Facebook Page, you will see first-hand over 80k+ thousand happy customers that rely on Alert Me Bands for not only peace of mind, but for communicating critical information, creating awareness for special needs, medical conditions, and allergy alerts. There is a reason Alert Me Bands have a customer retention rate of over 95%, they are just that popular with parents and children alike. Alert Me Bands are designed for comfort even for the most tactile sensitive kids. They are chew-proof, durable, adjustable, and water-safe, as well as being customizable and childproof-and they are made by hand by a team of moms living in Georgia. Since their market inception, Alert Me Bands have been consistently voted the greatest must-have for child safety. It's also the only fully customizable childproof emergency wristband that not only communicates who to call in an emergency, but also communicates medical, allergy, and special needs alerts. Alert Me Bands offer parents less worry, knowing that all critical information, including emergency contact numbers, is visible at all times. The band also creates awareness, resulting in kinder hearts, greater understanding, and acceptance from others. Photo: (Photo : Ivabalk) Doug Weaver stated in an October 26 video post that has since been viewed more than 978,000 times, that his son had painted his fingernails and had been criticized about it. He opened up in his TikTok post that has gone viral about what his 6-year-old son told his classmates after they noticed the boy's nail polish, per Good Morning America (GMA). Continued that over the weekend, his son wanted his nails painted so Doug decided to paint it but on Monday when his son came from school, he told them that three of the kids in his class told him that painting the nails is for girls only. And in response, he told those kids that there's nothing limited to boys or just girls. The father then asked his son what did the other kids think of his answer and said, the two didn't believe him but one of them did and started telling one of the other ones that he also believe that it was okay for boys to paint their nails. The Missouri dad went on to share how he told his son that "sometimes the people that are the meanest talk the most and talk the loudest." Adding that he felt strongly about speaking out about his son's experience on social media. Read Also: Two Iowa Juveniles Killed Spanish Teacher After Receiving Poor Grades The 6-year-old son is "super creative," says his dad The 34-year-old father says he sees a lot of individuals on TikTok discussing similar topics and talking about the same ideas. Adding that one of the reasons he wants to post such content is because he is a cisgender, heterosexual man, and stuffs like these can not be usually heard from cis het men that much as it's a lot harder to find but thinks that it's easy not to discuss it. Moreover, the art teacher noticed that there are people who have never heard anyone say that it's fine and have never anyone say that "No, this isn't harmful. It's just paint." The art teacher describes his first-grader son as "super creative" and noted that this wasn't the first time his son wanted to paint his fingernails; He first painted his nails when he was a kindergartner and no one cared as everyone seemed to like it. Hence, this year, in first grade, it appears that more and more kids are aware of certain social norms and trying to enforce them, thus, it's abruptly becoming more apparent to him. The proud daddy said that after he posted the video on social media, he received massive and various reactions with many of them supportive. Hence, others sent him furious messages, accusing the father of confusing the child and setting him up to be in therapy in the future when he's old enough. Adding that his child could be gay, implies it is a negative character attribute. "No, it's fine. If you like colors, it's fine..." The Missouri dad went on to question how others do not see how silly it is to make such grand assumptions and get mad over a 6-year-old only having color on his fingers. Weaver stated that he finds such comments and assumptions ridiculous. Doug, who has more than 247,000 followers on TikTok, hopes that his TikTok videos would gradually dismantle gender norms and societal ideas of what things are considered masculine by many people. Emphasizing that he wanted to tell those people that "No, it's fine. If you like colors, it's fine" as it was only colored on nails and it doesn't have that meaning much. Furthermore, according to Vice, many men nowadays wear nail polish as a way to express themselves beyond stereotypes of masculinity. Related Article: Should Parents Allow Their Kids to Bleach and Color Their Hair? Photo: (Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images) Transport company Lyft has taken action after a North Carolina teen girl was hospitalized when she jumped out of a moving Lyft vehicle because she got scared of the driver. According to a report from Durham station ABC 11, Eziya Bowden was taking the Lyft home last week from work when she jumped out as the car was still moving. The 17-year-old Raleigh native explained to the news station that the unidentified Lyft driver made her feel scared by both his questions and actions. She ended up in the emergency department of a hospital after jumping from the moving Lyft vehicle in the 7300 block of Fox Road, which is located a few miles from her house. It happened so fast for the teen, who said she blacked out after opening the door of the vehicle. Bowden fortunate not to suffer broken bones in the fall Bowden said she only remembered where she landed and how scared she was with the experience and crying about it. Fortunately for the teenager, she is safely back at home. She did suffer some injuries from the fall but Bowden had no broken bones. Bowden said she first became alarmed by the Lyft driver when he allegedly made comments about her appearance. She recounted to ABC 11 that the driver asked her right away how many boys flirted with her? The driver then made comments that made Bowden uncomfortable, such as that he would date her if she was not so young and how she looks good. Bowden then claimed that the Lyft driver sprayed an unidentified substance into the vehicle, according to Local 12. Read Also: Las Vegas Teen Dies From Brain-Eating Amoeba After Swimming at Lake Mead No charges filed thus far according to Raleigh cops Bowden knew that she was not going crazy or anything and she knew that her body had never felt like that before. She added that she had seen a lot of this so she knew she was feeling drugged. She had a reaction soon after, which the media outlet described as dizzy and warm. Fearing that her life was in danger, Bowden decided to jump out of the moving car. Lyft issued a statement to PEOPLE Magazine regarding the incident, saying that safety is fundamental to them and the behavior described by Bowden is deeply concerning. The company added that they have been in touch with the rider's family to offer their support. They have also removed the driver's access to the Lyft platform, and they stand ready to assist law enforcement with any investigation. Bowden, who said in the interview that she will never take an Uber or Lyft again, was not satisfied with the company's response. She said that she does not think that is stopping him from anything else and it does not really bring her peace at all. According to Raleigh police, there are no charges being filed in the incident involving Bowden and the Lyft driver. Related Article: 25% of Maternal Deaths in the US in 2020 and 2021 Are Due to COVID-19 Photo: (Photo : Mabel Amber) Dr. Alex Lickerman, a general internist and former Director of Primary Care at the University of Chicago who has been practicing Buddhism since 1989, told Psychology Today that parenthood is both wonderful and awful at the same time. He explainined that what makes parenthood wonderful is literally all things others would tell you, while, things that make parenthood awful are quite intuitively clear such as the obvious things like lifestyle changes, stubbornness, and tantrums. In a survey by the Zero to Three Foundation, around 73 percent of responders describe parenting as their biggest challenge as they deal with added costs and responsibilities, including modern difficulties like planning pressures and screen time battles. At the same time, approximately 91 percent of responders call parenting their greatest joy witnessing their child grow, discovering new passion, and mastering a skill. Thus, the hard work parents go through are all worth it. Parenting is hard as it will eventually lead to pure mental and physical exhaustion. Being a parent would also make you act in a way that is not true to your core character. Usually, worry and fear are the common emotions parents would experience. Yet, parenting is one of the amazing gifts. Read Also: Setting Playdate Boundaries: Keeping the Child Safe at All Times Kids have their own unique personality Children enter the world without a manual. They may have traits that may be similar to yours or maybe the total opposite of yours. Nevertheless, parents need to understand that every child has their own unique personality, so avoid making your child someone you adore and transforming them into a person they're actually not. Opinions abound, hence, the main key to successful parenting is being supportive in either good or bad times. This only means worrying less about bolstering their skills and more about building your bond. Nurturing parenting behaviors enhance the child's brain development and better stress response among young ones. The study entitled Galanin Neurons in the Medial Preoptic Area Govern Parental Behaviour determined that parenting behaviors are mainly triggered through neurons in the hypothalamus, a tiny part of the brain where hormones are released. The study discovered that parenting behavior is controlled by galanin neuropeptides. Parents do everything for the sake of their child There are many factors that determined why raising a child is difficult. Aside from the costs that come with having a child, being a parent makes you overly protective your child. No parent would want their child harmed; thus, you want to spare them from pain. Sometimes there are realizations that you should let your child experience pain so they would be able to handle them on their own. This makes parents torn, as their priority will always be to protect their child from genuine threats. It makes it hard for parents as they don't want to leave their children alone and as much as possible, they want to be there for them. However, things won't always go the way you want them, and eventually force you to let go of your child while guiding them. Being a parent makes you do almost everything for the sake of your child. An example is when you dress your child when they are perfectly capable of doing it themselves. This is because parents want to spare kids the difficulty. According to Raising Kids With Purpose, there is no direct benefit to providing for a completely dependent baby. Yet, parents instinctively develop parental behaviors that usually come from genetic programming or the feeling of responsibility increases, especially parents who have a new life to care for. Related Article: The Dangers of Putting Too Much Pressure on Your Kids It's being reported today that the most profitable tech company operating in China is not a homegrown internet giant such as Alibaba or Tencent, but rather California-based Apple. Its China business grew so quickly during the pandemic that it now generates more profit than the combined income of the countrys two biggest tech companies, according to an analysis by the Financial Times. Apples reliance on the country as its manufacturing base with responsibility for 95 per cent of iPhone production, according to Counterpoint, a market intelligence group leaves the business vulnerable to supply chain shocks. Apple on Sunday said global shipments of its newest high-end iPhones would be delayed because of recent Covid-19 outbreaks at Chinese plants run by its main assembler Foxconn. That came a week after it warned of significant headwinds to revenue growth owing to the impact of a strong US dollar and supply constraints. Yet when it comes to selling its devices to Chinese consumers, business has boomed. Operating profits in greater China which includes Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and mainland China have shot up 104 per cent over 24 months to $31.2bn in the financial year to September, eclipsing the $15.2bn earned by Tencent and the $13.5bn from Alibaba in their most recent 12-month period, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. (Click on image to Enlarge) The record profits underscore the bargain Apple has struck with Beijing, allowing the iPhone maker to sail through President Xi Jinpings crackdown on homegrown tech groups while reaping the rewards from US sanctions, which are helping to damage its only real competitor in the country national champion Huawei. It is the result of corporate diplomacy led by chief executive Tim Cook, whose regular visits to Beijing in pre-pandemic times, including meetings with Xi and Chinese tech executives, have helped avoid the fate of other western tech companies. The likes of Alphabet, Meta and Netflix have been locked out of the country. For more on this, read the full report by The Financial Times. The Deputy Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Dr Clement Apaak says the government is to be blamed for the three Teacher Unions ongoing strike. According to him, if the government had managed the situation well, "we will not be where we are today. Three Teacher Unions have declared an industrial action over the failure of the government to revoke the appointment of Dr Eric Nkansah as acting Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). The Unions made up of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, the National Association of Graduate Teachers and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana said Dr Eric Nkansah is a banker with no teaching background, the reason for their rejection. They announced the strike action at a press conference on Friday, November 4, 2022. Watch video below 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 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 Founder and CEO of the defunct Beige Bank, Michael Nyinaku, has been granted a bail of GHC200 million by the Financial and Economic Court of the Accra High Court. Appearing before the Accra High Court on Monday (8 November), Nyinaku pleaded not guilty to all counts. His counsel, Addo Tuah told the court that the developments occurred from about 2015 to date and the accused has religiously appeared before various Investigative bodies including the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO). He noted that they have never defaulted as and when they were needed and hence prayed to the court to grant bail. The Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah Yeboah, did not oppose the bail. Presiding Judge, Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe granted a bail application with three sureties, two to be justified by either a landed property valued by the government valuation body or a land valuation division of the lands commission. The case has been adjourned to 22 December for a case management conference. He is to deposit his passport at the court registry and report to the police every Monday and Friday. Background He has been slapped with new charges of theft, and money laundering after he was earlier accused of stealing over GH340 million at a circuit court. The facts of the new case at the High Court indicated that when Beige Banks licence was revoked in August 2018, a review of the financial and other records of the Bank revealed some suspicious and unusual transactions which were subsequently reported. Investigations revealed that between 2015 and 2018, Nyinaku allegedly used various means to transfer huge sums of money to companies related to him and for his personal benefit. The funds transferred were depositors funds lodged with Beige Bank, the investigators claimed. Between 2017 and 2018, Nyinaku caused the transfer of 10,071 fixed deposit accounts held with Beige Bank in which various customers placed a total of GH448,636,210.21 to Beige Capital Asset Management Limited (BCAM), without the knowledge and consent of these customers. Investigations also revealed that Mr Nyinaku, between the years 2017 and 2018, caused the transfer of 35 fixed deposit investments of 23 customers of Beige Bank totalling GH141,042,348.92 to the Beige Group. Investigations further revealed that, sometime in March 2018, Mr Nyinaku caused a fictitious second account to be opened in the name of First Africa Savings and Loans (FASL), an existing account holder with Beige Bank, without the knowledge of the Board and management of FASL. 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 STC Chief Executive Officer, Nana Akomea, has appealed to the striking teachers to let calm prevail as they hold meeting with the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations and the Ministry of Education to discuss their strike action. Three Teacher Unions have embarked on strike to protest the appointment of Dr. Eric Nkansah as Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-G) say they will call off their strike action when the government addresses their grievances. The Unions, on November 4, 2022, declared a nationwide strike over the failure of the government to meet the deadline to terminate the appointment of the new Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Eric Nkansah. But Nana Akomea says they should give Dr. Eric Nkansah the opportunity to prove himself. According to him, the teachers can only have a justifiable point to demand the head of the GES Director-General when he has worked and they realize his performance doesn't meet the required standard. "This is not an issue that we should let the students suffer for it, that they will be home because teachers are on strike . . . The question I ask is there something wrong with the way he was given the appointment or is it that the teachers just don't like the person? "If the appointment was done appropriately, then you can rebuke the person only when the person has begun working and you have seen his performance is poor. But this person has not even been in office for a month, therefore how can you say you don't like him and so his appointment should be revoked," he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" programme. He advised the Unions to allow "cooler heads to prevail" and asked them to "try him (Dr. Eric Nkansah) for about one year...They should give the man time and watch what he also can do at the Ghana Education Service". 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 The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has touted actions being taken by Ghana to support global action against climate change. He said Ghana has, historically, demonstrated a commitment to contributing to finding solutions to global challenges, and the climate challenge is no exception. He pledged Ghanas commitment to work with all stakeholders to reverse land degradation and deforestation and halt climate change. The President was speaking at Ghanas Pavilion at the ongoing twenty-seventh session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The event was organised by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to present Ghanas current actions on greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies, ambitions towards her Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and opportunities for greater collaboration and impact investment. Speaking at the event, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, said under President Akufo-Addos leadership, Ghana has reduced deforestation by thirteen percent (13%), and is on course to become the first African country, and second in the world, to meet the European Unions (EU) requirement to trade in legal timber. Outlining Ghanas emission reduction strategies, President Akufo-Addo said Ghana has recorded her first emission reductions, which has been verified and validated by independent third parties, at a value of Nine Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty-Six tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (972,456 tCO2e), generating a results-cased Carbon payment of Four Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty United States Dollars (US$4,862,280.00). He said the country has also been approved to receive a Three Million United States Dollars (US$3,000,000.00) grant from a new trust fund at the World Bank, known as Enhancing Access to Benefits by Lowering Emissions (EnABLE). He said delivering climate action requires dedicated collective action. He called on all Governments and stakeholders to join forces and work together towards 1.5 degrees Celsius. The President added that Hon. Jinapor will co-Chair a new Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership, aimed at bringing Governments and the private sector together to halt deforestation. In a related story, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has called for collective action to deliver nature-based climate solutions. Speaking at a Panel discussion organised by the Government of the United Kingdom, Mr. Jinapor said the effects of climate change are trans-jurisdictional, and requires multilateral action rather than working in silos. Citing the agriculture commodity system as an example, the Minister said it was important to bring together producers and consumers to forge a pathway for sustainable production and consumption. At a different event organised by the Government of the United States, Mr. Jinapor called on stakeholders to put farmers and fringe communities at the centre of climate engagements. He said if farmers and members of fringe communities, are to change their ways of life to protect forests, they must see real benefits accruing to them. He said if cocoa farmers, for example, are left at the bottom of the cocoa value chain with no real benefits, it will be difficult to convince them to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Mr. Jinapor called on all Governments and the private sector to deliver on their promises, particularly on climate financing. This years Conference of Parties (COP) is termed an implementing COP, as it calls on global leaders to take action on their promises. 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 Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 54-year-old man, Ojo Joseph, for allegedly setting ablaze five of his stepchildren. The sad incident occurred at the Fagun Crescent area of Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that the suspect poured petrol into the room of his stepchildren and set them ablaze while asleep. A source within the area to Nigerian Tribune, that the man perpetrated the heinous act because the mother of the children allegedly denied him sex and they have been having misunderstandings over the issue. Read Full Story .... lindaikejisblog.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 Tongues were left wagging in Anlo in praise of two distinguished personalities who historically graced the annual Hogbetsotso Festival on Saturday, November 5. The two, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, and the Vice President representing the NPP Government, made appearances at the grand durbar of the Hogbetsotso Festival many described as rare for the institutions they represent. For the Asantehene, his presence on Anlo land and at the Hogbetsotso Festival, was the first time in 120 years by Asantehene. The last Asantehene to do so was Asantehene Kofi Karikari in the 19th Century. And for the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, he is the first leader from the current NPP regime to attend the Hogbetsotso Festival in six years, and the second since President Kufuor in nearly 15 years. The Vice Presidents attendance, coinciding with the visit of the Asantehene, as well as other distinguished traditional rulers from other parts of the country, including the Ga Mantse and the Kwahumanhene, made it more historic. Delivering his address, the Asantehene recalled the strong relationship between the Asantes and the Anlos, dating back to over a century, and culminating in a suburb in the heart of Kumasi called Anloga. The Asantehene noted that political machinations have threatened this relationship, thereby creating needless suspicion among the two groups. He therefore, called for the strengthening of the relationship to promote the rich culture of the two ethnic groups, and for the benefit of the nation. Vice President Bawumia was impressed by the historic visit of the Asantehene and commended the Asantehene for the historic visit and also called for stronger tie of unity between the two. Ill like to take this opportunity to specifically thank and welcome Hos Royal Majesty the Asamtehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the Kwawuhene for making it to this festival. I can say that the historic record shows that the last Asantehene to be in Anlo was Asantehene Kofo Karikari and this was over 120 years ago. And therefore this is truly a historic occasion to have Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to come, Dr. Bawumia said. We have been given the history by the Otumfuo that the relationship between Asante and the Anlo State, dates back to the 19th century during the reign of the Asantehene Kofi Karikari, when the Asantes, Akwamus and the Anglo stats formed a tripartite alliance. Dr. Bawumia also commended the Awoamefia, Togbe Sri II, as well as the Chiefs and people of Anlo, for sustaining the Hogbetsotso Festival all these years, urging further that the festival, and other rich culture of the Anlo and others states in the country, should continue to be preserved as a legacy for unborn generations. Source: starrfm 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 of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Dr. Frank Serebuor, has revealed that, per a survey conducted by the Association, most Ghanaian Doctors are considering leaving the country. He mentioned that a survey conducted among 360 Medical Doctors indicated that 90 per cent of them have considered leaving Ghana. Dr. Frank Serebuor made this statement at the just-ended 64th annual general conference of the Association in Bolgatanga. He noted that the doctors want a better condition of service, for which they are seeking to leave the shores of Ghana. Immigration of medical doctors from Ghana is an age-old problem that continues to deplete the country of much needed human resources. In recent times there has been a surge in the number of health workers including medical doctors leaving the country. The reasons for immigration of doctors seem to vary with time. A recent survey of 360 doctors currently practicing in Ghana showed that about 90 per cent have ever considered leaving the country to move to more developed countries. The reason for which doctors leave Ghana include the search for better income, improved working living conditions, better life and schools for their children and opportunities for further education, Dr Frank Serebuor added. This comment by the GMA comes after the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) in July 2022 revealed that 3,000 nurses left Ghana in search of greener pastures abroad during the first quarter of 2022. Just during the first quarter, about 3,000 nurses, including practicing nurses, left the shores of the country to seek greener pastures abroad. Most of them headed straight to the UK, where they believe their welfare and better future would be ensured. They only write an examination and leave to UK, Ebenezer Acquah, the Ashanti Regional Assistant Secretary for GRNMA told press men. 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 Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has given the government a 10-day ultimatum to honour all outstanding commitments to the association else its members will embark on strike action. It said it had observed with grave concern, the governments blatant disregard for the rulings of the National Labour Commission (NLC) and a reluctance to enforce rulings against the government. It said its Codified Conditions of Service (CoS) for members had been outstanding since 2016. TUTAG said it had patiently engaged the government, amidst a feet-dragging posture. In June 2021, the NLC ruled among others that: Government should continue to engage the association on the review of the expired conditions of service for TUTAG." Also in another ruling on September 2, 2022, the Commission directed as follows: That the effective date of payment of the Internally Generated Fund (IGF) component of the Allowance(s) should be August 2021 as negotiated and agreed by the parties. "That the implementation date should be January, 2023. That the Minister of Finance (MoF) is hereby directed to ensure payment in January, 2023 and should also ensure that it issues the necessary letters to the various University Councils within reasonable time to make budgetary provisions in the budget to take care of the payments on the effective date, it said. Statement In a statement jointly signed by its president, Surv. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Collins Ameyaw and Secretary, Abubakari Zakari (PhD), it said subsequent to these rulings, TUTAG had endured several processes expected to have culminated into the Finance Ministry issuing an authorisation letter to the universities to effect payments. "Unfortunately, despite the numerous follow-ups, the MoF has not shown any commitment to issue the letter to the universities. Invariably, TUTAG members have been denied their appropriate benefits within the scope of the reviewed Internally Generated Fund (IGF-related) conditions of service (CoS)," the statement said. "It is also important to note that the Technical Universities (TUs) have finished preparing their 2023 budgets and same submitted to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). The inertia being displayed by the MoF in refusing to authorise Councils of TUs, as directed by the NLC, to budget for and pay these allowances is creating uneasiness on various campuses of TUs," it said. The statement said to forestall the unexpected, TUTAG wrote to the NLC on October 20, 2022 praying the Commission to invoke its own powers by enforcing the orders aforementioned as per section 172 of the Labour Act 2003, Act 651. It said, however, that the Commission appears reluctant in enforcing its own ruling, "a posture we are highly dissatisfied with." VCs The association also pointed accusing fingers at the Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities (VCTU-G) in the matter. It said it has picked intelligence which suggests that the VCTU-G is in backdoor negotiations with some government agencies to defer the effective date of the negotiated IGF-related Conditions of Service to January 1, 2023, instead of August 2021. "We wish to state that the action by the VCTU-G amounts to unfair labour practice, especially when we have concluded negotiations on the allowances in question. "We wish to bring to the attention of the VCTU-G that their interference with the process has unduly delayed the issuance of the necessary letters by the Ministry of Finance, which will give effect to the implementation of the negotiated agreement/allowances. We, therefore, advise the VCTU-G to henceforth, desist from any such interference in the work of TUTAG to ensure industrial harmony on the campuses of the TUs," it added. Litany of issues Raising a litany of concerns, TUTAG said another issue worth considering is the unilateral variation of the CoS of staff of universities in Ghana. "TUTAG wishes to register its highest displeasure against the unilateral variation of the determination or computation of the off-campus and vehicle maintenance allowances," it said. The statement said TUTAG had openly supported the ongoing strike action embarked on by UTAG and three other labour unions and would have joined but for very good reasons. "We wish to reiterate our earlier position that the decision by the government to unilaterally vary our CoS is illegal and must be reversed with immediate effect," it added. Among other issues raised were the challenges with the payroll system. TUTAG said it had formally written to the Controller and Accountant Generals Department (CAGD) through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), which is currently managing the payroll of TUs, to cede or revert the management of the payroll system to the various Technical Universities as well as the delay in the payment of book and research allowances. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), the Rt Rev. Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, has cautioned the government to strive to spend within its means. That, he said, was necessary, given the prevailing economic hardships, stressing that if the government was moderate in its expenditure, it could help alleviate the plight of the nation. Even if we have to reduce the number of our ministers, we should, he proposed. Rt Rev. Prof. Mante was speaking at the centenary thanksgiving service of the Asante Presbytery, held at the Jubilee Park in Kumasi last Sunday, November 6, 2022. Centenary thanksgiving service The thanksgiving service climaxed the year-long activities to commemorate 100 years of the Asante Presbytery of the PCG. It was on the theme: 100 Years of Evangelistic and Ecclesiastical Work in Asante: The Past, Present and Future. The Asante Presbytery was one of the first presbyteries created by the first Synod of the Presbyterian Church held at Kyebi in the Eastern Region on July 21, 1922 to facilitate the work of the church as the number of congregations was increasing. The others are the Ga and Dangme, Akuapem and Anum, Agona and Kotoku, as well as Akyem and Okwawu, presbyteries. The service attracted a sizeable representation by congregants from all the 31 districts under the Asante Presbytery, most of whom were clad in the special anniversary cloth. Also present were the Asafohene, Nana Akyamfour Asafo Boakye Agyemang-Bonsu; the Asante Presbytery Chairperson, Rev. Benson Osafo Kantankah; the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, and a former Member of Parliament for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh. The congregation sang and danced as part of their thanksgiving for Gods grace over the years. The Boys Brigade also presented the colours with a beautiful display. After the service, the Moderator was joined by the Chairperson and the Clerk of the Asante Presbytery and other ministers to cut the anniversary cake, made in the shape of a Bible. Make adjustments Rt Rev. Prof, Mante, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana, explained that with the current economic crunch being felt globally, it was only apt that Ghana, being a developing country, cuts down on its expenses in order to raise enough money to restore fiscal discipline. He extended the advice to members of the public, encouraging them to spend wisely, cut down on unnecessary activities and improvise more to help them save for more pressing needs. Governments commitment Mr Kyerematen assured the people of the governments resolve to turn things around to reduce the economic burden. He appealed to the congregation to pray for the country, as we are not in normal times. Centenary hospital Nana Agyemang-Bonsu, who represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, pledged to release a plot of land freely to the Asante Presbytery for the construction of a hospital to commemorate the centenary celebration. He said the traditional authority would continue to work closely with the church to help transform society. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Paramount Chief of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, Okatakyie Kwasi Bumangama ll, has made a special appeal to H.E Sugandh Rajaram, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana to help explore and put up a Gold Refinery factory to absorb most of the youth who are engaged in Galamsey. Okatakyie Kwasi Bumangama ll also explained that due to unemployment the youth are being lured into illegal mining popularly known as galamsey. The Omanhene made this passionate appeal when H.E Sugandh Rajaram, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana visited the Western North Region to pay a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief at Okogyeboa's palace in the Western North Regional Capital, Sefwi Wiawso. According to the Paramount Chief, uemployment has lured most of the youth into illegal mining popularly known as 'galamsey' which has been a talk of the day because of the destruction of our water bodies and forests. He said Sefwi land is abound with rich deposit of Gold and timber resources. He added that they can not establish a bond of friendship without education and therefore appealed to the Indian government to assist them with STEM scholarships as well. The Western North Regional Minister, Hon Richard Ebbah Obeng on his part, described the visit by the Indian High Commissioner as a historic one, adding that since the creation of the Western North Region, this is the very first High Commissioner in the country who has visited them. He is also optimistic that his visit and partnership of bilateral relationship will serve as motivation to the region. H.E Sugandh Rajaram, who extended his visit to Sefwi Wiawso nursing training, Sefwi Wiawso government Hospital to see some challenges facing the places commended the residents for the reception given to him in the region, adding that the partnership between India and Ghana should not be restricted to Accra alone, but should be transmitted to other parts of Ghana. He assured Okatakyie Kwasi Bumangama ll that all the stakeholders of the bilateral cooperation between his office will make sure the priority they have will be implemented with concrete projects of assistance from India. Source: Kwabena Dickson, UTV Western North Regional Correspondent 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 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 Director of Legal Affairs for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Lawyer Gary Nimako Marfo, has cautioned the Organizer of the 'Kume Preko Reloaded' demonstration, Lawyer Martin Kpebu to check his intemperate language against President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo. According to him, he can have his discussions about the President without using intemperate words against him. Speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he wondered why the astute lawyer prefers to use inordinate words whilst advancing his argument on radio or even on Television. "The way he speaks is not part of our culture and I believe that Martin Kpebu knows that. You can make your case without insulting. It is also very important to note that he is the President of the land and that you are obliged to accord him with the necessary respect he deserves," he said. It is also imperative to note that there is global crisis and it is no fault of the President for things to get out of hand, but even with that the President has assured us that he is working to put things under control," he added. He further explained that he personally placed a private call to his friend (Martin Kpebu) who happens to be his mate at the University of Ghana, Legon to talk him out of the planned demonstration but he did not budge. "The Martin Kpebu I know during our Legon days is not noted for this kind of talk and activities but if he believes this is the way to go for him, he should declare his political stand and stop the tangent he has taken". "I am compelled to speak publicly about him now because all attempts to stop him through our various private conversations have proved futile, however, he should be mindful of the way he speaks about the President," he noted. Watch video below Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected] 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 American artist Kanye West has been asked to invest in African nations like Ghana by Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist Nana Kwame Bediako, often known as Nana Cheddar or Freedom Jacob Caesar. The economic crisis that Ghana and a few other African nations are experiencing has impacted the value of their currencies relative to the US dollar. The majority of African nations have turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for assistance. Freedom Ceasar has urged Kanye West to invest his billions in economically struggling African nations like Ghana if Americans dont want his money. Freedom Caesar took to his Twitter page and tweeted @kanyewest IMF and the world bank are holding countries at ransom for the economic crisis in Africa Ghana my country is one of them. My advice for you is if they dont want your billions in their banks then use some of the funds to save countries in Africa with currency depreciation. Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/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 JAD Events Ghana, organisers of the maiden edition of the African Wedding Vendors Awards (AWVA) have shortlisted some big names as top vendors in the wedding industry to be recognised and celebrated for their creativity and service excellence. The likes of gospel sensation Piesie Esther, Madam Afi Amoro, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jandel Limited, Kennedy Osei Kofi Asante and Tracy Osei Gyamfuah Ameyaw of KENCY 2020, among others will be honoured at the event slated for November 12, 2022. The event will be held at the Airport View Hotel, at 6pm under the theme The Sustainability and Future of Africas Wedding Industry. According to the event organisers, the AWVA platform was birthed to recognise talented hardworking professionals in the industry known for their creativity and unique professional services in the country and beyond. The prestigious AWVA awards intend to involve start-ups and professionals working together and sharing great experiences in support of the uniqueness of events and innovation. There will be a bridal fashion walkway at the Red Carpet, and a display of bridal collections with inspirational designs along the event. Categories for this years awards include AWVA Bridal Styling of the Year, Wedding Cake Vendor of the Year, Wedding Accessories Designer of the Year, Bridal Room Styling of the Year, Wedding Videography of the Year, Traditional Stylist of the Year. Others include Bridal Designer of the Year, Wedding Ushering Agency of the Year, Wedding Cocktail Vendor of the Year, Wedding Planner of the Year, Bridal Makeup Artist of the Year, and Catering Vendor of the Year among others. 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 Sunwing aircraft is parked at Montreal Trudeau airport in Montreal on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Sunwing flights were among hundreds of cancellations from a system-wide outage at WestJet on Nov. 6. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson CUPE-OSBCU president Laura Walton hugs a supporter following a press conference in Toronto on Monday Nov. 7, 2022. Ontario schools are reopen again for in-person learning today after many were shut since Friday due to a walkout by education workers. The Canadian Union of Public Employees says its 55,000 education workers will be back on the job today after Premier Doug Ford agreed to rescind a law that imposed contracts on them. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette A group of Western University students hold a protest against the school's COVID-19 mandates on Saturday Aug. 27, 2022. The University of Waterloo is returning to required masking for indoor activities that are part of academic instruction. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne The sign at the Calgary Courts Centre in Calgary is shown on January 5, 2018. A Calgary father has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his infant son. The trial for Anthony Karl Kurucz, 32, started Monday in the Court of King's Bench in Calgary. It is scheduled to run for almost three weeks. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill Graveland Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print National security expert Juliette Kayyem warned on election day that baseless allegations of election fraud are a form of incitement. Some thoughts on political violence and this election. Some baseline truths: First, allegations, without evidence, of election fraud arent politics. They are a form of incitement. Analysis that continues to wonder why Biden didnt fix this for GOP continue to confound me. 1/ https://t.co/p7aQYgM3t1 Juliette Kayyem (@juliettekayyem) November 8, 2022 She puts to bed the long-worn out lone wolf excuse while also reassuring that this is also not a . Civil War: One way to look at it is that it is clear the incitement is deeper, more fearless, but it is less clear that formalized groups are joining anti-democratic violent efforts. Those who would act are not lone wolves, they are part of a pact, but this isnt a civil war. Kayyem was on Acosta over the weekend, and she made the point above that video that Trump achieved the denial of the peaceful transfer of power. Democrats cant fix this for Republicans: We discussed Trumps nurturing of violence as a political strategy. He wont change because it is working for him. But if the GOP thinks it can somehow control this, the history of violent movements suggests otherwise. Dems cant fix this for them. Here she made the ignored point that Democrats, minority populations, are the ones who actually have the greater claim to rigged and lack of access to ballot boxes. We discussed Trump's nurturing of violence as a political strategy. "He won't change because it is working for him. But if the GOP thinks it can somehow control this, the history of violent movements suggests otherwise. Dems can't fix this for them." @cnn @David_Gergen @Acosta pic.twitter.com/p8xvWjaFdo Juliette Kayyem (@juliettekayyem) November 6, 2022 President Biden has pointed out that Republicans cant just vaguely say they condemn the violence after the brutally horrific attack on Paul Pelosi. They have to call out the Big Lie that led to it. POTUS has some words about Pelosi attack: you can't condemn the violence unless you condemn those people who continue to argue the election was not real, that its being stolen, that all the all the malarkey that's being put out there to undermine democracy. Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) October 30, 2022 There is always the instinct to look at Democrats expecting them to fix things for Republicans. But as I have been writing for years, how? Democrats cant fix things for Republicans because if they could, they would. Speaker Pelosi herself said in an interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN when asked, How does this stop? How does this not happen again? The Speaker responded, Well, you would think that there would be some level of responsibility. But what you see what the reaction is on the other side to this, to make a joke of it. And really, that is traumatizing too, but nonetheless, forgetting them. There has to be some healing process. And Democrats and Republicans, you know, Member of Congress, anybody could be a target. And we cant theres no guarantee. But we can in our democracy, there is one party that is doubting the outcome of the election, feeding that flame and mocking in the violence that happens. That has to stop. Pelosi also said we need a strong Republican Party. A strong Republican Party has done great things for our country. And they should take pride in that instead of yielding to a cult to a thug, actually, the way I see it, but nonetheless, really to stay with the healing part of it. When Democrats have called out the thug tactics of the Republican Party in years past, the media has both sided them, even though only one side egged on armed supporters threatening lawmakers to stop the passage of the Affordable Care Act, and only one side repeatedly took our country to the debt ceiling cliff to terrorize it into bowing to the will of the Republican Party, and only one party remained silent after its leader incited a violent attack on this very country an attack labeled a domestic terrorism attack based on the very lie that got Paul Pelosi beaten savagely with a hammer, only one party has mocked victims of the violence its party incited, only one party has raised violence as an acceptable form of politics and only one side refused to concede when it lost the most secure election in history. Republicans had already cast aspersions on the results of the election days before Election Day. Election denial is all over social media and right-wing sites today. Republicans are claiming we shouldnt count the early votes, in which Democrats lead. And yet, they are the people who prevented the counting of early vote ballots. So again, they know they are lying to their base when they cast aspersions on early votes. For example, this conservative political commentator: The longer it takes to tally the votes, the less you should believe the result. Michael Knowles (@michaeljknowles) November 8, 2022 They dont want people to know that election results take time to tabulate and early votes are counted last in some states like here in Pennsylvania. This is hardly a partisan take. A Republican-led Senate report warned in 2020 that elected officials and candidates should use the absolute greatest amount of restraint and caution before calling into question the validity of an election because to do so can have grave national security implications. So Republicans were warned about the threat to the United States if they did exactly what their party leader is doing and over half of their candidates are doing. Of the 597 Republican candidates running for state or federal office, 308 have raised unfounded doubts about the results of the 2020 election. There isnt a both sides even in the distant rearview mirror. One side is cultivating and orchestrating violence against the other, and this can only be fixed by the Republican Party deciding at long last to untangle itself from Putin, Trump, the Saudis, the NRA, foreign influence, and other extremist groups. Republicans choose not to because this is working for them. And whose fault is that? (Insert a discussion we need to have on the newsletter about late-stage capitalism, oligarchs owning all of the media, and how The People have been largely left behind by legacy news institutions.) Every time you hear someone other than minorities and people in urban cities who are actually being targeted and harassed by conservatives and having their votes challenged by Republicans cast aspersions on the election results today, that person is guilty of potentially inciting violence. When it comes from elected officials, they all know exactly what they are doing. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Mike Lindell claimed that he is watching every election in the United States to find election fraud. Video: Detective Lindell is ready: We are tracking every race by cyber. I want all the bad guys out there to know, we are watching. Im putting them all on notice! pic.twitter.com/LccMYSTEqF Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) November 8, 2022 Mike Lindell putting all of the bad guys on notice comes a week after he claimed that he has cameras and cyber guys watching every race in the country: In one of the wildest, most unhinged rants of the Lindell saga, he claims that he has people and cameras watching polling places in every county, and that he has cyber guys who are able to look inside voting machines in real time and see if Democrats are flipping votes. pic.twitter.com/xvo3kQXyXI Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) November 2, 2022 If Lindell has broken into voting machines and is spying on them, he is committing various local, state, and federal election crimes. It is doubtful that Lindell is inside voting machines. One of his tech guys has probably given Lindell a Ring camera feed, and he thinks he is watching every election in the country. Mike Lindell doesnt look like a guy who can operate his TV remote, much less carry out an elaborate operation to monitor every election in the United States at the same time. There is no election fraud. Lindell has been trying to find fraud for two years, and he has done nothing but constantly faceplant. Dominion Voting Systems cant bankrupt Lindell soon enough. Aiken, SC (29801) Today Plentiful sunshine. High around 70F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies with periods of rain late. Low near 55F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Voting for the 2022 midterm elections will begin at 7 a.m. Tuesday and end at 7 p.m. Voting will take place at precincts located throughout the state. 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. A list of polling precincts is also available in Tuesday's Aiken Standard. 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. The voter will be escorted to a voting machine, asked to enter their ballot and make their choices. In Aiken County, there will be eight statewide races on the ballot. 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. Republican incumbent Curtis Loftis faces Sarah Work of the Alliance Party in the state treasurer race. Republican incumbents Alan Wilson and Richard Eckstrom are unopposed in the races for attorney general and comptroller general. 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. 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. And Republican incumbent Tim Scott faces S.C. Rep. Krystle Matthews, D-Dorchester, in the U.S. Senate race. Voters will also elect their representative in the United States and South Carolina House of Representatives. Aiken and Barnwell counties are included in the Second Congressional District where Republican incumbent Joe Wilson faces Democrat Judd Larkins. Wilson attended but did not speak at the Rotary Club of Aiken meeting Monday. "I am really looking forward to a positive outcome," Wilson said. "I know in South Carolina it's just remarkable to see, from my perspective, the success of the Republican Party, but we don't take it for granted." Wilson said he was grateful and very humbled about the voters that he believed the Republicans would be receiving. He said he was hopeful that Senate candidate Herschel Walker and the Republicans running in Georgia would be successful. "I believe it is going to be a very positive year for limited government and expanded freedom," Wilson said. Larkins said he was looking forward to seeing the results of a lot of walking neighborhoods and meeting people Tuesday evening. Edgefield County is included in the Third Congressional District where Republican incumbent Jeff Duncan is unopposed. One Aiken County state House of Representatives race is contested: the House District 83 (North Augusta and southern Edgefield County) race between Republican incumbent Bill Hixon and Democrat Jerico "J.D." McCoy. S.C. Reps. Bart Blackwell, Bill Clyburn, Melissa Oremus and Bill Taylor are unopposed. 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. A story about these questions is included in Tuesday's Aiken Standard. Once voters make their choices and confirm them, they will receive their ballot back from the machine and will need to deposit the ballot in large machine nearby. Aiken Standard Reporter Dede Biles contributed to this story. A longtime Lowcountry bakery that makes the original Charleston benne wafers is now under new ownership. Business partners Ben Gramling and Mikell Harper of Gramling Brothers Real Estate and Development recently bought the Olde Colony Bakery site at 519 Wando Lane in Mount Pleasant for $1.1 million, according to Charleston County land records. Financial terms of the business transition were not disclosed. The joint venture is not an affiliate of the Charleston-based real estate firm, which is the developer of Cane Bay in Berkeley County, among other projects. It's a separate entity for Gramling and Harper, who also own Water's Edge restaurant on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. Olde Colony's previous bakery owners are Sheila and Peter Rix, who operated the business for 31 years, starting on King Street in downtown Charleston. The business dates back much further into the 1940s, according to Sheila Rix. Original owners Peter and Leila Kikos started selling their hand-crafted benne wafers to tourists from Colony Bake Shop at 101 Broad St. in 1953, though they had been making them before that. In 1970, the shop relocated to 280 King St., the site of the former Federal Bake Shop. The Rixes acquired the business, including the benne wafer recipe, in 1991. They bought the Mount Pleasant site adjacent to the State Ports Authority's Wando Welch Terminal in 2012 for $165,000, land records show. After more than three decades, the couple finally gave into the temptation to retire in October. "We want to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers and friends for their support throughout our 31 years," Sheila Rix said. "This year, as we head into the holiday season, we will miss the hustle and bustle, but we will finally have a chance to head back into our own kitchen and build some new holiday memories and magic." Harper said the Rix's son, Phil, will remain at the business through Dec. 2 to help the new owners during the transition before moving to the Midwest to take care of an ailing relative. Travis Snyder is the new manager of the 5,000-square-foot production facility, where up to 5,000 pounds of benne wafers are produced each week during the offseason by less than a dozen employees. During the approaching holiday season, production ramps up to almost 8,000 pounds a week. The company makes about 300 5-ounce bags per 100 pounds of benne wafers. They sell in the bakery's retail shop for $4.25 a bag. Other vendors can charge more, but not less than that, Phil Rix said. Olde Colony Bakery's items also are shipped to more than 500 specialty retailers, mainly on the East Coast. Distributors handle deliveries to several supermarket chains, as well. The new owners aren't planning any drastic changes in the business operation. "They have been doing it for 70 years and doing it right," Harper said. The bakery makes other items, including cream bread and an assortment of different cookie flavors, but Harper called the benne wafer the company's "bread and butter" item. He also believes the business has expansion potential. "I think there is a big market for Southern foods," Harper said. "I've been a customer for a long time. We like the business and feel like there is some growth involved." Harper called the acquisition "a good fit" for the business partners' Water's Edge restaurant, which they bought for $7 million in 2019, along with an adjoining parking lot and nearby condominium. The crew of a research vessel who helped rescue 12 passengers from a sinking fishing trawler is getting a close-up look that another watercraft involved in the dramatic offshore incident. The R/V Atlantis recently tied up at the Port of Charlestons Columbus Street Terminal, just upriver from the wounded MSC Rita. The Rita, a 1,063-foot-long container ship, was on its way to the Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant from New York on Oct. 28 when it and the 115-foot Tremont collided after midnight about 60 miles off the Virginia coast. Incredibly, no one was hurt, but the fishing vessel later sank. The cause is under investigation by the Coast Guard. As good fortune would have it, the 274-foot Atlantis was in the area when the Tremonts mayday call came over the radio. Its crew motored about eight miles to the accident scene and then towed a life raft carrying 12 passengers to a fishing vessel from New Jersey that took them to shore. The MSC Rita, meanwhile, made its way to Charleston Harbor but sustained damage to its hull, which is being fixed during its stay at its Columbus Street berth. The Atlantis is operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution of Falmouth, Mass. Its in Charleston as part of previously scheduled port call, a spokeswoman said Nov. 7. It recently completed studying the transport of larvae from the Gulf of Mexico to the mid-Atlantic. It is a coincidence that Atlantis is in the berth adjacent to the Rita, the institution said in a written statement. The floating ocean laboratory is scheduled to leave Charleston on Nov. 19 for a voyage through the Panama Canal. Its next assignment is off the west coast of South America, where the science vessel will host five missions to study the geology, biology and chemistry of hydrothermal vents near the Galapagos Islands and East Pacific Rise over the next six months, the institution said. Holy City's 'other' accolades Charleston's annual spot atop the Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast lists of America's top cities is well-publicized, but the Holy City also performs well in some, shall we say, less-famous rankings. Best restroom, for example. The facilities at the tony coffee and pastry shop La Patisserie, located in the Hotel Bennett, was among the runners-up in this year's America's Best Restroom contest sponsored by janitorial supply firm Cintas Corp. It was the only Palmetto State loo to make the top 10 list based on public votes that considered attributes such as cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality and unique design elements. Taking first place was the relief stop at Tampa International Airport's Airside C concourse a facility that Cintas said combined spaciousness, quality craftsmanship and a "freshly cleaned" aesthetic that includes a wood-look wall tile that "adds warmth and softness for a balanced, resort-like feel." And while a skyline highlighted by church steeples and the Ravenel Bridge might not evoke the same big-city feel as, say, Manhattan's, it did qualify as the nation's 25th-prettiest in terms of an area's gross domestic product, according to MSN's "Work and Money" website. With an annual economy of $46 billion, the Charleston metro area packed the smallest economic output among the skylines that were ranked. While "not laden with skyscrapers," the report noted, Charleston "is uniquely pretty and inviting." "Today, its size is eclipsed by bigger places like New York and Los Angeles, but Charleston is home to employers in the aerospace, automotive, IT, defense, energy, engineering and life sciences sectors," MSN stated. Not surprisingly, the Big Apple's skyline took top honors, with a GDP totaling $1.87 trillion. When it comes to beauty, there are few roadways better-looking than Charleston's King Street, at least in the eyes of Architectural Digest. The Conde Nast publication that typically focuses on interior design said the Holy City's top restaurant and retail thoroughfare is the world's 50th most beautiful, calling King Street is "a stunning place to spend an afternoon" in "one of the most charming cities in the United States." "King Street seemingly packs all of the southern beauty the town is known for into one perfect strip," the magazine states. The world's prettiest strip of pavement, Architectural Digest said, is in Spain's Setenil de las Bodegas where whitewashed houses have been built into the region's rocky cliffs, resulting in "beautiful natural rock formations hanging over streets, providing shade and stunning views." Beaming achievement A luxury hotel being built near the historic City Market has marked a construction-industry tradition. The developers and builders of The Cooper just north of Waterfront Park at 176 Concord St. held a "topping-out" ceremony last week, after the final structural steel beam was put in place. The milestone signifies the completion of the ground-to-sky vertical construction phase. The 225-room hotel is being developed by the local office of California-based Lowe with The Charleston Place owner Beemok Hospitality as an investor. BL Harbert International of Birmingham, Ala., is the general contractor. The Cooper will be a full-service lodging with waterfront dining, a rooftop bar and lounge, and its own pier and marina. The development plan also includes an 400-foot extension of the neighboring public park. The site formerly housed the offices of the State Ports Authority, which sold the prime property to Lowe for $38 million 2017 after it decided to relocate to Mount Pleasant. The developer broke ground on the hotel project in early 2020 and was initially eyeing an opening this year. But in 2021, work was halted for several months as the result of an issue with the support pilings. The Cooper is now expected to open in 2024. Auction item A Charleston-area property will become the second piece of real estate to meet the gavel at Sotheby's art and luxury auction house in New York City. Sotheby's Concierge Auctions will take bids starting Dec. 7 without reserve on the 30-plus-acre Egret Landing home and deep-water property at 4458 Park Island Road in Meggett. Bidding will conclude with a live auction on Dec. 14. Listed for $6.5 million, the property on a tributary of Wadmalaw River will sell to the highest bidder, regardless of price, according to Sotheby's. Bidding also will be available online at casothebys.com, opening the deal to a worldwide pool of potential buyers. A Sotheby's spokeswoman said the firm auctioned its first real estate property in September. The Meggett home includes five bedrooms, chef's kitchen, billiards room, bar, screened back porch, high ceilings and a central staircase. A vanishing-edge saltwater pool sits in the back. As part of Sotheby's Key for Key-branded giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, the closing will result in a new home built for a family in need. Heather Hutton appreciates working at a restaurant that is doubling down on its pastry program. With a daily dessert menu clocking in at nine items, Edmunds Oast stands out in a sea of Charleston restaurants. Thats not to say dessert is always an afterthought in the Holy City, but its usually not the top priority. Those with a sweet tooth might argue it should be. Edmunds Oast has served dessert for the entirety of Huttons six-year tenure at the 1081 Morrison Drive restaurant, though it didnt always feature the large menu it boasts today. Back then, they served a simple sweets section of four desserts, Hutton said. For me, that was always not my ideal, she said. It was pretty limiting, I felt like, in that structure. When Edmunds Oasts events arm grew, so did its pastry program, meaning Hutton was tasked with more large-format projects for banquets, rehearsal dinners and weddings. The slow and steady rollout of this programming came to an abrupt stop amid the pandemic. Suddenly, plated desserts turned into Nutella sea salt cookies and toffee pudding in to-go containers, an exercise Hutton enjoyed. At first. I very much embraced it in the beginning, Hutton said. To me, it was a very fun challenge, but we did it for a long time. Huttons focus has finally returned to the dining room at Edmunds Oast, where she recently unveiled a new fall-inspired dessert menu, with a three-layer almond toffee cake, Mississippi mud pie and spiced cherry pie among the new treats. Changes are also afoot at Circa 1886, another downtown Charleston restaurant with a dedicated dessert menu. The restaurant inside the Wentworth Mansion has shifted from the four-part menu chef Marc Collins has served since 2019 to a new format. Circa 1886 on Oct. 24 started serving two different tasting menus with an additional la carte option, meaning the desserts have been reinvented to pair with Circa 1886's savory side. That means options have shifted from the four delightful desserts I sampled just last month including a balanced Senegalese coconut rice pudding with mango to forays into fall flavors. Carefully crafted discs of creme brulee and pumpkin souffle with salted caramel sauce, two of the restaurant's new desserts, appear to fall in step with the refined, technique-driven style pastry chef Ashley Cardona displayed during my recent visit. I really enjoy the high-end luxury side of pastry, Cardona said. Having more of a tasting menu style gives you even more room for creativity. A Johnson & Wales University graduate, Cardona joined Circa 1886 in February after spending two years at Sea Island Resort in Georgia. She knew that pastry programs were placed on the backburner amid the pandemic, so she waited to move on from the resort until she found a new opportunity. Having the stars align to have a job like this is very few and far between, Cardona said. While dedicated pastry programs might be less prevalent, desserts are more popular than ever, said Hutton, who knows several individuals who have launched their own dessert-centric companies. In Charleston, Life Raft Treats continues to impress with owner Cynthia Wongs desserts designed to look like savory dishes. Her latest rendition, made to look like Lowcountry boil, followed up other remarkable recreations, like her trademarked Not Fried Chicken that a Washington, D.C., restaurant tried to copy. Independent ownership isnt always easy. Popular cookie company Knockout Cookies has temporarily suspended orders since August while the owners have a baby. Cardona will soon depart Circa 1886 for a six-week maternity leave while she has her second child, but the pastry departments team of three additional employees will be on hand to manage while shes away. The team stays quite busy, even with Cardona at work. Breads for the restaurant are made in-house, along with the breakfast pastries that are baked fresh and delivered to guests of the Wentworth Mansion. The morning crew works 4 a.m.-noon, while nighttime members come in 3-11 p.m. Cardona splits the difference, working 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Marc is very big on work-life balance which is just unheard of in this industry, Cardona said. Im very fortunate here. Hutton has two other pastry pros assisting her at Edmunds Oast one in the morning and one during service. She still makes time for experimentation in the kitchen, drawing on flavors from around the globe. Hutton's caramel corn baked Alaska, featuring vanilla ice cream, corn sherbet, caramel corn and salted caramel sauce, is a remarkable example of nuanced creativity. Inside the dome-shaped desserts artfully bruleed coating, the ice cream and sherbet combination delivers a savory sweetness, resulting in a bite that is decadent and light at once. Hutton has frequently infused desserts with a Filipino citrus called calamansi, and her latest treat features her take on a Peruvian pudding that originated in the city of Lima. I really get fulfillment out of getting inspired by people, Hutton said. Theres something about understanding a cuisine in general and then really representing it in the best way that you can. Drawing inspiration from a collaborative dinner with Peruvian chef Carlos Paredes, the rectangular dessert is a spin on a Peruvian classic called Suspiro a la Limena, or "the sigh of Lima." By marrying less common ingredients like lucuma, a green-skinned South American fruit, with the familiar flavors of carrot cake and warm butterscotch, it demonstrates Hutton's ability to use dessert as a blank canvas for creativity. I'm looking forward to seeing what shell come up with next. Councilman Howard Chapman, Charleston Regional Director Chris Magaldi, Thomas & Hutton Vice President and Civil Manager Tony Woody, Mayor Will Haynie, Thomas & Hutton President and CEO Sam McCachern, Chamber of Commerce Director Rebecca Imholz and Councilman John Iacofano celebrate Thomas & Hutton's 75th anniversary. COLUMBIA An investigator hired in an effort to find dirt on the prominent Murdaugh family supplied confidential materials including photos of 2019 boat crash victim Mallory Beachs body that ended up in a true crime documentary trailer last year, according to a sworn affidavit from a journalist who worked on the film. The Beach familys lawyer says reporter Vicky Wards sworn statement shows that the controversial leak emanated from convenience store magnate Greg Parker, who funded the investigation. But Parkers legal team contends the former CNN journalists affidavit offers no such proof. Beach family attorney Mark Tinsley obtained the statement and made it public this week as part of a recent settlement dismissing Ward as a defendant in an 11-month legal battle over the leak and its source. It absolutely exonerates me, said Tinsley, noting that Parkers lawyers have subpoenaed his communications with journalists as part of the leak fight. I think it conclusively proves that Parkers is the leak. Parker lawyer Mark Moore countered that Wards affidavit stated only that a third party, not Parker or any of his attorneys, supplied materials to Ward. That person, investigative reporter Gregg Roman, wasnt authorized to do so by anyone affiliated with Parkers, Moore said. The Beach family is waging two separate legal campaigns against Parker and his southern convenience store chain, Parkers Kitchen. One lawsuit alleges Parkers Kitchen shares responsibility for the 19-year-old Beachs death because it sold alcohol to an underage Paul Murdaugh in the hours before he got drunk and allegedly crashed a boat carrying Beach and four other passengers. That lawsuit also names the late Paul Murdaugh and several of his relatives as defendants. Paul Murdaugh died in June 2021 when he and his mother were fatally shot at the family's Colleton County hunting estate. His father, who is also a defendant in the suit, has been charged with the double murder. Another suit, filed in December, alleges Parker conspired with Ward, investigators and others to intentionally inflict emotional distress on the Beach family, including with the leaked photos, as they pursued their wrongful death claims against Parker and the Murdaugh family. In that case, both sides have accused the other of being the source of the leaked records. Parkers legal team also has sought to have Tinsley disqualified from the cases, alleging he has overstepped ethical bounds in his advocacy for the Beaches and is now a potential witness to those matters. That request remains pending but Tinsley denies any wrongdoing. Ward has strongly denied involvement in any conspiracy against the Beach family. In her affidavit, she wrote that she didnt create the documentary trailer and wasnt aware that some of the materials it featured were from sealed records in the Beach wrongful death case. Ward swore she has no connection with Parker or any of his associates, aside from her work on the documentary. My sole purpose in all aspects of my working on the documentary was to report the news and nothing more, Ward wrote. In a statement released through a spokesman Oct. 7, Ward wrote, "I wish peace and healing to the Beach family." But Ward did acknowledge her supplier for the materials. She said she got them from Roman, the executive producer of her documentary and a commentator on Middle East issues. Roman was at least loosely connected to Parker. An investigative firm looking into the Murdaugh family as part of Parkers preparation for the wrongful death case hired Roman and two private investigators, a Parker spokeswoman previously acknowledged to The Wall Street Journal. Roman published a 7,000-word blog post on the Murdaugh cases last summer in addition to his work on Wards documentary. But Parkers team told the Journal that Romans contract ended some time before June 2021 and that no one affiliated with Parkers authorized his voluminous report or his work on Ward's documentary. Roman himself told the Journal his reporting on the Murdaughs were separate from the research he was paid to do for Parker's defense. Roman gave Ward the confidential materials in September 2021, well after his contract with Parkers firm reportedly ended. Efforts to reach Roman for this story were unsuccessful. In an interview, Tinsley said it is telling that someone once hired to work on behalf of Parker turned out to be the source of confidential records from a major legal case involving the chain. He said Parkers denials are illogical and closely match the companys defense in the wrongful death lawsuit. Do you really think that when (they) gave Paul the alcohol, he wasnt going to drink it? Tinsley said. Theyve gone to such lengths to create strawmen, to hide what theyre doing. In a statement, Moore, the attorney for the Parkers chain, wrote that Wards affidavit confirms that neither Gregory M. Parker, Parkers Corporation nor its attorneys provided any confidential materials or information to Ms. Ward." Gregg Roman was not authorized by Mr. Parker or anyone associated with Parker's to share any materials with Vicky Ward, Moore continued. The boat crash wrongful death case is set to go to trial Jan. 9, though attorneys for Alex Murdaugh, Pauls father, have requested that it be delayed until after Murdaughs Jan. 23 double-murder trial. A judge initially agreed to split the boat crash case in two, allowing separate trials for Parker and the Murdaughs. But then Judge Daniel Hall reversed his decision at Tinsleys request. Parkers legal team has asked Hall to reconsider, arguing the continuing media blitz surrounding the Murdaughs, including the upcoming murder trial would hurt Parkers chances of getting a fair trial. MYRTLE BEACH The former chairman of the Horry County Republican Party, who is refusing to surrender his position, said it might take a legal battle to resolve custody of the party bank accounts. Roger Slagle, addressing at least 45 supporters Nov. 7 in Myrtle Beach, expressed confidence in his ability to win any potential lawsuit over leadership of the county chapter against the S.C. Republican Party. Slagle has accused the party's new state-recognized leaders of ousting him in a "coup," and has refused to hand over the party's bank accounts and social media platforms. The meeting held the night before the Nov. 8 General Election was Slagle's first since declaring himself the "rightful leader" of the Horry County GOP in October. I think I would hand it over once this is adjudicated, Slagle said, regarding the bank accounts. Honestly, it may go to court. I can't really say much more than that. "This attempted coup is clearly aligned with Drew McKissick, the state party chairman, and the state party has no authority to change the duly elected county chair," Slagle said, addressing his supporters. "We'll see how it goes, but we're going to fight this. And if we have you on our side, I think we'll win." Slagle's followers enthusiastically supported the idea of him taking legal action against the state party and the county GOP's new leaders for refusing to acknowledge him as the party's true chair. When asked for a timeframe on when he would take this action, Slagle replied, "Very soon." Slagle and his leadership team resigned in September over accusations that state party leaders were meddling in county party politics and did not show enough support for former President Donald Trump. The fight has fractured party leadership in one of South Carolina's top three GOP strongholds, and one where Trump remains popular. Horry County is the states fourth-largest county, and Republican Gov. Henry McMaster has often credited the county in helping him win elections. The region was also a huge backer of Trump in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. The state's Republican Party leaders have not said whether it would intervene in Slagle's refusal to hand over the party's information, though it called the former chairman's actions a "distraction." For Slagle's supporters, state party recognition was unimportant. Myrtle Beach Republicans Ken Chisholm and Bill Radford said they supported Slagle because his administration investigated allegedly mishandled finances by the county party's former administration. Slagle and his administration have touted the investigation as one of the highlights of their tenure. The two men, who joined the Horry County GOP two years ago, said they believed Slagle had brought more integrity to the party during his term. Were here because were not RINOs, Radford said, using the abbreviation for the phrase "Republicans In Name Only," which describes members considered insufficiently loyal to the party or those not adhering to the party's ideology. We dont care what Drew McKissick has to say. A tip from the social media app Snapchat set in motion a police investigation that has led to the arrest of a Charleston man on allegations he possessed a slew of child pornographic videos. Charleston police booked Thomas Elliot Aspinwall into the county jail Nov. 4 on 10 charges of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The 38-year-old man was released the following day, records show, after posting a half-million dollar bail. Aspinwall's attorney, Allie Menegakis, maintained her client was innocent. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided a cyber tip to city police in the summer of 2020 regarding possible "child sexual abuse materials," according to an arrest warrant affidavit. The tip originated from Snapchat, which suspected one of its users had uploaded an image of child pornography. A detective with the Charleston Police Department reviewed and substantiated the tip, leading law enforcement to execute a search warrant on Aug. 24 of this year at Aspinwall's Charleston residence, per the affidavit. Police seized numerous electronic devices and located ten videos depicting child sexual abuse imagery. Aspinwall was previously the executive director of the now-defunct Charleston World Heritage Coalition, a nonprofit that strived for Charleston to obtain recognition as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Since 2015, Aspinwall has worked as a self-employed consultant, according to his LinkedIn. This is not the first time Aspinwall has been suspected of criminal behavior involving a minor. He was arrested by Charleston County sheriff's deputies in 2015 on suspicions he and two other men including a Hanahan police officer exchanged pornographic photos of a 14-year-old boy, according to Post and Courier archives. Aspinwall was charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor after allegedly attempting to plan a sexual encounter with the boy. His attorney, Tim Amey, denied the allegations. It is unclear how Aspinwall's involvement in the case was resolved. There are no publicly available court records for the case, which typically occurs when a defendant has had the charges expunged. The other two men arrested in the 2015 investigation were convicted. The police officer, Michael Paul Norton, admitted to driving the 14-year-old boy in April 2015 to a wooded lot on Oak Island Drive, off Folly Road, and performing a sex act on the victim, court records show. Norton was 29 at the time. Norton, of Summerville, pleaded guilty in 2017 to second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. He received a 20-year prison sentence, but 14 years were suspended for probation. This past spring, Norton was arrested on allegations he violated probation while living in Maine, where he relocated after his arrest. He allegedly provided a cell phone to a 16-year-old boy so they could communicate, despite a temporary protection order prohibiting contact between them. Norton also admitted to a probation officer he was watching pornography on his phone and using a dating app, which violated the conditions of his sex offender registration. Philip Andrew Putnam, the third defendant, also pleaded guilty in 2017 to second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, court records show. The Charleston man was sentenced to 15 years in prison, but nine years were suspended for probation. Election Day moved mostly smoothly in the Lowcountry with only minimal issues reported in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. Election directors reported voter turnout has been generally good at polling locations across the three counties. In Charleston County, over 53,000 people made their way to the polls as of 3 p.m. Mount Pleasant's polling locations have received the most traffic in Charleston County, followed by James Island and West Ashley. Questions about address changes were the largest concern voters expressed, said Isaac Cramer, executive director of the Charleston County Board of Elections. Some of the issues stem from people saying they went to the Department of Motor Vehicles to change their address but finding out it didn't successfully update. In the morning hours, there was a brief power outage at Fort Johnson Baptist Church on James Island. The outage was resolved immediately, Cramer said. While wait times have been reported, Cramer said for the day he didn't anticipate anything longer than 30-45 minutes at their locations with the heaviest turnout. "So far things are going as smooth as we can hope for them to be," Cramer said. Dorchester County saw 16,735 voters as of 3 p.m. Summerville High School and River Oaks Middle School have been the busiest locations, said Kizzie Scott, executive director of Dorchester County Elections and Voters. In the morning hours, Dorchester County saw some issues regarding address changes and Wi-Fi connectivity. As of 11:30 a.m., Scott said those issues had been resolved. Since then, she's heard of no major issues across polling locations. In Berkeley County, early in the day some 28,848 voters have come through to cast their vote, said Rose Brown, director of Berkeley County election voters registration and elections director. "People are out casting their vote today all over the county," she said. Brown said the only problem they've encountered was slow internet connectivity while checking voters in, but it has since been resolved. More than 560,000 South Carolinians took advantage of the law change and voted early this year a total that easily surpassed the number of ballots cast ahead of the 2018 midterms four years ago. The 2022 early vote total represents a 91 percent uptick from the nearly 293,000 absentee ballots cast back then, S.C. Election Commission statistics show. Once again it is Charleston County voters who led the way, casting more ballots early than anywhere else in the Palmetto State. All told, more than 67,000 Charleston County voters took advantage of the state's new 12-day early voting period, with the busiest early voting site being Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant. Horry and Greenville counties followed with 51,116 and 49,987 ballots cast, respectively, in those counties. "I think the truth is it's just remained popular," said Isaac Cramer, executive director of the Charleston County Board of Elections, who credited the swell in early voting to past positive voter experiences and a familiarity with satellite in-person voting locations. "When you've got 99 out of 100 people telling you they had a great experience, it's easy to see why they would come back and vote early," he added. In the past, voters could cast absentee ballots in-person, but they had to provide an excuse for why they could not be at the polls on Election Day. This is the first year South Carolina has offered 12 days of no-excuse early voting under a new law that passed with near-unanimous support in the state Legislature. The Seacoast polling place sits inside a megachurch located off Long Point Road in the middle of a heavily suburban pocket of Charleston County. Some 19,981 ballots were cast early there, with pacing reports showing more than 2,000 ballots were cast daily in the final four days of the process. The busiest day of early voting at Seacoast and elsewhere around the state was Friday, a day ahead of the early voting period coming to an end Nov. 5. That leaves Election Day when all voting must be done in person. Here's what you need to know about casting a ballot. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 8 statewide. Where do I vote? Your voting precinct and polling place are determined by your address, and should be listed on your voter registration card. As a result of redistricting, your polling place may have changed. To check your voting location, visit the S.C. Election Commission website at scvotes.gov. At the top of the homepage, click the word "Voters." Then, click "Check your voter registration" or "Find My Polling Place." You can also contact your county voter registration office directly. What should I bring to vote? To vote in the election, you will need one of the following forms of photo ID: S.C. drivers license S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles ID card, which would include a S.C. concealed weapons permit U.S. passport S.C. voter registration card with photo Federal military ID, which would include all Department of Defense photo IDs and the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits card If you do not have proper photo ID but are registered to vote, you can cast a provisional ballot that will be recorded once your eligibility is verified. How can I look up my ballot? The best voter is an informed voter. To double-check the races that will appear on your ballot, visit the Election Commission website at scvotes.gov. At the top of the homepage, click the word "Voters." Then, click "Get My Sample Ballot." What can I expect? Most polling places are familiar community hubs like schools and churches. On Election Day, these locations will be surrounded by campaign signs for various political races. As you approach your polling place, you may find yourself shaking hands with a candidate or talking to campaign staffers. They are allowed to do that right up to the entrance. However, any campaign signs or materials must be at least 500 feet from the polling entrance. Inside the polling place, no campaigning is allowed. Buttons, hats, clothing Wearing a T-shirt for a candidate whose name appears on the ballot? You may be asked to turn it inside out. Wearing clothing with a more generalized political message, like a MAGA hat or Black Lives Matter T-shirt? You're in the clear. Same goes for old campaign merch, like a button from past presidential races. Upon leaving the polling place, you may be asked to participate in a media interview or an exit poll. In the Charleston area, students from the University School of the Lowcountry will be asking voters about who won their support. It's up to you if you'd like to participate. But remember: No one is allowed to intimidate voters or interfere with the election process. If this happens, alert a poll manager immediately. COVID There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place. You can bring and wear your own mask if you wish, along with hand sanitizer if desired. Can I take a selfie with my ballot? No. The use of cameras is not allowed inside the polling place, and state law prohibits anyone from showing their ballot to another person. What about election integrity? In late October, U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Adair Boroughs appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Potterfield to serve as the federal district election officer in the state. In the role Potterfield is responsible for overseeing the handling of Election Day complaints as it relates to voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, as well as election fraud. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov. Immediately alert a poll worker if you witness voter fraud or voter intimidation. When will we know who won? It all depends on how quickly election officials can tally up the results. Counties were allowed to start opening the outer security envelopes of mailed ballots beginning at 7 a.m. Nov. 6. The inner envelopes can be opened and the ballots removed and scanned beginning at 7 a.m. Nov. 8. Results will be updated in batches on the state Election Commission website, scvotes.gov, beginning with absentee vote totals. On the website, there will be a running count of the races, including by county, on election night. The states 46 county election bodies have to certify their results by Nov. 11, when the winners are considered official, though protests and recounts are possible for races that are close. Britains conservative administration led by Rishi Sunak has opened the door to paying climate reparations to poor countries: Britain has opened the door to paying climate change reparations to developing countries by supporting talks on the issue at the Cop27 summit. On Sunday, at the meeting in Egypt, UK negotiators backed a last-minute agreement to address loss and damage payments to countries badly affected by climate-related disasters. Climate-related disasters have existed from the beginning of time. Reparations are based on the assumption that climate change has made such disasters worse for poor countries, which is not true. But science has no role here; we are in the realm of politics and propaganda. The good news is that the contemplated reparations are cheap: Rishi Sunak will appear at the conference in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, where he will pledge 65.5 million for green technology in developing countries. That is peanuts, of course. But I doubt that it will stop there. Once you concede a principle, you have to live with the implications of your concession. Sadly, the Conservatives leadership seems to be entirely on the green train: Boris Johnson will also deliver a speech warning against the naysayers who threaten Net Zero targets. Net zero is a horrible idea that will vastly degrade the quality of life for pretty much all human beings. Politicians throw around these phrases without having any understanding of the relevant sciences, or of the implications of their commitments. Pakistan is leading a push by developing countries including Bangladesh and the Maldives for compensation from richer countries responsible for most of the worlds pollution. That isnt true, actually. Pollution occurs mainly in poor areas, like socialist countries. Prosperity is the best antidote to pollution, as experience has shown. It is mostly the poorer areas of the world that pollute. For example, one of the worlds most significant environmental issues is the vast amount of plastic that flows into the oceans. Nearly all of that plasticfrom memory, 90%comes from seven rivers in Africa and Asia. The reality is that poorer countries are polluting the Earth, to the detriment of the rest of us. It might make sense to give them some money to help clean up their pollution, but pumping dollars into green climate projects will do nothing to address actual pollution, and will only make the situation worse. UPDATE: It turns out that China has emitted more CO2 in the last years than the U.K. has since the Industrial Revolution: China has emitted more carbon dioxide over the past eight years than the UK has since the start of the Industrial Revolution, figures have shown. Between 1750 and 2020, the UK emitted 78 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, compared with Chinas emissions of 80 billion tonnes since 2013. Of course, no one is asking for reparations from China. Can the Western powers really be dumb enough to fall for this scam? I dont know. They might be. Tifanny, the fourth daughter of the former American president, Donald Trump, will marry Michael Boulos, a Nigerian-Lebanese, this November, Page Six is reporting. Tiffany announced her engagement to her 24-year-old lover on 19th January 2021, which was her fathers final full day in office, and she planned to wed in Greece this summer. Still, Page Six has exclusively learned that the formal affair will be held at her dads lavish Palm Beach, Florida, estate on 12th November. Their engagement was one for the book as her fiance proposed with a 13-carat emerald-cut diamond from Dubai said to be worth $1.2 million. The 29-year-old bride and her parents, Trump and his ex-wife Marla Maples would entertain more than 500 guests at the big wedding. Page six quoted a source close to the couple, saying, There has been a lot of planning and staging. This is Tiffanys big moment, and it will be lavish. It is going to be a huge and beautiful affair. Tifanny met Lagos-born Michael in Greece in 2017 and they have been dating since 2018. Tiffany celebrated her bridal shower over the weekend with her sister Ivanka, sister-in-law Lara Trump and Donald Juniors girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle in Miami, miles away from her fathers Mar-a-Lago estate. Who is Micheal Boulos? Mr Boulus, who has been described as a billionaire heir by Vanity Fair magazine, is the son of Massad, the Chief Executive Officer of SCOA Nigeria. Michael, who is of Lebanese and French descent, was raised in Lagos and is a naturalised Nigerian. His mother, Sarah, is the founder of the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria. His family moved to Lagos when he was an infant. He attended the American International School of Lagos in Nigeria before proceeding to London, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Global Business Management from Regents University in 2018. He also bagged a masters degree in Project Management, Finance, and Risk at City, at the University of London, in 2019. Mr Boulus has been the associate director of SCOA Nigeria since 2016, the director of Fadoul Group since 2019, and the business development manager of Royalton Investment since 2019. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Muhammadu Buhari has made more commitments, on behalf of Nigeria, to tackle the global climate crisis. He also urged world leaders to stop the blame game and avoid delays in implementing efforts to tackle climate change. Mr Buhari spoke at the clean energy transition event organised by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), on Monday, on the sidelines of the ongoing Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt. Signs of danger The president, represented by Nigerias Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, acknowledged that the world is at a critical time regarding its climate future. He said the actions today and over the next few decades will determine the fate of future generations and the planet. Mr Buhari recounted the climate disasters that have happened this year alone across the world. This year, we have witnessed disastrous extreme weather events from terrifying wildfires in the United States to unprecedented heat waves in India, Pakistan, and Europe, to intense floods in my country, Nigeria. From early summer till now, devastating floods have affected about 33 states in Nigeria, displacing over 1.4 million people, destroying over 100,000 hectares of farmland and causing about 600 deaths. In addition, we are witnessing increased desertification, erosion, and pollution in the country; the impacts of which are too severe to ignore, he said. The president said these glaring climate signals indicate that the world does not have the luxury of time when it comes to the impacts of climate change. Appeal He, therefore, called for urgent and decisive climate action from the countries most responsible for the emissions that cause climate change, saying the case for accelerated climate action is even more pressing. He said developing countries are pledging to take action despite contributing very little to climate change. As will be strongly demanded here at COP27, we cannot afford any more delays; our people and nations are on the line. The blame game should stop, affirmative and positive commitment to address these challenges must begin NOW. Continental commitment Mr Buhari said African countries are committed to tackling climate change by embarking on bold actions. He said; African nations are demonstrating commitment via the signing of the Paris Agreement, the submission of highly ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and spending up to 9 per cent of GDP in addressing climate change. However, as we seek to pursue our climate ambitions, we are acutely aware of other pressing concerns that must be addressed, not least of which is the energy poverty on the continent. With energy consumed for electricity, heat, and transport accounting for over 70 per cent of global emissions, we acknowledge that a rapid energy transition must be at the centre of our climate efforts, but we also know that we need significantly more energy. Still talking about energy deficits, Mr Buhari said it has staggering quality and length of life ramifications. For instance, the clean cooking deficits lead to about 500 million premature deaths from household air pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa annually, and due to the electricity deficits, half of secondary schools and a quarter of health facilities in the region have no power. The president said African nations, and most developing countries, must balance contributing their quota to the global climate response with resolving their significant energy needs. He said the clean energy transition is perhaps the main tool to achieve this. Talking about Nigerias action on energy transition, the president said the country sought to scale its climate mitigation efforts while providing sufficient energy to meet the needs of the 92 million Nigerians without access to electricity and the 175 million Nigerians without access to clean cooking solutions. Success story The President boasted that in 2021, Nigeria became the first African country to design a detailed Energy Transition Plan to tackle the dual crises of energy poverty and climate change and deliver universal access to energy (SDG7) by 2030 and net-zero by 2060. Our plan details pathways for significant low-carbon buildout of energy systems across 5 key sectors: Power, Cooking, Transport, Industry, and Oil & Gas, and within its scope, 65% of Nigerias emissions are affected. Speaking further, he said although Nigerias plan recognizes the role of gas as a transition fuel for delivering clean cooking solutions and increasing power capacity, renewable energy is the bedrock of Nigerias transition pathway. Nigeria is set to deploy an unprecedented amount of renewable energy capacity to deliver the energy access and climate goals of our transition plan. For example, the plan calls for the deployment of about 5.3 Gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity every year till 2060 with the inclusion of storage and hydrogen. The plan envisions vibrant industries powered by low-carbon technologies; streets lined with electric vehicles, and livelihoods enabled by sufficient and clean energy; this is an exciting vision. Mr Buhari said Nigeria has developed an audacious plan and adopted it as a national policy, but the critical thing now is delivering the plans targets. He called on developed nations and international partners to partner with Nigeria to raise about $410 billion above business-as-usual spending to deliver a just energy transition partnership by 2060. 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 The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has rejected the PDPs presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. The governor, who belongs to the same party, also said anyone who supports Atiku is an enemy of the state. He made the comments during a dinner party at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital, where he hosted four state governors belonging to the PDP. The four governors, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, were in the state for the official flag-off of the PDP governorship and parliamentary campaigns scheduled for Monday. In a viral video from the event, Mr Ortom was seen declaring that he would not support Atikus presidential bid because residents of the state are still being killed by Fulanis. To hell with Atiku and anyone supporting him. They should go and tell him. You want me to be a slave for a Fulani. It is better that I die. Anybody supporting Atiku is an enemy of Benue, he said angrily. I will never support a Fulani man to become president. If there is another person who is ready to work with me and ensure the security of my people, I will work with him. Mr Ortom also vowed not to have a change of heart until his people are safe. He further explained how he is not afraid of death and how he has written his will and would feel fulfilled if he dies at 62. The governors outburst comes weeks after he publicly withdrew his support for Atiku. He had complained that the presidential candidate disrespected and sidelined him during the campaign plans. READ ALSO: He is one of the G-5 the five PDP governors who have vowed not to support Atikus presidential bid until the National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, resigns and a balance is restored to the partys leadership structure. At the event, Mr Ortom queried Benue State lawmakers who have been quiet on the killings in the state. From tomorrow, Im turning my venom on the National Assembly members from the state who are romancing with Buhari to kill the Benue people, he said. He also described the other four governors as true friends of the Benue people. He said Mr Wike holds a title as the Eagle of Tiv Land because he was first to react when Mr Ortom was attacked. On his part, Mr Wike said their (G-5) aim is to save the country from its present condition of total collapse. The partys National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, who is also from Benue State, was absent at the inauguration of the governorship and parliamentary campaigns of the party in the state on Monday, according to Punch newspaper. Mr Ortoms comment is the latest in the series of outbursts from the G-5. While the governors have vowed not to support Atiku, the PDP flagbearer said he has moved on and would continue campaigns with or without their support. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print One clammy morning in the first week of September, Aliyu Isahs phone rang suddenly. It was a distress telephone call from the night guard at the Kantin Kwari textile market in Kano. Like other textile merchants in the market, Mr Isah had left the market leaving everything in its right condition the previous evening. But the news from the other end of the call was as shocking as it was disheartening: Mr Isahs textile shop had been taken over by flood. I tried to relax, listening to him (the guard), Mr Isah recalled in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. I and other colleagues (later) rushed to the market following the calls thinking we could help prevent the water but the damage had been done. As I arrived at the market, I was confused without knowing where to enter the market because of the overflow of the water reaching where we never thought it will reach because of the nature of the buildings. After I maneuvered (my way) into the market, (I realized that) it was a terrible experience. The flooding incident in Kano textile market began in August following torrential rainfall that swept off shops at Kantin Kwari, widely considered the largest textile market in West Africa. The shop structure at the market is designed in variegated sections with each section containing several shops. Mr Isah said the affected section housing his shop includes Saidu Dankoli House, Nababa Badamasi house, Shehu Na-Kwarai house, Dahiru Mangal house and Gidan Gareje. Multiple traders told PREMIUM TIMES that when the flood water came, it disrupted the businesses and many traders incurred losses. I was assigned by a committee inaugurated to assist the victims of the flood to identify traders affected by the flooding in my surroundings and I have so far listed over 30 shops which the flood has affected, with many losing materials worth hundreds of millions of naira, Mr Isah explained. In my shop, I lost wrappers worth over N4 million and we are quite many in this building. After the incident, a wrapper costing N4000 was sold as N1700 and the other is completely damaged and cannot be sold. Multiple traders at the textile market said the flooding also disrupted their sales and impacted negatively on their annual income as activities in the market ran intermittently after the flooding. Flood in Kano Earlier in the year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet) warned of imminent flood incidents in some states of the federation, including Kano. The agency said its warning was based on the rainfall distribution and amounts recorded in the country during the rainy season. The Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said the aftermath of the excessive rain resulted in floods in 25 local government areas. The agency said an assessment conducted in the Kantin Kwari textile market revealed that 547 shops and stalls were affected, resulting in the loss of properties and materials worth over N2.5 billion. The spokesperson of the organisation, Ahmad Isah, told PREMIUM TIMES that the flood in the textile market followed the saturation of the Kwarin Gogau water canal after torrential rainfall, adding that the canal was blocked by waste materials. According to the official, following the warning by the meteorologists, the SEMA in Kano inaugurated a committee that embarked on public enlightenment to educate the people on the dangers of flooding. Mr Isah said the committee worked on preventive measures towards the disaster, especially at the metropolitan area where Kantin Kwari Textile Market is located. They also urged residents to clean their water routes but people were reluctant to heed the advice. Tanko Danbaba, one of the Managing Directors of Madatai General Enterprise, also located in the textile market, said he lost clothing materials worth over N50 million to the flooding incident. Mr Danbaba blamed the flooding on officials granting permits for the construction of illegal buildings in already congested markets. After the flooding, we have to evacuate all wrappers from the mall and the ones in the store to sort out the damages. We took them to dry but, unfortunately, some people without empathy also stole many of the clothes while we were drying them at home and other various places, he said. Mr Danbaba said after the flooding, they met with the Kano state government on how to prevent future occurrences of the incident. He said: I am part of the committee that met the states deputy governor, Nasiru Gawuna, and we complained that many buildings have blocked the waterways and footpaths in the market. We also demanded that such buildings should be demolished and the governments swift response is commendable. The government demolished illegal shops a few days after the assessment, and some of the buildings blocked emergency paths in case of a fire emergency. Those buildings were illegally constructed by some self-centred individuals; those people are always after their gain. We urged the government whenever they are deciding on the market to consult people with knowledge of the market. More Victims Another victim, Islamail Dangado, said he came to the market the morning after the flood with the thought of sympathizing with other traders because he felt the foundation of his shop was quite high. However, Mr Dangado was shocked after he reached the market and found that the flood affected his shop and damaged his wares. As I opened the shop, the level of damage was devastating, he recounted. Almost, 1,200 pieces of the wrapper were affected and its worth over N5 million. The flooding has disrupted market days for about a month, and we have to redesign the interior of the shop to include other protective materials. We have also lost patronage in the immediate aftermath of the flooding, and if I am asked to advise the government on the way forward for the flooding, I will say they should continue with the demolition of buildings on the waterways. On his part, the Managing Director of the Kantin Kwari Market, Muhammad Bello, said following the devastating effects of the flooding in the market, the government responded to their request for the demolition of shops built on the Kwarin Gogau canal. The government has done the needful in quick response to the disaster. The government has demolished shops on waterways as requested by the elders committee of the market, which demanded the demolition of structures built illegally. The government immediately obliged, Mr Bello said. The official added that most of the demolished buildings were constructed 30 years ago and as development continues to take effect, the buildings became a source of problem in the market causing flooding and resulting in the loss of billions of naira and properties. Mr Bello commended the Nigerian government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the state government, and other individuals for the support rendered to the victims of the floods. Karin Gogau Effect A major feature of the Kantin Kwari Market is the Kwarin Gogau water canal built from unity road in Fagge Local Government Area, traversing Wase Dam in the Minjibir Local Government Area of the state. The canal was initially an open water space surrounded by a green environment, but it was later rebuilt and desilted by the government to absorb ground wastewater and rainwater from various locations in the Kano metropolis (including the historic Jakara stream). According to Anas Muhammad, whose house was built close to the canal at Layin Bola (Bola street) in the Fagge council area, the waste is expected to be passed into the Wase Dam. 67-year-old Mr Muhammad however told PREMIUM TIMES that the water canal has been a source of environmental disaster for residents of the Fagge area whenever it overflows. READ ALSO: In 1977, the overflow of the Kwarin Gogau canal flattened many houses including ours. Since the canal was built, it has not received adequate attention from the succeeding administrations up to this moment, Mr Muhammad lamented. This year, he said the canal overflowed into houses, destroyed properties and caused panic among residents. Mr Muhammad said during the administration of former governor Ibrahim Shekarau, the overflow of the canal killed four people after some buildings collapsed at Dabinai, Kampala and Kabobo streets in the Fagge council area. The water canal which was surrounded by plantations was later overwhelmed by buildings following the construction of IBB road, he said. More than half of the depth of the water canal has been saturated with human waste. The erection of shops at IBB Way forced residents of Fagge area to use the water canal as an alternative for waste disposal, which I believe is the major reason why the Kantin Kwari textile market and Fagge area are experiencing flooding. Mr Muhammad said the government can provide an alternative to the flooding by desilting the water canal, stopping people from building close to the canal, and providing a space for the deposition of waste for residents of Fagge area. Government Reacts The states Commissioner for information, Muhammad Garba, said the government has ordered the immediate marking and demolishing of all existing structures built on the water canal. He said the government also marked for demolition the drainage lines within Kantin Kwari Market to remove all obstacles that hinder the smooth flow of wastewater in the area. Mr Garba said the decision to demolish the structures followed a report of Rapid Assessment of Flooding at the Kantin Kwari Market that was conducted by the Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure, Idris Saleh, as well as his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Kabiru Getso. The official said the government also directed that all temporary structures mounted on top of drainage within and around the market be removed, adding that the governor also approved the desilting of the water canal and evacuation of all blocked drainage within the market and its surrounding. Multiple traders who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES urged the government to ensure that the necessary flood control infrastructure is put in place to avert future losses within the textile market. ***This reporting 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 All Progressives Congress (APC) one-million-man walk in Abeokuta for Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday grounded vehicular traffic and business activities in the Ogun State capital. The walk was also to support the partys presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu. Ahead of the march, on Monday evening, Gbenga Dairo, the Commissioner for Transportation, who announced the solidarity walk in support of the two candidates said there would be traffic diversions on Abeokuta roads. The government said the walk would kickoff from the MKO Abiola Stadium, through GTB junction, OPIC Roundabout, Ibara Roundabout, Isale Igbehin, Sapon , Ijaye, Iyana Mortuary, Abiolaway and NNPC all in Abeokuta. However, when the walk began on Tuesday, the crowd led by the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, left the stadium and marched through the ever busy Kuto Market, Isabo, Iyana Mortuary, Adatan, Moore Junction among others, disrupting all activities in the markets. The APC also mounted a big stage at the NNPC Junction, with loud speakers for performing artistes. Two traders within the Kuto Market told our reporter that they had incurred losses because of the walk, as many goods were said to have been pushed into the gutter. Mrs Aderemi, a trader, said a man putting on same vest with the campaigners gave her N5,000 after they had destroyed onions worth over N22,000. I still thanked them though, I will go to Oke Mosan, the governors office to complain after today. Many traders were affected, they marched many goods while passing through this place. Also a fish monger, Aderoju Adeola, explained that two persons fell on her displayed fish without waiting to say sorry. At the moment I cant ascertain my loss but I know God is in control. If we know they will pass through this place maybe I wouldnt have come to the market at all today. Motorists groan Motorists in the state capital also expressed pains as passengers refused to pay transport fares while they alighted from cabs to trek. A tired-looking driver, who identified himself simply as Baba Alade, said he left Panseke for Iyana Mortuary four hours ago but returned to the park without a dime. Usually, Panseke to Iyana Mortuary should not take more than 30 minute but todays walk caused me a lot. As old as I am, I am tempted to cry today. Our passengers left the cars angrily and they refused to give us one naira. The campaigners later assembled at the NNPC junction close to the state secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party. PDP reacts In a statement signed by the PDPs state Publicity Secretary, Akin Bankole, condemned the APC for blocking the partys entrance. The party spokesperson said this act was targeted at causing violence, saying it takes the intervention of the party leaders to calm the PDP youths. Mr Bankole also said the APC refused to converge on the stadium, a few minutes walk distance from the PDP secretariat to disrupt the opposition partys activity for the day. Instead of busying himself with needless blockage of main roads on work day thereby shooting down businesses and desruptiing free flow of traffic in the metropolis, the governor should pay a priority attention to his on going litigations surrounding his eligibility to contest or participate as a candidate in the forthcoming election. He needs to absolve himself of a supposed criminal identity of Shawn Micheal. He also needs to prove to the good people of Ogun State who have suffered all manners of needless hardship under the watch of his government about the criminal question of forgery and perjury currently against him. The so-called solidarity march for APC and its candidates in Abeokuta metropolis left a sour taste of insensitivity to the plight of the people. It shows rejection as the people have manifestly disassociate themselves from the all the misery and agonies APC represents. The partys youth leader, Sunkanmi Oyedeji, in a separate statement also described the positioning of the APC campaign as a deliberate attempt to infuriate the PDP. I had to cancel a very important stakeholders meeting of the youth wing of the party. They completely blocked the entrance to our secretariat. I had to calm down the youths that travelled to Abeokuta for the meeting. This is not the Ogun State standard. The governor should tender apology to the Peoples Democratic Party and the people of Ogun State with immediate effect. The fact that buses from Lagos in their large numbers came into the state today just for the rally was an eyesore. The question is who is afraid of who ? Repeated attempts to speak with the APC Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, were unsuccessful as he didnt pick his calls or reply to a text message sent to his phone. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has promised to establish a National Agricultural Commodity Directorate, if elected in 2023. This, he said, would help reposition the agricultural sector for optimal growth. Mr Tinubu made this known during a town hall meeting with farmers and northern agro commodity groups on Monday in Minna, the Niger State capital. He said the directorate would be charged with the responsibility of providing required farming implements to farmers at subsidised rates. He explained that the farming implements would be made available at government-controlled prices across the 774 local government areas of the country. The APC presidential candidate also promised that his administration would commence commodity exchange on the assumption of office and would also ensure the full protection of farmers and their produce. Be assured that you will have all the necessary protection in the market and farms. That is why we promise you that commodity exchange will start immediately if you elect me as President of Nigeria, he said Mr Tinubu also promised to revamp the Bank of Agriculture to attend to farmers on a priority basis while pledging to ensure the mitigation of the effects of climate change. We will stop destroying our export potential to create value, we will work to give you the exportable items that will help you produce in a manner that other people will want to buy your produce and not reject your produce. We promise you that nothing you produce will be destroyed again. I sympathise with all of you affected by floods throughout the country. he said. Also speaking at the event, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, said the government had over the years continued to support the development of agriculture in crop, livestock and fisheries production. He noted that the present administration had reactivated some of the 19 moribund irrigation schemes in the state as well the rehabilitation of over 300km of rural access roads through the implementation of the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP II) programme. Mr Bello said the state had attracted five International investors for the production diary and other associated livestock products. He added that the government had developed more than 1,300 hectares of pasture plots with basic facilities for the project. The event was attended by the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, and Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, among other dignitaries. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has denied reports making the rounds that some of its candidates were disqualified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the 2023 general election. The Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Hakeem Amode, denied the reports in a statement on Monday in Lagos and described it as a figment of the imagination of the opposition. The PDP leadership in Lagos state woke up to the story which purported that INEC had disqualified 21 candidates of the party in the state, crediting the story to our leader, Chief Bode George, with utmost embarrassment. The PDP in Lagos state will like to assure all our candidates, our members and supporters that there is no such thing and the news is not true. We make bold to say that such news is a figment of the imagination of mischief makers, indicating that the PDP leadership is more prepared now than ever before to win the general elections in Lagos state and Nigeria. We are ready to give Nigerians a new lease of life better than what is currently obtained. We cannot afford to give room for disqualification of the partys candidates, he said. The spokesperson maintained that INEC, in line with the Electoral Act, published the list of candidates for the 2023 general elections and PDP candidates for all elective seats were on the list. Mr Amode added that the information contained on INEC website as of press time has not changed, so the story is fake. READ ALSO: He warned that no one should fan the embers of discord capable of demoralising its hard-working candidates who are putting everything into the project to rescue and re-engineer the governance of our dear state, Lagos. Mr Amode said the PDP leadership is fully prepared to ensure that the wishes of the ordinary people of the state reflect in the results of the forthcoming elections. We are concluding arrangements to support INEC in the display of voters register and collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) which is scheduled to commence on Nov. 12 by mobilising voters. We urge all aggrieved members of the party to respect democratic tenets and follow due process in the expression of their agitation and not peddle information that is capable of putting the efforts of the party and its candidates into disrepute, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that reports in some sections of the media have it that 21 out of the 40 House of Assembly candidates of the party for the 2023 elections were allegedly disqualified over controversies arising from its primaries. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, would defeat other candidates in the 2023 governorship election in the state if the election was held today, according to an opinion poll. The poll, commissioned by ANAP Foundation and conducted by NOI Polls in October suggested a close race between Mr Fubara and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole. Mr Fubara, according to the poll, leads Mr Cole with an insignificant 3 per cent. Magnus Abe of the Social Democratic Party and Dumo Lulu-Briggs of Accord Party emerged as outsiders in that order, Atedo Peterside, founder, ANAP Foundation, said in a statement on Monday. Mr Peterside, who described the race in Rivers as severely fragmented, said Mr Fubaras three per cent lead at this stage was not sufficient to separate him from a pack of other candidates scoring 14 per cent, 11 per cent, 6 per cent and 4 per cent among others. Undecided voters and those who prefer not to reveal their preferred candidate add up to a whopping 37 per cent and 18 per cent respectively. READ ALSO: The gender split of undecided voters shows that 43 per cent of women are undecided versus 34 per cent of male voters, the poll suggested. The 2023 governorship election in Nigeria will be held in 31 out of the 36 states of the federation on 11 March next year and 40 per cent of the respondents in the state said job creation would influence their participation in the election. Other parameters are the provision of basic infrastructure (21 per cent), security (13 per cent), education (7per cent) and food security (6 per cent). According to the poll, Mr Cole of the APC came top as the most popular candidate with 76 per cent, when the respondents were asked if they were aware of candidates vying for governorship in the state. Mr Fubara of the PDP came second with 74 per cent, while Mr Lulu-Briggs of the Accord Party came third with 61 per cent, with Mr Abe of the SDP in fourth position with 60 per cent. Other candidates scored below 50 per cent. The Poll shows that almost 8 in 10 registered voters are absolutely certain that they would be voting in the next governorship election. If they stay committed then we could witness a huge turnout in the March 2023 Governorship elections. Owing to the huge number of undecided voters (37 per cent), the declared the poll inconclusive in terms of establishing a clear winner, and promised to concentrate on leading candidates in subsequent polls. ANAP Foundation, which has a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Stanbic IBTC bank, Mr Peterside, as its President, has been conducting polls since 2011 through NOI polls. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos have arrested two suspects for vandalising telecommunication, electricity and generator cables, an official has said. The Lagos State Police Commands spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Monday said the suspects were arrested and the tools used for vandalising were also seized. The suspects identified as Akpan Fortune, 28, and Stanley Umebuane, 24, were arrested at Ikeja and Ikoyi respectively, on Sunday. Mr Hundeyin said that Mr Fortune was arrested on Sunday morning while he was vandalising telecommunication and generator cables at Acme Crescent in Ikeja. He said the other suspect, Mr Stanley, was caught in the act when he was digging up electricity cables with a shovel in Ikoyi. Fortune was arrested in the morning on Acme Crescent, Agidingbi, Ikeja after accessing and vandalizing telecommunication and generator cables in a substation in the area, Mr Hundeyin said. Umebuane on his part was caught in the act by an RRS team on routine patrol on Sunday night at Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, digging up electricity cables with a shovel. READ ALSO: Recovered from them were a shovel and different types of vandalized cables. Mr Hundeyin added that Olayinka Egbeyemi, the commander of Rapid Response Squads (RRS), has transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Panti for further investigation and prosecution. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The deputy leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Struggle, Wale Adediran, has resigned his position. Mr Adediran, a former commisioner of Education in Osun State, conveyed his resignation through a letter addressed to Banji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba movement. The Yoruba Self-Determination Struggle, also known as Ilana Omo Oodua, is at the forefront of the agitation for a Yoruba nation. Mr Adeniran, an indigene of Ile-Ife, resigned barely 48 hours after the former spokesperson of the group, Maxwell Adeleye, left the movement. His resignation letter took effect on 6 November. Mr Adeleye said his own resignation also takes effect on the same day. Dear Professor Banji Akintoye, as a matter of principle, I hereby give a notice of my resignation from the position of Deputy Alana, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, with effect from Sunday, November 6th, 2022, Mr Adenirans letter reads. The former deputy leader of the Yoruba movement noted that despite his resignation from his position, he would remain dedicated to the movement. READ ALSO: However, given my irrevocable commitment to the realization of an Independent and Sovereign Yoruba Nation State, separate from Nigeria, I hereby affirm that I remain a dedicated and staunch member of our freedom fighting organization, Ilana Omo Oduduwa. In the letter, Mr Adeniran did not state reasons for his resignation. Rejection Mr Adeleye said the groups executive members rejected his resignation letter and that of Mr Adeniran. We both resigned. I resigned last Saturday, they rejected it, he also resigned yesterday, they also rejected him, Mr Adeleye told PREMIUM TIMES. The former spokesperson said he would issue a further statement in the next 48 hours. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The kingmakers in Iree, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun, have called on the state government to reconsider the process that produced Raphael Ademola, as the 16th Aree of Iree in the town. One of the kingmakers in the town, the Aogun of Iree, Saliu Atoyebi, who addressed journalists on behalf of the Aree-in-Council in Osogbo, said they were not in support of the process that produced the new traditional ruler. Mr Atoyebi accused the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bayo Adeleke, of imposing his preferred candidate. He said that the Aree-in-Council were not allowed to be part of the election of the new traditional ruler for the town. They have not elected any king in Iree, as far as we are concerned. What they should do is bring the contestants who are princes to us (kingmakers) from the four ruling houses, for us to consult the oracle. All these were not done. What they claimed they did was not the proper process by which the Aree of Iree would emerge, he said. READ ALSO: When contacted, Mr Adeleke said the kingmakers abdicated their duties. Mr Adeleke said three times meetings were called for kingmakers to elect a new traditional ruler and on those occasions, they refused to turn up. He said that due process was followed in the appointment of the new traditional ruler for the town. The state government had, on 4 November, appointed Mr Ademola as the 16th Aree of Iree in Osun State after he was elected by Warrant Chiefs. He succeeded Oba Jimoh Olayonu who passed on July 8, 2018. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print An early morning fire razed nine shops at the popular Oja-Oba Market, along Ibokun road in Osogbo, Osun State, on Tuesday. The affected shops were mainly occupied by local herb sellers. Babalola Oyebode, one of the shop owners in the market, said the inferno started around 3 a.m. and raged for a few hours before firefighters arrived at the scene. Mr Oyebode, a provision seller whose shop was not affected, said the inferno destroyed properties and goods worth several millions of naira. The fire started from one of the shops before it transferred to the others. Total of nine shops were burnt before the fire service people arrived, he said. Although officials are yet to state the cause of the fire, Mr Oyebode blamed it on high electricity voltage. Ibrahim Adekunle, the spokesperson of the Fire Service in Osun State, confirmed the incident. The fire was suspected to have started some hours before the men of Osun State Fire Service, Okefia Station were informed through one Mr Oyedele Muftau who visited our station, he said. The fire service spokesperson noted that several properties had been destroyed by the inferno before the arrival of his officials who got to the scene three minutes after they were informed. The fire had already destroyed properties worth millions of naira and buildings damaged before the Fire Service were informed. However, quick intervention of the firemen who got to the scene three minutes after they were informed salvaged some properties as well as prevented further spread to the adjoining developments. Mr Adekunle did not give the cause of the inferno. READ ALSO: Fire razes shopping complex in Osun Five days ago, an early morning inferno also razed a shopping complex around Alekuwodo in Osogbo. The shopping complex is where furniture materials and electronics are sold. The inferno started around 1 a.m. and destroyed goods worth several billions of naira. The cause of the inferno was also not ascertained. Governor Gboyega Oyetola visited the scene after the inferno to commiserate with the shop owners and directed that the affected buildings be pulled down. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, unveiled a social investment plan to be implemented in the state for over the next 12 months, despite having seven months left in office. The governor, while presenting the 2023 budget to the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Monday, said the pro-poor expenditure programme will start within the remaining party of the year 2022. Governor Emmanuel, who will be embarking on such distribution of largesse to the residents of the state for the first time in over seven years of his administration, did not disclose how the beneficiaries would be selected. Under the scheme, according to Mr Emmanuel, 1, 950 beneficiaries would receive N10, 000 for twelve months Social Transfer Scheme, while 1,500 indigenes would be engaged to some jobs for N10, 000 monthly stipend, with no time bound given. Livelihood Grant Scheme This will capture 975 indigenes for short livelihood support accompanied with soft skills training and one off payment not less than 190,000 each and is targeted at self-employed youths of Akwa Ibom State. Additional 5,735 farmers in the State will access improved agricultural infrastructure such as construction or rehabilitation of canals, Roads and Warehouses, while 8,125 farmers will access Agric assets to step up agricultural production and small-scale food processing. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Scheme about 14,000 SMEs in the State will be captured for a grant of 100,000 150,000 to incentivize employment retention following several bouts of economy (Covid 19) lockdowns that affected Small and Medium Scale businesses in the State, Governor Emmanuel said. The budget The 2023 budget, which is the last to be presented by Mr Emmanuel as governor of the state, is N 697.005 billion. Mr Emmanuel christened it the budget of completion. It focuses on consolidation of the 8-point completion agenda of the administration, including industrialisation, aviation development and infrastructure expansion, among others. The 2023 budget proposal is 10 per cent higher than the 2022 budget which was N631.881 billion. Mr Emmanuel is proposing N344 billion for recurrent expenditure, and N353 billion for capital expenditure. According to the governor, the budget is projected on an oil benchmark of $70 per barrel at a production rate of 1.69 million barrels per day with an estimated exchange rate of N435.57 to a United States dollar. Sectoral allocation indicates that, education got N50.6 billion, while health got N30.5 billion and Agriculture has N14.1 billion. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The wife of Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State, Kafayat Oyetola, led other women in the state in a solidarity walk for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, and his running mate, Kashim Shettima. They began the walk around 8 a.m. from the Government House in Oke-Fia and marched through Alekuwodo, Ola-Iya, and Fagbewesa and ended at Freedom Park in Osogbo, the capital. The women who walked with the Osun State First Lady were APC members, popularly known as Akoni Obinrin (brave women). They sang solidarity songs as they walked through the streets amidst a high-security presence, appealing to residents to vote for APC in the 2023 general elections. Mrs Oyetola, while addressing the womens group, promised to deliver at least one million votes for the APC with support from women in the state. We have 138 coordinators of Akoni Obinrin across the state, under these coordinators, we have representatives of the group at every unit, ward, and local government levels. They will mobilize support and votes for Asiwaju, she said. The governors wife described Mr Tinubu as someone who accommodates everybody irrespective of an ethnic group. We have seen what he did within and outside the country most especially when he was the governor of Lagos State, she said. He is a type of man that accommodates everybody without tribal sentiment. With the good job he has done in Lagos state, we believe he will replicate it in the entire country. Funke Egbemode, the state commissioner for information and civil orientation, also expressed the readiness of the womens group to support and mobilize for APC in the 2023 elections. There is no point in throwing away your vote for an untested hand, she said. If you have used a doctor before, and he did well, you can trust him, we have seen that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has major ingredients that the nation needs and that is political will. He has stood up to the system before and won. He is the man that has been tested, hes the man that we can trust and we should come out in February on the day of the election to cast our vote for him. Mrs Egbemode added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ahead of the forthcoming 2023 governorship elections, a recent statewide opinion poll commissioned by Anap Foundation showed that the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) Governorship Candidate, Abba Kabir-Yusuf, is the most favoured to win the election. The poll conducted by NOIPolls Limited in October revealed a close race between Mr Kabir-Yusuf and Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC). There is an 18-point gap between the pair and other candidates. The results showed a significant lead for Abba Kabir Yusuf with 29 per cent of voters proposing to vote for him if the governorship election were to be conducted today; and 21 per cent proposing to vote for Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the APC who fell in second place, the foundation said. Mohammed Sadiq Wali If the PDP was a distant third with only 3 per cent of voters proposing to vote for him. Abba Kabir Yusufs 9 per cent-point lead at this early stage is significant, but not sufficient to separate him completely from his main challenger as the top 3 candidates scored 29per cent, 21per cent and 3per cent, the organisers stated. However, the poll showed that undecided voters and those who prefer not to reveal their preferred candidate add up to a whopping 30per cent and 11per cent respectively. The gender split of undecided voters shows that 35 per cent of women are undecided versus 22 per cent of male voters. Poll Question: Suppose the governorship election is being conducted today, who are you likely to vote for? The percentage of registered voters is as follows in each of the districts 88per cent in Kano South, 92per cent in Kano Central, and 93per cent in Kano North. When asked if respondents were aware of the various candidates vying for Governorship, data gathered showed that 85per cent of the respondents were aware of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna of the APC, 82per cent were aware of Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP, 67per cent were aware of Mohammed Sadiq Wali of PDP and 62per cent were aware of Shaaban Ibrahim Sharada of the ADP. All other candidates scored below 50per cent in terms of name recognition. Furthermore, the data summarises top four reasons why voters are more inclined to vote in the forthcoming elections, these include Continuity of Educational Policy (26 per cent), Infrastructure (21per cent), Insecurity (16 per cent) and Unemployment (11per cent) amongst others. Thirty-one per cent of the respondents would love to see their preferred governorship candidates participate in a televised interview and/or debate, with the interview/debates spanning across topics like their party manifestos, personality recognition and competence check amongst others. READ ALSO: It is worthy of note that 71 per cent of those aged 18-25, 85 per cent of those aged 26-35, 85per cent of those aged 36-45, 82per cent of those aged 46-60 and 82per cent of those aged 61+ responded they would definitely vote in the coming elections. The age groups that expressed the greatest willingness to vote were those between 26-35 years and 36-45 years. The organiser of the poll also said the poll indicated that there might be an increase in the turnout of voters in the state. The Poll shows that almost 8 in 10 registered voters are absolutely certain that they would be voting in the next governorship election. If they stay committed, then we could witness a huge turnout in the March 2023 governorship elections. The organiser of the poll said despite the significant lead of the two frontrunners, what would eventually decide the outcome of the election is who undecided voters decided to vote for. While this governorship poll result shows some significant trends, it is key to note that the battle ahead lies with the undecided/swing voters as they would ultimately decide which candidate emerges as governor of Kano State in the 2023 governorship elections. In summary, our October 2022 Polls are inconclusive in terms of establishing a clear winner as the undecided voters are enough to turn the tables. However, Anap Foundation has concluded that the trends are clear enough to establish the front runners and so our subsequent polls will concentrate on the 2 leading candidates only, the foundation said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the Labour Party (LP) says its candidate, Peter Obi, will no longer attend debates where other candidates are not present. Director-General of the PCC, Doyin Okupe, said this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday. He said the absence of presidential candidates in debates has become a growing trend in the 2023 electioneering. Presidential candidates of four of the 18 registered political parties, on Sunday, appeared at a town hall meeting to dialogue with citizens. Candidates in attendance at the event organised the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and Arise Television, were Mr Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Kola Abiola of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Also present was the PDP vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, who represented Atiku Abubakar, while Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was absent. Let us make it clear today, that these recurring acts will no longer be acceptable to the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr Okupe said. While our candidate Mr Peter Obi and vice presidential candidate, Dr Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, are prepared at all times to engage other candidates and the Nigerian people in any duly scheduled debates, town hall meetings and any other appearances as designated and scheduled. This election season, they will only be prepared to mount the podium, with their peers in this presidential race, and not with any surrogates or diversionary delegated representation. This stand is taken with the utmost respect for the rights and desires of Nigerians to full and direct information, and first hand responses and presentations necessary for the best assessment of worthiness, capacity, capability, competence, character, integrity and disposition, as required to make the right choice in these coming election. The PCC DG recounted that on Monday 22 August, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) invited the leading presidential candidates to address its Annual Bar Conference and the Nigerian people at the epic occasion. He said again on 13 and 14 September, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry invited the major parties presidential candidates to interact with them and the Nigerian people. He said that the event was an opportunity for them to unveil their economic and general policy initiatives as a prelude to the presidential election. He, however, said that while Mr Obi and other invited candidates appeared in person, the presidential candidate of the APC sent his running mate to represent him. Once again, yesterday Nov. 6, at the First AriseTV Town Hall Meeting, in contradiction to the understanding reached with the organisers allowing only presidential candidates to attend the event. The vice presidential candidate of the PDP was allowed to represent the presidential candidate, he said. Mr Okupe said this sparked a protest and rowdy situation by supporters of other presidential candidates present. Obi and the Presidential Campaign Organisation totally condemn this disregard for the electorate and the people, by these absentee presidential candidates. The decision to present oneself as a presidential candidate does not start and end with the purchase, submission of forms and certification as a candidate by INEC. It also forebodes on the candidate a high degree of responsibility to present himself for open discussions and explanations on his policies, visions and plans for the people to enable a better understanding and engender an appropriate choice by the electorate in the coming election. READ ALSO: Anything short of the simple, transparent and honest adherence to this basic contract of responsibility, falls short of the standards of fair contest and engagement. This could only be interpreted as a mischievous evasion of the desired interface with the people. He said it was totally reprehensible and inconceivable why any presidential candidate should think that they are doing the voting public and indeed all Nigerians a favour by appearing in person. Mr Okupe said Mr Obi was currently the leading candidate in this presidential race, and yet did not display the baseless and arrogant disposition of some of his co- candidates. The joint ticket in a presidential election, and in a substantive presidency, is a constitutional provision for temporary or permanent substitution, where the presidential candidate is primarily incapacitated or otherwise critically unavailable, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $1.4 billion to help smallholder farmers boycott the existential impacts of climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This was disclosed by the foundations Chief Executive Officer, Mark Suzman, at the ongoing COP27 in Egypt on Monday. The foundation noted that the commitment is part of its efforts at global climate talks in Egypt to scale up supply of adaptation finance. Today, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation echoed African leaders calls for countries to rapidly scale up finance for climate adaptation and pledged to invest $1.4 billion to help smallholder farmers address the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change, the Foundation said in a statement. Poor funding Last week, the United Nations hinted that the world is currently not doing enough to assist poorer nations withstand the effects of global warming. By 2030, it has been projected that the annual financing needs of poorer nations will be $340 billion. More than 2 billion people depend on smallholder farms for food and income, yet less than 2 per cent of global climate finance is devoted to helping these farms adapt to climate change, the foundation said. It said food and economic crises will last longer and become more severe as climate threats escalate and further threaten food security by limiting smallholder farmers yields and resilience. READ ALSO: The effects of climate change have already been devastating, and every moment the world delays action, more people suffer, and the solutions become more complex and costly, Mr Suzman was quoted to have said. He said: Our commitment will help smallholder farmers adapt today and build resilience for the future. It is essential for this climate summit to produce bold commitments that address immediate and long-term needs. Leaders must listen to the voices of African farmers and governments to understand their priorities and respond with urgency. Duration, key focus The foundation emphasised that its commitment will fund immediate action and long-term initiatives over the next four years to help smallholder farmers in the aforementioned regions build resilience and food security. According to the statement, the funding will focus on spurring African-led innovation to build a pipeline of climate-smart agriculture projects, new applications of digital technologies, climate-smart innovations for smallholder livestock farming, and support for women smallholder farmers to capitalize on their untapped potential. Women in rural Africa are the backbone of their food systems, but they have never had equal access to the resources they need to reach their full potential or build resilience to looming climate threats, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Co-chair, Melinda French-Gates, said. She added: As the climate crisis accelerates, womens vital role in their economies is too important to overlook. With the right financing and marketing support, Ms French-Gates noted that women smallholder farmers could earn more in a day than they currently earn in a month. This, she said, will ultimately transform these regional food systems and unlock a healthier, more sustainable, and more prosperous future for families and communities across the continent. The climate crisis is causing enormous harm every day as it jeopardizes entire regions of people and economies. More funding is necessary to ensure agricultural and technological innovations are widely available to vulnerable communities, helping them to adapt to climate change, save lives and increase economic growth, she added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Niger Delta Caucus in the House of Representatives has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq, over her comment that Jigawa State is the worst affected state by the recent flooding disaster. The lawmakers made the call on Monday during a press briefing at the National Assembly. They urged Ms Farouq to resign as she is not fit to continue to hold the office. The grouse of lawmakers is on the comment made by the minister that Bayelsa State is outside the top 10 most impacted states by the flood. Mrs Farouq reportedly made this comment last week at the ministerial media briefing organised by the presidential communications at the presidential villa. Fred Agbedi (PDP, Bayelsa) who spoke on pp0behalf0 the caucus, said the lawmakers are dismayed that the minister has turned disaster into dirty politics. Flanked by several members from the Niger Delta State, Mr Agbedi said Bayelsa State is currently not linked by any road on the western flank. The core Niger Delta states are Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, Edo and Akwa Ibom. READ ALSO: It is therefore saddening to see a disaster being turned to the usual dirty politics by some public office holders taking advantage of every situation to subjugate some regions of the country by telling a blatant falsehood. As we speak, Bayelsa State is the only state that you cannot link by road to the western flank of Nigeria through Delta State and to the eastern flank of Nigeria through Rivers State, almost the entire state has been underwater, Mr Agbedi said. The lawmaker, therefore, called for her resignation or the president should take action to relieve her of her job. We call on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to honourably resign her appointment as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria failing which Mr. President should relieve her of her appointment immediately, he said. Mr Agbedi refused to disclose actions to be taken if the president refuses to heed their call, stating that the next action will be taken in consultation with leaders in the region. If Mr President fails to act, we will take the next step, but we will not disclose our next step. We will take the next step in consultation with leaders in the Niger Delta. Thereafter, we will make it public, he said. Bob Solomon (PDP, Rivers), while speaking, said the lawmakers are not just reacting based on the comments made by the minister, rather, they are reacting based on past actions of the minister. This call for the sack of the minister is premised on her history and behaviour since she became a minister, he said. Over two-thirds of Nigerias 36 states have so far been affected by the floods. Some of the states most affected include Benue, Kogi, Jigawa, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Kano. PREMIUM TIMES had reported that as of October, over 108 people died in Jigawa State due to the flood. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Security agencies in Katsina State have formed a committee to disband all illegal checkpoints operating in the state. The team will also ensure security agents at legal checkpoints and patrol stop extorting motorists and to also disband the use of camp boys especially by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service in the state. The Katsina Command Customs Controller, Dalhat Wada Chedi told journalists in the state on Monday evening that the monitoring team comprises representations from all security agencies in the state. The security heads in the state have met and formed an adhoc committee to go around the state to fish out all the bad eggs within the security agencies. Every agency is represented because they know their officers and know whether there is a legal checkpoint or not. All illegal checkpoints would be disbanded, were also fighting the use of camp boys because theyre not our men or officers. The adhoc committee would also ensure that motorists and other road users are not extorted by security men. And I personally told these businessmen that any Customs officer who stops you and insists that you give him something when youve already paid for the Customs duties, please come to me directly and Ill show you how serious were to get rid of corrupt officials among us, he said. Only the Jibia border remains open Mr Wada Chedi said, for now, only the Jibia border is open for import and export while Dankama border remains closed. He said from when the Jibia border was reopened last year, the service had recorded over N500 million Naira as Customs duty while over N5 billion Naira worth of exported items passed through the border. The Katsina Customs controller said the service, dealing directly with stakeholders and associations, has reached an agreement that unions would be issued receipts to those that bought and load their goods from their markets to enable them present at any patrol checkpoints, they come across. He said the Nigeria Customs Service in the state has agreements to provide receipts for members of unions including those of Tiger nuts, Palm dates, Beans, Groundnuts, Sesame and Beans traders unions. Mr Wada Chedi said the service got over N75 million in revenue in September while it got over N121 million in October this year. He said the service, in its anti-smuggling fight, ceased vehicles and general goods worth N77,803,825 in October. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, said he has appealed the verdict of the Abuja High Court that convicted him for contempt of the court. Mr Bawa disclosed this while speaking to journalists after defending the commissions budget proposals before the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption. We have appealed against it already so we will allow the natural course of the law to take its effect, he said. The judge, Chizoba Oji, had in a ruling on 28 October convicted Mr Bawa for failing to carry out the order of the court in a case involving the Director of Operations at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Rufus Ojuawo. The EFCC had arraigned Mr Ojuawo on a two-count charge before the High Court of the FCT in Nyanya, presided over by Muawiyah Idris, in 2016. Mr Ojuawo was accused of receiving N40 million and a Range Rover Sport from one Hima Aboubakar of Societe DEquipment Internationaux Nigeria Limited. The court had in 2018 ordered EFCC to return the properties to Mr Ojuawo. Mr Ojuawo approached the court again over the non-compliance of the EFCC with the verdict. Following this, the court ordered the EFCC boss to be committed to prison at Kuje Correctional Centre for his disobedience. In its verdict, the court ruled that The Chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is in contempt of the orders of this honourable court made on November 21st 2018 directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abuja to return to the applicant his Range Rover (Super charge) and the sum of N40, 000,000.00 (Forty Million Naira). Having continued wilfully in disobedience to the order of this court, he should be committed to prison at Kuje Correctional Centre for his disobedience, and continued disobedience of the said order of court made on November 21st, 2018, until he purges himself of the contempt. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print To stand a fighting chance with overcoming widespread and growing insecurity within its borders, Nigeria must adopt a more holistic approach that simultaneously combines combatting security threats more effectively with addressing the root causes of conflicts and agitations in the country, Agora Policy, a Nigeria think tank, has advised. Current military engagements should be sustained, the think tank states in its latest report titled Understanding and Tackling Insecurity in Nigeria, which was released Monday, 7th November 2022. But the nature, pattern and trend of security challenges confronting Nigeria cannot be dealt with efficiently using military power alone. Addressing only the manifestations of insecurity without tackling its drivers is akin to merely cutting off the tail of a dangerous snake while keeping intact its head and the rest of its body. With all its six geo-political zones contending with one form or multiple forms of insecurity, Nigeria is currently battling generalised insecurity where hardly any zone of the country is spared, the report claims. The report identifies the dominant security challenges as terrorism in the North-east, banditry and terrorism in the North-west, herder-farmer clashes and terrorism in the North-central, militancy in the South-south, insurgency and separatist agitations in the South-east, farmer-herder/communal clashes and even a sprinkle of terrorism in the South-west. Africas most populous country and erstwhile bulwark of stability in West Africa is practically under the gun on all fronts, the report states. It warns that allowing the prevailing security challenges to fester will hasten Nigerias slide to the league of failed states similar to the circumstances in Iraq and Syria. The preponderance of groups with territorial ambitions means increased threat to the territorial integrity of the country. Put together by a team of security experts, including those with service experience within and outside the country, the report analysed the types as well as the drivers and manifestations of insecurity in Nigeria. Following from this, the report made short-, medium- and long-term recommendations on how to address the growing scourge which, it says, negatively impacts not just security of life and property in the country but also national cohesion, the capacity and the credibility of the state, economic growth, commerce, food production and education. Insecurity in Nigeria is multi-dimensional, the report states. As such, for any attempt at addressing the growing menace to be effective and sustainable, it needs to be holistic, deftly combining hard, military solutions with soft approaches aimed at tackling the socio-economic underpinnings of conflict and crime. Insecurity does not thrive in a vacuum. Some factors are precursory to it. [These are] the environmental conditions that both kindle and nurture insecurity. The report identified 11 drivers of insecurity in Nigeria. These are: ineffective and inadequate security architecture, ineffective and insufficient criminal justice system, easy access to small arms and light weapons, the existence of porous borders, easy access to illicit drugs, prevalence of poverty and unemployment, impact of climate change, multiplication of unaddressed socio-political and economic grievances, poor land use policies, agitations over resource control, and failure to address structural and constitutional deficiencies. To address the socio-economic underpinnings of conflicts and crimes, the report recommends a host of interventions. These include: reviewing the Land Use Act and other extant laws, providing targeted education and skills training to youths in conflict areas, prioritising dialogue and alternative conflict resolution mechanisms, strengthening legislative and judicial responses to ensure quick dispensation of justice, embracing the use of strategic communications to win the hearts and minds of the populace, addressing abuses by the security forces, controlling access to arms and drugs, and embracing a national healing process and ensuring reparations for victims of conflicts and abuses. The report contends that these measures should be implemented alongside interventions that will enhance the capacity of the security forces to defeat and deter the terrorists, bandits and others who pose security threats to the country. In this wise, the report recommends a root-and-branch reform of the countrys security architecture to ensure that its security forces are fit-for-purpose and can adequately rise up to current and future challenges. The current security architecture of Nigeria may have once been effective in tackling the challenges at their time of institution, the report states. However, the challenges across the country have evolved significantly. There are new domains of security threats, while smaller and largely benign groups have evolved into well-armed transnational insurgent groups. This means the security and defence structures that worked in prior dispensations are currently struggling to keep up with the evolved challenges. The need for a defence and security sector reform is imperative. According to the report, such a reform should start with a comprehensive and consultative audit of the missions, doctrines, trainings and staffing of all the military, paramilitary and other security forces and agencies in the country to ensure an alignment with current and future security threats. The result of the audit, the report adds, should provide a guide to how to better streamline, resource, staff and coordinate security agencies in the country. The outcome of the comprehensive reform should incorporate mechanisms for significant boost in the number of security personnel, increased focus on accountability, more respect for rules of engagement and monitoring and evaluation, and greater coordination of intelligence gathering and usage. The report also recommends the mop up and control of the flow of small arms and light weapons, recruitment of more women in the security forces and introduction of more gender-sensitive policies, regulation of irregular security outfits across the country, and the introduction of a dedicated border patrol force to contain the unchecked flow of arms and terrorists/bandits across the countrys extensive borders. We recommend the creation of a border guard force focused on providing border security, as the current role is being performed by the Nigerian Customs Service which considers border security a secondary priority to its primary focus of revenue generation, the report states. Nigeria can look at examples such as the Border Security Force and the Frontier Force in India, the Pakistan Rangers in Pakistan, and the Border Security Agency in Malaysia, among others. The report also recommends the use of private security contractors but in a specified and controlled manner. The report states that: It is a known fact that Nigerias security personnel are overstretched due to the persistent and widespread nature of current security challenges. This deficiency has allowed insecurity to fester. To relieve the security forces and to enable significant efforts to be applied to degrade the threats, the government should consider inviting private security contractors as it was done shortly before the general election in 2015 [and use them] to confront armed banditry in the North-west and North-central regions. The engagement should be handled through the security forces to assuage concerns in some quarters that the private military contractors are an indication of the non-appreciation by the political class of the security forces contribution and sacrifice. Clear objectives and measurement parameters should be set and monitored closely. Produced with the support of the MacArthur Foundation, the report is the second of four policy papers commissioned by Agora Policy to contribute to national debate before, during and after the landmark 2023 elections in Nigeria. The other two reports focus on gender and social inclusion and transparency and accountability. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, George Akume, has told lawmakers of the National Assembly that his ministry needs more money to function properly. He said the N180 billion allocated to the ministry for the 2023 fiscal year represents a 71 per cent reduction in the 2022 budget the allocation he termed as grossly inadequate. He said this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Special Duties to defend the ministrys budget for 2023 on Tuesday. He also lamented that the current allocations and envelope system make it extremely difficult for the ministry to function effectively. Mr Akume is one of many heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to complain about the budget cuts for MDAs in the 2023 budget. Ministers of Information and Works, Lai Mohammed and Babatunde Fashola, among others had made similar complaints. Mr Mohammed told the panel that the lack of funds has affected the ministrys ability to drive the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy a presidential initiative aimed at pulling 100 million citizens out of poverty. The initiative, which he said can generate millions of direct employment opportunities for farmers in the cottage industry and others in the value chain, cannot be properly executed because of money. He also blamed the ministrys inability to monitor special projects and interventions of the federal government and implementation of constituency projects, on the paucity of funds. Even the simple task of establishing a common platform for local government chairmen and special duties officials for collaborations and having a central dashboard to monitor projects have proved difficult to achieve, he added. Lawmakers back Akume While he sympathised with the minister, a member of the committee, Elisha Abbo, (APC, Adamawa North), said the paucity of funds appears to be a deliberate ploy to render the ministry incapacitated to carry out its role to monitor special projects in the country and demand accountability from erring contractors and deny Nigerians the benefits of projects to which millions of Naira are appropriated for yearly. ALSO READ: Senate announces date to present reports on 2023 budget The lawmaker wondered why the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management got higher budgetary allocations than the ministries of Trade and Investments, Health and Education put together. He called on the minister to assert his authority more if he hopes to achieve anything and leaves his footprints in the sands of time. I think youre too gentle, he said. I also think this ministry is being deliberately incapacitated. I do not see how you hope to achieve the ministrys mandate to coordinate agencies and constituency projects as well as special projects and initiatives starved of funds. If anyone wants to achieve anything in our system, that person must have some element of madness. Other lawmakers including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, Yusuf Yusuf, supported the ministers request for more funds. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print 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: [email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1933444/Trade_Estonia_UAE_Event.jpg SOURCE e-Estonia 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] SOURCE UBQ Materials Ltd. NEW YORK , Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global 5G in defense market growth is driven by factors such as the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT). The defense industry is implementing next-generation technology to enhance networking and communication systems. loT has transformed networking and communication technologies. IT products and services give insights into intelligent, connected technologies used in the defense industry. Telecommunications companies are rolling out 5G wireless network infrastructure. Defense officials in the US are exploring 5G for military applications, such as support of deployed combatants; smart bases, warehouses, and logistics; autonomous vehicles; and applications related to cloud services. Thus, with the increasing adoption of IoT, the global 5G in defense market is expected to grow during the forecast period. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global 5G in Defense Market 2022-2026 The global 5G in defense market size is expected to grow by USD 1.79 billion from 2021 to 2026. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will accelerate at a CAGR of 30.15% during the forecast period. Technavio provides a comprehensive report summary describing the market size and forecast along with research methodology. View FREE Sample Report Global 5G In Defense Market: Communication Technology Landscape By technology, the market has been segmented into small cell and macro cell. The small cell segment will be a significant contributor to market growth during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is attributed to the large-scale deployment of small cells by 5G network operators. A major increase in data speed is expected with the introduction of 5G networks. Small cells can facilitate 5G deployment. Hence, they are expected to play a major role in the 5G communication infrastructure market. In defense, 5G can make intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems and processes more efficient. Factors such as high network speed and low latency, as well as the wide adoption of autonomous and connected devices, will drive the growth of the segment. Global 5G In Defense Market: Geographic Landscape By geography, the market has been segmented into North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America will account for 44% of the market's growth during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to factors such as the emergence of IoT. However, market growth in this region will be slower than the growth of the market in other regions. The US is a key country for the 5G in defense market in the region. Learn about the contribution of each region summarized in concise infographics and thorough descriptions. Buy Now for detailed information about country-wise regional information Global 5G In Defense Market: Companies Covered AT&T Inc. - The company offers 5G solutions that enable smart warehouse applications for the Department of Defense's Naval Bases. L3Harris Technologies Inc. - The company offers 5G solutions that are designed to explore nest-gen-wireless solutions for military personnel in remote areas. NEC Corp. - The company offers 5G solutions that enable on-the-move communications in a degraded, intermittent, latent, and contested EW environment. Raytheon Technologies Corp. - The company offers 5G solutions that enable intelligent, automated operations. Sierra Wireless Inc. - The company offers 5G solutions that connect smart warehouse application infrastructure to provide high-speed, low-latency 5G connectivity. Aptiv Plc Ligado Networks NVIDIA Corp. Qualcomm Inc. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Thales Cisco Systems Inc. Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. Nokia Corp. Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson This report provides a full list of key vendors, their strategies, and the latest developments. Request a FREE PDF Sample Now Global 5G In Defense Market: What our Reports Offer Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments Strategic recommendations for the new entrants Covers market data from 2021 to 2026 Market trends (drivers, opportunities, threats, challenges, investment opportunities, and recommendations) Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights! Subscribe to our Basic Plan billed annually at USD 5000 Related Reports 5G Technology Market by Component, End-user, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The growing R&D and deployment of 5G network is driving market growth. Vendors are competing for 5G network deployment, especially in North America. The evolution of 5G technology will compel market vendors to develop wireless test equipment that can support the technology effectively. 5G IoT Roaming Market by End-user and Geography Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The development of wireless technologies is driving market growth. The increasing adoption of LPWAN, long-range wide area network (LoRaWAN), 5G, wireless sensor networks, and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is expected to drive the demand for IoT devices. The need to provide increased capacity, high data rate, and high connectivity has increased. 5G In Defense Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 30.15% Market growth 2022-2026 USD 1.79 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 29.98 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 44% Key consumer countries US, China, India, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Aptiv Plc, AT&T Inc., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Ligado Networks, NEC Corp., NVIDIA Corp., Qualcomm Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sierra Wireless Inc., Thales, Cisco Systems Inc., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Nokia Corp., and Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson 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 Information Technology 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 Communication Technology Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Communication Technology 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Communication Technology - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Communication Technology - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Communication Technology Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Communication Technology Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Communication Technology 5.3 Small cell - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Small cell - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Small cell - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Small cell - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Small cell - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Macro cell - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on Macro cell - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on Macro cell - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on Macro cell - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Macro cell - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Communication Technology Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Communication Technology ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 37: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 38: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 40: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 41: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 80: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 81: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 82: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 83: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 84: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 85: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 86: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 87: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 88: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 AT and T Inc. Exhibit 89: AT and T Inc. - Overview Exhibit 90: AT and T Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 91: AT and T Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 92: AT and T Inc. - Segment focus 10.4 Cisco Systems Inc. Exhibit 93: Cisco Systems Inc. - Overview Exhibit 94: Cisco Systems Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 95: Cisco Systems Inc. - Key news Exhibit 96: Cisco Systems Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 97: Cisco Systems Inc. - Segment focus 10.5 L3Harris Technologies Inc. Exhibit 98: L3Harris Technologies Inc. - Overview Exhibit 99: L3Harris Technologies Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 100: L3Harris Technologies Inc. - Key news Exhibit 101: L3Harris Technologies Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 102: L3Harris Technologies Inc. - Segment focus 10.6 Nokia Corp. Exhibit 103: Nokia Corp. - Overview Exhibit 104: Nokia Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 105: Nokia Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 106: Nokia Corp. - Segment focus 10.7 Qualcomm Inc. Exhibit 107: Qualcomm Inc. - Overview Exhibit 108: Qualcomm Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 109: Qualcomm Inc. - Key news Exhibit 110: Qualcomm Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 111: Qualcomm Inc. - Segment focus 10.8 Raytheon Technologies Corp. Exhibit 112: Raytheon Technologies Corp. - Overview Exhibit 113: Raytheon Technologies Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 114: Raytheon Technologies Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 115: Raytheon Technologies Corp. - Segment focus 10.9 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Exhibit 116: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 117: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 118: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 119: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 120: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 10.10 Sierra Wireless Inc. Exhibit 121: Sierra Wireless Inc. - Overview Exhibit 122: Sierra Wireless Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 123: Sierra Wireless Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 124: Sierra Wireless Inc. - Segment focus 10.11 Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson Exhibit 125: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - Overview Exhibit 126: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - Business segments Exhibit 127: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - Key news Exhibit 128: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - Key offerings Exhibit 129: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - Segment focus 10.12 Thales Exhibit 130: Thales - Overview Exhibit 131: Thales - Business segments Exhibit 132: Thales - Key offerings Exhibit 133: Thales - Segment focus 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 134: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 135: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 136: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 137: Research methodology Exhibit 138: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 139: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 140: 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 The company made platform speed enhancements, added a product catalog for Shopify and WooCommerce users and more, continuing mission to democratize technology and provide what other solutions lack CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ActiveCampaign , the leader in marketing automation , email marketing and CRM , is launching many strategic product investments this quarter, adding to the 400+ customer ideas delivered in 2022. Customers spoke and ActiveCampaign listened, continuously fueling the platform with ideas coming directly from the businesses they support to help them grow with confidence. The company now offers more than 900 integrations for growing businesses to use seamlessly with ActiveCampaign, differentiating the company from competitors who offer all-in-one solutions and make it hard for small teams to adopt necessary technology. ActiveCampaign's newest integration is Facebook Lead Ads . Through this integration, businesses can automatically sync newly generated leads directly from Instagram and Facebook, so sales and marketing teams can take immediate action and nurture potential customers through all channels, campaigns and automations. ActiveCampaign is launching many strategic product investments this quarter, adding to the 400+ customer ideas delivered in 2022. One of ActiveCampaign's major product initiatives this quarter includes platform speed enhancements, helping companies more effectively communicate with their customers. The company also made significant improvements to its email designer so businesses can build emails that will stand out in consumers' inboxes this holiday season, a critical business differentiator. It's crucial businesses have a platform built to help them grow during their busiest times. ActiveCampaign's email designer and speed enhancements will ensure customers are not only holiday ready, but able to nurture their own customers and prospects year-round in order to scale. With ActiveCampaign's new product catalog, Shopify and WooCommerce users can unlock new use cases and have more product functionality in their email marketing campaigns . This is especially helpful for preparing for the holiday season. With this product innovation and platform growth, ActiveCampaign is doubling down on democratizing access to technology once reserved for only the largest of brands, proving it is a product-first company. Additional Product Enhancements From ActiveCampaign That Help Businesses Grow Postmark Integration: Businesses can design and deliver marketing, sales and transactional emails in one platform , removing the silo between teams and creating a cohesive customer experience across all channels. Teams no longer need developer or API resources, removing the barrier to entry for superior transactional messages. Businesses can design and deliver marketing, sales and , removing the silo between teams and creating a cohesive customer experience across all channels. Teams no longer need developer or API resources, removing the barrier to entry for superior transactional messages. CRM Account Updates: ActiveCampaign understands that as businesses grow, they want to have a solution built to grow with them, whether that is into new lines of business or new parts of the globe. The CRM account updates help businesses build a process to better nurture prospects into warm leads. With more account functionality, B2B organizations can automate, achieve revenue growth and scale. ActiveCampaign understands that as businesses grow, they want to have a solution built to grow with them, whether that is into new lines of business or new parts of the globe. The CRM account updates help businesses build a process to better nurture prospects into warm leads. With more account functionality, can automate, achieve revenue growth and scale. Segmentation Builder: Users will have a consistent segment creation experience across the platform, meaning customers can bring more relevant content and personalization into their marketing with ease. Users will have a consistent segment creation experience across the platform, meaning customers can bring more relevant content and personalization into their marketing with ease. Achieved SOC2 Compliance: This is a voluntary compliance that ensures organizations are managing customer data properly. Part of ActiveCampaign's commitment to helping businesses grow with confidence is through providing additional assurance that all customer data is secure. Additional Q3 2022 ActiveCampaign Growth Achievements Ranking on the Forbes 2022 Cloud 100 list for the second consecutive year, landing at 73 this year, up from No. 83 in its debut. Winning the 2022 Sales and Marketing Technology Awards in the CRM category. Being named one of the top software companies of 2022 by The Software Report and listed on the Constellation ShortList for B2C Marketing Automation for Small to Midsize Businesses for Q3 2022. Quartz named ActiveCampaign one of the best companies for remote workers in 2022 and WorkLife named the company a finalist in the 'Best Employer for Remote Employees' and 'Best Rewards & Recognition Program' categories. Receiving recognition as a finalist for the 2022 Diversity in Tech AwardsDiverse Company Of The Year category. Winning the 2022 APPEALIE SaaS + Software awards and the 2022 TrustRadius Tech Cares Award. Earning a TrustRadius badge for landing on the Overall Best Software List as well as the For Small Business List. Expert supporting quotes on ActiveCampaign's product innovation and growth "At ActiveCampaign, we build our platform iteratively to help businesses grow and scale now, and in the future. That means we focus on delivering our customers immediate value today, while improving everything over time so their future remains bright," said Jason VandeBoom, founder and CEO of ActiveCampaign. "As businesses scale, they shouldn't have to sacrifice anything, especially their unique customer experience. We provide access to tools that were previously only accessible to large enterprises so those businesses can continue offering a great customer experience, while saving valuable time and energy." "I am a huge fan of the new email designer," said Chad Kahn, marketing director at SplitSpot, an ActiveCampaign customer. "My team is obsessed with the simplified user interface, consistent editor and the drag-and-drop options. We canceled Mailchimp because ActiveCampaign's new email designer is the only email tool we need to help us grow." About ActiveCampaign ActiveCampaign's category-defining Customer Experience Automation Platform (CXA) helps over 180,000 businesses in 170 countries meaningfully engage with their customers. The platform gives businesses of all sizes access to 850+ pre-built automations that combine transactional email and email marketing , marketing automation , ecommerce marketing , and CRM for powerful segmentation and personalization across social, email, messaging, chat and text. Over 70% of ActiveCampaign's customers use its 900+ integrations, including Microsoft, Shopify, Square, Facebook and Salesforce. ActiveCampaign is one of only 17 products with over 10,000 positive customer reviews on G2.com , scoring higher in customer satisfaction than any other solution in Marketing Automation, CRM and E-Commerce Personalization and is the Top Rated Email Marketing Software on TrustRadius. Pricing starts at just $9/month. Start a free trial at ActiveCampaign.com . SOURCE ActiveCampaign ATLANTA, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Artivion, Inc. (NYSE: AORT), a leading cardiac and vascular surgery company focused on aortic disease, today announced that it will participate in two upcoming investor conferences. Artivion's management team will present at the upcoming Stifel 2022 Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at the Lotte New York Palace. The Company's presentation is scheduled to begin at 9:10a.m. ET. A live webcast can be accessed through Artivion's website, www.artivion.com, on the Investors page. An archived copy of the webcast will be available for 90 days on the same website. Members of the management team will also host one-on-one meetings at the upcoming Canaccord Genuity MedTech, Diagnostics and Digital Health & Services Forum on Thursday, November 17, 2022. Due to the format of this event no webcast will be available. About Artivion, Inc. Headquartered in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, Artivion, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing simple, elegant solutions that address cardiac and vascular surgeons' most difficult challenges in treating patients with aortic diseases. Artivion's four major groups of products include: aortic stent grafts, surgical sealants, On-X mechanical heart valves, and implantable cardiac and vascular human tissues. Artivion markets and sells products in more than 100 countries worldwide. For additional information about Artivion, visit our website, www.artivion.com. Contacts: Artivion D. Ashley Lee Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Phone: 770-419-3355 Gilmartin Group LLC Brian Johnston / Lynn Lewis Phone: 332-895-3222 [email protected] SOURCE Artivion, 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 PURCHASE, N.Y., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Central National Gottesman Inc. (CNG) announced today that its Kelly Spicers division is acquiring the West Coast operations of Connemara Converting, a custom paper and board converting company and supplier to label printers, envelope converters, and paper and packaging distributors. The acquisition of Connemara expands Kelly Spicers' Custom Converting operation to seven sheeters spread across the West, including Salt Lake City, Seattle, and the Santa Fe Springs, CA, headquarters, where a newly acquired slitter/rewinder will also be located. "Our North American Distribution business is focused on finding ways to meet the changing demands within the industry, and we are excited to expand our capabilities in the Custom Converting space," said Andrew Wallach, CNG President and CEO. "Our ability to custom cut paper, board, and wide format products creates a clear advantage for our clients." Custom Converting allows customers to use only what they need by reducing the size of the sheet down to the actual area to be printed, cutting waste by as much as 30% compared to a standard size sheet. The addition of new equipment and an experienced team of professionals from Connemara's Ontario, CA-based operation underscores Kelly Spicers' commitment to Custom Converting, a legacy service that the company has offered for decades. "We've been in the Custom Converting space for a long time, so adding Connemara to our existing operations makes sense as we continue to diversify and offer more options to our customers and suppliers," said Jan Gottesman, President of Kelly Spicers. "We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome the Connemara team and all their expertise to Kelly Spicers." The Connemara Ontario operations will relocate to the Kelly Spicers Santa Fe Springs facility in early 2023. With eight regional locations and 29 retail stores serving the Western U.S. and Hawaii, Kelly Spicers is committed to ongoing investment in its core business of paper for commercial printers, packaging, wide format products, and facilities solutions. About Central National Gottesman Inc. Central National Gottesman Inc. (CNG) is an $8 billion sales and distribution organization that owns businesses in the global pulp, paper, tissue, packaging, wood products, and metals industries. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Purchase, NY, CNG employs 3,000 people in 29 countries around the world. CNG is privately held and builds on more than 136 years of family ownership, market knowledge, and adaptability to create value for clients around the world. To learn more, please visit www.cng-inc.com . SOURCE Central National Gottesman Inc. FORT MYERS, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Women's specialty retailer Chico's FAS, Inc. (NYSE: CHS) (the "Company") will host a conference call with security analysts on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 beginning at 8:00 a.m. ET to review the operating results for the third quarter ended October 29, 2022. The conference call is being webcast live over the Internet, which you may access in the Investors section of the Company's corporate website, www.chicosfas.com . A replay of the webcast will remain available online for one year at http://chicosfas.com/investors/events-and-presentations. The phone number for the call is 1-877-883-0383. International callers should use 1-412-902-6506. The Elite Entry number, 7130569, is required to join the conference call. Interested participants should call 10-15 minutes prior to the 8:00 a.m. start to be placed in queue. ABOUT CHICO'S FAS, INC . Chico's FAS is a Florida-based fashion company founded in 1983 on Sanibel Island, Fla. The Company reinvented the fashion retail experience by creating fashion communities anchored by service, which put the customer at the center of everything we do. As one of the leading fashion retailers in North America, Chico's FAS is a company of three unique brands - Chico's, White House Black Market and Soma - each thriving in their own white space, founded by women, led by women, providing solutions that millions of women say give them confidence and joy. Our Company has a passion for fashion, and each day, we provide clothing, shoes and accessories, intimate apparel and expert styling in our brick-and-mortar boutiques, digital online boutiques and through StyleConnect, the Company's customized, branded, digital styling tool that enables customers to conveniently shop wherever, whenever and however they prefer. As of July 30, 2022, the Company operated 1,258 stores in the U.S. and sold merchandise through 58 international franchise locations in Mexico and 2 domestic franchise airport locations. The Company's merchandise is also available at www.chicos.com, www.chicosofftherack.com, www.whbm.com and www.soma.com. To learn more about Chico's FAS, please visit our corporate website at www.chicosfas.com. The information on our corporate website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this press release or incorporated into our federal securities law filings. Investor Relations Contact: Michelle Miller Chico's FAS, Inc. Director, Investor Relations (239) 346-3156 Chico's FAS, Inc. 11215 Metro Parkway Fort Myers, Florida 33966 (239) 277-6200 SOURCE Chico's FAS, Inc. NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Compass Minerals International, Inc. (NYSE: CMP) between October 31, 2017 and November 18, 2018, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important December 20, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Compass Minerals securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Compass Minerals class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=8924 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 20, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants repeatedly assured investors that the continuous mining and continuous haulage ("CMCH") upgrade at the Goderich mine, the largest underground rock salt mine in the world located in Ontario, Canada, was on track to materially reduce costs and boost Compass Minerals' operating results starting in 2018. However, defendants' statements were misleading because they failed to tell investors that costs at the Goderich mine were increasing rather than decreasing. The Compass Materials class action lawsuit further alleges that defendants also misrepresented the amount of salt Compass Minerals was able to produce at Goderich using the new CMCH equipment and failed to disclose how the known and ongoing production shortfalls it was experiencing were reasonably expected to reduce its future operating income. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Compass Minerals class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=8924 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Veriti, a fast-growing security infrastructure innovator, today emerged from stealth with $18.5 million in total funding. The funding consists of a $12 million round led by global software investor Insight Partners, which followed a $6.5 million round led by NFX and AMITI. The new funding will help the company scale to meet its growing customer base and further enhance its Unified Security Posture Management platform functionality. Founded in 2021 by unit 8200 veterans and ex-Check Point executives Adi Ikan, CEO, and Oren Koren, CPO, Veriti amplifies security teams' efforts to reduce risk and maximize their organization's security posture. To do this, Veriti provides a consolidated security platform that proactively and continually identifies and remediates security gaps and misconfigurations across the entire infrastructure while ensuring business uptime. Veriti's Solution Cybersecurity is broken. Too many disparate, nonintegrated solutions deployed in every organization create murky visibility into the security infrastructure and introduce inherent management complexities and inadvertent security gaps. These gaps are the main drivers of security breaches, such as the notable case of Equifax. To develop its solution, Veriti conducted extensive research and listened to hundreds of CISOs and IT directors from a wide array of industries talk about the challenges of maintaining their security posture. The end product is a cutting-edge security platform that provides holistic visibility, proactive monitoring, and contextual, actionable insights. Veriti's unique platform integrates with the entire security stack and consistently evaluates the organization's risk posture by analyzing security configurations, logs, sensor telemetries, and threat intelligence feeds. "The premise that security professionals are doomed to struggle with complexity and operational inefficiency to secure the enterprise is false," said Adi Ikan, CEO, and co-founder of Veriti. "We have a well-versed team focused on creating a streamlined, frictionless management experience for all security teams to reduce effort and time spent in manual oversight. Insight Partners, NFX, Amiti, and Merlin Ventures all have vast resources and experience in cybersecurity, and we are extremely excited to be working with them as we continue to redefine security posture management on a larger scale." Unlike any other security management platform available today, Veriti takes a holistic approach to both the security infrastructure and the IT organization to maximize security and the ROI of every deployed solution. The platform helps IT organizations understand the status of their cybersecurity investment, how and which business applications are being impacted by security solutions, and how to improve both with effective automation and machine learning. "We believe organizations deserve to manage their overall security posture free of pain points, frustrations, and with better efficacy," said Oren Koren, CPO, and co-founder. "Leveraging our vast knowledge and expertise in both cyber-offense and defense, we have created a unique security-posture management platform that helps security teams bridge the knowledge gap between their current posture and the one they can achieve while minimizing adverse impacts to business applications and the user experience." The Investment "Veriti has listened to the CISO community's concerns around tool fatigue and created a game-changing platform that consolidates security controls into one unified console. This unique cross-team collaboration platform makes it easier for all security teams to take part in reducing risk and improving their organizations' overall posture," said Stephen Ward, Managing Director at Insight Partners and former CISO at The Home Depot and TIAA. "It is rare to see a security technology that directly tackles the most acute cyber challenges the way Veriti does." "When I first met Adi and Oren, I was impressed with their passion, strong technical experience, and deep understanding of their domain," said Gigi Levy-Weiss, Founding Partner, NFX. "Veriti's revolutionary approach solves the top infrastructure and security operations problems every enterprise has suffered for many years. With its robust product offerings and the amount of traction this solution gets, the opportunity is massive, and we are excited to partner with the team as they continue to grow and scale up." About Veriti Veriti is a fast-growing security infrastructure innovator that helps organizations maximize their security posture while ensuring business uptime. Integrated with the entire security stack, Veriti provides a consolidated management layer that continually and proactively monitors exposure to threats and provides actionable remediation paths for security gaps and high-risk vulnerabilities across the organization's infrastructure and attack surface. Veriti is backed by Insight Partners, NFX, AMITI, and Merlin Ventures. For more information, visit veriti.ai and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About Insight Partners Insight Partners is a global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and Internet startup and ScaleUp companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. As of June 30, 2022, the firm has over $80B in regulatory assets under management. Insight Partners has invested in more than 700 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Headquartered in New York City, Insight has offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. Insight's mission is to find, fund, and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with right-sized, right-time practical, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from their first investment to IPO. For more information on Insight and all its investments, visit insightpartners.com or follow us on Twitter @insightpartners. SOURCE Veriti Franchise Owners and Employees across the U.S. Participate in Giving Back to their Communities WACO, Texas, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate National Sock Day, Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly company, is collaborating with the Sock It To 'Em Campaign during the month of November through National Sock Day (December 4, 2022), donating socks to homeless shelters across the U.S. to help raise awareness about how sock donations can provide warmth to those in need during the winter season. Socks are the least donated item to homeless shelters, but a much-needed clothing item by those experiencing homelessness and seeking warmth during colder weather. "We know this time of year can be tough for some people and we're excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with Sock It To Em Campaign to help provide socks to people in need," said Jason Kapica, President of Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly company. "Socks are the one article of clothing people may forget about when making a donation but providing a brand-new pair of socks through this initiative can make a real difference." Dryer Vent Wizard franchise locations and local communities across the nation are encouraged to take part in this campaign and donate socks through the Sock It To Em Campaign link found here, or at a local homeless shelter. "We are thrilled that the small business owners at Dryer Vent Wizard and people within their communities are willing to donate new socks to cover the feet of those who need them," said Susan Lee, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sock It To Em Campaign. "It's a great way to get the whole community involved for a good cause that will bring joy and warmth to those in need, and what better time than the Holiday season." Sock It To Em Campaign is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide new socks to men, women and children experiencing homelessness and in need. In the past 10 years, Sock It To Em Campaign has given away almost 900,000 pairs of socks in 41 states. Dryer Vent Wizard hopes to work together with Sock It To Em Campaign to reach their 1 million-pair goal for sock donations. About Dryer Vent Wizard Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly company, provides professional dryer duct and vent cleaning, inspection, repair, and maintenance services. Dryer Vent Wizard operates throughout both the United States and Canada with more than 130 independently owned and operated franchise locations. Established in 2011, Dryer Vent Wizard is part of Neighborly, the world's largest home services company with more than 30 brands and 5,000 franchises collectively serving 12 million+ customers in six countries, focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing homes and businesses. Neighborly brands are found at Neighborly.com and through the Neighborly App. For more information about Dryer Vent Wizard, visit DryerVentWizard.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly, click here. SOURCE Dryer Vent Wizard Impacts may be felt broadly across the company's service area Line and tree crews ready to respond to outages ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is closely monitoring the approach of Subtropical Storm Nicole and preparing for potential impacts on Florida in the coming days. The company urges customers to prepare as well. Company meteorologists are tracking the storm, which has the potential to bring damaging winds, heavy rain and localized flooding to portions of the company's service area throughout Florida. Duke Energy prepares for storms throughout the year and has ensured that equipment, supplies and inventories in all areas that could be impacted by this storm are available to make necessary repairs and restore power outages. The company has crews and resources located strategically throughout Florida near areas that will likely be affected to respond quickly and safely once the storm passes. If additional assistance is needed, Duke Energy will be able to draw on other resources from its service territories in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and the Carolinas. "As witnessed with Hurricane Ian, Duke Energy Florida is committed to restoring power as safely and quickly as possible," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Should outages occur, our crews and contractors are ready to respond." Line technicians and workers locally are checking equipment, supplies and inventories to ensure adequate materials are available to make repairs and restore power outages. While the storm is forecast to be weaker than Hurricane Ian, forecasts still show the potential for strong winds and heavy rain that could result in significant power outages throughout many parts of Florida. Crews will begin power restoration as soon as conditions are safe to do so. After the storm passes, downed trees and flooding can impact work conditions, making repair work more difficult. Strengthening the grid to reduce storm impacts In addition to trimming trees and upgrading wires and wood poles, the company has invested in smart technologies and remote restoration capabilities to help reduce the duration and number of outages and restore service faster when outages occur. Duke Energy's smart, self-healing technology can automatically detect outages and quickly reroute power to speed restoration or avoid outages altogether. During Hurricane Ian, self-healing technology helped to automatically restore more than 160,000 customer outages and saved nearly 3.3 million hours (nearly 200 million minutes) of total lost outage time. Duke Energy currently serves around 59% of customers in Florida with self-healing capabilities on its main power distribution lines, with a goal of serving around 80% over the next few years. Safety information The safety of our customers and communities is important. Duke Energy encourages customers to have a plan in place to respond to an extended power outage after a hurricane or other severe weather. Below are some tips: Before the storm Create (or update) an emergency supply kit to save valuable time later. The kit should include everything an individual or family would need for at least two weeks, especially medicines, water, nonperishable foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm hits. Keep a portable radio or TV or a NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts and important information from state and local officials. Charge mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing portable chargers and make sure they are fully charged as well. Maintain a plan to move family members especially those with special needs to a safe, alternative location in case an extended power outage occurs, or evacuation is required. After the storm Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized, as well as trees, limbs or anything in contact with lines. If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground. For more tips on how to prepare for storm season, and how Duke Energy can help, please visit duke-energy.com/StormTips. For storm or power restoration updates, follow Duke Energy on Twitter (@DukeEnergy) and Facebook (Duke Energy). A checklist serves as a helpful guide, but it's critical before, during and after a storm to follow the instructions and warnings of emergency management officials in your area. Outage reporting Before a storm hits, customers should make sure their contact information is up to date and their communication preferences are noted in their account so they can receive proactive updates from Duke Energy on the status of a power outage. Customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways: Visit duke-energy.com on a desktop computer or mobile device. Use the Duke Energy mobile app Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play. Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply). Call the automated outage reporting system at 800.POWERON (800.769.3766). Customer service specialists will be available to manage customer calls should the need arise, with additional corporate responders from across all Duke Energy jurisdictions available to assist as needed. There is also an interactive outage map where customers can find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people. Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear. Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com . The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram and Facebook . Media contact: Ana Gibbs Cell: 813.928.7263 Media line: 800.559.3853 SOURCE Duke Energy NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The ELT market in Europe research report provides a detailed analysis of emerging market trends, regional outlook, competitive landscape, and a comprehensive analysis of different market segments. The ELT market in Europe is poised to grow by USD 4.31 bn from 2021 to 2026, progressing at a CAGR of 9.75% during the forecast period. View a Free Sample Report of the ELT Market In Europe in MINUTES. Europe ELT Market: Vendor Insights Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Europe ELT Market 2022-2026 The ELT market in Europe is characterized by diversified international and regional vendors. The regional vendors are finding it difficult to compete with international vendors in terms of quality, technology, and pricing. The increase in product or service extensions and technological innovations further intensifies market competition during the forecast period. The market is currently witnessing rapid growth. The existing market vendors focus on product delivery through multiple distribution channels. They are investing in specific products that are designed for pre-K-12 schools. The need to capitalize on online delivery platforms has led to increased partnerships with technology service providers. The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including: Babbel GmbH Benesse Holdings Inc. Busuu Ltd. digital publishing AG Duolingo Inc. EF Education First Ltd. Europass Teacher Academy SRL inlingua International Ltd. iTutorGroup Ltd. Kaplan Inc. Language and Training Sro Lingoda GmbH Linguaphone Group Ltd. Linguarama International Ltd. Memrise Ltd. Pearson Plc. Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings, Read Free Sample Report. ELT Market In Europe: Segmentation Analysis By End-user Institutional learners Institutional learners experience language learning through a variety of learning modalities, such as e-learning, in-person classroom sessions, and other conventional training techniques. Institutional learners can also pick up a foreign language more quickly than other students because faculties and a team of qualified teachers provide a dynamic environment for students, allowing them to relate to the language principles taught in a better and more useful way. Many MNCs are mandating ELT as a requirement. They incorporate it into their cultural training programs to make sure all staff are technically and verbally capable enough to maintain friendly relationships and effectively connect with potential customers Individual learners Imperative Insights on the following aspects: What was the size of the global ELT in the Europe industry by value? industry by value? What will be the size of the global ELT in the Europe industry in 2026? industry in 2026? What factors are affecting the strength of competition in the global ELT in the Europe industry? industry? How has the industry performed over the last five years? What are the main segments that make up the global ELT market in Europe ? Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights! Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed annually at USD 5000. The ELT market in Europe research report presents critical information and factual data about ELT in the Europe industry, with an overall statistical study of this market based on market drivers, market limitations, and its future prospects. The widespread trends and opportunities are also considered in the ELT market in Europe study. The product range of ELT in the Europe industry is examined based on their production chain, pricing of products, and the profit generated by them. Various regional markets are analyzed in the ELT market in Europe research report and the production volume and efficacy across the world are discussed. Why buy? Identify growth Strategies across markets Track competitor gains and losses in market share. Get a Holistic View of the Market Buy ELT Market In Europe report & Grow your Profit Margins With Us! Related Reports: E-learning Courses Market by End-user and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The report extensively covers e-learning courses' market segmentation by end-user (higher education, corporate, and K-12) and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and the Middle East and Africa). Corporate Training Market in US by Product, End-user, Method and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The report extensively covers the corporate training market segmentation in US by product (technical courses and non-technical courses), end-user (manufacturing, healthcare, BFSI, IT, and others), method (blended learning, offline learning, and online learning), and geography (US) ELT Market In Europe Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.75% Market growth 2022-2026 $ 4.31 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 8.67 Regional analysis Europe Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Babbel GmbH, Benesse Holdings Inc., Busuu Ltd., digital publishing AG, Duolingo Inc., EF Education First Ltd., Europass Teacher Academy SRL, inlingua International Ltd., iTutorGroup Ltd., Kaplan Inc., Language and Training Sro, Lingoda GmbH, Linguaphone Group Ltd., Linguarama International Ltd., Memrise Ltd., Pearson Plc, Rosetta Stone Ltd., Sanako Oy, Sprachcaffe Languages Plus, and VivaLing 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 Content: 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 Country 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 Learning Method 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 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Regional - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Europe : Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) : Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Regional - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) 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 Institutional learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 29: Chart on Institutional learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Data Table on Institutional learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 31: Chart on Institutional learners - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 32: Data Table on Institutional learners - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Individual learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 33: Chart on Individual learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Data Table on Individual learners - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Chart on Individual learners - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 36: Data Table on Individual learners - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by End-user Exhibit 37: Market opportunity by End-user ($ million) 6 Market Segmentation by Learning Method 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 38: Chart on Learning Method - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Learning Method - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Learning Method Exhibit 40: Chart on Comparison by Learning Method Exhibit 41: Data Table on Comparison by Learning Method 6.3 Online learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on Online learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Online learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on Online learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Online learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.4 Blended learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Blended learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Blended learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Blended learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Blended learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.5 Classroom learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on Classroom learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on Classroom learning - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on Classroom learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on Classroom learning - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 6.6 Market opportunity by Learning Method Exhibit 54: Market opportunity by Learning Method ($ 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 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 60: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 62: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 63: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.4 France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 64: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 65: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 67: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.5 Spain - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 68: Chart on Spain - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 69: Data Table on Spain - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Chart on Spain - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 71: Data Table on Spain - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.6 Italy - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 72: Chart on Italy - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Italy - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Chart on Italy - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Italy - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.7 Rest of Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 76: Chart on Rest of Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Rest of Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Chart on Rest of Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 79: Data Table on Rest of Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 8.8 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 80: 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 81: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 9.4 Market trends 10 Vendor Landscape 10.1 Overview 10.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 82: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 10.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 83: Overview on factors of disruption 10.4 Industry risks Exhibit 84: Impact of key risks on business 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 85: Vendors covered 11.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 86: Matrix on vendor position and classification 11.3 Benesse Holdings Inc. Exhibit 87: Benesse Holdings Inc. - Overview Exhibit 88: Benesse Holdings Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 89: Benesse Holdings Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 90: Benesse Holdings Inc. - Segment focus 11.4 Busuu Ltd. Exhibit 91: Busuu Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 92: Busuu Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 93: Busuu Ltd. - Key offerings 11.5 Duolingo Inc. Exhibit 94: Duolingo Inc. - Overview Exhibit 95: Duolingo Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 96: Duolingo Inc. - Key offerings 11.6 EF Education First Ltd. Exhibit 97: EF Education First Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 98: EF Education First Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 99: EF Education First Ltd. - Key offerings 11.7 inlingua International Ltd. Exhibit 100: inlingua International Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 101: inlingua International Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 102: inlingua International Ltd. - Key offerings 11.8 Kaplan Inc. Exhibit 103: Kaplan Inc. - Overview Exhibit 104: Kaplan Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 105: Kaplan Inc. - Key offerings 11.9 Linguaphone Group Ltd. Exhibit 106: Linguaphone Group Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 107: Linguaphone Group Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 108: Linguaphone Group Ltd. - Key offerings 11.10 Linguarama International Ltd. Exhibit 109: Linguarama International Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 110: Linguarama International Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 111: Linguarama International Ltd. - Key offerings 11.11 Pearson Plc Exhibit 112: Pearson Plc - Overview Exhibit 113: Pearson Plc - Business segments Exhibit 114: Pearson Plc - Key offerings Exhibit 115: Pearson Plc - Segment focus 11.12 Rosetta Stone Ltd. Exhibit 116: Rosetta Stone Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 117: Rosetta Stone Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 118: Rosetta Stone Ltd. - Key offerings 12 Appendix 12.1 Scope of the report 12.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 119: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 120: Exclusions checklist 12.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 121: Currency conversion rates for US$ 12.4 Research methodology Exhibit 122: Research methodology Exhibit 123: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 124: Information sources 12.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 125: 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 Us: 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 CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EverGlade Consulting ("EverGlade"), a national consulting firm, has helped a leading biotechnology company land an award from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) with a potential $1 billion in federal funding. This multi-year contract will allow the Company to advance the development of a full portfolio of innovative solutions to address influenza and other infectious disease threats. As part of BARDA's ongoing efforts to prepare and respond to public health emergencies, the agency has initially partnered with the Company for the ongoing and rapid development of an investigational prophylactic monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to protect against seasonal and pandemic influenza. "I am thrilled our team was able to contribute to this vital BARDA initiative," said EverGlade Founder Eric Jia-Sobota. "This award addresses a critical need for preparedness in advance of the next pandemic." The BARDA award is an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement which also contains additional options to support the development of up to 10 medical countermeasures for other pathogens of pandemic potential and/or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear threats. Andrew Stiles Principal at EverGlade said, "This OTA provides a great deal of flexibility which will allow BARDA and the Company to move quickly and accelerate development of medical countermeasures to rapidly respond to future public health emergencies. It is great to see the government using creative contracting vehicles to bolster our national health security" About EverGlade Consulting EverGlade Consulting is a national consulting firm helping clients navigate the federal landscape. We work with technology-driven companies whose focus is to secure non-dilutive funding through the federal government. We offer services ranging from opportunity identification and proposal support through the implementation of systems to comply with federal regulations at agencies including BARDA, ASPR, NIH, DTRA, JPEO, and DARPA. For additional information about EverGlade Consulting, visit: https://www.EverGlade.com For additional information about EverGlade's recent success, visit: https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-infectious-diseases-15572a9fd4c4acbad8bad4d0afc223b2 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/everglade-consulting-plays-key-role-on-industrial-base-expansion-ibx-project-with-39-million-in-federal-funding-secured-301611526.html https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/everglade-consulting-assists-detect-inc-with-securing-22m-in-federal-funding-for-the-development-of-a-next-generation-molecular-test-for-covid-19-and-flu-301494116.html https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/everglade-consulting-assists-united-safety-technology-inc-in-securing-97-million-dod-award-301357974.html Contact: [email protected] SOURCE EverGlade Consulting SHANGHAI, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from CRI Online: Vice Governor of Shandong Province and research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Engineering Ling Wen delivers keynote speech The Forum on International Trade Facilitation Cooperation in the Yellow River Basin was held in Shanghai on November 6. Themed "Joining Hands on a New Journey, Building a New Channel", the forum is designed to promote the achievements of institutional innovation in trade facilitation, as well as explore a new path of integrated development, opening-up and cooperation in the Yellow River Basin. Ling Wen, Vice Governor of Shandong Province and research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Li Fei, Assistant Minister of Commerce, and Han Sen, Chief Engineer of General Administration of Customs attended the event. Mr. Ling said in his speech that the Yellow River basin is an important ecological barrier and key economic zone in China. Situated in the lower reaches of the Yellow River, Shandong province is strategically placed to serve as a hub for the expansion of commerce and trade not only between the northern and southern portions of China but also its eastern and western halves, as well as serving as a conduit to the sea and, by extension, for the further growth of overseas trade. Shandong Province is ready and willing to facilitate international cooperation with the provinces and regions along the Yellow River, with a focus on technology, equipment, services and infrastructure, and share with them the fruits of green and low-carbon development. The province also looks forward to both strengthening and modernizing industrial cooperation and promoting the formation of new models for mutually beneficial economic development. We plan to put in place reforms to win support for more national trade facilitation policies, strengthen cooperation with customs authorities and develop multimodal transport with the goal of integrating logistics and government services into a one-stop service model that creates a first-class international business environment. In his speech, Mr. Li explained that the nine provinces and autonomous regions that encompass the Yellow River basin span eastern, central and western China and boast a mix of location characteristics, including those of coastal, inland and border areas, all of which, when taken together, create huge potential for the development of an open industrial ecosystem with distinctive features and advantages. The Ministry of Commerce, in concert with the responsible authorities in the nine provinces and regions, will continue to promote the coordination of open platforms and stimulate the economic vitality of the entire region. They will also work in concert to support manufacturers and traders in enhancing their international competiveness by making use of free trade agreements as well as further promoting the building of and cooperation between industrial chains, to develop a coordinated portfolio of industries with distinctive advantages. At the event, representatives from Sumitomo, Qingdao Customs, Shandong Port Group, Xi'an Free Trade Port, Qingdao International Airport Group and other government agencies and companies engaged in meaningful dialogue and exchange. Twenty-six key projects were signed during the forum, involving a total investment of $3.64 billion, contracted foreign capital of $884 million and a contracted import value of $1.12 billion. SOURCE CRI Online BEIJING, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For farmers in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region's Tongliao, there were two pieces of good news in recent days: The corn harvest in the fields is abundant, and their female "grain king" who went to Beijing to represent their agrarian region at the CPC National Congress has returned. When Mei Yuanxue returned to her hometown, the Horqin Left Wing Middle Banner in Tongliao, the applauses that echoed in the Great Hall of the People during the Congress were still fresh in her ears and on her mind, while the cheers from local farmers upon her return renewed her enthusiasm and energy. "I can't wait to tell my folks the good news," Mei, director of the agricultural technology promotion center of the Horqin Left Wing Middle Banner's Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Bureau, told the Global Times. "The report to the 20th CPC National Congress once again has made food security and rural revitalization as an important priority. This is not only a new signal for the country to further incentivize farmers, but also strong growth encouragement for agricultural science and technology workers," she said. Silently rooted in the farmland for 33 years while carrying out scientific research and agricultural technology promotion, Mei had set a high yield record of 1126.6 kilograms of corn per mu (0.06 hectares), and helped the Horqin Left Wing Middle Banner achieve good harvests for 19 consecutive years. In 2021, China's national corn yield was 419 kilograms per mu. "With the support of the CPC's favorable policies, farmers in my hometown have increased their income steadily from helplessness in the face of barren lands and fierce wind-sand disasters to guaranteed harvests," Mei said, stressing that at present, the Chinese people firmly grasp the initiative of maintaining the foundations for food security on all fronts. In the future, China will have the capacity and confidence to further promote rural revitalization through agriculture. Rooted at grass-roots level The 57-year-old woman of Manchurian ethnicity actually isn't a farmer herself, but is now regarded as her region's "savior" by local people, many of whom farmers. What's made Mei, a feminine intellectual woman, willing to work in the fields for over 30 years? And what makes this woman, who is literally not afraid to get her hands dirty every day, create a miracle of promoting and consolidating 5.9 million mu worth of high-quality farmland, achieving an annual increase of over 50 million kilograms of grain production and saving over 600 million cubic meters of water every year? Mei's hometown, the Horqin Left Wing Middle Banner, has 5.41 million mu of arable land, but the saline soil accounts for more than one-third of the entire area. From childhood, Mei was used to seeing a few sparse crops growing on the desolate patches of saline land accompanied by the anxiety and confusion of local farmers, which was a long-standing pain in her heart. After graduating from university in 1989, Mei gave up a job in the big city and returned to her hometown to become a grass-roots agricultural science and technology promotion agent. In the eyes of the local farmers, Mei is always "dusty" she never wears stylish leather shoes and, always heads straight to the farmland when she arrives in any village. In order to find and resolve the bottleneck issues that limit agricultural production, she often works through the night without taking any breaks. Tongliao is located in the world's golden corn belt, but at the same time, the city suffers from a serious shortage of water. In the past, the pollution caused by the widely used drip irrigation covered with plastic film made Mei anxious. In order to solve the problems of water scarcity and conservation simultaneously, in 2012, Mei began to experiment with shallowly burying recyclable drip irrigation belts in fields and achieved a technical breakthrough. To the present day, Tongliao has transformed 5.9 million mu into high-quality farmland with the shallowly buried drip irrigation system technique she has engineered, which has brought huge ecological and economic benefits. During the past three decades, Mei has solved many agricultural challenges faced by local farmers: When a large-scale insect infestation occurred, she set up a team to detect and report the infestation. At one time, local farmers would widely use a single nitrogen fertilizer which would result in low yields. She compiled a scientific guide to fertilization to better advise villagers. Currently, the focus of Mei's research is the arability of saline land. In 2021, Mei led a scientific research team to implement a set of replicable and sustainable saline-alkali land improvement technology models, prompting the transformation of more than 4 million mu of salinized and low-yield farmland in Tongliao, and doubling the output of said fields that were once a source of disappointment for farmers. For more than 30 years, Mei has spent an average of nearly 200 days a year at the grass-roots level. She visited all 516 villages across the banner, promoting more than a dozen advanced agricultural technologies. Over the last decades, Mei has turned down several more financially lucrative opportunities, insisting on working on the front line. "Finding technological defects that can be improved in the process of agricultural production, continuously gaining the expertise to surmount such problems, and passing on such expertise to farmers in need is what gives me a sense of accomplishment," Mei said. Full of trust, encouragement Mei's sense of accomplishment also comes from her judgment of the current stable and progressive food security situation in China. At the grass-roots level, she has personally felt the efforts and determination of the CPC in ensuring food security. Taking Tongliao as an example, Mei said that the local agricultural and animal husbandry authorities have actively provided quality services to farmers, including selecting batches of self-developed, high-quality and high-yield seeds, promoting advanced production technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles for the prevention and control of insect attacks, and precision seeding by using the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. "In the past, farming in Tongliao was an inefficient activity, but today, women are no longer seen sowing in the spring, and men are no longer required to bear heavy manual labor during the harvest season. We have mechanized the whole process, from clearing the land, to waiting for mature field management, to the final harvest," Mei said, beaming with pride. At present, due to the supply shortage and the Russia-Ukraine crisis, among other overlapping factors, the serious situation of international food security has aroused widespread concern. Despite such global uncertainty, Mei firmly believes that no matter how much the international situation changes, China still has the ability to feed its 1.4 billion people. "The current emphasis on national food security is not a hasty response to the crisis; our country has always taken precautions. One decade ago or even earlier, we had gradually begun improving the food production and supply system," Mei noted. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has highlighted the importance of seeds and farmland on multiple occasions. During an April visit to a seed laboratory in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province, Xi said seed resources must be "firmly held in our own hands" to ensure food security. He stressed efforts to achieve self-reliance in seed technology and ensure that China's seed resources are self-supporting and under better control. Regarding farmland protection, Xi once emphasized that farmland is the lifeline of grain production and the foundation for the sustainable development of the Chinese nation. "While making great efforts to ensure the security of seeds, China is strictly safeguarding the red line of 1.8 billion mu of arable land. With the popularization of modern agricultural production, our food production has been continually reaching new highs," Mei said. According to China's National Development and Reform Commission, in 2012 China's grain output surpassed the 1.2 trillion jin mark (600 billion kilograms) for the first time. It has also exceeded 650 billion kilograms for seven consecutive years since 2015. In 2021, the grain output hit a record high of 682.85 billion kilograms, increasing to 70.2 billion kilograms as compared to 2012. The per capita grain supply reached 483.5 kilograms, above the international food security threshold of 400 kilograms. Expecting the future Mei, who joined the CPC in December 2000, has been a delegate to the Party's National Congress for three consecutive sessions. Having once again witnessed the grand meeting, Mei felt proud to see the excellent achievements Tongliao has made in the field of agriculture, and is more grateful for the dedication of grass-roots Party officials and farmers behind the success. Mei told the Global Times that she was initially inspired to join the CPC by the exemplary role played by its members. "Whenever we go to the countryside to conduct research or promote agricultural techniques, the local farmers always respond more enthusiastically to the Party members. And it is also the Party members who are the first to be called and mobilized for some difficult tasks, which made me hope to join this advanced team to play a bigger role," she said. After becoming a Party member, Mei truly felt the great synergy generated by comrades working side by side toward the same goal of transforming agricultural science and technology findings into real productive harvests. "Many agronomists went all over the country to open up experimental fields for technological innovation. In my hometown, grass-roots Party officials went door-to-door and through WeChat groupsto hold lectures to promote new agricultural knowledge, the result of which was confidence in yearly harvests as a guaranteed 'bet' on our research," Mei said. At present, the corn harvest in the field is abundant, but Mei also felt the heavy responsibility. In her next step, she will grasp the golden period of China's grain development and based on the current preferential policies, strive to further increase local crop output in the near future. SOURCE Global Times Gravyty, the leading provider of purpose-driven technology, announces acquisition of Fabrik, expanding Graduway from Gravyty customer base LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gravyty expands its market leadership in the UK through the acquisition of Fabrik, a technology that enables schools, colleges and universities to engage alumni, support mentoring and enhance fundraising. This acquisition supports the evolution of the Graduway from Gravyty solution, a branded and exclusive platform that allows institutions to engage with their alumni anywhere, at any time. Gravyty, the leading provider of purpose-driven technology, announces acquisition of Fabrik, expanding Graduway from Gravyty customer base Integrating Fabrik and their clients into their Graduway solution is a significant step in providing transformative technology that empowers organizations to leverage the power of their network and increase growth strategies. "This acquisition is an important part of our Engagement + Fundraising Suite's strategy," said president Sevonne Eliyahu. "Your network and connections are the people most likely to support youtapping into and nurturing that community is a massive opportunity. We want to amplify that opportunity while also making it smarter with AI, automation and integrations." Will Fairbairn, Sebastian Manhart, Ivan Pirlik, founders of Fabrik, said: "Fabrik chose Graduway as our preferred acquisition partner, being the market leader who had the best product and customer focus to create an exceptional experience for our clients." Fabrik is trusted by some of the oldest higher education institutions in the world to drive online alumni engagement. Together, Gravyty and Fabrik empower alumni communities of 3,000+ schools, colleges, nonprofits and healthcare organizations globally. For more information on Gravyty's ecosystem of solutions including Graduway from Gravyty, please visit https://gravyty.com/ecosystem. About Gravyty Gravyty is headquartered in the U.K., with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. Gravyty provides impactful technology to nonprofits, organizations, universities, K12/independent schools and corporations by accelerating their mission and putting them at the center of their community. For more information, visit https://gravyty.com. About Fabrik Fabrik enables schools, colleges and universities to engage alumni, support mentoring and enhance fundraising. For more information, visit https://www.fabrikgroups.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941678/Gravyty.jpg SOURCE Gravyty Snee Honored For Transformational Leadership Award highlights the company's work in equity in education and food security AUSTIN, Minn., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation, (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, was named the 2022 Responsible CEO of the Year for transformative leadership by 3BL Media. Snee was presented the award Oct. 25 during the 3BL annual forum, Brands Taking Stands, in New York City. Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer, Hormel Foods 3BL Media's Responsible CEO of the Year awards recognize chief executives with proven records of bold and innovative leadership on environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. This year marked the 14th annual Responsible CEO of the Year awards. According to 3BL, this year's honorees demonstrate the strategic advantage of integrating ESG into the core of their businesses and how these efforts can have a real-world impact in the lives of their employees, communities and society at large. The award was presented by 3BL Media's CEO, Dave Armon. "We congratulate the 2022 Responsible CEO Award honorees for leading with purpose and values alongside financial objectives in running their businesses. The world needs business leaders who are operating with their eyes wide open and using the power of their businesses to bring forward meaningful ESG programs and policies and to operate in a transparent manner." "I'm honored to accept this award on behalf of our team of 20,000 who are inspired by the food we make and the difference we are making in the world." Snee said. "We are incredibly proud of the role we play in creating equity in education, building food-secure communities and evolving the food system to be more sustainable. We are committed to continuing to make a difference in our communities around the world, today and into the future." Hormel Foods continually receives accolades for its ESG efforts, including being named on Newsweek's 2022 America's Most Trusted Companies list and appearing on its America's Most Responsible Companies list for three years in a row, being recognized as one of the World's Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes and receiving several Impact Awards from Progressive Grocer for its educational support and food-security programs. 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 Relations Hormel Foods 507-434-6352 [email protected] SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global law firm Ropes & Gray today announced that Jackie Cohen has joined the firm's 500-lawyer New York office as a partner in the firm's mergers & acquisitions practice. Chambers-ranked for Corporate/M&A in New York, Jackie advises clients on complex, high-profile mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, spin-offs and strategic investments. She also advises clients on high-profile, and business-critical shareholder activism, takeover defense and corporate governance issues. In Chambers, clients praise Jackie's "business focus" and describe her as an "excellent, technical practitioner." "Jackie has built a formidable practice in New York, advising clients on complex, market-leading transactions across industries and around the globe. Her talent and approach to representing clients is an ideal fit for our growing M&A team in New York," said Chris Comeau, partner and head of the firm's mergers & acquisitions practice. "Jackie is a prolific deal lawyer. She has guided some of the world's most complex transactions over the last decade for major corporations, household brand names, high-growth companies, and for preeminent investors and funds. She immediately strengthens our global transactions practice," said Julie Jones, chair. "Throughout the legal industry, Jackie is respected as the trusted advisor she is." Ropes & Gray is a preeminent firm for complex transactions and corporate governance. In 2022, the firm has advised on M&A transactions with an aggregate total value of more than $200 billion across technology, life sciences, health care and consumer brands. "From large deals to middle-market transactions, Jackie knows how to unlock value for clients, no matter their objective or size," said David Djaha, managing partner. "Her impressive record of leading sophisticated deals bolsters our firm's global M&A practice." "Ropes & Gray's M&A practice has experienced robust growth, captured market share, and expanded and added new clients," Jackie said. "The transactions market is defined by complexity right now, and Ropes & Gray has the best team to help clients navigate it." About Ropes & Gray's Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Ropes & Gray's M&A attorneys navigate clients through some of the largest, most complex and demanding transactions around the world. Recognized as leaders in the field, Ropes & Gray's M&A attorneys possess both extensive transactional experience and deep industry knowledge. In 2022, the firm advised on M&A transactions with an aggregate total value of more than $200 billion across technology, life sciences, health care and consumer brands sectors. The firm holds a strong track record of advising strategic investors on a wide variety of corporate transactions, creating and implementing innovative deal structures driven by industry trends and evolving market terms. The transaction teams include attorneys with various specialties, including tax, intellectual property, finance, antitrust, employee benefits, environmental, litigation, and government enforcement, which allow the firm to present an integrated service offering to resolve matters that span the full spectrum of transaction-related issues. About Ropes & Gray Ropes & Gray is a preeminent global law firm with approximately 1,500 lawyers and legal professionals serving clients in major centers of business, finance, technology, and government. The firm has offices in New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul, and has consistently been recognized for its leading practices in many areas, including private equity, M&A, finance, asset management, real estate, tax, antitrust, life sciences, health care, intellectual property, litigation & enforcement, privacy & cybersecurity, and business restructuring. Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Videos | Podcasts View our privacy policy here. Media Contact: Eric Goldman Senior Public Relations Specialist Office: +1-212-596-9089 Cell: +1-917-224-9861 [email protected] SOURCE Ropes & Gray Enterprise and government customers in Japan and Canada can now securely host data within their borders CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Keeper Security , the leading provider of zero-trust, zero-knowledge and FedRAMP Authorized cybersecurity software, is expanding its global presence with the deployment of two new secure cloud data centers in Japan and Canada. The cloud data centers are powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and expand Keeper's existing global network of data centers in the United States, Europe, Australia and GovCloud (US) regions. Keeper's growing global presence provides key benefits for all of its customers, from consumers to enterprises of all sizes and government entities: Enterprise customers can now choose to securely host their data within their preferred geographic region, which enables them to meet internal and regulatory compliance requirements. Additional data centers allow Keeper to deliver content closer to customers, which means both consumers and businesses in those areas enjoy faster performance and reduced latency. Data residency refers to the localization of data storage and processing. Privacy laws within specific countries, or broader multi-national regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), dictate how and where data can reside. Supporting data residency indicates that a business respects privacy, and that a business can meet regional data protection and privacy requirements. Keeper's new cloud data centers enable organizations to simplify the process of meeting these regulations. "Keeper is never at rest. We are continually adapting, updating and upgrading our products and services to best meet our customers' needs," said Craig Lurey, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "These new data centers empower our customers to host their vaults and data in the location of their choosing, with a fully-isolated, zero-trust and zero-knowledge cybersecurity solution." Keeper delivers the ultimate in enterprise security and cyberthreat prevention by protecting access to applications, systems, secrets and IT resources with a zero-trust and zero-knowledge architecture. Keeper simplifies and strengthens auditing and compliance while achieving organization-wide visibility, control, event logging and reporting. More than 80% of successful cyberattacks can be attributed to weak or stolen passwords, credentials and secrets. Keeper's password security and encryption platform is a human-centric solution for consumers and organizations of all sizes. Keeper's platform takes only minutes to deploy, requires minimal ongoing management and scales to meet the needs of any size organization, from the smallest of small businesses to the largest of large enterprises. Keeper integrates seamlessly into any data environment single cloud, multi-cloud or hybrid and any security stack. About Keeper Security Keeper Security, Inc. ("Keeper") is transforming the way organizations and individuals protect their credentials, secrets, connections and sensitive digital assets to significantly reduce the risks of identity security-related cyberattacks, while gaining visibility and control. Keeper is the leading provider of zero-trust and zero-knowledge security cloud services trusted by millions of people and thousands of organizations for password management, secrets management, privileged access, secure remote infrastructure access and encrypted messaging. Keeper's products are the highest-rated in the industry across G2, Trustpilot, PCMag and U.S. News & World Report. For the last several years, Keeper has received several InfoSec Awards from Cyber Defense Magazine for its cybersecurity enterprise software. Keeper is SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified, FIPS 140-2 validated and FedRAMP Authorized. Keeper is backed by Insight Partners, a leading venture capital and private equity firm with $90b AUM. Media Contact Katherine Benfield Lumina Communications for Keeper Security [email protected] SOURCE Keeper Security Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Centre won the 'Best Cancer & Super Speciality Hospital' & 'Most Advanced Hospital for Cancer Treatment' in Bangladesh and 'Most Promising Leader Healthcare, Bangladesh' for their Managing Director Mr Sakif Shamim, for the year 2022. The felicitation ceremony will be held at the Palm Jumeirah Waldorf Astoria on the 10th of December 2022 in Dubai. LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Brand Awards is an annual event held by Global Brands Magazine (GBM), an international publication headquartered in the UK. Labaid was evaluated on the grounds of innovation and research in medical sciences. For all the group has done in the field of cancer research, it won multiple awards from Global Brands Magazine. Commenting on Labaid winning the awards, ShivKumar (CEO) of Global Brands Magazine said, "Labaid Cancer Hospital is committed to delivering the best cancer care possible. In addition to providing essential cancer treatment, their doctors care for the patient's emotional and psychological well-being. The judges were particularly impressed with Labaid - positively impacting cancer care, and we wish them the best in their future endeavours." Sakif Shamim, Managing Director, Labaid commented on winning the awards, said, "I wish to express my most sincere gratitude and appreciation to Global Brands Magazine for recognizing 3 awards to my organization and me. Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Centre is a leading healthcare provider in Bangladesh committed to providing trusted healthcare services driven by excellence through innovation, quality, teamwork & advanced technologies to ensure optimum patient care and satisfaction. Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Centre is the country's first Comprehensive Cancer care hospital. Currently, we are providing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and organ-specific treatment to all patients. Our vision is winning Cancer, and our mission is patients' first clinical excellence and ethical practices. My future goal is to establish 10 tertiary hospitals and 30 cancer centres across the country. I believe in humanity and want to give back to my community. Finally, I am truly honoured to receive these awards for our hospital, which is one of the best experiences in my professional career. I work for my passion, not only for money. Thanks to Global Brand Magazine for conveying such kind of awards on the globe." About Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Centre Labaid Cancer Hospital & Super Speciality Centre is a complete integrated multidisciplinary cancer hospital at the forefront of medical technologies and expertise in Bangladesh. The lack of quality treatment and the suffering of the patients in Bangladesh inspired the visionary leader Dr A M Shamim to set a new trend in treatment for Bangladeshi patients. As a result, LABAID Diagnostic was established to believe that a cure results from an accurate Diagnosis with the best possible care. Today LABAID is one of the leading groups of companies in the country, which includes the business of Health Care, Pharmaceuticals, Financial, Education, Agros etc. However, the core of the LABAID Group lies in health care services. Also, Labaid Cardiac Hospital gives excellent treatment to cardiac patients. They also have 10 super speciality hospitals around the country with 250-500 beds each. About Global Brands Magazine Global Brands Magazine (GBM) has been at the forefront, bringing news, views and opinions on brands shaping the future of their industry. The UK-based magazine provides its readers with the latest news and information on 'best-in-class brands'. About Global Brand Awards Global Brand Awards honours brands for their excellence in performance and rewards companies for the quality of their services. The Brand Awards highlight the accomplishments of organizations that have performed remarkably well in their respective industries. Global Brand Awards recognize vital players who progress towards excellence by providing a platform to acknowledge their efforts. Check out our social media shout outs from the links below: Facebook: https://bit.ly/3UCkXAL Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3UGcoor Twitter: https://bit.ly/3FYzvXw Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Edjbk7 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1764747/GBM_2022_Logo.jpg SOURCE Global Brands Publications Limited From findings on its online forum LupusConnect to multiple patient-centered and clinical studies it is supporting, LFA has much to share WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American College of Rheumatology Convergence 2022 meeting will be held in Philadelphia, PA from November 10-14, 2022. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) and investigators funded by the Foundation will share novel research findings, as well as program insights from its LupusConnect online community. "Studies funded by the LFA have contributed to scientific breakthroughs in lupus treatment and care for the last 40 years and we're especially proud to present an abstract informed by our 24/7 online lupus support community called LupusConnect," said Joy Buie, PhD, MSCR, RN, Director of Research, Lupus Foundation of America. "The open platform serves as a forum for people with lupus and caregivers across the globe to talk about the disease, providing an opportunity to glean real-world insights that will help support people impacted by the disease." The abstract, LupusConnect: A 24/7 Online Lupus Support Community, presents popular topics discussed by more than 18,000 community members with a self-reported connection to lupus. During the pandemic, community membership and engagement remained strong, underscoring a need for connection within the lupus community. The top terms discussed across both US and non-US members were lupus, pain, and symptom(s). Rheumatology, blood, and disease were also among top subjects. Most of the community members were based in the US (85.5%). And of those participating in the online community, 58.4% were women and 5.2% were men 36.4% did not specify a gender. "A National Needs Assessment Survey previously conducted by the Lupus Foundation of America revealed that that the number one need of people with lupus and caregivers is social support and assistance coping with the disease," said Buie. "The LupusConnect study affirms the ongoing need for online support forums where people with lupus can interact from anywhere at any time and share information about disease-related topics. The study also reinforces our commitment to creating programs that meet the needs of the international lupus community." Important and exciting new LFA-funded or supported research will also be presented during the upcoming ACR meeting, including information on an ongoing project involving Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC), the American College of Rheumatology and the LFA. The collaborative is working to help update the SLICC Damage Index (SDI) used to predict the damage accrual a person with lupus is likely to experience. The current phase of the project focuses on identifying specific measures that reflect organ damage in adult, young-adult, and pediatric populations living with lupus. With the help of lupus experts and patients, 220 unique measures have been identified for 14 organ systems and underscores the importance of tapping diverse stakeholder groups to create a more comprehensive and inclusive damage index. As a patient-facing advocacy organization, the LFA has been working on the Treatment Response Measure for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (TRM-SLE) project, providing guidance on the development of a new clinician-reported outcome measure for lupus clinical trials and ensuring the patient voice is incorporated. Dr. Kathryn Connelly, who co-leads the work, will present, Towards a Novel Clinician-Reported Outcome Measure for SLE-Outcomes of an International Consensus Process, and report on progress of the TRM-SLE project. The LFA's involvement with the project has centered around helping define domains for the measure and speaking to outcomes that are important to consider from the patient's perspective when determining whether a drug is an effective treatment for lupus. Some of the studies from recent LFA Gary S. Gilkeson Career Development Award recipients to be presented during the annual meeting include, Dr. Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins' discussion of Social Cognitive Correlates of Accelerometer-measured and Self-reported Physical Activity in Persons with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and application of intervention strategies that address exercise goal setting and self-perception of physical capabilities to improve overall physical activity in people with lupus; Dr. Andrea Fava's presentation of Change in Urinary Biomarkers at Three Months Predicts 1-year Treatment Response of Lupus Nephritis Better Than Proteinuria and immunological-based biomarkers to gauge renal activity; and Dr. Jordan Roberts' review of Real-World Effectiveness and Steroid Sparing Effect of Belimumab in Pediatric Lupus: A Single Center Retrospective Study analyzing efficacy of Benlysta for treatment in children. In a Scientific Session, Dr. Jane Salmon will present Targeting Inflammation in Obstetric APS, addressing preliminary research findings of the LFA-funded IMPACT Study (IMprove Pregnancy in APS with Certolizumab Therapy). This study presentation will highlight the safety profile of certolizumab when used during pregnancy in women who have lupus anticoagulant present in the blood or have antiphospholipid syndrome. Throughout the ACR Meeting, the LFA will tweet updates on innovative scientific initiatives and research studies presented as well as breaking news. Follow the LFA for evolving conference hot topics and research highlights at, LFA's Twitter feed . About the Lupus Foundation of America The Lupus Foundation of America is the national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus , one of the world's cruelest, most unpredictable and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, and advocacy, we lead the fight to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus. Learn more about the Lupus Foundation of America at lupus.org . Contact: Mike Donnelly [email protected] (202) 349-1162 SOURCE Lupus Foundation of America INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Proteus, LLC announced that M Financial Group approved Proteus, LLC as an alternative investment platform. M Financial will leverage Proteus' leading technology platform and related infrastructure to seamlessly offer alternative investments throughout their Member Firms in both wealth management accounts and in insurance-based separate accounts. M Financial Group will make available to their Member Firms private alternative investment products that have been sourced and due diligenced by Proteus alongside Callan, Proteus' research partner. Further, Member Firms will have available to them managed Pools, or asset class-centric strategies, and Models, or risk-based alternative asset portfolios, that are designed and managed by Proteus. "We are excited to announce this partnership; one that further demonstrates how dramatically unique our capabilities are in the alternative asset space," said Eric Knauss, President and Chief Investment Officer at Proteus, LLC. "M Financial's team was thoughtful, diligent, and thorough in their due diligence process. For Proteus, LLC to be selected as a partner speaks volumes to the work being done here." Proteus offers a variety of solutions to clients ranging from access to individual managers, managed strategies, comprehensive alternative asset models, and custom solutions for both asset managers and asset allocation firms. About M Financial Group With more than 130 Member Firms in 36 states and the United Kingdom, M Financial Group is one of the nation's leading financial services design and distribution companies. Since 1978, M Financial's network of independent insurance and executive benefit firms has served the needs of high net worth individuals, corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, and Fortune 1000 companies. About Proteus Proteus, LLC is an alternative investment platform solution for high-end wealth advisors. The platform provides access to institutional-quality investment opportunities, including private funds, alternative investment model portfolios and sub-asset class pools which invest across the alternative investment strategy spectrum. Wealth advisors and their Accredited Investor and Qualified Purchaser clients use the platform to research alternative investment managers and investments, review due diligence materials and construct custom portfolios, thereby eliminating significant hurdles and inefficiencies that have plagued alternative investors for decades. Proteus, LLC fully integrated platform is an enterprise solution which also provides portfolio construction tools, integrated & compliant portfolio accounting and consolidated K-1s. Advisory Services offered through Proteus, a federally registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Access additional disclosures here. SOURCE Proteus, LLC New Offerings Capture the Character, Essence and Experience of The World's Most Enchanting Cities Beginning in 2022 with New York City and Sydney LORETTO, Ky., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Maker's Mark has today introduced two new Global Travel Retail (GTR) exclusive whiskies to mark its newest Wood Finishing Series the City Series capturing the character of the world's most enchanting locations for whisky fans traveling the globe. Launching with New York City and Sydney, new limited-edition city releases will be added over the multi-year series. Maker's Mark knows that to truly experience a city, you have to know its insiders. To kick off this series, Maker's recruited aesthetes and tastemakers who became our city spirit guides. With every Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series whisky, there's an established taste vision, or flavor goal, in mind. Here, the liquid is meant to evoke the essence and nuances of the place they live and love all through bourbon. New York Edition A first trip to New York City promises to be unforgettable. The taste vision for the New York Edition was created with the goal of capturing the excitement of your first trip to the city that never sleeps. Flavor experts Erina Yoshida and Justin Ottevanger created a whisky that is big, bold and complex, with layers of spice, oak and rich dark chocolate. At 107.8 proof, the limited-edition bourbon has a long finish nearly as long as its namesake city's iconic skyline. Sydney Edition With the help of Sydney insiders Sam Egerton and Jordan Toft, this herbaceous expression of Maker's Mark pays homage to the vibrant people, culture and dynamic palate of the city. Meant to be enjoyed outdoors, the 110.8 proof spirit is ripe and fruit-forward. The New York and Sydney Editions are the first two in a limited series of handcrafted Maker's expressions which honor the unique taste profiles of cities around the world. It is the result of more than a decade of wood-science expertise, exploring the influence of oak and agriculture on bourbon's wide-ranging taste profiles. The Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series celebrates the inherent uniqueness of different wood types, celebrating individuality through flavor, just as each city's unique, signature whisky now does. "It's incredibly rewarding to bring a taste of our distillery in Loretto, Kentucky to the Global Travel Retail market through the new City Series," said Rob Samuels, Chief Distillery Officer at Maker's Mark and Grandson of the Founders. "Just as my grandparents sat down with a taste vision in mind when creating Maker's Mark, partnering with Erina and Justin in New York and Sam and Jordan in Sydney to create bourbons that embodied their cities resulted in delicious new whiskies that are a true adventure of their own." Both the Maker's Mark Wood Finishing Series New York and Sydney Editions are now available Global Travel Retail. The New York Edition is sold at John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal 1 for a SRP of $95 USD and the Sydney Edition is available at Sydney Terminal 1 for a SRP of $140 AUD. Each terminal has curated Maker's Mark boutiques to sell the new whiskies with various experiential components such as screen-printing for travelers to enjoy. The stunning designs play homage to each city and the handcrafted nature of Maker's Mark Bourbon. About Maker's Mark Bourbon In 1953, in Loretto, Ky., Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. While he developed the bourbon, his wife Margie Samuels ideated the bourbon's name and label, standout bottle shape, iconic and signature look that still involves hand-dipping each bottle in red wax to this day. Together as co-founders, Bill and Margie transformed bourbon from a "commodity" into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues to be crafted in the same, purposeful way. In recent years, Maker's Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker's Mark, Maker's Mark 46 Maker's Mark Cask Strength and Maker's Mark Private Selection, the industry's first-ever custom barrel program. Today, Maker's Mark is the largest distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification, a reflection of the brand's dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com. About Beam Suntory As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails. Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. 2022 Beam Suntory, Inc. New York. WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY. Maker's Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 53.9-55.4% Alc./Vol. 2022 Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY. SOURCE Maker's Mark BANGALORE, India, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent case, Mr. Samson Muanza from Malawi who had plasmacytoma and history of total and progressive paralysis for a year, underwent successful surgery under Dr. Vidhyadhara S, HOD & Consultant - Spine Surgery, Spine Care, Manipal Hospitals, India to decompress and fuse the upper thoracic spine. Manipal Hospitals helps a Malawian to get back on his own feet Dr. Vidhyadhara evaluated that due to the delay in receiving treatment, the pathological fracture at the T3 vertebra revealed a possibility of less than one percent recovery rate from paralysis. As Mr. Samson Muanza's spinal compression went untreated for more than three years, he was compelled to use a wheelchair for almost eight months and his daily activities were impacted. Then, a co-worker who had successfully received treatment for a brain tumour at Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore recommended him to the facility. Post consultation and receiving assistance from the hospital and prompt medical care, Mr. Samson Muanza is doing well and engaging activities on his own. Dr. VADHIRAJA B M , HOD & Consultant Radiation Oncology , Manipal Hospitals, India who operated on the patient said, "The patient was advised to undergo a biopsy procedure, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery to decompress and fuse the upper thoracic spine. He recovered gradually but progressively as a result, was able to walk with a stick, and showed mobility and urine control following the procedure. Following the necessary post-operative care at Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore, India, the patient is doing exceptionally well. The hero from Malawi, Mr. Samson Muanza said, "After suffering from paralysis for a long time, I can finally walk after having the procedure done properly. Not only was the operation well done, but the pre- and post-operative treatment was also exceptionally good, which greatly reduced my discomfort. The hospital directed me to doctors from various departments who advised me on other co-existing health complications. Highly impressed by the hospital's level of service, I express my sincere gratitude to Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore for providing me with a memorable experience." About Manipal Hospitals As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is India's second-largest multi-specialty healthcare provider treating over 4 million patients annually. With its recent acquisition of a 100% stake in Columbia Asia Hospitals in India, the integrated organization today has an enhanced pan-India footprint with 27 hospitals across 14 cities with 7,000+ beds with a talented pool of 4,000+ doctors and 10,000+ employees. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high-quality healthcare framework through its multi-specialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out-of-hospital care. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. For more information, please contact Manipal Hospitals: Email: [email protected], Phone: +91-9606048970, or visit: www.manipalhospitalsglobal.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941221/Samson_Muanza.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941277/Manipal_Hospital_Logo.jpg SOURCE Manipal Hospitals WHAT: Pennsylvania Pain and Spine Institute will be hosting their second annual Veterans Day Celebration for their local Veteran Community. The event is open to the public and offers music, food, an honoring ceremony and more, and features local Vietnam Army Nurse Grace Moore, and local Veteran Chapter PA 22-12 in addition to a donation to the organization K9s for Warriors. Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health recognized for leadership and Colorado Business Group on Health's Robert Smith acknowledged with President's Award WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) recognized the efforts of employers and purchasers and member coalitions at its 2022 Annual Forum. Miami-Dade County Public Schools and LG&E and KU Energy received the 2022 Employer/Purchaser Excellence Award; the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health was honored with the 2022 Membership Leadership Award; and Robert Smith, executive director of the Colorado Business Group on Health, was acknowledged with the 2022 President's Award. "We're pleased to highlight the efforts of Miami-Dade County Public Schools and LG&E and KU Energy as excellent examples of employers that are committed to promoting healthcare value while improving the health and wellbeing of not only their employees, but their communities," said Michael Thompson, National Alliance president and CEO. "We are also recognizing the hard work and dedication of some of our longtime and most active coalition members." The Employer/Purchaser Excellence Award is presented to a jumbo- and a mid-sized employer or purchaser who demonstrates leadership and innovation in advancing overall health and healthcare value through their approach to benefit programs and design, employee engagement, and support of coalition efforts. Previous award recipients include The Boeing Company, Phifer Incorporated, Qualcomm, Turner Industries, Walmart, and The Walt Disney Company. Miami-Dade County Public Schools Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) is the largest school district in Florida and the fourth largest in the US with a diverse enrollment of more than 340,000 students from over 100 countries in 392 schools. MDCPS was recognized for its leadership in value-based purchasing and exceptional management throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in handling both the health and safety and mental health needs of its administrators, teachers, staff and their families. The MDCPS goal is to offer benefits aligned with employees' needs, focused on increasing utilization, improving outcomes, removing financial barriers to care, and assuring the program's financial sustainability. "As Miami-Dade County Public Schools' Administrative Benefits Director and Board Chair of the Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value, and an active member of the National Alliance Purchaser Leadership Council, I am honored to be part of these amazing groups and to be recognized with this award," said Rosa Novo. "My work and commitment to these groups, the employees I represent, and the healthcare community is to continue effort to improve healthcare value, reduce cost, remove the stigma associated with behavioral health, and improve price transparency." LG&E and KU Energy LG&E and KU Energy is part of the PPL Corporation family of companies and is comprised of Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities Company (KU), regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers across more than 90 counties in Kentucky and five counties in Virginia. LG&E and KU Energy is a member of the Kentuckiana Health Collaborative and was recognized for developing strategies to ensure employees and family members had access to primary care at three on-site clinics, integrated occupational care and an on-site pharmacy. All of these played a critical role in keeping employees safe during COVID-19 with fast, quality care such as same-day rapid and overnight PCR testing and immediate referrals when high-risk patients needed additional care following a positive COVID test. This allowed members to avoid potential life-threatening situations while avoiding additional medical plan spend which may have resulted due to lack of quality care. "Our success begins with the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees," said Vincent Poplaski, vice president, Total Rewards for PPL Corporation. "Across PPL's companies, we're committed to investing in benefit and wellness programs that deliver better health outcomes for employees and their family members, and we're honored to receive this recognition for our work within LG&E and KU." Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health (GPBCH), an employer-led organization that seeks to increase the value of health benefit spending for the region's employers, was selected for the Member Leadership Award in recognition for growing the organization into one of the most respected coalitions in the country. GPBCH actively supports the National Alliance and Neil Goldfarb, its president and CEO, has served two terms on the Board of Directors, including as Board Chair. GPBCH collaborates with various stakeholders in numerous initiatives including as a regional leader for The Leapfrog Group and in promoting the National Diabetes Prevention Program. GPBCH co-founded the College for Value-based Purchasing (with HealthCare21 Business Coalition), an innovative national education program for employers which will be relaunching in early 2023. "We launched GPBCH in 2011 with eight founding members and now have 50 employer members, representing over 1.5 million covered lives," said Goldfarb. "These employers have demonstrated their commitment to improving workforce and community health and healthcare system quality, safety and value. This award recognizes our shared efforts to drive improvements in our local market and as an enthusiastic member of the National Alliance." Robert Smith Executive director of the Colorado Business Group on Health, Robert Smith received the 2022 President's Award in recognition for his work in growing CBGH into a leader in value-based purchasing. He was instrumental in establishing The Colorado Purchasing Alliance, a nonprofit cooperative to make high-quality healthcare more affordable, accessible and reliable for Coloradans while easing the burden for the purchasers who pay for it. Robert has become not only the voice for healthcare reform in Colorado but also a respected national leader and obstacles from delivery systems who profit from the status quo have been with determination and creativity. "In truth, and in the interest of being objective, all I've done is to apply lessons learned for Colorado from other coalitions and coalition leaders," said Smith. "In recognizing the problem that healthcare costs, driven by supplier consolidation, represents for public and private employers alike, we've been fortunate to have the support of the State's administration in leveraging existing legislation to make progress toward employer-led, market-based health reform." About National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) is the only nonprofit, purchaser-aligned organization with a national and regional structure dedicated to driving health and healthcare value across the country. Its members represent private and public sector, nonprofit, and Taft-Hartley organizations, and more than 45 million Americans, spending over $300 billion annually on healthcare. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn . SOURCE National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions The first Airedale by Modine brand chillers recently shipped from the newly repurposed facility in Rockbridge, VA. RACINE, Wis., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Modine Manufacturing Company (NYSE: MOD), a diversified global leader in thermal management technology and solutions, officially marked the launch of its new production facility in Rockbridge, Virginia, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The newly repurposed plant, previously a warehouse, will manufacture cooling solutions under the Airedale by Modine brand to capture opportunities in the growing data center industry. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Modine employees and local government officials including Representative Ben Cline (VA-06), Lexington Mayor Frank Friedman, and representatives from the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. Neil Brinker, Modine President and CEO; Eric McGinnis, President, Modine Climate Solutions; and Rockbridge Plant Manager Thomas Johnson hosted guests on a tour of the new facility and explained why it is ideally located to serve the U.S. data center market. Virginia is the largest data center market in the world and Northern Virginia is home to more than 20% of all known hyperscale data centers worldwide. "The demand for data is growing exponentially," said Brinker, "and the Rockbridge plant positions Modine to offer a full range of cooling solutions to serve North America customers in the growing data center market. The products we manufacture here are one way Modine is engineering a cleaner, healthier world." "Modine has a proud history in Virginia," said McGinnis. "I'm delighted to open a new chapter on that with the official opening of the Rockbridge manufacturing plant. The support we've received from the local area has been instrumental in getting to this point, and we're starting to see the benefits now in terms of jobs and economic growth. Virginia is at the heart of the global data center market so there is no better place to be to serve our clients." Brinker thanked the government agencies for their support, which included a $194,000 grant from Virginia's Opportunity Fund. Grant funds supported recruitment efforts that enabled the plant to exceed its initial target of creating 60 new full-time roles. Brinker said that Modine expects to have more roles to fill in the next 12 months as the facility completes on going work to launch an on-site test facility. Dave Gifford, Associate Vice President of Corscale cut the ribbon and declared the plant open. The first six chillers manufactured at the new plant were recently delivered to Corscale's Gainesville Crossing, VA, data campus following extensive testing at the Airedale headquarters in the U.K. About Airedale At Airedale, we believe that air conditioning has a critical role to play in an increasingly connected world. We also passionately believe that air conditioning equipment must play a responsible role in an era where sustainability is key to the preservation of our planet. Airedale is a global specialist in providing complete cooling solutions to industries where HVAC is mission critical, like data centres, healthcare, telecoms, education and pharmaceuticals. Our leading edge products, including chillers, close control and air handling units, are backed up with intelligent software solutions and complete applications and service support. With a strong R&D ethos rooted in sustainability and quality, Airedale's 600+ employees are committed to providing experiences, products, service and solutions that support our clients in meeting their performance, efficiency and sustainability goals. Headquartered in Leeds, U.K. and with facilities in Consett (U.K.), Guadalajara (Spain), Dubai (UAE), Rockbridge (U.S.) and Grenada (U.S.), Airedale is part of Modine (NYSE: MOD), a diversified global leader in thermal management technology and solutions. For more information visit www.airedale.com/us. About Modine At Modine, we are Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier WorldTM. Building on more than 100 years of excellence in thermal management, we provide trusted systems and solutions that improve air quality and conserve natural resources. More than 11,000 employees are at work in every corner of the globe, delivering the solutions our customers need, where they need them. Our Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies segments support our purpose by improving air quality, reducing energy and water consumption, lowering harmful emissions and enabling cleaner running vehicles and environmentally-friendly refrigerants. Modine is a global company headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin (U.S.), with operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. For more information about Modine, visit www.modine.com. Media contacts SOURCE Modine Manufacturing Company ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the remaining days between now and Election Day, grassroots organization National Police Support will be focused on 'Getting Out the Vote' in Virginia. With less than a week to go before the midterm election, we are entering the crucial last minutes of our ongoing struggle to defend police officers. And National Police Support Fund considers Virginia's gubernatorial battle one of the most important elections this year. Virginia currently has the highest crime rate in more than two decades. This is a crucial time to put an end to this disturbing rise in crime and make our communities safer for everyone. Fighting crime requires everyone to contribute and we all have to show up to vote on November 8th. Right now, Glenn Youngkin is trending slightly upwards, but this will mean nothing if people decide to take election day off. National Police Support Fund's Get Out the Vote campaign is focused on galvanizing conservative voters who may otherwise decide to stay home. The organization will reach out to Virginians mainly through social media, and digital ad campaigns. Watch their advertising campaign here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpabCh471z0 The National Police Support Fund is a grassroots political organization that is committed to aligning the interests and needs of police officers with the public's issues and concerns within the national political process. Earlier this year, the organization also released a 2022 Voter Guide that provided important insights and information to pro-police voters ahead of these midterm elections. "Virginians have a unique opportunity to change how the State is being run. We urge all Virginians to get out and vote on November 8th and vote to uphold law and order and support of our police!" a representative of the organization commented. The National Police Support Fund is a national political organization organized under Section 527 of the IRS Tax Code. Contributions are not tax deductible. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. SOURCE National Police Support Fund NAPA Continues to Lead the Way in Providing Anesthesia Services as the Country Faces a Nationwide Shortage of Anesthesia Clinicians SUNRISE, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) proudly hosted the grand opening of its Sunrise headquarters on November 2, solidifying NAPA's commitment to the organization's functional workforce in South Florida. Founded in 1986 on Long Island, NY, NAPA has grown over more than 35 years to become the nation's largest provider of anesthesia and pain management services. Today, NAPA employs approximately 6,000 anesthesia clinicians who provide exceptional patient care in nearly 500 facilities across 21 states. The organization currently cares for patients at 14 medical facilities in Florida, including hospitals and ambulatory and office-based surgery centers. This collaborative community of trusted clinical experts is backed by non-clinical teams in functions such as human resources, payroll, credentialing, revenue cycle management, information technology, client services, and more. Many members of this non-clinical workforce are based in South Florida. "Our headquarters in Sunrise creates a space to call home for our colleagues who live in the surrounding area," said John F. Di Capua, MD, NAPA CEO. "NAPA is a career destination of choice for all, and it is important that our non-clinical team members feel they have workspace flexibility to be successful." This state-of-the-art, built-to-suit office is 13,000 square feet located within the Sunrise Corporate Plaza, at 1300 Concord Terrace. "While NAPA's non-clinical teams have remained dedicated and productive throughout the disruption of the pandemictransitioning quickly to remote workmany employees expressed a desire to have a space to return to an office," said Chris Brencsons, NAPA Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. "We thoughtfully configured an environment that allows our teamswhether full-time or hybridto have a communal area to rebuild relationships lost in a fully remote environment. Our new Florida headquarters, which features diverse collaboration spaces and communal areas, provides for every scenario." The NAPA Sunrise headquarters is the organization's gateway to the South, offering a location to hold business-related meetings to connect with current anesthesia client partners and build new business alliances. "Anesthesia and pain management are essential services within our modern medical system. As Florida and the South see population booms, it becomes ever more important to have highly qualified and experienced anesthesia clinicians within local communities who are made stronger by a national infrastructure," said Dr. Di Capua. "Healthcare faces tremendous challenges, including a nationwide clinician shortage. Providing a home for our Florida-based non-clinical employees is an important step in creating stability within our dynamic new reality of medicine." About North American Partners in Anesthesia As a clinician-led organization, North American Partners in Anesthesia (NAPA) is redefining healthcare, delivering unsurpassed excellence to its partners and patients every day. NAPA has grown to become the nation's leading single-specialty anesthesia and pain management company. Our 6,000+ clinicians serve nearly 3 million patients annually at nearly 500 healthcare facilities in 21 states. For more information, please visit NAPAanesthesia.com. SOURCE NAPA Management Services Corporation On Tuesday 8 November, Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy Terje Aasland visited the site of Vianode's first industrial-scale plant for sustainable battery materials at Herya Industripark in Norway. PORSGRUNN, Norway, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aasland was welcomed by Vianode's general manager Stian Madshus, together with representatives from Elkem, Hydro and Altor as well as local government officials, and raised Vianode's flag at the site. Vianode, owned by Elkem, Hydro and Altor, produces advanced battery materials with a greener footprint. The company will invest around NOK 2 billion to create new industrial jobs and provide critical battery materials. The investment is an important step towards establishing a complete battery value chain in Norway for the European market. Through the plans at Herya, Vianode plans to recruit around 100 new employees, contributing to local value creation and around 300 jobs related to the green transition including ripple effects. "Today we raise the flag for Vianode and the significance this project can have for industrial development in the Telemark region and the development of new, profitable, green jobs in all of Norway. If we are to succeed and we are we have to cooperate well. That is why I am particularly pleased that Elkem, Hydro and Altor are working together on this investment, which is now entering a new phase. We will support the development we see at Herya and the rest of the country. This government's goal is clear: Norway shall be an attractive host country for sustainable and profitable activities through the entire battery value chain and attract the big gigafactories," says Terje Aasland, Norway's Minister of Petroleum and Energy. The industrial plant at Herya, Norway, will produce anode graphite for about 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) per year by 2024. This investment is the first phase in a larger investment plan. The plant construction will be carried out in parallel with preparations for a second phase plant scaled to provide battery materials to 2 million EVs per year by 2030, covering a significant share of the global EV market. "The establishment of an industrial-scale plant for sustainable battery materials at Herya represents a historic step for Vianode and its owners. Based on strong support from owners Elkem, Hydro and Altor, Vianode has a solid foundation to succeed with building industrial leadership in advanced battery materials with a green footprint. To succeed in Norway requires competitive framework conditions, and in that context we appreciate today's visit to learn more about our activities and plans," says Asbjrn Svik, Vianode's interim CEO and executive chair of the board. The graphite materials from Vianode are produced with up to 90 percent lower CO2 emissions than today's standard materials. The materials have unique performance characteristics and improve the properties in batteries, including faster charging, increased range and longer service life, as well as increased safety and recyclability. CONTACT: Fredrik Norman VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Elkem ASA Tel: +47 918 66 567 E-mail: [email protected] Odd-Geir Lyngstad VP Finance & Investor Relations, Elkem ASA Tel: +47 976 72 806 Email: [email protected] The following files are available for download: SOURCE Vianode NANJING, China, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14) kicked off Saturday in China's Wuhan and Switzerland's Geneva. Yancheng, in east China's Jiangsu Province, was listed as one of the 43 "International Wetland Cities" worldwide. Meanwhile, it is the best time to visit the wetlands in Jiangsu, according to the Global Communication Center of "Charm of Jiangsu". What tells coastal eco-tourism in Jiangsu from ordinary beaches is its wetlands and ecological diversity. China's Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase I) was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a natural site in 2019, making it the first of its kind to win the honor. It is a resort where visitors can frequently see milu deer, red-crowned cranes, and spoon-billed sandpipers in the wild. The local people affectionately call those rare animals "three auspicious treasures". The vast mudflats provide favorable conditions for milu deer to live and thrive. With effective protection over the past 30 years, the population of milu deer has risen in leaps and bounds, from 39 in the 1980s to over 7,000 today. One of them even ran from the seaside to Shanghai this summer. Autumn is the best season for bird watching. In late October this year, the first batch of red-crowned cranes arrived at Yancheng National Reserve for Rare Birds to live through the winter, along with migratory birds such as bean geese, common cranes, great cormorants and oriental white storks. Known as the "Oriental Wetland Capital", Yancheng is a vital node of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, one of the world's nine bird migration corridors. It is where millions of migratory birds rest, molt and overwinter every year. In Tiaozini Wetland, visitors can see the reddish-brown feathers of spoon-billed sandpipers, as rare as giant pandas, gradually being replaced by the grey-white feathers which help them to stay warm and dry in winter. Jiangsu is renowned for its water resources and cultural deposits. Apart from coastal wetlands, inland wetlands can offer equally novel experiences to visitors. In autumn, when the dawn-redwood forest in Sihong Hongze Lake Wetland Scenic Spot, Suqian City presents the best landscape, visitors can enjoy the scenery of the red trees and turquoise lake reflecting each other. In Qinhu National Wetland Park, Jiangyan District, Taizhou City, a kind of well-known edible crab is entering the ripening stage. In Suzhou Taihu Lake National Wetland Park, people can also feel the charm of "shuixiang", or the land of water, in the southern Yangtze River region. Coastal ecological wetland tourism plays an important role in Jiangsu tourism. Jiangsu issued a plan for building a world-class coastal eco-tourism corridor earlier this year, stating that it will improve coastal tourism products and services in three years. For the tourists who fancy the sea, it is a golden period and don't miss the distinctive wetlands. SOURCE Global Communication Center of "Charm of Jiangsu" BOULDER, Colo., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Market Access Society (IMAS) announces open registration for a Webinar on Accelerating Patient Access to Innovative Interventions: Europe's New Approach to Assessment for Reimbursement & Pricing Decisions Compared to the United States. This live Webinar will take place on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 10:00 US EST / 16:00 CET for approximately 45 minutes, with 15-20 minutes' Q&A period with the experts. Register now for open access webinar: Accelerating Patient Access to Innovative Interventions Tweet this With the recent adoption of European Regulation on common Health Technology Assessment (HTA), there will be important and far-reaching changes that biopharmaceutical and device companies (and patients) need to understand not just in the EU, but in all regions of the world. In this Webinar, we will feature two experts covering the differing approaches of the healthcare systems of the EU and the United States, and how the changes in HTA regulations can affect all parties involved : Diana Brixner , RPh, PhD, Professor, Exec Director Pharmacotherapy Outcomes Research Center, Univ of Utah, USA , RPh, PhD, Professor, Exec Director Pharmacotherapy Outcomes Research Center, Univ of Mira Pavlovic , MD, Professor, Director & Founder, Medicines Development and Training (MDT) Services, France To Register for Free, click here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/5316678457092/WN_Tv1sDiueQtmmKHIb8FOkFA Learning Aims: Explore relative effectiveness assessment as the basis for reimbursement decisions in Europe Understand the current system of voluntary national assessments (HTA Network), and how reimbursement decisions in different EU countries are determined Learn the key principles, implementation and consequences for industry, payers, and patients of the forthcoming EU-level joint clinical assessments (JCAs) that will serve as the basis for national value assessments and price negotiations Discover the various public and private payers for healthcare in the US, including how reimbursement decisions are made, and who makes them Examine the complicated flow of money through healthcare in the US and its many detours on the way from households to providers Discuss formulary management options for improving patient access to affordable care, and how stakeholders use the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) Dossier in decision making About IMAS IMAS' vision is to be a global voice to accelerate access to relevant healthcare interventions to patients considering all stakeholders in pricing, reimbursement perspective involved in market access. To learn more about IMAS and join for free, click here: https://www.marketaccess.org/. SOURCE International Market Access Society Sales Leaders from Canva, Infor, Reddit and SAP Join Outreach to Present Strategies for Creating and Closing More Pipeline LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Outreach , the leading sales execution platform helping revenue organizations create and close more pipeline, today hosted its first-ever Revenue Innovators EMEA Summit in London. The event brought customers together to share strategies to deliver predictable, efficient growth during times of economic uncertainty. Outreach executives were joined by customer speakers from Canva, Infor, Reddit, and SAP, to discuss how they're increasing seller productivity to close the Sales Execution Gap. "We're excited to host sales leaders from around Europe to discuss how to create more pipeline efficiently and close more deals predictably," said Nick Bowles, VP of EMEA at Outreach. "Our goal is to provoke innovation among attendees and empower them to confidently guide their sales team through today's challenging business environment. We're also looking forward to showing off the latest innovations across our platform and demonstrating our commitment to our European customers." Changing Seller Dynamics Across UK Outreach VP of Evangelism Mary Shea introduced new data around the generational shifts that are fundamentally changing seller dynamics in the UK. The findings revealed that globally, millennials make up 49% of B2B buyers. As millennial buyers exert increasing influence on business decisions they want and expect tech-savvy, values-based experiences, and want to interact with a sales team that reflects the world around them. A recent Outreach survey confirmed the importance of working with a values-based organization - 87% of UK respondents said their organization's DE&I policies have a positive impact on their sales and customer retention efforts. Introducing New Features Across the Outreach Sales Execution Platform At the event, Outreach announced the company's real-time conversation intelligence tool in Outreach Guide, Kaia , is now available in French. Users will now be able to select French as the primary language for recording and transcribing calls in real-time. Sales teams will benefit from Kaia's post-call meeting summaries with action items and features including search, filter, and analytics. Outreach plans to roll out additional language offerings for Kaia in 2023. In addition, Outreach introduced the ability to conduct Parallel Forecasting in Outreach Commit , the company's revenue operations solution for forecasting and sales analytics. Parallel Forecasting allows users to view side-by-side forecasts across different dimensions, such as by a specific product or new logo and expansion ARR, so they can easily uncover potential risks and opportunities. New Integration with Cognism At the Summit, Cognism CEO James Isilay introduced a new integration with Outreach, allowing mutual customers to access Cognism's industry leading B2B contact database without leaving Outreach. The new Chrome browser extension enables sellers to easily access compliant, accurate data throughout all their customer interactions. To learn more about Cognism, please visit www.cognism.com . To learn more about Outreach's latest innovations, register to attend our virtual conference Outreach Explore on December 6, 2022. About Outreach Outreach is the leading sales execution platform that helps market-facing teams efficiently create and predictably close more pipeline. From prospecting to deal management to forecasting, our platform leverages automation and artificial intelligence to help revenue leaders increase efficiency and effectiveness of all go-to-market activities and personnel across the revenue cycle. Outreach is the only company to offer sales engagement, revenue intelligence, and revenue operations functionalities in a unified platform. More than 5,500 companies, including Zoom, Siemens, Okta, DocuSign, and McKesson depend on Outreach to power their revenue organizations. Outreach is a privately held company based in Seattle, Washington, with offices worldwide. To learn more, please visit www.outreach.io. Contact: Haley Flanagan [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/563661/Outreach_Logo.jpg SOURCE Outreach HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PA Health & Wellness has received a full three-year Health Plan Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for Medicaid (HMO) and full Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Distinction. The esteemed NCQA accreditation and distinction standings recognize PA Health & Wellness for its service and clinical quality that meets the rigorous requirements of NCQA's standards for consumer protection and quality improvement. "We are honored to be recognized with these national accreditations for our ongoing commitment to deliver high-quality, efficient, and person-centered healthcare to all of our Participants across the commonwealth," said Justin Davis, President and CEO of PA Health & Wellness. "NCQA represents the highest level of quality standards in our industry, and we are honored to uphold that distinction." NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality, and has the most comprehensive evaluation in the industry. Accreditation standards are set high to continuously enhance a plan's quality of care, and the review process includes rigorous on-site and off-site evaluations by a team of physicians and health plan experts. The NCQA Health Plan Accreditation shows members and providers that a health plan is well managed and delivers high quality care and service. PA Health & Wellness provides Long Term Supports and Services to nearly 90,000 Pennsylvanians in the Community HealthChoices Medicaid program. PA Health & Wellness previously obtained Accreditation status in November 2019, its first opportunity to do so after a full year of operation. About PA Health & Wellness PA Health & Wellness is a managed care plan that provides health insurance to the people of Pennsylvania. Established in 2017, PA Health & Wellness exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate, and coordinated care. PA Health & Wellness is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise. For more information, visit www.pahealthwellness.com. SOURCE PA Health & Wellness CANBERRA, Australia and PERTH, Australia, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Palantir Technologies Inc. (Palantir, NYSE: PLTR), a leading builder of operating systems for the modern enterprise, and WesTrac, a leading provider of heavy mobile equipment and aftermarket services to the Australian mining and construction sectors, today announced a partnership to deploy Palantir Foundry across WesTrac's servicing and rebuild operations centres in Perth, Western Australia. An instance of Palantirs Foundry operating system, as used by Australias WesTrac The agreement further expands Palantir's work in the Australian industrial sector, adding to its long-term flagship partnership with Rio Tinto. Palantir's Foundry operating system, designed to leverage data for better decision-making across organisations of all sizes, will be used to drive digital transformation and help improve performance at WesTrac workshops, including by reducing work order delays and increasing work order velocity. WesTrac and Palantir first began collaboration in 2021, and the current formal agreement will eventually expand to include WesTrac workshops in New South Wales. The use of Palantir's technology will help improve visibility of scheduled work, expand WesTrac's digital twin, improve data discovery across multiple data sources and scale solutions to be delivered across multiple WesTrac workshops. Foundry allows for the integration of siloed data sources into a common operating picture and bridges the full spectrum of data operations. At WesTrac, the technology will for example allow it to anticipate workshop bottlenecks, improve labour allocation, and provide possible solutions or recommendations. "We are excited to partner with WesTrac on their digital transformation journey and bring Palantir's proven, cutting-edge technology to another emblematic Australian company" said Ashwin Rajan, Head of Commercial for Australia at Palantir. "Palantir Foundry will help transform WesTrac by providing unique insight into its critical operational and manufacturing decisions." "The WesTrac team are delighted to be working with Palantir on a project that will further digitalise our rebuild operations" said Jarvas Croome, Chief Executive Officer of WesTrac. "The solution will unlock capacity and improve work efficiency by optimising steps in the workflow via near real-time information on job status, and by recommending next steps to improve job outcomes. We see this as a key step in the continuation of our journey to deploy data and advanced analytics across our business." Palantir's software is currently deployed in more than 50 industries, and helps power decisions in some of the most complex data environments in the world including natural resources, manufacturing, finance, and government. Palantir employs more than 50 people in Australia. About Palantir Foundational software of tomorrow. Delivered today. Additional information is available at https://www.palantir.com. About WesTrac As one of the largest authorised Cat equipment dealers in the world, WesTrac provides customers with a wide range of machinery and construction equipment as well as comprehensive whole-of-life management solutions designed to make owning and operating equipment as easy, profitable and safe as possible. With more than 4,000 team members, WesTrac is dedicated to creating and delivering outstanding value for our team, customers, shareholders and the community. We are committed to excellence and are focused on long-term customer relationships and a dedication to customer service, safety, quality and the environment. Community involvement is an important part of the WesTrac philosophy, and we are proud to support local activities, events and charities in the regions in which we are based. As part of Seven Group Holdings Ltd, WesTrac also has strong alliances with other leading Australian businesses, including Seven West Media, Coates and SITECH. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, Palantir's expectations regarding the amount and the terms of the contract and the expected benefits of our software platforms. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and were based on current expectations as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management as of that time with respect to future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties include our ability to meet the unique needs of our customer; the failure of our platforms to satisfy our customer or perform as desired; the frequency or severity of any software and implementation errors; our platforms' reliability; and our customer's ability to modify or terminate the contract. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. Contacts Palantir Lisa Gordon [email protected] WesTrac Simon Shepherdson [email protected] SOURCE PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES INC. The technology-driven plasma collection company hosted a ribbon cutting with local officials PARIS, Texas, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Parachute and the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the two-year anniversary of Paris' first and only plasma donation center. Parachute combines technology and hospitality with donor experience, allowing members to schedule donations, receive customer support, and manage payments through a mobile app. Parachute's mission is to increase national access to plasma by introducing modern and thoughtfully designed plasma donation centers to new communities. Parachute reimagines the plasma donation experience with a mobile application. "There's an ongoing nationwide plasma shortage, which heavily impacts a patient's access to life-saving treatments for chronic illnesses including primary immunodeficiencies, bleeding disorders, cancer, and more," said Wayne Sharp, Parachute's VP of Operations. "On top of that, many around the country are struggling to make ends meet during these times of economic uncertaintya burden only made worse with the upcoming holiday season. Parachute's mission is to help patients get the vital treatments they need, while providing the Paris community with a meaningful way to earn extra money." "We are excited to officially welcome Parachute to our Chamber and community," said Paul Allen, President of the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. "Things have been challenging the last couple of years and we love what Parachute provides for our residents. It's a win for everyone." Parachute offers a unique interactive earning structure for its members, as well as a referral program and monthly bonus opportunities. To lighten the load of gift-giving, new members who complete 8 donations from now until 12/23/22 can earn up to $500. The plasma donation center is located at 2605 Clarksville St, Paris, Texas. To schedule a donation download the Parachute app . About Parachute Delivering the best experience possible to as many plasma donors as possible, Parachute's mission is to increase national access to life-saving plasma by reimagining the plasma donation experience into one that is modern and convenient. To learn more about Parachute, visit www.joinparachute.com SOURCE Join Parachute, LLC Key leadership team appointments follow a monumental period of evolution for the small business insurtech DENVER, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pie Insurance ("Pie"), an insurtech company specializing in workers' comp insurance for small businesses, today appointed three strategic leadership team hires: Rick Poulin , vice president of underwriting , vice president of underwriting Joshua Brost , vice president of marketing , vice president of marketing Samantha Elizondo , vice president of claims operations. These "pie-oneers" join Pie after a series of company milestones including raising a $315M Series D round of funding and will bring fresh perspectives and a passion for serving small businesses as Pie continues to carve its path as a leader in the small business commercial market. As vice president of underwriting, Poulin is responsible for overseeing the company's business planning, forecasting, and loss and expense management. Poulin brings the team more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, including more than a decade at Travelers, where most recently, he was the company's vice president of workers' comp. Brost joins Pie with nearly 20 years of experience focused on building integrated and data-driven marketing teams at both startups and large enterprises. As the company's vice president of marketing, he oversees all department functions including direct marketing, partner marketing, public relations, brand, lifecycle marketing, media, and talent branding. Prior to Pie, Brost led digital and integrated marketing at Bolt, and led the growth and integrated campaigns team within the Modern Work marketing organization at Microsoft. As vice president of claims operations, Elizondo is responsible for building out our quality, shared services, training, contact center, and special investigations unit. Elizondo brings over 17 years of experience in the financial industry, including various positions within the claims space including personal and commercial lines in both the property and casualty and group benefits space at The Hartford Insurance company. "I'm thrilled to have these three leaders join our team during a pivotal time of growth for our company," said John Swigart, co-founder and CEO of Pie. "Their experience building winning teams combined with their passion for small business are instrumental in Pie driving towards our mission of enabling small businesses to thrive by making commercial insurance affordable and as easy as pie." Poulin, Brost, and Elizondo join a growing leadership team of technology, business and insurance industry veterans including recent appointments of Ekta Aggarwal as the company's chief product officer and Erin Mesick as vice president of finance. About Pie Insurance Pie Insurance is leveraging technology to transform how small businesses buy and experience commercial insurance, with the goal of making it affordable and as easy as pie. Pie's intense focus on granular, sophisticated pricing, and data-driven customer segmentation enables Pie to match price with risk accurately across a broad spectrum of small business types, which allows Pie to offer more affordable insurance to small business owners. Since 2017, Pie has received over $615M in funding and partnered with over 2,800 agencies nationwide. SOURCE Pie Insurance FoodTech Distributor Validates Partnership Value with Partner Sprouts Farmers Market, Providing Further Opportunities for Emerging Brands on Its Network to Growth AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pod Foods , a leading foodtech reinventing the food and CPG supply chain with the first-of-its-kind full-service wholesale B2B marketplace built-in logistics, today announced expansion of its recent partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market. Since launching into approximately 130 Sprouts stores in late Q2 of this year, the partnership has been a success with brands on the Pod Foods marketplace receiving wholesale orders from Sprouts in just over 3 months of service. Pod Foods will now expand coverage to all Sprouts stores, providing these new locations with popular, health-forward brands that Pod Foods' partners have come to expect. Supply chain volatility continues to plague the nation, yet savvy retailers like Sprouts have realized alternate ways to keep supply high for the end consumer. Pod Foods provides grocery retailers with the ability to become more agile in the face of shortages or slowdowns, giving their supply chain more elasticity to keep revenues high. While emerging brands may be locally based in one state or region of the country, the investments in logistics capacity by Pod Foods makes national distribution possible for even the most niche of brands. Retailers now have the ability to combat product shortages with instant access to alternative products, sourced locally from across the country. "With Sprouts, we've quickly validated why there is a need for agile distribution and an enhanced marketplace of options in today's volatile landscape," said Larissa Russell, co-founder, and CEO of Pod Foods. "Expanding our reach will help the brands we work with scale, while Sprouts reaps the benefits of being able to offer a totally unique and shifting list of emerging brands to their consumers." As a further investment into the partnership, Pod Foods has opened three new dedicated warehouses to service the demand coming from Sprouts. With Sprouts' dedicated warehouses and shipping routes to all locations, the retailer will have immediate access to brands across the country, allowing them to fill their shelves with the hottest emerging products. On the brand side, Pod Foods customers now have options outside of traditional distribution networks to make it into national retailers, no matter the order size. "Scaling up to a national level can seem daunting, but we see it as an incredible opportunity. Brands who might have plateaued in terms of growth due to limited order sizes now may start to see their first wholesale orders coming in from across the country," said Fiona Lee, co-founder and CPO at Pod Foods "By handling the challenges that can come with ramping up distribution across an entire country, Sprouts has peace of mind that orders will arrive promptly and brands are able to keep their eye on continuing to innovate the next best product." Pod Foods brands are currently available in Sprouts stores across 23 states, spanning from the east to the west coast. To learn more about Pod Foods and how the company is impacting procurement and distribution for retailers and brands please visit: https://podfoods.co/ . About Pod Foods Pod Foods is a tech-enabled, data-driven full-service distribution solution, reaching retailers and brands via a B2B wholesale marketplace. Named a 2022 top 10 most innovative food company by Fast Company, Pod Foods is revolutionizing the relationship between brands and retailers. With the platform, food retailers can easily procure from emerging brands and receive orders in a consolidated fashion via an optimized logistics network. Food manufacturers can grow their retail businesses with higher margins, streamlined logistics, and transparency. In-store marketing support, data analytics, and online recommendations bring visibility to emerging brands, accelerating sales so retailers and manufacturers alike can sell more, more easily. Follow @podfoodsco or say [email protected] for better distribution. About Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.ORG Sprouts is the place where goodness grows. True to its farm-stand heritage, Sprouts offers a unique grocery experience featuring an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store. Sprouts inspires wellness naturally with a carefully curated assortment of better-for-you products paired with purpose-driven people. The healthy grocer continues to bring the latest in wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based and gluten-free. Headquartered in Phoenix, and one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, Sprouts employs approximately 31,000 team members and operates approximately 380 stores in 23 states nationwide. To learn more about Sprouts, and the good it brings communities, visit about.sprouts.com. SOURCE Pod Foods BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Porter Capital Corporation, a leading provider of working capital solutions, is pleased to announce the additions of Tanya Fontenot and Robert (Bob) Reagan to the Porter Capital sales team. "At Porter Capital, we are preparing for a record breaking 2023 and growing our sales team is a big part of our plan for the new year. We've always served clients nationwide and with these strategic new hires we will continue to expand our footprint and be able to welcome even more clients. Tanya and Bob are a natural fit for our team, and both bring years of experience and industry insights to their roles. We are excited to have them on board and know they will accomplish great things in the coming years," said Marc Porter, CEO of Porter Capital. Tanya Fontenot, Business Development Officer, Porter Capital Corporation: Fontenot has over 13 years of experience in business funding and focuses on building relationships with her clients to understand their challenges and provide financing for growth or perhaps to get through a tough time. Clients are impressed by her creativity, work ethic, and expertise in factoring and asset-based lending. Fontenot resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and will represent Porter Capital in the Southwestern United States. Bob Reagan, Senior Vice President, Business Development Officer, Porter Capital Corporation: Reagan has over 20 years of experience in business funding and focuses on funding solutions for middle market businesses seeking working capital. Reagan has extensive experience providing both asset-based and invoice factoring solutions and will represent Porter in the Northeastern United States and in Florida, where he currently resides. Bob is rejoining the Porter team, having worked with us nine years ago. Bob's level of experience and banking industry connections set him apart and his business funding knowledge will be a great asset for Porter Capital. "Porter Capital has seen steady growth this year and we look forward to an even better 2023. We've made the strategic decision to grow our sales team with experienced team members who can immediately be effective and provide consultative guidance to potential clients. Porter Capital provides financing to multiple industries and works with both startups and mature businesses. Experience is important to us, and we welcome Tanya and Bob and the talent they bring to the team," said John Cox Miller, Senior Vice President, National Sales Manager. Porter Capital Corporation and the transportation division, Porter Freight Funding, continue to grow by providing innovative working capital solutions and exceptional customer service. About Porter Capital Group Porter Capital Corporation was founded in 1991 by brothers Marc and Donald Porter in Birmingham, AL. Porter offers working-capital solutions to businesses all over the country in a variety of industries. As a direct lender and factoring company, Porter Capital has provided over $8 billion in funding since its inception. Porter Capital offers Invoice Factoring and Asset Based Credit Lines up to $20 million. Since founding the company, Porter Capital has expanded to include a special transportation division known as Porter Freight Funding. The Porter businesses continue to grow by providing working-capital solutions, emphasizing personalized, dedicated customer service without sacrificing speed and efficiency. To know more about Porter Capital Corporation and how it can be a working capital solution provider for businesses, call 1-888-866-PORT or visit its official website. SOURCE Porter Capital SOUTHLAKE, Texas, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CR Minerals Company, LLC today announced that they have reached an agreement with Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO), on the production of pozzolans from waste materials at the U.S. Borax facility in Boron, CA. CR Minerals intends to use waste tailings present onsite to produce pozzolans that can be used as a cement replacement in concrete. The pozzolans will be manufactured at a new facility to be constructed by CR Minerals on Rio Tinto's property as part of this agreement. Using mine waste materials to create low carbon alternatives to cement. Tweet this CR Minerals pozzolan facility in Pueblo CO. Rio Tinto has had operations in Boron for nearly a century, mining and manufacturing products used in fertilizers, but it is also in other industries such as glass manufacturing, wood protection and insulation fiberglass. President of CR Minerals, Jeffrey Whidden said "We have been working with Rio Tinto for several years now to bring this concept to life. Taking what was once considered waste streams and turning them into usable products for the construction materials industry is part of the vision of our company. Manufacturing a low carbon alternative to cement will be an exciting venture in the State of California that prides itself on being at the forefront of effecting positive environmental change." "Rio Tinto continues to demonstrate its leadership in the mining industry through this agreement," said Renny Dillinger, Rio Tinto's General Manager for US Borax. "Our commitment to the environment and leaving a lasting, positive legacy is fundamental to our sustainability goals. Finding new uses for our waste streams and byproducts such as this is a key component to our goal of decarbonization and also to achieving a circular economy." About CR Minerals Company, LLC: CR Minerals Company is a global leader in pumice products and pozzolanic materials (natural pozzolans and patented, remediated fly ashes) for the construction and oil and gas industries. CR Minerals has operations in various states in the Western USA and is based in Southlake, Texas. For more information about CR Minerals, visit us at http://www.crminerals.com or follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cr-minerals-company-llc SOURCE CR Minerals Company, LLC Former Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group COO, Andrea Gift Allan, to Lead Pretium's Affordable Housing Investment Portfolio Strategy, Innovation, and Execution NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pretium, a specialized investment firm with approximately $50 billion in assets under management, today announced, in a joint press release with Progress Residential, the next steps in its plans to increase access to affordable single family rental housing. Andrea Gift Allan has joined Pretium as Managing Director, Real Estate, to lead the firm's affordable housing investments across the United States. In this role, Ms. Allan will partner with internal and external stakeholders to develop and manage Pretium's affordable housing portfolio, in alignment with the firm's key business and social impact goals. This will include serving as a strategic advisor to Progress Residential's affordable housing team as they engage with residents, local housing authorities, and community partners to meet persistent and growing affordable housing demand in markets across the country. Andrea Gift Allan Ms. Allan brings over 20 years of experience in asset and portfolio management, as well as expertise valuing and reporting on real estate investments and loans. She spent more than two decades at Goldman Sachs, where she most recently served as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Urban Investment Group within the Asset Management Division. In that role, she was responsible for developing and advancing the business' strategy to deliver community impact and drive strong risk-adjusted returns, while meeting evolving regulatory requirements. She also oversaw a broad real assets portfolio, which included mixed-use, affordable and market rate multifamily, commercial and community facility real estate assets. "Increasing quality, affordable housing supply across our markets is a business imperative," said Don Mullen, Founder and CEO of Pretium. "Andrea's decade plus of affordable housing investment experience will be an invaluable addition to the Pretium and Progress teams as we work with residents, investors, policymakers, lenders, developers, business leaders, and community organizations to achieve our ambitious goals." "Andrea has a successful track record of building business infrastructure across asset classes to drive both revenue and community impact, and we are excited to welcome a leader of her caliber to our team," added Josh Pristaw, Co-Head of Real Estate at Pretium. "The residential housing landscape continues to grow and transform, and we look forward to benefiting from Andrea's fresh perspectives and insights as we lead the way." "As affordability continues to play an integral role in today's housing market, this is an opportune time to join Pretium, a market leader committed to developing solutions to our nation's housing crisis," said Andrea Gift Allan. "I am energized to be joining a team focused on innovating in this critical area, and I look forward to building upon the work Pretium and Progress have already done to further expand our affordable housing offerings." About Pretium Pretium is a specialized investment firm focused on U.S. residential real estate, residential credit, and corporate credit. Pretium was founded in 2012 to capitalize on secular investment and lending opportunities arising as a result of structural changes, disruptions, and inefficiencies within the economy. Pretium has built an integrated analytical and operational ecosystem within the U.S. housing, residential credit, and corporate credit markets, and believes that its insight and experience within these markets create a strategic advantage over other investment managers. Pretium's platform has approximately $50 billion of assets and employs more than 4,000 people across 30 offices, including Dubai, London, Seoul and Sydney. Please visit www.pretium.com for additional information. Contacts Jon Keehner / Kate Thompson / Lyle Weston Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449 [email protected] SOURCE Pretium ROCKVILLE, Md., and CHINO HILLS, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- REdistribute, LLC, a joint partnership between Bright MLS and California Regional MLS (CRMLS), announced today three of the country's leading MLSs BeachesMLS, REcolorado, and Stellar MLS will join REdistribute as partner investors. In addition, several more MLS investors have signed letters of intent and dozens of MLSs from across the country expect to participate in the venture, reaching a significant milestone. REdistribute expects to launch in January with approximately 54% of the listings in the U.S. REdistribute expects to launch in January with approximately 54% of the listings in the U.S. REdistribute will aggregate data on behalf of participating MLS organizations and brokerages, providing unbiased, up-to-date MLS data and analysis directly from the source to financial institutions in the housing industry. The revenue generated by REdistribute will be shared with the brokers and MLS organizations that participate, ensuring that participants are compensated fairly and at true market value for the data they provide. REdistribute will deliver innovations to allow licensees such as lenders, insurance companies and government-sponsored enterprises to gain real-time insights on a market-by-market basis. Initial payments to MLSs and their brokers are expected to start by May 2023. "BeachesMLS is excited to be the first partner to take an ownership position alongside Bright MLS and CRMLS. We recognize how hard brokers work, and it's only fair that they are compensated for the residential listings that they enter into Beaches MLS. We look forward to this groundbreaking benefit to help our brokers thrive," said Dionna Hall, CEO of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors and BeachesMLS. "The data provided by brokers and MLSs powers the residential real estate marketplace," said Gene Millman, President and CEO of REcolorado. "REcolorado is proud to be joining REdistribute as an ownership partner and among the leading MLSs that are delivering solutions that will bring value to the broker and give them control of their data and how it is used." "Stellar MLS is investing in REdistribute because it's the right thing to do for our brokers and the real estate industry. This is a watershed endeavor that will shift the financial gains and downstream benefits of housing data back into the hands of those who own it and need it the most brokers. Stellar is proud to partner with our counterparts in this progressive industry response and solution," commented Stellar MLS CEO Merri Jo Cowen. "After kicking off our conversations with partners and participants across the industry, we quickly understood the MLS community was more than ready for the kind of value that REdistribute will provide and return to the agents and brokers of organized real estate," said Amy Gorce, REdistribute Acting CEO. "We are proud of the progress that has quickly been made to attract the industry's most innovative MLSs to return the value of brokers' valuable data where it belongs back to them," said Brian Donnellan, Bright MLS President and CEO. "It's clear that REdistribute's goals and deliverables are firmly in line with an overdue return on the investment that hundreds of thousands of agents and brokers contribute every single day to the most accurate and dependable source of data the MLS system," said Art Carter, CEO of CRMLS. "We welcome our new MLS investors to REdistribute. Their valuable investments put REdistribute's plans and progress firmly on schedule." To read more about the REdistribute initiative, read the venture's initial open letter to the industry. MLS organizations or brokers interested in learning more about participating in REdistribute should contact [email protected] . About REdistribute A partnership between Bright MLS and California Regional MLS (CRMLS), REdistribute is a joint venture that changes how MLS data is collected and used for institutional use. REdistribute will aggregate data on behalf of participating MLS organizations and brokerages, providing financial institutions with unbiased, up-to-date MLS data directly from the source. Revenue generated by REdistribute will be shared with the brokers and MLSs that participate, ensuring they are compensated fairly for the data they provide. For more information, visit www.redistribute.com . About BeachesMLS Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie is the 3rd largest local Realtor association in the nation, representing over 42,000 Realtors. Their subsidiary, BeachesMLS powers over 43,000 MLS subscribers across South Florida & the Treasure Coast. For more info, visit Rworld.com or contact [email protected]. About REcolorado Since 1984, REcolorado has been focused on providing the most accurate and up-to-date real estate information for professionals and consumers. REcolorado is the largest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Colorado with nearly 28,000 professional subscribers who operate throughout the state. It is REALTOR owned and serves members of Denver Metro Association of REALTORS , South Metro Denver REALTOR Association , Mountain Metro Association of REALTORS , REALTORS of Central Colorado , and Steamboat Springs Board of REALTORS . About Stellar MLS Headquartered in Altamonte Springs, FL, Stellar MLS (Stellar) is Florida's largest multiple listing service (MLS) company, with nearly 77,000 customers in Florida and Puerto Rico. Offering a comprehensive suite of the industry's best products and world-class customer service, Stellar MLS is committed to helping brokers and agents thrive in tomorrow's competitive real estate market. Learn more at stellarmls.com. Art Carter [email protected] Christy Reap [email protected] Anthony Acevedo [email protected] Deborah Shipley [email protected] Laura Huffman [email protected] SOURCE REdistribute The Human Rights Climate Commitments framework will be shepherded by University of Colorado Boulder and unveiled at COP 28 in Dubai as an appeal for the 193 Member States and other duty-bearers worldwide to fast-track help for people in vulnerable situations. Celebrities Unite for Climate Justice: Leonardo DiCaprio and Right Here, Right Now Celebrity Coalition Kicks off COP27 with Social Media Blitz, backing United Nations Human Rights goals in urgent message to world leaders. SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27), Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, a multi-year international climate justice initiative supported by United Nations Human Rights and created by David Clark Cause, announced the launch of a groundbreaking new initiative for rights-based climate action, the Human Rights Climate Commitments (HRCC). Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights instruments, the first draft of the commitments will be an outcome of the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit to be held Dec. 1-4, 2022 at the University of Colorado Boulder. The summit includes participation by iconic climate and human rights advocates, including Irish President Mary Robinson, who also served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002. Learn more here and register . The upcoming Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit is the first-of-its-kind, and in-personal and virtual attendees representing more than 2,300 educational institutions in the burgeoning Right Here, Right Now Education Coalition will be participating and contributing to the summit and historic evolution of the Human Rights and Climate Commitments. "UN Human Rights is proud to be the Global Partner of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance a human rights initiative committed to promoting and advancing the rights of people around the world suffering from the devastating effects of climate change. Addressing the climate crisis will require a whole of society effort. That's why UN Human Rights is so excited to be a part of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance and see its new initiatives develop and grow in the coming years," said Benjamin Schachter, UN Human Rights Team leader for Environment and Climate Change. "The United Nations continues to inform the world of the grave statistics showing how women, children, indigenous peoples, the poor and marginalized are suffering the most as the climate catastrophe escalates. The creation of the Human Rights Climate Commitments will provide a unique human rights framework for government and businesses leaders, human rights advocates, climate experts, universities, and others to kickstart critical action to address climate change and help the people most affected by it," said David Clark, Founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, and CEO of David Clark Cause. The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance is working with its Global Partner United Nations Human Rights and the University of Colorado Boulder to elevate understanding about the human rights crisis that climate change represents and to urgently appeal for more ambitious efforts to address it. The Human Rights Climate Commitments will play a key role as an aspirational and prescriptive living document including specific commitments that governments at all levels, corporations, and universities will be urged to make to prevent and minimize the adverse effects of climate change and address their impacts. The Human Rights Climate Commitments will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect the highest human rights standards and latest scientific information. "The Human Rights Climate Commitments are based on the human rights framework that establishes specific obligations and responsibilities to respect and protect human rights, including in the context of climate change," said CU Distinguished International Law Professor S. James Anaya, who is the summit steering committee chair and the former UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. "What distinguishes the commitments is that multiple sectors are involved. The threat of climate change to our survival requires a concerted effort by all of us." Since its launch in fall 2021 at COP 26, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has already emerged as the largest public-private partnership addressing climate change as a human rights issue, bringing together human rights experts, scientists, corporate leaders, NGOs, academics, advocates, and people around the globe in the fight for rights-based climate action to preserve our common future. In addition to the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit and Human Rights Climate Commitments, next year the alliance will introduce global initiatives with best-in-class partners in Sport, Music, Education and Technology. The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has garnered support from celebrities that include Leonardo DiCaprio, Quincy Jones, Celine Dion, Cher, Jeff Bridges, Camila Cabello, Ellen DeGeneres, Edward Norton, Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Pitbull, LL Cool J, Joss Stone, Kesha, and Jack Black to name just a few. The superstar coalition's Right Here, Right Now COP27 Campaign in support of UN Human Rights aims to collectively reach a milestone of over a half billion people via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook followers. For more information, visit: www.righthererightnow.global Contact: Rebekah Alperin Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance [email protected] +1.310.770.1045 Candace Smith University of Colorado Boulder Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit [email protected] +1.720.930.1509 SOURCE David Clark Cause DUBLIN, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market By Financial Sector, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Saudi Arabia Islamic finance market is anticipated to grow at an impressive CAGR during the forecast period, 2023-2027 One of the biggest economies in the Middle East is Saudi Arabia, which also leads the global Islamic finance market. Saudi Arabia is trying to become the largest market for Islamic financing. Islamic finance is the practice of banking or financing in accordance with Sharia. Islamic finance frequently uses the Musharaka, Wadiah, Murabahah, Ijara, and Mudarabah payment methods. The Saudi Arabian government has implemented many programs and policies in an effort to strengthen the nation's financial situation. Saudi Vision 2030 is a move made by the country's top leaders to reduce reliance on the oil industry, diversify sources of income, and grow public resources, including tourism, infrastructure, education, and recreation industry. The main objective of Saudi Vision 2030 is to expand Saudi capital markets in order to stabilize the economy and achieve sustainable growth during the projection period. The Saudi Arabia Islamic finance market is segmented into the financial sector, regional distribution, and company. Based on the financial sector, the market is divided into Islamic banking, Islamic insurance, sukuk outstanding, and others. The Islamic banking segment is expected to capture the highest market share in the forecast period, 2023-2027. In all of the traditional banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are eight Islamic windows in addition to full-fledged Islamic banks. A variety of commercial, wholesale, and other types of banks assist Islamic banks. The Islamic Development Bank, the only Islamic bank with a AAA rating, is located in Saudi Arabia, one of the countries with the largest Shariah-compliant development banks in the world. Due to their higher moral standards, consumers choose to use Islamic banks for their financial needs. Islamic banks are accountable to their clients and do not take on significant risks or give large bonuses to their top bankers. The Saudi National Bank, The Al Rajhi Bank, The Saudi British Bank, Riyad Bank, The Saudi American Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, Arab National Bank, Alinma Bank, Al Bilad Bank, Bank Aljazira, are the major market players operating in the Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance market. Objective of the Study: To analyze the historical growth in the market size of the Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market from 2017 to 2021. To estimate and forecast the market size of Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market from 2022 to 2027 and growth rate until 2027. To classify and forecast the Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market based on financial sector, region and company. To identify the dominant region or segment in the Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market. To identify drivers and challenges for the Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market. To examine competitive developments such as expansions, new product launches, mergers & acquisitions, etc., in the Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market. To identify and analyze the profiles of leading players operating in the Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market. To identify key sustainable strategies adopted by market players in Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market. Competitive Landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance market. The Saudi National Bank The Al Rajhi Bank The Saudi British Bank Riyad Bank The Saudi American Bank Banque Saudi Fransi Arab National Bank Alinma Bank Al Bilad Bank Bank Aljazira Report Scope: Years considered for this report: Historical Years: 2017-2020 Base Year: 2021 Estimated Year: 2022 Forecast Period: 2023-2027 Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market, By Financial Sector: Islamic Banking Islamic Insurance Sukuk Outstanding Others Saudi Arabia Islamic Finance Market, By Region: Northern & Central Southern Eastern Western For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/gtwqma 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: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Seed Group, a company of the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, has teamed up with one of the world's top educational groups, Apeejay Education belonging to the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, to promote excellence in education and innovative instructional practices. From left to right: Aditya Paul Berlia, Joint Secretary, Apeejay Education Society, Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education Society, Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum Apeejay Education has a legacy of more than five decades of providing education built on human values and innovation with alumni across the globe. As a part of the strategic vision for expansion, the group will bring its renowned education brand and services to the UAE and the Middle East to serve the community and the eco-system. Seed Group will help Apeejay Education by being their local partner to foster long-term collaborations, enter the market with a position of strength, and forging strategic partnerships at the highest level. The partnership will be the stepping-stone for both partners to espouse the cause of education in this part of the world. Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, said: "Education is the pillar on which industries flourish. It forms the basis of the workforce, and an illustrious institution like Apeejay Education is nurturing this workforce with the right values and academic foundation. The UAE has always been pro-quality education, and the onboarding of Apeejay Education as a strategic partner further strengthens our belief in a good education system and the potential it holds to shape the future. We look forward to a fruitful journey with them." Apeejay Education's overarching aim is to create a global educational community of conscientious individuals with developed intellectual, artistic, and professional talents and an exalted sense of purpose. Dr. Stya Paul, an eminent industrialist, educator, philanthropist, and freedom fighter, is the inspiration for all Apeejay Education Institutions. Apeejay Education has been a leading name in the education sector for over 50 years. At present, it comprises 26 institutes offering K12 education and 85 graduate and undergraduate courses. It has a student body of over 40,000, nurtured by around 2500 teachers. It has over 65,000 alumni worldwide. At Apeejay Education, the legacy of educational excellence is being carried forward by Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, daughter of the late Dr. Stya Paul. Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Education, said, "Apeejay Education's motto of "Soaring High" reflects that the sky is limitless in the pursuit of excellence. We are excited about our partnership with The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum (SEED Group) to bring Apeejay Education to the UAE and the Middle East. We are delighted to play a part in making a reality the grand vision of Dubai and the UAE by helping students achieve their full potential with humanistic values and leadership." Seed Group is a notable force in the technology, healthcare, hospitality, and telecommunications landscapes in the Middle East. Over the past 20 years, it has formed successful strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions to accelerate sustainable market entry and presence within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. About Apeejay Education Apeejay Education is one of the most prestigious and reputed education groups, with a rich heritage spanning more than 50 years of providing a unique brand of education that has nurtured generations of learners. Part of the reputed Apeejay Stya and Svran Group, it owns and operates 26 educational institutions across K12 and higher education. Apeejay Education is the proud recipient of numerous recognitions and accolades for its exemplary and enormous contribution to education. Today, the Apeejay family comprises more than 40,000 students, over 65,000 alumni globally, and 2500 faculty members. For more information, visit https://www.apeejay.edu/ . About Seed Group Over the past 20 years, Seed Group has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. These companies have propelled their business interests and goals in the Middle East and North Africa region through the support and strong base of regional connections of the Seed Group. The Group's goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organisations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the MENA region. Seed Group has been a key point in the success of all its partners in the region helping them reach their target customers and accelerate their businesses. The Private Office was established by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in or assist potential business opportunities in the region, which meet the Private Office's criteria. For more information, visit www.seedgroup.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941437/Seed_Group.jpg Apeejay Education Media Contact Ashutosh Panwar [email protected] Seed Group Media Contact Nomarie Jean Lacsamana +97143252444 [email protected] SOURCE Seed Group Simpleview partners with Stroll, a patented location-based marketing platform, to serve the travel and tourism industry TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Simpleview, the leading provider of CRM, CMS, and marketing solutions for destinations worldwide, has partnered with Stroll, a patented, location-based marketing platform specifically designed for destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Simpleview's partnership with Stroll will further support technology development for DMOs, their partners, and the travel industry. Stroll powered by Simpleview Founded in 2019 by John Mark (J.M.) Eberhardt and Dr. Charleson S. Bell, the Stroll app helps destinations engage visitors and residents with local businesses by enabling them to discover or be discovered based on interests and current location. Eberhardt serves as CEO of Stroll and is a graduate of Western Kentucky University. He also holds a Master of Nonprofit Administration from North Park University and is a graduate of Founder Gym, which, in partnership with Google for Startups, is the leading online program training underrepresented founders on how to raise money to scale their businesses. "Stroll's founders are energetic and dialed into digital and social media trends," said Ryan George, CEO of Simpleview. "Working together will bring a new perspective to Simpleview and help us to expand our partner ecosystem and customer base." "We're more than excited about the partnership with a technology industry leader like Simpleview," said Eberhardt. "I believe Stroll complements Simpleview's suite of services for DMOs." About Simpleview Simpleview is a leading provider of CRM, CMS, website design, digital marketing services, and data insights for convention bureaus, venues, tourism boards, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and attractions. The company employs staff across the globe, serving clients of all sizes, including small towns, world capitals, top meeting destinations, and countries across multiple continents. About Stroll Stroll is a patented, location-based app, uniquely distributed through the travel industry for rapid market penetration. For DMOs and local businesses, Stroll's marketing technology provides real-time engagement with visitors and ideal customers through customized, personalized, relevant content. SOURCE Simpleview NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Technavio categorizes the global sleepwear and loungewear market as a part of the global apparel, accessories, and luxury goods market, within the textiles, sleepwear and loungewear, and luxury goods market. The parent market, the global apparel, accessories, and luxury goods market, covers products and companies engaged in the manufacturing/marketing of apparel, accessories, and luxury goods. The market also includes companies offering apparel, accessories, and luxury goods rental services. The market excludes manufacturers of shoes. The Global Sleepwear and Loungewear Market share is set to increase by USD 29398.4 million from 2022 to 2027. Moreover, the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 10.21% as per the latest market forecast report by Technavio. The market will also record a 9.66% Y-O-Y growth Rate during the forecast period. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Sleepwear and Loungewear Market 2021-2025 To know more about the historic market size Request a Free Sample Report! Global Sleepwear and Loungewear Market - Customer Landscape Our analysis of the Life Cycle of the Global Sleepwear and Loungewear Market from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. The report illustrates the lifecycle of the global Sleepwear and Loungewear Market, focusing on the adoption rates of the major countries such as APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. 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 Sleepwear and Loungewear Market Vendor Analysis Vendor Landscape - The global Sleepwear and Loungewear Market is in the early growth stage. It is expected to grow at a very high rate during the forecast period. Some of the prominent vendors in the market include AIMER Online Store, American Eagle Outfitters Inc., Authentic Brands Group LLC, BESTSELLER AS, Boardriders Inc., Chantelle SA, Hanesbrands Inc., Hennes & Mauritz AB, Jockey International Inc., La Perla Global Management UK Ltd., Lise Charmel. As there are significant growth opportunities in this market, the competition will intensify with the entry of new vendors, technological innovations, mergers, and partnerships. Established industry participants in the market are increasing their product offerings to expand their product portfolio, enter emerging markets, and boost their market share. For instance, Wacoal Holdings Corp. - The company operates under multiple segments, including the Domestic Wacoal Business segment, sleepwear, and loungewear, with a high focus on the Domestic Wacoal Business segment, which offers innerwear consisting of foundation garments, lingerie, nightwear, and children's innerwear, outerwear, sportswear, and hosiery. The company's key offerings include sleepwear and loungewear, such as side shaped long gowns and short lacy baby doll chemise. Vendor Offerings - AIMER Online Store: The company offers sleepwear and loungewear such as pajamas, chemises, and robes. The company offers sleepwear and loungewear such as pajamas, chemises, and robes. American Eagle Outfitters Inc.: The company offers sleepwear and loungewear under the brand's American Eagle and Aerie. The company offers sleepwear and loungewear under the brand's American Eagle and Aerie. Authentic Brands Group LLC: The company offers sleepwear and loungewear under the brand Fredericks of Hollywood . The company offers sleepwear and loungewear under the brand Fredericks of . To know about all 15 major vendor offerings Download a FREE sample Now! Global Sleepwear and Loungewear 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 Sleepwear and Loungewear 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 Sleepwear and Loungewear Market size and actionable market understandings. Regional Highlights - APAC is the fastest-growing region in the global Sleepwear and Loungewear Market compared to the other areas. 30% growth will originate from North America . The growing introduction of international brands and the widespread use of upscale loungewear and sleepwear in APAC are the primary causes of the market expansion in this area. The demand for loungewear and sleepwear in APAC will be further driven by rising disposable income and shifting consumer preferences. is the fastest-growing region in the global Sleepwear and Loungewear Market compared to the other areas. growth will originate from . The growing introduction of international brands and the widespread use of upscale loungewear and sleepwear in APAC are the primary causes of the market expansion in this area. The demand for loungewear and sleepwear in APAC will be further driven by rising disposable income and shifting consumer preferences. Revenue Generating Segment Highlights - The market share growth by the offline segment will be significant during the forecast period. The sale of items through specialty retailers, such as brand-owned stores, multi-brand stores, fashion and apparel stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, clubhouse stores, and department stores, generates revenue for the offline distribution channel. Vendors are implementing new commercial and retail strategies, such as improved pricing schemes, a wider range of goods, and an expansion of their retail environment. Download a FREE Sample Report that can help you to strategize your sales revenue - Get it now! Global Sleepwear and Loungewear Market Market Dynamics Major Driver - The development of the sleepwear and loungewear market is being significantly fueled by the introduction of items with advanced features and creative designs. Consumers' purchasing power has grown due to the increase in disposable income, which has positively impacted their decision to spend money on clothing like loungewear and sleepwear. The development of the sleepwear and loungewear market is being significantly fueled by the introduction of items with advanced features and creative designs. Consumers' purchasing power has grown due to the increase in disposable income, which has positively impacted their decision to spend money on clothing like loungewear and sleepwear. Major Trend - The primary trend propelling the growth of the sleepwear and loungewear market is a rise in demand for plus-size sleepwear and loungewear. Vendors are also using plus-size models to advertise plus-size loungewear and sleepwear all over the world. The primary trend propelling the growth of the sleepwear and loungewear market is a rise in demand for plus-size sleepwear and loungewear. Vendors are also using plus-size models to advertise plus-size loungewear and sleepwear all over the world. Major Challenges - The expansion of the sleepwear and loungewear market may be hampered by the prevalence of counterfeit goods. The popularity of counterfeit goods is fueled by their low cost. As a result, the availability of counterfeit items has a negative impact on vendors' sales and price strategies by diluting their market shares and tarnishing their brands. 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 Sleepwear and Loungewear Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist Sleepwear and Loungewear Market growth during the next five years Estimation of the Sleepwear and Loungewear Market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the Sleepwear and Loungewear Market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of Sleepwear and Loungewear Market vendors Related Reports: The Maternity Intimate Wear Market is projected to grow by USD 254.64 million with a CAGR of 2.56% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. Furthermore, this report extensively covers the maternity intimate wear market segmentation by product (bras, panties, and others), distribution channel (offline and online), and geography ( Europe , North America , APAC, South America , and the Middle East and Africa ). is projected to grow by USD 254.64 million with a CAGR of 2.56% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. Furthermore, this report extensively covers the maternity intimate wear market segmentation by product (bras, panties, and others), distribution channel (offline and online), and geography ( , , APAC, , and the and ). The Men's Coats, Jackets, and Suits Market is projected to grow by USD 2.50 billion with a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. Furthermore, this report extensively covers the men's coats, jackets, and suits market segmentation by distribution channel (online and offline) and geography (APAC, Europe , North America , South America , and the Middle East and Africa ). Sleepwear And Loungewear 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 10.21% Market growth 2023-2027 $29398.4 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 9.66 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, South America, and the Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 30% Key consumer countries US, China, India, Germany, and France Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive Strategies, Consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled AIMER Online Store, American Eagle Outfitters Inc., Authentic Brands Group LLC, BESTSELLER AS, Boardriders Inc., Chantelle SA, Hanesbrands Inc., Hennes & Mauritz AB, Jockey International Inc., La Perla Global Management UK Ltd., Lise Charmel, LUNYA, MASH Holdings Co. Ltd., Parahsol Srl, PVH Corp., Ralph Lauren Corp., Sleepy Jones LLC, Triangl Group Ltd., Victorias Secret & Co., and Wacoal Holdings 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. 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 Distribution Channel Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Product 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 sleepwear and loungewear market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global sleepwear and loungewear market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Distribution channel Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Distribution channel Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Product 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 Distribution Channel 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Distribution Channel Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Distribution Channel Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Distribution Channel 6.3 Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Distribution Channel Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Distribution Channel ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Product 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Product Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Product Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Product 7.3 Sleepwear - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on Sleepwear - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Sleepwear - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on Sleepwear - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on Sleepwear - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Loungewear - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Loungewear - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Loungewear - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Loungewear - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Loungewear - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Market opportunity by Product Exhibit 55: Market opportunity by Product ($ 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 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 61: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 62: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 64: 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 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 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on North America - 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 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on India - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on India - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on France - 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 Aimer online store Exhibit 108: Aimer online store - Overview Exhibit 109: Aimer online store - Product / Service Exhibit 110: Aimer online store - Key offerings 12.4 American Eagle Outfitters Inc. Exhibit 111: American Eagle Outfitters Inc. - Overview Exhibit 112: American Eagle Outfitters Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 113: American Eagle Outfitters Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 114: American Eagle Outfitters Inc. - Segment focus 12.5 Authentic Brands Group LLC Exhibit 115: Authentic Brands Group LLC - Overview Exhibit 116: Authentic Brands Group LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 117: Authentic Brands Group LLC - Key offerings 12.6 BESTSELLER AS Exhibit 118: BESTSELLER AS - Overview Exhibit 119: BESTSELLER AS - Product / Service Exhibit 120: BESTSELLER AS - Key offerings 12.7 Boardriders Inc. Exhibit 121: Boardriders Inc. - Overview Exhibit 122: Boardriders Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 123: Boardriders Inc. - Key offerings 12.8 Chantelle SA Exhibit 124: Chantelle SA - Overview Exhibit 125: Chantelle SA - Product / Service Exhibit 126: Chantelle SA - Key offerings 12.9 Hanesbrands Inc. Exhibit 127: Hanesbrands Inc. - Overview Exhibit 128: Hanesbrands Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 129: Hanesbrands Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 130: Hanesbrands Inc. - Segment focus 12.10 Hennes and Mauritz AB Exhibit 131: Hennes and Mauritz AB - Overview Exhibit 132: Hennes and Mauritz AB - Product / Service Exhibit 133: Hennes and Mauritz AB - Key offerings 12.11 Jockey International Inc. Exhibit 134: Jockey International Inc. - Overview Exhibit 135: Jockey International Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 136: Jockey International Inc. - Key offerings 12.12 La Perla Global Management UK Ltd. Exhibit 137: La Perla Global Management UK Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 138: La Perla Global Management UK Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 139: La Perla Global Management UK Ltd. - Key offerings 12.13 MASH Holdings Co. Ltd. Exhibit 140: MASH Holdings Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 141: MASH Holdings Co. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 142: MASH Holdings Co. Ltd. - Key offerings 12.14 PVH Corp. Exhibit 143: PVH Corp. - Overview Exhibit 144: PVH Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 145: PVH Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 146: PVH Corp. - Segment focus 12.15 Ralph Lauren Corp. Exhibit 147: Ralph Lauren Corp. - Overview Exhibit 148: Ralph Lauren Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 149: Ralph Lauren Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 150: Ralph Lauren Corp. - Segment focus 12.16 Victorias Secret and Co. Exhibit 151: Victorias Secret and Co. - Overview Exhibit 152: Victorias Secret and Co. - Product / Service Exhibit 153: Victorias Secret and Co. - Key offerings 12.17 Wacoal Holdings Corp. Exhibit 154: Wacoal Holdings Corp. - Overview Exhibit 155: Wacoal Holdings Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 156: Wacoal Holdings Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 157: Wacoal Holdings Corp. - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 158: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 159: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 160: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 161: Research methodology Exhibit 162: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 163: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 164: 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 Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free Chocolate Bars Infused with Trusted Botanicals EVERGREEN, Colo., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Functional Chocolate Company is pleased to announce the availability of its newest product - Painfree Chocolate crafted to help with everyday aches, pains and inflammation. Painfree Chocolate contains a complex blend of time-tested natural ingredients like turmeric, white willow, arnica and the clinically proven benefits of hops extract, in a base of naturally vegan and gluten-free, ethically sourced dark chocolate with a delightfully light chai flavor. 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SOURCE The Functional Chocolate Company Electronic Device Firms' Decision to Integrate Thermoelectric Coolers with Microprocessors and Sensors Attracts Profitable Prospects In its latest study, Fact.MR offers a detailed analysis on the global thermoelectric cooler market from 2022 to 2032. This report further unveils key factors such as opportunities, challenges, and recent developments propelling growth in the market across various segments, including model, design, end-user industry, and region. ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global thermoelectric cooler market size is projected to reach US$ 672.31 Million in 2022 and exhibit growth at a CAGR of 8.7% in the forecast period (2022-2032). As per the report, the global thermoelectric market is expected to be valued at US$ 1548.34 Million in 2032. Increasing adoption of thermoelectric coolers in medical devices and laboratory instruments is expected to drive growth over the next ten years. Growing demand for more advanced medical devices has further increased the need for thermal management technology, which has led to surging usage of thermoelectric coolers in the medical industry. Thermoelectric coolers are used as a type of heat sink to manage temperature fluctuations. These fluctuations occur due to the different power requirements from various components inside a medical device such as microprocessors and sensors. Download Free Brochure of this Report! https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=B&rep_id=608 Medical devices and laboratories need efficient cooling systems with long-term reliability. For this reason, thermoelectric coolers have been increasingly adopted by the medical industry for their ability to provide highly reliable temperature control at low cost. Moreover, rising use of thermoelectric coolers in consumer electronics such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones is anticipated to push growth in the global market. Thermoelectric coolers will continue to become more prevalent in electronics as they continue to evolve into miniaturized devices. Even though there are different types of cooling technologies available today, thermoelectric coolers offer competitive advantages in terms of power consumption, size, weight, reliability, and price, which make them an attractive option for various companies. By model, the multi-stage cooler segment is estimated to dominate the global thermoelectric cooler market in the evaluation period. Multi-stage coolers provide improved cooling capabilities than single-stage coolers, while retaining the benefits of solid-state cooling. They can transfer more heat than single-stage thermoelectric coolers. They are utilized in a wide variety of industries, including telecommunication, consumer goods, healthcare, and automotive. Regionally, Asia Pacific is expected to account for a sizable revenue share of the global thermoelectric cooler market. Due to low labor costs and rising demand for thermoelectric coolers from the fast-growing semiconductor sector, the cost of production in this region has decreased in the past few years. China and India are anticipated to contribute significantly to the rising demand for thermoelectric coolers in the Asia Pacific region. Key Takeaways: Asia Pacific is predicted to become the largest market for thermoelectric coolers during the forecast period. is predicted to become the largest market for thermoelectric coolers during the forecast period. In terms of end-user industry, the automotive category is likely to generate a lion's share in the thermoelectric cooler market during the evaluation period. Based on model, the multi-stage cooler segment is expected to hold the highest share in the thermoelectric cooler market between 2022-2032. In Asia Pacific , Japan thermoelectric cooler market is set to remain at the forefront on the back of technological advancements during the anticipated period. , thermoelectric cooler market is set to remain at the forefront on the back of technological advancements during the anticipated period. The market for thermoelectric coolers in North America is projected to create an absolute dollar opportunity during the projected period. Growth Drivers: Growing need for thermoelectric coolers in the automobile industry to cool electrical components and batteries will drive market expansion. Rising demand for thermoelectric coolers from the telecommunications industry for usage in data centers and telecom equipment would push the market. Increasing demand for thermoelectric coolers in the military and defense industry for usage in portable electronics will drive the market. Restraints: Thermoelectric coolers are not very energy efficient and they need 3 to 5 amps of current 12V to remain cold. Thermoelectric coolers are not temperature controlled and this can make them either too cold or too warm, which may hamper sales. Get Customization on this Report for Specific Research Solutions https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=608 Competitive Landscape: Key players in the global thermoelectric cooler have adopted various strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions to offer a wide variety of products and services to customers and increase their market share. For instance, In July 2021 , Phononic bagged a growth investment led by US$ 50 Million from Sachs Asset Management's sustainable investing company. Phononic seeks to increase investment in its sales and marketing, high-volume production capabilities domestically and abroad, as well as platform and product line for cooling and refrigeration. Phononic bagged a growth investment led by from Sachs Asset Management's sustainable investing company. Phononic seeks to increase investment in its sales and marketing, high-volume production capabilities domestically and abroad, as well as platform and product line for cooling and refrigeration. In August 2020 , to provide active cooling in high-temperature situations for autonomous systems, machine vision, digital light processors, and optical transceivers, Laird Thermal System introduced its Hi-Temp ETX Series thermoelectric coolers. Key Companies Profiled by Fact.MR Ferrotec Corporation Applied Thermoelectric Solutions LLC Adcol Electronics Beijing Huimao Cooling Co., Ltd. AMS Technologies Analog Technologies More Valuable Insights on Thermoelectric Cooler Market In the latest study, Fact.MR offers a detailed study on the global thermoelectric cooler market for the forecast period of 2022 to 2032. This study also highlights key drivers promoting the sales of thermoelectric cooler through detailed segmentation as follows: By Model: Single Stage Multi-Stage By Design: Special Design Standard Design By End-User Industry: Consumer Electronics Telecommunications Automotive Others By Region: North America Latin America Asia Pacific Europe MEA Interested to Procure The Data? Inquire here https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=EB&rep_id=608 Key Questions Covered in the Thermoelectric Cooler Market Report What is the projected value of the thermoelectric cooler market in 2022? At what rate will the global thermoelectric cooler market grow until 2032? Which are the factors hampering the growth in the thermoelectric cooler market? Which region is expected to lead in the global thermoelectric cooler market during 2022-2032? Which are the factors driving the thermoelectric cooler market during the forecast period? What is the expected market value of the thermoelectric cooler market during the forecast period? Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the Industrial Goods Domain Fuel Cell Interconnectors Market: The global fuel cell interconnectors market is expected to witness an incremental growth opportunity during the next ten years, opines Fact.MR. Growth in the market is underpinned by increasing demand from developing countries. Asia Pacific is likely to be the leading region for fuel cell interconnectors market during the assessment period. Growth is attributed to rising use of this technology by automobile manufacturers to provide zero or low emission. Isothermal Forging Market: The isothermal forging market is likely to grow at 5.5% CAGR during 2022-2032, reaching US$ 14.6 Billion by 2032. Steady increase in terms of sales of various automobiles and growing investments in infrastructure projects are likely to drive the demand for isothermal forging. Laser Processing Market: The global laser processing market is projected to be valued at US$ 33 Billion by the end of 2032 and showcase considerable growth at a CAGR of 7.5% in the forecast period from 2022 to 2032. Increasing use of laser processing technology in the packaging, aerospace & defense, telecommunications, medical, and architecture for heat treatments, punching, scribing, and cutting is estimated to augment the market. Cryogenic Equipment Market Report: The global sales of cryogenic equipment have reached US$ 13.6 billion in 2022. Increasing investments in the space industry, rising demand for LNG, and growing demand for energy and power are prime drivers for the market. About Fact.MR Fact.MR is a market research and consulting agency with deep expertise in emerging market intelligence. Spanning a wide range from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare, technology, chemical and materials, to even the most niche categories. We are committed to deliver insights that help businesses gain deeper understanding of their target markets. We understand that making sense of the vast labyrinth of data can be overwhelming for businesses. That's why focus on offering insights that can actually make a difference to bottom-lines. Specialties: Competition Tracking, Customized Research, Syndicated Research, Investment Research, Social Media Research, Business Intelligence, Industry Analysis, Thought Leadership. Contact: Mahendra Singh US Sales Office 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Tel: +1 (628) 251-1583, +353-1-4434-232 (D) E: [email protected] Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/713666/FactMR_Logo.jpg SOURCE Fact.MR Late-breaking 52-week data on investigational bimekizumab in the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis and active axial spondyloarthritis to be presented New data on CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol) and bimekizumab underscore UCB's commitment to innovative research in rheumatology BRUSSELS and ATLANTA, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that it will present 15 abstracts across its rheumatology portfolio at ACR Convergence 2022 to be held in Philadelphia, November 1014, 2022. The abstracts, including two with late-breaking data, have been accepted as four oral presentations, eight e-posters, and three "Ignite Talks," which are five-minute in-person presentations focused on the highest-ranked posters at the meeting. "The breadth of new data we are presenting at ACR Convergence 2022, including the first presentation of bimekizumab 52-week data in psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, underscore our commitment to address unmet patient needs and to raise standards of care," said Emmanuel Caeymaex, Executive Vice President, Immunology Solutions and Head of U.S., UCB. UCB is investigating bimekizumab in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Bimekizumab is an investigational product; its efficacy and safety have not been established for any indication in the U.S. and it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bimekizumab data highlights Data evaluating bimekizumab in the treatment of PsA and across the spectrum of axSpA will be shared across three oral presentations, three "Ignite Talks," and six e-posters. One oral presentation and one "Ignite Talk," will detail late-breaking 52-week data from the bimekizumab studies. The oral presentation will present results from the Phase 3 BE OPTIMAL study evaluating bimekizumab in patients with active PsA who were biologic naive. The "Ignite Talk" will share data from the Phase 3 BE MOBILE 1 and BE MOBILE 2 studies evaluating bimekizumab in the treatment of nr-axSpA and AS, respectively. A second oral presentation will share data from the Phase 3 BE COMPLETE study, evaluating bimekizumab in the treatment of active PsA in patients with a previous inadequate response or intolerance to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi-IR). A third oral presentation will share 24-week data from the Phase 3 BE MOBILE 1 study evaluating bimekizumab in nr-axSpA. In addition, 24-week data from the BE MOBILE 2 study evaluating bimekizumab in the treatment of AS and key patient reported outcomes from the Phase 3 BE MOBILE 1 and BE MOBILE 2 studies will be presented in two "Ignite Talks." CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol) data highlights Data evaluating certolizumab pegol in the treatment of active axSpA will also be shared across one oral presentation and two e-posters. The oral presentation will detail an exploratory analysis that aims to evaluate the relationship between objective signs of inflammation and clinical outcomes following 12 weeks of certolizumab pegol treatment in patients with active axSpA. The following is a guide to the UCB-sponsored data presentations at ACR Convergence 2022: Bimekizumab abstracts: Psoriatic Arthritis Bimekizumab Treatment in Biologic DMARD-Naive Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis: 52-Week Efficacy and Safety Results from a Phase 3, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Active Reference Study C. Ritchlin, L. C. Coates, I. McInnes, P. J. Mease, J. Merola, Y. Tanaka, A. Asahina, L. Gossec, A. Gottlieb, D. Thaci, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, V. Shende, J. Coarse, R. Landewe #L02 Oral presentation: Monday, November 14 , 9:15am 9:25am (ET) C. Ritchlin, L. C. Coates, I. McInnes, P. J. Mease, J. Merola, Y. Tanaka, A. Asahina, L. Gossec, A. Gottlieb, D. Thaci, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, V. Shende, J. Coarse, R. Landewe #L02 Oral presentation: , Bimekizumab Treatment in Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis and Inadequate Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors: 16-week Efficacy and Safety from a Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study J. Merola, R. Landewe, I.B. McInnes, P.J. Mease, C. Ritchlin, Y. Tanaka, A. Asahina, F. Behrens, D. Gladman, L. Gossec, R. Warren, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, J. Coarse, L. Coates. #1599 Oral presentation: Sunday, November 13 , 3:30pm 3:40pm (ET) J. Merola, R. Landewe, I.B. McInnes, P.J. Mease, C. Ritchlin, Y. Tanaka, A. Asahina, F. Behrens, D. Gladman, L. Gossec, R. Warren, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, J. Coarse, L. Coates. #1599 Oral presentation: , Bimekizumab Treatment Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Biologic DMARD-Naive and TNFi-IR Patients with Active PsA: Pooled 16-Week Results From Two Phase 3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies D. Gladman, L.E. Kristensen, D. Thaci, P. Gisondi, L. Gossec, M.E. Husni, A. Gottlieb, H. Dobashi, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, J. Coarse, J. Lambert, W. Tillett #2122 e-Poster: Monday, November 14 , 1:00pm 3:00pm (ET) D. Gladman, L.E. Kristensen, D. Thaci, P. Gisondi, L. Gossec, M.E. Husni, A. Gottlieb, H. Dobashi, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, J. Coarse, J. Lambert, W. Tillett #2122 e-Poster: , Bimekizumab Improvements in Efficacy on Disease Activity Assessed via Composite Endpoints in Biologic DMARD-naive and TNFi-IR Patients with Active PsA: Pooled 16-Week Results from Phase 3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies P.J. Mease, L. Coates, R. Landewe, I.B. McInnes, C. Ritchlin, T. Atsumi, F. Behrens, D. Gladman, L. Gossec, P. Nash, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, J. Coarse, A.R. Prickett, A.B. Gottlieb # 2117 e-Poster: Monday, November 14 , 1:00pm 3:00pm (ET) P.J. Mease, L. Coates, R. Landewe, I.B. McInnes, C. Ritchlin, T. Atsumi, F. Behrens, D. Gladman, L. Gossec, P. Nash, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, J. Coarse, A.R. Prickett, A.B. Gottlieb # 2117 e-Poster: , Bimekizumab Treatment Results in Improvements in Fatigue and Pain in Biologic DMARD-Naive or TNFi-IR Patients with Active Psoriatic Arthritis: Pooled 16-Week Results from Two Phase 3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies M.E. Husni, P.J. Mease, J. Merola, F. Behrens, E.G. Favalli, D. McGonagle, W. Tillett, S. Tsuji, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, J. Coarse, J. Lambert, L. Gossec #2119 e-Poster: Monday, November 14 , 1:00pm 3:00pm (ET) M.E. Husni, P.J. Mease, J. Merola, F. Behrens, E.G. Favalli, D. McGonagle, W. Tillett, S. Tsuji, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, J. Coarse, J. Lambert, L. Gossec #2119 e-Poster: , Achieving Increasingly Stringent Clinical Disease Control Criteria is Associated with Greater Improvements in Patient-Centric Measures of Physical Function and Pain in Patients with Active PsA: 16-Week Results from Two Phase 3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies J. Walsh, L. Coates, P.J. Mease, J. Merola, P. Nash, A. Ogdie, W. Tillett, P. Gisondi, B. Ink, D. Assudani, R. Bajracharya, J. Lambert, V. Taieb, D. Willems, L.E. Kristensen #2118 e-Poster: Monday, November 14 , 1:00pm 3:00pm (ET) Bimekizumab abstracts: Axial Spondyloarthritis Bimekizumab Maintains Improvements in Efficacy Endpoints and Has a Consistent Safety Profile Through 52 Weeks in Patients with Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis: Results from Two Parallel Phase 3 Studies X. Baraliakos, A. Deodhar, D. van der Heijde, M. Magrey, W. Maksymowych, T. Tomita, H. Xu, M. Oortgiesen, U. Massow, C. Fleurinck, A. M. Ellis, T. Vaux, J. Shepherd-Smith, A. Marten, L. S. Gensler #L14 Ignite Talk: Monday, November 14 , 2:35pm 2:40pm (ET) X. Baraliakos, A. Deodhar, D. van der Heijde, M. Magrey, W. Maksymowych, T. Tomita, H. Xu, M. Oortgiesen, U. Massow, C. Fleurinck, A. M. Ellis, T. Vaux, J. Shepherd-Smith, A. Marten, L. S. Gensler #L14 Ignite Talk: , Bimekizumab Improves Signs and Symptoms, Including Inflammation, in Patients with Active Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: 24-Week Efficacy & Safety from a Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study A. Deodhar, D. van der Heijde, L. Gensler, H. Xu, K. Gaffney, H. Dobashi, W.P. Maksymowych, M. Rudwaleit, M. Magrey, D. Elewaut, M. Oortgiesen, C. Fleurinck, N. de Peyrecave, A. Ellis, T. Vaux, J. Shepherd-Smith, X. Baraliakos #0544 Oral presentation: Saturday, November 12 , 5:00pm 5:10pm (ET) A. Deodhar, D. van der Heijde, L. Gensler, H. Xu, K. Gaffney, H. Dobashi, W.P. Maksymowych, M. Rudwaleit, M. Magrey, D. Elewaut, M. Oortgiesen, C. Fleurinck, N. de Peyrecave, A. Ellis, T. Vaux, J. Shepherd-Smith, X. Baraliakos #0544 Oral presentation: , Bimekizumab Improves Signs and Symptoms, Including Inflammation, in Patients with Active Ankylosing Spondylitis: 24-Week Efficacy & Safety From a Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Study D. van der Heijde, X. Baraliakos, M. Dougados, M. Brown, D. Poddubnyy, F. van den Bosch, N. Haroon, H. Xu, T. Tomita, L. Gensler, M. Oortgiesen, C. Fleurinck, N. de Peyrecave, T. Vaux, A Marten, A. Deodhar #0411 Ignite Talk: Sunday, November 13 , 9:10am 9:15am (ET) D. van der Heijde, X. Baraliakos, M. Dougados, M. Brown, D. Poddubnyy, F. van den Bosch, N. Haroon, H. Xu, T. Tomita, L. Gensler, M. Oortgiesen, C. Fleurinck, N. de Peyrecave, T. Vaux, A Marten, A. Deodhar #0411 Ignite Talk: , Bimekizumab Improves Key Patient Reported Symptoms of Axial Spondyloarthritis Including Spinal Pain and Fatigue: Results from Two Phase 3 Studies P.J. Mease, A. Deodhar, M. Dougados, M. Dubreuil, M. Magrey, H. Marzo-Ortega, M. Rudwaleit, C. de la Loge, A. Ellis, C. Fleurinck, M. Oortgiesen, V. Taieb, L. Gensler #0409 Ignite Talk: Sunday, November 13 , 9:00am 9:05am (ET) P.J. Mease, A. Deodhar, M. Dougados, M. Dubreuil, M. Magrey, H. Marzo-Ortega, M. Rudwaleit, C. de la Loge, A. Ellis, C. Fleurinck, M. Oortgiesen, V. Taieb, L. Gensler #0409 Ignite Talk: , Bimekizumab Improves Physical Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: Results From Two Phase 3 Studies M. Dubreuil, K. Gaffney, L. Gensler, J. Kay, V. Navarro-Compan, C. de la Loge, A. Ellis, C. Fleurinck, M. Oortgiesen, V. Taieb, A. Deodhar #0412 e-Poster: Saturday, November 12 , 1:00pm 3:00pm (ET) M. Dubreuil, K. Gaffney, L. Gensler, J. Kay, V. Navarro-Compan, C. de la Loge, A. Ellis, C. Fleurinck, M. Oortgiesen, V. Taieb, A. Deodhar #0412 e-Poster: , Achieving Increasingly Stringent Clinical Response Criteria & Lower Levels of Disease Activity Is Associated With Greater Improvements in Physical Function and HRQoL in Patients With Active Axial Spondyloarthritis: 16-Week Results From Two Phase 3 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies M. Magrey, A. Deodhar, P.J. Mease, V. Navarro-Compan, S. Ramiro, M. Rudwaleit, C. de la Loge, C. Fleurinck, V. Taieb, M.F. Mrup, M. Oortgiesen, J. Kay #0410 e-Poster: Saturday, November 12 , 1:00pm 3:00pm (ET) CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol) abstracts: Axial Spondyloarthritis An Exploratory Analysis of the Potential Disconnect Between Objective Inflammatory Response and Clinical Response following Certolizumab Pegol Treatment in Patients with Active Axial Spondyloarthritis M. Rudwaleit, F. van den Bosch, H. Marzo-Ortega, V. Navarro-Compan, R. Tham, T. Kumke, L. Bauer, M. Kim, L. Gensler #0543 Oral presentation: Saturday, November 12 , 4:45pm 4:55pm (ET) M. Rudwaleit, F. van den Bosch, H. Marzo-Ortega, V. Navarro-Compan, R. Tham, T. Kumke, L. Bauer, M. Kim, L. Gensler #0543 Oral presentation: , Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Certolizumab Pegol Treatment in Patients with Active NonRadiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis Stratified by Baseline MRI and C-Reactive Protein Status P.C. Robinson , W.P. Maksymowych, L. Gensler, M. Rudwaleit, B. Hoepken, L. Bauer, T. Kumke, M. Kim, A. Deodhar #0408 e-Poster: Saturday, November 12 , 1:00pm 3:00pm (ET) P.C. , W.P. Maksymowych, L. Gensler, M. Rudwaleit, B. Hoepken, L. Bauer, T. Kumke, M. Kim, A. Deodhar #0408 e-Poster: , Comparison of Established and New, Preliminarily Proposed ASAS Cut-Offs for Inflammatory MRI Lesions in the Sacroiliac Joints of Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients and Implications for Recruitment in Clinical Studies X. Baraliakos, P. Machado, L. Bauer, B. Hoepken, M. Kim, T. Kumke, R. Tham, M. Rudwaleit #1010 e-Poster: Sunday, November 13 , 9:00am 10:30am (ET) Abstracts to be presented at ACR Convergence 2022 are available at ACR Convergence 2022 Archives - ACR Meeting Abstracts (acrabstracts.org) Notes to editors: About BE OPTIMAL BE OPTIMAL was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, active reference (adalimumab), parallel-group, Phase 3 study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis, who are biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug naive. For additional details on the study, visit BE OPTIMAL on clinicaltrials.gov.1 About BE COMPLETE BE COMPLETE was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase 3 study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in adults with active psoriatic arthritis and an inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors (TNFi). All enrolled study participants had a history of inadequate response (lack of efficacy after at least three months of therapy at an approved dose) or intolerance to treatment with one or two TNFi for either psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis. For additional details on the study, visit BE COMPLETE on clinicaltrials.gov.2 About BE MOBILE 1 BE MOBILE 1 was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase 3 study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in the treatment of adult patients with active nr-axSpA. For additional details on the study, visit BE MOBILE 1 on clinicaltrials.gov.3 About BE MOBILE 2 BE MOBILE 2 was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, Phase 3 study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimekizumab in the treatment of adult patients with active AS. For additional details on the study, visit BE MOBILE 2 on clinicaltrials.gov.4 About CIMZIA in the U.S. 5 CIMZIA is the only Fc-free, PEGylated anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor). CIMZIA has a high affinity for human TNF-alpha, selectively neutralizing the pathophysiological effects of TNF-alpha. CIMZIA is also indicated for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) with objective signs of inflammation. CIMZIA is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PSO) in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. In addition, CIMZIA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease (CD) and maintaining clinical response in adult patients with moderately to severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. See important safety information including risk of serious bacterial, viral and fungal infections and tuberculosis below. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION about CIMZIA in the U.S. CONTRAINDICATIONS CIMZIA is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to certolizumab pegol or to any of the excipients. Reactions have included angioedema, anaphylaxis, serum sickness, and urticaria. SERIOUS INFECTIONS Patients treated with CIMZIA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. Discontinue CIMZIA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis (TB), including reactivation of latent TB. Patients with TB have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Test patients for latent TB before CIMZIA use and during therapy. Initiate treatment for latent TB prior to CIMZIA use. Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider empiric anti-fungal therapy in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness. Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria. Carefully consider the risks and benefits of treatment with CIMZIA prior to initiating therapy in the following patients: with chronic or recurrent infection; who have been exposed to TB; with a history of opportunistic infection; who resided in or traveled in regions where mycoses are endemic; with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with CIMZIA, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy. Do not start CIMZIA during an active infection, including localized infections. Patients older than 65 years, patients with co-morbid conditions, and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants may be at greater risk of infection. If an infection develops, monitor carefully and initiate appropriate therapy. MALIGNANCY Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, of which CIMZIA is a member. CIMZIA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Consider the risks and benefits of CIMZIA treatment prior to initiating or continuing therapy in a patient with known malignancy. In clinical trials, more cases of malignancies were observed among CIMZIA-treated patients compared to control patients. In CIMZIA clinical trials, there was an approximately 2-fold higher rate of lymphoma than expected in the general U.S. population. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those with highly active disease, are at a higher risk of lymphoma than the general population. Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents, and young adults being treated with TNF blockers. Approximately half of the cases were lymphoma, while the rest were other types of malignancies, including rare types associated with immunosuppression and malignancies not usually seen in this patient population. Approximately half of the cases were lymphoma, while the rest were other types of malignancies, including rare types associated with immunosuppression and malignancies not usually seen in this patient population. Postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers, including CIMZIA. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all of these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. Carefully assess the risks and benefits of treating with CIMZIA in these patient types. Cases of acute and chronic leukemia were reported with TNF blocker use. HEART FAILURE Worsening and new onset congestive heart failure (CHF) has been reported with TNF blockers. Exercise caution and monitor carefully. HYPERSENSITIVITY Angioedema, anaphylaxis, dyspnea, hypotension, rash, serum sickness, and urticaria have been reported following CIMZIA administration. If a serious allergic reaction occurs, stop CIMZIA and institute appropriate therapy. The needle shield inside the removable cap of the CIMZIA prefilled syringe contains a plastic derivative of natural rubber latex which may cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to latex. HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION Use of TNF blockers, including CIMZIA, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers. Some cases have been fatal. Test patients for HBV infection before initiating treatment with CIMZIA. Exercise caution in patients who are carriers of HBV and monitor them before and during CIMZIA treatment. Discontinue CIMZIA and begin antiviral therapy in patients who develop HBV reactivation. Exercise caution when resuming CIMZIA after HBV treatment. NEUROLOGIC REACTIONS TNF blockers, including CIMZIA, have been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of central nervous system and peripheral demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis, seizure disorder, optic neuritis, peripheral neuropathy, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. HEMATOLOGIC REACTIONS Rare reports of pancytopenia, including aplastic anemia, have been reported with TNF blockers. Medically significant cytopenia has been infrequently reported with CIMZIA. Consider stopping CIMZIA if significant hematologic abnormalities occur. DRUG INTERACTIONS Do not use CIMZIA in combination with other biological DMARDS. AUTOIMMUNITY Treatment with CIMZIA may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in development of a lupus-like syndrome. Discontinue treatment if symptoms of a lupus-like syndrome develop. IMMUNIZATIONS Patients on CIMZIA should not receive live or live-attenuated vaccines. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions in CIMZIA clinical trials (8%) were: upper respiratory infections (18%), rash (9%), and urinary tract infections (8%). For full prescribing information, please visit https://www.ucb.com/_up/ucb_com_products/documents/Cimzia_09_11_2019_en.pdf CIMZIA is a registered trademark of the UCB Group of Companies. About bimekizumab Bimekizumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG1 antibody that is designed to selectively inhibit both interleukin 17A (IL-17A) and interleukin 17F (IL-17F), two key cytokines driving inflammatory processes.6 In August 2021, bimekizumab was approved in the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) and in Great Britain, for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy.7,8 The label information may differ in other countries. Please check local prescribing information. Bimekizumab is an investigational product; its efficacy and safety have not been established for any indication in the U.S. and it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For further information, contact UCB: Investor Relations Antje Witte T +32.2.559.94.14 email [email protected] U.S. Immunology Communications Nicole Herga T +1.773.960.5349 Email: [email protected] About UCB UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With approximately 8,600 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of 5.8 billion in 2021. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCB_news. Forward looking statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will", "continue" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial information, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices and other such estimates and results. By their nature, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions which might cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of UCB, or industry results, to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: the global spread and impact of COVID-19, changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or to obtain them on acceptable terms or within expected timing, costs associated with research and development, changes in the prospects for products in the pipeline or under development by UCB, effects of future judicial decisions or governmental investigations, safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, product liability claims, challenges to patent protection for products or product candidates, competition from other products including biosimilars, changes in laws or regulations, exchange rate fluctuations, changes or uncertainties in tax laws or the administration of such laws, and hiring and retention of its employees. There is no guarantee that new product candidates will be discovered or identified in the pipeline, will progress to product approval or that new indications for existing products will be developed and approved. Movement from concept to commercial product is uncertain; preclinical results do not guarantee safety and efficacy of product candidates in humans. So far, the complexity of the human body cannot be reproduced in computer models, cell culture systems or animal models. The length of the timing to complete clinical trials and to get regulatory approval for product marketing has varied in the past and UCB expects similar unpredictability going forward. Products or potential products, which are the subject of partnerships, joint ventures or licensing collaborations may be subject to differences disputes between the partners or may prove to be not as safe, effective or commercially successful as UCB may have believed at the start of such partnership. UCB's efforts to acquire other products or companies and to integrate the operations of such acquired companies may not be as successful as UCB may have believed at the moment of acquisition. Also, UCB or others could discover safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with its products and/or devices after they are marketed. The discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of UCB's products that implicate an entire class of products may have a material adverse effect on sales of the entire class of affected products. Moreover, sales may be impacted by international and domestic trends toward managed care and health care cost containment, including pricing pressure, political and public scrutiny, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, and the reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers as well as legislation affecting biopharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement activities and outcomes. Finally, a breakdown, cyberattack or information security breach could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of UCB's data and systems. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on any of such forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labelling in any market, or at any particular time, nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be or will continue to be commercially successful in the future. UCB is providing this information, including forward-looking statements, only as of the date of this press release and it does not reflect any potential impact from the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, unless indicated otherwise. UCB is following the worldwide developments diligently to assess the financial significance of this pandemic to UCB. UCB expressly disclaims any duty to update any information contained in this press release, either to confirm the actual results or to report or reflect any change in its forward-looking statements with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless such statement is required pursuant to applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, information contained in this document shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. References A Study to Test the Efficacy and Safety of Bimekizumab in the Treatment of Subjects with Active Psoriatic Arthritis (BE OPTIMAL). ClinicalTrials.gov. Available from: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03895203?term=BE+OPTIMAL&draw=2&rank=1 Last accessed: November 2022 . A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Bimekizumab in the Treatment of Subjects with Active Psoriatic Arthritis (BE COMPLETE). ClinicalTrials.gov. Available from: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03896581 Last accessed: November 2022 . A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Bimekizumab in Subjects with Active Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis (BE MOBILE 1). ClinicalTrials.gov. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03928704 Last accessed: November 2022 . A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Bimekizumab in Subjects with Active Ankylosing Spondylitis (BE MOBILE 2). ClinicalTrials.gov. Available from: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03928743 Last accessed: November 2022 . CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol) US Prescribing Information. Available at: Cimzia_09_11_2019_en.pdf (ucb.com) Last accessed: November 2022 . Glatt S, Helmer E, Haier B, et al. First-in-human randomized study of bimekizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody and selective dual inhibitor of IL-17A and IL-17F, in mild psoriasis. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2017;83(5):991-1001. BIMZELX (bimekizumab) EU Summary of Product Characteristics, March 2022. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/bimzelx-epar-product-information_en.pdf. Last accessed: November 2022 . BIMZELX (bimekizumab) GB Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/12834/smpc#gref. Last accessed: November 2022 . CIMZIA is a registered trademark of the UCB Group of Companies. 2022 UCB, Inc., Smyrna, GA 30080. All rights reserved. SOURCE UCB, Inc. Accessible Care for Seniors Signing Up for Medicare Benefits CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 15, open enrollment for Medicare began. Millions of seniors in Illinois will once again face the challenge of finding the right Medicare coverage, including the need to decide between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. While the primary focus will be on medical and prescription coverage, it is important not to ignore the potential impact of dental coverage. University Dental Professionals Most Medicare participants fail to understand Medicare does not include routine, preventive dental procedures that are critical to longevity and overall health. Currently, Medicare benefits only apply to surgical dental procedures carried out in hospitals. As a result, seniors must either pay for dental services completely out-of-pocket or try to find a Medicare supplement that provides high-quality, affordable and accessible dental care. Unfortunately, this is extremely difficult. Most Medicare dental supplements are low-cost and poorly designed. In addition, these plans have very limited networks of inexperienced dentists. "We understand the challenges seniors in this situation face, which is one reason why we offer the UDP Prevention Plan," commented Dr. Lou Graham at University Dental Professionals. He continued, "We make the search for experienced and knowledgeable dentists easy and provide the care seniors need at a rate they can afford. Our Plan allows these patients to enjoy friendly, personalized care at a consistent, annual fee." Furthermore, the negative impact of poor dental care on the overall health of seniors can be significant. A range of statistics tell the story: Only 29% of seniors have dental coverage. 1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have no natural teeth remaining, and complete tooth loss becomes twice as prevalent by age 75. People who still have 20 or more teeth at age 70 are significantly more likely to have a longer lifespan than those with fewer teeth. 70% of adults over the age of 65 have advanced periodontitis. This is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. In Texas , nearly 4 million senior citizens struggle with periodontal disease a disease that has been strongly linked to heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and other serious conditions. While dental membership plans have existed for more than 20 years, most patients are unaware of this option. At the same time, ease of use and enrollment are two of the most significant benefits. Other facts to know about the UDP Prevention Plan include: All, routine preventive care is included at a fixed cost per month. Benefits are available immediately without any waiting period. There are no annual limits, deductibles or co-pays. As seniors consider the benefits of the UDP Prevention Plan, it is important to keep a couple of dates in mind. Open enrollment for Medicare started on October 15, 2022, and ends December 7, 2022. This is the time to drop an existing dental supplement that is not working and to enroll in a better form of coverage. Families interested in learning more should feel free to contact University Dental Professionals via their website or by calling 773-684-5702. Contact Information: Website: https://www.udpdentistry.com/ Dr. Lou Graham 5549 S Cornell Ave Chicago, IL 60637 Candy Chaney, Client Relations TNT Dental 2100 North Collins Boulevard Richardson, TX 75080 Primary Media Contact: Candy Chaney 877-868-4932 [email protected] SOURCE University Dental Professionals FN Media Group Presents Microsmallcap.com Market Commentary NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States is continuing to build its domestic EV battery supply chain. The Biden administration has awarded grants totaling $2.8 billion for developing electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facilities in the United States, as the country works to reduce its reliance on Asia. President Joe Biden has set a goal of electrifying half of all new vehicles sold by 2030. Demand for critical minerals critical for EV batteries is expected to skyrocket in the next decade due to increased EV sales, which Biden is calling "one of the most significant economic transitions since the Industrial Revolution." According to the US Department of Energy, the approved projects will eventually supply enough lithium to produce 2 million EVs, enough graphite to produce 1.2 million EVs, and enough nickel to produce 400,000 EVs per year. Albemarle (NYSE:ALB), Talon Metals (TSX:TLO) (OTCPK:TLOFF), and American Battery Technology Co (OTCQB:ABML) are among the companies that have received funding. Meanwhile, FE Battery Metals Corp. (CSE:FE) (OTCQB:FEMFD) and Sayona Mining Limited (OTCQB:SYAXF) are driving the electric future with their lithium mining projects. FE Battery Metals (CSE:FE) (OTCQB:FEMFD) is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a focus on locating, acquiring, and investigating mineral prospects in North America for industrial, base, and precious metals. On November 8, FE Battery Metals announced results from drill hole LC22-39 from the Phase 2 exploratory drill program at its 100% owned Augustus Lithium Property in Quebec, Canada. According to the results, drill hole LC21-39 intersected three lithium pegmatites, with the main 7.3 m wide pegmatite zone averaging 1.54% lithium oxide (Li2O) at 188.7m drilled depth. The drill program is based on the historical and 2021 Phase 1 exploration data as well as the company's surface trenching and sampling program results. Several historical drill hole collars were also located on the Property, which helped in the current program's location and orientation of drill holes. A B-20 drill rig is deployed for this work, which can drill up to a 1,000-meter-deep hole. To date a total of 42 drill holes with a cumulative core drilling of over 7,500 m has been completed on the Property. In October, FE Battery Metals announced the results of drill holes LC21-33 to 37 at Augustus. Among the highlights of the results was drill hole LC21-35 intersecting an 11.20-meter-wide zone with 0.91% lithium oxide (Li2O) at 146 meters, including a 5 meter zone with 1.03% Li2O at 146 meters and 3.2 meter with 1% Li2O at 154 meters. This drill hole also has a lower seven meters wide zone with 0.54% Li2O at 165 meters drilled depth and several other smaller intercepts with variable lithium grades. The company also recently announced a corporate restructuring to spin off assets related to its current exploration properties located in Quebec and Ontario into a wholly-owned subsidiary. According to the company, each FE Battery Metals shareholder will receive one common share of Spinco for every post-consolidation share held. FE Battery Metals also has completed a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of up to $1.5 million by issuing roughly 6.7 million shares at a price of $0.225. For more information about FE Battery Metals Ltd (CSE:FE) (OTCQB:FEMFD), click here. Companies Are Advancing Critical Minerals Projects Albemarle (NYSE: ALB ) subsidiary, Albemarle Lithium UK Limited, has completed the $200 million acquisition of Guangxi Tianyuan New Energy Materials. In September 2021, a definitive agreement was announced to acquire Tianyuan. Tianyuan's operations include a lithium conversion plant with a designed annual conversion capacity of up to 25,000 metric tonnes LCE and the ability to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide. Albermarle has received a nearly $150 million grant from the US Department of Energy. The grant funding is intended to cover a portion of the estimated cost of building a new commercial-scale lithium concentrator facility in the US at the company's Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Talon Metals (TSX:TLO) (OTC Pink:TLOFF) announced that it has updated its mineral resource estimate for its Tamarack Nickel project in Minnesota. The total indicated mineral resource is estimated to be 8.56 million tonnes grading 1.73% nickel plus by-products (2.34% NiEq) containing 148,000 tonnes of nickel. Compared to Talon's previous indicated mineral resource estimate (PEA #3), this represents a 98% increase in contained nickel in the indicated category. The total inferred resource estimate is now around 8.46 million tonnes grading 0.83% nickel plus by-products (1.19% NiEq) containing 70,000 tonnes of nickel, in addition to the total indicated mineral resource. Talon Metals' wholly-owned subsidiary, Talon Nickel (USA) LLC has been selected as a recipient of President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's first set of projects to expand domestic manufacturing of batteries for EVs and the electrical grid, as well as materials and components currently imported from other countries. Sayona Mining Limited (OTC:SYAXF) has developed a transport solution for its North American Lithium (NAL) operation, with a contract to deliver NAL spodumene (lithium) concentrate to port awarded to a Quebec rail operator. Solurail Logistique Inc., a Val d'Or company specializing in bulk transhipment and rail logistics, will be in charge of transporting lithium from the NAL operation in La Corne to the Port of Trois-Rivieres for delivery to customers under the terms of the agreement. The C$43 million contract includes the rental of 110 rolling stock (railway vehicles), with the equipment ready for NAL's restart of production in the first quarter of 2023. Sayona Mining is targeting the further expansion of its Quebec lithium resource with the launch of a prefeasibility study for its emerging Moblan Lithium Project (Sayona 60%; SOQUEM 40%) in northern Quebec. Continuing Sayona's focus on maximizing economic benefits for local stakeholders, InnovExplo will conduct the prefeasibility study, targeting completion by May 2023. American Battery Technology Co (OTCQB:ABML) has completed its Phase 2 drill program, which included six additional sites in addition to the 16-holes sampled in Phase 1 drilling, completing the 22-hole plan at its 10,340-acre Tonopah Flats Lithium Project. American Battery Technology has been chosen as a recipient of competitive funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for expanding domestic manufacturing of battery-grade lithium hydroxide for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, focusing on domestic production. In collaboration with grant partners DuPont Water Solutions, the University of Nevada, Reno, and Argonne National Laboratory, American Battery Technology was awarded $57 million from the Department of Energy for this project to design, build, commission, and operate a first-of-its-kind commercial-scale facility. This facility will be used to demonstrate its novel process for producing battery cathode grade lithium hydroxide from unconventional Nevada-based lithium-bearing sedimentary resources. FE Battery Metals has the option to buy a 100% interest in the Red Lake Gold Property, which consists of 94 mining cell claims that cover approximately 1,880 hectares in Ontario, Canada. DISCLAIMER: Microsmallcap.com (MSC) is the source of the Article and content set forth above. 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Media contact: FN Media Group, LLC [email protected] +1(561) 325-8757 SOURCE Microsmallcap.com 11,165 Artworks from 139 Countries Interpret Their "Breakthrough" BREA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, announces the Top 100 winners in the photography category in the 2022 ColorPro Award Contest. Aside from photographs, the Top 10 creatives from the new sub-category "Digital Art" have also been selected. Artists from 139 countries submitted a total of 11,165 artworks with this year's theme - "Breakthrough." This amount is five times more entries than the competition received in its initial year in 2020. The distinctive and extraordinary artworks will be premiered in London in late November. Flair, Rhon Paolo C. Velarde, Philippines "Breakthroughs can come in many forms, especially in the arts. We are excited to have received so many entries this year. With fast-growing entries and countries participating, we saw much more diversity in the artworks than we did in last year's competition," said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. "The ColorPro Award is more than a competition, it's an opportunity for creative minds around the world to inspire each other and push through the limits for new possibilities. By continuing to advance our visual technologies and working with our partners, we hope to uplift and empower this community of artists." "Breakthrough" is a natural evolution from last year's theme, "New adventure." As the world seeks full recovery from the pandemic, "Breakthrough" represents an act of overcoming an obstacle and permission for further progress. There are two times more submissions and three times more countries participating in the contest. The result itself is a great embodiment of a breakthrough. India ranks first overall in the number of submissions, followed by the USA, Turkey, the UK, and France. The winning photos offered a wide range of perspectives on the theme, from street photography to the natural landscape, and from human portraits to wildlife scenarios. This year, the ColorPro Award goes beyond a photography contest to a celebration of free expression and unrestricted creativeness with the new digital art category. Digital art showed striking visuals using innovative tools to create AI-generated cartoons and surrealistic compositions. The mixed panel of fourteen judges including popular visual creators Alice Greenfield, Ron Timehin, Luke Jackson-Clark, and professionals from ViewSonic, SHOOTERS, Calibrite, Shoot The Frame, and OneOffs handpicked winning photography digital art winners based on criteria such as originality, storytelling, technical execution, and composition. ViewSonic will be hosting two award ceremonies and exhibitions to showcase these winning artworks in London, the United Kingdom from Nov.24th to Nov.27th, and in Taipei, Taiwan from Dec.9th to Dec.11th. For more details on the 2022 ColorPro Award, please visit the contest website; to access the Top 100 artworks, please click here. The contest is hosted by ViewSonic ColorPro and co-hosted by SHOOTERSCAPTURE ONE PANTONE Calibrite and Shoot The Frame. About ViewSonic Founded in California, ViewSonic is a leading global provider of visual solutions and conducts business in over 100 countries worldwide. As an innovator and visionary, ViewSonic is committed to providing comprehensive hardware and software solutions that include monitors, projectors, digital signage, ViewBoard interactive displays, and myViewBoard software ecosystem. With over 30 years of expertise in visual displays, ViewSonic has established a strong position for delivering innovative and reliable solutions for education, enterprise, consumer, and professional markets and helping customers "See the Difference." To find out more about ViewSonic, please visit www.viewsonic.com. SOURCE ViewSonic Corp. TAIPEI, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/-- This article is based on an interview undertaken by FusionMedium's technology online media, TechOrange, and published with permission: What advantages does Taiwan have in the era of AI and smart vehicles? Albert Liu, Founder & CEO of Kneron, points out three (PRNewsfoto/Fusionmedium) What advantages does Taiwan have in the era of AI and smart vehicles? Albert Liu, Founder & CEO of Kneron, points out three (PRNewsfoto/Fusionmedium) When Google and Apple start making their own chips, what kind of paradigm shift will this mean for the global semiconductor industry? In recent years, the high-tech manufacturing market has been making efforts to respond to the demand for diversified smart devices such as cell phones, home appliances, and smart cars. With an increasing demand for customized AI chips, such components cannot be produced in traditional supply chain models. Both edge and environmental computing also require AI chips with high efficacy, low power consumption, and high computing power to solve issues related to data privacy, power efficiency, low latency, and computing power. According to ABI Research, a leading technology industry market research firm, the size of the edge computing chip market is expected to reach US$12.2 billion in 2025, surpassing, for the first time, that of the cloud AI chip market. To meet the needs of tomorrow, Taiwan AI chip start-up Kneron has been developing its own AI system on monolithic chips since 2015. The firm has already established a presence in the United States, mainland China, Taiwan, and Northeast Asia. Albert Liu, Founder & CEO of Kneron, said that since the first day of operation, Kneron has stood by its self-stated mission of "making AI ubiquitous", and expects that in the future, for every terminal device - whether an Edge Server, an IoT device, a household application, security control or automotive component - Kneron will be the provider of the intelligent AI chips that run it. How does Kneron take the lead in the AI market? CEO Albert Liu: Fast, early and hard-working When asked how Kneron has been able to move from cutting-edge technology research and development to product launch in just 7 years to become a leader in the security and automotive industries, and how the company developed its business logic, Liu modestly smiled and said, "There is no trick to it. We are just faster, earlier, and more determined than others." Compared with the world's major manufacturers, Kneron realized the importance of implementing applications early. So the chip maker started to focus on developing products and customers from the time when the concept of edge AI was still new and yet relatively unknown. As the technical impact of edge computing applications in the market gradually improved, Kneron, with its advantages as a pioneer, knew how to position its products and better meet the needs of customers in the market. "In the process of AI industrialization, it is also important to know the characteristics, acceptance, and timeline of each market," Liu said. Since the Chinese market is highly receptive to new things and is open to the quick introduction of new products, in 2016 Kneron partnered with Chinese Internet companies Tencent Holdings, Baidu and Sogou to roll out a pure cloud-based AI algorithm service, and, by doing so, acquired a large amount of car data and gained a head start in the industry. Kneron went on to secure funding from several venture capital firms in Europe, the US, and Asia. After that, in 2017, the company started to expand into Japan, South Korea, Europe, and the United States. Now in its seventh year, Kneron's product lines are divided into four major categories. In the server market, customers include Quanta Computer, Chunghwa Telecom, Comcast Corporation, and Naver, Korea's largest portal. In the Internet of Things segment (including home appliances and security control), customers include Hanwha group, D-Link, and Italy's Spark Security. In automotive, customers are mainly Chinese and Japanese brands, including Toyota and Nissan, among others. In recent years, Kneron has also partnered with MIH Consortium and Zhongxing Bus. Identifying the demand of a decentralized architecture for the vehicles of the future, Kneron enters the automotive market with "Lego-style" chips Liu said that the reason that Kneron decided to enter the automotive field in 2020 is closely related to the industrial introduction cycle. The introduction cycle of the Internet of Things (IoT) sector is short and fast, which, from R&D to putting the final touches on the product and then on to mass production, is about 8 to 9 months. However, the introduction cycle of the automotive pre-loading sector, from the start of a collaboration to actual mass production, often spans 3 to 5 years. Currently, vendors are few that can accommodate such a long partnership cycle and deliver AI, chip and system solutions. In order to meet the needs of application-side customers, Kneron's strategy is to develop vertical product lines - software, applications, models, and underlying chips - in a single package that can be adjusted simultaneously, so as to gain a head start in the AI era and earn the trust of key multinational customers with practical applications, demonstrating its flexibility and flexible differentiation advantage. What are the future challenges for Taiwan's automotive supply chain? Taiwanese manufacturers want to start solving the challenges faced by the automotive market with AI chips. Commenting on this, Liu said frankly that the innate lack of a complete automotive industry structure is Taiwan's biggest challenge. "If I were an IC factory in Taiwan today and wanted to make automotive chips, the first issue that I must contend with is that Taiwan does not have its own automotive industry and a brand with an enough market share. So, upstream and downstream integration, data collection, iteration and actual implementation would all be quite difficult." Liu said this is why Kneron still generates 70-80% of its revenue from overseas markets. In addition to gradually strengthening and expanding the competitiveness of the Taiwanese market, Kneron has been, on the basis of its global portfolio that it established immediately upon starting operations, directly connecting with the world in terms of both talent and market, including recruiting seasoned engineers and executives from Taiwan, mainland China and the United States, and taking advantage of their strengths in semiconductor processes, wide and fast-growing markets, and cutting-edge technologies, in an effort to open up a wider range of possibilities for the company's growth path. In many countries, the development of AI chips is highly correlated with government and industrial policies. In addition to expanding into international markets, Kneron is actively cultivating the local AI ecosystem in Taiwan, including promoting AI-related education courses in rural elementary schools, high schools, and universities, as well as joining the AI on Chip Industrial Cooperation Strategic Alliance launched by the Smart Electronics Industry Project Promotion Office (SIPO) of the Industrial Development Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, where he and his colleagues were able to gain an in-depth understanding of industry trends through the services provided by the Alliance, such as industry-specific business opportunity seminars, and industry promotion and exchange events. The Alliance also helped introduce partners from the upstream and downstream of the industry chain to jointly invest in the development of core AI on Chip areas, and expand the international visibility and competitiveness of Taiwan's AI industry as a whole. "Taiwan has mastered the three most important elements of the AI era: data, cutting-edge algorithms, and computing power (semiconductors). With a solid supply chain in Taiwan, we believe our prospects look promising for success in the AI era. I look forward to the day we can give back to our hometown instead of investing in businesses and national policies in other countries." SOURCE Fusionmedium LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wirex, the leading payments platform, in partnership with The Cryptonomist, has today announced the winners of the 2022 Rising Women in Crypto Power List. The 13 winners were chosen by the judges out of over 200 incredible entries. Wirex opened nominations for this year's Power List on the 15th September, inviting 232 nominations of women from the crypto space, both by themselves and from others. Now in its third year, this brings the total number of nominations to over 700, solidifying Wirex's initial goal to promote women in the crypto sector and break the stereotype that only white, younger males can get involved. After an intense decision-making process, the five experienced female judges from the crypto sector chose who they believed to be the most outstanding women in the space. The winners were selected for their unprecedented levels of achievements, potential, influence, ambition, leadership skills and innovation, and above all else, who were considered to be a 'rising star' in crypto. The 2022 Rising Women in Crypto Power List winners (in no particular order): Lauren Ingram , Founder of Women of Web3 , Founder of Women of Web3 Tavonia Evans , Founder of GuapCoin , Founder of GuapCoin Oluchi Enebeli , Founder of Web3Ladies , Founder of Web3Ladies Yasmin Johal , Financial Services Regulation Associate at CMS , Financial Services Regulation Associate at CMS Gabriella M Kusz, CEO of the Global Digital Asset and Cryptocurrency Association Association Lisa Loud , Co-Founder and CEO of FLUIDEFI , Co-Founder and CEO of FLUIDEFI Irina Karagyaur, Head of Ecosystem Growth and Business Development at Unique Network Gail Cruz Macapagal , Counter Director of DynaQuest & Founder of Women in Blockchain Philippines , Counter Director of DynaQuest & Founder of Women in Blockchain Philippines Naomi Metzger , Professional Athlete & NFT Creator , Professional Athlete & NFT Creator Lisa Francour , Chief Revenue Officer of Crypto Tutors , Chief Revenue Officer of Tutors Maliha Abidi , Founder of Women Rise (social media influencer of the year) , Founder of Women Rise (social media influencer of the year) Leanne Holder, CEO of Giving to Services (newcomer of the year) Valentyna Dynovska, Communication Expert at the World Smart Cities Forum, (young Ukrainian of the year) Diana Carrasco-Vime, Non-Executive Director of Wirex and Managing Director of Merchant Services at Lloyds Banking Group, and one of the Power List judges, commented, "I'm grateful to be involved in such an important initiative celebrating the most incredible women in the crypto sector. With so many strong entries from all backgrounds and sectors, judging wasn't an easy decision, but this shows how many female extraordinary women exist, many of whom go unnoticed. It's also great to see such a range in nominations of women from their peers, colleagues and friends, as well as those having the confidence to nominate themselves." The announcement today concludes Wirex's 2022 Women in Crypto campaign but the company will continue to promote the initiative year-round. To view the winners of the Power List, please visit: https://wirexapp.com/blog/post/winners-of-the-rising-women-in-crypto-power-list-2022-announced-0684 To see more exclusive content from women within the crypto industry and learn more about the campaign, visit: https://wirexapp.com/blog/category/women-in-crypto-0009 About Wirex Wirex is a worldwide digital payment platform and regulated institution that has forged new rules in the digital payments space. In 2015, the firm developed the world's first crypto-enabled payment card that gives users the ability to seamlessly spend crypto and traditional currencies in real life. Wirex was created in 2014 by CEOs and co-founders Pavel Matveev and Dmitry Lazarichev, who identified the need to open up the esoteric world of cryptocurrencies and make digital money accessible for everyone. With the core aim of making it as easy as possible to use digital assets in everyday life, Wirex provides a trusted and cost-effective service for crypto and traditional currency transactions by incorporating the next generation of payments infrastructure integrated with cryptocurrency blockchains. With over 5 million customers across 130 countries, the company offers secure accounts that allow customers to easily store, buy and exchange multiple currencies instantly at the best live rates on one centralised mobile app. Quick and simple crypto transfer options are available, as well as the freedom to spend 150+ traditional and cryptocurrencies in more than 80 million locations around the world using the Wirex card. Wirex continues to develop the product in line with market developments, whilst adhering to regional regulations and securing appropriate licensing where it exists. A proven industry pioneer, Wirex launched their own native utility token, WXT, and introduced the world's first crypto reward programme, Cryptoback, which earns cardholders up to 8% back in WXT for every transaction they make. To reflect the growth of the metaverse, throughout 2021, the company has expanded their product to enable mainstream access to DeFi. Starting with the launch of their popular X-Accounts feature, offering unprecedented levels of interest, Wirex has continued to add to their DeFi arsenal with the release of the non-custodial Wirex Wallet and a partnership with Nereus, a decentralised liquidity market provider. Wirex is based in London, with offices in Singapore, Kyiv, Dallas, Dublin and Atlanta. With over $5bn worth of transactions processed already and rapid expansion into new territories, including the US, Wirex is uniquely placed to support and promote the mass adoption of a cashless society through creative solutions. Starting from February 2022, Wirex donates all the revenue earned from in-app transactions to Ukraine humanitarian efforts. The company's largest office is based in Kyiv and Wirex stands with everyone affected by the war. As a long supporter of democratising access to crypto, Wirex's 'Women in Crypto' campaign was created in 2020 and endeavoured to recognise talented female leaders working in the sphere. With the core aim of celebrating women in the crypto sector and encouraging others to get involved, they launched the 'Rising Women in Crypto Power List', asking for nominations of women that had done incredible things in the crypto sector. Having a large percentage of female employees at the company, this initiative is close to their hearts and they hope to continue for years to come. | wirexapp.com | About The Cryptonomist We are happy to announce a media partnership with The Cryptonomist for this year's Women in Crypto campaign. The Cryptonomist is a punctual and rigorous information site to offer news and updates to its readers, but also authoritative in having opinions and making a disclosure on the most innovative aspects of the crypto economy. It aims to become the most authoritative online newspaper in Italian and English and narrate an economic and technological revolution that conquers more and more spaces and consents compared to traditional models of production and exchange. Written in a simple and captivating way, The Cryptonomist also provides videos and insights on the most current topics made by leading experts in the field. The Cryptonomist is also a marketing agency, helping crypto and fintech companies and start-ups to advertise their projects. With more than 1 million readers per month, the publication is leading the Italian and Swiss media market. | https://en.cryptonomist.ch/ | Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1761027/Wirex_Logo.jpg SOURCE Wirex DUBLIN, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Pandemic Infrastructure Bundle" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Though its timing, severity, and ultimate strain remain a mystery, a pandemic promises to test the critical Information Technology infrastructure of enterprises across the globe. Professionals have long maintained the potential for pandemic influenza is not a matter of if, but rather a matter of when. Enterprises of all sizes need to have plans in place to be ready when a pandemic occurs and have recovery efforts in place. The Pandemic Bundle address all of the issues that enterprise face. It has the four legs that CIOs have to support the enterprise. Governance Model to address every facet of the IT Strategy the CIO must support Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan at the ready to address keeping the operation functioning Policies and Procedures that address everything from Telecommuting to Media Communication in a pandemic Electronic Forms to facilitate and support the process that will have to be in place during the pandemic and when the recovery takes place Pandemic Checklist Pandemic Planning Checklist - Electronic Form The publisher has developed a pandemic planning checklist that comes as an electronic document that can be used right out of the box to highlight areas that need to be addressed. The areas of focus for the form are: Impact of a pandemic on the enterprise Impact of a pandemic on employees and customers Supply chain ramifications Definition of specific pandemic procedures that are required to address it Definition of resource allocations need to protect both employees and customers Identification of communication and education required for management and employees Identification of what coordination with external entities and how to help the local community. It is too late to address many of these issues after a pandemic has taken hold. However, if the enterprise does not have this in place, the Pandemic Planning Checklist is a great first step. Pandemic Areas Addressed Safety and well-being. That includes company staff, company partners suppliers and their staff, their staff, and customers/clients. Their safety and wellbeing always come first, and they are best informed with the factual data. Business impact. Understand the business impact. For example, if a meeting or event is canceled what will the social, scientific, or economic impact be acceptable? What happens if we continue with the meeting or event and participation is reduced? Will this have an impact greater than canceling? What alternatives could be considered? Change of destination, date, or including a virtual element?" On-site risks. Risks severity of impact vs. likelihood of different scenarios. Use a risk-assessment matrix to plot, identify, and rank risks to determine and decide on appropriate responses. In times of heightened risks, establish a quick response team. Communications. Continued communication with all stakeholders is also a core part of the approach to ensure people have regular updates and are aware of who to contact in case of questions. Pandemic Bundle Contents The Pandemic Bundle is delivered electronically. It comes with a standard 3 month subscription service for all of its components. In addition it can be acquired with 12 or 24 months of update service. That service entitles the user to download all updates during the subscription. Notification of updates will be sent via email as soon as they are available. Pandemic Bundle includes 1. IT Governance Infrastructure, Strategy, and Charter Template 2. Disaster Recovery Business Continuity Template 3. IT Infrastructure Policy Bundle 4. IT Infrastructure Electronic Forms For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4uqy4s 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: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets Impactful music video and anthemic songs respond to current issues and promote social consciousness and action LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-hyphenate, top ten Billboard charting artist, Kwanza Jones , creates songs for social change. Her latest three releases, " More Now Than Ever ," " Rise " and " Enough " address issues that are important to voters. Kwanza Jones creates songs for social change, speaks truths without constraints, releases anthems of resilience + action Tweet this SUPERCHARGED Studios by Kwanza Jones presents the official Kwanza Jones music video for "More Now Than Ever (feat. Nala)" Kwanza Jones music releases: "More Now Than Ever (feat. Nala)" "Rise" and "Enough" "As an indie artist, I make a conscious choice to use my voice and speak my truth without constraints. It's a truth that resonates with many. All too often marginalized people and communities lack power, resources, and privilege; that is why I speak. From restrictions on women's bodies, like the rollback of abortion and reproductive rights, to the shattering of lives by gun violence and mass shootings, to the war in Ukraine and other ongoing conflicts around the world, the stories are numerous and heartbreaking. I've seen enough apathy and inaction. I don't have the luxury to do nothing. I don't have the luxury to not speak." Listen to " More Now Than Ever "|| " Rise " || " Enough " "More Now Than Ever" is an anthem of resilience and strength in times of uncertainty. The powerful music video for "More Now Than Ever," features a cast that represents the strength of diversity and unity. The video also highlights children's voices that are often silenced. The song encourages people to take a stand and make a difference. "It's a war out there, what can we do about it? Find a battle cry and go and shout it," said Jones in the song. "Voting is a way to use your voice. Regardless of the outcome of elections, voting is how you make your voice heard. It matters. It is critically important and essential to democracy." Watch the "More Now Than Ever" music video Jones couples her commitment to create message-driven music with her philanthropic endeavors. She awards grants and provides capital to organizations that promote access and equity. Recent grantees include: Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Program (WRAAP) , Girls Inc. , nsoro Foundation , and PFLAG . Long known for creating art that sparks social change and stands against injustice, in 2017, Jones released " Blah Zey Blah ," a music video, calling out rampant misogyny. In 2019, as a lead up to the 2020 elections, she released "Problem," a music video style public service announcement that addresses mass incarceration, racial profiling, immigration, women's reproductive rights, and systemic racism. In 2021, Jones released two singles, " Get Out " and " We Buildin' ." The first song was in response to the political and social violence that marked the Presidential transition period. The second song celebrates the possibilities for prosperity in America, and the benefits of diversity in making the country better. Rounding out culture, and capital, Jones fosters community. She is the founder and CEO of SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones , a media company that produces inspiring, motivational content coupled with an impact-oriented community . She says, "I founded my company with the belief that no one succeeds alone - sometimes you need a boost." About Kwanza Jones Kwanza Jones boosts humans and humanity through culture, capital and community. She is a sought-after speaker, accomplished artist, impact investor, and philanthropist. With a multifaceted background spanning music, media, production, law and business, Jones is an energetic and visionary leader. She is CEO and founder of SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones, a motivational media company. Jones has served on numerous boards including the Apollo Theater, Bennett College, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer, and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Through her Jones Feliciano Initiative, she has committed over $100 million to education, entrepreneurship, equity and empowerment organizations. To learn more, visit kwanzajones.com and connect with her on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Kwanza Jones Boost Friends Community . SOURCE SUPERCHARGED Full completion of the world's first market-based Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) transaction, which will enable the early retirement of the 246-MW SLTEC coal plant and its transition to cleaner technology Entails full divestment of ACEN's equity stake in SLTEC, bringing the company closer to its commitment of 100% renewables generation by 2025 7.2 billion of proceeds received by ACEN for use in its renewable energy investments MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ACEN (PSE:ACEN), the energy platform of the Ayala Group, disclosed today the full divestment of the South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation (SLTEC) coal plant using the energy transition mechanism (ETM), the first ETM deal in the world. The landmark transaction will enable the early retirement of the 246-MW coal plant in Batangas, Philippines. As part of the ETM structure, the coal plant's operating life of up to 50 years will be cut in half, as ACEN commits to retire and transition the plant to a cleaner technology by 2040. This will help avoid or reduce up to 50 million metric tons of carbon emissions. ACEN completes the world's first Energy Transition Mechanism transaction The ETM is a concept developed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which aims to leverage low-cost and long-term funding geared towards early coal retirement and the reinvestment of proceeds to enable renewable energy projects. Ahmed Saeed, ADB vice president said, "We commend the Ayala Group and ACEN for the successful closing of this pioneering ETM transaction. We hope that this sets the tone for others to pursue the just transition of thermal plants to cleaner technologies." The ETM for the SLTEC plant involved 13.7 billion in debt financing provided by the Bank of the Philippine Islands and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, as well as 3.7 billion in equity investments from the Philippine Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), The Insular Life Assurance Company, Ltd. (InLife), and ETM Philippines Holdings, Inc., for a total deal value of 17.4 billion. ACEN received 7.2 billion from the transaction for reinvestment in the company's renewable energy projects. The balance of proceeds was used for refinancing debt and transaction fees. GSIS recently invested 2.2 billion in redeemable preferred shares issued by SLTEC. Wick Veloso, GSIS president and general manager said, "Our priority is to find ways to grow and sustain our funds to ensure that we are able to provide our over two million members and pensioners their benefits. We also fully support investments that prioritize optimal environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors or outcomes consistent with our corporate social responsibility." InLife anchored the equity placements with a 1-billion investment. Nina D. Aguas, InLife executive chairperson said, "To deliver a lifetime for good, for us at InLife, also means investing in cleaner air and environmental solutions for future generations. The proceeds of our investment will be used to develop renewable energy and eventually allow decommissioning of the coal plants. We join the call for the development of more renewable energy sources through this pioneering transition mechanism." She added that the ETM is a groundbreaking solution to a rising global concern. Through this transaction, ACEN moves closer toward its commitment to 100% renewables generation by 2025, as well as its ambitious goal of reaching 20 GW of renewables capacity by 2030. Cora Dizon, ACEN CFO and treasurer said, "Finding a win-win solution to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders amidst the goal of transitioning away from coal was admittedly challenging. Despite this, debt and equity investors still came together to support the financing of this pioneering energy transition deal, which has become a blueprint for other organizations to emulate." Eric Francia, ACEN president and CEO said, "ACEN continues to blaze the trail for energy transition in the Asia Pacific. As the company has successfully divested its coal asset, ACEN commits to a just energy transition. We have established mechanisms to ensure that stakeholder interests, especially those of the people and communities of SLTEC, are effectively addressed." AlphaPrimus Advisors and BPI Capital served as financial advisors to the transaction. CLSA Philippines was the lead arranger for the equity placements, while BPI Capital and RCBC Capital acted in the same capacity for the SLTEC debt financing. About ACEN ACEN is the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group. The company has ~4,000 MW of attributable capacity in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Australia, with a renewable share of 87%, which is among the highest in the region. ACEN's aspiration is to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia, with a goal of reaching 20 GW in renewables capacity by 2030. In 2021, ACEN announced its commitment to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will involve the early retirement of its remaining coal plant by 2040 and transition the company's generation portfolio to 100% renewable energy by 2025. www.acenrenewables.com For inquiries and more information, please contact: For Investors and Analysts: ACEN Investor Relations Email: [email protected] DISCLAIMER: This disclosure may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors and opportunities that may affect ACEN's plans to complete the transaction/s that are the subject of this disclosure. Each forward-looking statement is made only as of the date of this disclosure. Outcomes of the subject transaction may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this disclosure. SOURCE ACEN Former Chief Revenue Officer North America at Future, Plc. to Lead Global Sales at Iconic News Brand NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kevin Gentzel, Global Chief Commercial and Growth Officer at Newsweek, today announced the appointment of advertising sales industry leader Jason Webby to the post of Chief Revenue Officer. In his newly created role, Jason will report directly to Kevin and will oversee the sales side of the business including digital, mobile, programmatic, native, CTV, newsletters, audio, custom content, print, and event platforms and all other sales revenue streams. Prior to joining Newsweek, Jason served as Chief Revenue Officer, North America at Future, Plc. where he led teams responsible for all advertising revenue lines across Future's portfolio of over 200 brands. In addition to delivering 27% year-on-year growth in 2021, he set the go-to-market strategy for adding MarieClaire, The Week, CinemaBlend, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance to Future's North America commercial offering. Jason's deep expertise in advertising sales also includes senior leadership roles at V12 Data, GroupM, CNBC International and The Economist Group. "Jason's deep expertise in data and developing first party data strategies and leading high performing sales and services teams will help propel Newsweek's successful digital transformation," said Gentzel. "His track record of success at industry leading digital media and advertising companies, including GroupM/Xaxis, will be instrumental in driving Newsweek's growth with brands and their agencies in 2023 and beyond." "I am thrilled to join Kevin and the Newsweek team at this juncture," said Webby. "Newsweek's resurgence and transformation into a leading digital property has been exciting to witness. I look forward to working with Kevin and team in developing and executing a sales and marketing strategy that will continue to drive Newsweek forward and bring meaningful value to brand clients." During his tenure at North America at Future, Plc Jason excelled at developing new revenue streams. He opened Future's Canadian office in Toronto, and oversaw the launch of Aperture, Future's first-party data platform in North America, enabling brands to efficiently target one out of every three online adults via their desired audience segments across Future's portfolio. Prior to joining North America at Future, Plc, Jason was Chief Revenue Officer at V12 Data-- an omni-channel marketing and data firm leveraging consumer and B2B data for clients to use in email, programmatic and direct mail advertising. Under his leadership the team delivered a 54 percent increase in year-on-year new client wins and developed preferred partnerships to surface V12's data via Oracle Bluekai, LiveRamp, The Trade Desk and other prominent programmatic AdTech companies. Previously at GroupM, Jason held the role of Senior Vice President, Managing Director, US at Xaxis one of the industry's leading programmatic media companies. In his role, Jason oversaw all client engagement and led Xaxis' US sales and account services team. Jason also spent three years based in London as Senior Vice President, Sales for CNBC International. In this role, Jason was responsible for all commercial activity across EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America spanning digital, mobile, broadcast, custom/native content, & events. In addition to owning all international revenue lines, Jason oversaw Catalyst, CNBC's in-house agency and content studio that creates original video and hosts events for marquee advertising partners. During his previous role as SVP, Global Head of Sales at The Economist Group, he spent 10 years leading sales efforts across multiple lines of business. Jason led The Economist's successful transition in North America from a 167-year-old print weekly magazine to a market-leading digital publisher doubling revenue over a 3-year span. As a result, in 2008, both Adweek and Advertising Age named The Economist their "#1 Hottest Magazine in America", and "Magazine of the Year", respectively. Jason also oversaw global sales for The Economist Intelligence Unit, the forecasting and advisory services arm of The Economist Group, offering subscription services and bespoke research to clients such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi. About Newsweek Newsweek is the modern global digital news organization built around the iconic, over 89-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people each month with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. Media Contact: Laura Goldberg LBG Public Relations for Newsweek [email protected] +1-347-683-1859 SOURCE Newsweek BANGALORE, India, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AI Infrastructure market size is segmented by Type - Hardware, Software, by Application - Public Utilities, Ecosystem, Others. Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022 - 2028. It is published in Valuates Reports under the Software Category. The global AI Infrastructure market size is estimated to be worth USD 22.6 Billion in 2021 with a CAGR of 24.6% & will reach 105.4 Billion USD by 2028 during the review period. Major Factors Driving The Growth Of The Ai Infrastructure Market Are Larger and more complex datasets, rising adoption of cloud-based machine learning platforms, an increase in cross-industry partnerships and collaborations, rising adoption of AI as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a growing focus on parallel computing in AI data centers are some of the factors driving the growth of this AI Infrastructure market. Browse The Table of Contents And List of Figures At https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-39V9591/global-ai-infrastructure TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF AI INFRASTRUCTURE MARKET Increasing Focus On Parallel Computing In Ai Data Centers is expected to drive the growth of the AI Infrastructure market. CPUs are used in data centers for serial computing, which involves keeping track of various memory areas where data and instructions are stored. To carry out serial calculations, a processor examines the instructions and data at the memory locations. In serial computation, the steps of computation are sequential and logically organized. Additionally, a data center processor splits up a single task into a number of unique instruction sets that are executed in a serial method. When doing AI-based calculations with massive amounts of data and instruction sets, in particular, this usually results in latency problems in data centers. Experts projected that most organizations will switch to AI-powered systems, apps, security systems, data analysis, and other applications in the future due to the rapid expansion of AI and ML. Data science has been one of artificial intelligence's most widespread uses because it can offer powerful analytical capabilities. A vast data set can be mined by AI for insights and patterns that can be used to anticipate potential outcomes. As a result of the significant transformation in business practices and the rapid growth of technology, artificial intelligence has been getting a lot of traction. The trend is expected to drive the growth of the AI-infrastructure Market Furthermore, the increasing application of AI in various end-user industries such as E-Commerce, Education, Automobiles, Marketing, Healthcare, Agriculture, etc. is expected to drive the growth of the AI Infrastructure market. Increasing adoption of cloud machine learning platforms is expected to fuel the growth of the AI Infrastructure market. Reduced operational expenses, hassle-free deployment, high scalability, easy data accessibility, quicker access to crucial data, and low capital requirements are just a few advantages of cloud deployment mode. Their approach is to provide practical, affordable, and user-friendly services and applications within their cloud because cloud computing infrastructure is becoming increasingly commoditized. Get Your Sample Today: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-39V9591/Global_AI_Infrastructure_Market AI INFRASTRUCTURE MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS During the forecast period, the US is expected to hold the biggest market share for AI infrastructure in North America. Based on type, the hardware segment is expected to be the most lucrative during the forecast period. Inquire For Customization : https://reports.valuates.com/request/customisation/QYRE-Auto-39V9591/Global_AI_Infrastructure_Market Market By Region North America Europe Asia-Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa Buy Chapter On North America: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-39V9591/global-ai-infrastructure/5 Buy Chapter On Asia Pacific: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-39V9591/global-ai-infrastructure/8 Key players IBM Intel Corporation Microsoft Amazon Web Services Dell HPE Advanced Micro Devices ARM CISCO Samsung Electronics NVIDIA Corporation Advanced Micro Devices Cambricon Technology SK HYNIX Inc. Buy Chapter On Company Profiles: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-39V9591/global-ai-infrastructure/5 Buy Now for Single User + Covid-19 Impact : https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-39V9591&lic=single-user SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. 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SIMILAR REPORTS - AI Development Service Market - Modern AI Infrastructure Market - AI Infrastructure Solutions Market - AI-Powered Video Analytics Market - AI-Enabled Testing Tools Market - Artificial Intelligence Market - AI in Telecommunication Market - AI Governance Market - Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Market - Deep Learning Market - Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Market - Machine Vision Market - Edge AI Hardware Market - Edge AI Software market - Big Data & Business Analytics Market - Data Center Colocation market - Cloud Storage market - Tokenization market - Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) market - Cloud Computing market - cloud services market - Edge Computing market - Conversational AI Market - Data Center Colocation market - Data Catalog market - Modular Data Center Market Click Here To See Related Reports on AI Infrastructure Market About Us: Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. 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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 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg SOURCE Valuates Reports EDMONTON, AB, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) is pleased to announce that it has acquired Astatine Investment Partners' (formerly Alinda Capital Partners) stake in Howard Energy Partners. As a result of this transaction, AIMCo holds a total ownership stake of 87 percent in Howard Energy Partners (HEP). HEP is a diversified energy platform business with strategically located midstream and downstream assets in the United States, where long-term, fixed-fee contracts make up the majority of revenues. HEP was recently awarded a five-star ESG rating from GRESB, a leading ESG benchmark for global infrastructure investments. The company scored in the top 10 percent of all private companies who participated in the GRESB assessment and was named the 2022 Most Improved in Infrastructure. AIMCo acquired an initial 28 percent stake in HEP, on behalf of certain of its clients, in early 2017. Since that time, the investment has performed well and continues to align strongly with AIMCo Infrastructure's energy transition strategies. HEP management and other minority investors will continue to hold a 13 percent ownership interest in the company. "We are excited to make further investment in Howard Energy and to grow our global portfolio of high-quality energy infrastructure assets on behalf of our clients," said Ben Hawkins, Executive Managing Director & Head, Infrastructure, Renewables & Sustainable Investing. "AIMCo's significant ownership ensures continuity of a very successful, long-term partnership with Howard Energy." "As one of the premier capital providers in the industry, AIMCo has been a long-time and trusted partner of HEP. They have supported our vision of growth and value creation while at the same time supporting our commitment of delivering positive energy in new and innovative ways," said Mike Howard, HEP Chairman and CEO. "I am excited that we are significantly expanding our partnership in North America, and I believe that together we will be able to further scale our platform of assets for many years into the future." Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. TPH&Co., the energy business of Perella Weinberg Partners, served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to AIMCo on the transaction. ABOUT ALBERTA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AIMCo is one of Canada's largest and most diversified institutional investment managers with more than $150 billion of assets under management. AIMCo was established on January 1, 2008, with a mandate to provide superior long-term investment results for its clients. AIMCo operates at arms-length from the Government of Alberta and invests globally on behalf of 32 pension, endowment, and government funds in the Province of Alberta. For more information on AIMCo please visit www.aimco.ca or follow us on LinkedIn. ABOUT HOWARD ENERGY PARTNERS San Antonio-based Howard Midstream Energy Partners, LLC d/b/a Howard Energy Partners is a diversified, growth-oriented energy company focused on providing innovative midstream solutions to its customers. Howard Energy Partners owns and operates natural gas and crude oil pipelines, natural gas processing plants, refined products storage terminals, deep-water dock and rail facilities, fractionation facilities, hydrogen production facilities, renewable diesel logistics facilities, and other related midstream assets in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Mexico. The company has corporate offices in San Antonio and Houston, Texas and Monterrey, Mexico. For more information on Howard Energy Partners and our mission to deliver positive energy, please visit our website at www.howardenergypartners.com. SOURCE Alberta Investment Management Corporation BERWYN, Penn., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Annovis Bio, Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) ("Annovis" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage drug platform company addressing neurodegenerative diseases, today announced third quarter financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, and reviewed recent accomplishments. Maria L. Maccecchini, Ph.D., Founder, President, and CEO of Annovis, commented: "This quarter, we have made significant advances in the clinical development of buntanetap as we began to dose patients in our Phase 3 trial for early Parkinson's Disease and received FDA authorization to proceed with a Phase 2/3 trial in moderate Alzheimer's Disease. Additionally, we have seen that buntanetap works in numerous acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions through its ability to inhibit multiple neurotoxic proteins, improve axonal transport and preserve nerve cell function in various neurodegenerative conditions. As a result, we have pursued and made significant strides this quarter in expanding our intellectual property portfolio as it relates to buntanetap and additional neurodegenerative conditions." Third Quarter Highlights and New Developments Receipt of Positive U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Notice for Buntanetap Phase 3 Clinical Trial in Parkinson's Disease (PD) : The Company received notice from the FDA that the Phase 3 clinical study in early PD patients may proceed. The FDA accepted the final protocol and the clinical development plan, approved the use of the Company's new large-scale batch of good manufacturing practice material, and found the chronic toxicology in rats and dogs safe and adequate to support long-term human studies. The Phase 3 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of buntanetap. The trial will enroll a total of 450 early PD patients to be treated with 10mg buntanetap, 20mg buntanetap or a placebo, on top of their standard of care, for six months. Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part II and III will be used as primary endpoints, while total MDS-UPDRS and Participant Global Impression of Change will be secondary endpoints. In addition, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, plasma biomarkers and Mini-Mental State Examination will be evaluated as exploratory endpoints. The Company received notice from the FDA that the Phase 3 clinical study in early PD patients may proceed. The FDA accepted the final protocol and the clinical development plan, approved the use of the Company's new large-scale batch of good manufacturing practice material, and found the chronic toxicology in rats and dogs safe and adequate to support long-term human studies. The Phase 3 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of buntanetap. The trial will enroll a total of 450 early PD patients to be treated with 10mg buntanetap, 20mg buntanetap or a placebo, on top of their standard of care, for six months. Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part II and III will be used as primary endpoints, while total MDS-UPDRS and Participant Global Impression of Change will be secondary endpoints. In addition, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, plasma biomarkers and Mini-Mental State Examination will be evaluated as exploratory endpoints. Dosed First Patient for the Phase 3 Trial in Patients with Early Parkinson's Disease : Annovis announced that the first patient in the Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating buntanetap in early PD has been dosed. Annovis announced that the first patient in the Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating buntanetap in early PD has been dosed. Receipt of FDA Authorization to Proceed with Phase 2/3 Trial for Buntanetap in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) : The Company announced that the FDA authorized the Phase 2/3 clinical study of buntanetap in moderate AD. The Phase 2/3 study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of buntanetap in moderate AD patients. The trial will enroll a total of 320 AD patients to be treated with 7.5mg buntanetap, 15mg buntanetap, 30mg buntanetap or a placebo, on top of their standard of care, for three months. The Company announced that the FDA authorized the Phase 2/3 clinical study of buntanetap in moderate AD. The Phase 2/3 study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of buntanetap in moderate AD patients. The trial will enroll a total of 320 AD patients to be treated with 7.5mg buntanetap, 15mg buntanetap, 30mg buntanetap or a placebo, on top of their standard of care, for three months. Publication of Phase 2a Clinical Data in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease : The published study, titled ' Buntanetap, a Novel Translational Inhibitor of Multiple Neurotoxic Proteins, Proves to Be Safe and Promising in Both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Patients ', evaluated safety, pharmacokinetics, biomarkers, and efficacy of buntanetap in treating early AD and PD patients. The study demonstrated that buntanetap was well tolerated, safe and significantly improved cognition in AD patients and motor function in PD patients. : The published study, titled ' ', evaluated safety, pharmacokinetics, biomarkers, and efficacy of buntanetap in treating early AD and PD patients. The study demonstrated that buntanetap was well tolerated, safe and significantly improved cognition in AD patients and motor function in PD patients. Appointment of Henry Hagopian III as Chief Financial Officer : Mr. Hagopian comes to Annovis with 30 years of finance and accounting experience, including 15 years at Organogenesis, a leading publicly traded regenerative medicine company. Mr. Hagopian has an extensive background in corporate accounting, financial reporting, treasury operations, financial planning & analysis, and investor relations. Mr. Hagopian comes to Annovis with 30 years of finance and accounting experience, including 15 years at Organogenesis, a leading publicly traded regenerative medicine company. Mr. Hagopian has an extensive background in corporate accounting, financial reporting, treasury operations, financial planning & analysis, and investor relations. Publication of Patents Covering the Treatment of Amyloid Lateral Sclerosis, Huntington's Disease and Prion Diseases : Annovis announced the publication of three granted US patents US11400075, US11376238, and US11382893. The patents cover methods of treating amyloid lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and prion diseases by administering buntanetap. The patents provide intellectual property protection through 2031 and strengthen and expand the Company's intellectual property portfolio. The Company now has issued patents covering a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, alpha-synucleopathies, such as PD, tauopathies, such as frontotemporal dementia, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and acute injuries, such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. Annovis announced the publication of three granted US patents US11400075, US11376238, and US11382893. The patents cover methods of treating amyloid lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and prion diseases by administering buntanetap. The patents provide intellectual property protection through 2031 and strengthen and expand the Company's intellectual property portfolio. The Company now has issued patents covering a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, alpha-synucleopathies, such as PD, tauopathies, such as frontotemporal dementia, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and acute injuries, such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. Presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference : Maria Maccecchini, Ph.D., Founder, President, and CEO of Annovis, participated on the Systems Biology of Alzheimer's Disease Panel at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The panel was moderated by Jeffrey Cummings , MD, ScD, and Krista Lanctot, Ph.D. The discussion focused on the need and underpinning rationale for advancing novel therapeutic approaches for AD and featured a panel of industry thought leaders and experts. Financial Results for the Third Quarter of 2022 Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $32.0 million as of September 30, 2022. Research and development expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 were $5.3 million, compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily the result of an increase of $2.4 million in clinical expenses, as the Company incurred costs related to its Phase 3 study in early PD patients, an increase of $1.0 million for the cost of materials and an increase of $0.4 million in stock-based compensation expense. General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 were $2.4 million, compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2021. The increase was primarily the result of an increase of $1.2 million in stock-based compensation expense. For the quarter ended September 30, 2022, Annovis reported a net loss of $7.6 million, compared to a net loss of $2.9 million for the same period in 2021. About Annovis Bio, Inc. Headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Annovis Bio, Inc. (Annovis) is a clinical-stage, drug platform company addressing neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and other chronic neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's in Down Syndrome (AD-DS). We believe that we are the only company developing a drug for AD, PD, and AD-DS that inhibits more than one neurotoxic protein and, thereby, improves the information highway of the nerve cell, known as axonal transport. When this information flow is impaired, the nerve cell gets sick and dies. Annovis conducted two Phase 2 studies: one in AD patients and one in both AD and PD patients. In the AD/PD study buntanetap showed improvements in cognition and memory in AD as well as body and brain function in PD patients. For more information on Annovis Bio, please visit the Company's website www.annovisbio.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter . Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release contain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "will," "may," "should," "estimate," "project," "outlook," "forecast" or other similar words, and include, without limitation, statements regarding the expected effectiveness of buntanetap and the timing, effectiveness, and anticipated results of buntanetap clinical trials. Forward-looking statements are based on Annovis Bio, Inc.'s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Annovis Bio, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Media Contact: Nic Johnson Russo Partners, LLC (303) 482-6405 [email protected] SOURCE Annovis Bio NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. This lawsuit is on behalf of investors that purchased or otherwise acquired Argo common stock between February 13, 2018 and August 9, 2022. Lead Plaintiff Deadline: December 20, 2022 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in ARGO: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/argo-group-international-holdings-ltd-loss-submission-form?id=33414&from=4 Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. NEWS - ARGO NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Argo's reserves were wholly inadequate and its underwriting standards were not prudent as was represented; (ii) Argo had dramatically changed its underwriting policies on certain U.S. construction contracts as far back as 2018; and (iii) these policies were underwritten outside of the Company's "core" business including in certain states and for certain exposures that were far riskier than investors understood and that the Company no longer would service moving forward. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Argo you have until December 20, 2022 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Argo securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the ARGO lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/argo-group-international-holdings-ltd-loss-submission-form?id=33414&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm ATHENS, Greece, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening in Athens, Arturo Burzio from the United Kingdom representing Scarfes Bar at Rosewood was crowned elit Vodka's Martini Master 2022, as he 'shook off' impressive competition from bartenders representing 9 other countries. ARTURO BURZIO FROM THE UK, REPRESENTING SCARFS BAR, IS CROWNED THE 2022 ELIT MARTINI MASTER As a 10-time platinum award-winning vodka and advocate of social responsibility, elit Vodka paired the best bartenders in the industry from 10 countries (United Kingdom, France, Austria, Spain, Italy, Greece, Israel, Australia, United Arab Emirates and Mexico) to bring the perfect sustainable martini to life and unearth the future of the classic cocktail. The finals, held at two Michelin starred restaurant Delta, saw some of the best bartenders in the world compete in challenges designed to showcase and test their cocktail skills, knowledge and creativity. Each of the 10 finalists showcased their interpretation of the perfect sustainable martini presented to a panel of esteemed judges, including Ago Perrone of The Connaught Bar, Sandrae Lawrence from Cocktail Lovers, Maserati MSG Racing's Edoardo Mortara, and elit brand ambassador and awards winning bartender Jack Sotti. Upon winning, Arturo said: "This has been an incredible experience, I can't believe I'm the 2022 elit Martini Master! There were so many amazing drinks it could have been any one of us who won. I'm looking forward to celebrating and excited for the next 12 months." Damian McKinney, CEO of Stoli Group commented: "All of our finalists showcased incredible talent, initiative and innovation. They truly blew us away with their creativity and craft, but Arturo really nailed the brief. We're delighted to have him become our 2022 elit Martini Master and we're really looking forward to working with them in the year ahead." To learn more about elit Martini Masters, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @elitvodka and #elitMartiniMasters across social channels. For more information about elit Vodka visit https://elitvodka.com/. About Stoli Group Stoli Group was established in 2013 and is responsible for the production, management, and distribution of a global spirits and wines portfolio. Mainly known for the Stoli Vodka brand, Stoli Group has expanded to appeal to luxury on-premise and more sophisticated global consumers. Signature brands are: Stoli Vodka, elit Vodka, Bayou Rum, Kentucky Owl, Villa One, Gator Bite Rum Liquers, Cenote Tequila, Tulchan Gin, Se Busca Mezcal and Stoli Group's wine division, Tenute del Mondo. With a presence across a network of more than 176 markets, Stoli Group works with a passionate team of 200 distributors around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli has production facilities in Spain, Italy, Argentina, and the United States, some of which are steeped in history dating back to the early part of the last century. About elit Vodka Part of the Stoli Group's brands, elit Vodka is one of the highest-rated white spirits in the world, receiving 10 platinum awards and has been named as the best vodka of the year on 10 occasions by the Beverage Tasting Institute, Chicago, USA. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941256/THE_2022_ELIT_MARTINI_MASTER.jpg SOURCE elit Vodka Veterans Day Pop Quiz: CVN Challenges Americans to Test Their Knowledge of the Military Community to Connect with Veterans in More Meaningful Ways STAMFORD, Conn., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- From patriotic parades to concerts to ceremonies, Veterans Day is filled with events across the country to honor those who have served. But as the nation celebrates veterans, the new CVN Military 101 Survey reveals that Americans' overall knowledge about the U.S. military and veterans is low. When asked what percentage of the population has ever served in the U.S. military, nearly half (48%) of Americans answered, "not sure." Now, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) a not-for-profit philanthropic organization that serves post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members and military families through a nationwide system of mental health clinics, is challenging Americans to gain a better understanding about veterans and the military community with a Veterans Day Pop Quiz. With the quiz, the network seeks to bridge the civilian-military divide, helping Americans to connect with veterans in more meaningful ways this Veterans Day and beyond. Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families, is encouraging Americans to gain a better understanding of veterans and the military community with a Veterans Day Pop Quiz. "Each year, our country really shows up for veterans on Veterans Day, which is encouraging," says Cohen Veterans Network President and CEO Dr. Anthony Hassan. "But this year, we're asking Americans to take it one step further by learning something new and interesting about the military community. In doing so, civilians then have an opportunity to engage with veterans more thoughtfully by asking them questions or sharing something that they've learned for an even deeper impact in their show of support." The CVN Military 101 Survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults, conducted by The Harris Poll, also found: More than half (55%) of Americans believe the majority of U.S. veterans experience PTSD. FACT: PTSD impacts 11-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, about 12% of Gulf War veterans and 15% of Vietnam veterans. and war veterans, about 12% of Gulf War veterans and 15% of veterans. More than half (55%) of Americans believe anyone who serves in the military is a called a "soldier." FACT: Every military member is not a soldier. Soldiers are only in the Army. While the Army is the largest component of the U.S. military and their members are called soldiers, there are five other branches of service, and each has its own unique history and name. Military members want to be described correctly: Army (Soldier), Marine Corps (Marine), Navy (Sailor), Air Force (Airman), Space Force (Guardian), and Coast Guard (Coastguardsman). Over a quarter (28%) of Americans answered "not sure" when asked how many branches there are in the U.S. military. Only 14% of Americans provided the correct response. FACT: There are six branches of the U.S. Military Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the recently established Space Force. Nearly 7-in-10 Americans (69%) answered "not sure" when asked how many service members leave military service and transition to civilian life each year. FACT: "Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service and return to life as civilians, a process known as the military-to-civilian transition," according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The experience of transitioning to civilian life varies among veterans and their families. More than half (57%) of Americans answered "not sure" when asked what percentage of the U.S. military is made up of Guardsmen and Reservists. FACT: There are two ways to serve in uniform on active duty, where members' full-time job is putting on the uniform and serving in the Armed Forces; or the Guard and Reserve, where members traditionally serve in uniform part-time, while holding a civilian job in their communities. The National Guard and Reserve make up approximately 33% of the overall military - currently, just over 800,000 individuals. "It is a critical time for us as a nation to do all that we can in support of veterans' mental health," says Dr. Hassan. "Developing meaningful connections with those who have chosen to wear the uniform is a part of that. We hope Americans take our Veterans Day Pop Quiz to gain a better understanding of military service and use that to connect more purposefully with the veteran community." Since its inception in 2016, CVN has treated more than 45,000 clients. The network provides high-quality, accessible mental health services to post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members and military family members through its 22 Cohen Clinics across the country. Treatment is available for a wide variety of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, anger, PTSD, grief and loss, family issues, transition challenges, relationship problems, and children's behavioral problems. Care is available in person or via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy. To take the Veterans Day Pop Quiz and explore meaningful ways to connect with veterans, go to cohenveteransnetwork.org/VeteransDay. ABOUT THE SURVEY The CVN Military 101 Survey was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Cohen Veterans Network and included 2,023 American adults aged 18 or older who participated in an online survey between October 19 - 21, 2022. Results were weighted to Census targets for education, age/gender, race/ethnicity, region, household income, and propensity to be online were adjusted where necessary to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. ABOUT COHEN VETERANS NETWORK Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a 501(c)(3) national not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members and their families. CVN focuses on improving mental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. It was established in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen with a commitment of $275 million to build the network. Learn more about CVN here. SOURCE Cohen Veterans Network TAIPEI, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/-- This article is based on an interview undertaken by FusionMedium's technology online media, TechOrange, and published with permission: The six steps to becoming a truly smart production facility Winson Lu, director of AI Solution BU of AIoT BG at ASUS, noted that one must embark on a journey involving six processes for a traditional factory to go intelligent, including being computerized, connected, visualized, transparent, predictable and adaptable. Winson Lu, director of AI Solution BU of AIoT BG at ASUS, noted that one must embark on a journey involving six processes for a traditional factory to go intelligent, including being computerized, connected, visualized, transparent, predictable , and adaptable. With the arrival of Industry 4.0, factories need to be smart to keep up with the times. Business owners require a significant amount of technical data to effectively estimate changes in production capacity as well as monitor the status of mechanized and automated operations. Further, with the advent of the AIoT era, ASUS has started a long and rigorous transformation process in the face of increasingly fierce competition on a global scale. From the outset, ASUS upgraded its own smart manufacturing and recast the brand. It then followed with the launch of the intelligent cloud services platform Taiwan Web Service Corporation (TWS), transitioning the firm into a fully cloud-native public cloud services provider. Later, ASUS made the security around the cloud information more robust and continued to focus on AI, 5G, and blockchain to benefit from the synergies of technology and business. ASUS invested in several new technologies and processes with an eye to developing advanced manufacturing capabilities, and participated in the AI on Chip Industrial Cooperation Strategic Alliance promoted by the Smart Electronics Industry Product Promotion Office (SIPO) of the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs, in a move to further its commitment to the development of AI on Chip core areas and increasing the visibility and competitiveness of Taiwan's related industries in the international arena. ASUS offered an in-person demo on how the traditional factory can be transformed into a smart one through six processes at the 2023 AI+IoT Smart Manufacturing Ecosystem Forum. 6 processes + 2 phases designed to make the factory really smart Winson Lu, director of the AI Solution Business Unit, a part of AIoT Business Group at ASUS, noted that one must embark on a journey involving six processes for a traditional factory to go intelligent: becoming computerized, connected, visualized, transparent, predictable, and adaptable, and each process must be taken step by step. In the first instance, the factory must become fully computerized and connected so as to be in a position to collect all the information in connection with the operation of all equipment, and only when the actual information data is captured can one advance to the next stage, that of visualization. Having a clear understanding of the current status of all equipment, alongside the ability to predict what can go wrong with any piece of equipment at any point in the production process, the factory can be ready to deal with any and all problems that could occur in real-time and to have an autonomous response where applicable. The six processes took place in two development phases. In the first phase - Smart Factory 1.0, ASUS established a complete infrastructure, collecting equipment information and building a new database, providing a foundation for the data analysis in the next phase - Smart Factory 2.0. At the same time, ASUS split the Smart Factory System Architecture into four layers, including equipment control, site management, corporate operation, and collaborative business. ASUS incorporated the equipment control and the site management layers into the central monitoring and management platform, unifying factory big data and creating visualization models. Real-time data and information analysis, such as production, quality, and labor indicators, as well as production expenditure costs, can be monitored by the factory information center, allowing senior managers to make operational and managerial decisions in real-time. In addition to the central monitoring and management platform, AR glasses, automated unmanned handling systems, and AI defect detection systems also served as important tools to significantly enhance production efficiency. New technologies alongside the central system drive up efficiency across the whole of the factory Winson Lu said that AR glasses can be quite useful in three scenarios: remote collaboration, information data display, and material identification/shipment confirmation. Once a worker put on the AR glasses, not only is a plethora of information about the factory displayed in front of the worker's line of vision but he or she can collaborate remotely by transmitting information about the situation on-site to remote personnel immediately. As the pandemic ravaged the world, AR glasses could be described as the savior of many large factories. During the extensive lockdown period, equipment experts could not fly to Taiwan nor could they enter the factory to maintain equipment. Business owners fretted as the entire production line could find itself at a standstill in extreme cases if the cause of the equipment breakdown could not be identified. The AR glasses presented a solution. Even if the equipment expert is on the other side of the globe, as long as the factory personnel donned the AR glasses and turned on the camera function, they can let the remote expert see for himself the status of any piece of equipment through the AR view feature and then assist the field personnel to repair and maintain the equipment, so that the factory could quickly return to normal operation. When the pandemic stood in the way of workers were able to come to work and materials were being unloaded, the automated unmanned handling system provided the best solution for a large factory that lacked manpower. In the solution developed by ASUS, as soon as the manufacturing execution system assigns the work order, the smart storage system will start to prepare the materials and notify the automated unmanned handling system to collect them, achieving a fully automated process. This reduces manpower demand and human error on site, improves the efficiency of material handling, and shortens the time needed to switch processing jobs. ASUS also developed an AI defect detection system. During the production process, defective components can be detected to effectively reduce time lost and scrap rates. In addition, the system can be used to conduct an inspection prior to product packaging to prevent non-conforming products from entering the market with the knock-on effect of reducing customer complaints. In the era of Industry 4.0, the smart factory equipped with a central monitoring platform and various new technological devices has become a key part of manufacturing. Yet even more advances are in the offing with a digital twins, machine learning, and a wide range of AI solutions, all of which will optimize the existing solution and make the factory ever smarter. SOURCE Fusionmedium NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Technavio categorizes the Global Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Market as a part of the parent technology hardware, storage, and peripherals market, covering manufacturers of cellular phones, personal computers, servers, electronic computer components, and peripherals. The Global Augmented reality and virtual reality Market share is set to increase by USD 364557.67 Million from 2022 to 2027. Moreover, the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 52.37% as per the latest market forecast report by Technavio. The market will also record a 31.83% Y-O-Y growth rate during the forecast period. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market 2023-2027 To know more about the historic market size Request a Free Sample Report! Global Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market - Customer Landscape Our report analyzes the Life Cycle of the Global Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. The report illustrates the lifecycle of the global augmented reality and virtual reality market, focusing on the adoption rates of the major countries such as the US, China, Japan, Germany, and the UK. 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 Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market Vendor Analysis Vendor Landscape - The global AR and VR market is fragmented, and the vendors are deploying growth strategies such as technological advancements to compete in the market. The market players also significantly leverage external market drivers, such as increasing dependence on apps and the proliferation of AR apps for numerous activities to achieve growth opportunities. However, factors such as hardware limitations will challenge the growth of the market participants. The increasing awareness among potential customers provides enormous opportunities for small vendors, encourages small vendors to innovate and succeed in a strong competitive environment, allows vendors to understand customers' interests, and enables direct interaction with potential buyers. Thus, making the market competitive. Key Vendor Profiles - Alphabet Inc. Apple Inc. Augmented Pixels Inc. Blippar Ltd. CyberGlove Systems Inc. Eon Reality Inc. To know about all 15 major vendor offerings Download a FREE sample Now! Global Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality 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 Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market as per geography is categorized into APAC, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report provides an accurate prediction of the contribution of all regions to the growth of the Global Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market size and actionable market understandings. Regional Highlights - APAC is the fastest-growing region in the global augmented reality and virtual reality market compared to other regions. 35% of the market's growth will originate from APAC. Factors such as the presence of key vendors, growing investments in AR and VR technology from key vendors, rising adoption of technologically advanced applications among consumers, and strong research activities to increase the application of AR and VR technologies are driving the growth of the market in the region. The US and Canada are the leading contributors to the AR and VR market in the region. The presence of key vendors in the region is likely to further augment the growth of the AR and VR market in North America . is the fastest-growing region in the global augmented reality and virtual reality market compared to other regions. of the market's growth will originate from APAC. Factors such as the presence of key vendors, growing investments in AR and VR technology from key vendors, rising adoption of technologically advanced applications among consumers, and strong research activities to increase the application of AR and VR technologies are driving the growth of the market in the region. The US and are the leading contributors to the AR and VR market in the region. The presence of key vendors in the region is likely to further augment the growth of the AR and VR market in . Revenue Generating Segment Highlights - The Global Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market as per technology segmentation is categorized into AR and VR. The augmented reality and virtual reality market share growth by the AR segment will be significant during the forecast period. Factors such as new product (hardware and software) launches, growing adoption of AR in different application areas, and rising funding and investments in AR technology are attributed to the high growth rate of the AR segment. Download a FREE Sample Report that can help you to strategize your sales revenue - Get it now! Global Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market Market Dynamics Major Driver - The increasing demand for AR and VR technology is driving the growth of the augmented reality and virtual reality market. The adoption of AR and VR technologies has increased significantly in the last decade. The growing application areas of AR and VR technology in different fields, such as education, medical, retail, and training is boosting the growth of the market. In addition, technological innovations from vendors, coupled with the growing preference for online shopping are driving the growth of the market in focus. The increasing demand for AR and VR technology is driving the growth of the augmented reality and virtual reality market. The adoption of AR and VR technologies has increased significantly in the last decade. The growing application areas of AR and VR technology in different fields, such as education, medical, retail, and training is boosting the growth of the market. In addition, technological innovations from vendors, coupled with the growing preference for online shopping are driving the growth of the market in focus. Major Trend - Growing funding in startup AR and VR companies from investors is a major trend in the market. The growing popularity of AR and VR technologies is attracting significant funding from different companies as the application of these technologies is going beyond gaming to enterprises, healthcare, and marketing. The funding from venture capitalists in small startups will promote technological advancement in the AR and VR market, which will boost the growth of the global AR and VR market during the forecast period. Growing funding in startup AR and VR companies from investors is a major trend in the market. The growing popularity of AR and VR technologies is attracting significant funding from different companies as the application of these technologies is going beyond gaming to enterprises, healthcare, and marketing. The funding from venture capitalists in small startups will promote technological advancement in the AR and VR market, which will boost the growth of the global AR and VR market during the forecast period. Major Challenges - The risks associated with AR and VR applications may challenge the augmented reality and virtual reality market growth. AR and VR collect and process vast amounts of information about users and their environment. Therefore, privacy concerns are a major challenge in the global AR and VR market. Information security risks are mostly related to AR games, which, by their nature, involve interaction with the real world. AR users engage actively with technology in various activities, such as taking photos and capturing videos on devices, which often track location data. The safety of this information depends largely on users' behavior, how actively they share their AR experiences on social media and how freely they share their information with AR application providers. 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 Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market 2023-2027: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2023-2027 Detailed information on factors that will assist augmented reality and virtual reality market growth during the next five years Estimation of the augmented reality and virtual reality market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the augmented reality and virtual reality market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of augmented reality and virtual reality market vendors Related Reports The augmented reality in retail market study is a comprehensive report with in-depth qualitative and quantitative research evaluating the current scenario and analyzing the growth of 39.0 and a CAGR of 41.7% with the market share increasing by USD 9.24 billion during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by type (apparel, furniture, lighting, and decor, footwear, grocery, and others) and geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and the Middle East and Africa ). study is a comprehensive report with in-depth qualitative and quantitative research evaluating the current scenario and analyzing the growth of 39.0 and a CAGR of 41.7% with the market share increasing by during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. The market is segmented by type (apparel, furniture, lighting, and decor, footwear, grocery, and others) and geography ( , , APAC, , and the and ). The augmented and virtual reality in healthcare market share is expected to increase by USD 6.55 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 29.13%. The market is segmented by component (hardware and software) and geography ( North America , Europe , APAC, South America , and the Middle East and Africa ). Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2022 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 52.37% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 364557.67 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 31.83 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 35% Key consumer countries US, China, Japan, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Alphabet Inc., Apple Inc., Augmented Pixels Inc., Blippar Ltd., CyberGlove Systems Inc., Eon Reality Inc., HP Inc., HTC Corp., Innovega Inc., Lenovo Group Ltd., Magic Leap Inc., Microsoft Corp., PTC Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Seiko Epson Corp., Toshiba Corp., Vuzix Corp., Wikitude GmbH, Zugara Inc., and Maxst Co. Ltd. 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 Technology 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 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 augmented reality and virtual reality market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global augmented reality and virtual reality market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 By technology Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size By technology Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 By application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size By application Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 By geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size By 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 Technology 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Technology - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Technology - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Technology Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Technology Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Technology 6.3 AR - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on AR - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on AR - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on AR - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on AR - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 VR - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on VR - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on VR - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on VR - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on VR - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Technology Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Technology ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Application 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Application 7.3 Consumer - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on Consumer - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Consumer - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on Consumer - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on Consumer - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Enterprise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Enterprise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Enterprise - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Enterprise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Enterprise - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 55: Market opportunity by Application ($ 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 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 (%) 9.5 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 (%) 9.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: 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 77: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on South America - 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 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on Japan - 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 Alphabet Inc. Exhibit 108: Alphabet Inc. - Overview Exhibit 109: Alphabet Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 110: Alphabet Inc. - Key news Exhibit 111: Alphabet Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 112: Alphabet Inc. - Segment focus 12.4 Apple Inc. Exhibit 113: Apple Inc. - Overview Exhibit 114: Apple Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 115: Apple Inc. - Key news Exhibit 116: Apple Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 117: Apple Inc. - Segment focus 12.5 Augmented Pixels Inc. Exhibit 118: Augmented Pixels Inc. - Overview Exhibit 119: Augmented Pixels Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 120: Augmented Pixels Inc. - Key offerings 12.6 Blippar Ltd. Exhibit 121: Blippar Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 122: Blippar Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 123: Blippar Ltd. - Key offerings 12.7 CyberGlove Systems Inc. Exhibit 124: CyberGlove Systems Inc. - Overview Exhibit 125: CyberGlove Systems Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 126: CyberGlove Systems Inc. - Key offerings 12.8 HP Inc. Exhibit 127: HP Inc. - Overview Exhibit 128: HP Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 129: HP Inc. - Key news Exhibit 130: HP Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 131: HP Inc. - Segment focus 12.9 HTC Corp. Exhibit 132: HTC Corp. - Overview Exhibit 133: HTC Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 134: HTC Corp. - Key offerings 12.10 Lenovo Group Ltd. Exhibit 135: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 136: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 137: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 138: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Segment focus 12.11 Magic Leap Inc. Exhibit 139: Magic Leap Inc. - Overview Exhibit 140: Magic Leap Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 141: Magic Leap Inc. - Key offerings 12.12 Microsoft Corp. Exhibit 142: Microsoft Corp. - Overview Exhibit 143: Microsoft Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 144: Microsoft Corp. - Key news Exhibit 145: Microsoft Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 146: Microsoft Corp. - Segment focus 12.13 PTC Inc. Exhibit 147: PTC Inc. - Overview Exhibit 148: PTC Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 149: PTC Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 150: PTC Inc. - Segment focus 12.14 Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Exhibit 151: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 152: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 153: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 154: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 155: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. - Segment focus 12.15 Seiko Epson Corp. Exhibit 156: Seiko Epson Corp. - Overview Exhibit 157: Seiko Epson Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 158: Seiko Epson Corp. - Key news Exhibit 159: Seiko Epson Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 160: Seiko Epson Corp. - Segment focus 12.16 Toshiba Corp. Exhibit 161: Toshiba Corp. - Overview Exhibit 162: Toshiba Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 163: Toshiba Corp. - Key news Exhibit 164: Toshiba Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 165: Toshiba Corp. - Segment focus 12.17 Zugara Inc. Exhibit 166: Zugara Inc. - Overview Exhibit 167: Zugara Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 168: Zugara Inc. - 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 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/ SOURCE Technavio VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Awale Resources Limited ("Awale" or the "Company") (TSXV: ARIC) is pleased to announce the results of the Annual General Meeting as well as shareholder approval of the acquisition of Colossal Gold Resources Limited ("the Acquisition") and its gold projects in Suriname. Final TSXV acceptance of the Acquisition is conditional on the Company satisfying the requirements outlined in the TSXV's conditional acceptance letter in compliance with TSXV Policy 5.3 which the Company is in the process of completing (refer news release date October 11, 2022). The Company held its annual general meeting of shareholders on November 7, 2022 (the "Meeting") and at that Meeting all motions brought before shareholders were strongly approved including the Acquisition. Please refer to our Website www.awaleresources.com on the Investor Tab under Shareholder Meetings for the detailed results. Furthermore, Chief Executive Officer, Glen Parsons, will be giving an update presentation on November 16, 2022 at 12 noon Vancouver, via the KE Report Webinar Service. The Webinar will focus on the Company's renewed exploration strategy which includes the exciting highly prospective acquisition in Suriname and an update on activities at the Odienne Project JV. Note the anticipated drilling at the Odienne Project will be commencing before the end of November 2022 over the compelling geochemical and geophysical Iron Oxide Copper Gold targets at the Sceptre and Charger prospects. Please click on the Webinar link attached to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4bSdEA30T-2OAaWxVN7acQ About Awale Resources Awale is an exploration company focused on the discovery of large high-grade gold and copper-gold deposits. The Company currently undertakes exploration activities in the underexplored parts of Cote d'Ivoire. Awale's success to date at the Odienne Project in the Northwest of Cote d'Ivoire has culminated in a fully funded earn-in Joint Venture with Newmont (the "Newmont JV") covering the Odienne Project where two primary targets for world-class discoveries have been made: i) the gold-rich Empire corridor and ii) the recently defined Charger, Sceptre and now Lando Iron Oxide Copper Gold ("IOCG") targets. Parts of the remaining 200km2 of granted tenure and 400km2 under application remains underexplored and offers significant IOCG potential. The Newmont JV forms the solid foundation for Awale to continue looking at new opportunities in new jurisdictions which offer significant potential for district scale discoveries. Awale is currently in the process of completing the acquisition of Colossal Gold Resources, a private company with a highly prospective gold exploration portfolio in Suriname, which provides an excellent strategic fit and future growth potential for Awale. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD AWALE RESOURCES LIMITED. "Glen Parsons" Glen Parsons, President and CEO Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including without limitation, the operation of a geophysical survey program and subsequent drilling and the expected outcomes and results, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company and its properties, and other matters.. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by such information. The statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Cautionary Statement 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. SOURCE Awale Resources Mariano Mattei brings extensive experience as a CISO Consultant providing governance, risk, and compliance solutions HATBORO, Pa., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The life sciences industry ranks number three in the amount of cybersecurity breaches nationwide, with targets tripling since the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic.1 Without robust cybersecurity infrastructure, life science companies are at risk of breaches ranging from patient data to intellectual property. Mariano Mattei joins Azzur Group In order to meet the cybersecurity needs of life science companies today, Azzur Group announces the appointment of Mariano Mattei, CCISO, CCSFP, CHQP, to Vice President of Cybersecurity. In this new role, Mariano will focus on collaborating with clients to mitigate risk across their enterprises, as well as proactively build the infrastructure to maintain compliance. "I'm pleased to join Azzur Group," said Mariano Mattei , Vice President of Cybersecurity, Azzur Group. "I look forward to spearheading cybersecurity innovative quality and solutions to further assist life science companies with protecting critical data and systems." Prior to joining Azzur Group, Mariano spent a decade as a cybersecurity and CISO consultant providing governance, risk, and compliance solutions for clients across multiple regulated industries, including life sciences. He began his career as a software engineer and spent more than 19 years with IBM, including time as a Global SWAT Team Manager providing innovative ways to problem solve while out in the field at customer sites. Mariano is a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), a Certified Cybersecurity Framework Professional (CCSFP), a Certified HITRUST Quality Professional (CHQP), and One Trust Certified. A Philadelphia native, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Temple University, and he is currently enrolled in its cybersecurity master's program. "I am very excited to see Mariano joining our team," said Michael Kazakevich , Senior Director and Managing Partner, Azzur Group. "With his deep knowledge of cybersecurity in life sciences and especially the medical device industry, Azzur Group will be able to offer additional services to help companies to become less vulnerable to cyber-attacks." From Azzur on-demand cleanroom facilities, to laboratory services , training centers , and consulting and advisory offices across the nation, Azzur helps organizations start, scale, and sustain their enterprises. With four decades of service to the industry, Azzur is a trusted partner to leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and healthcare companies, as well as their supply chain. For more information, visit Azzur.com . About Azzur Group From Discovery to Delivery, Azzur Group provides the life science community full life-cycle solutions for all their GxP needs. From Azzur Cleanrooms on Demand facilities to our labs, training centers, and consulting offices across the nation, Azzur Group helps organizations start, scale, and sustain their growing enterprises. With nearly four decades of service to the life science community, we have become a trusted partner to the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and healthcare companies, as well as their supply chain. Follow us on LinkedIn . For more information, visit Azzur.com . 1 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). (n.d.). Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Report 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2021_IC3Report.pdf SOURCE Azzur Group, LLC BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. (NYSE; BYMA; MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX: XBBAR) today announced that it will report its Third Quarter 2022 results. Earnings Release Tuesday November 22, 2022 Time: After market close Conference Call Wednesday, November 23, 2022 Time: 12:00 p.m. Buenos Aires time (10:00 a.m. EST) Quiet Period From Tuesday, November 8, through Tuesday, November 22, 2022 Executives Ms. Carmen Morillo Arroyo, Chief Financial Officer Ms. Ines Lanusse, Investor Relations Officer Ms. Belen Fourcade, Investor Relations To participate, please dial in: 1-844-450-3851 (US Toll-Free) 1-412-317-6373 (International) 54-11-3984-5677 (Argentina) Web Phone: click here Conference ID: BBVA Webcast & Replay: click here BBVA Argentina Investor Relations [email protected] ir.bbva.com.ar About BBVA Argentina Banco BBVA Argentina (NYSE, BYMA, MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX: XBBAR) is a subsidiary of the BBVA Group, the principal shareholder since 1996. In Argentina, it is one of the leading private financial institutions since 1886. Nationwide, Banco BBVA Argentina offers retail and corporate banking to a broad customer base, including: individuals, SME's, and large-sized companies. Banco BBVA Argentina's purpose is to bring the age of opportunities to everyone, based on our customers' real needs, providing the best solutions, and helping them make the best financial decisions, through an easy and convenient experience. The institution rests in solid values: "Customer comes first, we think big and we are one team". At the same time, its responsible banking model aspires to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable society. SOURCE Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. This lawsuit is on behalf of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Barclays American Depositary Receipts on a U.S. open market between February 18, 2021 and March 25, 2022. Lead Plaintiff Deadline: November 22, 2022 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in BCS: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/barclays-loss-submission-form?id=33406&from=4 Barclays PLC NEWS - BCS NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Barclays PLC made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: a) as of December 31, 2020 and February 18, 2021, Barclays had a material weakness in its internal control environment due to the fact that the over-issuance had occurred and was not immediately identified; and b) they failed to disclose that as of February 18, 2021 (i) Barclays Bank PLC ("BBPLC") had and was selling unregistered securities in excess of the amounts registered by the August 2019 shelf registration statement, (ii) BBPLC was violating U.S. securities laws and/or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, subjecting Barclays to legal liability, and (iii) BBPLC was required to conduct a rescission offer for those unregistered securities. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Barclays you have until November 22, 2022 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Barclays securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the BCS lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/barclays-loss-submission-form?id=33406&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm WARWICK, R.I., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bierman Autism Centers (Bierman) is excited to announce that they will host an Open House this month for their Warwick center on November 12. This event will provide parents, guardians, and caregivers of children diagnosed with autism an opportunity to tour the center while the Bierman team provides sensory-friendly activities for the kids and watches them as they play. This event will be on Saturday, November 12, from 10 a.m. 12 p.m. EST at 487 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886. "This event is a great opportunity for the Warwick and Rhode Island community to come tour and explore our center. Families will be able to meet with our team and learn more while their kids get the chance to experience the joy and fun of our center! It's a fun and relaxed way to learn more about what makes Bierman different," said Amanda Jacquart, Bierman's Regional Manager of Operations in Rhode Island. The open concept of the facility allows kids the opportunity to learn and play in a safe and engaging environment. Bierman opened the doors to their third center in Warwick this summer, which joined their other Rhode Island centers in Cranston and East Bay. Anyone interested in the center but cannot attend the Open House is welcome to schedule a tour of the facility by calling 800-931-8113 or by emailing [email protected]. ABOUT BIERMAN www.biermanautism.com Bierman Autism Centers is a place where kids as young as 18 months to 9 years of age engage in play to learn foundational skills they can build on, such as self-advocacy and communication. They recognize that every kid's success is unique, and their one-on-one approach allows them to drive progress, and measurable outcomes, while each child is advancing on their own terms. With almost 200 graduations, Bierman currently has centers and is expanding in: Arizona, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. For more about Bierman Autism Centers, visit https://www.biermanautism.com/or contact Alexis Ducharme, at [email protected]. Media Contact: Alexis Ducharme VP of Marketing [email protected] SOURCE Bierman Autism Centers BOSTON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Branden Ryu, CEO and Founder of BIORCHESTRA Ltd. (S. Korea), was a featured speaker at a plenary session of the RNA Leaders Congress USA in Boston, MA, on October 18th, 2022. Dr Ryu focused on the new efficacy data of their leading compound, BMD-001, derived from studies in non-human primates that demonstrated clearance of both amyloid- and tau pathological proteins. RNA Leaders USA focuses on the scientific, clinical and commercial development of RNA therapeutics and vaccines. The meeting brings together the most senior executives to deliver updates from across the full RNA landscape (RNAi, antisense technologies, small molecule targeting, mRNA, and more). In addition to Dr. Branden Ryu, other senior leaders present represented Ionis, Alnylam, Sanofi, Bayer, Eli Lilly, Astra Zeneca, Roche, and a number of emerging biotech companies. A particular focus of the meeting was the challenge of delivering RNA-based therapeutics to specific organs, in particular to the brain. In his talk, Dr Ryu presented data generated in collaboration with the National Primate Research Center of the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology. Using a primate disease-induction model of Alzheimer's disease, BIORCHESTRA was able to demonstrate brain target (microRNA-485-3p) engagement by intravenously administered BMD-001, and subsequent clearance of both amyloid- and tau proteins. Thus, it was again confirmed, this time using a primate model of Alzheimer's disease, that BIORCHESTRA's Drug Delivery System (BDDS) penetrates the blood brain barrier and delivers to the relevant cell types to ameliorate neurodegenerative changes. The data further demonstrated widespread distribution of BMD-001 into the cortex, bulbar and cord regions. In the conference presentation, Dr Ryu stated: "The encouraging results of this experiment are that the intravenous injection of our BDDS can deliver drugs broadly in the CNS: to the frontal lobe, thalamus, hypothalamus, striatum and hippocampus, as well as to the spine." He further added: "This experiment confirmed the biodistribution data previously established in the non-human primate but, in addition, the efficacy of BMD-001 established in smaller animal disease models is now confirmed with an efficacy read-out in the non-human primate. This gives us confidence that our brain delivery platform is scalable to the human context", he concluded. [about BIORCHESTRA] BIORCHESTRA is a South Korean-based biotechnology company focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's Disease. BIORCHESTRA was founded in 2016 by Dr. Branden Ryu based on his doctoral and postdoctoral work in this field. The most advanced drugs in the BIORCHESTRA pipeline focus on neurodegenerative diseases and target a key regulator of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, microRNA-485-3p. Other programs focus on CNS oncology and genetic brain disease, such as Huntington's Disease. BIORCHESTRA remains privately funded and has recently opened an R&D Center and GMP Manufacturing facility in its home city of Daejeon, South Korea. In addition to Daejeon, South Korea, BIORCHESTRA also has offices in One Kendall, Cambridge, MA, USA. NYC Innovation QuickFire Challenge on Neuroscience | Johnson & Johnson Innovation (jnjinnovation.com) https://www.skbp.com/eng/news/view.do?boardCode=BDCD0001&boardSeq=546tPage=1&search=biorchestra Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940002/image_5018367_28573219.jpg SOURCE BIORCHESTRA The Hydrogen Water Brand Brings Natural, Clean, Sustainable Standards to the Popular New Form of Hydration FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. and SYDNEY, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The benefits of water are well documented. So are those of hydrogen gas. This has led many to suspect that key benefits could be unlocked when these two simple, building-block ingredients are combined. Specifically, the addition of hydrogen gas to water (which already has hydrogen as the "H" in H2O) helps increase the availability of hydrogen for the body to absorb. This led Dr. Shigeo Ohta from Nippon Medical University in Japan to add hydrogen gas to water for the first time in 2007. Since then, the two have been combined in various ways in an attempt to tap into greater health benefits a process that has been moderately successful until now. Boundless is an innovative Australian company that has created a popular hydrogen water brand in the Land Down Under. The enterprise has found remarkable success, partly due to its unique approach to doing business. "Boundless functions not just as a beverage brand but as a global research and technology-focused institution," says the founder David Goo, "This combination of focal points has helped the Boundless team establish itself as a pioneer in the quickly expanding hydrogen water business." One area where this innovative attitude shines is how Boundless combines its two ingredients. It uses a physical infusion process, which it refers to as hydrokinetic ultrasonic fluid mixing. This uses nanotechnology to mix the hydrogen into the water, naturally boosting the latter without the need for chemicals. Boundless's commitment to sustainability is also unique. In addition to the usage of 100% recyclable cans, all of its "green" hydrogen molecules come from renewable sources, making the business as good for the Earth's longevity as its products are for the body's long-term sustenance. Add in the company's scrupulous Australian-backed manufacturing methods, and Boundless remains at the cutting edge of a blooming beverage industry that has the potential to redefine how the world views healthy drinks. About Boundless Boundless Hydrogen Water was created by a research team led by Dr. Jeffery Son as a natural, comprehensive solution for his daughter's eczema. The product was successful, not just for topical skin but for various general health benefits. The Brand is established as a market leader through the development of the company's unique, non-chemical, Australian manufacturing method, and its founding team has worked tirelessly to share its hydrogen water with the world ever since. Boundless is backed by both science and continuous research and operates with the mission of using technology to unlock human potential and create the future of beverages. Learn more at boundlesshydrogenwater.com . Media Contact David Goo M 0478 915 888 [email protected] Suite 6.11, 55 Miller Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 SOURCE Boundless CALGARY, AB, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Syantra, a precision healthcare company changing the way cancer is detected and treated, will present findings from the IDBC Study at the 13th European Breast Cancer Conference, held in Barcelona, Spain from 16 -18 November 2022. "We are excited to be selected by the 13th EBCC Scientific Committee for a Poster Spotlight Session. Our results will contribute to the field's understanding of how whole blood analysis can be applied in cancer detection and treatment," said Kristina Rinker, PhD. "We are looking forward to discussing latest results and engaging with stakeholders advancing cancer detection and treatment." Professor Nigel Bundred, Surgical Oncologist with the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, will present study data during the poster spotlight session. "The study findings are extremely promising. While breast cancer screening saves lives, many women's breast cancers are being missed. This is particularly true for young women with dense breast tissue which can make breast cancer difficult to see on a mammogram" said Professor Bundred. "More sensitive tests are needed to detect cancer earlier when it may be easier to treat. We are excited to share data, which supports the role of the blood test in complementing current imaging approaches for breast cancer detection." Please join Syantra at booth #A1 from 16-18 November 2022 at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), Placa de Willy Brandt, 11-14, 08019, Barcelona, Spain. In addition to stopping by our exhibitor booth, please attend our speaker presentation and peruse our scientific poster. Presentation Details Session Type: Poster Spotlight Session Date/Time: 16 November 2022, 13:30pm 14:20pm CET (GMT+1) Location: Dedicated Poster Exhibition Area Speaker: Professor Nigel Bundred, MD, FRCS Abstract: Breast Cancer Whole Blood Screening: Analytical and Clinical Performance from Early Analysis of the IDBC Study About Syantra Syantra is a precision healthcare company changing the way cancer is detected and treated. Its flagship product, Syantra DXTM Breast Cancer, is a minimally invasive and high-performance blood test for the detection of breast cancer. For further information please visit: www.syantra.com Media Inquiries: [email protected] SOURCE Syantra Inc. United Recovery Project CEO and Host of the HELL HAS AN EXIT Podcast Digs Into the Details of the Decades-Long Battle With Apanovitch, His Attorney, and Others FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The popular podcast HELL HAS AN EXIT typically focuses on addiction-related topics, but there are times when host Bryan Alzate will wade into other weighty, interrelated matters. This is the case with the latest episode, which was released October 25th at 4 pm EST, where Alzate sat down with a quartet of guests to break down the wrongful conviction of Anthony Apanovitch a tragic and infuriating case that has been dragging out for over three decades. Apanovitch was convicted of the murder of Cleveland resident Maryann Flynn in 1984. After a multi-month investigation, he was arrested and sentenced to death based on circumstantial evidence. He spent the following years obsessing over reading every law book and legal paper he could find from his cell in an attempt to figure out how he could end up there so easily. Decades later, a medical examiner found and retested DNA samples proving Apanovitch's innocence, only to sit on the evidence for nearly ten more years. When an appeal forced the reveal of the critical information, it led to Aponovich's exoneration, leading to a lengthy, year-long release from the jail system. Not long afterward, the decision to exonerate was reversed due to issues within the court system, leaving Aponovich stuck in a hellish, indecisive, and unresolved middle ground in the present. The episode is presented in a documentary style. Along with the audio version (which is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other major streaming platforms), it can also be viewed at YouTube.com/HellHasanExit . The guest lineup includes attorney Dale Baich who has represented death row inmate Anthony Apanovitch for over three decades. Alzate is also joined by Ohio State representative Jean Schmidt, who brings key insight into the policies and processes of prison sentences in Ohio including the death sentence. Allison Cohen, Director of Communications for the organization Ohioans to Stop Executions, also adds to the conversation. Most importantly, Alzate speaks to Anthony Apanovitch himself, digging into the experience and trauma of spending over 32 years on death row for a crime he didn't commit. The episode offers a chilling yet enlightening picture of the state of the Ohio prison and death sentence system and sheds light on one of the most unjust and tragic convictions in recent U.S. history. Readers can show their support by signing the online petition for the quick and just resolution of Apanovitch's tragic circumstances. About HELL HAS AN EXIT HELL HAS AN EXIT is an enormously popular and quickly growing podcast. The show is globally ranked in the top 1.5% in popularity and regularly focuses on overcoming the struggles of addiction. Learn more at hellhasanexitpod.com . About United Recovery Project Bryan Alzate is also a co-founder and the current CEO of United Recovery Project (URP). Founded in 2016 in Hollywood, Florida, the addiction treatment program prides itself on offering an all-inclusive selection of programs that can be tailored to each client's needs. URP is in the process of expanding to other states, as well including new facilities in Laguna Hills, CA where it hopes to offer ongoing substance abuse help to those who need it as well as their loved ones. Learn more at unitedrecoveryproject.com . Media Contact: Maria Arredondo Director of Marketing United Recovery Project (305) 600-9204 [email protected] SOURCE United Recovery Project VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc. (TSXV: BILD), a growing omnichannel building material retailer, today announced that it will report its third quarter 2022 financial results before the market open on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company's financial results at 9:30 am EST on the same day. BuildDirect Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results Conference Call When: Wednesday, November 16, 2022 Time: 9:30 am EST Live Call: (888) 664-6392 (North America Toll-Free) or (416) 764-8659 with confirmation ID: 61124202. Replay: (888) 390-0541 (North America Toll-Free) or (416) 764-8677 (Toronto) with entry code: 124202#. The replay will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the live call until 8:59 pm EST on November 23, 2022. The conference call will also be available via webcast on the Investor Relations section of BuildDirect's website at https://ir.builddirect.com/events-and-presentations. About BuildDirect BuildDirect (TSXV: BILD) is a growing omnichannel building material retailer. BuildDirect connects North American home improvement B2B and B2C organizations, and homeowners with quality building materials and services through its robust global supply chain network. BuildDirect's growth trajectory, strong product offering, and proprietary heavyweight delivery network are delivering value today, solidifying its position as an innovative player in the home improvement industry. For more information, visit www.BuildDirect.com. Neither the 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. Contact information: Matthew Alexander, Interim CFO BuildDirect IR 1-778-382-7748 [email protected] SOURCE BuildDirect.com Technologies Inc. Credit Union Branches Accepting Donations of New, Unwrapped Toys through December 17 GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- California Credit Union, in partnership with the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club, invites you to make a difference in a child's life this holiday season by participating in its 2022 Holiday Toy Drive. Through December 17th, California Credit Union encourages community members to drop off a new, unwrapped toy to any of its branch locations in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Donations needed include toys or gifts appropriate for any age, up to 17 years old. All gifts will be distributed to Club kids and families during the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club annual holiday celebration on December 20th. A complete list of California Credit Union locations is available here. "Donating just one gift can make a huge difference in a child's life this holiday season. We ask our community members to add another gift to their holiday shopping list and drop it off at any of our branches. Together, we can bring some holiday magic to the children in our community," said California Credit Union President/CEO Steve O'Connell. This year, the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club plans to distribute over 600 holiday gifts to the Club families it serves in communities across Northeast Los Angeles. The organization's mission is to inspire and enable all youth, especially from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, care and responsible members of the community. Classes for teens include gang prevention, Relationship Smarts, social interaction, wellness, the arts, and physical fitness. For more information about the Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club, please visit labgc.org. More information about California Credit Union's Holiday Toy Drive can be found here. About California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of over $4 billion, California Credit Union has 24 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Visit ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @CaliforniaCreditUnion. SOURCE California Credit Union MIPIM (The Leading Property Market) 2022 SAINT-LAURENT-DU-VAR, France, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The jury of this year's MIPIM Awards has recognized Altarea Commerce's CAP3000 as the "Best Shopping Centre" in the world thanks to an extension overlooking the sea completed in 2021. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/9107951-cap3000-named-worlds-best-shopping-centre-2022/ CAP3000 NAMED WORLDS BEST SHOPPING CENTRE 2022 For Ludovic Castillo, Chairman of Altarea Commerce's Management Board "We're very proud to receive this international award. Having CAP3000 named the best shopping centre in the world is a big vote of confidence for us and welcome recognition for all our hardworking teams. It's especially nice to be receiving an international award here in Cannes, just minutes away from CAP3000." For Felipe Goncalves, Managing Director of CAP3000 "It's a great day for us. This award recognizes a feat of architecture that has opened the shopping centre onto the Mediterranean and revolutionized our customer experience. It also recognizes how visionary CAP3000 has been ever, since it was built in 1969. The mall is a trendsetter in the retail world and is always one step ahead of consumer needs and expectations. That retail savvy adds to the allure of the Cote d'Azur and of France as a whole." With the extension, CAP3000 is the first shopping centre in the world with BiodiverCity certification and a BREEAM "Excellent" rating. With 4,000 employees, the shopping centre is also the fourth largest employer in the Maritime Alps. ABOUT CAP3000 Opened on October 21, 1969 Extension architecture: Groupe 6 Extension design: Jouin Manku 135,000 m2 of surface area, including a 70,000 m2 extension and 5,000 m2 of patio space 300 shops and 50 restaurants 4,200 parking spots ABOUT ALTAREA COMMERCE Altarea Commerce is the Altarea Group's retail operator and stands today as France's leading retail developer. The company develops, invests in, and manages commercial properties and has a unique suite of commercial real estate capabilities that runs the full value creation chain, from development and acquisitions to sales. Altarea Commerce manages a portfolio of 42 properties with a total value of some 5 billion euros, primarily in France but also in Italy and Spain. This agile and visionary company is reinventing retail and helping to foster friendly, diversified, and connected cities that create jobs while reducing their environmental impact. To that end, 100% of Altarea Commerce's properties are BREEAM In-Use certified. www.altarea.com Julie Magnan Antonini - Marketing Director [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940102/CAP3000_COTE_DAZUR.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940103/CAP3000.jpg SOURCE CAP3000 COTE DAZUR BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized "opening up" 29 times. He stresses that China adheres to the right course of economic globalization. It strives to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation; advance bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation; and boost international macroeconomic policy coordination. It is committed to working with other countries to foster an international environment conducive to development and create new drivers for global growth. CGTN: An up-close and personal look at Chinas opening up and globalization Wang Huiyao, the Director of the Center for China and Globalization, said that for those who have lived through the past half century, globalization is the physical reality that keeps changing the people's lifestyle, a momentum for individuals to change the trajectory of their lives. From his personal experience, he believes that had there not been China's integration of globalization with reform and opening up, he would have missed all the opportunities towards self-realization, and China have also remained in limbo, without achieving all the progress. He says that overseas studies contributed lifelong values both to his global knowledge and career, given him skills and professional knowledge on how to work internationally, while seeking to collaborate with people of diverse cultural backgrounds. China's integration into the global system has created great benefits. China's opening-up laid the foundation for poverty alleviation. Since 1978, 770 million rural residents living below the poverty line have been lifted out of poverty. The country realized its poverty reduction goal from the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a decade ahead of the schedule. It has become the second largest economy in the world and, over the past decade, contributed over 30 percent of global GDP growth. Today, globalization faces many challenges. Social inequalities, climate change, the pandemics all of the intricate problems embedded in the process of globalization have transformed into a mighty force to stand against it. Some have blamed China as the saboteur of international order. But data shows a different story. China is one of the largest contributors to the UN Peace-keeping mission among P5 countries. Since joining the World Trade Organization, China has significantly relaxed market access and reduced the overall level of import tariffs from 15.3 percent to 7.4 percent, fulfilling the "TWO accession" commitments. China has been active in multilateral institutions like the BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The 20th CPC National Congress report has emphasized again and again that China's door will be opened wider and wider, and China will keep on promoting economic globalization. Wang strongly believe that China will continue to open up and to champion globalization. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2022-11-07/Openness-enables-us-to-move-forward-1ex0zIbKRvG/index.html SOURCE CGTN BEIJING, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- China Matters releases a talk show series on the development of southwest China's Guizhou province. The six-episode talk show, named The Talk with Guizhou, invites six guests from China and abroad to share their views on topics such as how Guizhou promotes rural revitalization, how local culture can give a boost to its tourism industry and how the province can build a better ecosystem. What has FAST brought to Guizhou? In this episode, China Matters talks to Jiang Peng, the chief engineer of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST). Located in a naturally deep and round karst depression in Guizhou, FAST is believed to be the world's most sensitive radio telescope. After completing his PhD degree, Jiang joined the FAST team in 2009 and devoted himself to the construction and operation of the "China Sky Eye". "At the very beginning, we needed to build the road to Dawodang (where FAST was built)," says Jiang. "The initial road got much help from local people who organized themselves and helped build the road. For all of us in the project, it was very touching." Jiang believes that FAST will not only boost local tourism, but also promote the development of science and technology in Guizhou. In addition, it will help turn the province into an international astronomical exchange center and make it a window of science and technology in southwest China. Contact: Li Shengnan Tel:0086-13701304527 E-mail: [email protected] YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xzd1W-kXQt8 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940428/China_Matters_Logo.jpg SOURCE China Matters SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty-two students pursing hospitality, tourism and culinary arts degrees at 10 California colleges and universities received more than $165,000 in scholarships during the California Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Foundation's Scholarship Awards Gala last week. The gala raised more than $100,000 for the Foundation and future scholarships through a silent auction and attendee donations. "We are so humbled by the talent and enthusiasm of this year's scholarship class,'" said Michael Pace, CHLAHF's Chair, and General Manager at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel in San Francisco. "Each one of this year's scholarship winners has a vision for the future of hospitality that will define their careers and our industry." Award recipients include students from San Diego State University, University of San Francisco, San Jose State, Cal Poly Pomona, California State University, Monterey Bay, City College of San Francisco, Chico State University, California State University Long Beach, Orange Coast College and California State University East Bay. About the California Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Foundation CHLAHF is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and research in support of industry employees and hospitality students. Our aim is to raise the profile and promote excellence in the California hospitality industry. For more information, please go to https://chlafoundation.org. Contact: Jennifer Flohr 916-554-2667 [email protected] SOURCE The California Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Foundation Entrepreneur Brings Premier Facility Solutions to Northwest Ohio FINDLAY, Ohio, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- City Wide Facility Solutions, the leading management company in the building maintenance industry, remains on its record-breaking growth track in 2022 with the announcement of its newest location in Ohio, making it the fourth location to serve the state. The new office serves commercial properties across the Northwest region of Ohio. Local building owners and property management companies in Northwest Ohio now have access to a single-source solution for all their facility management needs. Entrepreneur David L. Clinger, who has experience managing growing businesses, opened the NW Ohio office in Findlay at 245 Stanford Parkway Suite A2 on Nov. 1. "What initially drew me in was the opportunity to spread the ripple effect and have a positive impact on communities across Northwest Ohio," said Clinger. "I knew I could leverage my sales and management experience to grow City Wide in the area, and I'm looking forward to providing excellent services to Toledo, Bowling Green, Findlay, Lima and beyond. There is a great network of City Wide owners in Ohio all of us working together means we will be able to support even more businesses throughout the great state of Ohio." Clinger has spent the last 18 years in manufacturing sales, beginning as a laborer then a program manager and eventually moving all the way up to vice president of sales. He has also been a part of several healthcare and manufacturing startups, earning experience in growing new businesses and leading teams. Having spent the majority of his career in Northwest Ohio, Clinger knows what local communities need and will use this knowledge to provide the best management services possible and grow a dedicated team of partners. City Wide Facility Solutions, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, has consistently evolved and adapted to become "The First Choice" for its clients, employees, franchise owners, independent contractors and vendors. Managing more than 20 services for its clients, City Wide offers one point of contact and provides professional communication and project management through every stage of the experience. This allows for clients to focus on running their business while uplifting smaller, independent and locally owned companies to execute services. More independent businesses and commercial properties across the United States will soon benefit from the opportunities and services City Wide affords, as an additional location in Iowa is scheduled to open before the end of the year. For more information about City Wide Facility Solutions in Northwest Ohio and the services it manages, please visit nwohio.gocitywide.com/ or call (419) 581-9814. About City Wide Facility Solutions Founded in 1961, City Wide Facility Solutions is the largest management company in the building maintenance industry, managing janitorial services, commercial cleaning, disinfecting, and more than 20 additional facility solutions for every client. City Wide simplifies the facility matters that mean most to building owners, operators, and management companies, easing the time, stress, and resources typically required to oversee an entire facility. City Wide is proud to do more than just manage facility solutions and services for commercial facilities - they pride themselves on being a partner that helps clients save time and solve problems. Their mission is to create a Ripple Effect by positively impacting the people and communities they serve. For more information about City Wide Facility Solutions and the services it manages, please visit www.gocitywide.com . For information about franchising with City Wide Facility Solutions, visit www.citywidefranchise.com . SOURCE City Wide Facility Solutions NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cloud Seeding Market report has been added to Technavio's offering. With ISO 9001:2015 certification, Technavio is proudly partnering with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies for over 16 years. The potential growth difference for the cloud seeding market between 2021 and 2026 is USD 42.54 million. To get the exact yearly growth variance and the Y-O-Y growth rate, Request Free Sample Report. Cloud Seeding Market -Segmentation Analysis Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Cloud Seeding Market 2022-2026 Type Aerial-based The aerial-based segment will significantly increase its market share in the cloud seeding market. Aerial cloud seeding is the process of delivering seeding agents by aircraft, either at the cloud base or at the cloud top. Previously, planes were used to target clouds and pull in extra precipitation to increase rainfall in these weather modification programs. Top seeding allows the seeding chemical to be sprayed directly into the supercooled cloud top. Base seeding is the insertion of a seeding ingredient into the updraft of a cloud base. Such factors are increasing the demand for aerial-based cloud seeding segments during the forecasted period. Ground-based Geography North America North America will account for 33% of market growth. The cloud seeding market in North America is primarily based in the US and Canada . The market in this region will expand more slowly than markets in other regions. The increased emphasis on controlling weather patterns will support the expansion of the cloud-seeding market in North America . will account for of market growth. The cloud seeding market in is primarily based in the US and . The market in this region will expand more slowly than markets in other regions. The will support the expansion of the cloud-seeding market in . Europe APAC South America Middle East and Africa To know additional highlights and key points on various market segments and their impact in coming years, Buy Sample Report. Cloud Seeding Market Vendors- Insight The major market players are striving for customers by providing a range of cloud seeding with cutting-edge features and systems. Some top providers provide end users with specialized solutions to match their particular needs. The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including: AFJETS SDN BHD American Elements Artificial rain LLC Cloud Technologies GmbH Ice Crystal Engineering LLC METTECH ModClima NAWC Inc. RHS CONSULTING LTD. Snowy Hydro Ltd. South Texas Weather Modification Association Water Corp. Weather Modification Inc. To gain access to more vendor profiles with their key offerings available with Technavio, Click Here . Key Market Dynamics: Market Driver Market Challenges One of the main factors fueling the expansion of the global cloud seeding market is the increasing attention being paid to controlling weather patterns. The use of cloud seeding techniques can augment snowfall or rainfall and increase cloud precipitation. The main application has been for commercial usages, such as the deployment of aircraft or ground-based cloud seeding to assure consistent environmental conditions near runways. The rise in global warming and the increase in carbon footprint, which is being fueled by a variety of industrial and commercial activities, are having a major effect on weather patterns. During the forecast period, it is expected that extreme weather, heat and cold waves, and catastrophic storms will occur more frequently. For such situations, environmental scientists have created a cloud-seeding technique to control the weather. During the forecast period, these elements are anticipated to fuel the worldwide cloud seeding market's expansion. However, factors such as challenges in commercializing the use of cloud seedlings will challenge market growth. Download Free Sample Report. Parent Market Analysis Technavio categorizes the global cloud seeding market as a part of the global specialty chemicals market. The parent global specialty chemicals market covers companies engaged in the manufacturing of various types of products under organic and inorganic chemicals. The global specialty chemicals market covers products and companies engaged in high-value-added chemicals used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products, including, but not limited to, fine chemicals, additives, advanced polymers, adhesives, sealants, specialty paints, pigments, and coatings. Cloud Seeding Market Value Chain Analysis The value chain of the global specialty chemicals market includes the following core components: Inputs Inbound logistics Operations Outbound logistics Marketing and sales Service Support activities Innovation Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights! Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed annually at USD 5000. Related Reports: Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate Market by Application and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The report extensively covers the sodium lauroyl isethionate market segmentation by application (skincare, hair care, and others) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East and Africa). Dispersing Agents Market by End-user and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The report extensively covers the dispersing agents market segmentation by end-user (construction, paints and coatings, oil and gas, detergents, and others) and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa, and South America). Cloud Seeding Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.06% Market growth 2022-2026 $42.54 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 5.1 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 33% Key consumer countries US, Canada, China, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled AFJETS SDN BHD, American Elements, Artificial rain LLC, Cloud Technologies GmbH, Ice Crystal Engineering LLC, METTECH, ModClima, NAWC Inc., RHS CONSULTING LTD., Snowy Hydro Ltd., South Texas Weather Modification Association, Water Corp., and Weather Modification Inc. Market Dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Type 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Type 5.3 Aerial based - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Aerial based - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Aerial based - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Aerial based - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Aerial based - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 Ground based - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on Ground based - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on Ground based - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on Ground based - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Ground based - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 37: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 38: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 40: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 41: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 80: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 81: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 82: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 83: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 84: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 85: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 86: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 87: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 88: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 AFJETS SDN BHD Exhibit 89: AFJETS SDN BHD - Overview Exhibit 90: AFJETS SDN BHD - Product / Service Exhibit 91: AFJETS SDN BHD - Key offerings 10.4 Cloud Technologies GmbH Exhibit 92: Cloud Technologies GmbH - Overview Exhibit 93: Cloud Technologies GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 94: Cloud Technologies GmbH - Key offerings 10.5 Ice Crystal Engineering LLC Exhibit 95: Ice Crystal Engineering LLC - Overview Exhibit 96: Ice Crystal Engineering LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 97: Ice Crystal Engineering LLC - Key offerings 10.6 METTECH Exhibit 98: METTECH - Overview Exhibit 99: METTECH - Product / Service Exhibit 100: METTECH - Key offerings 10.7 ModClima Exhibit 101: ModClima - Overview Exhibit 102: ModClima - Product / Service Exhibit 103: ModClima - Key offerings 10.8 NAWC Inc. Exhibit 104: NAWC Inc. - Overview Exhibit 105: NAWC Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 106: NAWC Inc. - Key offerings 10.9 RHS CONSULTING LTD. Exhibit 107: RHS CONSULTING LTD. - Overview Exhibit 108: RHS CONSULTING LTD. - Product / Service Exhibit 109: RHS CONSULTING LTD. - Key offerings 10.10 Snowy Hydro Ltd. Exhibit 110: Snowy Hydro Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 111: Snowy Hydro Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 112: Snowy Hydro Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 113: Snowy Hydro Ltd. - Key offerings 10.11 Water Corp. Exhibit 114: Water Corp. - Overview Exhibit 115: Water Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 116: Water Corp. - Key offerings 10.12 Weather Modification Inc. Exhibit 117: Weather Modification Inc. - Overview Exhibit 118: Weather Modification Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 119: Weather Modification Inc. - Key offerings 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 120: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 121: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 122: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 123: Research methodology Exhibit 124: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 125: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 126: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses 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 Produced with Dr. Martin Navias, Senior Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London, the five-part series provides best-practice guidance on the critical role of compliance in customer onboarding LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ComplyAdvantage, a global data technology company transforming financial crime risk detection, today announces a training program designed to help compliance teams navigate potential threats when onboarding customers. Financial institutions must legally vet new clients for money laundering, terrorist financing, sanctions evasion, and corruption before providing access to their services. As a result, firms invest billions of dollars in developing and implementing anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) processes at onboarding. ComplyAdvantage's new training series for compliance professionals However, with a speedy onboarding process often marketed as a competitive differentiator by many FinTechs, compliance teams are under more pressure than ever to provide a seamless process without granting criminals access to financial services. This interactive, certified training series takes compliance professionals step-by-step through customer onboarding best practices. The challenges explored include: How to determine what level of due diligence is appropriate for different customers The importance of understanding ultimate beneficial ownership structures How to report potentially suspicious behavior What training is required to equip new onboarding team members properly This series was produced with Dr. Martin Navias, Senior Visiting Research Fellow, Centre for Defence Studies at King's College London. Dr. Navias is a leading lawyer specializing in anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and sanctions compliance. Commenting on the publication of the training program, Dr. Navias said: "Customer onboarding is any organization's first line of defense when tackling money laundering and financial crime. Having trained government departments and armed forces around the world on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing best practices, I've seen first-hand how important this issue is." Andrew Davies, Global Head of Regulatory Affairs at ComplyAdvantage, added: "Keeping your team's knowledge fresh is a critical part of any effective compliance program. So I'd encourage any compliance officer involved in - or overseeing - the customer onboarding process to sign-up for the series and receive their certificate of completion." Already the preferred choice of some of the world's largest banks, enterprises, and high-growth FinTechs, ComplyAdvantage uses machine learning to help regulated organizations manage their risk obligations and prevent financial crime. ComplyAdvantage is also a leader in providing anti-money laundering insights that include the company's much-lauded State of Financial Crime 2022 Report, Evolving Use and, Sanctions , and most recently, the Anti-Money Laundering Guide for Growing Crypto Firms . About ComplyAdvantage ComplyAdvantage is the financial industry's leading source of AI-driven financial crime risk data and detection technology. ComplyAdvantage's mission is to neutralize the risk of money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and other financial crime. More than 500 enterprises in 75 countries rely on ComplyAdvantage to understand the risk of who they're doing business with through the world's only global, real-time database of people and companies. The company identifies thousands of risk events daily from millions of structured and unstructured data points. ComplyAdvantage has four global hubs in New York, London, Singapore, and Cluj-Napoca and is backed by Goldman Sachs, Ontario Teachers, Index Ventures, and Balderton Capital. Learn more at complyadvantage.com . SOURCE ComplyAdvantage Third Quarter 2022 Net income of $191 million , or $1.17 per GAAP diluted share , or per GAAP diluted share Net Sales of $1.7 billion Combined adjusted EBITDA of $394.7 million Repurchased $37.2 million of stock IRVING, Texas, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) today reported net income attributable to Darling Ingredients of $191 million, or $1.17 per diluted share for the third quarter 2022, compared to net income attributable to Darling Ingredients of $146.8 million, or $0.88 per diluted share, for the third quarter 2021. The company also reported net sales of $1.7 billion for the third quarter of 2022, as compared with net sales of $1.2 billion for the same period a year ago. "Darling Ingredients delivered another strong quarter, carrying great momentum to finish the year with record earnings," said Randall C. Stuewe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Darling Ingredients Inc. "Strong worldwide demand for fats and proteins will continue to be a tailwind for our global ingredients business. Diamond Green Diesel III is expected to come on-line within the next week, six months ahead of schedule. This, once again, showcases our strength and expertise to satisfy demand for decarbonization solutions in a meaningful way." For the nine months ended Oct. 1, 2022, Darling Ingredients reported net sales of $4.8 billion, compared to net sales of $3.4 billion for the same period in 2021. Net income attributable to Darling Ingredients for the first nine months of 2022 was $581.1 million, or $3.54 per diluted share, as compared to net income attributable to Darling Ingredients of $495.2 million, or $2.96 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2021. Combined adjusted EBITDA was $394.7 million for the third quarter 2022, compared to $289.6 million for the same period in 2021. On a year-to-date basis, combined adjusted EBITDA totaled $1.13 billion for 2022, as compared to $928 million for the same period in 2021. Under Darling Ingredients' share repurchase program, the company repurchased approximately 609,000 shares of common stock during the third quarter for a total of $37.2 million, bringing the total stock repurchased year to date 2022 as of Oct. 1, 2022, to approximately 1.58 million shares of common stock for a total of $103.1 million. As of Oct. 1, 2022, Darling had $126.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $1.35 billion available under its committed revolving credit agreement. Total debt outstanding as of Oct. 1, 2022 was $3.3 billion. The leverage ratio as measured by the company's bank covenant was 2.48 as of Oct. 1, 2022. Year-to-date capital expenditures totaled approximately $257.1 million. On Aug. 1, 2022, Darling Ingredients completed the acquisition of FASA Group, the largest independent rendering company in Brazil. On Oct. 18, 2022, Darling Ingredients announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the shares of Gelnex, a leading global producer of collagen products for approximately $1.2 billion USD in cash. Darling Ingredients also announced on Nov. 2, 2022, that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Polish rendering company, Miropasz Group for approximately 110 million Euros. Darling Ingredients reaffirms its previously announced forecast for full year 2022 of $1.55-$1.6 billion combined adjusted EBITDA. Segment Financial Tables (in thousands) (unaudited) Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Corporate Total Three Months Ended October 1, 2022 Net sales $ 1,273,142 $ 347,902 $ 126,555 $ - $ 1,747,599 Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,012,899 256,557 101,781 - 1,371,237 Gross Margin 260,243 91,345 24,774 - 376,362 Gain on sale of assets (2,290) (809) (17) - (3,116) Selling, general and administrative expenses 63,973 23,909 1,724 15,474 105,080 Acquisition and integration costs - - - 4,503 4,503 Depreciation and amortization 80,679 14,408 7,284 2,607 104,978 Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel - - 103,414 - 103,414 Segment operating income/(loss) $ 117,881 $ 53,837 $ 119,197 $ (22,584) $ 268,331 Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,301 - - - 2,301 Segment income/(loss) $ 120,182 $ 53,837 $ 119,197 $ (22,584) $ 270,632 Segment EBITDA $ 198,560 $ 68,245 $ 23,067 $ (15,474) $ 274,398 DGD adjusted EBITDA (Darling's Share) - - 120,333 - 120,333 Combined adjusted EBITDA $ 198,560 $ 68,245 $ 143,400 $ (15,474) $ 394,731 Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Corporate Total Three Months Ended October 2, 2021 Net sales $ 769,626 $ 311,856 $ 104,434 $ - $ 1,185,916 Cost of sales and operating expenses 553,662 241,308 64,634 - 859,604 Gross Margin 215,964 70,548 39,800 - 326,312 Gain on sale of assets (229) (8) (264) - (501) Selling, general and administrative expenses 54,997 24,417 4,481 13,380 97,275 Depreciation and amortization 53,824 14,933 6,361 2,708 77,826 Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel - - 53,951 - 53,951 Segment operating income/(loss) $ 107,372 $ 31,206 $ 83,173 $ (16,088) $ 205,663 Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 1,647 - - - 1,647 Segment income/(loss) $ 109,019 $ 31,206 $ 83,173 $ (16,088) $ 207,310 Segment EBITDA $ 161,196 $ 46,139 $ 35,583 $ (13,380) $ 229,538 DGD adjusted EBITDA (Darling's Share) - - 60,026 - 60,026 Combined adjusted EBITDA $ 161,196 $ 46,139 $ 95,609 $ (13,380) $ 289,564 Segment EBITDA consists of segment income (loss), less equity in net income from unconsolidated subsidiaries, less equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel, plus depreciation and amortization, plus acquisition and integration costs, plus restructuring and impairment charges, plus Darling's share of DGD Adjusted EBITDA. Segment Financial Tables (in thousands) continued (unaudited) Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Corporate Total Nine Months Ended October 1, 2022 Net sales $ 3,322,927 $ 1,071,897 $ 369,297 $ - $ 4,764,121 Cost of sales and operating expenses 2,522,728 807,833 292,760 - 3,623,321 Gross Margin 800,199 264,064 76,537 - 1,140,800 Gain on sale of assets (3,595) (891) (74) - (4,560) Selling, general and administrative expenses 185,045 73,608 9,921 46,314 314,888 Restructuring and asset impairment charges 8,557 - - - 8,557 Acquisition and integration costs - - - 13,634 13,634 Depreciation and amortization 203,967 44,307 20,894 8,169 277,337 Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel - - 248,898 - 248,898 Segment operating income/(loss) $ 406,225 $ 147,040 $ 294,694 $ (68,117) $ 779,842 Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 5,933 - - - 5,933 Segment income/(loss) $ 412,158 $ 147,040 $ 294,694 $ (68,117) $ 785,775 Segment EBITDA $ 618,749 $ 191,347 $ 66,690 $ (46,314) $ 830,472 DGD adjusted EBITDA (Darling's Share) - - 297,503 - 297,503 Combined adjusted EBITDA $ 618,749 $ 191,347 $ 364,193 $ (46,314) $ 1,127,975 Feed Ingredients Food Ingredients Fuel Ingredients Corporate Total Nine Months Ended October 2, 2021 Net sales $ 2,193,002 $ 926,952 $ 311,347 $ - $ 3,431,301 Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,584,667 706,260 219,534 - 2,510,461 Gross Margin 608,335 220,692 91,813 - 920,840 Loss (gain) on sale of assets (490) (1) (302) - (793) Selling, general and administrative expenses 162,594 75,150 13,822 42,239 293,805 Restructuring and asset impairment charges - - 778 - 778 Depreciation and amortization 162,404 45,666 19,214 8,298 235,582 Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel - - 281,964 - 281,964 Segment operating income/(loss) $ 283,827 $ 99,877 $ 340,265 $ (50,537) $ 673,432 Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 4,199 - - - 4,199 Segment income/(loss) $ 288,026 $ 99,877 $ 340,265 $ (50,537) $ 677,631 Segment EBITDA $ 446,231 $ 145,543 $ 78,293 $ (42,239) $ 627,828 DGD adjusted EBITDA (Darling's Share) - - 300,227 - 300,227 Combined adjusted EBITDA $ 446,231 $ 145,543 $ 378,520 $ (42,239) $ 928,055 Segment EBITDA consists of segment income (loss), less equity in net income from unconsolidated subsidiaries, less equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel, plus depreciation and amortization, plus acquisition and integration costs, plus restructuring and impairment charges, plus Darling's share of DGD Adjusted EBITDA. Darling Ingredients Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets October 1, 2022 and January 1, 2022 (thousands) October 1, 2022 January 1, 2022 ASSETS (unaudited) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 126,032 $ 68,906 Restricted cash 102 166 Accounts receivable, net 669,824 469,092 Inventories 641,980 457,465 Prepaid expenses 80,293 53,711 Income taxes refundable 17,504 1,075 Other current assets 26,301 38,599 Total current assets 1,562,036 1,089,014 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,345,671 1,840,080 Intangible assets, net 873,613 397,801 Goodwill 1,900,267 1,219,116 Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries 1,814,583 1,349,247 Operating lease right-of-use assets 175,117 155,464 Other assets 122,668 66,795 Deferred income taxes 14,799 16,211 $ 8,808,754 $ 6,133,728 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 63,663 $ 24,407 Accounts payable, principally trade 398,175 307,118 Income taxes payable 43,395 32,310 Current operating lease liabilities 44,040 38,168 Accrued Expenses 478,710 350,681 Total current liabilities 1,027,983 752,684 Long-term debt, net of current portion 3,220,901 1,438,974 Long-term operating lease liabilities 133,184 120,314 Other non-current liabilities 296,066 111,029 Deferred income taxes 461,806 362,942 Total liabilities 5,139,940 2,785,943 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,735 1,717 Additional paid-in capital 1,652,453 1,627,816 Treasury stock, at cost (529,905) (374,721) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (473,139) (321,690) Retained earnings 2,928,968 2,347,838 Total Darling's stockholders' equity 3,580,112 3,280,960 Noncontrolling interests 88,702 66,825 Total Stockholders' Equity 3,668,814 3,347,785 $ 8,808,754 $ 6,133,728 Darling Ingredients Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Operating Results For the Three-Month and Nine-Month Periods Ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021 (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (unaudited) $ Change (unaudited) $ Change October 1, October 2, Favorable October 1, October 2, Favorable 2022 2021 (Unfavorable) 2022 2021 (Unfavorable) Net sales $ 1,747,599 $ 1,185,916 $ 561,683 $ 4,764,121 $ 3,431,301 $ 1,332,820 Costs and expenses: Cost of sales and operating expenses 1,371,237 859,604 (511,633) 3,623,321 2,510,461 (1,112,860) Gain on sale of assets (3,116) (501) 2,615 (4,560) (793) 3,767 Selling, general and administrative expenses 105,080 97,275 (7,805) 314,888 293,805 (21,083) Restructuring and asset impairment charges - - - 8,557 778 (7,779) Acquisition and integration costs 4,503 - (4,503) 13,634 - (13,634) Depreciation and amortization 104,978 77,826 (27,152) 277,337 235,582 (41,755) Total costs and expenses 1,582,682 1,034,204 (548,478) 4,233,177 3,039,833 (1,193,344) Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel 103,414 53,951 49,463 248,898 281,964 (33,066) Operating income 268,331 205,663 62,668 779,842 673,432 106,410 Other expense: Interest expense (39,816) (15,409) (24,407) (79,427) (47,105) (32,322) Foreign currency loss (493) (205) (288) (6,005) (1,299) (4,706) Other expense, net (2,807) (853) (1,954) (3,851) (3,210) (641) Total other expense (43,116) (16,467) (26,649) (89,283) (51,614) (37,669) Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,301 1,647 654 5,933 4,199 1,734 Income from operations before income taxes 227,516 190,843 36,673 696,492 626,017 70,475 Income tax expense 35,215 42,637 7,422 108,631 126,324 17,693 Net income 192,301 148,206 44,095 587,861 499,693 88,168 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,220) (1,394) 174 (6,731) (4,533) (2,198) Net income attributable to Darling $ 191,081 $ 146,812 $ 44,269 $ 581,130 $ 495,160 $ 85,970 Basic income per share: $ 1.19 $ 0.91 $ 0.28 $ 3.60 $ 3.04 $ 0.56 Diluted income per share: $ 1.17 $ 0.88 $ 0.29 $ 3.54 $ 2.96 $ 0.58 Number of diluted common shares: 163,635 166,770 164,327 167,374 Darling Ingredients Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Nine-Month Periods Ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021 (in thousands) Nine Months Ended (Unaudited) October 1, October 2, Cash flows from operating activities: 2022 2021 Net income $ 587,861 $ 499,693 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 277,337 235,582 Gain on sale of assets (4,560) (793) Asset impairment 8,557 138 Deferred taxes 42,120 67,272 Decrease in long-term pension liability (2,753) (1,118) Stock-based compensation expense 18,884 18,413 Write-off deferred loan costs - 1,130 Deferred loan cost amortization 3,552 3,044 Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries (254,831) (286,163) Distributions of earnings from Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries 95,546 3,322 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Accounts receivable (45,457) (85,822) Income taxes refundable/payable (2,004) 18,688 Inventories and prepaid expenses (140,971) (97,531) Accounts payable and accrued expenses 78,656 46,912 Other (23,499) 29,282 Net cash provided by operating activities 638,438 452,049 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (257,120) (191,738) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (1,760,139) (2,059) Investment in Diamond Green Diesel (239,750) (25,000) Investment in other unconsolidated subsidiaries - (4,449) Loan to Diamond Green Diesel (25,000) - Loan repayment from Diamond Green Diesel 50,000 - Gross proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets 9,430 3,805 Payments related to routes and other intangibles (179) (274) Net cash used in investing activities (2,222,758) (219,715) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 1,929,870 31,088 Payments on long-term debt (39,511) (131,224) Borrowings from revolving credit facility 1,684,840 287,000 Payments on revolving credit facility (1,743,523) (309,000) Net cash overdraft financing 21,090 29,034 Deferred loan costs (16,758) - Issuance of common stock - 50 Repurchase of common stock (103,061) (97,924) Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards (46,394) (45,260) Distributions to noncontrolling interests (3,653) (3,853) Net cash provided/(used) in financing activities 1,682,900 (240,089) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows (20,295) (6,605) Net increase / (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 78,285 (14,360) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 69,072 81,720 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 147,357 $ 67,360 Diamond Green Diesel Joint Venture Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (in thousands) September 30, December 31, 2022 2021 Assets: (unaudited) Total current assets $ 933,332 $ 686,294 Property, plant and equipment, net 3,292,831 2,710,747 Other assets 46,736 51,514 Total assets $ 4,272,899 $ 3,448,555 Liabilities and members' equity: Total current portion of long term debt $ 115,506 $ 165,092 Total other current liabilities 316,345 295,860 Total long term debt 332,794 344,309 Total other long term liabilities 16,973 17,531 Total members' equity 3,491,281 2,625,763 Total liabilities and members' equity $ 4,272,899 $ 3,448,555 Diamond Green Diesel Joint Venture Operating Financial Results For the Three-Month and Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 (in thousands) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (unaudited) $ Change (unaudited) $ Change September 30, September 30, Favorable September 30, September 30, Favorable Revenues: 2022 2021 (Unfavorable) 2022 2021 (Unfavorable) Operating revenues $ 1,470,036 $ 401,900 $ 1,068,136 $ 3,906,614 $ 1,405,392 $ 2,501,222 Expenses: Total costs and expenses less depreciation, amortization and accretion expense 1,229,371 281,848 (947,523) 3,311,608 804,939 (2,506,669) Depreciation, amortization and 31,793 10,991 (20,802) 89,602 34,673 (54,929) accretion expense Total costs and expenses 1,261,164 292,839 (968,325) 3,401,210 839,612 (2,561,598) Operating income 208,872 109,061 99,811 505,404 565,780 (60,376) Other income 1,215 113 1,102 1,926 524 1,402 Interest and debt expense, net (3,259) (1,272) (1,987) (9,534) (2,376) (7,158) Net income $ 206,828 $ 107,902 $ 98,926 $ 497,796 $ 563,928 $ (66,132) Darling Ingredients Inc. reports Adjusted EBITDA results, which is a Non-GAAP financial measure, as a complement to results provided in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) (for additional information, see "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included later in this media release). The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides additional useful information to investors. Adjusted EBITDA, as the Company uses the term, is calculated below: Reconciliation of Net Income to (Non-GAAP) Adjusted EBITDA and (Non-GAAP) Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA For the Three-Month and Nine-Month Periods Ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Adjusted EBITDA October 1, October 2, October 1, October 2, (U.S. dollars in thousands) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net income attributable to Darling $ 191,081 $ 146,812 $ 581,130 $ 495,160 Depreciation and amortization 104,978 77,826 277,337 235,582 Interest expense 39,816 15,409 79,427 47,105 Income tax expense 35,215 42,637 108,631 126,324 Restructuring and asset impairment charges - - 8,557 778 Acquisition and integration costs 4,503 - 13,634 - Foreign currency loss 493 205 6,005 1,299 Other expense, net 2,807 853 3,851 3,210 Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel (103,414) (53,951) (248,898) (281,964) Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries (2,301) (1,647) (5,933) (4,199) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,220 1,394 6,731 4,533 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 274,398 $ 229,538 $ 830,472 $ 627,828 Foreign currency exchange impact 18,426 (1) 41,581 (2) Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA to Foreign Currency (Non-GAAP) $ 292,824 $ 229,538 $ 872,053 $ 627,828 DGD Joint Venture Adjusted EBITDA (Darling's Share) $ 120,333 $ 60,026 $ 297,503 $ 300,227 Darling plus Darling's share of DGD Joint Venture Adjusted EBITDA $ 394,731 $ 289,564 $ 1,127,975 $ 928,055 (1) The average rate assumption used in this calculation was the actual fiscal average rate for the three months ended October 1, 2022 of 1.00:USD$1.01 and CAD$1.00:USD$0.77, as compared to the average rate for the three months ended October 2, 2021 of 1.00:USD$1.18 and CAD$1.00:USD$0.79, respectively. (2) The average rate assumption used in this calculation was the actual fiscal average rate for the nine months ended October 1, 2022 of 1.00:USD$1.06 and CAD$1.00:USD$0.78, as compared to the average rate for the nine months ended October 2, 2021 of 1.00:USD$1.20 and CAD$1.00:USD$0.80, respectively. About Darling Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) is the largest publicly traded company turning edible by-products and food waste into sustainable products and a leading producer of renewable energy. Recognized as a sustainability leader, the company operates more than 270 plants in 17 countries and repurposes approximately 15% of the world's meat industry waste streams into value-added products, such as green energy, renewable diesel, collagen, fertilizer, animal proteins and meals and pet food ingredients. To learn more, visit darlingii.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Darling Ingredients Inc. will host a conference call to discuss the Company's third quarter 2022 financial results at 9 am Eastern Time (8 am Central Time) on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. Due to historically high call volume, the company is offering participants the opportunity to register in advance for the conference through the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10171165/f47e536d62 Registered participants will receive an email with a calendar reminder and a dial-in number and PIN that will allow them immediate access to the call on November 9, 2022. To listen to the conference call, participants calling from within North America should dial 1-844-868-8847; international participants should dial 1-412-317-6593. Please asked to be joined to the Darling Ingredients call. Please call approximately ten minutes before the start of the call to ensure that you are connected. The call will also be available as a live audio webcast that can be accessed on the Company website at http://ir.darlingii.com. Beginning two hours after its completion, a replay of the call can be accessed through November 16, 2022, by dialing 1-877-344-7529 (U.S. callers), 1-855-669-9658 (Canada) and 1-412-317-0088 (international callers). The access code for the replay is 3834610. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized accounting measurement under GAAP; it should not be considered as an alternative to net income, as a measure of operating results, or as an alternative to cash flow as a measure of liquidity and is not intended to be a presentation in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is presented here not as an alternative to net income, but rather as a measure of the Company's operating performance. Since EBITDA (generally, net income plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is not calculated identically by all companies, this presentation may not be comparable to EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA presentations disclosed by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated in this presentation and represents, for any relevant period, net income/(loss) plus depreciation and amortization, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment, interest expense, income tax provision, other income/(expense) and equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiary. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful in evaluating the Company's operating performance compared to that of other companies in its industry because the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA generally eliminates the effects of financing, income taxes and certain non-cash and other items that may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance. Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA to Foreign Currency is not a recognized accounting measurement under GAAP. The Company evaluates the impact of foreign currency on its adjusted EBITDA. DGD Joint Venture Adjusted EBITDA (Darling's share) is not reflected in the Adjusted EBITDA or the Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA to Foreign Currency (Non-GAAP). As a result, the Company's management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure to evaluate performance and for other discretionary purposes. In addition to the foregoing, management also uses or will use Adjusted EBITDA to measure compliance with certain financial covenants under the Company's Senior Secured Credit Facilities, 6% Notes, 5.25% Notes and 3.625% Notes that were outstanding at Oct. 1, 2022. However, the amounts shown in this presentation for Adjusted EBITDA differ from the amounts calculated under similarly titled definitions in the Company's Senior Secured Credit Facilities, 6% Notes, 5.25% Notes and 3.625% Notes, as those definitions permit further adjustments to reflect certain other non-recurring costs, non-cash charges and cash dividends from the DGD Joint Venture. Additionally, the Company evaluates the impact of foreign exchange impact on operating cash flow, which is defined as segment operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization. Information reconciling forward-looking combined adjusted EBITDA to net income is unavailable to the Company without unreasonable effort. The Company is not able to provide reconciliations of combined adjusted EBITDA to net income because certain items required for such reconciliations are outside of the Company's control and/or cannot be reasonably predicted, such as the impact of volatile commodity prices on the Company's operations, impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations, depreciation and amortization and the provision for income taxes. Preparation of such reconciliations for Darling Ingredients Inc. and the Company's joint venture, Diamond Green Diesel, would require a forward-looking balance sheet, statement of income and statement of cash flow, prepared in accordance with GAAP for each entity, and such forward-looking financial statements are unavailable to the Company without unreasonable effort. The Company provides a range for its combined adjusted EBITDA outlook that it believes will be achieved; however, it cannot accurately predict all the components of the combined adjusted EBITDA calculation. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information: {This media release contains "forward-looking" statements regarding the business operations and prospects of Darling Ingredients Inc. and industry factors affecting it. These statements are identified by words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "could," "may," "will," "should," "planned," "potential," "continue," "momentum," "combined adjusted EBITDA guidance" and other words referring to events that may occur in the future. These statements reflect Darling Ingredient's current view of future events and are based on its assessment of, and are subject to, a variety of risks and uncertainties beyond its control, each of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, existing and unknown future limitations on the ability of the Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries to make their cash flow available to the Company for payments on the Company's indebtedness or other purposes; global demands for bio-fuels and grain and oilseed commodities, which have exhibited volatility, and can impact the cost of feed for cattle, hogs and poultry, thus affecting available rendering feedstock and selling prices for the Company's products; reductions in raw material volumes available to the Company due to weak margins in the meat production industry as a result of higher feed costs, reduced consumer demand or other factors, reduced volume from food service establishments, or otherwise; reduced demand for animal feed; reduced finished product prices, including a decline in fat and used cooking oil finished product prices; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas("GHG") emissions that adversely affect programs like the U.S. government's renewable fuel standard, low carbon fuel standards ("LCFS") and tax credits for biofuels both in the United States and abroad; possible product recall resulting from developments relating to the discovery of unauthorized adulterations to food or food additives; the occurrence of 2009 H1N1 flu (initially known as "Swine Flu"), Highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza (collectively known as "Bird Flu"), severe acute respiratory syndrome ("SARS"), bovine spongiform encephalopathy (or "BSE"), porcine epidemic diarrhea ("PED") or other diseases associated with animal origin in the United States or elsewhere, such as the outbreak of African Swine Fever ("ASF") in China and elsewhere; the occurrence of pandemics, epidemics or disease outbreaks, such as the current COVID-19 outbreak; unanticipated costs and/or reductions in raw material volumes related to the Company's compliance with the existing or unforeseen new U.S. or foreign (including, without limitation, China) regulations (including new or modified animal feed, Bird Flu, SARS, PED, BSE, ASF or similar or unanticipated regulations) affecting the industries in which the Company operates or its value added products; risks associated with the DGD Joint Venture, including possible unanticipated operating disruptions and issues relating to the announced expansion project; risks and uncertainties relating to international sales and operations, including imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other trade protections imposed by foreign countries; difficulties or a significant disruption in our information systems or failure to implement new systems and software successfully, risks relating to possible third party claims of intellectual property infringement; increased contributions to the Company's pension and benefit plans, including multiemployer and employer-sponsored defined benefit pension plans as required by legislation, regulation or other applicable U.S. or foreign law or resulting from a U.S. mass withdrawal event; bad debt write-offs; loss of or failure to obtain necessary permits and registrations; continued or escalated conflict in the Middle East, North Korea, Ukraine or elsewhere, including the Russia-Ukraine war; uncertainty regarding the exit of the U.K. from the European Union; and/or unfavorable export or import markets. These factors, coupled with volatile prices for natural gas and diesel fuel, climate conditions, currency exchange fluctuations, general performance of the U.S. and global economies, disturbances in world financial, credit, commodities and stock markets, and any decline in consumer confidence and discretionary spending, including the inability of consumers and companies to obtain credit due to lack of liquidity in the financial markets, among others, could cause actual results to vary materially from the forward looking statements included in this release or negatively impact the Company's results of operations. Among other things, future profitability may be affected by the Company's ability to grow its business, which faces competition from companies that may have substantially greater resources than the Company. The Company's announced share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time and purchases of shares under the program are subject to market conditions and other factors, which are likely to change from time to time. Other risks and uncertainties regarding Darling Ingredients Inc., its business and the industries in which it operates are referenced from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Darling Ingredients Inc. is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.} Contact: Suann Guthrie VP, Investor Relations, Sustainability & Communications 469) 214-8202; [email protected] SOURCE Darling Ingredients Inc. PARSIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Dental of New Jersey (DDNJ) is proud to announce it is teaming up with VSP Vision Care, the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, to launch DeltaVision. This partnership will provide a convenient "one-stop shopping" experience for group vision and dental benefits. VSP will administer the fully insured plans, which will be sold in conjunction with DDNJ dental plans to businesses with at least two employees. "We are incredibly proud to enhance our coverage options to include dental and vision benefits," said Dennis Wilson, President and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut. "By introducing DeltaVision, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering quality service and supporting the health and wellbeing of our customers and clients. Dentists and optometrists are trained to detect numerous health conditions by observing early warning signs in the mouth and eyes. We hope this offering will lead to earlier intervention and better overall health for our customers." The planswhich will be available starting January 1, 2023afford businesses the ability to package both dental and vision benefits conveniently and affordably and include the option to purchase glasses and contacts in the same calendar year. DeltaVision will be offered to individual customers later in 2023. "DeltaVision was created exclusively for our Delta Dental customers," Wilson continued. "VSP is well known for their best-in-class vision programs, making them the ideal complement to our dental program. When DeltaVision is combined with your Delta Dental benefits, you get two great programs in one convenient and affordable package." DeltaVision offers customers the largest network of participating eye doctors nationwide and innovative benefit programs that feature discounts on LASIK, additional pairs of glasses and more. Members can easily take full advantage of their benefits that include in-network savings, world-class customer service, and one-stop administration that provides both dental and vision bills from the same company. The top priority for consumers choosing a vision plan is low out-of-pocket costs, according to independent research. DeltaVision is committed to meeting and exceeding expectations by delivering value, choice, and service, low member out-of-pocket costs, savings up to 40 percent off retail costs on lens enhancements after a copay, exclusive savings on a wide selection of frame brands and lens enhancements, and both wholesale and retail frame allowances. Additional coverage is also available for members with diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration. Robust plans feature a variety of copayment options, allowances, and frequencies to fit any group's needs. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) recently approved DDNJ's application to offer vision coverage. DeltaVision was first launched in Connecticut in 2021. New Jersey businesses or their broker partners can learn more about DeltaVision plans by visiting www.DeltaDentalNJ.com/DeltaVision or by calling 833-792-7089. About Delta Dental Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey's leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.9 million people through contracts with groups and individuals in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental coverage and vision coverage (in NJ and CT) on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs. Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey's mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. We are a not-for-profit service corporation and, as a member of Delta Dental Plans Association, we're part of a network that provides national dental coverage to more than 85 million people. For more information, visit DeltaDentalNJ.com. About VSP Global VSP Global is a doctor-governed company that exists to create value for members and opportunities for VSP network doctors. Our industry-leading businesses include VSP Vision Care, the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, which provides access to eye care for nearly 90 million members through a network of over 40,000 doctors worldwide; Marchon Eyewear Inc., one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of high-quality eyewear and sunwear; VSP Optics, industry leaders in ophthalmic technology and lab services, providing custom lens solutions for the vision and lifestyle needs of patients; Eyefinity, the industry leader in practice management and electronic health record software; VSP Retail, which focuses on increasing access to eye care and eyewear through multiple channels, and VSP Ventures, which offers care-focused, customized choices for doctors looking to transition their practice. SOURCE Delta Dental NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Polaris Market Research recently published [115+ Pages] research report on "Dermatology Devices Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product; By Application; By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa); Segment Forecast, 2022 - 2030" in its research database. According to the research report, the global dermatology devices market shares and demand was valued at USD 5.71 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach around USD 15.67 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period. How Big is Dermatology Devices Market Share & What is Expected Market Demand? Overview Dermatology devices are equipment that are installed in hospitals and dermatology clinics to help providers in diagnosing and treating skin disorders. These devices are utilized by surgeons and dermatologists such as hospitals, dermatology clinics, physician offices, and university research organizations. They can be used to diagnose and treat skin-related diseases, Mohs micrographic surgery, cryosurgery, topical chemotherapy, skin biopsy, photodynamic therapy, and electrodessication & curettage. Some of the most common skin problems include acne, rosacea, ichthyosis, psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, hives, and seborrheic dermatitis. Symptoms and severity can vary from person to person. Dermatology devices market size is increasing due to the frequent occurrence and treatment of various skin diseases. Also, increasing applications of these devices for hair removal, cosmetic surgery, and stretch mark reduction contribute to the market growth. Request Sample Copy of "Dermatology Devices Market" Research Report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/dermatology-devices-market/request-for-sample (The sample of this report is readily available on request. The report sample contains a brief introduction to the research report, Table of Contents, Graphical introduction of regional analysis, Top players in the market with their revenue analysis and our research methodology.) Our Free Sample Report Includes Report introduction, overview, and in-depth industry analysis Competitive landscape and leading competitor market shares 175+ pages research report Offer chapter-wise instruction on request Includes market presence across different geographies with share, size, and trends Updated list of tables and figures The report offers top market players with their business strategy and revenue analysis Factors and fact research methodology Some of the Top Market Players Are: Aerolase Alma Lasers Ltd Beijing Toplaser Technology Co. Ltd Bovie Bruker Corporation Candela Corporation Canfield Scientific Carl Zeiss Cutera Inc. Cynosure Inc. Dermlite Fotofinder Systems Gmbh Genesis Biosystems Inc. Heine Optotechnik GmbH &Co. KG Leica Microsystems Lumenis Ltd. Michelson Diagnostics Ltd. Olympus Corporation Photomedex Inc. Solta Medical Syneron Medical Ltd. To Know More About Addition Information on Key Players, Download a Report PDF Brochure Growth Driving Factors Increasing adoption of aesthetic procedures flourishes the market growth Factors such as growing prevalence of skin conditions and rising awareness for aesthetic procedures are driving the growth of the market. The development of healthcare infrastructure in developing regions is anticipated to create lucrative opportunities in the market. Technological developments in dermatology devices are fueling the adoption of these devices. Other dermatology devices market trends include rising concerns regarding scarring wrinkles, lightening skin tone, and removal of dark spots among the geriatric population. Moreover, growing disposable income is also one of the factors boosting the industry growth. A surge in requirement for an in-house skin consultation and customized skincare recommendations is further expected to positively influence the dermatology devices industry development. In addition, high occurrences of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer have led to increased adoption of dermatology devices which is propelling the dermatology devices market demand. Directly Purchase a copy of report with TOC @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/checkouts/17041 Recent Developments In August 2021 , STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. acquired the U.S. dermatology business of Ra Medical. This acquisition provided STRATA an opportunity to immediately market its full business solution to Ra Medical's existing customer base of 400 dermatology practices. , STRATA Skin Sciences, Inc. acquired the U.S. dermatology business of Ra Medical. This acquisition provided STRATA an opportunity to immediately market its full business solution to Ra Medical's existing customer base of 400 dermatology practices. In March 2022 , the vascular birthmarks foundation collaborated with candela, Dr. Giacomo Colletti , and laserplast to provide free laser treatments in Milan to 30 pre-qualified patients from 13 different countries. Segmental Analysis Diagnostic devices product led the largest revenue share in 2021 Based on product, the diagnostic devices segment held the biggest dermatology devices market share in 2021. This growth can be attributed to the growing occurrences of skin diseases and the adoption of new technologies. Under this segment, the imaging devices sub-segment is anticipated to account for the highest market share during the forecast period due to increasing cases of melanocytic lesions. Further, treatment devices are the second biggest segment and are anticipated to develop throughout the foreseen period owing to the growing concerns for skin pigmentation, deep wrinkles, and skin scars. Diagnostic devices application is predicted to dominate the market By application dermatology devices market segmentations, diagnostic devices will generate faster growth due to the rising cases of skin cancer across developing and developed nations. Also, the market is booming because of exposure to harmful UV and hazardous radiation. Increasing development of many mobile applications to detect skin cancer at early stages by imaging techniques is expected to boost the segment growth during the study period. Further, the treatment devices are estimated to grow significantly throughout the anticipated period. Inquire more about this report before purchase @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/dermatology-devices-market/inquire-before-buying (Inquire a report quote OR available discount offers to the sales team before purchase.) Dermatology Devices Market: Report Scope Report Attribute Details Revenue forecast in 2030 USD 15.67 Billion Market size value in 2022 USD 6.18 Billion Expected CAGR Growth 12.3% from 2022 - 2030 Base Year 2021 Forecast Year 2022 - 2030 Top Market Players Aerolase, Alma Lasers, Ltd, Beijing Toplaser Technology Co., Ltd, Bovie, Bruker Corporation, Candela Corporation, Canfield Scientific, Carl Zeiss, Cutera, Inc., Cynosure Inc., Dermlite, Fotofinder Systems Gmbh, Genesis Biosystems, Inc., Heine Optotechnik GmbH &Co. KG, Leica Microsystems, Lumenis, Ltd., Michelson Diagnostics Ltd., Olympus Corporation, Photomedex, Inc., Solta Medical, Syneron Medical Ltd. Segments Covered By Product, By Application, By Region Customization Options Customized purchase options are available to meet any research needs. Explore customized purchase options Geographic Overview North America is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period Based on geography, dermatology devices market in North America dominates the industry and is estimated to record faster growth during the forecast period. The factors contributing to this growth include the increasing rates of skin disorders, awareness of cosmetic operations, availability of novel technologies, and rising healthcare expenditure. Also, a surge in investments by major players in R&D to develop treatments for skin cancer across the countries is anticipated to augment the industry demand in the upcoming period. Moreover, the Asia Pacific is projected to be the second largest region for the market owing to the expanding prevalence of skin cancer in developing countries. Additional factors expected to support the dermatology devices industry expansion in the region includes growing beauty consciousness and availability of low-cost treatments. Browse the Detail Report "Dermatology Devices Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product; By Application; By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa); Segment Forecast, 2022 - 2030" with in-depth TOC: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/dermatology-devices-market For Additional Information OR Media Enquiry, Please Mail At: [email protected] Polaris Market Research has segmented the dermatology devices market report based on product, application, and region: By Product Outlook Diagnostics Devices Dermatoscopes Microscopes Imaging Devices Treatment Devices Light Therapy Devices Lasers Electrosurgical Equipment Liposuction Devices Microdermabrasion Devices Cryotherapy Devices By Application Outlook Diagnostics Devices Skin Cancer Diagnosis Others Treatment Devices Hair Removal Skin Rejuvenation Acne, Psoriasis and Tattoo Removal Wrinkle Removal and Skin Resurfacing Body Contouring and Fat Removal Vascular and Pigmented Lesion Removal Warts, Skin Tags and Weight Management By Region Outlook North America (U.S., Canada ) (U.S., ) Europe ( France , Germany , UK, Italy , Netherlands , Spain , Russia ) ( , , UK, , , , ) Asia Pacific ( Japan , China , India , Malaysia , Indonesia , South Korea ) ( , , , , , ) Latin America ( Brazil , Mexico , Argentina ) ( , , ) Middle East & Africa ( Saudi Arabia , UAE, Israel , South Africa ) Browse More Related Reports: Capsule Endoscopy Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/capsule-endoscopy-market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/capsule-endoscopy-market Myopia and Presbyopia Treatment Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/myopia-presbyopia-treatment-market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/myopia-presbyopia-treatment-market Post Harvest Treatment Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/post-harvest-treatment-market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/post-harvest-treatment-market Cold Plasma Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/cold-plasma-market https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/cold-plasma-market Prostate Health Market: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/prostate-health-market About Polaris Market Research Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for PMR's clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve PMR's diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide PMR's customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Adept with a highly competent, experienced and extremely qualified team of experts comprising SMEs, analysts and consultants, we at Polaris endeavor to deliver value-added business solutions to PMR's customers. Contact: Likhil G 30 Wall Street 8th Floor, New York City, NY 10005, United States Phone: +1-929 297-9727 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com Follow US: LinkedIn | twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1316207/Polaris_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Polaris Market Research JERSEY CITY, N.J., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Effectual , a modern, cloud first managed and professional services company, has been awarded the HashiCorp Infrastructure Competency as part of the newly released Partner Technical Competency Program for Systems Integrators . Effectual is one of only six companies globally to be recognized with the HashiCorp Infrastructure Competency as part of the program's launch. As a leader in multi-cloud infrastructure automation software, HashiCorp's software suite enables organizations to adopt consistent workflows and create a system of record for automating the cloud: infrastructure provisioning, security, networking, and application deployment. The new competency program gives partners with the HashiCorp Systems Integrator designation the opportunity to be recognized for their ability to deliver and integrate HashiCorp products and solutions into end customers' initiatives. Competencies are only awarded after a successful audit that assesses a range of requirements, including the number of technical staff certified on HashiCorp products and proven customer success with HashiCorp products in deployment. HashiCorp's endorsement gives customers confidence in Effectual's ability to guide, advise, assist, and execute alongside them, bringing the required experience and expertise to succeed with the advantages of HashiCorp's portfolio of automation tools. "Effectual enables customers to accelerate automation and innovation utilizing HashiCorp Terraform, Vault, and the recently released HCP Boundary," said Robb Allen, Effectual CEO. "Together we help customers drive positive business outcomes and realize greater agility, security controls, and increased operational efficiency." As an elite pure-play AWS services provider, Effectual is a validated AWS MSP Partner holding six AWS competencies. Effectual prides itself on bringing deep cloud and modernization experience to all customer engagements. Complementing this deep partnership with AWS, the cloud first MSP has embraced and invested in its partnership with HashiCorp. This strategic combination of industry expertise ensures that customers have the confidence to migrate and establish a strong modern foundation on which to build and deploy next-generation applications, services, and operations. Effectual's Chief Growth Officer, Tom Spalding, provided his views on the partnership in HashiCorp's announcement: https://www.hashicorp.com/blog/new-competency-program-validates-systems-integrators-hashicorp-expertise . About Effectual An AWS Premier Consulting Partner, Effectual is a modern, cloud first managed and professional services company that works with commercial enterprises and the public sector to enable digital transformation and full stack IT modernization. Effectual's deeply experienced and passionate team of problem solvers apply proven methodologies to enable positive business outcomes with Amazon Web Services and VMware Cloud on AWS. Effectual is a member of the Cloud Security Alliance, and the PCI Security Standards Council. All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. SOURCE Effectual Inc. ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson // Becker, PLLC is a nationwide products liability law firm with experience representing victims of pressure cooker explosions. The firm has represented over 500 clients who have been severely burned by exploding pressure cookers designed and sold by numerous manufacturers. Albert Bae has filed a lawsuit through his attorney at Johnson//Becker alleging that Mr. Bae was injured by a defective Elite Bistro Pressure Cooker. Mr. Bae, a resident of La Habra, California, was burned in a pressure cooker explosion in November 2020. Mr. Bae's pressure cooker lid opened while still under pressure, releasing its scalding hot contents and burning him. The incident happened because the Elite Bistro "was defectively and negligently designed and manufactured," the Complaint alleges. The pressure cooker exploded "during the ordinary, foreseeable and proper use of cooking food with the product," according to the Complaint, putting Mr. Bae, his family, and "similar consumers in danger while using [Elite Bistro] pressure cookers." The lawsuit is filed by Anna R. Rick of Johnson//Becker, PLLC. Anna exclusively handles injury cases, with an emphasis on national products liability litigation related to consumer goods, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Questions about an Elite Bistro pressure cooker Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker lawyer today for a free case review. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective Elite Bistro pressure cooker, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are actively filing new Elite Bistro pressure cooker lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation for your defective pressure cooker injuries. We offer a free case evaluation. To learn more about Johnson // Becker's product liability cases, or to arrange a free, no obligation case review, please visit Johnson // Becker at https://www.johnsonbecker.com/product-liability/pressure-cooker-lawsuit/, https://www.johnsonbecker.com/product-liability/elite-bistro-and-elite-platinum-pressure-cooker-lawsuits/ or contact Johnson // Becker directly at (800) 279-6386. SOURCE Johnson // Becker, PLLC EQT AB (EQT) today announced three key additions to its Executive Committee (ExCom). STOCKHOLM, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Suzanne Donohoe joins as Chief Commercial Officer ("CXO") and will lead a newly-formed platform to drive EQT's external commercial activities. She joins EQT most recently from KKR where she was a Partner & Global Head of Strategic Growth. Donohoe also built and led the Client & Partner Group for over a decade and served as Co-head of the Inclusion & Diversity Council. Her prior experience includes an extensive global career at Goldman Sachs. Altogether, Donohoe brings thirty years of experience to her new role, where she will be responsible for the firm's external commercial activities (outside of its investment strategies). In addition to Capital Raising & Client Relations, the new Platform "EQT-Ext" includes the firm's Sustainability, Business Development, and Communications efforts. Donohoe will start in January 2023. Ricardo Reyes will oversee Global Communications & External Affairs after recently joining EQT full-time. He brings significant experience from his roles positioning Tesla, YouTube and most recently Dyson, where he was the Chief Communications Officer. In addition to his work in Silicon Valley, Reyes started his career in Washington DC, working at the White House and on policy initiatives. Born in Managua, Nicaragua, his diverse experience will be instrumental to ensure that the EQT brand supports the business and addresses an ever-expanding global audience. EQT also announces the elevation to ExCom of Gustav Segerberg, an accomplished leader at EQT with responsibility for the firm's Business Development efforts. Segerberg joined EQT in 2016 as part of the Capital Raising & Client Relations team after a decade as an investment banker. He became Head of Business Development in 2018. Segerberg has played a crucial role in the strategic development of EQT in recent years, including executing EQT's IPO in 2019, and driving the combinations with BPEA, Exeter and LSP, as well as new product development. "The newest members of EQT's Executive Committee will equip EQT with an unmatched set of competencies, backgrounds, and perspectives to continue serving our global clients and partners," said Christian Sinding, CEO & Managing Partner at EQT. "Suzanne joins us at a unique point in time with EQT having become a truly global firm, and she brings a broad range of leadership experiences to our team. I am very pleased that Ricardo has taken on the role of globalizing EQT's brand and communications; and with the internal promotion of Gustav to the ExCom we are securing our continued development through M&A and new initiatives." The changes follow a decision on the part of Morten Hummelmose, who joined EQT in 2006, to step down. He served in a variety of roles over his tenure and most recently led the firm's capital raising efforts. Hummelmose will remain a member of the EQT Foundation and be part of its Investment Committee. "I extend my warmest gratitude to Morten for his significant contributions to EQT over many years, most recently as Head of CR," said Sinding. Contact Olof Svensson, Head of Shareholder Relations, +46 72 989 09 15 EQT Press Office, [email protected], +46 8 506 55 334 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/87/3663140/1655144.pdf Press release EQT strengthens and diversifies its management team with key leadership appointments https://news.cision.com/eqt/i/eqt-ab-group,c3111432 EQT AB Group SOURCE EQT Vanja Habekovic and Chris Manderson now co-lead the firm's Business, Corporate and Tax Department LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP (ECJ) announced today that Partners Vanja Habekovic and Chris Manderson will serve as co-chairs of its Business, Corporate and Tax department. The department advises clients on a comprehensive range of transactional, tax, governance, finance and operational issues. ECJ lawyers provide strategic guidance to clients through all stages of growth, from start-up and growth phases through succession and exit. The newly elevated co-chairs specialize in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, debt and equity financing, corporate governance and restructuring. Randall S. Leff , the firm's co-managing partner said, "Vanja and Chris are clear picks for leadership given the diversity of their experience and level of respect in the Southern California legal profession and within the firm. Each is at the top of their field, and between them they've guided clients through just about any issue they'll ever face in the business, corporate and tax realm. "Our goal as a firm is to ensure that no client ever has to look elsewhere after coming to us - we have experts for issues of every size, from start to finish. I can imagine no two attorneys, leading in tandem, that could deliver better on that mission." Habekovic was recognized earlier this year by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of Los Angeles' top business leaders as part of its annual Women's Leadership Awards. The organization honored her as a "Woman to Watch" in a previous, special edition. Best Lawyers in America also named her to its 2023 list. Habekovic's clients rely on her dynamic counsel to establish, grow, maintain and sell their businesses and to navigate the important tax consequences that arise when making deals. Manderson has led negotiations on behalf of a number of California's top companies in technology, venture capital, private equity and public markets, among many others. Prominent clients have included Miso Robotics, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co., Dole Food Company, and Amgen Inc. Separately, as an advisor in distressed and restructuring-driven M&A transactions, he has reorganized companies preserving over $2 billion of net operating loss carryforward ("NOL") tax assets. Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP is a full-service firm that provides a broad range of business-related legal services including corporate law; litigation; intellectual property & technology law; real estate transactions and finance; construction & environmental law; tax planning and controversies; employment law; health care law; bankruptcy, receivership and reorganization; and estate planning. For more information, visit ECJlaw.com . SOURCE Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP CHRIST CHURCH, Barbados, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Evolution Optiks Limited, a global leader in light field technology applications, announced today the completion of enrollment of the pivotal U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its subjective light field LFR-260 tele-phoropter (investigational device). Results from the study will be used in the submission to the FDA to support clearance that the company currently anticipates to receive in the middle of 2023. "This study was a multi-center, open-label 2x2 cross-over designed to investigate the effectiveness of the LFR-260 phoropter device compared to traditional phoropters. With the study concluded, we look forward to the final analysis and the subsequent opportunity to present the clinical and patient experience to the ophthalmic community," says Dr. Anne Reuter, principal investigator of the study. The LFR-260, a world-first subjective phoropter (investigational device) designed with a proprietary light field engine as its core, tele-operability, and unique capabilities such as QuadView, is Evolution Optiks' key product, within the newly launched Optokare division, focusing on eye care medical devices. It is intended to replace the memory-based, back-and-forth guessing that patients experience when obtaining their prescription, by providing up to four views at the same time, each with a slightly different prescription. In addition, its tele-operability is purposed to allow eye care practitioners to access patients in remote areas. "We are delighted with how the study was conducted and would like to thank the patients, investigators and research teams who are participating in the LFR-260 study. Their hard work and dedication have resulted in a timely enrollment amid challenging circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. This speaks volumes about the interest to investigate the potential clinical benefits of our device," comments Raul Mihali, President and Chief Executive Officer of Evolution Optiks. Andreas Kusay, Chairman of Evolution Optiks, adds: "The regulatory clearance of the LFR-260 to be used as a tele-operable phoropter would add a very attractive solution to a rather stagnant market and unlock a significant addressable market expansion opportunity. With the completion of the enrollment phase, we look forward to shifting to the analysis phase of the study in anticipation of submitting the clinical data to the FDA." About Evolution Optiks Founded in 2014, Evolution Optiks Limited is commercializing an extensive and ongoing portfolio of innovation and is on track to revolutionizing how digital information is being consumed. The company's primary categories of interest are optometry instruments, neuro-optical screening and training devices and, more broadly, it is exploring solutions based on vision-adapted, multi-view and light field displays, with applications in medicine, consumer solutions, advertising and media, automotive and avionics. SOURCE Evolution Optiks WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) today reported its third quarter 2022 financial results and filed its third quarter 2022 Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing provides condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. The following documents are now available on Fannie Mae's website at www.fanniemae.com . Fannie Mae will host a conference call to discuss the company's results today at 8:00 a.m., ET. Participants may join the conference call in listen-only mode via the webcast link below. Listen-only webcast: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1575226&tp_key=4fba6c2c2b Click on the link above to attend the presentation from your laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Audio will stream through your selected device. If you have difficulty accessing the webcast, please click the "Listen by Phone" button on the webcast player and dial the number provided. About Fannie Mae Fannie Mae advances equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality, affordable rental housing for millions of people across America. We enable the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and drive responsible innovation to make homebuying and renting easier, fairer, and more accessible. To learn more, visit: fanniemae.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Blog Fannie Mae Newsroom: https://www.fanniemae.com/news Photo of Fannie Mae: https://www.fanniemae.com/resources/img/about-fm/fm-building.tif Fannie Mae Resource Center: 1-800-2FANNIE SOURCE Fannie Mae "DJ Khaled, Antonio Brown, Drake, and Megan Thee Stallion are previous influencers who have received the box experience from Isaac Moore, CEO and Founder of Isaac and Moore" HOUSTON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2005, Isaac Moore, founded the company Isaac and Moore and since it has flourished. Isaac and Moore include designer handbags, clothing, backpacks amongst other items. The brand is housed out of Houston Texas but has been seen in the hands of prominent celebrities worldwide. The uniqueness of the design goes beyond the items, the gift box is a full experience. The box includes four sides that are customized by color, accomplishments, and/or fond moments of the consumer. Since 2005, there has been multiple designer items amongst those include a lime green, Isaac and Moore backpack. The demand for the item launched a celebrity craze that resulted in a gifting tour that included influencers such as Drake, Antonio Brown, DJ Khaled, Vivica Foxx, and Pastor Smokie Norful to name a few. Isaac Moore Launching National Tour Designer Bag Tour Tweet this Starting December 15th, 2022, Isaac will begin his third tour, traveling the country with new designs and new box experiences for a select few individuals. This tour he plans to incorporate HBCUs, student designers, and impactful leaders of change. Submissions are open until December 1st, 2022. Anyone can apply for the experience. The goal is to impact creators, extend luxury to all communities of people, and empower people of all ages to follow their dreams. Submissions: [email protected] About Isaac Moore Isaac Moore was born and raised in Third Ward, Texas, a historical area known for various criminal activities. He had a flair for fashion and a determination to succeed in life, after graduating from Jack Yates Senior High School he attended Texas Southern, in the field of Business. Isaac experienced homelessness for a period of five years shortly after. To support himself, Isaac began to make his dreams of becoming a clothing designer and entrepreneur come to life. In 2005, Isaac took all his savings from working various odd jobs and birthed his own business, Isaac & Moore. About Isaac & Moore "What do you give a person who has everything? Moore." Founded in 2005 in Houston, Texas by designer, Isaac Moore. https://isaacandmoore.com SOURCE Isaac Moore SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend while traveling on official agency business. He is up to date on vaccines against COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms. Commissioner Califf has not recently been in close contact with President Biden or Vice President Harris. Consistent with CDC guidelines, Dr. Califf continues the FDA's work virtually while isolating at home to continue the FDA's vital work to protect and advance the health of every American. The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. Media Contact: FDA Office of Media Affairs, 301-796-4540 SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration LAKE CITY, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- First Federal Bank is honored to have received the 2022 recognition of "Best Bank" in 5 of its service areas; this is in addition to having been named by Newsweek as America's the Best Small Bank in Florida for 2022. As a community-based mutual institution headquartered in Lake City, FL, the bank is owned by its customers rather than stockholders, and has 25 branches in the Southeast and Midwest. Best Bank Celebration First Federal Bank concentrates on community, customer service, stability, and being trustworthy. Customers experience the genuine difference in each interaction. Community members who subscribe to The Gainesville Sun, Washington County News, Lake City Reporter, News Leader, and The Island Packet & Beaufort Gazette took time to cast their votes to support the recognition underscoring the importance of the bank's community focus. John Medina, President and CEO, shares "Our mission is to provide our communities with a financially stable bank that is a great place to work and a great place to bank. Our culture is vital to accomplishing our mission and differentiating us from competitors and other businesses." In February of this year, First Federal Bank kicked off a year-long 60th anniversary celebration with customer appreciation events and launched a 60 Days of Giving program. Bank employees had the opportunity to nominate local organizations with one winner drawn each day for 60 days. $1,000 was donated to each of the winners. On the 60th day, the non-profit received a grand prize of $6,000. With the steady, forward-thinking leadership, the bank expertly and thoughtfully develops state-of-the-art solutions as the economic landscape continues to evolve, while continuing to be recognized as best bank for the future. About First Federal Bank First Federal Bank is a community-based bank offering consumer and commercial banking solutions, services, and loans through banking offices in Florida's Panhandle, North Central and East Florida, and coastal South Carolina. Mortgage, SBA and USDA customers are served through lending offices across the Southeast and Midwest. First Federal is headquartered in Lake City, Florida with assets totaling over $3.6 billion. First Federal has received a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial, Inc., of Coral Gables, Fla. for more than two decades and was recognized by Newsweek as "Best Small Bank in Florida" in 2020 and 2021. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com. SOURCE First Federal Bank 54 Greek and U.S. higher education institutions come together as part of the first in-person visitation to Greece through the International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP) Greece WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Department of State, the Government of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, along with the Institute of International Education (IIE) announced the Pharos Summit 2022: Greek U.S. Collaboration in Higher Education, as part of the International Academic Partnership Program (IAPP) Greece. With 54 U.S. and Greek higher education institutions participating, IAPP Greece engages cohorts of U.S. and Greek higher education institutions to develop partnerships and foster collaboration. High-level representatives and leadership from the U.S. Department of State, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, and IIE will accompany the Greek and U.S. higher education institutions on the tour. The trip, from November 6-12, 2022, will include site visits in Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, among others, and a high-level forum with rectors from more than 20 Greek universities. IAPP Greece is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the opportunities for their own institution's partnership-building capabilities and academic collaboration with institutions in Greece. The first-ever in-person visitation to Greece, as part of IAPP Greece, brings the program's purpose to the forefront during a time when international academic partnerships are more critical than ever. "U.S. and Greek higher education leaders share a mutual passion for and commitment to partnerships. By bringing together these institutions, with the support of organizations such as IIE and both the U.S. and Greek governments, we are able to create impactful connections between students and faculty alike, fully realizing the potential and power of international education," said IIE CEO, Allan E. Goodman. "If this pandemic has taught us anything, it's that collaboration and education will not only continue, but it can thrive and overcome any challenges that may lie ahead." Higher education institutions around the world face some of the most challenging yet promising times in recent history. International academic partnerships facilitate important student and faculty exchange, joint research, innovative curricula, and other collaborative activities needed to offer a world-class global higher education today. "Everyone at the U.S. Embassy in Athens is excited to be making history as we welcome the largest American university delegation that IIE has ever sent to a single country. This history-making delegation and the Pharos Summit underscore Greece's importance as a destination for international education, as well as Greece's position as a partner of choice for the United States. They're consequential to strengthening our people-to-people ties. For many years now, education has been a bright spot and a top priority of the U.S.-Greece relationship. I'm personally committed to strengthening this partnership, working closely with our outstanding partners in the Greek Ministry of Education and leading American educational institutions," said the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, George J. Tsunis. "Student mobility between our two countries is very strong, and we are proud that the United States remains a top destination for Greek students. The birthplace of democracy, Greece's world-renowned history and culture also make it a prime destination for American students. I am confident that the deepening institutional partnerships between American and Greek universities will help advance joint-degree programs, research, more American students studying in Greece, more English language programs in Greek universities that will attract international students, more exchanges and collaborations between academics and university administrators, and more Greek students coming to the United States." The International Academic Partnership Program between the U.S. and Greece has: Launched 18 new or expanded partnerships between U.S. and Greek higher education institutions. U.S. universities include Columbia , George Mason , Tufts , Rutgers and more. , , , and more. Driven participation from 54 higher education institutions from the U.S. and Greece in this year's program in this year's program Created new partnerships including an intercultural tourism and event management program between George Mason University and Ionian University "The timing of this partnership is most favorable and propitious, coming at an all-time high in the relations between our two countries where strong political will on both the US and Greek side to foster stronger, deeper collaborations among our universities. The Greek government has set the internationalization of Greek higher education at the top of its reform agenda. The bold legislative initiatives we have undertaken, to facilitate the creation of foreign language programs and international partnerships, coupled with extensive funding for the internationalization of Greek HEIs, render this an ideal time to broach partnerships with Greek universities. And over the past three years, I must add, that we have seen an excited embrace of this new direction from the universities of Greece. More importantly, both the Greek and US universities are eager to pursue and enhance these partnerships an eagerness which was clearly demonstrated by the enthusiastic participation of both Greek and US higher education institutions in this program. As such, at this very moment all of the critical factors are aligned: eagerness on the part of the universities of both countries, and substantive and visible support on behalf of both the Greek and US governments. I would like to warmly thank all of those whose tireless efforts allowed us to realize this visit, but also to keep this program going so dynamically, even during the challenging times of the pandemic: our Universities on both the Greek and U.S. end, Dr. Allan Goodman personally, and his team at IIE, our colleagues in the U.S. government, Ambassador Tsunis and our colleagues at the US Embassy in Athens, the Fulbright Foundation in Greece, among others," said Minister Niki Kermeus, Minister of Education and Religious Affairs of Greece. This program supports the already deep U.S. and Greek relationship and is designed to promote international collaboration between U.S. and Greek institutions across both countries' higher education communities. For more information about IAPP Greece, visit: https://www.iie.org/Programs/International-Academic-Partnership-Program/IAPP-Greece About the Institute of International Education Established in 1919, IIE is a global not-for-profit that creates and implements international education programs, conducts research, and provides life-changing opportunities for students and scholars worldwide. IIE collaborates with a range of corporate, government and foundation partners across the globe to design and manage scholarship, study abroad, workforce training and leadership development programs. IIE has a network of 18 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,300 member institutions. Visit iie.org. About the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) builds relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, professional and private exchanges, as well as public-private partnerships and mentoring programs. These exchange programs improve foreign relations and strengthen the national security of the United States, support U.S. international leadership, and provide a broad range of domestic benefits by helping break down barriers that often divide us. ECA sponsors the flagship Fulbright Program, the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships for U.S. undergraduates with financial need, the Critical Language Scholarship Program in support of U.S. foreign language study abroad, and the EducationUSA network of over 400 advising centers worldwide, which provides information to students around the globe who wish to study in the United States. Visit eca.state.gov. SOURCE Institute of International Education Kidney care leader ranked No. 24 on list by Healthiest Employers WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), the nation's leader in kidney care, has been named one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America by Healthiest Employers for 2022. With 70,000 full-time employees, FMCNA is the sixth-largest employer on the Healthiest Employers list and ranks No. 24 out of all companies. "We are proud to offer our employees a workplace conducive to their health and wellbeing," said Bill Valle, CEO of Fresenius Medical Care North America. "It is an honor for our company to receive this additional recognition that reaffirms our commitment and love for our employees." FMCNA promotes the health and prosperity of employees and families so they can thrive in life and at work, focusing on programs targeting employees' physical, emotional, financial, and social needs. Employee wellbeing is connected to FMCNA's broad organizational goals, including diversity, equity, and inclusion, which FMCNA identified as a priority when it introduced Employee Resource Groups in 2021. More than 13,000 employees have also already participated in diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops. FMCNA's expansive healthcare support includes free behavioral healthcare access, free virtual physical therapy programs, and virtual counseling options that include text therapy and gender-affirming care. FMCNA also offers Rally, a digital wellness experience which helps approximately 20,000 employees work on healthier eating and sleeping habits as well as stress management. "Support for employees is paramount to meeting FMCNA's organizational goals," said Karen Kennedy, Senior Director of Global Benefits at FMCNA. "We take a holistic approach to providing resources that meet our employees' most present needs and improve their lives." Since 2009, Healthiest Employers has compiled the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America by assessing companies in six categories: culture and leadership commitment, foundational concepts, strategic planning, communications and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analytics. Companies are also scored based on an essay submission and additional questions related to chronic conditions and workplace health. The national award takes the highest scoring applicants from all locations, company sizes, and industries. FMCNA adds this honor to its recognition as one of the 100 Most Loved Workplaces in 2022 by Newsweek, the company's second consecutive appearance on the list. Newsweek ranked FMCNA No. 5 among healthcare employers and No. 73 overall in its rankings. About Fresenius Medical Care North America Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) is the premier healthcare company focused on providing the highest quality care to people with renal and other chronic conditions. Through its industry-leading network of dialysis facilities and outpatient cardiac and vascular labs, Fresenius Medical Care North America provides coordinated healthcare services at pivotal care points for hundreds of thousands of chronically ill customers throughout the continent. As the world's largest fully integrated renal company, it offers specialty pharmacy and laboratory services, and manufactures and distributes the most comprehensive line of dialysis equipment, disposable products, and renal pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit the FMCNA website. About Healthiest Employers Springbuk is the preferred health intelligence platform for Healthiest Employers. This partnership brings clinical expertise, empowering us to move beyond recognition. With Springbuk, Healthiest Employers can help forward-thinking organizations to utilize more intelligent solutions for managing the health and well-being of their population. About Springbuk Springbuk is a leading-edge health analytics intelligence platform that empowers employers and consultants to optimize their investments in population health. The innovative solution offers deep analytic insights, allows data-informed decision-making, and provides strategic direction to maximize return on employee benefit investments. Media Contact Fresenius Medical Care North America Scott Sayres [email protected] +1 (940) 297-5678 SOURCE Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. DUBLIN, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Powder Metallurgy - A Global Market Overview 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The report reviews, analyzes and projects the global Powder Metallurgy market for the period 2018-2027 in terms of market value in US$ and the compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) projected from 2022 through 2027 Powder Metallurgy is a technique utilized for processing powdered raw materials and producing a variety of components based on iron & steel powders (ferrous) and aluminum, cobalt, copper, nickel and titanium, among others (non-ferrous). The components made using powder metallurgy are very strong and can withstand working environments that conventionally produced parts cannot. The demand for this procedure has been exhibiting quite impressive growth over the recent past, though the advent of COVID-19 has changed the scenario to some extent. The global demand for Powder Metallurgy components and parts is anticipated to be the largest for the Automotive sector, though the fastest growing for the Aerospace sector. Advancements in material technology have enabled in producing metal powders that can act as replacements for traditionally used bulky metal components to reduce space and weight, thereby enhancing efficiency of the final product in its applicable area. Research Findings & Coverage Powder Metallurgy global market is explored in this report with respect to metal types and key applications The study extensively analyzes each metal type and key application of powder metallurgy in all major regions for the analysis period Powder Metallurgy's Green Credentials Expand the Technology's Adoption Studies on Flake Powder Metallurgy (FPM), an Emerging Technology, Show Good Prospects Powder Metallurgy Set to Gain Traction in Medicine 3D Printing to Revolutionize Powder Metallurgy but Challenges Remain Key business trends focusing on product innovations/developments, M&As, JVs and other recent industry developments Major companies profiled - 34 The industry guide includes the contact details for 272 companies KEY BUSINESS & PRODUCT TRENDS Allegheny Technologies Incorporated - ATI Completes Sale of Sheffield, UK Operation Operation Hoganas to close Hoganas Environment Solutions, LLC. to focus on its core business - Hoganas Miba: Miba acquires majority interest in battery specialist Voltlabor - Growth to be further accelerated under new name "Miba Battery Systems" Sandvik to acquire Spain -based Preziss, a solutions provider for aluminum and composite machining - Sandvik Group -based Preziss, a solutions provider for aluminum and composite machining - Sandvik Group Sandvik to acquire US based custom tooling manufacturer Peterson Tool Company - Sandvik Group Hoganas now offers titanium powders for additive manufacturing - Hoganas Sandvik introduces 3D-printed cemented carbide - Sandvik Group Materials authority Sandvik introduces 3D printed components in cemented carbide - enabled by patented process - Sandvik Additive Manufacturing Allegheny Technologies Incorporated - ATI Announces Termination of Joint Venture with Russian-Based VSMPO University of Waterloo and Rio Tinto look to water atomised powder for low-cost Binder Jetting and Rio Tinto look to water atomised powder for low-cost Binder Jetting Sandvik co-launches guidelines for testing additively manufactured stainless steels - Sandvik Additive Manufacturing Hoganas joins the Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association as a founding member - Hoganas News: POLEMA doubles the output of AM metal powders in 2021 (polema-rus.com) A partnership between Hoganas and Piab is set to make additive manufacturing more sustainable and efficient - Hoganas News: POLEMA supplied products for a thermonuclear reactor in France Announcement of the Contract Conclusion to Transfer Showa Denko Materials' Ceramics Business Showa Denko Materials Develops Its Own MI Platform for Functional Materials to Offer Speedy Materials Recommendations Sandvik increases manufacturing capacity in metal powders for Additive Manufacturing - Sandvik Additive Manufacturing Showa Denko Materials' Anode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries Adopted for Toyota's New "Aqua" GaN Semiconductors are Enabling New X-band Radars - Sumitomo Electric Industries Hoganas expands production capabilities in Laufenburg - Hoganas Hoganas closes its production in Niagara Falls, USA due to hydrogen gas supply shortage - Hoganas due to hydrogen gas supply shortage - Hoganas Showa Denko Materials Establishes the "JOINT2" Consortium for Showa Denko Materials to Launch the Mass Production of "MCL-E-795G," H.C. Starck Tungsten patents an innovative reverse osmosis process - H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders First Swedish plant with large-scale water treatment using by-products from the steel industry - Hoganas Hoganas settles supply agreement with US-based KBM Advanced Materials that launches new sales platform for additive manufacturing powder - Hoganas Hoganas' fine powder atomisation building in Johnstown supports the growing demand for high alloy products - Hoganas News: POLEMA increased the production output in the first half of 2021 GKN Additive develops 3D printing process for low alloy dual-phase steels DPLA and FSLA Miba: Miba sputter technology is awarded Supplier Gold certification by Pratt and Whitney News: POLEMA has mastered new powder grades for AM and weld-deposition Rio Tinto develops new water atomised steel powder Announcement of Transfer of Printed Wiring Board Business Rio Tinto develops new steel powder for 3-D printing Announcement of Acquiring 100% Ownership of Hitachi Chemical Diagnostics System Allegheny Technologies Incorporated - ATI Completes Sale of Flowform Products to Consolidated Boring, Inc. Miba: Miba products for medical devices News: POLEMA became the first Russian supplier of powders for 3D printing of ship and aircraft engine parts Experience Refractory Metals Innovations in a Brand-New Virtual Environment (hcstarcksolutions.com) Showa Denko Materials to Boost Its Production Capacity for CMP Slurries, Laminate Materials for Printed Wiring Boards, and Photosensitive Solder Resists in Taiwan Hoganas lands major Cleanit EC test project in China - Hoganas - Hoganas Hoganas and Lincotek sign cooperation agreement - Hoganas Hoganas launches powder mix FORECAST 3D reaches 1 million shipped nasal swab milestone for COVID-19 testing GKN Powder Metallurgy business FORECAST 3D launches face shields, stopgap masks, nasal swabs, and other critical PPE products to battle COVID-19 FORECAST 3D partners with specialty chemicals expert Lubrizol to industrialize 3D applications through thermoplastic powder (gknpm.com) GKN Powder Metallurgy Acquires FORECAST 3D, Expands Additive Manufacturing Capabilities to Include Plastics (gknpm.com) Sumitomo Electric Acquires Two Companies of European Powdered Metal Components Manufacturer Sinterwerke Group KEY MARKET TRENDS Powder Metallurgy's Green Credentials Expand the Technology's Adoption Economical Process for Developing Metal Additive Manufacturing Process Developed Studies on Flake Powder Metallurgy (FPM), an Emerging Technology, Show Good Prospects Inherent Sustainability Drives the Powder Metallurgy Market Recent Advances in Powder Metallurgy Technology Direct Current Plasma Sintering Technique: An Innovation in Powder Metallurgy Future of Powder Metallurgy in Auto Industry Secure Powder Metallurgy Set to Gain Traction in Medicine 3D Printing to Revolutionize Powder Metallurgy but Challenges Remain KEY GLOBAL PLAYERS American Chemet Corporation ( United States ) ) Royal Metal Powders, Inc. ( United States ) ) AMETEK, Inc. ( United States ) ) AMETEK Specialty Metal Products ( United States ) ) AMETEK Specialty Metal Products Eighty Four ( United States ) ) BASF SE ( Germany ) ) Carl Schlenk AG ( Germany ) ( ) Carpenter Technology Corp ( United States ) ) Daido Steel Co Ltd. ( Japan ) ) Fine Sinter Co Ltd ( Japan ) ) Fukuda Metal Foil & Powder Co., Ltd. ( Japan ) ) GKN Powder Metallurgy ( United States ) ) GKN Hoeganaes ( United States ) ) H.C. Starck GmbH (H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders) ( Germany ) ) H.C. Starck Solutions ( United States ) ) Hoganas AB ( Sweden ) ) Kennametal Inc. ( United States ) ) Kobe Steel , Ltd. ( Japan ) , Ltd. ( ) Kymera International ( United States ) ) Makin Metal Powders (UK) Ltd. ( United Kingdom ) ) Miba AG ( Austria ) ) Molyworks Materials Corp ( United States ) ) Oerlikon Metco Switzerland ( Switzerland ) ) Pometon S.p.A ( Italy ) ) Rio Tinto Metal Powders ( Canada ) ) Sandvik AB ( Sweden ) ) Sandvik Materials Technology ( Sweden ) ) Showa Denko Materials Co Ltd ( Japan ) ) Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd ( Japan ) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ic28j9 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: 646-607-1904 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. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As a result of Yamana Gold entering into an arrangement agreement with Pan American Silver and Agnico Eagle Mines and announcing a change in recommendation, Gold Fields has terminated the Arrangement Agreement in respect of the Transaction. In accordance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Yamana is required to pay Gold Fields a termination fee in the amount of US$300m within two business days from the date hereof. A 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 Rodney Chester Named 2023 Board Chair; New Directors Selected As Part of the Firm's Orderly Board Succession Process NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Gresham Smith's orderly succession planning process, the firm announced today the following changes and additions to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2023. New Board Chair and Added Vice Chair Current board chair Al Pramuk will transition out of his board roles when his term ends at the end of 2022. Pramuk will continue working with the firm on a part-time basis, focusing on government and community relations in Middle Tennessee in addition to firmwide growth initiatives and mentoring assignments. will transition out of his board roles when his term ends at the end of 2022. Pramuk will continue working with the firm on a part-time basis, focusing on government and community relations in in addition to firmwide growth initiatives and mentoring assignments. CEO and board director Rodney Chester was elected by the board earlier this year as incoming 2023 chair, effective January 1, 2023 . was elected by the board earlier this year as incoming 2023 chair, effective . The firm has added a Board of Directors vice chair role, which will be filled by current board director and Executive Vice President of Transportation, Kent Black . Black is based in Atlanta, Georgia . Board Member Transitions After having served as a board director for 11 years, Healthcare Senior Vice President Orlando Lopez-Isa will transition out of his board role at the end of 2022. Lopez-Isa will continue working full time with the firm in business development roles. will transition out of his board role at the end of 2022. Lopez-Isa will continue working full time with the firm in business development roles. External board director, Cora Carmody , will transition off the board when her term ends on December 31, 2022 . The firm expects to announce a new external board member in the first half of 2023. Incoming Board Members Gresham Smith is pleased to announce the appointment of three incoming board directors who will begin their terms on January 1, 2023. They are: Wilson Rayfield , Aviation Executive Vice President, based in Richmond, Virginia . , Aviation Executive Vice President, based in . Jim Langlois , Healthcare Executive Vice President, based in Charlotte, North Carolina . , Healthcare Executive Vice President, based in . Carolyn Blake , Healthcare Technical Practice Leader, based in Jacksonville, Florida . "We have a formal, well-established process for board transitions and the selection of incoming directors to maintain a well-rounded board that, collectively, has the right diversity of perspectives and experiences to cover all aspects of our business. It's one of our key strengths," said CEO and incoming board chair Rodney Chester. "We're excited to welcome Wilson, Jim and Carolyn as incoming 2023 board directors, and we're truly grateful to Al, Orlando and Cora for the impactful contributions they've made to our board during their terms." The new board directors will join the firm's existing directors: Chief Operating Officer Peter Oram, Chief Strategy Officer Randy Gibson, Chief Financial Officer Dwayne West, Chief Development and Engagement Officer Kelly Knight Hodges, Director of Risk Management Carl Munkel, and Director of Architectural Design Jeff Kuhnhenn. Photography associated with this news release can be access here: https://greshamsmith.openasset.com/Page/Download?code=1ee9e5ede7cf0cecdf377fe6c7e43c84 About Wilson Rayfield Wilson Rayfield, AIA, LEED AP, joined Gresham Smith in 1994. Since then, he has designed, planned and managed numerous complex, award-winning projects at many of the nation's top-200 airports before rising to his role of Executive Vice President (EVP) of the firm's Aviation market. As EVP, Rayfield works to elevate the firm's profile in the industry and identify opportunities for market expansion. An advocate for architectural design, he is a past member of the design committee for the Virginia Society AIA, and also served as chair. He is also an active member of Airports Council International, Airport Consultants Council and the American Association of Airport Executives, and regularly speaks at the organizations' national conferences. Rayfield has also contributed thought leadership to a variety of national and international publications, including Airport World, Airport Business and Passenger Terminal World. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee. About Jim Langlois As Executive Vice President (EVP) for Gresham Smith's Healthcare market, Jim Langlois, AIA, NCARB, shapes and leads the market's business growth strategy. With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and research design, he has his finger on the pulse of the rapidly changing healthcare, architecture, and engineering industries. Langlois is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and has served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer and Secretary for the AIA Charlotte Section. He has previously served on UNC Charlotte College of Arts & Architecture's Board of Advisors. Langlois has presented on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare industry and has authored articles for Becker's Hospital Review. His work has also included firsthand observations of Israel's medical system models to consider how to implement best practices in the United States. In 2021, he was named a "Health Care Hero" by the Charlotte Business Journal in recognition of his healthcare design leadership. Langlois holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Boston Architectural College and a Master of Science degree from Queens University of Charlotte, McColl School of Business. About Carolyn Blake Carolyn Blake, IIDA, LEED AP, EDAC, is a recognized expert in evidence-based design, and she designs healthcare facilities that consider the needs of health systems, care providers and patients alike. As the Technical Practice Leader for Gresham Smith's Healthcare market, Blake serves as a resource for the group's 200+ employees. Blake is a member of the International Interior Design Association's North Florida chapter, having previously served as the City Center Director, and serves on the Interior Architecture + Design Advisory Council at Florida State University. She is an accomplished conference speaker, having presented at NeoCon and the Healthcare Design Annual Conference, and has contributed content for publications including Healthcare Design Magazine, Medical Construction & Design, Becker's Hospital Review, and Building Design + Construction. Blake earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida, and holds a Master of Science degree in Interior Design from Florida State University. About Gresham Smith Gresham Smith is a top-ranked architecture, engineering and design firm with more than $230 million in annual gross revenue and 25 offices across the United States. The firm provides full-service solutions for the built environment with a focus on the aviation, building engineering, healthcare, industrial, land planning, life and work places, transportation, and water and environment market sectors. Our team of diligent designers, creative problem-solvers, insightful planners and seasoned collaborators work closely with our clients to improve the cities and towns we call home. Consistently ranked as a "best place to work," we are committed to creating a culture that fosters diversity of experience combined with a common goal of genuine care for each other, our partners and the outcome of our work. Learn more at GreshamSmith.com. SOURCE Gresham Smith HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoegh LNG Partners LP (NYSE: HMLP-PA) (the "Partnership") announces that on November 8, 2022, Mr. John V. Veech, Chairman of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Partnership, provided notice of his resignation as Chairman and as a director of the Board, effective on November 8, 2022. The general partner of the Partnership is undertaking a process to select a successor for Mr. Veech. Mr. Veech commented "It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as Chairman of the Board of the Partnership. It is an exciting and dynamic time in the LNG market. I shall value above all else the relationships with my fellow directors and the best-in-class management team." Mr. Havard Furu, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Partnership, commented "We are grateful for Mr. Veech's contribution during his period as Chairman of the Partnership and wish him well in his future endeavors." Contact The IGB Group, Bryan Degnan, +1 (646) 673-9701 / Leon Berman, +1 (212) 477-8438 SOURCE Hoegh LNG Partners LP TAIPEI, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/-- This article is based on an interview undertaken by FusionMedium's technology online media, TechOrange, and published with permission: Honda, Ford, and Mazda's EV sensors are all made in Taiwan Whetron Electronics was established in 1983 as a provider to the automotive electronics sector. Over the 40 years of the company's existence, its lineup of sensing-centric vehicle systems from anti-theft, parking assistance to ADAS has excelled in performance. More and more sensors are being used in both gasoline-powered and electric vehicles (EVs) to meet with the expectations among drivers for safety, convenience and comfort. With the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) having very much become standard in virtually all new cars, sensors will undoubtedly be given more emphasis on the path to intelligent and driverless cars. Whetron Electronics was established in 1983 as a provider to the automotive electronics sector. Over the 40 years of the company's existence, its lineup of sensing-centric vehicle systems from anti-theft, parking assistance to ADAS has excelled in performance. "The sensors in a car are no longer single sensing units operating on the basis of a single technology, but rather a collection of different sensors, each with its own purpose, with the result that the number of sensors in the vehicle of today is several dozen times what was needed 10 years ago," said Alex Cho, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Whetron Electronics. Core technologies and hard work make for good industry performance Whetron Electronics got its entry into the automotive electronics sector as soon as the firm was established in 1983 and started providing remote control anti-theft devices to Ford. Over the next 40 years, the company has become ubiquitous with sensing-centric vehicle systems from anti-theft and parking assistance to ADAS. The company's accumulation of experience and technology over the four decades has led to itscapabilities in automotive sensors being widely recognized by many of the industry's majors, among them, Ford, GM, Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Nissan ,and Mitsubishi. With superior technology and service, Whetron Electronics has maintained close, long-term relationships with customers and became the exclusive supplier of Honda's ultrasonic radar in 2015, establishing its leadership position in intelligent vehicle electronics. How did Whetron Electronics win the favor of these manufacturers? "Technology is the key, while long-term experience and hard work are the foundation," emphasized Cho. The world's roads, traffic conditions, geography, and climate environments vary greatly, and the proper working of the sensing system under various scenarios requires experience and repeated iteration. "There will always be many unexpected situations." Alex said, for example, when the vehicle is being driven along steep up-and-down mountain roads, it becomes impossible for the front and rear millimeter wave radar to detect objects outside the vehicle correctly and respond as the slope is too inclined and the radar angle is fixed. This is unacceptable to car manufacturers. To improve radar discrimination accuracy to more than 95%, the company repeatedly conducted road tests with automakers over an eight-month period and kept modifying the algorithm until a satisfactory solution was found. This is just one of many cases where the company leveraged its rich measurement experience to overcome blind spot challenges and provide drivers with superior quality and service. From a single sensor to multiple sensing, making progress by working hand-in-hand with carmakers As vehicle sensing systems gradually transition from a single sensor to multiple sensing, the challenges facing sensing system manufacturers become ever more complex. The technology-centered advantages of Whetron Electronics are expected to become even starker in the highly competitive automotive electronics market. To start off, a single sensor can't meet the requirements of the multiple sensing systems installed in today's intelligent vehicles. A or even several multiple sensing systems with different functions need to be integrated and connected before drivers can access and benefit from the massive amount of vehicle information to achieve optimum driving safety. In addition, the sensor-related software must be updated in real-time to ensure that the vehicle is always equipped with the latest advances in quickly evolving technology. To overcome these challenges, it behooves sensing system manufacturers to work closely with automobile manufacturers. The tacit interaction and trust relationship established between Whetron Electronics and carmakers over the last 40 years has laid a solid foundation for the development of intelligent and driverless cars and led to the design and provision of the most beneficial sensing solutions. "For the whole life cycle from development and design, mass production and manufacturing to after-sales service, we do everything well, so the continuous improvement in competitiveness is inevitable as evidenced by our many achievements and data." Alex also mentioned that in the process of the company's pursuit of progress, the AI on Chip Industrial Cooperation Strategic Alliance established by the Smart Electronics Industry Promotion Office (SIPO) of the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs provided information sharing across the sector, exchanges leading to collaborations with domestic and foreign manufacturers, access to international resources and business opportunities assistance. All the support has proven invaluable to Whetron Electronics and helped the company achieve the goal of accelerating expansion into the global automotive electronics market. Keeping pace with the times and being at the forefront of the EV's "integrated driving and parking" trend By being among the first to collaborate with carmakers and manufacturers of car engines, Whetron Electronics was an early entrant into the market for intelligent EVs with integrated driving and parking functionalities. Alex noted that the parking and driving functions of vehicles in general have always been controlled by two independent systems, while the whole electronic and electrical architecture of the vehicle has gradually shifted from a distributed to a centralized one. Reductions in cost, power consumption, and vehicle weight have made it so that the integration of driving and parking systems is no longer a challenge. In addition, the relevant sensing functions must match the integrated vehicle system. Whetron Electronics has already readied itself to fulfill this need. To cater to the transition to intelligent EVs and autonomous vehicles, Whetron Electronics, as a key component within the supply chain of Taiwan's automotive electronics industry, is confident in the market, "Taiwan excels in both ICT industry hardware and software and has important ADAS research advantages. Combined with complete production chains and industry clusters, as well as ample investment from multiple sectors, we believe that the island is ideally positioned to play a key role in the EV and autonomous vehicle markets." concluded Cho. SOURCE Fusionmedium NEW YORK and TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. ("iAnthus" or the "Company") (CSE: IAN) (OTCPK: ITHUF), which owns, operates, and partners with regulated cannabis operations across the United States, today reported its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which includes its unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the related management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, can be accessed on the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC's") website at www.sec.gov , the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, and on the Company's website at www.iAnthus.com. Third Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights Revenue of $39.4 million , a sequential decrease of 10% from Q2 2022 and a decrease of 20% from the same period in the prior year. , a sequential decrease of 10% from Q2 2022 and a decrease of 20% from the same period in the prior year. Gross profit of $16.2 million , a sequential decrease of 18% when compared to Q2 2022 and a decrease of 38% from the same period in the prior year. , a sequential decrease of 18% when compared to Q2 2022 and a decrease of 38% from the same period in the prior year. Gross margin of 41.1%, reflecting a sequential decrease of 4.1% from Q2 2022 and a decrease of 11.8% from the same period in the prior year. Net loss of $22.0 million , or a loss of $0.00 per share, compared to a loss of $373.6 million or a loss of $0.65 per share in Q2 2022, and a loss of $15.8 million , or a loss of $0.09 per share, in the same period in the prior year. , or a loss of per share, compared to a loss of or a loss of per share in Q2 2022, and a loss of , or a loss of per share, in the same period in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA(6) loss of $0.3 million , a sequential decrease from $2.3 million in Q2 2022 and a decrease from $8.1 million from the same period in the prior year. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Reconciliation tables of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as used in this news release to GAAP are included below. Table 1: Financial Results in thousands of US$, except share and per share amounts (unaudited) Revenue Q3 2022 $ 39,371 Q2 2022 $ 43,481 Q3 2021 $ 49,263 Gross profit 16,181 19,668 26,057 Gross margin 41.1 % 45.2 % 52.9 % Net loss (21,995) (373,562) (15,835) Net loss per share 0.00 (0.65) (0.09) Table 2: Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA in thousands of US$ Q3 2022 Q2 2022 Q3 2021 Net loss (21,995) (373,562) (15,835) Depreciation and amortization 8,365 7,394 8,132 Interest expense, net 3,448 5,777 5,822 Income tax expense 4,325 5,391 4,090 EBITDA (Non-GAAP) (6) $ (5,857) $(355,000) $ 2,209 Adjustments Impairment loss 127 Write-downs and other charges (1,139) 154 Inventory reserve (19) 177 Accretion expense 1,020 775 767 Share-based compensation (1) 4,657 21,372 1,613 Non-monetary gain from MPX NJ acquisition Loss/(Gain) from change in fair value of financial instruments 134 138 300 Debt obligation fees (2) 390 423 Non-recurring charges (3) 1,087 18,218 2,376 Loss on debt extinguishment (4) 316,577 Other income (5) (190) (527) Total Adjustments $ 5,550 $ 357,274 $ 5,606 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) (6) $ (307) $ 2,274 $ 7,815 Margin (1) % 5 % 16 % (1) Q2 2022 reflects $21.0 million of share-based compensation expense related to the graded vesting from the restricted stock units ("RSUs") granted as a result of the consummation of the Company's previously announced recapitalization transaction (the "Recapitalization Transaction"). Q3 2022 is ordinary course quarterly share-based compensation expense from the ongoing vesting of RSUs. (2) Reflects accrued interest on the exit fee associated with the holders of the Company's 13.0% senior secured convertible debentures. As the Recapitalization Transaction closed on June 24, 2022, the Company will no longer incur debt obligation fees. (3) Includes one-time, non-recurring costs related to the Company's Recapitalization Transaction, strategic review process, ongoing legal disputes, severance, and other non-recurring costs associated with having become a U.S. reporting company. (4) One-time loss of $316.6 million on debt extinguishment related to closing of the Recapitalization Transaction. (5) Q3 2022 reflects $0.2 million Employee Retention Tax Credits ("ERTC"). Q2 2022 includes accounts payable write-offs of $0.3 million and ERTC Tax Credits of $0.2 million. (6) See "Non-GAAP Financial Information" below for more information regarding the Company's use of non-GAAP financial measures. Non-GAAP Financial Information This release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the SEC. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are included in the tables above. This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for, or superior to, any measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In evaluating our business, we consider and use EBITDA as a supplemental measure of operating performance. We define EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. We present EBITDA because we believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties as a measure of financial performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA before stock-based compensation, accretion expense, write-downs and impairments, gains and losses from changes in fair values of financial instruments, income or losses from equity-accounted investments, changes in accounting policy, non-recurring costs related to the Company's Recapitalization Transaction, and litigation costs related to ongoing legal proceedings. The terms EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not defined under GAAP, and are not a measure of operating income, operating performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as an analytical tool, and when assessing the Company's operating performance, investors should not consider EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA in isolation, or as a substitute for net income (loss) or other consolidated income statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Among other things, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the Company's actual cash expenditures. Other companies may calculate similar measures differently than us, limiting their usefulness as comparative tools. We compensate for these limitations by relying on GAAP results and using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA only as supplemental information. About iAnthus iAnthus owns and operates licensed cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.iAnthus.com. Forward Looking Statements Statements in this news release contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Company's reports that it files from time to time with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulators which you should review including, but not limited to, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC, as amended by the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 filed with the SEC on August 15, 2022. When used in this news release, words such as "will," "could," "plan," "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "believe", "should" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's financial performance, business development and results of operations. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events, and the Company cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that it will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward- looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission have reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. SOURCE iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. With help from OneDine's innovative ordering platform, the fast-casual taco chain has been identified as a technology leader PLANO, Texas, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At last week's MURTEC Executive Summit, hosted by Hospitality Technology, Scott Lawton, Co-Founder and CEO of bartaco , accepted the 2022 MURTEC Breakthrough Award on behalf of the bartaco brand. The MURTEC Breakthrough Award honors restaurant companies that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in operational and guest-facing technologies. At bartaco, a popular taco chain serving upscale street food, customers use QR codes to place orders. This contactless ordering technology was developed by OneDine and is being used in all locations. This "on-demand hospitality" model enhances the guests' visit and allows employees to focus on the guest experience, creating memorable brand affinity. The OneDine technology, in conjunction with the passion and dedication of the bartaco team, was to thank in the receipt of this award. "This is an incredible honor for our brand and team," says Scott Lawton, Co-Founder and CEO at bartaco. "We have been able to leverage technology to create an even more human experience. The partnership with OneDine has allowed us to craft this technology to perfectly fit the brand and our values. Since we have launched with the 'On-Demand Hospitality' initiative, OneDine has felt like a part of the bartaco team." "We couldn't be more excited for our partners at bartaco," says Rom Krupp, Founder and CEO at OneDine. "The bartaco experience embodies our mission is at OneDine true guest control of their visit. We are honored that this mission and its embodiment at bartaco was recognized by Hospitality Technology at their MURTEC Executive Summit." The "On-Demand Hospitality" model allows guests to sit at a table, scan a QR code, and immediately begin ordering. At the end of the meal, guests can pay their check using their phone. This business model has resulted in higher employee retention, satisfaction, increased revenues, and decreased costs. About bartaco: bartaco is inspired by the beach culture of Brazil, Uruguay and southern California, offering upscale street food with a coastal vibe. For more information on bartaco, visit https://bartaco.com/ About OneDine: OneDine is the most comprehensive digital dining and commerce solution for ordering, secure payment, and guest intelligence. OneDine is proudly developed in Plano, Texas by innovators with decades of experience in the hospitality industry. To learn more, visit www.onedine.com SOURCE OneDine NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of International Game Technology PLC (NYSE: IGT) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. Class Period: March 16, 2018 to August 29, 2022 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: December 13, 2022 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in IGT: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/igt-class-action-loss-submission-form?id=33412&from=4 International Game Technology PLC NEWS - IGT NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that International Game Technology PLC made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) IGT overstated its compliance with gaming and lottery laws and applicable regulations; (ii) IGT and/or one or more of its current and/or former subsidiaries engaged in illegal gambling operations; (iii) the foregoing conduct subjected the Company and/or its current and/or former subsidiaries to a heightened risk of litigation and significant related costs; (iv) the Company downplayed the full scope and severity of its financial exposure to, and/or liabilities in connection with, the lawsuit filed against IGT's subsidiary in April of 2018; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in IGT you have until December 13, 2022 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased IGT securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the IGT lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/igt-class-action-loss-submission-form?id=33412&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk (BSI) affirmed Indonesia's commitment to become one of the centers of world Islamic finance, through the introduction of four programs to strengthen this ecosystem in Indonesia and abroad. Vice President Ma'ruf Amin accompanied by President Director of Bank Syariah Indonesia Hery Gunardi (second right), Compliance & HR Director of Bank Mandiri Agus Dwi Handaya (left) and Principal Representative Office of BSI Dubai Dian Faqihdien Suzabar when visiting Dubai Representative Office of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk. Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir has led the Ministries preparation of four featured programmes to form this ecosystem. First, developing the halal industry market within the country and abroad. The second one is developing the sharia financial industry. Third, friendly investment involving local entrepreneurs. And the fourth one, continuous growth of the sharia economy in rural areas. Recognising Indonesian sharia economy potential, Minister Thohir expressed his desire for Indonesians not only to be consumers of imported halal goods but to be the producers. "We should be the producers and a global player. Yet that would be impossible if we do not have a strong sharia financial system," said Thohir. According to the indicator report from The State of Global Islamic Economy, Indonesia has continuously shown significant growth. In 2019, the country was one of the top 10 countries of the world's sharia economy. In 2020, this rank was raised, placing Indonesia in the top five. Thohir established the holding of the state's sharia bank, Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI). BSI is a result of the merger of 3 sharia banks namely BNI Syariah, BRI Syariah, and Bank Syariah Mandiri which was inaugurated on February 1, 2021. BSI is the largest Islamic bank and the 7th largest bank in Indonesia. Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Ma'ruf Amin said, BSI should be able to make Indonesia the center for the sharia industry and the world's halal ecosystem. "Our hope is that BSI will not only take this role nationally, but also globally. Analogically, now Islamic banks are not just playing in a small pool, but are able to swim in the wide ocean," said Ma'ruf, during a visit to the BSI representative office at Dubai, United Arab Emirates on November 4, 2022. BSI President Director Hery Gunardi declared the bank's commitment to fully support all initiatives to reinforce the ecosystem towards the goal of becoming the world's sharia economy centre of gravity. BSI, he said, has persistently developed the country's sharia financial ecosystem. "Indonesia has big potential in halal industry," Gunardi added. This is supported by the fact that more than 229 millions of its population are Muslim, which equals to 87.2% of the country's total population. The halal food industry has the potential up to USD164,76 billion. Further potential can be found in clothing with USD20 billion, halal media USD9,52 billion, halal tourism USD10,48 billion, health industry USD4,76 billion, halal cosmetics and hajj and umrah USD3,81 billion. Other sharia businesses, such as investment, have potential around USD122,65 billion. BSI has also started its business penetration in the global market. One of them is in the Middle East in line with cooperation with international conglomerates and start-ups in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which also marks the expansion of the largest Islamic bank in Indonesia in the global arena. This step was an acceleration for BSI to be taken into account in the international community through increasing capabilities, competitiveness, and reputation. The presence of overseas business networks allows BSI to interact directly with important components of the global banking industry. Gunardi hopes that BSI will be closer to global investors so that the company can contribute more in supporting the programs of the government of the Republic of Indonesia, both in funding infrastructure and development projects through the issuance of Global Sukuk as well as support for the development of national MSMEs. BSI kept its positive performance in the third quarter of 2022, achieving USD218,36 million net profit, growing 42% (yoy). This performance was also supported by public trust, proven by 11.86% rise of third party funds that reached USD16,68 billion. The financing side also grew significantly. BSI financing as a whole recorded USD13,59 billion, growing 22.35%. By segments, micro financing contributed the most with 37.32%. Consumer financing grew 25.26%, wholesale financing 21.79%, card financing 35.81%, and also gold pawn with 30.15% growth. Additionally, net NPF was only 0.43%. Solid and healthy performance was also reflected by 11.53% asset growth. BSI also strived for cost efficiency, shown by better BOPO ratio of 74.02%. Until September 2022, there were already 4.44 million users of BSI Mobile, soaring 43% yearly. Based on customer profiles in BSI, as many as 97% have shifted to e-channel for banking activities. Cumulative transactions for BSI Mobile reached 187.20 million transactions. Sustainable financing reached USD3,47 billion or 25.54% of total BSI financing. "Promoting sustainable financing is one of our commitments as part of our social and environmental responsibilities in various areas of this country as well as supporting the G20 Indonesia Presidency," Gunardi added. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941007/TRW2022_1_25.jpg SOURCE PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk NASSAU, Bahamas, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning online broker INFINOX has recently published Q3 data for 2022, pointing to an impressive rise in client acquisition, as compared to Q2 of this year, and to Q3 of 2021. According to the data, INFINOX has managed to attract more new users globally in the mentioned quarter, both to its trading platform and to its state-of-the-art social trading tool, IX Social . The data shows a spike in the number of new accounts opened globally on IX Social. There was a rise of almost 30% in new IX Social accounts in Q3 of 2022, when compared to new accounts in Q2 of the same year. When comparing Q3 of 2022 to that of 2021, a surge of over 75% can be noted. The new, social trader takes over When asked regarding these numbers, Head of Sales at INFINOX Sam Chaney cited the main trigger as a change in the online trading scene, mostly visible in what they call the 'new trader'. "We're talking about a new type of trader - one who is younger and more growth-oriented when it comes to online trading," remarked Chaney, "and this is especially prominent in the Middle East and Arab-speaking world. The 'new trader' sees this platform as a long-term opportunity, rather than the conservative trader who viewed online trading as a short-term activity - and even a competition between traders. Our IX Social tool fits like a glove to this trader, because it offers them a community in which they can discuss market movements, understand the dynamics and even get inspired by other traders. Basically, it is a win-win situation." About INFINOX Serving traders globally with offices in 15 countries, INFINOX was founded in 2009 and has been at the forefront of the industry from its establishment. Thousands of clients across the world trade a full range of asset classes with INFINOX , such as forex, equities, commodities, and crypto. The INFINOX brand was built on the cornerstones of integrity and trust. Customers who work with the broker gain access to a wide range of tools, including the IX Social platform, alongside market news, up-to-date analysis, extensive customer support, and more. "We will continue to develop our IX Social tool, so as to make sure it serves the needs of the 'new trader' in the most optimal manner," added Chaney. https://www.infinox.com/fsc/en SOURCE INFINOX RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Instinctif Partners, a leading business communications consultancy in EMEA, is proud to announce the remarkable success their clients achieved at the 'Best IR Reporting Awards' at the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) 2022 hybrid annual conference & awards, which took place in Riyadh on the 24th of October. Instinctif clients steal the show at the awards ceremony of the 2022 Middle East Investor Relations (MEIRA) annual conference (PRNewsfoto/Instinctif Partners) Instinctif clients won a total of twelve awards in both the printed and digital categories of the IR Reporting awards. In the large-cap printed category, Riyad Bank stole the show winning first place to complement their second placed award in the digital category. Almarai secured a third placing. In the mid-cap division, Mobily was placed first, with Savola winning second place and Bahri third. Baladna further won second in the small-cap printed category. For digital in the large-cap category, TAQA secured first place with Riyad Bank and e& coming second. Saudi Airlines Catering was placed third in the mid-cap group, with Baladna coming first in the small-cap division and Tanmiah Food Company, third. Pablo Alday, Partner, and Head of Content & Creative of Instinctif Partners MENA said: "It has been an incredible experience being a part of our clients' journey from the very start, and to see them go on to win twelve awards is very humbling. I am so proud of their achievements and of my team, without whose unfaltering dedication and commitment to creating award-winning reporting, none of this would have been possible." Samantha Bartel, Managing Partner, and CEO of Instinctif Partners MENA said: "We are incredibly proud to see the success of our clients at the MEIRA, Best IR Reporting awards & conference. It demonstrates our client's commitment to providing investors and the public with investor relations reporting of the highest quality including transparency, clarity, and design. We look forward to working with our clients to further raise the bar for investor relations best practice in the MENA region." MEIRA provides a platform for listed companies, capital market advisers, private companies, and individuals to network amongst like-minded peers, and further acts as a think tank for ideas and initiatives. The 2022 MEIRA hybrid annual conference & awards promoted best practice investor relations by recognising and driving excellence within the region. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941433/Instinctif_MEIRA.jpg SOURCE Instinctif Partners Powerful and easy-to-use system gives Integrity Partners on-demand access to a shared library of customizable and compliant marketing materials DALLAS, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrity Marketing Group, LLC ("Integrity"), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced the launch of its proprietary new Integrity MarketingCENTER. Available exclusively to Integrity Partners, this platform allows them to easily provide marketing materials to agents that work with Integrity affiliated firms. Integrity Announces New Proprietary MarketingCENTER Platform Available Exclusively to Partners MarketingCENTER is an on-demand, easy-to-use online portal that provides Integrity Partners access to a shared library of marketing assets and other fully compliant and carrier-approved materials. Items available in MarketingCENTER include product launch assets, agent recruitment materials, best practice guides as well as advertising programs. Designed to support an extensive range of marketing channels, the platform offers materials including social media assets, digital banners, direct mailers, email templates, videos and more. All the materials are available to download anytime from anywhere, and many are customizable, allowing Partners to add contact information, select imagery and choose headlines from approved assets. Integrity will continually add expanded campaigns to MarketingCENTER, and materials will be shared across the entire Integrity platform to help Partners reach more agents or consumers and showcase how best they can serve them. "Integrity is built to help great companies become even more efficient and effective in meeting the holistic life, health and wealth protection needs of today's consumers," shared Bryan W. Adams, Co-Founder and CEO of Integrity. "Our new Integrity MarketingCENTER empowers our Partners to reach more people in more ways than ever before and it helps ensure that the marketing materials they use are fully compliant and carrier approved. MarketingCENTER is another example of how Integrity is working to innovate industry systems and processes to help more Americans plan for the good days ahead. We're thrilled to offer it exclusively to our Integrity Partners!" "As Integrity continues to grow, it's critical for our Partners to have robust, on-demand marketing solutions that are both flexible and scalable," explained Anne Wood, Chief Marketing Officer of Integrity. "Also, it's just as important for those marketing solutions to be housed within a platform that is easy to use and access. MarketingCENTER delivers on both counts. It features a large and constantly growing library of assets many of which are customizable that is easily accessible through a simple and intuitive interface. This is game-changing technology that will greatly enhance Integrity's mission to serve." One of the most impactful benefits of the MarketingCENTER platform is the opportunity for Partners to access free marketing materials that have been extensively reviewed and approved to meet current compliance guidelines. "With the complexity of staying compliant in an ever-changing Medicare landscape, Integrity MarketingCENTER is an incredibly valuable resource," shared Ryan Kimble, President of Integrity Health. "It provides instant access to a full library of marketing resources that are compelling and compliant, which is a win-win. Being able to provide those materials to agents quickly and efficiently means they have more time to serve their clients and it eliminates the question of if the materials they are using are approved." Integrity has been rapidly innovating the technology available to its platform Partners, with recent announcements including the launch of their proprietary MedicareCENTER Mobile App and LeadCENTER platform. As the latest addition, MarketingCENTER now offers extensive resources to Partners providing additional systems for exponential growth. "Integrity offers its Partners a wide variety of sophisticated systems designed to streamline and enhance business," explained Tim Ash, Managing Partner of Integrity. "By joining Integrity, we have greatly expanded the technology and resources available to our teams and advisors, and MarketingCENTER is yet another powerful example of that! Staying on top of regulatory changes and requirements is critical. Having access to pre-approved and customizable marketing materials within MarketingCENTER gives every Integrity Partner added peace of mind." To learn more about how MarketingCENTER provides Integrity Partners with marketing resources to better serve more Americans, watch a brief video at www.integritymarketing.com/MarketingCENTER. For more information about Integrity, visit www.integritymarketing.com. About Integrity Integrity, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of innovative solutions for wealth management and retirement planning. Through its partner network, Integrity helps millions of Americans protect their life, health and wealth with a commitment to meet them wherever they are in person, over the phone and online. Integrity's cutting-edge technology helps streamline the insurance and financial planning experience for all stakeholders. In addition, Integrity develops products with carrier partners and markets them through its nationwide distribution network. Integrity's nearly 6,000 employees work with approximately 500,000 agents and advisors who serve more than 11 million clients annually. In 2022, Integrity will help carriers place almost $20 billion in new sales and oversee more than $30 billion of assets under management and advisement through its RIA and broker-dealer platforms. For more information, visit www.integritymarketing.com . SOURCE Integrity Marketing Group, LLC PITTSBURGH, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a new stuffed doll that would make a great comfort object for children," said an inventor, from Brooklyn, N.Y., "so I invented ZOODLES. My huggable design would be safe to handle and hold and it would not pose a choking hazard." The invention provides a unique line of dolls for children. In doing so, it could help to comfort and soothe a child. It also could spark fun, activity and imaginative play. The invention features a unique design that is safe to play with and enjoy so it is ideal for children, especially those with sensory processing issues/sensitivities and special needs. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype is available. The original design was submitted to the New Jersey sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 21-LDJ-192, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com. SOURCE InventHelp Increase in use of technology to cut costs and add capabilities and acceleration of digital transformation in enterprises have boosted the growth of the global IT asset management market. PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "IT Asset Management Market by Component (Solution, Service), by Deployment Model (On Premise, Cloud), by Enterprise Size (Large Enterprises, SMEs), by Industry Vertical (IT and Telecom, Manufacturing, BFSI, Healthcare and Life Science, Government and Public Sector, Education, Energy and Utility, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031" As per the report, the global IT asset management industry generated $1.3 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2022 to 2031. Download Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/32017 Drivers, restraints, and opportunities Increase in use of technology to cut costs and add capabilities and acceleration of digital transformation in enterprises have boosted the growth of the global IT asset management market. On the other hand, business have shifted toward digitalization and surge in implementation of Industry 4.0 to cope with ongoing tough business competition, which creates new opportunities in the future. Covid-19 scenario: The Covid-19 pandemic drastically impacted businesses across the globe. The adoption of IT asset management solution witnessed an incline, due to several lockdown measures imposed by government of different countries. On the other hand, companies started focusing on emerging technologies such as AI-powered solution, cloud-based technologies, and automation across industries such as healthcare, IT and telecom, and BFSI. The solution segment dominated the market By component, the solution segment held the lion's share in 2021, accounting for more than two-thirds of the global IT asset management market. The adoption of IT asset management provides numerous benefits to the industry such as, streamline the business process, eliminate the manual process and reduces the time and costs, which fuels the market growth. However, the service segment is projected to portray the highest CAGR of 13.4% during the forecast period. The adoption of IT asset management services enhances software implementation, maximize the value of existing installation by optimizing it, and minimize the deployment cost & risks, and others, which drives the segment growth. The cloud segment to register the highest CAGR through 2031 By deployment model, the cloud segment is anticipated is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 13.8% from 2022 to 2031, due to increase in adoption of cloud-based IT asset management because of low cost and easier maintenance. However, the on premise segment held the lion's share in 2021, contributing to nearly three-fifths of the global IT asset management market. This is attributed due to the numerous advantages offered by the on-premise deployment such as a high level of data security and safety. The large enterprises segment held the largest share By enterprise size, the large enterprises segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2021, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the global IT asset management market. Colossal amount of data and increase in complexities in large enterprises open numerous opportunities for the IT asset management market. However, the SMEs segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 12.7% during the forecast period, owing to continuous rise in number of government initiatives through various digital SME campaigns throughout the world. The manufacturing segment to manifest the highest CAGR by 2031 By industry vertical, the manufacturing is projected to register the highest CAGR of 15.9% from 2022 to 2031, as it helps to predict IT infrastructure costs and cut maintenance overheads. However, the IT and telecom segment held the largest share in 2021, contributing to around one-fourth of the global IT asset management market. IT asset management enables teams to use the same technology across compatible devices, which can increase their productivity and efficiency. Departments can then focus on performing more important responsibilities such as security, support, and repair & device maintenance. All these benefits of IT asset management is driving the adoption of IT asset management solution in IT & telecom sector. Purchase Inquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/32017 North America held the lion's share By region, the market across North America held the largest share in 2021, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the market, due to rise in use of IT asset management solution in banking & finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and other sectors to improve business and customer experience. However, the global IT asset management market across Asia-Pacific is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period, due to rise in penetration of advanced technology and higher adoption of cloud-based solution and services. Key market players IBM Corporation Microsoft Corporation Dell Inc. HP Inc. Oracle Corp BMC Software Inc. ServiceNow Inc. Flexera Software LLC Snow Software AB Aspera Technologies Inc. Buy this Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/4aa0b4508291922bed668819d824d87f Trending Reports in ICT & Media Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount): Crypto Asset Management Market Expected to Reach $9.36 Billion by 2030 Utilities Asset Management Market Expected to Reach $12.4 Billion by 2031 Rail Asset Management Market Expected to Reach $17.5 Billion by 2031 Enterprise Asset Management Market Expected to Reach $9.9 Billion by 2031 Digital Asset Management Market Expected to Reach $5,287 Million by 2023 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. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/information-and-communication-technology-and-media Follow Us on Blog: https://www.technologyplz.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no strange(r) thing that philanthropists Shawn and Serena Levy will be taking center stage alongside comedian Hasan Minhaj and Dr. Beena Patel Minhaj at the Laughter Is the Best Medicine 2022 gala on Monday, December 5, at the Beverly Wilshire, hosted by global health nonprofit Jhpiego. An extraordinary storyteller and prolific filmmaker, Shawn explored communication with extraterrestrials in the multi-Oscar-nominated "Arrival," shared the supernatural adventures of a group of teens in the award-winning Netflix series "Stranger Things," and directed hit movies "Free Guy," "The Adam Project," and highly anticipated "Deadpool 3"and the upcoming limited series "All the Light We Cannot See." His wife Serena, who has practiced as an early childhood development specialist privately and at Cedars Sinai Medical Center Early Childhood Center, also serves on the Board of Trustees for A Sense of Home. Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins affiliate, believes that where a woman and her family live should not determine if they live. Tweet this The couple will receive Jhpiego's Elyse Bila Ouedraogo Award, named for a Burkina Faso nurse who screened hundreds of women for cervical cancerthe preventable disease that ultimately took her life. This award is given to honorees who exemplify Ouedraogo's selfless determination to make a difference. "The work that Jhpiego does, the ways in which this organization is changing lives, is bettering lives, aligns with the values that Serena and I hold," said Shawn. "Through this award, we hope to amplify the work of Jhpiego, their empowerment of women, to ensure that the people they serve receive the quality health care all of us want for our families." Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, will present its Visionary Award the same evening to Hasan, a two-time Peabody Award-winning comedian, and his wife, Beena, Executive Director of Vituity Cares Foundation. The Visionary Award recognizes leaders who use their public platforms for activism aligned with the work and mission of Jhpiego women's empowerment, education and access to health care. The Minhajs are passionate advocates for equitable health care for women, men and their families wherever they live. Beena, who holds advanced degrees in public health, previously developed a nationally recognized and replicated model of patient-centered health care for homeless veterans. Hasan is the co-founder and chief executive officer of 186K Films, which will produce its first feature, "For the Culture," with Amazon Studios. His second comedy special, "The King's Jester," premiered on Netflix on October 4, 2022. "We're honored to be able to bring awareness to public health initiatives through both creative and grassroots mediums," said Beena. "Empowering people, especially women, to advocate for improved and expanded health care access leads to better overall public health. We hope to continue our work in this space in a way that exceeds the significant expectations of the Visionary Award." Laughter Is the Best Medicine, which this year takes place during Jhpiego's 50th anniversary year, highlights the work of Jhpiego's staff all over the world, in addition to the philanthropic and humanitarian contributions of the honorees. An evening of celebration and inspiration, the evening features performances from top comedians and special guests from Jhpiego's country offices. 100% of gala proceeds go toward improving the health and well-being of women and their families in the developing world. Working for the past half century in 155 countries to ensure equity, quality and respect in health care services, Jhpiego insists that where a woman lives should not determine if she lives. For more information about Jhpiego and its annual gala, visit www.jhpiego.org or contact Ann LoLordo, 443.831.3834, [email protected]. SOURCE Jhpiego KANAZAWA, Japan, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In a study recently published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, researchers from Kanazawa University use a method called "lasso-grafting" to design therapeutics with enhanced longevity and brain penetration Cell growth and repair are stimulated by biomolecules known as cytokines and growth factors. Unfortunately, delivering adequate concentrations of these molecules to the brain for treating neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease is challenging as they are either cleared out of the blood very quickly or do not penetrate neural tissue effectively. A research team led by Kunio Matsumoto and Katsuya Sakai at Kanazawa University in collaboration with Junichi Takagi, Osaka University and Hiroaki Suga, the University of Tokyo has now used a technique called "lasso-grafting" to design molecules that replicate growth factors with longer retention in the body and brain penetration. The team synthesized a molecular entity comprising two components: macrocyclic peptides inserted into antibody fragments (known as Fc) (Fig. 1a). Macrocyclic peptides are truncated proteins which can be engineered to resemble growth factors. Using lasso-grafting, a method previously developed by the researchers, the selected peptides were inserted into loops found on Fc. Now, lasso-grafting ensures that the macrocyclic peptides are easily exposed while keeping the structural integrity and function of both the peptide and Fc intact. Fc was used for this purpose as it remains in the body long enough and can easily added functionality of the Fab of choice. Using this process, a designer molecule replicating the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was first created. HGF binds a docking protein known as Met on the surface of cells to initiate signaling for cell growth and survival. Thus, aMD4 and aMD5, two macrocyclic peptides that can also bind to Met were first identified. They were then grafted into various sites on Fc until optimum insertion sites were found. When exposed to cells, Fc(aMD4) and Fc(aMD5) indeed latched onto Met receptors and initiated cellular signaling akin to HGF (Fig. 1b). Next, the longevity of Fc(aMD4) compared to Fc and HGF alone, was examined. When administered to mice, concentrations of HGF dwindled significantly after an hour while Fc(aMD4) persisted at levels enough to activate Met, for up to 200 hours. Markers for cellular replication were also active in these mice. Fc(aMD4) thus showed longevity and bioactivity. The final step was to determine the brain penetration of these designer molecules. For this purpose, aMD4 was inserted into an Fc of anti-transferrin receptor (TfR) antibody which accumulates in the mouse brain after peripheral administration (Fig. 1c). Indeed, TfR(aMD4) showed high accumulation and retention within the brain tissues of mice compared to Fc(aMD4) alone. This study depicts a novel strategy of inducing the effects of growth factors and cytokines with enhanced retention in brain tissues. What's more, based on the macrocyclic peptides and antibodies selected, this technique can be applied to imitate several growth factors. "Thus, lasso-grafting enables the design of protein therapeutics with the desired physicochemical stability and controllable pharmacokinetics, as well as the rapid engineering of antibodies for multiple functionalities," suggest the researchers. Background Macrocyclic peptides: Macrocyclic peptides are short fragments of proteins. Their cyclic structure facilitates strong binding to proteins of interest. Macrocyclic peptides are under investigation in drug development because advanced techniques as in vitro displays now allow for easy discovery of peptides that can bind to a desired target. The lasso-grafting method developed by the researchers here also allows for easy incorporation of macrocyclic peptides into protein scaffolds which can generate multifunctional proteins. Reference Katsuya Sakai, Nozomi Sugano-Nakamura, Emiko Mihara, Rojas-Chaverra NM, Sayako Watanabe, Hiroki Sato, Ryu Imamura, Dominic Chih-Cheng Voon, Itsuki Sakai, Chihiro Yamasaki, Chise Tateno, Mikihiro Shibata, Hiroaki Suga, Junichi Takagi, Kunio Matsumoto. Designing receptor agonists with enhanced pharmacokinetics by grafting macrocyclic peptides into fragment crystallizable regions. Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2022. DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00955-6 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-022-00955-6 Funded by: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), MEXT, Japan Related Image https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Figure_1.png Fig. 1. Lasso-grafting to design molecules that mimic growth factors with longer retention and brain penetration. (a) A pharmacophore sequence of Met receptor-binding macrocyclic peptide (aMD4; shown in red) was inserted into the loops (coloured balls) of human IgG1 Fc protein. (b) Lasso-grafting Fc yields Met agonists with extended half-life in the body. (c) Lasso-grafting Fc of an anti-TfR antibody yields Met agonists with blood-brain-barrier (BBB) penetrance. Contact Hiroe Yoneda Vice Director of Public Affairs WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) Kanazawa University Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan Email: [email protected] Tel: +81 (76) 234-4550 About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/ Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University is a research center established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The objective of this initiative is to form world-tier research centers. NanoLSI combines the foremost knowledge of bio-scanning probe microscopy to establish 'nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases. About Kanazawa University http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/ As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities. The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas. SOURCE Kanazawa University ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Joined by several hundred parents and activists in Elizabethtown, former U.S. Senate candidate Kathy Barnette led a "Rally to Save Our Schools" to advocate for parental rights and the defeat of radical indoctrination in K-12 schools. The event was hosted by 1776 Action, an issue advocacy organization where Barnette serves as a national spokeswoman. 1776 Action Spokesperson, Kathy Barnette, speaks at rally for parents' rights in education in Pennsylvania. "The battle for our kids is one we cannot lose, and we want to remind people what the woke education establishment is doing to them, and how we can fix it," said Barnette. "Pennsylvania parents deserve schools that understand that our children belong to us, not to them. From anti-American curriculum to radical gender ideology to blatantly obscene material, our trust is being abused and it's time for parents to reclaim our voice and our power." The rally also included a panel of parents from across the state who shared their own personal experiences in Pennsylvania's education battles, some of whom decided to run for their local school boards. "Last year's gubernatorial election in Virginia showed the power of parents to drive the political debate," said Adam Waldeck, President of 1776 Action. "Our goal is to help keep this issue front and center in Pennsylvania, because it's the only way to ultimately defeat the far Left's unrelenting push to transform our institutions into something unrecognizable to most Americans." SOURCE 1776 Action ORLANDO, Fla. , Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, a leading national vacation ownership company, today announced that Kumar Rajnish has joined the company as its Chief Strategy Officer. In this newly created role, Kumar will oversee corporate strategy and direct business transformation for the company. He will be responsible for refining and driving the company's growth strategy and leading business transformation initiatives for the organization, including digital. "Growth and transformation especially with regard to acquisitions and strategic partnerships have been important parts of our company's history and success for many years. This will continue to be a top priority, coupled with an intense focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience. These are exciting times for the company, which is why I am excited to welcome Kumar to our executive team" said John Staten, President and Chief Executive Officer at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated. "Kumar's extensive experience and success leading teams through periods of rapid growth and change will be instrumental as we continue to make progress against our mission of becoming the most loved brand in family travel." With over 25 years of experience in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions and integrations, business development, sales and marketing, financial analysis and operations, Kumar has a proven track record of developing high-performance teams and introducing companies to new markets. Prior to joining Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Kumar was the Chief Strategy Officer for Kaplan North America, where he oversaw the company's corporate strategy, partnership development, sales enablement, advanced data and analytics. Additionally, Kumar served in management consulting, corporate development and sales and marketing roles for global organizations such as McKinsey & Company, FedEx Express and IBM. About Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated Encompassing 28 resorts across 14 U.S. states, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated is a resort, real estate and travel company with a mission to be the most loved brand in family travel by delivering easy-to-plan, memorable vacation experiences that strengthen families. Based in Orlando, Fla., the company has been a leader in the vacation ownership industry since 1982, when it was established by Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson with the opening of the company's flagship property, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort next to Orlando's Walt Disney World Resort. Today, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations resort portfolio spans across the United States. Throughout its history, the company has maintained the core family values true to its founding Wilson family, while aggressively pursuing growth, transforming its member engagement model and building an industry-leading team passionate about the guest experience. Media Contact: Ashley Pipa, Holiday Inn Club Vacations 407.315.8866 [email protected] SOURCE Holiday Inn Club Vacations Accessible Care for Seniors Signing Up for Medicare Benefits LAKEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 15, open enrollment for Medicare began. Millions of Coloradoans will once again face the challenge of finding the right Medicare coverage, including the need to decide between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. While the primary focus will be on medical and prescription coverage, it is important not to ignore the potential impact of dental coverage. Lakewood Complete Dentistry Most Medicare participants fail to understand Medicare does not include routine, preventive dental procedures that are critical to longevity and overall health. Currently, Medicare benefits only apply to surgical dental procedures carried out in hospitals. As a result, seniors must either pay for dental services completely out-of-pocket or try to find a Medicare supplement that provides high-quality, affordable and accessible dental care. Unfortunately, this is extremely difficult. Most Medicare dental supplements are low-cost and poorly designed. In addition, these plans have very limited networks of inexperienced dentists. "We understand the challenges seniors in this situation face, which is one reason why we offer the Beacon Dentistry Savings Plan," commented Dr. Vincenzo Artino at Lakewood Complete Dentistry. He continued, "We make the search for experienced and knowledgeable dentists easy and provide the care seniors need at a rate they can afford. Our Plan allows these patients to enjoy friendly, personalized care at a consistent, monthly fee." Furthermore, the negative impact of poor dental care on the overall health of seniors can be significant. A range of statistics tell the story: Only 29% of seniors have dental coverage. 1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have no natural teeth remaining, and complete tooth loss becomes twice as prevalent by age 75. People who still have 20 or more teeth at age 70 are significantly more likely to have a longer lifespan than those with fewer teeth. 70% of adults over the age of 65 have advanced periodontitis. This is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. In Texas , nearly 4 million senior citizens struggle with periodontal disease a disease that has been strongly linked to heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and other serious conditions. While dental membership plans have existed for more than 20 years, most patients are unaware of this option. At the same time, ease of use and enrollment are two of the most significant benefits. Other facts to know about the Lakewood Complete Dentistry Savings Plan include: All, routine preventive care is included at a fixed cost per month. Benefits are available immediately without any waiting period. There are no annual limits, deductibles or co-pays. As seniors consider the benefits of the Lakewood Complete Dentistry Savings Plan, it is important to keep a couple of dates in mind. Open enrollment for Medicare started on October 15, 2022, and ends December 7, 2022. This is the time to drop an existing dental supplement that is not working and to enroll in a better form of coverage. Families interested in learning more should feel free to contact Lakewood Complete Dentistry via their website or by calling 817-594-7302. Contact Information: Website: https://www.lakewoodcompletedentistry.com/ Dr. Vincenzo Artino 7575 W 20th Ave Lakewood, CO 80214 Jordon Baker, Client Relations TNT Dental 2100 North Collins Boulevard Richardson, TX 75080 Primary Media Contact: Jordon Baker 877-868-4932 [email protected] SOURCE Lakewood Complete Dentistry PLYMOUTH, Mich., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Loc Performance (Loc) today named Jason Atkinson as the company's new president and CEO, effective immediately. Atkinson has served as a key member of Loc's leadership team since 2008, when he joined the company as chief operating officer. In his new role, Atkinson will continue to lead the technical efforts for all new business opportunities and launches. Loc Performance, a leading agricultural and military provider, named Jason Atkinson as its new president and CEO. Tweet this Jason Atkinson, President and CEO of Loc Performance "I have worked with Jason for more than 20 years, and he is more than ready to thrive in this new role," said Lou Burr, former Loc CEO. Burr will no longer be active in Loc's day-to-day operations but will continue to serve as a strategic consultant. During his time as Loc's COO, Atkinson oversaw all aspects of the business operations, including production, quality, materials, engineering, IT and human resources. He spearheaded the development of tools that accelerated Loc's growth, including Loc's QMS supplier development system and the launch of Plex, Loc's fully automated ERP system. Under his direction and management, Loc launched and delivered flawlessly on significant programs such as ECP1 for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, which increases ground clearance and survivability. "I am excited to step into this expanded leadership role," said Atkinson. "Loc is uniquely positioned for growth in the military, agricultural and construction markets, and I look forward to continuing the company's positive momentum." Atkinson also led several significant acquisitions for Loc, including Demmer's North Lansing plant in 2017, Lapeer Industries in 2019, and Continental's St Mary's location in 2020. Under Atkinson's leadership, Loc has deployed millions of dollars in capital equipment, facility expansions, and new product launches, such as the MLRS IAC program in the Lansing facility. As a certified six sigma black belt, Atkinson has built his career on continuous improvement efforts. Prior to joining Loc, Atkinson developed strong leadership experience in the automotive industry. Starting his career at a Tier 1 automotive supplier while going to school at M-TEC, Atkinson had full P&L responsibility as a plant manager for a multi-site operation that produced underbody, suspension components and mechanical assemblies for Chrysler, GM, and Ford. Over this twelve-year period in the auto industry, he launched hundreds of millions of dollars in business, obtained Q1 with Ford, maintained QS9000, TS16949, and A2LA certifications, and developed a cost reduction and lean manufacturing program yielding significant savings. With five plants and over 800 employees, Jason received PMP certification to support multisite program launches and developed a program management process with multi-gate reviews to ensure on-time delivery and overall customer satisfaction. About Loc Performance Loc Performance, headquartered in Plymouth, MI, provides track systems, mechanical systems, armor products, fabricated structures, and rubberized products for both military and industrial applications. With proven capabilities in product design and development through production, Loc offers comprehensive solutions and exceptional customer service to produce the highest quality products at competitive pricing. Loc has over 1,750,000 square feet of manufacturing space with facilities in Plymouth, Lansing, and Lapeer, Michigan, and St. Marys, Ohio with more than 980 total employees. Learn more at www.locperformance.com. SOURCE Loc Performance Products NIMBUS Inc. Ranks No. 58 on Adweek's 75 Fastest Growing Agencies with Three-Year Revenue Growth of 95% LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Adweek ranked NIMBUS Inc . No. 58 in 75 Fastest Growing Agencies. The annual feature honors agencies large and small from all over the world that have achieved exceptional growth over the past three years. "We're excited and thankful to be recognized by Adweek as one of the fastest growing agencies," said NIMBUS CEO and ECD Stacey Wade. "Looking ahead, we're focused on growing our talent and expanding our work with our partners as an agent of change while championing the importance of communicating with multicultural consumers in a culturally relevant way." Complete results of 75 Fastest Growing Agencies, including company profiles, can be found here and in the Oct. 24 issue of Adweek magazine. The fastest-growing agency for 2022 was Movers + Shakers. TikTok is the fastest-growing social platform in the world, so it's only fitting the top agency on Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies list is a shop that has mastered advertising on TikTok. Movers+Shakers has brands flocking to it in hopes of the agency creating a TikTok campaign that Gen Z will love. "The success of these agencies during a historically challenging time demonstrates the importance of staying nimble, embracing innovation, and finding new opportunities," says Adweek chief executive officer Juliette Morris. "If they aren't on your radar yet, they should be." "Our annual roundup is essential reading for the C-suite," adds chief content officer Ann Marinovich. "The success stories of these agencies point the way forward for the industry." NIMBUS Inc. is a nationally recognized and 100% black-owned strategic multicultural marketing agency headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded by CEO and ECD Stacey Wade in 2002, NIMBUS has become a full-service marketing powerhouse, leading brand strategy while leaning into cultural nuances to create brand resonance, which guides brands in speaking to diverse consumers who have historically been ignored. For more information on NIMBUS, please visit us at hellonimbus.com . About Nimbus Inc. NIMBUS is an independent strategic marketing and communications agency with a focus on identifying cultural relevance and developing inclusive marketing engagement. By integrating data intelligence with innovation, the NIMBUS team crafts strategies which generate and nurture authentic connections between their client's brands and targeted audiences in today's complex and multicultural marketplace. Clients benefitting from NIMBUS' expertise include Brown-Forman, Humana, KFC, Louisville Metro United Way, Papa John's International, Swisher International, U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and Toyota North America among others. Methodology To be eligible for Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies list, companies must have been founded in or before 2019, had at least $250,000 in revenue in 2019, and reported revenue in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Participating agencies were required to certify the accuracy of their reported revenue figures, and we performed additional auditing to determine the accuracy of the submissions. Due to privacy, figures are not disclosed. Agency descriptions are based on submission forms. About Adweek Adweek is the leading source of news and insight serving the brand marketing ecosystem. First published in 1979, Adweek's award-winning coverage reaches an engaged audience of professionals across platforms including print, digital, events, podcasts, newsletters, social media, and mobile apps. As a touchstone of the advertising and marketing community, Adweek is an unparalleled resource for leaders across multiple industries who rely on its content to help them do their jobs better. For more information on Adweek's 75 Fastest Growing Agencies, visit https://www.adweek.com/fastest-growing-agencies/2021/. SOURCE NIMBUS, Inc. JINHUA, China, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "Liquid cooling has bright prospects!" -- The discussion and sharing meeting of Luyuan liquid cooling core technology was held in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province on November 1st. Ni Jie, the president of Luyuan, delivered an open speech on the theme of "Luyuan Liquid Cooling Technology Leads the High-quality Development of the New Generation of Electric Two-wheelers." Frost & Sullivan awarded Luyuan the double certification Presently, Luyuan has taken the lead in overcoming the technical problem of high temperature resistance of motors globally. Founded in 1997, Luyuan is one of the earliest electric vehicle manufacturers. Over the years, it has insisted on leading the development of the industry with technological innovation. A series of industry-first core technologies produced by Luyuan shocked the market in 2020, such as liquid-cooled motor, air-cooled controller, and SOC intelligent endurance system. A new liquid cooling technology covering all categories will be available soon, which is an important milestone for Luyuan in the development of liquid cooling. In September this year, Luyuan liquid-cooled motor won the Guinness World Record of "Riding for 10 Years with Zero Loss". At the event site, the world-renowned growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan awarded Luyuan the double certification of "global pioneer of liquid-cooled electric motor" and "the cumulative sales volume of Luyuan liquid-cooled electric vehicle reached 6 million units" based on the research of the global two-wheeled electric vehicle market. Meanwhile, the China National Light Industry Council awarded the certificate of "First Prize of Scientific and Technological Progress" to the dual-chamber liquid cooling technology developed by Luyuan. This makes Luyuan the only brand in the industry that has won the first prize of scientific and technological progress, which indicates that Luyuan's scientific and technological development has been recognized at the national level! Now, Luyuan's products have been exported to more than 80 countries and regions, and the cumulative sales volume of liquid-cooled electric vehicles globally has exceeded 6 million units, realizing a virtuous circle of research and development, production and sales, and truly opening the international road of electric two-wheeled vehicles. During the speech, Luyuan announced for the first time the cutting-edge technical route of "one car, one heat source", namely liquid cooling integrated system, and three independently developed iterative results of liquid cooling technology, including liquid-cooled high-speed motor, liquid-cooled dual-chamber motor and liquid-cooled dual-chamber mid-mounted motor. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941285/Frost___Sullivan_awarded_Luyuan_the_double_certification.jpg SOURCE Luyuan Launched Terlivaz Following U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approval in September; Submitted U.S. FDA Premarket Notification Application for Next-Generation Delivery System of INOmax Strengthened Organization with Appointment of New Executives and Directors; Ordinary Shares Commenced Trading on NYSE American in October Conference Call and Webcast Today at 8:30 a.m. ET DUBLIN, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE American: MNK) ("Mallinckrodt" or the "Company"), a global specialty pharmaceutical company, today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022.1 "We are pleased to reaffirm our 2022 guidance following solid performance in the third quarter," said Siggi Olafsson, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We made important progress executing on our strategic initiatives, including advancing Mallinckrodt's branded pipeline, improving our balance sheet and strengthening the organization with key leadership appointments at the executive and board levels, adding deep commercial and human resources expertise. More recently, we received approval and commenced trading on NYSE American, providing enhanced liquidity and access for our shareholders." Mr. Olafsson continued, "We are also excited to report that we recently launched Terlivaz (terlipressin) for injection, which in September became the first and only FDA-approved product indicated to improve kidney function in adults with hepatorenal syndrome. Looking ahead, I am confident we are well-positioned to continue advancing our strategic initiatives and create long-term value for shareholders while improving outcomes for patients with severe and critical conditions." Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results1 Mallinckrodt's net sales in the third quarter 2022 were $465.4 million, as compared to $507.2 million in the third quarter 2021. This reflects a decrease of 8.2% on a reported basis and 7.5% on a constant currency basis. The Company's Specialty Brands segment reported net sales of $303.5 million, as compared to $359.7 million. This reflects a decrease of 15.6% on a reported basis and 14.7% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to the impact of competition; utilization of certain products due to the continued impact of the pandemic; and continued scrutiny on overall specialty pharmaceutical spending. Mallinckrodt's Specialty Generics segment reported net sales of $161.9 million, as compared to $147.5 million. This reflects an increase of 9.8% on a reported basis and 9.9% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to growth in acetaminophen (APAP) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) products. The Company recorded a net loss for the third quarter of $284.9 million, as compared to a net loss of $263.7 million. Diluted loss per share was $21.58 with adjusted diluted earnings per share of $5.25 for the third quarter. Mallinckrodt's Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter was $166.1 million, as compared to $185.7 million. This reflects a decrease of 10.6%, primarily due to lower net sales; investments associated with the launches of StrataGraft (allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in murine collagen - dsat) and Terlivaz; and the impact from foreign currency, partially offset by other reductions in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and research and development (R&D) expenses as a result of the Company's initiatives to improve its overall cost structure. Mallinckrodt's cash balance at the end of the third quarter was $391.2 million, and the Company continues to maintain an undrawn $200 million accounts receivable financing facility, ending the quarter with approximately $590 million in liquidity. Total principal debt outstanding at the end of the third quarter was $3.584 billion, with net debt of $3.193 billion, which reflects certain repurchases of second lien notes due 2025 and 2029 at a discount. 1 The Company's quarterly comparisons are to a Successor period (three months ended September 30, 2022) and a Predecessor period (three months ended September 24, 2021). As a result of the application of fresh-start accounting, the Company's financial statements for periods prior to June 16, 2022 are not comparable to those for periods subsequent to June 16, 2022. Pipeline Highlights Mallinckrodt received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Terlivaz (terlipressin) for injection in September, ahead of its December 2022 PDUFA date. This enabled the Company to subsequently launch Terlivaz ahead of schedule, and product is now shipping across the United States. In addition, the Company made progress during the third quarter toward its planned 2023 launch of its next-generation delivery system of INOmax (nitric oxide) gas, for inhalation. In September, Mallinckrodt submitted a 510(k) premarket notification application to the FDA. Consistent with its review process, the FDA asked Mallinckrodt to provide summary tables of certain submitted data, which the Company anticipates submitting later this month. 2022 Financial Guidance For the full-year 2022, Mallinckrodt reaffirmed the following guidance: 2022 Guidance Total net sales $1.875 billion to $1.925 billion Total net sales for Specialty Brands segment $1.250 billion to $1.280 billion Total net sales for Specialty Generics segment $625 million to $645 million Adjusted EBITDA $630 million to $660 million Conference Call and Webcast Mallinckrodt will hold a conference call today, November 8, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results of its financial performance for the third quarter 2022. The live call and subsequent replay can be accessed as follows: Live Call Participant Registration (including dial-in): https://register.vevent.com/register/BIf21622d19b2541d683e118c8be5a33c2 Directly via the webcast link (live and replay): https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/mqe6ixxi At the Company's website: https://ir.mallinckrodt.com/ About Mallinckrodt Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The Company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, hepatology, nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology and oncology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics; cultured skin substitutes and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com. Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the Company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES This press release contains financial measures, including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted gross profit, adjusted SG&A, net sales growth on a constant-currency basis, and net debt, which are considered "non-GAAP" financial measures under applicable SEC rules and regulations. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income or loss prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") and adjusted for certain items that management believes are not reflective of the operational performance of the business. Adjustments to GAAP amounts include, as applicable to each measure, interest expense, net; income taxes; depreciation; amortization; restructuring charges, net; non-restructuring impairment charges; inventory step-up expense; discontinued operations; changes in fair value of contingent consideration obligations; significant legal and environmental charges; divestitures; separation costs; gains on debt extinguishment, net; unrealized gain or loss on equity investment; reorganization items, net; share-based compensation; fresh-start related expenses; and other items identified by the Company. Adjusted net income, adjusted gross profit and adjusted SG&A represent amounts prepared in accordance with GAAP, adjusted for certain items that management believes are not reflective of the operational performance of the business. The adjustments for these items are on a pre-tax basis for adjusted gross profit and adjusted SG&A and on an after-tax basis for adjusted net income. Adjustments to GAAP amounts include, as applicable to each measure, amortization and non-restructuring impairment charges; restructuring and related charges, net; inventory step-up expense; discontinued operations; changes in fair value of contingent consideration obligations; significant legal and environmental charges; divestitures; separation costs; gains on debt extinguishment, net; acquisition and fresh-start related expenses; unrealized gain or loss on equity investments; reorganization items, net; tax effects of the aforementioned adjustments, changes in uncertain tax positions, as well as tax impacts from certain transactions, such as acquisitions or legal entity or asset reorganizations; and other items identified by the company. Adjusted diluted earnings per share represent adjusted net income divided by the number of diluted shares. Segment net sales growth on a constant-currency basis measures the change in segment net sales between current- and prior-year periods using a constant currency, the exchange rate in effect during the applicable prior-year period. Net debt as of September 30, 2022 represents the total principal debt outstanding of $3.584 billion, less cash of $391.2 million, each as prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided these adjusted financial measures because they are used by management, along with financial measures in accordance with GAAP, to evaluate the Company's operating performance. In addition, the Company believes that they will be used by certain investors to measure Mallinckrodt's operating results. Management believes that presenting these adjusted measures provides useful information about the Company's performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that the Company does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance. These adjusted measures should be considered supplemental to and not a substitute for financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company's definition of these adjusted measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by others. Because adjusted financial measures exclude the effect of items that will increase or decrease the Company's reported results of operations, management strongly encourages investors to review the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety. A reconciliation of certain of these historical adjusted financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the tables accompanying this release. Further information regarding non-GAAP financial measures can be found on the Investor Relations page of the Company's website. Predecessor and Successor Periods Mallinckrodt's financial results for the year-to-date period ending September 30, 2022 include Successor and Predecessor periods. The Successor period runs from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022, while the Predecessor period includes January 1, 2022 through, and including, June 16, 2022. As a result of the application of fresh-start accounting, the Company's financial statements for periods prior to June 16, 2022 are not comparable to those for periods subsequent to June 16, 2022. Operating results for the Successor and Predecessor periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full fiscal year. Mallinckrodt's results of operations as reported in its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the Successor and Predecessor periods are in accordance with GAAP. The presentation of the combined financial information of the Predecessor and Successor periods for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is not in accordance with GAAP. However, the Company believes that for purposes of discussion and analysis, the combined financial information is useful for management and investors to assess Mallinckrodt's ongoing financial and operational performance and trends. Accordingly, in addition to presenting results of operations as reported in unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, certain tables and discussion included within this release also present the combined results for nine months ended September 30, 2022. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements in this document that are not strictly historical, including statements regarding future financial condition and operating results, legal, economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Mallinckrodt's businesses, and any other statements regarding events or developments Mallinckrodt believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, may be "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: the comparability of Mallinckrodt's post-emergence financial results to its historical results and the projections filed with the bankruptcy court, changes in Mallinckrodt's business strategy that may be implemented by its board of directors, the listing of Mallinckrodt's ordinary shares on NYSE American LLC, the emergence of an active trading market for Mallinckrodt's ordinary shares and fluctuations in market price and trading volume, Mallinckrodt's tax treatment by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 7874 and Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Mallinckrodt repurchases of debt securities, the effects of the Chapter 11 cases on the liquidity, results of operations and businesses of Mallinckrodt and its subsidiaries; governmental investigations and inquiries, regulatory actions and lawsuits brought against Mallinckrodt by government agencies and private parties with respect to its historical commercialization of opioids, including the agreement set forth in the Chapter 11 plan regarding a global settlement to resolve all opioid-related claims; the settlement set forth in the Chapter 11 plan with governmental parties to resolve certain disputes relating to Acthar Gel; the ability to maintain relationships with Mallinckrodt's suppliers, customers, employees and other third parties as a result of, and following, the Chapter 11 cases; the possibility that Mallinckrodt may be unable to achieve its business and strategic goals even now that the Chapter 11 plan is successfully consummated; the non-dischargeability of certain claims against Mallinckrodt as part of the bankruptcy process; developing, funding and executing Mallinckrodt's business plan and continuing as a going concern; Mallinckrodt's post-bankruptcy capital structure; scrutiny from governments, legislative bodies and enforcement agencies related to sales, marketing and pricing practices; pricing pressure on certain of Mallinckrodt's products due to legal changes or changes in insurers' reimbursement practices resulting from recent increased public scrutiny of healthcare and pharmaceutical costs; the impact of the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus; the reimbursement practices of governmental health administration authorities, private health coverage insurers and other third-party payers; complex reporting and payment obligations under the Medicare and Medicaid rebate programs and other governmental purchasing and rebate programs; cost containment efforts of customers, purchasing groups, third-party payers and governmental organizations; changes in or failure to comply with relevant laws and regulations; Mallinckrodt's and its partners' ability to successfully develop or commercialize new products or expand commercial opportunities; Mallinckrodt's ability to navigate price fluctuations; competition; Mallinckrodt's and its partners' ability to protect intellectual property rights; limited clinical trial data for Acthar Gel; clinical studies and related regulatory processes; product liability losses and other litigation liability; material health, safety and environmental liabilities; potential indemnification liabilities to Covidien pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement; business development activities; retention of key personnel; the effectiveness of information technology infrastructure including cybersecurity and data leakage risks; customer concentration; Mallinckrodt's reliance on certain individual products that are material to its financial performance; Mallinckrodt's ability to receive procurement and production quotas granted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; complex manufacturing processes; conducting business internationally; Mallinckrodt's ability to achieve expected benefits from restructuring activities; Mallinckrodt's significant levels of intangible assets and related impairment testing; labor and employment laws and regulations; natural disasters or other catastrophic events; Mallinckrodt's substantial indebtedness, its ability to generate sufficient cash to reduce its indebtedness and its potential need and ability to incur further indebtedness; Mallinckrodt's ability to generate sufficient cash to service indebtedness even now that the prepetition indebtedness has been restructured; restrictions on Mallinckrodt's operations contained in the agreements governing Mallinckrodt's indebtedness; Mallinckrodt's variable rate indebtedness; future changes to U.S. and foreign tax laws or the impact of disputes with governmental tax authorities; and the impact of Irish laws. The "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of Mallinckrodt's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended September 30, 2022, July 1, 2022 and April 1, 2022, and other filings with the SEC, all of which are on file with the SEC and available on Mallinckrodt's website at http://www.sec.gov and http://www.mallinckrodt.com respectively, identify and describe in more detail the risks and uncertainties to which Mallinckrodt's businesses are subject. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law. CONTACTS Investor Relations Daniel Speciale Global Corporate Controller and Chief Investor Relations Officer 314-654-3638 [email protected] Derek Belz Vice President, Investor Relations 314-654-3950 [email protected] Media Michael Freitag / Aaron Palash / Aura Reinhard Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449 Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners. 2022 11/22. Exhibit 99.1 MALLINCKRODT PLC CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited, in millions, except per share data) Successor Predecessor Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Three Months Ended September 24, 2021 Percent of Net sales Percent of Net sales Net sales $ 465.4 100.0 % $ 507.2 100.0 % Cost of sales 449.9 96.7 319.2 62.9 Gross profit 15.5 3.3 188.0 37.1 Selling, general and administrative expenses 129.2 27.8 127.3 25.1 Research and development expenses 28.3 6.1 47.3 9.3 Restructuring charges, net 2.2 0.5 11.0 2.2 Opioid-related litigation settlement loss 125.0 24.6 Operating loss (144.2) (31.0) (122.6) (24.2) Interest expense (148.0) (31.8) (48.7) (9.6) Interest income 1.3 0.3 Other expense, net (5.1) (1.1) (3.5) (0.7) Reorganization items, net (14.2) (3.1) (126.2) (24.9) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (310.2) (66.7) (301.0) (59.3) Income tax benefit (24.9) (5.4) (32.0) (6.3) Loss from continuing operations (285.3) (61.3) (269.0) (53.0) Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 0.4 0.1 5.3 1.0 Net loss $ (284.9) (61.2) % $ (263.7) (52.0) % Basic and diluted (loss) income per share: Loss from continuing operations $ (21.61) $ (3.18) Income from discontinued operations 0.03 0.06 Net loss $ (21.58) $ (3.11) Weighted-average number of shares outstanding Basic and diluted 13.2 84.7 MALLINCKRODT PLC CONSOLIDATED ADJUSTED EBITDA (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Three Months Ended September 24, 2021 Net loss $ (284.9) $ (263.7) Adjustments: Interest expense, net 146.7 48.7 Income tax benefit (24.9) (32.0) Depreciation (1) 11.9 23.2 Amortization 136.6 145.3 Restructuring charges, net 2.2 11.0 Income from discontinued operations (0.4) (5.3) Change in contingent consideration fair value (0.8) (2.1) Significant legal and environmental charges 125.0 Separation costs (2) 6.9 0.1 Unrealized loss on equity investment 5.1 6.9 Reorganization items, net 14.2 126.2 Share-based compensation 0.5 2.4 Gain on debt extinguishment at par (3.9) Fresh-start impact on debt extinguishment 4.1 Bad debt expense - customer bankruptcy 5.8 Fresh-start inventory-related expense (3) 147.0 As adjusted: $ 166.1 $ 185.7 (1) Includes $0.7 million of accelerated depreciation in selling general and administrative ("SG&A") related to restructuring charges incurred during the three months ended September 24, 2021. (2) Represents costs included in SG&A expenses, primarily related to expenses incurred related to the severance of certain former executives of the Predecessor, in addition to professional fees and costs incurred as the Company explores potential sales of non-core assets to enable further deleveraging post-emergence. (3) Includes $129.1 million and $17.9 million of inventory fair-value step up expense and fresh-start inventory-related expense primarily related to a change in accounting estimate, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2022. MALLINCKRODT PLC NON-GAAP MEASURES (unaudited, in millions except per share data) Successor Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Gross profit SG&A Net (loss) income Diluted net (loss) income per share Net loss $ 15.5 $ 129.2 $ (284.9) $ (21.58) Adjustments: Intangible asset amortization 136.6 136.6 10.35 Restructuring charges, net 2.2 0.17 Income from discontinued operations (0.4) (0.03) Change in contingent consideration fair value 0.8 (0.8) (0.06) Separation costs (1) (6.9) 6.9 0.52 Unrealized loss on equity investment 5.1 0.39 Reorganization items, net 14.2 1.07 Gain on debt extinguishment at par (3.9) (0.30) Fresh-start impact on debt extinguishment 4.1 0.31 Bad debt expense - customer bankruptcy (5.8) 5.8 0.44 Fresh-start inventory-related expense (2) 147.0 147.0 11.14 Non-cash interest expense - accretion 64.6 4.89 Income taxes (3) (27.2) (2.06) As adjusted: $ 299.1 $ 117.3 $ 69.3 $ 5.25 Percent of net sales 64.3 % 25.2 % 14.9 % (1) Represents costs included in SG&A expenses, primarily related to expenses incurred related to the severance of certain former executives of the Predecessor, in addition to professional fees and costs incurred as the Company explores potential sales of non-core assets to enable further deleveraging post-emergence. (2) Includes $129.1 million and $17.9 million of inventory fair-value step up expense and fresh-start inventory-related expense primarily related to a change in accounting estimate, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2022. (3) Includes tax effects of above adjustments (unless otherwise separately stated), changes in uncertain tax positions and tax impacts from certain transactions, such as legal entity or asset reorganizations. MALLINCKRODT PLC SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Three Months Ended September 24, 2021 Specialty Brands (1) $ 43.7 $ 189.9 Specialty Generics (2) (9.0) 15.2 Segment operating income 34.7 205.1 Unallocated amounts: Corporate and unallocated expenses (3) (15.0) (20.8) Depreciation and amortization (148.5) (168.4) Share-based compensation (0.5) (2.4) Restructuring charges, net (2.2) (11.0) Non-restructuring impairment charge Separation costs (4) (6.9) (0.1) Opioid-related litigation settlement loss (125.0) Bad debt expense - customer bankruptcy (5.8) Operating loss $ (144.2) $ (122.6) (1) Includes $115.3 million of inventory fair-value step-up expense during the three months ended September 30, 2022. (2) Includes $17.9 million of fresh-start inventory-related expense primarily driven by the Company's change in accounting estimate and $13.8 million of inventory fair-value step-up expense during the three months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. (3) Includes administration expenses and certain compensation, legal, environmental and other costs not charged to the Company's reportable segments. (4) Represents costs included in SG&A expenses, primarily related to expenses incurred related to the severance of certain former executives of the Predecessor, in addition to professional fees and costs incurred as the Company explores potential sales of non-core assets to enable further deleveraging post-emergence. MALLINCKRODT PLC SEGMENT NET SALES (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Three Months Ended September 24, 2021 Specialty Brands $ 303.5 $ 359.7 Specialty Generics 161.9 147.5 Net sales $ 465.4 $ 507.2 MALLINCKRODT PLC SEGMENT NET SALES AND CONSTANT-CURRENCY GROWTH (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Non-GAAP Measure Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Three Months Ended September 24, 2021 Percent change Currency impact Constant- currency growth Specialty Brands $ 303.5 $ 359.7 (15.6) % (0.9) % (14.7) % Specialty Generics 161.9 147.5 9.8 (0.1) 9.9 Net sales $ 465.4 $ 507.2 (8.2) % (0.7) % (7.5) % MALLINCKRODT PLC SELECT PRODUCT LINE NET SALES AND CONSTANT-CURRENCY GROWTH (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Non-GAAP Measure Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Three Months Ended September 24, 2021 Percent change Currency impact Constant- currency growth Specialty Brands Acthar Gel $ 125.7 $ 143.4 (12.3) % % (12.3) % INOmax 80.7 98.4 (18.0) (0.1) (17.9) Ofirmev 4.7 (100.0) (100.0) Therakos 58.0 62.5 (7.2) (4.5) (2.7) Amitiza 37.1 49.6 (25.2) (0.2) (25.0) Other 2.0 1.1 81.8 (15.7) 97.5 Specialty Brands Total 303.5 359.7 (15.6) (0.9) (14.7) Specialty Generics Opioids 46.5 46.5 ADHD 11.6 8.7 33.3 33.3 Addiction treatment 16.6 15.3 8.5 (0.6) 9.1 Other 2.9 2.9 Generics 77.6 73.4 5.7 (0.1) 5.8 Controlled substances 19.7 19.4 1.5 1.5 APAP 57.9 49.6 16.7 16.7 Other 6.7 5.1 31.4 31.4 API 84.3 74.1 13.8 13.8 Specialty Generics 161.9 147.5 9.8 (0.1) 9.9 Net sales $ 465.4 $ 507.2 (8.2) (0.7) (7.5) MALLINCKRODT PLC CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited, in millions, except per share data) Successor Predecessor Period from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022 Period from January 1, 2022 through June 16, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2021 Percent of Net sales Percent of Net sales Percent of Net sales Net sales $ 550.4 100.0 % $ 874.6 100.0 % $ 1,611.6 100.0 % Cost of sales 552.1 100.3 582.0 66.5 958.4 59.5 Gross (loss) profit (1.7) (0.3) 292.6 33.5 653.2 40.5 Selling, general and administrative expenses 159.5 29.0 275.3 31.5 408.3 25.3 Research and development expenses 34.5 6.3 65.5 7.5 166.3 10.3 Restructuring charges, net 3.3 0.6 9.6 1.1 17.5 1.1 Non-restructuring impairment charges 64.5 4.0 Losses on divestiture 0.8 Opioid-related litigation settlement loss 125.0 7.8 Operating loss (199.0) (36.2) (57.8) (6.6) (129.2) (8.0) Interest expense (169.1) (30.7) (108.6) (12.4) (160.7) (10.0) Interest income 1.4 0.3 0.6 0.1 1.9 0.1 Other income (expense), net 0.8 0.1 (14.6) (1.7) 15.9 1.0 Reorganization items, net (17.7) (3.2) (630.9) (72.1) (329.2) (20.4) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes (383.6) (69.7) (811.3) (92.8) (601.3) (37.3) Income tax benefit (34.6) (6.3) (497.3) (56.9) (81.9) (5.1) Loss from continuing operations (349.0) (63.4) (314.0) (35.9) (519.4) (32.2) Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 0.4 0.1 0.9 0.1 6.0 0.4 Net loss $ (348.6) (63.3) % $ (313.1) (35.8) % $ (513.4) (31.9) % Basic and diluted (loss) income per share: Loss from continuing operations $ (26.44) $ (3.70) $ (6.13) Income from discontinued operations 0.03 0.01 0.07 Net loss $ (26.41) $ (3.69) $ (6.06) Weighted-average number of shares outstanding: Basic and diluted 13.2 84.8 84.7 MALLINCKRODT PLC CONSOLIDATED ADJUSTED EBITDA (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Period from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022 Period from January 1, 2022 through June 16, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2021 Net loss $ (348.6) $ (313.1) $ (513.4) Adjustments: Interest expense, net 167.7 108.0 158.8 Income tax benefit (34.6) (497.3) (81.9) Depreciation 14.8 40.0 70.3 Amortization 182.1 281.8 435.8 Restructuring charges, net 3.3 9.6 17.5 Non-restructuring impairment charges 64.5 Income from discontinued operations (0.4) (0.9) (6.0) Change in contingent consideration fair value (0.8) (7.6) Significant legal and environmental charges 11.1 125.0 Losses on divestiture 0.8 Separation costs (1) 16.1 9.0 1.0 Unrealized (gain) loss on equity investment (0.9) 22.2 (4.8) Reorganization items, net 17.7 630.9 329.2 Share-based compensation 0.5 1.7 8.4 Gain on debt extinguishment at par (3.9) Fresh-start impact on debt extinguishment 4.1 Bad debt expense - customer bankruptcy 5.8 Fresh-start inventory-related expense (2) 173.5 As adjusted: $ 196.4 $ 303.0 $ 597.6 (1) Includes $2.0 million of accelerated depreciation in selling general and administrative ("SG&A") related to restructuring charges incurred during the nine months ended September 24, 2021. (2) Represents costs included in SG&A expenses, primarily related to expenses incurred related to severance for the former Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and certain former executives of the Predecessor and the Predecessor directors' and officers' insurance policies, in addition to professional fees and costs incurred as we explore potential sales of non-core assets to enable further deleveraging post-emergence. (3) Includes $153.2 million and $20.3 million of inventory fair-value step up expense and fresh-start inventory-related expense primarily related to a change in accounting estimate, respectively, during the period from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022. MALLINCKRODT PLC SEGMENT OPERATING INCOME (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Period from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022 Period from January 1, 2022 through June 16, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2021 Specialty Brands (1) $ 48.2 $ 267.2 $ 588.6 Specialty Generics (2) (8.7) 65.3 73.8 Segment operating income 39.5 332.5 662.4 Unallocated amounts: Corporate and unallocated expenses (3) (15.9) (48.2) (69.1) Depreciation and amortization (196.9) (321.8) (506.1) Share-based compensation (0.5) (1.7) (8.4) Restructuring charges, net (3.3) (9.6) (17.5) Non-restructuring impairment charges (64.5) Separation costs (4) (16.1) (9.0) (1.0) Opioid-related litigation settlement (loss) gain (125.0) Bad debt expense - customer bankruptcy (5.8) Operating loss $ (199.0) $ (57.8) $ (129.2) (1) Includes $136.6 million of inventory fair-value step-up expense during the period from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022. (2) Includes $20.3 million of fresh-start inventory-related expense primarily driven by the Company's change in accounting estimate as disclosed in Note 1 of the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and $16.6 million of inventory fair-value step-up expense during the period from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022. (3) Includes administration expenses and certain compensation, legal, environmental and other costs not charged to our reportable segments. (4) Represents costs included in SG&A, primarily related to expenses incurred related to severance for the former CEO and certain former executives of the Predecessor and the Predecessor directors' and officers' insurance policies, in addition to professional fees and costs incurred as we explore potential sales of non-core assets to enable further deleveraging post-emergence. MALLINCKRODT PLC SEGMENT NET SALES (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Period from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022 Period from January 1, 2022 through June 16, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2021 Specialty Brands $ 361.7 $ 587.1 $ 1,149.6 Specialty Generics 188.7 287.5 462.0 Net sales $ 550.4 $ 874.6 $ 1,611.6 MALLINCKRODT PLC SEGMENT NET SALES AND CONSTANT-CURRENCY GROWTH (unaudited, in millions) Non-GAAP Combined Predecessor Non-GAAP Measure Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2021 Percent change Currency impact Constant- currency growth Specialty Brands $ 948.8 $ 1,149.6 (17.5) % (0.6) % (16.9) % Specialty Generics 476.2 462.0 3.1 3.1 Net sales $ 1,425.0 $ 1,611.6 (11.6) % (0.4) % (11.2) % MALLINCKRODT PLC SELECT PRODUCT LINE NET SALES (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Period from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022 Period from January 1, 2022 through June 16, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2021 Specialty Brands Acthar Gel $ 153.2 $ 221.9 $ 423.9 INOmax 94.2 165.8 338.3 Ofirmev (0.2) 2.5 24.0 Therakos 68.2 109.6 197.8 Amitiza 42.9 81.5 155.8 Other 3.4 5.8 9.8 Specialty Brands Total 361.7 587.1 1,149.6 Specialty Generics Opioids 55.2 88.8 155.0 ADHD 13.4 17.5 24.8 Addiction treatment 19.1 30.0 47.7 Other 3.0 4.9 8.4 Generics 90.7 141.2 235.9 Controlled substances 21.4 37.6 62.4 APAP 69.2 96.5 146.8 Other 7.4 12.2 16.9 API 98.0 146.3 226.1 Specialty Generics 188.7 287.5 462.0 Net sales $ 550.4 $ 874.6 $ 1,611.6 MALLINCKRODT PLC SELECT PRODUCT LINE NET SALES AND CONSTANT-CURRENCY GROWTH (unaudited, in millions) Non-GAAP Combined Predecessor Non-GAAP Measures Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2021 Percent change Currency impact Constant- currency growth Specialty Brands Acthar Gel $ 375.1 $ 423.9 (11.5) % % (11.5) % INOmax 260.0 338.3 (23.1) (0.1) (23.0) Ofirmev 2.3 24.0 (90.4) (90.4) Therakos 177.8 197.8 (10.1) (3.0) (7.1) Amitiza 124.4 155.8 (20.2) (0.1) (20.1) Other 9.2 9.8 (6.1) (3.6) (2.5) Specialty Brands Total 948.8 1,149.6 (17.5) (0.6) (16.9) Specialty Generics Opioids 144.0 155.0 (7.1) (7.1) ADHD 30.9 24.8 24.6 24.6 Addiction treatment 49.1 47.7 2.9 (0.5) 3.4 Other 7.9 8.4 (6.0) (6.0) Generics 231.9 235.9 (1.7) (0.1) (1.6) Controlled substances 59.0 62.4 (5.4) (5.4) APAP 165.7 146.8 12.9 12.9 Other 19.6 16.9 16.0 16.0 API 244.3 226.1 8.0 8.0 Specialty Generics 476.2 462.0 3.1 3.1 Net sales $ 1,425.0 $ 1,611.6 (11.6) % (0.4) % (11.2) % MALLINCKRODT PLC CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 391.2 $ 1,345.0 Accounts receivable, net 377.0 439.1 Inventories 1,071.6 347.2 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 321.4 178.3 Assets held for sale 7.2 Total current assets 2,168.4 2,309.6 Property, plant and equipment, net 448.3 776.0 Intangible assets, net 2,980.4 5,448.4 Deferred income taxes 464.2 Other assets 196.1 382.3 Total Assets $ 6,257.4 $ 8,916.3 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 44.1 $ 1,388.9 Accounts payable 89.1 123.0 Accrued payroll and payroll-related costs 40.7 84.6 Accrued interest 71.1 17.0 Acthar Gel-Related Settlement 16.5 Opioid-Related Litigation Settlement liability 200.0 Accrued and other current liabilities 317.6 328.7 Total current liabilities 779.1 1,942.2 Long-term debt 3,034.3 Acthar Gel-Related Settlement 69.2 Opioid-Related Litigation Settlement liability 342.8 Pension and postretirement benefits 53.6 30.1 Environmental liabilities 36.4 43.0 Deferred income taxes 1.5 20.9 Other income tax liabilities 14.4 83.2 Other liabilities 77.0 85.8 Liabilities subject to compromise 6,397.7 Total Liabilities 4,408.3 8,602.9 Shareholders' Equity: Preferred shares Ordinary shares 0.1 18.9 Ordinary shares held in treasury at cost (1,616.1) Additional paid-in capital 2,204.0 5,597.8 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (6.4) (8.3) Retained deficit (348.6) (3,678.9) Total Shareholders' Equity 1,849.1 313.4 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 6,257.4 $ 8,916.3 MALLINCKRODT PLC CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited, in millions) Successor Predecessor Period from June 17, 2022 through September 30, 2022 Period from January 1, 2022 through June 16, 2022 Nine Months Ended September 24, 2021 Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net loss $ (348.6) $ (313.1) $ (513.4) Adjustments to reconcile net cash from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 196.9 321.8 506.1 Share-based compensation 0.5 1.7 8.4 Deferred income taxes (10.8) (473.0) (19.1) Non-cash impairment charges 64.5 Losses on divestiture 0.8 Reorganization items, net 425.4 22.5 Non-cash accretion expense 72.3 Other non-cash items 5.7 35.3 (6.0) Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net 9.2 49.8 105.7 Inventories 150.9 (33.2) (30.9) Accounts payable (11.6) (3.6) 14.7 Income taxes (27.8) (26.9) 92.5 Acthar-Gel-Related Settlement (4.8) Opioid-Related Litigation Settlement liability 125.0 Payments of claims (629.0) Other (17.4) 2.5 40.4 Net cash from operating activities 19.3 (642.3) 406.4 Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Capital expenditures (15.6) (33.4) (39.2) Proceeds from divestitures, net of cash 65.0 15.7 Other 0.2 0.4 1.4 Net cash from investing activities 49.6 (33.0) (22.1) Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Issuance of external debt 650.0 Repayment of external debt (17.3) (904.6) (128.2) Debt financing costs (24.1) Net cash from financing activities (17.3) (278.7) (128.2) Effect of currency rate changes on cash (3.7) (3.9) (0.9) Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 47.9 (957.9) 255.2 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 447.3 1,405.2 1,127.0 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 495.2 $ 447.3 $ 1,382.2 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 391.2 $ 297.9 $ 1,322.6 Restricted cash included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at end of period 67.5 113.0 23.3 Restricted cash included in other long-term assets at end of period 36.5 36.4 36.3 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 495.2 $ 447.3 $ 1,382.2 SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - MANTARO PRECIOUS METALS CORP. (TSXV: MNTR) (OTCQB: MSLVF) (FSE: 9TZ) ("Mantaro") is pleased to announce that it has received the authorization to start drilling activities ("AIA") at the Santas Gloria Property, Peru. Under the AIA, Mantaro will be able to construct 20 drill pads in order to target numerous high-grade silver and gold veins at Santas Gloria. Drilling at the Santas Gloria Property will initially target four high-grade silver and/or gold vein systems: Figure 1 All Channel Sample Gold and Silver Assays Collected at Santas Gloria Jose Silver Property (CNW Group/Mantaro Precious Metals Corp.) Tembladera Vein System . The Tembladera veins have a cumulative strike length of 4 km. Previous underground channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 10,000 g/t silver, and surface channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 798 g/t silver. . The Tembladera veins have a cumulative strike length of 4 km. Previous underground channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 10,000 g/t silver, and surface channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 798 g/t silver. San Jorge Vein System. The San Jorge veins have a cumulative strike length of 3 km. Previous underground channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 4,100 g/t silver, and surface channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 2,500 g/t silver. The San Jorge veins have a cumulative strike length of 3 km. Previous underground channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 4,100 g/t silver, and surface channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 2,500 g/t silver. Paquita Vein System. The Paquita vein crops out in the north of the Property over a strike length of almost 1.25 km. Previous surface channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 502 g/t silver and 0.05 g/t gold to 3.32 g/t gold. The Paquita vein crops out in the north of the Property over a strike length of almost 1.25 km. Previous surface channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 502 g/t silver and 0.05 g/t gold to 3.32 g/t gold. Maribel Vein System. The Maribel vein crops out in the north of the Property over a strike length of almost 1.3 km. Previous surface channel sampling results ranged from < 5 g/t silver to 585 g/t silver and 0.05 g/t gold to 1.63 g/t gold. *See Figure 1 and Mantaro's news release dated June 2, 2021 on the above noted results. The Santas Gloria Property is the ideal project for Mantaro to carry out its next phase of drilling activities due to the extensive silver and gold-rich system. Numerous high-grade silver and gold intermediate sulphidation epithermal veins run through Santas Gloria at surface and present excellent targets. In order to optimize its drill targeting, Mantaro carried out preliminary metallurgical test work on the project demonstrating robust gold and silver recoveries above 80%. Metallurgical test work of sulphide samples taken from underground adits support both bulk flotation flow-path and sequential flotation flow-path, with the bulk flotation flow-path producing a single gold, silver, lead and zinc rougher concentrate (15 minutes of flotation and 8.6% mass pull) with 10,545 g/t silver, 5.38 g/t gold, 5.17% zinc and 13.8% lead and recovering 88.1% of the silver, 80.9% of the gold, 64.4% of the zinc and 79.3% of the lead (see news release dated August 9, 2021). The technical team carried out a comprehensive permitting process on Santas Gloria that included, among other things, three archeological certificates (CIRA), approval of the environmental application (Ficha Tecnica Ambiental), water permits and the AIA. Mantaro anticipates that it will settle the terms of a drill contract shortly and commence construction of the drill pads in November 2022. The high-grade silver dominant nature of the Santas Gloria Property compliments Mantaro's gold focused Golden Hill Property. As previously reported in its news releases dated October 5 and 26, 2022, Mantaro has drilled a number of high-grade near surface gold intercepts including GH0006 4.0 meters at 6.46 g/t gold from 76 meters and GH0003 4.69 meters at 5.15 g/t gold from 171.4m. Mantaro anticipates additional assays will be received shortly. Qualified Person Dr. Christopher Wilson, Ph. D., FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. About Mantaro Precious Metals Corp. Mantaro Precious Metals Corp. is a British Columbia company that holds a diversified portfolio of gold and silver focused mineral properties in Bolivia and Peru. The Company's holds an option to acquire up to an 80% interest in the advanced Golden Hill Property ("Golden Hill"), located in the underexplored, orogenic Bolivia Shield, Bolivia. The Company also has a 100% interest in the high-grade Santas Gloria Property as well as a 100% interest in each of the La Purisima, Cerro Luque and Huaranay Properties (collectively, the "Silver Properties"). The Silver Properties are located in Peru. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Mantaro Precious Metals Corp. MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CIBT Global, Inc. ("CIBT" or the "Company"), a leading provider of global mobility services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Kaplan as Chief Executive Officer. Kaplan has served as a CIBT board member for the last several months and also serves as a Senior Advisory Board member with Kohlberg & Company ("Kohlberg"), CIBT's current majority owner. Prior to his current role, Kaplan enjoyed a successful 25-year career in the Professional and Business Services sector with notable organizations including Deloitte, The Associated Press, and ChekMarc Inc., a digital software company he co-founded. Throughout his career, Kaplan has led, scaled, and grown organizations of all sizes. Kaplan said of his new role, "I am a growth-oriented leader and am excited about helping CIBT meet the growing demand in global mobility and travel. We are a company with fantastic people who are passionate about simplifying the mobility experience. We will focus on expanding our relationships with our clients and helping them grow their businesses, diversifying our capabilities particularly through technology, and delivering our services with the highest level of excellence." In his new role as CEO, Kaplan's goal is to firmly establish CIBT as the global leader in mobility services. Kaplan succeeds Eric Scheinerman who will remain on CIBT's board of directors, "I am proud of the team at CIBT and the goals we achieved over the last several years. I look forward to continuing to support the Company through my role on the board," Scheinerman shared. In his role as CEO, Scheinerman oversaw significant growth in the Company's immigration segment, the evolution of CIBT's technology solutions, the acquisitions of Blair Consular Services, Viselio Technology, and Speedyegger Document Services, and a build-out of CIBT's global operations in Serbia and India. In addition, Roger Prevot, a longtime Kohlberg Operating Partner, will assume the role of Chairman of the board of CIBT. Prevot added, "I am excited to be joining the board of CIBT as Chairman at this promising phase in the Company's evolution and look forward to supporting Marc and the rest of the senior management team in accelerating growth while providing world-class service to our clients." About CIBT CIBT is the leading global provider of visa and immigration services for corporations and individuals. With thirty years of experience, CIBT is the primary service provider to over 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies in 26 countries. CIBT's customers include employees of the world's largest corporations, individual travelers, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel management companies. CIBT offers a comprehensive suite of services under two primary brands: Newland Chase, focused on global immigration strategy and advisory services for corporations, and CIBTvisas, the market leader for business and other travel visa services for corporate and individual clients. Visit corporate.cibt.com for more information, and follow CIBT on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. About Kohlberg & Company, L.L.C. Kohlberg & Company, L.L.C. ("Kohlberg") is a leading private equity firm based in Mount Kisco, New York. Since its inception in 1987, the company has organized nine private equity funds, through which it has raised $12 billion of committed equity capital. Over its 35-year history, Kohlberg has completed 91 platform investments and nearly 250 add-on acquisitions, with an aggregate transaction value of approximately $40 billion. For more information, please visit www.kohlberg.com. SOURCE CIBT MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CIBT Global, Inc. ("CIBT" or the "Company"), a leading provider of global mobility services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Kaplan as Chief Executive Officer. Kaplan has served as a CIBT board member for the last several months and also serves as a Senior Advisory Board member with Kohlberg & Company ("Kohlberg"), CIBT's current majority owner. Prior to his current role, Kaplan enjoyed a successful 25-year career in the Professional and Business Services sector with notable organizations including Deloitte, The Associated Press, and ChekMarc Inc., a digital software company he co-founded. Throughout his career, Kaplan has led, scaled, and grown organizations of all sizes. Kaplan said of his new role, "I am a growth-oriented leader and am excited about helping CIBT meet the growing demand in global mobility and travel. We are a company with fantastic people who are passionate about simplifying the mobility experience. We will focus on expanding our relationships with our clients and helping them grow their businesses, diversifying our capabilities particularly through technology, and delivering our services with the highest level of excellence." In his new role as CEO, Kaplan's goal is to firmly establish CIBT as the global leader in mobility services. Kaplan succeeds Eric Scheinerman who will remain on CIBT's board of directors, "I am proud of the team at CIBT and the goals we achieved over the last several years. I look forward to continuing to support the Company through my role on the board," Scheinerman shared. In his role as CEO, Scheinerman oversaw significant growth in the Company's immigration segment, the evolution of CIBT's technology solutions, the acquisitions of Blair Consular Services, Viselio Technology, and Speedyegger Document Services, and a build-out of CIBT's global operations in Serbia and India. In addition, Roger Prevot, a longtime Kohlberg Operating Partner, will assume the role of Chairman of the board of CIBT. Prevot added, "I am excited to be joining the board of CIBT as Chairman at this promising phase in the Company's evolution and look forward to supporting Marc and the rest of the senior management team in accelerating growth while providing world-class service to our clients." About CIBT CIBT is the leading global provider of visa and immigration services for corporations and individuals. With thirty years of experience, CIBT is the primary service provider to over 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies in 26 countries. CIBT's customers include employees of the world's largest corporations, individual travelers, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel management companies. CIBT offers a comprehensive suite of services under two primary brands: Newland Chase, focused on global immigration strategy and advisory services for corporations, and CIBTvisas, the market leader for business and other travel visa services for corporate and individual clients. Visit corporate.cibt.com for more information, and follow CIBT on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. About Kohlberg & Company, L.L.C. Kohlberg & Company, L.L.C. ("Kohlberg") is a leading private equity firm based in Mount Kisco, New York. Since its inception in 1987, the company has organized nine private equity funds, through which it has raised $12 billion of committed equity capital. Over its 35-year history, Kohlberg has completed 91 platform investments and nearly 250 add-on acquisitions, with an aggregate transaction value of approximately $40 billion. For more information, please visit www.kohlberg.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1740635/CIBT_Logo.jpg SOURCE CIBT HONOLULU, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson, Inc. (NYSE: MATX) announced today that Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Joel Wine, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will present an overview of the Company and respond to questions at the Stephens 2022 Annual Investment Conference to be held on November 15, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. Matson will provide access to the presentation slides on its website on November 15, 2022. Access to the slides will be available on www.matson.com, under Investors. About the Company Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia. Matson also operates premium, expedited services from China to Long Beach, California, provides service to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific, and operates an international export service from Dutch Harbor to Asia. The Company's fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson's transportation network throughout North America. Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, Asia supply chain services, and forwarding to Alaska. Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com. SOURCE Matson, Inc. BALI, Indonesia, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 2-3, R20 (the Religion 20), an engagement group of the G20, convened prominent global religious leaders in Bali to leverage the power of world religions to tackle pressing global challenges. The forum's opening remarks were delivered by Dr Muhammad Abdulkarim Al Issa, Head of the world's largest Islamic NGO, the Muslim World League, and Yahya Cholil Staquf, Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama which boasts a membership of over 40 million, in addition to Indonesian President, Joko Widodo. At first G20 Religious Forum (R20), Faith Leaders call for Global Alliance of Religious, Social & Political Leaders to tackle global crises Speakers at the R20 included: Joko Widodo , President of Indonesia Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa , Secretary-General of Muslim World League , Secretary-General of Muslim World League Yahya Cholil Staquf , General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama , General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue (Vatican) Thomas Schirrmacher , Secretary General of the Protestant World Evangelical Alliance , Secretary General of the Protestant World Evangelical Alliance Archbishop Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria Reverend Yoshinobu Miyake , Chairman of International Shinto Studies Association , Chairman of International Shinto Studies Association Swami Govind Dev Giri Rabbi Silvina Chemen, Professor at Latin American Rabbinical Seminary Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayah , Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies , Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies Bashar Matti Warda , Archbishop of Chaldean Catholic Church, Iraq , Archbishop of Chaldean Catholic Church, Andres Pastrana, Former Colombian President A virtual address from His Holiness Pope Francis was also delivered. The first R20 was organised by two of the world's largest Islamic non-governmental organisations, the Muslim World League (MWL) and the Indonesian Nahdlatul Ulam (NU). The final communique stated: "We, religious leaders from G20 Member States and elsewhere throughout the world, are deeply concerned by global challenges such as environmental degradation, natural and man-made disasters, poverty, unemployment, displaced persons, extremism, and terrorism." The communique also called for, "religious and political leaders to join in building a global alliance founded upon shared civilizational values." Tangible initiatives were also announced at the R20. R20 Co-Chair and Secretary General of the Muslim World League, HE Muhammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said, "I announce the launch of the 'East-West Bridge Building Initiative' here at the R20 a new NGO designed to use religious diplomacy to build bridges between diverse groups around the world." He also announced, "a new humanitarian fund for the victims of war everywhere - including in Ukraine." HE Muhammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa also added: "Major global challenges today are not merely political or economic challenges. They are moral challengesThat is why this year, the world's religious leaders are for the first-time part of one of the world's biggest political and governmental policy forums, the G20. It is time we acknowledge that religion and faith must be part of the solution for global political crises." Yahya Cholil Staquf, General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama and co-Chair of the R20 said, "The R20 is an initiative with the intention of infusing geopolitical and economic power structures with moral and spiritual values so that humanity can pursue effective solutions to its many crises." Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941737/R20_Stage_Image.jpg SOURCE Muslim World League WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will provide coverage of the upcoming prelaunch and launch activities for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2) mission and NASA's Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) technology demonstration. Liftoff is scheduled at 1:25 a.m. PST (4:25 a.m. EST) Thursday, Nov. 10, on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 401 rocket from Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Joint Polar Satellite System is the latest generation of NOAA's polar-orbiting environmental satellites. JPSS will capture data to inform weather forecasts, helping scientists predict and prepare for extreme weather events. After JPSS-2 safely reaches orbit, LOFTID will follow a re-entry trajectory from low-Earth orbit to demonstrate the inflatable heat shield's ability to slow down and survive re-entry. The technology could be further developed to support crewed and large robotic missions to destinations such as Mars, Venus, and Titan, as well as returning heavier payloads to Earth. Live launch coverage will begin at 3:45 a.m. EST (12:45 a.m. PST) on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website, with additional events beginning Tuesday, Nov. 8. Watch coverage on the agency's website at: https://www.nasa.gov/live Full mission coverage is as follows: Tuesday, Nov. 8 5:30 p.m. EST (2:30 p.m. PST) NASA will hold a science briefing to discuss the JPSS-2 and LOFTID missions. The agency will livestream audio of the media teleconference on its website . Participants include: Jordan Gerth , meteorologist and satellite scientist, NOAA's National Weather Service , meteorologist and satellite scientist, NOAA's National Weather Service Jim Gleason , senior project scientist, NASA JPSS, NASA , senior project scientist, NASA JPSS, NASA Satya Kalluri , program scientist, NOAA JPSS Program , program scientist, NOAA JPSS Program Heather Kilcoyne , ground project manager, NOAA JPSS , ground project manager, NOAA JPSS Joe Del Corso , LOFTID project manager, NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia Media may request the dial-in number and passcode by contacting the Kennedy newsroom no later than 2:30 p.m. EST Tuesday, Nov. 8, at: [email protected]. To ask questions during the teleconference, media must RSVP. NASA's media accreditation policy is available online. Media and the public also may ask questions during the event using #JPSS2 and #LOFTID. Wednesday, Nov. 9 11 p.m. EST (8 p.m. PST) NASA Edge will host the JPSS-2 and LOFTID Tower Rollback Show that will air live on NASA TV and YouTube. NASA TV Launch Coverage NASA TV live coverage will begin at 3:45 a.m. EST (12:45 a.m. PST) Thursday, Nov. 10. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules, and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA "V" circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, or 7135. On launch day, "mission audio," countdown activities without NASA TV launch commentary, will be carried on 321-867-7135. A "tech feed" of the launch without NASA TV commentary will be carried on the NASA TV media channel. Public Participation Members of the public still have time to register to attend the JPSS-2 and LOFTID launch virtually. The virtual guest program for this mission includes curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and a stamp for the virtual guest passport following a successful launch. JPSS-2 and LOFTID Virtual Social The virtual social for JPSS-2 and LOFTID continues, and we invite the public to join into the excitement of virtual social media event hosted on Facebook.com/NASA. Continue to follow and interact with NASA, NOAA, and other team members in real-time, and watch the launch of the ULA Atlas V rocket that will boost JPSS-2 for its journey into orbit. Join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtags #JPSS2 and #LOFTID. Continue following the mission online at: Twitter: @NASA, @NOAA, @NOAASatellites, @NASASocial, @NASA_LSP, @NASAKennedy, @NASAEarth, @NASAGoddard, @NASALangley, @NASA_Technology, @ULALaunch, @SLDelta30 Facebook: NASA, NOAA Satellites, NASA LSP, NASA Kennedy, NASA Earth, NASA_Langley, NASA Technology Instagram: NASA, NASA Kennedy, NOAA Satellites, NASAEarth, NASA_Langley For more information about the launch of JPSS-2, including countdown coverage, visit: https://blogs.nasa.gov/jpss-2/ SOURCE NASA "Real World Class" film from Next Gen Personal Finance follows five students who are speaking out in favor of universal access to personal finance education for youth PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly released short documentary film "Real World Class: Student Voices for Financial Education" demonstrates how student activism is inspiring the movement to increase access to personal finance education. The film was directed by Robert Jury and released by Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for every high school in the U.S. to guarantee a one-semester personal finance course before students graduate. "[Personal finance] was the most important class I had taken in all of high school" - Neziah Osayi Tweet this "Personal finance is relevant to every aspect of our lives," said Ella Gupta, a student featured in the film. "It's a basic life skill just like learning how to ride a bike or learning how to drive a car." The documentary follows the stories of five remarkable students from around the nation. In Maryland, a skeptical student embraces the concepts he learned in his personal finance course, advocates for it in his district and now shares his knowledge as a social media influencer. In North Carolina, a student commits to closing the gender gap by teaching middle school girls the financial concepts they need to know to bolster their confidence around money issues. A Wisconsin student takes her passion for financial education to the State House and testifies in support of a bill that would guarantee all high schoolers benefit from this essential course. In Washington state, an interest in investing leads a student to start an investing club that brings in outside speakers and runs workshops to help students build wealth while they have many years of compounding interest ahead of them. Finally, a budding journalist in New Mexico writes a compelling op-ed to build public support for universal financial education in her state. "[Personal finance] was the most important class I had taken in all of high school because it actually translated to the things I was going to eventually face and the things that I was already facing in my life," said Neziah Osayi, another student in the film. Research by NGPF and others demonstrates clearly that guaranteed personal finance education leads to positive outcomes and improves quality of life. While more states are stepping up and embracing this guarantee, three of every four high school students in America still do not have guaranteed access to a personal finance course. "We need to focus on improving the way we educate people on financial literacy and encouraging people to take these classes and learn about these important concepts," said Jakob Diepenbrock, one of the student activists. "By having this education before you actually leave home and go to college or enter the workforce, it will prepare students to enter the real world." The full film can be viewed from NGPF's website at www.ngpf.org/real-world-class-doc . The web page also has information for how to host a screening of the film as well as other advocacy resources. About Next Gen Personal Finance Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) is a nonprofit committed to guaranteeing that all high school students receive a personal finance course prior to graduating. NGPF has become the "one-stop shop" for more than 70,000 educators looking for high-quality, engaging personal finance curriculum to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the future. NGPF invests in teacher professional development with live Virtual PD workshops, 10 Certification courses and 40+ asynchronous On-Demand modules. NGPF has been recognized by Common Sense Education as a "Top Website for Teachers to Find Lesson Plans" and "Best Business and Finance Games." Media Contact: Hannah Rael Marketing Communications Manager Next Gen Personal Finance [email protected] SOURCE Next Gen Personal Finance SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Noe Animal Hospital officially opened its doors to the public on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, and now offers the full spectrum of veterinary services to San Francisco and the surrounding neighborhoods. Dr. Nicole Goodrich with her patient. Complete with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment areas and a highly experienced, compassionate team, the new Noe Valley neighborhood veterinary hospital is set to become one of the best veterinary practices in San Francisco. Crucially, it also increases access to veterinary care for Bay Area residents struggling to find appointments amid unprecedented post-pandemic demand for pet services. New San Francisco Veterinarian Practice Ready To Welcome Pet Parents Services offered at the new Noe Animal Hospital include wellness check-ups, vaccinations, microchipping, dental care, soft tissue surgeries, including spaying and neutering, urgent medical care, and chronic disease management. Appointments can be booked via the hospital's website. The new San Francisco veterinary clinic is the endeavor of two dedicated Bay Area veterinarians, Drs. Viru Gopisetty and Nicole Goodrich. Between them, they bring particular professional interests in geriatric pet care, soft tissue surgery, and preventative medicine, as well as a lifetime of experience as compassionate pet parents themselves. "Whether you want to discuss ongoing management of a chronic condition, or you come to us needing urgent care for your furry companion, we hope you will find our style of knowledgeable, compassionate care perfect for your pet." "And with such a squeeze on veterinary services in the San Francisco area, we're delighted to offer more pet parents the opportunity to access timely care when their animals need it." Says Noe Animal Hospital Co-Medical Director, Dr. Viru Gopisetty. Improving Access to Veterinary Care in San Francisco The opening of a new Bay Area animal hospital is welcome news to San Francisco residents struggling to access veterinary care for their animals. A post-pandemic national shortage of veterinarians is acutely felt in the Bay Area, where many pet parents have been taking to social media to document nightmare journeys to distant cities to find emergency veterinary care or long waits for treatment at their local clinic. Wait times for standard wellness appointments can be weeks to months. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a national shortage of veterinary staff has been compounded by an unprecedented demand for services, with booked vet appointments in 2021 up 6.5%. The association attributes the increase to more owners working from home. Spending more time with their animals is enabling pet parents to notice more health issues as they arise. Noe Animal Hospital offers anxious pet parents' greater access to services when research estimates that 75 million pets could lose access to veterinary care by 2030. About the Noe Animal Hospital Noe Animal Hospital is a brand-new San Francisco veterinary facility in the Noe Valley neighborhood. Opened in the Fall of 2022 to pet parents across the Bay Area, the Noe Animal Hospital provides a full spectrum of veterinary services. It prides itself on its compassionate, caring approach and highly experienced veterinary team. To learn more, please visit www.noeanimalhospital.com . Contact: Susan Chiari Marketing Director [email protected] SOURCE Noe Animal Hospital New annuity focused on guaranteed income to last a lifetime WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With many people concerned about planning for income in retirement, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance has introduced a new fixed index annuity (FIA) designed to deliver a guaranteed lifetime income stream. The Income Pay ProSM is a modified single premium FIA with an embedded guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) rider1 offering guaranteed lifetime income2. North American Company logo "The three-legged stool of savings, social security, and pension income is a bit wobbly today," said Bryce Biklen, North American's chief distribution officer. "With the disappearance of pension plans, and potential uncertainty in the future for Social Security plus inflation and a volatile economy our clients need to protect their retirement nest eggs." Income Pay Pro offers Lifetime Payment Amounts, or LPAs, for as long as the client or, if applicable, their joint annuitant lives. This flexible FIA is a financial solution offering a fixed account and a variety of index account options from strong financial brands. In a market downturn, premium is protected from potential losses and when the market is up, the Income Pay Pro generates interest credits based on the performance of these indices. "It's a retirement 'paycheck' that lasts a lifetime. While you are working hard to save money for retirement, the Income Pay Pro fixed index annuity is too," said Biklen. The Income Pay Pro offers a GLWB rider, which is common in many fixed index annuities. However, the Income Pay Pro's GLWB value initially equals 100% of premium3 and increases by a set percent roll-up rate compounded for up to ten years or until the lifetime payment election date, if earlier. The roll-up rate is a guaranteed rate applied only to the GLWB value that compounds annually during the roll-up period4, providing growth potential even if a penalty-free withdrawal is taken. However, if the LPA is started during the initial ten-year period, the roll-up rate will no longer be applied in following years. The Lifetime Payment Amount is then calculated by multiplying the current GLWB value by the lifetime payment percentage5 based on the client's age. Once payments begin, the owner can receive them for life, even if the accumulation value or GLWB value is reduced to zero along the way. "This FIA adapts to changing retirement plans. The GLWB rider offers the ability to select level or increasing lifetime payments when LPAs are started. In addition, the LPA reserve6 feature allows the flexibility to customize LPAs to fit personal goals," said Biklen. "This is important so you can be guaranteed to have access to cash when you need it most." While nobody likes to think about it, the potential cost of nursing home care can take a substantial bite out of retirement savings. This, in turn, can have a negative effect on ongoing retirement income. Another key benefit is the Nursing Home Multiplier7 to be used in the event the client requires an extended stay in a qualified care center. If the client meets qualifications, this feature allows the client to double their LPA when they need it most. About North American Company for Life and Health Insurance North American Company for Life and Health Insurance is a member of Sammons Financial Group, Inc. Since 1886, North American has established a tradition of providing quality insurance products to consumers throughout the U.S. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of term, universal life, and indexed universal life insurance products. North American also offers a wide variety of traditional fixed and fixed index annuities and consistently ranks among the top fixed index annuity carriers in the U.S.* For more information, please visit here. *Source: Secure Retirement Institute U.S. Individual Annuity Industry Sales Report (LL Global Inc.) Disclosures: The embedded guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) rider includes a rider charge of 1.15% of the GLWB value, deducted as a partial surrender from the accumulation value on the contract anniversary, while the rider is in effect. Lifetime income refers to guaranteed payment of Lifetime Payment Amounts (LPAs) as defined in the GLWB Rider included in the contract. It does not refer to interest credited to the contract. Clients should consult with their own tax advisor regarding tax treatment of LPAs, which will vary according to individual circumstances. The modified single premium period is from the issue date until the earlier of the Lifetime Payment Election Date or the end of the first Contract year. Also referred to as the GLWB value increase period. An excess withdrawal would disqualify the GLWB value from a roll-up for that contract year. GLWB value is not the same as the accumulation value and is not available as a lump sum and is not available as a death benefit. The lifetime payment percentages (LPPs) are based on the attained age of the covered person or persons, the LPA option elected level or increasing, and if they are joint versus single covered persons. For joint covered persons LPPs are based on the youngest covered person. The LPA reserve is subject to a maximum LPA reserve and is not available after the maturity date. See product disclosure for further details and limitations. The Nursing Home Multiplier (known as the LPA Multiplier Benefit in the contract) requires a 2-year minimum wait period and can be paid out for a maximum of five annual payments as long as the client continues to meet the requirements on each payment. Confirmation that the client continues to meet the requirements will be required on an annual basis. See the contract for complete details. Sammons Financial is the marketing name for Sammons Financial Group, Inc.'s member companies, including North American Company for Life and Health Insurance. Annuities and life insurance are issued by, and product guarantees are solely the responsibility of, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance. The Income Pay ProSM 10 is issued on contract form NA1012A/ICC17-NA1012A.MVA, or appropriate state variations are issued by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance, West Des Moines, Iowa. Product and features/options may not be available in all states or appropriate for all clients. See product materials for further details, specific features/options, and limitations by product and state. For purposes of this product, "Income" refers to the contractual guarantee provided by election of lifetime payment amounts (LPAs). It is not the same as and does not refer to interest credited to the annuity contract. Consult your own tax advisor regarding tax treatment of LPAs, which will vary according to your individual circumstances. Fixed index annuities are not a direct investment in the stock market. They are long term insurance products with guarantees backed by the issuing company. They provide the potential for interest to be credited based in part on the performance of specific indices, without the risk of loss of premium due to market downturns or fluctuation. Although fixed index annuities guarantee no loss of premium due to market downturns, deductions from your accumulation value for additional optional benefit riders or strategy fees associated with allocations to enhanced crediting methods could exceed interest credited to the accumulation value, which would result in loss of premium. They may not be appropriate for all clients. Interest credits to a fixed index annuity will not mirror the actual performance of the relevant index. The term financial professional is not intended to imply engagement in an advisory business in which compensation is not related to sales. Financial professionals that are insurance licensed will be paid a commission on the sale of an insurance product. Neither North American, nor any financial professionals acting on its behalf, should be viewed as providing legal, tax or investment advice. Consult with and rely on a qualified advisor. Under current law, annuities grow tax deferred. Annuities may be subject to taxation during the income or withdrawal phase. The tax-deferred feature is not necessary for a tax-qualified plan. In such instances, you should consider whether other features, such as the Death Benefit, lifetime annuity payments, and any other features make the Contract appropriate for your needs. Withdrawals taken prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to IRS penalties. SOURCE North American Company for Life and Health Insurance Credit Union Branches Accepting Donations of New, Unwrapped Toys through December 17 SAN DIEGO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- North Island Credit Union, in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, invites you to make a difference in a child's life this holiday season by participating in its 2022 Holiday Toy Drive. Through December 17th, North Island Credit Union encourages community members to drop off a new, unwrapped toy to any of its branch locations in San Diego. Donations needed include toys or gifts appropriate for elementary and middle school ages. All gifts will be distributed during the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego holiday celebrations in December. A complete list of North Island Credit Union locations is available here. "Donating just one gift can make a huge difference in a child's life this holiday season. We ask our community members to add another gift to their holiday shopping list and drop it off at any of our branches. Together, we can bring some holiday magic to the children in our community," said North Island Credit Union President/CEO Steve O'Connell. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego changes lives through quality youth programs and guidance in a safe, affordable and fun environment. The Clubs serve kids ages 5-18 with programs focused on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles at 23 community-based sites countywide, covering a service area of over 2,000 square miles from National City to Borrego Springs. For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, please visit sdyouth.org. More information about North Island Credit Union's Holiday Toy Drive can be found here. About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of over $4 billion, California Credit Union has 24 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Please visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu. SOURCE North Island Credit Union Newly appointed members include experts in the fields of CD34 and HSC, CAR design and synthetic biology, and bioprocess development VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Notch Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company developing renewable, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell therapies for cancer, is pleased to welcome new members to its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Joining existing SAB membersPeter Zandstra, PhD; Juan Carlos Zuniga-Pflucker, PhD; and Yvonne Chen, PhDare Kris Saha, PhD; Hanna Mikkola, MD, PhD; and Robert Zweigerdt, PhD; who will review and provide input, opinion, and expertise into Notch's research endeavors. Notch thanks outgoing SAB members Chris Sturgeon, PhD; Marcel van den Brink, MD, PhD; and Jeff Hubbell, PhD for their contributions. "Notch's leadership team, at every level, comprises some of the best minds in preclinical science, advanced cell manufacturing, bioengineering, and systems biology," observes David Main, Notch's President and CEO. "The members of our SAB are working at the frontiers of scientific and technology discovery, responding to unique, complex challenges that are highly relevant to our work at Notch. As we advance our research mission and hone our corporate focus, we are grateful for the valuable perspectives, insight, and encouragement they each bring as we tackle new challenges and opportunities on our path toward commercialization." About Notch's Scientific Advisory Board Notch's SAB represents world-leading expertise in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) design and synthetic biology; CD34 and hematopoietic stem cells (HSC); genome editing, biomanufacturing, and disease modeling; T cell developmental biology; and bioprocess development. Yvonne Chen , PhD | Associate Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, UCLA : Dr. Chen is a world leader in synthetic biology and biomolecular engineering techniques to develop robust cell-based therapies. She is an expert in engineering T cells to overcome tumor microenvironment and other cancer defense mechanisms. Learn more at http://yvchen.bol.ucla.edu/ Dr. Chen is a world leader in synthetic biology and biomolecular engineering techniques to develop robust cell-based therapies. She is an expert in engineering T cells to overcome tumor microenvironment and other cancer defense mechanisms. Learn more at http://yvchen.bol.ucla.edu/ Hanna Mikkola , MD, PhD | Professor of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, UCLA : Dr. Mikkola's research focuses on the microenvironmental cues driving blood lineage development. She has made novel discoveries in transcriptional mechanisms and niche signals that regulate mesoderm divergence to hematopoietic and cardiac stem/progenitor cells and protect HSCs in the placenta and fetal hematopoietic niches. Learn more at https://www.hmikkolalab.com/home Dr. Mikkola's research focuses on the microenvironmental cues driving blood lineage development. She has made novel discoveries in transcriptional mechanisms and niche signals that regulate mesoderm divergence to hematopoietic and cardiac stem/progenitor cells and protect HSCs in the placenta and fetal hematopoietic niches. Learn more at https://www.hmikkolalab.com/home Kris Saha , PhD | Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison : Dr. Saha's research is focused on the development of new tools and insights into the editing of the human genome. This includes the monitoring and controlling of heterogeneity during gene modification and scale-up of stem cells and T cell immunotherapies (e.g., CAR T cells) as well as customized biomaterials and genome editing to generate new human cell-based models of inherited disorders. Learn more at https://sahalab.bme.wisc.edu/ Dr. Saha's research is focused on the development of new tools and insights into the editing of the human genome. This includes the monitoring and controlling of heterogeneity during gene modification and scale-up of stem cells and T cell immunotherapies (e.g., CAR T cells) as well as customized biomaterials and genome editing to generate new human cell-based models of inherited disorders. Learn more at https://sahalab.bme.wisc.edu/ Peter Zandstra , PhD | Notch Therapeutics Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder, Founding Director and Director and Professor, University of British Columbia School of Biomedical Engineering: Dr. Zandstra's research focuses on understanding how functional tissue forms from stem cells and how this information can be applied to design novel therapeutic technologies based on living cells. Learn more at https://www.bme.ubc.ca/person/peter-zandstra/ Dr. Zandstra's research focuses on understanding how functional tissue forms from stem cells and how this information can be applied to design novel therapeutic technologies based on living cells. Learn more at https://www.bme.ubc.ca/person/peter-zandstra/ Juan Carlos Zuniga-Pflucker, PhD | SAB Chair, Professor of Immunology, University of Toronto : One of Notch's scientific co-founders, Dr. Zuniga-Pflucker is the world expert in T cell developmental biology and the inventor of the widely used OP9-DL4 feeder cell line. Learn more at https://www.jczplab.com/ Zuniga-Pflucker T https://www.jczplab.com/ Robert Zweigerdt, PhD | Principal Investigator, Hannover Medical School: Dr. Zweigerdt's research focuses on the clinical and industry-compliant production of hPSC progenies centered on the use of stirred tank bioreactor ( STBR ) technologies to ensure robustness, scalability, automation and, ultimately, GMP-compliant cell production processes. Learn more at https://www.mhh.de/en/lebao/research-groups/rg-zweigerdt About Notch Therapeutics Notch is an early-stage biotechnology company working to maximize the benefit of cell therapies through a proprietary T cell-production platform that combines sophisticated product design with commercial-compatible processes to enhance patient outcomes. Notch's iPSC-based technology platform allows for precision control of notch signaling, which removes several critical limiting factors in the development of cell therapies, delivering the ability to design and manufacture a uniform and unlimited supply of therapeutic T cells. www.notchtx.com. Media Contact: Megan Helmer Puzzlewood Communication Inc. 1.604.240.5223 [email protected] SOURCE Notch Therapeutics KYOTO, Japan, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- OMRON Corporation headquartered in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, became a member of The Climate Group's "EP100" (*1) initiatives. OMRON is the first Japanese company in the manufacturing industry and the fourth Japanese company in general to join the EP100 initiative, which brings together over 120 energy smart businesses committed to measuring and reporting on energy efficiency improvements. OMRON's logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202211049279-O1-HA50lIM3 EP100's logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202211049279-O2-UpB5Hd6k With its Industrial Automation and Healthcare businesses joining the Initiative, OMRON commits to doubling its energy productivity. The goal is to double the amount of sales per gigawatt hour (Gwh) compared to 2016 levels by 2040. "Energy productivity" (*2) refers to the absolute amount of energy consumption in the denominator and the amount of sales and value added in the numerator for Scope 1 and Scope 2. It is an indicator that aims to achieve reduction in energy consumption and simultaneously boost economic growth. Improvement of energy productivity: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M102197/202211049279/_prw_PI3fl_f9BVUo8c.jpg Carbon Zero in 2050 In its long-term vision "Shaping the Future 2030," launched in April 2022, OMRON expressed its commitment to solving social issues through its business. By transforming its organization in the years to come, the company aims to contribute to social needs such as achieving carbon neutrality. It is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and bringing about a decarbonized society through energy conservation and cleaner power consumption. To achieve "Carbon Zero in 2050," as committed to in 2018, OMRON set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) from its own operations by 53% in fiscal year 2024 and 65% in fiscal year 2030, compared to fiscal year 2016. To achieve these targets, OMRON is expanding its energy conservation and creation efforts while working to achieve zero carbon emissions at 76 sites in Japan by fiscal year 2024, as outlined by its mid-term management plan "Shaping the Future Phase 1." Unique energy productivity initiatives To achieve both zero carbon and business growth, OMRON is developing unique initiatives to reduce absolute energy consumption and improve productivity -- with the end goal of realizing double energy productivity. For more than a decade, its Industrial Automation Business has been working to balance quality and productivity improvements with global environmental conservation at its Ayabe Plant (Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture) and other in-house factories. Providing the technologies and know-how cultivated through these efforts allows the company to lead the manufacturing industry in energy productivity improvement. These products and services are not only used at its own production sites but also the manufacturing sites of its customers. Starting now, the Industrial Automation Business will visualize production volume, quality, and energy consumption as well as evaluating the potential for energy reduction at the respective production bases of its Healthcare Business. Through the Industrial Automation Business' energy control technology, OMRON will build a system in which improving productivity will directly lead to energy reduction. In addition, the Industrial Automation Business will proactively deploy the technologies and know-how acquired through these initiatives to its customers and partners to help manufacturers around the world not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also realize resilient manufacturing. Mr. Toby Morgan, Senior Manager of Built Environment at Climate Group, gave this welcome to the affiliation. "We are delighted that OMRON has signed up to EP100, joining over 120 other members who are committed to doing more with less. By committing to improving their energy efficiency, OMRON is showing ambition and leadership in Japan, demonstrating how other corporates in this region can lower emissions, reduce costs and accelerate the transition to a climate-resilient economy." Yoshihito Yamada, President and CEO, OMRON Corporation, also commented on joining the EP100. "In OMRON's long-term vision for the next 10 years, 'Shaping the Future 2030,' we identified 'Contributing to Achievement of Carbon Neutrality' as one of the social issues to be addressed through our business activities. OMRON is serious about its commitment to the social issue of climate change, and joining the EP100 is another important step to realize our ambition of carbon neutrality. We want to promote carbon neutrality throughout our entire value chain by empowering our customers to curb their emissions using our initiatives and solutions. Climate consciousness is not only a part of our responsibility to our planet, but also a key differentiator to ensure we run a future proof business. OMRON is committed to fulfill its corporate social responsibility to the earth and society, while transforming carbon neutrality into a competitive advantage for the company and further increasing the added value of its value chain to enhance its corporate value." Innovation for a sustainable future In light of the urgency for agreement at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27), OMRON is determined to provide the industry leadership needed to accelerate climate action and work to create more resilient and sustainable automation together with its customers and partners across the value chain. Notes: (*1) An international corporate initiative in which companies participate with the goal of doubling the energy productivity of their operations (e.g., improving energy efficiency by 50%). Abbreviation of "100% Energy Productivity," meaning doubling the energy efficiency (Energy Productivity) of a business. (*2) Ratio of economic productivity to energy consumption. It is an indicator for Scope 1 and 2 of the company's business locations, with absolute energy consumption in the denominator and sales and value-added in the numerator, aiming to achieve both energy consumption reduction and economic growth. About Omron Corporation: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202211049279-O1-fVx9xx88.pdf - Long-term vision "Shaping the Future 2030" https://www.omron.com/global/en/media/2022/03/c0309.html - Sustainability Initiatives https://sustainability.omron.com/en/ About EP100: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202211049279-O2-58mUq72e.pdf About Climate Group: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202211049279-O3-UmHGQ5Kf.pdf SOURCE OMRON Corporation NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Online Car Buying Market is estimated to grow by USD 214.41 million during 2021-2026. The market will accelerate at a CAGR of 12.4% with Y-O-Y growth of 12.0%. The report extensively covers the online car buying market segmentations by Class Type (pre-owned and new vehicle) and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). Request Free Sample Report. Online Car Buying Market: Regional Analysis Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Online Car Buying Market 2022-2026 North America will contribute 46% of market growth. The market for online automobile sales in North America will expand as disposable income and consumer technological literacy rise. The US, Canada, and Mexico are major contributors to the North American online auto sales market. Many North American OEMs are experimenting with online sales to give their customers a better online experience, including enhanced price transparency, the convenience of ordering from home, and a digital payment mechanism. Along with these factors, the regional online car buying market is anticipated to grow over the course of the forecast period due to the rising demand for personal vehicles, the increase in internet users, and the digitalization of the automotive retail sector. Download Free Sample Report. Online Car Buying Market: Parent Market Analysis Technavio categorizes the global online car buying market as a part of the global automotive market under the global automobiles and components industry. The parent market, the global automotive market, covers companies engaged in the production of vehicles such as passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles. It does not include manufacturers of motorcycles, scooters, e-bikes, trikes, and three-wheelers. Technavio calculates the global automotive market size based on the combined revenue generated by the manufacturers of automobiles such as passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles. The growth of the global automotive market will be driven by the following factors: Idealizing concepts and inclusion of advanced features in vehicles An increasing number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and joint ventures (JVs) Integrating 3D printing to speed up automobile production Increasing demand for electric vehicles Growing investment in autonomous vehicles To unlock information about vendor drive costs and customer service, Buy Sample Report. Online Car Buying Market: Vendor Analysis The global online car buying market is highly fragmented due to the presence of numerous established global and regional players. Vendors compete based on price, fleet size, car model, and marketing expertise. Vendors are implementing strategies such as online review management, creating a user-friendly web experience, and using social media to increase their customer base. With the increasing adoption of these strategies, the competition in the market will increase. The report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market vendors, including: American City Business Journals Inc. Asbury Automotive Group Inc. AutoNation Inc. CarGurus Inc. CarMax Inc. Cars and Bids LLC Cars.com Inc. Cars24 Services Pvt. Ltd. CarSoup of Minnesota Inc. Carvago Carvana Co. Cox Enterprises Inc. Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings, Read Free Sample Report. Online Car Buying Market: Driver The worldwide online automobile buying market's expansion is largely driven by the rising use of e-commerce and technological developments in online channels. Technological developments like the creation of smartphones and the expansion of the Internet are encouraging the use of e-commerce applications to increase business sales, while the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles has altered the position of buyers in the global online car-buying market. However, the biggest obstacles to expanding the worldwide online auto purchase business are low customer awareness and acceptability in semi-urban and rural locations. Get lifetime access to our Technavio Insights! Subscribe to our "Basic Plan" billed annually at USD 5000. Related Reports: Car Wax Market by Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The proliferation of vehicles due to the increase in their lifespan is notably driving the car wax market growth, although factors such as the increasing use of ceramic coating as a paint protection substitute may impede the market growth. Car Rental Market by Type, Mode of Booking, Rental Category, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026: The growth in the travel and tourism industry is notably driving the car rental market growth, although factors such as the rise in the number of car-sharing services may impede the market growth. Online Car Buying Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2021 Forecast period 2022-2026 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 12.4% Market growth 2022-2026 $214.41 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 12.0 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 46% Key consumer countries US, Canada, China, Japan, UK, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled American City Business Journals Inc., Asbury Automotive Group Inc., AutoNation Inc., CarGurus Inc., CarMax Inc., Cars and Bids LLC, Cars.com Inc., Cars24 Services Pvt. Ltd., CarSoup of Minnesota Inc., Carvago, Carvana Co., Cox Enterprises Inc., eBay Inc., Edmunds.com Inc., Hendrick Automotive Group, Lithia Motors Inc., MH Sub I LLC, Miami Lakes Automall, and TrueCar 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 Class Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 09: Parent market Exhibit 10: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 11: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 12: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2021 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2021-2026 Exhibit 13: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 14: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 4 Five Forces Analysis 4.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 17: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2021 and 2026 4.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 18: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2021 and 2026 4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 19: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 20: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 21: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 22: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2021 and 2026 4.7 Market condition Exhibit 23: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2021 and 2026 5 Market Segmentation by Class Type 5.1 Market segments Exhibit 24: Chart on Class Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 25: Data Table on Class Type - Market share 2021-2026 (%) 5.2 Comparison by Class Type Exhibit 26: Chart on Comparison by Class Type Exhibit 27: Data Table on Comparison by Class Type 5.3 Pre-owned - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 28: Chart on Pre-owned - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 29: Data Table on Pre-owned - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 30: Chart on Pre-owned - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Pre-owned - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.4 New vehicle - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 32: Chart on New vehicle - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 33: Data Table on New vehicle - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 34: Chart on New vehicle - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 35: Data Table on New vehicle - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 5.5 Market opportunity by Class Type Exhibit 36: Market opportunity by Class Type ($ million) 6 Customer Landscape 6.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 37: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 7 Geographic Landscape 7.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 38: Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2026 (%) 7.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 40: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 41: Data Table on Geographic comparison 7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 42: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 46: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 47: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 49: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 50: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 51: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 53: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 54: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 55: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 57: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 58: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 59: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 60: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 61: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.8 US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 62: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 64: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 65: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.9 Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 66: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 68: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 69: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.10 China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 70: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 72: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 73: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 74: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 76: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 77: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.12 Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 78: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 80: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 81: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.13 Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 Exhibit 82: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2021-2026 ($ million) Exhibit 84: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) Exhibit 85: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2021-2026 (%) 7.14 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 86: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 8.1 Market drivers 8.2 Market challenges 8.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 87: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2021 and 2026 8.4 Market trends 9 Vendor Landscape 9.1 Overview 9.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 88: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 9.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 89: Overview on factors of disruption 9.4 Industry risks Exhibit 90: Impact of key risks on business 10 Vendor Analysis 10.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 91: Vendors covered 10.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 92: Matrix on vendor position and classification 10.3 Asbury Automotive Group Inc. Exhibit 93: Asbury Automotive Group Inc. - Overview Exhibit 94: Asbury Automotive Group Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 95: Asbury Automotive Group Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 96: Asbury Automotive Group Inc. - Segment focus 10.4 AutoNation Inc. Exhibit 97: AutoNation Inc. - Overview Exhibit 98: AutoNation Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 99: AutoNation Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 100: AutoNation Inc. - Segment focus 10.5 CarGurus Inc. Exhibit 101: CarGurus Inc. - Overview Exhibit 102: CarGurus Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 103: CarGurus Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 104: CarGurus Inc. - Segment focus 10.6 Cars.com Inc. Exhibit 105: Cars.com Inc. - Overview Exhibit 106: Cars.com Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 107: Cars.com Inc. - Key offerings 10.7 Carvago Exhibit 108: Carvago - Overview Exhibit 109: Carvago - Product / Service Exhibit 110: Carvago - Key offerings 10.8 Cox Enterprises Inc. Exhibit 111: Cox Enterprises Inc. - Overview Exhibit 112: Cox Enterprises Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 113: Cox Enterprises Inc. - Key offerings 10.9 Hendrick Automotive Group Exhibit 114: Hendrick Automotive Group - Overview Exhibit 115: Hendrick Automotive Group - Product / Service Exhibit 116: Hendrick Automotive Group - Key offerings 10.10 Lithia Motors Inc. Exhibit 117: Lithia Motors Inc. - Overview Exhibit 118: Lithia Motors Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 119: Lithia Motors Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 120: Lithia Motors Inc. - Segment focus 10.11 MH Sub I LLC Exhibit 121: MH Sub I LLC - Overview Exhibit 122: MH Sub I LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 123: MH Sub I LLC - Key offerings 10.12 TrueCar Inc. Exhibit 124: TrueCar Inc. - Overview Exhibit 125: TrueCar Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 126: TrueCar Inc. - Key news Exhibit 127: TrueCar Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 128: TrueCar Inc. - Segment focus 11 Appendix 11.1 Scope of the report 11.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 129: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 130: Exclusions checklist 11.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 131: Currency conversion rates for US$ 11.4 Research methodology Exhibit 132: Research methodology Exhibit 133: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 134: Information sources 11.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 135: 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 NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the market research study published by P&S Intelligence, the size of the peer-to-peer carsharing market was a little over $1,598 million in 2021, and it will reach beyond $7,225 million in 2030, at a CAGR of about 18% in the years to come. Executive Cars Are Demanded the Most Executive cars had the largest share, of above 40%, in the past. This is mainly because of their lower rental cost as compared to the quality and comfort they offer to travelers. Moreover, with the fast financial growth in numerous countries, such as China and India, the count of carsharing businesses is rising, and investors are funding more startups every year. Get the sample pages of this report: https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/p2p-carsharing-market/report-sample Therefore, the manufacturing of these cars is being increased to offer better transport services to corporate employees, thus strengthening the global P2P carsharing service availability. GHG Emissions Propelling Shift to Carsharing The apprehensions of environmental agencies over the degradation of the air quality are allowing for numerous initiatives by governments for curbing the emissions, by plummeting the possession of private automobiles. Carsharing is a solution for limiting the impact of GHGs on the environment. Browse detailed report on P2P Carsharing Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis 2022-2030 Moreover, countries are increasing their efforts to increase the consciousness of transportation systems that are sustainable. Several countries are developing low- and zero-emission transport systems, where the vehicles used for sharing are typically electric. Europe led the P2P carsharing market in the past, with a share of 40%. Due to the thickly populated cities and rising pollution, the EU continues to highlight the necessity for green technologies, for facilitating a decrease in emissions. led the P2P carsharing market in the past, with a share of 40%. Due to the thickly populated cities and rising pollution, the EU continues to highlight the necessity for green technologies, for facilitating a decrease in emissions. Furthermore, the market stalwarts and governments in the region are focusing on integrating EVs into sharing fleets, along with driving private EV adoption. APAC will have the fastest growth in the future, of around 23%. This would be because India and China have augmented their emphasis on new mobility services and EVs. and have augmented their emphasis on new mobility services and EVs. Furthermore, in China , there is an increase in the use of EVs in shared mobility platforms, for promoting a greener environment. With the continued government support in the form of incentives and policies, China will demonstrate healthy growth in the future. , there is an increase in the use of EVs in shared mobility platforms, for promoting a greener environment. With the continued government support in the form of incentives and policies, will demonstrate healthy growth in the future. North America will also grow fast in the future, primarily because of the stringent regulations for curbing environmental emissions. will also grow fast in the future, primarily because of the stringent regulations for curbing environmental emissions. The U.S. Clean Air Act, regulating the vehicle emission control program, emphasizes the implementation of strict standards for plummeting automobile emissions. As per the National Conference of State Legislatures, the popularity of P2P carsharing has substantially grown recently, partially because of the flexibility it offers to consumers. Global P2P Carsharing Market Report Coverage By Car Type Economy Executive Luxury Regional Analysis North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany France Netherlands Asia-Pacific China Australia Latin America Middle East and Africa Browse More Reports Published by P&S Global Carsharing Market Size, Share, Revenue Estimation and Demand Forecast to 2025 India Used Car Market Size, Share, Revenue Estimation and Demand Forecast to 2030 Global Car Rental Market Size, Share, Revenue Estimation and Demand Forecast Report Global Mobility-as-a-Service Market Size, Share, Revenue Estimation and Demand Forecast to 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 Roundup highlights B2B partners that support startups across all business functions and empower growth CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. Business Media has announced the inaugural Power Partner Awards, honoring B2B organizations across the globe that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and helping startups grow. The list recognizes 252 firms in marketing and advertising, health and human resources, financial planning, engineering, logistics, and security, as well as other areas of business. All 252 companies received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups. These B2B partners support entrepreneurs across various facets of the business, including hiring, compliance, infrastructure development, cloud migration, fundraising, etc., allowing founders to focus on their core missions. "Trusted B2B partners provide guidance and expertise that founders rely on at various steps of their organization's journey. Partners that possess a demonstrated ability to deliver quality support are at the core of entrepreneurship and help bring big ideas to life," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. Business media. "This is only the beginning of what we set out to accomplish at PGP. Our goal is to continue to show the passion we have for our partners and the commitment to fueling franchise growth," said co-founder, Bryon Stephens. "Their success has been our success and a mutual commitment to building a growth focused culture. We set out to achieve much more." As growth engineers, the team at PGP relies on decades of franchise development expertise to determine whether a brand has growth potential, and then build on its strengths through the development of the systems, processes, people, and culture to collectively drive exponential growth through a hands-on, process-driven approach. Their collective background includes building brands from the ground up, both as entrepreneurs and operators, and serving in C-Suite roles for organizations of various sizes. Unlike many firms within the franchise development space, PGP orients with franchisors while keeping the interest of franchise owners in mind. Simply put, they are focused on building relationships, with franchisors and franchisees alike, maximizing long-term value within the organization. PGP partnered with the team at Jeremiah's Italian Ice in early 2018 and directed the launch of the brand's franchise program in 2019. Since then, Jeremiah's has become a frozen force dominating the frozen dessert space. The brand has experienced unprecedented growth, expanding its footprint by more than 300%, and growing from 22 to 92 stores and counting in 9 states with an additional 190 units awarded or in development. PGP's newest partnership with Balance Grille, the rising leader in the Asian-Fusion fast-casual category shows similar promise. Focus for Balance Grille in 2023 is to employ a targeted, phased growth and development plan in order to position the brand as the preeminent Asian Fast Casual concept nationwide. PGP has been engaged as the brand's development team and the brand is targeting the development of 30-40 franchise locations over the next 36 48 months. Since engaging with PGP, Balance Grille has already opened its first franchise location and its first outside of Ohio earlier this year in Denver, CO, and signed its first 5-unit territory deal in Dallas, TX. Inc. partnered with leading global social and media intelligence platform Meltwater to develop a proprietary methodology that uses sentiment from online conversations about organizations and translates it into numerical scores. Companies were evaluated on commitment, reliability, trust, creativity, supportiveness, and other virtues that offer value to clients. Inc. also conducted surveys to gather client testimonials as part of the process. To view the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards/2022. The November 2022 Issue of Inc. magazine is available online now at https://www.inc.com/magazine and will be on newsstands beginning November 8, 2022. About Inc. Business Media The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com . About Pivotal Growth Partners Pivotal Growth Partners (PGP) is a full-service Growth & Development Firm with an unparalleled track record of success in growing franchise brands. The experienced team at PGP has awarded & developed more than 5000 franchised businesses across the US and internationally, working with startups and some of the world's largest companies. With a combined 50+ years of experience and a network of growth and development partners, Pivotal Growth Partners creates value, growing small, regional companies into nationally acclaimed brands. PGP deploys proven processes and systems to effectively grow a business, by creating a "Results Focused" Franchise Growth & Support Culture within its brands. For more information, visit www.pivotalgrowthpartners.com . SOURCE Pivotal Growth Partners System-wide same store sales increased 8.2% Ends third quarter with total membership of more than 16.6 million Increases revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted net income growth expectations for 2022 Board authorizes new $500 million share repurchase program HAMPTON, N.H., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT) reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2022. "We continue our steady recovery from the pandemic, and ended the quarter with more than 16.6 million members, an all-time record high for Planet Fitness. Members trends remained strong in the quarter with joins back to historical pre-pandemic seasonality. Also, members who are visiting the gym continue to visit more frequently, and cancels are lower compared to 2019, which we believe are signs that members are generally more committed to fitness. We are focused on our efforts to continue to increase our penetration of all generations with a strong emphasis on the Gen Z demographic by converting teen participants from our recent High School Summer Pass Program, and their parents and guardians, to paying members." Third Quarter Fiscal 2022 results Total revenue increased from the prior year period by 58.4% to $244.4 million . . System-wide same store sales increased 8.2%. System-wide sales increased $98 million to $968 million , from $870 million in the prior year period. to , from in the prior year period. Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. was $26.9 million , or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to $17.4 million , or $0.21 per diluted share, in the prior year period. , or per diluted share, compared to , or per diluted share, in the prior year period. Net income increased $12.0 million to $30.7 million , compared to $18.6 million in the prior year period. to , compared to in the prior year period. Adjusted net income (1) increased $16.6 million to $38.2 million , or $0.42 per diluted share, compared to $21.7 million , or $0.25 per diluted share, in the prior year period. increased to , or per diluted share, compared to , or per diluted share, in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA (1) increased $32.2 million to $93.9 million from $61.7 million in the prior year period. increased to from in the prior year period. 29 new Planet Fitness stores were opened during the period, bringing system-wide total stores to 2,353 as of September 30, 2022 . . Repurchased and retired approximately 831,029 shares of Class A common stock using $50 million of cash on hand. of cash on hand. Cash of $467.2 million , which includes cash and cash equivalents of $404.5 million and restricted cash of $62.7 million . (1) Adjusted net income and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. For reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income to U.S. GAAP ("GAAP") net income see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" accompanying this press release. Operating Results for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2022 For the third quarter 2022, total revenue increased $90.1 million or 58.4% to $244.4 million from $154.3 million in the prior year period, which included system-wide same store sales growth of 8.2%. By segment: Franchise segment revenue increased $5.4 million or 7.1% to $80.7 million from $75.4 million in the prior year period. The increase in franchise segment revenue for the third quarter of 2022 was primarily due to a $2.8 million increase in franchise royalty revenue a $1.7 million increase in equipment placement revenue, and a $0.7 million increase in National Advertising Fund ("NAF") revenue. Of the $2.8 million increase in franchise royalty revenue, $3.7 million was attributable to a same store sales increase of 8.1% in franchisee-owned stores and $1.7 million was attributable to new stores opened since July 1, 2021 . Partially offsetting the royalty revenue increases was a decrease of approximately $2.6 million primarily as a result of the stores acquired in the acquisition of Sunshine Fitness Growth Holdings, LLC in the first quarter of 2022 (the "Sunshine Acquisition") becoming corporate-owned stores. The $1.7 million increase in placement revenue was primarily driven by higher replacement equipment placements in the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 ; or 7.1% to from in the prior year period. The increase in franchise segment revenue for the third quarter of 2022 was primarily due to a increase in franchise royalty revenue a increase in equipment placement revenue, and a increase in National Advertising Fund ("NAF") revenue. Of the increase in franchise royalty revenue, was attributable to a same store sales increase of 8.1% in franchisee-owned stores and was attributable to new stores opened since . Partially offsetting the royalty revenue increases was a decrease of approximately primarily as a result of the stores acquired in the acquisition of Sunshine Fitness Growth Holdings, LLC in the first quarter of 2022 (the "Sunshine Acquisition") becoming corporate-owned stores. The increase in placement revenue was primarily driven by higher replacement equipment placements in the three months ended compared to the three months ended ; Corporate-owned stores segment revenue increased $57.4 million or 130.8% to $101.3 million from $43.9 million in the prior year period. Of the increase, $50.4 million was attributable to the acquisition of 114 stores in the Sunshine Acquisition, $3.5 million was from the corporate-owned store same store sales increase of 9.7%, $3.4 million was from new stores opened since July 1, 2021 ; and or 130.8% to from in the prior year period. Of the increase, was attributable to the acquisition of 114 stores in the Sunshine Acquisition, was from the corporate-owned store same store sales increase of 9.7%, was from new stores opened since ; and Equipment segment revenue increased $27.3 million or 78.2% to $62.3 million from $35.0 million in the prior year period, driven by $27.7 million of higher equipment sales to existing franchisee-owned stores in the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 . In both the three months ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 , we had equipment sales to 28 new franchisee-owned stores. For the third quarter of 2022, net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. was $26.9 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to $17.4 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the prior year period. Net income was $30.7 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to $18.6 million in the prior year period. Adjusted net income increased $16.6 million to $38.2 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, from $21.7 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the prior year period. Adjusted net income has been adjusted to reflect a normalized federal income tax rate of 25.9% and 26.6% for the current and prior year period, respectively, and excludes certain non-cash and other items that we do not consider in the evaluation of ongoing operational performance (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash and other items that we do not consider in the evaluation of ongoing operational performance (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures"), increased $32.2 million to $93.9 million from $61.7 million in the prior year period. Segment EBITDA represents our Total Segment EBITDA broken down by the Company's reportable segments. Total Segment EBITDA is equal to EBITDA, which is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures"). Franchise segment EBITDA increased $1.4 million to $53.5 million . The increase in franchise segment EBITDA for the third quarter of 2022 was primarily due to the franchise revenue increases as described above, partially offset by higher NAF expenses of $1.4 million , higher franchise segment selling general and administrative expense of $1.4 million , and higher equipment placement expense of $1.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2022 than in the prior year period; to . The increase in franchise segment EBITDA for the third quarter of 2022 was primarily due to the franchise revenue increases as described above, partially offset by higher NAF expenses of , higher franchise segment selling general and administrative expense of , and higher equipment placement expense of in the three months ended than in the prior year period; Corporate-owned stores segment EBITDA increased $26.3 million to $40.4 million . Of the increase, $24.9 million was attributable to the corporate-owned stores acquired in the Sunshine Acquisition, $2.6 million was attributable to the same store sales increase of 9.7%, and $1.3 million was attributable to the gain on sale of corporate-owned stores. Partially offsetting these increases was higher selling general and administrative expense of $2.2 million , primarily as a result of the Sunshine Acquisition; and to . Of the increase, was attributable to the corporate-owned stores acquired in the Sunshine Acquisition, was attributable to the same store sales increase of 9.7%, and was attributable to the gain on sale of corporate-owned stores. Partially offsetting these increases was higher selling general and administrative expense of , primarily as a result of the Sunshine Acquisition; and Equipment segment EBITDA increased by $7.9 million to $15.8 million primarily driven by higher equipment sales to existing franchisee-owned stores in the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 , as described above. Share Repurchase Program On November 4th, the Company's board of directors authorized a new $500 million share repurchase program to replace the existing share repurchase program, which was authorized in 2019 and had approximately $106 million remaining. 2022 Outlook For the year ending December 31, 2022, the Company is reiterating and updating the following expectations, which includes the impact from the Sunshine Acquisition and assumes there is no significant worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic that seriously impacts performance, including prolonged store closures or other mandated operational restrictions: New equipment placements of approximately 150 to 160 in franchisee-owned locations (previously it expected approximately 170 placements) reflecting a worsening of the HVAC supply chain issue Continue to expect system-wide same store sales growth in the low double-digit percentage range. The Company is updating the following 2022 growth expectations over the Company's 2021 results: Revenue to increase in the high-50 percent range (previously expected growth in the mid-50 percent range) Adjusted EBITDA to increase approximately 60 percent (previously expected growth in the high-50 percent range) Adjusted net income to increase in the low-100 percent range (previously expected growth in the low-90 percent range) Adjusted earnings per share to increase in the mid-90 percent range, based on Adjusted diluted shares outstanding of approximately 90.5 million, inclusive of the issuance of equity as part of the Sunshine Acquisition and share repurchases through the third quarter. Previously the Company expected growth in the mid-80 percent range. The Company continues to expect 2022 net interest expense to be approximately $86 million which reflects its first quarter debt refinancing and upsizing. Presentation of Financial Measures Planet Fitness, Inc. (the "Company") was formed in March 2015 for the purpose of facilitating the initial public offering (the "IPO") and related recapitalization transactions that occurred in August 2015, and in order to carry on the business of Pla-Fit Holdings, LLC ("Pla-Fit Holdings") and its subsidiaries. As the sole managing member of Pla-Fit Holdings, the Company operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Pla-Fit Holdings, and through Pla-Fit Holdings, conducts its business. As a result, the Company consolidates Pla-Fit Holdings' financial results and reports a non-controlling interest related to the portion of Pla-Fit Holdings not owned by the Company. The financial information presented in this press release includes non-GAAP financial measures such as EBITDA, Segment EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per share, diluted, to provide measures that we believe are useful to investors in evaluating the Company's performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental measures of the Company's performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with GAAP. These financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for GAAP financial measures such as net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. In addition, in the future, the Company may incur expenses or charges such as those added back to calculate Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per share, diluted. The Company's presentation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per share, diluted, should not be construed as an inference that the Company's future results will be unaffected by similar amounts or other unusual or nonrecurring items. See the tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Total Segment EBITDA, Adjusted net income, and Adjusted net income per share, diluted, to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Same store sales refers to year-over-year sales comparisons for the same store sales base of both corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores, which is calculated for a given period by including only sales from stores that had sales in the comparable months of both years. We define the same store sales base to include those stores that have been open and for which monthly membership dues have been billed for longer than 12 months. We measure same store sales based solely upon monthly dues billed to members of our corporate-owned and franchisee-owned stores. The non-GAAP financial measures used in our full-year outlook will differ from net income and net income per share, diluted, determined in accordance with GAAP in ways similar to those described in the reconciliations at the end of this press release. We do not provide guidance for net income or net income per share, diluted, determined in accordance with GAAP or a reconciliation of guidance for Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income per share, diluted, to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because we are not able to predict with reasonable certainty the amount or nature of all items that will be included in our net income and net income per share, diluted, for the year ending December 31, 2022. Accordingly, a reconciliation of the Company's guidance for Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income per share, diluted, to the most directly comparable GAAP measure cannot be made available without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on many factors and could have a material impact on our net income and net income per share, diluted, for the year ending December 31, 2022. Investor Conference Call The Company will hold a conference call at 8:00 AM (ET) on November 8, 2022 to discuss the news announced in this press release. A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible at www.planetfitness.com via the "Investor Relations" link. The webcast will be archived on the website for one year. About Planet Fitness Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of September 30, 2022, Planet Fitness had more than 16.6 million members and 2,353 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the Company's statements with respect to expected future performance presented under the heading "2022 Outlook," those attributed to the Company's Chief Executive Officer in this press release, including with respect to the Company's growth opportunities globally and long-term targets for U.S. store locations, and other statements, estimates and projections that do not relate solely to historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "goal," plan," "will," "prospects," "future," "strategy" and similar references to future periods, although not all forward-looking statements include these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are not assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on the Company's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company's control. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties associated with the duration and impact of COVID-19, which has resulted and may in the future result in store closures and a decrease in our net membership base and may give rise to or heighten one or more of the other risks and uncertainties described herein, competition in the fitness industry, the Company's and franchisees' ability to attract and retain members, the Company's and franchisees' ability to identify and secure suitable sites for new franchise stores, changes in consumer demand, changes in equipment costs, the Company's ability to expand into new markets domestically and internationally, operating costs for the Company and franchisees generally, availability and cost of capital for franchisees, acquisition activity, developments and changes in laws and regulations, our substantial increased indebtedness as a result of our refinancing and securitization transactions and our ability to incur additional indebtedness or refinance that indebtedness in the future, our future financial performance and our ability to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, our corporate structure and tax receivable agreements, failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Company's information systems or technology, our ability to successfully integrate and realize the anticipated benefits from the Sunshine Acquisition, general economic conditions and the other factors described in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's views only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, neither the Company nor any of its affiliates or representatives undertake any obligation to provide additional information or to correct or update any information set forth in this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenue: Franchise $ 65,975 $ 61,481 $ 199,506 $ 173,419 Commission income 193 39 737 381 National advertising fund revenue 14,578 13,863 43,130 38,493 Corporate-owned stores 101,330 43,899 278,940 122,355 Equipment 62,310 34,973 133,191 68,735 Total revenue 244,386 154,255 655,504 403,383 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of revenue 48,531 27,097 103,436 53,579 Store operations 57,892 27,751 161,789 82,088 Selling, general and administrative 27,148 22,969 86,176 67,248 National advertising fund expense 17,009 15,586 50,445 41,868 Depreciation and amortization 32,572 16,248 90,427 46,758 Other (gains) losses, net (700) 57 (2,452) (2,363) Total operating costs and expenses 182,452 109,708 489,821 289,178 Income from operations 61,934 44,547 165,683 114,205 Other expense, net: Interest income 1,561 233 2,244 645 Interest expense (21,917) (20,350) (66,527) (60,719) Other income 4,762 677 9,000 695 Total other expense, net (15,594) (19,440) (55,283) (59,379) Income before income taxes 46,340 25,107 110,400 54,826 Equity losses of unconsolidated entities, net of tax (2) (334) Provision for income taxes 15,661 6,475 35,942 14,988 Net income 30,677 18,632 74,124 39,838 Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests 3,764 1,189 8,405 2,804 Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. $ 26,913 $ 17,443 $ 65,719 $ 37,034 Net income per share of Class A common stock: Basic $ 0.32 $ 0.21 $ 0.78 $ 0.45 Diluted $ 0.32 $ 0.21 $ 0.78 $ 0.44 Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding: Basic 84,156 83,274 84,377 83,194 Diluted 84,547 83,879 84,798 83,808 Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 404,463 $ 545,909 Restricted cash 62,714 58,032 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $0 and $0 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 34,475 27,257 Inventory 4,224 1,155 Restricted assets national advertising fund 1,773 Prepaid expenses 13,922 12,869 Other receivables 14,015 13,519 Income tax receivables 4,885 3,673 Total current assets 540,471 662,414 Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $204,581 and $152,296 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 332,840 173,687 Investments, net of allowance for expected credit losses of $15,890 and $17,462 as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 21,389 18,760 Right of use assets, net 348,246 190,330 Intangible assets, net 427,675 200,937 Goodwill 700,207 228,569 Deferred income taxes 471,495 539,264 Other assets, net 3,933 2,022 Total assets $ 2,846,256 $ 2,015,983 Liabilities and stockholders' deficit Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 20,750 $ 17,500 Accounts payable 22,218 27,892 Accrued expenses 54,302 51,714 Equipment deposits 32,020 6,036 Deferred revenue, current 56,159 28,351 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, current 31,482 20,302 Other current liabilities 41,208 24,815 Total current liabilities 258,139 176,610 Long-term debt, net of current maturities 1,982,158 1,665,273 Borrowings under Variable Funding Notes 75,000 Lease liabilities, net of current portion 341,961 197,682 Deferred revenue, net of current portion 32,793 33,428 Deferred tax liabilities 965 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements, net of current portion 474,032 507,805 Other liabilities 4,314 3,030 Total noncurrent liabilities 2,836,223 2,482,218 Stockholders' equity (deficit): Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value - 300,000 authorized, 83,414 and 83,804 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 8 8 Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value - 100,000 authorized, 6,146 and 3,056 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively 1 1 Accumulated other comprehensive income (626) 12 Additional paid in capital 534,365 63,428 Accumulated deficit (737,399) (708,804) Total stockholders' deficit attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. (203,651) (645,355) Non-controlling interests (44,455) 2,510 Total stockholders' deficit (248,106) (642,845) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 2,846,256 $ 2,015,983 Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 2021 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 74,124 $ 39,838 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 90,427 46,758 Amortization of deferred financing costs 4,129 4,753 Write-off of deferred financing costs 1,583 Amortization of asset retirement obligations 201 55 Dividends accrued on investment (1,391) (949) Deferred tax expense 35,026 12,774 Equity losses of unconsolidated entities, net of tax 334 Gain on adjustment of allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity investment (1,572) Gain on re-measurement of tax benefit arrangement (8,381) (348) Loss on reacquired franchise rights 1,160 Gain on sale of corporate-owned stores (1,324) Equity-based compensation 6,942 6,267 Other 66 (37) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions: Accounts receivable (7,477) 5,321 Inventory (3,071) (3,625) Other assets and other current assets (567) 9,618 Restricted assets - national advertising fund (1,773) (1,162) Accounts payable and accrued expenses (22,521) 9,413 Other liabilities and other current liabilities 1,728 (3,540) Income taxes (2,111) 452 Payable pursuant to tax benefit arrangements (14,211) Equipment deposits 26,049 20,099 Deferred revenue 11,506 3,483 Leases and deferred rent 1,550 320 Net cash provided by operating activities 190,426 149,490 Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property and equipment (65,138) (31,791) Acquisition of franchises, net of cash acquired (424,940) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 60 19 Proceeds from sale of corporate-owned stores 20,820 Investments (35,000) Net cash used in investing activities (469,198) (66,772) Cash flows from financing activities: Principal payments on capital lease obligations (207) (146) Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 900,000 Proceeds from issuance of variable funding notes 75,000 Repayment of long-term debt and variable funding notes (719,625) (13,125) Payment of deferred financing and other debt-related costs (15,951) Proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock 779 916 Repurchase and retirement of Class A common stock (94,314) Distributions paid to members of Pla-Fit Holdings (2,945) (670) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 142,737 (13,025) Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (729) (19) Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (136,764) 69,674 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 603,941 515,800 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 467,177 $ 585,474 Supplemental cash flow information: Net cash paid for income taxes $ 3,072 $ 1,683 Cash paid for interest $ 60,535 $ 56,231 Non-cash investing activities: Non-cash additions to property and equipment $ 11,566 $ 5,507 Fair value of common stock issued as consideration for acquisition $ 393,730 $ To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: EBITDA, Total Segment EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per share, diluted (collectively, the "non-GAAP financial measures"). The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when used in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, are useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures presented in this release are supplemental measures of the Company's performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with GAAP. These financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for GAAP financial measures such as net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. In addition, in the future, the Company may incur expenses or charges such as those added back to calculate Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per share, diluted. The Company's presentation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, and Adjusted net income per share, diluted, should not be construed as an inference that the Company's future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items. EBITDA, Segment EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA We refer to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as we use these measures to evaluate our operating performance and we believe these measures provide useful information to investors in evaluating our performance. We have also disclosed Segment EBITDA as an important financial metric utilized by the Company to evaluate performance and allocate resources to segments in accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting. We define EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Segment EBITDA sums to Total Segment EBITDA which is equal to the Non-GAAP financial metric EBITDA. We believe that EBITDA, which eliminates the impact of certain expenses that we do not believe reflect our underlying business performance, provides useful information to investors to assess the performance of our segments as well as the business as a whole. Our board of directors also uses EBITDA as a key metric to assess the performance of management. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for the impact of certain additional non-cash and other items that we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing performance of the Company's core operations. These items include certain purchase accounting adjustments, stock offering-related costs, acquisition transaction costs, and certain other charges and gains. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure of operating performance in addition to EBITDA because it eliminates the impact of other items that we believe reduce the comparability of our underlying core business performance from period to period and is therefore useful to our investors in comparing the core performance of our business from period to period. Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, is set forth below. Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 (in thousands) Net income $ 30,677 $ 18,632 $ 74,124 $ 39,838 Interest income (1,561) (233) (2,244) (645) Interest expense(1) 21,917 20,350 66,527 60,719 Provision for income taxes 15,661 6,475 35,942 14,988 Depreciation and amortization 32,572 16,248 90,427 46,758 EBITDA $ 99,266 $ 61,472 $ 264,776 $ 161,658 Purchase accounting adjustments-revenue(2) 84 72 213 269 Purchase accounting adjustments-rent(3) 109 110 328 324 Loss on reacquired franchise rights(4) 1,160 Gain on settlement of preexisting contract with acquiree(5) (2,059) Transaction fees and acquisition-related costs(6) 396 5,344 Loss (gain) on adjustment of allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity investments(7) 273 (1,572) Dividend income on held-to-maturity investments(8) (477) (1,391) Insurance Recovery(9) (174) (174) (2,500) Legal matters(10) 238 1,189 Tax benefit arrangement remeasurement(11) (4,510) (8,381) (348) Gain on sale of corporate-owned stores(12) (1,324) (1,324) Other(13) 21 55 1,621 743 Adjusted EBITDA(14) $ 93,902 $ 61,709 $ 259,730 $ 160,146 (1) Includes a $1,583 loss on extinguishment of debt in the nine months ended September 30, 2022. (2) Represents the impact of revenue-related purchase accounting adjustments associated with the acquisition of Pla-Fit Holdings on November 8, 2012 by TSG (the "2012 Acquisition"). At the time of the 2012 Acquisition, the Company maintained a deferred revenue account, which consisted of deferred area development agreement fees, deferred franchise fees, and deferred enrollment fees that the Company billed and collected upfront but recognizes for U.S. GAAP purposes at a later date. In connection with the 2012 Acquisition, it was determined that the carrying amount of deferred revenue was greater than the fair value assessed in accordance with ASC 805Business Combinations, which resulted in a write-down of the carrying value of the deferred revenue balance upon application of acquisition push-down accounting under ASC 805. These amounts represent the additional revenue that would have been recognized in these periods if the write-down to deferred revenue had not occurred in connection with the application of acquisition pushdown accounting. (3) Represents the impact of rent-related purchase accounting adjustments. In accordance with guidance in ASC 805 Business Combinations, in connection with the 2012 Acquisition, the Company's deferred rent liability was required to be written off as of the acquisition date and rent was recorded on a straight-line basis from the acquisition date through the end of the lease term. This resulted in higher overall recorded rent expense each period than would have otherwise been recorded had the deferred rent liability not been written off as a result of the acquisition push down accounting applied in accordance with ASC 805. Adjustments of $45, $44, $135 and $127 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, reflect the difference between the higher rent expense recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP since the acquisition and the rent expense that would have been recorded had the 2012 Acquisition not occurred. Adjustments of $65, $64, $194, and $197 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, are due to the amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases. All of the rent related purchase accounting adjustments are adjustments to rent expense which is included in store operations on our consolidated statements of operations. (4) Represents the impact of a non-cash loss recorded in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations related to our acquisition of franchisee-owned stores. The loss recorded under U.S. GAAP represents the difference between the fair value and the contractual terms of the reacquired franchise rights and is included in other (gains) losses, net on our consolidated statement of operations. (5) Represents a gain on settlement of deferred revenue from existing contracts with acquired franchisee-stores recorded in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations, and is included in other (gains) losses, net on our consolidated statement of operations. (6) Represents transaction fees and acquisition-related costs incurred in connection with our acquisition of franchisee-owned stores. (7) Represents a loss (gain) on the adjustment of the allowance for credit losses on the Company's held-to-maturity investments. (8) Represents dividend income on held-to-maturity investments. (9) Represents insurance recoveries, which in 2021 included a recovery of previously recognized expenses related to the settlement of legal claims. (10) In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the amounts represent a reserve against an indemnification receivable related to a legal matter. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the amounts represent an insurance recovery of previously recognized expenses related to the settlement of legal claims. (11) Represents gains related to the adjustment of our tax benefit arrangements primarily due to changes in our deferred state tax rate. (12) Represents a gain on the sale of corporate-owned stores. (13) Represents certain other charges and gains that we do not believe reflect our underlying business performance. (14) Effective September 30, 2022, we no longer exclude pre-opening costs from our computation of Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for all prior periods presented has been restated to the current period computation methodology. A reconciliation of Segment EBITDA to Total Segment EBITDA is set forth below. Three months ended September 30, (in thousands) 2022 2021 Segment EBITDA Franchise $ 53,475 $ 52,047 Corporate-owned stores 40,446 14,102 Equipment 15,803 7,917 Corporate and other (10,458) (12,594) Total Segment EBITDA(1) $ 99,266 $ 61,472 (1) Total Segment EBITDA is equal to EBITDA. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share Our presentation of Adjusted net income assumes that all net income is attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc., which assumes the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units for shares of Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc., adjusted for certain non-recurring items that we do not believe directly reflect our core operations. Adjusted net income per share, diluted, is calculated by dividing Adjusted net income by the total shares of Class A common stock outstanding plus any dilutive options and restricted stock units as calculated in accordance with GAAP and assuming the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units and corresponding Class B common stock as of the beginning of each period presented. Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per share, diluted, are supplemental measures of operating performance that do not represent, and should not be considered, alternatives to net income and earnings per share, as calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per share, diluted, supplement GAAP measures and enable us to more effectively evaluate our performance period-over-period. A reconciliation of Adjusted net income to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and the computation of Adjusted net income per share, diluted, are set forth below. Planet Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net income $ 30,677 $ 18,632 $ 74,124 $ 39,838 Provision for income taxes, as reported 15,661 6,475 35,942 14,988 Purchase accounting adjustments-revenue(1) 84 72 213 269 Purchase accounting adjustments-rent(2) 109 110 328 324 Loss on reacquired franchise rights(3) 1,160 Gain on settlement of preexisting contract with acquiree(4) (2,059) Transaction fees and acquisition-related costs(5) 396 5,344 Loss on extinguishment of debt(6) 1,583 Loss (gain) on adjustment of allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity investments(7) 273 (1,572) Dividend income on held-to-maturity investments(8) (477) (1,391) Insurance Recovery(9) (174) (174) (2,500) Legal matters(10) 238 1,189 Tax benefit arrangement remeasurement(11) (4,510) (8,381) (348) Gain on sale of corporate-owned stores(12) (1,324) (1,324) Other(13) 21 55 1,621 743 Purchase accounting amortization(14) 10,611 4,159 29,644 12,477 Adjusted income before income taxes $ 51,585 $ 29,503 $ 136,247 $ 65,791 Adjusted income tax expense(15) 13,361 7,848 35,288 17,500 Adjusted net income(16) $ 38,224 $ 21,655 $ 100,959 $ 48,291 Adjusted net income per share, diluted $ 0.42 $ 0.25 $ 1.11 $ 0.55 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding(17) 90,692 87,204 90,571 87,194 (1) Represents the impact of revenue-related purchase accounting adjustments associated with the 2012 Acquisition. At the time of the 2012 Acquisition, the Company maintained a deferred revenue account, which consisted of deferred area development agreement fees, deferred franchise fees, and deferred enrollment fees that the Company billed and collected upfront but recognizes for U.S. GAAP purposes at a later date. In connection with the 2012 Acquisition, it was determined that the carrying amount of deferred revenue was greater than the fair value assessed in accordance with ASC 805Business Combinations, which resulted in a write-down of the carrying value of the deferred revenue balance upon application of acquisition push-down accounting under ASC 805. These amounts represent the additional revenue that would have been recognized in these periods if the write-down to deferred revenue had not occurred in connection with the application of acquisition pushdown accounting. (2) Represents the impact of rent-related purchase accounting adjustments. In accordance with guidance in ASC 805 Business Combinations, in connection with the 2012 Acquisition, the Company's deferred rent liability was required to be written off as of the acquisition date and rent was recorded on a straight-line basis from the acquisition date through the end of the lease term. This resulted in higher overall recorded rent expense each period than would have otherwise been recorded had the deferred rent liability not been written off as a result of the acquisition push down accounting applied in accordance with ASC 805. Adjustments of $45, $44, $135 and $127 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, reflect the difference between the higher rent expense recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP since the acquisition and the rent expense that would have been recorded had the 2012 Acquisition not occurred. Adjustments of $65, $64, $194, and $197 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, are due to the amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases. All of the rent related purchase accounting adjustments are adjustments to rent expense which is included in store operations on our consolidated statements of operations. (3) Represents the impact of a non-cash loss recorded in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations related to our acquisition of franchisee-owned stores. The loss recorded under U.S. GAAP represents the difference between the fair value and the contractual terms of the reacquired franchise rights and is included in other (gains) losses, net on our consolidated statement of operations. (4) Represents a gain on settlement of deferred revenue from existing contracts with acquired franchisee-stores recorded in accordance with ASC 805 Business Combinations, and is included in other (gains) losses, net on our consolidated statement of operations. (5) Represents transaction fees and acquisition-related costs incurred in connection with our acquisition of franchisee-owned stores. (6) Represents a loss on extinguishment of debt in the nine months ended September 30, 2022. (7) Represents a loss (gain) on the adjustment of the allowance for credit losses on the Company's held-to-maturity investments. (8) Represents dividend income on held-to-maturity investments. (9) Represents insurance recoveries, which in 2021 included a recovery of previously recognized expenses related to the settlement of legal claims. (10) In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the amounts represent a reserve against an indemnification receivable related to a legal matter. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the amounts represent an insurance recovery of previously recognized expenses related to the settlement of legal claims. (11) Represents gains related to the adjustment of our tax benefit arrangements primarily due to changes in our deferred state tax rate. (12) Represents a gain on the sale of corporate-owned stores. (13) Represents certain other charges and gains that we do not believe reflect our underlying business performance. (14) Includes $3,096, $3,096, $9,288 and $9,288 of amortization of intangible assets, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, recorded in connection with the 2012 Acquisition, and $7,515, $1,063, $20,357 and $3,189 of amortization of intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, recorded in connection with historical acquisitions of franchisee-owned stores. The adjustment represents the amount of actual non-cash amortization expense recorded, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, in each period. (15) Represents corporate income taxes at an assumed blended tax rate of 25.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 26.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, applied to adjusted income before income taxes. (16) Effective September 30, 2022, we no longer exclude pre-opening costs from our computation of Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for all prior periods presented has been restated to the current period computation methodology. (17) Assumes the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units and corresponding shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. A reconciliation of net income per share, diluted, to Adjusted net income per share, diluted is set forth below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021: For the three months ended September 30, 2022 For the three months ended September 30, 2021 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net income Weighted Average Shares Net income per share, diluted Net income Weighted Average Shares Net income per share, diluted Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.(1) $ 26,913 84,547 $ 0.32 $ 17,443 83,879 $ 0.21 Assumed exchange of shares(2) 3,764 6,145 1,189 3,325 Net income 30,677 18,632 Adjustments to arrive at adjusted income before income taxes(3) 20,908 10,871 Adjusted income before income taxes 51,585 29,503 Adjusted income tax expense(4) 13,361 7,848 Adjusted net income $ 38,224 90,692 $ 0.42 $ 21,655 87,204 $ 0.25 (1) Represents net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. and the associated weighted average shares, diluted, of Class A common stock outstanding. (2) Assumes the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units and corresponding shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. Also assumes the addition of net income attributable to non-controlling interests corresponding with the assumed exchange of Holdings Units and Class B common shares for shares of Class A common stock. (3) Represents the total impact of all adjustments identified in the adjusted net income table above to arrive at adjusted income before income taxes. (4) Represents corporate income taxes at an assumed blended tax rate of 25.9% and 26.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, applied to adjusted income before income taxes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net income Weighted Average Shares Net income per share, diluted Net income Weighted Average Shares Net income per share, diluted Net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc.(1) $ 65,719 84,798 $ 0.78 $ 37,034 83,808 $ 0.44 Assumed exchange of shares(2) 8,405 5,773 2,804 3,386 Net income 74,124 39,838 Adjustments to arrive at adjusted income before income taxes(3) 62,123 25,953 Adjusted income before income taxes 136,247 65,791 Adjusted income tax expense(4) 35,288 17,500 Adjusted net income $ 100,959 90,571 $ 1.11 $ 48,291 87,194 $ 0.55 (1) Represents net income attributable to Planet Fitness, Inc. and the associated weighted average shares, diluted of Class A common stock outstanding. (2) Assumes the full exchange of all outstanding Holdings Units and corresponding shares of Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. Also assumes the addition of net income attributable to non-controlling interests corresponding with the assumed exchange of Holdings Units and Class B common shares for shares of Class A common stock. (3) Represents the total impact of all adjustments identified in the adjusted net income table above to arrive at adjusted income before income taxes. (4) Represents corporate income taxes at an assumed blended tax rate of 25.9% and 26.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, applied to adjusted income before income taxes. SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc. JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Providence Homes , Jacksonville's leader in energy-efficient construction, recently completed its seventh Homes for HOPE project to help fight global poverty. "Homes for HOPE is a way to get the building industry involved in creating capital for those that don't have access to it," said Sean Junker, Providence President & COO. "We all come together; not just the builder but our trade partners and suppliers; we are able to leverage our talents and our resources to maximize the contribution we can give to HOPE International." Providence Homes, Jacksonvilles leader in energy-efficient construction, recently completed its seventh Homes for HOPE project to help fight global poverty. Once the home is sold, the resulting donation is used to provide training, savings services, and loans to men and women living in poverty, gradually breaking the cycle of poverty. The current project will result in a $240,000 donation to support this mission. Since Providence Homes began building Homes for HOPE, the sales of homes in the Jacksonville area have resulted in more than $900,000 in contributions. "We are eternally grateful for our trade partners and suppliers on this project," said Junker. "This wouldn't be possible without their commitment to helping others." Trade partners and suppliers that supported this Homes for HOPE project include: A & G Construction, Inc. Alpha Environmental Management Corp., LLC. American Residential Products, Inc. Bouziane Tie-Down Inc. Builders First Source Concrete Masters, Inc. Fine Line Painting & Drywall, Inc. First Coast Supply, Inc. FTG, Inc. House Wrap Group 4 Design, Inc. Italian Terrazzo & Tile Co. of Brevard, LLC. iWashJax, LLC. Jacksonville Building Science, LLC. Justin The Plumber, LLC. Legacy Engineering, Inc. Munson & Bryan Electric Company, Inc. Onsite Safety, Inc. Outdoor Site Solutions, LLC. Polished Properties-US, LLC. Renaissance Windows & Doors, Inc. Residential Worx Jax., Inc. Ross Security Systems, Inc. Southern Scapes, LLC. Stewart Lighting, Inc. True House, Inc. Turnkey Solutions of Jax., Inc. Woodsman Kitchens & Floors, Inc. About Providence Homes | myprovidencehome.com Headquartered in Jacksonville, Providence Homes is committed to providing the highest standards of residential construction in northeast Florida. As one of Jacksonville's only 100-percent ENERGY STAR Certified home builders, Providence Homes pledges to make a difference in the industry by building every home with the same detail and commitment to excellence as they would with their own. Since becoming an ENERGY STAR partner, Providence Homes has built more than 1,900 ENERGY STAR homes helping Jacksonville families save more than $7 million in energy bills. SOURCE Providence Homes, Inc. SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2022 Qianhai Global Investment Promotion Conference commenced in Shenzhen, China on November 8. At the conference, Qianhai Global Service Providers (QGSP) Program was launched, where a wide range of incentives will be provided to support service industries. According to the Authority of Qianhai, it will render an industrial support fund of no less than one billion yuan and an industrial space of over 200,000 square kilometers every year. By 2025, it will have more than 300 modern service providers around the world and achieve an added value of over 100 billion yuan in the modern service sector. As Qianhai's business environment continues to optimize, more and more enterprises have noticed the improvement and considered the area as an ideal business destination. "The number of PE firms establishing new offices in Qianhai has risen sharply. As a result, we have been able to communicate with our clients and partners more frequently, conveniently, and efficiently than ever before," a representative from SC Ventures said in an interview. "We notice that many start-up teams from Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas have been attracted to Qianhai, especially by its perfect office and living conditions, excellent conditions for science and technology innovation, and fair market opportunities. This gives us an opportunity to get closer to more outstanding start-up teams." Qianhai has fostered a full-fledged, multi-level professional judicial system to settle disputes in business, finance, intellectual property, and other important areas. It has also been exploring an innovative mediation process that combines international commercial mediation with foreign law ascertainment. The Shenzhen Qianhai International Commercial Mediation Center and Benchmark Chambers International & Benchmark International Mediation Center were established specifically for this purpose. To satisfy businesses' urgent demand for talent, Qianhai developed the International Talent Hub and International Talent One-stop Service Center, and enabled qualified professionals from Hong Kong and Macao in 16 categories like construction engineering and taxation to register to practice in Qianhai. In addition, Qianhai provides integrated services for international talent, which cover 451 items including government services, business services, etc. It also offers customized services for six types of talent occupations, such as leading scientists and technologists. By deepening reforms in simplifying investment and trade, accelerating innovations in finance and legalization, and developing pilot programs in talent management, Qianhai has become a fertile ground for investment and business ventures. The representative from SC Ventures added, "Qianhai offers exceptional policies to support QFLP enterprises in such areas as business establishment, market access, investment scope, foreign exchange settlement, and efficient customs clearance. Therefore, with the help of Qianhai's competent departments, everything went smoothly in setting up a QFLP management company." Owen Wang, vice president of Operations of LF Logistics who has been engaged in logistics in Qianhai for years, stated, "Thanks to the support of Customs and Qianhai Authority, LF Logistics has witnessed its revenue double almost each year since joining the Qianhai Free Trade Zone in 2015." Liu Guilin, deputy director-general of Qianhai Authority, underscored that Qianhai will continue to promote the attraction of talent and investment well into the future in order to encourage professionals and experts from all over the world to establish businesses here. As a result, Qianhai will provide comprehensive support for talent development and actively create huge opportunities for business growth. SOURCE Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws. Class Period: April 14, 2022 to September 28, 2022 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: December 19, 2022 No obligation or cost to you. Learn more about your recoverable losses in RAD: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/rite-aid-class-action-submission-form?id=33413&from=4 Rite Aid Corporation NEWS - RAD NEWS CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Rite Aid Corporation 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. WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Rite Aid you have until December 19, 2022 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff. NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Rite Aid securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the RAD lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/rite-aid-class-action-submission-form?id=33413&from=4. ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: J. Klein, Esq. 535 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York City, NY 10017 [email protected] Telephone: (212) 616-4899 www.kleinstocklaw.com SOURCE The Klein Law Firm CINCINNATI, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Really Good Boxed Wine, the category defining start-up in super premium boxed wine, welcomes Rick Morrison as Vice President of Sales. Over his 20+ years in the wine industry, Rick Morrison has helped launch and scale many heritage and icon brands such as Qupe, Torbreck, Dry Creek Vineyard, La Follette, Quivira, Alma Rosa, Trinitas, and Au Bon Climat. Really Good Boxed Wine's New VP Of Sales Rick Morrison "We feel incredibly lucky that Rick is joining our team at such an exciting time for the business," said Jake Whitman, Founder and CEO. "After a full year of growth in DTC, we recognize the importance of diversifying sales channels and having the right person in place to lead that expansion is critical." Rick combines keen business insight with a wealth of long-term relationships. He enjoys collaborating with wholesale and business partners and brings a unique sense of sales strategy, street implementation, and approach to success. "As a long-time champion of alternative packaging, I was immediately drawn to Really Good Boxed Wine. Once I tasted the wine, I knew I wanted to be a part of this groundbreaking brand," adds Rick. "The industry is ready for high-end wine; in a sustainable format and at a much more reasonable price! Really Good Boxed Wine is a dynamic, forward-thinking company that is guided by a moral compass whereby everyone wins, including our planet." Prior to being impassioned by the wine business, Rick enjoyed a successful career in the music industry in which he held several VP Sales and Marketing roles for BMG, Universal, Sony, Warner, and Virgin. Rick revels in having helped build the careers of Nirvana, Dave Matthews Band, Foo Fighters, White Stripes, and Christina Aguilera. "Every person in the music business, wine business, or anyone Rick has crossed paths with, speaks so highly of him," said Amy Troutmiller, COO. "He understands luxury wine, human connection, and our mission. We see him as an invaluable asset in making Really Good Boxed Wine a household name." Rick will be leading efforts to expand wholesale, strategic partnerships, and niche-channel sales. Interested buyers and businesses can reach him at [email protected]. About Really Good Boxed Wine: Really Good Boxed Wine has been producing the best wine you've ever had from a box since 2021. They ship direct from their website, www.reallygoodboxedwine.com to 43 states and the District of Columbia. Better wine at a better price that's better for the environment. MEDIA CONTACTS Jillian Wong / Amanda Cerda [email protected] 2132254419 SOURCE Really Good Boxed Wine NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- RF signal chain components market size is valued at USD 39.0 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to be USD 72.9 billion by 2027; growing at a CAGR of 13.3% from 2022 to 2027. The growing demand of factors such as rising demand for mobiles and smartphones and increasing demand of RF equipments from defense sector to grow the market at an estimated rate. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06361574/?utm_source=PRN Rising demand for mobiles and smartphones The advent of 5G technology has fueled the demand for 5G-enabled smartphones.According to Samsung, the demand for smartphones and 5G smartphones is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% and 37%, respectively, from 2021 to 2025, due to the rising commercialization of 5G technology. Smartphone manufacturers such as Apple Inc., Samsung, Huawei, Vivo, Honor, OPPO, Xiaomi, and OnePlus have commercialized their 5G smartphones worldwide. Thus, the increase in the shipment of 5G smartphones is expected to fuel the demand for RF signal chain components during the forecast period. Growing deployment of RF devices by smart cities Growing urbanization, rising need for efficient management and utilization of resources, increasing demand for fast and efficient transport and commuting, public safety concerns, and surging demand for a healthy environment with efficient energy consumption are expected to be the major factors driving the growth of the smart cities market across the world.RF technology is necessary for the increased usage of sensors for data collection in smart cities. Utilizing real-time information allows for a rise in efficiency across industries, including health and safety. Thus growing deployment of RF devices by smart cities acts as a major opportunity in the market. Rising design complexity and requirements of RF devices Design complexity makes it difficult to understand the working of the RF signal chain components, leading to inefficient results.The electronics industry is focusing on integrating multiple functionalities on a single chip. This will help the industry to offer advanced, power-efficient, and cost-optimized solutions.However, using a higher switching frequency in these devices is necessary, thereby presenting unique design-related challenges. This complexity in the design structure of control algorithms pulls down the switching speed, affecting the overall performance of the control structure.Furthermore, bulky electronic circuits require high energy for efficient working and exhibit slow operations. With the rapid developments in smartphone designs, increasing cellular network requirements, and rising deployment of modern warfare infrastructure, device complexity is expected to be a major barrier to the adoption of integrated microwave assemblies. The breakup of primaries conducted during the study is depicted below: a By Company Type: Tier 1 a" 38 %, Tier 2 a" 28%, and Tier 3 a"34% a By Designation: C-Level Executives a" 40%, Directors a" 30%, and Others a" 30% a By Region: North Americaa" 35%, Europe a" 20%, Asia Pacific a" 35%, RoW a" 10% The key players operating in the RF signal chain components market include few globally established players such as Analog Devices, Inc. (US), Qorvo, Inc. (US), MACOM (US), Broadcom (US), Murata Manufacturing Co. (Japan), National Instruments Corp., (US), CPI International Inc. (US). Research Coverage The report segments the RF signal chain components market and forecasts its size based on region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and ROW), By Product (Amplifiers, Voltage-controlled Oscillators, Power Dividers, Mixers, Filters, Switches, Attenuators, Diplexers, Duplexers, Couplers, and Phase Shifters), Material Type (Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), Gallium Nitride (GaN), Silicon (Si), Silicon Germanium (SiGe), and Others(silicon carbide (SiC), indium phosphide (InP), indium gallium phosphide (InGaP), and piezoelectric substrate.)), by Frequency Band (VHF/UHF Band, L Band, S Band, C Band, X Band, Ku Band, K Band, Ka Band, V Band, and W Band), by Application (Telecom Infrastructure, Consumer Electronics, SATCOM, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Medical, and Others (community access television (CATV) systems, smart cities, and industrial)). The report also provides a comprehensive review of market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the RF signal chain components market. The report also covers qualitative aspects in addition to the quantitative aspects of these markets. Key Benefits of Buying This Report a This report includes market statistics pertaining to by product, material type, frequency band, application and region. a Major market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities have been detailed in this report. a Illustrative segmentation, analyses, and forecasts for the market based on product, material type, frequency band, application and region have been conducted to provide an overall view of the RF signal chain components market. a The report includes an in-depth analysis and ranking of key players. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06361574/?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 SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vial welcomes Robert A. Hauser, MD, MBA, as a new Central Nervous System (CNS) advisory board member to their Neurology CRO . Dr. Hauser is the Director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center and a Professor of Neurology at the University of South Florida. Vial is a tech-enabled CRO providing next-generation clinical trial management services that deliver dramatically faster, more efficient trials for biotech sponsors for up to 50% less cost. The Vial Neurology CRO distinguishes itself by leveraging digital technology, such as its Vial Technology Platform, which brings together eSource , EDC , eTMF , and ePRO , in one connected system to streamline site processes. These best-in-class CRO services will accelerate the development of new therapies and devices for neurology sponsors and patients. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hauser to our Neurology CRO as a scientific advisor. His contributions and ample clinical experience in Parkinson's research will be invaluable to Vial as we continue advancing our product and services across indications," said Simon Burns, CEO and Co-founder of Vial. Dr. Hauser is board certified in Neurology and has gained international recognition through his research on movement disorders. He has been awarded 40 research grants from multiple institutions, including The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and the National Parkinson Foundation, and has been featured on the Castle Connolly Top Doctors list for over a decade. "There is a significant unmet medical need for new Parkinson's disease treatments. I look forward to working with the Vial team in their pursuit to utilize technology as a means for more efficient clinical trials that advance treatments to the market," said Dr. Hauser on joining Vial's scientific advisory board. See the full release here . About Vial: Vial is a tech-enabled, next-generation CRO that promises faster and higher-quality execution of trials. The Vial Contract Research Organization (CRO) delivers on the promise of more efficient trials through its innovative technology platform that powers trials end-to-end. The key to Vial's tech-enabled platform is Vial's modern, intuitive Electronic Source and powerful tooling for CRAs that enables considerable efficiencies. Vial operates across multiple Therapeutic Areas ( Dermatology CRO , Ophthalmology CRO , Oncology CRO , Gastroenterology CRO , Neurology CRO , Cardiology CRO ). Vial is a San Francisco, California-based company with 125+ employees. SOURCE Vial CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE: RYI), a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, hosts its inaugural Investor Day today at the New York Stock Exchange as well as on a live webcast at RyersonInvestorday.com. The event will also celebrate 180 years of continuous operation for the business. During the event, speakers from Ryerson's management team will provide insight into the Company's financial and operational transformation, industry and business outlook, strategic plan highlights and capital allocation policy. Ryerson's Investor Day will also offer the audience a Q&A session to engage with the executive leadership team. Executive Leadership presenters will include: Eddie Lehner, President & Chief Executive Officer Jim Claussen, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Mike Burbach, Chief Operating Officer Molly Kannan, Corporate Controller & Chief Accounting Officer Srini Sundarrajan, Chief Information Officer John Orth, Executive Vice President of Operations All interested virtual attendees may register for the Investor Day on the event website www.ryersoninvestorday.com. Ryerson Holding Corporation's Investor Day Details: DATE: Tuesday, November 8, 2022 TIME: 2:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. CT WEBCAST: RyersonInvestorday.com About Ryerson Ryerson is a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China. Founded in 1842, Ryerson has around 4,000 employees in approximately 100 locations. Visit Ryerson at www.ryerson.com. Legal Disclaimer The contents herein are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell or buy, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security ("Security") of the Company or its affiliates ("Ryerson") in any jurisdiction. Ryerson does not intend to solicit, and is not soliciting, any action with respect to any Security or any other contractual relationship with the Ryerson. Nothing in this release, individually or taken in the aggregate, constitutes an offer of securities for sale or buy, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any Security in the United States, or to U.S. persons, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is unlawful. Safe Harbor Provision Certain statements made in this communication and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding our future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, estimates, objectives, or projections relating to the future. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "objectives," "goals," "preliminary," "range," "believes," "expects," "may," "estimates," "will," "should," "plans," or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. The Company cautions that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Among the factors that significantly impact our business are: the cyclicality of our business; the highly competitive, volatile, and fragmented metals industry in which we operate; fluctuating metal prices; our substantial indebtedness and the covenants in instruments governing such indebtedness; the integration of acquired operations; regulatory and other operational risks associated with our operations located inside and outside of the United States; impacts and implications of adverse health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic; work stoppages; obligations under certain employee retirement benefit plans; the ownership of a majority of our equity securities by a single investor group; currency fluctuations; and consolidation in the metals industry. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors, including those set forth above and those set forth under "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, we caution against placing undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, new information or otherwise. SOURCE Ryerson Holding Corporation STOCKHOLM, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SciBase Holding AB ("SciBase") (STO:SCIB), a leading developer of augmented intelligence-based solutions for skin disorders is pleased to invite investors, analysts and media to a webinar on November 10 at CET 11.00 - 12.00. The event will only be digital. The focus will be on SciBase's recently announced collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health to develop a unique AI-based screening tool to predict the development of a common type of eczema known as atopic dermatitis in infants. SciBase CEO Simon Grant will give an in-depth picture of the potential that exists in the skin barrier segment as well as a general update. Link to the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__tjnmigWSDeqGmY4LYbnRg Agenda for the webinar: 1. Introduction by CEO Simon Grant 2. Background around skin barrier from Professor Cezmi Akdis 3. Presentation by CEO Simon Grant 4. Q&A The webinar will be held in English. Participants will be given the opportunity to ask questions during the event via chat. Questions can also be submitted in advance to [email protected]. A recorded version of the webinar will be available on the SciBase website afterwards. For more information around skin barrier and SciBase: https://barrier.scibase.com/ For more information, please contact: Simon Grant, CEO SciBase Tel: +46 72 887 43 99 Email: [email protected] Certified Advisor (CA): Vator Securities Tel: +46 8 580 065 99 Email: [email protected] About SciBase and Nevisense SciBase is a global medical technology company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, that has developed a unique point of care platform for the non-invasive detection of skin cancer and other skin conditions. SciBase is a pioneer within augmented intelligence, combining artificial intelligence with Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to provide objective information that assists dermatologists and others in clinical decision-making. SciBase's products include Nevisense and Nevisense Go and to date the platform addresses the areas of melanoma detection, non-melanoma skin cancer detection and skin barrier assessment. Nevisense is the only FDA-approved device for the detection of melanoma and the only MDR-approved technology for skin cancer detection in Europe. SciBase's technology is based on more than 20 years of academic research at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. For more information please visit www.scibase.com. All press-releases and financial reports can be found here: http://investors.scibase.se/en/pressreleases The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/12371/3663478/1656331.pdf 2211 PM Webinar 2 eng final SOURCE SciBase VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Scottie Resources Corp. ("Scottie" or the "Company") (TSXV: SCOT) (OTCQB: SCTSF) (FSE: SR8) is pleased to report new assays on its Blueberry Contact Zone including an intercept of 20.3 g/t gold over 2.1 metres that extends the length of the Blueberry Contact Zone by 250 meters, to a total length of 1.45 kilometres. The Company also reports near surface intervals of mineralization that grade 8.9 g/t gold over 6.12 metres and 7.65 g/t gold over 7.53 metres, located just off of the Granduc Road. The Blueberry Contact Zone is located 2 kilometres north-northeast of the past-producing high-grade Scottie Gold Mine, 35 kilometres north of the town of Stewart, BC. The Blueberry Contact Zone is 100% owned and royalty free. Figure 1: Segmented vertical long section of the Blueberry Contact Zone and plan view illustrating the distribution of the sections. Highlighting the distribution and status of drilled targets from the 2022 season and the reported results thus far, grade contour model was created from pre-2022 drilling of the structure. (CNW Group/Scottie Resources Corp.) Highlights Southern extension hole SR22-165 returned 20.3 g/t gold over a core length of 2.10 metres . over a core length of . Extends strike length of system by 250 metres to a total of 1.45 kilometres (Figure 1). to a total of (Figure 1). Road zone hole SR22-167 returned 8.9 g/t gold over a core length of 6.12 metres and 7.65 g/t gold over a core length of 7.53 metres in near surface intercepts (Figure 1). over a core length of and over a core length of in near surface intercepts (Figure 1). Drill hole SR22-184 returned 4.24 g/t gold over a core length of 16.95 metres in a 65 metre step out from the nearest reported hole (Figure 1). over a core length of in a 65 metre step out from the nearest reported hole (Figure 1). Results from the aggressive 2022 expansionary drilling of the Blueberry Contact Zone continue to return robust results which indicate the presence of a very large mineralizing system. Infill holes across the structure continue to demonstrate the continuity of the mineralizing system and help refine the modelling of the system and targeting of higher-grade zones. President and CEO, Brad Rourke: "We're pleased to report that our 2022 testing of the southern extent of the Blueberry Contact zone continues to be successful. These results add on an additional 250 metres to the strike length of the structure, bringing us to a total of 1.45 kilometres, more than doubling the extent tested in 2021. Just as significant, the high-grade nature of the intercept at the contact confirms that the tenor of the mineralizing system is laterally extensive, which also supports a deposit model with exceptional depth potential. The consistency of results received thus far supports the tremendous upside on the resource potential of the rapidly expanding target." Table 1: Selected results from new drill assay results (uncut) from the Blueberry Contact Zone. Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) SR22-147 98 98.5 0.50 6.68 18.1 SR22-165 74.9 77 2.10 20.3 18.4 SR22-167 including 31.5 40.4 8.90 6.12 5.83 SR22-167 and 61.6 69.25 7.65 7.53 1.03 SR22-167 and including 61.6 63.9 2.30 20.6 2.39 SR22-167 110.8 121.6 10.80 1.45 0.00 SR22-167 including 119.3 121.6 2.30 3.83 2.09 SR22-167 133.6 135.1 1.50 52.2 8.00 SR22-175 199.13 207.07 7.94 2.35 6.78 SR22-175 including 199.13 203.13 4.00 3.36 9.75 SR22-175 237 239 2.00 2.29 41.0 SR22-175 256 259.5 3.50 1.58 4.43 SR22-175 267.25 267.95 0.70 2.80 35.0 SR22-184 192.9 194.3 1.40 1.31 2.00 SR22-184 281.05 298 16.95 4.24 1.63 SR22-184 including 281.05 284.4 3.35 15.2 3.76 SR22-184 309.5 310.4 0.90 4.52 6.00 SR22-184 319.85 320.85 1.00 10.0 18.0 * True thicknesses of mineralized intercepts are undetermined About the Blueberry Contact Zone The Blueberry Zone is located just 2 kilometres northeast of the 100% owned, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine located in British Columbia, Canada's Golden Triangle region. Historic trenching and channel sampling of the Blueberry Vein include results of 103.94 g/t gold over 1.43 metres, and 203.75 g/t gold over 1.90 metres. Despite high-grade surficial samples and easy road access, the Blueberry Vein had only limited reported drilling prior to the Company's exploration work. The target was significantly advanced during Scottie's 2019 drill program when an interval grading 7.44 g/t gold over 34.78 metres was intersected in a new splay off zone of the main Blueberry Vein. The drill results received in 2020 and 2021, coupled with surficial mapping and sampling suggest that this splay is in fact a major N-S mineralized structure, of which the Blueberry Vein was only a secondary structure. This zone is much wider than pursued in previous exploration models and drilling in 2021 expanded its strike length to 720 metres and its depth to 225 metres. The zone is steeply dipping, and there is no current restraint on its potential depth; the mineralization at the adjacent Scottie Gold Mine has a vertical extent greater than 450 metres. The Blueberry Zone is located on the Granduc Road, 20 kilometres north of the Ascot Resources' Premier Project, which is in the process of refurbishing their mill. Newcrest's Brucejack Mine is located 25 kilometres to the north. Thomas Mumford, Ph.D., P.Geo and VP Exploration of Scottie, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the technical information contained in this news release on behalf of the Company. Quality Assurance and Control Results from samples taken during the 2022 field season were analyzed at SGS Minerals in Burnaby, BC. The sampling program was undertaken under the direction of Dr. Thomas Mumford. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic absorption spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+9 g/t Au). Analysis by four acid digestion with multi-element ICP-AES analysis was conducted on all samples with silver and base metal over-limits being re-analyzed by emission spectrometry. ABOUT SCOTTIE RESOURCES CORP. Scottie owns a 100% interest in the Scottie Gold Mine Property which includes the Blueberry Zone and the high-grade, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine. Scottie also owns 100% interest in the Georgia Project which contains the high-grade past-producing Georgia River Mine, as well as the Cambria Project properties and the Sulu property. Altogether Scottie Resources holds more than 59,000 hectares of mineral claims in the Stewart Mining Camp in the Golden Triangle. The Company's focus is on expanding the known mineralization around the past-producing mines while advancing near mine high-grade gold targets, with the purpose of delivering a potential resource. The Company's focus is on expanding the known mineralization around the past-producing mine while advancing near mine high-grade gold targets, with the purpose of delivering a potential resource. All of the Company's properties are located in the area known as the Golden Triangle of British Columbia which is among the world's most prolific mineralized districts. Forward Looking Statements This news release may contain forwardlooking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forwardlooking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forwardlooking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date such statements were made. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release. SOURCE Scottie Resources Corp. NATICK, Mass. and FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ScrubaDub , New England's leading car wash company since 1966, is excited to announce the grand opening of their Framingham, MA location at 1183 Worcester Rd. (formerly the Clean Machine). The newest facility is a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly exterior car wash tunnel that boasts a groundbreaking design and conveyor belt for stress-free loading of vehicles. Every customer receives ScrubaDub's signature perks of free pretzels, stickers for kids, dog treats, and a Satisfaction Center for finishing touches. Additionally, this is the first ScrubaDub to offer a VIP 'Members Only' lane dedicated to customers with ScrubaDub's unlimited car wash membership. Members receive complimentary access to self-service vacuums, mat cleaning, unlimited washes at all ScrubaDub locations, and more! For a limited time, new Framingham customers can join ScrubaDub's Unlimited Membership for only $5 for the first month! ScrubaDub Opens New Metrowest Flagship Car Wash in Framingham, MA ScrubaDub Framingham will celebrate its grand opening with giveaways and events throughout November including free washes for Veterans and active service personnel on Veterans' Day 11/11, a Ribbon Cutting with Framingham Mayor Sisitsky on 11/15, a community event with Roxy's Grilled Cheese Food Truck on 11/19, and a charity partnership through Thanksgiving with Community Servings to provide meals to critically-ill neighbors across Massachusetts. Additionally, ScrubaDub has mailed 30,000 of their Framingham neighbors a coupon for a complimentary "The Works" car wash! "We are so excited to bring our clean, fast, fun car wash experience to the Framingham community," said Mathew Paisner, Director of Business Development. "As a 3rd generation family business, we look forward to not only keeping the community's cars ScrubaDub Clean but also supporting the community through partnerships and charity initiatives." About ScrubaDub Auto Wash Family-owned and operated since 1966, ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers is New England's leading car wash company, ranking among the top auto wash chains in the USA. ScrubaDub offers all formats of car washing as well as detail centers, gasoline stations, and convenience stores. With over 200 associates and over 20 properties across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine, ScrubaDub is committed to providing its customers, team members, and partners with clean, fast, fun. For more information, visit https://www.scrubadub.com/. SOURCE ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers SAN DIEGO, Calif. and CALIFORNIA, Md., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentynl Therapeutics, Inc. ("Sentynl") a US-based biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing innovative therapies to patients living with rare disease, joins the global Menkes disease community including the Menkes Foundation ("Menkes Foundation") in recognizing the month of November as Menkes Disease Awareness Month. In support of patients and families affected by this devastating and fatal disease, Sentynl is collaborating with researchers at a world-leading academic medical center to develop and validate a novel laboratory test that could potentially diagnose Menkes disease at birth. "It is our aspiration that a test for Menkes disease will be integrated into every state's Newborn Screening Program to aid in the early diagnosis of patients who might otherwise be missed," stated Matt Heck, Sentynl's Chief Executive Officer. Sentynl Therapeutics Recognizes Menkes Disease Awareness Month, Supports Development of Tests For Early Diagnosis Tweet this Menkes Disease Awareness Month Today, most patients with Menkes disease are misdiagnosed or diagnosed late after irreversible neurodevelopmental damage has occurred. Over the last year, Sentynl has been advocating for the inclusion of the ATP7A gene in commercially-available genetic panels. Sentynl is also proud to support initiatives like BeginNGS, a Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine led pilot, with the goal of leveraging rapid whole genome sequencing (rWGS) to significantly improve identification of pediatric genetic disorders. Drew and Jamie Eckman, Founders of the Menkes Foundation stated that "the work Sentynl is spearheading to advance available and early genetic testing for suspected patients with Menkes disease is what the community has desperately needed. The development of this test represents a key milestone in the fight against Menkes disease and to see it incorporated into newborn screening will be an incredible achievement that will save lives. We are thrilled to partner with Sentynl Therapeutics in promoting awareness of Menkes disease." About Menkes Disease Menkes disease is a rare X-linked recessive pediatric disease caused by gene mutations of the copper transporter ATP7A. The minimum birth prevalence for Menkes disease is believed to be 1 in 34,810 live male births, and potentially as high as 1 in 8,664 live male births, based on recent genome-based ascertainment (Kaler SG, Ferreira CR, Yam LS. Estimated birth prevalence of Menkes disease and ATP7Arelated disorders based on the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD). Molecular Genetics and Metabolism Reports 2020 June 5;24:100602). The condition is characterized by distinctive clinical features, including sparse and depigmented hair ("kinky hair"), connective tissue problems, and severe neurological symptoms such as seizures, hypotonia, failure to thrive, and neurodevelopmental delays. Mortality is high in untreated Menkes disease, with many patients dying before the age of three years old. Milder versions of ATP7A mutations are associated with other conditions, including Occipital Horn Syndrome and ATP7A-related Distal Motor Neuropathy. Currently, there is no FDA-approved treatment for Menkes disease and its variants. About Sentynl Therapeutics Sentynl Therapeutics is a US-based biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing innovative therapies to patients living with rare diseases. The company was acquired by the Zydus Group in 2017. Sentynl's experienced management team has previously built multiple successful pharmaceutical companies. With a focus on commercialization, Sentynl looks to source effective and well differentiated products across a broad spectrum of therapeutic areas to address unmet needs. Sentynl is committed to the highest ethical standards and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry guidelines. For more information, visit www.sentynl.com. About the Menkes Foundation For more information about the Menkes Foundation, please visit www.themenkesfoundation.org. Contacts: Michael Hercz Sentynl Therapeutics, Inc. [email protected] Jamie Eckman The Menkes Foundation [email protected] SOURCE Sentynl Therapeutics CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Social And Emotional Learning Market size is projected to grow from USD 2.7 billion in 2022 to USD 7.8 billion by 2027, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.0% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=245017024 Solutions segment to account for largest market share during the forecast period SEL platforms, programs, and assessment tools make up SEL solutions. Education professionals (schools/districts, teachers, parents, and communities) employ SEL platforms to support kids in developing their emotions, traits, empathy, connections, goals, responsibilities, and decision-making skills. Lessons, movies, and interactive modules in the form of audio, videos, games, and stories are available on these platforms. Only a few SEL providers make their SEL programs printable. The emotional and social development of pupils has long been a priority for educators in their experiential learning activities. As a result, educators all around the world are aggressively deploying SEL platforms. The operations are suspended for several stakeholders, including schools, districts, and NGOs. The usage of platforms has increased more rapidly in recent years. Because platforms may integrate new solutions over existing ones, their use has risen more quickly in recent years. These, however, cost a little more than standalone software. Spending on non-essentials has decreased as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, and money has been saved in case of another financial crisis. Consequently, this has had an impact on SEL market expenditure as well. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=245017024 SEL platforms is estimated to record largest market share during forecast period The SEL platform, accessible in both online and offline formats, gives students the power to learn about social and emotional skills and a foundation on which to build their personal and professional journeys. The key competencies, according to CASEL's frameworks, are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relational skills, and responsibly making decisions. Pre-K and kindergarten, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools can all use the SEL platform. Worldwide, social groups and health organizations use it as well. The platform addresses abilities including friendship, self-esteem, behaviours, emotional recognition, hygiene, and play skills, in addition to conversation topics, self-regulation, school rules, problem-solving, basic and advanced conversational skills, situational awareness, and nonverbal communication. Most suppliers provide evidence- and research-based SEL curricula. Most vendors provide educators with an SEL curriculum supported by data and research. These SEL platforms are equipped with a wide range of social and emotional skills that aid decision-makers in the educational sector in adjusting to the shifting social environment. North America to record highest market share in Social And Emotional Learning Market In this study, North America is comprised of the US and Canada. It is one of the world's most technologically advanced areas. The area has a well-connected sophisticated infrastructure, enabling SEL businesses to provide their customers with high-quality services. Through its network architecture, it provides the world's most cutting-edge and quick services. The early deployment of cloud and mobile technology in North America has also been a significant factor in accepting SEL solutions to increase worker effectiveness and productivity. The biggest market vendors, including Committee for Children, EVERFI, Nearpod, Illuminate Education, and Panorama Education, are present. They are a major growth driver for the North American social and emotional learning industries. Schools and institutions around the region were forced to close and conduct classes remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students suffer from mental health problems such as grief, worry, and sadness as a result of this. As these unpleasant feelings build up, it becomes harder to think clearly, make wise choices, act socially and productively, and use your mental resources. However, in order to address these problems, the federal and state governments are putting into place laws that are crucial in fostering the development of SEL programs across states and districts. Speak To Our Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=245017024 Market Key Vendors Key and innovative vendors in the Social And Emotional Learning Market are Committee for Children (US), EVERFI (US), Nearpod (US), Illuminate Education (US), Panorama Education (US), SchoolMint (US), Newsela (US), Playworks (US), Wings for Kids (US), Rethink Ed (US), Move This World (US), Positive Action (US), Growing Leaders (US), 7 Mindsets (US), Ori Learning (US), The Conover Company (US), Imagine Learning (US), Navigate360 (US), Peekapak (Canada), Paths Program LLC (US), Brighten Learning (US), Aperture Education (US), Taproot Learning (US), MeandMine (US), Base Education (US), Everyday Speech (US), Mozoom (Canada), Wayfinder (Canada), HeyKiddo (US), Classcraft (Canada), Tamboro (Brazil), and Persona Education (UK). Browse Adjacent Markets: Software and Services Market Research Reports & Consulting A2P Messaging Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Geospatial Analytics Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Network as a Service Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Data Fabric Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Data Science Platform Market - Global Forecast to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/social-emotional-learning.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Nation Ford Chemical Receives Gold Award, Association's Highest Honor ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) is pleased to announce 12 member companies are the recipients of the association's 2022 Performance Improvement Awards, highlighting their commitment to excellence in environmental, health and safety (EHS). Honorees will be recognized during an awards ceremony and celebratory dinner on Tuesday, November 15, during the 2022 SOCMA Summit at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans. "SOCMA applauds these 12 companies who are helping raise the bar for the industry," said Joe Dettinger, SOCMA's Senior Director of Technical & Safety. "SOCMA's aim is to foster best practices in EHS performance which is why SOCMA founded the awards program 17 years ago." Ten facilities will receive Silver awards signifying outstanding achievements in one of the five ChemStewards Core Principles Stakeholder Communications, Product Stewardship, EHS&S in Planning and Operations, Employee Training and Engagement, and Resource Management and Waste Minimization. 22 sites will receive a Bronze award, which recognizes noteworthy facility-specific accomplishments. The complete list of winners can be found here. Notching top scores across all award categories, Nation Ford Chemical (NFC) is this year's Gold Award recipient. Nation Ford will also take home SOCMA's Sustainability award as well as the Educational Outreach award. NFC consistently impresses with high-quality programs like its new maintenance and reliability software system which substantially improved preventive maintenance, employee communications and asset management of equipment. Judges also applauded NFC's participation in regional university events, including a recent "ChemE Spend-A-Day." Partnering with local colleges like North Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina and Clemson, NFC hosted chemical engineering students at their Fort Mill, SC, site, to gain real-time, active experience of all aspects of a chemical plant. "Despite growing headwinds and break-neck demands, SOCMA is proud to see so many companies continuing to prioritize investments in their employees, products and safety," said Jennifer Abril, SOCMA President & CEO. "Each year, we look forward to hearing about these advancements and showcasing our members' leadership in EHS best practices. There is no better platform to celebrate this year's winners than the SOCMA Summit, designed to empower specialty chemical companies with actionable intelligence on groundbreaking programs and industry trends." About SOCMA Solely dedicated to the specialty and fine chemical industry, SOCMA builds commercial connections, supports manufacturing and operations, and advocates regulatory and legislative policies. www.socma.org SOURCE Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates DUBLIN, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Education in South Africa 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report on education in South Africa provides an overview of the state of education in South Africa and includes public and private education statistics and information on budgets, fees, enrolments, and trends. It includes public and private sector institutions and examines their enrolment and performance, corporate actions and developments. There are profiles of 53 companies including private sector players ADvTECH, Curro, Stadio and Educor, the major universities, and home education companies such as Clonard and Optimi Home. Education in South Africa This report focuses on South Africa's education sector, which despite receiving about 20% of the national budget for two or more decades, continues to produce a dysfunctional public schooling system. Experts say the country's education system is characterised by crumbling infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and poor educational outcomes. The poor quality of public schools and increase in the number of tertiary students who struggle to enter university and public colleges is driving enrolments at private schools and tertiary colleges. While the relaxation of pandemic measures in early 2022 has seen the return in full of school classroom teaching and in-person lectures and lessons at tertiary institutions, education providers say they are likely to continue to incorporate digital technologies in learning programmes. Poor Quality Schools face an immense learning backlog due to disruptions caused by the pandemic. Demand for private education continues to grow, driven by concern over the continuing poor quality of basic education. Many learners are educated in schools with inadequate and unsafe infrastructure and in a language that is not their mother tongue Online Learning and Home Schooling Education providers want to continue to make use of online or remote learning to improve performance and cut costs, and some institutions want to move to hybrid learning. The number of online schools has increased since the onset of the pandemic and the Department of Basic Education has developed a framework for online schooling. Some home schooling companies reported slowing enrolments growth in 2022 as more learners returned to school classrooms. Key Topics Covered: 1. INTRODUCTION 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 2.1. Primary and Secondary Education 2.2. Tertiary Education 2.3. Industry Value Chain 2.4. Geographic Position 2.5. Size of the Industry 2.6. Key Success Factors and Pain Points 3. LOCAL 3.1. State of the Industry 3.2. Key Trends 3.3. Notable Players 3.4. Corporate Actions 3.5. Regulations 3.6. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 4. AFRICA 5. INTERNATIONAL 6. INFLUENCING FACTORS 6.1. COVID-19 6.2. Economic Environment 6.3. Labour 6.4. Skills Mismatch 6.5. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 6.6. Government Initiatives 6.7. Input Costs 6.8. Language Barriers 6.9. Early Childhood Development (ECD) 6.10. Access to Schools and Higher Education 6.11. Violence and Unrest 7. INFLUENCING FACTORS 7.1. Competition 7.2. Ownership Structure of the Industry 7.3. Barriers to Entry 8. SWOT ANALYSIS 9. OUTLOOK 10. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 11. REFERENCES 11.1. Publications 11.2. Websites Institutions Independent Educational Institutions Public Schools Public and Private Universities Correspondence and Private Vocational Colleges Company Profiles ADvTECH Ltd BASA Educational Institute Trust Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd Business Management Training College (Pty) Ltd Business School of South Africa (Pty) Ltd (The) (Pty) Ltd (The) Cape Peninsula University of Technology Central University of Technology, Free State Clonard Education (Pty) Ltd Curro Holdings Ltd Department of Basic Education Durban University of Technology (Pty) Ltd University of Technology (Pty) Ltd eAdvance (Pty) Ltd Educor Holdings (Pty) Ltd Eduvos (Pty) Ltd Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd Future Nation Schools Fleurhof (Pty) Ltd Generation Education (Pty) Ltd LEAP Science & Maths Schools Mancosa (Pty) Ltd Mangosuthu University of Technology My Tutor and Teaching Center CC and Teaching Center CC Nelson Mandela University North-West University Nova Pioneer South Africa (Pty) Ltd Optimi Home (Pty) Ltd Pembury Lifestyle Group Ltd Regenesys Management (Pty) Ltd Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd Rhodes University Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd SANTS Private Higher Education Institution (Pty) Ltd Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Sol Plaatje University Stadio Holdings Ltd Tshwane University of Technology TSIBA Education NPC Tutor the Future Tuition (Pty) Ltd University of Cape Town University of Fort Hare University of Johannesburg University of KwaZulu-Natal University of Limpopo University of Mpumalanga University of Pretoria University of South Africa University of Stellenbosch University of the Free State University of the Western Cape University of the Witwatersrand University of Venda University of Zululand (The) Vaal University of Technology Walter Sisulu University For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/eala3l 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. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Southeast Asia Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report analyses the Southeast Asia data center market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments. The Southeast Asia data center market in terms of investment is driven by factors such as digitalization initiatives across the countries, subsea and inland connectivity growth, and adoption of technologies such as 5G, big data, IoT, and artificial intelligence. The region is also witnessing edge data center investments across major and minor cities. For instance, in August 2022, Edge Centres announced the development of its EC61 (Chiang Mai) edge facility in Thailand. The company also has plans to deploy additional facilities, namely, EC63 (Khon Kaen) and EC62 (Phuket). The Southeast Asia data center market is witnessing growth in submarine cable connectivity. For instance, cables such as Southeast Asia Japan Cable, Apricot, and Asia Direct Cable are upcoming submarine cables that will grow the region's connectivity. DRIVING FACTORS FOR INVESTMENT IN THE REGION Investments in the Southeast Asia data center market are skyrocketing across all countries. As of Q1 2022, the market included around 200 operational colocation centers supporting a total IT load of over 1 GW, with around 50 upcoming facilities likely to operate by 2025. data center market are skyrocketing across all countries. As of Q1 2022, the market included around 200 operational colocation centers supporting a total IT load of over 1 GW, with around 50 upcoming facilities likely to operate by 2025. The region is witnessing increased investments from hyperscale cloud operators as a part of its global expansion strategies. In Southeast Asia , Singapore is the leading market for investments. However, owing to the moratorium imposed on data centers by the Singapore government in 2020, investments in neighboring countries, especially Indonesia and Malaysia , have been strong. , is the leading market for investments. However, owing to the moratorium imposed on data centers by the government in 2020, investments in neighboring countries, especially and , have been strong. In 2022, the moratorium was lifted, with the pilot phase of sustainable facilities development underway. Once this phase is deemed successful, it will result in strong growth in Singapore from 2024. from 2024. The demand for the cloud has grown significantly across many countries by several business institutions across sectors such as BFSI, Manufacturing, Energy, Oil & Gas, Transportation, and others, which in turn is attracting the cloud service providers to invest in the industry. For instance, Standard Chartered and Microsoft signed a three-year partnership to uplift the digital transformation in the bank by accelerating and deploying its infrastructure into the cloud platform. Also, Telecommunication operators are expanding their presence with edge data center facilities. For example, DITO Telecommunity, a new entrant in the Philippines telecom space, deployed edge centers across Iloilo, Roxas, Bulua, Baler, and Ibajay Aklan. DRIVING FACTORS FOR AREA IN THE REGION In terms of the area, the Southeast Asia data center market has witnessed significant growth in the size of centers being developed across the countries. Governments are supporting the market growth in respective countries, which in turn is driving regional investments. data center market has witnessed significant growth in the size of centers being developed across the countries. Governments are supporting the market growth in respective countries, which in turn is driving regional investments. Operators are opting for investments in special zones for data center construction. For instance, in November 2021 , GDS Services announced the land acquisition in Nongsa Digital Park, a special economic zone in Batam, Indonesia , with plans to develop around two centers. , GDS Services announced the land acquisition in Nongsa Digital Park, a special economic zone in Batam, , with plans to develop around two centers. Governments across several countries are establishing special economic and free trade zones that offer tax incentives for industrial development, easy procurement of industrial land, exemptions on import & export duties, and other benefits. For instance, Vietnam has over 110 special economic zones, including some established for data center developments in the country. has over 110 special economic zones, including some established for data center developments in the country. The scarcity of land for development in Singapore is driving the investments to other markets such as Indonesia , Malaysia , Thailand , the Philippines , and Vietnam . is driving the investments to other markets such as , , , , and . The availability of land in some major cities across the region is less, leading to several innovations in the development market. For instance, Keppel Data Centres has partnered with Toll Group to test the feasibility of a floating data center in Singapore based on a modular design. DRIVING FACTORS FOR POWER CAPACITY IN THE REGION In terms of power capacity, the Southeast Asia data center market has adopted several initiatives to make the market more sustainable in recent years. data center market has adopted several initiatives to make the market more sustainable in recent years. Governments across the region are taking up initiatives for making the market sustainable by adopting green energy, reducing carbon emissions, introducing carbon laws, carbon credits, tax incentives for adopting renewable energy, and others. The Malaysian government aims to produce around 31% of renewable energy of total power generated in Malaysia by 2025. The majority of renewable energy production will be contributed by solar energy. by 2025. The majority of renewable energy production will be contributed by solar energy. Colocation operator ST Telemedia Global Data Centres has pledged to be carbon neutral by the year 2030, and it announced in November 2021 for purchase of carbon credits in Singapore . for purchase of carbon credits in . Several operators are signing power purchase agreements to adopt green energy sources for their operations. For instance, Facebook has signed a power purchase agreement with Sunseap Group under which Sunseap Group will provide renewable energy to the Singapore facility of Facebook. facility of Facebook. In November 2021 , PLDT partnered with Mpower to power its VITRO's data center in the Philippines via renewable energy, which will support the government's aim to achieve an energy mix of 50% by 2040. The company has signed a deal to provide 1,500 MW for five to seven years. , PLDT partnered with Mpower to power its VITRO's data center in via renewable energy, which will support the government's aim to achieve an energy mix of 50% by 2040. The company has signed a deal to provide 1,500 MW for five to seven years. Several countries are witnessing microgrids' establishment that will further aid in adopting greener energy sources. For instance, SP Group has announced investments for microgrid establishment at the Singapore Institute of Technology campus. SUPPLY & DEMAND IN SOUTHEAST ASIA DATA CENTER MARKET On average, the occupancy rate of data centers across Southeast Asia is 60-70%; Singapore is the leading country with occupancy of over 85%. is 60-70%; is the leading country with occupancy of over 85%. In 2020, the moratorium on data center investments in Singapore aided the strong growth of data center demand across Indonesia , Malaysia , and other countries. aided the strong growth of data center demand across , , and other countries. The expansion of cloud regions by hyperscale cloud service providers and internet service providers is fuelling the major demand for services in the region. Most of the new announcements are focused on hyperscale development with a full-built capacity of over 20 MW or edge data center facilities. On-premise data center operations are higher in sectors such as BFSI, government agencies, and education institutions. Local telecommunication providers offering data center services will face severe competition through the entry of multiple operators into the regions. The market is witnessing the entry of several new entrants, such as OneAsia Network, Pure Data Centers, Nautilus Data Technologies, SC Zeus, EdgeConneX, Edge Centres, ESR Cayman, GDS Services, and Yondr. WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH? Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and Southeast Asia colocation market revenue. colocation market revenue. An assessment of the investment in Southeast Asia by colocation and enterprise operators. by colocation and enterprise operators. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across locations in the country. Study of the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors across the Southeast Asian countries. During the forecast period, a detailed study of the existing market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about the Southeast Asia data center market size. data center market size. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Southeast Asia Facilities Covered (Existing): 199 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 50 Coverage: 6 Countries Existing vs. Upcoming (Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data center colocation market in Southeast Asia Market Revenue & Forecast (2021-2027) Retail Colocation Pricing The Southeast Asia market landscape investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. market landscape investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the market. EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS Existing Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) Singapore Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Philippines Vietnam List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) VENDOR LANDSCAPE IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Fujitsu Hewlett Packard Enterprise Hitachi Vantara Huawei Technologies IBM Inspur Juniper Networks Lenovo NEC NetApp Oracle Quanta Cloud Technology Wistron (Wiwynn) Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors: Arup Aurecon Group AWP Architects Corgan CSF Group DPR Construction DSCO Group Faithful+Gould Fortis Construction Gammon Construction ISG Kienta Engineering Construction LSK Engineering M+W Group Nakano Corporation NTT Facilities PM Group Powerware Systems Sato Kogyo Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Airedale International Air Conditioning Caterpillar Cummins Cyber Power Systems Delta Electronics Eaton Fuji Electric HITEC Power Protection Kohler Legrand Mitsubishi Electric Piller Power Systems Rittal Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric Siemens STULZ Trane Technologies Vertiv Data Center Investors: AIMS Data Centre AiTrunk Alibaba Cloud BDx Biznet Data Center Bridge Data Centres (Chindata Group) DCI Indonesia Digital Realty EDGE DC ePLDT Equinix Facebook FPT Telecom Iron Mountain Keppel Data Centres Microsoft NTT Global Data Centers Princeton Digital Group Regal Orion SpaceDC ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Telehouse Telkom Indonesia Tencent Cloud Cloud VADS (Telekom Malaysia) New Entrants: Data Center First EdgeConneX Edge Centres ESR Cayman GDS Services KT Corporation Nautilus Data Technologies OneAsia Network Pure Data Centres Vantage Data Centers YCO Cloud Centers Yondr YTL Data Centers For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/a8l8tt 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 TAIPEI, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As the first and only official business partner of the Meta Spark AR Network in Taiwan, Speed3D continues to work for new breakthroughs in smart AR technology. To provide a better immersive experience, Speed3D will be launching its new e-commerce platform called METAR Commerce next year. This revolutionary platform will benefit both retailers and the online shopping community. Speed 3D Products: Picbot- AR Smart Camera Robot, FunkAR- Gifting Service Platform, Avatar Generator, Social Media AR ads. Prior to establishing Speed3D, Marvin Chiu, the founder and CEO of Speed3D, accumulated over 26 years of hands-on experience in the technology industry and served in high managerial positions at leading software companies including Trend Micro and CyberLink. At the end of 2013, Chiu decided to start his own business with a focus on 3D modelling technology. "Speed3D will 'speed up' the process of 3D modelling while lowering the costs of production," said Chiu. The first application of Speed3D, Insta 3D, went viral quickly and became one of the most popular downloaded apps globally. This app enables social media users to create their own 3D avatars simply by transforming them from 2D photos. Launched in July 2014, Insta 3D was ranked number one in the USA on April 23, 2015, and ranked top 1 in other English-speaking countries the same year. A year later, Speed3D cooperated with Capcom Monster Hunter, a well-known Japanese role-playing video game, by transforming 2D facial pictures into realistic 3D avatars and making it sharable through social media platforms. The popularity of Insta3D has attracted Facebook to approach Speed 3D for collaboration. Chiu recalls that the question Guannan Pu, Facebook Product Partnerships Manager, asked him, "Are you interested in being the next generation digital marketing platform partner?" Since 2018, Speed 3D has become the first technical collaborator in the Asia Pacific region on the Facebook AR studio platform. Through facial detection and mobile sensing technology, the Facebook camera combined with 3D components has made AR effects more realistic, brought improved interactive effects, and created infinite possibilities for interactive marketing. Currently, there are 2.7 billion creators on Spark AR. By producing creative products, Speed3D has served over 200 brands in digital marketing and has become the most competitive Facebook partner around the world, with clients from almost every industry, including finance, fashion, the automotive industry, and tourism. Despite these achievements, Speed3D continues to develop new products and enhance its algorithm research. "We are dedicated to augmented reality and machine learning. We strive to provide more advanced smart AR products and stay in the leading position among competitors by optimizing our facial technology and image recognition," said Chiu. Picbot, for example, the world's first AR-compatible smart photo booth robot, provides an interactive and entertaining experience with 3D animated features and mobile control capabilities. Other products like FunkAR combine social engagement with digital commerce and customizing web-based AR cards which can be linked to any external website. In addition to helping clients succeed in digital marketing with smart AR products, the company's dedication to helping clients solve their problems has led to a growing number of business partners. Chiu firmly believes that client satisfaction is much more important than making money. Supported by the National Development Council of Taiwan, METAR Commerce will be launched in 2023. This platform will allow retailers to sell products like sunglass or earrings with 3D try-on capabilities through the website so that potential customers can try those products on without having to leave their homes. Chiu believes METAR will significantly increase the accessibility of 3D and AR production for many retail companies. "METAR Commerce will allow anyone, even those with no understanding of AR technology, to create a WebAR retail space where customers can try out products digitally," says Chiu. SOURCE National Development Council LCA Automation for chemical manufacturing will allow companies to calculate their entire portfolio's environmental footprint in an accelerated, transparent and scalable way CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sphera, a leading global provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services, today announced that long-standing customer Eastman, an innovative global specialty materials company, has been collaborating with the company on the forthcoming iteration of Sphera's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Automation software. Earlier this year, Sphera launched its next-generation LCA Automation solution that allows businesses to quickly receive holistic, real-time analysis and insights into the environmental footprint of their product portfolios and integrates seamlessly with their existing systems. Sphera's LCA Automation tool will help businesses more effectively reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at every step of production, from design to assembly. The next phase of LCA Automation will meet the complex needs of the chemical industry. Tweet this The next phase of LCA Automation will meet the complex needs of the chemical industry. Given the multitude of industries chemical companies supply and an increased focus on sustainability, there is ever-increasing pressure from Eastman's commercial partners to provide transparency into the environmental profile for all their products. However, carbon footprint calculations are especially complex in the chemical industry, because manufacturers must account for the carbon footprint of the raw materials they buy, as well as the manufacturing process (e.g., reactions, transformations). The manufacturing process is unique for each product and can consist of dozens of steps, each having their own environmental footprint impact. Additionally, collecting data from all systems involved in the production process of each product is required to get a complete environmental footprint. "We are excited to have Eastman as a collaborator," said Mike Zamis, Sphera's chief product officer. "Having a customer with a shared commitment to sustainability and deep industry expertise provide valuable insight at this early stage will help ensure that LCA Automation for the chemical industry has the necessary functionality for reliable LCA calculations. Helping customers to calculate product sustainability based on proven, science-based environmental data and reliable methodologies is critical to our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable and productive world." Jason Pierce, Senior Technical Leader, LCA and Circular Economy at Eastman added, "Sustainability is integral to Eastman's strategy and we are honored to work with Sphera on the functionality of LCA Automation for our industry. It's exciting to be at the cutting-edge of technology that is enabling the scale-up of product carbon footprint and full LCA data across our entire global portfolio. This enables better support for our customers and accelerates progress of our industry toward ambitious climate goals." For the next phase of development of this solution, Sphera invites companies in the chemical industry to participate in a focus group to help ensure the LCA Automation solution for chemical companies will meet their organization's needs. Learn more about joining the Focus Group. About Sphera Sphera is the leading provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services focusing on Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S), Operational Risk Management and Product Stewardship. For more than 30 years, we have served over 6,700 customers and a million-plus users in 80 countries to help companies keep their people safe, their products sustainable and their operations productive. Learn more about Sphera at www.sphera.com . Follow Sphera on LinkedIn . About Eastman Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2021 revenues of approximately $10.5 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit eastman.eco. For media inquiries, please contact: Astrid Dickinson [email protected] SOURCE Sphera LCA Automation for chemical manufacturing will allow companies to calculate their entire portfolio's environmental footprint in an accelerated, transparent and scalable way CHICAGO, Nov. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sphera, a leading global provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services, today announced that long-standing customer Eastman, an innovative global specialty materials company, has been collaborating with the company on the forthcoming iteration of Sphera's Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Automation software. Earlier this year, Sphera launched its next-generation LCA Automation solution that allows businesses to quickly receive holistic, real-time analysis and insights into the environmental footprint of their product portfolios and integrates seamlessly with their existing systems. Sphera's LCA Automation tool will help businesses more effectively reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at every step of production, from design to assembly. The next phase of LCA Automation will meet the complex needs of the chemical industry. Given the multitude of industries chemical companies supply and an increased focus on sustainability, there is ever-increasing pressure from Eastman's commercial partners to provide transparency into the environmental profile for all their products. However, carbon footprint calculations are especially complex in the chemical industry, because manufacturers must account for the carbon footprint of the raw materials they buy, as well as the manufacturing process (e.g., reactions, transformations). The manufacturing process is unique for each product and can consist of dozens of steps, each having their own environmental footprint impact. Additionally, collecting data from all systems involved in the production process of each product is required to get a complete environmental footprint. "We are excited to have Eastman as a collaborator," said Mike Zamis, Sphera's chief product officer. "Having a customer with a shared commitment to sustainability and deep industry expertise provide valuable insight at this early stage will help ensure that LCA Automation for the chemical industry has the necessary functionality for reliable LCA calculations. Helping customers to calculate product sustainability based on proven, science-based environmental data and reliable methodologies is critical to our mission of creating a safer, more sustainable and productive world." Jason Pierce, Senior Technical Leader, LCA and Circular Economy at Eastman added, "Sustainability is integral to Eastman's strategy and we are honored to work with Sphera on the functionality of LCA Automation for our industry. It's exciting to be at the cutting-edge of technology that is enabling the scale-up of product carbon footprint and full LCA data across our entire global portfolio. This enables better support for our customers and accelerates progress of our industry toward ambitious climate goals." For the next phase of development of this solution, Sphera invites companies in the chemical industry to participate in a focus group to help ensure the LCA Automation solution for chemical companies will meet their organization's needs. Learn more about joining the Focus Group. About Sphera Sphera is the leading provider of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance and risk management software, data and consulting services focusing on Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability (EHS&S), Operational Risk Management and Product Stewardship. For more than 30 years, we have served over 6,700 customers and a million-plus users in 80 countries to help companies keep their people safe, their products sustainable and their operations productive. Learn more about Sphera at www.sphera.com . Follow Sphera on LinkedIn . About Eastman Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2021 revenues of approximately $10.5 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit eastman.eco. For media inquiries, please contact: Astrid Dickinson [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1907993/Sphera_Logo.jpg SOURCE Sphera NEW BRITAIN, Conn., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) invites investors and the general public to listen to a webcast of a virtual presentation by Don Allan, President and CEO, at Deutsche Bank's 2022 Industrials Conference on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET. The live webcast will be available in the "Investors" section of the company's website at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/investors. A replay of the webcast will be provided on the website and will be available for 30 days. Headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is the world's largest tool company operating manufacturing facilities worldwide. Guided by its purpose for those who make the world the company's approximately 60,000 diverse and high-performing employees produce innovative, award-winning power tools, hand tools, storage, digital tool solutions, lifestyle products, outdoor products, engineered fasteners and other industrial equipment to support the world's makers, creators, tradespeople and builders. The company's iconic brands include DEWALT, BLACK+DECKER, CRAFTSMAN, STANLEY, CUB CADET, HUSTLER and TROY-BILT. Recognized for its leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG), Stanley Black & Decker strives to be a force for good in support of its communities, employees, customers and other stakeholders. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com. Stanley Black & Decker Investor Contacts Dennis Lange Vice President, Investor Relations (860) 827-3833 [email protected] Cort Kaufman Senior Director, Investor Relations (860) 515-2741 [email protected] Christina Francis Director, Investor Relations (860) 438-3470 [email protected] SOURCE Stanley Black & Decker PITTSBURGH, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the union has reached tentative agreement on a new, four-year contract on behalf of roughly 13,000 members of 13 local unions at U.S. Steel facilities featuring major economic and contract language improvements. USW District 7 Director Michael Millsap, who chaired the negotiations, said that the bargaining committee unanimously recommended the tentative agreement for ratification and thanked union members for standing together in solidarity for a fair contract. "Simply put, these essential workers have earned and deserve a fair contract at U.S. Steel," Millsap said. "The proposed agreement provides important economic and contract language improvements that will improve working conditions along with the standard of living for USW members and their families." USW District 9 Director Daniel Flippo, who served as negotiating committee secretary, said the tentative agreement features a lump sum bonus, improves wages, increases pensions, includes an additional holiday and bolsters existing health insurance provisions for workers and retirees without premiums. "Steelworkers will be safer at work and their jobs and benefits more secure under the tentative agreement," Flippo said. "Our members have faced challenges in the past and know what it takes to lead the industry through its up and down cycles." Members of the negotiating committee are now traveling home and will provide more details in the coming days, including a timetable for ratification. The USW (on the web at http://www.usw.org) represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in tech, public sector and service occupations. Contact: Tony Montana (412) 562-2592 or [email protected] SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW) DALLAS, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tax Advisors Group (TAG), a Dallas, Texas-based property tax advisory company, announced today the appointment of Stacey DeVore as its Chief Executive Officer. TAG serves Fortune 500 and small and midsize clients nationally with business personal and real estate property tax consulting, with a unique specialization in business personal property through its proprietary technology and TAG It methodology. A seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience, Stacey joins TAG from Deloitte Tax where she served as Managing Director in the Tax Transformation Office. For the past eight years, Stacey has led efforts to digitally enable and transform Deloitte's global Tax practice. She succeeds former interim CEO Marshall Viney. "As we build upon TAG's exceptional reputation as the premier provider of property tax services, we need results-driven leaders who understand what it means to truly embrace a client-centric mindset in everything we do," remarked Marshall Viney, Partner of Skylark Private Equity Partners and Chairman of TAG's Board of Directors. "We know further development of our technology platform is key to enabling scalability while we continue to provide superior BPP and Real Estate tax consulting services for our clients across the nation. We are thrilled Stacey joined our team! Her background of exceptional client service in both tax and consulting, coupled with her experience leading teams to drive transformative technological solutions for one of the world's leading global tax firms, will prove invaluable as we lead TAG into its next era and continue our high growth trajectory." Prior to joining Deloitte Tax, Stacey worked in Deloitte Consulting's Strategy & Operations practice where she led multiple complex business transformations of global Fortune 200 companies. She previously worked at Alvarez & Marsal, where she consulted with clients on business and customer strategy efforts. Prior to Alvarez & Marsal, Stacey worked at IBM and PricewaterhouseCoopers as a customer strategy consultant. Stacey earned a BA in Economics from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA in Strategy and Entrepreneurship from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. About Tax Advisors Group Tax Advisors Group (TAG), an award-winning property tax consulting firm, is the leader in preserving capital through innovative property tax services for businesses nationwide. Headquartered in Dallas Texas, TAG provides all services associated with property tax, including real estate and business personal property for businesses in every industry. Forbes recognizes TAG as one of America's Best Tax Firms and TAG maintains a client retention rate of over 95%, both of which are testaments to TAG's exceptional outcomes and elevated level of service. With a model rooted in the proprietary TAG It methodology, TAG employs a unique and innovative approach to reduce the tax burdens of their hundreds of clients. For more information about TAG see taxadvisorsgroup.com or email [email protected]. Media contact: Chris Streit [email protected] 972-503-7506 SOURCE Tax Advisors Group HOUSTON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Children's Pavilion for Women has been recognized with a 2022 Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity for its Quality Improvement Initiatives on Decreasing Racial Disparities in Maternal Morbidity. The award recognizes healthcare organizations and their partners that led initiatives to achieve a measurable, sustained reduction in one or more healthcare disparities. In March 2019, Texas Children's Pavilion for Women began stratifying data by race and ethnicity and determined that non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rates of severe maternal morbidity from hemorrhage (SMM-H). A gap analysis identified interventions to reduce morbidity from hemorrhage for all pregnant patients, including hemorrhage risk assessment, drills, active management of the third stage of labor, and a multidisciplinary review of serious hemorrhages to identify systematic issues. A health equity lens was applied to these efforts and Black/African American race was added as a medium risk factor for hemorrhage to help address implicit bias and accelerate healthcare team response. Prior to implementation of these strategies, there was a statistically significant difference between Black and White women for SMM-H rates (p<0.001). This disparity was no longer significant post-intervention (p=0.138), and the rate of SMM-H in Black women decreased significantly from 45.5% to 31.6% (p=0.011). The Tyson Award panel noted strengths within this initiative, including how it combined multiple interventions and components, making structural clinical changes as well as educational changes that directly addressed implicit bias. The team used robust stratified data throughout to identify the problem and target the interventions appropriately, and provided excellent documentation of the process and improvement. This initiative was directly linked to important maternal health outcomes, and because it was specifically focused on maternal morbidity related to hemorrhage, the interventions employed are replicable across most hospitals offering labor and delivery services, and the panel believed the interventions could be adopted widely across the US. For these reasons, Texas Children's Pavilion for Women was selected as a co-awardee for the 2022 Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity. "We are so honored to be the recipient of the 2022 Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity," said Mark A. Wallace, President and CEO of Texas Children's Hospital. "Texas Children's is known for its commitment to running toward a problem and finding innovative and effective solutions. That's exactly what our team at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women did when they focused their attention on decreasing racial disparities in maternal morbidity. It is a true privilege to receive this prestigious award from the Joint Commission and Kaiser Permanente, organizations that also have committed to addressing and correcting these inequities." Texas Children's Pavilion for Women will be recognized in a virtual award presentation on November 29 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. CT. Please register here to attend. "The Joint Commission is inspired by Texas Children's Pavilion for Women's efforts that have resulted in more equitable care for their patients. We hope other healthcare organizations will move toward equity using their Quality Improvement Initiatives on Decreasing Racial Disparities in Maternal Morbidity as an example of excellence," said Ana Pujols McKee, MD, FACP, executive vice president, chief medical officer, and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. "We applaud this year's Tyson awardees, NYC Health + Hospitals and Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, for their important work to advance our shared goal to reduce and eventually eliminate inequities in care," said Andrew B. Bindman, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer for Kaiser Permanente. "We hope that this award, named in Bernard Tyson's honor, will continue his legacy and inspire others to undertake meaningful, measurable efforts to address inequities based on race, ethnicity, immigration status and other social factors." Bernard J. Tyson, the late chairman and chief executive officer of Kaiser Permanente, worked tirelessly to address the healthcare disparities that plague the U.S. healthcare system. The Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity honors his memory by recognizing extraordinary efforts made by healthcare organizations, with the goal of inspiring other healthcare organizations to take action to improve healthcare disparities. For more information on the Tyson Award, please visit the Tyson Award webpage. NYC Health + Hospitals was also named a recipient of the 2022 Tyson Award. For more information on the award, please visit the Tyson Award webpage. About Texas Children's Hospital Texas Children's Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Tower for Pediatric Research; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children's Health Plan, the nation's first HMO for children; Texas Children's Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that's channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children's Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens. SOURCE Texas Children's Hospital Your office, anywhere. LOGAN, Utah, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Juniper Systems is excited to announce that the all-new Mesa Pro Rugged Tablet is now available. Featuring 11th Generation Intel Core processors, a Windows 11 operating system, device customization options, a large sunlight-readable display, and a Juniper Rugged design, the Mesa Pro is the most robust 10-inch rugged tablet on the market. Mesa Pro Rugged Tablet by Juniper Systems "This is a big moment for Juniper Systems," said Tom Francom, Director of Sales at Juniper Systems. "We are entering a new segment with the Mesa Pro and we are excited to bring our rugged devices to even more workers in the field." Mesa Pro units are equipped with 11th Generation Intel Core processors. Core i7, i5, and Celeron options are available. Each Mesa Pro configuration offers powerful performance and allows users to select a level of computing performance that best fits their needs, while having options that meet their budgets. "It was important for us to offer performance tiers," said Darren Hellstern, Mesa Pro Product Manager. "This is the first time we have offered various performance levels in one of our devices. The needs that our customers and users have varies greatly. From running CAD programs, viewing construction plans, mapping, and mounted vehicle solutions we feel that we have an offering with Mesa Pro that fits the processing need of the user. We are also available to help users determine what level of performance they need." The Mesa Pro offers users the ability to take their work with them from the office to the field. Mesa Pro's rugged design continues the legacy Juniper Systems' previous rugged devices and lets users rest assured that their data is always protected regardless of the environment they work in. Mesa Pro joins the current Mesa 3 family of 7-inch devices and helps Juniper Systems achieve its mission of providing powerful rugged computing and data collection devices to mobile field workers everywhere. To learn more, visit the Mesa Pro product page. Mesa Pro is now available and shipping to customers. Please reach out to us to learn more about pricing, customizations, and availability. About Juniper Systems Founded in 1993, Juniper Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of ultra-rugged tablets, handheld computers, GPS receivers, mapping software, and field computing solutions. Professionals utilize Juniper Systems' innovative mobile computers in natural resources, utilities and public services, geospatial, agriculture, industrial, and military markets. In addition, the company's HarvestMaster brand makes solutions for agricultural applications. Juniper Systems is based in Logan, UT, and employs more than 180 people. It was twice recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Beehive State and honored with awards for best compensation, work-life balance, and employee happiness among small and mid-sized U.S. companies by business research firm Comparably. Visit us online at www.junipersys.com. Media Contact: Bradley Thatcher 435-753-1881 [email protected] SOURCE Juniper Systems Inc. Avail A Limited Period Discount Of 33% On Uniquely Designed Opportunities And Strategies Market Research Reports. Contact TBRC Today And Create Winning Strategies For Any Business (https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/opportunities-and-strategies-reports) LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The surge in healthcare expenditure worldwide supported the DTP vaccines market during the historic period. The surge in healthcare spending provided more expenditure on disease diagnosis, vaccination and treatment, which in turn is driving the revenues generated from DTP vaccines. According to a report from actuaries at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the National health spending in the USA increased by 4.2% to $4.3 trillion in 2021, compared with a growth surge of 9.7% in 2020. The CMS projects health spending will grow at an average rate of 4.9% between 2022 and 2024 and 5.3% between 2025 and 2030, to reach nearly $6.8 trillion by 2030. The global DTP vaccines market size is expected to grow from $4.00 billion in 2021 to $4.45 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0%. The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the short term. The war between these two countries has led to economic sanctions on multiple countries, a surge in commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions, affecting many markets across the globe. The DTP vaccines market growth is expected to reach $5.79 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 6.8%. Request a free sample of the DTP Vaccines Market Report Artificial Intelligence Is A Key Trend In The DTP Vaccines Market Artificial intelligence is being used in vaccine development as per the DTP vaccines market forecast. With digitization and advanced technology, AI is being used in vaccine development. In April 2020, The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Human Vaccines Project announced the Human Immunomics Initiative (HII), a joint effort that will use artificial intelligence models to accelerate vaccine development. Because of the complexity of the human immune system and its heterogeneity among different people and groups, vaccine development can be a lengthy and arduous process. North America Held The Largest DTP Vaccines Market Share In 2021 As per the DTP vaccines market research, North America was the largest region in the DTP vaccines market and was worth $1.54 billion in 2021. The DTP vaccines market in North America is supported by the high incidence of diseases like influenza, hepatitis, chickenpox, pertussis, RSV and roseola, high R&D investments and collaborations, the presence of advanced healthcare infrastructure and facilities, high funding, and the wide commercial availability of vaccines and government initiatives like the Vaccines for Children Program in the USA, which offers vaccines to children who lack health insurance or who cannot afford the cost of vaccination. Lack Of Skilled Employees Is A Restraint In The DTP Vaccines Market Lack of suitably trained employees may contribute to a shortage of labor across the healthcare market for developing vaccines, according to DTP vaccines market insights. Many companies are looking for resources with advanced scientific skillsets leading to increasing competition for resources with these skillsets. This could impact the growth of the vaccine market which is heavily reliant on skilled manpower. See more on the DTP Vaccines Market Report Check out similar market reports: Vaccines Global Market Report 2022 By Type (Anti-Infective Vaccines, Autoimmunity, Others (Cancer And Others)), By Technology (Conjugate Vaccines, Inactivated And Subunit Vaccines, Live Attenuated Vaccines, Recombinant Vaccines, Toxoid Vaccines), By Route Of Administration (Intramuscular (IM), Subcutaneous (SC), Oral, Others), By Valance (Monovalent, Multivalent), By Distribution Channel (Institutional Sale, Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies) Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2022-2026 Veterinary Vaccines Global Market Report 2022 By Application (Livestock Vaccines, Companion Animal Vaccines), By Vaccine Type (Live Attenuated Vaccines, Inactivated Vaccines, Toxoid Vaccines, Recombinant Vaccines), By Disease Type (Anaplasmosis, Canine Parvovirus, Foot And Mouth Disease, Newcastle Disease, Distemper Disease, Influenza, Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)) Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2022-2026 Cancer Vaccines Global Market Report 2022 By Type (Preventive Cancer Vaccines, Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines), By Technology (Dendritic Cells (DC) Cancer Vaccines, Recombinant Cancer Vaccines, Antigen/Adjuvant Cancer Vaccines, Whole Cell Cancer Vaccines, Viral Vector & DNA Cancer Vaccines), By Cancer Type (Prostate, Cervical, Colorectal, Throat), By End-User (Cancer Treatment Centers, Research Institutes) Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2022-2026 Interested to know more about The Business Research Company? The Business Research Company is a market intelligence firm that excels in company, market, and consumer research. Located globally, it has strategy enablement specialists in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, chemicals, and technology. The World's Most Comprehensive Database The Business Research Company's flagship product, Global Market Model, is a market intelligence platform covering various macroeconomic indicators and metrics across 60 geographies and 27 industries. The Global Market Model covers multi-layered datasets which help its users assess supply-demand gaps. Contact Information The Business Research Company Europe: +44 207 1930 708 Asia: +91 8897263534 Americas: +1 315 623 0293 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/company/the-business-research-company Twitter: https://twitter.com/tbrc_info Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessResearchCompany YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24_fI0rV8cR5DxlCpgmyFQ Blog: http://blog.tbrc.info/ Healthcare Blog: https://healthcareresearchreports.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1751581/tbrc_logo.jpg SOURCE The Business Research Company DUBLIN, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Optical Character Recognition Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Software, Services), by Vertical (BFSI, Transport & Logistics), by End Use (B2B, B2C), by Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2022-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global optical character recognition market size is expected to reach USD 33.44 billion by 2030. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 15.4% from 2022 to 2030. Digitalization plays a critical role in changing the way organizations operate, and it has helped companies improve the efficiency of their business processes. Enterprises invest large amounts in technologies that can help them digitalize their work processes and increase productivity. Since data is a critical element for an organization, adopting technologies such as optical character recognition (OCR), which enables users to convert text data in different types of documents and images into editable or accessible formats, has increased. OCR solutions are integrated with various technologies such as robotic process automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their capabilities. The integration of artificial intelligence with optical character recognition has helped companies in leveraging technological capabilities of artificial intelligence such as deep learning and multi-level analysis for the more efficient processing of documents, texts, and other data in a way similar to that of humans. These advanced technologies also help to address inaccuracies that occur in OCR, thereby providing streamlined fault management. This, in turn, helps reduce costs of processing documents and increase efficiency within the organization. Furthermore, increasing penetration of optical character recognition in banks and financial institutions has bolstered the market growth for B2B end users. For instance, Sinosecu Bank, a commercial bank in China, developed a Sinosecu bank Card, OCR SDK, an OCR recognition technology. It can meet the financial industry's mobile payment requirements. The bank card can be utilized in various ways, including mobile SDKs and deployments. The OCR market can be described as a highly competitive market. The market vendors are pursuing various strategic initiatives to gain a competitive edge in the market. For instance, in January 2022, 6Sense, an AI-driven sales and marketing platform, acquired Saleswhale, a Singapore-based company. This acquisition would also help B2B organizations convert and manage their sales leads with the help of AI technologies like NLP, OCR ML, and other AI technologies. It would scale their business and enhance the products. Optical Character Recognition Market Report Highlights A significant increase in investment for the advancement of OCR in startup companies is expected to remain one of the key driving factors. The emergence of new technologies such as computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence is unfolding new opportunities for industry growth. The integration of advanced technology in OCR technology has significantly contributed to enhancing data management and data capture. Further, continuous advancements in OCR technology are expected to positively contribute to the growth of the OCR market. Factors including the rapid economic growth of countries, such as China and India , the rising adoption of smartphones, and the developing e-commerce sector are anticipated to further fuel the growth of the Asia Pacific market. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Market Variables, Trends & Scope 3.1 Market Segmentation 3.2 Market Definition 3.3 Market Scope 3.4 Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping, 2030 3.5 Optical Character Recognition-Software Ecosystem Analysis 3.6 Market Dynamics 3.6.1 Market Driver Analysis 3.6.1.1 Increasing Adoption Of OCR Across Diversified Verticals 3.6.1.2 Growing Adoption Of OCR Due To The Integration Of Advanced Capabilities 3.6.1.3 Increasing Investments In OCR Startup Companies 3.6.2 Market Restraint Analysis 3.6.2.1 Limitations in Delivering Accurate Output 3.7 Technology Overview 3.8 Industry Analysis-Porter's 3.8.1 Supplier Power: Low 3.8.2 Buyer Power: Moderate 3.8.3 Substitution Threat: Low 3.8.4 Threat From New Entrant: Moderate 3.8.5 Competitive Rivalry: High 3.9 Pestel Analysis 3.9.1 Political Landscape 3.9.2 Economic Landscape 3.9.3 Social Landscape 3.9.4 Technology Landscape 3.9.5 Legal Landscape 3.10 Major Deals & Strategic Alliances Analysis 3.10.1 Mergers & Acquisitions and Technology Collaborations 3.11 Vendor Landscape-OCR Market 3.12 COVID-19 Impact Analysis Chapter 4 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Market: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis 4.1 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Market: Type Movement Analysis 4.2 OCR Trends, by Type, 2021 4.3 Software 4.3.1 Global Software OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.3.2 Desktop-Based OCR 4.3.2.1 Global Desktop-Based OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.3.3 Mobile-Based OCR 4.3.3.1 Global Mobile-Based OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.3.4 Cloud-Based OCR 4.3.4.1 Global Cloud-Based OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.3.4.2 Private Cloud-Based OCR 4.3.4.2.1 Global Private Cloud-Based OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.3.4.3 Public Cloud-Based OCR 4.3.4.3.1 Global Public Cloud-Based OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.3.5 Others OCR Software 4.3.5.1 Global Others OCR Software Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.4 Services 4.4.1 Global Services OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.4.2 Consulting 4.4.2.1 Global Consulting Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.4.3 Outsourcing 4.4.3.1 Global Outsourcing Market, by Region, 2017-2030 4.4.4 Implementation & Integration 4.4.4.1 Global Implementation & Integration Market, by Region, 2017-2030 Chapter 5 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Market: Vertical Estimates & Trend Analysis 5.1 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Market: Vertical Movement Analysis 5.2 OCR Trends, by Vertical, 2021 5.3 Retail 5.3.1 Global Retail OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 5.4 Bfsi 5.4.1 Global Bfsi OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 5.5 Government 5.5.1 Global Government OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 5.6 Education 5.6.1 Global Education OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 5.7 Transport and Logistics 5.7.1 Global Transport and Logistics OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 5.8 Healthcare 5.8.1 Global Healthcare OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 5.9 It & Telecom 5.9.1 Global It & Telecom OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 5.10 Manufacturing 5.10.1 Global Manufacturing OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 5.11 Others 5.11.1 Global Others OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 Chapter 6 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Market: End-use Estimates & Trend Analysis 6.1 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Market: End-use Movement Analysis 6.2 OCR Trends, by End-use, 2021 6.3 B2B 6.3.1 Global B2B OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 6.4 B2C 6.4.1 Global B2C OCR Market, by Region, 2017-2030 Chapter 7 Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis Chapter 8 Competitive Landscape 8.1 ABBYY 8.1.1 Company Overview 8.1.2 Product Benchmarking 8.1.3 Strategic Initiatives 8.2 Adobe 8.2.1 Company Overview 8.2.2 Financial Performance 8.2.3 Product Benchmarking 8.2.4 Strategic Initiatives 8.3 Anyline GmbH 8.3.1 Company Overview 8.3.2 Product Benchmarking 8.3.3 Strategic Initiatives 8.4 ATAPY Software 8.4.1 Company Overview 8.4.2 Product Benchmarking 8.4.3 Strategic Initiatives 8.5 Captricity Inc. 8.5.1 Company Overview 8.5.2 Product Benchmarking 8.5.3 Strategic Initiatives 8.6 Creaceed S.P.R.L. 8.6.1 Company Overview 8.6.2 Product Benchmarking 8.6.3 Strategic Initiatives 8.7 CVISION Technologies, Inc. 8.7.1 Company Overview 8.7.2 Product Benchmarking 8.7.3 Strategic Initiatives 8.8 Exper-OCR, Inc. 8.8.1 Company Overview 8.8.2 Product Benchmarking 8.9 Google LLC 8.9.1 Company Overview 8.9.2 Financial Performance 8.9.3 Product Benchmarking 8.9.4 Strategic Initiatives 8.10 International Business Machines Corporation 8.10.1 Company Overview 8.10.2 Financial Performance 8.10.3 Product Benchmarking 8.10.4 Strategic Initiatives 8.11 IntSig Information Co., Ltd. Corporation 8.11.1 Company Overview 8.11.2 Product Benchmarking 8.11.3 Strategic Initiatives 8.12 IRIS S.A. 8.12.1 Company Overview 8.12.2 Product Benchmarking 8.12.3 Strategic Initiatives 8.13 LEAD Technologies, Inc. 8.13.1 Company Overview 8.13.2 Product Benchmarking 8.13.3 Strategic Initiatives 8.14 Microsoft 8.14.1 Company Overview 8.14.2 Financial Performance 8.14.3 Product Benchmarking 8.14.4 Strategic Initiatives 8.15 NAVER Corp. 8.15.1 Company Overview 8.15.2 Financial Performance 8.15.3 Product Benchmarking 8.15.4 Strategic Initiatives 8.16 Nuance Communications, Inc. 8.16.1 Company Overview 8.16.2 Financial Performance 8.16.3 Product Benchmarking 8.16.4 Strategic Initiatives 8.17 Open Text Corporation 8.17.1 Company Overview 8.17.2 Financial Performance 8.17.3 Product Benchmarking 8.17.4 Strategic Initiatives For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/c9agba 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 VIENNA, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning Austrian tech company Legitary provides an AI powered technology that automatically scans billions of streams to identify anomalies. Auditing a music album becomes a matter of minutes instead of hundreds of hours. How transparent are play counts on streaming platforms? This question is at the core of everything Nermina Mumic does with her tech startup that emerged from her PhD studies in 2019. Founded in the Austrian capital of Vienna, Legitary has since then been fully bootstrapped including a public, non-dilutive funding of 1M. Legitary provides an AI powered soft audit assistant that is able to detect anomalies within a blink of an eye. The highly scientific-driven approach allows the technology to analyze a music album within minutes compared to 300 hours of conventional auditing methods by shining light on missing metadata, reporting errors, and fake music streams. Our claims are backed with simulation studies that show accuracy of more than 90%. This does not only significantly increase the transparency in the industry but it actually creates the first ever ability to verify streaming counts with no dependencies from streaming platforms," Mumic explains her venture. Award-winning technology with more to come The tech company has not only won the prestigious Midemlab award in 2019 (Marketing & Data/Analytics), but scanned more than 300 billion streams including numerous Billboard 200 artists to further foster transparency and democratization of IP valuation tools in the industry. They provide me peace of mind about the royalty reporting we are receiving from DSPs, and are super easy to work with," describes Patrick Wolf, CFO at Cinq Music Group his relationship with Legitary. Legitary's own aspiration of highest possible quality assurance puts an end to a nontransparent flow of data between streaming platform, distributors and music label. For the near future, the tech startup aims to be a valuable and essential part of long-term valuation and due diligence of music rights catalogues. ABOUT Nermina Mumic founded her tech company Legitary in 2019 as a spin-off of her PhD studies at the TU Wien, Austria's largest research and educational institution in the field of technology and natural sciences. Legitary is bootstrapped and publicly founded with 1M and winner of the prestigious 2019 Midemlab award. Contacts: Karim Saad + 0043 (0) 699 180 49811 + [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1937919/legitary_trans_1_Logo.jpg SOURCE Legitary The 113-Year-Old Dairy Co-Operative Continues to Produce Internationally Recognized, Award-Winning Products Made with Unwavering Values and Real Ingredients TILLAMOOK, Ore., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Oregon-based farmer-owned co-operative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), announced today that the Tillamook brand recently received three bronze awards at the World Cheese Awards and five top honors from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). The World Cheese Awards a truly global cheese event brings together cheesemakers, retailers, buyers, consumers, and food commentators worldwide to judge nearly 4,000 cheeses from more than 40 countries. At the World Cheese Awards, TCCA received: Tillamook County Creamery Association Announces Recent Wins from the World Cheese Awards and the National Milk Producers Federation Tillamook County Creamery Association Announces Recent Wins from the World Cheese Awards and the National Milk Producers Federation NMPF brings together dairy producers and cooperatives to participate in public-policy discussions to promote the economic well-being of dairy producers. As part of the annual NMPF cheese competition, TCCA received: NMPF also awarded TCCA as Communicator of the Year, as well as 1st place honors for the co-op's Annual Report, Stewardship Report , and Cow Care social media video. "It's always exciting to have our hard work recognized, and we are thrilled with the honors from these two prestigious and highly respected groups," said Jill Allen, Director of Product Excellence, TCCA. "At TCCA, we pride ourselves on being good stewards of the land, using quality ingredients, and never cutting corners. Our products taste better because they're made right." Learn more about TCCA's commitment to doing right by every bite, here . Tillamook products are available at major retailers nationwide. Find products at a store near you at tillamook.com/where-to-buy . About Tillamook County Creamery Association Founded in 1909 as a farmer-owned cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) recently achieved the distinction as a Certified B Corporation (B Corp) and prides itself on its commitment to bringing to market the most consistent, best tasting, highest quality dairy products made in the most natural way possible. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves real food that makes them feel good every day, Tillamook produces internationally recognized, award-winning cheese as well as exceptional ice cream, butter, cream cheese spreads, yogurt, and sour cream, made with unwavering values that never sacrifice or compromise quality for profit. TCCA is owned by a group of farming families, primarily based in Tillamook County, Oregon. TCCA operates production facilities in Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon and employs more than 900 people throughout the state. The Tillamook Creamery is the largest tourist attraction on the coast of Oregon and one of the most popular in the state, attracting more than one million visitors each year. For more information on TCCA and Tillamook, visit Tillamook.com. Media Contacts: Jenna Faller, FleishmanHillard [email protected] Jenna Cerruti, Tillamook [email protected] SOURCE Tillamook County Creamery Association Inbound flight bookings from Europe to the US have increased by 67% US Hotel bookings by British travellers have soared by 382% European hotel bookings by US travellers have increased by 111% LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Booking data from international one-stop travel service provider, Trip.com, shows how transatlantic travel has taken off in the last year. In the year since the US re-opened its borders to international global travellers, Trip.com has seen a travel boom, when comparing booking stats from October 2021 to October 2022. US hotel bookings made by British travellers have increased by 382% during the 12 months, while European hotel bookings by US travellers have increased by 111%. Meanwhile, flight bookings from Europe to the US have increased by 67%, indicating the enduring appeal of the US, despite the pandemic, as well as revived demand for long-haul travel. Andy Washington, Trip.com Group EMEA General Manager, said: "The US has bounced back to resume its place as one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers according to analysis of Trip.com data. "Despite the drop in the value of the pound compared to the US dollar, America continues to attract Brits in large numbers eager to explore North America and reunite with friends and families." Rich Sun, Trip.com Group General Manager for the Americas, said: "Americans have once again returned to Europe, as evidenced by Trip.com data which shows a 111% surge in European hotel bookings from the US. "European destinations have become attractive for US holidaymakers and business travellers looking to cash-in on favourable exchange rates." In addition to the jump in flight bookings, the average booking value of flights from Europe to the US has increased by 20% since October 2021. Regarding routes from Europe to the US, New York was a top-performing destination, with flights from London, Paris, Milan, Madrid, and Barcelona ranked as the top five, and Manchester-New York as the sixth most popular booked flight route between Europe and the US. Over a third of travellers booking flights from Europe to the US came from the UK (39%), followed by Spain in second place (17%), Italy in third place (14%), followed in fourth place by France (12%) and Germany in fifth (11%). The most popular US cities for European flyers were New York, followed by Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orlando. On average, each month in the last year has seen an 18% rise in Brits booking US hotels. New York was the most popular city for booking British travellers, followed by Las Vegas in second place, Los Angeles in third, Orlando in fourth and Miami in fifth position. The average booking value of Americans on European hotels has increased by nearly a quarter (23%) in the last year. The UK was the most popular European country for hotel and flight bookings by US travellers. Paris was the most popular European destination for hotel bookings by US travellers, followed by London and Rome. About Trip.com Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 20 languages across 27 countries and regions in 31 local currencies and sites. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.2 million hotels and flights from over 480 airlines covering 2,600 airports in 200 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit trip.com SOURCE Trip.com Inbound flight bookings from Europe to the US have increased by 67% US Hotel bookings by British travellers have soared by 382% European hotel bookings by US travellers have increased by 111% LONDON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Booking data from international one-stop travel service provider, Trip.com, shows how transatlantic travel has taken off in the last year. In the year since the US re-opened its borders to international global travellers, Trip.com has seen a travel boom, when comparing booking stats from October 2021 to October 2022. US hotel bookings made by British travellers have increased by 382% during the 12 months, while European hotel bookings by US travellers have increased by 111%. Meanwhile, flight bookings from Europe to the US have increased by 67%, indicating the enduring appeal of the US, despite the pandemic, as well as revived demand for long-haul travel. Andy Washington, Trip.com Group EMEA General Manager, said: "The US has bounced back to resume its place as one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers according to analysis of Trip.com data. "Despite the drop in the value of the pound compared to the US dollar, America continues to attract Brits in large numbers eager to explore North America and reunite with friends and families." Rich Sun, Trip.com Group General Manager for the Americas, said: "Americans have once again returned to Europe, as evidenced by Trip.com data which shows a 111% surge in European hotel bookings from the US. "European destinations have become attractive for US holidaymakers and business travellers looking to cash-in on favourable exchange rates." In addition to the jump in flight bookings, the average booking value of flights from Europe to the US has increased by 20% since October 2021. Regarding routes from Europe to the US, New York was a top-performing destination, with flights from London, Paris, Milan, Madrid, and Barcelona ranked as the top five, and Manchester-New York as the sixth most popular booked flight route between Europe and the US. Over a third of travellers booking flights from Europe to the US came from the UK (39%), followed by Spain in second place (17%), Italy in third place (14%), followed in fourth place by France (12%) and Germany in fifth (11%). The most popular US cities for European flyers were New York, followed by Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orlando. On average, each month in the last year has seen an 18% rise in Brits booking US hotels. New York was the most popular city for booking British travellers, followed by Las Vegas in second place, Los Angeles in third, Orlando in fourth and Miami in fifth position. The average booking value of Americans on European hotels has increased by nearly a quarter (23%) in the last year. The UK was the most popular European country for hotel and flight bookings by US travellers. Paris was the most popular European destination for hotel bookings by US travellers, followed by London and Rome. About Trip.com Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 20 languages across 27 countries and regions in 31 local currencies and sites. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.2 million hotels and flights from over 480 airlines covering 2,600 airports in 200 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit trip.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1802535/trip_com_Logo.jpg SOURCE Trip.com BERWYN, Pa., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Triumph Group, Inc. (NYSE: TGI) ("TRIUMPH" or the "Company") today reported financial results for its second quarter of fiscal 2023, which ended September 30, 2022. Second Quarter Fiscal 2023 Net sales of $307.6 million Operating income of $132.2 million with operating margin of 43%; adjusted operating income of $30.4 million with adjusted operating margin of 10% with operating margin of 43%; adjusted operating income of with adjusted operating margin of 10% Net income of $106.5 million , or $1.63 per diluted share; adjusted net income of $4.8 million , or $0.07 per diluted share , or per diluted share; adjusted net income of , or per diluted share Cash flow used in operations of $19.3 million ; free cash use of $23.5 million Fiscal 2023 Guidance Net sales of approximately $1.3 billion GAAP earnings per diluted share of $1.66 to $1.86 and Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.40 to $0.60 , up from prior guidance due to final pension assumptions to and Adjusted earnings per diluted share of to , up from prior guidance due to final pension assumptions Cash used in operations of ($30.0) million to ($40.0) million , free cash use of ($60.0) million to ($70.0) million "TRIUMPH generated double-digit organic sales growth in our continuing operations driven by improving commercial OEM production rates and expanded MRO demand," said Dan Crowley, TRIUMPH's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We continue to mitigate supply chain constraints and partner with our customers and suppliers to support their accelerating production and aftermarket demands. While these headwinds required us to hold slightly higher levels of working capital in the first half of the year, we are on track to positive free cash flow in the second half of FY23 and beyond. With an expanding and profitable backlog, enhanced pricing from recent contract extensions and a lower cost structure, TRIUMPH is well positioned to benefit from continued strength across nearly all our end markets." Second Quarter Fiscal 2023 Overview Excluding divestitures and exited programs, sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 were up 13% organically from the prior year period as increases in commercial narrow-body production and commercial MRO offset decreased military rotorcraft volume. Second quarter operating income of $132.2 million includes $2.2 million of restructuring costs related to the exit of an aftermarket product line and $103.9 million gain on sale of assets and businesses, primarily from our Stuart manufacturing operations. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 was $106.5 million, or $1.63 per diluted share primarily due to these items above. On an adjusted basis, net income was $4.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share. TRIUMPH's results included the following: ($ millions except EPS) Pre-tax After-tax EPS Income from Continuing Operations - GAAP $ 108.3 $ 106.5 $ 1.63 Gain on sale of assets and businesses (103.9) (103.9) (1.59) Restructuring costs 2.2 2.2 0.03 Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations - non-GAAP * $ 6.6 $ 4.8 $ 0.07 * Difference due to rounding The number of shares used in computing diluted earnings per share for the second quarter of 2023 was 65.3 million. Backlog, which represents the next 24 months of actual purchase orders with firm delivery dates or contract requirements, was $1.57 billion, up 11% from fiscal year end, after adjusting for the impact of the Stuart divestiture, primarily on commercial narrow body platforms. For the second quarter of fiscal 2023, cash flow used in operations was $19.3 million. Outlook The Company's outlook reflects adjustments detailed in the attached tables. Based on expected aircraft production rates, and the resulting demand on each of our facilities, the Company expects net sales for fiscal 2023 will be approximately $1.3 billion. The Company expects GAAP fiscal 2023 earnings per diluted share of $1.66 to $1.86 and adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.40 to $0.60, up from prior guidance due to final pension assumptions. The Company expects fiscal 2023 cash used in operations of ($30.0) million to ($40.0) million, approximately $30.0 million for capital expenditures, resulting in expected free cash use of ($60.0) million to ($70.0) million. Conference Call TRIUMPH will hold a conference call today, November 8th, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to discuss the second quarter of fiscal 2023 results. The conference call will be available live and archived on the Company's website at http://www.triumphgroup.com . A slide presentation will be included with the audio portion of the webcast, and the presentation has been posted on the Company's website at http://ir.triumphgroup.com/QuarterlyResults . An audio replay will be available from November 8th to November 15th by calling (877) 344-7529 (Domestic) or (412) 317-0088 (International), passcode #1319709. About TRIUMPH TRIUMPH, headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, designs, engineers, manufactures, repairs and overhauls a broad portfolio of aerospace and defense systems, components and structures. The company serves the global aviation industry, including original equipment manufacturers and the full spectrum of military and commercial aircraft operators. More information about TRIUMPH can be found on the Company's website at www.triumphgroup.com . Forward Looking Statements Statements in this release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements under the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements of expectations of or assumptions about financial and operational performance, revenues, earnings per share, cash flow or use, cost savings and operational efficiencies and organizational restructurings. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could affect the Company's actual results and could cause its actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Further information regarding the important factors that could cause actual results to differ from projected results can be found in Triumph Group's reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022. FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) ON FOLLOWING PAGES FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 30, September 30, CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net sales $ 307,600 $ 357,396 $ 656,984 $ 754,042 Cost of sales (excluding depreciation shown below) 208,062 262,335 480,462 556,013 Selling, general & administrative 60,418 54,108 112,163 110,359 Depreciation & amortization 8,685 12,945 18,491 28,376 Restructuring costs 2,152 3,897 2,851 8,382 (Gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses (103,883) 7,660 (103,883) 13,629 Operating income 132,166 16,451 146,900 37,283 Interest expense and other, net 32,453 34,183 64,365 72,741 Debt extinguishment loss 9,689 Non-service defined benefit income (8,563) (10,449) (17,149) (8,727) Income tax expense 1,750 1,787 3,500 3,001 Net income (loss) $ 106,526 $ (9,070) $ 96,184 $ (39,421) Loss per share - basic: Net income (loss) $ 1.64 $ (0.14) $ 1.48 $ (0.61) Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 65,036 64,545 64,946 64,427 Loss per share - diluted: Net income (loss) $ 1.63 $ (0.14) $ 1.47 $ (0.61) Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 65,282 64,545 65,318 64,427 FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (dollars in thousands, except share data) BALANCE SHEETS Unaudited September 30, 2022 Audited March 31, 2022 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 104,450 $ 240,878 Accounts receivable, net 177,286 178,663 Contract assets 101,974 101,828 Inventory, net 398,075 361,692 Prepaid and other current assets 17,554 19,903 Assets held for sale 60,104 Current assets 799,339 963,068 Property and equipment, net 160,862 169,050 Goodwill 500,814 513,722 Intangible assets, net 78,870 84,850 Other, net 28,389 30,476 Total assets $ 1,568,274 $ 1,761,166 Liabilities & Stockholders' Deficit Current portion of long-term debt $ 2,849 $ 3,268 Accounts payable 154,588 161,534 Contract liabilities 42,475 171,763 Accrued expenses 155,950 208,059 Liabilities related to assets held for sale 57,519 Current liabilities 355,862 602,143 Long-term debt, less current portion 1,587,933 1,586,222 Accrued pension and post-retirement benefits, noncurrent 273,529 301,303 Deferred income taxes, noncurrent 7,386 7,213 Other noncurrent liabilities 45,667 51,708 Stockholders' Deficit: Common stock, $.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 64,980,483 and 64,629,279 shares issued 65 64 Capital in excess of par value 975,530 973,112 Treasury stock, at cost, 0 and 14,897 shares (96) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (476,733) (463,354) Accumulated deficit (1,200,965) (1,297,149) Total stockholders' deficit (702,103) (787,423) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 1,568,274 $ 1,761,166 FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (dollars in thousands, except share data) Six Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 Operating Activities Net income (loss) $ 96,184 $ (39,421) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 18,491 28,376 Amortization of acquired contract liability (1,390) (2,707) (Gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses (103,883) 13,629 Curtailments, settlements, and special termination benefits loss, net 20,046 Other amortization included in interest expense 3,140 5,602 Provision for credit losses 383 320 Share-based compensation 5,530 5,072 Changes in other assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions and divestitures: Trade and other receivables (5,799) 8,268 Contract assets (10,910) (9,640) Inventories (39,324) 1,783 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 756 2,292 Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and contract liabilities (58,487) (190,152) Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits (17,073) (27,852) Other, net 6 (1,142) Net cash used in operating activities (112,376) (185,526) Investing Activities Capital expenditures (7,167) (7,481) (Payments on) proceeds from sale of assets and businesses (6,161) 185,622 Investment in joint venture (2,101) Purchase of facility related to divested businesses (21,550) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (13,328) 154,490 Financing Activities Retirement of debt and finance lease obligations (1,809) (353,513) Premium on redemption of First Lien Notes (7,489) Repurchase of shares for share-based compensation minimum tax obligation (3,490) (3,118) Net cash used in financing activities (5,299) (364,120) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (5,425) (604) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (136,428) (395,760) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 240,878 589,882 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 104,450 $ 194,122 FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 30, September 30, SEGMENT DATA 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net sales: Systems & Support $ 274,198 $ 248,781 $ 528,841 $ 507,194 Aerospace Structures 33,410 108,643 128,163 246,895 Elimination of intersegment sales (8) (28) (20) (47) $ 307,600 $ 357,396 $ 656,984 $ 754,042 Operating income (loss): Systems & Support $ 43,413 $ 38,100 $ 76,564 $ 73,646 Aerospace Structures 5,924 3,605 3,623 14,828 Corporate 86,781 (22,429) 72,243 (46,119) Share-based compensation expense (3,952) (2,825) (5,530) (5,072) $ 132,166 $ 16,451 $ 146,900 $ 37,283 Operating margin % Systems & Support 15.8 % 15.3 % 14.5 % 14.5 % Aerospace Structures 17.7 % 3.3 % 2.8 % 6.0 % Consolidated 43.0 % 4.6 % 22.4 % 4.9 % Depreciation and amortization: Systems & Support $ 7,507 $ 8,440 $ 15,028 $ 16,944 Aerospace Structures 672 3,414 2,368 9,573 Corporate 506 1,091 1,095 1,859 $ 8,685 $ 12,945 $ 18,491 $ 28,376 Amortization of acquired contract liabilities: Systems & Support $ (867) $ (1,493) $ (1,390) $ (2,695) Aerospace Structures (12) $ (867) $ (1,493) $ (1,390) $ (2,707) Capital expenditures: Systems & Support $ 3,707 $ 2,655 $ 6,586 $ 3,757 Aerospace Structures 415 2,558 472 3,210 Corporate 156 109 514 $ 4,123 $ 5,369 $ 7,167 $ 7,481 FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (dollars in thousands) Non-GAAP Financial Measure Disclosures We prepare and publicly release quarterly unaudited financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") guidance on Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations, we also disclose and discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures in our public releases. Currently, the non-GAAP financial measure that we disclose is Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP, which is our net income before interest, income taxes, amortization of acquired contract liabilities, curtailments, settlements and special termination benefits, legal settlements, loss on divestitures, share-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization and Adjusted EBITDA, less pension & other postretirement benefits. We disclose Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP on a consolidated and Adjusted EBITDAP an operating segment basis in our earnings releases, investor conference calls and filings with the SEC. The non-GAAP financial measures that we use may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Also, in the future, we may disclose different non-GAAP financial measures in order to help our investors more meaningfully evaluate and compare our future results of operations to our previously reported results of operations. We view Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP as operating performance measure and as such we believe that the GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to it is net income. In calculating Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP, we exclude from net income the financial items that we believe should be separately identified to provide additional analysis of the financial components of the day-to-day operation of our business. We have outlined below the type and scope of these exclusions and the material limitations on the use of these non-GAAP financial measures as a result of these exclusions. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP are not measurements of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as a measure of liquidity, as an alternative to net income (loss), income from continuing operations, or as an indicator of any other measure of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. Investors and potential investors in our securities should not rely on Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDAP as substitutes for any GAAP financial measure, including net income (loss) or income from continuing operations. In addition, we urge investors and potential investors in our securities to carefully review the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP to net income set forth below, in our earnings releases and in other filings with the SEC and to carefully review the GAAP financial information included as part of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Annual Reports on Form 10-K that are filed with the SEC, as well as our quarterly earnings releases, and compare the GAAP financial information with our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP is used by management to internally measure our operating and management performance and by investors as a supplemental financial measure to evaluate the performance of our business that, when viewed with our GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliation, we believe provides additional information that is useful to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business. We have spent more than 25 years expanding our product and service capabilities partially through acquisitions of complementary businesses. Due to the expansion of our operations, which included acquisitions, our net income has included significant charges for depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP exclude these charges and provide meaningful information about the operating performance of our business, apart from charges for depreciation and amortization. We believe the disclosure of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP helps investors meaningfully evaluate and compare our performance from quarter to quarter and from year to year. We also believe Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP is a measure of our ongoing operating performance because the isolation of non-cash income and expenses, such as amortization of acquired contract liabilities, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation and non-operating items, such as interest and income taxes, provides additional information about our cost structure, and, over time, helps track our operating progress. In addition, investors, securities analysts and others have regularly relied on Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP to provide a financial measure by which to compare our operating performance against that of other companies in our industry. FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (dollars in thousands) Set forth below are descriptions of the financial items that have been excluded from our net income to calculate Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP and the material limitations associated with using this non-GAAP financial measure as compared to net income: Divestitures may be useful for investors to consider because they reflect gains or losses from sale of operating units. We do not believe these earnings necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash earnings related to our operations. Consideration payable to a customer related to a divestiture may be useful for investors to consider because it reflects consideration paid to facilitate the ultimate sale of operating units. We do not believe these charges necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash earnings related to our operations. Non-service defined benefit income (inclusive of certain pension related transactions such as curtailments, settlements, early retirement or other incentives) may be useful to investors to consider because they represent the cost of post-retirement benefits to plan participants, net of the assumption of returns on the plan's assets and are not indicative of the cash paid for such benefits. We do not believe these earnings (expenses) necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash earnings related to our operations. Amortization of acquired contract liabilities may be useful for investors to consider because it represents the non-cash earnings on the fair value of below market contracts acquired through acquisitions. We do not believe these earnings necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash earnings related to our operations. Amortization expense and nonrecurring asset impairments (including goodwill, intangible asset impairments, and nonrecurring rotable inventory impairments) may be useful for investors to consider because it represents the estimated attrition of our acquired customer base and the diminishing value of tradenames, product rights, licenses, or, in the case of goodwill, other assets that are not individually identified and separately recognized under U.S. GAAP, or, in the case of nonrecurring asset impairments, the impact of unusual and nonrecurring events affecting the estimated recoverability of existing assets. We do not believe these charges necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash charges related to our operating cost structure, Share-based compensation may be useful for investors to consider because it represents a portion of the total compensation to management and the board of directors. We do not believe these charges necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash charges related to our operating cost structure. Depreciation may be useful for investors to consider because they generally represent the wear and tear on our property and equipment used in our operations. We do not believe these charges necessarily reflect the current and ongoing cash charges related to our operating cost structure. The amount of interest expense and other we incur may be useful for investors to consider and may result in current cash inflows or outflows. However, we do not consider the amount of interest expense and other to be a representative component of the day-to-day operating performance of our business. Income tax expense may be useful for investors to consider because it generally represents the taxes which may be payable for the period and the change in deferred income taxes during the period and may reduce the amount of funds otherwise available for use in our business. However, we do not consider the amount of income tax expense to be a representative component of the day-to-day operating performance of our business. Management compensates for the above-described limitations of using non-GAAP measures by using a non-GAAP measure only to supplement our GAAP results and to provide additional information that is useful to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business. FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (dollars in thousands) The following table shows our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAP reconciled to our net income for the indicated periods (in thousands): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended September 30, September 30, Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Pension (Adjusted EBITDAP): 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net income (loss) $ 106,526 $ (9,070) $ 96,184 $ (39,421) Add-back: Income tax expense 1,750 1,787 3,500 3,001 Interest expense and other, net 32,453 34,183 64,365 72,741 Debt extinguishment loss 9,689 Pension charges 3,968 20,046 Consideration payable to customer related to divestiture^ 17,185 (Gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses (103,883) 7,660 (103,883) 13,629 Share-based compensation 3,952 2,825 5,530 5,072 Amortization of acquired contract liabilities (867) (1,493) (1,390) (2,707) Depreciation and amortization^ 8,685 12,945 18,491 28,376 Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA") $ 48,616 $ 52,805 $ 99,982 $ 110,426 Non-service defined benefit income (excluding pension charges) (8,563) (14,417) (17,149) (28,773) Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, and Pension ("Adjusted EBITDAP") $ 40,053 $ 38,388 $ 82,833 $ 81,653 Net sales $ 307,600 $ 357,396 $ 656,984 $ 754,042 Net income (loss) margin 34.6 % (2.5) % 14.6 % (5.2) % Adjusted EBITDAP margin 13.1 % 10.8 % 12.3 % 10.9 % ^Reported in net sales Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Segment Data Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Pension (EBITDAP): Total Systems & Support Aerospace Structures Corporate/ Eliminations Net income $ 106,526 Add-back: Non-service defined benefit income (8,563) Income tax expense 1,750 Interest expense and other, net 32,453 Operating income (loss) $ 132,166 $ 43,413 $ 5,924 $ 82,829 Gain on sales of assets & businesses, net (103,883) (103,883) Share-based compensation 3,952 3,952 Amortization of acquired contract liabilities (867) (867) Depreciation and amortization 8,685 7,507 672 506 Adjusted Earnings (Losses) before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, and Pension ("Adjusted EBITDAP") $ 40,053 $ 50,053 $ 6,596 $ (16,596) Net sales $ 307,600 $ 274,198 $ 33,410 $ (8) Adjusted EBITDAP margin 13.1 % 18.3 % 19.7 % n/a ^Reported in net sales Six Months Ended September 30, 2022 Segment Data Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Pension (EBITDAP): Total Systems & Support Aerospace Structures Corporate/ Eliminations Net income $ 96,184 Add-back: Non-service defined benefit income (17,149) Income tax expense 3,500 Interest expense and other, net 64,365 Operating income (loss) $ 146,900 $ 76,564 $ 3,623 $ 66,713 Gain on sales of assets & businesses, net (103,883) (103,883) Consideration payable to customer related to divestiture^ 17,185 17,185 Share-based compensation 5,530 5,530 Amortization of acquired contract liabilities (1,390) (1,390) Depreciation and amortization 18,491 15,028 2,368 1,095 Adjusted Earnings (Losses) before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, and Pension ("Adjusted EBITDAP") $ 82,833 $ 90,202 $ 23,176 $ (30,545) Net sales $ 656,984 $ 528,841 $ 128,163 $ (20) Adjusted EBITDAP margin 12.3 % 17.1 % 15.9 % n/a ^Reported in net sales FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (dollars in thousands) Non-GAAP Financial Measure Disclosures (continued) Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Segment Data Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Pension (EBITDAP): Total Systems & Support Aerospace Structures Corporate/ Eliminations Net loss $ (9,070) Add-back: Non-service defined benefit expense (10,449) Income tax expense 1,787 Interest expense and other, net 34,183 Operating income (loss) $ 16,451 $ 38,100 $ 3,605 $ (25,254) Loss on sales of assets & businesses, net 7,660 7,660 Share-based compensation 2,825 2,825 Amortization of acquired contract liabilities (1,493) (1,493) Depreciation and amortization 12,945 8,440 3,414 1,091 Adjusted Earnings (Losses) before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, and Pension ("Adjusted EBITDAP") $ 38,388 $ 45,047 $ 7,019 $ (13,678) Net sales $ 357,396 $ 248,781 $ 108,643 $ (28) Adjusted EBITDAP margin 10.8 % 18.2 % 6.5 % n/a Six Months Ended September 30, 2021 Segment Data Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Pension (EBITDAP): Total Systems & Support Aerospace Structures Corporate/ Eliminations Net loss $ (39,421) Add-back: Non-service defined benefit expense (8,727) Income tax expense 3,001 Debt extinguishment loss 9,689 Interest expense and other, net 72,741 Operating income (loss) $ 37,283 $ 73,646 $ 14,828 $ (51,191) Loss on sales of assets & businesses, net 13,629 13,629 Share-based compensation 5,072 5,072 Amortization of acquired contract liabilities (2,707) (2,695) (12) Depreciation and amortization 28,376 16,944 9,573 1,859 Adjusted Earnings (Losses) before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, and Pension ("Adjusted EBITDAP") $ 81,653 $ 87,895 $ 24,389 $ (30,631) Net sales $ 754,042 $ 507,194 $ 246,895 $ (47) Adjusted EBITDAP margin 10.9 % 17.4 % 9.9 % n/a FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (dollars in thousands) Non-GAAP Financial Measure Disclosures (continued) Adjusted income from continuing operations, before income taxes, adjusted income from continuing operations and adjusted income from continuing operations per diluted share, before non-recurring costs have been provided for consistency and comparability. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to income from continuing operations before income taxes, income from continuing operations and income from continuing operations per diluted share presented in accordance with GAAP. The following tables reconcile income from continuing operations before income taxes, income from continuing operations, and income from continuing operations per diluted share, before non-recurring costs. Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Pre-Tax After-Tax Diluted EPS Income from continuing operations - GAAP $ 108,276 $ 106,526 $ 1.63 Adjustments: Gain on sale of assets and businesses (103,883) (103,883) (1.59) Restructuring costs 2,152 2,152 0.03 Adjusted income from continuing operations - non-GAAP* $ 6,545 $ 4,795 $ 0.07 ^ Recorded in net sales * Difference due to rounding Six Months Ended September 30, 2022 Fiscal 2023 Diluted EPS Guidance Pre-Tax After-Tax EPS Income from continuing operations - GAAP $ 99,684 $ 96,184 $ 1.47 $ 1.66 - $ 1.86 Adjustments: Gain on sale of assets and businesses (103,883) (103,883) (1.59) (1.59) Restructuring costs 2,851 2,851 0.04 0.04 Consideration payable to customer related to divestiture^ 17,185 17,185 0.26 0.26 Debt extinguishment loss 0.03 Adjusted income from continuing operations - non-GAAP* $ 15,837 $ 12,337 $ 0.19 $ 0.40 - $ 0.60 ^ Recorded in net sales * Difference due to rounding Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Pre-Tax After-Tax Diluted EPS Loss from continuing operations - GAAP $ (7,283) $ (9,070) $ (0.14) Adjustments: Loss on sale of assets and businesses, net 7,660 7,660 0.12 Restructuring costs 3,897 3,897 0.06 Pension curtailment charge 3,968 3,968 0.06 Adjusted loss from continuing operations - non-GAAP $ 8,242 $ 6,455 $ 0.10 Six Months Ended September 30, 2021 Pre-Tax After-Tax Diluted EPS Loss from continuing operations - GAAP $ (36,420) $ (39,421) $ (0.61) Adjustments: Loss on sale of assets and businesses, net 13,629 13,629 0.21 Restructuring costs 8,382 8,382 0.13 Pension curtailment charge 20,046 20,046 0.31 Debt extinguishment loss 9,689 9,689 0.15 Adjusted loss from continuing operations - non-GAAP $ 15,326 $ 12,325 $ 0.19 FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) TRIUMPH GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (dollars in thousands) Non-GAAP Financial Measure Disclosures (continued) Adjusted Operating Income is defined as GAAP Operating Income, less expenses/gains associated with the Company's transformation, such as restructuring expenses, gains/losses on divestitures, impairments of goodwill and other assets. Management believes that this is useful in evaluating operating performance, but this measure should not be used in isolation. The following table reconciles our Operating income to Adjusted Operating income as noted above. Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Operating income - GAAP $ 132,166 $ 16,451 $ 146,900 $ 37,283 Adjustments: (Gain) loss on sale of assets and businesses (103,883) 7,660 (103,883) 13,629 Restructuring costs 2,152 3,897 2,851 8,382 Consideration payable to customer related to divestiture^ 17,185 Adjusted operating income - non-GAAP $ 30,435 $ 28,008 $ 63,053 $ 59,294 Adjusted operating margin 9.9 % 7.8 % 9.4 % 7.9 % Cash provided by operations, is provided for consistency and comparability. We also use free cash flow as a key factor in planning for and consideration of strategic acquisitions and the repayment of debt. This measure should not be considered in isolation, as a measure of residual cash flow available for discretionary purposes, or as an alternative to operating results presented in accordance with GAAP. The following table reconciles cash provided by operations to free cash flow. Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30, Fiscal 2023 Guidance $ in millions 2022 2021 2022 2021 Cash used in operating activities $ (19.4) $ (36.0) $ (112.4) $ (185.5) $ (40.0) - $ (30.0) Less: Capital expenditures (4.2) (5.4) (7.2) (7.5) ~ $ (30.0) Free cash use $ (23.5) $ (41.4) $ (119.5) $ (193.0) $ (70.0) - $ (60.0) SOURCE Triumph Group The sponsorship is helping Wreaths Across America transport wreaths to honor military veterans BOISE, Idaho, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Truckstop is a proud sponsor of Wreaths Across America , helping transportation partners assist in delivering more than two million veterans' wreaths to be placed on graves of our fallen heroes all over the country. On December 17, National Wreaths Across America Day, the organization which is dedicated to honoring and thanking our veterans for their service and sacrifice, coordinates a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, as well as at more than 3,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. This year, Truckstop has partnered with Wreaths Across America to spread awareness and encourage professional drivers and carriers to join the Honor Fleet, and help the national nonprofit fulfill its mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, with the delivery of live, balsam veterans' wreaths. "This year our transportation partners will assist us in delivering more than two million veterans' wreaths to be placed on the headstones of our fallen heroes all over the country on December 17, 2022," said Don Queeney, WAA's Director of Transportation. "We are grateful for the support of companies like Truckstop who are taking the opportunity to give back in recognition of the sacrifice our veterans make, and because of their support we are able to fulfill our mission." "We are very proud to be a part of the Wreaths Across America mission in helping transportation partners assist in delivering more than two million wreaths to remember our nation's fallen heroes," said Kendra Tucker, chief executive officer, Truckstop. "Supporting the freight transportation community in partnership with such a respected institution is at the core of who we are at Truckstop. We provide important tools to help our customers all across the U.S. move their businesses forward and to be able to help move Wreaths Across America's mission to Remember, Honor, Teach forward as well, is an honor." For more information about how Truckstop is supporting Wreaths Across America this year and how you can volunteer, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/truckstop . About Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization's mission Remember, Honor, Teach is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as thousands of veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. To learn more please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org . About Truckstop Truckstop is a trusted partner for carriers, brokers and shippers empowering the freight community through a platform of innovative solutions for the entire freight lifecycle to increase efficiency, automate processes, and accelerate growth. As one of the industry's largest neutral freight marketplaces, Truckstop provides the customer service as well as scale of quality loads and trucks to give customers of all sizes, whether on the road or in the office, the transparency and freedom to build lasting relationships and grow their businesses. To learn how Truckstop is helping move the freight community forward, visit www.truckstop.com . SOURCE Truckstop Group LLC Affinity Biosensors announces that University of Louisville Hospital completed its evaluation of the LifeScale AST rapid antibiotic susceptibility system and presented the results at IDWeek in Washington, DC SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The study, titled PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE LIFESCALE AST RAPID AUTOMATED ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY SYSTEM, assessed the performance of LifeScale compared to the Beckman Coulter MicroScan WalkAway AST System. The study enrolled positive blood cultures from patient samples containing Gram-negative organisms. For the 1277 drug/bug combinations essential agreement was 96.50% and categorical agreement was 98.04%. There were no very major errors and only 3 major errors. Results were available in 4.5 hours and required ~8 minutes of hands-on time. The study was led by Dr. James Snyder (Ph.D., D(ABMM), F(AAM), Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at University of Louisville Hospital. Said Dr. Snyder, "Rapid and accurate AST Results are essential in support of antimicrobial stewardship and patient management. The LifeScale Rapid AST Technology meets these objectives and reduces the duration of empiric therapy. We look forward to implementing it." Dr. Wes Hoffman, PharmD, BCIDP, Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist, U of L Health - Jewish Hospital, added: "Rapid AST can help stewardship programs and hospitals make actionable and patient specific interventions on patients that can help fight against C. Difficile development as well as the development of resistance" Ken Babcock, CEO of Affinity Biosensors, said, "We thank Dr. Snyder and his team for rigorously testing LifeScale in anticipation of its clinical use. It is gratifying to see LifeScale's accuracy confirmed on actual patient samples when compared to a highly regarded standard-of-care care AST system, while providing rapid results that will have significant impact on patient treatment." About LifeScale AST and Affinity Biosensors Affinity Biosensors (Santa Barbara, CA) has developed in-vitro diagnostics systems based upon a unique sensor, the Suspended Microchannel Resonator. This microfluidic sensor has a mass resolution of <1 femtogram and can determine the masses of individual bacterial cells in an antibiotic solution, enabling AST results that are both fast and accurate. The disposable used to generate an AST is compact, stored at room temperature, and has 14 antibiotics targeting Gram-negative organisms from positive blood cultures. The system is currently under 510(k) review by the FDA and is available now for evaluation. CONTACT: David Hopton +17608085767 [email protected] SOURCE Affinity Biosensors SimX was awarded an R&D contract with the U.S. Air Force to create high-quality, multiplayer virtual reality clinical training simulations. The simulations will leverage new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 capabilities on the HTC Vive Focus 3 headset. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SimX, Inc. has been awarded an R&D contract by the U.S. Air Force to develop enhanced VR medical simulation training capabilities for battlefield tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), with a focus on enhanced flexibility and repeatability of training. The program will focus on adapting existing SimX Virtual Reality Medical Simulation System (VRMSS) with enhanced capabilities that will significantly increase the utility across DOD medical training. SimX makes VR simulation software that's wireless, multiplayer, and cross-platform. It is used by the US Military as well as academic and community hospitals and institutions around the world to train paramedics, nurses, physicians, and more. Completely customized cases, powerful moderating tools, and highly realistic encounters (with no drop downs or menus) make SimX best in class. The VRMSS allows clinical trainees to refine their skills in training scenarios which aim to model realistic psychosocial and medical environments in order to enable personnel to "train how they fight." Depicted is an image from an existing USAF TCCC scenario on the VRMSS, in which a point-of-care ultrasound is being used to diagnose an injured warfighter during a helicopter evacuation. Project enhancements will leverage the adaptation of the VRMSS for the new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset using the HTC Vive Focus 3 headset platform, which will enable significantly enhanced graphical realism while maintaining portability, wireless operation, and seamless co-located multiplayer simulation. "The vision of the VALOR program is to adapt VR medical simulation training to enable high-quality, repeatable, and accessible clinical training for any scenario," said Karthik V Sarma, PhD, VALOR Principal Investigator and SimX CTO. "We're excited to work with the USAF and HTC to develop the next generation of medical simulation training." The program's goals include enhancing medical realism, supporting customizable capabilities at runtime based on the learner population, dynamically configuring environments to enhance the spectrum of psychosocial realism (i.e., weather effects, day/night operations, night vision capability), and on-the-fly scenario tailoring to meet educational objectives. The developed capabilities will also be made available for commercial use to support civilian medical simulation training across the spectrum of health professionals, with enhancements delivered to hundreds of SimX's existing customers including nursing schools, physician training programs, EMS providers, and many more. "The mission impact of this project will be increased overall medical capability for combat casualty care. These capabilities are critical for ensuring the highest level of medical care provided by our forces as they prepare for the continuing increase in operational tempo, near peer competition, and joint operations," said Col John R. Dorsch, DO, USAF (ret.), former USAF Pararescue Medical Director and Wing Surgeon of the 24th Special Operations Wing. SimX created an industry-leading virtual reality medical simulation platform https://www.simxvr.com/ that is used around the world and by top institutions including Mayo Clinic, Stanford, Northwestern, University of Pennsylvania, the US Air Force, and many others. It allows trainees to work together in multiplayer virtual reality cases either together in the same space or from the safety of their own homes. SimX developed a unique system that allows for a "holodeck-like" experience without dropdown menus or virtual selections. You talk and interact with virtual patients the same way that you would in real life. The scalable SimX Scenario System allows for rapid development of new training materials and cases, and instant deployment to all learners. Learn more about the SimX System at https://www.simxvr.com/ AFRL and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research process in an attempt to speed up the experience, broaden the pool of potential applicants and decrease bureaucratic overhead. Beginning in SBIR 18.2, and now in 20.3, the Air Force has begun offering 'The Open Topic' SBIR/STTR program that is faster, leaner and open to a broader range of innovations. Media Contact: Michael Werner (650)336-5754 [email protected] SOURCE SimX, Inc. The company welcomes COO Peter Cousins, former SVP of Business Development at SunPower and Senior Director of Cell Engineering at Tesla, and CCO Kirk Edelman, former CEO of Siemens Financial Services, Inc. and CCO of Safari Energy MOSS LANDING, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Verdagy , a pioneer in scaling electrolyzer technologies for industrial markets, has welcomed two new leadership team members, Peter Cousins, Chief Operating Officer, and Kirk Edelman, Chief Commercial Officer. Both Cousins, former Senior Director of Cell Engineering at Tesla, and Edelman, former CCO of Safari Energy, boast extensive and relevant experience to the Verdagy team, with Edelman bringing an impressive background in finance and solar project development, and Cousins a deep knowledge of large-scale, automated manufacturing. As Verdagy continues to grow its commercial capabilities as well as its industry expertise, the addition of COO and CCO members to its leadership team further primes the company to make a lasting impact in the green hydrogen sector. Peter Cousins, former Senior Director of Cell Engineering at Tesla, joins Verdagy as Chief Operating Officer Kirk Edelman joins Verdagy as Chief Commercial Officer after holding the same position at Safari Energy "This is a crucial time for Verdagy as our company expands its capabilities and as government funding drives demand," said Marty Neese, Verdagy CEO. "As we continue to grow and look toward supplying electrolyzers to customers, developing Verdagy's manufacturing and supply chain strategies to meet the demand we are experiencing for our products is imperative. Both Peter and Kirk will play vital roles in this important building phase for our company." Driven to supply large-scale electrolyzers for decarbonization and meet heavy industry demand, Verdagy is focused on supplying customers with cost-effective solutions around the globe. Both Cousins and Edelman will help lead the building process of Verdagy's global capabilities as the company scales up to support commercialization of its eDynamic product. "It is motivating to stare at a sources of greenhouse gas emission pie chart whilst thinking about our path forward. I was drawn to the real environmental impact of Verdagy products on several industries," shared Peter Cousins, Verdagy COO. "Verdagy is at a very exciting and defining point in its journey. I am ready to jump in to help Verdagy accelerate and scale its impact." "I have found fulfilment and success in helping drive sales, development and marketing for companies focused on sustainable technologies, and I am confident that Verdagy has the product and value proposition to propel substantial growth and innovation with the right strategy in place," said Kirk Edelman, Verdagy CCO. "I'm energized by the prospect of expanding Verdagy's commercial capabilities globally to meet the real demand we know is there." The decarbonization of heavy industry and the role of green hydrogen as part of the energy transition continues to be at the forefront of the industrial market. In 2023 and beyond, the forecasted demand for electrolyzers is expected to be greater than supply, as large-scale projects are approved and move through the development stage. As Verdagy faces the challenge to meet customer demand, it will continue to bolster its team as well as its technology and manufacturing capabilities to help solve the expected industry supply and demand imbalance. To learn more about Verdagy's leadership team, technology and plans for scaling its commercial capabilities, visit www.verdagy.com . About Verdagy Verdagy is innovating water electrolysis technology for the large-scale production of green hydrogen. Its industry leading solution achieves both the lowest upfront capital costs and the lowest unit economics for production. Verdagy operates its laboratory and a 25,000 sq. ft. pilot plant facility in Moss Landing, California, to further develop and rapidly scale the technology platform. For more information, visit: www.verdagy.com Media Contact Becca Wirta, Publitek [email protected] 541-510-7558 Photo https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940562/Verdagy_Peter_Cousins.jpg Photo https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940547/Verdagy_Kirk_Ederlman.jpg SOURCE Verdagy The industry's first-of-kind remote diagnostic in-vehicle security software provides excellent real-time cyber security protection for electric vehicles TAIPEI, Taiwan, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The rapid development of the global electric vehicle market has ushered in a new era of Software Defined Vehicle (SDV). The accelerated innovative development has also made electric vehicles the new target for hackers, which accentuate the importance of the cyber security in the electric vehicle industry. VicOne, an automotive cybersecurity solution provider, established by cloud security leader Trend Micro, unveiled the industry's first-of-kind in-vehicle software safety remote diagnosis service on the Open EV Platform at MIH Demo Day, an annual technical event organized by MIH Consortium on the 8th November, 2023. VicOne Secured RDS (Remote Diagnostic Service) is the first to extend the service of vehicle abnormality detection to software diagnosis. Detecting abnormalities and real-time warnings remotely can help car manufacturers and system suppliers to establish a stronger cyber security defense and provide comprehensive network security protection to electric vehicles. Unlike the general RDS service in the past, which was mainly based on hardware anomaly detection, it was time-consuming and labor-intensive. The Secured RDS, an in-vehicle safety remote diagnosis service developed by VicOne on the MIH Open EV Platform, uses the exclusive xNexus technology with extended detection and response. It collects and optimizes telemetry data from vehicle endpoints and sends it to a cloud-based detection and response (XDR) platform designed for processing for Vehicle Security Operation Center (VSOC) for cyber security threat analysis. By using threats intelligence collected from network and AI artificial intelligence and machine learning to build a comprehensive database. Based on the prototype vehicle data, it calculates the safety baseline. When the abnormality occurs, the data is immediately compared to the baseline to effectively improve the speed and accuracy of attack detection and help operators to respond quickly. It successfully strengthens the cyber security of vehicles after they are connected to the Internet and greatly reduces the time and labor costs for vehicle error diagnosis and software troubleshooting. VicOne collaborates with MIH Open EV Platform to build a safer vehicle development platform environment The core of the new-generation mobile experience is user-based. A secured vehicle development platform can help the electric vehicle industry focus on innovation, develop excellent applications and provide good user experiences. Max Cheng, CEO of VicOne said: "The electric vehicle market is growing larger with the security risks associated with fully networked vehicles getting more severe. We must assist supply chain partners to get ready as soon as possible. Using the data samples collected by the MIH Open EV Platform and integrating VicOne's rich industry experience on vehicles cyber security threats, we can develop a more accurate and mature data model to detect cyber threats in real-time and help security teams monitor cyber attack events and respond quickly. I believe that the secured RDS developed by VicOne will provide the industry with more real-time, convenient, and reliable cyber security diagnostic services for vehicles, which will help to build a more a safer electric vehicle industrial development environment in the future." MIH CEO Jack Cheng says: "MIH is committed to creating an open EV ecosystem and hopes to bring together strategic partners from various industries to achieve key technology development, thereby lowering the barrier to entry and accelerating the industry's growth. The collaboration with VicOne in secured RDS will provide the most worry-free maintenance environment for EV ecosystem members with comprehensive protection from deployment to maintenance and accelerate the transformation of the automotive industry together." As an automotive cybersecurity expert, VicOne is best provides forward-looking cyber security protection for automotive industry In the ever-changing cyber security challenges in the new era, electric vehicles must rely on a more complete cyber security protection solution. VicOne solutions can ensure driving safety by providing automotive cyber security protection solutions to car manufacturers and system suppliers with comprehensive cyber security protection from design, software update services, and security penetration testing, etc. Combined with the latest and most real-time automotive cyber security threat intelligence from Trend Micro, it covers 5 aspects, threat identification, detection, analysis, response, and recovery. Through a single integrated platform, Vehicle Security Operation Center can monitor, correlate, and visualize threats in a real-time and continuously strengthen the protection to vehicles. For more information on the VicOne Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform xNexus, please visit: https://www.vicone.com/en/xnexus About VicOne With a vision to secure the vehicles of tomorrow, VicOne delivers a broad portfolio of cybersecurity software and services for the automotive industry. Purpose-built to address the rigorous needs of automotive manufacturers, VicOne solutions are designed to secure and scale with the specialized demands of the modern vehicle. As a Trend Micro subsidiary, VicOne is powered by a solid foundation in cybersecurity drawn from Trend Micro's 30+ years in the industry, delivering unparalleled automotive protection and deep security insights that enable our customers to build secure as well as smart vehicles. For more information, visit www.vicone.com. SOURCE VicOne BIRMINGHAM, England, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Data Bridge Market research has a newly released expansive study titled "Vinyl Flooring Market" which guarantees you will remain better informed than your competition. This study provides a broader perspective of the marketplace with its comprehensive market insights and analysis which eases survival and success in the market. Market size estimates, market dynamics, company & market best practices, entry-level marketing strategies, positioning & segmentations, competitive landscaping, opportunity analysis, economic forecasting, industry-specific technology solutions, roadmap analysis, targeting key buying criteria, and in-depth benchmarking of vendor offerings are just some of the factors that went into the preparation of the Vinyl Flooring report. The Vinyl Flooring report details the CAGR and any swings it may experience throughout the specified anticipated time frame. Accordingly, the Vinyl Flooring report's comprehensive analysis of the market will undoubtedly boost sales and ROI. Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the vinyl flooring market was valued at USD 32.93 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 64.42 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 8.75% during the forecast period of 2022 to 2029. Get the Exclusive Sample of the Vinyl Flooring Market Report in PDF Version @https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-vinyl-flooring-market Market Synopsis: Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring which has made up from polyvinyl chloride plastic which is commonly known as PVC. The Small pieces of colored PVC are heated and then pressed into thin layers and convert into flexible sheets of vinyl that can be left as it is and then cut into planks and tiles. Vinyl flooring can be textured and colored to resemble a variety of materials including stone, wood, and ceramic. Vinyl flooring is often compared to laminate or linoleum flooring, but both laminate and linoleum flooring are composed of all-natural materials. Vinyl is entirely synthetic and thus more durable, cheaper, and easier to install. Vinyl flooring is a resilient flooring which is majorly used in the construction industry. This flooring material is fabricated from a combination of composites of synthetic and natural materials and limestone-based material like polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. This form of flooring is offers more moisture resistance, is easy to maintain, and is more durable than other flooring solutions. Vinyl flooring are used to increase aesthetics, interior looks, and comfort underfoot in several commercial and residential structures. However, the expansion of infrastructure in several industries like industrial automotive, healthcare, education, and the increase in homeowners and residential construction increase the market growth Opportunities for Players: Technological advancements such as self-adhesive flooring which introduce by manufacturers have benefited the growth of the industry during the past few years. Furthermore, growing investments by major manufacturers to deliver customized product solutions in different design patterns, colors, dimensions and textures are driving the product penetration in the construction industry. Rise in demand for luxury vinyl tiles in non-residential buildings, such as educational institutions, offices, hotels, and hospitals, is anticipated to drive the vinyl flooring Industry in the upcoming future. Some of the major players operating in the vinyl flooring market are: Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (US) CBC Group ( Singapore ) ) Congoleum (US) Mannington Mills, Inc (US) Mohawk Industries Inc, (US) Novalis Holdings (US) Tarkett ( France ) ) Beauflor ( Belgium Beaulieu International Group ( Belgium ) ) Fatra, a.s (Czechia) Interface, Inc. (US) C.I. TAKIRON Corporation ( Japan ) ) Responsive Industries Ltd. ( India ) ) James Halstead PLC (UK) Karndean. (US) alshareef.org ( Saudi Arabia ) ) AFI Licensing LLC (US) Forbo Group ( Switzerland ) ) Gerflor Group ( France ) ) Highmoon Home Furnitures Trading LLC (UAE) Nesma ( Saudi Arabia ) ) Polyflor Ltd. (UK) Toli Floor ( Japan ) Access Full PDF Research Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/checkout/buy/enterprise/global-vinyl-flooring-market Vinyl Flooring Market Drivers: Presence of Innovative Product The main innovation in the vinyl flooring region is the presence of multilayer flooring products. The multilayer flooring products for example, rigid core, wood plastic composite and other hybrid flooring options which has primarily made up of vinyl is enhancing the market. Multilayer flooring decreases the pre-installation subfloor manufacturing efforts and costs, and has greater resistance to temperature and humidity variation which reinforce the residential flooring. Increase the demand in various industry Emerging markets have a direct impact on the growth of the vinyl flooring market due to the global construction industry, because in this sector has the huge demand for vinyl flooring. The development of infrastructures in several sectors, such as industrial automotive, healthcare, education, and others and the development of homeowners and residential construction are expected to fuel the growth of the vinyl flooring market. Rise the demand in construction industry The high growth of the construction industry overall the globe is expected to drive the growth of the vinyl flooring market. There are some factors such as the growing non-residential and residential construction, maintenance and remodelling activities, enhanced aesthetic appearance and the high durability of these products are expected to drive the demand for vinyl flooring The investment made in the study would provide you access to information such as: Global Vinyl Flooring Market [Global Broken-down into regions] [Global Broken-down into regions] Regional level split [ North America , Europe , Asia Pacific , South America , and Middle East & Africa ] , , , , and & ] Country wise Market Size Split [of important countries with major market share] Market Share and Revenue/Sales by leading players Market Trends Emerging Technologies/products/start-ups, PESTEL Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Porter's Five Forces, etc. Market Size Market Size by application/industry verticals Market Projections/Forecast Segmentation Covered: Vinyl Flooring Market By Product Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) Vinyl Sheets and Vinyl Composite Tile By Format Sheet Plank Tile By End User Residential Healthcare Retail Education Sport Hospitality Offices Industrial Automotive Browse More about this report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-vinyl-flooring-market Vinyl Flooring Market Regional Analysis/Insights The vinyl flooring market is analyzed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, products, format and end-user as referenced above. The countries covered in the vinyl flooring 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. During the forecast period, Asia-Pacific dominates the vinyl flooring market in terms of revenue and market share. This is due to the growing demand for vinyl flooring in this region. The Asia-Pacific region leads the vinyl flooring market due to the increasing number of construction activities and fluctuating consumer preferences and augmenting the aesthetics of the property in this region. During the projected period, North America is anticipated to be the fastest developing region due to the development of the construction sector in this region. Vinyl Flooring Key Benefits over Global Competitors: The report provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Vinyl Flooring Market trends , forecasts, and market size to determine new opportunities. , forecasts, and market size to determine new 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 market player positioning segment provides an understanding of the current position of the market players active in the Vinyl Flooring Market. Table of Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Market Segmentation 3. Executive Summary 4. Premium Insights 5. Global Vinyl Flooring Market: Regulations 6. Market Overview 7. Global Vinyl Flooring Market, By Product 8. Global Vinyl Flooring Market, By Format 9. Global Vinyl Flooring Market, By End User 10. Global Vinyl Flooring Market: Company Landscape 11. SWOT Analyses 12. Company Profile 13. Questionnaires 14. Related Reports For More Insights Get Full Table of Contents @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-vinyl-flooring-market Explore More Reports: Vinyl Acetate Emulsions Market, By Type (Commonality VAE Emulsion, Waterproof VAE Emulsion) Applications (Coatings, Wood Glues, Adhesives, Others) , End User (Wood, Textile, Paperboard & Packaging, Building & Construction, Paints & Coatings, Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Rest of the Middle East and Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-vinyl-acetate-emulsions-market Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Membrane Market, By Type (Hydrophobic PVDF Membrane, Hydrophilic PVDF Membrane), Technology (Nano filtration, Ultrafiltration, Microfiltration), Application (General Filtration, Sample Preparation, Bead-Based Assays, Others), End User (Biopharmaceutical, Industrial, Food & Beverage, Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-polyvinylidene-fluoride-market Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Films Market, By Type (Water-Soluble Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Films, Polarizer Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Films and Others), Application (Automotive, Building and Construction, Electronics, Medical, Aerospace and Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia And New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, South Africa, And Rest Of Middle East and Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-polyvinyl-alcohol-pva-films-market Vinyls Market, By Types (Vinyl Acetate, Vinyl Alcohol, Vinyl Chloride, Others), End User Industries (Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Healthcare, Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-vinyls-market Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Compound Market, By Product Type (Rigid Product, Flexible Product), Type (Non-Plasticized PVC, Plasticized PVC), Compound (Dry PVC Compound, Wet PVC Compound), Manufacturing Process (Injection Molding, Extrusion, Others), Raw Material (PVC Resin, Plasticizers, Stabilizers, Lubricants, Fillers, Functional Additives, Alloying Polymers), Application (Pipes and Fittings, Film and Sheets, Wire and Cables, Bottles, Profiles, Hoses, Tubing, Others), End User (Medical, Building and Construction, Packaging, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Electrical and Electronics, Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-pvc-compound-market Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) Market, By Raw Material (Ethylene, Chlorine, Oxygen, Others), Application (PVC and Copolymer Resins), End User (Building and Construction, Healthcare, Agriculture, Electrical and Electronics, Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-vinyl-chloride-monomer-vcm-market Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Market, By Product Type (Rigid PVC, Flexible PVC, Low-Smoke PVC and Chlorinated PVC), Stabilizer Type (Calcium-based Stabilizers, Lead-based Stabilizers, Tin-based Stabilizers, Barium Based Stabilizers and Others), Application (Pipes and Fittings, Film and Sheets, Wire and Cables, Bottles, Profiles, Hoses and Tubing and Others), End-User (Building and Construction, Automotive, Electrical and Electronics, Packaging, Footwear, Healthcare and Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-polyvinyl-chloride-pvc-market Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Paste Resin Market By Manufacturing Process (Micro-Suspension Process, Emulsion Process), Grade (High K-value Grade, Mid K-value Grade, Low K-value Grade, Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Grade, Blend Resin Grade), Application (Automotive, Construction, Electrical and Electronics, Medical and Healthcare, Packaging, Others), Country (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-pvc-paste-resin-market North America Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Compound Market, By Product (Rigid Product, Flexible Product), Type (Non-Plasticized PVC, Plasticized PVC), Compound (Dry PVC Compound, Wet PVC Compound), Manufacturing Process (Injection Molding, Extrusion, Others), Application (Pipe and Fitting, Profiles and Tubes, Wire and Cable, Film and Sheet, Others), Raw Material (PVC Resin, Plasticizers, Stabilizers, Lubricants, Fillers, Functional Additives, Alloying Polymers), End User (Medical, Building and Construction, Packaging, Automotive, Consumer Goods, Electrical and Electronics, Others) https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/north-america-pvc-compound-market About Data Bridge Market Research: Data Bridge Market Research is a multinational management consulting firm with offices in India and Canada. As an innovative and neoteric market analysis and advisory company with unmatched durability levels and advanced approaches. We are committed to uncovering the best consumer prospects and fostering useful knowledge for your company to succeed in the market. Data Bridge Market Research is a result of sheer wisdom and practice that was conceived and built-in Pune in the year 2015. The company came into existence from the healthcare department with far fewer employees intending to cover the whole market while providing the best class analysis. Later, the company widened its departments, as well as expanded its reach by opening a new office in the Gurugram location in the year 2018, where a team of highly qualified personnel joins hands for the growth of the company. "Even in the tough times of COVID-19 where the Virus slowed down everything around the world, the dedicated team of Data Bridge Market Research worked round the clock to provide quality and support to our client base, which also tells about the excellence in our sleeve." We provide a variety of services such as market verified industry reports, technology trend analysis, Formative market research, strategic consulting, vendor analysis, production and demand analysis, and consumer impact studies among many others. 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 Visier continues its growth journey with investments in new geographies, partnerships and another technology acquisition VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Visier, the globally recognized leader in people analytics and workforce solutions for people-powered business, today announced highlights from the third quarter of its fiscal year, which ended October 31, 2022. Most notably, Visier completed its second acquisition of 2022, with the asset acquisition of Boostrs. "This quarter has been wildly productive for Visier," said Ryan Wong, co-founder and CEO of Visier. "As the market matures and people analytics becomes a must-have for every organization, we've invested across pretty much every dimension, organically and inorganically. I'm really excited about our acquisition of Boostrs, and our continued innovation across the entire business. It's an energetic time for the Visier community." Highlights from Visier's Q3 include: Market Momentum Company Achievements Visier announced the appointment of Terrence Yong as the new VP and General Manager for APAC. This is the first executive appointment in the Asia-Pacific region and a key leadership role for APAC expansion plans. as the new VP and General Manager for APAC. This is the first executive appointment in the region and a key leadership role for APAC expansion plans. Visier expanded its Visier NOW portfolio to include a new solution focused on managing return to office and hybrid work scenarios. This solution helps organizations track, measure and report on one of the most relevant and vexing workforce challenges facing organizations today. Leadership Momentum Visier sponsored a new report by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services on the business value of analytics. This report showcases the business value people analytics can bring to business leaders, and the broader business case for distributing analytics beyond the HR function. Visier released its annual Workforce Trends report. The 2023 report showcases the ten trends expected to make the most significant impact on business performance in the coming years, and how people data can be utilized to create more effective business decisions. Visier launched a new survey focused on measuring the trust employees currently experience with their employers, and how organizations can leverage trust to build stronger relationships with their teams. More information about Visier can be found at www.visier.com. About Visier Visier is the recognized global leader in people analytics, providing on-demand answers to people-powered businesses. Behind every great brand, product, or idea is the Human Truth, and the Visier People Cloud reveals the fundamental questions and actionable truths capable of elevating your employeesand your businessto new heights. Founded in 2010 by the pioneers of business intelligence, Visier has over 25,000 customers in 75 countries around the world, including enterprises like BASF, Bridgestone, Electronic Arts, McKesson, MerckKGaA, Uber, and more. Visier is headquartered in Vancouver, BC with offices and team members worldwide. For more information, visit www.visier.com. SOURCE Visier SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wavebridge has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KB Financial Group, a major South Korean financial holding firm, for a strategic partnership to jointly establish a digital asset ecosystem. Under the agreement, the two parties will seek close cooperation to enhance the global competitiveness of digital asset business sectors and work together to proactively respond to digital asset market environment changes, such as regulatory trends. Accordingly, Wavebridge will boost cooperation with several units of KB Financial Group. With KB Kookmin Bank, the banking subsidiary of the group, the two will drive progress in advancing KB's AI investment analysis platform, 'KB DAM (Digital Asset Management),' and interact in developing digital asset infrastructure based on Wavebridge's digital asset data expertise. Together with KB Securities, the two companies plan to expand the digital asset financial service segment by making digital asset index-based products and develop an asset management model for clients using algorithmic trading strategies. Also, they will jointly design a system that can protect investors from information asymmetry between organizations and customers. This effort includes publication of evaluation reports for major digital assets in a form of securities firm research paper to provide high-quality information to investors. Lastly, Wavebridge and KB Asset Management will join forces in strengthening their global business area through NEOS, Wavebridge's US-based asset manager. Through NEOS, they will promote the overseas listing of KB's ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and co-develop global digital asset products. "It is truly meaningful to team up with KB Financial Group to build a digital asset ecosystem and create a safe investment environment for investors. Wavebridge will continue to lead the domestic digital asset financial market, bringing a leap-forward innovation throughout the industry," said Oh Jong-wook, CEO of Wavebridge. SOURCE Wavebridge Web3 infrastructure provider that makes Web3 accessible To play a role in the WEMIX3.0 accessibility improvements and ecosystem expansion SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wemade signed a WEMIX node council partner deal with Ankr, a Web3 infrastructure provider, and welcomed it as a 40 WONDERS(WEMIX On-chain Network of Decentralized Ecosystem Regulators) member. Ankr, which selected 6 as their WEMIX3.0 NCP identification number, provides various services and aims to make Web3 accessible for everyone. Working to popularize blockchain technologies and improve user convenience, currently it handles an average of 8 billion blockchain requests daily for more than 50 blockchain networks. From PRC and API to SDK and liquid staking, Ankr offers a wide array of services. With the launch of Ankr Network2.0 this July, it is providing renewed decentralized offerings and services. With other NCPs that joined recently, Ankr will help build the blockchain infrastructure of WEMIX3.0, improving accessibility and expanding the ecosystem. SOURCE Wemade Co., Ltd Florida Supreme Court ordered Naples Investment Advisors Bill Beynon and Blaine Ferguson to pay legal fees as the Appellate Court Ruling against them is Upheld NAPLES, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Supreme Court recently ruled against Bill Beynon and Blaine Ferguson, longtime partners and co-founders of Capital Wealth Advisors Inc., by declining to accept jurisdiction over the Collier County case and awarding attorney's fees to the Plaintiff. The case is now expected to proceed to trial in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Beynon, one of the co-chairs of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is the CEO of Capital Wealth Advisors, Inc. Ferguson is the COO of Capital Wealth Advisors, Inc. In 2018, Capital Wealth Advisors, together with Beynon and Ferguson individually, were named as defendants in the multi-million-dollar lawsuit in Naples, Florida. The complaint alleges that a commission contract was executed with the Plaintiff to provide Beynon with access to a highly valuable network of carefully cultivated referral sources. Through this network, Beynon and his firm were introduced to ultra-high-net-worth clients. In turn, the defendants were to share commissions from life insurance premiums with the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff's complaint at hand stems from Capital Wealth Advisors, Inc. writing business with referrals through the Plaintiff's network of sources, but not reporting to and concealing this business from the Plaintiff. Per the contract, Plaintiff alleges it is owed multi-million-dollar commissions from the defendants. Beynon and Ferguson argued they are not required to share any commissions because they were personally compensated by the insurance carrier and Capital Wealth Advisors, Inc. never directly received any money. The legal argument shifted over time, and the defendants claim Capital Wealth Advisors, Inc. received all commissions, and therefore the individually named defendants should be removed from the suit. After years of legal maneuvering, the case has run through a gambit of Judges in the 20th Judicial Circuit, the 2nd Court of Appeals, and the Florida Supreme Court. The Florida Supreme Court remanded the case to the 20th Judicial Circuit Court, and a new Judge was recently assigned, with the parties awaiting a trial date. About Capital Wealth Advisors: Capital Wealth Advisors LLC specializes in providing leads and referral sources to insurance agencies and asset managers. The Company specializes in the areas of Life Insurance, Annuity, and Asset Management Related Business. The Company differentiates itself by specializing in very few highly targeted leads with a very limited number of counterparties. Capital Wealth Advisors is based in Naples, FL. Media Contact: Tiffany Cummins Talent Resources [email protected] 925-212-4200 SOURCE Capital Wealth Advisors The adoption of trendy cookware products, rise in commercial kitchens, cafes, and restaurants, and increase in residential and hospitality kitchens drive the growth of the global wok market. PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Wok Market by Material Type (Carbon Steel, Cast Iron, Aluminum), by Application (Household, Commercial), by Distribution Channel (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online sales channel): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031". According to the report, the global wok industry generated $1.7 billion in 2021, and is anticipated to generate $3.0 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 6.3% from 2022 to 2031. Prime determinants of growth The adoption of trendy cookware products, rise in commercial kitchens, cafes, and restaurants, and increase in residential and hospitality kitchens drive the growth of the global wok market. However,increasing concerns regarding Teflon coating restrict the market growth. Moreover, surge in penetration of online shopping present new opportunities in the coming years. Download Free Sample Report @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/17639 Covid-19 Scenario The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the global wok market, owing to temporary closure of wok manufacturing firms during the lockdown. Curfew implementation and the habit of maintaining social distance on a worldwide scale had an impact on domestic and foreign output, which in turn, hampered the market expansion. Not only the production but also the sale of wok was hampered due to closure of specialty stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets across the world, especially in the initial period of the pandemic. However, sales through e-commerce websites generated some revenue and helped the wok industry to recover from the loss. The carbon steel segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Based on material type, the carbon steelsegment held the highest market share in 2021, accounting for more than two-fifthsof the global wok market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.Carbon steel is simpler to lift and heat up faster because of its small weight. However, the cast ironsegment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 6.9% from 2022 to 2031. This is owing to growth in consumer knowledge of the advantages of cast iron cookware over coated and non-stick cookware in terms of health. Cast iron has a long lifespan and is chemical-free. It is good for one's health because cast iron cookware enriches meals with iron. This kind of cookware is robust, long-lasting, and simple to clean. The commercial segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Based on application, the commercialsegment held the highest market share in 2021, accounting for more than three-fifthsof the global wok market, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period.Commercial woks are widely used in the hospitality sector including restaurants, bars, cafes, and any other food market where people gather to socialize, eat, and drink.However, the household segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2031.This is due to the adoption of Chinese food among consumers, the growth in urbanization and migration of people from rural areas to urban cities, and a shift in consumer food preference. Inquire Before Buying -: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/17639 The Specialty Stores segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period Based on distribution channel, the specialty stores segment accounted for the largest share in 2021, contributing to more than one-third of the global wok market, and is projected to maintain its lead position during the forecast period. This is owing to availability of larger varieties of wok in specialty stores. In addition, these stores offer options such as discounts as well as benefits of immediate gratification, which results in growth of the wok market. However, the supermarkets & hypermarkets segment is expected to portray the largest CAGR of 7.3% from 2022 to 2031, owing to the availability of broad range of consumer goods under a single roof. Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2031 Based on region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2021, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the global wok market, and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. The use of novel and distinctive cookware for preparing various cuisines is a trend that has benefited the expansion of the wok market in this region. For instance, it is customary in India to use different cookware for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food products. However, the North America is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 7.1% from 2022 to 2031, due to an increase in television programs featuring food and recipes. Direct Purchase This [email protected] https://bit.ly/3WWApdd Leading Market Players: - Bajaj Electricals Ltd Zwilling J. A. Henckels TTK Prestige Limited Tramontina USA , Inc. , Inc. Scanpan A/S Calphalon Cuisinart Supor Target Brands, Inc. Lodge Cast Iron Trending Reports in Consumer Goods Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount): 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. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/reports-store/consumer-goods Follow Us on Blog: https://www.dailyreportsworld.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research South Africa: Commitments made at Climate Change Conference must be honoured President Cyril Ramaphosa has told world leaders at the United Nations climate talks that commitments made during climate change negotiations must be honoured. Delivering the country statement on Tuesday, the President said Africa needs to build adaptive capacity, foster resilience and address loss and damage, as agreed at Paris COP 21. The two-day Climate Implementation Summit attended by world leaders, kicked off the 27th United Nations climate change conference (COP27). The conference is hosted by Egypt, which holds the COP27 presidency. To achieve this, he said, the African continent will need a predictable, appropriate and at-scale funding stream and technological support. This must support the continents right to development, international equity and transitions that are just and inclusive, said Ramaphosa. This places a great responsibility on developed economies to honour their commitments to those countries with the greatest need and that confront the greatest environmental, social and economic effects of climate change. The commitments that were made must be honoured because failing to honor these commitments, breaks, trust and confidence in the process, the President said. Multilateral development banks must be reformed President Ramaphosa called for multilateral development banks to be reformed in order to meet the needs of developing economies for sustainable development and climate resilience. He emphasised that a clear roadmap is needed to deliver on the Glasgow decision to double adaptation financing by 2025. At present, multilateral support is out of reach of the majority of the worlds population due to lending policies that are risk averse and carry onerous costs and conditionalities. Our emphasis must be on the health, well-being and food and water security of the most vulnerable. At a national level, South Africa is fully committed to achieving the most ambitious end of the mitigation range in our updated Nationally Determined Contribution, the President said. The President highlighted that South Africa is guided by a Just Transition Framework and an Investment Plan that outlines the enormous scale and nature of investments needed to achieve its decarbonisation goals over the next five years. We are already scaling up investment in renewable energy, and are on course to retire several of our ageing coal-fired power plants by the end of 2030, the President said. Referring to the COP 26 held in Glasgow last year, the President said that France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union offered support in the form of a Just Energy Transition Partnership. It is our hope that this partnership will offer a ground-breaking approach to funding by developed countries for the ambitious but necessary mitigation and adaptation goals of developing countries. South Africa reiterates its support for the Egyptian Presidency and its confidence in the successful outcomes of COP 27, President Ramaphosa said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2022-11-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. United Nations, Nov 8 : The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution to designate November 18 every year as the World Day for the prevention of and healing from child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence. The resolution invites all member states, relevant organisations of the UN system and other international organisations, world leaders, faith actors, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders to commemorate this World Day each year in a manner that each considers most appropriate, Xinhua news agency reported. It encourages commitments to raising public awareness of those affected by child sexual abuse and the need to prevent and eliminate child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence, and the imperative to hold perpetrators to account; ensuring the access of survivors and victims to justice and remedies; as well as facilitating open discussion on the need to prevent and eliminate their stigmatisation, promote their healing, affirm their dignity and protect their rights. Dhaka, Nov 8 : Banglash's Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has announced that former military ruler Ziaur Rahman and others who were involved in the killing of freedom fighters in the name of 'November 7 revolution' will be tried on this soil. Chairing a discussion organised by 'Families of Martyred Freedom Fighters of the 7th November of 1975', freedom fighter and president of Asiatic Society Khondker Bazlul Huq said that the military ruler "hanged several thousands of freedom fighters illegally" during his period. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also implemented the verdicts of trial of war criminals' cases. I hope, those who killed the freedom fighters in the name of 7th November revolution will be tried on the Bangla soil," he said while speaking at the discussion at the Central Shaheed Minar. The Home Minister said the government implemented the verdict of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman murder case as valiant freedom fighters repeatedly demanded execution of Bangabandhu's killers. "We will also see that trials of the killers of freedom fighter soldiers on the soil of Bangla," he added. Kamal also said that "attempts were made to kill Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 20 times", but those attempts were failed. He said that those who also killed the four national leaders who led the country during the Liberation War in absence of Bangabandhu. "Killers of valiant freedom fighters must be brought to justice," he said, adding that an investigation committee is being formed for this. Lucknow, Nov 8 : The Lucknow Police Commissionerate has decided to appoint candidates with a good track record as special police officers (SPOs) for three years to assist cops in maintaining law and order during communal riots, managing traffic and in carrying out relief operations during emergency situations like earthquakes, floods and accidents. Zonal police officers will appoint SPOs in their respective areas and issue identity cards to them. These appointments will be for three years. Piyush Mordia, joint police commissioner, said that an SPO's appointment will be revoked, if he is found to be involved in any illegal activity. DCP (East) Prachi Singh, who has been made the nodal head for the strengthening of the SPOs in the state capital, said that the provision of SPOs has been taken from the Police Act of 1861. The SPO will be a person of repute and who has conducted good deeds and helped the public in distress or saved lives. "Briefing of SPOs will be done on how to gather information and intelligence, keep an eye on the special criminal incidents and also assist traffic movement" she said. "List of names, addresses and mobile numbers of each SPO in the police station will be pasted," said the DCP. They will also collect information regarding gambling rackets, illegal liquor stores, if any, illegal slaughter of animals. The officer also said that issues of land disputes and love affairs in which incidents of murder have happened or might happen must also be reported to the police stations. Singh said that until now in Lucknow, SPOs had a very limited role and that was to maintain law and order while their IDs were also not renewed, and they remained under the SHO/SO of their areas. "During times of festivals coinciding, like Muharram and Durga Puja, SPOs were appointed for a temporary period in Lucknow," said the DCP. However, from now on, in Lucknow, an officer of the DCP-rank will issue ID cards to the SPOs. Candidates willing to bear the responsibility of SPO will have to fill a form and submit the same at their respective police stations. The SPOs will be appointed only after verification at various levels, added Singh. Station house officers will have to seek advice of SPOs to ensure peace on festive occasions. Dhaka, Nov 8 : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has virtually opened 100 bridges in 25 districts at a time. Terming the inauguration as a historic event, she said that the bridges would help quicken the country's overall development. She virtually opened the bridges built at a cost of over Tk 879 crore on Monday from her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka. These bridges establish direct road connectivity with the capital. Making 33 routes free from ferry services, the bridges will "make road communication smooth, quicker, easier, and safer". Of the bridges, 46 are in Chattogram division, 17 in Sylhet division, 14 in Barishal division, seven each in Dhaka and Rajshahi division, six in Mymensingh division, and three in Rangpur division. A video documentary on the bridges was also screened on occasion. The premier mentioned that the bridges would help law enforcement agencies take prompt measures to ensure public security and maintain law and order. "It will be easier to help people in any disaster," she said, adding that the transportation and marketing of the goods would be quicker and easier. While exchanging views with the beneficiaries, the Prime Minister asked all to show austerity in using electricity and gas and take measures to grow more food so the global crisis stemming from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war could not hit the country's economy hard. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Sharm El-sheikh : , Nov 8 (IANS) In his first international appearance since taking office, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that "climate security goes hand in hand with energy security" and that the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising energy prices are reasons to act faster to tackle climate change. He made the remarks on Monday while addressing the 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Egypt's coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh. "Climate security goes hand in hand with energy security. (Russian President Vladimir) 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," he said. "Diversifying our energy supplies by investing in renewables is precisely the way to insure ourselves against the risks of energy dependency." The Prime Minister further said that when the UK began it COP Presidency, "just one third of the global economy was signed up to net zero... Today it's 90 per cent". "And for our part, the UK which was the first major economy in the world to legislate for net zero will fulfil our ambitious commitment to reduce emissions by at least 68 per cent by 2030," Sunak said. Leaders from 120 countries are meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh to discuss next steps in curbing climate change. Key topics are compensation and support for the most-affected countries, the BBC reported. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is also in attendance, said countries should not "go weak and wobbly" on climate action. In their addresses, world leaders urged rich countries to stay the course in stopping further climate change, despite the war in Ukraine and global financial problems. While UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "we are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator", former US Vice President Al Gore said nations must "stop subsiding the culture of death" of fossil fuels. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said switching to renewable energy was "a security policy imperative", while Italy's new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her country remained "strongly committed" to its climate goals. French President Emmanuel Macron urged world leaders to deliver climate justice. COP27 opened on Sunday with a warning from the UN that our planet is "sending a distress signal". Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War San Francisco, Nov 8 : Twitter has told advertisers that its daily user growth has hit an "all-time high" after Elon Musk's takeover last week, as several advertisers leave the platform amid internal chaos. According to a company document obtained by The Verge, Twitter's monetisable daily user (mDAU) growth has accelerated to more than 20 per cent after Musk takeover. "Twitter's largest market, the US, is growing even more quickly," according to the document. As per the report, Twitter has added more than 15 million mDAUs, "crossing the quarter billion mark". Twitter last reported 237.8 million mDAUs and a 16.6 per cent annual growth for its second quarter. Image Source: IANS Elon Musk.(photo:IANS TWitter) The Twitter FAQ for advertisers said that "levels of hate speech remain within historical norms, representing 0.25 per cent to 0.45 per cent of tweets per day among hundreds of millions." Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Group joined several other companies in pausing their spending on Twitter, out of concerns that their ads could appear alongside problematic content. Danish brewing company Carlsberg Group also said it had advised its marketing teams to do the same, according to reports. United Airlines has also suspended advertising on Twitter. Musk said last week that Twitter has seen a massive drop in revenue as activist groups were putting undue pressure on its advertisers. In a tweet, the new Twitter CEO said these activist groups are destroying 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," Musk said in a tweet. "Extremely messed up! They're trying to destroy free speech in America," he added. The company lost $270 million in the April-June period after revenue slipped 1 per cent to $1.18 billion, reflecting advertising industry headwinds. Advertising revenue was $1.08 billion while subscription and other revenue totalled $101 million, a decrease of 27 per cent year-over-year, -- Syndicated from IANS Washington, Nov 8 : The US authorities have seized around 50,676 Bitcoin worth $3.36 billion stored in a circuit board hidden in the bottom of a popcorn tin in a bathroom closet. The 32-year-old James Zhong from Georgia fraudulently obtained the Bitcoin from The Silk Road -- a site on the dark web once called "the Amazon of drugs" -- in 2012. Zhong has now pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud in September 2012, when he unlawfully obtained over 50,000 Bitcoin from the Silk Road dark web internet marketplace, the US Department of Justice said in a statement late on Monday. "Zhong committed wire fraud over a decade ago when he stole approximately 50,000 Bitcoin from the Silk Road. For almost 10 years, the whereabouts of this massive chunk of missing Bitcoin had ballooned into an over $3.3 billion mystery," said US Attorney Damian Williams. Thanks to state-of-the-art cryptocurrency tracing and good old-fashioned police work, law enforcement located and recovered this impressive cache of crime proceeds. "This case shows that we won't stop following the money, no matter how expertly hidden, even to a circuit board in the bottom of a popcorn tin," he said. In operation from approximately 2011 until 2013, Silk Road was used by numerous drug dealers and other unlawful vendors to distribute massive quantities of illegal drugs and other illicit goods and services to many buyers and to launder all funds passing through it. In 2015, following a groundbreaking prosecution by the US authorities, Silk Road's founder Ross Ulbricht was convicted by a unanimous jury and sentenced to life in prison. Zhong funded the fraud accounts with an initial deposit of between 200 and 2,000 Bitcoin. After the initial deposit, he then quickly executed a series of withdrawals. Through his scheme to defraud, he was able to withdraw many times more Bitcoin out of the Silk Road than he had deposited in the first instance. He now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Bengaluru, Nov 8 : A female therapist here committed suicide after her lover blackmailed her over their private videos, police said on Tuesday. Chamundeshwari, 35, had made a video where she narrated her ordeal. The police said they recovered the video made by the deceased before committing suicide last week. Chamundeshwari's husband had filed the complaint following which the police lodged an FIR against one Mallikarjun from Andhra Pradesh. According to police, the victim worked at a beauty parlour. Mallikarjun from Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh got introduced to her six months ago. Both developed an intimate relationship. However, the accused started blackmailing her for money and demanded Rs 2 lakh from her. He threatened her that if she did not give him the money, he would upload all their videos and photos on social media. Chamundeshwari in her video wished her lover turned blackmailer good luck in life and asked him not to trouble any women in future. She sent this video to Mallikarjun as well. The police found an exchange of WhatsApp calls between them. The case of abetment to suicide had been registered against the accused and police have launched hunt for Mallikarjun. New York, Nov 8 : Amid speculation in the US about India's peacemaking role in Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishnakar was in Moscow for meetings with Russian officials, while Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra held talks with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Washington. The conflict figured in the Washington talks on Monday and Sherman "underscored the US commitment to the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal war of aggression" in her meeting with Kwatra, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout of their meeting. In a tweet, Sherman said she had a "great meeting" meeting with Kwatra to discuss US-India "relations and advance our security and regional cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific region and the world". Price said: "The two reaffirmed our shared commitment to democratic principles, regional security and prosperity, and strengthening people-to-people ties." They "discussed the wide range of issues on which the US and India are working together as strategic partners, including our economic and security cooperation", he added. "They also discussed ways to improve regional and multilateral coordination, including via the Quad partnership in the Indo-Pacific region." The Quad is the group made up of India, the US, Japan and Australia. Meanwhile, Jaishankar landed in Moscow on Monday and was scheduled to meet with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who holds the foreign trade portfolio. There has been speculation in an influential US media that India may be able to play a role in ending the war in Ukraine as it "is increasingly viewed as a potential peacemaker with access to both sides". The New York Times, which often has an insight into US government thinking, referred to Jaishankar's Moscow trip and reported on Sunday: "Diplomats and foreign-policy experts are watching closely to see if India can use its unique leverage as one of the world's largest countries that is a friend to both East and West to press Russia to end its war in Ukraine." The newspaper said that there was "widespread belief" that if there was a stalemate in the fighting or if the energy crisis hit Europe hard, a ceasefire or a negotiated settlement could become possible. "That could open up a role for an enterprising neutral country or some small group of them to try to broker peace," it said. "Officials within the Indian government have already been discussing what role India might play in peacemaking efforts when the time is right." The Times also said that diplomats, whom it did not identify, have floated "a joint mediation effort led by India, Israel and the United Arab Emirates". "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," it said. Unusually, the Times article did not include the newspaper's standard criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "Hindu nationalist" or authoritarian and marked a turnaround from a critical story a day earlier that had accused Modi of being part of "a handful of powerful world leaders rallied around Russia and undercut global cooperation" against climate change. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is scheduled to visit India for the US-India Economic and Financial Partnership meeting on Thursday. These meetings are taking place ahead of the G20 Summit in Bali at which India will assume the presidency of the group of major developed and emerging economies. This will enhance India's role in international affairs at a time when the world economy and international relations are in disarray. One of the tasks ahead for India will be managing Russia's participation in the G20 amid opposition from the Western Countries, which will not be able to disinvite that country as they had from what was the G8, shrinking it to the G7, the group of large, democratic economies. While Washington gives Ukraine all-out diplomatic, financial and armament support, New Delhi has taken a more neutral stance, refusing to join the Western countries in condemning Moscow's invasion. India has been under pressure from the US and Western countries to join them in condemning Russia and cut its trade links, but lately, Washington appears resigned to New Delhi's position, which also has an understated element of support for Ukraine. "We are on the side that respects the UN Charter and its founding principles," Jaishankar said at the UN in September, while Modi told Russia's President Vladimir Putin firmly that "now is not a time for war". US officials have referred to Jaishankar's statement as evidence that India was not entirely on Russia's side. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Frankfurt, Nov 8 : The digital euro is inching closer to becoming a reality, with the European Commission (EC) preparing a legislative proposal and raising awareness on the matter, European Union (EU) officials have said. The conference, held by the EC and the European Central Bank (ECB) in Brussels, focuses on the legislative framework for the digital euro, reports Xinhua news agency. "The European Commission has been working together with the ECB to respond to the growing demand for online payments," Valdis Dombrovskis, EC executive vice-president, said at the conference. "European societies and economies are turning digital quickly," said Dombrovskis, "this is why we have been discussing a digital euro for some time -- with the ECB, public authorities and the private sector". The proposal on a digital euro for the EU is scheduled to be adopted in the first quarter of 2023, the EC has said on its website. It's necessary for an "efficient and secure payment system in the digital age", said ECB President Christine Lagarde at the conference, adding that it would also assist in building trust in the monetary system and encouraging innovation. The digital euro was intended to complement the cash currency, not replace it, and aimed to ensure a fast and secure form of payment, Lagarde added. The digital currency would be based on a European infrastructure, and therefore strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy, she added. Toronto, Nov 8 : To address acute labour shortages in its healthcare sector, Newfoundland and Labrador will set up a recruitment office in Bengaluru to bring internationally trained and registered nurses to the Canadian province. "There's still, you know, an incredible need for nurses here, and if you look at the demographics it's only going to get worse," Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said addressing a news conference last week. "Our government and dedicated partners are taking bold action to address the staffing issues facing the healthcare system in our province, as we compete with other jurisdictions to attract and retain health care professionals at this critical time," Furey said. The recruiting team will meet graduate nurses who have the academic credentials to qualify for licenses in Canada. According to local media reports, nurses are struggling with burnout due to overtime, and more than 600 jobs lie vacant. The nurses' union in the province says 40 per cent of its members are facing 24-hour shifts and high rates of workplace injury and violence. They say they'll leave the profession if conditions don't improve. Furey said they chose Karnataka as it has more than 100 nursing schools with training similar to Newfoundland and Labrador's. Immigration Minister Gerry Byrne told reporters that the recruitment effort will be modelled after the province's satellite office in Poland, which was set up to attract Ukrainians fleeing Russian attacks. According to Statistics Canada, the province experienced the least growth via immigration in Atlantic Canada from 2016 to 2021, and welcomed only 0.3 per cent of all landed immigrants in Canada in that period. More than 1.3 million new immigrants settled permanently in Canada between 2016 and 2021, but less than 4,000 of those immigrants settled in Newfoundland and Labrador. Meanwhile in India, government data shows a sharp rise in the demand for Indian nurses post Covid from several countries like Ireland, Malta, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, the UK, and Belgium. After the Philippines, India ranks second in the number of nurses working abroad for brighter job opportunities, better salaries, and other benefits. Sharm El-sheikh : , Nov 8 (IANS) The members of the European Parliament will vote on the financial leg of 'REPowerEU' on Wednesday, a policy to ensure security of energy supply and a transition to renewable energies in reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The initial European Commission proposal would allow practically any fossil fuel investments under the guise of "guaranteeing the short-term security of supply". The European Parliament's amended text did insert safeguards to this initial proposal, but would still allow extensive fossil gas investments, notably new LNG infrastructure. Ironically coinciding with the Finance Day at COP27 in Egypt, this loophole would be in stark contradiction to the imperative to end all fossil fuel subsidies as soon as possible. A positive vote to the legislative proposal's provision to allow for more fossil gas investments in Plenary on Wednesday would be a significant backtrack in terms of reducing the scope for fossil fuel subsidies through the EU funds. Investments could allow new fossil gas infrastructure, most notably for LNG, which the current finance EU funds rules don't allow or only partially allow. The safeguards introduced by the European Parliament are tighter, as the initial Commission proposal would have allowed any oil and gas investments, but remains a very negative development for decarbonising the energy system. It is also unnecessary from an energy security standpoint. The EU should also be weaning itself off fossil fuel imports, to avoid incentivising partner countries to invest in fossil gas and LNG, to avoid new fossil fueled wars and to curb climate change. Among other studies, CAN Europe's recent briefing based on the Paris Agreement Compatible Scenario demonstrates that it is possible to wean off Russian gas in only four years, without additional gas imports from elsewhere, with more ambitious action to curb energy demand, ramp up sustainable renewables and roll out flexibility options. Fossil fuel subsidies tend to be orbiting key issues in the UN Climate Talks. After last year's announcements at COP26 in Glasgow, with countries committing to speed up the phaseout of fossil fuel subsidies and reduce the use of coal, this year's COP27 should add pressure for countries to phase out all fossil fuels and end subsidies, precisely because of the current fossil fueled war. Nevertheless, the 'REPowerEU' financial proposal would wipe out the EU's credibility in the fight against climate change, its commitments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies by 2025, more so in the post-Russian invasion of Ukraine context, which made more evident than ever the need to move away from fossil fuels and their imports. The European Parliament resolution is key ahead of trilogue negotiations between the EU Council, Parliament and the Commission, that are expected to kick off after the Parliament's plenary vote. Also on Wednesday, the European Commission will issue a communication on the Fiscal Reform, which is expected to propose loosening the noose on highly-indebted member states giving them more time to reduce their public debt. This is necessary to avoid imminent cuts in public spending on climate action, energy transition, health or education. However, the proposal may not pay enough attention to the quality of public spending, i.e., the need to make sure that additional fiscal space goes together with a termination of bad public spending such as fossil fuel subsidies, or investments harming nature and climate. A good investment should not be generating GDP growth, but rather strengthen the resilience of the EU economies and societies to future shocks by delivering on climate action and social justice. Hyderabad, Nov 8 : A police constable was critically injured when his rifle went off in Telangana's Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district on Tuesday. The incident occurred in Koutala police station when constable Sura Rajini Kumar was on sentry duty. The bullet pierced through the constable's jaw. He was shifted to a hospital in Karimnagar where he was battling for life. Police were investigating to find out if he shot himself to end his life or the rifle went off accidentally. According to police, the personnel on duty in the station heard gunshots around 5 a.m. They rushed out and saw the constable on sentry duty lying in a pool of blood. He was taken to a private hospital in Kaghaznagar, but when his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to Karimnagar. A native of Batwanpalli village of Mancherial district, the constable was from 13th Battalion of Telangana State Special Police. This is the third incident of misfire in erstwhile Adilabad district during the last two years. On June 7, 2020, a security guard was injured when his rifle went off while discharging duties in the camp office of Nirmal district collector. In February, 2020, a police constable was injured as his gun misfired when he was cleaning it in the Tiryani police station in Adilabad district. Islamabad, Nov 8 : Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was targeted during his long march in Wazirabad last week because the attacker said he was too "pro-Israel", according to an Israeli media report. According to the report in Israel's Haaretz newspaper, Khan is "hardly the first Pakistani leader to endorse venomous narratives for political gains". "He used violence to promote his politics. He harmed parliamentary supremacy, supported attacks on civilian leaders and widened the scope of blasphemy laws. When he was ousted he created confusion through conspiracy theories. When a Pakistani group visited Israel in May, Khan regurgitated the same antisemitic allegations that had been used against him, referencing the new government's movement towards recognizing the Jewish state," The News quoted the Haaretz report as saying. Pakistan reportedly inched closer to its formalisation of ties with the Jewish state and much of the progress on that front happened on Khan's watch while he was in government, the newspaper added. In October 2018, two months into the Imran Khan-led government taking over, the local media was brimming with claims that Israel's then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had visited Pakistan, The News reported. Next year, a meeting with George Soros over potential developmental reforms in Pakistan, rekindled the antisemitic conspiracy theories against Khan, rooted in his first marriage to Jemima Goldsmith. The Haaretz report said the prospect of official ties between the two countries moved in synchrony with the efforts towards the Abraham Accords in 2020. By 2021, Khan's closest aides were issuing clarifications over their own reported visits to Israel. PTI sources have however claimed that the Israeli news report was baseless. Kolkata, Nov 8 : The special task force (STF) of Kolkata Police has foiled an attempt to set up a new Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) module in the Mathurapur area in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district after the arrests made since November 5. Kolkata Police on Monday said that its special task force (STF) had arrested two linkmen of Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) from Mathurapur during the last 48 hours. With these arrests, the total number of AQIS or linkmen arrested by the STF during the last four months has reached eight. Apart from that in September, the STF sleuths also arrested a suspected spy of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), from Kalimpong, the hill resort city in the northern sector of West Bengal. City police sources said both the arrested linkmen -- Azizul Haque and Maniruddin Khan -- were educated. While Azizul Haque is a teacher by profession, Maniruddin Khan is a third-year student of history with Barasat College. Both were known in their respective localities as extremely soft-spoken and decent persons. Khan also used to take private tuitions from Haque. According to city police sources, following the interrogation of the two arrested persons, the STF developed a clear idea of their style of functioning to create a new module in the Mathurapur area. The duo drew the attention of the sleuths of STF after the cyber experts of the city police tracked some of their social media posts that clearly were anti- national. After interrogating the duo, the sleuths came to know that the two used to hunt fresh brains for the AQUIS module through social media only. In this case their targets were mainly youths from the minority dominated pockets from South 24 Parganas district. After identifying the targets, the duo used to brainwash them by showing them different jihadi related videos as well alleged oppression against the people of a particular community globally. "The duo, especially Haque, through eloquent interactive style, made attempts to brainwash youths in the area," a city police official said. At the same time, Maniruddin Khan was also responsible for arranging for fake Indian identity cards, mobile SIM cards, bank accounts and providing similar logistics support for AQIS activists coming from Bangladesh. He also acted as fund-raiser for the outfit. The STF sleuths, through interrogation, were trying to go deeper in the module that Azizul Haque and Maniruddin Khan represented to track their higher level of leadership. Islamabad, Nov 8 : Pakistan's Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan has challenged former Prime Minister Imran Khan to prove that he received four bullet wounds during the assassination bid last week, saying that he will quit politics forever if he managed to do so. Khan was shot at and injured on November 3 when a suspect, standing in front of the container carrying the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief and senior party leaders, showered a volley of bullets with an automatic pistol, The Express Tribune reported. One person died in the incident, while several PTI leaders were injured. Immediately after the shooting, Khan was taken to the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (SKMCH) in Lahore. Dr Faisal Sultan, the chief executive officer of the hospital, said that the PTI chief was hit by four bullets to his leg. Rana Sanaullah however, said that the government is ready to be a part of the investigation of the attack on Imran. He demanded that a fair medical check-up be performed on the former premier by an impartial medical board for investigation and verification on whether he received four bullet wounds or not, The Express Tribune reported. The Interior Minister said that the army is a disciplined institute and no one can deviate from the official policy of the institution and if someone dares to do so, he or she will have to face the consequences. Regarding the extension of the army chief, he said that the statement of DG ISPR is sufficient. He said that the provincial government is instigating people to protest and the Punjab police are facilitating the protesters. "Imran Khan took three names because he wants anarchy in the country," said Rana Sanaullah, adding that using the judiciary and the Pakistan Army for politics is devastating for the country. "PTI has wasted enough time and it is too late for long march, however, the government is ready to receive them and had completed all arrangements by November 4." Chennai, Nov 8 : After a successful theatrical run in India, 'Last Film Show' ('Chhello Show'), India's official entry to the Oscars, has now been selected in the main competition at the 2022 Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. The film will compete with the best of Arab, Asian and African cinema at the second edition of the festival, which is being held from December 1 to December 10 in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The jury of this year's Red Sea Competition is being presided over by legendary Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone. Other titles in the competition include Omar Mouldouira's 'A Summer in Boujad' (Morocco), Mohamed Al Salman's 'Raven Song' (Saudi), Reza Jami's 'A Childless Village' (Iran), July Jung's 'Next Sohee' (South Korea) and more. In all, the 2022 Red Sea International Film Festival will showcase 131 feature and short films from 61 countries. Shekhar Kapur's 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' will be the Opening Night film on December 1. The festival's closing film is the world premiere of 'Valley Road' by Saudi writer-director Khaled Fahd. Directed by Pan Nalin, 'Last Film Show' ('Chhello Show') is a Gujarati-language coming-of-age drama about a nine-year-old boy, Samay (Bhavin Rabari), who's ensnared by the magic of cinema and sets forth to fulfill his 35mm celluloid dreams. The film has been selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 95th Academy Awards in 2023. Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, Producer Dheer Momaya and Director Pan Nalin in a joint statement said, "We are elated that our film 'Last Film Show' is in competition at 2022 Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. Following its maiden edition last year, the festival has come to represent the best of Arab, Asian and international cinema. We are thrilled and honoured to join an eclectic lineup of films that reflects the cultural diversity of the global south." Sanaa, Nov 8 : Several explosions rocked a weapons warehouse owned by Yemen's government forces in the country's northeastern oil-rich province of Marib, a security official said. On Monday night, the blasts rocked the warehouse near a densely populated neighbourhood, "igniting fires and forcing the evacuation of several families living in the area", the official told Xinhua news agency. He 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 ceasefire failed to be renewed on October 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 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. Bengaluru, Nov 8 : The Congress seems to be in damage control mode over Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Secretary Satish Jarkiholi's controversial remark that the word "Hindu" is of Persian origin and has a "dirty" meaning. Though Jarkiholi clarified that he did not want to hurt the feelings of followers of any religion, he maintained that he said nothing wrong. "We should rise above caste and religion. It is not appropriate to glorify anything related to Hinduism," he stated. Even as Congress apologised and distanced itself from the controversial remark, Hindu organisations on Tuesday continued to slam Jarkiholi for his comments. The Congress, which is hoping to come back to power in the upcoming Assembly elections which will be held in less than six months, is concerned over the development, sources said. Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala has clarified that Hinduism is a way of life and a civilisational reality. "Congress built our nation to respect every religion, belief and faith. This is the essence of India," he added. "The statement attributed to Jarkiholi is deeply unfortunate and deserves to be rejected. We condemn it unequivocally," he added. Meanwhile, Jarkiholi has released a video and clarified that he had not insulted any religion or language. "It is true that I mentioned that the word "Hindu" has Persian origin. I have demanded complete discussion on it," he said. "There are records available to show that the word Hindu has different meanings. I have stressed on it," the Congress leader stated. "There is debate over comments on one word all over the media in the country. I am clarifying on the matter. It was not the statement of Satish Jarkiholi. Thousands of similar speeches are given every day. Only my statement is highlighted," he said. "I am carrying out my work by exceeding the boundaries of Hindu, Persian, Islam, Jain and Buddhism. We should grow above caste and religion. Nothing wrong in what I said in this backdrop," he explained. There are hundreds of records regarding Persian words coming here, Jarkiholi said, adding that the news is being discussed the way Ukraine and Russia war is neing talked about. It is incorrect to sensationalise things when it comes to matters regarding Hinduism. When Hindus get killed, they get special attention. But at the same time if Dalits get killed, it gets ignored. One should listen to the speech of late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Hindu religion. Hindu religion is described as a way of life. The Supreme Court has also stated the same, he maintained. "I do not want to insult anyone. All religions are equal to me. I don't believe in caste and religion. I maintain distance from them. The debate over this matter will not benefit anyone. If the media still continues the debate over the issue, I will file a defamation case. I only sought debate over the word 'Persian'. I have not insulted any religion or language and it was not mine, I have quoted Wikipedia," he said. Seoul, Nov 8 : South Korea and the US on Tuesday discussed the impacts of Washington's restrictions on exports of advanced semiconductor equipment to China and ways to resolve related uncertainties in the industry, Seoul's industry ministry said. The discussions were made during the inaugural working group meeting on dual-use export controls under the Korea-U.S. Supply Chain and Commercial Dialogue (SCCD), according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The meeting took place in Seoul and brought together Moon Dong-min, Seoul's deputy minister for trade and investment, and Thea Kendler, U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for export administration, it said. The SCCD platform was launched in May in an effort to facilitate closer bilateral collaboration on supply chain resilience, export controls, health care technology and the digital economy, reports Yonhap news agency. During the meeting, the two sides checked the implementation of their ban on exports to Russia of strategic materials over its invasion of Ukraine, and shared the respective nation's regulations and measures regarding export restrictions of dual-use items, according to the ministry. "They also exchanged opinions on the impact that the U.S.' measures to bar chip exports to China would have on South Korean industries, as well as ways to address uncertainties stemming from the move," the ministry said in a release. Last month, the Joe Biden administration announced a set of measures that cut China off from certain semiconductor chips made with U.S. equipment in an apparent bid to slow Beijing's technological and military advances. The move sparked fears of disrupting operations of the South Korean chip giants in China, as they must undergo a case-by-case review by Washington to sell advanced chips to China, though South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. and SK hynix Inc. were temporarily exempted from the measures and are allowed to continue normal production activities in China for one year. "The two sides agreed to hold the working group talks on export restrictions on a regular basis, and to devise plans on detailed goals and a time frame," the ministry said. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Caracas, Nov 8 : Venezuela and Colombia have resumed flights for the first time in two years as the neighbouring nations continue to improve their ties and promote economic and trade cooperation. The flight on Monday by Turpial Airlines from Caracas to Bogota is the first one since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in early 2020, reports Xinhua news agency. Another flight is scheduled from Bogota to Caracas on Wednesday. Monday's development almost a week after the Presidents of the two country's met on November 1. This was the first visit by a Colombian head of state to Venezuela since 2016. Caracas severed diplomatic relations with Bogota on February 23, 2019 after the government of then Colombian President Ivan Duque recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's acting president. Duque had also accused Venezuela of backing rebel groups operating along the countries' 2,200 km shared border. After Gustavo Petro succeeded Duque in August this year, he signaled a shift in foreign policy towards Venezuela, and Caracas expressed its willingness to restore ties. The two countries restored full diplomatic relations later that month, reopening border crossings and sending ambassadors to each other's capitals. The border between Venezuela and Colombia was formally reopened on September 26. Kochi, Nov 8 : The Kerala High Court on Tuesday refused to stay the appointment of Dr Ciza Thomas as the in-charge Vice Chancellor of the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) coming as another blow to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. It was Governor Arif Mohammed Khan who gave the orders to Thomas to take over, after the Supreme court's recently ruling that the incumbent VC was not appointed following the guidelines of the UGC and hence was asked to quit. While the Vijayan government gave their nominee to the post of in-charge VC, Khan refused that and instead appointed Thomas. The state government then approached the High Court, seeking a stay. The court refused a stay, despite the state saying that they are the appointing an authority, and asked Thomas to continue and posted the case for further hearing on Friday. Incidentally, while the state government's plea for the stay was being heard at Kochi, angry SFI activists was protesting before Thomas at her office in the state capital. Thomas was serving as senior joint director, director of technical education, when she was made the in-charge VC as additional charge, till a full fledged VC will be appointment. The CPI-M has already announced that they will continue their protests against Khan. Ahmedabad, Nov 8 : Unidentified bike-borne miscreants allegedly robbed two jewellery shop employees of gold ornaments worth Rs 2 crore when they were returning on their two-wheeler to their showroom in West Ahmedabad after a business deal, police said on Tuesday. According to police, when the two reached near Shahpur metro station, two bike-borne persons intercepted them and snatched the bag containing jewellery and decamped. A manhunt has been launched and the city police are searching for the criminals based on CCTV footage and technical surveillance. In his police complaint with the Madhavpura police station, Parag Shah -- one of the two executives -- stated, "I, along with my colleague Dharmesh Limbani, was carrying two bags full of gold ornaments. When we reached near Shahpur metro station, two bike-borne men came near us and snatched one of the bags and fled. As both were wearing helmets, it was difficult to identify." Soon after the incident, vigilance across the city was intensified with every vehicle checked thoroughly. No arrests could be made till this morning, Madhavpura police station officer said. New Delhi, Nov 8 : The Election Commission on Tuesday announced that the bypolls to the Khatauli Assembly Consituency in Uttar Pradesh will be held on December 5 while the reults will be out on December 8. The seat fell vacant after disqualification of BJP MLA Vikram Singh Saini. The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Monday issued a notification declaring the Khatauli assembly seat as vacant. The notification said that the seat would be considered vacant with effect from October 11, the day MP/MLA court, Muzaffarnagar, announced two-year imprisonment to Saini in the case. Last date for filing nominations for the bypoll is November 17 while last date for withdrawal of candidatures is November 21. After the seat was declared vacant, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary wrote a letter to Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, asking why Saini had not been disqualified after being awarded jail sentence while Rampur MLA Azam Khan was disqualified just two days after the court sentenced him. Wellington, Nov 8 : The white supremacist who murdered 51 people at two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch in 2019 has appealed his conviction and sentence. Brenton Tarrant, who committed the country's worst terrorist attack on March 15, 2019, is currently serving a term of life imprisonment without parole on murder, attempted murder and terrorism charges sentenced in August 2020 after he pleaded guilty to all the charges, reports Xinhua news agency. The appeal was filed on November 3, and the court has not set the date to hear the appeal, said a Court of Appeal spokesperson on Tuesday. Tarrant has been held in a prison with "maximum security" in Auckland, according to local media. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said he was attempting to "revictimise people". Asked about his appeal, she told reporters: "His is a name that shouldn't be repeated and I'm going to apply that same rule in commenting on his attempts to revictimise people. We should give him nothing." Her government refuses to publicly name Tarrant to deprive him of any platform or notoriety, the BBC reported. Tarrant, an Australian national who moved to Christchurch in 2017, stormed two mosques, armed with military-grade semi-automatic guns. He had the intention of killing as many Muslim people as he could, his trial heard in 2020. He livestreamed the attack on Facebook via a headcam and also published a 74-page manifesto on extremist forums. The Christchurch attack prompted Parliament to pass stricter gun laws and buy back certain types of weapons from owners. Shimla, Nov 8 : Where women voters outnumber men in every election in Himachal Pradesh, the state ruling BJP has come out with the 'Stree Sankalp Patra' that would further strengthen the objectives of women empowerment and women-led development, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said. Talking to IANS during his campaigning, he said, "In our outgoing five-year stint, we started many schemes for empowering the women. Now in our election manifesto, we have made 11 commitments for women-led development." "The Congress says the Jai Ram Thakur government has done nothing. The truth is that the Congress is taking advantage of our schemes. Even their electricity and water bill is zero, but they won't accept," he said while campaigning in Chopal in Shimla district. "We started many schemes for women belonging to the poor families, whose benefits are being availed by lakhs of them." Under "Stree Shakti Sankalp", part of the BJP's manifesto named 'Sankalp Patra', the party promised to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in the government jobs and educational institutions, establish a corpus of Rs 500 crore to give interest-free loans to women entrepreneurs to set up homestays, besides construction of two hostels for girls pursuing higher education in all 12 districts. Countering the main Opposition Congress' promise to provide Rs 1,500 monthly allowance to every woman above 18 years and Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP), which is in its maiden fray, promise of Rs 1,000 per month allowance for women, the Chief Minister replied to IANS that the BJP was a responsible party. "It does what it says". "We worked honestly for the poor for five years. The Congress never thought about the poor. The Congress people say they will put Rs 1,500 in the bank accounts of women. This is a false promise. The Congress had said in 2012 that they will give jobs to every household. Also an unemployment allowance was announced that too was not given," Thakur added. State BJP vice-president, Payal Vaidya, said the BJP was the only party that released the 'Stree Sankalp Patra', an agenda for women empowerment. "This shows our party's commitment towards women. Earlier, the party has increased the honorarium of Anganwadi workers, Asha workers, sewing teachers and midday meal workers from 50 to 400 per cent." An election official said the percentage of women voters exercising their franchise in the state has been on the rise since the 1993 Assembly elections. "For almost three decades, the women outnumbered men as voters and they hold the key to the formation of every government, be it the parliamentary or the Assembly or even the panchayat," an election official told IANS. Social scientists attribute the increased participation of women in the democratic process to the higher literacy and awareness drives by the Election Commission of India. Known for its healthy gender ratio, the tribal-dominated Lahaul-Spiti district every time creates a record of the women voters outnumbering men. The district, the sprawling Buddhist-dominated district, has 16,455 (52.20 per cent) men and 15,073 (47.80 per cent) women voters. In 2017 polls, the highest polling station was set up at an elevation of over 15,000 feet at Hikkam in Lahaul-Spiti district. With 194 electors, it saw an 85 per cent turnout despite snow in the evening. Sadly this time again, the main parties in the state -- the Congress, the BJP and AAP -- have not been fair to the womenfolk in the ticket distribution. Out of 412 candidates for the November 12 elections to the 68-member Assembly, 24 are women, while 388 are men candidates in the fray. As against the six women candidates fielded by the BJP this time, the Congress has fielded three women and AAP has six candidates. In 2017 Assembly polls, the women voting percentage was 77.92 per cent, 7.34 per cent higher than the men. In that election the BJP had given tickets to six women, while the Congress had three women leaders. In the outgoing Assembly there are four women legislators. They are six-time lawmaker Asha Kumari (Congress) from Dalhousie; four-time legislator Sarveen Choudhary (BJP) from Shahpur; Reeta Devi (BJP) from Indora; and Kamlesh Kumari (BJP) from Bhoranj. Choudhary is the only woman minister in the outgoing 11-member Cabinet. From 1972 till 2007, only 19 women have won from 36 constituencies, some winning more than once like Congress leader and seven-time legislator Vidya Stokes. A record over 74 per cent, highest in four decades, of the state's 50.25 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in the Assembly elections on November 9, 2017, where the ruling Congress and the BJP were locked in a straight contest. In the 2012 Assembly elections, the poll percentage figure was over 73.5 per cent, the highest since 1977, while it was 68.36 per cent in 2007. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) Lucknow, Nov 8 : A pot full of silver coins was found during the digging in a house in the Bhim Nagar area in Yahiaganj. The news of this recovery spread like a fire after which the local police reached the spot and seized all the silver coins found in the excavation. The police also informed the Archaeological Department. According to reports, labourers were carrying out the digging in a house that is under renovation, when they found a pot full of about 129 silver coins. Additional DCP West, Chiranjeev Sinha, said that the excavation work was going on in Gyan Singh's house when the pot was found. "The Archaeological Department has been informed. These silver coins will be brought to the notice of the district magistrate and deposited in the treasury as per rules," he said. Hyderabad, Nov 8 : In a major relief to senior IAS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, Y. Srilakshmi, the Telangana High Court on Tuesday quashed charges against her in the Obulapuram mining case filed by the CBI. The court gave her a clean chit in the decade-old case, in which she had spent several months in jail. The High Court quashed the additional charge sheet filed by the CBI citing lack of evidence. The CBI court had last month dismissed her petition to quash the case and she had subsequently challenged the same in the high court. The CBI, which has been investigating her role in the alleged illegal mining activity by the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) in Bellary reserve forest in Anantapur, had filed a charge sheet against her on March 30, 2012 The probe agency had alleged that Srilakshmi misused her office during her term from 2007 to 2009 as secretary, industries and commerce in the government of then united Andhra Pradesh. She had allegedly misused powers vested in her by conspiring to grant illegal mining licenses to favour OMC. She was made sixth accused in the case The central agency had claimed that she connived with OMC promoter and mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy in granting mining leases in Anantapur. Earlier, the high court had twice dismissed her discharge petitions. In September 2021, it had ruled that the CBI court was free to begin her trial. Srilakshmi, a 1988 batch IAS officer, was arrested on November 28, 2011, by the CBI. She was subsequently sent to judicial custody and suspended by the government. She came out of jail in October 2012. In 2016, the government revoked her suspension and she joined the duty as IAS officer allotted to Telangana. In 2020, Srilakshmi was inducted by the Andhra Pradesh government after she secured an order from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). She was promoted as special chief secretary last year. Tuesday's order by the High Court is expected to pave way for her promotion as chief secretary. Following allegations of large scale illegal mining and irregularities in allotment of mining leases to OMC in Bellary, Reserve Forest area in Obulapuram and Malapanagudi villages of Anantapur district, the CBI had registered a case against OMC on December 7, 2009 Udupi : , Nov 8 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has questioned the silence of Rahul Gandhi over comments by Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi on Hindu religion and language. Jarkiholi, who is Secretary of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), stirred up a hornet's nest when he said that the word "Hindu" is of Persian origin and has a "dirty" meaning. "Not a word in this regard from the side of Rahul Gandhi, though it is being reported and debated in all the media," Bommai stated. "These people are enacting the drama of Bharat Jodo Yatra. Does this not amount to the breaking of our nation? The statement intends to divide the country. Congress party has always indulged in the agenda of 'Bharat Todo'," he alleged. This is part of their campaign. The Congress not only created Pakistan, it created Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Naxalites. Likewise, they had extended their support to divisive forces against the country, CM Bommai asserted. Reacting to the statement, Chief Minister Bommai stated that Satish Jarkiholi has stated that Hindu the word means "dirty". "He has a dirty mindset and thought process. That has come out through his words. Hindu religion has a big heritage and was established before the seventh century. Sanatan Dharma reflects the belief and trust of the people. It is highly condemnable that he is questioning the basic foundation of the religion," he stated. This has happened as his mindset is dirty. More surprising is the silence of the Congress. Opposition leader Siddaramaiah has not said a word about it, he speaks on every issue, CM Bommai said. "The BJP party will not only condemn the statements of Satish Jarkiholi, but will ensure that the matter is properly dealt with," he underlined. BJP Central Parliamentary Committee Chairman and former chief Mini B.S. Yediyurappa slammed the comments by Jarkiholi. "The statement is condemnable. The Congress had condemned it, but only condemnation is not enough," he stated. Satish Jarkiholi should apologise before the people of the state. If he thinks he can grow in stature by talking silly, he is in an illusion, Yediyurappa stated. He should behave respectfully towards Hindu religion. He should not insult Hindus, Yediyurappa stated. Notably, while addressing a gathering at a function at Nippani town by Manava Bandhutva Vedike on Sunday, Jarkiholi questioned the connection between India and Persia? Hindu is not an Indian word at all. That is Persian. "How the word 'Hindu' went on to become ours needs to be debated," he stated. "The word is Persian belonging to Iran, Iraq and Kazakhstan. When things are like this, how can it become Indian? Look up in WhatsApp, Wikipedia, the word has arrived from Persia, it is not yours (addressing gathering)," he maintained. Why is the word glorified? Why is it being glorified? This is not your word. If you know the meaning of this word you will be ashamed. "The word Hindu means dirty. I am not telling this, a swamiji is telling it and this is on a website. The word from a different religion, region is being imposed on us forcefully, it should be debated," Jarkiholi demanded. Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 8 : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his immediate intervention to help in the release of 16 Indian seafarers, who are on a Norwegian oil vessel detained by Equatorial Guinea. The Norwegian ship 'Heroic Idun', which had reached the AKPO Terminal in Nigeria on August 8 to fill crude oil, was intercepted and detained by a Guinea naval ship. The 16 Indians are a part of the 26-member crew of the Norwegian oil vessel. Vijayan stated in the letter that even though the ship did not engage in any unlawful activity, the shipping company was ready to pay the fines to facilitate the early release of the seafarers. The chief minister requested Modi to see that the diplomatic missions were alerted and speedy action was there so that the Indian seafarers were released. The Congress lawmakers from Kerala have also approached the Centre to see that steps were taken to see the quick release of all the Indians. According to the sailors, who have communicated with their families, they were detained on suspicion of crude oil piracy. Bengaluru, Nov 8 : Karnataka Minister for Power, Kannada and Culture, V. Sunil Kumar, on Tuesday stirred a controversy by stating that former Prime Minister late Jawahar Lal Nehru had asked not to call him a Hindu. Speaking after launching the 'Swabhimani Hindu' campaign condemning the statements on 'Hindu' words by KPCC Satish Jarkiholi, he stated, the legacy laid down by Nehru is continuing even in the present day. "Congress since its inception has been insulting Hindu nationalism many times. Congress is indulging in insulting Hinduism and Indianness whenever it gets an opportunity," Minister Sunil Kumar stated. "Congress party's senior leader Shivaraj Patil had compared holy Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita to jihad. Opposition leader Siddaramaiah does not like tilak and he has accepted it," he said. The Minister further stated that Siddaramaiah has insulted Veer Savarkar. Congress has deep hatred towards Hindus. The Congress party has never agreed for Indianness. "Whenever there is attack on Hinduism, we stood up for the cause. We will take this matter to the people and launch protests across the state. The Congress party, which does not agree with indigenous Hindu lifestyle, should apologise before the society," he urged. He questioned Satish Jarkiholi who maintained that Hindu is a Persian word and it means dirty, had he given his details at school and while contesting elections as a dirty Hindu? The Congress party should pay a heavy price for his statement. "Congress has deeply insulted Hindutva. The youth should condemn it on a big scale. The youth should come on to the streets. They should show that whenever Hinduism is insulted and the foundation of the nation is questioned, they will not hesitate to protest," he gave a call. Former Minister for Kannada and Culture, B.T. Lalitha Nayak, had opposed pension to daivaradhakas. Congress leaders ask people not to take theertha (sacred water given in temples to devotees). This shows the mindset of the party, he stated. Canberra, Nov 8 : Australia's Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Paul Kelly on Tuesday said the country is in the midst of another wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Kelly urged Australians to take additional precautions against Covid-19 infection, including wearing masks, staying at home if experiencing symptoms and staying up to date on vaccinations, reports Xinhua news agency. In a statement, the CMO said the government was closely monitoring the spread of Omicron variants XBB and BQ.1. In the week to November 4 Australia recorded an average of 5,300 new Covid-19 cases every day, representing an average increase from 4,891 cases per day in the previous week ending on October 28. "All indications are that this is the start of a new Covid-19 wave in Australia. This was to be expected and will be part of living with COVID-19 into the future," Kelly said in a statement. "The overseas experience is that these new variants have driven increases in case numbers, and hospitalisation at a rate proportionate to these increases, because of their ability to evade the immunity provided by prior infection and vaccination," he added. Some vaccination experts believed that the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) should recommend a fifth vaccine dose. Currently all Australians aged 30 and above are eligible for four doses. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Ahmedabad, Nov 8 : Former Finance Minister and Rajya Sabha member P. Chidambaram on Tuesday urged the people of Gujarat to vote for Congress as it performs better than the BJP. It laid the foundation stone for a developed Gujarat from 1960 to 1995, he added. Addressing mediapersons in Ahmedabad, Chidambaram said for good governance to make political parties accountable, people should vote for change every five or ten years. The ideal examples are Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where people vote for change, making political parties accountable to them. If you don't change, political parties become arrogant and take people for granted. The arrogance of BJP is visible from the Morbi Bridge collapse tragedy in which 135 persons were killed, yet neither the government has apologised to the people of Morbi, nor has there been any action against any officers for the failure. Exposing the growth claims of the ruling party, Chidambaram cited data stating all is not well in Gujarat as claimed. "The State Gross Domestic Product is declining, in 2017-18 it was 10.7 per cent which has fallen to (-) 1.9 per cent in 2020-21, the state debt is 18 per cent of the GSDP as per the state data, but according to RBI's data it is 24 per cent of GSDP. As many as 16 lakh population of the state is living in slums, unemployment rate is 12.5 per cent in the age group of 20-24. Infant mortality rate is 29 per 1000 live births, under the age of five, 31 children die per 1,000 live births." Attacking the saffron party he said, in the last six years, three chief ministers have changed in the state, had the elections been held in 2023, he is confident that even Bhupendra Patel would have been shown the door by the BJP. The state government is not run by the Chief Minister sitting in Gandhinagar, but by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah duo from the national capital. Veteran Congressman from Nagpur & All India Congress Seva Dal General Secretary KRISHNA KUMAR PANDEY, (holding flag) passed away after a massive heart attack, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Topic leaders including Rahul Gandhi paid homage to the depar Image Source: IANS News Veteran Congressman from Nagpur & All India Congress Seva Dal General Secretary KRISHNA KUMAR PANDEY, (holding flag) passed away after a massive heart attack, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Topic leaders including Rahul Gandhi paid homage to the depar Image Source: IANS News Veteran Congressman from Nagpur & All India Congress Seva Dal General Secretary KRISHNA KUMAR PANDEY, (holding flag) passed away after a massive heart attack, during the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Topic leaders including Rahul Gandhi paid homage to the depar Image Source: IANS News Nanded, Nov 8 : The All India Congress Seva Dal General Secretary Krishna Kumar Pandey died after suffering a heart attack during the Bharat Joda Yatra (BJY) here on Tuesday morning, party leaders said. 'KK' as Pandey was popularly known to the partymen, was holding the National Tricolour and walking in the BJY alongside Digvijaya Singh and others when he complained of chest pain, and passed the flag to another worker nearby. He collapsed and was rushed in an ambulance to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead on admission, casting a pall of gloom on the 62-day old BJY's first day in Maharashtra. Top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi called on Pandey's sons who were in the BJY to condole the leader's demise and expressed his sympathies with the bereaved family. "Krishna Kumar Pandey's demise is a deep sorrow for the entire Congress family. My condolences to his family. He had the Tricolor in his hand at the last moment of his life. His dedication to the country will always inspire us," said Rahul Gandhi. The AICC Media Head Jairam Ramesh said that the party has lost a staunch activist and a dedicated worker who was earlier the Maharashtra Seva Dal President even as thousands of participants in the BJY paid tributes to KK. The last rites of Pandey shall be performed in Nagpur, his hometown, later, according to a party worker. In view of the sudden tragedy, the BJY proceeded ahead on a solemn note without any fanfare or raising slogans, while a condolence meeting will be held in Bhopala village in the evening, said Ramesh. Hyderabad, Nov 8 : The Centre has convened a meeting of top officials of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on November 23 to discuss unresolved issues between the two states as per Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked chief secretaries of both the Telugu states to attend the meeting to be held in Delhi. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla will preside over the meeting which will discuss the pending issues after bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The meeting is seen as another fresh attempt by the Centre to address the pending issues. Under the Reorganisation Act, all post-bifurcation issues have to be sorted out in 10 years. The previous meeting between the two states was held on September 27 but it was inconclusive. As many as 14 pending issues were discussed. Of them, seven were related to the inter-state issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The remaining issues include financial assistance to the AP capital city, grants to the backward regions development and other assurances given under the Reorganization Act. The Union Secretary directed the Home Ministry to examine all the court cases regarding sharing of assets in consultation with the law department. During the meeting, Andhra Pradesh demanded its share in land parcels, buildings and bank reserves of common institutions located in Hyderabad in the ratio of 52:48 between AP:TS, in proportion with their population. These institutions listed under Schedule IX (corporations etc) and X (training institutes) of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 are worth several thousands of crores of rupees. Telangana opposed the demand. Andhra Pradesh also demanded a share in Singareni Collieries, evoking protest from Telangana. Telangana officials expressed their unhappiness over Andhra Pradesh approaching courts on bifurcation Act issues, creating legal complications and blocking the division of these institutions. They demanded that the Centre take steps to make Andhra Pradesh withdraw the cases and sort out issues through talks. The Centre had revealed during the last meeting that Rs 1,500 crore were provided for development of Amaravati as the state capital of Andhra Pradesh. The state government had sought another Rs 1,000 crore for development works. New Delhi, Nov 8 : The BJP is aiming to reach out to one crore people to seek suggestions for preparing party's poll manifesto for the coming Gujarat Assembly elections. On November 5, the party had launched the 'Agrasar Gujarat' (leading Gujarat) campaign. Talking to IANS, a top source in BJP said, "We are aiming to reach out to at least 1 crore people of Gujarat. We will reach out to every section of the society and seek their suggestion. "Townhalls will be organised separately for first time voters, women voters and senior citizen. "Ministers will also carry 'akansha peti' (wish box) to know desires of the people of all category." As part of the outreach programme, Union Minister Piyush Goyal will meet working professionals of Surat, Union Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey will meet street vendors in Surat and industrial workers in Ankleshwar. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya will meet first time voters in Ahmedabad. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra will meet media professionals. Union Ministers Anurag Thakur, Arjun Munda, Smriti Irani, Parushotam Rupala and other leaders will also participate in the outreach programme. Kolkata, Nov 8 : Amiruddin Khan, who was arrested by Jammu & Kashmir Police on Monday from the UT's Ramban district for his links with Al Qaeda terror group, was madrasa teacher and a part-time garments trader for his family members residing in West Bengal's Howrah district. When the news of his arrest reached his family members at Sankrail on late Monday night, his mother Anwara Begum was quite surprised. "Amiruddin was the fourth of my five sons. He studied at a madrasa and his student days were of immense struggle as he undertook tailoring jobs side by side with his studies. He used to go to Jammu & Kashmir along with the clothes tailored by him and sold them there. For a little over four years he started residing there permanently and also got married to a local girl," Anwara Begum told media persons on Tuesday. Amiruddin's elder brother, Alamgir Khan told media persons that there might be some mistake somewhere that led to the arrest of his brother. "He used to teach in a Madrasa there and also was engaged in part-time trading of the garments tailored by him. He used to visit us during every religious festival and election time. I do not believe that my brother was involved in any kind of terror activity," he said. In fact, the head of the local panchayat, Gorai Khan also said that although he had seen Amiruddin growing up, never he had seen in any kind of abnormalities in his behaviour that can create doubts about his terror links. "He had a tough childhood and as far as we know he went to Jammu & Kashmir for a better life. We too doubt like his family members that some mistake had been there in his arrest," he said. On Monday, the Jammu & Kashmir Police informed that Amiruddin Khan had been arrested from Ramban district of Jammu division and a Chinese grenade seized from him. The police also informed that an FIR had been lodged against him and further investigations are on. Mysuru, Nov 8 : Karnataka police have cracked the murder case of an 82-year-old retired Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer in Mysuru with the arrest of two persons. The police said the murder took place over a property dispute. Mysuru City Police Commissioner Chandragupta said on Tuesday that the arrested persons have been identified as Manu (30) and his friend Arun Gowda. Manu was into construction business. Former IB officer R.K. Kulakarni died after being hit by a car while walking inside the Mysore University campus on November 4. Initially, the police had registered a hit and run case. But after scanning footage from CCTV cameras installed nearby, it was found that Arun Gowda had shown the spot where Kulkarni used to take a stroll in the evening on the Mysuru University campus to Manu. The footage also clearly showed the former IB officer being mowed down by a car. When Manu was interrogated, he confessed to committing the crime. Manu was a neighbour of the deceased, and his family had a property dispute with the retired IB officer. According to Chandragupta, Manu's father Madappa had constructed a building next to Kulkarni's house in Sharadadevi Nagar. Kulkarni had objected to this citing violation of the bylaws of Mysore City Corporation (MCC) as Madappa allegedly built the house without leaving enough space. Kulkarni's family had also filed a complaint against Madappa. These developments had enraged Manu, who then hatched a plan to kill Kulkarni, the police said. As per the police, Manu carried out the murder without the knowledge of his father. After Kulkarni's death, his family members had suspected the role of the neighbours who had a dispute with the victim. The police had formed three special teams to probe the murder. Kulakarni, who hailed from Savanur in Haveri district, had joined the Intelligence Bureau in 1963. He had served in different positions for three-and-a-half decades before retiring in 1999. Mumbai, Nov 8 : Exactly six years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the demonetisation that left the Indian economy crippled, the government has still not been able to justify that "blunder", the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said here on Tuesday. The Congress also took a swipe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre on the move six years ago, on November 8, 2016, terming it as a "cruel" blow inflicted on the common man of India. Slamming the move, NCP chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said the country will never forget how the ordinary masses suffered while trying to safeguard their hard-earned money during that abrupt measure spiking Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes from circulatioin. "Its time now.. The PM should inform the nation how much black money was recovereda How demonetisation has ended the terror funding and whether counterfeit (fake) currency has been eliminated from the economy," Tapase demanded. He pointed out that in contrast to the PM's claims the Reserve Bank of India report had stated that 99.3 percent of the demonetised notes found their way to the banks. Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe sarcastically asked: "How many years since the country's economy was ruined" and posted a video of showing some BJP leaders purportedly celebrating the demonetisation. Tapase recalled how leading economists had cautioned the BJP-led government about the ill-effects of the demonetisation move, but nobody in the administration bothered to heed the warnings and even Union Ministers were unaware of it till the PM announced the decision that night. Congress General Secretary Sachin Sawant said that demonetisation of the high denomination Rs 500-Rs 1000 currency notes was a cruel move that put brakes on the country's progress and shattered the lives of all Indians. The NCP leader said that the BJP's ill-conceived policies like demonetisation, coupled with the haphazard implementation of the Good & Services Tax regime "weakened the Indian economy". "The subsequent two years of the Covid-19 pandemic wiped out all resources of the country, our reserves, hit jobs, the GDP slumped and industries especially MSMEs suffered hugely," said Tapase. Los Angeles, Nov 8 : The novel 'The Lying Life of Adults' by Elena Ferrante has been adapted into a six-episode series. The trailer of the streaming show was unveiled on Tuesday by Netflix, which has set its premiere date as January 4, 2023. 'Lying Life', which is directed by Neapolitan helmer Edoardo De Angelis, stars Valeria Golino in the role of the crass and enigmatic Neapolitan aunt of the story's young protagonist, named Giovanna, played by newcomer Giordana Marengo, reported Variety. The Ferrante's book depicts Giovanna's transition from childhood to adolescence during the 1990s in a Naples that is actually two kindred cities that fear and loathe one another: the upper-crust Naples of the high quarters, hiding behind the the mask of refinement, and the Naples of its more vulgar and exciting low quarters, where her intriguing aunt Vittoria lives. According to Variety, Giovanna vacillates between these two sides of the city, neither one offering answers or escaping. Alessandro Preziosi plays Giovanna's father, Andrea, while Pina Turco plays her mother, Nella. Speaking about 'Lying Life' at a Netflix slate presentation earlier this year, the streamer's VP of Italian original series Eleonora Andreatta noted that it has very different characteristics compared to 'My Brilliant Friend', beginning with the 1990s, the time period in which 'Lying Life' is set. Andreatta also underlined that De Angelis, who made an international splash in 2016 with 'Invisible', a drama about Neapolitan teenage conjoined twin sisters, has put his distinctively dreamy but grotesque stamp on the show. De Angelis has co-written the show with Laura Paolucci and Francesco Piccolo - both of whom penned 'My Brilliant Friend' - as well as Ferrante herself. The new Ferrante adaptation is being produced for Netflix by Domenico Procacci's Fandango. Bhopal, Nov 8 : Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said that ex-Congress president Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' will not have any impact in upcoming assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh. Scindia made this remark during a visit to Bhopal to attend the core committee meeting of the state unit party on Tuesday. However, he left the party headquarters before the meeting resumed. Scindia came to Bhopal and met Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday evening, he was supposed to attend the core committee meeting on Tuesday at party headquarters. However, he returned to New Delhi even before the meeting could resume. While talking to the press during the visit to the party headquarters, Scindia said, "Bharat Jodo Yatra will have no impact in the 2023 elections in Madhya Pradesh. The lotus will bloom in 2023 in MP." Scindia's sudden return from BJP headquarters and not attending the core committee meeting fuelled speculation in the political gallery. However, the party clarified that he returned from the office and did not attend the meeting because of high fever. Meanwhile, reacting to Scindia's remarks on Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Congress leaders in Madhya Pradesh hit back at him saying that Rahul Gandhi's impact has already shown, not only in Madhya Pradesh but in the entire country. K.K. Mishra, head of media cell in Madhya Pradesh Congress, said, "Scindia ji said Bharat Jodo Yatra will have no impact in Madhya Pradesh, but I would like to remind him that the Congress has won Gwalior mayoral seat. After 57 years, we won the mayoral seat in Gwalior and when your family was in the Congress, then only five-six councillors could win. What is the reason?" Congress' pan-India Bharat Jodo Yatra will enter Madhya Pradesh on November 20 at Burhanpur district, for which the state party unit has organised as many as 17 sub-yatras from across the state. Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) led by former Chief Minister Kamal Nath has held back-to-back meetings with senior party leaders to review the preparation for welcoming Bharat Jodo Yatra in the state. Nath has also met Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan two days back regarding the same. Islamabad, Nov 8 : The Interior Minister of Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah, said on Tuesday that PTI Chairman Imran Khan wanted the FIR in the Wazirabad attack on him according to his demands, a media report said. "He [Imran] cannot get an FIR registered and wants to bring about a revolution," Sanaullah said, Express Tribune reported. He said there "must be some sort of evidence" for an FIR to be registered and if one is to go by the PTI's demands, someone can even register a case against the Chief Justice, the report said. He added that till now, only one suspect was taken into custody and there are no other suspects. Recalling the attack on Ahsan Iqbal, Sanaullah maintained that the suspect had the same kind of motivation, as he was "self-motivated" and not linked to any political or religious group. The minister, referring to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) long march as "fitna march", said that party supporters were causing trouble in Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that only "a few thousand people" had joined PTI's march. Sanaullah said the citizens were facing many hardships in going to work, picking up children from school, and commuting to essential services such as hospitals due to road closures and protests, Express Tribune reported. Urging the provincial governments to fulfil their constitutional duty, Sanaullah said they should ensure that motorways and thoroughfares remain open and not to "protect" the protesters, otherwise "there would be consequences". For the second day, PTI supporters blocked roads near Islamabad, disrupting traffic and forcing schools to close, as they protested against a bid to assassinate Khan at a recent anti-government rally in Wazirabad. PTI supporters began their protests on major roads around Islamabad late on Monday. They have blocked the highway to Islamabad's international airport and the ones linking the capital with Lahore and Peshawar. Television footage showed the supporters burning tyres as they set up protest camps across roads, Express Tribune reported. New Delhi, Nov 8 : There has been a decrease of 74 per cent in the incidents of insurgency in the North eastern states as compared to 2014, said Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its annual report 2021-22. It also said that since 2014, there was a reduction of up to 55 per cent in Maoist violence incidents in the country in 2021. In the report, the MHA stated that there has been a great improvement in internal security of the country. According to the Home Ministry, the security in the north eastern states of India has improved significantly since 2014. These states have recorded the least number of incidents of militancy and deaths of security forces and civilians in 2020. There has been a reduction of 60 per cent in the death of security forces and 89 per cent in the death of civilians in this period, the report added. The MHA said that between 2014 and 2021, a total of 581 militants were killed and 9,103 were arrested in the North eastern regions. Incidents of Maoist violence in the country have also decreased significantly in the last eight years with the death toll in these incidents coming down by 63 per cent. In 2021, the Maoist incidents have decreased from 1136 to 509 and the death toll has come down from 397 to 147 as compared to 2013, stated the report. According to the report, the Maoist violence in 2021 was reported under 191 police stations in 46 districts spread over eight states, while in 2013 it was reported in 330 police stations in 76 districts spread over 10 states. The MHA said that the CPI (Maoist) continues to be the most powerful of the various Left Wing Extremist organisations in the country and is responsible for more than 90 per cent of the total violence and 95 per cent of deaths. Kolkata, Nov 8 : West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress is considering moving a motion in the Assembly this month, condemning the recent developments over Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The Assembly's Winter Session is scheduled to start from November 18, and the Trinamool is planning to move the motion then, party sources said. Although refusing to directly confirm this, state Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture minister, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay said that along with a number of bills that will be moved in the forthcoming session of the house, there will also be a motion on a specific issue. The Trinamool has condemned the Union Home Ministry's recent notification announcing 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. Now by bringing a motion condemning the recent development over CAA in the assembly, the Trinamool, as well as the state government, now want to make clear their stand that under all circumstances, they would oppose the implementation of the CAA in West Bengal. Political observers feel that once the ruling party will move the motion in the Assembly, the development might create a major ruckus as BJP legislators, led by the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari will oppose that tooth and nail. Already, Adhikari has described the Gujarat development as the beginning of the implementation of CAA in all states of the country including West Bengal. So, it is expected that during the debate on the motion, he will strongly express his views which might evoke counter-reactions from the ruling party legislators. Previously, the ruling party also moved a motion to condemn activities by central probe agencies like Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in the state. During the debate on that motion too, the scene on the floor of the house was quite boiling over altercations between the ruling and opposition party legislators. Patna, Nov 8 : As many as 50 students of a middle school of Bihar's Bhojpur district fell ill after consuming the midday meal on Tuesday, officials said. The incident occurred at Harnam Tola under Piro police station in the district. The victims were admitted in the referral hospital Piro for treatment and their conditions are said to be stable. The police said that the school administration has given albendazole tablets to the students followed by the midday meal. After the meal, the students fell sick, with a majority complaining of stomach ache and vomiting. The school teachers immediately informed the local police and took the children to the Piro referral hospital. The Education Department has initiated an inquiry into the matter. Sharm El-sheikh : , Nov 8 (IANS) The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed to scaling resilience action in partnership with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR). USAID's contribution of up to $15 million will accelerate blended finance programming to support the resilience of Egyptian Red Sea communities and their reef ecosystems. On the sidelines of the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2020, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs was launched by a coalition of public and private partners with the ambition to mobilise $625 million for coral reef conservation over the next decade. The latest contribution takes GFCR to $187 million in just over two years since its launch. The Climate Champions have announced that GFCR is formally endorsed as a 'Race to Resilience' campaign partner. As a global leader in coral reef finance and programming, GFCR will aid in implementing campaign ambitions, accelerating marine conservation and sustainable nature-positive economic growth for a more resilient future. GFCR is the first coral-focused initiative and largest blended finance vehicle partnered with the campaign. The GFCR has announced the launch of its Colombia Seaflower Biosphere programme, through blended finance. The programme aims to increase the resilience of the coral reefs and the communities of the Colombian Archipelago. Led by Fondo AcciAn, the 'Fi Wi Riif' (Our Reef) programme will unlock access to technical assistance and finance for the development and scaling of areef-positive' blue economy business models. With this newly-approved programme launch, the GFCR is now implementing blended finance initiatives in 12 countries with an ambition to expand to more than 25 countries by the end of 2023. The GFCR has announced the initiation of regional programmatic development for the Gulf of Aqaba and Egyptian Red Sea. Led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the initiative aims to unlock a minimum of $50 million in blended finance investment to scale the resilience of regional coral reefs and coastal communities. London, Nov 8 : Veteran English comic actor Leslie Phillips, famous for his roles in the raffish yet hugely popular 'Carry On' series of films, and the voice of the Sorting Hat in 'Harry Potter', died after prolonged illness. Philips, who will be remembered for catch phrases such as "ding dong" and "hello, I say" in the 'Carry On' films (although he acted in just four of them), was 98 years old, reports 'Daily Mirror'. The veteran actor's death was confirmed by his agent, Jonathan Lloyd, who said that he had died "peacefully in his sleep". He had previously survived two strokes. According to 'Mirror', although the legendary actor, who was 90 at the time of his strokes, which were only six months apart, is most famous for his role in 'Carry On', he starred in more than 200 film as well as TV and radio series in his career spanning over eight decades. After his 'Carry On' success, Phillips went on to star in 'Doctor in the House', 'Tomb Raider' and 'Midsommer Murders'. 'Mirror' adds that he also fought in World War II from 1943 as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, which took on the mighty Wehrmacht of Germany. The actor first appeared on the West End stage at the tender age of 14. In a tribute after his death, Philips's wife Zara Carr, 63, said: "I've lost a wonderful husband and the public has lost a truly great showman. He was quite simply a national treasure. People loved him. He was mobbed everywhere he went." In a befitting memory of a man who made people laugh, Carr added: "When we married he cheekily introduced me to the Press as royalty, insisting I was the new Zara Phillips and that I was related to the Queen." New Delhi, Nov 8 : A man was found dead near Delhi's Sanjay van crematorium on Tuesday morning, police said. The deceased has been identified as Krishna Kumar, 45, a resident of Mehrauli. "On Tuesday at around 9 a.m., a police control room (PCR) call was received regarding a dead body lying near the Sanjay Van crematorium following which a police team was dispatched to the spot. "The crime team was also called to the spot for collecting evidence and examining the body. A case of murder is being registered in Kishangarh police station," a senior police official said. Police teams have been formed to investigat the case, the official added. Bengaluru, Nov 8 : In a relief to Congress, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday set aside a local court order directing Twitter to provisionally block the handles of the Indian National Congress and its 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' in a case related to music copyright infringement. The local court on Monday also directed Twitter to remove three links from its platform. The high court ruling came after the Congress submitted an undertaking in the court to remove the 'KGF Chapter-2' song from all its handles. The counsel for the Congress, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said that the 'KGF Chapter-2' song would be removed from all the social media handles of the party, and the screen shots would be provided to the petitioner, MRT Music. Music record label MRT Music, which owns the copyright for the music of the film 'KGF - Chapter 2', had alleged that the audiovisual promotions of the Bharat Jodo Yatra headed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had illegally used music from the pan-India blockbuster movie. After going through the material evidence submitted, the local court on Monday noted that prima facie materials available at this stage, if established, will cause irreparable damage to the plaintiff and also encourage piracy. The court had issued an ex-parte injunction that restrains the defendants from unauthorisedly and illegally using the copyrighted work belonging to the plaintiff till the next date of hearing. Last Friday, MRT Music's counsel Narasimhan Sampath had said, "A complaint has been filed against the Indian National Congress represented by its General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, Supriya Shrinate, and Rahul Gandhi for infringement of copyrights owned by MRT Music." Mumbai, Nov 8 : It's happening! Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kriti Sanon are coming together for a film. What's better? The story. The film, titled 'The Crew' and which promises to be a laugh riot, is set against the backdrop of the struggling airline industry. It tells the story of three women, who work and hustle to move on with life. For the film, Kareena will yet again collaborate with Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor after their last gig together - 'Veere Di Wedding'. Commenting on the occasion of the announcement, Kareena said: "'Veere Di Wedding' holds a special place in my heart. Working with Rhea and Ektaa was an incredible journey. So when Rhea came to me with her new project 'The Crew' I was quite intrigued. This also means I get to share screen space with two stellar actresses, Tabu and Kriti. I am looking forward to starting this project and can't wait to bring this trifecta to the fold." As the three women in the film try to make their way forward, their destinies lead to some unwarranted situations leading them to get caught in a web of lies. Kriti Sanon, who is now busy with promotions of her upcoming film 'Bhediya', said: "I always look forward to strong characters and unique stories and 'The Crew' is one of them. I am thrilled to work with two powerhouses of talent, Tabu ma'am and Kareena." "I've always admired and looked up to them and their work. I've met Tabu ma'am on a few occasions and she has always been extremely warm. Bebo is simply iconic, I've been a fan girl." She added: "On the other hand, Rhea and Ektaa are just phenomenal, strong producers who have backed empowering and progressive female characters and subjects. I've always wanted to do a fun quirky all girls film and this one just ticked all the boxes and I instantly loved the script! Can't wait for the journey to begin." Touted to be a rib-tickling comedy of errors and mishaps, 'The Crew' is being produced by Ektaa R. Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor. Directed by Rajesh Krishnan and co-produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and Anil Kapoor Productions, the film will go on floors from February 2023. Hyderabad, Nov 8 : The Telangana High Court on Tuesday lifted stay on police investigation into the sensational MLAs' poaching case. Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy allowed the police to continue its investigation and withdrew the stay order passed earlier in the case. The judge observed that continuing the stay on the investigation for a longer period in such a case is not proper. The court, however, decided to continue hearing on the petition by the BJP for handing over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or any other independent agency. The judge felt that there was a need for further hearing on the petition. Directing the police to file a counter on the progress in the investigation, he adjourned the hearing to November 18. The court's order paved the way for expediting the investigation in the case. With the court lifting the stay, the police are now likely to seek custody of the three accused for further questioning. The High Court is hearing a batch of writ petitions filed by the BJP and three accused. During the arguments, Additional Advocate General, J. Ramachandra Rao questioned the the BJP's relation to the accused, noting that the accused threatened the MLAs with cases by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI. He further argued that the CBI is under the control of the Union Home Department and hence, the BJP wants it to investigate. Satish Sharma, alias Ramachandra Bharati, a priest from Faridabad in Haryana, Simhayaji, pontiff of Srimanatha Raja Peetham in Tirupati, and Nandakumar, owner of a restaurant in Hyderabad are accused of luring four TRS MLAs to join the BJP. The three accused, said to be BJP agents, were arrested by the police from a farmhouse at Moinabad near Hyderabad on the night of October 26 when they were allegedly trying to lure four MLAs of the TRS with offers of huge money. Cyberabad police conducted the raid on a tip-off by Pilot Rohit Reddy, one of the MLAs. He alleged that the accused offered Rs 100 crore to him and Rs 50 crore each to three others. The accused were booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Prevention of Corruption Act. The high court on October 29 had stayed the ongoing investigation into the case and asked the state government and other respondents to file the counter on BJP petition. Another single judge bench of the High Court on the same day set aside the order of a lower court rejecting custody of three accused. The judge asked the lower court to send the accused to judicial custody upon their production by the police. Cyberabad police subsequently arrested the accused and produced before them the First Additional Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases who sent them to judicial custody for two weeks. --IANS ms/vd A New Delhi, Nov 8 : The Supreme Court has said that tuition fee should always be affordable and education is not a business to earn profit, as it upheld the Andhra Pradesh High Court judgment to quash the state government's decision to enhance the tuition fee in medical colleges to Rs 24 lakh per annum. A bench of Justices M.R. Shah and Sudhanshu Dhulia said to enhance the fee unilaterally would be contrary to the objects and purpose of Andhra Pradesh Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admissions and Prohibition of Capitation Fee) Act, 1983 as well as the Rules, 2006 and the decision of this court in the case of P.A. Inamdar. "To enhance the fee to Rs 24 lakh per annum i.e., seven times more than the fee fixed earlier was not justifiable at all. Education is not the business to earn profit. The tuition fee shall always be affordable," it said in its judgment on Monday. The bench said the determination of fee or review of fee should be within the parameters of the fixation rules and shall have direct nexus on the factors mentioned in Rule 4 of the Rules, 2006, namely,(a) location of the professional institution; (b) the nature of the professional course; (c) the cost of available infrastructure;(d) the expenditure on administration and maintenance; (e) a reasonable surplus required for growth and development of the professional Institution; (f) the revenue foregone on account of waiver of fee, if any, in respect of students belonging to the reserved category and other economically weaker sections of the society. The bench said: "All the aforesaid factors are required to be considered by the AFRC (Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee) while determining/reviewing the tuition fees. Therefore, the High Court is absolutely justified in quashing and setting aside G.O. dated September 6, 2017." The top court imposed Rs 5 lakh cost on the petitioner, Narayana Medical College, and Andhra Pradesh to be deposited with the court registry within a period of six weeks. The bench said the medical colleges are the beneficiaries of the illegal GO (government order), which was rightly set aside by the high court. "The respective medical colleges have used/utilised the amount recovered under GO. dated 06.09.2017 for a number of years and kept with them for a number of years on the other hand students paid the exorbitant tuition fee after obtaining loan from the financial institutions/banks and paid the higher rate of interest," said the bench. The top court made these observations while dismissing a plea filed by a medical college challenging the high court judgment. "If at all the AFRC determines/fixes the tuition fee which is higher than the tuition fee fixed earlier, it will be always open for the medical colleges to recover the same from the concerned students, however, the respective medical colleges cannot be permitted to retain the amount collected illegally pursuant to G.O. dated 06.09.2017," it said. The high court had held that considering the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee (for Professional Courses offered in Private Un-Aided Professional Institutions) Rules, 2006, the fee cannot be enhanced/fixed without the recommendations/report of the committee. --IANS ss/vd A A Srinagar, Nov 8 : Jammu and Kashmir police alongwith security forces have arrested a hybrid terrorist of proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) at Awantipora in south Kashmir and recovered incriminating materials including ammunition from his possession, officials said on Tuesday. "Police along with security forces during naka checking at Ladoo Awantipora arrested a hybrid terrorist linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT and recovered incriminating materials including a Grenade from his possession," police said. He has been identified as Abid Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Satpokharen. "During preliminary investigation, it came to fore that the arrested hybrid terrorist was in close touch with LeT Commanders and was involved in transportation of arms and ammunition," police said. An FIR has been registered and further investigation has been taken up. Sharm El-sheikh : , Nov 8 (IANS) The High Level Expert Group on Net Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities released its report to the UN Secretary-General on Tuesday at the UN climate talks, COP27, here. The report cracks down on "greenwashing" and weak net-zero pledges that threaten to undermine global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. Catherine McKenna, chair of the UN-appointed expert group and former Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change as well as Minister of Infrastructure, said the report provides a crucial roadmap to bring integrity to net-zero commitments by industry, financial institutions, cities and regions and to support a global, equitable transition to a sustainable future. The report is the result of intense work and consultations over seven months and reflects the best advice of 17 experts appointed by the UN Secretary General. It sets out 10 practical recommendations to bring integrity, transparency and accountability to net zero by establishing clear standards and criteria. "After consulting with hundreds of individuals and organisations and incorporating the latest research and science, we have a roadmap to ensure that net-zero commitments by industry, financial institutions, cities and regions are ambitious, transparent and credible," McKenna said. "This is about cutting emissions, not corners. Our roadmap provides clear standards and criteria that must be followed when developing net-zero commitments. Right now, the planet cannot afford delays, excuses, or more greenwashing." The key recommendations build on credible initiatives like Race to Zero and the Science Based Targets initiative. The report calls on these non-state actors to commit to immediate reductions in absolute emissions across its value chain with short, medium and long-term science-based targets. Detailed transition plans must show immediate emissions reductions and capital expenditures must be aligned with these targets and the non-state actor's net-zero pathway. To prevent dishonest climate accounting and other actions designed to circumvent the need for deep decarbonisation, non-state actors must report publicly on their progress with verified information that can be compared with peers. The report also put down new redlines that are intended to prevent greenwashing. It recommends that non-state actors can no longer claim to be net zero while continuing to build or invest in new fossil fuel supply. Similarly, deforestation and other environmentally destructive activities are disqualifying. The report also recommends that to effectively tackle greenwashing and ensure a level-playing field, non-state actors need to move from voluntary initiatives to regulated requirements for net zero. The report suggests starting with large corporate emitters, including requiring that their pledges are assured and that they report annually on their progress. The report comes in a year in which the world was beset by an energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and devastating climate impacts like the flooding in Pakistan and drought in the US. --IANS vg/vd A Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War London, Nov 8 : Two British-Iranian journalists for the UK-based Persian TV channel 'Iran International' have been warned of a possible risk to their lives, a UK law enforcement source has confirmed, according to a media report. Parent company Volant Media said the Metropolitan Police had notified the pair of a recent increase in "credible" threats from Iranian security forces, BBC reported. It denounced the "escalation of a state-sponsored campaign to intimidate Iranian journalists working abroad". Iranian authorities have not commented yet. However, they had announced sanctions against Iran International and BBC News Persian last month, accusing them of "incitement of riots" and "support of terrorism" over their coverage of the anti-government protests that have engulfed the country over the past two months. The two UK-based channels are already banned in Iran, but a press freedom watchdog says they are among the main sources of news and information in a country where independent media and journalists are constantly persecuted. Volant Media warned that the IRGC "cannot be allowed to export their pernicious media crackdown to the UK" and called on the British government to "join us in condemning these horrific threats and continue to highlight the importance of media freedom". It added: "These lethal threats to British citizens on British soil come after several weeks of warnings from the IRGC and Iranian government about the work of a free and uncensored [Persian]-language media working in London," BBC reported. UK law enforcement source would not discuss the suggestion in the Daily Telegraph that a "hostile Iranian surveillance team" was spotted outside the homes and offices of the journalists. Islamabad, Nov 8 : Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, to constitute a judicial commission to probe the attack on PTI Chairman Imran Khan during the partys long march in Wazirabad last week in which the former Prime Minister reportedly sustained bullet injuries in his leg, media reports said. The letter states that after the attack on Khan, violent protests have erupted across the country putting the lives of citizens at risk, Dawn reported. It highlighted that the FIR of the incident has still not been registered, the crime scene has not been secured and the container on which the shots were fired has not been taken into custody for forensic analysis. "Nor was a medico-legal examination of PTI Chairman Imran Khan conducted," it read. The letter added that the investigation into the incident was being "mishandled" and in its aftermath a "derogatory campaign" has ensued against the PML-N leadership and the state institutions, Dawn reported. Earlier, Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Khan wanted the FIR of the Wazirabad attack according to his demands, Express Tribune reported. "He [Imran] cannot get an FIR registered and wants to bring about a revolution," said the minister. Sanaullah said that there "must be some sort of evidence" for an FIR to be registered and if one is to go by the PTI's demands, then someone can even register a case against the Chief Justice, Express Tribune reported. He added that till now, only one suspect has been taken into custody and there are no other suspects. Recalling the attack on Ahsan Iqbal, Sanaullah said that the suspect had the same kind of motivation as he was "self-motivated" and not linked to any political or religious group. Ranchi, Nov 8 : Hemant Sorens troubles do not seem to end even after getting immediate relief from the Supreme Court over a PIL alleging illegal mining and money laundering by the Jharkhand Chief Minister. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has traced money laundering of more than Rs 1,000 crore in a case related to illegal mining in Jharkhand and is preparing to summon Soren again for questioning on the same. The ED had had called Soren for questioning on November 3, but the latter had sought three weeks' time citing his unavailability. He is likely to be summoned for the second time after November 15, sources said. The ED can move the court for further action if Soren doesn't appear for questioning even after repeated summons. The SC on Monday held the PIL against Soren and his associates as not maintainable. It was filed by a person named Shivshankar Sharma in the Jharkhand High Court, on which Soren and his government filed a special leave petition (SLP), questioning its maintainability. During the hearing on this SLP, the counsel for the defendant argued that there were sufficient facts proving investment in shell companies and allocation of mining leases, on the basis of which the hearing on the PIL should be continued. The SC rejected the ED's argument and said that if it had enough evidence of money laundering, it could probe the matter itself. The hearing on the PIL against Soren in the Jharkhand High Court has been cancelled by the SC's order, but the ED's investigation in this case remains unaffected. New Delhi, Nov 8 : Delhi Lt. Governor, V.K. Saxena has sanctioned prosecution of two activists of "Youth Equality Foundation" and the "Aarakshan Virodhi Party" for insulting the Constitution at a protest on August 9, 2018, a source said on Tuesday. Activists Krishan Mohan Rai and Ashutosh Kumar, along with others, had shouted slogans "Aarakshan Murdabad", "Sanvidhan Murdabad", "SC/ST Act Murdabad", "Ambedkar Murdabad", etc. and torn and burnt copies of the Constitution in a protest against SC/ST Act Amendment Bill and reservations at a protest at Parliament Street The sanction, granted under CrPC's Section 196, to prosecute the accused persons in case FIR No 75/2018 dated August 10, 2018, under various sections of the C/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the IPC, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honours Act, will help the police take the case to a logical conclusion by brining the guilty to the book, the source said. The initial FIR in this regard was filed on the complaint of the 'Akhil Bhartiya Bheem Sena' national in-charge Anil Tanwar. The accused had also uploaded the videos of the protests on social media with the intention of promoting enmity amongst different groups, disturbing social harmony and breaching peace. Others involved in the case, against whom action was taken include Abhishek Shukla, Sriniwas Pandey, Santosh Shukla and Deepak Gaur. They were arrested and are out on bail given by the Delhi High Court. According to the source, the LG in his sanction, noted: "I have perused the FIR, charge sheet, relevant documents and other material placed on record and facts of the case FIR No. 75/2018 dated 10.08.2018 at PS Parliament Street, New Delhi. "On careful scrutiny of the evidence available, I am of the considered view that a prima facie case is made out against the accused Krishan Mohan Rai S/o Sh. Inderjeet Rai and Ashutosh Kumar S/o Sh. Nanheshwar Prasad. Therefore, the prosecution sanction under Section 196 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, for prosecution of the above accused persons in case FIR No. 75/2018 dated 10.08.2018, PS Parliament Street, for commission of said offences, is hereby granted." New Delhi, Nov 8 : Observing that activities near Rajasthan's Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve should not harm the wildlife, the National Green Tribunal has directed that a proposed musical event near the eco-sensitive zone be held only after the clearance by a committee. A bench, headed by Chairperson Justice A.K. Goel (retd), was hearing a suo motu complaint in relation to the proposed "Ranthambhore Festival" at a hotel around 5 km from the park. In the recent order, the green court observed that an informed decision in such a matter by a statutory regulator is necessary in absence of any express permission when the event is within 10 km from the Tiger Reserve. The event management firm told the tribunal that the festival includes a wildlife safari during the morning and evening hours, an art and craft fair during the day, music from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and folk music from 6 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., acoustic music performances in amphitheatre and Hathi Kund, and a soundless event (using headphones, with no noise) at 9.30 p.m. However, the tribunal stated that on being asked to produce approval, if any, from the Wildlife Department, no such approval has been shown by event management firm. "Thus, claim that all approvals have been taken remains a tall claim. Further stand that even in absence of any appraisal of impact of the event on the wildlife, there can be no objection to the event is also unacceptable," the tribunal noted in the order. Activities in the park's vicinity have to be regulated to ensure that there is no harm to the wildlife, the order said. "It is difficult to accept that such events have no relevance for protection of wildlife. No evaluation has been undertaken by any statutory regulator or even by the PP (management) that the event will have no adverse impact on the wildlife. "Accordingly, we direct that the event may be held only if so permitted and subject to such conditions as laid down by a joint Committee of National Wildlife Board, GoI and Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan after due consideration of its impact on the wildlife and the eco-system." It also added that the decision be taken expeditiously, preferably within one week and the National Board for Wildlife in coordination with other authorities concerned, including the National Tiger Conservation Authority, could issue appropriate guidelines with regard to such events in the vicinity of other national parks in the country, preferably within one month. New Delhi, Nov 8 : Chief Justice of India, Uday Umesh Lalit, during his brief 74-day tenure, initiated live-streaming of court proceedings and delivered several key judgments. November 8 was his last day in office. On his last working day on Monday, a five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Lalit, with a 3:2 majority 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. However, Chief Justice concurred with the minority view of Justice S Ravindra Bhat. Justice Bhat, who authored the judgment for himself and on behalf of the 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". Justice Bhat termed EWS quota as unconstitutional for excluding the poor among SCs, STs, and OBCs. On November 3, a bench headed by Chief Justice Lalit affirmed the death penalty for Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Mohammad Arif alias Ashfaq for carrying out the December 2000 Red Fort attack, saying there was a direct attack on the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India. The attack had left three Army jawans dead. The Chief Justice was very popular for his polite demeanour among lawyers and a large number of lawyers had gathered at his farewell, organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association. Chief Justice Lalit ordered live streaming of constitution bench cases from September 27, which included the petitions challenging the reservation for the economically weaker sections, petitions challenging demonetisation etc., A bench headed by Chief Justice also granted bail to activist Teesta Setalvad, arrested for allegedly fabricating evidence in the 2002 Gujarat riots cases, and Siddique Kappan, a Kerala-based journalist. In October 2020, Kappan was arrested while on his way to Hathras in UP where a Dalit woman had died after allegedly being gang-raped. Born on November 9, 1957, CJI Lalit was the second head of judiciary to be directly elevated to the apex court bench from the Bar. On August 13, 2014, Justice Lalit was appointed judge of the Supreme Court and was sworn in as the 49th CJI on August 27, 2022. However, he could not fill up the four vacancies of judges in the Supreme Court, as his successor Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice S.A. Nazeer objected to the procedure adopted. The apex court collegium was headed by CJI Lalit and comprises Justices Chandrachud, Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Abdul Nazeer, and K.M. Joseph. A joint statement, uploaded on the apex court's website dated October 9, said: "The proposal initiated by the CJI had concurrence from Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice K.M. Joseph. Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice S. Abdul Nazeer had objected to the process of selection and appointing judges by circulation." A letter on October 7 was received from the Union Law Minister requesting the CJI to nominate his successor to take over the office of CJI with effect from November 9. "In the circumstances, no further steps need be taken and the unfinished work in the meeting called for September 30, 2022 is closed without there being any further deliberation. The meeting dated September 30 stands discharged," added the statement, issued by all the members of the collegium. The top court currently has 28 judges against the sanctioned strength of 34. Hyderabad, Nov 8 : Police have filed another case against Ramachandra Bharati alias Satish Sharma, one of the three alleged BJP agents arrested in TRA MLAs' poaching case, for possessing fake Aadhaar, PAN cards and driving licenses. A case has been booked against him at Banjara Hills police station on a complaint by Pilot Rohit Reddy, one of the four MLAs of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) who were lured by the accused with money to switch loyalties to the BJP. As part of the investigation into this case, the police were working to collect evidence. According to police, if convicted, the accused may get a jail term of 10 years. harati, a priest from Faridabad in Haryana, allegedly possesses multiple Aadhaar, PAN cards and driving licenses. At a news conference on November 3, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had released photographs of the multiple identity cards of Bharati. He allegedly possesses Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and driving licenses in two names - V.K. Satish Sharma and Shree Ramachandra Swami Ji. This was part of the evidence released by the Chief Minister in the sensational case which triggered political tremors. Bharati along with Simhayaji, a pontiff from Tirupati and Nandakumar, owner of a restaurant in Hyderabad, were arrested by Cyberabad police during a raid on a farm house at Moinabad near Hyderabad on October 26. The police made the arrests on a tip-off by Pilot Rohit Reddy, who alleged that the accused offered Rs 100 crore to him and Rs 50 crore each to three others. The accused were booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Prevention of Corruption Act and are currently under judicial custody. New delhi, Nov 8: The uncertainty in Pakistans political and economic landscape is pushing more and more of citizens to relocate. The number of Pakistanis wishing to leave the country will rise further as the countrys economy continues to battle amid rising threat of a possible sovereign default, analysts fear. "There is nothing left in the country...uncertainties are increasing and people are now giving up hope with the economic condition of the country remaining the same," a Pakistani taxi driver who has relocated to Dubai said. A recent report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) revealed that 37 per cent of the citizens want to leave the country. In urban Pakistan, the figure is 40 per cent compared to 36 per cent in the rural region. The desire to leave the country was more intense among the educated. The PIDE report showed that among the four provinces of the country, the desire to leave was the highest in Balochistan with 42 per cent showing keenness to relocate, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh. Though the desire to leave the country is lowest in Punjab, the figure is not very satisfactory. As many as 35.8 per cent from Punjab said they are willing to leave the country Among the three territories, people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have the highest proportion - 44 per cent showing keenness to leave Pakistan followed by Gilgit Baltistan GB, the study showed. Pakistan's Bureau of Emigration Overseas Employment (BEOE) data last year revealed that more than 286,640 workers had registered for overseas employment. This was a 27.6 per cent rise over the previous year. The most preferred destinations remain the Gulf countries. As Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan took the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Army head on following an attack on him, things could get worse, analysts fear. Not only has the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Islam top boss vowed to continue with the long march, he alleged that the attack on him was premeditated, directly blaming Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and a top official from the Pakistan's intelligence agency (ISI). Business Recorder in a report said that while the World Bank has projected a GDP growth rate of 2 per cent for 2022-23 for the South Asian nation the long march may cost the country "around 0.5 to 1 percent of GDP which needless to add the country can ill afford." The country is slated to go for general elections next year. "An attack on Imran Khan, a loosely held coalition government, which is already under pressure and now the Army coming under question will make things worse, at least in the near future," an analyst told India Narrative. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Chandigarh, Nov 9: A vocal minority of radical Sikhs living abroad who support the idea of Khalistan are trying to use the ongoing birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev in various gurdwaras to spread their separatist ideas as a large number of devotees throng Gurdwaras for prayers. These extremist elements are trying to exploit the "ready-made" gatherings which otherwise they will not be able to attract, according to sources. A recent case in point is that of the Gurdwara Sahib in Yuba City USA. Life-size posters of extremist leaders, including the newly baptised Amritpal Singh, the president of Wari Punjab De, besides late Deep Sidhu, late Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Jagtar Hawara, Kanishka mid-air blast accused Parmar, late Harjinder Singh Pahra and hordes of others, are displayed in the compound of the Sikh temple. Large-sized LEDs to broadcast fiery anti-India speeches calling upon the Sikhs, especially the youths to join the struggle for Khalistan and contribute generously, have been put up. A commentator, instead of talking about Guru Nanak's Gurbani, reminds the 'Sangat' about the 1984 massacre of Sikhs, giving exaggerated figures of those killed. The Khalistanis, active in Toronto, Vancouver, London, Melbourne, and Sydney, also use the Gurpurabs to sell their militant ideology. In fact, the management of many of these shrines, over a period of time, has passed into the hands of Khalistanis as a majority of peace-loving Sikhs prefer to remain silent in order to avoid violence. There have been umpteen incidents where the radicals have attacked those opposing them. In Australia's Craigieburn city Gurdwara, one of the largest in the country, the Khalistanis, during the Gurpurab celebrations, took out a car rally. Blaring music was played, calling upon the Sikhs to eliminate (Sodha) those opposed to Khalistan. There are over 50 Gurdwaras in Australia. In Sydney's Hryns Harris Park pro-India youths, mostly students, clashed with the separatists, who carried Khalistan flags in a car rally. Similarly, in Canada's Ontario state the activities of Khalistanis were opposed by India supporters. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, was asked to order removal of Khalistani banners and posters fixed on government property. In Pakistan, which houses many historical Sikh shrines, including Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of the first Guru, Sikh militants holed up there become active on Gurpurabs to motivate visiting 'Sangat' to rise against Hindu India. Pak-born Gopal Singh Chawla, self-proclaimed president of Punjab Sikh Sangat, is a regular mischief-monger who mingles with visitors and tries to especially get photographed with the Jathedars holding charge of 5 Takhts of the Sikhs. During a recent visit to Panja Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, Giani Harpreet Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht, was photographed with hijacker Ravinder Singh Pinka, creating a controversy. The SGPC later clarified that the Jathedar belonged to the entire community and anybody could meet him. "He may even not be knowing about the antecedents of hijacker Pinka. In his innocence, he might have allowed himself to be photographed," explained an SGPC official. Information and videos about the activities of Khalistanis during the ongoing Gurpurab celebrations at Nanakana Sahib are yet to come in. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative New Delhi, Nov 9: 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, it's 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 won't allow a single inch of our land to be encroached upon...We 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 Oli's 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 can't trust him at all," says Krishna Prasad Regmi, a local resident of Dhangadhi, the temporary capital of Nepal's 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 Oli's 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 doesn't 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 Oli's 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." 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 Oli's statement, saying that bilateral dialogue rather than electoral grand-standing is the need of the hour. On this issue, Deuba and Bhattarai are right." (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative New Delhi, Nov 9: Very quietly, away from the media glare, the Gwadar Rights Movement, has restarted its protests in the strategic port city of Gwadar in Balochistan. Gwadar is in news for the multi-use port being built by China on the Arabian Sea coast in the disputed region. Also called the Gwadar ko Haq do movement, its protagonist Maulana Hidayatur Rehman has resumed his agitation saying that the Balochistan government has not accepted the demands of the Baloch community. Around the same time last year he had led unprecedented mass protests that included women and students asking for basic amenities like water, power and livelihoods from the governments of Balochistan and Pakistan. Pakistani newspaper, The Express Tribune reported on Tuesday that the protesters blocked the main Gwadar Chowk and shouted slogans asking for their unmet demands to be fulfilled. People have reportedly blocked the roads by sit-ins in the port city. The newspaper quoted the maulana as saying: "All the demands of the participants are genuine, legitimate and legal". He added: "Ministers and bureaucrats continue to deceive the people of Gwadar" as they have failed to resolve the problems of the masses. One of the main demands of the protestors, that remains unresolved since last year, is to stop illegal trawling in the Gwadar sea. The entire length of the Pakistani coastline stretching from Sindh to Balochistan has witnessed a surge in unsustainable deep sea trawling by Chinese fishing vessels. Despite mass protests and also resolutions in the Pakistani parliament, Islamabad has been unable to stop trawling because of its strategic proximity to Beijing. However, this activity has led to a loss of livelihood for the Baloch fishermen. The community is also affected because of the construction of the Gwadar port. The development of the port by China as part of its mega $62 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project to gain access to the Gulf region, has cut off the Baloch fishermen from the sea. Because of security restrictions by the Chinese, the fishing community has been cut off from the coast. Among the other major demands is waiving off power bills for Gwadar residents. The locals want relief from the government after floods devastated almost all districts in Balochistan causing massive loss to agriculture and infrastructure. The floods had followed a severe drought and water shortage in the region that borders Iran to its west and Afghanistan to its north. A member of the Balochistan provincial assembly from Gwadar, Mir Hamal Kalmati said the issues of the protesters would be addressed. "Government has launched massive development projects in the district", Kalmati told the Quetta Voice website. A harsh international spotlight had swung on Gwadar last year after Maulana Hidayatur Rehman launched massive protest rallies last year. China had taken note of the criticism in the international media and waived off the protests as fake news. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Quddus Bizenjo had brought an end to the agitation by promising to accept the demands of the people. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative New Delhi, Nov 9: General Stephane Mille, Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (AAE), had a busy Monday in New Delhi at a time when Indian and French pilots, flying Rafale and Tejas fighter jets, began the second phase of the ongoing 'Garuda 22 exercise. The French Air Force chief held discussions on issues of strategic significance and on avenues for further broadening the bilateral defence cooperation with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan. Mille then called on Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari as the two chiefs dicussed ways and means to enhance bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. With India being a major strategic partner for France in the Indo-Pacific, he also held discussions with the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral SN Ghormade on matters of defence cooperation, bilateral ops engagements and mitigation of security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). At the Jodhpur air base, the second phase of the 'Exercise Garuda' began in earnest after completion of phase 1 of manoeuvres between the Indian Air Force and the French Air that had kicked off on October 26. From now on until November 14, large-scale missions will be carried out bringing together more than 30 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 and also Made-in-India Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighter. The exercise, last edition of which took place in Mont-de-Marsan in 2019, provides a platform to both the participating forces to enhance their operational synergy and exchange best practices. The aim is to develop interoperability between the AAE and the IAF to improve the mutual knowledge of the participants in order to be able to operate together. With both forces flying Rafale jets now, things have changed drastically since the last time French crews landed in India for Garuda 2014. The AAE has deployed a contingent of 220 personnel, five Rafales and state-of-the-art Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Phenix for the bilateral exercise this time as the edition focuses on 'Large Force Employment' with a predominance of fighter aviation. The IAF, on the other hand, is participating with Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft, as well as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Mi-17 helicopters. The IAF contingent also includes Combat Enabling Assets like Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS and Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. "During the second phase, with the presence of our A330 MRTT, we will be able to carry out cross-refuelling. We are fortunate to be able to work with many IAF assets: SU-30, Rafale, LCA Tejas, Jaguar, Awacs, IL78, helicopters, etc. Exotic material compared to what we are used to," said AAE Commander Pierre Cagnac, Director of the exercise. Besides exchanging experiences, enhancing operational knowledge and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, Garuda 22 is also a way for French airmen to cross cultures. Crews engaged must plan, execute and debrief missions in a realistic tactical environment. "India is a major strategic partner which has acquired the Rafale. We must learn to work together so that we can conduct joint operations if necessary. Especially since our procedures are different, because India is not a member of NATO," adds Cagnac. While Mille's visit to New Delhi gave further depth and strength to the India-France Strategic Partnership, the exercise over the deserts of the western sector continues to increase in intensity. "It's a real pleasure to be here more than 6,000 kilometers from home, rediscovering the same fighting spirit with our Indian partners," Cagnac was quoted as saying by the French Air and Space Force in Jodhpur over the weekend. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative Bhopal, Nov 8 : Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said he has tested Covid-19 positive and advised people who met him in the last few days to get tested too. "I want to inform you that my Covid report has been found positive. I request all of you that all those who have come in contact with me in the last few days, should go to the nearest health centre and get themselves checked," he said in a tweet. His announcement came hours after he created a buzz by suddenly left the state BJP headquarters where he was supposed to attend the core committee meeting. However, party leaders said that he had left as he was feeling unwell. Scindia was on a two-day visit to Bhopal to attend the monthly core committee meeting of the state BJP unit, as he is one of its members along with Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya, and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Notably, he had met Chouhan on Monday. It was the first core committee meeting of the state unit BJP at his new party headquarters, which will be a temporary office for the next two years. London, Nov 8 : Australian actress-comedian Rebel Wilson, who has been in the news for her dramatic weight loss and giving the middle finger to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 2022 BAFTA Awards, has announced the birth of her first child via surrogate, reports BBC News. The 42-year-old "Bridesmaids" and "Pitch Perfect" star shared the first picture of daughter Royce Lilly online, describing her as a "beautiful miracle". She also thanked the "gorgeous" surrogate for carrying her. Taking to her Instagram handle, Wilson shared her all-bundled-up newborn daughter's picture along with a long caption: "Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lillian, born this past week via surrogate. I can't even describe the love I have for her, she's a beautiful miracle! "I am forever grateful to everyone who has been involved, (you know who you are), this has been years in the making ... but 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, it's an amazing gift. The BEST gift!! "I am ready to give little Roycie all the love imaginable. I am learning quickly ... much respect to all the Mums out there! Proud to be in your club." The comic actor, according to BBC News, revealed in June that she was in a relationship with female fashion designer Ramona Agruma. She said at the time: "I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince ... but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess." Wilson hosted the BAFTAs for the first time this year, cracking jokes about her dramatic weight loss, the Royal Family and her flop film "Cats", and of course, showing the world how she felt about Putin. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War San Francisco, Nov 8 : Elon Musk on Tuesday said that politics is war and truth is first casualty, as he attacked Democrats and supported Republicans during the US mid-term election. "While it's true that I've been under unfair and misleading attack for some time by leading Democrats, my motivation here is for centrist governance, which matches the interests of most Americans," he tweeted. Musk responded to Pranay Pathole who said Elon has always been a Democratic supporter but "the hate he has been receiving by the Democratic senators is awful". "Politics is war and truth is the first casualty," said the Tesla CEO. He further said that Twitter is the most interesting place on the Internet. "Twitter is the worst! But also the best," Musk further commented. Musk on Monday said that Americans should vote for Republicans in the midterm election. He 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. Musk had long been advocating free speech on the platform, creating apprehensions for many as they fear the site will be left without regulations. Gurugram, Nov 8 : Model Economic Township Limited (MET City), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), is developing a world-class Greenfield Smart City near Gurugram. MET City is a Japan Industrial Township (JIT) and houses four leading Japanese companies in its integrated industrial township. Nihon Kohden, one of the four Japanese companies and manufacturer of medical devices, recently conducted a dround-breaking ceremony on its plot at MET City. This facility of Nihon Kohden will be its largest manufacturing facility in India, which will further enhance the position of MET City as a leading location for setting up companies in Haryana and North India. Panasonic, Denso and T-Suzuki are the other Japanese companies in MET City. On the occasion of this ground-breaking ceremony, S.V. Goyal, CEO and WTD, MET City, said, "We are very happy to have the facility of Nihon Kohden starting construction at MET City. With 400+ industrial customers, walk-to-work masterplan and world-class infrastructure, MET City today is one of the fastest growing Greenfield Smart City in North India. Being a Japan Industrial Township, we are very happy to have more Japanese companies coming to us and selecting MET City as their partner in India. The plug-n-play infrastructure of MET City is an added advantage for any company coming to us for their requirement." Vaibhav Mittal, Vice President and Head of Business Development, MET City, said, "We feel immense proud in having this world class facility from Nihon Kohden being set up at MET City. As we grow, we continue to strive to get more and more Japanese companies to MET City and make it one of the most sought-after business cities of North India." Kentaro Kusano, Managing Director, Nihon Kohden India Pvt. Ltd., said, "We are very pleased to announce the opening of our new haematology analyser reagent factory. This 8,900 square-meter factory will be built on 16,135 square meters of land at Model Economic Township (MET City) in Jhajjar district of Haryana which will be almost four times bigger than our current factory in Gujarat. This facility marks an important milestone for our commitment to growing our business in India and positions Nihon Kohden well to achieve our vision for India - to be a trusted partner and provider to improve healthcare in the country." Anil Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer, Nihon Kohden India Pvt. Ltd., said, "With the opening of this new manufacturing unit, our focus continues to be providing the latest Japanese technologies and quality products in Indian market. This facility will allow us to further expand our manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing local needs of haematology reagents. This step is building on Nihon Kohden's long-term commitment to the Indian market. We would like to express thanks our customers for their encouragement and overwhelming support to Nihon Kohden India in the journey so far. India is one of the most important markets for Nihon Kohden Corporation, Japan." Sameer Sehgal, Chief Finance Officer, Nihon Kohden India Pvt. Ltd., said, "There is a growing demand in the in-vitro diagnostic industry created by the expansion of the healthcare market in India. By adding another manufacturing plant, we expect to increase our production capacity multi-folds and drive ongoing commitment to support our existing and new customers and serve them better." Agartala/Aizawl, Nov 8 : Around 50 per cent out of the 21,703 eligible voters, displaced from Mizoram 25 years ago following ethnic troubles in the state, have been added to the electoral rolls in Tripura, officials said on Tuesday. These voters are part of the 37,136 displaced Reang tribals, who migrated from Mizoram and sheltered in seven refugee camps in northern Tripura since 1997. "Since the Tripura Assembly election is approaching, we want 100 per cent enrollment of the Reang voters by next month but they have to settle in the proposed areas where the settlement process is going on. After their settlement, various documents would be issued against their names. We urged the Reang tribals to come to their settlement camps at the earliest," Tripura Chief Electoral Officer Gitte Kirankumar Dinkarrao told the media. An official of Tripura's Revenue Department said that as per the agreement, signed in January 2020 between the Centre, Tripura and Mizoram governments and the Reang tribal leaders, over 37,130 displaced Reang tribals comprising 6,959 families are being rehabilitated in 12 locations in four Tripura districts - North Tripura, Dhalai, Gomati, and South Tripura. "The target for the resettlement of these displaced Reang tribals by August 31 could not be achieved due to the numerous land-related issues, forest land clearance, fresh troubles, threats of agitation against the rehabilitation and numerous other issues," the official, who did not want to be named, told IANS. In Aizawl, a Mizoram Election Department official said that following the communication from the Tripura Election Department, names of thousands of Reang voters, earlier enrolled in the electoral list of nine assembly constituencies in Mizoram, have been removed. Officials of Tripura's Tribal Welfare Department also said that due to the complicated enrollment process in regards to the displaced Reang tribals, conduct of the election to the Village Committees in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council was being delayed. Hearing a writ petition, the Tripura High Court's Judge Arindam Lodh recently directed the State Election Commission to complete the process of preparing electoral roll expeditiously and hold the Village Committee elections in accordance with law taking into account the grievance of the petitioners. Moscow, Nov 8 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said that during his bilateral talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, the entire gamut of India's "time-tested" relationship with its oldest ally were reviewed. "Just concluded comprehensive discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia. Reviewed the entire gamut of our steady and time-tested relationship," Jaishankar tweeted after concluding discussions with Lavrov. "Also exchanged perspectives from our vantage points on global and regional developments," he said in another tweet. Earlier in his opening remarks, he had said that bilateral talks with Lavrov will address the overall global situation as well as specific regional concerns. Jaishankar - who on Monday arrived in Moscow on a two-day visit to Russia - said that "there have been strong and continuing contacts between our governments at various levels". "Our meeting is devoted to assessing our ties, exchanging perspectives on global situation and what it means to our respective interests," he said. "Covid, trade difficulties have taken a toll on global economy. We are now seeing consequences of Ukraine conflict on top of that," he added. Where bilateral ties are concerned, our objective is to fashion a contemporary, balanced, mutually beneficial and long-term engagement, Jaishankar said further on his meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister. "There are more perennial issues of terrorism and climate change, both of which have a disruptive impact on progress and prosperity," he noted. He further added that India and Russia engage each other in increasingly multi-polar and re-balanced world. "We do so as two polities who have had exceptionally steady, time-tested relationship," Jaishankar stated. Prior to this, Jaishankar had last visited Russia in July 2021 followed by the visit of Lavrov to New Delhi in April 2022. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Srinagar, Nov 8 : A large number of people in Kashmir Valley are now earning employment in a better way by engaging in various age-old industries, which are helping to create a chain of employment for the youth. In the past decades, many industries started to decline due to one or the other reason, but the present government has started paying renewed attention to the various industries in Jammu and Kashmir and for this, many emergency measures were introduced through several new schemes. As a result of this, people have started reconnecting with various industries. Also, people who had distanced themselves from them are also coming back and taking full advantage of the government schemes. Saffron industry Panpur in Pulwama district is also known as the 'Saffron Town' for centuries. Kashmiri saffron is famous around the world for its unique identity. The area from Panpur on the Srinagar-Jammu highway to Barsa is also known as the 'red gold' area. This industry suffered a lot due to the actions of previous governments, as a result this land yielding 'gold' was turning into a barren land. In the last few years, especially after 2019, the government has paid more attention to this industry along with other industries in Jammu and Kashmir. It took many important steps due to which the farmers are once again getting attracted to the cultivation of saffron here. After many years, an increase in production has been seen this year. The government is promoting the area as saffron tourism, where a big event has also been organised recently. Successful initiative of Sher Kashmir Agricultural University Saffron used to be damaged due to different weather conditions, reducing the farmers' earnings which was also one of the reasons for shunning the industry. However, due to the initiative of Sher Kashmir Agricultural University (SCAST), Kashmir has now successfully experimented with growing saffron indoor, due to which the industry is expanding and benefiting the farmers in a better way. This year, nine farmers have grown saffron indoor under this unique initiative. Among them is Abdul Majeed Wani from the Khamanwa area in Panpur, who is also the president of the Kashmir Saffron Association. Wani said he was told about this new technology by the Sher Kashmir Agricultural University three years ago. He said the saffron grew within three months after which it was kept in a closed dark room. Wani said that since he grew the saffron indoor, there was no risk of adverse weather conditions. "We are trying to make the industry sustainable. Farmers now want to use standardised seeds, which can bring more benefits. With the help of the new technology, the industry will reach the homes of people who do not own land," he said. Bashir Ahmed Elahi from the Saffron Research Centre said that now this new technology is being communicated to more and more farmers so that the industry gets a boost. Elahi said that anyone who wants to grow saffron in this way can contact the Saffron Research Centre. Guwahati, Nov 8 : Assam, like several other parts of the country, also witnessed the year's last lunar eclipse on Tuesday. In several institutes of the state, events were organised to observe the phases of the lunar eclipse. The lunar eclipse began at 2:39 p.m. and the phase of the total eclipse was at 3:36 p.m. However, as the moonrise in Assam was around 4.34 p.m., the eclipse could be seen only after that. Asoke Sen, a professor of Astrophysics at Assam University in Silchar, told IANS: "The sky was bright initially and we could not see the initial phases of the total lunar eclipse. However, once it was dusk, the eclipse was nicely visible here." Another professor of the same institute, Himadri Sekhar Das informed that they organised a camp to show the lunar eclipse to students and other general audiences. He said: "We could see the phenomenon of the eclipse from 5:10 p.m. The lunar eclipse persisted till 6:19 p.m. and was visible from our campus." Nearly 500 people gathered at the camp to witness the total lunar eclipse, Das added. A few other institutes like Karimganj college also organised a camp to observe the lunar eclipse phenomenon. Guwahati Planetarium curator Babul Bora informed that towns like Dibrugarh and Jorhat witnessed the eclipse for a longer duration as the moon rose earlier there compared to other towns in the state. Meanwhile, as a good number of people still believe that eating food during an eclipse can be harmful, Professor Sen said: "There is no scientific evidence behind such superstitions, rather people should enjoy these celestial events without any fear." The next total lunar eclipse will be in March 2025, however, Northeast may not have good visibility at that time, according to the experts. Dhaka, Nov 8 : A total of 13 activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party have been arrested for the attack on retired Supreme Court appellate division judge, Justice A.H.M. Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, police said on Tuesday. While a Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) official put the number of arrested at 12, officials of the elite RAB told IANS that they had arrested the 13th BNP accused on Tuesday. Justice Manik had delivered the judgment against war criminal, Jamat leader Delwar Hossain Sayeedee, and he was targetted by the BNP for terming its founder and former military ruler BNP founder Ziaur Rahman the killer of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibar Rahman. "We've so far arrested 12 people over the attack on the Justice and vandalism of his private car. We've interrogated them and scrutinised CCTV footage. We've got confirmation that the attack was carried out from the BNP rally," DMP's Detective Branch chief Harun-ur-Rashid had said on Monday at a briefing on the arrest of six members of an hacking gang. He said Harun that said some of the arrestees were still being interrogated in their custody. "We'll be able to extract information about whether other people were involved in the attack." Justice Manik came under attack in the Nayapaltan area of the capital on November 2. A group of people from a procession swooped on his car while passing near the Central Police Hospital, vandalised it, and assaulted him, and his driver and gunman. Hanoi, Nov 9 : Police in southern Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh city have busted a drug-trafficking ring, seizing more than 11 kg of drugs, state media reported. The police directed relevant authorities to crack down on a drug trafficking ring led by a 45-year-old woman, who is a resident of Ho Chi Minh city's District 1 on November 5, state media reported on Tuesday. They searched seven venues in Ho Chi Minh city and the southern Dong Nai province, seizing a total of 29 cakes of heroin weighing more than 10 kg, 30 gram of ketamine and 23 gram of ecstasy, according to the report. On November 6, border guard and police forces of northern Vietnam's Nam Dinh province arrested two people red-handed with 12,000 pills of synthetic drugs, the state media reported. The two drug traffickers, aged 18 and 45, are residents of the northern province of Son La. They confessed that they were hired to transport the drugs from Son La to Nam Dinh for 80 million Vietnamese dong (nearly $3,200) in return, Xinhua news agency reported. According to the Vietnamese law, those convicted of smuggling more than 600 gram of heroin or more than 2.5 kg of methamphetamine are punishable by death. United Nations, Nov 9 : The UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has urged Egypt to immediately release jailed British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel Fattah. Turk said on Tuesday that Abdel Fattah's life was "at acute risk" after he escalated a hunger strike and stopped drinking water, BBC reported. The British-Egyptian activist began the strike in April to protest against the denial of consular visits. Abdel Fattah's sister, Sanaa Seif, said: "All we know is that Alaa stopped drinking water 50 hours ago. We don't know where he is. We don't know if he is alive." "My mother waited outside the prison gates for 10 hours yesterday for her weekly letter. They didn't give her one. She is back at those gates right now," she told a news conference at the COP27 climate conference in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. "I asked the British authorities to get us some proof that Alaa is alive and conscious. I did not get any response." UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed his "deep concern" at the case during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday and said he "hoped to see this resolved as soon as possible," a Downing Street spokesman said. Seif also added that she had been extremely worried by recent remarks made by Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who is chairing COP27, and President Sisi, BBC reported. Shoukry told CNBC on Monday that prison authorities were providing Abdel Fattah with the "healthcare and care that is available to all inmates," while France's President Emmanuel Macron said the Egyptian President had assured him that Egypt was "committed to ensuring that (the) health of Alaa Abdel Fattah is preserved". "Are they force-feeding my brother right now? Is he handcuffed in a bed put on IVs (intravenous therapy) against his will. This is what it sounds like to me," Seif said. "If that is the case, then he has been plunged into a worse nightmare than he was already in." "We know that they are happy for him to die. The only thing they care about is that it doesn't happen while the world is watching." Egypt's Foreign Minister also said on Monday that legal procedure had "not yet been fulfilled" for Egypt to recognise Abdel Fattah's dual British citizenship, which he received in December 2021 through his London-born mother, Laila Soueif. In a statement issued in Geneva, the UN Human Rights Chief urged the Egyptian government to "immediately release Abdel Fattah from prison and provide him with the necessary medical treatment". "Abdel Fattah is in great danger. His dry hunger strike puts his life at acute risk," Turk said, describing him as one of a number of people in Egypt who had been "arbitrarily deprived of their liberty". But he did not limit his comments to just the British-Egyptian activist's case, BBC reported. "I call on the Egyptian authorities to fulfil their human rights obligations and immediately release all those arbitrarily detained, including those in pre-trial detention, as well as those unfairly convicted," he added. "No one should be detained for exercising their basic human rights." A representative for Egypt's Foreign Minister, Wael Aboulmagd, told the BBC: "Diplomatic channels and consular channels... are open between Egypt and the UK with regard to this particular case. We are also engaging with the UN human rights system." Abdel Fattah, a 40-year-old father of one, first rose to prominence during the 2011 uprising in Egypt that forced long-time President Hosni Mubarak to resign, BBC reported. Since President Sisi came to power in 2014 after leading the military's overthrow of Mubarak's democratically-elected successor, Abdel Fattah has spent most of the time in prison or police detention. Last year, the British-Egyptian activist was convicted of "spreading false news" in a Facebook post and sentenced to five years in prison. Human rights groups had called the charge spurious and the trial a sham. In April, Abdel Fattah's family said he had begun a partial hunger strike, consuming a maximum of 100 calories a day. Last week, with his health already fragile, he told relatives he would drink only water until Sunday, when COP27 started, and would then stop even that. Ankara, Nov 9 : Turkey has said that it has been coordinating efforts to remove obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertiliser. The deal that paved the way for the resumption of Ukrainian grain to world markets also envisaged shipment of Russian grain and fertilizer, state media outlet quoted Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as saying on Tuesday. "Export of Russian fertiliser is part of the agreement. Russians have some concerns that these demands are not met. Now diplomacy is working to remove these concerns," Cavusoglu said. "We're looking into what steps need to be taken to meet Russia's expectations and we're coordinating work," he added. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also holding talks to remove barriers to Russian grain and fertiliser exports, he said. Russia on Wednesday announced its return to the implementation of a grain export deal through the Black Sea, saying Ukraine has promised not to use the humanitarian corridor for military attacks, Xinhua news agency reported. On July 22, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkey and the UN on grain and fertiliser exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Russia-Ukraine armed conflict. On October 29, Russia announced the decision to immediately and indefinitely suspend its implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, accusing Ukraine of launching drone attacks against the Russian Black Sea Fleet's ships and infrastructure at the naval base in Sevastopol. Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War Aden : , Nov 9 (IANS) Unidentified gunmen shot dead a general of Yemen's internationally recognised government in the country's northeastern oil-rich province of Marib, a security official told Xinhua news agency. "Masked gunmen opened fire from their automatic rifles and assassinated General Mohamed Al-Jaradi and his bodyguard in the government-controlled province of Marib," the official said on condition of anonymity on Tuesday. Al-Jaradi was returning from a work assignment in the city when the gunmen in ambush fired a barrage of gunshots at the military vehicle carrying him, he added. Al-Jaradi was a senior commander of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and personally led large-scale military operations against the Houthi rebels during the past years, Xinhua news agency reported. The assailants managed to escape after carrying out the drive-by shooting, and local security forces have launched an investigation into the killing, according to the official. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the killing. Ferocious battles frequently take place between the Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebel militia over the capture of the strategic oil-rich province of Marib. Yemen's civil war flared in late 2014 when the Houthi group seized control over much of the country's north and forced the internationally recognised government out of the capital Sanaa. Kolkata, Nov 9 : "The Rising Sun Water Fest -- 2022 helped in promoting tourism, trade and job opportunities for the local youth," an Army official said. But then, why would the Army be interested in organising a festival and then talk of tourism and job opportunities? The Rising Sun Water Fest -- 2022 was organised at the Umiam Lake in Meghalaya (close to Shillong) between November 3 and 5. This was the first time that such an event was organised at the picturesque location and it did witness participation from teams across the country and also brought in a large number of tourists. The organisers were the state governments of Assam and Meghalaya with help from the Indian Army's Eastern Command. Meghalaya is passing through a tough phase with rising unemployment. The state isn't suited for heavy industries and tourism hasn't brought in sufficient revenue, forcing the youth to bank on government jobs. These are hard to come by nowadays. On October 28, hundreds of youths, supported by NGOs and organisations suspected to be overground groups of banned outfits, took out a rally in Shillong, seeking employment and the filling up of government posts. The event started off peacefully enough but ended in violence. Among those injured were passers-by, migrant workers and journalists. "This was unfortunate, but one can't blame the youth either. They are passing through difficult times. Most are not qualified enough to leave the state and seek jobs elsewhere. Tourism hasn't been of the level expected. There are hardly any international tourists in Meghalaya. After all, they are the ones who pay enough to boost the economy. Domestic tourism has also not picked up sufficiently after the pandemic. The only industry are the illegal coal mines in the Jaintia Hills that feed the polluting coke plants. This has pushed the youth to drugs and illegal trade. We are worried that there will be a resurgence of insurgency unless the situation improves," a government official said. The last thing that the Army wants is the resurgence of insurgency in one of the northeastern states. Shillong is home to several defence establishments. Apart from the headquarters of Indian Air Force's Eastern Air Command, the Assam Regiment Regimental Centre as well as the Gorkha Training Centre are located there. No wonder Lt. Gen R P Kalita, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, and Air Marshal S P Dharkar, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, accompanied Conrad Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Assam during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Festival at Umiam Lake. "We can only help in maintaining peace in the state through civil-military interaction and the organisation of events such as the Rising Sun Water Fest. Such events bring in some revenue and offer some hope to the local youth. They also promote tourism that can help in generating jobs. We witnessed ugly scenes in Shillong around Independence Day in 2021. A section of youth actually ran amok, hijacking police vehicles and snatching weapons. This was after a low intensity blast allegedly triggered by an underground group and the death of a surrendered leader of the outfit in police custody. The situation is fluid in the state. Everybody has to be careful to prevent any escalation," another Army official said. AdPlayer.Pro, a global provider of outstream video advertising solutions, has released the companys Q3 2022 business results. Namely, according to the official announcement, in Q3 2022 the volume of daily served video ad impressions grew to 54,000,000, demonstrating a gradual increase in serving volumes following a commonly tracked summer slow-down. In this respect, as Anton Liaskovskyi, CEO of AdPlayer.Pro claimed, the outlook of the September 2022 data, in particular, demonstrates a noticeable upward trend in business activities, which will definitely accelerate in Q4 2022. As for the AdPlayer.Pros functional capabilities, in July - September 2022 the developers team was focused on the enhancement of the existing programmatic ad features in the companys ad-enabled video player technology, primarily related to the oRTB Demand integration & configuration, as well as the outstream video player API. More importantly, just recently AdPlayer.Pro has officially released the brand-new outstream ad format variation, which should enable publishers to achieve maximum viewability of video ad creatives, integrated into their editorial content environment. Namely, the new ad unit, known as the so-called Reverse Sticky implies the outstream player launches on a page in a Sticky mode, then changes to InPage/InBanner, correspondingly, when it gets to the visible area following the page scroll. Notably, according to Mr. Liaskovskyi, the use of Reverse Sticky by the companys partners on the Supply side has doubled over the past 30 days, with a gradually greater share of publishers wishing to give the new video ad unit a try right at the beginning of this years Winter Holiday season. Watch the Reverse Sticky video ad format demo on the AdPlayer.Pros featured YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/NAwkqilLP0o. For more information about AdPlayer.Pros outstream video advertising solutions, please visit https://adplayer.pro/solutions, or send us an email at business@adplayer.pro. About AdPlayer.Pro Founded in 2016, AdPlayer.Pro has already distinguished itself in the crowded digital video ad market by being able to meet the ever-changing industry needs with a broad range of innovative outstream video advertising solutions. This is an exciting new partnership for us, says Neil Stallard, CEO of The Reserves Network. Staffing is a people business, and to add this many new and talented employees to our internal team is only going to strengthen the levels of service we can provide to our existing and new clients. The Reserves Network, a staffing industry leader in the areas of manufacturing, logistics, engineering, call centers, finance, real estate, government, and healthcare, has acquired Celebrity Staff and the non-clinical staffing business divisions of C&A Industries. These acquired operations under the C&A Industries professional and commercial umbrella provide search and staffing services in the following areas: finance and accounting, legal and administrative support, industrial, skilled trades, architecture and engineering, IT, and executive search. All of the 72 employees in operations and management roles from the acquired companies will immediately transition to The Reserves Network family. They will be based in Omaha, Neb. with the capabilities to service the staffing needs of clients nationwide. We have always valued our employees and clients above all else, serving their best interests for over 40 years, said Mike Morgan, president of C&A Industries Commercial and Professional Services. As we looked to transition our commercial and professional services divisions, we placed the highest emphasis on finding a company with the same values and focus on customer service that would provide a seamless transition for our operations and future growth for our teams. The Reserves Network matched all those criteria. General Managers of two of the acquired non-clinical C&A Industry brands, Patty North and Chris Carlson, stated they are both elated about the alignment with The Reserves Network, and the shared emphasis on quality, reliability, and integrity. North added, Our goal is for our customers, candidates, and teams to quickly see the benefits of this new partnership. Headquartered in the Cleveland suburb of Fairview Park, Ohio, The Reserves Network was established in 1984. The family-owned and veteran-founded company has received multiple honors for customer loyalty, outstanding growth, and management excellence. The Reserves Network employs over 20,000 employees through its 45 operating locations in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest, and works with customers nationwide. This is an exciting new partnership for us, says Neil Stallard, CEO of The Reserves Network. Staffing is a people business, and to add this many new and talented employees to our internal team is only going to strengthen the levels of service we can provide to our existing and new clients. This marks the third acquisition The Reserves Network has made in the past year. In 2021, the company acquired Texas-based Resource Staffing with multiple locations in Austin, Dallas, and the Greater Houston area. This past April, the company acquired Staffing Connections and Medical Connections with offices in Columbus, GA, Stockbridge, GA, and Opelika, AL. Adds Nick Stallard, chief growth officer for The Reserves Network: The Reserves Network is always looking to diversify and elevate our service offerings and geographic presence. This acquisition accomplishes that goal, aligning with our strategic growth plan as a company. RingSquared, a trusted provider of end-to-end voice, data, and business communication solutions, has relocated their New York office and recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new building. The new RingSquared office is located at 2 Third Street, Suite 480, Troy, NY 12180. This move enables the company to maintain close contact with customers in the area, along with giving the New York office room to grow. The team had previously been in a different location in the same building from 2003 to 2019, and after a temporary move is eager to be back in Troys downtown business district overlooking the Troy Atrium, home of many other businesses including valued clients, and one block from the Hudson River waterfront. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on November 2nd, 2022, at the new RingSquared office. The event was MCed by the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce president and guests included the Mayor of Troy and other elected officials, local media, other Chamber of Commerce members, and RingSquared clients local to Rensselaer County. Company leadership from RingSquared attended from the Mahwah, NJ headquarters including Kevin Alward, principal owner and CEO. Following the ribbon cutting, the Troy office hosted an open house with food and beverages for guests, some fun RingSquared gifts, and tours of the new space. With hundreds of accounts in Rensselaer County, and a long history in the city of Troy, our RingSquared team is excited to be back in this historic building, says Kevin Alward, CEO. We look forward to settling into the new office and expanding our business footprint as the RingSquared business continues to grow. Built on 30+ years in telecommunications serving over 30,000 clients and delivering more than 8 billion calls annually, RingSquared brings together enterprise-class platforms and services from leading vendors to create the reliable, secure RingSquared Network. Key product offerings include cloud-based voice and data, contact centers, and business communication solutions custom-built with a best-fit approach and flexibility for future client growth. The Troy business was originally Cornerstone and has been in the historic city since 2002. They were acquired in 2015, and then again by RingSquared in 2021. Multiple employees in the Troy office are nearing 20 years of tenure between Cornerstone and RingSquared. The building RingSquared moved into was originally a department store for many years before renovations in the 1970s turned it into a business space surrounding the Troy Atrium. Several notable RingSquared customers in the area include the City of Troy and Troy Music Hall; 1st Playable Productions who makes games for mobile, PC, VR, and more; Velan Studios, a game studio and customer since 2016; and Agora, a customer since 2014 whose custom API embeds real-time voice and video in apps. In addition to the New York and New Jersey locations, RingSquared has offices across the country in Delray Beach, Florida, Frisco and San Antonio, Texas, and Seattle, Washington, along with remote teams in Oregon and California, to provide 24/7 service and support. The New York team, and everyone at RingSquared, looks forward to welcoming guests and clients to the newly opened office. About RingSquared RingSquared combines multiple industry-leading products together to deliver flexible and customizable communications solutions over the RingSquared Network. Built on carrier-grade facilities with local and geographically redundant architecture, RingSquared ensures every client benefits from a reliable and scalable network. With a dedicated leadership team bringing 75+ years of combined telecommunications experience, RingSquared works with private and public businesses including enterprise organizations, financial groups, government, manufacturing, a full range of Fortune 500 brands, media agencies, and more. RingSquared Telecom LLC brands include RingSquared, RingSquared International, Dial800, and Kall8. For more information, visit https://www.ringsquared.com. We applaud the legislature and PEMA for taking this quantum leap forward. This enables significant cost savings, improved situational awareness for emergency responders, and improved emergency response outcomes for all of Pennsylvanias citizens and visitors. On September 1, the state of Pennsylvania awarded Mission Critical Partners (MCP) a contract to support the deployment of Next Generation 911 (NG911) service statewide. NG911 service will propel the state into a new age of emergency communications for generations to come. MCP, which provides consulting and managed services to public-sector organizations, will support the deployment by conducting standards reviews and providing subject-matter expertise. Pennsylvanias 61 PSAPs will migrate from legacy 911 service to NG911 service in a phased approach by 2025. This transition is vital given that wireless devices generated 74 percent of 911 calls in Pennsylvania in 2021. Because NG911 systems are Internet Protocol (IP)-based and broadband-enabled, they also will deliver texts, and in the future, videos, images, and other forms of rich data to public-safety answering points (PSAPs) when calls are made from wireless devices. To support the transition, MCP will complete the following tasks: Provide PEMA with expertise throughout NG911 migration, implementation, and post-migration, statewide Support PEMA in transitioning existing text-to-911 services to the states NG911 service contract Integrate existing regional emergency services IP networks, also known as ESInets, with the statewide ESInet, ensuring a successful integration between statewide and regional entities Provide NG911 and ancillary services support, including assisting PEMA with the development of requirements for applications to be supported by the statewide ESInet These include 911 call-handling systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, and other public-safety systems This support also includes maintaining compliance with national cybersecurity standards and best practices Provide updates regarding how NG911 service will integrate with other elements of the statewide 911 plan According to Darrin Reilly, MCP president, and CEO, PEMA has made tremendous progress in fostering collaboration amongst the states PSAPs and regions since new 911 legislation was enacted in 2015. Examples include shared call-handling systems and data sharing achieved through regional CAD systems in many areas across Pennsylvania. We applaud the legislature and PEMA for taking this quantum leap forward, said Reilly. This enables significant cost savings, improved situational awareness for emergency responders, and improved emergency response outcomes for all of Pennsylvanias citizens and visitors. About Mission Critical Partners (MCP) Mission Critical Partners (MCP) is a leading provider of data integration, consulting, network, and cybersecurity solutions specializing in transforming mission-critical communications networks into integrated ecosystems that improve outcomes in the public safety, justice, healthcare, transportation, and utility markets. Our comprehensive experience and vendor-agnostic approach helps us develop modernized solutions for our clients to maximize value and create optimal efficiency while mitigating risk. Additional information and career opportunities are available at http://www.MissionCriticalPartners.com The message we want to instill in the kids we work with is: I Will Never Give Up or IWNGU. A film about an athlete from Ghana is inspiring children in Africa to dream on. The film, created by On Running, follows athlete Akwasi Frimpongs Olympic journey and his goal to encourage children to find their own dream. The film is called, A Winter Olympian from Africa. Frimpong and his wife Erica, along with key founding board members, recently launched the Hope Of A Billion (HOAB) nonprofit organization with the goal to encourage, engage, and empower a billion lives in underserved communities around the world through sport, business, and educational opportunities. The Frimpongs, and those who partner with them, believe anything is possible with resilience, determination, and hard work. Using the experiences of community heroes like Frimpong, HOAB encourages underserved children to break out of their comfort zones through challenging new activities that show them they can do things they thought were never possible. HOAB engages children in schools and provides teachers with inspiring content in the form of graphic novels to help children understand that what they think about is what they will become. Frimpong recently traveled to Kumasi, Ghana, and talked with more than 600 students there. After sharing his own story of perseverance, he introduced the students to the sport of Skeleton, by using squares of wood on wheels. He took them through the Black Ice graphic novel and film also produced by On Running and challenged them to dare to dream by stepping out of their comfort zone and trying new things. As they meet their challenges, they must always work hard, believe in themself, and never, ever give up, Frimpong explained. The message we want to instill in the kids we work with is: I Will Never Give Up or IWNGU, Frimpong said. IWNGU is a Swahili word for cloud. Sometimes clouds are fluffy and provide shade, other times they bring darkness, lightning, hail, floods, snow, and even ice. The problems in our lives are often perceived as thunderstorms, but those storms bring water to drink and ice to slide on. It is all in how we view our obstacles. That is how you become the next Hope Of A Billion, by never giving up. You can view the A Winter Olympian from Africa video at https://youtu.be/o08quO8oaCE To help Hope Of A Billion continue its mission to empower children in Africa, go to hopeofabillion.org to donate. Our team is ready to hit the ground running to deliver on something so many of our customers have been asking for: a reality capture platform that is unified and intelligent, but also automated so they can quickly start to see the benefits of advancements in aerial and ground robotics. News of the acquisition has been met with overwhelmingly positive response from customers of both companies. Rapid integration of both products core capabilities will quickly provide customers with the benefits of a unified platform. DroneDeploy, the leading reality capture platform, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of StructionSite, a leading provider of intelligent project tracking software for the construction industry. The deal closed on November 4, 2022, and the integration of both products core capabilities and teams is expected to proceed rapidly. Unified, automated, intelligent With this acquisition, the realization of DroneDeploys vision of the future of reality capture being unified, automated and intelligent has been accelerated. The combined technology, resources and expertise from this acquisition are set to create the most complete, feature-rich platform for reality capture whether from the air, ground, interior or exterior. We are thrilled to welcome StructionSites team and customers to the DroneDeploy family, said Mike Winn, CEO and co-founder of DroneDeploy. Our team is ready to hit the ground running to deliver on something so many of our customers have been asking for: a reality capture platform that is unified and intelligent, but also automated so they can quickly start to see the benefits of advancements in aerial and ground robotics. The entire StructionSite team is excited to be joining the DroneDeploy family, said Matt Daly, former CEO and co-founder of StructionSite. The response from our customers and partners in the construction world has just been overwhelmingly positive. People see the benefits a unified, automated and intelligent reality capture platform will bring, and we are excited to deliver on that promise on an accelerated timeline. Following the acquisition, Daly has joined DroneDeploys executive leadership team in a role that will focus entirely on planning and implementing the two companies strategic integration plan. Daly will be working closely with customers of both companies to ensure they experience the benefits of the unified reality capture platform as early as possible. Winn and Daly hosted a live event on November 1, 2022 to share more details about the two companies strategic integration plans, the roadmap for the unified platform and its impact on the future of reality capture. You can access the recording here. Advisors Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. acted as legal advisor to DroneDeploy in the transaction. About DroneDeploy DroneDeploy is the leading reality capture platform, making the power of interactive digital twins accessible and productive for everyone. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies globally, DroneDeploy transforms sites, structures and assets into easy-to-understand digital representations that are accessible from any location, altitude or angle all in one platform. Intuitive by design, DroneDeploy helps businesses in the construction, energy and agriculture industries to save time, improve safety and lower unforeseen costs throughout their entire operation. DroneDeploy is headquartered in San Francisco, with our team of global experts located throughout the U.S., Asia-Pacific and Europe. To learn more, visit http://www.dronedeploy.com, and join the conversation on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. About StructionSite Launched in 2016 and acquired by DroneDeploy in 2022, StructionSite is a leading provider of interior reality capture for the construction industry. Its intelligent project tracking platform provides customers in-depth and organized insights into the status of work completed on a jobsite using 360 video, photo and AI-powered algorithm mapping. StructionSites web and mobile applications are designed to easily capture project progress from every angle and at every phase of construction, giving contractors and project owners the ability to track projects, validate schedules and eliminate re-work. Learn more at StructionSite.com. By weaving a mental health intervention into lactation support, this first-of-its-kind partnership opens up the door to better, more seamless care delivery for moms. Customers of the leading breast pump distributor and breastfeeding resource center, Aeroflow Breastpumps can now access free, clinically-effective and on-demand mental health support tools to help reduce postpartum stress, anxiety, and depressionfrom the comfort and convenience of their home. App-based mental health care and psychoeducation has been made available through a partnership between Canopie and Aeroflow Breastpumps, providing access to clinically-effective programs that help parents and caregivers manage the highs and lows of parenthood. This partnership marks a meaningful and progressive move for Aeroflow Breastpumps, a key leader in the insurance-eligible maternal health industry. Research has long shown the correlation between a moms breastfeeding relationship and her mental health, with breastfeeding complications increasing the risk of developing a perinatal mood disorder (PMAD) like postpartum depression. By weaving a mental health intervention into lactation support, this first-of-its-kind partnership opens up the door to better, more seamless care delivery for moms. Everyday, our team hears from moms who are struggling, says Jennifer Jordan, VP of sales operations at Aeroflow Healthcare. The conversations begin with worries about feeding their baby, but so often they are intertwined with other fears, anxieties, sadness, and frustrations. The clear overlap between breastfeeding and mental health makes our partnership with Canopie a natural fit and enables us to provide a more holistic solution in support of our mission to improve maternal health outcomes from the earliest stages of pregnancy and well into the postpartum journey. Canopie launched in December 2020 with their research-based 12-day program that uses clinically-validated therapeutic techniques for preventing and treating depression and anxiety during the perinatal period. Developed alongside top perinatal mental health researchers, the program draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and compassion focused therapy to create high-impact asynchronous sessions and is personalized for each users mood goals and stage of parenting. An American Academy of Pediatrics STAR Center resource, Canopie allows users to gain real-time insights into their emotional health and direct them to the most effective tools for managing their current mood. The application customizes audio and text-based therapeutic programs in English and Spanish framed in terms of parenting challenges like sleep, feeding, and bonding. It also escalates the most vulnerable users to live support. While as many as one in seven moms in the general population struggle during this periodand as high as one in three of more vulnerable moms, there is still a sense of shame and stigma surrounding feeling low during this time. A digital health intervention like Canopie not only normalizes and helps them navigate these feelings, but also meets parents where they are most comfortablein the privacy of their own home. The research shows that digital tools can help prevent up to 50% of perinatal mental health conditions, which not only saves billions of dollars in healthcare, but can also save millions of families tremendous heartache. Anne Wanlund, co-founder and CEO of Canopie shares, We are incredibly excited about this partnership with Aeroflow Breastpumps. Our hopes are that by partnering with something as universal as pumping and breastfeeding, we not only help to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support, but we are able to access parents early on in their journeyprenatally, when they are stocking their postpartum supplies. Given that our approach is prevention-based, reaching moms during pregnancy to educate and engage them is essential for reducing the prevalence of PMADs. Untreated mental health conditions account for poor health outcomes for both mom and baby, says Jordan. Our focus has always been on expanding the accessibility of insurance-covered supplies and services, and Canopies goal of making mental health resources available everywhere, at the tap of the button, aligns perfectly with that mission. Thousands of parents and caregivers will gain access to the Canopie app through our platform, and there are already more plans underway for continued investment in Canopie to expand and deepen mental health support across the perinatal continuum of care. This partnership with Aeroflow Breastpumps extends beyond access to digital intervention. Canopie will provide group educational workshops with clinical mental health experts focused on the intersection between mental health and common challenges of parenthood, such as breastfeeding, relationships, identity, and more. Also on the horizon are more integrations of perinatal mental health into the Aeroflow Breastpumps experience. Since launching their partnership, class engagement from the Aeroflow Breastpumps community has been high and met with enthusiasm, with upwards of 40% of class participants engaging in the Canopie digital intervention. Wanlund shares, As new moms ourselves, we knew there was demand for more mental health support when it comes to preparing to feed your baby and feeding your baby, but the challenge has always been making it feel accessible and relatable. When our first classes sold out, we were excited because it meant that the Aeroflow community was hungryand readyfor this kind of support. Our whole goal is to make mental health support less stigmatized and more available, and were honored to be able to do that for this community. About Aeroflow Healthcare Aeroflow Healthcare was founded in Asheville, NC in 2001 and has since grown to become one of the leading durable medical equipment providers nationwide. For three consecutive years, Aeroflow has been ranked on Inc. Magazines List of 5000 Fastest Growing Companies. In 2017, Aeroflow was also awarded the HME Excellence Award for Best Home Medical Equipment Provider and has been recognized as a business offering top-notch benefits to employees with the Great Place to Work Award. Aeroflow is an accredited Medicare and Medicaid provider and accepts most commercial insurance. To learn more about Aeroflow Healthcare and getting medical equipment through insurance, visit Aeroflowinc.com. Array Skin Therapy, the first-to-market light therapy franchise, signed its first franchise agreement. This milestone comes a few months after Array Skin Therapy launched its franchise opportunity. Founded in 2011, Array Skin Therapy is revolutionizing the way autoimmune skin conditions are treated by making access to light therapy convenient and affordable. Millions of people quietly suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and more, and for far too long, light therapy, one of the most effective treatments for skin conditions, has been hard to come by. With five locations open in Southern California, Array Skin Therapy has helped thousands of patients feel more comfortable in their own skin. Now, with the announcement of its first franchise signing, the brand is ready to expand into Arizona, where the demand for light therapy is wildly underserved. The brands first franchise owner, Cheryl Stanton, spent her entire career in the medical field, including several years as a nurse practitioner. Stanton was attracted to the franchise opportunity because she understands the enormous need. Theres nothing like Array Skin Therapy in Arizona, she says. Im so excited to be able to open a business where you get to help people who are really struggling, who are desperate to find a solution, and get treatment that works. Theres no better feeling than being able to improve someones quality of life, and thats what Array Skin Therapy is all about. I cant wait to get my doors open. Theres so much need out there. I wish we could start tomorrow. Stanton is currently in the process of choosing the right location in Scottsdale, Arizona, and expects to be open in early 2023. While this is the first franchise signing, Array Skin Therapy is poised to rapidly grow. Currently focused on expanding in the Southwest including California, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, Array Skin Therapy is actively seeking entrepreneurs who want to be a part of a truly disruptive brand. Were so excited to welcome Cheryl into our franchise family, says Kristen Miller, CEO and co-founder. We decided to franchise because we knew that this was going to be the fastest way to make an impact. There are millions of people that need this treatment, and we want to franchise with passionate entrepreneurs who share our mission to make light therapy accessible to all that need it. Weve proven that this model works from a business standpoint as well. Were proud of our unit-level economics and our ability to scale because that means that what were doing is working. To learn more about the Array Skin Therapy franchise opportunity, visit: https://arrayfranchise.com/ Cooler Master celebrates its 30th Anniversary on 17/November 2022, commemorating Decades of Shaping the Future. Following humble beginnings as a thermal solutions manufacturer, Cooler Master has grown and developed into a multi-faceted technology company driven by innovation, agility, and passion. With a collective eye on the future and the constant pursuit of improvement and advancement, Cooler Master welcomes a new future that will stretch beyond its established roots in PC components, broadening to represent a new generations technology driven lifestyle. From Humble Beginnings to an Ambitious Future Cooler Master has grown from a humble thermal solutions provider to a technology innovator across numerous product categories. With extensive history in thermal, chassis, power, and peripheral solutions, Cooler Master has continued growth into other categories such as monitors, chairs, and desks. Continuing its metamorphosis from a tech-component manufacturer into a tech-lifestyle brand, Cooler Master is set to continue innovating and pursuing the development of the Cooler Master product ecosystem. Masters of Our Craft Over the past three decades Cooler Master has pioneered technological developments, such as the first aluminium chassis in 1999, the first CPU cooler with embedded heatpipes in 2001, production of the industrys first all-in-one water cooling solution for retail markets in 2004, establishment of a vapour chamber (VC) factory in 2009, and implementation of a 3D-VC manufacturing line in 2015 and the list goes on. Whether it be innovation in manufacturing, broadening of direct manufacturing capacity, supplying solutions to other industry leaders, or pursuing excellence with an enthusiast, DIY attitude, Cooler Master continues to adapt to service the needs of consumers and businesses via Cooler Master Technology and Cooler Master Corporation respectively. Visual Flourishes of 30th Anniversary Editions To mark the special 30th anniversary occasion, Cooler Master has developed limited 30th Anniversary Edition versions of new and popular products spanning across a range of Cooler Master product categories. Each celebratory model has been given a limited-edition treatment that ensures the 30th Anniversary Edition products stand out from the crowd, including nods to Cooler Master products of the past and glimpses into the future. With some sporting Milestone Bronze or Glitch Purple, as well as step-repeat patterns with cues to stand-out products of the past, the 30th Anniversary Edition products are dressed to impress while also instantly recognisable. The 30th Anniversary Edition Ecosystem A complimentary range of products drawing from across the Cooler Master product stack establishes a unique ecosystem. Featuring Milestone Bronze and Glitch Purple distinctive colour flourishes, alongside other exclusive visual treatments, the Cooler Master 30th Anniversary Edition collection celebrates Decades of Shaping the Future in a visually impactful way. Covering both the core of Cooler Masters product stack, as well as new entries into the catalogue, the 30th Anniversary Edition ecosystem includes options for everyone, covering a range of product types and price points. Naturally, for the best experience, combine all the Cooler Master 30th Anniversary Edition products to enjoy the benefits of the unified Cooler Master product ecosystem. In It, To Win It Furthermore, with each purchase of a Cooler Master 30th Anniversary Edition product, an opportunity presents to register your product and receive a celebratory token and entry into the draw to win a Cooler Master ORB X in a limited 30th Anniversary Edition Glitch Purple colourway! Further information and details for this promotion are yet to be released. More Product Details For additional, product-specific information relating to 30th Anniversary Edition product specifications and features, please review the attached product-specific press releases. Please find the complete list of 30th Anniversary product press releases also linked below for reference. Cooler Master Launches Limited Edition Thermal Solutions to Celebrate 30th Anniversary PL360 Flux 30th Anniversary Edition MA824 Stealth 30th Anniversary Edition Mobius 120P ARGB 30th Anniversary Edition ErgoStand Air 30th Anniversary Edition Cooler Master Bring Back the Legacy with 30th Year Anniversary V Platinum 1300 V1300 Platinum 30th Anniversary Edition Peripherals 30th Anniversary Edition Featuring Special and Unique New Design MK721 30th Anniversary Edition MM712 30th Anniversary Edition MP511 XL 30th Anniversary Edition Celebrate 30 Years of Cooler Master Legacy Hybrid 1 30th Anniversary Edition GD120 ARGB 30th Anniversary Edition GM27-FQS ARGB 30th Anniversary Edition Cooler Master Celebrates Heritage and New Horizons with Cosmos Infinity 30th Anniversary Edition by CMODX Cosmos Infinity 30th Anniversary Edition A New Dawn for A New Day Testament to Cooler Masters growth, commitment, and future in the technology industry, as we celebrate Decades of Shaping the Future, Cooler Master also marks the opening of its new headquarters in Neihu district, Taipei, Taiwan. The new facility represents the success of the past meeting the vision for a new future. The new building and associated resources exhibit Cooler Masters commitment to reinvesting into the future, embracing innovation and change to maintain an ever-new approach spurring creativity and opportunity. Details at a Glance Cooler Master established 17/November 1992 Celebrating Decades of Shaping the Future Cooler Master commemorates 30th Anniversary on 17/November 2022 Limited edition product ecosystem celebrating 30th Anniversary 30th Anniversary website: Link 30th Anniversary product digital resources: Link Hashtags: #DecadesOfShapingTheFuture About Cooler Master: Established in 1992, Cooler Master is a performance PC component and peripherals brand with a track record for advancing the industry. From the worlds first aluminum PC case to our pioneering thermal technologies, we are committed to breaking technological boundaries and challenging the status quo. Our focus is to create a community for individuals who dare to stand out and embrace their inventive identity. Whether new builders use a PC as medium for self-expression, or hardcore gamers set up their battle stations as a confession of character, we revel in being Wired Different. We are a brand aiming to go above and beyond the build-your-own PC experience by creating cool products for awesome people to build in their own unique way. More information is available at http://www.coolermaster.com and join us on Instagram, Twitter, Discord and Facebook. Penetron provides waterproofing: The Riverfront at Promenade Park, a key riverfront development in Fort Wayne is a mixed-use city block with apartments, townhouses, retail areas, and a parking garage. Because the Penetron System performs consistently during the service life of the concrete thanks to the continuous self-healing abilities of any hairline cracks in the concrete, no further maintenance or treatment is required. The Riverfront at Promenade Park, an urban development project in Fort Wayne, Indiana (USA), welcomed its first residents in mid-November 2022. The Penetron System of crystalline concrete waterproofing products was specified to waterproof the below-grade concrete structures. A midsize metropolitan area in the heart of the Midwest, and the second-largest city in the state of Indiana, Fort Wayne is the economic and cultural hub of northeast Indiana. Home to 270,402 inhabitants, the city has maintained a sizeable local manufacturing industry including GM and BAE Systems and is revitalizing the citys downtown and riverfront districts with new living options and economic development projects. The Riverfront at Promenade Park is one of Fort Waynes key riverfront development projects: a mixed-use city block that features apartments and townhouses, commercial areas, and a parking garage. The six-story project has 228 apartments, seven town homes, and a 4-story, 913-space parking garage situated along Promenade Park, the citys newest riverfront park, and St. Marys River. The commercial area comprises approximately 25,000 square feet of office space and 15,000 square feet of retail space. Designed by Hoch Associates, local Fort Wayne architects, the $88 million project was built by F.A. Wilhelm Construction. Amenities for Riverfront at Promenade Park residents include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, bicycle and kayak storage rooms, outdoor grilling patio, putting green, two private access courtyards, covered outdoor lounge, rooftop terrace with fire tables and firepits, outdoor wet bar, coffee bistro, dog spa, package lockers, co-working area, and private conference rooms. The Riverfront at Promenade Park construction site is just across the street from St. Marys River and also has sandy soil. This added up to plenty of groundwater for the engineers at F.A. Wilhelm to deal with, explains Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group. Construction plans specified an integral waterproofing solution; Irving Materials Inc. (imi), the ready-mix supplier and a Penetron partner, recommended the Penetron System as the optimal concrete waterproofing solution. Easily mixed in during batching, imi added PENETRON ADMIX SB to 5,000 yds3 of concrete. The treated concrete was used for the retaining walls, foundation slabs, and the outdoor swimming pool. PENETRON, a topical crystalline waterproofing material, and PENECRETE MORTAR, a crystalline waterproofing repair grout, was also used to fill and waterproof the tie-holes in the concrete walls, completing the waterproofing system. Once added to the mix, the active ingredients in PENETRON ADMIX generate a non-soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete that permanently seals microcracks, pores and capillaries against the penetration of water or liquids from any direction. This formation provides long-term protection for concrete from deterioration, even under the moist environmental conditions found at the Fort Wayne construction site. Because the Penetron System performs consistently during the service life of the concrete thanks to the continuous self-healing abilities of any hairline cracks in the concrete, no further maintenance or treatment is required, says Christopher Chen. The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs, and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels. For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700. Maryellen Gleason - Chair of Sensate's US-based Board of Directors Sensate is on a mission to impact 100 million people by 2025, bringing more peace into their lives. Im thrilled to join an incredible group of company and board leaders to help make sure this goal is achieved. Sensate, a global wellness technology company that offers a patented relaxation device turning the tide on stress, announced today that the company has named Maryellen Gleason as the chair of the US-based board (effective November 1, 2022). Gleason succeeds Fiona Williams, who served as the companys UK-based board chair. Sensate reincorporated in the state of Delaware, and the newly-created corporation took over as parent company in March 2022. We could not be more pleased that Maryellen has agreed to join the Sensate board as our new chair, said Sensate CEO, Anna Gudmundson. She brings unparalleled expertise based on her years of experience working at the intersection of enterprise value and governance. Sensate will benefit greatly based on her proven ability to identify opportunities for growth, fiscal strength and operating performance. Gleason comes to the board as a seasoned executive leader. She is a five-time CEO with a strong record of working with boards to drive transformation that enriches triple-bottom-line strategies for Fortune 500 companies and multimillion-dollar foundations. She is an entrusted advisor to rare disease CEOs and boards, including the Milken Institute/Chan Zuckerberg Rare as One initiative. Gleason is a board member of the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra Foundation, the Harvard Alumni Association and the Young Presidents Organization (YPO). She earned her bachelors degree from Harvard University and an MBA from Northwesterns Kellogg School of Management. Using patented technology to activate the body's natural ability to self-regulate, Sensate is an incredibly easy, fast, and accessible way to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety. Developed by physicians and tested in clinics, Sensate uses infrasonic therapy to help the body's nervous system recover from daily stresses. The consumer wellness tech product is easy to use and effort-free for the user. I am honored to serve as the boards new chair, said Gleason. Sensate is on a mission to impact 100 million people by 2025, bringing more peace into their lives. Im thrilled to join an incredible group of company and board leaders to help make sure this goal is achieved. Helping people out of the state of stress response and into a relaxed state of mind and body is the biggest single impact Sensate can have on the planet. To learn more about Sensate and its mission, please visit http://www.getsensate.com. ### About Sensate Sensate, Inc. is a wellness technology company with a mission to bring stress resilience and well-being to people from all walks of life. Using powerful methods and groundbreaking technology, the company offers patented stress-regulation hardware and software applications for the consumer market. Sensate is a direct-to-consumer business selling globally, with operations in the US and UK. Sensate can be found on http://www.getsensate.com as well as in world-class retailers, including Harrods, Selfridges, Amazon, and has been featured in Forbes, Vogue, The Times, Mashable, CNBC and many more. Contact: Michelle Laven - Head of Communications press@getsensate.com Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP Shareholder Jeffery M. Chiow will present and Shareholder Scott Meza will moderate a panel at the Association for Corporate Growth event titled Transactions in the Space Industry Sector; Accelerating Momentum in the Federal and Commercial Markets Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. Greenberg Traurig, an event sponsor, will host the discussion at the firms Northern Virginia office. During this event, panelists will discuss the current state of transactions in the growing sector, recent transaction acquisitions, as well as private and public investment in the space sector, space related technologies and capabilities, the role the U.S. government will play in the expansion of the commercial and defense space industry sectors, and federal budget priorities. Chiow represents clients in litigation and government investigations related to government contracts, including federal and state bid protests and claims. He has deep experience in the aerospace and defense sectors, as well as cybersecurity, technology services contracting, and schedule contracting. Prior to entering private practice, Chiow was a U.S. Marine Corps weapons and sensors officer in the F/A-18D Hornet. This experience informs his work with cutting-edge technology in the areas of space systems, cloud computing, weapons platforms, and IT systems. Chiow also advises businesses on compliance matters, working with government contractors to develop tailored strategies for addressing complex business, legal, and regulatory issues. Meza, a shareholder in the firms Corporate Practice, has more than 25 years of experience assisting businesses in complex transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs of public and private companies, and sophisticated equity and debt financings and recapitalizations. His broad industry experience includes managing transactions for technology-based companies as well as companies operating in highly regulated environments like government contracting, telecommunications, and health care. Representative transactions include stock-for-stock combinations, cash-out mergers, tender and exchange offers, management buyouts, stock and asset purchases, distressed company acquisitions, corporate spin-offs and divestitures, and corporate governance matters. About Greenberg Traurigs Corporate Practice: Greenberg Traurigs Corporate Practice comprises more than 550 lawyers in the United States, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America who regularly advise public and privately held companies, entrepreneurs and investment funds on global mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, private equity and venture capital, underwritten and syndicated offerings, commercial finance and syndicated lending, cross-border transactions, and general corporate matters. The groups industry experience includes transactions in a wide range of fields, from the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and life sciences fields, to representations involving clients in the aviation, banking, consumer products, energy, food and beverage, health care, manufacturing, media, technology, and telecommunications sectors. About Greenberg Traurigs Government Contracts Practice: Greenberg Traurigs Government Contracts Practice helps companies navigate the highly regulated acquisition and compliance processes of federal, state, local, and foreign governments and their agencies. The firms attorneys and governmental affairs professionals assist both experienced contractors and newcomers with a broad array of issues arising from, for example, sales of commercial off-the-shelf and customized products, services, and managed solutions to governments at all levels. The practice also focuses on meeting the transactional and U.S. regulatory needs of clients in the commercial, defense, aerospace, information technology, telecommunications, medical and health care, and other high-tech sectors. 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. HighWire Press, a provider of publishing platforms and solutions to the scholarly community, has launched a new website for McGraw Hills online resource AccessScience on its multi-content hosting platform Scolaris. HighWire is also providing its identity management solution Sigma for McGraw Hills AccessScience. McGraw Hills AccessScience is an authoritative and dynamic online resource that contains incisively written, high-quality educational material covering all major scientific disciplines. An acclaimed gateway to scientific knowledge, AccessScience is known to demonstrate and explain core, trustworthy scientific information that inspires and guides users to deeper knowledge. HighWires Scolaris is a next-generation multi-content hosting platform that supports not only books and journals but multi-format content including blogs, news, videos, data visualization, and granular content elements. Scolaris includes a full range of tools to support the publishing lifecycle: from content ingestion, browsing and embargo support, publication, alerts, taxonomic support, discovery, access control, eCommerce, and analytics. McGraw Hills AccessScience showcases the multi-content capabilities of the Scolaris platform, said Tony Alves, SVP of Product Management at HighWire Press. We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with McGraw Hill and are committed to delivering a seamless and intuitive user experience. AccessSciences new website will increase content discoverability and provide easy access to useful scientific information. Were delighted that our users are now benefitting from the rich functionality offered by Scolaris, said Lauren Sapira, Director of SciTech Digital Products at McGraw Hill. Were seeing users quickly finding the content theyre interested in including ebooks, videos and articles and then engaging with it meaningfully on a modern, fresh UI. Features such as customisable labels and annotations really help bring our diverse range of content to life. About HighWire Press HighWire Press is a leading provider of digital publishing tools and platform solutions, across all aspects of the publishing lifecycle, including content management and hosting, access and identity management, manuscript submission and tracking, e-commerce, and analytics. Since its inception at Stanford University in the early days of the web, HighWire has remained an innovative leader, focused on the creation, production, and sharing of knowledge. HighWire Press is now powered by MPS Limited, a market leader and global partner to the worlds leading researchers and publishers, e-learning companies, and corporates. This combination of deep domain expertise makes HighWire the technology partner of choice for the scholarly community and publishers around the world. For more information, please visit highwirepress.com. About McGraw Hill McGraw Hill is a leading global education company that partners with millions of educators, learners and professionals around the world. Recognizing their diverse needs, we build trusted content, flexible tools and powerful digital platforms to help them achieve success on their own terms. Through our commitment to equity, accessibility and inclusion, we foster a culture of belonging that respects and reflects the diversity of the communities, learners and educators we serve. McGraw Hill has over 40 offices across North America, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions for PreK-12, higher education, professionals and others available in more than 80 languages. Visit us at mheducation.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter. Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights to Announce Apprenticeship Agreement Kalamazoo Valley Community College (Kalamazoo Valley) and Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC) will announce the execution of a prior learning agreement that will provide college credit at Kalamazoo Valley for apprentices who complete journeyman certification training at MRCCs training center, 500 Reno Drive in Wayland, Michigan. The agreement will be signed at media event from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Wayland training center. Prior learning agreements like the one being signed Friday offer those receiving industry leading, hands-on training in recognized apprenticeship programs a path to continue their learning in a partnering community college. The partnership between the MRCC and Kalamazoo Valley will open new doors to opportunities to hundreds of local apprentices to advance their careers in the construction industry. Kalamazoo Valley President L. Marshall Washington, Ph.D. said, Kalamazoo Valley works to ensure high academic quality and encourages student achievement. We have found a worthy partner in our shared commitment to this goal in the MRCC. We are pleased to provide this opportunity for apprentices who complete their journeyman certificate." This event takes place during National Apprenticeship Week, an initiative of the US Department of Labor to highlight the roll of apprenticeship in creating opportunity for working people and powering our countrys economic growth. More at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week. For the office equipment industry, e-commerce is still in its infancy. It has first-mover potential, and we want to help the channel embrace this opportunity. Keypoint Intelligence and GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation (GreatAmerica) have joined forces to help office technology providers understand the value of an online storefront and provide an e-commerce solution to support online purchase capabilities on their websites. The collaboration is two-fold, including a financing component and an educational component. GreatAmerica offers a financing solution for Keypoint Intelligence's e-commerce platform, UVERCE, to make an e-commerce strategy less cost prohibitive. The two companies are also producing a two-part webinar series, the first on December 8, 2022, and the second on February 2, 2023. Each webinar will feature an interview with a solution provider who will share their perspectives on the benefits of e-commerce, as well as the hurdles and common concerns which are prevalent in the office technology channel today. This collaboration is a needed push for technology providers hesitant to inch into the world of e-commerce. In 2022, 65% of B2B companies across all industries are fully transacting online and for the first time, B2Bs are more likely to offer e-commerce over in-person sales, according to McKinsey & Company. For the office equipment industry, e-commerce is still in its infancy. It has first-mover potential, and we want to help the channel embrace this opportunity. Our collaboration with GreatAmerica helps our collective customers better understand e-commerce, and implement it if they desire, while moving their businesses forward, said Anthony Sci, President & CEO, Keypoint Intelligence. According to Jennie Fisher, SVP and GM of the Office Equipment Group at GreatAmerica, solution providers are considering e-commerce for many reasons, including meeting the demands and buying habits of digital buyers, competing with the big box stores, and being seen as a total technology solution provider. We are pleased to unite with a respected group, Keypoint Intelligence, in order to provide the resources our mutual customers need to evolve at the pace that makes sense for them, stated Fisher. The webinar series is designed to help answer questions office technology providers might have about considering and implementing an e-commerce solution. In the first webinar, Anthony Sci, President and CEO of Keypoint Intelligence, and Tim Renegar, Co-owner and President of Kelly Office Solutions, will address audience questions, as well as some of the top dealer concerns related to implementing an e-commerce solution. In the second webinar, Anthony will join with Dan Cooper, CEO of NovaTech, to discuss what he has learned as hes implemented an e-commerce solution. He'll also share a demo of the NovaTech version of the UVERCE solution. Register for both Pt. I and Pt. II below: Webinar Part I: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5630192653065100813 Webinar Part II: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5973388715374118160 About Keypoint Intelligence For 60 years, clients in the digital imaging industry have relied on Keypoint Intelligence for independent hands-on testing, lab data, and extensive market research to drive their product and sales success. Keypoint Intelligence has been recognized as the industrys most trusted resource for unbiased information, analysis, and awards due to decades of analyst experience. Customers have harnessed this mission-critical knowledge for strategic decision-making, daily sales enablement, and operational excellence to improve business goals and increase bottom lines. With a central focus on clients, Keypoint Intelligence continues to evolve as the industry changes by expanding offerings and updating methods, while intimately understanding and serving manufacturers, channels, and their customers transformation in the digital printing and imaging sector. About GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation (Office Equipment Group) GreatAmerica is the largest independent, family-owned national commercial equipment finance company in the U.S. and is dedicated to helping manufacturers, vendors, and dealers be more successful and keep their customers for a lifetime. A $2.5 Billion company with life-to-date finance originations of $14 Billion, GreatAmerica was established in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1992 and has a staff of over 600 employees with offices in Iowa, Georgia, Minnesota, and Illinois. In addition to financing, GreatAmerica offers innovative non-financial services to help our customers grow. GreatAmerica is committed to the office equipment industry and is the leader in single invoice solutions (MPS, Managed IT, and other specialized billing options). GreatAmerica also offers innovative non-financial services to help dealers evolve their businesses. https://www.greatamerica.com/business-equipment-financing Lerner & Rowe give back by hosting a FREE Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway in Albuquerque With rising costs and a variety of food shortages, we hope that our carefully assembled care packages will help local families enjoy a more bountiful Thanksgiving meal with their loved ones. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is hosting a FREE Albuquerque Thanksgiving drive-thru event on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Balloon Fiesta Park (9401 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113) to give away 1,000 meal packages to help local families prepare a traditional holiday dinner. As the event is non-contact, locals are asked to remain in their vehicles and just open their trunk or a side door to allow volunteers to easily place items inside. Quantities are limited, so only one Thanksgiving meal package will be handed out per vehicle, on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. No exceptions will be made. "With rising costs and a variety of food shortages, we hope that our carefully assembled care packages will help local families enjoy a more bountiful Thanksgiving meal with their loved ones, shared attorney Kevin Rowe. We also hope to spread even more holiday cheer with the kick-off of our annual 25 Days of Giving contest that begins the day after Thanksgiving. For more information about Lerner and Rowes Albuquerque Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway visit LernerAndRowe.com/thanksgiving-giveaways, follow the law firms Facebook page, call 505-544-4444, or email Cindy Ernst at cernst@lernerandrowe.com. More about Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is a powerhouse law firm in representing personal injury clients. Attorneys Glen Lerner and Kevin Rowe have grown their law firm into one of the largest personal injury firms in the country, with over 40 attorneys and nearly 500 support employees located in New Mexico, Nevada, Illinois, Arizona, Tennessee, California, Washington, Oregon, and Indiana. The law firms continuous exalted levels of success can be attributed to the high levels of respect and dignity shown to victims and family members hurt in an accident. For those injured outside one of the previously listed states, Lerner and Rowe has an established network of attorneys across the country, ready to help. The firm takes pride in nourishing these relationships as they know a personal injury attorney can make all the difference in obtaining fair compensation for the pain and suffering inflicted upon the victims of tortious conduct. For more information about Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys in Albuquerque, please call (505) 544-4444. To connect with the law firm socially, follow Lerner and Rowe on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram, or become a fan of its Facebook page. Also, visit lernerandrowegivesback.com to learn more about the many other community services that the lawyers and legal support team of Lerner and Rowe actively support. ### National public accounting and consulting firm Novogradac has selected 18 students from 17 schools to comprise the second class of its Building Opportunities program, an initiative designed to introduce accounting and real estate finance students to a career focused on building opportunities for their communities. Leveraging some of Novogradacs strongest assets including its talented employees as well as industry-leading publications, trainings and conferences, Building Opportunities provides professional networking, mentoring, and educational resources to selected accounting and real estate finance students to acquaint them with career paths in affordable housing, community development, historic preservation, and renewable energy. Novogradac is pleased to draw from our decades of work in affordable housing, community development, historic preservation, and renewable energy tax incentives to reach out to the student community and spark the interest of future leaders, said Michael Novogradac, CPA, the organizations managing partner. Building Opportunities is designed to raise awareness and give students the chance to consider career in these important sectors. The program is also one of the ways Novogradac is working to increase diverse representation in community development finance and accounting; we are pleased to report that 50% of the participants chosen for this years program identify as female and 56% identify as Black, indigenous and people of color, and 25% are a part of the LGBTQIA community. Interest in the program remained strong in its second year: Novogradac received more than 70 applications from students attending more than 58 different schools. The students selected to participate this year include accounting and real estate majors. Novogradac is deeply pleased with the volume and quality of applications we received. The level of continued interest is a clear signal that todays student community is looking for opportunities to curate career paths that meaningful social outcomes, said Amy Hook, Novogradacs chief social impact officer. We look forward to seeing how this program benefits the students who participate as well as the broader field of community development finance and accounting. To be eligible students must be full-time undergraduate (juniors or seniors) or graduate students studying accounting, economics, business, finance or real estate with a minimum grade point average of 3.5. Selection is based on academic performance, quality of leadership positions and skills shown, commitment to community service, and an essay that shows an understanding of pursuing a career based on purpose and a commitment to pursuing a career in community development finance or accounting. The 2022 Building Opportunities participants are: Madison Able-South, St. Johns University Killian Ankers, Baruch College Vera Areebola Granes, Long Island University Tahirah Campbell, Georgia State University Maea Carriedo, University of Texas at Austin Estefania Cortes Chamares, Kent State University Khalid El-Shabazz, Florida International University Gia Hartzell, Gwynedd Mercy University Fabian Kiessetz, Lake Erie College Nick Kim, Temple University Victor Lai, Baruch College Chase Loomis, Stark State College Wade Parsons, California State University, East Bay Gizelle Perretti, Florida Atlantic University Cheyenne Phillips, Eastern University Kumar Siddhant, New York University, Stern School of Business Ian Thomas, Texas State University Albert Tobia, Bunker Hill Community College About Novogradac Novogradac, which has been in business for more than 30 years, has grown to more than 650 employees and partners with offices in more than 25 cities. Tax, audit and consulting specialty practice areas for Novogradac include affordable housing, community development, historic rehabilitation, and renewable energy. For more about Novogradacs focus on social impact, visit https://www.novoco.com/social-impact. Across the country, school districts are finding it increasingly difficult to fulfill the educational needs of their students. Classrooms are at capacity while school administrators scramble to hire teachers to meet the demand for educators. A new Forum paper published by Negative Population Growth, Inc. suggests the solution to this problem is reconsidering current immigration policies. Written by Nathanial Gronewold, Crowded Classrooms, Teacher Shortages Demographic Changes Could Help Our Nations Troubled Schools, But Only If We Let Them, illustrates the challenges faced by these school systems and the additional strain on students. Overcrowding causes behavioral problems, classroom disruptions, and weaker educational outcomes, Gronewold notes, adding: Lower birth rates could deliver relief in the coming years as U.S. enrollments are expected to decline. Beginning with his own experience, Gronewold paints a picture of what it was like for him as a high school student in northern Arizona. Outdoor lockers, temporary classrooms in trailers, and an overwhelmed faculty represent just some of what Gronewold explains were the effects of rapid population growth in his area. These same issues are still found throughout the nation. Gronewold believes high rates of immigration and domestic migration are both root causes, stating: Schools need relief. This may be a difficult and sensitive conversation to embark on, but we should have the courage to do so anyway, if only to better understand the strain and pain that so many school districts are experiencing and how we can at least avoid exacerbating their circumstances. Gronewold then speaks on teacher shortages, sharing that school districts nationwide are considering a four-day school week in response to those shortages. Data shows that school districts in 25 states have already adopted four-day teaching weeks. The practice is most common in Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota, Idaho, and Oregon, with over 20% of school districts in these states having switched to a four-day instructional model, Gronewold states, adding: All of those states have something in common theyve been experiencing high levels of population growth. With over 35,000 teacher vacancies across America, the strain on schools is far from over. Gronewold then says that classroom size is also an issue coast to coast, one that could naturally resolve over time, but only if population numbers decrease. Looking ahead to 2030, Gronewold is cautiously hopeful. He lists a few reasons for this, saying the population growth rate in 2021 was the lowest ever recorded. He also notes that the most populous states in this country are becoming less populous (New York and California experienced large outflows of domestic migration). Gronewold shares, "The low birth rate and a slowdown in immigration are starting to have a real impact. Gronewold then confronts those who believe lower birth rates are a problem for the country, saying: If pro-population explosion economists are to be believed, growth and only growth, is always pure, good, and righteousExcept, we all know this isnt true. Our school children can certainly attest to this fact larger, more crowded, and ever more populous schools with shrinking faculties are not creating better educational outcomes or a more competitive workforce. Gronewold closes his paper by proposing that, perhaps, if leaders and policymakers took the time to consider the quality of life for existing Americans, they would see how wrong they are about the necessity for constant growth. He notes: In debates over population and demographics, far too few economists, journalists, and politicians pushing for wide-open immigration policies and more and ever higher numbers of people living in America seemingly to infinity pause to consider how these policies may actually end up harming everyone involved, including the large number of immigrants they want to welcome with open arms. Maybe its time they did. Founded in 1972, NPG is a national nonprofit membership organization dedicated to educating the American public and political leaders regarding the damaging effects of population growth. We believe that our nation is already vastly overpopulated in terms of the long-range carrying capacity of its resources and environment. NPG advocates the adoption of its Proposed National Population Policy, with the goal of eventually stabilizing U.S. population at a sustainable level far lower than todays. We do not simply identify the problems we propose solutions. For more information, visit our website at NPG.org, follow us on Facebook @NegativePopulationGrowth or follow us on Twitter @npg_org. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee makes a campaign stop at Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store in Jackson, Tennessee Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. Old Country Store is a restaurant where down home people come to eat, so if you want to really connect with the voters in Jackson and West Tennessee, a lot of candidates see Old Country Store as a place to go to do that For many years Old Country Store has been a traditional stomping ground for political candidates, and Gov. Bill Lee and U.S. Congressman David Kustoff kept the tradition alive with a stop at the family-owned tourist destination before the Nov. 8 election day. Old Country Store is a restaurant where down home people come to eat, so if you want to really connect with the voters in Jackson and West Tennessee, a lot of candidates see Old Country Store as a place to go to do that, said OCS General Manager Brooks Shaw. He added that George H.W. Bush stopped at the restaurant in 1988 before he was elected as the 41st President of the United States. Lee, Kustoff and other candidates spent time shaking hands and greeting potential voters in the restaurant. Lee and Kustoff are both running for re-election. About 100 people, including U.S. Congressman David Kustoff and elected officials at the state and local level, filled the restaurants largest meeting area, the Delta Room. Gov. Lee was good to us when he ran for election in 2018 with a lot of stops here, and he has returned on his re-election tour, Shaw said. Rep. Kustoff has been here a few times, also. Theyre both supporters not only of the restaurant and the Village but also tourism in Tennessee in general. They see what tourism is to the states economy and know that there is potential for it to be even more beneficial to our states economy. Having people with that kind of vision serving in that capacity is big for the entire state. Shaw and his mother, Juanita, spent one-on-one time with Lee to share their prayers about his wife's battle with cancer and thank him for his service. This was the first time they had seen the governor in person, since he shared comments at the online memorial service for Clark Shaw. Clark, husband of Juanita and father of Brooks, passed away following COVID in November 2020. Brooks Shaws Old Country Store has been in business for more than 55 years. With about 100 team members employed, they serve more than half a million residents and tourists each year. Built around its expansive Southern-soul buffet, Brooks Shaws Old Country Store serves local, national and international guests in an atmosphere filled with historic charm and modern updates. It also includes Miss Annes Ice Cream Parlor and a Southern Gift Shop. The campus includes Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum, The Farm at Casey Jones Village, Art in the Village Gallery and The Old Country Store. More information is available at facebook.com/oldcountrystore, instagram.com/oldcountrystorecjv and caseyjones.com. vdR Nexus for OpenBOM Eliminating silos is disruptive, and it is extremely important to provide unifying efforts of seamlessly connected applications. The vdR Nexus solution is delivering an environment bonding platform linking data says Martin van der Roest, CEO of vdR Group OpenBOM, a leading SaaS digital product data management, and collaboration platform announces a partnership with vdR Group to deliver enterprise connectivity for OpenBOM customers using vdR Nexus platform. OpenBOM develops SaaS PDM and PLM products to help manufacturing companies to solves the pervasive problems related to data management, data silos, and communication inside of a company and across supply chains. OpenBOM allows users to manage data, files, and related changes across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, contractors, and suppliers regardless of organizational and geographic boundaries. OpenBOM partnerships with vdR unlocks the large group of integrations with PLM, ERP, CRM, and other platforms delivered by the vdR Nexus platform. The power of vdR connectivity and fully customizable Nexus transaction templates allows simplifying OpenBOM delivery to manufacturing companies to exchange information and make transactions seamlessly without interruptions says Oleg Shiovitky, CEO and co-founder of OpenBOM. vdR experience and rich set of integrations allows streamlining OpenBOM deliver to all sizes of companies to streamline data handover and cross-functional business processes Nexus is an enterprise connectivity solution that has been designed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of companies engaged in engineering and manufacturing. By facilitating the digital thread across disparate silos of data, Nexus ultimately helps organizations meet delivery commitments, lower the cost of quality, and achieve profit margin goals. To support these lifecycle stages, organizations have long recognized the value of acquiring and implementing best of breed applications. There is no one-size-fits-all for handling the ERP requirements for a manufacturer. Companies with multiple manufacturing facilities and distribution channels will have ERP needs far different from a single facility/single product manufacturer. Moreover, if organizations cannot find an off-the-shelf option, they will build out their own platforms to meet their unique business requirements. The reality of standalone applications or silos of data is inescapable. Eliminating silos is disruptive and often impractical, and it is extremely important to provide unifying efforts of seamlessly connected applications. The vdR Nexus solution Is delivering environment bonding platform linking data in OpenBOM and other platforms and tools says Martin van der Roest, CEO of vdR Group. Nexus leaves applications as-is, connect and/or binds the various applications together, and orchestrates the exchange of data and files. About OpenBOM OpenBOM is a digital network platform providing cloud PDM and PLM applications that manages product data and connects manufacturers and their supply chain networks. OpenBOMs modern SaaS real-time collaboration and data management technology allows to create and manage CAD files, Parts, Bill of Materials, Vendors, and Purchases across networks of engineers, supply chain managers, and contract manufacturers. OpenBOM enables people to share and collaborate using an online Bill of Materials from initial design through all stages of engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. Headquartered in the Boston, MA area, OpenBOM's website is http://www.openbom.com. For more information or questions please contact oleg(at)OpenBOM(dot)com. OpenBOM is a wholly-owned and branded product of Newman Cloud, Inc About vdR Group and Nexus Over the last three decades, The vdR Group has emerged as a leading engineering, manufacturing, and AEC solutions provider with a focus on driving digital transformation through Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) technologies and integrations. We do this via a consultative and solutions-based approach that includes strategic consulting, end-to-end implementations, and application integrations. The Group has helped 100s of companies ranging from Global Fortune 500 manufacturers to cutting-edge start-ups. Today, over 220,000 global users leverage vdRs solutions. Learn more at vdr.com Shady Grove Fertility Carolinas offers IVF refund guarantee program for fertility patients in Raleigh. Patients can find peace of mind in their family-building journey knowing SGF is invested in their success. Shady Grove Fertility Carolinas is proud to make fertility care accessible by offering the Shared Risk 100% Refund Program, an in vitro fertilization (IVF) refund guarantee plan, to fertility patients in the Raleigh area. This exclusive program provides patients with the opportunity to pay a fixed amount for up to six fresh IVF or donor egg cycles and any subsequent frozen embryo transfers (FETs). Of the total Shared Risk 100% Refund Program participants, 82 percent take home a baby, and the rest receive a full refund to use for other family-building options. Earlier this fall, SGF opened its new location in Raleigh led by Jennifer E. Mersereau, M.D., MSCI. Located across from WakeMed Cary Hospital, SGF's first location in North Carolina is equipped with a compassionate and experienced care team to help patients in the Cary and Raleigh area realize their dreams of parenthood. I am proud that SGF makes fertility care more accessible and less stressful for patients through the Shared Risk program, shares Dr. Mersereau. Patients can find peace of mind in their family-building journey knowing SGF is invested in their success. SGF Carolinas' Raleigh location offers comprehensive fertility services including: virtual and in-person new patient consults, fertility and ovarian reserve testing and diagnosis, low-tech fertility options, in vitro fertilization (IVF), donor egg, sperm, and embryo, genetic screening and testing, gestational carrier, egg freezing, fertility preservation for patients with cancer, LGBTQ+ family building, financial counseling, and more. Other popular programs that make treatment at SGF Carolinas more affordable include a Shared Help Discount Program, an income-based program that offers a discount on most treatments and procedures, a Military Discount Program, which offers active U.S. military and reservists a discount off qualifying self-pay rates, and a Shared Donor Egg Program, which reduces the cost of donor egg treatment when sharing donated eggs with other patients an approach that does not lower the chances of conception but significantly lowers the cost. For patients with an appointment through the end of the year, SGF Carolinas is offering a $99 first consultation with Dr. Mersereau. Patients can schedule a new patient appointment with Dr. Mersereau by calling 984-239-2428 or by submitting this brief 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. As ASCP continues to expand our recommendations in partnership with ASM and ASCLS, we expect to see increasing higher quality, appropriate care with lower costs, and more effective use of our medical laboratory resources and personnel. - Lee H. Hilborne, MD, MPH, FASCP, DLM(ASCP)CM ASCP, in collaboration with the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), has released two new lists of recommendations for laboratory tests that are commonly ordered but not always appropriate in pathology and laboratory medicine. The recommendations are part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation. The lists of targeted, evidence-based recommendations are designed to support conversations between patients and physicians about what care is really necessary. The recommendations ensure patients receive the right testing at the right time. This brings the lists of recommendations to seven for ASCP, with two additional lists developed with ASM and ASCLS to help reduce waste in health care by lowering the number of unnecessary tests and treatments. The new Choosing Wisely recommendations, developed by ASCP in collaboration with ASCLS, include: 1. Don't repeat HbA1c testing in stable patients within 3 months of a previous result. 2. Don't perform an extensive work-up in otherwise healthy neutropenic patients of African or Middle Eastern ancestry prior to Duffy-null phenotype testing. 3. Dont order ANA and ENA unless the patient is suspected to have a connective tissue disease. 4. Do not measure the INR in patients who are taking an anti-Xa inhibitor. 5. Dont employ a specific direct oral anticoagulant [DOAC] reversal agent without identifying the DOAC and estimating its plasma concentration. [Developed by American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Choosing Wisely Committee] The new Choosing Wisely recommendations, developed by ASCP with ASCLS and ASM, include: 1. Do not routinely send urine for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT/NG) testing from females if vaginal swab collection is possible. [Developed by American Society of Microbiologys Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Committee] 2. Do not perform heterophile antibody (monospot) testing to diagnose acute EBV infection in children less than 5 years of age. [Developed by American Society of Microbiologys Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Committee] 3. Do not test for influenza unless the patient is symptomatic and the result will influence clinical management and decision making. [Developed by American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Choosing Wisely Committee] 4. Do not prescribe immune suppressive agents for suspected autoimmune hepatitis without first excluding hepatotropic virus infections (e.g., viral hepatitis A, B, and C). Viral hepatitis may mimic AIH, both serologically and histologically, features that may resolve with direct-acting antiviral treatment. [Developed by American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Choosing Wisely Committee] 5. Dont order tissue transglutaminase IgG antibody or Deamidated Gliadin Peptide antibodies in the initial screening for Celiac Disease. ASCP is honored to be part of this important quality initiative, says Lee H. Hilborne, MD, MPH, FASCP, DLM(ASCP)CM, Chair of ASCPs Effective Test Utilization Steering Committee and a Past President of ASCP. As ASCP continues to expand our recommendations in partnership with ASM and ASCLS, we expect to see increasing higher quality, appropriate care with lower costs, and more effective use of our medical laboratory resources and personnel. Choosing Wisely aims to encourage clinician and patient conversations across all disciplines of medicine. ASCPs work focuses on highlighting potentially unnecessary and sometimes harmful care in pathology and laboratory medicine. Learn more about ASCPs involvement in Choosing Wisely and access the new lists of recommendations. About ASCP Founded in 1922 in Chicago, ASCP is a medical professional society with more than 100,000 member board-certified anatomic and clinical pathologists, pathology residents and fellows, laboratory professionals, and students. ASCP provides excellence in education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of patients, pathologists, and laboratory professionals. To learn more, visit http://www.ascp.org. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ascp_chicago and connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ASCP.Chicago. About ASCLS The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and its 9,000 clinical laboratory professional, student, and educator members in more than 50 state and regional constituent societies work to advance the expertise of clinical laboratory professionals who, as integral members of interprofessional healthcare teams, deliver quality, consumer-focused, outcomes-oriented clinical laboratory services through all phases of the testing process to prevent, diagnose, monitor and treat disease. The Society promotes high standards of practice by holding the profession accountable to a Code of Ethics, through dissemination of knowledge at educational programs and through publications; maintains a supportive community to advocate on behalf of current and future laboratory professionals; and provides laboratory professionals a voice to legislators and regulators through collective, grassroots efforts. To learn more, visit https://ascls.org/. About ASM The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is the largest single life science society, composed of 30,000 scientists and health professionals. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences. ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences. To learn more, visit https://asm.org/. About the ABIM Foundation The mission of the ABIM Foundation is to advance medical professionalism to improve the health care system. We achieve this by collaborating with physicians and physician leaders, medical trainees, health care delivery systems, payers, policy makers, consumer organizations and patients to foster a shared understanding of professionalism and how they can adopt the tenets of professionalism in practice. To learn more about the ABIM Foundation, visit http://www.abimfoundation.org, connect with us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. About Choosing Wisely First announced in December 2011, Choosing Wisely is part of a multi-year effort led by the ABIM Foundation to support and engage physicians in being better stewards of finite health care resources. Participating specialty societies are working with the ABIM Foundation and Consumer Reports to share the lists widely with their members and convene discussions about the physicians role in helping patients make wise choices. Learn more at http://www.ChoosingWisely.org. ### We are thrilled to bring Wines of Argentina to New York [... as] a way of celebrating the excellence of Argentine Wine and the recognition it is receiving worldwide." Wines of Argentina, the entity responsible for the promotion of Argentine wine (Vino Argentino) at an international level, heads to New York City on November 10th for an unparalleled event that will highlight the countrys high-quality and diverse wines. Trade and media professionals are welcome to taste over 100 wines from 30+ producers and learn more about the region during a masterclass led by renowned wine critic Joaquin Hidalgo at the General Consulate of Argentina in New York. We are thrilled to bring Wines of Argentina to New York for a unique event featuring Argentinas diversity and great potential, says Wines of Argentina President Alejandro Vigil. It is a way of celebrating the excellence of Argentine Wine and the recognition it is receiving worldwide." This event will be aligned with Wines of Argentina's campaign, Argentina Unsurpassed, which aims to highlight the exceptional moment Argentine wine is experiencing in terms of innovation, diversity and recognition. Thanks to the tireless and rigorous work of all the people and organizations that belong to the industry, the study of the Argentine terroir announces a promising future. Following the current challenges, the Argentine wine industry is positioned as a proposal that respects the environment from which it arises, expands its varietal and wines style offer year after year and increases its presence in the international markets. Wines of Argentina has partnered with Vinous Joaquin Hidalgo to kick off the event with a masterclass (11AM - 12:30PM), focusing on the regions fascinating combination of legacy and terroir that make it the most prolific wine region of South America, while also shedding light on advances, studies and improvements in the regions wine production practices. The wines selected for the masterclass are all rated 92+ by Joaquin Hidalgo and come from the following producers: Alpamanta Bemberg Estate Wines Bodega Catena Zapata Bodega Colome Bodega Luigi Bosca | Familia Arizu Bodega Piedra Negra Bodegas Bianchi Bodegas Salentein Las Estelas Wines Otronia Tapiz Terrazas De Los Andes Trivento Zuccardi Valle De Uco The Argentinian wine industry is going through a superlative period, both in terms of quality and creativity, which we have been chronicling in our annual Vinous reports, says Hidalgo. This masterclass will provide an overview of recent developments in Argentina's diverse terroirs, where the stylistic richness available goes far beyond Malbec and producers are achieving world-class status. The celebration will culminate in a grand tasting (from 12:30PM - 3PM) of over 100 wines from 30+ top producers of the country including: A16, Achaval Ferrer, Alfa Crux, Antigal Winery & Estates, Arco Yaco, Belhara, Bemberg Estate Wines, Bira, Bodega Amalaya, Bodega Argento, Bodega Catena Zapata, Bodega Colome, Bodega Luigi Bosca, Bodega Piedra Negra, Bodega Urqo, Bodegas Bianchi, Bodegas Diamandes, Bodegas Salentein, Casarena, Clos De Los Siete, Crowdfarming, Don Rosendo, Familia Miras, Familia Zuccardi, Finca Decero, Finca Huella, Finca Suarez, Las Estelas Wines, Lui Wines, Mundo Reves, Pascual Toso, Tapiz and Terrazas De Los Andes. Trade and media professionals will not only be able to taste the wines, but also explore the three main pillars of Argentina Unsurpassed: INNOVATION AND DIVERSITY: Advances in the study of Argentine terroirs are fundamental to explaining the diversity and interpreting the numerous styles that Argentine wine expresses. SUSTAINABILITY: The natural environment in Argentina's geography is conducive to sustainable wine production, in addition to the sector's growing commitment to triple impact actions. PRESTIGE: Argentine wine has been building its prestige thanks to its strength in the premium segments. This trajectory and the work with KOLs have resulted in greater international recognition. To reserve your seat at the masterclass or ticket for the grand tasting, visit the official Eventbrite page. For more information about the event or Wines of Argentina, contact Carla Castorina (ccastorina@colangelopr.com) or Amanda Torres (atorres@colangelopr.com ). [Schedule of Events:] Where: Consulate General of Argentina When: Thursday, November 10, 2022 Masterclass: 11AM 12.30PM (Presenter: Joaquin Hidalgo) **Please note that seating is highly limited for this class. Walk-Around Tasting: 12.30PM - 3PM # # # About Wines of Argentina Since 1993, Wines of Argentina has been promoting the brand and country image of Vino Argentino throughout the world. In addition, it plays an essential role in guiding Argentina's export strategy, by studying and analyzing changes in key markets: the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and Latin America. The organization aims to collaborate in the consolidation of Argentina among the main wine exporting countries and contribute to the global success of the national wine industry by building the "Vino Argentino" brand, raising the positive perception of the trade, opinion leaders and consumer audiences. Visit the website, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram for more information. About Joaquin Hidalgo On paper, Joaquin Hidalgo is ideally placed to be a successful wine critic: not only does he have a degree in Winemaking from the Liceo Agricola, he also has a degree in Journalism from the National University of La Plata. Since 2003, Joaquin has been living in Buenos Aires where he writes about wine and food for several major media outlets including weekly columns for La Nacion, the major national newspaper, and La Manana de Neuquen. He is regularly heard on radio and co-founded vinomanos.com, the first mobile guide to Argentine wines. Joaquin is a Vinous Contributor for Argentina and Chile wine regions. "TD SYNNEX is committed to uniting IT solutions that deliver business outcomes today and unlock growth for the future. With Yeyian Gaming added to our vast portfolio, we're able to enrich the breadth and depth of our offerings, so customers can do great things with technology. said Peter Larocque San Diego CA based Yeyian Gaming, a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative prebuilt gaming PCs, peripherals, and computer components, has announced a new distribution agreement with TD SYNNEX, a leading distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. Under the terms of the deal, TD SYNNEX will distribute a wide range of Yeyian Gaming products to resellers nationwide beginning in October 2022. TD SYNNEX brings compelling technology products, services, and solutions to the world. It has offices across the globe and serves customers in various industries, including retail, government, education, healthcare, and hospitality. "TD SYNNEX is committed to uniting IT solutions that deliver business outcomes today and unlock growth for the future," said Peter Larocque, President of North America Technology Solutions at TD SYNNEX. " With Yeyian Gaming added to our vast portfolio, we're able to enrich the breadth and depth of our offerings, so customers can do great things with technology. Gaming PCs, Monitors, Peripherals, Components, and Furniture are all part of the Yeyian Gaming product line. Products can be purchased online at yeyiangaming.com or at participating authorized resellers in the United States and worldwide. For more information, please visit: https://us.yeyiangaming.com/ About TD SYNNEX TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. Were an innovative partner helping more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, TD SYNNEXs 22,000 co-workers are dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services, and solutions from 1,500+ best-in-class technology vendors. Our edge-to-cloud portfolio is anchored in some of the highest-growth technology segments, including cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, IoT, mobility, and everything as a service. TD SYNNEX is committed to serving customers and communities, and we believe we can have a positive impact on our people and our planet, intentionally acting as a respected corporate citizen. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer of choice for talent across the IT ecosystem. For more information, visit http://www.TDSYNNEX.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. About Yeyian Gaming Yeyian Gaming is a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge technology solutions for gamers, creators, and PC enthusiasts. Its innovative technology delivers award-winning solutions to the community worldwide through creator PCs, gaming PCs, monitors, computer components, gaming furniture, and peripherals. Yeyian Gaming has perfect solutions to meet everyones needs from pre-built PCs to complete custom rigs and from high-performance gaming monitors to next-generation PCIe Gen 5 power supplies. Yeyian Gaming was funded in 2017 in San Diego, California. Its philosophy is to develop innovative technology products with high reliability and high performance. The goal is to provide its customers with unrivaled user experiences and exceptional customer service and remain at the forefront of the gaming community. Follow us Website: https://us.yeyiangaming.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yeyianusa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeyian_usa/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/yeyian_usa TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yeyian_usa YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUbdIKvkGLarGehKb1S1m0g On November 7, Judge Florence Pan released her memorandum opinion blocking Penguin Random House from acquiring rival Big Five publisher Simon & Schusterand in the final analysis, after a year of legal wrangling and a three-week trial that captivated the publishing industry, it wasnt a close case for her at all. In an economical 80-page decision, Pan found the U.S. Department of Justice showed the proposed merger would likely lessen competition in the market for book rights in violation of Section 7 of the Clayton Act. The government has presented a compelling case that predicts substantial harm to competition as a result of the proposed merger of PRH and S&S, Pan concluded. DoJ attorneys properly defined a relevant marketanticipated top selling books with advances over $250,000which, she noted, accounts for 70% of the advance monies paid to authors. The post-merger entity would have had a concerningly high 49% market share, more than twice that of its closest competitor in an already concentrated market in which the two top competitors would hold 74% of the market and the top four market participants would control 91%. And, citing the publishers previous actions a decade ago in the Apple price-fixing case, Pan found strong evidence of likely unilateral and coordinated effects that would further harm competition. At the same time, Pan shredded each of PRH/S&Ss defenses. In a key blow, she swiftly dispatched with the defenses central argument that the governments focus on books with advances over $250,000 was incorrect on both the facts and the law. She was "unpersuaded" by PRH/S&S arguments that new and existing competitors (including smaller indie publishers and upstarts like Zando and Astra) would preserve competition. She rejected the idea that literary agents would keep the merged firm in check. And she dismissed the argument that internal competition among PRH and S&S editors would keep competition robust, finding that PRH CEOs Markus Dohles extraordinary pledge to allow internal bidding reflected his awareness of how threatening the combined entity would be to authors and agents. The full opinion comes a week after Pan released her final order blocking the merger, delaying the release of the opinion to allow for a few minor redactions of confidential information. Few were surprised by the courts decision last week, given that Pan appeared clearly skeptical of the proposed merger at trial. But before trial, the unfamiliar monopsony claims at the heart of the case had left observers unsure of how the case might play out. In the end, however, Pan found the DoJs approach to be highly effective, and, in a crucial blow to the defense, found the government's use of high advances as a proxy for anticipated book sales to be logical and supported by market realities. It is significant that in a market already prone to collusion, where coordinated conduct already appears to be rampant, PRHs acquisition of S&S would reinforce the markets oligopsonistic structure On the other hand, the judge was not persuaded by the publisher defendants' efforts to portray the $250,000 advance market as an invented, arbitrary price segment rather than a legally cognizable submarket. And after displaying a firm grasp of publishing industry practices in the opening 22 pages of the opinion, Pan rejected the publishers attempts at trial to insist that all books are the same in the market or that it is impossible to predict which books would be top sellers, calling those arguments unsupportable The court has no trouble recognizing that anticipated top-selling books are distinct from the vast majority of books that do not carry the same expectations for success, Pan wrote. The fact that the Big Five publish 91% of anticipated top sellers supports a finding that authors of such books have unique needs and preferences. Although smaller publishers can sometimes put out an anticipated top selling book, it is the Big Five who have the backlists and the marketing, publicity, and sales advantages necessary to consistently provide the high advances and unique services that top selling authors need. It is precisely those specialized needs that make the authors of anticipated top selling books vulnerable to targeting for price reductions. Publishers of anticipated top selling books know that such authors are not able to find adequate substitutes for publishing their books because of their unique needs and preferences. With the submarket established, Pan easily found a prima facie case existed to block the deal, citing the dominant position of a merged PRH/S&S in an already heavily concentrated publishing industry (as calculated by the governments expert witness, Dr. Nicholas Hill, and using a prime antitrust metric called the Herfindahl Hirschman Index). The 49% share that the post-merger PRH would hold is far above the levels deemed too high in other cases, Pan held. Moreover, the high concentration must be considered in the high context of an undeniable trend in consolidation in the publishing industry. And in a strong rebuke, Pan, citing the recent history of collusion and price-fixing in the 2012 Apple e-book case, cited the risk of coordinated effects should the merger be approved. As an initial matter, a history of collusion or attempted collusion is highly probative of likely harm from a merger, Pan wrote, calling the Apple case significant and a backdrop for trends in the industry that appear to demonstrate that the Big Five are already engaging in tacit collusion or parallel accommodating conduct. Recent years have seen the industry-wide standardization of certain contract termsinvolving payment structure, audio rights, and e-book royaltiesin ways that favor publishers over authors, suggesting that the top publishers have engaged in coordinated conduct, Pan wrote, in a particularly blistering section of the opinion. Advances used to be paid in two installments before publishers uniformly moved to paying them in three installments and then four installments, thereby delaying authors compensation. After audiobooks became a significant source of revenue in the industry, publishers uniformly refused to acquire books without audio rights included thereby limiting authors ability to maximize their compensation and preventing authors from diversifying their sources of income. Pan cited an illustrative example from the evidence, in which S&S refused to bid on a highly sought after book because the agent attempted to withhold audio rights. An S&S editor noted that the other Big Five publishers also had no audio, no deal rules, and questioned whether one of the other Big Five houses would join the auction. Ultimately, Pan noted, the agent was forced to restart the auction with audio rights included. It is significant that in a market already prone to collusion, where coordinated conduct already appears to be rampant, PRHs acquisition of S&S would reinforce the markets oligopsonistic structure, Pan concluded, and create a behemoth industry leader that other market participants could easily follow. Meanwhile, Pan devoted less than 19 pages to the Defendants rebuttal, quickly dispatching with PRH/S&Ss arguments that indie publishers, new entrants, strong literary agents, and internal competition would keep competition for book rights robust. And in a final passage, she rejected as not relevant to the courts analysis the idea that (as some industry observers have suggested) PRH would be the best home for S&S vs. a potential private-equity acquisition. The focus of the courts inquiry is harm to competition in the relevant market, Pan wrote, calling concerns about a private equity acquisition highly speculative. Other potential buyers in the publishing industry have shown interest in acquiring S&S and it is just as likely that another publishing company will prevail in a future sale. Nor is the court moved by the desire of S&S and its employees to be acquired by PRH. It comes as no surprise that S&S would like to benefit from the extraordinary market power and other advantages that the combined entity would enjoy. The court however must focus on harm to competition in the relevant market. A potential appeal now looms. "As we demonstrated throughout the trial, the Department of Justices focus on advances to the worlds best-paid authors instead of consumers or the intense competitiveness in the publishing sector runs contrary to its mission to ensure fair competition," PRH officials said last week, in a statement. "We believe this merger will be pro-competitive, and we will continue to work closely with Paramount and Simon & Schuster on next steps." In comments made at the Sharjah International Book Fair, PRH CEO Markus Dohle doubled down, saying the decision was "utterly wrong" and suggesting the ruling was "political" in nature. "We would have been able to sell more Simon & Schuster titles than they would have been able to sell on their own, Dohle said, adding that the combined companies would have represented less than 20% of the overall book market, where Amazon represents more than 50% of the retail market. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Almost half of Purdue Global students are the first in their family to attend college. Nicole Hanson is one and, like her fellow students, she is rightfully proud. I am honored to be a first-generation college student in my family, said Hanson, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration procurement. I hope to prove to my son that it's never too late to get a college education. Hanson, from Hazel Park, Michigan, is one of 16 Purdue Global students honored Tuesday (Nov. 8) First-Generation College Student Day with inaugural First-Generation College Student Scholarships. Recipients received up to $500 toward their Purdue Global tuition and fees. The number of recipients is based on the funds raised annually ($8,000 this year). This scholarship means a lot because, as a first-generation student in my family, it not only shows how ambitious I am, but it also shows that no matter how busy your life may get, you can still make time for your goals, said another scholarship recipient, Chanell Cabezas, a Tamarac, Florida, resident who is working on an Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice. This scholarship has helped me financially. I am a mother to three children, so it has made it easier on my family. I appreciate being selected by Purdue Global as a first-generation student. I am so proud of myself and everyone else that is reaching their goals. The scholarship recipients and their majors: Michael Bronish, Lorain, Ohio, BS cybersecurity Chanell Cabezas, Tamarac, Florida, AAS criminal justice Tera Clyde, Columbus, Georgia, BS legal support and services LaChrishia Diffenderfer, Trout Run, Pennsylvania, BS health science Viktor Hadjiev, Pingree Grove, Illinois, BS psychology industrial/organizational psychology Nicole Hanson, Hazel Park, Michigan, BS business administration procurement Brianna Keller-Fields, Kokomo, Indiana, BS psychology applied behavior analysis Cailtin Kelly, Houston, BS human services in youth/family services and administration Nicole Kozma, Dearborn Heights, Michigan, BS psychology addiction Marissa Matukaitis, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, BS psychology applied behavior analysis Shannon McMahon, Iowa City, Iowa, BS business administration Morgan Medina, West Bend, Wisconsin, BS criminal justice forensic psychology Adi Reich, San Diego, BS health science Giorgio Russo, Miami, BS business administration Stormy Speirs, Rowland Heights, California, BS human services in youth/family services and administration Zach Weitzel, Macungie, Pennsylvania, BS psychology We are proud of all our first-generation students and to have them as part of the Purdue Global family, Chancellor Frank Dooley said. Today, we are pleased to honor 16 students with our inaugural First-Generation College Student Scholarship. Each of these students has demonstrated tremendous perseverance and persistence in their pursuit of a college education while balancing everything else that life has thrown at them. Congratulations to them on this accomplishment. This is just a start, and we will continue to work to identify ways to support our first-generation students. MORE: Watch Purdue Globals Fall 2022 commencement ceremony. First-Generation College Student Scholarships are open to Purdue Global students who have completed three terms of study of an eligible undergraduate associate or bachelors degree program at Purdue Global with a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade-point average. Candidates must meet Purdue Global standards for satisfactory academic progress, as outlined in the university catalog, and have no Code of Student Conduct violations. In addition, applicants must submit a 500-word essay answering the following questions: What motivated you to pursue a college education? What advice would you give a student who is experiencing an obstacle or challenge while pursuing their degree? First-Generation College Student Day has been celebrated nationally since 2017, when it was selected by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. What scholarship recipients are saying: Growing up, the term college has invoked several different emotions. At first, college felt like the natural progression of life, where everyone would eventually end up. After some years learning about the world and my familys situation, I came to believe that I may never attend college. Filled with a sense of nihilism, I started to believe college was never going to be a possibility. Despite being surrounded by teachers and friends that encouraged me up through high school graduation, I was not convinced that I would be attending college. I spent the better part of the next decade trying to figure things out, meeting new people, working different jobs, but mostly learning about myself. After meeting the lady what would be my wife, I started working on bettering myself. Eventually, the idea of going back to school crept back into my mind. It wasnt until I held my daughter for the first time that I made the decision to continue my education. Even though Im over halfway to obtaining my degree, I cannot say I have felt like a college student. Perhaps it is due to being enrolled in a strictly online learning path, which may subtract from some part of the experience on-campus students receive. However, being chosen to receive the First-Generation Scholarship has completely shifted my perception of my career at Purdue Global and the impact it will have on my family. Being recognized for the effort and dedication I have put forth so far has made it feel real, giving me a renewed sense of enthusiasm and determination. The biggest obstacle you will ever face in life is yourself. Doubt and worries will kill even the most realistic of dreams. Do not resign yourself to your history. As cliche as it may sound, it is never too late to become more than your past, more than your surroundings and more than you thought possible. Michael Bronish, Lorain, Ohio As a first-generation student, being awarded this scholarship feels like the beginning. I have fought my way through being another statistic, and I shall continue to persevere. I am proud of myself and excited to see what comes next. Tera Clyde, Columbus, Georgia The first-generation scholarship being offered to me is extremely appreciated and needed. I have been in financial situations that have been difficult to overcome when paying for college tuition. The availability of this scholarship serves a demographic that is likely to be uneducated or unaware of the financial assistance that is available to them. By Purdue Global offering this type of scholarship, individuals that may face these barriers to achieving their education goals are now able to make ends meet to achieve those goals. By being granted this scholarship, I am able to continue my education in the field of applied behavior analysis in order to reach my future career goals. I have been able to gain additional resources through my academic journey that will help me transition into the professional field. I personally chose to attend Purdue Global because of the wide range of assistance that is provided to its students to ensure that they will reach academic success. Purdue Global does an excellent job at providing students with a multitude of resources and support throughout the experience to ensure its students and alumni are prepared for the professional world. Brianna Keller-Fields, Kokomo, Indiana This scholarship is such a blessing to me. I never thought that I would be chosen to receive this scholarship, but I believed it was worth at least submitting an essay. This is a huge accomplishment for me. Not only am I a first-generation college student, but the first of my family to be chosen for a scholarship, and I could not be prouder. This scholarship will help me pay for the out-of-pocket expenses that my student loans do not cover to continue working toward my Bachelor of Science in psychology. Nicole Kozma, Dearborn Heights, Michigan When I first heard about this scholarship, it was a new thing to me. It made me feel, as a first-generation college student, special but also important. It made me feel seen even when I felt unnoticed. It helped me in many ways. It helped bring more motivation toward graduating, helped put something toward my tuition and overall helped me be so much more grateful for everything. Thank you to Purdue Global for recognizing every first-generation student and helping them along this journey. I am a single mother to my son who will be 5 years old soon. I know Im an inspiration and role model for him as I do my best in school, even when times are tough. All parents who are also students are amazing role models for their children and any student, parent or not, should be proud of how far they have come. An additional thank you to my mother and my son for being my biggest supporters and the reason behind my motivation. Marissa Matukaitis, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania This scholarship means that I am supported and thankful for every opportunity provided to me though Purdue Global. It will help me in my studies by making my dreams of actually achieving my goals a reality and keeping my GPA higher than 3.5 while focusing on how the university has been able to help me complete my degree. Thank you to all of the staff and everyone who has shown the utmost integrity to myself and other students while sticking to our scholastic goals. That means everything to have their support. Adi Reich, San Diego This scholarship grants me the opportunity to pay down some of my student loan, creating a greater opportunity for me to complete my degree program. I am very thankful to have been selected to receive this scholarship. This contest is a reflection that anything is possible when you try. When I first became aware of this competition, I was a little skeptical because of the large number of students who would submit their stories. Nevertheless, I adopted the same attitude I took when deciding to go back to school: I went for it despite the odds. The only way to positively always fail 100% of the time is to not try at all. I took my chances, and it paid off. I would like to thank everyone involved for selecting my story and for all the opportunities this university has provided to me. Giorgio Russo, Miami The Purdue Global First-Generation Scholarship means that I am breaking barriers in my family. I might be the first, but my children could be the next generation to go to college. Being the first means I am the ancestor who changed having a college degree from being a huge obstacle to being something attainable. It also means that I am being supported by the school I chose, which is important. Stormy Speirs, Rowland Heights, California Being awarded this scholarship was a true surprise and a blessing at the same time. Since joining Purdue Global, I started as a business major. A few terms ago, I changed to psychology and recently found out that I was one class short of being able to have a business fundamentals micro-credential. This scholarship will be perfect to help out with me getting that. I am so happy, thankful and shocked to have been chosen to receive this scholarship. As a first-generation college student, I always thought that I could never do it financially. Opportunities like this make school worth it, and I recommend anyone in the same position to always continue looking forward. You never know when a special opportunity like this will come along and assist you when you least expect it. Zach Weitzel, Macungie, Pennsylvania About Purdue Global Purdue Global delivers personalized online education tailored to the unique needs of adults who have work or life experience beyond the classroom, enabling them to develop essential academic and professional skills with the support and flexibility they need to achieve their career goals. It offers personalized paths for students to earn an associate, bachelors, masters or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, desired pace, military service, previous college credits and other considerations no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is affiliated with Purdue Universitys flagship institution, a highly ranked public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue University also operates regional campuses in Fort Wayne and Northwest Indiana, as well as serving science, engineering and technology students at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus. For more information, visit https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-global/. Writer: Tom Schott, tschott@purdue.edu Media Contact: Matthew Oates, oatesw@purdue.edu Sources: Frank Dooley Amy Hawkinson Lynn Massenzio The purpose of United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) gatherings, like the one taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt November 7-18, is supposedly to save the planet from a climate crisis caused by wealthy fossil-fuel-burning nations. But after years of jet-setting around the globe, its safe to say these conferences have become a laughingstock. OK, so maybe COP-21 in Paris was sort of a high point. It was there that every nation on Earth signed a legally binding agreement to slash fossil fuel use which they believed would limit global warming to 2.0 or even 1.5 degrees Celsius. They convinced themselves this could be done by controlling greenhouse gas emissions that somehow replaced natural forces that caused past climate changes. In reality, however, it achieved nothing. How could it? Many greenhouse-gas-belching countries, like China and India, were given a pass in the agreement, while many poor countries simply signed onboard because rich countries promised them $100 billion annually for climate change reparations, adaptation and alternative energy. Expect COP-27 in Sharm El-Sheikh to produce more of the same. The UN conference does, however, present some major dilemmas for climateers. Holding it in the northeastern corner of Africa will dramatically underscore how desperately energy-deprived Africa needs oil, gas and coal to reduce poverty and disease; how close the continent is to the petroleum-rich Middle East; how Africa itself is endowed with abundant, untapped fossil fuel resources; and how its development has been stymied by rich countries that finance only wind and solar projects. Poor countries are determined to realize their God-given rights to develop, as much as long-wealthy nations have, as much as China has, using fossil fuels, until other energy sources are proven to work just as well The looming COP-27 dilemmas also result from decades-long hype about climate cataclysms and an urgent need to reset the worlds energy, economic and social foundations, to bring about a fairer, more sustainable, more resilient, climate friendly future. This year, European and other countries are finally realizing that they still need fossil fuel energy that wind and solar are too expensive and unreliable to power modern economies, preserve jobs, and keep people warm during frigid winters. Russias war on Ukraine has driven this home dramatically. So Europe wants to switch from Russia to Africa for oil, gas and maybe coal while still refusing to finance fossil fuel projects for Africas own needs, and telling Africa to rely on wind and solar. Rich countries are also saying they cannot afford to give poor African, Asian and Latin American countries $100 billion per year that theyd promised in Paris much less the $1.3 trillion per year that poor countries are now demanding. In fact, rich countries are starting to realize they wont be rich much longer, unless they keep using fossil fuels, which they arent willing to produce at home but are happy to import. Meanwhile, China is saying it will begin reducing its fossil fuel use and emissions only when it makes sense to do so, perhaps decades from now. India and other countries have expressed similar positions. How can rich countries say No to paying trillions if they caused a climate apocalypse? But how can they say Yes, if they are no longer rich? If the climate hysteria they launched has resulted in policies that are destroying the abundant, reliable, affordable energy that made them wealthy and forcing them to deindustrialize, eliminate millions of jobs, slash their economic growth and living standards, and leave their citizens freezing jobless in the dark? Put another way, rich nations are being hoisted by their own petard their economies are being blown up by the very policies theyve imposed on themselves, and want to impose on the rest of the world. Theyre destroying the energy systems that made them prosperous, with nothing in the foreseeable future to replace the coal, gas and nuclear power plants they are literally and figuratively blowing up. Its time for honest soul-searching. The only Great Reset the world needs now is one that rethinks the dominant Doomsday climate narrative. The world urgently needs to recognize: * There is no climate crisis. What we are experiencing today is little different from climate fluctuations throughout Earths history including the Ice Ages, Little Ice Age, and Roman and Medieval Warm Periods. * Computer models cannot possibly reflect all the forces that govern climate and weather. * There no scientific basis for eradicating fossil fuels, and trying to sustain economies and living standards with millions of wind turbines, billions of solar panels, billions of battery modules, thousands of miles of new transmission lines, and countless other technologies all of which would require mining, materials processing, manufacturing and installations at scales unprecedented in human history with horrendous environmental and human rights consequences at every stage. This is the Great Reset message that needs to be driven home loudly, forcefully and repeatedly in Sharm El-Sheikh over the next two weeks. Free market think tanks will be there, including ours, working hard to achieve that. Lets hope more than a few countries will be listening to our message, and that it rises above the sound of clinking champagne glasses and roar of private jets. Craig Rucker is president of the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow (www.CFACT.org). By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/07/2022 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. couple Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile have revealed if they plan to televise their wedding next year.Serena and Joe, who got engaged on 's seventh season last year, got married in a quickie courthouse wedding in New York on October 27 -- but not because Serena is pregnant Although they're already husband and wife, Serena and Joe are still planning a big wedding for their family and friends to attend in September 2023.When asked if their wedding will be televised in a recent YouTube video , Joe replied, "Not as of now."Joe looked at Serena in the footage and added, "Anything in this world can change, but I highly doubt it."And Serena shared, "We will be posting our wedding video on YouTube for you guys to see!"Serena, originally from Canada, and Joe, a Chicago native, said they plan to check out venues in Charleston, Nashville, and Austin before the end of the month, which will help them decide where they want to get married in Fall 2023."We picked a wedding planner and we're going to vlog the entire experience, from actually choosing a venue to picking the menu and whatnot, band or deejay. So you can follow us here [on YouTube]," Joe shared.Joe and Serena, who live together in New York City , said their top priorities for the wedding are having great drinks and excellent food."We want people to have a really good time, us included. We just want it to be fun and great energy and enjoyable for everyone to be there," said Serena, who plans on wedding-dress shopping in Toronto later this month.And Joe joked, "We want people to eat and get the f-ck out."The pair had intended to keep their wedding a secret and only share the news with close family and friends, but a person apparently spotted them at the courthouse and so Serena and Joe were worried the story may get leaked.Serena and Joe therefore posted a sweet video of their union on Instagram, announcing their marriage in their own special way.The 7 finale, which featured Joe's marriage proposal to Serena, aired in October 2021.Serena told Us Weekly in September that she and Joe hadn't started planning their wedding yet."We have to be a little flexible in terms of venues and such and what's available," Serena told Us. "But we would love to get married next September. We definitely wanna get married next year."Serena also revealed that she and Joe would be open to "maybe August or October" in 2023 as well and they were already looking into a wedding planner.Serena admitted at the time she was "very overwhelmed by the planning process" but felt ready to dive in."Joe will start off saying, 'Whatever you want,' but he is an opinionated guy. He has a vision for the wedding, for sure," Serena shared in September."I think it's actually gonna be very 50/50. I want it to feel like our wedding, not my wedding. And if anything, I would say he's probably more opinionated than I am about this stuff... It'll be a team effort."As far as her wedding gown goes, Serena said she doesn't have a dream dress in mind."I think once we see the venue and where we pick to get married, I'll be able to start envisioning a mood board for the dress and the hair and the makeup," Serena explained."But I don't wanna, like, look or feel like anyone else on that day. You know, I love my neutral, glowy bronzed makeup and that's probably what I'm gonna do on my wedding day even though that's what I do every day because that's what I love."She added, "For my wedding dress, I want it to be comfortable. If I have to wear it all night, I want to be comfortable in it."Serena and her fiance celebrated their engagement party in July 2022, and that's when their parents met each other.Serena and Joe believe they established a strong relationship foundation while filming .Serena, for instance, never let the fact Joe's ex-girlfriend of nearly two years, Kendall Long , was on the beach get in the way of her connection with Joe.Serena kept her eye on the prize, avoided jealousy, and trusted Joe as Kendall sought closure.Looking back on Joe's marriage proposal, Serena previously told Becca Kufrin on her "Bachelor Happy Hour" podcast how she was in "complete shock" by Joe's decision to propose marriage on the show."The logical thing to do would be like, 'This is crazy. This is so fast, let's just do the step-by-step thing and get engaged down the line,'" Serena explained at the time."I was so emotional when he got down on one knee and I was so excited to say 'yes.' I was obviously in complete shock but I knew he was the one."Serena called the moment "beautiful" and insisted she had no regrets about the quick engagement.Prior to appearing on 7, Joe got eliminated very early from Becca's season of The Bachelorette and met Kendall on Season 5 of Paradise.Despite being happy and in love, Joe and Kendall broke up because they couldn't agree on whether to live in Chicago or Kendall's home city of Los Angeles long-term.Joe gave Los Angeles a chance during and after his stint on Dancing with the Stars in 2018 and wanted to move back to Chicago to be with his friends and family, but Kendall apparently wouldn't even consider relocating and trying out a life in Chicago.And Serena dumped Matt James on his The Bachelor season that aired in early 2021 after her hometown date.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group 12:50 p.m. Incumbent Chris Carr has won the Attorney General race with 51.89%, against Democratic opponent Jen Jordan who conceded with 46.58% of the vote. There are 100% of precincts reporting. Libertarian candidate Martin Cowen received 1.53% of the vote. 12 a.m. Incumbent Republican Brad Raffensperger has won the Secretary of State position again, beating Democratic opponent Bee Nguyen with 53.57% of the vote, while Nguyen received 43.68%. There were 89.94% of polls reporting on Wednesday morning at 12 a.m. Brad Raffensperger wins Secretary of State, Nguyen concedes Incumbent Republican Brad Raffensperger has won the Secretary of State position again, beating Democratic opponent Bee Nguyen with 53.57% of the vote, while Nguyen received 43.68%. There were 89.94% polls reporting on Wednesday morning. 11:35 p.m. Gov. Brian Kemp wins re-election. Incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp wins reelection in Georgia, Abrams concedes Incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp won his bid for re-election over Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams Tuesday night. 11:08 Stacey Abrams plans to concede, according to WSBTV. Kemp has 53.79% of votes and Abrams has 45.54% of votes, according to the Secretary of State website. 10:35 p.m. Houston Gaines has won Georgia House District 120 race with approximately 61.20% of the vote over opponent Mokah Jasmine Johnson with 100% of districts reporting. Gaines tweeted out his victory. 10:25 p.m. Approximately 77.36% of Georgia precincts are reporting, according to the Secretary of States website. Gov. Brian Kemp is leading the gubernatorial race with 53.79% of the vote, compared to Stacey Abrams 45.55%. In the senate race, Sen. Raphael Warnock is leading with 49.15% of the vote and Herschel Walker has 48.93% of the vote. 10:16 p.m. The Homestead Exemption Act was passed in Clarke County with 85.71% of voters casting a ballot in favor of the act. 10 p.m. Clarke County has 100% of precincts reporting. In the Gubernatorial race, 66.73% of voters cast their ballot for Abrams and 32.48% voted for Kemp. Approximately 71.10% of Clarke voters cast their ballot for Warnock and 26.91% voted for Walker. Mokah Jasmine Johnson is leading Houston Gaines with 55.01% of the vote compared to 44.99% for Gaines. 9:50 p.m. Approximately 50.94% of Georgia precincts are reporting, according to the Secretary of States website. Gov. Brian Kemp is leading the gubernatorial race with 52.39% of the vote and Stacey Abrams has 47%. Sen. Raphael Warnock is leading the Senator race with 50.35% of the vote while Herschel Walker has 47.83%. 9:18 p.m. Clarke County currently has 66.67% of the precincts reporting. In the Gubernatorial race, 68.10% of voters cast their ballots for Stacey Abrams and 31.18% voted for Brian Kemp. Approximately 72.36% of Clarke voters cast their ballot for Warnock and 25.80% voted for Walker. Mokah Jasmine Johnson is leading Houston Gaines with 55.76% of the vote compared to 44.24% for Gaines. 9:10 p.m. Oconee County has 100% of the precincts reported. Approximately 73.65% of Oconee voters went for Kemp with 25.72% casting their vote for Abrams. In the Senate race, approximately 65.89% of Oconee voters cast their ballot for Walker and 31.35% voted for Warnock. 9 p.m. There are 25.16% of Georgia precincts reporting, according to the Secretary of States website. Gov. Brian Kemp is leading the gubernatorial race against Stacy Abrams. Kemp has 51.46% of the vote and Abrams has 47.98% at this time. Sen. Raphael Warnock is leading against Herschel Walker. Warnock has 51.27% of the vote and Walker has 47.04% at this time. 8 p.m. Clarke County has started reporting results. 7 p.m Clarke County polls are officially closed. 6 p.m. R&B campus news editor Maddie Brechtel is at the Athens-Clarke County Multi-Modal Center during the final hour of voting in Clarke County. There is currently no line. 5 p.m. Athens residents from around the county spoke to Red & Black reporters about their experience voting +4 Here's what Athens voters at the polls are saying The Red & Black went to the polls in Athens-Clarke County to ask voters about their experience. Here is what they said. 2:30 p.m. The Red & Black Mayor and Commission reporter, Katie Beth Williams, was at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens and spoke with Jean Spencer, poll manager, who said there was a long line this morning when this voting location first opened. 2:00 p.m. Polls around Clarke County have no lines, with a wait time of about 10 minutes. 1:30 p.m. Tim Denson, Athens-Clarke County District 5 Commissioner and chair of the ACCDemocratic Committee, is canvassing at the corner of Broad Street and Alps Road. He held up signs to passersby in support of Abrams and Warnock. I think we say that every election is the most important election of your lifetime and I think it's just cuz it always is. There's always important policies going on that affect us. This one definitely is a very pivotal time, Denson said. Denson said extremism, healthcare and privacy were factors to this elections importance. 10:00 a.m. Gov. Brian Kemp and his family placed their vote and encouraged others to do the same. Four years laterthe Kemps cast our votes this morning to keep Georgia the BEST place to live, work, and raise a family! Grab your friends, family, and loved ones today and get out and VOTE! #gapol pic.twitter.com/NRSGS2jwWM Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) November 8, 2022 R&B city news editor Nathalee Simoneau is at the Five Points Fire Station and spoke with Caleb Tingle, a poll worker. Tingle greeted voters as they came to the poll's doors and wished them all a "good morning." 7 a.m. Election Day begins in Clarke County and across the U.S. as polls open on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. for voters to cast their ballot in the Georgia midterm election. Voters must have one of the following forms of photo identification to vote on Election Day, according to the Athens-Clarke County Government website. An active or expired Georgia drivers license a valid driver's license from another state or a U.S. territory a photo ID issued by the state or federal government such as a voter ID card a valid U.S. passport a valid employee ID from the local, state or federal government valid U.S. military photo ID or valid tribal photo ID. Due to redistricting, registered voters will be voting based on their new district boundaries and will vote in a new precinct location, the ACC Government website said. Voters can check their designated precinct by visiting the Secretary of States My Voter Page. Below is a list of the Clarke County precincts and their addresses, according to ACC Government. Clarke County precincts Winterville Train Depot 125 N. Church St., Winterville, GA 30683 Athens-Clarke County Tennis Center 4460 Lexington Rd., Athens, GA 30605 Barnett Shoals Elementary School 3220 S. Barnett Shoals Rd., Athens, GA 30605 Whit Davis Elementary School 1450 Whit Davis Rd., Athens, GA 30605 J.J. Harris Elementary School 2300 Danielsville Rd., Athens, GA 30601 Howard B. Stroud Elementary School 715 Fourth St., Athens, GA 30601 Clarke Central High School 350 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30605 Thomas N Lay Park 297 Hoyt St., Athens, GA 30601 Athens-Clarke County Multi-Modal Transit Center 775 E. Broad St., Athens, GA 30601 Memorial Park 293 Gran Ellen Dr., Athens, GA 30606 Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School 1150 Oglethorpe Ave., Athens, GA 30606 Whitehead Road Elementary School 555 Quailwood Dr., Athens, GA 30606 Chase Street Elementary School 757 N. Chase St., Athens, GA 30601 Athens-Clarke County Fleet Management Division 225 Newton Bridge Rd., Athens, GA 30607 Cleveland Road Elementary School 1700 Cleveland Rd., Bogart, GA 30622 Georgia Square Mall 3700 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, GA 30606 Timothy Road Elementary School 1900 Timothy Rd., Athens, GA 30606 Athens-Clarke County Fire Department Station #4 900 Oglethorpe Ave., Athens, GA 30606 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 780 Timothy Rd., Athens, GA 30606 Athens-Clarke County Library 2025 Baxter St., Athens, GA 30606 Athens-Clarke County Fire Department Station #3 1198 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30605 Gaines Elementary School 900 Gaines School Rd., Athens, GA 30605 Cedar Shoals High School 1300 Cedar Shoals Dr., Athens, GA 30605 Athens-Clarke County Fire Department Station #7 2350 S. Barnett Shoals Rd., Athens, GA 30605 R&B health editor Alander Rocha is at Cedar Shoals High School as voting begins on election day and is not seeing any lines. Gov. Brian Kemp and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams both tweeted out voting information to their followers. Abrams tweeted an election day checklist for voters. Make sure you are prepared an accepted form of ID, and snacks + water. Double check your polling location and remember that you have the right to vote and make your voice heard today. pic.twitter.com/rFVMGAieCt Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) November 8, 2022 Kemp announced the polls opening and provided a link for voters to find their polling place. For many people, when the clock strikes midnight on Nov. 1, its time to ditch the ghosts and gore and start getting into the holiday spirit. On Nov. 17, Athens Academy will kick off the holiday season with their 8th annual Holiday Market. The free event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1281 Spartan Lane.. On Friday, Nov. 4, a solidarity walk organized by Dawgs Demand Better was held to bring attention to local racial justice issues. The walk started in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia State Capitol on Nov. 3 and ended at the arch in Athens, Georgia. 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 Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Sarah Waring is the USDA Rural Development State Director for Vermont and New Hampshire. She lives in East Montpelier. Luxury watches under the ASEAN brand to be presented to world leaders attending the summit this week. UPDATED AT 9:48 A.M. EST ON 11/08/2022 Around two dozen VIPs at the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh this week will receive a limited-edition, luxury watch that a website for collectors said was worthy of a Swiss or German high end manufacture label. The swag has a purpose, according to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who as host of the event will present the dignitaries the watch this week. It showcases his countrys scientific and technical progress and its intention to become a player in the luxury timepiece market, he said in a Facebook post. But the gifts have also highlighted Hun Sens own interest in fine goods, despite what on paper is a meager government salary, as well as his links to a prominent businessman who has emerged as one his closest advisers. Truly a symbol of Cambodia's chairmanship. People don't realized (sic) how these things are perceived by others, do they? tweeted Ou Virak, president of Future Forum, a Phnom Penh think tank that promotes democratic reforms in the country. He said in an email that recipients would likely look at the gift as a Cambodian effort to buy favors. A growing conglomerate The watch was produced by Prince Horology, which is part of the Prince Group, one of the fastest-growing companies in Cambodia that has a seemingly limitless amount of cash to spend. The business began in 2014 as a real estate developer but has since grown to include banking, gambling, tourism and food and beverage interests. The Prince Group is run by Chen Zhi, who was born in China but naturalized as a Cambodian citizen in 2014. Chen is often seen by Hun Sens side during important events, including as part of a delegation that traveled with the prime minister to Havana in September to meet with Cuban government officials. RFA reported last month that Chen was part of a shadowy investment group that purchased a $1.4 billion stake in a Cuban cigar company. The prime minister, who is also serving as the 2022 chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, commissioned Prince Horology to produce 25 tourbillon watches for attendees of the ASEAN conference, including the leaders of nine of the 10 countries that make up the regional bloc. Watch aficionado The word tourbillons, which was derived from the French word for whirlwind, refers to mechanisms invented by 19th century watchmakers to counter the effect of gravity on pocket watches accuracy. Advancements since have rendered the instruments unnecessary, but their intricate workings remain sought after among aficionados to include Hun Sen, whose own weakness for watches is well-known. Since 2018, the prime minister has been the subject of seven posts by Insane Luxury, a Facebook page dedicated to the expensive watches worn by public figures. Each post chronicles a single watch spotted on the strongmans wrist, collectively representing $13 million of retail-price value. Four of the watches were of the tourbillon variety. Hun Sens detractors have pointed to the discrepancy between his $2,500-a-month salary and the high-end horologes on his wrist, a criticism that was repeated on the news last week that 25 timepieces would be offered to commemorate the summit. (Myanmars ruler, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, was not invited due to the lack of progress in the war-torn country on a ASEAN-developed peace effort.) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen chairing a government meeting, Nov. 2, 2022. CREDIT: Facebook: Hun Sen Concerns over corruption Um Sam An, a former member of Parliament representing the Cambodia National Rescue Party, an opposition party dissolved by the Cambodian Supreme Court in 2017, said the money to produce the watches would have been better spent helping victims of recent flooding in the country. Given Cambodias reputation for corruption, Um Sam An said few world leaders would likely wear the watch. Cambodia ranked close to the bottom, at 162 out of 198 countries, in Transparency Internationals 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index. Political analyst Em Sovannara told RFAs Khmer Service in an earlier interview that the leader should have opted for something that highlights Cambodia's cultural identity, such as the Apsara sculptures or other cultural emblems. Sok Ey San, spokesperson for the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, dismissed criticism of the gift, noting that presents are a tradition at ASEAN summits. In 2019, for example, host nation Thailand presented visiting leaders and their spouses seven-inch silver garlands in bronze enamel boxes. We can give anything as a souvenir. We can switch types of souvenirs, Sok Ey San said. A growth opportunity Hun Sens Facebook post announcing the gift received tens of thousands likes and was shared nearly 7,000 times on Facebook. Most commentators complimented what they saw as the excellent craftsmanship by Cambodian watchmakers, as well as Hun Sens leadership. The watches also represent a new opportunity for economic growth in the country, according to Hun Sen. An estimated 2.8 million people live below the poverty line in Cambodia, where per capita GDP is about $1,500, well below what the ASEAN summit watch would likely fetch on the market. Prince Horology has developed a manufacturing workshop and a training center for would-be Cambodian watchmakers. Its first class graduated last week. The limited-edition ASEAN watches were all assembled by Cambodian technicians, Hun Sen said. We have branded the watches as ASEAN, but they are made in Cambodia so that they will know that Khmer can produce watches, he said at a commencement ceremony last month, as reported by the Phnom Penh Post. Hun Sen said Monday on Facebook that he planned to wear the watch at the ASEAN summit, at the G20 Summit in Indonesia on Nov. 15-16, and then during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Thailand on Nov. 17-18. The handicraft has been reviewed favorably by watch-collector website Deployant, which in a review said the watches are worthy of a Swiss or German high end manufacture label. The dial side is very simple, with a champagne gold dial with Dauphine hands, and dagger applique markers, the website noted. The watch features a sunken subsidiary seconds hand with the engraving of what looks like the Cambodian national flower Romduol. The inner workings of the watch, and its whirling tourbillon mechanism, are visible through a clear backing, emblazoned with the words Made in Cambodia and Prince Horology. UPDATED: Adds information on watch manufacturer The jailed activists lawyer calls on Biden to press for her release during his visit next week. Six Khmer Thavrak youth activists start their hunger strike and meditation campaign at a remote area in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia. They are calling for the government to release Cambodian-American lawyer and human rights activist Theary Seng and other political prisoners. A group of youth activists in Cambodia launched a week-long hunger strike Monday to demand the release of outspoken Cambodian-American lawyer Theary Seng and other political prisoners ahead of the annual ASEAN Summit and U.S.-ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh later this week. Theary Seng was sentenced to six years in prison in June on treason charges, prompting condemnation from rights groups and the U.S. government. The lawyer, who holds dual Cambodian and U.S. citizenship, was sentenced on June 14 along with 50 other activists for their association with the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, once the main opposition in the country before it was dissolved by the Supreme Court in 2017. On Monday, six Khmer Thavrak youth activists including former prisoners of conscience Hun Vannak and Chhoeun Daravy began their protest at Tikheak Kiri Salavoan Temple in Preah Vihear provinces remote Tbeng Meanchey district. The group plans to continue their hunger strike in front of Preah Vihear Prison, where Theary Seng is being held, on Wednesday, before concluding the weeklong protest at Freedom Park on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Speaking to RFA Khmer, members of the group said they hope to draw attention to what they call the unjust jailings of Theary Seng and other political prisoners ahead of the Nov. 10 summit in Cambodia, which holds the regional blocs rotating chair this year. We will try not to eat or drink and only meditate, Hun Vannak said, adding that the group will also pray for Theary Sengs well-being in prison. This is to show the injustice of the government jailing innocent people, particularly Theary Seng. If the government doesnt set her free, we will press on with other activities, he said. The protest is also a show of solidarity with Theary Seng who began her own weeklong hunger strike on Monday after the government refused to grant her an unconditional release. Theary Seng had vowed to do so in a letter written from inside of Preah Vihear Prison and obtained by RFA on Oct. 14, adding that, even if freed from prison, she would continue her activism in Cambodia until the country undergoes a peaceful and democratic leadership change. Attempts by RFA to reach Nuth Savana, the Interior Ministrys spokesperson for the Department of Prisons, went unanswered Monday, but he has previously said that the countrys courts would not be pressured to overturn her sentence. Chhem Sreykea, another member of the Khmer Thavrak youth, told RFA that her group wants to send a message to the government that the arrest and jailing of innocent human rights and political activists is an abuse of power. The jailing of Theary Seng is a grave injustice, as she has devoted her life to making Cambodia a better place, she said. I hope there will be a resolution of this case and that Theary Seng is set free following the ASEAN Summit. Am Sam Ath, the deputy director of local rights group Licadho, said he stands with the Khmer Thavrak youth group and Theary Seng in their pursuit of justice, but expressed concern for their well-being if they decide to extend the hunger strikes beyond seven days. Hunger strikes are a kind of advocacy which the Khmer Thavrak youth employ to seek social justice and the release of human rights, environmental and political activists jailed under dubious charges and whose fundamental freedoms have been violated, he said. He urged the government to release Theary Seng and other political prisoners to avoid condemnation from the international community during the ASEAN Summit. This photo of Theary Seng, distributed on Facebook the day of her arrest in June 2022, shows her in a prison uniform and with traces of makeup from the costume she wore to protest her trial and conviction. Credit: Citizen journalist Lawyers statement Also on Monday, Jared Genser, the pro bono lawyer representing Theary Seng, issued a statement calling on U.S. President Joe Biden to press [Cambodian Prime Minister] Hun Sen for Thearys freedom and freedom for all the political prisoners of Cambodia. Biden plans to attend the Nov. 12-14 U.S.-ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, where he is expected to meet with Hun Sen. Mondays statement confirmed that Theary Seng had begun her hunger strike, in part to demand that authorities transfer her back to Prey Sar Prison in Phnom Penh, following her clandestine relocation in June to Preah Vihear Prison a six-hour drive from the capital, where her family, counsel, and supporters are based. During her time in Preah Vihear, prison authorities have repeatedly denied Theary Sengs demand for the same rights afforded to other prisoners, including having weekly access to church services and the ability to make regular phone calls, the statement said. Theary Seng was imprisoned during the bloody Khmer Rouge regime after authorities killed her parents, but she escaped and fled to the U.S., where she obtained a law degree before returning to Cambodia in 2004 to found two NGOs promoting human rights and civic engagement. U.S. officials including State Department Spokesperson Ned Price, Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya, USAID Administrator Samatha Power, and Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy have all called for her immediate and unconditional release. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed Hun Sen to free her and other activists held on politically motivated charges during a visit to Phnom Penh in August. Capital security tightened Meanwhile, Cambodias government said it is tightening up security in Phnom Penh, deploying more than 10,000 security forces to the capital to quell any unrest ahead of the ASEAN Summit. On Monday, more than 100 laid off workers from the NagaWorld casino in the capital who have been striking for the past eight months defied warnings from authorities to continue their protest seeking government intervention to reinstate them to their jobs. Mam Sowathin, a NagaWorld striker, told RFA that protests that include the beating drums and sounding of whistles in front of their former place of work would continue during the ASEAN Summit if the government and NagaWorld management offer no resolution in their labor dispute. If the government does not want to see our protest [during the summit], it should find a workable solution for us, she said. The [government] has only blamed our side, but they havent condemned NagaWorlds owner [for unjustly laying us off]. Mondays protest dispersed peacefully, despite previous scuffles with police. In August, authorities violently clashed with around 100 of the mostly female workers as they sought to protest at the casino, injuring several of them. The groups petitions to the government for assistance have largely gone unanswered. RFA was unable to reach Meth Meas Pheakdey, the spokesperson for Phnom Penh City Hall, for comment on the continued protests. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Police officers detain demonstrators during a protest in Hong Kong, China, June 10, 2019. Hundreds of people under 18 had been prosecuted in connection with the 2019 protests and youths judged to hold 'extreme ideological views' have been sent for 're-education,' a Hong Kong official says. Authorities in Hong Kong have prosecuted hundreds of minors for taking part in the 2019 protest movement, with many sent for "re-education" and military-style bootcamp training, sparking fears that "re-education" facilities used on incarcerated Uyghurs in Xinjiang could also happen in Hong Kong. Three years after the protest movement -- which began as a mass movement against extradition to mainland China and broadened to include demands for fully democratic elections and greater official accountability -- tens of thousands of people have been arrested, more than 1,000 of whom were minors, according to the latest government figures ending Aug. 31, 2022. Security chief Chris Tang told lawmakers that 517 people under the age of 18 had been prosecuted in connection with the 2019 protests by that date, adding that youths judged to hold "extreme ideological views" had been sent for "re-education." "At present, all young persons in custody are required to receive Chinese-style marching training," Tang told the Legislative Council on Oct. 26. "The Correctional Services Department emphasizes strict discipline training for young persons in custody, hoping to make them understand the importance of discipline and abiding by the law," he said. "Juvenile inmates trained under the Rehabilitation Centres Ordinance are ... subjected to strict disciplinary training and hard physical training, to enable them to understand the cost of crime, and to reflect on their own misdeeds," he said. Inmates are also required to undergo patriotic education and activities to "enhance their national identity, to instill the correct values ... and to help them rediscover meaning in life," Tang said. They also take classes in "moral and civic education" and "national security law education," programs that have been imposed on children and university students across Hong Kong since the National Security Law sparked a citywide crackdown on public dissent and political opposition from July 2020. "The Correctional Services Department will assign a dedicated case manager to assess these persons in custody to identify the special rehabilitation needs of each person in custody, and match each person in custody according to the three principles of the above-mentioned rehabilitation program," Tang said. Nationalistic education program A nationalistic program of moral, civic and national education is replacing Liberal Studies in Hong Kong's primary and secondary schools, as well as in higher education, with schools required to promote the National Security Law to staff and students. The Liberal Studies critical thinking program, rolled out in Hong Kong schools in 2009, was blamed by Chinese officials and media for several mass protests in recent years, from the 2011 campaign against patriotic education by secondary school students, to the 2014 youth-led Umbrella movement, to the 2019 protests that began as a campaign against extradition to mainland China and broadened to include demands for fully democratic elections. In addition, some 10,000 young people in the youth branches of the police, correctional and rescue services will be targeted for a program aimed at "raising national security awareness," Tang told lawmakers, all of whom were elected under new rules in December 2021 banning pro-democracy candidates from running. U.S.-based activist Alex Chow, who chairs the Hong Kong Democracy Council, said the moves are similar to patriotic education programs and "re-education" programs imposed on more than a million incarcerated Uyghurs in Xinjiang since 2017. "It's all about bringing that set of practices from mainland China into Hong Kong," Chow told RFA, adding that the "re-education" aspect of serving jail time is relatively new. "Previously, political prisoners didn't have to go through that kind of brainwashing," he said. "I didn't, when I was in prison in 2017." "[The right to hold] political ideas is a human right, and you can't force people to adopt your ideas, even if theirs are different from yours," he said. Chow said the government is forcing young people into political rehabilitation because it has no other way to wield authority. "It's all about showing who is in authority, that people have to do as they are told by the government," he said. "They want to correct the ideas of some people in custody." Massive backlog of cases Kevin Yam, former head of the Progressive Lawyers' Group, said there are currently huge delays in prosecutions due to a massive backlog of post-2019 cases, putting unnecessary pressure on people who have been arrested, but are still waiting for the authorities to make a decision on their case, or move it to trial. "Of course this is unjust, because they will have to put so much on hold for several years, until they know what's going to happen to them," Yam told RFA. "For example, some people aren't allowed to go abroad, or others might want to find a job, but there's a case hanging over them." "Even studying is much harder than it would have been -- the longer these delays last, the bigger the impact [on these young people]." He called on the authorities to enact at least a partial amnesty, or to find non-criminal means of handling cases of young protesters, so they can carry on with their lives. He said such a move would enable a sense of reconciliation between the government and the city's seven million residents, many of whom are leaving the city since the national security law took effect. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Such data is highly sensitive and regarded by the Chinese Communist Party as a 'state secret.' A worker in a protective suit sits next to the padlocked entrance door of a locked-down residential complex May 8, 2022, in Beijing. The Chinese health ministry says statistics on suicides under the country's zero-COVID policy of rolling lockdowns and electronic tracking "are not for release," after reports that a woman threw herself from a building under lockdown in Inner Mongolia. Reports emerged that a 55-year-old woman had jumped from the 12th floor of her apartment building in the regional capital, Hohhot, on Friday, the Beijing-backed news site Sixth Tone reported. Local authorities came under fire after reports that her 29-year-old daughter told the neighborhood group chat that her door had been welded shut for the last month, making it impossible for them to leave the apartment. Disease control and prevention chiefs called for an end to the use of external locks, latches or welding to seal residents into their apartments during lockdowns under Chinese leader Xi Jinping's zero-COVID policy. "China will increase scientific epidemic control and prevention levels and firmly rectify excessive measures and hold those who fail to implement full rectifications accountable according to the law," State Council disease control and prevention officials told a news conference on Nov. 5, according to the Global Times newspaper. But officials declined to reveal the number of suicides that have taken place in China since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019. "We don't have this data," an employee who answered the phone at the national bureau of statistics told RFA on Monday. "We don't have it in the database, because it's controlled by the National Health Commission." "It has a great deal of data, and it doesn't give us all of it," the employee said, adding that detailed cause-of-death statistics are generally only made public every 10 years, around the time of the national census. An employee who answered the phone at the National Health Commission said the data on suicides wasn't available to the public. "This information is for internal use only, and it won't be easy to come by," the employee said. "We're not allowed to give it out." Officials wearing protective gear stand outside the locked gate of a residential compound that was placed under lockdown as outbreaks of COVID-19 continue in Beijing, Nov. 7, 2022. Credit: Reuters Suicide statistics as 'state secrets' Former Chinese Red Cross executive Ren Ruihong said statistics on suicides during the pandemic are regarded by the Chinese Communist Party as a state secret. Any attempt to obtain such information could be regarded as an attempt to lay hands on state secrets, Ren said. A front-line clinician working in a large provincial hospital said on condition of anonymity that they had anecdotal evidence of an increase in deaths from non-COVID causes during the pandemic, however. "We can only see our own figures; there are no statistics in this regard for the whole country," the clinician said. "I think those who need to go to hospital for regular follow-up appointments and long-term treatment are the worst affected," she said. "For example, people with chronic renal insufficiency, who need to go to hospital for dialysis, but they're not allowed to gather [in the facility], which accommodates 50 patients." The pandemic had also had a major impact on people's mental health, especially among the least privileged in society, the doctor said. She said suicides are occurring at a greater rate among young people, a change she described as "distressing." "The number of people suffering abnormal mental states increases significantly during lockdowns," the doctor said. "Previously, it might not have occurred to young people to end their own lives." "It used to be mostly elderly people, or people with health problems [they couldn't afford to treat]." "Now, some young people ... are committing suicide because of the pressures in their lives," she said. She said possible suicides are often not recorded as such, as the case of people who die by drowning after jumping into bodies of water. NGO leader Niu Zhenxi agreed. "We haven't compiled figures on this; we can only say that it happens constantly," Niu said. "We're a civilian rescue team, so we go in and try to save people on behalf of the government." "But its inconvenient to ask," Niu said, in a reference to the political sensitivity of the topic. Critics of the zero-COVID policy have been detained in recent months. Peng Kaiping, dean of social sciences at Tsinghua University, said in recent comments that diabetes and suicide were behind most excess deaths during the pandemic in China, but made no reference to specific data. Repeated calls to mental health helplines run by authorities in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Hangzhou, as well as the psychological counseling helpline run by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, rang unanswered during service hours on Monday. It was unclear why calls weren't able to connect in so many locations. Most nationwide cases in months Chinese authorities reported 7,475 fresh, locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 on Monday, the highest nationwide number for six months. Several districts of the central city of Zhengzhou were imposing restrictions on the movements of local residents, while the Qinhuangdao municipal government buildings were under lockdown following an outbreak of cases there, according to the National Health Commission website. Zhengzhou resident Jia Lingmin local residents' committees and neighborhood committees are now requiring information from people that could previously only be demanded by law enforcement agencies. Under an amended administrative punishment law that took effect in July 2022, China recently empowered local officials at township, village, and neighborhood level to enforce the law. "Security guards on the gates of the residential community and so-called epidemic prevention personnel [should] have no law enforcement power and are not qualified to obtain personal information," Jia said. Jia said some local residential committees had withdrawn a political questionnaire that formed part of applications for a pass to exit residential compounds under COVID-19 restrictions, after local residents complained. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Raw materials for the uniforms have been coming across the border for the past month, sources say. North Korean garment factories, such as the one shown in his 2016 file photo, are making large quantities of military winter uniforms for Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, a source has told RFA. North Korean factories are producing uniforms for Russian soldiers in violation of U.N. sanctions as Moscows war in Ukraine begins its first full winter, sources inside North Korea told Radio Free Asia. At least three factories in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, and more in other parts of the country, are bringing in foreign currency for the cash-strapped government by making winter uniforms, underwear, and footwear for Russian soldiers in Ukraine using Russian raw materials, the sources said. The export garment factory in Moranbong district in Pyongyang has been manufacturing Russian military uniforms for about a month now, a source in Pyongyang told RFAs Korean service on condition of anonymity for security reasons. They are making winter uniforms and underwear to be used by the soldiers in the war with Ukraine. I heard from a high-ranking official at the factory that they received Russian fabric to make the uniforms, and Russia has been ordering large quantities, he said. RFA Korean reported that Russias embassy in North Korea said in a statement Friday that Moscow had an interest in purchasing clothes and shoes from Pyongyang. All such projects must be implemented in strict accordance with UN Security Council resolutions banning the import of certain goods from the DPRK," the embassy said, using the acronym for North Koreas official name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. But U.N. Security Council Resolution 2375, adopted in September 2017, completely bans all textile exports from North Korea. The finished uniforms produced in the three Pyongyang factories will be sent to Russia via the Tumen River-Khasan freight train, which crosses the Russo-Korean border in the northeastern part of North Korea, according to the source. Rail freight along this route resumed on Nov. 2, after a two-year, eight-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of the Pyongyang factories employs between 500 to 1,000 garment workers, the source said. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, export garment factories in Pyongyang earned foreign currency by exporting garments they made for companies in China and Eastern Europe, according to the source, who said that the income they earned went to fund the government through Office 39, the organization charged with procuring slush funds for the countrys leader Kim Jong Un and his family. After the country suffered a lengthy stint of producing nothing during the pandemic, the party is eager to start up the factories again. As the war between Ukraine and Russia continues, the propaganda about friendship between Russia and North Korea has been intensifying, the source said. With these new orders for military uniforms for the Russian soldiers in Ukraine, some of the garment factories in Pyongyang are again earning foreign currency. Prior to the resumption of rail freight across the Russo-Korean border, the raw materials for the uniforms had to be transported by sea, a source in the city of Pyongsong in South Pyongan province, north of Pyongyang, told RFA. A factory in Pyongsong has been receiving the raw materials over the past month by rail from the city of Rason, at North Koreas distant northeastern tip, he said. North Korean trade representatives in Russia sent the materials to Rason Port from a Russian port. The raw materials are then sent to Pyongyang and Pyongsong by freight train from Tumen River station, the second source said. That location is home to the Rason Special Economic Zone, one of several zones set up in the 1990s to promote foreign investment. As freight train service between North Korea and Russia resumed on November 2nd, its not only that the finished uniforms are going to Russia, raw materials for new uniforms will be coming in this way, he said. Sources told RFA that in the Rajin area of Rason, which borders Russia, there are many export garment factories that will also produce uniforms for the Russian military. They will also make boots in the near future, sources said. Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Written in English by Eugene Whong. A Lao farmer and his son harvest their rice field in Muang Sing in northern Laos' Luang Namtha province in a file photo. Lao police have arrested three fraudsters posing as labor recruiters who cheated at least 100 Laotians who paid U.S.$1,000 to more than U.S.$2,000 each for fake tourist visas so they could go to South Korea and illegally obtain work, a law enforcement official said. Laotians cheating one another, said the police officer on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorized to speak to the media. The fraudsters made fake visas to trick them after learning the trick from Thailand. Lao laborers usually enter foreign countries on tourist visas to look for jobs. Thousands seek employment in neighboring Thailand, where they receive much higher pay for low-skilled jobs in fishing, manufacturing, and construction, than they would at home. But some have opted to go to more developed South Korea, where farms have become more reliant on seasonal foreign workers to make up for chronic labor shortages in rural areas. People from countries that have a seasonal workforce partnership program with the South Korean government are eligible for temporary work. Local governments in South Korea then designate thousands of foreign workers annually to perform legal temporary labor in the farming and fishing sectors for three to five months. An employee who used to work for a recruitment agency in Laos also said the Lao middlemen got the idea from fraudsters in Thailand who have done the same thing. It happened over there first, said the man who did not want to be identified out of fear of retribution for speaking to the press. They make fake tourist visas and sell them for high fees to workers who want to go to work in South Korea, he told RFA. They also lie by telling the workers that there are companies approved by Laos Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare that will hire them when they arrive in South Korea, the source said. Some of the workers with the fake tourist visas could not enter the country and had to return to Laos, he added. Even if Lao authorities convict and sentence the fraudsters, only a few workers will get back their money because the middlemen dont have the funds to repay them, said a Vientiane resident with knowledge of the situation. Its a lot of money for Lao workers [to pay], he said. Laos Labor Ministry allows many legitimate agencies in the country to recruit laborers for short-term work in South Koreas agricultural industry, said another employee who used to work for such a firm. Laotians should be aware that some middlemen who falsely claim that they work for a recruitment agency will say that they can procure visas within 10-20 days, though in reality the issuance of visas takes more than 100 days, he said. If the middlemen said they can get a visa within 5, 10 or 20 days, they are lying, said the source. Laotians must have a passport and a yellow book issued by the Labor Ministry that allows them to work legally in South Korea, he said. Laotians can go to South Korea to work legally if their documents are issued by the ministry, the person said. If they dont, and they pay money for middlemen to do it for them, then they are cheated, he said. Translated by Sidney Khotpanya for RFA Lao. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Russian President Vladimir Putin tours an open air interactive museum to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the military parade, at Red Square in Moscow, Nov. 8, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin likely wont attend next weeks G20 summit in Bali in person, an Indonesian presidential aide said Tuesday, while the American and Chinese presidents are expected to be there. Group of Twenty chair and meeting host Indonesia can expect to preside over a fraught gathering of world leaders, with divisions within the grouping of the globes leading economies over Russias invasion and war in Ukraine. [T]here is a strong likelihood that President Putin will not attend, Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, a member of the Presidential Staff Office, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Russia will still be present, but maybe not the president, she said. Putins Ukrainian counterpart, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will participate virtually as an observer at the summit on Nov. 15-16 after having said that he wouldnt if Russias president were attending it, Ukraines state-run broadcaster reported. In an interview with the Financial Times, Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo said he had talked with Putin over the phone and was under the impression that the Russian leader would not travel to Bali. However, Jokowi later told reporters there that the Russian leader may ask to join the meeting virtually, the Reuters news agency reported. According to Siti, the Indonesian leader was still trying to persuade Putin and Zelenskyy to come to Bali in the hopes that their presence could help deescalate the war in Ukraine. Jokowi said leaders from 17 countries had confirmed their participation at the Bali meeting, including United States President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. A few days ago I spoke on the phone with President Putin and President Zelenskyy. They said they would come if the situation allowed, Jokowi said as he inspected summit venues in Bali. If not, just like Zelenskyy said the other day, maybe virtually, he said. Having 17 leaders attending the summit would be an achievement for Indonesia, Jokowi said. In normal times 17 or 18 leaders would attend. These arent normal times, the world is in a very difficult situation, all countries are having difficulties. If the same number [of leaders attend] I think that would be very good, Jokowi said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne quoted Zelenskyys spokesperson on Tuesday as saying the president may attend the G20 summit virtually, Reuters reported. Zelenskyy had previously told Suspilne that he would refuse to attend the meeting in Bali if Putin was there. Political issues are certainly unavoidable Siti, the presidential aide, stressed that the G20 was a forum for discussing economic cooperation. However, political issues are certainly unavoidable, especially since the war [in Ukraine] is still ongoing, she said. As this years holder of the rotating G20 presidency, Jokowi has sought unity within the G20 grouping of industrialized and emerging economies ahead of the summit. In March, U.S. President Joe Biden, who is also expected to attend the summit, urged Jokowi to invite Ukraine as a guest if Russia was not expelled from the group for invading its smaller neighbor in late February. Western countries have condemned Russia for invading Ukraine while other G20 members including China, Indonesia and India have refused to follow suit and maintain ties with Moscow. During the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Bali in July, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov walked out at least once in protest of what he called the frenzied castigation of Moscow over Russias invasion of Ukraine in February. He took the action after top U.S., British, Canadian and Ukrainian financial diplomats walked out as a Russian official addressed a G20 meeting in Washington on April 20. Focus on the economy Putins likely absence would allow the G20 to focus on economic issues without being sidetracked by geopolitics, said Riza Noer Arfani, an international relations lecturer at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. Putins absence will be a relief to Western countries, especially the United States, but we should not let them call all the shots, Riza told BenarNews. He suggested that Indonesia build more intensive communication on economic issues with fellow emerging economies such as Brazil, South Africa and China. This was important, Riza said, in the face of an impending recession. According to another observer, the issue of Putins presence in Bali poses a dilemma for Indonesia. As the leader of G20 member, it is important for Putin to attend the summit, but some Western leaders may cancel their participation, said Agus Haryanto, head of the international relations department at Jenderal Soedirman University in Purwokerto. I think the government of Indonesia is expecting a Russian representative to attend in person or Putin to attend virtually, if possible and agreed to by other G20 members, Agus said. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated news service. One of them had strongly opposed to Chinas patriotic education campaign Chinese authorities in Tibet have sentenced two monks from the Kirti monastery in Sichuan province to prison for sending prayer offerings to the Dalai Lama and the abbot of their monastery, both living in exile in India, Radio Free Asia has learned. The two monks, Rachung Gendun and Sonam Gyatso, had both sent the donations to Tibets foremost spiritual leader and Kirti Rinpoche, sources said. In both cases, details surrounding their trials and sentencing are not known in detail, but Chinese authorities consider it illegal for Tibetans to contact exiles. They are particularly sensitive about contacts made with the Dalai Lama, who fled to India 70 years ago and has been living there ever since. Sources said Rachung Gendun was sentenced to three years in prison, and Sonam Gyatso to two years. They are both currently detained at Menyang prison (in Chinese Mianyang) near the city of Chengdu in Sichuan province. Rachung Gendun had been strongly opposed to the Chinese governments patriotic education campaign, a Tibetan source inside Tibet said. Beijing has run the high-profile campaign among Tibetans since unrest spread across Tibetan regions from Lhasa in March 2008, requiring local people to denounce the Dalai Lama, whom the government rejects as a "splittist." Rachung Gendun voiced his opposition to the program, and was interrogated and detained for a few months. Chinese authorities also raided his quarters and confiscated photos of the Dalai Lama and several other times. A Tibetan living in exile said Rachung Gendun had been arrested on April 1, 2021, from his quarters at the monastery, and his family did not know where he was until three months later. Later, after his arrest was known, his family members hoped for his release, but for the past year or so his family have not been able to see him even once, the exile source said. Sonam Gyatso in an undated photo. Credit: citizen journalist Sonam Gyatso A few days later, authorities arrested Sonam Gyatso, on April 3, 2021, in Chengdu while he was vacationing there, a source inside Tibet told RFA on condition of anonymity to speak freely. Since then, he has been under constant interrogation from the police at a detention center near Barkham [Maerkang] and they didnt reach a verdict for more than a year, the source said. We have learned that he is sentenced to two years in prison but we dont know about his current health condition or any other related information, said the source. Sonam Gyatso became a monk at a very young age and studied Buddhism at the Kirti Monastery, obtaining the Geshe degree, a higher academic degree in Buddhist philosophy, according to the source. Afterwards, he worked in the monastic department and became a mentor at the monastery. While working there, he encountered many problems with the local Chinese authorities, the source said. Geshe Sonam's older sister, Tsering Lhamo, was also detained by the Chinese authorities a year ago for an unknown reason. She worked at a bank in Ngaba [Aba] county, a Tibetan living in exile told RFA on condition of anonymity to speak freely. No further information on Tsering Lhamos current status is known, the source said. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists around the world, and is a global representative advocating for the protection of Tibetan culture, language and history. He fled Tibet into exile in India in the midst of a failed 1959 Tibetan national uprising against China, which sent troops into the formerly independent Himalayan country in 1950. Displays by Tibetans of the Dalai Lamas photo, public celebrations of his birthday, and the sharing of his teachings on mobile phones or other social media are often harshly punished. Chinese authorities maintain a tight grip on Tibet and on Tibetan-populated regions of western China, restricting Tibetans political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identity, and subjecting Tibetans to imprisonment, torture and extrajudicial killings. Translated by Tenzin Dickyi. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Urumqis Public Security Bureau says it detained three Han Chinese men for spreading rumors. Xinjiangs Communist Party secretary on Monday visited districts in the capital Urumqi in northwestern China where rare protests against severe coronavirus lockdown measures occurred last week. Local police officers confirmed the demonstrations and authorities punished three Han Chinese men for spreading rumors about the highly contagious respiratory infection. Ma Xingrui visited districts and counties in Urumqi (in Chinese, Wulumuqi) hit by the recent wave of COVID-19 that struck Xinjiang in early August and impacted by the protests His visit included the Tianshan, Shayibak, Shuimogou, High-tech Zone, and Midong districts of Urumqi, following last weeks protest, to inspect and investigate epidemic prevention and control measures, community management services, and hospitals, according to a Monday report by state-controlled Xinjiang Daily. He also went to the Xinjiang Medical University next to the Liyushan Road where one protest took place. Ma emphasized the need to resolutely implement the decisions of the Communist Party Central Committee and the State Council, and to adhere to the overall strategy for epidemic prevention and control. The article did not mention the protests, though the article mentioned that Ma stressed strengthen[ing] the management and control of online public opinion concerning the epidemic and crack[ing] down on fabrication and spreading rumors in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, two new videos of public protests appeared on social media over the weekend, though RFA could not independently verify them. In the videos, the protesters are speaking Mandarin Chinese, not the language spoken by Xinjiangs indigenous Uyghurs, who face persecution from Chinese authorities in the region. Dont be afraid! Youre right! Today we must lift the lockdown! the protesters can be heard saying on one of the videos. Police cite state secrets Officers at two Urumqi police stations confirmed to RFA Uyghur that the protest occurred. Two others declined to answer on national security grounds. Some police officers in Urumqi contacted by RFA declined to provide information due to heightened alert and the sensitivity of the protest, while others cited national security grounds, and two confirmed that the protest occurred. A police officer at the Urumqi Midong South Road Police Station said the protest didnt take place in his district. It took place at Xinshiqu [New Town] district, he told RFA. Another officer at the Urumqi Hetan Road Police Station said he didnt know how many people attended the protest in his area. Too many, he said, adding that the protesters were demonstrating against the COVID-19 lockdown. When asked about their demands, he said that the police officers would have a meeting soon to learn about the details. The officer went on to say that he didnt know how many people were detained for participating in this protest, but that it was illegal. Any act thats against the lockdown is illegal, he said. When RFA asked a police officer at the Urumqi Yinchuan Road Police Station if the protest on the Liyushan Road was still happening, he refused to provide information This is information on state secrets. We cannot tell you anything, he said. Another policeman at the Urumqi Hangzhou Road Police Station also said he could not provide any information on the protest without the approval of the Urumqi Public Security Bureau. This is confidential information belonging to state secrets, he said. Authorities detain three men On Nov. 3, the Urumqi Public Security Bureau announced the detainment of the three Chinese for encouraging the public to protest against the COVID lockdown. Urumqis Public Security Bureau issued a notice on Nov. 3 that it has handled many cases of citizens violating epidemic prevention and control regulations, such as the spreading of rumors about COVID. Those who violate the relevant regulations on epidemic prevention and control will be seriously investigated and dealt with by the public security organs, the announcement said. Authorities cited the case of Mou Mouhong, 33, of Tianshan district, who received a 10-day administrative detention penalty for posting comments on a WeChat group on Nov. 1 that incited people to protest, causing a risk of the spread of the virus. Another Han Chinese, Wang Moubiao, 32 who lives in the citys Economic and Technological Development Zone, was detained for five days for posting inflammatory remarks related to the epidemic on WeChat on Nov. 1. Authorities also detained Ming Mouqin, 46, who resides in Urumqis High-tech Zone, for five days for inciting residents to protest via a WeChat group. Chinese officials imposed strict lockdowns in Xinjiang in August and September that resulted in some deaths of Uyghurs from starvation and a lack of medicine or medical care. Authorities detained 600 Uyghurs from a village in Ghulja (Yining) in the northern part of Xinjiang after they protested the lockdown. Prior to the protest, state-run Xinjiang TV had warned residents that they would be arrested for separatism, a charge often used to detain Uyghurs, if they spread rumors about a COVID outbreak in the area. Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in the region also have been subjected to severe human rights violations during a years-long crackdown that Beijing has said is part of a broad anti-terrorism campaign. A report issued in late August by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights found that the scale of the arbitrary and discriminatory detention of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity. China denounced the report, which it said was the result of pressure from western governments. Translated by Alim Seytoff and Shahrezad Ghayrat for RFA Uyghur. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Local parishioners continue to oppose plans to build a Cultural Center on land they say belongs to the Church. Authorities in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi have sent hundreds of policemen to Dong Tam commune to help the local government build a new Cultural Center in Hoanh village on land claimed by the Catholic church. The controversial site has seen several protests over the years, including one which led to the death of the local spiritual leader. Police officers, vans and ambulances arrived in Dong Tam on Tuesday last week, according to a local who went by the pseudonym Hoa to protect his identity. Hundreds of police officers and riot police were brought to Dong Tam commune on November 1. Ambulances, fire trucks, and cars to arrest people were parked at the communal stadium. All entrances to the commune have been fenced off. The entrances and exits to the village are fenced off. Each post is guarded by five to seven policemen. It's no less [of a provocation] than the day when the Dong Senh land was taken!" Dong Senh is a piece of land of about 59 hectares (146 acres) in size that has been a flashpoint for land disputes between locals and the city government. In early 2020, the Ministry of Public Security and the Hanoi Police Department sent about 3,000 riot police to Hoanh village. In the ensuing fight they shot spiritual leader Le Dinh Kinh and arrested 29 locals. Three police officers were reportedly burned to death during the attack, although the police never produced their bodies. The death sentence was given to two Dong Tam residents and one received a life sentence for murder. Others were sentenced to lengthy prison terms or given suspended sentences for resisting on-duty state officials. Last Wednesday some policemen left Dong Tam, while the rest were stationed on village roads wearing plain clothes. Some officers went into the houses of parishioners who had objected to the construction of the Cultural Center on parish land, according to a woman who wished to be known as Hong, for safety reasons. She said the officers stayed there until the evening and even cooked for a sick woman. Hong said most of the police officers she came into contact with were very young and appeared to be police academy students. She said they all spoke with a central Vietnam accent. Hong added that strangers entering the commune are checked by police, but locals are free to move around and havent had any problems over the past week. About 80 households in the parish out of around 300 Catholic households oppose the project while about 1,300 households in Hoanh village have expressed no opinion, Hong said. Since Nov. 1, a small area of land of around 0.7 hectares (1.7 acres) in Hoanh villages Thuong Lam parish has been surrounded with corrugated iron above head height with a signboard saying "Construction area. Entry prohibited." According to parish priest Joseph Nguyen Van Thoan, this land has been owned by the Church for more than 100 years. He said it was bought by Father Loan of the Missionary Society to help the Church carry out its activities. His claims are backed up by a document received by RFA, issued on June 27, 1956, saying "The Provincial Administrative Committee agrees to grant two acres of land to the parish church... to use for worship and for monks to live and do religious work." The document agreeing to grant land to the parish church, issued on June 27, 1956 CREDIT: Administrative Committee of Ha Dong province/RFA The reporter contacted Father Thoan about the latest developments on the land but he did not respond. Another local priest said the new Cultural Center could be used by the Church for flower displays, processions or holding Mass. RFA called the office of the Hanoi People's Committee, but the person who picked up the phone hung up after the reporter introduced himself. The officer on duty at the My Duc District Police Station said the reporter needed to go to police headquarters to get information. According to the district governments Facebook page, the People's Committee of Dong Tam commune officially started renovation work on an old Cultural Centre in Hoanh village on Nov. 4. It was built in 2008 to be used for community activities by all the villagers. However, the building has deteriorated and needs to be repaired in order to complement the planned new Cultural Center. The Facebook page says the project has been approved by the relevant authorities and is part of the commune's new rural development program. It claims the project received the support of the 93.87% of households in Hoanh village. Russian tech giant Yandex has said it is reorganizing its operations, moving to cut its ties with Russia in a restructuring that solidifies government control over a company once seen as a bellwether for the country's digital economy. The announcement comes after months of internal turmoil, with executives departing, the sale of the two of the company's best-known products, and company shares hitting basement prices prior to being frozen on international stock exchanges. "These are exceptionally challenging times," John Boynton, chairman of Yandex's board of directors, said in a statement released late on November 25. According to the online news site The Bell, which was first to report on the reorganization, Yandex's parent company, which is headquartered in the Netherlands, will lose ownership and control of all businesses of the Yandex Group. A new, Russian-incorporated company will take over those operations, with a new board headed by Aleksei Kudrin, a longtime confidant of President Vladimir Putin, who announced on November 29 that he was stepping down as the head of the Audit Chamber, a government fiscal watchdog. The Bell said Kudrin met with Putin November 25, and that Kudrin would receive 5 percent of shares in the newly reorganized entity. On November 25, hours before the company statement, the state news agency RIA Novosti reported that Kudrin intended to leave the Audit Chamber before year's end, and join Yandex. The deal also called for Vladimir Potanin, a billionaire oligarch whose fortune comes from ownership of metals giant Norilsk Nickel, to take a minority position, The Bell said. In its statement, Yandex said it had "commenced a strategic process to review options to restructure the group's ownership and governance in light of the current geopolitical environment." "The board anticipates that Yandex N.V. will in due course be renamed, with the business to be divested retaining exclusive rights for the use of the Yandex brand," it said, adding that shareholders must approve any corporate changes. Under the reorganization, founder Arkady Volozh, who left Russia after the invasion and now lives in Israel, will retain some licensing rights to develop Yandex-originated ventures outside of Russia. Combining the kinds of services provided by Google, Uber, PayPal, Bolt, Amazon, and other online businesses, Yandex was the dominant tech company in Russia, employing thousands of engineers, programmers, and designers across its sprawling divisions. The company, whose U.S.-traded shares were held by major U.S. mutual funds and investment companies, had been under pressure since at least 2019, when it was forced to give state bank Sberbank a veto over major management decisions. The voting power was later transferred to a Russian foundation. But it was the Russian invasion of Ukraine, now in its 10th month, and the Kremlin's censorship of news and debate about the war-- and the rampant problems that Russians forces have faced on the battlefield -- that forced the final, sweeping decision. Shortly after the February 24 invasion, the Kremlin pushed through legislation that criminalized "discrediting the armed forces of the Russian Federation" -- a catch-all measure that has allowed the authorities to go after Russians who protest the war, question its motivations, or even criticize the civilian or military leadership. Russian media are barred from calling the conflict a "war," instead using the phrase "special military operation." Parliament has since tightened those restrictions further. Yandex's search engine, and its main news page, Yandex News, were the dominant portals used by Russians to search for news, including about the war. But according to company critics, including the former head of Yandex News who resigned in protest, the company began tweaking its algorithms to direct searches toward state-run media around the time of the invasion. On March 7, two board members quit in protest. A week later, the deputy executive director resigned, after he was hit with European Union sanctions. Volozh resigned in June after he was hit with EU sanctions. In August, the company announced the sale of Yandex News and another entertainment portal called Yandex Zen to VK, Russia's dominant social-media company, whose control was sold to a Putin ally in late 2021. In a statement e-mailed to RFE/RL after this article was originally published, Polina Pestova, a Yandex spokeswoman, denied that the company had manipulated its algorithms. We categorically deny this claim. Yandex doesnt tweak its algorithms toward any political side, she said. Asked about the reports of Kudrin joining a reorganized Yandex, Pestova declined to comment. Kudrin wrote on his Telegram channel on November 29 that he indeed would step down as head of the Audit Chamber "to focus on large projects that are related to the development of broadly private initiatives, but at the same time have a significant effect on people." He did not mention Yandex in his message. SOFIA -- For years, EU institutions have assured 26 million Bulgarians and Romanians that they are ready to join a borderless Europe. And for at least as long, Dutch governments have quietly but forcefully held fast to their insistence that Sofia and Bucharest must do more to show that they can believe those assurances. Now, as Romanian and Bulgarian hopes culminate of joining by the end of the year the 26-country Schengen area, where passports and other border controls have been abolished, a Dutch veto could deal the more junior EU members another disheartening blow and thwart a stated priority for the Czech EU Presidency, whose term ends in January. "The conservatism that you see now really reflects that the parties of the center-right in the Netherlands were unhappy with how far [along on reforms] Romania and Bulgaria were when they entered the union" in 2007, Simon Otjes, an assistant professor at Leiden University who specializes in European and Dutch public opinion and party politics, told RFE/RL. There are few signs of a softening in The Hague. The Dutch parliament last month approved a motion urging Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government "not to take any irreversible steps" on the Schengen question for Romania or Bulgaria without "further investigations into border surveillance and the reduction of corruption and organized crime in both countries." It warned that "Corruption and problems with organized crime in a Schengen country can cause serious problems in the functioning of border control in that country and thus put the security of the Netherlands and the entire Schengen area at risk." The Dutch Foreign Ministry told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service through a spokesman that "the Dutch position on Schengen enlargement is straightforward: When the requirements are met, accession is possible." The ministry cited implementation of the so-called Schengen acquis, which comprises the EU rules and legislation to strengthen external borders and abolish internal ones, and the conclusions of the EU Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) that monitors members' progress on reforms like justice and crime. "We will need to weigh all the information, also on a political level (including dialogue with parliament)," the ministry said in its statement. "This takes time. In due course we will see which steps are necessary." Schengen Hopes European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper has said the findings of an inspection in October by experts from the commission and member states on implementation of the Schengen acquis were encouraging. "This mission confirmed that Romania and Bulgaria are more than ready to join [Schengen]," Hipper said. "The results are very positive, and no issues were found to warrant further delay." That could provide a ray of hope ahead of a meeting next month of EU justice ministers to consider dropping border controls for Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania. (Croatia has reportedly been assured of getting green-lighted on Schengen.) But the CVM criterion presents a bigger problem for Bulgaria in particular. The European Commission concluded in 2019 that Sofia had made sufficient progress that the commission could discontinue its CVM reports on that country; but it also lacked the unanimity to formally exclude Bulgaria from the CVM process. Juliana Nikolova, who helped Bulgaria negotiate its EU accession and now runs the Bulgarian-language Europe.bg portal EU policies, says the Dutch insistence on a second round of positive assessments is consistent with The Hague's position in 2019. "It can be said that this is a sign of mistrust," Nikolova told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service. The Bulgarian government at the time pressured the European Commission to stop issuing CVM reports, she suggested, allowing then-Prime Minister Boyko Borisov's government to tout a political milestone. "[But] the great victory turned out to be a loss," Nikolova said. Bulgaria has since been hobbled by near-constant political crisis. 'Hostage To Politics' More recently, a scandal over a private laboratory's monopoly on phytosanitary controls at a heavily trafficked southern border crossing near Turkey and Greece cast doubt on Sofia's adherence to its stated border-inspections regime. The revelations of alleged corruption, threats to politicians, smuggling, and missing state funds in connection with the Kapitan Andreevo crossing were brought to light by officials within the recently ousted government of Prime Minister Kiril Petkov. Romania has also grappled with political instability and persistent corruption. Relations between The Hague and Bucharest have been further complicated by snags and legal disputes over a $1.6 billion deal for the possible manufacture and delivery by Dutch shipbuilder Damen of four warships for Romania's navy. All EU members commit on accession to complying with Schengen rules, involving land, sea, and air borders, border cooperation and policing, and visa regimes. But unanimous consent is required for the expansion of the Schengen area. Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania are three of the five EU states still outside the scheme. The others are Ireland, which maintains a so-called opt-out, and Cyprus, which the European Commission has ruled out of contention for now. Previous resistance to Romanian and Bulgarian inclusion has seemingly melted away in the German, French, and Danish capitals. In August, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz allowed that "Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia meet all the requirements to obtain full membership" in Schengen. Last month, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said conversations with EU leaders left him confident that the Netherlands was the only opponent of Romanian and Bulgarian entry to Schengen. He alleged that "Bulgaria and Romania are becoming hostages of domestic politics in the Netherlands, where elections are coming up." Senate elections scheduled for March will test the popularity of Rutte's center-right government against a backdrop of significant Dutch pushback against perceived overreach by Brussels, including on climate goals and immigration. Expansion Hangover But the Dutch have a long history of taking a tough line on the more strictly political aspects of European integration, as opposed to trade and economy or even defense. Their suspicions toward Brussels have seemingly intensified in the past two decades as enlargement recalibrated influence and voting rights inside the bloc, and more recently as the immigration debate heated up. Otjes cited a Dutch emphasis on the European Union as "an economic area where our companies can get a lot of benefits." "But the elements where there is both labor migration and also free migration in Schengen, particularly from Eastern Europe -- that is seen less as a positive benefit for the Netherlands, in particular where it comes to labor migration," he said. Otjes noted the lingering effects of a Dutch benefits scandal from a decade ago that became known as the "Bulgarian fraud." A 2013 documentary film showed Bulgarian nationals bragging about swindling the Netherlands out of bogus childcare, housing, and other benefits that were later estimated at around $120 million. The episode dealt a major blow to the Dutch government and raised tensions between Bulgarian migrants and Dutch nationals protective of their generous welfare state just as other EU states were about to allow unlimited Bulgarian and Romanian immigration. It also reinforced perceptions among Dutch center-right parties that Romanian and Bulgarian accession in 2007 happened "too fast, and too little had been done at the time in terms of reform, corruption, and quality of government." Otjes said that since gains by social-liberals in the 2021 elections earned them second-party status in the ruling coalition, the government had become more of "a positive force" within the bloc despite still emphasizing economic governance. But Rutte's coalition is also facing a migration crisis that has prompted scenes of asylum seekers sleeping outside refugee reception centers and which he has called "shameful." Rutte has blamed the situation on his own government's decision in 2015 to reduce asylum capacity, along with a housing shortage. Otjes said the inability of the Dutch government to cope with the inflow "has pushed in many ways what is the biggest conflict within the current Dutch governing coalition." Written and reported by Andy Heil based on reporting by Elitsa Simeonova of RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service and with contributions from Marian Pavalasc of RFE/RL's Romanian Service 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. Toomaj Salehi's lyrical support for protesters in Iran has landed him behind bars before, but this time the popular rapper's fortune-telling has fans and family members fearing for his life. Just days before his October 30 arrest, the 32-year-old Salehi released his latest music video, in which he makes foreboding predictions about the future of Iran's clerical regime if it continues its violent crackdown against ongoing anti-government demonstrations. "I am the predictor, the fortune teller," he raps in the video for Omen, which shows him reading the patterns left in his coffee cup and warning that brute force will not prevail. "I saw a cage in the coffee grounds -- a lion was hunting a jackal," he explains, alluding to a fairy tale about wisdom defeating physical strength. "We will rise from the bottom and target the top of the pyramid." Salehi goes on to warn that the regime's protectors -- including the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the Basij paramilitary forces, the Intelligence Ministry, and the state media -- will all get their day in court. Salehi followed up on the new video by posting on social media images of him standing alongside protesters and chanting against security forces in his native city in Isfahan Province. The rapper, an ethnic Lur who was arrested last year after releasing other songs critical of the government, offered to turn himself in if protesters detained in his hometown of Shahinshahr were released. In subsequent posts, he called the provincial authorities "cowardly vermin" and "scum who suppress and arrest [innocent] people." Shortly afterward, Salehi went missing and has not been heard from since. State media reported on October 30 that Salehi had been arrested, and a news agency close to the IRGC published a photo of the blindfolded rapper inside a car. A short video later released by a press club associated with Iran's state broadcaster purports to show the rapper admitting he made a mistake. But the reports' claims he had been caught while "illegally exiting the western borders of the country" have been fiercely disputed, and the video confession has been labeled a fake by some and a coerced confession by others. Family members as well as Salehi's official Twitter account have said the rapper was, in fact, arrested in the southwestern Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, hundreds of kilometers from Iran's western border. In a statement, Salehi's uncle Eghbal Eghbali said his nephew was in the province's city of Borujen on the morning of October 30 when he wrote saying "suspicious things" were happening outside his home. Soon after, Salehi stopped communicating. Eghbali said he learned from Salehi's neighbors and friends that security personnel had arrived to take the rapper away. Later on October 30, a prosecutor in nearby Isfahan Province was quoted by the Meezan news agency, which is close to Iran's judiciary, as saying Salehi was arrested "in one of the provinces of the country." The prosecutor alleged the rapper had played a key role in "creating disturbances and inviting and encouraging the recent disturbances in Isfahan Province and in Shahinshahr." The official IRNA news agency, meanwhile, quoted a judiciary official from Isfahan Province as saying Salehi stood accused of "propagandistic activity against the government, cooperation with hostile governments, and the formation of illegal groups with the intention of creating insecurity in the country." Thousands of Iranians, many of them from the younger generation, have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the September 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died shortly after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran's hijab law requiring that women cover their hair. As the protests have continued, the authorities have intensified their crackdown, resulting in the deaths of at least 305 people, including 41 children, according to the latest figures released by the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) on November 6. Salehi is among the hundreds of prominent young voices, including activists, artists, and athletes, who have been arrested for speaking out against the states bloody crackdown on the protests. Overall, activists estimate thousands of people have been arrested by the authorities since the rallies erupted. Faced with a potential existential threat to Iran's clerical rule, 227 of 290 Iranian lawmakers this week called for even greater force by urging the judiciary to "deal decisively" with those behind the protests. In recent years, Salehi has gained notoriety for his open opposition to the country's leadership, using his music and social media presence to take on issues that resonate with Iranian youths. In the song Normal, he highlights the effects of poverty, saying "Our children sleep hungry at night" and asking Iran's leaders how their conscience can let them sleep. The song Rathole, released in 2021, accuses members of the media and art community both inside and outside Iran of being an "ally of the tyrant," a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In another song, he blasts Tehran's close relationships with Moscow and Beijing, asking: "Haven't you robbed us enough? Now, you want to give away half [of our resources] to China and the rest to Russia." Salehi was detained in September 2021 after security agents raided his home in Isfahan, with Human Rights Watch decrying the detention of the artist for "exercising his right to freedom of expression." Salehi was charged with "spreading propaganda against the state," but after more than a week was released on bail. In January, he was sentenced to six months in prison but was released on a suspended sentence in February. While out, he continued his work and released Omen amid the states increasingly violent crackdown on anti-government protesters. "Someone's crime was dancing with her hair in the wind," he raps. "Someone's crime was that she was brave and criticized." Listing a litany of violent acts carried out by the authorities against protesters, Salehi asks, "How many young people did you kill building a tower for yourself?" and predicts that next year, the 44th year of the clerical regime's rule, will be its "year of failure." Salehi's arrest has led to widespread condemnation inside and outside Iran, and his advocates have spread the #FreeToomaj hashtag on Twitter to shed light on his situation. His family has said they do not know Salehi's whereabouts or health, leaving them wondering if he is even alive. But the authorities have shed some light on the fate of another Iranian rapper arrested shortly before Salehi. The judiciary announced on November 7 that Saman Yasin, a rapper from Kermanshah Province -- a northwestern region with a significant Kurdish population and that has been a focus of the government crackdown -- has been accused of waging "warfare" against Iran and acting against the country's security. Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, with contributions by RFE/RL senior correspondent Michael Scollon With a special-needs son, medication shortages and stale, overpriced food in the shops, life in the Russian-occupied Kherson region became intolerable after five months for one Ukrainian mother. Anastasia Borysova tried to carry on living in Nova Kakhovka after Russian troops seized control of the city, but she could not get her son the care he needs -- nor even basic groceries sometimes. The family made it to Odesa after pleading with border guards to be allowed to leave Kherson. U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan has confirmed that communication channels between the United States and Russia remain open despite the war in Ukraine, the BBC reports. Sullivan, speaking in New York on November 7, said it was "in the interests" of Washington to maintain contact with the Kremlin. Sullivan's comments came after a report in The Wall Street Journal on November 6 that he had held undisclosed talks with top Russian officials in the hope of reducing the risk the Russian invasion of Ukraine spills over or escalates into a nuclear conflict. 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. A previous media report, in The Washington Post, said Washington 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, citing unnamed sources, said the request by U.S. officials was not aimed at pushing Ukraine to the negotiating table, but a calculated attempt to ensure Kyiv maintains the support of other countries. Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, told RFE/RL it was absurd to suggest that Western countries that are supplying Ukraine with weapons would push Kyiv to negotiate on Moscow's terms. "Ukraine receives from its partners, first of all from the United States, quite effective weapons," he said. "We are pushing the Russian Army out of territory. And against this background, forcing us to the negotiation process, and in fact to recognize the ultimatum of the Russian Federation, is nonsense! And no one will do that." He said suggestions the West was pushing Ukraine to negotiate were part of Russia's "information program," though he did not directly rebut a report in The Washington Post. Zelenskiy said in his nightly address on November 7 that he was open to talks with Russia, but only "genuine" negotiations that would restore Ukraine's borders, grant it compensation for Russian attacks, and punish those responsible for war crimes. 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. Sullivan told a public event in New York that the Biden administration had "an obligation to pursue accountability" and pledged to work with international partners to "hold the perpetrators of grave and grotesque war crimes in Ukraine responsible for what they have done." Sullivan did not elaborate on the communication channels that Washington and Moscow maintained, but insisted that U.S. officials were "clear-eyed about who we are dealing with," the BBC reported. 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. "I was just in Kyiv on Friday and I had the opportunity to meet with President [Volodymyr] Zelenskiy and my counterpart Andriy Yermak, with the military leadership and also to get a briefing on just what level of death and devastation has been erupted by Putin's war on that country," Sullivan was quoted by the BBC as saying on November 7. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre declined to comment on the U.S. media reports. "I've seen those reportings. So, you know -- and, look, people claim a lot of things about conversations that we -- that the United States has or doesn't have," Jean-Pierre told a news briefing on November 7. "I don't have any specific conversations to read out to you." The secretary of Ukraine's Security Council, Oleksiy Danilov, said on November 8 that the "main condition" for the resumption of negotiations with Russia would be the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Danilov said on Twitter that Ukraine also needed the "guarantee" of modern air defenses, aircraft, tanks, and long-range missiles. 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. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on November 7 that while Russia remained "open" to talks, it was unable to negotiate with Kyiv due to its refusal to hold talks with Russia. With reporting by Reuters When Russia held large-scale military exercises in Belarus in February, the two countries described them as defensive in nature, aimed at repelling outside aggression, namely from Ukraine and NATO. But as the exercises wound down, many of the 30,000 Russian troops stationed in Belarus then poured over the border of Ukraine as part of President Vladimir Putin's invasion, now in its eighth month. New satellite imagery obtained by RFE/RL's Belarus Service shows thousands of Russian troops may have returned to Belarus, raising questions about whether another incursion into Ukraine from the north is imminent -- or if Moscow, with the help of Minsk, is merely trying to distract Kyiv. The Russians "don't have enough combat power to launch an offensive [from Belarus], and there are no vital Ukrainian points nearby," said Mark Cancian, a military analyst at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Russian forces have suffered significant losses in manpower and equipment since September, when Ukraine launched a counteroffensive that continues in the Donbas in the east and Kherson in the south. "The Russians probably want to distract Ukrainians and pull some of their forces away from Kherson and the Donbas," Cancian told RFE/RL. Tent Encampments Satellite imagery captured by the commercial company Planet Lab on October 31 and obtained by RFE/RL shows Russia has set up more than 300 tents in three locations over the past month to temporarily house soldiers at three training grounds in Belarus. They included at least 190 tents at Abuz-Lyasnouski in western Belarus where ground forces train, 35 in Repishcha in central Belarus where artillery forces exercise, and 80 in Lasvida outside Minsk where airborne forces train. Abuz-Lyasnouski is the southernmost of the locations, located about 160 kilometers north of the Ukrainian border. Hundreds of pieces of military hardware, including trucks and some howitzers, have arrived at the bases as well, according to the images. Most of the tents appear to be 12 meters by 7 meters in size, which Dara Massicot, a military analyst at the Washington-based RAND Corp., estimated could comfortably hold up to 25 soldiers each. That would imply a maximum of 7,500 troops could be stationed at those three locations. It is unclear if more will tents be erected and how many Russian soldiers are being housed in pre-existing buildings and structures near the training grounds. There's been no public explanation from Russia as to the purpose of the camps nor the number of troops it plans to station in Belarus. In Belarus, meanwhile, strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka announced on October 10 that Russian troops would be deploying to Belarus, but he maintained it was for defensive purposes, asserting-- without evidence -- that Ukraine was planning an attack. Days later, Lukashenka's defense minister said a total of 9,000 troops would be deployed along with Belarusian forces near the Ukrainian border. Ukrainian intelligence has claimed Russia plans to send up to 20,000 troops to Belarus, a force large enough to attempt an invasion. Ukraine said they would be housed not just at bases but also civilian locations including warehouses, hangars, and abandoned agricultural farms. That would make it hard to determine the number of Russian troops in Belarus based on satellite imagery alone. The deployment of Russian troops to Belarus may be an attempt by Minsk and Moscow to draw Ukrainian forces away from their counteroffensive in the east and south, according to the Institute for the Study of War. They are trying "to pin Ukrainian troops against the northern border," the Washington research organization said in a November 2 note. The institute said it was "highly unlikely" Belarusian forces would take part in the war, noting it would strain the nation's limited military resources and undermine Lukashenka's hold on power in Belarus, which he has ruled for nearly 30 years. Training, Not Deployment? Analysts said there was another explanation for the appearance of the encampments in Belarus: Russia may be seeking to use them for training purposes because it doesn't have enough capacity inside Russia. "It's plausible to believe that Russia needs the training areas," Cancian said. "Mobilizing 300,000 reservists doubles the size of the army, [and] it's not equipped to handle an expansion of that size." The Belarusian announcement of joint troop deployment came less than a month after the Kremlin ordered a major mobilization of military reserves aimed at bolstering Russian troop levels in Ukraine. Putin said on November 4 that Russia had called up 318,000 troops in all. Mykhaylo Zhirokhov, a Ukrainian military expert, said Russia had sold off much of its land used as training grounds following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Even as its armed forces underwent a major modernization over the past 15 years, Russia had not invested in updating its recruitment and mobilization infrastructure, analysts said. The lack of investment has showed up in the often chaotic and haphazard nature of the mobilization since September 21 -- something that has been closely documented by Russian media. Zhirokhov said it was possible Russia could order its troops into Belarus to invade Ukraine once their training finishes in the spring. If so, some experts said, their fate could be far worse than the first wave of Russian soldiers who invaded from Belarus, who suffered heavy losses before retreating at the end of March. That's because Ukrainian forces are now better trained and more experienced, having fought months of grueling battles across the country. Ukrainian forces also now have powerful Western weaponry in their arsenals. What do Kyiv residents think about blackouts and a possible evacuation? RFE/RL spoke to people in the Ukrainian capital after the city's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, warned residents might have to leave en masse in the event of a total loss of power. Paratroopers with Ukraine's 79th Air Assault Brigade say they're holding positions around the small city of Maryinka in eastern Ukraine despite daily Russian attacks. They say Russia has deployed members of the Vagner private mercenary group, special forces, and recently mobilized infantry against them. Holding Maryinka is seen as critical to Ukrainian hopes of retaking the regional capital, Donetsk. Weather Alert ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM EST WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Western Franklin, Orleans, Western Chittenden, Lamoille and Eastern Franklin Counties. * WHEN...From 7 AM to 7 PM EST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects. && Stromatolites are solid, laminar structures reflecting complex interplays between microbial communities and their environment. The earliest morphological traces of life on Earth are often highly controversial, both because non-biological processes can produce relatively similar structures and because such fossils have often been subjected to advanced alteration and metamorphism. Stromatolites have long been considered key macrofossils for life detection in ancient sedimentary rocks; however, the biological origin of ancient stromatolites has frequently been criticized. In new research, geologists from the Natural History Museum, London, and elsewhere examined the 3.48-billion-year-old stromatolites from the Dresser Formation of Western Australia. They used optical and electron microscopy, elemental geochemistry, Raman spectroscopy, and laboratory- and synchrotron-based tomography to identify numerous characteristics indicative of a biological origin. In addition to performing laboratory tomography of 3D stromatolitic macrostructure, we were able to achieve the first sub-micron pixel and voxel sizes for imaging of Precambrian stromatolite microstructures via phase contrast imaging using the SYRMEP beamline at the Elettra Synchrotron, Trieste, Italy, they explained. This enabled the identification of non-uniform layer morphologies, void spaces arising from the degassing of decaying organic materials, and pillar-like vertical structures interpreted as microbial palisade structure, a common indicator of phototrophic growth. The Dresser Formation stromatolites have been mostly replaced by hematite due to recent weathering, they said. While this renders organic geochemical analyses impossible, this composition is highly relevant for the search for life on Mars. Sedimentary rocks at the surface of Mars have been subjected to similar pervasive oxidation and also comprise mostly iron oxides in their upper centimeters to meters. In this regard, the Dresser Formation stromatolites may be uniquely relevant materials to inform us of a precise style of biosignature preservation expected on Mars. As NASAs Perseverance rover continues its exploration of Jezero crater, we should search for morphological expressions of life resembling those identified in the Dresser Formation and prepare for advanced multi-technique analyses when Martian samples are eventually returned to Earth. This research is described in a paper in the journal Geology. _____ K. Hickman-Lewis et al. Advanced two- and three-dimensional insights into Earths oldest stromatolites (ca. 3.5 Ga): Prospects for the search for life on Mars. Geology, published online November 4, 2022; doi: 10.1130/G50390.1 Libya: Vote on a Draft Resolution Renewing UNSMILs Mandate* Tomorrow morning (28 October), the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for one year, until 31 October 2023. The draft text in blue maintains UNSMILs core mandated tasks, as set out in resolution 2542 of 15 September 2020 and paragraph 16 of resolution 2570 of 16 April 2021. The UK, the penholder on Libya, circulated an initial draft text on 13 October and convened one round of negotiations on 18 October. It then placed a revised draft under silence procedure on Monday (24 October). Silence was broken by Russia, supported by China, including on preambular language related to human rights. Some minor amendments were made by the penholder, and a draft was put into blue on Tuesday evening (25 October). Negotiations seem to have gone relatively smoothly compared to previous deliberations on UNSMILs mandate, which were difficult. Between September 2021 and July, the Council renewed UNSMILs mandate five times through short-term extensions because of disagreements among Council members, including concerning the length of the mandate, the restructuring of the mission, and the appointment of UNSMILs leadership. (For background, see our 13 September 2021, 1 October 2021, 31 January, 29 April and 28 July Whats in Blue stories.) As was the case in April and July, the initial draft circulated by the UK called for a one-year mandate renewal. It requested the Secretary-General to report to the Council every 90 days, rather than the monthly briefings requested in resolution 2629 of 29 April. During the negotiations, Russia apparently again expressed its preference for retaining a 30-day reporting cycle. In an apparent compromise, the draft resolution in blue extends the mandate for one year and stipulates a 60-day reporting cycle. The length of the mandate has been contentious in the recent past. During the negotiations in April and July, most Council membersincluding the UK, the US, the European Council members and the A3 members (Gabon, Ghana and Kenya)were strongly in favour of a one-year mandate renewal. However, Russia had made clear at the time that it would only support a shortened mandate duration until a Special Representative is appointed. The A3 abstained on resolution 2647 of 28 July because of their position that the mandate should have been renewed for longer than three months (S/PV.9103). Following a protracted and contentious process, the Secretary-General announced the appointment of Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal as his Special Representative for Libya and head of UNSMIL on 2 September. (The position of Special Representative replaced the role of Special Envoy, as decided in resolution 2629. Former Special Envoy Jan Kubis resigned in November 2021.) Bathily officially assumed his duties on 25 September and arrived in Tripoli on 14 October. As a result of the appointment, it seems that Russia did not oppose the one-year mandate renewal during the negotiations. The draft in blue welcomes the appointment of Bathily and urges all Libyan parties and key stakeholders to engage with him constructively and fully. Beyond this, the draft resolution in blue largely reflects the language agreed to in resolution 2647 with some additions and amendments. It reiterates a request, made in resolution 2629 of 29 April, for the mission to implement the recommendations of the Independent Strategic Review of UNSMIL (S/2021/716) and in doing so to explore all avenues to increase efficiency and redeploy existing resources. In this context, the draft text in blue includes a new reference to strengthening the use of strategic communications to support the missions activities. The draft in blue contains an additional request, which was included in the initial draft, for the Secretary-General to update the Council on the implementation of the recommendations of the strategic review in his regular reporting to the Council. (The delays in appointing UNSMILs leadership complicated the Councils approach to the implementation of the strategic review, of which Bathily was the team leader.) The need to convene elections is another issue emphasised in the draft resolution in blue. Following the postponement of the national elections planned for 24 December 2021, a stalemate has persisted between two rival political factions in Libya. In his first briefing to the Council on 24 October, Bathily emphasised the importance of holding legislative and presidential elections and said that the Security Council must stress to Libyan actors the need to work together to this end (S/PV.9162). The draft text contains a new paragraph in its operative section that welcomes the support provided by the UN to the Libyan High National Elections Commission (HNEC), and encourages the continuation of this support to enable the HNEC to deliver free, fair, transparent and inclusive national presidential and parliamentary elections across Libya. It also notes, in the preambular section, that all Libyan stakeholders previously gave strong guarantees to support and respect the independence and integrity of the electoral process, as well as the election results. The draft in blue includes a new reference welcoming the efforts of the Presidential Councila body formed under the Libyan Political Agreement of 17 December 2015 as part of the Government of National Accordto launch the national reconciliation process, including to facilitate a meeting on national reconciliation in Libya in the coming months. It also contains language calling on all parties to refrain from violence or any other actions that could escalate tensions, exacerbate conflict, and undermine the political process. The protracted political stalemate continues to generate security threats, including fighting in Tripoli that erupted in late August and resulted in civilian casualties and destruction of civilian infrastructure. The draft text in blue expresses concern about these violent clashes, based on language from a press statement issued by Council members on 1 September (SC/15015). Several members made suggestions for additional language in the course of the negotiations, some of which was retained in the preambular section of the draft resolution in blue. Based on a proposal by Albania and Norway, which was supported by the penholder and others, the draft text in blue strongly encourages all parties to create a safe and enabling environment for members of civil society, including those who promote and protect human rights. Based on language proposed by Norway (the chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict), which was supported by the penholder and others, the draft in blue expresses concern about reported violations and abuses against children in Libya and recalls the importance of the protection of children. The draft also urges all parties to implement the relevant resolutions on Women, Peace and Security and to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence, another proposal put forward by Norway. _________________________________________________________________ *Post-script: On 28 October, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2656, extending the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) for one year, until 31 October 2023. The A3 members (Gabon, Ghana and Kenya) made separate statements following the adoption, including to express support for the one-year mandate renewal. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (Photo: VNA) The PM will pay an official visit to Cambodia from November 8-9 and attend the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and related Summits from November 10-13, at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen the ASEAN Chair in 2022. This is the first visit by Chinh in his capacity as Prime Minister of Vietnam, and it holds significance in various aspects. It takes place in the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year 2022, marking the 55th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties. The two PMs will review the Vietnam-Cambodia relations, and outline new impulses and measures to develop the relationship in more pragmatic, effective and reliable manner. The PMs attendance at the 40th and 41st SEAN Summits and related Summits will be a chance for Vietnam to affirm the consistent policy of the Party and State in the spirit of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations, intensive and extensive international integration, and substantive contributions to ASEAN's common affairs. Vietnam and Cambodia established diplomatic ties on June 24, 1967. In 2005, the two countries leaders agreed on the new motto of the bilateral relations that is good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable, long-term cooperation. Since then, the relationship has been consolidated and strengthened in all fields, bringing pragmatic interests to the people of both countries, and positively contributing to peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world. Over the past years, the bilateral political ties have developed fruitfully, as reflected through regular visits, meetings and exchanges in different forms, even amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Progress has also been made in cooperation between ministries, agencies, localities, and people-to-people exchanges, especially in border areas. Meanwhile, collaboration in national defence and security has been strengthened. In 2019, Vietnam and Cambodia signed two legal documents recognising outcomes of land border demarcation and marker planting, with 84 percent of the workload completed. They are accelerating negotiations for the settlement of the remainder to further build a common border line of peace, friendship, cooperation and sustainable development. The two Governments have also pledged to create favourable conditions for their respective citizens to live in each others territories in line with laws of the host countries. Cooperation in economy, trade and investment has grown quickly, with two-way trade reaching US$9.54 billion in 2021, up 79.1 percent from the previous year. In the first nine months of this year, the figure was $8.45 billion , a -year-on-year rise of 16.7 percent, of which Vietnam enjoyed a trade surplus of $487.7 million . Vietnam is running 198 valid projects in the neighbouring country with total registered capital of US$2.92 billion, ranking first among ASEAN nations and fifth among countries investing in Cambodia. Partnerships in education, training, transport, culture, health care and telecommunications have also received attention from both sides. Notably, the two countries have supported each other in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. They have closely coordinated at international, regional, sub-regional forums, especially ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms, contributing to raising the prestige and position of each country in the region and the world. Regarding prospects of the bilateral ties, Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Chay Navuth said the two countries aim to consolidate their solidarity and cooperation in the time ahead. They will continue to promote the political ties to ensure the general orientations of the bilateral relationship, consolidate political trust and step up cooperation in national defence and security, external affairs and economy, he said. The 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and related Summits mark the resumption of direct meetings and dialogues between regional leaders after a two-year hiatus induced by the pandemic. The events will offer opportunities for the leaders to compare notes on efforts in building the ASEAN Community and enhancing solidarity and centrality of the ten-member grouping, and review and define orientations for the relations between the bloc and its partners. They will also exchange views on many strategic issues in the region and the world. Within the framework of the summits, there will be more than 20 activities with the participation of leaders from the ASEAN member countries, and 10 partners. On this occasion, ASEAN will announce the establishment of its comprehensive strategic partnership with the US and India. The participating leaders are scheduled to approve and recognise more than 100 documents on many important cooperation areas within ASEAN and between the bloc and its partners. PM Chinh will deliver speeches at the summits, expressing Vietnams viewpoints and stance and raising proposals to strengthen solidarity, unity and centrality of ASEAN, enhance regional connectivity, promote cooperation in the fields of common interest, and foster relations between ASEAN and its partners. Vietnam will use the occasion to share its policies, efforts and successes in socio-economic recovery and development after the pandemic. The PM will also meet leaders of ASEAN members and partners to exchange views on issues of shared concern. VNA Page Content The challenges facing businesses in the world of work have grown exponentially over the last decade and even more so since 2020, increasing the complexity of leadership. Stakeholders expect leaders to maintain productivity and profitability, even amid a pandemic and economic crisis, all while accounting for employee well-being and the well-being of society as a whole. These challenges have necessitated the adoption of myriad distinct skills that leaders must actively embrace to be successful. However, this presents a challenge within itself because certain skills can feel more contradictory than compatible. In a survey of 990 human resource leaders, the SHRM Research Institute sought to understand how leaders balance seemingly contradictory skills and what the implications are for leaders and organizations. The SHRM Research Institute found that organizationsand therefore leadersmust balance a) being empathetic while holding employees accountable, b) listening while being directive, c) fostering innovation while maintaining structure, d) being optimistic while being realistic, and e) fostering inclusivity while valuing distinctiveness within their workforces. However, the SHRM Research Institute's findings also illustrate that most leaders are not successful at balancing these skills. One reason for this may be that leaders are perceiving that they can exhibit only one skill or the other to be effective, an idea known as "Tyranny of the OR." In the seminal book Built to Last, management scholars Jim Collins and Jerry Porras explain how the "Tyranny of the OR" presents artificial constraints, holding leaders back from achieving greatness. Through their research, Collins and Porras found that great companiesthose leading in their industrieshave leaders thinking beyond these artificial constraints. Instead, these leaders embrace the "Genius of the AND." The "Genius of the AND" is consistent with the SHRM Research Institute's findings regarding the importance and positive impact of balancing seemingly contradictory skill sets. Leaders today must actively embody both to be effective. Luckily, there are various ways of embracing the "and" when it comes to the critical skills that the SHRM Research Institute's survey results highlight. In the same study, the SHRM Research Institute found that the most difficult skills to balance are also the most important for an organization: empathy and accountability. For instance, empathy and accountability are crucial for employees to feel supported and motivated, which has implications for both performance and well-being. So, leaders have to get this balance right. The pandemic highlighted the importance of this balance as organizations had to hold their workforces accountable for meeting strategic goals while also being sensitive to the significant disruptions in everyday life. Randy Yu, CHRO of MISUMI, USA, demonstrated this balance between empathizing with the concerns of employees while also emphasizing accountability. In an August 2022 interview with the SHRM Research Institute, Yu discussed how he and his company's president "continually reinforced our message that employee safety and health is a top priority for us" while also having "set a tone from very early on that we wanted the work-from-home productivity and output and accessibility to be as if you were in the office." Yu and his company did not choose empathy over accountability (or vice versa). Instead, they balanced both during times of turbulence, helping to enable their company's resilience. While not every leader will be responsible for steering an organization through a pandemic, most will encounter the need to balance empathy and accountability during day-to-day activities. In fact, these skill sets can be very complementary in a performance management context. For example, holding employees accountable for performance expectations is critical for their performance and development but can feel uncomfortable at times. Being empathetic can go a long way in helping employees cope with constructive feedback, making these conversations smoother for both parties. As another example, although accountability is critical, it can go awry when employees feel like they are being held accountable for something outside of their control. Empathetic skills can help here, as well. Leaders can engage in empathy by taking the time to solicit employee perspectives and actively listening to them in a nonjudgmental way. When seeking out employee perspectives, leaders may realize that an employee is hitting barriers to performance, such as getting buried in tedious tasks better handled through an updated process. Once this is known, the leader can remove the barrier. In turn, factors outside employees' control can be identified and mitigated, increasing the perceived fairness of accountability conversations. Consequently, both empathy and accountability are not only compatible, but also complementary, leadership skills. Ultimately, great leadersthose who drive both performance and well-beingembrace and skillfully develop the "Genius of the AND." These leaders acknowledge the fact that skills that may seem contradictory on the surface can actually be complementary. When doing so, more possibilities arise to not just meet but exceed the leadership expectations of today. Katrina P. Merlini, Ragan Decker and Daroon Jalil are researchers at the SHRM Research Institute. Page Content The Washington Supreme Court recently upheld amendments to the state's prevailing wage statute that pins the wage rate to the highest collective bargaining statute in each separate county, a decision that is sure to have employers bracing for increased labor costs. While the industrial statistician for the state Department of Labor and Industries twice yearly sets the prevailing wage rate that public works contractors must pay, recent legislative amendments to the state Prevailing Wage Act upends how the statistician sets that rate. On Oct. 13, the Washington Supreme Court handed down its opinion in Associated General Contractors of America v. State of Washington, upholding this new model where state contractors must follow a prevailing wage requirement based on the highest collectively bargained wage rate for the relevant trade in the county where they operate. What do Washington State employers need to know about this development? New Structure Challenged Prior to these amendments, the industrial statistician set prevailing wages in each county for each trade based on the majority or average wage rate in that county. Citing an effort to increase the statistician's efficiency, the legislature's amendments now require the statistician to adopt the highest wage set by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in the relevant county. Certain contractor associations challenged the new amendments, and the Washington Court of Appeals sided with these associations. The appellate court struck down the amendments as an unconstitutional delegation of legislative authority. It ruled that the legislature had not provided the statistician clear standards in exercising their authority, thereby mandating the statistician to rely on CBA wage rates that did not yet exist. In the most recent ruling, however, the state Supreme Court disagreed. It flipped the Court of Appeals' decision and held that the legislature provided the requisite standard by requiring the statistician to adopt the highest wage set by CBA in a county. What Now? As a result of the state Supreme Court's decision, public works contractors must now pay the wage rate set by the more generous CBA in each county where they perform work. This rate may no longer reflect the actual wage rate prevailing through a county, but rather a rate that applies to a minority of workers who have successfully bargained with other employers for a more generous wage through threats of labor action or by relying on powerful union backing. Likewise, if a CBA mostly covers workers in a higher wage market, like Seattle, and mandates wage rates reflective of that market, but also covers some smaller number of workers in a county with lower average wages, the higher rate in the CBA may become the prevailing wage in both localities. Indeed, the Court of Appeals cited one such CBA already in effect in its decision. As the Washington Supreme Court reached its decision based on state law, and because numerous federal courts have upheld similar prevailing wage standards under federal labor law, it is unlikely that the contractor associations will be able to obtain review before the U.S. Supreme Court. As such, public works contractors will have to consider the wage rates set by CBAs in each county where they perform or bid for state projects. The Washington Supreme Court left open, however, the question of whether public works contractors can challenge whether those CBAs are valid under governing law. Stay tuned for possible refinements from state courts on this point. Jeremy F. Wood is an attorney with Fisher Phillips in Seattle. 2022. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. Michael Hurlston is aveteran of the semiconductor and electronics industries and has lived through a number for boom-and-bust cycles. Since taking over the helm at Synaptics he has transformed the company into a diverse supplier of products and technologies for a wide range of consumer, enterprise, and automotive markets. His strategy has included a sharp focus on strategic mergers and acquisitions to address key market opportunities, improving operational efficiencies, and expanded investment in R&D around essential technologies for the IoT such as edge AI, wireless connectivity, sensing, voice, audio, and video processing, and video interfaces. In a recent conversation with the Editor of siliconindia, Michael Hurlston, CEO of Synaptics, shared his thoughts on the volatile global semiconductor industry in the era of digitalization. Despite the global pandemic, a supply chain crisis, geopoliticaltensions, and a recession that threatens to impact the consumer electronics markets, he remains bullish on the prospects for the chip business. He sees it as an unrelenting necessity for the continuing digitalization of our worldtransforming how we work, play, move about and communicate. What were the Implications of the recent pandemic for the Semiconductor Industry? During the Pandemic, there was a significant shift in spending from services to goods. And the shift from goods to services accounted for roughly 10% of the global economy. The PC market sales increased from 280 million units to around 350 million units, with 70 million additional PCs manufactured and sold, simply because companies adopted the hybrid work model rather than asking their employees to come work in the office. The Internet of Things is just another example. Docking stations, monitors, headsets, and other similar devices are examples of this massive shift in consumption during the pandemic.So, there was a major inflection point, and then there was a huge surprise on top of it which was the pandemic itself. An impactful, long-term shift is already visible in the semiconductor market. And, essentially, the pandemic was what caused it; it was the straw that broke the camel's back. And when all of these things happened at once, it affected all of the semiconductor market which effectively wiped out the supply chain, as no one could keep up. And, interestingly, it wasn't the advanced process nodes that were the issue. It wasn't these nodes that were five nanometers, seven nanometers, and three nanometers; it was the trailing nodes. That is where the issue arose.It wasn't about processors or switches or advanced chips for the infrastructure, it was more about mature, trailing-edge nodes;nodes that could also handle higher power levels. These were the focus of the shortage, rather than more complicated Intel microprocessors or Qualcomm smart processors for mobile phones. How is Digitalization impacting the automotive market? Today's automotive industry is quickly transitioning from mechanical to electrical. This is true not just in how vehicles will be powered to move about (shifting from fossil fuels to electric)but also with things like infotainment panels inside the car. And autonomous driving, is another area, which for example uses Ethernet rather than CAN bus, which is an old mechanical situation. What is the relevance of Intellectual Property in moving the Semiconductor industry forward? Being a leader in developingintellectual property is essential because it is the driving force behind this industry. When one examines the value chain, it is easy to conclude that intellectual property adds probably the highest degree ofvalue to the semiconductor market. Companies in theUnited States recognized this and have focused their investment in this area, which is why the USis considered to bethe industry's leading producer of innovation in semiconductor design. How would you describe India's Chip Ambitions? In terms of opportunity, India has some of the best semiconductor engineers in the world.Unfortunately, it has yet to figure out how to build its own IP ecosystem, and there is far less of a startup community in hardware than there is in software.Therefore, in order to truly capitalize on this IP issue, India needs to figure out how to create its own set of companies rather than relying so heavily on multinational corporations. Today, we are aware of the fact that India has few product companies, which poses a new set of challenges for the country.There is no doubt that discussions about developing a fully indigenous semiconductor industry are taking place. In India, intellectual property firms should concentrate on developing more IP of their own, as well as providing design services rather than modifying someone else's IP. Share your thoughts on how semiconductors have become a primary fuel for Wireless Communications and Industry's Growth Engine. Wireless technology represents a significant opportunity because going wireless has changed the way businesses are conducted today. If you think about the need for everything to connect, to communicate, it is the most essential semiconductor technology available. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and ZigBee are a few examples.All of these wireless protocols are essential; everything is now linked, and wireless connectivity is used by a wide range of products. As a result, developing this capability should be a top priority for all semiconductor companies and there is deep expertise in this area in India Where does the Indian Semiconductor Industry stand today? In India, there are major challenges with infrastructure, power, and water, all of which are required to construct a fab. The power grid is erratic.The recent floods have put a serious strain on the water supply. So there's an issue. But, this may not be the problem that India should be attempting to solve in order to gain a competitive advantage in the semiconductor arms race. I believe success is more about the intellectual property piece. Looking at it from that point of view, everything is in the right place in India for the development of a fully developed domestic semiconductor industry; all that remains is proper implementation. Obviously, the hiring process is the next challenge. The top engineers in the country are all in high demand.As a result, companies must take steps to differentiate themselves. And one way they can do that is to promote the concept of full product ownership, end to end. Thats why developing and owning IP is so important. What potential does the Indian semiconductor industry hold going forward? Once semiconductor companies have established a training ground for engineers to understand a product from cradle to grave, beginning to end, you are actually in a great position for success. So that is essentially the training ground for developing a fully developed semiconductor industry that will one day benefit both India and the Indian semiconductor ecosystem. India has very deep design capabilities and we need to leverage that. A key aspect of this is India is pushing to engage with local universities and research institutes with the subjects and also working with global universities at the same time. Today India's budget for the semiconductors industry of US$10 billion is certainly a reasonable budget to start with. The US$10billion investment by the Government could be leveraged across a range of design activities and initiatives. This is how India can really establish itself in the chip supply chain and as a true world leader. 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! Billionaire veteran private developer Bob Ells Leda Holdings is adding to his recent deals and taking advantage of the booming demand for warehouse space in Sydneys south with the sale of a large holding offering development potential. The 5495 square metre property at 32 Cawarra Road in Caringbah in the Sutherland Shire is a refurbished commercial asset and comes with a leased area of 3026 sq m. The corner landholding is said to be attractive to a value-add investor looking for a strategic position within one of southern Sydneys strongest investment markets. A 5495 sq m property at 32 Cawarra Road Caringbah is being sold by Leda Holdings Colliers director Trent Gallagher, Edward McFarland, Gavin Bishop and Sean Thomson are advising Leda and said price expectations for the site are around $26 million. The agents also advised Leda on the recent sale of a 1.37 hectare logistics estate near Sydney Airport to new industry entrant Pittwater Industrial for $66.75 million. This refurbished high-quality and appealing commercial asset is strategically located to provide crucial amenity within one of Sydneys most tightly held infill industrial and commercial precincts, Gallagher said. The Wonder (M) 108 minutes Florence Pugh, by now, is some kind of star, but a hard one to keep in focus a shape-shifter, rather than a consistent screen personality we can follow from one role to the next. Still, she seems to gravitate to period pieces with a progressive slant, including the recent Dont Worry Darling, set in a cartoonish version of squeaky-clean 1950s suburbia. In contexts like this, her characters can be outwardly submissive while retaining a degree of freedom on the immediate physical level, redolent in turn of an inner strength. Florence Pugh shape-shifts again as Lib Wright, a nurse investigating a mysterious starving girl, in The Wonder. It feels quite natural to see her traipsing over the fields of 19th century Ireland in The Wonder, the hem of her sky-blue skirt getting gradually more soiled. Surely, its only a matter of time before she teams up with Jane Campion, who more or less invented this sort of thing in The Piano. Called to the bar in 1959, the eighth woman in the states history to do so, Coombs was then the only one practising, in an environment that was cold and discouraging. Speaking a quarter-century later, a senior barristers clerk, Brian Bannon, said: The first ones had to be unconventional, even eccentric, to survive. They had to be prepared to take the cold shoulder from the establishment. They were pioneers, no doubt about it. There are a lot more now and they are accepted as candidates for vacancies on any floor. She got into the course, the first woman to do so, though as her brother Jim later commented, she had to kick in the door to do it. But her trailblazing, as in other areas of her life, had a longer-term effect. Several years later, the college opened its door to women, to wit about a dozen nuns, to do a course in theology. When Janet Coombs, a junior barrister, applied at the St Patricks College seminary at Manly to do a course on Canon Law, the director said: But youre a woman! To which Coombs replied: I know that. Can I do a course in Canon law? Janet Viola Coombs was born in London on August 16, 1932, when her father, Herbert Cole Coombs, later to become Governor of the Reserve Bank, was studying for a PhD at the London School of Economics. Her mother was Mary Alice (Lallie) Coombs, nee Ross. Janet was to be followed by brothers, John, Jim and Jerome (Jerry). Dr Coombs returned to Australia with his wife and child in 1934 and a year later joined the Commonwealth Bank. In 1942, when Sir Owen Dixon was appointed Australias Minister to the United States, the family lived in his house in Melbourne and a very young Janet started reading Sir Owens law books and talked about becoming a High Court judge. In the meantime, she went to school at Genazzano College, where sisters of the Faithful Companions of Jesus inspired her with a Catholic faith that was to last for her entire life. With her father shifting between important appointments, she finished her education at Loreto Kirribilli, on Sydneys north shore. Coombs enrolled at Sydney University, saying she wanted to do Law, but her counsellor, apparently a little sceptical, suggested she at least do arts first. Coombs did her arts degree, which she later said was a waste of time, then did law, and on graduation became a solicitor with the Remington and Co in Sydney. She aspired to go to the bar, though then there were no women barristers, and had to draw on the advice, financial support and influence of her father. Janet Coombs at Bar Association dinner 1972. She was called to the bar on March 13, 1959. Her brothers, Jim and Jeremy, still schoolboys, watched her acceptance. Her practice was only modest because, as Jim explained, women barristers in that era did not get much work. There were a whole lot of things she would not do, he said. A lot of women barristers who came after gravitated to the Family Law jurisdiction, and Janet had no interest in Family Law matters. In 1961, Coombs was only one of two women on the NSW Bar. Her interest in civil matters, moral standards and the status of women increased. Every election throws up a few candidates with strange past views, and this time the Liberal frontrunner for Castle Hill Noel McCoy is emerging as a central character. A partner at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, and a long-term backroom brawler for the partys right faction, McCoy will probably get preselection for the safe seat at the expense of Transport Minister David Elliott, who conceded recently he didnt have the local branch numbers to win after his own electorate was abolished. Former Liberal premier Gladys Berejiklian, whose government led the lockdowns opposed by Noel McCoy. Credit:Nick Moir As reported in this masthead, McCoy holds outspoken pro-life views on abortion. But hes got a long history doing things that might make moderate Liberal strategists uneasy. As President of the NSW Young Liberals in 2008, he led a crusade for students to dob in teachers pushing left-wing views. A year later, he denied involvement in the Hitler video incident, when a shoddy YouTube clip sent to hundreds of Liberal members re-subtitled a scene featuring the Fuhrer from the movie Downfall to reference a factional stoush involving former immigration minister Alex Hawke. State Labor MPs have invoked an ugly campaign waged against Julia Gillard more than a decade ago amid the battle to reform NSW poker machines, warning that taking on powerful clubs and pubs risks an unnecessary stoush with the election just months away. The oppositions muted stance on the growing push for mandatory cashless gaming cards has also earned a stinging rebuke from Australias most high-profile anti-gambling crusader, who declared Labor the party of social injustice. NSW Labor leader Chris Minns and former PM Julia Gillard. Credit: Andrew Meares, Nikki Short, Alex Ellinghausen Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello said the reluctance of NSW Labor leader Chris Minns to offer bipartisan support to tackle problem gambling and money laundering through the states 100,000 poker machines was extraordinary. The suburbs where poker machines do the biggest damage, where countless millions are ripped out of the local community, are in traditional Labor electorates, Costello told the Herald. Sydney man jailed for police threats has limited freedom end Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss According to remarks made by Minister for Home Affairs Clare ONeil on Sundays 60 Minutes, as well as to this masthead, Australias immigration system is in a state of disrepair. That observation is correct, as far as it goes, but the ministers attempt to lay the problem at the feet of foreign operatives has the ring of desperation which suggests that the government is not prepared for the size of the task before it. Minister ONeils remarks were made in connection with the Trafficked investigation led by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, 60 Minutes and Stans Revealed documentary program which linked a suburban migration agent in Melbourne to 150 supposedly dubious protection visa applications, made for citizens of Vietnam. The minister sounded the same alarm on ABC radio on Monday while announcing a review of the migration regime, with talk of closing loopholes, scams and rorts. Dodgy migration agents have been linked to a raft of dubious protection visa applications. But nebulous talk of criminal syndicates risks disappearing and dehumanising the hundreds of thousands of people caught up in the maelstrom of our migration regime. If the government is serious about ending abuses in the migration system, then it should rush to find a solution for people who have been the victims of trafficking, forced labour and years of hardship, rather than rushing first to fortify our borders. In reality, the most serious problems facing the migration system are internal to it, not the result of nefarious foreign interference. Over the past 20 years, both Labor and Liberal governments have fundamentally re-geared Australias migration program towards temporary and employer-sponsored migration. This means that people remain in Australia for longer and longer periods, sometimes decades, reliant upon the goodwill of their bosses to sponsor them for permanent migration. Obviously enough, research links temporary migration status with increased vulnerability to labour exploitation. Today, there are around two million temporary and bridging visa holders in Australia. The planned $1.3-billion upgrade of the Dungowan Dam in Barnaby Joyces NSW seat of New England as well as other dam proposals backed by the former federal government need careful examination, Water Minister Tanya Plibersek says. The NSW and Morrison governments confirmed they would split the cost of expanding Dungowan Dam near Tamworth in the lead-up to the May federal election, saying the towns primary water storage, Chaffey Dam, was insufficient to meet its needs during drought and as its population grew. Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek says she will be taking a very careful look at all federally funded dam proposals. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But Plibersek said on Tuesday that during the 2019 drought, Tamworth wasnt given enough water from Chaffey Dam, despite its expansion three years earlier, and the community narrowly avoided running dry. The state government sets aside just 70 per cent of Tamworth Regional Councils 16.4 gigalitre Chaffey Dam licence for urban supply, with the rest going to irrigators on the Peel River and the environment. You could say, well, the government took a beating, he told the ABC in 2008. Well, every government has taken a beating in the past on waterfront reform. We took a bit more beating than usual but, then again, were the only ones who ever got anything done either. Peter Reith in 1998. Credit:Fairfax/Gary Schafer Both sides claim victory two decades on. The Maritime Union of Australia maintained its near monopoly of the waterfront, while Patrick won significant increases in profitability. Michael Kroger, a rival of Reith within the Victorian faction of the Liberal Party, says it was clear he was Howards favourite. He was the man of steel in that dispute, he told Sky News. While all ministers and backbenchers and others ran for cover and when things got hard, Reith never wavered and John Howard always appreciated that enormously. Three years later Reith was in the hot seat again, in the middle of what became known as the Children Overboard Affair, in which the government falsely claimed that asylum seekers had thrown their children out of their leaky fishing boat. John Howard and Peter Reith in 2005. Credit:Andrew Taylor It was a low point in the divisive politics over immigration policy at the time, and it severely damaged his credibility, enraging his political opponents on the left, where hed become the lightning rod for growing disdain for the Howard government. He rarely conceded an argument or gave ground, even as a political commentator into his later years on both Sky News and in the opinion pages of newspapers, including The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. But Howard never wavered in his support for his number one guy either, telling parliament upon the Victorian MPs retirement in 2001 that of all the people with whom hed been associated in politics, there was none hed held in higher regard than Reith. I shall never forget the incredible courage that the then minister, Peter Reith, displayed at the time of waterfront reform, he told the House of Representatives. Loading He became the architect of what is arguably the greatest systemic change of all in the economic industrial sector of Australia, that is, the transformation of our industrial relations system. No minister in my government in the past five-and-a-half years has been under more sustained pressure and abuse than Peter He displayed an intense composure under enormous pressure. He was always calm; he was always quite capable of arguing a case and of assessing reality. Former ACTU assistant secretary Tim Pallas, now the Victorian Labor treasurer, once observed that as a political operative Reith was the most effective member of the Coalition government and therefore the most dangerous. Born on July 15, 1950, Reith went to Brighton Grammar and later read economics and law at Monash University. He went to work at Cowes, a then sleepy village on Phillip Island. He later was elected to the islands shire council and became shire president in 1981. Loading On Phillip Island he helped establish Newhaven College, an independent school, and a penguin research facility. He won the Flinders byelection in December 1982 after the retirement of Sir Phillip Lynch. Lynch, who served as a minister under three prime ministers, had been the minister for army, leader of the house and deputy Liberal leader, three roles that Reith would later emulate. Reith held the seat against the odds, which was widely seen as a final blow to Bill Haydens Labor leadership. Bob Hawke took over in February and an election was called for March. Reith, just a few months into his new job and not even sworn in, lost his seat. But he regained the seat in 1984. From there he held a variety of portfolios in opposition from 1987 and earned his reputation as a political head kicker during the 1988 referendum campaign where he helped destroy Labors proposal of four-year parliamentary terms. He also effectively blocked Labors one-vote, one-value proposal, which would have redistributed the electoral divisions of the House of Representatives. In 1999, despite flagging his republican sentiments, he trashed the so-called politicians republic and campaigned for a directly elected presidential model. Peter Reith is as much a republican as John Howard, Malcolm Turnbull, then head of the Yes campaign, said at the time. This is just part of his usual destructive, cynical tactics to hold back constitutional reform in Australia. Its perfectly obvious what hes up to. He is trying to wreck this by putting up a populist fantasy. The final years of Reiths parliamentary career were engulfed with controversy when he was investigated over the use of his phone card, which had incurred charges totalling $50,000. He admitted that he breached parliamentary rules by giving the card and his personal identification number to his son Paul in 1994. But his son could account for only $950 worth of calls, meaning that the people who subsequently obtained the card and made 11,000 free phone calls from 900 different locations over a period of five years did so without Reiths knowledge or permission. Howard was faced with calls to sack him while talkback radio was enraged. Labor claimed it was a political cover-up. Reith gave two reasons for his decision to eventually pay up that taxpayers had a reasonable expectation it should be paid by him and that it was affecting the standing of the government. I dont have much choice about it, he said. The situation will be ... Im paying the money and thats the end of the matter as far as Im concerned. He served in federal cabinet from 1996 to 2001 and maintained a diary and extensive records of those tumultuous years through the 120 notebooks he filled with conversations with colleagues, cabinet discussions and his uncensored thoughts and predictions. They were published in 2015, with a dust-jacket quote from former ministerial colleague Amanda Vanstone saying: There arent too many people from my time in politics that I would trust completely. Reith is one of them. After politics, he became a London-based director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. He also led a Victorian gas taskforce that warned that jobs and living standards were at risk because of a ban on onshore gas. The US midterms today are being more closely watched than usual in Australia because they are the first national elections since the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol in Washington DC. Even people who do not follow US affairs closely must be concerned that a repeat of those outrageous events could destabilise our close ally at a crucial time in global affairs. Unfortunately, according to election eve polls, the outlook is depressing. There is a good chance that US voters will elect many candidates who implicitly or explicitly supported the rioters cause, embrace crazy conspiracies and distrust the basic institutions of government. ~ Proposal to refinance loans seems like a scam.~ PHILIPSBURG:---Dutch State Secretary Alexandra Van Huffelen in a letter to the Minister of Finance Ardwell Irion in response to his letter enquiring of the Dutch loan and guarantees said that Miedema is not known to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or anyone in the Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations. Van Huffelen said no one in her circle knows Miedema who met with the government to discuss the refinancing of all Dutch loans to St. Maarten. The State Secretary also informed St. Maartens Minister of Finance that based on the information he has provided she could not respond in detail to the proposal. The Dutch State Secretary made clear that it is improbable that the Dutch State will provide a full guarantee on the financing of any loan that St. Maarten has entered into with the Netherlands since there are risks involved. The letter from Van Huffelen can be found here. Background on the Miedema Proposal. Based on the correspondence SMN News has received it is clear that the proposal and suggestion to have a third party refinance all Dutch loans to St. Maarten came from the former chair of Parliament Grisha Heyliger Marten. Heyliger Marten in one of her correspondences said that Xavier Blackman was contacted by a financial intermediary about the possibility to refinance the Covid-19-related liquidity loans provided by the Dutch Government by a private consortium based in the Netherlands. Heyliger Marten said that talks with the consortium began in 2021 when Aruba was seeking to refinance foreign loans which led to the drafting of a term sheet. These negotiations ended when Aruba and the Netherlands altered their relations. She, however, said that those negotiations were re-initiated in 2022 with both Aruba and Curacao. In that communication, Heyliger Marten laid out the following. The lender is a Dutch legal entity that obtains funds from Dutch and non-Dutch institutions. In the event of an agreement in principle by the government of Sint Maarten, the process will be initiated on the basis of exclusivity. The (first) financing will be the currently existing liquidity loans, in the form of a 10-year loan, which will have to be repaid on the 10th anniversary of the loan, under the application of Dutch law. The interest of, at the moment, 4% p.a. is due semi-annually. Voluntary repayment can take place from the 5th, anniversary of the loan. The loan will be provided on the basis of an irrevocable guarantee from the Dutch State. The further conditions will be the usual ones for this type of financing. Part of the process will be legal opinions under Dutch law and the law of Sint Maarten. The fees of the transaction will be included in the principal amount of the loan and paid out by the lender of the loan. A rating will be given to the loan of at least BBB, by an agent of your choice. With part of this communication published, it is the hope that the former chair of parliament would have her memory refreshed. On June 23rd, 2022, the former chair of parliament had her secretary dispatch an invitation with the details for them to join a teams meeting with Miedema, following that meeting Heyliger Marten sent out another communication where she dispatched a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that she wanted to be signed by St. Maartens Minister of Finance. In her communication, Heyliger Marten said that the Minister of Finance preferred a draft term sheet prior to signing off on an MOU. In the communication, Heyliger Marten said she did not see any issues with the Minister of Finance signing off on the MOU and even suggested that someone could convince the Minister of Finance to sign MOU, and afterward, she would draft the term sheet. Hopefully, with parts of the communication from Heyliger Marten, she would be able to truthfully inform the people of St. Maarten about her role in the refinancing of the Dutch loans but most importantly she light on who exactly is Miedema. PHILIPSBURG:---: Merrill Jimmy Temmer the Statutory Director appointed to NV GEBE on August 22nd, 2022 has officially tendered his resignation on November 7th, 2022, Attorney at Law Lucas Berman has confirmed that his client has decided in the best interest of his health to resign from the position since it seems there is no longer support from the shareholder representatives of the government-owned company. Temmer who was appointed as the Temporary Manager was on sick leave prior to his appointment as the statutory director of NV GEBE, however, due to the March 16th, 2022 black byte cyber attack. Temmer was officially suspended on September 12th, 2022, for investigation purposes. A hearing was scheduled for November 9th, 2022 but Temmer opted to resign. Berman said that Temmer weighed his options and instead of fighting legal battles which would greatly affect his ailing health he has decided to resign prior to the scheduled hearing. Temmer who was the IT manager of NV GEBE still has to work out the situation with his former position as IT manager since his contract as a statutory director allows him to return to his former position (or similar position) when the COO contract ends prior to the pension age. The shareholder representatives of the government-owned company instructed the Supervisory Board of Directors to suspend Temmer after receiving the Aurora InfoTech report on the March 16th, 2022 cyber attack on NV GEBE servers and the public outcry on the mismanagement of the government-owned company. WILLEMSTAD:--- In a short military ceremony, the Company in the West rotation 40 handed over its duties to the next unit, rotation 41. Through the traditional paddle transfer, the new commander Captain Martijn Huis in t Veld released his predecessor, Major Rian van der Meer. Rotation 41 will stay in the Caribbean Region during four months. This company, the Alfa Java-company, is no stranger in the region. During 2017 she also had the task of Army Company in the Caribbean Region. They then provided assistance on Saint Marten, before, during, and after Hurricane Irma. Mayor van der Meer looks back on a special period of time: We had a fantastic time here as a unit. We were able to do what we came for and felt very welcome in this special part of our Kingdom. In addition to training, the departing unit has also provided a number of supports to local authorities in recent months. Supporting civil authorities is one of the main tasks for the Ministry of Defence in the Caribbean Region. Captain Huis in t Veld anticipates being able to train with his soldiers in the Caribbean Region: The Java Company is honored to, once again, be a guest in Curacao. We are looking forward, to being able with our Can Do-mentality, to provide support and assistance wherever necessary. Moreover, we shall make good use of our period in Curacao to train so that we remain ready for whatever deployment in the coming years. CidW 41 proceeds from the 12 Infantry Battalion Regiment van Heutsz, a unit of the 11 Airmobile Brigade. The Company in the West (CidW) is a permanent unit from the Royal Land forces in the Dutch Caribbean Region, which can be used for a variety of tasks. It is the intention that they will be training during the forthcoming 4 months, in Aruba as well as in Bonaire and Curacao. 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. The General Inspectorate of the Border Police informs that, on Monday, 65,975 people entered Romania through the border crossing points throughout the country, of whom 6,835 were Ukrainian citizens, told Agerpres. According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday, approximately 139,000 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, with over 40,600 means of transport, went through the Romanian border crossing points, both on their way in and out of the country. As of February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict period), 2,777,312 Ukrainian citizens entered our country. As part of the specific activities at crossing points and the green border, the border police found 33 illegal acts (14 infractions and 19 contraventions) committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens. Fines worth over RON 21,860 were issued. 16 foreign citizens who did not meet the legal requirements were denied entry to the country, and 6 Romanian citizens were also not allowed to leave the country for various legal reasons. Romania is responsible as a state for the content of the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), SG RECOVER's [European Commission's Recovery and Resilience Task Force] general director Celine Gauer stated on Tuesday, while also appreciating that Romania's PNRR is "very good and very ambitious." She participated in the annual Conference on the implementation of the PNRR, an event organized by the Representative Office of the European Commission in Romania, told Agerpres. In her speech, Celine Gauer appreciated that "the PNRR is a performance-based instrument" and recalled that all the reforms and investments provided for in the document must be completed by 2026. "Romania's plan is very good and very ambitious. First of all, it makes a considerable contribution in the field of transition to green energy (...). It is very ambitious in the field of digitization, as well, especially the digitization of services in the public sector and the healthcare system," she explained. Furthermore, the official emphasized that the National Plans were not imposed. "Romania is responsible as a state for the content of the Plan, as approved by the Council. It is not something that came from the top down, it is something proposed by Romania," Celine Gauer pointed out. She also reminded the audience that the targets in the PNRR are mandatory. In her turn, the Secretary of State with the Ministry of Investments and European Projects. Carmen Moraru, spoke about the fact that the representatives of Romania and the European Commission had a first discussion regarding the changes in the PNRR. "Romania and the Commission are in the process of modifying the PNRR for several reasons. One is the introduction of the RePowerEU factor (...), our colleagues from the Commission gave us a comment, we are going to develop these projects technically and we will see in what direction should we go further. The second reason why we are modifying the PNRR is that Romania has to reduce 2.11 billion euros from the allocation of grants. This must also come from the grant. So, basically, we have to analyze which are those components that have a grant and we have to see where we can cut or compensate otherwise," Moraru pointed out. She emphasized that "it is absolutely clear that we cannot reduce the Green and Digital level of the Plan." "In no case the part of reforms, they must be fulfilled," added Moraru. The Secretary of State said that at the moment there are discussions in the responsible ministries related to how some reforms can be carried out and he gave the pension reform as an example. Moraru also presented in figures what the PNRR means for Romania. "[Romania - editor's note] has to fulfill 507 targets and milestones, 171 measures, of which 64 reforms and 107 investments, but also an allocation of 29.18 billion euros, of which 14.23 billion is a grant and 14, 94 billion a loan," she said, and added that "at the moment, Romania has 6.35 billion euros in its account related to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, enough to begin the implementation of the Plan in force." According to the PNRR, Romania is committed to reforms in the decarbonization law, the law on special pensions or the whistleblower law. President Klaus Iohannis declared on Tuesday at the high-level event "Promoting Climate Change Education" organized on the sidelines of the 27th annual United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP27) taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, that education is one of the sustainable solutions to the climate crisis, told Agerpres. "I firmly believe that one of the sustainable solutions to the climate crisis is education. Determining early behavioral change through education is key to achieving our emission reduction goals. In this regard, in Romania we propose measures such as a digital platform with educational resources regarding climate change, a Green Week during the school year, as well as a network of green schools and a sustainable educational infrastructure," President Iohannis said. He also showed that youth are and will remain the main partners in the fight against climate change. "We need their energy and creativity to support our efforts. Raising awareness of climate issues through education and skill development would equip them with the proper tools to be strong agents for climate action within their societies. To this effect, we must take maximum advantage of initiatives such as the 2023 European Year of Skills," said the Romanian head of state. He also emphasized that climate change education should be seen as a common investment in our future. "In the long term, education and skills development for the green economy will help us move from awareness to action. For this, we need to cooperate closely with international organizations. (...) We believe that topics related to climate education and skills development must be discussed at the highest level," said President Klaus Iohannis. Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra will perform on Tuesday, starting at 8.00 pm, at the Palatului Hall in the Capital City, with the show being part of the farewell tour "The Farewell Concert." After decades of performing in front of delirious crowds in cities all over the world and after his music contributed to the resounding success of films such as "Black Cat - White Cat," "Underground," "Life is a Miracle," "Promise Me This," "On The Milky Road," Emir Kusturica started his last career tour, informs the website salapalatului.ro, told Agerpres. Dissociated from anything mainstream means in the world of showbiz, Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra are a significant phenomenon of the anti-globalist movement and a unique paradox of the environment from which they emerged. They are more famous and recognized on the international stage than in their own country. Their music is an "explosive mix of nitroglycerin-type sounds" that makes it impossible for anyone to stay in their seat... no matter where the venue is. Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra are born nomads, bearers of joy and symbols of freedom, which is the intrinsic trait of any nomad. The Serbian musicians will continue their farewell tour in Barcelona and Paris. At the end of 2022, Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra will part ways after making history together. The European Transforming Education Conference called "The Fostering of the Youth Transversal Skills in the new EU and in view of the UN SDG 2030 vision" will take place on Wednesday, at the Rectorate H.Q. of the University of Bucharest, according to a press release of the Technical Secretariat of the International Honorary Chair "Jean Bart" (CIO-SUERD) - House of Europe, told Agerpres. The event is organized by the foundation of the EUROLINK-House of Europe in cooperation with the Centre europeen Robert Schuman in Scy-Chazelles (France) and with the financial support of the European programme "Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values - CERV," as well as in partnership with the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies of the University of Bucharest, in the context of celebrating 10 years since the launch of the internationalization of education project - International Honorary Chair "Jean Bart" (CIO-SUERD) and 25 years since the foundation of the "EUROLINK" House of Europe in Bucharest. Following the public consultation, carried out for a month, the CIO-SUERD "Jean Bart" will submit for debate, for subsequent transmission to the European institutions and relevant governmental authorities, the Declaration-Open Call of the European Conference, which campaigns with predilection for the connection to the ethical system of European values, programmed through the CERV Program of the EU, for the promotion of an authentic integrity and professional reputation of the members of the pre-university and university bodies. The National News Agency AGERPRES is media partner of the event. The conference takes place in the context in which, worldwide, the United Nations, especially through UNESCO, the main catalyst of the Summit on Transforming Education and the necessary adoption of the new "Social Contract for Education", is stimulating major transformations, with an impact on learning and knowledge, especially the inclusive one, intergenerationally open to all age categories. Furthermore, at a European level, the Conference on the Future of Europe revealed the need for transformative projects with an increased degree of transparency in order to especially support the training a new generation of young pro-European citizens. At the national level, the ongoing implementation of the reforms to which Romania has committed itself through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNNR), as a programme agreed with the European Commission, including by modernizing the legislation in favor of "the Educated Romania," offers the optimal opportunity to bring all the protagonists of the expected reforms around the same table: teachers and trainers, universities and research-innovation centers, government authorities, civil society organizations and international agencies, pupils, students and their parents. The French Embassy in Bucharest says that no formal complaint about the living arrangements at the Cincu base has so far been filed by the French troops there, told Agerpres. The embassy reports in a press statement released on Tuesday that the decision to deploy the French troops was taken very quickly. President Emmanuel Macron's announcement was made on February 25, and on February 28, four days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, France deployed the "Spearhead" battalion of the NATO Rapid Reaction Force, as part of the AIGLE mission. Consisting of 500 soldiers, the battalion was initially deployed at the Mihail Kogalniceanu base, located in Constanta County, some 100 kilometres from Romania's border with Ukraine. However, in a short time, the Cincu base was found to be the solution that offered the most guarantees for maintaining a long-term NATO military presence. On May 2, an engineer detachment started works on the Cincu base so that it can house between 800 and 1,000 soldiers until the end of the year. The construction of new NATO facilities and infrastructure at Cincu entailed harsh living conditions for the French troops, but the works are being completed. The difficulties at the beginning of the mission have now been overcome, and the living arrangements for the French soldiers at Cincu developed positively in the past six months. France is responsible for camping, feeding and other services at Cincu, in line with NATO procedures, and Romania, as the host country, offers what France demands, according to the French Embassy. "Since the installation of the AIGLE mission in Romania, the media have always been invited to report on this base, during media day type events or individually, and communication has always been open," concludes the statement. The President of the Parliament of the Republic of Croatia, Gordan Jandrokovic, on Tuesday told the plenary sitting of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies that he hopes both Romania and Croatia will enter the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023, told Agerpres. "There are many similarities in the political and national paths of Croatia and Romania. Our countries experienced the transition from communism to democracy. Such a transition was extremely difficult and we had to adjust multiple elements - mental, social, political and economic - but, for the goals we shared, to enter NATO and the EU, we were prepared to make these efforts, and these elements connect us. (...) Now both our countries aim to have a fuller integration in the EU framework. Croatia has chosen to enter the Eurozone by introducing the euro currency, and in less than eight weeks we will fulfill another strategic foreign policy goal, but there are two more areas that both Romania and Croatia want to achieve - access to the Schengen Area and membership in OECD. Croatia is fully prepared to join Schengen and the latest report from the European Commission confirms that Romania is ready as well. I hope that both Croatia and Romania will enter on January 1 next year," stated Gordan Jandrokovic, in the speech he delivered in the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies. In another line of thoughts, the Speaker of the Parliament (Sabor) from Zagreb mentioned that Russia's aggression against Ukraine reminds us that "freedom should never be taken for granted." "Croatia will continue to support Ukraine politically, financially, humanitarianly and militarily. (..) Croatia clearly sees the multidimensional support necessary for Ukraine, the adaptation of the railways, these railways and the seaways have been made available to Ukraine for transport. Also, we appreciate the humanitarian aid that you give to thousands of refugees and the technical support. We know that it is good to have friends in difficult times. With the help of friends like Romania and Croatia, Ukraine will win this war," said Gordan Jandrokovic, the President of the Parliament Republic of Croatia. The Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Romania, Kelemen Hunor, leader of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR), believes that Romania is ready to enter the Schengen area next year, which is why, until the last moment, efforts must be made to convince the Netherlands, a country that does not agree to it, but it is also necessary to find partners to help in this regard. "The Germans, the French can be partners from this point of view, and the Nordics. Since we have fulfilled the technical criteria and the Schengen agreement, entering the Schengen area is about technical criteria. If some have invented political criteria, it is a serious thing. The fact that we have accepted criteria other than technical ones for 10-11 years is even more serious. But, from a technical point of view, Romania is ready and must enter Schengen next year, and this I repeat. Diplomacy is working, the foreign minister, the other colleagues are doing their job, but we have to have partners, because alone we might not be able to convince the Dutch," Kelemen Hunor told Europa FM. Deputy Prime Minister Kelemen reiterated that France and Germany are partners that could be helpful, especially since both President Macron and Chancellor Sholtz said they support Romania's entry into Schengen, which, in Kelemen's opinion, is in everyone's interest. The UDMR leader pointed out that, in addition to the fact that Romania has demonstrated that it can ensure the security of the external borders of the European Union, a success story is also needed, given that Euroscepticism is on the rise in all EU countries. "Now, I'm not talking about business anymore, I'm not talking about the economy anymore, I'm not talking about these things that you know. I think that until the last moment we have to play with all our strength, with all the arguments and with all possible and impossible partners", concluded Kelemen Hunor. AGERPRES The minister of National Defense, Angel Tilvar, met on Tuesday, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense (MApN), with the minister of Economy, Florin Spataru, in a working session dedicated to solutions to boost the national defense industry. "The budgetary resources provided to our army have allowed the planning and implementation of an ambitious program to equip and strengthen the defense capabilities of our country. We have started serious investments in modern equipment, in latest-generation hardware, in infrastructure at the level of NATO standards, which will continue at an even more sustained pace, according to the plans already approved. A large part of this budgetary effort goes, naturally, to the national economy, which participates more and more in the implementation of major endowment projects, but we want to do much more in this field," said minister Tilvar, according to a MApN press release sent to AGERPRES. During the discussions, the support of the Ministry of Defense for the involvement of the Romanian defense industry in beefing military capabilities was reaffirmed, both through the involvement as prime contractor of Romanian operators, to the extent that they have the necessary capacity, and through technological transfer and making in Romania some products for which the necessary capacity and know-how do not exist, in cooperation with established producers at the international level. For his part, the minister of Economy said that the dynamics of the activity of the economic agencies coordinated by the Ministry of Economy requires measures to adapt and reform the legislative framework, as well as the medium- and long-term alignment of the endowment plans of the Romanian Army with the development strategies and retooling at the level of business operators. The discussions also dwelt on the possibilities of business operators in the national defense industry to fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by the running of the modernization programs of the Romanian Army, given the increase in the percentage allocated to Defense to 2.5% of the Gross Domestic Product, starting in 2023.AGERPRES President Klaus Iohannis and Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Petteri Taalas met on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Climate Implementation Summit of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. According to the Presidential Administration, the talks focused on topics related to the COP27 agenda, with an emphasis on the role of research and meteorological services in addressing climate change. The particularly important role of scientific research and innovation for an orderly ecological transition was also highlighted. President Iohannis and the WMO Secretary-General agreed on the need to mitigate and adapt to climate change by implementing public policies based on quality data and science. To this effect, communication between decision-makers and the scientific community engaged in the study of climate change must be improved, the Presidential Administration states. The head of state mentioned Romania's contribution to the generation of essential meteorological and climate data for mitigating and adjusting to climate change at international level, pointing out that the National Meteorological Administration is very active in the structures of the World Meteorological Organization, and that meteorological data has an impact on the citizens' everyday life and well-being. In this context, President Iohannis specified that starting in 2023, Romania will host the Regional Agrometeorological Center for the WMO Europe Region, with implications for international food security, endangered by climate change. "Through the data it will provide, the Center will be essential in the national and international adjustment of food production systems to climate change. The Center will also contribute to increasing food security in Romania, Europe and countries outside Europe," the Presidential Administration states. AGERPRES Feature film "Pandemia.md," directed by Valeriu Jereghi was shown for the first, on Monday, at the Peasant Museum's cinema hall in the Capital City Bucharest, in the presence of the director, producer Sergiu Pascaru, as well as some of the actors, told Agerpres. The subject of the film reflects the period of quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic, in which a well-known film director, together with his family, retreats to a village in the Republic of Moldova, where he is confronted with a harsh reality dominated by immorality. The director and his family leave the city and take refuge in the country during the entire period of the quarantine imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Moldova. There, facing the new realities of life, the director conceives a film about man's creative mission in the modern world, where, more recently, immorality and lack of spirituality dominate. The artist, who dedicated his entire creation to humanity, is forced to accept an open confrontation with a new destructive force for civilization, according to the presentation of the film. Present at the event, the ambassador of the Republic of Moldova in Bucharest, Victor Chirila, said that the film is "a cinematic essay that addresses current issues of our society, but also sketches portraits and exceptional characters placed in times of restriction." The director, Valeriu Jereghi, confessed that he wanted the film "Pandemia.md" to be "a fresco of the present time in the Republic of Moldova." "Our pandemic, the everyday one, a special pandemic, we lived it like a real quarantine. We felt on our skin what quarantine means, we, those who need socialization, contact with society and were isolated. And instead of the people in my life, these characters began to appear. Slowly, these characters entered the film. I could have made a series with several episodes, but I made a more compact film, only two hours long, and I really wanted it, and I asked the team for a special attitude towards this film, to be like a fresco of our times in the Republic of Moldova today," said Valeriu Jereghi, at the end of the screening at the Peasant Museum. Olivia Furtuna, who plays the role of Ana, said that the film "Pandemia.md" is "a metaphorical film" with humorous notes specific to Bessarabia. "Maestro Jereghi's film is also a metaphorical film, and in addition to a Balkan feeling, it also has notes of humor specific to Bessarabia, a county that went through a lot, and it's still facing a hard time. Our humor also comes with a large dose of sadness at the same time and I was wondering how the people of Bucharest will react to it, how they will perceive this film. But the emotions in the hall and the reactions said everything. Congratulations to the director for managing to bring the show beyond the stage, the screen, here, today, and on the other side of the border," said Olivia Furtuna. The actors Maria Ploae, Nicolae Jelescu, Olivia Furtuna, Emilia Jereghi, Ronin Terente, Nicolae Margineanu, Rada Ixari were part of the film team present at the Bucharest premiere. The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Bucharest, in partnership with the Romanian Peasant Museum. The film was made by the Production House "Pascaru Production," with the financial support of the National Cinematography Centre of the Republic of Moldova, in co-production with MAYA FILMS (Romania) and MEDIA BIRLII (ATO Gagauzia). As many as 588 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recorded in the last 24 hours in Romania, up 330 from the previous day, with almost 16,000 RT-PCR and rapid antigenic tests performed, the Health Ministry informed on Tuesday, told Agerpres. Of the new cases, 145 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 - 130, and Timis County - 46. The highest 14-day notification rate is in Bucharest City - 0.75, followed by Cluj County - 0.48. As of Tuesday, 3,290,030 cases of people infected with the novel coronavirus were confirmed in Romania. - Hospitalisations - As many as 621 people with COVID-19, down 27 from the previous reporting, including 52 minors, are hospitalised in Romania at specialist care facilities. Out of the total number of hospitalised patients, 93, up one, are in intensive care. Of the 93 patients admitted to ICU, 77 are unvaccinated against COVID-19. - Deaths - According to the ministry, four Romanians, all men, are reported dead in the last 24 hours. Four deaths were recorded in the age group 70-79 years, and one in the age group over 80 years. All deaths were in patients with comorbidities, and two deaths were in vaccinated patients. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 67,217 people diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 infection have died in Romania. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, had, on Tuesday, a telephone conversation with his Swedish counterpart, Tobias Billstrom, in the context of which the latter congratulated Romania for the key role it played in the overall EU actions in favour of Ukraine, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to AGERPRES reads. Bogdan Aurescu briefly presented the measures adopted by Romania at all relevant levels, including to facilitate the entry into the country of over 2.78 million refugees from Ukraine and the transit through our country of over 6.5 tons of Ukrainian grain. As for the NATO expansion, the Swedish foreign minister especially thanked minister Aurescu for the active support given to the NATO accession process of Sweden (and Finland) by Romania and personally by the Romanian foreign minister. Minister Bogdan Aurescu reiterated Romania's full and active support for the successful completion of Sweden's NATO accession process, appreciating the role that Sweden is already assuming for the benefit of the Alliance, including in terms of participation in NATO missions and interoperability with allies. He pointed out that Romania will continue its efforts to support Sweden's accession to NATO. He also referred to the importance of the meeting of NATO foreign ministers, which he will host in Bucharest at the end of November 2022 and to which Sweden is invited. The two dignitaries emphasized the importance of a close coordination, especially considering the complex dynamics generated by the aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine and the implications it generates at the European and international level. The dialogue between the two foreign ministers also addressed, at the initiative of the Romanian side, the file of Romania's accession to the Schengen Area, with minister Aurescu presenting the status of the accession process and the related steps, including the positive results of the voluntary visit to Romania in October 2022. In this context, he thanked his counterpart, who welcomed all Romania's efforts in this file, for the support given by the Swedish side for the adoption of the recent resolution of the European Parliament on the subject. At the same time, the Romanian minister reconfirmed the interest for closer cooperation with Sweden in relation to the files related to the Eastern Neighbourhood of the EU, in which this country is traditionally involved. He appreciated the importance of identifying consistent solutions at the EU level for the revitalization and adaptation of the Eastern Partnership to the new realities, supporting a constructive approach that would meet the increased expectations of the partners. The two dignitaries agreed on the importance of a comprehensive exchange of views on these topics at the level of the EU Council, the Swedish foreign minister appreciating Romania's initiatives and effort in this file and agreeing that Sweden and Romania should cooperate closely in the immediate future. In this context, minister Bogdan Aurescu gave assurances to his Swedish counterpart regarding Romania's full support for the objectives and the smooth running of the mandate of the future Swedish Presidency of the EU Council, which will start on January 1, 2023, an extremely complex mandate including through the prism of the special effects of the recent security developments in connection with the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The mayor of the municipality of Sighisoara, Ioan Iulian Sirbu, said on Tuesday, for AGERPRES, that he hopes for an even greater increase in the number of tourists, after the modernization of the road that connects the medieval fortress with the city of Agnita (Sibiu county), after in the last three years Sighisoara almost doubled its annual number of visitors, reaching 138,000 at the beginning of this month. "All connecting roads are very important, because most tourists also prefer these more atypical connecting roads, not necessarily the European roads, such as the E60 that passes through Sighisoara, and due to the landscapes, due to the fortified churches, on the route they can stop and visit something. Sighisoara is also placed between the two important cities, Brasov and Sibiu, and at the moment this route is transited, automatically (tourists, ed. n.) will also pass through Sighisoara. I am convinced that the number of tourists will increase. Through the new tourist information center that I want in Sighisoara to be active from January 1, 2023, I want us to be able to monitor as much as possible on routes and ages, to make a study as real as possible. I am happy that from 70,000 (of tourists, ed. n.) in 2019, when I took over the mandate, we managed to officially have, through the Museum of History, 138,000 (tourists, ed. n.) at the end of October (2022, ed. n.). We have commenced a lot of events, we have changed a lot the way we approach contact with tourists," mayor Ioan Iulian Sirbu explained. Most tourists interested in visiting the fortified Saxon churches in Transylvania prefer to take a guided tour that includes the center of Brasov, the former European cultural capital of Sibiu, but also the fortified church of Biertan (Sibiu county) and the medieval fortress of Sighisoara, the latter being part of the UNESCO Universal Heritage. Most tourists avoided traveling the distance Sibiu - Sighisoara (Mures county) on the county road that passes through Agnita (Sibiu county), due to the fact that it was full of potholes. Until now, most of the tourists who came from Sighisoara stopped to visit Biertan and the municipality of Medias in Sibiu county. Now, after the rehabilitation of the section of County Road 106 Agnita - Sighisoara, the authorities from Mures and Sibiu counties hope that the number of tourists will increase, adding the segment of those who are interested not only in history or religion, but also in the natural landscapes of the Hartibaciului Valley, where the city of Agnita is located. Security and defence co-operation between Romania and Croatia, bilaterally and within NATO, remains a very important dimension for security and stability in Europe, Speaker of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies Marcel Ciolacu told a plenary sitting of the chamber, adding that "it is fair" for both countries to join the Schengen area in December, told Agerpres. Ciolacu welcomed President of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandrokovic, who delivered a speech to the same plenary sitting. "We are facing a particularly complex current context that requires joint actions on the part of the member states at the level of the European Union with close observance of the principles of solidarity, cohesion and respect for democratic values. I can see with satisfaction that our countries have taken similar positions on many foreign policy subjects at the European, regional and international level, with Romania and Croatia supporting each other's candidacies at the European Union level, and also in other regional formats and international organisations. Security and defence co-operation between Romania and Croatia, both bilaterally and within NATO, remains a very important dimension for security and stability in Europe as a whole," said Ciolacu. He also mentioned the recent developments in Ukraine, pointing to the success of the first parliamentary summit of the Crimea platform, "an important event that sent a strong message of unity, solidarity and international support for Ukraine." "As it was highlighted by the message to the summit, Romania reconfirms its assistance on multiple levels to Ukraine, such as the commitment to actively participate in the reconstruction process," said Ciolacu. He added that "a quick and sustainable process of recovery of the European economies" must be ensured, noting that "it is fair" for Romania and Croatia to join the border-free Schengen area of the European Union in December. "To Romania, this process is all the more important as we want to return as quickly as possible to a sustained rate of bridging the development gaps separating us from the average of the European Union, and that will be possible once our countries have joined the Schengen area. Our citizens should not bear the indirect cost of this delay. It is fair and we are convinced that both countries will join the Schengen area in December," Ciolacu added. He also called excellent the parliamentary co-operation between the two countries. "Mr President, I am happy to note our excellent parliamentary co-operation, indicated also by the frequent visits in recent years, both at the level of the leadership of Parliament and of the specialist parliamentary committees. In the 30 years of diplomatic relations that we are celebrating in 2022, we have benefited from multiple opportunities for dialogue and mutual support, and I am expressing my hope that this chapter will be capitalised on even more in the future, especially the economic level," Ciolacu said. Jandrokovic is paying an official visit to Romania between November 7 and 9, at Ciolacu's invitation. People who want to learn to make their own traditional shirt like the ones that are made in Bihor County have the opportunity to learn under the guidance of specialists from the Museum of Tara Crisului (MTC) in Oradea, which has started a pilot project for the next half a year, until June 24, told Agerpres. "The project was conceived in a very practical way so that the participants in the workshops proposed by the colleagues from the ethnography department will learn, by June next year, to make their own traditional shirt, together with our specialized museographers. I no longer have heard of such a project in Romania, although there are occasional workshops, but not for such a long duration as this project will be," MTC manager Gabriel Moisa told AGERPRES on Tuesday. The workshop will take place between November 10, 2022 and June 24, 2023, with a monthly frequency, at the initiative and under the guidance of museographer Simona Bala. "We intend to participate with out shirts branded in Bihor in a joint exhibition that will take place on the Romanian Blouse Day [Ziua Iei - in Romania - editor's note]. We are waiting for everyone who is interested in our Bihor traditions to come, because the workshop will be, basically, a sitting room, in which they will work together, as in the old days, having the opportunity to be directly inspired by ethnographic pieces in the museum's heritage and to decorate their shirt using the techniques of ornamentation from the end of the 19th century - the beginning of the 20th century 20th century," Simona Bala told AGERPRES. The first meeting in this series will take place on Thursday, November 10, at 5.00 pm, in the museum pedagogy hall at the MTC headquarters, Armatei Romane street, no. 1/A. Concrete practical guidance will also be provided courtesy of a passionate Bihorian traditions, doctor Florina Buda, skilled in sewing and embroidery. The participation fee is 20 lei/year, representing in fact the participants' registration in the "Friends of the Museum" Association, because the entrance is free for association members. The working materials will be provided by the participants. The vaccine adapted to the new strains of COVID-19 will arrive in Romania by the end of November, on Tuesday said the Health minister Alexandru Rafila, in a news conference, told Agerpres. "It arrives late in Romania because I have a responsibility towards public money. Because it was a long process of negotiation, of reducing the amount. (...) This year we had to buy over 19 million doses of vaccine by Pfizer. Then, having already 6 million doses expired or in the process of expiring, having the refrigerators full, I thought that still some hundreds of millions of euros should remain for patients in Romania, adults or children. Of these 19 million doses, we sold 7.5 million, we negotiated with the manufacturing company and the European Commission to reduce the remaining quantity of 11.2 million to 3 million. At this moment we are very close to signing an order for 3 million doses that will arrive shortly, that is, this month for the patients in Romania. (....) Until the end of the month," Rafila said. "I will vaccinate myself with the fourth dose when the new version of the vaccine against the infection with COVID 19 will be available," the minister added. He said that by reselling 7.5 million doses by Romania and by reducing the quantity following the negotiations, an economy of at least 300 million euros was made this year. "When we sold 7.5 million doses, we saved about 150 million euros. We will also save over 150 million euros by reducing the quantity. At this year's level, I think we can discuss about at least 300 million euros saved in terms of the COVID vaccine," Rafila concluded. Romania's development over the past three decades has been impressive, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Anna Bjerde stated on Monday, after her visit to Romania in view of celebrating 30 years of partnership, told Agerpres. "While more still needs to be done, the World Bank Group (WBG) commends the efforts of all of our counterparts and partners across the public and private sectors that have contributed to steering Romania towards transformative economic growth, one of the highest in the EU. Poverty and inequality also declined significantly and are expected to continue this downward trend," Ana Bjerde stated, according to a release sent to AGERPRES. Since opening its Office in Romania in 1991, the World Bank provided investments and policy reforms support through 73 operations amounting to 13,42 billion USD, complemented by advisory services and analytics, while IFC has invested approximately 4.5 billion USD in the development of Romania's private sector. During these years, the World Bank program focused on helping the Romanian Government stabilize its economy in the early 1990s, lay the foundations for EU membership in the years leading to 2007 accession, and achieve faster convergence and a more inclusive growth in Romania in the decade that followed. More recently, support targeted Romania's post-pandemic recovery to ensure resilient, inclusive and green growth, and the country's response to challenges posed by the Ukraine war. According to the quoted source the WBG's ongoing program is guided by the Country Partnership Framework for FY2019-2023 and is focused on strengthening public institutions in order to ensure equal opportunities for all, catalyze private sector growth and competitiveness, and build resilience to shocks. "The World Bank Group is committed to further supporting Romania in achieving its development objectives, by shifting to a more sustainable and greener economic model that builds on stronger public institutions, thriving private sector, and a more resilient and inclusive society," said Gallina A. Vincelette, World Bank Country Director for the EU. The World Bank Group's partnership with Romania dates back to 1972, when the country became a member of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank). Romania joined the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes in 1974, IFC in 1991, MIGA in 1992 and the International Development Agency in 2014. The World Bank Group (WBG) and Romania celebrated 30 years of partnership in a high-level event with representatives from central and local government, development partners, private sector, academia, civil society and other key stakeholders. The event was also attended by the Prime Minister of Romania, Nicolae Ciuca, as well as representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Parliament and the National Bank of Romania, and by senior WBG management formed by Rana Karadsheh, Regional Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Olga Sclovscaia, Regional Head of Europe and Central Asia of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and Gallina A. Vincelette, World Bank Country Director for the European Union (EU), and Anna Akhalkatsi, World Bank Country Manager for Romania and Hungary. ST. LOUIS Tax breaks to help build a $323 million marina complex with hotels, restaurants and an indoor waterpark on the citys northernmost riverfront cleared an aldermanic panel Monday after weeks of debate. Aldermen postponed a vote last month on the incentives, raising concerns that putting in a marina off Riverview Drive north of Interstate 270 would cause environmental problems on the Mississippi River and disrupt port operations elsewhere on the riverfront. There were also worries about putting in a marina north of a rocky area on the river that has stranded boats in the past. But this week, assurances that plans would be reviewed by federal regulators and the yearning for a massive investment on the citys long-neglected north side won out. The project is expected to create tens of millions of dollars in new tax revenue and about 500 new jobs with an average salary of $35,000. The incentives, a 15-year property tax abatement valued at $35 million in today's dollars and a sales tax exemption for construction materials worth $8 million, will now go before the full Board of Aldermen for further consideration. The area has seen grand plans fall through before. In 1985, developers proposed an 816-unit apartment and condo complex on the site. Then came proposals to build a casino there. In 2015, developer Adam Hartig said he wanted to put a lighthouse, boat ramp, hotels and restaurants on Riverview Drive. But city development officials say this could be the one that works. The vote on the tax break resolution was 5-2. Those voting yes were Middlebrook and Aldermen Joe Vaccaro, of the citys southwest side; Dwinderlin Evans, of north city; Michael Gras, of the Central West End; and Jimmy Lappe, of Carondelet. Aldermen Bret Narayan, of Dogtown, and Anne Schweitzer, of south city, voted no. Alderman Shane Cohn, the chair of the boards Transportation and Commerce Committee, voted present, taking neither side. Q The pico de gallo at Arzolas Fajitas & Margaritas is the best! Any chance they would share the recipe? Addie Schnurbusch, Bel-Nor A Every dish at Arzolas Fajitas & Margaritas speaks of the history, knowledge and skills the Arzola family brings to the table at their popular Benton Park restaurant. People who love Mexican and Tex-Mex foods have probably tasted dozens of versions of the omnipresent pico de gallo, but at Arzolas, even the pico gets special attention. We worked really hard in testing recipes to have the balance of flavors we wanted, Coby Arzola says. Ours is fruity and well balanced, with good acidity, and a bit of spice because when you have those different elements its going to play really well with the food on our menu. One of the things in our classic queso dip that everyone loves is the addition of the pico, which adds that brightness, tomato fruitiness, and underlying spice. The experiences of three generations come into play throughout the menu, starting back in Austin, Texas, to Coby Arzolas grandfather. The burritos and quesadillas on todays menu pay homage to all the restaurants where Papa Chuy learned to cook and learned hospitality. Papa Chuys Jalapeno Hush Puppies stuffed with meat, rice, cheese and house-pickled jalapenos was his recipe. When Cobys dad, Eddie, created Chuys Arzola in Dogtown 30-plus years ago, his fajitas and margaritas became the stuff of legends. The top-selling classic margarita at Arzolas today is part of his history. Back in 1991 at my dads original restaurant, he introduced the Texas Tornado. It was an introduction to an aged tequila, with an Italian orange liqueur to make a smoother, more rounded margarita. Its got so much fanfare. Guests from my dads restaurant years ago as well as our new guests love the full flavor of that margarita, Coby says. Guests can now enjoy the Arzolas experience for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, when the restaurant and the covered, heated patio. People are looking for places to go on the weekend. With lunch, its easier to get in on weekend days than weekend nights. Arzola says. Arzolas also does a good business in takeout and catering. The fact that people want to enjoy Arzolas food at home means a lot to Coby and his dad. Were experiencing a great increase in what we are calling our Fajita Fiestas, which is our catering, which includes our margaritas, he says. Anytime people can take us home and enjoy what we do in a different way, there is no greater gift when someone believes in what you are doing so much they bring it into their place of rest and relaxation. That means a lot for us, he says. Arzola's Fajitas & Margaritas 2730 McNair Avenue 314-226-9672; eatarzolas.com To request a recipe Would you like to request a recipe from a restaurant that is still open in the St. Louis area? Send your request along with your full name and the city you live in to reciperequest@post-dispatch.com. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) (THE CONVERSATION) Check out your birth certificate and surely youll see a designation for sex. When you were born, a doctor or clinician assigned you the male or female label based on a look at your genitalia. In the U.S., this has been standard practice for more than a century. But sex designation is not as simple as a glance and then a check of one box or another. Instead, the overwhelming evidence shows that sex is not binary. To put it another way, the terms male and female dont fully capture the complex biological, anatomical and chromosomal variations that occur in the human body. Thats why calls are growing to remove sex designation from birth certificates, including a recent recommendation from the American Medical Association. Our research and clinical experience show that sex designation is not something to take for granted. For those who dont fit neatly into one of two categories and there are millions an inappropriate classification on a birth certificate can have consequences that last a lifetime. The problems with sex designation Variations in genital anatomy happen more frequently than you might think; they occur in 0.1 to 0.2% of births annually. In the U.S., thats about 4,000 to 8,000 babies each year. Other sex traits dont necessarily help either. Doctors examining the reproductive organs can find people born with both a vagina and testes, and also those born without any gonads. And when evaluating an individuals estrogen and testosterone hormone levels, long defined as key determinants of female and male bodies, doctors find some people with vaginas still produce significant amounts of testosterone. Because of this, testosterone is not a great indicator for defining sex; higher amounts of testosterone do not necessarily make someone male. Even karyotyping a laboratory procedure used since the 1950s to evaluate an individuals number and type of chromosomes doesnt tell the whole story. While we typically expect people to either have XX or XY pairs of sex chromosomes, many people have variations that do not fit either category. These include Turner syndrome, in which a person is born with a single X chromosome, and Kleinfelter syndrome, which occurs when a person is born with a combination of XXY chromosomes. In short, human diversity has demonstrated that the binary categories of male and female are incomplete and inaccurate. Sex designation, rather than two sizes fit all, is on a spectrum. Up to 1.7% of the U.S. population thats more than 5 million Americans have an anatomy and physiology that present intersex traits. Binary designations can be damaging Those with intersex traits who are assigned at birth to be female or male can experience medical care that harms them, both physically and psychologically. Sometimes physicians perform surgeries to align bodies into binary categories. For example, those born with a larger than typical clitoris may have it reduced in size. But some who have this childhood surgery suffer as adults from pain and difficulty having sex. Additionally, governments sometimes limit those with intersex traits from fully participating in society. For instance, in Australia, marriages have been annulled because governments have previously ruled that an intersex person someone not seen to be 100% man or 100% woman cannot be legally married. Private entities often do the same. The International Olympics Committee uses cutoffs of hormone levels to determine who plays in womens sports. As a result, some athletes have been barred from participation. And for those with a gender identity that differs from the sex designation on a government document, discrimination, harassment or violence can result. As clinicians, we strive to be accurate. The evidence shows that using male and female as the only options on birth certificates is not consistent with scientific reality. Evidence shows that removing this designation will tell new parents that its not sex assignment thats most important at birth but rather the celebration of a healthy and happy baby. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/not-everyone-is-male-or-female-the-growing-controversy-over-sex-designation-172293. ST. CLAIR Caleb Balaban took pride in his Hawaiian shirt collection, and he was always willing to help anyone who needed it. His family on Monday said the teenager was known for his dry, quirky sense of humor and strong work ethic. The 17-year-old died Sunday at Castlewood State Park when an Amtrak train struck him just before 4 p.m. in the 1400 block of Kiefer Creek Road near Ridge Road. He was always someone you could count on. He would always go with me places when I didnt want to go alone, his older sister Grace Balaban told the Post-Dispatch. His aunt, Anna Gura, said Caleb was hanging out with friends on top of the bridge, they heard the train coming but they didn't know what direction or which side of the tracks it was approaching from. He was the happiest kid. He turned 17 years old on Aug. 16, she said. He had a lot of friends, and thats what he was doing when this incident happened. The tracks run just north of the Meramec River, bisecting Castlewood State Park at Kiefer Creek Road. Caleb and his five siblings two brothers and three sisters were all homeschooled on a St. Clair farm in Franklin County. Balaban said he worked for his uncles construction company doing things such as metal working and roofing. Both Gura and Balaban said the teenager also hoped to start a family with a girl from Indiana he met at a summer youth camp. He was planning on having a family with her, and he was just picturing a bright future for himself, Gura said. Balaban on Monday said some of her favorite memories with her younger brother involved traveling. Going on road trips and blasting some music we could never agree on, she said. He was always down for an adventure. She said the teenager had a colorful personality and was able to relate to anyone with whom he interacted. Gura agreed and said the teenager was very active. He comes from a huge family, he has a lot of cousins, and they always hung out together and everything, Gura said. He loved going fishing and driving around, and he had a lot of different activities that he liked doing. His cousin, Evnika Oleynik, organized a GoFundMe campaign Monday to help Calebs family with funeral costs and other financial burdens associated with his death. Caleb had great ambitions for his life, she wrote. He was very charismatic and could always manage to squeeze a laugh out of anyone he meets. He radiated joy and happiness. St. Louis County police Officer Adrian Washington said Monday that police were still investigating the death. Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct that family says he heard but did not see the train. ST. LOUIS After spending nearly two years and $1.2 million switching to a new system for reporting crime, a full picture of crime trends in St. Louis city remains inconsistent and the national picture isnt much clearer. After achieving state certification of its new system last fall, St. Louis stopped sending crime data to the state for eight months. The pause, which appears to have violated state law, resulted in the FBI publishing incorrect annual crime numbers for St. Louis in two of its national publications for 2021. The bureau acknowledged the errors recently after a Post-Dispatch review of state and FBI data found the totals appeared to be up to 15% too low. The incorrect data for St. Louis comes as experts nationally express alarm about decreased police participation in the FBIs uniform crime reporting program in 2021. That was the first year the bureau required police to switch to a different way of tracking crime called the National Incident-Based Reporting System, or NIBRS. The change was intended to give a more complete picture of crime across the country by capturing greater detail on incidents, victims and offenders. But police agencies have struggled to make the switch, leaving enormous gaps in the data-gathering effort. We need reliable crime data to evaluate the claims made by politicians, policymakers and others, said Richard Rosenfeld, a criminologist at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who noted that political rhetoric on crime has been heating up ahead of the midterm election. We need reliable data to replace guesses and baseless opinions. The FBI and Bureau of Justice Statistics have provided $120 million in federal funding to bolster state and local NIBRS transitions, including a $1.2 million grant for St. Louis. Despite that, more than 7,000 out of nearly 19,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide failed to submit any crime data in 2021, and only 52% of agencies submitted a full years worth, according to the FBI. Its a massive decline from previous years, when the FBI still accepted data in the previous summary format. We used to have 95%-97% of agencies reporting, said Jeff Asher, a data analyst and cofounder of AH Datalytics. Were probably talking about maybe 2024 or 2025 before reporting reaches where we were previously. The FBI counted St. Louis among fully reporting agencies, but it should not have, because the department had submitted only 11 months of crime data for 2021 before the FBIs March deadline, an FBI spokesperson confirmed. The long pause in reporting, St. Louis police said, was partially to address new issues that arose with the reporting of justifiable homicides cases where investigators determine no one is criminally liable in a killing, for reasons including self-defense. With data missing or incomplete for thousands of agencies including the nations two largest departments, New York and Los Angeles the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics resorted to using well-established estimation techniques to fill in the gaps in the 2021 national report. The FBI itself is cautioning against comparing the estimated 2021 crime rates with previous years, said Rosenfeld. That means the most basic question we can ask of any given years crime data Did crime go up or down? cant be answered by the 2021 NIBRS data. This was an avoidable problem, Rosenfeld said. He noted that the FBI could have changed course and allowed agencies to keep using the old system in parallel with NIBRS, once it became that clear thousands of agencies would not meet the transition deadline. That would have eliminated or greatly reduced the need to estimate, he said, and we would have more reliable crime data. FBI slip-up St. Louis decision to delay reporting data for December 2021 until well past the FBIs March deadline exposed a flaw in the FBIs protocols for processing crime data. It also caused the bureau to publish inaccurate 2021 figures for the city. Before the Oct. 5 release of the FBIs 2021 NIBRS publications, local and state officials acknowledged to the Post-Dispatch that St. Louis submitted data covering the first 11 months of 2021, then stopped reporting for months even though state law requires police to report data to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the states collector of crime data. St. Louis then didnt resume reporting until September 2022, marking an eight-month delay. Though St. Louis didnt submit any new data in December, it did submit two corrections to previous submissions. Those corrections, according to a statement from the FBIs UCR Program, triggered the system to acknowledge participation for that month. Because the FBIs system accepted St. Louis as having participated for a full year, the bureau published the citys data in the agency tables for its Crime in the United States and National Incident-Based Reporting System publications for 2021, despite the bureaus policy to exclude agencies that report less than 12 full months of data. The FBIs unexpected inclusion of St. Louis in its publications on Oct. 5 led a Post-Dispatch reporter to compare those totals with the data in the Highway Patrols ShowMeCrime portal. The FBIs totals were up to 15% lower. Upon further review, it was not a full 12 months complete submission, the FBI told the newspaper. Because the publications have already been disseminated, the bureau said, it does not plan to correct them, but it intends to prevent similar errors in future publications by developing algorithms to detect this type of anomaly and count the months with the anomaly as incomplete. Its a new system, so its not shocking to see a hiccup like this, said Asher, the data analyst. But I think it reflects the challenge of switching to NIBRS. Challenges in the rollout St. Louis transition from the FBIs old summary style of reporting crime to the NIBRS standard has taken longer and been more challenging than hoped, police officials acknowledge. The FBI launched its uniform crime reporting program in 1930. Agencies across the U.S. voluntarily reported crime totals to the FBI in summary format, either directly or through a state program, using standardized definitions of major offense types like murder or burglary. Over decades, the system achieved wide adoption and reliability, and it remained relatively unchanged. But the system had shortcomings. In 1988, the FBI launched a new reporting system, NIBRS, designed to capture more details, such as the age, sex and race of victims and the circumstances of the crimes. For decades, the FBI allowed police departments to report using either system. Then in 2015, the FBI announced it would retire the old summary system in 2021 and agencies would be required to transition to using NIBRS. St. Louis got started by securing a federal grant to pay for a new NIBRS-compliant records management system. One early project timeline called for St. Louis to be reporting NIBRS data to the state by September 2020. But the pandemic intervened. It shut down a lot of things in the agency for almost a year and a half, said Maj. Eric Larson, commander of support operations. When the departments new records system came online in December 2020, there were problems from the start. For months, the department was unable to post statistics publicly on its website or to submit data to the patrol without errors. The Post-Dispatch highlighted the early problems in a June 2021 story. Soon after, the department began posting basic neighborhood and citywide crime totals on its website. But the detailed NIBRS submissions to the Highway Patrol remained problematic. Throughout 2021, the city worked with its vendor, Optimum Technologies, to resolve various bugs in the new system. Finally, on Sept. 15, 2021, St. Louis successfully submitted its first batch of NIBRS files, prompting Kyle Comer, manager of the states Uniform Crime Reporting program at the time, to notify the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department that he had certified St. Louis as NIBRS compliant. I know your agency has worked very hard to achieve NIBRS/MIBRS compliant status, Comer wrote in a congratulatory email, obtained later by the Post-Dispatch through an open records request. But Comer also warned that many more data submissions are expected for St. Louis to fully cover all the crime and arrests that had occurred since Jan. 1, 2021. Indeed, because it had taken St. Louis so long to submit any data for 2021, the FBI omitted the city from its first three quarterly crime reports for the year. But after further submissions in November, St. Louis was added back for the FBIs fourth-quarter report. It seemed like progress. In fact, Stephanie Vert, who replaced Comer at the Highway Patrol, later told the Post-Dispatch that because St. Louis had completed the NIBRS testing phase, the patrol was no longer monitoring St. Louis compliance. But St. Louis had not submitted numbers covering December 2021 and it didnt for eight more months. The department blew past the FBIs March deadline for inclusion in its 2021 national crime publications, and again the FBI omitted St. Louis from its quarterly crime reports. Throughout this time, though, the department continued to post basic crime totals on its website. The NIBRS logjam finally broke on Sept. 9, when St. Louis sent the long-delayed December 2021 data. Two weeks later, it caught up on submissions for 2022. Hung up on homicides The purpose of the eight-month delay, police officials told the Post-Dispatch, was to resolve how to correctly report justifiable homicides in NIBRS. Officials said they didnt become aware until well after launching their new system that NIBRS requires police to create two separate reports for each justifiable homicide: one describing the criminal activity of the person killed and another describing the killing itself. We have generations of officers here who have written reports where you incorporate the entire incident in a single report, said Jerry Baumgartner, the departments manager of planning and research. Those officers had to be retrained, he said. The departments homicide staff also had to go back through each instance of justifiable homicide for 2021 and disentangle the single report into the required two. Police admit to being particularly sensitive to public scrutiny of homicide numbers such as a ProPublica report in March that noted St. Louis had begun classifying a greater share of killings as justifiable since 2020. Baumgartner said officials thought it would be better to delay reporting, rather than publish crime totals that would have to be changed several months later, once the department finished addressing the justifiable homicide issues. We were very adamant about making sure what we submitted was true and accurate, Baumgartner said, noting that there can be a double-edged sword when police release a number. If we have to come back and revise that number, whether that number goes up or down, theres always going to be some questions about it. The department also used the delay to work with Optimum Technologies to resolve other technical errors related to NIBRS specifications that sometimes prevented the state from accepting a small number of crime reports, department spokesperson Evita Caldwell said this summer. The update process can be time-consuming. And in recent months, it has required extra quality control, Baumgartner said, after some of Optimums fixes broke other aspects of the system. Optimum was set to earn $81,300 from St. Louis for software maintenance and support in 2022, according to a quote sent by Optimum CEO Josh Davda in September 2021 and obtained through a records request. Skirting penalties Missouri law requires police agencies to submit uniform crime reports to the Highway Patrol, and the law tasks the state Department of Public Safety with overseeing this effort. The law allows DPS to penalize noncompliant agencies by withholding state and federal grant funds they otherwise would receive. In previous years, when most agencies submitted data in the old summary format, DPS would enforce the penalties if agencies failed to submit monthly crime reports before a deadline. Local examples include Berkeley police and the now-defunct Wellston police, which were slapped with several small grant withholdings between 2008 and 2017. As the NIBRS deadline drew closer, Missouri legislators amended the law in 2018 to give police a reprieve from those penalties. The laws grace period expired on Dec. 31, 2021, but the Department of Public Safety still awarded St. Louis two grants in June and July worth more than $110,000, even though St. Louis was at least six months behind in reporting crime data at that point. DPS considers agencies to be out of compliance with the law if they failed to submit crime data for three months, spokesman Mike OConnell told the Post-Dispatch by email in September. But its Grants Unit did not settle on that standard until July 20, when it was first published in a notice of funding opportunity for the Local Violent Crime Prevention Grant, and after St. Louis received its two grants. Going forward, OConnell said, the states online system for grant applications will prompt agencies about their ineligibility if required crime data submissions have not been made. St. Louis police officials said they werent worried about penalties when they decided to stop reporting data at the end of 2021, noting the state had been a good partner, and understood the complexities St. Louis faced. None of this happened in a vacuum, said Larson, the St. Louis support operations commander. We were in contact with the state regularly throughout this whole process: where we were at, what we were doing, why we were doing it, the errors and things that we were finding. Other departments When the FBI announced in 2015 that it would transition to collecting only NIBRS data by 2021, it was clear it would be a major undertaking with enormous technical challenges for most agencies. In a 2018 frequently asked questions document, the FBI estimated that large and complex agencies should expect their transitions to take two years. Rosenfeld, the UMSL criminologist, noted that the FBI did its best to support agencies across the nation by giving them six years notice and providing millions in grant money to help pay for expensive system upgrades. Still, some agencies put off the change, he said. Like students who wait until the last minute to turn in their papers, many agencies waited much too long to make the transition, he said. Regardless of whether St. Louis falls into that category, its clear that some of its peer police departments got better head starts. Kansas City, in particular, was an early adopter of NIBRS in Missouri. The highway patrol certified Kansas City as NIBRS-compliant in 2009, more than a decade before the FBI made it mandatory. More recently, both Kansas City and St. Louis County made significant changes to their records management systems. Kansas City replaced its Tiburon system with one from Niche Technology in 2019, while St. Louis County used a $103,875 federal grant to upgrade its own homegrown system, CARE, to make it NIBRS compliant. At both departments, implementing the new systems required several years of work. St. Louis Countys CARE overhaul was mostly finished by mid-2019, said department spokesman Adrian Washington, which allowed the agency to spend several months testing before taking the system live in January 2020. In contrast to St. Louis city, both Kansas City and St. Louis County were able to report crime data without interruption after obtaining NIBRS certification for their new systems from the Highway Patrol, representatives of both departments said. OConnell, the DPS spokesman, confirmed neither had missed a submission since January 2021. As for St. Louis, it is fully caught up on sending crime reports through September. All of that has improved over time, said Baumgartner. As you can see, we have made some good headway. UPDATED at 2 p.m. with statewide totals on pedestrian deaths ST. LOUIS A man lying in the road in north St. Louis was run over by a car and killed Monday night, police said. The unidentified man was struck about 8:30 p.m. Monday at Hamilton and Natural Bridge avenues. The car that hit him was a 2006 Pontiac G6, driven by a 54-year-old man. He was driving north on Hamilton, approaching Natural Bridge, and ran over what he thought was debris, police said. When the driver realized what he had hit was actually a person lying in the road, he pulled his car to the curb and waited for police. Paramedics took the victim to a hospital, where he died. Police said the driver was cooperating with investigators. Preliminary date through Sunday shows that 102 pedestrians have been killed this year on roads and highways across the state, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. Missouri's record for pedestrian deaths was set in 2020 with 128 pedestrians killed statewide. Spike in St. Louis-area pedestrian deaths puts Missouri near record pace The past three days have added to what already was a grim statistic for Missouri: The state could be on pace to see its worst year ever for pedestrian fatalities. ST. LOUIS COUNTY A Spanish Lake woman is facing a felony charge after admitting to burning her missing father's body in her backyard without telling authorities, court documents say. Rozina Muthoka, 49, was charged Monday with felony abandonment of a corpse after she told police she burned the body of her 79-year-old father, Johnie Jones Sr., at her home Oct. 29 in the 12000 block of Lavida Avenue. St. Louis County Police had issued two regionwide endangered person advisories searching for Jones after he was reported missing Oct. 31 when he missed a medical appointment. In the alerts issued Oct. 31 and Nov. 4, police said Jones had last been seen Oct. 24 at his St. Louis apartment at 12500 Sparkling Lake Drive, and was considered at risk because he required a wheelchair, medication and oxygen for health conditions. Charges allege Muthoka had been a caregiver for her father and eventually admitted to burning his body in a gun locker in her backyard before disposing of the remains. St. Louis County police are awaiting forensic test results and have not yet determined a cause of death in the case, said spokesperson Sgt. Tracy Panus. Muthoka's bond was set at $200,000, cash only. ST. LOUIS For roughly 20 months, city police have asked the St. Louis circuit attorney to identify what evidence the department can purge from an overflowing drug vault. And for roughly 20 months, the circuit attorneys office either said it would respond and didnt, or ignored the requests altogether. On Monday, a judge ruled police dont have to wait any longer. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardners office argued in a filing last week that it was notified for the first time on Oct. 24 about polices request to destroy evidence in roughly 6,890 drug cases logged between 2015 and 2019, and it needed more time to review which investigations were still open. But emails and court testimony on Monday showed the city crime lab tried for more than a year and a half to get prosecutors to compile the routine list, which mostly would have included drug cases for which a three-year statute of limitations had passed. Their attempts were met largely with silence. Circuit Judge Jason M. Sengheiser ruled in the police departments favor, calling it an unexplained delay and mismanagement of the CAO. Normally, a hearing like this isnt even necessary, he wrote. However, there has been nothing but silence and delay from the CAO. The court is simply not willing to risk the health and safety of people working in the crime laboratory because the CAO wants to look into old cases it likely cannot prosecute anyway due to the statute of limitations. Moreover, if it could prosecute those cases, it certainly should have told someone since there have been numerous inquiries since March 2021. Evidence envelopes in the police departments drug vault are stacked high on walls and stuffed in lockers and boxes, according to photos. Assistant crime lab director Mary Beth Karr said workers have been forced to store drugs in other parts of the lab, putting it at risk of growing mold and causing other health hazards. We are in a situation where there are so many drugs, something needs to happen in order for us to function as a crime lab, Karr testified. Karr first emailed the circuit attorneys chief warrant officer in March 2021, asking to compile a list of open cases involving drug evidence from up to 2018. The warrant officer, Chris Hinckley, said hed check with others and get back to her. He eventually sent her the name of the circuit attorneys chief investigator, Robert Ogilvie, and asked her to fill him in. Karr sent examples of reports theyd compiled in the past. She followed up on April 20, 2021, to see if hed made progress, and Ogilvie responded he was waiting on approval to release the information. A month later, Karr emailed Hinckley again. Can you help with this? We are drowning in drugs, she said in an email on May 19. Drowning in drugs ... interesting! Ill see what I can do, he replied. Karr checked again on Nov. 19, 2021, and got no response, according to the email thread. Then, on May 3, 2022, she forwarded the exchange to her supervisor, Maj. Eric Larson, who said he met with Hinkley, who made no commitments or offered any timeline for assistance. On Aug. 4, interim police Chief Michael Sack sent a letter to Gardner directly by mail and email asking her office to compile a list before Sept. 25, saying the city planned to file a destruction request in October. The city then filed the destruction request on Oct. 6, and Gardners office finally responded Oct. 28, asking for more time to review the cases because it had only been informed of the destruction request four days earlier, according to evidence in Mondays hearing. When Sengheiser asked assistant circuit attorney Rob Huq why the office failed to respond to repeated Karrs inquiries, he said: I cannot speak to that. In a statement following the hearing, Gardners office said, In order for justice to be served, the CAO needs to ensure evidence necessary for cases that remain open or have a possibility of appeal is not destroyed. CLAYTON More than $1,000 worth of stolen wine was returned to a wine store here with the help of a priest and, apparently, a guilty conscience. The Wine Merchant was hit by a brazen shoplifter on Oct. 18. The man, who was photographed by the stores security video, pulled eight bottles of high-end wine off the racks and placed them in a reusable bag. An employee followed him out of the store and had to jump out of the way to avoid being run over by the suspect in a car that turned out to be stolen. As first reported by KMOV, a priest came into the store on Oct. 24 with a box and said he wanted to make a return. He said he would not answer any questions, and quickly left the store. Inside the box was all the missing wine bottles of Sloan Asterisk Red and Bernard Magrez in perfect condition, said store general manager Tim Jordan. An envelope duct-taped to the top of the box contained a two-page, hand-written apology letter. It begins, I am very sorry for my actions and there is no excuse for my behavior. The letter goes on to explain that three tragic events in his life led him to a point where he could have done the right thing, but he chose to do the wrong. However, EVERY SINGLE time ... I felt terrible. The letter indicates that he has stolen wine from other stores and sold the bottles to willing customers. He expressed remorse for those crimes as well, and wrote that he wanted to put together a plan to pay the stores back over time. Clayton police Capt. Mark Seagle said the Wine Merchant did not sign a prosecution form, so there is no further investigation in that theft. The thief may have had a case of robbers remorse on another occasion, as well. Town & Country police Chief James Cavins said the same man appears to have stolen wine from a Straubs grocery store there. The suspect got as far as the parking lot before abandoning the cart the wine was in and fleeing the scene. Other stores that may have been hit by the same suspect have not had their wine returned, including the Wine and Cheese Place location in Clayton. Video from that store on Aug. 11 showed what appears to be the same man putting 12 bottles of wine into two of the stores reusable bags. Wine and Cheese Place co-owner and wine manager Aaron Zwicker said, My sense is this guys hit us a number of times. In the Aug. 11 theft, the suspect made off with wines Zwicker estimated to be worth $3,000 to $5,000. I think he knew what he was doing, Zwicker said. The suspect stole niche wines, such as Biondi Santi Brunello. Zwicker said well-informed wine lovers know the value of such wine, but ordinary people on the street do not. His larcenous plans were also apparently thwarted at the Schnucks store at 10275 Clayton Road in Ladue. Schnucks spokesman Paul Simon said, Our team noticed some suspicious behavior and simply offered him some customer assistance. At that point I think he knew that he was being watched and quickly abandoned his cart and left the store. Jordan, the general manager at the Wine Merchant, said the person who took the wine is not the only criminal in the case. Somewhere out there there are people with wine in their cellars who are guilty of committing a Class D felony. They need to come forward and do the right thing, he said. ST. LOUIS The decision to merge Catholic parishes will come before school closures in a shakeup of the downsizing plan for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Archdiocesan leaders originally said the announcement of grade school closures would come in January and take effect in fall 2023, giving time for students and teachers to find new schools. Pushback from parents and teachers during recent listening sessions at each parish led the archdiocese to delay school closures to 2024-25 school year, although some could still come sooner. Only after we have discerned what the parish landscape should look like will we discern what our parish schools should look like since they rely heavily on parish support, reads a letter Tuesday from Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski to school staff. As part of its All Things New restructuring process, the archdiocese is looking to reduce the number of parishes from 178 to between 70 and 90 in the plan to be announced in May. About one-third to one-half of parish schools are expected to close under the plan. The switch in the timeline signals that the backlash from parents was underestimated, said Mike Oslance, a former Catholic school principal in St. Louis and the Metro East, most recently at Holy Trinity in Fairview Heights. At the listening sessions, parishioners have been frustrated that schools were not a topic of discussion. Parents are going to be a lot more invested in what happens to their kids than where the confessional or the 5 oclock mass is going to be held, Oslance said. There are 85 schools with more than 19,000 students in kindergarten through eighth grade across the archdiocese, which covers St. Louis and 10 counties in eastern Missouri. Enrollment has dropped by more than half over the last two decades. The goals for reducing the number of schools include: Raising teacher salaries, which start around $30,000. Increasing the student/teacher ratio from 14:1 to 25:1. Growing enrollment to meet building capacity. On average, the seats in grade schools are 64% filled. Reducing the need for parishioner support. Parishioners subsidize about one-third of the archdioceses total school budget, or about $50 million in 2021-2022. The delay does not mean all parish schools will necessarily stay open next year, according to an information sheet given to educators on Tuesday. School closures could happen organically as parishes merge. As the parish models are decided, several schools may see their teachers applying elsewhere and families choosing to enroll their children in the school where they will attend church, reads the document. The archdiocese still intends to give teachers raises next year, one of the goals of the downsizing process. Tuition is likely to rise above the current average of $5,000 to $7,000 a year. A recent parent survey overwhelmingly supported an increase in tuition to give our teachers a more just compensation, said the Rev. Chris Martin, vicar for strategic planning. Tuesdays announcement does not apply to two archdiocesan high schools in the city of St. Louis Rosati-Kain and St. Marys which are slated to close in May. Supporters of the schools are hoping to keep them open as independent Catholic high schools and have held open houses to recruit freshmen classes for fall 2023. Mike England, president of St. Marys, said this month that the school has raised $3 million for the campaign called The Work Is Ours. Updated at 6 p.m. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Voters in five states are deciding on Election Day whether to approve recreational marijuana, a move that could signal a major shift toward legalization in even the most conservative parts of the country. The proposals are on the ballot in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota and follow moves by President Joe Biden toward decriminalizing marijuana. Biden last month announced he was pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of simple possession of marijuana under federal law. Advocates of the marijuana initiatives have said Biden's announcement may give a boost to their efforts. Recreational marijuana is legal in 19 states, and polls have shown opposition to legalization softening. All of the states with recreational marijuana on the ballot, except for Maryland, voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election. The five states also currently have legal medical marijuana programs. That includes Arkansas, which in 2016 became the first Bible Belt state to approve medical marijuana. The state's dispensaries opened in 2019, and more than 91,000 patients have cards to legally buy marijuana for medical conditions. The legalization campaigns have raised about $23 million in the five states, with the vast majority in Arkansas and Missouri. More than 85% of contributions in those two states have come from donors associated with companies holding medical marijuana licenses, according to an Associated Press analysis of the most recent campaign finance reports. In Arkansas, supporters have been running upbeat ads touting the thousands of jobs they say will be created by the measure. Opponents have run more ominous spots, warning voters to protect Arkansas from big marijuana. The initiative has drawn the criticism of traditional legalization opponents as well as some medical marijuana advocates, who say the Arkansas proposal places too many limits and would only benefit a handful of dispensaries. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a former head of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, has also opposed the measure. Missouri's proposal would legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older and expunge records of past arrests and convictions for nonviolent marijuana offenses, except for selling to minors or driving under the influence. Maryland's proposal would also make changes in criminal law and create automatic expungements of past marijuana possession convictions. Voting Tuesday in Maplewood, Missouri, Mek McCoomb, said he was voting for legalization. We need all the money we can get at this point, he said of taxing weed sales. Outside a polling place in nearby University City, Aubrey Evans, 39, said legalization was one of the main reasons she voted. Evans said it was stupid that marijuana was still illegal, and that there were too many people sitting in prison because of it. Concerns about how licenses would be handed out and enshrining the law in the constitution wasnt enough to dissuade her. Theres always going to be some sort of red tape or things to work out, Evans said outside the Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Center in University City. North Dakota's measure would allow people 21 and older to legally use marijuana at home as well as possess and cultivate restricted amounts of cannabis. It also would establish policies to regulate retail stores, cultivators and other types of marijuana businesses. South Dakotans, including a sizable number of Republicans, voted to legalize marijuana possession in 2020, but that law was struck down by the state Supreme Court in part because the proposal was coupled with medical marijuana and hemp. This year, recreational pot is standing by itself as it goes before voters. In Colorado, where recreational marijuana has been legal for nearly a decade, voters on Tuesday are taking up a proposal that would allow the use of certain psychedelic substances. If approved, it would make Colorado the second state to take such a step. Melody Finley, a Republican in Little Rock, Arkansas, said she voted for the state's legalization measure because she thinks it can help some people for certain conditions. If you can buy alcohol, you can buy that, too," Finley, 47, a dance instructor, said. But Rick Huffman, a voter in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Tuesday voted against that state's legalization proposal, two years after supporting recreational marijuana on South Dakota's ballot in 2020. Ive got a kid thats a teenager now, he said. So I think itll eventually happen, but maybe Ill wait until my kids grow up. Jeff Borgrud, 68, a Democrat in Fargo, North Dakota, said he voted against that state's recreational marijuana proposal. I dont see any use for marijuana use," Borgrud, a retiree and Navy veteran, said. Maybe an occasional medical purpose but very limited." Jacob Barker of the Post-Dispatch and Associated Press writers Stephen Groves in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Dave Kolpack in Fargo, North Dakota, contributed to this report. ST. LOUIS Polls open at 6 a.m. for Tuesdays election, in which Missourians will pick a new U.S. senator and decide whether marijuana should be legalized for nonmedical purposes. Voters also will choose a St. Louis County executive and St. Louis aldermanic president and fill a long list of other local, state and federal offices. Various other propositions also will be decided in the balloting, which closes at 7 p.m. statewide. Under a new state law, voters must show a government-issued photo ID. In advance of Tuesdays balloting, several thousand people streamed into metro-area early voting sites on Monday. That was the final day of the new two-week period in which Missouri voters could cast absentee ballots without adhering to various authorized excuses for not waiting until Election Day. In St. Louis County, Republican elections director Rick Stream said the busiest early voting sites on Monday were in Clayton, Kirkwood, South County, Ellisville and at election board offices in St. Ann. Waiting lines sometimes exceeded 200 people at each, he said. Stream said more than 9,000 people cast absentee ballots in the county on Monday, bringing the total no-excuse number to about 55,000. Traditional Missouri absentee voting, in which residents have to cite one of several preauthorized excuses, was allowed beginning six weeks before the election in person and by mail. When those are added, the absentee total is now at more than 75,000, Stream said. In St. Charles County, elections director Kurt Bahr said the number of walk-in voters Monday at county election offices in St. Peters increased as well. The volume is just massive, Bahr said. Weve had lines of 10 to 20 minutes on average. Earlier in the two-week period, he said, we had been under 10 minutes consistently. St. Louis early voting was heaviest at the Buder branch library in the St. Louis Hills area, city GOP director Gary Stoff said. Overall, state officials predict that about 56% of registered voters statewide will cast ballots. That would be slightly below the 58% who took part in the last nonpresidential general election in November 2018. 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. People without a proper photo ID 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 registration records. Voters in Metro East also will decide a wide range of races, including those for governor, U.S. senator and several other statewide offices. Illinois polling place hours are the same as Missouris 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. A photo ID isnt required to vote in Illinois. America is exceptional. For those who may not believe so or may have forgotten, it is the job of the rest of us to show them the way. In a focus group of one, a member of generation Z admitted to not considering America particularly exceptional. I guess I shouldnt be surprised considering the time in which my daughter has grown up and the context of when we were having this conversation. This conversation took place on the very same day there was an attack on the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which resulted in her husbands hospitalization. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who hails from Pelosis state of California, was remarkably slow to condemn the attack. During the same week of a school shooting in St. Louis, a 19-year-old gunman who failed an FBI background check but still obtained a gun, entered a high school with an assault rifle and 600 rounds of ammunition, killing a high school student and a beloved teacher. During a month that a Democratic member of Congress from St. Louis signed a letter requesting that President Joe Biden negotiate with war criminal Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine and a local elementary school had been forced to close after an independent report showed excessive levels of radioactivity were discovered on the school campus. In a year when hundreds of election deniers across the country were competing in Tuesdays election, McCarthy said he may likely curtail aid to Ukraine if Republicans took control of the House. American women lost a right that they have had for nearly 50 years. A former president was found to have classified documents in his Florida residence. And Missouri began requiring a photo ID in order to vote. In the middle of a decade when selfishness exploded during a global pandemic, in which vaccine misinformation and mask wars ran rampant, for the first time in American history there was no peaceful transfer of power. And a gallows was erected in front of the U.S. Capitol while rioters hunted for the vice president while chanting, Hang Mike Pence. America might not havebeen acting exceptional lately. But I fundamentally believe in a different kind of American exceptionalism. All of us have a responsibility to restore this core value and to highlight it for younger generations. Heres what I reminded my daughter: Despite being brutally attacked with a hammer, Paul Pelosi, husband of Nancy Pelosi, was able to call 911. Law enforcement responded swiftly. Pelosi was taken to a hospital where he had emergent neurosurgery to repair a skull fracture from a hammer attack. Even though House GOP members were slow to condemn and some even made jokes about the attack, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell immediately condemned the attack. Interim St. Louis police Chief Michael Sack described the police officers who responded to Central Visual and Performing Arts and Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience within four minutes after receiving the call for an active shooter: They did an outstanding job. I dont know how they could have done better. The officers confronted the shooter eight minutes after they arrived. And police reported suspect down two minutes later, saving countless lives. Progressive Democrats withdrew their letter calling for more diplomatic efforts with Russia. Biden remains committed to the cause of defending democracy here and abroad, specifically in Ukraine. As of right now, most members of Congress still support funding Ukraines war effort. Local, state, and national elected officials have committed to remediation of the radioactive waste found at Jana Elementary in Florissant, calling for a declaration of a federal emergency. Under Operation Warp Speed, coronavirus vaccines were developed in record time, and millions of doses were dispensed less than a year after the pandemic landed on our shores. Millions of health care heroes kept our medical centers open despite the risk to their health and the health of their loved ones. Vaccines that target cancer could be available by 2030, according to the husband-and-wife team behind one of the most successful coronavirus vaccines. Countless volunteers got out the vote on Tuesday in order to defeat election deniers. Thousands of other remarkable Americans worked as poll workers during the height of the pandemic in 2020, making that election the most secure election in our lifetime. Because of brave law enforcers at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, members of Congress and the vice president were kept safe. The electoral votes were certified, and Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. All parents have had the experience when their usually good child makes a series of mistakes. But a string of bad behavior doesnt change the inherent goodness of the child. This is how I approach our American experiment. America may be stumbling now, but we remain special, all because of exceptional people who live here. In For serious voters, Missouris ballot offers an array of unacceptable choices (Oct. 27), the Editorial Board describes the Republican 1st Congressional District candidate Andrew Jones as being virtually invisible and offering nothing but the other extreme to his Democratic opponent, incumbent Rep. Cori Bush. In my opinion, Jones is virtually invisible because the St. Louis media, including the Post-Dispatch, have provided the public little information about him. Jones is not a political professional but is a private citizen who wants to help build safer communities and economic opportunities. Charging through dark and quiet Assisi a town stony with history I was rushing back to my favorite restaurant for a good meal, hopefully before the kitchen closed. At 10 p.m., the pink marble streets of Assisi shine, lonely under the lamps. It seemed the only ones out were Franciscan monks in their rough brown robes and rope belts. All over Europe I find monks hard to approach. But theres something about the jugglers of God, as peasants have called the Franciscan friars for eight centuries, that this Lutheran finds wonderfully accessible. (Franciscans modeled themselves after French troubadours or jongleurs who roved the countryside singing and telling stories and jokes.) Franciscan brothers remind me of really smart dorm kids in the University of God and tonight, it seemed, their studies were done for the evening. It sounds perhaps silly, but with every visit to Assisi Im struck by how the spirit of St. Francis still pervades his hometown. Around the year 1200, this simple friar countered the decadence of Church government and society in general with a powerful message of non-materialism and a slow down and smell Gods roses lifestyle. Like Jesus, Francis taught by example, living without worldly goods and aiming to love all creation. A huge monastic order grew out of his teachings, which were gradually embraced (some would say co-opted) by the Roman Church. Christianitys most popular saint and purest example of simplicity is now glorified in churches known for their stark beauty. The ultimate among these is in Assisi the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis. The basilica is decorated from top to bottom by precious frescoes by the leading artists of the 13th century. This church brought together the greatest Sienese (Lorenzetti and Simone Martini) and Florentine (Cimabue and Giotto) artists of the day. While the scenes may seem unremarkable today, in 1300 this was radical art showing believable homespun vignettes, with landscapes, trees, and real people. In Giottos painting of the Crucifixion with eight sparrow-like angels holy people are shown expressing emotion for the first time in art: One angel turns her head sadly at the sight of Jesus, and another scratches her hands down her cheeks, drawing blood. Mary, previously in control, has fainted in despair. The Franciscans, with their goal of bringing God to the people, found a natural partner in Europes first modern (and therefore naturalist) painter, Giotto. All this great art stands atop a crypt housing the mortal remains of St. Francis himself. The church is the target of countless pilgrims and has been for centuries. Even today, it is enlivened by the faith of the people who come to remember Francis. With the 5.5-magnitude earthquake in 1997, the church was seriously damaged. Everythings back to normal now, except for a few blank-looking patches on the otherwise-frescoed walls and ceiling. Francis message of love, simplicity, and sensitivity to the environment has a broad and timeless appeal. But every pilgrimage site inevitably gets commercialized, and Francis legacy is now Assisis basic industry. In summer, this Umbrian town bursts with flash-in-the-pan Francis fans and the city can be inundated with crass and noisy tour groups. But if you know where to look, you can get away from that and follow in the sandal steps of the saint. Mementos of his days in Assisi are everywhere where he was baptized, a shirt he wore, a hill he prayed on, and a church where a vision changed his life. In the Basilica of St. Francis along with the painted scenes from Francis life, youll find the actual document from the pope blessing Franciss ministry (dating from 1223). And, of course, Francis body is interred in its crypt. Francis met his female counterpart, Clare, in Assisi. She went on to establish the order of the Poor Clares. Her tomb and possessions are nearby at the Basilica of St. Clare. In the Basilica of St. Clare hangs the wooden crucifix that changed Francis life. In 1206, an emaciated, soul-searching, stark-raving Francis knelt before this crucifix and asked for guidance. The crucifix spoke: Go and rebuild my Church, which you can see has fallen into ruin. And Francis followed the call. That little fixer-upper church that Francis and his first followers tackled (the Porziuncola Chapel) is in the valley below Assisi. And the huge Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which was later built around it, reminds us that rebuild my Church was a much grander project than that physical remodel. The vast majority of travelers blitzing Italy stop long enough in Assisi for a quick dash through the church and a shopping break. But those able to see past the glow-in-the-dark rosaries and bobble-head friars can actually have a travel on purpose experience in Assisi. News in Summary Led by Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), in partnership with Excelar Technologies, Providence Health Care Ventures, Simon Fraser University, 3D Bridge Solutions and StarFish Medical, Cloud DX will develop and commercialize a Continuous Connected Patient Care (CCPC) digital platform to improve quality of at-home care for discharged patients, saving in-hospital resources for acute patient cases. The project has a total investment of $12.8M, with $5.2M co-invested through the Digital Supercluster based in Vancouver, BC. It is expected to launch in 2024. As milestones are met, Cloud DX will receive up to $560,000 CAD over the project span to support the integration of a new Medtronic continuous vital sign monitoring device and a connected medication dispenser to the Connected Health software platform. KITCHENER, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / Cloud DX (TSXV:CDX)(OTC:CDXFF), a leading digital health platform, today announced $5.2 million CAD of co-investment from the Digital Supercluster, through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to create the Continuous Connected Patient Care (CCPC) digital platform. Continuous remote monitoring of recently discharged patients is expected to improve patient outcomes and free up badly needed hospital resources. This novel remote patient monitoring system project will be led by Medtronic and include expertise and technology from a consortium of partners, including Excelar Technologies, Providence Health Care's St. Paul's Hospital, Providence Health Care Ventures, Simon Fraser University, 3D Bridge Solutions Inc, and StarFish Medical (as a Medtronic sub-contractor). Each consortium member offers a unique and vital component to create the seamless end-to-end monitoring system for clinicians and patients at the hospital as a solution to the challenge of providing affordable, easy-to-use, hospital-grade care at home. "Hospital resources should be focused on patients with the most urgent and severe illnesses, but many people hospitalized for significant health issues remain there for basic supervision and monitoring while they heal," says Rick Sethi, CCPC Project Leader and Director of Open Innovation at Medtronic. "CCPC is about improving patient outcomes by providing hospital-level monitoring at home for less acute patients -- sparing them from unnecessarily long hospital stays and subsequently, reducing wait times and freeing up resources for patients who need in-hospital care." Medtronic will provide a new multi-parameter untethered sensor device, based on proven clinical-grade medical sensor technologies. 3D Bridge Solutions will further enhance its AlthaRX (Altha) medication dispensing, tracking, and adherence monitoring device and software. The Cloud DX and 3D Bridge solutions will be integrated into the overall CCPC platform via the Excelar Careflow Broker. Excelar will enhance its clinical data normalization module to include remote patient monitoring and medication adherence tracking data as well as significantly enhancing its patient timeline care flow data visualization module. Providence Health Care Ventures (PHCV) will provide patient and clinical needs assessment, workflow, and validation, co-design and co-development of the end-solution, as well as data governance and integration. The Consortium will work with St. Paul's Hospital clinicians on the requirements definition and process design. Simon Fraser University (SFU) will elicit users' needs to inform the development of the sensor, clinical workflows for an untethered blood pressure monitor or trend device, clinical decision support model, and user interfaces for clinicians, and patients and their families. Cloud DX will provide the patented, ISO certified backbone' for the CCPC project including an enhanced patient-facing Connected Health kit and mobile application, data collection and secure cloud-based storage, smart clinician notification system, as well as patient engagement tools including surveys, text messaging and video telehealth capabilities. The Cloud DX Clinician Portal will be used by care teams to monitor up to thousands of patients safely, reducing workloads and improving efficiency. The Digital Supercluster is a co-investment partner, providing $5.2 million in funding to accelerate made-in-Canada healthcare innovation and improve outcomes from health services. The CCPC platform is expected to be completed and approved by regulators in 2024, at which time, Medtronic intends to market the platform to healthcare providers in over 125 countries. "Hospital care can cost up to $2,000 per patient per day, which creates a huge cost burden for our healthcare system. Using an advanced home monitoring solution, such as CCPC, can shift a large proportion of that cost to a more affordable "hospital at home" model," says Robert Kaul, CEO of Cloud DX. "Hospitals can safely send less acutely ill patients home without compromising quality of care, freeing up urgently needed hospital resources including beds, equipment, and staff." The Continuous Connected Patient Care digital project will initially focus on adults with congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with attention on internal medicine and geriatrics. Under the funding agreement, patients, families, clinicians, and industry partners will collaborate to build, test, evaluate and demonstrate the applicability of the CCPC platform, as well as gather critical data related to patient healthcare outcomes that will underpin broader commercial deployment in the future. 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. About Cloud DX Accelerating digital healthcare, Cloud DX is on a mission to make healthcare better for everyone. Our Connected Health" remote patient monitoring platform is used by healthcare enterprises and care teams across North America to virtually manage chronic disease, enable aging in place, and deliver hospital-quality post-surgical care in the home. Our partners achieve better healthcare and patient outcomes, reduce the need for hospitalization or re-admission, and reduce healthcare delivery costs through more efficient use of resources. Cloud DX is the co-winner of the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, 2022 Top Innovator by Canadian Business, a 2021 Edison Award winner, a Fast Company "World Changing Idea" finalist, and one of "Canada's Ten Most Prominent Telehealth Providers." Cloud DX is an exclusive partner to Medtronic Canada, Teladoc Health Canada, and Equitable Life of Canada. For more Visit www.CloudDX.com and follow @CloudDX on Twitter and LinkedIn. Cloud DX will present at the Emerging Growth Conference November 9, 2022 at 11:25 AM Eastern Time. CEO Robert Kaul will present on recent news and host open floor for questions. If interested, register here. 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 address 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, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow @MedtronicCA on Twitter and LinkedIn. Additional partners include 3D Bridge Solutions Inc., Excelar Technologies, Providence Health Care Ventures, Simon Fraser University, and StarFish Medical (Medtronic contractor). About 3D Bridge Solutions 3D Bridge Solutions has developed a secure cloud-based prescription management system which supports patient adherence for all types of medications through the use of connected tamper-resistant devices. It is designed for people suffering from chronic diseases including older adults who could benefit from better medication adherence and vital monitoring. About Excelar Technologies Excelar's CareFlow platform is a privacy-by-design solution for clinical data integration, normalization, and data visualization. The platform consists of the Careflow Broker for intelligent data processing, routing and data normalization, Careflow Insight dashboards for patterns of practice clinical quality improvement, and Careflow Timeline for the intuitive visualization of clinically relevant data using explainable AI. www.excelar.ca About Providence Health Care Ventures Providence Health Care Ventures nurtures and accelerates the commercialization of health care solutions while reinvesting resources into social justice causes and continued innovation growth at Providence Health Care (PHC) and the creation of a learning-health system. Ventures offers health system expertise, access to the PHC ecosystem, and the capacity to navigate the health care landscape. We collaborate with like-minded stakeholders to bring leading-edge health care solutions to the market for the benefit of all. About Simon Fraser University As Canada's engaged university, Simon Fraser University works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. We deliver a world-class education with lifelong value that shapes change-makers, visionaries and problem-solvers. We connect research and innovation to entrepreneurship and industry to deliver sustainable, relevant solutions to today's problems. With campuses in British Columbia's three largest cities - Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey - SFU has eight faculties that deliver 193 undergraduate degree programs and 127 graduate degree programs to more than 35,000 students. The university now boasts more than 160,000 alumni residing in 143 countries. About Starfish Medical Empowering Medtech Innovation StarFish Medical" is an award winning, full service Medical Device Design company offering design, development, and NPI manufacturing services based in Toronto and Victoria BC. Our Pathfinder" process reduces wasted effort and increases success for medical device product definition, technical engineering, and product development. Prototype and volume production are delivered within an ISO 13485 certified Quality Management System, manufacturing and clean room facilities. www.starfishmedical.com About Digital Supercluster Ahead of the curve starts here. The Digital Supercluster is building a better Canada by growing Canadian businesses, creating a digitally skilled workforce and positively impacting lives across our country. We accelerate the development and adoption of digital technologies that keep Canadians healthy, address climate change and drive economic productivity. Through a powerful combination of co-investment, cross-sector collaboration, IP creation and digital talent development, we unlock the potential of Canadians to lead and succeed in the Digital world. For more information, visit: https://www.digitalsupercluster.ca/. For media inquiries, please contact: Cloud DX Medtronic Providence Health Care Ventures Janine Scott Marketing Lead [email protected] 888-543-0944 Tammy Hudson Public Relations [email protected] Ann Gibbon Media Relations [email protected] 778-999-0064 For investor inquiries, please contact: Cloud DX Medtronic Canada: Jay Bedard 647-881-8418 [email protected] US: Gary Zwetchkenbaum 718-224-3123 or 516-455-7662 [email protected] Ryan Weispfenning Investor Relations 763-505-4626 SOURCE: Cloud DX Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: Deutsche Bank Securities reiterated a Buy rating on Nio Inc. (NYSE: NIO) and cut the price target to $20.00 (From $39.00) ahead of the companys 3Q earnings report. The electric vehicle maker is scheduled to report 3Q earnings this Thursday Nov 10th before US market opens. Deutsche Bank is expecting Nio to report a mostly decent quarter with the potential for a headline margin upside from regulatory credits. However, analyst Edison Yu believes that investors attention will be focused on the 4Q delivery outlook. Edison Yu wrote in a note, Looking at 4Q, we think true expectations have already naturally come down as COVID lockdowns severely disrupted production in October (only 10,059 units) and will likely still be a drag in the first half of November. We estimate NIO lost at least 2,000-3,000 units of production last month as it had to work with start-stop production, interrupting supply of parts and factory worker commutes. The greater impact was felt at the new NEOPark F2 plant which just began ramping up the ET5. The company did operate in a closed-loop manner for some days but this was rather inefficient. As of 11/3, the local lockdown measures have been lifted and production has resumed normal operations. Deutsche Bank believes that, based on conversations, investors are very concerned about EV competition in 2023. Several new models have come to compete in the EV segment, and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) recently cut the price of the Model Y. While Deutsche Bank believes that concern is warranted, they dont see NIO as very vulnerable beyond the older 866 models. Therefore, they cut SUV forecasts while leaving sedans mostly unchanged; this translates into a full-year delivery estimate of 260,000 (vs. prior 290,000), representing >100% YoY growth. Shares of NIO are down 0.73% in pre-market trading on Tuesday. By Michael Elkins | [email protected] Shares of American Equity Investment (NYSE: AEL) tumbled 17% Tuesday after a representative for the company's largest investor, Brookfield Reinsurance, resigned from the Board of Directors citing a fundamental change in the strategic direction of the Company. "It is clear based on recent events that there has been a fundamental change in the strategic direction of the Company, and that change in my view represents a material departure from the AEL 2.0 strategy," Director Sachin Shah said in his resignation letter to American Equity's Chairman. "As previously communicated, neither I nor Brookfield Reinsurance can support this change in strategy as being in the best interests of the Company, its policyholders or its shareholders." Brookfield Reinsurance added that it will not exercise its rights under the Investment Agreement to designate a replacement director to the Board. However, Brookfield sent American Equity Investment a letter demanding the company file a resale shelf registration statement for 9,106,042 shares it holds. In total, Brookfield owns 15,886,163 shares, or 18.13% of the shares outstanding. Securitization of 11 multifamily bridge loans from lending platform ACRE Credit I mark global PE firms first partnership with federal GSE NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ACRE, a global real estate private equity firm, today announced it has finalized a $424 million securitization of 11 multifamily mortgage loans through Freddie Macs Q securitization program. Issued through ACREs debt fund ACRE Credit I, the floating rate, first mortgage bridge loans were secured by 11 transitional multifamily properties across Georgia, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, and Arizona. The Q program carries huge economic advantages for issuers, as CLO pricing has widened significantly this year. The guaranteed tranche of ACREs deal (Q18) sold at 87bps over SOFR. The AAA tranches of the CRE CLO market are currently around 275bps over SOFR. With Freddie Macs guarantee fee of ~98bps on the A-bond, the WACC on a Q deal is about half the cost of a CRE CLO. The securitization was led by JP Morgan and Barclays, with JLL Capital Markets Peter Rotchford, Jesse Wright, Gerard Sansosti, and Christopher Peck serving as advisors and sub-servicers for the deal. We were able to be nimble in an uncertain market and take advantage of our long-standing relationship with Freddie Mac to print a much more accretive securitization at half the cost, said Daniel Jacobs, Managing Partner at ACRE. Were extremely grateful to both our partners, Freddie Mac and JLL, for their assistance in this transformative deal, and we look forward to working with both to continue to identify and execute new strategies to provide meaningful returns for our investors. The securitization represents ACREs first-ever Q-Series transaction with Freddie Mac, and the latest milestone in the growth of ACRE Credit I. Since its launch, the platform has raised $509 million of equity and has closed and committed to providing more than $2 billion in loans across 52 transactions to support the acquisition, lease-up, redevelopment, and recapitalization of multifamily assets in growing secondary markets across the U.S. such as Miami and Orlando, Florida; Durham, North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio; Charleston, South Carolina; and Dallas, Texas. The speed at which the market adjusted during late spring and early summer caught many by surprise. Helping ACRE find an alternative solution for their portfolio financing has allowed them to free up capacity and continue to originate, Rotchford and Wright said. ACREs expanding lending platform has also aided the firm in landing a growing list of institutional partners. Earlier this year, it announced a $300 million commitment from StepStone Group, a global private markets investment firm and one of the worlds largest institutional consultancies. Other high-profile global investors that have made significant commitments to ACREs suite of investment platforms include Hamilton Lane, OPTrust and Almanac Realty Investors, the private real estate investment arm of Neuberger Berman. About ACRE ACRE is a vertically integrated private equity firm specializing in commercial real estate through active investments in both direct equity and debt capital markets as well as special situation opportunities. ACRE manages a global portfolio in excess of $3.1 billion concentrated in U.S. multifamily with holdings in the United Kingdom and Southeast Asia through separate verticals. ACRE has offices in Atlanta, New York, and Singapore. 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 in 2021, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce more than 102,000 as of June 30, 2022. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005880/en/ Media: Dan Ivers Antenna | Spaces (646) 265-9670 [email protected] Source: ACRE Bayer, together with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, are jointly funding pre-clinical research in non-hormonal contraception This collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will contribute to expanding access to contraceptive options that help address the unmet needs of women worldwide WHIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bayer announced today that it has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. As part of the grant, Bayer and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have each committed more than US $12 million over four years to co-fund pre-clinical research activities with the goal of providing women globally with an option for non-hormonal contraception. In addition to research co-funding over a four-year period, Bayer will leverage its experience in womens healthcare as well as research and development expertise in order to identify a pre-clinical development candidate. Bayer has also committed to make such a product available in low- and lower-middle-income countries at an affordable price once it would have been approved by health authorities. The collaboration brings together Bayers research expertise, with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations purpose, to help reduce inequalities around the world by facilitating access to health in low- and lower-middle-income countries, said Marianne De Backer, Executive Vice President, Head of Strategy, Business Development & Licensing/Open Innovation and Member of the Executive Committee of Bayers Pharmaceutical Division. Together, we aim to further advance our vision to provide non-hormonal contraceptive options to millions of girls and women around the globe in a sustainable manner. Sustainability is an integral part of our business, said Jeanne Kehren, Senior Vice President Digital & Commercial Innovation, Chief Information Officer, as well as responsible for Sustainability and a Member of the Executive Committee of Bayers Pharmaceutical Division. With our strong heritage and deeply rooted expertise in womens healthcare, Bayer has been supporting initiatives that contribute to providing women in low- and lower-middle-income countries with access to family planning for more than 50 years. We are proud to work together with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and join efforts to expand access to contraceptive options that help address the unmet needs of women worldwide. This new partnership adds to Bayers commitment focusing on providing scientific and sustainable solutions to support the individual health needs of women worldwide and to help provide women and girls in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) with access to modern contraception. Its the second joint activity involving both parties in family planning, along with the collaboration on The Challenge Initiative (TCI). Today, gender inequality remains an ongoing problem and teenage pregnancy and maternal death continue to be a serious health concern, especially in LMICs. Increased choice in modern contraceptive methods help women have better control of their reproductive planning. Family planning is not only central to womens health but also may give them greater autonomy over their lives, which may have a positive ripple effect on families and communities. As a leader in women's healthcare, Bayer has been supporting family planning programs in more than 130 countries. In partnership with international organizations, such as the United Nations Population Fund and the United States agency for International Development, Bayer aims to make modern contraception more accessible to women worldwide. These efforts are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. About Womens Healthcare at Bayer Bayer is a recognized leader in womens healthcare, with a long-standing commitment to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of treatments. Bayer offers a wide range of effective short- and long-acting birth control methods as well as therapies for menopause symptom management. Bayer is also focusing on options to address the unmet medical needs of women worldwide. Today, Bayers research and development efforts focus on finding new treatment options for menopause and includes several compounds in various stages of pre-clinical and clinical development. Together, these projects reflect the companys approach to research, which prioritizes targets and pathways with the potential to alter the way that gynecological diseases are treated. Additionally, Bayer intends to provide 100 million women in low-and-middle income countries by 2030 with access to family planning by funding multi-stakeholder aid programs and by ensuring the supply of affordable modern contraceptives. This is part of the comprehensive sustainability measures and commitments from 2020 onwards and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. About Bayer Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability, and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2021, the Group employed around 100,000 people and had sales of 44.1 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 5.3 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayers public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005748/en/ Jennifer May, 412-656-8192 Email: [email protected] Find more information at www.bayer.com Follow us on twitter.com/bayer Source: Bayer SHANGHAI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- China Eastern Airlines (CEA) signed an engine maintenance contract with Pratt & Whitney on Nov. 5, the opening day of the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is the first civil aviation purchase order inked at this year's CIIE. The contract is for the maintenance of CEA's V2500 engines of over 50 Airbus A320 aircraft, with an estimated contract value that accounts for over 50 percent of the total value of CEA's deals at the annual import-themed trade fair. CEA and Pratt & Whitney have cooperated with each other for over 20 years. Headquartered in CIIE's host city Shanghai, CEA participates in the world-class Expo for the fifth consecutive years as a core supporting enterprise, appointed air carrier, purchaser and service provider of CIIE. The company and well-known suppliers from the US, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore and Hong Kong, etc., have signed 15 deals worth more than $1.6 billion covering new technologies and new services in aviation. Both CEA's total value of deals and transaction volume this year have surpassed those of last year. Attaching much importance to aviation supplies, CEA signed 6 deals with world-renowned aviation companies such as Rolls-Royce, Air France-KLM, Lufthansa Technik, Collins Aerospace and Satair. The six deals are worth nearly 90 percent of the total value of the 15 deals. The opportunities and platform created by the CIIE enable the CEA to further integrate itself with the innovative development pattern of the global aviation industry, deepen cooperation in and boost the steady development of industrial chains, and better serve the passengers, introduced an executive of CEA. CEA also aims to deepen mutually beneficial cooperative relations with world-leading enterprises such as Panasonic, GE, Pratt & Whitney and Honeywell at this year's CIIE, to contribute to global industrial recovery. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005621/en/ Contact: Zhang Yun TEL: (0086-21) 95530 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ceair.com/ Source: China Eastern Airlines Damian Vogel to succeed Christian Bluhm as Group Chief Risk Officer ZURICH & BASEL, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Article 53 of the SIX Exchange Regulation Listing Rules Damian Vogel will become a member of UBSs Group Executive Board at the beginning of May 2023 and take on the role of Group Chief Risk Officer (CRO), following current CRO Christian Bluhms decision to step down from his role to focus on his photography business and to pursue opportunities in academia. Christian and Damian will work closely together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. Damian Vogel is currently Chief Risk Officer for UBSs (NYSE: UBS) (SWX: UBSN) Global Wealth Management (GWM) business. Since joining UBS in 2010, he has held various risk-related leadership roles across GWM and Personal & Corporate Banking, as well as for region Switzerland. Damian has lived and worked in Switzerland and the US and holds a Master of Advanced Studies in Corporate Finance from IFZ, Zug (Switzerland) and completed the Stanford Executive Program. Christian Bluhm has been Group Chief Risk Officer since 2016. Under his leadership, the firms risk function has evolved into one that embraces advanced analytics, digitalization, and innovative technology, including artificial intelligence, to help us manage our risks effectively and efficiently and therefore protect the firms capital and reputation. Group Chief Executive Officer Ralph Hamers: Im delighted to welcome Damian Vogel to the UBS Group Executive Board as our new Group Chief Risk Officer. With his strong track record, in-depth risk expertise, and experience across all asset classes, Damian is ideally suited to lead our risk function into the future. Id also like to personally thank Christian for his leadership and commitment over the last six years and for the significant contributions he and his team have made to our sustainable performance through active risk management. I wish him all the best for the future. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This media release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including but not limited to managements outlook for UBSs financial performance, statements relating to the anticipated effect of transactions and strategic initiatives on UBSs business and future development and goals or intentions to achieve climate, sustainability and other social objectives. While these forward-looking statements represent UBSs judgments, expectations and objectives concerning the matters described, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from UBSs expectations. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that may affect UBS's future results please refer to the "Risk Factors" and other sections of UBSs most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F, quarterly reports and other information furnished to or filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K, and the cautionary statement on the last page of this presentation. UBS is not under any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005790/en/ UBS Group AG and UBS AG Investor contact Switzerland: +41-44-234 41 00 Media contact Switzerland: +41-44-234 85 00 UK: +44-207-567 47 14 Americas: +1-212-882 58 58 APAC: +852-297-1 82 00 www.ubs.com/media Source: UBS Group AG NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Church Pension Group (CPG), a financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church, announced that it will host a conversation on its vision, finances, and work on Monday, November 14, 2022, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005812/en/ The Church Pension Group will host a conversation on its vision, finances, and work on November 14 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET. Register today at: https://bit.ly/3fO3VRu (Photo: Business Wire) The conversation will feature Canon Kathryn McCormick, Chair of The Church Pension Fund Board of Trustees, Mary Kate Wold, Chief Executive Officer and President of CPG, and other CPG leaders. All clergy, lay employees, volunteers, and lay leaders who serve the Church are invited to register at cpg.org/CPGconversation. We received a great deal of interest around the Church when we launched a series of conversations with our senior leaders, said Ms. Wold. In a time of continued uncertainty and market volatility, we want to provide an update on our work and the financial strength of CPG. I encourage Episcopalians who have an interest in learning more about our vision, finances, and work to join us for this important conversation. The panel, which will be moderated by the Rev. Clayton Crawley, Chief Church Relations Officer, will also feature Frank Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer; Patty Favreau, Chief Communications Officer; and Roger Sayler, Chief Investment Officer. In advance of the webinar, individuals are encouraged to view CPGs 2022 Annual Report (www.cpg.org/annualreport2022). Through a series of videos, articles, photographs, and graphics, the Annual Report highlights CPGs commitment to serve as a stable presence for the Church. About the Church Pension Group The Church Pension Group (CPG) is a financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church. It maintains three lines of businessbenefits, insurance, and publishing. CPG provides retirement, health, life insurance, and related benefits for clergy and lay employees of The Episcopal Church, as well as property and casualty insurance and book and music publishing, including the official worship materials of the Church. Follow CPG on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn. cpg.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005812/en/ Media Contact: C. Curtis Ritter Senior Vice President Head of Corporate Communications 212-592-1816 [email protected] Source: Church Pension Group The two join forces to connect the Israeli Startup community with key N.Y. and N.J. fintech investors, collaborating on ways to grow and pathways to success FORT LEE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cross River Bank (Cross River), a technology infrastructure provider that offers embedded financial solutions, collaborated with the Israel Economic Mission to host a delegation of Israeli entrepreneurs and fintech startups. The event provided the companies a chance to pitch their businesses, as well as networking opportunities for future growth. Cross River bridges the gap between technology and financial services, and we are equally committed to furthering the economic bridge between the Israeli fintech community and our key partners in the U.S., said Phil Goldfeder, SVP Global Public Affairs at Cross River. Its a pleasure to leverage our relationships to the benefit of these talented and innovative Israeli companies and we look forward to our continued partnership with the Israel Economic Mission. On Monday, November 7th, Cross Rivers Fort Lee headquarters was abuzz with leaders from more than a dozen Israeli fintech startups, local elected officials, investors, and stakeholders from the Israel Economic Mission. Since early 2014, Cross River has been deeply connected to Israel and it has been, and continues to be, a critical center of investment. The company is committed to the Israeli ecosystem of technological innovation, the culture of doing good, cultivating jobs, expanding economic inclusion and supporting local economies. Were grateful to Cross River for hosting us and providing this opportunity for the Israeli fintech community to bolster ties with partners in the U.S. and foster relationships that will help lead to the success of these companies, said Anat Katz, Economic Minister to North America, Israel Economic Mission to the U.S. This event was a wonderful testament to the economic and cultural ties between Israel and New Jersey and the good that can be done when we work together. Cross River also has a strong focus on propelling the next generation of entrepreneurs and companies shaping the future of financial services. Cross River is unique in that it is one of the largest foreign private company employers in Israel. The collaboration with the Israel Economic Mission is another way Cross River is working with key stakeholders to further the economic bridge between Israel and the U.S., fostering new relationships and strengthening current ties. This delegation was an enriching and influential meeting of the minds between innovative Israeli startups and New Jerseys leaders and businesses, said Andrew H Gross, Executive Director of the New Jersey Israel Commission. I applaud Cross River and the Israel Economic Mission for advancing the critical economic relationship between Israel and the State of New Jersey. Cross River has close to 900 global employees, with a strong team of 180+ engineers and developers in Israel, helping to further pursue and support new initiatives and opportunities with global impact. The team in Israel is an integral part of the growth of Cross River and its life-saving work across the globe. As the companys work on both sides of the ocean has expanded in recent years, it has also continued to further social impact initiatives in Israel. About Cross River Cross River provides technology infrastructure powering the future of financial services. Leveraging its proprietary real-time banking core, Cross River delivers innovative and scalable embedded payments, cards, lending and crypto solutions to millions of consumers and businesses. Cross River is backed by leading investors and serves the worlds most essential fintech and technology companies. Together with its partners, Cross River is reshaping global finance and financial inclusion. Member FDIC. Find out more at www.crossriver.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108006029/en/ Eden Hoffman [email protected] (201) 808-7000 x 538 Source: Cross River Bank DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Freestyle Partners, LLC, announced today that it has received a Notice of Intent to Grant for two additional patents from the European Patent Office (EPO) covering portable, handheld uses of filtered Far UV-C germicidal light to inactivate pathogens on commonly touched surfaces in seconds. Freestyle is the first to patent technology that identifies to a user when proper distance to a surface is being maintained, ensuring pathogens are being safely inactivated for disinfecting surfaces. The EPO has recognized this advancement and is prepared to award two additional patents to Freestyles growing global patent portfolio. Filtered Far UV-C is a breakthrough, disruptive technology developed by a team of researchers led by David Brenner, PhD, director of the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University. It has been extensively tested and endorsed by leading institutions across the world. Studies published in peer-reviewed, scientific journals have shown the technology has the same efficacy against pathogens as conventional UV-C. Studies have also demonstrated that filtered Far-UV-C is scientifically proven to be safe to use in occupied space when used within the current American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) dose limits, because it does not penetrate into living skin or the eye. While aerosolized pathogens have been a primary focus over the last several years due to COVID-19, surface pathogens are also of utmost concern, especially with the rate of hospital-acquired infections rapidly increasing and the need for more effective solutions for disinfecting commonly touched surfaces in hospitals, office buildings, schools, and during travel. By patenting key needed functionality for portable, handheld filtered Far UV-C, Freestyle has positioned itself to be a market leader while also ensuring application of filtered Far UV-C using handheld devices will be done efficaciously and safely to disinfect commonly touched surfaces, says Jennifer Rosen, co-founder of Freestyle Partners. Testing continues to show filtered Far UV-C can be used in lieu of expensive, environmentally hazardous chemicals to safely inactivate any pathogen, including MRSA, E. coli, salmonella, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, on commonly touched surfaces in seconds, at close distance. Freestyle also established a development and commercialization agreement with Ushio America, Inc. This paved the way for Freestyle to develop working prototypes of their handheld, battery-operated, filtered Far UV-C device that successfully applied Ushios existing Care222 technology. Studies have shown that Care222 technology can inactivate pathogens such as coronaviruses, influenza, E. coli, salmonella and more from commonly touched surfaces in seconds. Freestyles burgeoning filtered Far UV-C light patent portfolio now includes 14 granted utility and design patents that extend to over 26 countries, including the U.S, Japan, China, South Korea and Canada, as well as countries throughout Europe. Other key exclusive functionality granted within Freestyles portfolio includes illuminating the surface area for targeted pathogen inactivation, with visible light as well as with filtered Far UV-C light, which testing has shown to be safe for disinfecting* human skin when properly used. About Freestyle Partners, LLC Based in Detroit, Freestyle Partners, LLC is an IP accelerator focused on bringing leading-edge concepts to acquisition or commercialization. Founded in 2012 by marketing and branding experts Jennifer Rosen and Ben Feeney, Freestyle Partners has a focus of identifying and delivering new revenue opportunities and conceiving new ventures in both corporate and start-up environments that have driven profitable growth, created culture change, and impassioned people. For more information, visit www.freestylepartnersllc.com. *All references to disinfection are referring generally to the reduction of pathogenic bioburden and are not intended to refer to any specific definition of the term as may be used for other purposes by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Columbia University has received research funding from Freestyle Partners, LLC to continue studying the safety and efficacy of Far UV-C technology. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005066/en/ Marybeth Roberts KWT Global 951-553-3343 [email protected] Source: Freestyle Partners, LLC LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, announces it is acting as lead sell-side advisor to A2MAC1, a portfolio company of Five Arrows Principal Investments (Five Arrows) and Keensight Capital, on its pending sale to Providence Equity Partners (Providence). As part of the transaction, Five Arrows will re-invest as joint-lead alongside Providence. A2MAC1 is the global leader in automotive technology benchmarking. The transaction is being led by the Harris Williams Technology Group, including Thierry Monjauze, Julien Oussadon, Sylvain Noblet, Stefan van de Ven and Daniel Drazen. A2MAC1 is a global leader in automotive benchmarking insights and has successfully expanded its unique offering from static technology benchmarking into other mission-critical insights, such as costing and performance insights, said Thierry Monjauze, a managing director at Harris Williams. It has been a privilege advising A2MAC1 and its shareholders on this transaction and extending the firms strong momentum advising French technology clients. With a uniquely differentiated offering, combined with a global market-leading position, A2MAC1 has an exciting path ahead for its next stage of growth. We are highly impressed with what A2MAC1 CEO Frank Bunte and his team have built. We look forward to watching the company embark on its next chapter as the platform continues to expand further across benchmarking insights, added Julien Oussadon, a managing director at Harris Williams. Nicolas Robin, a managing director at Five Arrows, said, Harris Williams is a first-class partner. They have been pivotal in successfully positioning the company and future opportunity, and their meticulous attention to detail, process design, and tactical advice throughout the transaction led to an exceptional outcome. Frank Bunte, CEO of A2MAC1, added, The transaction expertise and insightful buyer knowledge provided by Harris Williams has been integral to our successful outcome. I am incredibly excited about the future of A2MAC1 as we partner with Five Arrows and Providence, and as we continue to uncover hidden secrets behind the most complex innovations and technologies which will transform data into meaningful insights. A2MAC1 is the world-leading provider of benchmarking insights and solutions across the automotive and mobility industry and beyond. It is a pioneer in the analysis and transformation of data into actionable value and a source of mission-critical insights into the market. With more than 700 employees worldwide (Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States), the groups offering is used daily by more than 650,000 professionals from the entire automotive and mobility value chain and beyond for over 25 years. Its unique, easy-to-use, 3D proprietary technology platform helps manufacturers optimize the design and materials of their products throughout their life cycle with a constant focus on decarbonization and innovation whilst enabling constant cost and value optimization. Five Arrows is the alternative assets arm of Rothschild & Co and has 22 billion of AuM with offices in Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Luxembourg. With over 8 billion of assets under management, the corporate private equity business of Five Arrows is focused on investing in companies with highly defensible market positions; strong management teams; business models with high visibility of organic unit volume growth and strong unit economics; and multiple operational levers that can be used to unlock latent value. Sectors are limited to data and software, technology-enabled business services and healthcare. Keensight Capital, one of the leading European growth buyout firms, is committed to supporting entrepreneurs as they implement their growth strategies. For over 20 years, Keensight Capitals team of seasoned professionals has leveraged their knowledge of investment and growth industries to invest for the long term in profitable companies with high growth potential and revenues in the range of 10 million to 400 million. Drawing on its expertise in the technology and healthcare sectors, Keensight Capital identifies the best investment opportunities in Europe and works closely with management teams to develop and achieve their strategic vision. Keensight Capital's success has also earned it a Gold Award from the Private Equity Exchange & Awards each year for the last five consecutive years, and in particular, the Best European Growth Private Equity Fund. Providence is a specialist private equity investment firm focused on growth-oriented media, communications, education, and technology companies across North America and Europe. Providence combines its partnership approach to investing with deep industry expertise to help management teams build exceptional businesses and generate attractive returns. Since its founding in 1989, Providence has invested over $32 billion across more than 170 private equity portfolio companies. With its headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island, the firm also has offices in New York, London, Boston, and Atlanta. Harris Williams, an investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, advocates for sellers and buyers of companies worldwide through critical milestones and provides thoughtful advice during the lives of their businesses. By collaborating as one firm across Industry Groups and geographies, the firm helps its clients achieve outcomes that support their objectives and strategically create value. Harris Williams is committed to execution excellence and to building enduring, valued relationships that are based on mutual trust. Harris Williams is a subsidiary of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). The Harris Williams Technology Group advises leading private and public companies, founders, and private equity, growth equity and venture capital firms on mergers and acquisitions and capital-raising transactions worldwide. The Technology Group has deep domain expertise in software and technology-enabled services and dedicated focus areas across a variety of vertical software applications and end markets. For more information on the Technology Group and its recent transactions, visit the Technology Groups section of the Harris Williams website. Harris Williams LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is a private limited company incorporated under English law with its registered office at 8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AB, UK, registered with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales (registration number 07078852). Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH is registered in the commercial register of the local court of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, under HRB 107540. The registered address is Bockenheimer Landstrasse 33-35, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (email address: [email protected]). Geschaftsfuhrer/Directors: Jeffery H. Perkins, Paul Poggi. (VAT No. DE321666994). Harris Williams is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC, Harris Williams & Co. Ltd and Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH conduct business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005838/en/ For media inquiries, please contact Julia Moore at [email protected]. Source: Harris Williams LLC Funding will help the company create a SaaS platform and expand its sales and marketing teams BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- D.A. Davidson & Co. announced today that it served as exclusive financial advisor to IronRod Health (IronRod), an Arizona-based innovative remote health monitoring platform, on its investment from HCAP Partners. Since its founding in 2016, IronRod has helped more than 20,000 patients receive dedicated care from their providers beyond the four walls of the practice. The company has three main remote monitoring revenue lines, all focused on the cardiology space. IronRod combines trained technicians with state-of-the-art software to offer a complete healthcare solution that sends actionable insights to healthcare providers. The company also delivers billing and alert reports directly to EMR as well as helps establish efficient workflows for their providers practices. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108006148/en/ "The D.A. Davidson team ran a comprehensive process aimed at aligning IronRod with the right capital partner. We are excited to partner with HCAP to begin this next stage in our companys growth," stated Andrew Nash, Founder and CEO of IronRod. "With this new capital, we can deliver advanced service to our customers, elevating the level of health care for thousands of patients." (Graphic: Business Wire) As the COVID-19 pandemic prevented patients from visiting their providers in-person, cardiologists and patients increasingly began to adopt virtual health. In addition, an aging population combined with rising rates of chronic illnesses further highlight the value of a remote health solution that IronRod provides. With the new financing, the company is well-positioned to take market share in the growing remote patient monitoring industry. It was a pleasure working with Andrew Nash and the team at IronRod. We are big believers in RPM technologies as the next chapter of virtual health unfolds. IronRod is capitalizing on many strong tailwinds fueling adoption and growth in the category, said Greg Hartlein, Director at D.A. Davidsons Technology Investment Banking Group. We were thrilled to partner with another high-growth founder-owned business and advise them on this capital raise to take the business to new heights. "The D.A. Davidson team ran a comprehensive process aimed at aligning IronRod with the right capital partner. We are excited to partner with HCAP to begin this next stage in our companys growth," stated Andrew Nash, Founder and CEO of IronRod. "With this new capital, we can deliver advanced service to our customers, elevating the level of health care for thousands of patients." With this new financing, IronRod is well positioned to continue along its impressive growth trajectory by providing outstanding service to cardiology practices and their patients as the demand for remote monitoring increases, added Amy Johnson, Head of the Debt Advisory Group and Managing Director at D.A. Davidson. About D.A. Davidson Companies D.A. Davidson Companies is an employee-owned financial services firm offering a range of financial services and advice to individuals, corporations, institutions and municipalities nationwide. Founded in 1935 with corporate headquarters in Great Falls, Montana, and regional headquarters in Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Omaha and Seattle, the company has approximately 1,525 employees and offices in 28 states. Subsidiaries include: D.A. Davidson & Co., a full-service investment firm providing wealth management, investment banking, equity and fixed income capital markets services, and advice; Davidson Investment Advisors, a professional asset management firm; D.A. Davidson Trust Company, a trust and wealth management company; and Davidson Fixed Income Management, a registered investment adviser providing fixed income portfolio and advisory services. For more information, visit www.dadavidson.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108006148/en/ Deal Team Contacts Amy Johnson, Head of Debt Advisory, Managing Director | New York | [email protected] Greg Hartlein, Director, Technology Investment Banking Group | Boston | [email protected] Steven Fleisher, Vice President, Debt Advisory Group | New York | [email protected] Media Contact Andreea Popa, Head of Equity Capital Markets Marketing | [email protected] Source: D.A. Davidson & Co. ROANOKE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KlariVis, a fast-growing enterprise dashboard and analytics solution for the financial services industry, announced it has expanded its team to support growing demand for its platform. As financial organizations seek a simpler way to transform data into actionable insights, KlariVis continues to experience strong growth, more than doubling its client base this year alone. In response, the company is significantly expanding its internal team, including several additions to its leadership group earlier this year. Most recently, KlariVis further expanded its team and added several key positions. These newest additions include: David Candler as a Senior Data Analyst Jackie DeFlorio as a Senior Marketing Manager Kyle Deisher as a Junior Data Analyst Sara Foutz-Harlor as a Business Intelligence Analyst Madhuri Lashkari as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer Johanna Miller as a Talent Acquisition Manager Ben Roach as a Senior DevOps Engineer Katie Sank as an Onboarding Project Manager Albin Sebastian as a Business Intelligence Analyst As KlariVis newest Senior Data Analyst, David Candler joins with nearly 20 years of IT and Business Analytics experience, including financial services. Madhuri Lashkari joins as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, bringing nearly a decade of experience with a strong focus on software engineering. Ben Roach joins the company as a Senior DevOps Engineer with a background in cloud-based software solutions. Bringing over 15 years of experience, Katie Sank joins the team as an Onboarding Project Manager. Previously, she held positions at 1st Mariner Bank and Howard Bank adding to the teams existing extensive banking expertise. Sara Foutz-Harlor and Albin Sebastian both join as Business Intelligence Analysts. Foutz-Harlor brings nearly 20 years of experience with previous work with Member One Federal Credit Union, and Sebastians past work includes risk management and compliance analytics with TD Bank. Kyle Deisher joins the team as a Junior Data Analyst skilled in multiple programming languages, ranging from HTML to Java. Additionally, Jackie DeFlorio joins the team as a Senior Marketing Manager with seven years of brand management and marketing experience. DeFlorio previously served as the Director of Marketing for Bank Directors fintech-focused arm, FinXTech. Most recently, experienced in fostering relationships, Johanna Miller joins as a Talent Acquisition Manager who will work closely with executives and managers to further grow the team. As more financial institutions look to us as their data partner, KlariVis continues to see rapid growth, prompting us to strengthen our internal team, said Kim Snyder, Founder and CEO. We are thrilled to welcome these extremely talented individuals to our team and look forward to even more growth in the months and years ahead. About KlariVis Created by veteran community bank executives, KlariVis was developed to enable institutions of all sizes to see their institution clearly and access transformative data in an efficient way, interpret it, and act decisively on it. The KlariVis team aims to provide financial institutions with an enterprise dashboard and analytics solution designed to solve the data conundrum that is prevalent in the industry today. For more information, visit www.KlariVis.com or contact Kim Snyder, CEO & Founder, at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005800/en/ For KlariVis Mary York 706-280-9267 [email protected] Source: KlariVis - Venkat Krishnamurthy appointed Senior Vice President, Head of Platform - Stephanie Engels appointed Senior Vice President, Head of People and Culture CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Korro Bio, Inc., a leading RNA editing company focused on the discovery and development of novel genetic medicines, today announced the appointment of Venkat Krishnamurthy, Ph.D., as Senior Vice President, Head of Platform and Stephanie Engels as Senior Vice President, Head of People and Culture. Venkat and Stephanie are accomplished industry leaders who bring vast expertise and experience to support the continued growth of the Company. We are thrilled to welcome Venkat and Stephanie at an exciting time for the company, as we continue to chart the course towards the clinic and expand our novel RNA editing platform, said Ram Aiyar, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Korro Bio. Venkats expertise in all aspects of RNA therapeutics development including delivery and chemistry, combined with Stephanies experience in building and scaling learning organizations, are important additions as we continue to build our editing toolkit and deliver on our vision to develop genetic medicines for diseases with high prevalence. About Venkat Krishnamurthy, Ph.D. Dr. Krishnamurthy has over a decade of experience in a range of RNA modalities including siRNA, mRNA and therapeutic genome editing technologies where he successfully built and led cross functional teams to support various aspects of drug development. Dr. Krishnamurthy arrives at Korro after serving in an Executive Director role at Eli Lilly & Company, where he was responsible for strategic direction for Lilly's genetic medicine portfolio. Prior to this, Dr. Krishnamurthy was a Team Lead at AstraZeneca, where he built a new modalities group at the Boston site to support the companys mRNA and genome editing projects from discovery to clinic. He began his industry career at Dicerna Pharmaceuticals and was one of the early chemists to advance the companys siRNA platform. He also made critical contributions to the advancement of Nedosiran, Dicerna's first GalNAc-siRNA program currently in Phase 3. Ahead of his experience in industry, Dr. Krishnamurthy was a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, where he led a lab focused on non-viral delivery for cell therapy and tissue engineering. He has contributed to over 30 publications and patents, and some of his work laid the foundation for projects funded by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Krishnamurthy earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and completed postdoctoral training at Princeton University. He also holds bachelors and masters degrees in chemistry from Loyola College and the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, respectively. About Stephanie Engels Ms. Engels has over 20 years of human resources leadership experience in the life science and healthcare sectors. Prior to joining Korro, Ms. Engels served as Vice President, Head of HR Business Partnerships and Corporate Functions at Moderna, which included driving the organizational design and scaling of corporate functions pre- and post-commercialization of groundbreaking vaccine technology, the talent strategy and co-development of the companys international Enterprise Solutions Hub project and the onboarding and integration of multiple C-suite executives. Prior to Moderna, Ms. Engels was Vice President, Talent at Zimmer Biomet, where she led talent acquisition and development efforts. Previously she served as Vice President & Head of HR, Corporate Functions & Global Product Strategy at Shire, where she notably acted as the HR representative during the companys acquisition and integration by Takeda. Prior to her position at Shire, Ms. Engels accumulated experience in a variety of HR leadership roles across global Fortune 100 life sciences corporations. About Korro Bio, Inc. Korro is an RNA editing company focused on discovery and development of a new class of precision genetic medicines. Korros proprietary and modular platform, OPERA, combines data-driven design with off-the-shelf chemistry and delivery to achieve highly selective RNA editing. This unique technology enables the functional benefits of gene therapy with a transient, repeated-administration regimen that permits pharmacologic titration of therapeutic efficacy and safety, in a cost-effective drug product. As a result, Korros portfolio of innovative RNA therapies has the potential to propel genetic medicine beyond rare genetic diseases into larger patient populations with common diseases. Korro is located in Cambridge, Mass. For more information, visit korrobio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005261/en/ For further details, please contact: Investors Vineet Agarwal [email protected] Media Chris Railey Ten Bridge Communications [email protected] Source: Korro Bio, Inc. As of September 30, 2022, cash and cash equivalents were EUR 40.3 million1 Revenues of EUR 0.4 million1 in Q3 2022 LYON, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: MaaT Pharma (EURONEXT: MAAT the Company), a French clinical-stage biotech and a pioneer in the development of Microbiome Ecosystem TherapiesTM (MET) dedicated to improving survival outcomes for patients with cancer, today reported its cash position as of September 30, 2022, and its revenues for the third quarter of 2022. Cash position1 As of September 30, 2022, total cash and cash equivalents were EUR 40.3 million, as compared to EUR 38.4 million as of June 30, 2022, and EUR 43.3 million as of December 31, 2021. The net increase in cash over the third quarter of 2022 was EUR 1.9 million. This increase reflects: - Net financing inflows from receipt of funds of EUR 4.3 million in bank loans from CIC and Bpifrance. - Receipt of the R&D tax credit related to R&D expenditure for the full year 2021, totaling EUR 2.0 million - Financing of operations and ongoing development programs of EUR 4.4 million. Revenues in Q3 20221 MaaT Pharma reported revenues2 from its compassionate access program of EUR 0.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, and year to date revenues of EUR 0.9 million compared to EUR 0.2 million for same quarter in 2021 and EUR 0.6 million for the 9-months ended September 30, 2021. Third quarter clinical and operational highlights Clinical highlights MaaT013, the lead MET drug candidate for hospital use in an acute setting: Phase 3 open label, single arm trial (ARES) for the treatment of acute Graft-versus-Host Disease: in Q3 2022, in addition to France, Germany, Spain, Austria where the trial is ongoing, the Company received regulatory approvals in Belgium. An interim review of preliminary data after enrollment of half of the patients in the study is expected in the first half of 2023. Randomized, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept Phase 2a trial (PICASSO), sponsored by AP-HP3, evaluating MaaT013 in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with metastatic melanoma, is ongoing. A first internal data review focusing on safety and some biomarker data is expected in the first half of 2023. In the US, interactions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remain active regarding MaaT013, for which US development is currently on clinical hold following an FDA communication received in August 2022 requiring additional information on the safety and efficacy of the Companys pooling approach. Pursuit of the Early Access Program in Europe in place since 2021 allowing patients to benefit from early access to the MaaT013 therapy, mainly for the treatment of acute Graft-vs-host-Disease. As of today, the Company has safely treated over 160 patients with MaaT013 in Europe. On November 3, 2022, MaaT Pharma announced the release of an abstract, which was selected for an oral presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2022 Annual Meeting from December 10-13 in New-Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. The oral presentation will occur on December 10, 2022; 10:15am EST and will detail consolidated results from 81 patients with steroid-resistant, gastrointestinal, acute Graft-versus-Host-Disease (GI-aGvHD) treated with MaaT013 as salvage therapy, as part of the ongoing Early Access Program (EAP). Link to abstract here. MaaT033, the Companys first MET for oral administration as adjunctive and maintenance treatment for patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT): Preparations are ongoing for a pivotal Phase 2b trial to evaluate MaaT033s safety and efficacy in improving overall survival and preventing complications in patients with blood cancers receiving allo-HSCT; based on current plans, the Company expects to initiate the study in Q4 2022. On November 3rd, 2022, MaaT Pharma announced the release of an abstract, which was selected for a poster presentation at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2022 Annual Meeting. Poster presentation will occur on December 11, 2022: 6:00pm - 8:00pm EST and will present detailed results from the Phase 1b clinical trial (CIMON) of MaaT033 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Link to abstract here. Operational highlight On October 4th, 2022, MaaT Pharma appointed Dr. Nathalie Corvaia as Chief Scientific Officer to oversee the Companys non-clinical R&D strategies and its proprietary, AI-based MET drug design and development platform, gutPrint. Upcoming scientific conferences participation November 8-10, 2022 9th International Human Microbiome Consortium (IHMC) Congress Kobe, Japan: Herve Affagard, CEO and cofounder of MaaT Pharma, and Dr. Aurore Duquenoy, R&D specialist at MaaT Pharma will present three scientific posters at the conference. Link to the Congress here. November 9-11, 2022 21st Societe Francophone de Greffe de Moelle et de Therapie Cellulaire (SFGM-TC) Congress Booth #10 Bordeaux, France: Dr. Emilie Plantamura, Head of Clinical Development at MaaT Pharma and Claire de Conde, Head of Clinical Operations at MaaT Pharma, and Melanie Tilte, Clinical Project Manager at MaaT Pharma will attend the congress and will be available for discussions at MaaT Pharmas booth #10. Link to the event here. Upcoming investor conferences participation November 14, 2022 7th annual conference LSX Inv$tival Showcase London, UK: Sian Crouzet, Chief Financial Officer of MaaT Pharma and Dr. Carole Schwintner, Chief Technology Officer of MaaT Pharma will attend the investor event and participate in the European Lifestar Awards, where MaaT Pharma is a finalist for the IPO of the year category. Additional information available on the LSX website here. Sian Crouzet, Chief Financial Officer of MaaT Pharma and Dr. Carole Schwintner, Chief Technology Officer of MaaT Pharma will attend the investor event and participate in the European Lifestar Awards, where MaaT Pharma is a finalist for the IPO of the year category. Additional information available on the LSX website here. November 15-17, 2022 13th Annual Jefferies London Healthcare Conference London, UK: Sian Crouzet, Chief Financial Officer of MaaT Pharma and Dr. Carole Schwintner, Chief Technology Officer of MaaT Pharma will attend the conference. Sian Crouzet, Chief Financial Officer of MaaT Pharma and Dr. Carole Schwintner, Chief Technology Officer of MaaT Pharma will attend the conference. November 21, 2022 Kepler Cheuvreux Life Sciences Day Digital: Herve Affagard, CEO and cofounder of MaaT Pharma will attend the event. Herve Affagard, CEO and cofounder of MaaT Pharma will attend the event. November 29, 2022 Investir day Paris, France: Sian Crouzet, Chief Financial Officer of MaaT Pharma and Dr. Savita Bernal, Chief Business Officer of MaaT Pharma will attend the investor event. Additional information available on the dedicated website here. About MaaT Pharma MaaT Pharma, a clinical stage biotechnology company, has established a complete approach to restoring patient-microbiome symbiosis in oncology. Committed to treating cancer and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a serious complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, MaaT Pharma has launched, in March 2022, a Phase 3 clinical trial for patients with acute GvHD, following the achievement of its proof of concept in a Phase 2 trial. Its powerful discovery and analysis platform, gutPrint, supports the development and expansion of its pipeline by determining novel disease targets, evaluating drug candidates, and identifying biomarkers for microbiome-related conditions. The companys Microbiome Ecosystem Therapies are produced through a standardized cGMP manufacturing and quality control process to safely deliver the full diversity of the microbiome, in liquid and oral formulations. MaaT Pharma benefits from the commitment of world-leading scientists and established relationships with regulators to support the integration of the use of microbiome therapies in clinical practice. MaaT Pharma is the first company developing microbiome-based therapies listed on Euronext Paris (ticker: MAAT). Forward-looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Companys control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as target, believe, expect, aim, intend, may, anticipate, estimate, plan, project, will, can have, likely, should, would, could and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Companys control that could cause the Companys actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 1 Unaudited data 2 Revenues correspond to compensation invoiced in relation to the compassionate access program, as approved by the French National Drug Safety Agency (Agence Nationale de Securite du Medicament or ANSM). 3 AP-HP: Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005899/en/ MaaT Pharma - Investor relations Herve AFFAGARD Co-Founder and CEO Sian Crouzet, COO/ CFO +33 4 28 29 14 00 [email protected] MaaT Pharma - media relations Pauline RICHAUD Senior PR & Corporate Communications Manager +33 6 07 55 25 36 [email protected] Trophic Communications - Corporate and medical Communications Jacob VERGHESE or Gretchen SCHWEITZER +49 89 2070 89831 [email protected] Source: MaaT Pharma SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Markey Machinery, who for over 100 years has established itself as a global leader in the marine deck equipment and winch industry, has announced it has closed a growth investment with Christian Schiller and Brian Bogen. Markey will continue to operate from its current Seattle production facility and office, with all employees remaining on board. Current CEO Blaine Dempke will continue leading the business as CEO and will participate on the Markey board as a significant shareholder. Jeff Dempke will assume the new role of General Manager and become a shareholder. Jeff Dempke has been with Markey since 2006. Robert LeCoque will remain actively involved, providing assistance to Markeys customers, and working with the Engineering & Sales group. Brian and I made an investment in Markey in partnership with current management to facilitate growing the business to the next level, Schiller said. We are impressed with the level of talent and expertise Blaine, Bob and Jeff have assembled at Markey, and believe this is an excellent platform for further growth leveraging Brians expertise in the marine industry. There will be no changes to the management, employees or the overall business operations other than to provide additional expertise, capital and value we bring to help assist Markeys continued growth. Blaine Dempke and LeCoque started working with Markey as teenagers and rose through the engineering department and machine shop ranks. They took over management of the company in 1996 and bought out the Markey family in 1999. Christian and Brian are investing in an ongoing commercial enterprise that doesnt require change, Blaine Dempke said. We are a well-run company with a great reputation and established customer base. We chose to work with Brian and Christian because of their expertise and resources available in addition to a solid familiarity with a marine business which is cyclical and unique. Markey Machinery began operations in 1907, when a young Charles Markey, fresh from a two-year trading expedition on the Alaska and Siberian coast, launched the C.H. Markey Machinery Company serving both the marine and logging industries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005994/en/ Jeff Dempke 206-567-3456 Source: Markey Machinery MONTPELLIER, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: The conference will provide an opportunity to present to investors the recent and upcoming news from MedinCell (Paris: MEDCL), including: Refiling for approval of UzedyTM by its partner Teva, which has confirmed that it plans to commercialize it in the U.S. in the first half of 2023 Launch by Teva of Phase 3 activities in the U.S. for a second treatment, mdc-TJK Launch by MedinCell's partner, Arthitris Innovation Corporation (AIC), of Phase 3 activities for F14/mdc-CWM, a therapeutic first-in-class that aims to provide weeks of localized pain relief after Total Knee Replacement Advances in the experimental product portfolio at the formulation and pre-clinical stages Members of the MedinCell management will meet investors during individual meetings. About MedinCell MedinCell is a pharmaceutical company at premarketing stage that develops a portfolio of long-acting injectable products in various therapeutic areas by combining its proprietary BEPO technology with active ingredients already known and marketed. Through the controlled and extended release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, MedinCell makes medical treatments more efficient, particularly thanks to improved compliance, i.e. compliance with medical prescriptions, and to a significant reduction in the quantity of medication required as part of a one-off or chronic treatment. The BEPO technology makes it possible to control and guarantee the regular delivery of a drug at the optimal therapeutic dose for several days, weeks or months starting from the subcutaneous or local injection of a simple deposit of a few millimeters, fully bioresorbable. MedinCell collaborate with tier one pharmaceuticals companies and foundations to improve Global Health through new therapeutic options. Based in Montpellier, MedinCell currently employs more than 150 people representing over 30 different nationalities. www.medincell.com This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding Companys expectations for (i) the timing, progress and outcome of its clinical trials; (ii) the clinical benefits and competitive positioning of its product candidates; (iii) its ability to obtain regulatory approvals, commence commercial production and achieve market penetration and sales; (iv) its future product portfolio; (v) its future partnering arrangements; (vi) its future capital needs, capital expenditure plans and ability to obtain funding; and (vii) prospective financial matters regarding our business. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any statements other than statements of historical facts that may be contained in this press release relating to future events are forward-looking statements and subject to change without notice, factors beyond the Company's control and the Company's financial capabilities. These statements may include, but are not limited to, any statement beginning with, followed by or including words or phrases such as "objective", "believe", "anticipate", expect, "foresee", "aim", "intend", "may", "anticipate", "estimate", "plan", "project", "will", "may", "probably", potential, "should", "could" and other words and phrases of the same meaning or used in negative form. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that may, if any, cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated or expressed explicitly or implicitly by such forward-looking statements. A list and description of these risks, contingencies and uncertainties can be found in the documents filed by the Company with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (the "AMF") pursuant to its regulatory obligations, including the Company's registration document, registered with the AMF on September 4, 2018, under number I. 18-062 (the "Registration Document"), as well as in the documents and reports to be published subsequently by the Company. In particular, readers' attention is drawn to the section entitled "Facteurs de Risques" on page 26 of the Registration Document. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements, including in the event that new information becomes available. The Company's update of one or more forward-looking statements does not imply that the Company will make any further updates to such forward-looking statements or other forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. This press release is for information purposes only. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for the Company's shares in any jurisdiction, in particular in France. Similarly, this press release does not constitute investment advice and should not be treated as such. It is not related to the investment objectives, financial situation, or specific needs of any recipient. It should not deprive the recipients of the opportunity to exercise their own judgment. All opinions expressed in this document are subject to change without notice. The distribution of this press release may be subject to legal restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Persons who come to know about this press release are encouraged to inquire about, and required to comply with, these restrictions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108006027/en/ MedinCell David Heuze Head of Communications [email protected] +33 (0)6 83 25 21 86 NewCap Louis-Victor Delouvrier/Mathilde Bohin Investor Relations [email protected] +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 NewCap Nicolas Merigeau Media Relations [email protected] +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 Source: MedinCell Toggle3D is introducing break-through PBR material creation flows that reduces the material creation time from days to minutes Toggle3D Supports NEW File Formats & Expanding CAD Conversion Capabilities Toggle3D eliminates the complexity of texturing 3D models TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nextech AR Solutions Corp. (Nextech or the Company) (OTCQB: NEXCF) (CSE: NTAR) (FSE: N29), a Metaverse Company and leading provider of augmented reality (AR) experience technologies, wayfinding technologies and 3D model services is pleased to announce multiple platform development updates to its Toggle3D Design Studio. Launched in September, Toggle3D is an AR enhanced standalone web application which enables product designers, 3D artists, marketing professionals and eCommerce site owners to create, customize and publish high-quality 3D models and experiences without any technical or 3D design knowledge required. The Company believes that Toggle3D is the first platform of its kind, and this break-through SaaS product is a potential game changer for the manufacturing and design industry, as it provides a viable solution to convert large CAD files into lightweight 3D models at affordable prices and at scale. According to BIS Research, the CAD market, quantified by the amount spent on the creation of CAD files, is projected to reach $11 Billion dollars by 2023. CEO Evan Gappelberg commented, "Im super excited with these new developments of our flagship SaaS platform Toggle3D which is set to disrupt the $11 billion CAD market. We believe that Toggel3D will drive a significant amount of revenue and value for Nextech shareholders as we are quickly moving out of Beta where we are getting incredibly positive feedback, to a full commercial launch later this month." Since its Beta launch, Toggle3D has been successfully attracting and working with early adopters as the development of the platform continues. This early adopter group includes manufactures, production agencies, design agencies, industrial software companies and XR startups. These users are looking for a 3D modeling creation workspace for use-cases such as prototyping, design decision-making, content population in XR scenes and marketing applications. The user personas are business owners, graphic designers, 3D artists, product designers, marketing teams, and operations teams that are all either looking to replace their legacy platforms because they are no longer meeting their needs, are new to the 3D ecosystem, or are facing 3D creation bottlenecks and are looking for a more scalable solution. Watch a video showcasing the Toggle3D platform - click here Product Development Updates: Material Creation: Toggle will be releasing a new template in the platform for material creation. Recreating a material from scratch today can take anywhere from 120-240 minutes depending on its complexity and the artist's experience. Now imagine if you have 5X or even 10X materials on a simple object it could take days to finish. In Toggle3D, we have developed a break-through PBR material creation flow that reduces the time from hours or days to minutes. From start to finish it lets anyone transform a 2D reference image into a high-quality realistic PBR material with no technical experience necessary from the user. This is possible due to the generation and training of advanced learning algorithms that have been brewing in NextechARs research and development hub for some time now. Toggle will be releasing a new template in the platform for material creation. Recreating a material from scratch today can take anywhere from 120-240 minutes depending on its complexity and the artist's experience. Now imagine if you have 5X or even 10X materials on a simple object it could take days to finish. In Toggle3D, we have developed a break-through PBR material creation flow that reduces the time from hours or days to minutes. From start to finish it lets anyone transform a 2D reference image into a high-quality realistic PBR material with no technical experience necessary from the user. Supports NEW File Formats & Expanding CAD Conversion Capabilities: Toggle3D will be able to welcome new file format imports and will introduce improvements to its CAD file management. With the goal of simplifying this process, we are employing logic that allows parts from CAD conversions to be automatically named, grouped and filtered in a way that decreases the file organization flow effort by more than 200%. Toggle3D will be able to welcome new file format imports and will introduce improvements to its CAD file management. With the goal of simplifying this process, we are employing logic that allows parts from CAD conversions to be automatically named, grouped and filtered in a way that decreases the file organization flow effort by more than 200%. Advanced Editing Features: We have introduced three NEW tools: A Lighting Environment : This is a pre-set lighting library that allows users to change between environments to see how materials would look in different settings. Advanced Material Property Editing : Users can adjust the roughness, glossiness, transparency, and intensity of a material finish to best match their desired output. This can be done on any materials in the preset library , or any materials created in the new template. Adjustment of UV Settings : This allows a user to change the way a texture looks on the model regarding size, rotation and position of the pattern We have introduced three tools: NEW Branding Underway: Toggle 3D has a new logo and is undergoing a UX/UI lift that streamlines the user workflow. Top Three Competitive Advantages of Toggle 3D Versus 3D Legacy Software Generating $10 Billion In Revenue 1. NO Learning Curve: What makes Toggle3D different from the legacy 3D design software is its ease-of-use and democratization of 3D design. The goal is for anyone with no prior technical or 3D design experience to be able to hop into the platform and create a high-quality 3D visual in minutes. This is unlike legacy 3D modeling systems, that require months to truly feel comfortable with. Users would first be required to learn and understand the industry lingo, learn what the tools do and then learn how to use them in the legacy software. Meanwhile, we have streamlined this process in Toggle3D by humanizing 3D design terminology, creating templates to guide creation and simplifying the tools using machine learning to transfer the complexity out of the user experience into the backend platform, and instead allow more room for creativity. 2. Web-based: Toggle3D is a web-based design studio which means the user can access everything on the browser and start designing instantly. No desktop downloads involved, no updates to keep track of, and no system requirements to worry about. All the templates are organized into project panels that a user can access anywhere and seamlessly navigate between. This is different from how legacy software were built back in the day with the software package being broken out into multiple desktop apps that would require the user to understand system compatibility, download, sync, and learn independently. 3. Collaboration: Toggle3D will allow advanced, in-app collaboration. These new sets of features will allow multiple users to work at the same time and on the same project resulting in quick feedback and decision making cross-department, and team. These tools will allow businesses to adopt 3D organization-wide and unlock the power of group iteration. Users could set up workflows, permissions, and version history to keep up with real-time design changes. These advanced collaboration cycles are harder to set up in desktop apps and may sometimes slowdown or isolate the design workflow. About Toggle3D Toggle3D is a breakthrough standalone AR enhanced web application which enables product designers, 3D artists, marketing professionals and eCommerce site owners to create, customize and publish high-quality 3D models and experiences without any technical or 3D design knowledge required. Toggle3D is a completely self-serve platform that contains an extensive pre-built library of high-quality over 1000 PBR materials. Toggle3D makes things easy, with a friendly user interface that works for the user and makes the entire 3D journey seamless and predictable. The user is fully in control of their design output. CEO Evan Gappelberg joined the Wall Street Reporters NEXT SUPER STOCK for a livestream event, where he discussed the new Toggle3D product and provided a live demo of the platform. Watch the replay - click here Sign up for the Toggle3D platform - click here To learn more, please follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit our website: https://www.Nextechar.com. About Nextech AR Nextech AR Solutions is the engine accelerating the growth of the Metaverse. Using breakthrough AI, Nextech AR is able to quickly, easily and affordably ARitize (transform) vast quantities and varieties of existing assets at scale making products, people and places ready for interactive 3D use, giving creators at every level all the essential tools they need to build out their digital AR vision in the Metaverse. Our platform agnostic tools allow brands, educators, students, manufacturers, creators, and technologists to create immersive, interactive and the most photo-realistic 3D assets and digital environments, compose AR experiences, and publish them omnichannel. With a full suite of end-to-end AR solutions in 3D Commerce, Education, Events, and Industrial Manufacturing, Nextech AR is in a unique position to meet the needs of the worlds biggest brands and all Metaverse contributors. Forward-looking Statements The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information contained herein may constitute forward-looking information under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, will be or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results will occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005406/en/ For further information, please contact: Investor Relations Contact Lindsay Betts [email protected] 866-ARITIZE (274-8493) Ext 7201 Nextech AR Solutions Corp. Evan Gappelberg CEO and Director 866-ARITIZE (274-8493) Source: Nextech AR Solutions PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- regulatory News: Press Release Paris, 08 November, 2022 Pernod Ricard (Paris: RI) today announces its partnership with UK-based e-learning program, Professional Bar Training, to launch the first ever fully accredited online education program created specifically for bar professionals worldwide to progress their careers. Built by UK agency Strange Hill, Professional Bar Training (PBT)s in-depth vocational courses are awarded by the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality and certified by Ofqual, the UK governments official exam and qualification regulator. The courses have a learn as you earn approach, meaning that they can be taken anywhere at any time, allowing bar professionals to easily fit study around the complex hours of the bar industry, while simultaneously advancing their education and careers. PBT currently comprises two courses a Level 2 Certificate in Professional Bartending Skills and a Level 4 National Diploma in Professional Bar Management. Level 2 is aimed at those either new to the industry or with up to 2 years experience and is open to all those interested in working as a professional bartender. The Level 4 course is designed to help bartenders make the transition into bar management and aimed at those who have completed and passed the Level 2 course exam or a similar equivalent qualification (such as the Wine and Spirits Education Trust) and who have at least 2 years relevant experience in the industry. The Level 4 course also enables graduates to qualify for entry into the second year of hospitality degree courses offered at a number of universities. While other roles in hospitality such as chef and hotel manager have had associated qualifications and clear career paths for a long time, the roles of bartender and bar manager have never had a dedicated qualification that teaches the core skills covering all aspects of the job. And whereas most bartending courses are centered around beverage knowledge and drinks-making techniques, PBT also covers essential topics such as licensing laws, sales and marketing, and financial business management. It also fully incorporates learnings from Bar World of Tomorrow, the free training on sustainable and responsible bartending practices, developed by Pernod Ricard in collaboration with Trash Collective and Sustainable Restaurant Association. Since the recent launch of PBT, over 1,000 students from UK, India, Sweden, France, USA, UAE, Ireland, Australia, Singapore & China have signed up to the programme. Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, said: Our shared journey with the hospitality community stretches back many decades. They are critical to our business and central to the lives of our consumers. We therefore see it as a key responsibility of ours to support the trade however we can. Our partnership with PBT is our response to a specific industry need that our customers have identified. Upskilling and staff development in the trade is something that delivers on what is a shared passion point. Great on-trade experiences for our consumers are great for our customers and great for our brands. Because PBT is a fully accredited qualification, it gives Pernod Ricard an amazing opportunity to support individuals throughout the world who have an ambition to enter the hospitality industry, fully qualified, with enhanced mobility and earning power. Cairbry Hill, Managing Director of Strange Hill, commented: I am delighted to be partnering with Pernod Ricard to further accelerate the Professional Bar Training programme. The hospitality industry is currently under extreme pressure, with operators across the world struggling with unfilled job vacancies, resulting in staff and skills shortages. PBT allows new entrants to the industry to become qualified quickly, and for those already in the industry to progress into management and beyond. It also allows employers to quickly develop the skills and knowledge of their staff, and, crucially, helps them retain talent. About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of 10,701 million in FY22. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantines, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouet champagnes, as well Jacobs Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricards brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Groups decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of Createurs de Convivialite. As reaffirmed by the Groups strategic plan, Transform and Accelerate, deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricards strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics, as illustrated by the 2030 Sustainability and Responsibility roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Good times from a good place. In recognition of Pernod Ricards strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nations Global Compact LEAD company. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices. About Strange Hill London-based agency Strange Hill has a history in developing training materials and education platforms for both international drinks brands and hospitality operators. Having worked in the global drinks trade for many years, the company has a clear understanding of the training tools required to meet the needs of bar staff and operators globally and has worked with a range of industry specialists to develop the Professional Bar Training programme. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005958/en/ Pernod Ricard contact Emmanuel Vouin / Head of External Engagement +33 (0) 1 70 93 16 34 Strange Hill contact Cairbry Hill / Managing Director +44 (0) 20 7242 0682 Source: Pernod Ricard New evolution of company brand follows strong year of growth as it doubled in size, increased number of developers to 4 million, expanded its global footprint, and reached $1BN valuation SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RapidAPI today rolled out a new brand strategy, including updating its name to Rapid. More than 98% of enterprise leaders agree APIs are an essential part of an organization's digital transformation. Rapid is leading this ever-expanding digital landscape with an API platform that allows developers to seamlessly build, use, and share APIs in one central hub. Over the past year, Rapid has reinforced this commitment with a growing global footprint, new product offerings, new Enterprise capabilities to service customers like the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Poly, Scuderia AlphaTauri, Sun Life Financial, and a Series D funding that valued the company at $1 billion and allows the company to deliver even more value across the entire developer lifecycle. Our new brand identity better encompasses our mission of empowering developers to create software, said Iddo Gino, co-founder and CEO of Rapid. Rapid has continually evolved since it was founded in 2015, and the rebrand to Rapid is no exception. The branding was the perfect opportunity to make changes to our name and logo to reflect our evolution and where we are going expanding our platform and services within the API market to include everything developers need to work more efficiently and creatively, he said. APIs are integral to navigating digital transformation and an uncertain economy. Gartner says more than 80% of organizations will identify themselves to have implemented advanced or expert-level API strategies by 2025. While the majority of enterprises are using hundreds of APIs, organizations using first-generational API tools and services lack a clear path to centralizing all APIs across their organization and providing developers with a single place to build, use and share APIs for consumption and collaboration. Rapid already offers the leading API hub for developers of all sizes and the new Rapid brand reinforces the companys focus on delivering the next-generation API platform to power the industry. Todays announcement follows a year of momentum and progress, setting up the company for 2023. Over the past 12+ months, Rapid has seen: Developer growth more than 4 million developers use Rapids public hub and leading Fortune 1000 companies can customize the RapidAPI Hub to provide internal developers and developers from third-party partners with everything they need to find, connect to and manage these Lego'' blocks to create new digital services. more than 4 million developers use Rapids public hub and leading Fortune 1000 companies can customize the RapidAPI Hub to provide internal developers and developers from third-party partners with everything they need to find, connect to and manage these Lego'' blocks to create new digital services. Company momentum Achieved $1BN valuation / $150M Series D in March; opened a new European HQ in Berlin this July; and has doubled its company employees in the past year. Rapid has almost 200 employees today. Achieved $1BN valuation / $150M Series D in March; opened a new European HQ in Berlin this July; and has doubled its company employees in the past year. Rapid has almost 200 employees today. Customer success Rapid has welcomed a number of new enterprises such as IATA, Poly, Formula 1s Scuderia AlphaTauri, and Sun Life Financial. Rapid has welcomed a number of new enterprises such as IATA, Poly, Formula 1s Scuderia AlphaTauri, and Sun Life Financial. Product success RapidAPI Hub, is now the worlds largest API hub where developers can discover, evaluate and integrate more than 40,000 APIs from leading companies like Twilio, Microsoft and Google and more. In addition, Rapid recently launched a new developer offering, RapidAPI Studio, that provides developers with a single, connected experience to design, develop, test, monitor and publish their APIs. In addition, Rapid continues to expand the RapidAPI Enterprise, which centralizes all APIs from across an organization and provides internal developers and partners with a single place to consume, collaborate and monetize their APIs. Rapid has unveiled its new name, new logo and new out-of-office and digital campaigns as part of an extensive rebranding initiative. The new brand and visual language developed with design studio Saturday reflects the core values guiding Rapids product development empowering developers, enabling creativity, and accelerating innovation on the companys next-generation API platform. Visit www.rapidapi.com to learn more. For more information: Iddo Ginos headshot and other visuals supporting the announcement are available here Rapid blog to hear from Iddo Gino on the move to Rapid here Newest case study with Formulas 1s Scuderia AlphaTauri here About Rapid Rapid delivers the next-generation API platform built for the modern developer. Rapid is the creator of RapidAPI, the worlds largest API Hub where millions of developers build and connect to APIs, and where the largest companies find, manage and collaborate on their internal and external APIs. For enterprise organizations, Rapid offers RapidAPI Enterprise Hub, a private, customizable version of the public hub that enables the companys developers, customers, and partners to find, manage, and connect to hundreds of internal APIs, as well as external API subscriptions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005481/en/ Aircover Communications on behalf of Rapid [email protected] Source: Rapid CEO Jean-Pascal Tricoire signs open letter to worlds climate leaders and peers CSSO on-site to support launch of Action Declaration on Climate Policy Engagement MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and industrial automation, has announced today two key steps to substantiate its earlier call for increased public and private sector cooperation in tackling the climate crisis at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005440/en/ Schneider Electric marks start of COP27 with new plea and pledge to strengthen public-private collaboration (Photo: Business Wire) On November 4, Schneider Electrics Chairman and CEO, Jean-Pascal Tricoire signed an Open Letter from the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders calling on governments and businesses to share the responsibility of climate action and enable faster progress through three key actions: Setting science-based targets in line with the Paris Agreement, with a clear roadmap that takes sector-specific pathways into account, Collaborating within and across sectors and value chains to drive transparency, advocacy and action in alliances and initiatives, while working with major industry and trade associations to advance alignment with the Paris Agreement, Contributing to the development of internationally harmonized reporting standards. The 124 companies that compose the World Economic Forum (WEF) CEO-led alliance exemplify how corporate climate action can help to meet science-based emissions-reduction targets. This global plea was closely followed on November 8, by the company signing the Action Declaration on Climate Policy Engagement, initiated by Corporate Knights and its Global 100 Council and committing to bold new initiatives aimed at closing the say-do gap on countries emission reductions. Gwenaelle Avice-Huet, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer (CSSO) at Schneider Electric was present in person at the launch event to promote the Declarations key commitments: Supporting climate action aligned with the Paris Agreement when engaging with policymakers, Working with major industry/trade associations to advance alignment with the Paris Agreement, Monitoring and disclosing climate policy alignment for companies and their major industry/trade associations. Schneider Electric is very active when it comes to working with local actors on environmental and social issues, including industry associations and policymakers. It often advocates for the importance of companies to go beyond their own operations and encourage everyone in their ecosystem on their sustainability journeys. Consistently recognized for practicing what it preaches, Schneider Electrics leadership in energy efficiency, digitization and electrification enables the company to be a trusted advisor to customers, partners, and more frequently to influencers and decision-makers in the public sphere. Its own Sustainability Research Institute regularly publishes insights that serve to demonstrate further pathways to decarbonization by quantifying the full potential of deploying existing solutions at scale. Earlier this year, Schneider Electric also became one of the worlds first companies to have its net-zero commitments validated by the Science Based Targets initiatives (SBTi) new Corporate Net-Zero Standard. About Schneider Electric Schneiders purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency. We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries. We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values. www.se.com/ca Discover Life Is On Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Blog View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005440/en/ Media Relations - Edelman on behalf of Schneider Electric, Juan Pablo Guerrero Phone: +1 416 875 7173, Email: [email protected] Source: Schneider Electric COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Battelle is focused on innovations in climate resilience. In order to take bold leaps and action to address changes in our climate, a wide variety of ideas are necessary. With that in mind, the inaugural Battelle Climate Challenge is now asking United States high school students to share their ideas for mitigating the effects of human-made climate change. The challenge winner will present at Battelles second annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference (March 28-30 in Columbus, Ohio) and win $5,000 in STEM grant for their nonprofit school, library or educational organization. For 2nd to 4th place, nonprofit schools, libraries, or educational organizations will receive a $1,500 STEM grant. For the challenge, students will research past and future impacts of climate-related hazards in their communities. For example, these impacts might include drought, wildfire, flooding, and extreme heat. Then, they will develop a proposed action to help build a more resilient community. Each entry must include a written explanation of the students proposed climate action (200 words max) and an image (max 3GB) of a poster that supports this climate action. The poster can be a digital design or a photo of a hand-made poster. The climate action should explain at least one way the students own community can prevent, withstand, respond to, or recover from a climate-related event. Entries for the Battelle Climate Challenge will be accepted now through January 13, 2023. Students can submit at https://www.futureengineers.org/BattelleClimateChallenge. The competition platform is created and maintained by Future Engineers for Battelle. We seek to help students build the same critical thinking skills that Battelle scientists rely on every day, said Wes Hall, Vice-President of Philanthropy and Education at Battelle. This challenge bridges Battelles climate expertise with our commitment to expanding quality STEM educational opportunities for all students. Participation in the contest is free. Any student attending a public, private, or home school in the United States, including U.S. territories or possessions and schools operated by the U.S. for the children of U.S. personnel overseas, may participate. The Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference is organized and presented by Battelle in collaboration with its U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory partners and will feature keynote addresses, platform talks, panel discussions, breakout meetings and poster sessions. The challenge supports both Battelles commitment to expanding quality STEM educational opportunities for all students and the companys focus on developing solutions to climate change. About Battelle Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit battelle.org. About Future Engineers Future Engineers hosts online contests and challenges for K-12 students. Previous challenges have helped produce historic achievements from naming NASAs Perseverance rover to manufacturing the first student-designed 3D print in space. All challenges are offered free for student and classroom participation. For more information, visit futureengineers.org. Follow Future Engineers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005841/en/ Katy Delaney, 614-424-7208, [email protected] or T.R. Massey, 614-424-5544, [email protected] Source: Battelle BROOKFIELD, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ThoughtFocus, Inc. (ThoughtFocus or the Company), a global provider of digital services and technology enabled digital operations for the financial services, manufacturing, and higher education sectors is pleased to announce that H.I.G. Capital (H.I.G.) has made a growth investment in the Company. H.I.G. is a leading global alternative investment firm with $52 billion of equity capital under management. The growth investment is designed to help accelerate ThoughtFocus expansion into a global leader in digital services both organically and through acquisitions. ThoughtFocus has over 2,100 employees across offices in 5 different countries. It serves clients globally with an emphasis on the U.S. market. With a family of products and accelerators, the Company helps clients undergo an accelerated digital transformation journey. The Company takes a holistic approach to digital transformation and ensures business outcomes through a combination of its digital technology, digital operations, and deep subject matter expertise. The Founders Suman Atreya, Rajiv Goyal and Shylesh Krishnan, expressed their excitement on this partnership with H.I.G. In a statement they said, This investment from H.I.G. Capital was carefully chosen to align with the future vision of the Company. It comes at an opportune time when we have committed ourselves and our clients to 'A Better Future Faster.' The Company has ambitious plans for growth and this partnership with H.I.G. sets us on that accelerated path to becoming a leading global digital services provider. Kevin Van Culin, Managing Director at H.I.G., said, We are excited to partner with the founders of ThoughtFocus and have been highly impressed by the Companys track record of profitable growth, long-tenured customer relationships, and strong company culture. Blackstone Innovations Investments, which made a minority investment in ThoughtFocus in 2013, exited its investment in connection with this transaction. David Payne, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone commented: Blackstones successful investment in and partnership with ThoughtFocus played an important role in Blackstones scaling of its technology and other operations. We wish them continued success on their journey. D.A. Davidson served as the exclusive financial advisor to ThoughtFocus on the transaction and Reed Smith LLP provided legal counsel. ABOUT THOUGHTFOCUS ThoughtFocus helps forward-looking companies and organizations in financial services (capital markets, payments/loyalty, and mortgage/lending), manufacturing, and higher education/public sector innovate and achieve a better future faster. ThoughtFocus innovative and cutting-edge technology solutions enable its customers to deploy new capabilities faster, deliver better user experiences, and drive operating efficiencies. We do this through executional excellence and mitigating the risk of change. With headquarters in the U.S., the Company has more than 2,100 employees in locations spread across 5 countries. For more information, please visit the company website www.thoughtfocus.com. ABOUT H.I.G. CAPITAL H.I.G. is a leading global private equity and alternative assets investment firm with $52 billion of equity capital under management. Based in Miami, and with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta in the U.S., as well as international affiliate offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/ value-added approach. Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 300 companies worldwide. The firms current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $30 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at www.higcapital.com. ABOUT BLACKSTONE Blackstone is the worlds largest alternative asset manager. Its $951 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds. www.blackstone.com. ABOUT D.A. DAVIDSON COMPANIES D.A. Davidson is an employee-owned financial services firm offering a range of financial services. Founded in 1935, the company has approximately 1,525 employees and offices in 27 states. Subsidiaries include: D.A. Davidson & Co., the largest full-service investment firm headquartered in the Northwest, providing wealth management, investment banking, equity and fixed income capital markets services, and advice. dadavidson.com. ABOUT REED SMITH Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. Its deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make them the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters. www.reedsmith.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005777/en/ Gagan Agarwal Head of Marketing +1 908 672 0587 [email protected] [email protected] Source: ThoughtFocus, Inc. SWORDS, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator, will join several climate action dialogues during the Sustainable Innovation Forum 2022 (SIF22) at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, November 9-11. SIF22 will focus on the critical environmental and social factors, and scalable solutions, needed to successfully enable the transition to net-zero. Innovative solutions that will bend the curve on climate change exist today. We can act now to dramatically reduce emissions from heating and cooling buildings, said Jose La Loggia, president, Commercial HVAC EMEA, Trane Technologies. Its time to move from pledge to action deploying concrete policies and financing, and accelerating technologies that will create a more sustainable, energy-secure future, today. Trane Technologies leaders will participate in the following SIF climate discussions: Securing food systems against the climate crisis : Rasha Hasaneen, vice president of innovation, Nov. 9, 2:15 p.m. 3:05 p.m. GMT : Rasha Hasaneen, vice president of innovation, Nov. 9, 2:15 p.m. 3:05 p.m. GMT From Global to Local Climate change will be won and lost in cities : Jose La Loggia, president, Commercial HVAC EMEA, Nov. 10, 12:25 p.m. 1:05 p.m. GMT : Jose La Loggia, president, Commercial HVAC EMEA, Nov. 10, 12:25 p.m. 1:05 p.m. GMT Translating climate commitments to climate action Introducing the Gigaton Playbook, an emissions reduction roadmap: Scott Tew, vice president of sustainability, Nov. 10, 2:10 p.m. 2:30 p.m. GMT All dialogues can be viewed live once registering through the Climate Action Innovation Zone. Trane Technologies is a proud partner of the World Economic Forums Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders and is a signatory of its COP27 open letter, calling for accelerated government policies and creating a sustainable future for all. With an unwavering commitment to action, Trane Technologies also supports the Corporate Knights Action Declaration on Climate Policy Engagement, which outlines how industry leaders will support ambitious action to close the say-do gap on emission reductions. Through bold, industry-leading action, Trane Technologies continues to advance its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including its Gigaton Challenge a pledge to reduce one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from customers carbon footprints by 2030 and its net-zero by 2050 emissions reduction goal, both validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). The companys leadership in sustainability has been recognized by the Financial Times (Europes Climate Leaders 2022) and the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (Climate Leadership Hall of Fame induction). About Trane Technologies Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com. This news release includes forward-looking statements which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to our sustainability commitments and the impact of these commitments. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Such factors include, but are not limited to, our future financial performance and targets, including revenue, EPS and operating income; our business operations; demand for our products and services, including bookings and backlog; capital deployment, including the amount and timing of our dividends, our share repurchase program, including the amount of shares to be repurchased and the timing of such repurchases and our capital allocation strategy, including acquisitions, if any; our projected free cash flow and usage of such cash; our available liquidity; performance of the markets in which we operate; restructuring activity and cost savings associated with such activity; and our effective tax rate. Additional factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005796/en/ Media Contact: Shelby Hansen +1-704-990-3835 [email protected] Investors Contact: Zachary Nagle +1-704-990-3913 [email protected] Source: Trane Technologies WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Textron Aviation Defense today announced the delivery of the first Beechcraft T-6C Texan II Integrated Training System to the Tunisian Air Force in support of operations at No. 13 Squadron at Sfax air base in Tunisia. The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract comprises eight T-6C Texan II advanced military training aircraft, in-country field service and logistics support representatives, program management support, interim contractor support for the first year, training for pilots and maintenance professionals, spare engines, spare parts and aircraft support equipment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221031005760/en/ The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world's premier military flight trainer. To date, the global fleet of 1,001 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has surpassed 5M flight hours across 13 nations and two flight schools. (Photo: Business Wire) The Beechcraft T-6C Texan II is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company. Textron Aviation Defense is honored the Tunisian Air Force has chosen the worlds best and most affordable military trainer the legendry Beechcraft T-6C Texan II as its next primary trainer, said Fouad Kasri, director of Sales & Strategy for Africa and the Middle East, Textron Aviation Defense. Tunisia is the thirteenth nation to acquire the T-6 and has now taken delivery of the 1,001st T-6 manufactured by our team in Wichita. We are delighted to welcome yet another North African and Mediterranean allied nation to the distinguished group of global air forces who rely on the next-generation T-6 Integrated Training System to achieve their pilot training objectives. Textron Aviation Defense collaborated with the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and the U.S. Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT) to support the Tunisian Air Forces modernization and growth program. Becoming a regional leader in military flight training excellence is one of the milestones on the path to achieving our counter-terrorism and border security mission requirements, said General Mohamed Hajjem, the Tunisian Air Force Chief of Staff. We are grateful to Textron Aviation Defense, AFLCMC and AFSAT for supporting our acquisition of the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II, as well as our efforts to achieve territorial sovereignty and regional stability. This acquisition paves the way for additional bilateral engagements and strengthens our relationship with the United States. Textron Aviation Defense expects to deliver the second Tunisian Air Force T-6C in late 2022. The remaining six aircraft are slated for delivery in 2023. Training of the initial cadre of pilots began Oct. 31 at Textron Aviation Defense facilities in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, the Tunisian Air Force will rely upon TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc, for a suite of training devices and related support. The devices slated for installation at Sfax Air Base include a ground-based training system, an operational flight trainer and a computer-based training lab. About the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the worlds premier military flight trainer. To date, the global fleet of 1,001 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has surpassed 5M flight hours across 13 nations and two NATO flight schools. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the worlds number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years. A vital asset, the T-6 empowers global pilot training across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flight Training program in Canada, the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas and the U.S. Air Force Aviation Leadership Program as well as the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard, the Hellenic Air Force, the Argentine Air Force, the Israeli Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Mexican Navy, the Mexican Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Colombian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force and now the Tunisian Air Force. Proven experience, affordability Backed by more than 90 years of experience delivering more than 250,000 aircraft worldwide, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan IIs low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs enable global air forces to fast-track pilot production. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the worlds number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II capitalizes on an active production line with an industry-leading Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) rating of 10 as well as a proven supply chain and the affordability of 85 percent parts commonality with the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine. About Textron Aviation Defense LLC When military customers need airborne solutions for their critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation Defense. With a legacy of thousands of proven Integrated Training Systems (ITS) and Integrated Weapon Systems (IWS) produced and missionized in Americas Heartland since WWII, the family of Textron aircraft equip militaries worldwide with the lowest acquisition, sustainment and training costs on the market. Provider of the worlds leading military flight trainer, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II fleet of 1,001 aircraft has logged more than 5 million hours across two NATO military flight schools and thirteen countries worldwide since 2001. For more information, visit www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com. About Textron Aviation We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com | www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com. About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com. Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks related to U.S. Government contracts as described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; and volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221031005760/en/ Media Contact: Sylvia Pierson +1.316.617.7413 [email protected] Source: Textron VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CUPE is welcoming Exam Invigilators at UBCs Centre for Accessibility who joined the union following a successful three-week membership drive. Predominantly graduate students themselves, the group of workers administers exams for students who require accommodations. These newest CUPE members will join CUPE Local 2278, one of three CUPE locals at B.C.s largest university. Academic student workers are often required to work multiple jobs in addition to completing a heavy academic workload. This leaves student workers barely able to make ends meet and struggling with the mental health impacts of a near impossible schedule and constant financial stress, said Phyllis Pearson, President of CUPE 2278. Being part of CUPE, having their work professionalized, better regulated, and fairly compensated, is a huge step forward for this group of academic workers. CUPE Local 2278 represents over 2,000 academic workers at the University of British Columbia, including teaching assistants, tutors, markers, and English language instructors. The Local is currently working with its members and other graduate students to organize research and academic assistants, a large group of student workers who do not benefit from the representation, fair wages, and job security unionization provides. Student employees are the backbone of UBC, working alongside professors and other staff to provide the teaching, research and other academic work that support learning and contributes to research achievements, said Pearson. Student employees deserve the same recognition and respect as the thousands of other qualified, dedicated and hard-working employees at our university. Work to organize exam invigilators was a joint effort among the several CUPE locals at UBC, and represents a collaborative approach among CUPE activists at UBC. All CUPE locals at UBC have prioritized the need for student academic workers to access the protections of a union, and are each supporting ongoing membership drive. Our members work alongside student academic employees. They are our colleagues and our equals, and deserve the same rights, respect, and fair compensation as all other UBC employees, said Chloe Martin-Cabanne, President of CUPE 2950, the local representing UBCs clerical, library and theatre employees. Work to unionize all student academic workers at the University of British Columbia is ongoing, and more information can be found at organizeubc.cupe.ca. CUPE is Canadas largest union with more than 715,000 members across the country and more than 100,000 in British Columbia. cope491 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005980/en/ Steven Beasley CUPE Communications Representative 778-903-7394 or [email protected] Source: CUPE Dr. Eve Krahe Billings, Mary Elizabeth Smith, and Shelly Hodges leading session on matrixed undertaking of University of Phoenix journey toward skills-aligned curriculum PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- University of Phoenix announces that Eve Krahe-Billings, Ph.D., dean, Academic Innovation and Evaluation, Mary Elizabeth Smith, director, Learning Innovation Strategy, and Shelly Hodges, senior director, College Operations, are leading a session on the collaborative work of the Universitys journey toward university-wide skills-aligned curriculum at the 1EdTech Digital Curriculum & App Innovation Summit held November 7-10, 2022, in Baltimore, Maryland. 1EdTech's new Digital Curriculum and App Innovation Summit is intended to showcase prime examples of how educational institutions leverage technology to make life easier for educators while also improving student learning experiences and outcomes. Krahe-Billings, Smith and Hodges will lead the session, Curriculum to Careers: Radical Collaboration in Assessment + Analytics + Design on November 9, 2022, at 8:30am EST. As University of Phoenix leadership in student learning assessment, data analytics, and learning experience design, they will detail the Universitys journey toward university-wide, skills-aligned curriculum, and the steps taken to successfully vision, design, and implement a skills-aligned curriculum framework focused on career identification and development across all academic programming at the University. University of Phoenix is a place that, knowing our students and the value they place on the practicality of education, has emerged from a pandemic period with over 85 percent of programs open for new enrollment revised, skills-tagged, and ready for use by students, says Krahe-Billings. I look forward to sharing how our highly collaborative process made this both possible and successful. As Dean of Academic Innovation and Evaluation, Krahe-Billings' accountabilities are divided between identifying and vetting emerging trends and current best practice across higher ed for use at the university and oversight of all student learning assessment, leading teams devoted to academic and institutional assessment as well as the tech systems that ingest and aid in analysis of data. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of University Administrators and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Humanities Council. Hodges has been in higher education for over 20 years in a variety of leadership roles, spanning work within student services, product management, data analytics and operations. In her current role as Senior Director of College Operations within the University of Phoenix, she analyzes data to identify issues and develops recommendations for solutions, working closely with academic leadership to improve operations for the colleges including student experience, retention, graduation rates and progression outcomes. Smith has been involved in educational innovation for over thirty years, working in curriculum development, learning design, faculty development, faculty, and e-learning roles for four universities and several community colleges, as well as two educational software companies. 1EdTech is a worldwide member-based non-profit community partnership of educational providers, state/national departments of education, and edtech suppliers. The 1EdTech community provides collaborative leadership that shapes the foundation of an open edtech ecosystem now and into the future to enable unlimited potential in every learner. For more information about the 1EdTech Digital Curriculum & App Innovation Summit, visit the registration website. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005987/en/ Sharla Hooper University of Phoenix [email protected] Source: University of Phoenix IT to Deliver Enhanced Automation and Agility with Expanded Digital Employee Experience Support and Updates to Freestyle Orchestrator and Horizon Cloud BARCELONA, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- VMware Explore 2022 Europe IT teams are dealing with a new set of challenges in todays hybrid work environment. Employees use more devices, access more applications across more clouds, and work from more locations than ever. Today, VMware will announce new capabilities across its Anywhere Workspace platform to help further ease this management burden for IT teams and improve their productivity with automation. VMware Anywhere Workspace enables hybrid work using Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), VDI and DaaS, Digital Employee Experience (DEX), and Workspace Security. At VMware Explore US 2022, VMware outlined its vision for autonomous workspaces the next evolution of managing digital workspaces, one that injects data science and automation across endpoint management, security and end-user experiences. Todays updates to VMware Anywhere Workspace which span digital employee experience management, IT orchestration, and VMware Horizon Cloud advance the capabilities needed to deliver on that vision. The latest enhancements to VMware Anywhere Workspace further incorporate intelligence and automation into every step of the process to simplify IT operations and enable a more secure and flexible digital employee experience. Organizations are searching for a balance in the hybrid work model that enables successful remote work while preserving a creative culture that fosters innovation, said Shankar Iyer, senior vice president and general manager, End-User Computing, VMware. To develop a successful hybrid working model, organizations need to automate how they deliver, manage and better secure hybrid workstyles. The enhancements we are announcing today to VMware Anywhere Workspace bring us one step closer to VMwares vision of delivering autonomous workspaces. DEX Solution Expanded to Support 3rd Party Managed Windows Devices Digital Employee Experience (DEX) capabilities have become a priority for organizations as they look to maintain employee engagement in a hybrid work environment. A recently commissioned Forrester Consulting study notes that enabling a superior employee experience requires four key components experience measurement, analysis, experience delivery and remediation1. Today, VMware will broaden the coverage of its DEX solution to support Digital Employee Experience Management (DEEM) for third-party managed Windows devices. With this update, VMware will offer the industrys most holistic DEX solution spanning delivery, measurement, analysis, and remediation by now supporting multiple endpoint use cases and operating systems. With VMwares DEX solution in place, organizations can seamlessly manage the digital workspace experience for multiple endpoints and ease the transition to modern management by communicating with all employees and saving IT time and money. Businesses must adapt to next-generation hybrid working environments, and weve seen a great deal of innovation sparked by this pivot. We value VMware as an innovation partner to help build and define the Orange Workplace Together offering, said Bob Smart, senior solutions expert, OBS. Our managed service also enables a natural language, voice-based interface that directly integrates with Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub. Its development is a great example of working alongside the teams from VMware to improve employee experience, showing how we can leverage AI technology to support the new hybrid work requirements. Extend IT Systems with Workspace ONE Freestyle Orchestrator Workspace ONE Freestyle Orchestrator is a modern no-/low-code orchestration framework designed to help IT teams automate complex and manual configuration tasks. New updates to Workspace ONE Freestyle Orchestrator will enable automation beyond device-based task-specific workflows within Workspace ONE to context-driven ticketing workflows that span 3rd party IT systems. With this expanded integration into 3rd party ticketing tools such as ServiceNow, Coupa and more, IT can benefit from intelligent, proactive ticketing. Beyond endpoint management, Freestyle Orchestrator drives proactive ticketing for IT and tackles various complex businesses processes, enabling further efficiency and agility for IT. VMware Horizon Cloud Next-Gen Now Extends to Hybrid Deployments, Receives FedRAMP Authorization Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions have become essential assets in the rise of remote and hybrid work. They allow IT admins to deploy and provision virtual desktops and accompanying apps quickly and easily, saving time and enabling productivity. Today, VMware will announce that Horizon 8 customers using new Horizon SaaS subscriptions will be able to use their on-premises and cloud deployments to connect to Horizon Cloud next-gen, enabling a hybrid cloud experience. Customers will have the flexibility of deploying virtual desktops and apps in Microsoft Azure with an option to also run Horizon 8 on-premises or in the cloud, while leveraging the lower costs and scale benefits of the Horizon Cloud next-gen platform. With a hybrid-cloud approach, IT can further broaden the scope of use cases their VDI and DaaS environments can cover, including HA/DR and cloud bursting. At VMware Explore 2022 US, VMware released the next-gen of Horizon Cloud for Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure. The next-gen platform uses a thin-edge architecture that helps reduce infrastructure costs by 70%, while increasing scalability by 150%2. Lastly, Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure has achieved Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) High Authorization through the Joint Authorization Board (JAB) and received its Authority to Operate (ATO) in Civilian agencies. In addition, VMwares Horizon Cloud authorization package is now with the U.S. Defense Information Security Agency (DISA), and a Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO) for U.S. Department of Defense Impact Level 5 is expected by end of the calendar year. Workspace ONE Mobile Threat Defense Supports Phishing and Content Protection Threats on mobile devices have doubled in the past year according to the Verizon Mobile Security Index3, and mobile devices are even more critical in todays anywhere work environment. Workspace ONE Mobile Threat Defense is built into VMware Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub, supporting customers by making activation of Mobile Threat Defense simpler, and protecting users no matter where and how they work. Now, customers will also be able to enable Phishing and Content Protection, coming soon as a Beta release. Phishing is the number one threat on mobile devices according to Verizons Business 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report4, and Mobile Threat Defense with included Phishing and Content Protection helps protect users while still providing an optimum experience for employees. Additional Resources VMware Cross-Cloud services Helps Customers Navigate the Multi-Cloud Era At VMware Explore 2022 Europe, VMware is unveiling new and enhanced offerings for VMware Cross-Cloud services to help customers navigate the multi-cloud era with freedom, flexibility, and security. VMware Cross-Cloud services are a portfolio of cloud services that deliver a unified and simplified way to build, operate, access, and better secure any application on any cloud from any device. VMware Cross-Cloud service pillars include 1) App Platform, 2) Cloud Management, 3) Cloud & Edge Infrastructure, 4) Security & Networking, and 5) Anywhere Workspace. For the latest news and more on how VMware is delivering a faster and smarter path to cloud for digital businesses, visit the VMware Explore 2022 Europe media kit. About VMware Explore VMware Explore is an evolution of the company's flagship conference, VMworld. VMware Explore aims to be the industrys go-to-event for all things multi-cloud. This year, it will feature industry-led solutions, technical sessions, an extensive ecosystem of 90% of the top cloud partners, a thriving marketplace of multi-cloud ISVs and several networking events. To learn more about VMware Explore, please visit: www.vmware.com/explore.html. About VMware VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMwares software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the companys 2030 Agenda. For more information, please visit www.vmware.com/company. VMware, VMware Anywhere Workspace, Explore, Workspace ONE, Horizon and VMworld are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. Forrester Consulting, Optimizing Digital Employee Experience for Anywhere Work, May 2, 2022 VMware Internal Analysis, Beta customer internal cost estimator, August 2022 Verizon, Verizon Mobile Security Index 2022, August 2, 2022 Verizon, Business 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, May 24, 2022 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005066/en/ Heather Donner VMware Global Communications +1 (925) 482-4333 [email protected] Eloy Ontiveros VMware Global Communications +1 (650) 427-6145 [email protected] Source: VMware, Inc. American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (American Equity) (NYSE: AEL), a leading issuer of fixed index annuities (FIAs), announced that it is entering into a long-term partnership with 26North Partners LP (26North), a multi-asset platform founded and led by Josh Harris, in which American Equity has made a strategic investment. Anant Bhalla, Chief Executive Officer and President of American Equity, will join the Board of Directors of 26North. A Bermuda-based reinsurer, AeBe ISA Ltd., which is affiliated with 26North, has reinsured approximately $4.3 billion of GAAP reserves of American Equity fixed indexed annuity policies from 2008 and 2010. American Equity estimates that this will generate an initial capital release in excess of $250 million and generate a positive ceding commission, thereby growing AELs revenue-generating reinsured liabilities. Anant Bhalla, Chief Executive Officer and President of American Equity, said, This partnership with 26North is a further step in our AEL 2.0 strategy to deliver significant value to all shareholders. The strategy is aligned with policyholders through our unique go-to-market and investment management approaches and capital-light structure. We continue to refine a capital-efficient business model to deliver superior, sustained returns for our shareholders and further strengthen our robust balance sheet. This deal will enable greater capital flexibility for AEL as we benefit from 26Norths investment expertise to deliver on attractive opportunities across private asset classes. We are proud to add 26North to our outstanding investment partner ecosystem and further advance our transformation into a hybrid, diversified financial services firm. Mr. Bhalla continued, Our agreement with 26North complements the strategic partnerships we have struck to support our unique investment management strategy, with each transaction providing access to a specific asset sector. Partnering with world-class investment firms Adams Street, Monroe Capital, Pretium and now 26North allows all AEL shareholders to participate in asset management economics, which is fundamental to our AEL 2.0 strategy. The reinsurance transaction is effective as of October 1, 2022. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER DISCLAIMERS The forward-looking statements in this release such as continue, strategy, long-term, strategy, and will, and their derivative forms and similar words, as well as any projections of future results, are based on assumptions and expectations that involve risks and uncertainties, including the "Risk Factors" the company describes in its U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The Company's future results could differ, and it has no obligation to correct or update any of these statements. ABOUT AMERICAN EQUITY At American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, we think of ourselves as The Financial Dignity CompanyTM that offers solutions designed to create financial dignity in retirement. Our policyholders work with independent agents, banks and broker-dealers, through our wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, to choose one of our leading annuity products best suited for their personal needs. To deliver on our promises to policyholders, American Equity has reframed its investment focus, building a stronger emphasis on insurance liability driven asset allocation as well as the origination and management of private assets. Our company is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa with satellite offices slated to open in 2022 in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY. For more information, please visit www.american-equity.com. ABOUT 26NORTH 26North Partners LP is an integrated, multi-asset class investment platform, founded and led by Josh Harris. 26North provides investment advice and opportunities to its clients related to a variety of investment strategies, including, but not limited to, private equity, credit, and insurance and reinsurance solutions. Josh Harris and the 26North team bring decades of experience managing third-party capital to help clients achieve their financial goals while leaving a lasting impact on the communities they serve. 26North has more than $9.5 billion in assets under management. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108006229/en/ American Equity Investors: Steven D. Schwartz, Vice President, Investor Relations (515) 273-3763, [email protected] Media: Jared Levy / Jamie Tully FGS Global [email protected] Source: American Equity Investment Life Holding Company BitNile Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: NILE), a diversified holding company (BitNile or the Company) announced today that it and certain of its subsidiaries have borrowed $18.9 million of principal amount of term loans (the Loans) from a group of institutional investors (the Financing). The Loans mature in 18 months, which may be extended to 24 months, accrue interest at the rate of 8.5% per annum and are secured by certain assets of the Company and various subsidiaries. Starting in January 2023, the lenders have the right to require the Company to make monthly payments of $0.6 million, which will increase to $1.1 million in November 2023. The Loans were issued with an original issue discount of $1.89 million. The lenders received warrants to purchase approximately 4.5 million shares of the Companys common stock, exercisable for four years at $0.45 per share and warrants to purchase another approximately 4.5 million shares of the Companys common stock, exercisable for four years at $0.75 per share, subject to adjustment. The Loans are guaranteed by Ault Lending, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, Ault & Company, Inc., an affiliate of the Company, as well as Milton C. Ault, III, the Companys Executive Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of Ault & Company, Inc. The proceeds from the Financing will be used for the purchase of a private aircraft, to be used for business and charter services, and for general working capital purposes. For more information on BitNile and its subsidiaries, BitNile recommends that stockholders, investors, and any other interested parties read BitNiles public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at www.BitNile.com or available at www.sec.gov. About BitNile Holdings, Inc. BitNile Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact. Through its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, BitNile owns and operates a data center at which it mines Bitcoin and provides mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including oil exploration, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma, karaoke audio equipment, hotel operations and textiles. In addition, BitNile extends credit to select entrepreneurial businesses through a licensed lending subsidiary. BitNiles headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89141; www.BitNile.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as believes, plans, anticipates, projects, estimates, expects, intends, strategy, future, opportunity, may, will, should, could, potential, or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Companys business and financial results are included in the Companys filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Companys Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Companys website at www.BitNile.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005559/en/ [email protected] or 1-888-753-2235 Source: BitNile Holdings, Inc. Boeing delivered 35 airplanes in October -- down from its 51 deliveries in September that tied its June performance, when it exceeded the 50-plane threshold for the first time since March 2019. The Arlington, Virginia-based planemaker said it booked 122 new orders in October, including 106 737 MAX airplanes and 10 787-9 airplanes. That was up from September when it booked 96 new airplane orders with six cancellations. The October deliveries included 23 737 airplanes, which was down from 37 737s in September. Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stan Deal said last week at an investor conference that the decline in 737 MAX deliveries was the result of its quality management system catching "a defect in the fuselage, two defects and delayed deliveries." Deal said Boeing would "recover on that quickly. We can surge and we will recover for our deliveries at the end of the year, but that adverse quality which we have to manage out of the system was an impact." Boeing has delivered 363 airplanes in the first nine months of 2022, including nearly 300 737 MAXs. Boeing's orders net of cancellations for the year rose in October to 550 from 428 and its commercial backlog rose from 4,354 to 4,441 orders. Boeing faces a late December deadline for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify the MAX 7 and MAX 10 under existing rules. After that date, all planes must have modern cockpit alerting systems to be certified by the FAA, which would mean significant delays for the new MAX airplane deployment unless Congress grants a waiver to extend the deadline. Boeing Chief Executive Dave Calhoun said last month he is confident Boeing will get an extension. (Reporting by David Shepardson and Tim Hepher; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Farmland Partners Inc. (NYSE: FPI) (the Company or FPI) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a senior executive succession plan pursuant to which the Companys President Luca Fabbri will become Chief Executive Officer, effective following the filing of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which is expected to occur in late February 2023. At the same time, Fabbri will join the Companys Board of Directors. FPIs current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Paul Pittman, will remain as Executive Chairman of the Companys Board of Directors and as a full-time employee. Pittman and Fabbri will continue to work side-by-side to formulate corporate strategy, execute the Companys growth plan and drive shareholder value. Fabbri co-founded FPI as a public company with Pittman in 2014 and served as the Companys Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from the Companys inception, before assuming the position of President in October 2021. Luca played a key role in the initial formation, capitalization and formulation of the strategic direction of FPI, has the undivided confidence of our entire team and has over time taken on an increasing number of top executive duties. Moreover, Luca has been a close colleague and friend for many years, and I am confident will work extremely well with me as Executive Chairman, said Pittman. This appointment is a natural progression in a process started with Lucas appointment as President in 2021. There is no one I trust more than Luca to help chart a course for FPIs future, and I look forward to continuing our close collaboration for years to come. Prior to co-founding FPI, Fabbri was an entrepreneur and executive in finance, technology, and agriculture. He has a B.S. with Honors in Economics from the University of Naples (Italy) and an M.B.A. in Finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I appreciate the confidence that Paul and the Board of Directors have placed in me, and Im eager to lead FPIs talented team and continue delivering for our stockholders, said Fabbri. Farmland is an attractive asset class, and FPI is uniquely positioned to continue providing strong risk-adjusted shareholder returns in all economic environments. I cant think of a more exciting business to be in right now. (Updated - November 8, 2022 8:32 AM EST) Kohls Corporation ("Kohls" or the "Company") (NYSE: KSS) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Michelle Gass plans to step down as CEO and member of the Kohls Board of Directors (the Board), effective December 2, 2022, to accept another opportunity. The Board appointed Tom Kingsbury to serve as interim CEO from December 2, 2022 until a permanent successor is named. The Board also formed a committee of the Board, led by Michael Bender and including Christine Day, Margaret Jenkins, Peter Boneparth and Tom Kingsbury, to oversee the search for a new CEO. Board Chair Peter Boneparth stated, The Board is grateful for Michelles many contributions since she joined the Company in 2013. Under her leadership, the Company has driven a strategic transformation, expanded its partnerships and brand portfolio, and supported an inclusive and collaborative culture. On behalf of all Kohls associates, we wish her well in her next endeavor. Boneparth added, Tom is highly regarded and perfectly equipped to take the role of Interim CEO, and the Board looks forward to working closely with him and the team to facilitate a smooth transition process and continue driving Kohls strategy. Gass stated, I am incredibly proud of what the team at Kohls has accomplished and Im very confident in their ability to drive continued innovation, growth and value for customers. Kohls associates and brand partners are an inspiration to me, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with this great team and company. Kingsbury stated, Im proud and humbled to take the Interim CEO role during such an important time for the Company. Despite a challenging economic environment, Kohls is well positioned for long-term success with its unique off-mall store footprint, omnichannel presence, and loyal customer base. The Board and I are committed to the continued refresh and innovation strategy Kohls has begun, the cornerstone of which is the terrific partnership we have with Sephora. I firmly believe in the long-term potential of this Company, our associates and our ability to deliver value for shareholders. A Kohls Director since 2021, Mr. Kingsbury has an accomplished career in senior positions at leading retailers, including President and CEO of Burlington Stores, Senior Executive Vice President of Kohls, and several management positions at The May Department Stores Company, including President and CEO of its Filenes division. He is currently a Director of Tractor Supply Company, BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. and Big Lots, Inc. Preliminary Third Quarter 2022 Sales and Earnings Results Kohls is providing preliminary unaudited results for the three months ended October 29, 2022, based on currently available information. The Companys independent auditor has not completed a review of these preliminary estimated financial results. The Company has not yet completed its reporting process for this period and actual results may differ materially from these preliminary financial results. In addition, these preliminary results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future period, including the year ending January 28, 2023. This preliminary financial data has been prepared by and is the responsibility of the Company. The Company currently anticipates that third quarter 2022 financial results will include the following: Comparable sales decreased 6.9% and net sales decreased 7.2% as compared to the third quarter of the prior year Operating margin of 4.7% Diluted earnings per share of $0.82 (Consensus sees Q3 EPS of $0.64) Kohl's plans to release its full third quarter 2022 financial results on Thursday, November 17. The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) today announced an agreement to acquire German-based Specialized Industrial Coatings Holding (SIC Holding), a Peter Mohrle Holding and GP Capital UG venture comprised of Oskar Nolte GmbH and Klumpp Coatings GmbH. The business' portfolio of solutions includes foil coatings as well as radiation-cured and waterbased coatings for the board, furniture and flooring industry. With a presence in Europe, Asia and South America, the business has approximately 220 employees and annual sales of more than 91.5 million, and will become part of the Sherwin-Williams Performance Coatings Group reportable segment. The transaction is expected to close by early 2023, pending customary regulatory approvals. "This acquisition creates opportunities to accelerate our profitable growth in the global industrial wood market and fits our strategy of acquiring complementary, high-quality and differentiated businesses," said Sherwin-Williams Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John G. Morikis. "The company's extensive offerings include unique and innovative foil coatings, which provide us with access to another adjacent growth market where Sherwin-Williams has not participated previously. We are excited by Oskar Nolte's and Klumpp Coatings' strong technical and commercial teams, excellent relationships with multi-national and local customers, strategically-located manufacturing, and key specification and approval positions, all of which we will leverage further throughout Europe and beyond. We look forward to welcoming the talented employees of these businesses to the Sherwin-Williams family upon the close of the transaction." "Today's announcement further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating shareholder value through our consistent and balanced capital allocation strategy," added Mr. Morikis. "Through the first nine months of 2022, we have invested approximately $191 million in core capital expenditures largely aimed at growth initiatives, deployed approximately $630 million for acquisitions, and returned just over $1.2 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks. We expect to continue our approach supported by our strong ongoing cash generation." FILE PHOTO: A sign marks a rendezvous location for Lyft and Uber users at San Diego State University in San Diego, California, U.S., May 13, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake By Nivedita Balu (Reuters) - Lyft Inc shares sank 20% to near record lows on Tuesday after a miss on active rider growth fanned fears that bigger rival Uber Technologies Inc was eating into its market share. More than a dozen analysts slashed their price targets on Lyft by as much as $23 after third-quarter results. In stark contrast, investors had last week cheered Uber's results and bumper holiday-quarter forecast. "We believe Uber has done a much better job at rebuilding driver supply, likely leaving Lyft with a structurally smaller share of the market than it had pre-pandemic," Atlantic Equities analyst James Cordwell said. Active riders on Lyft's platform grew just 7.2% to 20.3 million in the July-September period, the slowest pace this year and a million below market expectations. Uber posted a 22% jump in active consumers in the rideshare segment during the same period. "While we think Lyft will remain the second-largest ride-hailing platform in the U.S., we are now assuming Uber will slightly increase its market share over Lyft during the next few years," Morningstar analyst Ali Mogharabi said. Lyft's stock was trading at $11.30, hovering near its record low of $10.83. The shares have lost more than 70% of their value this year, compared with Uber's 35% decline. GRAPHIC: Lyft shares underperform rival Uber's https://graphics.reuters.com/LYFT-STOCKS/mopakmaaepa/Pasted%20image%201667905515054.png Investors have also focused on Uber's delivery business that had also helped it ride out a slump in demand during lockdowns better than pure-play ride-hailing provider Lyft. A cost-cutting drive should help ease some of the pressure and help boost Lyft's profitability, according to Daiwa Capital Markets analyst Jairam Nathan. The company is betting on stronger demand and higher service fees to offset an expected increase in insurance-related costs for the current quarter. Still, some analysts preferred Uber given its scale, business model and global presence. "While we view Lyft's competitive position favorably, the company may need to demonstrate a quarter or two of growth at or above industry levels to bolster investor confidence," Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Graham said. (Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Sriraj Kalluvila) Orange, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CBT, a valued RealWear partner, and RealWear are expanding their Connected Worker capabilities to include thermal imaging. With the launch of the RealWear Thermal Camera Module , the solution will replace thermal cameras that serve as single-use devices. The ability to switch seamlessly between the visible spectrum and infrared enables users to capture the heat signature of their surrounding environment. Thermal imaging is used across multiple industries, including manufacturing, energy, automotive, etc. Use cases include overheating detection, electrical and mechanical inspection, process monitoring, and more. The hands-free thermal imaging increases efficiency and safety and allows workers to spot issues before they become a problem. Together, CBT and RealWear are building a better, safer, and more connected future for frontline workers. Our Connected Worker solution utilizes tailored software and wearables to provide an effective way for field workers to visualize, consume and communicate actionable information. It gives maintenance and operations teams the tools they need to assess operations performance so they can make critical decisions safely, in real-time, and at the actual point of work. I had the chance to try on the thermal camera and was blown away by its capabilities, said Griffin Running, Solution Manager of Wearable Compute at CBT. The ability to blend thermal and optical video feeds in addition to changing the color mode will allow users the flexibility they need to make the solution fit their use case. RealWear Navigator head-mounted devices, with its revolutionary modular design, continues to gain support with Global 1000 companies as the new gold standard in assisted reality. The compelling option to add thermal image capture without occupying your hands in hazardous environments gives frontline professionals more real-time information to do their jobs safely and productively, said Rama Oruganti, Chief Product Officer at RealWear. By combining Teledyne FLIRs thermal expertise with RealWears best-in-class voice-driven wearables through its Thermal by FLIR program, were creating a digital tool with extended capabilities for the modern frontline worker. About RealWear As the pioneer of assisted reality wearable solutions, RealWear works to engage, empower, and elevate the modern frontline industrial worker to perform work tasks more safely, efficiently, and precisely. Supporting over 65,000 devices, RealWear gives workers real-time access to information and expertise while keeping their hands and field of view free for work. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, and used by 41 of the Fortune 100 companies, RealWear is field proven in a wide range of industries with thousands of world-class customers, including Shell, Goodyear, Mars, Colgate-Palmolive, and BMW. About CBT CBT is an unparalleled design-thinking and integration-engineering company. We utilize our unique expertise to bridge the gap between Operational Technologies and Information Technologies (OT and IT) and accelerate smart operations in process and discrete manufacturing, utilities, distribution and logistics, architecture, engineering, construction, and health and life sciences. Our solutions are powered by next-generation innovations from an industry-leading partner ecosystem, led by RealWear, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Intel, AMD, PTC, ABB, NVIDIA, and many more. As a first mover and Domain Expert Integrator, CBT has a proven track record of taking customers from ideas to execution in production environments. Our solutions go beyond the data center to deliver business transformation across the enterprise. Learn more at www.cbtechinc.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter . Attachment SAN DIEGO, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Child Care is an ongoing challenge for student-parents. Having experienced a significant drop in female student enrollment due to Child Care issues, MiraCosta College Technology Career Institute in San Diego decided to go beyond just offering on-site care and be the first college in the country to provide a flexible Child Care benefit from TOOTRiS. MiraCosta's unique accelerated learning programs position students for career advancement; however, in recent years, Child Care has created a barrier for female students to enroll. To resolve the issue, MiraCosta College has selected TOOTRiS to provide cutting-edge Child Care benefits to all its TCI students. Under the partnership, TOOTRiS will provide MiraCosta access to the largest network of licensed Child Care providers, enabling student-parents to search, vet, compare, and enroll in real time. The technology platform also enables them to find slots for temporary care, drop-ins, and non-traditional work schedules. This provides significant value for students who have widely varying schedules. "Our goal is to provide the quickest way for students to go from learning to earning," said Linda Kurokawa, Executive Director of MiraCosta College. "Our 3-6 month accelerated learning programs provide a lot of flexibility; however, post-pandemic we are still seeing student-parents especially the female population struggle to come back to those programs due to Child Care issues. Partnering with TOOTRiS helps us solve that problem by providing students with the most affordable Child Care options that fit their specific needs." MiraCosta is not alone when it comes to challenges for students with children. According to estimates by National Center for Education Statistics, more than one-fifth of all college students are student-parents. That's nearly four million college students with children who are trying to balance taking classes and studying while holding part-time or full-time jobs, as well as providing the day-to-day care and support their kids require. Sadly, according to CalMatters, more than half will drop out before attaining a degree. Colleges and universities need to find ways to support these hard-working students and make it possible for them to succeed. "Costs and access to Child Care have always been the biggest hurdles for student-parents, and until now, colleges and universities have had limited options such as on-site care which only serves a few students and has long waitlists," said Alessandra Lezama, TOOTRiS CEO and a select member of the ReadyNation CEO Task Force on Early Childhood. "With TOOTRiS, public and private higher education institutions like MiraCosta are now able to offer their entire population of student-parents and faculty real-time access to affordable care at a fraction of the cost of other options." MiraCosta College Technology Career Institute is taking a strong leadership position to reduce the barriers facing its student-parents. But with many student-parents across the country being single, female, students of color, and from low-income backgrounds, more higher education leaders, as well as federal and state policymakers, need to address the challenge. About TOOTRiS TOOTRiS is the first and only universal Child Care platform that converges private and public Child Care stakeholders Family Child Care Homes and Center-Based Providers, Parents, Agencies, and Employers into a unified, real-time technology platform enabling employers and higher education institutions to offer turnkey Child Care Benefits to their workforce and student populations with the flexibility and family support paramount to increasing retention, productivity, and ROI. Visit tootris.com/employers for information. About MiraCosta College For more than 80 years, the MiraCosta Community College District has served students throughout North County with a wide array of educational offerings on multiple campuses. The college has more than 19,000 credit students annually in over 70 disciplines enrolled in associate degrees, university transfer and workforce readiness certificate programs. There are also about 7,000 students who take part in programs for adult education, community education, basic skills and ESL (English as a Second Language). The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Contact Information: Jeff McAdam Creative Director - Press and Media Production [email protected] 7209880984 Related Images Image 1: TOOTRiS On-Demand Child Care This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment TOOTRiS TOOTRiS Source: TOOTRIS Allergan Master Injector Dr. Ellen Turner Has Met Rigorous Criteria to Earn High-Level Cosmetic Injector Certification DALLAS, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Double board-certified dermatologist and Allergan Medical Institute Facial Aesthetics Injector Trainer Dr. Ellen Turner, who provides a full spectrum of dermatology in the Dallas area, has completed extensive training in injectables and has achieved outstanding credentials in the field. As of this year, after years of extensive training, Dr. Turner earned an Allergan Medical Institute (AMI) designation, demonstrating her remarkable level of skill and knowledge as a practitioner. Designees must meet very strict requirementsincluding spending more than 10,000 hours practicing techniques, performing thousands of injections, and demonstrating a high level of skill with cosmetic injection techniques involving both cannulas and needlesto qualify for this high-level certification. There are more than 100,000 injectors in the United States, but only 500 AMI Facial Aesthetics trainers are selected for this prestigious position. Allergan Medical Institute aims to enhance patient results and provide advanced, science-backed, expert-approved medical education to healthcare professionals worldwide. At her Dallas area-based dermatology office, Dr. Ellen Turner provides a complete selection of medical and cosmetic dermatology services for patients and prefers a holistic approach to medicine that takes the general health condition of the patient into account rather than only the skin itself. Some of the most popular treatments at her practice include neurotoxins and facial fillers. Neurotoxins such as BOTOX are highly effective at softening expression wrinkles by relaxing expressive facial muscles, while facial fillers are gels that are injected beneath the surface to add volume and reduce static wrinkles. Its always important to choose an injector who has skill, experience, and is certified to provide these treatments. Dr. Ellen Turner makes a point of offering the most modern, in-demand technology and advanced techniques available in dermatology. She is proud to be an Allergan Medical Institute Injector, having completed a training in 2014 under Dr. Mauricio De Maio, and served as one of three injectors at the Allergan AMI Master Class under Dr. Deborah Sherman in 2021. She recently attended the MD Codes EDGE Tour held by distinguished Brazilian plastic surgeon Dr. Mauricio de Maio to learn about advanced techniques and strategies for BOTOX and the family of Juvederm facial fillers based on the MD Codes Immersion program. She also attended the AMI Ignite program to launch the newest Juvederm product, Volux, a filler approved for jawline contouring. Want to learn more? Contact the Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner for advice about facial aesthetic treatments and choosing the right provider. Call 214-373-7546 or submit a contact form to reach out to the team and request a consultation. Source: Dr. Ellen Turner TORONTO, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entourage Health Corp. (TSX-V:ENTG) (OTCQX:ETRGF) (FSE:4WE) (Entourage or the Company), a Canadian producer and distributor of award-winning cannabis products announced today it will file its third quarter 2022 financial statements and managements discussion and analysis after-market on Monday November 14, 2022. Entourage will host a conference call the following day on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to review the results for the period and provide an operational update. Conference Call Details: The conference call will be hosted by CEO and Executive Chair, George Scorsis and CFO Vaani Maharaj. Management will be available for questions following opening remarks. Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022 Time: 10 a.m. Eastern Time Dial-in Number: Canada/USA: 1-800-319-4610. International Toll: 1-604-638-5340Participants, please dial in and ask to join the Entourage call Replay Dial-in: Canada/USA: 1-800-319-6413. International Toll: 1-604-638-9010Replay Access Code: 9600Available after 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, until December 15, 2022 Visit Entourages website here to access the latest Company updates. About Entourage Health Corp. Entourage Health Corp. is the publicly traded parent company of Entourage Brands Corp. (formerly WeedMD RX Inc.) and CannTx Life Sciences Inc., licence holders producing and distributing cannabis products for both the medical and adult-use markets. The Company owns and operates a state-of-the-art hybrid greenhouse and processing facility located on 158-acres in Strathroy, ON; a fully licensed 26,000 sq. ft. Aylmer, ON processing facility, specializing in cannabis extraction; and a micropropagation, tissue culture and genetics centre-of-excellence in Guelph, Ontario. With its Starseed Medicinal medical-centric brand and marketplace, Entourage has an industry-first, exclusive partnership with LiUNA, the largest construction union in Canada, who together with employers and other union groups, facilitate access for insured medical patients. With the launch of Syndicate, the Company now hosts another unique medical marketplace that offers patients a collective of Canadian micro-cultivators products, along with the Companys family of brands. Entourages elite adult-use product portfolio includes Color Cannabis, Saturday Cannabis and Royal City Cannabis Co. sold across eight provincial distribution agencies. It is the exclusive Canadian producer and distributor of award-winning U.S.-based wellness brand Marys Medicinals sold in both medical and adult-use channels. Under a collaboration with a The Boston Beer Company subsidiary, Entourage is also the exclusive distributor of cannabis-infused beverages TeaPot in Canada, which launched in select provinces summer 2022. For more information, please visit us at www.entouragehealthcorp.com Follow Entourage and its brands on LinkedIn Twitter: Entourage, Color Cannabis, Saturday Cannabis, Starseed, Royal City Cannabis Co., Syndicate Instagram: Entourage, Color Cannabis, Saturday Cannabis, Starseed, Royal City Cannabis Co., Syndicate For further information, investor or media inquiries, please contact: Marianella delaBarreraSVP, Communications & Corporate Affairs416-897-6644[email protected][email protected][email protected] Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation which are based upon Entourage's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information in this news release is based upon the expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and views of future events which management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. Forward-looking information includes estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the cannabis industry in Canada generally; the ability of Entourage to implement its business strategies; the COVID-19 pandemic; competition; crop failure; and other risks. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Entourage does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Entourage to predict all such factors. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in Entourages disclosure documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The risk factors and other factors noted in the disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. 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 Source: Entourage Health Corp. Zurich, Switzerland, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, today announced it has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Equinor, one of the worlds largest energy companies, to collaborate within electrification, renewable power generation and low-carbon initiatives worldwide. The agreement underlines both companies commitment to accelerate the energy transition and advance a more sustainable, flexible and secure energy system. It builds on the two companies long and successful collaboration over many decades. During that time, Hitachi Energy has provided Equinor with power grid solutions and pioneering technologies on several projects, such as Dogger Bank A, B and C, the worlds largest offshore wind farm on completion, and Troll A, the world's first HVDC power-from-shore connection. Initial areas of focus for the collaboration include developing standardized base designs to be applied for high-voltage direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) transmission systems to connect offshore wind farms and Equinor production facilities to mainland power grids. We are delighted to deepen our longstanding relationship with one of the worlds leading energy companies and to help Equinor achieve its ambition of becoming net zero by mid-century, said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energys Grid Integration business. Together we make a strong team that will support the society to reach the goal of the Paris Agreement and create a sustainable energy future for all. Hitachi Energy has been a reliable supplier to Equinor for many years. This strategic collaboration agreement is a signal of joint ambitions to increase our competitiveness in the ongoing energy transition. Standardization of technical solutions will be a key to succeed, and we look forward to improving together with Hitachi Energy, said Geir Tungesvik, Executive Vice President for Projects, Drilling and Procurement at Equinor. The scope of the agreement covers the complete spectrum of Hitachi Energys portfolio of power grid technologies and solutions. It includes IdentiQTM, Hitachi Energys digital twin for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) and power quality solutions, which provides significant benefits throughout the assets plan, build, operate and maintain life cycle; Grid-eXpandTM modular and prefabricated offshore and onshore grid connections that make it faster, simpler and more efficient to connect facilities to the grid; OceaniQTM solutions such as transformers and high-voltage products that can operate flawlessly on land, offshore and below the sea surface; and grid automation solutions that keep onshore and offshore electrical assets operating reliably, safely and securely. - End - About Hitachi Energy Ltd. Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the worlds energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD. https://www.hitachienergy.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy About Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The companys consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com. Attachment Jocelyn Chang Hitachi Energy Ltd. +41793847775 [email protected] Source: Hitachi Energy Ltd. Purpose-Driven Cannabusiness Committed to Ensuring the Availability of CBD Productsto Military Personnel Veterans Speak Out About Hemp-Derived CBD as Alternative to Opioids AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Veterans Day nears, Hometown Hero CBD continues its efforts to support veterans and related nonprofit organizations, and to help secure market access to safe and effective hemp-derived cannabinoid products for military service members. Founded in 2015 by U.S. Coast Guard veteran Lukas Gilkey and Lewis Hamer, Hometown Hero CBD donates a portion of proceeds from every product sold to veteran-focused charities and organizations. Veterans are too often underserved while facing opioid addiction, PTSD, homelessness, and many other issues, said Gilkey, who was attached to a counter-narcotics unit with the U.S. Coast Guard. We know the sacrifice our veterans have made and continue to make. Hometown Hero CBD is committed to keeping hemp-derived cannabinoids readily available to these heroes and the millions of other adults who deserve the option to continue safely using these products in their everyday lives. Dave Walden, a veteran injured in combat who served two tours in Iraq, was addicted to opioids to help ease back pain and PTSD, until he came across hemp-derived Delta-8 products. For the last few years, Ive been using hemp-derived cannabinoids exclusively, which have become safe replacements for narcotic pain killers, migraine meds, sleeping pills, PTSD meds, anxiety meds and various other medications that I was on, said Walden. These products have been a life saver for me, taking me out of the drug haze that I was in for many years and making me a more productive member of society. Angel Ramirez, a retired combat veteran who served 16 years as a medic and four years as a field artillery man, was diagnosed with PTSD in 2018. About a year ago, I wanted to get off my PTSD medications. I was on Zoloft, another medication that I take three times a day for panic and anxiety attacks, and one at night to help me sleep, said Ramirez. Then I started taking CBD and it helped me not only with my pain but with my panic and my anxiety attacks. About six months ago, I approached my psychiatrist and told her I would like to get off my meds. She agreed, and with her help, Ive been off my meds now for three months. Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYrt0BEJKV8 to watch videos of veterans discuss how hemp-derived cannabinoids have positively impacted their lives. Election Day and U.S. Farm Bill The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill, laid the groundwork for the introduction of hemp-derived products nationwide. The law removed hemp from the Drug Enforcement Administration list of controlled substances, legalizing it nationally. It is important for voters to be mindful that the current Farm Bill will expire in 2023, and updated legislation will be debated and voted on next year by the new incoming Congress, said Cynthia Cabrera, chief strategy officer at Hometown Hero CBD. We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure hemp-derived CBD products remain legal and accessible to veterans and millions of others by keeping the Farm Bill intact, as well as by working with state legislatures across the country through targeted education and advocacy efforts. In 2021, Hometown Hero CBD led the fight in its home state, with the Third Court of Appeals of Texas granting a temporary injunction to stop the prohibition of Delta-8 products and will continue the fight in appeals court. In addition to its focus at the national level, the company is actively working with policy makers and regulators across the country to ensure the continued availability of all hemp-derived products against any bans or excessive legislation and taxation. As part of the companys gratitude campaign for Veterans Day 2022, Hometown Hero CBD reaffirmed its special year-round discount for active and retired military service members, and currently is offering a 10 percent discount for all adult consumers using the code THANKS. Last year, the company contributed more than $100,000 to veteran causes. It recently gave $10,000 to VFW Post 10427 in Leander, Texas, and $15,000 to the Heroic Hearts Project, a treatment program for veterans suffering from PTSD. About Hometown Hero CBD Hometown Hero CBD, headquartered in Austin, TX, manufactures and distributes hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC and CBDA + CBGA products. Founded in 2015 by Lukas Gilkey and Lewis Hamer, the company donates a portion of all proceeds to various charities and organizations that support veterans. For more information, visit HometownHeroCBD.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @HometownHeroATX. Media Contact: George MediciPondelWilkinson310.279.5968[email protected] Source: Hometown Hero CBD Martinsville, Va, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New College Institute (NCI) announces a partnership with Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) to provide an Advanced Manufacturing Machine Operator Registered Apprenticeship Program (AMMORAP), to begin October 31. The Registered Apprenticeship Program is a proven training model for growing and retaining a skilled workforce in todays competitive business environment. The earn while you learn approach combines on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. The outcome benefits the company with a skilled workforce and provides the employee with paid training and the ability to advance upon completion of the program. The Virginia Manufacturing Association (VMA) is contracted with the Department of Labor to assist across the country in expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs. MSI partners with employers to develop apprenticeship programs in various industries, ranging from cyber to electric power generation, transmission, and distribution to transportation and skilled trades. Clifford House, Quality Assurance Instructor at NCI negotiated the new program. My hope is that we can provide manufacturers with the skilled workforce that is able to facilitate all the different production needs at the same time providing apprentices with quality employment, House explained. Focused on machine operators, this program offers paid training and is to be completed in a 12-month period. Grant money is available to aid the apprentice during their training. Direct training from subject matter experts supports both the apprentice and the sponsor. Related Technical Instruction (RTI) is composed of 144 hours of virtual training which includes: Manufacturing Technician Level 1 Credential, OSHA 10 plus additional safety training for manufacturing, Basic Machine Technology, and Process Safety Management course. MSI offers a Pre-MT1 Assessment to students seeking the MT1 Certification. The Pre-MT1 prepares individuals to obtain certifications issued by MSI and included in the National Skills Certification System for critical manufacturing occupations. The new partnership arrives on the heels of Governor Youngkins recent proclamation recognizing November as Virginia Apprenticeship Month. The Advanced Manufacturing Registered Apprenticeship Program offers multiple sessions. Visit https://newcollegeinstitute.org/degrees-and-training/workforce-development/advance-manufacturing-operator/to learn more and register. For more information contact Clifford House, 276-403-5671,[email protected] MSI partners with employers throughout the country to provide a variety of RAPs in various industries in manufacturing and supply chain logistics. MSI provides professional facilitation and consulting assistance to establish innovative strategies that will propel the program once instituted. Additional resources are available for training and on-site implementation. VMA, a statewide association since 1922, has served as a manufacturing industry advocate nationwide. VMA develops constructive policies and activities on behalf of industry by serving as an advocate for businesses, helping them face the legislative, regulatory, taxation, environmental, workplace, business law, insurance, and technology issues that they might face, as well as being an aggregator of business services for its members. Highlights Osino draws US$5M from non-dilutive Nebari credit facility for certain pre-development expenses including the purchase of private farmland to secure the Twin Hills project footprint and to advance detailed engineering and procurement for grid power and water. At Osinos election, the Company can draw 2 additional tranches of US$5M each, subject to conditions precedent. The two additional tranches are a standby facility to potentially fund Osinos Twin Hills pre-development expenses towards an expected investment decision during 2023. The facility has a maturity date 2 years from the initial draw and is expected to be repaid from the proceeds of project finance which is on track to be put in place during 2023. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osino Resources Corp. (TSXV:OSI) (FSE:RSR1) (OTCQX:OSIIF) ("Osino or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP and Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund I, LP (each as Lender and collectively, "Nebari"), with Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP as collateral agent and certain Osino subsidiaries as guarantors, for a credit facility of up to US$15M (the Credit Facility). The Credit Facility provides for an initial draw of US$5M (Tranche 1), with the potential of two additional draws of US$5M each (Tranches 2 and 3), at the election of Osino, and subject to conditions precedent. In connection with the Credit Facility, Nebari is entitled to receive approximately 26.7% warrant coverage of common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") issued only in the event of a draw-down under the Credit Facility priced at a 30% premium to the 10-day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) preceding to the draw, as more fully set out below. The Credit Facility and any Warrants issued thereunder are subject to approval and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V"). There are no finders fees payable in respect of the Credit Facility. Osino recently released a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for Twin Hills based on 2.15 Moz in reserves, outlining a 13-year open-pit mine life with an average annual gold production rate of 169koz per annum at all-in sustaining costs of US$930/oz in the 10 years of operation. Heye Daun, Osinos co-founder, President & CEO commented: Given the significance of the farmland purchases to secure and de-risk the Twin Hills mining project development, and considering the volatility in the equity markets, we decided to secure the required funding for these pre-development expenses in the most non-dilutive manner to shareholders. Osino has been in discussions with Nebari for a considerable amount of time, whilst we structured this transaction to ensure maximum flexibility for Osino, without adversely affecting the rapidly evolving and competitive project finance process. We appreciate Nebaris cooperation and flexibility in this regard. Andre Krol, Managing Partner with Nebari commented: We are extremely excited to partner with Osino as they advance the Twin Hills project. We are impressed with the experience and professionalism of the Osino team and have the utmost confidence in their ability to continue to unlock value at Twin Hills and beyond. The Credit Facility The Credit Facility has a maturity date which is two years from the initial draw of the first tranche and is expected to be repaid from the proceeds of the project finance facilities expected to be arranged for Twin Hills in 2023 (refer to Project Finance process news release dated November 1, 2022). The Credit Facility does not give Nebari any pre-emptive rights on arranging the project finance, for which a separate competitive process has commenced. The Credit Facility has an initial arrangement fee of US$50,000 payable to Nebari for the first tranche and additional arrangement fees of US$50,000 payable to Nebari for each subsequent tranche, and bears a coupon of Term SOFR + Margin of 5% p.a. It also has an original issue discount of 10% for the first year of each loan ("Loan") made or to be made under each tranche provided for under the Credit Facility, 12% for the period between 13-18 months (inclusive) of each Loan, and 14% for the period between 19-24 months (inclusive) of each Loan. Osino will also grant to Nebari, for each of the three tranches of the Credit Facility, the number of Warrants equal to US$1,333,333.33 (approximately 26.67% of the amount of each applicable draw on a tranche) divided by the applicable exercise price (the "Exercise Price"). The Exercise Price of the Warrants attached to Tranche 1 is equal to a 30% premium to the 10-day VWAP for common shares of Osino for the 10 days immediately preceding the date of the Credit Facility. The Exercise Price of the Warrants attached to Tranches 2 and 3 is equal to a 30% premium to the 10-day VWAP for common shares of Osino for the 10 days immediately preceding the date of written request by Osino to Nebari for a draw on a tranche of the Credit Facility. The Warrants are only issued on the utilization of each respective tranche of the Credit Facility, and are subject to the policies of the TSX-V. Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company upon exercise thereof and payment of the Exercise Price for a period of 2 years from the date of issuance. The financing will be secured by: (i) a pledge of shares in favour of Nebari on Osinos Mauritian subsidiaries, Osino Mining Investments Limited and Razorback Mauritius Limited, respectively; and (ii) any indebtedness owing now or anytime in the future to any obligor other than Osino and Osino Holdings Corp. by such other obligor pursuant to an intercompany debt subordination agreement. About Nebari Nebari is a United States-based manager of privately offered pooled investment vehicles including Nebari Gold Fund 1, LP and Nebari Natural Resources Credit Fund 1, LP which are funding the loan to Osino. The Nebari leadership team has deep experience with leading global mining companies and financial institutions. Nebari is known for partnering with motivated and capable management teams focused on achieving clear plan targets. About Osino Resources Osino is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on the fast-tracked advancement of our wholly owned Twin Hills Gold Project (Twin Hills) in central Namibia. Since its grassroots discovery by Osino in August 2019 the Company has completed more than 220,000m of drilling and advanced technical studies on the Project, culminating in the recently published Twin Hills PFS. Osino has a commanding ground position of approximately 6,900km2 located within Namibias prospective Damara sedimentary mineral belt, mostly in proximity to and along strike of the producing Navachab and Otjikoto Gold Mines. The Company is actively exploring a range of gold prospects and targets along the belt by utilizing a portfolio approach geared towards discovery, targeting gold mineralization that fits the broad orogenic gold model. Our core projects are favorably located north and north-west of Namibias capital city Windhoek. By virtue of their location, the projects benefit significantly from Namibias well-established infrastructure with paved highways, railway, power and water in close proximity. Namibia is mining-friendly and lauded as one of the continents most politically and socially stable jurisdictions. Osino continues to evaluate new ground with a view to expanding our Namibian portfolio. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://osinoresources.com/ On Behalf of The Board of DirectorsHeye DaunChief Executive Officer, President, and Director CONTACT INFORMATION Osino Resources Corp.Julia Becker: Investor Relations ManagerTel: +1 (604) 785 0850[email protected] Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's future plans or prospects of the Company, including prospects for economic recoverability of mineral resources. Generally, forward-looking information 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 state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such 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. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company does not undertake to update any forward- looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. 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 press release. Source: Osino Resources Corp. BERWYN, Pa., Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prepay Nation, a leading global B2B prepaid products marketplace and Neofie, a Banking as a Service (BaaS) leading provider entered into a strategic agreement to offer embedded top-up and gift card solutions as part of Neofies BaaS white-label platform. Neofie is a layered BaaS (Banking as a Service) provider with a wide range of capabilities to support fintechs. From launching a turnkey white-label neobank, to a digital core banking solution, to layering a lending platform into existing infrastructures, Neofie BaaS can adapt its offering to fit most business needs by providing the technology, banking, licensing & compliance expertise for neobanks, embedded finance fintechs, MNOs and consumer brands. Prepay Nation, a leading marketplace for prepaid products, offers a plethora of digital gift cards for local and global brands, including Apple, Google, Sony PlayStation, Netflix, Spotify, Xbox and thousands of airtime and data top-up brands and products, all readily available and seamlessly delivered through a single API. Commenting on this partnership, AJ Hanna, CEO, Prepay Nation said, This agreement will give instant access to any of Neofies white label customers who wish to offer value added services to their subscribers and consumers, either for sale or as an incentive. Consumers are looking for more choice and control of how they budget their money and support friends and family across the country or around the world. With thousands of prepaid products at their fingertips, Prepay Nation is the ideal marketplace to help keep them engaged with the people and activities they care about most. Neofies white-label program facilitates building efficiently and rapidly cost-effective digital banking products to serve, expand, and grow business relationships with end-users. Our partnership with Prepay Nation is part of our vision to create the financial SuperApp of the future. It will further differentiate our offering, by giving consumers convenient access to a highly desired suite of prepaid services, and at the same time bring incremental value, as well as increased revenue opportunities to our BaaS clients. We really like the broad appeal of Prepay Nations prepaid product portfolio that cut across generations from the youngest gamers to baby boomers, and from specific segments such as underbanked and immigrants to the mass affluent. This agreement effectively helps our clients attract more consumers and better serve their existing customers, said Nabil Kabbani, CEO, Neofie. The BaaS model allows fintechs, financial services providers, and non-financial businesses to become neobanks or to connect with banks systems directly via APIs to offer their customers personalized banking products and services under their own brands. All with minimal work required on their part thanks to Neofies turn-key approach, continued Mr. Kabbani. About Prepay Nation:Prepay Nation is a leading global B2B prepaid products marketplace that facilitates the purchase of mobile airtime, data, gift cards and utility payments across international borders. It boasts an operational presence in 150+ countries, with over 600+ mobile operators partnerships across 300,000+ retail locations backed by a globally distributed team in the U.S., Canada, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. We enable local and global brands to distribute their prepaid products through our omni-channel worldwide reseller network. Our partners benefit from increased sales, customer acquisition, engagement, retention and loyalty. For more information, please visit www.prepaynation.com or contact Janis Dsouza on [email protected] About Neofie:Neofie is a layered BaaS (Banking as a Service) provider with a wide range of capabilities to support FinTech plans. From launching a turnkey white-label neobank, to deploying a full digital core banking solution, to layering a lending platform into existing infrastructures, Neofie can adjust the offering to fit the exact requirements. For more information, please visit www.neofie.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/efb25d4c-569c-497a-a858-3722c10798a2 Prepay Nation partners with Neofie to offer customers prepaid products AJ Hanna, CEO, Prepay Nation and Nabil Kabbani, CEO, Neofie sign a partnership agreement at Money 20/20 at Las Vegas Source: Prepay Nation GAITHERSBURG, Md., Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sodexo, world leader in food and facilities management, is pleased to announce that for the third consecutive year it has earned Advocate designation on the 2022 Workplace Pride Global Benchmark, measuring the LGBTIQ+ inclusion practices of internationally active employers. The benchmark represents the ideal LGBTIQ+ inclusion standards among the best organizations. It consists of a detailed review and analysis of eight categories that show progress on LGBTIQ+ inclusion within the workplace. Sodexo has earned the prestigious title of Advocate after receiving a score above 90% on the 2022 Workplace Pride Global Benchmark survey. Companies in this category are paving the way for LGBTIQ+ inclusion and improving conditions in the workplace, as well as in society as a whole. Companies are followed on their progress in eight categories: Policy & Communication, Employee Networks, Workplace Awareness, Support & Benefits, Inclusion & Engagement, Expertise & Monitoring, Business & Supplier Engagement, Impact on Society. Global Pride Co-Chair and U.S. PRIDE Chair Alfonso AJ Francavilla was also nominated for an Outstanding Role Model award for his work in the organization. Patrick Sochnikoff, Sodexo Global Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer and Group Senior Vice President, Corporate & Social Responsibility, says: "Part of creating a better everyday for everyone, is about encouraging our team members to bring their authentic selves to work. Everyone belongs to a team, acts with a purpose, and thrives in their own way. We are humbled by this recognition which demonstrates our commitment to uplifting our LGBTQ+ employees." Sodexo is committed to promoting inclusion and a culture based on respect, understanding and equal opportunity. Sodexo has grown a vast internal Global Pride Network that celebrates diversity, equity, & inclusion supported by 18 LGBTQ+ employee networks worldwide. Find out more about Sodexos LGBTIQ+ policy here. About Workplace Pride Workplace Pride is the international platform for LGBTI inclusion at work. Based in Amsterdam, Workplace Prides activities include both the Netherlands and many countries around the world. We strive, using over a decades experience and accumulated knowledge to push the boundaries of LGBTI inclusion in the workplace. Awareness raising, measurement, research, training and network building through targeted events are the pillars of the Foundations work. Complementing these are specic programs for young LGBTI people, people from the Tech industry, the Academic world and LGBTI women alongside custom-made training. The Workplace Pride Global Benchmark was first released in 2014 as an annually recurring survey that allows participants to track their progress. It has been developed under the leadership of Workplace Pride and with the support of the University of Leiden and major employers and NGOs from several different countries. Jane Dollinger Sodexo [email protected] Source: Sodexo San Diego, CA, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bonavia Group is a crypto investment platform that facilitates its users with various techniques. In the latest expansion, the company has improvised its crypto investment strategies and made them available for everyone. The newly introduced strategies by The Bonavia Group facilitate its users with all kinds of options to invest. While it focuses on Blue Chip Cryptocurrencies, they also try to play all the latest Altcoins. When John Bonavia, the founder of The Bonavia Group, started taking Crypto more seriously, he dabbled in low market cap coins. People can still find him Investing in BTC, ETH, and ADA. All the companys competition lives in the past. It focuses on non-fungible tokens, the blockchain, specifically ETH. Every person 5-10 years from now that isn't using social media, TikTok, or getting familiar with what the blockchain is and creating future opportunities for their clients, is irrelevant and will no longer be anyone's competition in the next coming years. None, the less The Bonavia Group or any groups. The process includes the following steps: Get Funding: The Bonavia Group is Bringing suitable Funding to its clients according to their requirements. They meet with clients one on one every week via zoom to teach the ins and outs of Crypto and how to leverage yourself with no upfront cash. People are asked to sign up, follow along, and ask questions about why the company does what they do. The Boniva Group also provides a service where the team will teach and guides its clients on every step of the process, helping them gear up and become all-around better investor in the crypto market. Connect: Intending users can book a schedule according to their requirements. John Bonavia expresses his views about the new development in his company by stating, We meet with clients one on one every week via zoom to teach the ins and outs of Crypto and how to leverage yourself with no upfront cash! You sign up, follow along, and ask questions about why we do what we do. We also offer a service where we will teach you every step of the process, helping you gear up and become an all-around better investor in the crypto market, John Bonavia About John Bonavia John Bonavia is a former actor who has become an emerging crypto analyst. He takes risks and acknowledges himself as a thrill seeker. He is facilitating his clients with his newly created crypto platform, The Bonavia Group. Currently, he is located in San Diego, California. Furthermore, he has utilized his network of people from his childhood acting career to pursue his current business endeavors. As a true entrepreneur he found an opportunity in the people surrounding him. He focuses on starting a business or pursuing any personal goal and is often more accessible with the help of others. It's just a matter of connecting with the right ones. That's why he's become a crypto expert. For further information, visit the following links: http://www.Johnbonavia.com https://www.instagram.com/johnbonavia/ https://mobile.twitter.com/johnbonavia John Bonavia The Bonavia Group 310-321-4659 admin -at- johnbonavia.com Source: The Bonavia Group Miami, FL, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ThriveDX, the global leader in cybersecurity and digital skills training and cyber talent building, is proud to announce the newest partnership with the University of Chicago to provide the Chicago area with cybersecurity bootcamp training. The 400-hour training program equips program participants with the fundamental skills and real-world experience to pursue a career in cybersecurity in less than a year. ThriveDX partners with top-tier academic institutions, enterprises and governments globally to offer advanced, professional development programs in cybersecurity and digital technology. The Cybersecurity Bootcamp is a new non-credit certificate program at the University of Chicago consistently ranked among the best universities in the world. Powered by ThriveDX, the program is designed to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in the greater Chicago region. This partnership will provide Chicago area learners with access to accelerated learning opportunities for those looking to transition into the cybersecurity and digital skills workforce. A recent cybersecurity skills gap study by Fortinet discovered that 80% of organizations globally suffered one or more breaches that they could attribute to a lack of cybersecurity skills and/or awareness. Additionally, the survey showed that a key factor to this is that organizations struggle to find and retain certified cybersecurity talent and the shortage of qualified cybersecurity candidates creates additional risks for their organizations. Our award-winning solutions exist to close the skills gap in cybersecurity, and by uniting with partners like the University of Chicago, were working to achieve our common goal of tackling the cybersecurity skills gap and building a diverse talent pipeline through our vast suite of security training, said Dan Vigdor, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of ThriveDX. Throughout the program, which is broken into introductory and extended courses, learners will be introduced to a comprehensive curriculum that details the fundamentals of cybersecurity through virtual, instructor-led lessons and experiential, hands-on learning. By the end of the introductory course, students develop a full understanding of what the extended cybersecurity program entails in order to assess if the extended program is a match for their career goals. The courses within the extended program are grouped into three main sections, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Advanced Cybersecurity. One of the most unique aspects of the cybersecurity program is the proprietary experiential learning platform called TDX Arena, an online learning platform where learners complete simulations of real-world hacking scenarios. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for a variety of different roles in the cybersecurity field. There is an enormous need for more high-quality cybersecurity education. By combining the expertise of University of Chicago with the technical experience and platform of ThriveDX, we believe we can offer students a distinctive learning experience that will help prepare them for in-demand jobs that contribute to the field of cybersecurity, said Mary Morley Cohen, Managing Director of University of Chicago Professional Education. Program enrollment began on Oct. 31 and the first cybersecurity program at the University of Chicago is set to launch on Jan. 9, 2023. For more information on enrolling, visit https://digitalskills.uchicago.edu/. About ThriveDX ThriveDX is the global leader in cybersecurity education, and an expert in providing cybersecurity training to upskill and reskill lifelong learners. Our teams are made up of military trained cyber experts, industry veterans and seasoned educators united to close the worldwide skills and talent gap in cybersecurity. Operating in two divisions education and enterprise ThriveDXs award-winning solutions exist to bridge the skills gap and impact the talent shortage in the cybersecurity and overall tech industry. The Education sector partners with top-tier academic institutions, enterprises, and government branches globally to offer advanced, professional development programs in cybersecurity and digital technology. The Enterprise branch (formulated by companies formerly known as Cybint Solutions, Kontra Application Security, Lucy Security, ThriveDX Labs, and HackerU Pro), is a suite of products and services that cater to non-technical employees, developers, IT professionals and anyone in between. For more information, visit https://thrivedx.com/ About University of Chicago Professional Education The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom draws pathbreaking scholars to our global campuses, where field-defining ideas are born that challenge and change the world. The University of Chicago Professional Education provides impactful learning experiences through a range of professional programs for professional and corporate audiences. Our innovative programming, flexible options, and top-tier industry experts deliver a distinctive and engaging educational experience to learners studying a wide spectrum of disciplines. We help career-oriented individuals and companies succeed in a fast-moving, interconnected world where learning new skills is essential to maintaining a competitive edge. Source: ThriveDX CHICAGO, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VSPT Wine Group, one of the top 20 wine groups in the world, the leader in premium wine and sparkling wine sales in Chile, and a top 5 producer in the domestic Argentinian market, has chosen BrandMuscle for brand management. BrandMuscles trusted capabilities will get customizable point-of-sale marketing templates to the award-winning Chilean wine groups sales consultants, providing a seamless, efficient way to customize, print, and manage brand-compliant marketing assets for on- and off-premise accounts. BrandMuscles capabilities will save sales teams time and resources, increasing speed-to-market and brand awareness in the competitive wine space, while VSPT expands the presence of its diverse portfolio of brands, including their popular GatoNegro, Graffigna, B-Liv, Leyda, 1865, and O-61 wines, in grocery retailers, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. Growing grapes in Chiles and Argentinas picturesque Andes Mountains, the VSPT Wine Groups wineries offer consumers a wide portfolio of brands whose flavor profiles can satisfy different occasions and preferences. Sold in 80 countries around the world, VSPT Wine Group continues to win awards and earn recognition not only for their world-class wine, but for their corporate values, social innovation, and environmental stewardship. Their sustainability model centers on three areas of action climate change, conscious consumption, and sustainable progress to provide a framework to achieve their main goal of full carbon neutrality by 2050. This goal requires an exemplary production process from vineyard to market. As VSPT takes their products and values to the U.S. market, they needed a more efficient, reliable system for getting point of sale print materials into on- and off-premise accounts, and for keeping them brand compliant. Traditionally, the group shipped certain POS from South America to the United States, but printing and shipping assets overseas accrued obvious costs. This method also provided limited visibility into the print materials placement and execution, and sending customizable files allowed marketing materials to go off-brand. VSPT needed a partner who could keep their POS assets brand-compliant. With 20 years of experience partnering with beverage alcohol distributors and suppliers, BrandMuscle understands the complexities of beverage alcohol marketing, and how to drive local awareness and sales. Rather than creating opportunities for point of sale assets to fall out of brand compliance or go off message, BrandMuscles user-friendly, customizable templates and industry relationships will empower distributor partners and VSPTs sales and marketing teams to take seven of VSPTs 20 brands to customers and capture new consumers attention. As VSPT Wine Group hires more dedicated U.S. staff, BrandMuscle will empower them with greater access and speed to market with point of sale materials ranging from case cards to table tents to menu inserts. BrandMuscle makes everything much easier, more efficient, and more effective, said Roberto Catalani, Marketing VP of VSPT U.S. Their platform is very intuitive, clear, and fast, and I receive many great comments about the quality of the printed POS itself. We are happy. Connect With BrandMuscle: Follow @BrandMuscle on Twitter and LinkedIn Like BrandMuscle on Facebook Connect With VSPT Wine Group: Follow VSPT Wine Group on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter About VSPT Wine Group A top 20 global producer, VSPT is the leader in premium wine and sparkling wine sales in Chile, and a top 10 producer in the domestic Argentinian market. The groups business model is based on strategic partnerships and joint visions, one that promotes mutually beneficial human relationships with clients and suppliers that are long term and comprehensive. VSPT firmly believes its main asset is its exceptional team who are passionate about wine. A pioneer in sustainability, VSPT made sustainability a strategic objective and corporate value for the group. The company is also a leader in renewable energy generation, focused on responsible design and eco packaging, passionate about nature and the planet, committed to being carbon neutral across three scopes by 2050 through their membership in IWCA, and a guardian and promoter of biodiversity and conscious alcohol consumption. For more information, visit https://vsptwinegroup.com/en/ and follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. About BrandMuscle BrandMuscle is the leader in integrated local and channel marketing, serving over 175 of the worlds top brands, with 750 professionals in five offices globally. BrandMuscle provides marketers and their channel partners with the solutions, insights, and expertise to deliver an exceptional and consistent local brand experience. The BrandMuscle Intelligent Local Marketing Platform simplifies and scales digital and physical marketing execution, enabling brands to acquire and retain the best customers, build loyalty, grow revenue, and maximize ROI. For more information about BrandMuscle visit https://www.brandmuscle.com/ or call (866) 464-4342. Contact: Maggie Sullivan Associate Director of Brand [email protected] 440-610-1770 Source: BrandMuscle Creatd (OTCQB: CRTD), a creator-first company, has begun the application process to dual-list its shares on Upstream, the premier global exchange and trading app for digital securities and NFTs; Upstream is powered by Horizon Fintex and MERJ Exchange Limited. Creatd noted that is anticipates the Upstream listing will provide access to a global, digital-first investor base; through Upstream, investors can trade using USDC digital currency along with credit, debit, PayPal and USD. According to the announcement, the listing should unlock liquidity and enhance price discovery while globalizing the opportunity to invest in Creatd as the company prepares to relist on a national exchange. Approval to be listed on Upstream is subject to approval by MERJ. Upholding transparency is what will drive the next stage of evolution in the public markets, said Creatd CEO Jeremy Frommer in the press release. 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 Creatds 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 spinoff of our OG Collection media library and other monetizable assets. To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/eaVV7 About Creatd Inc. Creatd is a company dedicated to unlocking creativity for creators, brands and consumers. The company accomplish this through its four business pillars: Creatd Labs, Creatd Partners, Creatd Ventures and Creatd Studios. For more information about the company, please visit www.Creatd.com. About InvestorWire InvestorWire is the wire service that gives you more. From regional releases to global announcements presented in multiple languages, we offer the wire-grade dissemination products youll need to ensure that your next press release grabs the attention of your target audience and doesnt let go. While our competitors look to nickel and dime you with hidden fees and restrictive word limits, InvestorWire keeps things transparent. As part of its service, InvestorWire provides coverage of noteworthy announcements. To further expand visibility of achievements being made throughout a multitude of sectors, InvestorWires syndication partners have extended the digital coverage to include individual broadcasts on financial websites and platforms visited by millions of investors daily. For more information, please visit https://www.InvestorWire.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorBrandNetwork website applicable to all content provided by IBN, wherever published or re-published: http://ibn.fm/Disclaimer InvestorWire (IW) 8033 Sunset Blvd Suite 1037-IW Los Angeles, CA 90046 310.299.1717 Office www.InvestorWire.com [email protected] InvestorWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork. FILE PHOTO: A Peloton exercise bike is seen after the ringing of the opening bell for the company's IPO at the Nasdaq Market site in New York City, September 26, 2019. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo (Reuters) - Peloton Interactive Inc and rival Echelon Fitness on Tuesday said they had settled all pending litigation between them, more than three years after Peloton sued the Tennessee-based fitness company for patent infringement. Echelon has agreed to stop using Peloton's patented leaderboard technology in on-demand classes, the companies said in a statement. Additional terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Peloton, known for its exercise bikes with live-streaming and on-demand group workouts, had filed the lawsuit against Echelon Fitness in 2019 alleging it infringed Peloton's patents and sold "cheap, copycat" products. Peloton escalated the dispute in 2021 by filing another lawsuit for allegedly copying its remote-workout technology. The New York-based company had alleged Echelon bikes, treadmills and rowing machines infringed a patent covering a "control station", related to a leaderboard that helps users compare their performances during live classes. Peloton was all the rage among fitness enthusiasts during COVID-19 lockdowns, but with people returning to gyms, the company saw demand for its fitness equipment dwindle. Shares of Peloton have lost around 74% of their value since the start of the year. (Reporting by Kannaki Deka in Bengaluru; editing by Milla Nissi) FILE PHOTO: Microsoft logo is seen on a smartphone placed on displayed Activision Blizzard logo in this illustration taken January 18, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Microsoft may have to offer concessions to address EU antitrust concerns about its $69 billion bid for "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard after regulators opened a full-scale investigation on Tuesday and warned about the impact of the deal. The U.S. software company, which announced the deal in January, is betting Activision's stable of games will help it compete better with leaders Tencent and Sony, with the latter critical of the deal. "The Commission's preliminary investigation shows that the transaction may significantly reduce competition on the markets for the distribution of console and PC video games, including multigame subscription services and/or cloud game streaming services, and for PC operating systems," the European Commission said in a statement. "The preliminary investigation suggests that Microsoft may have the ability, as well as a potential economic incentive, to engage in foreclosure strategies vis-a-vis Microsoft's rival distributors of console video games," it added. Microsoft said it would work with the EU antitrust watchdog to address valid marketplace concerns. "Sony, as the industry leader, says it is worried about Call of Duty, but we've said we are committed to making the same game available on the same day on both Xbox and PlayStation. We want people to have more access to games, not less," a Microsoft spokesperson said. The EU competition enforcer said it would decide by March 23, 2023 whether to clear or block the deal. Reuters reported on Oct. 31 that Microsoft would face an extensive EU probe after declining to offer remedies during the preliminary EU review of the deal. Britain's antitrust watchdog is also investigating the acquisition, with similar concerns to its EU peer. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee, Marine Strauss; Editing by Jan Harvey and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Tulsa, OK - (NewMediaWire) - November 08, 2022 - AppSwarm, Corp. (OTC: SWRM) A collective of creative and technological minds focused on mobile application development, cybersecurity solutions, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and digital marketing solutions announces updates to its Crypto Asset Portfolio in its COLONY Division. In this bearish market and turbulent economy, SWRM has chosen to swap and hold new crypto assets for long-term staking and interest gains. AppSwarm's CEO Christopher Bailey stated, "Historically some altcoins have shown to have explosive gains. With extreme due diligence, we look for assets with transparent development teams, solid roadmaps for the future, and utilities that provide innovative and practical solutions. We have chosen to support four new crypto assets in October and November to buy in early, hold, stake, and gain interest and rewards in the long run. We are hopeful that this will strengthen the value of the COLONY division and may provide valuable liquidity for future projects. COLONY is becoming very exciting. It could be the financial backbone that may provide funding and an automated revenue stream. SWRMs COLONY division continues to mine DOGECOIN, which has recently seen a significant increase in value with Elon Musks purchase of Twitter. The DOGE community is strong and with a market cap of $16.3 billion, the future looks bright. SWRM will mine and hold DOGE for the long term and use small amounts of DOGE to swap for other crypto assets that show strong futures. SWRM has recently diversified its crypto portfolio to include the following assets. SHIDO SHIDO (Shido Finance) is a unique Cross-Chain Ecosystem with next-generation DeFi utilities. In 2022 SHIDO came out of the gates swinging with a transparent development team and a very impressive roadmap. SHIDO has released a new crypto wallet that many are saying is a Metamask killer. SHIDO is on track to deliver several more utilities before the end of 2022 including their own blockchain, iOS wallet, games, Visa card, and a full-on exchange platform. SWRM is holding a fair amount of SHIDO and since the initial swap, the value has more than doubled. GVR GroveToken launched in March 2022. Grove's mission is to create wealth for all "Grovers" by harnessing the opportunities of secure decentralized digital currency in an environmentally conscious way. SWRM is currently holding GVR and staking at 56% APR. The GVR roadmap is impressive and innovative. Grove won the "Best DeFi" award at the 2022 Dubai Crypto Expo. LUNC and USTC Terra network's one time $60 billion-dollar crypto ecosystem crashed earlier this year and from the ashes came an incredibly devoted community and development team (Terra Rebels) that revitalized Luna Classic. LUNC has a bright future and SWRM is holding and staking LUNC on the Terra Station network earning rewards in LUNC and USTC. LTC Litecoin (LTC) is a cryptocurrency created from a fork in the Bitcoin blockchain in 2011. Released to the public in 2011 by former Google engineer Charlie Lee, Litecoin is an open-source global payment network not controlled by a central authority. SWRM is currently mining and holding Litecoin. In addition to the new crypto assets that SWRM holds SWRM also holds ADA (Cardano), SHIBA INU, and ETH (Ethereum). Moving forward SWRM will begin mining XMR (Monero) in November 2022 and plans on adding XRP (Ripple) to the portfolio. More information on XMR, XRP and Swarms NFT platform will follow soon. AppSwarm will release more detailed information in the coming weeks and update the AppSwarm website to reflect new projects and products. For updates on our projects please visit https://www.app-swarm.com About APPSWARM AppSwarm is a collective of creative and technological minds focused on cybersecurity, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, IoT, Web3, and blockchain development. The company specializes in the accelerated development and publishing of mobile apps and other software platforms for gaming and business applications and seeks to acquire symmetric business opportunities. AppSwarm partners with and assists other development firms in technology development, business management, and funding needs. For more information, visit us at www.app-swarm.com or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AppSwarm Twitter: https://twitter.com/AppSwarm or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appswarm/ Forward-Looking Statements: Safe Harbor statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, product demand, market acceptance risks, fluctuations in operating results, political risk, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys filings with OTCMarkets.com and as required to the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks could cause SWRMs actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Investor and Media Contacts: AppSwarm, Corp. 918-706-5497 [email protected] View the original release on www.newmediawire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 7, 2022) - Argo Gold Inc. (CSE: ARQ) (OTCQB: ARBTF) (XFRA, XSTU, XBER: A2ASDS) ("Argo Gold") is pleased to announce it has entered into an an Agreement to acquire approximately 18,000 contiguous acres (7,600 hectares) in the Clearwater Play around the Nipisi area of Alberta. Subject to normal closing conditions and customary due diligence, Argo Gold will pay $725,000 to a private junior energy producer to acquire the interest in the lands. Closing is anticipated by mid-December, 2022. Argo Gold anticipates commencing exploration activities on the property in 2023. James Bell, VP Corporate Development of Argo Gold commented: "The Clearwater play is one of the foremost growth plays in the Canadian energy sector. We are extremely excited about the ability to acquire this Clearwater acreage which we believe will be a key asset in building Argo Gold's oil and gas portfolio. The lands are near Clearwater acreage held by Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd.." About Argo Gold Argo Gold is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company. Information on Argo Gold can be obtained from SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on Argo Gold's website at www.argogold.com. Argo Gold is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (www.thecse.com) (CSE: ARQ) as well as (OTCQB: ARBTF) and (XFRA, XSTU, XBER: A2ASDS). For more information please contact: Judy Baker, CEO (416) 786-7860 [email protected] James Bell, VP Business Development (403) 660-9006 [email protected] NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143435 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Boosh Plant-Based Brands Inc.(CSE: VEGI) (OTCQB: VGGIF) (FSE: 77i)("Boosh" or the "Company") a premier plant-based brand in the "better for you" food sector, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Kerbel as Special Advisor for Operations and Sales Development North America. David Kerbel is a visionary Consumer Packaged goods executive, with 30 years experience. Mr Kerbel began his career at P&G and then worked with CROSSMARK, in Senior Management, that led to the development of relationships with major retailers throughout North America and Eastern Europe. He then joined the Senior Management team at Celsius (CELH), an established publicly traded company offering a health drink clinically proven to boost metabolism and burn body fat while working out. David has helped lead 4 companies to the public market in the United States, UK and Frankfort Germany. He is currently the CEO/Founder of the JET Collection, working with emerging brands worldwide. "I am excited to support Connie and her team. Our goal is to bring Beanfields and Boosh Food to within a consumer's arm's length of desire throughout North America and beyond," explains Kerbel. David Kerbel To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7944/143508_booshimg1_550.jpg Boosh Founder and CEO Connie Marples states "Having an industry veteran like David on board and, based out of the US where 90% of our sales currently are, is a huge win for the company. His contacts with US retailers and suppliers will be of great benefit. Additionally, having been part of the capital market world for many years is a huge asset. Our team is growing, and we are making smart moves to set the company up for extreme growth and a great 2023!" Connie Marples Founder/CEO [email protected] Telephone: 778 840 1700 www.Booshfood.com About Boosh Plant-Based Brands Inc.: Boosh Plant-Based Brands Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary, Boosh Food (www.booshfood.com) offers high quality, non-GMO, gluten free, 100% plant-based nutritional comfort foods for the whole family. Through a separate subsidiary, Beautiful Beanfields, (www.beanfields.com) the Company owns Beanfields, a plant-based chip brand sold in over 7,000 stores throughout North America. Boosh, good for you and good for planet earth. The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, the Company's expectations concerning the size of the Financing, its ability to close the Financing in whole or in part or at all and its plan for the proceeds of the Financing. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward looking statements or otherwise. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143508 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE" or "the Exchange"), Gowling WLG, MGO and MNP LLP join forces as the Cannabis Growth Strategies Advisors for their return to MJBizCon 2022 in Las Vegas. The four firms work hand-in-hand to provide comprehensive legal, accounting, business consulting and logistical support to Canadian, US and global companies operating in the cannabis sector that are looking for their next phase of growth. The Cannabis Growth Strategies Advisors will be front and center at the upcoming MJBizCon conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 16 - 18, 2022. MJBizCon is the largest gathering of cannabis business professionals in the world and features programming to benefit every sector of the industry. The conference is expected to attract approximately 35,000 attendees and feature more than 1,400+ exhibitors. The Canadian Securities Exchange, Gowling WLG, MGO and MNP LLP are excited to return to Las Vegas for MJBizCon as the cannabis sector continues to grow and mature - and as different jurisdictions around the world continue to develop cannabis regulations. "With President Biden's recent remarks on cannabis legislation, investors are again looking at this fast-growing industry with interest. MJBiz will be a great opportunity for the entrepreneurs leading this growth to re-connect with the global investment community," said Richard Carleton, Chief Executive Officer of the CSE. "MJBiz will be a great opportunity for the entrepreneurs leading this growth to re-connect with the global investment community." "MNP is excited to reconnect with the global cannabis sector at MJBiz. We've seen the cannabis sector mature over the past few years and we look forward to speaking with industry leaders to gather more valuable insights about where they see the industry headed in the near and future terms," said Maruf Raza, Co-Leader of Cannabis Services at MNP. "Cannabis regulations are quickly developing and changing around the world - and we think this will start to open up new opportunities for cannabis companies across the globe. With that, we think that MJBiz will be a great forum for cannabis leaders to reconnect and brainstorm what the future of growth looks like in their respective jurisdictions." "In light of the recent federal pardons for simple possession, the next six months for the cannabis industry looks very promising," said Peter Simeon, Partner and Leader of the Cannabis Group at Gowling WLG. "There is a great deal of M&A activity and consolidation happening currently and we expect the companies that survive to be stronger and better equipped to deal with the realities of the market." "MGO looks forward to MJBizCon every year, not only for the connectivity with our existing clients and colleagues, but the opportunity to forge valuable connections with new partners," said Scott Hammon, Cannabis Leader at MGO. "The cyclical nature of our industry means there is always something important to talk about, and progress to make. We value the opportunity to meet with our peers and to continue to support the industry as it navigates the current market cycle and prepares for the next." To connect with the Cannabis Growth Strategies Advisors, visit them in the Business Services section of the expo floor at booth 1119. About The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE" or "the Exchange") - Booth #1216: The CSE is home to more than 800 uniquely-listed issues covering a broad range of industry sectors, including cannabis-related businesses in cultivation and sale, life sciences, specialty finance and technology. Since 2014, the exchange has become the home to over 175 cannabis sector companies, having established itself as a global destination for companies with operations in Canada, the United States and abroad. Funds raised into the sector have exceeded C$16B. About Gowling WLG - Booth #1218: At Gowling WLG, we help a wide range of leading cannabis companies and other companies supporting the cannabis industry, advising on everything from initial public offerings to real estate to intellectual property and product regulatory matters. Our professionals have rich insight into the unique issues and opportunities the sector faces, as well as a nuanced understanding of the emerging regulations that govern it. To succeed, you need a legal partner that fully understands your company, the cannabis industry and the complex legal environment in which you operate. With offices around the world and industry-leading experience across a number of practice areas - we have the talent you need, where you need it, to take your business to the next level. About MGO - Booth #1117: One of the top 60 CPA firms in the US, MGO was one of the first national accounting firms to develop and provide targeted accounting, tax, audit, and advisory services to the cannabis and hemp industries. We have helped numerous cannabis companies with their go-public and liquidity transactions. Today, MGO provides industry-leading experience and a suite of proven solutions to help operators, regulators, institutional investors, and brands navigate the complexities of the cannabis and hemp industries. For more information, visit MGO. About MNP - Booth #1119: MNP is a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. We proudly serve and respond to the needs of our clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Through partner-led engagements, we provide a collaborative, cost-effective approach to doing business and personalized strategies to help organizations succeed across the country and around the world. For years, the professionals of MNP have been working with licensed producers, entrepreneurs and investors in the cannabis sector to establish successful enterprises. We work with a significant number of pre- and licensed producers and have assisted more than half a dozen cannabis clients in going public. Understanding the accounting, audit, tax, financial and regulatory issues that are integral to the success of these businesses, MNP has become an industry leader To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143493 Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - Content Carnivores, a digital marketing agency, is honored to be a Premier Sponsor at BioHive Summit, at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 10th. This event is presented by BioUtah, a life science community combined of members with innovative thoughts, technology and services. To view the full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here. Key Takeaways: Carnivores leverages intelligent tech, category expertise and elbow grease for companies in regulated industries with complicated stories and impatient investors. Helping companies strategize the rapidly changing social media landscape to reach their best audiences in the most relevant channels. Biotech expert content providers participating in publishing, panels and other thought leadership for best practices in modern marketing. Click image above to view full announcement. ABOUT CONTENT CARNIVORES, LLC Content Carnivores is dedicated to delivering the highest standards of ideas and writing so that greatness finds its widest audience to deliver on business objectives. Headquartered in Chicago with a satellite office in Utah. The company leverages a proprietary technology platform that dramatically speeds up the discovery, creation, and publication of high-quality content to help brands and businesses amplify awareness and establish thought leadership to their target audiences. Content Carnivores' proprietary IR Comm program fills gaps Marketing, PR and IR firms can't /don't/won't reach at a time when strategic communications are more important than ever. The company founders built the technology platform and designed proprietary service programs, having previously run content marketing and advertising programs at the largest global agency in the world as well as for other global content marketing pioneers. Current clients include leaders in healthcare, marketing, medical devices, financial services and technology. Contacts: Chelli Miller 219-921-6823 [email protected] Source: Content Carnivores To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143514 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 8, 2022) - WonderFi Technologies Inc. (TSX: WNDR) (OTCQB: WONDF) (WKN: A3C166) (FTX: WNDR) (the "Company" or "WonderFi") has received a request from OTC Markets Group Inc. ("OTC Markets") to issue a statement about recent promotional activity regarding its common shares (the "Common Shares"). On November 3, 2022, OTC Markets informed the Company that it became aware of certain promotional activities related to the Company and the Common Shares traded on the OTCQB Venture Market, including the distribution of sponsored content published by Native Ads Inc. ("Native Ads") and its associated partners (including Market Jar Media Inc.) discussing the Company, its business and operations, and other digital asset and technology companies generally, including those that are publicly traded. The publications also contained summaries of recent news releases issued by the Company. OTC Markets provided an example of the promotional material for the Company's reference. The Company understands this promotional activity did not result in any increased or unusual trading activity in the Common Shares. After an inquiry by management, none of the Company's executive officers or directors have sold or purchased shares of the Company within the past 90 days. To the knowledge of the Company, no third-party service providers referred to herein have sold or purchased shares of the Company within the past 90 days. There are no controlling shareholders of the Company. The Company has not issued any shares or convertible instruments allowing conversion to equity securities at prices constituting a discount to the current market rate at the time of the issuance. Native Ads is a third-party marketing firm retained by the Company to provide communications and media services. The sponsored content produced presented factual statements regarding the Company, its business, operations and industry. The Company provided Native Ads with publicly available source information for the sponsored content and retained editorial control over the wording in the materials, including reviewing the materials for factual accuracy prior to their dissemination. The Company does not believe the statements in the sponsored content were false or misleading. The appointment of Native Ads, the nature of the relationship between the Company and Native Ads, as well as compensation to be paid to Native Ads was publicly disclosed in a Company news release on September 7, 2021, which can be found under the Company's public profile on SEDAR and on the Company's website, as well as in the sponsored content. Native Ads owns and controls securities of the Company representing less than 1% of the total issued and outstanding Common Shares. In the last 12 months, the Company has worked with Native Ads, as well as Digital Panda Consulting Inc., Rich TV Live Inc., Hybrid Financial Ltd., The Dales Report Inc., Departure Capital Inc. and Digitonic Limited (details of which have been publicly disclosed in a news release of the Company dated April 18, 2022) to provide the Company marketing, investor relations, public relations, or other related services (the "Service Providers"). To the knowledge of the Company, none of the Service Providers own or control, directly or indirectly, any securities of the Company. Additional Information General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer: Adam Garetson [email protected] Media / Investor Relations Contact: Binu Koshy, Communications Director [email protected] ABOUT WONDERFI WonderFi is a leading technology company with the mission of creating better, unified access to digital assets through centralized and decentralized platforms. WonderFi's executive team and Board of Directors have an established track record in finance and crypto. WonderFi's core team of engineers and technologists believe that everyone should have equal access to finance, and are aligned in the mission to empower people around the world to access finance in a simple, smart and secure way. For more information, visit www.wonder.fi. Forward-Looking Information and 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 United States 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 "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", or variations of such words. 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. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. A more fulsome description of risk factors that may impact our business, financial condition and results of operation is set out in our management's discussion and analysis and financial statements for the for the period ended June 30, 2022, as well as our annual information form, available on SEDAR. 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 is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not approved or disapproved of the information contained in this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/143532 Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. Fleetrs exclusive products and app features are designed to help commercial fleets increase fuel efficiency, track their vehicles, maintain their fleets, and keep drivers safe. Fleetr by Jooycar, an industry leader in small fleet management and insurance solutions, is announcing its product lineup for 2022-2023. Starting at just $9.99 per vehicle, companies can take advantage of Fleetrs easy fleet tracking solutions, including its exclusive OBDII Device, Dashcam, and Asset Tracker. Companies who join Fleetr enjoy zero contracts, no initiation fees, a free 4G GPS tracker, and free shipping. Fleetrs products are tailor-made to help small fleets track their vehicles, keep drivers safe, maintain their fleets, and save on fuel. The Fleetr app and tracking solutions allow fleet managers and operators to: Track vehicles on a live-view map Create geofences and receive alerts for when drivers enter or exit those specified areas Receive alerts on driver behavior, including idling, speeding, harsh breaking, and geofence alerts View a leaderboard that provides insight into drivers safety and efficiency View trip reports, driver locations, route history, and vehicle activity Keep up to date with fleet performance View vehicle health and know when vehicles require attention Know when to take a vehicle to the shop for brake pads, oil changes, and general maintenance services Engine idling, aggressive driving behavior, and underinflated tires are the top three culprits of fuel waste in commercial fleets. Fleetr has a built-in AI-powered platform that provides tracking and actionable insights to fleet owners to help them reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase safety. Fleet tracking is a must-have for small businesses in today's economic environment," explains a Fleetr representative. This announcement comes after an 80% year-over-year jump in U.S. diesel prices, making fuel one of the most significant expenditures of a fleets operating budget and forcing many trucking companies to raise their fees to protect their bottom lines. About Us: About Fleetr Fleetr is the leader in GPS tracking solutions. The company proudly serves nearly 30,000 connected vehicles with affordable and easy solutions across several countries. Fleetr believes in the power of telematics and big data to address the pressing needs of the small fleet owner and is working tirelessly to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase safety. Fleetrs management team brings expertise from top technology companies, insurance companies, consumer goods businesses, and leading consultancies. Fleetr is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jooycar, a global leader in IoT-based automotive telematics. Jooycar currently has offices in four countries and is expanding rapidly. Fleetr has been featured by Yahoo!, Associated Press, Business Fleet, Market Watch, Work Truck, and Lawn&Landscape. Fleetr is backed by venture capital firms led by HCS Capital Partners. Email: [email protected] Phone: (415) 651-7575 Twitter: @fleetr7 Facebook: Fleetr Instagram: @fleetr_us LinkedIn: fleetrus Contact Info: Name: Raven Madison Email: Send Email Organization: Fleetr Website: https://www.fleetr.com/ Video URL: https://youtu.be/9PTEATAt5vI Release ID: 89084254 If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours. Paid press release content from Send2Press. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. Philanthropic organization of women leaders in food, fine beverage, and hospitality will honor recipients at public fundraising event at Nightbird SF on November 14, 2022 SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) The San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames dEscoffier International (LDEI-SF) is delighted to announce that five recipients have been awarded the Etoile dEscoffier Culinary Scholarship in 2022. LEtoile scholarships support outstanding female students and graduates in achieving their professional aspirations as they become the next leaders of the culinary industry. The scholarship and its recipients are a key part of LDEI-SFs mission of education, advocacy, and philanthropy. The recipients will be honored during a fundraising reception at Nightbird restaurant in San Francisco on Monday, November 14, 2022 from 5:00-7:30 PM. The event is open to the public and tickets may be purchased in advance. Nightbird, named to the Top 100 Restaurants by the San Francisco Chronicle in 2019, is owned by James Beard Award-nominated and LDEI-SF chapter member Kim Alter, and the event will raise funds for future scholarships. Its our ambition to support and nurture the next generation of leaders in food and beverage through education, advocacy, and philanthropy, said Scholarship Committee Chair Chantal Martin of LDEI-SF. The LEtoile dEscoffier Culinary Scholarship empowers future movers and makers in the culinary industry. Were proud to recognize this years recipients and we raise a glass to their continued success. The 2022 scholarship winners are all students or recent graduates of accredited culinary programs. Each of them is actively seeking professional experience in various culinary fields, as follows: Savannah Bundy , Laney College Baking & Pastry Program (seeking broadcast food programming or cookbook publishing experience) , Laney College Baking & Pastry Program (seeking broadcast food programming or cookbook publishing experience) Jasmine Dillard , Treasure Island Job Corp Culinary Academy (seeking restaurant experience) , Treasure Island Job Corp Culinary Academy (seeking restaurant experience) Kannanuth Lert-ariyaphokhin , City College of San Francisco Culinary Arts Management and Food Service Management Programs (seeking catering business and pastry experience) , City College of San Francisco Culinary Arts Management and Food Service Management Programs (seeking catering business and pastry experience) Silvana Marincola , Laney College Culinary Arts Restaurant Management Program (seeking restaurant and bakery experience) , Laney College Culinary Arts Restaurant Management Program (seeking restaurant and bakery experience) Diana Zalvidar, Laney College Baking & Pastry Program (seeking chocolatier or patisserie experience) Employers in the culinary industry are encouraged to contact Chantal Martin, Scholarship Committee Chair, with potential opportunities for the recipients at [email protected] About Les Dames dEscoffier International: LDEI is an international organization of women leaders who create a supportive culture in their communities to achieve excellence in the food, beverage and hospitality fields. To do this, 2,500 members in 43 chapters worldwide provide leadership, educational opportunities and philanthropy within their communities. For more information, visit https://ldei.org/ and follow us on Facebook, Instagram @lesdamesintl, Linked-in and Twitter @lesdamesintl. More information on The San Francisco chapter of LDEI can be accessed at https://lesdamessf.org/. Follow our chapter activities on Instagram @lesdamessf. MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET Communications Committee Chair 415-730-0064 | kcharles @ charlescomm.com NEWS SOURCE: Les Dames dEscoffier San Francisco This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Les Dames dEscoffier San Francisco), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/san-francisco-chapter-of-les-dames-descoffier-announces-2022-etoile-descoffier-culinary-scholarship-recipients/ Copr. 2022 Send2Press Newswire, a service of NEOTROPE, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: 86542SI.03 With only 1 in 4 employees reporting they are happy in their jobs, the annual Gympass State of Work-Life Wellness Report paints a gloomy picture of how the global workforce is feeling, and helps leaders understand what action to take to help their teams address workplace engagement, burnout and productivity NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gympass, the world's largest employee wellbeing platform, today announced the release of its first annual State of Work-Life Wellness Report. The research is based on a survey of 9,000 employees across nine markets including the United States, U.K., and Brazil, and uncovers insights regarding how employees feel about workplace happiness, burnout, productivity and employee engagement. The report outlines these data findings, as well as key trend predictions for 2023, and offers critical recommendations for HR leaders to integrate into their work policies. According to the research, a crisis of wellbeing has pushed employee stress to an all time high, with employees across every organizational level feeling more detached from work than ever before (Gallup World Poll). At the same time, Gympass survey data shows that there's a paradigm shift happening in which there's an increased emphasis on personal wellbeing. The impetus is on employers to ensure that their teams feel cared for, both mentally and physically, and if they don't, the business impact will be staggering. The Gympass State of Work-Life Wellness Report highlights that: 77% say they would consider leaving a company that doesn't focus on wellbeing. 83% of employees believe their wellbeing is just as important as their salary. 85% of employees are more likely to stay in their role if their employer focuses more on wellbeing. The report provides insights and recommendations to help employers address this crisis of employee wellbeing, and bridge the work-life wellness gap within their organizations. Employee wellness best practices include helping employees prioritize their mental and physical health, like local gym memberships or meditation classes, as well as incentivizing employees to take breaks, recharge, and find time during the day to move. "As employers, we have a responsibility to confront this crisis head-on, to support our employees through better habits be it fitness, healthy eating, meditation, mental health, or hundreds of other activities," said Cesar Carvalho, Gympass Founder & CEO. "There's an altruistic element to supporting our employees in this way, but it also has a positive impact on our bottom lines when our employees are happier, healthier and more engaged. That's what the State of Work-Life Wellness report aims to help employers navigate, and we hope other companies will join us in prioritizing the wellbeing of our employees together." "When speaking with Gympass customers, one thing is clear: Gympass' wellbeing program has not only become more expansive, but it now also impacts their clients' hiring, leadership and management practices," said Josh Bersin, Global Industry Analyst & CEO of The Josh Bersin Company. "So as you read this report and implement many of its ideas, I encourage you to think about leadership, and how leaders can help give people space, time, and a voice to stay healthy. Leaders set the example of wellness, so let's make sure they're part of the long-term solution." In an effort to make wellbeing universal, this year Gympass announced partnerships with companies like Orangetheory Fitness and StrongerU Nutrition to add these companies to its roster of wellness offerings, as well as the acquisition of Trainiac, Andjoy, and 7Card, and expanded partnerships with Lifesum, Strava, and LA Fitness. Gympass also secured a $220 million Series E funding round, valuing the company at $2.2 billion. To access the full 2022 State of Work-Life Wellness Report, and to learn more about Gympass and its latest offerings, visit www.gympass.com. About Gympass Founded in 2012, Gympass is a corporate wellness platform that offers employees access to a global network of 50,000+ gyms, classes, trainers, and wellbeing apps through affordable, flexible monthly subscriptions. 10,000+ companies use Gympass to improve their employees' work-life wellness, resulting in a happier, healthier, and more productive global workforces. To-date, Gympass has powered more than 200 million check-ins which make up more than 6 billion minutes of employee wellbeing. Companies that offer Gympass see 43% better retention rates and up to 25% less annual employee healthcare costs. Get a corporate quote or check employee eligibility at gympass.com. Media Contacts[email protected] [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-crisis-of-wellbeing-gympass-state-of-work-life-wellness-report-reveals-employee-stress-at-an-all-time-high-with-personal-wellbeing-a-top-priority-for-the-workforce-301671510.html SOURCE Gympass Impactful music video and anthemic songs respond to current issues and promote social consciousness and action LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-hyphenate, top ten Billboard charting artist, Kwanza Jones, creates songs for social change. Her latest three releases, "More Now Than Ever," "Rise" and "Enough" address issues that are important to voters. Kwanza Jones creates songs for social change, speaks truths without constraints, releases anthems of resilience + action "As an indie artist, I make a conscious choice to use my voice and speak my truth without constraints. It's a truth that resonates with many. All too often marginalized people and communities lack power, resources, and privilege; that is why I speak. From restrictions on women's bodies, like the rollback of abortion and reproductive rights, to the shattering of lives by gun violence and mass shootings, to the war in Ukraine and other ongoing conflicts around the world, the stories are numerous and heartbreaking. I've seen enough apathy and inaction. I don't have the luxury to do nothing. I don't have the luxury to not speak." Listen to "More Now Than Ever"|| "Rise" || "Enough" "More Now Than Ever" is an anthem of resilience and strength in times of uncertainty. The powerful music video for "More Now Than Ever," features a cast that represents the strength of diversity and unity. The video also highlights children's voices that are often silenced. The song encourages people to take a stand and make a difference. "It's a war out there, what can we do about it? Find a battle cry and go and shout it," said Jones in the song. "Voting is a way to use your voice. Regardless of the outcome of elections, voting is how you make your voice heard. It matters. It is critically important and essential to democracy." Watch the "More Now Than Ever" music video Jones couples her commitment to create message-driven music with her philanthropic endeavors. She awards grants and provides capital to organizations that promote access and equity. Recent grantees include: Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Program (WRAAP), Girls Inc., nsoro Foundation, and PFLAG. Long known for creating art that sparks social change and stands against injustice, in 2017, Jones released "Blah Zey Blah," a music video, calling out rampant misogyny. In 2019, as a lead up to the 2020 elections, she released "Problem," a music video style public service announcement that addresses mass incarceration, racial profiling, immigration, women's reproductive rights, and systemic racism. In 2021, Jones released two singles, "Get Out" and "We Buildin'." The first song was in response to the political and social violence that marked the Presidential transition period. The second song celebrates the possibilities for prosperity in America, and the benefits of diversity in making the country better. Rounding out culture, and capital, Jones fosters community. She is the founder and CEO of SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones, a media company that produces inspiring, motivational content coupled with an impact-oriented community. She says, "I founded my company with the belief that no one succeeds alone - sometimes you need a boost." About Kwanza Jones Kwanza Jones boosts humans and humanity through culture, capital and community. She is a sought-after speaker, accomplished artist, impact investor, and philanthropist. With a multifaceted background spanning music, media, production, law and business, Jones is an energetic and visionary leader. She is CEO and founder of SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones, a motivational media company. Jones has served on numerous boards including the Apollo Theater, Bennett College, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer, and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Through her Jones Feliciano Initiative, she has committed over $100 million to education, entrepreneurship, equity and empowerment organizations. To learn more, visit kwanzajones.com and connect with her on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Kwanza Jones Boost Friends Community. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acclaimed-artist-and-philanthropist-kwanza-jones-releases-powerful-anthems-of-resilience-boosts-get-out-the-vote-efforts-301671774.html SOURCE SUPERCHARGED GREENWICH, Conn., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southfield Capital, a premier lower middle market private equity firm, announced today that Alba Wheels Up ("Alba"), a full-service logistics company based in Valley Stream, New York, has acquired KSI Corp. ("KSI", or the "Company"), a provider of customs brokerage services on the west coast. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, KSI provides customs brokerage services with expertise in the biotech and semiconductor end markets and is one of the largest independent customs brokers in the Bay Area. "The acquisition of KSI strategically complements our success in a number of other verticals where Alba is a nationally-recognized category leader," said Alba Wheels Up CEO Damien Stile. "For over seventy years, Alba's mission has steadfastly remained that our company's success is built on the success of our customers. Carl Bellante, KSI's CEO, and Dennis Siu, KSI's CFO, share that same philosophy." Mr. Bellante and Mr. Siu believe that KSI's customers will benefit from Alba's shared values, including client and employee longevity, thought leadership and similarities in their approaches to trade sensitive sectors that require long-term relationships to build the technical and commercial knowledge required for success. "Dennis and I have known Damien and senior members of the Alba team for more than twenty years. As we evaluated opportunities, Alba presented the best package for our employees and the strongest home for our customers," shared Carl Bellante. KSI's headquarters in San Francisco will become Alba's fifth office and the second on the west coast. KSI's San Francisco, CA office expands Alba's office footprint: Los Angeles, CA; Houston, TX; Jersey City, NJ; and the corporate headquarters in Valley Stream, NY. Southfield Partner Heb James commented, "We are excited to welcome the KSI team to the Alba family and believe it will be a great combination of logistics expertise. Alba is an industry leader in several verticals, including apparel, home furnishings and medical devices. The expansion into semiconductors and biotech will be end markets where Alba can leverage their capabilities to grow its market share and provide additional services." Deerpath Capital Management provided debt financing. Finn Dixon & Herling LLP provided legal counsel to Alba and Southfield Capital. About Alba Wheels Up Alba Wheels Up is a fully integrated logistics provider offering customs brokerage, logistics, trade intelligence and industry-leading supply chain solutions to middle market and larger companies. Alba is headquartered in Valley Stream, NY with branch offices in Jersey City, NJ, Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA and now San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit www.albawheelsup.com. About Southfield Capital Southfield Capital is a private equity firm that invests in high-growth, lower middle market companies in the outsourced business services sector. The firm targets companies with $4 - 15 million in EBITDA and partners with management to scale the business through a combination of organic and acquisition growth strategies. For more information, please visit www.southfieldcapital.com. Our TeamAndy Levison, Managing PartnerAndy Cook, PartnerHeb James, PartnerTim Lewis, PartnerBrandon Pinderhughes, PrincipalChris Grambling, PrincipalJason Perlroth, Principal & Head of Business DevelopmentJosh Sylvan, Vice PresidentMatt King, Senior AssociateLogan Vorwerk, Senior Associate Mike Weber, AssociateJon Goldstein, Chief Financial Officer Southfield Capital140 Greenwich AvenueGreenwich, CT 06830Phone: 203.813.4100Fax: 203.813.4141www.southfieldcapital.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alba-wheels-up-and-southfield-capital-announce-the-strategic-acquisition-of-ksi-corp-301671043.html SOURCE Southfield Capital Bank of America and CrossBoundary Energy are exploring opportunities with development finance institutions to structure a blended finance loan facility that will support CrossBoundary's efforts to scale commercial and industrial renewable energy projects and battery storage solutions in Africa. Finance facilities will support CrossBoundary's development pipeline of approximately 255MW of solar and wind generation and 50MWh of storage projects. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CrossBoundary Energy, a leading developer, owner, and operator of commercial and industrial renewable energy projects in Africa, announced today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt at the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference, their intention to explore financing solutions with Bank of America, to rapidly scale its investments in renewable energy solutions for commercial and industrial businesses across Africa. The collaboration serves as an example of a blended finance transaction driving capital flow into Emerging Markets and will support CrossBoundary's delivery of approximately 255MW of solar and wind generation and 50MWh of storage projects. CrossBoundary Energy provides tailored, fully financed renewable energy solutions to its corporate customers, allowing them to avoid upfront capital expenditure and technical risks, while still benefitting from cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable power. CrossBoundary is currently delivering a portfolio of $230 million in projects for more than 30 corporate customers across 14 African countries and is the renewable energy provider of choice for several market-leading companies present in Africa, including Unilever, Diageo, Rio Tinto, Heineken, and AB InBev. Matt Tilleard, co-founder and Managing Partner, CrossBoundary Group said, "We are very excited to be able to share this news alongside Bank of America during COP27, hosted on the African continent, given our common goal of bolstering sustainable development in emerging markets. COP27 is an appropriate backdrop to articulate our shared commitment to expand large-scale renewable energy projects in Africa. We are proud to be working with Bank of America, and as well as development finance institutions, to build a more sustainable future in the region." Karen Fang, Global Head of Sustainable Finance, Bank of America said, "Bank of America recognizes the importance of developing renewable energy infrastructure in Africa, where energy is lacking on a consumer level and commercial operations are hampered by outages. We believe emerging markets need the net zero transition as much as developed markets, and as part of our own commitment to achieve net zero before 2050 and our $1.5 trillion sustainable finance commitment by 2030, are ensuring climate finance capital are flowing in a targeted and equitable manner. We look forward to working with CrossBoundary, which has a solid track record in renewable energy deployment in Africa and a robust development pipeline, and hope this example paves the way for more sustainable development in emerging markets." 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. BofA has experience lending and arranging renewable energy financing in a number of regions, including distributed solar financing solutions for residential and commercial and industrial customers in emerging markets. BofA is also recognized as an M&A and capital markets leader across emerging markets. CrossBoundary Energy CrossBoundary Energy is a leading developer, owner, and operator of distributed renewable energy solutions for businesses across Africa, providing cheaper and cleaner energy through power purchase and lease agreements. CrossBoundary Energy is currently delivering a portfolio of over US$230M of solar renewable energy assets for clients including Unilever, Diageo, Rio Tinto, Heineken, and AB InBev, and was recently recognized by African Solar Industry Association as "Solar Company of the Year". Learn more at www.crossboundary.com/energy/. CrossBoundary Energy is a member company of the CrossBoundary Group, a mission-driven investment firm committed to unlocking capital for sustainable growth and strong returns in underserved markets. Learn more at www.crossboundary.com. 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. 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: Kymberly Bays, CrossBoundary GroupGlobal Head of CommunicationsMobile: +254 (0)701.380.433[email protected] Sheryl Lee, Bank of AmericaPhone: +1.657.234.9950[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bank-of-america-and-crossboundary-energy-join-forces-to-expand-renewable-energy-across-africa-for-a-more-sustainable-future-301671794.html SOURCE Bank of America Corporation FORT MYERS, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Women's specialty retailer Chico's FAS, Inc. (NYSE: CHS) (the "Company") will host a conference call with security analysts on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 beginning at 8:00 a.m. ET to review the operating results for the third quarter ended October 29, 2022. The conference call is being webcast live over the Internet, which you may access in the Investors section of the Company's corporate website, www.chicosfas.com. A replay of the webcast will remain available online for one year at http://chicosfas.com/investors/events-and-presentations. The phone number for the call is 1-877-883-0383. International callers should use 1-412-902-6506. The Elite Entry number, 7130569, is required to join the conference call. Interested participants should call 10-15 minutes prior to the 8:00 a.m. start to be placed in queue. ABOUT CHICO'S FAS, INC. Chico's FAS is a Florida-based fashion company founded in 1983 on Sanibel Island, Fla. The Company reinvented the fashion retail experience by creating fashion communities anchored by service, which put the customer at the center of everything we do. As one of the leading fashion retailers in North America, Chico's FAS is a company of three unique brands - Chico's, White House Black Market and Soma - each thriving in their own white space, founded by women, led by women, providing solutions that millions of women say give them confidence and joy. Our Company has a passion for fashion, and each day, we provide clothing, shoes and accessories, intimate apparel and expert styling in our brick-and-mortar boutiques, digital online boutiques and through StyleConnect, the Company's customized, branded, digital styling tool that enables customers to conveniently shop wherever, whenever and however they prefer. As of July 30, 2022, the Company operated 1,258 stores in the U.S. and sold merchandise through 58 international franchise locations in Mexico and 2 domestic franchise airport locations. The Company's merchandise is also available at www.chicos.com, www.chicosofftherack.com, www.whbm.com and www.soma.com. To learn more about Chico's FAS, please visit our corporate website at www.chicosfas.com. The information on our corporate website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this press release or incorporated into our federal securities law filings. Investor Relations Contact: Michelle Miller Chico's FAS, Inc. Director, Investor Relations (239) 346-3156 Chico's FAS, Inc. 11215 Metro Parkway Fort Myers, Florida 33966 (239) 277-6200 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chicos-fas-inc-announces-third-quarter-sales-and-earnings-conference-call-301670372.html SOURCE Chico's FAS, Inc. TORONTO and GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Converge Technology Solutions Corp. ("Converge" or "the Company") (TSX: CTS) (FSE: 0ZB) (OTCQX: CTSDF) is pleased to provide its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Financial Summary In $000s except per share amounts 3-month Q3 2022 3-month Q3 2021 Growth % 9-month Q3 2022 9-month Q3 2021 Growth % Gross revenues1 730,571 472,419 55 % 2,134,178 1,332,639 60 % Net revenues 603,206 367,349 64 % 1,749,899 1,022,858 71 % Gross profit (GP) 139,654 83,771 67 % 381,851 229,811 66 % Gross margin % 23.2 % 22.8 % 21.8 % 22.5 % Adjusted EBITDA1 30,967 18,862 64 % 99,804 59,349 68 % Adjusted EBITDA1 as a % of GP 22.2 % 22.5 % 26.1 % 25.8 % Adjusted EBITDA1 as a % of Net Revenue 5.1 % 5.1 % 5.7 % 5.8 % Net income 18,228 4,596 297 % 27,449 9,287 196 % Net income per diluted share $0.10 $0.02 400 % $0.14 $0.05 180 % Adjusted net income1 21,266 13,815 54 % 73,676 39,979 84 % Adjusted EPS1 $0.10 $0.07 43 % $0.34 $0.22 55 % Financial highlights for the three-month period ended September 30, 2022 ("Q3-2022"): Q3-2022 net revenue increased 64% over the same quarter last year ("Q3-2021") to $603.2 million Q3-2022 gross profit increased 67% over last year to $139.7 million Adjusted EBITDA1 increased 64% to $31.0 million from $18.9 million last year For Q3-2022, the Company generated Adjusted Free Cashflow1 and Adjusted Free Cash Flow Conversion1 of $24.7 million and 80%, respectively Reported Adjusted EPS1 of $0.10 per share for Q3-2022 increasing by 43% from $0.07 per share in Q3-2021 Organic gross revenue growth1 for Q3-2022 of 6%. Organic gross profit growth1 for Q3-2022 of 13% Professional (Advisory and Implementation) services revenue in Q3 grew 85% year over year to $77.4 million. Achieved 108 net new logos in Q3-2022, securing 328 net new logos in 2022 Improvements to hardware supply chains resulted in product bookings backlog2 decreasing to approximately $432.8 million in Q3-2022 compared to $507.4 million in Q2-2022 while Q3-2022 Services Backlog2 was approximately $70.2 million compared to $70.9 million in Q2-2022 _________________________________ 1 This is a Non-IFRS measure (including non-IFRS ratio) and not a recognized, defined or a standardized measure under IFRS. See the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section of this news release for definitions, uses and a reconciliation of historical non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures.2 Bookings backlog is calculated as purchase orders received from customers not yet delivered at the end of the fiscal period. Q3-2022 Business Highlights & Subsequent to Quarter Converge celebrated the five-year anniversary of its first acquisition and secured the CRN 2022 Triple Crown award with top rankings on all three CRN lists, including the Solution Provider 500, Fast Growth 150 and Tech Elite 250. Acquired approximately $1.2 billion of LTM gross revenue and $68.4 million EBITDA through 10 acquisitions year-to-date including Paragon Development Systems, Inc. ("PDS"); Visucom GmbH ("Visucom"); 1CRM Systems Corp. ("1CRM"); Creative Breakthroughs, Inc. ("CBI"); Interdynamix Systems ("IDX"); Solutions Notarius Inc. ("Notarius"); Gesellschaft fur digitale Bildung, Institur fur modern Bildung, and DEQSTER (collectively "GfdB"); and Technology Integration Group ("TIG"), Newcomp Analytics ("Newcomp") and Stone Technologies Group Limited ("Stone"). Completed a five year $500m global revolving credit facility (the "Global Credit Facility"), led by J.P. Morgan and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce as joint lead arrangers, with the Bank of Nova Scotia, the Toronto -Dominion Bank and Bank of Montreal participating in the lender group. The Global Credit Facility includes an uncommitted accordion of $100m, for a total borrowing capacity of $600m. Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) commenced on August 11, 2022 allowing the Company to purchase for cancellation up to an aggregate of 10,744,818 common shares. Richard Lecoutre joined the Converge Leadership team as Global Chief Financial Officer on September 1, 2022 and will help guide Converge's European and global expansion. "We continue to report record financial results, and I am incredibly proud that Converge grew by over 60% year-over-year across revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA," said Shaun Maine, CEO of Converge. "The fact that after 3 quarters Converge has higher revenue, gross profit and Adjusted EBITDA compared to our full year 2021 results illustrates how Converge's combination of organic and inorganic growth is the best growth model in the IT Services industry. Combined with that, our 85% year over year growth in professional services is at a higher rate than the overall business proving our shift to become strategically more valuable to our customer. This means that we now have an approximately $500m annualized services business. The expansion of our advisory business, particularly around analytics and cybersecurity, has resulted in record gross profit and accelerated services growth. Having completed our 10th transaction in 2022 we exceeded our goal of adding $1b gross revenue through acquisitions this year. Now we will focus on integration and our cross-selling strategies, particularly around services and high value solutions. We expect to see the high demand for our services-led, software-enabled hybrid IT solutions continue for the remainder of 2022, with Q4 growth rates consistent with Q3 year-to-date, and this high demand continuing into 2023." Conference Call Details:Date: Wednesday, November 9th, 2022Time: 8:00 AM Eastern Time Participant Webcast Link:Webcast Link - https://app.webinar.net/kOdERzOlj7K Participant Dial-in Details:Confirmation #: 18195364Toronto: 416-764-8609North American Toll Free: 888-390-0605 International Toll-Free Numbers:Germany: 08007240293Ireland: 1800939111Spain: 900834776Switzerland: 0800312635United Kingdom: 08006522435 Recording Playback:A recording of the webcast will be available after the call using the following link:Webcast Link - https://app.webinar.net/kOdERzOlj7KExpiry Date: November 9th, 2023 A live audio webcast accompanied by presentation slides and archive of the conference call will be available by visiting the Company's website at https://convergetp.com/investor-relations/. Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure time for any software download that may be needed to hear the webcast. About ConvergeConverge Technology Solutions Corp. is a software-enabled IT & Cloud Solutions provider focused on delivering industry-leading solutions and services. Converge's global solution approach delivers advanced analytics, application modernization, cloud, 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. Summary of Consolidated Statements of Financial Position(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Assets Current assets Cash $ 172,229 $ 248,193 Restricted cash 4,348 - Trade and other receivables 637,764 416,499 Inventories 163,777 104,254 Prepaid expenses and other assets 21,502 11,762 999,620 780,708 Long-term assets Property, equipment, and right-of-use assets, net 64,708 30,642 Intangible assets, net 454,117 233,586 Goodwill 502,575 323,284 Other non-current assets 663 617 $ 2,021,683 $ 1,368,837 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Current liabilities Trade and other payables $ 686,629 $ 519,434 Borrowings 371,690 816 Other financial liabilities 43,073 29,407 Deferred revenue 69,371 27,581 Income taxes payable 14,153 13,977 1,184,916 591,215 Long-term liabilities Other financial liabilities 106,413 85,296 Borrowings - 412 Deferred tax liability 90,685 43,086 $ 1,382,014 $ 720,009 Shareholders' equity Common shares 609,916 633,489 Contributed surplus 6,497 2,325 Exchange rights 1,641 2,396 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (530) 329 Deficit (9,874) (25,050) Total equity attributable to shareholders of Converge 607,650 613,489 Non-controlling interest 32,019 35,339 639,669 648,828 $ 2,021,683 $ 1,368,837 Summary of Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenues Product $ 474,006 $ 289,591 $ 1,419,216 $ 823,385 Service 129,200 77,758 330,683 199,473 Total revenue 603,206 367,349 1,749,899 1,022,858 Cost of sales 463,552 283,578 1,368,048 793,047 Gross profit 139,654 83,771 381,851 229,811 Selling, general and administrative expenses 111,032 66,092 287,267 173,365 Income before the following 28,622 17,679 94,584 56,446 Depreciation and amortization 23,094 10,162 54,751 24,548 Finance expense, net 5,886 1,528 10,798 5,675 Special charges 8,211 8,702 19,492 17,101 Share-based compensation expense 1,275 1,193 4,172 1,193 Other income (25,570) (8,491) (22,432) (5,485) Income before income taxes 15,726 4,585 27,803 13,408 Income tax expense (recovery) (2,502) (11) 304 4,121 Net income $ 18,228 $ 4,596 $ 27,499 $ 9,287 Net income (loss) attributable to: Shareholders of Converge 20,595 4,596 30,819 9,287 Non-controlling interest (2,367) - (3,320) - $ 18,228 $ 4,596 $ 27,499 $ 9,287 Other comprehensive income Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 5,352 (641) (859) (23) Comprehensive income $ 23,580 $ 3,955 $ 26,640 $ 9,264 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: Shareholders of Converge 25,947 3,955 29,660 9,264 Non-controlling interest (2,367) - (3,320) - $ 23,580 3,955 26,640 9,264 Adjusted EBITDA[2] $ 30,967 $ 18,862 $ 99,804 $ 59,349 Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Net Revenue2 5.1 % 5.1 % 5.7 % 5.8 % Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Gross Profit2 22.2 % 22.5 % 26.1 % 25.8 % _______________________________ 2 This is a Non-IFRS measure (including non-IFRS ratio) and not a recognized, defined or a standardized measure under IFRS. See the Non-IFRS Financial Measures section of this news release for definitions, uses and a reconciliation of historical non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures. Summary of Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows(expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars) For the three monthsended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Cash flows from operating activities Net income $ 18,228 $ 4,596 $ 27,499 $ 9,287 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities Depreciation and amortization 24,101 10,324 58,071 26,635 Unrealized foreign exchange gains (24,233) (7,991) (20,532) (5,025) Share-based compensation expense 1,275 1,193 4,172 1,193 Finance expense, net 5,886 1,528 10,798 5,675 Change in fair value of contingent consideration - 3,808 - 4,405 Income tax expense (recovery) (2,502) (11) 304 4,121 22,755 13,447 80,312 46,291 Changes in non-cash working capital items Trade and other receivables 71,898 34,045 (4,241) 93,065 Inventories 6,511 (7,103) 17,769 (31,290) Prepaid expenses and other assets 835 (4,146) (3,781) (4,447) Trade and other payables (86,206) 16,896 (69,836) (48,706) Income taxes payable (1,901) (634) (18,926) (2,613) Other financial liabilities (338) 6 1,898 1,877 Deferred revenue and customer deposits 1,396 (4,390) 7,996 13,123 Cash from operating activities 14,950 48,121 11,191 67,300 Cash flows used in investing activities Purchase of property and equipment (4,332) (810) (18,812) (3,661) Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment - 421 (6) 552 Repayment of contingent consideration - - (10,135) (5,502) Repayment of deferred consideration (121) (1,879) (7,069) (5,627) Business combinations, net of cash acquired (154,212) (148,143) (353,683) (244,293) Cash used in investing activities (158,665) (150,411) (389,705) (258,531) Cash flows from financing activities Transfers from (to) restricted cash 141 (11,467) (4,372) (11,467) Interest paid (1,229) (561) (4,287) (5,639) Dividend paid - - (1,080) - Payments of lease liabilities (3,462) (2,584) (8,494) (7,001) Net proceeds from issuance of common shares - 248,370 - 493,886 Repurchase of common shares (30,539) - (30,539) - Repayment of notes payable (37) (376) (196) (3,790) Net proceeds from (repayment of) borrowings 173,084 (51,900) 357,901 (135,448) Cash from financing activities 137,958 181,482 308,933 330,541 Net change in cash during the period (5,757) 79,192 (69,581) 139,310 Effect of foreign exchange on cash (6,189) 6,229 (6,383) 6,267 Cash, beginning of period 184,175 124,923 248,193 64,767 Cash, end of period $ 172,229 $ 210,344 $ 172,229 $ 210,344 Non-IFRS Financial Measures This news release refers to certain performance indicators including "Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA)", "Adjusted Free Cash Flow", "Adjusted Free Cash Flow Conversion", "Adjusted Net Income" and "Adjusted Earnings per Share", "Gross Revenue", and "Organic Growth" which are not recognized under IFRS and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Converge's method of calculating such non-IFRS measures and ratios may differ from methods used by other companies and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management believes that these measures are useful to most shareholders, creditors, and other stakeholders in analyzing the Company's operating results, and can highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. The Company also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of issuers. Management also uses non-IFRS measures and ratios in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets and assess the ability to meet capital expenditure and working capital requirements. These non-IFRS financial measures and ratios are furnished to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to the consolidated income (loss) or any other measure of performance under IFRS. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's financial statements and disclosures in their entirety and are cautioned not to put undue reliance on non-IFRS measures and ratios and view them in conjunction with the most comparable IFRS financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) adjusted to exclude amortization, depreciation, interest expense and finance costs, foreign exchange gains and losses, share-based compensation expense, income tax expense, and special charges. Special charges consist primarily of restructuring related expenses for employee terminations, lease terminations, and restructuring of acquired companies, as well as certain legal fees or provisions related to acquired companies. From time to time, it may also include adjustments in the fair value of contingent consideration, and other such non-recurring costs related to restructuring, financing, and acquisitions. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized, defined, or standardized measure under IFRS. The Company's definition of Adjusted EBITDA will likely differ from that used by other companies and therefore comparability may be limited. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for or in isolation from measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Company has reconciled Adjusted EBITDA to the most comparable IFRS financial measure as follows: For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net income before taxes $ 15,726 $ 4,585 $ 27,803 $ 13,408 Finance expense 5,886 1,528 10,798 5,675 Share-based compensation expense 1,275 1,193 4,172 1,193 Depreciation and amortization 23,094 10,162 54,751 24,548 Depreciation included in cost of sales 1,008 683 3,320 2,443 Foreign exchange gain (24,233) (7,991) (20,532) (5,025) Special charges 8,211 8,702 19,492 17,107 Adjusted EBITDA $ 30,967 $ 18,862 $ 99,804 $ 59,349 Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow Conversion The Company calculates Adjusted Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA less: (i) recurring capital expenditures ("Recurring Capex") and (ii) lease payments relating to the IFRS 16 lease liability ("IFRS 16 Lease Liability"). Management defines Recurring Capex as the actual capital expenditures which are required to maintain the Company's existing and ongoing operations in its normal course of business. Recurring Capex excludes one-time expenditures to support growth initiatives that the Company categorizes as non-recurring in nature. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a useful measure that allows the Company to primarily identify how much pre-tax cash is available for continued investment in the business and for the Company's growth by acquisition strategy. Management also believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a good proxy for cash generation and as such, Adjusted Free Cash Flow Conversion is a useful metric that demonstrates that the rate at which the Company can convert Adjusted EBITDA to cash. The following table provides a calculation for Adjusted Cash Flow and Adjusted Cash Flow Conversion: For the three months ended September 30, For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Adjusted EBITDA $ 30,967 $ 18,862 $ 99,804 $ 59,349 Capex (2,765) (810) (8,622) (3,661) Payment of lease liabilities (3,462) (2,584) (8,494) (7,001) Adjusted Free Cash Flow $ 24,740 $ 15,468 $ 82,688 $ 48,687 Adjusted Free Cash Flow Conversion 80 % 82 % 83 % 82 % Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Net Revenue The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Net Revenue is a useful measure of the Company's operating efficiency and profitability. This is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by net revenue. Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Gross Profit The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Gross Profit is a useful measure of the Company's operating efficiency and profitability. This is calculated by dividing Adjusted EBITDA by gross profit. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share ("EPS") Adjusted Net Income represents net income adjusted to exclude special charges, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and share-based compensation. The Company believes that Adjusted Net Income is a more useful measure than net income as it excludes the impact of one-time, non-cash and/or non-recurring items that are not reflective of Converge's underlying business performance. Adjusted EPS is calculated by dividing Adjusted Net Income by the total weighted average shares outstanding on a basic and diluted basis. The Company has provided a reconciliation to the most comparable IFRS financial measure as follows: For the three months For the nine months ended September 30, ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net income $ 18,228 $ 4,596 $ 27,498 $ 9,287 Special charges 8,211 8,702 19,492 17,107 Amortization of acquired intangible assets 17,785 7,315 43,047 17,417 Foreign exchange gain (24,233) (7,991) (20,533) (5,025) Share-based compensation 1,275 1,193 4,172 1,193 Adjusted Net Income: $ 21,266 $ 13,815 $ 73,676 $ 39,979 Basic 0.10 0.07 0.34 0.22 Diluted 0.10 0.07 0.34 0.22 Gross revenue Gross revenue, which is a non-IFRS measurement, reflects the gross amount billed to customers, adjusted for amounts deferred or accrued. The Company believes gross revenue is a useful alternative financial metric to net revenue, the IFRS measure, as it better reflects volume fluctuations as compared to net revenue. Under the applicable IFRS 15 'principal vs agent' guidance, the principal records revenue on a gross basis and the agent records commission on a net basis. In transactions where Converge is acting as an agent between the customer and the vendor, net revenue is calculated by reducing gross revenue by the cost of sale amount. The Company has provided a reconciliation of gross revenue to net revenue, which is the most comparable IFRS financial measure, as follows: For the three months For the nine months ended September 30, ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Product $ 474,006 $ 289,591 $ 1,419,216 $ 823,385 Managed services 35,681 25,785 101,932 64,205 Third party and professional services 220,884 157,043 613,030 445,049 Total $ 730,571 $ 472,419 $ 2,134,178 $ 1,332,639 Adjustment for sales transacted as agent 127,365 105,070 384,279 309,781 Net revenue $ 603,206 $ 367,349 $ 1,749,899 $ 1,022,858 Organic Growth The Company measures organic growth on a quarterly and year-to-date basis, at the gross revenue and gross profit levels, and includes the contributions under Converge ownership in the current and comparative period(s). In calculating organic growth, the Company therefore deducts gross revenue and gross profit generated from companies that were acquired in the current reporting period(s). Gross revenue organic growth is calculated by deducting prior period gross revenues, as reported in the Company's public filings, from current period gross revenue for the same portfolio of companies. Gross revenue organic growth percentage is calculated by dividing organic growth by prior period reported gross revenues. The following table calculates gross revenue organic growth for Q3-2022: Q3 (3-month) Q3 YTD (9-month) Gross revenue $ 730,571 $ 2,134,178 Less: gross revenues from Companies not owned in comparative period 230,348 634,781 Gross revenue of Companies owned in comparative period 500,223 1,499,397 Prior period gross revenue 472,419 1,332,639 Organic Growth - $ $ 27,804 $ 166,758 Organic Growth - % 5.9 % 12.5 % Gross profit organic growth is calculated by deducting prior period gross profit, as reported in the Companies public filings, from current period gross profit for the same portfolio of companies. Gross profit organic growth percentage is calculated by dividing organic growth by prior period reported gross profit. The following table calculates gross profit organic growth for Q3-2022: Q3 (3-month) Q3 YTD (9-month) Gross profit $ 139,654 $ 381,851 Less: gross profit from companies not owned in comparative period 44,994 117,539 Gross profit of companies owned in comparative period 94,660 264,312 Prior period gross profit 83,771 229,811 Organic Growth - $ $ 10,889 $ 34,501 Organic Growth - % 13.0 % 15.0 % Forward-Looking Information This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation regarding Converge and its business. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected" "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts". "estimates", "believes" or intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could, "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while the Company considers reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Converge assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a detailed description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's filings available on SEDAR under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com including its most recent Annual Information Form, its Management Discussion and Analysis and its Annual and Quarterly Financial Statements. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/converge-technology-solutions-reports-third-quarter-2022-financial-results-301672083.html SOURCE Converge Technology Solutions Corp. Christian Powerhouses Partnering on Three Book Publishing Deal SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DaySpring, the world's largest Christian-message product provider, and Pray.com, the world's number one app for daily prayer and faith-based content, announce a new publishing partnership beginning in 2023 for three book projects. Based on the most popular downloads within the Pray.com app, these books will feature the "best of" content which has now reached over 12-million users worldwide. Each is a collection of stories, devotions, Bible verses, and practical tools for everyday Christian living. The first book will be released in May and is called Sleep Psalms: Nightly Moments of Mindfulness and Rest. This partnership will be an opportunity for Pray.com users to experience the content they love in a fresh new way while introducing DaySpring's core audience to the Pray.com brand and message. "It is my pleasure to announce our partnership with Pray.com," said DaySpring President James Barnett. "We are grateful to be a part of a project that will inspire and cultivate the walk of Christians around the world." "Pray.com is expanding its original content offering into the written format. With tens of millions of streaming audio consumers, we are going to help even more people make prayer a priority through print," Pray.com founder and CEO Steve Gatena said. "Pray.com appreciates DaySpring's vision for this partnership and their support of our mental health and wellness initiatives, and we look forward to serving people around the world together." About DaySpring: DaySpring, the world's largest Christian-message product provider, was founded in 1971 with a single Christmas card. Today DaySpring offers more than 6,000 productsfrom greeting cards to home decor, specialty gifts to devotional books. In 1999, DaySpring was acquired by Hallmark Cards, Inc. DaySpring products are sold in Christian retail outlets, mass retail stores, card and gift shops and other outlets in the United States and 60 foreign countries. DaySpring is based in Siloam Springs, Ark., and employs a staff of more than 220 people. Visit www.dayspring.com for more information about the company, to find a local retailer, and to send a free e-card. Pray.com helps people make prayer a priority in their life. Pray.com is the world's #1 app for daily prayer and faith-based media content. The Pray.com app helps people improve their mental & spiritual health with daily prayers, inspirational sermons, and bedtime Bible stories. Launched in 2017 by Steve Gatena, Michael Lynn, Ryan Beck, and Matthew Potter, Pray.com is a social impact company driven by a mission to grow faith, cultivate community and leave a legacy of helping others. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dayspring-and-praycom-announce-2023-partnership-301672046.html SOURCE DaySpring Prominent international consulting firm welcomes three new advisors to guide company through future growth WOODBRIDGE, Va., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Consulting Group, a leading consulting firm focused on dispute resolution, project advisory, and risk mitigation, announced today that it has named Rob Franklin, David Weekly, and Darin Buchalter to its newly formed Strategic Advisory Board. These highly experienced appointees will leverage their collective skills and industry expertise to provide strategic guidance and direction to Delta's Executive Leadership Team. Delta Consulting Group unveils new Strategic Advisory Board and welcomes three new advisors to help guide company. About Rob Franklin:Rob is an entrepreneur, investor and business advisor focused on helping other businesses reach their success potential. Rob is one of the cofounders of MorganFranklin, a management and technology consulting firm that works to address critical operational business objectives. While at MorganFranklin, he held various executive positions to include President and Chief Operating Officer, playing a strategic role in leading the company from a start-up to a market leading services firm with over $100M in revenues. Rob serves as a board member and/or strategic advisor to companies of all sizes. Most recently, Rob served as a strategic advisor and member of the Board of Directors for MorganFranklin Consulting. Rob has served on multiple board committees and helped direct the company through an ESOP transaction and the sale of the firm to Olympus/Vaco in 2019. About David Weekly:David has over 45 years building high performing forensic accounting and litigation support practices having cofounded Fenix Financial Forensics (F3) in 2008. Prior to establishing F3, David was a member of the national Forensic and Litigation Consulting team for FTI Consulting, Inc. He was also the partner-in-charge of KPMG's U.S. Dispute Advisory Services practice. Before joining KPMG, David served as the worldwide director of Litigation Services, partner-in-charge of the U.S. Complex Claims and Events practice and partner-in-charge of National Law Firm Relationships for Arthur Andersen LLP. David holds the CPA, CFE, CFF, CIRA, CICA and CGMA designations. About Darin Buchalter:Darin is a proven senior operating executive with a 20+ year record of success delivering year over year organic and acquisitive growth for leading global professional services firms. As the Managing Director and Practice Leader of Navigant's Global Construction industry practice, Darin drove the practice's turnaround and transformation which led to 7 years of double-digit revenue growth with the business becoming one of the largest operators in the sector. He was one of the key executives in the marketing and execution of the $470M carve-out of Navigant, and the subsequent integration of people, clients, and infrastructure into one platform at Ankura where he served as Co-Head of Global Client Services, Chief Administrative Officer, and Board Director. Darin is an Independent Director of Pomeroy Technologies, LLC, a PE-owned global technology firm delivering managed workplace services focused on all aspects of the digital experience. Darin is an exceptional business leader and successful C-level executive, and as a Board Advisor and independently recognized industry expert, leads transformations that enable growth and enhanced valuation for companies and clients alike. Darin has a foundation in Big 4 consulting as a Partner at EY and holds the CRE and FRICS designations. "We are thrilled to welcome this group of experienced leaders to advise Delta through its next growth stage," said Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Fuchs. "The combined expertise of our Strategic Advisory Board will be focused on areas such as Finance, Human Capital, Marketing, Operations, Technology, and Strategic Planning and will play a critical role in guiding the company's future." The addition of these powerhouse leaders to Delta's Strategic Advisory Board is a boost to a company that is quickly gaining market share with recent acquisitions and key wins. Their expertise and business insight will be fully leveraged to help develop game changing client service strategies and take advantage of growth opportunities for the company and its employees. The Board's unique perspective will prove invaluable to the Executive Leadership Team as they work to maintain Delta Consulting Group's position as a preeminent international consultancy. To learn more about Delta Consulting Group please visit: www.delta-cgi.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-consulting-group-unveils-new-strategic-advisory-board-301671183.html SOURCE Delta Consulting Group Working to Boost Energy Access and Reduce Emissions in 12 Countries SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its launch at COP26, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has accelerated clean energy solutions to support economic development and climate priorities across 12 countries on multiple continents, with plans to expand to seven more countries next year. Highlights of GEAPP's strong first year include: Committed over $350 million to catalyze additional development and commercial finance. GEAPP's investment of $40M in five initiatives alone is accelerating an additional $630M in development capital. Partnered with governments in 12 countries, soon to be 19, advancing their national agendas for better energy access, faster decarbonization, jobs growth and economic development. Widened the Alliance with the addition of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), thus increasing the Alliance to 19 partners and aligned co-investment capacity to $11.5bn. Released its inaugural impact report, Powering People and Planet, with initial focus on robust impact methodology and updates on 2022 country programs. The Alliance was formed in 2021 to catalyze clean energy technologies and new pools of finance to bring reliable, livelihood-enhancing energy to the nearly 3.6 billion people who lack it. Working with developing countries, the Alliance seeks to foster collaboration and speed in harnessing the considerable human and financial resources needed to reduce energy poverty while combating climate change. GEAPP has already made important strides toward the goals of increased energy access, reduced emissions, and enhanced livelihoods. In all, building on the projects of its philanthropic founders, it has: Added more than 245,000 new or improved energy connections Impacted over 1 million lives Enabled 25 MW renewable energy capacity Averted or avoided 117,000 tons of carbon "It is unacceptable that half our global population still does not have access to reliable energy that is essential for healthy lives and productive livelihoods," said Jonas Gahr Stre, Norway's Prime Minister and co-chair of GEAPP's Global Leadership Council. "New clean energy projects in 2021 produced a quarter of the electricity needed to end energy poverty, except nearly all of this occurred in developed economies. We must move faster and find innovative new models when business-as-usual is not effective. Norway is glad to be working with GEAPP. I invite more to partner with us." The Alliance is now operating in 12 countries across Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Uganda); Asia (India, Indonesia, and Myanmar) and Latin America (Haiti and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico). Following its first Call for Country Partnerships at COP26, the Alliance is commencing work with Vietnam, Bangladesh, Benin, Burundi, Colombia, Pakistan, and Panama. Heads of state for Alliance country partners emphasize the need for urgent action across national and regional borders to increase energy access in ways that address the global imperative to reduce carbon emissions. "Malawi urgently needs to address its energy access challenges for our people, in line with our socioeconomic transformation agenda and Vision 2063," said Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi. "We are working closely and swiftly with GEAPP and already deriving benefit from the Alliance's support of our government delivery capacity; piloting large-scale battery storage to stabilize the intermittency of our renewables; and energizing our agro-industry to improve livelihoods and jobs. We welcome the memorandum of understanding signed today for the installation of a utility-scale grid-integrated battery energy storage system for grid stabilization. " Head of the Presidential Climate Finance Task Team in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, Daniel Mminele, said, "The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet was formed just last year and has quickly got to work with South Africa. We value our relationship with GEAPP and appreciate the way in which it has embraced South Africa's Just Transition, providing early and important support to help us build our capacity." Rania A. Al-Mashat, Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation, said, "it is time for all stakeholders to move from pledges to implementation, which is why Egypt welcomes GEAPP's total focus on action and outcomes with the already rapid deployment of capital and technical assistance to achieve real climate and development outcomes in this critical decade." "The dual problems of energy poverty and decarbonization form the defining challenge of our time," said Simon Harford, GEAPP's CEO. "GEAPP has moved fast in our first 12 months to launch replicable models that apply technology and innovation, support entrepreneurship, deploy targeted risk capital, and address obstacles to viable private sector solutions. We applaud governments focused on the effective delivery and enabling environments needed for energy investment. Together with our Alliance partners we are determined to be innovative in driving progress for better access and more clean energy. This is just the beginning, and we are committed to building successful long-term partnerships across the Alliance that jointly deliver concrete outcomes. We invite others impatient for progress to join us in scaling clean energy that is at the heart of development, livelihoods and growth." The majority of the people living without any access to energy today are in Africa, which only received 1.1% of total wind and solar capacity deployed in 2021. Some highlights of GEAPP's work here in 2022 include: South Africa . Supporting across government to advance the country's Just Energy Transition (JET) agenda. This includes coordinated government delivery capacity; supporting the Presidential Climate Commission's critical work building broad societal support; and partnering with public utility Eskom to launch its Komati Renewable Energy Training Facility, the first to support the training and transition of coal-fired power station workers to new clean energy jobs. . Supporting across government to advance the country's Just Energy Transition (JET) agenda. This includes coordinated government delivery capacity; supporting the Presidential Climate Commission's critical work building broad societal support; and partnering with public utility Eskom to launch its Komati Renewable Energy Training Facility, the first to support the training and transition of coal-fired power station workers to new clean energy jobs. Ethiopia . Working with the government and Alliance partners to increase demand and support productive use of electrification, by deploying renewables in rural areas to grow jobs, livelihoods and entrepreneurship; and launching the DREAM initiative, which is building the first solar mini-grid-powered large-scale irrigation systems in Africa to provide farmers with reliable and affordable irrigation. . Working with the government and Alliance partners to increase demand and support productive use of electrification, by deploying renewables in rural areas to grow jobs, livelihoods and entrepreneurship; and launching the DREAM initiative, which is building the first solar mini-grid-powered large-scale irrigation systems in Africa to provide farmers with reliable and affordable irrigation. Nigeria. Working with the government and Alliance partners across multiple initiatives to create systemic improvements in the energy sector, including bespoke financing to the off-grid sector; delivery capacity to implement Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan; improving private sector investment with the launch of an innovative local currency financing facility; reducing the cost of clean energy technology via an innovative pooled procurement solution. To illustrate its first year's work and priority to measure its impact outcomes, the Alliance is today publishing its first impact report, Powering People and Planet. The report highlights that, should energy-poor countries pursue development with fossil-fuels rather than scale renewables, they would produce 75% of the world's carbon emissions by 2050. It also identifies that universal energy access can be achieved with clean energy sources, a path that would reduce emissions in energy-poor countries by 58% while also significantly growing local economies. Contrary to some perceptions, clean energy solutions are now often the cheapest available power sources while also being swifter to install than fossil fuel-powered generation. Future Alliance impact reports will track progress of initiatives and their outcomes for energy access, reduced carbon emissions and enhanced livelihoods. Anchor Philanthropic Partners Per Heggenes, CEO of IKEA Foundation"The IKEA Foundation is proud of the tangible progress GEAPP has made during its first year, as it seeks to reduce emissions, expand energy access and create jobs around the world. Confronting the climate crisis will require unprecedented collaboration between governments, philanthropies, development finance institutions and the private sector. GEAPP is already demonstrating the positive results of such collaboration. This decisive decade for climate action will require all of us to do even more to protect our planet and we hope others will join us on this initiative." Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation"Every day, we see proof that when renewable energy innovations are accessible and affordable, countries and communities can avert carbon emissions, slowing the climate emergency while enabling people to pursue opportunity in the 21st century economy. As the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet enters a second year of changing energy for good, we invite more partners to join us in mobilizing capital and accelerating the adoption of these technologies where they are needed most in emerging and developing economies." Andrew Steer, President and CEO of Bezos Earth Fund"Energy-poor countries account for only 25% of global CO2 emissions today, but this could rise to 75% by 2050 without support from the global developed community. That's why the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet is bringing a new approach to alleviate energy poverty, piloting innovative business and market solutions, finance, and other approaches that can be applied at scale across the developing world and beyond. Helping developing countries shift to a clean energy model will lead to cleaner air, reduced carbon emissions, reliable energy, new jobs, and building a more equitable future society. It's not only the right thing to do, but it's in everyone's best interests to work together to reach our critical climate goals in this decisive decade." Investment Partners Masatsugu Asakawa, President of the Asian Development Bank"As Asia and the Pacific's climate bank, ADB is working with GEAPP to catalyze broader clean energy access and a just energy transition, in countries such as Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The decarbonization of power systemsincluding by accelerating the retirement of fossil fuel power plants and developing cleaner, renewable sources of energyis critical for meeting the Paris Agreement targets. We are looking forward to pursuing several innovative and scalable transactions with GEAPP." Werner Hoyer, President of European Investment Bank"To achieve global climate goals and boost economic development we must increase access to clean and affordable energy. As the EU climate bank, the EIB aims to support more than one trillion dollars of green investment by the end of this decade. Through EIB Global, our dedicated arm for operations outside the European Union, we are committed to support GEAPP's mission by working with our partners from Team Europe and across the world to mobilize finance for the green energy transition of developing and emerging economies."Nick O'Donohoe, Chief Executive of the UK's British International Investment"Providing affordable, clean energy to hundreds of millions of people living in emerging economies is vital - both from a development perspective and in the fight to combat the impacts of the climate emergency that are already being acutely felt today." James Scriven, CEO of IDB Invest "We are very proud of our close collaboration with GEAPP seeking to implement accessible and renewable energy for all. The private sector of Latin America and the Caribbean has the right conditions, the passion, and it has proved to be a nursery of innovative ideas. The challenge has been to find soft resources to pilot and test, as well as take to scale these ideas, accompanying that process with expertise on the local context. That's where IDB Invest is crucial. The region has the potential to do much more. Taking advantage of natural resources, expertise and partnerships like this, it can become one the world's leading renewable energy hubs." Upstream Partners Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative to the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All "For more than 700 million people without electricity and 2.4 billion people without access to clean cooking solutions, energy poverty is a daily reality that impacts every aspect of their lives. Lack of energy also keeps us from achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action which impacts us all. Sustainable Energy for All is excited to continue our collaboration with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet to unite current efforts on energy, climate and development, put people at the heart of the energy transition, and ensure a path to a better future for all."Mark Carrato, U.S Agency International Development (USAID) - Coordinator, Power Africa "The Alliance is providing valuable means and frameworks for implementation, and recognizes that ending energy poverty and achieving climate goals are vital, mutually supporting endeavors." Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI"GEAPP is a critical leader among the world's most important sustainable energy initiatives and has the power to improve the lives of hundreds of millions of people. RMI is honored to be a key member of the Alliance as a strategic implementing partner across GEAPP and RMI's focus geographies to advance our shared goals for job creation, energy access, and carbon reduction." For more information: About the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is an alliance of philanthropy, entrepreneurs, governments in emerging and developed economies, and technology, policy, and financing partners. Our common mission is to support developing countries' shift to a clean energy, pro-growth model that ensures universal energy access and unlocks a new era of inclusive economic growth, while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade. In doing so, as an Alliance we aim to enable 150 million sustainable livelihoods, reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions, and expand clean energy access to one billion people. With philanthropic partners IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund, GEAPP works to build the enabling environment, capacity, and market conditions for private sector solutions, catalyze new business models through innovation and entrepreneurship, and deploy high-risk capital to encourage private sector solutions, and assist just transition solutions. For more information, please visit www.energyalliance.org and follow us on Twitter at @EnergyAlliance. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-energy-alliance-for-people-and-planet-reports-strong-first-year-301672106.html SOURCE The Rockefeller Foundation Rodney Chester Named 2023 Board Chair; New Directors Selected As Part of the Firm's Orderly Board Succession Process NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Gresham Smith's orderly succession planning process, the firm announced today the following changes and additions to its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2023. New Board Chair and Added Vice Chair Current board chair Al Pramuk will transition out of his board roles when his term ends at the end of 2022. Pramuk will continue working with the firm on a part-time basis, focusing on government and community relations in Middle Tennessee in addition to firmwide growth initiatives and mentoring assignments. CEO and board director Rodney Chester was elected by the board earlier this year as incoming 2023 chair, effective January 1, 2023. The firm has added a Board of Directors vice chair role, which will be filled by current board director and Executive Vice President of Transportation, Kent Black. Black is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Board Member Transitions After having served as a board director for 11 years, Healthcare Senior Vice President Orlando Lopez-Isa will transition out of his board role at the end of 2022. Lopez-Isa will continue working full time with the firm in business development roles. External board director, Cora Carmody, will transition off the board when her term ends on December 31, 2022. The firm expects to announce a new external board member in the first half of 2023. Incoming Board Members Gresham Smith is pleased to announce the appointment of three incoming board directors who will begin their terms on January 1, 2023. They are: Wilson Rayfield, Aviation Executive Vice President, based in Richmond, Virginia. Jim Langlois, Healthcare Executive Vice President, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carolyn Blake, Healthcare Technical Practice Leader, based in Jacksonville, Florida. "We have a formal, well-established process for board transitions and the selection of incoming directors to maintain a well-rounded board that, collectively, has the right diversity of perspectives and experiences to cover all aspects of our business. It's one of our key strengths," said CEO and incoming board chair Rodney Chester. "We're excited to welcome Wilson, Jim and Carolyn as incoming 2023 board directors, and we're truly grateful to Al, Orlando and Cora for the impactful contributions they've made to our board during their terms." The new board directors will join the firm's existing directors: Chief Operating Officer Peter Oram, Chief Strategy Officer Randy Gibson, Chief Financial Officer Dwayne West, Chief Development and Engagement Officer Kelly Knight Hodges, Director of Risk Management Carl Munkel, and Director of Architectural Design Jeff Kuhnhenn. Photography associated with this news release can be access here: https://greshamsmith.openasset.com/Page/Download?code=1ee9e5ede7cf0cecdf377fe6c7e43c84 About Wilson Rayfield Wilson Rayfield, AIA, LEED AP, joined Gresham Smith in 1994. Since then, he has designed, planned and managed numerous complex, award-winning projects at many of the nation's top-200 airports before rising to his role of Executive Vice President (EVP) of the firm's Aviation market. As EVP, Rayfield works to elevate the firm's profile in the industry and identify opportunities for market expansion. An advocate for architectural design, he is a past member of the design committee for the Virginia Society AIA, and also served as chair. He is also an active member of Airports Council International, Airport Consultants Council and the American Association of Airport Executives, and regularly speaks at the organizations' national conferences. Rayfield has also contributed thought leadership to a variety of national and international publications, including Airport World, Airport Business and Passenger Terminal World. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee. About Jim Langlois As Executive Vice President (EVP) for Gresham Smith's Healthcare market, Jim Langlois, AIA, NCARB, shapes and leads the market's business growth strategy. With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and research design, he has his finger on the pulse of the rapidly changing healthcare, architecture, and engineering industries. Langlois is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and has served on the Board of Directors as Treasurer and Secretary for the AIA Charlotte Section. He has previously served on UNC Charlotte College of Arts & Architecture's Board of Advisors. Langlois has presented on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare industry and has authored articles for Becker's Hospital Review. His work has also included firsthand observations of Israel's medical system models to consider how to implement best practices in the United States. In 2021, he was named a "Health Care Hero" by the Charlotte Business Journal in recognition of his healthcare design leadership. Langlois holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Boston Architectural College and a Master of Science degree from Queens University of Charlotte, McColl School of Business. About Carolyn Blake Carolyn Blake, IIDA, LEED AP, EDAC, is a recognized expert in evidence-based design, and she designs healthcare facilities that consider the needs of health systems, care providers and patients alike. As the Technical Practice Leader for Gresham Smith's Healthcare market, Blake serves as a resource for the group's 200+ employees. Blake is a member of the International Interior Design Association's North Florida chapter, having previously served as the City Center Director, and serves on the Interior Architecture + Design Advisory Council at Florida State University. She is an accomplished conference speaker, having presented at NeoCon and the Healthcare Design Annual Conference, and has contributed content for publications including Healthcare Design Magazine, Medical Construction & Design, Becker's Hospital Review, and Building Design + Construction. Blake earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida, and holds a Master of Science degree in Interior Design from Florida State University. About Gresham Smith Gresham Smith is a top-ranked architecture, engineering and design firm with more than $230 million in annual gross revenue and 25 offices across the United States. The firm provides full-service solutions for the built environment with a focus on the aviation, building engineering, healthcare, industrial, land planning, life and work places, transportation, and water and environment market sectors. Our team of diligent designers, creative problem-solvers, insightful planners and seasoned collaborators work closely with our clients to improve the cities and towns we call home. Consistently ranked as a "best place to work," we are committed to creating a culture that fosters diversity of experience combined with a common goal of genuine care for each other, our partners and the outcome of our work. Learn more at GreshamSmith.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gresham-smith-announces-upcoming-board-of-director-transitions-301672055.html SOURCE Gresham Smith IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinite Electronics, Inc., a leading global supplier of electronic components serving the needs of customers through a family of highly recognized and trusted brands, has announced today that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cable Connectivity Group (CCG) from Torqx Capital Partners (Torqx) and TKH Group NV (TKH). The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approval and is expected to close in Q1 2023. CCG is a leader in the production, distribution and assembly of specialty cables and cable connectivity solutions. The company operates across Europe with offices and production and distribution facilities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Italy and China. CCG is comprised of the following brands: Jobarco, Pantaflex, Capable, TKD, ConCab, Schrade Kabeltechnik and KC Industrie. CCG has a global customer base across industrial and electronics end-markets. CCG's products and talented team members add to Infinite's existing portfolio and share a common customer value proposition of working urgently to provide the inventory and real-time support customers need. This acquisition will allow Infinite the scale to reach customers more effectively throughout Europe, with both the CCG brands and, ultimately, Infinite's legacy brands. CCG's CEO Wouter-Jan van der Wurff and CFO Derk Veraar, will join the Infinite leadership team and will continue to lead the company's day-to-day operations. "CCG's product portfolio, culture and talented team are an excellent complement to Infinite Electronics. We are very excited to welcome CCG and the team to Infinite Electronics and our portfolio of high-performing brands. This acquisition will provide us the unique opportunity to expand our business in both the European and North American markets, and offer significant possibilities to grow together," said Infinite Electronics President and Chief Executive Officer, Penny Cotner. "The CCG team is very excited about joining Infinite Electronics, as it offers opportunities for the growth and development of CCG and our employees, broader expansion of our products, and greater reach to our customers," said Wouter-Jan van der Wurff, CCG's CEO. For additional information about Infinite Electronics, Inc. and its brands, please visit www.infiniteelectronics.com. For more information about CCG, please visit. For more information, please visit: www.cableconnectivitygroup.com About Infinite Electronics, Inc.:Infinite Electronics is a leading global supplier of electronic components, serving customers across industrial and electronics end markets. Backed by Warburg Pincus since 2021, our core mission is to support those requirements with an extensive offering of RF, industrial and connectivity solutions with a broad inventory selection, same-day shipping, and 24/7 customer service. About CCG:Cable Connectivity Group (CCG) is active in the production, distribution and assembly of specialty cables and cable connectivity solutions. The Group comprises the operating companies Jobarco BV, Pantaflex BV and Capable BV (in The Netherlands), TKD Kabel GmbH, ConCab GmbH and Schrade Kabeltechnik Germany (in Germany), Schrade Kabeltechnik Poland and KC Industrie Srl (in Italy). Press Contact:Katee Schalau17792 FitchIrvine, CA, 92614 USA View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/infinite-electronics-inc-expands-position-in-european-market-with-agreement-to-acquire-cable-connectivity-group-301671725.html SOURCE Infinite Electronics, Inc. TSX:MPVD and OTC: MPVDF TORONTO and NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. ("Mountain Province", the "Company") (TSX: MPVD) (OTC: MPVDF) is pleased to release its financial and operating results for the third quarter ("Q3 2022") and nine months ended September 30, 2022. All figures are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Third Quarter 2022 Key Highlights Revenue of $110.1M representing the highest quarterly revenue in the Company's history and a 12% increase relative to that achieved in Q2 2022 Robust Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA of $54.1M1 Strong average price per carat sold of US$104 during the quarter, which when adjusted for mix of goods sold, on a like-for-like basis represented a 2% increase in average price per carat relative to Q2 2022 During the quarter, repurchase for cancellation of approximately US$16.9 million aggregate principal amount of 8.000% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes, bringing the total 2022 repurchase amount to US$26.9M Subsequent to quarter-end, the Company executed a non-binding term sheet with certain holders of its 8.000% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes ("Existing Notes") due December 15th, 2022 for a partial refinancing ("Proposed Transaction") of the Existing Notes. The Proposed Transaction is currently expected to include the exchange of approximately US$190.0 million aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes for approximately US$195.9 million aggregate principal amount of new Loan Notes. The New Loan Notes are expected to bear interest at a rate of 9.0% per annum and have a three-year term. The Company expects to retire the remaining balance of the Existing Notes with cash on hand, drawing down the Dunebridge facility and the consummation of the Proposed Transaction. The Proposed Transaction is pending shareholder and regulatory review. Mark Wall, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The third quarter was incredibly positive for the company on many levels. Firstly, the non-binding term sheet for debt refinancing of US$190 million with a three-year term with a 9% coupon. Production in the third quarter saw improvement from both Q1 & Q2 which was the result of detailed operational and maintenance focus. The discovery of the Hearne Northwest Extension reported during Q2 has been the source of ongoing work and those results provide the opportunity to consider the feasibility of underground extraction of diamonds at Gahcho Kue in the future to extend the mine life, as we have seen in other diamond mines in the Northwest Territories. We continue to work on these opportunities. With all of this happening to achieve the highest revenue quarter in the Company's history in Q3 is a very encouraging result." Operational Highlights for Third Quarter 2022 ("Q3 2022") 1,452,000 carats recovered at an average grade of 1.78 carats per tonne, a 15% increase relative to Q2 2022 and a 7% decrease compared to the 1,562,000 carats recovered at 1.88 carats per tonne in Q3 2021 (Q2 2022: 1,261,000 carats recovered). 817,000 ore tonnes treated, a 9% increase relative to Q2 2022, and an 2% decrease relative to Q3 2021 (Q2 2022, 749,000 ore tonnes treated; Q3 2021: 832,000 ore tonnes treated). 1,346,000 ore tonnes mined, a 29% increase relative to 1,043,000 tonnes mined in Q2 2022 and a 30% increase relative to the 1,034,000 tonnes mined in Q3 2021. 7,753,000 total tonnes mined, a 2% decrease relative to Q2 2022 and a 25% decrease from 10,280,000 total tonnes mined in Q3 2021. Financial Highlights for Third Quarter 2022 ("Q3 2022") Revenue from 805,000 carats sold at $110.1 million (US$83.3 million) at an average realised price of $137 per carat (US$104) compared to $94.2 million from 1,027,000 carats sold in Q3 2021 (US$74.1 million) at an average realized price of $92 per carat (US$72). Adjusted EBITDA1 of $54.1 million compared to $41.2 million in Q3 2021. Earnings from mine operations $44.7 million compared to $35.5 million in Q3 2021. Cash costs of production, including capitalized stripping costs1 of $128 per tonne treated (2021: $101 per tonne) and $72 per carat recovered (2021: $54 per carat). Net loss at September 30, 2022 was $7.2 million or $0.03 loss per share (2021: Net income of $8.8 million or $0.04 earnings per share). Included in the determination of the net loss at September 30, 2022 are unrealized foreign exchange losses of $26.3 million, on the translation of the Company's USD-denominated short-term and long-term debt. The unrealized foreign exchange losses are a result of the weakening of the Canadian dollar versus US dollar. 1Cash costs of production, including capitalized stripping costs, and Adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS measures with no standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. See the Non-IFRS Measures section of the Company's September 30, 2022 MD&A for explanation and reconciliation. Operational Highlights for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 3,898,000 carats recovered at an average grade of 1.71 carats per tonne, 17% lower than the 4,718,000 carats, 2.08 carats per tonne, recovered for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. 2,274,000 tonnes of ore treated in September 30, 2022; compared to the 2,269,000 tonnes treated for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. 23.8 million total tonnes mined for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, a 3% decrease from the 24.6 million total tonnes mined for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Financial Highlights for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 Total sales revenue of $292.5 million (US$226 million) at an average realised price of $154 per carat (US$119) compared to $213.2 million in 2021 (US$169.4 million) at an average realized price of $91 per carat (US$72). Adjusted EBITDA2 of $153.8 million compared to $98.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Earnings from mine operations of $138.9 million (2021: $82.1 million). Cash costs of production, including capitalized stripping costs 2 , of $133 per tonne treated (2021: $110 per tonne ) and $78 per carat recovered (2021: $53 per carat). 2 tonne tonne Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $39.8 million or $0.19 earnings per share (2021: net income $38.5 million or $0.18 earnings per share). Included in the determination of the net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 are unrealized foreign exchange losses of $33.8 million, on the translation of the Company's USD-denominated short-term and long-term debt. The unrealized foreign exchange losses are a result of the weakening of the Canadian dollar versus US dollar. Capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were $34.1 million, $26.1 million of which were deferred stripping costs, with the remaining $8 million accounting for sustaining capital expenditures related to mine operations. 2Cash costs of production, including capitalized stripping costs, and Adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS measures with no standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. See the Non-IFRS Measures section of the Company's September 30, 2022 MD&A for explanation and reconciliation. Market Highlights for Q3 & nine months ended September 2022 During Q3 2022, 805,227 carats were sold for total proceeds of C$110.6 million (US$83.3 million), resulting in an average price of C$137 per carat (US$104 per carat). This Q3 2022 sales result represents a 13% increase in revenue relative to Q2 2022, and a 10% reduction on an US$ average price per carat basis. Adjusting for mix of goods sold, on a like-for-like basis the Q3 2022 sales result represented a 2% increase in average price per carat relative to Q2 2022. Year-to-date 2022, 1,898,557 carats have been sold at an average price of $154 per carat (US$119 per carat) for total proceeds of $292.9 million (US$226.0 million) in comparison to 2,349,644 carats sold at an average price of $90 per carat (US$72 per carat) for total proceeds of $212.5 million (US$169.4 million) during the same period in 2021. Gahcho Kue Mine Operations The following table summarizes key operating statistics for the Gahcho Kue Mine in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. Three months ended Three months ended Nine months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 GK operating data Mining *Ore tonnes mined kilo tonnes 1,346 1,034 3,408 2,542 *Waste tonnes mined kilo tonnes 6,407 9,246 20,394 22,092 *Total tonnes mined kilo tonnes 7,753 10,280 23,802 24,634 *Ore in stockpile kilo tonnes 1,882 542 1,882 542 Processing *Ore tonnes processed kilo tonnes 817 832 2,274 2,269 *Average plant throughput tonnes per day 8,978 9,244 8,360 8,311 *Average diamond recovery carats per tonne 1.78 1.88 1.71 2.08 *Diamonds recovered 000's carats 1,452 1,562 3,898 4,718 Approximate diamonds recovered - Mountain Province 000's carats 711 765 1,910 2,312 Cash costs of production per tonne of ore, net of capitalized stripping ** $ 109 80 110 93 Cash costs of production per tonne of ore, including capitalized stripping** $ 128 101 133 110 Cash costs of production per carat recovered, net of capitalized stripping** $ 61 43 64 45 Cash costs of production per carat recovered, including capitalized stripping** $ 72 54 78 53 Sales Approximate diamonds sold - Mountain Province*** 000's carats 805 1,027 1,899 2,349 Average diamond sales price per carat US $ 104 $ 72 $ 119 $ 72 * at 100% interest in the Gahcho Kue Mine **See Non-IFRS Measures section of the Company's September 30, 2022 MD&A for explanation and reconciliation ***Includes the sales directly to De Beers for fancies and specials acquired by De Beers through the production split bidding process Financial Performance Three months ended Three months ended Nine months ended Nine months ended (in thousands of Canadian dollars, except where otherwise noted) September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 Sales $ 110,124 94,208 292,538 223,579 Carats sold 000's carats 805 1,027 1,899 2,349 Average price per carat sold $/carat 137 92 154 95 Cost of sales per carat* $/carat 81 57 81 60 Earnings from mine operations per carat $ 56 35 73 35 Earnings from mine operations % 41 % 38 % 47 % 37 % Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 3,898 3,106 11,695 8,391 Operating income $ 37,705 30,137 115,770 69,425 Net (loss) income for the period $ (7,187) 8,764 39,774 38,548 Basic an diluted earnings per share $ (0.03) 0.04 0.19 0.18 * This cost of sales per carat includes the cost of acquiring 51% of the fancies and specials which have been sold, after having been won in a tendering process with De Beers Canada. Conference Call The Company will host its quarterly conference call on Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 at 11:00am ET. Title: Mountain Province Diamonds Inc Q3 2022 Earnings Conference Call Conference ID: 93747391Date of call: November 9, 2022Time of call: 11:00 Eastern TimeExpected Duration: 60 minutes Webcast Link:https://app.webinar.net/d5Vm7Jb7PyW Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (+1) 888-390-0546Participant International Dial-In Number: (+1) 416-764-8688 A replay of the webcast and audio call will be available on the Company's website. About the Company Mountain Province Diamonds is a 49% participant with De Beers Canada in the Gahcho Kue diamond mine located in Canada's Northwest Territories. The Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property consists of several kimberlites that are actively being mined, developed, and explored for future development. The Company also controls 106,202 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims and leases that surround the Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property that include an indicated mineral resource for the Kelvin kimberlite and inferred mineral resources for the Faraday kimberlites. For further information on Mountain Province Diamonds and to receive news releases by email, visit the Company's website at www.mountainprovince.com. Qualified Person The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding Mountain Province's mineral properties has been reviewed and approved by Matthew MacPhail, P.Eng., MBA, and Tom E. McCandless, Ph.D., P.Geo., both employees of Mountain Province Diamonds and Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to operational hazards, including possible disruption due to pandemic such as COVID-19, its impact on travel, self-isolation protocols and business and operations, estimated production and mine life of the project of Mountain Province; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; the future price of diamonds; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the ability to manage debt; capital expenditures; the ability to obtain permits for operations; liquidity; tax rates; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Mountain Province, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be", "potential" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and 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 statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Mountain Province and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include the development of operation hazards which could arise in relation to COVID-19, including, but not limited to protocols which may be adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and any impact of such protocols on Mountain Province's business and operations, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in market conditions, changes in project parameters, mine sequencing; production rates; cash flow; risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; supply of, and demand for, diamonds; fluctuating commodity prices and currency exchange rates, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated. These factors are discussed in greater detail in Mountain Province's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent MD&A filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Mountain Province cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Mountain Province believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Although Mountain Province has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mountain Province undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as the property is developed. Further, Mountain Province may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. The principal assets of Mountain Province are administered pursuant to a joint venture under which Mountain Province is not the operator. Mountain Province is exposed to actions taken or omissions made by the operator within its prerogative and/or determinations made by the joint venture under its terms. Such actions or omissions may impact the future performance of Mountain Province. Under its current note and revolving credit facilities Mountain Province is subject to certain limitations on its ability to pay dividends on common stock. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of Mountain Province's Board of Directors, subject to the limitations under the Company's debt facilities, and will depend on Mountain Province's financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mountain-province-diamonds-announces-third-quarter-and-nine-months-ended-september-30-2022-results-301672271.html SOURCE Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. The Human Rights Climate Commitments framework will be shepherded by University of Colorado Boulder and unveiled at COP 28 in Dubai as an appeal for the 193 Member States and other duty-bearers worldwide to fast-track help for people in vulnerable situations. Celebrities Unite for Climate Justice: Leonardo DiCaprio and Right Here, Right Now Celebrity Coalition Kicks off COP27 with Social Media Blitz, backing United Nations Human Rights goals in urgent message to world leaders. SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27), Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, a multi-year international climate justice initiative supported by United Nations Human Rights and created by David Clark Cause, announced the launch of a groundbreaking new initiative for rights-based climate action, the Human Rights Climate Commitments (HRCC). Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights instruments, the first draft of the commitments will be an outcome of the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit to be held Dec. 1-4, 2022 at the University of Colorado Boulder. The summit includes participation by iconic climate and human rights advocates, including Irish President Mary Robinson, who also served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002. Learn more here and register. The upcoming Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit is the first-of-its-kind, and in-personal and virtual attendees representing more than 2,300 educational institutions in the burgeoning Right Here, Right Now Education Coalition will be participating and contributing to the summit and historic evolution of the Human Rights and Climate Commitments. "UN Human Rights is proud to be the Global Partner of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance a human rights initiative committed to promoting and advancing the rights of people around the world suffering from the devastating effects of climate change. Addressing the climate crisis will require a whole of society effort. That's why UN Human Rights is so excited to be a part of the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance and see its new initiatives develop and grow in the coming years," said Benjamin Schachter, UN Human Rights Team leader for Environment and Climate Change. "The United Nations continues to inform the world of the grave statistics showing how women, children, indigenous peoples, the poor and marginalized are suffering the most as the climate catastrophe escalates. The creation of the Human Rights Climate Commitments will provide a unique human rights framework for government and businesses leaders, human rights advocates, climate experts, universities, and others to kickstart critical action to address climate change and help the people most affected by it," said David Clark, Founder and CEO of Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance, and CEO of David Clark Cause. The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance is working with its Global Partner United Nations Human Rights and the University of Colorado Boulder to elevate understanding about the human rights crisis that climate change represents and to urgently appeal for more ambitious efforts to address it. The Human Rights Climate Commitments will play a key role as an aspirational and prescriptive living document including specific commitments that governments at all levels, corporations, and universities will be urged to make to prevent and minimize the adverse effects of climate change and address their impacts. The Human Rights Climate Commitments will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect the highest human rights standards and latest scientific information. "The Human Rights Climate Commitments are based on the human rights framework that establishes specific obligations and responsibilities to respect and protect human rights, including in the context of climate change," said CU Distinguished International Law Professor S. James Anaya, who is the summit steering committee chair and the former UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. "What distinguishes the commitments is that multiple sectors are involved. The threat of climate change to our survival requires a concerted effort by all of us." Since its launch in fall 2021 at COP 26, the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has already emerged as the largest public-private partnership addressing climate change as a human rights issue, bringing together human rights experts, scientists, corporate leaders, NGOs, academics, advocates, and people around the globe in the fight for rights-based climate action to preserve our common future. In addition to the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit and Human Rights Climate Commitments, next year the alliance will introduce global initiatives with best-in-class partners in Sport, Music, Education and Technology. The Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance has garnered support from celebrities that include Leonardo DiCaprio, Quincy Jones, Celine Dion, Cher, Jeff Bridges, Camila Cabello, Ellen DeGeneres, Edward Norton, Annie Lennox, Cyndi Lauper, Pitbull, LL Cool J, Joss Stone, Kesha, and Jack Black to name just a few. The superstar coalition's Right Here, Right Now COP27 Campaign in support of UN Human Rights aims to collectively reach a milestone of over a half billion people via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook followers. For more information, visit: www.righthererightnow.global Contact:Rebekah AlperinRight Here, Right Now Global Climate Alliance[email protected]+1.310.770.1045 Candace SmithUniversity of Colorado BoulderRight Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit[email protected]+1.720.930.1509 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/right-here-right-now-global-climate-alliance-with-support-from-global-partner-united-nations-human-rights-launches-human-rights-climate-commitments-and-global-summit-301671974.html SOURCE David Clark Cause SUZHOU, China, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Scivita Medical Technology Co., Ltd. ('Scivita Medical') and FUJIFILM Europe B.V. ('Fujifilm') headquartered in the Netherlands, jointly announced a strategic cooperation between the two companies. Under a supply and distribution agreement, Fujifilm is designated as the exclusive distributor responsible for the sales and business expansion of Scivita Medical's single-use broncho videoscopes in some major countries throughout Europe. Data has shown that the global market capacity of medical endoscopes is huge and continues to increase rapidly. According to Frost & Sullivan, the global market value of medical endoscopes was USD 20.3 billion in 2020, and with the constant growth of medical demand driven by population aging, increasing awareness of medical healthcare, and technical progress, the market value is estimated to increase with an annual compound rate of 6.9% to USD 39.6 billion in 2030. As a result of the growing demands of mitigating the risks of cross-contamination and hospital-acquired diseases, particularly amid the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the global single-use endoscope market is also rapidly growing. The global market value of single-use medical endoscopes was USD 0.5 billion in 2020, and is estimated to increase to USD 9.2 billion in 2030, according to Frost & Sullivan. Scivita Medical's single-use broncho videoscope is a disposable flexible endoscope. It frees healthcare practitioners from having to sterilize the used endoscope after each operation, thereby enabling back-to-back procedures, improving surgical efficiency, and reducing the composite cost of hospitals. The product also has various advanced technical features to enhance physicians' experience during the operation. The cooperation between Fujifilm and Scivita Medical is expected to enhance the market acceptance of the product and boost its sales in Europe. Scivita Medical, said, 'Single-use endoscopes is one of the key researches and development focuses in the endoscopic domain. We believe that our strategic cooperation with Fujifilm will gain us great competitive advantages over other brands and help us gradually increase our market share in the overseas markets. We will take the opportunity to enter the European market, bringing our core technology and product advantages into full play. By leveraging Fujifilm's extensive sales network and marketing resources in the European market, we will be able to demonstrate the advantages of our products in terms of performance and function to overseas customers effectively and efficiently, and expect to generate more sales from overseas markets. Overseas sales are widely believed as a touchstone for the technical strength of a medical device company. This successful cooperation will undoubtedly serve as a strong validation of the innovativeness and high quality of the products of Scivita Medical.' Fujifilm, as a leader in the global medical healthcare and imaging field, takes a leading position in the flexible endoscope market and has the products enjoying high reputation worldwide. Fujifilm appreciates the opportunity to cooperate with Scivita Medical, a promising player in the medical endoscope industry, and believes that the cooperation will create great value for both parties. Fujifilm will use its best efforts to promote Scivita Medical's products in Europe, with an aim to provide safe, effective and innovative endoscope solutions for the doctors and patients around the world. Notice Scivita Medical will show its innovative endoscopes solution at MEDICA 2022 (Booth Hall 9 E63) at 14th 17th Nov. MEDICA 2022 will be held in Dusseldorf, Germany, For more information about Scivita Medical in MEDICA, please check its LinkedIn account. Welcome to come and visit Scivita Medical's booth during MEDICA 2022. About Scivita Medical Founded in 2016, Scivita Medical is a medical device company that provides minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment solutions, and focuses on the research, development and commercialization of medical endoscopes and related products. Scivita Medical takes 'Globalization' as its core strategy and has established R&D centers both in China and Japan. With solid in-house R&D capabilities, Scivita Medical has established a unique technology platform built upon five synergistic core technologies, and built a comprehensive portfolio of endoscope products and products candidates covering all types of endoscope procedures conducted by the various clinical departments, to address diverse medical needs. Adhering its value of 'Clinical Focus' 'Collaborative Innovation' 'People Oriented' 'Excellence & Efficiency', Scivita Medical will continuously upgrade its core technologies, improve market penetration with excellent products, and to be the preferred brand trusted by doctors and patients around the world. For more information, please visit: scivitamedical.com/#/ About Fujifilm in Europe Fujifilm operates over 50 group companies and branches in Europe and employs more than 5,000 people engaged in R&D, manufacturing, sales and service, with FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, located in Ratingen, Germany, operating as the strategic headquarters for the region. Throughout Europe, Fujifilm entities serve a range of industries including medical technology, biopharmaceuticals, electronic materials, industrial products, chemicals, graphic systems, optical devices, data storage and all aspects of photography. Over the last 20 years, the company has more intensively focused on healthcare - from diagnosis to prevention and treatment. Today, Fujifilm in Europe provides the entire spectrum of patient care, in addition to research, development and CDMO manufacturing in advanced therapies, gene therapies and vaccines, as well as providing cell culture media and regenerative medicine solutions. For more information, please visit: fujifilm.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scivita-medical-joins-hands-with-fujifilm-europe-bv-in-main-european-countries-301670966.html SOURCE Scivita Medical NATICK, Mass. and FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ScrubaDub, New England's leading car wash company since 1966, is excited to announce the grand opening of their Framingham, MA location at 1183 Worcester Rd. (formerly the Clean Machine). The newest facility is a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly exterior car wash tunnel that boasts a groundbreaking design and conveyor belt for stress-free loading of vehicles. Every customer receives ScrubaDub's signature perks of free pretzels, stickers for kids, dog treats, and a Satisfaction Center for finishing touches. Additionally, this is the first ScrubaDub to offer a VIP 'Members Only' lane dedicated to customers with ScrubaDub's unlimited car wash membership. Members receive complimentary access to self-service vacuums, mat cleaning, unlimited washes at all ScrubaDub locations, and more! For a limited time, new Framingham customers can join ScrubaDub's Unlimited Membership for only $5 for the first month! ScrubaDub Framingham will celebrate its grand opening with giveaways and events throughout November including free washes for Veterans and active service personnel on Veterans' Day 11/11, a Ribbon Cutting with Framingham Mayor Sisitsky on 11/15, a community event with Roxy's Grilled Cheese Food Truck on 11/19, and a charity partnership through Thanksgiving with Community Servings to provide meals to critically-ill neighbors across Massachusetts. Additionally, ScrubaDub has mailed 30,000 of their Framingham neighbors a coupon for a complimentary "The Works" car wash! "We are so excited to bring our clean, fast, fun car wash experience to the Framingham community," said Mathew Paisner, Director of Business Development. "As a 3rd generation family business, we look forward to not only keeping the community's cars ScrubaDub Clean but also supporting the community through partnerships and charity initiatives." About ScrubaDub Auto Wash Family-owned and operated since 1966, ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers is New England's leading car wash company, ranking among the top auto wash chains in the USA. ScrubaDub offers all formats of car washing as well as detail centers, gasoline stations, and convenience stores. With over 200 associates and over 20 properties across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine, ScrubaDub is committed to providing its customers, team members, and partners with clean, fast, fun. For more information, visit https://www.scrubadub.com/. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scrubadub-opens-new-metrowest-flagship-car-wash-in-framingham-ma-301669304.html SOURCE ScrubaDub Auto Wash Centers BROOKFIELD, Wis., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ThoughtFocus, Inc. ("ThoughtFocus" or the "Company"), a global provider of digital services and technology enabled digital operations for the financial services, manufacturing, and higher education sectors is pleased to announce that H.I.G. Capital ("H.I.G.") has made a growth investment in the Company. H.I.G. is a leading global alternative investment firm with $52 billion of equity capital under management. The growth investment is designed to help accelerate ThoughtFocus' expansion into a global leader in digital services both organically and through acquisitions. ThoughtFocus has over 2,100 employees across offices in 5 different countries. It serves clients globally with an emphasis on the U.S. market. With a family of products and accelerators, the Company helps clients undergo an accelerated digital transformation journey. The Company takes a holistic approach to digital transformation and ensures business outcomes through a combination of its digital technology, digital operations, and deep subject matter expertise. The Founders Suman Atreya, Rajiv Goyal and Shylesh Krishnan, expressed their excitement on this partnership with H.I.G. In a statement they said, "This investment from H.I.G. Capital was carefully chosen to align with the future vision of the Company. It comes at an opportune time when we have committed ourselves and our clients to 'A Better Future Faster.' The Company has ambitious plans for growth and this partnership with H.I.G. sets us on that accelerated path to becoming a leading global digital services provider." Kevin Van Culin, Managing Director at H.I.G., said, "We are excited to partner with the founders of ThoughtFocus and have been highly impressed by the Company's track record of profitable growth, long-tenured customer relationships, and strong company culture." Blackstone Innovations Investments, which made a minority investment in ThoughtFocus in 2013, exited its investment in connection with this transaction. David Payne, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone commented: "Blackstone's successful investment in and partnership with ThoughtFocus played an important role in Blackstone's scaling of its technology and other operations. We wish them continued success on their journey." D.A. Davidson served as the exclusive financial advisor to ThoughtFocus on the transaction and Reed Smith LLP provided legal counsel. ABOUT THOUGHTFOCUS ThoughtFocus helps forward-looking companies and organizations in financial services (capital markets, payments/loyalty, and mortgage/lending), manufacturing, and higher education/public sector innovate and achieve a better future faster. ThoughtFocus' innovative and cutting-edge technology solutions enable its customers to deploy new capabilities faster, deliver better user experiences, and drive operating efficiencies. We do this through executional excellence and mitigating the risk of change. With headquarters in the U.S., the Company has more than 2,100 employees in locations spread across 5 countries. For more information, please visit the company website www.thoughtfocus.com. ABOUT H.I.G. CAPITAL H.I.G. is a leading global private equity and alternative assets investment firm with $52 billion of equity capital under management. Based in Miami, and with offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta in the U.S., as well as international affiliate offices in London, Hamburg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to small and mid-sized companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/ value-added approach. Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 300 companies worldwide. The firm's current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $30 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at www.higcapital.com. ABOUT BLACKSTONE Blackstone is the world's largest alternative asset manager. Its $951 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, infrastructure, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds. www.blackstone.com. ABOUT D.A. DAVIDSON COMPANIES D.A. Davidson is an employee-owned financial services firm offering a range of financial services. Founded in 1935, the company has approximately 1,525 employees and offices in 27 states. Subsidiaries include: D.A. Davidson & Co., the largest full-service investment firm headquartered in the Northwest, providing wealth management, investment banking, equity and fixed income capital markets services, and advice. dadavidson.com. ABOUT REED SMITH Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. Its deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make them the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters. www.reedsmith.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thoughtfocus-receives-growth-investment-from-hig-capital-301671698.html SOURCE ThoughtFocus, Inc. SHIJIAZHUANG, China, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the 95th National Annual Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria was held in Jos, capital of Plateau State. The theme of the Conference in this year was "Medicine Security in an Unstable Economy", and more than 3,000 doctors and experts attended the event offline and online. Also attending the event was international and local well-known pharmaceutical manufacturers and brand chain pharmacies. The Conference provided a good opportunity for attendees to show their innovative and unique products and health ideas. Yiling Pharmaceutical, an innovative TCM enterprise, participated in this event, becoming the first such enterprise to attend this event for the first time, and triggered a hot discussion on TCM. As a star drug of Yiling Pharmaceutical for colds, flu, and COVID-19, Lianhua Qingwen had its debut show at the event and aroused extensive interest. Lianhua Qingwen was officially approved for market access in Nigeria in May this year. As a representative drug for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by respiratory viruses, Lianhua Qingwen has been listed in the diagnosis and treatment protocols and guidelines for infectious public health events such as Influenza A, Influenza B and COVID-19 issued by China National Health Commission and China National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 30 times, and has shown unique value in the worldwide COVID-19 prevention and control. In Kuwait and Mongolia, Lianhua Qingwen has been approved for COVID-19 indications; in Thailand and Cambodia, it has been allowed for use in designated hospitals for COVID-19 for the treatment of local patients; in July 2021, Lianhua Qingwen was selected into the domiciliary treatment plan for patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms issued by the Ministry of Health of Cambodia. News shows that Nigeria is the 8th country in Africa to grant market access to Lianhua Qingwen. With a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 432.3 billion and a population of over 200 million, Nigeria is the largest economy and the most populous country in Africa and it is also the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). As of now, Lianhua Qingwen has been granted registration approvals or entrance licenses in nearly 30 countries and regions such as Canada, Thailand, and Singapore. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/traditional-chinese-medicine-lianhua-qingwen-attracted-eyes-in-the-annual-national-conference-of-pharmaceutical-society-of-nigeria-301671524.html SOURCE Yiling Pharmaceutical Transaction includes 7 clinics located in Georgia, Arizona, and California MIAMI, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- United Dental Corporation ("UDC"), a Dental Partnership Organization (DPO) breaking new ground in the U.S., announced its maiden acquisition of 7 high-performing dental practices in 3 targeted markets across the United States. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. UDC's first wave of practices features a mix of specialty and general practice dentists located in key markets in California, Arizona, and Georgia. The practices included in the initial launch were selected to provide specific platform-level specialty and operations support to subsequent waves of acquisitions in UDC's pipeline. UDC anticipates closing its second and third tranches of practices by March 2023. UDC Chairman and Co-Founder Dr. Ray Khouri said, "Today's announcement highlights the strength of our differentiated business model, which has historically resulted in up to a 98% doctor retention rate in Australia and New Zealand. We are delighted to partner with the successful owner-dentists who have placed their trust in UDC. We look forward to rapidly scaling UDC as it becomes the premier destination and partner for exceptional dental practices." Equity funding was led by Doshi Capital Partners ("DCP"), the family office of Drs. Nitin and Leena Doshi. Dr. Nitin Doshi commented, "We are thrilled to support Ray and the UDC team. UDC's model is unique to the DSO space, particularly its innovative and proven approach that attracts entrepreneurial dentists, enabling them to achieve even greater success while maintaining their autonomy. Given my experience as both an operator and investor across the dental industry, I look forward to my partnership with UDC as an engaged and active Board member and investor." White Oak Healthcare Finance LLC provided the debt financing for the acquisition. High Speed Ventures, https://highspeedventuresllc.com/, under the leadership of Dr. Forrest Bryant, bolstered UDC's launch by investing in two rounds of funding from the dentists and individual investors that are clients of High Speed Alliance. HSV's total investment of over $5MM to date, underscores their support of Dr. Ray Khouri's leadership and the industry-disrupting UDC team and business model. About UDC UDC partners with high-performing dentists seeking to maximize the value of their practices while retaining their operational autonomy. UDC supports dentists by providing capital, growth expertise, advanced data and analytics, technology, marketing, procurement, human resources, legal, insightful financial reporting, and accounting services. Visit us at www.udc.dental. About Doshi Capital Partners Doshi Capital Partners is the family office of Drs Nitin and Leena Doshi. DCP and its affiliates have led and participated in equity and debt investments across a number of industries including dental, medical, real estate, technology, chemicals, and industrial businesses. About White Oak Global Advisors White Oak Global Advisors, LLC ("WOGA") is a leading alternative debt manager specializing in originating and providing financing solutions to facilitate the growth, refinancing and recapitalization of small and medium enterprises. Together with its financing affiliates, WOGA provides over twenty lending products to the market, including term, asset-based, and equipment loans, to all sectors of the economy. Since its inception in 2007, WOGA and its affiliates have deployed over $10 billion across its product lines, utilizing a disciplined investment process that focuses on delivering risk-adjusted investment returns to investors while establishing long term partnerships with our borrowers. More information can be found at www.whiteoaksf.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-dental-corporation-acquires-first-wave-of-high-performing-practices-301672031.html SOURCE United Dental Corporation WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the US Navy Veterans Lung Cancer Advocate, "We have just endorsed The Gori Law Firm to assist a Veteran or person who has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer anywhere in the USA-if the individual had significant on the job exposure to asbestos prior to 1982. "Every year more families trust The Gori Law Firm when dealing with a loved one's asbestos cancer diagnosis than any other firm in the nation. Financial compensation for a person like this might exceed $100,000-and additionally there may be VA benefits as well for a Veteran who now has asbestos exposure lung cancer. "Most people who have developed asbestos exposure lung cancer never get compensated because they do not realize the $30 billion dollar-asbestos trust funds were set up for them too as the representatives at The Gori Law Firm are always happy to discuss at 866 532-2106." https://GoriLaw.Com The Advocate is urging the family of a Veteran or person who had substantial exposure to asbestos at work before 1982 to try and make a list of the specifics of how their loved one was exposed to asbestos-because it is this incredibly important information that will become the foundation for a financial compensation claim-as the lawyers at The Gori Law Firm are always happy to discuss at 866-532-2106. https://GoriLaw.Com High-risk workplaces for asbestos exposure include the US Navy, shipyards, power plants, public utilities, manufacturing factories, chemical plants, oil refineries, mines, smelters, pulp and paper mills, aerospace manufacturing facilities, offshore oil rigs, demolition construction work sites, railroads, automotive manufacturing facilities, or auto brake shops. With lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure the lung cancer may not show up until decades after the exposure. https://GoriLaw.Com States with the highest incidence of lung cancer include Kentucky, West Virginia, Maine, Tennessee, Mississippi, Ohio, Indiana, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Alabama, and Delaware. However, a US Navy Veteran or person with mesothelioma or asbestos exposure lung cancer could live in any state including New York, Florida, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, Iowa, Georgia, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, Oregon. or Alaska. https://USNavyLungCancer.Com For more information about asbestos exposure please visit the NIH's website on this topic: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet. Media Contact:M. Thomas Martin202-422-2069[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-navy-veterans-lung-cancer-advocate-has-just-endorsed-the-gori-law-firm-to-assist-a-veteran-or-person-who-now-has-lung-cancer-if-before-1982-they-had-exposure-to-asbestos-in-the-navy-or-at-work-compensation-might-be-100-000s---301670466.html SOURCE US Navy Veterans Lung Cancer Advocate 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. "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. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/we-summit-celebrates-its-10th-anniversary-as-tencent-is-building-its-sci-tech-museum-and-human-tech-tree-in-its-new-headquarters-in-qianhai-301669944.html SOURCE Tencent POMONA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Western University of Health Sciences has selected Jonathan Labovitz, DPM, FACFAS, CHCQM, as Dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM), effective November 1, 2022. Dr. Labovitz joined CPM in 2009, the same year the College welcomed its inaugural class. He has served the College and WesternU admirably in a multitude of capacities, including Department Chair, Assistant Dean of Clinical Education, and Medical Director of the WesternU Foot & Ankle Center. He most recently served as Associate Dean of Clinical Education and Graduate Placement. "Dean Labovitz has invested his career at WesternU and was pivotal to the global growth of CPM and ultimate success of the College," said WesternU President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA. "He takes the reigns at a transformational time in health care, for the University, and for the Podiatric Medicine profession. I have every confidence that he will lead CPM to achieve even higher levels of prominence." Labovitz earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a concentration in Nutritional Biochemistry from Cornell University and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his Podiatric Medicine and Surgery residency at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan, then traveled to Graz, Austria for the AO International Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Fellowship at LKH University Clinic for Traumatology. He also served as a Visiting Scholar in Health Policy and Management at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health. Labovitz is an American Board of Foot & Ankle Surgery Diplomate Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot & Ankle Surgery and an American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians Diplomate Certified in Healthcare Quality & Management. He has published and produced numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, abstracts and posters, and he has given invited presentations nationally and internationally. He mentors podiatric medical students, residents and faculty members in health management, clinical and administrative research, career development, and leadership principles and strategies to enhance their communication, efficiency and overall success as leaders. "Throughout his time at WesternU, Dr. Labovitz has touched every facet of CPM, from assessing and modifying the case-based learning curriculum, to developing clinical partnerships and redesigning clinical curriculum, to assisting with the leadership of accreditation responsibilities. He created and implemented the DPM Advanced Standing degree program for foreign medical graduates," said WesternU Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer Paula M. Crone, DO '92. "With his clinical, academic and collaborative background, Dr. Labovitz is poised to lead CPM as a global leader of innovative and integrated podiatric medical education." Labovitz succeeds Dr. V. Kathleen Satterfield, who served as CPM dean from May 1, 2019 to Oct. 31, 2022. She retired as dean but will continue to serve CPM and WesternU in a consultative capacity. "I am fortunate to have been a part of CPM since its humble beginnings and to work alongside my colleagues to help it grow to become a leading institution in podiatric medical education," Labovitz said. "I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff, alumni, WesternU administration, and external stakeholders as we strive to achieve our vision to be the global leader of innovative and integrated podiatric medical education." About Western University of Health Sciences Western University of Health Sciences (www.westernu.edu), located in Pomona, Calif. and Lebanon, Ore., is an independent nonprofit health professions university, conferring degrees in dental medicine, health sciences, medical sciences, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and veterinary medicine. WesternU is home to WesternU Health, where the best in collaborative health care services is offered. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/westernu-names-dr-jonathan-labovitz-as-college-of-podiatric-medicine-dean-301672276.html SOURCE Western University of Health Sciences FILE PHOTO: SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk takes part in a joint news conference with T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert (not pictured) at the SpaceX Starbase, in Brownsville, Texas, U.S., August 25, 2022. REUTERS/Adrees Latif/File Photo (Reuters) - Elon Musk's net worth dropped below $200 billion on Tuesday as investors dumped Tesla Inc shares on fears the top executive and largest shareholder of the world's most valuable electric-vehicle maker is more preoccupied with Twitter. Musk now has a net worth of $194.8 billion, according to Forbes, with a big share of that coming from his nearly 15% stake in Tesla, which has a market value of $622 billion. The company has lost nearly half its market value and his net worth has dropped by $70 billion since he bid for Twitter in April. Tesla dips as investors worry over Musk's attention to Twitter https://graphics.reuters.com/TESLA-STOCKS/zdvxdybllvx/Pasted%20image%201667923077412.png Investors initially fled Tesla on worries over share sale by Musk, who has divested at least $15 billion worth of stock. He closed the $44-billion deal last month with $13 billion in loans and a $33.5 billion equity commitment. Now Wall Street fears that Musk has stretched himself too thin at a time when the EV maker is ramping up production and faces rising competition. "It seems like Elon Musk is spending 100% of the time on Twitter and you know, it might need more capital," said Jay Hatfield at Infrastructure Capital Management. Since buying Twitter, Musk has made very few tweets on Tesla, a practice that helped him gain traction on the platform. He has instead used Twitter to announce plans for the social media company such as the $8 per month subscription for blue tick verification. The net worth of the world's richest person, who also owns rocket company SpaceX, is roughly $40 billion more than the second richest person, LVMH-owner Bernard Arnault. Tesla shares were down 2% at $193.7 in afternoon trading, falling for a third straight session. (Reporting by Nivedita Balu, additional reporting by Shubham Batra and Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Aditya Soni and Arun Koyyur) UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of November 2022 Commission File Number: 1-32754 BAYTEX ENERGY CORP. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 2800, 520 3rd AVENUE S.W. CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA T2P 0R3 (Address of principal executive office) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F Form 40-F x Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes No x If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): EXHIBIT INDEX SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. BAYTEX ENERGY CORP. /s/ Rodney D. Gray Name: Rodney D. Gray Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dated: November 8, 2022 ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS EXHIBIT 99.1 0001465470 false 0001465470 2022-11-04 2022-11-04 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): NATURALSHRIMP INCORPORATED (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Nevada 000-54030 74-3262176 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) 5501 LBJ Freeway , Suite 450 Dallas , Texas 75240 (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) (888) 791-9474 (Registrants telephone number, including area code) Check the appropriate box below if the 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligations of the registrant under any of the following provisions: Written communication pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)). Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered N/A N/A N/A Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR 240.12b-2). Emerging growth company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. On November 4, 2022, NaturalShrimp Incorporated (the Company) entered into a purchase agreement (the GH Purchase Agreement) with GHS Investments LLC (GHS), an accredited investor, in a directly negotiated transaction. Pursuant to the GHS Purchase Agreement, the Company may require GHS to purchase a maximum of up to Sixty Four Million (64,000,000) shares of the Companys common stock (GHS Purchase Shares) based on a total aggregate purchase price of up to Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) over a one-year term that ends on November 4, 2023. If the full Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) of GHS Purchase Shares is purchased, the Company estimates that the net proceeds from the sale of the shares of GHS Purchase Shares, after deducting estimated offering expenses payable by the Company (including to financial advisors) will be approximately $4,400,000. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. The GHS Purchase Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in the agreement, the Company has the right from time to time during the term of the agreement, in its sole discretion, to deliver to GHS a purchase notice (a Purchase Notice) directing GHS to purchase (each, a GHS Purchase) a specified number of GHS Purchase Shares. A GHS Purchase will be made in a minimum amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) and up to a maximum of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) and provided that, the purchase amount for any purchase will not exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the average of the daily trading dollar volume of the Companys common stock (the Common Stock) during the ten (10) business days preceding the purchase date. Notwithstanding the foregoing dollar limitations, the Company and GHS may, from time to time, mutually agree (in writing) to waive the aforementioned limitations for a relevant Purchase Notice, which waiver, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not exceed the 4.99% beneficial ownership limitation contained in the GHS Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Price means, with respect to a purchase made pursuant to the GHS Purchase Agreement, 90% of the lowest VWAP (as defined in the GHS Purchase Agreement) during the Valuation Period (the ten (10) consecutive business days immediately preceding, but not including, the applicable purchase date). The Company shall deliver a number of GHS Purchase Shares equal to 112.5% of the aggregate purchase amount for such GHS Purchase divided by the Purchase Price per share for such GHS Purchase, against payment by GHS to the Company of the purchase amount with respect to such Purchase (less documented deposit and clearing fees, if any), as full payment for such GHS Purchase Shares via wire transfer of immediately available funds. The GHS Purchase Agreement prohibits the Company from directing GHS to purchase any GHS Purchase Shares if those shares, when aggregated with all other shares of Common Stock then beneficially owned by GHS and its affiliates, would result in GHS and its affiliates having beneficial ownership, at any single point in time, of more than 4.99% of the then total outstanding shares of the Common Stock. The Company will control the timing and amount of any sales of GHS Purchase Shares to GHS. Events of default under the GHS Purchase Agreement include the following: the effectiveness of the registration statement registering the sale of the GHS Purchase Shares lapses for any reason or such registration statement (or the prospectus forming a part thereof) is unavailable to GHS for resale of any or all of the GHS Purchase Shares to be issued to GHS under the GHS Purchase Agreement ; the Common Stock is suspended from trading on the principal market for a period of two consecutive trading days, during which time the Company may not direct GHS to purchase any shares during that time; the Common Stock is delisted such that the Common Stock is not trading on any principal market; the failure for any reason by the transfer agent to issue GHS Purchase Shares to GHS within three (3) business days after the date on which GHS was entitled to receive the shares; the Company breaches any representation, warranty, covenant or other term or condition under the GHS Purchase Agreement, its Schedules, or any related document if the breach could have a material adverse effect and except, in the case of a breach of a covenant that is reasonably curable, only if the breach continues for a period of at least five (5) business days; a proceeding against the Company is commenced by any person or entity pursuant to or within the meaning of any bankruptcy law; the Company, pursuant to or within the meaning of any bankruptcy law, (i) commences a voluntary case, (ii) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case, (iii) consents to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, or (iv) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors or is generally unable to pay its debts as they become due; a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any bankruptcy law that (i) is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case, (ii) appoints a custodian of the company or for all or substantially all of its property, or (iii) orders the liquidation of the Company; or if at any time the Company is not eligible to transfer its Common Stock electronically as DWAC Eligible. So long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Company shall not deliver to GHS any Purchase Notice. The GHS Purchase Shares will be issued to GHS in a registered direct offering, pursuant to which the GHS Purchase Shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), pursuant to a prospectus supplement to the Companys currently effective registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-253953), which was initially filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on March 5, 2021, and was declared effective on March 22, 2021 (the Shelf Registration Statement). A prospectus supplement for the Offering was filed on November 4, 2022 and is available on the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov. The GHS Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements by the Company and GHS, customary conditions to closing, indemnification obligations of the parties, including for liabilities under the Securities Act and other obligations of the parties. Further, pursuant to the terms of the GHS Purchase Agreement, from November 4, 2022 until the date that is the later of (i) the closing of the transactions whereby Yotta Merger Sub, Inc. will merge with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving company (the Merger); and (ii) the 12 month anniversary of the first delivery of GHS Purchase Shares, upon any issuance by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of Common Stock or Common Stock equivalents for cash consideration, indebtedness or a combination of units thereof (a Subsequent Financing), GHS shall have the right to participate in any financing, up to an amount of the Subsequent Financing equal to 100% of the Subsequent Financing (the Participation Maximum) on the same terms, conditions and price provided for in the Subsequent Financing. Following the Merger, the Participation Maximum shall be 50% of the Subsequent Financing. The foregoing description of the GHS Purchase Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such GHS Purchase Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K (this Form 8-K), and which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The Company is filing the opinion of its counsel, Lucosky Brookman LLP, relating to the legality of the issuance and sale of the GHS Purchase Shares as Exhibit 5.1 hereto. Exhibit 5.1 is incorporated herein by reference and into the Shelf Registration Statement. Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. (d) Exhibits # Certain schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish supplementally copies of omitted schedules and exhibits to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon its request. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized. NATURALSHRIMP INCORPORATED Date: November 8, 2022 By: /s/ Gerald Easterling Name: Gerald Easterling Title: Chief Executive Officer ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS ex5-1.htm ex10-1.htm INLINE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION SCHEMA DOCUMENT INLINE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION LABEL LINKBASE DOCUMENT INLINE XBRL TAXONOMY EXTENSION PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT IDEA: R1.htm IDEA: form8-k_htm.xml IDEA: Financial_Report.xlsx IDEA: FilingSummary.xml IDEA: MetaLinks.json An Air Force training jet crashed Monday afternoon near Columbus Air Force Base, officials at the Mississippi base said. The pilot of the T-38C Talon experienced an in-flight emergency about 20 miles south of Columbus AFB before safely ejecting from the aircraft, according to a statement from base officials. The cause of the incident was under investigation as of Monday afternoon, officials said. The pilot was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, they said. We continuously train our pilots to react appropriately for all emergency situations such as the incident that occurred today, Col. Jeremy Bergin, the vice commander of the Columbus AFB-based 14th Flying Training Wing, said in a statement. Were thankful the pilot ejected safely, and we appreciate the continued support of the Columbus community and our community partners. Columbus Air Force Base is in eastern Mississippi about 150 miles northeast of the states capital Jackson. The pilot-training base falls under the Air Forces Air Education and Training Command, and student-pilots assigned to the bases 14th Flying Training Wing fly the T-38, T-6A Texan II and the T-1A Jayhawk aircraft, according to the service. The T-38 is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer that the Air Force uses to train pilots to fly its front-line fighter and bomber aircraft including F-15, F-16, F-22 and F-35 fighters, A-10 attack jets and B-1 bombers, according to the Air Force. Air Force flight students have flown the T-38 since the 1960s. The service in 2019 announced the jets replacement, the T-7A Red Hawk, would begin replacing the antiquated T-38 in 2023. Air Force officials have said the T-38 lacks the modern capabilities of the newest Air Force jets such as the F-35. Top service officials said such problems will be fixed with the more modern trainers being sent to flight schools. The services T-38 fleets have been plagued by crashes in recent years. A student pilot was killed in November 2021 when two T-38s from Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas crashed into each other. Two Columbus AFB-based pilots an American instructor and a Japanese student were killed in a T-38 crash earlier that year, when their jet crash landed at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama. Air Force officials have reported at least six other T-38s had crashed since November 2017. (Tribune News Service) Im not entirely sure what it is, but this aint it, quipped a member of the U.S. Armys Oahu-based 25th Infantry Division as he and his fellow soldiers marched up the road at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island last week. They carried heavy rucksacks and body armor marching under the unforgiving sun into higher elevations where at night they would endure cold wind and rain as well as thinner air as they carried their heavy loads. The training is part of the U.S. Army Pacifics new Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, a series of ranges and exercises the service is hosting in Hawaii and Alaska as well as annually in rotating countries across the region. In Hawaii, 6,350 soldiers have been training since late October. In addition to Poha kuloa, troops in the islands also have been at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai and at Bellows Air Force Station, Dillingham Army Airfield, the Kahuku Training Area, Kawailoa mountain ranges, Helemano Plantation and Schofield Barracks East and South ranges on Oahu for the Hawaii portion of JPMRC 2022. Soldiers in Hawaii and Alaska used to ship out to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., or Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, La., to recertify their skills to prove they are deployment-ready. The Army launched JPMRC as an alternative to save money on transportation while also keeping its Pacific troops in the regions theyre expected to operate in as the Pentagon revamps its Indo-Pacific policies. The Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard also have played a role in the exercise. Hawaii is one of the few places where each branch has a presence for training. Operating forces in multiple locations throughout the island chain is a challenge as troops train and try to get supplies and resources to the various training grounds. Maj. Gen. Joseph Ryan, the commanding general of the 25th, said that causes exactly the intended effects as it forces commanders to make lot of tough decision-making. This year the 25th Infantry is joined by troops from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. The 25th has been training in exercises in all three countries through the Armys Pacific Pathways program. Ryan said that it has grown out of exercises that were doing right there in theater with them. ... Ive been out in the theater in each of those three countries, and they express an incredible desire to come here and train alongside us. Sgt. Derek Smith, a soldier based at Schofield, participated in a simulated battle at Pohakuloa as a member of the opposing force against blue forces representing the U.S. and its allies. Last year he participated in the first JPRMC as a member of the blue forces. He said that across the different training areas in the islands the terrain is very different, forcing different approaches. (At Pohakuloa ) you can see miles and miles away, you can literally get on top of a berm and see the whole battlefield. Its kind of hard to hide, Smith said. Military observers from Australia, French Caledonia, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand and Singapore also have come to Hawaii to watch the exercise. Ryan said that so far they have enough space to accommodate multinational training but there are limits to how many other countries can train on the islands at one time. Were gonna get to the point, candidly, because of the popularity of what were doing here ... where were going to have to meter this a little bit, he said. The Army is in the process of negotiating the renewal of leases it has held on several areas of state-owned land that are set to expire in 2029. The negotiations come at a time when the Navys handling of the Red Hill water crisis on Oahu has strained relations with Hawaii leaders and residents. Its not lost on me that some of this comes at a cost to people, whether its traffic or noise or you know, you name it, Ryan said. Its (also) soldiers and families whose fathers and wives are away. It disrupts life. The U.S. government has attempted over the years to shift its foreign-policy focus from the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific as it becomes the center of gravity for the global economy. Increased geopolitical tensions also have meant increased military interest in the region. Much of the attention has been on maritime disputes, particularly in the South China Sea, as naval forces engage in a series of standoffs over navigation and territorial rights over key trade routes and resource deposits. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command on Oahu has throughout its history been dominated by the Navy it always has been commanded by an admiral. But there also has been competition and conflict on land as well. Between May 2020 and January 2021, India and China both nuclear powers engaged in a series of violent border clashes in the Himalayas that resulted in dozens of soldiers killed. Beijing also has invested heavily in Southeast Asian nations including Thailand and Indonesia as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, a series of Chinese government-financed projects sometimes called the New Silk Road. Army leaders in Hawaii argue that highlights the importance of armies in the region and maintaining relationships. The land power network is a key component in the security architecture that helps keep the Indo-Pacific region safe, free and open, Ryan said. I dont want to say they want to hitch their wagon to us they dont want that, they want to maintain their sovereignty but they want to know theyve got a good partner in the United States of America. As the U.S. military shifts its focus from battling insurgencies in the Middle East, its preparing for the possibility of pitched battles between conventional military forces. Ryan said reports out of the war in Ukraine have informed U.S. military planners on what that might look like. Both sides in the exercise are training to use drones and be wary of the enemies potential use of drones. During the simulated fighting, casualties on both sides were high. We talked about the golden hour in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, getting casualties back to a higher level of care, within an hour of point of injury. Its just not going to be realistic on a battlefield like this, Ryan said. We have got to be able to sustain casualties forward with units. And that means better life-saving equipment, better training for our medical folks, and not only our medical folks, because in the end, everybodys a first responder. Officials around the region have expressed concern about escalating tensions and urged Chinese and American officials to find ways to ease tensions. Ryan said that its his hope that diplomats will cool tensions and that the war games will remain nothing but exercises, but that its his responsibility to ensure his troops are ready should diplomacy fail. We will be the first to go, Ryan said. On Dec. 7, 1941, the 25th Infantry Division had to be ready. They were right here when they were attacked at Schofield Barracks (and ) Wheeler Field. We dont want to ever wish we could be more ready, so we have to be ready. Thats our role here. (c)2022 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit at www.staradvertiser.com ?????? El esfuerzo de los peruanos traspasa las fronteras! ? El presidente @PedroCastilloTe expreso su gratitud a los exportadores, quienes son ejemplo de dedicacion e impulsan la diversificacion de los mercados, en favor del crecimiento del pais.#SiempreConElPueblo pic.twitter.com/kITfx9PlFZ STUTTGART, Germany A three-star general will lead a new Army headquarters in Germany that will include about 300 U.S. service members responsible for coordinating security assistance for Ukraine, a senior U.S. military official said this week. Formation of the Security Assistance Group Ukraine, or SAGU, which will be based out of U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters in Wiesbaden, was announced Friday. Now, a lieutenant general will need to be nominated and confirmed as the new headquarters takes shape, the official said Monday. The aim is to have the unit running by early 2023. On Sunday, The New York Times reported that Lt. Gen. Antonio Aguto Jr., head of the First U.S. Army headquarters at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois, was regarded as a leading candidate for the new job. The assistance group is intended to continue the work of the Armys 18th Airborne Corps, which recently redeployed to North Carolina after arriving in Germany and Poland at the time of Russias late-February invasion of Ukraine. In the meantime, 18th Airborne Corps boss Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue will remain in Wiesbaden to continue organizing the training and equipping of Ukrainian forces as the SAGU takes shape. By establishing a dedicated headquarters focused on Ukraine support, the Pentagon is putting in place an organization to carry out what is expected to be a long-term mission. The Wiesbaden headquarters is slated to be manned with personnel from across the military branches, making it a joint service operation. Tours are initially planned to last between six months and a year, but longer accompanied tours are also possible. It depends on service and individual, the U.S. military official said. Its going to be on a case-by-case basis and not one size fits all. U.S. Army Europe and Africa personnel are carrying out the Ukraine support mission in the interim. Training Ukraines military is nothing new for the U.S., which had rotated conventional and special operations troops into Ukraine for years as part of an effort to modernize the countrys military. But U.S. forces were withdrawn from Ukraine ahead of the full-scale Russian invasion. Since then, American and other allied troops have trained Ukrainian personnel in Germany and elsewhere. Wiesbaden has emerged as key to the ongoing efforts to get billions of dollars in weaponry into Ukraine, including the mobile rocket system known as HIMARS. In August, a weapons logistics cell was relocated to Wiesbaden from U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart. That organization, consisting of dozens of nations, arranges the logistics of getting everything from Stinger missiles and howitzers to drones and long-range artillery to secret locations in Ukraine. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Washington Dulles International Airport, Oct. 8, 2003: The Air France Concorde, right, at the Udvar-Hazy Center, the annex of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Fairfax county, Va. Air France donated the Concorde F-BVFA to the museum upon the completion of its last flight. This aircraft was the first Air France Concorde to open service to Rio de Janeiro, Washington, D.C., and New York and had flown 17,824 hours. All Concordes were retired in 2003. Check out Stars and Stripes recent article on the reopening of the National Air and Space Museum now featuring an actual Star Wars X-wing here https://www.stripes.com/history/2022-10-13/air-space-museum-reopening-7679940.html Royal Caribbeans Icon of the Seas will get the title of worlds largest cruise ship when it debuts, sailing out of Miami in 2024, but thats beside the point. Its purposeful. Its not like we start with each ship and we say, OK, this ones going to be the biggest in the world. That actually isnt the purpose, said Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer for Royal Caribbean. It really comes down to going through the creative process and the customer insight process to say what are we really seeking out to achieve? So while the 20-deck ships 250,800 gross tons and 1,198 feet in length bests the most recent Oasis-class ship and current worlds largest ship Wonder of the Seas 235,600 gross tons and 1,188-foot-length, Icon of the Seas will actually have less passenger capacity based on double occupancy 5,610 compared to Wonders 5,734. We are providing more space for people than weve ever done before, so even though we take great pride that the Oasis class was the most space, this ship is designed to give more space to everybody both in public spaces as well as in staterooms, Schneider said. The size of the rooms and the expected growth of family traveling, though, means Icon of the Seas maximum capacity of 7,600 exceeds Wonders 7,084. Every stateroom except interiors is bigger than any other stateroom that weve had before, he said. They are bigger but are laid out in a unique and creative way that weve never done before. He said the line didnt want to compromise on venue space, though. So youll find facades that are open for the first time in a grand way, he said. Youll find connectivity between decks that weve never done before, and a lot of that design and ingenuity came from this notion of giving people more space. As you kind of put the pieces and parts together, you suddenly find yourself with a fairly large footprint. That footprint, while similar to that of the Oasis class, allowed designers more room to play with familiar spaces such as the Royal Promenade, the open-air Central Park and what will be the largest exclusive area for suite guests to date for the line, covering three decks. But its the new spaces that have ship designers excited, and company officials detailed some, but not all, of the ships new features in a recent media preview at its headquarters in Miami, including a virtual 3D tour of the spaces at its Innovation Lab. Inside the dome The most iconic feature of Icon of the Seas is the massive geodesic dome that lords over the bow of the ships top decks. This is the AquaDome, and the centerpiece of whats inside is familiar to Royal fans as its home to the new version of the AquaTheater where diving and aerialist performances will take place in the evening, but now in a controlled atmosphere that allows for more digital lighting and other special effects including the addition of four robotic arms to the production stage. Throughout the day, a 55-foot-tall waterfall will flow as cruisers enjoy dining and get wraparound views through the glass enclosure. The spaces bars and restaurants will allow for even more people to view the shows at night. Walking the Boardwalk The migration of the AquaTheater to the top deck means its no longer at the aft of the ship at the end of The Boardwalk neighborhood like on Oasis-class vessels. The Jersey Shore-inspired space makes its way to a more whimsical neighborhood called Surfside that targets families. Dont worry, though; the Zoltar fortune telling machine will find a home somewhere, officials promised. Theres also still a carousel, but instead of classic amusement park horses, people will get to ride on a narwhal, an octopus, a giraffe or in a Volkswagen bus, among other choices. Surfside is also still home to the Sugar Beach ice cream and candy venue perfect for the target demographic of 6 and under but its also designed to keep mom and dad happy so they can relax in a pool, lounge and bar while the kids run around Splashaway Bay. The neighborhood also is adjacent to an arcade, the kids Adventure Ocean club and teen spaces. Surfside is specifically designed for young families, said Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley. We think that once we get that message out to that demographic that well see a lot more new-to-cruise coming to Icon. It includes the lines largest, and most expensive, suite on board, the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse, which has its own slide and private access to Surfside. Slipping and sliding It used to be that Royal Caribbean didnt deal in water slides, but now theyre a signature fixture, especially on the Oasis class, which all have three intense options. Icon of the Seas has doubled that, offering six slides on two towers for what will be the largest water park at sea called Category 6. Weve called the classic Oasis-class The Perfect Storm, Schneider said. Weve used storm metaphors. We kind of had this aha moment of you know we had six waterslides and so if you think of this storm experience and Royal creating experiences the world has never seen before, its kind of a Cat 6 experience. Its the prime offering of a neighborhood called Thrill Island that includes the free-fall slides Pressure Drop and Frightening Bolt; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, which are the first family raft slides for the line that can sport four riders per raft; and a pair of mat racer slides called Storm Chasers. Weve given ourselves a generous space reservation, Schneider said. We didnt want to make it feel like it was congested. So one of the things we studied very carefully as a company was the flow of guests throughout Thrill Island. ... We dont want to wait a very long time so were very cautious of how many slides we needed, how long people would have to wait. As a full neighborhood, Thrill Island will allow for more space as well, so families can base their time there while people enjoy the water park and other features of the neighborhood including a feature not for the faint of heart. Flying over the ocean Another iconic feature of Royal Caribbean ships is the company logo, the crown and anchor, propped up for all to see on the side of the ship. Icon of the Seas has the largest in the fleet with one on either side of the vessel. On one side, though, you might just hear some people screaming because they chose to go on an adventure trail of sorts called the Crowns Edge. Ill tell you what its not. Its not a ropes course, Schneider said. Its not a zip line. Its really a never-been-done-before experience. Thrill seekers may enjoy the key part of the experience, or not. So youll harness up in kind of a unique harness, tethered. ... Theres a series of obstacle-esque sort of experiences you can kind of move around because youre tethered in case you do fall, and then you walk out, and then as you get to the end, just to mess with you we will drop the floor out from underneath you and you will then well call it fly for a better way to say it. This all happens 154 feet over the open ocean. You choose to go on the experience. You cant skip this. You can skip it by not doing it, he said. This is a one-way experience. Drinking in the pool The ship features seven pools on board including four in a terraced neighborhood called Chill Island. One of those named the Swim & Tonic will be the lines first ever swim-up bar at sea. Its adjacent to the largest pool on a cruise ship, the Royal Bay Pool, and a margarita glass hot tub, one of nine whirlpools on board, on the Caribbean-themed pool deck with a variety of lounging options that have been rolled out to other ships in the fleet. It will also be home to some of the Lime & Coconut bars, of which there are four shipwide. We really talk about this mantra of water, water everywhere, Schneider said. Weve really tried to redefine as many pools as possible facing outward glass facades that give you vast, breathtaking views of the ocean and really driving that connection to the water. A different neighborhood called The Hideaway is home to a suspended infinity pool 135 feet above the ocean along with a multi-level sun terrace, more whirlpools and a bar. Yet to be revealed Of the eight neighborhoods on board, five are new Surfside, AquaDome, Chill Island, Thrill Island and The Hideaway while Central Park, The Royal Promenade and the Suite Neighborhood exist on other ships in the fleet. Just what features will be offered up in some of those spaces, though, have yet to be revealed. One item thats been partially revealed is something the line calls The Pearl, which is a 36-by-95-foot window smack dab in the middle of the ship that acts as the first thing people will see when they get on board, and is the centerpiece to the Royal Promenade. As we think of the arrival experience, all of our ships have what you would call a mic drop arrival moment. We set up to create that. We wanted to create a mic drop, jaw-dropping arrival experience, Schneider said. So that is both in the location and position of The Pearl. The experience and expanse you see as you walk onto the ship, as you come through the airlock, you see the beauty of The Pearl, and so it serves a lot of different purposes. Schneider, though, teased that many of the details are under wraps for now. I keep telling people it will be the largest kinetic experience on the planet, he said. Were not really talking about what that means, but if you google the word kinetic it will kind of give you a sense of where were heading. And theres a Starbucks as you walk in. Thats important. What he did reveal is that the space will change for all seven days of the sailing in some manner and play into travelers emotions. The ship is slated to begin seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages from Port Miami on Jan. 28, 2024, but will arrive in Florida in December 2023. Bookings are open at royalcaribbean.com. Its the first of three announced ships in the Icon class with the next two set to be delivered in 2025 and 2026. Its the first in the line to be powered by liquefied natural gas, which is a cleaner burning fuel thats part of an industry-wide effort to reduce carbon emissions. This is our first in class in 10 years, Schneider said. So when you take first in class, with 23 [food & beverage] venues, 15 new kinds of experiences that weve never done before, new neighborhoods ... the orchestration and choreography of that, were going to knock out of the park, so were taking our time to make this the most amazing vacation experience. Details about those features, though, will be rolled out over the next year as construction continues at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland with the ships float out aka its first taste of water expected in December and sea trials not until next summer. You only saw about 20% of Icon, Bayley said. One of the challenges of Icon is there is a lot to talk about, and over the coming months, were going to reveal more and more of the elements and components and experiences of Icon ... Theres a few things that we have that are really top secret. An Air Force unit recently deployed to southern Japan demonstrated an MQ-9 Reaper drone for Japanese government officials over the weekend, partly to ease community concerns about the newcomer aircraft, officials said. Eight Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drones and more than 150 airmen in the newly formed 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron began a yearlong deployment to Kanoya Air Base last month. Kanoya is a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base near the southern tip of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japans four main islands. Kanoya Mayor Shigeru Nakanishi, who signed off on the deployment in July, and Kagoshima prefecture Gov. Koichi Shiota were among about 40 local dignitaries who watched a Reaper fly from the base for about 15 minutes on Saturday, a Kyushu Defense Bureau spokesman said Monday. Japanese government officials typically speak to the media on condition of anonymity. The drone took off from the base and flew over Kanoya city during the demonstration flight, he said. The reconnaissance squadron operated the drone at take-off and landing but a mission-control unit in the United States handled the Reaper in-flight, the defense bureau spokesman said. The local leaders had asked to see the drones fly before operations begin to allay community concerns, said a Kanoya city official who deals with base affairs. It was good that we were able to see the actual aircraft and it actually flying, Nakanishi told reporters Monday. The drones seemed quieter than other aircraft stationed at Kanoya, Nakanishi said. We will continue to take measures for safety and security of the residents by working with the related organizations including Kyushu Defense Bureau so there will not be any accidents or incidents, Nakanishi told the reporters, according to the city official. Drones are expected to start regular operations sometime this month, the defense bureau spokesman said. Video released Wednesday by the Air Force shows one of the unmanned aircraft taxiing, lifting off and buzzing overhead during an earlier test flight. The Reapers, deployed by U.S. Pacific Air Forces, will make reconnaissance flights in close coordination with the Japan Ministry of Defense, according to an Air Force statement with the video. PACAF describes the Reaper as medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft. The Reaper is primarily a surveillance aircraft but can carry an inventory of weapons, including Hellfire missiles and Paveway laser-guided bombs, according to the Air Force. The Reapers at Kanoya will be configured for surveillance and cant be equipped with weapons, according to a document from Japans Ministry of Defense posted on the Kanoya city website. Kanoya is already home to P-3C Orion maritime surveillance planes and UH-60J Black Hawk and SH-60K Seahawk helicopters of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. U.S. aircraft such as Marine Corps KC-130 tankers and Osprey tiltrotor aircraft visit the base during training. The Reapers, made by General Atomics of San Diego, can carry 3,000 pounds of ordnance and first saw combat in Afghanistan in 2007 and in Iraq the following year. The U.S. has employed them on numerous missions throughout the Middle East and Africa. The Air Force began deploying RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance drones to Misawa Air Base in northern Japan in 2014 and has flown them out of Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo in recent years. The Navy deployed its MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance drones to Misawa last year and to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, south of Hiroshima, this year. Routine surgeries at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan are on hold indefinitely thanks to a mechanical failure at the base hospital last week, a base spokesman said Tuesday. A medical technician with the 35th Medical Group discovered the failure on Nov. 2 in the medical supply and processing area, spokesman Lt. Col. Cody Chiles told Stars and Stripes via email Tuesday. The base posted a notice about the problem on its Facebook page Friday. The failure caused temperature fluctuations in the medical supply area, which means materials in storage must be inspected to ensure their safety, Chiles said. Out of an abundance of caution, all non-emergent surgical services and dental procedures have been paused until 35th Medical Group staff can determine whether there is an infection prevention and control risk, he said. Many medical supplies require specific storage conditions, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Sterilizing agents and disinfectants, for instance, must be stored below 86 F; storage above that temperature could jeopardize their stability. For example, storing materials used for restorative dental work at temperatures from 80 to 90 degrees F can soon render them unusable, according to the FDA. The Misawa medical staff must inspect all the affected surgical supplies before the hospital can provide further surgical services, Chiles said. Labor and delivery and in-patient units will continue to operate 24 hours a day and urgent care services are being prioritized due to the temporary limited capacity. Only a small number of elective surgeries and procedures have been affected by the incident, Chiles said. He said the medical group has already contacted those patients. So far, no surgical patients have been directed elsewhere for their procedures. Chiles provided no estimate of when the hospital would resume surgical procedures. We have set no timeline for patient safety, Chiles said. The 35th Medical Group staff is working diligently with the appropriate agencies to ensure that all of Misawas surgical facilities and equipment are safe and operational as soon as possible. CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa The Marine Corps renewed agreements Monday with local mayors to provide a refuge to Okinawans fleeing a natural disaster, such as a tsunami of the force that wiped out portions of eastern Japans coast in 2011. The local implementation agreement allows four designated U.S. bases to open their gates to Okinawans seeking shelter or higher ground immediately before, during or after a natural disaster, according to a statement emailed Nov. 2 to Stars and Stripes by Marine Corps Installations Pacific. This agreement has initially been concluded between U.S. Marine Corps and our town in 2014 and re-signed in 2017, Kin Town Mayor Hajime Nakama said at the signing ceremony at Camp Foster. It was first implemented given our experiences from the Great East Japan Earthquake strike in March 2011. Precious lives and properties were lost instantly in the disaster and this agreement was concluded with the aim to enable people living in coastal areas to immediately evacuate to higher ground. Maj. Gen. Stephen Liszewski, commander of Marine Corps Installations Pacific and the complex of Okinawa bases called Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, hosted the signing ceremony. Disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility, Liszewski said at the ceremony. This is one of the lessons we took from the historic March 11, 2011, earthquake that resulted in a tsunami that really forever changed how we view our installations and our presence here in Japan. Nearly 16,000 people died as a result of the earthquake and tsunami that struck the Tohoku region of Honshu, the largest of Japans four main islands. Marine Corps installations on Okinawa can also be used as platforms for providing humanitarian assistance and emergency relief, he said. You can be sure that the Marine Corps is ready to respond in the event of a natural disaster or other crises in the region. We are committed to maintaining a high degree of readiness now and into the future, Liszewski said. Thirty-one U.S. military installations are scattered throughout Okinawa Island, accounting for 70% of all U.S. military installations in Japan and 8.1% of Okinawas total area, according to Okinawan government records online. The local implementation agreement allows residents from Ginowan city, Chatan town, Kin town and Urasoe city, which are adjacent Marine Corps bases Camp Foster, Camp Hansen and Camp Kinser, to access the bases higher ground in the event of a natural disaster. The Marine bases are located in high areas, meaning you can run onto it when a tsunami happens, Chatan Vice Mayor Akira Nakamatsu said to Stars and Stripes at the ceremony. Liszewski, Nakama and Nakamatsu joined Mayor Masanori Matsugawa of Ginowan and Vice Mayor Chiemi Oshiro of Urasoe for the ceremony. The agreements also spell out procedures for evacuating Okinawans through the Marine bases closest to their communities. The local implementation agreements last five years and can be reaffirmed in 2027, LaDonna Davis, a spokeswoman for Marine Corps Installations Pacific, told Stars and Stripes on Saturday. It is difficult for us to sign an agreement to deal with that level of disaster, Matsugawa told Stars and Stripes, but if a man-made disaster occurs we would like to cooperate with U.S. bases. CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea Military exercises involving U.S. and South Korean forces are a necessary consequence of the constant security threat from North Korea, the Souths national defense minister told lawmakers Monday. Suspending exercises with the U.S. military is impossible in light of threats from North Korea, Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup told lawmakers at a parliamentary hearing Monday. Rep. Cho Sujin, a conservative lawmaker and member of the ruling People Power Party, during the hearing described relations with North Korea as a fraught situation that requires people to be highly attentive. Cho called on Lee to answer opposition critics who question whether the increased tempo of exercises is the correct response to North Koreas record-breaking spate of ballistic missile tests this year. Several progressive South Korean non-governmental organizations and independent party lawmakers have been critical of the joint exercises and allege they fuel the division between Seoul and Pyongyang. There are some lawmakers who insist, We should not deprive ourselves of peace, and call for the suspension of [South Korea]-U.S. joint military drills. What do you think of it? she asked Lee. (I)t is impossible that we will stop [joint military drills] due to North Koreas threats, Lee told Cho. Exercises are just one of our militarys primary missions. Lee met last week with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington, where the two agreed to have U.S. strategic assets to the level equivalent to constant deployment in and around the Korean Peninsula. Both leaders also reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. to deploy United States strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula in a timely and coordinated manner as necessary, to enhance such measures, and identify new steps to reinforce deterrence in the face of the [North Koreas] destabilizing activities, the Defense Department said in a press release on Nov. 3. U.S. and South Korean officials have characterized the drills as defensive measures meant to address provocations by North Korea. The U.S. and South Korea in May resumed large-scale military drills after a five-year pause. The two countries on Saturday concluded their largest-ever aerial exercise, Vigilant Storm, in which approximately 240 aircraft flew 1,600 sorties. U.S. military assets have made several displays of force against North Korea this year. In September, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan arrived in South Koreas largest port for the first time since 2017 for maritime drills with Seouls navy. After those drills ended and North Korea fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan on Oct. 4, the Ronald Reagan was redeployed to South Koreas eastern coast to demonstrate the determined will of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, according to a statement from South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff. North Korea, which frequently describes the joint drills as rehearsal for an invasion, lashed out at Seoul and Washington over their Vigilant Storm exercise. Intolerable and unpardonable are all the recent challenging moves of the U.S. and South Korea staging military drills for aggression on a large scale, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Monday, citing a senior North Korean military official. North Korea fired over 65 missiles in 30 days of testing so far this year. The communist regime last fired four ballistic missiles into the West Sea, or the Yellow Sea, on Saturday. Stars and Stripes reporter Yoo Kyong Chang contributed to this report. RIGA, Latvia Steep Russian casualties in key battles in eastern Ukraine have prompted an unusual public outcry and sharp criticism of military commanders by surviving soldiers, and family members of recently conscripted fighters, who say their units were led to slaughter in poorly planned operations. The uproar over battlefield losses near Vuhledar in the Donetsk region prompted an official statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, which sought to play down the reportedly high death toll among soldiers in the 155th Separate Guards Marine Brigade, which led Moscows offensive in the area. It was the first time since the start of Russias invasion that the ministry has officially responded to reports of mass casualties and criticism of commanders on Telegram, the main platform used by officials as well as by reporters and bloggers covering the Russian war. Criticizing the war or even calling it a war rather than a special military operation is illegal in Russia. But the Kremlin in recent months has tolerated criticism of the militarys poor performance by pro-war hawks who back the invasion, including some demanding even more brutal tactics in Ukraine. On Sunday, pro-Kremlin military correspondents posted the text of a letter sent by the members of the 155th brigade, which is normally based in Russias Far East, decrying the order that sent them into what they called an incomprehensible offensive in the village of Pavlivka, in Ukraines Donetsk region. As a result of the carefully planned offensive by the great generals, we lost about 300 people killed, wounded and missing as well as half the equipment in four days, the letter said. It was addressed to Gov. Oleg Kozhemyako of the Primorsky region, which lies on the coast of the Sea of Japan. Nearly 6,000 miles away, in eastern Ukraine, the weather had turned for the worse in Pavlivka, with rain muddying the roads and making reinforcement of troops in the area even more difficult, the commander of the pro-Russian Vostok battalion, Alexander Khodakovsky, wrote on Telegram over the weekend. My fears about Pavlivka were justified, Khodakovsky said, adding that he felt the advancement in the area initiated by Russian commanders had been premature. The letter also specifically criticized Rustam Muradov, the commander of Russias Eastern Military District, who was appointed in October. Earlier in the war, Muradov led the Vostok grouping of forces which was responsible for operations in eastern areas of Donetsk and Luhansk. Officially, the military did not give the reason for the reassignment, but it came after the Russian military suffered a defeat in Lyman, a key logistics and supply hub in Donetsk area. The embarrassing defeat in occurred a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Donetsk and three other Ukrainian regions to be annexed by Russia a violation of international law. The Russian chain of command has appeared to be in constant disarray throughout the war as Moscow repeatedly switched overall commanders and replaced top generals in all four of its military districts. Most recently, Russian media reported that Col. Gen. Alexander Lapin no longer runs the Central Military District after he was repeatedly bashed by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and Yevgeniy Prigozhin, Putins ally and the financier of Wagner mercenary group, over strategic missteps and the poor performance of his troops. The governor, Kozhemyako, at first dismissed the letter as a potential fake planted by Ukrainians but later issued a video message saying he had contacted the officers on the front line who confirmed there had been heavy fighting and losses but, he said, the number is as not as high as its written in this letter. Due to the competent actions of the commanders, the losses among the marines over this period do not exceed 1 percent of the combat personnel and 7 percent of the wounded, a significant part of whom have already returned to duty, the Russian defense ministry said in its statement, issued on Monday. The ministry added that the 155th Brigade had been fighting near the regional hub of Vuhledar for more than 10 days and advanced five kilometers deeps into Ukrainian positions. Many pro-war commentators in Russia have been urging the ministry to be more transparent about its defeats. But rather than mollify these critics, the statement only inflamed their anger by minimizing the extent of the losses. So far it looks like that the military, having noticed another impending wave of discontent, decided to quickly subcontract the authorities of the region to their side and marginalize the whole situation, once again pretending that nothing is happening, wrote a popular blogger who writes under the moniker Military Informer. We hope this situation will change. Moscows top brass are also now trying to fend off another public scandal after residents of Voronezh, a city in a strategic Russian region near the Ukrainian border, complained that recently conscripted men from the region had been sent unprepared to Svatove, a town in the Luhansk region that has been the site of fierce battles. Hundreds may have died, according to Russian outlet Verstka. For three days they were under shelling, they tried to survive the best they could . . . they had no food and no sleep, they held up for three days and didnt flee, unlike their commanding officers, Inna Popova, the wife of a soldier, said in a video address recorded by the soldiers family members, and posted by Verstka. Please help us rescue our mobilized [men] and remove them from the first line of defense, Popova said, adding that her husband had been mobilized on Oct. 12 and sent to Ukraine soon after. Russian officials repeatedly asserted that the new conscripts, called up amid an unpopular mobilization effort initiated by Putin to replenish his army after several setbacks, would be tasked mainly with controlling already occupied areas and supporting the rear, and not to serve as the main advancing force. Moscow took control of the Luhansk region early in the war but its grip on the territory is under threat after Russian troops suffered a defeat near Kharkiv in September and lost Lyman, in the area Col. Gen. Lapin was responsible for, according to Russian media. If Russia loses Svatove, Ukrainian forces likely will be able to advance further into Luhansk, regaining much of the territory that Putin claimed to be annexed and absorbed into Russia. Verstka, citing family members, reported that men mobilized in Voronezh ended up on the front line after just a few days of training, likely a decision by their commanders aimed at closing the gaps in defensive lines and rotating out exhausted troops. Two servicemen from the Voronezh region told Verstka that only a few dozen men from more than 500 solders in their unit have been accounted for since the intense shelling last week. Pro-Kremlin Telegram channel War on Fakes, which is often quoted by the Defense Ministry, dismissed the reports as false. The Voronezh region governor, Alexander Gusev, said Sunday that he had met with the family members who recorded the video address. Gusevs press service did not refute reports of mass causalities, and a local news outlet deleted a report that had called the information fake. The situation is quite difficult in terms of finding objectivity, so we do not take responsibility for making such statements and discussing any figures and facts, the press service told local pool journalists, according to a screenshot posted by a journalist in the pool. Russia has officially sent a reinforcement of 50,000 mobilized men to Ukraine in recent weeks with at least another 250,000 soldiers still in training, Putin said Monday during a government meeting. Russia and Ukrainian forces are each preparing for a bitter winter that will complicate virtually every aspect of the war, from logistics to morale to the physical health of the troops. For Ukraine, the approaching cold temperatures will be increasingly difficult to brace after weeks of Russia attacks on the countrys energy infrastructure. In Kyiv, the capital, Monday passed in relative quiet without air raid sirens or damage from Russian missiles a welcome change for residents who have grown used to Monday morning strikes over the past month. But the attacks have forced authorities to plan blackouts around the capital and in other parts of the country to relieve the strain on the energy grid, and millions in the capital and its vicinity were without power overnight. Conservative Supreme Court justices indicated Monday that they are ready to ease the process of challenging the regulatory power of federal agencies, hearing arguments in two cases that could diminish the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission, respectively. The issue in both cases seems mundane: whether someone singled out for enforcement action by either agency can go directly to federal court to make challenges about the constitutionality of the process. In both cases, the plaintiffs are challenging whether in-house administrative law judges used by the agencies are not appointed in ways that square with the Constitution. They don't want to wait for final agency action to begin their challenges. But the bigger issue is a battle by business interests to weaken the federal administrative state, and the plaintiffs hope to build on a string of Supreme Court decisions that have advanced that cause. The importance of the issue was underscored by amicus briefs by industry groups and the fact that two former Republican solicitors general were arguing the cases against the government. Paul D. Clement represented the body-camera equipment firm Axon, which came under FTC scrutiny when it bought a rival, and Gregory G. Garre was the lawyer for accountant Michelle Cochran, who was accused by the SEC of violating auditing standards. Both lawyers were solicitors general under President George W. Bush. They told the justices that their clients should not have to undergo years of litigation before being able to challenge the constitutionality of the administrative law judges and, thus, the agencies' enforcement actions themselves. "The SEC acts as prosecutor, judge and, in effect, executioner in its own proceedings, all of which give it an extraordinary home court advantage," Garre said. Because the in-house judges are too far removed from control of the president, he argued, they suffer a "blatant constitutional defect." Those targeted by the agencies should not have to wait for final agency action to challenge that, Garre said. Justice Department lawyer Malcolm L. Stewart countered that Congress authorized review of the relevant agency actions by courts of appeals only after those actions became final. In doing do, Congress was making "clear that district courts have no authority to entertain constitutional challenges to . . . agency adjudications," Stewart said. But Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who wrote one of the previous decisions that has raised questions about agency authority, said there was a "constellation" of similar cases that "make the case about the need for direct resolution of a related claim pretty strong." In the FTC case, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. said, the status of administrative law judges "hangs over everything the agency is doing. Isn't it in your interest to get this decided?" he asked Stewart. Alito indicated that since the Supreme Court would have the final word on the constitutionality of the process, the sooner the better. Clement agreed in the FTC argument. "The government says, look, it's every citizen's burden to have to go through these administrative processes before you get judicial review," he said. "I don't think that's right if the administrative agency is alleged to be unconstitutional . . . . That should not be the burden of citizenship." But liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan noted that in many other aspects of the law, a final decision was required before challenging the action. "Going through the process is what due process is all about," Sotomayor told Clement. Kagan noted that the court is "pretty stingy" about allowing intermediate challenges. "So what makes yours different?" she asked. The cases are Axon Enterprise v. Federal Trade Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission v. Cochran. Also on Monday, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson filed her first opinion as a justice, dissenting from her colleagues' decision to not review an Ohio death-row inmate's claim. Jackson said the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit used the wrong standard to rule against Davel Chinn, who was convicted of a 1989 murder in Dayton. Chinn's lawyers said prosecutors had withheld evidence that a key witness against Chinn had an intellectual disability that may have affected his ability to "remember, perceive fact from fiction, and testify accurately," Jackson wrote. The 6th Circuit said Chinn had not shown that the evidence would have more likely than not affected the outcome of Chinn's trial. But Jackson, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, said that standard was higher than one recognized in Supreme Court precedents. "Because Chinn's life is on the line, and given the substantial likelihood that the suppressed records would have changed the outcome at trial . . . I would summarily reverse to ensure that the Sixth Circuit conducts its materiality analysis under the proper standard," Jackson wrote. The case is Chinn v. Shoop. A retired Army pilot who sold sensitive aviation-related information to China has been sentenced to over a year and a half in prison, the Justice Department said. Shapour Moinian, 67, pleaded guilty in June to accepting tens of thousands of dollars from Beijing representatives in exchange for information related to assorted aircraft designed and manufactured in the United States. He had faced over a decade in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. At sentencing in San Diego on Monday, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller described Moinians actions as industrial espionage bordering on military espionage, according to a statement by the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Diego. In addition to acting as an agent for a foreign government, Moinian was charged with lying about his Chinese contacts during security clearance background checks in 2017 and 2020, which he acknowledged, according to court documents. Neither the DOJ nor the U.S. Attorneys Office specified how much, if any, of Moinians sentence resulted from the false statements. This crime was committed by a former member of the U.S. military who chose cash over his company and country, U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said during sentencing, as quoted in his offices statement. After retiring from the Army in 2000, Moinian worked for defense contractors privy to classified information and was involved with several projects used by the military and U.S. intelligence agencies, Justice Department officials said. A Chinese operative first contacted him several years ago, according to the statement. Most of the information and materials Moinian gave the Chinese were collected from open sources on the internet, and only a small amount of it was older, proprietary information from his former American employers, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported, quoting the defense at sentencing. None of the information or materials contained classified information, attorney Nathan Feneis was quoted as saying. Moinian served from 1977 to 2000, which included tours in Germany and South Korea, according to court documents. Chinese intelligence agents first contacted the San Diego resident in 2015 through an online employment service. Two years later, he traveled to Hong Kong, where he accepted between $7,000 and $10,000 to provide aviation-related information, knowing that the recipients were employed or directed by the Chinese government, prosecutors said. Upon returning to the U.S., he started collecting the information on a thumb drive, which he gave to Chinese agents during a stopover at Shanghai airport several months later. At the time, he also arranged for his payments to be made through a South Korean bank account belonging to his stepdaughter, and thousands of dollars was deposited into the account in subsequent months, the Justice Department said. In 2019, Chinese agents met Moinian in Hong Kong paid him $22,000 in cash, which he and his wife smuggled aboard their flight back to the United States, the statement added. Moinians sentencing comes on the heels of the arrest of another former American military pilot, Daniel Edmund Duggan. He ran an aviation consultancy in China and was arrested in Australia last month at the request of the United States, The Associated Press reported on Oct. 26. The reason for the arrest and the potential charges against Duggan were not disclosed, the AP report said. The British and Australian governments have complained that Beijing is poaching retired pilots to train Chinese air forces. An offshore company that is trusted by the major web browsers and other tech companies to vouch for the legitimacy of websites has connections to contractors for U.S. intelligence agencies and law enforcement, according to security researchers, documents and interviews. Googles Chrome, Apples Safari, nonprofit Firefox and others allow the company, TrustCor Systems, to act as whats known as a root certificate authority, a powerful spot in the internets infrastructure that guarantees websites are not fake, guiding users to them seamlessly. The companys Panamanian registration records show that it has the identical slate of officers, agents and partners as a spyware maker identified this year as an affiliate of Arizona-based Packet Forensics, which public contracting records and company documents show has sold communication interception services to U.S. government agencies for more than a decade. One of those TrustCor partners has the same name as a holding company managed by Raymond Saulino, who was quoted in a 2010 Wired article as a spokesman for Packet Forensics. Saulino also surfaced in 2021 as a contact for another company, Global Resource Systems, that caused speculation in the tech world when it briefly activated and ran more than 100 million previously dormant IP addresses assigned decades earlier to the Pentagon. The Pentagon reclaimed the digital territory months later, and it remains unclear what the brief transfer was about, but researchers said the activation of those IP addresses could have given the military access to a huge amount of internet traffic without revealing that the government was receiving it. The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment on TrustCor. TrustCor also did not respond to a request for comment. TrustCors products include an email service that claims to be end-to-end encrypted, though experts consulted by The Washington Post said they found evidence to undermine that claim. A test version of the email service also included spyware developed by a Panamanian company related to Packet Forensics, researchers said. Google later banned all software containing that spyware code from its app store. A person familiar with Packet Forensics work confirmed that it had used TrustCors certificate process and its email service, MsgSafe, to intercept communications and help the U.S. government catch suspected terrorists. Yes, Packet Forensics does that, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential practices. Packet Forensics counsel Kathryn Temel said the company has no business relationship with TrustCor. She declined to say whether it had had one previously. The latest discovery shows how the technological and business complexities of the internets inner workings can be leveraged to an extent that is rarely revealed. Concerns about root certificate authorities, though, have come up before. In 2019, a security company controlled by the government of the United Arab Emirates that had been known as DarkMatter applied to be upgraded to top-level root authority from intermediate authority with less independence. That followed revelations about DarkMatter hacking dissidents and even some Americans; Mozilla denied it root power. In 2015, Google withdrew the root authority of the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) after it allowed an intermediate authority to issue fake certificates for Google sites. With Packet Forensics, a paper trail led to it being identified by researchers twice this year. Mostly known for selling interception devices and tracking services to authorities, the company is four months into a $4.6 million Pentagon contract for data processing, hosting and related services. In the earlier spyware matter, researchers Joel Reardon of the University of Calgary and Serge Egelman of the University of California at Berkeley found that a Panamanian company, Measurement Systems, had been paying developers to include code in a variety of innocuous apps to record and transmit users phone numbers, email addresses and exact locations. They estimated that those apps were downloaded more than 60 million times, including 10 million downloads of Muslim prayer apps. Measurement Systems website was registered by Vostrom Holdings, according to historic domain name records. Vostrom filed papers in 2007 to do business as Packet Forensics, according to Virginia state records. Measurement Systems was registered in Virginia by Saulino, according to another state filing. After the researchers shared their findings, Google booted all apps with the spy code out of its Play app store. Tremel said THAT a company previously associated with Packet Forensics was a customer of Measurement Systems at one time but that there was no ownership stake. When Reardon and Egelman looked deeper at Vostrom, they found it had registered the domain name TrustCor.co, which directed visitors to the main TrustCor site. TrustCor has the same president, agents and holding-company partners listed in Panamanian records as Measurement Systems. A firm with the same name as one of the holding companies behind both TrustCor and Measurement Systems, Frigate Bay Holdings, filed papers to dissolve this March with the secretary of state in Wyoming, where it was formed. The papers were signed by Saulino, who listed his title as manager. He could not be reached for comment. TrustCor has issued more than 10,0000 certificates, many of them for sites hosted with a dynamic domain name service provider called No-IP, the researchers said. That service allows websites to be hosted with constantly changing Internet Protocol addresses. Because root authority is so powerful, TrustCor can also give others the right to issue certificates. Certificates for websites are publicly viewable so that bad ones should be exposed sooner or later. There have been no reports so far that the TrustCor certificates have been used inappropriately, for example by vouching for impostor websites. The researchers speculated that the system is only used against high-value targets within short windows of time. The person familiar with Packet Forensics operations agreed said that was in fact how it has been used. They have this position of ultimate trust, where they can issue encryption keys for any arbitrary website and any email address, Egelman said. Its scary this is being done by some shady private company. The leadership page of the TrustCors website lists just two men, identified as co-founders. Though that page does not say so, one of them died months ago, and the others LinkedIn profile says he left as chief technology officer in 2019. That man declined to comment. The website site lists a contact phone number in Panama, which has been disconnected, and one in Toronto, where a message had not been returned after more than a week. The email contact form on the site doesnt work. The physical address in Toronto given in its auditors report, 371 Front St. West, houses a UPS Store mail drop. TrustCor adds another layer of mystery with its outside auditing firm. Instead of using a major accounting firm that rates the safety of internet infrastructure companies, TrustCor selected one called Princeton Audit Group, which gives its address as a residential townhouse in Princeton, N.J. In addition to TrustCors certificate power, the firm offers what purports to be end-to-end encrypted email, MsgSafe.io. But researchers said the email is not encrypted and can be read by the company, which has pitched it to a variety of groups worried about surveillance. MsgSafe has touted its security to a variety of potential customers, including Trump supporters upset that Parler had been dropped by app stores in January 2021, and to users of encrypted mail service Tutanota who were blocked from signing on to Microsoft services. Create your free end-to-end encrypted email today with over 40 domains to choose from and are guaranteed to work with Microsoft Teams, the company tweeted in August. Reardon sent test messages over MsgSafe that appeared unencrypted in transmission, meaning MsgSafe could read them at will. Egelman ran the same test with the same result. Jon Callas, a cryptography expert at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, also tested the system at The Posts request and said that MsgSafe generated and kept the private key for his account, so that it could decrypt anything he sent. The private key has to be under the persons control to be end-to-end, Callas explained. Packet Forensics first drew attention from privacy advocates a dozen years ago. In 2010, researcher Chris Soghoian attended an invite-only industry conference nicknamed the Wiretappers Ball and obtained a Packet Forensics brochure aimed at law enforcement and intelligence agency customers. The brochure was for a piece of hardware to help buyers read web traffic that parties thought was secure. But it wasnt. IP communication dictates the need to examine encrypted traffic at will, the brochure read, according to a report in Wired that quoted Saulino as a Packet Forensics spokesman. Your investigative staff will collect its best evidence while users are lulled into a false sense of security afforded by web, e-mail or VOIP encryption, the brochure added. The brochure told customers they could use a decryption key provided by a court order or a look-alike key. Researchers thought at the time that the most likely way the box was being used was with a certificate issued by an authority for money or under a court order that would guarantee the authenticity of an impostor communications site. They did not conclude that an entire certificate authority itself might be compromised. Obtaining trusted root certificate authority takes time and money for the infrastructure and for the audit that browsers require, experts say. Each browser has slightly different requirements. At Mozillas Firefox, the process takes two years and includes crowdsourced and direct vetting as well as an audit. But all of that typically focuses on formal statements of technological steps, rather than mysteries of ownership and intent. The person familiar with Packet Forensics said the big tech companies probably were unwitting participants in the TrustCor play: Most people arent paying attention. With enough money, you or I could become a trusted root certificate authority, said Daniel Schwalbe, vice president of technology at web data tracker DomainTools. Mozilla currently recognizes 169 root certificate authorities, including three from TrustCor. The case gives new focus to problems with that system, in which critical tech companies outsource their trust to third parties with their own agendas. You cant bootstrap trust, it has to come from somewhere, Reardon said. Root certificate authorities are the kernel of trust from which it is all built on. And it will always be shaky, because it will always involve humans, committees and decision-making. Reardon and Egelman alerted Google, Mozilla and Apple to their research on TrustCor in April. They said they have heard little back. Google did not respond to a request for comment. Mozilla said it would say more after reviewing details from the researchers. WASHINGTON The United States has had high-level conversations with Russian officials, the White House confirmed Monday stressing the need to ensure that lines of communications are not cut off. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a news briefing that U.S. leaders reserve the right to speak directly at senior levels about issues of concern to the United States, and that that has happened over the course of the past few months. Talks have focused only ... on risk reduction in the U.S.-Russia relationship, Jean-Pierre said without elaborating. Jean-Pierre was asked about reports that national security adviser Jake Sullivan had recently held confidential talks about the war with top Kremlin aides, but she would not comment on specifics or timing. At an event on Monday, Sullivan noted the U.S. has channels to communicate with Russia at senior levels. We have done so when its 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 told the Economic Club of New York, according to Reuters. Sullivan met last week with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior officials in Kyiv. Biden administration officials were alarmed when the Russians began to step up their public references to nuclear weapons last month and when, according to U.S. intelligence, senior Russian military leaders discussed the potential use of a tactical nuclear weapon in the event of further setbacks on the battlefield in Ukraine. But the White House continued throughout October to downplay the actual risk of a nuclear attack, citing conversations with the Russian side in which the threat of a U.S. response was communicated. We have communicated directly, privately, at very high levels to the Kremlin, that any use of nuclear weapons will be met with catastrophic consequences for Russia, that the United States and our allies will respond decisively. And we have been clear and specific about what that will entail, Sullivan told CBSs Face the Nation in an interview in late September. Defense chiefs in the United States and Russia spoke for the first time in months when these concerns were at their peak. According to the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed to Russias defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, in late October the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid the ongoing war. Jean-Pierres and Sullivans latest comments come as the U.S. expresses concern about a possible escalation from Russia and as Russian forces prepare for what could be a decisive battle for control over the Ukrainian city of Kherson. Jean-Pierre said the exchanges did not center on Ukraine, but rather on how to prevent escalation in U.S.-Russia relations. We continue to adhere to our basic principle of nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, she said, referring to a U.S. policy that predates Russias invasion. Sullivan said Monday that communicating with Russian officials is in the United States interest, but that administration officials are clear-eyed about who we are dealing with, according to the BBC. He did not say whether he was personally involved in the talks. The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. and allied officials, previously reported that Sullivan engaged in recent months in confidential discussions with at least two Russian government officials aimed at reducing the risk of a spillover of the war in Ukraine and at dissuading the Russians from any possible nuclear weapon use. The Post reported last week that the Biden administration has privately encouraged Ukrainian officials to show they are willing to engage in dialogue with Russia, in an acknowledgment of the growing frustration in some countries including among Republicans in the United States at the cost and duration of the war. Officials in Kyiv have pushed back against the idea that they should be more willing to sit down with Russian officials to end the war. Zelensky said Monday that Ukraine has repeatedly proposed peace negotiations and always received insane Russian responses with new terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail. The Washington Posts Karoun Demirjian and Shane Harris contributed to this report. Descendants of some U.S. troops taken prisoner in the Philippines during World War II have called into question an ongoing effort to award those veterans with Congressional Gold Medals, saying the latest version honors only those who fought in Bataan and Corregidor and excludes other areas of the Philippines and Pacific. Since 2009, the New Mexico congressional delegation has introduced bills to establish the medal to honor those captured at the Bataan peninsula and on Corregidor Island, two of the main defensive positions that the U.S. established after the Japanese invaded the Philippines within days of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. U.S. and Filipino troops on Bataan surrendered on April 9, 1942, after running out of food and ammunition. Corregidor held out for nearly a month before surrendering. The current version of the bill honors only those who served on Bataan and Corregidor. It does not mention the thousands of U.S. troops who were fighting in other parts of the Philippines until the top U.S. commander, Gen. Jonathan Wainwright, surrendered all American and Filipino forces in the Philippines when Corregidor fell. Some members of the 1,000-strong Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society would like to see Americans who resisted Japans sweep through the Pacific but were captured at Wake Island, Guam, Java, the Aleutians and at sea honored, too. Some of them were imprisoned alongside defenders of Bataan and Corregidor when the Japanese consolidated many of their prisoners at camps in Japan and Manchuria as other areas once under their control fell to the advancing Americans and their allies. It's very much a misreading of the history of the fall the Philippines. You cannot divorce Bataan and Corregidor from everything else that was going on, said Mindy Kotler Smith, a member of the memorial society. Her husbands great uncle Fletcher Wood served in the Philippines with the Army Corps of Engineers and died in Bilibid prison in Manila. Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation since the American Revolution. Other groups to receive the medal for service during World War II include Merrills Marauders, a unit that served in the jungles of Burma, women who joined the workforce as a Rosie the Riveter, the merchant mariners of World War II and the Navajo Code Talkers. House and Senate rules state that legislation establishing such a medal must be co-sponsored by two-thirds of the chamber membership to advance to committees. If this doesnt happen by the end of the year, the legislation must be resubmitted in the next session of Congress. The latest version of the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act was introduced by Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., in April 2021. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., introduced the companion bill in the House a month later. Both have sat idle because they have bipartisan support but not enough co-sponsors. Bataan veterans deserve the recognition of our nations highest and most distinguished honor for their perseverance and patriotism. We must never forget their undaunted heroism in the face of unthinkable conditions and horrific abuses, Heinrich said in a statement. The Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Memorial Society was founded in 1946 by survivors of the Philippine campaign as they recovered in a Massachusetts hospital following their liberation from captivity at the end of the war, Smith said. As those men grew old and died, their descendants took over the organization, and now focus on education and preservation of this specific chapter of World War II history. Theyve watched over the years as lawmakers from New Mexico have introduced the different bills to honor their sacrifice and have offered their own guidance on how to better honor the estimated 27,000 American service members held prisoner by the Japanese during World War II. About 12,000 of them died in captivity, according to the memorial society. They included up to 700 Americans and several thousand Filipinos who died of beatings, beheadings, starvation and lack of water during a 5- to 10-day forced march from Bataan to prison camps that became known as the Bataan Death March. Thousands more perished in the camps. However, determining who should be honored by a congressional medal has proven a challenge. Among those who surrendered at Corregidor were 77 Army and Navy nurses, all of whom were liberated when the U.S. recaptured the Philippines late in the war. The memorial society fears the current bill would exclude them because the current wording refers to troops. The first legislation to award medals in honor of POWs in the Philippines dates to 2009, when Heinrich served in the House. He proposed the medal to be presented to defenders of Bataan, Corregidor and the main Philippine island of Luzon. It did not mention any specific units nor Americans taken prisoner in the central and southern Philippines. That same year, former Sen. Tom Udall, also a New Mexico Democrat, introduced the companion bill in the Senate, but with a more narrow focus. It only authorized medals for those who were taken prisoner at Bataan but not Corregidor or other locations overrun by the Japanese. Heinrichs office did not respond to queries about whether he would consider changes to the legislation in the next congressional session. It is our hope that they will amend and modify the bill so that we can support it, said Jan Thompson, president of the memorial society whose father, Navy pharmacists mate Robert E. Thompson, surrendered on the island of Corregidor. Were not comfortable supporting it as it is, and wed like to be able to support. WASHINGTON About one in every five candidates running for office in the midterm elections are veterans, recent research shows, and some experts are expecting Tuesday will usher in the most significant increase in congressional lawmakers who served in the military in years. There are more than 200 candidates with military experience on ballots nationwide for congressional office or governor more than any election since 2012. About 90% of the veteran candidates are men, and nearly two-thirds are running as a Republican, according to data reviewed last month by the Pew Research Center. Close to 100 of the veteran candidates are projected by political experts to win their races Tuesday, and several others are in races that have been deemed toss-ups. By comparison, there were 91 veterans at the start of the 117th Congress in 2021, which will end in early January when the winners are sworn into office. Tuesdays election will likely mean several more veterans in the 118th Congress, said Seth Lynn, a University of San Francisco adjunct professor and founder of the Veterans Campaign, a group that studies the participation and impact of veterans in public office. This is the first significant increase in congressional military service in half a century. There are 185 major party nominees on the ballot Tuesday who have a military background, according to the Veterans Campaign. Of those, 123 are non-incumbents, the highest number on record. Despite the record figures, military experience in Congress has dropped during the past 50 years. In the late 1960s, a record 75% of all members of the House had some military background, according to the Pew Research Center. In the mid-1970s, a record 81% of U.S. senators were veterans. For comparison, at the start of the 117th Congress in 2021, just 17% of all members in each chamber were veterans. Experts cite a number of contributing factors for the decline of veterans in Congress, including there are simply fewer veterans since the draft ended and an all-volunteer military began in the 1970s following the Vietnam War. The Vietnam generation of veterans is the only veteran cohort in history that was less likely to serve in Congress than their peers who didnt serve, Lynn said. Jonathan Chavez, an Air Force veteran who served in Iraq and the Republican House candidate in Georgias 4th District, said he thinks military representation in Congress has dwindled because of how veterans are viewed by others. I think its because of the environment we are in, said Chavez, who is up against Rep. Hank Johnson, a Democrat incumbent. In the last 70 years, we have seen more and more where veterans arent being as respected for what they can do for our country. Those are the things that we need to make sure that people understand. Despite most veteran candidates running as Republicans and the GOP poised to make gains in both chambers, some Democratic candidates with military experience are competing in key congressional races. For example, Democrats Marcus Flowers and Ben Clark are both veterans running in their congressional districts against Republican incumbents who did not serve in the military. Clark is running in North Carolina, and Flowers is running in Georgia 14th District against Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. I think the difference is, someone who swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution at 18 years old and whos been living by that oath for the last 30 years, Flowers said. I think I understand what it means to serve. Clark, a state senator, is running against GOP Rep. Richard Hudson in North Carolinas 9th District. I believe my veteran status will be significant in the race, especially considering that [areas of the district] contain a lot of veterans and the military installation Fort Bragg has a heavy influence on those areas, Clark said. I think my chances of emerging victorious are reasonable, and thats why I decided to run. While Republicans still account for the majority of veteran candidates for office, some experts contend there has been a change in the Democratic Partys view of nominating veterans in recent years. I do think there are more veterans taking the lead in the Democratic Party when that might not have been the case in the past, said Kyle Bibby, a Marine Corps veteran and deputy political director at Common Defense, a left-leaning, veteran-led group. Both parties want to be able to lean into the narrative that they care about veterans and they understand national security. I think there are more Democratic veterans that are stepping forward to run. Some of the GOPs veteran candidates have played up their military background in campaign ads to appeal to traditional conservatives and more moderate voters who are concerned about national security and foreign policy. Their message is the United States has been less strong militarily since Democratic President Joe Biden took office and Democrats won a slight majority in the Senate. Bibby cautioned, however, it should not be assumed that military veterans and Americans who support a strong military will always vote Republican. Younger voters are leaning a little more Democratic. You see that in the military, he said. Veterans of color, they are still voting overwhelmingly for Democrats. So it all teases out to be like America itself. "Somos un Gobierno de puertas abiertas, en donde los ministerios estan dispuestos a atender las necesidades de las autoridades, dar solucion a sus demandas y cerrar las brechas historicas", manifesto el presidente @PedroCastilloTe durante la inauguracion de la XV #CAMUR2022. pic.twitter.com/T0L95q2BqN James Flynn (31) is charged with the robbery during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was murdered A man who offered over 1 million in bail sureties before he was extradited from the UK charged with the robbery during which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was murdered, has been granted legal aid after the Special Criminal Court heard he now has "absolutely nothing". Ruling today on whether James Flynn should be granted legal aid, presiding judge Ms Justice Tara Burns said "a very odd position" had been adopted by the applicant as the court had previously heard that he had a significant business in the US and was a man who worked. "Instead we are now met with a document [a statement of means] which appears to reflect that the applicant has no assets," she added. The judge said the non-jury court was "somewhat confused" by the defence application as it was referenced in the course of Mr Flynn's bail hearing last week that "very significant sums of money" were available to him before Westminster Magistrates' Court ordered his extradition back to Ireland earlier this year. "It is now documented that he has absolutely nothing," she added. The three-judge court heard last week that when applying for bail in the UK, Mr Flynn had offered the substantial sums of 185,000 in cash and a 965,000 independent surety. In April of this year, Westminster Magistrates Court ordered Mr Flynn's extradition back to Ireland but this was appealed to the High Court. The appeal was dismissed in July and Mr Flynn was brought back to Ireland to be formally charged with the credit union robbery. Mr Flynn (31), of Raven's Glen, Newry, Northern Ireland is accused of the robbery of 7K, the property of Pat Bellew, at Lordship Credit Union in Bellurgan, Co Louth, on January 25, 2013. Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe (Garda/PA) He is also accused of conspiring with Aaron Brady, Brendan Treanor and others of entering a residential premises with the intent to steal the keys of a motor vehicle between September 11, 2012, and January 23, 2013. Brady was convicted of murdering Det Gda Donohoe in August 2020. Referring to a statement of means which was handed into the court today, Ms Justice Burns commented that the information provided in the document was "very sparse". The judge said the court had stopped defence counsel for Mr Flynn last week from attempting to offer an explanation for the sums of money offered to Westminster Magistrates' Court. "That said we did hear during the course of the bail hearing that the applicant is residing with his wife and children yet there is a reference in the document that he is not supporting any of his children," she continued. Ms Justice Burns said the court would grant Mr Flynn legal aid in light of the State's position "albeit with the court's concerns set out". Earlier, prosecuting counsel Brendan Grehan SC said the State had "no comment as such" to make on the legal aid application filed. He said it was a matter for the court and that the State was not raising any objection. In summary, Ms Justice Burns said she had spoken to trial judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt and stressed that the trial would be proceeding in January. "[With] All due haste," she added. Last Friday, Mr Flynn was refused bail by the non-jury court on the grounds that he is a flight risk. Ms Justice Burns said the three-judge court could not accept that the applicant was "anything but a flight risk" and that the probability of fleeing the jurisdiction was "well made out". Ms Justice Burns also said in her ruling that the three-judge court had heard "very concerning evidence" about an interaction the applicant's father had with the investigating guard in relation to this matter. The court heard evidence that Mr Flynn's father had indicated that an interview could take place with his son in the US and gardai travelled to Boston clearly of the view that the interview would take place, she said. However, when gardai went to the address they were instead met with a situation where the accused was no longer at the premises and his father uttered the words "the boys are gone, you will never get them", the court heard. Aaron Brady Summarising his objection to the court on the flight risk ground last week, Detective Inspector Mark Phillips said the applicant had offered "substantial sums of money" when he applied for bail at Westminster Magistrates Court, namely 185,000 in cash and a 965,000 independent surety. "I believe this clearly demonstrates that he has the financial means available to him to evade justice," he said. Referring to the sums of money that had been offered to Westminster Magistrates Court, Mr John Temple, defending, said that this was offered by Mr Flynn's family members and not the applicant himself. Brendan Treanor (34), with a previous address at Emer Terrace, Castletown Road, Dundalk, Co Louth, is also charged with participating in the robbery. His trial will commence in January next year alongside Mr Flynn's. He was also refused bail in June 2022. Aaron Brady (31) was found guilty of the murder of Det Gda Donohoe by an 11 to one majority jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court in August 2020. The father-of-one with a last address at New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, was sentenced to the mandatory term for murder of life imprisonment. As he had been found guilty of murdering a Garda acting in accordance with his duty, he will serve a minimum of 40 years. Brady was also sentenced to 14 years for the credit union robbery - a sentence that will run concurrently with the life sentence. Bradys trial was the longest murder case in Irish legal history, lasting 122 court days. Dr Ronan Keogan pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly distributing child pornography Dr Ronan Keogan, 50yrs, of College Square, Terenure, Dublin pictured leaving the Criminal Courts of Justice(CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin. PIC: Paddy Cummins Paddy Cummins - PCPhoto.ie A Dublin doctor has pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child abuse material. Dr Ronan Keogan of College Square, Terenure was due to stand trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court this morning . Defence counsel, Lorcan Staines SC, indicated a jury would not be required and his client was going to plead guilty. Keogan (50) pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly distributing child pornography at an unknown location within the State on March 26, 2017. He also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing three child pornography images at an address in Templeogue, Dublin, on May 15, 2017. Eoin Lawlor BL, prosecuting, indicated to the court that Keogan is no longer living at the Terenure address due to some unwanted attention from the public. Judge Patricia Ryan set a sentence date of January 20 next year and remanded Keogan on continuing bail. A no publicity order was previously imposed on the case at Dublin District Court but this order was lifted when the case came to the Circuit Court following queries from media organisations. He had pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm at Castleblayney, Co Monaghan on November 24, 2012. A farmer has been jailed for three years for a brutal and premeditated assault on his neighbour in Monaghan 10 years ago. Eugene Hanratty Snr (63) of Castleblayney Road, Crossmaglen, Armagh was convicted by a jury following a trial last month. He had pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm at Castleblayney, Co Monaghan on November 24, 2012. Detective Garda Paul Everard told Garrett McCormack BL, prosecuting, that on the Saturday afternoon of the attack, Martin McAllister and his wife were driving at 4.20pm in Castleblayney on their way to Crossmaglen when a vehicle approached with its full headlights on. Mr McAllister told the trial that he felt his path was blocked by the other vehicle and he couldnt drive past it. He then recognised the occupants of the car as being father and son, Eugene Hanratty Snr and his son Eugene Jnr. The defendant got out of his car and began an assault on Mr McAllister in his vehicle, the trial heard. The victim said that Hanratty punched him a number of times in the head, pulled him down by the hair and kicked him before the defendant dragged him out of the vehicle. Mr McAlister told the trial that the assault continued outside the car, with Hanratty continually kicking him while he was on the ground. His right arm was stamped on and he went in and out of consciousness. He testified that Hanratty Snr was aware he was a musician so he felt the stamping on his arm was significant in this regard. Shocking injuries sustained by Martin McAllister Det Gda Everard said that the victim's wife Mary McAllister told the jury that it was a sustained attack while her husband was both inside the car and out of the car. She described asking Hanratty Snr to stop because she was concerned if the assault continued the injuries would be fatal for her husband. The trial heard that Hanratty Jnr also asked his father to stop attacking the man. The victim suffered multiple broken bones in his face, both his eye sockets were broken and he has been left with a permanent loss of his peripheral vision. He has been treated numerous times but without success and the loss of his peripheral vision impinges on my everyday life. Sentencing today Judge Melanie Greally said that the jury rejected Hanratty's defence of justified use of force which maintained that the violence arose as a result of a physical altercation following a dispute in relation to duck shooting rights on local lands. She said the court was sentencing Hanratty on the basis of no information of any long standing history between the parties and treating the assault as unprovoked and pre-meditated. She said the aggravating factors included this clear pre-meditation, the severity and brutality of the violence, the fact that most of the blows, including kicks, were directed at the victim's head and face and the fact that Hanratty stamped on the victim's arm knowing the victim is a musician. She said she also took into consideration the adverse effects of the assault on the quality of life of the victim and his family and the fact that the assault was carried out in front of the man's wife. READ MORE: She set a headline sentence of five years, which is the maximum penalty for the offence. Judge Greally then noted as mitigating factors Hanratty's lack of any recent convictions and the fact that this type of extreme violence was entirely out of character. She noted his otherwise good character and his positive contributions to his family and his community and said he was a hard working hands on farmer. Padraig Dwyer SC, defending, had earlier submitted that his client was a pillar of the community who contributed to local community activities including the church and the GAA. He said while his client does not accept fully the jury verdict, he does accept he did act and used excessive violence on the day. Judge Greally said there was no tangible expressions of remorse from the defendant, not even a suggestion of an apology for the injuries he has caused. But she said she accepted that his imprisonment would have a severe impact on his family and would be a source of shame and humiliation for him and his family. Martin McAllister She also noted that a prison sentence for someone of his age and standing is particularly difficult and noted his mental health difficulties as set out in a psychological report. Taking all these mitigating factors into consideration, she set a sentence of four years and suspended the final year on condition that he have no contact with Mr McAllister or his family for the next decade. The conviction last month came after the third trial in the case. The first trial resulted in a disagreement and the jury couldnt reach a verdict, the second trial collapsed after the jury was discharged. Last October the jury unanimously convicted Hanratty Snr following one-hour deliberations. Hanratty Snr has two previous convictions; one for assault of a garda in 1989 and one for criminal damage in 1997, the court heard. He has not come to garda attention since the 2012 assault. In October 2016 another jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court acquitted Eugene Hanratty Junior (41) Dundalk Road, Crossmaglen, Armagh of assaulting Mr McAllister causing him harm. It was the States case that he had not taken part in the physical beating but he was charged on the basis of joint enterprise. Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan (62) was shot six times as he sat in his car on December 22, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Declan Brady, also known as Mr Nobody A date has been set at the Special Criminal Court for the trial of Declan Brady and another man who are charged with helping a criminal gang murder father-of-four Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan six years ago. Mr Justice Tony Hunt fixed a trial date for both men for January 11, 2024. It is expected to last five weeks. The case was listed for mention next on October 9, 2023. Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan (62) was shot six times as he sat in his car on December 22, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Mr Kirwan, a life-long friend of Gerry The Monk Hutch, was shot dead at the height of the Hutch/Kinahan gangland feud. 'Mr Nobody' Declan Brady charged with helping gang murder Noel 'Duck Egg' Kirwan Michael Crotty (40) of Sli Aonghusa, Aras na Ri, Cashel, Co Tipperary, is charged with involvement in the murder, contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal justice Act. Brady (56), of The Dairy, Rathasker Road, Naas, Co Kildare is also charged with the same offence. It is alleged that Brady and Mr Crotty "between October 20, 2016 and December 22, 2016, within or without the State and with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation did participate in, or contribute to by activity, or by being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could facilitate the commission by a criminal organisation or any of its members of a serious offence, to wit: the murder of Christopher (aka Noel) Kirwan", contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal justice Act. Brady was remanded in custody by Mr Justice Hunt and Mr Crotty was remanded on continuing bail. Pervert Christopher Little (39) entered guilty pleas to nine charges including attempting to have sex with a child Christopher Little peers out of his skylight Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX A grinning paedophile policeman snared in a sting by his former colleagues has refused to discuss his offending as he nervously awaits sentencing for his crimes. Ex-cop Christopher Little (39) entered guilty pleas to nine charges at Belfast Crown Court last month including attempting to have sex with a child and was released on bail pending sentence this month. The former PSNI officer turned child abuser was collared by online police decoys in 2021 after being duped by fellow cops posing as young girls on the internet. When approached at his plush seaside pad in the picturesque village of Groomsport, Co Down, Little did not initially answer the door. However, the smiling sex offender later appeared by poking his head out of a skylight on the roof and addressed our reporter. Christopher Little leaving court Photopress Belfast Pervert Little, who was warned by a judge he faces jail time for his depraved crimes, said he was not interested in explaining how he went from policeman to paedophile. He said: Im not being funny but why would anyone discuss this sort of thing, before telling our reporter not to come back. The former cop was placed on the sex offenders register on October 11 after admitting a host of offences at Belfast Crown Court. He admitted four counts of attempted sexual communication with a child, three counts of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child, one count of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and a charge of possessing an indecent image of a child. He had also faced a further three charges including causing or inciting child prostitution to which he pleaded not guilty. However, prosecutors advised Judge Neil Rafferty KC those three offences were being left on the books and would not be proceeded with. Defence barrister Sean Mullan told the court pre-sentence reports including a psychological assessment were being sought. Judge Rafferty addressed Little and told him it was in his best interests to work closely with probation services ahead of sentencing. He agreed to release Little on continuing bail but said this was no indication of what the outcome will be before indicating a prison sentence may be inevitable. Due to the nature of the offences, the judge ruled, Little was placed on the sex offenders register immediately. His length of time on the register will be determined at his sentencing hearing this month. Although no details of Littles offending emerged in the Crown Court, a previous magistrates hearing was told the female children involved were actually police decoys. Following Littles last appearance in court, a PSNI spokesperson said the defendant is no longer employed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, nor has any links to the Police Service estate. An earlier court heard how he had made and possessed an indecent image of a child in May 2020, the title of which is too graphic to publish. He also attempted to communicate sexually with what he believed were female children but were in fact police decoys using online cyphers. The judge warned the jury they must not conduct any internet searches or research, even though in this day and age its extremely tempting to find out what you can, I emphasise that you just not do that. A jury were sworn in on Monday in Armagh to hear the trial of three people relating to the murder of William Pat McCormick whose body was found in a lake. With members of the victims grieving family watching proceedings at Craigavon Crown Court by videolink, trial judge Mr Justice Scoffield told the jury the trial of the woman and two men would last up to six weeks. Sitting side by side in the dock the three defendants, 24-year-old Lesley Ann Dodds, Jack Rowden and Andrew Leslie confirmed they were ready for their trial. Dodds, with an address at Ross House, Mount Vernon in north Belfast, faces a single charge of murder on 30 May 2019. Co Down men Leslie (23), from Mourne Crescent and Rowden (22), from Hillmount Cottages in Moneyreagh, both face three charges - two of perverting the course of justice and one of withholding information on dates between May 31 and July 5, 2019. Selecting the jury, Mr Justice Scoffield told them how Mr McCormick was killed at Dodds former home on Castle Street in Comber at the end of May 2019 and that his body was found in a former fishing lake near Ballygowan in Co Down a few weeks later on July 9. The part-time car worker and caretaker was 55 at the time of his death, said the judge, adding that three other men, 30-year-old David Gill, his brother William Gill (43) and Jonathan Montgomery (23) may feature in the evidence as the prosecution say theyre important. With the jury sworn, Mr Justice Scoffield warned them they must not conduct any internet searches or research, even though in this day and age its extremely tempting to find out what you can, I emphasise that you just not do that. He told the jury they must also ignore any press reports because at the end of the trial, set to last up to six weeks, they must decide the case only on the evidence you hear in court. The jury were sent away until Wednesday when the case will be formally opened by prosecuting KC David McDowell. Ioan Galben (40) and Samuel Pop (28) both pleaded guilty to robbery and false imprisonment at the Travel Lodge, Swords Two men have been handed prison sentences for their roles in the robbery of over 6,000 from a sex worker in a Dublin hotel. Ioan Galben (40) and Samuel Pop (28) both pleaded guilty to robbery and false imprisonment at the Travel Lodge, Swords on November 11, 2019. Garda Katie Lennon told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that the victim had travelled to Ireland to work. On the day in question, the victim received a call at around 7pm from a man, later identified as Pop, who said he wished to meet her. Arrangements were made and a man subsequently came to her room. The victim realised that this man, Galben, was not the man she spoke with on the phone. Galben said he was Spanish, but the victim thought he was Romanian. Galben and the victim had sex, during which his phone rang. He then dressed and opened the door of her room. Pop and a third man, who is since deceased, entered the room. The third man put a blade close to the victim's face, demanded money and threatened to kill her. The victim gave him 200 from her purse, but he also tried to take her gold bracelet. The third man hit the victim three times in the face. He also tied her wrists and turned the victim to face the wall in the corner of a room. The court heard that Pop and Galben were looking through the victim's suitcase during this time. They found 6,000, which represented the victim's earnings over the previous five weeks. They also took other items including two phones, cigarettes and lipsticks. As the men left, the third man damaged the phone in the hotel room. The victim managed to free herself and ran to reception to raise the alarm. Gardai launched an investigation, and identified a similar incident in Roscommon on October 28, 2019 during which a sex worker was robbed of money. The three suspects were identified by gardai using CCTV relating to the Roscommon incident. Pop and Galben were later arrested and interviewed by gardai. Pop identified himself and the others on CCTV. He told gardai his role was as a translator and he did not take part in the assault of the victim. Pop said he had not wanted to go, but gardai noted that he took part in previous similar incidents. Galben told gardai that he worked with Pop. He did not identify himself on CCTV, but agreed with a detailed description of his piercings which had been provided to gardai by the victim. Gardai were told that the money stolen from the victim was taken by others, though some money was recovered from Pop's home. Galben, of Warrenstown Park, Blanchardstown Heath, Blanchardstown, has 11 previous convictions, including one for robbery. Pop with an address at Charnwood Court, Clonsilla, Dublin, has four previous convictions including one for false imprisonment. Both men are currently in custody on counts relating to the Roscommon incident. A victim impact statement was handed into court on behalf of the victim and read by Kate Egan BL, prosecuting. The woman said she was left in fear following the incident and was physically and psychologically assaulted. The theft also left her without money to cover her living expenses. Gda Lennon agreed with defence counsel for Galben that there were no allegations that his client had used threats or violence against the victim. His client accepts that money had been taken from the victim's suitcase, but does not agree that he took the cash. Gda Lennon accepted defence counsel's statement that there had been a delay interviewing Galben about this incident due to the Covid-19 pandemic and that Galben did admit he could be seen on CCTV. His client also apologised and expressed remorse when interviewed by gardai. Defence counsel for Galben outlined a number of mitigating factors to the court including his client's early plea and apology to the victim. Galben has two children and his mother is in poor health. Galben left Romania in 2002, initially moving to Spain before coming to Ireland in 2016, where he worked in construction. Defence counsel said his client fell in with a bad crowd and started gambling and taking cocaine. His client contracted TB in prison, has no family support in Ireland and intends to serve his sentence in Romania. Gda Lennon agreed with Eoin Lawlor BL, defending Pop, that the third man had a leadership role within the group. His client had been given a number to ring, but did not know where the number came from. His client had been acting under instructions and was under pressure. His role was to act as a translator between Romanian and English. Mr Lawlor said his client does not agree that he took the victim's money, noting that she was in a corner facing a wall during the robbery. His client expressed concerns about the use of violence, but was shut down by others in the group. A letter of apology was handed into court on behalf of Pop. Mr Lawlor said Pop's mother passed away in 2020 while he was in custody. His client worked in Spain as a labourer, then moved to Ireland in 2014. Pop set up a successful business as a tiler, and employed others. Pop found himself caught in a web over this 12-day period and was under pressure to remain involved, Mr Lawlor said. His client said he did not touch the victim's cash or documents and had hid in the bathroom during some of the incident. Mr Lawlor said his client was co-operative with gardai, but there is no realistic prospect of his client repaying victim while in custody without family support. Judge Martin Nolan said it was a serious matter as there was somewhat of a pattern involving similar types of crimes. He said the victim was left terrified during the incident. While the third man may have been the one to threaten the victim, Judge Nolan said Pop and Galben were equally culpable as they would have known what was going to happen. He said the men were determined to take the victim's money. Judge Nolan acknowledged the challenges for foreign nationals serving time in Irish prisons, but said Pop and Galben deserve extra time in prison after involving themselves in criminal misbehaviour. Taking the mitigating factors into account, he imposed a five and a half year prison sentence on Galben and handed a three year sentence to Pop. Judge Nolan said if the men had come before him individually, they would have faced longer sentences. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov held a meeting on 7 November 2022 in Washington DC, USA. The ministers were hosted at the Blair House where a joint meeting with the Secretary of State Antony Blinken also took place, the Armenian MFA said. The Ministers shared views on the elements of a possible peace treaty and acknowledged that there is a range of issues that still need to be addressed. Both sides reiterated the commitments undertaken by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in their meetings on October 6th in Prague and October 31st in Sochi. They agreed to expedite their negotiations and organize another meeting in the coming weeks. Both Ministers expressed their appreciation to the US side for hosting the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The victim described how she lost many university friends, with a lot of people saying she was lying and others telling her she was over-reacting A young man who opportunistically raped a university student friend after creeping into her bed in the middle of the night has been jailed for four and a half years. The now 23-year-old Clare man was found guilty by a jury of one count of raping the young woman at an address in Dublin on May 23, 2017 following a Central Criminal Court trial last July. He has no previous convictions. The woman, now aged 25, told the court that after the attack she lost many university friends, with a lot of people saying she was lying. She said many of her male friends urged her not to go to gardai telling her that she was over-reacting. The court heard the man now accepts the guilty verdict and a letter of apology was handed up to court. The court heard the woman's two male friends, including the defendant, spent the night in her apartment after watching a movie and she and one of the men engaged in consensual sexual activity in her bedroom. In the middle of the night, the defendant slipped into the woman's bed while the first man was in the bathroom. He then forced himself on the woman, raping her as she struggled and repeatedly asked him to stop. The woman initially thought it was the man she had been in bed with earlier and only realised the defendant had raped her when she followed him out to the sitting room. In her victim impact statement, which was read out in court by Sergeant Kevin Rooney, the woman said at the time of the attack, she was studying her dream course in her chosen university and was a outgoing, courageous and enthusiastic 19-year-old. Since then I've discovered the world is a dark place for naive girls who don't know better, she said. The woman outlined the emotional and physical agony she suffered in the wake of the attack and how she struggled with anxiety, depression and nightmares. She described how she lost many university friends, with a lot of people saying she was lying and others telling her she was over-reacting. Sentencing the man on Tuesay, Mr Justice Paul McDermott said it was a dreadful breach of trust by a man who was invited into the woman's home as a friend and who then opportunistically assaulted her. He committed this offence because he could, taking advantage of the fact the other man left the room, Mr Justice McDermott said. The judge noted the man assaulted her sense of personal security and usurped her and her human right to make her own informed decisions. It was an extremely selfish and opportunistic act, the judge said, noting the harm caused to the victim as a result. He took into account a number of mitigating factors including the fact the man now accepts the verdict of the jury and has acknowledged his guilt, his sincere remorse and his positive cooperation with the Probation Service. He has genuinely reflected on what he did, Mr Justice McDermott said. He handed down a sentence of five and a half years and suspended the final 12 months on a number of conditions. Sgt Rooney told Caroline Cummings BL, prosecuting, that the man was arrested in November 2017 and told gardai he had consensual sex with the woman and that she initiated it. Padraig Dwyer SC, defending, said that despite standing trial, the man has since expressed remorse for his actions that night and a letter of apology was read out in court. Mr Dwyer said the man has a good work history, no criminal history and comes from a supportive and loving family. A number of testimonials were read out in court. He now understands that his actions that night were totally unacceptable the court heard and he has expressed an insight into the emotional effect the attack would have had on her. Penrose is currently serving a life sentence handed down last December for the murder of Philip Finnegan Penrose will be in prison until at least 2040 for the murder of Philip Finnegan whose body was found in Rahin Woods Collins Double Killer Stephen Penrose has had car-jacking charges against him dropped five years after he was alleged to have seized a vehicle by force. Penrose is currently serving a life sentence handed down last December for the murder of Philip Finnegan, whose decapitated remains were found in a shallow grave Penrose, of Newtown Court, Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin, was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of murdering Mr Finnegan (24) at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co. Kildare on August 10, 2016. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge. It was Penroses second time to stand trial for murder. In 2010, a Central Criminal Court jury found the killer not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after he admitted stabbing David Sharkey (28) to death in Navan following a row over drugs and then putting the victims body in the boot of a car. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for that offence. Last week, Penrose appeared before Portlaoise District Court via video link from Mountjoy Prison. The court heard he faced a number of charges dating back to May 15, 2017. On that date, Penrose had been alleged to have unlawfully seized a vehicle at Canal Road in Portarlington, Co Laois, using intimidation or force. Murder victim Philip Finnegan On the same date, it was alleged that he had carried out a robbery at the same location and furthermore that he had produced a screwdriver capable of inflicting serious injury. A shaven headed Penrose, who was holding a folder on his lap in a video conferencing room in the prison, appeared to not initially hear when the State announced it was dropping the charges. In relation to this matter, the DPP is entering a nolle prosequi, the court was informed. This means the State accepted it did not have sufficient evidence to continue in bringing the matter to trial. Rising from his seat after being told his case had been dealt with, Penrose inquired about whether a trial date had been set, only told be told the matter would not be proceeding. Penrose has remained in custody continuously since his arrest two days after the alleged car-jacking incident. Penrose will be in prison until at least 2040 for the murder of Philip Finnegan whose body was found in Rahin Woods Collins In addition to convictions for murder and manslaughter, Penrose has others for possession of two shotguns and ammunition, a hit-and-run offence, three assaults on three prison officers and threatening to kill or cause serious harm to members of the prison service. His current life sentence for the murder of Philip Finnegan is likely to mean he will remain in custody until 2040 at the earliest. Last November, 12 jurors unanimously rejected Penroses defence that he had last seen Mr Finnegan being stabbed in the back during an attack by a group of men at a forest or close to a wood, having arranged to collect firearms from them. The jury accepted the prosecutions case that Mr Finnegan had met a gruesome death at the hands of Penrose and attempts had been made to cut up and burn the victims body. The trial heard Mr Finnegan was missing for just over three weeks before a dog walker found his skeletonised remains buried in Rahin Woods on September 2, 2016. The identity of the father-of-four was confirmed by fingerprint after skin that had slipped away from a finger was recovered from the soil of the gravesite. It is understood that both people are originally from north Dublin. A woman who has been arrested for the suspected murder of a man in west Dublin was well known to the victim, it has emerged. She is currently being detained at Clondalkin Garda Station where she is being questioned about the fatal assault in which the man aged in his late 30s suffered a single fatal stab wound. It is understood that both people are originally from north Dublin. When gardai arrived to the grim scene at a flat in Ballyfermot this morning there were two other people present in the flat as well as the suspect aged in her late 40s and the victim. These two people have been interviewed by gardai who are not looking for anyone else in relation to the suspected stab murder. Sources say the victim was found unresponsive and the flat was sealed off as a crime scene and it remains so this morning. The victim was not known to gardai for involvement in crime but had some minor interactions with the law. A garda spokesperson announced details of the fatal assault this morning. Gardai and Garda forensics personnel at Claddagh Court Ballyfermot Dublin this morning. Pic Colin Keegan /Collins Photos Gardai are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a man following an incident in Ballyfermot, Dublin on Tuesday the 8th of November, 2022, a spokesman said. Shortly after 2.30am, Gardai and Emergency Services attended at a flat in Claddagh Court, Ballyfermot, where a man aged in his late 30s was found with an apparent stab wound. The injured man was treated at the scene by Emergency Services personnel but was pronounced dead a short time later. A woman aged in her late 40s has since been arrested by investigating Gardai and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Clondalkin Garda Station. The body of the deceased remains at the scene which is preserved for forensic and technical examination. The Coroner and Office of the State Pathologist have been notified, he explained. Emma Meagher was told that she couldnt carry her own children at the age of 17 after visiting her gynecologist. A woman who had four babies through surrogacy with the help of her sisters and best friend has opened up about her incredible journey to motherhood. Emma Meagher was told that she couldnt carry her own children at the age of 17 after visiting her gynecologist. She was devastated by the news but was immediately reassured by her older sister Victoria, who vowed to carry her future baby for her. Speaking on Newstalks Lunchtime Live on Tuesday, Victoria explained: I remember my mam and Emma coming home that day and Emma was devastated. Out of all of the sisters, Emma was the one carrying a doll. From the age of two, she just wanted to be a mammy. When they came from the hospital that day, Emma couldnt even speak. My sisters heart was shattered into a million pieces. I knew one day that she would be a mammy but I just tried to reassure her that her journey to motherhood would be a little different. There was a problem but there was a solution. So, without hesitation, I gave Emma my word that whenever she was ready, Id be there to help her. I had just had my little boy a year before that but regardless of that, my sisters heart was broken and there was a way to help her, and I was willing to do that. Emma married her husband Michael when she was 26 and the couple started the IVF process just six months later. Victoria successfully gave birth to Emmas first child, a daughter named Sophie, the following year and made sure to give her sister as many of her own moments as possible during the pregnancy and birth. The experience is very different when its your own pregnancy versus when its somebody elses baby, Victoria said. When I was carrying Emmas baby and it was moving or kicking, it just wasnt that same emotion as when it was my own pregnancy. I wanted to give her as many of her own moments as possible. When we did the pregnancy test, I insisted on not being in the room so Emma and her husband knew I was pregnant before I did. It was very much like that throughout the whole pregnancy. Emmas babies were born right into her arms. Their first touch was with their mammy. Emma added: I went through all the treatment, the egg retrieval, all the medical side. I think all my sisters and best friend made me feel like this was my pregnancy. This is such a selfless, beautiful, amazing thing to do for someone. It meant the world. Emma and Michael later tried IVF again, this time enlisting in the help of Emmas lifelong friend Leigh. However, they tragically lost their baby girl Katie at 30 weeks as her heart had stopped. The most painful conversation Ive ever had to have was with my daughter Sophie telling her that her sister wasnt coming home. I dont think Ill ever forget it. But it gave me the strength to keep going, Emma said. I was done. I didnt think I had it in me to keep going with IVF and the surrogacy process. I was just defeated. My husband said to me, Please can we just do one more go? So for him, for Sophie, for everyone, I agreed to do one more. I did one round of IVF again. I had to get on a plane to Prague to get my eggs retrieved. I dont know how I did it. Emmas other sister Laura carried two healthy baby boys, Sean and Harry, and said it was the best thing in the world to be her sisters surrogate. She said: Anyone who witnesses their sister going through that would try anything to help them. I dont know how Emma and Michael had the strength to go through that again. Theyre heroes in my eyes. What Emma had to go through was a lot tougher than what I did. My job was the easy part. These babies are lucky because theyre so loved before they even get here. All the mammies and daddies who try so hard to bring them into the world, my heart goes out to them because its not easy at times. They deserve all the praise in the world. For us to be able to see Emma and her babies, its little moments like that, just sitting in Emmas house with them all running around, its the best thing in the world, Laura added. The MEP slammed the Irish government for allowing US troops to stop at Shannon Airport Clare Daly has slammed Irish MEPs for criticising Belarus when the US uses Shannon Airport as a pit stop on the way to conflict zones. The MEP made a heated speech at the European Parliament, saying her fellow Irish politicians have some neck. Belarus has supported Russia in the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, prompting international outcry. It takes some neck for Irish MEPs, whose parties in government have allowed 3 million US troops use Shannon Airport on their way to theatres of war in Afghanistan and Iraq, come in here and give out about Belarus allowing Russian troops do the same on the way to war in Ukraine, Ms Daly claimed. For nearly two decades, the US has been using Shannon as a stopover and fuelling stop. The Kildare native claimed Europe is doing exactly as Belarus is: supplying heavy weapons, tanks and artillery, military assistance, intelligence and logistics. Ms Daly reeled against the US troops using Shannon and against EU countries helping Ukraine, saying this violates neutrality. She claimed that any escalation is increasing the risk of world-ending nuclear exchange. Why are we giving out about the sovereign country of Belarus for doing exactly what were doing, albeit on the other side? she asked. The MEP has already been lauded as a Joan of Arc who has come back to walk among us when she said people are getting off" on the Ukrainian conflict. Big Brother star George Galloway, who used to present his talk show on the Russian state-owned Radio Sputnik, revealed he is a big fan of the Irish MEP. Galloway filed a High Court action in Dublin against Twitter in May for defamation as the social media platform labelled his account Russian state-affiliated media. He denies the label as he no longer presents his show on any Russian-linked channel. In a clip he shared of Clare Daly speaking on the floor of the European Parliament, the MEP said: The war in Ukraine is quickly escalating into a wider horror and from what I can see, practically nobody in this chamber is doing anything to prevent it. "In fact most people seem to get off on the fact that its escalating. A trail runner has been rescued from the Remutaka Forest Park overnight after activating his personal locator beacon. Police received a call about 9.25pm Sunday night stating the runner was overdue on the Papatahi Track. He had last been seen near the Wharepapa hut about 1pm and had been due out by 5pm. Police Search and Rescue teams deployed to search the track from either end however he had not been located. About 12.30am the runner activated his PLB, alerting RCCNZ, and he was winched to safety by the Westpac rescue helicopter. He had become disoriented and was well off his intended route, in dense bush. While the conditions were calm and not exceedingly cold, the runner was taken to hospital with suspected hypothermia. Constable Pete Cadle says this is a great example of a PLB getting someone out of what could have been a precarious situation. "Rescue beacons save lives - it's that simple. "In this case the man was able to be rescued quickly, even though he was far off his course. "We want to remind anyone entering the bush to be prepared. "Take a warm layer, extra food, and a PLB is worth the investment." Mixing it in competition with the top military medics in the country has inspired Hamiltons Scott Endres to fly higher in his aviation medicine career. Leading Aircraftman Endres was one of two Royal New Zealand Air Force medics fighting alongside 13 New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Navy medics for the title of top medic last month. The 25-year-old took out third place after the gruelling three-day Medic Match competition. The competition is designed to find the best all-round medic and includes physical endurance tests, shooting, advanced medical skills, cognitive problem-solving and public speaking. For the first time it was held over more than one day. On day one, medics were tested for resilience at the shooting range at Aucklands Tamaki Leadership Centre, followed by a Rescue Randy scenario; dragging an 80kg casualty over 75 metres and applying a tourniquet and pressure bandage. On day two they completed a swim rescue and resuscitation at Devonport Naval Base. First placed in Medic Match 22, NZ Army medic Staff Sergeant Andrew Kennedy shows his skills on a medical dummy. Four medics made it through to the third and final day, with clinical and technical excellence tested at RNZAF Base Auckland. NZ Army Staff Sergeant Andrew Kennedy eventually took first place. Medic Match has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences for me. I can hand-on-heart say the competition has increased my passion for aviation medicine and my passion for the Air Force, says Leading Aircraftman Endres. While we were tested on trauma, it was great to also be assessed on primary health care. It really meant the many facets of our job were put under the spot light. Medic Match 22 co-ordinator Lieutenant Aidan Bilbe says the participants were very impressive this year and the top spots were hotly contested. Its the first time the biennial challenge has been spread across more than one day, and the challenges were carefully designed so that they dont favour one service or another. Leading Aircraftman Endres joined the Air Force straight from leaving Hillcrest High School and always knew medicine was for him. Growing up through school and being part of the Cadet Forces, I thought Id give the real deal a try and the medic trade as you get great skills and opportunities. There are so many intelligent and experienced people that can teach you how to grow as a medic. Medics were also tested for resilience at the shooting range on the first day of the Medic Match 22 competition, at Aucklands Tamaki Leadership Centre. Are you worried about someone who is struggling? Do you want to care for them but dont know how? A new weekly drop-in session has started at the Rotorua Library to share concerns in confidence. Supporting your Suicidal Loved One is free and open every Tuesday from 10am to 2pm on Level 2. This support service is the first of its kind in New Zealand and has been created by Te Whatu Ora Lakes Suicide Prevention advisor Suzy Taylor. Taylor says that her lived experience of having a suicidal daughter has helped her to develop the much needed group. My teenage daughter Georgia attempted to take her life back in 2016 and there was nothing like this available at the time. I needed to know how to care for her. Georgia died by suicide 10 weeks later. If I had a support space like this back in 2016, then maybe, just maybe, Georgia might still be here today. Over the past six years, I have witnessed the crippling emotions of shock, guilt and despair that are ever present after a suicide attempt and many of us are too whakama (ashamed) to talk about it and this can lead to our suicidal loved one feeling isolated and alone. Suzy is joined in this service by Dallas Te Aonui and Rosie Katene from Te Arawa Whanau Ora and Rotorua health improvement practitioner Belinda McEwen from Rotorua Area Primary Health Services. Ive come to realise that working in a roopu (group) like this is part of my life plan, says Te Aonui. To awhi (care for) and tautoko (support) whanau and to help open up the communication channels because korero (talking) is not present when this is happening. Katene says that services are so overwhelmed at present and this support service is one more way for health professionals to reach out to whanau. She says, having these courageous conversations can help offer the right tools to heal. Health Improvement Practitioner Belinda McEwen says she was drawn to this work following personal experience with whanau. In my role I support people with distress of any kind, she says. It is a privilege to be a part of this group and be part of the solution to a very challenging time in peoples' lives. Seeing people turn their lives around and knowing their whanau have supported them, there is no better feeling. It brings people together and builds connections and trust. A similar group is planned for the Taupo Turangi area next year. Renters are having to move less frequently but security of tenure for many remains much lower than homeowners, according to data released by Te Kahui Tika Tangata, the Human Rights Commissions housing inquiry. Security of tenure means people and families can choose when and if they want to move rather than be forced to move, says Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt. It is a crucial dimension of the right to a decent home, and so were pleased to see improvement in recent years. Having security of tenure gives a household a sense of control over its current and future housing circumstances New Zealand historically has a poor record on tenure security, with few regulations protecting tenants and few opportunities for long-term tenancies. However, the Commission sees signs of improvement. Between 2006 and 2018 the proportion of people living in their home for less than a year, decreased from 24.2 per cent in 2006 to 19.8 per cent in 2018. Hunt says on top of this small improvement, the governments amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act in 2020 are likely to have improved tenure security, but the data hasnt caught up with that yet. Without security of tenure, renters can be forced to move and may have little choice in the timing of that move. People who are unable to access secure housing may end up homeless. This is particularly concerning given the institutional racism Maori and Pacific renters have experienced. Weak security of tenure can also have a terrible impact on children who in some cases have to move school each time they move rental property. This creates stress for children and prevents them from settling in, says Hunt. In this instance, Hunt says there has been enough improvement for the government to receive a pass from the Human Rights Commission. However, the government has a continual obligation to progressively realise security of tenure. We encourage the government to continue to improve the rental system so that it offers renters with stable long-term decent housing. The Commission is asking the public to share their experiences of renting to inform its housing inquiry on its recently launched website housing.hrc.co.nz The full data release is available at https://housing.hrc.co.nz/a_decent_home_has_security_of_tenure Tenure security is defined as the guarantee of legal protection to stay in a home, including due process in relation to eviction, discrimination, harassment and other unfair treatment. The Guidelines on the Right to a Decent Home outline: - Tenure, which has a cultural dimension, takes a variety of forms, including Maori systems of land tenure, owner-occupation, rental (public and private), individual and collective, cooperative housing, social housing and emergency housing. It should take account of the interests of children, at-risk adults, all family types, and people of all abilities, stages of life and cultures. Tenure places obligations on all parties, including tenants who have a responsibility to treat with respect other occupiers, landlords, neighbours and their community (Para 61). People renting social housing provided by local or central government, community housing providers, or Iwi, hapu or Maori land trust have historically had better tenure security. However, changes made from the early 1990s to the 2010s, such as the Social Housing Reform Act in 2013, brought in reviewable tenancies to Housing New Zealand (now Kainga Ora), ending the era of a state home for life. Although the government has introduced standards around rental housing, the Healthy Housing Standards generally rely on education and compliance, and enforcement often requires a tenant being prepared to complain to the Tenancy Tribunal (see housing habitability). Tenants may be reluctant to do so if they are concerned about endangering their tenancy. Insecure housing tenure and poor-quality housing can go hand-in-hand and are significant barriers to the realisation of the right to a decent home. Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act in 2020 include: - Rent increases: Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months. This is a change from once every 180 days (six months). - Security of rental tenure: Landlords are not able to end a periodic tenancy without cause. New termination grounds are available to landlords under a periodic tenancy and the required notice periods have changed. - Changes for fixed-term tenancies: Fixed term tenancies signed after 11 February 2021 convert to periodic tenancies at the end of the fixed term unless the parties agree otherwise, the tenant gives a 28-day notice, or the landlord gives notice in accordance with the termination grounds for periodic tenancies. Trucking industry leaders are backing calls for safety improvements to the narrow windy road on the eastern side of Lake Taupo. But their solution to the problem differs from that of the Taupo District Council. A freight truck driver received moderate injuries after crashing and rolling his vehicle into the lake on Sunday morning. The truck was carrying krill oil with milk powder, forcing the road to close for more than 24 hours as the spillage was cleaned up. In 2002, a pile of logs fell from a truck into the lake, and then in 2009, a driver was killed when a truck plunged 25 metres into the water. Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand has previously criticised Waka Kotahi for focusing solely on reducing speeds, rather than maintaining the safety of roads. The truck crashed into Lake Taupo on State Highway 1. Photo: Chris Smith. Chief executive Nick Leggett told Morning Report his group has voiced its concerns for a number of years and wants to see the stretch of road at Bulli Point widened as it's "extremely tight" for trucks. There are detours around the other side of the lake, but SH1 is quickest for truck drivers to travel on. Leggett says Waka Kotahi has said it's aware of the concerns, and will work to improve it overtime. But Leggett says this is just an example of roads known to be dangerous that are not improved quick enough because of funding constraints. "This is the sort of piecemeal attitude we get to infrastructure in New Zealand," he told Morning Report. "A lack of long-term thinking, a lack of safety improvements and we see, sadly, from what happened in the last 24 hours the results of that." "It's a priority in resources but it's something that does compromise safety on our roads and in my view, leads to more accidents." Taupo District Council chief executive Gareth Green told Morning Report the lake is a taonga and has to be protected from environmental danger. Teams have been down to the lake to clear it of the krill oil with milk powder as best they could but "large volumes" had fallen into it. "That will inevitably have an issue on wildlife and fish life and on our water," Green says. "That lake is a taonga for us so anything going in there is anything too much." Green doesn't believe widening the road is possible given there is rock overhang and "big drops" off to the lake - but there is an alternative route that could be built, bypassing the area altogether. "It's been out there for about 30 years, 40 years, in the plans and obviously things only get more expensive as time goes on." Green couldn't give a number but says it will be a "big bill". He says it's worth it, given the importance of Lake Taupo. "It's our freshwater taonga. It provides water all through the Waikato into Auckland so protecting that water quality and that lake is of utmost importance nationally and therefore for us, is a real priority. "All we are asking for is for that to be investigated, pulled up the priority list and put into the plans." Green told Morning Report not only are more people dying on that stretch of road, but there would be an "environmental disaster". -RNZ. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. On November 7, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Ms. Kristinne Grigoryan took part in the session of the Armenia-EU Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels, her Office said. In her speech, the Defender presented the conclusions of the Institution about the situation of human rights, challenges and opportunities in Armenia. Ms. Grigoryan presented gross violations of human rights as a result of the military attack by Azerbaijan on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia in September, inter alia direct targeting of the civilian population and vital infrastructures, torture of Armenian servicemen and prisoners of war, cases of inhumane and ill-treatment, as well as the facts recorded in the ad hoc reports published by the Defender. Within the framework of the thematic sessions on the situation of human rights in Armenia, Ms. Kristinne Grigoryan referred to the National Strategy for the Protection of Human Rights and the results of the implementation of the 2020-2022 action plan deriving from that National Strategy, the importance of improving its monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the framework of the new 2023-2025 action plan, the issues of local elections, the main challenges of ensuring freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, the atmosphere of hate speech and intolerance during the assemblies; the need to adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, combat against domestic violence, the problems of the right to health care in penitentiary institutions, the issues related to the application of the new Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes. The representatives of the European Union reaffirmed the EU commitment to continue supporting the activities of the Defender's Institution, including through capacity development of the Defenders Office. In her speech, the Defender also spoke about the establishment and main goals of Public Councils on the Protection of Women's Rights and on the Protection of Children's and Youth Rights adjunct to the Defender. The 2023 Police Dog Trust calendar is out now, featuring some of the country's greatest canine crime fighters and wannabe police pups as you've never seen them before. Back by popular demand, the calendar includes 43 show-stopping images of German Shepherds and labradors by 10 of our full-time and relieving police forensic photographers from across the country. Making history as the first detector dog team to grace the calendar's cover are Tamaki Makaurau's Arc and handler Senior Constable Shep Shepherd, thanks to Constable Joy Zhang's beautiful photo of them sharing a beachside moment. Inside, it's hard not to smile at Senior Constable Jane Dunns winning image of young labrador floof Guya in flight as well as lots of other pups at play, but there are plenty of great action shots of patrol dogs from different operational and training environments too. And if a monthly dose of new doggy delights isn't enough, there's a bonus double-sided A3 poster to enjoy all year round - and beyond. On one side, Tauranga patrol dog Chip is poised and ready for action, as captured by Senior Constable Jane Dunn. On the other, you'll find Senior Constable Karl Bevin's creative set-up to show a whole new side to Tamaki Makaurau patrol dog Iwa. Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator Police Dogs, says the 2023 Police Dog Trust calendar is another stunner, reflecting the talents, creativity and patience of our pupperazzi. The calendar isnt possible without the support from those behind the lens, and the many fans who recognise the end product makes a pawfect Christmas gift. This year's calendar will have a limited print run, so get in quick. The calendars are $20 each and available through The Cop Shop (link is external). Shipping is $5-$9 for up to nine calendars, or free on online orders over $200. For international orders email sales@thecopshop.nz (link sends e-mail). All proceeds from the calendars sales will go toward the New Zealand Police Dog Charitable Trust (link is external), which helps give extra support to Police dog breeding, research and development programmes, over and above New Zealand Police's investment in the Police Dog Section. -Police Ten One Magazine. The Tauranga community have shown overwhelming support for a cultural centre that will tell the story of the New Zealand land wars. The proposed national institute of the New Zealand land wars would be built on the Gate Pa Recreation Reserve, the site of the Battle of Pukehinahina (Gate Pa). Commissioners were presented with the publics feedback on the proposal to reclassify part of the land at the reserve during a Tauranga City Council meeting on Monday. In July, the commissioners voted to support the reclassification in principle subject to public consultation. Councils strategic property advisor Rachael Williams said they had a really positive outcome from the public consultation that ran from September 12 to October 12. Of the 63 submissions received, 56 were in support of the proposed reclassification, six strongly opposed it and one was neutral. Common themes from the written submissions included it being a very appropriate use of the land, having a cultural centre or museum in Tauranga was long overdue and that the site was a place of immense historic importance. On submitter wrote: For far too long, Tauranga has not had any strong cultural connections to the history of the area and an information centre, like the one proposed, will be instrumental in ensuring the korero and history of our region is maintained. Another said: There is an urgent need to recognise Taurangas history and it is shameful we dont already have such a facility. Those opposed had concerns around whether there would be enough parking for the centre, the impact it may have on the nearby residents, and who would pay for the building and ongoing operation costs. One submitter claimed it was another museum project with a race-based tinge. An overhead view of the land at Gate Pa Reserve which could be the site of a future New Zealand Land Wars institute. Image: Tauranga City Council. Hearings were set for those wishing to speak to their submissions during the meeting on Monday, but none of those submitters were present. Commission chair Anne Tolley said it was a historically significant site not just for Tauranga but for the whole of New Zealand. Certainly with the compulsory curriculum of New Zealand history in our schools its going to become even more important as the years go by. In 2020, the council received a proposal from Pukehinahina Charitable Trust, in partnership with mana whenua Ngai Tamarawaho, to establish a cultural and historic centre on the Gate Pa Recreation Reserve. Ngai Tamarawaho representative Buddy Mikaere previously told Local Democracy Reporting the national institute would be the only one of its kind in the country. The centre would recognise the significance of the Battle of Gate Pa and other battles. On April 29 1864 the Battle of Gate Pa was fought on a ridge known as Pukehinahina. The pa consisted of two redoubts with trenches and bunkers to trap the British. Maori were successful in their defence, with 35 British troops killed and 75 wounded, twice the estimated Maori casualties. Mikaere said the centre was very important and would help raise Taurangas profile. Reclassification of around 6,150m2 of the reserve is required in order to progress the plans. A decision whether or not to reclassify the land will be made by the commissioners at a meeting on November 28. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air. Rich Farrell, also known as The Madness, will represent New Zealand with his mighty strength at the Official Strongman Games in Florida on November 11-13. Rich flew out of New Zealand on Tuesday to compete alongside the strongest men and women from more than 30 countries. Unlike regular weightlifting, the Official Strongman Games will include shows of strength such as lifting atlas stones and car walks. Its lifting big massive stones, pulling trucks and lifting big heavy objects, sandbags and throwing stuff around, says Rich. Everyone thats does strongman is a bit of a character and puts on a performance for the crowd. Bigger is better Before starting his strongman journey, Rich was 80kg and now hes clocking more than 120kg. It doesnt really matter what size you arebut mostly if you want to get good, youve got to get big. He first started strength training 10 years ago after breaking his ankles from falling off a roof. Then I found strongman about five years ago and I gave that a go and was like Im hooked on that. And hes literally been going from strength-to-strength with his competing. I went to Oceanias Strongest 2022 in August and I won that which got me the invite to the world champs so yeah going up and up. Ive just been training five days a week probably for ten or 12 hours. Rich Farrell won in international competition Oceanias Strongest 2022 back in August. Photo: Supplied. He had also been training for NZ Strongest Man but had an accident before the competition and tried to push through it. I just got dehydrated and exhausted and I ended up in hospital, so I had to withdraw from that one. Im just trying to get back on track and Im hoping Ive done enough to recoup from that last mistake. Big Z He says his strongman inspiration is Big Z from Lithuania, who has multiple wins as the Worlds Strongest Man. Its funny because five years ago I went to a seminar to see Big Z speak and teach us how to do some lifts and then five years later Im up competing with him on the world stage. Alongside his strongman idol, and other international champs, Floridas crowd will be the biggest Rich has competed before. When theres heaps of people screaming at you it give s you like another 5-10 per cent strength and you can lift stuff you usually couldnt lift at training just from getting amped up from the crowd. I love it when they scream my name. To support Rich with his strongman dreams visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/official-strongman-games To watch the Official Strongman Games via livestream visit: https://www.strongman.games/world-final YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed the support of the United States to the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Before the trilateral meeting with the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers in Washington D.C., Blinken delivered remarks, stating that direct dialogue is the best way to a truly durable peace. The United States is committed to the peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Direct dialogue is the best way to a truly durable peace, and we are very pleased to support that. The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial independence of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the 1991 restoration of independence was a vitally important moment in guaranteeing the rights of both countries, rights that we strongly support. I think its also fair to say that 30-plus years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh have had tremendous human, material costs lives lost, scars that are deep. But 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. Both countries are working to that end and to, ultimately, a brighter future for the South Caucasus a future of peace, countries at peace, countries working together for a better future, the Secretary of State said. He added that 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; to walk the path to a durable peace with you, to help in any way that we can. This is, I think, the promise of a better, brighter future. And I applaud both of you and your governments for the courage and determination that youre showing to get to that destination, he added. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. North Korea has denied any arms dealings with Russia, TASS reports citing Reuters. 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, Reuters quoted a statement reported by KCNA on Tuesday. The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. On November 7, President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan delivered a speech at the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Sharm El Sheikh, the Presidential Office said. The President noted that combating climate change is a critical component of the global agenda, which requires a shared commitment of everyone. Climate change evolves faster than expected. The entire mankind not only witnesses this change, but is also affected by it. Ecosystems are at risk, water resources are running dry, floods, storms, forest fires, extreme heat and drought become more frequent, noted the President. Touching on the impact of conflicts on the environment, the President said: We all are well aware of a destructive power of conflicts on environment - its resources and productivity. Impacts of war on ecosystems vary, depending on the magnitude and duration of a conflict, as well as the types of weapons used. Regretfully, recently Armenia experienced such a challenge. On September 13 this year Azerbaijan initiated an aggression, targeting the sovereign territory of Armenia. Densely populated towns of the eastern and south-eastern regions of Armenia, including city of Jermuk, a well-known mountain spa town and popular destination for medical tourism, came under heavy fire. The hostilities with the use of a wide range of weaponry, including artillery and combat UAVs against the settlements were accompanied by causing a heavy damage to the unique environmental complex. The shelling of the Kechut water reservoir had a potentially catastrophic human toll and environmental impact. President Vahagn Khachaturyan highlighted that despite the existing challenges and security concerns in Armenia, the climate change agenda continues to remain priority for the Government. Particularly, climate resilience and low-carbon development are recognized as a primary goal, which is based on the sustainable and long-term climate change adaptation strategy, investments in large-scale afforestation, renewable energy and energy-efficient sectors, application of innovative and modern climate technologies, promotion of electric mobility and development of nuclear energy, noted the President. moralfibre Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: MH-12 Posts: 8,302 Thanked: 13,130 Times View My Garage Re: Your review of Air India | 1 year since Tata took over I have flown Air India's service from PNQ-DEL-SFO and back several times. The last one being in Sep'21 when I moved to the US for good during the pandemic. While this was before the acquisition, some things that I'd like to share are relevant event today. 1. Convenience: Nothing beats the ease of a direct flight from your local airport to a local hub and onward to your final destination. A lot of time is lost if I were to fly a middle eastern or European carrier to the US from Pune. First, I need to leave really really early to beat unpredictable traffic on the expressway and then in the city of Mumbai. Then, after taking a flight that takes off anytime between midnight till the wee hours, I have to get off, run security again and board another aircraft in an unknown country. I was once stuck at LHR for over 24 hours in Feb'09 where all of us with a non-friendly passport spent close to 14 hours in a queue to get a ticket reissued. For the AI flight, I spend a leisurly day with the family, we head out for lunch and then at ease pack and head to the airport for a late evening flight to Delhi. In Delhi, one can checkin early and choose to spend time reading or chilling in a credit card affiliated lounge for a quick snack. I prep my jet lag hours right here and avoid sleeping altogether. The flight from DEL takes off at around 2 ish in the morning. After that, I don't need to worry about any other transit connection. A straight 16 hour flight takes me to SFO in the wee hours when arrivals are low and immigration is lightning fast! The airport had toyed around with a quick immigration system via a kiosk in several journeys which made exit time from the aircraft to the arrivals deck less than 45 mins end to end. This was infact a lifesaver but it seems to have been retracted ever since. From door to door, this is undoubtedly the fastest way to get around the globe crossing a time difference of over 12 hours! 2. Cabin and customer experience: For someone who doesn't give too much importance to the medium of travel, the aircraft interiors still stood out like an eyesore. The haldi kumkum laced interior colours are rather bright for my liking and extremely flashy. Something with a shade of earth colours or the Blue pallete would really make a big difference to the in-flight experience. I have taken about 8-9 flights in total on this route in the last 5 years and one of them was during the Indo-Pak crisis when one was sure to miss their onward connection due to the longer loop down south and then north to avoid the closed airspace. Barring this, the connections have been always on-time or within a threshold of comfort to not miss my onward connection to PNQ on the return leg. The seats are worn out and uncomfortable, the trays are not clean and I don't know when they last cleaned the carpets in these planes. The restrooms are faded and cramped. Cleanliness in-flight is as bad as any public toilet. Fellow travellers make it worse as time progresses. I have managed to hack my way around this to use them at their prime before mayhem sets in. Food has always been great and I'm told it has gotten better after the acquisition / transfer to Tata group. 3. The Aircraft: The Boeing 777-200LRs that Air India uses for this leg primarily is past it's prime. Why just the 200s, the 300ERs or even their 787 Dreamliners are worn out and dead. There is an urgent need to refurbish all of them and there is light at the end of the tunnel. VT-ALF, VT-ALG and VT-ALH are the three 200s that Air India is left with. I have had the opportunity to fly on all three across my travels. The ALG has gone through several mishaps. They had a blown door in one flight. It also a fire in the Auxillary PU while parked at Delhi. These are no longer usable and offer a state transport bus grade comfort. The inflight entertainment systems are dead and not-usable. I have always pre-downloaded content from streaming websites in advance to cover my 16 hour journey. Good part is that Air India has a clear plan to retire these. Two out of three replacements are already leased from Jettran and are ex-Delta 200 LRs that were parked in storage. As I type this, these two aircrafts are undergoing rebranding, paint and refurbishment for replacing AIs ageing fleet of 200s. These are three seating configs with Delta's premium suites in them. I cannot wait for these aircrafts to be operational and joining the leg from DEL-SFO-DEL sector. 4. Booking experience I booked a flight for my wife to fly SFO-DEL-BOM and PNQ-DEL-SFO . I anticipated that I wouldn't be able to do this on Air India's portal but the multi-city option in the refreshed portal is a breeze. The pricing was cheaper than SIA and EK by a few 100 dollars for late 2023 travel. I am hoping that the newer 200s are operational by then. The new website is a long leap from the previous sarkari website. It even ran on non-standard web ports (8443 IIRC). The seat booking is absolutely awesome with free options to cater to your needs as well. I was a sucker for the emergency exit rows in my previous travels. For some 7,500 bucks you could get ample leg room and a free to walk out seat configuration. The same seat on expensive airline is north of $150 to $200. I hope AI retains this option. 5.Ground staff and Crew Air India would be my preferred carrier when my mom comes visiting. I don't want to stress her out with flight travels that involve transits in any country. The last time she flew BA via Heathrow in business class, she had to wait an hour and half for the wheelchairs to be made available at the gate. Which cut her time from the lounge access to refresh and rest for her flight connection. The staff was arrogant and non-helpful. My experience with Air India staff on the other hand has been fairly ok. If you talk to them nicely, you can get work done. They have a baggage to carry from their sarkari days and it is hard to navigate through that. Some of my pilot friends have been with Air India for decades. Their experience is unmatched. The mighty Boeing 777-300 is a workhorse but even the best can experience failures. One such disaster was averted when an experienced crew onboard AI101 in 2018 managed to land safely in New York with just VNAV and experience on their shoulders. The aircraft experienced catastrophic failures in final approach. I would bet my life on such crews who can think and act fast to take you from A to B safely. Cheers. I have flown Air India's service from PNQ-DEL-SFO and back several times. The last one being in Sep'21 when I moved to the US for good during the pandemic. While this was before the acquisition, some things that I'd like to share are relevant event today.Nothing beats the ease of a direct flight from your local airport to a local hub and onward to your final destination. A lot of time is lost if I were to fly a middle eastern or European carrier to the US from Pune. First, I need to leave really really early to beat unpredictable traffic on the expressway and then in the city of Mumbai. Then, after taking a flight that takes off anytime between midnight till the wee hours, I have to get off, run security again and board another aircraft in an unknown country. I was once stuck at LHR for over 24 hours in Feb'09 where all of us with a non-friendly passport spent close to 14 hours in a queue to get a ticket reissued.For the AI flight, I spend a leisurly day with the family, we head out for lunch and then at ease pack and head to the airport for a late evening flight to Delhi. In Delhi, one can checkin early and choose to spend time reading or chilling in a credit card affiliated lounge for a quick snack. I prep my jet lag hours right here and avoid sleeping altogether. The flight from DEL takes off at around 2 ish in the morning. After that, I don't need to worry about any other transit connection.A straight 16 hour flight takes me to SFO in the wee hours when arrivals are low and immigration is lightning fast! The airport had toyed around with a quick immigration system via a kiosk in several journeys which made exit time from the aircraft to the arrivals deck less than 45 mins end to end. This was infact a lifesaver but it seems to have been retracted ever since.From door to door, this is undoubtedly the fastest way to get around the globe crossing a time difference of over 12 hours!For someone who doesn't give too much importance to the medium of travel, the aircraft interiors still stood out like an eyesore. Thelaced interior colours are rather bright for my liking and extremely flashy. Something with a shade of earth colours or the Blue pallete would really make a big difference to the in-flight experience.I have taken about 8-9 flights in total on this route in the last 5 years and one of them was during the Indo-Pak crisis when one was sure to miss their onward connection due to the longer loop down south and then north to avoid the closed airspace. Barring this, the connections have been always on-time or within a threshold of comfort to not miss my onward connection to PNQ on the return leg.The seats are worn out and uncomfortable, the trays are not clean and I don't know when they last cleaned the carpets in these planes. The restrooms are faded and cramped. Cleanliness in-flight is as bad as any public toilet. Fellow travellers make it worse as time progresses. I have managed to hack my way around this to use them at their prime before mayhem sets in.Food has always been great and I'm told it has gotten better after the acquisition / transfer to Tata group.The Boeing 777-200LRs that Air India uses for this leg primarily is past it's prime. Why just the 200s, the 300ERs or even their 787 Dreamliners are worn out and dead. There is an urgent need to refurbish all of them and there is light at the end of the tunnel.VT-ALF, VT-ALG and VT-ALH are the three 200s that Air India is left with. I have had the opportunity to fly on all three across my travels. The ALG has gone through several mishaps. They had a blown door in one flight. It also a fire in the Auxillary PU while parked at Delhi. These are no longer usable and offer a state transport bus grade comfort. The inflight entertainment systems are dead and not-usable. I have always pre-downloaded content from streaming websites in advance to cover my 16 hour journey.Good part is that Air India has a clear plan to retire these. Two out of three replacements are already leased from Jettran and are ex-Delta 200 LRs that were parked in storage. As I type this, these two aircrafts are undergoing rebranding, paint and refurbishment for replacing AIs ageing fleet of 200s. These are three seating configs with Delta's premium suites in them. I cannot wait for these aircrafts to be operational and joining the leg from DEL-SFO-DEL sector.I booked a flight for my wife to fly SFO-DEL-BOM and PNQ-DEL-SFO . I anticipated that I wouldn't be able to do this on Air India's portal but the multi-city option in the refreshed portal is a breeze. The pricing was cheaper than SIA and EK by a few 100 dollars for late 2023 travel. I am hoping that the newer 200s are operational by then.The new website is a long leap from the previous sarkari website. It even ran on non-standard web ports (8443 IIRC). The seat booking is absolutely awesome with free options to cater to your needs as well. I was a sucker for the emergency exit rows in my previous travels. For some 7,500 bucks you could get ample leg room and a free to walk out seat configuration. The same seat on expensive airline is north of $150 to $200. I hope AI retains this option.Air India would be my preferred carrier when my mom comes visiting. I don't want to stress her out with flight travels that involve transits in any country. The last time she flew BA via Heathrow in business class, she had to wait an hour and half for the wheelchairs to be made available at the gate. Which cut her time from the lounge access to refresh and rest for her flight connection. The staff was arrogant and non-helpful. My experience with Air India staff on the other hand has been fairly ok. If you talk to them nicely, you can get work done. They have a baggage to carry from their sarkari days and it is hard to navigate through that.Some of my pilot friends have been with Air India for decades. Their experience is unmatched. The mighty Boeing 777-300 is a workhorse but even the best can experience failures. One such disaster was averted when an experienced crew onboard AI101 in 2018 managed to land safely in New York with just VNAV and experience on their shoulders. The aircraft experienced catastrophic failures in final approach. I would bet my life on such crews who can think and act fast to take you from A to B safely.Cheers. Last edited by moralfibre : 4th November 2022 at 00:13 . Garth BHPian Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Bangalore Posts: 226 Thanked: 555 Times re: A quick dash to Kanchi and Mahabalipuram Mahabalipuram So we park at the Krishna's butter ball, the place was crowded. We head over to the ticketing counter. There is a common counter from where you can buy tickets for all monuments maintained by ASI. You can either buy from the ticket counter, or you can buy digitally by scanning a QR code, get an e ticket and get a discount to boot. Not many people were scanning the QR code for whatever reason and buying directly from the ticket counter. I enquired from the guy at the counter and he said that the QR code works, people just dont bother to do it. I try my hand at it and it works fine. No hassle at any of the monuments either. Worked like a charm. Happy to have saved some money and contributed to the environment by going paper less (after driving down to Mahabs from Bangalore in a Harrier ). People were getting each other's way in the quest for getting the perfect click. For those of you unaware of Krishna's butter ball, it is a gigantic granite rock resting on a rocky incline. The rock is estimated to be about 250 tonnes. Its about 20 ft high and 16 ft wide. The standard pics at the butter ball, trying our hands at pushing it down the slope. Since both me and my daughter are as strong as any human we did manage to roll it down, and then keep it back where it was so that others can find it where it used to be. This complex is very vast with lots of structures with intricate carvings in stone which leaves one wondering how these were all done eons ago. Just spell binding. These carvings of Vishnu in the Varaha avtar are very rare. No idea how they managed to sandwich these heavy rocks between the boulders. The following pics are from Arjuna's Penance, another attraction right next to Krishna's butter ball. Some lines copied from Wikipedia about Arjuna's Penance describing the monument - Measuring 96 by 43 feet (29 m 13 m), it is a giant open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders. The legend depicted in the relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha. The waters of the Ganges are believed to possess supernatural powers. The descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance are portrayed in stone at the Pallava heritage site. The relief is more of a canvas of Indian rock cut sculpture at its best not seen anywhere in India. It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. So we park at the Krishna's butter ball, the place was crowded. We head over to the ticketing counter. There is a common counter from where you can buy tickets for all monuments maintained by ASI. You can either buy from the ticket counter, or you can buy digitally by scanning a QR code, get an e ticket and get a discount to boot. Not many people were scanning the QR code for whatever reason and buying directly from the ticket counter. I enquired from the guy at the counter and he said that the QR code works, people just dont bother to do it. I try my hand at it and it works fine. No hassle at any of the monuments either. Worked like a charm. Happy to have saved some money and contributed to the environment by going paper less (after driving down to Mahabs from Bangalore in a Harrier).People were getting each other's way in the quest for getting the perfect click. For those of you unaware of Krishna's butter ball, it is a gigantic granite rock resting on a rocky incline. The rock is estimated to be about 250 tonnes. Its about 20 ft high and 16 ft wide.The standard pics at the butter ball, trying our hands at pushing it down the slope. Since both me and my daughter are as strong as any human we did manage to roll it down, and then keep it back where it was so that others can find it where it used to be.This complex is very vast with lots of structures with intricate carvings in stone which leaves one wondering how these were all done eons ago. Just spell binding.These carvings of Vishnu in the Varaha avtar are very rare.No idea how they managed to sandwich these heavy rocks between the boulders.The following pics are from Arjuna's Penance, another attraction right next to Krishna's butter ball.Some lines copied from Wikipedia about Arjuna's Penance describing the monument - Measuring 96 by 43 feet (29 m 13 m), it is a giant open-air rock relief carved on two monolithic rock boulders. The legend depicted in the relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha. The waters of the Ganges are believed to possess supernatural powers. The descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance are portrayed in stone at the Pallava heritage site. The relief is more of a canvas of Indian rock cut sculpture at its best not seen anywhere in India. It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Last edited by Garth : 5th November 2022 at 16:45 . RaghavEvoX BHPian Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Chennai Posts: 146 Thanked: 855 Times Chennai-Pune 2500 km road-trip to meet our friends Now that after few job hops and settled in Chennai for the last decade, we realized we don't have much of a social circle. Even though we have some friends, we don't meet frequently. Most of our trips are just me, my wife and daughter. We somehow never were able to have a circle. But it was not like that when we were in Pune where we had a great bunch of people around and many of whom we are still in touch. Maybe it was the first company for everyone, so we had that kind of a bond. But after we changed jobs, we never had that kind of a circle again. So this trip from Chennai to Pune is to meet a couple who were our colleagues more than a decade ago. And to go and visit places we went more than a decade ago to get a wave of nostalgia. A week before start, we confirmed to our friends that we will come to Pune. I decided to take a week off as I don't like to connect remotely when on trips. My wife decided to connect remotely for few days and my daughter skipped her exams for a week to accommodate for this trip. Infact we felt skipping exams is better than skipping classes. Daughter is all set with her bed, story books, snacks and occasional screen time. We just kept it as a 2 day trip from Chennai to Pune but did not decide on where to stay overnight. We thought, Let's start by 6 am and keep driving till 7pm and will stay at a nearby decent location. Nice roads throughout in Tamilnadu and Karnataka with some patchwork going in few places. Only the Chennai-Vellore stretch was poor as maintenance work being carried out. By around 7:30PM, we reached Hubli and decided to stay in Naveen Lakeside. Such a wonderful place to stay with a nice view and lot of greenery. By 11AM, started from Hubli towards Pune. By around 5:30 PM, crossed the Katraj tunnel. Roads in Maharashtra were quite poor comparatively. And it was even worse inside Pune city. I felt the roads and the traffic got deteriorated even when compared to a decade back. It took more than 2 hours from Sinhagad road to reach Viman nagar. Worth the drive to meet these lovely folks who hosted us for a week. Absolutely wonderful time spent and good memories to cherish. And Pune, What a City !! The weather, the mountains, the monsoon everything makes it an amazing combination. And even though Maharashtrian food is not that much talked about but I love those Vada Pavs, Sabudana Kichdi and Misal Pavs. This is the place where I started exploring nearby mountains long ago and it gave me a glimpse of what trekking is about. So I wanted to do a small trek in this trip and we went to Sinhagad fort. Definitely a great experience for the kids and this is exactly how I wish to spend time during trips. Next we visited all the places that were close to our hearts. Aundh, Pimple saudagar, Wakad have all got transformed so much that I couldn't believe. Had a delicious Chicken Biryani in Taareef, Aundh which was my weekly affair during my years in Pune. We didn't even realize how a week went in Pune. Great company, good food, nice weather and nothing to worry. They say right, 'Time appears to pass more quickly when engaged in something we enjoy'. Thank you guys and Pune for the wonderful week. Some nice Ghat roads on our way back. On our way back, saw a nice castle-like structure which we later got to know is the legislature building in Belgaum. Somewhere near Davanegere. On our way back from Pune, we thought we can stay overnight in Davanegere but we reached there by 5PM itself, so pushed it a little further. After that we couldn't find any decent place to stay, so pushed further and reached Bangalore for overnight stay by 9:30PM. I started my career with Infosys Pune some 15 years back. And after a few years moved to my hometown Chennai. Pune is the place I met my wife who was then my colleague.Now that after few job hops and settled in Chennai for the last decade, we realized we don't have much of a social circle. Even though we have some friends, we don't meet frequently.Most of our trips are just me, my wife and daughter. We somehow never were able to have a circle.But it was not like that when we were in Pune where we had a great bunch of people around and many of whom we are still in touch.Maybe it was the first company for everyone, so we had that kind of a bond. But after we changed jobs, we never had that kind of a circle again.So this trip from Chennai to Pune is to meet a couple who were our colleagues more than a decade ago. And to go and visit places we went more than a decade ago to get a wave of nostalgia.A week before start, we confirmed to our friends that we will come to Pune. I decided to take a week off as I don't like to connect remotely when on trips.My wife decided to connect remotely for few days and my daughter skipped her exams for a week to accommodate for this trip. Infact we felt skipping exams is better than skipping classes.Daughter is all set with her bed, story books, snacks and occasional screen time.We just kept it as a 2 day trip from Chennai to Pune but did not decide on where to stay overnight. We thought, Let's start by 6 am and keep driving till 7pm and will stay at a nearby decent location.Nice roads throughout in Tamilnadu and Karnataka with some patchwork going in few places. Only the Chennai-Vellore stretch was poor as maintenance work being carried out.By around 7:30PM, we reached Hubli and decided to stay in Naveen Lakeside. Such a wonderful place to stay with a nice view and lot of greenery.By 11AM, started from Hubli towards Pune. By around 5:30 PM, crossed the Katraj tunnel. Roads in Maharashtra were quite poor comparatively.And it was even worse inside Pune city. I felt the roads and the traffic got deteriorated even when compared to a decade back. It took more than 2 hours from Sinhagad road to reach Viman nagar.Worth the drive to meet these lovely folks who hosted us for a week.Absolutely wonderful time spent and good memories to cherish.And Pune, What a City !! The weather, the mountains, the monsoon everything makes it an amazing combination.And even though Maharashtrian food is not that much talked about but I love those Vada Pavs, Sabudana Kichdi and Misal Pavs.This is the place where I started exploring nearby mountains long ago and it gave me a glimpse of what trekking is about.So I wanted to do a small trek in this trip and we went to Sinhagad fort. Definitely a great experience for the kids and this is exactly how I wish to spend time during trips.Next we visited all the places that were close to our hearts. Aundh, Pimple saudagar, Wakad have all got transformed so much that I couldn't believe.Had a delicious Chicken Biryani in Taareef, Aundh which was my weekly affair during my years in Pune.We didn't even realize how a week went in Pune. Great company, good food, nice weather and nothing to worry.They say right, 'Time appears to pass more quickly when engaged in something we enjoy'.Thank you guys and Pune for the wonderful week.Some nice Ghat roads on our way back.On our way back, saw a nice castle-like structure which we later got to know is the legislature building in Belgaum.Somewhere near Davanegere.On our way back from Pune, we thought we can stay overnight in Davanegere but we reached there by 5PM itself, so pushed it a little further.After that we couldn't find any decent place to stay, so pushed further and reached Bangalore for overnight stay by 9:30PM. View exotic locales like Maui and Paris as well as points of interest such as local restaurants, hospitals, schools, and more. Want to know more about a specific location? Dive right in -- Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips. Here are some key features of "Google Earth": Fly from sace to your neighborhood. Type in an address and zoom right in. Search for schools, parks, restaurants, and hotels. Get driving directions. Tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings. Save and share your searches and favorites. Even add your own annotations. What's New: With Google Earth, you can explore the streets in 3D like never before. Fly from outer space down to the streets with the new Street View and easily navigate your way around. Switch to ground-level view to see the same location in 3D. Now you can see 3D trees in locations all over the world. We have also made it easier for you to know when historical imagery is available in the location you are viewing. The big picture: For decades, many have considered the PC game market a niche in Japan a country traditionally associated with arcade and console games. While PC is still nowhere near dominant in Japan, recent numbers indicate multiple factors are helping it grow there. A recent analysis from Japan's Kadokawa ASCII Research Laboratories shows that PC gaming has grown significantly in Japan over the last few years. Mobile is easily the most dominant sector of the market, but PC has seen noticeable changes recently. From 2018 to 2021, Japan's PC gaming market doubled in size. Between 2015 and 2021, the number of PC gamers in Japan grew by 45 percent from 11 million to 16 million out of a total gaming user base of 22 million. The number of users playing games exclusively on PC also doubled, going from 2.2 million to 4.5 million. Desktop gaming has long been a niche in Japan, but that wasn't always the case. The country had a diverse market of PC titles in the early 1980s on local home computers like the PC-8801, Sharp X1, or FM-7. Japanese RPGs originated on those platforms before moving to consoles which became dominant in the late 80s and the 90s. One likely reason some Japanese users recently turned toward PC is the lack of console availability. Final Fantasy XVI will be exclusive to the PlayStation 5 for six months. Japanese fans are begging Square Enix to release it on Steam because, ironically, PS5s are still very hard to get in Japan despite it being Sony's home country. For some, a decent gaming PC (that can double as a work-from-home computer) might be more attainable. In September, Valve said Japan might have the world's fastest-growing PC game market. Several other factors are also boosting Japan's PC gaming market. Newcomers who took up playing during pandemic lockdowns drifted naturally toward computers. More Japanese console games than ever now receive PC versions. Valve recently improved the Steam client's Japanese support, and native Japanese PC game services like DMM have expanded. Additionally, some of Japan's most popular mobile games now have PC versions. The country is also more accepting of foreign-made titles, as the top-earning games on Steam in Japan include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Apex Legends. Several recent big-name Japanese gaming hits, like Final Fantasy XIV, have seen initial launches on PC, further pushing the numbers. Why it matters: Hospitals have a constant need for donated blood. Approximately 30,000 units per day are used to treat accident victims and people with blood ailments like sickle cell anemia. Hospitals often suffer shortages when they receive a high number of trauma patients. But what if we could duplicate a typical donation in a lab and give it a longer shelf life? National Health Service (NHS) scientists in the United Kingdom, with help from Bristol and Cambridge universities, have successfully transfused two humans with blood grown in a lab. The BBC notes that this world's first is part of a continuing study to determine how lab-grown blood performs in the body. As of Monday's announcement, both subjects have had no ill effects. It is worth noting that for safety, only a small amount of blood is transfused in these trials (about one or two teaspoons). The testing will continue with eight more healthy volunteers. The synthesized blood cells are produced by isolating stem cells in a regular pint of blood using magnetic beads. The scientists "guide" a sample of about 500,000 stem cells to produce 50 billion red blood cells. That sample is then filtered to harvest only the ones suitable for transfusing (about 15 billion cells). The scientists hope to accomplish a couple of things. The main goal is to have the ability the synthesize and supplement hospitals, clinics, and blood banks with usable rare blood types. Type AB-negative is the rarest ABO type, with only one percent of the population having it. More importantly, people with O-negative are known as universal donors because their blood is compatible with all types. However, only seven percent of the population has O-negative, so it is in high demand. There are even rarer types, such as Hh, also known as the Bombay blood group. This type only occurs in 0.0004 percent of the world's population (0.01 percent in Mumbai, where it was discovered). Like O-negative, anyone can receive Hh without complications, but people in this group are not compatible with any ABO types, including the universal O-negative, and must receive Hh blood. "We want to make as much blood as possible in the future, so the vision in my head is a room full of machines producing it continually from a normal blood donation," University of Bristol Professor Ashley Toye told the BBC. A secondary goal of the study is to see if synthesized blood has a longer "lifespan." Our bodies continually produce red blood cells. Typically, each lasts about 120 days. However, the shelf life in a blood bank is far shorter because cells of varying ages are all mixed. The thought is that since lab-grown blood is uniformly "young," it should theoretically last the full 120 days before needing to be replaced. To track this theory, the researchers inject subjects with a normal sample and and then a synthetic at least four months later. Each is tagged with a radioactive isotope so they can tell how long each cell circulates in the bloodstream. If correct, the lab-grown blood should remain in the test subject longer. If the trials are successful, blood banks and hospitals should have far fewer shortages of needed blood types, but the technology does have a substantial cost. Regular donations cost around 130 ($150 US) to collect, bag, and store. Producing it in a lab is "vastly" more expensive, although the researchers were tight-lipped about precise figures. There are also some limitations in how many stem cells clinicians can harvest. Regardless of the expense and obstacles, the researchers are optimistic about the benefits of their work. "This world-leading research lays the groundwork for the manufacture of red blood cells that can safely be used to transfuse people with disorders like sickle cell," said NHS Blood and Transplant Medical Director of Transfusion Dr. Farrukh Shah. "The potential for this work to benefit hard to transfuse patients is very significant." In brief: Chinese chip firms are trying to circumvent US sanctions by altering their most powerful chips to make them slower. The move comes just as Nvidia unveiled a less-powerful substitute for its two GPUs that fall under the export controls. As per the Financial Times, some Chinese fabless chipmakers, including Alibaba and Biren, have poured millions of dollars into creating blueprints for advanced processors destined for the next generation of China's supercomputers, data centers, and AI solutions. The problem for China is that it lacks the facilities to create these cutting-edge chips, so the designs are sent to Taiwan's TSCM. But the latest US sanctions cover third-country chip manufacturers that use American-made software or equipment, requiring them to apply for a license when exporting chips over a specific processing power. An expert said these licenses are "presumptively denied." The new sanctions forced Chinese chip designers to stop work on their latest chips and alter the designs. However, their engineers say the US rules for calculating the bidirectional transfer rate, capped at 600 GB/s, are unclear. Biren's first processor, the BR100, has seen its transfer rate of 640 GB/s reduced to 576 GB/s, achieved by disabling part of the chip in the hope it will pass Washington's restrictions. Alibaba is looking to do the same with its chips. Nvidia is also addressing the export sanctions. Both team green and AMD are now prohibited from selling their high-performance AI-focused GPUs to China and Russia without a license, which could cost Nvidia up to $400 million. The company has now unveiled the Nvidia A800 graphic processing unit, which went into production in Q3, as another alternative to the Nvidia A100 GPU for customers in China. "The A800 meets the U.S. Government's clear test for reduced export control and cannot be programmed to exceed it," an Nvidia spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. The chip has a interconnect speed of 400 GB/s, down from the A100's 600 GB/s. Chinese server makers and other companies in the country are already advertising the A800 on their websites. Assuming it proves successful, the GPU should lessen the sanctions' impact on Nvidia's quarterly results. Rumor mill: With the RTX 4080 arriving next week, many are wondering what has become of the 12GB version of the card that Nvidia "unlaunched" last month following consumer backlash. According to a regular hardware leaker, the RTX 4080 12GB will land in January with a new name: the RTX 4070 Ti. As you will remember, Nvidia announced in mid-October that it would be unlaunching the RTX 4080 12GB because it "wasn't named right." The company was doubtlessly reacting to the outcry over the card, which had 4GB less VRAM, 25% fewer CUDA cores, and a narrower memory bus than the RTX 4080 16GB. The RTX 4080 12GB specs made it closer to what should have been an RTX 4070, but it carried an $899 MSRP, around $400 more than the RTX 3070's MSRP at launch. The outcry led to Nvidia admitting the card should be renamed (and repriced, presumably). Turning the RTX 4080 12GB into the RTX 4070 would leave a question mark over the original RTX 4070's fate. According to prolific hardware leaker Kopite7kimi, Nvidia has gotten around this by calling the unlaunched card the RTX 4070 Tia move many expected it to make. The original RTX 4080 12GB will become RTX 4070 Ti instead. kopite7kimi (@kopite7kimi) November 8, 2022 The RTX 4070 Ti should feature all the original specs of the RTX 4080 12GB, including the full-fat AD104 GPU and 7,680 CUDA cores. What we don't know is if it will stick with the same $899 price. The RTX 3070 Ti launched with an MSRP of $599, so charging $300 more for the Lovelace equivalent is unlikely to go down well with gamers, especially at a time of economic uncertainty when many people are avoiding expensive purchases. Then there's AMD. Team red recently unveiled the Radeon RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT, priced at $999 and $899, respectively. Their lower price points, DisplayPort 2.1, and better power efficiency make a compelling combination for even the most ardent Nvidia fan, so Jensen Huang would be wise to give the RTX 3070 Ti a competitive MSRP. Rumors say we'll find out sometime in January, possibly during CES. If you do have your eye on an RTX 4080, be prepared for lower stock levels than the RTX 4090 when the former launches on November 16. Thanks, VideoCardz A hot potato: The first class-action lawsuit against a machine learning algorithm has been filed in San Francisco federal court. Proponents are calling for millions of GitHub users to reaffirm their rights against Copilot, an AI that suggests new code by violating open-source licenses and several other copyright infringement laws. Litigators have filed a class-action lawsuit against the AI system behind GitHub Copilot, a feature designed by Microsoft and OpenAI to help programmers write better code faster. According to the lawyers, Copilot is trampling on the rights of "possibly millions" of GitHub subscribers, (ab)using countless lines of codes with no proper permission and against the rules of many open-source licenses. Copilot is a machine learning algorithm developed by OpenAI the same company behind the image generating system known as DALL-E to suggest code and even entire functions in real-time, right from the code editor or the user's preferred IDE. GitHub Copilot has been trained "on billions of lines of code," and is seemingly capable of turning natural language prompts into coding suggestions across dozens of different languages. The Copilot algorithm has been a success thus far, with nearly 30 percent of new code hosted on GitHub written with the AI assistance. Behind Copilot's public approval is what lawyers describe as the systematic violation of the "legal rights of a vast number of creators who posted code or other work under certain open-source licenses on GitHub." The class-action lawsuit says that a set of 11 popular open-source licenses (MIT, GPL, Apache etc.) require attribution of the author's name and copyright, and Copilot has never done any of that. Beyond proper authorship attribution, the suit states, GitHub's AI has violated the service's own terms of service and privacy policies, DMCA 1202 (which forbids the removal of copyright management information), the California Consumer Privacy Act, and "other laws giving rise to related legal claims." The class-action proponents are introducing their lawsuit as a first step in a long journey, in what should be the first attempt to legally challenge the training and output of AI systems in the US. And it will not be the last, the lawyers say, because "AI systems are not exempt from the law" and the creators of these technologies must remain accountable. "If companies like Microsoft, GitHub, and OpenAI choose to disregard the law," the class-action continues, "they should not expect that we the public will sit still." AI needs to be fair and ethical for everyone, otherwise it will just become "another way for the privileged few to profit from the work of the many." YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. The current occupied and ethnically cleansed Shushi is a real example of the centuries-old and unchanging Turkish-Azerbaijani policy of ethnic cleansing, Ombudsman of Artsakh Gegham Stepanyan said in a statement on the 2nd anniversary of the occupation of Shushi by Azerbaijan. As a result of the war unleashed against the people of Artsakh in the fall of 2020, around 200 villages and towns of the Republic of Artsakh have been occupied by Azerbaijan, including Shushi the center of Armenian culture. In the illegal decision of July 5, 1921, on the annexation of Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan, the city of Shushi was defined as the center of the emerging Armenian autonomy. Though in 1923, with a long-term goal of alienating Shushi from Artsakh when the Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Region was formed on a small part of Artsakh Stepanakert, not Shushi, became the center. Azerbaijan has always acted in the direction of capturing Shushi, distorting its Armenian identity and passing it off as Azerbaijani. During the appropriation of the city, the main tool of the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem both in the early 1900s and in 2020, was ethnic cleansing and genocide: the physical destruction and deportation of the Armenian population, elimination, and distortion of the spiritual-cultural values created by them. The cultural heritage of Shushi is unique evidence of the Armenian belonging of the city. That is the reason why Azerbaijan deliberately targeted the Holy Savior Ghazanchetsots Cathedra twice during the war, and after the ceasefire Saint Hovhannes the Baptist (Kanach Zham) Church and a number of Armenian cultural values in Shushi have continuously been desecrated. Azerbaijan continuously destroys the citys civil infrastructure, houses, and apartment buildings. The current occupied and ethnically cleansed Shushi is a real example of the centuries-old and unchanging Turkish-Azerbaijani policy of ethnic cleansing. By bringing international delegations to Shushi on various occasions, Azerbaijan is trying to legitimize its aggression. All those who visit Shushi become complicit in the displacement of people and legitimize the use of force, aggression, and occupation. Todays occupation does not change the status of Shushi, it was and will continue to be an integral part of the Republic of Artsakh, the statement says. A computer science professor at the University of Florida, Juan Gilbert, claims that he has built an unhackable voting machine, according to Interesting Engineering. (Photo : PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) A voter casts a ballot on an electronic voting machine for the midterm election during early voting ahead of Election Day inside a vote center at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, California on November 7, 2022. These electric voting systems have gotten mixed reactions from US citizens, some think they are reliable and are grateful for them because they make the lives of the disabled a lot easier. On the other hand, some want to boycott them because they can be hacked. How the Voting System Works The voting machine that Gilbert designed has been in the works for almost 20 years. It consists of a transparent box, which also serves as a touchscreen interface. Inside the transparent box is where the printer is located, which is connected to the device's software Prime III. Then, it points the voter's selection on a paper that is fed into a scanner to be tallied. The transparent case ensures that if a USB device is connected to a hack, the system will be detected by voters right away. To ensure that the software is not corrupted, it is stored on a Blu-Ray disc in a read-only format. As an extra layer of protection, the voting machine will reboot every single time a vote is cast. The transparent touchscreen guarantees that voters are staring right at the printer immediately once they cast their vote. Earlier this year, Gilbert requested to have several experts give them access to his machine to be tested by the best minds. Prime III uses open-source software, which would make it easier to hack into. However, Gilbert has already bared it all when it comes to the code. Unfortunately, not one expert tested the system this year. Then, there is also a matter of the system that should be certified which will require him to spend a lot of money. Also Read: Hackers Easily Breach Voting Machines To Be Used In US 2020 Election Will It Ever See Election Day? The main problem is that it will be a lot of hard work and money to convince the government to use the system because they are very particular about the way things are done. Gilbert also believes that if he builds the prototype, people will rush to get the invention, but it will still be a business for him. In the coming years, as technology keeps advancing, we may need to reform our current voting system since it can be easily hacked. With people developing such a machine, it might speed up the creation of more trustworthy voting machines. The United States should seriously consider Gilbert's voting system. Gilbert's voting system is designed to make voting a more effective and reliable process. The transparent screen is a great tool because voters can check to see if their votes are being recorded as they cast their ballot. It looks like the "hacking" problem is finally being addressed. Related Article: Are Voting Machines Safe From Cyberattacks? Here's How They Work This article is owned by Tech Times Written by April Fowell 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Neutrino, otherwise known as "ghost particles," were spotted at the South Pole, and researchers were astounded by this discovery as they are hard to detect, despite their presence in space floating around us. The researchers suspect that it came from NGC 1068, a black hole in a galaxy that is 47 million light-years away from Earth. Researchers think that this is a massive step toward knowing more about these ghost particles, especially as those are something that gave them a hard time detecting their presence. Neutrino 'Ghost Particles' Detected in the South Pole (Photo : NASA/ESA/A. van der Hoeven) Hubble image of the spiral galaxy NGC 1068. The IceCube Neutrino Observatory in South Pole's Antarctica, along with Francis Halzen from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said that they detected 79 high-energy ghost particles or neutrinos from the area. According to its press release, the international team of scientists and researchers in the IceCube saw a breakthrough as they were able to detect the neutrinos. The high-energy neutrinos are hard to come by, especially with the current instruments, but on this occasion, the researchers were able to perceive that these are indeed the infamous ghost particles. Read Also: NASA Detects Most Powerful Cosmic Gamma-Ray Burst, Signals the Beginning of a New Black Hole? Researchers Believe It Came from a Black Hole The IceCube team believes it came from a distant black hole called the NGC 1068, emanating the said neutrino from 47 million light-years away. The team published their findings via the Science journal and said that there are massive shreds of evidence regarding the neutrino's presence at the South Pole of the globe, with the black hole being its source. Black Holes and Their Effect on the Universe Research has made significant discoveries regarding black holes and their activities or presence in the universe, especially as there are massive phenomena surrounding the cosmic entity. In the Milky Way's backyard, there is a supermassive black hole called the Saggitarius A*, and researchers are trying to perceive what the hot gas swirling around it could mean. It is a fact that a black hole is a massive vacuum that traps everything, even light, which is regarded as a fast entity in the universe, using the power of gravitational pull. Another phenomenon behind a black hole is that it burps out materials from a star it devoured three years ago, something which challenges the idea behind the space anomaly. Researchers and astronomers were able to see evidence from the star's fragments, as it surrounds the black hole's area, instead of completely void of it. This discovery at the South Pole is a potential breakthrough for neutrino astronomy, especially as it is something that gave researchers a challenge in detecting and understanding in the past. Furthermore, there is already one suspected source, which is the NGC 1068 black hole, an entity that is far away from the planet. Related Article: Scientists Discover Never-Before-Seen Details Through Hot Plasma Surrounding a Mass Black Hole This article is owned by TechTimes Written by Isaiah Richard 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Are astronauts in orbit allowed to exercise their right of suffrage during elections? According to a report by Space.com, they are. They can still cast their votes on the ballot even if they are not on Earth. The three Americans presently residing on the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Nicole Mann, Josh Cassada, and Frank Rubio are all allowed to cast their votes starting Tuesday, Nov. 8. How Do Astronauts Vote in Space? NASA's Kate Rubins discussed how voting off-Earth works in a video Q&A that was released in November 2020 while she was living in the orbiting lab. Rubins completed a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) before heading into the space station. The FPCA is used for people who are abroad during an election, such as military personnel and their families. According to NASA, most astronauts who cast ballots while in space decide to do so as residents of Texas because they relocate there for training before their missions start. Texas approved a law in 1997 allowing for the lawful casting of ballots from space, with astronauts using an absentee ballot system with the address "low Earth orbit," as per Space.com's report. Read also: NASA Commercial Crew: Boeing to Launch this April for its Starliner Test Flight, 2023 Manifest Updated Casting a Ballot Before an astronaut may cast a ballot, NASA must verify that it can be completed. The county clerk sends a test ballot to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where a computer used for space station training examines whether it can be filled out and returned to the clerk. The actual ballot is encrypted and forwarded to the astronaut on the ISS if the ballot passes the test. For added protection, while opening the ballot, the clerk gives credentials customized to the voting team member. The astronaut then electronically completes it and emails it back to the county clerk so that the vote can be recorded. For added security, the clerk has a password that only they can use to access the email. Rubins built her own voting booth in the 2020 space station even though it is not a requirement for the procedure. She shut the door to her crew quarters and posted a sign that read "ISS Voting Booth." The astronaut has already voted twice while she was in orbit. She was particularly aboard the space station during the 2016 presidential election. Related Article: NASA's Moon Rocket Artemis 1 is Back on the Launchpad: Details on Launch Date and Coverage This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Jace Dela Cruz 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Foxconn, the company behind the iPhone production, has heavily felt the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in China, particularly in its plant in Zhengzhou. As part of the protocol, it must comply with health and safety standards to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the Taiwanese firm is aware that more employees are leaving the operations, and this event deeply affects production. To ensure they return to work, Foxconn now offers bonuses for returning staff on campus. The recruitment for the new workers also kicks off this week. Foxconn to Offer Bonus For Zhengzhou Plant Staff (Photo : Arnel Hasanovic from Unsplash) According to a report by Reuters earlier this week, the returning employees who wish to work again at Foxconn are set to receive an incentive of 500 yuan or $69.28. On WeChat, Foxconn also confirms that it has begun the recruitment of new staff who will enter the campus in Zhengzhou. The announcement came after the company said that the delivery wait time for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be delayed due to COVID-19 lockdowns in the region. With the reduced number of workers at the plant, Foxconn struggles to hit its target goal in production. "The epidemic has disrupted our work and life, but... the company has achieved milestone results in the current epidemic prevention measures. The production and living order of the park has been restored to normal gradually," Foxconn announced on its official WeChat account on Monday, Nov. 7. Related Article: iPhone City Lockdown: Foxconn Plant in Zhengzhou to Close For a Week Amid COVID-19 Scare Workers Panic to Leave Amid Lockdown CNN reports that many workers are reportedly leaving the facility for good. Several viral videos of fleeing staff have flocked to social media sites like Weibo. Since less workforce means less production, Foxconn is eager to return its employees and urge them to work again. While it's hard to convince some of its staff to return, the company came up with the idea of offering incentives for them. Aside from a 500 yuan bonus for those who will return after leaving last Oct. 10 to Nov. 5, Foxconn wants to offer a 30 yuan ($4) salary per hour for aspiring applicants in the Zhengzhou facility. Foxconn says that the operations for the new workers will start when the lockdown is lifted in the city. At that time, employees could start their tasks inside the plant in a closed-loop system. A closed-loop system refers to a system where employees work, eat, and interact on-site. It might take some time before the lockdown ends since the authorities say it will last for seven days. If Foxconn wants to attract more manpower for its facility, there's a need to increase the hourly offer for each new employee. Of course, that's another story for the day, but it could be a better idea, especially if they want to revive the operations in the plant once again. Read Also: Tesla Tries to Deal with Competition in China by Raising Insurance Incentives but With a Catch This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joseph Henry 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Dennis Su, a young man from Sydney, has confessed to blackmailing about 100 customers of Optus telecom company in an effort to get "quick money." Based on an article by news.com.au, the 19-year-old scammer used the information obtained from the data breach at Optus. Su made an appearance in the Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday, Nov. 8, in order to enter a guilty plea to two charges of using equipment linked to a network to conduct a serious offense. He used his iPhone XS to get access to the private details of almost 100 affected consumers. Though he is not suspected of being engaged in the hacking at Optus in September, it is believed that he attempted to gain from the customers' stolen confidential information monetarily. See Also: iPhone Users Who Have Optus Account Urged to Run a System Check - Here's How Opportunity to Obtain "Quick Money" According to the records filed in the case, Su purported to be the one who was responsible for the cyber assault. He then proceeded to send text messages to 93 clients of Optus to extort money. If the clients did not deposit $2,000 into Su's bank account between Sep. 24 and Oct. 6, he threatened to exploit their personal information for fraudulent conduct. Apparently, not one of the consumers of Optus who had their accounts hijacked paid the ransom. As per evidence shown in court, he even sent follow-up messages to a number of the victims, one of whom ultimately went to the authorities and exposed him. Discovering the Scheme The authorities decided to press charges against Su after discovering that the bank account associated with the fraudulent scheme belonged to the boy's younger sibling. After the bank decided to close the associated account, Su went to his neighborhood branch in person to inquire about the possibility of reopening his account. The report said the teenager confessed to the law enforcement agents that he had blackmailed the victims because he saw an opportunity to get easy money. According to the records, he resorted to the SMS scam when he struggled to adjust to his status as an unemployed individual. When Australian Federal Police investigators detained Su at his residence in Sydney on Oct. 6, they confiscated a phone that had been used to blackmail the clients of Optus. Court Hearing The magistrate, Susan Horan, remarked to the court that this was a significant case of this sort of misconduct. The court was informed that the highest possible sentence for the two offenses was ten years in jail if the defendant was found guilty. Su will find out his fate in Sydney Downing Centre Local Court next year on Feb. 7. The court heard that two counts of dealing with identification information to conduct an indictable crime and demand with a threat to get gain were dropped. Over the holidays, he will stay on bail. Also Read: Australia's Medibank Private Hack Exposes 9.7 Million People's Data This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Trisha Kae Andrada 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Mineral products have the biggest share in Armenias exports in the first 9 months of this year, whereas in the imports, that share belongs to machinery, equipment and mechanisms, the Statistical Committee said. Armenias exports in January-September comprised 3 billion 509 million 421.2 thousand dollars, which increased by 63.8% compared to the same period of the previous year. The export to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) comprised 1 billion 467 million 370.5 thousand dollars, which increased 2.4 times compared to the same period of the past year. The export to the member states of the European Union comprised 606 million 568.3 thousand dollars, which increased by 23.9% compared to the same period of the previous year. Armenia exported the most mineral products 785 million 398.5 thousand dollars, which increased 4.2 times compared to the same period of the previous year. The mineral products are followed by ready-made food products 605 million 400.7 thousand dollars, which increased by 44.7% compared to January-September 2021. The next one is precious and semi-precious stones, precious metals and items made of precious metals. Their export volume comprised 597 million 341.0 thousand dollars, which increased 2.7 times compared to the same period of the previous year. And the first in terms of import volumes are machines, equipment and mechanisms 1 billion 109 million 076.2 thousand dollars, which increased by 84.9% compared to the same period of the previous year. Then comes the mineral products 858 million 430.1 thousand dollars, which increased by 32.7% compared to the same period of the previous year. "We will expose the firm position of Venezuela against the destructive and polluting attacks of the capitalist system on our planet Earth, he said. On Sunday, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro arrived in the city of Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) to take part in the high-level segment of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27 ). We arrived at the Sharm El-Sheikh International Convention Center to fulfill a broad work agenda... We will hold a long day of work to expose the firm position of Venezuela against the destructive and polluting attacks of the capitalist system on our planet Earth, he tweeted. "We are committed to bringing to COP27 the clamor of the peoples who suffer the hard blows generated by a destructive system that threatens the existence of humanity. We expect concrete results in this world meeting." Maduro was received in the lobby of the Convention Center by the United Nations Secretary Antonio Guterres and the Egyptian President Abdelfatah El-Sisi. Later, he met with dozens of heads of state for the COP27 photo. "It is either a climate solidarity pact or a collective suicide pact." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for a "historic pact" between developed and developing countries. He says the US and China have a 'particular responsibility to make this pact a reality'.#COP27 pic.twitter.com/NS6rLu4Fck Sky News (@SkyNews) November 7, 2022 The Bolivarian leader is scheduled to participate on Monday in a panel on food security, one of the six high-level round tables that will take place in parallel to the meeting of rulers attending COP27, which began on Sunday and will conclude on Nov. 18. On Tuesday, Maduro is expected to to speak on climate change in the high-level segment. COP27 has brought together over 30,000 people representing governments, companies, non-governmental organizations, and social groups. Dozens of presidents have already arrived at this international meeting. Among those attending COP27, however, will not be Russia's President Vladimir Putin, China's President Xi Jinping, and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chen Wenqing presided over a plenary meeting of the Central Political and Legal Committee, emphasizing that effective measures should be taken to implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and resolutely safeguard national security and social stability YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom with both The Fastest Fixed Network in Armenia 2022 and The Fastest Mobile Network in Armenia 2022 awards based on analysis by Ookla of the Speedtest Intelligence data during Q1-Q2 2022. Ookla has collected and analyzed the results of over 750 thousand of consumer-initiated tests using Speedtest for both fixed and mobile internet users across Armenia. Speedtest Awards, presented by Ookla, are reserved for an elite delegation of network operators that have delivered exceptional internet performance and coverage within a market. It is our pleasure to present Ucom with the awards for both Fastest Fixed Network and Fastest Mobile in Armenia. This recognition is testament to their exceptional performance in Q1-Q2 2022 based on Ookla's rigorous analysis of consumer-initiated tests taken with Speedtest", said Tom Opaczyk, Sales Director at Ookla. In the past 2 years we tripled fixed broadband speeds for 30 thousand of our existing subscriber base at no cost. As of Q2 2022 Ucom reached all time high fixed broadband revenue and subscriber market share and at the same time we managed to propel the fastest market share growth among competitors. Moreover, nearly half of our fixed broadband subscribers already enjoy Unity bundles powered by unlimited mobile internet, blazing fast low latency home internet with the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology and 210+ channels. As for the mobile business, since the introduction of Level Up mobile offer in the second half of year 2021, a record number of mobile subscribers joined Ucom and currently almost half of Ucoms voice subscriber base enjoys the benefits of that tariff plan. By the way, from January to November 1, 2022, a record number of mobile subscribers switched from the competition to Ucom, which made 2.7X increase vs the same period last year, specified Ara Khachatryan, Director General at Ucom, I express my gratitude to the entire Ucom team, each of the 1,500 employees, from cablemen and network engineers to call center operators, for ensuring smooth customer experience at Ucom. These two awards are the best assessment of our joint efforts not only on the scale of the Armenian market, but also on the regional and CIS countries levels. Ooklas methodology ensures accuracy of the data and reduces bias from things like repeated testing or those attempting to skew the results. The company also uses a variety of other methods to prevent fraudulent or inaccurate results. For a given location, the company aims to include only fixed networks that provide service for a significant number of customers in a specific geographic area. So, while one provider might be fastest in a particular city or region, they may not be suitable to be included in the fastest provider nationwide because they only serve a very small portion of that country. To be included in a given geographic area, a fixed network must meet a minimum threshold based on the number of unique devices testing each day over a six month period. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. The President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan had a meeting with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit within the framework of the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27). As ARMENPRESS was informed from the office of the President of the Republic of Armenia, President Khachaturyan noted that Armenian-Arab relations have centuries-old history and are developing through political, economic and cultural multi-layered interaction. The President emphasized that relations with the Arab world are always among the priorities of Armenia's foreign policy. Ahmed Abul Gheit noted that in the Arab world, Armenia is a beloved partner and friend, with which they are ready to make maximum efforts to create closer interaction platforms. During the conversation, President Vahagn Khachaturyan expressed his concerns regarding a number of anti-Armenian and untrue episodes of the Azerbaijani president's speech at the recent Arab League summit, in which the Azerbaijani president tried to distort the content of the Karabakh conflict and present it as a religious conflict. The Armenian President stressed that Armenia has many friends in the Muslim world, the Republic of Armenia is a democratic country, where any manifestation of religious or any other discrimination, intolerance is excluded. The Secretary General of the League of Arab States emphasized that he is definitely interested in taking steps to smooth out misunderstandings as much as possible and contribute to ensuring the right of the Armenian side to presenting its own position. At the end of the conversation, an agreement was reached to continue the contacts. History erased: The Troxler cottage stood in the Quarter for almost 2 centuries YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. The President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan met with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades within the framework of the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27). As ARMENPRESS was informed from the office of the President of the Republic of Armenia, welcoming his Cypriot counterpart, President Khachaturyan noted that the relations between the two brotherly countries are based on strong historical, cultural and civilizational ties, which ensures the continuity of interstate relations and the willingness for their further expansion. The two presidents noted with satisfaction that the two countries have similar approaches to the problems in international relations, and also cooperate closely on various international platforms. In terms of further promoting political and sectoral cooperation, the need to establish permanent diplomatic missions in both countries was emphasized. The parties emphasized the Armenia-Greece-Cyprus tripartite cooperation based on common values, culture and heritage, and referred to the meeting scheduled in Yerevan in that format. This data includes personal data such as names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, Medicare numbers for ahm customers [not expiry dates], in some cases passport numbers for our international students [not expiry dates], and some health claims data. Medibank also expects the group to continue releasing files on the dark web. We will continue to work around the clock to inform customers of what data we believe has been stolen and any of their data included in the files on the dark web and provide advice on what customers should do, the insurer said. Medibank chief executive David Koczkar apologised for the latest developments. This is a criminal act designed to harm our customers and cause distress, he said. We take seriously our responsibility to safeguard our customers, and we stand ready to support them. One of those customers is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. His information was not included in the data made public by the hackers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised Medibank for not giving in to ransom demands. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen This is really tough for people. I am a Medibank Private customer as well, and it will be of concern that some of this information has been put out there, Albanese said at a press conference on Wednesday morning. Can I say this, though? The company has followed the guidelines effectively. The advice is to not engage in a ransom payment. If you go down this road, then you end up with more difficulties potentially across a wider range. Loading The details of Medibank customers were posted on a blog that has been linked to REvil, a ransomware gang with strong Russian links. UNSW Institute for Cyber Security Enterprise director Nigel Phair said the goal of these criminals was ultimately to make money from the data. This means the public dumping of all their information is unlikely. To me, theyre [acting like] the crack cocaine salesman by giving a little taste of what theyve got for free, he said. Phair said this leak might just be a final extortion attempt by the hackers before moving to the next step cashing in on using the data for identity fraud. [This] might also be a signal to other criminal groups that they actually do have the right data. And so, if they want to wholesale it with another criminal group, theyre actually proving their bona fides that they have actually got it. Theyre not just making it up. ONeil urged social media users not to republish anybodys leaked health information. I know you will not do that because that would be enabling and supporting the scumbags who are at the heart of these crimes, she said on Tuesday. The hackers warned early on Tuesday morning that they would release the data in 24 hours. It came one day after Medibank said it would not pay a ransom because that would encourage further crime. The group posted the first lists in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Looking back that data is stored not very understandable (sic) format (table dumps) well take some time to sort it out, they said. Well continue posting data partially, need some time to do it pretty. The hackers also appeared to have revealed screenshots of private messages recently exchanged between themselves and Medibank representatives. The first purported message is from October 19 when the original ransom note was sent. The final message is from November 7 when Medibank said it would not pay the ransom. Medibank has been contacted for confirmation that these messages are real. Loading Well continue posting data partially, including confluence [sic], source codes, list of stuff and some files obtained from medi filesystem [sic] from different hosts. Medibank revealed on Monday that the data of 9.7 million current and former customers was stolen by the hackers last month. The most serious breach was for about 500,000 customers who have had private health information stolen, including health claims and personal information. No credit card or banking details were accessed. On Tuesday, the ransomware group posted to its blog that data will be publish [sic] in 24 hours. P.S. I recommend to sell [sic] medibank stocks. Medibank has lost more than $1 billion in market value since the hacking incident, and its shares closed just short of two-year lows on Tuesday at $2.78. Australian Federal Police commissioner Reece Kershaw revealed at a Senate estimates hearing on Tuesday that the FBI is assisting the AFP in tracking down those behind the Medibank and Optus data breaches, saying the investigations would be long and complex. It was just a couple of weeks ago that Nova 100s breakfast show hosts Chrissie Swan, Sam Pang and Jonathan Brown triumphantly announced that they will be hanging up the mic in December after seven hugely successful years on air. But the latest radio ratings results suggest some listeners have been tuning out a little earlier. The Chrissie, Sam & Browny show has recorded a loss of around 15 per cent of its average audience in the months from August to October, when compared to the previous survey period. The drop (which is around 11,000 listeners in real terms) is the largest the show has recorded in any ratings period during the past year. Novas breakfast team of Chrissie Swan, Jonathan Brown and Sam Pang are hanging up the mic at the end of this year. Credit:Nova Ben Latimer, head of programming for Nova, says hes not concerned about the individual result and instead prefers to focus on broader trends. If you look at the year as a long line, it all averages out to where you would normally be ... Its fair to say theres been some fluctuations during the year in terms of average audience, but thats really across the board with all FM stations. Former lawn bowls club land handed back to Indigenous owners Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Storm havoc in Sydney Sydneys worst wind storm for several years swept through the Cronulla area yesterday, destroying three cottages and a hall and damaging at least 90 homes, the Herald reported. The wind is estimated to have reached 120 mph. With it across Port Hacking came what one eyewitness described as two strange walls of water and another as two cones of water. The damage was estimated at at least 60,000. Willy-willy takes house Mr John Wisely, 76, of Canterbury, New Zealand, was alone in his sons Darook Park Road house when the storm hit. The next thing I knew I was standing on the bare floor boards and being buffeted by the wind. The house and much of the furniture was gone. I saw the house rise up more than 50 feet and crash into the gardens of two houses more than 150 yards away. I cant get back to New Zealand fast enough. Mystery light in sky Three Sydney mayors demand talks with Prime Minister over resettlement of IS wives Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has defended a Liberal campaign advertisement empathising with anti-lockdown protesters and attacking Premier Daniel Andrews for implementing COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The advertisement, first published on social media on Saturday, asks viewers: Remember when we hit the streets to protest against Daniel Andrews world record lockdowns? Remember when Andrews forced us to get the jab or lose our job? Now even our own unions are admitting he is a prick. Guy, speaking in Shepparton on Tuesday after pledging to fast-track 50,000 housing lots in regional Victoria to improve housing affordability, said he thought a lot of Victorians agreed with the advertisement. And I think a lot of Victorians are worried about the conduct of the premier and the way we had playgrounds shut, for instance, without any evidence provided, and I think a lot of Victorians do associate with that, Guy said. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov held a meeting on 7 November 2022 in Washington DC, USA. November 8, 2022, 09:10 Armenian, Azerbaijani FMs agree to expedite negotiations and organize another meeting in coming weeks STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 8, ARTSAKHPRESS: The ministers were hosted at the Blair House where a joint meeting with the Secretary of State Antony Blinken also took place, the Armenian MFA said. The Ministers shared views on the elements of a possible peace treaty and acknowledged that there is a range of issues that still need to be addressed. Both sides reiterated the commitments undertaken by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in their meetings on October 6th in Prague and October 31st in Sochi. They agreed to expedite their negotiations and organize another meeting in the coming weeks. Both Ministers expressed their appreciation to the US side for hosting the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Each year we seem more comfortable discussing our experiences with mental health. RU OK? Day, Mental Health Week and various workplace events encourage us to speak up and ask for help. But as we know, help is not always available. And when it is available, it isnt always helpful. Each year we seem more comfortable discussing our experiences with mental health, but help is not always available. Credit:iStock Victorians know this better than most, after a royal commission last year found that Victorias mental health system systemically failed to help people in need. The royal commission laid out 74 recommendations for a better mental health system, and the Victorian government unveiled a $3.8 billion plan to fix the struggling system. So, the recommendations and renewed funding puts the issue to bed, right? Not quite. Recommendations written are not recommendations implemented, and there is more work to do beyond these. Direct. Unvarnished. Unapologetic. And with conviction. It is why she was both beloved and at times reviled. The thing about Alannah was her substance, and her passion. But by the end, always respected, even by her opponents. On Monday, Alannah announced her retirement from politics at years end. Yes, really this time. No third (or is it fourth? Fifth?) act. It has been a remarkable career, beginning at the old Perth city council in 1988, before the Richard Court government carved off Vincent, Cambridge and Victoria Park. In 1993 it was on to the Legislative Council in the state parliament, and then in 1996 the Assembly. She was the Minister for Transport, Planning and Infrastructure in the Gallop Government, the peak of her political powers and place of her signature achievement, the Perth-Mandurah rail line. After the Carpenter governments ouster in 2008, she briefly threw her hat in the ring to lead the Opposition but withdrew when it became apparent she did not have factional support. Caucus preferred Eric Ripper. In 2009 and in opposition she stepped away from state politics to have a crack at Canberra. Her 2010 political dogfight with wily Liberal marginal seat warhorse Don Randall for the south-eastern suburbs seat of Canning, which took in her state patch of Armadale, was one of the most fun campaigns I have ever covered. Mactiernan during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra in 2014. Credit:Photo: Alex Ellinghausen In the end, Randall withstood a 2.2 point swing to prevail, regarding it as the proudest victory of his political career. Why? Because he had never faced an opponent as tough as Alannah. But that was hardly the end of her. The following year she got herself elected as mayor of inner city Vincent. The Canberra itch was not yet scratched and after publicly flirting with the notion for months, ended up replacing the retiring Stephen Smith in the federal seat of Perth at the 2013 federal poll which saw Kevin Rudd dispatched by Tony Abbott. The Opposition backbench was a lonely and at times frustrating place to be after so long wielding executive power and she retired after a single term. Then came the second chapter in state politics, deployed as Mark McGowans secret campaign weapon in Perths northern suburbs in the 2017 state election campaign that made him Premier. The thing about Alannah was her substance, and her passion. Its easy to regard cynically a three-decade political career, but Alannah was no time server. She was there to get things done, and she cared about policy. Even if that conviction put her at odds with her stakeholders or herself in hot water. At the time of that F-bomb conversation in 2004, MacTiernan was up to her neck in the Mandurah rail project. Alannah MacTiernan with Mark McGowan and Amber-Jade Sanderson. It was the states most expensive infrastructure project ever and she was squaring off against the hard nosed boss of Leighton Contractors Wal King over the troubled city tunnel section of the project King insisted the job was hit with technical problems and wanted the government to pay more. Alannah was telling him publicly and privately to get stuffed and the whole thing ended up in court, but it was great fodder. After she acknowledged once losing her licence for drink-driving, Geoff Gallop stripped her of her road safety responsibilities in her transport portfolio, and The Wests legendary cartoonist Dean Alston who already poked fun at her distinctive hairstyle of the time began drawing her with a wine glass. Once, she complained: big mistake. Alston never drew her without the wine glass for two decades hence. As a local government and urban affairs reporter in that period, all of the issues I covered ran through her portfolio, whether it was the contentious Perry Lakes redevelopment, oceanfront highrise battles, or anything to do with housing or planning or transport. She could bite your head off if she thought you were wrong or unfair and at times perhaps we were. At one point I unearthed a story about how the pilings used in construction of the rail tunnel were going to be reused as a towering public art project adorning the tunnels dive structure on the foreshore. Loading The newspaper ran the story under the headline, ALANNAHS PILES. The sculpture never eventuated. But she also invested time in you if she thought you were serious about policy and curious to learn. She invited me for coffee at a cafe in Claisebrook to explain the origins of the original East Perth Redevelopment Authority while sketching her vision for the future of a denser, more connected Perth. She was a champion for alternative construction materials in new homes, believing Perths love affair with double brick was costing first home owners too much. She was unapologetic about advocating for public and affordable housing in apartment developments in ritzy suburbs and the waterfront. And she championed density, which made her public enemy no.1 in the leafy western suburbs and at times butted heads over sprawl with the likes of powerful housing interests like Nigel Satterley. The history is why I found Satterleys comments the other week to WAtodays Hamish Hastie who reported on the fact Alannah had accepted $10,000 worth of footy tickets in Satterleys corporate box so amusing. These events are purely social occasions, a Satterley flack-catcher said. Alannah is a long-term friend of Nigel. Not always. She was a bete noire for another tycoon, Len Buckeridge, when she cancelled his Kwinana port contract and tussled over his brickworks. MacTiernan announcing the government had terminated a funding agreement with Carnegie Clean Energy. Credit:Fairfax Media As Planning and Infrastructure Minister under Gallop in the 2000s she kickstarted a process to shift WAs main container port from Fremantle to Cockburn Sound. Nearly 20 years later it remains Labor policy but has not yet progressed beyond the planning stage. As Agriculture Minister under McGowan, she was greeted by farmers first with suspicion and then hostility. She never wavered from her view that the live export industry was animal cruelty, then declared an outbreak of foot and mouth would not be a catastrophe, instead arguing the decimation of export markets might result in cheaper meat and dairy for local consumers. That, it is believed, cost her some skin with McGowan, but on Monday he paid tribute to an extraordinary political career. Through it all, she worked hard including through chemotherapy for breast cancer in 2019 and played hard along the way too. She says shes not cut out for retirement, and will no doubt find something meaningful to do because there are so many issues that Im interested in. Singapore: Foreign Minister Penny Wong has spoken to Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the third time in five months, paving the way for a meeting between Xi Jinping and Anthony Albanese at the G20. The two leaders are expected to cross paths at the meeting of the worlds 20 largest economies in Bali next week after three years of tension dominated by trade strikes, disputes over COVID-19 and human rights. Chinas and Australias foreign ministers Wang Yi and Penny Wong. Credit:AP/Getty But Chinas Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the relationship had seen positive changes in recent times. China and Australia should gradually address each others legitimate concerns, the Foreign Ministry quoted Wang as telling Wong on Tuesday evening. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed the support of the United States to the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan. November 8, 2022, 10:29 30-plus years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh have had tremendous human, material costs Blinken STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 8, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: Before the trilateral meeting with the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers in Washington D.C., Blinken delivered remarks, stating that direct dialogue is the best way to a truly durable peace. The United States is committed to the peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Direct dialogue is the best way to a truly durable peace, and we are very pleased to support that. The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial independence of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the 1991 restoration of independence was a vitally important moment in guaranteeing the rights of both countries, rights that we strongly support. I think its also fair to say that 30-plus years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh have had tremendous human, material costs lives lost, scars that are deep. But 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. Both countries are working to that end and to, ultimately, a brighter future for the South Caucasus a future of peace, countries at peace, countries working together for a better future, the Secretary of State said. He added that 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; to walk the path to a durable peace with you, to help in any way that we can. The Wyoming Republican Party finished training 200 Poll Watchers on Wednesday who will be deployed to over 150 Wyoming polling locations on November 8th. In addition to serving at the polls on Election Day, Republican Poll Watchers are observing early voting centers in those counties offering early, in-person voting. Some will observe the advance preparation and processing of absentee ballots at court houses in counties that have elected to take advantage of the new law that codified the 2020 practice under an emergency directive by former Secretary of State Ed Buchanan. Counties must notify Secretary of State Karl Allred of their intentions to prepare absentee and early vote ballots prior to Election Day. Poll Watchers will also be present as County Clerks tabulate those ballots on Tuesday. Wyoming Republican Party Chairman Frank Eathorne in 2020 named an Election Integrity and Security Committee, co-chaired by Rick Martin, Albany County and Marti Halverson, Lincoln County. Republican Poll watching efforts began in earnest at the 2020 general election. Wyoming poll watchers in 2022 join over 70,000 Republican poll watchers serving across the country. The nation-wide effort comes after a federal judge in 2019 lifted a 38-year consent decree against the Republican National Committee. Under that decree, Republicans were severely restricted in their election day operations. Violations of the decree could have resulted in contempt. All 50 State Republican parties began tentative poll watching efforts in 2020. In the last two years, Republicans have refined the training and increased their recruitment of observers. Martin and Halverson, with the Partys attorney, adapted the Wyoming Poll Watching training materials originally produced by the RNC. They conducted six training sessions prior to the 2022 August primary election, and six in advance of next weeks general election. Of almost 300 poll watching volunteers, 200 have completed the training. County party chairmen will certify their poll watchers to their County Clerks, as required by law. For almost 40 years Democrats have had election oversight all to themselves. In two years, Republicans have made great strides in catching up, Halverson said. We certainly do not have the same concerns or problems that some other states have. Our efforts here in Wyoming only seek to inject a little more transparency in our election processes and applications. Poll watcher trainings were also attended by many election judges and several county clerks. It can only benefit Wyoming candidates and voters when everyone involved has the same goal of well-run, transparent elections, Co-chairman Martin said. In 2020, our presence was new and unexpected. We received a rocky reception in a few areas. Happily, this has been mostly resolved. As a result of its efforts, the EI&S Committee has identified several needed legislative fixes, such as requiring an ID to procure an absentee ballot. After the general election, the Party will be working with the Secretary of State and legislators to close some gaps in the law. Wyoming can become the gold standard for election security, said Halverson. The Wyoming Republican Party is happy to be doing its part. Press Release November 8, 2022 PINUNO FILES RESO COMMENDING DAGUPAN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOR WINNING 'WORLD'S BEST SCHOOL' PRIZE FOR RESTORING MANGROVES PINUNO Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid filed a resolution congratulating and commending Dagupan's Bonuan Boquig National High School (BBNHS) for winning the 2022 World's Best School Prize for environmental action. In filing Senate Resolution (P.S. Res.) No. 278, Lapid recognized the efforts of the Pangasinan public high school to restore lost mangroves and reverse the environmental devastation caused by the 2009 Typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana) to local communities. "Binabati ko ang mga mag-aaral at guro mula sa BBNHS sa inyong prestihiyosong karangalan at pagkilalang natanggap. Ako ay naniniwala na ang inyong kadalubhasaan at makabagong mga kasanayan sa edukasyon ay magsisilbing inspirasyon sa iba pang mga paaralan at guro upang mapabuti pa ang kalidad ng edukasyon, sa loob at labas ng bansa," Lapid said. Lapid cited in his resolution that the BBNHS has been a fierce advocate of the environment, educating their students on the importance of environmental preservation and protection, and has started many projects for their students to participate in and learn from. The Senator also highlighted the school's efforts in partnering with their local communities to get them engaged in their advocacy for the environment, equipping them with the necessary knowledge that they can help spread and pass on to the next generation of Filipinos. "Napakagandang hakbang na nakikipagtulungan ang ating mga paaralan sa kanilang mga lokal na komunidad para mas mapaigting pa ang kanilang mga adbokasiya para sa kapaligiran," Lapid added. The Philippine school bested international finalists such as the International School of Zug & Luzern in Switzerland, and the Green School of Bali in Indonesia, along with other competing schools from Argentina, Canada, Columbia, Greece, Malawi, Palestine and the United Arab Emirates. BBNHS was announced the winner of the education award via a live-streamed ceremony last October 14, where they were presented the award alongside the four other schools who won awards in different categories. The World's Best School Prizes is hosted by T4 Education, a global education organization that aims to recognize the excellence and dedication of schools from all over the world who go the extra mile for the sake of transforming the lives of their students and the generations to come. The Israeli embassy in Baku congratulated Azerbaijan on "victory day." November 8, 2022, 14:05 Israeli embassy congratulates Azerbaijan on 'Victory Day' STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 8, ARTSAKHPRESS: According to media reports, in a Twitter post, the embassy congratulated Azerbaijan on "victory day" and wished "the entire region peace, prosperity and a future full of hope." "Victory" refers to the outcome of the aggressive war unleashed by Azerbaijan and Turkey against Artsakh and Armenia in the fall of 2020. Thus, Israel expressed its support for the aggression and attempted ethnic cleansing against Armenians. Such support for genocidal policies seems more than strange from a Jewish Holocaust survivor. 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. Turkey reiterated its full and unconditional support for Azerbaijan. November 8, 2022, 17:02 Turkey voices its full and unconditional support for Azerbaijan STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 8, ARTSAKHPRESS: According to media reports, in a publication, the Turkish Foreign Ministry congratulated Azerbaijan "on the occasion of November 8 - Victory Day." "Turkey will continue to act in full solidarity and coordination with Azerbaijan to enhance security, stability and cooperation throughout the South Caucasus, including the reconstruction and rehabilitation of lands liberated from occupation," the publication said, News.am informs. Thus, Turkey, with whose full support Azerbaijan unleashed aggressive war against Artsakh and Armenia in autumn of 2020, has reiterated its readiness to support any aggression of Azerbaijan. Turkey, a member of the NATO bloc, is supplying offensive weapons to Azerbaijan. And it was Turkey that organized the transfer of mercenaries and terrorists from the Middle East to the war zone in Nagorno-Karabakh. People's Liberation Army soldiers at the Shek Kong barrackspart of the Hong Kong garrisonon June 30, 2017. (Dale De La Rey/AFP via Getty Images) 31 Chinese Military Personnel Trained in UK Over 4 Years: Minister Thirty-one Chinese military personnel attended training courses in the UK in the years between 2016 and 2020, while British personnel gave nine training sessions in China since 2014, a UK government minister revealed on Nov. 7. Responding to written questions from a number of MPs, Armed Forces minister James Heappey said that the training didnt include any sensitive information and that there had been no training since 2020. Robert Clark, director of the Defence and Security Unit at think tank Civitas, said that although the minister said the training sessions didnt breach the Official Secrets Act, they are not compatible with British national security, and those of our allies. It comes after the revelation that Chinas Communist Party-controlled Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) has been recruiting Western military pilots, including retired British pilots. Clark told The Epoch Times that the training of Chinese personnel is incompatible with the UKs defence strategy, while U. S. China expert, Epoch Times contributor Rick Fisher said the headhunting of Western military personnel is one of the purest forms of espionage. Official Training Programmes Asked whether any Chinese military personnel have attended training courses in the UK during the past five years, Heappey told the Defence Committees Conservative Chair Tobias Ellwood that 31 Chinese students have attended a total of 15 courses at British Armed Forces establishments including the Defence Academy, RAF Cranwell, and Royal Military Academy Sandhurst between 2016 and 2020. Responding to a separate question from Labours shadow defence secretary John Healey regarding training provided in China by British training staff in the past 10 years, Heappey listed nine training sessions, covering areas including language, medical training, mountain rescue service, and foot drill instruction for the Hong Kong Police between 2016 and 2017. Heappey said these sessions didnt include any sensitive information and that no training was provided, either in the UK or in China, since the last courses in 2020. But Ellwood told The Times of London that it doesnt mean there is nothing to see here. Of course they dont have access to classified information. The problem isnt so much that. It is the connections they make, the understanding of our protocols and doctrines, and the fact they could potentially recruit others for the future, the MP said. Its unclear why there has been no military training provided to Chinese personnel since 2020. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in August 2020 that its annual offer to train one person from the Hong Kong Police Force was halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but a spokesperson also told The Epoch Times at the time that the offer will be reevaluated when restrictions are lifted. In a written statement sent to The Epoch Times, Clark welcomed Heappeys statement that the training opportunities have ceased, and he urged the government to make sure that it follows through with the rhetoric. Retired UK Military Pilots In October, UK media quoted unnamed officials as saying the PLA had been headhunting serving and retired British military pilots with lucrative remuneration, and that around 30 former pilots were successfully recruited. Heappey said at the time that the MoD had approached those who were involved and warned them against continuing their involvement. It came days before Australian citizen, former U.S. Marine fighter pilot, and flight instructor Daniel Edmund Duggan was arrested on Oct. 21 after a warrant was issued by the United States for his provisional arrest. It isnt known what Duggan is alleged to have done as the court documents, arrest warrant, and charges have been sealed. Reuters alleged that Duggans arrest was related to his work in China, citing an aviation source, while Duggans lawyer declined to comment. Planes from the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) air force fly in formation in Beijing on Oct. 1, 2019. (Wang He/Getty Images) British Conservative MP Julian Sturdy asked the MoD what it plans to do with former British pilots involved in training PLA personnel. In response, Heappey wrote on Nov. 7 that the department has no evidence that anyone has breached the high threshold of the Officials Secrets Act. Heappey said the MoD wouldnt hesitate to bring criminal charges if any evidence emerges. He also said the department is actively taking measures to deter future recruitment as well as engaging with the individuals already involved. The minister told Sturdy and Ellwood that the governments new National Security Bill is expected to capture a range of relevant activity and deal with the wider changing threat. Clark told The Epoch Times that while Heappey said the Official Secrets Act wasnt breached, training of the Chinese military personnel still leaves much under the threshold which can still compromise national security. At the least, aiding China militarily significantly compromises the findings of last years Integrated Review, let alone in accordance with the likely soon-to-be readjusted security tone towards China by the British government, he said. Instances like this are not compatible with British national security, and those of our allies. The Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, published in March 2021 by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government, described communist-ruled China as a systemic competitor while calling Russia the most acute threat. Downing Street in October said Johnsons successor Liz Truss had commissioned an update to the strategy, while Tom Tugendhat, who was appointed security minister by Truss and kept in the post by current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, confirmed on Nov. 1 that China has become a long-term strategic threat to the UK. One of the Purest Forms of Espionage Fisher, a senior fellow at U.S.-based thank tank International Assessment and Strategy Center, said that Chinas purchase of British and American military personnel for training is one of the purest forms of espionage as well as constituting a forced British and American subsidy for Chinas military buildup. In an email to The Epoch Times, Fisher also said the British and U.S. military pilots who took up the lucrative training jobs in China are worse than mercenaries as their own training has costed taxpayers millions of dollars. They are traitors, as the skills they are giving to Chinese pilots and others are helping them to kill Taiwanese, Americans, and Japanese in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the China expert warned, adding the UK and the United States should return the favour and encourage the defections of Chinese military personnel. Victoria Kelly-Clark contributed to this report. A Chick-fil-A restaurant in Miami, Florida, is pioneering a 3-day work week and has already seen staff satisfaction, retention, and applications for new roles soar. Since February 2022, the Miami eatery, run by operator Justin Lindsey, has divided its staff into two pods, each responsible for three 13- to 14-hour shifts per week across six operational days. Every month, each employee is also entitled to seven days off in a row. 18 store leaders and 20 front-line workers have opted in so far. Since February, the Miami site has maintained 100 percent retention at the management level, and a recent job listing for a 3-day position attracted over 420 applicants. Lindsey said he implemented the 3-day work week after staff made light-hearted jokes about being tired. I realized Im asking a ton of these folks. Theyre literally working 70 hours a week, week in and week out, Lindsey told QSR magazine. Im truly, from the bottom of my heart, Im doing this because I think its the right thing to do. (Illustration Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images) He admits that it would have been easier not to change anything, but the benefits have been tangible. I saw us flip the switch and go to this program and build this structure into it, and employees were energized, excited and goal-focused, and driven, Lindsey said. The operators experiment was driven by Chick-fil-A employees from the outset. The decision to trial the 3-day work week was implemented after surveys and interviews were conducted with existing staff about their job satisfaction and work-life balance. Since the change, the team is closer and pods are even tighter-knit, according to Lindsey. Theres even healthy competition between them for inspections and service timings. Working fewer but longer shifts allows individuals to shine. Lindsey said: Youre there with that same group of people for 13, 14 hours a day were going to able to see where the opportunities are and really work through them. At the same time, well be able to capitalize on seeing when somebody is really knocking the ball out of the park and say, Okay, what do we need to do to get this person moved up in the ranks?' (Illustration Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) The 3-day work regime has also boosted sales. The Miami eatery is looking set to reap $17 million in sales for the 2022 financial year. The Chick-fil-A franchise has long held the policy of closing on Sundays, but Lindseys is the first site to implement the 3-day work week. The franchise at large doesnt yet plan to use the model for its other locations, but Lindsey is optimistic. I think people want to work in this industry, he said, [b]ut they want some things to change, and I think thats what this has shown there are things that, if we change it for the better, were going to make a lasting impact. 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 Arizona County Cannot Hand Count All Ballots, Judge Rules Ahead of Midterms County officials are not allowed to order a full hand count of ballots cast in the 2022 midterm elections, a judge ruled on Nov. 7. Two members of the Cochise County Board of Supervisors recently approved a plan for a 100 percent county wide audit of the election, saying the hand count would enhance voter confidence. They were sued by the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, a nonprofit that said the plan violated state law governing hand counts. Pima County Superior Court Judge Casey McGinley agreed, ruling that A.R.S. 16-602 does not permit an election official to conduct a hand count of manual audit starting with and consisting solely of 100% of the ballots cast in an election, rather than by using the increments of ballots established by statute. While hand counts of electronically tabulated results are required by state law, the law forces officials to randomly select a portion of the ballots, not count each ballot that was cast, McGinley said. A full count is allowed only if there is a difference between the two sets of results. The Boards Action therefore requires election officials to audit ballots in a manner not permitted by law, the judge said. He ordered election officials in Cochise County to follow state law, as opposed to the boards resolution, when it performs hand counts. The Pima County judge received the case because it involves Cochise County board supervisors. That is typical in cases involving the supervisors, according to the board. What we intended to do was legal and if I can find the will in other key participants and way to do it, I will proceed, Cochise County Supervisors Peggy Judd told The Epoch Times via email. Pima County is our most liberal county in Arizona. It was in our judges DNA to side with the plaintiff. Our attorneys presented the best defense that could be had and we lost due to political bias. Hand counting is as American as apple pie. I am extremely blessed to be serving alongside visionaries, statesmen, and defenders of truth from our county and beyond that have our backs all the way. I am not licking wounds today and I assure you, they are not either. Judd approved the hand count plan with fellow supervisor Tom Crosby. The ruling means that its illegal to check the accuracy of your voting machines, Crosby told The Epoch Times in an email. Saundra Cole, president of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans Arizona chapter, said in a statement that the ruling is a big win for all voters in Cochise County, particularly older voters who are more likely to vote early in Arizona. The office of Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, also celebrated the decision as a win for Arizonas voters. Drastic changes to election processes, especially during an election, would create chaos and confusion, Allie Bones, deputy secretary of state, said in a statement. In an earlier motion to dismiss the case, Cochise County Recorder David Stevens said that the plan will merely serve as an additional confirmation of the accuracy of that process, consistent with Defendants legitimate interests in safeguarding our elections and reinforcing public confidence in the elections process. The expanded hand count was legal under the law, he said. Crosby and Judd, both Republicans, approved the plan to count all ballots in October. Democrat supervisor Ann English opposed it. Crosby and Judd later said the count would only involve certain races. Their plan was supported by Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican whose office said the plan was legal. Cochise County hand-counted about 1,100 votes in the 2022 primary election in one day, and about 1,700 in the 2020 presidential election across two days. The most recent count matched with the electronic tabulation. The 2020 count was within the variance outlined by the Arizona secretary of states office. Editors Note: This story has been updated with comments from Peggy Judd and Tom Crosby. People run after an attack near Syria's northwestern city of Idlib, on Nov. 6, 2022, in a still from video. (White Helmets via Reuters/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) At Least 9 Dead After Russian Jets Hit Syrias Rebel-Held Idlib, Rescuers Say AMMANRussian jets bombed camps near Syrias northwestern city of Idlib on Sunday, killing at least nine civilians in a flare-up of attacks on the last opposition-held bastion, witnesses and rescuers said. War planes flying at high altitude, aided by Syrian army artillery, also dropped bombs on forests near the makeshift camps west of Idlib, witnesses said. No immediate comment was available from Russia or its allies in the Syrian army, which says it targets the hideouts of insurgent groups and denies attacking civilians. The opposition civil defense service said three children and a woman were among those killed in the strikes on the crowded camps where more than 70 people were wounded and rushed to field hospitals. There are no military bases or warehouses or rebel barracks here. Only civilians, Seraj Ibrahim, a rescuer with the Western-backed White Helmets organization, said when reached by phone. More than 4 million people live in the densely populated opposition-held northwest area along the Turkish border. Most of them were driven there by successive Russian-led campaigns that regained territory seized by rebels. Opposition sources said a coalition of armed groups led by Hayat Tahrir al Sham organization and another led by mainstream Turkish-backed rebels retaliated by attacking several major Syrian army outposts in the region. Syrian air forces struck a drones facility and a militant training camp in northwest Syria in response to earlier attacks by armed insurgents, Russias state-owned news agency TASS reported on Sunday. Syrian state media did not report any fighting. The Russian defense ministry on Friday said it had information that insurgents it describes as terrorists operating in the Idlib region were plotting an attack on the main Russian air base of Hmeimim in the coastal province of Latakia with the use of unmanned suicide drones. Russian jets last month hit areas under the control of Hayat Tahrir al Sham after a bout of fighting among rival rebel forces in the northwest in renewed strikes that shattered a relative lull in raids since earlier this year. The region has been hit by sporadic shelling from Syrian army outposts against frontlines. Rebels have shelled areas under their control. A deal brokered nearly three years ago between Russia, which backs Syrian President Bashar al Assads forces, and Turkey, which supports opposition groups, ended fighting that had displaced more than a million people within a few months. With the help of Russia and Iran, Assad has turned the tide of a war that has lasted more than a decade and regained most of the territory he lost to rebels. By Suleiman Al-Khalidi The Vatican is ready to play the role of mediator in talks between Moscow and Kiev and offer its territory as a neutral venue for peace talks in which other parties, in particular the US and the EU, could also take part, the La Stampa newspaper reported on Tuesday, Tass informs. November 8, 2022, 17:22 Vatican ready to offer its turf for talks on Ukraine STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 8, ARTSAKHPRESS: Reportedly, this willingness became known after a meeting between Pope Francis and French President Emmanuel Macron on October 24. On Sunday, the pontiff, speaking about the Ukrainian crisis, pointed out that "the Vatican is constantly closely monitoring" the development of the situation, with the Holy See doing everything necessary and achieving much. In particular, he said, "there are efforts in progress to bring [the positions] closer together, to find solutions, and the Holy See is doing what it has to do." According to Francis, the Vatican "has held many confidential meetings that have yielded good results." The Vatican has repeatedly stressed the Holy See's readiness to do everything possible to establish a dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. However, on November 4, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said that there was no progress in the matter suggested by the French president on involving the Pope in the mediation of the negotiation process between Moscow and Kiev. Amy Parmenter of the Giants embraces her grandmother Kathy after entering the court together before the round eight Super Netball match between GWS Giants and NSW Swifts at Ken Rosewall Arena, in Sydney, Australia, on May 8, 2022. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Australians Outraged at Schools Renaming Grandparents as Grandfriends The decision by a growing number of schools in New South Wales (NSW) to rename Grandparents Day to Grandfriends Day to be more inclusive has upset and disappointed many Australians. Ian Barnett, the founder of the National Grandparent Movement, said rather than being inclusive, the decision excluded one of the most significant groups in the family. Its strange to do it, and I dont know the reasoning behind it either, he told Nines Today show. Grandparents day is an opportunity for children to invite their grandparents to join them at school and celebrate their contributions and importance. Many primary schools, including Spring Farm, Concord, Drummoyne, and Newtown, have changed the annual events name. However, by renaming the event, Barnett said the implication was that the next step was for parents to become friends. I can understand maybe they want to make it easier for others to come on board, but even little ones who have lost their grandparents do have others in their life that take on the role of a grandparent, Barnett said. Its such a significant phrase and concept, and its disappointing to actually think that we can no longer use that and were changing into something like grandfriends. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet addresses media at Smalls Road Public School in Sydney, Australia, on June 22, 2022. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) Move Labelled Ridiculous NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet criticised the move as ridiculous. We should be acknowledging our grandparents, grandmothers, our grandfathers; they do a wonderful job, particularly now with busy parents, balancing work and family life and juggling kids, he told the Daily Telegraph. One Nation MP and chairman of the NSW parliamentary education committee Mark Latham said grandparents of students at Spring Farm Public School had contacted him about their complaints on the name change. What exactly is a Grandfriend? A term nobody has heard of, he wrote on a post on Facebook. Why have grandparents been rubbed out in the new, silly, woke world of Spring Farm Public School near Camden in Sydney? Latham said the school was undoubtedly worried about offending someone unspecified, which was totally unwarranted. Parents and grandparents at the school have complained, and I dont blame them, he said. Its an insult to grandparents and the wonderful love and support they provide. President Joe Biden speaks during a rally for gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore and the Democratic Party on the eve of the midterm elections, at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md., on Nov. 7, 2022. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Avoids Public Election Day Appearance, Shares Private Calls With Democrats President Joe Biden does not plan to make a public appearance as voters head to polls to vote in the midterm election, according to the White House. Biden had no public events on his schedule and the White House called a lid at approximately 11:25 a.m. A lid means no appearances from a president are expected for the day, though a lid can be lifted. Biden did tape an interview with the D.L. Hughley Show on Tuesday morning. He discussed his administrations accomplishments with regard to the black community. That interview was set to air on stations in various states in the afternoon. Biden also received the presidential daily brief, dropped in on a virtual Democratic National Committee phone bank to thank staff and volunteers, and spoke by phone with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison, Democratic Governors Association Chairman Roy Cooper, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.), and DNC senior adviser Cedric Richmond. Late Monday, Biden told reporters he was optimistic about the midterms, though he conceded it was unlikely Democrats keep control of the House. I think its going to be tough but I think we can. I think well win the Senate. I think the House is tougher, Biden said, adding that if Republicans gain control of Congress, it will make his life more difficult. Biden said during a rally in Maryland earlier in the day that our lifetimes are going to be shaped by what happens the next year to three years and encouraged them to vote for Democrats. He also said that if Democrats get more seats in the Senate and keep the House, they would codify Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that concluded access to abortion was a constitutional right. The court struck down the ruling over the summer. Many political forecasters project Republicans taking back the House, though prognosticators are less certain about the upper chamber, which currently has a 5050 split. Vice President Kamala Harris can cast tiebreaking votes, so Democrats have a slim majority. Biden would have a full schedule here at the White House on Tuesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday. The White House expected, but could not promise, that Biden would address the election on Nov. 9. Presidents traditionally hold a press conference after the midterms to answer questions. Biden rarely holds press briefings, and Jean-Pierre declined to commit to Biden holding a post-election briefing. Youre going to hear from the President. He always enjoys taking your questions, Jean-Pierre said. He is going to address the American people. Hes going to be clear about whats on his mind. Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, voted in person in Florida, telling reporters that he voted for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a potential primary rival in the 2024 election. Trump told reporters he was looking forward to seeing them at Mar-a-Lago, his Palm Beach resort, where hes said he will make a big announcement on Nov. 15. Governments, medical authorities, media outlets, Big Pharma, and Big Tech colluded to censor medical professionalswith differing views on COVID-19 scienceby deploying a range of tactics, including suppression of academic journals and online censorship, a new study confirms. The study, Censorship and Suppression of Covid-19 Heterodoxy: Tactics and Counter-Tactics, found well-known scientists and doctors were forced to find ways to circumvent this censorship and get the word out. Together the five researchers behind the study said there were attempts to silence prominent medical experts on issues such as the origins of SARS-CoV-2, mask mandates, the efficacy of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, the usefulness of lockdowns and restrictions, the effectiveness of vaccines, and whether vaccine mandates and passports were appropriate. This censorship targeted well-credentialed, highly accomplished mainstream doctors and scientists, not fringe figures. Many of them leading experts working in prestigious universities and/or hospitals, some of whom have authored books and published dozens or even hundreds of papers and whose studies have been widely cited, the paper said. The study involved long-form interviews with 13 doctors from different countries worldwide. Broad Range of Tactics Used to Maintain the Consensus The range of tactics deployed to censor health experts was unprecedented compared to the suppression of dissenting viewpoints in other areas like fluoridation, environmental studies, and AIDS science. Some experts said media outlets stopped interviewing them for comment and claimed they were defamed while being slapped with labels such as anti-vaxxer, COVID denier, misinformation spreaders, or conspiracy theorist. Further, some reported having their social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Google, and LinkedIn taken down. One expert says they even experienced censorship on Google Docs. Google Docs started restricting and censoring my ability to share documents This is an organisation telling me that I cannot send a private communication to a colleague or to a friend, or to a family member, the expert told researchers. Parents, teachers, and students protest mask and vaccine mandates in Temecula, Calif., on Feb. 22, 2022. (Courtesy of Stephanie Dawson) Medical experts also reported being suppressed by the academic and medical communities. One doctors name appeared on the website of his countrys Ministry of Healthout of 55,000 physicianssaying he was distributing disinformation. There was a concerted effort to ruin my reputation even though, this is unbelievable, they [the hospital where I work] had the lowest death rate basically in the world, he told researchers. Other experts reported receiving warnings or being dismissed from prestigious committee positions without transparency. While some faced official inquiries for the removal of their medical license or multi-million-dollar lawsuits from the countrys health department. Journal articles were also pulled from publication or rejected without peer review. One doctor said the police suddenly arrived at his home clinic. The [medical board] showed up unexpectedly one day without a warrant to search my house, which was listed in their records as my office, to do a medical office inspection, which doesnt require a warrant [in my country], he said. Big Tech a Major Player in Censorship Another key feature of the silencing of the medical profession was the role played by Big Tech. One example cited by the study was the down-ranking of the website of the Great Barrington Declaration by Google. The Declaration argued against lockdowns and was started by three epidemiologists at Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford university on October 2020it has been signed by over 54,000 notable scientists and doctors. To reduce exposure, Google altered its search algorithm, while Facebook deleted the Declaration founders accounts. Facebook, Google, and Twitter logos are seen in this combination photo. (Reuters) Another example occurred in 2021 when LinkedIn and Twitter both removed the accounts of Dr. Robert Malone, an internationally renowned virologist involved in the development of mRNA vaccines. This heavy censorship was done with the encouragement of governments, which cooperated with tech companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google, the study said. In March 2022, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on the tech giants to report health misinformation and step up efforts to remove it. At the same time, the study said the influence of pharmaceutical firms on public discourse was self-evident. One of the main unresolved COVID-19 controversies is related to early treatment with repurposed drugs, and it has been claimed that highly unusual measures were taken to prevent physicians from using them. Characteristics of Censorship The researchers said all the tactics used against medical professionals were consistent with the five characteristics of censorship identified in earlier studies. The first was to cover up any evidence of censorship. The researchers said fact-checkers deployed by media outlets were a common way to achieve this. By posing as an independent, third-party fact checker, a health professional could easily be discredited while masking the real source behind censorship. Second, devaluation involves smear campaigns or dismissing a person from an official position as a way to deflect attention from the substance of an alternative viewpoint and instead focus attention on the individual. The third was reinterpretation or reframing any move to censor as a means of protecting the public from misinformation. The fourth involves using official channels to silence dissident medical experts via formal proceedings like investigations, withdrawal of their medical licenses, lawsuits, or police searches. All the above tactics were deployed with the motivation of intimidating the medical expert into silence. Yet the censored individuals were still determined to circumvent all the tactics and expose the censorship, with the paper stating there were too many alternative communication options available. Some of the respondents noted that they are working to establish new alternative platforms and organisations dedicated to developing and providing health information and medical treatmentsincluding new journals and non-profits, instead of the existing ones, which they claim have failed and disappointed. Election Day 2022 is nearly upon us. Former senior White House official Peter Navarro joins us to assess Tuesdays midterm elections. We ask him about key races to watch, from state and local races to the federal House and Senate. The economy is said to be the number one issue for voters. What will that mean for the candidates from both parties? We sat down with former Congressman Dave Brat to discuss. On the top of the list for most voters will be the economy. However, social issues will also play a major role. Mathew Peterson, co-founder of digital platform New Founding, sits down with us to discuss some of the top social issues concerning Americans across the country. Follow CapitolReport on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/capitolreport Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CapitolReport/ Gettr https://gettr.com/user/capitolreport Follow EpochTV on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV * Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List. BUY Jan 6 DVD: The Real Story of Jan. 6 Documentary102 Minutes, Color), Promo Code [Steve] for 20% off. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City on Sept. 23, 2022. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images) China Bolsters Cooperation With Pakistan, Offers Major Financial Package Chinese leader Xi Jinping has assured Pakistans leader that his government will continue to support Pakistan in stabilizing its financial situation and inject new impetus into their strategic partnership. Xi made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Nov. 2. The two leaders issued a joint statement pledging to expand their socio-economic cooperation. Xi urged to advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and make it an exemplar of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, according to a statement issued by Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders discussed mutual cooperation in all areas of bilateral relations, especially #CPEC projects and agreed to further strengthen strategic partnership.#PMShehbazinChina pic.twitter.com/NdKp6nmkXW Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) November 2, 2022 Both sides agreed to expedite the construction of the Gwadar seaport in Pakistans Balochistan province, as well as the development of Pakistans Main Line-1 (ML-1) project and Karachi Circular Railway project. China supports its provinces with a strong industry in pairing up with Pakistani partners to advance industrial cooperation, and hopes the Pakistani side will provide a sound business environment, Xi said. For his part, Sharif said that Pakistan would stand ready to work with China, saying that the world cannot operate without China and Chinas development cannot be isolated or contained by any force. The $60 billion CPEC is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road) launched by Xi in 2013. Other countries, including the United States, have criticized the BRI infrastructure program as a debt trap for smaller nations. China Offers Financial Bailout Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that China has agreed to roll over $4 billion in sovereign loans, refinance $3.3 billion in commercial bank loans, and increase currency swap by about $1.45 billion following the leaders meeting. Dar said that Pakistan would also receive $4.2 billion from Saudi Arabia, which would include a $3 billion financial package and a $1.2 billion deferred oil facility, ARY News reported. China and Saudi Arabia have given assurances to Pakistani delegations under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during recent visits that they will take care of Islamabads financial requirements till June 2023, he told reporters on Nov. 5. Commenting on Dars claims, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that China has supported Pakistans efforts to achieve financial stability within the scope of our capability and will continue to do so. Pakistan has an external debt of over $130 billion, $30 billion of which is owed to China. Pakistan has asked China to roll over its $6.3 billion debt that is due to mature in the next eight months, The Indian Express reported. The country was hit by unprecedented floods last month, triggered by heavier-than-usual monsoon rains that began in June. More than 30 million people were affected, while crops and bridges were destroyed. During an interview with Financial Times on Oct. 19, Sharif said that Pakistan requires huge sums of money to reconstruct infrastructure damaged by floods and that his nation was not seeking a debt rescheduling but additional funds. There is a gapand a very serious gapwhich is widening by the day between our demands and what we have received, he told the news outlet. A Long March-5B Y3 rocket, carrying the Wentian lab module for China's space station under construction, takes off from Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan province, China, on July 24, 2022. (China Daily via REUTERS/File Photo) Chinas Out-of-Control Rocket Crashes to Earth NASA warns China risked loss of life and property A Chinese rocket booster plunged in an uncontrolled manner back to Earth on Friday morning. This is the fourth out-of-control reentry of a Chinese rocket since 2020, triggering concerns and criticisms from the international space community. Chinas Long March 5B rocket re-entered the Earths atmosphere over the south-central Pacific Ocean at 6:01 a.m. ET on Friday, and a second object from the rocket re-entered the atmosphere over the Northeast Pacific Ocean region at 6:06 a.m. ET, according to U.S. Space Command. #USSPACECOM can confirm the Peoples Republic of China Long March 5B #CZ5B rocket re-entered the atmosphere over the south-central Pacific Ocean at 4:01am MDT/10:01 UTC on 11/4. For details on the uncontrolled reentrys impact location, we once again refer you to the #PRC. U.S. Space Command (@US_SpaceCom) November 4, 2022 #USSPACECOM can confirm a second atmospheric reentry correlated with the #PRCs Long March 5B #CZ5B as it exited the #USSPACECOM Area of Responsibility over the Northeast Pacific Ocean region at 4:06am MDT/10:06 UTC on Nov. 4. https://t.co/keJdc1tmxi U.S. Space Command (@US_SpaceCom) November 4, 2022 Once again, the Peoples Republic of China is taking unnecessary risks with the uncontrolled rocket stage reentry of their Long March 5B rocket stage. They did not share specific trajectory information which is needed to predict landing zones and reduce risk, NASA administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement. The repeated uncontrolled reentries are caused by the fact that the Long March 5B was designed by the Chinese without the necessary equipment to steer itself to ensure a safe landing. In 2020, the Long March 5B rocket initiated its test launch, and debris from the rocket fell onto the Ivory Coast in western Africa. The size of a large van, the rocket remnant was one of the largest uncontrolled objects to fall out of orbit in decades. A Long March 5B rocket, which is expected to launch Chinas Tianhe space station core module on April 29, at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in southern Chinas Hainan Province on April 23, 2021. (STR/China News Service (CNS)/AFP via Getty Images) In 2021, remnants from the empty core stage of the Long March 5B crashed into the Indian Ocean. In July 2022, debris from the core stage of Long March 5B fell in Indonesia and the Philippines. NASA released a critical statement earlier in July, after the fall of the core stage of the Chinese rocket. The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) did not share specific trajectory information as their Long March 5B rocket fell back to Earth, Nelson said in the statement. All spacefaring nations should follow established best practices, and do their part to share this type of information in advance to allow reliable predictions of potential debris impact risk, especially for heavy-lift vehicles, like the Long March 5B, which carry a significant risk of loss of life and property. Doing so is critical to the responsible use of space and to ensure the safety of people here on Earth. Space experts share the same concern over the hazards caused by Chinas repeated uncontrolled re-entries. I want to point out that the lower the acceptable risk is, the more expensive it is to design to that risk. But its something that must be done, Dr. Lael Woods, a space traffic management expert with the Space Safety Institute, told reporters during a news conference hosted by The Aerospace Corporation, a federally-funded research center. Woods likened the space to todays busy roads on earth, which need stoplights and traffic signs and rules. Usually, rockets are installed with equipment to ensure they are safely discarded. But the Long March 5B booster engines cannot restart once they have stopped, according to Scientific American. Therefore, the Chinese rocket booster is to spiral around the Earth before landing in an unpredictable location. Ted Muelhaupt, a space traffic expert and Aerospace Corporation consultant, told CNN that to equip a rocket with such means costs time and money. In addition, the extra equipment also adds to the weight of the rocket. When it comes to trying to escape the crushing pull of gravity and putting precious cargo into space, every pound counts, he said. Muelhaupt said that he doesnt expect China to attempt to redesign its rocket to add safer landing capabilities, as making that type of adjustment is not trivial. China has dismissed the international concerns about its approach to spacefaring. In response to a foreign journalists inquiry regarding the safety of the rocket, the Chinese regimes foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular news briefing on Nov. 4 that China has all along pursued the peaceful use of outer space in accordance with international law and the international customary practice, adding that the probability of this process causing harm to aviation activities or to the ground is extremely low. China launched the Mengtian module for its Tiangong space station with the fourth Long March 5B rocket on Oct. 31, at the Wenchang space launch site in Chinas southern island of Hainan, according to Chinas propaganda mouthpiece Xinhua News Agency. Xia Yu contributed to this report. City of Toronto to Drop Vaccine Mandate Starting Dec. 1 The City of Toronto has announced it will drop its mandatory vaccination policy for city staff, volunteers, and contractors as of Dec. 1. In a news release issued on Nov. 8, the city said 350 unionized employees who lost their jobs as a result of the mandates are eligible for reinstatement. Approximately 35,000 Toronto employees, out of about 41,080 as of September 2022, complied with the vaccination policy. Based on recent arbitration and negotiations with the unions, the approximately 350 unionized City employees who either did not disclose their vaccination status, or did not get vaccinated, will be offered reinstatement into an unpaid leave, said the release. Staff who are on unpaid leave will also be eligible to start to return to the workplace when the updated policy comes into effect on Dec. 1, the city said. While the mandatory vaccine requirement has been dropped, the city said it continues to strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, including a fall booster dose. The citys vaccine policy was first introduced in September 2021. Three unions have filed grievances with the city. A number of non-union employees have also filed legal action against the city as a result of the policy. The policy reflected public health and occupational health advice at the time to keep staff and the public protected and to slow the spread of the virus, said the release. The City committed from the outset that it would continually review this policy, which would be based on science and evidence. The city said that 99 percent of its staff have had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and there is no longer a need for the policy. Firefighters Firefighters terminated over non-compliance with the vaccine policy were previously told by the city in a Sept. 27 letter that they would not be allowed to return to their jobs unless they were fully vaccinated. Thirteen of the firefighters had taken their case to an arbitrator that ruled it was unreasonable for the city to discipline and terminate firefighters if they did not receive a minimum of two COVID shots. The arbitrator, however, did not order the city to reinstate the firefighters to active duty. In a letter to fire crews obtained by the Toronto Sun, Matthew Pegg, fire chief and general manager for Toronto Fire Services, wrote that per the arbitrators ruling, your status as City of Toronto employee will be immediately reinstated. The discipline issued to you as a result of non-compliance with the policy shall be removed from your record and your lost service and seniority will be restored. However, Peggs letter said mandatory vaccination is still a requirement under the citys policy and that firefighters must remain out of the workplace on a leave without pay or benefits until they could provide proof of vaccination. The city told The Epoch Times they are developing a process to address reinstatements and determine vacancies within divisions, which will be the priority option for reinstatement. If there is not a vacancy in the division, in the position held prior to termination, other alternatives will be explored. Every attempt will be made to find vacancies for eligible staff. Ryan OConnor, a Toronto civil litigation lawyer who has represented employees in cases involving municipal vaccine mandates, told The Epoch Times that Toronto made the right choice to end its unnecessary employee vaccine mandate. Unfortunately, he says, the city waited a year after placing employees on unpaid leave, later terminating many employees, and is now only reinstating unionized employees. Many City employees who were placed on leave or terminated under its mandate worked wholly remotely. Many City employees continue to work remotely. There was no scientific reason for such employees to be subjected to a vaccine mandate when the only virus that one can contract and transmit while working alone, remotely, is a computer virus, OConnor said. While other Ontario municipalities rescinded their vaccine mandates earlier this yearparticularly after it was clear that such public mandates were not preventing transmission of the COVID virusToronto was a holdout, the lawyer added. Instead of simply placing employees on leave, like some other Ontario municipalities, it took an aggressive approach and decided to terminate many of those unable to comply with the mandate. Tokyohakuzen, a Chinese-owned company, monopolizes 70% of the entire crematorium in Tokyo. The body of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was cremated at the Kirigaya crematorium, which is under Tokyohakuzen. The photo shows Abe's widow Akie holding his urn as she arrives for her husband's state funeral at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo on Sept. 27, 2022. (Kiyoshi Ota / POOL / AFP) Concerns Raised Over Chinese Near-Monopoly of Tokyos Funeral Industry: Executive Japan has become the go-to market for Chinese businesses wanting to expand through acquisitions there. In addition to acquiring the oldest home appliance store Laox and turning it into a popular duty-free store for tourists, Chinese investors have snatched up hotels that struggled during the pandemic and recently come to a near monopoly of Tokyos death care services industry. This is concerning to funeral home executives like Minoru Osugi who suspects China may use its business model to spread Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence. Japans crematoriums are public facilities operated by the local government. But in Tokyo, the local government operates only two of nine total crematoriums. Private entities own the remaining seven. Of those, Tokyohakuzen Co., Ltd. owns six which account for 70 percent of Tokyos funeral business. Japans weekly news magazine Shukan Shincho reported on Oct. 13 that Tokyohakuzen Company has become a Chinese-owned company since this summer. The company is responsible for the majority of the funeral business in 23 districts in Tokyo. The body of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was also cremated at Kirigaya Crematorium under Tokyohakuzen. Through an evolution of stock transactions dating back to 2004 and capital investments increase that concluded in January of this year, Tokyohakuzen Co., Ltd. and its parent, Kosaido Co., Ltd., came under the control of Chinese entrepreneur, Luo Yiwen. It is customary in Japan to liaise with the funeral home in order to get the services of the crematorium. Minoru Osugi, the president of a funeral company, said that they sell Buddhist niches and introduce monk services in the crematorium. Worst of all, they even opened a funeral home. Osugi said the Chinese have completely disrupted Tokyos standard cost of a cremation which now fluctuates monthly and includes a new fuel surcharge due to the rise in crude oil prices. Their cremation fee was about $394 and then became $528. In October, it was about $680. The Epoch Times reached out to Tokyohakuzen for comment. Residents Unhappy Luos controlling interest in Tokyohakuzen Co., Ltd. has enabled China to nearly monopolize Tokyos funeral industry. A fact that Tokyos residents said they are unhappy about when interviewed by The Epoch Times. One resident, Ms. Fukuda, criticized the Tokyo government for being cold-hearted and irresponsible toward Japans taxpayers. She believes the Japanese should be responsible for managing their own dignified funeral arrangements, not the Chinese. Mr. Tanaka, a civil servant, said this rampant monopoly by Tokyohakuzen is extremely disgraceful. It has turned what should be a very public crematorium into a business and further into an oligopoly, and the Tokyo government should be held responsible for the crematorium situation. Ms. Hirayama, who works in Tokyos beauty industry, fears that unless the Japanese government intervenes, Chinas continuing acquisitions may create additional monopolies that may throw Japans economy and resources into chaos. Ms. Hanata, a retired teacher, notes that Japan is already an aging society which means the funeral industry is likely to prosper significantly in the coming years. The conversion of public infrastructure to private operators in Tokyo will certainly lead to this situation. Ms. Fujii, who lives in Osaka, warned that if the government and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida do not step in to regulate Chinas acquisitions, Japan could lose its sovereignty and become a colony of the CCP. From her point of view, Japans government and Prime Minister do not seem to care about the threat of this happening. People cast their ballots at a voting center in the Metropolitan Library during the US midterm election in Atlanta on Nov. 8, 2022. (Photo by SETH HERALD / AFP) (Photo by SETH HERALD/AFP via Getty Images) Conservative Georgia Poll Worker Says She Was Ejected From Polling Site ATLANTAA poll worker says she was removed from a polling site in Johns Creek, Georgia. Laura Kronen told The Epoch Times that she was told the removal was because of recent Twitter posts, but she suspects they removed her because shes politically conservative. We did everything we were supposed to do. We went to our pep rally on Sunday night for the coworker people. And then we showed up this morning at 5 a.m. To begin our poll working, we opened up all the polls, we opened up all the poll pads, we did everything were supposed to be doing shortly before the polls were about to open, she said. Before voting started, Kronen says official J. Campbell OKeeffe told her that she had been removed from her post and needed to leave. Kronen says OKeeffe at first refused to provide a reason but then told her that she had been removed over two Twitter posts she had written in the past few days. Im a conservative, I was a Trump supporter, and I think that they did not want that there, Kronen said. In a press conference at 7 p.m. on election night, Williams told the Epoch Times that Kronen and her son werent fired over her tweet today about keeping the election free and fair. Williams said that Kronen had been removed because of a concern. But she refused to describe the nature of those concerns. The safety of the election was our concern. But its still under investigation, she said. Another reporter noted that Kronen had tweeted about the events of Jan. 6, 2021. In one tweet, she calls the investigation of Jan. 6 a big flop. In another tweet, Kronen wrote she saw the event, but didnt see anyone enter the Capitol building. The Epoch Times reached out to the Georgia Secretary of States Office, which stated that voting personnel decisions are at the countys discretion. The Epoch Times contacted Fulton County polling officials but received no response. Pushed From the Poll At first, Kronen says the official couldnt explain why she had been removed from polls. Laura Kronen, a Georgia poll watcher, says she was expelled from a polling location. (Photo courtesy of Laura Kronen) He started making phone calls and phone calls, and nobody could figure out why I was being kicked out, she said. Finally, somebody said, Its because of a tweet she put this morning.' Kronen made a post on Twitter four minutes after 5 a.m. and before polls opened. Her post read: Good morning! My son and I have arrived at our polling location in Fulton County to help make sure there is a free and fair election! Kronen said the purpose of poll-watching is to make sure elections are fair. Isnt that what were doing here? Like, were going to make sure theres a free and fair election, she said. And they said it didnt matter. You are not allowed.' On Nov. 3, Kronen posted on Twitter that she was concerned about election integrity and advised her followers to keep watch for corruption. The only explanation for why the Democrats and all of social media is pushing the election results will be delayed for a few days story is because they have to figure out ways to cheat, she wrote. Stay alert! Report everything you see! Take videos of anything that you think might be shady. Fulton County official Nadine Williams told her over the phone that this Twitter post was a reason for her to leave the poll. Anyone can say anything they want leading up to an election, she told Williams over the phone, according to a video she provided to The Epoch Times. Williams hung up. According to Kronen, poll officials didnt explain why they removed her son. He did absolutely nothing. He was a witness. And hes 17 years old, she said. Kronen noted that other poll workers didnt seem bothered by her expulsion. Im pretty certain by the reaction from the people that they did not share my political beliefs, she said. They just all stared and stood back. And they didnt say a word, not a word to me or my child. Outside the polling site, Kronen said she talked with and recorded police officers, who she says were sympathetic to her statement that she had been removed over her political beliefs. I can definitely see that, a man says in a recording she provided. In a pep rally for election workers, Kronen said workers sang that there aint no stopping us now and said that all eyes are on Georgia. She wrote an email to the election workers group asking, What kind of history are we making Tuesday? The loss of a child through miscarriage is one of the most painful events that parents can go through. Unfortunately, while so many parents experience pregnancy loss, most do so silently and dont have anyone guiding them through the grief that follows. Virginia-based couple Leah and Tim Shirey, after having lost three children tragically to miscarriage, shared with The Epoch Times how they were able to grow stronger together, lean on God, and find hope to move forward despite the tremendous grief they suffered and the loneliness they often felt along the way. Tragic Loss Four years ago, the Shireys, like most married couples, were elated on finding out that they were pregnant. As they were surrounded by friends and colleagues who were having babies, they were excited at the thought of growing their own family. Our journey started as a decision that we were ready to grow our family, and we were under the assumption that this would be a normal one, Leah, a family nurse practitioner, said. With our first pregnancy, we had a lot of hope. I tried to make an announcement for my husband because it was something I always wanted to remember. The couple was elated and Leah, 37, took every measure she knew to care for herself and for the baby. Tim and Leah Shirey at their wedding day. (Courtesy of Tim and Leah Shirey) However, just a few weeks into the pregnancy, the Shireys experienced the tragic and unexpected news that Leah had miscarried. I worked long hours. It was during the winter and we were in the thick of it with the flu season. I had treated a patient with a heart attack, and I hadnt felt well. I just started bleeding. I knew something was wrong, Leah said. She immediately reached out to her doctor. It was even difficult to get in to talk to my practitioner, Leah said. [However] I was able to finally get an appointment that same day. They told me that this was probably a miscarriage, considered a chemical pregnancy, and that I would pass it on my own. I was told to just take a pregnancy test and let the provider know it was negative. At this point, Leah was unsure of how to process the information. I took a week off of work to grieve the loss of a child and then I went back to work to take care of patients, she said. For Leah, going back to work after the loss of her child was hard enough, but it was compounded by knowing that shed need to look past her own sorrow and be able to treat other moms who were expecting. For Tim, a 35-year-old Marine Corps veteran and beekeeper, the devastating news was a shock too. We waited a little bit to have kids, he said. We wanted to make sure our marriage was solid, and that we talked about how we were going to parent together. There wasnt any thought like, What happens if we have problems? We just assumed that when we decided that we were ready, it would just happen. The loss hit them hard and catapulted them into what they refer to as the fertility space, a place where doctors specialize in in-vitro fertilization and more complex pregnancies. Tim explained that he sat down with Leah and wondered if someone would talk to them about what to do next. He shared the umpteen questions that filled his mind for which there were no answers and realized that no one was seeking to close the gaps on where we were and our expectation of easily bringing a child into the world. Trying Again Still, it wasnt long before the couple wanted to try to get pregnant again. They were sent to an infertility specialist, where Leah underwent a number of tests. We both went in with the expectation of information, Leah said. Tim and I were placed on a rollercoaster and werent given the opportunity to fasten our seatbelts. We werent given a timeline with any expectations. Eventually, Leah went through a hysterosalpingogram to look for fallopian tube dysfunction. I watched facial expressions change and people started to diagnose me with something without telling me what it was, she said. There was a lot of talk about tests. I heard a lot of maybe it is or maybe it isnt conversations after the test, followed by ultrasounds. Doctors wanted Leah to get an MRI, but she became pregnant again a year later, before she could have the procedure. For both Leah and Tim, the second pregnancy brought in some hope. However, when Leah went in for her ultrasound early on, she was told that there was another issue. This time, due to what doctors were seeing, she was told that she could possibly lose the baby and that it was difficult to decipher on imaging. Leah was advised to get an ultrasound every week for seven weeks to monitor the situation. At one point, Leah said that she heard the doctor say that there wasnt any reason to continue and that she was losing the pregnancy. It was life-altering for me, she said. It is one thing to lose a child and for your body to say there is something wrong here, and to take care of it naturally. It is a completely different emotion when youre instructed at the direction of a physician to say you have to insert a medicine and pass the tissue or have surgery to forcibly remove the child from your body. Leah didnt sleep for 36 hours because of the pain. I couldnt shower because I was so anemic from blood loss, Leah said. To think that I did that at my own hand not because I wanted to, but because its what I was told to dobecause that was a better option than surgery. I didnt want anyone else to take my child and make my child medical waste. It was my child. Leah described her feelings of isolation and feeling that no one understood what theyd been through. No one who I worked with called me to say I know youve been through a really hard time and youve lost something. So I went in to try to do my job and I just couldnt, she said. I was told to take the rest of the week and come back the following week to do what I needed to. So, in two instances of losing children, I was told that one week should be enough to grieve the loss. The Shireys came out from this second miscarriage grief-stricken once more but determined to try again with the help of specialists. Four months later, they entered into a third pregnancy, describing that this time, we were very guarded. This pregnancy progressed further than the prior two. We got further along than we ever had because we had cardiac activity. Seeing that was a huge milestone, Tim said. The couple started to pick out baby names. There was so much hope and so much expectation that it was finally going to happen. During this time Covid hit, and Leah was going in for ultrasounds on her own. Tim recalled one day, he was waiting outside while Leah was with the doctors for imaging. He got a call from the clinic telling him that shed lost the baby. Through tears, Tim said, What made that so much worse was I couldnt even be there, I couldnt even come in the front door. I had to go around back, because of protocols they put into place because of Covid. He added: Im bringing my incredibly distraught wife out of the back of the building to the car, and Im bringing her home and what do we do? There was nothing. Something in Her Broke Leah ended up requiring surgery because she couldnt pass the fetal tissue. This was something she hadnt experienced with the two prior miscarriages. Tim was unable to be with her for the procedure and felt helpless. I could go to the waiting room, but I couldnt be with her in pre or post-op. Leah struggles with her things going away, so they made a deal with her to take the fetal tissue and send it to a genetics lab, he said. The agreement was in exchange for us gaining genetic information. Two days later, she knocked on my office door and literally melted down. They (the clinic) called to say the nurse inadvertently sent the fetal tissue to pathology, and that the fetus was in formalin, so the genetics lab couldnt do anything because of the formalin. I didnt know what to do, there was something in her that broke. Leah curled up in the fetal position right outside Tims office. I had never seen that level of grief. For twelve weeks, it was hard for her to focus, Tim said. She went to the grocery store one time, and it was like the cars were moving way too fast. We had pushed her past her limit with the news coming out of that surgical procedure. She was in pain, and now there was this huge mental anguish that was thrust upon us. Navigating Grief Together Leah saw her therapist, someone she credits with bringing her through much of the pain she was feeling. She felt that well-meaning friends didnt know what to say. It was challenging, Tim said. She just didnt have the energy to have a conversation. But you could sit there and be there was better than nobody being there. Daily activities of getting up and making dinner were just so unbelievably taxing. It took everything in her to do the basic things. It took everything out of her after she did them. During this time, Leah depended on Tim even for the basics of self-care. I knew Tim when I first met him, she said, but you dont know the attributes of someone until you are faced with hardship. Losing a child is a different kind of griefit is a very silent grief. I kept my pajamas in a box after my second miscarriage along with some other things, and sometimes I pull out the things in that box because they are all I have. During this period, Tim cared for Leah in ways that she hadnt anticipated. He attended to needs that she didnt know she had. It was being able to be in and around and enveloped by somebody elses grief because it is not the same, Tim said. I was just committed to being there. I spiritually, knew that my grief wasnt anything like what she was experiencing. Finding Faith The Shireys had many months of grieving ahead of them and were unsure of their next steps. They moved from Crozet to Scottsville and this change was something that they needed. Many months after all theyd been through, the pain of loss was still very fresh. The Lord was giving me time, Leah said. She happened to join a Bible study that she said solidified her faith. Ive been saved since I was five. I knew that if anybody loved me so much to die for me, that it was somebody who deserved my life, Leah said. People withdrew from me after I had the miscarriages, and they couldnt sit with the kind of pain that I had. I wasnt the same person that theyd known, and I had changed. (Courtesy of Tim and Leah Shirey) Leah noticed that instead of people leaning in to support her, they left. However, during that time, she found out that Jesus was by her side. I wasnt looking in the wrong direction. I wasnt running. I was kind of stagnant, and He was beside me, she said. And when I was ready to approach Him and see Him for who He is, He very much met me with the constant love that He has. Leah described that she felt her grief was like a wilderness, a desert of sorts. I felt like the devil picked me up and threw me in the desert and isolated me from everybody, and that maybe I was being punished for something I didnt understand, Leah said. However, she soon realized she wasnt being punished but that God had something to say to her and He needed her attentionand that this is why she was in that wilderness. It wasnt an uncomfortable place anymore, Leah said. It was a place of peace. It was a place of divinity, that Jesus would have something so important that He would bring me away from people so that I could hear Him clearly and not have any miscommunication. She shared that God made clear to her, There is beauty from ashes, and there is victory, and that there is nothing at His hand that is not glorious. He wouldnt ask me to do something if He knew it was going to harm me, rather only to make me better. Not Losing Hope Leah and Tim have now found a close community at a local church. Although they still grieve and dont know their next steps as yet, they have taken a lot of time to process what theyve been through. Through her experience, Leah said that she has learned, Grief is fluid. It comes and it goes. Sometimes, it is expected, and sometimes it isnt. It is necessary to sit with it and process it because, in that grief, you are not the same person. Tim and Leah Shirey run a company called Hive and Honeybee. (Courtesy of Tim and Leah Shirey) Tim shares that through his experience he has learned: There is nothing you can do as a husband to fix it. You are not in the drivers seat. You dont have any control over what that looks like. But your commitment means that you are there. You are just there. Marriage is a communion, the Shireys said. For them, their covenant and their faith in God have sustained them and provided hope for the future. 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 One of the wealthiest politicians in Westminster, Sunak will become the country's first leader of colour LONDON: Rishi Sunak will become Britain's next prime minister after he won the race on Monday to lead the Conservative Party, tasked with steering a deeply divided country through an economic downturn set to leave millions of people poorer. One of the wealthiest politicians in Westminster, Sunak will become the country's first leader of colour -- and the country's third prime minister in less than two months. He replaces Liz Truss, who only lasted 44 days before she resigned, needing to restore stability to a country reeling from years of political and economic turmoil, and seeking to lead a party that has fractured along ideological lines. "It's unite or die", he told his lawmakers in parliament shortly after the announcement, according to one present in the room. Sunak told the party it faced an "existential crisis" and lawmakers should now focus on policy not personalities. Sunak will step up to lead Britain as it heads for one of the toughest downturns in decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sunak calling him the living bridge of UK Indians. "Warmest congratulations @RishiSunak! As you become UK PM, I look forward to working closely together on global issues, and implementing Roadmap 2030. Special Diwali wishes to the 'living bridge' of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership," Modi said in a tweet. The multi-millionaire former hedge fund boss will be expected to launch deep spending cuts to try to rebuild Britain's fiscal reputation, just as the country slides into a recession, dragged down by the surging cost of energy and food. Sunak, likely to be appointed prime minister by King Charles on Tuesday, told Conservative lawmakers in Westminster the party needed to tackle Britain's economic challenges after political turbulence hit borrowing costs and pushed mortgage rates higher. He will also have to work hard to hold Britain's dominant political party together after some accused him of treachery earlier this year when he resigned from the cabinet of former leader Boris Johnson, triggering a wider rebellion. Others have accused him of being too rich to understand the day-to-day economic pressures building in Britain, and question whether he could ever win an election for a party that has been in power for 12 years. "I think this decision sinks us as a party for the next election," one Conservative lawmaker told Reuters on condition of anonymity. The pound and British government bond prices jumped briefly on news of Sunak's win but soon returned to their previous levels. Britain has been locked in a state of perma-crisis ever since it voted in 2016 to leave the European Union, unleashing a battle at Westminster over the future of the country that remains unresolved to this today. Johnson, the face of the Brexit vote, led his party to a landslide victory in 2019, only to be driven out of office less than three years later after a series of scandals. His successor Truss lasted just over six weeks before she quit over an economic policy that trashed the country's economic credibility. Historian and political biographer Anthony Seldon told Reuters that Sunak had the most difficult economic and political inheritance of any British leader since World War Two, and would be constrained by the mistakes made by his predecessor Truss. "He would have no opportunity to capitalise on these being strange times because Truss has completely blown up that as an option. There is no leeway on him being anything other than extraordinarily conservative and cautious, he said. He added that Sunak had shown the ability to instil confidence during tough times, however, such as when he became finance minister just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit Britain. Polls show that Britons want an election. "The Tories have crowned Rishi Sunak as prime minister without him saying a single word about how he would run the country and without anyone having the chance to vote," Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, said in a statement, using the Conservatives' nickname. Labour has held record leads in opinion polls of more than 25 points ever since Truss's budget sent shockwaves through financial markets. Economists and investors welcomed Sunak's appointment, but they questioned whether he can tackle the country's finances while holding the party's warring factions together. Penny Mordaunt, who lost out to Sunak, said his election was an "historic one and shows, once again, the diversity and talent of our party," she said. "Rishi has my full support." Other Conservative lawmakers agreed they needed to support the new leader. Asked if the party was ungovernable, former leader Iain Duncan Smith said it had been but that people were now relieved to have a new leader. Veteran lawmaker Crispin Blunt told Reuters after Sunak met lawmakers in a room in parliament: "The party will remain united, not least because we don't have a choice. In there, he showed a capacity to marshal the whole party." The first real test of party unity will come on Oct. 31, when finance minister Jeremy Hunt - the fourth person in the role in four months - is due to present a budget to plug a black hole in the public finances that is expected to have ballooned to up to 40 billion pounds. Hunt backed Sunak for leader. Sunak's appointment is another first for Britain - he will become the country's first prime minister of Indian origin. His family migrated to Britain in the 1960s, a period when many people from Britain's former colonies moved to the country to help it rebuild after World War Two. After graduating from Oxford University, he went to Stanford University where he met his wife Akshata Murthy, whose father is Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy, founder of outsourcing giant Infosys Ltd. A Cuban woman is symbolically gagged and tied up with chains and barbed wire to protest the regime of Cuban leader Fidel Castro and denounce the lack of freedom of expression in Cuba during a pro-democracy anti-Castro march through the streets of Little Havana in Miami, Fla., on Dec. 10. (Pedro Ugarte/AFP/Getty Images) Cuban Immigrant Praises DeSantis Declaration of Victims of Communism Day in Florida 'I think it's truly important for our children to learn the truth. I am grateful that the governor understands that.' Governor Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 7 as the first annual Victims of Communism Day in Florida. Florida is home to millions of individuals who fled communist governments to seek freedom. To honor those who suffered under these despotic regimes, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 395 into law on Nov. 7, establishing a day during which Floridas students will learn about the atrocities committed by communist regimes and of the millions who were persecuted and lost their lives under communist rule. Maximo Alvarez is one of those millions. Maximo Alvarez stands before a painting done by a Cuban artist depicting him fleeing Havana on the last cargo ship leaving Cuba on July 4, 1961. (Courtesy of Maximo Alvarez) Since arriving in the United States at the age of 13 as part of Operation Pedro Pan, Alvarez feels blessed to have had an opportunity to live the American dream. Today, as an American, Alvarez is a director on the Board of Trustees at Florida State University and president of Sunshine Gasoline Distributors. He was also one of the people chosen to give a speech at the 2020 Republican National Convention. Alvarez also spends much of his time warning Americans about the illusions and false promises of communism. I think its truly important for our children to learn the truth, Alvarez told The Epoch Times. I am grateful that the governor understands that. During a time when Marxism, socialism, and communism are actively promoted by prominent politicians and pop-culture figures in our own country, DeSantis said it is more important than ever to teach Floridas schoolchildren the horrific history of communist countries and to let them hear from individuals who suffered under the rule of communist dictators. Alvarez has many stories. I saw it personally, he said. I saw people being murdered because they said the wrong thing. I saw people jailed because a neighbor accused them of something. It pains Alvarez to see the same things happening in America. Conservative voices are being censored. Neighbors are encouraged to turn in their neighbors. Jan. 6 protesters are arrested and the president calls MAGA Republicans a threat to democracy. The 87,000 new IRS auditors who will be commanded to carry a weapon and to use deadly force, is another concern. Thats typical communist philosophy, Alvarez insisted. Rule by terror, so the people watching will know that if they support the guy they dont like, the same will happen to you. My parents had the courage to send me to America, Alvarez recalled, his voice breaking with emotion. Talk about courage. Talk about sacrifice. This is the greatest country in the world. But I am concerned that if this country falls my kids and grandkids will have to place to go. We are a spoiled nation, Alvarez lamented. We are born in an air-conditioned room. No matter how poor you are, you have drinking water and food on the table. Dont take that for granted. Lets not make up stories for our children. Lets tell them the truth. Democracy Is Dying. Is It Time for a National Divorce? Commentary Democracy is like a newborn child. It requires constant attention and care. It must be nurtured and monitored closely. Commenting on democracy, Ilka Chase, an American novelist and actress, called it a living, changing organism, continuously shifting, and attempting to strike a balance between individual freedom and general order. Sadly, around the world, this living, changing organism is dying a swift death. Individual freedom is being replaced by various flavors of oppression. In the United States, supposedly the greatest country in the world, democracy is backsliding. Also called autocratization, backsliding is the polar opposite of democratization; it involves a gradual erosion of democratic norms. If the United States fails to arrest this worrying decline, the country may find itself fractured beyond repair. Sanjay Ruparelia, an associate professor of politics at Ryerson University, previously discussed the many ways in which confidence in the democratic process is being replaced by suspicion and despair. Its easy to see why. Governments are becoming more tyrannical in nature. Democratic backsliding, he wrote, occurs when governments move to restrict the participation of citizens in everyday life (COVID lockdowns, anyone?); when governments actively reduce the competitiveness of elections and capacity of actors to contest for power; and when the accountability of rulers to the people is no longer apparent. In more unstable countries, democratic backsliding is defined by violent revolutions. In more stable countrieslike the United States for exampleit is defined by executive aggrandizement. This, according to Ruparelia, occurs when elected leaders take advantage of existing norms, rules and procedures, to weaken the capacity of state institutions and civil society to check the executive. Some examples of executive aggrandizement include curbing the freedom of the press and weaponizing various branches of government. Sound familiar? In the United States, press freedom continues to wither. Meanwhile, the current administration stands accused of weaponizing the FBI and DOJ. As I have shown before, the Biden administration has also used the U.S. postal service to spy on American citizens. Supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump drive around the Paul G. Rogers Federal Building & Courthouse in West Palm Beach, Fla. as the court holds a hearing on Aug. 18, 2022, to determine if the affidavit used by the FBI as justification for the raid of Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate should be unsealed. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images) Not surprisingly, many of the people who didnt vote for Biden are unhappy with his administrations conduct. The country, they fear, is going to hell in a handbasket. Sadly, their fears appear to be entirely justified. Published earlier this year, a paper by William Galston and Elain Kamrack, two political scientists associated with the Brookings Institute, discussed whether or not American democracy is backsliding towards failure. The answer, according to the two academics, is yes. They also concluded that democratic failure represents a systemic risk to the country. Galston and Kamrack then proceeded to outline why democracy hangs in the balance. Democracy, they said, means the rule of the people. That definition is problematic for Americans, they added. Why? Because Americans do not fully agree about who belongs to the people. They referenced increasing immigration and religious pluralism as two of the reasons for so much friction, division, and downright contempt (more on contempt later). Across the country, they warn, support for acts of political violence are growing, with millions of Americans on both sides of the political aisle agreeing that if elected leaders will not protect America, the people must do it themselves, even if it requires violent actions. The authors, somewhat nonsensically, take aim at Donald Trump throughout the paper, without once referencing the current administration that has been in power since 2020. Again, just to emphasize, press freedom has worsened under the Biden administration, and the weaponization of various branches of government has certainly intensified under Bidens tenure. Last year, because of draconian lockdown measures, 6.2 million Americans did not work at all or worked considerably fewer hours. Sadly, in these polarized times, facts cant compete with tribalization and agenda-driven narratives. Which begs the question: is it time for a national divorce? Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is seen while speaking with fellow first-term Republican members of Congress on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 4, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Going Separate Ways In October, the Republican representative for Georgias 14th congressional district made a rather bold prediction. Shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) chose to add the COVID-19 vaccine to its recommended schedules for children and adults, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene predicted that a national divorce was inevitable. To some, such a claim might seem ridiculous. To others, though, Greenes claim surely resonated. John Gottman, a well-respected relationship expert, said the biggest threat to a relationship is contemptwhen one partner looks at the other with complete disgust. In many ways, contempt is a distant cousin of dehumanization. Sadly, the United States is a country divided by contempt. Recent polls show Americans faith in each other is at an all-time low. The Left and Right, some authors contend, have irreconcilable differences. According to a 2021 survey by the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, 52 percent of Republicans and 41 percent of Democrats think the country should split up. David Reaboi, a conservative author, has written extensively on the topic. His conclusion? A national divorce would be extremely expensive, but it would be worth every single penny. Some authors, on the other hand, have argued that a national divorce would be detrimental to the country. Instead, Americans should strive to repair the nation we have. Whatever your thoughts on a national divorce may be, whether you think its a great idea or a godawful one, most Americans would surely agree that the country is in dire need of rescuing. Americans are losing faith in the government. More worryingly, they are losing faith in each other. Corrective action must be taken. Time, the very thing the United States doesnt have, is of the essence. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Deplorables Comments: Polarizing Democratic Society Commentary In an interview with MSNBC host Joy Reid, Hillary Clinton made comments that suggested that American voters may not really understand the consequences of a Republican congressional victory. Basically, American voters are not smart enough and can be characterised as dumb people who lack the necessary intellectual capacity or rigour to appreciate what the Democrats could do for America. If voters are not smart enough to vote Democrat, they must necessarily be dumb to vote Republican! Clintons gaffe has been dubbed by the media as the Deplorables 2.0 comment, referring to when she described half of Donald Trumps supporters as a basket of deplorables who were racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobicyou name it. This irresponsible comment, now known as Deplorables 1.0, affected her presidential aspirations and spawned a new deplorables industry in the United States. Roxanne Roberts, in a Washington Post article, reveals that Five years later, you can purchase hats, T-shirts, hoodies and other gifts for the deplorables in your life. The sales blurb [of a Deplorables cap] explains: Being a Deplorable is now a mark of pride among God-fearing, gun-loving, hard-working Americans. Clintons Deplorables 2.0 comment, however, reveals the existence of a disturbing trend involving the public and humiliating denigration of ones political opponents and the abandonment of political ethics. Of course, Clintons comment could easily also have been made by her conservative opponents, who might well think that people, who vote for progressive candidates, are dumb and somehow fail to consider the consequences of their actions. 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) This American narrative is also relevant in attempting to understand Australian political developments. For example, if the Victorian state government of Premier Daniel Andrews were to be re-elected later this month, conservative members of the political spectrum might well deplore the dumb choice to endorse a government that, arguably, has done irreparable damage to the cohesiveness of society. Remember, this government has adopted contentious social engineering legislation and curtailed the free movement of people with the longest lockdown of the pandemic262 days. Making Sensitive Comments in the Public Forum Comments like Deplorable 1.0 and 2.0 are politically sensitive statements and, hence, they are not often made publicly. But in private discussions, conservatives might rail against progressives for undermining the foundations of the established democratic order. In particular, they might excoriate the unrestrained adoption of social engineering legislation, which dramatically changes the way in which people are born, live, identify, and die. They may bemoan the discrimination against religion, the curbing of freedom of speech, and the promotion of gender dysphoria legislation, just to name a few. So, it can be assumed that conservatives might well describe progressives as stupid people who are destroying the achievements and traditions of Western civilisation. Similarly, progressives might ridicule conservative elements for their assumed opposition to social progress and social justice. However, if these disparaging remarks are made in a private forum and not publicly aired, any damage to the democratic foundations of Western countries is minimal, But it might be a problem if the comments are made in a public forum. The polarization, resulting from the making of ill-considered public statements, constitutes a direct assault on the concept of democracy, where voters are entitled to indicate how they would like their country to be governed. But more importantly, the demonstrable polarisation trend reveals the deeming inability of the political elites to strengthen the foundations upon which the democratic system rests. Potentially Undermining Social Stability It is precisely the destabilising of the foundations of the democratic nature of Western societies that makes politics into a poisonous mixture of unrestrained ambition, hate, and dissension. Clintons Deplorables 2.0 suggestionand similar expressions by politicians of all colours and persuasionsthat an unwanted election result is the consequence of uninformed, unintelligent voters might well be an unfortunate side-effect of a democratic system. Nevertheless, there are instances where Clinton-like deplorables comments are appropriate, even if made in a public forum. An example would be commentary to the effect that the Brazilian electorate is unwise to have elected a convicted, corrupt politician as the leader of Brazil. The argument that even politicians are entitled to a second chance would not work in a case like this if they have previously participated in the political process for reasons of self-gratification and personal enrichment. It is clear that the uncharitable description of ones political opponents as deplorables may not be helpful in the development and maintenance of a stable democratic society. As Roberts put it: In a nation where half the country thinks the other half is wrong and possibly even deplorable, its about how we talk about each other that is important. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Supporters of Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker wave signs at a rally in Athens, Ga., on Nov. 5, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Does Hypocrisy Matter in Georgias Scandal-Soaked Senate Sprint? New Analysis Voters in Georgia are focused on deciding between two Senate candidates facing a slurry of accusations ranging from domestic abuse to crushing the poor, lying about business, and celebrating dictators. But voters suggest they have other priorities. It seems that, in a duel between two charismatic leaders with party control of the Senate at stake, voters want a senator with their preferred policies and values. The scandals alleged against Republican senate candidate Herschel Walker and incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) smell of hypocrisy. Scandals sometimes play a role in ending a politicians career or lowering turnout, but in this race, it doesnt seem to matter. Despite the scandals, Georgia voters have cast a record-breaking 2.5 million early midterm votes. Scandals on All Sides Walker, who ran on a pro-life platform, has been accused by a former girlfriend of paying for an abortion, according to reporting by The Daily Beast. The girlfriend offered receipts to back up her claim. Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker and supporters take a photo in Athens, Ga., on Nov. 5, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Another former girlfriend also claims that Walker got her an abortion and confirmed her story with signed cards and hotel receipts from the time, according to further reporting by The Daily Beast. At a press conference, Walker issued a statement that these accusations were lies while speaking on how he would stand up for family values. Meanwhile, Warnock has emphasized his concern for the poor. Unemployment benefits have expired, rent is due today, and many Georgia families are at risk of eviction in the middle of a pandemic, he said in a Twitter post. But his church stands accused of evicting disadvantaged apartment residents from a building it owned for failing to pay as little as $28.55 in rent, according to reporting by the Washington Free Beacon. Warnock draws a $7,417 monthly rent allowance from the same church where he serves as a senior pastor. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) preaches from his pulpit at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 6, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Warnock didnt return comment on the Free Beacons report. Warnock has also promoted his support for gender inclusive policies, which critics, including many fellow Christians, see as radical far-left ideology that risks perpetuating psychological and physical harm on children. Both candidates have emphasized their Christian faith, but their ex-wives of both men have accused them of domestic abuse. Warnock denies his wifes claims. Walker has claimed he has no memory of abusive incidents. Images of Innocence Some Americans believe the public images both Walker and Warnock have built hold more sway than the scandals now written about them. Even those who believe their candidates are guilty of the allegations tend to minimize that guilt. As I heard [Walker] speak, and the sincerity with which he denied it, and the conviction with which he denied it, I came to believe that he probably was telling the truth, said Scott Black, a South Carolina resident who drove to Georgia to support a Walker event. I dont think about it too much, said Walker-voter Mark, who declined to give his last name. Were all sinners, and its a combination of lies, mischaracterizations, and old news. Black added that even if he did believe Walker was guilty, hed still think Warnocks policies are worse for the country. Even if everything they said about him was true, I still believe Raphael Warnock would be by far the greater evil between the two, he said. Among Warnock supporters, the scandals reported also have had little impact. Birgitte Houen-Tolstrup outside Ebenezer Baptist Church after service in Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 6, 2022. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Reporters can dig up anything, they can twist everything, said Warnock-voter Birgitte Houen-Tolstrup. He is a good human being. Everyone has things that you will disagree with. Everyone has things that they may not be proud of and things that may or may not be true, said a woman voting for Warnock who chose not to give her name. You have to go with the candidate who best flies with the most important values that you have, scandal or without scandal, she added. And in person, its hard to associate the two men with their scandals. Walker and Warnock speak with conviction and charisma onstage and seem unembarrassed by the accusations. At the same time, theyre quick to believe accusations against each other. This is a man who lies about the most basic facts of his life, Warnock said of Walker during their debate. And now he wants the rest of us to somehow imagine now that hes a United States senator. Walker fired back by calling Warnock a liar. UPDATE: This article has been updated to include additional quotes from interviewees. Energy Industry Heaps Scorn on Biden for No More Drilling Remarks Representatives of Americas energy industry have criticized President Joe Bidens recent no more drilling remarks at a rally in Yonkers, New York, that have been widely interpreted as a doubling down on his earlier pledge to phase out fossil fuels, even though he recently urged oil companies to pump more crude to bring down soaring gas prices. No more drilling, Biden said at the rally on Nov. 6, after an exchange with a climate protester. There is no more drilling. I havent formed any new drilling. His remarks come days after he demanded in New Mexico that oil companies should be drilling more, and that if they did, prices at the pump would be lower. Republican critics of the presidents energy policies said that Bidens no more drilling remarks were proof of his administrations intentions to phase out domestic fossil fuel production. Two days before the midterm elections, Joe Biden clearly states he is for no more [oil] drilling, the Republican National Committee posted on Twitter. Conflicting Statements? Asked by reporters whether Bidens remarks were in conflict with his pleas in New Mexico for the oil industry to pump more crude, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted there was none, adding that the presidents comments were meant in reference to oil drilling in Americas Arctic region. When the Trump administration opened the Arctic Refuge for drilling, not a single major oil company actually bid on the sale, Jean-Pierre said. And so there is no shortage of opportunity for these companies to produce oil here in the United States. Theyre sitting on 9,000youve heard us talk about this9,000 unused but approved drilling permits. Representatives of the U.S. energy industry, nevertheless, said Bidens remarks sent the wrong signal. Americans Deserve Energy Security Tim Stewart, president of the U.S. Oil & Gas Association, told Fox News that Bidens comment was yet another unserious statement by an increasingly unserious president. Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, told Fox News that the no more drilling remark was aligned with the current administrations long-standing pattern of hostility toward fossil fuels. Americans deserve energy security, and its time our federal government treated oil and natural gas like an asset, not a liability, he told the outlet. The American Petroleum Institute made a statement on Twitter that if Americans look at the Biden administrations record on energy policy, theyll see one step after another to restrict American natural gas and oil productionwhich could help address the worldwide imbalance between demand & supply. Environmentalist and author Michael Shellenberger wrote in a series of posts on Twitter that Bidens no more drilling remark amounted to an admission of his administrations hostility toward fossil fuels. By shouting No more drilling. There is no more drilling! at a New York rally, Biden has effectively admitted that he and his administration have been lying for months, Schellenberger wrote. For months Biden has attacked oil companies for not producing more and insisted hes no obstacle to oil drilling. Masks off. On the campaign trail, Biden promised to eliminate fossil fuels. Asked by a debate moderator whether there would be any place for fossil fuels, including coal and fracking, in a Biden administration, he replied, No, we would make sure its eliminated. During a debate against then-President Donald Trump, Biden pledged to transition the United States away from oil. Biden has also threatened to impose a windfall profit tax on U.S. energy producers, discouraged financial firms from funding fossil fuel production, and canceled infrastructure projects, including the Keystone pipeline that Trump revived. After Biden took office, he issued an executive order blocking new drilling leases on federal land and waters, an action that was later overturned by a federal court ruling (pdf). By Emma Patch From Kiplingers Personal Finance The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that determines students eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work study, became available on Oct. 1 for the 2023-24 academic year. It typically takes from 30 to 60 minutes to complete the FAFSA (available at www.studentaid.gov), yet many students or their parents wait to file it or never file it at all. But the sooner you file, the more likely you are to qualify for a greater amount of aid. Students who apply for financial aid during the first three months tend to get twice as much grant money as students who file the FAFSA later, says Mark Kantrowitz, author of How to Appeal for More Financial Aid. A total of 15 states award grants for their colleges and universities on a first-come, first-served basis, until the money runs out. And about a dozen states have early deadlinesas early as December in the year prior to the academic year in question, and some in January, February or March. Also, colleges themselves typically have early deadlines to apply for their own financial aid. Some colleges have a preferred deadline and a regular deadline, but both usually fall during the winter months. Colleges also usually award other types of aid, such as work-study or grants, early on. Even for students who think they wont qualify for much need-based aid, its generally still worth submitting the FAFSA. At a minimum, you can borrow unsubsidized direct student loans, which are federal loans that do not require any demonstrated financial need or a cosigner and have generous forgiveness provisions. Ultimately, filing the FAFSA isnt binding, and for the most part it can only help. Students dont need to take out allor anyof the loans that are offered. They might offer you somewhat more than you need, so you dont have to borrow that whole amount, says Michael Kitchen, managing editor at Student Loan Hero. Despite recent loan forgiveness, new debt is still debt; it will likely have to be repaid eventually. The more a student can cover now, the smaller the financial burden later on. Some students avoid the FAFSA because they worry that applying for aid will reduce their chance of admission. Heres the reality: Your finances wont affect your admissions odds at the hundreds of need blind schools, which include all in-state public colleges and universities and approximately 100 (mostly elite) private colleges. Admissions at dozens of other private colleges are need sensitive, but that should not deter you from applying for aidespecially for the first academic year. Because many of these colleges that are need sensitive dont want students and their parents to game the system, Kantrowitz says, if you dont apply for financial aid for your freshman year, you will be ineligible for the colleges own grants in subsequent years unless you demonstrate that your financial circumstances have changed drastically. If filling out the FAFSA early means you get rejected from a dream college because you couldnt afford it, refocus on schools that take a holistic approach to admissions, are need-blind and, preferably, give you the aid you need to avoid crushing debt. (Emma Patch is a staff writer at Kiplingers Personal Finance magazine. For more on this and similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com.) 2022 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Epoch Times Copyright 2022 The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided. Historian Niall Ferguson speaks onstage at Tina Brown's 7th Annual Women In The World Summit at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, N.Y., on April 7, 2016. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images) Famous Scholars Call for End to Academic Censorship The Stanford Graduate School of Business sponsored the Academic Freedom Conference, a two-day seminar in favor of free speech on Nov. 4 and 5, in response to what some prominent professors are calling a loss of academic freedom thats underway at many Western universities. Stanford economist John Cochrane is taking a stand against these now commonplace practices, wherein punitive actions are exacted against professors and students who indulge in opinions or scientific inquiries that challenge the status quo. Canadian professor Patrick Provost was suspended in June for stating that the risks of COVID-19 vaccination in children outweigh the benefits. University of Pennsylvania Law School professor Amy Wax is now facing potential termination for her comments on affirmative action, the average performance of black students, and other comments. Just two months ago, New York University professor Jonathan Haidt resigned after refusing a newly adopted requirement that researchers explain how their work advances equity, inclusion, and anti-racism goals. The mission of the university is the pursuit of truth and the advancement and dissemination of knowledge. A robust culture of free speech and academic freedom is essential to that mission, reads Cochranes open letter, which was signed by more than 900 prominent scholars, including renowned Harvard cognitive scientist Steven Pinker. In addition to the letter, Cochrane organized the conference in Palo Alto, California, known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley. Cochrane, a free-market economist and senior fellow at Stanfords Hoover Institution, believes freedom of intellectual pursuit is in peril at many Western universities. The conference, however, was sanctioned by Jonathan Levin, the business schools dean, Cochrane said in his opening remarks during the conference. Before the conference began, it received criticism from the academia-centric publisher The Chronicle for Higher Education, accusing the event of propping up figures who are threatening democracy and public health. Speakers included many famous names, including marketing professor and behavioral scientist Gad Saad, historian Niall Ferguson, tech billionaire Peter Thiel, Stanford medical professor Jay Bhattacharya, and Canadian clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson. Professor Gad Saad. (Courtesy of Gad Saad) During the pandemic, Bhattacharya made headlines for his Great Barrington Declaration, a public policy recommendation on COVID-19 that advised against lockdowns and was signed by more than 60,000 public health professionals. Universities and professional societies are failing to resist such illiberal forceswhich have arisen many times throughout history, from all sides of the political spectrumand to defend academic freedom and freedom of speech, Cochrane stated in the open letter. Climate of Fear Pulling talent from universities across the country, speakers hailed from Princeton, Rutgers, Georgetown, Duke, and more. A common concern among conference attendees was a feeling of uneasiness when discussing certain ideas on their respective campuses. University of Chicago is seen as the paramount free speech university. Thats true, but theres stuff bubbling beneath the surface, said Jerry Coyne, a biologist from the university. He describes a climate of fear that grips his colleagues, and not only on the right. Even for a good liberal, the moniker racist or transphobe is horrifying and it makes you just shut up. A lone undergraduate student among the speakers, Mimi St Johns, critiqued one of Stanfords engineering courses called Expanding Engineering Limits: Culture, Diversity, and Equity, saying the courses core focus was exploring the intersectionality of who is an engineer instead of actually doing the concrete math and programming. Intersectionality deals with analyzing individuals who belong to multiple groups labeled as disadvantaged. Stanfords website states the purpose of the course is to consider how cultural beliefs about race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, abilities, socioeconomic status, and other intersectional aspects of identity interact with beliefs about engineering, influence diversity in the field, and affect equity in engineering education and practice. What will American engineering look like in 10 to 20 years if the countrys brightest students feel like they cant work on many issues due to equity concerns? St Johns asked conferencegoers. An article in The Stanford Review by St Johns further demonstrates the pervasiveness of identity politics in undergraduate curricula, covering a computer science professor who suggested classrooms remove references to very masculine or heavily CS-stereotyped movie posters and self-censor anecdotes about childhood or daily life that may cause students to feel excluded for economic reasons. A file image of Peter Thiel speaking onstage during an event in New York City on Nov. 1, 2018. (Michael Cohen/Getty Images for The New York Times) Peter Thiel St Johns is editor-in-chief of The Review, which was founded by Thiel in 1987. When it was his time to speak, the PayPal cofounder shared his diagnosis of whats afflicting universities today, suggesting it might be rooted in a deeper pessimism within modern culture. Thiel targeted an engrained attitude of futility as the main culprit for the lack of academic progress over the past few decades and for the atmosphere of intolerance. This is the zeitgeist on the other side it is, Were not going to make it for another century on this planet and therefore, we need to embrace a one-world totalitarian state right now. Optimism and Hope In addition to diagnosing the free speech crisis in academia, many speakers put forth words of optimism and hope. Offering advice to those who might be ostracized from civil society due to their views, Peterson, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Toronto, stressed the importance of having a support group of close friends and family, saying hes certain he wouldnt have overcome his hardship without them. Jordan Peterson holds an Isaac Newton notebook in the Wren Library at Trinity College Cambridge in England on Nov. 20, 2021. (Courtesy of Jordan Peterson) Others proposed solutions for how academics might fight back against censorship and intolerance. Cochrane encouraged private investment into new universities with a meritocratic focus, jokingly pleading with Thiel to put up some capital. He also suggested that STEM faculty overhaul their respective admissions processes, which are currently run by unspecialized bureaucrats. Saad kept it simple, The reality is, everybody has to be able to speak with this kind of boldness, and I think that the problem would go away pretty quickly. Cochrane also put forward a similar approach. Bad ideas are defeated only by argument and persuasion, not by suppression. This also includes the push to introduce critical race theory into public schools. Instead of banning them, he says, teachers should be allowed to discuss it as long as opposing ideas are also permitted. These restrictions are counterproductive, he writes in the open letter. Public high-profile victims are the tip of the iceberg. An atmosphere of fear and self-censorship pervades academia, according to Cochrane, who says that the loss of academic freedom is partly the fault of university leaders. The scholars who signed the letter called for all universities and professional associations to follow free-speech principles and maintain institutional neutrality on political and social issues. FBI Warns About Child Abductions Through Rideshares The FBI has issued a public service announcement warning about criminal actors using rideshare vehicles to kidnap minor victims. Though the prevalence of such incidents is rare, the FBI issued the warning due to the high impact of such events, the agency stated. The FBI said it has received several reports of child abductions using rideshare services since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though other transportation modes like public buses were also used for abductions, ridesharing afforded these criminals more privacy from potential witnesses. While using rideshare vehicles, threat actors were less likely to be apprehended when compared to other modes of transportation or facilities. Criminal actors benefitted from past mask requirements and social distancing in rideshare vehicles and may choose to continue wearing masks as it provides additional identity concealment, the notice said while providing a few examples of such crimes. In April 2022, a 16-year-old boy sought a rideshare trip in Texas. During the trip, the driver allegedly offered him a drink and the boy woke up inside an unfamiliar home. He was rescued after he approached a nearby home and sought help. In February 2022, a rideshare vehicle in Mexico City drove off with a boy after the childs father had exited to make a purchase. As the boy was able to call his mother, officials recovered the child and arrested the culprit. In February 2021, a man from Colorado sexually groomed a minor and persuaded her to enter a rideshare vehicle which dropped both of them at an airport where they boarded a plane to Washington. The man was eventually arrested and charged. Ridesharing Safety, Neglecting Child Abuse Cases A 2019 poll conducted by the C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital showed that 1 in 8 parents reported their teenage children between the ages of 14 and 17 taking a rideshare service either alone or with other teens (pdf). Two-thirds of the parents were concerned or very concerned that the driver might sexually assault their child. Among parents with teen girls, this number rose to 79 percent. The FBIs announcement comes as the agency is embroiled in accusations of neglecting child abuse cases. An FBI whistleblower recently revealed that the agency was pulling agents from the bureaus Violent Crimes Against Children program to prioritize Jan. 6 Capitol breach investigations. In a letter written to FBI Director Christopher Wray in September, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, said that the whistleblower was informed by the agency that child sexual abuse material investigations were not an FBI priority and must be referred to local law enforcement. Such a posture is not only a dereliction of the FBIs mission to investigate violations of federal laws, but it is a grave disservice to the victims of child sexual abuse and other crimes that do not advance the FBI leaderships political agenda, Jordan wrote. a timeless and universal message of forgiveness and compassion: Shadow Arts Minister Silver Screen Dreams, the latest feature-length art film by New Century Films, premiered in Sydney on Nov. 6. Paul Fletcher MP, Shadow Minister for Science, Arts, Government Services, and the Digital Economy, met with the production team before the premiere, thanking them for coming to Australia and saying that the film illustrates a timeless, universal message of human themes. Set in the performing arts industry in mainland China, Silver Screen Dreams tells the story of Lin Meiyue, an actress who is traumatized and disillusioned by the fame and profit-oriented industry. In the midst of her despair, she is saved by her faith, dissolves her resentment with compassion, and regains a new life. Fletcher said the character who suffers adversity chooses to forgive those who hurt her before, expressing universal human themes. Forgiveness is a value that is celebrated by every one of the worlds great religions, and theres a good reason for that, he said. It is a timeless message, a universal message, forgiveness, compassion. New Century Films latest feature art film Silver Screen Dreams premiered in Sydney, Australia on Nov. 6, 2022. The picture shows Paul Fletcher, the shadow arts minister, with the cast. (Xu Shengkun /The Epoch Times). Bringing such a story to life through the power of film, through the power of the screen, as is done in this movie Silver Screen Dreams I think is performing a great service. Im sure that audiences will not only very much enjoy a compelling story, but well learn, and well take away some valuable lessons. Winner of 12 awards and nominations at international film festivals, Silver Screen Dreams was produced by North America-based New Century Films, which has produced over 40 films since its foundation in 2018. Fletcher, who served as art minister in the Morrison administration, said he worked with many filmmakers and that filmmaking takes a lot of time, money, and creative focus. Its very demanding and very draining for everybody involved, so to be producing this many films, as New Century Films has done, I think thats quite a remarkable achievement, he said. Lead Actresses: Good Actors Have Moral and Artistic Qualities Alyssa Zheng, who plays Guo Xinyu in the film and Leah Feng, who plays Lin Meiyue, won awards for best actress at Canada Alternative Film Festival and American Golden Picture International Film Festival, respectively. They both said that truly good actors should have both moral and artistic qualities. Alyssa Zheng played Guo Xinyu in Silver Screen Dreams. (Xu Shengkun /The Epoch Times) An actor should not only have good skills, but also good moral character, said Alyssa Zheng. Zheng, who played an actress in the film, said she felt from the character that a good performance must be a manifestation of pure truth, pure goodness, and pure beauty. She shared her experience of filming that in order to bring good, positive messages to the audience, the actors themselves should have such qualities because external expressions only cannot move people. Art is endless, so I keep encouraging myself to be a humble person who keeps trying to learn, to be better and purer in all aspects, she said. Leah Feng said that a good actor should not only improve herself in terms of skills but also in terms of character so that she can really pass on positive energy and goodness to the audience. Leah Feng played Lin Meiyue in Silver Screen Dreams. (Xu Shengkun /The Epoch Times) Audience Moved To Tears The two consecutive screenings of the film in Australia deeply touched the audience. Robert Balzola, a solicitor, said that he was moved to tears by the kindness of the actress in the film. At the very end of the movie, towards the ultimate climax, the reconciliation, he said. That point, where the tide turns through forbearance and forgiveness at that critical moment; What was an openly hostile, irreconcilably hostile situation is broken. 100 percent performance. I cant fault it, he praised the actress. She made me cry, and I dont [usually] cry. I was very taken by it. Solicitor Robert Balzola attended the premiere. (Xu Shengkun/The Epoch Times). TV Broadcaster: Never Give Up Dreams Davy Nguyen, the executive producer and director for HeyYa TV, a Sydney-based media company, said that Silver Screen Dreams sends a very good message out: never give up on your dreams. As a TV and radio presenter, Nguyen said that the film is very touching and very empowering. A lot of people should watch this movie to be able to see that no matter what life throws at you, dont give up on hope, he said. Whats so empowering about the story at the end, she forgives, he continued. I think that is a very empowering message. Sometimes a lot of people do things that upset us or hurt [us], but the power of forgiveness is so powerful. Thats something I took away from this movie today. Its an amazing film. TV and radio presenter Davy Nguyen attended the premiere. (Xu Shengkun/The Epoch Times). After the premiere of the film, eight members of the cast and crew, who flew from Canada to Australia, attended an audience meeting, posing for photos and sharing a dinner party with the audience. Silver Screen Dreams has had its world premiere in Vancouver, Canada; Los Angeles, California; Middletown, New York; and Brooklyn, New York. Wen Qingyang, NTD reporter Phillipe Wang and Isabel Wang contributed to the report. Elections staff load ballots into machines as recounting begins at the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office in Lauderhill, Fla., on Nov. 11, 2018. (Joe Skipper/Getty Images) Florida Rejects DOJ Plan to Place Monitors Inside Voting Locations U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) workers are not allowed inside polling locations, a Florida official has told the agency. Brad McVay, general counsel for the Florida Department of State, told DOJ election official John Russ that Florida law does not permit DOJ monitors to be stationed inside of polling places after the DOJ announced it would monitor compliance with federal voting laws in three Florida counties. Earlier today, the Florida Department of State received copies of your letters to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in which you seem to indicate that the Department of Justice will send monitors inside polling places in these counties. We also understand you sent a similar letter to Palm Beach County, McVay wrote in a letter. But Department of Justice monitors are not permitted under Florida law. Florida law lists people who can enter a polling room or place and DOJ personnel are not included on the list, McVay said. Certain DOJ workers, McVay acknowledged, might fit within the definition of law enforcement officers, who are allowed inside with permission of the local clerk. But absent some evidence concerning the need for federal intrusion, or some federal statute that preempts Florida law, the presence of federal law enforcement inside polling places would be counterproductive and could potentially undermine confidence in the election, he told Russ. The letters to the counties do not demonstrate a need to place federal monitors in the counties, according to the lawyer. None of the counties are subject to any election-related federal agreements, and none have been accused of violating federal laws related to elections. During a phone call on Monday night, the Department of Justice did not provide any specific authorization for the plan to insert monitors into polling locations, according to McVay. Accordingly, the Florida Department of State invokes its authority under section 101.58(2) of the Florida Statutes to send its own monitors to the three targeted jurisdictions. These monitors will ensure that there is no interference with the voting process, he said. The DOJ did not respond to a request for comment. At least one other jurisdiction also pushed back against the DOJs plan. Steve Korsmeyer, the clerk in Cole County, Missouri, told The Epoch Times via email that the DOJ wont be allowed into our polling locations. 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. The DOJ said it was sending monitors to 64 jurisdictions across 24 states, including Pima County, Arizona; Cobb County, Georgia; and Flint, Michigan. It wasnt clear how the states were chosen. The goal was to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws, the department said. DOJ has sent monitors to states for years, including in 18 states in the 2020 election. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, said on Glenn Becks radio show that its a pretty unusual move for the federal government to come into a state. Asked if he could reject the workers, Paxton said he thought the federal civil rights act gave the U.S. attorney general the power to send monitors into state polling locations. Three teens from Cayuga County traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, last week to represent New York state at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup. Payton Youngers, Katie Dristle and Haley McCarthy were among 14 4-H members from 11 counties to represent the state at the largest 4-H horse program contest in the country. The contest encourages teamwork, decision-making and critical thinking in four events. The Horse Bowl tests horse industry knowledge; Hippology tests veterinary and management knowledge; Horse Judging tests decision-making and communication skills; and Horse Communications is a public speaking event on equine industry topics. The three Cayuga County teens qualified by competing in these events at a regional level after years of study. Youngers qualified for the Horse Bowl team, while Katie and Haley qualified for the Hippology team. Youngers placed first individually, and the team finished as the Reserve Grand Champion. Dristle also placed first individually, and the Hippology team finished third. Youngers was selected for the state 4-H horse program's Perpetual "Good Samaritan" Award as well. For more information about 4-H, email the Cayuga County office at cayuga@cornell.edu. The House floor convenes before a joint session of the House and Senate convenes to confirm the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Graeme Jennings/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) Guam Sends First Republican Delegate to the House in 30 Years A Republican was elected as Guams U.S. House delegate for the first time in decades, according to the Guam Election Commission on Nov. 8. In the race for Guams nonvoting House delegate, Republican James Moylan defeated Democrat Judith Won Pat, 17,075 votes to 15,427 votes, according to data provided by the island territory. Moylan is the first Republican to be elected as Guams delegate in about 30 years. Guam, which is 15 hours ahead of the East Coast, has sent only Democrats to the House since 1993. Moylan is also only the second Republican to ever serve as Guams delegate. That seat was created by Congress in 1972. Some political commentators wrote on Twitter that its evidence that a U.S.-wide red wave is brewing. However, Democrats won the governors race and retained control of the island territorys legislature. Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, a Democrat, won reelection over former Gov. Felix Camacho, a Republican, according to the Guam Election Commission. And Democrats have retained control of the legislature by expanding their majority to nine seats as opposed to six held by Republicans. Currently, other than Guam, there are four House delegates representing the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Delegates cant vote on the House floor, although theyre able to introduce legislation and make amendments to legislation. Delegates are unable to vote on the final passage of legislation, although they can vote on them in separate committees, according to the U.S. House website. Heading into Nov. 8, nearly 44.5 million people across the United States had already cast ballots. The Justice Department stated that it was sending monitors to 24 states to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws. Republican election officials in some states have tried to block the monitors from coming inside polling places. In some counties in Florida and Missouri, the Justice Department stated that the monitors would be outside the polling places. The Associated Press contributed to this report. There are over 1000 peer-reviewed papers in the preprint server system and or in the National Library of Medicine (PUBMED) describing side effects after mRNA or adenoviral DNA COVID-19 vaccination. One of the most dreaded complications is vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Because the Spike protein produced in response to the vaccine genetic code causes hemagglutination and micro blood clotting, there is excessive antigenic presentation of platelets to the spleen and reticuloendothelial system. As a result, the body produces auto-antibodies directed against a platelet receptor (PF4) which has homology with an endothelial protein. This causes autoantibody pinning of platelets to the lining of blood vessel cells resulting in consumption of platelets, blood clotting and bleeding at the same time. Unfortunate victims are fine for a few weeks after vaccination. Then bleeding from the oral and nasal mucosa associated with bruising under the skin occurs commonly with serious blood clotting within the brain and elsewhere in the body. Most patients are hospitalized in critical condition as doctors try a variety of medical and interventional maneuvers to combat simultaneous clotting and bleeding. As you can imagine, in some individuals the process is overwhelming and no matter how much critical care support is given, the patient dies.[i] The obituary of Mrs. Jessica Berg, age 37, a previously healthy vibrant mother is given in the figure.[ii] It indicates she died as a result of VITT. Jessica Berg Wilson, Oct. 29, 1983 Sept. 7, 2021, died of COVID-19 VITT To her left is a paper by Tsilingiris et al, titled Vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia: The shady side of a success story.[iii] The authors never state what success meant in the title but it is clear that schools, employers, and the military are shady when they dont fairly warn people what can happen when forcing mass vaccination. Television commercials, internet promotions, and consent forms do not describe VITT. Ms. Berg and her family had no way of getting an informed consent. To her right is a treatment pathway described that doctors commonly take to treat patients in the hospital. As in her case, many patients (~39%) succumb to this premature and bloody death which leaves more questions than answers. How could this have been anticipated? Is VITT associated with prior heparin induced thrombocytopenia (a similar syndrome)? What is the best initial blood thinner? Why arent patients with prior blood disorders given prompt exemption from such a horrific threat? Ask your doctor next time about VITT and how would they advise to avoid it. If you get a blank look or a queasy uncomfortable expression, show a copy of Ms. Bergs obituary and start a critical conversation. References [i] Sharifian-Dorche M, Bahmanyar M, Sharifian-Dorche A, Mohammadi P, Nomovi M, Mowla A. Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis post COVID-19 vaccination; a systematic review. J Neurol Sci. 2021 Sep 15;428:117607. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117607. Epub 2021 Aug 3. PMID: 34365148; PMCID: PMC8330139. [ii] Obituary, Jessica Berg Wilson age 37 [iii] Tsilingiris D, Vallianou NG, Karampela I, Dalamaga M. Vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia: The shady chapter of a success story. Metabol Open. 2021 Sep;11:100101. doi: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100101. Epub 2021 Jun 18. PMID: 34179744; PMCID: PMC8217988. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here. Dr. Peter A. McCullough MD Follow Dr. McCullough is a practicing internist, cardiologist, epidemiologist managing the cardiovascular complications of both the viral infection and the injuries developing after the COVID-19 vaccine in Dallas TX, USA. He has dozens of peer-reviewed publications on the infection, multiple US and State Senate testimonies, and has commented extensively on the medical response to the COVID-19 crisis in TheHill, America Out Loud, NewsMax, and on FOX NEWS Channel. Ingredients 2 tbsp. Butter 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 8 oz. Cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 tsp. thyme, dried 1/4 cup white cooking wine 1/2 cup flour (You could use Einkorn flour) 2 cups Chicken Bone broth 1 tsp. Celtic Sea Salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/2 cup of Raw Cow Milk Instructions Heat butter and oil in a saucepan. Saute onion on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes til tender. Add garlic and cook til fragrant, about 1 minute. Add mushrooms and thyme and cook for 5 minutes. Pour in wine and cook for 3 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk flour and broth together until there are no lumps. Stir the broth into the sauce pan. Mix well and lower heat to medium low. Add salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally til thickened. Pour in milk and simmer for a minute or two before removing from heat. If you dont have Cream of Mushroom Soup on hand or dont like what is in the canned soup, heres the fix for it. Whip up a batch of this and use as much as you need in your recipe. Yield is 2 1/2 to 3 cups. 'They shaped who I am,' says their proud mother Three days before Christmas in 1998, two identical twin sisters were born prematurely in Texas with a very visible difference: one with primordial dwarfism, and the other without. But their difference hasnt affected their sisterly bond; if anything, it has made them stronger. The doctors discovered their mom was carrying twins roughly nine weeks before their due date, eliminating any chance to offer selective reduction to terminate the twin with congenital conditions. And their mom says shes glad the doctors didnt find that earlier. Today, the Bernal familydad Joey, mom Chrissy, older brother (and former Marine) Austin, and twins Sienna and Sierracouldnt be happier. The girls turn 24 in December and are thriving. The sisters have also been awarded a 2022 Guinness Book record for the first documented case of an identical twin with primordial dwarfism. Sierra has grown up to be an ambitious country musician and social media analyst, while Sienna, who has primordial dwarfism, is a jewelry designer. Though doctors had predicted Sienna wouldnt even be able to button her own clothing, she has proved that all things are possible with God. Sienna told The Epoch Times that she hopes her jewelry business, Its a Sinny Size, which provides gainful employment to special needs adults, grows as big as Kendra Scott has built hers. She wants to be as independent as possible and her sister is her biggest champion. Chrissy and Joey with their twin daughters: Sienna (L) and Sierra (R). (Courtesy of Chrissy Bernal) The siblings: Sierra, Austin, and Sienna. (Courtesy of Chrissy Bernal) Shes My Best Friend Sierra, who has been writing and performing original country music since the age of 13, recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee. The sisters had been together for most of their lives, but now that Sierra has moved to her own place, Sienna finds it a little weird to not have her around every day. Shes my best friend, Sienna said. Sierra added: We talk a lot. My sister and I normally get into very deep conversations. Shes very supportive of my music career; shell often share her thoughts on a new song. I occasionally amuse her by trying to fit into her mermaid tail thats clearly too small for me [and] I appreciate the whimsical view that she adds to things. Shes very sensitive and very sweet. Growing up, the twins suffered the scrutiny of strangers for their visible difference. People would ask their ages even after theyd tell them theyre twins, said Sienna. She is sometimes still quizzed on her accent, which she clarifies is actually a speech impediment. She is also hard of hearing. Sierra is quizzed, too. People sometimes ask me if Im her mother, Sierra said. Of course, I would sometimes get some unexpectedly sad or odd questions, but the main question people used to ask me growing up was, Why is she so much smaller than you? I would simply explain to them that she has primordial dwarfism. Sienna at birth. She was born with Primordial Dwarfism and Dandy-Walker syndrome. (Courtesy of Chrissy Bernal) Two by Two Sierra and Sienna were born six weeks early by Caesarean section on Dec. 22, 1998. Just three weeks before, Chrissy and Joey found out they were having twin girls, but that Sienna was extremely small, was missing part of the cerebellum in her brain owing to Dandy-Walker syndrome, and had a hole in her heart. Doctors said had they discovered her earlier, they would have suggested I have a selective reduction to terminate her part of my pregnancy, Chrissy said. I told them I was glad they didnt discover her earlier. Doctors didnt expect Sienna to make it through the night and gave her a 10 percent chance of leaving the hospital alive. They claimed her life would not be viable if she made it home, but Sienna proved them wrong. Chrissy said: There was irony in the theme I had chosen for the nursery before knowing I was having twins: Noahs Ark, two by two! Sienna has always been a fighter, and clearly has a purpose that requires her to have made it. Sierra (L) and Sienna. (Courtesy of Chrissy Bernal) The twins at 10 years old. (Courtesy of Chrissy Bernal) The sisters. (Courtesy of Michael Shea Photography & Videography via Chrissy Bernal) Patience and Prayers Chrissy, who works in brand consultancy and PR, and Joey, who works in operations and sales, loved telling their family about their twin girls ahead of the birth, despite Siennas diagnoses. Chrissy was still in college and had gone in for a standard stress test when doctors told her the amniotic fluid was low and she would need to deliver. The peaceful and straightforward birth I had originally planned turned into a cold, bustling labor with at least 13 doctors and nurses in the delivery room, Chrissy recalled. Sierra was delivered first, weighing four pounds eight ounces. Sienna was second, weighing just one pound seven ounces. Both had yellow skin from jaundice, but Chrissy thought Sierra already looked like herself as a baby with her cute button nose. Sierra left the NICU after two weeks; Sienna stayed for 108 days. It was a long time before their parents could hold the fragile baby girl, but returning home with just Sierra allowed Chrissy to adjust to being a mom somewhat slower, and even finish school. Sienna uses beads ranging from wood and glass to semi-precious for designing her jewelry. Interestingly, her passion for jewelry design started as a way of physical therapy. (Courtesy of Chrissy Bernal) Looking at Sienna for the first time was very overwhelming, Chrissy said. She was in an incubator with many tubes and wires hooked up to her. At one point, they had to put an IV in her head because that was the only way they could get it in a vein. Siennas diaper was smaller than an iPod. Sienna was placed on oxygen, needed feeding every 90 minutes through a tube in her stomach, a nebulizer for chronic lung disease, and eventually open heart surgery. Throughout it all, her parents relied upon organization, patience, and a lot of prayers. But Chrissy felt a sense of peace, bolstered by the words of a nurse practitioner. Chrissy said: As I questioned why this was all happening, [the nurse] said something that some find harsh, but it was just what I needed to hear. She said, Not all babies are Gerber babies, and thats okay.' No Limitations Chrissy stopped her depressing internet searches and focused on baby Sienna as an individual, recalling, I kept the faith and didnt impose preconceived limitations on her. One preconception is that identical twins should look the same. The mom of three explained, In fact, the medical term for identical twins is monozygotic. In simple terms, it means they came from the same egg, and gene mutations would have happened after they split. Sienna and Sierras differences multiplied. Both homeschooled, since Sienna was sadly bullied and Sierra wanted to focus on music and songwriting, their unique personalities were given space to grow. So was their bond; today, the twins share their loving and unique-looking twinhood on TikTok. Sienna with her Night of Superstars Award, in Houston, on April 10, 2022. (Courtesy of Chrissy Bernal) Sierra has been performing since she was 13, has written hundreds of songs, and has performed in many places throughout the United States. (Courtesy of Chrissy Bernal) Sienna has since developed coping mechanisms for the things she finds hard in life. She uses a stool when she needs to reach high and is working on lip reading. But she has had to give up cheerleading because of back pain caused by scoliosis, needs help with household chores, and doesnt go out alone since her parents are afraid she will be mistaken for a child and kidnapped. Sienna worked hard on her mental health during the pandemic, starting a gratitude journal, and getting creative every time she needed an outside-the-box solution. I dont do things in the kitchen like boiling water, because that would be too heavy for me and unsafe, she said. So, we have things like mac and cheese that can be microwaved, instead I get stuck in public bathrooms a lot because the doors are too heavy for me I do have a lot of anxiety in crowded social settings; were hoping to get a service dog to help me with that. Praising both her daughters as very bright and funny young women, Chrissy says, theyre both resilient and have thick skin. The grateful mom loves Sierras fiery Texas grit, and believes Siennas two proudest achievements are her emotional intelligence and her successful jewelry business. If I hadnt had Sierra and Sienna, life would be very boring, Chrissy said. Seeing them turn into strong and kind women who know their worth is very rewarding. They shaped who I am, as well. 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 Illinois County Clerk Reports Cyber Attacks on Servers, Voters Asked to Stay in Line Authorities in Champaign County, Illinois, said Tuesday that a cyberattack is affecting server performance during the 2022 midterm elections. The Champaign County Clerks Office said it is is aware of connectivity issues and computer server performance being impacted. The Clerks Office believes these are due to cyber-attacks on the network and servers, according to a statement posted on social media on Tuesday afternoon. The office said its websites have been subject to distributed denial-of-service, or DDOS, attacks for the past month. Fortunately the reinforced security and response from the Clerks IT team has prevented these attacks from being successful and the Clerks website has remained secured, it said. No data or information has been compromised and the election is secure. Such cyber-attacks are a strategic and coordinated effort to undermine and destabilize our democratic process. The intent is to discourage you from voting, the office warned. Please do not fall victim to this. The Clerks Office is committed to ensuring every eligible voter in Champaign County has access to a fair, free, and accessible election. Officials then called on voters to please stay in line. Election judges and staff are doing everything they can to process voters according to the requirements of election law while navigating these attacks. We appreciate your patience and commitment to our democratic process, it said. This is a developing situation, and we will have more information as it becomes available. Let me reiterate that we are committed to making sure every voter has a chance to cast their ballot so please stay in line. Champaign County, which reliably votes in favor of Democrats, is located in central Illinois. In 2020, President Joe Biden won with about 60 percent of the vote to former President Donald Trumps 37 percent, according to election data. The last Republican president to win the county was George H. W. Bush in 1988. In Illinois, several important statewide races include governor, secretary of state, and attorney general. A number of House races, one U.S. Senate race, and other local races are on the ballot. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, is facing Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey in the race for governor. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) is seeking reelection Tuesday in Illinois against GOP candidate Kathy Salvi. Chinese leader Xi Jinping attends the meeting between members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 20th CCP Central Committee and Chinese and foreign journalists at The Great Hall of People in Beijing on Oct. 23, 2022. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) Investors Vote No on Chinas Xi Markets retreat because Xis third term reminds them too much of Maos economics Commentary Financial markets have shown disapproval of Xi Jinpings success in securing a third term as Chinas leader. Stocks, bonds, and Chinas currency, the yuan, all fell with the close of the Party Congress and have more or less stayed down. The reaction is certainly understandable. For some time now, Xi has shown a penchant for policies that can only be described as anti-growth. His continuation in power can only mean more of the same. There was, however, one surprise in the market response. It announced that investors strangely had not yet fully adjusted to a Xi-dominated future. They should have. Xi has long telegraphed his policies and intention to get a third term. Perhaps there was a lingering hope that reformers would retain power, and when at the end of the Party Congress it was clear that only Xis allies would have positions of power, that hope was shattered. But then, given Xis behavior for some time, even that result was entirely predictable. Nor did the market have any news to mitigate despair over Xi. True, some good news on Chinese economics did appear as the Party Congress adjourned. The nations real gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter showed 3.9 percent growth over the same quarter a year ago. But that news was hardly distracting. The reported figure was only slightly better than the 3.5 percent growth widely expected and, in any case, was still slow compared to the kind of growth China exhibited in the not-too-distant past. Besides, September gave more news of economic trouble. Retail sales in September were up a mere 2.5 percent, quite a difference from Augusts 5.4 percent advance. There can now be no doubt that Chinas economy will fall far short of the already reduced 5.5 percent growth target for all of 2022. Besides, the GDP release was a sideshow to the long-term fundamental problem with Xis approach to economics. It is that fact that occupies the front of investors minds. People walk across a bridge with a stocks indicator board in the financial district of Lujiazui in Shanghai, China, on Oct. 17, 2022. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) Xi has demonstratedalmost from his first days in powerthat he has completely misunderstood the root of Chinas stupendous economic rise of the past few decades. That growth and Chinas position now among the first rank of economic powers stemmed from Deng Xiaopings decision in the 1970s to dispense with the tight centralization and economic planning practiced under Mao Zedong. While keeping the Communist Partys grip on political power, Deng opened China to trade and allowed more independent decision-making in private firms and state-owned enterprises. The openness and flexibility brought by that decision were critical to the great growth and prosperity that ensued and has put Chinaand the seemingly clueless Xiin such a position of power and influence today. But bad policy could stymie and even reverse such past success. If anything can do that, it is Xi increasing efforts to dilute Dengs reforms in favor of more Mao-like central planning and market suppression. Xi has made his intentions explicit, saying that Dengs reforms were always just a temporary measure to bring China up to this point when he can now return the country to its communist roots. Of course, there is no telling what Xi really thinks, but regardless of motivations, his policies will kill the goose that laid the golden egg. The failure of his approach is already evident. Beijing may want to blame Evergrande and other property developers for the financial troubles their failures have brought. Still, it is nonetheless clear that the mistakes of the developers were largely the result of the emphasis central planners placed on residential development. Were it not for that centralized focus, the real estate sector could not have grown to some 30 percent of the economy, where it was until recently. In the same way, the huge debt overhang China faces todayeven apart from the property developerscan be traced to mistakes in central planning. Xis reliance on centralized control and the overriding of market forces, which he clearly intends to exaggerate in his new term, will only cause more such problems even as they make China less responsive to global market forces and so less able to take advantage of growth opportunities than it once was. Market responses have made this point clear. Those who pinned their hopes on continued Chinese gainsif there are any left outside the Chinese Communist Partyare bound to face disappointment. That certainly is what investors are saying. Those in the West and elsewhere in Asia who fear Chinese economics will also have to adjust, and if for some reason they enjoy being afraid, as some people seem to, they will have to find some other demons. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Drones during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in Iran in an undated photo. (Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via Reuters) Iran Acknowledges Drone Shipments to Russia Before War, Kyiv Claims Tehran Is Lying Iran acknowledged for the first time on Saturday that it had supplied Moscow with drones but said they were sent before the war in Ukraine, where Russia has used them to target power stations and civilian infrastructure. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said a small number of drones had been shipped a few months before Russias Feb 24 invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Tehran of lying, saying Kyivs forces were downing at least 10 of the unmanned aerial vehicles every day. In Irans most detailed response to date, Amirabdollahian denied Tehran was continuing to supply drones to Moscow. This fuss made by some Western countries that Iran has provided missiles and drones to Russia to help the war in Ukrainethe missile part is completely wrong, the official IRNA news agency quoted him as saying. The drone part is true and we provided Russia a small number of drones months before the Ukraine war, he said. In recent weeks Ukraine has reported a surge in drone attacks on civilian infrastructure, notably targeting power stations and dams, using Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. Russia denies its forces have used Iranian drones to attack Ukraine. In a video address, Zelenskyy dismissed talk of limited Iranian supplies to Russia, saying Ukraine had downed 11 drones on Friday alone. If Iran continues to lie about the obvious, it means the world will make even more efforts to investigate the terrorist cooperation between the Russian and Iranian regimes and what Russia pays Iran for such cooperation, he said. Separately, U.S. Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley said in a tweet it was untrue that Iran had sent a few drones. They transferred dozens just this summer and have military personnel in occupied Ukraine helping Russia use them, he said. Zelenskyy, who has repeatedly pressed allies to provide more defenses against aircraft and missiles, said he expected good news in coming weeks but gave no details. Kyiv, he added, would launch a fund-raising campaign to buy marine drones in the coming week. IRNA quoted Amirabdollahian as saying Tehran and Kyiv had agreed to discuss allegations about the use of Iranian drones but the Ukrainians did not show up for talks. In a response on Facebook, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said Amirabdollahian was spreading insinuations about an alleged refusal by the Ukrainian side. Amirabdollahian repeated Tehran would not remain indifferent if it were proven Russia had used Iranian drones against Ukraine. The European Union last month agreed new sanctions on Iran over drone deliveries, and Britain imposed sanctions on three Iranian military figures and a defense manufacturer. Pedestrians seen behind artificial cherry blossom decorations in a shopping district on the first day after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions imposed on Tokyo and 17 other prefectures, in Tokyo, Japan, on March 22, 2022. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters) Japan Lifts Entry Restrictions, Attracting Southeast Asian Tourists As the Japanese government eases travel restrictions, tourists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and other countries have increased. However, still subject to Chinas zero-COVID policy, most Chinese still fail to travel abroad. Japans borders are now open to independent foreign travelers and Japan has reintroduced visa-free entry. Quarantine and on-arrival testing are no longer enforced, although travelers are still required to show either triple-vaccinated status or proof of a negative COVID test taken 72 hours prior to departure. An estimated 10,000 people booked flights to Japan in the first week after the country lifted its daily limit of 50,000 people on Oct. 11, Nikkei Asia reported. Hong Kongs Cathay Pacific Airways started daily flights to Tokyos Haneda Airport on Nov. 1 and will restart four weekly flights to Sapporo on Dec. 1. There will be 50 flights a week from Hong Kong to Japan by the end of October and 120 a week by December. In 2019, a total of more than 31.88 million tourists visited Japan, spending more than 4.8 trillion yen ($32.3 billion). After the COVID-19 pandemic caused the Japanese government to tighten its border controls in 2020, the number of visitors dropped sharply. The number of visitors in August 2022 was only 7 percent of the August 2019 number. Tourists from Hong Kong, in particular, like to visit Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa. Japanese anime is hugely popular in Hong Kong, and many Hong Kongers love Japanese food. In 2019, before the outbreak of COVID-19, about 2.29 million people from Hong Kong visited Japan, equivalent to one-third of its population. Koji Hayamizu, head of Japan Airlines Hong Kong office, told Nikkei Asia that since the relaxation of restrictions by Japan, bookings have been pouring in. The number of flight reservations increased by more than 1,400 in the 2 weeks from Oct. 11 to 31. It is expected that more than 90 percent of the bookings are from Hong Kong, and even business classes were well booked, Koji said. Tourist Hot Spots Now that Japans border policy has been relaxed and independent tours have resumed, what do tourists want to do most when they visit Japan? Recently, The Epoch Times visited some shops and scenic spots in Osaka to see what visitors are doing. At noon on Oct. 30, many tourists were eating seafood barbecue at Kuromon Market in Osaka. Most of them were Asian, from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Mr. Wong (a pseudonym), who was visiting from Hong Kong, told The Epoch Times that his family visited Japan four years ago. A lot of things have happened in Hong Kong in the past few years, and with the epidemic prevention control, people are under a lot of pressure, he said. So as soon as Japan opened up for independent tours, [we] immediately booked tickets and a hotel. This time, [we] will mainly visit Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. [We] plan to go to Hokkaido in the New Year. At Osaka Castle, we saw a number of tour buses from South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, and other Southeast Asian countries. At the Tenshu, the central tower of the castle, we saw some Taiwanese and Hong Kongers, all of whom were visiting Japan independently. Coming to Shop At an electronics store in Namba, a staff member told The Epoch Times that when the Japanese government opened to foreign tour groups in June, many stores prepared for a rush of tourists enjoying duty-shopping and special tourist coupons. However, although stores are seeing more business, its not up to pre-pandemic levels. The number of tourists shopping is increasing every day, but it is still far from the purchasing power before the pandemic. [Its] mainly because Chinese tourists cant come, the staff member said. We saw several Taiwanese shoppers who said they enjoy buying household essentials from Japan and came here to shop before the pandemic. This time, they came to buy rice cookers and said they will return. At the Hankyu Department Store in Osaka, many tourists were buying brand-name products like bags, clothes, and watches. Sonny, a Mexican tourist, told The Epoch Times that now is a good time to convert dollars into yen. The same brand-name products he was buying in Japan are five to six times more expensive at home, he said. At the Apple store in Shinsaibashi, we saw several Vietnamese tourists buying iPhones and iPads. Nguyen Dinh Kyun, a Vietnamese student, told The Epoch Times that an iPhone in Japan is at least 100,000 yen (about $673) cheaper than it is in Vietnam. Zero-COVID Still Impacts the Tourist Trade On Oct. 31, at Osaka Bay Tower, two Chinese travelers spoke to The Epoch Times, saying Chinas strict Zero-COVID policy makes it hard to get approval to travel to Japan. You wont be able to come out in the name of travel. Its even hard to apply for a passport. The scrutiny is stricter than before, they said. Not many can come out in the name of studying abroad either. Many graduates want to study abroad, [because] they cant find a job in China. Even if they find a job, the salary is very low. Theyre all factory workers, and the knowledge they learned in school isnt being used. The owner of a vacation rental, who gave his name as Mr. Fujiyi, told The Epoch Times that he is starting to see guests, and reservations for the new year are being made now. Late November is the time when Osakas leaves are at their most beautiful, so reservations, mostly from Southeast Asian countries, are usually made well in advance. However, cancellations are a problem, particularly from travelers who find themselves in lockdown. In late September, a Chinese family of three made an appointment to come to Japan from Nov. 20 to 27, but canceled it on Oct. 28, saying that they were under lockdown and did not know when they could get out, Fujiyi said. Residents drop mail-in ballots in a ballot box outside of the Tippecanoe branch library in Milwaukee, Wis., on Oct. 20, 2020. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Judge Denies Request to Sequester Military Ballots in Wisconsin A judge on Nov. 7 denied a request to sequester military ballots in Wisconsin after a Milwaukee election official was charged with sending fake military ballots to a state lawmaker. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Maxwell turned down a request for an order that would have election officials segregate military absentee ballots until they are properly verified. The Concerned Veterans of Waukesha County and state Rep. Janel Brandtjen, the Republican who received the fake ballots, said the actions of former Milwaukee Elections Commissioner Deputy Director Kimberly Zapata exposed the vulnerability of current Wisconsin Elections Commission guidance on military ballots. The commission currently says that military voters do not need to register to vote and if they do, they do not need to provide proof of residence. State law, though requires an up-to-date and verified military elector list, the plaintiffs said. Maxwell rejected the request for a temporary restraining order during a hearing on Monday. The reality of it is, on the four criteria that the court has to use to determine whether or not I can grant injunctive relief, theres not a record here that tells me that I can do that, Maxwell said during the hearing. Maxwell said he believes the commission should include information about the military elector list but that he did not think he was able to order the body, at least for now, to do so. He also said that sequestering ballots would be a drastic remedy that was at a minimum, a temporary disenfranchisement of military voters. Maxwell planned to issue a written order explaining his decision. Erick Kaardal, an attorney for Thomas More Society, which is representing the plaintiffs, had argued that the commission was disregarding state law. The Wisconsin Elections Commissions consistent disregard for the states election statutes has created an environment conducive to vote fraud, he said in a statement. This situation is particularly egregious as it demonstrates how easily the military absentee mail-in vote can be manipulated due to the commissions lack of compliance with Wisconsin election law. What a disgraceful way to dishonor our military service men and women and our veterans; by allowing their voting privileges to be abused. But Lynn Lodahl, representing the Wisconsin Attorney Generals Office, said that the current law supports not having military voters on any list. The case is not dismissed. The judge set a status hearing for December to consider how to proceed, if at all. Judge Gives Over 1,000 Georgia Voters Extra Time to Mail in Absentee Ballots A Georgia judge on Monday agreed to have the ballot return deadline extended for about 1,000 Cobb County absentee voters who didnt have their requested mail ballots sent out by elections officials. The consent order (pdf) from Cobb County Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill means that the Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration will send replacement ballots to the 1,046 affected voters overnight on Monday. It also means that the absentee ballots have a return deadline of Nov. 14, although the ballots must be postmarked and out in the mail by Election Day, Nov. 8, to be counted. Nov. 15 is the date that counties in Georgia, a battleground state, must certify their election results. Cobb County election officials announced on Nov. 5 that they failed to mail 1,046 requested absentee ballots. Elections and Registrations Director Janine Eveler said that human error caused the mishap. Daniel White, an attorney for the countys election board, told reporters that the error was purely clerical, reported The Hill. If you mess up, we fess up, White said. We are being transparent. We said as soon as we discovered this, we did all we could to determine what the numbers were, who was affected, how we can get them ballots as quickly as possible. Following the announcement, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center sued (pdf) the Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration on Nov. 6. The suit was filed on behalf of three voters, the Cobb County Democracy Center, as well as a 64-year-old woman residing outside of Cobb County as she cares for her elderly mother. The two parties filed a proposed consent order to Hill on Monday afternoon, and the judge signed the order the same day. The order also required Cobb County to notify the affected voters by email and send a text message about the updated arrangement immediately. Separately, following the news of failure to send absentee ballots to Cobb County voters, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, announced Monday that he had opened an investigation into the matter. Elections officials are working hard to rectify the situation regarding absentee ballots in Cobb County, and I appreciate their efforts. But what happened is simply unacceptable, period, he said in a statement, reported 11Alive. The results of the investigation will be referred to the State Elections Board to determine appropriate consequences, he said. Because it can save their life! Locally, overdoses have increased overall since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including prescription and illegal drugs, with a concerning trend toward increased rates of youth overdoses. We are also faced with drugs that are more potent and deadly and may lead to fatal overdoses quicker, sometimes after a single use. As a parent of a teenager, I understand that it is a daunting task to have these conversations with your child. I invite you to join an upcoming community discussion to learn about the realities of underage substance use and how to talk with your kids about these issues. Cayuga County Mental Health and Healing Cayuga are partnering with the Auburn school district to host a parent night at Auburn High School at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. All parents, caregivers and interested people from around the county are invited to this event. It will also be livestreamed at aecsd.education/highschool. Lauren Walsh, the county director of mental health, and I will be talking about normal versus concerning teen behavior, how to get prepared to talk with your child about substance use, tips on how to keep the conversation going, common myths about addiction, different types of substances and local trends, how to recognize an overdose and how to use Naloxone (Narcan). Here are some more things to consider from the national Talk. They Hear You. campaign: Parents have a significant influence on their childrens decisions to experiment with alcohol and other drugs. One of the most influential factors during a childs adolescence is maintaining a strong, open relationship with a parent. When parents create supportive and nurturing environments, children make better decisions. Though it may not always seem like it, children really hear their parents concerns, which is why its important that parents discuss the risks of using alcohol and other drugs. Its better to talk before children are exposed to alcohol and other drugs. If you talk to your kids directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol and drug use. When parents talk with their children early and often about alcohol and other drugs, they can protect their children from many of the high-risk behaviors associated with using these drugs. Some children may try alcohol or other drugs at a very young age. It is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs. Children as young as 9 years old already start viewing alcohol in a more positive way, and approximately 3,300 kids as young as 12 try marijuana each day. Additionally, about five in 10 kids as young as 12 obtain prescription pain relievers for nonmedical purposes. The earlier you start talking, the better. The older kids get, the more likely theyll try alcohol or other drugs. About 10% of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50%. Additionally, by the time they are seniors, almost 70% of high school students will have tried alcohol, half will have taken an illegal drug, and more than 20% will have used a prescription drug for a nonmedical purpose. The sooner you talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs, the greater chance you have of influencing their decisions about drinking and substance use. Not talking about alcohol and other drugs still sends kids a message. Kids dont always have all the facts when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. If parents dont talk about the risks of underage drinking and substance use, their kids might not see any harm in trying alcohol and other substances. Having a conversation allows parents to set clear rules about what they expect from their kids when it comes to alcohol and other drugs. The discussion around mental health and substance use with our youth has never been more important than now," Walsh said. "It is very difficult, as parents, to decipher your adolescents behavior as typical or a cause for concern. We hope to educate parents on skills, in order to have critical conversations with their children on both mental health and substance use." Judge Orders Pennsylvania County Polling Sites to Stay Open Late Due to Paper Shortages A judge in Pennsylvanias Luzerne County ordered all polling sites to remain open for two additional hours after paper shortages cropped up during the midterm elections. Court of Common Pleas Judge Lesa Gelb entered the order after hearing from county officials, who lodged a petition on Nov. 8 for extended hours. Voters in Luzerne County through no fault of their own, were disenfranchised and denied the fundamental right to vote, Gelb said in her order, which was made in an effort to protect and maintain the integrity of the 2022 General Election and to protect the voters of this County. The sites, originally slated to remain open until 8 p.m., were ordered to remain open until 10 p.m. Gelb ordered the county and the court clerk to notify the appropriate election officials. Some 35 precincts were affected by the shortages, Beth Gilbert McBride, the countys acting elections director, told the judge during the hearing, the Standard-Speaker reported. The backup plan in such situations is to turn to provisional ballots, but there were also shortages of those ballots, according to McBride. The county has 186 precincts. McBride said that new paper wasnt scheduled to arrive until 4:30 p.m. Geld said she viewed the situation as a major problem that is disenfranchising the voters of Luzerne County, the Speaker reported. The Democratic Party of Luzerne County supported extending precinct hours while the Republican Party of Luzerne County didnt take a position on the petition. Republicans requested any votes cast during the new hours be provisional, which would let officials know which voters voted during the two-hour time period, but the judge didnt immediately rule on that request. County officials said theyre investigating the matter. Acting Deputy Director of Elections Emily Cook told WNEP-TV there were multiple factors, including high voter turnout. McBride told another outlet that each machine that was deployed to the polling locations should have been pre-loaded with the necessary amount of paper that is required throughout the day and that did not happen. Voters were encouraged to go vote. The countys Bureau of Elections didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Polls in Luzerne County opened at 7 a.m. The county has a population of about 326,000. Its in the northern portion of the state, just below Scranton, and includes the cities of Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. Kid Rock Is Part Right About Oprah, but Theres More Commentary Kid Rock called out Oprah Winfrey as a fraud for her late-in-the-race backing of stroke-challenged Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in the Pennsylvania Senate contest. The Kid said she had helped Fettermans opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, with his career and such a recommendation demonstrated a considerable amount of hypocrisy. Im a big Kid Rock fanvery happy hes here in Nashville, Tennesseebut I think The Kid only caught one part of whats motivating Oprah. Oprah is angryvery angry, uncontrollably angryabout what may be happening across our country on Nov. 8. Many of her beloved liberal candidatesnot just the addled Fettermanmay be getting their walking papers. And Opraha devoted liberal/progressive/whateverdoesnt like that at all. She is used to being obeyed. Shes used to our country and a good part of the world taking her advice, even to the books we read, often the kind of liberal swill we also hear promoted on The View. After all, Oprah Winfrey is the very embodiment of celebrity culture. Her main residence (of many) spans 70 acres in Montecito, California, and is said to be worth $100 million, not all that costly to someone with a net worth of $2.5 billion. How dare wehoi polloicontradict her? Of course, Oprah isnt alone. Almost all the Democratic leadership, cultural or political, think of themselves as the ruling class: those who know better, who know best what is best for the rest of us. They collectivelyeven Oprah, who regularly stresses integrity in her writing and on her showswere able to overlook the obvious fact that Fetterman lied multiple times about fracking that he at first adamantly opposed and then suddenly supported with no explanation for the reason for his change. Thats because the motivation is so obviously cynically electoral in a state so dependent on energy for economic survival. Not to worry. Oprah and Co. probably think hell go back on his new word after hes elected and return to his green roots. And then theres this from The Philadelphia Tribune of Sept. 15: As of Sept. 3, police statistics show, 386 people had been slain in homicides this year3% higher than the same date last year, which ended with a record 562 homicides. The number of homicides in Philadelphia has more than doubled since 2013, when police reported 246 homicides. The vast majority of these murders take place in black communities. Almost everyone knows that, but few want to talk about it or do anything about it except for the morally courageous such as talk show host Larry Elder. The Democratic Party doesnt want to talk about this catastrophe, lest the finger of culpability be pointed back at them. One of the greatest lies of our times is that the Democrats are supportive of black people when their policies from Lyndon Johnson onwards have done nothing but hurt the black community in the most tragic ways, most notably through the destruction of the black familythe vast majority of them anyway. Where is Oprah Winfreyrated the worlds wealthiest black woman by Forbesin all this? Well, she gives to charities here and in Africa, a good thing, but she also supports candidates, not just Fetterman, whose policies only contribute to the problem. Fetterman is one of the worst in this regard because he virtue-signaled his way to the lieutenant governorship of Pennsylvania by advocating for the release of large numbers of prisoners at the very moment that violent crimes were drastically increasingthe victims be damned. I like The Shawshank Redemption too, the film that Fetterman apparently touted as the inspiration for his advocacy, but its based on a work of fiction by Stephen King, not on reality. The largely sentimental story has little to do with people serving time in prison today. Yes, we can all agree that the falsely convicted should be released, and as quickly as possible. But the escalating violence statics across the country tell us to be careful and not to do this in anything approaching a wholesale manner. As for Oprah, although I think she is immensely talented in a large number of areas, I have never been a fan, as I am of Kid Rock. Rock is the real deal, like him or not. I have always thought Oprah to be disingenuous. Now, her support of John Fetterman could harm the future of our country. Or this particular instance of virtue signaling was a last gasp. I hope its the latter. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Liberal Democrats Controversially Drop Christian Candidate in Blue Wall Seat The Liberal Democrats have deselected a former journalist with Christian beliefs only 10 months after he was chosen to be the candidate in one of their top target seats. David Campanale claimed earlier this week, during an interview with GB News, that activists in Sutton and Cheam, a Conservative-held constituency in southwest London, had turned against him after learning of his faith. Campanale said: In this particular constituency, the activists since I was selected at the beginning of the year, said now that we know that you hold Christian beliefs we dont want to deliver your leaflets.' In June 2017 Tim Farron stepped down as the leader of the Liberal Democrats, saying remaining faithful to Christ was incompatible with leading the party. In his resignation statement, Farron said: To be a political leaderespecially of a progressive, liberal party in 2017and to live as a committed Christian, to hold faithfully to the Bibles teaching, has felt impossible for me. Farron was replaced by Ed Davey, whose Kingston and Surbiton constituency is next to Sutton and Cheam. Campanale is a former BBC World Service journalist who was one of the first reporters to uncover Chinas religious persecution of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang Province and also obtained the first interview, in English, with Asia Bibi, a Catholic who was sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy. Soon after he was selected Campanale wrote on the Liberal Democrat Voice website, Since my selection was announced there has been some scrutiny about myself and my past. Campanale once chaired Christian Peoples Alliance He went on to say: It is true that after 18 years of voting for the Lib Dems, I left to chair the Christian Peoples Alliance [CPA]. But I then quit the CPA almost a decade ago when it was infiltrated by extremists. I fully repudiate the offensive and divisive campaigns the people using the name now pursue. The CPA has stood candidates in UK elections since 2005 but has never obtained more than 1 percent of the vote. In June, its candidate, Paul Bickerdike, won 144 votes in the Wakefield by-election. He also addressed his former associations with the Fidesz Party in Hungary. Campanale wrote: Back in the 1980s, when Fidesz was a Liberal party and Hungary was still behind the Iron curtain, I formed ties as others did within the Liberal Democrat family. Fidesz are a different party now, known best for rhetoric against asylum-seekers and increasing authoritarianism. I am on record as having used my platform at the festival as a liberal to call out their regressive views. Veteran journalist Michael Crick wrote on Twitter that he had spoken to a senior Liberal Democrat who said there had been disquiet that Campanales former political affiliations had not been disclosed during the selection process, and denied he was being discriminated against because of his faith. Sutton and Cheam, which the Lib Dems held between 1997 and 2015, is currently held by Paul Scully, who had a majority of 8,351 at the last election. Announcing his selection in January this year, Sutton and Cheam Liberal Democrats said, The constituency is part of the Tory blue wall, immediately vulnerable to the party, following dramatic swings to the Liberal Democrats in by-elections in Chesham & Amersham and North Shropshire. The blue wall refers to Conservative seats in the southeast of Englandlike Chesham and Amersham, which fell in June 2021which which were once impregnable but, since Brexit, are now thought to be vulnerable to the Lib Dems and even Labour. In the 2019 election, after promising to get Brexit done the Tories won dozens of so-called red wall seats in areas which had voted for Labour for decades. Sid Cordle, leader of the CPA, told The Epoch Times in an email: All this means very clearly that Christians are not welcome in the Lib Dems. They have chosen to be not just a rabidly pro-EU party but also an anti-Christian party. A Liberal Democrats spokesman told The Epoch Times, There is an ongoing process which is confidential to allow for due process and appeals, so it isnt possible for us to comment at this stage. Theodora Johnson, sixth-generation native of Siskiyou County's Scott Valley, on the Bacigalupi ranch in Little Shasta Valley, on Sept. 18, 2022. (The Epoch Times) Long Arm of Bureaucracy Causing Trouble for Farmers in the State of Jefferson Government agencies adding to the challenges of water, wildfires, and wolves for deep-rooted ranching families If you look carefully, youll spot it all over the place in rural Siskiyou County, Californiaon flags, on banners, and even on bumper stickers. Two Xs in a yellow circle symbolize what supporters see as the double-crossing governments of Oregon and California. Words encircle the double crosses: The Great Seal of State of Jefferson. The movement to carve out a separate state is just one visible sign of the conflict between city and country on the fringes of the Pacific Northwest. In a series of Sept. 18 interviews with The Epoch Times, local ranchers explained their problems with the latest stringent restrictions on their use of water. On the California side of the state line, limits have been enabled by Gov. Gavin Newsoms emergency drought measures. Water has always been an issue out west, particularly in California; last centurys water wars were famously dramatized in the 1974 movie Chinatown. Yet when seen from another perspective, the current struggles between ranchers and state agencies look like skirmishes in a different warthis one over the future of food. Even as many of Californias farmers and ranchers feel the heat from Sacramento, Newsom, a former World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and frequent speaker, has quietly taken steps to further the replacement of animal protein with substitutes, considered by some to be more eco-friendly. The states latest budget allocated $5 million for research and development on plant-based and cultivated meats, the first such funding from Californias state government. Ranchers arent the only ones feeling the squeeze. Rep. Doug La Malfa (R-Calif.), a fourth-generation rice farmer in the states Central Valley, told The Epoch Times that drought-related restrictions on water forced him to take much of his acreage out of production. Meanwhile, the state, long known for its dominance in milk production, is rapidly losing dairies. California nonprofit Dairy Cares reports that the number of dairies in the state has now fallen from 1,900 in 2008 to roughly 1,100. Milk output declined slightly too, to 39 million from 41 million gallons of milk per year. National statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that the countrys total cattle and calf numbers decreased by 2.4 percent in 2022 from the previous year, continuing a long-term downward trend. In the eyes of many farmers and ranchers, a challenging environment has only been worsened by hostile treatment from the occupational press. Were portrayed in most of the media as a bunch of rubes that are tearing the ground up because their forefathers did it for the last 100 years, Lane Roelle, a rancher on the Oregon side of the line, told The Epoch Times. The Bacigalupis of Siskiyou County make no secret of their support for the State of Jefferson. A banner hanging from a roadside barn on their land invites people to join. Jerry Bagicalupi grew up on a ranch thats a few hours from his home today. When he bought his current property, he and his family were living in Sacramento. Jerrys daughter, Deborah Bacigalupi, was just 13 at the time. In the arid Little Shasta Valley, the Bacigalupis enjoy a green and pleasant land that sustains birds, frogs, mammals, and other fauna. That shows that human intervention and biodiversity need not work at cross-purposes, Deborah said. After all, many of the water features were created or altered by her father. You build a pond, and all of a sudden, you have an oasis, she told The Epoch Times. Water is one big reason for the Bacigalupis uneasy relationship with the state, and, in particular, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)just one arm of the states labyrinthine environmental bureaucracy. The family comes to the fight armed with expertise. Jerry spent years working as a water engineer for the California Department of Water Resources. Deborah described the boards power as near-dictatorial during the drought. In response to this characterization, an SWRCB spokesperson told The Epoch Times in a Nov. 7 email that it holds public meetings that offer the public [an opportunity] to participate in the boards development and implementation of drought and other water-related policy and regulatory actions. In a follow-up interview that same day, Deborah scoffed at the idea that public comments meaningfully influence the board. I think they just go through public comment to check off a box, she told The Epoch Times. The Bacigalupis have recently tangled with the SWRCB over its request that the family line a ditch on their property. Jerry thinks the states intention makes no sense from an environmental point of view. Lining the ditch would eliminate a valuable hotspot for natural life, he argued. Think of the vegetation along there. Think of the wildlife habitat, he said. Deborah Bacigalupi on the Bacigalupi ranch in Siskiyou County, California, on Sept. 18, 2022. (The Epoch Times) Deborah believes that the struggle over water is just one small part of a much bigger picture. I know that China and California are constantly looked at as the model for globalism, she said on Sept. 18, citing her governors connections to organizations such as the World Economic Forum. What better way to control the masses than by co-opting, stealing, and claiming authority over all water? she asked. Even as they spar with the state over property rights, the Bacigalupis must contend with a very real, very severe drought. Ive never seen it this dry, Jerry said. He had to rescue one of their cows after it got stuck in a pond, in a vain search for more water. I pulled her out and left her there for two days, and she died. She never made it, Jerry said. According to Deborah, the biggest threats to local ranchers are three big Ws: Water, wolves, and wildfires. The regions growing wildfire problem is no great secret to anyone who follows the news. While some commentators pin much of the blame on man-made climate change, others argue that decades of forest mismanagement are the sole or primary culprit. The return of gray wolves to northern California, on the other hand, is less likely to make the headlines. Environmental groups have championed the reappearance of wolves, bears, and other large predators in places from which they once were expelled. Indeed, in many cases, humans have deliberately reintroduced those species to their former ranges. (While some people have different theories, the states Department of Fish and Wildlife says it didnt shepherd gray wolves back into California.) The restoration of such species is central to the broader vision of re-wilding large swaths of the planet, an aspiration mirrored by the Biden administrations 30 by 30 plan to protect 30 percent of the countrys lands and waters by 2030. Newsom issued his own California-specific 30 by 30 plan through a 2020 executive order. California rancher and engineer Jerry Bacigalupi, photographed Sept. 22, 2022, is skeptical of state agencies. (The Epoch Times) Here in the heart of Jefferson, the wilderness ideal looks rather different on the ground. Ranchers whose ancestors drove off grizzly bears and other large predators now fear attacks on their cattle from the resurgent gray wolves. Its once again defined as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), thanks to a court order that overturned the Trump administrations delisting. Deborah questioned the priority of environmental activists who claim that animal welfare or well-being are among their foremost concerns. They dont care if a gray wolf is chewing up alive, eating bit by bit our cows, she said. The image, although horrifying, corresponds to a reality thats hundreds or thousands of miles away from the many people deciding the future of places such as Siskiyou County. To some, it might as well not exist. Theodora Johnsons forebears arrived in Siskiyou Countys Scott Valley during the 1860s, as the California Gold Rush drew prospectors to the area. Deborah Bacigalupi on her familys rural California ranch on Sept. 18, 2022. (The Epoch Times) They started farming to feed the miners, Johnson told The Epoch Times. She and her husband are raising three little kids. Those children mark her familys seventh generation in the Scott Valley. Like the other ranchers who spoke with The Epoch Times, Johnson and her husband are chafing against the restrictions on water use. Under the current drought emergency regulation, cattle get only 15 gallons of water per day unless the temperature soars above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Its not enough, especially for a lactating cow, said Johnson, a member of the Scott Valley Agriculture Water Alliance. Theodora Johnson is the sixth generation of her family in far northern Californias Scott Valley. (The Epoch Times) In practice, local ranchers are allegedly defying the regulation. One SWRCB cease and desist order thats aimed at farmer Lance Batistich accuses him of violating water right curtailments under the drought emergency based on photographic evidence received from California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff. The diverter expressed their disagreement with the curtailment orders with hostility and voiced skepticism about the state and federal agencies, the order states. Batistich didnt respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment by press time. The SWRCB declined to comment on the order. No one is going to limit how much their livestock can drink, because thats inhumane, Johnson said. Whatever form the rules take, hostility to ranchers ways of life doesnt seem far below the surface to locals. I think they want us to just get rid of the cows, Johnson said. California rancher Theodora Johnson, an advocate for ranchers in rural Scott Valley, on Sept. 18, 2022. (The Epoch Times) Oregon rancher Roelle and his wife are dealing with many of the same problems as their peers in California. Thats why I agreed to be on the board for [the Klamath] irrigation district, he told The Epoch Times. Its not that Im the guy to take care of it, but maybe every little bit helps. Roelle is used to economic upheavals in the region. After all, he used to be a logger. The lumber industrys contraction in the State of Jefferson resulted in part from the 1990 listing of the northern spotted owl as threatened under the ESA. Millions of acres of highly productive federal timberland in the Pacific Northwest and northern California were set aside, University of Chicago researcher Eyal Frank wrote in a 2021 paper analyzing the economic impact of that move. That fracas over the spotted owl finds an eerie echo in ranchers current disputes with the government. Much of the disagreement, including over the fate of several local dams, ultimately comes down to habitat for protected fish species. The Roelles supplement their ranching income through other activitiesnot an uncommon story for all but the largest producers today. For example, Scott Valleys Johnson is a freelance writer, and her husband works in construction. In Lanes case, that something extra comes from his work as an X-ray technician. Like Johnson and many others in the Klamath Basin Improvement District, Roelle has deep roots in the area. His mothers family came to Oregon along an overland route in 1847, shortly before the Oregon Territory came into existence, he said. Now, however, he almost wishes he had sold out a decade ago. Oregon rancher Lane Roelle in Siskiyou County, Calif., on Sept. 18, 2022. (The Epoch Times) Hes surviving with the help of $450 per acre of drought relief. It doesnt make you whole. It keeps you going another year, and you hope that your next year is better, Roelle said. And thats all it is. Its like, well, heres enough to prolong your misery. Even so, he finds it hard to imagine parting from the land he loves. Weve made it our home. I dont know why we should have to leave, Roelle said. He doesnt think that Americans are prepared for what a food shortage might look like, should rising input prices, supply chain disruptions, or other factors converge to drive widespread hunger in the country. Years of ever-improving yields per acre have left the country accustomed to abundance. Obesity is far more common than undernourishment. Oregon rancher Lane Roelle on Sept. 18, 2022. (The Epoch Times) He reflected on the possibilities. The country and world would no doubt change if food went from merely costly to absent. As the interview drew to a close, Roelle spotted something moving on a nearby hill. Is that a mountain lion? he asked, before quickly correcting himself. No, its a coyote. He alerted one of the Bacigalupis: Youve got a coyote up there in the cows. I would shoot itbut thats just me, he quietly noted. In the State of Jefferson, certain basic realitiesthe water flow along a ditch, alfalfa yields per acre, a predator stalking the cattleloom larger than they do in Sacramento, Washington, or Davos. Time will tell who sees the world more clearly. Neither the federal Bureau of Reclamation nor Newsoms office responded to requests for comment on this story by press time. The Klamath Basin ranchers story will be part of an upcoming documentary from The Epoch Times, Eat the Bugs. Danielle Smith after being chosen as the new leader of the United Conservative Party and next Alberta premier, in Calgary on Oct. 6, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh) Low Turnout in Advance Polls in Riding Where Smith Is Seeking a Seat in Alberta Legislature Turnout was low in the advance polls for the Brooks-Medicine Hat provincial byelection in which Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is seeking a seat. Smith announced she would run in the southern Alberta riding on Oct. 8, just two days after she won the premiership, and after MLA Michaela Fry resigned and encouraged the new United Conservative Party (UCP) leader to run in her riding. According to Elections Alberta, 12.4 percent of eligible voters, or 4,231 people, have cast their ballot in advanced and special polls, which ran from Nov. 1 to 5. In the 2019 general election won by Frey, 30 percent (7,538) of eligible voters cast an early ballot. Same day voting will occur on Nov. 8. A total of 34,060 people are eligible to vote, just a few less than the 34,297 voters eligible in 2019 when Frey won with 60.7 percent of the votes. NDP candidate Lynn MacWilliam came second with 17.9 percent of the vote. Smith is running against NDP candidate Gwendoline Dirk, Alberta Party candidate Barry Morishita, Independence Party of Alberta candidate Bob Blayone, and Wildrose Independence Party candidate Jeevan Mangat. During the UCP leadership race, Smith was the only one of the seven leadership candidates who did not have a seat in the legislature. Debate The candidates in the Brooks-Medicine Hat riding have already sparred in a few debates. Smith has positioned herself as someone in a decision-making role. Shes also spoken about the need for healthcare reform to reduce ambulance and emergency room wait times. In a debate on Oct. 2, candidates were asked how they would improve Albertas environmental social governance (ESG) ratings. Smith said Ottawas hostility to Albertas oil and gas industry emerged from the extreme left policies of ESG. She advocated for the provinces clean LNG, the hydrogen economy to lower emissions, and for Albertas work on carbon tech to capture carbon dioxide. During most of the leadership race, Smith said she would run in her home riding of Livingstone-Macleod, an electoral district currently represented by UCP MLA Roger Reid, who won his seat with over 70 percent of voters support in 2019. But Reid showed no indications of stepping aside for the new premieruntil he suddenly dropped out on Nov. 1, the morning after the Oct. 31 candidate entry deadline for the upcoming Spring 2023 provincial election. While I hoped to serve a second term, I no longer feel it is possible for me to do so, Reid said in a statement. Bill Gates, Chairman of the Maricopa Board of Supervisors, speaks at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on 8, 2022. (John Moore/Getty Images) Maricopa County Says Its Found a Solution for Tabulation Issues, Blames Printer Authorities in Maricopa County, Arizona, say they appear to have found a solution to tabulation issues on Nov. 8 in dozens of polling stations across the county. Earlier in the day, election officials said that tabulators in about 20 percent of polling sites in the county were malfunctioning. Voters were still able to vote at locations with defective machines, although the ballots would be placed in a secured box, election officials said. At about 2 p.m. local time, the Maricopa County Elections Command Center said in a statement that officials identified a solution to the problem and said printer settings were the cause. County technicians have changed the printer settings at about 60 Vote Centers, the statement said. It appears some of the printers were not producing dark enough timing marks on the ballots, it added, saying the solution worked at 17 locations so far. Officials said technicians are now working to resolve the issue around the county, which includes Phoenix, Arizonas most populous city. Around the same time, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer released an apology over the problem and said that every legal vote will be tabulated. I promise. During a Nov. 8 news conference, Maricopa Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Gates said that after some voters filled out their ballots, the tabulator wouldnt accept them. That issue was present in about 20 percent of county polling sites. Gates told the press conference that voters should place ballots in a drop box, where they will remain secure in there all day long. At the end of voting after 7 p.m., when everything is completed, these ballots will be taken out securely and delivered by a bipartisan team down to here at the central tabulation center, he said. Local Republican officials and candidates sharply criticized county officials over the tabulation issues. An elections worker scans mail-in ballots at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix, on Nov. 7, 2022. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Maricopa County officials didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. A voter leaves after casting their ballot at the Phoenix Art Museum on Nov. 8, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Maricopa County Voters React to Problems at Polling Sites PHOENIXAt a polling center in the master-planned community of Anthem in Arizonas Maricopa County on Nov. 8, more than 100 people stood in line at 10 a.m. waiting to vote. Claudia Linehan said she arrived at 6 a.m. hoping to vote early, but learned that a tabulation machine had malfunctioned. I was in line [over an hour], Linehan told The Epoch Times. Its terrible. Their machines dont work. They blamed it on technology. Linehan said she watched as election officials tried to put the ballots through the tabulator for scanning. They tried it again and turned it over, she said. After the third time, they put it down in the adjudication box. She said the process, as she saw it happen, didnt inspire confidence. Absolutely none, said Linehan, who voted pretty much a straight Republican ticket. Anthem voter Basil Fernilos, a conservative activist, said he came to vote at 6:05 a.m., only to find that one of the ballot tabulators didnt work. An election official told him to return later or vote at another location. I wont vote here, Fernilos told The Epoch Times. Tamara Conner of Anthem said, We did see a couple of glitches, but it worked for us. It seems to be fixed [now]. Conner said she was kind of surprised to see so many people standing in line to vote. They said it was a two-hour line, but we were in line for about an hour, she said. It went quick. Authorities in Maricopa County confirmed earlier in the day that about 20 percent of the countys vote centers were experiencing issues. In about 20 percent of the vote centers when people will go and try to run the ballot through this tabulator, maybe one out of every five or so of those ballots are not going through, Maricopa Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Gates said. Its not like both of the tabulators in these 20 percent of locations are having these issues. It might only be one. Gates said the problem wasnt preventing people from casting their ballots, saying that voters can deposit their ballots in a drop box to be tabulated later. The Maricopa County Elections Command Center said in a statement that officials identified a solution to the problem and that printer settings were the cause. Bill Gates, chairman of the Maricopa Board of Supervisors, speaks at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix on Nov. 8, 2022. (John Moore/Getty Images) People check in for early voting at a polling location at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on Nov. 5, 2022. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images) Midterm Elections Could Bring Higher Taxes in Some States: What Voters Need to Know As Americans head to polls in one of the highest turnouts for midterm elections, several major issues are on the table, such as tax policy changes that will have a significant impact on Americans personal financial situations. Tax policy involves everyone from the average earner to the richest Americans, and accounts for deductions and incentives, which ultimately decide how much disposable income ends up with each household after paying the state. Like all major issues, Democrats and Republicans have prioritized different aspects of the tax policy, which will reflect in regional economic trajectories based on who gains the upper hand after votes are counted. Californias Proposition 30 Californias income tax burden, currently the highest in the nation, is set to go even higher with Proposition 30. The measure seeks to hike taxes an extra 1.75 percent on those earning above $2 million annually for the amount higher than the threshold. The tax revenue is planned to fund zero-emission vehicle programsfor which the state has currently budgeted $10 billionalong with wildfire response and prevention. Proponents advocate a faster realization of the shift away from fossil fuels, while opponents argue that the states infrastructure is woefully inadequate to accommodate millions of new electric vehicles added to the grid. Proposition 30 will see wealthy Californians pay 16.15 percent as opposed to 13.3 percent top marginal rate on their income. Besides, the proposition does not offer incentives to couples, meaning the extra 1.75 percent excise tax will apply to single and joint tax filers. Arizonas Proposition 132, Colorados FF and 121 Arizona Proposition 132 seeks to modify the Arizona constitution to require ballot measures authorizing a tax amendment to be approved by at least 60 percent of votes cast. Presently, only a simple majorityjust over 50 percentis required. As of November 2022, nine states in the country have a supermajority requirement for constitutional amendments. Colorados Proposition FF would limit state income tax deductionslike taxes, charity, and mortgage interestto $12,000 for single filers or $16,000 for joint filers in households making more than $300,000 per year. The proposition is set to increase the states income tax revenue by $100.7 million in 2023, and would be funding employees serving school meals. While proponents cite hungry kids performing poorly in schools, opponents argue that the state should not dictate how families spend money and pay to feed children who can afford school meals. Colorados Proposition 121 is looking to reduce the statutory income tax rate from 4.55 percent to 4.4 percent, retroactively effective for tax year 2022, according to the Tax Foundation. Massachusetts Question 1 If voters pass the Massachusetts Question 1 measure, it will add a 4 percent surtax to the current 5 percent individual income tax rate for annual income above $1 million. The state has had a flat-rate individual income tax since 1917. Millionaires based in Massachusetts will be paying a combined top marginal tax rate of 9 percent if the proposition gets approved. Critics have long warned about the economic consequences of taxing the rich, including small business owners, with the Tax Foundation estimating economic activity in the state to contract by $6 billion by the end of 2025. The midterm elections will be important in terms of defining which party is or isnt in the political drivers seat in Congress over the next two years, says Mark Hamrick, Bankrate senior economic analyst. Since Joe Biden became president, 43 percent of Americans have rated their personal financial situation as worse off, with 39 percent saying their finances have remained the same and 18 percent claiming theyve gotten better, according to a Bankrate survey. A voter arrives at a polling location to cast his ballot in the Michigan Primary Election in Lansing, Mich., on Aug. 2, 2022. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images) Midterm Elections Updates: Republican Ted Budd Maintains Lead in North Carolina The latest on the midterm elections. _____ Rand Paul, Tim Scott Among Incumbents Projected to Win as First Votes Come In Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) are among the incumbents projected to win their races as the first votes came in for the midterm elections on Nov. 8. With about 13 percent of the votes counted, Paul had 57.6 percent to challenger Charles Bookers 42 percent. Booker is a former Kentucky representative. Scott, meanwhile, had about 60 percent of the votes in with the first counts coming in. He was being challenged by state Rep. Krystle Matthews. Decision Desk HQ has projected wins for Paul and Scott. The Associated Press called both races based on the early vote counts. Both senators would be serving their third terms if they win. Paul, 59, the son of former Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) entered the Senate in 2011. Scott, 57, a businessman, was appointed to a Senate seat in 2013 by then-Gov. Nikki Haley. Read the full article here _____ Hochul Defeats Republican Zeldin in New York Governors Race NEW YORK CITYNew York Gov. Kathy Hochul has defeated her Republican challenger Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) in a tighter-than-expected race in the Democrat stronghold. According to a projection by Decision Desk HQ at 11:31 p.m. ET, Hochul has won the race with 54.2 percent, to Zeldins 45.8 percent, with 79 percent reporting as of midnight ET. Im not here to make history. Im here to make a difference, Hochul said shortly after Fox called her the winner. She recalled how her parents started out married life in a trailer park but rose up through hard work. Ive had the honor of a lifetime becoming the first woman to lead this state, she said. During her victory speech, she said, I have felt a weight on my shoulders to make sure that every little girl and all the women of the state whove had to bang up against glass ceilings everywhere they turn, to know that a woman could be elected in her own right and successfully govern a state as rough and tumble as New York. Read the full article here _____ Fetterman Projected Winner of US Senate Race NEWTOWN, Pa.About 90 minutes after his Republican opponent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, told supporters that victory was still possible, Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate, John Fetterman, had widened his lead, prompting several media outlets to call the race for Fetterman. Then Fetterman proclaimed victory in a tweet just before 1 a.m. Nov. 9: Its official. I will be the next U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. By that time, Ozs election-night watch party had dispersed from the Newtown Athletic Club. Around 11:30 p.m., Oz had told a crowd of 350 guests, When all of the ballots are counted, we believe we will win this race. Oz stayed on stage for only about two minutes with his family as he also thanked supporters. As of 2 a.m. ET on Nov. 9, it was unknown how Ozs campaign would respond to Fettermans declaration of victory; Oz last posted to Twitter just before 6 p.m. on Nov. 8. The Epoch Times has sought comment from Ozs campaign. Fetterman had a 2.74 percent lead over Oz. Fetterman had secured about 2.5 million votes, 136,698 more than Oz, as of about 3 a.m. ET on Nov. 9, according to Pennsylvania election reports. Read the full article here _____ Floridas DeSantis Defeats Democrat Crist to Secure 2nd Term GAINESVILLE, Fla.Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis easily defeated his Democrat challenger on Nov. 8, securing a second term as the Sunshine States top executive. Decision Desk HQ projected DeSantis as the winner at 8 p.m. EST. DeSantis drew 58 percent of the vote compared to former Congressman Charlie Crists 41 percent, with more than 86 percent of the vote counted as of 8:30 p.m. ET, according to Decision Desk HQ. Crist congratulated DeSantis in a speech to supporters not long after the projected results were announced. During his reelection campaign, DeSantis practically ignored Crist, often not mentioning him during appearances, and barely taking swipes at him in TV commercials. We will never, never surrender to the woke mob. Florida is where woke goes to die, DeSantis said in a victory speech. Read the full article here _____ New Leadership Is Needed in the Senate: Blake Masters Arizona Senate GOP candidate Blake Masters called for new leadership in the Senate, a sign that a clash may be coming with the Republican Senate old guard. Historically, the Senate has seen a lower proportion of populist-leaning lawmakers than the House, where lawmakers like Reps. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) have given the populist wing of the GOP a greater voice. That may change after the new Congress sits, however. Prominent candidates like Masters and J.D. Vanceboth of whom received President Donald Trumps endorsementhave mounted successful campaigns on populist principles. This, in turn, could see new power struggles and generational divides among Republicans in the Senate if the party recaptures the upper chamber. I certainly think we need new leadership, Masters told the Wall Street Journal. Read the full article here _____ Republican Ted Budd Maintains Lead in North Carolina The battle for a vacant Senate seat in North Carolina could help decide which of the two main political parties controls the upper chamber. Most polls have three-term Republican Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) coming into the final showdown with a steady lead over his Democrat opponent, former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley. North Carolina hasnt sent a Democrat to the Senate since 2008. More than 2 million North Carolina voters had already taken advantage of the early voting opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. They account for about 29 percent of the states 7.4 million registered voters, the North Carolina State Board of Elections said. Read the full article here ____ Philadelphia Imposes Change on Day of Election That Could Slow Down Vote Count Officials in Pennsylvanias most populous city on Nov. 8 imposed last-minute changes to ballot processing that could delay the vote count. In a 21 vote during a special meeting, the Philadelphia City Commissioners decided to amend how ballots are processed. The change focuses on reconciliation, or reviewing absentee ballots and in-person votes to make sure people dont cast duplicate votes. Read the full article here _____ Schumer Faces Free Market Challenger in New York Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) faces his opponent, a former host on the conservative TV channel Newsmax. The 71-year-old Brooklyn native is seeking a fifth term in his race against Republican Joe Pinion, who faces long odds in a state where he isnt well known and where Democrats greatly outnumber Republicans. Pinion, 39, has served as a spokesperson for a conservative organization that backs free market solutions to climate change, and as a political commentatormost recently as the host of Saturday Agenda on Newsmax. ____ Fetterman Warns Ballot Counting in Pennsylvania Could Take Several Days The campaign of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman announced on Monday that the counting process in Pennsylvania could take several days before the results are made clear. Buckle up for a long week, reads a memo published by Fettermans Campaign Manager Brendan McPhillips. This race is close, and we should all be prepared for a process that takes several days before all eligible voters are properly counted and the results are clear. Similar to the 2020 presidential elections, Pennsylvanians are allowed to cast their votes via mail-in ballots, and more than 1.4 million mail ballots have been requested in the state for the Nov. 8 midterm elections. Read the full article here _____ Winning The House Majority Would Start From Virginia: McCarthy On Election Day eve, House minority leader Kevin McCarthy zeroed in on Virginia. This is the number one race Im going to watch tomorrow night. Because when Jen wins, we win the majority, he said at a Virginia Beach rally of hundreds for Jen Kiggans, a Navy veteran, state Senator, and the Republican challenger in the states 2nd Congressional District (VA-02). He added that he had been to 40 states in the past two months supporting various Congressional candidates, but Jen Kiggans district was his number one place I want to be the night before the election. In the district with a heavy military presence covering Virginia Beach and nearby localities, Kiggans is challenging a two-term Democrat incumbent Rep. Elaine Luria, also a Navy veteran. The redrawn Congressional district is more Republican-leaning than two years ago. Read the full article here ____ Judge Denies Request to Sequester Military Ballots in Wisconsin A judge on Nov. 7 denied a request to sequester military ballots in Wisconsin after a Milwaukee election official was charged with sending fake military ballots to a state lawmaker. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Maxwell turned down a request for an order that would have election officials segregate military absentee ballots until they are properly verified. The Concerned Veterans of Waukesha County and state Rep. Janel Brandtjen, the Republican who received the fake ballots, said the actions of former Milwaukee Elections Commissioner Deputy Director Kimberly Zapata exposed the vulnerability of current Wisconsin Elections Commission guidance on military ballots. Read the full article here ______ Incumbent GOP Gov. Mike Dewine Faces Democrat Nan Whaley Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was seeking a second term in Tuesdays race for the states chief executive slot while challenger Nan Whaley, a Democrat, hoped to regain a seat last won by her party 16 years ago. DeWine prevailed in a surprisingly tight three-way primary in May as conservatives sought to unseat him. Whaley handily defeated former Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley in her primary. _____ GOP Favored to Maintain All 5 US House Seats in Oklahoma Republicans in Oklahoma are heavily favored to retain all five of the states U.S. House seats on Election Day, but the GOP expects to welcome a new face to the delegation after U.S. Senator Jim Inhofes plan to retire shook up the political scene. Only one of the five districtsthe sprawling 2nd Congressional District in eastern Oklahomais an open seat, with five-term GOP incumbent Rep. Markwayne Mullin vacating the post in a bid to replace Inhofe in the Senate. _____ South Carolina Gov. Mcmaster Seeks Reelection, Bidding to Make History South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is facing voters one last time in his four-decade political career, asking them to help make him the longest-serving governor the state has ever had. McMaster is running against Democrat Joe Cunningham, who has repeatedly highlighted the 35-year age gap with his opponentand how he might be the only person who can stop any attempts to further restrict abortion in the state. Recent history is on McMasters side. He has won four general elections in a row as attorney general, lieutenant governor and governoras South Carolina turned consistently red and the state hasnt elected a Democratic governor since 1998. _____ Soaring Inflation and Wobbly Economy Top of Mind for Voters as Election Day Dawns The midterm elections seem to be coming down to how Americans feel about soaring inflation and a wobbly economy, the latest polls show, defying messaging from President Joe Biden and the Democrats, who have sought to drum up voter interest in issues like access to abortions, threats to democracy, and climate change. The latest survey from The Economist/YouGov (pdf), based on a sample of 1,500 American adults during the first week of November, shows that the top two issues on their minds as they head into the polls on Tuesday are the economy and inflation. A whopping 73 percent of Americans said theyre thinking a lot about the economy, followed by 68 percent who said the same of inflation. Read the full article here _____ RI Gov. Mckee Faces GOP Challenger in Bid for 1st Full Term Rhode Island voters are deciding Tuesday whether Democrat Gov. Dan McKee will get to serve his first full term in office or if they want a change in leadership. Republican challenger Ashley Kalus often says its time to change direction, while McKee says he helped the states economy recover from COVID-19 and can continue the momentum. If elected, McKee would help his party maintain its control over the top statewide offices. All of the posts are currently held by Democrats. Hes seeking his first full term in office after taking over in March 2021 when two-term Gov. Gina Raimondo was tapped as U.S. commerce secretary. ____ North Carolina Swing District May Affect Control of US House One high-profile swing district has been called a national bellwether for partisan control of Congress by analysts. North Carolinas lone swing district in the Raleigh suburbs, the closely watched 13th District, shares no common ground with its previous form about 100 miles to the west. Its recent relocation has situated the states marquee race between Democrat state Sen. Wiley Nickel and Republican political newcomer Bo Hines in uncharted territory for both parties. North Carolina Republicans held eight seats heading into this year, and Democrats held five. But several districts in this election cycle bear little resemblance to their previous iterations after a lengthy redistricting battle scrambled the states congressional map to account for the new fourteenth seat it was awarded following the 2020 census. _____ GOP Aiming for Longtime Democratic NW Indiana US House Seat In Tuesdays election, Republicans are hoping to take a northwestern Indiana congressional seat that has been a Democrat stronghold since the 1930s in the GOP-dominated state. National Republicans targeted first-term Democrat Rep. Frank Mrvan for defeat as part of their push toward regaining a majority in the closely divided U.S. House, throwing their support behind Jennifer-Ruth Green, a U.S. Air Force veteran. ____ Democrats Aspire to Flip US Senate Seat in Solid Red Ohio A coveted open seat in the U.S. Senate has sparked a closer-than-expected faceoff to be decided Tuesday between Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Republican Hillbilly Elegy author JD Vance. When GOP Sen. Rob Portman announced hed be vacating the seat last year, it was considered Republicans to lose. After former President Donald Trump won a second, historic victory in the state in 2020, pundits declared the states status as a political bellwether state unrung. Republicans extended lock on every state elective office, the Ohio Supreme Court and both legislative chambers drove Democrats to regroup. ____ West Virginia GOP House Incumbents Aim to Hold Seats in Red State Two sitting Republican U.S. representatives are looking to hold on to their seats, representing West Virginia in the red states shrinking congressional delegation. U.S. Reps. Alex Mooney and Carol Miller face challenges Tuesday from lesser-known Democrat and Independent candidates with no political experience in a state controlled by Republicans at every level of government. West Virginia hasnt elected a Democrat to the House since 2012 and was one of only two states where former President Donald Trump won every county in 2016 and in 2020. _____ Sen. Rand Paul Seeks 3rd Term, Faces Democrat Charles Booker Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a libertarian-leaning former presidential candidate, is bidding for a third term Tuesday against a rival from the opposite end of the political spectrum, progressive Democrat Charles Booker. First elected in the tea party-driven wave of 2010, Paul is seeking to extend a long GOP winning streak in Kentucky Senate races. The Bluegrass State hasnt elected a Democrat to the Senate since Wendell Ford in 1992. _____ Kemp and Abrams in Rematch Race for Georgia Governor Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and Democrat challenger Stacey Abrams are facing off in a rematch of the states last governors race. Kemp, who was a developer before serving as a state senator and secretary of state, could clinch another term. Abrams lost to Kemp in 2018. _____ Republican Sen. Young Frontrunner to Hold Indiana Seat Republican U.S. Sen. Todd Young is seeking a second term to his Indiana seat in Tuesdays election, employing a front-runner strategy throughout his campaign of largely ignoring Democratic challenger Thomas McDermott. Young maintained huge fundraising and organization advantages over McDermott, mayor of the Lake Michigan city of Hammond, who struggled to gain attention while attacking Young on issues spanning access to abortions, federal spending, and marijuana legalization. ____ GOP Looks to Hold Onto US Senate Seat in Louisiana As Republicans fight for control of the U.S. Senate, Democrat candidates in the reliably red state of Louisiana are waging a longshot bid to unseat popular GOP incumbent U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, who is seeking a second six-year term. Louisiana has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 14 years, and former President Donald Trump carried it with 58 percent of the vote in 2020. Kennedy, the former state treasurer has become known on Capitol Hill for his outspoken, folksy responses and quotable sound bites. He has mostly provided a safe Senate vote for Republicans and been a strong supporter of Trump, who endorsed him. ____ Voters Head to the Polls for 2022 Midterms, Giving GOP a Shot to Retake Congress Tens of millions of Americans are heading to the polls on Tuesday, to cast ballots that will determine whether Republicans or Democrats control either the House or Senate, or both. Tuesdays outcome will have a powerful impact on the final two years of Joe Bidens presidency, shaping policy on everything from government spending to military funds being sent to Ukraine. With polls opening at 6 a.m. ET in some locations, people were seen lining up in the morning to vote, according to local media reports. Read the full article here _____ Pennsylvania Lawsuits Clash Over Counting Undated Ballots Several election lawsuits in Pennsylvania continue to argue over whether to count undated or wrongly dated mail-in ballots. The disagreement lives on a week after the State Supreme Court ordered county boards of elections to refrain from counting any undated or incorrectly date absentee and mail-in ballots received for the Nov. 8 general election. In its split decision, the court directed counties to segregate and preserve these ballots. In Pennsylvania, voters must sign and date the outer envelope of their mail-in ballot for it to count. Read the full article here _____ GOP Eyes Arizona US House Seats in Bid to Flip Control The partisan makeup of Arizonas U.S. House delegation and control of Congress itself are up for grabs Tuesday, with Republicans hoping to shift the states 54 Democratic tilt by picking up two and possibly three seats. Redistricting after the 2020 U.S. Census gave the GOP candidates a leg up in those three districts. Meanwhile, a district that had strongly favored Republicans for the past decade got only slightly less GOP-friendly. The other five districts are shoo-ins for the incumbents in districts that heavily favor the sitting members of Congress. Nationally, Republicans need to net just five seats to take control of the U.S. House. _____ 120 Million Midterm Voters Set to Unleash Red Wave or Build Blue Wall More than 120 million Americans are expected to cast ballots in the 2022 midterm elections before Election Day polls close on Nov. 8. When the smoke clears Nov. 9and, in some places with close races, in the days afterwhat is likely to emerge is a reshaped legislative playing field in Washington and in state capitals across the country heading into 2023. On the midterm ballot are 34 seats in a U.S. Senate now deadlocked at 50-50, three dozen tossup seats in a U.S. House where Republicans need five seats to gain chamber majority, and 36 governor elections. Read the full article here _____ New Hampshire Senate Race Could Be Key GOP Pickup Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) faces Republican Don Bolduc Tuesday in a closely watched race that could decide the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Flipping the seat would be a key pickup for Republicans hoping to win control of the Senate. But though Hassan has been considered vulnerable since her narrow 2016 win, her odds improved after popular Gov. Chris Sununu took a pass at challenging her, and Republicans nominated Bolduc, a retired Army brigadier general. Bolduc, an Army veteran who has previously run for but not won elected office, is hoping to both harness voters dissatisfaction over the economy and draw upon the connections hes forged from the nearly constant grassroots campaigning hes done since he unsuccessfully sought the nomination for the states other senate seat two years ago. Everywhere he goes, Bolduc says, he hears three main complaints: inflation, inflation, inflation. _____ Tim Scott Seeks Final US Senate Term; Bigger Office May Loom Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is running for what he says is a final six-year term from South Carolina, but the only black Republican in the U.S. Senate may have bigger future political ambitions. Scott is facing Democratic state Rep. Krystle Matthews as he seeks a second full term, which he promised would be his last. Scott was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2013 by then Gov. Nikki Haley when Jim DeMint resigned the seat. _____ Power Balance in Congress on Ballot for Pennsylvania Voters Three races among Pennsylvanias congressional delegation have taken shape as some of the closer contests in the country this year as voters decide whether to shift majority control in the U.S. House from Democrats to Republicans. Pennsylvanias delegation has been redistricted twice in recent yearsfirst because of a court challenge and again as a result of the 2020 censusand the state has lost one seat in Congress this year because of its anemic population growth. Democratic U.S. Reps. Matt Cartwright in the Scranton area and Susan Wild in the Lehigh Valley both find themselves in rematches with Republican candidates they narrowly beat two years ago. ____ 3 Virginia Democrats in Congress Fighting GOP Challengers Three Democratic congresswomen in Virginia are looking to survive tough reelection bids Tuesday in a midterm election season where Republicans are looking to regain control of the House of Representatives. Elaine Luria, Abigail Spanberger, and Jennifer Wexton were all elected to Congress in 2018. All three are top targets of the GOP in this election cycle. Lurias race against state Sen. Jen Kiggans and Spanbergers race against Prince William County Supervisor Yesli Vega, in particular, are among the highest-profile congressional races in the country. _____ Voters Choosing New Rep in Redrawn Nashville District Months after GOP state lawmakers carved up Nashvilles congressional district, Tennesseans will determine if right conservative Andy Ogles or Democratic state Sen. Heidi Campbell will represent the left-leaning city. Republicans are hoping to flip a seat on Tuesday in their push to reclaim control of the U.S. House ever since they split Nashville into three congressional districts. The move led to the retirement of longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, creating an open race in the new 5th Congressional District. ____ GOP Predicting Wins, Dems Brace for Setbacks A tumultuous election season that tugged again at Americas searing political divides comes to a close on Tuesday as voters cast ballots in the first national election of Joe Bidens presidency. Democrats were braced for disappointing results, anxious that their grip on the U.S. House may be slipping and that their hold on the U.S. Senateonce seen as more securehas loosened. The partys incumbent governors in places like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nevada are also staring down serious Republican challengers. Returning to the White House Monday night after his final campaign event, Biden said he thought Democrats would keep the Senate but acknowledged the House is tougher. _____ Oklahomas Mullin Could Be First Native in Senate Since 2005 Oklahoma Republican U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, would become the first Native American in the U.S. Senate in nearly 20 years if hes elected Tuesday. In an unusual twist this election cycle, both of Oklahomas U.S. Senate seats will be on the ballot. U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe shook up the states political scene by announcing this year that he planned to step down before his term was finished. _____ Blumenthal Seeks 3rd Term, Faces Trump-backed Levy Republican Leora Levy, a first-time political candidate, is hoping for an upset victory Tuesday as she tries to oust U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a Democrat who is seeking a third term. A victory for the Republican National Committee member would make her the first GOP U.S. senator from Connecticut since Lowell P. Weicker Jr., who served from 1971 to 1989. ____ Oz, Fetterman Urge Voters to Turn Out in Key US Senate Race In one of the nations most-watched contests this election season, Pennsylvanias two candidates for the U.S. Senate held election eve rallies to get out the vote at opposite ends of the statesymbolic of how far apart they feel in the current political environment. During his final campaign stop before the Nov. 8 general election, Republican candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz and his supporters underscored the contrast between his vision for Americas future and that of his Democratic opponent John Fetterman. Both camps see voter turnout as key, considering that preelection polls showed the two candidates in a statistical dead heat. Read the full article here _____ Judge Gives Over 1,000 Georgia Voters Extra Time to Mail in Absentee Ballots A Georgia judge on Monday agreed to have the ballot return deadline extended for about 1,000 Cobb County absentee voters who didnt have their requested mail ballots sent out by elections officials. The consent order (pdf) from Cobb County Superior Court Judge Kellie Hill means that the Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration will send replacement ballots to the 1,046 affected voters overnight on Monday. It also means that the absentee ballots have a return deadline of Nov. 14, although the ballots must be postmarked and out in the mail by Election Day, Nov. 8, to be counted. Read the full article here _____ Trump Keeps Limelight on J.D. Vance at Election Day Eve Save America Rally in Dayton Speculation was rampant that Donald Trump would announce his intent to run for president again in 2024 during the Save America rally on Election Day eve in suburban Dayton. Instead of formally declaring his candidacy, the former president told an enthusiastic crowd, Not to detract from tomorrows very important, even critical, election Im going to be making a very big announcement on Tuesday, November 15, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. The statement elicited loud cheers. We want nothing to detract from the importance of tomorrow, you understand that J.D.? Trump added while looking at Ohio Republican U.S. Senate candidate J.D. Vance. Read the full article here ______ 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. Read the full article here ____ Jeff Louderback, Mimi Nguyen Ly, Beth Brelje, Jack Phillips, Janice Hisle, John Haughey, Lorenz Duchamps, Tom Ozimek, Zachary Stieber, Terri Wu, Bill Pan, Nanette Holt, Joseph Lord, Eva Fu, and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Paul Pelosi (L) and then House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) attend the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner at Washington Hilton in Washington, on April 28, 2018. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) Nancy Pelosi: Retirement Decision Will Be Affected by Attack on Husband Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said that the alleged attack on her husband Paul will impact whether she decides to retire from Congress if Democrats lose control of the House during the midterm elections. When specifically asked about whether her decision will be affected by the attack on her husband, Pelosi responded: Yes. I have to say my decision will be affected about what happened the last week or two, Pelosi told CNNs Anderson Cooper in an excerpt of an interview. On Oct. 28, according to officials, 42-year-old Canadian national David DePape broke into their San Francisco home in the early morning hours before approaching Paul Pelosi and demanding to see his wife. Speaker Pelosi was in Washington, D.C., at the time, police said. After Paul Pelosi called 911, police officers arrived and saw the two with their hands on the same hammer, according to charging documents. DePape then hit Pelosi in the head with the hammer, fracturing his skull. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice charged DePape with assault and attempted kidnapping in connection to the attack. He also faces local charges as San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins filed six separate felony accounts against him, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment of an elder, elder abuse, burglary, and other charges; DePape has pleaded not guilty. Election Her comments come as tens of millions of voters went to the polls on Tuesday as many analysts predicted that Republicans will handily retake the House, which would put an end to Pelosis tenure as speaker. The election results would also raise questions about whether Pelosi, 82, will retire after representing her California district for more than 30 years. In 2018, Pelosi vowed to give up her speaker position by the end of the 202223 term, although there have been claims that she might attempt to retain her position. Others have speculated that her daughter, Christine Pelosia longtime Democrat activistwould run for Californias 12th Congressional District, which is located entirely within San Francisco. Some left-wing members of her party, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), have suggested that Pelosi and other top House Democrats should relinquish control to make way for younger members. A general view of the home of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi where her husband Paul Pelosi was violently assaulted after a break-in at their house, according to a statement from her office, in San Francisco, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2022. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) Following the alleged attack, questions have been raised about why the Pelosi home did not have security guards and whether the U.S. Capitol Police officials were monitoring security cameras. House Administration committee chairwoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) sent a letter to U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger with significant questions about the incident and security protocols at the home of Pelosi, who is second in line to the presidency after Vice President Kamala Harris. Jenkins previously said that she will move to block the release of evidence including the 911 call and police body camera footage to the public. For us, revealing that evidence through the media is just not what we think is appropriate, Jenkins told CNN last Thursday. We want to make sure that this individual is held accountable for these egregious acts, she added. For us, were going to make sure that we limit the evidence as much as possible in order to get that done. While the House speaker suggested in the Monday interview that Republican claims of election fraud led to the attack, a former girlfriend of DePape suggested he was mentally ill and also shared her left-wing political viewpoints when they were in a relationship ago. Violence has escalated in New York state prisons, with assaults on staff at a record level and a near-record number of assaults on incarcerated individuals. As of Nov. 1, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision reported 1,231 assaults on staff, breaking the previous record of 1,177 set in 2021. There have been 1,207 assaults on incarcerated individuals, just shy of the record (1,265) set in 2019. While most of the assaults on staff have occurred at maximum-security prisons (858), 352 were at medium-security facilities another new record. The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, a union representing state corrections officers, said in October that an officer at Cayuga Correctional Facility, a medium-security prison in Cayuga County, was slashed by an incarcerated individual. A DOCCS spokesperson said in a statement Monday that the department formed a prison violence task force in December 2021 amid increasing numbers of assaults on staff. The goal of the task force, according to the spokesperson, was to "evaluate and develop recommendations to enhance safety and security in New York's prisons." One focus of the task force was combating the flow of contraband into correctional facilities. DOCCS has new restrictions on packages, which have been criticized by family members of incarcerated individuals. But the department says there is "anecdotal evidence that it is working, as fewer packages have contained contraband since the program's implementation." More visitors have been arrested for trying to bring contraband into facilities. DOCCS said there were 290 packages with contraband in 2019. The number increased to 924 in 2020 the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 577 packages with contraband between January and August 2021. Since the department implemented its vender package program, there has been one package with contraband. But NYSCOPBA blames a state law, the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act, or HALT, for the increase in violence. The union has been a leading critic of the law and unsuccessfully challenged it in a federal court. HALT's main provisions include limiting segregated confinement to 15 consecutive days or 20 days in a 60-day period. The law also created residential rehabilitation units, which are intended to be alternatives to special housing units. Although assaults on staffs have increased annually over a five-year period, NYSCOPBA President Michael Powers said it doesn't explain the the "significant spike" after April 1 when HALT took effect. "This is a sad day for New York," Powers said. "Not only are the members of NYSCOPBA, who continue to work in the harshest of working conditions being assaulted at never before seen rates, but their health and safety is being ignored by those who are charged with protecting the state workforce, the elected leaders of the New York state Legislature." According to DOCCS' data, there were 652 injuries reported after assaults on staff in a three-month period, from August through October. A vast majority of the injuries (616) were minor, which are classified by the department as injuries requiring "no treatment, minimal treatment (scratch, bruise, aches/pain) or precautionary treatment." Twenty-six were moderate injuries, such as second-degree burns, concussions, cuts, or sprains. Ten were considered serious and required treatment at an outside hospital. DOCCS also said there were 41 staff injuries while intervening in assaults on incarcerated individuals. Nearly all were minor injuries, but there was one moderate and one serious injury reported. New Report Highlights Corruption at DOJ That Began With Obama Commentary The House Judiciary minority on Nov. 4 released a new report, FBI Whistleblowers: What Their Disclosures Indicate About the Politicization of the FBI And Justice Department (DOJ), detailing a rampant culture of unaccountability, manipulation, and abuse at the highest level. The Report details many of the issues that The Epoch Times has reported on over the years. As the House Judiciary notes, The thousand-page report builds on various whistleblower disclosures describing the FBIs Washington hierarchy as rotted at its core with a systemic culture of unaccountability.' The report also highlights how the FBI has weaponized the federal government against its political opponents, illustrates how FBI leadership shows a political bias against conservatives, and enumerates instances where senior officials have pressured agents to reclassify cases as domestic violent extremism to fit a political narrative. Some of the key findings highlighted in the report are as follows: The FBI leadership abused its law-enforcement authority for political reasons. The FBI artificially inflates and manipulates domestic violent extremism statistics for political purposes. The FBI downplayed and reduced the spread of the serious allegations of wrongdoing leveled against Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden. The DOJ and FBI used counterterrorism resources to target parents resisting a far-left educational curriculum. The FBI abused its foreign surveillance authorities. The DOJ and FBI conducted an unprecedented raid on a former presidents home. The FBI was stalking a Republican congressman on a family vacation to seize his personal cell phone. The DOJ and the FBI continue to allow attacks on pro-life facilities and churches to go unabated, while pushing an anti-life agenda. The FBI conducted an intelligence assessment of a conservative charity under the guise of investigating unrelated alleged crimes. The FBI purged employees who refused to align themselves with the leaderships political ideology. The FBI helped Big Tech censor Americans political speech. Under President Barack Obama, the DOJ was fundamentally pushed to the left by Attorney General Eric Holder and then by his successor, Loretta Lynch. Sally Yates rounded out the Obama-appointed DOJ leadership with her famously short stint as acting Attorney General before being fired by President Donald Trump. In 2012, Holder became the first Attorney General to be held in Contempt of Congress on both civil and criminal grounds. The vote was 25567 with 17 Democrats breaking rank to side with the contempt vote. It was Holder who came up with the process for doling out settlements from the 2008 financial crisis to activist groups. Holder also presided over the unlawful investigation of certain members of the media. Under Holders command, the DOJ secretly obtained two months of telephone records of reporters and editors for The Associated Press. The DOJ also monitored the personal email and phone of Fox News reporter James Rosen. And it was Holder who refused to prosecute anyone in the IRS targeting of 426 conservative groups during the Obama administration. Holder ultimately resigned but was not prosecuted by the DOJ. There was the foot-dragging and sometimes outright refusals by the DOJ to release Secretary of State Hillary Clintons emails in the face of not only Freedom of Information requests but actual court orders. Then there was the 2016 meeting between Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former President Bill Clinton aboard a private plane on a tarmac in Phoenixjust days before the FBI announced its decision on its investigation of then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The head of the DOJ meets privately aboard a jet on the tarmac with the husband of the party being investigated (and the man who gave Lynch her start in federal politics) just days before the FBI releases its decision, and we are supposed to accept that they talkedfor 30 minutesabout grandchildren? Bill Clinton steadfastly refused to make any comment on the meeting. Lynch said she would accept whatever ruling the FBI madein effect recusing herself. The mediafor the most partsaid she should not have had that meeting. Almost none called for her resignation. Then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi termed the Lynch-Clinton meeting a social encounter and a serendipitous [meeting] to discuss their grandchildren. Holders influence on the DOJ can be traced back to The Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Working Group, created in 2012 by none other than Holder. The Working Group was created within the Justice Department in 2012 as a means of prosecution and punishment for those perceived to be responsible for the financial crisis of 2008. At its formation, Holder made the following statement: Over the past three years, we have been aggressively investigating the causes of the financial crisis. And we have learned that much of the conduct that led to the crisis was unethical, and, in many instances, extremely reckless. We also have learned that behavior that is unethical or reckless may not necessarily be criminal. When we find evidence of criminal wrongdoing, we bring criminal prosecutions. When we dont, we endeavor to use other tools available to us. These other tools are usually civil sanctions and charges that generally result in large fines being paid by firms, often without a statement of true wrongdoing. With the full weight of the DOJ behind it, the Working Group reached multi-billion settlements with virtually every major bank in America. In total, $110 billion was collected in fines. So where did all this money go? According to a Wall Street Journal report, the money breaks down as follows: $49 billion went to the Department of Treasurysome directly, but most funneled to the Treasury through settlements with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Spending of proceeds has not been specified. $45 billion was for Consumer Reliefa vaguely defined category that includes borrowers and housing-related community groups. Breakdowns are not fully known. $10 billion went to other recipientsmost appear to be federal in nature. $5.3 billion went to states to spend as they wanted. $450 million went to the Department of Justice. Spending of proceeds has not been specified. The lack of transparency is disturbing. According to a Congressional Committee ReportStop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016: A year-long Committee investigation has revealed that the DOJ is pushing and even requiring settling defendants to donate money to non-victim third-parties. Donations can earn up to double credit against defendants overall payment obligations, while credit for direct relief to consumers is merely dollar-for-dollar. What is more, documents show that groups that stood to gain from these mandatory donations lobbied the DOJ to include them in settlements. The DOJ has funneled third-party groups as much as $880 million dollars. These payments occurred entirely outside of the Congressional appropriations and grant oversight process. Whats worse, in some cases, DOJ-mandated donations restored funding that Congress specifically cut. On June 22, the FBI conducted yet another pre-dawn raid against a former Trump officialin this case, Jeffrey Clark, a former DOJ official. Clarks supposed crime? Proposing the sending of a draft letter to lawmakers in Georgia suggesting the convening of a special session to hear evidence of potential voter fraud in that state before the results of the 2020 presidential election were certified in Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. Not only was Clarks proposal allowed under the Constitutionand seemingly reasonable in light of allegations coming out of Georgiathe proposed letter was never even sent. According to reports, the raid was part of the Biden DOJs probe into the alternate electors slated in various states in the aftermath of the 2020 election . The investigation is reportedly being run by US Attorneys out of Main Justice at the DOJ, and a grand jury has supposedly been empaneled. The real purpose behind the raid appears to have been to allow Clark to be targeted by the January 6 Committee as Democrats continue their quest to smear and intimidate any who dare question the many irregularities of the 2020 election. The DOJ not only is allowing these tactics to be employed, but is an active part of the ongoing effort. In addition to Clark, FBI Agents conducted court-authorized law enforcement activity at the home of Brad Carver, a Georgia lawyer who allegedly signed a document claiming to be a Trump elector, and the Virginia home of Thomas Lane, who worked on the Trump campaigns efforts in Arizona and New Mexico. David Shafer, the chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, who served as a Trump elector in Georgia, also received a subpoena. FBI agents also served search warrants for the GOP chairman in Nevada, Michael McDonald, and James DeGraffenreid, GOP party secretary for Nevada, for creating an unofficial slate of electors during that states recount process. On the same day as the FBI raids, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an arbitrary and restrictive gun licensing law in New York. Justice Clarence Thomas summed up the courts decision succinctly: We know of no other constitutional right that an individual may exercise only after demonstrating to government officers some special need. Bidens DOJ, apparently not satisfied with the completion of targeted, pre-dawn raids on their political opponents, stunned constitutional legal scholars by issuing a formal statement disagreeing with the Supreme Court ruling. This unprecedented stance from the DOJ was a direct violation of our Constitutions separation of powersa shocking display from an institution whose supposed job is to uphold the Constitutionand any Supreme Court rulings. Bidens DOJ, now apparently intent on shredding our Constitution, doubled down on its attacks on our nations highest court just two days later, on June 24. In a long-awaited move, the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, pushing the decision on abortion back to the States, where it rightly belongs. Almost immediately, Attorney General Merrick Garland issued another formal statement saying that The Justice Department strongly disagrees with the Courts decision. The actions from the DOJ over recent years have demonstrated its willingness to be used as a powerful weaponto be deployed against political opponents of the sitting administrationso much so that the DOJ now represents an actual threat to the rule of law and separation of powers. All of our federal agencies have been corruptedbut none more so than the DOJ. And in some respects, it is the most dangerous of all. It has the abilityand the willingnessto target and prosecute whomever it is directed to do so. To watch the full episode of Truth Over News watch on Thursday, Nov. 10. Recent North Korean missile tests in this undated combination photo taken at undisclosed locations and released on Nov. 7, 2022 by North Korea state media Korean Central News Agency. (KCNA via Reuters) North Korea Says Launches Were Simulated Attack, as South Recovers Missile Parts SEOULNorth Korea said on Monday that its recent missile launches were simulated strikes on South Korea and the United States as the two countries held a dangerous war drill, while the South said it had recovered parts of a North Korean missile near its coast. Last week, North Korea test-fired multiple missiles, including a possible failed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and hundreds of artillery shells into the sea, as South Korea and the United States carried out six-day air drills that ended on Saturday. The Norths military said the Vigilant Storm exercises were an open provocation aimed at intentionally escalating the tension and a dangerous war drill of very high aggressive nature. The Norths army said it had conducted activities simulating attacks on air bases and aircraft, as well as a major South Korean city, to smash the enemies persistent war hysteria. The flurry of missile launches included the most ever in a single day, and come amid a record year of missile testing by the nuclear-armed North Korea. South Korean and U.S. officials have also said that Pyongyang has made technical preparations to test a nuclear device, the first time it will have done so since 2017. Senior diplomats from the United States, Japan, and South Korea spoke by phone on Sunday and condemned the recent tests, including the reckless launch of a missile that landed off South Koreas coast last week, according to a U.S. State Department statement. An official at South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Monday that a South Korean ship had recovered debris believed to be part of that North Korean short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). It was the first time a North Korean ballistic missile had landed near South Korean waters. The South Korean Navy rescue vessel used an underwater probe to recover the parts, which are being analyzed, the official said. Disputed Claims The North Korean military said it fired two strategic cruise missiles on Nov. 2 toward the waters off South Koreas Ulsan, the southeastern coastal city housing a nuclear power plant and large factory parks. South Korean officials called that claim untrue and said they had tracked no missiles near there. Analysts said some of the photos released by North Korean state media seemed to be recycled from launches earlier in the year. The operations also included a launch of two tactical ballistic missiles loaded with dispersion warheads, a test of a special functional warhead paralyzing the operation command system of the enemy, and an all-out combat sortie involving 500 fighter jets, according to a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. Five hundred fighters would represents almost every dedicated combat aircraft in the Norths inventory, which seems unlikely given many are 4080 year old airframes and not all are serviceable or kept in the active fleet, said Joseph Dempsey, a defense researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. (The) 500 figure seems exaggerated or at least misleading, he said in a post on Twitter. The General Staff of the Norths Korean Peoples Army (KPA) accused Seoul and Washington of eliciting a more unstable confrontation, and vowed to counter their drills with sustained, resolute, and overwhelming practical military measures. New Missile? The photos released by state media appeared to show a previously unreported new type or variant of ICBM, analysts said. Its not explicit in their statement, but the design doesnt correspond to one weve seen before, said Ankit Panda, a missile expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He said the launch shown may have been a developmental platform for evaluating missile subsystems, including possibly a vehicle for multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), which allow a single missile to drop nuclear warheads on different targets. This is definitely an ICBM-size missile, Panda said. George William Herbert, an adjunct professor at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies and a missile consultant said the images showed what appeared to be a new nosecone on North Koreas Hwasong-15 ICBM, which was first tested in 2017. The nosecone has a different shape, and appears larger than necessary for the 200- to 300-kiloton nuclear device shown in state media and apparently tested in 2017, he said. Herbert said the shape is more suited for a single large warhead than multiple smaller warheads such as a MIRV. Kim has called for the development of both larger nuclear warheads, as well as smaller ones, which could be used in MIRVs or for tactical weapons. By Hyonhee Shin and Josh Smith Elon Musk tweeted an endorsement of a Republican Congress, calling for a balance of power. The Department of Justice plans to have workers monitoring the midterm elections on Nov. 8. However, not everyone is open to the idea. Democrats have made a final push for the finish line with rallies in several states. President Joe Biden predicts his party will keep control of the Senate but expects the House to be tough. Topics in this episode include: 1. DOJ to Monitor Voting in 24 States 2. Democratic Candidates Final Push 3. President Biden Rallies in Maryland 4. Biden Predicts Democrats Retain Control of Senate 5. DeSantis and Lake Hold Rallies 6. Kari Lake Tours Southern Border 7. Trump Stumps for Vance 8. Elon Musk Urges Americans to Vote Republican 9. Midterms: House Speaker Role Up for Grabs 10. Suburban Women Could Create Red Wave 11. Victory Parade for Houston Astros 12. Dad Carries Disabled Son Across US * Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List. Follow EpochTV on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV A sign is posted in front of the Nvidia headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., on May 10, 2018. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Nvidia to Sell Repackaged A100 Chips in China, Bypassing US Export Restrictions Chipmaker Nvidia plans to sell an alternative version of its A100 chip in China in a bid to comply with export restrictions set by the United States, a decision some experts see as a repackaging effort. On Aug. 26, the U.S. government informed Nvidia that its data center chip A100 was added to the export control list issued by the Department of Commerce. As a result, the company was prohibited from selling the processor to Chinese customers without securing approval from Washington. The A100 chips enable artificial intelligence (AI) developers to speed up research and allow them to develop more advanced AI models. In a statement to Reuters, an Nvidia spokesperson said the companys A800 GPU [graphics processing unit] is an alternative to the A100 for customers in China and meets the U.S. governments export control restrictions. The A800 went into production during the third quarter. The A800 looks to be a repackaged A100 GPU designed to avoid the recent Commerce Department trade restrictions, Wayne Lam, an analyst at CCS Insight, told the media outlet. China is a significant market for Nvidia, and it makes ample business sense to reconfigure your product to avoid trade restrictions. The U.S. government implemented export restrictions on chip sales to address the risk of the items being used for military purposes. Chips such as the A100 allow data centers to process large amounts of information. Washingtons rules impose a cap on the speeds at which the chips can communicate with each other, thus ensuring that China doesnt gain access to high-end chips. Firms are prohibited from selling chips with communication speeds of 600 gigabytes per second and higher. The chip-to-chip transfer rate of the A800 is said to be 400 gigabytes per second, a downgrade from the A100s 600 gigabytes. Financial Impact Nvidia had acknowledged that limiting chip sales to China would deliver a severe financial blow to the company, given the size of the Chinese market. The firm estimated about $400 million in potential sales to China in the fiscal third quarter to be affected by the U.S. governments new licensing requirements. An alternative chip such as the A800 is expected to help lessen the impact of the restrictions. Nvidia shares, which rose on Nov. 8 on the news, have fallen by more than 50 percent year to date. The company is scheduled to report its quarterly results on Nov. 16. The importance of Nvidias chips in supercomputing was highlighted in an Oct. 11 report by the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). In the report, Gregory C. Allen, a senior fellow in the Strategic Technologies Program at CSIS, said Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices are two of the few chip designers in the world that are capable of manufacturing chips for AI or supercomputing, with very fast interconnect speeds and powerful parallel processors. CUDA, Nvidias software ecosystem, is used by programmers widely to write massively parallelized software, which encompasses basically all modern AI software, he noted. As such, any customer who seeks to stop using Nvidia chips has to leave the CUDA ecosystem, Allen said in the report. [Thus], the combined offering of CUDA software and Nvidia hardware [explains] why Nvidia accounts for 95 percent of AI chip sales in China. GOP gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon speaks to the media at a "Moms for Liberty" rally in Troy, Mich. on Oct. 14, 2022. (Steven Kovac/The Epoch Times) Observers Say Low Voter Turnout Indicators in Detroit May Upend Whitmers Reelection Bid On the eve of the midterm election, the hotly contested race for Michigan governor between Democrat incumbent Gretchen Whitmer and GOP challenger Tudor Dixon remains a toss-up. Though the latest polls show Whitmer in the lead, 30-year veteran Michigan political consultant Jamie Roe believes Dixon is poised to pull off an upset. The Democrats have a turnout problem, and they know it, Roe said in a Nov. 7 interview with The Epoch Times. Roes assertion is shared by Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey, who told reporters at a Nov. 3 press conference that she expects a 28 to 32 percent turnout this year, as opposed to the 41 percent turnout in the 2018 midterms, which helped elect Whitmer to her first term as governor. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks during a drive-in campaign rally with Democratic presidential-elect Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama at Belle Isle in Detroit, Mich., on Oct. 31, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Winfrey said of her projection, Its not what we wanted, but its what its looking like now. Detroit, a Democrat stronghold, is Michigans largest city with 508,000 registered voters. According to Roe, the Democrats turnout woes are not confined to Detroit but appear to be statewide. Roe stated that in the 2020 presidential election, the number of GOP absentee voters trailed Democrats voting by mail by 40 percent in Michigan. As of Nov. 7, 2022, the figure is 30 percent. The lack of enthusiasm among African American voters in Detroit is being mirrored by voters across the state, largely because peoples life experiences dont correspond with the Democrat narrative. People havent seen the benefit of Democrat policies. In fact, they are being hurt by them. Voters are offended by the gaslighting, Roe said. Workers with the Detroit Department of Elections help process absentee ballots at the Central Counting Board in the TCF Center in Detroit, Mich., on Nov. 4, 2020. (Elaine Cromie/Getty Images) Wary of what he called the strange alchemy of modern pollings electorate modeling methods, Roe claimed that the strength of the Republican vote in Michigan is being underestimated. Studies have shown that 45 percent of people talking with pollsters have a college degree. Yet less than 20 percent of the Michigan population are college graduates. That alone means the polling models do not accurately represent the composition of the electorate, he said. According to Roe, pollsters jobs are being complicated by many blue-collar voters who are choosing not to talk to them. Those that do participate in a survey often give undecided as their response to questions about candidate preference even though they have their minds already made up When you add in the conservatives who hang up the phone when they learn its a pollster calling because they dont trust polls, theres a good probability that Dixon is running stronger than people are being led to believe, Roe said. Whitmer, 51, describes herself on her website as a tough, tested, and tireless problem-solver who has guided the state through the unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before winning the governorship, she served in the state House of Representatives and the state Senate. Dixon, 45, is a former businesswoman and conservative commentator. She has never held an elective office before. Protecting liberal access to abortion and fixing Michigans crumbling system of roads and bridges are two of Whitmers priorities. If elected, Dixon has promised to protect the rights of parents in the raising and education of their children, improve schools to restore student test scores to previous levels, and reverse the economic decline of the Great Lakes State. An elections worker scans mail in ballots at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on Nov. 7, 2022. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Officials in Multiple States Report Issues With Voting Machines on Election Day Officials in several states said on Election Day that voting machines were down or not working properly. All machines in Mercer County, New Jersey, which encompasses Princeton, werent working on Nov. 8, according to election officials. Gay Huber, West Windsor township clerk, attributed the issue to a county-wide system outage. Voters were still able to vote on a standard ballot at polling locations, according to Huber. A county spokesperson said the Mercer County Board of Elections alerted the county to issues with the machines. Poll workers will be on hand to walk voters through the process, the spokesperson said, noting that its working with the machine maker to resolve the issue. In Arizonas Maricopa County, officials said problems with tabulators were affecting voters. Tabulators at about 20 percent of polling locations werent properly processing ballots, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates said in a video message to voters. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer and Gates encouraged people to still go to polls and fill out their ballots. They could then place them into secure ballot boxes, the officials said. There are issues with the precinct-based tabulators that the paper ballots are fed into. We are aware of the issue and are working to get technicians on site as soon as possible, the recorders office stated separately. Harris County, Texas, experienced issues with machines. At one polling location, serious computer problems led to only two machines working, a manager told KPRC-TV. Just 10 out of the 50 machines at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center were functioning according to the manager. A spokesperson for Harris County Elections told KPRC-TV, We are well aware of the issues, and we have had all hands on deck to answer the support lines for our election workers to get things resolved as quickly as possible. At least several machines went down at a polling location in Indianapolis, a reporter for WXIN-TV wrote on Twitter, citing a poll worker. U.S. cybersecurity chief Jen Easterly warned before the midterm elections of errors and glitches during the election. That happens in every election. But thats why there are multiple layers of security controls and resilience built into the system, Easterly, appointed to direct the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency by President Joe Biden, said during a recent talk at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. These things are going to happen, she said, describing them as normal and not nefarious. Filomena Tassi (C), minister of public services and procurement, along with Anita Anand (2nd R), minister of national defence, and representatives from the federal government hold a press conference in Ottawa on March 28, 2022. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) Ombudsman Says Federal Departments Withhold Documents Alexander Jeglic, the independent ombudsman tasked with investigating allegations of bias in the award of government contracts, has filed an annual report that says federal departments refuse to provide his office with documents and participate in mediation to solve disputes. On Oct. 19, the Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO) presented its annual report in Parliament for the period of April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. The report states that many complaints received were about the lack of transparency associated with government procurement of COVID-19-related items. He also stated that the failure to maintain appropriate records of key decisions was a persistent problem. Jeglic will be looking for new ways to compel government departments to provide requested documents. He said, Departments are currently able to disclose only what they choose to disclose, and can suppress information vital to conducting fair and transparent reviews without fear of potential consequences. Hiding Documents The ombudsman said in many cases, his office writes to federal government departments and has to remind them to provide documents that we know exist. He said it is essential to be able to compel the production of documents to increase both fairness and transparency. He said many complaints were received from suppliers about their inability to gain information about the bidding process and why their bid was unsuccessful. He also noted that in early 2020, the federal government invoked the National Security Exception (NSE) in the purchasing of COVID-19 items. The report suggests that the use of NSE has led to a reduction in government accountability, and further reduced fairness, openness, and transparency. The annual report lists the top ten issues Jeglics office investigated. Sixty-one complaints alleged government contracts were awarded with bias against individual suppliers; based on unfair or biased criteria; or using criteria in awarding contracts that were overly restricted, limiting competition. Jeglic, who did not respond by press time for an interview request, said he would also be seeking regulatory changes that would allow him to remove the cap on compensation he can award when he finds a complaint has merit. The maximum compensation I can currently recommend is $3,030 for goods contracts, and $12,120 for services contracts. In many cases, these amounts are insufficient to cover the suppliers lost profits or bid preparation costs, let alone the time and expenses required to file a complaint, he wrote. He said the cap disincentivizes suppliers with legitimate complaints from seeking recourse. Refusing Mediation During the period covered by the annual report, the ombudsman said his office received seven requests from suppliers for mediation with the government, and in three of those cases, the federal department involved refused to participate in mediation to resolve the dispute. Jeglic singled out Health Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and Employment and Social Development Canada as the three departments that declined to participate in mediation services offered by the OPO. He said, It is frustrating to have departments refuse to try and resolve issues through mediation, as suppliers want to try to resolve their contract dispute outside of costly legal proceedings. The ombudsmans role is to provide a neutral and independent way to resolve contracting disputes between businesses and the federal government. The ombudsman reviews procurement practices, reviews and investigates complaints related to the contracts awarded by the government to companies, and provides alternative dispute resolution. On Nov. 7, Blacklocks Reporter identified a number of government contracts awarded to a sole source, which were obtained from the Commons health committee in its 2021 documents. These were not included in Jeglics report, but were in the news as being questionable. These included: a $237.3 million purchase order for ventilators from Baylis Medical Co., a company that had never manufactured ventilators, and was operated by ex-Liberal MP for Pierrefonds-Dollard, Quebec, Frank Baylis a $23.4 million grant and $118.6 million contract for masks by 3M Company, after the firm contacted lobbyist Kevin Bosch, ex-deputy director of the Liberal Research Bureau who boasted in an email of getting things done an appeal by Elly Alboim, former Liberal Party organizer, who emailed a cabinet aid requesting a contract be awarded to his son. I vouch for Elly, wrote the chief of staff to the minister of public works a $149 million contract to Spartan Bioscience Inc., a now-bankrupt test kit supplier hired after a couple of good meetings in the prime ministers office a $150 million contract for SNC-Lavalin Group field hospitals that no health authority requested Blacklocks Reporter contributed to this report. Hong Kong Finance Secretary Paul Chan arrived in Hong Kong on Nov. 1 and tested positive for COVID-19 at that time. He was classified as a "recovered case" and did not require isolation. (Benson Lau/The Epoch Times) Paul Chan COVID Test Positive, but Exempt From Isolation Hong Kong Financial Secretary (FS) Paul Chan was listed as a COVID-19 recovered case after returning to Hong Kong from an overseas trip. As such, he did not require isolation and immediately attended the Global Financial Leaders Investment Summit. However, after the summit, the Hong Kong Government (HKgov) announced that Chan had tested positive. However, the government didnt announce Chans cycle threshold (Ct) value and refused to respond to inquiries. When testing for the presence of a virus, amplification cycles are used to increase the amount of viral RNA in the sample to a detectable level. This is called the cycle threshold or Ct value. When there is more RNA present to begin with, fewer cycles are required to reach the detection threshold. Thus, the Ct value is the cut-off that calls a test positive. This ensures that the PCR test is detecting the virus and is not a false positive. Ct values cannot determine the infectivity of an individual nor the degree or duration of infectiousness. The Red Code issued by HKgov is applicable to all confirmed COVID-19 cases, indicating the person is not allowed to leave the isolation location so they will not infect others. However, according to the Department of Health (DH) records, from Sept . 26 to Nov. 1, a total of 455 inbound travelers, who declared a previous COVID-19 infection within three months before they arrived in Hong Kong, tested PCR-positive upon arrival and were asymptomatic with relatively high Ct values. They were regarded as recovered cases and not contagious. At noon on Oct. 27, a spokesman for the FS Office said that Chan, who was visiting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. On the afternoon of Oct. 31, the government announced that Chans PCR test was negative, and he was expected to arrive in Hong Kong on the afternoon of Nov. 1. At 10:22 p.m. on Nov. 1, the government issued a press release stating that Chan was a recovered case, was not contagious, and isolation was not required. It also announced that Chan would attend the Global Financial Leaders Investment Summit, but would not participate in meals. However, the press release did not indicate whether Chans test result was positive or negative. Late Night Press Release Says Chans Test Was Positive The government did not report the test results until 11:28 p.m. on Nov. 2, after the summit ended, when it issued a press release claiming that after Chan arrived in Hong Kong on Nov. 1, he tested PCR positive with a Ct value that was within the range of the recovered cases, and he had no symptoms, a negative result was obtained before he boarded the plane, so the DH evaluated that Chan was a recovered case, and isolation was not required, nor was a red code assigned. At the governments press conference on the pandemic on Nov. 3, Dr Edwin Tsui Lok-kin, Controller, Centre for Health Protection, was asked about Chans situation, the definition of asymptomatic, and the Ct value that means a person is exempt from isolation. Tsui responded that he would not comment on individual cases, nor would he provide relevant Ct values. An Embarrassing Hong Kong Story Chris Yeung Kin-hing, the chief writer of CitizenNews and founder and editor of the Voice of Hong Kong, described Chans incident as a suspense story, public relations disaster, and an embarrassing Hong Kong story on his YouTube channel News Comment. The PCR test results at the Hong Kong airport were unclear, causing the public to question whether Chans test results were evaluated using a different set of standards. As for the governments claim that 455 inbound travellers in the past two months had similar conditions and no isolation was required, Yeung said that since the government had never disclosed such cases and figures to the public before, what was the reason for announcing that information now? He believes that the government did not give a clear account of Paul Chans test results at an early stage, making the public feel that the government intended to hide his condition, and that Chan would have no way to prove his innocence. He added, What are the officials thinking? Its not something we can understand. "I Voted" stickers on a table during the Pennsylvania Primary election at St. Thomas United Church of Christ in Harrisburg, Pa., on May 17, 2022. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Pennsylvania Voter Experiences Will Vary Depending on Their Countys Understanding of Election Rules Its been two years since procedures for voting and counting election results caused controversy and division after the 2020 election. Pennsylvania voters go back to the polls this week, with still-shaken confidence in the system, as inconsistent application of election rules abound. Voter experiences will be different in Pennsylvanias 67 counties. For example, most counties have multiple drop boxes. In Lancaster County, there are no drop boxes for voters to put their ballots. This is something counties are allowed to determine. Ballot drop box before it was removed from the Lancaster County building in Pa., on May, 16, 2022. (Beth Brelje/The Epoch Times) Voters with mail-in ballots must walk into the board of elections and hand their ballot into an election worker. Lancaster banned ballot drop boxes a day before the May primary election. Before that, the single drop box in the county was located about 30 steps away from the Board of Elections door. Pennsylvania law says a voter may drop only their own ballot in the box. But around the state surveillance video footage has shown people dropping off more than one ballot. Bucks County Commissioner and chair of the Board of Elections, Robert Harvie Jr., a Democrat, refuted the one-ballot-per-person rule last week, in a meeting. Individuals are captured delivering more than two ballots at the drop box at 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, Pa., in May 2022. (America First Legal) Pennsylvania law does allow someone to drop off more than one ballot if they have a Designated Agent form for the person whose ballot theyre dropping off, if its not theirs, Harvie said. Under the law, you could go to a senior center or nursing home and get 100 ballots, as long as you have 100 Designated Agent forms from each of those voters. You are allowed to bring 100 ballots; thats the law. That is wrong. The Department of States Designated Agent form defines who can be a designated agent. The person you designate as your agent is only allowed to serve as a designated agent for one voter, unless the additional voter(s) live in the same household as you, the form says. The Epoch Times reached out to Harvie for comment. Yesterday, Democrat Commissioner and Board of Elections chair @BobHarvie_PA stated You can go to a senior center or nursing home and get 100 ballots and as long as you have 100 designated agent forms, your allowed to bring a 100 ballots. This is illegal ballot harvesting. pic.twitter.com/9mzGglJTa1 Megan Brock (@MegBeileen) November 3, 2022 Thats just grotesque incompetence, Sam Faddis told The Epoch Times. Faddis is a retired CIA operations officer, author, and organizer of a coalition of more than 75 patriot groups across Pennsylvania that are working together on election reform and other issues. The guy who runs the elections for a populous county in Pennsylvania, two years after the first time we used drop boxes, and he doesnt understand the simplest, most central points like how many ballots you are allowed to put in a dropbox. Undirected Ballot Fixing Last month the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that mail-in ballots with missing or inaccurate dates on their envelopes cannot be counted. Those ballots are to be set aside and preserved. But in Berks County, officials will offer voters with a chance to cure their ballot by adding a proper date on the envelope or cast a provisional ballot in person at their polling place on election day. Some other counties are doing the same as Berks, others are not, because that is not what the court ordered. So, if youre a Pennsylvania citizen, depending on where you happen to live, you will have a statewide election with completely different rules, because the counties are just making stuff up as they go, Faddis said. Already, right out of the box, what were seeing is kind of chaos. We havent fixed the system and youve got election directors who do not understand Pennsylvania law at all. The Epoch Times asked the Berks County media spokeswoman for a comment. Around the state there have been numerous concerns about election integrity, including some lawsuits regarding various local issues. It is likely, the processes and results of this election will be scrutinized closely when the counting is done. 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. In Pennsylvania, call 215-418-4000. Petrol Prices Surge as Australian Dollar Stays Weak Petrol prices have soared to nearly $2 a litre (US$4.88 a gallon) on average across Australia as the weak Australian dollar makes it more expensive for the country to import fuel. According to the Australian Institute of Petroleums latest report, the national average retail petrol price jumped 11.1 cents to $1.96 a litre in the week ending Nov. 6. While unleaded fuel prices rose by 14.8 cents to $1.99 a litre in capital cities over the week, diesel prices remained unchanged at $2.36 a litre. A sign outside an Ampol petrol station in Melbourne, Australia on March 3, 2022. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) The surges in petrol prices came as many Australian cities entered their first fuel cycle following the reinstatement of the full fuel excise tax, which adds more than 20 cents to every litre. Melbourne had the highest average petrol prices, standing at $2.08 a litre, followed by Brisbane at $2.06 a litre, Sydney at $2.02 a litre and Hobart at $1.93 a litre. Weak Australian Dollar Contributes to Price Surges The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that according to an analyst from online stockbroking firm CommSec, the weak Australian dollar caused fuel prices to climb by four cents in the past week and 13 cents since the start of the year. Furthermore, Mark McKenzie, the CEO of the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association, said the weak exchange rate between the U.S and Australian dollars wiped out any discount from dropping oil prices. You actually see about 13 to 14 percent increases as a result of the devaluation of the Australian dollar in the last six months, he said, as reported by ABC. However, National Roads and Motorists Association spokesperson Peter Khoury said in comments obtained by AAP that many motorists were likely to see a fall in prices soon as some cities, such as Sydney, were at the top of their fuel cycles. The petrol price cycle is a pattern of up-and-down movements in petrol prices, which results from pricing policies and not from changes in the wholesale cost of fuel. According to a report by The Australia Institute, Australia imports around 91 percent of its fuel consumption, with the majority of the imports coming from Southeast Asia and South Korea. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- In Oct. 2022, China's passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales amounted to 1.863 million units, growing 7.2% compared to the previous year, while dipping 4.4% from the previous month, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). For clarity, the PVs hereby refer to the cars, MPV, SUVs, and minibuses locally produced on the Chinese mainland. The association said the auto market is facing a stable sales growth thanks to the continuous improvement of logistics and supply chain operations, sufficient inventories, and the diminished impact of chip shortage. Nevertheless, the traditional oil-fuel vehicle market was still saddled with sliding sales performance recently. In October, there were around 1.28 million conventional passenger vehicles (excluding new energy vehicles) retailed across China, representing an 8% year-on-year decline, versus the upward movement of 6% for the Jun.-Sept. period of this year. For the first ten months of 2022, retail sales of conventional passenger vehicles amounted to 12.28 million units, shrinking 13% from the previous year. The CPCA commented that the car consumption demands from lower-/mid-income earners, who incline to choose an oil-fueled vehicle as their first car, remain to be further unleashed. Thus, the association suggests that the government should offer greater policy supports to the consumption of oil-fueled vehicles. There were around 210,000 luxury PVs retailed across China in Oct., representing a 16% year-on-year leap, while reflecting a 29% month-on-month decline. The car purchase tax cut served as one of the major contributing factors to the premium car shopping. Chinese indigenous PV brands recorded a combined retail sales volume of 940,000 units in Oct., which was 22% more than that of the year-ago period and also climbed 5% over the previous month. The CPCA's data show that China's local brands accounted for 51.5% of the country's total PV retail volume in Oct., 6 percentage points higher than the prior-year level. With about 700,000 PVs delivered last month, mainstream joint-venture brands in China posted a year-on-year decline of 9%, while also logged a month-on-month dip of 6%. Among the top 10 automakers by Oct. PV retail sales, five companiesSAIC Volkswagen, SAIC-GM, Dongfeng Nissan, SGMW, and Great Wall Motorfaced a downward movement year-over-year. BYD ranked highest in terms of both sales volume and sales growth. Both Geely Auto and Changan scored a two-digit year-on-year growth. China's monthly PV wholesale volume reached 2.22 million units in Oct., rising 10.7% year on year, while dropping 4.7% month on month. With regard to the PV wholesale volume in Oct., BYD, Geely Auto, and Changan occupied the first three spots among automakers in China. Chery Auto ranked fifth with a blooming year-on-year growth of 55.5%. Among the top 10 automakers, the occupants of the last four spots all encountered a year-on-year downward movement. According to the data compiled by the CPCA, China's passenger vehicle export volume (including complete vehicles and CKDs) amounted to 270,000 units last month, surging 42% from a year earlier and growing 13% from the previous month. Voters arrive to cast ballots in the midterm election at a polling place in a school in Philadelphia, Pa., on Nov. 8, 2022. (Ryan Collerd/AFP via Getty Images) Philadelphia Imposes Last-Minute Change to How Votes Are Counted Officials in Pennsylvanias most populous city imposed last-minute changes on Nov. 8 to ballot processing that could delay the vote count. In a 21 vote during a special meeting, the Philadelphia city commissioners decided to amend how ballots are processed. The change focuses on reconciliation, or reviewing absentee ballots and in-person votes to make sure people dont cast duplicate votes. Facing pressure from a lawsuit, Commissioners Lisa Deeley, a Democrat, and Seth Bluestein, a Republican, voted to have reconciliation take place for ballots cast in the midterm elections. I want to make very clear that when there are conversations that occur later this evening about whether or not Philadelphia has counted all of their ballots, that the reason that some ballots will not be counted, its because Republican attorneys targeted Philadelphiaand only Philadelphiatrying to force us to do a procedure that no other county does, Bluestein said before the vote. And while we technically won the court case in Common Pleas Court, the opinion that was written was written in a way that we have no other choice but to go forward and reinstate reconciliation. Commissioner Omar Sabin, a Democrat, voted against reinstating the procedure. Philadelphia officials recently announced that they decided to stop reconciliation. Poll workers, backed by the Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections group, sued in late October over the decision, arguing that state law requires the process, which identified 40 instances of illegal duplicates in the 2020 primary. In an order handed down on Nov. 7, Common Pleas Judge Anne Marie Coyle denied a request for a preliminary injunction, or an injunction against rolling back reconciliation, finding that the motion was filed too close to the midterms and that the relief would cause a greater measure of harm to the electoral process conducted in the upcoming general election than would denial of their Petition. Deeley testified to the judge that commissioners had chosen to stop reconciliation because she had deemed it no longer needed because it was labor intensive and cumbersome. There were also concerns that keeping reconciliation would cause conflict with requirements laid out in Act 88, signed into law in July. The act granted taxpayer funds to officials to run elections. Deeley, however, acknowledged that she never contacted state officials who administer the grants to discuss any of the professed concerns. She was unable to give reasons why the allocated $5.7 million was not used to improve reconciliation or produce an alternate system. The evidence in the case shows officials failed to consider how the public would react to the late announcement that reconciliation was not going to be utilized and that the officials have unwisely discounted the inherent deterrence of fraudulent voting value that the Poll Book Rendition process has afforded the City of Philadelphia even in its unimproved and imperfect state, Coyle said. The decision itself might result in a demand for the return of the grant money, according to the judge. Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections was recently founded by Republicans including Karl Rove. Derek Lyons, president and CEO of the group, said the commissioners vote to reinstate reconciliation will safeguard Philadelphias ballot box from duplicate votes. Any duplicate vote undermines the integrity of the system, he said. We know that double voting occurs and that it happens for various reasons, good, bad, ugly, and illegal. Conducting the audit will protect the integrity of the count. As voters increasingly opt to vote by mail-in ballot, it is more critical to audit the ballots to guard against double voting. Prop. 1 on Abortion Could Cost Millions, Jeopardize Care for Mothers Commentary Abortions arent free. Neither is whats called abortion tourism. A controversy has erupted over how much Proposition 1, which if enacted Nov. 8 would put the right to abortion in the California Constitution, might cost state taxpayers. And how it would affect health care in general in California, especially for women wanting to keep their pregnanciesthat is, have the beautiful, bouncing baby. The initiative was put on the ballot by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature after the U.S. Supreme Court last June overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationally. Writing in the Oct. 31 Orange County Register, Tak Allen, president of the International Faith Based Coalition, who favors the states current legalization law, charged: Californias abortion laws are not in jeopardy and Proposition 1 is not only unnecessaryit is recklessly ambiguous, extreme and expensive as a Black woman who is currently pregnant, I am seriously troubled about the impact Proposition 1 could have on Californias health systems. The United States holds one of the highest maternal morbidity rates in the world, with rates for Black women at 2.5 times the national average. This is before we overrun state health systems with unlimited passes for neighboring states to join as they see fit to utilize California abortion services and laws. And this is before we further exacerbate our health system and our quickly-depleting healthcare worker pool. Prop. 1 threatens to increase the healthcare disparities of healthy moms who oftentimes do not walk out of their birthing experiences whole, and in some cases, do not walk out at all, due to death. By contributing to a surge of people coming from out-of-state to seek an abortion, Proposition 1 could actually jeopardize womens reproductive health in California. Indeed, Capital & Main reported in July, According to estimates made in March 2021 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the number of OB-GYNs nationwide is expected to decrease by 7 percent, while demand is projected to increase by 4 percent, by 2030. Conversely, the workforce of certified nurse-midwives, womens health nurse practitioners and womens health physician assistants is expected to exceed demand, filling in some gaps in womens health care. Late-term abortions are a complicated procedure. Diverting Californias OB-GYN scarce doctors to perform late-term abortions clearly would shortchange California residents seeking prenatal care. Whats the Cost? An exact number is impossible to figure out right now, but we still can get some idea of the cost of Prop. 1. Lets start with California Healthline, a news service of the California Health Care Foundation, a philanthropic organization created when Blue Cross of California became a nonprofit. California Healthline will be heeded as an objective source. California Healthline produced a study on this issue with PolitiFact, the supposedly unbiased media watchdog group, but which often has been criticized for its own bias. The study found, In the end, the Legislative Analysts Office found no direct fiscal effect if Proposition 1 passes because Californians already have abortion protections. Thus: While it could lead to more people coming to California for abortion services, thats already happening, even before voters decide on the measure. Its speculative that Proposition 1 would expand abortion rights beyond whats currently allowed or that the state would allocate more money for out-of-state residents. Because the statement contains some truth but ignores critical facts to give a different impression, we rate the statement Mostly False. At least California Healthline/PolitiFact provided a link to the LAOs study. Which is identical to the wording in the LAOs fiscal analysis in the official Voter Pamphlet mailed out to all voters by the Secretary of State. But heres the full key wording (emphasis in original): No Direct Fiscal Effect. Proposition 1 would change the California Constitution to expressly include existing rights to reproductive freedom. Because these rights already exist in California, the proposition would have no direct fiscal effect. However, whether a court might interpret the proposition to expand reproductive rights beyond existing law is unclear. If a court finds that the proposition expands these rights, there could be fiscal effects to the state. That last sentence is the key wording: What the courts decide could mean fiscal effects to the state. Legal Interpretations Currently, California law limits abortions to 24-25 weeks. Would Prop. 1 expand that up to a second before birth? On Oct. 31, Calmatters ran an article discussing both sides. My conclusion: The initiative is purposely vague, so the California Supreme Court, now dominated by liberal Democrats appointed by Govs. Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom, would interpret it as unlimited, right up to just before birth. But we wont know for years. Theres another factor. On Sept. 27, Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 2223. The Legislative summary reads: This bill would delete the requirement that a coroner hold inquests for deaths related to or following known or suspected self-induced or criminal abortion, and would delete the requirement that an unattended fetal death be handled as a death without medical attendance. The bill would prohibit using the coroners statements on the certificate of fetal death to establish, bring, or support a criminal prosecution or civil cause of damages against a person who is immune from liability based on their actions or omissions with respect to their pregnancy or actual, potential, or alleged pregnancy outcome, or who aids a pregnant person in exercising their rights under the Reproductive Privacy Act, as specified. Critics have charged AB 2223 would legalize infanticide, because no inquiries could be made by law enforcement if a post-birth baby was killed. Advertising for Abortions Back to Prop. 1. Lets assume that the most broad interpretation, that it allows abortion right up to a second before birth. Anticipating Roe v. Wade being overturned, last December Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed, Well be a sanctuary, for those seeking abortions from other states. We are looking at ways to support that inevitability and looking at ways to expand our protections. The state budget for fiscal year 2022-23, which began on July 1, includes $200 million to pay for abortions for women from out of state. It includes $1 million to build a state website encouraging abortion tourism. Heres what the website says: People who live outside of California If you live outside of California, you can get an abortion in California. There is no residency requirement for abortion in California. You can use the California abortion finder to find a provider. Some groups provide help with travel to get an abortion. According to the CDC, abortions nationally on or after the 21st week are 1 percent of the total in 2019. California did not report that year. So the total reported to the CDC, 629,898 abortions, is basically those outside California. So 1 percent of that comes to 6,298 potential non-California abortions on or after the 21st week. If Prop. 1 passes, and is interpreted as liberally as possible, potentially all of those 6,298 could come to California for an abortion vacation in the Abortion Sanctuary State. If its only a procedure, as abortion proponents claim, why not throw in a vacation paid for by California taxpayers? Word gets around quickly on these things, especially in these days of social media. So we can expect some response to the generous California offer. How many? Lets just guess 10 percent of that figure, or 630 a year coming to California for a late-term abortion. According to AbortionClinics.org, which explains the procedure as much more involved than earlier procedures, just in case you wondered what they actually do (Ill only provide the first, less grisly part): Abortion After 27 Weeks California. Facts About Induction Procedure (25 Weeks And Up): This is normally a 3 day procedure depending on your medical history. They dont provide a cost estimate, but according to the Orlando Womens Center in Florida, late term abortions can cost up to $35,000, compared to up to $2,000 for first-trimester abortions. According to TheCut, part of New York magazine, it could be $8,000 to $15,000 or more for a third-trimester abortion. Lets assume a $10,000 average for late-term abortions. Add $200 a day for a seven-day stay in California, or $1,400. That comes to $11,140 for each abortion vacation. Our estimated number of late-term abortions in California was 630. Multiplied by $11,140, that comes to $7,018,200 a year. The California Healthline/PolitiFact judgment was Mostly False for the contention there will be a cost; but that itself is totally false. Yes, There Will Be a Cost Perhaps my numbers are too highor too low. Again, we wont know the exact number for a couple of yearsassuming the state even compiles the number. As noted above, the CDC didnt even have overall abortion numbers for California for 2019. But even with a conservative estimate, the number will be at least in millions. Even in a time of state budget surpluses, soon to evaporate, money isnt free. So Tak Allen is right: Prop. 1, if it passes, will divert scarce resources and scarcer OB-GYN specialists from California mothers, to performing abortions for abortion vacationers, risking the lives of California mothers and babies. By the way, Tak, congratulations on your new baby. God bless both of you. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Chinese fighter jets take off at the Yangcun Air Force base of the People's Liberation Army Air Force in Tianjin, southeast of Beijing, in a file photo. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) RCMP Investigating Allegations of Former Canadian Fighter Pilots Training Chinese Military Aviators The RCMP has confirmed it is investigating allegations that former Canadian military pilots were involved in training Chinese military pilots. In an emailed statement on Nov. 8, the RCMP said it is looking into reports of former pilots from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) allegedly training Chinese military pilots at a South African flight school. The RCMP is aware of the report of former RCAF pilots taking part in training Peoples Liberation Army Air Force pilots and is collaborating with our partners to determine what investigational action, if any, may be undertaken, said Cpl. Kim Chamberland, spokesperson for RCMP national headquarters in Ottawa. While for operational reasons we cannot speak at length about this, it is within the RCMPs mandate to investigate this activity should there be criminal or illegal activities occurring in Canada that are found to be backed by a foreign state, Kim said, adding that various methods and techniques are in place to combat foreign actor interference within the RCMPs mandate. The confirmation came after The Epoch Times sought clarification from the federal Department of National Defence (DND) on Nov. 7, to which the department replied that the Mounties will be leading the investigation. DND had said in a statement on Oct. 27 that it would investigate the allegations. We are aware of these reports, and we are looking into this further with federal partners, the department said. During a hearing before the parliamentary National Defence committee on Nov. 3, Brig.-Gen. Denis Boucher, director of General Defence Security at DND, told MPs that the investigation does not fall within the jurisdiction of his department and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). When members retire from the Canadian Armed Forces, they become civilians, as any other Canadian civilian, and they fall under the jurisdiction of those federal partners, Boucher said, adding that former members are still bound by the provisions of the Security of Information Act. I dont necessarily speak with the federal partners personally based on my role, but the federal partners that we are in contact with would be the Department of Justice, and they would have to look at the investigation, presumably from the RCMP perspective. National Security Around 30 former British military pilots had been recruited by the Oudtshoorn-based flight school Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA) to train Chinas PLA Air Force, with compensation packages as high as 240,000 pounds (C$370,000) a year, the BBC reported on Oct. 18. The report said the head-hunted pilots were being asked to provide vital and sensitive information, such as how Western planes and pilots operate, in exchange for the lucrative contracts. [F]ast-jet pilots from Australia and Canada have also been lured to China on huge contracts, an Oct. 17 Daily Mail article said. Several other media outlets reported that TFASA has been acting as the middleman for the PLA in recruiting pilots from the UK, Australia, and other Western countries. On Oct. 18, the UKs defence ministry issued a series of alerts on Twitter saying that the department will engage with the involved pilots to ensure they are fully aware of the risk of prosecution under the Officials Secrets Act. DNDs statement on Oct. 27 similarly stated any behaviour of its members that harms the Canadian national interest will be dealt with appropriately. The Security of Information Act applies to both current and former members, and non-compliance with the Act could result in serious consequences, the department said. As an institution that upholds democratic principles and the rule of law, we trust and expect current and former CAF members to adhere to the values of the institution. Always the Possibility of a Risk The Globe and Mail reported on Nov. 3 that it received a statement from TFASA confirming that the academy employs ex-RCAF pilots. Most of the Canadian guys would be former RCAF but some of them may be people who trained privately or are civilian-trained pilots, the company said. In his testimony on Nov. 3, Boucher said the military cant do much about the issue. We are aware of the allegations and obviously this matter is very concerning to us, but we know that these are post-employment activities, he said. They dont fall in the jurisdiction of the Canadian Armed Forces. The brigadier general added that DND and CAF are ready to assist federal partners in their investigation. Were worried, of course, about the security of our members, and our responsibilities when it comes to Canadas defence. So were prepared to collaborate with our federal partners and other departments in order to figure out the risk to our information, to our members, and to our national defence. Bloc Quebecois MP Christine Normandin asked Boucher whether there is a risk of Canadas and NATOs military strategies being acquired by the Chinese pilots through the alleged training given by the former fighter pilots. I would say that theres always the possibility of a risk. Indeed, our pilots work with other NATO countries, with our allies, be it with the Canadian unit or with other allies, and of course, we share the concerns of our allies when it comes to these allegations, Boucher replied. But having said that, we trust our members, and we want to trust retirees too, and we hope they will maintain their obligations under the information protection act. Jenny Li, Olivia Li, and Andrew Chen contributed to this report. RNC chair Ronna McDaniel speaks at the Republican National Committee winter meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Feb. 4, 2022. (Rick Bowmer/AP Photo, File) RNC Cannot Pay Trump Legal Bills If He Launches 2024 Bid: Committee Chair Republican National Committee (RNC) chair Ronna McDaniel says the RNC can not pay former President Donald Trumps legal bills if he makes a bid for the White House in 2024. We cannot pay legal bills for any candidate thats announced, McDaniel told anchor Dana Bash in an Oct. 6 interview on CNNs State of the Union. The RNC chair pointed to the New York Attorney General Letitia James lawsuit against Trump, saying, It was voted on by our executive committee for our former president that this was a politically motivated investigation, and thats what its been. Late last year, the RNC reportedly made two payments totaling $121,670 to the law firm of Ronald Fischetti, a veteran defense attorney who was hired to represent Trump as he faced investigations by James and then-Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. Asked about those bills, McDaniel affirmed that they came from the Letitia James lawsuit that started while [Trump] was president. But we cannot do in-kind contributions to any candidate right now. Hes the former president being attacked from every which way with lawsuits, and hes certainly raised more under the RNC than weve spent on these bills, she added. In early 2021, the RNC declined to back 2024 presidential primary candidates, even if former President Donald Trump chose to run again. The party has to stay neutral. Im not telling anybody to run or not to run in 2024, McDaniel said in the interview with The Associated Press. Thats going to be up to those candidates going forward. What I really do want to see him do, though, is help us win back majorities in 2022. The former president has yet to make any official announcement of the 2024 presidential bid, but has repeatedly teased the possibility that he might run. At the Nov. 3 rally in Iowa, Trump dropped another hint, saying he would very, very, very, probably do it again. When asked by Bash if Trump will announce his run soon, McDaniel said she had no idea. I dont even know what Im doing for Thanksgiving right now, let alone thinking about 2024, she replied. Lawsuits Against Trump On Sept. 21, James filed her civil lawsuit against Trump, The Trump Organization, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, and Trumps business associates over alleged fraud, claiming that the value of Trumps assets was inflated. Back in 2018, James campaigned with the goal of filing a lawsuit against then-president Trump. Im running for attorney general because I will never be afraid to challenge this illegitimate president when our fundamental rights are at stake, she said at the time. In the latest move, Trump fired back at James with the lawsuit describing her legal action against him as a relentless and public crusade with the stated goal of destroying him personally, financially, and politically. Meanwhile in 2019, Vance launched a three-year investigation into the Trump Organization, alleging the company had evaded paying taxes. The organizations CFO Allen Weisselberg in August pleaded guilty to charges of tax fraud. Weisselbergs lawyers said that he was punished by the Democrat district attorneys office because he wouldnt offer information that would damage Trump. Jack Phillips and Caden Pearson contributed to this report. Sheriff's deputies line up before taking a man into booking at the San Diego County Jail on April 24, 2020. (Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) San Diego Mother, Grandparents Jailed in Alleged Abuse Death of 11-Year-Old Girl SAN DIEGOThe mother and maternal grandparents of a child who died in a hospital after being found in grave condition at a Spring Valley home last summer were behind bars Nov. 8 on suspicion of fatally abusing her, authorities reported. Arrested Nov. 7 in connection with the death of 11-year-old Arabella McCormack were Leticia Diane McCormack, 49, Adella Tom, 70, and Toms 75-year-old husband, Stanley, according to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. Each of the suspects was booked on suspicion of child abuse leading to injury or death and three counts of torture. McCormack and her father also face charges of first-degree murder. Deputies responding to a report of a child in distress about 2 a.m. Aug. 30 found Arabella in dire condition at a residence in the 3300 block of Lakeview Drive, sheriffs homicide Lt. Chris Steffen said. Paramedics took her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. During the investigation, detectives [discovered] suspected signs of possible child abuse, Steffen said. As the case proceeded, the girls father, Brian McCormack, killed himself in the presence of investigators when they approached him near his home to question him, the lieutenant said. Authorities did not immediately detail the nature of the alleged fatal abuse suffered by Arabella. Her sisters, ages 6 and 7, have been placed in the custody of a foster family. The suspects were being held without bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Nov. 9. A syringe is prepared with COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic in Montreal on March 15, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson) Saskatchewan Nurses College Drops Disciplinary Case Against Nurse Who Criticized COVID Vaccines The regulator for Saskatchewan nurses has dropped its attempts to discipline a nurse who criticized COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions, says a legal advocacy organization. In a press release on Nov. 7, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) announced that the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) has ended its attempt to discipline Shelly Wilson, a nurse practitioner who offers clinical services to rural communities in southern Saskatchewan. According to JCCF, Wilson had expressed views on social media regarding COVID-19 vaccines, masks, and treatment options in 2021 that did not accord with public health or mainstream media narratives. In response, the CRNS proposed that Wilson voluntarily enter into an agreement which required her to admit that her expression amounted to professional misconduct, the release said. If she disagreed, she could be referred to a discipline hearing. The CRNS website states that should a registered nurse be found guilty of professional misconduct set out in the Registered Nurses Act of 1988, he or she could face suspension, expulsion from the association, or fines, among other penalties issued by its discipline committee. Previous Case Andre Memauri, one of the lawyers who represented Wilson, says the team is pleased that CRNS has considered Saskatchewans Court of Appeal decision in Strom v. Saskatchewan Registered Nurses Association (Strom) released last fall, which he said clarified the limits of the colleges reach into its members freedom of expression protected under Charter rights. We applaud the CRNS for revisiting the key principles of the Court of Appeal decision in Strom to arrive at this result, Wilson said. Carolyn Strom, a registered nurse in Prince Albert, Sask., was charged with professional misconduct by her colleges discipline committee after she commented on her Facebook page in February 2015 about concerns over the care her late grandfather received at St. Josephs Health Centre, a long-term care facility in Macklin, Sask., before he passed away. My Grandfather spent a week in Palliative Care before he died and after hearing about his and my familys experience there (@ St. Josephs Health Facility in Macklin, SK) it is evident that Not Everyone is up to speed on how to approach end of life care Or how to help maintain an Ageing Seniors Dignity (among other things!), wrote Strom in her post, cited in the courts ruling. So I challenge the people involved in decision making with that facility, to please get All Your Staff a refresher on this topic AND More. Dont get me wrong, some people have provided excellent care so I thank you so very much for YOUR efforts, but to those who made Grandpas last years less than desirable, Please Do Better Next Time! she added. Justice Barrington-Foote, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal judge in the case, ruled that the colleges disciplinary committee did not sufficiently consider the context of Stroms posts, and therefore erred in finding her guilty of professional misconduct. Such criticism, even by those delivering those services, does not necessarily undermine public confidence in healthcare workers or the healthcare system, the ruling said. Indeed, it can enhance confidence by demonstrating that those with the greatest knowledge of this massive and opaque system, and who have the ability to effect change, are both prepared and permitted to speak and pursue positive change. In any event, the ruling added, the fact that public confidence in aspects of the healthcare system may suffer as a result of fair criticism can itself result in positive change. Such is the messy business of democracy. Vessels line up to offload containers into the Port of Los Angeles, on Oct. 27, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Seaman Sentenced to 20 Years for Fatal Stabbing on Container Ship LOS ANGELESA Philippines national who fatally stabbed a fellow crew member on a container ship en route from Shanghai to Los Angeles was sentenced Nov. 7 to 20 years in federal prison. Michael Monegro, 44, pleaded guilty in May in LA federal court to one count of committing an act of violence against a person onboard a ship that is likely to endanger the vessels safe navigation, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Monegro could have received up to life behind bars. Monegro was working as a seaman aboard the MSC Ravenna, a 153,000-gross-ton Liberian-flagged container ship, on Sept. 20, 2020when the ship was 80 nautical miles from Southern California, nearing the end of its two-week voyage from Shanghai to the Port of Los Angeles. According to prosecutors, Monegro and other crew members were in a dressing room on the ships upper deck when Monegro spotted his direct supervisor in an adjacent hallway. In full view of other crew members, Monegro began stabbing the victim in the hallway, prosecutors said. As the pair fell to the ground during the struggle, Monegro got on top of the victim and continued stabbing him, eventually pulling a second knife from the victims coveralls and stabbing him with both knives, according to federal prosecutors. Crew members unsuccessfully tried to intervene, with Monegro later saying he stopped only when he got tired, prosecutors said. The Ravennas captain, chief mate, and chief engineer eventually arrived and convinced Monegro to get off the victim, who died on the ship from multiple stab wounds. Monegro was convinced by the captain to walk to a conference room, where he surrendered the knives, and was placed in custody in his cabin. Prosecutors said other crew members were assigned to guard his cabin door, leaving them unable to perform their normal duties on the ship. Prosecutors said other crew members were traumatized by witnessing Monegro stab and kill the victim. Federal agents arrested Monegro after the ship docked at the Port of Los Angeles a week after the fatal stabbing. He has been in federal custody since his arrest. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol speaks during an inaugural dinner at a hotel, after his inauguration ceremony at the new presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, on May 10, 2022. (Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via Getty Images) South Korea to Allow Abused Children to File for Removal of Parental Rights The State Council of South Korea has approved an amendment to the Family Litigation Act allowing abused minors to directly petition for the termination of parental rights, according to the Ministry of Justice. The revised bill, which was approved at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, is aimed at strengthening the procedural rights of minors in domestic litigation, the ministry said in a statement. Under the new law, minors will be able to file a claim for termination of parental rights directly with the court, as opposed to the current law, which requires an appointment of a third person to represent minors. This is to strengthen the rights and welfare of underage children by introducing a system of assistants for reporting procedures, the ministry stated. The ministry said that it would be difficult for minors to find a representative to help them file for the termination of parental rights as family relatives may be hesitant to participate in such suits. The revised law will also enable the court to hear from children when deciding custody of a child in a divorce case, regardless of the childs age. Currently, only minors who are aged 13 and above can speak in custody cases. The court may issue a detention order if child support payments are overdue by 30 days, as opposed to the current three months. The ministry said that the revised law aims to expedite child support collection. The number of child abuse cases in South Korea increased by 21.7 percent to 37,605 in 2021, compared to 30,905 in 2022, The Korea Times reported in August, citing an annual welfare ministry report. Of the total cases, 40 children died in the abuse. The report states that 83.7 percent of child abuse cases were committed by parents, 9.6 percent by proxy guardians, 4 percent by relatives, and 1.7 percent by strangers. South Koreas President Vows Justice, Police Reforms Over Halloween Crush Tragedy South Koreas president apologized on Monday for the Halloween crowd surge that led to 156 deaths, pledging to hold to account officials who failed to respond to the incident and make police reform. President Yoon Suk-yeol called for an overall institutional review of police services related to risk management and accident prevention, as well as a thorough investigation into the Oct. 29 tragedy that happened in Seouls district of Itaewon. It does not compare to the feelings of the parents who lost their sons and daughters, but as a president who has to protect the lives and safety of the people, my heart is heavy and heartbreaking, Yoon said at the National Safety System Inspection Meeting. I am sorry and apologetic to the bereaved families who are facing a tragedy that cannot be expressed in words and to the people who share the pain and sorrow, the president added. Yoon promised to make the entire investigation process transparent to the public and ensure that any contributors to the tragedy take responsibility depending on the outcome of the probe. Onlookers, police and paramedics gather where dozens of people suffered cardiac arrest, in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon in Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 30, 2022. (Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images) The tragedy, which left at least 156 people dead and hundreds of others injured, was concentrated in a narrow downhill alley in Itaewon, where about 100,000 people had gathered for Halloween festivities. Witnesses described people falling on one another, suffering severe breathing difficulties, and falling unconscious. Most of the victims were teenagers and young adults. Police Accused of Negligence Police have faced criticism for their response during the tragedy after a transcript of emergency calls received by police on Oct. 29 revealed that citizens had notified them of the risk of a crowd crush in Itaewon, but there was no prompt response. Police said they had sent 137 officers to maintain order during the Halloween festivities, but observers questioned whether they were enough to handle the estimated 100,00 people gathered in Itaewon. Yoon has called for sweeping police reform to improve safety management and prevent the recurrence of such incidents. No matter how state-of-the-art systems and complete manuals are prepared, if a crisis situation is not properly recognized and quickly communicated and shared, necessary measures cannot be implemented in a timely manner, and this tragedy is bound to repeat itself, he said. A major innovation is needed in police work, which prepares for danger and prevent accidents in order to protect the safety of the people, he added. Four officials from Yongsan district police station and fire department have been booked for investigation, including police chief Lee Im-jaewhose duties have been suspended due to the incidentfor alleged negligence in the tragedy. The investigation team has seized 7,134 documents and digital data related to the incident, as well as 157 video clips for analysis, Yonhap News Agency reported. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Former Trump White House senior advisor Steve Bannon arrives at federal court to be sentenced in Washington, on Oct. 21, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Steve Bannons Prison Sentence Formally Put on Hold Amid Appeal of Conviction Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has had his four-month prison sentence formally put on hold while he appeals the conviction. Bannon, a onetime adviser to former President Donald Trump and a former Breitbart News executive, was sentenced to four months in prison by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols on Oct. 21 on two misdemeanor counts of contempt of Congress, for having refused to answer questions from or provide documents to the House Jan. 6 Committee. Bannon was also ordered to pay a $6,500 fine. Nichols, a Trump appointee, at the time allowed Bannon to put the sentence on hold while he appeals the conviction. Bannons lawyer David Schoen called the decision extraordinary and said at the time it was the appropriate move to grant a stay pending appeal. In a Monday filing (pdf), the judge formally ordered the stay of the prison sentence. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3143(b), and as the Court explained at the Defendants sentencing hearing, the Court finds that Defendant Stephen K. Bannon (a) is not likely to flee or pose a danger to the safety of any other person or the community if released and (b) that his appeal is not taken for the purpose of delay but rather raises a substantial question of law that is likely to result in a reversal or an order for a new trial, the judges order reads. Accordingly, it is ORDERED that the sentence in this case shall be STAYED pending Stephen K. Bannons appeal of his conviction. The order means Bannon would only serve his four-month sentence if his conviction on the two counts if it is upheld by higher courts. During Bannons trial in July earlier this year, Bannons lawyers argued that the Department of Justice were not able to prove that he committed any crime, and that Bannon didnt ignore the House Jan. 6 subpoenas. There is no evidence Bannon willfully defaulted when he didnt appear in a congressional office on Oct. 14, attorney Evan Corcoran, representing Bannon, said in court at the time. The date was the subject of ongoing discussion and negotiation, so the government cant prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Steve Bannon committed a crime. Bannon previously said he could not testify in front of the Jan. 6 panel or provide documents to the panel because the requested information were protected by the former presidents executive privilegea legal doctrine that says the president or the executive branch of the government can withhold information in the public interest. Trump had asserted privilege and Bannons lawyers stated that he wouldnt testify until he reaches an agreement with Trump. The Jan. 6 committee had said it wanted Bannons documents and testimony because he was in touch with Trump before Jan. 6, 2021; because he tried to get Trump to focus on the congressional certification of the election results; and because he said on Jan. 5 that all hell is going to break loose the next day. Jack Phillips and Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report. Beijing (Gasgoo)- In the tenth month of 2022, Tesla sold 71,704 China-made vehicles in wholesale, representing a 31.8% jump over the previous year, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). Compared to August, Tesla Chinas monthly wholesale volume slipped down 13.7%. In the past month, the US electric vehicle maker saw 54,504 Shanghai-made vehicles shipped overseas, recovering greatly from the previous month. Notably, Octobers export volume is also the highest among 2022 yet. In the first ten months of this year, the cumulative wholesale volume of China-made Tesla vehicles summed up to 554,778 vehicles, 219,427 units of which were exported to overseas markets, accounting for roughly 40% of the total volume. Photo credit: Tesla Judging from the overall monthly retail volume of new energy passenger vehicles ("NEPV") in China, Tesla secured 2.5% of the market in October, notching down 1.2 percentage points year over year. At the same time, Chinas locally-owned brands accounted for 63% of the entire NEPV market, edging up by 2.1 percentage points from the previous year. The market share of new energy vehicle startups amounted to 11.4% in the past month, slipping 2.9 percentage points compared to the year-ago period. Overall, Chinas NEPV wholesale volume hit a new high in October, with 15 automakers selling over 10,000 vehicles, which was 8 companies more than a year ago. According to the CPCA, aside from BYD (217,518 NEPVs sold), whose leading position in the NEPV market was unshakable, other traditional automakers including SAIC-GM-Wuling (52,086 NEPVs sold), GAC AION (30,063 NEPVs sold), Dongfeng eGT (13,616 NEPVs sold), Geely (31,070 NEPVs sold), Chery Auto (18,301 NEPVs sold), and Great Wall Motor (10,954 NEPVs sold) also posted prominent performance in the past month. In October, Chinas NEPV wholesale volume shot up 85.8% year on year while edging up 0.4% over September to roughly 676,000 vehicles. From January to October, there were a total of 5.015 million NEPVs sold via wholesale, up 110.8% from a year earlier. Oath Keepers founder Elmer Stewart Rhodes III will not be allowed to fire his Dallas-based attorneys, a judge ruled on Sept. 7, 2022. (Real Story of Jan. 6/Epoch TV) Stewart Rhodes Denies Conspiring to Storm Capitol on January 6 WASHINGTONOath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes told a federal court on Nov. 7 that he did not conspire to breach the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Rhodes, one of five defendants facing several criminal charges over their involvement in Jan. 6 events, testified that he found out that protestors breached the barricades at 1:45 p.m. on Jan. 6. At that time, he was at a hotel, Rhodes said, to warm up. We didnt realize they [the protestors] were going inside, Rhodes said. Rhodes told the court he had no communications with co-defendant Jessica Watkins or other Oath Keepers who went into the Capitol. He didnt know Thomas Caldwell, another co-defendant, was in Washington on Jan. 6. Did you encourage people to go to the Capitol? questioned Kathryn Rakoczy, a prosecutor. Rhodes explained that Kelly Meggs, a defendant on trial, was already at the Capitol. He said Meggs and his teams mission was to escort speakers from the Ellipse. You didnt tell them to go away, Rakoczy said. Rhodes explained that he was trying to gather the Oath Keepers in one location and not breach the Capitol. I didnt want them to get wrapped up in that crowd and get inside the Capitol, he said. The stage wasnt set up when he arrived in the area where the speeches planned for the were supposed to happen. Rhodes learned that Roger Stone, one of the speakers, would not be giving his speech. Rhodes said he was concerned that Kelly Meggs and his team might have strayed off mission. There was no plan, Rakoczy asked. Rhodes responded no. Rhodes denied giving implied or direct instructions to storm the Capitol to any Oath Keeper. Rhodes added that in his open letters to former President Donald Trump, he did not mention any intention to storm the Capitol on January 6. Rakoczy asked Rhodes if he congratulated the 20 Oath Keepers he eventually gathered for going inside the Capitol. No, Rhodes responded. A defense attorney tried to ask Rhodes if Meggs helped U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, who testified on Oct. 31. The government objected to the question multiple times. The judge sustained the objection and said that the jury would ultimately decide if Meggs helped Dunn. On Jan. 7, 2021, Rhodes former attorney, Kellye SoRelle, advised him to turn off his phone. After that, he confirmed that he sometimes used her phone to send messages. The government displayed messages in which Rhodes instructed Oath Keepers to delete any evidence from their devices. Rhodes said he told her to let the Oath Keepers know about their right to remain silent and that everything they said could be used against them. He denied typing those messages. Rhodes testified that all the discussions about a civil war used rhetorical and bombastic language. Painting of George Washington from a Dec. 14, 2020, open letter to President Donald Trump from Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes. (OathKeepers, Archive.org/Screenshot via The Epoch Times. Since President-elect Joe Biden took office on Jan. 20, 2021, Rhodes said he stopped talking about the Insurrection Act since Trump couldnt invoke it anymore. The Oath Keepers organization mission was to defend the Constitution, provide security, and assist law enforcement, Rhodes told a defense attorney. He denied that the Oath Keepers mission on Jan. 6 was to enter the Capitol under the guise of protecting the people inside. During cross-examination, Rakoczy tried to show how the Oath Keepers organization allegedly was created to oppose the U.S. government, linking connections with Alex Jones. She also mentioned the Oath Keepers participation in an event in 2014. She highlighted multiple occasions where they attempted to deceive violent protesters by disguising themselves as elderly people or single parents so they might use their firearms if those allegedly disguised Oath Keepers were attacked. However, Rhodes denied having done that. She then displayed a receipt showing that Rhodes had purchased steel canes and pistol-grip walking canes. He told her that a former Oath Keepers members misunderstood their use. They were for self-defense, he said. Rakoczy said the Oath Keepers had defended a salon that violated the governments guidelines during the COVID-19. Rhodes explained that they provided security services after the Supreme Court allowed the salon to reopen; he added that the Oath Keepers were there to prevent arson. Rakoczy asked Rhodes if the Oath Keepers so-called quick reaction force was to oppose the government and to defend Trump. Rhodes denied it and told her it was to protect the White House. The prosecutor also questioned Rhodes about what he would expect to happen if President Trump invoke the Insurrection Act as Rhodes urged. Rhodes said that Trump could have exposed the 2020 presidential election as unconstitutional. Rhodes has been charged with multiple crimes, including seditious conspiracy. If convicted, he risks spending over 20 years behind bars. The Deep State Is What Disables Democracy Commentary The idea of democracy as it emerged gradually out of the Enlightenment, drawing on ancient forms in Greece and Rome, is that the people govern themselves. People serve as the main determinants of the rules, laws, and legislation under which they live. They even set the rules concerning what people are allowed to do to themselves and each other using government: such is the point of a constitution. In a representative democracy, we elect leaders who represent our interests in the halls of government. Crucially, the main point isnt the election or even the right of masses of people to vote. Those are means to an end. The end is self-government, government by and for the people, which came to be seen in republican theory as a crucial feature of freedom itself. Many totalitarian societies have figured out over time how to appear to be democratic without actually being so. When I was growing up, we used to laugh about how the Soviet people had a vote. What possibly could that mean or why would it matter in the slightest if the vote only ends up changing the face and name of the marionette on the balcony whos reading prepared propaganda? We as Americans sneered at such a fake democracy. It exists in name only over there, whereas here we have the real thing! Or so we thought. Every American must absolutely learn the lesson of these past 31 months. They locked us in our homes; closed our churches, schools, and businesses; restricted travel; segregated whole cities based on whether a person had taken a medicine, like some kind of dystopian movement; wrecked the entire economy; and separated families by force. Not one person in this entire country voted for a single one of these things to happen. It was never on the ballot. And for the most part, the elected leaders in this country werent the main actors in this. They gave approval to be sure, but mainly because most of them are deeply ignorant, easily led, and deeply scared. The main actors were people who were never elected. They were appointed bureaucrats. Most of them cant be fired. They have permanent jobs with high incomes and benefits. They have vast power, more power, it seems, than the politicians and certainly more power than you. Indeed, they have awesome power over you. And over everything, to the point that they can say whether you can go to church or whether your children can play with friends. Not even the courts can act fast enough to control them and stop them from exercising total power over our lives. The Deep State has learned that it can announce or wholly fabricate a national emergency and practically put the entire country on a wartime footing wherever it wants. We can tolerate this no longer. This permanent and unelected class of rulers is called the administrative state, or, more colloquially, the Deep State. It exists at the federal level, the state level, and at the city level. In the COVID-19 crisis, they all worked together out of their own interests. They showed their face and their power. We had never experienced anything like this. Their power isnt new. It has been growing for more than 100 years. What was new was the ferocity of the attack and the brazenness of imposition. They went on TV to brag about what they were doing and shame dissidents. Media companies and Big Tech did their best to give them cover and block voices that made rational points. In effect, this country became a multivariate dictatorship, but the people doing the dictating were mostly not the politicians we elected, although they went along with the whole caper. It was this permanent class of rulers, managers, and specialists who were in chargepeople whove never faced the voters and cant be fired by anyone, no matter what. This isnt a just system. It wrecked this country. We pay the price every day now: rent, gas, groceries, bills, and now job loss. All of this wreckage that you see today traces to what they did. Its why your child is behind in language, math, and reading skills. Its why your grandmother died alone and no one could attend her funeral. It could be why your friends husband died suddenly. Its why your brother has a crisis-level addiction to liquor, weed, and pills. The administrative state waged a war on the country for longer than two years. No politician in the country had the power to stop it. Once Trump greenlighted this mess in March 2020, he was effectively unseated from power and became like the marionettes in foreign countries about whom we used to laugh: talking a good game but ultimately powerless in the face of the real power behind the scenes. Now lets talk about the red wave. Its a means, not an end. The question now is whats to be done? I strongly suggest that all new officeholders take a gander at the Federal Register and search for agencies. What you find is a list of 434 of them. Print it out. Using your brain and a red pen, strike out those that are nonessentialsame as these people did with millions of workers. Let go of the idea that these agencies can be cut. They need to be abolished. When Elon Musk took over Twitter, he didnt reduce the hours of the employees who were just taking up space. No, he immediately sent them packing. That day. No more email access. No more Slack access. Gone. Now. The new Congress needs to do this to, lets say, half of the 434 agencies. Bring the number down to 200. That should be the goal. The private sector has gone through massive cutbacks, and families have, too. Government must do the same. And not just for financial and economic reasons. It needs to be done to restore government by the people. Then, we need serious changes in the employment status of any federal bureaucrat who remains. If the person is involved in any aspect of policymaking, that person needs to be reclassified as an at-will employee, same as exists in the private sector. This is just the beginning. Theres another layer of the Deep State thats not employed by government. It lives in the private sector thats well-connected. Think of a person like Scott Gottlieb. Youve seen him on TV for 30 months, pontificating about the need to lock down and get the jab. Hes a former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. He now works for a fancy think tank in Washington thats funded by industry and foundations. He also sits on the Pfizer board, which must pay pretty well, so hes, in effect, a lobbyist for Big Pharma who only pretends to be an independent intellectual. When Jared Kushner needed advice on how much Trump should lock down the country, his first call was to Gottlieb. Gottlieb told him to be more stringent than Trump wanted. That was his one piece of advice: Take away as many rights and liberties as you can get away with. How does Gottlieb or Bill Gates fit into this Deep State structure? Theyre essential to it. But no one elected them, and they dont even work for government. This is an enormously complicated problem, but the solution must be to break up these networks of influence and control. Thats what must happen if were to restore democracy. I just watched a clip of an interview with Gates in which he says that if government rounds you up for quarantine in a stadium, you should have no choice but to go. And so too if government says you have to take this shot, you have no choice. People act as if they have a choice, but they do not, he said. No system of self-government, of government by the people, can exist with this sort of person exercising such power. Dealing with the problem of the Deep State has to be the major priority of the new officeholders. Its not enough just to get elected and then celebrate. It means nothing unless theres some agenda, some point, some purpose, some drive, some plan. Im not really seeing much evidence yet that there is one. We need some focus here now. We might not have another chance. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Police keep watch in Hong Kong on Oct. 1, 2022, during commemorations for China's National Day. The day marked the 73rd founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China by the Chinese Communist Party. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images) The Not-So-Great Wall Street of China Commentary The moral truth about capitalism was eloquently argued by George Gilder in his 1981 opus Wealth and Poverty, which is often referred to as the bible of the Reagan administration. Not from greed, avarice, or even self-love can one expect the rewards of commerce, but from a spirit closely akin to altruism, a regard for the needs of others, a benevolent, outgoing, and courageous temper of mind. The tax cut-fueled Reagan prosperity that followed the Jimmy Carter malaise provided real-world vindication for the rich sociological evidence that Gilder brought to bear against the intellectual status quo within academia regarding the free market. But Gilder never contended it wasnt possible for men who make a lot of money to be stupid and treacherous. After so much work has gone into documenting that markets are moral and socialism is dangerous, Wall Street big names come along and rejuvenate the caricature of capitalists as greedy, unpatriotic, and ultimately self-destructive robber barons incapable of awareness of the long term. The father of free market thought, Adam Smith, believed that businessmen seldom gather together except to conspire against the public interest. And in Hong Kong at the beginning of November, the American financial CEOs who gathered with the enabler of that free market hubs oppressors proved Smith right. At the Global Financial Leaders Investment Summit, an audience of 250 that included CEOs David Soloman of Goldman Sachs, James Gorman of Morgan Stanley, and BlackRock President Rob Kapito heard Hong Kong government Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu tellingly declare that the global advantage and the China advantage come together in the city. This unique convergence makes Hong Kong the irreplaceable connection between the mainland and the rest of the world. Citi Group CEO Jane Fraser was set to be in attendance but contracted COVID. Lee is a collaborator with communist mainland China in the ongoing suppression of free speech and assembly in Hong Kong, which includes the recent kangaroo court fraud conviction of media luminary Jimmy Lai. Lee and 10 other Hong Kong government officials were sanctioned by the Trump administrations Treasury Department, sanctions that the Biden administration has continued. For Lee to tout the besieged regionfor so many decades the shining beacon of freedom and prosperity in Asiaas the connection between the free worlds expansionist adversary, which just bestowed Chinese leader Xi Jinping with permanent Mao-like dictatorial powers, and the investment capital of democratic countries is akin to a campaign enticing foreign investors to place their faith in a rising Germany in the mid and late 1930s. For many decades, investors and consumers alike around the world have benefited from the Hong Kong miraclea tiny region with few natural resources, except its people, that came to be the home of millions because of a government boasting minimal corruption; rock-solid rule of law governed by a fully independent judiciary; taxation half that of the United States with zero capital gains and interest taxes; zero sales tax; zero value-added taxes; and hardly any regulatory burdens, tariffs, or government debt. Famously, Hong Kong has welcomed and assisted foreign firms seeking to take root in the city, who enjoy policies that include nothing in the way of foreign exchange controls or restrictions on the nationality of corporate ownership. You would think when hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongs people began demonstrating in 2019 against growing communist oppressionincluding the ability to extradite dissenters to mainland Chinaand thousands of protesters were violently arrested, that the non-Chinese who have made fortunes thanks to Hong Kongers would come to their side in their time of trouble. You would think theyd criticize their oppressors. Instead, they prioritize money over people. They come to Hong Kong not to stand in the streets in solidarity with the protesters, but to sit in the luxury of the Four Seasons Hotel listening to the living conduit between the communists and the region tell them how they can continue to make money from Hong Kong as its freedoms shrivel. Whenever someone who has spent his whole life distrusting entrepreneurs and financiers because he believes their moral compass extends no further than self-absorbed profit begins to see what George Gilder illuminatedthat capitalism is actually driven by creative people giving their energy, imagination, and organizational skills, sacrificing their time and wealth to provide others with a new good or service, despite no guarantee of success and rewardwe can depend on the likes of Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock, and Citigroup, in their foolishness, avarice, and absence of patriotism, to extinguish it immediately. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The War on Farming Is there a war being waged on farmers across the globe in the name of going green? In March, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a new environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rule that mandates small farms disclose climate-related information if they wish to do business with public companies. The proposed rule, titled Enhanced and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors, would require registrants to share specific information about climate-related risks that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on their business, results of operations, or financial condition. Put simply, farmers and ranchers would need to allocate substantial resources and significant time to track environmental data. I am pleased to support todays proposal because, if adopted, it would provide investors with consistent, comparable, and decision-useful information for making their investment decisions, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler said in a statement. I believe the SEC has a role to play when theres this level of demand for consistent and comparable information that may affect financial performance. Todays proposal thus is driven by the needs of investors and issuers. Critics contend that the recommendation would potentially block farmers from working with public firms since these outfits dont possess compliance resources and departments like large corporations. More than 100 Republican and Democratic House members sent a letter (pdf) to Gensler, accusing the SEC of having overstepped its bounds and that the proposed rule would result in devastating effects on our farmers. 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) Not only would this proposal add additional red tape and bureaucracy that would be extremely burdensome, if not impossible, for many public companies to fully comply with, but it would also far exceed the authority that Congress explicitly granted the SEC, the lawmakers stated. The American Farm Bureau Federation also submitted a letter (pdf) rejecting the SECs efforts. Bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.specifically, unelected SEC staffwho have no jurisdiction over environmental policy and who have never stepped foot on a farm should not have such influence over how farmers take care of their land, the letter said. The time and energy put into complying with this new regulation will divert American farmers away from their primary goal of producing our nations food, fuel, and fiber. Ultimately, lawmakers and groups are asking that the SEC scrap the proposed rule altogether. Experts suggest that the SEC may be unable to pass this rule as the courts have previously ruled against government agencies in forcing the disclosure of sensitive personal information. However, the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance concluded that the proposal falls within the SECs authority. So, instead, like a cuckoo putting its eggs into anothers nest, critics have resorted to mischaracterizing the proposal, and inventing their own, fictional rulenot actually proposedto attack premise two, and claim the Commission lacks authority for their fictional new rule, wrote John C. Coates, a professor of law and economics at Harvard Law School. Regardless, this might not be the last measure employed by the government to advance the ESG cause, says Irina Tsukerman, a geopolitical analyst at the media and strategic advisory firm Scarab Rising. ESG standards have been affecting U.S. agriculture for a number of years now, she told The Epoch Times. The bans on the production and sale of foie gras in New York and other states is but one example. According to Tsukerman, this type of policy would financially and legally destroy farmers as they would need to maintain environmentally conscious policies, which are likely to drive them out of the business. The ESG movement in the farming industry disproportionally favors Big Farm, stifles competition, and creates a woke corporate agricultural monopoly, which leads to fewer options for the consumers, she added. The SEC is expected to make a final decision in early 2023. But imposing socially responsible guidelines on the agriculture sector isnt only happening in the United States. Its transpiring worldwide. A Global War on Farming? A growing number of nations across the globe are embracing the green agenda for farmers. During an Independence Day speech in August, for example, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for organic and natural farming, calling the adoption of chemical-free farming the nations duty. Today natural farming is a path to Atma Nirbharta. Natural farming, chemical-free farming can add to the strength of our country. Natural farming can bring down fertilizer costs. Chemical-free farming and organic farming is our duty, Modi said. In September, the European Commission approved the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that aims to bolster green farming, achieve green and biodiversity objectives, and enhance plant protein initiatives. The latest CAP goals are set for 2023 to 2027, and several countries have signed off on the latest packages, including Denmark, France, Portugal, and Spain. Farmers are facing a challenging environment, marked by the sharp increase in production costs due to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, as well as the recent summer drought. Farming is a long-term business, and European farmers need to have a clear legal and financial framework for the future, says Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski. The new CAP will help us to support stable farming livelihoods and long-term food security by fostering a smart, competitive, resilient, and diversified agricultural sector. Since 2016, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD) has been pushing for the widespread implementation of green agricultural policies in Africa, arguing that the continent has rich potential and only needs funding to move ahead with organic farming. In view of the current situation, we strongly advocate for a coordinated effort to improve the data collected about both the domestic and export value of organic products so that a better business case for organic agriculture can be made in Africa, the UNCTD wrote in a technical paper. Last year, the Canadian government announced more than $500 million in new investments to expand the domestic agriculture industrys campaign for sustainability and climate change solutions. Part of these efforts involves providing farmers with tools, resources, support, and knowledge to increase organic farming production. As consumer interest in organic food continues to grow, we need to ensure that our farmers have the knowledge and skills to meet that increasing demand, said Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau. This investment will help grow the Canadian organic agriculture sector and address market demands by providing support to farmers who want to incorporate more organic farming techniques in their operations. Canadas organic farming sector is presently estimated to be worth $8 billion, the sixth largest market in the world. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responds to a question from the opposition during Question Period in Ottawa on Nov. 2, 2022. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press) Trudeau Announces Half a Billion Dollars More for Rural High-Speed Internet Access Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is announcing an extra $475 million to the federal governments fund for delivering high-speed internet to rural homes across the country. Trudeau made the announcement today in Oromocto, N.B., where he said the money will help connect another 60,000 homes in Canada to high-speed internet. The money is in addition to the $2.75 billion already in the governments Universal Broadband Fund, which is dedicated to connecting 98 percent of Canadians to high-speed internet by 2026 and 100 percent of Canadians by 2030. Trudeau is also announcing up to $17.6 million for high-speed internet in New Brunswick, in addition to the $55 million that was already earmarked for that province. The prime minister says the extra money will go toward the governments plan to offer every home in New Brunswick high-speed internet by 2030. Ottawa says 93.5 percent of Canadians homes either have access to high-speed internet or are targeted to receive access through program commitments. Conservative MP Michael Chong rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on June 13, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Justin Tang) Trudeau Must Do More to Counter Chinese Interference, Tories Say After Report on Election Meddling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must do more to safeguard Canadas democracy from interference by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), say Conservatives, following allegations that the prime minister was aware of foreign interference in the 2019 federal election. Conservatives are extremely troubled by a recent media report that Canada has been a target of extensive foreign interference by Beijing in the 2019 election, said Conservative MPs Michael Chong and Pierre Paul-Hus in a statement on Nov. 8. Intelligence officials informed the Prime Minister and several cabinet ministers about this interference in a series of briefings in January of this year, the MPs wrote, adding that the federal government must do more to protect Canadian democracy from foreign interference. Its long past time for the Trudeau government to come forward with a robust plan to counter Beijings foreign interference operations here on Canadian soil. The allegations stemmed from a report by Global News that intelligence officials warned Trudeau that they had detected covert funding to influence election outcomes and that at least 11 federal candidates, whose party affiliation wasnt revealed, received funding from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the 2019 federal election. The funds were allegedly sent to the candidates through an Ontario provincial MPP and a federal election candidate staffer who directly received the CCP funding. To our knowledge, the government has not expelled anyone for these interference operations in Canada, nor has anyone been criminally charged, wrote Chong and Paul-Hus. Trudeau responded to the allegations on Nov. 7, saying China continues to play aggressive games with Canadas institutions and democracy. 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. Exponential Expansion David Mulroney, Canadas former ambassador to China, said on Nov. 8 that there has been an exponential expansion in recent years of Chinese operations directly targeted at undermining Canadian democracy. PM [Trudeau] was briefed about this vast campaign in January but remained silent, said Mulroney 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, he continued, referring to the Toronto-based Chinese consulate wherein an official covertly working on behalf of the CCP allegedly directed a campaign staffer to control and monitor the meetings of his candidate, according to the Global News report. In 2020, Mulroney penned an Open Memo to the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations to voice concerns that Canada was ignoring Chinese efforts to undermine democracy. We were once a country that was willing to face up to such challenges. We need to find that courage again, he wrote. Sam Cooper, the Global News journalist who broke the report of Trudeaus knowledge of Chinese election interference, said CSIS has confirmed that both Russia and China are actively seeking to influence foreign elections. The Chinese Communist Party is using all elements of state power to carry out activities that are a direct threat to our national security and sovereignty, said CSIS, according to a Twitter post by Cooper on Nov. 7. Trudeau told reporters on Nov. 7 that the federal government is creating new tools to help Canadian intelligence agencies prevent future election interference. We are constantly working with our intelligence committees and officials, Trudeau said. Justina Wheale contributed to this report. Trump Appeals Order Appointing Court Monitor to Oversee Trump Organization in New York Lawsuit Former President Donald Trump has appealed a judges order that restricts The Trump Organization from certain activities and places it under the supervision of a court monitor to oversee compliance with the order. Trumps attorneys filed a notice of appeal on Nov. 7 in the New York courts. Alina Habba, a lawyer for Trump, said the legal team had asked the mid-level state appellate court to halt the order from New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron. The preliminary injunction imposed by the court is overly broad, overreaching, and unenforceable on its face, Habba said in a statement, multiple media outlets reported. We trust that the Appellate Division will reign in the Attorney Generals unbridled desire to exert control over The Trump Organization. Lawyers for The Trump Organization argued in court papers that Engorons decision essentially handcuffed the company, restricting its ability to freely make deals, sell assets, and change its corporate structure, putting immediate and unlawful prejudgment restraint on what they said was nearly $5 billion in assets. The appeal comes in a civil lawsuit, filed on Sept. 21 by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat. The lawsuit (pdf) seeks at least $250 million in restitution for the people of New York and alleges that Trump, The Trump Organization, three of his children, and others were involved in years of financial fraud to obtain a host of economic benefits. Trump has criticized the lawsuit, calling it a politically motivated attack. In mid-October, James asked (pdf) Engoron to block Trump from moving his assets to a new holding company formed amid the pending lawsuit. She expressed concerns that Trump was moving assets out of New York to evade her reach. The Trump Organization had registered a similarly named new company called Trump Organization II LLC on the same day that she filed her civil lawsuit. She also asked Engoron to appoint an independent court monitor. Engoron, in his 11-page Nov. 3 order (pdf), granted Jamess request and barred The Trump Organization from selling, transferring, or disposing of any noncash assets without having 14 days of written notice to Jamess office and to the court. He also stipulated that the company provide at least 30 days before any planned restructuring. The judge said The Trump Organization must provide to the independent court monitor a full accounting of the companys finances and structure, as well as any new financial disclosure that The Trump Organization makes to banks and insurers. The court monitor would be appointed at a later date, he noted. Engoron wrote that Trump and The Trump Organization demonstrated propensity to engage in persistent fraud and that appointing an outside monitor is the most prudent and narrowly tailored mechanism to ensure there is no further fraud or illegality pending the resolution of the lawsuit. Trump pushed back on Nov. 3 against Engorons order. On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: Todays ridiculous ruling by a politically-motivated, hand-picked judge makes it even more vital for courts in both New York and Florida to do the right thing and stop this inquisition. We have to fight back against radical tyranny and save our Country! A day prioron Nov. 2Trump filed a lawsuit in Florida State Circuit Court against James, alleging that she has contravened both New York and Florida law in engaging in a war of intimidation and harassment against him, his family, his business interests, and his associates. The suit is seeking to bar James from obtaining records from a trust that holds ownership of The Trump Organization. The complaint (pdf) noted that James started to make threats against Trump even before she was elected as New Yorks attorney general, at a time when she possessed no actual information or insight into President Trumps business. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Former President Donald Trump holds a rally in Dayton, Ohio, on Nov. 7. As a nonpartisan public charity, The Epoch Times does not endorse political statements and takes no position on political candidates. * Click the Save button below the video to access it later on My List. Follow EpochTV on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EpochTVus Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/EpochTV Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@EpochTV Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/epochtv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpochTVus Gab: https://gab.com/EpochTV Telegram: https://t.me/EpochTV 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 in Miami on Nov. 6, 2022. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo) Trump Reveals Who He Voted for During 2022 Midterms Former President Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that he voted for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the states gubernatorial race. After emerging from a polling location in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump told reporters he voted for the Republican incumbent governor. DeSantis is facing off against former Gov. Charlie Crist, a Democrat. When asked by a reporter Tuesday if he voted for DeSantis, Trump replied: Yes, I did. Trump said Tuesday that he might announce his campaign for president on Nov. 15. The 45th president has often suggested he would make such an announcement during the final weeks of the midterms. I think Tuesday will be a very exciting day for a lot of people and I look forward to seeing you at Mar-a-Lago, he told reporters. On Monday night, before Trump was to take the stage at a rally in Ohio, there were rumors he would officially confirm he is running for president. However, those rumors turned out to be false, and he instead said hes making a big announcement on Nov. 15, coming a week after the midterms. That announcement will come at his Mar-a-Lago residence, Trump told rally-goers on Monday. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis campaigns alongside New York Republican gubernatorial hopeful, Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) at a Get Out The Vote Rally in Hauppauge, New York, on Oct. 29, 2022. (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) We want nothing to detract from the importance of tomorrow. You understand that, Trump said before naming a long list of GOP nominees. The former president declined to elaborate. Tens of millions of voters are heading to the polls to cast votes for the crucial midterm elections Tuesday. Many forecasters say Republicans will very likely capture the House and have a good chance of taking the Senate. This is the year were going to take back the House, he also said. Were going to take back the Senate. And were going to take back America. And in 2024, most importantly, we are going to take back our magnificent White House. Well take it back. Trumps statement about voting for DeSantis comes days after he referred to the Florida governor as Ron DeSanctimonius amid speculation DeSantis might run for president in 2024. DeSantis has not said he is planning to run for president. At a rally in Miami on Sunday for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who is up for reelection Tuesday, Trump called on supporters to cast their ballots for the Republican governor. Recent polls have shown DeSantis, who emerged as a breakout GOP star during the COVID-19 pandemic for largely refusing to implement lockdowns and vaccine mandates, far ahead of Crist and have also shown that Rubio leads Democrat Val Demings. 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, Trump said. And youre going to elect an incredible slate of true MAGA warriors to Congress. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a joint news conference with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (not seen) in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 31, 2022. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Reuters) Ukraine Says Russia Forces Pillage, Occupy Kherson Homes Ahead of Battle KYIVUkraine 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, which was the first to be seized by Russian forces following their invasion in February. Kherson, with a prewar 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, while Ukrainian officials said the Russians had dismantled 1.5 kilometers of power lines. Kyiv has described the evacuation of the area as a forced deportation, a war crime. Moscow says it is sending residents away for safety. About 100 disabled children were moved from a medical facility in Dnipriany in Kherson region to the Moscow region, Ukraines military said on Monday. Patients from an elderly persons home in Kakhovka were also being moved and Russian forces are taking over those facilities, it said. Kherson is 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 Ukraines counter-offensive in the south, which has accelerated since the start of October. The situation inside Kherson could not be independently confirmed. Ukrainian forces on the nearby front line have told Reuters they anticipate fierce fighting before forcing the Russian occupiers to abandon the city. Ukraines military said Russian forces, disguised in civilian clothes, occupy the premises of civilians, and strengthen positions inside for conducting street battles. Russian forces were involved in looting and theft from residents and from infrastructure sites and are taking away equipment, food and vehicles to the Russian Federation, it said in an update late on Monday. Reuters was seeking comment from Russian authorities on the Ukrainian allegations. Moscow denies abusing civilians. The Ukrainian military reported hits on a Russian anti-aircraft facility, ammunition dump, and the destruction of Russian armor in the Beryslav district of the Kherson region, in an early Tuesday statement. It said 32 Russian military personnel were killed. Ukrainian forces around the recently liberated village of Nova Kamyanka counted four Russian air strikes in the vicinity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that the Donetsk region in the east remained the epicenter of the conflict. The towns of Bakhmut and Avdiivka are suffering the heaviest fighting in Donetsk region. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Ukraine was ready to negotiate with a future Russian leader but not with Vladimir Putin, after a Washington Post report that the United States had urged Kyiv to signal a readiness for peace talks to ensure it retains Western support. Ukraine has never refused to negotiate, Podolyak said on Twitter, adding that Russia should first withdraw forces from Ukraine. Is Putin ready? Obviously not. Zelenskyy in his nightly address on Monday said Russia should be forced to participate in genuine peace talks. Russias defense ministry took the rare step on Monday of denying that an elite unit had suffered catastrophic losses, after Russian military bloggers posted an open letter from surviving members of the Pacific Fleets 155th marine brigade. 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. Tesla issues insurance-related promotion for up to 8,000 yuan deducted On November 8, Tesla started a promotion that allows users who purchase a China-made Model 3 or Model Y and insure the vehicle through the automakers selected agency to enjoy 8,000 yuan off their final payment from Nov.8 to Nov.30, or 4,000 yuan off from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. Photo credit: Tesla Geely-backed Farizon Auto to kick off Series A financing round Farizon Auto, a commercial vehicle brand under Geely New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group, announced its plan to kick off the Series A financing round soon. The announcement came closely after the company bagged over $300 million in its Pre-A round on October 26. Sunwoda to supply Volkswagen with battery pack-related products Sunwoda Electronic Co., Ltd. (Sunwoda) announced on November 7 that its subsidiary Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery Co., Ltd. has received a notice for German auto giant, Volkswagen, to supply the automaker with products related to its HEV project battery pack system. XPengs flying car arm XPENG AEROHT receives 6-billion-yuan bank credit On November 8, XPENG AEROHT, the flying car company of XPeng, entered into a strategic partnership with the Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), China Construction Bank (CCB), CITIC, and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (Guangdong/Guangzhou branch) to receive a 6-billion-yuan credit line. Geely, Renault Group intend to build joint venture for powertrain business Geely Automobile Holdings Limited ("Geely Automobile") announced on Nov. 8 it has signed a non-binding framework agreement with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group ("Geely Holding") and Renault Group to create a new joint venture dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and supplying internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains and transmissions. Tesla sells 71,704 China-made vehicles in October 2022 In the tenth month of 2022, Tesla sold 71,704 China-made vehicles in wholesale, representing a 31.8% jump over the previous year, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). China's locally-made PV retail sales climb 7.2% YoY in Oct. 2022 In Oct. 2022, China's passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales amounted to 1.863 million units, growing 7.2% compared to the previous year, while dipping 4.4% from the previous month, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). Joyson Electronics-affiliated JOYNEXT partners with Huawei for smart cockpit solution JOYNEXT, the automotive connectivity arm of Joyson Electronics, inked a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei Device Co., Ltd. (Huawei), in the field of smart cockpit. Chery Holding YTD auto sales surpass 1 million units by October 2022 In the first ten months of 2022, Chery Holding saw its cumulative auto sales exceed 1 million units for the first time compared to the same span each year. SVOLT breaks ground on lithium battery zero-carbon industrial park in Dazhou city On Nov. 7, SVOLT, a Chinese power battery maker carved out of Great Wall Motor ("GWM"), celebrated the ground-breaking for its lithium battery zero-carbon industrial park at Dazhou city, Sichuan province, indicating a further advancement for its industrial chain deployment in Southwest China. A group of Western University students hold a protest against the school's COVID-19 mandates on Aug. 27, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Nicole Osborne) University of Waterloo Brings Back Masking Requirement in Classrooms The University of Waterloo is reinstating a mask requirement for classes, saying Tuesday that it was making the move to avoid potential disruption to the exam season as cases of respiratory illnesses rise. The southern Ontario university said masks will be required starting Wednesday in lectures, seminars, labs, tests, exams and all other forms of indoor classes. Recently, we have seen increases in local COVID-19 hospitalizations, and there are emerging trends from test positivity and wastewater that suggest increasing levels of COVID in the community now and in the near future, university leaders wrote in a message to students. These trends mean we need to act now to minimize disruption to the end-of-term exam season and to protect the most vulnerable people in our community. In a similar note sent to instructors, the university noted that recent data pointed to increased levels of both COVID-19 and other airborne diseases. Students may also be required to wear masks in other settings, like when meeting with an instructor, the university said. Masks can be removed when teaching or presenting if physical distancing is maintained, it added. The masking requirement does not apply in non-instructional settings like food courts or residences, though the university is strongly encouraging masking in all indoor settings. If you are not sure what to do: wear a mask, the university told students. Many universities in the province suspended their COVID-19 masking policies before heading into the new academic year in September, but several said that could change in the future depending on recommendations from public health authorities. A few universities still have previous mask requirements in place. Western University has said its mask mandate will be in place until the end of the fall term. Seneca College, which said last month that it would drop its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in the new year, also has a mask requirement in effect until further notice. Ontarios top doctor said recently that the province is expected to see a triple threat of a bad flu season, COVID-19 and the resurgence of a childhood viral illness this fall and winter. Dr. Kieran Moore said people who are particularly vulnerable to respiratory viruses should be masking again. Moore has also said that if COVID-19 starts affecting the ability to reduce the surgical backlog, he would suggest the government make a recommendation on masking in certain indoor settings, and if there are further effects he would recommend reinstating mask mandates. As of Nov. 2, there were 1,796 people in hospital with COVID-19 in the province, Moore said, with 138 in intensive care. By Tyler Griffin The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) logo at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China, on Nov. 1, 2006. (Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images) US Sanctioned, CCP-Owned, Enterprises Contracted for HK Govt. Projects, Including Design of Sensitive Information Systems Aisino Corporation, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation (CASIC), which was sanctioned by the U.S. Government in 2020, and Hong Kong Aisino Ltd. have been awarded 11 engineering contracts by five departments of the Hong Kong government since 2018, with a total contract value of HK$1.6 billion (about $204 million). The contracted projects involve system design and data management for departments handling sensitive information. They are also contracted to supply information (IT) technology professional services to HK Government Departments for 48 months. The contractors involved are the Government Logistics Department, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, the Legal Aid Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and the Treasury Department. The projects include: Supply of immigration control system at the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong West Kowloon Terminus. Supply of immigration control system for Liantang (Shenzhen)/Heung Yuen Wai (Hong Kong) Port. Supply of integrated information systems for the Companies Registry. Design, supply, implement, and maintain case management and case accounting systems for the Legal Aid department. Supply a multimedia control and display system for the Police Force. Supply a new generation of smart identity card systems for the Immigration Department. Supply of information technology professional services to Government Departments for 48 months, responsible to Government Chief Information Officer. Contract Award notice from the Government Logistics Department. (GovHK/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Contract Award notice from the Government Logistics Department. (GovHK/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Contract Award notice from the Government Logistics Department. (GovHK/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) CCP Military Background Aisino Corporation was established in 2000 and listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2003. It is controlled by its parent company, CASIC, which is one of Chinas top ten aerospace and military enterprises and is state-owned. It is directly managed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and formerly known as the Fifth Research Institute of the Ministry of National Defence. CASICs main operations include the design, development, and manufacture of a range of spacecraft, mini satellites, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment for the CCP. Aisino Corporation develops security systems for Chinas Ministry of Public Security, and as such, it serves as the main contractor for the three major Golden projects of the CCP. They are the Golden Shield Project that assists the Ministry of Public Security in conducting internet censorship and monitoring of people, the Golden Tax Project on anti-counterfeiting tax control, and its related Golden Card Project for electronic goods. The company covers and unifies the construction of information systems in almost all fields of government across the mainland, including aerospace information, taxation, economic, public safety, transportation, food safety, and vaccine traceability supervision platforms. HK Aisino Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary established in Hong Kong by the Beijing-based Aisino Corporation. Parent Company Sanctioned by the US Since 2020, the United States has imposed sanctions on companies with strong Chinese military backgrounds, including Huawei and CASIC, citing national security and diplomatic threats. All U.S. investors are prohibited from cooperating with the related companies, including their subsidiaries. CASIC was sanctioned in November 2020. The U.S. government passed a revised directive in January 2021, requiring all U.S. companies to withdraw their capital from these companies by Nov. 11, 2021. In January 2022, the U.S. State Department issued another sanction against the following three Chinese entities for a period of three years: the First Research Institute of China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation, the Fourth Research Institute of China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation, and PolyTech, all of whom are involved in missile technology. The sanctions include denying approval to transfer to related agencies all items on the U.S. munitions list and items subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations. The related agencies will not be awarded U.S. government contracts and are prohibited from importing goods to the United States. However, according to the one-stop portal of the Hong Kong government, from 2020 to 2022, the Hong Kong government approved four contracts for projects awarded to Aisino Corporation. Concerns The Hong Kong public is concerned that sensitive data will be sent to mainland China, and foreign investors will reduce business ties with Hong Kong for fear their information will end up in the hands of the Chinese military. In a quote by Radio Free Asia, Tseng Yi-suo, director of the Division of Cyber Security and Decision-Making Simulation of the Taiwan Institute for National Defense and Security Research said: The situation inevitably raises questions about how the CCP might use the information system information provided by Aisino Corporation to strengthen surveillance in various areas of Hong Kong. This may cause the U.S. government to strengthen its corresponding monitoring of Hong Kong. Ross Feingold, an American political risk consultant, said that after Hong Kong implemented the National Security Law, international companies and government departments of overseas countries would understand that the CCP always has certain channels and ways to obtain information from Hong Kong. Added to the suspicions of the relevant parties, it will become increasingly difficult for U.S. and Hong Kong officials to cooperate in the future. In the worst case scenario, there is even an opportunity for the United States to extend its sanctions and issue travel warnings for U.S. citizens going to Hong Kong. US Terror Alerts Ignoring Terrorist Attacks in Nigerias Breadbasket JOS, NigeriaU.S. officials in Nigeria have been criticized for ignoring a rash of armed attacks in central Benue state that have displaced thousands of local farmers and threatened U.S. citizens in the country. The state is widely acclaimed as the breadbasket of Africas most populous nation. But its productivity is slowly being strangled by radicalized terror groups seeking to set up a caliphate, according to Michael Burton, an American missionary in Benue who has been studying the situation. In recent years, U.S. terror alerts in Nigeria have failed to acknowledge the threats in Benue, Burton said. Kidnapping For Ransom As of Nov. 4, the U.S. mission in Abuja has yet to list Benue in its latest travel advisory that referenced heightened danger to U.S. citizens in the countrys capital and 11 other states. The advisory issued on Oct. 27 notes a variety of threats, including kidnapping for ransom. But it ignores a mass of terror raids just 200 miles away in Benue that have claimed at least five lives per day since October, according to Daniel Adakole, program officer of Benue Civil Societies, a network of local monitoring groups. Benue state has been turned to a killing field with more than 150 people killed between Oct. 3 and Nov. 3 alone, said Adakole, the national youth leader of Idomaa dominant tribe in Benue. Sometimes we record up to three attacks in a day, Adakole told The Epoch Times. In the latest incident on Nov. 3, at least 11 people were reportedly killed in two separate attacks close to the state capital of Makurdi. Both attacks targeting members of a local Christian tribe have been blamed on Islamic extremists who identify as members of the Fulani ethnicity. Fulani terrorists have been blamed for thousands of killings in Nigeria. Terrorists on Motorcycles A highway ambush in the northern approach to Makurdi killed at least one person on Nov. 3, according to Adakole. Later that day, terrorists on motorcycles killed at least 10 villagers in a remote town 25 miles northwest of Makurdi, he told The Epoch Times in a text message. It happened in [the] Ukohol community and presently, more than 800 displaced families have camped in Ortese and Daudu communities, he wrote. On Nov. 4, Nyieakaa Mike, chairman of Guma county, told The Epoch Times that the death toll from the Ukohol attack was expected to rise as many people were still missing. The Fulani militants came and surrounded the village during its weekly market day and opened fire at everyone in sight, Mike said. Many people could have been killed in the tall bushes surrounding the village as well. Two weeks earlier, there was a massacre of more than 70 people, including two policemen, in nearby Ukum county. In that Oct. 19 incident, 200 terrorists on motorcycles attacked the farming town of Gbeji, according to witnesses. The town had previously received threats following a clash on Oct. 17, when four Fulani cattle herders were killed by local crop farmers five miles from town, according to Rev. Fila Samuel, the parish priest of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Gbeji. The farmers had had enough of herdsmen intimidating them and grazing on their crops, Samuel told The Epoch Times. They then brought out their hunting rifles and faced a group of herdsmen who first shot at them with assault rifles after they were advised to move their 200 cattle out of some ripe crop farms. Revenge Attack But the apparent revenge attack on Oct. 19 was on a group of worshippers attending a morning mass at Samuels parish, which is located in the northeastern end of the town, he said. The congregants ran out of the church as soon as they recognized the troop racing toward the town. The attackers started shooting at them, killing two within the church premises, said Samuel, who was in another town for an official duty on the morning of the attack. The terrorists, clad in black, shouted Allahuakbar [God is great] and spoke the Fulani dialect, according to witness Ujiir Hyev. They now started burning other houses and shooting people all over the village, said Hyev, whos currently hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the attack. A military base located one mile away in the town of Kente didnt respond to distress calls until two hours later, after the attack had ended, according to Samuel. Despite the presence of a large police division in the town, only a 50-man civilian defense team with their homemade single-shot guns attempted to push back the invaders, according to Teryima Ulaha, the towns youth leader. But the defense team was overpowered by the terrorists and their assault rifles, Ulaha told The Epoch Times. We had no choice but to run for our lives, he said. 70 Killed in Attack At the end of the attack, two policemen were among more than 40 corpses initially recovered from the scene, according to Kartyo Tyoumbur, the county chairman of Ukum. Within the next one week, we recovered more corpses every day from the surrounding bushes, Tyoumbur told The Epoch Times, noting that more than 70 people were killed in the attack. But Benue Police Commissioner Wale Abbas insisted that only 27 people were killed, including one policeman. We had 10 corpses from the first day but in the cause of searching days after, we were able to recover more corpses with the help of the locals, making 27 in total, Abbas told The Epoch Times. More than 90 percent of the towns 15,000 people have fled since the attack, which razed several houses, according to Samuel. I have not been able to hold mass in my parish since the attack because everyone has fled to safety, he said. Only about 50 youths are left to keep watch over the town. Police in Benue have apparently identified the attackers. But Abbas told The Epoch Times that hes negotiating a peace deal to provide safe passage for residents to return home. We have more than enough of my patrol teams there combined with Operation Whirl Strokes, which consists of the police and other security agencies including the military, he said. But the important thing is that we have been able to engage the two communities in a discussion to see how we can find a lasting solution to these things and ensure we dont have any recurrence of a fight. They Came For Blood Burton, international director of Ignition633 Ministries USA, wrote in a text message to The Epoch Times: I have walked through villages where the Fulani terrorists had just attacked. They came with no cattle. They came in the middle of the night while villagers were sleeping. They shot and killed multiple people and then left. They did not come back for their land. They came for their blood. The goal of the terrorists is to set up a caliphate in Nigeria, according to Burton. If the current course of events continues to go unchecked, then it is likely to move in that direction, he said. However, I am aware of many efforts behind the scenes that will soon surface in the way of resisting this very thing from happening in Nigeria. Rest assured that countries like the United States of America have organizations with real influence and resources that have a vested interest in what is happening with the ongoing genocide in Nigeria. Efforts are being unified and plans are being strategized. However, Burton blamed the omitting of the state from recent U.S. terror advisories on political interests. Make no mistake, this is a highly organized and coordinated effort by the Fulani extremists and their collaborators, he wrote. A military convoy of South Africa National Defence Forces (SANDF) rides along a dirt road in Mozambique on Aug. 5, 2021. The presence of regional giant South Africa's forces in the fight against terrorists has angered extremist groups. (Alfredo Zuniga/AFP via Getty Images) US Warning Panics South Africa, as Local Terror Groups Get Stronger JOHANNESBURGOn any sunny summers day, Sandtons glass and metal towers gleam and light up the northern Johannesburg skyline, serving as symbols of South Africas economic ties with the West. Global business behemoths with offices in Africas financial powerhouse include the international management consulting firm McKinsey & Co., which has offices in six major U.S. cities, including Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington. Sandton also is home to Bank of Americas Africa headquarters and UKs Barclays Bank, British Petroleum, and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Sandton City, the largest retail mall on the continent, normally brims with shoppers spending at international outlets such as Calvin Klein and Levi Strauss. Nelson Mandela Square, dominated by a giant statue of South Africas first black president, is usually thronged with tourists from across the world, spilling out of plush multinational hotels, including the Hilton and the Intercontinental. On the global business circuit, Sandton is called the richest square mile in Africa. The U.S. Embassy is also situated in the heart of the district. On the morning of Oct. 26, it released an alert headlined Possible Terrorist Attack. The U.S. government has received information that terrorists may be planning to conduct an attack targeting large gatherings of people at an unspecified location in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg, South Africa, on Oct. 29, 2022, the alert reads. There is no further information regarding the timing, method, or target of the potential attack. The U.S. Embassy has advised staff to avoid crowds of people and other large public gatherings in the greater Sandton area of Johannesburg during the weekend of Oct. 29-30, 2022. The alert infuriated the African National Congress (ANC) government. The first we heard of it was on Twitter, an irate Zizi Kodwa, the deputy minister of state security, told The Epoch Times. The Americans should have come to us first to explain what evidence they had of an impending terrorist attack. South Africa is a sovereign country. South African intelligence operatives told The Epoch Times that the alert was based on credible information, but that it disrupted their investigation into a potential terrorist cell. Willem Els, a former counterterrorism expert for the apartheid government and now senior anti-terrorism coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, told The Epoch Times that he has heard much the same. Our intelligence service identified seven suspects that are persons of interest at the moment in connection with a possible terror attack, Els said. That provides further credibility to the alert from the Americans. Whether the timing was welcomed by the South African services, we dont know. Following the alert, security forces streamed into Sandton, blocking access points and searching vehicles and visitors. Several events planned for the day, including a march in support of LGBT rights, went ahead without incident. However, the alert reinforced the perception that the so-called Rainbow Nation is now firmly in the sights of global terrorist organizations, for a variety of reasons. Perfect for Terrorists Terrorism analysts say President Cyril Ramaphosas administration has angered jihadists by sending troops to fight insurgents allied with ISIS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique. Risk analyst Jasmine Opperman, who studies the spread of extremism in Africa, told The Epoch Times that South Africas troop deployments have put an obvious target on its back. Bradley Steyn, an intelligence agent during Mandelas presidency who now works in private security, said that radical groups with links to global jihadists are an expanding presence in South Africa. ISIS and al-Qaeda do have cells operating in South Africa. Theyve executed attacks here in the past, and theyll do it again. Its actually a perfect place for them to operate, Steyn told The Epoch Times. South Africa is characterized by weak regulatory oversight, corrupt officials, and largely dysfunctional police and intelligence services. According to experts, these conditions free-up terrorists to hide and plan operations, as well as take advantage of the countrys excellent communications infrastructure and extensive air links with the world. A report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) in February states that institutions tasked with identifying, preventing, and prosecuting terrorism in South Africa remain weak and riddled with corruption and maladministration. The report states that authorities dont have enough technical and specialist capacity to combat extremist groups, describing their informer networks and cyber capabilities as weak and noting that they lack essential language skills, cultural knowledge, and understanding of militant ideology. Opperman said suspected terrorists have, in fact, been taking advantage of South Africas many loopholes and inefficiencies since the mid-2000s. Thats when infighting within the ANC began causing a meltdown in the police Crime Intelligence Division (CID), she said, as factions in the ruling party began battling for control of powerful parts of the security mechanism to gain leverage over political opponents. Extremists have used this country as a safe haven and a base to plan and finance attacks elsewhere for a long time, Opperman said. The most infamous of these cases is that of Samantha Lewthwaite, the widow of suicide bomber Germaine Lindsay, one of four Islamic terrorists who detonated explosive devices that killed 57 people on London trains and a bus in July 2005. Global law enforcement groups say Lewthwaite, a British citizen who media outlets have dubbed the White Widow, is suspected of planning terror attacks that have so far killed at least 400 people. Lewthwaite is also alleged to have planned the assault on the Westgate mall in Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2013. Members of the Somali extremist group, al-Shabab, attacked the shopping center with assault rifles and explosives, igniting a four-day siege that claimed the lives of 67 people. Al-Shabab later stated that the atrocity was in response to Kenyan military operations in Somalia. A subsequent investigation linked Lewthwaite to the crime, finding that she had been living in South Africa using fake identification documents since 2008. Her whereabouts remain unknown, and Interpol has issued a Red Notice calling for her arrest and prosecution on charges related to terrorism. Terrorists Follow the Money Steyn said South Africas flourishing organized crime sector also gives extremists potential access to weapons, ammunition, and explosives. We have a big problem in this country where crime is rampant, the national security infrastructure is a mess; our borders are porous, he said. According to Steyn, fighters from a group calling themselves Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah, allied to ISIS and currently waging jihad in northern Mozambique, travel in and out of South Africa regularly without consequence. Martin Ewi, director of GI-TOC Africa, told The Epoch Times that South Africas massive number of legal and illegal immigrants, including from terrorist hotspots such as Somalia and Pakistan, could potentially offer safe harbor to extremists. In a recent address, U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield made specific mention of South Africa when speaking of the growth of al-Qaeda and ISIS in Africa. These groups threaten Somalia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, the Sahel and Sinai regions, and through ISIS financial facilitation networks in countries including South Africa, she said. Money continues to be the lifeblood of terrorists. We must bolster our efforts to go after financiers and financial facilitators of terrorists and terrorist organizations, and we must stymie vital resource streams that take advantage of weak regulatory oversight. Authorities from several local law enforcement agencies told The Epoch Times on condition of anonymity that South Africans and front organizations in the country are without doubt providing financial and material support to ISIS and al-Qaeda. In October 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global intergovernmental watchdog of money laundering and terrorist financing, found that South Africa wasnt pursuing investigations into terrorism financing that were consistent with international standards. It further noted that South Africa has only ever convicted one person for financing terrorism and warned that the country has thousands of charities and nonprofits that operate with little to no oversight. Back From the Caliphate Opperman said the government has underestimated the radicalization that has happened in recent years, despite a lot of red flags. Islamic State is present by means of loyalists, as proven by those whove been to the Caliphate for training, she said. Weve recently seen the return of several people from Syrias al-Hawl camp into South Africa. The question now is, what are they busy doing? Al-Hawl is a camp for people displaced by conflict in Iraq, close to the IraqSyria border; international intelligence agencies say hundreds of ISIS fighters live there. Intelligence sources told The Epoch Times that about 40 South Africans are currently fighting for ISIS in Mozambique. There have been several ISIS-linked incidents in South Africa since 2015. One of the most prominent of these involved Johannesburg twins Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie, arrested in July 2016 following information provided by U.S. intelligence to their South African counterparts. Subsequent court hearings detailed how the Thulsies had, in collaboration with prominent ISIS members around the world, planned to attack the U.S. Embassy and Jewish institutions and flee to an ISIS base in Syria afterward. According to investigators, the Thulsies were exposed after they consulted an undercover FBI agent for advice about making bombs. In February, almost six years after their arrest, the Thulsie twins entered into a plea bargain with the state. Tony-Lee received an 11-year prison sentence and Brandon-Lee was sentenced to eight years. They were sentenced to five years imprisonment each for attempting to leave South Africa to join ISIS. Brandon-Lee was sentenced to another three years in prison for possession of a document connected to terrorist activities, and Tony-Lee was sentenced to another six years imprisonment for conspiring with a known terrorist. But the Thulsies were released on Aug. 18. The warrants were backdated to the date of arrest, Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, told The Epoch Times. They spent more than five years in prison awaiting trial. According to our law, this is regarded as time served. So both were eligible for parole. Nxumalo wouldnt comment on the reasons for the Thulsies being freed after having served the minimum possible time for their sentences, despite the gravity of their crimes. Steyn said the fact that the Thulsies were no longer behind bars lends more credence to the view that the government is not taking the terrorist threat seriously. He said the hysteria that followed the U.S. alert sent a clear message to Pretoria. With that panic, citizens were saying to the state, We dont trust your ability to deal with this situation, Steyn said. The problem is that the ANC government has little to no credibility anymore; theres been too much corruption and ineptitude, and it has allowed organized crime to infiltrate the security services. In this context, he said he understands why the U.S. Embassy didnt give details of its information to ANC politicians before it sent out its alert. If I was in a national security position where I had to make the decision, Do I share my intelligence with the South African government? Well, Id feel very uncomfortable with that. Opperman is convinced that, given the current state of governance in South Africa and the countrys generally broken security apparatus, a terrorist attack is inevitable. Neither us, nor the United States, can have eyes and ears everywhere. Something will eventually slip through. So its no longer a question of if an attack will happen. The question is when, where, and how it will happen, and what will the scale be? Wake Up America: Soon Is the Winter of Our Discontent Commentary Many Americans are woefully unaware of the impending (and in Europe, already underway) spikes in energy prices and shortages of supply. Last month, it was reported that the United States has only 25 days worth of diesel fuel remainingthe lowest level in October since the Energy Departments Energy Information Administration (EIA) began such reporting in 1982while seasonal demand is the highest since 2007. Far less than needed is available and in transit to replace this existing stockpile when its exhausted, and some predict that supplies wont return to normal levels until next summer at the earliest. Diesel-fueled engines transport nearly all consumer products. Theyre in trucks, trains, ships, and barges. Diesel also powers most farm and construction equipment, as well as most local, interstate, and school buses. The problems with electric buses in Duluth and MinneapolisSt. Paul, Minnesota; Kent, Washington; and Hamden, Connecticutwhere one of 12 electric buses spontaneously burst into flames while parked in a bus yardindicate that diesel is a safer, more stable, and more reliable technology. Jet fuel is a diesel-related product and is also seeing price spikes and supply shortages, especially on the east coast. Yet the Department of Energy announced in September a long-term plan with the airlines to have 3 billion gallons of less-polluting sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) by 2030 and then enough SAFs to address 100 percent of demand by 2050. The Biden administrations interests and priorities are too focused on these starry-eyed visions of a future green utopia while it irresponsibly ignores the supply and price problems in jet fuel that demand its immediate action. Home heating oil is another diesel-related product (diesel, jet fuel, and home heating oil are in a family called distillates), and although only about 5 percent of U.S. homes use it48 percent use natural gas and 39 percent electricityin the northeast United States, the proportion using home heating oil is far higher: 19 percent in New York, 25 percent in Massachusetts, 29 percent in Rhode Island, 40 percent in Connecticut, 42 percent in Vermont, 43 percent in New Hampshire, and 61 percent in Maine. State stockpiles of home heating oil in the New England states are only about one-third of what they normally are at this time. Furthermore, the Energy Department anticipates that home heating oil prices nationwide will be 27 percent higher this year compared to last year. This increase will surely be significantly higher in the northeast, and that assumes that supply will continue to be available there at all. It isnt alarmist to worry about a scarce heating oil-related public health emergency in the northeast involving deaths and injuries from hypothermia (frostbite) as well as fire and asphyxiation. As heating oil becomes unaffordable or unavailable, the inexperienced may improvise with wood, improperly vented kerosene, propane, or other similar appliances, and space heaters that may ignite nearby material or overload extension cords or electric panels. Deaths from residential fires have declined steadily in the United States over the past century and today are only about one-third of what they were in 1980 (23 per million population in 1980 to 8.7 per million population in 2021) (pdf). If the historically dependable heating solutions become prohibitively expensive or unusable for lack of fuel, this trend will see an abrupt reversal and spike up for the first time. We Americans have long been oblivious to basic real-world facts that make our technology-dependent lives possible. When OPEC imposed its first oil embargo on the United States in October 1973, surveys at the time showed that most Americans didnt know that their country imported any oil. Today, few Americans arent paying attention to the risks that fuel scarcity poses to our countrys commerce and to our way of life. President Joe Biden claims that the loss of 700,000 barrels per day of petroleum and related products imported from Russia starting in March is the cause of our energy supply troubles. Then why, according to the EIAthe public reporting agency of his administrations Department of Energydid U.S. exports of petroleum increase in the first six months of 2022 by 11 percent compared to the same six-month period in 2021, reaching their highest levels since 1973? U.S. exports of distillates (diesel, jet fuel, and home heating oil, all made from petroleum) increased by 19 percent over the same six-month period in 2021. When White House spokesman John Kirby was asked about this in late October, he seemed blithely unconcerned. Although the problem is most acute for those who rely on oil for home heat, the outlook is also sobering for the nearly 90 percent of Americans who use either electricity or natural gas. The EIA forecasts wholesale electricity rates nationwide to rise by between 20 and 60 percent in 2023, and New Englands largest electric utility, National Grid, informed its retail electric customers to expect price increases of 64 percent this winter: This increase began on Nov. 1. The CEO of New Englands largest diversified energy utility, Eversource, took the extraordinary step of writing to Biden at the end of October to raise the alarm over a possible serious public health and safety threat from a natural gas shortage. (Because natural gas is itself an end-use residential fuel and is also used to generate electricity, it affects customers who use either solution for heat.) The success of environmentalist extremists in New England and their captive politicians in thwarting new interstate natural gas pipelines means that the region is perilously reliant on a few legacy interstate pipelines being pushed to capacity and on ship deliveries to a single terminal in Everett, Massachusetts. And a century-old law, the Jones Act, requires that any natural gas shipped by sea from one U.S. location to another U.S. location must be transported on American-flagged ships with American crews. The shortsighted decisions to reject new interstate natural gas pipelines and the antiquated requirements on ships and crews for natural gas transported by sea domestically create unnecessary inefficiencies, delays, risks, and vulnerabilities in delivering this crucial resource. None of this apparently concerns Biden or his allies. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, campaigning for governor, has bragged that she was responsible for blocking two natural gas pipelines from entering Massachusetts over the past decade, something that she seemingly doesnt regret even with the prospect that Massachusetts residents will shiver in the dark in the months ahead. Whether the existing political leadership is ignorant, incompetent, or malign, the following conclusion is certain: We are on our own. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Water Crisis in Jackson Caused by City Leaders Incompetence, Not Lack of Funds: Mississippi Governor Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, has denied allegations by two Democrat members of CongressRep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.)that his administration withheld funds from Jackson, Mississippi, leading to the citys water crisis. In a Nov. 7 press release, Reeves highlighted his Oct. 31 response to Thompson and Maloney, countering that Jackson has received all funding requested, and even a disproportionate amount when compared with the other 1,100 water systems in the state. However, Thompson and Maloney, who launched an investigation into the issue in October, maintain that climate and social justice issues, as well as the citys disinvestment, must be addressed. Scientists have concluded that the rise in coastal sea-levels and frequent flooding in Mississippiwhich contributed to the water crisis in Jacksonare a direct result of climate change, the letter stated (pdf). The city, the majority of whose residents are Black, has also suffered decades of disinvestment, and the residents report they have not gone more than a month for over two years without a boil water notice in effect. According to the letter, Mississippi has received more than $10 billion in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $429 million that was allotted to the states water infrastructure. In April, state lawmakers approved Senate Bill 2822, which established the Mississippi Municipality and County Water Infrastructure Grant Program (MCWI) Act of 2022administered by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)to utilize funds made available through ARPA. The $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package was signed into law on March 11, 2021, the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The purpose was to rescue the economy after federal and state government officials locked down the country during the pandemic, leading to the closure of thousands of churches, recovery-support meetings, and small businesses, while big box and liquor stores remained open. At $435 million, state municipalities requested close to the total of the $450 million the Mississippi Legislature put into the MCWI fund for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater improvement projects. It also emphasizes assistance to economically disadvantaged communities, as well as projects promoting regional development, MDEQ stated. These MCWI grant funds, administered by MDEQ, are available as matching funds for local ARPA fiscal recovery funds. Allegations of Disinvestment However, the MCWIs criteria for allocating funding, such as median household income and possible population decline, will limit the funding Jackson receives, the letter claimed. Thompson and Maloney estimate that the cost to maintain the citys water distribution system is nearly $1 billion. Under the matching formula Mississippi adopted for the American Rescue Plan Act funds, Jackson would directly receive, at most, $84 million for water projects, assuming the city is able to use its entire allocation for these projects, they wrote. The letter alleged that the state has repeatedly limited funding to Jackson by initially planning to bar communities of more than 4,000 people from competing for additional funding for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. After officials from Jackson and other impacted communities raised concerns, the revised funding formula set a limit ($500,000) which a loan recipient may receive in subsidy for one loan, the lawmakers wrote. This arbitrary cap makes it much harder for Jackson to obtain the funding of up to $1 billion needed to address its water system. Thompson and Maloney ended by asking for a detailed plan on how the funds will be dispersed by Oct. 31. Imminent Collapse My administration is deeply committed to ensuring that all federal funds received by Mississippi for drinking water system upgrades have been in the past and will continue to be in the future made available and distributed among Mississippis more than 1,100 water systems on an objective and race-neutral basis, Reeves stated in his Nov. 7 press release. The governor said it was systematic failure on the part of city management that led to Reeves needing to intervene to stabilize the citys water system. In late August, with a nearly month-long boil water alert in place, and the two primary raw water pumps at O.B. Curtis previously removed for repairs and out of commission, the total collapse of the Citys water system was imminent, Reeves said. The citys water system consists of two treatment plants: the O.B Curtis Water Treatment Plant and the J.H. Fewell Water Treatment Plant. The O.B Curtis plant was constructed in two phases: one around 1992 and the second around 2007. In August, heavy rain flooded the plant and caused a failure in operations, resulting in a loss of water pressure that left more than 150,000 people without drinking water while the city had already been under a boil-water notice. For the past several years, state and federal regulators have been actively involved in enforcement efforts against the city relating to its mismanagement of the water system, Reeves said in his letter responding to Thompson and Maloney (pdf). In his press release, he stated that the U.S. Department of Justice, on the behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), issued a letter to the city of Jackson expressing its intention to file an action against the city under the Safe Drinking Water Act, citing the citys failure to provide basic maintenance such as adequate staffing and compliance with operation standards. A general view of the O.B. Curtis Water Plant as the city will go without reliable drinking water indefinitely after pumps at the water treatment plant failed, leading to the emergency distribution of bottled water and tanker trucks for 180,000 residents, in Ridgeland, north of Jackson, Miss., on Aug. 31, 2022. (Eric Cox/Reuters) MCWI Grants Funds to Jackson The city of Jackson applied for a $23 million matching grant to help fix its drinking water, which will give it $46 million in total. For wastewater improvements, it applied for a $12 million match, totaling $24 million. In September, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors in Jackson approved an allocation of $17 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the city to improve its water infrastructure. The county received approximately $44 million in direct federal allocation. On Nov. 4, Mississippi officials approved the city of Jacksons $35.6 million grant request that will be acquired from the American Rescue Plan to fix its water infrastructure. Incompetence, Racism, or Climate Change Some have argued that these issues have been the product of mismanagement, while others, such as mainstream media outlets, have recently blamed both climate change and racism for the citys water woes. The Mississippi chapter of the NAACP has alleged that Reeves disinvested funds from Jackson that could have gone to fix the problem. The NAACP called on the EPAs recently formed Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights to investigate the matter, stating in its letter to Reeves (pdf) that the organization has been in keen observance of the long history of Jackson getting less than its fair share of public funding from the Mississippi state budget and at times, being denied of any funding at all when it was deserved. The NAACP filed a complaint with the EPA under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, making an official allegation that the water crisis was caused by racial discrimination. The Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the investigation. Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (C) and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) confer with Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba following a tour the City of Jacksons O.B. Curtis Water Treatment Facility in Ridgeland, Miss., on Sept. 2, 2022. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP Photo) Structural Racism President Joe Biden pledged millions to combat structural racism, which has led to the creation of diversity, equity, and inclusion departments in government agencies. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba stated in a city press release that we know that the condition of Jacksons water system didnt happen overnight but is due to decades of disinvestment in the citys infrastructure. However, there are many within Jackson who have been watching this play out for years and point to the city governments own underinvestment in its water infrastructure. Reeves said in an Oct. 17 press release that throughout the water emergency, we have had to procure chemicals, workers, and materials for the city routinely because they were incapable of doing so. Reeves added that the state has poured millions of dollars from taxpayers of every county into this effort to rescue the city from a crisis of incompetence. On Oct. 20, during a traditional turkey pardoning ceremony to support a campaign designed to raise money for families in need for Thanksgiving, Reeves answered a question from a reporter about the problems with the citys water system. The mayor has gone on national TV and blamed that on a lot of things, Reeves said, referring to Lumumba. But what we have proven over the last 52 days is the water struggles in Jackson were specific to the incompetence of [the Lumumba] administration. Lumumbas office didnt respond to a request from The Epoch Times for comment by press time. SAN JOSE, Calf.As we speak, theres a spouting, breaching, vocalizing superhighway of whales off the California coast. Epicureans might be disappointed that it has led to a delay in the crab season, as the roving creatures can get tangled up in trap lines. But on the bright side, its created fantastic opportunities for whale watching, with encounters visible from the shore if you know where to look. Its crazytheres plenty of activity. I was just in Tiburon and a humpback whale came right into Raccoon Strait (inside the Bay), a couple hundred feet away, said Bill Keener, a cetacean research biologist at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. Abnormally cold waters have led to an abundance of krill and anchovies (so much so that fish have rained from the sky). Following the food and their massive appetites are humpback whales, pushing off the coast and sometimes through the Golden Gate. In fact, the Golden Gate Bridge right now is a decent place for whale-watching; if it doesnt pan out, youre at least likely to see some pinnipeds. For folks who want to head out to observe the whales, here are some of Keeners favorite spots. To maximize your chances, binoculars are a must, Keener said. Also, try to head out at high tide or when the tides are strongly incoming; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association predicts those. I think they use the flooding tide or incoming tide to ride in toward the coast farther and often use outgoing tides on the way out, Keener said. Finally, when you spot a whale, dont forget to report it to the Marine Mammal Center for its research. Pacifica I can tell you that recently the Pacifica (Municipal) Pier has been good, Keener said. The pier is open daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Find more information at www.CityOfPacifica.org. Fort Funston This park, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offers great views. Head for a cliff where the hang-glider port is, in very southern San Francisco, Keener said. Open daily. Find park details at www.NPS.gov. Lands End Lands End, which is also part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a very good spot, Keener said. It looks out onto the Golden Gate area. Open daily. Find details at www.NPS.gov. Marin Headlands Point Bonita is another Keener favorite for whale watching. This national park land is open daily. The Point Bonita lighthouse is open from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. FridayMonday, but the best vantage points are from the nearby trails; www.NPS.gov. Point Reyes Point Reyes is always good because its so far out in the ocean, you can get humpback whales, Keener said. From January to May, you get gray whales, as well. The Point Reyes National Seashore is open daily. Find maps and more information at www.NPS.gov. #YR@ MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Chinese leader Xi Jinping (center) is applauded by senior members of the Chinese Communist Party and delegates as he walks to the podium to make a speech during the opening ceremony of the 20th National Congress in Beijing, China, on Oct. 16, 2022. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Xi Consolidates Power With Deliberately Contradictory Moves Commentary Xi Jinping was, by the beginning of November 2022, trying to pull the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and China out of the terminal velocity death spiral into which he had deliberately placed them in order to win total power. But blunting the velocity of the implosionthe hard landingof China will prove less easy than starting the intra-party civil war in which he began to seize that total power. And he still has to purge more domestic enemies within the CCP and civilian communities. The result may still be that Xi could soon need a distraction for the Party and the public, possibly in the form of re-escalating confrontation with the Republic of China (ROC: Taiwan). But there is some evidence that Xialong with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA)would prefer to avoid the Taiwan problem in the near term. Indeed, moving the Taiwan problem into kinetic warfare at this stage could trigger a PLA/Xi defeat. The ROC is getting better organized to resist a PLA attack, and the PLA itself does not have a guarantee of overwhelming capability unless it uses nuclear weapons to actually destroy life and infrastructure in Taiwan. That option should not be ruled out, but, at this stage, Xi has won nominal control of the Party and mainland China and would clearly prefer to manage that situation rather than engage in another existential risk before he can, in Sun Tzus terms, win without fighting. Chinese military delegates leave the closing session of the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party at The Great Hall of People in Beijing on Oct. 22, 2022. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Xi, with the end of the CCPs 2oth National Congress on Oct. 22, had won his battle for formal, total, singular control of the Party and mainland China. He must now complete the purge of internal enemies while stabilizing the civilian population and economy. He needs the international community to give him breathing space through continued trade and investment. Continued economic collapseparticularly at the pace he allowed in order to suppress internal opponents, including wealthy individualsseemed likely, by the end of the Party Congress, to lead to increased civil desperation in the cities and possible mass unrest. Once the Congress ended, he needed to inject some hope into the housing sector, into which many millions of Chinese had invested their savings and ongoing payments to create value for their retirement. However, it is now probable that the bulk of the housing sector cannot be salvaged. The housing sector requires more funding than the CCP can afford, and the technology sector has more investment than it can absorb. So Xis dilemma remains unresolved. And the panic that Xis civil war created among foreign investorsmany of whom were further panicked by the dictatorial position achieved by Xi at the Congressmeant that Chinas access to micro-chip technologies was blunted at a critical time. China is not without micro-chip capabilities, but its progress toward sufficiency for military and civil purposes has been slowed. So Xi needs to continue his purge of domestic oppositionincluding the formerly free-wheeling private sector and the ability of relatively wealthy Chinese to travel, export funds, and act independentlywhile reducing the growing global fear of China and continuing to exhibit strength around the world. This requires a deliberately contradictoryJanusianapproach, calming domestic audiences while ratcheting up controls, and calming the galvanizing of opponents abroad while building PLA capabilities to support Chinese strategic projection. Significantly, Mao Zedong took an almost identical approach, keeping foreign threats at bay while suppressing domestic threats, even at the cost of 60 million lives. Germanys Chancellor Olaf Scholz talks to the press on the second day of a European Union (EU) summit at the EU Headquarters, in Brussels, on March 25, 2022. (Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images) On Nov. 4, soon after the Party Congress, Xi was able to get German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to visit Beijingthe first significant G-7 visitor for some three yearsto further develop Sino-German economic relations. Little wonder that realpolitik is a German word! It does not imply reality in politics, but transactionalism. Xis apparatus that day revealed that the CCP and the Japanese government were considering a meeting in mid-November between Xi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. That would be an attempt to calm tensions with the Japanese government and population, which had committed to a strenuous increase in Japanese military capability and support for Taiwan. Another member of the anti-China Quad (of Japan, the United States, Australia, and India) was also pulled away from its mounting hostility toward China during the Sept. 15-16 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Samarkand. Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to reduce tensions. Xis new offensive is degrading the Quad. With all this, Xi is preparing to offer Australiawhich depends heavily on China tradethe prospect that the long economic honeymoon between China and Australia has not ended. This will add pressure from Australias big mining sector companies on the Australian Labor government of Anthony Albanese to ease its military confrontation with China. Scare over! they sigh. Even so, the Achilles heel of Xis efforts to protect himself remains the unhappy and suppressed domesticparticularly urbanpopulation. He is not yet out of the woods; neither is the rest of the world. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Chinese Leader Xi Jinping raises his hand as he votes during the closing session of the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party at The Great Hall of People in Beijing on Oct. 22, 2022. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Xi Orders Military to Prepare for War, Unveils New Hypersonic Missile Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping is ordering Chinas military to comprehensively strengthen its preparations for war, even as the regime reveals its latest hypersonic weapon. Xi said that the Partys military branch must train for any war and be prepared for unforeseen conflicts. He said the military must devote all its energy toward combat readiness and work to enhance its capability to fight and win, according to Chinese state-owned media outlet Xinhua. The military must implement the Partys idea of strengthening the army in the new era, Xi said, using a term for the CCPs vision of a new historical age in which China is the worlds leading power. Xi delivered the comments during a Nov. 8 inspection of the joint operations command center of the Central Military Commission, Chinas highest defense body, of which he is chairman. The inspection coincided with a bellicose display at the regimes fourth annual air show, during which it publicly displayed its most advanced fighter jet for the first time and unveiled a new hypersonic missile apparently designed to target U.S. forces. Also on display was the regimes most advanced aircraft, the J-20 stealth fighter. Little is known about the J-20 other than that it appears to be a clone of the American F-35, likely made with stolen design technologies. It remains unclear whether the Chinese military will use the aircraft in an all-purpose role, the same way the United States uses the F-35, or if it will specialize in one particular domain, such as air superiority. The aircraft entered service in 2017, and while there are still many unknowns about its capabilities and use, U.S. forces have had a close encounter with it. We recently had, I wouldnt call it an engagement, but we got relatively close to the J-20s with our F-35s in the East China Sea and were relatively impressed with the command and control that was associated with the J-20s, said Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, commander of the Pacific Air Forces, during a March 14 interview with the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. The regime also used the air show to publicly unveil its latest weapon, an export version of the YJ-21 hypersonic missile. The YJ-21, commonly referred to as the Eagle Strike 21, has a combat range of more than 1,200 miles and can fly at speeds exceeding Mach 12. The system, dubbed a carrier killer, appears designed to target U.S. aircraft carriers operating in the Indo-Pacific. While the two missiles on display were air-launch systemsthat is, designed for use by aircraftthe missile was launched from the sea when it was test fired in April. At that time, a version of the missile was launched from a vertical system on a Type 055 destroyer, one of Chinas most advanced warships. At the time, Naval News said the deployment of the missile would make the Type 055 the most heavily armed warships worldwide. Xinjiang Officials Bribed to Sign Off Travel Passes During 90-day Lockdown Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), in northwest China, has been under a strict travel ban since a COVID-19 positive case was reported 90 days ago on July 30. A massive number of visitors to the area have been stuck in the region all that time, and are financially distressed by the high cost of accommodation and food. Many people have voluntarily given money to the officials in order to get early approval to leave Xinjiang. On Nov. 7, the Chinese language edition of The Epoch Times spoke to two people who had been stuck in Xinjiang when each was on a business trip. Bribing the Authorities Mr. Lee was selling farming and irrigation equipment in Xinjiang. His company is headquartered in Zhejiang, an eastern coastal province of China. Leaving Xinjiang requires reporting to and getting approval from the authorities. Lee said that some people would just leave at any cost, and thus bribed the community officials to quickly get a travel pass. He said, Youll need to report [apply] to the local pandemic prevention department through the local community center. Youll sign an agreement with personal data, and [your] destination. After three to five days of home isolation at the community and signing the agreement offline, the approval will be issued online about a day after. The local pandemic prevention department will then call the command center to certify the approval. Then you can leave. He emphasized that its only applicable for people in the low risk region. People in the high risk area will not be allowed to leave, unless there is an urgent matter, such as, a funeral service, at home. This is what local authorities told a friend of his in the high risk area. The Epoch Times is unable to confirm the regulations that are in place in during the lockdown in Xinjiang Lee said the approval is done in batches. Many people were anxious to leave as quickly as possible, and would bribe the community leaders with the hope of moving up on the application list. Its 3,000 yuan (about $413.55) a person to get an early approval. Thats like an underground profit chain, he said. There are also people who are selling the certified approval, according to Lee. Lee said he finally made it out of Xinjiang on Nov. 7. It took him 24 hours to drive out of the area. There were many vehicles stuck at the checkpoint for PCR tests. It will take four to five hours for a test to be done, he said. A Chinese farmer picking cotton in the fields during the harvest season in Hami, in northwest Chinas Xinjiang region on Sept. 20, 2015. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) One Meal A Day Mr. Lin was a resident from Hebei, a province in northern China. He was stuck in Xinjiang in August while on a business trip. Coming from a foreign province, his lodging became an issue. He said, The hotel is too expensive, so I work as a helper at the quarantine site so that I still get to eat at the minimum. He said that August is the hiring season for temporary workers to go to Xinjiang to pick cotton, pears, and apples. But the lockdown has kept them there after the harvesting season was over. Most of them would have to leave Xinjiang on foot because public transportation has been suspended. There are hundreds of thousands of migrant workers in Xinjiang. There are also street vendors from outside of Xinjiang, he said. He explained that the quarantine is very expensive, The cost of isolation for a week to 10 days could cost several thousand yuan [hundreds of dollars], not many people can afford it, he said. To save money, some people eat just one meal a day. Theres no day time or night time. People would probably just eat a little when they wake up, and thats it for the day, he said. The extreme measures of the zero-COVID policy have many people suffering, the youngsters in particular. Life is a mess, Lin said. Zhao Fenghua, Hong Ning, and Gu Xiaohua contributed to this report. At 13:00 Beijing time on November 4th, 2022, the second "Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection" event, also known as the launching ceremony of " Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers " was grandly held online. This event was hosted by the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Association, and co-organized by French Chinese Automotive Engineers Association, Japanese Chinese Automotive Engineers Association, Austria-China Science and Technology Exchange Association, North American Chinese Engine Engineers Association, North American Association of Chinese Engine Engineers, British Chinese Automotive Engineers. During the three-day event, more than 30 technical experts and scholars from around the world had conducted in-depth discussions and communications with a series of hot topics in the automotive industry. Fig 1Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection 2022, known as " Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers" Launching Ceremony, Organizing Committee Members and Speakers One year ago, the first "Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection" event was successfully held. Chinese automotive engineers and scholars from all over the world were gathered online to discuss the current situation and future of the automotive industry. It received more than 360,000 pageviews and was well praised by industry professionals at Domestic and overseas, and many media reported it. Several associations that founded the first event (Association of Chinese Automotive Engineers in France, Japanese Society of Automotive Engineers, North American Chinese Society of Automotive Engineers, North American Chinese Society of Automotive Engineers, UK-China Society of Automotive Engineers) decided to carry forward the successful experience and build a platform for communications and cooperations, and to carry out various activities to promote communications among overseas Chinese automotive engineers, scholars and related professionals. After one year of careful preparation and many discussions, the " Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers" decided to break out of the cocoon in August 2022. The launching ceremony planned and organized by the Alliance Organizing Committee, also known as the "Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection 2022" event, was held on Nov 4th, marking that the Alliance will spread its wings soon in the automotive industry at domestic and overseas. Fig 2The host (Man Xin, vice president of the Chinese Automotive Engineers Association in Japan) opened the ceremony At the opening ceremony, Dr. Ping Xin, Secretary General of the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection 2022, expressed in his welcome that our aspirants of the Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Association proposed to establish a global, industry, non-governmental and non-profit "Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers" based on the fundamental issue of how to fulfill the mission of a Chinese automotive engineer with the influence of the Covid-19 and anti-globalization trend. Dr. Ping Xin also emphasized that the global alliance will help to pave the way for any companies including OEMs, suppliers and other related industry companies that want to expand their market all over the world. Therefore, the Global Alliance had also set up a support platform to promote in-depth communications and cooperations between domestic and foreign companies. Fig3Secretary General of the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection at 2022, Dr. Ping Xin gave a welcome speech The first rotating chairman of the alliance, director of the Advanced Automotive Research and Education Center at the University of Birmingham, Professor Hongming Xu introduced the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers and the newly established Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Association Global Alliance this year in detail. Professor Hongming Xu said that the global connection had created a new model for the interaction and communication of Chinese people around the world, showing that the joint influence of overseas automotive academic groups cannot be achieved by a single organization activity. The global connection had established the status of "Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers" itself, creating the environment and opportunities for further cooperation and development among all Chinese Automotive Engineers Associations in various countries in the future. The alliance had been officially accepted as a strategic partner by FISITA, International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies, and had established a long-term strategic partnership with Gasgoo. The alliance had now opened a website, and at the same time had formulated specific related work plans. Through the above-mentioned very important cooperative relations, the activities of overseas Chinese automotive engineers will be further developed, more opportunities will be opened up, and the sustainable development will be realized, so that better served Chinese automotive engineers, promote technical exchanges and cooperation in the automotive industry, and contribute to the achievement of the grand goal of carbon neutrality. Fig 4Introduction of GAOCSAE by Prof. Hongming Xu, the first Rotating Chairman of the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers, director of Advanced Automotive Research and Education Center at the University of Birmingham, UK Mr. Yuwu Fu, Honorary Chairman of China Society of Automotive Engineers, Mr. Takeo Doujie, Executive Director of the Japan-China Economic Association, Mr. Chris Mason, President of International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies, and Mr. Kiran Patel, Senior Director of the UK-China trade Association are delivered a speech in person, expressed warm congratulations on the establishment of the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers, and expressed positive affirmation of the activities carried out by the Global Alliance and the attention as well as achievements in the industry at domestic and overseas. China Society of Automotive Engineers and a number of well-known international organizations unanimously expressed their willingness to establish a long-term and win-win strategic partnership with the Global Alliance, and will, as always, fully support the future work of the Global Alliance. Fig 5Speech by Mr. Yuwu Fu, Honorary Chairman of China Society of Automotive Engineers, entitled "Insist on Innovation and Win the Future" In the keynote speech session of the invited report, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Chief Scientist of the National Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Innovation Center, Professor Keqiang Li of the School of Vehicle and Transportation of Tsinghua University, and Mr. Muramatsu Toshiro, Minister of Nissan Vehicle Networking Technology Development and Service Operation Department and Software and User Experience Development gave wonderful speeches titled "Development of Intelligent and Connected Vehicles and Practice of Industrialization Promotion" and "Electrification and Intelligence of Vehicles (Internet of Vehicles)" respectively. Although China's auto industry started later than other countries such as Europe, America and Japan, in many emerging fields such as intelligence and electrification, with the joint efforts of government enterprises, China's electrification development had been attracting worldwide attention. The once-in-a-century period of major changes in the auto industry had brought huge business opportunities and challenges to the Chinese auto industry, Chinese auto companies and Chinese auto professionals. The rapid development of intelligence and electrification had accelerated cross-field and cross-regional cooperation and integration, which also reflects the activity policy and purpose of the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society Automotive Engineers. The joint efforts of the oversea associations promote in-depth exchanges and cooperation in the global auto industry. In the question-and-answer session after the meeting, Academician Keqiang Li and Minister Muramatsu Toshiro both expressed great confidence and affirmation for the Chinese auto industry and the future development of Chinese auto companies, including the overseas expansion of Chinese auto companies. But at the same time, the two guests also raised higher expectations for Chinese auto companies in terms of improving product quality and providing consumers with more secure products and services. In addition, understanding local policies, standards and regulations, and understanding the consumption habits and psychology of local consumers were also the homework that Chinese auto companies must do well before going overseas. Fig 6Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Chief Scientist of the National Intelligent and Connected Vehicle Innovation Center, and Professor Keqiang Li, School of Vehicles and Transportation, Tsinghua University, gave a keynote speech titled "Development of Intelligent and Connected Vehicles and Their Industrialization Promotion Practice" Fig 7Keynote speech titled "Electrification and Intelligence of Vehicles (Internet of Vehicles)" by Mr. Muramatsu Toshiro, Minister of Nissan Vehicle Connected Vehicle Technology Development and Service Operation Department and Software and User Experience Development Department The third agenda of the first day was the report session of the Japan branch of Global Connections. Mr. Fujioka Nobuaki, technical expert of the Institute of Modern Culture Co., Ltd., Mr. Koma Yuyao, CEO of Folofly Co., Ltd., and Mr. Jialun Fan, CEO of Juyi Power Systems Co., Ltd. Japan Branch, introduced the current situation and issues of the Japanese market in detail through specific cases. Market popularization demand, promotion and application of Chinese new energy vehicle EV in the Japanese market. Compared with the EV penetration rate in the European, US and Chinese markets, the EV penetration in the Japanese market was still slightly slow. However, in view of the 2050 carbon neutrality strategic goal proposed by the Japanese government, an aging population, labor shortages and other social problems for the Japanese market, electrification and intelligence technologies needed to be developed and popularized more quickly. And Japanese companies were also actively seeking communications and cooperations with domestic companies. The speech topics of the three guests in the Japanese branch were "Market Demand for Electric Vehicles in the Logistics Field in Japan", "Reform of the Japanese EV Logistics Vehicle Market" and "Reliability Development of 800V High Voltage System for New Energy Vehicles" Fig 8The three guests at the Japan branch of Global Connection, CEO of Folofly Co., Ltd. Mr. Yukang Koma, technical expert of Modern Culture Research Institute Co., Ltd. Mr. Fujioka Nobuaki, CEO of Juyi Power Systems Co., Ltd. Japan Branch Jialun Fan (from left to right) Fig 9The second day of the Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection - European branch Fig 10Global Connection Europe branch, Keynote speech from Professor Yaochu Jin, Academician of the European Academy of Sciences, "Humboldt Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence" at the School of Engineering, Bielefeld University, Germany, and Chair Professor of "Computational Intelligence" at the Department of Computer Science, University of Surrey, UK, entitled "Application and Prospect of Artificial Intelligence in the R&D of Electric Vehicle Technology" At 20:00 Beijing time on November 5th, 2022, as the second day of this global connection event, the European branch was successfully held online. The theme of the European special session was the electrification and intelligence of automotive technology. The special event was divided into two parts, the keynote speech part and the round table part hosted by Dr. Jianbo Tao, vice president of Austria-China Science and Technology Exchange Association and Dr. Huayin Tang, vice president of Society of Chinese Automotive Engineers in the UK respectively. The special session was honored to invite a number of senior industry experts and well-known scholars to exchange and discuss the development status and prospects of automobile electrification and intelligence. In the keynote speech session, Professor Yaochu Jin, Academician of the European Academy of Sciences, "Humboldt Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence" at the School of Engineering, Bielefeld University, Germany, and Chair Professor of "Computational Intelligence" at the Department of Computer Science, University of Surrey, UK gave a wonderful speech entitled " Application and Prospect of Artificial Intelligence in the R&D of Electric Vehicle Technology". Professor Jin Yaochu first introduced the relevant theory of evolutionary algorithms, and then combined with two practical engineering application examples (hybrid electric vehicle controller design and multi-scenario vehicle dynamic optimization) to explain in detail how to use machine learning and related optimization algorithms combined with data-driven theory to solve the practical problems in the automotive industry. In the subsequent report session, Dr. Chunxing Lin, vice president of Society of Chinese Automotive Engineers in the UK, Dr. You Li, Director of the French Association of Chinese Automotive Engineers, Dr. Jinwei Zhou, Technical Director of Kontrol GmbH, Austria, and Dr. Yu Yang, Senior Analyst of Yole Intelligence Consulting Company in France Ph.D., Mr. Min Jin, project manager of battery system development project of a famous European automotive engineering consulting company, and Dr. Mike Bassett, R&D director of MAHLE Power Systems, gave us excellent speeches respectively from the perspectives of different fields and key technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, electrification, and batteries. The speech topics of these guests were "Driving Data Analysis Based on Machine Learning", "Special Vision Sensors in Autonomous Driving Systems", "Formal Verification of Autonomous Driving Compliance Technology and Legal Digitization", "Key Technologies of Passenger Vehicle Electrification: 800V Platform and SiC Modules", "Security Issues in the Development of Electric Vehicle Battery Systems", "Electric/electrified Powertrains". Dr. Kang Dong was unable to participate due to special personal reasons. In the final question and answer session, the audience asked questions enthusiastically, and the guests had a very positive and good interaction with the audience during this interaction. Fig 11Global connection Europe branch, roundtable session The last agenda of the European session was a roundtable discussion. The host was Dr. Huayin Tang. The guests included Dr. Weiwei Zhao from the Energy Storage Research Center of the University of Birmingham, Dr. Shanjin Wang, President of the French Association of Chinese Automotive Engineers, Dr. Jixiong Jiang, Head of the CRRC Austria R&D Center, and Dr. Yu Yang, Senior Analyst of French Yole Intelligence Consulting Company, Mr. Xin Wang, Marketing Director of NXP Semiconductors BMS System at Greater China, and Mr. Ruizhao Zhang, Director of the French Association of Chinese Automotive Engineers. From the perspectives of industry and technology trends, all the guests conducted in-depth exchanges and wonderful discussions on topics such as "China-Europe New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Outlook in 2025" , "Can Chinese Auto Companies Have a Place in the European Market in 2025?", etc. The discussion brought a series of unique ideas and understandings within one hour. The event at the European branch of Global Connections ended successfully after the round table session. Fig 12The third day of the Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection North America Branch At 20:00 Beijing time on November 6th, 2022, the Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection North America branch kicked off. The connection event at the North American branch mainly included two parts. The first one was a special speech. The host is Mr. Xiang Zhu, the vice president of the North American Chinese Automotive Engineers Association. In this session, five technical experts from different fields brought wonderful reports and discussions on hot topics such as electric drive systems, battery technology, solar energy and hydrogen energy applications. Dr. Jingchuan Li, director of the North American motor system of Jingjin Electric, introduced the future development trend of new energy electric drive systems, such as platform-based, high-voltage and integration. Mr. Yue Fan, Vice President of Electric Era, gave a wonderful speech on the current situation and development of North American automotive battery industry and charging and discharging infrastructure. He illustrated that the North American electric vehicle market, battery technology, and research on charging technology. He also introduced the current situation and development of charging facilities, and emphasized the importance of V2G intelligent charging to the power grid. Duan Chen, an assistant professor from the Engineering School of Kettering University (formerly the General Motors Institute), first introduced the development process of the on-board solar energy system, and then provided some options for optimizing the on-board solar system, such as using solar energy for power battery balancing. Dr. Deyang Hou, the founder of American Digital Communications Company and internal combustion engine expert, proposed some suggestions on how to accelerate the application of hydrogen engine with dual-fuel direct injection technology and how to improve the energy efficiency of automobiles. Dr. Hui Xu, technical manager of the Research and Technology Department of Cummins Corporation, introduced the development and application prospects of hydrogen internal combustion engine technology. Dr. Xu mainly shared the advantages and applications of hydrogen engines from the perspective of hydrogen fuel characteristics, and introduced Cummins' plans for hydrogen engines in the next few years. The topics of five guests in the North American branch were "Development and Application of Electric Drive System for New Energy Vehicles in North America", "Status and Development of North American Automobile Battery Industry and Charging and Discharging Infrastructure", "Development and Application of Next-Generation Vehicle Solar System" ", "Dual-fuel direct injection technology to accelerate the application of hydrogen engine", "Development and application prospects of hydrogen internal combustion engine technology". The second agenda of the North American branch is the panel discussion and audience interaction. The host is Dr. Le Zhao, director of the North American Association of Chinese Engine Engineers. Guests were Dr. Jingchuan Li, director of the North American motor system of Jingjin Electric, Mr. Yue Fan, Vice President of Electric Era, Duan Chen, an assistant professor from the Engineering School of Kettering University (formerly the General Motors Institute), Dr. Deyang Hou, the founder of American Digital Communications Company, and Dr. Hui Xu, technical manager of the Research and Technology Department of Cummins Corporation. The audience asked questions from different perspectives, mainly including the problems and challenges faced by different vehicle power systems such as traditional internal combustion engines, hybrid power systems, new fuel power systems, and pure electric power systems, as well as the development direction of new energy vehicle power systems in North America. The guests shared and elaborated their unique insights and viewpoints. In general, in the face of the huge challenges of energy shortage, environmental pollution, stringent regulation environment, and the needs of consumers and user experience, various types of new energy vehicle power systems were facing higher and higher safety and technology-related requirements. The diversified pattern of automotive power system will be the development direction for a long time in the future, which requires us to continue to seek new internal combustion engine technologies that improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. At the same time, we also needed to solve the current problems of batteries, and constantly explored the development and breakthrough of new motors and their materials. After half an hour of wonderful discussions and interactions, the event of the North American branch of global connection came to a successful conclusion. Fig 12Global connection North America branch, roundtable discussion and audience interaction The last portion of the Global Connection is the summary roundtable discussion and closing ceremony. Participates in this discussion were Dr. Shanjin Wang, President of the Association of Chinese Automotive Engineers in France, Dr. Daqing Zou, President of the North American Chinese Society of Automotive Engineers, Dr. Huayin Tang, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the UK Chinese Society of Automotive Engineers, and Dr. Jianbo Tao, Vice President of the PASCO, Dr. Wei Jing, President of North American Association of Chinese Engine Engineers, and Dr. Xin Man, Vice President of Japanese Society of Automotive Engineers. The chairman of the alliance, Professor Hongming Xu, hosted the roundtable discussion. Topics included the trends of new energy vehicles in the countries/regions where the associations are located, and leading enterprises/infrastructure layout/planning. The guest representatives of each association introduced the work of their associations and made many good suggestions for the Global Alliance/Global Connection, and answered questions from the audience and participants. Finally, Dr. Man Xin, the vice president of the Japanese Society of Automotive Engineers, handed over the flag of the global connection of overseas Chinese automotive engineers to the lead organizer in 2023, Dr. Wei Jing, the president of the North American Association of Chinese Engine Engineers. On behalf of the Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society of Automotive Engineers, Professor Xu Hongming expressed his great thanks to the various institutions and friends who cared about and supported this event, and announced the successful conclusion of this event. We look forward to seeing you at global connection 2023 next year. In 2022, the outlook of the world economy is still unclear and there are still many uncertainties, and the automobile industry will not be immune to this background. As one of the world's main economic pillars, how the automotive industry responds to challenges and creates the future has attracted much attention. In particular, the application and prospect of hot technologies has also attracted wide attention both inside and outside the industry. The development of the industry and the advancement of technology are heavily depended on exchanges and cooperations. The Global Alliance of Overseas Chinese Society of Automotive Engineers, which emerged from the cocoon, will surely spread its wings in the industry, and make great contributions to the realization of the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality through the global connection brand and various other related activities. Fig 13Summary Roundtable Discussion of Overseas Chinese Automotive Engineers Global Connection 2022 Thanks for the overseas Chinese automotive engineers global connection sponsors, Jiangsu Chaoli Group, Aramco, FiTech, Tenneco, Japan's international talent exchange agency, support from strategic partner and media platform Gasgoo, and strategic partner FISITA. Overseas enterprise support platform group QR code Bangla raids target nightclub staff for drugs PHUKET: Patong Police led by Kathu District Chief Siwat Rawangkul conducted random drug tests on 189 staff at five nightlife venues on Bangla Rd last night (Nov 7), with one staffer testing positive for drug use. patongtourismdrugspolice By The Phuket News Tuesday 8 November 2022, 09:51AM The raiding party assembled at the police box at the beach end of Bangla Rd at 9pm, to be addressed by Mr Siwat, Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Somprat Prabsongkram and Patong Police Chief Pol Col Sujin Nilabadee. Among the officers brought in to carry out the operation were personnel from the Territorial Defense Volunteers (OrSor) from the Kathu District 2 branch, members of which now frequently assist Mr Siwat in carrying out his law-enforcement campaigns. The raids were touted as intensive action by networking agencies from all sectors to cooperate in the Patong area to detect narcotic substances in the body with service workers in accordance with the war on drugs policy. While no incidents of any opposition to the drug tests were reported, an official report of the raids mandated: Must not interfere with drugs strictly according to government policy. Present to conduct the urine tests was Kathu District Public Health Chief Peerapong Cheeplek and Kathi District public health staff. According to the report, Illuzion nightclub saw 44 male employees and 30 females tested for drugs. All tested negative for drugs. Sugar nightclub had 25 male and 33 female employees tested. All tested negative for drugs. Majestic bar had two male and four female staffers tested. All tested negative for drugs. Ibiza nightclub had 21 male employees tested. All tested negative for drugs. Tai Pan had 18 male and 12 female employees tested. One person tested positive. The report made no mention of any legal action against the person who tested positive for drug use. Layan beachfront set for natural beauty recovery PHUKET: Much of the 178 rai of beachfront land stretching from Layan to Leypang Beach now reclaimed by officials from illegal occupiers will have trees replanted to restore the natural beauty of the area. Tuesday 8 November 2022, 04:35PM An area left vacant at the Layan beachfront after illegal buildings were removed by force in late September. Photo: PR Phuket The mass planting of trees will begin with an event next Tuesday (Nov 15), Phuket Vice Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Nov 7). The meeting was of a working group assembled with the sole aim of restoring the area. Among those present were Phuket Provincial Chief Administration Officer (Palad) Somprat Prapsongkram, Thalang District Chief Bancha Thanu-in,Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, Cherng Talay Subdistrict Administrative Organization (OrBorTor) Chief Manoch Punchalad, and Wisut Chokchai of the Phuket Land Office. Vice Governor Amnuay explained that the recovery efforts will be focussed on 172 rai of the land recovered, as some areas within the 178 rai were unaffected or within the national park area. The goal is to transform the landscape into a park for people and tourists to take advantage of, he said. The event next Tuesday will begin at 9am, and will include a beach cleanup, he added. Mr Manoch explained that Cherng Talay OrBorTor had set aside of B5 million to cut grass at the site and take care of the trees planted. It is expected that this place will be one of the spots for people throughout the whole country. and the whole world, will want to travel to Phuket for, because it is an area with beautiful beaches more than two kilometres long. The beachfront area will later feature sculptures as well as parking facilities and toilets for people to use . This area is a national treasure that everyone must take care of, Mr Manoch said. We live in a time where conspiracy theories, unhinged opinions, and a lack of accountability to the truth are at the heart of many of our cultural conversations. One of our major political parties openly spews conspiracies and lies in the name of victory at all costs. Weve spent weeks debating the humanity of Jewish people and antisemitism thanks to Kanye West and Kyrie Irving. Most of our social media platforms are hotbeds for misinformation and grift. The guy who just bought Twitter seems intent on removing what little safeguards exist in the name of free speech, so long as that speech isnt directed at him, all while he elevates conspiracy theories himself. It can feel so all-consuming that its easy to lose sight of the fact that the warning signs were there all along. And for the most part, the gatekeepers didnt do much to take it seriously, let alone stop it. Perhaps thats because some of the warning signs might have seemed innocuous at the time. Take, for instance, the time that Steph Curry said that he believed the moon landing was fake, a well-trod conspiracy theory. Curry would go on to say he was just joking and blamed those who believed him for the controversy. But that came on the heels of Irvings admission that he didnt believe the moon landing was real, didnt believe that dinosaurs existed, and also believed that the world was flat. While he too would later walk much of that back, we now know that Irving was quick to believe some pretty dumb and absurd conspiracies, and it feels like they were test runs for the COVID-19 vaccine comments of last year and promotion of antisemitic ideas this year. As anyone who has a conspiracy theorist in their life knows, its a way-easier-than-it-should-be slippery slope from I think the moon landing was fake to the Jews secretly control the world and should be rounded up. Hell, thats a lesson that even Kyrie seemed to understand in 2018 when he apologized for his conspiracy theory comments. Like Yo, whats going on with our world? Like you click the YouTube link and its how deep does the rabbit hole go?, said Irving during 2018s Under 30 Summit. Its like Yo! You start telling all your friends Did you see that? Did you watch this video??? At the time I was innocent in it, but you realize the effect of the power of your voice, and even if you believe in that just dont come out and say that stuff because its for intimate conversations. Perception and the way you are received, it changes like Im actually a smart ass individual. Its not like I was just coming out and saying that. At the time, I just didnt realize the effect. At that time I was definitely like Im a big conspiracy theorist, you cant tell me anything. So yeah, Im sorry about ALL that. For all the science teachers and everybody coming up to me and they are like You know, I have to reteach my whole curriculum. Im sorry. I apologize. I apologize. Its then interesting looking back and seeing that Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon, two aging sportswriters who have both been called out of touch by plenty of people (including us), saw the writing on the wall. In fact, it was almost exactly four years ago that they discussed the impact of pro athlete conspiracy theories on Pardon The Interruption, presciently seeing what has unfolded in recent weeks because of Irving and other free thinker athletes with massive platforms. Four years ago. Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser sounded the alarm on the growing trend of athletes and former athletes amplifying conspiracy theories. This clip has aged incredibly well. Crazy to watch today in light of recent events. pic.twitter.com/yVPLeEKSla Ben Koo (@bkoo) November 7, 2022 Dont do this, urged Wilbon in December 2018. Dont come out and say we saw these pictures, theyre kinda grainy, theyre black and white, happened before I was born, because, does that mean you dont believe in slavery? Does that mean you dont believe in the Revolutionary War? That didnt happen because it didnt happen on your watch? Dont do this. You guys are too smart. I listened to Jalen today, Wilbon added, in reference to Jalen Rose, who said on ESPN that he agreed with Steph that the moon landing was fake. These are my guys. If you are as woke as you say, if you are as technologically savvy as you appear to be, dont do this. Because you are saying I dont believe in history. The hell with history because it didnt happen while I was looking at my cell phone watch. It is a very small step to becoming a Holocaust or slavery denier, added a very prescient Kornheiser. Im going to look into the camera and say this to both Steph Curry and Kyrie Irving, who I dont think is joking, Tony continued. I think this is anti-intellectual and anti-science. It should embarrass you and your families and the fine schools you went to, Davidson and Duke in the same state. It should embarrass the NBA. Its not a position to take. NASA is happy to bring you in Steph Curry, bring you in. It seems that Curry has grown up since then, or at the very least learned to control the narrative around himself. Kyrie, on the other hand, is exactly what Kornheiser and Wilbon feared. And its hard to know exactly where he goes from here. How far down the rabbit hole has Irving already traveled and is it possible to even come back once you have? [Ben Koo, Jordan Heck, and recently Velodus] Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addresses delegates during the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. Nearly 50 heads of states or governments on Monday have taken the stage the first day of high-level international climate talks. KAYENTA Activists, advocates and actors mounted horses on a Saturday morning last month for a ride through the red rock of El Capitan Mountain in iconic Monument Valley. The Solidarity Trail Ride was part of the nationwide event Ride to the Polls, which was organized by Protect the Sacred, a grassroots organization to motivate young Indigenous voters. The Oct. 15 event included a panel of speakers who stressed the importance of reclaiming Indigenous power at the polls. By lunchtime, dozens of riders from around the country arrived at the Kayenta Rodeo Grounds, which is surrounded by black mesas and wide-open desert. Dine families gathered in the bleachers as a green flag depicting a rider on horseback with the words Reclaim Your Future waved in the breeze. Protect the Sacred organized a similar event for the primary election, but instead of horses, participants skateboarded to the polls. Its about coming together, said Mo Brings Plenty, a Lakota actor from South Dakota. Its about creating allies. Its about making many voices one large voice. And were way overdue with that. Allie Redhorse Young founded Protect the Sacred ahead of the 2020 presidential election. She had voted early and wanted to encourage others on the Navajo reservation to do the same. Young led two horseback rides to early polling places, and on Election Day, she again rode horses with dozens of people to cast ballots. In a 2020 interview with Harpers Bazaar, Young said she was inspired by her dad. He told me he wasnt feeling motivated to participate in this election (2020) because of the disarray were in as a nation, and that he was feeling frustrated about the divisiveness that is plaguing our communities, Young told the magazine. But then he had a vision of our people riding on horseback to heal our country, and thats when he mentioned doing a trail ride to get out the vote. Of the 400,000 formally enrolled Dine, only 70,000 were registered to vote in Arizona as of the August primaries. We just recently had the primary election, said Nathaniel Brown, the Navajo Nation council delegate for Kayenta and two other communities. Unfortunately, on the Navajo Nation, even though we are the biggest tribe, we only had about 13% of our people our registered voters come out to vote. He said in-person voting on the reservation is challenging. Some of our people from Navajo Mountain, when they come out to vote at the county and state level, they have to travel four hours one way, Brown said. Navajo County has 39 vote centers, but just one is in Kayenta. Brown said mail-in ballots can be even trickier. Out here in rural Navajo Nation, which the whole nation is, we dont have physical addresses for the most part, he said. Thats why Young took action to get young Dine to the polls and their elders, too. Its a demonstration to say that even though different laws have been passed the past couple of years that have aimed to suppress our votes, especially in BIPOC communities, that were not going to let that happen, she said. Were still going to show up in our power. And by voting, were reclaiming our power. The speakers Young invited included Rogelio Diaz, a co-founder of Connecting Compton, a California nonprofit focused on community engagement with horses. At the end of the day, some of the rules that exist right now are not working for us. So, we have to begin to figure out a strategy and vote for things that are going to work out for us. I think its a necessity that we all vote; we make the difference, Diaz said. Keiara Wade is a member of the Compton Cowboys, another California community-engagement organization with horses and education at the center of its mission. She said the Ride to the Polls event can help break down social barriers. If you dont feel important, your mind is closed. Just as simple as that, she said. You dont want to even think outside of the box, so to speak, because why does it matter? Im not important anyway. But Wade said voters on the Navajo Nation deserve to be heard just as much as anyone else. Its all about meeting people where they are, she said. But if someone says, Hey, I want to step into your world and do something that draws your attention, something that you like, but also I have an important message to get across. Then it will just allow them to understand: I am important, I am being heard. For Ride to the Polls participant Joyceline Wero, the event reminded her of her own familys struggle for suffrage. My grandmother, Im pretty sure her and her ancestors were, you know, fighting and putting their lives on the line just to hear their voices heard, Wero said. But yet, Im here and all we have to do is register, sign and register to vote. Though voter turnout has historically been low on the Navajo Nation, numbers have spiked during the past two presidential elections. Voters on the Navajo and nearby Hopi reservations have cast nearly 20,000 more votes in 2020 than in 2016, according to election data. Piper Perabo, an actor and advocate for voter participation from New York, said during the event that the potential of voters in the largest tribal nation is too great to ignore. If Navajo Nation was all voting, woof! You could move some things around. The minimum wage, how the environment is protected, the public schools, the health care systems, Perabo said. Thats all decided at the state level. And Navajo Nation is so big that if it voted together, could make a lot of change. FILE - Voters cast their ballots under a giant mural at Robious Elementary School in Midlothian, Va., on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020. Voting in the 2022 midterm election ends when polls close on Tuesday, Nov. 7. 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. FILE - Australian Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 29, sits in the dock on the final day of his sentencing hearing at the Christchurch High Court after pleading guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of terrorism in Christchurch, New Zealand, Aug. 27, 2020. New Zealand's Court of Appeal confirmed Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, that Tarrant had filed the appeal last week. The court said a hearing date has yet to be set. Rhode Island voters are deciding Tuesday whether Democratic Gov. Dan McKee will get to serve his first full term in office or if they want a change in leadership 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. Today is Election Day. Nationally, its a midterm election, but local candidates across The Suns coverage area are on the ballot for a variety of local and state legislative offices, ranging from town moderator to state senator. | Photos by Tim Martin, The Westerly Sun Panama City, Fla. The Florida Department of Health (Department) is monitoring an above average number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Florida communities. This common respiratory virus may cause a higher number of pediatric emergency department visits compared to previous years. RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract with symptoms similar to a common cold. Mild case symptoms can include congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. In severe cases, RSV symptoms may include fever, cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, or bluish skin color. Follow these important steps to protect yourself and others from respiratory illness: Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Stay home if you are sick and keep children home if they are sick. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands. Infants are the most affected by RSV. Symptoms of severe cases in infants are short, shallow, and rapid breathing, struggling to breathe, cough, poor feeding, unusual tiredness, or irritability. Most children and adults recover in one to two weeks, although some might have repeated wheezing. Severe or life-threatening infection requiring a hospital stay may occur in premature infants or in anyone who has chronic heart or lung problems. For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). # # # About the Florida Department of Health The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook,Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov. Clonmel student Aurora Moore was awarded a Naughton Foundation Scholarship worth 20,000 at a ceremony in the Trinity Business School in Dublin. The award was presented by founding patrons of the Naughton Foundation, Dr Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel, who were joined by Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to present the successful students with their accolades and cheques. Supporting academic and innovative excellence in Irish students, the Naughton Foundation Scholarship Awards are an investment in the future of Irelands reputation as a country with outstanding graduates promoting the study of engineering, science and technology at third level. Aurora Moore, a former student of Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, is now studying Physics and Geographical Science at University College Cork. She joined 37 exceptional students who were awarded third level scholarships towards their studies in the areas of engineering, science, technology and maths. Auroras former secondary school, Presentation Secondary School, was awarded a prize of 1,000 towards the schools science facilities, for their support of these students. More than 250 schools have benefitted from this prize to date, with some schools receiving it on more than one occasion. Since its establishment in 2008, scholarships worth over 6 million have been awarded to more than 350 students. The scheme started in three counties and continued to expand annually to become a nationwide scheme in 2016. There is one guaranteed scholarship of 20,000 for each participating county, with some counties awarded more than one scholarship. Each scholarship is worth 5,000 per annum for each year of a students three or four-year undergraduate degree. Dr Martin Naughton says: Our alumni are an incredible group, working in the best universities, research institutes and businesses across the world. "Each year we hear back from them on the value of this network and the connections it has given them across disciplines. They are a wonderful group of young people, giving back to society in their own way. Nurses and midwives are working in horrendous conditions and are suffering from stress and burnout, as it emerged that more than 100,000 patients have been left waiting on trolleys in Irish hospitals this year. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has warned that staff are stretched to the limit, with staff shortages reported across the country. The INMO has called for the Government to bring in measures needed to retain nurses and midwives to help address the crisis. In analysis released on Tuesday, the INMO said more than 1,903 children have been waiting on trolleys. This is the earliest in the year that this high a number of admitted patients has ever been recorded, according to the INMO. The INMO has been warning of unprecedented overcrowding in 2022 since early summer. INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said there is not enough investment in adequate staffing. Ms Ni Sheaghdha said the health service is now completely dependent on recruiting overseas nurses and midwives because of the exodus of such workers. Midwives are being recruited from Ghana and other African countries to plug the staffing gap. A country like Ireland, because of its bad policy, because of its lack of investment is now going to these countries and taking their essential workers, and that, the Minister for Health has said, is a policy that Ireland will not tolerate, Ms Ni Sheaghdha said. But as late as yesterday, that situation was happening in Ireland. The bigger hospitals are suffering the most, particularly in emergency departments, with departments down around a quarter of staff. We have a new childrens hospital thats going to open very soon. The Childrens Hospital have said to us, we know were not going to get staff to work in it because its just too expensive to live in this city, she added. We have exactly the same problem in Galway, we have exactly the same problem in Cork. Ms Ni Sheaghdha called on the government to set a date to bring in the new public sector pay deal. We say to the HSE and the government that the thing not to do now is to not prioritise paying staff what theyre owed on time, because that is essential, she added. We have to look after our students so that when they do qualify, they say, this isnt a bad place to work. Theyre not saying that at the moment, and there is no evidence that that will change. This year we have registered just over 1,400 nurses who have qualified here and weve registered 3,500 from non-EU countries. We are forcing our own to emigrate and then going to non-EU countries and robbing them of their essential workers. There is something fundamentally flawed with that. The five worst-hit hospitals so far this year are University Hospital Limerick with 15,322 patients left on trolleys; Cork University Hospital with 10,107 patients; Sligo University Hospital with 6,919 patients; St Vincents University Hospital with 6,359 patients; and Letterkenny University Hospital with 5,366 patients. The trade union has called for non-urgent elective care to be cancelled in public hospitals and private hospitals used for this work. It calls for the introduction of retention measures, including provision of accommodation for essential workers such as nurses and midwives particularly in rent pressure zones. The union has also called for legislation to underpin the implementation of the safe staffing and skill mix framework, and the prioritisation of funding for publicly delivered long-term care in the community. Karen McGowan, president of the INMO who works as an advanced nurse practitioner in a Dublin hospital, said that conditions are horrendous. Every day theyre fighting in the conditions that theyre in and these are real people behind these numbers, real men, women, children, Ms McGowan said. Imagine if you walked into an emergency department, what that must be like to be that person, sitting on that chair, lying on that trolley and not knowing when youre going to get a bed or when your operation is going to be done. Were witnessing people on waiting lists becoming so sick, they have to come to the emergency department and then they have an emergency operation as a result of waiting so long. This is horrendous for our members. It is bearing a certain amount of trauma and this is a symptom of the last couple of years that theyve been working through and they cannot stand it any longer. They are making the decision to leave this broken health system. Mary Tulley, a public health nurse, said staff are stretched to the limit and are suffering from stress and burnout. She said there are currently 600 nursing vacancies, with many of these in Dublin. 10,679 people were on trolleys in October. 393 of those were children, making it the worst month for paediatric overcrowding on record. Were in an overcrowding crisis. Public hospitals cant cope with both emergency and elective care. Private capacity must be used urgently! pic.twitter.com/6Si0urWzqE Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) October 30, 2022 There is a huge issue with staff shortages. There are 14,080 public health nurses to cover all of Ireland, Ms Tulley said. There are 600 vacancies at the moment. We are training 110 student public health nurses and that wont even replace the nurses who are going to retire next year. If we have a shortage of staff in the community, there is going to be missed care. Without adequate staff, services cannot be provided. Clients and patients end up back in hospital because of missed care. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that one in four beds that are publicly funded have not been delivered. Over 1,000 patients in the hospital cant get access to home care, so that delays their discharge. So what we have now is chaotic, Ms McDonald told the Dail on Tuesday. We need investment in our hospitals but also in home care and community care. Minister for Public Expenditure Micheal McGrath said the Government needs to increase capacity of the healthcare system. It is the case that we are being faced with an unprecedented number of presentations. In our acute adult hospitals, were seeing more older people and more sick presenting, and it just underlines the need for us to continue to increase capacity. I accept the point we have to build up the permanent capacity. First there was MySpace. Enterprising individuals have pioneered the idea of an online social networking website for 30 odd years, with obscure platforms such as LunarStorm and Six Degrees launching to modest reception in the mid-1990s, but none took root and resonated with people the way MySpace did in 2003. Arguably the original popular social networking website, it was originally founded for aspiring artists to share music and music-related information with people all over the world. However, like many of its successors, it quickly evolved and lured people in with attractive profile customisation and coding options, creating a community hub for internet-enthusiasts seeking connection. The digital neighbourhood was born. Unfortunately for MySpace, the website's popularity reached its peak a few short years after being bought for over half a billion dollars in 2005. Other social media platforms emerged during this time with fun new features such as Facebook's 'Wall' and Bebo's 'other half' gaining traction among those seeking something new. By the time 2009 arrived, the first great exodus of social media users had begun with millions of former MySpace fans choosing Facebook as their new online home. With just shy of 3 billion global active users as of the third quarter of 2022, according to DataReportal, Facebook is by far the most popular social media platform in history, with no other site coming close to its popularity despite claims to the contrary. Launched under the name 'Facemash' and 'The Facebook' before dropping 'The' in 2005 and becoming the internet heavyweight we know it as today, Facebook still reigns supreme online in 2022 and remains a household name. A behind-the-scenes look into the controversial creation of the company was even fictionalised in the 2010 film, The Social Network. Despite its undisputed popularity, speculation of another mass exodus has been rife for years since the growth of Twitter from small beginnings in 2006 (with an average of 300,000 tweets per day by the year 2008) to its rapidly expanding userbase by 2010 (an average of 50 million tweets per day). Twitter currently has approximately 400 million users, and although it may be commonly cited as one of the top social media platforms, its popularity is not as strong as the likes of YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram or TikTok, which all boast larger user bases. Internal Twitter research seen by Reuters in April 2022 reportedly revealed a decline in "vital" active users on the platform. According to Reuters, these users account for less than 10% of monthly overall users but generate 90% of all tweets and half of global revenue. Despite this, the world's richest man Elon Musk offered to buy Twitter for $43billion in April 2022. An offer of $44billion was accepted by Twitter's board despite initially refusing, however the deal was delayed as Musk attempted to back out just weeks later citing concern over spam accounts. Twitter ultimately sued to force completion of the deal and Musk became the new owner and CEO in October 2022. One of his first acts as owner was firing several top executives including the previous CEO, Parag Agrawal, and proposing reforms including the creation of a content moderation council to handle free speech issues, and a subscription service for blue-tick accounts. Regarding Twitters reduction in force, unfortunately there is no choice when the company is losing over $4M/day. Everyone exited was offered 3 months of severance, which is 50% more than legally required. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 4, 2022 Half of the company's workforce has reportedly been laid off in the last week, with Musk stating he had "no choice when the company is losing over $4m per day". In a tweet posted on his official Twitter account on November 4 2022, he said, "Everyone exited was offered 3 months of severance, which is 50% more than legally required." However, reports of the sacking of Twitter's human rights team in particular has been met with condemnation, notably by the United Nations (UN). Yesterday was my last day at Twitter: the entire Human Rights team has been cut from the company. I am 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, Shannon Raj Singh (@ShannonRSingh) November 4, 2022 The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, issued an open letter to Musk on Saturday November 5 urging him to "ensure human rights are central to the management of Twitter" under his leadership. In the letter, he stated free speech is "not a free pass" and insisted Twitter must "avoid amplifying content that results in harm to other people's rights". He also said, "There is no place for hatred that incites discrimination, hostility or violence on Twitter: Spread of hate speech on social media has had horrific consequences for thousands. Twitters content moderation policies should continue to bar such hatred on the platform. Every effort needs to be made to remove such content promptly. "Human rights law is clear freedom of expression stops at hatred that incites discrimination, hostility or violence." Since the buyout, Musk has inflamed some Twitter users with his goal of focusing on free speech, which some have claimed will empower those who spread misinformation and hate speech. Several well-known users, including Shonda Rhimes and Tea Leoni, have announced their intention to leave the platform, while others have committed to stay. Despite the threat of another possible social media exodus, Musk reiterated his desire for Twitter to become "by far the most accurate source of information about the world" in a tweet published yesterday (November 7). "Thats our mission," he tweeted. Following layoffs, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey stated: "Folks at Twitter past and present are strong and resilient. They will always find a way no matter how difficult the moment. 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. "I am grateful for, and love, everyone who has ever worked on Twitter. I don't expect that to be mutual in this moment...or everand I understand." Folks at Twitter past and present are strong and resilient. They will always find a way no matter how difficult the moment. 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. jack (@jack) November 5, 2022 Musk's decision making - particularly his choice to let go of 50% of Twitter's workforce - has also come under fire in Ireland, the European headquarters for the company. According to Breaking News, 500 employees worked at the Twitter office in Dublin before Musk's takeover, with several politicians including Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar calling for clarity on the situation. So where does Mastodon fit into all this? For the last two weeks the company has been trending as people seek an alternative to a Musk-led Twitter. Mastodon's familiar interface and timeline of chronological posts is appealing to those wishing to complete a seamless transition from one platform to another. The company is a federating social network made up of multiple servers called "instances", which are created specifically for certain communities and dedicated to various interests, knowledge and activities. People are free to host their own server or join one with agreeable rules. According to the Mastodon website, the company is a non-profit from Germany which launched in 2016 as an open-source project by Eugen Rochko due to his dissatisfction with the state and direction of Twitter. The mission statement on the site header reads: "Social networking that's not for sale. Your home feed should be filled with what matters to you most, not what a corporation thinks you should see. Radically different social media, back in the hands of the people." The site espouses to put decision making back into the hands of the people, with each server creating its own rules and regulations which are enforced locally rather than from the top-down by corporate social media companies. Is it the next big thing? Few could have predicted the drop-off in popularity of some of the internet's biggest platforms. Remember the short-form video platform, Vine? Funnily enough, it was bought and launched by Twitter in 2013 a whole three years before TikTok exploded onto the scene, but failed to capitalise on its popularity. Whether Mastodon will be the new Twitter is difficult to tell, even for people closely affiliated with the tech giant. Although it appears some would like Twitter to fail, others are willing to go down with the ship if necessary. However, according to a company document obtained by The Verge, fears about Twitter's demise may be premature. Twitter's daily user growth hit "all-time highs" during the first full week of Elon Musk owning the platform, with the company's monetizable daily user (mDAU) growth accelerating to more than 20%. Twitter founder, Jack Dorsey, called the death of Vine his "biggest regret". Perhaps by this time next year, it will be his second biggest. An Irish Government minister has said she is very concerned by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonalds comments regarding different degrees of murder. Rural Minister Heather Humphreys described Mrs McDonalds remarks as terrible, adding that many people had been hurt by them. Government Chief Whip Jack Chambers accused Sinn Fein of trying to sanitise the past. The ministers made the comments at the launch of the Governments Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2023 in Dublin on Tuesday. Mrs McDonald told Newstalk on Sunday that there is no comparison between the IRA and gangland criminals. Speaking at the Cherry Orchard Equine Centre, Ms Humphreys, TD for Cavan-Monaghan, a border constituency, said: I was very concerned when I heard the comments from Mary Lou McDonald regarding different degrees of murder. So she was sort of saying that an IRA murder is something different to a gangland murder in Dublin. That concerns me seriously, really, because I have lived on the border region all my life. And I can tell you when you talk to Breege Quinn, her son was a victim of an IRA murder. When he was beaten to a pulp, where his mother couldnt even put the rosary beads in his hand he was so badly beaten by those criminals. And as I said it was an IRA murder at the time. You ask her does she feel any different than a family that has been impacted by a gangland murder in Dublin. Does the family of Columba McVeigh feel any different where he is buried in a bog in Bragan where he was murdered as a young man? There are many other instances of that. Or ask the wife of the late Garda Jerry McCabe. How does she feel about that? That was a terrible thing to say and a lot of people have been hurt by it. Speaking on Newstalks On The Record With Gavan Reilly, Mrs 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. Junior Sport Minister Mr Chambers accused Sinn Fein of trying to sanitise the past and retraumatising people in the process. He said the party was creating some sort of new complex around what the degree of murder should be. Clearly Sinn Fein are trying to sanitise their past, Mr Chambers said. Theyre trying to dismiss their past as across some conflict. He added: The sanitisation of the past puts us, it damages bridge-building across our island, it undermines a pathway to having a shared island and its about bringing people together. And instead of seeking forgiveness for the murder and mayhem they caused in the past, they retraumatised many families over recent days and its very concerning to see the leader of Sinn Fein underpin that in her comments in the last couple of days. Mr Chambers also said he would be still very concerned about Sinn Fein having any sort of input or role when it comes to matters related to criminal justice if the party were to come to power. Fraternity parties are temporarily suspended at Cornell University after reports that a student was sexually assaulted over the weekend and four others were reportedly drugged in recent weeks [November 08, 2022] ASA Vault App Now Live in Apple App and Google Play Stores ASA is an embedded fintech solution that connects financial institutions with customer-facing fintechs in a secure, compliant and easy to implement marketplace. The company today announced that its consumer-facing app, ASA Vault, is available in the Apple App and Google Play Stores and the issuance of its patent protecting this new open banking technology. The app allows customers to connect with fintechs without sharing any private or sensitive information, allowing them to try out the newest technology in a safe, risk-free way. ASA has introduced a new version of open banking in which fintechs are contractually prohibited from competing with banks and credit unions. The institutions can leverage this version of embedded fintech to maintain relevance and prominence in their customers' and members' lives. "ASA is transforming the way institutions and fintechs work together, all with the end goal of helping consumers and businesses impove their financial empowerment," said Lisa Gold Schier, chief strategy officer of ASA. "By decreasing the regulatory risk and the cumbersome one-to-one integrations traditionally associated with bank-fintech partnerships, we are unlocking industry wide innovation with the first ever exponential growth platform for banking." The ASA Vault App includes an asset tracker that centralizes and aggregates all relevant accounts, assets, debt and identity data into a single location. The tracker provides account holders with a comprehensive view of their finances, tracks historical transactions and provides insights into how their net worth has changed over time. Such functionality drives stronger and more frequent engagement with partner banks and credit unions. "The ASA Vault app helps banks and credit unions better understand their customers and ultimately win more business, all while empowering account holders with deep visibility into their holistic financial picture," said Landon Glenn, CEO and founder of ASA. "With ASA, banks and credit unions can securely extend their brand into everything their customers and members do in ecommerce. This makes them the hub of financial adoption, maintaining account holder relationships and providing financial empowerment through individualized choice." About ASA Provo, Utah-based ASA is an embedded fintech solution that connects financial institutions with customer-facing fintechs in a secure, compliant and easy to implement marketplace. With ASA, banks and credit unions are innovating more quickly, fintechs are scaling more easily and end users are empowered to take control of their data and finances. Learn more at asa.financial. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005731/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] NUU Announces its First 5G Smartphone - the B20 5G 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. 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. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nuu-announces-its-first-5g-smartphone---the-b20-5g-301670228.html SOURCE NUU [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Exotanium Raises $12 Million in Series A Round Funding, Helps Enterprises Manage and Optimize Cloud Services More Effectively 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 artificialintelligence 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 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exotanium-raises-12-million-in-series-a-round-funding-helps-enterprises-manage-and-optimize-cloud-services-more-effectively-301670809.html SOURCE Exotanium [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email sunnews@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes Media Advisory: Red River Bank and FHLB Dallas to Award $16K in Community Revitalization Nonprofit 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/ [November 07, 2022] TIME Names Jessica Sibley as Chief Executive Officer Appointment follows period of record revenue growth for TIME and launch of multiple new business divisions Sibley succeeds Edward Felsenthal, who remains Editor in Chief and takes on new role as Executive Chairman NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TIME announced today that veteran media executive Jessica Sibley has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective November 21, 2022. Sibley, who joins TIME from Forbes, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, has built her career leading global revenue teams, launching innovative new initiatives and products, and driving significant growth for major media brands including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg and Conde Nast, in addition to Forbes, where she has contributed to record revenue growth over eight consecutive years. The appointment comes as TIME approaches its centennial year and aligns with a period of record growth for TIME, including the launch of six new divisions: the Emmy Award-winning film and television division TIME Studios that has generated more than $100 million in revenue; a rapidly growing global live events business built around its iconic TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises; an industry-leading web3 division including the TIMEPieces NFT community; Red Border Studios, producer of award-winning branded content; the website-building platform TIME Sites, which TIME acquired earlier this year; and the sustainability and climate-action platform CO2 by TIME. Today, TIME reaches the largest audience in its historymore than 100 million people around the world across its platformsand its iconic magazine, with more than 1.3 million subscribers, remains the largest U.S. print title in news. Sibley succeeds Edward Felsenthal, who has been TIME's Editor in hief since 2017 and took on the additional role of CEO in 2018 when TIME became an independent company under the ownership of Marc and Lynne Benioff. Felsenthal will now become TIME's Executive Chairman while remaining Editor in Chief, leading editorial, creative and content strategy for the brand across all of its global platforms and emerging initiatives. "We are so excited to welcome Jessica to build on TIME's momentum for the next phase of our growth. She has an extraordinary record throughout her career of delivering growth and innovation and building deep relationships with customers to ensure their success," said TIME co-chairs Marc and Lynne Benioff. "We are grateful for Edward's leadership as CEO over the past four years, and that he will continue to guide our content to ensure that TIME's next 100 years are as impactful as the first." "It is an incredible time to join this brand whose impact and opportunity for growth is at an all-time high," said Sibley. "What the world-class team at TIME has built to date is inspiring, and I am honored to lead the next phase of evolution and transformation, continuing to extend the authority and trust of the brand and delivering for TIME's customers." Felsenthal said: "I am so proud of the work, innovation and growth at TIME over the past four years and of this incredible team that has made TIME the company it is today. I'm thrilled to bring my full focus to the trusted storytelling that is at the core of everything we do, and to work with Jessica and the team to keep bringing TIME to new levels of success." Sibley joins TIME from Forbes where she was most recently the Chief Operating Officer, responsible for all revenue and initiatives for the brand. During her tenure at Forbes, Sibley led the organization to consecutive years of record revenue results and introduced several innovative products and initiatives, including BrandVoice products, ForbesLive virtual events, Forbes' Representation & Inclusion Practice, ForbesOne, Forbes Demand Engine, and the CxO Growth Survey. Prior to being appointed Chief Operating Officer, Sibley served as Forbes' Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Sales Officer and, before that as Senior Vice President of U.S. and Europe. Throughout her career, Sibley has also held senior leadership positions at The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Conde Nast. ### Media Contact: Kristin Matzen, TIME [email protected] About TIME TIME is the 99-year-old global media brand that reaches a combined audience of more than 100 million around the world through its iconic magazine and digital platforms. With unparalleled access to the world's most influential people, the trust of consumers and partners globally, and an unrivaled power to convene, TIME's mission is to tell the essential stories of the people and ideas that shape and improve the world. Today, TIME's 360 suite of products and platforms for storytelling also includes the Emmy Award-winning film and television division TIME Studios, a significantly expanded live events business built on the powerful TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises, an industry-leading web3 division, an award-winning branded content studio, the website-building platform TIME Sites, its sustainability division and climate-action platform CO2.com, and more. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/time-names-jessica-sibley-as-chief-executive-officer-301670817.html SOURCE TIME [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] ENVIVA SHAREHOLDER ALERT by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Reminds Investors With Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Enviva Inc. - EVA Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 3, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Enviva Inc. (NYSE: EVA), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 21, 2019 and October 11, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Enviva and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-eva/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 3, 2023. About the Lawsuit Enviva and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On October 12, 2022, pre-market, Blue Orca Capital reported a range of allegations against the Company including that "new discovered data suggests . . . the company is flagrantly greenwashing its wood procurement"; "Enviva is a dangerously levered serial capital raiser whose deteriorating cash conversion and unprofitability will drain it of cash next year"; and, that it is "a product of deranged European climate subsidies which incentivize the destruction of American forests so that European power companies can check a bureaucratic box." On this news, shares of Enviva stock fell approximately 13.13% to a closing price of $51.23 per share. The case is Fagen v. Enviva, et al., 22-cv-02844. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107006162/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Media Advisory: Home Bank and FHLB Dallas to Invest $16K in Local Nonprofits Home Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) will award $16,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funding to two community organizations in Natchez, Mississippi during a ceremonial check presentation. Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity, $8,000, facilitates low-cost, no-interest mortgages to qualifying applicants while helping new homeowners build their home with the help of volunteers. The nonprofit plans to use the proceeds toward operational, administrative and program expenses. facilitates low-cost, no-interest mortgages to qualifying applicants while helping new homeowners build their home with the help of volunteers. The nonprofit plans to use the proceeds toward operational, administrative and program expenses. Home with Heroes Foundation Inc., $8,000, supports military veterans in Adams County, Mississippi and Concordia Parish, Louisiana with free services. The organization plans to use proceeds for emergency financial aid for veterans, sponsorship of a veteran's parade and other assistance for veterans such as helping them locate military records. FHLB Dallas matches member institution contributions of $500 to $4,000 by a 3:1 ratio. The PGP funds will be awarded at a ceremonial check presentation on Tuesday, November 8. Media is encouraged to attend. WHAT: Check presentations for Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity and Home with Heroes Foundation Inc WHEN: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 8, 2022 WHO: Kelvin Luster, Senior Vice President, Community Development Director, Home Bank Duncan McFarlane, Executive Director, Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity Galen Mark LaFrancis, Executive Director, Home with Heroes Foundation Inc. Melanie Dill, Community and Economic Development Product Manager, FHLB Dallas WHERE: Home Bank, 500 Main Street, Natchez, Mississippi 39120 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107006166/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Bell announces offering of Series M-57 MTN Debentures MONTREAL, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Canada (Bell) today announced the public offering in Canada of Cdn $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of MTN Debentures pursuant to its medium term notes (MTN) program. The Cdn $1.0 billion 5.85% MTN Debentures, Series M-57, will be dated November 10, 2022, will mature on November 10, 2032, and will be issued at a price of Cdn $99.768 per $100 principal amount for a yield to maturity of 5.881%. The MTN Debentures will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by BCE Inc. Bell Canada intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for the repayment of short-term debt and for general corporate purposes. The Series M-57 MTN Debentures are being publicly offered in all provinces of Canada through a syndicate of agents. Closing of the offering of these MTN Debentures is expected to occur on November 10, 2022, subject to customary closing conditions. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Series M-57 MTN Debentures have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (U.S. Securities Act), or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act). The Series M-57 MTN Debentures are being issued pursuant to a short form base shelf prospectus dated March 7, 2022 and a prospectus supplement dated May 19, 2022. Bell Canada will file a pricing supplement relating to this issue with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces of Canada. About Bell Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet, media and business communication services throughout the country.Founded in Montreal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca . Through Bell for Better , we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities with a commitment to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk . Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing and completion of the proposed sale of MTN Debentures, the intended use of the net proceeds of such sale and other statements that are not historical facts. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several 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. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the proposed offering referred to above. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The timing and completion of the abovementioned proposed sale of the MTN Debentures is subject to customary closing terms and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed sale of the MTN Debentures will occur, or that it will occur at the expected time indicated in this news release. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bell-announces-offering-of-series-m-57-mtn-debentures-301670876.html SOURCE Bell Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Rich Geruson, NexOptic Chairman, Announces Closing of $2.2 Million Private Placement VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 7, 2022 /CNW/ - NexOptic Technology Corp. ("NexOptic") (TSXV: NXO) (OTCQB: NXOPF) (FSE: E3O1) announces the closing of its non-brokered private placement (the "Placement") previously announced on October 21, 2022. The Placement consists of an aggregate of 39,564,053 Units generating gross proceeds of $2,225,477.98. Each Unit comprised one common share of the Company plus one share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.12 per share for a period of 24 months from issuance, subject to accelerated exercise provisions such that if the closing price of the Company's common shares exceeds $0.25 per share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days, the Company may, at its discretion give notice of the acceleration of the warrants' term to a period of 30 days following such notice. Aggregate finder's fees of $32,032.22 were paid in cash and a further 569,462 finder's warrants were issued on the same terms as the Warrants. All securities issued in the Placement are subject to a hold period in Canada expiring on March 8, 2023. Additional restrictions may apply pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to U.S. investors. Insider participation in the Placement includes $28,125 (500,000 Units) from Director, Stephen Petranek, $56,250 (1 million Units) from Director, Arch Meredith and $112,500 (2 million Units) from CEO, Paul McKenzie. The participation by insiders constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements under MI 61-101. The Company relied on Section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the formal valuation requirement and Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the Placement in so far as the Placement involved interested parties did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Proceeds from the Placement will be applied to ongoing commercialization of NexOptic's Aliis suite of artificial intelligence technologies including sophisticated ESG applications and advanced image, and video correction capabilities designed for a multitude of industries. In addition, net proceeds will be applied to further build patent protections for NexOptic's AI as well as for general working capital for NexOptic and its wholly owned Korean subsidiary, NexOptic Asia Corp. NexOptic also reports that it intends to settle $330,000 in advances made to the Company by its CEOas well and $125,000 in debt owed to various parties through the issuance of 7,000,000 common shares total at a price of $0.065 per share (the "Settlement Shares"). The settlement indebtedness with the issuance of common shares will preserve NexOptic's funds for forward operations and is a separate transaction to the Placement. The Settlement Shares will not be accompanied by a warrant, are subject to a 6-month hold period, and completion of the settlement remains subject to the approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. Portions of the indebtedness is expected to be settled with members of NexOptic's management and will constitute a "related party transaction" as defined in MI 61-101. Such indebtedness does not comprise management fees and relates to advances made by certain parties towards the Company's ongoing expenses. The Settlement Shares will be subject to applicable resale restrictions under securities laws as well as a contractual resale restriction for a period of six months following issuance. ALIIS in a Nutshell Engineered for today and beyond, ALIIS (All Light Intelligent Imaging Solutions) is a machine-learning AI suite providing significant energy savings, data compression and enhancements to images and videos everywhere from the edge to the cloud. Aliis enables faster shutter speeds, superior resolution and sharpness, reduced image-noise and motion-blur, and enhanced image color and detail. Aliis does all this while reducing media file size, making it ideal for the storage and streaming applications. Additionally, Aliis provides a fundamental "AI for AI" layer that supercharges downstream AI performance. These patented and patent-pending solutions can be integrated with imaging devices such as smartphones, smart security cameras, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, automotive platforms, medical imaging technologies, DSLR cameras and more. For more information, visit www.nexoptic.com/aliis What You Need to Know About NexOptic NexOptic is an innovative imaging AI company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada with operations in Seoul, South Korea, offering world-leading patented and patent-pending AI solutions for energy savings, data compression and image and video enhancement known as ALIIS. Aliis is engineered for today and for the metaverse and simultaneously influences the imaging and AI industries. NexOptic is a member of the Qualcomm Advantage Network, a Preferred Partner in the NVIDIA Partner Network, and a member of the Arm AI Partner Program. For more information, visit www.nexoptic.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans," "expects," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates," "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," "will be taken," "occur," or "be achieved." Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements respecting the Definitive Agreement, expectations regarding demand for REE, and the plans regarding exploration on the THOR Project. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in NexOptic's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NexOptic believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. 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 news release. SOURCE NexOptic Technology Corp. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 07, 2022] Dvara Money's 'Spark Account' onboards 15,000+ gig workers in just 3 months Spark Money platform was launched in June 2022, in partnership with Fino Payments Bank Spark Account is the country's first financial platform that exclusively caters to the over 300 million gig economy workforce BENGALURU, India, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Achieving a major milestone since its launch in June 2022, Dvara Money's `Spark Account' has onboarded 15,000+ gig workers across 20 different states. The Spark Account, part of the Spark Money Platform, was launched in partnership with Fino Payments Bank as the prepaid account banking partner/issuer and M2P Fintech as the technology service provider. Spark Money aims to be a way of life for the 300 million gig economy workforce by offering an all-in-one account that provides a simple, secure, and trusted platform that leverages data science, behavioural science, and technologies to deliver a tailored financial offering for the Urban Bharat. Catering to India's growing urban gig-economy workforce, Spark Money is engineered to provide customer-centric services and enhance the gig workforce's financial wellness. By opening an account, the customer gets instant access to a zero-balance prepaid account without the need to maintain a minimum balance. The account holder can save in gold or mutual funds, manage their insurance, apply for low-interest credit, or file their ITR return, among other services that the one account enables. Customers will also get a free customised Spark Card that they can use in ATMs or for shopping. "Spark Money functions as a trusted financial partner for the hard-working gig economy workforce. Our platform brings financial services to the needy and the financially excluded people with low cost and improved range of services. The Spark Account, an innovative product that is intuitively simple, is a result of a lot of research and insights. The impact the solution brings to our customers is offering them convenience and flexibility to help them make their financial decisions that move them closer towards their goals and aspirations. We are delihted to have partners in Fino Payments Bank as our banking partner and M2P as our tech partner to make our vision of financial inclusion a reality," said Pramod Ghorpade, MD, CEO of Dvara Money Terming the association an opportunity to provide digital banking experience to the new age workforce, Major Ashish Ahuja, Chief Operating Officer, Fino Payments Bank said, "With the rising smartphone usage and data consumption, especially in the gig economy, there is a need to provide relevant and convenient banking services to the financially excluded people in urban areas. As a financial inclusion pioneer and a leading payments bank catering to this specific segment across the country, we are pleased to associate with Dvara Money and M2P Fintech who share our vision of universal banking access. Our joint endeavour through Spark Money is to develop innovative offerings that help improve customer engagement, increase banking adoption and enhance user experience." Madhusudanan R, Co-Founder and CEO of M2P Fintech, commented, "We're pleased to be collaborating with Dvara Money and Fino Payments Bank to play a role in their digital transformation journey by staying true to M2P's founding vision of enabling financial inclusion through our products and platform. With the gig economy and its workforce set to almost triple in the next few years, the need for efficiency, transparency, greater formalisation and financial inclusion are essential. Spark will offer solutions to gig workers who are underbanked to help them navigate and achieve their financial well-being. M2P Fintech brings together capabilities, ecosystem, and skills that will shape new experiences for Dvara Money and its customers." About Dvara Money Dvara Money is a community neobank that offers financial products to the needy and the financially excluded by leveraging technology and deep customer insights. It offers personalised nudges created based on data driven behavioural science pushed to the customers at the correct time to help customers. Using 'Spark Money', a mobile platform, the company weaves together a customised bouquet of financial products across savings, loans, insurance, investments, and tax, helping chart a path towards financial wellness for customers in a user-friendly manner. Dvara Money is a portfolio company of Dvara Holdings (formerly Dvara Trust) and part of the Dvara Venture Studio cohort that supports entrepreneurs working towards large-scale systemic change in financial inclusion. Dvara Holdings has been pioneering initiatives that have impacted the financial lives of millions of low-income households in India through policy research and investing in/supporting commercial efforts where there is a significant market gap. Website: https://www.dvaramoney.com About Fino Payments Bank Limited Fino Payments Bank is a fully owned subsidiary of Fino Paytech which had last raised funds in 2016. Fino Paytech is backed by marquee investors like Bharat Petroleum, ICICI group, Blackstone, IFC, Intel and LIC among others. Frugal innovation is the key that has given the fintech a leadership position at the middle of the pyramid which primarily constitutes emerging India customers. The Mumbai-based fintech operates on an asset light business model that principally relies on fee and commission based income generated from merchant network and strategic commercial relationships. Website: https://www.finobank.com/ About M2P Fintech Founded in 2014 by industry insiders with a passion for all things fintech, M2P has been at the forefront of enabling the future of fintech through cutting-edge APIs, best in technology integration, settlement, and operational support. Website: https://m2pfintech.com/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Deutsche Post DHL Group increases 2022 EBIT guidance thanks to its international DHL business Deutsche Post DHL Group, the world's leading logistics group, continued to show strong growth in the third quarter of 2022. Compared with the prior-year quarter, the Group increased its revenue by 20.0 percent to EUR 24.0 billion. Even in a weakening macroeconomic environment, the Group was able to efficiently utilize its global networks thanks to flexible structures and close cooperation between the divisions. Returning growth in the domestic parcel business and the ongoing trend towards e-commerce also contributed to this. Operating profit (EBIT) improved accordingly by 15.2 percent to EUR 2.0 billion. At 8.5 percent, the EBIT margin was slightly below the prior-year level (Q3 2021: 8.8 percent). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107006230/en/ "The first three quarters of the year were the most successful in our company's history. EBIT remained above EUR 2.0 billion in all three quarters. Even if global growth is losing momentum, we are well on track to achieve the best result ever with an EBIT of around EUR 8.4 billion," said Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL Group. "The foundation for our success is our global logistics business, which is extremely well balanced in terms of sectors and regions, powered by our dedicated workforce. This makes us a reliable partner for our customers all around the world - especially in these volatile times." 2022 EBIT guidance raised to around EUR 8.4 billion - mid-term outlook confirmed Following a significant leap in the previous financial year, the Group has succeeded in achieving another substantial increase in earnings in the first nine months. EBIT up to and including September 2022 increased to EUR 6.5 billion (9M 2021: EUR 5.8 billion). Net income after non-controlling interests totaled EUR 4.0 billion (9M 2021: EUR 3.6 billion). Basic earnings per share rose accordingly to EUR 3.32 in this period, compared with EUR 2.89 a year ago. In response to the continuing positive business and earnings performance in the DHL divisions, the Group has raised its EBIT guidance for the current financial year to a record level of around EUR 8.4 billion (previously: EUR 8.0 billion with a maximum variance of + / - 5 percent). Looking ahead to the final quarter, Deutsche Post DHL Group is well positioned despite continuing global economic uncertainties and prepares for a peak season with the typical seasonal development of shipment volumes in its B2C businesses. The mid-term outlook for 2024 remains stable with an EBIT of around EUR 8.5 billion. The Group closely monitors the slowing global growth momentum and uses well-established levers. Based on a flexible adjustment of networks, disciplined yield and cost management, the Group is able to respond successfully to a macroeconomic downturn. International B2B business main driver for positive business performance in Q3 2022 Once again, the B2B business of DHL's Global Forwarding, Freight, Supply Chain and Express divisions was the driver behind the Group's strong revenue and EBIT growth. In Global Forwarding, Freight's cargo business, revenue and EBIT again increased significantly due to ongoing high freight rates. The capacity situation in air and ocean freight eased further, as demand declined noticeably and transport supply improved again. The continuing high demand for reliable solutions powering resilient supply chains and e-fulfillment gave Supply Chain's contract logistics business a good third quarter. The international time-definite express (TDI) business benefited from a disciplined yield management with volumes declining slightly. Normalization in B2C business almost done - parcel volumes show positive trend As expected, shipment volumes in the B2C business settled at a structurally higher level compared to pre-pandemic levels. Shipment volumes recorded a significant improvement in the third quarter of 2022, relative to the first half year. Driven by online retail, the number of parcels in Germany rose again slightly. This positive development in parcel volumes was also evident in the European eCommerce Solutions' business. Financial strength further enhanced - 2022 free cash flow guidance upgraded The positive earnings momentum has further strengthened the Group's financial power. Operating cash flow increased significantly to EUR 3.5 billion (Q3 2021: EUR 2.6 billion). The key factor behind this was the solid operational dynamic and a very good development in working capital. Accordingly, free cash flow also developed positively, improving to EUR 1.8 billion (Q3 2021: EUR 1.3 billion) despite increased payments for investments and acquisitions. Thus, exceeding the preliminary result published at the beginning of October. Based on this strong performance, the Group is upgrading its free cash flow guidance (excluding acquisitions and divestments) to more than EUR 4.2 billion in 2022 (previously: EUR 3.6 billion with a maximum variance of + / - 5 percent). The Group is further accelerating its ongoing share buy-back program. The Company has decided on further share buy-backs of up to EUR 500 million until March 2023, after the buy-back of a first tranche of up to EUR 800 million was already successfully completed at the beginning of October 2022. These plans are part of the share repurchase program 2022-24 announced in March 2022 with a total volume of up to EUR 2 billion, which will be carried out latest until December 2024. The good cash flow development secured investments in projects according to plan without facing any restrictions in the third quarter 2022. Gross capital expenditure (Capex) focused on the modernization of the Express fleet, capacity expansion at Post & Parcel Germany and eCommerce Solutions, and automation initiatives at Supply Chain. "The cash flow performance in the past quarter was outstanding. We have thus further strengthened our comfortable financial position organically and safeguarded our ability to invest. Thanks to our financial strength, we are well positioned even in an economically weaker environment. In the event of an economic downturn, we can rely on well established group-wide levers to successfully master volatile phases," said CFO Melanie Kreis. Express: EBIT of EUR 1.0 billion slightly up versus previous year The Express division once again achieved very good capacity utilization levels in its globe spanning networks. EBIT increased by 4.2 percent year-on-year to EUR 1.0 billion. Revenue growth was even stronger, up 21.8 percent to EUR 7.2 billion. As in the second quarter 2022, this development was especially driven by pricing measures and higher fuel surcharges. International time-definite express (TDI) shipments per day declined by 2.6 percent. The established pricing mechanisms successfully dampened the increased costs. Accordingly, profitability remained at a high level with an EBIT margin of 14.1 percent (Q3 2021: 16.4 percent). Global Forwarding, Freight: Another significant jump in EBIT and revenue The Global Forwarding, Freight division closed the third quarter with outstanding EBIT growth of 57.0 percent to EUR 584 million. The main reason for this was the strong revenue performance. Revenue increased significantly by 38.2 percent to EUR 7.9 billion due to the continued high freight rates. Air freight volumes decreased year-on-year, but were at a comparable level seen in the second quarter of 2022. In ocean freight, transport volumes grew by 11.9 percent, due to the integration of the acquired beverage logistics company Hillebrand. The EBIT margin improved significantly to 7.4 percent (Q3 2021: 6.5 percent). Supply Chain: Outstanding EBIT growth with new business remaining strong Supply Chain once again recorded double-digit growth rates. EBIT improved significantly by 54.9 percent to EUR 220 million. Revenue increased across all regions, rising by a total of 14.5 percent to EUR 4.2 billion. The development was especially pronounced in the Americas region. E-fulfillment solutions in particular saw growing interest here. The balanced portfolio with a high proportion of less cyclical customers had a positive impact on business development. In addition, the consolidation of the acquired Glen Cameron Group, effective from August 2022, increased the results. The new business once more reached a strong result with annualized revenue of EUR 385 million. The EBIT margin of 5.3 percent was again within the target corridor (Q3 2021: 3.9 percent). eCommerce Solutions: Positive revenue trend continues unabated eCommerce Solutions also achieved good results in the third quarter. EBIT remained at the prior-year level of EUR 87 million (Q3 2021: EUR 91 million). Largely attributable to price measures revenue increased in all regions, rising by 8.2 percent to EUR 1.5 billion. Parcel volumes grew again in Europe, especially driven by the growth in the Netherlands. Overall, parcel volumes were above the previous year's level by 0.3 percent. The moderate decline in EBIT margin reflected the increasing cost pressure in individual regions with continued investments in additional sorting capacity, but remained at a high level of 5.8 percent (Q3 2021: 6.6 percent). Post & Parcel Germany: Despite slightly growing parcel volumes the business remains challenging Revenue and earnings at Post & Parcel Germany were on a par with the previous year. EBIT was EUR 290 million (Q3 2021: EUR 300 million). At EUR 3.9 billion, revenue was just EUR 7 million down on the previous year. While the year-on-year comparison of parcel volumes in the first half of 2022 was still heavily influenced by the pandemic, the parcel business grew slightly in the third quarter. Letter mail volumes declined as expected, as the mail business had been particularly strong in the previous year due to numerous elections in Germany. Overall, volumes in the letter mail business fell by 4.9 percent. EBIT margin remained stable at 7.3 percent (Q3 2021: 7.6 percent) thanks to unchanged high cost discipline. - End - Note to editors: An interview with CFO Melanie Kreis can be found on our homepage. The Group's investor webcast can be viewed on our website starting at 10:00 a.m. This can be accessed at www.dpdhl.com/ir. Deutsche Post DHL Group is the world's leading logistic company. The Group connects people and markets and is an enabler of global trade. It aspires to be the first choice for customers, employees and investors worldwide. To this end, Deutsche Post DHL Group is focusing on growth in its profitable core logistics businesses and accelerating the digital transformation in all business divisions. The Group contributes to the world through sustainable business practices, corporate citizenship and environmental activities. By the year 2050, Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics. Deutsche Post DHL Group is home to two strong brands: DHL offers a comprehensive range of parcel and international express service, freight transport, and supply chain management services, as well as e-commerce logistics solutions. Deutsche Post is Europe's leading postal and parcel service provider. Deutsche Post DHL Group employs approximately 590,000 people in over 220 countries and territories worldwide. The Group generated revenues of more than 81 billion Euros in 2021. The logistics company for the world. Group financial highlights for the third quarter 3rd quarter 3rd quarter Change in m 2021 2022 in % Revenue 20,036 24,038 20.0 - of which international 15,037 18,751 24.7 Profit from operating activities (EBIT) 1,771 2,041 15.2 Consolidated net profit1) 1,087 1,228 13.0 Basic earnings per share (in ) 0.88 1.02 15.9 Diluted earnings per share (in ) 0.87 1.01 16.1 Divisional revenue in the third quarter 3rd quarter 3rd quarter Change in m 2021 2022 in % Express 5,910 7,197 21.8 Global Forwarding, Freight 5,712 7,892 38.2 Supply Chain 3,653 4,184 14.5 eCommerce Solutions 1,376 1,489 8.2 Post & Parcel Germany 3,955 3,948 -0.2 Group Functions/Consolidation -570 -672 -17.9 Group 20,036 24,038 20.0 Divisional EBIT in the third quarter 3rd quarter 3rd quarter Change in m 2021 2022 in % DHL 1,575 1,904 20.9 - Express 971 1,012 4.2 - Global Forwarding, Freight 372 584 57.0 - Supply Chain 142 220 54.9 - eCommerce Solutions 91 87 -4.4 Post & Parcel Germany 300 290 -3.3 Group Functions/Consolidation -105 -152 -44.8 Group 1,771 2,041 15.2 1) After non-controlling interests Group financial highlights for the first nine months of the year Change in m 9M 2021 9M 2022 in % Revenue 58,369 70,660 21.1 - of which international 42,743 54,651 27.9 Profit from operating activities (EBIT) 5,765 6,537 13.4 Consolidated net profit1) 3,569 4,040 13.2 Basic earnings per share (in ) 2.89 3.32 14.9 Diluted earnings per share (in ) 2.83 3.26 15.2 Divisional revenue in the first nine months of the year Change in m 9M 2021 9M 2022 in % Express 17,361 20,563 18.4 Global Forwarding, Freight 15,699 23,407 49.1 Supply Chain 10,209 12,068 18.2 eCommerce Solutions 4,264 4,446 4.3 Post & Parcel Germany 12,674 12,156 -4.1 Group Functions/Consolidation -1,838 -1,980 -7.7 Group 58,369 70,660 21.1 Divisional EBIT in the first nine months of the year Change in m 9M 2021 9M 2022 in % DHL 4,839 5,982 23.6 - Express 3,109 3,084 -0.8 - Global Forwarding, Freight 900 1,931 >100 - Supply Chain 507 669 32.0 - eCommerce Solutions 324 298 -8.0 Post & Parcel Germany 1,171 887 -24.3 Group Functions/Consolidation -246 -332 -35.0 Group 5,765 6,537 13.4 1) After non-controlling interests View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107006230/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Tunisian Air Force modernizes training capabilities, takes delivery of first of eight Beechcraft T-6C Texan II Integrated Training Systems Textron Aviation Defense today announced the delivery of the first Beechcraft T-6C Texan II Integrated Training System to the Tunisian Air Force in support of operations at No. 13 Squadron at Sfax air base in Tunisia. The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract comprises eight T-6C Texan II advanced military training aircraft, in-country field service and logistics support representatives, program management support, interim contractor support for the first year, training for pilots and maintenance professionals, spare engines, spare parts and aircraft support equipment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221031005760/en/ The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world's premier military flight trainer. To date, the global fleet of 1,001 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has surpassed 5M flight hours across 13 nations and two flight schools. (Photo: Business Wire) The Beechcraft T-6C Texan II is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company. "Textron Aviation Defense is honored the Tunisian Air Force has chosen the world's best and most affordable military trainer - the legendry Beechcraft T-6C Texan II - as its next primary trainer," said Fouad Kasri, director of Sales & Strategy for Africa and the Middle East, Textron Aviation Defense. "Tunisia is the thirteenth nation to acquire the T-6 and has now taken delivery of the 1,001st T-6 manufactured by our team in Wichita. We are delighted to welcome yet another North African and Mediterranean allied nation to the distinguished group of global air forces who rely on the next-generation T-6 Integrated Training System to achieve their pilot training objectives." Textron Aviation Defense collaborated with the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and the U.S. Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron (AFSAT) to support the Tunisian Air Force's modernization and growth program. "Becoming a regional leader in military flight training excellence is one of the milestones on the path to achieving our counter-terrorism and border security mission requirements," said General Mohamed Hajjem, the Tunisian Air Force Chief of Staff. "We are grateful to Textron Aviation Defense, AFLCMC and AFSAT for supporting our acquisition of the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II, as well as our efforts to achieve territorial sovereignty and regional stability. This acquisition paves the way for additional bilateral engagements and strengthens our relationship with the United States." Textron Aviation Defense expects to deliver the second Tunisian Air Force T-6C in late 2022. The remaining six aircraft are slated for delivery in 2023. Training of the initial cadre of pilots began Oct. 31 at Textron Aviation Defense facilities in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, the Tunisian Air Force will rely upon TRU Simulation + Training Inc., an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc, for a suite of training devices and related support. The devices - slated for installation at Sfax Air Base - include a ground-based training system, an operational flight trainer and a computer-based training lab. About the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is the world's premier military flight trainer. To date, the global fleet of 1,001 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has surpassed 5M flight hours across 13 nations and two NATO flight schools. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the world's number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years. A vital asset, the T-6 empowers global pilot training across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flight Training program in Canada, the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT) at Sheppard AFB, Texas and the U.S. Air Force Aviation Leadership Program as well as the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard, the Hellenic Air Force, the Argentine Air Force, the Israeli Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Mexican Navy, the Mexican Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Colombian Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force and now the Tunisian Air Force. Proven experience, affordability Backed by more than 90 years of experience delivering more than 250,000 aircraft worldwide, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II's low acquisition, operating and sustainment costs enable global air forces to fast-track pilot production. With an installed base that more than quadruples its closest competitor, the family of Beechcraft T-6 Texan II aircraft has been the world's number one Integrated Training System (ITS) for more than 20 years. The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II capitalizes on an active production line with an industry-leading Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) rating of 10 as well as a proven supply chain and the affordability of 85 percent parts commonality with the Beechcraft AT-6E Wolverine. About Textron Aviation Defense LLC When military customers need airborne solutions for their critical missions, they turn to Textron Aviation Defense. With a legacy of thousands of proven Integrated Training Systems (ITS) and Integrated Weapon Systems (IWS) produced and missionized in America's Heartland since WWII, the family of Textron aircraft equip militaries worldwide with the lowest acquisition, sustainment and training costs on the market. Provider of the world's leading military flight trainer, the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II fleet of 1,001 aircraft has logged more than 5 million hours across two NATO military flight schools and thirteen countries worldwide since 2001. For more information, visit www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com. About Textron Aviation We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit www.txtav.com | www.defense.txtav.com | www.scorpionjet.com. About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: www.textron.com. Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, risks related to U.S. Government contracts as described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of our products; and volatility in the global economy or changes in worldwide political conditions that adversely impact demand for our products. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221031005760/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] VMware Unveils New Anywhere Workspace Updates Designed to Lower IT Burden, Improve Employee Experience VMware Explore 2022 Europe - IT teams are dealing with a new set of challenges in today's hybrid work environment. Employees use more devices, access more applications across more clouds, and work from more locations than ever. Today, VMware will announce new capabilities across its Anywhere Workspace platform to help further ease this management burden for IT teams and improve their productivity with automation. VMware Anywhere Workspace enables hybrid work using Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), VDI and DaaS, Digital Employee Experience (DEX), and Workspace Security. At VMware Explore US 2022, VMware outlined its vision for "autonomous workspaces" - the next evolution of managing digital workspaces, one that injects data science and automation across endpoint management, security and end-user experiences. Today's updates to VMware Anywhere Workspace - which span digital employee experience management, IT orchestration, and VMware Horizon Cloud - advance the capabilities needed to deliver on that vision. The latest enhancements to VMware Anywhere Workspace further incorporate intelligence and automation into every step of the process to simplify IT operations and enable a more secure and flexible digital employee experience. "Organizations are searching for a balance in the hybrid work model that enables successful remote work while preserving a creative culture that fosters innovation," said Shankar Iyer, senior vice president and general manager, End-User Computing, VMware. "To develop a successful hybrid working model, organizations need to automate how they deliver, manage and better secure hybrid workstyles. The enhancements we are announcing today to VMware Anywhere Workspace bring us one step closer to VMware's vision of delivering autonomous workspaces." DEX Solution Expanded to Support 3rd Party Managed Windows Devices Digital Employee Experience (DEX) capabilities have become a priority for organizations as they look to maintain employee engagement in a hybrid work environment. A recently commissioned Forrester Consulting study notes that enabling a superior employee experience requires four key components - experience measurement, analysis, experience delivery and remediation1. Today, VMware will broaden the coverage of its DEX solution to support Digital Employee Experience Management (DEEM) for third-party managed Windows devices. With this update, VMware will offer the industry's most holistic DEX solution spanning delivery, measurement, analysis, and remediation by now supporting multiple endpoint use cases and operating systems. With VMware's DEX solution in place, organizations can seamlessly manage the digital workspace experience for multiple endpoints and ease the transition to modern management by communicating with all employees and saving IT time and money. "Businesses must adapt to next-generation hybrid working environments, and we've seen a great deal of innovation sparked by this pivot. We value VMware as an innovation partner to help build and define the Orange Workplace Together offering," said Bob Smart, senior solutions expert, OBS. "Our managed service also enables a natural language, voice-based interface that directly integrates with Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub. Its development is a great example of working alongside the teams from VMware to improve employee experience, showing how we can leverage AI technology to support the new hybrid work requirements." Extend IT Systems with Workspace ONE Freestyle Orchestrator Workspace ONE Freestyle Orchestrator is a modern no-/low-code orchestration framwork designed to help IT teams automate complex and manual configuration tasks. New updates to Workspace ONE Freestyle Orchestrator will enable automation beyond device-based task-specific workflows within Workspace ONE to context-driven ticketing workflows that span 3rd party IT systems. With this expanded integration into 3rd party ticketing tools such as ServiceNow, Coupa and more, IT can benefit from intelligent, proactive ticketing. Beyond endpoint management, Freestyle Orchestrator drives proactive ticketing for IT and tackles various complex businesses processes, enabling further efficiency and agility for IT. VMware Horizon Cloud Next-Gen Now Extends to Hybrid Deployments, Receives FedRAMP Authorization Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions have become essential assets in the rise of remote and hybrid work. They allow IT admins to deploy and provision virtual desktops and accompanying apps quickly and easily, saving time and enabling productivity. Today, VMware will announce that Horizon 8 customers using new Horizon SaaS subscriptions will be able to use their on-premises and cloud deployments to connect to Horizon Cloud next-gen, enabling a hybrid cloud experience. Customers will have the flexibility of deploying virtual desktops and apps in Microsoft Azure with an option to also run Horizon 8 on-premises or in the cloud, while leveraging the lower costs and scale benefits of the Horizon Cloud next-gen platform. With a hybrid-cloud approach, IT can further broaden the scope of use cases their VDI and DaaS environments can cover, including HA/DR and cloud bursting. At VMware Explore 2022 US, VMware released the next-gen of Horizon Cloud for Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure. The next-gen platform uses a thin-edge architecture that helps reduce infrastructure costs by 70%, while increasing scalability by 150%2. Lastly, Horizon Cloud on Microsoft Azure has achieved Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) High Authorization through the Joint Authorization Board (JAB) and received its Authority to Operate (ATO) in Civilian agencies. In addition, VMware's Horizon Cloud authorization package is now with the U.S. Defense Information Security Agency (DISA), and a Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO) for U.S. Department of Defense Impact Level 5 is expected by end of the calendar year. Workspace ONE Mobile Threat Defense Supports Phishing and Content Protection Threats on mobile devices have doubled in the past year according to the Verizon Mobile Security Index3, and mobile devices are even more critical in today's anywhere work environment. Workspace ONE Mobile Threat Defense is built into VMware Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub, supporting customers by making activation of Mobile Threat Defense simpler, and protecting users no matter where and how they work. Now, customers will also be able to enable Phishing and Content Protection, coming soon as a Beta release. Phishing is the number one threat on mobile devices according to Verizon's Business 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report4, and Mobile Threat Defense with included Phishing and Content Protection helps protect users while still providing an optimum experience for employees. Additional Resources Read a perspective on today's news on the VMware End-User Computing blog Download the Forrester Consulting Study: Optimizing Digital Employee Experience for Anywhere Work Learn more about VMware Anywhere Workspace Follow VMware on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube VMware Cross-Cloud services Helps Customers Navigate the Multi-Cloud Era At VMware Explore 2022 Europe, VMware is unveiling new and enhanced offerings for VMware Cross-Cloud services to help customers navigate the multi-cloud era with freedom, flexibility, and security. VMware Cross-Cloud services are a portfolio of cloud services that deliver a unified and simplified way to build, operate, access, and better secure any application on any cloud from any device. VMware Cross-Cloud service pillars include 1) App Platform, 2) Cloud Management, 3) Cloud & Edge Infrastructure, 4) Security & Networking, and 5) Anywhere Workspace. For the latest news and more on how VMware is delivering a faster and smarter path to cloud for digital businesses, visit the VMware Explore 2022 Europe media kit. About VMware Explore VMware Explore is an evolution of the company's flagship conference, VMworld. VMware Explore aims to be the industry's go-to-event for all things multi-cloud. This year, it will feature industry-led solutions, technical sessions, an extensive ecosystem of 90% of the top cloud partners, a thriving marketplace of multi-cloud ISVs and several networking events. To learn more about VMware Explore, please visit: www.vmware.com/explore.html. About VMware VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMware's software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the company's 2030 Agenda. For more information, please visit www.vmware.com/company. VMware, VMware Anywhere Workspace, Explore, Workspace ONE, Horizon and VMworld are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. Forrester Consulting, Optimizing Digital Employee Experience for Anywhere Work, May 2, 2022 VMware Internal Analysis, Beta customer internal cost estimator, August 2022 Verizon, Verizon Mobile Security Index 2022, August 2, 2022 Verizon, Business 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, May 24, 2022 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005066/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Illustration: Chen Xia/GT (Global Times) What Washington is concerned about isn't the peace of Europe and Ukraine, but how to bring down Russia using Ukraine as a pawn and taking advantage of Europe, as well as how to consolidate its hegemony in Europe and across the whole world. The international community should discard any illusions about any of the US' moves which appear to promote peace. The Biden administration is privately encouraging Ukraine's leaders to signal an openness to negotiate with Russia and drop their public refusal to engage in peace talks unless Russian President Vladimir Putin is removed from power, according to people familiar with the discussions, the Washington Post reported on Saturday. Instead of relieving or addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Washington's main purpose is actually to adopt a new strategy diplomatically in which Ukraine can gain more lasting support from US' European allies in its conflict with Russia. Although encouraging Kiev to engage peace talks with Russia, Washington just hopes to see a fruitless result. The US intends to ensure that Ukraine holds the moral high ground amid the Ukraine crisis, in a bid to obtain more continuous assistance from US' allies in Europe, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times. Despite US' midterm elections to be held on Tuesday, the result is not difficult to predict. Joe Biden is anticipated to become a lame duck president and his government will be restrained in dealing with foreign policy affairs. Whether the Democratic Party loses the majority of the House of Representatives or both the House and Senate, even though the Biden administration's support for Ukraine, especially that in diplomacy, will not wane, Washington's aid to Kiev may be reduced or restricted. Just as the Washington Post report said, "In the US, polls show eroding support among Republicans for continuing to finance Ukraine's military at current levels, suggesting the White House may face resistance following Tuesday's midterm elections as it seeks to continue a security assistance program that has delivered Ukraine the largest such annual sum since the end of the Cold War." Releasing such source a few days before the midterm elections, Washington is to pave the way for the possible adjustment of US' aid to Ukraine, in an attempt to prolong the ongoing conflict. Under US' instigation, if Ukraine talks with Russia, the negotiations will end up as a failure as Ukraine can use the pretext that Russia could not meet Ukraine's conditions, and then the blame of the long-standing conflict between Russia and Ukraine can be passed to Russia. In this scenario, Ukraine will be regarded as the constructive side to the Ukraine crisis, while Russia the destructive one. As a result, Ukraine will gain more firm support and aid from US' European allies. The Biden administration hopes its European allies to fill in the gap resulted from US' reduction, according to a Beijing-based expert who asked for anonymity. Notably, US national-security adviser Jake Sullivan has engaged in recent months in confidential conversations with top aides to Putin, the Wall Street Journal cited US and allied officials. Instead of seeking peace, Washington's engagement with Russia is out of its intent to safeguard its own interest, that is, not to escalate the conflict into a war between the US and Russia, noted Song. The US does not want to see the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine end soon. For Russia, Ukraine, as well as Europe, the longer the crisis, the more detrimental for them; while for Washington, the longer the conflict, the more favorable position it will be in. In spite of European countries' economies and energy supply heavily hit by the ongoing crisis, they have to supply Ukraine with large amounts of military and financial aid. This is what Washington wants to achieve - exploiting Ukraine as a pawn to drag down Russia and Europe; and amid the whole process, the US merely pays a light price. [November 08, 2022] VMware Helps Platform Teams Get Cloud Smart with New Cloud Native App Modernization and Cloud Management Capabilities VMware Explore 2022 Europe-Adopting a multi-cloud strategy is essential to the success of modern enterprises, fueling growth and innovation by increasing flexibility while addressing necessary security and compliance requirements. In parallel, there is a rising need to consistently deliver, operationalize, and manage application sprawl across public and private clouds, or at edge locations to reign in exponentially growing complexity. Today at VMware Explore 2022 Europe, VMware (NYSE: VMW) will announce advancements to its VMware Tanzu cloud native app portfolio and VMware Aria cloud management platform to deliver a cloud smart approach to cloud native application development, delivery, and management that supports customers at every step of their journey, across any Kubernetes and across any cloud. "We know that no two application modernization journeys are alike, and organizations need freedom to select the right cloud, software artifacts, and services, for the right application, based on those individual application needs. But as businesses expand to new clouds to leverage unique services, the lack of skilled developers, Kubernetes expertise, security, compliance, and management complexity of operating across clouds are often cited as leading challenges," said Ajay Patel, senior vice president and general manager, Modern Apps & Management Business Group, VMware. "Platform teams need solutions that enable developer velocity, establish standard guardrails, and implement secure software pipelines to accelerate time to value, empower self-service, while unifying visibility and management to capitalize on the benefits of multi-cloud. Today's enhancements across VMware Tanzu, VMware Image Builder, and VMware Aria portfolios represent the latest milestone in VMware's commitment to supporting our customers' unique transformations with intelligent, holistic tools that deliver greater flexibility, consistency, and choice." Deliver Application Building Blocks for Developers to Align with Security and Compliance Requirements Open source is at the core of enterprise innovation with rapid adoption across enterprises in development, but use in production has slowed due to concerns on addressing security and lifecycle management, as reported in VMware's State of Secure Supply Chain Survey 2022.(1) To address the growing needs around managing the content that enters into the corporate software supply chain, VMware will announce the beta launch of VMware Image Builder, the Bitnami engine powering the automation behind the packaging, verification and distribution of VMware Application Catalog artifacts. VMware Image Builder is an API-first SaaS solution that enables automation of the creation of secure, trusted, and continuously maintained software artifacts in alignment with corporate compliance standards to publish to developers as building blocks in the development process. VMware Image Builder enables packaging artifacts into multiple formats (Containers, Helm, Carvel, OVA), followed by the ability to trigger a range of verification tests including compliance check, functional, performance tests and vulnerability scans on a variety of Kubernetes distributions and VMware vSphere across all major cloud platforms. Harness Any Kubernetes on Any Cloud with VMware Tanzu for Kubernetes Operations VMware's State of Kubernetes report(2) found that more than 40% of respondents utilize hybrid cloud models and 52% choose multiple public cloud vendors - revealing the state of cloud chaos many organizations are working to navigate. VMware's Tanzu for Kubernetes Operations helps teams enable the right Kubernetes environment anywhere while standardizing and simplifying the management and security of those applications and environments. At VMware Explore Europe, VMware will announce updates to key components of Tanzu for Kubernetes Operations - including VMware Tanzu Kubernetes Grid, VMware Tanzu Mission Control, and VMware Tanzu Service Mesh Advanced edition - to optimize operations for any Kubernetes at scale, running on any cloud or at the edge, helping customers achieve faster development cycles and time to market for the workloads their business depends on. The new VMware Tanzu enhancements make Kubernetes optimized for edge environments, provide consistent Kubernetes management to on-prem, air-gapped environments, and bring Kubernetes operations to more public clouds. Today, VMware will announce Tanzu Kubernetes Grid 2.1, which introduces support for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, in addition to existing support for AWS, Azure, and vSphere, giving customers even more flexibility and consistency in deployments along their multi-cloud journeys. VMware will also announce a new initiative to design and offer self-managed, private deployments of VMware Tanzu Mission Control, which provides automated, policy-driven management and security support to customers as they scale Kubernetes cluster deployments. Customers that must operate in on-premises and air-gapped environments can benefit from full control of their entire fleet of clusters and network infrastructure connectivity. In addition to these updates, Tanzu Service Mesh Advanced will include additional capabilities to allow operators to automatically discover Kubernetes clusters, enable onboarding of those clusters for secure connectivity, and take advantage of new GitOps support to further unify operations with Kubernetes clusters. Reimagine multi-cloud management with VMware Aria Hub, VMware Aria Graph As IT teams accelerate app development and leverage a multi-cloud environment, platform teams must increasingly rely on cost, performance, security, and configuration data - often sitting in disparate tools - to understand the complete characteristics of the application that they are building. New enhancements to VMware's Tanzu portfolio are complemented by new and expanded VMware Aria capabilities for cloud native application and multi-cloud management. Unveiled at VMware Explore U.S. in San Francisco, VMware Aria Graph is a graph-based data store technology that provides a near real-time map of applications and clouds with management insights from customers' existing VMware Aria solutions as well as federated third-party management tools. VMware Aria Graph is available within VMware Aria Hub, a new platform that provides centralized views and controls to manage the entire multi-cloud environment. Together, the VMware Aria portfolio, including VMware Aria Hub and VMware Aria Graph, deliver app-aware management to native public clouds and hybrid clouds that can empower customers to address challenges that span discipline, tools, and teams. Today at VMware Explore Europe, VMware is announcing the initial availability of a new free offering of VMware Aria Hub powered by VMware Aria Graph. This new free tier offering will enable customers to inventory, map, filter, and search resources from up to two of their native public cloud accounts in either Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure. The freemium offering will allow users to understand the relationships of their resources to other resources, policies, and other key components in their cloud environments. Additional free functionality will include visibility into CIS benchmark violation data coming from VMware Aria Automation for Secure Clouds as well as list price costing for resources coming from VMware Aria Cost powered by CloudHealth. With the free tier, customers will be able to manually curate applications to better understand dependencies and relationships of their business applications. Initial availability of this freemium offering is expected in VMware's Q4 FY23. VMware is also announcing the Beta availability of VMware Aria Migration. Previously announced as Tech Preview at VMware Explore in San Francisco, VMware Aria Migration is a new end-to-end service that can leverage VMware Aria Hub and VMware Aria Graph to accelerate and simplify the multi-cloud migration journey by automating assessment, planning, and execution. VMware Cross-Cloud services Helps Customers Navigate the Multi-Cloud Era At VMware Explore 2022 Europe, VMware is unveiling new and enhanced offerings for VMware Cross-Cloud services to help customers navigate the multi-cloud era with freedom, flexibility, and security. VMware Cross-Cloud services are a portfolio of cloud services that deliver a unified and simplified way to build, operate, access, and better secure any application on any cloud from any device. VMware Cross-Cloud service pillars include 1) App Platform, 2) Cloud Management, 3) Cloud & Edge Infrastructure, 4) Security & Networking, and 5) Anywhere Workspace. For the latest news and more on how VMware is delivering a faster and smarter path to cloud for digital businesses, visit the VMware Explore 2022 Europe media kit. About VMware Explore VMware Explore is an evolution of the company's flagship conference, VMworld. VMware Explore aims to be the industry's go-to-event for all things multi-cloud. This year, it will feature industry-led solution and technical sessions, an extensive ecosystem of 90% of the top cloud partners, a thriving marketplace of multi-cloud ISVs and several networking events. To learn more about VMware Explore, please visit: www.vmware.com/explore.html. About VMware VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMware software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the company's 2030 Agenda. For more information, please visit www.vmware.com/company. 1-VMware The State of the Software Supply Chain: Open Source Edition 2022, October 2022 2-VMWare State of Kubernetes Report 2022, April 2022 VMware, VMware Explore, and Tanzu are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. VMware makes no guarantee that services announced in preview or private beta will become available at a future date. The information in this press release is for informational purposes only and may not be incorporated into any contract. This article may contain hyperlinks to non-VMware websites that are created and maintained by third parties who are solely responsible for the content on such websites. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005452/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] VMware Unveils VMware Carbon Black XDR to Help Enterprises Strengthen Lateral Security VMware Explore 2022 Europe -VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW) today unveiled VMware Carbon Black XDR, which extends VMware's network visibility and detection to VMware Carbon Black Enterprise EDR, significantly improving threat detection and prevention across endpoints and networks. This new XDR solution greatly enhances lateral security by leveraging telemetry within VMware Contexa, a full-fidelity threat intelligence capability that observes the breadth of VMware's network, endpoint, and user technologies. Security teams can leverage VMware Carbon Black XDR to quickly identify threats across their environment and make better-informed decisions in applying prevention policies that leaves attackers nowhere to hide. "As multi-cloud environments grow in complexity, security teams are challenged with increasing sophistication and scale of attacks. They can no longer rely on disparate security approaches that leave blind spots in coverage," said Tom Gillis, senior vice president and general manager of VMware's Networking and Advanced Security business group. "With VMware Carbon Black XDR, we're advancing our leadership in lateral security for traditional and modern applications by enabling customers to inspect each endpoint, packet, and process across their environment." Introduced earlier this year, VMware Contexa records and processes over 1.5 trillion endpoint events and over 10 billion network flows daily(1), along with strategically curated threat intelligence data captured through technology partnerships. This rich context is further analyzed using machine learning and insights of over 500 researchers across VMware's Threat Analysis Unit and incident response partners. According to a recent Forrester study(2), 3 in 4 organizations have not yet adopted XDR, but 27% are planning to in the next 12 months. The study found that early adopters of XDR benefited from atomation, unified detection from tools, and an increased ROI, which makes them believe that the market for XDR will mature and be the way of the future. The early adopters of XDR also found that XDR complements other technologies in their tech stack, allowing their employees to focus on more targeted attacks. VMware Carbon Black XDR is available in early access to select customers. To apply to the Early Access Program, customers can contact the security specialist team, or sign up here. VMware Cross-Cloud services Helps Customers Navigate the Multi-Cloud Era At VMware Explore 2022 Europe, VMware is unveiling new and enhanced offerings for VMware Cross-Cloud services to help customers navigate the multi-cloud era with freedom, flexibility, and security. VMware Cross-Cloud services are a portfolio of cloud services that deliver a unified and simplified way to build, operate, access, and better secure any application on any cloud from any device. VMware Cross-Cloud service pillars include 1) App Platform, 2) Cloud Management, 3) Cloud & Edge Infrastructure, 4) Security & Networking, and 5) Anywhere Workspace. For the latest news and more on how VMware is delivering a faster and smarter path to cloud for digital businesses, visit the VMware Explore 2022 Europe media kit. About VMware Explore VMware Explore is an evolution of the company's flagship conference, VMworld. VMware Explore aims to be the industry's go-to-event for all things multi-cloud. This year, it will feature industry-led solution and technical sessions, an extensive ecosystem of 90% of the top cloud partners, a thriving marketplace of multi-cloud ISVs and several networking events. To learn more about VMware Explore, please visit: www.vmware.com/explore.html. About VMware VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMware software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the company's 2030 Agenda. For more information, please visit www.vmware.com/company. 1-VMware Internal Analysis, May 2022 2-A commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of VMware, July 2022 VMware, Explore, Carbon Black, and Contexa are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. This article may contain hyperlinks to non-VMware websites that are created and maintained by third parties who are solely responsible for the content on such websites. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005073/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] VMware Accelerates Innovation and Digital Transformation in Sovereign Clouds with New Sovereign-Ready Solutions VMware Explore 2022 Europe-VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW) today announced the number of VMware Sovereign Cloud providers has more than doubled to 25 partners globally. VMware is also announcing VMware Tanzu on sovereign cloud, VMware Aria Operations Compliance pack for sovereign clouds, and new open ecosystem solutions. Together these new Sovereign SaaS innovations will enable partners to deliver services equivalent to those found in public clouds, while also better assuring data is protected, compliant, and resident within national territories. With sovereign SaaS, VMware Sovereign Cloud Providers can build highly differentiated solutions to capture modern workloads, simplify operations with continuous compliance monitoring, and support data monetization with lower risk. The VMware Sovereign Cloud Framework and associated capabilities that make up the VMware Sovereign Cloud Initiative are aligned with Gaia-X and other global data sovereignty regulations to further simplify the delivery of sovereign clouds. New VMware Sovereign Cloud providers include Advanced Wireless Network Co., Ltd., Fundaments B.V., Hitachi, Ltd., Macquarie Government, National Information Center, NCS PTE Ltd., PT Aplikanusa Lintsarta, Tata Communications Limited and Credence. Hear what these partners have to say about the importance of sovereign cloud. VMware is now building a portfolio of sovereign SaaS offerings. Partners deliver sovereign SaaS natively using VMware software running in their sovereign cloud data centers, completely disconnected from the public Internet. All data remains resident and exists only within a given sovereign region, with no access by foreign jurisdictions, no data or metadata leaves the country or provider. "There is no data sovereignty without cloud sovereignty. And sovereignty does not have to come at the expense of cloud innovation," said Rajeev Bhardwaj, vice president, cloud provider platform solutions, VMware. "With our new sovereign cloud innovations, we're again setting the agenda by bringing SaaS services into sovereign environments. This will enable VMware Sovereign Cloud providers to help their customers innovate and drive digital transformation while reducing the risk of unlocking the value of data." VMware Tanzu on Sovereign Cloud Highly regulated customers recognize the strategic need to modernize applications to improve customer engagement with enhanced security, efficiency, and resiliency. Containers and Kubernetes offer a pathway to modernization. With VMware Tanzu on sovereign cloud, organizations can build, run, manage, and better secure modern applications consistently on sovereign cloud infrastructure with enterprise Kubernetes built in. The Tanzu portfolio simplifies platform operations and frees developers to move faster and access the right resources for building the best applications. Sovereign-ready Tanzu is delivered by partners natively from their sovereign cloud data centers, completely disconnected from the Internet. VMware Tanzu on sovereign cloud includes: Tanzu Kubernetes Grid: VMware's enterprise-ready, Kubernetes runtime provides customers with simplified installation, automated multi-cluster operations, and integrated platform services. Carvel-based tooling provides a set of reliable, single-purpose, composable tools that aid in application building, configuration, and deployment to Kubernetes. For sovereign clouds, Tanzu Kubernetes Grid includes open source components such as Fluent Bit, Prometheus, Grafana, and Contour that offer monitoring and ingress capabilities. Organizations can observe and adapt based on open-source metrics, traces and logs which display where Kubernetes cluster failures may arise, and better ensure traffic is safe and allowed. Tanzu Application Platform: Sovereign-ready Tanzu Application Platform provides development teams with the tools and services they need to get their code to production faster and more securely. Tanzu Application Platform has added air-gapped installation for enhanced security and compliance in sovereign cloud environments. Developer productivity has been enhanced with the addition of Dynamic API spec registration using the Backstage API plugin to more securely automate publishing, consumption, and collaboration on APIs for software development. A new, centralized vulnerability monitoring dashboard will aid app teams with their pre-deployment security checks and secure app deployments. Tanzu Application Platform has added support for Red Hat OpenShift, Jenkins, and Carbon to expand the footprint of ecosystem integrations. Tanzu Mission Control: Sovereign-ready Tanzu Mission Control will provide policy-based cluster automation and management at scale for better visibility, control and security for operators, more consistency and speed for DevOps, and flexibility and autonomy for dvelopers. Tanzu Mission Control will enable sovereign cloud partners to benefit from full Kubernetes visibility while maintaining full control over their network infrastructure connectivity. Simplified Kubernetes cluster management from a single control plane will help eliminate cumbersome and time-consuming tasks to streamline operations. VMware is working to add support for private deployments of Tanzu Mission Control in sovereign cloud environments. The solution is in private beta today. VMware Data Solutions: VMware Data Solutions (formerly Tanzu Data Services) support compliant and conformant data management. Customers have access to a self-service user interface and API for lifecycle management of these services so they can tune their instances for optimal performance of their applications. VMware RabbitMQ is a lightweight and easy-to-deploy message broker that supports multiple messaging protocols and can be deployed in distributed and federated configurations to meet high-scale, high-availability requirements. VMware SQL is a relational database service providing cost-efficient and flexible deployments on-demand, at scale, while automating time-consuming administration. VMware Data Solutions are integrated with VMware Cloud Director, further simplifying operations and deployment to sovereign cloud environments. VMware RabbitMQ is available and VMware SQL is in preview with more services to come. VMware Aria Operations for Sovereign Clouds VMware Aria Operations Compliance pack for sovereign clouds provides continuous compliance monitoring, reporting, remediation, and automation capabilities that help partners remain compliant with both regulatory benchmarks and VMware Sovereign Cloud guidelines. Sovereign-ready Aria Operations provides comprehensive capabilities across availability, performance, capacity management, cost management, and compliance for infrastructure or applications. VMware Aria Operations Compliance packs include out-of-the-box regulatory compliance kits, configuration checks, and reporting based on the 20-point Sovereign controls such as microsegmentation, data at rest and in-transit encryption, and ISO 27000 compliance. Full integration with VMware Cloud Director and a unified dashboard provide an automated and efficient way to demonstrate compliance across the complete sovereign cloud infrastructure. VMware is announcing initial availability for VMware Aria Operations Compliance pack for sovereign clouds. Open Ecosystem Solutions for Sovereign Clouds Working with its open ecosystem partners, VMware has delivered third-party offerings from partners such as Cloudian, Veeam and Fortanix for Object Storage, ransomware protection, backup/recovery, and key management. These services are tightly integrated with VMware Cloud Director for multi-tenant deployment and a seamless user experience. VMware continues to build this open ecosystem with the unveiling of the following new partner services: Risk and Compliance management: VMware has collaborated with Caveonix to deliver a fully integrated security, compliance, and governance platform within the sovereign domain to manage the data sovereignty compliance requirements of sovereign cloud. The platform continuously monitors and assesses the security and compliance posture of the VMware environment to help ensure immediate reporting and mitigation of any drift, thus protecting all data assets stored in the sovereign cloud. Data Lakehouse as a Service: VMware Tanzu Greenplum, a massively parallel processing (MPP) data warehouse platform, seamlessly integrates with Cloudian HyperStore S3-compatible object storage to deliver the same data lakehouse architectures available in public clouds to sovereign clouds. This VMware-certified solution enables new efficiencies and savings and is ideal for the creation and deployment of advanced analytics models for complex enterprise applications. Customers can vary the number of compute nodes running Greenplum or storage nodes running HyperStore elastically, independently, and on-demand, allowing customers flexibility and better economics within the sovereign cloud environment. "For years, OVHcloud has developed a strong partnership VMware," said Thierry Souche, chief technology officer, OVHcloud. "With the strengths of our common offering in the field of Hosted Private cloud, we now embrace a new step with the deployment of sovereign-ready Tanzu in a completely trusted and isolated mode that protects data all along its lifecycle. Building on this unique commitment among the world's leading cloud technology players, we are very proud to deploy best in class solutions that will address cloud native application and platform needs with cutting edge solutions. Data sovereignty has never been more important for IT decision makers in Europe, and we're pleased to further expand our portfolio to help them seize the full potential of a trusted cloud." "We have now established foundational sovereign cloud capabilities in our Nordic data center network for our customers and are actively taking existing and new customers to this new modern solution," said Alberto Valero, Head of Technology & Growth for Tietoevry Connect. "We see that the next logical step for us to help our customers in their digitalization transformation is to provide for them the Tanzu Application Portfolio. With Tanzu Application Platform, customers get a very comprehensive tool set supported by our professional services to significantly improve their ability to boost their data driven ecosystems. We are really excited about the possibilities these bring to power up the data economy in the digital sovereign context." Sovereign Clouds and the Delicate Dance of Data Monetization vs. Data Sovereignty1 New research conducted by Vanson Bourne and commissioned by VMware reveals that over the next two years, 96% of all companies surveyed believe data will be a source of revenue, and 50% believe it will be a significant revenue source. As economic uncertainty intensifies, it is not surprising that more business leaders are zeroing in on their data as an untapped revenue source. Yet the downside is just as big: respondents identified data sovereignty as one of the key challenges facing organizations with 95% admitting it is a concern. Organizations that fail to comply with data-sovereignty regulations often must pay fines in the hundreds of millions of dollars and suffer damage to brand reputation because of data compromise. Today, 100+ countries have their own laws governing how data should be managed and stored within their sovereign borders, and most of these regulations are changing constantly. VMware Sovereign Cloud Providers offer their customers a safer path forward in de-risking data monetization. Read the full report here. About VMware Explore VMware Explore is an evolution of the company's flagship conference, VMworld. VMware Explore aims to be the industry's go-to event for all things multi-cloud. This year, it will feature industry-led solution and technical sessions, an extensive ecosystem of 90% of the top cloud partners, a thriving marketplace of multi-cloud ISVs and several networking events. To learn more about VMware Explore, please visit: www.vmware.com/explore.html. About VMware VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMware software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the company's 2030 Agenda. For more information, please visit www.vmware.com/company. 1) "Multi-Cloud Maturity Research Report," Vanson Bourne, October 2022. VMware, Explore, Tanzu, RabbitMQ, VMware Aria, Greenplum, and VMworld are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions. VMware makes no guarantee that services announced in preview or private beta will become available at a future date. The information in this press release is for informational purposes only and may not be incorporated into any contract. This article may contain hyperlinks to non-VMware websites that are created and maintained by third parties who are solely responsible for the content on such websites. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005074/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Hinojosa commits to decarbonisation, sustainable management and contribution of social value during 2021 VALENCIA, Spain, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hinojosa Packaging Group has presented its Sustainability Report 2021: "Adding value to what's inside", which records its achievements in the economic, social and environmental fields, as well as the quantifiable objectives for 2023. It outlines CSR initiatives that seek to minimize its carbon footprint, to guarantee sustainable management and to contribute value to society. These initiatives are based on its Strategic Plan 2021-2023, "Be Stronger" and are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals n 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12 y 13. At a time of growth at Hinojosa, boosted by the integration of the French group Allard Emballages, the company has defined its shared purpose of advancing the common good with sustainable packaging solutions. This fifth edition has been prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiaive model (GRI) and verified by AENOR. Decarbonisation strategy Thanks to the initiatives promoted in recent years as part of its decarbonisation strategy, Hinojosa has reduced its carbon footprint by 26.1% in 2021, a positive result following the acquisition of Allard Emballages. It has also increased the use of renewable raw materials to 98.9% and has obtained the AENOR 'Zero Waste' referential for two of its plants, being the first company in the sector to receive it. Moreover, 95.6% of their waste has been destined for recovery operations. The company also developed a carbon footprint calculator for customers that measures the environmental impact of its products. A commitment to the people Hinojosa has promoted initiatives to develop internal talent with a positive impact on society, such as the second cycle of Dual Vocational Training in Graphic Printing. It has also carried out more than 480 training activities, translated to 36,954 learning hours for employees. Two programmes stand out: the HiTalent programme, which works on management skills, and the Metatop Campus, on business skills. Working with communities This year, Hinojosa has started a corporate volunteering programme at three of its plants, which it intends to extend to the rest of the group. Furthermore, Hinojosa collaborated with NGOs such as Caritas and the Red Cross in charity campaigns. At the same time, it has improved its scores in Ecovadis, Sedex and CDP; rating platforms for social, environmental, and ethical practices and responsibility. For further information: Angie Besoain [email protected] (+34) 683505648 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1940985/Hinojosa.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hinojosa-commits-to-decarbonisation-sustainable-management-and-contribution-of-social-value-during-2021-301671177.html SOURCE Hinojosa [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Organizers of what will be Minnesota's first Black-Led Community Credit Union conducted their "official" organizers meeting On Oct. 27, The Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP), along with the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) hosted the official Arise Community Credit Union Organization Meeting. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005197/en/ Minneapolis credit union community organizers host official meeting to create Minnesota's first Black-led community credit union. (Photo: Business Wire) The seven community organizers of Arise met to elect the membership; elect the credit union's board, supervisory and credit committees; and approve the credit union's by-laws. Afterward, the credit union's board of directors proceeded with its first official meeting to chart the future of the organzation. With completion of these final steps, the Association for Black Economic Power finalized the credit union's charter and insurance applications and submitted them to the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the National Credit Union Administration on Oct. 31. To support ABEP in this effort, last year the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation set out to raise $1 million in capital from support of the credit union community. The Foundation is pleased to announce the goal was reached this past month, with $1,083,600 in capital contributions raised. "ABEP and the new Arise Community Credit Union leadership are extremely proud and humbled to be a part of this momentous occasion," said Debra Hurston, Executive Director of ABEP. "We are witnessing history, and are extremely grateful for the support and dedication of so many who worked to reach this milestone." The initiative will now move onto its next phase - strategically planning and beginning to implement critical items from the proposed credit union's business plan while awaiting responses from regulators on the charter application. ABOUT ABEP: The Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP) is a nonprofit organization created to establish a Black-led financial institution to address systemic financial challenges impacting Minneapolis residents, particularly people of color. This vision was birthed from North Minneapolis community members who strongly believe that institutional economic power is the critical ingredient to addressing the inequities blacks experience in Minnesota. Additionally, as a community development organization, ABEP seeks to impact the underserving communities it serves from the standpoint of affordable housing, workforce development, and small business acceleration opportunities. Learn more at: https://abepmpls.org/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005197/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] RoboSense Launched E1, A High-Performance Flash Solid-State LiDAR and Debuted A Smart Manufacturing System with An Annual Output of A Million Units RoboSense, a world-leading provider of Smart LiDAR Sensor Systems, held a new product launch and Tech Day event. During the conference, RoboSense officially launched RS-LiDAR-E1 (E1), a flash solid-state LiDAR that sees 360 based on its in-house, custom developed chips and flash technology platform. Also debuted was the only China National Accreditation Service (CNAS) recognized on-board LiDAR lab of the industry to date, and held the unveiling ceremony of the smart manufacturing joint venture, Luxsense, jointly with Luxshare-ICT, a domestic leading electronics manufacturer. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005666/en/ RoboSense Tech Day Launched E1, A High-Performance Flash Solid-State LiDAR and Debuted A Smart Manufacturing System with An Annual Output of A Million Units (Graphic: Business Wire) RoboSense launched E1, the first automotive-grade flash solid-state LiDAR. It serves as a new product platform featuring area array transceiver technology with application-specific developed chips as the core. E1 is designed for large-scale series production with a simple bill of materials including no moving parts, and excels in all the three aspects of detection performance, cost efficiency and automotive-grade safety and reliability of LiDARs. As a key piece to realizing the core functions of autonomous driving, E1 will assist partners to further bridge the gap in smart driving perception and improve the all-scenario perception capability of automated and autonomous vehicles. 4 core features of E1 Horizontal FOV of 120, which ensures 360 coverage area without blind zone using minimum sensors. Vertical FOV is designed to be 90, to allow the perception area to cover both blind zones on the ground and lateral vision. Ultra-high frame rates of over 25Hz, capturing target objects' motion states and predicting their moves faster. Detection range of 30m @10%, which enables better perception planning control. E1 uses RoboSense's first in-house, custom chips for flash solid-state LiDAR platform and its first 2D electronic scanning technology. With highly integrated chips that incorporate the three core components of transmission, reception, and processing, E1 greatly streamlines the circuit design and production processes, creating the performance and cost advantages necessary for the durability and reliability requirements of blind spot LiDARs in the automotive market. To ensure product performance and rapidly improve production capacity, RoboSense launched the first and only CNAS certified LiDAR lab to analyze LiDAR and their components and developed a complementary smart manufacturing system to produce this high-tech, precision sensor. During the event, leaders of RoboSense and Luxshare jointly held the unveiling ceremony of Luxsense. Investment in the first phase of RoboSense smart manufacturing system exceeded 1 billion RMB cumulatively; the plant area exceeds 55,000 square meters including nearly 20 automated production lines built with highly intelligent production software to achieve a top-level production efficiency of "a LiDAR every 12 seconds" and guarantees capacity by connecting our Shenzhen, Dongguan and Guangzhou plants. Additionally, RoboSense announced a new strategic financing round which attracted top industry investors. In particular, industry investors in this new financing round include car companies with self-owned brands, emerging automakers, top luxury supercar brands, leading commercial vehicle companies, supply chain pioneers and the tier 1 institutions. Greatly empowered by capital investments from the industry, RoboSense gained unprecedented momentum and sustainability. About RoboSense RoboSense (Suteng Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.) is a world-leading provider of Smart LiDAR Sensor Systems. With a complete portfolio of LiDAR sensors, AI perception and IC chipsets, RoboSense transforms conventional 3D LiDAR sensors with comprehensive data analysis and interpretation systems. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005666/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Assert AI Secures $2 Million to Accelerate AI Product Development through Computer Vision India's pioneering tech Start-up Assert AI has raised $2 Million via Equity funding to expand business in the US and build specific capabilities in the agribusiness domain. The funding will fast-track AI product development to automate detection, security and workflow management through computer vision. MUMBAI, India, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Be it warehousing, agri-storage, logistics & transportation, manufacturing, pharma & healthcare, retail or traffic management, and parking system; most operations remain manually operated even in 2022. Addressing this, Mumbai-based start-up Assert AI has the vision to automate operations, and ensure scalability, security, and actionable business intelligence for businesses of different sizes and types. The company has raised $2 Million via Equity funding to expand business in the US and build specific capabilities in the agribusiness domain. The funding will fast-track AI product development to automate detection, security, and workflow management through computer vision. Assert AI is an award-winning start-up that offers solutions to India's leading ports, manufacturing and logistics companies, banks/ ATMs, and retail chains. Some of their key solutions include face recognition, object detection, weapon detection in high-risk areas, docks utilization, packet counting in warehouses, and safety gear detection, among others. Co-Founder Job Philip explains, "Assert AI has created a niche in various segments by creating state-of-the-art AI solutions. Our solutions are compatible with all different models of CCTV cameras available in the market today. We have both edge and cloud deployment models enabling us to cater to a vast variety of customer needs." Assert AI has not only raised funds through industry veterans, but Arya.ag , India's largest integrated grain commerce platform and a client of Assert AI, has also participated in this round. The agritech start-up already offers its users real-time tracking of their Agri commodity, providing complete assurance on quantity, quality, and payments. Apart from Arya.ag, the AI start-up has also raised funds from Prashant Purker, Ex-MD & CEO of ICICI Venture. The lead equity investor Prashant Purker feels, "Assert AI has developed cutting-edge AI technology that has the potential to solve a multitude of industry problems." Prasanna Rao, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Arya.ag, said, "Assert AI is uniquely placed to solve customer needs around video analytics. In fragmented agri value chains, assurance is essential to bridge the trust gap. With the partnership with Assert AI, Arya.ag intends to strengthen its blockchain offerings and AI & deep tech vision for unprecedented visibility and assurance for its storage, financing, and commerce offerings." Computer Vision, in particular, gives the machines a pair of eyes and the sense of sight through ML algorithms. It is deployed across several areas allowing automatic annotation of images and video data with the help of trained models developed using ML. Deploying computer vision, Assert AI generates data that never existed before, thereby helping organizations look at their operations in entirely different ways. About Assert AI Assert AI is one of the pioneers in India to drive the shift towards automation, security, and efficiency amidst various degrees of complexities through Computer Vision. Started by Job Philip and Nitin Jain, the firm currently employs over fifty people with offices across Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Chicago. Know more: assertai.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941504/Assert_AI.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Nextech AR's Toggle-3D Disrupting The Rapidly Growing CAD-3D Model Market Nextech AR Solutions Corp. ("Nextech" or the "Company") (OTCQB: NEXCF) (CSE: NTAR) (FSE: N29), a Metaverse Company and leading provider of augmented reality ("AR") experience technologies, wayfinding technologies and 3D model services is pleased to announce multiple platform development updates to its Toggle3D Design Studio. Launched in September, Toggle3D is an AR enhanced standalone web application which enables product designers, 3D artists, marketing professionals and eCommerce site owners to create, customize and publish high-quality 3D models and experiences without any technical or 3D design knowledge required. The Company believes that Toggle3D is the first platform of its kind, and this break-through SaaS product is a potential game changer for the manufacturing and design industry, as it provides a viable solution to convert large CAD files into lightweight 3D models at affordable prices and at scale. According to BIS Research, the CAD market, quantified by the amount spent on the creation of CAD files, is projected to reach $11 Billion dollars by 2023. CEO Evan Gappelberg commented, "I'm super excited with these new developments of our flagship SaaS platform Toggle3D which is set to disrupt the $11 billion CAD market. We believe that Toggel3D will drive a significant amount of revenue and value for Nextech shareholders as we are quickly moving out of Beta where we are getting incredibly positive feedback, to a full commercial launch later this month." Since its Beta launch, Toggle3D has been successfully attracting and working with early adopters as the development of the platform continues. This early adopter group includes manufactures, production agencies, design agencies, industrial software companies and XR startups. These users are looking for a 3D modeling creation workspace for use-cases such as prototyping, design decision-making, content population in XR scenes and marketing applications. The user personas are business owners, graphic designers, 3D artists, product designers, marketing teams, and operations teams that are all either looking to replace their legacy platforms because they are no longer meeting their needs, are new to the 3D ecosystem, or are facing 3D creation bottlenecks and are looking for a more scalable solution. Watch a video showcasing the Toggle3D platform - click here Product Development Updates: Material Creation: Toggle will be releasing a new template in the platform for material creation. Recreating a material from scratch today can take anywhere from 120-240 minutes depending on its complexity and the artist's experience. Now imagine if you have 5X or even 10X materials on a simple object it could take days to finish. In Toggle3D, we have developed a break-through PBR material creation flow that reduces the time from hours or days to minutes. From start to finish it les anyone transform a 2D reference image into a high-quality realistic PBR material with no technical experience necessary from the user. This is possible due to the generation and training of advanced learning algorithms that have been brewing in NextechAR's research and development hub for some time now. Toggle will be releasing a new template in the platform for material creation. Recreating a material from scratch today can take anywhere from 120-240 minutes depending on its complexity and the artist's experience. Now imagine if you have 5X or even 10X materials on a simple object it could take days to finish. In Toggle3D, we have developed a break-through PBR material creation flow that reduces the time from hours or days to minutes. From start to finish it les anyone transform a 2D reference image into a high-quality realistic PBR material with no technical experience necessary from the user. Supports NEW File Formats & Expanding CAD Conversion Capabilities: Toggle3D will be able to welcome new file format imports and will introduce improvements to its CAD file management. With the goal of simplifying this process, we are employing logic that allows parts from CAD conversions to be automatically named, grouped and filtered in a way that decreases the file organization flow effort by more than 200%. Toggle3D will be able to welcome new file format imports and will introduce improvements to its CAD file management. With the goal of simplifying this process, we are employing logic that allows parts from CAD conversions to be automatically named, grouped and filtered in a way that decreases the file organization flow effort by more than 200%. Advanced Editing Features: We have introduced three NEW tools: A Lighting Environment : This is a pre-set lighting library that allows users to change between environments to see how materials would look in different settings. Advanced Material Property Editing : Users can adjust the roughness, glossiness, transparency, and intensity of a material finish to best match their desired output. This can be done on any materials in the preset library , or any materials created in the new template. Adjustment of UV Settings : This allows a user to change the way a texture looks on the model regarding size, rotation and position of the pattern We have introduced three tools: NEW Branding Underway: Toggle 3D has a new logo and is undergoing a UX/UI lift that streamlines the user workflow. Top Three Competitive Advantages of Toggle 3D Versus 3D Legacy Software Generating $10 Billion In Revenue 1. NO Learning Curve: What makes Toggle3D different from the legacy 3D design software is its ease-of-use and democratization of 3D design. The goal is for anyone with no prior technical or 3D design experience to be able to hop into the platform and create a high-quality 3D visual in minutes. This is unlike legacy 3D modeling systems, that require months to truly feel comfortable with. Users would first be required to learn and understand the industry lingo, learn what the tools do and then learn how to use them in the legacy software. Meanwhile, we have streamlined this process in Toggle3D by "humanizing" 3D design terminology, creating templates to guide creation and simplifying the tools using machine learning to transfer the complexity out of the user experience into the backend platform, and instead allow more room for creativity. 2. Web-based: Toggle3D is a web-based design studio which means the user can access everything on the browser and start designing instantly. No desktop downloads involved, no updates to keep track of, and no system requirements to worry about. All the templates are organized into project panels that a user can access anywhere and seamlessly navigate between. This is different from how legacy software were built back in the day with the software package being broken out into multiple desktop apps that would require the user to understand system compatibility, download, sync, and learn independently. 3. Collaboration: Toggle3D will allow advanced, in-app collaboration. These new sets of features will allow multiple users to work at the same time and on the same project resulting in quick feedback and decision making cross-department, and team. These tools will allow businesses to adopt 3D organization-wide and unlock the power of group iteration. Users could set up workflows, permissions, and version history to keep up with real-time design changes. These advanced collaboration cycles are harder to set up in desktop apps and may sometimes slowdown or isolate the design workflow. About Toggle3D Toggle3D is a breakthrough standalone AR enhanced web application which enables product designers, 3D artists, marketing professionals and eCommerce site owners to create, customize and publish high-quality 3D models and experiences without any technical or 3D design knowledge required. Toggle3D is a completely self-serve platform that contains an extensive pre-built library of high-quality over 1000 PBR materials. Toggle3D makes things easy, with a friendly user interface that works for the user and makes the entire 3D journey seamless and predictable. The user is fully in control of their design output. CEO Evan Gappelberg joined the Wall Street Reporter's NEXT SUPER STOCK for a livestream event, where he discussed the new Toggle3D product and provided a live demo of the platform. Watch the replay - click here Sign up for the Toggle3D platform - click here To learn more, please follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit our website: https://www.Nextechar.com. About Nextech AR Nextech AR Solutions is the engine accelerating the growth of the Metaverse. Using breakthrough AI, Nextech AR is able to quickly, easily and affordably ARitize (transform) vast quantities and varieties of existing assets at scale making products, people and places ready for interactive 3D use, giving creators at every level all the essential tools they need to build out their digital AR vision in the Metaverse. Our platform agnostic tools allow brands, educators, students, manufacturers, creators, and technologists to create immersive, interactive and the most photo-realistic 3D assets and digital environments, compose AR experiences, and publish them omnichannel. With a full suite of end-to-end AR solutions in 3D Commerce, Education, Events, and Industrial Manufacturing, Nextech AR is in a unique position to meet the needs of the world's biggest brands and all Metaverse contributors. Forward-looking Statements The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005406/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] IGEL and VMware Simplify Secure Access to Windows 365 Cloud PC IGEL OS Offers Seamless, Native Support for Windows 365 on VMware Horizon Cloud, Resulting in a Secure, High-Performance User Experience BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- IGEL , provider of the managed endpoint operating system for secure access to any digital workspace, today announced from VMware Explore Europe that it natively supports VMware Horizon Cloud for Windows 365 Cloud PC. As an Advanced Tier member of the VMware Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program, IGEL has collaborated with VMware in validating the integration of IGEL OS with VMware Horizon Cloud to deliver a high-performance user experience when using Windows 365 Cloud PC. Available now natively in IGEL OS, users that deploy this purpose-built endpoint operating system for VMware Horizon Cloud workspaces to access Windows 365 Cloud PC will experience an immersive, high-definition experience that supports advanced unified communication, graphics, and advanced multimedia applications. It also seamlessly supports IGEL-enabled unified management and control, security, and cost efficiency while benefitting end-users with a rich Windows experience from the cloud. "IGEL, VMware and Microsoft are a powerful combination for EUC environments that are ready to upgrade their virtual desktops to embrace true Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) agility," said Jim Airdo, Senior Vice President, IGEL Ready Strategic Alliances, IGEL. "Through our deep development partnership with VMware we have optimized IGEL OS' integration with VMware Horizon for an immersive, rewarding user experience when using Windows 365 Cloud PC." "Today's work requires a digital workspace that's available at any time and place, and on any device," said Terry Vaughn, Director, EUC Global Business Development and Microsoft Go to Market, VMware. "There is truly no better way to achieve this than with IGEL on the edge, and VMware Horizon to access cloud desktops such as Windows 365 Cloud PC. Together, IGEL, VMware, and Microsoft are delivering a simple and productive experience, regardless of the hardware users choose." This latest IGEL development with VMware adds to a long-standing technology partnership between the two companies. The companies previously partnered to integrate IGEL OS with VMware Horizon 2106 Microsoft Teams optimization for Linux for high-fidelity connectivity and collaboration using IGEL OS-powered endpoints. In addition, IGEL announced its first validation of IGEL OS with VMware Horizon 8 in December 2020 and continues to maintain an Advanced tier membership in VMware's Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program. VMware is also a strategic member of the IGEL Ready technology partner program which validates and verifies interoperability of EUC solutions. IGEL OS support for VMware Horizon Cloud for Windows 365 Cloud PC will be showcased this week during VMware Explore Europe, in Barcelona on stand 509. IGEL Principal Systems Engineer Ben Ward will also be presenting during the event on how VMware Horizon and IGEL can simultaneously help save our planet, reduce carbon footprint, save you money and still deliver a rich, secure work from anywhere experience. The session, "The Planet Called. It Needs Our Help," will be held on Wednesday, November 9 at 17:30 CET. For more information on the value of using IGEL and VMware together, please visit: https://www.igel.com/vmware. You can also hear more on the value of the IGEL, VMware Horizon and Microsoft combination in this video. IGEL on Social Media Twitter: www.twitter.com/IGEL_Technology Facebook: www.facebook.com/igel.technology LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/igel-technology YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/IGELTechnologyTV IGEL Community: www.igel.com/community About IGEL Today, the world of work is hybrid. Multiple clouds can deliver applications sourced from anywhere to a widely distributed workforce using all types of devices. Right at the moment when the world of work needs it most, IGEL has the solution for fully managed, secure endpoint access to any digital workspace that gives IT teams strong control and end-users the freedom to work as they wish in a hybrid world. Enabling choice of any cloud, from any device, anywhere, IGEL unlocks a collaborative and productive end user computing experience while solving the common security and management challenges required to compete and win in today's world of hybrid work. With a growing ecosystem of more than 100 IGEL Ready technology partners, IGEL has offices in Europe and the United States and is represented by partners in over 50 countries. For more information on IGEL, visit www.igel.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/igel-and-vmware-simplify-secure-access-to-windows-365-cloud-pc-301670918.html SOURCE IGEL Technology [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Panduit Asia Pacific Establishes New Structured Cabling Lab Centre With Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Singapore to Launch Future Careers SINGAPORE, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Panduit Asia Pacific, a world-class provider of engineered, flexible, end-to-end electrical and network connectivity infrastructure solutions, has partnered with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) in Singapore to launch a new structured cabling lab centre, the ITE-Panduit Centre for Information Network Infrastructure Solutions. This new facility continues the fruitful partnership between Panduit Aia Pacific and ITE Singapore to train students across Asia Pacific for careers in information network infrastructure. Students will experience hands-on training at the facility and receive valuable education on the vital and in-demand skills needed to prepare them for the future within the fast-moving industry. Having the opportunity to upskill in the areas of constructing communication network infrastructures in data centres, campuses and buildings, and communications distribution design, installation, termination, and documentation, while learning from professionals in the field will help students stand out as prospective new hires once they are ready to join the workforce. Empowering people through education The opening of the ITE-Panduit Centre for Information Network Infrastructure Solutions was attended by Panduit executive leadership, including President and CEO Shannon McDaniel, Marc Naese (Chief Commercial Officer), Tom Kelly (Senior Vice President, Network and Electrical Infrastructure), and Harry Woo (Senior Vice President, and Managing Director, Panduit Asia Pacific). "This collaboration and lab facility is an excellent manifestation of our goal to empower people through education and to prepare them with the skills they need to meet the demands of the future within the industry," shared Woo. The partnership between Panduit Asia Pacific and ITE Singapore also falls under the company's community support umbrella of its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts, with the #SkillsChangeLife initiative set to educate youth, promote skills, and prepare them for the next five years. Panduit will also look to provide financial assistance for underprivileged students, give book prizes for outstanding students, and offer internship opportunities with its network of installation partner companies. About Panduit Since 1955, our culture of curiosity and passion for problem-solving have enabled more meaningful connections between companies' business goals and their marketplace success. Panduit creates innovative electrical and network infrastructure solutions for enterprise-wide environments, from the data centre to the telecom room, from the desktop to the plant floor. Headquartered in Tinley Park, IL, USA, and operating in 112 global locations, our proven reputation for quality and technology leadership, coupled with a robust partner ecosystem, helps support, sustain, and empower business growth in a connected world. For more information, visit the company website. SOURCE Panduit [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] NWN Carousel Awarded $10M South Carolina Contract to Transform State Agencies with Next-Generation Cloud Communications Services NWN Carousel, the leading Cloud Communications Service Provider (CCSP) delivering integrated solutions for today's Hybrid Work environments, today announced that the South Carolina Department of Administration has expanded their agreement with the company. The newly awarded VoIP Services Contract (4400030155) now includes NWN Carousel Cloud Communications and Collaboration services, as well as their Cloud Contact Center, Experience Management Platform (EMP) and Integrated Voice Response (IVR) services across state agencies. For South Carolina agencies, NWN Carousel's new services will offer powerful cloud-based services designed to enhanced presence functionality in the Contact Center, improved call queuing and call back features, Unified Communications integration with existing state solutions for remote conferencing, and Omni-channel Contact Center solutions both on-premises and in the cloud. The newly awarded categories will also provide an end-to-end Unified Communications solution, via a hosted and flexible pay-by-the-device service model to public entities throughout South Carolina. Under the existing contract, NWN Carousel provides the South Carolina Department of Administration with telecom services including hosted VoIP, hosted contact center and integrated voice response services. South Carolina joins a growing list of states that NWN Carousel delivers cloud Contact Center offerings. Currently working with Florida's Division of Emergency Management (DEM) NWN Carousel provided essential services for citizens in need during and after Hurricane Ian. Within 72 hours of deployment, NWN Carousel deployed a DEM emergency contact center that scaled to 100 agents and supported thousands of calls with a <5minute average wait-time. In Massachusetts, NWN Carousel is supporting the state's executive office of technology services and security to transition their contact center services to the cloud so agencies can better serve their constituents with enhanced communications channels including voice, video, chat, email and SMS to resolve critical issues. NWN Carousel provides Texas local government with integrated voice, data, and video communications to support Contact Centers for state agencies, cities, counties, special districts, and higher education institutions. "NWN Carousel helped us design and implement our hosted VoIP telephony, contact center, and unified communications needs using South Carolina's Telecom contract. They provided us with custom insights and analytics, reporting capabilities, and advanced security integrations. We also benefited from their consultative advice throughout the project implementation process," said Rod Davis, Bureau Chief, Enterprise Applications & End User Services, South Carolina DHHS. NWN Carousel's cloud Contact Center solutions easily integrate with NWN Carousel's Experience Management Platform (EMP) for advanced analytics, real-time insights, service desk capabilities, and proactive alerts. For more information about NWN Carousel's SC contract visit: https://nwncarousel.com/contracts and download our brief here. About NWN Carousel NWN Carousel is the leading Cloud Communications Service Provider (CCSP) focused on transforming the customer and workspace experience for commercial, enterprise and public sector organizations. We deliver hybrid work experiences for millions of users across North America's 7,000 leading organizations. Our integrated devices, communications apps, AI-enabled contact centers, networking, security, and analytics allows our customers to learn, discover, work, and connect from anywhere - all delivered as a cloud service that's simple to use and manage. To learn more about our solutions please visit www.nwncarousel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005315/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Justin Arnold Joins Alliant Insurance Services in Phoenix Justin Arnold has joined Alliant Insurance Services as Vice President within its Employee Benefits Group. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Arnold will design, implement, and manage employee benefits solutions that add value and financial stability to a diverse and growing client base throughout the Southwest region. "Justin understands the risks and concerns businesses face today and has the experience to find solutions that rein in costs and enhance productivity," said Kevin Overbey, President, Alliant Employee Benefits. "His emploee benefits experience adds significant depth to our team in Arizona." Arnold joins Alliant with a broad skill set that includes account management, negotiations, marketing, and business development. Combining strategic thinking and a service-focused mindset, Arnold works with his clients to provide customized benefits solutions that save time, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance efficiency and employee well-being. Prior to joining Alliant, Arnold was an Employee Benefits Consultant with an Arizona-based insurance brokerage and consulting firm. He has more than 20 years of experience serving the Arizona employee benefits market. Arnold can be reached at (602) 851-6000 or at [email protected]. About Alliant Insurance Services Alliant Insurance Services is one of the nation's leading distributors of diversified insurance products and services. We operate through a network of specialized national platforms and local offices to offer our clients a comprehensive portfolio of solutions built on innovative thinking and personal service. The business of managing risk is getting more complex, and Alliant is meeting this complexity head-on, not with more layers of management, but with more creativity and agility. Alliant is changing the way our clients approach risk management and benefits, so they can capitalize on new opportunities to grow and protect their organizations. Visit us at alliant.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005305/en/ [November 08, 2022] Aviceda Announces Additional World-Class Members to its Clinical Advisory Board to Support its Clinical Development Strategy in Ophthalmology Aviceda Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing the next generation of immuno-modulators by harnessing the power of glycobiology to modulate the innate immune system and chronic, non-resolving inflammation, is announcing the addition of world-renowned top-tier ophthalmic key opinion leaders to its clinical advisory board. The new additional Aviceda Clinical Advisory Board members are: Robert Avery, MD Rishi Singh, MD Baruch Kuppermann, MD, PHD "Aviceda is excited to add new world-class ophthalmologists and retina specialists to join our efforts in developing the next generation of retina therapeutics for the treatment of patients with significant unmet medical needs such as age-related macular degeneration," said David Callanan, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Aviceda Therapeutics. Robert L. Avery, MD Dr. Avery is the founder and CEO of California Retina Consultants, Santa Barbara CA. He received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University and took his ophthalmology training at the Wilmer Eye Institute. He completed a vitreoretinal fellowship at Duke University. He later went on to found California Retina Consultants, which grew into one of the largest retina practices in California and recently merged with several other national practices to form Retina Consultants of America. At CRC, Dr. Avery continued clinical and basic science research, especially in the field of angiogenesis and VEGF. He and his colleges at CRC had a role in pioneering the clinical use of anti-VEGF agents for retinal diseases. He founded the California Retina Research Foundation, which currently has over 30 active clinical research trials ongoing. D. Avery has received numerous honors and awards, including Senior honor awards from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists, where he also serves on the board of directors. He was the first recipient of the Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Award. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Retina Society, the Macula Society, the American Society of Retinal Specialists, the Vit-Buckle Society, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. p> Dr. Avery is the co-editor of Retina Today, and he has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles on retinal diseases. His interests include the development of improved retinal drugs and their delivery, and he holds patents in retinal drug delivery. He is on the board of several start-up companies developing ocular drugs and improving their delivery. Rishi Singh, MD Dr. Rishi P. Singh MD is a staff surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic Florida, Professor of Ophthalmology at the Lerner College of Medicine, and President of Cleveland Clinic Martin Hospitals in Stuart, FL. He received his bachelors and medical degrees from Boston University and completed his residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Infirmary Harvard Combined Program in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Singh then completed a medical and surgical fellowship at the Cole Eye Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. He specializes in the treatment of medical and surgical retinal disease such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and age-related macular degeneration. Dr. Singh has authored more than 200 peer reviewed publications, books, and book chapters and serves as the principal investigator of numerous national clinical trials advancing the treatment of retinal disease. Dr. Singh is the former president on the Retina World Congress and is on the board of the American Society of Retina Specialists. He is a frequent invited speaker at national and international meeting as well as continuing medical education seminars. Dr. Singh maintains a strong relationship with drug development and commercial entities by serving on scientific advisory boards. Dr. Singh has been honored with several research recognitions such as the Alpha Omega Alpha Research Award, the American Society of Retina Specialists Senior Honor Award, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology Senior Honor Award. Baruch Kuppermann, MD, PhD Baruch D. Kuppermann, M.D., Ph.D. is the Roger F. Steinert Professor, Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, and Director of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California, Irvine. He also holds a joint appointment with the Department of Biomedical Engineering at UC Irvine. After completing his Ph.D. in neuroscience at the California Institute of Technology, Dr. Kuppermann went on to earn an M.D. at the University of Miami, and completed fellowships in Retina at both St. Joseph's, and at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Kuppermann is also co-director of the Center for Translational Vision Research at UC Irvine, which is focused on developing new treatments for blinding retinal conditions. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles in the medical literature, and over 50 book chapters. He is also strongly involved in clinical research, having served as principal investigator in many trials evaluating new drugs and technologies. About Aviceda Therapeutics Aviceda is a private biotechnology company located in Cambridge MA with a proprietary nano-technology HALOS platform and an IND-ready ophthalmic lead product for geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to dry AMD (dAMD). AVD-104 is an intravitreal molecule with a unique dual mechanism of action for the treatment of GA through its modulation of critical inflammatory & complement pathways. AVD-104 has demonstrated robust in-vitro/vivo efficacy with inhibition of both inflammatory & complement pathways with the potential for up to every 6-month dosing. Superior safety was demonstrated in multiple animal models including non-human primates. GLP-Tox studies were completed in two species which demonstrated excellent safety and no signs of any intra-ocular inflammation. In addition, AVD-104 has demonstrated equivalent prevention of neovascularization compared to Eylea in a well-established ocular CNV model. Based on the positive outcome of the pre-IND meeting with the FDA, IND submission for initiation of the Phase II trial is planned for 4Q22 with Fast Track Designation. In addition to AVD-104, Aviceda has a broad pipeline of products in development in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas such as neurology, fibrosis, and immunology. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005246/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] StorPool Storage and Apache CloudStack Enable IaaS Providers and MSPs to Build Reliable, Fast and Easy-to-Manage Clouds StorPool Storage and the Apache CloudStack Community today released a solution brief that aids cloud and storage architects, consultants, administrators, and field practitioners in the design and deployment of reliable, fast, easy-to-manage, and cost-efficient cloud infrastructures based on Apache CloudStack working with KVM hosts and StorPool Storage. Apache CloudStack is the leading open-source virtualization management platform used by some of the world's largest public and private clouds. It is a multi-hypervisor, multi-tenant, high-availability Infrastructure-as-a-service cloud management platform. With Apache CloudStack and StorPool Storage, MSPs, cloud providers, enterprises, and SaaS vendors can deploy a highly automated cloud that delivers the application performance and reliability their users need while easily addressing changes in user requirements over the long term. The solution brief presents a high-level architecture and the pros and cons of the most popular deployment models for modern cloud deployments. While every cloud is unique, the common design principles shared should help readers plan how to build their own clouds with Apache CloudStack and StorPool Storage. This solution brief is designed to answer topics of concern for cloud builders: How to provide uninterrupted services How to protect user data from loss in case of hardware failures and catastrophic events How to ensur high and consistent performance adequate for demanding applications How to simplify the daily operations tasks and eliminate maintenance downtime How to scale easily with increasing demand StorPool Storage volume management is integrated with Apache CloudStack to allow seamless use of the capabilities of the StorPool Storage system through the CloudStack GUI, CLI, and API interfaces. With the integration, the features available in StorPool get inherited by each cloud deployed with StorPool Storage - enabling cloned provisioning, instant snapshots, thin provisioning, and backup, disaster recovery, and Quality of Service (QoS) policies per virtual disk or virtual machine (VM). Thanks to the way StorPool works, VM provisioning is nearly instantaneous, and data placement policies and other settings can be changed in-flight to address changes in user requirements. The result of the deep integration between the two systems is that there is no need to manage the storage system directly because all the interactions between CloudStack and StorPool are automated. StorPool will be highlighting its capabilities within Apache CloudStack environments at the upcoming CloudStack Collaboration Conference on November 14-16 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Among the presentations given by StorPool executives are "Automated CloudStack Deployment" on Monday, November 14 at 2 p.m., "StorPool Storage Overview and Integration with CloudStack" on Tuesday, November 15 at 12:30 p.m., and others. Additional details and registration options are available at https://www.cloudstackcollab.org/. For an overview of how StorPool Storage delivers the ultimate primary CloudStack block storage solution on the market and to download the Apache CloudStack and StorPool Storage Solution Brief, interested parties can visit https://storpool.com/cloudstack/. About StorPool Storage StorPool Storage is a primary storage platform designed for large-scale cloud infrastructure. It is the easiest way to convert sets of standard servers into primary storage systems. The StorPool team has experience working with various clients - Managed Service Providers, Hosting Service Providers, Cloud Service Providers, enterprises, and SaaS vendors. StorPool Storage comes as a software, plus a fully managed data storage service that transforms standard hardware into fast, highly available, and scalable storage systems. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005064/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] SES Government Solutions Completes Leadership Team with Key Strategic Appointment SES Government Solutions (SES GS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, announced today a recent addition to its leadership organization. The newly appointed Senior Vice President (SVP) for Strategic Development, Jay Icard, will drive the organization forward to its next phase of growth and transformation as a leader in integrated multi-orbit, multi-band SATCOM network solutions. The announcement is a key building block in SES GS' journey to position the organization and strategically define a new era of SATCOM excellence while meeting the demanding requirements of its U.S. Government customers. Jay Icard, Senior Vice President for Strategic Development Jay is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of industry experience in government and enterprise telecommunications and 15+ years in commercial satellite integration. Jay comes to SES GS most recently serving as the Chief Executive Officer at XTAR, where he was responsible for the overall direction, strategy, and business operations. While at XTAR, Jay combined his technical background, business acumen and operational know-how to transform the company into a trusted source for advancing industry innovation within the "Fighting SATCOM" vision of the US Space Force. Prior to XTAR, Jay held profit and loss (P&L) management and business development leadership roles with TeleCommunication Systems Inc. (TCS) and Comtech. At TCS and Comtech, he was responsible for Strategic Business Development for major US Government programs and held leadership positions in Cyber Security, Satellite Managed Services and Professional Services. Prior to Comtech and TCS, Jay worked for Oracle, MCI and in the Department of Defense acquisition community. "I'm excited to announce the appointment of Jay Icard to our eadership team. Jay is an exceptionally qualified leader who is bringing expertise and forward-thinking direction in the key area of Strategic Development which will enable us to efficiently promote, influence, and educate our customers," said David Fields, President and CEO of SES GS. "The breadth of SES GS' capabilities now spanning both connectivity and integration allows for building, managing, and supporting the most advanced end-to-end satellite network solutions for the US Government, and Jay will lead the charge on that growth and development." About SES Government Solutions SES Government Solutions (SES GS) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES, the leader in global content connectivity solutions, and is exclusively focused on building, managing, and supporting the most advanced satellite network solutions for the US Government. SES GS leverages a proven multi-operator network integration and management capability, an extensive global terrestrial network, as well as access to SES's multi-orbit satellite fleet. It also offers US Department of Defense customers the essential tools in cybersecurity for mission-critical operations, coupled with a proven track record in governance and compliance. SES GS operates under a proxy board, enabling it to support classified projects, and it has been present in the US Government satcom market for over four decades. Further information can be found at: www.ses-gs.com. About SES SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless connectivity around the world. As the leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES operates the world's only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance, including the commercially-proven, low-latency Medium Earth Orbit O3b system. By leveraging a vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES is able to deliver high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the world's leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SES's video network carries ~8,000 channels and has an unparalleled reach of 366 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005639/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] CareAR and CBA Announce Partnership to Expand Service Experience Management (SXM) into Asia-Pacific and Japan Partnership will enable companies to accelerate service transformation leveraging CareAR's enterprise augmented reality and computer vision AI platform TOKYO, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CareAR , a Xerox company and service experience management (SXM) market leader, today announced a partnership with Communication Business Avenue (CBA) to provide its SXM platform to enterprises in Japan and Asia-Pacific. CBA, a leading solutions integrator and call center technology service provider in Japan, has more than 900 global customers, including 400 contact center customers representing more than 40,000 call center agents worldwide. Through this partnership, CBA will provide an expanded go-to-market reach into the region by establishing a CareAR center of excellence, including an end-to-end service transformation practice utilizing the CareAR SXM platform suite available in Japanese, Indonesian, Chinese Mandarin, and Malay languages. Customers in the region and worldwide can benefit from additional capabilities with CareAR's enterprise visual AR and AI-powered service experience platform. These capabilities empower remote contact center agents and experts, along with on-site technicians, employees, and customers with live visual AR assistance and AI-based, self-guided instructions on their devices of choice, including desktop, mobile, wearables, and drones. Working together, CBA will deliver impactful outcomes that optimize operational efficiencies and customer experiences, by virtualizing many of the manual processes that are pervasive through common customer service, field service, and IT service operations. These include extending workflows with remote visual diagnosis and troubleshooting, self-guided intelligent visual instructions for employees and customers, and automating visual task and state detection for improving the quality and cosistency of completed work. "This partnership best exemplifies the intersection between innovation and market expansion," said Sajeel Hussain, Chief Revenue Officer, CareAR. "While CareAR's platform brings easy-to-create content, remote and self-solve service experiences using AI and AR, our solutions need to be leveraged at a global scale to make a bigger impact. That's where a partner like CBA comes in. They have a proven track record of taking solutions to market and accelerating growth. And with their services practice around the CareAR platform and established customer and partner network in Asia-Pacific and Japan, we are excited to bring our SXM platform to this region, transforming customer and employee service engagement to reduce costs, optimize experiences, and ignite brand differentiation." "We are very excited about this partnership to bring Xerox and CareAR technology to the very companies and people who need it," said Hiroshi Shibayama, CEO, CBA-Japan. "We are also proud to work not only with CareAR's game-changing technology, but also with the dedicated professionals there. We look forward to collaborating to provide the best possible service to our clients in Japan, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the U.S., as well as working as one team to nurture and expand our partnership." CareAR and CBA will attend and present at CCCRM Expo in Tokyo on November 10 and 11. To learn more about CareAR and its SXM solutions, visit https://carear.com/ . CBA CareAR Website Link: https://carear.cba-japan.com/ About CareAR CareAR, A Xerox Company, is the Service Experience Management (SXM) leader. We make expertise accessible instantly for users through remote, live visual augmented reality (AR) and AI interactions, instructions, and insights as part of a seamless digital workflow experience. CareAR sets the benchmark for the SXM category by bridging skills gaps, accelerating knowledge transfers, providing greater operational efficiencies, and enhancing customer outcomes and safety. Learn more at CareAR.com . About CBA Communication Business Avenue, Inc. (CBA) is a privately held holistic Communication solution integrator and service provider that enables a wide range of platform automations and solutions. We implement cutting-edge Omnichannel, AI technology, and other solutions with innovations that meet a host of Business communication challenges. With a mission to always be helpful and hospitable, CBA provides technologies and business methodologies that will help you reach significant business growth. Since 2006, we have integrated and supported the latest communication technologies for over 900 clients in 35 countries across different regions. Utilizing highly immersive and overarching cloud computing solutions with expertise that even includes WebRTC multimedia solutions for on-premise, cloud, and mobile applications, we inspire solutions that meet any industry's communication needs. For more information, please visit www.cba-gbl.com or contact Mark Sterling, [email protected] . Media Contact SHIFT Communications [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carear-and-cba-announce-partnership-to-expand-service-experience-management-sxm-into-asia-pacific-and-japan-301671228.html SOURCE CareAR [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Integrity Announces New Proprietary MarketingCENTER Platform Available Exclusively to Partners Powerful and easy-to-use system gives Integrity Partners on-demand access to a shared library of customizable and compliant marketing materials DALLAS, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrity Marketing Group, LLC ("Integrity"), a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of wealth management and retirement planning solutions, today announced the launch of its proprietary new Integrity MarketingCENTER. Available exclusively to Integrity Partners, this platform allows them to easily provide marketing materials to agents that work with Integrity affiliated firms. MarketingCENTER is an on-demand, easy-to-use online portal that provides Integrity Partners access to a shared library of marketing assets and other fully compliant and carrier-approved materials. Items available in MarketingCENTER include product launch assets, agent recruitment materials, best practice guides as well as advertising programs. Designed to support an extensive range of marketing channels, the platform offers materials including social media assets, digital banners, direct mailers, email templates, videos and more. All the materials are available to download anytime from anywhere, and many are customizable, allowing Partners to add contact information, select imagery and choose headlines from approved assets. Integrity will continually add expanded campaigns to MarketingCENTER, and materials will be shared across the entire Integrity platform to help Partners reach more agents or consumers and showcase how best they can serve them. "Integrity is built to help great companies become even more efficient and effective in meeting the holistic life, health and wealth protection needs of today's consumers," shared Bryan W. Adams, Co-Founder and CEO of Integrity. "Our new Integrity MarketingCENTER empowers our Partners to reach more people in more ways than ever before and it helps ensure that the marketing materials they use are fully compliant and carrier approved. MarketingCENTER is another example of how Integrity is working to innovate industry systems and processes to help more Americans plan for the good days ahead. We're thrilled to offer it exclusively to our Integrity Partners!" "As Integrity continues to grow, it's critical for our Partners to have robust, on-demand marketing solutions tht are both flexible and scalable," explained Anne Wood, Chief Marketing Officer of Integrity. "Also, it's just as important for those marketing solutions to be housed within a platform that is easy to use and access. MarketingCENTER delivers on both counts. It features a large and constantly growing library of assets many of which are customizable that is easily accessible through a simple and intuitive interface. This is game-changing technology that will greatly enhance Integrity's mission to serve." One of the most impactful benefits of the MarketingCENTER platform is the opportunity for Partners to access free marketing materials that have been extensively reviewed and approved to meet current compliance guidelines. "With the complexity of staying compliant in an ever-changing Medicare landscape, Integrity MarketingCENTER is an incredibly valuable resource," shared Ryan Kimble, President of Integrity Health. "It provides instant access to a full library of marketing resources that are compelling and compliant, which is a win-win. Being able to provide those materials to agents quickly and efficiently means they have more time to serve their clients and it eliminates the question of if the materials they are using are approved." Integrity has been rapidly innovating the technology available to its platform Partners, with recent announcements including the launch of their proprietary MedicareCENTER Mobile App and LeadCENTER platform. As the latest addition, MarketingCENTER now offers extensive resources to Partners providing additional systems for exponential growth. "Integrity offers its Partners a wide variety of sophisticated systems designed to streamline and enhance business," explained Tim Ash, Managing Partner of Integrity. "By joining Integrity, we have greatly expanded the technology and resources available to our teams and advisors, and MarketingCENTER is yet another powerful example of that! Staying on top of regulatory changes and requirements is critical. Having access to pre-approved and customizable marketing materials within MarketingCENTER gives every Integrity Partner added peace of mind." To learn more about how MarketingCENTER provides Integrity Partners with marketing resources to better serve more Americans, watch a brief video at www.integritymarketing.com/MarketingCENTER. For more information about Integrity, visit www.integritymarketing.com. About Integrity Integrity, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a leading distributor of life and health insurance, and provider of innovative solutions for wealth management and retirement planning. Through its partner network, Integrity helps millions of Americans protect their life, health and wealth with a commitment to meet them wherever they are in person, over the phone and online. Integrity's cutting-edge technology helps streamline the insurance and financial planning experience for all stakeholders. In addition, Integrity develops products with carrier partners and markets them through its nationwide distribution network. Integrity's nearly 6,000 employees work with approximately 500,000 agents and advisors who serve more than 11 million clients annually. In 2022, Integrity will help carriers place almost $20 billion in new sales and oversee more than $30 billion of assets under management and advisement through its RIA and broker-dealer platforms. For more information, visit www.integritymarketing.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/integrity-announces-new-proprietary-marketingcenter-platform-available-exclusively-to-partners-301671664.html SOURCE Integrity Marketing Group, LLC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Combinostics Adds Industry Experts to Leadership Team Combinostics, the only company providing a complete imaging and decision support solution spanning the entire patient care pathway for the early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing management of major neurological disorders, today announced that two experienced executives have joined the leadership team. Dr. Erik Post serves as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Dr. Hans-Peter Huber serves as Vice President of European Sales. "Erik and Hans-Peter bring incredible expertise to the Combinostics leadership team," said Richard Hausmann, CEO of Combinostics. "Their experience scaling software solutions will help us to support more clinicians in making a difference in the lives of their patients with neurological disorders. Our comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions continue to shift the industry paradigm from image quantification to supporting diagnostic decisions for neurological disorders." Combinostics provides comprehensive, reliable AI-driven imaging and decision support solutions that are transforming the early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing management of major neurodegenerative disorders. With seamless implementation and integration enabled through our cloud-based platform, the company's AI solutions (cMRI and cDSI) support the entire care pathway for patients with these disorders as well as development of investigational treatments. Radiologists and neurology specialists alike benefit from the company's unique, reliable, and accurate imaging biomarkers that enable a holistic approach to patient care. For conditions such as dementia, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and epilepsy, Combinostics' platform supports earlier disease detection; faster, more efficient, differential diagnostic support; longitudinal tracking and prediction of diseaseprogression; and detection and management of side effects. The financial aspects of this strategic vision of improving the end-to-end management of neurological disorders will be executed by Dr. Erik Post as Group CFO. With an entrepreneurial background and experience in business development, financial engineering, investor relations, and fundraising, Erik most recently served as the CFO for Captario, a Swedish SaaS company whose platform uses simulation-based advanced analytics to help drug development and pharmaceutical companies make more informed strategic decisions. Prior to Captario, he spent over a decade in various leadership roles at Handelsbanken, a leading global banking institution. Erik holds a PhD in Economics from Uppsala University. "With Combinostics, I have the opportunity to contribute to a transformative solution that has the potential to change the quality of life for the millions around the world who suffer from neurodegenerative disorders," said Erik. "I'm thrilled to join an extraordinary team with the passion and drive to continue innovating for better patient care." As Vice President of European Sales, Dr. Hans-Peter Huber will connect clinicians throughout Europe with Combinostics' solutions, ultimately expanding the company's European market presence. Hans-Peter has 20 years of experience in the health tech and medical imaging software space as a former practicing radiographer, researcher, and lecturer. Prior to Combinostics, Hans-Peter held several sales management roles at health tech imaging software companies such as ImageBiopsy Lab and medPhoton. He also served as a lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria after beginning his career as a radiographer. He has a master's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria and a PhD in biophysics from Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz. "As a former radiographer working with radiologists, I understand the value of rigorously validated, credible imaging segmentation results presented in easily understandable reports, as provided by Combinostics' complete AI solution," said Hans-Peter. "I look forward to supporting our company's growth in Europe and beyond." For more information, or to view a demo of the cNeuro suite of solutions, join the leadership team at booth 3938 at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2022 Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, November 27-December 1, 2022. Schedule an in-person or virtual meeting at www.combinostics.com/rsna/. About Combinostics Combinostics' AI-powered cNeuro suite of products helps clinicians make a difference in the lives of patients with neurological disorders. By quantifying brain images and integrating patient data from multiple sources with insights from previous patients, the company's unique software tools provide radiologists and clinicians the support they need for confident, evidence-based diagnostic and management decisions. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Tampere, Finland. For more information, please visit www.combinostics.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005727/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] EmpiricaLab Selected to Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator EmpiricaLab has been selected to participate in the Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator, a program focused on addressing the challenges of a modern dynamic labor market through innovative technologies. The global digital health market is now estimated to grow to USD 1.5 trillion by 2030, driven primarily by increased demand and adoption for remote patient monitoring as well as access to virtual care services. However, worker shortages and burnout among the healthcare workforce continue to be a serious concern and despite ongoing efforts, organizations are not fully prepared to use data analytics and digital technologies to improve access and meaningfully improve patient experience. "In the past decade, I've seen first-hand how advances in healthcare analytics and digital health technologies hold great potential for improving patient outcomes. But the advances we've made in technology will mean nothing if we don't invest in the teams that are charged with implementing and overseeing them," said Dr. Norma Padron, founder and CEO of EmpiricaLab. "There is clearly a sense of urgency from our partners and clients. That's why we are excited to be part of the Techstars global network-it will help us accelerate our growth and reach." Participants in the Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator will receive mentor support from the Colorado startup community, the broader Techstars ecosystem, ZOMALAB, Strada Education Network, Colorado Thrives executives, and access to the companies' market expertise and global connections. For more information on the Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator, you can read here About EmpiricaLab EmpiricaLab is a flexible, team-centric learning platform that supports a new generation of digital skills and capabilities for data-related roles in healthcare. Designed from the ground up to support collaborative authoring, sharing, and peer-to-peer knowledge transfer, EmpiricaLab enables organizations to develop custom libraries of digital resources and connect with experts to build curricula for their teams. To learn more about EmpiricaLab visit: https://www.empiricalab.com/ and follow @EmpiricaLab View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005153/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] AUVESY-MDT launches broadcasting platform Connect Express for automation experts At SPS (Smart Production Solutions) in Nuremberg on November 9, AUVESY-MDT will launch a new broadcasting format - Connect Express. Industry opinion leaders will share important insights and highlights from the show with the broader audience of automation professionals. AUVESY-MDT Connect Express is a series of fascinating interviews with automation opinion leaders, streamed from the world's most influential fairs, shows, and congresses in industrial automation throughout the year. The interviewees represent leading manufacturing giants who have successfully led their companies through digital transformation and harness the power of automation to unleash the full potential of Industry 4.0. "At Connect Express, we discuss the most important insights and highlights from the event: the latest news, current trends, and challenges of the automation industry," says Dr. Tim Weckerle, CEO of AUVESY-MDT. "Our guests share their invaluable experiences, success cases, and best practices - as well as their vision of the future of industrial automation. Together we lift the veil and look at how the industry will evolve over the next 3-5 or even 10 years, and how companies can meet future demand in the automation space." Connect Express launches on two continents starting with SPS in Nuremberg (November 9, 2 p.m. CET), and AVEVA World in San Francisco (November 18, 8 a.m. PST). In the coming year, the Connect Express project will continue and expand, covering many key events in the automation industry. During SPS we'll talk to automation experts from Siemens, Nanostone Waters, Claroty and many more. Claroty: State of Industrial Cybersecurity & ICS Risks Claroty is an expert in industrial cybersecurity and has been conducting its own research in this field for several years. At Connect Express, Max Rahner, senior regional director DACH & Eastern Europe at Claroty, will give insights into key findings bout the safety of industrial networks and critical infrastructure, current threats to industrial networks, and recommendations for closing the IT/OT security gap. Claroty is an expert in industrial cybersecurity and has been conducting its own research in this field for several years. At Connect Express, Max Rahner, senior regional director DACH & Eastern Europe at Claroty, will give insights into key findings bout the safety of industrial networks and critical infrastructure, current threats to industrial networks, and recommendations for closing the IT/OT security gap. Siemens: Digital Twin as a Pioneer for Individual Mass Production At this year's SPS, Siemens demonstrates how a digital twin comes to life. Christian Birner, product manager at Siemens, will share the company's expertise on the potential and advantages of digital twins for modern production lines. At this year's SPS, Siemens demonstrates how a digital twin comes to life. Christian Birner, product manager at Siemens, will share the company's expertise on the potential and advantages of digital twins for modern production lines. Nanostone Waters: Protecting Critical Infrastructures Jan Remus, automation engineering manager at Nanostone Waters, will discuss challenges and OT security risks that critical infrastructures currently face, and how to protect them from attacks and serious outages. At AVEVA World, Will Draper, president of the Americas at AUVESY-MDT, will outline what's next in industrial automation. Draper has deep experience in the technology sector and held senior leadership positions with Cirrus Logic, Dell EMC, and AVEVA. His team will share exclusive insights, including interviews with leadership and industry experts. Register now! Get insider access to exclusive content: key industry insights and interviews with experts at Connect Express @ SPS Nuremberg and Connect Express @ AVEVA World. About AUVESY-MDT AUVESY-MDT develops software to provide disaster recovery, version control, change detection, and management for smart production machinery and other devices used in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. AUVESY-MDT solutions back up key machine programming and produce intuitive documentation of changes, simplifying maintenance and aiding in plant optimization. Downtime is significantly reduced due to easy and reliable code management, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery. Find out more at our website: auvesy-mdt.com About Connect Connect Express is an integral part of a larger thought leadership platform AUVESY-MDT Connect, which is designed to stimulate an inspiring exchange between industry experts. This is achieved through discussion of the latest news, trends, case studies and market insights. AUVESY-MDT Connect is your single point of contact when you only need reliable information or valuable practical advice on automation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005989/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Billings Police are seeking the publics help in finding a suspect in Saturday's homicide on the South Side. Police arrested one man, an escapee from a Billings prison release center, shortly after the shooting on the 200 block of South 29th Street. A second suspect ran away and hasnt yet been arrested. On Monday police said theyre hunting for Braden Rock Above, age 22, who is described at 6-foot 3-inches tall and 193 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Rock Above and the victim of the homicide were escapees from a prison transitional center in Great Falls, according to police Lt. Matt Lennick.. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rock Above is encouraged to call Billings Police at 406-657-8460. The victim was apparently shot while traveling in a car at about midnight on Saturday with the two suspects. He later died from his injuries, police said in a press release. It was the second on Saturday in Billings. On Saturday morning at 1:54 a.m., a shooting occurred in the 200 block of South 27th Street, police said in a tweet. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital in a personal vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds. A suspect in that shooting has not yet been identified, police said. Saturdays homicide was at least the 14th death due to gun violence in Yellowstone County this year, with three of those people shot dead by Billings Police. Of those 14 deaths, four were under age 20. Two people have been stabbed to death. On Oct. 20, 39-year-old William Darling Jr. of Billings shot his wife and 11-year-old son and then killed himself. Earlier in the month, a Lockwood woman was killed when she was shot in the neck by a man who was cleaning his gun. BrainBox AI CEO: "Reaching Net Zero by 2050 is dependent on how fast we scale climate tech innovation" Sam Ramadori, CEO of BrainBox AI, a Canadian company with a pioneering AI-driven building technology, will share how scaling up climate tech is key to unleashing the latent emissions reduction potential of this emerging asset class at the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt this week. "We absolutely need greater cross-sector collaboration to overcome the barriers that impede the rapid adoption at scale of climate innovation and to realise the full value of the 14 cents of every venture capital dollar spent on climate tech," said Ramadori. "We must collectively think about real, concrete ways that we can motivate adoption at scale, particularly in the traditional sectors of our economy that account for an important part of global GHG emissions, but that have not been accustomed to rapid innovation changes. This is the only way we can achieve the United Nations' objective of reducing emissions by 45% by 2030, reaching net zero by 2050, and ultimately saving the human race." Innovators like BrainBox AI, whose technology lowers commercial real estate carbon footprints by up to 40% and offers energy cost savings of up to 25%, will join established industrial technology leaders like ABB and Arup for a series of panel discussions. The companies will together utilise the global COP27 platform to discuss ways in which climate tech can help ensure a low carbon future. BrainBox AI will join MaRS Discovery District, Resilient LLP, KPMG, and other prominent Canadian climate innovators at COP27 on November 8th for a panel discussion titled 'Innovative Approaches to Accelerating Cleantech Adoption'. The session, taking place in the Canadian Pavilion, will point to the importance of inclusiveness, collaboration, and coalition-building as features of some Canadian programmes designed to effectively scale and speed up the adoption of low-carbon innovations. Tyler Hamilton, Director of Ecosystem, Cleantech at MaRS said "Cleantech is one of the core sectors we work with in our drive to empower Canada's most promising innovators to make global connections. At COP27, we are collaborating with BrainBox AI to drive positive economic and environmental impact and help address some of the world's most pressing problems." Morten Wierod, President of ABB Electrification said, "There is no denying that now, in this decade, must be the time for faster action to accelerate the transition to net zero. Our attendance at COP27 is geared towards supporting this transition and highlighting how we can address the world's energy challenges through improved energy efficiency and safe, smart, and sustainable solutions. Much of the technology to achieve this is already available, but it requires more commitment, investment, and collaboration to fully optimise. Innovation also has a key part to play, and we look to partners like BrainBox AI with fresh ideas and approaches to achieve the sustainable future we all need." In addition, BrainBox AI will participate in a webinar hosted by Anton Kotov, Head of Strategy and Business Development, ABB Electrification, on November 15th, alongside Mary de Guzman, Director of ESG at Sleep Country Canada, on the subject of 'Decarbonizing the Built Environment: The Role of IoT, Cloud and Artificial Intelligence'. The webinar is a key part of a broader programme of virtual sessions hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce, which are livestreamed to thousands around the world. BrainBox AI is considerably reducing carbon emissions, impacting over 100,000,000 sq. ft. of real estate across 20 countries, with clients such as AMP Capital, GWL Realty Advisors and Landsec. In 2020, BrainBox AI was recognized by TIME as one of the Top 100 best inventions of the year and received the Tech for Our Planet Award at COP26. The company is also a member of the MaRS Discovery District, the largest urban innovation hub in North America. About BrainBox AI Founded in 2017, BrainBox AI was created to address the dilemma currently facing the built environment, its energy consumption, and significant contribution to climate change. As innovators of the global energy transition, BrainBox AI's game-changing HVAC technology leverages AI to make buildings smarter, greener, and more efficient. Working together with our trusted global partners, BrainBox AI supports real estate clients in various sectors, including office buildings, hotels, commercial retail, grocery stores, airports, and more. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, a global AI hub, our workforce of over 150 employees, bring with them talent from all sectors with the common thread of being in business to heal our planet. BrainBox AI works in collaboration with research partners including the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Institute for Data Valorization (IVADO) as well as educational institutions including Montreal's Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA) and McGill University. Learn more about BrainBox AI. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005720/en/ [November 08, 2022] Skience Adds Best Interest Validation System RightBRIDGE Skience, a leading financial services solution and consulting provider, today announced its integration with CapitalROCK's RightBRIDGE Best Interest Validation System in addition to gaining several industry awards and wealth management clients during the third quarter. Skience's growth is largely attributed to its demonstrable commitment to helping wealth management firms optimize the way they do business and elevate the experiences they offer. The integration with RightBRIDGE's business intelligence engine, which determines the best interest status of proposed rollovers, account types, and products, is another step Skience has taken toward allowing firms of all sizes to easily integrate Regulation Best Interest into their workflow process with a click of a button. RightBRIDGE utilizes a scoring engine and ReasonText that explains why a recommendation fits a client's needs and the licensing firm's best interest requirements. As a result of the integration, this data can be used to update Skience records and be leveraged by Skience's suitability checks as Skience's client and household data will be prefilled into RightBRIDGE. "We are thrilled to add this powerful integration to our arsenal as part of our commitment to reinventing the way that advisors work," said Sanjeev Kumar, Skience Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "We have greatly built up our compliance capabilities over the last few years and the RightBRIDGE integration will make it much easier for advisors to meet their Reg BI standards." Also this quarter, Skience was recognized in September for its expertise within the wealth management industry as demonstrated by the firm's participation in Advisor Circle's first annual FintechX Demo Drop. There, Senior Vice President of Sales Nick Thacker demoe Skience Surveillance, a tool that allows firms to define approval and exception workflows that align with internal policies and adapts as industry regulations change. This came directly on the heels of Skience earning the CRM Technology Provider award at this year's WealthManagement Industry Awards. Additionally, Kumar was on stage at Salesforce Dreamforce where he shared an in-depth case study involving Skience helping the wealth management division of a large U.S. bank accelerate its digital transformation. "The recognition that we've received over this last quarter validates our team's hard work in creating comprehensive regtech and fintech solutions so that advisors can spend more of their time working with clients," said Skience President and Chief Operating Officer Marc Butler. "We're honored to add such a respected partner with CapitalROCK and are confident that our solutions will provide wealth management firms with vital efficiencies to enhance the client experience they deliver." For more information, visit the Skience website or join the upcoming Skience Fair featuring RightBRIDGE on December 7, 2022, at 2:00 pm EST. Click here to register. About Skience Skience delivers innovative digital strategies and solutions that transform businesses. Skience offers consulting services and an award-winning integrated platform that provides wealth management firms and RIAs with an efficient way to unify their technology, increase back-office and advisor productivity, and set the stage for a great client experience. The Skience platform features a streamlined, end-to-end client onboarding and new account opening experience, deep integrations with leading custodial and clearing firms, compliance features, and daily data consolidation. Skience received a 2022 and 2020 Technology Provider award from WealthManagement.com, a 2020 American Business Awards Silver Stevie award for fintech solutions, and was a Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 honoree in 2019 and 2020. Visit Skience.com to learn more. About CapitalROCK CapitalROCK, the makers of RightBRIDGE, provides financial services firms with a powerful and configurable rules engine to determine and document the suitability or best interest status of proposed rollovers, account types and products. Many of the country's largest Independent, Bank and Insurance broker-dealers rely on RightBRIDGE systems to help them meet their compliance and documentation obligations for regulations like Reg BI, Reg 187 and the DOL's PTE 2020-02. Each RightBRIDGE deployment is configured for the licensing broker-dealer's specific products, policies, and compliance requirements. Each analysis is accompanied by CapitalROCK's exclusive ReasonText. ReasonText is automatically generated, client and recommendation specific text that documents why or why not a proposed action meets the licensing broker-dealers best interest requirements. Visit CapitalRock.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005503/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Codetta Biosciences and North Carolina Central University Receive $2M Grant from the North Carolina Collaboratory Codetta Biosciences, the life sciences company advancing and expanding research and diagnostic capabilities with its fully integrated, multi-omic platform, announced today that the North Carolina Collaboratory has awarded Codetta and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) a $2 million research and development grant, aimed to dramatically impact COVID related research and future clinical care. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19, persists as a challenging world health crisis. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment hinge on the ability to effectively detect SARS-CoV-2 and related health implications effectively and efficiently. Therefore, Codetta and the NCCU Advanced Center for COVID-19 Related Disparities (ACCORD) will collaborate to make technologies for detection of COVID and assessment of COVID related health issues more accessible and efficient. The Research Triangle Park, North Carolina based start-up is developing an integrated platform of reagents, hardware, and software designed to enable highly multiplexed, quantitative, simultaneous multi-omic analyses. In collaboration with NCCU, Codetta will use the funding from the North Carolina Collaboratory to enable detecion of a panel of respiratory infectious diseases, as well as severity of host response and potential impact of long-COVID. "We are privileged to be collaborating with Dr. Deepak Kumar and colleagues at NCCU ACCORD," said TJ Johnson, CEO at Codetta. "This initiative directly aligns with Codetta's purpose, to bring highly-complex medical and non-medical molecular testing to people and places everywhere." The North Carolina Collaboratory awarded NCCU and Codetta the grant through their Business-Academic Partnership Program, aimed to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 in North Carolina. "The ability to research and diagnose infections with clinically similar presentation to COVID-19 and rapidly identify those at high risk for more serious health implications, both short and long term, will provide a powerful tool to bring improved health care across North Carolina and beyond," said Dr. Deepak Kumar, Principal Investigator at NCCU. "We're looking forward to collaborating with Codetta to uncover new information about this disease and make testing more accessible to all." For more information, visit www.codettabio.com. About Codetta Biosciences Codetta Biosciences' mission is to advance and expand life science research and diagnostic capabilities by providing an easy-to-use, streamlined multi-omic testing solution. The company is developing and plans to commercialize a novel, fully integrated, multi-omic platform (instrument, software, consumables, with data analytics) that will set a new standard of multi-omic performance and simplicity, making this capability accessible to all researchers in commercial and diagnostic labs at a significantly lower price point than its current competitors. With this platform, Codetta aims to advance the research and development of next-generation therapies, and ultimately improve patient care and quality of life. For more information, visit www.codettabio.com. About North Carolina Central University (NCCU) North Carolina Central University (NCCU) prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. Consistently ranked as a top Historically Black College or University, NCCU's flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing and the arts prepare students for professions ranging from clinical research to information science. Founded in 1910, NCCU remains committed to diversity in and access to higher education. With a mission to investigate health disparities, the university's two state-of-the-art research institutes give students real-world experience working alongside faculty researchers and pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry professionals. The university's Strategic Plan 2019-2024, Charting a New Landscape for Student-Center Success, focuses on four areas: student access and success; innovation, research and entrepreneurship; collaboration and partnerships; and institutional sustainability. Visit www.nccu.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005752/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Online School to Receive Prestigious Purple Star Designation for Helping Military Families Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA), is one of seven K-12 schools in the state, and the only all-virtual school to receive the prestigious Oklahoma Purple Star Designation from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The award is given to school programs statewide that help students of military families who are often moving from place to place, as well as the social-emotional toll that moving takes on them during their developmental years. Being a Purple Star Campus means OVCA is dedicated to providing extra assistance to these students and families that is specifically catered to their needs. The full-time online public-school currently serves approximately 95 military families. The award is part of the DOE's plan for education, which recognizes schools that meet important criteria for serving military-connected students and families. To be successful in school and when transitioning between school settings, Oklahoma's military-connected youth require support to enure that their unique social, emotional, and academic needs are met. Schools receive this designation based on set criteria such as having a dedicated point of contact for military students and families who serves as the primary liaison between them and the school, keeping teachers informed of the military-connected students in their classrooms and, optionally, providing staff training on special considerations to provide for military students and families. "This recognition is a reflection of all the support our staff gives to all of our students, especially those families who may have additional needs due to military service. OVCA staff is focused on building relationships with military family so each student will find success," said Audra Plummer, Head of School. "We all do our best to give everything we can to those who give so much, and we are honored to receive this distinction." Students choose online school for a variety of reasons including advanced learning, a bullying-free environment, and the ability to support extracurricular pursuits or medical needs. For military families especially, OVCA's online platform gives students the opportunity to pursue their academic goals in a supportive environment and at an appropriate pace for their learning style. For more information on this award, please visit OVCA, or the Oklahoma DOE Purple Star Designation webpage. About Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA) is a full-time public charter school authorized by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board and serves Oklahoma students in kindergarten through 12th grade. As part of the Oklahoma public school system, OVCA is tuition-free and gives parents and families the choice to access the curriculum and tools provided by K12, a Stride company (NYSE: LRN). Stride offers learners of all ages a more effective way to learn and build their skills for the future. For more information about OVCA, visit ovca.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005015/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] BNP Paribas Enhances Cash Equities Offering With U.S. Launch and Roll-out of Top-ranked Equity Research Group BNP Paribas Exane BNP Paribas, Europe's leading financial institution, announces today the launch and roll-out of BNP Paribas Exane, a leading provider of equity research, in the US. In 2021 BNP Paribas acquired 100 percent of Exane - following a successful 17-year partnership - and has since been working to align BNP Paribas Exane's offering with its leading Global Markets platform. To mark this official launch, BNP Paribas Exane's US employees transferred last week to the BNP Paribas Tower in New York City and the bank's office in San Francisco. The U.S. launch of BNP Paribas Exane enables the bank to offer its clients a full suite of cash equities and derivatives services. Also, BNP Paribas Exane - which has been ranked the number one research provider in Europe for six consecutive years by Institutional Investor - can now distribute research to the bank's Securities Corp. clients in the U.S. BNP Paribas Exane will expand its coverage from 180 U.S. stocks today to over 450 U.S. stocks by 2025 across the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT), Consumer, Healthcare and Industrials sectors. The expansion of U.S. stocks coverage will be supported by the bank's ambitious plans to grow the number of analysts, sector specialists, traders, sales traders and salespeople it employs. BNP Paribas Exane today covers over 800 stocks globally. The marking of the official launch of BNP Paribas Exane in the U.S. demonstrates continued investment in the bank's Cash Equities platform and its broader Global Equities franchise delivering clients the full-spectrum of equity-based services to fulfill their investment, financing and execution needs. In addition to best-in-class equities research, clients will continue to benefit from the bank's top-tier electronic execution and prime brokerage platforms migrated from Deutsche Bank, its state-of-the-art execution platform driven by Cortex Equities, the recent referral arrangement for Credit Suisse Prime Services customers, and well-recognized equity derivatives expertise developed over 30 years. Ben Spruntulis, Head of Cash Equities at BNP Paribas, said: "This is a timely opportunity for BNP Paribas Exane to begin this new chapter in the U.S. Our team is excited to be able to offer our best-in-class research and advisory services as part of our top-tier Cash Equities platform." Adil El Batji, Head of Global Equities in the Americas at BNP Paribas, said: "Our ability to offer BNP Paribas Exane to clients in the U.S. is an enormous opportunity to holistically meet our clients' needs and service the full equities value chain across research, financing, execution and derivatives. This deep partnership with clients will position the bank as a leading European equities house on the global stage." Jose Placido, CEO of BNP Paribas CIB Americas, said: "The launch of BNP Paribas Exane in the U.S. underscores the bank's commitment to the Americas region as a key marketplace for the Corporate and Institutional Banking division. Equities research will not only strengthen our global markets offering to institutional clients, but it will also support the bank's ambition to further develop its Equity Capital Markets and M&A business as the leading European partner for corporates worldwide." About BNP Paribas Exane Exane was founded in 1990 with a robust business model built around three complementary business lines: Cash Equities (BNP Paribas Exane); Structured Solutions (Exane Solutions); and Asset Management (Exane Asset Management). The group expanded internationally in order to be as close to clients as possible, with Paris and London as its main offices. Over 800 employees are now spread across nine sites worldwide: Paris, London, Frankfurt, Geneva, Madrid, Milan, Stockholm, New York and San Francisco. After a successful 17-year partnership with BNP Paribas, Exane became a subsidiary of BNP Paribas in July 2021. About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is the European Union's leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 65 countries and has more than 190,000 employees, including nearly 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Retail Banking for the Group's retail-banking networks and several specialized businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, Eastern Europe as well as via a large network in the western part of the United States. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group's performance and stability. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005286/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Distributed Ventures Announces New Hires to Leadership and Investment Team Distributed Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm specializing in insurtech, healthtech, and fintech investments, announced today the strategic hiring of Joe Flanagan and Alex Carvalho. Joe joins Distributed Ventures as Growth Partner based in Chicago while Alex joins as an Associate based in New York working with the fund's fintech and insurtech portfolio companies. "We are thrilled to welcome Joe and Alex to the team and for the value they bring to our fund and the entrepreneurs we invest in," said Shawn Ellis, Managing Partner at Distributed Ventures. "These new hires represent an exciting milestone for Distributed Ventures as we continue to expand our portfolio and strategic partnerships." As Growth Partner, Joe will focus on helping early-stage companies within Distributed Ventures' portfolio develop and refine their go-to-market strategies, fortify their commercial teams, and catalyze business development milestones. Joe's entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 27 when he built JP Flanagan Corporation, which would become one of Chicago's largest insurance agencies with offices throughout the country before he sold it to Hub International. Throughout his career, Joe has leveraged his sales acumen, relationship-building talents, and ability to navigate organizations to establish several multi-million-dollar businesses in diverse contexts. While serving as Growth Partner, Joe will also continue his position as Chairman of Acquirent. "What attracted me to istributed Ventures was the fund's investment approach as an active venture partner and its innovative portfolio of companies that are revolutionizing the insurtech, fintech, and healthtech industries," said Joe. "As Growth Partner, I look forward to collaborating with these companies to help achieve their milestones through accelerated revenue growth, commercial traction, and talent retention." In his role as Associate, Alex will further the fund's investment efforts in Fintech and Insurtech, helping the firm identify investment opportunities consistent with their operating ethos focused on partnering with talented entrepreneurs as they realize their vision. Alex brings significant transaction and investing experience to Distributed Ventures. Most recently, Alex was an investor at a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in tech-enabled businesses. Prior to that, Alex worked at Deutsche Bank as an Investment Banking Associate in their Consumer and Business Services Group. Alex received a BS in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University and a BA in Economics from Claremont McKenna. "I am looking forward to working with an excellent group of investors and innovators at Distributed Ventures and have been deeply impressed by the firm's differentiated approach to investing, founder collaboration, and track record," said Alex. "The fund's highly consultative engagement with its strategic limited partners is particularly compelling. Regardless of where we are in an economic cycle, Distributed Ventures connectivity to the founder community, core industry expertise, and financial discipline positions the firm well to deliver outsized returns." In addition to the growth of its leadership and investment teams, Distributed Ventures continues to expand its portfolio of companies transforming the future of risk across its respective industries with the addition of four new investments. In 2022, Distributed Ventures lead the series Seed funding for the first and only digital male fertility center of excellence Posterity Health and reimagined home warranty offering Armadillo in addition to participating in the series Seed funding rounds for all-in-one P&C payments solution Ascend and the first ever digital insurance solution for residents of manufactured homes Covertree. About Distributed Ventures Distributed Ventures is a Seed to Series B focused fund that invests in entrepreneurs as they transform the future of risk across Fintech, Insurtech, and Digital Health and Benefits. As former founders, investors, and operators, the Distributed Ventures team provides deep subject matter and early-stage operational expertise to help companies find success from day one. Distributed Ventures was born out of NFP Ventures with the goal of helping entrepreneurs demonstrate product-market fit and accelerate commercial traction via diverse distribution channels. For more information, visit distributedvc.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005130/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] AlayaCare Modernizes Home Care in Newfoundland & Labrador Home-based care technology will connect all aspects of subsidized home care in Newfoundland and Labradorintegrating and standardizing measurable data intelligence for regional health authorities, service providers, and family caregivers in province-wide digital healthcare transformation. MONTREAL, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - AlayaCare, a leading home care technology provider, announced today that the province of Newfoundland & Labrador has procured AlayaCare as its preferred solutions provider to digitize and integrate its home care services. This province-wide deployment will introduce unified data collection, improved monitoring, measurement, and analytics, resulting in better experiences for clients and care providers. AlayaCare is building a seamless bridge between health authorities, home care service providers, and family caregivers to provide insights for better care and outcomes. AlayaCare modernizes home care across Newfoundland & Labrador with intelligent, cloud-based data collaboration. This is the econd province-wide adoption for AlayaCare Cloud, following province-wide adoption in Prince Edward Island. AlayaCare products and platforms are also used by health authorities in six other Canadian provinces to manage home care programs. As demand for home-based care continues to skyrocket, all Canadian provinces are mobilizing to digitize and modernize the way they will work with public and private home care providers. Since AlayaCare acquired Procura in 2020, the company now collectively serves Ministries of Health and regional health authorities in Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. This is the first time in Canada that a health care system will supply accessible technology to family caregivers, efficiently connecting them to provincial health authorities, while additionally enabling electronic visit verification. This represents the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's first steps in its plan to build a modernized, accountable, reformed home care system, focused on quality outcomes for clients of the Provincial Home Support Program. The Department of Health and Community Services is adopting recommendations from a 2018 report by Deloitte to improve oversight of self-managed care delivered home care using AlayaCare to help reform and refine oversight, financial management integrity, and visit verification. "We've always believed that the future of home care in Canada lies in the adoption of provincial platforms that connect intelligent data for both public and private home care providers," said Adrian Schauer, CEO and Founder of AlayaCare. "We feel this is the optimal way to enable better collaboration between regional health authorities, home care agencies/providers, and family caregivers to create a positive client and caregiver experience." About AlayaCare AlayaCare offers an end-to-end software platform for governments, home-based care organizations, and community care providers to manage the entire client lifecycle, including needs assessments, care plans, scheduling and visit verification. Combining traditional in-home and virtual care solutions, AlayaCare enables care providers across the world to propel towards innovation and healthcare of the future. For more information, visit: www.alayacare.com SOURCE AlayaCare [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] QinetiQ US Wins $48M Research, Development, and Engineering Contract to Support Image Processing and Advanced Optics for U.S. Army QinetiQ US, a leading defense company providing mission-critical solutions in robotics and autonomous systems, sensing, protection systems, and next-generation autonomous vehicles announced today that it has won a contract for Research, Development, and Engineering Support for Image Processing and Advanced Optics Technologies supporting the U.S. Army C5ISR Center, Research & Technology Integration Directorate, Image Processing Division (IPD). This task order has a ceiling value of over $48 million with a 48-month period of performance, including a 24-month base and 24-month option. QinetiQ will provide engineering support for a multi-fold research, engineering, and development project for the C5ISR Center. These efforts support the Army's modernization priorities and Cross Functional Team (CFT) science and technology research objectives to include those of Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV), Future Vertical Lift (FVL), and Soldier Lethality (SL) via development and sustainment of software algorithms, computer programming, hardware integration, advanced optics, sensor protection, displays, systems engineering, and Testing and Evaluation (T&E). "The U.S. Army's science and technology mission objectives align with our comprehensive work across the C5ISR space," said Shawn Purvis, President and CEO of QinetiQ US. "We are focused n providing mission-led engineering to protect our servicemen and women while advancing operational goals, and are proud to work with the Army on its R&D and imaging efforts." "Advanced optics and comprehensive image processing give our forces an advantage in an ever-evolving mission landscape," said Stephen Iwicki, Executive Vice President and General Manager of QinetiQ's C5ISR Business Unit. "We value the work we do in national security and are honored to continue our support of Army modernization objectives." About QinetiQ US QinetiQ US is a leading defense and security company in the United States providing mission-led innovation at pace. QinetiQ US is a provider of technologically advanced services and products to the US Department of Defense and national security agencies, positioned to deliver key aspects of the modernization required to address our customers' pivot to counter near peer adversaries. QinetiQ's engineering services span the DoD and Intel community providing subject matter expertise in the areas of communications, sensor integration and research and development, survivability and unmanned ground combat systems. QinetiQ US operates as the U.S. arm of QinetiQ Group plc (QQ.LSE), a global integrated defense and security company focused on innovation for defense, security and civil customers around the world. QinetiQ US employees are based predominantly in Virginia and Massachusetts and operate under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) with the U.S. Defense Counterintelligence & Security Agency (DCSA). QinetiQ US is creating new ways of protecting what matters most; testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they work as expected; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced-existing capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the outcomes required. Please visit our website at https://www.qinetiq.com/en-us/ and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook @QinetiQUS. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005809/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Arctaris Announces Bank of America as Investor in New $25M Regional Opportunity Zone Program Focused on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Revitalization Arctaris Impact Investors, LLC ("Arctaris") is pleased to announce a recent investment from Bank of America ("BofA") into the Arctaris Opportunity Zone Fund 2022. The investment will help spur a new Arctaris place-based investment program focused on the greater Hartford area with emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and community revitalization. BofA's investment will anchor the Arctaris Connecticut program, along with forthcoming investments from other leading corporations and financial institutions in the region. The investment program, which Arctaris anticipates will exceed $25 million, will support revitalization projects in Hartford's urban core. The broader partnership will leverage Hartford's competitive strengths, which include its strong anchor institutions and local development partners. The City of Hartford contains 10 federally designated Opportunity Zones, including some of the lowest-income zip codes in Connecticut. Arctaris will assess and evaluate the social and community benefits of each local investment, and these results will be shared with local and national stakeholders over the life of the program. "Arctaris is thrilled that Bank of America is joining our impact mission," said Jonathan Tower, founder and managing partner of Arctaris. "Arctaris looks for projects where we can create pathways to prosperity for underrepresented individuals, while also targeting competitive returns for our investors." Arctaris is the largest manager of impact-focused Opportunity Zone funds. With over 13 years and seven funds focused on impact in low-income communities, Arctaris has launched programs similar to the one proposed in Hartford throughout the U.S., including Baltimore, Colorado, Cuyahoga County (Greater Cleveland), Erie, Greater Pittsburgh, Michigan and Washington, D.C. Arctaris plans to announce additional community-focused Opportunity Zone programs through 2022 and 2023, awarding $25 million or more to cities, counties or states. This Arctaris Opportunity Zone initiative will provide 80% of program funding alongside a 20% match rom local government partners, foundations, or private industry. "Bank of America's investment in Arctaris will benefit Greater Hartford by investing in local entrepreneurs and developers to help them establish and grow their businesses," said Joe Gianni, President, Bank of America Greater Hartford. "Additionally, our investments will improve access to capital, quality jobs, basic infrastructure, and drive greater job and wealth creation in the Greater Hartford area." "Recent current events place greater urgency for Arctaris to expand our Opportunity Zone investment efforts nationwide," said former mayor of Philadelphia, Michael A. Nutter, who serves as a Board Member of Arctaris and is responsible for the firm's mayoral relations nationally. "The opportunity for social and economic mobility is essential to building healthy communities and improving quality of life for all citizens." About Arctaris Impact Investors Arctaris Impact Investors, LLC, the controlling entity for Arctaris Impact CDE, LLC, is a Boston-based impact investment firm with experience spanning more than 13 years over seven funds. The firm manages funds that invest in growth-oriented operating businesses and community infrastructure projects located in underserved communities. Founded in 2009, Arctaris has partnered with the Kresge Foundation, Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter's Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, and multiple other foundations, federal and state government agencies to invest in Opportunity Zones, inner cities, and targeted rural communities throughout the U.S., with the aim of delivering above-market investment returns alongside positive social impact. For more information visit www.Arctaris.com or for press inquiries contact [email protected]. About 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. Legal Disclaimer Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements. These statements reflect prevailing conditions and our best business judgment as of the date of issuance. As a result, actual results may vary from the projections and it should not be relied upon as investment advice. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005832/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Harris Williams Acts as Lead Sell-Side Advisor on A2MAC1's Pending Sale to Providence Equity Partners Harris Williams, a global investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, announces it is acting as lead sell-side advisor to A2MAC1, a portfolio company of Five Arrows Principal Investments (Five Arrows) and Keensight Capital, on its pending sale to Providence Equity Partners (Providence). As part of the transaction, Five Arrows will re-invest as joint-lead alongside Providence. A2MAC1 is the global leader in automotive technology benchmarking. The transaction is being led by the Harris Williams Technology Group, including Thierry Monjauze, Julien Oussadon, Sylvain Noblet, Stefan van de Ven and Daniel Drazen. "A2MAC1 is a global leader in automotive benchmarking insights and has successfully expanded its unique offering from static technology benchmarking into other mission-critical insights, such as costing and performance insights," said Thierry Monjauze, a managing director at Harris Williams. "It has been a privilege advising A2MAC1 and its shareholders on this transaction and extending the firm's strong momentum advising French technology clients." "With a uniquely differentiated offering, combined with a global market-leading position, A2MAC1 has an exciting path ahead for its next stage of growth. We are highly impressed with what A2MAC1 CEO Frank Bunte and his team have built. We look forward to watching the company embark on its next chapter as the platform continues to expand further across benchmarking insights," added Julien Oussadon, a managing director at Harris Williams. Nicolas Robin, a managing director at Five Arrows, said, "Harris Williams is a first-classpartner. They have been pivotal in successfully positioning the company and future opportunity, and their meticulous attention to detail, process design, and tactical advice throughout the transaction led to an exceptional outcome." Frank Bunte, CEO of A2MAC1, added, "The transaction expertise and insightful buyer knowledge provided by Harris Williams has been integral to our successful outcome. I am incredibly excited about the future of A2MAC1 as we partner with Five Arrows and Providence, and as we continue to uncover hidden secrets behind the most complex innovations and technologies which will transform data into meaningful insights." A2MAC1 is the world-leading provider of benchmarking insights and solutions across the automotive and mobility industry and beyond. It is a pioneer in the analysis and transformation of data into actionable value and a source of mission-critical insights into the market. With more than 700 employees worldwide (Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States), the group's offering is used daily by more than 650,000 professionals from the entire automotive and mobility value chain and beyond for over 25 years. Its unique, easy-to-use, 3D proprietary technology platform helps manufacturers optimize the design and materials of their products throughout their life cycle with a constant focus on decarbonization and innovation whilst enabling constant cost and value optimization. Five Arrows is the alternative assets arm of Rothschild & Co and has 22 billion of AuM with offices in Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Luxembourg. With over 8 billion of assets under management, the corporate private equity business of Five Arrows is focused on investing in companies with highly defensible market positions; strong management teams; business models with high visibility of organic unit volume growth and strong unit economics; and multiple operational levers that can be used to unlock latent value. Sectors are limited to data and software, technology-enabled business services and healthcare. Keensight Capital, one of the leading European growth buyout firms, is committed to supporting entrepreneurs as they implement their growth strategies. For over 20 years, Keensight Capital's team of seasoned professionals has leveraged their knowledge of investment and growth industries to invest for the long term in profitable companies with high growth potential and revenues in the range of 10 million to 400 million. Drawing on its expertise in the technology and healthcare sectors, Keensight Capital identifies the best investment opportunities in Europe and works closely with management teams to develop and achieve their strategic vision. Keensight Capital's success has also earned it a Gold Award from the Private Equity Exchange & Awards each year for the last five consecutive years, and in particular, the Best European Growth Private Equity Fund. Providence is a specialist private equity investment firm focused on growth-oriented media, communications, education, and technology companies across North America and Europe. Providence combines its partnership approach to investing with deep industry expertise to help management teams build exceptional businesses and generate attractive returns. Since its founding in 1989, Providence has invested over $32 billion across more than 170 private equity portfolio companies. With its headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island, the firm also has offices in New York, London, Boston, and Atlanta. Harris Williams, an investment bank specializing in M&A advisory services, advocates for sellers and buyers of companies worldwide through critical milestones and provides thoughtful advice during the lives of their businesses. By collaborating as one firm across Industry Groups and geographies, the firm helps its clients achieve outcomes that support their objectives and strategically create value. Harris Williams is committed to execution excellence and to building enduring, valued relationships that are based on mutual trust. Harris Williams is a subsidiary of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). The Harris Williams Technology Group advises leading private and public companies, founders, and private equity, growth equity and venture capital firms on mergers and acquisitions and capital-raising transactions worldwide. The Technology Group has deep domain expertise in software and technology-enabled services and dedicated focus areas across a variety of vertical software applications and end markets. For more information on the Technology Group and its recent transactions, visit the Technology Group's section of the Harris Williams website. Harris Williams LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is a private limited company incorporated under English law with its registered office at 8th Floor, 20 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AB, UK, registered with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales (registration number 07078852). Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH is registered in the commercial register of the local court of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, under HRB 107540. The registered address is Bockenheimer Landstrasse 33-35, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany (email address: [email protected]). Geschaftsfuhrer/Directors: Jeffery H. Perkins, Paul Poggi. (VAT No. DE321666994). Harris Williams is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC, Harris Williams & Co. Ltd and Harris Williams & Co. Corporate Finance Advisors GmbH conduct business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005838/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] According to the public opinion survey of the International Republican Institute (IRI), 64% of the surveyed population say that if Georgia does not get the EU candidate status, the government/ruling party will be responsible for it.According to the survey, 8% blame the opposition, 6% - the European Union, 2% the Russian war in Ukraine, and 1% the civil society. 3% say that the reason is different, and 17% do not have an answer to the question. It should be noted that if Georgia fails to receive the status of a candidate, the responsibility for this will be imposed on the government by the voters of the Georgian Dream - 50%.To the question of whether Georgia will fulfill the 12 recommendations issued by the European Union, the population answered as follows: 55% think that the country will fully or partially fulfill the recommendations, while 37% think that Georgia will not be able to fulfill the recommendations. 8% have no answer to the question.According to the same research, a total of 37% of respondents think that Georgia will receive the status of a candidate for the European Union by 2023, while 50% think that it will not happen. 13% have no answer to the question.The study commissioned by IRI was conducted in the period from September 13 to October 2, 2022.According to the public opinion survey of the International Republican Institute (IRI), 78% of the surveyed population is not in favor of a visa-free regime for Russian citizens, businesses or property registration.According to the survey, 14% say that the visa regime should not be abolished for Russian citizens, 8% think that they should not have the right to register a business, and 5% do not favor Russian citizens' right to register property. 4% have no answer to the question.According to the voters of the political parties, 91% of the voters of the National Movement and 64% of the Georgian Dream are against the visa-free regime for Russian citizens, business or property registration. [November 08, 2022] Medal of Honor Recipient, CSM Gary Littrell US Army Retired, and Entertainer, Tony Orlando, of the Tribute to Valor Foundation, to serve as Co-Grand Marshals for the Dallas Veterans Day Parade on Friday, November 11, 2022 DALLAS, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medal of Honor Recipient, CSM Gary Littrell US Army Retired, and Entertainer, Actor, Director, Producer, Philanthropist & Great American Patriot, Tony Orlando were announced today as the 2022 Dallas Veterans Day Parade Co-Grand Marshals and will ride together in the 2022 Dallas Veterans Day Parade on Friday. November 11, 2022. Both CSM Littrell and Mr. Orlando are honored to be a part of the Dallas Veterans Day Parade. They both serve on the Board of the Tribute to Valor Foundation . ABOUT Gary L. Littrell, CSM United States Army Retired: Gary L. Littrell is a retired United States Army command sergeant major who, while serving as an adviser to Army of the Republic of Vietnam's Ranger units during the Vietnam War, acted with extraordinary courage during a four-day siege on his battalion, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor. His Awards include: Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (3), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Cross of Gallantry (Vietnam) Following his retirement, he has served as Vice-President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. He is currently the President of a Medical Rehabilitation Equipment Company and Chairman of the Tribute to Valor Foundation. ABOUT Tony Orlando: Tony Orlando is one of America's most endearing and beloved iconic entertainers. He is recognized by his peers and the pblic - as simply the best. With five #1 records, 2 platinum & 3 gold albums, a Grammy Nominee, few entertainers have excelled in so many realms as Tony: top selling recording artist, concert headliner, songwriter, television star, Motion Picture actor, Broadway performer and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor Bob Hope Award. Tony has performed for our armed services around the globe and raised millions of dollars for veteran organizations. On November 8th, 2022, Branson, Missouri will declare 'Tony Orlando Yellow Ribbon Day' & present a proclamation to Orlando during Branson's Veterans Homecoming Week. 2023 is the 50th Anniversary of 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree' and the celebration of the NAM-POW Homecoming. Tony has been a part of their annual homecoming reunion, was named honorary chairman at the 40th anniversary at the Nixon Library and will perform that song again at the 50th reunion as he welcomed the POWs home at the Cotton Bowl with Bob Hope in 1973. ABOUT Tribute to Valor: Tribute to Valor's Mission is to Influence, Impact, and Inspire young people to answer the question "Who Am I?" by incorporating into their lives, the six core values of character represented by our Nation's Highest Award for Valor in Combat, The Congressional Medal of Honor. Through the lens of these core values, Tribute to Valor challenges high school students to find their passion and to make a difference in the World through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) www.tributetovalor.org FOR MORE INFORMATION: CMOH Gary Littrell & Tribute to Valor Foundation: Stephanie Lanier, 631.664.7478, [email protected] Tony Orlando: Susan Munao, [email protected] Greater Dallas Veterans Day Parade: Mary Lester, 214.490.3480, [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/medal-of-honor-recipient-csm-gary-littrell-us-army-retired-and-entertainer-tony-orlando-of-the-tribute-to-valor-foundation-to-serve-as-co-grand-marshals-for-the-dallas-veterans-day-parade-on-friday-november-11-2022-301671818.html SOURCE Tribute to Valor [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Minister Vandal announces federal funding to the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link that aims to bring clean energy, broadband service to the Kivalliq region of Nunavut RANKIN INLET, NU, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - A transformative Inuit-led project is planning to deliver renewable energy and high-speed Internet to remote northern communities in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. The Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project will help advance Canada's transition to a low carbon future while protecting the land and water, unlocking economic opportunities in the region and improving the health and wellbeing of Nunavummiut. The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, CanNor and PrairiesCan, announced today that the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link project is receiving $7 million in funding from Canada's Northern REACHE Program to help advance the project. The federal government remains committed to supporting Inuit in further advancing this nation-building green infrastructure project. This funding builds on previous Government of Canada funding of $4.6 million for technical and feasibility assessments through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). The Canadian Infrastructure Bank is also providing important advisory services in support of the project's development activities. Led by Nukik Corporation, the project proposes a new 1,200-kilometre overhead hydroelectric transmission line between the Gillam, Manitoba area and the Kivalliq region that will help five communities and two gold mines transition away from polluting and costly diesel. This clean energy initiative will improve local air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 371,000 metric tons annually and displace 138 million litres of fuel per year, enable Nunavut to meet its 2030 GHG emissions reduction target, and save the region money. Many communities in the North continue to rely on diesel for electricity and heat, which is costly, polluting, and contributes to climate change. Northern REACHE supports Indigenous and northern communities' transition away from diesel fuel for electricity and heating by supporting and funding for renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydroelectricity and biomass heating. As Nunavut's first-ever infrastructure link to the rest of Canada, the project will also create access to affordable broadband service for 10,000 residents; modernize the region's telecommunications systems; and enable future economic development, including e-business, tele-healthcare and educational opportunities. The project will also create jobs from its construction and operation and be the catalyst of generational socio-economic opportunities for the region once completed in 2030, contributing $3.2 billion to Canada's GDP during construction and generating an estimated $8 billion in revenues over 50 years. In the recent 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada continues to move forward in making life more affordable for Canadians and taking bold climate action to lower energy costs and reduce pollution. This includes launching the new Canada Growth Fund, bringing in new investments required to reduce our emissions and grow our economy. The Government of Canada will also introduce 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. Quotes "The legacy of diesel infrastructure in our communities harms our environment and impacts our lands, wildlife, and waters each and every day. We are now at a pivotal moment where together with our federal partners, we can demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding habitat and arctic waters while tackling a major infratructure deficit and lack of equal socio-economic opportunities for Inuit and Nunavummiut. Nunavut and the Kivalliq region have a legitimate right to become grid-connected and access the same prosperous future as all other Canadians." Kono Tattuinee President of the Kivalliq Inuit Association "Nunavut is Canada's largest territory and does not have any infrastructure connecting it to the rest of the country. The Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link is a nation-building inter-tie project that directly and tangibly answers national and regional commitments to take climate action, walk the talk on reconciliation and build a true, resilient pan-Canadian grid that will enable Nunavut to, one day, send renewable electricity back to the North American network, contributing to Canada's 2050 net-zero objective. The federal government has been a true partner and we are excited for the next stage of the project's development." Anne-Raphaelle Audouin CEO of Nukik Corporation "Our government is proud to support Indigenous-led clean energy projects across the North and Arctic, which is why we are making significant new investments in cleaner energy generation in the Fall Economic Statement. The Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link aspires to bring clean, secure and affordable energy and broadband Internet service to the Kivalliq region. Transformational initiatives like this one will help Canada meet its climate objectives and more importantly, serve as the foundation for resilient and thriving northern communities, all while saving them money on polluting diesel. This is only possible through the leadership and determination of organizations such as the Kivalliq Inuit Association, Sakku Investments and Nukik Corporation." The Honourable Dan Vandal, P.C., M.P. Minister of Northern Affairs, CanNor, and PrairiesCan Quick facts Prior to today's announcement, the Government of Canada provided $4.6 million in funding to support the planning of the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link for technical and feasibility assessments through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). The latest funding arrangement for $2.99 million expires March 31, 2023 . provided in funding to support the planning of the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link for technical and feasibility assessments through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). The latest funding arrangement for expires . Canada's Strengthened Climate Plan invested $300 million over five years to ensure that rural, remote and Indigenous communities that currently rely on diesel have the opportunity to be powered by clean, reliable energy by 2030. Strengthened Climate Plan invested over five years to ensure that rural, remote and Indigenous communities that currently rely on diesel have the opportunity to be powered by clean, reliable energy by 2030. Building on this investment, Budget 2021 provided $40.4 million over three years, starting in 202122, to support the feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North to help communities transition to clean energy and reduce their reliance on diesel. over three years, starting in 202122, to support the feasibility and planning of hydroelectricity and grid interconnection projects in the North to help communities transition to clean energy and reduce their reliance on diesel. Many communities in the North continue to rely on diesel for electricity and heat, which is costly, polluting, and contributes to climate change. Northern REACHE supports Indigenous and northern communities' transition away from diesel fuel for electricity and heating by supporting and funding for renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydroelectricity, and biomass heating. To date, the Northern REACHE Program has invested more than $39 million in 161 projects across the North. in 161 projects across the North. Supporting Indigenous leadership and co-developing solutions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in Northern communities for First Nations, Inuit and Metis is central to advancing the reconciliation journey and self-determination. Launched in 2019, Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, developed with Indigenous representatives and six territorial and provincial governments, is a long-term vision for the Arctic and the North to reflect the priorities and perspectives of Arctic and Northern people. Arctic and Northern Policy Framework, developed with Indigenous representatives and six territorial and provincial governments, is a long-term vision for the Arctic and the North to reflect the priorities and perspectives of Arctic and Northern people. 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: 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. 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, as well as incentivizing higher wages for workers by increasing the credit level when certain labour protections are met. a leader in the net-zero transition, as well as incentivizing higher wages for workers by increasing the credit level when certain labour protections are met. Implementing a new tax on share buybacks by public corporations in Canada . . 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 links Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link 2022 Fall Economic Statement Backgrounder: Jobs, Growth, and an Economy That Works for Everyone Associated links Northern REACHE Program Stay connected Join the conversation about the North: Twitter: GovCan_North Facebook: GovCan - North SOURCE Indigenous Services Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] SOC Prime Announces Appointment of New Chief Financial Officer SOC Prime, provider of the world's largest and most advanced threat detection marketplace, announces the appointment of Jeff Moon as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Moon brings to SOC Prime over 25 years of Financial Planning and Analysis, accounting, and corporate finance management experience in leading software development and technology companies. "As the defender on the frontline of the global cyber war, SOC Prime helps Ukraine and its allies withstand russian aggression. Even in these most turbulent times, we are driven to accelerate the company's growth and further its mission to evolve collective cyber defense," said Andrii Bezverkhyi, founder and CEO at SOC Prime. "I am tremendously excited to have Jeff on board to bring his extensive financial, operational, and strategic experience to drive the next phase of business growth." Jeff Moon joined SOC Prime from Tetrate where he was Head of Finance and Operations which included raising Series B while managing the company's financial operations. Prior to Tetrate, Jeff worked at Citrix Systems for almost 10 years, laser-focused on supporting Product Lines and being responsible for managing acquisitions and divestitures. In his new role, Jeff will be in charge of working with investors and building the business process improvements to scale SOC Primefor growth. "I'm genuinely honored to be part of the industry-leading company committed to a great mission to build collective cyber defense globally. SOC Prime's industry-first Detection as Code platform has future-proof potential to transform threat detection connecting industry peers into a cyber defender community driven to thwart emerging threats together and make the world a safer place," said Mr. Moon. "I look forward to leading the finance team and collaborating with everyone at the company in fostering the business growth of SOC Prime." To learn more about SOC Prime, please visit: https://socprime.com/ About SOC Prime Headquartered in Boston, SOC Prime operates the world's largest and most advanced platform for collective cyber defense that cultivates collaboration from a global cybersecurity community and curates the most up-to-date Sigma rules compatible with over 25 SIEM, EDR, and XDR platforms. SOC Prime's innovation, a community-driven approach based on Detection-as-Code principles, and cutting-edge technology leveraging Sigma language and MITRE ATT&CK as core pillars are recognized by the independent research companies, credited by the leading SIEM, XDR & MDR vendors, and trusted by 8,000+ organizations, including 42% of Fortune 100 and 21% of Forbes Global 2000. SOC Prime is backed by DNX Ventures, Streamlined Ventures and Rembrandt Venture Partners having received $11.5M in funding in October 2021. For more information, visit https://socprime.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter @SOC_Prime. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005568/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Alberta Investment Management Corporation Expands Its Ownership in Howard Energy Partners EDMONTON, AB, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) is pleased to announce that it has acquired Astatine Investment Partners' (formerly Alinda Capital Partners) stake in Howard Energy Partners. As a result of this transaction, AIMCo holds a total ownership stake of 87 percent in Howard Energy Partners (HEP). HEP is a diversified energy platform business with strategically located midstream and downstream assets in the United States, where long-term, fixed-fee contracts make up the majority of revenues. HEP was recently awarded a five-star ESG rating from GRESB, a leading ESG benchmark for global infrastructure investments. The company scored in the top 10 percent of all private companies who participated in the GRESB assessment and was named the 2022 Most Improved in Infrastructure. AIMCo acquired an initial 28 percent stake in HEP, on behalf of certain of its clients, in early 2017. Since that time, the investment has performed well and continues to align strongly with AIMCo Infrastructure's energy transition strategies. HEP management and other minority investors will continue to hold a 13 percent ownership interest in the company. "We are excited to make further investment in Howard Energy and to grow our global portfolio of highquality energy infrastructure assets on behalf of our clients," said Ben Hawkins, Executive Managing Director & Head, Infrastructure, Renewables & Sustainable Investing. "AIMCo's significant ownership ensures continuity of a very successful, long-term partnership with Howard Energy." "As one of the premier capital providers in the industry, AIMCo has been a long-time and trusted partner of HEP. They have supported our vision of growth and value creation while at the same time supporting our commitment of delivering positive energy in new and innovative ways," said Mike Howard, HEP Chairman and CEO. "I am excited that we are significantly expanding our partnership in North America, and I believe that together we will be able to further scale our platform of assets for many years into the future." Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. TPH&Co., the energy business of Perella Weinberg Partners, served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to AIMCo on the transaction. ABOUT ALBERTA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AIMCo is one of Canada's largest and most diversified institutional investment managers with more than $150 billion of assets under management. AIMCo was established on January 1, 2008, with a mandate to provide superior long-term investment results for its clients. AIMCo operates at arms-length from the Government of Alberta and invests globally on behalf of 32 pension, endowment, and government funds in the Province of Alberta. For more information on AIMCo please visit www.aimco.ca or follow us on LinkedIn. ABOUT HOWARD ENERGY PARTNERS San Antonio-based Howard Midstream Energy Partners, LLC d/b/a Howard Energy Partners is a diversified, growth-oriented energy company focused on providing innovative midstream solutions to its customers. Howard Energy Partners owns and operates natural gas and crude oil pipelines, natural gas processing plants, refined products storage terminals, deep-water dock and rail facilities, fractionation facilities, hydrogen production facilities, renewable diesel logistics facilities, and other related midstream assets in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Mexico. The company has corporate offices in San Antonio and Houston, Texas and Monterrey, Mexico. For more information on Howard Energy Partners and our mission to deliver positive energy, please visit our website at www.howardenergypartners.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alberta-investment-management-corporation-expands-its-ownership-in-howard-energy-partners-301671869.html SOURCE Alberta Investment Management Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] ComEd Awards Chicagoland Students Scholarships to Pursue STEM Degrees To support equity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, ComEd has named four local students who are pursuing STEM-related degrees at Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) and University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) as its 2022 ComEd Scholars. Now in its fourth year, the ComEd Scholars program provides scholarships that fill the funding gap for students pursuing STEM-related degrees at local universities. In addition to the scholarship funding, ComEd Scholars receive mentorship from ComEd engineers and executives and the opportunity to apply for internships at ComEd and its parent company, Exelon. Since the program was launched in 2019, 26 students have been awarded support. "At ComEd, we are committed to diversifying the STEM workforce and supporting talented students from across our communities," said Gil Quiniones, CEO of ComEd. "The ComEd Scholars program seeks to give students knowledge, confidence, and resources to not only achieve their education and career aspirations, but to also have a meaningful impact in their communities for years to come." To qualify for the program, students must be recommended by their school. UIC's financial aid office, in partnership with academic advisors and ComEd, then identify high-performing students facing significant financial burdens. Invited UIC applicants then submit a personal statement, financial-aid application and school transcripts. Illinois Tech's financial aid office identifies students who meet the ComEd scholarship criteria to be considered for this program. These scholarships provide selected students with the necessary financial assistance to cover educaion-related costs that exceed financial aid. "This partnership with ComEd allows our Illinois Tech scholars to lean and grow into the tech leaders of the future," said Raj Echambadi, president of Illinois Institute of Technology. "This commitment to expand educational opportunities for all students impacts the advancement of technology for all." The ComEd Scholars program is one of several ComEd initiatives that build and empower a local, diverse workforce. In 2022, ComEd's workforce programs had a direct impact for over 1,700 participants. "ComEd's commitment to creating the diverse STEM workforce of the future exemplifies what it means to create equitable pathways for the next generation of leaders and change makers," added Dr. Javier Reyes, Interim Chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago. "We are thankful for this partnership and investment in UIC students." The 2022 ComEd Scholars are: Aaron Tillery - a second-year student from Chicago's Washington Heights neighborhood, pursuing a degree in computer engineering at UIC. - a second-year student from Chicago's neighborhood, pursuing a degree in computer engineering at UIC. Adrian Rodriguez - a second-year student from Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood, pursuing a degree in civil engineering at Illinois Tech. - a second-year student from Chicago's neighborhood, pursuing a degree in civil engineering at Illinois Tech. Angelica Velazquez - a second-year student from Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Illinois Tech. - a second-year student from Chicago's neighborhood, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Illinois Tech. Chanel Hamilton - a first-year student from the Chicago's South Suburban Community of Country Club Hills, pursuing a degree in engineering at UIC. 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/20221108005817/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] UBC Exam Invigilators Join Canada's Largest Union as Part of Effort to Unionize All Student Academic Workers CUPE is welcoming Exam Invigilators at UBC's Centre for Accessibility who joined the union following a successful three-week membership drive. Predominantly graduate students themselves, the group of workers administers exams for students who require accommodations. These newest CUPE members will join CUPE Local 2278, one of three CUPE locals at B.C.'s largest university. "Academic student workers are often required to work multiple jobs in addition to completing a heavy academic workload. This leaves student workers barely able to make ends meet and struggling with the mental health impacts of a near impossible schedule and constant financial stress," said Phyllis Pearson, President of CUPE 2278. "Being part of CUPE, having their work professionalized, better regulated, and fairly compensated, is a huge step forward for this group of academic workers." CUPE Local 2278 represents over 2,000 academic workers at the University of British Columbia, including teaching assistants, tutors, markers, and English language instructors. The Local is currently working with its members and other graduate students to orgaize research and academic assistants, a large group of student workers who do not benefit from the representation, fair wages, and job security unionization provides. "Student employees are the backbone of UBC, working alongside professors and other staff to provide the teaching, research and other academic work that support learning and contributes to research achievements," said Pearson. "Student employees deserve the same recognition and respect as the thousands of other qualified, dedicated and hard-working employees at our university." Work to organize exam invigilators was a joint effort among the several CUPE locals at UBC, and represents a collaborative approach among CUPE activists at UBC. All CUPE locals at UBC have prioritized the need for student academic workers to access the protections of a union, and are each supporting ongoing membership drive. "Our members work alongside student academic employees. They are our colleagues and our equals, and deserve the same rights, respect, and fair compensation as all other UBC employees," said Chloe Martin-Cabanne, President of CUPE 2950, the local representing UBC's clerical, library and theatre employees. Work to unionize all student academic workers at the University of British Columbia is ongoing, and more information can be found at organizeubc.cupe.ca. CUPE is Canada's largest union with more than 715,000 members across the country and more than 100,000 in British Columbia. cope491 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005980/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] University of Phoenix Leadership Presenting at 1EdTech Digital Curriculum and App Innovation Summit University of Phoenix announces that Eve Krahe-Billings, Ph.D., dean, Academic Innovation and Evaluation, Mary Elizabeth Smith, director, Learning Innovation Strategy, and Shelly Hodges, senior director, College Operations, are leading a session on the collaborative work of the University's journey toward university-wide skills-aligned curriculum at the 1EdTech Digital Curriculum & App Innovation Summit held November 7-10, 2022, in Baltimore, Maryland. 1EdTech's new Digital Curriculum and App Innovation Summit is intended to showcase prime examples of how educational institutions leverage technology to make life easier for educators while also improving student learning experiences and outcomes. Krahe-Billings, Smith and Hodges will lead the session, Curriculum to Careers: Radical Collaboration in Assessment + Analytics + Design on November 9, 2022, at 8:30am EST. As University of Phoenix leadership in student learning assessment, data analytics, and learning experience design, they will detail the University's journey toward university-wide, skills-aligned curriculum, and the steps taken to successfully vision, design, and implement a skills-aligned curriculum framework focused on career identification and development across all academic programming at the University. "University of Phoenix is a place that, knowing our students and the value they place on the practicality of education, has emerged from a pandemic period with over 85 percent of programs open for ne enrollment revised, skills-tagged, and ready for use by students," says Krahe-Billings. "I look forward to sharing how our highly collaborative process made this both possible and successful." As Dean of Academic Innovation and Evaluation, Krahe-Billings' accountabilities are divided between identifying and vetting emerging trends and current best practice across higher ed for use at the university and oversight of all student learning assessment, leading teams devoted to academic and institutional assessment as well as the tech systems that ingest and aid in analysis of data. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of University Administrators and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Humanities Council. Hodges has been in higher education for over 20 years in a variety of leadership roles, spanning work within student services, product management, data analytics and operations. In her current role as Senior Director of College Operations within the University of Phoenix, she analyzes data to identify issues and develops recommendations for solutions, working closely with academic leadership to improve operations for the colleges including student experience, retention, graduation rates and progression outcomes. Smith has been involved in educational innovation for over thirty years, working in curriculum development, learning design, faculty development, faculty, and e-learning roles for four universities and several community colleges, as well as two educational software companies. 1EdTech is a worldwide member-based non-profit community partnership of educational providers, state/national departments of education, and edtech suppliers. The 1EdTech community provides collaborative leadership that shapes the foundation of an open edtech ecosystem now and into the future to enable unlimited potential in every learner. For more information about the 1EdTech Digital Curriculum & App Innovation Summit, visit the registration website. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005987/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Citizens for Judicial Fairness Runs Election Day Canvassing Operation and Voter Registration Drive in Wilmington, Exposes Disastrous Decision by All-White Chancery and Supreme Courts to Disenfranchise Delaware Voters Today, Citizens for Judicial Fairness has partnered with leading Wilmington-based activist Keandra McDole and grassroots supporters to expose the Delaware Chancery and Supreme Court's appalling decision to disenfranchise voters through striking down same-day voter registration and vote-by-mail legislation passed by the state legislature. CJF canvassers will blanket major polling sites in Wilmington to register voters who are turned away at the polls and urge them to advocate for Delaware's leaders to protect voting rights. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005992/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) Said Keandra McDole, "We refuse to be silent when our sacred right to vote is stripped away by all-white, mostly male groups of judges, even in a Democratic-led state like Delaware. We're out in the streets canvassing because Delawareans deserve to know that their rights are under attack, and we need to join our voices together to fight for lasting change. We won't stop until our courts reflect us and our rights are respected by Delaware's leaders." Said Citizens for Judicial Fairness Campaign Manager Chris Coffey, "John Carney's Delaware is a case study in hypocrisy and bad faith. Is it any surprise that after years of Carney appointing rich, out-of-touch white men to the state's top courts, those courts then turn around and gut Delawareans' right to vote? We're exposing this cycle of hypocrisy and activating disenfranchised Delawareans to take action and fight for their rights." Following the election, CJF will mobilize its 5,000-member strong grassroots army to call on the state legislature to enshrine fundamental voting rights into the Delaware Constitution. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005992/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Enquire AI and Electo Analytics Partner to Scale Access to Regulatory & Legislative Policy Expertise and Insights As organizations prepare for the impact of the mid-term elections, this platform integration will allow their teams to navigate the dynamic landscape more effectively. WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Enquire AI announces the launch of its newest API partnership with Electo Analytics. Electo Analytics ("Electo") will be integrating Enquire AI's Network Pulse Platform technology as a direct feature within its public policy platform to create a powerful, unique solution in the government affairs technology space. The partnership represents the second API licensing of Enquire AI patented tech after its hugely successful integration with Asia's premier business intelligence platform, Speeda, last year. Enquire AI's intelligent software enables users to engage with the right resources to address any research question. The Network Pulse Platform is the first AI-powered real-time business intelligence tool that connects users directly to custom context, insights and analysis from a global network of subject matter experts. Enquire AI's intelligent matching software enables users to discover and engage with the right set of resources to address any research or business intelligence question. Electo's users will now be able to tap into the power of the Network Pulse Platform as a part of the Electo Analytics platform. Not only will clients be able to precisely map the legislative landcape, track shifting regulatory dynamics more accurately, and more effectively manage stakeholder engagement, they will now also be able to transform their government affairs workflow by adding real-time insights around the legislative issues that matter most. Policy expertise is in high demand based on the current international climate and uncertainty around the upcoming mid-term elections. "We are excited to power up adjacent platforms in different industries and build the industry-standard for accessing expertise needed to make sound decisions," said Enquire CEO Cenk Sidar. "This is a milestone in the market, tying together legislative affairs data, mapping, and insights," continued COO, Bilal Baloch. "We look forward to working with the Electo Analytics team in adding deep value to their customers' policy research needs." As a mission-driven company, Electo Analytics is committed to bridging the gap in access to essential public policy information. "We're thrilled to embark on a thoughtful partnership with Enquire AI by pairing our next-generation public policy software with the Network Pulse Platform's innovative approach to sourcing analysis from subject matter experts. We can now equip our clients with a unique suite of tools to deftly align intelligence with analysis to generate a comprehensive understanding of their policy landscape, empowering them to design the most highly informed strategies," said Naeim Khanjani, Co-Founder and CEO of Electo Analytics. For more information on the Enquire AI Network Pulse API solution, visit enq.to/api. About Enquire AI ( www.enquire.ai Enquire AI uses artificial intelligence, data, and machine learning to transform the way businesses engage human intelligence for better outcomes. Discover hidden resources and capabilities within your own organizations or engage with timely expertise from the global knowledge economy. About Electo Analytics ( www.electoanalytics.com Electo Analytics provides scalable public affairs software that empowers teams to customize and streamline your government affairs workflow. With better data at your fingertips inside an accessible workspace, Electo Analytics reshapes policy work from a never-ending pile into a steady flow, transforming the way organizations influence policy. CONTACT: Jessica Moyer [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enquire-ai-and-electo-analytics-partner-to-scale-access-to-regulatory--legislative-policy-expertise-and-insights-301671928.html SOURCE Enquire AI [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Minister Wilkinson Highlights Government's Clean Tech Tax Credit Plan to Build an Economy That Works for Everyone VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - With one of the world's most comprehensive and detailed climate plans, a wealth of natural resources and a skilled workforce, Canada is establishing itself as a global supplier of choice for clean energy in a net-zero world. Governments worldwide are looking for reliable, affordable, non-emitting forms of energy, and it is in this context that like-minded nations must come together to ensure a future that is sustainable both economically and environmentally. Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, met with Vice President Operations, Elizabeth Thorsen, and other representatives from Foresight Canada to highlight the new refundable tax credit for clean technology companies as announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2022 : Building an Economy That Works for Everyone. The proposed tax credit would provide a refundable tax credit equal to 30 per cent of the capital cost of investments in: electricity generation systems; stationary electricity storage systems; low-carbon heat equipment; and industrial zero-emission vehicles and related charging or refueling equipment. Helping Canadian companies adopt clean technologies will create jobs, ensure Canadian businesses remain globally competitive, and reduce Canada's emissions at the same time. That's why through the Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada is delivering on further promises that will help make life more affordable for all Canadians and businesses. The Canadian economy faces global headwinds from a position of fundamental strength: an unemployment rate near its record lowover 500,000 more Canadians are working today than before the pandemicthe strongest economic growth in the G7 this year, a triple-A credit rating, and the lowest net debt- and deficit-to-GDP ratios in the G7. Minister Wilkinson will continue to work with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, private industry, labour groups and environmental organizations to build on this strength and establish Canada as the global supplier of choice for clean energy in a net-zero world ensuring a prosperous and clean future for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Quote "Just as any successful business must be capable of interpreting and reacting to changes in the business environment, countries must also be capable of thoughtful response and appropriate action to sustain and enhance their level of prosperity. The cleantech tax creit proposed by the Deputy Prime Minister will keep Canada at the forefront of cleantech innovation, as groups like the International Energy Agency project massive growth in this area going forward." 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; 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; 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, ; 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 Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan ( http://twitter.com/nrcan ) SOURCE Natural Resources Canada Travelers passing through the Billings airport has steadily grown over the last two months and November is anticipated to be no different when compared to last year. [November 08, 2022] Cross River and the Israel Economic Mission Host Delegation of Startups to Further the Fintech Ecosystem on Both Sides of the Ocean Cross River Bank ("Cross River"), a technology infrastructure provider that offers embedded financial solutions, collaborated with the Israel Economic Mission to host a delegation of Israeli entrepreneurs and fintech startups. The event provided the companies a chance to pitch their businesses, as well as networking opportunities for future growth. "Cross River bridges the gap between technology and financial services, and we are equally committed to furthering the economic bridge between the Israeli fintech community and our key partners in the U.S.," said Phil Goldfeder, SVP Global Public Affairs at Cross River. "It's a pleasure to leverage our relationships to the benefit of these talented and innovative Israeli companies and we look forward to our continued partnership with the Israel Economic Mission." On Monday, November 7th, Cross River's Fort Lee headquarters was abuzz with leaders from more than a dozen Israeli fintech startups, local elected officials, investors, and stakeholders from the Israel Economic Mission. Since early 2014, Cross River has been deeply connected to Israel and it has been, and continues to be, a critical center of investment. The company is committed to the Israeli ecosystem of technological innovation, the culture of doing good, cultivating jobs, expanding economic inclusion and supporing local economies. "We're grateful to Cross River for hosting us and providing this opportunity for the Israeli fintech community to bolster ties with partners in the U.S. and foster relationships that will help lead to the success of these companies," said Anat Katz, Economic Minister to North America, Israel Economic Mission to the U.S. "This event was a wonderful testament to the economic and cultural ties between Israel and New Jersey and the good that can be done when we work together." Cross River also has a strong focus on propelling the next generation of entrepreneurs and companies shaping the future of financial services. Cross River is unique in that it is one of the largest foreign private company employers in Israel. The collaboration with the Israel Economic Mission is another way Cross River is working with key stakeholders to further the economic bridge between Israel and the U.S., fostering new relationships and strengthening current ties. "This delegation was an enriching and influential meeting of the minds between innovative Israeli startups and New Jersey's leaders and businesses," said Andrew H Gross, Executive Director of the New Jersey Israel Commission. "I applaud Cross River and the Israel Economic Mission for advancing the critical economic relationship between Israel and the State of New Jersey." Cross River has close to 900 global employees, with a strong team of 180+ engineers and developers in Israel, helping to further pursue and support new initiatives and opportunities with global impact. The team in Israel is an integral part of the growth of Cross River and its life-saving work across the globe. As the company's work on both sides of the ocean has expanded in recent years, it has also continued to further social impact initiatives in Israel. About Cross River Cross River provides technology infrastructure powering the future of financial services. Leveraging its proprietary real-time banking core, Cross River delivers innovative and scalable embedded payments, cards, lending and crypto solutions to millions of consumers and businesses. Cross River is backed by leading investors and serves the world's most essential fintech and technology companies. Together with its partners, Cross River is reshaping global finance and financial inclusion. Member FDIC. Find out more at www.crossriver.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108006029/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Promising projects and partnerships - ETS on a mission to France MONTREAL, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - The executive delegation of the Ecole de technologie superieure has returned from the first diplomatic mission of its Director General, Francois Gagnon, to France. As a strategic and essential partner, France offers ETS multiple opportunities for growth and collaboration. Mr. Gagnon was accompanied by Christian Casanova, Executive Director of Research and Partnerships, Annie Bouthillette, Executive Director of Institutional Relations, and Tanguy Bantas, Director of International Relations. "This first international institutional mission allowed ETS to consolidate longstanding relationships with its international allies, in addition to stimulating new collaborations. We already welcome more than 1,600 French students each year and can count on bilateral partnerships in the development of innovation and technology. The warm welcome given to my team, the rich exchanges and te agreements signed guarantee a promising future for ETS in France," explained Francois Gagnon, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of ETS. The delegation was received by the Honourable Stephane Dion, Canada's Ambassador in Paris and Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe, as well as Ms. Michele Boisvert, Delegate General of Quebec in Paris and Personal Representative of the Premier of Quebec for La Francophonie, with whom they exchanged views on ETS's unique educational model, but more importantly, on the school's active participation in various large-scale projects and partnerships. "By increasing ETS's international presence, we hope to strengthen our research and innovation partnerships, while offering our students access to opportunities that will open up their horizons and favourably influence their professional careers and personal journeys. This is achieved through the strength of our relationships with our partners and our ability to seize opportunities for outreach," explained Annie Bouthillette, Executive Director of Institutional Relations. As one of Canada's leading research universities and Quebec's leading engineering school, we met with institutions and potential partners with similar profiles, particularly in training and entrepreneurship. The ETS delegation met with strategic partners to develop and sign agreements, particularly with universities and engineering schools, and well-established French research centres. ETS and the Assemblee des directeurs d'instituts universitaires de technologie (ADIUT) renewed their partnership at the national level to offer students from the IUT network the possibility of pursuing their studies in Canada, particularly in the context of the new French Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie (BUT) diploma, the only diploma outside of Quebec recognized for admission to engineering training. In addition, ETS has partnered with key allies by signing agreements with the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris), the CentraleSupelec of the Universite Paris-Saclay and the Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Arts et Metiers (ENSAM) in order to promote international academic training and research. The delegation also met with the executive management of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), one of the world's leading research institutions and a strategic partner of the International Laboratory on Learning Systems (ILLS). "This mission allowed me to present our five-year strategic research plan and to see with fellow researchers the interesting similarities between their work and our own priorities. It also showed that we share a common vision of the importance of interdisciplinarity in advancing innovation to meet the real needs of society," concludes Christian Casanova, Executive Director of Research and Partnerships. ETS graduates in France also gathered at an event at the residence of the Delegate General of Quebec in Paris. This first event of its kind, organized in collaboration with the ETS Alumni Association, provided an opportunity for inspiring exchanges, as well as an opportunity to reconnect with numerous alumni from outside Quebec and overseas. SOURCE Ecole de technologie superieure [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Nextdoor Announces Third Quarter 2022 Results Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KIND) today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022. "In an environment that continues to be volatile, we're pleased to see strong platform engagement both in the U.S. and internationally, showing that our strategy to build an Active Valued Community is working. We have a unique value proposition and are well capitalized to execute on the areas we can control, including initiatives to bring new neighbors to Nextdoor, increasing engagement, and growing revenue by building products that deliver differentiated results for advertisers of all sizes. Nextdoor is rising to meet the moment for all neighborhood stakeholders, delivering on our purpose to create a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood to rely on," said Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar. Nextdoor's highlighted metrics for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, include: Total Weekly Active Users (WAU) increased 17% year-over-year to 38.3 million. Revenue increased 2% year-over-year to $54.0 million. Net loss was $34.7 million, compared to $19.4 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA loss was $18.4 million, compared to $7.7 million in the year-ago period. Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $604.5 million as of September 30, 2022. For more detailed information on our operating and financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022, as well as our outlook for Q4 and fiscal year 2022, please reference our Shareholder Letter posted to our Investor Relations website located at investors.nextdoor.com. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenue $ 53,954 $ 52,705 $ 159,495 $ 132,870 Loss from operations $ (36,392 ) $ (19,080 ) $ (107,873 ) $ (65,541 ) Net loss $ (34,717 ) $ (19,363 ) $ (104,508 ) $ (66,002 ) Adjusted EBITDA(1) $ (18,366 ) $ (7,718 ) $ (58,349 ) $ (35,819 ) (1) The following is a reconciliation of net loss, the most comparable GAAP measure, to adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented above: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (in thousands) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net loss $ (34,717 ) $ (19,363 ) $ (104,508 ) $ (66,002 ) Depreciation and amortization 1,465 1,047 4,169 3,202 Stock-based compensation 17,270 10,592 46,957 26,971 Interest income (2,703 ) (21 ) (5,347 ) (86 ) Provision for income taxes 319 27 380 96 Adjusted EBITDA $ (18,366 ) $ (7,718 ) $ (58,349 ) $ (35,819 ) Nextdoor will host a conference call at 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET today to discuss these results and outlook. A live webcast of our third quarter 2022 earnings release call will be available in the Events & Presentations section of Nextdoor's Investor Relations website. After the live event, the audio recording for the webcast can be accessed on the same website for approximately one year. Nextdoor uses its Investor Relations website (investors.nextdoor.com), its Twitter handle (twitter.com/Nextdoor), its LinkedIn Home Page (linkedin.com/company/nextdoor-com), and Sarah Friar's LinkedIn posts (linkedin.com/in/sarah-friar-922b044) as a means of disseminating or providing notification of, among other things, news or announcements regarding its business or financial performance, investor events, press releases, and earnings releases, and as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement our condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with GAAP, we present certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted EBITDA, in this press release. Our use of non-GAAP financial measures has limitations as an analytical tool, and these measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of financial results as reported under GAAP. We use non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP for planning purposes, including in the preparation of our annual operating budget, as a measure of our core operating results and the effectiveness of our business strategy, and in evaluating our financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures provide consistency and comparability with past financial performance, facilitate period-to-period comparisons of core operating results, and also facilitate comparisons with other peer companies, many of which use similar non-GAAP financial measures to supplement their GAAP results. In addition, adjusted EBITDA is widely used by investors and securities analysts to measure a company's operating performance. We exclude the following items from one or more of our non-GAAP financial measures: stock-based compensation expense (non-cash expense calculated by companies using a variety of valuation methodologies and subjective assumptions), depreciation and amortization (non-cash expense), interest income, provision for income taxes, and, if applicable, acquisition-related costs. Investors are cautioned that there are material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as an analytical tool. In particular, (1) stock-based compensation expense has recently been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a significant recurring expense for our business and an important part of our compensation strategy, (2) although depreciation and amortization expense are non-cash charges, the assets subject to depreciation and amortization may have to be replaced in the future, and our non-GAAP measures do not reflect cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements, and (3) adjusted EBITDA does not reflect: (a) changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; (b) interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt, which reduces cash available to us; or (c) tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us. The non-GAAP measures we use may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP items excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures. About Nextdoor Nextdoor (NYSE: KIND) is where you connect to the neighborhoods that matter to you so you can belong. Kindness is core to our purpose: to cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on. Neighbors around the world turn to Nextdoor daily to receive trusted information, give and get help, get things done, and build real-world connections with those nearby - neighbors, businesses, and public services. Today, neighbors rely on Nextdoor in more than 300,000 neighborhoods across 11 countries. In the U.S., 1 in 3 households uses the network. Nextdoor is based in San Francisco. For additional information and images: nextdoor.com/newsroom. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005971/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] MeridianLink to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences MeridianLink, Inc. (NYSE: MLNK), a leading provider of modern software platforms for financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies, today announced that members of its management team will host meetings with institutional investors during the following upcoming investor conferences: Citi's 2022 FinTech Conference on Tuesday, November 15, in New York, NY BTIG Technology Innovation Summit on Tuesday, November 15, virtually Jefferies Mortgage & Real Estate Technology Conference on Tuesday, November 15, in New York, NY Stephens Annual Investment Conference on Thursday, November 17, in Nashville, TN Bank of America's 2022 Leveraged Finance Conference on Tuesday, November 29, in Boca Raton, FL Credit Suisse 26th Annual Technology Conference on Wednesday, November 30, in Scottsdale, AZ Raymond James Technology Investors Conference on Tuesday, December 6, in New York, NY Barclay Global Technology, Media & Telecommunications Conference on Wednesday, December 7, in San Francisco, CA https://ir.meridianlink.com/events-and-presentations/events. About MeridianLink MeridianLink (NYSE: MLNK) is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, specialty lending providers, and consumer reporting agencies. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, MeridianLink provides services to more than 1,900 customers, including a majority of the financial institutions on Forbes' 2021 lists of America's Best Credit Unions and Banks. Further information can be found at www.meridianlink.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108005381/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] MATSON TO PARTICIPATE AT STEPHENS 2022 ANNUAL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE HONOLULU, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson, Inc. (NYSE: MATX) announced today that Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Joel Wine, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will present an overview of the Company and respond to questions at the Stephens 2022 Annual Investment Conference to be held on November 15, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. Matson will provide access to the presentation slides on its website on November 15, 2022. Access to the slides will be available on www.matson.com, under Investors. About the Company Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia. Matson also operates premium, expedited services from China to Long Beach, California, provides service to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific, and operates an international export service from Dutch Harbor to Asia. The Company's fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson's transportation network throughout North America. Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, Asia supply chain services, and forwarding to Alaska. Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/matson-to-participate-at-stephens-2022-annual-investment-conference-301671626.html SOURCE Matson, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation of Unisys Corporation (UIS) on Behalf of Investors Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces an investigation on behalf of Unisys Corporation ("Unisys" or the "Company") (NYSE: UIS) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws. On November 8, 2022, Unisys disclosed that it would not be able to timely file its third quarter 2022 financial results due to an internal investigation regarding "certain disclosure controls and procedures matters, including, but not limited to, the dissemination and communication of information within certain parts of the organization." The Company stated that it expects that te results of the investigation may determine that there are "one or more material weaknesses" in its internal control over financial reporting. On this news, the Company's stock fell as much as 49% during intraday trading on November 8, 2022, thereby injuring investors. If you purchased Unisys securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108006227/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] Managed IT Service Provider Xobee Networks Acquires Palm Springs Tech Company Xobee Networks, the premier Managed IT Support tech experts across California, is today announcing the acquisition of Interconnect Networks - a pioneer in technology solutions based in Palm Springs, California. Interconnect has been an oasis of trustworthy, fast, and affordable technology for clients within the Sonoran Desert for many years, and now is a cornerstone member of the Xobee Networks family of brands. The acquisition of Interconnect enables Xobee to empower businesses and other organizations throughout the state by further extending technology services, cybersecurity, and network support to more businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations. With the advancement of the modern workforce, Xobee aims to equip companies with more efficient and cost-effective IT support solutions. "We're thrilled to welcome Interconect to the Xobee team. Their expertise, experience, and strong commitment to clients will only strengthen our own company culture and capabilities as we continue to advance and grow our suite of technology solutions. We are excited to offer our services to a new region of clients within Palm Springs and be a gateway into affordable but effective technology solutions that they may previously have not had access to." - Eric Rawn, Xobee Networks Founder & CEO Xobee will work with Interconnect to enhance its services and capabilities in cybersecurity, managed support, cloud solutions, web design, and computer network maintenance and monitoring. With a client-first mentality, Xobee seeks to bring new and existing clients the most advanced and affordable technology solutions. This continues to further Xobee's position as the leading provider of IT services and support that are both affordable and effective, no matter where you are. About Xobee Networks Xobee Networks, a Managed IT Service company, has thousands of clients throughout the state of California. Through Xobee's wide range of technology services and exceptional customer support, Xobee makes technology a successful component for businesses and other organizations, at a price that is affordable. Xobee Networks was founded by Eric Rawn as a single-person consulting firm in 1996. Eric was ranked one of the top 40 business leaders under the age of 40 in 2008 and is actively involved with other socially responsible organizations. If you would like to schedule an interview with Eric Rawn, please contact him directly at 559-579-1400 x711 or e-mail at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108006242/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] VerticalScope Announces Third Quarter 2022 Results VerticalScope Holdings Inc. ("VerticalScope" or the "Company") (TSX: FORA), a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities, today announced financial results for the third quarter ("Q3" or "the quarter") ended September 30, 2022. "We had another good quarter despite the challenges that have emerged over the past few months in the macro environment, commented Rob Laidlaw, Founder and CEO of VerticalScope. Total Revenue was $19.6 million in Q3, up 40% compared to prior year. Adjusted EBITDA was $7.0 million, up 19% compared to prior year. Excluding the positive impact of Paycheck Protection Loan Forgiveness last year, Adjusted EBITDA is up 40% in Q3. Advertising revenue continued to be strong in the quarter, up 33% compared to 2021 with growth across programmatic and direct sales. The E-commerce momentum we experienced in Q2 continued in Q3. E-commerce was up 58% over last year. We believe there is tremendous untapped potential in our communities that will be unlocked in the months and years ahead, but we expect that the macro environment will weigh on our results over the next few quarters as consumers pull-back spending, and advertisers re-visit their budgets." Financial Highlights for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022. All comparatives, unless otherwise noted are versus the same period in the prior year: Revenue increased 40% year-over-year to $19.6M, and was the highest grossing third quarter on record. Consecutive quarters of double digit growth from Digital Advertising and E-commerce channels, with Digital Advertising growing 33% to $13.4M and E-commerce growing 58% to $6.2M in the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA grew 19% to $7.0M. Excluding $0.9M in Paycheck Protection Loan forgiveness recognized in the prior year, Adjusted EBITDA grew by 40% and Adjusted EBITDA margin was flat to prior year at 36%. Free Cash Flow generated in the quarter was $4.6M inclusive of $1.2M in cash taxes for the period. Excluding the Paycheck Protection Loan forgiveness in the prior year, Free Cash Flow in the quarter grew by 24%. Net loss in the quarter was $6.0M compared to a net loss of $2.1M. The loss is related to increased acquisition activity, and more specifically the amortization of acquired intangibles which was $8.3M in the quarter compared to $3.5M in the prior year. Laidlaw added, "Audience trends showed improvement in Q3 reaching a total of 110 million, up 17% compared to last year. Our organic trends also improved in the quarter, posting a decline of 2.9%, compared to the 4.4% decline experienced in Q2. Despite the relatively strong quarter, we are not immune from the broader market trends which began to negatively impact our results in the back half of Q3 for digital advertising spending, e-commerce activity, and monthly active users. We expect these trends to continue into Q4 and 2023. As we highly value our profitability and cash flow, we will continue to review the investments we are making, and ensure they are properly weighted towards initiatives with the highest growth potential." Chris Goodridge, President and COO, commented that, "We continue to take a cautious approach to acquisitions, completing two tuck-in community acquisitions for $425,000 in total consideration in Q3. Year-to-date we have signed and closed 13 acquisitions for $4.3 million in total consideration. As a result of our slower pace of acquisitions and strong free cash flow, we have strengthened our balance sheet, reducing long-term debt by over $20 million this year. We continue to evaluate a number of great acquisition opportunities but will maintain our discipline to ensure the company is well-positioned to navigate the economic headwinds." Earnings Announcement Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company's financial results at 7:00 am ET on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. Live Call Registration and Webcast: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/943452329 Joining by telephone: Canada: 1 833 950 0062 United States: 1 833 927 1758 All other locations: +1 929 526 1599 Participant Access code: 278051 If you are unable to join live, an archived recording of the webcast will be available on the investor relations section of the VerticalScope website. About VerticalScope Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, VerticalScope is a technology company that has built and operates a cloud-based digital platform for online enthusiast communities in high-consumer spending categories. VerticalScope's mission is to enable people with common interests to connect, explore their passions and share knowledge about the things they love. Through targeted acquisitions and development, VerticalScope has built a portfolio of over 1,200 online communities and over 110 million monthly active users. VerticalScope is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: FORA). Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation that reflects the Company's current expectations regarding future events. When used in this news release, words such as "should", "could", "intended", "expect", "plan" or "believe" and similar expressions indicate forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information, including the Company's plans for organic growth and financially accretive M&A, deployment of capital, investments in our platform, performance of the Company's acquisitions and the growth of revenue and MAU, is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurances can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2022, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. VerticalScope does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. Non-IFRS Measures This press release references certain non-IFRS measures, including Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, and Free Cash Flow Conversion as described below. This press release also makes reference to Average Revenue Per User ("ARPU") and MAU, which are operating metrics used in our industry. These non-IFRS measures are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company's results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company's financial information reported under IFRS. The Company uses non-IFRS measures including: "Adjusted EBITDA" is calculated as net income (loss) excluding interest, income tax expense (recovery), and depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, adjusted for share-based compensation, share performance related bonuses, unrealized gains or losses from changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments, severance, adjustments to contingent consideration liabilities measured at fair value through profit and loss, gain or loss on sale of assets, gain or loss on sale of investments, foreign exchange loss (gain), impairment and other charges that include direct and incremental business acquisition related costs and costs directly incurred in connection with the Initial Public Offering that are not deducted from the equity proceeds. "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" measures Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue. "Free Cash Flow" means Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures and income taxes paid during the period. "Free Cash Flow Conversion" is equal to Free Cash Flow for the period divided by Adjusted EBITDA for the period. "Monthly Active Users" ("MAU") is defined as the number of individuals who have visited our communities within a calendar month, based on data as measured by Google Analytics. To calculate average MAU in a given period, we sum the total MAU for each month in that period, divided by the number of months in that period. "Average Revenue Per Monthly Active User" ("ARPU") is defined as our average revenue over a given period divided by the average MAU over the same period. Similarly, each of our revenue streams can be used as the numerator in this measure to determine the ARPU for each revenue stream. We believe that measuring ARPU is reflective of how we are monetizing the users across our communities. SOURCE VerticalScope Holdings Inc. Related Links http://www.verticalscope.com The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow to net loss: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (in thousands of US dollars) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Net loss ($6,044) ($2,077) ($24,916) ($5,586) Net interest expense 859 1,071 2,096 5,581 Income tax recovery (993) (410) (2,567) (1,259) Depreciation and amortization 9,813 4,770 29,629 13,870 EBITDA 3,635 3,354 4,242 12,606 Share-based compensation 2,577 1,665 8,246 2,697 Share performance related bonuses (287) 337 (1,080) 337 Unrealized loss from changes in derivative fair value of financial instruments 65 8 110 79 Severance ?? 167 - 801 105 Loss (gain) on sale of assets (4) 12 3 14 Foreign exchange loss (gain) (5) (22) 55 91 Impairment of investment - 250 - 250 Adjustment to contingent considerations 150 - 9,016 - Other Charges ?? 729 321 2,233 3,466 Adjusted EBITDA 7,026 5,926 23,624 19,645 Less capital expenditures (1,212) (1,286) (4,432) (3,729) Income taxes received (paid) (1,195) (22) (1,726) 1 Free Cash Flow $4,619 $4,618 $17,465 $15,917 (1) Severance is included in wages and consulting on the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. (2) Other charges are included in wages and consulting and general and administrative on the consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, these charges include direct and incremental asset acquisition or business acquisition related costs. VERTICALSCOPE HOLDINGS INC. Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Financial Position (In U.S. dollars) (Unaudited) September 30, December 31, 2022 2021 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $7,764,325 $20,494,313 Restricted cash 167,201 179,743 Trade and other receivables 14,571,402 15,519,944 Lease receivable 559,194 588,101 Income taxes receivable - 317,040 Prepaid expenses 1,466,780 1,103,283 Derivative instruments - 18,325 24,528,902 38,220,749 Property and equipment 1,171,470 986,683 Right-of-use asset 1,958,500 2,629,130 Intangible assets 78,281,784 98,805,989 Investments 1,000,000 1,000,000 Goodwill 52,950,295 53,436,546 Deferred tax asset 23,551,962 20,662,839 Lease receivable 1,060,595 1,586,014 Total assets $184,503,508 $217,327,950 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $7,668,391 $10,247,092 Income taxes payable 1,125,692 1,075,699 Derivative instruments 91,211 - Deferred revenue 944,781 1,028,515 Current portion of long-term debt 3,140,184 3,150,663 Lease liability 1,124,589 1,200,836 Contingent considerations 15,000,000 7,916,259 29,094,848 24,619,064 Deferred revenue 5,671 13,917 Long-term debt 55,476,649 75,972,078 Lease liability 2,730,273 3,734,829 Deferred tax liability 9,510,880 11,281,781 Contingent considerations 7,395,734 5,463,741 Total liabilities 104,214,055 121,085,410 Shareholders' equity: Share capital 160,876,710 160,182,417 Contributed surplus 23,740,519 15,568,994 Accumulated other comprehensive income 100,369 3,327 Deficit (104,428,145) (79,512,198) 80,289,453 96,242,540 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $184,503,508 $217,327,950 VERTICALSCOPE HOLDINGS INC. Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Loss and Comprehensive Loss (In U.S. dollars, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenue $19,577,080 $14,001,350 $61,394,194 $44,343,216 Operating expenses: Wages and consulting 9,192,294 5,515,705 27,421,041 17,228,248 Share-based compensation 2,576,906 1,665,206 8,245,605 2,697,047 Platform and technology 2,333,041 1,680,405 6,701,002 5,052,043 General and administrative 1,699,883 1,545,209 5,710,412 6,404,544 Depreciation and amortization 9,812,617 4,770,062 29,629,030 13,869,966 Impairment of investment - 250,000 - 250,000 Adjustment to contingent considerations 149,651 - 9,015,734 - 25,764,392 15,426,587 86,722,824 45,501,848 Operating loss (6,187,312) (1,425,237) (25,328,630) (1,158,632) Other expenses: Loss (gain) on sale of assets (4,320) 11,944 2,808 13,800 Net interest expense 859,287 1,071,077 2,095,989 5,581,055 Loss on investments - 402 - 402 Foreign exchange loss (gain) (5,097) (21,569) 55,123 91,455 849,870 1,061,854 2,153,920 5,686,712 Loss before income taxes (7,037,182) (2,487,091) (27,482,550) (6,845,344) Income taxes (recovery) Current 330,411 112,538 2,093,421 431,552 Deferred (1,323,618) (522,707) (4,660,024) (1,690,886) (993,207) (410,169) (2,566,603) (1,259,334) Net loss ($6,043,975) ($2,076,922) ($24,915,947) ($5,586,010) Other comprehensive income (loss) Items that may be reclassified to net loss: Foreign currency differences on translation of foreign operations 101,796 (211,800) 97,042 (208,254) Total comprehensive loss ($5,942,179) ($2,288,722) ($24,818,905) ($5,794,264) Loss per share: Basic ($0.28) ($0.09) ($1.17) ($0.27) Diluted (0.28) (0.09) (1.17) (0.27) VERTICALSCOPE HOLDINGS INC. Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Cash Flows (In U.S. dollars) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities: Net loss ($6,043,975) ($2,076,922) ($24,915,947) ($5,586,010) Items not involving cash: Depreciation and amortization 9,812,617 4,770,062 29,629,030 13,869,966 Net interest expense 859,287 1,071,077 2,095,989 5,581,055 Loss (gain) on sale of assets (4,320) 11,944 2,808 13,800 Unrealized loss in derivative instruments 65,490 7,895 109,536 78,571 Loan forgiveness - (899,289) - (899,289) Impairment of Investment - 250,000 - 250,000 Income tax expense (recovery) (993,207) (410,169) (2,566,603) (1,259,334) Adjustment to contingent considerations 149,651 - 9,015,734 - Share-based compensation 2,576,906 1,665,206 8,245,605 2,697,047 6,422,449 4,389,804 21,616,152 14,745,806 Change in non-cash operating assets and liabilities 1,132,558 (1,428,448) (1,061,270) 5,150,235 Interest received (paid) - 50,866 (1,514,942) (1,703,462) Income taxes received (paid) (1,194,983) (22,484) (1,726,388) 829 6,360,024 2,989,738 17,313,552 18,193,408 Financing activities: Repayment of initial term loan (625,000) (625,000) (1,875,000) (45,500,000) Repayment of delayed draw term loan - - - (7,714,977) Repayment of revolving loan (6,500,000) - (19,000,000) - Proceeds from issuance of share capital - 14,282,656 - 110,308,011 Proceeds from exercise of share options - - 186,477 156,250 Repurchase of share capital for cancellation (58,049) - (58,049) - Credit facility financing fees - - - (1,274,597) Lease payments (331,486) (225,694) (963,599) (679,400) Proceeds from sublease payments 155,203 - 473,549 - (7,359,332) 13,431,962 (21,236,622) 55,295,287 Investing activities: Additions to property and equipment and intangible assets (1,640,283) (2,286,916) (8,683,507) (8,229,084) Proceeds from sale of assets 9,250 8,680 35,984 16,876 (1,631,033) (2,278,236) (8,647,523) (8,212,208) Increase (decrease) in cash (2,630,341) 14,143,464 (12,570,593) 65,276,487 Cash, beginning of the period 10,454,719 55,516,675 20,494,313 4,603,609 Change in restricted cash balances (586) - 12,542 - Effect of movement of exchange rates on cash and restricted cash held (59,467) 214,522 (171,937) (5,435) Cash, end of period $7,764,325 $69,874,661 $7,764,325 $69,874,661 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221108006225/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 08, 2022] E-L FINANCIAL CORPORATION LIMITED ANNOUNCES DIVIDENDS TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of E-L Financial Corporation Limited (TSX: ELF) (TSX: ELF.PR.F) (TSX: ELF.PR.G) (TSX: ELF.PR.H) today declared the following cash dividends: Class Record Date Payable Date Amount of Dividend First Preference Shares, Series 1 December 30, 2022 January 17, 2023 $0.33125 First Preference Shares, Series 2 December 30, 2022 January 17, 2023 $0.296875 First Preference Shares, Series 3 December 30, 2022 January 17, 2023 $0.34375 Series A Preference Shares December 30, 2022 January 17, 2023 $0.125 Common Shares December 30, 2022 January 17, 2023 $2.50 E-L Financial Corporation Limited advises that the above referenced dividends are eligible dividends for the purposes of the Income Tax Act, Canada and any similar provincial tax legislation. SOURCE E-L Financial Corporation Limited For close readers, a quick roundup of police action, court cases and all manner of crime reporting from across the metro . . . And yeah . . . Because it's Midterm time . . . We through a couple of election links in her on the topic. Check TKC news gathering . . . Man made millions selling meth in Kansas City, now faces 15 years in federal prison KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A federal court jury Monday found the boss of a drug dealing, violent criminal organization guilty of crimes that mean at least 15 years in federal prison without parole. Grandview police investigate after man found dead in pickup truck KMBC file image SOURCE: KMBC file image Police in Grandview said they're investigating a man's death Monday afternoon.Authorities said officers were called at 3:5o p.m. to the 13900 block of Grandboro Lane on a body in a pickup truck.Police said when officers arrived, they found the man, who is possibly in his late 20s or early 30s, dead in the vehicle. Kansas City police officer convicted in Cameron Lamb's death files appeal KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Attorneys for Eric DeValkenaere - the former Kansas City, Missouri, police detective convicted of second-degree manslaughter in Cameron Lamb's shooting death - have formally filed an appeal. DeValkenaere's appellate attorney, Jonathan Laurans, submitted the 84-page brief Oct. 27 to the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District of Missouri. Man wanted in two attempted bank robberies arrested after Olathe police chase, wreck The Olathe, Kansas, Police Department says one man is in custody after two attempted bank robberies Monday afternoon.Officers were called to two different banks Monday afternoon to investigate reported robberies. Police said officers were called to the U.S. Man charged in Caldwell County arsons struck woman 24 times, left body in tub: Court documents KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A man accused of setting three fires to cover up the murder of a woman allegedly struck her in the head 24 times then placed her body in a bathtub. Harold Edwards, Jr. is charged in with the murder of Lorene Fickess , 96, last May near Polo, Missouri. KC Unsolved: Relatives of Avery Williams want justice in 2021 shooting outside bowling alley KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A date night that ended in a triple shooting remains unsolved more than one year after gunfire erupted outside of a Kansas City bowling alley. On Oct. 3, 2021, someone shot Avery Williams, his girlfriend, and another friend outside of the Ward Parkway Lanes. Voters find Stacey Abrams' comments on crime, racial profiling 'extremely divisive': Survey With just one day until the midterm elections in Georgia, voters across the U.S. weighed in on recent controversial comments from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on crime and racial profiling in the state. She and Gov. Brian Kemp, R., sparred over support for law enforcement during their Oct. 30 debate. Guerrero: Wake up, Democrats. Don't let Republicans own the issue of violent crime One of the top issues on people's minds as they vote in the midterm elections is violent crime. This isn't exclusive to white Republicans swayed by " crime crisis" propaganda on Fox News or the race-baiting GOP ads about the issue. Many people of color fear being murdered, raped or otherwise assaulted. Developing . . . Seventy-five tiger muskies from the Miles City Fish Hatchery, varying in length from 6 to 12 inches, have been stocked in Billings' Lake Elmo. 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 Fish plants began this spring as the lake was refilling after being drained last year to kill invasive Asian clams discovered in 2019. Rainbow trout, brown trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, channel catfish, fathead minnows, bluegill and yellow perch were stocked earlier this year. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks may stock largemouth bass in 2023. Tiger muskies are a hybrid between northern pike and muskellunge and rarely occur in the wild. Most are produced in hatcheries. Because they are sterile, the population of tiger muskies in Lake Elmo will not increase. The addition of tiger muskies to Lake Elmo will diversify angling opportunities in this popular urban fishery and help control the population of nongame fish that enter the lake from the Yellowstone River via the ditch. 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 Tiger muskies are aggressive piscivores (meaning they eat other fish) and are often used as biological controls to manage unwanted species, such as suckers and carp. Although ditch headgates are screened to prevent fish passage, small individuals can get through. Originally, tiger muskies were going to be stocked in Lake Elmo in 2025 or 2026. However, netting efforts in Lake Elmo earlier this fall showed higher than anticipated numbers of juvenile white suckers, longnose suckers and common carp. FWP moved forward on stocking tiger muskies after this sampling to reduce the population of these species. Lake Elmo is within the eastern fishing district, which requires tiger muskies to be at least 40 inches in length for harvest. Right now hottie Sammy and her burger work inspires this quick collection of local news with a distinctly political overtones and some of our favorite pay-for-play stories . . . Check www.TonysKansasCity.com news gathering . . . Courthouse Follies Conclude The race for Jackson County Executive Frank White has been Jackson County Executive since 2016. This year, he's being challenged by Republican Theresa Galvin, the 6th District Legislator who was elected in 2014. One of the biggest issues in the race has been White's handling of the 2019 property value assessments. Life Lesson: Crime Is Fake??? Kansas GOP mailers push 'patently absurd' crime narrative, teachers union says - Kansas Reflector TOPEKA - GOP mailers flooding Kansas mailboxes across the state in the last push before Election Day are focusing on crime. Some Kansans have called the mailer contents blatant lies and a form of fearmongering that follows national GOP election tactics. Show-Me Reefer Madness Soon To Hit Local Streets Experts: Missouri roadways will become more dangerous and deadly if voters legalize recreational marijuana in the Nov. 8 election More people will die and be injured on Missouri roads and highways if voters approve recreational marijuana in the Nov. 8 election on Tuesday, experts say and statistics show. Missouri voters will be asked in Amendment 3 whether to legalize recreational marijuana. The state's voters approved medicinal marijuana in 2018. Losers Soon To Be Out In The Cold Kansas energy lawyer presses for inquiry of potential market manipulation in 2021 cold snap - Kansas Reflector TOPEKA - The Kansas Corporation Commission issued orders requiring retail residential ratepayers to bear the brunt of $622 million in extraordinary costs absorbed by public utilities to buy natural gas during a brutal cold snap in February 2021. The three-member KCC didn't require utility companies to eat costs associated with a winter storm given the name Uri. Hipster Voting Guide Missouri election guide: The big questions voters will face on Tuesday's ballot Courtesy Adobe Voters around the state have been taking advantage of Missouri's first ever no-excuse early voting period the last two weeks. The early voting period ends at 5 p.m. Monday, and polls will be open for everyone else from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Red State Tactics Exposed Roundtable analyzes Eric Schmitt's campaign strategy Hide Transcript Show Transcript PEOPLE ARE EXCITED ABOUT HAVING A CONSERVATIVE GO TO WASHINGTON AND SAVE THIS COUNTRY. CODY: WE ARE BACK TO TALK ABOUT THE REPUBLICAN IN MISSOURI'S U.S. SENATE RACE, ERIC SCHMITT. HE IS FROM BRIDGETON, MISSOURI. HE SPENT NEARLY A DECADE IN THE MISSOURI STATE SENATE AND BECOMING TREASURER AND NOW ATTORNEY GENERAL. How It All Adds Up . . . Decision 2022: How election authorities protect, count your vote KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Thousands of voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 8, to participate in midterm elections. Polls open at 6 a.m. in Missouri and 7 a.m. in Kansas. Both states require voters to be in line by 7 p.m. to cast their vote. And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Nov. 8 the province is back at the negotiation table with an "improved offer" for lower income education workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees. - Krystle Hewitt/Government of Ontario YouTube screenshot Police are seeking the public's help in finding a missing woman who was last seen in North York. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said on Nov. 7 the government is willing to rescind legislation if the Canadian Union of Public Employees calls off the strike. - Krystle Hewitt/ Government of Ontario YouTube screenshot Tim Caulfield, the Canada Research Chair in health, law and policy at the University of Alberta, said its "amazing" how the doctor conspiracy lives on as "it was immediately debunked." - Kelvin Li Tim Hortons and Second Cup are offering a free, hot beverage to veterans and Canadian armed forces members All Tim Hortons and Second Cup locations across Canada will be offering hot beverages as a token of gratitude to military members, both active and veteran Brothers Al and Pete Simpson will join with Bob Richard to share stories and photographs about "Old Timers and Early Day Women" of the Cody area. The talk at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West will be held at noon on Nov. 17 in the Coe Auditorium. Alan K. Simpson, retired U.S. Senator from Wyoming (R), is also the longest standing member of the Center of the Wests Board of Trustees, which he joined in 1968, and was chairman of the board from 1999-2011. Peter K. Simpson is a University of Wyoming professor emeritus, former state legislator, and has been on the Centers McCracken Research Library advisory board since 1997. The Local Lore series is hosted and coordinated by the Centers library, with talks on the third Thursday of each month. The Tv6 Fan Zone touched down at the All Out Sports bar again on Monday at the Queens park O 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. Udaku Special NAFASI ZA AJIRA BONYEZA HAPA I just came across this blog post thanks to a (already nuked) TIL post. It is... amazing... 1. John Hanson (a Moor) was actually the 1st President of the United States, he served from 1781 1782 and he was black. The new country was actually formed on March 1, 1781 with the adoption of The Articles of Confederation. This document was actually proposed on June 11, 1776, but not agreed upon by Congress until November 15, 1777. Maryland refused to sign this document until Virginia and New York ceded their western lands (Maryland was afraid that these states would gain too much power in the new government from such large amounts of land). Once the signing took place in 1781, a President was needed to run the country. John Hanson was chosen unanimously by Congress (which included George Washington). In fact, all the other potential candidates refused to run against him, as he was a major player in the revolution and an extremely influential member of Congress. As President, Hanson ordered all foreign troops off American soil, as well as removal of all foreign flags. He established the Great Seal of the United States, which all Presidents since have been required to use on all Official Documents. He declared that the 4th Thursday of every November to be Thanksgiving Day, which is still true today. Even though elected, one variable that was never thought through was that America was not going to accept a Black President during the heart of the enslavement period. Enter George Washington. 2. Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd President of the United States, he served from 1801 1809 and he was black. His mother a half-breed Indian squaw and his father a mulatto (half white and half black) from Virginia. He fathered numerous children with Sally Hemmings, a mulatto slave with whom he lived with in Europe. 3. Andrew Jackson was the 7th President of the United States. He served from 1829 1837 and he was black. His mother was a white woman from Ireland who had Andrew Jackson with a black man. His fathers other children (Andrew Jacksons stepbrother) was sold into slavery. 4. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, he served from 1861 1865 and he was black. His mother was from an Ethiopian Tribe and his father was an African American. It was told that his father was Thomas Lincoln, a man to cover the truth, but he was sterile from childhood mumps and was later castrated, making it impossible for him to have been his father. Lincolns nickname Abraham Africa-nus the First. 5. Warren Harding was the 28th President of the United States, he served from 1921 1923 and he was black. Harding never denied his ancestry. When Republican leaders called on Harding to deny his Negro history, he said, How should I know whether or not one of my ancestors might have jumped the fence? 6. Calvin Coolidge was the 29th President of the United States, he served from 1923 1929 and he was black. He proudly admitted that his mother was dark but claimed it was because of a mixed Indian ancestry. His mothers maiden name was Moor. In Europe the name Moor was given to all Black people just as in America the name Negro was used. 7. Dwight E. Eisenhower was the 33rd President of the United States, he served from 1953 1961 and he was black. His mother, Ida Elizabeth Stover Eisenhower, an anti-war advocate, was half black. There is so much to debunk here, so I hope that the discerning among you can pick up on how terribly bad this history is, just in every way, shape and form. It might even be intentionally fake? I hope so... You also have to love the horrid racism of "half-breed Indian squaw" in a piece about African-American presidents. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have eliminated 77,170 Russian invaders since war-start. Thats according to the Armys General Staff, Ukrinform reports. Over the past day, November 7, some 710 Russian servicemen are believed to have been killed in action, the report reads. Ukraines defenders also destroyed enemy a total of 2,786 (+15 in the past day) enemy main battle tanks, 5,654 (+24) armored combat vehicles, 1,791 (+9) artillery systems, 391 (+0) multiple launch rocket systems, 203 (+1) anti-aircraft systems, 278 (+1) warplanes, 260 (+0) helicopters, 1,476 (+4) operational and tactical-level UAVs, 399 (+0) cruise missiles, 16 (+0) warships/cutters, 4,216 (+17) trucks and fuel tankers, and 159 (+2) units of specialized equipment. On Monday, the enemy forces suffered the greatest losses in the Bakhmut and Avdiivka directions. Incoming data is being verified. Photo credit: the General Staff of Ukraine Germany allocates 7.6 million to the International Commission on Missing Persons to search for Ukrainians who have gone missing amid Russias invasion. "German support in the investigation into war crimes: Germany allocates 7.6 million to the International Commission on Missing Persons project to help Ukraine find persons who have gone missing amid Russias invasion of Ukraine. Training of Ukrainian forensic experts and investigators is also planned," the Embassy of Germany in Ukraine posted on Twitter. According to Oleh Kotenko, Commissioner on Persons Gone Missing under Special Circumstances, a special hotline has received more than 30,000 calls since May. More than 4,300 people were wanted as of the end of September. Photo: @GermanyinUA ol From a legal point of view, Iran became an accomplice in Russian aggression against Ukraine. "We demand to strengthen sanctions. It is known that Iran was designated a state sponsor of terrorism, this is correct. Unfortunately, we have learned that from our own experience... From a legal point of view, Iran became an accomplice in Russian aggression against Ukraine as it understood that its weapons, drones are used against the civilian population," Oleksandr Merezhko, Head of the Verkhovna Rada's Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, said during a briefing at the Media Center UkraineUkrinform. He expressed hope that it will be possible to resolve the dangerous situation with the possible supply of Iranian-made ballistic missiles to Russia if we act in advance, use diplomatic channels and sanction pressure. As reported, on October 20, the European Union expanded sanctions against Iran over its supply of kamikaze drones to Russia. On November 5, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that Iran had supplied drones to Russia before the start of its invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraines Air Force almost every day repels massive Russian attacks involving Iranian drones which are used by the aggressor state against the civilian population and critical infrastructure facilities. The U.S. State Department said that the United States was using all tools to prevent Iran from supplying weapons to the Russian Federation. The EU also announced that it would take further measures if Iran continued to supply Russia with such drones or any other military equipment, including missiles. ol Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine for European Integration Yaroslav Demchenkov discussed with the Minister of Economy of Slovakia Karel Hirman the expansion of cooperation in the field of energy. Thats according to the Energy Ministrys press service, Ukrinform reports. "The potential for cooperation between Ukraine and Slovakia is quite large and being used only partially. There is potential for projects amid the war, as well as for projects to develop a sustainable energy industry after our victory," said Demchenkov. According to the minister, Ukraine and Slovakia have the potential for cooperation in increasing the capacity of interconnectors and hydrocarbon production, as well as in the implementation of the project to supply various types of oil through the Southern Druzhba oil pipeline using the infrastructure of Ukraine, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Read also: First batch of generators arrives in Ukraine from Lithuania In addition, Demchenkov and Hirman discussed the operation of the power system in the context of Russia's continued massive attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure facilities. The Slovak minister announced his country's readiness to provide assistance to the Ukrainian side with materials and equipment for carrying out repair works. As reported, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine has established a high-level International Advisory Council to support Ukrainian energy companies. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba repeated his call to boycott international companies that remain working in the Russian Federation and funding Russian war crimes. International companies which remain working in Russia are directly funding Russian war crimes and genocide of Ukrainians. I reiterate my call on their customers and partners to boycott these brands until they stop making blood profits and pull out of Russia reads the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine posted on Twitter. FM @DmytroKuleba: International companies which remain working in Russia are directly funding #RussianWarCrimes and genocide of #Ukrainians. I reiterate my call on their customers and partners to boycott these brands until they stop making blood profits and pull out of #Russia pic.twitter.com/CUT95lP5ph MFA of Ukraine (@MFA_Ukraine) November 7, 2022 As reported, from the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, international allies and partners imposed strict sanctions on the Russian economy. Hundreds of international companies announced the termination of work in the Russian Federation and withdrawal from joint projects. ol The United States will continue to support Ukraine no matter the result of the midterm elections to Congress on November 8. Thats according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who spoke at a briefing November 7, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. We are confident that the United States support for Ukraine will be unflinching and unwavering. Thats what we believe, and thats how we see this going forward. You saw Jake Sullivan say the very same thing while he was in Kyiv on Monday and reiterated the United States will continue to support Ukraine across a range of areas, whether its security assistance, economic assistance, or human rights assistance, the spokeswoman said. The official added that Members of Congress Republicans and Democrat have been clear about their enduring support for Ukraine. Under any scenario, Karine Jean-Pierre said, President Joe Biden is committed to work in a bipartisan fashion, as he has been he has been doing to support Ukraine. As reported earlier, midterm elections to U.S. Congress are being held November 8. All 435 House Representatives are to be elected, as well as a third of Senators. According to forecasts, the Republicans could increase their presence in both House and Senate, which could allow them to block the initiatives put forward by President Biden, who is a Democrat. During a visit to Ukraine on November 4, Sullivan met with Ukraines military commanders and President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he was briefed on the front line developments, the progress of the grain deal, and Russias strikes on Ukrainian critical infrastructure. North Korea says it has never supplied weapons to Russia and has no intentions to do so in the future, according to the countrys state media. Thats according to a report by NBC referring to Reuters, as seen by Ukrinform. The statement came after the United States accused North Korea of supplying Russia with artillery shells to be used in its war against Ukraine. White House National Security spokesman 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 the DPRK was attempting to obscure the shipments by funnelling them through the Middle East and North Africa. A North Korean defense official decried the allegations as a rumor, noting that 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. According to the report, any arms supplies would further testify to the deepening of Moscows ties with Pyongyang amid Russias growing isolation over its war in Ukraine. North Korea was among those few nations who recognized the independence of Russias puppet republics in eastern Ukraine, the LPR and DPR, also voicing support for the claimed annexation of Ukrainian territories by Russia. Theres a long list of difficulties that accompanied building a steel and concrete bridge along the Beartooth Highway over the past three years. For one, the elevation is about 9,000 feet. That means snow in the spring and fall when crews are just starting and finishing their season at work. The location is remote, surrounded by national forest. Materials have to be hauled in from a long ways away. And construction equipment has to be trailered in and out each season. Despite all of these difficulties, Missouri River Contractors of Helena oversaw the finishing touches of the project this fall. A ceremony in September officially dedicated the structure. Its a piece of art in my opinion, said Kris Anderson, estimator for the company. Were proud to have our name on it. Curved In three spans the bridge stretches 420 feet across a ravine just west of Beartooth Lake. The bridge is curved and elevated, allowing wildlife passage underneath while hugging close to the steep granite mountainsides common to the winding road. Altogether, the Beartooth Highway stretches 68 miles from Red Lodge to Cooke City and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, climbing to almost 11,000 feet along the way as it crosses from Montana into Wyoming and back. Along the way, drivers are treated to spectacular views of mountain lakes, meadows, wildflowers and in the spring big snowbanks. The Beartooth Highway, in my opinion, is the best drive in North America, said Cody Beers of the Wyoming Department of Transportation. That road benefits communities in Montana and Wyoming, and tourism is our No. 2 business in Wyoming. Costs Like all construction projects these days, the initial cost changed substantially after it first went out for bid. The collaborators on the project, which included Yellowstone National Park, the Federal Highway Administration and the Montana Department of Transportation, had gathered $15.9 million in grants. But when bids were opened in May 2019, the lowest one came in at $31.2 million for the 1.6-mile segment. Work began in May 2020. Extra funds were gathered and the project was shortened just to the bridge to drop the price enough so the work could be done. The project will improve safety by improving alignment to lessen or eliminate dangerous curves, widen the highway across the bridge by adding shoulders, and allow under-structure crossing routes for grizzly bear and other large ungulates, including elk and moose, said WYDOT Chief Engineer Shelby Carlson in a statement. Reconstruction of the seven segments of the Beartooth Highway, originally built in the 1930s, began in the 1970s. Winner Anderson said winning the bid meant hiring 13 subcontractors, use of mobile concrete and asphalt plants and thousands of hours of overtime. Workers camped out at the nearby Fox Creek Campground on the Shoshone National Forest so they didnt have to drive far to go to bed during when they might be required to work 65 to 80 hour weeks, six to seven days a week. All in all, it was a very interesting project, Anderson said. In addition, the road was kept open to one-lane of traffic the entire construction season. Although the closure of Yellowstones Northeast Entrance this year due to flooding washouts may have lessened typical summer traffic, as did a washout of Highway 212 south of Red Lodge, Anderson said there were still a lot of drivers touring the scenic route. Lots of Wyoming people spend time recreating in that part of the world, Beers said. He also fields hundreds of telephone calls each year from people asking about the highway, whether they can tow their trailer over it, or if their Toyota Camry can make it up the high mountainsides. Beers said its also inevitable each year that someone ignores the road closed sign and follows their GPS up to a snowy dead end. The road isnt plowed in the winter and is closed to all traffic. Then Park County Wyoming has to send out the search and rescue to save people from themselves, he said. Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva had a phone call with Auunn Atlason, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Iceland. According to the Presidents Office press service, Ihor Zhovkva congratulated Iceland on the beginning of its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which will last until May 2023. He noted Iceland's important support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as international efforts to condemn Russian armed aggression against our country and hold Russia accountable. In addition, Zhovkva thanked for the practical help that Iceland has provided to our country since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation in the form of direct budget support and financial assistance through international organizations, as well as sanctions pressure on the terrorist state. "We especially appreciate the humanitarian assistance from Iceland, in particular, the provision of shelter and support for almost 2,000 temporary migrants from Ukraine," he said. Zhovkva also told about Ukraine's initiative to provide international security guarantees to our state in the framework of the Kyiv Security Compact. "We count on the support of Iceland as a NATO member state in the matter of Ukraine's accession to the Alliance," summed up the deputy head of the President's Office. As reported by Ukrinform, Prime Minister of Iceland Katrin Jakobsdottir stated that the Nordic countries' support for Kyiv remains firm and unwavering. Photo: Presidents Office The Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the innovative center of state technologies GovTech Campus (Germany) signed a memorandum of cooperation, in particular, regarding the exchange of digitalization experience. "European countries are increasingly interested in Ukraine's digitalization experience. Within the framework of cooperation, we will share our best cases in the field of cyber security, digitalization of public services and our vision of a digital state. By joining forces with European companies and governments, we will together build a powerful common and, most importantly, safe digital space," said First Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksiy Vyskub, the press service of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine reports. According to him, within the scope of cooperation, the Ministry of Digital Transformation will advise Germany on the modernization and digitalization of the government and the public sector. Ukraine will have the opportunity to share its experience in digitalization of public services, protection of state registers, as well as to demonstrate the experience of domestic startups, technical and state ecosystems. As noted, cooperation with GovTech Campus involves consulting on the implementation of the registry platform and possible cooperation in cybersecurity and the use of Starlink. GovTech Campus is an innovative center of government technology, founded by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, representatives of the technological sphere, science and civil society. GTC helps identify, create and scale the best technology solutions and innovations in the German public sector. ol BOZEMAN Bob Yaw tapped the rhythm of his words on a bedspread, carefully keeping time to each syllable. He was reciting one of his favorite poems, Sea Fever by John Masefield. His eyes would open and then close tightly while he recited the three-verse poem from memory. His voice would crack, and tremble with emotion. Sitting across the room from him was his friend, Gloria Hansard. The pair meet every night in Hansards apartment at Birchwood assisted living to recite poetry to each other. Hansard, 100, has been a resident of Birchwood since 2019. Yaw, 101, has lived down the hall at the Aspen Pointe independent living facility for the last 11 years. We didnt meet long ago, Hansard said. Just poems are all we know of each other. They first met at the grand fireplace near the entrance of the assisted living facility. Hansard said she and a group of ladies were gathered around, reading poetry to one another. Yaw overheard them and was drawn over by their reading. That group dissolved after a while, but Hansard and Yaw continued their poetry sessions. At first they would go outside when they could to recite verses under the trees on the campus of the assisted living facility. Weekly readings soon turned into daily poetry sessions. Every night at 6:30 p.m., Yaw makes the trek on his blue mobility scooter to Hansards apartment to read poetry. Yaws scooter is outfitted with a pair of baskets, one on the front and one below his seat both are filled with poetry books. Yaw loves poetry for the rhythm, the music and the story, where there is a story, he said. Or the blob of sentiment that it creates. They sit close to one another in Hansards room, Yaw in his scooter with his leg propped on Hansards bed. Hansard likes to tuck her feet underneath the scooter. A keen ear can hear the muffled sounds of poetic rhythm from behind the door of Hansards apartment. Sometimes the pair read solo to each other. Other times they will trade verses, picking up where the other has left off. Yaw is like a jazz virtuoso, prepared to riff out countless poems from memory. Hansard is similar to a classically trained musician though she needs to read from her poetry book, she still makes the words sing. Yaw recalled his first memory of poetry where the verses made a lasting impression. Yaws mother died when he was young. He bounced around different living situations while growing up in Los Angeles, eventually landing with his older sisters. His eldest sister loved poetry, he said, so Yaw memorized a pair of Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.s works: The Chambered Nautilus and Old Ironsides. He would recite the poems standing up at the dinner table every night. Yaw admitted he didnt understand what the poems meant back then, but now theyre burned into his memory. For some reason they always stuck with me, he said. I hated the standing up. Yaws interest in poetry ebbed and flowed throughout his life. He served in the U.S. Air Force, then taught in Great Falls then became a meteorology professor at Montana State University. Poetry taught Hansard how to read. When she was a child in Missouri her siblings would either go off to school or play with friends, leaving Hansard behind at their home. She would crack open a book of poetry because it was fun, she said. One of the first poems she learned to read was If by Rudyard Kipling. Poetry seemed to always be a part of her life. Hansard met her husband while working for the USO during World War II, and had three sons. Hansard read Kiplings If to her sons, and framed different verses for each of the boys to memorize. The poem remains a favorite to this day. They grew up with my poems, she said. Yaw and Hansard have different poetry books, but the poems inside are the same. Yaw keeps a list with him that indicates which page a certain poem can be found in Hansards books. Earlier this year, Hansard fell in her apartment. Her injuries prevented her from coming back to Birchwood for some time. Despite that, the poetry never stopped. Yaw would copy poems on his copy machine and send them to her, and call nearly every night to check in. Having someone who shares the same ideas has felt great, Yaw said. To share something like a poem we both have the background to understand it, Yaw said. The pair are particular about the style of poetry they like. Hansard likes love stories, but not the swoony kind, she said. They need to have adventure in them, too. Yaw doesnt care for iambic pentameter, a style of poetry commonly known for its blank verse. That means it skips a rhyme sometimes. He said the style was academic, and the rhythm that he seeks in poetry just isnt there. Though poetry has been present throughout their lives, neither Yaw nor Hansard have tried writing their own verses. Theres a poem about everybody, everything you can think about, Hansard said. Authorities have apprehended a Washington man for whom an arrest warrant was issued after an October investigation and overdose call in Bismarck led to the discovery of almost 4,000 fentanyl pills. Evan Darden, 31, of Lake Stevens, Washington, was arrested Wednesday, according to the Burleigh Morton Detention Center website. Bismarck police in September said they seized 870 fentanyl pills from Darden, and he told officers he "wished to work with law enforcement to gather additional evidence concerning his source" of the pills, according to an affidavit. Darden identified the source of the pills as Jordan Anderson, 27, of Lake Stevens, Washington. Anderson was arrested in October at a Bismarck motel, where police found 44 pills when they responded to a call of an overdose. Authorities say social media posts, interviews and financial information also pointed to Anderson as the source of the pills confiscated from Darden. Police recovered 3,750 fentanyl pills from a residence where Anderson said hed delivered them, the affidavit states. Darden made his initial court appearance Thursday on charges of felony drug possession and drug conspiracy. Hell enter pleas at a December court hearing. Each charge could send him to prison for 20 years if hes convicted. Hes in custody in lieu of $50,000 cash bail. Court records dont list an attorney for him. November 8 2022 The heart of Glasgow's West End is to be given a major makeover with the go-ahead for MacLay Civil Engineering to deliver a range of public realm improvements to Byres Road. Designed by the council's technical services team the new look is centred on a one-way gyratory system at Partick Cross, a 20mph speed limit and removal of on-street parking to accommodate a widened pavement and cycleway. Step-free crossings will also be introduced to side streets and 'key corners' will be accentuated by landscaped rest areas. John Turner, chair of the Byres Road & Lanes Business Information District (BID) said: "We are very pleased that, after the considerable delays caused by the pandemic, the planned improvements to Byres Road will finally be getting underway early in 2023. We are eagerly awaiting the completion of the works and trust that they will enhance Byres Road in its position as a top visitor destination." Phase one works from Partick to University Avenue will get underway in January and take a year to complete, before attention turns to the northern section stretching to Great Western Road. Separately Stantec, Threesixty Architecture and Kevin Murray Associates have been appointed by the council to develop a new vision for Buchanan, Sauchiehall and Argyle Streets to adapt an evolving retail and leisure economy. HAVANA, Nov. 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2022 ) :-- Activities to celebrate the 503rd anniversary of the foundation of the Cuban capital Havana kicked off Monday. "We will continue to defend the protection of the patrimonial values in keeping with our traditions and customs," Magda Resik, director of communications at the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana, told Xinhua. The 503rd anniversary of the city's foundation will be marked on Nov. 16. This year's celebrations include art exhibitions, concerts, book launch events and music festivals throughout November. Experts from Latin America are expected to participate in the 18th International Congress of Patrimonial Cities Management scheduled for Nov. 15-19. In addition, new houses have been delivered to Havana residents as part of a governmental plan, and a specialized center for the local deaf community was opened. With a population of over 2.2 million, Havana was recognized as one of the world's seven wonder cities by the Swiss foundation New7Wonders in 2016. ANKARA, Nov 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2022 ) :The European Council on Tuesday decided to fully suspend the visa waiver agreement with Vanuatu, citing risks posed by its investor citizenship schemes. Following the partial suspension, which was imposed on March 3, the European Commission began a dialogue with the country on May 12 to address the EU's concerns, the Council said in a statement. "However, since then the country has failed to engage in any meaningful way and the circumstances that led to the temporary suspension still persist," it added. The Council specified the risks as the "extremely low" rejection rate, absence of physical presence or residence requirements, granting of citizenship to applicants listed in Interpol databases, and nationalities of origin of successful applicants. The decision will apply as of Feb. 4, it said. The visa waiver deal has been applied between the EU and Vanuatu since 2015, allowing citizens of Vanuatu to travel to the EU without a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Catania, Italy, Nov 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2022 ) :Italy's new interior minister insisted Monday it was treating migrants "with humanity" after widespread criticism of moves to allow only the most vulnerable to disembark from charity rescue ships. Around 500 migrants disembarked in the Sicilian port of Catania over the weekend after being rescued by two charity ships from leaky, overcrowded boats seeking to cross from North Africa to Europe. But around 250 from the two ships were denied permission to land under orders of Italy's new hard-right government, including a group of 35 men onboard the German-flagged Humanity 1, a vessel then ordered to leave. NGOs said the move to select who could disembark was illegal and warned of desperate conditions onboard the two ships, which remain in the port. Three men on Monday jumped from one of them, the Geo Barents, run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), before being swiftly picked up out of the water, the charity said. Afterwards a dozen other migrants stood on the deck of the ship chanting "Help us", an AFP reporter witnessed. "We are behaving with humanity but firmly based on our principles," said Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, on the sidelines of an event in Rome. He said migrants on other ships had been welcomed into Italian ports, and those left on board were being "constantly monitored by the competent authorities". Authorities in Syracuse confirmed to AFP on Monday that more than 500 people found in distress off Malta had been rescued by Italian authorities and disembarked in Sicily. Piantedosi said he was working at a national and European level to resolve the issue, after years of complaints from Rome that the EU was not doing enough. Italy's new government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party, has vowed to stop the tens of thousands of migrants who arrive on the country's shores each year. One of her deputy prime ministers, League leader Matteo Salvini, is currently on trial for blocking migrant boats when he was interior minister in 2019. He said Monday the arrivals must be stopped, tweeting: "They are organised trips, increasingly dangerous, which finance weapons and drugs. They must be cut off." After days at sea, Geo Barents was given permission to disembark 357 people, including children, while the authorities refused entry to 215 others. Nearby, Humanity 1 disembarked 144 people, but 35 adult male migrants onboard were refused. A government decree issued Friday said Humanity 1 was only allowed into an Italian port for the time it took to help those in "emergency conditions". The charity SOS Humanity, which operates the ship, said authorities decided after a "brief" medical exam that the 35 men were "healthy" and so need not disembark. But it said no translator attended and there was no psychological evaluation, and has launched legal action against the government for selecting who can disembark. "If a port is secure, then it's secure for everybody," SOS Humanity lawyer Riccardo Campochiaro told AFP. UN agencies the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the International Organization for Migration all urged the disembarkation of the migrants "without delay". In a joint statement Monday, they welcomed Italy's moves to let off many of the migrants but said "a solution is urgently needed for all remaining survivors". They referred also to two other rescue ships, the Ocean Viking and Rise Above, which have been waiting off Sicily with around 230 and 90 migrants respectively. Media reports late Monday said Rise Above had been assigned a port in southern Italy. A group of civil society organisations, including ActionAid International, Human Rights Watch and the Norwegian Refugee Council, echoed the call for a rapid disembarkation. Amnesty International has accused Italy of "violating its international obligations", saying "the law of the sea is clear; a rescue ends when all those rescued are disembarked in a place of safety". One of those left onboard Geo Barents was later evacuated by ambulance after suffering "acute abdominal pain", MSF said on Monday, bringing the total remaining to 214. Antonio Nicita, a senator with the centre-left Democratic Party, said he had visited the ship and found "a lot of suffering". "Many people undressed in front of us to show their scabies infection," he told AFP. "Their situation, their level of psychological stress is very, very high," added Riccardo Gatti, the chief of search and rescue at MSF. "The ship has its limitations in terms of medical assistance: a ship is like an ambulance and people are still in the ambulance," he said. (@FahadShabbir) SHARM EL-SHEIKH (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2022 ) , Nov 8 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Tuesday, expressed confidence that the Saudi leader's upcoming visit to Pakistan would promote bilateral cooperation. "Looking forward to the upcoming visit of the Crown Prince to Pakistan, the prime minister said that he was confident that this visit would promote bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest," the PM Office said in a statement following the meeting. The meeting held on the sidelines of the Conference of Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh reviewed the bilateral relations with a view to further enhance the ongoing cooperation in various fields. "Both sides expressed determination to further strengthen the multilateral partnership between the two brotherly countries," the statement added. During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan attached great importance to its ties with Saudi Arabia, which were deeply rooted in common faith, culture, values and an eternal tradition of mutual support. The prime minister also appreciated the hospitality and cooperation of Saudi Arabia for the two million Pakistanis working in the Kingdom, which contributed to the development and prosperity of the two brotherly countries. Referring to their recent meeting in Riyadh, the prime minister and the crown prince expressed satisfaction at the growing high-level ties. The two leaders expressed their determination to further strengthen the multilateral partnership between the two countries. Shehbaz Sharif particularly emphasized the importance of increasing trade, investment, development and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the mutual interest of the people of the two brotherly countries. Appreciating Saudi Arabia's assistance to Pakistan's flood-affected people, the prime minister said that Pakistan was one of the countries most affected by the effects of climate change. He expressed hope that COP27 would yield concrete results, especially in developing countries with regard to the financing of waste and damage caused by environmental causes. He also appreciated the efforts of the Saudi crown prince on the functioning of the integrated environmental initiative and assured the Saudi leadership of full support from Pakistan. ISLAMABAD, Nov 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2022 ) :The Federal government on Tuesday announced November 9 as a public holiday, in connection with the birth anniversary of the country's national poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal. A notification issued by the Prime Minister's Office dated 08.11. 2022 said, "The Prime Minister has been pleased to desire that 9th November (Iqbal Day) shall henceforth be observed as a public holiday". Following this, the Cabinet Division in a notification issued said, "In continuation of the Cabinet Division's circular No. 10-01/2021-Min-II dated 17th December 2021, it is for general information that the Prime Minister is pleased to restore the public holiday on occasion of the birthday of Allama Iqbal, i.e. 9th November. Therefore, Wednesday 9th November 2022 shall be observed as public holiday throughout the country". (@ChaudhryMAli88) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2022 ) :Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Tuesday strongly condemned Imran Khan's attempt to implicate senior journalists Hamid Mir, Murtaza Solangi and Waqar Satti in the Wazirabad firing incident. In a statement, she advised Imran to do politics, but refrain from spreading mischief, chaos and disorder in the country. She said during Imran's tenure journalists were attacked by the then government, and now journalists were implicated by him in fake cases. She asked Imran Khan not to endanger the lives of journalists for his petty political gains. The minister said that Imran was doing politics on dead bodies and journalism. She said that Imran couldn't fight a political war with political opponents, he should do political opposition with political opponents, but should not indulge in anti-national activities. Imran Khan had threatened the lives of the three journalists by naming them, which was strongly condemnable. Entire Pakistan was a victim of foreign-funded persons who always told lies and was involved in slander and corruption, she opined. "The PTI leadership wanted to set the whole country on fire to come to power", she lamented. "What do you want to do by setting the country on fire, shedding blood and killing people", she asked. She said that if journalists ask questions, they were Imran's enemies, FIA, Election Commission and the court ask questions, were also his enemies. Overwhelming flooding has affected at least 27.7 million children across 27 countries worldwide, with the number of children affected by flooding in Pakistan, Chad, Gambia, and northeast Bangladesh, being the highest in over 30 years, according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). UNITED NATIONS, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2022 ) :Overwhelming flooding has affected at least 27.7 million children across 27 countries worldwide, with the number of children affected by flooding in Pakistan, Chad, Gambia, and northeast Bangladesh, being the highest in over 30 years, according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). In its alert on Tuesday, as the COP27 Climate Conference in Egypt continues, the UN agency said that a large majority of the children affected are among the most vulnerable and that rolling disasters are straining the ability of governments and the international community to respond, given the enormous scale of need. With millions of children at severe risk of starvation, disease, exploitation and death, the agency is calling for delegates at COP27 to commit to funding to protect children from the devastating effects of a changing climate. UNICEF says that this year, floods have contributed to the increased spread of major killers of children, such as malnutrition, malaria, cholera and diarrhoea, and that the aftermath of floods is often more deadly for children than the extreme weather events that caused the flooding. In Pakistan, more than one in nine children under five, who were admitted to health facilities in flood-affected areas of Sindh and Balochistan, were found to be suffering from severe acute malnutrition. In South Sudan, 95 UNICEF-supported nutrition sites have been affected by floods, hampering the delivery of life-saving and preventative malnutrition services for 92,000 children. An estimated 840,000 children were displaced by floods in Nigeria in recent months. Heavy rains and flooding in Yemen triggered floods causing extensive damage to shelters in displacement sites. Up to 73,854 households were affected and 24,000 households have been displaced. "COP27 provides an opportunity to chart a credible roadmap with clear milestones for finance for climate adaptation and solutions for loss and damage," said Paloma Escudero, UNICEF's Director of Global Communications and Advocacy. She added that youngsters "from the most affected places on Earth are drowning in climate inaction. Enough is enough. Lives are on the line children need action now." As well as pressing governments and big business to rapidly reduce emissions, UNICEF is urging leaders to take immediate action to safeguard children from climate devastation by adapting the critical social services they rely upon. Adaptation measures, like creating water, health and education systems that stand up to flooding and drought, will save lives. Paloma Escudero said that "without urgent action, many more vulnerable children and young people will lose their lives in the days and weeks to come. And without climate action, hundreds of millions more will almost certainly suffer like those in Pakistan." North Dakota's ballot on Tuesday offers some intrigue in the reliably red state from late congressional entries by independent candidates to term limits and marijuana legalization. Voters will decide whether to endorse changing the state constitution to limit the terms of the governor and state legislators. The citizen-led initiative would add a new article to the state constitution that limits lawmakers to eight cumulative years each in the House and Senate. The governor could not be elected more than twice. The measure would take effect Jan. 1. Term limits would not be retroactive -- meaning the service of current officeholders would not count against them. Another citizen-led initiative will put the question of recreational marijuana legalization before voters, who rejected the idea four years ago. The initiative would allow people 21 and older to legally use marijuana at home as well as possess and cultivate restricted amounts of cannabis. The state could register up to seven marijuana manufacturing businesses and 18 dispensaries. The state Health and Human Services Department has until Oct. 1, 2023, to implement rules and regulations should the measure pass. Marijuana measure David Owen, who has led past pro-marijuana legalization efforts, and also the current, believes the measure has a good chance of passing this time. Its not 100% in the bag but we feel good about where were at, Owen said. The group was making a last-minute push to notify supporters to help get the word out Monday. Supporters were using social media and telephone calls and texts to make their case, and also visiting college campuses and business such as smoke shops to remind people to vote. Pro-legalization supporters have raised about $550,000 to push the measure, while foes have only raised about $2,500 in a last-minute attempt to combat the measure, campaign finance records show. The anti-marijuana group has no money for television or other traditional campaign advertising, said Luke Niforatos, executive vice president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a Virginia-based political organization against marijuana legalization that is helping fight the measure in North Dakota. Its been basically just a shoe-leather campaign and social media campaign, Niforatos said. Weve got a little bit of money to do digital advertising and some videos but other than that, its been pure grassroots. House race Former Miss America 2018 Cara Mund qualified to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for North Dakotas sole U.S. House seat. The Republican incumbent, Kelly Armstrong, is seeking a third term. Mund entered the race in August and said her support for abortion rights motivated her candidacy. Democrat Mark Haugen quit the race, citing pressure from some in his own party to make way for Mund. Both Armstrong and Mund appeared confident Monday and believed they had done enough campaigning to win North Dakotas lone House seat in Congress. Armstrong said he was reviewing military academy appointments Monday and planned to attend his sons parent-teacher conference in his hometown of Dickinson later in the day. Ive done radio and some other media today and then were just going to kind of button up and get ready for tomorrow, said Armstrong, who is seeking a third term. Weve worked really, really hard over the past two weeks from one end of the state to the other, he said. Armstrong would not disclose his campaigns internal polling on the race. We should be OK but the only poll that matters is tomorrow on Election Day, he said. Mund said she, too, has traveled to much of the state stumping, especially in the past two weeks. I feel like Ive done everything I possibly could since announcing, she said. I knew it would be a sprint to the end. Armstrong held a huge financial advantage, raising nearly $2 million overall compared to the roughly $78,000 Mund had raised through the end of September. Other races GOP state Rep. Rick Becker defected from his party by meeting the signature requirement to be listed on the ballot as an independent, challenging U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, who was first elected to the Senate in 2010 after serving as governor for a decade. Becker, a Bismarck plastic surgeon, narrowly lost the Republican endorsement to Hoeven in April. Democrat Katrina Christiansen, a political newcomer and University of Jamestown engineering professor, also is on the ballot. Democrats havent had a majority in the state House or Senate or held the governors office since the early 1990s. Democrats held all three of North Dakotas seats in Congress from 1987 to 2011, but the GOP now holds them all. North Dakota has 47 legislative districts. Each is represented by two House members and a senator, who are elected at large for four-year terms. Republicans have 80 House seats to Democrats 14, and the GOP has a 40-7 edge in the Senate. Ninety-eight of the Legislatures 141 seats are on the ballot due in part to redistricting that was required due to population shifts shown by the 2020 federal census. The Democratic-NPL Party is defending all but one of its seats this year. One of those races is for the Bismarck-area District 35 Senate seat held by Tracy Potter, the only Democrat representing the capital city in the Legislature. The race between Potter and Republican Sean Cleary has been the most expensive this fall, with the candidates raising more than $122,000 combined. Contests for secretary of state, attorney general, agriculture commissioner, and two seats on the Public Service Commission also appear on the ballot. Residents of Burleigh County will elect three new county commissioners and a new county auditor, as well as decide on approving a new draft of the county's home rule charter, which would allow the county commission and county residents to adopt ordinances. Morton County residents will decide a hotly contested state's attorney race. More than 95,800 ballots had been cast as of Monday morning, including absentee, mail-in and early in-person voting. Information on where to vote is at vote.nd.gov. Burleigh County residents also can find their polling site at https://burleighco.com/elections/maps/. Bis-Man Transit will be offering free rides for CAT bus riders and Paratransit riders on Tuesday. What to expect Heres a look at what to expect on election night: ELECTION NIGHT Most polls close at 7 p.m. local time. HOW NORTH DAKOTA VOTES Most North Dakotans vote in person. Some counties also allow for early in-person voting. Historically, only about one-third of residents vote by mail. North Dakota is the only state without voter registration. Any U.S. citizen over the age of 18 who has lived in a specific precinct for at least 30 days may vote with required identification, which includes a state-issued drivers license, state ID card, tribal ID or long-term care ID certificate. A voter who is standing in line at the time the polls close will be allowed to vote. DECISION NOTES The AP does not make projections and will only declare a winner when its determined there is no scenario that would allow the trailing candidates to close the gap. Should a candidate declare victory or offer a concession before the AP calls a race, AP will cover newsworthy developments in its reporting. In doing so, it will make clear that the AP has not declared a winner and explain why. The AP may call a statewide or U.S. House race in which the margin between the top two candidates is 0.5% or less, if it determines the lead is too large for a recount to change the outcome. The AP will not call down-ballot races on election night if the margin between the top two candidates is less than 2% or if the leading candidate is within 2% of the 50% runoff threshold. The AP will revisit those races later in the week to confirm there arent enough outstanding votes left to count that could change the outcome. WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW? Q: WHATS CHANGED SINCE THE PANDEMIC ELECTION OF 2020? A: Secretary of State Al Jaeger said several counties added ballot drop boxes at that time and many of them remain. Q: HOW LONG DOES COUNTING USUALLY TAKE? A: The bulk of the ballots are counted within a few hours after the polls have closed. Q: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TUESDAY? A: Candidates may request a recount if their losing margin is more than one-half of 1% of the largest number of votes cast for the office, and less than 2% of that total. They must post a bond to cover the recount expense. Results on Tuesday are preliminary and won't be official until they are canvassed. County canvassing boards meet on Monday, Nov. 21; the State Canvassing Board will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 23, according to the Secretary of State's Office. (Tribune reporter Jack Dura contributed to this story.) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th November, 2022) The 19th round of high-level talks of the Astana format summit on the peaceful settlement in Syria will be held from November 22-23, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Tuesday. "The meeting will be held from November 22-23, soon. There is an agreement among our partners: Turkey and Iran the guarantor countries, the participants from Syria, as well as the countries that have observer status," Bogdanov said. The diplomat noted that the participation of Jordan as an observer country, as well as Iraq and Lebanon, was discussed. "These are countries that show great interest in what is happening in Syria," Bogdanov stressed. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Russia's MI-2 helicopter performing a sanitary flight made a hard landing in the Kostroma Region on Tuesday, which resulted in causalities, the regional administration said MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th November, 2022) Russia's MI-2 helicopter performing a sanitary flight made a hard landing in the Kostroma Region on Tuesday, which resulted in causalities, the regional administration said. "The MI-2 helicopter was flying from (the Russian town of) Sharya. An emergency landing was made a few kilometers from Sokerkino (Kostroma) airport. Emergency services have arrived at the scene. According to preliminary data, there are casualties. The helicopter was performing a flight on the instructions of the air ambulance," a statement read. Kostroma Region Governor Sergei Sitnikov also arrived to the place of the incident, according to the statement. The aircraft belongs to the Kostroma Air Enterprise. The main directorate of the region's emergency ministry confirmed to Sputnik that the helicopter had made a hard landing. International pressure mounted Tuesday for the "immediate release" of Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, whose family fears for his life after he escalated his hunger strike by refusing water too as COP27 opened Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Nov, 2022 ) :International pressure mounted Tuesday for the "immediate release" of Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, whose family fears for his life after he escalated his hunger strike by refusing water too as COP27 opened. After a seven-month stint during which he consumed only "100 calories a day", the 40-year-old British-Egyptian stopped drinking water on Sunday as world leaders gathered for the opening of the global climate summit in Egypt. On Tuesday, a day after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron met with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and raised his plight, UN rights chief Volker Turk and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz demanded his release. Abdel Fattah, currently serving a five-year sentence for "spreading false news" for reposting a Facebook post about police brutality, has been leading headlines during the UN summit, intensifying international attention on Egypt's rights record. A key figure of the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak, Abdel Fattah gained British citizenship this year through his UK-born mother, Laila Soueif. - 'Dreadful consequences' - Soueif -- who has been camped out in front of the prison for two days in the hope of receiving a letter as proof of life, according to daughter Mona Seif -- warns her son many only have "a day or two or three at most". In a message posted on Facebook, Soueif directed an appeal to world leaders at the COP27 summit rather than the Egyptian authorities, who she accused of already having "so much blood on their hands." Seif tweeted on Tuesday that the family had received "No letter, no explanation, nothing to assure us Alaa is alive and present." 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. Sunak said Monday that the case is "a priority", demanding it be "resolved as soon as possible." Macron said he had received an assurance that Sisi is "committed to ensuring that (the) health of Alaa Abdel Fattah is preserved" and that the situation will be resolved "in the coming weeks and months. " German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday said that "his release must be possible, so that this hunger strike does not end in death," adding that "we should be afraid that this could lead to dreadful consequences". Turk said he "deeply regrets" Egypt had not released Abdel Fattah, warning that his "life is in great danger". UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association Clement Voule echoed calls for Abdel Fattah's immediate release, noting his "life is at risk". "I remind Egypt authorities that civic participation is key to advancing climate justice," Voule said. On Tuesday, a press conference led by Abdel Fattah's sister Sanaa Seif -- on the sidelines of the COP27 summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh -- was disrupted by an Egyptian parliamentarian. "We are talking about an Egyptian citizen detained for a criminal offence, he is not a political prisoner," said pro-government lawmaker Amr Darwish, who was escorted out of a COP27 hall by UN security. "Do not try to use the West against Egypt." - 'Force fed'? - Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the COP27 president, told CNBC television that Abdel Fattah -- whose dual citizenship Cairo does not recognise -- has access to "all the necessary care in prison". Sanaa Seif said Shoukry's talk of "care" raises concerns her brother is potentially being "force fed" with intravenous drips. "Is he handcuffed to a bed, on IVs against his will?" she said. Cairo has faced intensifying criticism of its long deplored human rights record since it was announced as the host of the COP27 climate summit last year, a move rights groups said "rewards the repressive rule" of Sisi. Three Egyptian journalists also continued a hunger strike for a second day, demanding "the release of all political prisoners in Egypt". Rights groups say such prisoners number some 60,000, a claim denied by Cairo. 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 the same period close to double that number have been jailed for their activism, Amnesty says. (@FahadShabbir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th November, 2022) Russia, among other things, takes into account the lists communicated by Pope Francis, when releasing or exchanging Ukrainian prisoners, Russian Ambassador to the Vatican Aleksandr Avdeyev said on Tuesday. "The release by the Russian side of Ukrainian war prisoners or their exchange takes place, among other things, while taking into account the lists regularly communicated to us by Pope Francis. In this sense, we highly appreciate the personal actions of the pontiff, who is carrying out a very important humanitarian mission, allowing hundreds of people to return to their families," Avdeyev told Italian news agency Askanews. Senegal President and African Union Chairman Macky Sall told Sputnik on Tuesday that he appreciated the United Nations-brokered grain deal, which brought markets back to normal SHARM EL-SHEIKH (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th November, 2022) Senegal President and African Union Chairman Macky Sall told Sputnik on Tuesday that he appreciated the United Nations-brokered grain deal, which brought markets back to normal. "We appreciate this grain deal very much, I recall that when I met with (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin last June (2022), it was first of all for that, among other things it was for the release of grain through the port of Odessa, but also for the access to Russian fertilizers," Sall told Sputnik. The grain deal normalized the global market, the president said, urging the international community to agree on Russia's fertilizers exports. "I think that the release of grain has brought the market back to normal; that is, when people know that grain is now available, the market returns to normal. The other aspect is that we must agree to the same conditions for fertilizers, because it is very important for Africa," Sall added. Last week, Russia suspended its participation in the UN-mediated grain deal for several days after its ships were attacked by Ukraine in the Black Sea. Moscow returned to the deal after receiving guarantees from Kiev that it would refrain from using the grain corridor for military purposes, following mediation by Turkey and the UN. After returning to the grain deal, the Kremlin said that Russia was still undecided about whether to extend it beyond the November 19 deadline. Moscow has repeatedly said the agreement was not effective in bringing grain and fertilizer to developing countries, while sanctions continue to hinder Russia's food exports, even though the deal was supposed to guarantee their free flow to global markets. On October 29, Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev said that Russia was ready to supply up to 500,000 tonnes of grain to struggling nations at no cost in the next four months and fully replace the Ukrainian grain exports, as well as organize grain deliveries to all concerned countries at reasonable prices. Patrushev noted that Russia had already harvested 150 million tonnes of grain this year, while its export potential is estimated at over 50 million tonnes. UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th November, 2022) Italy, Austria and Germany voted against the Russian draft resolution combating the glorification of Nazism for the first time in history during a vote at the session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Third Committee. On Friday, the committee approved the resolution in a 106-52 vote with 15 abstentions. This resolution is adopted by the UN General Assembly annually. Once approved by the committee, it must be voted on in the General Assembly. In recent years, the United States and Ukraine used to vote against it, with a number of European countries joining them this year. "In my memory, it is the first time in history," Special Representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry for Human Rights Grigory Lukiyantsev said, referring to the fact that Italy, Germany and Austria voted against the resolution against Nazism. The countries that did not approve the Russian document claimed that they did so as Russia "exploits" the topic combating neo-Nazism for its own purposes during the military operation in Ukraine. "Even in 2011, when there was a split within the EU and part of its members voted against (the resolution) and another part abstained, officials from Germany, Italy and Austria solemnly assured us that as a matter of principle they would never vote against a document condemning glorification of Nazism. But political reasons appear to be more important," Lukiyantsev added. The resolution calls on member states "to take active measures to ensure that education systems develop the necessary content to provide accurate accounts of history, as well as promote tolerance and other international human rights principles." The document also urges states to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination by all appropriate means, including, if circumstances require, by legislation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that those who had voted against the resolution were "immoral," and their actions were hypocritical. "The nature (of the resolution against glorification of Nazism) can be called into question only by immoral individuals," Zakharova said on Telegram. According to the spokeswoman, this act could be seen as "political hypocrisy." A passage from what has become known as Teddy Roosevelts The Man in the Arena speech has been so often quoted that its almost become cliche. You know the one. Its where he says the critics arent important. Rather, its those folks who try hard at accomplishing a worthy cause, who may experience the thrill of victory or agony of defeat, but in either case dared greatly to try to make a difference. Not as often quoted but equally relevant in todays political environment are several other passages from the speech that Roosevelt actually titled Citizenship in a Republic. For context, the speech was delivered in April of 1910 at the Sorbonne, a university in Paris where for more than 300 years the rich and entitled had come to become learned. Roosevelts presidency had ended a year earlier, and a few weeks later he would deliver his Nobel lecture in Oslo. In Paris, Roosevelt noted that in countries led by one or a few people, the quality of the leaders is paramount. In republics like France and the United States, he said, the quality of the leaders isnt nearly as important as the quality of the citizens. . . . in the long run, success or failure will be conditioned upon the way in which the average man, the average woman, does his or her duty, first in the ordinary, every-day affairs of life, and next in those great occasional cries which call for heroic virtues. The average citizen must be a good citizen if our republics are to succeed. The main stream will not permanently rise higher than the main source; and the main source of national power and national greatness is found in the average citizenship of the nation. It is time, average men and women of North Dakota, to be good citizens, to do your part in ensuring the success of the republic. Vote. Doing so could be considered one of the everyday affairs of life. It also could be considered to be one of what Roosevelt called heroic virtues. It is the easiest and arguably the most important way that American citizens can be in the arena. TR, though, also had some words of advice for government leaders. Therefore it behooves us to do our best to see that the standard of the average citizen is kept high, he said in Paris, and the average cannot be kept high unless the standard of the leaders is very much higher. Thats a high bar these days. Roosevelt likely would be aghast to see that our leaders today have even politicized the ballot box, which is the most critical, most basic task of citizenship. Voting is now much easier than at any time in our history. You can go to the polls, you can vote absentee or you can go to an early voting location. You no longer have to write an X in the appropriate box on a paper ballot. Instead, you mark ballots that are tabulated and counted using electronic technology. Enter the politicians. Some say weve sacrificed fairness and accuracy by making it too easy to vote. Some say weve sacrificed voter rights by trying to make the process more secure. There are leaders who, believe it or not, would choose to go back to the voting methods of Roosevelts era, using paper ballots and counting them manually, to avoid the possibility of cheating or mistakes through hacking and online data manipulation. Others note studies that show human counting is far less accurate than machine counting. This political haggling reflects on the quality of our leaders. In fact, those leaders ought to be dedicating themselves to working together to harness technology to allow voters to cast their ballots from home using whatever device suits their individual fancy. Though we always must be vigilant on cybersecurity, we have learned how to safely us digital technology for many of our most important daily tasks from banking to paying bills to making investments to filing tax returns. There is no reason that Americas brightest and best cant also develop a safe and secure way to elect our leaders. Digital voting from wherever we happen to be at the time we choose to vote likely would not only enfranchise voters who are disenfranchised, but encourage more and more people to be good citizens who are in the arena. Rescuers attempting to recover the passenger plane that crashed into Lake Victoria in Bukoba, Tanzania, on Sunday. Pope Francis is praying for the victims of a plane crash in Tanzania, which occurred Sunday. By Vatican news staff reporter In the wake of the plane crash on Sunday in Tanzania, Pope Francis is praying for victims and survivors, and has assured all those affected by the tragedy of his spiritual closeness. A telegram, addressed to the Apostolic Nunciature in Tanzania and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, says that the Holy Father is praying in particular for the eternal repose of the deceased, the healing of the injured, and strength for those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. Full text of the telegram of the Holy Father, signed by the Cardinal Secretary of State, for the victims of the plane crash on 6 November at Bukoba, Tanzania: Having learned with sadness of the plane crash in Bukoba, His Holiness Pope Francis sends condolences and offers the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this tragedy, especially the families of the victims. He prays in particular for the eternal repose of the deceased, the healing of the injured and strength for those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. Upon all, His Holiness invokes the consolation and peace of Almighty God. Plane crashed in bad weather A small passenger plane crashed Sunday morning into Lake Victoria on approach to Bukoba airport in Tanzania. At least nineteen people were killed in the tragedy, while twenty-six others were saved by rescuers. We have managed to save quite a number of people, Kagera province police commander William Mwampaghale told journalists. When the aircraft was about 100 meters (328 feet) midair, it encountered problems and bad weather. It was raining and the plane plunged into the water, he said. Investigation launched Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said investigators had launched a probe into what had happened. A spokesperson for France's BEA air accident investigation agency said on Monday it was sending a team to Tanzania along with technical advisers from Franco-Italian planemaker ATR , which built the ATR 42-500 turboprop. Under international rules, the locally-led investigation would usually include the participation of authorities in France, where the plane was designed, and Canada, where its Pratt & Whitney engines were developed. ATR said it was "fully engaged to support the customer and the investigation." Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, looks back to Pope Francis Apostolic Visit to Bahrain. By Jean Charles Putzolu Dialogue, respect, fraternity and peace are, for Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, the four key words that echoed throughout Pope Francis' just-ended Apostolic Visit to Bahrain. The four-day visit was the Popes 39th journey abroad since the beginning of his pontificate, and the second to the Gulf region. Looking back to the past few days, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue is happy to note the continuity in Muslim-Christian relations, and the importance of dialogue that he describes as an "existential skill". Your Eminence, you accompanied Pope Francis on his 39th apostolic journey to Bahrain. How do you view this event? So, as with any Apostolic journey of the Holy Father, when it comes to an end we take stock of the effects that are always very positive. In this case, regarding his Apostolic Visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, my considerations are very positive because I found that it was a moment of encounter in a world in conflict. I found the meetings with the authorities and the Christian community very interesting and good, especially the gathering in the stadium for the celebration of the Eucharist with the Christian community. There were Christians from Bahrain and the entire Gulf region. The ecumenical meeting was also very important, as was the interfaith meeting. I think it was a journey of open, simple dialogue, of familiarity, of brotherhood, as Pope Francis likes to do. What prospects can we envisage for dialogue with Islam? I don't think there is anything new, but the dialogue continues and these meetings that we had in Bahrain are elements of continuity in the process of dialogue between Christians and Muslims. For me, dialogue is an existential attitude that we live every day. I found the meeting with the Muslim Council of Elders very interesting because I saw the desire on the part of this very renowned, very important institution; a desire, like ours, to continue to promote Islamic-Christian dialogue, the desire to collaborate with each other in common projects for the benefit of the international community, the desire to create a platform of unity in diversity, the desire for intra-Muslim dialogue, the desire for ecumenical dialogue, the desire for dialogue between the different components of our communities and particularly within the Muslim world. Let us remember the message of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar who once again showed his availability and made a very open appeal so that, within the Muslim world, there may be a rapprochement between Shiites and Sunnis. This is something really important. So, in terms of perspective, from everything I have seen, in many of the communiques, there is nothing new, but there is continuity and that is the most important thing. Patriarch Bartholomew was also present. This trip also had an ecumenical component... Yes, in fact, the presence of Patriarch Bartholomew was really very important. It was a renewed sign of friendship and communion with the Pope. It was a testimony of the desire to build together a world of friendship and fraternity. We need, as I said earlier, an intra-Muslim dialogue between Shiites and Sunnis and other components of the Muslim world; and in the Christian world, we need an ecumenical dialogue between the different Christian communities. So I believe that Patriarch Bartholomew is the one who indicates the direction in which we must walk. The union of Pope Francis with Patriarch Bartholomew helps to promote this ecumenical dialogue. Francis has insisted a lot on the importance of dialogue... Is there any other alternative to build a peaceful coexistence? I think the Pope said that the keys to the apostolic journey to the Kingdom of Bahrain can be summarised in four words: dialogue. He spoke of dialogue, dialogue, dialogue. So it is dialogue, mutual respect, brotherhood and peace. If we really want to walk the paths of peace, we need to continue to promote dialogue; we need to promote mutual respect and we need to promote the fraternity that was widely expressed in the Document on Human Fraternity that inspired the Holy Father to write the encyclical Fratelli tutti. The United States says it has talked with high-level Russian officials to prevent the armed conflict in Ukraine from escalating into nuclear warfare. Tuesday's announcement comes after Ukraine said it would not negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin after reports that Washington asked Kyiv to signal it is open to peace talks. By Stefan J. Bos U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that Washington and Moscow had held talks amid concerns Russia may use nuclear weapons after its army suffered significant losses on Ukraine's battlefields. Sullivan suggested that he was leading meetings with Russia to prevent a nuclear escalation of the war in Ukraine. He said the administration of President Joe Biden has had "the opportunity to engage, at senior levels, with the Russians to communicate, reduce risk, and convey the consequences of the potential use of nuclear weapons. We have not described the channels that we have done in order to protect those channels." However, Sullivan revealed, "We have been very clear and very direct about how the United States would approach the potential use of nuclear weapons." Sullivan has reportedly held confidential discussions with his Russian counterpart, Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev, and senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov over the past several months. The talks occurred after Russian President Vladimir Putin did not completely rule out using nuclear weapons if the territories Moscow annexed from Ukraine were attacked. Russia also warned that the accelerated deployment of modernized U.S. nuclear weapons in Europe next month could lower the "nuclear threshold" for an outbreak of atomic warfare. With the war in Ukraine intensifying, the United States reportedly told a closed meeting of the NATO military alliance that it would speed up the European deployment of a modernized version of the B61 nuclear bomb, the B61-12. As a result, about 100 of these B61 devices are at bases in Italy, Germany, Turkey, Belgium, and the Netherlands, which will be replaced by the newer B61-12 nuclear bombs in December, months earlier than planned. Russia's response In response, Russia has made clear it will place missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads in neighboring Belarus in the coming months. It also said the Baltic region couldn't remain nuclear-free. The Baltic nation of Lithuania claims Russia already keeps nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad; the Russian enclave sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania. Worries about possible nuclear warfare in Europe have grown as Kyiv made clear it does not want to hold peace talks with Russian President Putin as long as his troops remain on Ukrainian territory. Ukraine also claims it is winning the war after recapturing territory. Yet, U.S. officials have privately urged Kyiv to remain open for peace talks to end an armed conflict that has already killed tens of thousands of people. Washington is reportedly also concerned about "Ukraine fatigue" among allies who suffer from food and energy price hikes that are in part related to the ongoing war. Ukraine is heavily dependent on Western military and financial support. by Achin Vanaik It was never expected that the response to the war on Ukraine of the Left internationally, would be so divided. Broadly there have been four positions held by those who consider themselves to be anti-capitalist socialists of one kind or the other. The arguments, rationalisations and justifications provided by the first three of these groups do, in some degree or the other, overlap. The first group (which is certainly the smallest of the four categories) includes those who fully support the Russian invasion as well as those who while not going gung-ho in supporting the invasion will neither call it an invasion nor condemn it in even the mildest of language. The Communist Party of the Russian Federation fully supports the action which it describes only as a "special military operation". The Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM calls the war "unfortunate" and insists that US/NATO expansionism is the real cause forcing Russia to behave as it did. The older and smaller Communist Party of India (CPI) says much the same without using the word "unfortunate" even, and makes a meaningless general call for peace in the region. That is to say, neither of these parties make even a cursory criticism of the Russian action and put not just primary but sole blame on the US/NATO. Whatever the leaders and ideologues of these two parties in India may think privately, in public they do not even declare that Russia (and China) are now capitalist countries let alone that they are imperialist. In fact, a principal ideologue of the CPM, Vijay Prashad who has written a number of good books on the Middle East and on the Indian diaspora in the US, says that the only imperialist country in the world is the US. So France and the UK, despite their behaviour in Africa, the Middle East or elsewhere are no longer to be seen as imperialist powers despite their past. While lower order powers making military-political incursions abroad whether they be Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Israel, etc. are also absolved of any charge of being weaker imperialist countries or even sub-imperialisms. It is not just that the US is the biggest imperialist power with the ugliest historical record which it is; but that it is uniquely imperialist!. However, this claim cannot be used to deny the ugly and unjustified behaviour of either China or Russia or even the former USSR. Loyalty to the CPM/CPI, however, has generally triumphed to the point of its acolytes and leaders repeatedly defending the indefensible whether it is the Soviet invasions of Hungary in 1956 or of Czechoslovakia in 1968 or post-Soviet Russia in Chechnya and Ukraine. Second Group: Two Variants The second group do condemn the Russian invasion in milder or stronger forms. But they generally avoid reference to Ukraines right to self-determination since if one were to endorse this clearly and unequivocally or even half-heartedly, then what follows as a matter of logic is endorsing the right to resist of the Ukraine people, whatever be the nature of their current government, to fight as they see fit to regain their freedom and sovereignty. However, the central preoccupation of this group of leftists is to focus on the iniquities of the US and NATO. The latters expansionist drive is not seen as the sole reason for the invasion but it is seen as the main reason. This is the dominant prism used for understanding the why of the invasion and what the response of the Left and progressives should be to this development. Depending on whether one sees Russia as itself an imperialist country or not, there will be variation in the degree of culpability to be attached to Russia. a) Those reluctant to identify Russia as an imperialist power (even if of much lesser weight than the US) can then talk of its misadventures or its imperial behaviour but above all emphasize its reactive character mistaken though this is or might be. They will highlight the iniquities of the Ukrainian government, its rightwing and even its supposedly far-right or Nazi character which can then serve as a kind of excuse for Russias assault. b) Then there are those who say very clearly that Russia (and China) are imperialist powers though weaker than the US. Hence there is an inter-imperialist dimension to the Ukraine issue and a corresponding geopolitics that must be unravelled. That there is a geopolitical dimension that has to addressed is obvious since the impact and implications of the Russian invasion are not confined to Ukraine and yes, these inter-imperialist rivalries have also been playing out within Ukraines own internal politics. The crucial question is how much weight to give to this inter-imperialist dimension as a causal or explanatory factor behind Russias decision to invade. Those subscribing to approach a) given above will give much more weight to the geo-political dimension (they are reluctant to call Russia imperialist) and will in their arguments provide at least implicit rationalisations, even justifications, that will greatly soften their explicit words of formal condemnation. Supplementary arguments will be used to buttress their case. There will be talk of Kievs repression in the Donbas region where pro-Russia separatist forces are presumably wanting to exercise their choice of political self-determination. This argument then becomes a cover of sorts for Russian intervention in the past (the 2014 takeover of Crimea) and the understandable desire of Moscow today to counter this drive against the more culturally Russified eastern part of the Ukraine. Focussing more attention in ones arguments on the Nazi character of the government and the ruling classes for example, becomes a way of diverting attention away from the fact that it is the huge mass of ordinary working people in Ukraine who are angry, who are suffering deaths, injuries and devastations from the military assault and who are fighting back in whatever way they can. To pretend or even imply that the broad masses are dupes of their authoritarian rulers is shameful. One can certainly criticise the far-right forces and ruling government in Ukraine but there are liberals, socialists, Marxists, feminists who are very much part of the forces resisting the Russian forces. This is rarely if ever mentioned; nor is it pointed out that Ukraines quite flawed democratic polity is less flawed than that of Putins Russia. Instead, most efforts are made to promote the view that since the 2014 Maidan protests (supposedly engineered by Washington) the Kiev regime is basically a puppet or near-puppet regime of the US led West. Those subscribing to approach b) will usually say a lot more about Ukraines sovereignty being violated. They will make more noises about the suffering of the Ukrainian people and that they are resisting. They will generally be more critical of both the domestic and external behaviour of Putin and the Russian ruling classes---after all, Russia is an ambitious imperialist power. Its recent record from 1990 onwards can be brought in to defend the argument that they too are an imperialist power though not one able to match the US. So Russias military-political interventions into Afghanistan, Georgia, Moldova, Abkhazia, Tajikistan, Nagorno-Karabakh, Kazakhstan, Chechnya, Armenia and Azerbaijan and its own establishment of a pact of countries over which it can exercise some degree of control and influence, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) are much more likely to be pointed out. But since this lot of leftists also claim that the primary factor in causing this war is inter-imperialist rivalries, this section of the Left will also greatly underplay the more fundamental reason for why the Russian government carried out this invasion. Ironically, this is not something that Putin and the key decision-makers and supporters around him have ever been shy of publicly voicing---that the very formation of a post-Soviet Ukraine as an independent country is unacceptable and that, in part or preferably whole, it should cease to exist and be part of a Greater Russia and subordinate to the dictates from Moscow. That Putin declared as much to the Russian people just before invading is either ignored or only very briefly mentioned in the most cursory way. No, it is US/NATO expansionism that is the main culprit alongside the geopolitical ambitions of Russia beyond the specific concern with Ukraine that must be understood to make proper sense of what has happened. In both the cases of a) and b) it is essentially assumed that Putin is so naive that he would not recognise that his attack on Ukraine (the country had not even reached the stage of getting a NATO Membership Plan), far from weakening this western expansionism, would solidify and spur it forward towards greater hostility and efforts to militarily encroach nearer Russias borders. It should occasion no surprise that Finland and Sweden have now decided to become members of NATO thus providing newer border outposts against Russia. It is also revealing that Putin has dismissed these developments as of little worry or consequence indicating that for him, capturing as much as he can of Ukraine and dismembering it is a much greater priority than concern about US/NATO expansionism. Both a) and b) use the language of this being a proxy war between Russia and the US-led West. What an extraordinary claim! The term proxy war is used in cases where within some country there is an internal conflict between two major forces, something like a civil war situation where two major external forces or blocs are militarily-politically respectively supporting opposing sides. The external aspect is then to be seen as the major arena of contestation rather than the internal conflict itself. The geopolitical dimension is given a higher political status and concern than the national dimension. Is it any wonder then that upholders of this approach go on and on about the global impact of the war in Ukraine, of how global food supplies are being affected and how a new Cold War is emerging and how this new and growing tension is making things globally worse and dangerous. All true of course. But this then should lead to a more severe and forthright condemnation of the culprit Russia which has caused it and should reinforce support from the international Left for Ukrainian resistance. Moreover, to call this basically a proxy war is absurd. It is an actual war launched by one side, Russia against another capitalist country which is not itself an imperialist country or a weaker imperialist power or even a sub-imperialist one. The use of the term proxy war disguises what is the central characteristic---that for Ukraine this is a war of national liberation against a foreign power out to crush and subordinate it and that Ukraine therefore deserves the support of the international left which must always be both unconditional in defending its right to self-determination and yet always prepared to be critical and even opposed to the ways its government and other forces may go about conducting this struggle. As for the possible advocacy and exercise of the right to self-determination in Donbas and Crimea, this cannot ever be justifiably done under the military jackboot of a foreign occupier. The military takeover of Crimea in 2014 followed by a referendum under occupation was a deliberate and ruthless violation of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum whereby Russia, in return for retrieving Ukraines nuclear arsenal (then the third largest in the world) promised never to violate its territorial integrity---a betrayal that gets little or no mention among the geopolitical preoccupations of the Left rationalisers of Russian behaviour. Third Group This third group is for peace and an end to militarism. It notes the suffering of the Ukrainian people and condemns Russia for what it has done. But for various reasons---the danger of further military escalation, the nefarious designs of the US for wanting to bleed Russia over time by continuing the war---it wants a settlement as quickly as possible. This group is therefore against US/NATO supplying of arms to Ukraine---a posture also held by the first and second group of leftists discussed above. Another common position held by these three groups is that economic sanctions against Russia should be opposed because these will hurt ordinary working people economically. That they are in fact endorsing and supporting an undeclared regime of sanctions against the Ukrainian people (their desired embargo on arms) whereby on a mass scale the suffering endured by Ukrainians---millions displaced as refugees, physical deaths and injuries, destruction of homes and devastation of everyday life is far beyond what can happen in Russia through sanctions---does not even seem to register on the minds of these leftists. How is this settlement to be achieved? Why, through diplomacy presumably! And how is that going to happen? Is a ceasefire and settlement to be somehow imposed on the belligerents or at least made more possible through pressures applied from outside powers? Since Russia is much the more powerful side in this war isnt it logical that it would be easier to achieve a settlement by pressuring the weaker side, the Ukrainians? In brief, what follows from this logic is that for the peace advocates, in the name of a practical and realistic assessment of the balance of forces on the ground, the least consideration should be given to what the Ukrainians themselves think or want. Ukrainians want justice; they want a retreat of Russia, they want reparations. Their only hope of being able to move some way at least towards these goals depends on changing the course of this war in a direction whereby the costs to Russia, material and political, become progressively higher. Weapons support, whatever be the motivations of the suppliers which are not the same as those of the Ukrainian people fighting, is vital. Certainly, those motivations can be fiercely criticised by left voices but solidarity with the people of Ukraine is primary. They have to decide whether and when to stop fighting. We on the outside can disagree with tactics, strategies and policies and warn about this or that. But we must respect their freedom of agency to decide as they see fit because they are the people oppressed! On this issue the position of Chomsky and other peace votaries like him is not to be upheld or supported. Fourth Group This fourth group aligns itself with what the anti-Stalinist Marxists and Socialists and Socialist Feminists and progressive Anarchists of Ukraine themselves say. Listen to us, they say. We are as much against the US and NATO as you in the West and elsewhere are. But this war is not about Russian security concerns but primarily about its imperialist ambitions. We are fighting this war; we need political, moral, material support and yes a continual supply of weapons to enable us to effectively resist this military onslaught. The more determinedly the international left supports us the stronger can the Ukrainian left become internally, for we are much more aware than you outsiders of our own class and internal divisions and its dangers even as we are broadly united as we must be, in opposing the Russian military and its government. We, like leftists internationally, also want a dismantling of NATO which has now become more difficult to attain. But what about the dismantling of all imperialist blocs like the CSTO about which you say little or nothing? Any end to this war, whether temporary or prolonged or permanent will be shaped by the course this war will take. And that trajectory will itself depend on the strength and durability of the will of the Ukrainian people to keep resisting this great injustice done to them. The calculations of the US and other Western powers, that currently say they support Ukraine, are always subject to change and to the proclivity of their elites/governments to making unprincipled deals with others including Russia if they think this will best suit their national interests. The international revolutionary and democratic left should be the most principled supporters in the fight against injustices everywhere. Even as we criticise those sections of the Western left who are not prepared to give unconditional yet critical support to Ukraine and go on and on about the Russian invasion as basically a reaction to the US and its allies, we can be grateful that at least they are strongly critical of and opposed to their own governments for their imperialist behaviour or collusion in imperialist pacts like NATO. In India, however, too many liberals as well as many of those who see themselves as on the left refuse to similarly attack the stand of the Indian government but actually applauded its so-called neutrality on the war in Ukraine. This is an India which is, in all but name, a strategic ally of the US and whose own imperialist ambitions to become a dominant regional (perhaps global) power require it to maintain a strong military relationship with Russia and Israel and with the US as well. India has the second largest army in the world. It has the third largest military budget and is the fourth largest purchaser of arms. Its healthcare expenditure as a proportion of GDP is the fourth lowest in the world and it has the largest absolute number of malnourished and undernourished people in the world. India itself is a lower order imperialist power with ambitions to become an ever more powerful imperialist one. Why should leftists support such an orientation let alone cover it up with false references to India having a foreign policy of strategic autonomy or neutrality? In a world divided into separate nation-states the left everywhere must always also take a stand against the pernicious, immoral and unprincipled positions adopted by its own national governments. This, much of the Indian organised left has failed to do. The position of the Radical Socialist (RS) group is clear. That the Communist Party of India Marxist Leninist-Liberation (CPIML-Liberation) has also taken a forthright stand condemning the Russian invasion and supporting the Ukrainian resistance is to its credit. The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) does condemn Russia and declare its support for Ukrainian sovereignty and resistance. However, its public statement is a very long and rambling text which spends most of its time making generalities about proletarians of the world unite and of turning the imperialist war into a civil war and revolution. The statement has more to do with propagandising the general perspectives of the Party than with analysing or focusing on the specificities of the Russia-Ukraine issue. One of the more interesting sidelights revealed in the text is that the CPI-Maoist calls China a "social imperialist" country. This means it sees China as still not a capitalist country but one which turned towards social imperialism presumably after the leadership of Mao ended. That the two biggest parties of the mainstream Indian left---the CPM and CPI---have neither condemned Russia nor the stand of the Indian government nor offered solidarity to the Ukrainian people, is but another symptom of why we need to build a newer revolutionary and democratic left in India. Achin Vanaik o o An Addendum Many of those who position themselves on the anti-capitalist radical Left nonetheless have viewed the war in Ukraine through a lens which saw the primary conflict as between a much stronger and more hegemonic imperialist power the US and a weaker one Russia. Even for those who didnt give primary status to this imperialist face-off, some did believe that this would require them to more generally support the lesser imperialism since counter-balancing against the stronger US (and allies) opens up greater spaces globally for progressives forces and struggles against capitalism. Another term when used on the left buys into a similar kind of thinking. This is the belief that in todays world there is real merit in supporting the development of multipolarity as against a unipolar order represented by the US. In effect, the way is made clear for these sections of the Left to, in some way or the other, take sides with the "lesser evil" imperialism and endorse its regressive foreign policy behaviour. A Realist Discourse This language of poles and polarity (whether of unipolarity, bipolarity or multipolarity) is a standard refrain in the Realist discourse on international relations and foreign policy behaviour and is used by rightwing and liberal thinkers who have no interest whatsoever in fighting against capitalism, domestically or globally. So why do leftists who believe they are inspired by Marxism, adopt the same terminology not only using the term multipolarity as a conceptual tool but also ascribing virtues to it as a desired outcome? In this Realist discourse, states are seen as the primary actors on the world stage. But the state entity that that they refer to is understood as a national territorial totality when it is actually a much smaller set of apparatuses that is encased within a much wider social formation involving all kinds of tensions and relations between the state and civil society, between different sections in that larger social order, with above all, the division between classes. All states are class states that are structurally biased towards the interests of their ruling classes. In the post-1990 overwhelmingly capitalist world we live in today, these are the interests of capitalists, weaker or stronger, more or less independent from others. However, this much more important reality is covered up and obscured by the notion of the state in its foreign policy acting as a national territorial totality. The fact that world politics is very much shaped by the competition among the most powerful such states, each pursuing the interests domestically and externally of their own capitalist classes and TNCs, is similarly obscured. Talk of polarity (single, dual or multi-) is another way of shifting the understanding of vertical power relations away from its social and class nature to a supposedly horizontal set of power relations between a few poles, each of which is also understood as a national territorial totality. A state defined in such a way is then axiomatically pursuing the national interest and to question this means one is being anti-national and unpatriotic. There is all too often much wisdom in the saying that "patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel." Revolutionary Marxists should (a) unconditionally but critically support oppressed nations subject to military invasions by imperialist powers even if they are capitalist and autocratic e.g., opposing the US invasions of 1991 and 2003 of Iraq. b) They should support progressive anti-capitalist forces and struggles in all countries (whether liberal democratic or authoritarian) against their own capitalist ruling classes even if these capitalists are feeble and subordinate to other ruling classes in other countries. c) It is important to fight for greater democratization even within a capitalist country and to oppose any steps being taken toward greater authoritarianism internally. However, when it comes to the external bullying and imperialist behaviour of the stronger countries it is not their internal political character i.e., whether they are liberal democratic or authoritarian that is the key explanatory factor but their capitalist character. All such imperialist behaviour and efforts to establish their respective spheres of influence---a euphemism for bullying and trying to subordinate in one way or the other weaker neighbouring and even more distant countries---must be opposed. No Longer the Cold War Era What about the idea that multipolarity provides greater global space for progressive and revolutionary struggles? In todays world this is a dangerous delusion. Todays world order is fundamentally different from that in the Cold War era. Then the world was not Bipolar---a deeply misleading term---but had a systemic divide. That is to say, there were two fundamentally different socio-economic systems, a capitalist vs. a non-capitalist bloc arraigned against each other. The existence of such a non-capitalist but far from socialist bloc meant that an objective space was created for progressive struggles in the developing world to advance, most notably de-colonization. But even here the primary reason for successful liberation came from the internal struggle for national liberation howsoever much it may have been helped by outside material and political support. Even so, in this misnamed Socialist or Communist bloc, because of their governments ridiculous belief in the possibility of "socialism in one country", the nationalism became much more important than socialist aspirations which required the strongest commitment to the principles of Proletarian Internationalism. The end result was nationalist hostilities and rivalries---Stalin vs. Tito, the Sino-Soviet split, the USSR against Albania, China militarily attacking Vietnam (1979), Kampucheas war with Vietnam, not to mention the diplomatic games played between the USSR and the US, the formers repressions against progressive and pro-Socialist struggles in Hungary (!956) and Czechoslovakia(1968), and the shameful entente between Maos China and the US under Nixon. The best characterisation of the external behaviour of the most powerful non-capitalist regimes of USSR and China is that they were deeply contradictory---both progressive and reactionary. Todays world order is very different. The most powerful countries are now capitalist and imperialist. Different imperialist powers (US, Russia, China and a few others) are interested in supporting regime change in other countries if this can result in governments that are more amenable to their own regime. Even better if after such changes they become subordinate or best of all if they become basically puppets. Of course over time, even such alliance arrangements and networks because of imperialist competitions will be subject to shifting compositions among their country-members. But the one thing to be absolutely sure about is that none of these imperialist powers want to promote or see anti-capitalist regimes emerge anywhere. Capitalist competition will always create temporary or longer term winners and losers as well as shifts in power rankings. But what remains the common global commitment is that the world must remain capitalist. Nor do the imperialist countries care whether their allies are internally more democratic or authoritarian--- the crucial thing is that they remain allies and subordinates. As for the weaker and smaller countries which are capitalist or seeking to establish a more stable or independent capitalism, they too are bitterly opposed to progressive anti-capitalist politics and struggles. Why then should revolutionary leftists see any virtue in todays world of such inter-imperialist rivalries? We should not be fighting to shift the world from a "super-imperialism" to a "multi-imperialism" but against all imperialist and capitalist states. Our strategic allies in this much longer term domestic and global struggle are not governments but progressive and anti-capitalist forces and organisations everywhere. From the time of Marx till the 1990s despite all ups and downs, the banner of internationalism was upheld by the Left. Today, contra the hopes of Marx, it is the biggest capitalists of the world who are saying "Despite all differences let us try and unite to protect and strengthen the world capitalist order since we having nothing to lose, certainly not our privileges"! The struggle for the Revolutionary Left to once again capture the banner of internationalism has now become more necessary than ever. [Reproduced from Radical Socialist for educational and non commercial use] Corporate Email Address: You forgot to provide an Email Address. This email address doesnt appear to be valid. Please provide a Corporate Email Address. This email address is already registered. Please log in. 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State/Province: You did not provide a full local address. Zip/Postal Code: You did not provide a full local address. Phone: You forgot to provide a phone number. This phone number format is not recognized. Please check the country and number. I agree to TechTargets Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and the transfer of my information to the United States for processing to provide me with relevant information as described in our Privacy Policy. Please check the box if you want to proceed. I agree to my information being processed by TechTarget and its Partners to contact me via phone, email, or other means regarding information relevant to my professional interests. I may unsubscribe at any time. Please check the box if you want to proceed. Imprisoned Cambodian-American human rights activist Theary Seng has announced a weeklong hunger strike during the ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, which President Biden is expected to attend later this week. Theary Seng was jailed on June 14 following a mass trial in Phnom Penh of opposition activists and other dissidents. She has been held in a prison in rural Preah Vihear province, where her lawyers say she has been prevented from attending church services and making regular phone calls. In a statement Monday, her lawyers called for her to be transferred to the main prison in Phnom Penh, and asked Biden to use his planned visit to Cambodia on November 12-13 to push for her release. Thearys international team calls upon the President to press Hun Sen for Thearys freedom and freedom for all the political prisoners of Cambodia, the statement said. A group of youth activists also announced plans to hold a hunger strike this week in solidarity with Theary Seng and other imprisoned activists. Rights groups say some 50 political prisoners are currently being detained in Cambodia. Six members of the Khmer Thavrak group started a hunger strike Monday and will appear at a temple in Preah Vihear, in front of the provincial prison, and in Freedom Park in central Phnom Penh. Hun Vannak, 40, said his group wants the unconditional release of Theary Seng and the other jailed activist. She was arrested unfairly and her freedom is completely restricted including sending her to be imprisoned in Preah Vihear provinceand no one is allowed to visit, Hun Vannak told VOA Khmer. We are suffering when we see this. We have no choice other than doing a hunger strike. Theary Seng was sentenced to six years in prison following a trial that has been criticized by international legal monitors as lacking evidence and violating due process. The longtime human rights activist staged elaborate protests outside the court, dressing as the Statue of Liberty during the final hearing before she was carted away by police. The U.S. State Department previously has called for the release of Theary Seng and others unjustly detained in Cambodia. However, at a press briefing in Washington on Monday, State Department spokesman Ned Price would not say whether she was unjustly detained. Price also said he was not aware of any official change to her status under the Levinson Act, which commits additional government resources to securing the release of individuals deemed wrongfully detained. We are providing Theary Seng and her family every form of appropriate assistance that we can, Price said. Price said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior U.S. officials would continue to raise her case with their Cambodian counterparts. Its unclear whether Biden will meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen during his two days in Phnom Penh, when he will attend the US-ASEAN meeting as part of the broader ASEAN Summit. Theary Sengs imprisonment helped prod the U.S. Senates Foreign Relations Committee into advancing the Cambodian Democracy Act, which threatens to sanction Cambodian leaders responsible for corruption and human rights abuses. The bill is still awaiting a vote in the full Senate. Cambodian-US relations have deteriorated as tensions between the US and China rise, given Phnom Penhs cozy relationship with Beijing. A particular pain point for the US has been Chinas involvement in construction at the main naval base in Preah Sihanouk province. The Washington Post reported earlier this year that western officials believe China is secretly building a naval facility for the exclusive use of its own military. Cambodian military officials have denied the claim to VOA Khmer. Hun Sens government has also waged a sweeping crackdown on dissent in Cambodia, while the countrys courts have outlawed the main opposition party while the parliament has passed laws limiting freedoms of association. Theary was convicted under provisions of the Cambodian Criminal Code that are routinely weaponized against human rights and democracy activists, Margaux Ewen, director of the Freedom House Political Prisoners Initiative, said in a statement about her hunger strike. Chin Malin, a secretary of state at Cambodias Ministry of Justice, said Tuesday that it was Theary Sengs right to stage a hunger strike, but it wouldnt bring her freedom. No one can force them to eat or not eat, he said. It cant help. Its just a politically motivated message to attract attention. U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with the leaders of Egypt, Cambodia and Indonesia during a wide-ranging trip that includes an international climate summit and meetings of ASEAN and the Group of 20 industrialized nations, senior administration officials said on Tuesday. The officials were not able to say whether Biden would have a separate meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who is expected to attend the summit, and what their agenda might include. The two governments have been working toward arranging what would be the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since Biden took office in January 2021. Biden will begin his trip by traveling to Egypt to participate in the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference on Friday, where he will talk about America's efforts to reduce emissions and also hold a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, the officials said. He will then travel to Cambodia from Saturday to Sunday to participate in the annual summit between the U.S. and Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN. He will also participate in the East Asia Summit, where he will focus on the Indo-Pacific region and talk about U.S. commitment to a rules-based international order in the South China Sea, they said. From Sunday to November 16, Biden will visit Indonesia to participate in a summit of leaders from the Group of 20 major economies. He will be "unapologetic" in defending Ukraine and calling out Russia during the meeting, one of the officials said. The U.S. show of force over the Korean peninsula Saturday, when two B-1B stealth bomber aircraft flew over the peninsula for the first time since 2017, was just part of a major joint exercise meant to ensure the United States has a "ready force" in the region, according to the U.S. Air Force chief of staff. "It was all part of the Vigilant Storm exercise, an exercise that we've operated under over time," General C.Q. Brown Jr. told VOA in an exclusive interview Monday. "This is another one of the exercises that we've done, and we'll continue to do, to ensure that readiness. We have an ironclad alliance with the Republic of Korea, and it's all just part of an exercise and our continued training," he added. Prior to the flight of the B-1B bombers, which U.S. officials told VOA came from Guam, North Korea fired four short-range ballistic missiles off its west coast on Saturday morning. North Korea said Monday that its recent missile launches over the past few days were simulated strikes on South Korea and the United States as the two countries held what it called a "dangerous war drill." Some 240 aircraft participated in last week's joint U.S.-South Korea exercise on the peninsula, Vigilant Storm, along with thousands of U.S. and South Korean troops. North Korea fired a daily record of 23 missiles on Wednesday, with one landing the closest to South Korea's territorial waters since the division of the Korean peninsula in 1945, according to South Korea. Air raid alarms in certain parts of South Korea and Japan sent citizens rushing to take cover after the North Korean missiles launches. On Thursday, Pyongyang's missile launches included an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a weapon designed to carry a nuclear warhead as far as North America. Brown called Pyongyang's recent aggressive behavior part of the "ups and downs" of missile activity from North Korea, adding that his "real focus" is on the readiness of the U.S. and South Korean forces. Brown served two tours on the Korean peninsula and was the commander of Pacific Air Forces before assuming his role as Air Force Chief of Staff in August 2020. After North Korea's ICBM launch on Thursday, the U.S. and South Korea extended Vigilant Storm, which was set to end Friday, for an additional day. David Maxwell, an Army veteran who was stationed in Japan and South Korea and an analyst with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told VOA the allied response to North Korea's recent aggression was "better than it has been certainly in the last five years." "I think both the Yoon and Biden administrations are recovering from decisions made in the last administration to reduce training, as well as the effects of COVID," Maxwell said. But the U.S.-ROK military actions did not stop South Korean press from questioning U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup on the "effectiveness" of U.S. and South Korean deterrence measures last week, to which Austin replied that he believed North Korea was deterred from attacking South Korea and also from deploying a nuclear device. According to Maxwell, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's recent missile launches are an effort to "drive a wedge in the ROK-U.S. alliance" to create dissension among politicians. "He (Kim) is trying to weaken military readiness. He is appealing to those naive pundits who think that if we just cancel exercises that he will come to the negotiating table and act like a responsible member of the international community. Nothing could be more wrong," Maxwell said. Greeces Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into allegations that the countrys intelligence service was tapping the phones of nearly three dozen politicians, businessmen, and journalists. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has denied the allegations but the scandal, analysts say, may force him to resign as leader of the countrys center-right party. The scandal is being likened to the Watergate political scandal that forced the resignation of former U.S. President Richard Nixon in the 1970s. Mitsotakis is vehemently denying any implication in allegations that 33 businessmen, journalists and even politicians of his own party, including the countrys foreign minister, were being tapped by Greek spies. This is all shameless and dangerous, he said in a late-night interview with local television. But I have faith, Mitsotakis added, that the Supreme Court prosecutor will request and get the clarifications needed. The left-wing newspaper Documento exposed the scandal on Saturday, reporting that the public figures had been targeted illegally by spyware known as Predator as well as surveillance bugs planted by the state intelligence service, known here as EYP. Mitsotakis, who leads the countrys center-right party and oversees EYP as part of his duties as prime minister, is already under pressure over a similar scandal that erupted over the summer alleging that EYP had tapped the phone of his socialist political opponent. At the time, Mitsotakis flatly denied using illegal Israeli-made spyware to listen into the calls of his rival. But he said the taps were legal and admitted that state intelligence had in fact eavesdropped on his opponent, though without explaining why. On Monday, Kostas Vaxevanis, the editor and journalist who exposed the latest scandal appeared before a Supreme Court prosecutor to answer to an urgent investigation launched in response to the revelations. Vexevanis emerged from the testimony hours later insisting his story was solid. Of course, there is credible proof substantiating the revelations, he told reporters. We have already published four text messages sent to people who were being tapped proving that they were being illegally monitored. Vexevaniss report cited two people who claimed they had key roles in the surveillance. Mitsotakis said the report was part of a bigger political conspiracy to bring down his government and spark the election process early. This is all part of an attempt to sink the county in mud and an unbelievable debate in which the government now is being called upon to prove it is not the elephant it is being made out to be, he said. Leading businesspeople and politicians targeted by the alleged phone taps have lashed out at the government and Mitsotakis personally. Meanwhile, observers say Greeks have been left stunned and fearful of a state apparatus employing shady tactics more reminiscent of the Cold War than representative of a flourishing democracy. Vaxevanis has vowed to release more details in the coming weeks. If verified, the allegations mark an impeachable offense that, analysts say, may see the Greek leader resigning well ahead of national elections slated for next year. Two British-Iranian journalists working in Britain for an independent Farsi-language channel have received "credible" death threats from Irans security forces, the channels broadcaster said Monday. Volant Media, the London-based broadcaster of Iran International TV channel, said in a statement that two of its journalists have received "death threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," calling this a "dangerous escalation" of attempts to suppress independent media. "These are state-sponsored threats to journalists in the U.K.," a spokesman for Volant Media was quoted as saying. The Revolutionary Guards "cannot be allowed to silence a free press in the U.K.," he added. The channel is covering the anti-regime protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini for allegedly breaching strict dress rules for women. Volant Media said that two journalists received formal "warnings of credible threats to their lives" and those of their families, from Londons Metropolitan Police. Volant Media said the police force had also notified other journalists of threats. The Met said in a response sent to AFP that "we do not comment on matters of protective security in relation to any specific individuals." Iran on Tuesday charged two female journalists with "propaganda against the state" over their coverage of mass protests. The judiciary announced that the journalists Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi are "remanded in custody for propaganda against the system and conspiring against national security." Both women have been in custody already for more than a month. Anti-government protests are in their seventh week in Iran, with rallies breaking out across the country after the death in September of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly breaching strict dress rules for women. Hamedi, who reports for the popular reformist newspaper Shargh, was arrested September 20, after she visited the hospital where Amini was taken. Mohammadi, a reporter for the reformist daily Ham-Mihan, was arrested September 29 after traveling to Amini's hometown to cover the funeral. Iran has responded to the protests with mass arrests. More than 2,000 people have been charged, half of them in Tehran, according to the judiciary. As of Tuesday, more than 60 journalists had been detained, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which is tracking arrests in Iran. Some of those were later released on bail, but new arrests are still being made into November. The pace of arrests has "made Iran among the world's top jailers of journalists in an astonishingly short time," CPJ President Jodie Ginsberg said in a statement. "Iranian authorities are trying to silence a critical moment in the country's history." Iran's mission to the United Nations did not respond to VOA's email requesting comment. 'Voice of the people' With journalists in Iran under heightened risk, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has created a help desk in collaboration with Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi. In announcing the project, RSF said the help desk will offer digital support including providing virtual private networks, or VPNs, and helping with mirror sites to circumvent censorship, and will include a Farsi-language section. Ebadi, who in 2003 became the first female Nobel Peace laureate from the Islamic world, said in a RSF statement, "In this sensitive situation, Iranian journalists and their work in reporting what is going on in Iran is essential. They risk their lives to be the voice of the people." RSF Secretary General Christophe Deloire said the watchdog is providing media "with the tools and support needed to do their jobs as safely as possible" to "offer them some protection and minimize disruption to their work." Iranian journalists outside the country are also under threat over protest coverage. Police in London informed two British-Iranian journalists working for Volant Media of "credible threats to their lives" and those of their families, the station reported. Volant Media is a London-based Farsi-language channel that has been covering the anti-government protests. The broadcaster said the threats against its journalists are a "dangerous escalation" of attempts to suppress independent media. The arrests and harassment of media over protest coverage is "unprecedented" and "we see women to be one of the primary targets," Kiran Nazish, founding director of the Coalition for Women in Journalism (CFWIJ), told VOA recently. At least 17 female journalists are among those to be detained, according to CFWIJ. The grassroots organization, which focuses on the protection of women and LGBTQ journalists, is among the media rights groups tracking arrests and trying to assist those under threat. Iran has the third-worst media freedom record, after North Korea and Eritrea. The country ranks 178 out of 180 countries, where 1 has the best conditions for journalism on RSF's Press Freedom Index. Some information is from Agence France-Presse. Some Kenyan lawmakers are demanding to see more documents from a $5 billion loan agreement with a Chinese bank that financed a cross-country railway. The 2011 agreement was shielded from public view until Kenya's transport secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, released select pages on Sunday. Critics of the deal with the Export-Import Bank of China that financed the Standard Gauge Railway say those pages show the Kenyan government gave too much legal authority to China, and lawmakers now want to know whether Kenya put up public facilities as collateral in the deal. One clause says that any major dispute over the railway would be decided in Beijing, not Nairobi, although it is not clear whether that means Chinese officials have the final say in such disputes. The documents also show, among other things, that the Kenyan government was legally bound to keep the details of the deal secret. Kenyan political analyst Javas Bigambo said compelling the state to conceal such information from the public is unlawful. "The non-disclosure agreement as provided for in that contract is in itself illegal, going by the fact that the laws of procurement in Kenya advocate for transparent procurement processes," Bigambo said. Another part of the contract mandates that Kenya is not to buy materials for the railway from any country other than China. Some legislators believe that important details of the contract, like collateral for the loans, are still missing. "The question as to what collateral has been put up against this loan, if it is public amenities, public institutions, public investments that are being put as collateral," said John Kiare, a member of the Kenyan parliament. "It is only right that Kenyans know because there have been rumors that some government institutions are being put up as infrastructure. There was always debate as to whether we have put our airport as collateral for this loan." Critics questioned Murkomen's motive for not releasing the entire contract. Makali Mulu, a member of parliament, thinks Murkomen disclosed only the routine parts of the deal. "In every contract negotiation, the government has a legal person who would normally look at all the clauses and then advise the government whether it's fine to sign," Mulu said. "Every contract there are always the disclosure clauses and dispute resolution clauses and what Murkomen was saying he would release to me was a big joke." The roughly 600-kilometer-long railway, which connects the port city of Mombasa with the town of Naivasha 75 km northwest of Nairobi, opened five years ago. Critics say it is underused and has failed to generate the revenue or economic development that proponents of the project envisioned. China accounts for one-third of Kenya's external debt. The legendary life of Alexander the Great is the subject of the British Librarys new exhibition Alexander the Great: The Making of a Myth which opened on Friday 21 October. A visual feast of stories spanning more than 2000 years, it centres on the Alexander Romance originally composed in Greek around the third century AD and shares narratives from East and West side by side in more than twenty languages. One of the most richly illustrated sources is the Persian Shahnamah (Book of Kings) completed by the poet Firdawsi in 1010 AD. There are no less than fourteen copies of this national epic in the exhibition ranging from the beginning of the fourteenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries. A selection of these is shown below. While the details sometimes differ from the Alexander Romance, the Shahnamah tells the same stories in a common context. The history of Alexander in the Shahnamah begins with a peace treaty between King Darab of Persia and Filqus (Philip) of Greece in which Filqus daughter Nahid is married to the Persian king. Though she outshone all others in her beauty, she proved to suffer from bad breath and the marriage broke down irretrievably. Nahid was sent home to her father, rejected, but unknowingly pregnant with Alexander (Iskandar or Sikandar in Persian) who was subsequently brought up as Philips son and heir. Meanwhile King Darab took another wife who gave birth to Dara (Darius) who would succeed his father before being ultimately defeated in battle by his half-brother Alexander. The death of Dara, one of the most frequently illustrated subjects in the Shahnamah, in a hand-coloured lithograph edition published in Bombay in 1849. British Library, 14807.h.4 Three decisive battles took place in the last of which, at Gaugamela in northern Iraq in 331 BC, the Persian army was irrevocably defeated. Dara escaped but was mortally wounded by two of his own men. Iskandar, who had wanted Dara alive, was dismayed when he found him. Cradling Daras head on his knees, he promised to fulfil Daras dying wishes: to look after his family, to marry his daughter Roshanak (Roxana) and to safeguard the Zoroastrian religion. Indeed Iskandar married Roshanak with much pomp and ceremony and then moved on to India where he conquered King Kayd of Hind by peaceful means. As part of their agreement he received four gifts: King Kayds daughter in marriage, his all-knowing seer to advise him, his physician who could cure any disease and his never-emptying goblet. Iskandar marries the daughter of King Kayd of Hind (India). Sultanate India, 1438. British Library, Or.1403, f. 318r Moving on, Iskandar challenged another Indian ruler, King Fur (Porus). On this occasion a fierce battle took place. Iskandar had been forewarned about Furs invincible army of elephants and to counter them, recruited more than 1200 blacksmiths who forged 1000 iron horses and riders on wheels. These were filled with oil and set alight at the head of the advancing army. The whole army was put to rout leaving Iskandar to kill Fur in single combat. The battle between Iskandar and Fur. Artist: Kamal, Mughal India, about 1616. British Library, Add MS 5600, f. 361v From India Iskandar travelled in search of riches and new experiences. He went to Mecca, Egypt and Andalus in this context most likely a city in western Asia representing the West where he encountered Queen Qaydafah (Candace in the Greek Alexander Romance). Iskandar approached her court disguised as a messenger, but she already had a portrait of him and so immediately recognised him. His deception exposed, Iskandar feared for his life, but instead was admonished and sent safely on his way. A similarly peaceful encounter took place with the Amazons, the virgin warriors of Harum, located in the Caucasus. Iskandars peaceful visit to the woman-only city of Harum. Iran, 1536. British Library Add MS 15531, f. 345r Travelling further Iskandar encountered the philosophical Brahmans, people with heads on their chests and without bones, dragons and all manner of mythical creatures. He fought battles in China and against the Russians, and constructed a wall to contain the barbarous peoples of Gog and Magog. Iskandar kills a dragon by feeding it cow-hides stuffed with poison and oil. Isfahan, 1614. British Library, Add MS 16761, f. 190v Increasingly, however, Iskandar became pre-occupied with his own mortality. Would he ever see his native land again, when would he die? Seeking, but never finding, the waters of everlasting life he met the angel of death Israfil who told him his time would come. Then at the edge of the world he came to the talking tree which had two trunks, one male and one female. At midday the male trunk spoke, foretelling the end of his fourteen-year rule, and at nightfall its female counterpart announced: Death will come soon. Iskandar and the talking tree. Shiraz, c. 1420-25. The Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford MS Ouseley, Add. 176, f. 311v Now at the end of his journey, Iskandar returned to Babylon where he was greeted with more omens of death: a stillborn child with a lions head, a human chest and shoulders, and a cows tail and hooves. Iskandar sees an omen of his imminent death in Babylon. Iran, c. 1300. Chester Beatty, Dublin, Per 104.49. His fate sealed, Iskandar fell ill that very day. He ordered that he should be carried outside and in full view of his soldiers he advised them to live humbly and follow his example. As depicted below, a physician takes his pulse while another is making notes. In the background courtiers and soldiers wipe away their tears. The moment of Iskandars death. Qazvin, 1585-6. British Library, Add. MS 27302, f. 414r Alexander the Great: The Making of a Myth runs until 19 February 2023. It is accompanied by a book of the same title. Edited by Richard Stoneman, it includes nine essays by leading scholars together with images and descriptions of the exhibition items. Tickets are on sale and may be booked on our Events page, and more information can be found on our dedicated exhibition website. We are indebted to the Kusuma Trust, the Patricia G. and Jonathan S. England British Library Innovation Fund and Ubisoft for their support towards the exhibition, as well as other trusts and private donors. Ursula Sims-Williams, Lead Curator Persian, British Library Further Reading Firdawsi, Shahnamah, trans. Dick Davis, Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings, rev. edn. New York: Penguin, 2016. The Shahnama of Firdausi, trans. Arthur George and Edmond Warner, vol 6. London: Routledge, 1912. Manteghi, Haila, Alexander the Great in the Persian Tradition: History, Myth and Legend in Medieval Iran. London and New York: I. B. Tauris, 2018. 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." Mali's National Human Rights Commission has condemned restrictions on press freedom, after authorities suspended one the country's main TV channels. Action was taken against Joliba TV after it aired an editorial criticizing rising intolerance and attacks on freedom of expression. The commission released a statement Tuesday expressing "concern about the exercise of certain civil and political rights, in particular those relating to freedom of expression and freedom of the press." The statement called on Mali's government to ensure respect for these rights "at all times, in all places, and in all circumstances." The commission, which serves in an advisory role to the government, also condemned "all restrictions or attempts to restrict" freedom of expression and the press. Last week, Mali's High Authority of Communication (HAC) suspended one of the country's main news channels, Joliba TV News. The authority accused Joliba TV of "serious and repeated breaches and violations of the substantive provisions of the code of ethics for journalism in Mali." Joliba's director of information, Mohamed Attaher Halidou, was summoned to HAC in October over an editorial in which he expressed concern about attacks on freedom of expression and democracy by the ruling military government, and in which he called on the HAC to speak on the issue. The HAC accused Halidou of making "defamatory remarks and unfounded accusations" concerning freedom of expression in Mali and the "transitional authorities." Halidou has spoken openly about freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Mali, telling VOA News in March that self-censorship was rampant in the Malian media, as journalists feared reprisals from the government. Malian authorities this year have refused to grant accreditation to foreign journalists and detained or targeted several prominent government critics. The HAC was also behind the decision earlier this year to take France 24 and Radio France Internationale off the air in Mali indefinitely following reports on alleged human rights abuses by Mali's army. Halidou spoke out against the decision at the time, again in a televised editorial, deploring in one of many instances the lack of freedom of expression and press freedom in the country. Joliba TV released a statement last week confirming receipt of the HAC's decision and saying it had already composed an appeal. Maison de la Presse, Mali's main media advocacy organization, also released a short statement saying it regrets "the suspension of Joliba TV News," and called on the High Authority of Communication to reconsider its decision. Ahead of his address to world leaders at a global climate summit on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country was willing to consider "genuine" negotiations with Russia. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would be open to talks with Moscow if Ukraine's borders are restored, victims of Russia's invasion and attacks are compensated, and efforts are made to hold perpetrators accountable. The president's comments follow a Washington Post report that said the United States wanted Ukraine to show it is willing to engage in peace talks. That willingness, according to the report, would strengthen international support for Kyiv. "Our position has not been to push the Ukrainians into talks before they are ready, but rather to put themselves in a position such that when and if they are ready, they're doing so from a position of strength. And I think, frankly, you know, things on the ground are trending in their direction," Colin Kahl, the Pentagon's undersecretary of defense for policy, told reporters via a virtual conversation on Tuesday. The "main condition" for such consideration would be the "restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity," according to the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield reiterated "steadfast" U.S. support for Ukraine Tuesday during talks with the Ukrainian president and other senior officials in Kyiv, Nate Evans, spokesperson of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, said in a statement. The officials were discussing international efforts to minimize the impact of Russia's aggression on global food security and to ensure accountability for war crimes and atrocities perpetrated on the Ukrainian people. Meanwhile, the Pentagon on Tuesday applauded the arrival of a new air defense system in Ukraine to protect the country against attacks from cruise missiles, drones and manned aircraft. Brigadier General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, confirmed that Ukrainians had recently completed training to use the first tranche of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missiles Systems somewhere in Europe, while declining to elaborate further. "It does add an extra arrow to the quiver, so to speak, for Ukrainian air defense," Ryder told reporters. When asked about other potential weapons for Ukraine, Ryder stressed that "air defense continues to be a priority" for Ukraine's minister of defense. He added that the U.S. was looking at ways to bolster Ukraine's energy and hydroelectric capabilities, infrastructure that has been targeted by the Russian military. "I can say that this is under discussion in terms of how the U.S. and allies and partners can assist looking at things like generators, water purification, heaters, things like that," Ryder said. North Korea and Iran North Korea denied U.S. claims Tuesday that it is assisting Russia with artillery shells and ammunition in furthering the war on Ukraine. U.S. officials, including Ryder, say North Korea is covertly supplying Russia with a significant number of artillery shells, and U.S. intelligence recently confirmed that Russia had reached out to Pyongyang for rockets as well. Iran has also supplied Russia with suicide drones as well as personnel to help the Russians operate them, according to the U.S. and other Western nations. Iran has denied these allegations despite Ukraine providing evidence of Iranian-made drones that had been shot down over its territory. "I think the big story here is how desperate the Russians have become," Kahl told reporters on Tuesday. He said that a year or two ago, the world worried Russia would supply weapons to Iran, but now Russia has become "so attrited in terms of its conventional power" that it's going to Tehran and Pyongyang for help. Britain's Defense Ministry said Tuesday that Russia has started constructing defensive structures around the occupied southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, including "concrete pyramidal anti-tank structures, known as dragon's teeth." "It could be that they are looking to defend that territory for the long term, or it could be part of a rearguard action as they look to retrograde out of that area," Ryder told reporters when asked about the defensive structures. Also Tuesday, a Russian newspaper claimed that a discussion between the U.S. and Russia on strategic nuclear weapons is in the works. The Kommersant newspaper quoted four sources familiar with the discussions and said the talks may take place in the Middle East. New START treaty talks between the U.S. and Russia aimed at reducing nuclear arsenals have been stalled since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer and VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching contributed to this report. Pakistan's interior minister said Tuesday that evidence suggests a prominent Pakistani journalist was the victim of a targeted killing in Kenya, not an accidental shooting, though he still needed more information on the incident. Kenyan police spokesman Bruno Shioso declined to respond to the minister's comments on the death of TV journalist Arshad Sharif, who was shot dead on the evening of October 23 on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital Nairobi. A police report a day after the shooting said police officers hunting car thieves opened fire on the vehicle that Sharif was traveling in as it drove through their roadblock without stopping. Shioso said the case was now being investigated by the police watchdog, the state Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). A spokesperson at the IPOA did not immediately respond to calls and a message seeking comment. Pakistan's Interior Minister, Rana Sanaullah, told journalists Tuesday: "Arshad Sharif's death is not a case of mistaken identity - I can say, and on the evidence we have so far, this prima facie is a target killing." "We still need to obtain more [evidence] to confirm all this ... and we have asked the Kenyan government for more data," he added. Pakistan's government formed an investigation team to look into the matter, which caused uproar in the country. Sanaullah said the team had returned from Kenya, but Kenyan police had not yet given Pakistani investigators all of Sharif's recovered belongings. "We will now ask the foreign office to contact the Kenyan government, and the prime minister will also speak to the Kenyan president," the minister said. Somalias largest telecommunications company, Hormuud Telecom, says one of its centers and a telecommunications tower have been destroyed in an explosion in Qaayib, a village in the Galmudug state of Somalia. The company said a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) destroyed the center and tower on Monday. "Its with great sadness to inform our customers that a VBIED attack destroyed our site in Qaayib, a village in Galgudud region today," the company said in a tweet. Galgudud is a region within the larger Galmudug State. The company said thousands of residents have lost access to its mobile money platform known as Electronic Voucher Card, or EVC Plus, a widely used payment form in a country where bank notes are disappearing. "Almost 14,000 people lost access to the company's services including EVC Plus, the only payment method in the area," Hormuud Telecom tweeted. It vowed to rebuild the center and restore telecommunication services in the area. On Monday, al-Shabab's military wing said in a statement published by one of the websites used by the group that it had attacked government forces in Qaayib that morning. The statement also said the attack started with a suicide bombing that was followed by an armed infantry attack on the military camp. The group claimed it killed 37 people, including three officers, a figure that has not been independently verified. Somali government officials confirmed that the militants used a truck bomb, adding that troops defeated the militants who attacked the Qaayib base. Major Mohamed Farah, a military officer in the nearby town of Bahdo, told Reuters that 10 soldiers and 20 al-Shabab militants were killed in the fighting. Galmudug state Information Minister Ahmed Shire Falagle told VOA Somali that the militants lost Qaayib a week ago and wanted to retake it but were "chased away." Falagle said civilians and nomads have been hurt in the attack, but he did not specify casualty figures. In Galmudug and neighboring Hirshabelle state, residents have been accusing al-Shabab of destroying wells and telecommunication centers as punishment for supporting the ongoing government offensive against the militants. The militant group has been trying for more than 15 years to topple the internationally recognized Somali government. The current government said it is exercising a new strategy to fight the group militarily as well as economically. In addition to the military offensive in conjunction with local militias, the government has been pressuring local businesses to stop extortion payments to al-Shabab, which helps fund their attacks. And in an apparent spiritual war against al-Shabab, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowment this week issued a directive instructing that al-Shabab should not be called anything other than "Khawarij," a term that essentially means "deviant sect." The ministry also banned religious scholars from having any dealings with the group. Abdiwahid Moalim Ishaq contributed to this report. Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems from the West, according to a new report, which warns that Russia could seek to repeat the tactics it used in Syria to bombard Ukrainian cities from the skies. The analysis from Britains Royal United Services Institute says that in the early days of the invasion in February and March, the skies above Ukraine were largely unprotected as the countrys air defense systems were suppressed by initial Russian attacks. During this period, Ukrainian fighter aircraft inflicted some losses on [Russian] aircraft but also took serious casualties due to being totally technologically outmatched and badly outnumbered, the report says. After several days, however, Ukraine was able to deploy and activate its air defenses. Since then, Ukrainian forces have shot down dozens of Russian fighter jets, helicopters, other aircraft and missiles, notes report coauthor Justin Bronk. The Russian Air Force retains a huge amount of potential firepower. It's just not being able to use it effectively at the moment because Ukraine is still denying them access to Ukrainian airspace above a very low level, because they still have these surface-to-air missile systems. But Ukrainian stocks of missiles for air defense were not nearly intended to last this long. There's been very high intensity use for a long time, Bronk told VOA. Meanwhile, Russia is using Iranian-made loitering drones and long-range missile strikes to pound Ukraines cities and infrastructure. The report says it marks a change in tactics by Russias armed forces. The latest iteration is a more focused and sustainable bombardment of the Ukrainian electricity grid, blending hundreds of cheap Iranian-supplied Shahed-136 loitering munitions against substations with continued use of cruise and ballistic missiles against larger targets. Bronk said the West must not become complacent about the need to urgently bolster Ukrainian air defense capacity. The West really needs to focus on delivering additional ammunition and eventually the replacement of some systems with systems we can more easily support because of course these are Soviet-era systems that we don't use ourselves in the West, Bronk added. Western nations have supplied various air defense systems. Ukraines defense minister said Monday his country had received the first NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems) developed jointly by the United States and Norway. Kyiv also has taken delivery of Italian-made Aspide surface-to-air missiles. "The priority No. 1 is air defense systems. Our partners know this very well, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said Monday. Germany sent an Iris-T air defense system last month and is supplying dozens of Gepard anti-aircraft tanks. France has sent its Crotale air defense system. The report authors say Ukraine needs more from the West. Advanced fighter aircraft would create an important deterrent, noted Bronk. The provision of Western fighter aircraft will also be a huge boon to Ukraine in terms of being able to keep the Russian Air Force back. The Russian Air Force has been extremely risk-averse throughout this. And so, even a small number of Western fighters equipped with missiles and radars that are able to meet Russian fighters on relatively equal terms would be a really valuable deterrent force, Bronk told VOA. He said the likely consequence of Russia gaining control of the skies is tragically evident. We know what happens in Syria when the Russian Air Force is able to attack with relative impunity from medium and higher altitudes: large scale bombardments with a lot of unguided bombs on not just frontline positions but also besieged cities. We remember Aleppo and Homs. Those cities were all but destroyed by Russian and Syrian government air strikes in 2015 and 2016 at the height of the civil war. Tens of thousands of people were killed, forcing a withdrawal of rebel forces. As Russias ground forces are forced back in eastern Ukraine, analysts fear the Kremlin wants to repeat the tactics used in Syria on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine has received its first delivery of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and Aspide air defense systems in its fight against Russian forces. "We will continue to shoot down the enemy targets attacking us. Thank you to our partners: Norway, Spain and the US," Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov wrote on Twitter. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said last month the United States was accelerating the shipment of the sophisticated NASAMS to Ukraine after significant Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The Royal United Services Institute, a London-based defense research group, underscored the urgency to provide Ukraine with more Western equipment and ammunition against missile and drone attacks. In a report, RUSI said, "The West must avoid complacency about the need to urgently bolster Ukrainian air-defense capacity. It is purely thanks to its failure to destroy Ukraine's mobile SAM [surface-to-air missile] systems that Russia remains unable to effectively employ the potentially heavy and efficient aerial firepower of its fixed-wing bomber and multi-role fighter fleets to bombard Ukrainian strategic targets and frontline positions from medium altitude, as it did in Syria." Meanwhile, Britain's Defense Ministry said Monday that Russia's loss of experienced air crew members during the invasion of Ukraine is contributing to Moscow's "lack of air superiority" and has likely been exacerbated by poor training along with "heightened risks of conducting close air support in dense air defense zones." Russia's air capacity "is unlikely to change in the next few months," the U.K. said in an update posted on Twitter. "Russia's aircraft losses likely significantly outstrip their capacity to manufacture new airframes. The time required for the training of competent pilots further reduces Russia's ability to regenerate combat air capability." Also Monday, Russia's Defense Ministry took the unusual step of denying reports by Russian military bloggers that a naval infantry unit had lost hundreds of men in a fruitless offensive in eastern Ukraine, Reuters reported, citing reports by Russia's state-owned RIA news agency. RIA said the ministry had rejected the bloggers' assertions that the 155th marine brigade of Russia's Pacific Fleet had suffered "high, pointless losses in people and equipment." On the contrary, over 10 days, the unit had advanced 5 kilometers (over 3 miles) into Ukrainian defensive positions southwest of Donetsk, RIA quoted the ministry as saying. The rare denial, according to Reuters, suggested the reports had touched a raw nerve as Russian forces are under heavy pressure in partly occupied regions of Ukraine that Moscow has proclaimed as its own territory a land grab denounced as illegal by Kyiv, the West and most countries of the United Nations. Meanwhile, power has been partially restored Monday in the occupied city of Kherson, but millions remain without power. Ukraine's national power company, Ukrenergo, continues rolling blackouts in Kyiv and six other regions as it repairs the country's energy grid. In his nightly video address Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, "More than 4.5 million consumers are without electricity" and warned that Russia was preparing for more strikes on the country's energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Between 30% and 40% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure had been destroyed by Russian airstrikes last month, Zelenskyy and other officials said. Invoking wartime laws Monday, Zelenskyy seized the assets of a top engine maker and four other strategic companies, placing them under the control of Ukraine's Defense Ministry to meet the country's urgent wartime needs. "Such steps, which are necessary for our country in conditions of war, are carried out in accordance with current laws and will help meet the urgent needs of our defense sector," he wrote on the Telegram messaging app. 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, Reuters reported. In recent days, Russia has ordered civilians out of Kherson in anticipation of a Ukrainian attempt to recapture the city, the only regional capital Moscow has seized since its February invasion. Ukraine officials have described the evacuation of the area as a forced deportation, a war crime. Moscow says it is sending residents away for safety. Kherson lies in the only pocket of Russian-held territory on the west bank of the Dnipro River, which bisects Ukraine. Recapturing it has been the focus of Ukraine's counteroffensive in the south, which has accelerated since the start of October. New satellite images by Maxar, a U.S.-based space technology company, show that three mass burial sites near occupied Mariupol have "steadily" grown since spring, according to the BBC. There are roughly 1,500 new graves at one of them Staryi Krym, northwest of Mariupol, where more than 4,600 graves have been dug since the beginning of Russia's invasion. It is, however, hard to know for sure how many bodies are buried at the site. The other mass burial sites are Manhush and Vynohradne, located west and east, respectively, of Mariupol, a port city that endured Russia's monthslong siege. The death toll caused by the siege remains unclear, as Mariupol, once home to nearly 500,000 people, sits in the occupied part of the Donetsk region. Witnesses in Mariupol told the BBC they have seen Russian proxies clearing bodies from the rubble of destroyed buildings over recent months to bury them elsewhere. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. 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 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 prewar 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 kilometers 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. About 100 disabled children were moved from a medical facility in Dnipriany in the Kherson region to the Moscow region, Ukraine's military said on Monday. Patients from an elderly persons' home in Kakhovka were also being moved and Russian forces are taking over those facilities, it said. Kherson 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 has accelerated since the start of October. The situation inside Kherson could not be independently confirmed. Ukrainian forces on the nearby frontline have told Reuters they expect a bitter fight against Russian troops determined to exact a blood price before being forced out. Ukraine's military said Russian forces, "disguised in civilian clothes, occupy the premises of civilians and strengthen positions inside for conducting street battles." Russian forces were "involved in looting and theft from residents and from infrastructure sites and are taking away equipment, food and vehicles to the Russian Federation," it said in an update late Monday. Reuters was seeking comment from Russian authorities on the Ukrainian allegations. Moscow denies abusing civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that the Donetsk region in the east remained the "epicenter" of fighting, with hundreds of Russians being killed every day. The towns of Bakhmut and Avdiivka are the focal points of the heaviest fighting in Donetsk region. On the diplomatic front, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan is engaging 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 said the talks had been taking place in recent months and are ongoing. The Kremlin refused to comment on the talks, first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The war has inflicted major damage on the global economy and raised fears of nuclear conflict. "We reserve the right to speak directly at senior levels about issues of concern to the United States," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at the White House briefing, adding the conversations have focused "only on risk reduction." The United States' support for Ukraine will be "unflinching and unwavering" regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's congressional elections, she added. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Ukraine was ready to negotiate an end to the war with a future Russian leader but not with Vladimir Putin, after a Washington Post report that the United States had urged Kyiv to signal a readiness for peace talks to ensure it retains Western support. "Ukraine has never refused to negotiate. Our negotiating position is known and open," Podolyak said on Twitter, adding that Russia should first withdraw forces from Ukraine. "Is Putin ready? Obviously not." Zelenskyy in his nightly address on Monday said it was vital to oblige Russia to participate in "genuine" peace talks, describing the country as a destabilizing force on a range of issues, including climate change. Russia lost all of the territory it captured in northern Ukraine in the weeks after the February invasion, and in recent months has faced major setbacks in the east and south. 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 that 50,000 newly recruited reservists were already fighting in combat units. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tuerk is urging Egyptian authorities to immediately release a rights activist whose life reportedly hangs by a thread after a seven-month hunger strike. British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel Fattah has been a thorn in the side of the Egyptian authorities for more than a decade. He has been in and out of prison due to his defense of civil rights and protest against human rights violations by Egyptian security forces. Abdel Fattah currently is serving a five-year sentence on charges of publishing false news. He began a partial hunger strike in April to protest his imprisonment and cruel conditions of detention. A spokeswoman for the U.N. high commissioner, Ravina Shamdasani, said Abdel Fattah stepped up his hunger strike on November 1. And, she says he stopped drinking water on November 6, the first day of COP27, the U.N. climate conference, which is being held in Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. She said Abdel Fattahs condition is fragile and his dry hunger strike puts his life at acute risk. We are very concerned for his health and there is a lack of transparency as well around his current condition, Shamdasani said. We understand that his family has not been able to contact him over the past couple of days and there are serious concerns about his health We again stress the need for him to be urgently, immediately be released and for him to receive the necessary medical treatment as soon as possible. Abdel Fattahs sister, Sanna Seif, has flown from Britain to Sharm el-Sheikh to campaign on behalf of her brothers release. Shamdasani agrees that COP27 could be a pressure point, as all eyes will be riveted on what comes out of the conference. We do hope that this will also be an opportunity to improve the human rights in Egypt, to insist upon and to secure the release of those people who have been arbitrarily detained not only in relation to COP 27 but over the years for exercise of their right to freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, she said. Shamdasani said High Commissioner Tuerk personally raised the issue of Abdel Fattahs continued imprisonment with Egyptian authorities on Friday. She noted the U.N. human rights office as well as U.N. special rapporteurs have brought up human rights concerns with the Egyptian government for years. UNICEF warns millions of children caught in climate-induced disasters are at risk of starvation, disease, exploitation, and death. A UNICEF analysis released Tuesday finds 27.7 million children in 27 countries have been affected by flooding so far this year. Among them, Chad, the Gambia, and northeast Bangladesh have recorded the worst floods in a generation. The agency reports Pakistans record-breaking floods have killed nearly 1,700 people, 615 of them children. UNICEFs global communication and advocacy director, Paloma Escudero, says she saw for herself the enormity of the disaster during a visit to Pakistan last week. She says the needs are vast, adding 10 million girls and boys need immediate lifesaving support. The floods have contaminated drinking water, which is spawning deadly water-borne diseases such as acute watery diarrhea, which compounds already acute malnutrition," Escudero said. "Estimates suggest close to 1.6 million children in flood areas could be suffering from severe acute malnutrition. She notes stagnant water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria and dengue. She warns many vulnerable children and young people will die in the days and weeks to come without urgent action. Escudero spoke on a video link from Sharm el-Sheikh, site of COP27, the climate change conference. She says scientists have found the recent floods in Pakistan have been made worse by climate change. While children are the least responsible for creating this problem, she says they are suffering the most. In Africa, just like in Pakistan, children are paying the price for a climate disaster not of their making. From the extreme drought and risk of famine in Somalia to the erratic rains across the Sahel, UNICEF is being challenged to respond at an unprecedented scale to emergencies that have all the markings of climate-induced disasters," Escudero said. UNICEF reports children account for almost half of the more than 20 million people facing famine in drought-stricken Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Nearly 40 youth climate activists from around the world are in Sharm el-Sheikh. They are working with UNICEF to sensitize delegates to the severe impact of the climate crisis on the worlds poorest, most vulnerable children. Escudero notes it is not up to young people to keep raising the alarm. What is needed, she says, is for people with power to start acting. A rumor began circulating on TikTok this summer that Brigham Young University, with its majority Mormon student population, had recently suffered from an outbreak of public lice. Except the students weren't getting the itchy little crabs on their crotches, because they're obviously having sex outside of marriage. They were in the students' armpit hairs. Because sometimes, you still get horny especially in college and you gotta find some way to temper those hormones. So you fuck someone in the armpit, using their deodorant as a lube. Allegedly. Rolling Stone looked into this uniquely kinky rumor (along with some other supposed Mormon college sex-alternatives). While they couldn't find any proof of this particular armpit public lice outbreak that doesn't mean it didn't happen, or that it's beyond the realm of possibility: The Gumbo Crab user confirmed to Rolling Stone they'd heard the armpit rumor from a TikTok video that circulated in July from an ex-Mormon couple, Jordan and McKay, who posted about the alleged crabs outbreak in July, dancing together and trying to smush their armpits into one another's. A smattering of TikTokers, including other ex-Mormons, posted videos about armpit STDs around the same time. "If u think your life is bad or you're making poor decisions just remember there's couples in Provo, Utah, who get armpit STDs," one user wrote. Catching crabs in one's armpit isn't impossible, according to Dr. Sue Milstein, a human sexuality educator. "It's totally within the realm of possibility to spread crabs that way," she says. "Crabs like to live in all the hair except like the hair in your head." The lice can appear in chest hair, mustaches, eyebrows, and armpit hair. It's also possible for crabs to wind up in an armpit without direct genitalia-to-pit contact, Milstein says, since they can also live for a day or two away from human hosts with the potential to spread through bedding or towels. Another online rumor suggested there'd been an armpit chlamydia outbreak in 2017. Dr. Milstein says that's almost certainly not true. "For chlamydia, you need more sexual fluids," she says. It's a weirdly fascinating read, if for no other reason than to see how people can rationalize the moral trade-offs of coffee and porn. A Rumor About a Crabs Outbreak at Brigham Young University Sparks Talk of Armpit Sex [Andrea Marks / Rolling Stone] Image: National Museum of Health and Medicine / Flickr (CC-BY-SA 2.0) U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield met Ukraines president in Kyiv on Tuesday and expressed Washingtons steadfast support for the country, which is suffering rolling power blackouts, water shortages and Russian shelling. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed holding Russia accountable for atrocities committed in Ukraine since its invasion eight months ago, as well as the wars impact on global food security, according to her spokesman. She committed to continuing to work at the United Nations to strengthen international support for Ukraines sovereignty and to urge member states to defend international law and the Charter of the United Nations, her spokesman Nate Evans said in a statement. Food security The United Nations and Turkish-negotiated Black Sea Grain Initiative that helps Ukraine export its grain and assists Russia in removing obstacles to the exports of its food and fertilizer will expire on November 19. It has been critical to helping lower international prices on wheat and other commodities and to get grain and livestock feed that was blockaded by Russia in Ukrainian ports to their destinations. But Moscow has expressed dissatisfaction with its side of the deal, saying it has not benefited enough, opening the door to concerns it may object to the initiatives renewal. To highlight the grain deals importance, Thomas-Greenfield visited a granary to see how grain is processed. We have heard that Ukraine is the breadbasket of the world, and I am here seeing Ukraine as the breadbasket of the world seeing wheat being delivered, being processed, being produced into flour, hearing directly from farmers that they need this grain deal that the secretary-general has been so committed to negotiating, she said. They need this deal to give confidence to the farmers to plant their wheat. As of Monday, Ukraine has exported more than 10 million metric tons of grain and other foodstuffs through three of its Black Sea ports. Two-thirds of that has gone to countries in the global south. War crimes In Ukraine, Thomas-Greenfield is also meeting with survivors of atrocity crimes and their families. She was briefed during a visit to the National Police Forensics Laboratory in Kyiv on how crime scene technicians collect and analyze evidence of war crimes. She was shown ordinance, weapons, munitions and other items collected by the police in their investigations of Russian crimes on the battlefield. I have come away from this experience knowing that this war will only end when those who committed these atrocities are held accountable, she told reporters, praising the work of investigators. She added that the only way the war would end is for Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Russia started this, and Russia can end this, and they can end it by pulling their troops out and stopping committing the atrocities that they are committing against the Ukrainian people, Thomas-Greenfield said. Elsewhere, Russia has stepped up its bombardment of critical civilian infrastructure on the eve of winter, knocking out power and water, and damaging homes in many cities and towns across Ukraine. The U.S. ambassador met with Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov and Deputy Minister Yuriy Vaskov. In addition, she announced during a visit to a center housing hundreds of displaced persons in the city of Irpin, that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide $25 million in winterization assistance for vulnerable Ukrainians. With winter fast approaching, we understand the importance of helping Ukraine keep homes warm and the power on, Thomas-Greenfield said. Russias missile and drone attacks have threatened to leave far too much of Ukraine without power and water. As temperatures plummet, Russia is attempting to turn this dark situation dire. We cannot allow that to happen. Ahead of her unannounced visit to Ukraine, the U.S. envoy stopped in Albania, where she spoke with VOAs Albanian service in the capital, Tirana. Asked what keeps her awake at night, Thomas-Greenfield said it changes, but right now it is Russias behavior. I would say the key thing that keeps me awake is that we have a permanent member of the Security Council who is really compromising and attacking a neighbor, really jeopardizing peace and security and not honoring the position that they have been a permanent member of the council, she told VOA. The ambassador said it undermines international confidence in the Security Councils ability to deal with the war. Meanwhile, in the United States, millions are voting Tuesday in state and legislative elections. Some Republican lawmakers and candidates have said they would stop the blank check to Ukraine, which has provided more than $27 billion in military and humanitarian support since Russias invasion. A senior U.S. administration official who briefed reporters on the ambassadors trip said there is strong bipartisan support for the people of Ukraine and that would continue as long as necessary. VOA Albanian Service stringer Armand Mero contributed to this report. Election officials across the United States found themselves in a pitched battle Tuesday, trying to quash domestic and largely partisan efforts to take scattered voting malfunctions and cast them as evidence of a larger conspiracy targeting the 2022 midterm elections. Warnings about the potential for a rigged election have been circulating for weeks on websites and social media platforms favored by conservatives and supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump, many of whom continue to believe the 2020 U.S. presidential election was stolen despite a lack of evidence. Those claims gained new life early Tuesday after officials in New Jersey and in Arizona reported problems with some of their ballot scanners. "We're trying to fix this problem," Maricopa County, Arizona, Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates said in a video posted on social media, adding that even though the issue was affecting about 20% of the county's polling places, back-up measures would ensure all votes would be counted. Despite efforts by Gates and other Maricopa County officials to communicate with voters, allegations of wrongdoing spread quickly. "People need to be arrested for what is happening in Maricopa County. It's criminal," tweeted Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative youth activist organization Turning Point USA. The Election Integrity Partnership, a coalition of researchers focused on election security, said it observed more than 40,000 tweets about the problems in Arizona within two hours of the first reported malfunction. Videos of long lines in Maricopa County and of election officials also popped up online, some showing voters voicing disgust with election workers as they tried to explain the delays. Within hours, Trump himself was adding to the growing chorus. "There's a lot of bad things going on," the former president said of Maricopa County in a video posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. "They want to delay you out of voting. It's very, very unfair what's going on." In another post, Trump urged supporters to "Protest, Protest, Protest!" after claiming there were widespread problems in Detroit, Michigan. Election officials in Maricopa County and elsewhere were quick to hit back. "This isn't true," Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, posted on her Twitter account. "Please don't spread lies to foment or encourage political violence in our state. Or anywhere else." The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), charged with helping to oversee election security, also pushed back hard against the accusations, calling them "just flat out incorrect." "To be very clear we have no indication of malfeasance or malicious activity," a senior CISA official told reporters late Tuesday, speaking on the condition of anonymity under ground rules established by the agency. "It is a technical issue [in Maricopa County]," the official said. "And they have resolved it." CISA also said as of late Tuesday that there were no indications of any significant or credible cyberattacks by foreign adversaries on systems that could have altered vote tallies. But the senior official lamented the ire directed at some of the election officials in Arizona and elsewhere, calling it, "really not acceptable." "One of my concerns is, that's going to incite violence" the official said. "We all need to work together to make sure that these election officials, these public servants are able to do their jobs without being harassed or being threatened with violence." Officials and observers said, fortunately, there were few reports of violence Tuesday. Some watchdog groups said they had seen only isolated instances of voter intimidation by partisan actors or poll watchers, in Texas and Pennsylvania. Officials also determined that the motive behind a bomb threat in Louisiana that shut down one polling center was not election-related. But in the weeks and months preceding Tuesday's vote, U.S. Homeland Security officials warned domestic tensions and political grievances could make election infrastructure and election officials a target. And officials with multiple U.S. security and law enforcement agencies cautioned that the threat of violence might grow after the election, as disinformation campaigns take aim at the results and political grievances grow. Common Cause, a nonpartisan watchdog and advocacy organization, said it flagged about a dozen of what it described as high-profile tweets pushing disinformation, but that Twitter did little to curb their spread. "After a delay of some hours, we've received notice that each of the tweets was independently reviewed and most of them were found to not be violative," said Common Cause disinformation analyst Emma Steiner. Regardless of the platform, the allegations and disinformation have continued to spread. According to the Election Integrity Partnership, Trump's posts about Arizona and Michigan migrated quickly to other platforms, translated into Spanish, French, Portuguese and Mandarin. The cybersecurity firm Recorded Future, which predicted a likely wave of disinformation surrounding voting technology starting with Election Day, said it is significant that much of the mis- and dis-information is coming from domestic actors. "High-profile individuals and companies can add a sense of legitimacy to the claims, which enables false information to more quickly spread, increasing the likelihood that individuals from the general public will accept such claims as true," the company's Insikt Group told VOA in an email. "It's very likely that we'll observe increases in false claims of election fraud on November 8 and in the days and weeks that follow the election," the Insikt Group added. "And it's very likely that the narrative will continue in the lead up to and during the 2024 U.S. election." Already, the claims of fraud are playing into fears held by a substantial number of voters. "I would say I have concerns about the system," an Arizona voter named Fred, who declined to share his last name, told VOA last week. "Who's to say that they count all the votes properly?" Dwight Wingo told VOA at a Sunday rally in Georgia for Republican Senate Candidate Herschel Walker that he was still concerned about the results of the 2020 election. "How did five key states all at the same time, almost stop, stop vote counting and where Trump was ahead, and then suddenly, he's behind? You know five of them did that," he said. "I just think it needs to be looked at more closely." Others, though, have brushed aside such concerns. "I've voted in Georgia since 2006. I've never had a problem," said Emmett Shead, a former Democrat who told VOA he now votes Republican. "I think it's a lot of hype, a lot of fear mongering, especially in the black community to make it seem as if there's some voter suppression going on." However, if Tuesday is any indication, the doubts about the reliability of U.S. elections, prevalent among nearly one-third (32%) of Americans according to a YouGov poll from July, are not going to be easily swept away, and are likely to create an opening for U.S. adversaries such as Russia, China and Iran. "Just given what we know about these foreign actors, it would not be surprising if many of them were taking advantage of uncertainty or these very normal issues that go on in every single election and trying to amplify them as something nefarious," the senior CISA official said. VOA's Anita Powell, Kathryn Gypson, Masood Farivar and Chris Simkins contributed to this report. Voting appears to be going smoothly as millions of Americans head to the polls on the final day to cast their ballots in the country's midterm elections, despite heightened concerns about violence and other potential interference. Officials from multiple U.S. agencies, along with state and local election officials, have been preparing to ward off any number of potential problems, from cyberattacks or altercations to misinformation that sends voters to the wrong polling places. But aside from what they describe as usual or expected technical glitches, the first few hours of voting have been incident free. "I want to be clear. We continue to see no specific or credible threat to disrupt the election infrastructure," a senior official with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) told reporters Tuesday during a scheduled briefing. The official, briefing on the condition of anonymity under ground rules established by CISA, said the agency has "high confidence" in the security and resilience of the country's election systems due to extensive preparation for any number of contingencies. "We do not have any attributed malicious cyber activity or knowledge and infrastructure as of yet," the CISA official added, describing the cyber threats to the election as "quieter [than in the 2020 elections], although not nonexistent." Despite the positive early assessment, U.S. voters have likewise been bracing for potential problems. According to a recent Economist/YouGov poll, just over half of Americans (51%) say violence at polling places is somewhat or very likely. The poll, which surveyed 1,500 adults between October 29 and November 1, found just as many (51%) believe there will be interference by foreign countries. A separate YouGov poll from July found 32% of those surveyed had little to no confidence in the results of the midterms. Yet U.S. officials also acknowledge the threats to Tuesday's elections are serious and are being treated with proper caution. Violence The country's Homeland Security officials began sounding the alarm about potential election-related violence as far back as February, repeating the warning in an updated National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin in June. More recent intelligence assessments by U.S. officials caution the greatest threat is posed by so-called "lone wolves" angry or aggrieved individuals who decide to act on their own. Likely targets range from election-related infrastructure, such as polling places and ballot drop boxes, to election workers, voters and even political candidates and rallies. Adding to the concern is the growing use of militaristic language and imagery in U.S.-based disinformation campaigns, some of which is being amplified by U.S. adversaries such as Russia. "The influence attempts do not directly encourage people to undertake violent actions, but very likely lay the groundwork and allude to some physical action," Brian Liston, a senior threat intelligence analyst for the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future, told VOA by email. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has received more than 1,000 reports of threats against election officials since June 2021, leading to at least six arrests, according to senior officials. Disinformation Concerns about disinformation campaigns and influence operations have been increasing steadily in the run-up to the midterm elections. Information compiled by Limbik, an information defense company, found the volume of misinformation and disinformation pushing narratives that the election will be rigged or stolen, jumped by 268% last month. Common Cause, a nonpartisan watchdog and advocacy organization, said Tuesday it has seen an increase in social media traffic that "amplifies typical voting machine issues" in an effort to make them seem intentional. It also reported growing traffic for a well-known conspiracy theory that wrongly claims that the refusal of election officials to certify results after the polls close is evidence of fraud. "The [Russian] influence playbook from 2016 is out there and available for multiple actors," the senior CISA official said Tuesday. "And now we have observed new participants who did not really engage in 2020 willing to engage in election influence in 2022." U.S. officials and researchers believe the majority of disinformation is originating domestically, citing a rise in anti-government and anti-authority sentiment within the U.S. But they warn there has been a concerted effort by multiple U.S. adversaries, including Russia, China and Iran, to seize on lingering doubts about the election system itself. The cybersecurity firm Recorded Future has further warned that Russia and China resurrected dormant social media accounts to amplify doubt and deepen U.S. political divisions ahead of the midterm elections. China has consistently denied allegations it has used and is using influence operations to meddle in U.S. elections. But on Monday, a key confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin contradicted previous denials from the Kremlin, confessing to ongoing election meddling. Additional research has warned of likely disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting voting system manufacturers. Cyber threats Despite concerns that adversaries such as Russia, China and Iran may try to disrupt the election with a combination of cyber hacks and ransomware, U.S. officials have expressed confidence the risks are low. Ahead of Tuesday vote, multiple cybersecurity firms said most of what they have seen, so far, is "pretty basic." "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. Still, CISA has warned it is possible hackers may try to go after systems that will make voting more difficult, possibly by trying to take down power stations or by hitting local government websites with ransomware. But CISA Director Jen Easterly has cautioned that just because there are problems, it does not mean there is an attack. "There are going to be errors. There are going to be glitches," she said. "These are normal things. They're not nefarious." VOA's Masood Farivar and Chris Simkins contributed to this report. 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 country's 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 ISIS's 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." In November, Nathen Avelar of Merced, California, will have his first opportunity to vote in a federal election, and the 18-year-old musician and youth organizer says that he plans to seize it, casting a ballot that, he hopes, will help move both his community and his country toward the kind of future he wants for both. The election, in which millions of voters like Avelar will be able to cast a ballot for the first time, will determine the control of both houses of the United States Congress, as well as state legislatures, governorships, and other state level offices. Voters will also decide on a variety of state-level referenda, such as a proposed amendment to the state constitution in California that would guarantee women the right to abort a pregnancy. The proposal is a direct response to the decision by the Supreme Court earlier this year to strip away legal protections for abortion rights at the federal level an issue very much on the minds of many Americans headed to the polls in November. Starting locally Avelar, who recently graduated from high school, became active in local politics during a successful effort to persuade the Merced City Council to adopt a new affordable housing policy. Now, affiliated with the activist group Power California, he is helping to register other young voters and to persuade them to go to the polls on November 8. Young voters, Avelar told VOA, are concerned about a variety of issues, but one thing that drives many, he said, is the desire to see more diversity among elected officials. Generation Z, the cohort of Americans born roughly between 1990 and the early 2010s, are the most diverse generation in U.S. history, and right now, they do not see that reflected in the makeup of political leadership, at either the local or federal level. Not being able to see people in the spaces that we want to see ourselves in, specifically our city council, or just in general in seats of power, that's definitely been a huge driver for me, he said. And other people that I've worked with are very passionate about that as well. He also said that the Supreme Courts decision to overturn its previous ruling in Roe v. Wade, the case that guaranteed abortion rights, has been a major motivator. The attack on our general rights, just as people, from the Supreme Court has been really concerning to me, specifically around reproductive rights that is really what's been driving me, he said. Conservative viewpoint While many young voters like Avelar have policy positions that generally bring them in line with the Democratic Party, Generation Z is no monolith. Research by Tufts Universitys Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) finds that about one in three voters between 18 and 29 is motivated by conservative convictions that place them more in line with the Republican Party. Thats the case for Zach Bauder, a junior at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. The president of his schools chapter of Young Americans for Freedom, a national conservative organization, Bauder told VOA in an email exchange that he and his fellow conservatives have a long list of issues driving them to the polls. SEE ALSO: For example, he said, the Supreme Courts abortion ruling has been a major motivating factor among conservatives, many of whom support restricting or banning the procedure. Other issues animating young conservatives include the pace of migration to the United States and efforts to accommodate transgender Americans. Doubling down on Roe What motivates me to vote is what motivates most young conservatives, Bauder wrote. We care about doubling down on the end of Roe and enacting pro-life legislation. We want to close the border, ensure election integrity, end COVID-related mandates, and oppose the gender dysphoria ideology promulgated in Americas education system. "Gender dysphoria" is a diagnosed psychological disorder describing the distress or discomfort experienced by a person who feels that the gender they were assigned at birth does not reflect the gender they experience or express. Many conservatives in the U.S. object to accommodations made for individuals who assert a different gender than the one they were assigned at birth, particularly in schools. Bauder said his fellow young conservatives also want to see an end to endless wars that have nothing to do with Americas security and to push back against what they see as the cultural degradation of our country over the past several decades. Bauder said that he is seeing more interest in this midterm election among his cohort than he did in 2018. Partly, he said, it is a factor of major changes happening in the country right now, but he believes it is also due to young conservative voters waking up to their own power to influence the direction of the conservative movement. My generation, I believe, is beginning to see it can make a difference in the conversation happening on the right, he said. Turnout questions The presence of highly energized young voters in this election cycle is undeniable, but just how deeply that enthusiasm runs is an open question. Typically younger voters do not vote as reliably as older generations, particularly in years like 2022, when there is no presidential election to focus peoples attention. The hard fact is that turnout for young people, if you just take ages 18 to 24, is much lower than older age groups, particularly 65-plus, Mindy Romero, director of the University of Southern Californias Center for Inclusive Democracy, told VOA. Depending on the type of election it can be 20, 30, 40 percentage points lower. SEE ALSO: The problem is not that young Americans are disengaged, Romero said, but that they often dont see much utility in voting. It's not that they're apathetic; they care very much, she said. It's that they often don't see why voting is an actionable step on issues that they care about. So there may be young people that are galvanized by the issue of abortion, for instance. Some of those will take some action steps. They'll protest, they'll organize people's opinions on social media, that sort of thing. But it doesn't always translate into voting. Higher participation possible Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, director of Tufts Universitys CIRCLE program, agreed that voting among young people will continue to lag behind older generations in 2022, but she did point to some factors that might increase it somewhat. She noted that in Kansas, which had a primary election in August in which a statewide abortion ban was on the ballot, a surge in new voter registration was followed by a much larger turnout than in previous primaries. Usually young people have a really low participation rate, as far as we can estimate, in primaries, she told VOA. But a record number of young people came out and the ratio of new registrants was overwhelmingly young women. If the abortion issue continues to drive young voters to the polls, she said, their participation might also be increased by the fact that a number of states have, in recent years, passed rules simplifying the process of registering to vote or simply automatically registering eligible voters. That's a big win, because voter registration is, of course, a necessary step to voting, and it's actually the harder step, a lot of times, because you need to provide some documentation that young people may not have [at] their fingertips. Many young people, she pointed out, dont yet have official forms of identification. If you don't have a driver's license already, which a lot of young people don't, that's quite a barrier, she said. Having a plan Aurora Castellanos, director for statewide campaigns with Power California, said that in working with young people, her group tries to stress the importance of having a plan to vote. Especially for first time voters, the process can feel complicated, she said, so it is important to thinking it through in advance. In most cases, folks don't even have a voting plan, she told VOA. They don't know how they're going to be returning their ballot, or what the process is like to be able to do that. Castellanos added, We start prompting them to actually put together a voting planthat's part of the engagement that we do. We go from, What is the time when you're going to be turning it? to How are you going to be getting to your polling location, so that you have a plan on how you're going to be making that happen? And we think that really makes a difference. Ahead of his address to world leaders at a global climate summit on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country is willing to consider "genuine" negotiations with Russia. Zelenskyy said his country is open to talks with Moscow if Ukraines borders are restored, victims of Russias invasion and attacks are compensated and efforts are made to hold perpetrators accountable. The presidents comments follow a Washington Post report that said that the United States wanted Ukraine to show willingness for peace talks. That willingness, according to the report, would strengthen international support for Kyiv. When asked about Zelenskyys willingness to negotiate with Russia, a senior U.S. official told reporters during a background call, Whats important to understand here is that any decision to negotiate on the part of Ukraine or the decision not to is going to be determined by Ukrainian leadership. Not by what the U.S. says or does. The head of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, Oleksiy Danilov, said the "main condition" for such consideration would be the "restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity." Danilov added that there needs to be some sort of "guarantee" of modern air defenses, aircraft, tanks and long-range missiles, expressing a call for continued international assistance. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield reiterated steadfast U.S. support for Ukraine during talks with the Ukrainian president and other senior officials in Kyiv on Tuesday. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and President Zelenskyy discussed international efforts to minimize the impact of Russias aggression on global food security, including through sustaining and expanding the U.N.-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative, and to ensure accountability for war crimes and atrocities perpetrated on the Ukrainian people, said U.S. Mission to the United Nations Spokesperson Nate Evans in a statement. Ammunition, nuclear weapons North Korea denied U.S. claims Tuesday that it is assisting Russia with artillery shells and ammunitions in furthering the war on Ukraine. U.S. intelligence recently confirmed that Russia has reached out to North Korea for rockets and artillery shells. SEE ALSO: The isolated country has been conducting dozens of tests, including nuclear capable missiles with the ability to strike the United States. North Korea has threatened the U.S. with its missiles and artillery, claiming it could "mercilessly" strike neighboring South Korean and U.S. targets. A Russian newspaper claimed Tuesday that a discussion on strategic nuclear weapons between U.S. and Russia are in the works. The Kommersant newspaper quoted four sources familiar with the discussions and said the talks may take place in the Middle East. New START treaty talks between the U.S. and Russia aimed at reducing nuclear arsenals have been stalled since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Ukraine's defense Ukraine received its first delivery of National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and Aspide air defense systems Monday in its fight against Russian forces. "We will continue to shoot down the enemy targets attacking us. Thank you to our partners: Norway, Spain and the US," Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov wrote on Twitter. SEE ALSO: Meanwhile, Britain's Defense Ministry said Tuesday that Russia has started constructing defensive structures around the occupied southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol. "Two plants are producing concrete pyramidal anti-tank structures, known as dragons teeth, for this purpose," Britain said in an update posted on Twitter. "Russia is fortifying its lines throughout areas of occupation. On 19 October 2022, Wagner Group owner Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed the construction of a fortified Wagner Line of defences in Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast," the statement read, adding, "this activity suggests Russia is making a significant effort to prepare defences in depth behind their current front line, likely to forestall any rapid Ukrainian advances in the event of breakthroughs." SEE ALSO: White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said last month the United States was accelerating the shipment of the sophisticated NASAMS to Ukraine after significant Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer and VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching contributed to this report. We accept many different kinds of announcements. Just click on the button below and submit a form. Go to forms MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- A jump in U.S. cases of RSV this fall has affected many infants and children, including comedian Amy Schumers 3-year-old son, Gene. Schumer wrote about her son being hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus in an Instagram post, calling it the "hardest week of my life." Schumer hosted "Saturday Night Live" this weekend but missed Thursday rehearsals to be with her son, who was admitted to the hospital after an emergency room visit. In her post, Schumer said she "got to be with him the whole day at the hospital." Now Gene "is home and better." Typically, RSV cases are mild like a cold. They can be serious and life-threatening for the very young, elderly and people with certain health issues. Public health experts say the current rise in RSV cases is likely because children who were able to avoid the virus during social distancing measures early in the COVID-19 pandemic are now being infected with it. RSV spreads through coughs and sneezes in the air, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RSV kills about 100,000 children annually, most in poorer countries. In the United States, between 58,000 and 80,000 kids younger than 5 years are hospitalized each year with the common virus. It is estimated that between 60,000 and 120,000 older Americans are hospitalized and 6,000-10,000 of them die due to RSV infection, the CDC says. Around the country, many pediatric intensive care units are full, and experts say that is mostly due to flu and RSV rather than COVID. Drug company Pfizer is studying a potential RSV vaccine for pregnant women and recently reported it could be effective at preventing severe cases of RSV in newborns. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on RSV. SOURCE: Amy Schumer on Instagram Nothing says First Amendment like "we will reform the media." Kari Lake, Arizona's authoritarian sourpuss candidate for governor, scolded the press today about how they've treated her and what she plans to do about it. "I'm going to be your worst frickin' nightmare for 8 years, and we will reform the media as well," she said. "We're gonna make you guys into journalists again." Threats against the press are a fascist staple. In Mein Kampf, Hitler wrote, "It is the press, above all, which wages a positively fanatical and slanderous struggle, tearing down everything which can be regarded as a support of national independence, cultural elevation, and the economic independence of the nation." He often used the term "Lugenpresse," or lying press to describe the media in Germany that was reporting the truth about what was going on. In Mussolini's Italy, the government set up a Ministry of Popular Culture to control all forms of expression, including the press. In the United States, President Trump has called the press the "enemy of the people," and his administration has proposed changes to libel laws that would make it easier to sue journalists. The president's chief strategist, Steve Bannon, declared that the media was "the opposition party" and that it should "keep its mouth shut." Trump later tweeted that the media was the "enemy of the American people." Lake isn't doing anything new here. She's just repeating the same old fascist trope that the media is the enemy of the people. MONDAY, Nov. 7, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that a number of U.S. children have picked up a serious infection from contaminated water lines at the dentist's office. Although rare, outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections have been reported in kids treated at the dentist, one cluster in 2015 and another in 2016, the CDC says. A third cluster identified at a pediatric dental clinic last March is under investigation. These harmful bacteria lodge in the narrow water lines in dental equipment. "NTM infections following dental procedures are very serious," said Dr. Michele Neuburger, a dental officer in CDC's Division of Oral Health. "These infections can be resistant to antibiotic treatment and are difficult to treat." In all the cases of NTM infection following dental treatment, surgical procedures were required to resolve infections, she said. "These infections can be persistent, get worse over time and may not respond to initial treatments such as incision and drainage and routine antibiotics, Neuburger said. The most common symptom is swelling in the jaw or neck. Other symptoms could include a draining abscess, pain or fever, she said. The CDC advisory appears here. In 2016, an outbreak occurred in California, sickening 71 patients being treated for decaying baby teeth. A year earlier, 24 children in Georgia were infected. Besides hearing loss, complications from the infections included permanent tooth loss, facial nerve palsy and incision scarring. According to American Dental Association spokesman Dr. Shannon Mills, all but one of the patients in the two outbreaks was hospitalized. Adults can also be infected, Neuburger said. NTM infections in adults often occur after wisdom teeth extractions and root canals, she said. The infection isn't always immediate -- problems can develop within weeks or months following a dental procedure. NTM infections after dental treatment require surgical removal of the diseased tissue, Neuburger said. "These surgeries can result in loss of the jawbone and baby or permanent teeth. They may also require intravenous antibiotic therapy consisting of multi-drug regimens. Adverse side effects from antibiotics could include rashes, gastrointestinal symptoms, hearing loss and strain on the liver and kidneys," she said. The best way to prevent these infections is with the regular use of chemical germicides in the water lines, Neuburger said. "However, if dental water lines are not maintained properly and regularly treated with germicides, these bacteria, along with other microorganisms in the water, will attach to the interior surfaces of the water-line tubing and form a biofilm, which serves as a reservoir where microorganisms can grow and increase in numbers," she explained. "Pieces of biofilm can break off into the water system and then be released into the patient's mouth," Neuburger said. Fortunately, outbreaks of NTM infections following dental procedures are very rare, Neuburger said. "Parents and patients should continue to seek routine dental care. Most oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease are preventable," she added. Contact your dentist right away if you suspect you or your child has developed an infection, Neuburger said. Mills believes that most dentists have heard about NTM infection. "They may have heard about it, and didn't consider it significant or important, but they've heard about it," he said. Dentists need to maintain their equipment and follow procedures to ensure that the water they use is free from high concentrations of bacteria and microfilms on which bacteria grow, Mills said. "Water used for health care should be safer than the water we drink," he said. Patients should discuss the steps their dentist is taking to prevent these infections, Mills said. "The doctor should be able to explain in some reasonable detail what they're doing," he added. More information For more on nontuberculous Mycobacteria, see the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SOURCES: Michele Neuburger, DDS, dental officer, Division of Oral Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Shannon Mills, DDS, spokesman, American Dental Association; CDC Health Advisory, news release, Oct. 31, 2022 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. Strange Attractor Press is running a Kickstarter for a unique deck of tarot cards drawn by British artist and occultist, Austin Osman Spare (1886 1956). The deck is a follow-up to Lost Envoy, their wonderful book about the deck and the story of its discovery in the collection of London's Magic Circle Museum. The Kickstarter includes a new, expanded paperpack edition of the book in addition to the cards. In this piece for Quietus, Strange Attractor publisher (and musician), Mark Pilkington, curates a list of music inspired by Austin Spare's art and ideas. Bulldog Breed 'Austin Osman Spare' (1969) The first musical tribute to Spare is this enjoyably flouncy psych number released by Decca in 1969. It captures the spirit of the period's flourishing occult revival, while being a few years ahead of the curve in recognising Spare as a significant magical figure. Esotericists and collectors of recherche art were aware of Spare at this time, but his name wouldn't reach the wider scene for a few more years. The song's origins are pleasingly mundane: Spare was an acquaintance of guitarist Rod Harrison's grandmother in South London. She and his aunt had a number of Spare artworks around the house, which Harrison inherited, then lost, having done a runner after failing to pay his rent on a flat. Psychic TV 'Thee Starlit Mire' (1988) Throbbing Gristle, the band that launched a thousand noise acts, played a significant role in the occulturisation of the musical underground (though probably less of one than Led Zeppelin!). But it was the post-TG groups Psychic TV and its splinter cells Coil and Current 93 who really pushed things to the next initiatory level: magical language, imagery and practice appearing as central to their music, style and philosophy. This track's pullulating, rhythmic intensity echoes some of Spare's darker images and is drawn from Psychic TV's 1988 album Allegory And Self, which featured a Spare image, 'Fashion', from A Book Of Satyrs on its cover, and several more in an accompanying booklet. The title is borrowed from a 1911 book of aphorisms by two doctors, James Bertram & F. Russell, illustrated by Spare, which PTV-associates Temple Press also republished in a beautiful edition. Coil 'Titan Arch' (1991) Coil's John Balance spoke of his close connection to Spare, at times claiming to be in contact with his spirit, and owned a large collection of his art, some of which appeared in their later live performances. In Coil's formative years the teenaged Balance was also a member of experimental performance group Zos Kia a name drawn directly from Spare's esoteric writings with fellow early Psychic TV member John Gosling. Coil later coined the term "Sidereal Sound' to describe some of their disorientating audio-processing techniques, a phrase borrowed from Spare, who referred to his warped portraits of film stars as sidereal a play on the fact that they were "stars" (sidereal is an astronomical term), and appeared as if drawn from the cheaper "side" seats of a cinema. Although Spare was a major figure in Coil's personal pantheon, their music didn't draw explicitly on his writing, though this fine track, featuring Marc Almond on vocals, conjures distinctly Sparean imagery with lyrics adapted from Kenneth Grant's book Outside The Circles Of Time (1980). Read the rest here. Trump, like most authoritarians, believes in free speech as long as he agrees with it. Last week he said that journalists who refuse to divulge their sources should be raped in prison. And he repeated the threat at last night's rally in Ohio Trump. "The leaking from the Supreme Court is unbelievable," he told his crowd of worshippers. "But you get the information very easily. You tell the reporter who is it and if the reporter doesn't want to tell you it's 'bye bye.' The reporter goes to jail. When the reporter learns he's going to be married to a certain prisoner who's extremely strong, tough, and mean, he will say, 'you know, I think I'm going to give you the information.'" Donald Trump: "The reporter goes to jail, and when the reporter learns that he's going to be married in two days to a certain prisoner" pic.twitter.com/wvK7Ilrhn9 Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) November 8, 2022 Rolling Stone reports that Trump has been discussing ideas with allies about how the US government "could go about turning his desires for brutally imprisoning significant numbers of reporters into reality." Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share (The first of a three-part series on immigration.)Has the Biden administration figured out how to stanch the flood of desperate migrants overflowing across the southwestern border? These are early days, but the deal last month whereby Mexico would take back Venezuelans nabbed trying to enter the US illegally while the US would allow 24,000 Venezuelans into the country for up to two years as long as they applied online, had a sponsor in the US and came by plane seems to be doing the job. The Department of Homeland Security announced that in the new arrangements first week of implementation, irregular entries of Venezuelans at the southwestern border fell 86%, from 1,131 per day to 154. Mexico, which agreed to accept up to 1,000 per day, has started flying some back to their home country. It has given others permits to stay in the country for 15 days and a bus ride far from the border. Advertisement Its a new technology, suggested Tonatiuh Guillen Lopez, who headed Mexicos National Migration Institute during the first six months of the administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and is now a critic of Mexicos repressive approach to migration. So far its working. Opening a legal path to entry while offering no quarter to those caught making their way across the border on their own seems to have produced the right set of incentives to take pressure off a border enforcement infrastructure that cannot cope with the vast number of asylum seekers and economic migrants trying to cross. If the strategy continues to perform, expect the Biden administration to keep pressing Mexico to take Cubans and Nicaraguans, Brazilians, Colombians and Haitians. But while these early results will come as a relief to President Biden and the many other Democrats hammered by Republicans wielding stories about a border out of control, the arrangement is unlikely to work for long. Advertisement You might remember the Remain in Mexico arrangement, renamed as the more humane-sounding Migrant Protection Protocols. Starting in January 2019, they required Mexico to receive Guatemalans, Hondurans and Salvadorans seeking asylum in the United States until a judge adjudicated their case. By July 2020, some 70,000 asylum seekers had been sent to Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez and other Mexican border towns under this deal, Guillen Lopez wrote. Moreover, thousands more were returned to Mexico starting in March 2020, under the guise of pandemic precautions. None of this convinced Central Americans, thousands of which had joined caravans to seek asylum in the United States, to stay home instead. In 2019 the border patrol encountered 623,671 Hondurans, Guatemalans and Salvadorans trying to enter the US illegally, almost three times as many as in 2018. In 2021, following the pandemic lull, they encountered 701,409. This happened despite the deployment of Mexicos National Guard to catch migrants along its northern and southern borders. Advertisement If the Venezuelan deal works, it is largely because Venezuelans differ from other migrant groups in one important respect: They are relative newcomers. There are no uncles or sisters or neighbors from back home already established in the United States. They have no network to receive them. This set of circumstances presents a unique challenge to the American asylum apparatus: Judges dont know to whom they should release Venezuelans as their cases wind through the courts. It also allowed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to dupe a few dozen of them and put them on a plane to Marthas Vineyard. Had they been Salvadorans they would have had friends or family waiting in Boston or LA. Its also why tens of thousands of desperate Venezuelans now stranded in Mexico or in the jungles of the Darien gap between Colombia and Panama are less likely to do what Mexicans and Hondurans, Guatemalans or Salvadorans surely would: Try to get in a few times, until they succeed. Advertisement The US does need to find a way to bring order to its southwestern border. Hundreds of thousands of people are flocking to it each year. In the 2022 fiscal year, DHS reported about 2.38 million encounters at the southwest land border (a number that encompasses multiple attempts by some migrants). They are coming from further afield. Last year, border patrol agents encountered 131,000 Colombians, 225,000 Cubans, and even 18,000 Indians trying to enter the US across the southwestern border. Given climate change, growing economic distress and blooming authoritarianism around the world, these numbers are likely to grow. And the stories peddled by smugglers back home of the Haitians and Cubans, Venezuelans and Colombians successfully making their way into the US will encourage more. While the agreement with Mexico over Venezuelans wont work as a broader mechanism to control migration into the US, the basic idea of deploying deterrence to steer migrants toward legal channels, which are safer and cheaper, seems like a reasonable approach to ease the strain on a border infrastructure that just cant cope. Advertisement Similar carrot-and-stick approaches have worked before, to an extent. Andrew Selee, who heads the Migration Policy Institute, points out that the sharp decline in illegal immigration from Mexico in the decade after 2007 was helped by the large number of guestworker visas and other legal pathways made available to Mexicans, combined with criminal prosecutions against people who were expelled once and caught trying again. Likewise, prospective immigrants from Cuba for years had various legal paths including a lottery of 20,000 visas per year. They were the carrot. The stick took the form of a deal whereby the government in Havana took back Cubans caught trying to enter the US illegally. In both cases the US government had found an equilibrium that balanced credible legal pathways with effective enforcement, Selee argued. Policy decisions undermined these equilibria right at the same time that migration pressures increased due to real economic and personal security reasons. Advertisement The Mexican balance was upset at the start of the pandemic in 2020. Not only did the Mexican economy tank. After the US deployed public health powers to expel migrants trying to enter, it stopped being able to prosecute Mexicans for re-entry. In the case of Cuba, the US withdrew its consular services on the island making it extremely difficult to apply to migrate legally while Havana stopped taking its citizens back. Then Nicaragua started receiving Cubans without a visa, opening a new land route to the US. Incentives must be crafted carefully. On the stick side, expelling prospective migrants automatically using the legal power deployed during the pandemic is proving a bad idea, since they will turn around and try again. And the US probably has to offer more carrots. It makes sense to have Venezuelans fleeing the Maduro regime apply for asylum before facing the horrors of the Darien gap, let alone reaching the southwestern border. But a 24,000 cap seems way too low.At the end of last year, about 140,000 Venezuelans were awaiting a decision on their request for asylum in the US, says the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Over 40,000 applied just in the first half of this year. Still, from January through September, only 2,267 were recognized. The US cant rely permanently on Mexico to play the role of The Wall an approach unlikely to be politically tenable. And if the fenced-in high-tech border separating the US from Mexico cant stop committed migrants from arriving in this country, try to picture what happens on the border separating Mexico from Guatemala and Belize. Advertisement What makes sense is a regional approach: perhaps a deal where Mexico, the US and maybe Canada agree on quotas for both asylum seekers and economic migrants and set up an application process that happens far from any border. This wont stop people from coming. But it would help bring the USs overwhelmed southern border under control. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Immigrations Burden Doesnt Fall on a Handful of Red States: Eduardo Porter When Immigration Hypocrisy Landed on Marthas Vineyard: Tyler Cowen The Time Is Now for a Deal on the Dreamers: Editorial This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Eduardo Porter is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Latin America, US economic policy and immigration. He is the author of American Poison: How Racial Hostility Destroyed Our Promise and The Price of Everything: Finding Method in the Madness of What Things Cost. 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 Every few decades, society has an allergic reaction to corporations. This happened in the 1890s, when companies were demonized as blood-sucking octopuses. It happened in the 1930s, when they were denounced as threats to the common good. It is happening again today. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Remember when Facebook was celebrated as an agent of global harmony? Now known as Meta Platforms Inc., it is widely reviled as a poisoner of democracy. Or when everybody agreed that governments should be run more like businesses? The worlds best-known businessman-turned-politician is Donald Trump. Polemicists compete with each other to produce the most disobliging terms to describe corporations though the prize, in my view, still goes to Matt Taibbis 2009 description of Goldman Sachs as a great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money. This hostility to companies is no longer confined to the usual suspects on the left. Conservatives routinely denounce woke companies for trying to subvert democracy in the name of elite values. Some want to go further and take them on over low pay and poor conditions. The most successful example of corporate bashing in recent years was the work not of Bernie Saunders or Elizabeth Warren but of Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida who brought the Walt Disney Company to heel. Advertisement For all the billions of dollars that corporations spend on public relations, as a class they are doing a remarkably bad job of burnishing their public image. In the wake of a trifecta of crises the 2008 financial crisis, the 2016 presidential election and the murder of George Floyd they have collectively settled on two formulae which have now frozen into corporate dogma: ESG (environmental, social and governance) and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion). These formulae arent doing anything to address the legitimacy crisis, since they alienate the Republican half of the electorate. Nor are they doing much to address the environment or diversity because they lump so many bad ideas along with good ones. Anyone who wants to think a bit more deeply about these mighty organizations could do no better than to turn to William Magnusons new book, For Profit: A History of Corporations. (Full disclosure: I have also written a history of the company, together with John Micklethwait, the editor-in-chief of Bloomberg News). A professor of corporate law at Texas A&M University School of Law, Magnuson tells the story of the corporation through individual companies that are chosen to exemplify various themes: the Medici Bank (trust), the East India Company (shares), Ford Motor Company (the assembly line), Exxon Mobil Corporation (globalization), KKR & Company Inc. (private equity) and Facebook (start-ups). Magnuson sees the upside as well as the downside of companies, which is in itself a remarkable thing in todays academic world, where the only two attitudes you normally come across are sanctimony and dislike. He even praises Exxon Mobil for performing engineering miracles by erecting oil platforms in the North Sea, where gale-force winds roared, and waves rose to a hundred feet. Magnuson ends his historical tour de force with eight pieces of advice that companies and regulators need to take seriously if we are to bring out the best in companies and fend off a potentially devastating backlash. For the sake of time, let me highlight five of these before going on to offer some thoughts of my own: Advertisement Dont overthrow the Republic. Companies can contribute to the breakdown of political systems in two ways. They can corrupt the workings of the political system by bribing politicians, spreading disinformation or opening the door to foreign agents. The Southern Pacific Railroad (later absorbed into Union Pacific) regularly bribed or bullied California legislatures, provoking the novelist Frank Norris to denounce it as an excrescence, a gigantic parasite fattening upon the life-blood of an entire commonwealth. Exxon Mobil funded industry groups that tried to undermine the growing scientific consensus on climate change. Facebook was so intent on growing at breakneck speed that it allowed foreign agents to use its platform to spread lies and hate. They can also take on excessive risk that results in bankruptcy or even social breakdown. Britains South Sea Company created such a crash that it discredited the corporate form for a generation. KKR and other private equity companies have encouraged utilities and even hospitals to load up on debt, increasing the chances that they will go bankrupt and thereby deprive the public of essential services. Advertisement Think long-term. The temptation to focus on the short term is greater than ever in a world of always-on stock markets, widely dispersed share ownership and performance-related pay. Companies and regulators need to construct countervailing forces such as strong fiduciary rules that oblige executives to protect the long-term interests of the company, public disclosure rules that force companies to explain why they are making their decisions and giving founders more voting rights, through special classes of shares, so that they can continue to pursue their long-term vision regardless of the whims of regular investors. Compete fairly. Regulators have long been aware of the dangers of monopoly. The Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890), inspired by the giant combinations of the Gilded Age, states plainly that anyone who monopolizes a trade is guilty of a felony. Yet companies are equally aware of the desirability of monopolies: You can charge what you want and rest on your laurels. And politicians, judges and regulators have repeatedly softened absolute bans on monopoly. In Verizon v. Trinko (2003), the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia declared that the mere possession of monopoly power, and the concomitant charging of monopoly price, is not only not unlawful; it is an important element of the free-market system. The combination of judicial permissiveness and the network effects that are at the heart of social-media business models means the world is witnessing another Gilded Age in which companies not only exercise extraordinary control of markets (Google controls 90% of search for example), but also use their super profits to buy up potential competitors and lobby politicians. Its time to stop giving potential monopolists the benefit of the doubt. Advertisement Dont take all the pie for yourself. The era that started in the 1980s has seen an enormous increase in inequality. CEOs have exploited (and distorted) Michael Jensens agency theory to increase their pay and stock options while making sure that they are well compensated if they fail. Private equity managers routinely take home tens of millions of dollars a year (in 2020, Blackstones top two executives earned a combined $827 million) while also imitating many of the corporate perks that they once railed against. (Jerome Kohlbergs perks when he retired from KKR included reimbursement for a secretary and a driver and a new Lincoln Town Car every year.) Lots of things can be done about this that have more bite than ESG. Companies could refuse to provide failed executives with golden parachutes. The US government could revise the tax rule whereby interest payments on debt are tax deductible while dividend payments to shareholders are not. Governments in general could also do more to cooperate globally to close tax loopholes. Dont move too fast or break too many things. The corporation was designed as an institution to let people take risks and shoot for extraordinary targets. Limited liability is a supreme device for encouraging people to risk a bit of their capital without risking personal ruin (everything including your cufflinks as they used to say at Lloyds). Companies have taken awe-inspiring risks the East India Company sailed to the other side of the world at a time when that was equivalent to traveling to the moon, for example. Advertisement But too many companies have used this as an excuse for reckless risk-taking. This is particularly the case in Silicon Valley where Mark Zuckerbergs motto of move fast and break things is regarded as a piece of Platonic wisdom rather than a description of irresponsibility. Facebook has been so obsessed by increasing its number of users that it has consciously encouraged social media addiction while also skimping on internal checks that might have reduced the amount of harmful content and prevented Russian military intelligence agencies from spreading deliberately false and polarizing information. The move-fast-and-break-things culture that might have made sense when Zuckerberg was operating a laptop in his Harvard dorm room is dangerous and irresponsible now that the re-named Meta is a global network serving billions of people. Regulators need to work harder to make sure that corporations dont use the shield of limited liability as an excuse for irresponsible behavior. They can impose broader product-liability rules on companies and their executives (tech companies will never listen to sermons unless they are backed up by real punishments). They can do more to investigate bad behavior and impose punishments that hurt. They can develop regulatory sandboxes where companies considering a new technology are obliged to work closely with regulators to understand the potential consequences. Magnuson underestimates the importance of animal spirits spirits that, if they dont quite operate on a Nietzschean plane beyond good and evil, at least mix virtue and vice as liberally as they mix creation and destruction. Entrepreneurs are almost always unreasonable people who succeed precisely because they are so unreasonable. They are also frequently mixtures of great virtues and horrific vices. Henry Ford was a business hero who put America on wheels and doubled the pay of his employees at a stroke. Young man, he once said during an argument with his son, I invented the modern age, and he wasnt wrong. He was also an incorrigible anti-Semite who drove his workers at a furious pace (the one phrase that foremen had to learn in English, German, Polish and Italian was hurry up), spied on his employees to make sure they lived respectable lives, and unleashed his private goon squad of thugs with cauliflower ears and broken noses on trade unionists. Advertisement Magnuson also flirts with the modish idea that companies should only have licenses to operate if they commit to acting for the common good. He praises the East India Company for signing up to a bit of Elizabethan boilerplate about acting for the Honour of this our Realm of England, as for the Increase of our navigation, and laments the fact that, sometime in the 19th century, it became possible to acquire a corporate charter by submitting a bit of paperwork to the local authorities. We have abandoned the founding purpose of the corporation as a tool for crafting a flourishing society. Companies certainly owe a general debt to society at large for the privilege of limited liability, which imposes some of the costs of failure on the public at large. But was the world really a better place in the days when company founders had to persuade a collection of politicians to grant them a charter whenever they wanted to launch a business? For the East India Company, contributing to the national interest meant enriching a group of about 200 insiders by, for example, trading in slaves and milking India of its wealth with the help of an army. And did things really take a turn for the worse when companies were given freedom to determine their own ends? The liberalization of companies from the shackles of purpose in the mid-19th century led to an explosion in the number of companies and with it a boost in collective prosperity. Magnuson is nevertheless to be congratulated for writing a book that is both fresh and thought-provoking. For too long, the debate about the corporation has been dominated by three groups: neoliberals who are willing to forgive companies anything (including monopoly), left-wing activists who regard companies as spawns of the devil, and corporate reformists who have fixated on ESG and DEI while somehow turning a blind eye to carried interest. Magnuson puts forward a whole world of ideas that we should be discussing for harnessing the creative powers of corporations while also minimizing their more destructive tendencies. Advertisement More on Business From Bloomberg Opinions Adrian Wooldridge: The Accountant Shortage Threatens Capitalisms Future An Anti-Woke Warrior Has US Companies Running Scared If Companies Really Want to Do Some Good, They Should Unbundle ESG and DEI This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Adrian Wooldridge is the global business columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. A former writer at the Economist, he is author, most recently, of The Aristocracy of Talent: How Meritocracy Made the Modern World. 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 We have a problem with our medical and scientific experts. Its hard to know what to believe when were being bombarded by professionals with prestigious degrees and affiliations pushing contrary claims about Covid vaccine side effects, about treatments such as Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, and about the nature and severity of the disease. A prime example is Senate candidate Mehmet Oz. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard, was chair of his class at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, won an award for his research as a resident, and by 35, was saving lives with bypass surgeries and heart and lung transplants at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. By the mid-1990s, he was experimenting with some unusual mind-body techniques but only in conjunction with conventional surgery, which by all accounts he practiced with great talent. But as he gained fame through Oprah Winfreys television show, that escalated into hawking dubious supplements for weight loss, advocating for homeopathy, even suggesting a medical use for astrology. Advertisement Maybe the problem isnt so much that the public has become too anti-intellectual to listen to experts. Maybe the problem is that some experts have gone rogue and become even more famous and prominent for doing so. Historian Edward Tenner started calling these rogue experts alt-thorities, and in a recent essay for the Milken Review he wrote about their infiltration into politics, law and various parts of academia. Its a problem because we need experts. Journalists depend on them to help people understand complex issues, and our legal system uses expert witnesses to decide important cases and set policy. But deference to expertise to authorities in different fields is a relatively recent development, said Tenner in an interview. The age of experts as authorities started in the late 19th century during the industrial revolution, he said, when we were entering a new age of scientific authority, using science to improve everything from industrial chemicals to drugs to food preservation. We elevated scientific thinking in all endeavors, organizing advanced training and special credentials to certify expertise in law, medicine, accounting and business. Before that, science was pursued mostly by aristocrats, though there were opportunities for non-aristocratic geniuses such as Benjamin Franklin. Specialization wasnt necessary it was possible to roam around different kinds of endeavors without any specialized degrees or training. Advertisement Over recent decades, willingness to defer to experts has waxed and waned. The first downturn happened in the late 1920s and 1930s, said Tenner. People were disillusioned after the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, and the Great Depression, which defied celebrated economists predictions of sustained prosperity. There was another wave of pro-authority sentiment after World War II, with the nuclear age and the space race, and another lull in the 1970s with Vietnam, Three Mile Island and another economic downturn. As for the internet era of the 1990s and 2000s, Tenner says people started choosing among a variety of different intellectual authorities just the way 16th-century religious dissenters started choosing leaders and denominations. Today were seeing another pendulum swing away from experts. The pandemic response was ineffective, disorganized and poorly communicated. Authority figures told us not to panic, then with little warning shut schools and businesses. Oz says on his website we were misled and patronized. Elites with yards told those without yards to stay inside where the virus was more likely to spread. And the arrogant, closed-minded people in charge took away our freedom. Advertisement He has a point. As scientists were backing the common-sense idea that being outside was safer, politicians were ordering police to herd people away from parks, beaches, playgrounds and jogging paths. Some experts talked with overconfidence or pushed models that never seemed to accurately predict the next wave. Legitimately difficult trade-offs were characterized as following the science, as if science only ever pointed in one direction. Alt-thorities are ideally positioned to take advantage of this skepticism and resentment, said Tenner. They have the credentials to be taken seriously when they declare mainstream experts wrong. How can we keep from descending into chaos and allowing quack doctors to steer people away from lifesaving vaccines? While its tempting to dismiss quacks out of hand, I think we have to instead judge their advice on its merits. Advertisement The worst thing you can do, Tenner said, is to label people as nuts, quacks, pseudoscientists, or conspiracy theorists even if its deserved. That just builds resentment as people who follow alt-thorites will feel insulted. And sometimes mainstream medicine allows terrible things like the Tuskegee experiment and the proliferation of deadly opioids, for example. Ironically, the most powerful ammunition aimed at Dr. Oz has nothing to do with energy healing or supplement hawking. His enemies have disparaged Oz for research thats sanctioned by mainstream medicine. He supervised Columbia University animal research that led to the killing of dogs. Societys view on the ethics of animal experiments is changing, less tolerated, especially with primates, dogs and cats. Even Oprah now says shed vote for his opponent. Advertisement More From This Writer at Bloomberg Opinion: If Youve Had Covid, Watch Out for Stroke Symptoms: Faye Flam How to Solve the Covid Testing Data Problem: Faye Flam The CDC Needs to Admit Its Covid Mistakes: Faye Flam This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Faye Flam is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering science. She is host of the Follow the Science podcast. 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 Twitter Inc. now under new management, if thats the right word fired about half its workers over the weekend, a big story by anyones standards. Yet some teams and countries suffered worse and that is a story with global political implications. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight In India, for example, Twitter seems to have laid off 90% of its employees. In Brazil, a team of 150 was let go, according to Bloomberg Linea. Shortly after Elon Musk took over the company, the number of employees with the ability to suspend or ban an account for breaches of user policies was at least temporarily reduced from hundreds to about 15. Musks vision for Twitter is not particularly complex. He views it as a software platform first, and only then as a social network. The company should care about the plumbing that lies behind the posts, not the posts themselves and how they connect to each other: Speech on the network should be largely unmoderated and unmediated. The obvious corollary is that Twitters halls should filled with coders; all the content people are superfluous to the companys mission. Advertisement Yet Musk has said his goal for Twitter is actually to empower the voice of the people and to become by far the most accurate source of information in the world. Lets take these claims at face value. Do his actions further them? Can a company dominated by coders really fulfill those goals in places such as India, if it employs just a dozen people locally? Musks idea that unmoderated, unmediated speech on a values-free platform will lead to democratization and empowerment simply doesnt hold true in the countries where most Twitter users live. Half of the companys ad revenues come from the United States but over 80% of its users live elsewhere most of them in countries that dont have the constitutional and legal protections for speech that Americans such as Musk take for granted. Platforms that want to operate in such countries need to be able to make hard choices over content. Traditionally, Twitter has said that, in order to create an attractive and accessible space for its users, it will follow government and court orders in the countries where it operates. But it also takes action beyond what is strictly required by law, removing tweets and suspending accounts that violate its own internal rules on hate speech and disinformation. Advertisement Importantly, the company also occasionally says its unable to obey official dictates. Last year, Twitter got into a tussle with the Indian government when it refused to block some accounts bureaucrats had ordered it to shut down. At the time, the company insisted that we do not believe that the actions we have been directed to take are consistent with Indian law, and, in keeping with our principles of defending protected speech and freedom of expression, we have not taken any action on accounts that consist of news media entities, journalists, activists, and politicians. In other words, to empower the voice of the people in most countries around the world, you sometimes have to do more than what is strictly required by law, and sometimes you have to do less. Promoting free speech in the US is relatively simple, given that the First Amendment is on your side. Elsewhere in the world, it requires teams of content specialists, government relations people and lawyers. The charitable way of looking at this is that Musk whose online bio currently reads Twitter Complaint Hotline Operator is so naive that he genuinely thinks he can solve a lot of these problems himself. Its been reported, for example, that he was personally moderating tweets about the closely fought Brazilian election last week. (There are 20 million Twitter users in Brazil.) Advertisement Even if you think that Musk is Superman, or possibly Tony Stark, the evidence is already piling up that this task might be a little beyond one man. You cant easily apply political intuitions that have been formed in a very specific US discourse to other, complicated countries such Brazil. Unsurprisingly, this approach created trouble for Musk within a week, when he promised to look into the suspension of some right-wing accounts in Brazil. The assurance was given, publicly and on Twitter, to a not-at-all-suspended television personality with a million followers, who also happens to be the grandson of Brazils last military dictator. Musk might think the Twitter he bought crimped free speech. But governments from Turkey to Nigeria to India disagree. They worry that Twitter brings American notions of what constitutes free expression into their societies, reducing their ability to police speech. They would celebrate a platform with less moderation and less capacity to push back against state power. The chances are that they are right and Musk is wrong about what it takes to defend free speech. More From Bloomberg Opinion: Advertisement Musks Superpowers Are Being Ignored With Twitter: Aaron Brown The Surprising Decline in Election Misinformation: Parmy Olson Musks Mass Layoff Is a New Sign of Twitter Chaos: Mark Gongloff This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Mihir Sharma is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. A senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, he is author of Restart: The Last Chance for the Indian Economy. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2022 Bloomberg L.P. GiftOutline Gift Article The crowd roared in orgiastic approval for Trump's scary, divisive rally speech in Ohio last night. The transcript is textbook fascism: We will defend our Constitution. We will defend the Second Amendment. And we will proudly uphold the Judeo-Christian values and principles of our nation's founding. We will restore patriotic education to our schools, and we will teach our children to love their country, honor our history, and to always respect our great American flag. Always respect our flag. In conclusion, our MAGA movement, Make America Great Again, is by far the greatest political movement in the history of our country. They never challenged that, they've never challenged it. It's an amazing thing. They wouldn't challenge it. If I said anything slightly wrong, they challenge, but they can't challenge that. Together, we are standing up against some of the most menacing forces, entrenched interests, and vicious opponents our people have ever seen. Despite great outside dangers, our biggest threat remains the sick, sinister, and evil people from within our country. You know who I'm talking about. You see him all the time. But no matter how big or powerful, the corrupt, radical left Democrats that we are fighting against may be, you must never forget. This nation does not belong to them. This nation belongs to you. That's who it belongs to. This is your home. This is your heritage. And our American liberty is your God-given right. (Post illustration/Carolyn Van Houten/The Post; iStock) Laundry can be the most significant thing that you do when it comes to reducing your clothes' environmental impact, experts say. Homicide squad are investigating the sudden death of a man who stumbled out of a Hilton house before collapsing and dying on a footpath on Monday afternoon. WA Police detective inspector Quentin Flatman said 52-year-old grandfather Warren Jackson died on Carrington Street around 4pm. Theres no obvious injuries to this male person and no obvious cause of death, he said. The circumstances of what caused him to be stumbling, is unknown. His death remains suspicious until we can actually rule anything out. The Australian government official responsible for policing bullying and abuse online has expressed concerns that billionaire Elon Musks plans to change the verification system on Twitter may lead to an explosion of misinformation on the internet, including from state-based actors. eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who worked as Twitter Australias head of policy for two years until 2016, said Twitters plans to charge users for a blue verification tick would create new risks online, and she was not sure whether government accounts would be exempted from the policy change. Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said she is waiting to hear if government agencies are exempt from Musks new verification plans. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Itll be a total dogs breakfast if anyone can impersonate any individual, any agency, particularly when we expect it to be an official agency or voice of government, she said. I had read and will seek verification that government agencies will be exempted from having to pay for the subscription, but that has not yet been clarified. Twitter began rolling out its plans to offer a blue verification tick on Sunday (AEST) to anyone for $US7.99 ($12.40) a month. Musk, the founder of electric car giant Tesla and Twitters new owner, said that people with existing blue ticks who declined to pay would lose them within a couple of months. The paid blue-tick service is not yet available in Australia, but is expected within days. 'This is the nursing team award,' leader says Nurses, in Western New York and beyond, have been to hell and back during the Covid-19 pandemic. Early on, when Covid-19 was nearly a total mystery, they went into work, dressed in sweat-inducing personal protective equipment and, at the end of long days, hoped they weren't bringing the deadly virus home to their families. As the pandemic lingered, the staffing crunch worsened as colleagues retired, switched fields or seized the moment in the high-paying world of travel nursing. Given all this pain in recent years, the victories feel all the more sweet. That was the case Oct. 19 at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, when nurses there found out they had attained Magnet recognition for the second consecutive time. Kenmore Mercy is the only hospital in Western New York to hold the designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program, which distinguishes hospitals that meet high standards in nursing excellence. Nationwide, there are 601 Magnet hospitals, or just 9.9% of the country's hospitals. "It means everything," said Samantha Belter, a registered nurse for seven years at Kenmore Mercy. "It's our Super Bowl. It means that you can say, 'I work in a Magnet facility.' " So what does it mean? Heather Telford knows what you're thinking because she's heard it, too. "Some people have said, 'Oh, this is just for management. This is just another accolade for the hospital,' " said Telford, Kenmore Mercy's vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. "We've heard that. And I push back every time anybody says anything like that and say, 'It's for the nurses. This isn't my award. This is the nursing team award. This is for them, and they deserve it.' " Telford, who first joined Kenmore Mercy in 2008 as nurse manager of the Emergency Department, knows what it's like to fall short of receiving the Magnet designation, as well. Kenmore Mercy in 2012 gained the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Pathway to Excellence designation, which Telford described as the "bunny hill to Magnet." But when Kenmore Mercy applied a couple of years later to gain the Magnet designation, hospital officials were informed they were close, but not quite there yet. After, Telford said hospital officials spoke with the nurses and asked whether they were willing to make changes and keep pushing toward reaching the designation. The nurses were on board, Telford said, and Kenmore Mercy received its initial Magnet designation in April 2017, and was re-designated last month. "This time around was sweet because we worked that much harder for it, and it was almost as if we were determined 10 times more the second time around as the first time around," she said. "And, you know, I think the nurses needed it." From the business side, Kenmore Mercy gains the ability to use the "Magnet Recognized" logo in its marketing and promotions which it has done with large banners hanging just inside the hospital lobby and on the building's exterior. Further, the hospital hopes it also will help it stand out as it competes for a limited pool of nurses. "It's the only hospital I've worked at," Belter said, "and I don't plan on leaving." What is the process? It may be arduous, but Telford said reaching and keeping Magnet recognition is worth it. The process involves an electronic application, written patient care documentation, an on-site visit and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition. Organizations must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years the online application fee is $6,000 and must provide documented evidence to show staff members sustained and improved Magnet performance and quality since the initial designation. At the conclusion of the most recent process, Telford and others had an idea good news was coming, informed that "you should have as many people as you want in the room" when the commission announced its decision. "It was really a shot of positivity that we needed after a very long haul here," she said. And now begins the next 48-month period when Kenmore Mercy will have to maintain Magnet standards to reapply in 2026 for re-designation. While Kenmore Mercy is the only Magnet-recognized hospital in Western New York, there are several others across upstate New York. Just in the six-county Rochester metro area, Unity Hospital, Rochester General Hospital, Highland Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center/Strong Memorial Hospital, Newark Wayne Community Hospital and FF Thompson Hospital are all Magnet-recognized facilities. Welcome to Buffalo Next. 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: A former Super Duper location on Broadway could become a retail plaza under an expansion plan from the property's owner. Moog Inc.'s CEO says the company planning to 'invest significantly' over the next three to five years in its local operation. The contractors for the new Buffalo Bills stadium have been selected. 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. ICYMI Five reads from Buffalo Next: 1. One of the main goals of Big Wheelbarrow, according to CEO and co-founder Sam Eder: To let farmers focus on farming by automating some of the administrative tasks that come with selling their products. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Deputy Business Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435. 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. Runaway energy prices justify the government making an unprecedented intervention in the market to cut soaring coal and gas prices, federal Treasury says, as the government considers new regulations to lower gas prices by the end of the year. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has promised a plan to tackle rising power bills by years end as households and businesses struggle to cope with the economic shock being driven by Russias war on Ukraine. The federal government is rushing to come up with a plan to tackle rising power prices. Credit:AP Treasury deputy secretary Luke Yeaman, reading a statement from secretary Steven Kennedy to a Senate estimates committee on Tuesday, said war-driven price shocks bring into scope government intervention, arguing government should look to reign in prices. However, he warned, it must be mindful of not driving up inflation, which would be caused by direct cash subsidies to bill payers. 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. Kyiv: Ukraine has 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 first to be seized by Russian forces following their invasion in February. Damaged vehicles in the Kherson region in October. Credit:The Washington Post by Heidi Levine 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 weekend, 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. Rather than a wholesale rejection of President Joe Biden and the Democrats, the results have been more mixed as returns trickle in. Many Democratic incumbents proved surprisingly resilient. The Republicans may still take control of the house but the gains will come on far less favourable terms than anticipated. Here are some takeaways from the count so far. To be continued... Republicans hoped for a wipeout. They didnt get it. After Democrats racked up several hard-fought wins in swing districts, like Abigail Spanbergers Virginia seat, the sweeping wins many Republicans predicted are yet to materialise. Abigail Spanberger embraces supporters during an election night watch party. Credit:AP Meanwhile, the fate of Democrats narrow hold on the Senate was unclear. John Fetterman defeated Mehmet Oz for a crucial Pennsylvania Senate seat vacated by retiring Republican Pat Toomey. Democratic Raphael Warnock and former NFL star Herschel Walker, a Republican, were locked in a close contest in Georgia. The Wisconsin race between Republican Ron Johnson and Democrat Mandela Barnes was too close to call. And the outcome of the two remaining two seats that will determine which party will hold a Senate majority Arizona and Nevada may not be known for days because both states conduct elections in part by mail ballots, which take a long time to count. Stay tuned. A history lesson Its called history for a reason. The party that celebrates winning the White House is usually mourning a loss in the midterms two years later. Add to that historical pattern an economy battered by inflation and teetering on recession, throw in fears about crime, and the outcome is close to certain. For Biden and House Democrats, the likelihood of keeping power in the lower chamber of Congress was always slight. Republicans have expected to gain enough seats to retake the majority. If successful, which was not immediately clear Wednesday morning, they also have plans to neuter Bidens agenda for the next two years. Since 1906, there have been only three midterms in which the party of the president in power gained House seats: 1934, when the country was struggling with a Depression, 1998 when the U.S. was buoyed by a soaring economy, and 2002, when President George W. Bush had a sky-high approval rating amid the national feeling of unity after the September 11 attacks. Is Florida still a swing state? Govenor Ron DeSantis and Senator Marco Rubio, both Republicans, offer the latest evidence that Florida is becoming increasingly red. The two soared to early reelection victories, both winning Miami-Dade County, which Democrat Hillary Clinton carried by 29 percentage points in 2016. Ron DeSantis holds his son Mason as he celebrates winning reelection. Credit:AP Florida has been a classic battleground. It twice helped propel Barack Obama to the White House. But the state, where the number of registered Democrats exceeded Republicans in 2020, has shifted increasingly to the right. Thats thanks to GOP inroads with Hispanic voters, as well as an influx of new residents, including many retirees, drawn to its lack of an income tax as well as its sunny weather. A red wave or red ripple? Whether a red ripple will carry Republicans wont likely be known for days or weeks as states that conduct their elections largely by mail, such a California, continue counting votes. One thing is certain: Its unlikely to match 2010s tea party wave, which netted 63 seats, or the Newt Gingrich-led House takeover of 1994, which ousted 54 Democrats and flipped the chamber to GOP control for the first time since the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower. One reason that wont happen? There just arent that many competitive seats. The end result? Far less interest in compromise and more gridlock in the halls of Congress. The most expensive midterms The 2022 elections are on track to cost $US16.7 billion ($26.04 billion) at the state and federal level, making them the most expensive midterms ever, according to the nonpartisan OpenSecrets. For perspective: The contests will nearly double the cost of the 2010 midterm elections, more than double the 2014 midterms and are on pace to roughly equal the 2022 gross domestic product of Mongolia. At least $US1.1 billion given at the federal level so far this election season has come from a small coterie of donors, many of whom have favoured conservative causes. When you look at the top 25 individual donors, conservative donors heavily outweigh liberal donors by $US200 million, said Brendan Glavin, a senior data analyst for OpenSecrets. Theres a big skew. Tech billionaire Peter Thiel ($US32.6 million), shipping goods magnate Richard Uihlein ($US80.7 million), hedge fund manager Ken Griffin (68.5 million) and Timothy Mellon, an heir to a Gilded Age Fortune who gave $40 million, are among the top conservative donors. On the liberal side, hedge fund founder George Soros gave the most ($US128 million), though much of it has yet to be spent. Sam Bankman Fried, a liberal 30-year-old cryptocurrency billionaire, gave $US39.8 million. AP 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. Don't be surprised at the sight of a low-flying helicopter over downtown Buffalo on Election Day. The black Eurocopter AS355 Twin Star with blue striping is here today with the crew of a Mark Wahlberg feature film to shoot overhead scenes of downtown Buffalo, the waterfront and Skyway. "Repetitive flyover patterns at low altitude are expected," according to an email that went to law enforcement and other pertinent officials. The aircraft will be flying between 500 and 7,000 feet high and may have a large camera mount attached to it. Filming was set to start around 8 a.m. and will take place only during daylight hours. Filming under the working title of "Holiday Road," the action-comedy stars the actor and namesake of the band Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch as a father who takes his family on the run over the holidays when bad people from his past catch up to him. Michelle Monaghan co-stars in the feature made for Apple Original Films and Skydance Media. This is the only day of filming planned so far for Buffalo; casting calls for extras have gone out recently in Atlanta. Buffalo is becoming a growing presence in the film industry thanks to its unique architecture and locations, a growing base of acting and behind-the-scenes talent, and the New York State film tax credit. In 2021, a full backlot was created in South Buffalo for the "Untitled Cabrini Film." Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro shot some scenes for "Nightmare Alley" here in 2020. The blockbuster "A Quiet Place Part II" was filmed in its entirety in Western New York during the summer of 2019. Director Fred Olen Ray has made multiple Christmas TV movies here including "A Royal Christmas on Ice," currently part of the new holiday programming on Great American Family. Other locally made films are "Marshall," "The First Purge," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows" and "Cold Brook" from actor and former Cheektowaga resident William Fichtner. There's also been growth with local film studios and sound stages. Buffalo FilmWorks recently completed a fourth sound stage at its Babcock Street complex which, at 828 feet long, is reported to be one of the longest in North America. London-based Great Point Media has started work on a Niagara Street film production facility with a projected opening of 2023. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday gained a second term as he defeated challenger Nan Whaley, a Democrat who hoped to regain a seat last won by her party 16 years ago. The victory by the incumbent governor was part of a GOP sweep of statewide offices. DeWine prevailed in a surprisingly tight three-way primary in May as conservatives angered by his efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus sought to unseat him. Whaley handily defeated former Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley in her primary. This is Ohios time in history, things are coming our way," DeWine said in his victory speech. But he also said unfinished business lay ahead, from ensuring proper prenatal and post-natal care for children, making sure students graduating from high school have a clear pathway to college or other career opportunities, and removing barriers to treatment for addiction and mental illness. I will continue to push forward and to lead and to talk about the things that we have to do, DeWine said. DeWine and Whaley bonded briefly over the 2019 mass shooting that killed nine in Dayton and wounded more than two dozen. But Whaley increasingly criticized the governor for his failure to pass stronger gun laws and for his anti-abortion stance. A tough night, a disappointed Whaley acknowledged, even as she urged supporters to continue pushing for gun control, abortion rights, universal pre-K and raising the minimum wage. Tonight we can mourn this loss, but tomorrow we get back to work, Whaley said. Republican incumbents retained four other statewide seats, with Attorney General Dave Yost defeating Democrat Jeff Crossman; Auditor Keith Faber defeating Democrat Taylor Sappington; Treasurer Robert Sprague defeating Democrat Scott Schertzer; and Secretary of State Frank LaRose defeating Democrat Chelsea Clark and Independent Terpsehore Tore Maras. Races for Ohio House and Senate seats are the first test of new legislative maps drawn by the Ohio Redistricting Commission meant to reduce gerrymandering. The maps before voters were found unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court but a federal judge ordered them used for this election only. In three Ohio Supreme Court races, Republican Justices Pat DeWine and Pat Fischer retained their seats, while GOP Justice Sharon Kennedy defeated Democrat Justice Jennifer Brunner for the office of chief justice. With DeWine certain to nominate a Republican to replace Kennedy, the court will remain a 4-3 GOP majority body. Voters also approved ballot issues requiring judges to consider criminal suspects threat to public safety when setting bail amounts; and prohibiting local governments from allowing non-U.S. citizens to vote in local elections. DeWine, 75, has generally portrayed himself above the campaign fray, declining without explanation to debate Whaley. His campaign resisted attack ads against Whaley until last month, when it criticized her for supporting the American Rescue Plan Act in her role as president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The ads fail to mention that DeWine has promoted grants the state received through the pandemic relief measure. Whaley, 46, said DeWine was afraid of debate questions about his role in a $60 million bribery scheme aimed at passing legislation to prop up Ohios two nuclear power plants; the controversy over a 10-year-old Ohio girl forced to seek an abortion in Indiana after being raped; and his decision to sign a law allowing school districts to arm trained employees. DeWine has said Ohioans already know him and his positions well. Besides being one of the states most familiar politicians, DeWine also spent months at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic appearing in daily statewide broadcasts. Follow APs coverage of the elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections The Editors Guild of India PRESS STATEMENT November 8th, 2022 The Editors Guild of India takes strong exception to the arbitrary act by the Governor of Kerela, Mr. Arif Mohammad Khan, of expelling journalists of two news channels from a press conference that was organised in Kochi on November 7, 2022. Mr. Khan expelled journalists of news channels Kairali TV and MediaOne TV from the press briefing and started interacting with the media only after the representatives of the two channels had left the briefing. The Guild is deeply disturbed by this selective targeting of media channels by a person who occupies the high constitutional office, and who is supposed to be a guardian of democratic values, including freedom of press. Media has the right to be critical of those in power, and such critical coverage cannot be a reason for denying access to press meets. EGI notes with concern the increasing tendency to block the media from access to information in the public domain. The Guild underlines the need to respect press freedom and unhindered access to report on government affairs, irrespective of the editorial position of news organisations. Thanks and regards, Seema Mustafa, President Anant Nath, General Secretary Shriram Pawar, Treasurer A man was shot in the leg Monday night on Exchange Street just west of the Hamburg Street overpass, police said. Then Tuesday morning, a fire broke out in a vacant building near the shooting scene. It was not clear whether there was any connection between the two incidents. The shooting took place just after 10:30 p.m. The victim was described as a 32-year-old man. He was taken to Erie County Medical Center by ambulance where has listed in stable condition Tuesday. Then about 7:55 a.m. Tuesday, a fire broke out at 568 Exchange St. Multiple fire trucks responded to the fire at the vacant, boarded-up industrial building. Damage from the fire was estimated at $100,000. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to call or text the Buffalo police tip line at 716-847-2255. NEW YORK (AP) Michelle Gass, CEO of department store chain Kohl's, is stepping down from her role early next month and will become the president of denim giant Levi Strauss & Co. Levi's said Tuesday in a release that Gass will start on Jan. 2, and the board of directors has put in motion a succession plan for her to succeed Chip Bergh as president and CEO in the next 18 months. She is expected to join the board of directors on that date. Gass, who joined Kohl's in June 2013 as chief merchandising and customer officer, became CEO in May 2018. Bergh joined Levi Strauss's helm in September 2011, having served in top roles at Procter & Gamble during his 21-year tenure. Kohl's said in a separate release that Gass plans to step down on Dec. 2 and Tom Kingsbury, a board director, will serve as interim CEO. The moves come as Kohl's have been under pressure by activist investors to shake up management amid weak sales. Kohls announced preliminary figures for its third-quarter period. It said that same-store sales will be down 6.9%, while net sales will be down 7.2 % compared to the year-ago period. The company is expected to release its results on Nov. 17. Kohls struggled with anemic sales before the pandemic. Sales and profits rebounded in 2021, but the department store is now battling higher costs and a pullback from its price-conscious shoppers who are being more cautious with their spending in the face of rising prices for gas, food, and just about everything else. In July, Kohl's called off buyout talks with Franchise Group, t he owner of Vitamin Shoppe, citing economic conditions. In August, the Menomonee, Wisconsin, chain slashed its sales and profit expectations for the year after being forced to cut prices to shed unwanted merchandise. The department store also cut back on orders ahead of the critical holiday period. It is unsurprising that Michelle Gass is to relinquish her role as CEO," said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, in a report published on Tuesday. This will be seen as a sacrificial offering to investors, who have long pushed for widespread change in the management suite." But Saunders said that despite presiding over sales declines, Gass did improve fashion assortments and helped oversee a key partnership with Sephora, which is rolling out shops at Kohl's stores. That partnership has attracted younger shoppers who are buying other items at the store. She also oversaw the partnership with Amazon where customers can return items purchased at the online retailer at its store locations. So Saunders believes her legacy should be viewed favorably." Saunders, however, added that Kohl's needs to find a permanent replacement as quick as possible as retailers face a challenging year. Ancora owns 2.5% of outstanding shares in Kohl's and had pushed for the removal of Gass and Chairman Peter Boneparth. It said Tuesday it was pleased that Kohl's had nominated retail sector veteran Kingsbury, nominated by its shareholder group in 2021, as its interim CEO. Its other board nominee Margaret Jenkins will be part of the new committee tasked with identifying the right permanent leader for the business, Ancora said. Ancora has been a long-term shareholder of Kohls and believes that under the right leadership, the company can be a source of tremendous value for investors, customers, suppliers and employees, " said Fredrick D. DiSanto, chairman and CEO of Ancora, and James Chadwick, president of Ancora Alternatives LLC. Shares of Kohl's gained more than 8%, or $2.25, to $29.10 in morning trading, while shares of Levi's lost more than 1%, or 21 cents, to $15.13. Follow Anne DInnocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio BARCELONA, Spain (AP) Spains interior minister is coming under increased pressure to be more transparent about how Spanish security forces responded to a June storming of its border with Morocco that led to the deaths of at least 23 migrants in the North African enclave of Melilla. Spanish members of parliament across the political spectrum are pushing for the opening of a parliamentary investigation, with some calling for Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska's resignation. The actions of Spanish authorities in Melilla on June 24 have been brought back to the spotlight following a report by BBC Africa Eye, an investigative program of the British public broadcaster, that claims the lifeless bodies of migrants were dragged from the Spanish-controlled territory of Melilla to Morocco. Grande-Marlaska has also been accused of withholding evidence, namely security footage, from investigators. New video of the border clash that leaked and was published Tuesday in Spanish media showed hundreds of men storming into a border post from the Moroccan side. At some point inside the gated area between the two countries, the crowd funnels as it tries to pass through to Spanish soil, causing a stampede. Among the migrants were many refugees from Sudan, according to human rights activists and interviews in Spanish media. (Grande-)Marlaska must appear and stop denying the evidence, as he has done in the past four months, said Jon Inarritu, a hard-left lawmaker from the Basque region who visited Melilla with a parliamentary committee and had access to some of the footage previously withheld. We are now sure, with the images and evidence, that much of the events undoubtedly took place in Spanish territory," Inarritu said. Opposition politicians, including members of the conservative, far-right and Catalan separatist parties, have called for the minister to resign. Grande-Marlaska has denied the allegations, claiming that none of the deaths occurred on Spanish territory but rather on the Moroccan side and in a no man's land between the two countries. Speaking to lawmakers a month ago he described the migrant's attempts to enter Melilla as violent and said Spain's actions had been proportional. On Monday, he repeatedly stood by his previous comments. There were no dead on Spanish territory, the minister said. Isabel Rodriguez, the spokesperson for Spain's left-wing government, said the government was collaborating with Spanish prosecutors' investigation into what happened that day in June.. We have been giving explanations since the beginning, she said. Video of the aftermath on social media at the time showed scores of motionless Black men on the ground as Moroccan guards stood by them. Other videos allegedly showed Spanish officers taking migrants back to Morocco in what human rights activists and lawyers say were illegal pushbacks. Spains ombudsman found that as many as 470 migrants were forcibly returned to Morocco, including many who were injured. Human rights organizations say the official death toll of 23 is an undercount, with dozens more still missing. Follow APs coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration One day before the most consequential election in her political career, Gov. Kathy Hochul returned to her hometown Monday for a "get out the vote" rally in Statler Towers. More than 500 Democratic Party faithful packed the Statler ballroom, including some who stood on the upper deck, from which red and blue streamers and confetti were projected out of hidden cannons to the floor below at the end of the two-hour program. Before then, revelers grooved to some old school rhythm and blues pop tunes from the 1970s and '80s that eventually led to the ushering in of Hochul and a stream of locally elected Democrats who took to the stage to exhort those who had not already taken advantage of early voting to flock to the polls on Tuesday. "There's a lot of excitement around this election," said Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas. "Tomorrow, it's important to get the vote out. We don't take anything for granted." GOP, Dems rev up turnout efforts in face of close New York governor's race Suddenly, national attention is focused on New York State as Republican Lee Zeldin has ridden his anti-crime message into a race with Gov. Kathy Hochul that most polls measure as more than competitive. Rosas joined Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and others who rallied around Hochul for her first full term as governor of New York after her two prior successful campaigns as lieutenant governor. The Lackawanna native, who grew up in the shadows of steel mills of Bethlehem Steel, would, if elected, make history as the first woman to be elected governor of New York State, and the first Western New Yorker to win the seat since Grover Cleveland. Though, making history is not her primary goal, Hochul insisted. "I didn't come here to make history; I came here to make a difference," she said. Hochul's Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, was in West Seneca on Sunday to promote early voting and get his followers in Western New York enthusiastic about turning out the vote for him on Tuesday. READING, Pa. A mishap involving a truck that caught hold of some overhead wires has closed a stretch of Morgantown Road, also known as Route 10, in southwest Reading. The incident appears to have happened as the truck was pulling out of the Mimmo's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria parking lot in the 200 block of Morgantown Road. Police have blocked the road while crews go about removing the truck and repairing the downed wires. Met-Ed is not reporting any power outages in the area. BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. The Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners on Monday night voted down a zoning map change that would have allowed for a 24-hour Wawa convenience store and gas station at 4900 Freemansburg Avenue. The entire plan proposed a subdivision of an 8-acre parcel of property into four lots: the existing Sonoma Ridge Apartments lot, an approximate 2-acre parcel for Wawa, roughly an acre for a drive-thru commercial use, and around 2 acres for apartment buildings comprised of a total of 16 units. The proposed Wawa use is not permitted in existing zoning. Donald Wright, secretary of the planning commission and also a township resident, said most of the commission is in favor of the rezoning to allow the Wawa. "We do have some concerns about what may go on that site if this is rejected," Wright stated. According to Wright, the lot was previously owned by a church for development about 20 years ago when the land in question was last zoned. If it had not been for the church owning the property, Wright believes the land would already have the requested zoning. "I believe it is a good project for that site," he said. "We can control it a little better, absolutely, with what we do. Wright then requested the decision be deferred to the next meeting so the full team of commissioners could vote rather than just the three present Monday. That request was eventually denied, the commissioners went ahead with a vote. Mark Wagner, the developer proposing the zoning change and also a lifetime Bethlehem resident, said the idea of a convenience store and gas station on Freemansburg Avenue has been requested of him by township citizens for over 25 years. "There's been many more people than ever wanted a CVS, which we got approved next door about 15 years ago," Wagner said. "There were objectors at that meeting, too. Now they all shop there and enjoy the convenience afforded to them right there in their own community." Wagner announced to the board that if they deny this "de minimis" zoning change, the township would lose a triple-A corporate tenant, a tax base of over $100,000 from the Wawa alone and more than $200,000 for the entire project in real estate taxes. Ellen Navarro, a local resident, was very passionate in her plea to the board to deny the zoning change. "A Wawa in that area would be the worst thing to happen," Navarro said. "You would have kids hanging out every night. You would have people coming in and out, driving through to get their fast food or whatever." Navarro then turned to Mark Wagner and yelled, "Mr. Wagner, would you like this in your backyard?" Replying to Navarro, Wagner shouted from the crowd, "I have (Route) 33 in my backyard!" "Yeah, you have 33 in your pocket, not your backyard trust me!" Navarro said. "It's all in your pocket. You don't care about anything but the money you can make, and that's all you ever cared about!" Bethlehem Township resident for 26 years and a chemical worker for 43 years, Albert Fulcher warned the board of the dangers of putting a gas station so close to homes. "You want to put a commercial business in the middle, and even set this back closer to the houses," Fulcher stated. [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] suggests 300-500 feet, and he [Wagner] wants them even closer." Fulcher warned of chemicals that come from gas stations. Benzene, xylene and toluene are all byproducts of gasoline, he said. "Benzene has no age limit, and it doesn't care who it affects," warned Fulcher. "Children are more susceptible to it because of their smaller lungs. The slightest breeze will bring it into the house." The meeting was taken over with cheers and applause from a mostly thrilled room after the board announced their denial of the zoning changes. L. MT. BETHEL TWP., Pa. - State Police say a crash on Route 611 that killed an Emmaus woman Sunday afternoon was caused by a drunk driver from Georgia. Richard Schroeder, 53, is charged with DUI-alcohol, homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault while DUI, and associated traffic offenses, according to a news release from state police. State Police say he's responsible for causing a crash with another vehicle near the intersection of Route 611 and Berry Hollow Road. Mikaela Jones, 27, who was driving the other vehicle, was killed in the crash. Two other people in the car with her were injured, one of them seriously. Schroeder had minor injuries. He's behind bars Monday night on $500,000 bail. Northampton County would have a health center for its about 2,000 employees and their dependents under a proposal from County Executive Lamont McClure. "We could potentially save millions of dollars in money we would otherwise have to put into the (county's) healthcare trust fund," McClure said Monday. His administration has compared the center to the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. clinic that was popular with workers. It closed in 2003, two years after Steel filed for bankruptcy. Using the center would be an option for employees, not a requirement, and it would not provide all health services. If the plan goes forward, New Jersey-based Integrity Health would run the clinic, with hours of perhaps 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The annual cost would be $800,000. The cost to set up a fully equipped center is estimated at $2.5 million. The space would be leased. "It's a plan our employees are going to love," McClure said in a telephone interview, adding, "It's going to be taxpayer-friendly." McClure's 2023 budget allocates $23.6 million to health and dental care. So far, County Council's response has been guarded. Commissioner John Brown (council members are known as commissioners) has asked for specific amounts of demonstrated savings, while others have questioned why a county served by two big hospital groups - Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke's University Health Network - needs another group to come in. McClure said Monday that both health networks have contacted the county, but he said they would not provide the same "concierge-level" service Integrity Health would. "St. Lukes is open to the possibility and interested in learning more," St. Luke's University Health Network said Monday. 69 News has contacted LVHN for comment. Integrity operates similar clinics, which it calls partnership health centers, in other counties. Its Somerset County, New Jersey, center provides primary and preventire care, urgent care, X-rays and laboratory services, behavior health programs, a pharmacy, immunizations, physical therapy and chronic-disease management. Commissioners are also wary of projections of savings based on whether the idea takes off with county staff. "We have no idea of how many employees are going to use it," Ron Heckman said during a meeting last week. If not enough employees use the center, it could "go bust," he said. "I'm not quite sure what council's reticence derives from," McClure said Monday. "I know our employees will use it and love it once it's up and running." At a meeting last week, Council President Lori Vargo Heffner said the center is a "great idea," but it would require a lot of money and she asked why only Integrity Health was being considered. The proposal did not go out for a bid, county Finance Director Stephen Barron said last week, because "it's a very novel idea." Barron declined to discuss details of the space needed for the center, saying that could damage the county's position when it negotiates a lease. McClure has noted that Vargo Heffner is an employee of St. Luke's. The council president said she does not have a conflict of interest and has no personal stake in who operates the health center, if there is to be one. "I have my opinions based on my position as a council person who was elected to do checks and balances on this government, not as an employee of St. Luke's," she said. ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Thousands of people in Allentown have power back after losing it for hours earlier Monday. It caused a lot of problems in the city, including forcing schools to dismiss early. "It was just like everything flickering on and off," said Laury Gonzalez of Allentown. Gonzalez said she was inside her Allentown home when she heard sirens. She was among the 30,000 customers in the city who lost power, according to PPL. "We were just waiting for everything to kind of turn back on," said Gonzalez. The outage prompted an early dismissal in the Allentown School District and caused traffic lights to go out. According to the fire department, multiple calls came in for automatic alarms going off and elevator rescues. Several people spent the remainder of the day taking in the warm weather at Cedar Beach Park, like Elise Gale and her son. "There was like three or four lights on Hamilton Street that were out, so it was super confusing," said Gale. PPL Regional Affairs Director Jane George said a fire in a piece of electrical equipment was caused by animal contact. She tells us because of that, they had to de-energize a downtown Allentown substation. "We chose to do this for the safety of our crews and for first responders," said George. According to George, crews restored power by 10:30 a.m. "Throughout the entire duration of this incident, we partnered with the City of Allentown to make sure that together we were able to provide timely and real time information through the use of the city's communication channels about the situation," said George. PPL tells us no injuries were reported as a result of this. Available for Roku, Fire TV, AppleTV WFMZ+ STREAMING NEW WAY TO WATCH! Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. HOUSTON (AP) An appeals court on Monday ordered the release of the leaders of a Texas-based group that promotes election conspiracy theories after they had been jailed last week for not complying with a court order to provide information in a defamation lawsuit over some of their claims. Catherine Engelbrecht and Gregg Phillips, who run True the Vote, had been detained since Oct. 31 after being held in contempt by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt in Houston. Engelbrecht, Phillips and their nonprofit organization are being sued by Michigan-based election software provider Konnech Inc. over True the Votes claims of a Chinese-related conspiracy involving U.S. poll workers information. The lawsuit alleges Houston-based True the Votes leaders illegally downloaded from Konnechs server the personal data of 1.8 million U.S. poll workers. They were jailed by Hoyt after declining to reveal the names of everyone who helped them access the data. In a one-page ruling, the 5th U.S. Circuit of Appeals granted a request by lawyers for Engelbrecht and Phillips to free them while they appeal Hoyts order to detain them. It was not immediately known when Engelbrecht and Phillips would be released. Michael Wynne, an attorney for the two, did not immediately return an email seeking comment. Konnech, which provides election software used to recruit and train poll workers, has been accused on social media by Engelbrecht and Phillips of storing the personal information of U.S. election workers in an unsecured server in China. Konnech says all of its U.S. customer data is secured and stored on protected computers within the United States. Engelbrecht and Phillips have pointed out that Los Angeles County prosecutors recently charged Konnechs CEO and founder, Eugene Yu, 65, with grand theft by embezzlement and conspiracy to commit a crime. Prosecutors allege Konnech violated its contract with Los Angeles County by sending election workers information to a China-based subcontractor who helped fix Konnech software. Gary S. Lincenberg, one of Yus attorneys, has denied the allegations. Cellphone data analysis done by True the Vote was used by conservative filmmaker Dinesh DSouza in his film 2000 Mules to try to show that Democratic operatives were paid to illegally collect and drop off ballots in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Independent fact-checkers, including at The Associated Press, found that True the Vote did not prove its claims. Election security experts say it is based on faulty assumptions, anonymous accounts and improper analysis of cellphone location data. Georgia election officials also have said the claims are false. Follow Juan A. Lozano on Twitter: https://twitter.com/juanlozano70 POTTSTOWN, Pa. A Pennsylvania lawmaker is now preparing to move from one chamber to the other. The Associated Press on Thursday declared Republican state Rep. Tracy Pennycuick the winner of the state Senate's 24th District, which comprises parts of Berks and Montgomery counties. Pennycuick will replace fellow Republican Bob Mensch, who has represented the district since 2009. He announced in October 2021 that he would be retiring at the end of his current term, saying he wants to take some time for himself, his family, and his friends. Pennycuick, who has represented Montgomery County's 147th District in the state House of Representatives since January 2021, won the Senate seat with 52% of the vote over Democrat Jill Dennin. Pennycuick is a U.S. Army combat veteran who served 26 years of active and reserve duty. She and her husband live in Lower Salford Township. They have four children and two grandchildren. Dennin is a New York native who has lived with her husband in Gilbertsville since 1989. They have four adult sons. Dennin has a degree in political science and public policy, and after graduating from college, she worked in state and federal relations in Washington, D.C. She also served on the Boyertown Area School Board. The 24th District was redrawn after the 2020 census to take in more of Berks and Montgomery counties and none of Bucks County. It includes the Berks boroughs of Bally, Bechtelsville, Boyertown, and Topton, as well as many of the surrounding townships. In Montgomery County, the district includes Collegeville, East Greenville, Green Lane, North Wales, Pennsburg, Pottstown, Red Hill, Schwenksville, and Trappe. WASHINGTON, D.C. - In addition to Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate seat, many voters in our area will also be choosing their U.S. representatives. Incumbent Democrat Susan Wild is trying to fight off Republican challenger Lisa Scheller. Wild is seeking a third term in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. She beat Scheller back in 2020, but the candidates were neck-and-neck in recent polling. Voters in Berks and Montgomery County will weigh in on the state's 4th District representative. Madeleine Dean is another Democratic incumbent seeking a shot at her third term. Republican challenger Christian Nascimento is a business executive who served on the Methacton School Board. Voters up in Carbon County have a decision to make on a special ballot question. A referendum called Carbon County Water, Farms and Land asks whether voters approve of the county borrowing up to $10 million over the next 20 years. The money would be used to better fund farmland, wildlife habitat and open space preservation, especially near rivers, lakes and streams. Few Republican leaders over the past two decades have reflected the kind of optimism about a statewide election as Michael A. Kracker on Monday. Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin, the new Erie County GOP chairman said, shows real strength in Western New York that could yield surprises if the party can turn out its voters in the closer than expected contest against incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul. 2022 Election coverage: Your guide to the races affecting WNY Check below to read all of The Buffalo News' coverage on the bevy of local, state and national races affecting Western New York. "I believe the possibility of delivering Erie County is strong," Kracker said. "I think it could happen." And should Zeldin triumph or maybe even come close in overwhelmingly Democratic Erie County it could point to success for the Suffolk County congressman in other Democratic strongholds across the state. It all fuels speculation about the contest for governor of New York that has seen no Republican come even close since the party's last success by George E. Pataki in 2002. But Kracker's Democratic counterpart, Jeremy J. Zellner, discounts that kind of talk in a county boasting about 132,000 more Democrats than Republicans as well as a state with 3.5 million more Democrats. It's Election Day. Here are five things to know The 2022 election wraps up Tuesday with intensely fought races up and down the ballot here and across the country. Here are five things to know as this years general election comes to an end. "I don't think he's going to win Erie County," Zellner said. "Kathy Hochul is going to win in her home county." Still, he noted advantages scored by an independent committee headed by cosmetics heir Ronald S. Lauder that has pumped $11 million into ads touting Zeldin that Zellner said "manipulate the truth." "Tens of millions of dollars will take its toll," he said. "But we will take this county for the governor." Suddenly, national attention is focused on New York State as Zeldin has ridden his anti-crime message into a race that most polls measure as more than competitive. Now, both parties are rushing into emergency mode to accomplish the most basic need of any election getting out the vote. Zellner said his Erie County Democrats have never been more united toward the single purpose of electing Hochul the Hamburg native and first Buffalonian to serve as governor in 140 years. He noted Hochul was slated to preside over an Election Eve rally at the Statler on Monday night, following downstate appearances over the past few days with President Biden, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. All have seized on new efforts by the governor to highlight her own crime-fighting programs especially against illegal guns and to link Zeldin to unpopular-in-New York former President Donald Trump. Voters cast their last early ballots as candidates search for votes on Tuesday 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. "All our Democratic stars are letting Democrats know this is one that they can't sit out," he said. Biden, appearing with Hochul in Manhattan on Sunday, emphasized the governor's efforts in fighting crime, as well as the proliferation of guns, dwelling for several minutes on the May 14 racist killings in Buffalo. "In May, Gov. Hochul and I were together in Buffalo," Biden told the crowd. "We met with the families. Spent four hours. And you you could feel the anger and disgust. It would have been easy to feel helpless, but Gov. Hochul decided to do something about it. Less than a month after the shooting, the governor signed a package of bills strengthening New York's gun laws." Zellner said unions and party workers spent the weekend making phone calls, ringing doorbells and working social media to remind Democrats of their need to vote on Tuesday if they have not participated in the early balloting process. Kracker noted that Zeldin attracted about 400 people to a Sunday rally in West Seneca before the candidate crossed the state for similar events, ending up at his midtown Manhattan headquarters, where he will receive election returns Tuesday night. Hochul is slated to set up her headquarters on the Bowery in downtown Manhattan. Analysis: The end of an unforgettable campaign Rep. Lee Zeldins campaign for governor puts our state into Republican play for the first time in memory, and a mesmerized electorate now looks forward to the results on Tuesday Election Day. "There was a real energy in that crowd in West Seneca," Kracker said, "compared to what we see the Hochul campaign doing. The energy is something I have never seen." Kracker noted the Republican hope that Erie County will identify itself in the vote as "conservative," especially in enclaves such as Cheektowaga, West Seneca, South Buffalo and the governor's home town of Hamburg. Still, some experts question whether the state's Democratic and Republican organizations are up to the task of marshalling their forces to get out the vote. Richie Fife, a veteran New York City political consultant, said neither party has had much experience in a competitive statewide race since 2002. "The problem Democrats have is that the party gears itself toward primary challenges, and not general elections," he said. "That's where the party puts its muscle." Party organizations in swing states such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are used to turning out the vote in general elections over the past five to 10 cycles. New York, he said, is not "Those parties have a good 'muscle memory,' " he said. Fife noted this year's results will determine whether Zeldin made inroads with various ethnic communities throughout New York City, while Hochul will hope for a strong turnout among Black Democrats. Others are cautioning that a close vote may bring a lack of instant results when the polls close at 9 p.m. Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause NY, noted the plethora of "checks and double checks" required of elections officials to tabulate machine votes, as well as outstanding votes such as those from absentees and the military. "Following the appropriate procedures takes time to make sure votes are counted," she said. "If the boards do their job correctly, it's going to take time, and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's a good thing." LEBANON, Pa. It appears Republican Chris Gebhard will hold on to his seat in Pennsylvania's 48th District, and if he does, he'll join Berks County's state legislative delegation for the first time. The district was redrawn since the last election. Dauphin and York counties are out; Berks and Lancaster counties are back in. All of Lebanon County remains, as it has for the past 40 years. Early Wednesday morning, Gebhard had 69% of the vote over Democrat Calvin Clements, with all 114 of the district's precincts having been counted. Mail-in ballots may not yet be fully tabulated. While he is the 48th District incumbent, Gebhard is still relatively new to the state Legislature. He won a special election in May 2021, after the death of Dave Arnold. Gebhard is a lifelong resident of Lebanon County who lives with his wife and two sons in North Cornwall Township. He owns an insurance and risk management firm. Clements is a retired veterinarian. He and his wife of 48 years live on a farm in South Londonderry Township, where he tends a beef herd and horses. The father of three and grandfather of five continues to provide veterinary medical care on a voluntary basis. The 48th District, which included part of Berks County for more than three decades and was long represented by former Senate Majority Leader David "Chip" Brightbill, was redrawn after the 2020 census. The district, which has a population of 269,151, will include the Berks boroughs of Bernville, Centerport, Hamburg, Leesport, Lenhartsville, Robesonia, Shoemakersville, Wernersville, and Womelsdorf and several of their surrounding townships. Most of those municipalities are currently part of the Senate's 29th District, which is represented by David Argall. The redrawn map takes Berks County out of that district and adds all of Carbon County and part of Luzerne County. While Argall is not up for re-election this year, the map's change will bring an end to his 37 years of representing Berks County in Harrisburg, first as a state representative and then as a state senator. Even with the county's loss of the 29th District, the number of senators who will be representing Berks in Harrisburg will still increase from four to five, with the addition of the 48th and 13th districts. L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. - Voters are turning out across the area in steady numbers Tuesday. Although neither Lehigh nor Northampton County had an estimate of in-person turnout, both said the flow has been consistent. In Berks County, we're told turnout has been "brisk." As for mail-in ballots, Northampton says it had 36,000 returned as of Tuesday afternoon. Lehigh County says around 23,000 mail-ins have been returned from Democrats, and a little more than 7,000 from Republicans. Voters of both parties were out Tuesday in Lower Macungie Township. "One of the things I love about Pennsylvania is that, besides a sign that says pursue your happiness, is that everyone really does what they think is best for their family and for the community," said Anize Appel, of Lower Macungie Township. "I think it's more important this time around. I think with everything going on, like it's more important that everyone get out and get their voice heard," said Tim Kelly, also of Lower Macungie Township. Berks, Lehigh, and Northampton counties all told 69 News that things are running smoothly, so far. But in Luzerne County, polling places are being told to stay open until 10 p.m. because of a paper shortage impacting ballots. Aside from Senate and Governor races, Democratic incumbent Congresswoman Susan Wild is facing off - again - against Republican challenger Lisa Scheller in the 7th District. In the state Senate 25 seats are up for grabs. Democrat Mark Pinsley and Republican Jarrett Coleman are running to replace state Sen. Pat Browne in the 16th District. Democrat Nick Miller is facing off against Republican Dean Browning in the race for the 14th state Senate District. Incumbent Senator Lisa Boscola is facing off against Republican John Merhottein for the 18th District. All 203 state House seats are up for election as well. Election legal challenges were playing out Tuesday as voters cast ballots across the country in the midterm elections. And more bruising court fights are expected in the coming days that could draw out how long it takes for votes to be counted in some races. More than 100 lawsuits were filed before Tuesday's elections, targeting rules for things like mail-in voting, voting machines and access for partisan poll watchers. And observers are bracing for a deluge of challenges after polls close as some Republican candidates have already said they will not accept a loss or have planted doubt on the election process despite no evidence of fraud. The avalanche of election cases follows Republican Donald Trump's failed effort to get courts to overturn his loss to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. Trump and his Republican allies brought roughly 60 lawsuits challenging the election that were roundly rejected by judges appointed to the bench by presidents of both political parties. Here's a look at at the legal challenges playing out in some states: TEXAS A federal judge in Texas has barred election volunteers and workers at a polling location in a predominantly Black neighborhood from asking voters to publicly recite their address before allowing them to cast a ballot in the midterm elections. The Monday night order came after the Beaumont chapter of the NAACP and voter Jessica Daye sued, alleging that Black voters were harassed and intimidated during early voting at the John Paul Davis Community Center polling location, where 90% of voters are Black. U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale also barred workers and volunteers from shadowing voters as they cast ballots. The complaint also alleged that poll workers, who are partisans brought on by political parties, helped white voters insert or scan ballots into voting machines but not Black voters, and the judge's order barred that activity as well. Beaumont is a city of about 112,000 people near the Louisiana border thats about 80 miles (125 kilometers) east of Houston. In 2020, Jefferson County where Beaumont is the county seat voters narrowly backed Donald Trump, with 50.2% favoring the former president and 48.6% backing Joe Biden. PENNSYLVANIA Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fettermans campaign went to court late Monday in a bid to have mail-in ballots that lack accurate handwritten dates on the exterior envelopes counted. Fetterman's legal action followed a state Supreme Court ruling that said the ballots could not be counted and another over the weekend clarifying what constituted an incorrect date. Fetterman's campaign in partnership with national congressional and senatorial Democratic campaign organizations and two voters sued county boards of election across the state, arguing that throwing out ballots that lack proper envelope dates would violate a provision in the 1964 U.S. Civil Rights Act that says people cant be kept from voting based on what the lawsuit calls needless technical requirements. In Philadelphia, voters who had missing or incorrect dates on their mail-in ballots were being allowed to file replacement ballots at City Hall or vote provisionally at their regular precincts Tuesday. Its unclear how many ballots would be affected by the decision across the state, but thousands were flagged by election officials in Philadelphia and Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh.. The number of mail-in ballots is large enough that they might matter in a close race, such as the U.S. Senate contest between Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz. The Philadelphia City Commissioners also voted in an emergency meeting early Tuesday to reinstate a process to reconcile the poll books while the count is happening, rather than waiting until after the count. The procedure has been used to weed out possible double votes in the past, but has not found any issues during the past three elections and is slower than reconciling after the count. The final ballots are likely to be counted Friday. The vote came after a judge issued an order denying Republicans request for an injunction that would have forced the city to reinstate the process. But the judges opinion, which had admonished the citys decision to remove the process, raised concerns for commissioners. Associated Press reporter Claudia Lauer contributed to this report. Follow APs coverage of the elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections. And check out https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections to learn more about the issues and factors at play in the 2022 midterm elections. ATLANTA (AP) Fans of the slain rapper Takeoff, a member of the hip-hop trio Migos who was shot and killed a week ago, will gather Friday to celebrate the 28-year-old's life and musical contributions. Born Kirsnick Khari Ball, Takeoff was killed Nov. 1 in a shooting outside a Houston bowling alley. A woman and another man were also wounded during the shooting. No arrests have been made. A celebration will be held at noon Friday in Atlanta's State Farm Arena, according to a news release from Quality Control Music and Motown Records. Free tickets will be available to Georgia residents through Ticketmaster. Takeoff was one of the most influential names in modern music whose creativity left a profound impact on music and culture as we know it today, read the release. Instead of flowers or gifts, the family is asking that people make donations to The Rocket Foundation, which aims to support programs using community-based solutions to stop gun violence, according to its website. The website says the foundation was established in honor of Takeoff. The 28-year-old Takeoff formed one-third of the Grammy Award-nominated trio Migos along with his uncle Quavo and cousin Offset from suburban Atlanta. Migos broke out nearly a decade ago with the 2013 hit Versace, which hit even greater heights in popularity though a Drake remix. Takeoff was the youngest of the Migos trio and often considered to be its most laidback member. Despite being more reserved, he did a lot of his talking through his rhymes. He had hoped to gain more respect for his lyrical ability through Only Built for Infinity Links, an album he released with Quavo just last month. College these days is more expensive than ever. But a program at Moravian University helps take the sting out of the amount students have to come up with. WFMZ's Jaciel Cordoba spoke with an admissions officer about the school's ELEVATE experience. For more information, an open house will be held November 12, at the Moravian University Admissions Office. The 2022 election wraps up Tuesday with intensely fought races up and down the ballot here and across the country. Nationally, control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are at stake in this midterm election. In New York, all eyes are on the closer-than-expected contest between Gov. Kathy Hochul, the Buffalo Democrat, and Rep. Lee Zeldin, her Republican challenger from Long Island. Here are five things to know as this years general election comes to an end. 1. Early ballots show high local interest in the election. In Erie County, 70,077 people cast ballots during early voting. Sunday, the final day of early voting, had the highest turnout of the nine-day period, said GOP Elections Commissioner Ralph Mohr. This was far higher than 2021, when the races for Buffalo mayor and Erie County sheriff drew the most interest and 39,884 people voted early. But it was vastly lower than the 167,938 who early voted in the county in 2020, a presidential election held at the height of the pandemic. People are very interested in this years midterm elections, Mohr said, noting the presence of a gubernatorial candidate from Buffalo on the ballot, Zeldins recent surge in the campaign and the national political discussion. GOP, Dems rev up turnout efforts in face of close New York governor's race Suddenly, national attention is focused on New York State as Republican Lee Zeldin has ridden his anti-crime message into a race with Gov. Kathy Hochul that most polls measure as more than competitive. Between absentee ballots returned and early votes cast, about 26% of the people who voted in total in the 2018 midterm election already have voted in 2022, he said. Looking at absentee ballots alone, 26,594 absentee ballots were requested in 2022 so far, almost identical to the number requested in 2018, Mohr said, but the returns are higher this year. In Chautauqua County, 7,064 people voted early this year, less than half the 14,279 who voted early in 2020, according to that countys Board of Elections. In addition to the presidential race, voters in 2020 were afraid Covid-19 could disrupt Election Day voting, Republican Elections Commissioner Brian Abram said, so they came out early. 2. Hochul holds onto narrowed lead over Zeldin. Hochul was expected to cruise to victory in deep-blue New York, which hasnt elected a Republican governor since George Pataki in 2002. But shes running in a year that favors Republicans overall, she was little known outside her native Buffalo until last year and Zeldins messaging on the economy and crime has proven effective. Hochul, who would be the first woman elected New York governor, as of Monday had an average lead of 7.8% over Zeldin in FiveThirtyEights analysis of the latest polls in the race. She is at 51.7% to 43.9% for Zeldin. Thats a slight improvement for the incumbent from one week earlier, when FiveThirtyEight had the race at 50% to 43.2% in Hochuls favor. But the race has tightened considerably from the summer. Hochul had a lead of 16.4% 51.5% to 35.1% as of Sept. 7, before Zeldin began to rack up support from previously undecided voters. 3. There are a few interesting, under-the-radar races. First, the Erie County clerks race pits incumbent Mickey Kearns against challenger Melissa Hartman in an intriguing case of bipartisan party politics. Erie County clerk's race marks biggest challenge yet for incumbent as Eden Supervisor Hartman challenges Kearns This year's clerk's race may represent the biggest test incumbent Michael "Mickey" Kearns has faced in his seat for the office since first taking over the position in 2017. Hartman, the Eden town supervisor, is a Republican-turned-Democrat endorsed by Erie County Democrats. Kearns is a registered Democrat who has fallen out from that party and is running with the backing of county Republicans. Second, the eight counties of Western New York are divided among three congressional districts under the final, court-approved redistricting plan. Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins, running for re-election against Republican Steve Sams in the 26th district that covers northwestern Erie and western Niagara counties, is well known here. So is state GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy, running against Democrat Max Della Pia in the 23rd district that crosses the Southern Tier and includes part of Erie County along with Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. But Rep. Claudia Tenney isnt as well known. The Republican is running against Democrat Steven Holden in the redrawn 24th district that includes Wyoming and Genesee counties and portions of Orleans and Niagara counties. Tenney currently represents the 22nd district rooted in Central New York. However, any lack of name recognition she faces is outweighed by the district's deep red makeup. For example, President Trump received 59% of the vote in the 2020 presidential election in the territory covered by the new 24th district. Third, the Marilla town justice race features a recently appointed incumbent who carries all four major party lines and a challenger who formed his own ballot line. Taylor A. Erhardt was appointed by the Marilla Town Board in February to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Town Justice David Wyzykowski. Erhardt has the endorsement of the Republican, Democratic, Conservative and Working Families parties for the general election. Marilla Supervisor Earl Skip Gingerich Jr. had backed another applicant, Howard S. Lobaugh Jr., for the appointment. Lobaugh, a former Wales town justice who moved to Marilla, tried to run in the Republican primary this year but the Erie County Board of Elections ruled his petition invalid, Mohr said. He successfully filed an independent nominating petition to get on the ballot on the Marilla Patriot Party line. 4. What a difference four years make. The last midterm elections, in 2018, saw Democrat Andrew Cuomo cruise to his third term as governor over Republican Marc Molinaro in a race that had little suspense. Cuomo won by nearly 60% to 36% for Molinaro, then the Dutchess County executive, in the blue-wave election. Analysis: The end of an unforgettable campaign Rep. Lee Zeldins campaign for governor puts our state into Republican play for the first time in memory, and a mesmerized electorate now looks forward to the results on Tuesday Election Day. Locally, Rep. Chris Collins, the Clarence Republican and a prominent supporter of President Trump, won by 1% over Nate McMurray, then the Democratic Grand Island supervisor. Collins had been indicted on federal charges related to insider trading but still won re-election in the solidly Republican district. He vowed to stay in office while he fought the charges but in 2019 abruptly announced he would plead guilty to felony charges in the case and resign from the House. Two years later, Cuomo would resign the governorship in the face of sexual harassment allegations, making way for his lieutenant governor, Hochul, to assume the post. 5. Local races in Niagara County dont offer a lot of choice. There are eight county, city and town races on the ballot Tuesday in Niagara County and just two of them are contested. For county coroner, Republican incumbent Gary D. Strassburg is running against Democrat Justin A. Dritschel, and in Pendleton, Republican Scott Lombardo, appointed to the Town Board earlier this year to fill a vacancy, is facing a challenge from Democrat Margaret Topor. In the other six races county treasurer, North Tonawanda city attorney, Pendleton justice, Somerset justice, Wheatfield justice and Wilson town highway superintendent there is one candidate named on the ballot and voters only other choice is to write in someone else. 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 The Buffalo News recently reported that the Diocese of Buffalo had reached a deal on the 2020 lawsuit filed by the State Attorney General. This deal is unfair to the victims of clergy sexual abuse and will have a long-term adverse impact on the Catholic community. First, Bishop Fisher should have made certain that the Diocese accepted responsibility for its role in the clergy sex abuse scandal in the agreement. It would have been a humble and merciful gesture not only towards the victims of sexual abuse, but also the Catholic lay community which has suffered during this on-going saga. Being clever and not accepting responsibility is a callous gesture by Fisher that further scars this faith community. Bishop Fishers hollow statement that this deal protects the vulnerable from further abuse was complete nonsense. He cannot predict the future conduct of his priests. Second, I am aware of no other religious organization that has decided to hire a former prosecutor, a retired probation officer and an FBI agent to monitor the clergy. A church anti-sex abuse unit is not a solution, because policing the clergy does not address the underlying institutional problems that led to rampant sexual abuse. Instead, these new arrangements represent a yearly cost to parishioners while failing to ensure that clergy of good character lead their churches. Once again, Bishop Fisher, who signed off on this 94-page deal, failed to prioritize church ministry and imitating Jesus. Mike Taheri Williamsville On the night of Oct. 6, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a gay 21-year-old college student was robbed, pistol whipped, tortured, and tied to a barbed wire fence outside Laramie, Wyoming. He was left to die. He was discovered 18 hours later by a passing cyclist thinking he was a scarecrow. Shepard was in a coma and covered in blood. He was sent to the hospital as candlelight vigils lit up coast to coast across America as the national media took note of crimes directed at individuals on the basis of their sexual orientations or gender identities. Shepard died six days later. Sauk Prairie High School will perform The Laramie Project this weekend. The show deals with events in and around Laramie from just before the Shepard murder until just after the sentencing of his murderers. Shows are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11-12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. All shows will be at the River Arts Center Theater. Tickets are $10. I would like it to bring hope, said Eric Brehm, the director of the show. The North Freedom resident is in his second year with the Sauk Prairie School District, employed as an alternative education teacher, a summer school teacher, and a drama director. I would like to bring confidence to LGBTQ students, and a feeling that its OK to be who they are. The play is difficult on a myriad of fronts. The subject matter is dark. The language is course. The play is technically challenging to mount. The play has more than 70 speaking parts. The Sauk Prairie High School version features a cast of 31, including 24 students and 7 members of the Sauk Prairie School Districts staff and administration. I hope it reinforces issues of compassion and acceptance, Brehm said. The world still concentrates an awful lot on those viewed as other. He hopes the play, in its own small way, will help people realize that the other, which in this case of our show is tied to issues of sexual orientation, but has lessons that could easily apply to race, religion, gender, or even things like political party isnt all that different from ourselves. Much has changed in regard to acceptance since Shepards death. Much has stayed the same. Nationally, the vast majority of LGBTQ students who attended in person school in the 2020-21 academic school year experienced some form of harassment or assault. This, according to the most recent National School Climate Survey, conducted by GLSEN, a national organization working to promote safe schools. More than 75% of LGBTQ respondents said they were called names or threatened. Almost a third of respondents were shoved, punched, kicked, or assaulted with a weapon because of their sexual orientation or gender identity; 58% of LGBTQ students heard adults in schools make homophobic remarks; 72% said they heard staff say negative things about gender expression. The Trevor Projects 2022 National Survey of LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found many areas lacking in regard to the care of LGBTQ youth: 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide and 60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care were unable to obtain it. Conversely, LGBTQ youth who found school affirming had lower rates of suicide. Similarly, LGBTQ youth who lived in affirming communities also had lower rates of suicide. While I believe that we have made serious strides towards equality, there is always room for improvement, stated Kurt Rossbach, a Sauk Prairie High School art teacher who also advises the Sauk Prairie High School Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA). I have seen some amazing transitions within the community, he said during his time as the GSA advisor. I see the rainbow flag flying on many houses. Sauk Prairie High School has had a GSA the last 10 years under Rossbachs leadership. The past 10 years have been wonderful. We have been a significant voice in our community at the high school and took part with the district with our gender-free bathrooms. Rossbach has been able to add 7th and 8th grade GSAs at the middle school. This year they added 6th grade. Other school districts in the area have similar GSAs. Reedsburg Area High Schools GSA club has the goal, according to their website, to embrace diversity in differences between students and provide a safe space for students who do and do not identify various sexualities, gender identities, and discuss current LGBTQ+ issues. The GSA at Baraboo High School started during the 2007-2008 school year, founded by a group of students. Portage High Schools GSA was founded in 2011-2012. Their membership has risen from six students to around 40 today. Its advisor is Portage High School English teacher Bridget Joers. As the only out and queer staff member at the high school (and probably the district), I felt that I could be a good resource for students, the 24-year-old stated, now in her second year of teaching at the school. The high school is making small steps to becoming more inclusive and accepting, she said. The steps they are taking usually come from suggestions from the GSA club or other students and/or teachers. The clubs mission statement reads: We believe that schools can be truly safe only when every student is assured of access to an education without fear of harassment or violence. Matthew Shepard was harassed. Violence ended his life. The best thing anyone can do to help and support LGBTQ youth is simply to listen to them, Joers stated. Kids dont only want to feel accepted by their community, but they want to feel like they are a part of the community. The Laramie Project, Brehm, the director of the show said, ultimately, is about how to find compassion, and thats a quality all people could benefit from having and improving. The Manufacturing Business Alliance of the Dodge County Region, which brings manufacturers together to educate young people about the careers they offer, is in its 10th year and others are now taking notice. Were getting businesses from Jefferson County, Columbia County, Green Lake County, Dodge County Community Development Administrator Nate Olson said. Surrounding counties are coming here, school districts and employees, to participate with the MBA because of how successful it is and that it is a model that does work. Pam Korth, human resource manager for Apache, said the MBA was created in August of 2012 when a group of manufacturers and educators got together to talk about the issues local manufacturers had at the time getting individuals to understand that manufacturing jobs led to careers. Out of that brainstorming session, we decided to create a Manufacturing Business Alliance where local manufacturers got together with educators and told our story, Korth said. At the time, manufacturers were swapping people and were not increasing the pipeline, Korth said. People were leaving Dodge County because they did not see the opportunities in their own backyard for not only skilled trades but engineering and office positions. Our goal with the Manufacturing Business Alliance first and foremost was education, Korth said. Manufacturing is a great career opportunity. Beaver Dam High School instructor Joe Kutzler said that when the Manufacturing Business Alliance started in 2012, one big aspect was finding a bridge between what the students learn in the classroom to how they will use those skills in their future careers. Over the last 10 years, we have seen a growth in our youth apprenticeship programs, and we have seen some of our job shadowing grow, Kutzler said. We arent just talking manufacturing either. Everything from marketing to health care and all that stuff. Kutzler said it has given him the ability to contact the businesses, so the students can hear real life experiences from individuals who have jobs they may have in the future. In the past 10 years, we have rotated most of the schools in our area around all our area businesses throughout the county, Kutzler said. The experiences have led to students learning more about area workplaces where they may apply at businesses that they wouldnt have before or may have an interest in a different career because of what they saw inside in an area business. The opportunity for these kids is growing because they are seeing more of this stuff, Kutzler said. We are getting more industry in our classes. The toughest part over the last 10 years for the MBA dealing with schools is COVID. COVID-19 did cause some partnerships to end, but there has also been a lot of support with area manufacturers providing supplies for the classes in the school, Kutzler said. Ru-Mar Manufacturing in Mayville and the Jor-Mac Company in Lomira have provided sheet metal for the high school program, Kutzler said. Metal has gone up over four-fold for me and without their help we wouldnt be doing any of this, Kutzler said. Wed be in the classroom learning out of books. Without those two donating, I am not sure we could do 30% of what we normally do in our classes, Kutzler said. Korth said manufacturers had the goal of telling their story and focused initially on high school students but it also went on to people who were unemployed, technical colleges, and middle and elementary schools. Initially there were about six companies involved. The first year, Korth said that they started during manufacturing month in October and students from Beaver Dam High School, Columbus High School, Dodgeland High School and Waupun High School toured Apache, Kirsch Foundry and Breuer Metals. That grew to 14 manufacturers and six high schools, and that grew even more through the years, Korth said. It is growing. COVID put a little bit of a pause on some of the things we did. Beaver Dam Chamber Executive Director Tracy Propst said during the darkest days of COVID that MBA had to take a hiatus because workforces were tight and there were other issues that took the focus away from MBA. It allowed us to step back and reinvent ourselves, Propst said. We found that if we are going to reach this next generation that we will need some digital assets with showcasing these great manufacturing plants. The Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce assisted in helping to form the mission statement and the non-profit status and has been an advocate for manufacturing. Korth said there was a calendar of events with tours, awards and special presenters who talked about things employment, manufacturing, transportation and child care. Things relevant to manufacturing and the communities we live in, Korth said. We have also invited guidance counselors into our facilities, so they can tell our story on our behalf. The goal is to get these young individuals interested in manufacturing. I think we have done a good job of that, but there is always room for improvement. Korth said that they believe in Dodge County and want others to know that manufacturing isnt going to go anywhere. We pay well, we have great benefits, Korth said. You get to use your brain. There is a lot of interaction, communication and that upper mobility. Most of the manufacturers from the area promote from within. Korth said all the activities have helped throughout the years. When you have a student who works at a grocery store and sees one of our employees with an Apache-logoed coat on saying, Hey, I toured your facility and you are a company I really want to work at, Korth said, that is a win for us. Or a business who has a candidate apply and we dont have an opening, we have that connection now where I can say or another employer can say, You should check out XYZ company because they are a great employer and they have these opportunities. 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. 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 is doing. They've never called us. They've never questioned what we're doing," Langlade County GOP Chairman Terry Brand said in a phone interview. Everything were doing is absolutely legal. Election Day is Tuesday in Steen's 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 Steen's efforts. 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 WisconsinRightNow's 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 Steen's 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. Global recognition for research and innovation in pharmaceutical sciences Wits Professor of Pharmacy, Yahya Choonara, is the 2022 FIP Distinguished Pharmaceutical Science Award winner. The Bureau of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), which represents over four million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists around the world, bestowed the award at the 80th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Seville, Spain. The international accolade recognises Professor Yahya Choonaras research and contribution to pharmaceutical sciences globally. As an advocate of pharmaceutical innovation, his work is at the forefront of producing advanced life-saving 21st century medicines for infectious, hereditary, and lifestyle diseases. Choonara leads the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP) Research Unit. A Wits University flagship unit, the WADPP is Africas first, largest and only entity contributing to the design of novel targeted drug delivery systems, nano-medicine, functional biomaterials, and regenerative medicines. Drug delivery systems refer to technologies that carry drugs into or throughout the body. These technologies include the method of delivery, such as a pill that you swallow or a vaccine that is injected. It is the method or process of administering a pharmaceutical compound to achieve a therapeutic effect in humans. Choonara is a Personal Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the National Research Foundation Chair in Pharmaceutical Biomaterials and Polymer-Engineered Drug Delivery Technologies. He holds the largest pharmaceutical product patent portfolio (43) aimed at providing patient-centric drug therapies for unmet therapeutic needs. His inventions include a WaferMat (the worlds fastest dissolving matrix), a VagiTab, Nanomedicine and BioInspired NeuroTherapeutics. He is also the first South African pharmaceutical scientist and pharmacist to receive both the FIP Award and South Africa's Department of Science and Innovation Top Intellectual Property Creator Award, one of the countrys highest awards for distinguished contributions to innovation. Choonara is passionate about developing the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists for South Africa and Africa. He has graduated more than 110 postgraduates and mentored more than 18 postdoctoral fellows from nine countries. He currently mentors several emerging pharmaceutical scientists at various academic institutions in Africa who are pursuing a career in pharmaceutical product development (including nanomedicine). In this regard, he was invited to co-author two UNESCO UniTWIN inaugural reports, titled A Needs-Based Pharmaceutical Sciences Education in Africa and Addressing Equitable, Inclusive and Quality Pharmaceutical Science Education. Second World War Indigenous veterans Robert 'Bobby' Douglas, left, and Augustin Beaulieu. Their gravesites were recently marked with military headstones. (CBC News - image credit) A grey headstone stands out in the freshly fallen snow at Lakeview Cemetery in Yellowknife. It belongs to Augustin Beaulieu, a Second World War veteran originally from Fort Resolution, N.W.T., who served with the Canadian Scottish regiment. This is the first National Indigenous Veterans Day where his grave will be marked with a military headstone, courtesy of the Last Post Fund, a non-profit organization that works to ensure no veteran is denied a dignified burial. Juanita Taylor/CBC News Before the headstone, Beaulieu's final resting place was marked with a wooden cross. It had rotted away over the years, leaving his gravesite unmarked and unknown. Through research by Floyd Powder, Beaulieu's grave was found and restored. Powder, a veteran himself, volunteers with the Last Post Fund identifying grave sites. He helps to locate unmarked veterans' graves across the Northwest Territories, then works with families to arrange for a military headstone to commemorate their service. "We're so grateful that he's finally being recognized," said Adele Tatti, Beaulieu's granddaughter. She said her family knew he was buried in Yellowknife but had no idea where. Juanita Taylor/CBC News Tatti lives in Hay River, N.W.T., and says the next time she visits Yellowknife, she plans to place a poppy by his headstone. "He's brought a lot of our family, who were a little bit disconnected for a long time, back together," Tatti said. The Last Post Fund was created in 1909 for all veterans, but it wasn't until 2009 that it started focusing on Indigenous veterans. In 2019, it established the Indigenous Veterans Initiative to mark Indigenous graves and to add traditional names to existing graves. Since April of 2020, Powder said the program has installed 30 headstones across the territory. He said he has about a dozen others he's hoping to have in place by next summer. "At the end of the day, yes, it's for the families' benefit, but more importantly it's for that deceased veteran," Powder said. That includes veterans like Metis pilot Robert "Bobby" Douglas, who served two tours in the Second World War. He, like many Indigenous people, had to give up his treaty status to serve in the war. Story continues One week before he died in October 2020, he got it back, his son Sholto said. Kate Kyle/CBC News Douglas is buried in Behchoko, N.W.T. His grave has also been marked with a military headstone, along with an infinity symbol the symbol of the Metis. "They may never know my father. But they'll see that he served this country," Sholto said during a visit to the cemetery last month. Sholto said his father, like many Indigenous soldiers who served, felt an obligation to defend their homeland, despite the widespread racial discrimination and prejudice at the time, opinions that lingered after the war. Many Indigenous veterans were never treated the same as other veterans who came back to Canada. Kate Kyle/CBC News "Indigenous veterans, when they retired from their service and after World War One and Two, and even [the Korean War], they were denied benefits," Powder said. That's why, in addition to his work researching and identifying graves, he maintains a list of veterans in the N.W.T. to keep them informed of current benefits for things like medical programs they may be eligible for. Sholto applauds the work Powder is doing for Indigenous veterans. "They were the forgotten soldiers of Canada. Forgotten veterans," he said. "Whether it's a Metis or whether it's a First Nation person, they did everything else that everybody else did. They're no different." Sawtooth Lake is an alpine lake situated in the high Sawtooth Mountains in Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Custer County in the US State of Idaho. The lake can be reached by an 8 km long trail that begins from the Iron Creek Trailhead just off the Sawtooth National Forest Road 619. The Sawtooth Lake hike offers breathtaking vistas of alpine lakes and majestic mountains and is ideal for most hikers. With spectacular alpine scenery, Sawtooth Lake and Sawtooth National Forest is a must-do hike while visiting the Gem State. Geography Of Sawtooth Lake Sawtooth Lake in Idaho wilderness framed with pine trees and rugged snow capped mountain peaks. Sawtooth Lake is situated approximately 10.9 km southwest of the town of Stanley. The lake has a maximum length of 1.42 km and a maximum width of 0.68 km. Located at an elevation of 2,571 m above sea level, the lake remains frozen till the beginning of summer. Placed close to the lake's southern edge is Mount Regan, which rises to an elevation of 3,110 m. Geology Of Sawtooth Lake It is believed that the Sawtooth Lake has been formed by a sizable depression known as a glacial cirque. The vast region of the lake that is currently submerged in water was once covered with snow that finally reached the point at which it turned into glacial ice. After accumulating enough mass to classify as glacial ice, it began to move under the weight of its own mass and gravitation, scouring the terrain and excavating the valley under it that eventually gave rise to the cirque. The lovely lakes that are seen up here in the alpine environment are now located in these glacial cirques. The majority of the rocks in the area are granite from the Cretaceous era when the country's western coast had a significant subduction zone from which magma emerged. History Of Sawtooth Lake Area This region of Idaho has been populated since 12,000 years ago when prehistoric hunters lived and hunted close to Redfish Lake. The Shoshone, Bannock, and Northern Paiute tribes have been the land's primary custodians since 1700. Because of the abundance of natural resources in the Sawtooth National Forest, settlers flocked there when the tribes were forcibly evicted from their territory. Sheepherding became more common in the Sawtooth Mountains during the end of the 19th century, taking silver mining's place as the region's main economic driver. However, just like other cherished natural spaces, this stunning region of Idaho began to face threats from uncontrolled resource exploitation. To safeguard this recreational sanctuary for both locals and visitors, the US Congress established the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in 1972. Hiking And Camping In Sawtooth Lake A woman hiker stands on the trail of Sawtooth Lake in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountain Range in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Stanley, Idaho. One of the most well-known treks in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is the one that leads to Sawtooth Lake from the Iron Creek trailhead. The State Highway 21 leads to Sawtooth National Forest Road 619, which further leads to the Iron Creek trailhead. A 5-mile long trail connects the Iron Creek trailhead and campsite to Sawtooth Lake. Alpine Lake, Alpine Peak, and the Sawtooth Valley can all be seen well from this trail, which climbs 520 m in elevation and takes 5 to 6 hours round trip to complete. The Sawtooth Lake frequently serves as a base camp for long walks across the northern Sawtooth Wilderness. One must purchase a wilderness permit at the trailhead, whether one is day hiking or backpacking. Camping is only permitted within a 100-foot distance from the lakes, streams, and hiking paths. 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. N.L. Premier Andrew Furey is facing more conflict-of-interest questions from his political opponents over his friendships. (Patrick Butler/CBC - image credit) Premier Andrew Furey is again defending himself, and his friendships, against conflict of interest questions this time about when, and why, one of his best friends quit as chair of Nalcor Energy. Brendan Paddick was chair of the crown energy corporation until he resigned on March 24, about a week before the provincial government announced it was lifting its ban on land-based wind power. Paddick is a board member of World GH2, a company looking to set up a massive wind-hydrogen plant in western Newfoundland something that couldn't happen without the lifting of the moratorium. Documents provided to CBC News by the Opposition PC Party show an hourlong cabinet meeting held on March 24, less than four hours before Paddick's resignation. In the House of Assembly on Monday, Opposition leader Barry Petten asked what was talked about at the meeting, and what happened afterward. "Did Brendan Paddick receive a heads-up about the lifting of the wind moratorium?" he said. "What we're talking about today is conflict of interest and whether inside information was given to the proponent of a billion-dollar project," he said. Furey, citing cabinet secrecy rules, wouldn't say whether the cabinet meeting included talk about wind power. In his resignation letter, also provided to CBC by the PC Opposition, Paddick doesn't offer a reason for quitting, but he does point to a recommendation from Justice Richard Leblanc's Muskrat Falls inquiry report saying directors should be reasonably compensated for their work. That didn't stop Petten from asking whether someone in cabinet leaked information. "If they did maybe you need to bring the RCMP or RNC to investigate this further," he said, speaking to reporters later Monday. "Maybe the commissioner of legislative standards should look into this." This isn't the first time Furey has had to defend himself and his friendships against conflict of interest questions. Last month, the premier was justifying his stay at a luxury lodge owned by his billionaire friend John Risley the man trying to get the government to approve his wind-hydrogen plan. Story continues Speaking to reporters Monday, Furey said there's no chance Paddick had advance notice the government would be lifting its wind moratorium. "You can take two random dots at any point in time and try to draw a line to them," he said. "That's fair, I suppose, for the Opposition to do, but it's not the case." Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Members of Parliament and Assembly Members to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home you can find them all here. In her column for November, Wrexhams MP Sarah Atherton writes.. Whilst the past few weeks have been politically turbulent, I am confident that political stability will follow, meaning the Government can get on with the job of tackling the important issues at hand. Following the short leadership contest, Rishi Sunak became the Leader of the Conservative Party and our new Prime Minister. As a result of the reshuffle, I am returning to the backbenches where I will continue to advocate for our Armed Forces, Veterans, and their families. I have every faith that the Conservative Party will unite behind him. I look forward to working with our new Prime Minister where I shall continue to champion Wrexham and bring growth and opportunity to our new City. I will, of course, be asking that he visits Wrexham as soon as possible! On the issue of transport, I have recently written to, and met with, Avanti West Coast to obtain assurances about the reliability and frequency of train services to and from Wrexham and then met with Senior Executives. I can assure you that I am raising Wrexhams interests at every opportunity and your voices are being heard. Following the news that Avanti West Coast is to have its franchise to operate services on the West Coast Main Line (which includes North Wales) extended for six months, I am calling for Avanti to use this time wisely to drastically improve the services. Constituents continually contact me about Avantis poor services that are irregular, severely delayed or cancelled at short notice. On board, facilities are frequently out of order, and it is often cash payments for refreshments. All these complaints from constituents I know to be true as I have experienced them myself. I have long campaigned for better transport links for Wrexham, something which is vitally important now that we are a city. We need more frequent and reliable services to ensure growth in Wrexham, sign my transport survey through this link: https://www.sarahatherton.org.uk/transport-survey. A couple of weeks ago the Boundary Commission for Wales released the revised proposals for their review of Parliamentary constituencies within the UK so that they better reflect the current population levels within cities, towns, and rural communities. The new boundaries will come into effect in June 2023. Thank you to all those in Wrexham who submitted supporting information and evidence in favour of the changes. If you would like to find out more about what this means for Wrexham, follow this link: 2023 Review | BComm Wales (bcomm-wales.gov.uk) As a nurse myself I was very excited to visit Glyndwr University and see the newly refurbished nursing facilities which are part of the Health and Innovation Quarter that is set to be completed in 2025. The Health and Innovation Quarter is part of the Universitys 80 million Campus 2025 project and will see the student intake rise from 2,000 to 3,000. From 2025, 450 graduates per year from Glyndwr University will be going into professions allied to health. Having seen first-hand the difficulties my constituents are facing in accessing healthcare, this is extremely welcome and encouraging news. Finally, I was delighted to attend the British International Tattoo 2022 The North Wales Military Music Pageant A Reel of Remembrance in aid of The Not Forgotten Veterans Charity. It was particularly exciting that Wrexham hosted the Tattoo once again. Wrexham has a long and proud military history and as we soon approach the British Legion Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Sunday, it was a fitting tribute to our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. A special thank you to all those who performed throughout the evening, bring on next years event! As always, if you are a resident in Wrexham and need my assistance with any local or national issues, please contact me by emailing sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk. Arriva offering free bus travel to veterans and armed forces personnel on Remembrance Sunday Arriva is offering free travel bus to serving Armed Forces personnel, Veterans and Cadets on Remembrance Sunday. As a mark of respect on Remembrance Sunday, serving personnel (both regular and reservists), veterans and cadets will be allowed free travel onto Arriva services on November 13. Richard Hoare, commercial director at Arriva North West and Wales said: We are proud to offer the Armed Forces, Veterans and Cadets free travel on our services on Remembrance Sunday. As a Business, were proud to support The Royal British Legion, and our drivers may also pull over to partake in a two-minute silence at 11am on both Friday 11th and Sunday 13th November, providing it is safe and legal to do so. Terms and Conditions apply, for full details visit the Arriva website. Travel is subject to service availability, vehicle capacity and timetable restrictions. Devin Hernatchez, a councillor with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, said the provincial duty to consult is actually a 'duty to insult.' He and other leaders who spoke Monday said Indigenous people are not being properly consulted and the process needs to be improved and enshrined in Saskatchewan law. (Adam Hunter/CBC - image credit) Saskatchewan's Opposition NDP and First Nations leaders are calling for the provincial government to overhaul its duty-to-consult process and enshrine a new process with legislation. Duty-to-consult legislation requires First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in Canada to be consulted before third parties do things like land development and resource extraction. On Monday, Opposition critic for First Nations and Metis relations Betty Nippi-Albright introduced Bill 610, The Meaningful Duty to Consult Act. In the spring, she introduced a similar private member's bill that government members did not support. The current process in the province involves the government sending notices to communities when Crown land adjacent to reserves is sold. First Nations are consulted through registered letters or meetings with industry when appropriate. The Opposition's bill would call on the government to consider First Nations communities first when the province sells Crown land, a process typically completed at auction. Indigenous leaders have expressed concerns that these sales can restrict treaty rights to hunting, fishing and gathering. Nippi-Albright said the provincial government is "selling off Crown land to the highest bidder without properly consulting Indigenous peoples." She saud the existing duty-to-consult policy lacks "teeth." "Because it is a policy and not legislation, the government does not have to follow it. This government doesn't follow its own policies. Indigenous leaders have had enough." She said the existing policy is 12 years old and new rules not enshrined in legislation would amount to "lipstick" on a failed policy. Nippi-Albright said the government failed to consult Indigenous leaders before releasing its recent white paper Drawing the Line: Defending Saskatchewan's Economic Autonomy, and the introduction of the Saskatchewan First Act last week. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and First Nations leaders have criticized that paper for ignoring Indigenous rights. Story continues The Opposition was joined by guests of several different First Nations Monday. "We have been very concerned about the lack of duty to consult around our traditional territory," said Kawacatoose First Nation Chief Lee-Anne Kehler. George Cote, chief of Cote First Nation, said he is also concerned about the consultation process when it comes to the sale of Crown lands. Devin Hernatchez, a councillor with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, called the provincial government's duty to consult a "facade." "It is not a duty to consult, it is a duty to insult, because it insults the Treaty relationship we have today." Hernatchez was also critical of the provincial government's recent white paper. "We hear a lot of window dressing about an era of reconciliation and then they go and slap us in the face with a white paper without even consulting us." Hernatchez said he and other leaders throughout the province want to share in the economic benefits of development and to be a part of the conversation from the outset. "We are not against development. We want to see our people get out of poverty. There's this notion of economic reconciliation. Well then, we need to be at the table so we can create ownership so that our people can get to work. But we're not at the table" he said. Province still engaging with Indigenous leaders, industry on process changes In the spring, Minister of First Nations and Metis relations Don McMorris acknowledged that the consultation process had "issues." McMorris said Monday the current 12-year-old policy will see changes. He said the government has been undertaking "consultation and engagement" for the past few months. "There have been over 100 meetings with over 200 individuals having presentations at those meetings." He said all 70 Saskatchwan First Nations and 10 tribal councils have been contacted and the "engagement" was supposed to wrap up at the end of October, but will be extended to the end of November because some had reached out and asked to have their chance to meet. McMorris said the duty to consult does not need to be enshrined in provincial legislation because it is "enshrined in the Constitution of this country - Article 35." Minister of Justice Bronwyn Eyre responded to a question by Nippi-Albright about a lack of consultation on the Saskatchewan First Act. "Nothing in the Saskatchewan First Act which defends our exclusive constitutional jurisdiction over natural resources diminishes or detracts in any way from First Nations treaty rights which are enshrined in the Constitution." Ohio Senate candidate J.D. Vance speaks as former President Donald Trump listens at a campaign rally at Wright Bros. Aero Inc. at Dayton International Airport on Monday, November 7, 2022, in Vandalia, Ohio. [AP Photo/Michael Conroy] Tens of millions of Americans go to the polls today in a midterm election that will decide control of the House of Representatives, the Senate and nearly three dozen state governments. More than 40 million votes have already been cast by mail ballot or in early voting. On Monday evening, ex-president and failed coup leader Donald Trump delivered a fascistic speech in Ohio, north of Dayton, in which he denounced communism and threatened violence against political opponents. The speech rally was held in support of Republican candidate for Senate in Ohio, J.D. Vance. Tomorrow you have to crush communists at the ballot box, Trump declared. He also called for executing individuals accused of drug dealing on the spot and sending the bullets to their families. After viciously attacking immigrants, Trump referred to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, saying, She is an animal too. Since the near-fatal attack on Pelosis husband, Paul Pelosi, the Republicans have escalated their attack. Last week, Trump declared at a rally in Iowa, We are going to end crazy Nancy Pelosis political career once and for all. Without officially stating that he will be running in 2024, Trump called for the mobilization of his supporters to take back the White House. Concluding his fascistic screed, Trump declared, We will shut down Bidens border disaster, reinstitute our strong Remain in Mexico policy, strengthen the patriots ... of ICE and Border Patrol. ... We will give our police the power we need and the respect they deserve. ... We will restore law and order in America. We will hold China accountable for unleashing the [COVID-19] virus upon the world. ... We will abolish all COVID mandates and lockdowns. ... We will proudly uphold the Judeo-Christian values of our nations founding. Two years after the fascistic coup of January 6, 2021, Trump and the Republicans are seeking to take advantage of the reactionary and bankrupt policies of the Democratic Party to possibly take control of the House of Representatives and Senate in the elections that conclude today. Trumps speech came amidst an unprecedented number of threats of violence against election workers and efforts to discount or suppress thousands of early votes, driven by fascists and election denialists enlisted by Trump and the Republicans. In Arizona, perhaps the epicenter of the fascist agitation over Trumps big lie of a stolen election in 2020, armed men have threatened voters seeking to cast their mail-in ballots in official drop boxes in Maricopa County, the huge population center that includes Phoenix and 62 percent of the people in the state. People in privacy booths vote in this weeks midterm election at an early voting polling site at Frank McCourt High School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. [AP Photo] All the Republican statewide candidates are election denialists, with Kari Lake, the candidate for governor, and Mark Finchem, the candidate for secretary of state, playing the most prominent roles. According to a Reuters report, based on a public records request for security records and correspondence of the campaign of threats and harassment against election workers, there were 140 such messages just between July 11 and August 22, a figure that has no doubt skyrocketed in the 10 weeks that have followed. There were numerous additional death threats in readers comments to right-wing media postings by sites like Gateway Pundit and by fascist figures like Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA. Among the threats reported by Reuters, all in Maricopa County, were You will all be executed and Wire around their limbs and tied & dragged by a car. Some temporary workers quit after the August 2 primary, county recorder Stephen Richer told Reuters, after self-styled First Amendment Auditors photographed workers and the license plates of their cars. Local election officials have held at least one drill simulating armed attacks on polling sites in which the result was several deaths. Richer himself received a threat that he would be hung as a traitor. The sender of the anonymous email added, Id like to have a black and white poster in my office of you hanging from the end of a rope. This lynch-mob atmosphere has been fomented by the top statewide candidates for the Republican Party. Finchem, in particular, is a member of the Oathkeepers paramilitary group and attended the rally at the White House called by Trump on January 6, 2021. He claims not to have participated in the violent attack on Congress which followed. In a fundraising appeal last week, Finchem warned of likely voter fraud in the election and claimed in several social media posts that his Democratic opponent, Adrian Fontes, who has a slight lead in the polls, is a member of the Chinese Communist Party and a Cartel criminal. In a thinly veiled appeal to anti-Semitism, he has claimed that Fontes is being bankrolled by billionaires George Soros and Michael Bloombergboth Jewishand that they want to RIG our elections & our voter rolls. In North Carolina, where the governor is a Democrat and the state legislature is controlled by the Republicans, the state government has registered more than a dozen cases of potential intimidation or interference with voters and election workers, according to another Reuters report. The news agency reported that the North Carolina State Board of Elections is tracking eight instances of potential voter intimidation, one of potential voter interference and five of potential interference with election workers during early voting. The alleged incidents are spread across nine counties and include major metropolitan areas such as Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located, as well as more rural areas. The incidents mainly involve harassment, including photographing workers or voters, as well as the license plates of their cars, but several involve more physically aggressive behavior. There are anecdotal reports from many states of verbal threats, either by telephone or social media, largely directed at officials in charge of elections (the secretary of states office in most states) as well as voters making use of drop boxes to cast their mail ballots. Trump has made mail-in ballots a major target at his campaign rallies, urging all Republican voters to cast their votes on November 8 and not make use of the mail, drop boxes or early voting. The purpose of these appeals is to create the illusion of a Republican victory, since most states conduct a preliminary tally of votes cast on Election Day and only later turn to the more time-consuming task of counting mail-in ballots, many of which cannot be run through tabulation machines because they have been damaged in transit. The threats of violence and intimidation are accompanied by lawsuits aimed at discarding and suppressing votes already cast by mail. In at least three of the most closely contested states, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, Republican Party officials or candidates have asked the courts to throw out ballots. In Pennsylvania, the Republican National Committee obtained a ruling by the state Supreme Court that ballots mailed in by voters without the required date on the outer envelope should not be counted, even though the ballots arrived well before Election Day and therefore were legally cast. The RNC went even further, seeking a court order to bar counties from notifying the voters of their minor mistake, so that they could make a correction and have their votes counted. This was too much for the justices, who allowed, but did not require, counties to send out notifications. Since 7,000 ballots have been found so far with this technical flaw, including 2,000 from overwhelmingly Democratic Philadelphia, suppressing them could affect the outcome of a tight contest. In Michigan, Kristina Karamo, the Republican candidate for secretary of state, filed a suit to suppress thousands of absentee votes cast in Detroit, claiming that they should be disqualified because of corruption in the city, although she provided no evidence. Her lawyer could not explain why Karamo sought this remedy only in the heavily Democratic city and nowhere else in the state. In Wisconsin, Republicans succeeded in throwing out mail-in ballots with a different technical defect than in the Pennsylvania case. In this state, mail-in ballots must be witnessed, and the witness must sign the ballot and include his or her address. Any ballot where the witness failed to include the address--in the common case of married couples who witness each others vote, the address is the same as that of the voter--will not be counted. The campaign draws to its close with the two corporate-controlled parties and their billionaire backers having spent more than $16 billion in the course of a seemingly endless campaign, culminating in an advertising blitz over the final two weeks in which virtually every minute of television commercial time was taken up by mudslinging and lies from one or the other party. There is a vast social distance between the capitalist politicians and the working people who comprise the majority of the US population. Neither party offers any solution to the dire economic circumstances facing working people, who face runaway price increases for basic goods while their jobs are threatened by a looming recession. The Democrats offer endless spending on the war with Russia in Ukraine, while the Republicans pledge to provide billions more in tax cuts for the wealthy and the giant corporations. In the past week, since President Bidens speech last Wednesday in Washington, the Democratic Party has begun to raise the threat to democracy from the election denialists and outright fascists who now dominate the Republican Party. But this effort is half-hearted, belated and fundamentally insincere. The Democratic Party is far more afraid of the developing upsurge of the class struggle than it is of a Trump-led fascist dictatorship. It is prepared to use authoritarian methods of its own against the working class, beginning with the railroad workers who have revolted against the rail union officialdom and the settlement devised by Bidens Presidential Emergency Board. This rotten deal is to be enforced by back-to-work legislation imposed by Congress, regardless of which party controls the levers of power after November 8. More than 2,000 GO Transit bus drivers, mechanics, station attendants, safety officers and office personnel, members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1587 in Toronto, Ontario, went on strike Monday after rejecting a tentative agreement presented to them by their union executive last week. Workers voted down the proposed deal by an overwhelming 81 percent. The union presented the contract without a recommendation to either accept or reject. A GO bus at Toronto's Union Station [Photo by Secondarywaltz / CC BY-SA 3.0 Workers have been seeking a new contract in negotiations that began April 1. After the collapse of last-minute negotiations this past weekend, ATU officials moved to file an Unfair Labour Practices complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Labour. The strike is the first in the history of the GO bus system. As ATU members also operate local municipal bus routes that share bus stops and stations with the wider GO Transit network, drivers employed by the municipalities have altered their stop locations so as not to cross GO bus picket lines. The GO Transit system, owned by provincial Crown Corporation Metrolinx, transports passengers throughout the Greater Toronto Area and to destinations as far away as Peterborough, Hamilton, Kitchener and Niagara Falls. The bus system transports about 4.2 million riders a year. The Metrolinx GO Train network, organized under other union contracts, which also services southern Ontario commuters will not be affected by the walkout. Workers have cited the lack of proper job security and contracting out provisions in the rejected contract as major sticking points which the company has consistently refused to address. In last-minute negotiations prior to the strike, Metrolinx management, underestimating the militancy of its workforce, had told union representatives that GO Transit bus drivers would not accept a strike. However, bus services came to a grinding stop once the strike was called. The issues surrounding contracting out and job security are paramount. Metrolinx can sidestep weaker contract language by contracting jobs to outside companies which can employ workers with little experience and on temporary non-union contracts. This not only presents increased safety issues throughout the sprawling bus network but also provides Metrolinx management with a wedge to reduce wages and working conditions throughout the network. Observers have noted that the insistence by Metrolinx management to defend their ability to use casual labour is tied up with schemes amongst elements within the governing provincial Conservative Party of Premier Doug Ford to make the network more attractive for privatization. The bus transit workers strike on Monday morning joined with 55,000 provincial education workers who walked out last Friday after the Ford government attempted to force another massive concessions contract on these low-paid workers. Fords government on Thursday had passed legislation to illegalize any education workers strike even before it had started. The legislation also allowed the government to unilaterally impose a miserable contract on the workers and hand down exorbitant fines on the educators union as well as individual members. As the legislation violated workers Charter Rights to bargain freely, Ford also made the unprecedented step of invoking the constitutional Notwithstanding Clause, to avoid legal scrutiny. With outrage amongst working people growing across the province and indeed the entire country, Ford Monday withdrew anti-collective bargaining legislation. In return, Canadian Union of Public Employees leaders agreed to call off the powerful strike that was moving out of their control toward a province-wide general strike and destabilizing the ruling Progressive Conservative government. The GO Bus strike and the struggle of the education workers is only the beginning of a working class offensive against broad assaults on wages and working conditions that in the weeks and months ahead will draw into struggle hundreds of thousands of teachers, public servants and private sector workers. In order for these battles to be successful workers need to build their own rank-and-file committees independent of the official union bureaucracies, which consistently act to smother a broad working class offensive against concessions contracts, social services cuts and a relentless attack on the living conditions of workers everywhere. The deadline to mail in ballots in the UAW election to ensure that they are counted is fast approaching (November 18). Vote for Will Lehman and mail your ballot today! If you have not received a ballot, go to uawvote.com and request one immediately. For more information on Lehmans campaign, visit WillforUAWPresident.org. Mack Trucks worker Will Lehman has received a growing number of statements of support from workers following the powerful online rally held Sunday as his campaign for the presidency of the United Auto Workers goes into its final leg. Lehman, a socialist and second-tier worker at the Mack Trucks plant in Macungie, Pennsylvania, has centered his campaign around the fight for rank-and-file power and the abolition of the UAW apparatus, which has handed back decades of hard-won gains to the corporations in a long series of concessions contracts. Epitomizing the corrupt nature of the bureaucracy, more than a dozen top UAW officials, including two former presidents, have been sentenced to prison for misappropriation of funds and other criminal actions against the interests of workers. The call by Will Lehman for the elimination of tiered work, a 50 percent wage increase and the restoration of cost-of-living raises, pensions and other demands has won a powerful response. His call for an international strategy by workers aimed at building global unity against the transnational auto companies won an especially warm reception by workers disgusted at being constantly pitted against workers in other countries. The rally on Sunday opened with a 20-minute video that outlined the basis of Lehmans campaign and the response of workers in the US and globally to his program, with many workers speaking forcefully on their desire to overcome the deteriorating conditions in the plants. Significantly, the video included a statement of support from an autoworker in Silao, Mexico. The campaign of Will Lehman has won a particularly powerful response from temporary and supplemental workers, who work for substandard pay and with no job protections, but must still pay dues to the UAW apparatus. A temp worker from the Stellantis Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit said, The meeting was good and it proves that we all as TPTs think alike and we are tired of the same things, and we deserved to get appreciated a lot more. A retired General Motors worker from Michigan who attended the online rally said, I voted for Will a week ago, and yesterday donated $20 to his campaign. Good talk yesterday, a lot of good points made. Im surprised, though, that more retirees didnt participate. The younger folks need to know that, even though we fought for better wages and benefits and safer working conditions, we support them in their fight. The older workers and retirees did that for us. POWER TO THE RANK AND FILE. Several workers from the Stellantis Belvidere, Illinois Jeep assembly plant attended the online rally. The plant has been put on the chopping block by Stellantis, with two shifts at the plant laid off since 2019. A Stellantis Belvidere Assembly Plant worker spoke out in support of Will and explained the conditions he faces. Wills got good views and good ideas. Im going to vote for him. Ive worked here for 22 years. The 2009 crisis was something else. This is even weirder, he added of the threats to close the plant. Belvidere has been on one shift, not knowing if were going to get another product at the building. Its been nerve-wracking for the last year. They laid off a thousand people. Its been stressful. Weve been doing jobs we dont want to do. We used to have good jobs the first five to ten years. Another Belvidere worker said, Wills objective is to speak to the truth and do everything to get the employees justice. Speak the truth about what we really deserve and want. Stand on the side of the truth. If this guy Will is like me and feels like me, I support him. If you need me to get up in front of people and tell people something too, Ill do it. I am nowhere near as scared. Were talking about my future and my brothers and sisters, without question. I like that you guys are reaching out and I appreciate that. Am I your brother? Do we work alongside each other? Is your health and welfare and safety important to me? Is mine important to you? That is the goal that we should be fighting for; that is the paramount picture we should be pushing. A third Belvidere worker added, Power to you, Will. I truly appreciate what hes doing. I hope he can pull it off. I also watched the debate and it justyou go guy, you crushed them SOBs! Ray Curry let us go without a contract and didnt give us a flying flip. UAW President Ray] Curry and [UAW Vice President Cindy] Estrada are four-letter words to me. Im not a big International fan, he said speaking of the Solidarity House apparatus. Will is pissed off and its an expression of whats going on. Its completely natural to be speaking like he did. The videos at the beginning toothats a way to get you amped up at a zoom meeting. It was really good to hear that everyone else is facing the same issues. A worker from the auto parts maker Dana Corp. in Pennsylvania said after watching the rally, Its a great video, really shows how us workers feel, and its great to see a candidate actually interacting with us workers. A number of workers from the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant (CAP) attended the rally, where workers have built a rank-and-file election committee to support the campaign of Will Lehman. Even if he doesnt win, I think he has already won because he has opened up peoples minds, one veteran CAP worker who listened to the rally said. A member of the Ford Chicago Rank-and-File Election Committee member voiced their solidarity with workers from Mexico who spoke during the rally, who themselves had drawn comparisons between their dangerous conditions and those in the US. It was terrible to hear that in Mexico, auto workers face the same safety issues and are paid so little, the Ford Chicago worker said. The one woman who was talking told us what she was paid there and how they tried to fight it, and it showed how the unions lie when they say the workers in Mexico are OK with the low pay. Uniting workers all together in whatever country we are in is the only way to fight the corporations who are trying to rule everywhere, but dont even know what theyre doing. After this meeting, I really know from listening to what Will was saying is that he has a bigger vision. This is not just about the election and him winning. The same problems are going to be there, and we are going to need to unite. The deadline to mail in ballots in the UAW election to ensure that they are counted is fast approaching (November 18). Vote for Will Lehman and mail your ballot today! If you have not received a ballot, go to uawvote.com and request one immediately. For more information on Lehmans campaign, visit WillforUAWPresident.org. Southwest Airlines pilots picket outside the terminal at Dallas Love Field on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, in Dallas. [AP Photo/David Koenig] A 72-hour span last week saw a series of votes by airline pilots which set the stage for a showdown with the US airlines. On Monday, 15,000 Delta Airlines pilots voted by 99 percent to authorize strike action. On Tuesday, pilots at United Airlines voted to reject a tentative agreement by 94 percent. On Wednesday, officials in the Allied Pilots Association (APA) at American Airlines voted down a new deal by a vote of 155. These votes were a powerful sign of the determination of pilots and air crews to fight against worsening conditions. Pilots and flight attendants also held informational pickets at airports across the United States earlier this year. Around the world, flight crews went on strike recently at Eurowings in Germany and Ryanair in Spain. One of the main factors driving pilots opposition is the issue of fatique. During the month of June, there were quadruple the usual number of fatigue-related pilot call-ins at American Airlines. Pilots are directly responsible for the safety of flights and are obligated to report to work fit for duty, which means using their own sick leave if they feel they cannot perform their duties up to standard on a particular day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires a minimum rest period of nine hours between shifts for pilots, who are also limited to 30 hours of flight time per week. But when the commute to work, meals and other life requirements are added into the equation, this leaves little time for uninterrupted sleep and sabotages workers abilities to follow their FAA-mandated training to avoid fatigue on their own time. For pilots, the duty period can range between 12 and 14 hours, with most flight times during that period lasting eight or nine hours. The FAA says that it strictly enforces these regulations in order to ensure continued safety, but adhering continuously to the bare minimum for rest periods is still wearing on aviation workers abilities to work safely. Dennis Trajer, the communications chair at the Allied Pilots Association (APA) union at American Airlines, says that pilots across the industry are far more fatigued than previously because they are being recklessly utilized by airlines looking to capitalize on increased travel demand after remaining COVID-19 restrictions were lifted by governments around the world. Trajer told Fox Business that airlines are scheduling more flights than they have trained and current flight crews, which increases fatigue, sick calls, and therefore delayed flights or outright cancellations. On some days in June, there were ten times the usual number of sick calls, which Trajer states is a warning sign that the system is under unnecessary duress. This reckless utilization decreases reliability and can narrow the margin of safety, Trajer said. We are holding the line on the margin of safety, but a functional safety culture should not have such pressures. According to collected reports made to the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), the number of fatigue reports have been climbing exponentially since the summer of 2021 when airline travel returned to normal and there have been no meaningful attempts by management to mitigate them. Our contention is that our schedules shouldnt drive such a large increase in fatigue calls, nor should our pilots be the absolute last line of defense in the fatigue error chain, said Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) President Casey Murray. Safety shouldnt fall upon an already overworked pilot to recognize the level of his/her fatigue. In a letter to Southwest Airlines management in April, SWAPA said that the rates of tired pilots spiked by 600 percent in October 2021 and rose again by 330 percent in March 2022. April is already setting fatigue records. Fatigue, both acute and cumulative, has become Southwest Airlines number-one safety threat. Pilot fatigue causes impaired judgment, lack of concentration, reduced in-flight attention, and heightened emotional activity leading to poor cognitive processing, along with decreased reaction time and slower hand-eye coordination, to name a few, warned the letter. Scheduling issues such as reassignments are contributing to pilots exhaustion. Our Pilots have been unable to obtain hotel rooms for proper rest following excessive reassignments and the resultant delays. There were more than 100 documented cases over the past year that pilots were not provided with the federally mandated minimum rest opportunity. According to SWAPA, reassignment rates increased by 85 percent and have risen even further by between 30 percent and 50 percent in 2022. Since last summer, our Pilots have lost more than 18,000 days off when the Company forced them to work on a day when they werent previously scheduled. This constant failure leads to delays, resulting in more reassignments. Deltas Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) spokesperson, Evan Baach, pointed to a record amount of overtime by the airlines pilots, with more overtime flown in 2022 than in 2018 and 2019 combined. One pilot told CNN that he began experiencing heightened fatigue mid-flight in November. Both of us were yawning and eye rubbing halfway through our 6+ hour flight I was physically unable to keep up, despite having appropriate, average sleep the night before. But we press ondont we? the pilot said. Our threats are threefold of the pre-COVID environment. Weve been facing delays, shortages, planning and staffing issues that are NOT being taken into account in building schedules. Why? Because we pilots are counted upon to make it work. Massive job losses for workers, tens of billions in bailouts for the airlines With the passage of the CARES Act in 2020, airlines received $54 billion in federal bailouts ostensibly to avoid mass layoffs and bankruptcy. Despite this federal aid, airlines began to massively furlough and lay off workers during the time when air travel was at a historic low. These bailouts were supposed to ensure they were ready for the recovery by retaining and keeping pilots trained [and] current, so they could fly immediately as demand returned, Trajer said. In North America, there is a pilot shortage of about 8,000 trained and current pilots that is expected to worsen over the next decade. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, 188 communities have already lost over 25 percent of their air service, according to Regional Airline Association CEO Faye Malarkey Black. Boeing described the demand for pilots in its latest Pilot and Technician Outlook report saying 602,000 pilots will be needed for international commercial flights with 128,000 needed just for the North American demand. The pilot shortage and fatigue issues go hand in hand. They also are not limited to the United States. In August there was a report that two Ethiopian Airlines pilots missed their scheduled landing because they both fell asleep at the same time. They only awoke when an alarm went off as the autopilot disengaged after they passed their destination. Staffing issues in the industry are not limited to pilots. Air traffic controllers for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are at their lowest staffing numbers in decades, with mandatory six-day workweeks being the norm in most facilities across the US. The lessons of the railroad struggle The conditions which pilots face are strikingly similar to those faced by rail crews in the United States. Rail conductors and engineers across all major railroads are on call 24/7 and experience constant schedule uncertainty which leaves workers unable to schedule doctors appointments or spend time with family. Both industries are under the jurisdiction of the anti-worker Railway Labor Act, which severely curtails workers democratic right to strike, and both pilots and rail workers have been working under an old contract for three years. As with the pilots, engineers voted by 99.5 percent to authorize strike action, but instead have been presented with a sellout contract by the rail unions which resolves none of their demands. The experience of railroaders is a serious warning for pilots. While railroaders are unanimous in their determination to fight for better working conditions, they face not only a ruthless management but a corrupt union bureaucracy, working hand-in-glove with Washington to force through a substandard contract and prevent strike action. Even though the terms of the Railway Labor Act were exhausted on September 16, the rail unions have continued to keep workers on the job under endless status quo extensions while deliberately ceding the initiative to Congress by delaying until after the midterm elections. There can be no doubt that similar behind-the-scenes talks between pilots union officials and the White House are already underway. In response, railroad workers have formed a new organ, the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee. The RWRFC is fighting to give railroaders the means to share information, discuss strategy and coordinate actions independent of and in opposition to the apparatus, and to provide the means to countermand decisions taken by union officials in violation of the will of the membership. On Wednesday, November 2, a delegation led by World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board Chairman David North visited the Prinkipo Municipality in Istanbul and met with Mayor Erdem Gul, elected from the Kemalist Republican Peoples Party (CHP), and Iskender Ozturanl, president of the Adalar City Council. Representatives from the Socialist Equality Group in Turkey and WSWS writers Johannes Stern and Evan Blake also attended the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to organize an event to commemorate Leon Trotsky on the 83rd anniversary of his assassination by a Stalinist agent. Also discussed were the plans of the municipal administration to turn the Yanaros Mansion, where Trotsky stayed while living on Prinkipo, into a museum and to establish a Trotsky Research Center on the island. David North, the worlds leading authority on Leon Trotsky, is the author of In Defense of Leon Trotsky and Leon Trotsky and the Development of Marxism, which have been translated into Turkish by Mehring Yaynclk, among other works. At the Tuyap International Istanbul Book Fair in 2019, North presented his book In Defense of Leon Trotsky via a video conference. Trotsky, who co-led the October Revolution of 1917 together with Vladimir Lenin, was deported from the Soviet Union to Turkey in 1929 as an implacable opponent of Stalinism. He was in Istanbul between 1929 and 1933 and spent most of this time on Prinkipo. Leon Trotsky at his desk in Prinkipo The event will be held in August 2023 with international participants and will coincide with several important anniversaries. 2023 is the centenary of the founding of the Turkish Republic, as well as the founding of the Left Opposition to defend the principles on which the October Revolution was based. It will also mark the 90th anniversary of Trotskys departure from Turkey for France. At Wednesdays meeting, North emphasized the historical significance of Trotskys years on Prinkipo. It was here that Trotsky wrote some of his most important works under conditions of tremendous upheavals all over the world. These included his autobiography, My Life; his monumental three-volume work, The History of the Russian Revolution; and his critical articles on the dangers posed by the rise of Nazism in Germany (The Struggle Against Fascism in Germany). It was from Prinkipo that Trotsky called for the founding of the Fourth International in 1933. During a visit to the Trotsky House last June, North powerfully explained the importance of Trotskys work there. On Wednesday, North underlined the relevance of Trotskys work in the present, noting that in Ukraine, a few hundred miles northeast of Turkey, a war was raging with devastating consequences for the entire worlds population. Describing Trotskys leading role in the struggle against the rise of fascism and authoritarian regimes and the impending threat of World War II during the 1930s, North noted that todays world faces similar catastrophes stemming from the unresolved questions of the 20th century but on a far more advanced level. Erdem Gul, the mayor of Prinkipo, said that once when Trotsky was in Prinkipo and Ataturk came to the island, it was discussed whether the two would meet. However, there was never a face-to-face meeting between them. North pointed to the complexity and sensitivity of the situation and emphasized the difference in attitude towards Trotsky between the governments of Turkey and Mexico and the governments of France and Norway. Turkey and Mexico, both of which had recently undergone bourgeois revolutions, granted Trotsky asylum after his expulsion from the Soviet Union. The government of France, where Trotsky went after Turkey in July 1933, informed him that he was no longer welcome after the signing of the USSR-France Mutual Assistance Treaty in 1935, succumbing to the pressure of the Stalinist regime. The social democratic Labor Party government of Norway, where Trotsky moved after France, placed him under house arrest and prevented his political activity. Then in Mexico, where he arrived in January 1937, Trotsky found a similar refuge as in Turkey. After the meeting, the WSWS delegation visited Yanaros Mansion. Unfortunately, the house, which is a private property, is in a state of disrepair, in particular since the 1999 earthquake in Istanbul which caused much of the building to collapse. The reconstruction of this historical and cultural heritage remains a critical responsibility for the Fourth International, led by the International Committee. Originally a journalist, Erdem Gul has a record of principled journalism. In November 2015, when he was the Ankara representative of the daily Cumhuriyet, he was arrested and jailed for three months along with the newspapers Editor-in-Chief Can Dundar for reporting on the so-called MIT trucks. The story pertained to the discovery of weapons believed to be destined for Islamist jihadist forces in Syria in trucks belonging to the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) that were stopped in the southern Turkish provinces of Hatay and Adana in January 2014. As President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally targeted journalists for their reporting, Erdem Gul made a principled defense of press freedom and the publics right to information during his trial. In his defense in November 2015, Gul said: My duty is to monitor and report on the government using the state apparatus and to investigate, reveal and share if something is being hidden from the public. The World Socialist Web Site and the Socialist Equality Group defended the journalists, strongly opposing the state repression of the Erdogan regime. In May 2016, the court sentenced the journalists to five years in prison each for disclosing information that should remain confidential for the security or internal or external political interests of the state. The journalists were later acquitted of this charge. In a statement on May 8, 2016, the Social Equality Group, as it was then called, drew attention to the connection between state repression against the journalists and the war for regime-change in Syria: ... these arrests, made in defiance of the law, are part of an effort by the [Turkish] government, which is preparing to invade Syria, to bring the media under its control, to intimidate other journalists, and to prevent the public from being informedeven if only to a limited extentabout what is about to happen. [[ 1 ]] The WSWS will continue to provide updates on the event to be held next August. Take up the fight for rank-and-file control! Join the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee by sending an email to railwrfc@gmail.com, texting (314) 529-1064 or filling out the form at the bottom of this page. Crews perform work on a fuel tanker car on a small rail spur, Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, in Albany, N.Y. [AP Photo/Hans Pennink] A maintenance of way worker for Union Pacific (UP) died in an explosion Saturday morning while working on tracks north of Houston, Texas, local press reported. Authorities are still investigating the accident, but initial reports suggest that fuel gas was ignited while the worker was operating a welding torch. Following Saturdays accident, UP management sent out a predictable press release expressing regret. Our thoughts are with the employees family and coworkers, the statement solemnly declared. But whatever the immediate circumstances, UP and the other railroads have created conditions in which dangerous accidents occur on a daily basis on the railroads. In this, they are abetted by the union bureaucracy, which has ignored overwhelming votes to strike and is attempting to ram through contracts that keep these dangerous working conditions in place. The tragedy takes place amid voting for engineers and conductors on a White House-brokered deal that falls far short of workers demands. However, the unions are attempting to ram through the deal by leveraging the threat of congressional injunction. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation, Transportation Division (SMART-TD) unions have maintained a guilty silence since Labor Secretary Marty Walsh urged Congress to pass anti-strike legislation in the event that engineers and conductors reject the contract. Walsh himself was an invited speaker at the BLET convention last month, as was House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had already drafted legislation to impose a deal. Similar contracts were passed at other unions over the past two months in voting marred by serious irregularities, including in the IBEW where many workers reported never receiving ballots. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED), meanwhile, is keeping its members on the job after they voted down their contract last month, under the terms of a secret agreement with rail negotiators to automatically extend the status quo should workers vote down the tentative agreement. Following another contract rejection by rail signalmen, the Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen is also keeping workers on the job using the same tactic. The International Association of Machinists, after extending its strike deadline into early December, claimed the contract which workers earlier rejected was narrowly ratified in a revote held last week. In response to Saturdays death, the BMWED sent out a short statement of condolences. While the accident is still under investigation, the BMWED statement implied that the worker was at fault by adding, We urge you to always take additional time to review safety precautions in every aspect of the job. For welders, please check the storage of your oxyfuel cutting systems and inspect them for leaks and proper ventilation. Also ensure that the arresting check valves on both ends are in working order and that flashback arrestors have been installed. While BMWED essentially let UP off the hook in this antiseptic statement, they responded far more aggressively to workers pressing for strike action. BMWED President Tony Cardwell issued an open letter last month attacking fringe groupsby which he clearly meant the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committeeadvocating strike action, and declared that the union would not support or defend any unsanctioned strike. We talked about [the accident] this morning, a Baltimore-area maintenance worker said. Apparently propane gas built up inside the cabinet on the truck. There mustve been a leak. The truck was parked near the track. One of the workers was using a rail saw or grinder, which threw sparks towards the truck. It ignited the gas in the cabinet and exploded. These workers are under immense pressure to perform under limited track time, he added. Regardless of what the circumstances were that contributed to the explosion, the company will blame the worker. The worker, who has not yet been identified, is the fourth at UP to die this year, and the second in Texas. On September 1, a conductor died in a train derailment near El Paso, which also ruptured a gas line and required the evacuation of nearby residents. Only seven days later, two crew members died in a collision in Mecca, California. In February, a BNSF yard worker died after being struck by a train at a yard in Denver, Colorado. In June, four died and 150 were injured when an Amtrak passenger train hit a truck stalled on the tracks in central Missouri. Derailments, collisions and other accidents are a daily occurrence on US railroads. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, last year there were 8,076 train accidents which injured 4,622 people and killed 753, mostly people involved in collisions. Among railroad workers 2,568 were injured and 11 died. Contributing factors to the high rates of accident include: fatigue due to overwork, especially among conductors and engineers who are on call 24/7 under punishing attendance policies; longer trains, up to three miles in some cases, which are harder to control and wear more heavily on the track, and poor maintenance of the rails themselves, especially as maintenance of way crews have been decimated by years of job losses. At the same time, the railroads, the most profitable industry in America, are continuing to make money hand over fist. Union Pacifics third quarter operating revenue increased 18 percent to $6.6 billion, the railroad announced late last month. Across the country, several other significant accidents took place over the past week: A woman died Monday morning of injuries sustained when she was hit by a train in Greensboro, North Carolina; On Sunday, 15 cars derailed on a Norfolk Southern train in Costonia, Ohio. Some of the cars, which were hauling garbage, dumped their contents into the Ohio River; Also on Sunday, a 17 year old was hit by an Amtrak train in Castlewood State Park, near St. Louis, Missouri; On Saturday night, a man and his four-year-old son were killed when their vehicle was struck by a train in San Antonio; On Wednesday, a Canadian National train derailed in St. James Parish, a rural area near New Orleans. Residents had to be evacuated due to hydrochloric acid leaking from the cars. Written by Michael Winterbottom and Kieron Quirke The COVID-19 pandemic is a social crime of almost unprecedented proportions. The response of the ruling class to a global health crisis was a homicidal policy of deliberate mass infection. The result is more than 200,000 UK deaths so far, and around 2 million people100,000 of them childrensuffering with Long COVID. There are still very few artistic interpretations of the pandemic, and there has been some suppression of cultural responses. Dramatists who have broken through have produced some powerful work. Jack Thornes Help pointed towards the culpability of policy decisions in the mounting death toll. This England [Photo: Sky UK Ltd] It promised much, therefore, when a significant filmmaker, Michael Winterbottom, employed a fine actor, Kenneth Branagh, in a six-part prestige drama series for a leading broadcaster. The Shakespearean title suggests a state-of-the-nation piece by Winterbottom and co-writer Kieron Quirke. But its intellectual, political and artistic complacency make for a deeply compromised and artistically disappointing work. This England [This Sceptred Isle in the US] presents seven hours of dramatisations of documented events, intercut with documentary footage, focusing largely on intrigues and disputes within government and its official bodies. Everything is seen superficially, as reactions to an escalating health emergencyJust to try and show what happened, in Winterbottoms words. The writers seem overwhelmed, but the problem is deeper, as Winterbottom made clear in some astonishing comments before broadcast: People make mistakes, but the starting point was we assumed that everyone responded in what they thought was the best way. Afterwards, people can think for themselves about whether they feel [they were] right or wrong. Boris Johnson (Kenneth Branagh) [Photo: Sky UK Ltd] Who could seriously take such an approach of asserting universal good faith? A pose of impartiality means accepting as good coin the very lies the government used to justify policies that have killed hundreds of thousands so far and which continue to allow a devastating disease free rein through the population. It means lending credence to the advocates of a discredited policy of herd immunity and to government lies that it was following the science rather than safeguarding corporate profits at the direct cost of the health and lives of millions. This policy of deliberate mass infection was a monstrous social crime. To treat its perpetrators as acting with the best of intentions is to take naivete to the level of complicity. No intellectual or artistic good can come from such wilful blindness. For the government, following the science meant the opposite. It meant herd immunity, rejecting even the idea of eradication. Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty (Jimmy Livingstone), one of the central mouthpieces of government policy, says here You cant stop a virus. The political architects of a policy of mass social murder are all more or less let off the hook in the series. The dramatic content peters out after the exposure of Dominic Cummingss (Simon Paisley Day) breach of lockdown regulations, leading ultimately to his removal. Aside from Cummingss breach, other instances (Health Secretary Matt Hancocks resignation, Prime Minister Boris Johnsons fine) are casually tossed out in the breakneck precis of later events that wraps up the last episode. The perfunctory summary lends support to Johnsons lie that we are past the peak of this disease. This England concludes by looking forward to the 2023 official public inquiry, as if the British ruling class had never used such inquiries as a way of justifying their criminal actions and diverting any political reckoning with them. Johnsons reported comment No more fucking lockdownslet the bodies pile high in their thousands! and Dominic Cummingss whiteboard question Who do we not save? do not appear. Their inclusion would expose an explicit homicidal ideology. Matt Hancock (Andrew Buchan) [Photo: Sky UK Ltd] It gets worse. Winterbottom called the pandemics first wave, A time when the country came together to battle an invisible enemy, saying the series would be chronicling the efforts of scientists, doctors, care home workers and policy makers to protect us from the virus. This is a whitewashing of the criminal actions of the ruling class. There are more than 200,000 arguments that the country did not come together. This is the dramatic equivalent of the clap for carersa fraudulent gesture covering up the very policies which put them at risk. Workers in health, food production and transport were deemed essential and forced into dangerous workplaces, at the greatest risk, at the behest of policy makers. Whatever gestures towards health protection and mitigation the government was forced to make were responses to furious popular anger in the face of the ruling elites ongoing policy of mass infection. Even when forced into belated restrictive measures, which he opposed, Johnson appealed to the idea the UK could take it on the chin. He was quick to say the worst was over to justify premature reopening of the economy. The government delayed lockdowns so as not to disrupt corporate profiteering, including allowing numerous super-spreader sporting events to go ahead, accelerating the circulation of the virus further. It then relaxed or abandoned restrictions as soon as possible, including reopening schools to get parents back to work that led to a deadly second wave of infections. There are no classes in this view of the nation. Winterbottoms title comes from Shakespeares Richard II. It begins as a paean, before the speaker, John of Gaunt, turns critical: That England, that was wont to conquer others, / Hath made a shameful conquest of itself. This England gets to those lines eventually, but a myth of national unity unriven by class bears no resemblance to reality. Its promotion requires Winterbottom and Quirke to become ever more superficial, and ever more conciliatory to the ruling elite. This is an establishment piece. For all its scenes of care homes and hospitals, This England is more interested in internal government disputes. It is generally sympathetic in its treatment of Johnson and Cummingss personal COVID experiences. There is a greater focus on Johnsons hospitalisation than the horrors experienced by care home residents and their relatives. Johnson was extremely ill, but This England finds no place for his subsequent use of this to justify further his eugenicist herd immunity policy. Eugenics is only raised when Cummingss appointee Andrew Sabisky was forced out amidst popular outrage at his racism. Johnson shouts furiously that eugenics is not a good look. The viewer might believe Johnson opposed the policy, not just its exposure, but this policy underpinned his entire response. Branaghs impersonation and prosthetic make-up attracted much of the initial reaction to the series, but this only indicates its general refusal to go deeper. Johnson is a ruthless, right-wing political operator. His cultivated bumbling persona is a cynical populist device. Yet it is only challenged once, when we see a brief parade of his vilest journalistic comments in COVID-induced hallucinatory dreams. Winterbottom and Quirke refer to Shakespeare in titling their piece. But what would Shakespeare have made of Boris Johnson? Unlike Winterbottoms trust in best intentions, his plays are full of characters whose appearance and agenda differ: some that smile have in their hearts, I fear, / Millions of mischiefs (Julius Caesar). He would have no truck with Johnsons carefully cultivated public image, writing in the voice of Richard III, And thus I clothe my naked villainy / With odd old ends stol'n out of holy writ, / And seem a saint, when most I play the devil. Winterbottom and Quirkes Johnson is merely a shallow victim of his own populism, rather than a political criminal the bereaved families of COVID victims are demanding is prosecuted. Johnsons latest wife, Carrie Symonds (Ophelia Lovibond)a former Tory press office political non-entityis similarly uncritically presented as a moral common-sense adviser, encouraging distance from the reviled Cummings. Carrie Johnson (Ophelia Lovibond) and Boris Johnson (Kenneth Branagh) [Photo: Sky UK Ltd] This is farcical. Johnson brought Cummings on board as the ideologue of a shared right-wing agenda. Winterbottom treats Cummings as the driving force, with his determination to dismantle government. He suggests political differences between the two, with Johnson at one point asking if the fault really is all big governments: Not us? Weve failed. We fucked up. This fallout was not initially based on any serious political disagreement. Johnson threw Cummings under a bus to save himself. It was a messy divorce row, not an ideological split. One factor in Winterbottoms disorientation is undoubtedly the role played by the Labour Party, which has been in loyal lockstep with government policy on COVID throughout. Previous Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn admitted keeping silent that government advisers had lectured him on herd immunity. His Blairite successor, Sir Keir Starmer, demanded schools remain open in the second lockdown, No ifs, or buts. Both proclaimed a policy of national unity and an end to opposition for its own sake. Yet one of the few occasions This England shows us Johnson genuinely angry follows a parliamentary grilling by Starmer on lockdown breaches! If Winterbottom and Quirke have any single villain, it is Brexit. The governments decision to shelve contingency recommendations from an earlier pandemic modelling exercise is treated as the result of Brexit chaos rather than deliberate, brutal policy. Despite mentioning the death tolls in Italy and Spain, Winterbottom cannot look honestly at the situation across Europe. The same policies had the same effect, and the ruling class worldwide has been guided by a common policy which has resulted in the deaths of millions. What would it take for Winterbottom to register that? A bombardment of detail on its own will in any case shed little light. Any attempt to address the pandemic or any major social crises artistically is doomed to failure if it fails to explore the opposed class interests that shape them and which will ultimately determine their outcome. Salma Hayek described the crystal-choked Gucci dress she wore to the LACMA Art + Film Gala as an appropriate piece of art on Instagram. The actor, who is married to Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault, thanked Guccis creative director, Alessandro Michele, for the beautiful dress and gloves that she wore on the night, which she accessorized with Rahaminov diamond jewelery. 11th Annual LACMA Art + Film Gala - Arrivals Axelle/Bauer-Griffin The look was textbook Salma. The unabashedly sexy silhouette is one she regularly gravitates to (form-fitting dresses with an audacious neckline have become her signature), and she often picks dresses with added sparkle. Moreover, her tousled hair and smoldering beauty lookfinessed by her glam squad Jennifer Yepez and Patrick Taadded to the bombshell appeal. When it comes to red-carpet style, Salma Hayek has always taken an individual approach. From the sultry gowns she wore in the 1990s and aughts to the out-there dresses she champions today (see the black princess dress she wore to the Kering Foundation dinner in September), her confidence has always been her best accessory. This article first appeared on British Vogue. Originally Appeared on Glamour DG Okonjo-Iweala attended in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the COP27 Leaders' Event: Accelerating Adaptation in Africa, jointly organized by the African Union (AU) and the Global Center for Adaptation (GCA). The event was an opportunity for the international community to galvanize funding pledges for climate-resilient actions, particularly through the Africa-owned and Africa-led Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP). In her intervention, DG Okonjo-Iweala stressed the importance of financing for adaptation and mitigation, noting that it needs to be matched with sound trade policies. She recalled that the COVAX Facility had enough money to buy COVID-19 vaccines but there were no vaccines to be bought, stressing that this scenario should be avoided in the context of the climate crisis. She referred to the WTO's 2022 World Trade Report that recommends trade policies to support both adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. Trade can lower the costs of adaptation in Africa, it can drive down poverty, deploy the necessary technologies and ensure that goods continue flowing. The AAAP was developed by the African Development Bank (ADB) and the GCA to mobilize US$ 25 billion by 2025 to implement, scale and accelerate climate adaptation across the African continent. Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the GCA, announced that African countries had already raised half of the US$ 25 billion originally envisioned to accelerate and scale climate adaptation efforts in Africa. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, reminded participants that Africa does not contribute much to greenhouse emissions but is on the frontline of experiencing the worst impact of climate change. He called on international financial institutions to explore ways of leveraging private funds to increase the access to money for adaptation and mitigation projects. President William Ruto of Kenya, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre of Norway and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium, among others, participated in the event. Director-General Okonjo-Iweala also delivered opening remarks at an event entitled Business Action in Trade to Accelerate the Low-Carbon Transition, jointly organised by the WTO and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). She underlined the role of trade, the WTO and the multilateral trading system in supporting the world's decarbonization efforts but said more needs to be done. International trade allows low-carbon technologies to spread widely. It also allows to create and connect markets for low or near-zero carbon products. That's where the WTO fits in, she said, underlining that the WTO is the only organization dealing with trade rules at the global level. However, she emphasized that global trade rules and trade practices need to be updated to respond better to climate change challenges. DG Okonjo-Iweala noted that around 70 carbon pricing initiatives exist globally and have been adopted in 46 national jurisdictions. Of course, not everyone can move at the same pace some regions will be fast movers and others will need a longer time to make the transition. But what is important is to ensure compatibility, consistency, and transparency in these measures, she said. We cannot afford fragmentation as it is a recipe for failure. It is a loss for trade as it generates trade frictions and a loss for climate action as it increases business confusion and unpredictability. In this regard, she noted that 89 WTO members representing approximately 90% of world trade are involved in at least one of three major environment and climate initiatives at the WTO: trade and environment sustainability, fossil fuel subsidies reform, and elimination of trade in polluting plastics. COP27 also heard about how extreme weather conditions and climate-induced disasters have crippling effects on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the resources that are needed to adapt to rapidly changing climatic conditions. At an event jointly organized by the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC), participants agreed that SMEs' resilience needs to be strengthened to cushion climate shocks and to build back greener and better through sustainable solutions. They also discussed how trade policies can be tailored to SMEs' needs so that they can access climate finance, prioritize investments in mobilizing resources, and increase their overall trade competitiveness in global markets. WTO Deputy-Director General Jean-Marie Paugam highlighted both organizations are increasingly working on leveraging trade to contribute to climate outcomes. Our work on trade and climate change is not only complementary, but we also significantly impact each other's work. The WTO's work is located upstream, providing policy and technical expertise on trade and climate nexus issues to rule-making. ITC's work is located downstream, providing critical technical assistance to a global network of MSMEs transitioning to greener circular production and trade, he said. DDG Paugam noted that the WTO's main aim is to focus on African SMEs, as they are central to efforts to tackle climate change and are the future of trade in the continent. According to ITC, 60% of African SMEs that greened their businesses said it led to new, higher quality and more products, access to new markets, or lower input costs. They were also better positioned to tap the growing pot of green finance, he added. ITC Executive Director Pamela-Coke-Hamilton stressed climate change massively affects SMEs and their suppliers. Physical risks, such as extreme weather events, flooding and higher temperatures, impact on supply chains, damage infrastructure, affect production facilities and reduce soil yields. For businesses, large and small, this means greater uncertainty, higher risks and declining profit margins. It means facing higher costs, fluctuating quality and disruptions to delivery of products to market, she said. Ms Coke-Hamilton emphasized that while everybody is talking about financing, money is not the problem when it comes to SMEs. Funding exists but it is not getting to small businesses because they do not know about it, and if they do, they dont have the time or know-how to apply for it. We must bridge the financing gap not just making it available, but making it accessible, she declared. Kemo Fatty, founder and Executive Director of GreenUp in The Gambia, drew attention to the work his organization does with entrepreneurs and farmers across the country to deliver sustainable farming practices. Highlighting the need to promote conservation and strive for environmental justice, he stressed the importance of raising awareness on climate change and environmental issues so that farmers in developing and least developed countries (LDCs) can make a sustainable livelihood through agroforestry. The event also heard the view of Dr Dhanush Dinesh, founder of Clim-Eat a think tank working to bridge science and policy for food and climate. He noted that the institutional ecosystem is not supporting action and that needs to be changed, particularly by supporting start-ups, scale-ups and grown-ups in the private sector to contribute to greater climate action. The Director-General noted that the World Trade Report maps out pathways for governments on how to use trade to support national action plans known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for tackling climate change. Each party to the UN's 2015 Paris Agreement, which sets the target of limiting global warming to 1.5C, is required to establish an NDC and update it every five years. There is one big missing issue in what we need to do to fight climate change, and that is the absence of trade and trade policies in the nationally determined contributions and national adaptation plans, she said. We cannot afford to leave trade and WTO behind in this effort. The reason we're here to launch this report is because we want to make that point, and to offer specific recommendations and some actions that countries can take and fold into the revision of their plans. The Director-General was joined at the event by International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna and Alok Sharma, President of the 2021 COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Vijay V. Vaitheeswaran, Global Energy & Climate Innovation Editor with The Economist, moderated the event. The World Trade Report indicates trade actions that can help countries meet the challenge of moving to net-zero emissions by mid-century and harnessing trade as a force multiplier for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Examples of such trade actions include opening up trade in environmental goods and services, improving cooperation on carbon measurement and verification, and transforming the WTO's Aid-for-Trade initiative into an investment programme that expands opportunities for sustainable trade in less affluent nations. International cooperation on trade-related climate policy, such as carbon pricing and decarbonization standards, can also minimize trade frictions and investor uncertainty arising from unilateral climate actions, which may in turn impose disproportionate costs on firms and governments in developing countries. The WTO can play a valuable role as a venue for transparency and potential harmonization of such measures, the report notes. The Director-General noted the important role of financing in helping developing countries address the challenges of climate change and urged rich nations to meet their commitment to jointly provide USD 100 billion annually to support climate action in these countries. Coupled with the financing and trade action should be support for investment, the DG said. She noted the WTO's Aid for Trade programme, which seeks to mobilize resources to address the supply-side and trade-related infrastructure obstacles identified by developing and least-developed countries. She noted that USD 48.7 billion was disbursed last year for such support, of which 31 per cent was allocated for climate-related actions. This is something we can work on, to push more of that towards climate-related goals, she declared. The Director-General also noted that the WTO is working with the IMF, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and other organizations on a global carbon pricing framework. The WTO is examining how to work in criteria that takes into account the amount countries pollute and national income levels so that members accounting for a small share of global carbon emissions will find such a framework more acceptable. CCTV: According to the latest press release on the website of the foreign ministry, China and Algeria have signed a second five-year plan for comprehensive strategic cooperation. Could you share more with us on that? Zhao Lijian: Recently, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra signed a five-year plan for China-Algeria comprehensive strategic cooperation, covering the years from 2022 to 2026. In 2014, China and Algeria established comprehensive strategic partnership. In the same year, the two countries signed the first five-year plan for comprehensive strategic cooperation, which charted the course for exchanges and cooperation between both sides in various fields. This is the second five-year plan China and Algeria have signed. It aims to fully tap into our potential for cooperation, and advance the China-Algeria comprehensive strategic partnership for new progress. China stands ready to work with Algeria to take the implementation of this five-year plan as an opportunity to consolidate our traditional friendship, further synergize our development strategies and jointly build a human community with a shared future. The Paper: Yesterday, Chinas State Council Information Office issued a white paper titled Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace. Could you share more with us? Zhao Lijian: I noted this white paper you mentioned. It points out that everyone is interconnected and has a common stake in cyberspace. In an era of both challenges and hope, it is the responsibility of all of humanity to develop, use, and manage the internet well. Today, problems with the Internet such as unbalanced development, unsound regulation, and unreasonable order are becoming more prominent. Cyber-hegemonism poses a new threat to world peace and development. Certain countries are exploiting the Internet and information technology as a tool to seek hegemony, interfere in other countries internal affairs, hobble other countries sci-tech development and cooperation, and put together small circles to create schism and confrontation in cyberspace. They have also adopted a selective and utilitarian approach to international rules and norms on cyberspace under UN frameworks. China is committed to the principle of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences, and maintains that cyber affairs should be handled through extensive consultation. We stand firmly against the zero-sum game and bullying the weak, against unilateralism and exerting maximum pressure, and against erecting walls and barriers, decoupling and severing supply chains. The Internet is the common home for humanity and the fruits of its development should be shared by all. Facts have proven that to build a community with a shared future in cyberspace is the right way forward. Not long ago, the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted with an overwhelming majority a resolution on information security that included the notion of a community with a shared future in cyberspace. This is another evidence that this vision has been widely accepted by the international community. As the worlds largest developing country and the country with the largest number of Internet users, China follows a philosophy of people-centered development, and is committed to mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. We believe that the development of the Internet should benefit all, and we should work jointly to build a community with a shared future in cyberspace to create a brighter future for humanity. Shenzhen TV: Tanzanias New Wami Bridge, which is constructed by a Chinese company, recently opened to traffic. Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: I have also noted the good news. The New Wami Bridge, a key strategic project of Tanzania, has a significant role to play in promoting integrated regional development in Tanzania and boosting its economic growth. The completion of the bridge has opened up a transport artery vital for Tanzanias development. It is also the latest outcome of China and Tanzanias efforts to carry forward traditional friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the new era. Since construction started, the project has created more than 500 local jobs and groomed a corps of infrastructure professionals and skilled workers for Tanzania. The expertise and hard work of the Chinese team has won high recognition from various communities in the country. Underdeveloped infrastructure has long been a bottleneck hindering African countries development. Since the launch of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese companies have built in Africa over 10,000 kilometers of railway, close to 100,000 kilometers of roads, nearly 1,000 bridges, almost 100 ports and many hospitals and schools. Going forward, we will continue to engage in practical cooperation with Africa across the board on the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith and with the commitment to the greater good and shared interests, with a view to further enhancing the Chinese and African peoples well-being and injecting new impetus into building a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. MASTV: On November 7, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said in an article that For the EU, China remains, simultaneously, a key economic partner, an overall competitor, and a systemic rival...We have to manage competition with China across all areas, and at the same time aim for constructive cooperation...in our interest. The EU also called on China to act in accordance with its international commitments and obligations in the field of human rights. Do you have any comment? Zhao Lijian: Weve noted this article. In recent years, trade between China and the EU has kept hitting record highs, and the two sides have maintained communication and coordination on international and regional issues. In fact, the two sides have broad converging interests, a long-accumulated foundation for cooperation, and highly complementary strengths for development. There is competition between China and the EU, but our cooperation far outweighs competition. Healthy competition between China and the EU helps accelerate our respective development. We hope the EU side can view China-EU relations in an objective and rational light, and work with China to maintain a sound bilateral relationship that focuses on dialogue and cooperation and features mutual benefit and win-win results, and to jointly address global challenges, so as to contribute more certainty and positive energy to a volatile and uncertain world. This serves the interests of both China and the EU, and the world at large. China embraces a human rights philosophy that puts the people front and center, and works to promote coordinated development of the political, economic, social, cultural and environmental rights of all the people. There is no one-size-fits-all development path for human rights. And no one can claim to be perfect in human rights protection, as there is always room for improvement. China never accepts any condescending lectures on human rights. We stand against the politicization of human rights issues and double standards, and against interference in other countries internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. The EU should reflect on itself and stop holding a flashlight only to check on the behavior of others but never itself. AFP: Canadas Prime Minister said yesterday that China is playing aggressive games with Canada and other countries democratic institutions. This was after Canadian media reported that China provided funding to a number of federal election candidates. Do you have any response to these comments? Zhao Lijian: Relations between countries can only be built on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. China-Canada relations are no exception. The Canadian side should stop making remarks that would harm bilateral relations. We have no interest in Canadas internal affairs. Bloomberg: Does the foreign ministry have any comments on Lithuania opening a trade office in Taiwan on Monday? Zhao Lijian: There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the Peoples Republic of China. China firmly opposes any form of official interaction between the Taiwan region and countries having diplomatic ties with China, any action that violates Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, and any practice that runs counter to the prevailing consensus of the international community and the basic norm of international relations. We urge the Lithuanian side to strictly abide by the one-China principle, handle Taiwan-related issues prudently, and take credible steps to safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations. Reuters: This is about Saudi Arabia. Sources in the kingdom had recently told us that the country will host two summits in December. Both summits will be aimed at strengthening the ties that China shares with countries in the Persian Gulf as well as Arab countries. My question is whether you have any exact dates or any new details to share about the Chinese leaders visit to the kingdom? Zhao Lijian: Im not aware of the information you mentioned. Bloomberg: Just to follow up on Taiwan. Chinas air force has also stepped up its incursion into sensitive areas near Taiwan to the highest level since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited three months ago. Does the foreign ministry have any comments on the warplane incursion over Taiwan? Zhao Lijian: This is not a question about diplomacy. Reuters: Just on this question of Taiwan announcing yesterday that its going to invest ten million euros towards chip production in Lithuania. A Taiwanese official, the one who made the announcement, also said yesterday that Taiwan would like to work with Lithuania together to strengthen the resilience of the democratic supply chain in the face of coercion. Does the foreign ministry have any comment on these remarks? Zhao Lijian: The root cause of the current tensions in the Taiwan Strait is that the DPP authorities, refusing to recognize the one-China principle, have been making provocations in collusion with external forces in an attempt to seek Taiwan independence and to change the status quo that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China. We want to make it clear to the Taiwan authorities once again that any move against the trend of history is bound to be rejected by all Chinese people, and any attempt to collude with external forces is doomed to fail. Bloomberg: El Salvador received an offer from China to help the nation refinance its foreign debt, according to the nations Vice President. Could the foreign ministry confirm this? And do you have any additional detail? Zhao Lijian: Im not aware of the information you mentioned. You may need to check with El Salvador if this is what they said and if its true. *** Today, we celebrate the 23rd Journalists Day in China. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the friends from the press, including foreign journalists in China, a very happy Journalists Day! I hope you will continue to use your pens and cameras to tell the China story as it is and make Chinas voice heard. Dave Zweifel is editor emeritus of The Capital Times. dzweifel@captimes.com, 608-252-6410 and on Twitter @DaveZweifel. Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. BIMTECH launches PGDM-Online with specialisation in Logistics & Supply Chain Management powered by TimesPro Greater Noida [India] | Published : November 04, 2022 Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) powered by TimesPro have launched the two-year online Post-Graduate Diploma in Management in Logistics & Supply Chain Management (PGDM-LSCM), a job-oriented skill-learning programme. Making this announcement at the BIMTECH Campus, the event also included a panel discussion on 'Transforming India into a Global Supply Chain Hub' that featured guest speakers from the industry and academia.Anish Srikrishna, CEO, TimesPro, along with Dr. Harivansh Chaturvedi, Director, BIMTECH and Prof. Sanjiva Shankar Dubey, Head IT and Chairperson COOLS (Centre for Online Studies) were present at the event. BIMTECH is an AACSB accredited institute. Industry experts such as Ravindra Pandey, Vice President, Gopaljee Diary (Ananda), Ranjan Dhar, CMO, NFS Technology & Consultant, Veritas Technology, and Amar B. Singh, Head, BFSI Growth & Marketing, Tech Mahindra formed a part of the panel discussion. The panelists opined that academic learning processes should be future-centric and include new-age skillsets to enable learners to stay industry ready.As per industry estimates, the logistics industry was valued at USD 250 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow by 10-12 per cent CAGR owing to rising consumer demand in the e-commerce markets led by improved infrastructure. Ken Research has reported significant internet penetration across tier II & III towns and usage of Big Data, IoT, and AI will enable the sector to grow to 492.4 billion by 2025 with a five-year CAGR of 23.6 per cent in terms of revenue. In addition, the National Logistics Policy and the PM Gati Shakti will enhance India's multimodal connectivity to make India the next global manufacturing hub. It will create new job roles and opportunities in supply chain management, digital warehousing, transportation, and allied sectors.The Post-Graduate Diploma in Management - Online with specialisation in Logistics & Supply Chain Management will equip learners to build strategic and tactical frameworks, provide domain knowledge, develop soft skills and personality, to stay industry ready and seek a rewarding career. The programme would be delivered via state-of-the-art Interactive Learning (IL) platform and includes Virtual Live Classroom Sessions, e-Learning Modules, simulations, gamification, industry visits, assignments, etc.The PGDM-Online with specialisation in LSCM is an All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) - approved online programme with over 2400 hours of hybrid learning with lectures delivered by experienced faculty and experts from the industry. In addition, several CxOs from the industry will deliver expert sessions to give them an in-depth outlook on the industry.Speaking at the launch, Dr. Harivansh Chaturvedi, Director, BIMTECH, said, "BIMTECH believes in developing new-age programmes that resonate with industry requirements to bridge the existing skilling gap. The Post-Graduate Diploma in Management - Online with specialisation in Logistics & Supply Chain Management will enable learners to stay industry ready and propel their career prospects. With TimesPro, we aim to reach out to learners across geographies and use technology to bridge the learning gap."Anish Srikrishna, CEO, TimesPro, said, "With technological interventions like AI, Big Data, IoT, etc., the Indian logistics and supply chain market will grow exponentially and create significant employment opportunities, reducing transportation time and cost. It is essential to equip our next generation of learners with future-centric skillsets to boost our productivity and realise our nation's ambition to be a global supply chain hub. The programme offering by BIMTECH and TimesPro will put innovative practices in place and help create a highly skilled global workforce."TimesPro has engaged with leading industry houses like Amazon, DHL, Miniso, Mahindra Logistics, Adani Ports & Logistics, Big Basket, Rivigo, Flipkart, Delhivery, Ecom Express, GATI KWE, Varuna Group, FEDEX, Zomato, Reliance Logistics, among others, to provide employability assistance to its learners.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.The fully residential campus of Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) located in the National Capital Region is one of the top MBA Institutes to study in India. Birla Institute of Management Technology has been conferred with the prestigious Category 1 Graded Autonomy Status by the AICTE in February 2020. It provides a highly conducive academic environment, interaction with hard-working and industry-academia mix professors, proximity to the strategy makers of the industry and practitioners of the service and manufacturing companies, exposure to international universities and companies.BIMTECH's, further endeavours to recreate the essence of the Post Graduate Diploma in Management through the online mode by the 'Centre for Online Studies' (COOLS). COOLS is a part of BIMTECH to promote higher education in and outside India through the collective apparatus of Online Teaching, Learning and Research. It also aims to impart the best theoretical Knowledge, Analytical & Technical Skills to produce better future professionals. Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online Comments and Discussions A special ceremony to honor the sacrifice of a Menomonie native and alum who graduated more than 125 years ago will highlight Veterans Day events at University of Wisconsin-Stout. Cpl. Charles V. Cummings, an 1895 graduate of Stout Manual Training School, died of typhoid fever Nov. 8, 1898, while serving in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico. Born in 1876, he was 22. A ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, will be held in the Memorial Student Center, in Huffs Lounge on the first floor. A plaque with a photo of Cummings will be added to the universitys memorial wall to fallen service members. A livestream of the event also will be available. Cummings is the 45th alum 43 students and two staff who died serving their country to be honored since the wall was dedicated in 2013. Scheduled to attend the ceremony are Cummings great-great nephew, Chris Steensland, of Hugo, Minnesota, and his father, Kurt Steensland, of Burnsville, Minnesota. Viewing the livestream will be Michael Steensland, great-great-nephew, of Las Vegas, and Michelle Hampton, great-great-niece, of Orlando, Florida. University archivist Heather Stecklein conducted initial research into Cummings and in 2021 verified that he was an alum after finding names of graduates from 1892 to 1905. However, she didnt have a photo of him; all other plaques on the wall include photos. This past spring, student DJ Walker began a work-study research experience on Cummings unit, U.S. Army Company H of Menomonie. Stecklein asked Walker to keep an eye out for a photo of Cummings. A few weeks into the internship, DJ walked into my office with the newspaper supplement that included Cummings image. It was an archival miracle, Stecklein said. Walkers research on the history of Company H, which began as the Ludington Guard militia and was renamed Company A in 1921, includes a historical display outside the entrance to archives on the fifth floor of University Library. In the process of researching the units early history, I came across a newspaper article that discussed members of the unit who died while serving in the Spanish-American War. There were photos of some of the men, including one of Charles V. Cummings, Walker said. I am extremely excited that on this Veterans Day we will be able to give proper recognition to him, as UW-Stout has done for many of its other alumni, for his service and sacrifice to this country. I am fortunate to have played a minor part in this process and am thankful to so many other people, like Heather Stecklein, who have made it a reality, he added. Walker, from Menomonie, is a senior majoring in applied social science with a minor in military leadership as part of his involvement with the Northwoods Battalion of UW-Stouts Reserve Officers Training Corps program. Cummings was valedictorian of his 1895 Stout class. Classmates, who called him Charley, predicted he would become a professor. Cummings body was returned by steamship and train to Menomonie, where members of Company H, the Ludington Guard Band and community gathered. He is buried in Forest Center Cemetery in the town of Spring Brook, southeast of Menomonie. Every individual that we recognize in the Stout Hall of Heroes is memorialized as a loss to our entire campus community. While our nation and our liberties are protected by their sacrifices, the personal losses that these individuals and their loved ones have experienced is staggering, Stecklein said. These absences echo throughout the continuum of our campus. As long as we have a Stout community, we need to reflect on those who have left us in an effort to sustain our freedom and security. It is an honor to identify and recognize these individuals, she added. Stecklein will speak at the ceremony, along with Darrin Witucki, student centers director. Chancellor Katherine Frank will provide opening remarks. The walls 45 inductees include five men from World War I, 28 from World War II, two from the Korean War, seven from the Vietnam War and now one from the Spanish-American War. To inquire about veterans who could be added to the memorial wall, contact Stecklein, steckleinh@uwstout.edu, 715-232-5418. Memorial Student Center The Memorial Student Center is named in honor of those from the university community who died as a result of combat, disease or accident while serving in the U.S. military during times of war or crisis. The original Memorial Student Center, now the Communication Technologies Building, opened in 1959 when the university was called Stout State College. It included an engraved stone honoring fallen alumni. The current student center opened in 1985. The engraved stone was saved and can be found outside of the lower level, south entrance of the building, near the memorial wall. Other events during the week at UW-Stout include: All week, world map in student center where veterans can mark where they have served Tuesday, Nov. 8, Veterans Service Office presentations on benefits and services by Chris Engen, Veteran Services coordinator Wednesday, Nov. 9, benefits and medical care presentations by a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs official Friday, 12 to 4:30 p.m., Stout Veterans Club dunk tank, on the student center south lawn, with proceeds going to the UW-Stout Helping Hand Food+ Pantry.(tncms-asset)10d9e409-3d2e-5b9b-a8a0-34aef7f38edc[0](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)72c30078-b48f-5dea-8a3e-3da52dd3c640[1](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)9a4ffe0d-0e87-5656-ae21-1932b7f2246f[2](/tncms-asset) The 2022 midterm election is over! Illinois voters headed to the polls Tuesday to determine who will represent them on various levels of government, among them Congress, Illinois governor, state representatives and county offices. Too close to call: 7,000 votes separate King-Sorensen Former TV weatherman and Rockford native Eric Sorensen was pulling away from East Moline attorney Esther Joy King late Tuesday night in Illinois' 17th Congressional District race. Sorensen, a Democrat, was leading King before midnight 114,210 to 106,693 votes, according to unofficial election results with 86% of the estimated total counted. It is a race that remained too close to call. Full story here. Steve Schultz wins race for Winnebago County Treasurer Republican Party challenger Steve Schultz defeated longtime Winnebago County Treasurer Sue Goral by a margin of 51.6% to 48.4%, according to unofficial results from the Rockford Board of Elections and the Winnebago County Clerk's offices. Schultz, a member of the Winnebago County Board, is a certified public accountant. Full story here. Jennifer Muraski defeats Tony Gasparini for coroner Republican Jennifer Muraski defeated Democrat Tony Gasparini in the race to become the next Winnebago County Coroner. With 69,419 votes counted in Rockford and Winnebago County, Muraski, a licensed funeral director and embalmer, accumulated 59% of the vote, according to unofficial election results. Full story here. Tribune: Brady concedes Secretary of State race to Giannoulias Bloomington Republican candidate Dan Brady has conceded to Alexi Giannoulias making the Democrat the first new Illinois Secretary of State since Jesse White was first elected in 1998, the Chicago Tribune is reporting. With 1.3 million votes counted in Illinois, Giannoulias had garnered 58% of the total as of 9:45 p.m., according to unofficial results. Full story here. Boone County Sheriff election: Yunk defeats Mordt Republican Party candidate Scott Yunk is the winner of the Boone County sheriff's race. Story continues Yunk defeated Independent candidate David Mordt by a margin of 73.4% to 26.6%, according to unofficial results from the Boone County Clerk's office. Full story here. AP: Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth wins The Associated Press has called the race for Illinois' U.S. senate seat for Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, according to unofficial results. Duckworth won re-election Tuesday to a second term, defeating political newcomer and lawyer Kathy Salvi, a Republican, and Libertarian candidate Bill Redpath. Full story here. AP calls governor's race for Pritzker Illinois Democrat Gov. JB Pritzker was reelected Tuesday beating his Republican challenger state Sen. Darren Bailey. Just after the polls closed at 7 p.m., the Associated Press projected a victory for Pritzker who will serve a second, four-year term. With a little more than 7% of the vote counted, the incumbent had 60.6% of the vote, compared to 36.7% for Bailey and 2.7% for Libertarian candidate Scott Schluter. Full story here. Strong voter turnout When you have over 96,000 Winnebago County registered voters, 60 polling locations and over 500 election judges, what can go wrong? So far, very little. Winnebago County Clerk Lori Gummow said she has been pleased with the steady stream of voters and anticipates the turnout for a mid-term election will be strong. "You can just tell," she said. "At every voting location that I went to, there's been people lined up. It's been really good." Just hours before the 7 p.m. poll closing, residents were still registering to vote. "There was a young girl up in Roscoe who had never voted before, and they were helping her," Gummow said. "And I've seen others who were filling out registrations, too." Chris Green Long lines are a welcome sight Rockford resident Paul Mangiaracina was glad to see a line more than a dozen deep to vote at his polling place at Grace United Methodist Church, 3555 McFarland Road. Mangiaracina votes in virtually every election and thinks every voter should. There should be a lot of people in line, Mangiaracina said. Mangiaracina said he doesnt like to vote along a party line or strictly in one way. He thinks people may be ready to see change. I vote for the individual, Mangiaracina said. I think people are tired of everything, good, bad and ugly. Jeff Kolkey Hurry up and wait To borrow a lyric from the late Tom Petty, the waiting is the hardest part. The leaders of the local Republican and Democratic parties are both confident that their respective candidates will have successful showings on Election Day. There are contested races for Illinois governor, U.S. Senate from Illinois, 17th district Congress, 34th district Illinois Senate, 67th, 68th and 69th district State representative, Winnebago County Coroner, Winnebago County Treasurer and eight contested Winnebago County Board races. I think weve got a really good slate of candidates weve fielded to give voters a choice to make, Winnebago County Republican Central Committee chairperson Paul Hofmann said. Secondly, all of the candidates and volunteers worked very hard to get the word out right up until yesterday. We think weve made some good connections with the voters, were just waiting for the final results. The bigger the voter turnout, the better for the Democrat candidates, according to Winnebago County Democratic Central Committee chairperson Charlie Laskonis. Were very confident that were going to do well, Laskonis said. Across the country, I believe the polls are under-representing the new voters that are going to come out as a result of the Roe versus Wade ruling. When they do polling, they do two out of the last three similar elections to get their poll numbers and new voters arent included in that, so hopefully the people who dont fit that mold will show up and cast ballots like they have in various special elections. Laskonis predicts Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will win his bid for re-election over Republican Party challenger Darren Bailey and Democrat candidate for 17th District U.S. Rep Eric Sorenson will prevail over Republican Party candidate Esther Joy King. The polls close at 7 p.m. Ken DeCoster 'Short-lived server problem caused wait for some voters Slow election registration servers meant longer than usual wait times Tuesday morning for some voters casting ballots in Rockford. Rockford Board of Elections Executive Director Stacy Bixby said the server problem was short lived and resolved, by late morning. The line to vote at 11 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Rockford was the result of strong voter turnout rather than computer problems, said Deb Bauch, the polling place election judge coordinator. Even if everything electronic shut down, we still have systems to make sure people get to vote, Bauch said. More than 306 voters had cast ballots at the polling place by late morning. Jeff Kolkey Voters head to polls, determined to cast ballots Curtis Jefferson, 46, of Rockford, had to head downtown to cast his ballot Tuesday morning, but that didn't stop him from voting. Standing outside of what he thought was his regular polling place, Pilgrim Baptist Church on the city's west side, Jefferson regrouped and came up with a plan after he was told his name wasn't on the list registered voters there. "As long as I could vote, I've always come here," Jefferson said. "City (residents) went in one door, and county went in the other door. I don't know how that changed happened without me knowing about it. "They said, 'We can't find your name. Are you in the county?' I said, 'Yes.' They said, 'Oh. You have to go downtown. ... I'm going downtown right now." Tim Dorgan and the Rev. Perry Bennet of Macedonia Baptist Church were in and out of the church in less than 10 minutes. "The way it should be," Dorgan said. Chris Green Smooth sailing at Rockford's polling places No voting-related snafus have been reported in Rockford two hours into the process, according to Rockford Board of Elections Executive Director Stacey Bixby. We dont have any disgruntled voters or anything telling us were having any problems, Bixby said. Thats all we have to go by. There are 36 polling places within the city of Rockford serving 86,171 registered voters. Bixby said a large number of people took advantage of the opportunity to vote early. Weve had a lot of early voters. We had over 500 here in our office yesterday and over 200 at the off-site. I dont know if that will play into how many people go to the polling places today or not, but weve had probably 7,000 early voting ballots. Ken DeCoster Need a ride to vote? RMTD has you covered The Rockford Mass Transit District will be offering free rides to any fixed route rider who is headed to the polls on Tuesday. The district announced the additional service last week. So if you plan to vote today but don't have a ride, RMTD could help. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and RMTD will be offering free rides for voters from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. "Fixed route riders need only to self-identify to the driver that they are either coming or going to their polling place for the free ride," the district said in a Friday news release. Rockford Paratransit is offering free rides as well, but those rides has to be scheduled by 5 p.m. Monday. The free rides will only be available on Election Day, Nov. 8. Corina Curry Running unopposed:Long before Election Day, some Illinois races were already decided Where is my polling place in the Rockford area? If you do not know the location of your polling place, as long as you know your zip code and address, you can find visiting the Illinois State Board of Elections or your local election office. In the Rockford area, there are several offices: the Rockford Board of Elections, the Winnebago County Clerk's office, the Boone County Clerk's office and the Stephenson County Clerk's office. Can I still register to vote in Illinois? The deadline to register online has passed, but there is a grace period that allows people to register to vote in-person through Election Day. Grace-period registration must be done at an election office, permanent polling place or other site approved by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Rockford, Illinois, area sample ballots Click here to view a Rockford sample ballot. Click here to view a sample ballot in Winnebago County. Click here to view a sample in Boone County. Click here to view a Stephenson County sample ballot. Where do I find Rockford, Illinois, area election results? We'll be providing live results at rrstar.com/elections/results/local throughout the night. What are some key races in the years Illinois elections? There are several local contested races including Winnebago County Board, Winnebago County Coroner and Winnebago County Treasurer. In Boone County, there are contested races for sheriff and county board. Stephenson County races include county clerk and county board. More election coverage: GOP candidates talk about issues in race for Illinois attorney general Key statewide races include governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, secretary of state, General Assembly and treasurer. At the federal level, candidates are running for U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress. Do I need ID to vote in Illinois? What should I bring? Illinois does not require residents to produce identification as most registered voters have already submitted their drivers license number, state ID number and the last four digits of their social security number. First-time voters who registered by mail and did not submit their drivers license and social security numbers are required to produce identification when voting. First-time voters who do not have a state ID or drivers license are permitted to produce an alternative form of identification such as a utility bill, government check, bank statement, residential lease, student ID, or government document. Polling place hours: What time do Illinois polls close? Polls close at 7 p.m., Tuesday. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Illinois midterm election 2022: Live updates from Rockford polls FILE PHOTO: Elmbrook School District building at 3555 North Calhoun Rd., in Brookfield as seen on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Months after the implementation of a new Elmbrook School District library policy, seven books have been removed from circulation. The policy, last amended in February, makes checking out certain books harder and mandates that all student checkout data be sent to their parents. The seven books were banned as the district found they did not meet the policys new content and privacy standards. Each of the seven books was also included on a now-public list that is nearly identical to one created, in part, by a Wisconsin GOP legislator and parents from outside the Elmbrook district as part of a coordinated effort to remove certain books from public libraries. The list comprises 45 books, primarily those that feature any sexual content or the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters or topics. Each of the seven books that has been removed from Elmbrook School District libraries fits those criteria. The list was given to Jesse James, a Republican member of the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 68th Assembly District. Since James received the list from his constituents, other parents across Wisconsin have used similar lists to try to get the books removed from their school districts. In December 2021, a nearly identical version of the list started to gain attention in Elmbrook, as a handful of parents began to call on the district to remove the books. Then-school board member Glen Allgaier was contacted about the list, and by January of this year, the list was being reviewed by the district. The review found that the Elmbrook district possessed 28 of the 45 books on the list. Of the 28 books, nine were made more restricted under the district's policy and seven were removed. The seven books removed were Embrace, by Jessica Shirvington; Perfect, by Ellen Hopkins; Queer: The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide, by Kathy Belge and Marke Biesche; The Infinite Moment of Us and TTYL by Lauren Myracle; Traffick: The Sequel To Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins; and This Book is Gay, by Juno Dawson. Story continues When asked why the books were removed, the Elmbrook School District declined to comment. WILL pursued a similar effort in 2021 This is not the first time that an organized effort has been successful in removing books from the district. In July 2021, the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, a nonprofit conservative law firm, sent a letter to the Elmbrook School District on behalf of parents calling for the removal of three books that contained sexual content. Two of the books, Queer: The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide and This Book is Gay, were also included on the list of 45 books to be removed and among the seven that were banned. The last book, "Things Tom Likes: A Book About Sexuality And Masturbation For Boys And Young Men With Autism And Related Conditions," by Kate Reynolds, was removed separately. Beyond calling for the books to be removed, the letter demanded that Elmbrook identify all sexually explicit books in the library, provide new training for staff and issue an apology from Superintendent Mark Hansen. The fact that Elmbrook has apparently made these materials directly available to children without parental notification and a reasonable opportunity for parental control violates state law and parents constitutional rights, the letter said. Related:Wisconsinites rally around book rejected by Muskego board for focus on Japanese experience More:New this year, Wisconsin teachers must talk about the Holocaust. Here's what's happening in classrooms. What is the Elmbrook School District's new library policy? Another demand in the WILL letter was that parents be given information on what materials students are downloading or viewing from Elmbrook sites. While this demand was not implemented in the district, a similar change was made in the district's recent practice statement 6361.1. The district library now tracks and sends each student's library check-out data to their parents. Some parents, who felt the policy was hastily passed, are questioning the convoluted library policy that also makes checking out certain books harder. It just felt like they did all of this quietly without asking anyone and that's when I really found out how much power a school board has, said Nancy Santiesteban, a former librarian and mother of two children in the Elmbrook School District. Santiesteban said that she understands why parents would want to be aware of the content that their kids are consuming, but she feels the policy might put LGBTQ+ students who dont feel comfortable discussing those topics with their parents in a compromising situation. I would say that if someone doesnt feel comfortable talking about things at home, this policy is going to make them think twice about checking a book out because somebody is always looking over their shoulder, said Santiesteban. The library policy does not explicitly prevent any student from reading any book. However, according to the policy, each book must be evaluated by how age appropriate it is, and based on that evaluation it is assigned a minimum age that a student must be to read the book. In order to evaluate the books, the policy identified 11 independent book-reviewing sources, including the New York Times and Common Sense Media, which guide librarians and district officials. The district said that sometimes a book hasnt been reviewed by any of the independent sources, and in that case, it is reviewed by professional staff, members of administration, and/or utilizes personal examination. The complexities of the policy mean that if a student wants to read a book that is determined to be above their age they must go through a parent-involved process to do so. Chris Thompson, chief strategy officer for Elmbrook School District, said since the policy was put in place, about 30 to 50 book checkouts were not approved by the district. Santiesteban said the increased politicization of the Elmbrook School District is frustrating as a parent because although she accepts that it is OK for parents to think differently, she feels it is a whole thing altogether to want to apply those beliefs to other people's children. I completely understand if you dont want your kid reading a certain book, but dont try and take books out of other kids' hands, Santiesteban said. Thompson argued that the policy is complex on purpose to try to ensure that politics are eliminated from the system and that instead kids are reading age-appropriate materials. There are districts that are a lot more conservative and there are districts that are a lot more hands off, we dont want to get into that conversation we just want to make sure our kids are reading the appropriate books, Thompson said. Beck Andrew Salgado can be reached at Bsalgado@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Beck_Salgado. THANK YOU: Subscribers' support makes this work possible. Help us share the knowledge by buying a gift subscription. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Elmbrook School District removes LGBTQ-themed books from library President Biden Signs NATO Agreement For Inclusion Of Finland And Sweden U.S. President Joe Biden speaks before signing the agreement for Finland and Sweden to be included in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the East Room of the White House on August 09, 2022 in Washington, DC. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Republic of Finland and Kingdom of Sweden applied for membership in the Cold War-era military alliance. Credit - Chip Somodevilla-Getty Images The U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) of 2022, recently issued by the Biden administration but in practice a product of the bipartisan establishment, is a strangely fearful document. Most of it is devoted to the dire threats to the U.S. and allied position in the world supposedly represented by Russia and China (with the occasional glance at Iran and North Korea). And yet the NSS misses what ought to be a blindingly obvious fact: that if the U.S. stands on the defensive on the basis of its existing alliance systems (as it did with great success in Europe during the Cold War), Americas political and military position in the most important parts of the world is not just strong, it is virtually unassailable by any outside power. Grave dangers to the U.S.-led democratic West do exist, but they are mainly internal to our societies, or consequent on climate change, an issue whichalthough described as a potentially existential threatis shockingly and entirely downplayed by the NSS. The basis of the tremendous strength of the U.S. position lies in American military power in alliance with local states that are themselves economically and politically strong; while Russian and Chinese alliance systems are weak by comparison. As long as these U.S. alliances remain in place, America cannot be expelled from Europe or the Far East except by direct and totally successful military aggression against these countriessomething that any rival cannot hope to achieve and would be suicidal to attempt. To begin with Europe: NATO and the European Union between them now include all the significant countries on the continent of Europe except for Russia and Ukraineand Ukraine is by now also to all intents and purposes a U.S. ally. U.S. and allied forces in Europe are entirely capable of defending NATO against Russia. A Russian nuclear threat does exist as a result of the war in Ukraine; but the Russian army has demonstrated conclusively that it is simply not capable of attacking NATO with any prospect of success. Can Russian troops that failed to capture Ukrainian cities 20 miles from the Russian border threaten Warsaw, let alone Berlin? No. Story continues It is sometimes argued that if a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine, the Russian government could successfully rebuild its forces to conquer the whole of Ukraine, or even threaten NATO; but this begs two obvious questions: The first is what we in the West would be doing while Russia is rebuilding its forces? Would we not be building up the Ukrainian forces, and strengthening our own? And this being so, why would a Russian government think that a second war would stand any better chances than the first? On what basis is Russia supposed to create such formidable forces: It has a GDP barely one twentieth that of the U.S., E.U. and U.K. combined. Its young men are flooding across Russias borders to escape military service. Historically, there have been occasions when economically much smaller nations have defeated powerful ones; but they have done so on the social and cultural basis of ferociously motivated armed forces drawn from martial societies. Is that the picture presented by Russia and the Russian army today? There are tremors of unease in European societies about the war in Ukraine, but they have little to do with fear of the Russian army. On the contrary, one of them stems precisely from fear of Russian military weakness: a fear that the Ukrainian army might defeat Russia so thoroughly as to threaten the reconquest of Crimea and the naval base of Sevastopol, and that to prevent this Moscow would resort to the use of tactical nuclear weapons. The other relates to energy shortages due to the cut-off of Russian gas supplies. This fear however is leading only to a desire for a ceasefire in Ukraine, not to calls for the abandonment of Ukraine, let alone submission to Russian hegemony in Europea ridiculous idea. Read More: Why Protecting Taiwan Really Matters to the U.S. American fears concerning U.S. alliance systems have always centered on the belief that key allies might be intimidated into abandoning them. There is however now ample historical evidence to contradict this. After all, it was not the case during the Cold War, when huge Soviet tank armies stood in the middle of Germany. Even at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, when the general prediction of Western military experts was that Russia would win a quick and overwhelming victory, the result was to strengthen NATO. In East Asia, the U.S. alliance system is not as strong and all-encompassing as in Europe; but it is quite strong enough to render absurd the idea of China expelling America from the region. As long as Japan, South Korea, and Australia remain U.S. allies with U.S. bases on their territory (plus of course Americas own island of Guam), that outcome simply cannot happen. For Beijing to invade Japan or Australia, or credibly threaten to do so, China would have first completely to eliminate the U.S. and Japanese navies, virtually ensuring in the process its own annihilation in a nuclear war. Outside East Asia, China remains both much weaker and much more cautious than much U.S. commentary suggests. Like Russia in Europe, China has no strong and reliable allies in the region. China has one small naval base (at Djibouti) in the Indian Ocean. The United States has several giant ones, as well as a military partnership with India. There is no sign as yet of any Chinese moves to turn its commercial ports in the region (the so-called String of Pearls) into naval bases. Indeed, from a purely military point of view, it would be foolish to do so. Such bases, and any Chinese naval units in the Indian Ocean, could not be reinforced from China and would be hopelessly vulnerable to U.S. and Indian forces in the event of war. Nor has China sought to imitate the Soviet Union and Russia by exploiting U.S. difficulties in the Middle Eastif only because, as a Chinese diplomat once told me, China has learned from U.S. experience the dangers of embroiling itself in what he called that mess, which has led America into repeated disasters. There is one great difference in military terms between the U.S. position in Europe and in East Asia: Taiwan, which, just as Russia in parts of Ukraine, China regards as part of its national territory and which is increasingly hard for America to defend. Chinas growing economic strength (albeit now growing much more slowly than over the past 40 years) and armed forces make this an issue of immense military danger for America, if America commits itself to the defense of Taiwan. Unlike Japan, Australia or South Korea however, Taiwan is not a formal U.S. ally, and America is therefore not legally obligated to defend it. The United States therefore has every strategic interest in trying to reduce tension over Taiwan, and to continue by all possible means the ambiguity over Taiwans status that has maintained peace in recent generations. It is also vital to recognize however that although a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, would be a gross crime against humanity and international legality, it would probably strengthen, not weaken, the U.S. position and U.S. alliance system in Asia. To believe that as a result, Japan and Australia would submit to Chinese hegemony and expel U.S. bases is fundamentallyand insultinglyto misread the national histories and characters of these countries (and of Vietnam and India, too). The facts I have presented about the strengths of a U.S. defensive position vis a vis Russia and China cannot be seriously contested on the basis of objective evidence. What then explains the mood of anxiety that permeates the NSS 2022, and so much of the public debate in the U.S. security establishment? Is it due to the (dangerous but in itself partly legitimate) tendency of security establishments to plan for worst case scenarios? Or the influence of the military-industrial complex and foreign lobbies in Washington? Read More: Think the Energy Crisis Is Bad? Wait Until Next Winter All of these play their part, but in the end, the basic question to ask is: What exactly is the U.S. foreign and security establishment setting out to defend? This cannot very well be the U.S. alliance systems as they existed in 1988 or even in 2004, after the East European and Baltic States were admitted to NATO, since, as I have pointed out, these allies in themselves are secure against attack. Without ever admitting this to the American people, or even in many individual cases to itself, the U.S. foreign and security establishment has come to accept as its basic position the Wolfowitz Doctrine of 1992, set out in the official memo on forward defense planning written by Paul Wolfowitz and Scooter Libby for George H.W. Bushs administration. It may be remembered by the way that at the time, that memo, when leaked, was disowned by the then U.S. administration after it was generally criticized for unrealistic and megalomaniac ambition. For the Wolfowitz Doctrine sets out as the fundamental goal of U.S. strategy permanent American primacy, not only in the world as a whole, but in every region of the world. The only influence that other states will possess beyond their own borders will be that permitted by the U.S. Domestic policies and systems too will have to be shaped according to U.S. wishes. In Europe, this has led to the belief that NATO must be extended without limits into the former USSR, although a row of former U.S. diplomats, including the present director of the CIA, William Burns, warned that this would very likely lead to conflict with Russia. In Africa and the Middle East, Russian influence must be opposed even when it is being used against Islamist extremists who are the common enemies of the West and Russia. Also in Africa, Chinese investment must be opposed even if it is strengthening the economies of faltering states whose collapse would threaten the interests of the West. In East Asia, the United States must oppose Chinas claims in the South China Sea while (in the NSS) committing itself to defend Japans claim to the uninhabited and strategically worthless Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, even though they were previously recognized by the U.S. as part of China and are also claimed by Taiwan in its capacity as the Republic of China. So it comes down to this. In the name of defending U.S.-led democratic alliance systems that are not in fact threatened, the NSS is prepared to risk the very existence of American allies, and America itself, for places that are not actually U.S. allies and for commitments that weaken, rather than strengthen, American interests and Americas position in the world. All this for the sake of a universal U.S. primacy that has never been honestly presented to the American people as the purpose for which their taxes are being paid and their lives risked. Maybe if asked a majority of Americans would say yes to this goal; but the question should be put to them honestly and clearly. Kitron Selected as Main Electronics Supplier for Kongsberg's Weapon Station System Published: 08 November 2022 by Mike Buetow by Mike Buetow 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. DeWine announces wellness support for dozens of first responder agencies COLUMBUS Sixty-two local first responder agencies will receive a total of $9.9 million to help support the wellness and staffing needs of Ohio's first responders. Among them are the Shelby Police and Fire Departments, which will receive $20,000 for a mobile wellness app, and the Crestline Police Department, which will receive $16,000 for a semiannual wellness evaluation for all personnel. The grants represent the fourth round of the new Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program. To date, $20.9 million has been awarded to 117 Ohio agencies as part of this program, which aims to address burnout caused by understaffing as well as overall job stress. A total of approximately $75 million will be awarded to law enforcement agencies, dispatch centers, fire departments, and emergency medical services agencies statewide as part of this program in coming months. Third Street Clinic to honor local veterans Thursday Third Street Family Health Services, 600 W. Third St. in Mansfield, will celebrate our local veterans' military service and contributions with a day of free dental and health care from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. Operation Heal Our Veterans will be a fun and informative event with refreshments, giveaways, prizes, gift cards, specialty items and more. It will also be an opportunity for veterans to connect to social support services and veterans organizations in our community. Third Street must charge a nominal fee for its services and donations make it possible to provide free health and dental care for the veterans. VFW Post 9943 in Mansfield donated $1,250 to Operation Heal our Veterans. Thanks to this posts generosity, Third Street will be able to provide much-needed services to the communitys veterans without burdening them with payment. Veterans Day Parade to be held Friday in Mansfield The Mansfield Veterans Day Parade will kick off at the five-way light at 10:30 a.m. Friday. Story continues The parade will form at 9:45 a.m. on Marion Avenue between the five-way light and Carpenter Road and travel down Park Ave West to Central Park. A program will follow the parade at the gazebo at 11 a.m. In case of rain, the program will be at the AMVETS Post 26, 1100 W. Fourth St., Mansfield. Richland County Auto Title Office announces closing The Auto Title Office of the Richland County Clerk's Office will be closed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday for training. The office is at 77 N. Mulberry St. in Mansfield. Shelby library to host program on Amtrak travel Marvin Memorial Library will be hosting "Exploring Amtrak Travel with Garland" at 6 p.m. on Nov. 14. Garland Gates will share his Amtrak travel tips. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to attend. This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: State awards wellness grants to Shelby Police/Fire & Crestline Police Between inflation, divisive political battles and international turmoil, 2022 hasn't been as kind to us as we hoped it would. So don't feel bad if you can't stomach spending a day in the kitchen for yet another Thanksgiving dinner. Instead, take the day off and let our Central Jersey restaurants do what they do best. These restaurants across the region can do the cooking, prepping and cleaning for you this Thanksgiving Day so you can enjoy (or limit) the time spent with family on Thursday, Nov. 24. Read on to see where you can eat Thanksgiving dinner without ever turning on the oven. Catherine Lombardi, New Brunswick Garganelli with truffle cream, asparagus and prosciutto, a Catherine Lombardi house special. There's no better to place to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast than at grandma's house, which is essentially what Catherine Lombardi is. The traditional Italian restaurant's namesake is its family matriarch, and it's themed as Catherine Lombardi's living room, where visitors can dine on a three-course prix fixe menu for $70 per person from 2 to 6:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Options include a choice of pasta or salad, with selections including garganelli with truffle cream, prosciutto and asparagus. The family-style, locally-sourced turkey comes with traditional Thanksgiving sides. Dessert options include pumpkin cheesecake, and chocolate and hazelnut bread pudding. Go: 3 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick; 732-296-9463, catherinelombardi.com. Forsgate Country Club, Monroe The historic Forsgate Country Club in Monroe is offering a Thanksgiving buffet. Every Thanksgiving, the nearly century-old Forsgate Country Club opens its clubhouse to both members and nonmembers for a holiday buffet with all the fixings. This year, the club will do the same with its reservation-only 1 and 4 p.m. seatings for $53, $25 per child. The buffet includes roasted turkey with classic Thanksgiving sides, a carved beef station, salads, other side dishes and desserts. Takeout orders are also available for $249 for a four- to six-person meal, or $410 for eight to 10 people. Go: 375 Forsgate Drive, Monroe; 732-521-0070, forsgatecc.com/files/Thanksgiving%202022.pdf. Story continues The Frog and the Peach, New Brunswick Thanksgiving dinner at the Frog and the Peach. The Frog and the Peach always aims to raise the bar when it comes to American classics. For Thanksgiving, the restaurant will offer a $76 three-course prix-fixe menu from noon to 6 p.m., which includes the option of its signature free-range organic turkey alongside haricot verts, delicata squash, truffle stuffing, cranberry compote and sherry wine gravy. Go: 29 Dennis St., New Brunswick; 732-846-3216, frogandpeach.com/thanksgiving-2022/. Grain House at Olde Mill Inn, Basking Ridge Grain House at Olde Mill Inn, Basking Ridge. With colonial touches like exposed wood beams, wood paneling, brick fireplaces and a copper-topped bar, the Grain House at the Olde Mill Inn brings visitors back to the times of the first Thanksgiving. But on Nov. 24, it will be a place to celebrate with modern comforts and traditional American cuisine. The restaurant inside the Olde Mill Inn will offer a four-course meal with seatings from 11:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. for $75, $27 per child. Menu items include pumpkin stout-braised short ribs, butternut squash ravioli, applewood-smoked kielbasa, Griggstown Farm turkey, and Granny Smith apple pie with salted caramel and whipped cream. A buffet is also available from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for $75, $27 per child. Go: 225 Morristown Road, Basking Ridge; 908-221-1150, oldemillinn.com/event/thanksgiving-2/. Ninety Acres, Peapack At Ninety Acres, a farm-to-table restaurant surrounded by a 12-acre farm within a 500-acre Somerset County park and resort, you too can get a taste of local ingredients this Thanksgiving with an upscale edge. New additions:McLoone's restaurants, fixtures of the Shore, are coming to the new Montgomery Promenade The acclaimed restaurant will serve a three-course Thanksgiving dinner for $115 from noon to 5 p.m. Dishes include Burgundy truffle risotto, roasted Griggstown turkey breast, Jersey Girl burrata, duck confit, delicata squash salad and a pumpkin crumb cake. Go: 2 Main St., Peapack; 908-901-9500, natirar.com/ninety_acres/. Orchard Park, East Brunswick Celebrity chef David Burke. At Orchard Park, you can enjoy American holiday dishes while at a French country estate. Celebrity chef David Burke's first Central Jersey restaurant will offer Thanksgiving dinner in a space featuring high ceilings, an open kitchen, a chefs table, wine room and Burkes signature illuminated pink Himalayan salt brick wall on the grounds of the Chateau Grande Hotel. The Thanksgiving $85 three-course, prix fixe menu at the creative American restaurant will include options such as turkey, butternut squash ravioli, filet mignon, pumpkin spice lava cake, lobster dumplings and branzino from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The kids' version of the meal is $45. Go: 670 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick; 732-554-5714, orchardparkbydb.com. Stage House Tavern, Mountainside, Scotch Plains and Somerset This family-friendly restaurant has always been popular for those looking for a laid-back destination and American favorites. On Thanksgiving, Stage House's three restaurant locations will not disappoint. Diverse eats:Kulfi, a creamy, dense South Asian ice cream, now being sold by new Central NJ brand Patrons can choose three dishes from a three-course prix-fixe menu for $50 per person. Options include pumpkin ravioli, pastry-wrapped baked brie, slow-roasted lamb shank, braised short ribs and a roasted turkey platter. A kids' menu for $20 for child is also available. Or, customers can order a Thanksgiving dinner to-go, with packages for four to five people for $175, 10 to 12 for $325, and 12 to 16 for $425. Go: 1099 Route 22, Mountainside, 908-731-0366; 366 Park Ave, Scotch Plains, 908-322-4224; 1719 Amwell Road, Somerset, 732-873-3990; stagehousetavern.com. Stone House at Stirling Ridge, Warren Inside the Stone House at Stirling Ridge, Warren. The Stone House at Stirling Ridge is a popular venue for weddings and other special events, but the upscale New American restaurant, situated on 10 acres, will bring the same ambiance to Thanksgiving. The Stone House will offer a three-course meal from 1 to 7 p.m. for $75, $30 per child. The menu will feature choices such as roasted pumpkin soup, roasted organic turkey, whole roasted cauliflower, a dry-aged prime New York strip steak, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate pecan pie and apple tart tatin. Go: 50 Stirling Road, Warren; 908-754-1222, stonehouseatstirlingridge.com/menu/c/0/i/68363687/thanksgiving-2022. Veganized, New Brunswick Veganized, the funky eatery known for converting American classics into vegan-friendly dishes, is offering a five-course prix-fixe menu made with no animal products. Food news:Basking Ridge Country Club's new restaurant is open to the public For $65 per person, vegans (and non-vegans) can enjoy dishes such as stuffed delicata squash with grain pilaf and vegetables over savory lentil sauce, with roasted Brussels sprouts and crusted oyster mushrooms; as well as a crusted seitan cutlet over truffle mashed potatoes and savory herb gravy. The meal is also available for takeout. Go: 1 Elm Row, New Brunswick; 732-342-7412, veganizedfoods.com/thanksgiving-feast. Looking for a quick bite? QuickChek convenience stores throughout New Jersey will be open their normal hours on Thanksgiving. Also, throughout November, QuickChek will donate 25 cents for every Thanksgiving Everyday Sub sandwich to Check-Out Hunger, which benefits the Community FoodBank of New Jersey and other New Jersey food banks. Jenna Intersimone. Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA Today Network New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com or @JIntersimone. This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Thanksgiving dinner: Where to get it from Central NJ restaurants Guests enter the convention centre hosting the Cop27 U.N. Climate Summit, Friday (Peter Dejong/AP) (AP) Rishi Sunaks arrival in Egypt for COP27 puts the new prime minister alongside a host of world leaders and senior corporate executives seeking ways to limit global warming. Global investors and multinational companies have long been highlighting their Environmental and Social Governance credentials, to benefit from demand for responsible investment along green and responible lines, as highlighted by the ESG trend. From London to New York via Shanghai and Sydney, many of the biggest names in the financial and corporate world have rushed headlong to embrace ESG. But as overall carbon emissions stay high, there are fears from pressure groups, and within major trading centres alike, that much of it amounts to hot air. A derogatory term greenwashing is already coined at its expense and is in wide circulation. ESG investing is supposed to offer a way of identifying companies that help fight climate change, via plans to cut their own greenhouse gas emissions or development of alternatives, such as carbon-offsetting. Such strategies are much-discussed at the UN-brokered COPs, or Conference of Parties. They aim to ensure global warming can be limited via reduced emissions in line with the targets agreed at the previous COPs in Glasgow and Paris. Household names like Nike and Vodafone have become partners to a range the initiatives set up at the talks. They also include some of the worlds biggest fossil fuel companies, including London-listed Royal Dutch Shell, which has been named as a carbon pricing champion for supporting UN efforts designed to set an emission price for the greenhouse gas of $100 per metric ton over time, even as it extracts millions of barrels of oil per day alongside developing greener alternatives. Such generalities and contradictions are seen as better than nothing by their supporters. But others argue they just a smokescreen hiding a lack of more meaningful change. Critics point to a lack of properly independently verified criteria around ESG investing. The main City watchdog in the UK has recently announced a crack down on use of the ESG labels on funds. New rules from the FCA next year will bite into how words like green, sustainable and responsible are used, unless they meet regulators criteria. Story continues International efforts are underway for rules on what should and should not count, from the likes of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. Moves for clarity have done little to cut the criticism, amid stellar growth of ESG indexes and exchange-traded funds to offer ways into the concept. Nonetheless, Environmental and Social Governance criteria have moved into the financial mainstream. Dominic Rowles, Lead ESG Analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown said: Whatever is agreed at COP27, the climate remains a vital consideration for investors. Its more important than ever to make sure managers consider the impact climate change will have on the funds investments. On top of increased regulation, those companies not seen to be doing enough could face a customer backlash, negative press, and reputational damage. But as long as there is no consensus on how to measure ESG properly, critics are likely to remain vocal. Zeina khalil Hajj, head of global campaigning and organising at environmental pressure group 350.org, said: Shifting the multi-billion dollar investments from fossil fuel into renewables is the critical missing step towards actually meeting the global commitments made in Paris. The reality is that the financial sector and the fossil fuel industry continue to collude, funding further destruction and exploitation by financing fossil fuel projects We need to stop throwing billions at the system that has brought us to this climate chaos. COP27, at the Sharm El Sheikh resort on the Red Sea, started on Sunday and runs to November 18. Kevin Dietsch/Mario Tama/Getty Images; Insider Democrat Katie Hobbs ran against Republican Kari Lake in Arizona's gubernatorial race. This race was one of six Republican-held governorships up for election in a state Biden carried in 2020. Republican Gov. Doug Ducey couldn't run for reelection because of term limits. Democrat Katie Hobbs defeated Republican Kari Lake in Arizona's gubernatorial election. Arizona's gubernatorial candidates Hobbs is the Arizona secretary of state. Previously, she served as an Arizona state senator from 2013 to 2019 and as a state representative from 2011 to 2013. Hobbs handily defeated her Democratic primary opponents in 2022, bringing in over 70% of the vote. Lake is a former anchor for Fox 10 News in Phoenix. After working at the station for over two decades, Lake stepped down from her role in March 2021. She clinched former President Donald Trump's endorsement in September 2021, almost a year before the gubernatorial primary. Armed with his support, Lake emerged victorious in the five-way Republican primary, defeating former real estate developer and Arizona Board of Regents member Karrin Taylor Robson, who was backed by former Vice President Mike Pence. Arizona's voting history Arizona very narrowly backed President Joe Biden over Trump in a 0.3 percentage point margin of victory in 2020. In recent history, Arizona has voted for the Republican candidate in every presidential election cycle, excluding 1996 and 2020. This race is also one of six Republican-held governorships up for election in a state carried by Biden in the 2020 presidential election. The money race According to the Arizona Secretary of State's website, Lake had raised $7.4 million, spent $5.5 million, and had $1.8 million on hand, as of September 30. Her opponent, Hobbs, had raised $10.3 million, spent $8.6 million, and had $1.7 million of cash on hand, as of September 30. What experts say The race between Hobbs and Lake was 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 Harry Randall has a hamstring issue (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire) Bristols England scrum-half Harry Randall has been ruled out of contention for the autumn Tests after undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring. Bristol rugby director Pat Lam said that Randall will be sidelined for between three and four months. He was hurt during Bristols Gallagher Premiership game against Exeter, when the Chiefs racked up 50 points at Ashton Gate. Randall has won six caps, but he missed out on selection for Englands summer tour of Australia, when Eddie Jones team claimed a 2-1 Test series victory over the Wallabies. The 24-year-old was also not included among a 36-man England squad that took part in a recent training camp, with Ben Youngs, Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Mitchell chosen as scrum-halves. England kick off their autumn schedule against Argentina on November 6, followed by Twickenham appointments with Japan, New Zealand and South Africa. Lam said: Harry had surgery on a hamstring tear yesterday and will be out for between three and four months. He did it tackling Jack Nowell and got in an awkward position. It is a loss for us, but time for Andy (Uren) and Tom (Whiteley) to step up. We are not looking elsewhere at the moment. We lost Harry one week last year, then Andy the next and then Tom and then two others. I hope it is not the same. It is frustrating for us, but all the more so for Harry. Some of the hamstring came off the bone, and he had surgery to repair it. I feel for him, but I have always said injuries are an opportunity to improve, and he will come back fighting fit. Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin attend Apple Original Film's "Spirited" New York Red Carpet at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on November 07, 2022 in New York City Dia Dipasupil/GA/The Hollywood Reporter Will Ferrell has been with his wife, Viveca Paulin, almost as long as he's been in the spotlight. The Anchorman star first met Paulin in an acting class and after taking a short break, the pair eventually tied the knot in 2000. Since then, they have welcomed three children and built a blissful life together. As Ferrell once told ELLE, Paulin was the perfect match for him because of their similar sense of humor. "What I love most about Viv is very simple," the actor said. "She totally got my sense of humor. I sent her flowers every day for a week with a card, like, 'You're the fifth-prettiest woman in the office.' She loved it. We had a shorthand with each other." So, who is the woman who captured the comedian's heart? Here's everything to know about Will Ferrell's wife, Viveca Paulin. She is from Sweden and introduced Ferrell to Eurovision Will Ferrell and actress Viveca Paulin-Ferrell attend the LACMA 2013 Art + Film Gala honoring Martin Scorsese and David Hockney presented by Gucci at LACMA on November 2, 2013 in Los Angeles, California Jeff Vespa/Getty Paulin was born in Sweden but was raised in Boston. Ferrell explained during an interview with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association that Paulin first brought him to her home country in 1998. During that trip, Paulin and her cousin introduced Ferrell to Eurovision. "We were visiting her family in Sweden and her cousin had asked us for dinner," Ferrell recalled. "It was in the month of May, and my wife asked, 'Should we sit down and watch Eurovision?' I said: 'What is that?' and she said, 'You don't know what Eurovision is?' It was the night of the final, and I just sat there in front of the TV transfixed as to what was going on." Ultimately, the experience gave Ferrell the idea for his 2020 movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. She is an art collector and an auctioneer Will Ferrell (L) attend Viveca Paulin-Ferrell, LACMA Trustee and Collectors Committee Auctioneer LACMA 2018 Collectors Committee Gala at LACMA on April 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California Stefanie Keenan/Getty Paulin works in the art world as an auctioneer. After earning a B.A. in art history from Pomona College, she learned about auctioneering at Butterfield & Butterfield, a now-defunct auction house, before becoming a regular auctioneer at Los Angeles Modern Auctions. Story continues She is also an avid art collector. "Being around the auction houses made the transition to collecting an easy one, particularly with prints," Paulin told ArtNews in 2014. She and Ferrell own art by Ed Ruscha, Richard Diebenkorns, Frederick Hammersely, Karl Benjamin and John McLaughlin, to name a few. The couple even have a series of alphabet prints by John Baldessari, which they say have helped teach their children to read. She has some acting experience Will Ferrell and wife Viveca Paulin arrive at the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton on January 15, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California Frazer Harrison/Getty In addition to working in the fine art industry, Paulin is also a professional actress. She appeared in Ferrell's 1998 film A Night at the Roxbury as Porsche Girl and portrayed Swedish author Anton Bjornberg's wife in TV Land's Younger. Paulin and Ferrell also teamed up to perform the Lynyrd Skynyrd song "Free Bird" as a send-off for comedian Conan O'Brien on his last night of hosting The Tonight Show in 2010. She met Ferrell in an acting class Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin arrive to the 63rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton on January 16, 2006 in Beverly Hills, California Frazer Harrison/Getty Paulin and Ferrell first met while attending the same acting class in Los Angeles. As Ferrell revealed to ELLE, they dated briefly in their early days before becoming friends. When Ferrell left California after he was cast on Saturday Night Live in New York City, the pair remained friends, even though Ferrell was in another relationship at the time. RELATED: Will Ferrel Talks 'Wife' Blake Lively on Kimmel After Swapping Late-Night Spots with Ryan Reynolds "Viv and I would talk as friends for two hours, and it would feel like five minutes, and then my girlfriend would call and after 15 minutes I'd be like, 'God, it's really late here on the East Coast. I should get some sleep,' " Ferrell recalled. "For me, Viv was the one that got away." Luckily, when Ferrell came back to L.A. on a visit, Paulin confessed that she felt the same way. "I was stunned," Ferrell said. "I didn't play it cool at all. I went, 'I just told my uncle that I'm going to marry you one day!' " He added, "We started over after a five-year friendship, we literally started courting each other." She and Ferrell tied the knot in 2000 after an awkward proposal Will Ferrell and wife actress Viveca Paulin attend the premiere of "Old School" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on February 13, 2003 in Hollywood, California. The film opens in theaters nationwide on February 14, 2003 Robert Mora/Getty Ferrell and Paulin got married in 2000 but only after Ferrell's slightly awkward proposal. "It started serious but ended up comedic," the Spirited actor told PEOPLE in 2006. "I took her to this beach where we had had one of our first dates. She wanted none of it. She was, like, 'The beach is creepy at night.' I was, like, 'Shut up, this is supposed to be really romantic.' " Unfortunately, Paulin's comment threw off the actor's concentration. "I was trying to think of what I was going to say and it just turned into, 'So I, uh, really like you and, uh, anyway ' Then I went down to a knee at least I think I did and proposed," Ferrell said. "So it was kind of funny, but not on purpose." She and Ferrell have three children together Will Ferrell, wife Viveca Paulin and children Magnus Paulin Ferrell, Mattias Paulin Ferrell and Axel Paulin Ferrell attend the premiere of "Daddy's Home 2" at Regency Village Theatre on November 5, 2017 in Westwood, California Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic The couple share three sons Magnus, Mattias and Axel, whom they welcomed in 2004, 2007 and 2010, respectively. As Ferrell explained to PEOPLE, his first son's name caused some controversy, but the moniker was intended to be a tribute to Paulin's Swedish roots. "My wife was born in Sweden, and we loved the idea of a Scandinavian name. I've gotten a lot of flack: 'What kind of ego do you have to have to name your child the great one?' That is not it at all." They support multiple causes and even started a scholarship fund Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin attend the 2021 Maestro Cares Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on December 7, 2021 in New York City Theo Wargo/Getty Both Ferrell and Paulin enjoy giving back. They've donated to Cancer for College, which provides scholarships and educational opportunities to cancer survivors, and the University of Southern California's Swim with Mike Foundation scholarship campaign, which supports student-athletes who have experienced catastrophic injury or illness. In 2018, the couple even gave a full scholarship through the Viveca Paulin and Will Ferrell Scholarship Fund, which supports female soccer players at USC. The cause was especially close to Paulin's heart, as she previously played soccer at Pomona College. The couple's three sons also play soccer. It's Election Day in Georgia is over. Voters across the peach state headed to the polls to cast ballots in local, statewide and federal races in the 2022 midterm elections. In the Georgia governor's race, Gov. Brian Kemp faced off against Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams. In a key U.S. Senate race, incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock was challenged by UGA football icon and Republican Herschel Walker. Various local races in Richmond and Columbia counties were on the ballot. Learn more about them here. GEORGIA ELECTION RESULTS 2022: See results from local and statewide races Brenda Miller, of Augusta, waves to passing cars as she helps campaign for mayor candidate Steven Kendrick outside the Julian Smith Casino in Augusta, Ga., on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. 7 p.m. | Final call, last second voters As Election Day came to a close, last-minute voters rushed to cast their ballots. Voters popped in and out of Christ's Sanctified Holy Church polling location on North Belair Road in Evans, just minutes before the polls were set to close. Megan Cerasuolo said she put voting off until the last minute because she had work all day. Im a procrastinator, Cerasuolo said. Donna Melvin, who works at the Savannah River Site, said she came in close to closing because she had to make the drive back to Evans from work. I wanted to make sure I got by to vote, Melvin said. Its always well done here. They know how to get you through and give you the time to vote and everything you need. Its the democratic process at work. Richmond County Board of Elections Director Travis Doss said Richmond County did not face any issues with technology and does not expect any lines after polls close. We have not had any lines today," he said, "so I'm not expecting anything at 7 o'clock today. Doss added the county did not have any technical issues Tuesday. - Alexandra Koch 6:15 p.m. | The most popular polling locations in Richmond County The Richmond County Board of Elections has released the most popular polling locations Tuesday. Director Travis Doss said Richmond Countys most popular locations were: Julian Smith Casino on Broad Street Aldersquate United Methodist Church on Wheeler Road Providence Baptist Church on Wrightsboro Road Robert Howard Community Center on Diamond Lakes Way in Hephzibah Story continues - Alexandra Koch A vote here sign sits outside the Columbia County Library on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. 5:15 p.m. | First time voting in Georgia Tuesday evening was Columbia County resident Walter Hunters first time voting in Georgia. Hunter, who relocated to the state from New Jersey, said the move was so recent, there was no time for early voting. I like the experience of coming out on Election Day, but also I just got my license so I couldnt do early voting," he said. "I had to come on the actual day. Hunter, who donned a "Marine Veteran" t-shirt and hat, said the touchscreen technology used at Columbia County Library polling location on Evans Town Center Boulevard was impressive. It was very easy. I was surprised, he said. This was my first time with this kind of system, but I liked it a lot. It was quicker, but they had a lot of questions there. - Alexandra Koch Volunteers with Stand-up and Vote hold signs outside Diamond Lakes on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. 4:50 p.m. | You cant complain ... if you dont participate As voter Bruce Tibbetts walked toward the Columbia County Board of Education voting center on Hereford Farm Road in Evans, he looked serious. When asked what brought him out to the polls Tuesday, he replied simply, Civic responsibility. Tibbetts said that he has been in Georgia for about 10 years and has voted in every election since moving here. You cant complain, they say, if you dont participate, he said. There were less than half a dozen voters at the polling location at the time, but cars continued to roll in as rush hour commenced. - Alexandra Koch 4:30 p.m. | 'Now it's all touchscreen' It is Edgar Gates Jr.'s third election volunteering. The retiree turned election volunteer said things have changed since he reached the voting age. "Now, we have equipment we all get trained on to make the process easy and simple," Gates said. "We took away all the paperwork that used to be necessary in the old days. Now it's all touchscreen and makes it smoother and a lot quicker than what it used to be in the past." Gates said with time on his hands, he wanted to get involved with elections. The volunteers work the entire day, relieving each other for short breaks throughout. "It helps if people are retired like I am," he said. "If you want to get involved you have to devote the time to it and have the heart to be able to do it." - Alexandra Koch Lynda Fryer, left, and her sister Roberta Fryer, right, campaign for state Sen. Harold Jones II outside the Henry Brigham Community Center on Golden Camp Road in Augusta, Georgia, during the midterm Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 8 2022. 3:20 p.m. | 'That's being evil' Some Augustans are playing dirty in this midterm. Just outside the poll at Henry Brigham Community Center on Golden Camp Road, political signs have been getting tampered with or even destroyed. Photos circulated Monday on Facebook showing a variety of signs torn up or pulled out of the ground. Lynda Fryer, who is campaigning for state Sen. Harold Jones in the area, said someone had messed up their signs early Tuesday. "That's crazy," Fryer said. "That's being evil." Despite the ill-will, Fryer and her sister Roberta have been standing along the side of the road with signs since 7 a.m. and they are committed to staying there until 7 p.m. "I believe in what he stands for and I think he's the best candidate," Fryer said. - Miguel Legoas Brittany Teyer and Nick Schultz walk in to vote at Diamond Lakes on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. 2:15 p.m. | Elections going slow but smooth It's about half-way through Election Day, and Board of Elections directors in Richmond and Columbia counties say they have not had any issues so far with staffing, technology, etc. Richmond County Director Travis Doss said the turnout is slowing down a bit from this morning. While the goal is to get to 55-65% by the end of the day, they are currently sitting at around 40% and it's unclear right now if they will meet that objective. Columbia County Director Nancy Gay said, as of noon, they had a little over 11,000 votes in total. She has told every precinct that she needs 621 voters at each precinct, and if they meet that goal, it will represent 65% turnout. Doss and Gay asked voters to make sure of their precinct and poll location, which can be found online at My Voter Page. Voters were also reminded that, as long as they are in line by 7 p.m., the poll will stay open for them to cast a ballot. - Miguel Legoas Grovetown Councilwoman Ceretta Smith holds a free food sign with other volunteers as they host a party at the polls at Diamond Lakes on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. 1:50 p.m. | Party at the polls Want to celebrate election day? There's a party going down outside the Robert Howard Community Center in the Diamond Lakes area. Georgia Stand-Up is providing dancing, upbeat music and free food to encourage people to come out and vote. Organizer and Grovetown City Councilwoman Ceretta Smith said, "You know how important voting is. We're trying to make it fun, so hopefully somebody will go tell somebody, 'There's a party going on at the polls! Come on over and vote. And after you vote, get some good food and let's just have a little bit of fun.'" The food comes from Calesha Jenkins, owner of J and K Blue Box, who is frying up fish, shrimp, French fries and other goodies. This was the first time Jenkins had done something like this, and while it's a different experience, this is an important issue to her. "It's just the right thing to do," Jenkins said. "We want to make sure that everybody's voice is heard." - Miguel Legoas 12:55 p.m. | Short waits in Columbia County Columbia County voting has been running smoothly through Tuesday morning, according to the executive director of the countys Board of Elections. Weve had over 11,000 vote already today, Nancy Gay said shortly before 1 p.m. I need another 20,000 to come out by 7 oclock to get 65%. The county fell just shy of that in the 2018 midterm. About 33,000 voters cast their ballots during the three weeks of advance voting, Gay said, which is still kind of good for a midterm. Also, election offices are checking wait times at voting precincts. The longest line we had was seven minutes at lunch time, she said, though she wasnt immediately sure of which polling place. Everyone else was no time at all. - Joe Hotchkiss 12:15 p.m. | Brisk voting Through mid-morning, more than 300 people had cast their votes at Julian Smith Casino in Tuesdays midterm election, according to poll supervisor Judy Blackstone. Sometimes by 7 oclock around here, on a good election, we do 800 to 900 all day, she said. In the May 24 general primary, 654 votes were cast at Julian Smith Casino out of 1,619 voters registered with that precinct. - Joe Hotchkiss 11:45 a.m. | How lazy can you be? Mike Lowery doesnt have anything against U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker. Lowery just likes the stance and the campaign of incumbent Raphael Warnock, whose campaign sign he held outside Julian Smith Casino. Warnock has the most experience. Hes politically savvy, he said. Its just like any job. If you dont have the experience, youre not going to do a really good job. Voting for your favorite candidate is the democratic way, he said. My people went through a lot so we could vote. Not only my race, but every American should vote, said Lowery, a Black man. Thats your patriotic right. Besides, one day every two or four years? Come on! How lazy can you be? 11:20 a.m. | School board candidate has mom's support Whether she wins or loses the District 7 seat for the Richmond County Board of Education, Brittainy Broadwater is still going to work hard for children and education, according to one of her supporters Tuesday. That supporter is the candidates mother, Wanda Broadwater, who was near the polling place at St. Mark United Methodist Church on Washington Road. Onyx the dog chews on blades of grass as his owner, Cassandra Taylor, campaigns for Richmond County Tax Commissioner candidate Veronica Freeman Brown on Tuesday on Washington Road in Augusta. The current board says they work on policy, but she says that everything starts at the top. She wants them to be accountable, she said. Win or lose, she wants her constituents to use their voices and to do their jobs and vote other people in. Brittainy Broadwater, who runs a consulting business, has worked as a substitute teacher and is president of Warren Road Elementary Schools Council. She is facing incumbent Charlie Walker Jr. In Tuesday's election. - Joe Hotchkiss Voters cast their ballots at First Baptist Church of Augusta on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. 11 a.m. | No trouble at all voting Ross Williams of Augusta had no problem voting Tuesday morning at National Hills Baptist Church, the polling place for Precinct 703. Neither did Williams 97-year-old mother, whom he took to the polls. No trouble at all, he said. The most important race on the ballot? Probably senator, said Williams, adding that he voted for incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, whos facing a challenge against Republican and University of Georgia football legend Herschel Walker. I just dont think Herschels qualified. - Joe Hotchkiss 10:36 a.m. | Making the county tax office 'accessible' If car horns were votes, Veronica Freeman Brown was working on a majority Tuesday morning on Washington Road. See? Really good reception, said the candidate for Richmond County tax commissioner between beeps as she waved to passersby in front of National Hills Baptist Church. Brown is challenging Tederell Chris Johnson for the seat Johnson was appointed to earlier this year after incumbent Tax Commissioner Steven Kendrick qualified to run for mayor. Also on the ballot is Sanford Loyd. Freeman, whos financial director of the Richmond County Sheriffs Office, said "community-oriented" accessibility to the tax office is a primary goal to help lift the sometimes-overwhelming bureaucratic fog of coping with taxes. When I tell people that, that means I want to go out to community centers, civic organizations as the tax commissioner and work with people more hands-on, she said. I want to make things much more online accessible as well, so expanding on what they have online now, making it where you have customer service representatives that work online for those who cant go out to the tax commissioners office. - Joe Hotchkiss 10:20 a.m. |'Taxes affect everything' Shawn Edwards, the executive director of the land bank authority, had set himself up across from the Asbury Methodist Church on Troupe Street in a folding camp chair with a sign and T-shirt promoting his preferred candidate for Richmond County Tax Commissioner. For Edwards, even a down-ballot local race like tax commissioner is important to get right. Edwards is advocating for Tederell Chris Johnson, who was appointed to fill the term of tax commissioner Steven Kendrick when Kendrick stepped down in a failed bid for mayor. Johnson is now running for a full term against Veronica Freeman Brown and Sanford Loyd. "Our taxes affect everything in Richmond County," Edwards said. Better tax collection means more revenue for the county, Edwards said, which means fewer residents moving to adjoining counties instead. "The more taxes we can collect, the more services we can provide," he said. - Abraham Kenmore Voters check in as polls open at The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Augusta on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. 10:10 a.m. |'So far, so good' Voting across Richmond County is going smoothly, according to Travis Doss Jr., executive director of the Richmond County Board of Elections. "So far, so good. It seems like everything is going smoothly," he said. Doss expects 55-65% turnout by the end of the day. So far, he said, there were no lines, and the Board of Elections had no issues staffing polling places. The most important thing voters need to do, according to Doss, is make sure they are going to the right place to vote, not an early voting site or anywhere else. "They can only go to the polling place where they are registered to vote," Doss said. To confirm, voters can call the county board of election the general phone number is 706-821-2340 or check their My Voter Page online. - Abraham Kenmore 9:30 a.m. |'Balance of power' Baillie Conway voted early Tuesday for Herschel Walker and Brian Kemp at the Asbury Methodist Church on Troupe Street. "I just enjoy always coming out to vote," he said, but those two races governor and senate were particularly important this time. Related: Georgia election 2022 live updates: Polls open with governor, Senate races on the line "I think Senate wise, it's important to get the Republican majority back," Conway said. With a Democratic president, "That way you have the balance of power." He also appreciated Kemp's first term as governor. "I think Kemp has done a good job handling the pandemic," he said. Conway thinks even if voters can't find a perfect candidate, they should still turn out. "I think it's important to vote even if you don't agree with 100% of the candidate's stances," he said. - Abraham Kenmore Ashleigh Neville (left) and Dawn Clay (right) wave signs outside of Julian Smith Casino as the sun rises on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. 8:25 a.m. | Last minute campaigning Jwan Knight was outside the Mount Calvary Baptist Church early Tuesday, holding a sign for Yiet Knight, his mother, who is running for Richmond County School Board District 2. "This is our first time doing this," Knight said. "We want to bring some new ideas to the city. That's all we want to do." Calvin Brooks, wearing a Vietnam veterans hat on his way to vote, asked Knight if his mother was a Democrat. Brooks, a 28-year U.S. Army veteran, said his top issues were "Social Security, the economy, and the women's right to choose," adding, "and yes, I am voting Democrat." Brooks said he liked Sen. Raphael Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, although he does not think she will be able to win. He also thought Biden cancelling some student loan debt was a good policy. "I don't think Republicans are good for this county," he said. "I've been voting Democratic since I could vote, and I'm 77 years old." - Abraham Kenmore Voters cast their ballots as polls open at Julian Smith Casino on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. 7:55 a.m. | A quarter of voters already cast ballots Heading into election day in Augusta, about a quarter of active voters already cast ballots in person, while more have cast absentee ballots. Richmond County saw about 24% of voters casting ballots early in person. For Columbia County, about 32% of voters voted early and in person. Richmond County has about 130,621 active voters while Columbia County has 105,491, according to the Georgia Secretary of State's website. Richmond County already held elections for most of its local races, including the mayor, this spring. The primary and local nonpartisan election was held in May, with a turnout of about 28%. The subsequent runoff had a turnout of about 19%. Columbia County saw higher turnout, with about 31% of voters coming out in May, but just 2% participation in the runoff. Across the state, more than 2.5 million voters cast ballots before election day, according to the Secretary of State. - Abraham Kenmore A "vote here" sign sits outside Julian Smith Casino as the sun rises on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. 7:25 a.m. | Voters start to trickle in A handful of voters showed up in the first half hour of voting at the Salvation Army Kroc Center on Broad Street. Eileen F. Jones was checking photo IDs and handing out stickers as voters entered and left the polling area, wearing a shirt from a previous election that read "Freedom rides for voting rights continues." She said it was her fourth or fifth year working an election. "I had a great grandfather who lived to be 106 years old, and the first time he voted was when he was 99 years old," Jones said. When her great grandfather, Peter Jacobs, finally cast a ballot for the first time, she said he was crying. She didn't know why at the time, but came to understand as she grew older. While she has only been working at the polls for a few years, Jones said she got involved with political campaigns starting in high school. "I enjoy doing it because it's the American way of doing things," she said. "It's good to have a voice in your government." - Abraham Kenmore 7 a.m. | Polls are open. What to know if you're voting in Richmond, Columbia County Polls opened at 7 a.m. and will remain open till 7 p.m. See polling locations in Georgia. Voters in line by 7 p.m. will be permitted to cast a ballot. Voters can vote at their assigned polling location. A full list is available on the county website: Support local journalism by subscribing to The Augusta Chronicle. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Election Day 2022 Georgia: Live updates from Richmond, Columbia voting Football icon Herschel Walker is arguably the most fascinating candidate in the 2022 midterm elections, capturing attention in ways even a TV doctor, a self-proclaimed "hillbilly" memoir writer and a Jan. 6 insurrectionist can't. As Georgians went to the polls Tuesday morning, the question on many minds was whether Walker's celebrity and charm would be enough to overcome his well-publicized shortcomings and garner enough votes to force a runoff in his U.S. Senate race against incumbent Raphael Warnock. Walker, a Republican, is running on a ticket where most GOP candidates are considered the favorites. Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, both Republicans, have polled strongly ahead of the election and are expected to carry down-ballot candidates. Election 2022 in Georgia: Here are the midterm races to watch At a glance: Where Georgia midterm election candidates stand on issues, policies US Senate candidate Herschel Walker speaks during a campaign stop on Wednesday November 2, 2022 in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Walker has been the outlier. He's beloved in the state the way only a sports hero can be - Walker led the Georgia Bulldogs to a college football national title before going on to a storied NFL career. But his history of violence against women, his bizarre statements on topics ranging from COVID-19 to climate change, and recent allegations that he paid for former romantic partners to have abortions have shaken Independent voters, moderate Republicans and others that might otherwise consider a GOP candidate for Senate. Still, Walker is expected to benefit from voters dissatisfied with Democrats based on the U.S. inflation rate and those who want the Republicans to regain majority control of the Senate. The Georgia race is seen as one of the few competitive Senate races in the country, and with the 100-member chamber evenly divided between the GOP and the Democrat, some Georgians will vote for party and not the person. Pundits doubt there are enough Walker voters for him to win the race outright. In Georgia, candidates must win a majority - 50% plus one vote - to avoid a runoff. A Libertarian, Chase Oliver, is polling well above the typical 1% for statewide candidates in Georgia - enough votes to deny either Walker or Warnock the majority threshold. Story continues U.S. Senate debate: Warnock defends record in debate, criticizes Walker as dishonest U.S. Senate race: Herschel Walker chides Raphael Warnock with 'Team Biden' jersey at Savannah rally US Senator Raphael Warnock speaks during a campaign event on Tuesday October 25, 2022. Warnock, Walker's opponent, has spend the final days of his campaign focused on turning out Democratic voters to try and avoid the runoff. Warnock campaigned with famed film director Spike Lee on Sunday in Savannah. Still, a runoff is the most likely scenario in the U.S. Senate race. Warnock might be disappointed if he fails to win outright but he won't be uncomfortable - he won his seat in a runoff against then-Sen. Kelly Loeffler on Jan. 5, 2021, swinging control of the Senate to the Democrats. A runoff would mean four more weeks of campaigning by the candidates. And who among us doesn't want another month of Walker the candidate? This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia midterm election race for US Senate destined for runoff? Heres what we think we know as Election Day dawns nationwide, based on our colleagues reporting: Its going to be a good night for Republican candidates competing for House seats. How good remains to be seen. The GOP could wrest the Senate majority away from President Biden and Democrats by a single seat, although there are other plausible scenarios as millions of Americans line up to vote on Tuesday. Look, if were able to hold on, were going to be in incredible shape, the president said Monday during a Democratic National Committee virtual event. Imagine what we can do in a second term if we maintain control. I know that sounds like a very high expectation, but I think anyway, Im optimistic. In the final moments of a 96-minute Ohio rally Monday night, former President Trump endorsed a long list of Republican candidates across the country and said he plans a very big announcement Nov. 15 at Mar-a-Lago, a message immediately interpreted by his cheering audience as his intention to run again for president in 2024 (The Hill). We want nothing to detract from the importance of tomorrow, Trump said, aware of criticism that teasing his presidential ambitions again on the eve of the midterms might increase Democratic voter turnout and undercut GOP candidates. We will be a great nation again, he said. Biden may or may not be certain on Tuesday night whether his Irish optimism panned out in neck-and-neck races (The Hill). Patience could be needed, for instance, if a close result in Georgias Senate contest forces a runoff next month. The Hills Al Weaver breaks down the key Senate contests and possible paths to a GOP majority, as well as paths for Democrats to retain control. Our final Senate pick is 51-49 Republican, or a net Republican gain of 1 seat, wrote the analysts with the University of Virginia Center for Politicss Sabatos Crystal Ball. Our final House pick is 237-198 Republican, or a net Republican gain of 24 seats. Our projected gubernatorial picture is 29-21 Republican, or a net Republican gain of 1 governorship. Story continues In addition to Georgias support for Republican challenger Herschel Walker, who has pressured Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) despite Walkers personal vulnerabilities, Pennsylvanias enthusiasm for celebrity TV personality Mehmet Oz (R) led Democratic leaders to throw everything and the kitchen sink behind Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D), who plans to cast his ballot in about two hours. The Keystone State outlook this morning, according to polls? Deadlock (The Hill). A favorable outcome for Republicans in the House will change the way Congress operates next year and upend the players in the chambers most powerful positions, report The Hills Emily Brooks and Mike Lillis. All it will take is a net gain of five House seats. Heres how to view potential Election Day House outcomes: The GOP wins a narrow majority (gain of 8 to 12 seats), or a healthy majority (20 to 30 seats), or a red tsunami (more than 30 seats). Least likely: Democrats retain control in a history-defying midterm shocker during a period of high inflation and low presidential job approval. The Hill is spotlighting seven House races tonight in search of clues about the electorate and issue trends: Connecticuts 5th Congressional District; Rhode Islands 2nd Congressional District; Virginias 7th Congressional District; Ohios 9th Congressional District; Indianas 1st Congressional District; New Jersey 7th Congressional District; and Virginias 1st Congressional District. The Hill pulled together final midterm election predictions from eight seasoned Washington pundits HERE. And by the way, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who hopes to be next years Speaker, is eyeing those and other races tonight during an event at a Virginia Beach restaurant with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), the states lieutenant governor and former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), who was one of McCarthys midterm advisers (3WTKR). The Hills Niall Stanage is taking notes tonight to help answer at least five questions, he writes, including how the abortion debate ultimately impacts the midterm contests, how Latinos vote this time around, and how potential 2024 presidential candidates fare (for example, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, whose popularity among Republicans has gotten under former Trumps skin). The Hills Editor-in-Chief Bob Cusack and Stanage this week will track election results and implications as part of The Hill TV coverage (info about where to watch is HERE). NewsNations election coverage info is HERE. Outgoing Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), who has presidential ambitions as an aisle-crossing moderate, broadly hinted at that aim with a Monday night tweet of an America United flag-waving video ad in which hes featured: After two years of failed policies, Americans are demanding change. While the President is in our state, we hope he hears about how Governor Hogan has turned the economy around, brought people together, and led with common sense. Journalists, state officials and federal authorities will join members of the public alert to any violence, election interference or intimidation, cyberattacks, refusals to concede contests, calls for recounts and litigation that will take time to move through the courts. People should have confidence in their election system, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. The Washington Post: Republicans sue to disqualify thousands of mail-in ballots in swing states. Politico Nightlys experienced journo Charlie Mahtesian wrote on Monday that the midterms have all the underpinnings of what he described as a disaster: This years election is going to be a train wreck. The New York Times and The Hill: In a second setback in as many weeks for GOP efforts to hand-audit elections, a judge in Arizona ruled on Monday that Cochise County could not proceed with a plan to count ballots manually this week based on Republican mistrust of voting machines. The Washington Post: Election officials fear counting delays will help fuel claims of fraud. CNN Business: Twitter, recently sold to billionaire Elon Musk, could be a new wild card in the midterms. And by the way, CEO Musk placed his Twitter fingers heavily on the GOP side of the election scales on Monday (The Hill and The New York Times). Reuters: Election deniers on ballots on Tuesday, including Republicans who support Trumps false claims that he won the 2020 election, aim to run the 2024 presidential vote. Related Articles The Hill: The powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) endorsed a GOP challenger in a Pennsylvania House race, angering progressives. Democracy is on the ballot this cycle and AIPAC is helping the side that wants to end free and fair elections, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told The Hill. The Hills Nathaniel Weixel unpacks state ballot measures that deal with abortion, Medicaid expansion, marijuana legalization and collection of medical debts. The Hill: Black voters say theyre prepared to get blamed for Democratic political disappointments. LEADING THE DAY CONGRESS While Tuesday marks the end of the election cycle for most, things are just getting started in the offices of party leaders on Capitol Hill. If House Democrats lose their majority, they will likely undergo their biggest leadership shake-up in decades, and House Republicans are fighting over key leadership positions as they determine the direction their party will take in January. As Politico reports, the next few weeks could result in the biggest changes to House leadership since the Republican Revolution of 1994, when the GOP claimed the chamber after defeating the sitting Democratic speaker in his reelection bid. Roll Call: If control of the House is close, Jan. 3 could be chaos. Things could get pretty messy with election challenges swirling, legal experts say. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who first held the title from 2007 to 2011, and has led the chamber again since 2019, previously signaled this would be her last term. But she has not spoken definitively about stepping down recently, telling CNNs Anderson Cooper in an interview airing Monday that my decision will be affected about what happened the last week or two. Pelosi spoke to Cooper in her first television interview since the attack on her husband, Paul Pelosi, at their San Francisco home on Oct. 28. The intruder who attacked her husband with a hammer was looking for the Speaker, police said (The Washington Post). In the interview, Nancy Pelosi addressed the misinformation and disparaging comments from some Republicans in the wake of the attack (The New York Times). You would think there would be some level of responsibility, she said. You see what the reaction is on the other side, to make a joke of it. That is traumatizing, too. If Democrats lose the House and Pelosi does step down, the door opens for a new generation of party members to rise in the leadership ranks. Multiple lawmakers told Politico the race for the No. 1 slot is looking to be in House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffriess (D-N.Y.) favor, though House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is also expressing interest. Politico: How a secret meeting put Jeffries on track to replace Pelosi. The New Republic: The next generation of House leadership Jeffries on the priorities of tomorrows Democratic leaders. While House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is the likely choice for the Speakership if Republicans take the lower chamber, possible GOP leadership in the Senate looks more complicated. A big election night for Senate Republicans, who could pick up as many as two to five seats, is fueling chatter of a potential showdown between Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and National Republican Senate Committee (NSRC) Chairman Rick Scott (Fla.) in a majority leaders race, writes The Hills Alexander Bolton. Scott on Sunday further stoked the rumors by declining to say he wont run for the position. The Florida senator has close ties to Trump, who has called on Senate Republicans to impeach McConnell. McConnell, meanwhile, is losing several close allies after the election as they plan to retire including Republican Sens. Pat Toomey (Pa.), Ben Sasse (Neb.) and Rob Portman (Ohio), among others. If Republicans win, some of their seats will be filled by Trump acolytes such as Eric Schmitt in Missouri and Ted Budd in North Carolina. But McConnell still retains a strong grip on the Senate GOP caucus and has raised $380 million to help take back the Senate majority more than what the NRSC and Trump have raised for the cause. The Wall Street Journal: Arizonas GOP Senate candidate Blake Masters is noncommittal on supporting McConnell as leader. IN FOCUS/SHARP TAKES INTERNATIONAL United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said the world was on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator. Speaking at the annual COP27 climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, his warning set the tone for the climate talks, which are underscored by the threats of war, global warming and economic unrest taking a toll on every continent. We are in the fight of our lives, and we are losing, Guterres said in his opening remarks (The New York Times). Reuters: COP27: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says climate and energy security go hand in hand. The Guardian: COP conferences are a big game of lets pretend and 27 wont be any different. The New York Times: As climate pledges fall short, a chaotic future looks more like reality. At COP27 on Tuesday, the United States championed nature-based solutions to climate change with a report describing a roadmap for climate progress. The administration touts examples that can capture and store carbon dioxide, including protection or conservation of natural areas, reforestation, restoration of marshes or other habitats, or sustainable management of farms, fisheries or forests. In addition, the United States announced specific agency actions to support an investment of $25 billion in infrastructure and climate funding (NPR). Biden on Monday spoke with former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on his partys victory in last weeks elections, where his party teamed up with far-right factions to form a conservative coalition. His main opponent, Prime Minister Yair Lapid, a centrist, conceded on Thursday (The Hill). Ukraine on Monday accused Russia of looting empty homes in the southern city of Kherson and occupying them with troops in civilian clothing in preparation for street fighting during what both sides predict will be one of the wars most important battles. In anticipation of a Ukrainian assault to recapture the city, Russia in recent days has ordered civilians out of Kherson, the only regional capital Moscow has seized since invading in February (Reuters and The Wall Street Journal). The Washington Post: Ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin boasts he interfered in U.S. midterm elections. New COVID-19 cases surged in Guangzhou and other Chinese cities, according to Tuesday data, making the global manufacturing hub Chinas latest epicenter for the virus and testing the citys ability to avoid a lockdown. Chinas aggressive zero-COVID policy has affected the countrys economy; its stocks and currency have slipped over virus fears. We are seeing a game between rising voices for loosening controls and rapid spreading of COVID cases, Nie Wen, a Shanghai-based economist at Hwabao Trust, told Reuters. The New York Times: Apple built its empire with China. Now its foundation is showing cracks. SUPREME COURT Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on Monday issued her first opinion since joining the Supreme Court, writing a dissent over the courts refusal to hear an appeal from a death row inmate. Jackson, who is the nations first Black female justice and the courts only former public defender, wrote a brief two-page dissent that was joined by fellow liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor. In arguing that inmate Davel Chinns case should have been returned to a lower appeals court, Jackson said a lower court applied the wrong legal standard when it weighed the extent to which Chinn said his case would be helped by evidence he claimed was improperly withheld at trial (The Hill). The court on Monday also declined to take up the appeal of a Louisiana man who said he was denied the right to a fair trial when prosecutors called the assistant district attorney who presented the case to the grand jury as a witness. Sotomayor, joined by Jackson, dissented from the courts decision not to take up the case (CNN). CNN and Reuters: Supreme Court rejects appeal from Air Force veteran in dispute over Veterans Affairs benefits. OPINION How political violence went mainstream on the right, by Rachel Kleinfeld, guest essayist, Politico. https://politi.co/3DE9FVS Whats at stake in these elections, by The New York Times Editorial Board. https://nyti.ms/3fIRuGw WHERE AND WHEN YOURE INVITED: Share a news query tied to an expert journalists insights: The Hill has launched something new and (we hope) engaging via text with Editor-in-Chief Bob Cusack. Learn more and sign up HERE. The House meets at noon on Thursday for a pro forma session. Members are scheduled to return to the Capitol on Nov. 14. The Senate convenes on Thursday at 3 p.m. for a pro forma session. Senators make their way back to Washington on Nov. 14. The president receives the Presidents Daily Brief at 9:30 a.m. Biden on Wednesday is expected to speak about the results of the midterm elections and take questions at the White House. Vice President Harris, who is in Los Angeles, will be interviewed by radio outlets at 8 a.m. PT and at 1:30 p.m. PT. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Bahamian Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell at the Department of State at 1:30 p.m. The secretary will meet at 4 p.m. with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen departs on Tuesday for New Delhi, India, to participate in the U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership gathering on Friday. ELSEWHERE PANDEMIC & HEALTH Paxlovid, Pfizers antiviral pill that reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19, also reduces the risk of long COVID, a new study by researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs shows. The study, posted online Saturday, looked at electronic records for more than 56,000 veterans with COVID-19, more than 9,000 of whom were treated with Paxlovid within the first five days of their infection. The analysis showed those who were treated with Paxlovid had a 26 percent smaller risk of developing several long COVID conditions, including neurocognitive impairment, heart disease, fatigue, liver disease, kidney disease, muscle pain, blood disorders and shortness of breath (CNN and The Hill). Information about COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot availability can be found at Vaccines.gov. The Wall Street Journal: COVID-19s drag on the workforce proves persistent. It sets us back. CNBC: Six health insurance terms you need to know as open enrollment begins. Total U.S. coronavirus deaths reported as of this morning, according to Johns Hopkins University (trackers all vary slightly): 1,072,724. Current U.S. COVID-19 deaths are 2,504 for the week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (The CDC shifted its tally of available data from daily to weekly, now reported on Fridays.) THE CLOSER And finally This mornings total lunar eclipse was the last the Earth will see for the next three years. The initial phase of the eclipse began around 3 a.m. ET, according to NASA. The partial eclipse then started an hour later, when to the naked eye, it looked like someone was taking a bite out of the moon. The lunar disk entered totality at 5:17 a.m. ET and will last for about an hour and a half so look out your window as you read this newsletter to catch the last glimpses! A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon align, and during a full lunar eclipse, the moon falls completely in the Earths shadow causing it to look red. This is how the phenomenon gets the nickname blood moon, and the more dusty or cloudy the atmosphere is, the redder the moon appears. As NASA said, Its as if all the worlds sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon (The Hill and NPR). Stay Engaged We want to hear from you! Email: Alexis Simendinger and Kristina Karisch. Follow us on Twitter (@asimendinger and @kristinakarisch) and suggest this newsletter to friends! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Hong Kong Regulator Set to Allow Retail Investors Access to BTC, Ether ETFs Source: 24K Production/Adobe Hong Kongs top securities regulator has suggested it will go ahead with plans to allow retail investors to access exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track cryptoasset futures. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has already launched a consultation paper comprising proposed guidelines and rules for crypto ETFs. And, FT Chinese reported, Julia Leung, the SFCs Deputy Chief Executive said the body was now actively looking to set up a system to authorize ETFs that provide mainstream virtual assets with appropriate investor guardrails. She added that the new system would provide investors with access to mainstream virtual assets with proper investor protection measures in place. Leung added that the SFC will initially only allow retail investors to put funds into ETFs investing in bitcoin (BTC) and ethereum (ETH) futures. The regulator will also only allow ETFs that are traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Leung was speaking at a fintech-related event in Hong Kong. Earlier this year, the regulator published a joint statement with the central bank, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The statement made reference to the notion of allowing retail investors access to a limited suite of crypto-related financial products. The SFC executive added that growing investor safeguards meant that crypto ETFs had become less of a prohibitive risk for non-professional investors. Hong Kong: Edging Toward Bitcoin and ETH ETFs In an official document, the SFC noted that eligible ETFs would need to have a good track record of regulatory compliance. Managers, it added, would need to prove they had at least three years of experience managing ETFs or equivalent investment products. And, the regulator added, managers will be expected to carry out extensive investor education before launching in Hong Kong. Earlier this month, the head of the Chinese central bank said the entity was working with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on cross-border digital yuan functionality. Indiana Jones Disney+ Series Eyed for Development Disney is looking to develop a television series based on the Indiana Jones franchise for Disney+, according to a recent report from Variety. RELATED: Chris Pratt Denies Rumors That He Will Play Indiana Jones The report notes that both Disney and Lucasfilm have been bringing up the possibility of creating a show for Disney+ set in the world of Indiana Jones. While nothing is fully confirmed as of now, the company is looking for a writer to come on and help develop the project, meaning there is no plot information or even tiny hints at what the project might be about. The idea of a new Indiana Jones project for Disney+ comes as Indiana Jones 5 is set to release in 2023. That film will mark the final time that actor Harrison Ford appears as the character, so its not entirely too surprising that Disney would look to keep the franchise going without Ford. However, this isnt the first time that Indiana Jones has had a television series. In the early 90s, ABCs The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles aired for two seasons from 1992-1993 and even had four made-for-TV-specials throughout. Indiana Jones 5 will once again be led by Harrison Ford as he reprises one of his most iconic roles as the titular explorer. Joining him as the female lead is Emmy and Golden Globe winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The final installment will also feature the introduction of other franchise newcomers Antonio Banderas, Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Kretschmann, Boyd Holbrook, and Shaunette Renee Wilson, who have been cast in undisclosed roles. The long-awaited film is being directed by Oscar nominee James Mangold (Logan) from a new screenplay he is co-writing with Jez and John-Henry Butterworth, who collaborated on Ford v Ferrari. Mangold took over the directors chair last year after Steven Spielberg had exited his directorial duties for the film. Despite his exit, he will still remain part of the films production as a producer. Story continues RELATED: John Williams Says Indiana Jones 5 May Be His Final Film Indiana Jones 5 will be produced by Kathleen Kennedy, original franchise director Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, and Simon Emanuel, with John Williams returning to score the film, continuing a musical journey that began 40 years ago with Raiders of the Lost Ark. The post Indiana Jones Disney+ Series Eyed for Development appeared first on ComingSoon.net. A University of Kentucky student who was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly assaulting Black students and using racial slurs is withdrawing from the university, her attorney Fred Peters told CBS News on Tuesday. The incident was caught on video and went viral. The video allegedly shows Sophia Rosing, who is White, using racial slurs toward a Black student, while also putting her hands on the student. She appears to try to hit the student, who holds her back and remains calm. "Can you please stop?" the student asks, avoiding Rosing's hits. Rosing appears to continuously call the student the n-word and a "b****." Another Black student is seen in the video trying to intervene. Rosing also appears to try and hit the two students with a shopping cart. Rosing was seen in a now-viral video attempting to hit another student, who is Black. She continues to use a racial slur as the student holds her back, the video shows. / Credit: Nautica Stamatis Rosing, a 22-year-old student at the college, was arrested early Sunday morning by University of Kentucky police on charges of public intoxication, assault, assault on a police officer and disorderly conduct, according to her booking information at the Fayette County Jail. Rosing's bond was set at $10,000 and she was ordered not to contact the victim and not to drink, reported CBS News affiliate WKYT. In a message to students and staff, University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said the incident occurred in one of the school's residence halls and one of the alleged victims was a student employee working an overnight shift at the front desk. "From my view of a video of the incident, the student worker acted with professionalism, restraint and discretion," Capilouto said. The incident is also being reviewed by the school. Capilouto said the university condemns "this behavior and will not tolerate it under any circumstance" and that images in the video do not honor "our responsibilities to each other." "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," he wrote. Story continues When contacted by CBS News, the school declined to provide further comment. CBS News has also reached out to the University of Kentucky Police and Lexington Police. Andrew Yang talks goals of Forward Party TikTok in China versus the United States | 60 Minutes Biden administration braces for House, Senate losses NEW YORK There arent many rooms that can join together the likes of Cher, Kim Kardashian, Martha Stewart and Lenny Kravitz. Then again, the CFDA Fashion Awards arent just any room. Top names in fashion and entertainment flooded downtown Manhattan at Cipriani South Street to reunite and fete each other at the 2022 Council of Fashion Designers of Americas annual event Monday night, honoring the organizations 60th anniversary. Fashion is oft a mirror, both showing us where we are now and offering a glimpse back at where weve been, and attendees cheered for a mix of both as they celebrated sartorial icons and rookie visionaries. "What I've learned along the way is being yourself is the most important thing you can do," said Kravitz, who earned the nights fashion icon award. "And that you're going to make mistakes. I certainly have had my fair share of fashion fails, but that's part of evolving." Lenny Kravitz attends the CFDA Fashion Awards at Casa Cipriani on Nov. 7, 2022, in New York City. 'We're one big family': Lenny Kravitz talks new memoir, relationship with ex Lisa Bonet Champagne flowed and guests mixed and mingled during an hourslong cocktail hour and dinner reception, where Gigi Hadid and Trevor Noah chatted between courses, and Katie Homes shared a table with "Selling Sunset" star Christine Quinn. Every celebrity imaginable floated through the room: Jaden Smith, Jesse Williams, Bernadette Peters, Halle Bailey, Amanda Seyfried, Mariska Hargitay, Bowen Yang, Trevor Noah, Tinashe, Christina Ricci, Bradley Cooper, Janelle Monae and Vanessa Hudgens. Some are trying on sustainable fashion. Many designers are ahead of the trend. Kim Kardashian honored with Amazon Innovation Award The Kardashian-Jenner clan, including Khloe Kardashian and Kris, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, clapped for Kim Kardashian as she accepted the Amazon Innovation Award alongside her Skims co-founder and CEO Jens Grede and founding partner Emma Grede for their work on the shapewear brand. Martha Stewart and Kim Kardashian attend the CFDA Fashion Awards at Casa Cipriani on Nov. 7, 2022, in New York City. The family dynamic played into Kardashian's speech: Story continues "Mom, turn your phone off," Kardashian said to laughs as a phone in the crowd began to ring. Joking aside, Kardashian, 42, got serious in a rallying call for inclusion. "We're so proud of Skims' ability to not only innovate with our products, but also with our mission of inclusivity," said Kardashian, who received the award from "Skims fan" Martha Stewart. "We have put a strong emphasis since our launch on continuing to shape the industry to embrace size, equality and diversity as a fixture not just a trend." Seen and heard at New York Fashion Week: Get an inside look at excitement of NYFW shows "Russian Doll" actress Natasha Lyonne served as emcee for the festivities, garnering some uncertain laughs with jokes on voting and fashion's lack of diversity. "I love any industry that combines utter eccentricity with short tempers, chain smoking indoors, vague exclusivity, impeccable aesthetics, fleeting taste and a weight loss program sponsored by the Sackler family," Lyonne said. Anna Wintour attends the CFDA Fashion Awards at Casa Cipriani on Nov. 7, 2022, in New York City. Joseph Altuzarra, Gabriela Hearst, Aurora James, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough served as co-hosts for the awards, presented in partnership with Amazon. Zendaya stylist Law Roach says 'anything is possible' Kerry Washington, who was on hand to present stylist and self-proclaimed image architect Law Roach with the inaugural stylist award, recounted Roach's ascent from his humble Chicago roots to inventively finding ways to dress then-up-and-coming actress Zendaya, with whom he's crafted some of the red carpet's most memorable looks. "In 2016, I was invited with Michael Kors to come to the CFDA Awards at Hammerstein Ballroom, and I sat in the kitchen and I watched from the kitchen as the waiters served your food and served your drinks and I just said to myself, 'One day, I'm going to be on that stage,'" said an overwhelmed Roach. "I am the example that anything is possible." Law Roach and Kerry Washington attend the CFDA Fashion Awards at Casa Cipriani on Nov. 7, 2022, in New York City. Lenny Kravitz, more honored at CFDA Awards While accepting his award, presented to him by Bradley Cooper, Kravitz said he was "extremely grateful" that "we can come together tonight and celebrate our fashion and expression." Other winners of the night included Luar's Raul Lopez for accessory designer; Elena Velez for emerging designer; Bode's Emily Bode Aujla for menswear designer; and Khaite's Catherine Holstein for womenswear designer. Raul Lopez and Joel Kim Booster attend the CFDA Fashion Awards at Casa Cipriani on Nov. 7, 2022, in New York City. For the council's milestone 60th year, the organization created a one-time special anniversary award, given to longtime member Jeffrey Banks. Virgil Abloh received a posthumous honor, The Board of Trustees award, accepted by his wife, Shannon Abloh. Slaysians from the The House of Slay, featuring Prabal Gurung, Laura Kim, Phillip Lim, Tina Leung and Ezra William, earned the positive social influence award for their work combatting Asian hate, while the United Nations received the environmental sustainability award. Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton took home the founder's award, while groundbreaking stylist Patti Wilson thanked collaborator Cher and the nuns from her childhood Catholic school for inspiring her while accepting the media award. Laurie Lynn Stark and Richard Stark of Chrome Hearts received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Virgil Abloh memorial draws A-list stars including Ye, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Drake 'It was humiliating': Fashion's diversity problems still exist how the industry can evolve This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lenny Kravitz, Kim Kardashian receive fashion honors at CFDA Awards Leer en espanol Update: Sen. Mark Kelly held onto a shrinking lead over Republican rival Blake Masters as election officials continued to tally votes Wednesday. Read the latest here. U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly was maintaining a lead early Wednesday over Republican Blake Masters, with a sizable edge among early votes cast in Maricopa and Pima counties. Unofficial ballot returns earlier Tuesday reflected those cast during the states early voting period and were Democratic-leaning as many expected. Republicans are expected to dominate ballots counted later in the evening, suggesting Kelly's hold on the race remained tenuous. Kelly, D-Ariz., now faces the challenge of trying to hold onto that advantage as counting shifts to Election Day votes and those dropped off in recent days. That process is expected to continue for days. Kelly spoke late Tuesday to supporters in Tucson, striking a confident and thankful tone, but stopping short of declaring victory. "From Day One, this campaign for me hasn't been you know, it hasn't been about name-calling or dividing people. It's been about telling the truth," he said. "It's been about bringing together Republicans, Democrats and independents in every corner of our state, focused on solving problems." Kelly said the results, however they go, will produce closely divided government, an outcome that demands cooperation between the parties. "That can feel daunting, but that's democracy. That's how it's supposed to work," he said. "It's our responsibility to find common ground." Masters did not speak publicly on Tuesday night. Sen. Mark Kelly talks to The Arizona Republic editorial board in Phoenix on Oct. 24, 2022, about his run for U.S. Senate. One notable concern for Masters is the fall-off in votes for him compared to Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake in early returns. For about the last month of the campaign, Masters appeared alongside Lake, the GOP front-runner. Recent polling in the race suggested it was a toss-up, and last week Libertarian Marc Victor quit the race and called for his supporters to vote for Masters. Victors name remained on the ballot and more than 1 million votes had already been cast by the time of his decision. Story continues The early returns showed Kelly leading in Arizonas most populous counties, which typically account for a combined 75% of voters. It was a pattern broadly similar to one seen by Democrats in their 2018 and 2020 Senate wins, as well as President Joe Bidens narrow 2020 victory. The Rialto Theatre in downtown Tucson was full of Kelly campaign staff, volunteers and supporters at his election night event. The crowd was energized and optimistic by the early results. Campaign volunteer Melinda Rogers said she was optimistic of the results because of the hard work people put in to knock on doors and make calls. I think that Democratic volunteers for Mark Kelly night and day worked so hard that I think without a shadow of a doubt he will win, she said. As election neared, momentum shifted Kelly was long seen as his partys best bet in a year when momentum seemed solidly with Republicans. Kelly was one of the best-funded candidates in the Senate, while Masters, a first-time candidate, largely depended on the support of outside groups aligned with Republicans. But in the final month of the campaign, President Joe Bidens generally poor marks from voters seemed to pull down most Democrats in competitive races. Meanwhile, Masters spent much of that time appearing at events with Kari Lake, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, who seemed to be pulling away from Democrat Katie Hobbs. Kelly consistently cast himself as an independent running against an extremist. Kelly especially focused on Masters support for restricting abortion rights and his support for voicing support for privatizing Social Security in June. By contrast, Masters called Kelly an enabler for Bidens agenda. He pointed to record inflation, rising crime and a porous border as consequences of Kellys support for Biden. Election Day coverage: Live voting updates | Arizona election results Mark Kelly seeks to continue work in Senate The race was more than close, however. It was also a battle between sharply divergent strategies, personalities and governing approaches. Kelly won his seat in 2020 by defeating Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., in the special election to complete the final two years of the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who died in 2018. Throughout that campaign and this one, Kelly has claimed the persona of an independent in the mold of McCain. Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot and NASA astronaut, is quick to offer praise for McCains record in Washington and in the military. It was an approach tailor-made for courting Arizonas vast independent voters and a luxury a relatively popular incumbent facing no primary opposition could afford. Blake Masters hopes to unseat incumbent Mark Kelly (left) and Blake Masters are running for US Senate in Arizona. By contrast, Masters entered the GOP primary in 2021 with $10 million in support from his mentor and co-author, billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel. Thiel later kicked in at least another $7.5 million to help Masters. While Thiels money helped raise awareness about the largely unknown candidate, Masters created an energy of his own in countless public appearances and a sharp, unflinchingly conservative outlook on social media. Masters pulled away from his four Republican primary opponents by winning over the one vote that seems to matter most in internal GOP politics: former President Donald Trump. Masters, who served on Trumps 2016 transition team, signaled agreement with Trumps baseless claims of a stolen election in 2020 and promised an uncompromising brand of politics in Washington. With Trumps endorsement, Masters handily won the Republican primary in August but began the general election phase with little money of his own and no further support from Thiel or from Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnells affiliated organizations. Masters labored to clarify his view on abortion restrictions after the Supreme Court erased federal protections in June and he controversially raised the idea of privatizing Social Security at a candidate forum around the same time. Thats also when Masters college-era writings came to light showing a young libertarian who expressed opposition to the U.S. fighting in World War I and World War II, and said Iraq and al-Qaeda didnt pose substantial threats to Americans. By contrast, Kelly stood unambiguously for preserving abortion rights and helped pass a series of bills in Congress intended to boost semiconductor production in the U.S. and slow purchases of guns by younger adults. He played up his support for the U.S. military. But months of record-high gas prices and seemingly unending border crossings, along with Biden's woeful approval ratings, helped chip away at Kelly's sizable lead in public polling. In early October, at their only debate, Masters repeatedly and glibly attacked Kelly as an accomplice to the Biden agenda. At one point, he called for Kellys resignation over conditions at the border. It was a performance that helped Masters consolidate support from hesitant Republicans and provided a jolt of momentum he took into Election Day. In the final month of the campaign, Masters appeared repeatedly with Lake, who has drawn large, enthusiastic crowds. The Lake and Blake ticket proved a low-cost way for Masters to raise his profile as voting got underway. It also stood in marked contrast to Kelly rarely mentioning or being near Katie Hobbs, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Kelly shook off a mostly forgettable debate performance by returning to small group events across Arizona and promising to continue to work for what he casts as sensible policies that benefit the state and protect the nation. As always, he played up his status as a veteran, and turned sparingly to surrogates such as Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and Mesas Republican mayor, John Giles. In the final week of the campaign, Democrats brought in the partys biggest star for a rally in Phoenix: former President Barack Obama. Republic reporter Sarah Lapidus contributed to this report. Reach the reporter Ronald J. Hansen at ronald.hansen@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4493. Follow him on Twitter @ronaldjhansen. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Subscribe to our free political podcast, The Gaggle. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Senate election: Incumbent Mark Kelly faces Blake Masters Paul Pelosi and Nancy Pelosi attend the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner at Washington Hilton on April 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images The 2022 midterms are unfolding at a time of increased attention to political violence. On the eve of Election Day, Donald Trump called House Speaker Nancy Pelosi an "animal." Trump's comment came two weeks after Pelosi's husband was assaulted inside his home. Two weeks after the assault of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, Tuesday's midterm elections are playing out against the backdrop of heightened threats to lawmakers serving in Congress. In the five years since former President Donald Trump's election, the number of reported threats against lawmakers increased tenfold to 9,625 in 2021, according to the Capitol police. That rise has mirrored a similar increase in threats to other public figures and officials, including federal judges, who faced a surge in threats during the Trump administration. The assault of Pelosi's husband, Paul, early in the morning of October 28 thrust to the fore the remarkable rise in threats to lawmakers and their families in recent years. Paul Pelosi underwent surgery to repair skull fractures after the assault, in which police said a 42-year-old California man, David Wayne DePape, hit the House speaker's husband in the head with a hammer. In court papers, prosecutors alleged that DePape broke into the Pelosi home in San Francisco and shouted, "Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?" a question reminiscent of what some members of a pro-Trump mob yelled during the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Threats against public officials have increased amid a rise in violent political speech. "I wouldn't be surprised if a senator or House member were killed," Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, told the New York Times earlier this year. In an interview with Insider, former Judge John Jones attributed the rise in threats to the judiciary to a "road-rage society" in which public officials are not confining their criticism to mere points of disagreement but impugning the character of their perceived opponents. Story continues "It's completely irresponsible. It's like public figure malpractice, because we're dealing with a really volatile public at this point," Jones, now the president of Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, told Insider. "I'm sickened by the fact that we can't moderate some of this rhetoric. It's literally become so toxic now that I think we're going to get somebody hurt or killed by it." On Monday, during a rally on the eve of Election Day, Trump called Pelosi an "animal," shortly after attaching the same label to an MS-13 gang member convicted of murder. Read the original article on Business Insider NOTE: This article is being offered for free to all readers as a public service. Please consider a Knox News subscription at knoxnews.com/subscribe. The midterms are upon us, and now is the time to register to vote or make a plan for how you'll cast your ballot. Here's a look at all the voter information you'll need this election season, when Tennesseans will vote on a governor, congressional representatives and state House and Senate members. Election Day in Tennessee Election Day is Nov. 8. Polls are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Knoxville. Voters who choose to cast their ballot on Election Day must go to their specific neighborhood polling site. To find your polling place, use the Voting Location Search at kgis.org. Don't forget to bring your ID to the polls Everyone must show ID whether they choose early voting to Election Day voting. These IDs can be used, even if they're expired: Tennessee driver license with your photo U.S. passport Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government U.S. military photo ID Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo The following ID cards are not allowed: College student IDs Photo IDs other than the ones issued by the state or federal governments (for example, work badges or city worker identification badges are not allowed) These are the races on the ballot across Knox County, though they vary from precinct to precinct. Your specific ballot will be customized for your home district. Get specific names on the ballot here. Governor United States House of Representatives, District 2 Tennessee Senate, District 5 Tennessee Senate, District 7 Tennessee House of Representatives, District 14 Tennessee House of Representatives, District 15 Tennessee House of Representatives, District 16 Tennessee House of Representatives, District 18 Tennessee House of Representatives, District 19 Tennessee House of Representatives, District 89 Tennessee House of Representatives, District 90 Story continues We asked, they answeredHear from Nov. 8 candidates on the ballot in Knox County, in their own words How to register to vote in Tennessee The voter registration deadline has passed, and Tennessee does not allow same-day registration. If you want to get ready for next year, go to ovr.govote.tn.gov. To register by mail in Knox County, send your application to: Knox County Election Commission 300 Main St., Suite 229 Knoxville, TN 37902. Questions? Call 865-215-2480. Has it been a while since you voted? Check to see if you're registered at tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup. To register, you must be: A U.S. citizen A resident of Tennessee At least 18 years old on or before the election If you have been convicted of a felony, your eligibility to register and vote depends upon the crime you were convicted of and the date of your conviction. Go to sos.tn.gov for details. How to request an absentee ballot in Tennessee At this point, it's too late to request one for this election. The final day to request an absentee ballot is Nov. 1, but you should do it long before that. Voters unable to visit the polls in person may request an absentee ballot. To find out if you meet the requirements for an absentee ballot request, visit sos.tn.gov/products/elections/absentee-voting. Knox County residents who qualify to vote by mail can send their absentee requests to fax number 865-215-4239 or email them to absenteeballot@knoxcounty.org. To print an absentee voting application, visit knoxcounty.org/election/pdfs/AbsenteeBallotApplication.pdf. Early voting in Tennessee Tennessee's early voting period has ended. What are the 2023 election dates? Thinking about next year already? City of Knoxville municipal races (think mayor and City Council members) will be held in 2023. Here's the schedule: Aug. 29, 2023: City of Knoxville primary Nov. 7, 2023: City of Knoxville general election This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Here's how to vote and who's on the ballot in Knox County In her first interview since the attack on her husband, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CNNs Anderson Cooper on Monday that it was the result of a flame fueled by misinformation, as evidence shows the suspect embraced far-right conspiracy theories. Paul Pelosi, 82, is home and recovering from the early-morning October 28 attack at their San Francisco home after being struck in the head with a hammer. David DePape has pleaded not guilty to a number of state and federal charges, including assault, attempted murder and attempted kidnapping of a federal official. More from Deadline Related Story Broadcast Network News Streaming Services Ready For Their Midterm Moments Related Story NewsNation's Chris Stirewalt On Why "Everyone Needs To Just Cool It A Bit" About The Meaning Of The Midterms Related Story Jimmy Kimmel, Alyssa Milano And Other Hollywood Figures Make Last Midterm Push As Showbiz Shells Out Record Sums To Candidates Nancy Pelosi was in Washington during the attack, but police said that she was the intended target. For me this is the hard part because Paul was not the target, and he is paying the price, Pelosi told Cooper. During the interview, she paused at times for a bit, moments that she said were to fight back tears. She also said that the attack will factor into her decision about her political future, though she did not disclose her plans. Democrats face headwinds in Tuesdays midterms, and there long has been speculation that Pelosi would retire at the end of this Congress. Several times during the interview, Pelosi called for healing, as the attack has raised fears that polarizing political rhetoric is fueling a rise in threats and actual violence against public officials. This is not a path that we can continue to be on, she said. Story continues But she also said that Republicans bore responsibility for not speaking out against extreme voices in their party. Like Joe Biden, Pelosi saw links between the attack on her husband and on the siege of the Capitol on January 6, given that the suspect asked, Wheres Nancy? This is a one-sided assault on our democracy, Pelosi said. There has to be some adult supervision on the Republican side to say, Enough.' She also addressed figures, such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who have advanced conspiracy theories about the attack. It is really sad for the country that people of such high visibility would separate themselves from the facts and the truth in such a blatant way, she said. Some GOP candidates, like Kari Lake, running for governor of Arizona, joked about the attack. And on Monday, shortly after the interview ran on CNN, Trump called the House Speaker an animal during a rally in Ohio. Pelosi said to Cooper, There needs to be a strong Republican Party in our country. She noted that the party should take pride in past accomplishments instead of yielding to a thug. Pelosi was in Washington, D.C., at the time of the attack. She said that as she was asleep, she heard knocking the doorbell ring. It was the Capitol Police, informing her of the assault. She said that she then got on a flight back to San Francisco. Her husbands skull was fractured and, though the hammer attack had not pierced his brain, surgeons had to reshape the skull. The Speaker said that, when Paul Pelosi came to after the surgery, The first thing he said [to his son] was, Oh your mommy is going to be very happy because the Ravens won last night, referring to her family roots in Baltimore. Pelosi said that the recovery process will be a long haul but that he was on a good path. But she credited his ability to stay cool as he woke up to the assailant in the room. At one point, according to a court filing, Pelosi was able to get to a bathroom to make a 911 call. He called with enough information, but not too much information because the guy was threatening, Pelosi said, noting that the assailant, who was 6-foot-4 and very big, was right there, just a few feet away. Pelosi said that she was optimistic about the midterms, but said that the fate of about 50 tight races depends on turnout. Whatever happens, we will accept the results, she said, drawing a contrast from a number of GOP candidates who have declined to commit to conceding if they lose. 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. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attends her weekly news conference at the US Capitol on February 23, 2022 in Washington, DC. Win McNamee/Getty Images In a CNN interview, Nancy Pelosi criticized Republicans and Elon Musk for joking about the attack on her husband. "You see what the reaction is on the other side to this, to make a joke of it, and really that is traumatizing," she said. The House Speaker's husband, Paul Pelosi, was attacked at their residence, according to authorities. In an interview with CNN on Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized some Republicans and Elon Musk for joking about the attack on her husband, Paul. CNN's Anderson Cooper asked Pelosi, with all the security detail surrounding her and other members of congress, "how does this not happen again?" "You would think there would be some level of responsbility, but you see what the reaction is on the other side to this, to make a joke of it, and really that is traumatizing too," Pelosi said. "In our democracy there is one party that is doubting the outcome of the election, feeding that flame, and mocking any violence that happens. That has to stop," she added. While a number of Republicans have condemned the October 28 attack, which was called "politically motivated" by San Francisco's District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, others have made a mockery of it. Arizona GOP gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake joked about the assault at a campaign event on October 31, according to CNN. When asked about her plans to increase school safety, Lake said, "It is not impossible to protect our kids at school. They act like it is. Nancy Pelosi, well, she's got protection when she's in DC apparently, her house doesn't have a lot of protection." The response drew laughter from the crowd, as per CNN. Cooper then asked Pelosi, "the former President of the United States, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, others, have spread stories casting doubt on what happened, fomenting conspiracy theories, what do you have to say to them?" "It's really sad for the country that people of that high visibility would separate themselves from the facts and the truth in such a blatant way," Pelosi said. "It's traumatizing to those affected by it. They don't care about that obviously. It's destructive to the unity that we want to have in our country," she told Cooper. Story continues Shortly after taking control of Twitter, Musk, in a since-deleted tweet, shared a link to a site with debunked conspiracy theories about Paul Pelosi's assault. Responding to Hillary Clinton, who denounced the attack, Musk replied, "there is a tiny possibility there might be more to this story than meets the eye," 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." Following Musk's baseless claim, a federal affidavit set the record straight on far-right conspiracy theories swirling online. Ron Filipkowski, a criminal defense attorney who tracks extremists on social media told Insider the gay tryst theory started with an erroneous report that the suspect was only wearing underwear. A KTVU reporter then retracted that report on Twitter, but it fueled rumors of homosexual prostitution, Filipkowski said. The suspect in the attack has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted murder and kidnapping. Paul Pelosi, 82, is expected to make a full recovery. The speaker was in Washington, DC, with her security at the time time. Representatives for Pelosi, Lake, and Musk did not respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Ralph Lauren Launches Partnership with Fortnite and Rapper Polo G Joins in on the Fun! Ralph Lauren Polo G went back to fashion roots for his latest performance. On Oct. 31, Ralph Lauren announced its partnership with Epic Games and Fortnite, with a Polo Stadium collection a range of digital apparel and accessories inspired by Ralph Lauren's heritage '90s styles and sold in the Fortnite Item Shop. To commemorate its first-ever metaverse capsule, which will accompany a physical collection sold exclusively on ralphlauren.com, the fashion brand hosted a Twitch livestream in New York on Nov. 3. And among the industry's streamers and influencers, Ralph Lauren also tapped rapper Polo G for a performance at the event, the award-winning rapper sharing with PEOPLE exclusively that this partnership has been a "dream." "It's always been my dream to collaborate with them considering my rap name is inspired by the brand. I also know how big of a name Fortnite is in the gaming world so that's just a bonus," the Hall of Fame artist, 23, says. Ralph Lauren Launches Partnership with Fortnite and Rapper Polo G Joins in on the Fun! Ralph Lauren RELATED: Bad Bunny, Beyonce, Drake and Taylor Swift Lead 2022 AMAs Nominations: See the Full List! On Nov. 4, the brand also marked a milestone as the first luxury brand to "cohost a global player tournament in FortniteThe Polo Stadium Cupwhere participants will have the opportunity to earn in-game rewards." The collaboration might give Polo G a leg up in his gaming skills, the artist admitting, "I play Fortnite here and there I'm not that good so I gotta practice more." However, he's worked with the renowned game on the music front with his song "Fortnite," which eventually made it onto his album Hall of Fame 2.0. Ralph Lauren Launches Partnership with Fortnite and Rapper Polo G Joins in on the Fun! Ralph Lauren Polo G thinks the brand's reimagined Fortnight Polo Pony makes for a "pretty cool collab"(Ralph Lauren made brand history by reimagining its iconic logo for the first time in 50 years for the partnership), but he's loved the brand's traditional designs ever since his younger years. "My first real memory of wearing RL was in the 8th grade. I wore it throughout the school year but for my luncheon I wore this white & orange striped one with a navy blue horse that was my favorite Polo shirt," he shares. Story continues Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free weekly newsletter to get the biggest news of the week delivered to your inbox every Friday. Polo G at the Ralph Lauren Spring 2023 ready to wear runway show held at The Huntington Museum and Gardens on October 13, 2022 in San Marino, California. Michael Buckner/WWD via Getty RELATED: See All of the A-List Celebrity Looks from the Ralph Lauren Fashion Show Polo G recently joined Ralph Lauren's star-studded crew at the label's SS23 runway show in California last month, opting for a red velvet blazer that fit right in with his "urban, lavish, smooth" (as described by the artist himself). "I loved the sneakers and the music, the entire vibe of the show was dope too. You just felt important even being there," he remembers of the collection. Another way the "RAPSTAR" artist shares his personal style? His collection of tattoos. "My most meaningful tattoo is the one for my two grandmothers who passed, I have their names with lyrics from my song 'Through Da Storm' 'know my grandma still with me when It get cold I feel her spirit,'" Polo G shares with PEOPLE. In fact, all his body art has a story and he doesn't regret a single tat "all of them are meaningful to me," he shares. Republican Doug Mastriano and Democrat Josh Shapiro face off for governor of Pennsylvania MediaNews Group/Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images; Insider Democrat Josh Shapiro and Republican Doug Mastriano are running for Pennsylvania governor. Mastriano, a state senator, sought to overturn the 2020 election in Pennsylvania. Shapiro, Pennsylvania's attorney general, is painting Mastriano as an extremist. Republican Doug Mastriano and Democrat Josh Shapiro are running in a consequential open race for governor of Pennsylvania. Polls close in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Pennsylvania's gubernatorial candidates Shapiro, Pennsylvania's current attorney general, easily cleared the field for the Democratic nomination and is running a campaign focused on the economy, abortion rights, and protecting democracy. Mastriano, a Republican state senator first elected in 2019, narrowly emerged from a fractured field of Republican candidates for Pennsylvania governor in May. Mastriano is perhaps best known for pushing the lie that the 2020 election was stolen and leading the efforts in Pennsylvania to overturn President Donald Trump's loss in the 2020 election in Pennsylvania. His campaign organized transport to the protests over the election in Washington, DC, on January 6, which he also attended but he did not enter the Capitol. Mastriano, as governor, would have the power to appoint Pennsylvania's chief election official. Mastriano has also proposed instituting an abortion ban after six weeks of pregnancy in Pennsylvania, and he has rejected the notion of separation of church and state part of an emerging political effort among Christian nationalists. In his ads, Shapiro has hammered Mastriano as an extremist, including highlighting his position on abortion and his ties to far-right and nationalist figures. Mastriano has also deployed a novel campaign strategy of shunning the mainstream media for his interviews and from his campaign events. He has instead relied on social media and other far-right media platforms to campaign and broadcast his message. Pennsylvania's voting history Pennsylvania is a competitive swing state that backed Trump by 1.2 points in the 2016 presidential election. It flipped during the 2020 presidential election, backing Democrat Joe Biden by 1.2 points. Story continues Incumbent Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, who is stepping down because of term limits, defeated his GOP gubernatorial opponent Scott Wagner by 17 points in 2018, a Democratic wave year, and unseated GOP Gov. Tom Corbett by nearly 10 points in 2014, a Republican wave year. The money race Shapiro has vastly outraised and outspent Mastriano. According to the Associated Press, Shapiro has spent more than $44 million, and has $11 million still in the bank, while Mastriano has spent less than $3 million, and has $2.6 million left to spend, as of late September. What experts say The race between Mastriano and Shapiro is rated as "lean Democratic" by Inside Elections and "likely Democratic" by The Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider The future of a historic farmhouse on Upper Allen Township-owned property at 1215 McCormick Road remains up in the air after the townships board of commissioners tabled a proposed bid to request the demolition of the structure on Oct. 19. The house, nicknamed the Lambert farmhouse after the family who built it, has been a topic of discussion since the township purchased the 60.9 acre property in 2020 with the intention of adding park space. Township Manager Scott Fraser said the decision to postpone the vote in October came because new information on the topic was presented during the meeting. He said the township placed advertisements on its website, social media pages and in The Sentinel in August seeking bids to remove and relocate the house. The township received one bid from township resident Matt Taylor, a member of the townships Historical Architecture Review Board. Taylor said he submitted that bid for $132,000 to purchase the farmhouse and move it approximately 100 yards across the street from where it currently sits to a site called Lot Five that the township owns on the south side of McCormick Road. Unfortunately, the bid was not acceptable because it was contingent on moving the house to a parcel of land across the street, Fraser said. That parcel of land was not included in the townships advertisement. Under PA Law, the township cant negotiate an agreement for something different or outside the scope of what was advertised. Taylor said he asked the commissioners at the Oct. 19 meeting why they found his bid unacceptable. He then followed up with a request to open discussion about a process in which the township might be willing to sell the land on the south side of McCormick Road for the purpose of relocating the house to that site for fair market value or to the highest bidder, whichever is greater. Taylor said the township has referred to the plot as Lot Five. By moving the house directly across the street to a Lot Five, its the most economical move possible because theres no trees in the way and theres no power lines in the way, its slightly downhill, but mostly level, Taylor said. He said the location would also preserve the houses historical context with a nearby barn that could be reused as a venue for events, The Sentinel reported in February. Fraser said the house could still be relocated rather than demolished, though the township is not committing to a specific option. The board made clear that they will move forward in an open and informed process, Fraser said. With the new information, Fraser said the township would look into broad examinations of options for the house and that it would be difficult to provide a timeline on votes or decisions on the structure. Taylor said he would love to be able to take on the project of relocating the house, but it would also be great if someone else did it as well. I just want to see it done, he said. Taylor said his interest in the structure relates to its history. He lives in a house in the area located along McCormick Road that he restored after it had been condemned. But he and his family rented the Lambert farmhouse to live in throughout the construction process of their current home. I have many happy memories of my wife and my three daughters and all of our friends having fun times in that house, and as I can remember thinking, If I can just peel off this tacky paneling, I know, there is 150-year-old fireplace behind it just begging to live again, Taylor said. Upper Allen Township commissioned architect Doug Tilley to do a study on the house and barn. The studys results were presented at a commissioners meeting in early December. The original Four Bay German Georgian home was built in 1855 and received two major additions, likely in the 1970s or 1980s, along with other bizarre extensions and renovations, The Sentinel reported in February. Tilly said water intrusion also impacted portions of the home. The Lambert farmhouse and the adjacent barn sit on the $1.1 million township-owned property that will eventually house Upper Allen Generations Park. The township in July officially approved the parks name during a September meeting and changed the locations original address from 1215 McCormick Road to 1340 East Lisburn Road, where an entrance will be constructed. The park will include three activity zones, according to a master plan that was accepted at the commissioners Aug. 3 meeting. A passive zone of 39 acres will be developed for activities such as hiking, biking and birdwatching for individuals or small groups. A transitional space of 12 acres will allow activities such as picnics, Frisbee, horseshoes and other medium level activities. The final 10 acres will comprise the active zone, dedicated for noisier activities and larger groups of people. The township will receive $450,000 from an American Rescue Plan Act grant to aid in the parks construction, something Ken Martin, president of the Board of Commissioners, estimated in July will cost between $15 million to $20 million. Fraser said last month construction has already begun on the parks entrance and that work on some of the pathways could begin next year. The construction of the park as a whole will be a multiyear process. Speedoc, a health tech platform that brings hospital care to homes, has raised $28 million in pre-Series B funding. The round included Bertelsmann Investments, Shinhan Venture Investment and Mars Growth. Returning investor Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, which led Speedocs $5 million Series A in 2020, also participated. Based in Singapore, Speedoc was founded in 2017 by Dr. Shravan Verma and Serene Cai. Its services include telemedicine consultations, on-site doctor and nurse visits, virtual hospital wards and ambulance hailing. Speedoc is available in a total of nine cities, including eight in Malaysia. Dr. Verma told TechCrunch that he became interested in creating an app for on-demand medical services while he was a doctor in an emergency department, and saw how many patients had to wait hours for minor conditions. Cai, meanwhile, wanted to create an easier way for people to get medical help, especially in underserved communities, while her family was caring for her grandmother, who had severe dementia. Speedoc is currently participating in the Ministry of Health Office for Healthcare Transformations Mobile Inpatient Care@Home initiative, and its hospital partners include National University Health System (NUHS), the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. As part of the program, Speedoc plans to expand its virtual hospital program, which includes a 24/7 patient care team. H-Ward is one of the main ways Speedoc differentiates from other telemedicine platforms, Dr. Verma said, because it standardizes services like telemedicine, remote monitoring and home-based doctors and nurses for continuous care. Patients are able to receive frequent medical reviews, 24/7 nursing, intravenous therapies, blood tests and in-person visits. Research and survey findings have shown that given the same medical care and treatment, patients could recover faster at home, Dr. Verma said. We have also been encouraged by our patients advocating for home-based care, and preferences to be admitted at home. Most importantly, on the impact on the healthcare landscape, the thrust towards virtual hospitals will ensure more optimal utilization rates, and more capacity for medical personnel to attend to life-threatening conditions. Story continues Speedoc will use its new funding to expand in Southeast Asia, especially in cities where there is a shortage of healthcare professionals. In a statement about the funding, Shinhan Venture Investment (Global Investment) director Jinsoo Lee said, "Healthcare provision and delivery in Southeast Asia is poised for tremendous change in the next decade. We believe the healthcare model Speedoc champions will see greater adoption in meeting the healthcare gap in the region." 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 FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Just weeks before the end of the 2022 hurricane season, South Florida could feel the impacts of potential Hurricane Nicole, and experts said that the threat to the region is increasing. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency in 34 Florida counties, including Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, on Monday out of an abundance of caution as Nicole, a subtropical storm, is forecast to strengthen and potentially make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane by midweek. Coastal flood statements and hurricane, tropical storm and storm surge watches went up along Floridas east coast Monday morning, and officials are urging Floridians to prepare now and stay vigilant. We are technically still in hurricane season until the end of this month, he said. So dont let your guard down just because its in November. Its rare we get them this time of year, but we could still get them, Barry Baxter, a meteorologist for National Weather Service Miami, said. Forecasters say Nicole is a large storm that is expected to move over or near the Bahamas Tuesday into Wednesday, and approach Floridas east coast Wednesday night. The latest estimates said its maximum sustained winds this week could to reach 75 mph, just 1 mph over the minimum threshold for a Category 1 hurricane. Its not out of the question for Nicole to reach hurricane strength, especially given how warm the waters are in the vicinity of the Bahamas, experts said Monday. As of 4 p.m. Eastern time Monday, Nicole had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was moving northwest at 9 mph about 435 miles east-northeast of the northwestern Bahamas. It is forecast to turn northwest Monday, then Nicoles center will approach the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday before approaching Floridas east coast Wednesday night. The storm will strengthen Tuesday night and Wednesday and will be at or near hurricane strength by Wednesday or Wednesday night, the hurricane centers latest advisory said. Story continues 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., forecasters said. I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials, DeSantis said in a prepared statement. We will continue to monitor the trajectory and strength of this storm as it moves towards Florida. Florida Division of Emergency Management officials advise to stock up on a weeks worth of nonperishable packaged and canned foods and beverages, one gallon of water per person per day, nonelectric can openers, paper and plastic utensils, pet food and supplies, gasoline, first-aid supplies, medications, cellphone chargers, batteries, flashlights and cash and to secure important documents. The National Weather Service Miami said in a briefing Monday that overall the threat is increasing for South Florida with potentially life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds, heavy rainfall and a few tornadoes on the horizon. Floridas east coast from the Volusia/Brevard County line to Hallandale Beach, Lake Okeechobee and the northwestern Bahamas are under a hurricane watch. The Bahamas issued a hurricane warning Monday afternoon for the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini and Grand Bahama Island. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Bahamian islands of Andros Island, New Providence and Eleuthera. A tropical storm watch is in effect south of Hallandale Beach to north of Ocean Reef and from the Volusia/Brevard county line north to Georgias Altamaha Sound. A storm surge watch is also in effect from Georgias Altamaha Sound to the mouth of the St. Johns River to East Palatka and to Hallandale Beach. The Weather Channel expects Nicoles center to make landfall on Floridas east coast Wednesday night or early Thursday, though the worst of Nicoles impacts on the southeast coast could arrive by late Tuesday or Wednesday and might last in some areas well through the second half of the week. Given that forecast, its likely South Florida voters will begin feeling the effects on Election Day, Tuesday, as the system brings moisture up from the Caribbean Sea. Winds between 30 and 35 mph could come to Floridas east coast as soon as late Tuesday night, according to the weather service. Hurricane-force-winds could reach Palm Beach County and Broward County as soon as Wednesday. Palm Beach County and Broward County both have between 60% and 70% odds of seeing sustained tropical-storm-force winds over the next five days, according to the weather service, while Miami-Dade County has between 30% and 50%. AccuWeather, a private forecasting service, estimates Florida could see wind gusts of 40-60 mph, with stronger gusts closest to the storms center. There is an increasing risk of coastal flooding, tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, rough surf, and beach erosion along much of the southeastern United States coast, the Florida east coast, and portions of the central and northwestern Bahamas beginning in the early to middle part of this week, the hurricane center reported. South Florida will see the heaviest of any rainfall from the storm between Wednesday and Thursday, the National Weather Service Miami said in a briefing Monday morning. Between 4 and 6 inches are expected in parts of Palm Beach County and Broward County, though higher amounts in some areas are possible. The weather service said storm surge levels could reach a peak of 3 to 5 feet above ground level in northern Palm Beach County, 2 to 4 feet in southern Palm Beach County and throughout Broward County and 1 to 2 feet in Miami-Dade County. Robert Garcia, a senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service Miami, said coastal flood statements are in place in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade because there have already been reports of some minor flooding in the coastal areas and that coming high tides will be measuring in an upward trend before any affects from Nicole. It is not something that looks like its going to go away this week. Were already starting to see those higher water levels, and with the storm were expecting them to increase, Garcia said. Some tornadoes may also be possible in Palm Beach County Wednesday into Thursday morning, according to the weather service. Forecasters are also monitoring a stormy area of low pressure located 650 east of Bermuda early Monday. Forecasters said it could still become a short-lived tropical depression or tropical storm as early as today before it is hindered by upper-level winds and a cold front. The system near Bermuda had a 60% chance of developing in the next two to five days, according to the hurricane center, down from 70% on Sunday. There have been two major hurricanes, meaning Category 3 or above, so far this season: Fiona and Ian. The next named storm to form would be Owen. NOAA has predicted at least four more hurricanes will form before hurricane season officially ends on Nov. 30. ____ The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm and storm surge warnings for most of Florida's East Coast, while a hurricane watch also remains in effect. Subtropical Storm Nicole continues to move northwest at 8 mph, according to the latest advisory. The storm, which formed northeast of the Bahamas early Monday morning, is expected to strengthen Tuesday night and Wednesday. It's expected to be at or near hurricane strength by Wednesday evening before making landfall somewhere along Florida's East Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center. Current estimates put Nicole's winds at 75 mph within 60 hours, making it a Category 1 hurricane. A storm becomes a hurricane when sustained winds hit 74 mph. Spaghetti models for Subtropical Storm Nicole Track all active storms Excessive rainfall forecast The Hurricane Center warned residents to not focus on the exact track of Nicole. It is expected to be a large storm, with hazards extending well to the north of the center, and outside of the cone. Affected areas include most of Florida and portions of the southeastern U.S. Probability of tropical storm-force winds from Subtropical Storm Nicole as of 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. Gov. Ron DeSantis early Monday afternoon declared a state of emergency for 34 counties in the potential path of Subtropical Storm Nicole. 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, said DeSantis. We will continue to monitor the trajectory and strength of this storm as it moves towards Florida. The counties under a state of emergency: 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. The National Hurricane Center warned that Nicole is expected to bring a "prolonged period of hazardous weather" to Florida, the northwestern Bahamas and the southeastern coast of the U.S. this week. Story continues Nicole could be at or near hurricane strength when it moves near the northwestern Bahamas and the east coast of Florida Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the potential for a dangerous storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall to a portion of those areas, according to the Hurricane Center. The Hurricane Center warned seas could reach 30 feet Wednesday along Florida's coast. Nov 7: Subtropical Storm Nicole will bring high seas to the western Atlantic this week. Peak seas are currently expected to reach 30 ft on Wednesday. https://t.co/QJ4DpXwUyU pic.twitter.com/e5MPcqOP8J NHC_TAFB (@NHC_TAFB) November 7, 2022 Nicole is forecast to be a large storm, and regardless of its exact path, widespread impacts from a prolonged period of coastal flooding, tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, rough surf and rip currents, and beach erosion are likely along much of the southeastern United States coast, the Florida east coast and portions of the northwestern and central Bahamas during much of the upcoming week. WeatherTiger: Hurricane forecast: Full moon, king tide and far-reaching Nicole a dangerous combination Wind forecasts: Subtropical Storm Nicole expected to reach hurricane strength before Florida landfall 'Cost for living in paradise.' After Hurricane Ian, will Florida residents build back better? What the science says: Is climate change fueling massive hurricanes in the Atlantic? Here's the latest update from the NHC as of 10 p.m. Nov. 7: Subtropical Storm Nicole Location: 415 miles east-northeast of the northwestern Bahamas; 552 miles east of West Palm Beach Maximum wind speed: 45 mph Direction: northwest at 8 mph Next advisory: 1 a.m. At 10 p.m., the center of Subtropical Storm Nicole was located 552 miles east of West Palm Beach. Nicole is moving toward the northwest near 8 mph, and this general motion is expected to continue through Monday night. A turn toward the west or west-southwest is forecast to begin on Tuesday, and that motion should continue through early Thursday. On the forecast track, the center of Nicole will approach the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday and Tuesday night, move near or over those islands on Wednesday, and approach the east coast of Florida Wednesday night. Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday. Nicole is forecast to be at or near hurricane intensity by Wednesday or Wednesday night while it is moving near or over the northwestern Bahamas. Watches and warnings in effect If you can't see any local weather warnings here, you'll need to open this story in a web browser. A hurricane warning has been issued for Northwest Bahamas, including the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini, and Grand Bahama Island. A tropical storm warning has been issued for Andros Island, New Providence and Eleuthera, Hallandale Beach to Altamaha Sound, and Lake Okeechobee. A storm surge warning has been issued for North Palm Beach to Altamaha Sound, and the mouth of the St. Johns River to Georgetown. A hurricane watch has been issued for the East Coast of Florida from the Volusia/Brevard County Line south to Hallandale Beach, and Lake Okeechobee. A storm surge watch has been issued for North Palm Beach to Hallandale Beach. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Hallandale Beach to north of Ocean Reef. Expected impacts from Subtropical Storm Nicole Wind: Hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area in the northwest Bahamas by early Wednesday, with tropical storm conditions possible by Tuesday night. Hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area in Florida by Wednesday night with tropical storm conditions possible by Tuesday night. Storm surge: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide: North Palm Beach to Altamaha Sound including the St. Johns River to the Fuller Warren Bridge: 3 to 5 feet St. Johns River south of the Fuller Warren Bridge to East Palatka: 2 to 4 feet Hallandale Beach to North Palm Beach: 2 to 4 feet North of Ocean Reef to Hallandale Beach including Biscayne Bay: 1 to 2 feet Rain: Nicole is expected to produce the following rainfall amounts through Thursday: Across the northwest Bahamas, and the central and northern portions of the Florida Peninsula: 2 to 4 inches, with some places getting up to 6 inches Across coastal areas of southeast Florida: 1 to 3 inches, with some places getting up to 5 inches Heavy rainfall from this system will spread north across the Southeast United States late this week. How far away is Subtropical Storm Nicole? What's the difference between a tropical and subtropical storm? For people on the ground, there's little difference. Both can bring high winds, dangerous surf and flooding. Both storms develop out of low-pressure systems over warm water. Both have maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or higher. However, a tropical storm's strongest winds wrap tightly around its core. As it grows stronger and better organized, this make the distinctive eye of a hurricane. A subtropical storm's strongest winds usually occur much farther from the center. A subtropical storm also is much less symmetrical than a tropical storm. A subtropical storm can develop into a tropical storm if it spends enough time over warm water and thunderstorms develop near the center of circulation. What else is out there and where is it? Invest 97L: A well-defined area of low pressure located about 650 miles east of Bermuda continues to produce gale-force winds, but the associated shower and thunderstorm activity remains displaced to the east of the low's center due to strong upper-level winds. How likely is it to strengthen? Invest 97L: Conditions are expected to remain unfavorable for development today but may briefly become more favorable on Tuesday, and a short-lived tropical storm could still form as the system begins to move northward and then northeastward at about 10 mph. The low is then forecast to merge with a cold front by the middle part of this week. Formation chance through 48 hours: medium, 60 percent. Formation chance through 5 days: medium, 60 percent. Who is likely to be impacted? Subtropical Storm Nicole: Nicole is forecast to be a large storm, and regardless of its exact path, widespread impacts from a prolonged period of coastal flooding, tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, rough surf and rip currents, and beach erosion are likely along much of the southeastern United States coast, the Florida east coast, and portions of the northwestern and central Bahamas during much of the upcoming week. Invest 97L: No direct impact to the U.S. is expected at this time. Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared. When is the Atlantic hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. When is the peak of hurricane season? Hurricane season's ultimate peak is Sept. 10 but the season goes through Nov. 30. Credit: NOAA Although the season has gotten off to a quiet start, the peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Weather watches and warnings issued for your area If you can't see any local weather warnings here, you'll need to open this story in a web browser. Tropical forecast over next five days See the National Hurricane Center's five-day graphical tropical weather outlook below. Excessive rainfall forecast What's out there? Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center. What's next? We will continue to update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look at our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Subtropical Storm Nicole forecast path, track. Hurricane watch issued Donald Trumps attorney showed the latests signs of the former presidents desire to begin attacking his presumed 2024 primary rival, Ron DeSantis this weekend during an interview with a right-wing broadcaster. Alina Habba was speaking on Right Side Broadcasting, a YouTube channel that typically provides live coverage of Mr Trumps various events, when she flatly insisted that the Florida governor needed to stay in Florida and not challenge Mr Trump for the 2024 nomination. He needs to stay in Florida, she warned. Just stay where you are. You are doing a great job in Florida. Of the governors assumed nationally-minded ambitions, she added: Dont jump the gun. Hes not ready yet. Mr DeSantis is widely regarded as the Republican most likely to present a real challenge to Donald Trump for the 2024 GOP nomination, given that all available polling indicates that he is the only nationally-prominent GOPer to even register double-digit levels of support in such a hypothetical matchup. Those questions of hypothetical matchups are becoming more and more relevant to reality as the midterms approach and eyes turn to the next election cycle and the GOPs much-anticipated battle to see who will have the opportunity to challenge Joe Biden or whomever is the Democratic nominee should the president decline to run. At another recent rally appearance, the former president referred to Mr DeSantis as Ron DeSanctimonious, a quip that served to ignite speculation that the 2024 primary was unofficially on and enraged the governors camp. Allies of the Florida Republican had already sounded off about their discontent towards Donald Trump in interviews with Politico after Mr Trump announced a rally in Miami, Florida, without consulting the governor. Mr DeSantis ended up not attending, though Florida GOP Senator Marco Rubio did. Mr Trump did offer an olive branch to the governor at that Miami rally on Sunday, however, urging the attendees to vote for Mr DeSantiss reelection bid. Vote Here sign outside a polling location. There are 29 polling locations in Saline County for the 2022 general election. With the 2022 midterm election coming to a close, here's a reminder of who is on the ballot and where to cast a vote on Tuesday in Saline County. Polls in the county are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 29 polling locations across the city of Salina and Saline County, covering 80 precincts. Where and how can citizens vote on election day? To find the correct place to cast a ballot, call the county election office at 785-309-5820 or visit the Kansas Secretary of State's VoterView webpage at www.voteks.org, where voters can input their information to find the correct polling site. Additionally, those who received advanced ballots by mail can drop them off at the county election office drop box by 7 p.m. on election day, located on the south side of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash St. Those wishing to mail advanced ballots must have them postmarked on or before election day, with the deadline to receive them being Friday, Nov. 11. What races are on the ballot in Saline County? There are several races and questions on the ballot this election with candidates vying for national, state, county and local positions. More:The Aug. 2 primary saw record turnout. Will Kansas voters do it again in November? For federal races, there is a U.S. Senate contest featuring candidates Republican Jerry Moran, Democrat Mark Holland and Libertarian David Graham, and the U.S. House District 1 contest having Republican Tracey Mann and Democrat James "Jimmy" Beard on the ballot. As for state offices, five Kansas-wide races include the governor's and lieutenant governor's contest featuring the teams of Democrats Laura Kelly and David Toland, Republicans Derek Schmidt and Katie Sawyer, Libertarians Seth Cordell and Evan Laudick-Gains and independents Dennis Pyle and Kathleen Garrison. In addition to the gubernatorial race, the Kansas secretary of state race features Republican Scott Schwab, Democrat Jeanna Repass and Libertarian Cullene Lang. The Kansas attorney general's race features Democrat Chris Mann and Republican Kris Kobach, and the state treasurer's race has Democrat Lynn Rogers, Republican Steven Johnson and Democrat Steve Roberts on the ballot. As for insurance commissioner, Republican Vicki Schmidt and Democrat Kiel Corkran are running. Story continues On the ballot in the county is also the Kansas State Board of Education's 7th District with Republican Dennis Hershberger as the lone candidate. For the Kansas State House of Representatives, Saline County has three races, the 69th District featuring Republican Clarke Sanders and Democrat Sarah Crews and two uncontested races featuring two Republicans, the 71st District, with Steven Howe and 107th District, with Susan Concannon. Three Saline County Commission races are also on the ballot with Monte Shadwick the lone candidate for District 1, James Weese the candidate for District 4 and Joe Hay Jr. the candidate for District 5, all of whom are Republicans. Judge retention choices to be made Kansans have the opportunity to vote on the retention of several statewide judicial positions, with Justices Melissa Standridge, Dan Biles, K.J. Wall, Marla Luckert, Evelyn Wilson and Caleb Stegall on the ballot for the Kansas Supreme Court and Judges Stephen Hill, Lesley Isherwood, Amy Cline, Kim Schroeder, Henry Green Jr., Tom Malone and Jacy Hurst on the ballot for the Kansas Court of Appeals. Kansas Constitutional Amendment questions Finally, two different amendments to the Kansas State Constitution are up on the ballot, with the chance for Kansans to vote Yes or No on adding both a "Rules and Regulations Amendment" and a "Sheriff Election Amendment" to the constitution. More information about what a Yes or No vote means can also be found on the Secretary of State's website, www.sos.ks.gov/elections/constitutional-amendment.html. This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Saline County hosts 29 polling locations for Election Day 2022 WASHINGTON The battle for control of the U.S. Senate will be decided by a handful of states Tuesday, but because of different laws for counting mail ballots, final results in some critical contests might not be clear on election night. Democrats are expected to outperform Republicans overwhelmingly among Americans who vote by mail like they did in 2020 potentially creating a misleading picture in some states as results trickle in. Look for a possible "blue shift" in states such as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin showing Republican candidates with large leads as ballots cast on Election Day are tallied first then showing Democrats narrowing margins as absentee and mail ballots are added to results. What would a GOP Congress look like? A lot of investigations and maybe impeachment. It was this same dynamic that former President Donald Trump exploited in the 2020 election to falsely declare he won the election prematurely before mail ballots in multiple states had been tallied. Voters who need to make corrections to their mail-in ballots line up at Philadelphia's City Hall on the eve of the midterm elections, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 7, 2022. "It's important for us to be patient while the votes are being counted," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. Fact check: Biden encouraged Americans to be patient as ballots are counted in 2022 Here's a breakdown of the timelines for final unofficial results in states with the most competitive Senate races. Prepare to potentially wait Pennsylvania: Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Mehmet Oz State law in Pennsylvania does not allow for the processing of mail ballots before Election Day, meaning mail and absentee ballots can't be taken out of envelopes, verified or scanned before 7 a.m. Tuesday. The GOP-led Pennsylvania Legislature has ignored calls from Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and local election administrators to change the law to allow the processing of such ballots before Election Day. More than 1.1 million Pennsylvania voters had returned mail ballots as of Monday. Leigh Chapman, Pennsylvania's acting secretary of state, said counting all of Pennsylvania's ballots will be a "days-long process." Story continues Pennsylvania: Here's what to know about voting and ballot access in 2022 This combination of file photos shows Democratic Senate candidate, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, left, and Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz. Wisconsin: Democrat Mandela Barnes and Republican Sen. Ron Johnson Wisconsin law also does not allow the processing of mail and absentee ballots until 7 a.m. on Election Day, putting it behind other states that can begin processing ballots weeks in advance. The state's largest cities including Milwaukee, which counts mail ballots at one central facility, are expected to take the longest to tally. Meagan Wolfe, the state's elections administrator, said unofficial results might not be complete "until the early morning hours after Election Day or later." Wisconsin is voting: Here's what to know about voting and ballot access in 2022 Arizona: Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly and Republican Blake Masters In Arizona, about 80% of voters typically vote by mail. Unlike states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, election officials are allowed to process mail ballots upon receipt before Election Day. That means a substantial vote count will be posted when the first results are released one hour after polls close at 10 p.m. ET. However, Arizona historically receives a large number of mailed and dropped-off ballots at the last-minute on Election Day. Arizona election officials say the process to count these ballots will extend past Election Day. If the Arizona Senate race is close, it could take several days for it to be called. More: Blake Masters trails Sen. Mark Kelly in Arizona's U.S. Senate race, CBS poll finds Voting in Arizona: What to know about recent controversies and ballot access in 2022 More: Arizona becomes epicenter of concerns about ballot drop box security and voter intimidation Nevada: Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Republican Adam Laxalt Nevada, like Arizona and several other western states, has a primarily mail-ballot election in which all registered voters are mailed a ballot. Election officials are allowed to start tabulating mail ballots 15 days before Election Day. But the counting will continue for multiple days because mail ballots can be received up to Nov. 12 as long as they are postmarked on Election Day. Jennifer Russell, spokeswoman for Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, told USA TODAY, "We do not expect unofficial results until a few days following the election." Nevada: Here's what to know about voting and ballot access in 2022 This combination of photos shows Nevada Republican Senate candidate Adam Laxalt speaking on Aug. 4, 2022, in Las Vegas, left, and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., speaking on April 26, 2022, in Washington, right. A clearer picture on election night Georgia: Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker Georgia begins processing mail ballots before the election, and officials expect to have fewer to count this year than in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Robert Sinners, spokesman for the Georgia Secretary of State's office, said officials expect to have a "a pretty clear idea" of outcomes on election night, notwithstanding a very close election. In Georgia, a runoff election will take place Dec. 6 if no candidate received at least 50% of the vote a strong possibility in the toss-up Senate race. More: In Georgia Senate race, Warnock needs his 2020 coalition. But inflation, fatigue could keep them home New Hampshire: Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan and Republican Don Bolduc New Hampshire doesn't begin processing mail ballots until 1 p.m. on Election Day. But it won't have as many mail ballots to count as many states because concern about COVID-19 is no longer considered a valid reason in New Hampshire to receive a mail ballot. State election officials expect full unofficial results by Wednesday morning. This combination of file photos shows Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., on Oct. 11, 2022, in Rochester, N.H., left, and Don Bolduc, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, Oct. 5, 2022, in Auburn, N.H. Ohio: Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan and Republican J.D. Vance Ohio should also see a swift reporting of mail ballots because county election boards are allowed to process mail and absentee ballots before Election Day. Mail ballots received before polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET will be included in election results posted on election night. Mail ballots in Ohio must be postmarked the day before the election to be considered. Colorado: Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet and Republican Joe O'Dea Colorado, which conducts its election mostly by mail, historically posts a large share of unofficial results when in-person voting ends at 9 p.m. ET. The processing of ballots begins upon receipt and counting begins 15 days before Election Day. Ballots must be turned in by 7 p.m. MT (9 p.m. ET) to be counted. More: Why Biden's closing argument worries some Democrats and could miss the mark with midterm voter North Carolina: Democrat Cheri Beasley and Republican Rep. Ted Budd North Carolina election officials expect "99% of all ballots cast" including mail ballots to be part of the unofficial vote count released election night. Mail ballots in North Carolina can begin to be processed five weeks before the election, but state election officials are expecting vastly fewer mail ballots than in 2020. Uncounted ballots after election night will include provisional and military/overseas ballots as well as mail ballots received after Election Day. Mail ballots in North Carolina must be postmarked by Election Day and received by Nov. 14 to be counted. New polling: GOP Rep. Ted Budd leads in NC Senate race against Democrat Cheri Beasley Florida Democratic Rep. Val Demings and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio Florida, which has a long history with mail-voting, began processing mail ballots this election cycle on Sept. 29, allowing most unofficial results to be posted on election night. Florida is historically one of the fastest states to release results. Counties are required to report all early voting and tabulated vote-by-mail results to the Florida State Department 30 minutes after polls close. Florida: What to know about voting and ballot access in 2022 Washington: Democratic Sen. Patty Murray and Republican Tiffany Smiley Washington is another state that conducts its election almost entirely by mail. Mail ballots are processed upon receipt and counting them begins after polls close on election night. These steps have historically enabled Washington to have nearly complete unofficial results on election night. All mail ballots in Washington must be postmarked by Election Day. Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will we see election results in battleground states? Who needs co-stars to steal the spotlight? One-person shows are clearly having a moment on New York stages these days. Gabriel Byrne is on Broadway, bringing his memoir Walking With Ghosts to live audiences, while comedian Mike Birbiglia will perform his latest monologue The Old Man and the Pool at Lincoln Center later this month. Not to be outdone, Jefferson Mays will soon open a revival of The Christmas Carol playing all 50 parts himself! Off Broadway is rife with solo performances, too, from Marjan Neshat in playwright David Cales thriller Sandra at the Vineyard Theatre to Mohegan theater-maker Madeline Sayet in Where We Belong at the Public to David Strathairn as a Polish World War II hero in Remember This. The Oscar- and Tony-nominated Douglas McGrath had just opened his own autobiographical one-man show, Everything Is Fine, when he died suddenly last week of a heart attack. (The show was directed by John Lithgow, who was in L.A. working on a PBS project when he learned the shocking news that everything wasnt at all fine with his actors health.) Also Read: You Will Get Sick Off Broadway Review: Linda Lavin Shines as the Worlds Oldest Dorothy Why so many of these one-person shows now? For starters, they are exceedingly less expensive to produce at a time when production costs have exploded. Another appeal is their potential to be converted into audiobooks and podcasts for companies like Audible, which launched its own theater initiative five years ago and has been mounting short-run productions (and not just of solo shows) at Off Broadways Minetta Lane Theatre that it later adapts into audio productions for download. I pushed the one- and two-hander scripts at the beginning of Audible Theater, with Billy Crudup and Carey Mulligan doing them, company founder Don Katz told me. Audible has since expanded its ambitions, mounting six new shows this fall and also producing Byrnes Walking With Ghosts. Story continues And audiences (and performers) also seem drawn to the intimacy of one-person storytelling. Timely issues can help whether its Seyats experience as a Native American in Where We Belong or comedian Alex Edelmans encounters with anti-Semitic bigots in his monologue Just for Us, which has had sold-out runs Off Broadway and at the Wiliamstown Theatre Festival. Killing Eve star Jodie Comer will portray a rape survivor in Prima Facie, which is due on Broadway this spring after a successful run in London. In The Shot, currently part of New Yorks United Solo festival, NYPD Blue alum Sharon Lawrence portrays the pioneering late Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham. The Shot is a story for this moment, playwright Robin Gerber said, when women can be abused with impunity, paid less and denied autonomy over our bodies. Also Read: Good Enemy Off Broadway Review: A Twisted Escape From One Mans Past in China Overcoming trauma is a common theme, especially for autobiographical shows. Byrne recalls being molested by a priest while studying for the seminary in Ireland, while McGrath detailed his own encounter with an abusive teacher while growing up in Texas. McGrath told me he didnt even know his life was worth chronicling until others urged him to go public about that experience. You need a story strong enough to hold attention for 80-90 minutes and a performer to do it, said Cale, who has penned more than a dozen one-person shows over the years. For performers, solo productions offer special rewards and challenges. It can be exhilarating or it can be terribly lonely, said Judith Ivey, who won multiple awards for playing advice columnist Ann Landers in the 2010 proudction The Lady With All the Answers. Kathleen Chalfant, an actress currently performing Joan Didions The Year of Magical Thinking through the Off Broadway theater Keen Company, said Ivey is very much on the mark: It is both those things, and your audience must become your partner. For Monica Piper, a stand-up comic and writer who performed her solo show Not That Jewish in 2016, the experience is only exhausting before and after you are on stage. Michele Willens Stage Right..Or Not airs weekly on the NPR affiliate robinhoodradio. Also Read: Montag Off Broadway Review: An Onstage Thriller About 2 Women in a State of Siege Republicans are laying the groundwork for dozens of investigations into the Biden administration -- and the president's family -- should they retake the House in Tuesday's midterm elections. Already, GOP lawmakers have floated January hearings on Hunter Biden's business dealings as well as a major congressional probe of the withdrawal from Afghanistan and a new committee to investigate China's political and economic influence on the United States. "There is a burning desire by Republicans to provide some type of oversight to the Biden administration," Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., his party's ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, told ABC News. "We're going to be under a lot of pressure to perform, but I think we will be up to the task." That pressure could include calls from rank-and-file GOP lawmakers and conservative activists to impeach President Joe Biden and some Cabinet secretaries, rebut the findings of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection and revisit former President Donald Trump's false claims about the results of the 2020 election -- all ahead of another consequential presidential election season. "Republicans have not made a secret of what they intend to do," Kurt Bardella, a former GOP operative-turned-Democratic strategist, told ABC News. "They see congressional oversight as the tip of the spear for the 2024 presidential election." Here's a look at some of Republicans' potential moves and lines of investigation should they retake the House this week. Hunter Biden and the president's family Beginning when President Biden announced his third bid for the White House in 2019, Republicans have spent years raising questions about his son Hunter Biden's business dealings and accused the younger Biden of trading off his father's positions in the Senate and Obama White House for personal financial gain. Hunter Biden has long insisted he did nothing wrong, ethically or criminally, but has acknowledged his family ties likely did boost his own career. Story continues MORE: What to expect if Republicans take control of the Senate Comer, the ranking Republican on oversight, and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who is poised to lead the House Judiciary Committee, are planning to dig deeper into Hunter Biden in the majority by pursuing sensitive banking records and investigating the Justice Department's handling of investigations of Hunter Biden over potential tax and gun crimes. Federal investigators have examined whether Hunter Biden paid adequate taxes on millions of dollars of personal income, including money he made during business pursuits in China and Ukraine. The Justice Department has also reviewed whether he lied on a gun-buying application about his drug use, ABC News previously reported. He has not been charged with any crimes. Comer told ABC News that in a GOP majority -- which would bestow subpoena power -- the oversight committee may hold its first hearing next year on Hunter Biden and the Biden family's finances, which Senate Republicans have already spent years investigating. PHOTO: Republican Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia talks to reporters, Oct. 1, 2022, before former president Donald Trump speaks at a 'Save America' rally in Warren, Mich. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images) "I think you're gonna see some action on holding a hearing about the Biden family," Comer said. When asked if that would be the first GOP-led oversight hearing, he simply replied, "Potentially." He told ABC News that the Treasury Department has refused to turn over to his committee financial reports related to the Biden family without Democrats joining the request. "That's bull crap," he said. "We won't be in the minority in January. So the Treasury Department is gonna have to give me those one way or the other. If they don't give them to us, we're gonna get them from the bank." COVID-19 pandemic Republicans who have criticized the Biden administration's response to COVID-19 and federal guidance around masking, vaccine mandates and school closures could be in a position to revisit the decision-making inside key federal health agencies and the White House. They have vowed to subpoena Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top medical adviser for Biden and Trump and the outgoing director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, for testimony before Congress despite his imminent retirement at the end of the year. Fauci recently told ABC Chief Washington Correspondent Jon Karl that he would have no problem appearing before Republican-led committees after spending 38 years speaking to lawmakers on Capitol Hill as a senior public health official. Republicans have also been critical of federal spending on the pandemic response and the $1.9 trillion in a COVID-19 relief and stimulus spending package signed into law by Biden last year -- a Democratic package that continued the federal response to the pandemic that began during the Trump administration. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., who is expected to become speaker if his party retakes the chamber, said in a recent Fox News interview that a GOP majority would investigate the origins of the virus. Senate Republicans recently released a report claiming the pandemic may have originated with a leak in a large viral laboratory in China -- a claim that has been debated within the scientific community for years. New actions on China In that same Fox News interview, McCarthy also said a GOP-led House would establish a select committee solely focused on China, to address concerns about Chinese theft of U.S. intellectual property and how to best reinforce domestic supply chains and the economy's reliance on trade with China. Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., who has helped coordinate House Republicans' policy on China, told ABC News that a GOP majority would "continue to work to bring those [supply] chains home" and push to scrutinize both foreign investments in critical U.S. companies and American investments in key industries abroad. Legislation on the IRS McCarthy said in September, while touting Republicans' campaign-season "Commitment to America" agenda, that the first piece of legislation they will put on the House floor if they are in the majority will be to block new funding for 87,000 agents at the IRS. The agency has said those funds are to replace retiring agents, increase staff for customer service and technology support and enhance the enforcement on high-income earners rather than for those making less than $400,000 a year. Removing Democrats from committees McCarthy has for months been suggesting his party would remove some leading Democrats from their committee positions in response to what he argued was a "new standard" set when Democrats stripped committee assignments from two controversial GOP lawmakers, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Paul Gosar of Arizona. (Gosar had posted an animated video depicting violence against Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez while Greene has a long history of inflammatory and conspiratorial statements, some of which she has apologized for.) "What they have started cannot be easily undone. Their actions today, and the past, have forever changed the way the House operates," McCarthy said last year ahead of a vote against Gosar. He later told CNN, "The Democrats have created a new thing where they're picking and choosing who could be on committee," and he has identified Ilhan Omar, Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell as Democrats who would lose their committee spots. McCarthy has said that Greene will be reinstated to committees after being removed last year -- in a bipartisan vote by Democrats and 11 Republicans -- for incendiary remarks she made before her election to Congress. Greene made an apologetic floor speech at the time attempting to disavow some prior comments. And though McCarthy has indicated Greene will be placed back on committees, he has demurred when pressed if the firebrand congresswoman would get a seat on the oversight panel, something for which she has pushed. PHOTO: Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California speaks during a statue dedication ceremony honoring Amelia Earhart at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, July 27, 2022. (Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters) US exit from Afghanistan Republicans could also wield a House majority to probe the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan last year -- a military exit, ending a decades-long war, that was marred by a deadly suicide attack on Americans and allies, the stranding of numerous Afghans who had supported the U.S. and a Taliban takeover in the capital of Kabul. Already, Republicans led by McCarthy and Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, have forecasted investigations of the retreat's aftermath, including billions of dollars' worth of U.S. equipment falling into Taliban hands, the resulting rule of the hardline group, emerging violent threats and people left behind by the frantic evacuations. "These strategic failures are too grave to ignore. That is why House Republicans are committed to pursuing answers to Biden's disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal," McCarthy, McCaul and other Republicans wrote in an op-ed in August before the release of a GOP report on the withdrawal. The resulting 115-page report included a number of recommendations, but Republicans hinted at more oversight to come, echoing warnings from others that inquiries into the retreat would not cease until there were repercussions within the administration. Republicans in the Senate have pushed for blockades on certain nominees from the Biden White House over what they said was a lack of transparency over the withdrawal's execution. "President Biden's own officials have described the end of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan as a 'strategic failure' and 'an ugly final phase.' Yet, to date, no senior administration officials have been held accountable," read the House GOP report, spearheaded by McCaul. "The Committee Minority believes a much more thorough examination is needed to find complete answers as to how this happened and how to ensure something like this does not happen again." Biden and his aides have defended the choice to leave Afghanistan, saying the war's costs, in lives and dollars, outweighed the strategic value. Justice Department 'politicization' Republicans have consistently railed against what they see as the "politicization" of the Department of Justice under Biden, with McCarthy himself boasting that investigations would be incoming under a Republican House. The floodgates of Republican claims of DOJ wrongdoing burst open in August when Attorney General Merrick Garland signed off on the FBI's execution of a search warrant at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort over allegations he improperly stored government documents there after leaving the White House. (Trump contends he is being politically persecuted.) "I've seen enough," McCarthy said in a statement. "The Department of Justice has reached an intolerable state of weaponized politicization. When Republicans take back the House, we will conduct immediate oversight of this department, follow the facts, and leave no stone unturned. Attorney General Garland, preserve your documents and clear your calendar." Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a member of the GOP's far-right flank, also drafted articles of impeachment for Garland over the search, arguing he did not "preserve, protect and defend" the U.S. Constitution. And while it's unlikely that an impeachment effort would go far, Greene has an outsized megaphone for a House backbencher and could keep the pressure on McCarthy to exercise stringent oversight of the DOJ if she chooses. The Justice Department's investigation into Trump's handling of documents, both classified and unclassified, continues. Garland has defended his department's law enforcement actions, arguing that "faithful adherence to the rule of law is the bedrock principle of the Justice Department and of our democracy. Upholding the rule of law means applying the law evenly, without fear or favor." Republicans are also furious over a Justice Department memo last year warning of a "disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff who participate in the vital work of running our nation's public schools," which Republicans alleged was a precursor to clamping down on conservative activists. Jordan, the likely chair of the House Judiciary Committee if Republicans retake the chamber, asked the DOJ to preserve its documents surrounding the memo. Impeachment(s) Republicans in the House are eyeing impeachment efforts for Biden as well as several of his top administration officials -- a potentially historic escalation of the conflict between the legislative and executive branches, which the GOP casts as a necessary correction to congressional Democrats who impeached Trump. Greene and some of her hardline allies have said they intend to impeach Biden for a range of supposed wrongdoings, an effort that has become a punchline in Democratic stump speeches but could be a headache for both Biden and McCarthy in the next Congress. Other targets for impeachment include Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. While Republican fury with Garland has focused over alleged politicization of his department, the GOP has lambasted Mayorkas over what they say are overly lax border policies leading to a surge in unauthorized migration at the southern border. "Mayorkas deserves [impeachment] for sure, because we no longer have a border," Jordan told CNN last month, while Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Greene ally, said impeaching Mayorkas should be a "priority." Republicans are unlikely to succeed in impeaching all of their top administration foes, but McCarthy could try to funnel frustration into impeachment proceedings against a Cabinet secretary as a way to relieve some pressure from his conference and avoid impeaching Biden over a slew of amorphous allegations. "I think the country doesn't like impeachment used for political purposes at all," McCarthy told Punchbowl News in an interview published Oct. 19. "If anyone ever rises to that occasion, you have to, but I think the country wants to heal and start to see the system that actually works." Immigration and the southern border Republicans have wielded immigration and unauthorized border crossings as potent attack lines against Democrats in recent election cycles, and there's no reason to suspect the rally cry will stop at a House GOP majority. Biden has already been caught between competing political forces over Title 42, a pandemic-era health order that allowed officials to turn away migrants at the border, though border encounters surged above 2 million in fiscal year 2022. And as border crossings increase, Republicans are anticipated to keep hammering the White House even beyond going after Mayorkas, setting up what is anticipated to be a legislative fight. Immigration reform has been a white whale for both parties in recent years, with Democrats pushing for increased protections to so-called Dreamers and Republicans clamoring for more border security measures like increased agents. The two parties have not been able to come up with a compromise with enough support to pass Congress, but Republicans have indicated another try is ahead. "The first thing you'll see is a bill to control the border first," McCarthy told CNN Monday. "You've got to get control over the border. You've had almost 2 million people just this year alone coming across." Editor's note: This article has been corrected to note Rep. Michael McCaul's correct position as ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. ABC News' Trish Turner contributed to this report. What to expect if Republicans take the House in the midterms: Investigations, possible impeachments originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Dont expectto learn the full results of the 2022 midterm elections on Tuesday night. At least 11 states with highly competitive races will likely take 24 hours or more to report enough of their vote totals to declare winners. The races in Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin include four marquee Senate races and 33 competitive House races. That means that its highly unlikely well know right away which party will control both chambers in Congress. It does not mean that something is amiss with the vote counting although Republicans in these 11 states are likely to say otherwise if they lose. In order to understand why the eventual lies spewed in the days after the election are wrong, its important to know how each states system for counting votes actually works. There are varied reasons why these states will take longer to report results. In some states, including Arizona, California and Nevada, a large portion of voters will cast their ballots by mail on Election Day. This means election workers will need to go through the time-consuming work of processing these ballots before counting them. In states including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Republicans have refused to enact legislation to allow mail ballots to be processed prior to Election Day. And the ranked choice voting systems of Alaska and Maine require all ballots to be received before they can be tallied and voter choices distributed. But the biggest reason why results may take 24 hours or more to count is that these elections are expected to be close. The closeness of the 2020 presidential election is what made it take four days after Election Day before Joe Biden was declared the winner. And the same has been true in other recent elections for House, Senate and governor. There is nothing abnormal about this. When elections are close, it is important that all ballots be counted to know who wins. Story continues That includes mailed ballots. States of all political persuasions, from Utah to Oregon to Colorado, have been running all-mail elections for years with no problem at all. States have always provided a post-election period to canvass and count all of the votes cast in their elections. Still, Republicans are wedded to a lie that mail voting is inherently fraudulent and that votes must be counted on election night or not be counted at all. In 2020, Donald Trump called for states to stop tallying votes on election night when he held a lead in key swing states with millions of ballots yet to be counted. Countless lawsuits, audits and recounts found no widespread fraud. But Trumps corrupt effort to steal the election ultimately led to the failed attack he directed on the U.S. Capitol to stop the counting of electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021. Instead of being defeated, Trumps lies have only metastasized, becoming a pillar of the Republican policy agenda. Nearly 300 GOP candidates running in 2022 believe the lie that the 2020 election was riddled with fraud. Many of them refuse to say that they will accept defeat if they lose. These 11 states are likely to report final tallies over the course of a few days and, possibly, have their results called into question over it. Heres how voting works in each of them. Republicans have spread the lie that mail voting is rampant with fraud. (Photo: ROBYN BECK via Getty Images) Republicans have spread the lie that mail voting is rampant with fraud. (Photo: ROBYN BECK via Getty Images) Alaska If the race for House control is close, every seat will count. That might leave both parties waiting to see who wins the Alaska at-large congressional race between Democratic incumbent Mary Peltola and Republicans Sarah Palin and Nick Begich. Alaska adopted a new system for its elections in 2020 called ranked choice voting. This system allows voters to rank their preferred candidates from first to fourth. The first candidate to achieve a majority of the vote wins. If no candidate does so, then the candidate receiving the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated and their second, third and fourth choices are added to the remaining candidates totals. This continues until one candidate wins. This process requires all ballots to be returned before the state counts them. Since Alaska is very large and many voters cast ballots by mail, the state counts ballots postmarked by Election Day if they arrive up to 10 days after the election. It takes 15 days after Election Day for the final results to be known. While Alaska also boasts a closely fought Senate race between incumbent Lisa Murkowski and challenger Kelly Tshibaka, they are both Republicans and any change in representation would not affect which party controls the Senate. Arizona Pretty much everything is up for grabs in Arizona. The races for governor, senator, attorney general and secretary of state are all hotly contested, while three of the states 11 House races are competitive. If these elections all remain as close as the polls show them to be, then it is highly likely that it will take days after Election Day to know who won and who lost. Arizona was among 10 states and the District of Columbia that did not report 90% or more of their 2020 final vote total until more than 48 hours after polls closed. In 2018, Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema was not announced the winner until six days after Election Day. The reason Arizona takes so long to finalize its tally is that even though ballots returned before Election Day can be counted, a large contingent of voters dont return their ballots until Election Day. Arizona also allows voters to fix any errors on their ballots up to five days after Election Day. In 2018, the late-counted ballots were representative of the blue shift phenomenon and tilted heavily toward Democrats. But in 2020, Democrats returned their ballots early, while Republicans waited until Election Day. This created a red shift, whereby Republicans gained votes in the election overtime period. Its unclear which way late-counted ballots will tilt in 2022. Either way could be problematic, as every Republican running statewide has at one time or another endorsed Trumps election fraud lies about 2020 and refused to say they will concede if they lose. California Like Arizona, California was among the 10 states and D.C. that did not hit 90% of their final reported vote total until more than 48 hours after the polls closed in 2020. The main reason is that the states elections are almost entirely run through mail-in balloting. Arizona GOP attorney general candidate Abraham Hamedah, gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and Senate candidate Blake Masters have all refused to say whether they will accept the results of their elections if they lose. (Photo: Brandon Bell via Getty Images) Arizona GOP attorney general candidate Abraham Hamedah, gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and Senate candidate Blake Masters have all refused to say whether they will accept the results of their elections if they lose. (Photo: Brandon Bell via Getty Images) Ballots either mailed or returned to polling places prior to Election Day can be processed and counted before the polls close, but those received on Election Day are not counted until the polls close at 8 p.m. local time. Since California is the most populous state in the country, there are more ballots to open, process and count than any other state. Those mail ballots also count when they arrive up to seven days after the election so long as they are postmarked by Election Day. Voters whose signatures do not match are allowed to confirm their identities up to two days prior to the certification of the election, which happens 38 days after the election. And there are a larger number of provisional ballots cast in California, which need to be checked to make sure they are valid. There are at least 11 House races in California that are closely contested. If control for the House is tight and these California races are close, the country may be waiting and watching for all of the states ballots to be counted for many days. This could provide room for propaganda and threats to swamp the election system. Even before 2020, Republicans, including Trump and House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, lied about fraud in Californias 2018 elections. A result in the Los Angeles mayoral race between Democrat Karen Bass and Republican-turned-Independent Rick Caruso is also likely to remain unknown for days after the election as ballots are verified and counted. Georgia While there were a number of things that slowed down the vote counting in Georgia in 2020 including a burst water pipe at the ballot processing center in Fulton County and thin staffing to count votes overnight the main reason was just that the election was so close. Biden won the state by just under 12,000 votes. Only Arizona was closer. If the elections for governor, Senate or House are similarly close, it could take time to count all of the votes. But if not, it may be possible to project the results on election night or in the early morning hours on Wednesday. One thing to watch in the race between Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker is whether one of them gets over 50% of the vote. If neither does, the election will go to a runoff in December. Illinois Despite being one of the 10 states to not report 90% of its final vote total within 48 hours of the polls closing, Illinois was not among the states that Trump lied about in 2020. Thats because Biden won it comfortably. But in 2022, there are four House seats that could change hands. One of those House seats is held by Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood. In 2020, the Associated Press projected her reelection victory nine days after the election. The long delay was due to the counting of all mail ballots cast in a very close election. In total, 13% of votes in the state were counted after Election Day. While fewer voters are casting mail ballots in 2022, counting could take days if a significant number of them arrive on Election Day. Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker faces a challenge from Trump-endorsed Republican Darren Bailey, but the polls have given Pritzker a consistent lead. While Bailey previously endorsed the lie that the 2020 election was fraudulent, he did commit to accepting the results whether he wins or loses. Maine Like Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola, Maine Rep. Jared Golden is one of the very few Democrats who represent a district that Trump won in both 2016 and 2020. And like Alaska, Maine operates a ranked choice voting system that requires all votes be tallied before a winner can be announced. If the fight for control of the House is close, it could take days to know the winner of Maines 2nd Congressional District. In 2018, Golden was announced the winner nine days after Election Day. Michigan In 2020, it took 22 hours after the polls closed before the press called Michigan for Biden. While this was faster than a number of other states, both closely contested and not, it didnt stop Republicans from lying about election fraud or Trump from calling for the votes in majority-Black Detroit to be invalidated. As election workers process mail ballots, they need to verify signatures and identify any other errors made by the voter. This process takes time. (Photo: Mario Tama via Getty Images) As election workers process mail ballots, they need to verify signatures and identify any other errors made by the voter. This process takes time. (Photo: Mario Tama via Getty Images) One reason it took so long to count ballots is that Republicans in the state legislature refused to pass legislation to allow for pre-processing of mail ballots. Since then, the legislature passed a new law allowing counties to begin processing mail ballots two days ahead of Election Day. This could help speed up the process somewhat, but it depends on how many mail ballots are received on Election Day. Another thing that could slow down the count is that ballots in Detroit are transported and counted at one central location, which takes up extra time and presents an opportunity for disruption. In 2020, Republicans attempted to disrupt the ballot counting process at TCF Arena in Detroit after Trump and others lied that some kind of fraud was taking place. GOP candidates for governor, attorney general and secretary of state all refused to accept the results of the 2020 election and stated that they will not necessarily concede if they lose. Kristina Karamo, the GOP secretary of state candidate and a prominent proponent of election lies, has already filed a lawsuit aimed at invalidating mail ballots in Detroit. The lawsuit was dismissed on Monday by a judge who said it would "create the potential harm of disenfranchising tens of thousands of Detroiters." Nevada Nevada was called for Biden four days after Election Day in 2020, making it one of the last states to be called. The main reasons for this were that three-quarters of the states population resides in Clark County and those voters predominantly cast their ballots by mail in 2020. Like Arizona, many ballots were returned on Election Day and took longer to process and count than ballots cast earlier. There are a number of important and close races in the state in 2022, including for governor, senator, secretary of state and control of the state legislature. These are anticipated to be close, which means it is highly likely that a result will not be known for hours or days. The closer the elections, the more important it is to count every vote before projecting a winner. This could be up to seven days after the election, as ballots postmarked on Election Day are still counted if received up to four days later. Voters are also allowed seven days post-election to correct any errors identified on their ballots. As of Monday, there were over 5,000 mail ballots that needed to be corrected in Clark County alone. New Jersey The 2021 gubernatorial election in New Jersey featured a host of problems that significantly delayed the reporting of a final vote total. Election workers across the state had issues with new voting machines and the high number of mail ballots that needed to be verified and counted. If these issues repeat, results for the states two competitive House races could take days before they are finalized. New Jersey enacted legislation to allow election workers to pre-process mail-in ballots, but counting may still take days if many of the hundreds of thousands of ballots requested, but not yet returned, are delivered on Election Day. Pennsylvania It may take some time to get final results for the Pennsylvania races for governor, Senate and House. In 2020, it took four days after the election before Pennsylvania was called for Biden. Like in Michigan, the refusal of Republicans to allow election workers to pre-process mail-in ballots contributed heavily to the extended count. Unlike Michigan, Republicans did not update the states laws after the 2020 election. Election workers still must wait until Election Day to begin processing and counting mail ballots. This will matter a great deal as Democrats are voting by mail at a much higher rate than Republicans, just as they did in 2020. Seventy percent of the million-plus returned mail ballots are from Democrats. Trump is already preparing to contest Pennsylvanias election results again, according to Rolling Stone. Wisconsin Wisconsin actually reported its vote totals faster than the average in 2020 and was called for Biden in less than 24 hours. Still, Trump and Republicans managed to lie about the result by claiming fraud occurred in majority-Black Milwaukee. This year, Tim Michaels, the GOP candidate for governor, and GOP Sen. Ron Johnson refuse to say they will accept the results of their own elections if they lose. The state remains closely split between supporters of both parties (despite the legislature being gerrymandered into a near-permanent Republican majority). Recent elections have been extremely close. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers won his 2018 race by a little less than 30,000 votes. Biden won the state by just over 20,000 votes, while Trump won in 2016 with just over 23,000 votes. Wisconsin may not take as long as the other states to finish, but the almost even split between the parties means that everyone should be ready to wait about 24 hours to know who won. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Whether you're a local or visiting a new state, it's always good to know where you can find the best restaurants. Now, it's easy to opt for a familiar chain restaurant like Applebee's or Chili's, but why do that when there are tons of locally-owned places at your disposal that highlight local cuisines and boost the business of independent restaurant owners? The difficulty can be in sorting through the many options and finding the most authentic and delicious spots. When it comes to finding the best Thai restaurants in every state, we have you covered. We've created a round-up of positively reviewed Thai-focused restaurants in every state that you'll want to visit at least once. Whether you're craving some authentic Tom Yum soup or traditional pad thai, these restaurants will give you the sweet and spicy flavors of Thai food that are beloved by many. Here's a list of the best Thai restaurants in every state. RELATED: The Best Steakhouse in Every State ALABAMA: Surin of Thailand In Birmingham Surin of Thailand In Birmingham With a menu full of passed-down family recipes, customers rave about this restaurant with its professionally trained chefs, full martini menu, and freshly prepared Thai dishes. Choose from fresh stir-fried Thai to specialty entrees like Nom Tok Beef which pairs beef tenderloin with spices for a bite with a kick. One Yelp reviewer calls Surin of Thailand "a great local spot in Birmingham for authentic Thai cuisine." ALASKA: Thai Kitchen In Anchorage Thai Kitchen In Anchorage Start with some crispy tofu or shrimp rolls followed by a plate of Massaman curry. With a menu full of soups, fried rice, curry, and noodles, there's a Thai favorite for everyone. Patrons on Yelp like this restaurant for its generous portion sizes, excellent service, and mouth-watering flavors. ARIZONA: Thai Basil Signature In Phoenix Thai Basil Signature In Phoenix Right in the heart of Phoenix and Scottsdale rests this signature Thai restaurant that Yelp reviewers say is always packed. The menu is full of beloved Thai dishes like Pad Ma Kua (meat sauteed with onions, carrots, garlic, eggplant, etc.) and Siamese Chow Mein for customers to enjoy and there's the option to order most sauteed dishes with a gluten-free sauce. For dessert, top off the night with sweet sticky rice and coconut ice cream. Story continues ARKANSAS: Zangna Thai Cuisine In Little Rock Zangna Thai Cuisine In Little Rock One Yelp reviewer says this Thai restaurant has some of the best vegan tofu curry around, "We were instantly hooked the first time we tried the tofu curry so much that I (who am not vegan) ordered my own helping!" The menu includes a variety of rolls, soups, salads, seafood, fried rice, curry, noodles, and stir fry to choose from. Plus, check out the Chef's Specials for limited offerings like Bangkok Mango and Pad Kra-Pow BBQ Duck. RELATED: The Best Steakhouse in Every State CALIFORNIA: Jitlada In Los Angeles Jitlada In Los Angeles While there are generic Thai options, locals and tourists visit Jitlada for its specialty dishes like crisp catfish salad or sweet soft-shelled crabs. Think about Thai elevated to the next levelthat's what you'll find at this establishment. With over 400 menu items, patrons are destined to find a meal they'll enjoy. One Yelp reviewer says her husband can't get enough of the Dynamite Curry and will "definitely be back for more." COLORADO: Ros Siam In Denver Ros Siam In Denver Not only is the food delicious, but the interior and exterior are beautifully decorated with pieces reminiscent of Thailand. From pineapple fried rice to panang curry, the menu is filled with sweet, savory, and spicy options for every palate. This Yelp reviewer says it's the best Thai they've had in Denver. CONNECTICUT: Thai Spice In Norwalk Thai Spice In Norwalk If you've never tried the Tom Yum shrimp soup, one Yelp reviewer swears by it with its "perfect sourness and three perfectly cooked shrimps." Similar to most Thai restaurants, this establishment works hard to capture the important four flavors in each meal: sweet, sour, savory, and bitter. The menu contains your standard noodles, curry, and fried rice, but also has a wide selection of meats and fish. DELAWARE: Bangkok Thai Cuisine In Dover Bangkok Thai Cuisine In Dover This family-owned and operated restaurant brings authentic Thai cuisine straight to Delaware. Start off the meal with one of over 18 appetizers (golden tofu, Thai beef jerky, and spring rolls.) Then find entrees like Volcano Bamboo and Bangkok Rib alongside other soup and salad options. Reviewers on Yelp appreciate the generous portions of high-quality food at reasonable price points. FLORIDA: EatThai In Delray Beach EatThai In Delray Beach Tourists and locals alike can devour classic Thai cuisine in a chic, modern setting. Start off with Thai chicken wings or horse shoe and then dive into meals like the pad Thai or tempura papaya salad for your entree. Plus, there are tons of vegetarian options to choose from so if you have any dietary restrictions, you'll be able to find a menu item that works (and is delicious.) One Yelp reviewer says she dreams about these chicken wings, so they must be good. GEORGIA: Nan Thai Fine Dining In Atlanta Nan Thai Fine Dining In Atlanta An award-winning establishment, known for its carefully crafted Thai food prepared by Chef Nan Niyomkul. From stuffed fried shrimp to kung pad Thai, the menu has tons of signature options for lovers of this flavorful cuisine. Pair your meal with one of Nan's specialty cocktails and sweet desserts. One Yelp reviewer says "The food: absolutely delicious. Classic Thai: flavorful, spiced, and fresh." HAWAII: Noi Thai Cuisine In Honolulu Noi Thai Cuisine In Honolulu This vegetarian-friendly restaurant offers dishes prepared by chefs from Thailand that bring out the authentic and rich flavors of Thai cuisine. From classic Tom Yum soup to Siam spicy eggplant, there are a wide variety of options to indulge in. One Yelp patron's rave review says it all: "Oh man this was one of the best meals I've ever had! The crispy garlic chicken was AMAZING. The turkey, one of the best chicken dishes I've ever had. I can't recommend this dish enough! And during happy hour the prices were so reasonable!" RELATED: The Best Authentic BBQ Spot in Every State IDAHO: Krung Thep In Idaho Falls Krung Thep In Idaho Falls For Tom Kha chicken to duck noodles, head on over to this local Thai restaurant located just a few minutes away from the Museum of Idaho. With the food made to order, patrons are able to enjoy freshly prepared, high-quality cuisine with every visit. One Yelp reviewer said if you're looking for authentic Thai food, then this is the place to go. ILLINOIS: Aroy Thai In Chicago Aroy Thai In Chicago Not sure whether to take the trip to Aroy Thai? Well, one Yelp reviewer drove 80 minutes to get his hands on this food so that speaks volumes. Browse the menu filled with soups, salads, noodles, curry, rice, meats, and more. Note: this restaurant is a BYOB (bring your own bottle) so make sure to bring your favorite beer, wine, or beverage of choice with you. INDIANA: Jasmine Thai In Indianapolis Jasmine Thai In Indianapolis For an irresistible lunch special, head over to Jasmine Thai on Monday-Friday to enjoy pad kee mao, pad ped, pad kra prow, and more served with a side of Tom Yum soup, house salad, and veggie spring rolls for $10.99. One Yelp reviewer had nothing but positive things to say about their experience at this local business: "Nice&clean decorated inside space, plenty of seating inside&outside parking, restrooms available, friendly staff." IOWA: Thai Spice Noodle House In Iowa City Thai Spice Noodle House In Iowa City Known for its Pa Nang curry and curry fried rice, visitors can expect fresh food, exceptional service, and realistic prices. When taking a trip to this restaurant, one Yelp reviewer reminds guests to choose their spice by star: "Choose your spice by star, one thru five. I think the three is perfect, personally." Open seven days a week. KANSAS: Lemongrass Thai Cuisine In Kansas City Lemongrass Thai Cuisine In Kansas City A family-owned Thai restaurant in Kansas City for locals and tourists looking for authentic cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Find a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan options alongside other Thai favorites including yellow curry, vegetable stir-fry, pho, red curry duck, and more. One Yelp reviewer says it's the best Thai she's ever had, especially the Panang curry. KENTUCKY: 3 Ladies Thai Cuisine In Florence Looking for friendly service and exceptional food? Take a trip to 3 Ladies Thai for one of the best meals around. Skim through the menu featuring crab rangoons, spring rolls, lo mein, pad sew-eew, mee korb, and more. Stop by during lunch from 11-3pm for meals starting at $9.95. If you like spicy food, one Yelp reviewer says they nail it: "I've tried a few things from here. Dishes are always fresh and pack flavor. They understand what extra spicy means too!" LOUISIANA: Sawasdee Thai Restaurant In Mandeville Sawasdee Thai Restaurant In Mandeville Stop by Sawasdee to get some of the best curries, stir-fry and noodles in town. Plus, if you haven't tried mango sticky rice, then this is the place to do it. One Yelp reviewer raves about this Thai staple, "THEY HAVE PHENOMENAL MANGO STICKY RICE!!!!! So so yummy and it's so hard to find that dish at other places." Open six days a week closed on Sunday. MAINE: Ruby Thailand Cuisine In South Portland Ruby Thailand Cuisine In South Portland Ruby Thailand prides itself on using the highest quality ingredients in its classic Thai food from noodles and curry to seafood and fusion dishes. Also, if you're a fan of tea, try the matcha boba and strawberry milk tea. One Yelp reviewer appreciates the friendly customer service and delicious food every time she visits: "They serve the best Pad Thai and Massaman Curry I have ever had. The Tom Kha soup is also outstanding! The employees are always extremely kind and appreciative whenever I go in. I would highly recommend Ruby!" RELATED: The Best Fried Chicken in Every State MARYLAND: Charm Thai Restaurant In Silver Spring Charm Thai Restaurant In Silver Spring One Yelp reviewer calls Charm Thai the best Thai in Silver Spring. Now if that doesn't speak volumes, the menu is loaded with authentic Thai cuisine from the crispy rice salad and crispy duck rolls to noodle lover soup and crab meat fried rice. Finish off the meal with a Thai-style fried banana for dessert. Open seven days a week. MASSACHUSETTS: Crying Thaiger Rustic Thai Kitchen In Malden Crying Thaiger Rustic Thai Kitchen In Malden Recognized as one of the essential Thai restaurants to eat around Boston by Eater, Crying Thaiger boasts a bountiful menu filled with salads, curries, clay pots, and more. Patrons can also opt for one of the Crying Signatures such as the popular Crying Rib Eye and Crying Tiger. One Yelp reviewer raves about the desserts: "They also have some Thai desserts that are not seen elsewhere all tasty and I loved them." MICHIGAN: Lue Thai Cafe In Dearborn Lue Thai Cafe In Dearborn Dine at this family-owned Thai restaurant known for its picturesque ambiance and delicious food. From Pattani to Pad Tak, choose from a menu with over 50+ options. One Yelp reviewer says they'd give Lue Thai Cafe six stars if they could after having a superb pho beef meal. MINNESOTA: Khao Hom Thai Restaurant In Minneapolis Khao Hom Thai Restaurant In Minneapolis Just 10 minutes away from the University of Michigan, Khao Hom Thai is a local hotspot for college students. With noodles, soups, salads, curries, and wings, patrons are destined to find a meal they'll love. One Yelp reviewer recommends trying the Drunken Noodles if you can't decide on what you want. Plus, there are gluten-free and vegetarian options available (oh, and it's pet-friendly.) MISSISSIPPI: Thai Garden In Tupelo Thai Garden In Tupelo Recognized as Tupelo's best Thai restaurant, Thai Garden is consistently good across the board according to this Yelp reviewer. Start off your meal with some cream cheese wontons and work your way into a main course of volcano chicken, panang curry, etc. Last but not least, finish off the night with some fried banana or sweet sticky rice with fresh mango. MISSOURI: Thailand Restaurant In Blue Springs Thailand Restaurant In Blue Springs Thailand Restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere for families and large parties with its spacious interior and friendly staff. Try the chef's recommended Thailand chicken or Bangkok Paradise next time you stop in for a meal you won't forget. One Yelp reviewer appreciates how the restaurant is able to accommodate her dietary restrictions: "I order pretty often and they always do great. I am vegan and gluten-free, but they are able to accommodate me." MONTANA: Rice Fine Thai Cuisine In Bozeman Rice Fine Thai Cuisine In Bozeman Take a step into this native-owned dining establishment that one Yelp reviewer deems as "clean, affordable, and consistent." From classic pad Thai to Tom Yum soup, patrons are able to enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of Thai cuisine right from their backyard. Open seven days a week. RELATED: Best Once-in-a-Lifetime Meal in Every State NEBRASKA: Asian Taste Thai Restaurant In Lincoln Asian Taste Thai Restaurant In Lincoln One Yelp reviewer says Asian Taste Thai is home to his favorite pad Thai in all of the midwest. This restaurant is one of the few in town to boast authentic and affordable Thai cuisine. From Pad Kra Pow to Tom Yum soup, there is something on the menu for every palate. Plus, there's even a plethora of sushi rolls to choose from if that's more your speed. NEVADA: Lotus Of Siam In Las Vegas Lotus Of Siam In Las Vegas Owned by Chef Saipin Chutima, customers can walk into Lotus of Siam and enjoy authentic Thai food passed down from generation to generation. Filled with herbs and spices, pick from an assortment of soups, salads, noodles, curries, etc. If this Yelp review doesn't say it all, then what will: "I'd literally move to Vegas to live on this menu." NEW HAMPSHIRE: Daw Kun Thai In Manchester Daw Kun Thai In Manchester Just a few minutes away from Manchester airport, patrons will find this restaurant known for its authentic Thai food. Start off your meal with some fried tofu and then choose from a selection of salads, soups, fried rice, and pan-fried noodles. When it comes to Tom Yum soup, Daw Kun Thai is where it's at according to this Yelp reviewer: "If you're looking for some "real" tom yum, this is the place to go. I've been searching everywhere and none of the places in Manchester can make it spicy and sour the way tom yum is supposed to be." NEW JERSEY: Lotus Thai Cuisine In Guttenberg Lotus Thai Cuisine In Guttenberg With spices sourced from Thailand, take a trip to Lotus Thai for some food made from the freshest and finest ingredients. Head Chef Buakaew Nartpranin combines her love for cooking with her passion for providing high-quality food to create the dishes at this establishment. From fried rice and noodles to curries and soups, there are options for everyone. NEW MEXICO: Thai Spice In Albuquerque Thai Spice In Albuquerque Find a menu filled with traditional recipes from Thailand made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. From Panang curry to pineapple fried rice, choose from a plethora of chef-crafted dishes your whole party will enjoy. Also, for those with dietary restrictions, there are vegetarian menu options available. One Yelp reviewer said he enjoyed the friendly wait staff and nicely decorated interior. NEW YORK: Ugly Baby In Brooklyn Ugly Baby In Brooklyn For those looking for ultra-spicy Thai food, Ugly Baby will be your new favorite restaurant. Choose from the establishment's most popular dishes like Tue Ka Ko to Khao Soi Nuer and let your taste buds do the work. While the food is incredibly spicy, most Yelp reviewers tend to agree that it brings out the flavors more than detracts: "But it's not numb your mouth spicy, or drown out the flavors spicyit enhances the meal, bring out the flavors, compliment the ingredients spicy: it's incredible." RELATED: The Most Popular Beer in Every State NORTH CAROLINA: Thai Star In Durham Thai Star In Durham Support family-owned businesses like this one home to some of the best Thai cuisine in the state. Stop in for lunch to find $10.95 lunch specials like pad Thai shrimp and chicken massaman. One Yelp reviewer raves about the Masaman curry: "Masaman curry dish has always been my favorite but these guys take it up a notch. The curry dish is so delicious here I didn't need anything else" NORTH DAKOTA: Eat Thai Cafe In Bismarck Eat Thai Cafe In Bismarck After the success of a Thai food truck, that's when Ben decided to open up a cafe in Bismarck. Find classics on the menu like Drunken Noodles and pineapple fried rice alongside milk tea and sticky rice. One happy customer on Yelp says it's one of the best places to eat in town and is well worth the money. OHIO: Banana Blossom Thai Cuisine In Cleveland Banana Blossom Thai Cuisine In Cleveland One Yelp reviewer calls Banana Blossom "hands down the best Thai restaurant in all of Cleveland." Find lunch and dinner menus boasting authentic Thai dishes from hot duck to pad see ew. If you have dietary restrictions, vegan and gluten-free alterations are available upon request. To indicate spice, customers will find pepper emojis on the menu ranging from 1-5 for little to fire spice. OKLAHOMA: Tana Thai Bistro In Oklahoma City Tana Thai Bistro In Oklahoma City Home to unique and authentic Thai dishes, Tana Thai is a go-to restaurant destination for locals and tourists alike. Made from fresh ingredients and house-made sauces, customers can find dishes from basil fried rice to Panang curry that explodes with flavor. One Yelp reviewer says this is the only Thai restaurant she can recommend right now so that speaks volumes. OREGON: Kinara Thai In Portland Kinara Thai In Portland Open six days a week, get your hands on authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of the state. Find a menu filled with seasonal dishes alongside classic favorites like Drunken Noodles and basil fried rice. Note: vegan and gluten-free options are available upon request. One Yelp reviewer praises the restaurant for its hospitality and service: "I've gone twice and both times was so impressed at how fast they prepare your food. The service in general has been very prompt and it's clear they pay attention to detail." PENNSLYVANIA: Thai Kuu In Philadelphia Thai Kuu In Philadelphia Stop into this Thai restaurant, open seven days a week, in the heart of Philadelphia. Find a menu filled with soups, salads, curries, and noodles alongside some sweet dessert options. Customers appreciate the modern decor and attentive, friendly wait staff. One Yelp reviewer says, "The new decor really makes an excellent setting, both welcoming and really giving a feel of Thailand. Staff are truly amazing and so accommodating, love it." RHODE ISLAND: Thailand In Providence Thailand In Providence This Thai eatery strives to provide a menu that's vegan-friendly, organic, locally sourced, and eco-friendly. Find soups, salads, curries, and noodles on the menu alongside traditional desserts like mango sticky rice and fried banana. One Yelp reviewer says this is "the best Thai food she's ever eaten in her life." SOUTH CAROLINA: Thai Cuisine Restaurant In Simpsonville Thai Cuisine Restaurant In Simpsonville This restaurant is arguably one of the most popular Thai places in South Carolina and it's for a good reason: the food is exquisite. Browse the menu full of chef specials and classic dishes (noodles, curries, stir fry, etc.) to find something you'll enjoy. One happy Yelp reviewer says he eats at this restaurant at least once a week and has never had any negative experiences. SOUTH DAKOTA: Thai Thai In Rapid City Thai Thai In Rapid City Start off your meal with a plate of Thai-style chicken wings and then select an entree from a menu filled with salads, soups, noodles, etc. End the night with some mochi ice cream (mango, strawberry, green tea) or sweet mango rice. One Yelp reviewer describes each dish as being "made to perfection." TENNESSEE: Thai Esane In Nashville Thai Esane In Nashville Chef Nina Singto is the mastermind behind this popular Thai restaurant known for its flavorful and authentic cuisine. From basil eggplant to Pad Kra Pao, there are traditional dishes for every palate made with the freshest ingredients. Yelp reviewers rave about the intricately decorated interior that takes this restaurant to the next level: "It's modern and beautiful and makes you feel like we're tourists in our own city. Open, bright, tall ceilings, and that giant Buddha statue!" TEXAS: Oceanic Thai Kitchen In Plano Oceanic Thai Kitchen In Plano This spot is very popular among locals for dishes that are custom-made per order from scratch (sauces, appetizers, entrees all of it.) Browse through the menu filled with fried rice, curry, noodles, and other traditional favorites. This Yelp review says it all: "Y'all this may be the best Thai food I've had in all of Texas!" RELATED: The Best Southern Food Spot in Every State UTAH: Kao Thai In Salt Lake City Kao Thai In Salt Lake City Bask in the unique flavors of Thai cuisine at this restaurant where customers are treated like family. Find a bountiful menu filled with appetizers, entrees, and desserts that'll make it hard to choose just one. From soups and salads to curries and fried rice, find classic Thai favorites with the spice that many know and love. VERMONT: Maliwan Thai Restaurant In Essex Maliwan Thai Restaurant In Essex This restaurant offers a healthy take on traditional Thai food that's both flavorful and delicious. From classic Tom Yum soup to Ka Prow chicken, you can't go wrong with anything from this menu. Yelp reviewers praise the restaurant for its friendly wait staff and attentive service: "Very prompt service. The waitress was new (two days on the job), she was pleasant, courteous, and efficient." VIRGINIA: Duangrat's Thai Restaurant In Falls Church Duangrat's Thai Restaurant In Falls Church Dungrat's is the longest-serving Thai restaurant in the DC Metro area. The menu is filled with customer favorites like the sticky wings and roti duck roll in addition to soups, salads, curries, seafood, noodles, and more. One Yelp reviewer says, "Best papaya salad and duck rolls I've ever had. My favorite spot for Thai in nova. Also great curry and noodles. I can't say enough nice things. I came here 2 days in a row lol. It's also gorgeous inside." WASHINGTON: May Kitchen And Bar In Vashon May Kitchen And Bar In Vashon Try May Kitchen's famous signature pad Thai made with rice noodles in a tamarind sauce with turnips, egg, etc. In addition, patrons will find a wide variety of spicy options on the menu when in need of a kick. One Yelp reviewer says, "The best food and the nicest people! It's part of our weekly rotation to order from May Thai. If you're coming for a day trip, this (or Ruby Brink) are the two best dinners on the island in my humble opinion." WEST VIRGINIA: Thai Valley Kitchen In Hurricane Thai Valley Kitchen In Hurricane Simple, delicious, and affordable Thai food is what patrons can expect when they visit Thai Valley Kitchen. With a menu full of curries, soups, salads, noodles, etc., there is something for everyone. One Yelp reviewer says "The wonton soup is one of the best I have had from any place serving Asian food." WISCONSIN: Singha Thai Restaurant In Milwaukee Singha Thai Restaurant In Milwaukee One Yelp reviewer said that after the first bite, he knew he was going to be back. If that doesn't speak volumes, then you'll have to taste the food for yourself. Find a menu filled with salads, fried rice, noodles, soups, and other Thai classics. Finish off the meal with a sweet wonton or Thai custard. RELATED: The Best Fried Chicken in Every State WYOMING: Thai Kitchen Restaurant In Casper Thai Kitchen Restaurant In Casper Stop by this family-owned Thai Kitchen next time you're in Wyoming for a meal you won't forget. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu according to this Yelp reviewer: "This is better than any Thai restaurant I have been to. If you like spicy food, their drunken noodles are amazing, all of their chicken dishes are amazing and all of their curries are amazing." 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 Brad Horrigan/Hartford Courant/Tribune News Service via Getty Images; Jessica Hill/AP Photo; Insider Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont defeated Republican Bob Stefanowski in Connecticut's gubernatorial race. It was one of 36 gubernatorial elections taking place in 2022. Lamont narrowly defeated Stefanowski in 2018 and retained his seat in this rematch. Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont defeated Republican Bob Stefanowsk in a rematch in Connecticut's gubernatorial election. Lamont defeated Stefanowski in the 2018 election to succeed outgoing Gov. Dan Malloy. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Connecticut's gubernatorial candidates Lamont is the governor of Connecticut, with voters electing him in 2018. Prior to being elected governor, he chaired the state investment advisory council where he oversaw a multibillion-dollar state pension fund. Lamont also made an unsuccessful run for US Senate in 2006. In 2008, he served as a state co-chair for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. The 68-year-old governor's handling of the pandemic lifted his approval ratings from the bottom to the top. In March 2020, Lamont closed restaurants, bars, and other public venues, but kept schools and businesses open throughout most of the pandemic. When vaccines became available, he offered them by age cohorts, making the vaccines simple to administer, placing Connecticut among the leaders in vaccination rates. Connecticut has had a Democratic trifecta Democrats control the state's governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature since 2011. The state is one of 14 Democratic trifectas in the country. Lamont defeated Stefanowski in the 2018 election by a slim margin just over 3 percentage points, or about 44,000 votes. Stefanowski, Lamont's challenger, is a certified public accountant and certified financial analyst. Prior to entering politics, he served as an executive at multiple global companies, including DFC Global, UBS, 3i Group, and General Electric. Since then, Stefanowski has worked as an independent consultant. Story continues During the pandemic, he and his wife, Amy, co-founded and launched "Masks for Heroes" in an effort to help the state fight COVID-19 when personal protective equipment was scarce. They went on to found "Masks for CT" and "Masks 4 Schools," hosting giveaway events with cloth masks for children, teachers, and bus drivers. These initiatives earned the Stefanowskis an NAACP Award from the Waterbury NAACP Youth Council. Stefanowski was endorsed by President Donald Trump in 2018, but as of late, has appeared to distance himself from the embattled former president. He said he supports Connecticut's current gun safety laws, including the universal background checks and limits on high-capacity military-style weapons that were imposed after a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He has also described himself as a supporter of abortion rights, saying he supports the state's current laws affirming a right to abortion up to fetal viability. Connecticut's voting history Joe Biden defeated Trump by a 20 percentage point margin in 2020. The state has voted for the Democratic candidate for the last eight presidential elections. The money race Both personally wealthy, the two candidates largely self-fund their election campaigns. Lamont, who does not take the state's annual $150,000 salary for the job of governor, earned more than $54 million last year. Most of it came from investment earnings, per newly released tax records. Lamont had spent roughly $14.8 million, according to reports filed for the three-month period ending on September 30. His opponent, Stefanowski, had spent $9.2 million, as of September 30. What experts say The race between Lamont and Stefanowski was rated as "solid Democratic" by Inside Elections, "likely Democratic" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Democratic" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Zach Nunn's campaign; Insider Rep. Cindy Axne ran against Republican Zach Nunn in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. The 3rd District is located in the southwestern region of Iowa. Axne raised more than triple the amount as Nunn. Experts said the race was either a "toss-up" or "leans Republican." Democratic Rep. Cindy Axne lost her bid for reelection against Republican state Sen. Zach Nunn in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Iowa's 3rd Congressional District candidates Axne is a member of the Committees on Financial Services and Agriculture. Prior to her time in Congress, she worked for the Tribune Company, the State of Iowa, and as a small business owner with her husband. Axne was elected to the House in 2018, becoming one of the first two women from Iowa elected to the House in the nation's history after she defeated incumbent Rep. David Young. In 2020, she faced off against Young again, narrowly defeating him by just over 1% of the vote. During the current congressional session, Axne was one of dozens of members of Congress identified as having violated the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 for improperly disclosing personal stock trades. Nunn, Axne's challenger, is an Iowa state senator, Air Force veteran, and consultant. Nunn handily defeated his GOP primary opponents, bringing in nearly two-thirds of the vote. Voting history for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District Iowa's 3rd Congressional District is located in the southwestern region of the state. The district voted for former President Donald Trump over President Joe Biden in the 2020 election prior to redistricting in the state, making it one of seven districts to vote for Trump in 2020 but elect a Democratic representative. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Axne has raised $6.6 million, spent $5.9 million, and has about $712,000 million on hand, as of October 19. Her opponent, Nunn, has raised about $2.3 million, spent $1.9 million, and has about $351,000 cash on hand. Story continues As of late October, several dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups had combined to spend about $6.7 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. The National Republican Congressional Committee and Congressional Leadership Fund, a pro-Nunn super PAC, account for the majority of that spending. What experts say The race between Axne and Nunn is rated as a "toss-up" by Inside Elections, "lean Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Republican Jennifer-Ruth Green, left, faces off against Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan, right. Paul Beaty/AP Photo; Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images;Insider Rep. Frank Mrvan defeated Republican Jennifer-Ruth Green in Indiana's 1st Congressional District. Once reliably blue, the 1st District could have joined the majority of congressional districts in the state controlled by Republicans. If Green were elected, she would have put a stop to Democrats' 92-year winning streak in Indiana's 1st Congressional District. Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan defeated Republican Jennifer-Ruth Green in Indiana's 1st Congressional District. The first polls closed at 6 p.m. EST and the last polls closed at 7 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Indiana's 1st Congressional District candidates Mrvan, first elected to the US House in 2020, is no stranger to politics. He served as township trustee in North Township from 2005 to 2021. Prior to his role as trustee, Mrvan worked as a licensed mortgage broker and pharmaceutical sales representative. Mrvan is a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and chairs the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. The Democrat from Hammond, who supported President Joe Bidens' infrastructure bill, also co-chairs the Congressional Steel Caucus. Green, Mrvan's challenger, is a certified flight instructor and a commercial pilot she's one of a relatively small number of female Black professional pilots in the nation. A graduate of the US Air Force Academy, she currently serves in the Indiana Air National Guard. During her 12-year-long career in the military, Green was deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Green founded MissionAero Pipeline, a college and career preparation non-profit with a focus on aerospace, science, technology, engineering and math. She listed a free-market economy and limited government regulations as issues important to her on her campaign website. Green defeated her GOP opponents in a four-way primary, narrowly overcoming second-place finisher Jesse Reising by fewer than than 1,000 votes. Abortion access is an issue where Mrvan and Green held starkly opposing views. Story continues "I have seen their rights taken away. I want to make sure that no one, not a policy or politician, gets in the way of healthcare choices and my daughter's choices as they are going forward," Mrvan said in an interview with local media. Green, conversely, has said that "empirical evidence shows that life begins at conception and that a child in the womb is a distinct, developing, whole human being." Voting history for Indiana's 1st Congressional District Indiana's 1st Congressional District covers Gary, Hammond, and other steel-belt cities immediately east of Chicago's metropolitan area. Joe Biden had a 9 percentage point margin of victory over President Donald Trump under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to add more of LaPorte County's western area in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it slightly less Democratic-leaning. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Mrvan had raised more than $2.2 million, spent $1.9 million, and has $466,000 on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Green, had raised $2.9 million, spent $2.2 million, and has $702,000 cash on hand, as of October 19. As of November 1, more than a dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups have together spent more than $12 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. Congressional Leadership Fund, a pro-Green hybrid PAC led by national Republicans, alone accounts for about half of that spending. What experts say The race between Mrvan and Green was rated as "lean 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 Brittany Pettersen's campaign; Erik Aadland's campaign; Insider Democrat Brittany Pettersen defeated Republican Erick Aadland in Colorado's 7th Congressional District. The 7th District is anchored in Jefferson County. Redistricting made the district less Democratic, but Pettersen still scored a win. Democratic state Sen. Brittany Pettersen defeated Republican Erik Aadland in Colorado's 7th Congressional District. Democratic incumbent Ed Perlmutter, who served Coloradans for 16 years, previously announced he would not run for reelection, leaving the seat up for grabs. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds Colorado's 7th Congressional District candidates Brittany Pettersen represents District 22 in the Colorado State Senate. Prior to being elected state senator, Pettersen was a Democratic member of the Colorado House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. Perlmutter formally endorsed Pettersen's bid for the 7th Congressional District seat. Aadland, Pettersen's opponent, is a veteran who served in the US Army for eight years, including two combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last June, Aadland announced his candidacy for US Senate, but after struggling to gain traction, he pivoted to the 7th Congressional District when new boundaries for the congressional districts were established. He defeated his opponents in the three-way GOP primary, bringing in nearly half the vote. Voting history for Colorado's 7th Congressional District Colorado's 7th Congressional District is anchored in Jefferson County and stretches into Broomfield and several mountain counties to the west and south. Joe Biden had a near 23 percentage point margin of victory over President Donald Trump under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before the once-in-a-decade redistricting process following the 2020 Census made it less Democratic. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Pettersen raised $2.65 million, spent $2.25 million, and had $445,000 of cash on hand, as of October 19. Her opponent, Aadland, raised $1.27 million, spent $1.22 million, and had $49,000 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. Story continues As of November 3, nearly a dozen super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups together spent more than $1.5 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the race's primary phase. What experts say The race between Pettersen and Aadland was rated as "likely Democratic" by Inside Elections, "likely 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 Editor's note: This page recaps the news from Election Day 2022. For updated information about voting results in key races, check out of live updates file for Wednesday, Nov. 9. Democrat John Fetterman won the hard-fought U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania against Republican Mehmet Oz, flipping a seat held by retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey. Fetterman's victory reinforced other signs that a red wave of Republican strength had not materialized, as Democrats held on to several competitive Senate and governor seats. Which party control the House and Senate is still undecided. Republican J.D. Vance bettered Republicans' chances of taking the Senate with his win over Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan. But Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan defeated a GOP challenger in the competitive New Hampshire race. A handful of the closely watched Senate races have yet to be called, including the contest in Georgia between Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and GOP challenger Herschel Walker and the Nevada Senate match-up pitting Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto against Republican Adam Laxalt. Vulnerable House Democrat survives: Rep. Abigail Spanberger won a competitive race against Republican challenger Yesli Vega in Virginia Republican Abbott defeats O'Rourke in Texas: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held his seat against Democrat Beto O'Rourke Trumps favored Pennsylvania governor candidate loses: Democrat Josh Shapiro will be Pennsylvanias next governor, defeating Trump-backed Doug Mastriano. History made: Maryland voters elected only the third black governor Democrat Wes Moore in U.S. history. And Democrat Maura Healey becomes the first woman and first openly gay candidate elected as governor of Massachusetts. And progressive activist Maxwell Alejandro Frost is the first Gen Z member to win a seat in Congress. DeSantis, Rubio wins reinforce rightward shift in Florida: Incumbent Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rubio comfortably won reelection as voter concerns about the economy appeared to prevail over a message emphasized by Democrats focusing on abortion rights. Republicans flexed their muscle in gubernatorial races with Chris Sununu (New Hampshire), Ron DeSantis (Florida), Henry McMaster (South Carolina), Mike DeWine (Ohio) and Kay Ivey (Alabama) all winning reelection. In addition, former Trump White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders won the governors race in Arkansas. Story continues The latest updates: Georgia secretary of state: Raffensperger wins Republican incumbent Brad Raffensperger emerged victorious in the race for Georgia secretary of state, beating out Democratic nominee and former state senator Bee Nguyen. Raffensperger held a solid lead over Nguyen in the polls throughout the race. The contest to be the states chief election officer, a down-ballot race that has previously garnered little attention, has gained increased importance in the wake of the 2020 election and unfounded voter fraud claims. -- Anna Kaufman 3 takeaways from Georgia governor's race: Brian Kemp defeats Stacey Abrams for second term Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin wins in Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich, won reelection over Republican state Sen. Tom Barrett and Libertarian candidate Leah Dailey in Michigans new 7th Congressional District, ending one of the nations most expensive and closely watched House races. Slotkin was first elected from the 8th District in 2018, when she flipped a Republican seat that President Donald Trump won in 2016, and she was one of the few Democrats to win reelection in a district that voted for Trump in 2020. A former National Security Council and CIA staffer, she opted to run this year in the newly redrawn 7th District, which is centered on Lansing and would have voted narrowly for President Joe Biden had it existed in 2020. While Slotkin was endorsed by Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., a harsh Trump critic, Barrett was endorsed by former Vice President Mike Pence. Barrett, an Army veteran who served in Iraq, has focused his campaign on less spending, more energy production and criticism of Slotkin's voting record. Slotkin has struck back at Barrett's refusal to say if he would have accepted the results of the 2020 election, which he has called an "unknowable thing." Yoori Han, Cronkite News Democrat Greg Landsman unseats Ohio Rep. Steve Chabot Democrat Greg Landsman defeated Republican incumbent Steve Chabot in the House race for Ohios 1st Congressional District, the AP reported. Landsman, a former Cincinnati City councilman, won by a little more than 10,000 votes when the race was called. Chabot represented Hamilton County for 26 years in Congress. This was his first defeat since he lost to Democrat Steve Driehaus in 2008. He regained his seat two years later. -- Rachel Looker Senate flip: Democrat John Fetterman flips U.S. Senate seat in Pennsylvania, beating Republican Mehmet Oz Wisconsin governor: Evers wins reelection Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers won a heated re-election battle against Trump-backed Republican Tim Michels. A Marquette University Law School poll last week had them tied at 48%. Evers won the governors office by a thin margin in 2018 when he defeated Republican Scott Walker, a 2016 presidential candidate. Evers had been a school district superintendent and served as the statewide superintendent of public instruction in Wisconsin for nearly a decade. As governor, Everss job approval has been slightly underwater in recent Marquette polls, with 46% approving of the job hes been doing as governor and 48% disapproving. Michels is backed by former President Donald Trump, who has traveled to Wisconsin to campaign for him. The once low-key owner of Wisconsins largest construction company, the eponymous Michels Corp, Michels launched his bid for governor in April -- about 15 months after Biden revoked a key permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project for which Michels company had a contract to build pump stations. Its Michels third run for office. Donovan Slack Live updates: Wisconsin Election Results 2022 Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wins reelection Democratic incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer claimed victory in her bid for reelection as Michigan governor, successfully fending off a challenge by Republican nominee Tudor Dixon. The contest, once seen as an easy win for Democrats in a major battleground state, tightened in the final weeks with a last minute push by the Dixon campaign helping her to inch closer in the polls. Whitmer is a veteran of Michigan politics, serving six years in the state House and eight in the senate before being elected governor in 2018. Dixon spent years as a conservative TV commentator and producer of conservative news for students. Dixon, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, denies the results of the 2020 election and has criticized Whitmer for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitmer, like many other Democrats, emphasized abortion rights throughout the campaign and criticized Dixon for her no-exceptions stance on the procedure. Anna Kaufman Previously: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Tudor Dixon facing off in second gubernatorial debate: recap Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaks to a crowd while celebrating her re-election during the Michigan Democratic watch party for the midterm elections at the Motor City Casino Sound Board in Detroit on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Republican Sen. Mike Lee wins reelection for Utah seat Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, fended off Independent challenger Evan McMullin for a third term. With just over half of Utah ballots counted, Lee had more than 55% of the vote compared to McMullins 41% when the race was called early Wednesday morning. -- Ella Lee Voted into history: Wes Moore to be Maryland's first Black governor; first Gen-Z House member in Fla., more In victory speech, Fetterman says hes proud of campaign Donning his signature hoodie, Democrat John Fetterman addressed a raucous crowd of supporters early Wednesday morning after his narrow win against Republican challenger Mehmet Oz in the closely watched Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race. We jammed them up, we held the line, Fetterman said. I never expected that we were going to turn these red counties blue, but we did what we needed to do. In his victory speech, Fetterman said he was proud of the issues he ran on, like abortion rights, increased minimum wage and health care. Ella Lee John Fetterman wins Pennsylvania Senate seat John Fetterman is the projected winner of the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania, beating out Donald Trump-backed celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz and overcoming concerns that his stroke recovery had foreclosed his chances at victory. Opinion polls showed Oz gaining on Fetterman after the Democratic candidate's rocky debate performance. The lieutenant governor suffered a stroke just days before the primary in May and has relied on closed captioning in recent interviews and the debate. Independent analysts had predicted the Pennsylvania race would be the best chance for Democrats to pick up a Republican-held Senate seat. Fetterman and Oz have been vying for the open seat created by Republican Sen. Pat Toomey's retirement. "It's official. I will be the next U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania," Fetterman tweeted early Wednesday morning. Donovan Slack Texas Democrat Vicente Gonzalez reelected to House Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, won his reelection campaign against GOP challenger Mayra Flores to represent Texas' 34th Congressional District, a setback for Republicans hoping to mobilize Hispanic voters. With more than 88% of ballots counted, Gonzales led Flores by more than 8 points when the race was called. Republicans have made inroads with Latino voters in states like Texas and Nevada, where Democrats are locked in tight congressional and statewide elections. But Gonzalez win is a blow to those efforts. Ella Lee No victory or concession speeches tonight from Nevada Democrats Just as the crowd doubled in size at the Democratic ticket's election party on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada's top candidates took the stage to thank their supporters and encourage them to "go home." Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Gov. Steve Sisolak said they didn't expect final election results to be available before the end of the night, but assured the crowd that they "believe strongly when this is done, we're going to win this thing!" "It's going to be a couple of days," Sisolak said, "so I encourage you to go home, get some sleep, and let the county continue (counting) tomorrow and Thursday. And we'll be celebrating then." Absent of any victory or concession speeches tonight, Cortez Masto and Sisolak walked off the stage together as their supporters cheered. And soon after the two Democrats disappeared, the crowd quickly thinned out. Rio Lacanlale New Hampshire Democrat Chris Pappas reelected to House Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., won a second term serving New Hampshires 1st Congressional District. Pappas led Republican challenger Karoline Leavitt by more than 8 points; just under 80% of the vote had been counted when the race was called. If Leavitt had won the race, she would have been the second member of Gen Z elected to the U.S. House of Representatives this election cycle. -Ella Lee Rep. Henry Cuellar reelected in Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar won reelection Tuesday, fending off an aggressive play by Republicans to remake the U.S.-Mexico border into a midterm battleground. Cuellars victory over Republican Cassy Garcia holds the line for Democrats in an important stronghold for the party. Garcia was one of three Republican Latina candidates who ran competitive House races along the border after the GOP made inroads with Hispanic voters in 2020. Cuellar is one of the most conservative Democrats in the House and narrowly survived a primary challenge this spring from a progressive challenger. Paul J. Weber and Acacia Coronado, Associated Press Razor-thin margin in Georgia Senate race ATLANTA Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock told supporters late Tuesday he remains confident as Republican opponent Herschel Walker holds a razor-thin lead. Walker was ahead by less than 7,000 votes as votes continue to be counted as the clock hit midnight. We always knew that this race would be close, Warnock told supporters. And so that's where we are. So y'all just hang in there. I'm feeling good. With about 88% of the total vote counted thus far, less than half a percentage point separates the two candidates. Phillip M. Bailey North Carolina Sen.-elect Ted Budd: It's been a long night WINSTON-SALEM N.C. It was later than he had hoped, but Ted Budd went before supporters shortly before midnight to claim victory in a U.S. Senate race in North Carolina. "What an incredible and long night this has been," Budd said after a closer-than-expected win over Democrat Cheri Beasley. Budd's list of thank-yous included Donald Trump, whose endorsement propelled him to the Republican Senate nomination earlier this year. David Jackson Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wins reelection in New Mexico New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, won reelection Tuesday over Republican Mark Ronchetti, a local TV weatherman turned politician who built his campaign on criticism of the first-term governor's performance, according NBC and ABC News Grisham, who served three terms in the U.S. House, was the first Democratic Latina to hold a governors seat at the time of her election in 2018. She ran then on a campaign focused on crime, education and immigration policy, but her reelection was centered on economic issues. After a failed bid for U.S. Senate in 2020, Ronchetti framed his gubernatorial campaign around Grisham's track record, blaming Democrats for a faltering economy and specifically blaming the incumbent's policies for New Mexicos rank as second in the nation for violent crime. Ronchetti also got a last-minute endorsement this month from former President Donald Trump. A third candidate, Libertarian Karen Bedonie, a mother of eight and citizen of the Navajo Nation, polled in the single digits throughout the race. She initially hoped to run on the Republican ticket, and is among those that have questioned the validity of the 2020 presidential election. Laura Bargfeld, Cronkite News Democrats win in Hawaii Senate, governors races Democrats easily won their races for the U.S. Senate and governorship in Hawaii. Josh Green overcame Republican challenger Duke Aiona for governor, while Sen. Brian Schatz winning reelection for his seat against Republican Bob McDermott. Ella Lee Biden makes another round of congratulatory calls President Joe Biden called made congratulatory calls to the following candidates Tuesday: Sen. Maggie Hassan, Sen. Alex Padilla ,Rep.-elect Seth Magaziner, Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Biden also phoned Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, along with Wes Moore, Maryland's newly elected governor, and Emilia Sykes, who rain in Ohio's newly redrawn 13th Congressional District a closely watched tossup election. Kathleen Wong and Christal Hayes Democrat Janet Mills reelected as Maine governor Maine Gov. Janet Mills was reelected to the states governorship, beating her Republican opponent, Paul LePage. This will be Mills second term as Maine governor, according to NBC and CBS news. Mills became the first woman elected as the states governor in 2018 when she was first elected. She also was the first woman to serve as the states attorney general, an office she served twice. Sarah Elbeshbishi In victory speech, Hassan offers credit for Bolduc Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan took the stage to an enthusiastic, and teary-eyed, crowd after NBC and CNN called the race in her favor. Thank you to all the wonderful friends that are here tonight, Hassan said, after continued chants of Maggie and Six more years from the crowd. I love you too!" Hassan said. Hassan paused to credit Republican Don Bolduc for a hard-fought race, but not before shushing boos upon mention of his name. No guys. No, said Hassan, stopping the crowd. I want to thank Don Bolduc for his service to our country. We share a love of country." Ken Tran Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., speaks during an election night campaign event Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Manchester, N.H. Kiggans declares victory in Virginia Republican Jen Kiggans declared victory in the hotly contested House race in Virginia, unseating Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria. Speaking at her campaigns election watch party at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, Kiggans gave a message of unity in her victory speech. I believe its important to focus on the things that unite us, and not what divides us, she said. Kiggans wished her opponent well. Although we may differ in our political ideologies, we certainly share a love for our navy and a love for our country, she said. Christina van Waasbergen Democrat Ron Wyden reelected to Oregon U.S. Senate seat Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., won his reelection bid against Republican challenger Jo Rae Perkins, according to multiple reports. Wyden, who led Perkins by more than 13 percentage points when the race was called, has been in Congress for more than 40 years overall, assuming his Senate seat in 1996. Ella Lee Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul wins New York governor race Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul won the New York governors race against Republican challenger Lee Zeldin, NBC and ABC reported. Hochul unexpectedly became the state's first female governor in 2021, after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. Rachel Looker Sen. Lindsey Graham: Definitely not a Republican wave Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said a "red wave" election didnt appear to be materializing after Republicans were projected to lose Senate races in New Hampshire and Colorado, but he still predicted Republicans would take control of the upper chamber. Definitely not a Republican wave, Graham told NBC. I think were going to be at 51, 52 when its all said and done. Joey Garrison Election analysis: Even with Kemp, Vance wins, are midterm results more red ripple than wave? Republican JD Vance wins Ohio Senate seat over Democrat Tim Ryan Trump-backed Republican author JD Vance won the Senate race in Ohio, beating Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, whose campaign had a fundraising edge but lacked national party support, according to NBC and ABC News. Ohio Senate candidate JD Vance arrives at a polling location in Cincinnati, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. The race has been one of the tightest in the country in recent polling and is a key test of the influence former President Donald Trump still wields. Trump endorsed Vance and went to Ohio to support him, telling rally goers in September that "The entire MAGA movement is for J.D. Vance." Its also a bellwether for which way national tides are turning on Election Day. The Senate seat has been occupied since 2011 by Republican Sen. Rob Portman, whos retiring. Donovan Slack Democrat Patty Murray wins reelection to Senate Democratic Washington Sen. Patty Murray won reelection to the Senate against Republican opponent Tiffany Smiley after leading Smiley by nearly 15% with 56% of the precincts reporting, according to multiple reports. Murray will be serving her sixth term in the Senate. While in the Senate, Murray was the first female chair for the Veterans Affairs Committee and Budget Committee. Recent polls showing the race neck-and-neck suggested the veterans lawmaker was in the fight of her political life but an upset never materialized on election day. - Sarah Elbeshbishi President Biden congratulates Democratic winners President Joe Biden has completed congratulatory calls to Senator Chris Van Hollen, Senator Michael Bennet, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Representative Jennifer Wexton. Van Hollen of Maryland was reelected to his second Senate term, beating out Republican Chris Chaffee. Bennet defended his Colorado Senate seat over Republican opponent Joe ODea for his third term in office. The race was competitive, according to multiple reports. Billionaire J.B. Pritzker swiftly beat Republican challenger Darren Bailey for reelection as Illinois Governor. In a tight race, Virginia Democrat Jennifer Wexton won reelection to the U.S. House over Republican Hung Cao. This will be Wexton's third term. - Kathleen Wong Republican Ted Budd wins North Carolina Senate seat Trump-endorsed Ted Budd won the race for a North Carolina Senate seat, defeating Democrat and former state Supreme Court chief justice Cheri Beasley. Coming into tonight, the three-term GOP congressman had a five-point lead over Beasley in a poll by Emerson College Polling and The Hill, according NBC and ABC News. Theirs was among the most competitive Senate races this election cycle, seen as a potential factor in Republican efforts to gain the majority. The North Carolina seat was up for grabs for either party, with Republican Richard Burr retiring after his fourth term as Senator. Savannah Kuchar Shapiro win brings relief for Pennsylvania Democrats SWARTHMORE, Pa.- Bonnee B. Bentum feels safer tonight, knowing Democrat Josh Shapiro won the governors seat and blocked a Republican supermajority in Pennsylvania that could have threatened abortion rights and voting rights. She said this as someone who works for a state Democratic senator, serves as an executive board member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and mostly as a Black woman. Bentum pointedly describes what was at stake: My life, my daughters lifeto live freely. - Candy Woodall New Maryland voter choses digital over paper vote TUXEDO, Md. - Bill Aylin is a lifelong voter, but he was still surprised when he voted for the first time in Maryland after moving from Georgia. All of Georgia is digital and this one is mostly paper, said Aylin, who found things at the Judith P. Hoyer Early Childhood Center "radically" different from what he was used to. But the Prince George's County polling place also offered two digital machines, so he chose to vote on one of those. He said he feel its his duty to vote, and that he found the House and Senate races to be the most important. Outside of that there were some questions about bonds and borrowing money that drew his attention. Im fine with schools borrowing money," Aylin said. Im not fine with it for the government. - Haley Smilow, Cronkite News Republican Brian Kemp reelected as Georgia governor Republican incumbent Brian Kemp won the race for Georgia governor, defeating Democratic candidate and now two-time opponent Stacey Abrams, according to NBC and ABC News. The two faced off once before back in 2018, with Kemp narrowly claiming victory after a runoff election. This gubernatorial contest has been one of the most closely watched this midterm cycle as both candidates are major players in their parties. The tightly fought race, along with Sen. Raphael Warnocks bid to keep his seat in Congress, was expected to serve as a litmus test of just how strong the Democratic coalition in Georgia is and whether it can withstand an election largely viewed as a referendum on President Joe Biden, whose approval ratings have suffered throughout his second year. Anna Kaufman Brian Kemp's win: 3 takeaways from the Georgia governor's race Virginia Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria unseated by Jennifer Kiggans Republican state Sen. Jennifer Kiggans unseated incumbent Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., Tuesday in Virginia's 2nd District, which gained a more Republican tilt in redistricting but was still considered a toss-up. Both Luria and Kiggans are Navy veterans who campaigned on promises to fight for defense and veterans issues. Kiggans, who currently represents Legislative District 7 in the Tidewater region of the state, positioned herself as the candidate to restore American strength that she said has been injured by the policies of the Biden administration - policies she said Luria continually backed. Luria, a two-term House member, is also a member of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. A main thrust of her campaign was what she called Kiggans' failure to discuss her stance on results of the 2020 election. Emilee Miranda, Cronkite News Does early good news for Dems mean a red tsunami isn't materializing? Two vulnerable House Democrats in Virginia swing districts appeared to be on their way to victories, perhaps signaling that a red tsunami many predicted isnt materializing. CNN and NBC projected that U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., defeated Republican challenger Yesli Vega in the states 7th congressional district, a fiercely fought battleground, while Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., was the projected winner over Republican Hung Cha in the 10th congressional district. Im still waiting for the Red Wave to arrive, veteran political handicapper Stuart Rothenberger said on Twitter. It may still come, but I have not seen it yet. That does not mean the Rs wont win the House and Senate. Republicans picked up a third battleground seat in Virginia, however, with CNN projecting Jen Kiggans defeated Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va. In a fourth battleground House race in Rhode Island, Democrat Seth Magaziner is the projected winner over Republican Allan Fung, mayor of Cranston, R.I. - Joey Garrison Republican Mike Crapo wins reelection to Idaho Senate seat Republican Sen. Mike Crapo defended his Senate seat in the race against Democratic challenger David Roth. Crapo, a former attorney who previously served in the U.S. House and the Idaho Legislature, will now serve his fifth term in the Senate. The last time Democrats won a U.S. Senate election in Idaho was 1974. Crapo is currently the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. - Rachel Looker Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom wins reelection Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom has been reelected in the California gubernatorial race defeating Republican challenger Brian Dahle. Newsom had a large lead over Dahle during the campaign. Newsom, the former Lieutenant Governor of California and former Mayor of San Francisco, will now serve his second term in the governors mansion. - Rachel Looker Democrat Rep. Abigail Spanberger, top GOP target, wins reelection Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., won re-election Tuesday over Republican challenger Yesli Vega in a redrawn Virginia 7th District, a potential bellwether for Democrats odds in the U.S. House. Both Spanberger and Vega have law enforcement backgrounds. But Spanberger, a two-term congresswoman and the first Democrat elected to represent the 7th district since 1971, highlighted her bipartisan record throughout the campaign. Vega, a first-generation Salvadoran-American and a one-term Prince William County supervisor, positioned herself as a check on the Biden administration. She got a last-minute endorsement from former President Donald Trump last week, but did not actively embrace it. Emilee Miranda, Cronkite News Republican Chuck Grassley reelected to Senate seat Republican Chuck Grassley has defended his Iowa Senate seat against Democratic challenger Michael Franken, according to ABC and NBC. Grassley has served in office since 1959. The 89-year-old congressman will now serve his sixth term, which upon completion would make him the second-oldest member of Congress at 95 years old. - Rachel Looker Democrat Josh Shapiro wins Pennsylvania governor Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro bested Trump-backed Republican Doug Mastriano to win the governors race in Pennsylvania, according to NBC and Fox news. Shapiro had been leading Mastriano by significant margins in recent polling. Shapiro, the states attorney general since 2017, led Mastriano 52%-40% in a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll last week. He is a former state representative who cast himself as someone willing to take the fight to the status quo. Shapiro defended the states presidential election results in 2020 against an onslaught of legal challenges. Mastriano, a state senator and retired Army colonel, marched on the U.S. Capitol in the Jan. 6 attack and was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who visited the state to rally for him. Mastriano supported unfounded claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election and held a hearing featuring Rudy Giuliani and Trump, via call-in, hyping voting irregularities. - Donovan Slack Democrat Maggie Hassan wins reelection to U.S. Senate Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., beat back Trump-endorsed Republican challenger Don Bolduc in a race that narrowed sharply in the final days despite the state being carried by President Joe Biden in 2020, according to ABC and NBC News Hassan, who served as governor from 2013 until she entered the Senate in 2017, tried to distance herself from the president throughout her campaign. She criticized the administration for the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan last year and for its handling of rising inflation. Bolduc, a retired Army general, repeated false claims during the primary that the 2020 election was stolen, but he walked those back after securing the GOP nomination in September. In October, the National Republican Senatorial Committee stopped funding Bolducs campaign to prioritize other battleground states. Ryan Knappenberger Progressive activist becomes first Gen Z-er to be elected to Congress A former March for Our Lives and ACLU activist, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, 25, won his election bid against Republican Army veteran Calvin Wimbish to represent Florida's 10th Congressional District, which includes the Orlando area. He received more than 58% of vote with more than 98% of all ballots counted. The seat became open when Democrat Val Demings decided to run for Senate against Republican Marco Rubio. - Ella Lee A win for Gen-Z: Florida's Max Frost becomes first Gen-Z member of Congress Maxwell Frost, Democratic congressional candidate for Florida's District 10, speaks during a rally, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Coral Gables, Fla. Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet wins reelection Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet defended his Colorado Senate seat in a competitive race against Republican challenger Joe ODea, according to multiple reports. This will be Bennets third term in office, but was one of his most challenging reelection campaigns. He sought out the Democratic party nomination for the 2020 presidential election. Rachel Looker Abbott wins reelection as Texas governor Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott won reelection, besting former Rep. Beto ORourke, who had sought to ride what he and other Democrats hoped would be a wave of registered Democratic voters to victory in the long deep-red state, according to multiple reports. The race drew national attention for O'Rourke, who lost a bid to unseat Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018 and made a brief presidential run in 2020. O'Rourke's name recognition and charisma fueled Democratic hopes that he could win the governor's race. But as of last week, Abbott was favored to win by nearly 10 points, according to FiveThirtyEight polling averages. And voter registration numbers from the Texas secretary of states office showed an increase in voter registrations - but not the massive wave state Democrats had hoped would follow the states abortion ban and the Uvalde school massacre. Donovan Slack Republican Kristi Noem reelected as South Dakota governor South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, will serve a second term as the states leader, according to projections by NBC and ABC. Noem had received about 61% if the vote with 16% of ballots counted. The South Dakota Republican faced a pair of complaints in August, one of which was referred to the South Dakota Attorney Generals Office for investigation. The first complaint alleged personal use of the state airplane. The second, which accused Noem of misusing her position as governor to help her daughter through the state real estate appraiser program, was partially dismissed by the Government Accountability Board, because "appropriate action" had been determined. - Ella Lee Mother shares the experience of voting with her daughter PHOENIX - Vanessa Figueroa brought her 9-year-old daughter, Victoria Medina, with her to the Maryvale Bridge United Methodist Church in Phoenix to drop off her ballot. Figueroa, 39, said she thought it would be a good chance to teach her daughter the importance of voting. (I want her to know that) you get to vote and give your opinion and decide for your own education, too, she said. Figueroa said voting is one way she can express support for public education. Victoria hasnt been able to see a school counselor, she said, because of short staffing one indication to her that schools need more resources. - Alex Appel/Special for Cronkite News Republican John Kennedy defends his Louisiana Senate seat Republican Sen. John Kennedy defended his Senate seat in Louisiana defeating Democratic challenger Luke Mixon, according to NBC and ABC. Kennedy joined a group of 11 senators in 2021 who objected to the certification of President Donald Trump's 2020 presidential loss. He will now serve his second term. - Rachel Looker Republican Gov. Phil Scott wins re-election in Vermont Republican Gov. Phil Scott secured a fourth term in Vermont after defeating Democratic challenger Brenda Siegel. Scott was elected in 2016 and ran for re-election in 2022 on a platform of reducing taxes and boosting the economy. Though a Republican, Scott has openly criticized former President Donald Trump and voted for President Joe Biden in 2020. -BrieAnna Frank Democratic Gov. Jared Polis wins reelection in Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis secured a second term after defeating Republican challenger Heidi Ganahal in Colorados gubernatorial race, according to projections from NBC and ABC. In his first term, Polis pushed for health care and education affordability and unveiled a plan for the state to be 100% renewable energy by 2040. BrieAnna Frank DeSantis '24? Supporters chant to reelected Florida governor: 'Two more years!' Sounds like some of Ron DeSantis' backers want him to run for president in 2024, though others may be equivocal. During the party to celebrate DeSantis' easy reelection as governor of Florida a four-year job some backers began chanting "two more years! Two more years!" Others overrode that suggestion with counter-chants of "U-S-A! U-S-A!" The governor just smiled, and did not comment on any plans he may have for 2024. David Jackson Native Vote volunteer excited by high voter engagement GUADALUPE, Ariz. - This is my Super Bowl, said Jessica Aguilar, a volunteer for Native Vote, at El Tianguis Mercado in Guadalupe Tuesday. Aguilar volunteered with Native Vote during the last election at the same polling place. The nonpartisan organization aims to help and educate voters. Aguilar, who has a degree in political science, said she saw more voter engagement this year than in the last election, though most voters she talked to Tuesday were dropping off ballots that were already filled out. Aguilar, who is not Native American, said she volunteers to support a friend who is. Stationed Tuesday near a group of conservative women handing out pamphlets near the 75-foot canvassing line, Aguilar said she is happy to provide voter education. - Deanna Pistono/Special for Cronkite News AOC wins reelection Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won reelection to her New York House seat, defeating Republican challenger Tina Forte. The congresswoman, who represents Queens and the Bronx, was the youngest woman and Latina to serve in Congress when she was elected in 2018. She is known for her progressive views on health care, income inequality, immigration, combating climate change and her work on the Green New Deal. Rachel Looker Republican Gov. Mark Gordon wins reelection in Wyoming Republican Gov. Mark Gordon won reelection in Wyoming against Democratic challenger Theresa Livingston. After taking office in 2019, Gordons first term was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and a crash in oil prices that had dire consequences for the states economy. Earlier in 2022, Gordon signed a trigger law banning most abortions in state, which went into effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. BrieAnna Frank Maryland singer's vote motivated by abortion policy SUITLAND, Md. - Kanysha Williams said that she felt it was important to come out to vote and make sure her voice was heard in what she called this years spicy midterm elections. She said she was particularly motivated by the issue of abortion. Williams, a 30-year-old singer, said that as someone thinking about starting a family, Im focused on making sure a womans right over her own body is protected. Williams said she is glad to live in Maryland, where abortions are legal up to fetal viability around 24 weeks or later if the mothers life is as at risk. And she hopes to keep it that way. I want to make sure the people who represent me represent the issues I care about, Williams said. Ryan Knappenberger, Cronkite News Marjorie Taylor Green wins reelection Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., won reelection over Democrat Marcus Flowers, an Army veteran who also worked for the Defense Department, ending the most expensive and one of the highest-profile House races of the 2022 midterms. Greene quickly gained notoriety during her first campaign for office in 2020 for a track record of promoting racist rhetoric and far-right conspiracy theories. She vowed to spend her time in office promoting Trump-era policies. Laura Bargfeld, Cronkite News Republican Sen. Jerry Moran reelected to Senate Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran won reelection against Mark Holland, the Democratic candidate for a Kansas Senate seat. Moran will be serving this third term in the Senate. Moran previously served as the chairman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 2013 to 2015 and in the U.S. House from 1997 to 2011. Sarah Elbeshbishi Heavy evening turnout in Las Vegas With two hours before the polls closed in Nevada, Las Vegas resident and stay-at-home mom Lorena Cardenas, 43, led a small group in a chant outside the Desert Breeze Community Center. Like many Nevada residents, Cardenas expected a Republican red wave to seize control of Congress. Cardenas hopes Republicans will check Bidens radical government, which she feels is being used to target his political enemies. She said she hoped Republicans could tighten border controls, fight inflation and de-sexualize public education. No more Democrats, the damage has been done, woo! shouted the small group from outside the 100-foot polling place boundary. Trevor Hughes Sen. Chuck Schumer wins reelection Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, won reelection in the New York Senate race defeating Republican challenger Joe Pinion. Schumer, the Senates top Democrat, will now serve a fifth term. Rachel Looker South Dakota Republican John Thune wins historic fourth Senate term Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., won his reelection bid against Democrat Brian Bengs for a historic fourth term in Congress upper chamber. Only Karl Mundt, who served in the Senate from 1948 to 1973, won four terms as a senator in South Dakota. Since Mundts retirement, three senators have lost running for a fourth term: George McGovern in 1980, Larry Pressler in 1996 and Tom Daschle in 2004. Thune is currently the No. 2 ranking senator behind Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Ella Lee; Jonathan Ellis and Joe Sneve, Sioux Falls Argus Leader North Dakota Republican Sen. John Hoeven wins reelection Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., won his reelection bid against Democrat Katrina Christiansen. Hoeven, who will serve a third Senate term, was previously North Dakotas governor for a decade. Ella Lee A Tim Ryan supporter watches as results come in for the Senate Race during an election night gathering at Mr. Anthonys Banquet Center, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Boardman, Ohio. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds wins reelection in Iowa Incumbent Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds secured a victory in Iowa in her reelection bid against Democratic nominee and businessperson Deidre DeJear. The candidates clashed on hot-button issues including abortion policy and school funding in their only debate ahead of the election. Reynolds was appointed governor in 2017 and was elected to her first full term the following year. BrieAnna Frank Republican Rep. Jim Jordan wins Ohio House seat Republican Rep. Jim Jordan defended his Ohio House seat against Democratic challenger Tamie Wilson. Jordan is an eight-term congressman who has held his seat since 2007. He is a close ally of former President Donald Trump. Rachel Looker Arizona judge declines to extend voting hours in Maricopa County An Arizona judge has declined to extend polling hours in Maricopa County after the Republican National Committee filed a lawsuit over earlier problems with ballot tabulation machines. A Maricopa County superior court judge declined a request to extend voting in the states most populous county until 10 p.m. MST, or midnight on the east coast. Officials said the problem with the machines affected about 20% of voting sites. Officials have stressed that ballots in affected precincts will be counted. The county identified a fix for the problem by midday. The judge, who ruled from the bench after a last-minute hearing, found no evidence that any voter was denied the chance to vote at one of the county's polling places, despite the tabulation glitch forcing some to the option of casting a provisional ballot. John Fritze and Bart Jansen Stay in the conversation: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter What you need to know on Election Day: Democratic Gov. Dan McKee wins re-election in Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Dan McKee won reelection in Rhode Island against Republican challenger Ashley Kalus. Through the contentious campaign, McKee emphasized his administrations investments in infrastructure and response to the COVID-19 pandemic. McKee took office as governor in 2021 and previously served as mayor of Cumberland, Rhode Island. BrieAnna Frank Rep. Matt Gaetz reelected to House seat Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz defended his Florida House seat against Democratic challenger Rebekah Jones. Gaetz, who has represented the district since 2017, has been one of former President Donald Trumps strongest supporters. He has faced legal troubles and has been under federal investigation over allegations he violated federal sex trafficking laws. Rachel Looker Voting is over in Ohio, but the fundraising continues The polls may have closed in Ohio, but GOP Senate candidate J.D. Vance is still asking supporters to vote with their wallets. If you want to make an impact on this race personally, then I have a link for you! Vance said in fundraising email Tuesday night that urged backers to rush a donation. Thanks for everything as we reach the finish line, the appeal says. Maureen Groppe Kari Lake casts ballot, pledges election reform if elected Arizona governor PHOENIX - After casting her ballot in downtown Phoenix, a confident Kari Lake attacked the election process and pledged election reform if she wins the race for Arizona governor. Were going to win, said the Republican nominee, though she noted she had little confidence in the election process. Im just not confident in the people weve elected to run these elections We will bring about good, honest reform to our elections. Lake, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is one of the most prominent Republicans who have built their campaigns on denying the results of the 2020 presidential election. Kaden Kleinschmidt/Cronkite News GOP hammered economic message in Florida. It worked. Republicans up and down the ticket in Florida ran against President Joe Biden and fed on voter frustration with inflation and a turbulent economy. It seemed to work. And the GOP overwhelmingly outspent Democrats to hammer this message across. Democrat Charlie Crist centered his campaign on a pledge to protect abortion rights in his fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis. But polls showed concerns about the future of abortion across the nation had slipped down the priority list for voters but Crist never re-pivoted, likely further dimming his longshot bid to unseat DeSantis. Democrat Val Demings also kept abortion rights front-and-center in the homestretch of her campaign against Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who, like virtually every Republican candidate this season, sought to avoid engaging on the issue. Democratic voter turnout also was down. A harbinger of Tuesdays doom for Democrats was that Republicans held a more than 300,000-voter edge in combined early voting and mail-in ballots going into Election Day. DeSantis was intent on proving his victory in 2018 by less than 33,000 votes was no fluke. And he pushed GOP get-out-the-vote efforts and campaigned before large, supportive crowds in a final week dash around the state knowing that a blowout win would give him the bounce he needs to maybe launch a presidential campaign. He got it. John Kennedy, Capital Bureau, USA TODAY Network - Florida Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders wins governorship in Arkansas Republican candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders won election in Arkansas gubernatorial race against Democratic challenger Chris Jones. Sanders previously served as the White House press secretary under former President Donald Trump before seeking the office once held by her father, Mike Huckabee. Huckabee Sanders is the first woman elected to the position. BrieAnna Frank Republican Sen. John Boozman wins reelection bid Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., will serve a third term in the U.S. Senate, winning his reelection bid against Democrat Natalie James. Boozman currently serves on five Senate committees, including the appropriations committee, and supported the acquittal of former President Donald Trumps impeachment regarding the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Ella Lee, Sarah Elbeshbishi Republican Gov. Henry McMaster reelected governor Republican Gov. Henry McMaster won reelection in the South Carolina governors race defeating Democrat Joe Cunningham, according to NBC and ABC News. McMaster outraised Cunningham by a nearly 2-1 margin, according to S.C. Ethics Commission reports. He raised over $2 million during the campaign. Rachel Looker; Adam Friedman, Nashville Tennessean Katie Hobbs urges ASU students in Tempe to vote PHOENIX - Katie Hobbs, Arizona Democratic candidate for governor and current secretary of state, told students on Arizona State Universitys Tempe campus that her race against Republican Kari Lake is going to be tight and that voters cant be taken for granted. Arizona attorney general candidate Kris Mayes and incumbent Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, both Democrats on the ballot, also spoke briefly to a small crowd of students Tuesday midday and encouraged them to vote. American democracy runs through Arizona, Mayes told students. The candidates appeared at an Election Day event held by student political organizations Mission for Arizona and Young Democrats at ASU at ASUs Memorial Union. Hobbs spent a short time on campus and then moved on to an event in south Phoenix. Shane Brennan/Cronkite News At Mar-a-Lago, Rubio victory cheered. DeSantis win not so much WEST PALM BEACH, Florida When Fox News called the gubernatorial race for Ron DeSantis against Democratic rival Charlie Crist just after 8 p.m., the crowd in the ballroom of former president Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate clapped quietly. But the crowd cheered and clapped boisterously when it was announced that U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio had defeated Democratic challenger Val Demings. Trump said Tuesday he would "bring up the past" should DeSantis seek the 2024 presidential nomination. "It'd be like anybody else that runs, if somebody runs you have to bring up the past," Trump told reporters in a ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago estate around 6:30 p.m., a half hour before most polls in Florida closed. "I'm not sure he would want to run. We'll see." Trump then noted that he voted for DeSantis on Tuesday. Antonio Fins, Palm Beach Post Wes Moore wins Maryland governorship, makes history Democrat Wes Moore won Marylands governor race against Republican opponent Maryland Del. Dan Cox, making history as Marylands first Black governor. Moore gives the governorship back to the Democrats after two terms of Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. Sarah Elbeshbishi Voted into history: Wes Moore to be Maryland's first Black governor; first Gen-Z House member in Fla., more Republican Gov. Bill Lee wins reelection in Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee was reelected governor of Tennessee. He defeated Democratic challenger Jason Martin. Lee sought a second and final term as governor after he was first elected in 2018. He formerly served as a businessman and chairman of the Lee Company. He ran unopposed in the primary this year. Rachel Looker Maryland Democrat Sen. Chris Van Hollen wins reelection Sen. Chris Van Hollen was reelected Tuesday evening, defeating his Republican opponent Chris Chaffee and keeping his Maryland Senate seat. Van Hollen, who previously served as the representative for Maryland's 8th Congressional District, won his second Senate term. Ella Lee Republican Gov. Kay Ivey wins re-election in Alabama Incumbent Republican Gov. Kay Ivey won reelection in Alabama against Democratic challenger Yolanda Flowers. Iveys win puts her on pace to become the longest-serving governor in Alabama history, according to The Montgomery Adviser. BrieAnna Frank Chris Sununu reelected New Hampshire governor Republican Gov. Chris Sununu defeated Democrat Tom Sherman in the New Hampshire gubernatorial race. Sununu will now serve a fourth two-year term. He was heavily favored against Sherman, who ran unopposed in his party's governor's nomination. Rachel Looker Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth wins reelection Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., beat Republican challenger Kathy Salvi for a second term. Ella Lee Voter recounts poll watcher intimidation GLENDALE, Arizona Daniel Ruiz, 28, has voted since 2016, but Tuesday was the first time he had a poll watcher shove a camera in his face. Im going to have some problems with that. I dont know who you are, he said after trying to confront the poll watcher. The other man did not identify himself and left quickly after taking photos of Ruiz and nonpartisan Election Protection volunteers at Glendale Community College. A federal judge last week set limits on groups watching ballot drop boxes in Arizona, ordering them to stop filming and confronting voters, carrying weapons and to remain at least 75 feet away from ballot boxes. Except for the encounter, Ruiz said everything went smoothly and he was able to drop off his ballot. I feel like, weirdly, if people dont get their way, things can escalate, and thats kind of scary for a regular citizen, he said. Khanh Nguyen/ Special for Cronkite News Republican Katie Britt wins Alabama Senate seat Republican Katie Britt won the U.S. Senate seat in Alabama. She defeated Democrat Will Boyd. Britt was previously the former president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama. During the campaign, she received the endorsement of Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, who is retiring. Rachel Looker U.S. Senator-elect Katie Britt gives her acceptance speech during her election night event in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Republican Senate candidates sweep in Oklahoma Oklahomas two Republican Senate candidates won their elections early Tuesday night. Markwayne Mullin was elected to the U.S. Senate in Oklahoma and Sen. James Lankford won his reelection bid. Ella Lee Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wins reelection Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker easily beat Republican challenger Darren Bailey in his reelection bid. Billionaires like Ken Griffin and Richard Uihlein threw millions of dollars into the race heading into its primary, igniting a second round in the state's battle of the billionaires. Ella Lee Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wins reelection Republican incumbent Gov. Ron DeSantis won the race for Florida governor, defeating Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist. DeSantis held onto a double-digit lead in the polls for much of the race. The contest has been closely watched nonetheless, as DeSantis has built a national profile in what some see as preparation for a bid to secure the GOP nomination for president in 2024. Crist, a former Republican himself, served as Floridas governor from 2007 to 2011, re-registering as a Democrat after leaving office. Anna Kaufman, Sarah Elbeshbishi Sen. Richard Blumenthal defends Connecticut Senate seat Sen. Richard Blumenthal won reelection in the Connecticut Senate race. Blumenthal has been in office since 2011. This is his third six-year term. The senators last tight contest was in 2010, which was his first run for U.S. Senate. - Rachel Looker Top US cybersecurity officials confirm some election website outages but say no disruption of election infrastructure The Department of Homeland Security has seen no specific or credible threat that is disrupting election infrastructure, or any activity that should cause voters to question the security, the integrity or resilience of the midterm elections, two senior U.S. cybersecurity officials said Tuesday evening. The officials, both with DHSs Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA, noted that there have been a few isolated issues arising from within the 8,800 or so individual election jurisdictions in the United States, including Maricopa County, Arizona but chalked them up to mostly routine Election Day glitches. The two officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing cybersecurity operations, confirmed that they were aware of so-called distributed denial-of-service attacks affecting a number of websites for state election offices, campaigns, and partisan organizations including a sustained effort to take down election-related websites in Mississippi. But they sought to reassure voters by stressing that such DDoS attacks, which flood websites with computer messages, can only slow down voting or counting processes as opposed to actually meddling with the actual vote count. They also said that while it is inherently difficult to find out who is behind such attacks, CISA has seen no evidence suggesting that the DDoS attacks were part of any widespread or coordinated campaign.CISA hasn't seen any DDoS attacks on election night results reporting websites, the senior official says. Josh Meyer Democrat Maura Healey wins Massachusetts governors race Democrat Maura Healey won Massachusetts gubernatorial race against Donald Trump-backed Republican nominee Geoff Diehl. The Associated Press called the race at 8 p.m. ET. Healey makes history as the first woman and the first openly gay candidate elected to the office. BrieAnna Frank Massachusetts Governor-elect, Maura Healey, right, and Lt. Governor-elect Kim Driscoll stand on stage during a Democratic election night party, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Boston. Florida Sen. Marco Rubio defeats Democratic challenger Republican incumbent Sen. Marco Rubio successfully fended off Democratic Rep. Val Demings in Floridas U.S. Senate race to keep his seat, according to Fox and CNNs projections. Rubio, a two-term senator, had been the favorite to win in polls conducted throughout the race, while Demings, a congresswoman representing the Orlando area since 2017, trailed. The contest has shaped up to be one of the most expensive in the country, with Democrats spending big, hoping to flip the seat. Ideologically the candidates are split mostly along party lines, sparring in their sole debate over hot-button issues like abortion, border policy, and gun control. Anna Kaufman, Ella Lee Republican Sen. Tim Scott wins South Carolina Senate seat Incumbent Republican Sen. Tim Scott won the South Carolina Senate seat in the race against Democrat Krystle Matthews. Scott will now serve his second full term. Scott has made repeated trips to Iowa, creating speculation he may be laying the groundwork for a 2024 presidential bid. Matthews serves as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Rachel Looker Todd Young wins Indiana Senate race Republican Sen. Todd Young defended his seat against Democratic challenger Thomas McDermott in the Indiana Senate race. Young is finishing his first term as senator. He was set to be the frontrunner of the race and had over $3.5 million cash on hand in the run up to Election Day. Rachel Looker Maryland voter motivated by abortion access issue SUITLAND, Md. - Kanysha Williams said that she felt it was important to come out to vote and make sure her voice was heard in what she called this years spicy midterm elections. She said she was particularly motivated by the issue of abortion. Williams, a 30-year-old singer, said that as someone thinking about starting a family, Im focused on making sure a womans right over her own body is protected. Williams said she is glad to live in Maryland, where abortions are legal up to fetal viability - around 24 weeks - or later if the mothers life is as at risk. And she hopes to keep it that way. I want to make sure the people who represent me represent the issues I care about, Williams said. - Ryan Knappenberger, Cronkite News Gov. Mike DeWine wins reelection in Ohio Republican incumbent Gov. Mike DeWine claimed victory in his bid for reelection in Ohios gubernatorial race against Democratic challenger Nan Whaley, according to projections from CBS and CNN. Whaley was the first woman ever nominated by a major party for governor in the state's history. -BrieAnna Frank Peter Welch wins Vermont Senate seat Democrat Peter Welch will succeed Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the longest-serving member of the chamber. Welch beat Republican Gerald Malloy with just 1% of the vote counted. Leahy, first elected to the Senate in 1974, announced his retirement in November 2021. -Ella Lee Analyst: Democrats must outrun Biden Democrats in competitive Senate races must outrun President Joe Bidens approval rating by six to nine percentage points to win Tuesday, according to Jessica Taylor, an analyst with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. The biggest hurdle for Senate Dems tonight Biden's approval, tweeted Taylor, That helps explain why Biden did not campaign with most of the candidates in nine of the top races. The exception was John Fetterman, who appeared with Biden and former President Barack Obama at a rally in Philadelphia Saturday. Maureen Groppe First wave of polls closed, including Florida, Georgia and Ohio Polling locations will close in East Coast states over the next few hours. Polls will close at the following local times: Polls in parts of Kentucky and Indiana closed at 6 p.m. Virginia, Vermont, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Georgia and Florida closed at 7 p.m. Ohio and North Carolina closed at 7:30 p.m. Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine and Connecticut close at 8 p.m. Polls in New York close at 9 p.m. Voters on the west coast still have a few hours to cast their ballots. Key states on the West Coast are set to close at the following local times: Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona close at 7 p.m. California, Oregon and Washington close at 8 p.m. Rachel Looker Texas county sued over voting problems, urged to extend voting hours Harris County the most populous county in Texas, according to the 2020 Census was sued Tuesday by lawyers from the Texas Civil Rights Project and the ACLU of Texas on behalf of the Texas Organizing Project after delays in opening several polling locations. The Judge granted the request, extending polling time an hour to 8 p.m. local time. Voters arriving between 7-8 p.m. will cast provisional ballots. The county also has been plagued with voting machine malfunctions, resulting in long lines and closures at certain voting stations, according to NBC News. Sarah Elbeshbishi GOP files lawsuit seeking extended hours in Maricopa County The Republican National Committee filed a lawsuit in an Arizona court Tuesday seeking to extend the hours of polling locations in Maricopa County because of earlier problems with ballot tabulation machines. The suit asks a superior court judge to extend polling hours in the county until 10 p.m. MST. Officials said the issue with the tabulators affected about 20% of voting centers in the state's largest county. Officials have stressed that ballots in affected precincts will be counted, but the glitch has drawn criticism from conservatives, including former President Donald Trump. Some voters who confronted the problem were encouraged to place ballots in secure drop boxes, the Arizona Republic reported. - John Fritze and Bart Jansen Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul easily wins reelection U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., sailed to reelection Tuesday night, crushing Democrat Charles Booker's hopes that he'd pull off a massive upset and become not only the first Democratic senator elected in Kentucky since 1992 but also the commonwealth's first Black senator. Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul won reelection. Paul won a third six-year term in Congress, scoring a victory that the Associated Press called relatively early Tuesday evening as election results rolled in. The libertarian-leaning senator ran on a staunchly conservative platform. - Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal Roe on some Georgia voters' minds Of all the issues at play in the 2022 cycle, Peach State voter Morgan Jones said protecting womens reproductive rights was at the forefront. The 38-year-old mortician said while many in her community might likely skip this year's midterm elections, she said abortion was the chief reason she went to the polls Tuesday. With me being a woman, especially a Black woman who has a child I feel that it should still be a choice of ours that we should be able to make on our own, she said. Voter Ash Dawson said the possibility of lawmakers banning abortion outright was the main engine for showing up to vote. I wanted to make sure I got some votes in the right direction that those rights are preserved for women, Dawson, an urban farmer, told USA TODAY. - Phillip M. Bailey Donald Trump threatens Ron DeSantis (if he runs against him) Donald Trump is all but threatening Ron DeSantis with personal attacks if the Florida governor decides to run against him for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. If he runs, he runs, Trump recently told a group of reporters, according to The Wall Street Journal. "If he did run, I will tell you things about him that wont be very flattering. I know more about him than anybody other than perhaps his wife, who is really running his campaign. DeSantis, who is expected to win re-election as governor on Tuesday, has not commented on Trump's jibes; he also hasn't said whether he is willing to run against Trump in 2024. David Jackson Nancy Pelosi says she believes Democrats can hold majority House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she believes Democrats have a path to hold the majority in the House of Representatives. During an interview with PBS NewsHour, Pelosi said Democratic candidates are connecting with voters in their districts and focusing on what is important to their constituents, whether it be lowering costs, abortion or climate change. We own the ground out there today, Pelosi said. Just because a pundit in Washington says history says you can't win, is no deterrent for the enthusiasm we have out there. I think you'll be surprised this evening. Rebecca Morin Voting times extended at some polling sites after delays Polls in several states will allow voters to cast their ballots later than planned following unexpected delays. In Georgia, where polls are scheduled to close at 7 p.m., at least two precincts are giving voters more time after opening late. A location in Cobb County will extend its voting time by 45 minutes and a location in DeKalb County will remain open an extra 39 minutes, according to state Democratic officials. A paper shortage in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, caused a judge to order voting sites there to remain open until 10 p.m. Polling places in the county were supposed to close at 8 p.m., according to the countys website. And in North Carolina, voting will be delayed by an hour at three polling sites after one precinct opened late, leaving staff locked out, and two others experienced printing problems, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Phillip M. Bailey; David Jackson; Bethany Rodgers, GoErie; Ella Lee Key House races to watch as results roll in As polls start to close, here are some of the key House races we have our eyes on: California: David Valadao (R) vs. Rudy Salas (D) Ohio: Steve Chabot (R) vs. Greg Landsman (D) Virginia: Abigail Spanberger (D) vs. Yesli Vega (R) Nevada: Dina Titus (D) vs. Mark Robertson (R) Texas: Mayra Flores (R) vs. Vicente Gonzalez (D) Michigan: Elissa Slotkin (D) vs. Tom Barrett (R) Colorado: Yadira Caraveo (D) vs. Barbara Kirkmeyer (R) New Jersey: Tom Malinowski (D) vs. Tom Kean Jr. (R) North Carolina: Wiley Nickel (D) vs. Bo Hines (R) Rachel Looker Election denial group calls for protests A group is calling for dual rallies on Tuesday in Maricopa and Pima counties to protest voting machines. The group, 2020 Is Nullified, issued a call on social media for supporters to gather at 8 p.m. outside the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix and at the Pima County Recorders Office in Tucson. Stand in solidarity with fellow Americans to demand a hand count of ballots, the group said. The group maintains voting machines are not legal and have not been certified. Election officials say the tabulation machines are certified by state and federal inspectors, which is required under the law. Former President Donald Trump's claims there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election have been roundly debunked. Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic Ohio sets record for early voting Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Ohio voters set a record this year for early voting in a nonpresidential election year. More than 1.55 million Ohioans either voted early in-person or requested a mail-in absentee ballot for this election. This is an increase of 3.9% over the previous record set in 2018, according to the Secretary of State's office. The data includes all ballots received through 2 p.m. Monday, when early in-person voting ended across the state. - The Columbus Dispatch; Rachel Looker Guam elects first Republican representative since 1993 Republican James Moylan defeated Democrat Judith Won Pat to become Guams newest non-voting House of Representatives delegate. Moylan received 17,075 votes compared to Won Pats 15,427, according to partial, unofficial election results from the Guam Election Commission. He is the second Republican to be elected to the position since its creation in 1972. Eleanor McCrary New Mexico same-day registration brings 14,000 new voters by noon Mario Jimenez, executive director of Common Cause of New Mexico, said voters were eager to cast their ballots. The election was the first with same-day registration and 14,000 new voters registered by noon Tuesday to vote, Jimenez said. Another 100,000 voters cast absentee ballots and 350,000 people voted by noon Tuesday, he said. Were seeing really good turnout for a mid-term election here in New Mexico, Jimenez said. Bart Jansen 2-minute wait times in Georgia, Raffensperger says Georgia's Democratic Senate nominee Sen. Raphael Warnock embraces a supporter during a campaign stop on the campus of Morehouse College on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Atlanta. Speaking to reporters, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said even with a projected high turnout on Tuesday most polling places saw a two-minute wait time. Its just been tremendously smooth," he said. Georgia election officials were told to brace for roughly 2 million voters to show up to the polls this afternoon. That's on top of the 2.5 million who've already voted early. Georgia's polls close at 7 p.m. EST Phillip M. Bailey In Rep. Abigail Spanberger's Virginia district, inflation and health care drive voters For voters in Prince William County, where Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger is on the ballot against Republican Yesli Vega for Virginias 7th Congressional District, the main issues include inflation and abortion. Reba Gravelle, a 40-year resident of the Woodbridge area, said her candidate would have to support her views on abortion. Im a very pro-life person and so my candidate needed to support that, she said. Joshua King, a veteran and current deputy sheriff, said health care brought him to the polls for Democrats. King also took into consideration his daughter, who has autism. I support any candidate who decides that they want to help out our special needs community because theyre marginalized, he said. Kaila Nichols and Dante Nieto, Medill News Service In Texas, Beto O'Rourke supporters argue with protesters over LGBTQ issues This combination of photos shows Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke on Sept. 30, 2022, in Edinburg, Texas, left, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sept. 21, 2021, in Del Rio, Texas, right. Democrat Beto ORourke, who is challenging Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, held an Election Day meet-and-greet outside a public library in North Dallas this morning. While ORourke talked with a ring of supporters, far-right agitators jostled with onlookers and tried to disrupt the candidates speech, with little success. The handful of anti-ORourke onlookers shouted statements about pedophilia and transgender rights that have become a refrain of the extremist right in Texas in recent months. Despite some high-spirited discussions with the candidates supporters, the hecklers were unable to push past them and get close to ORourke, who spoke to the crowd for about an hour. Transgender rights have become a political lightning rod in Texas, which has also seen a surge in protests and attacks on LGBTQ-friendly events such as family friendly drag shows. ORourke has been endorsed by several LGBTQ organizations, and has criticized Abbott for his support of policies that he says discriminate against LGBTQ people. Will Carless Biden: 'MAGA Republicans' dont care about Black communities WASHINGTON President Joe Biden warned in an Election Day radio interview targeted at Black Americans that far-right MAGA Republicans dont care about African-American communities. This is not your fathers Republican Party, Biden said on the D.L. Hughley Show when asked about his message to Black Americans who are still on the fence about voting. MAGA Republicans are a different breed of cat, Biden said in the interview, which was taped Tuesday morning. They care about your community about as much as well, anyway, he said, without finishing the sentence. Youve seen what youve got from that community, he added. Michael Collins North Carolina Senate race: Ted Budd supporters optimistic at polls WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. North Carolina has never elected a woman of color to the U.S. Senate, and many voters don't expect that to change Tuesday. Supporters of Democrat Cheri Beasley say they are not exactly confident, but some remain hopeful: "Some of the underdogs come out on top!" said Jannet Blue, 58, a Department of Motor Vehicles supervisor who voted in Winston-Salem. Backers of Republican Ted Budd are more confident; his poll lead has grown in recent weeks, and voters said it just feels like a Republican year in the Tar Heel State. "We need to keep working people working," said James Wilcox, 61, a Winston-Salem businessman. David Jackson Arizona voting machines: Maricopa County resolves ballot tabulation issues at some locations The Maricopa County Elections Department found a solution for tabulation issues that affected about 60 of the countys 223 voting centers, the county government said Tuesday. Printers at the locations were not producing dark enough timing marks on ballots, according to Maricopa Countys official Twitter. To resolve the issue, county technicians changed the printer settings. The solution has so far worked at 17 locations and technicians have been deployed to the remaining locations to resolve the issue, according to the county. Stephen Richer, Maricopa County recorder, issued an apology to voters on his personal Twitter, promising that every legal vote will be tabulated." Ella Lee Philadelphia voting going great so far PHILADELPHIA Tuesday has been a wonderful day for voting in the city, according to Philadelphia Deputy Commissioner Nick Custodio. Its going great, he told USA TODAY. Nothing has risen to a level of concern. The overwhelming majority of voters have been able to cast ballots without incident and the processing has been going smoothly, Custodio said. Polls are open until 8 p.m. and voters can turn in mailed ballots until that time in Pennsylvania. Candy Woodall For some in New Hampshire, Bidens stake in democracy gets through BEDFORD, N.H. For some in New Hampshire, where presidential candidates flock every four years, President Joe Bidens message that democracy is at stake resonated with some voters. Jonathan French says its why hes voting for Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan over Republican Don Bolduc. I believe in democracy. Don Bolduc denies the election results from 2020, French simply put. But at the same time, French isnt sure if he wants to see Biden run again in 2024. Well wait and see, said French. Ken Tran Mailed ballots drive higher turnout in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA There is a higher turnout today and the bulk of the counting will be done tonight, according to Philadelphia Deputy Commissioner Nick Custodio. About 101,000 mailed ballots will be processed tonight, he told USA TODAY, with the first tally showing five minutes after the polls close at 8 p.m. in Pennsylvania. The counting will take the normal amount of time, meaning most of the results will be in tomorrow or Thursday, he said. Custodio is expecting a higher turnout in this election compared to 2018 because of mail-in voting, he said. Candy Woodall Why one voter in Philadelphia is staying home PHILADELPHIA Standing outside a Save A Lot grocery store, Lori Dornan explains why shes shopping after work instead of voting. My vote will just give a politician more money and power. It wont help me afford groceries, she said. Candy Woodall Man in custody after disturbance at West Bend, Wisconsin, polling place A 38-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested Tuesday after demanding for staff to stop the voting'" not far from a polling location in the West Bend Community Memorial Library in West Bend, Wisconsin, according to police. A poll worker told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he heard a man with a knife approach the librarys front desk. Voters and children playing in the area were escorted into the voting room, he said, and the doors were shut. Library staff declined to comment on the incident. Police would not confirm whether a knife was involved, saying only that someone was taken into custody following a disturbance in which no one was injured. Voting at the library was disrupted for about 30 minutes, the poll worker said, but has since returned to normal operations. Lawrence Andrea Get your 2022 live midterm election results here The 2022 midterm elections are underway and American voters are hitting the polls to elect members of the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as governors in certain states. Follow our live coverage for Senate results, House results and gubernatorial results begin to roll in. You can also learn how to vote and who's on the ballot in your state. Cybersecurity officials: Still no specific or credible threat to disrupt election operations Two senior U.S. cybersecurity officials said Tuesday afternoon that the Department of Homeland Security continues to see no specific or credible threat to disrupt election infrastructure or election day operations, and that it remains vigilant to protect against foreign nation disinformation and malign influence operations. The officials, both with DHSs Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA, noted that there have been a few isolated issues arising from within the 8,800 or so individual election jurisdictions in the United States, including Maricopa County, Arizona. But they described them as nothing out of the ordinary and said CISA was in close touch with elected officials there and elsewhere across the country in order to understand and respond to any election day problems if needed.The officials, both speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing cybersecurity operations, referred questions about Maricopa County to local officials there, who have released statements and a video explaining how the voting machinery works. Josh Meyer Voting rights group: Overvoting in NH causes some concerns DERRY, N.H. In New Hampshire, some voters are filling out more names than they should on their ballot, forcing their ballot to be hand recounted rather than being read by a machine. Voting rights groups worry the tactic called overvoting could lower voter confidence and slow down counting. We have seen a few loosely organized groups pushing for folks to purposely overvote their ballot to make sure their ballot is hand counted this cycle, said Liz Wester, director of the New Hampshire Voter Empowerment Task Force, a voting rights group. New Hampshire Secretary of State, David Scanlan, told USA TODAY that the state is already prepared for hand counting; his office has sent more election workers to polling places to assist in counting ballots. Ken Tran Common Cause: Election glitches routine, with some 'weird' anecdotes in Ohio Catherine Turcer, executive director of Common Cause of Ohio, said most questions about voting have been routine, with a couple of weird examples. A priest in Toledo was checking the identification of voters, Turcer said. In Summit County, around Akron, a man was visiting polling places and just watching before being asked to move along, she said. But most voting problems reported nationwide were routine, such as problems with voting machines forcing longer lines, not systemic, said Sylvia Albert, Common Cause director of voting and elections. What were seeing is really what we see in every election, isolated incidents of some problems, Albert said. No election is perfect. Election officials are doing their job. Bart Jansen For some, Walkers candidacy is about grace and forgiveness KENNESAW, Ga. Former football player Herschel Walkers personal controversies have made his Senate campaign a target for Democrats, but many Georgia voters think differently. Herschel is real, hes one of us, voter Tricia Choi, 55, told USA TODAY. Choi said for many Walker's story is about the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, which she said appeals to faith-based voters. Walker, who is running to unseat Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, has been accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife. Most recently, allegations surfaced that he pressured former girlfriends to have abortions, which he has denied. Phillip M. Bailey Mark Kelly, Blake Masters set for final pitch in Arizona Senate race On one side is Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat and former astronaut whose wife was shot in the head by an angry constituent. On the other is Blake Masters, a tech investor and first-time candidate backed by a billionaire patron and endorsed by Trump. The two are locked in whats become an increasingly tight race, with Kellys initial advantage in the polls narrowing to a dead heat. With hours to go until polling places close, Kelly planned to hit get-out-the-vote events in west Phoenix and Tucson. Masters planned to spend election night at the Arizona Republican Partys watch event in Scottsdale. Maricopa County, where problems have been reported at one out of five polling sites, is home to Phoenix and is Arizonas most populous county. It's also one of the largest in the nation and while it has tended to vote for Republican candidates in recent years, Biden carried it in 2020. The vote there will likely be critical to deciding the tossup Senate race. Alison Steinbach, The Arizona Republic, Donovan Slack, and John Fritze Snowstorm greets voters in crucial swing county It was a snowy Election Day in Washoe County, Nevada. The county is crucial territory for Nevada and the nation as Democrat Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto is fending off a challenge from Trump-backed Republican Adam Laxalt. The contest is among a handful that could determine who controls the Senate and the fate of Biden's agenda for the next two years. Marc Picker, poll manager at Damonte Ranch High School, said turnout so far is among the highest he has seen despite the weather. One Democratic voter, Reno resident Margaret Smith, said few flakes wouldn't have kept her away. Im like the U.S. Postal Service neither rain, sleet or snow will stop me from going out like Santa, Smith said. (Voting) is that important. Another Reno voter, Jim Lewis, agreed, despite being on the opposite end of the political spectrum. If they like their freedom and liberty, they should go out there and not be afraid, he said. Jason Hidalgo, Reno Gazette Journal, and Donovan Slack Stocks rally on expectations of GOP inroads Stocks rallied Tuesday on expectations that Republicans will retake at least one chamber of Congress, likely the House of Representatives. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up by 1.5% as of 1 p.m. ET. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite were also up by more than 1%. Stocks tend to perform better when in a divided Congress gridlock since it can restrict government spending and hold up new legislation that can negatively impact stocks, analysts said. Elisabeth Buchwald and Medora Lee More debates is what some voters wanted AVONDALE ESTATES, Ga. Coming out of his polling place in DeKalb County, voter Gregory Ewing said what was most aggravating during the 2022 midterms was the lack of debates. As USA TODAY reported in September many candidates sought to avoid each other in some of the most high-profile races. Ewing said Georgians deserved more chances to see a direct contrast between Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker on stage in the final weeks of the race. Its hard to know what the truth is with these ads. The closest place we can get to the truth and how candidates really think is through a debate," he said. Phillip M. Bailey Illinois county reports election-related cyberattack, but voting not compromised, officials say Champaign County, Ill., is fighting off an election-related cyberattack that is unrelated to actual voting operations, according to officials there, who say connectivity issues and computer server performance are making it harder but not impossible for people to vote. The Clerks Office believes these are due to cyber-attacks on the network and servers, Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons said in a news release. Chief Deputy Clerk Angie Patton told USA TODAY that the clerks office has been the target of repeated DDOS, or Distributed Denial of Service, attacks and that she believes other counties may have been targeted as well. But she said IT specialists have secured the Clerk's website and election operations and that no data or information has been compromised and the election is secure. She urged voters waiting in long lines to either wait or go to another polling place within the county since voters can cast their ballots there as well. Josh Meyer At the top of the Texas ticket: Gov. Greg Abbott faces Beto ORourke Texans have their eye on the marquee race for governor: incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott runs against Democratic challenger Beto ORourke. ORourke caught the attention of the state and nation after running against Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018. Abbott is fighting for a third term. Abbott has led ahead of ORourke in Texas polls; margins sometimes reach single digits. On Oct. 30, a poll by the University of Texas at Tyler showed Abbott leading by 6 percentage points among likely voters. Another October poll by the University of Texas Politics Project showed Abbott leading by 11 points. ORourke seeks to galvanize voters around abortion access and gun legislation. ORourkes final ad ahead of Election Day centered around his support for abortion access. Nusaiba Mizan Biden spending Election Day at the White House WASHINGTON President Joe Biden is spending Election Day at the White House with no public events on his schedule. The White House said he dropped in on a virtual phone bank by the Democratic National Committee to thank staff and volunteers and taped a radio interview targeted at Black Americans. The president has already cast his midterm ballot. Accompanied by one of his granddaughters, a first-time voter, Biden voted in Wilmington, Delaware, on Oct. 29. Biden is expected to address the nation about the election results on Wednesday, though they are likely to be incomplete at that point. Michael Collins Trump says he voted for DeSantis, hints again at presidential run Former President Donald Trump said he voted Tuesday morning for Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, while also dropping more hints that hell soon declare a third run for the White House, according to media reports. Trump spoke to the media after he cast his vote at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center on Tuesday morning, according to video posted by the local CBS news station CBS12. Former first lady Melania Trump joined him. "No matter who you vote for, you have to vote," Trump told a sparse crowd outside the polling station. Trump also repeated that hell be making an announcement a week from today at his Mar-a-Lago home and resort in Palm Beach, though he didn't say about what. "I think Tuesday will be a very exciting day for a lot of people, Trump said, adding that, The country has gotten very bad. Its lost its way, its lost its confidence." Josh Meyer LA voters elect mayor amid political turmoil Los Angeles voters headed to the polls Tuesday to elect a new mayor amid political tumult in the nations second-largest city. U.S. Rep. Karen Bass, a former state Assembly leader and Democrat who is backed by President Joe Biden, could become the first Black woman to hold the job. She faces developer Rick Caruso, a billionaire Republican turned Democrat, who has campaigned on a platform of change. The winner fills the seat of embattled Democrat Eric Garcetti, whose nomination to become U.S. ambassador to India is stalled in the Senate. The election comes just weeks after City Hall was embroiled in a racism scandal that led to the ouster of the City Council president and urgent calls for the resignation of two more members. President Nury Martinez resigned after audio leaked of her racist remarks about a colleagues child and Oaxacan immigrants in the city. Susan Miller Catch up on our election-related fact checks Accusations, misinterpretations and flat-out lies circulated widely as part of the pre-election debate on social media. The USA TODAY Fact-Check Team debunked an array of the most common claims in recent weeks, which youll find here in our fact check roundup. Our reporters assembled evidence and expert interviews to address false claims about ballot boxes, mail-in voting and vote counting. And we corrected claims that missed the mark attempting to attack ballot initiatives in Michigan, California and Connecticut. Well update this roundup throughout the week as we research additional claims. Eric Litke Arizona's Maricopa County reports issues at 20% of voting locations Maricopa County elections official now say 20% of the county's voting locations are reporting problems. That's double the estimate the county provided earlier in the day. "Were doing what we can to get these back online. Its not like both of the tabulators are having these issues. It may only be one (at a location)," Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates said on Tuesday morning during an impromptu news conference. Maricopa County has 223 voting centers. Voters at impacted sites have two options: to cast their ballot via a secure box to be counted later or to go vote at a different location. Elections Department spokesperson Megan Gilbertson said poll workers are best equipped to help voters ensure their ballot is successfully cast. Its important for voters to talk to the poll workers on site, Gilbertson said. Anne Ryman and Sasha Hupka Culinary Union members in Las Vegas head out to round up votes during the 2022 midterm elections. The union is backing U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, in her re-election battle against Republican Adam Laxalt. Virginia voters can register today, then vote Virginias same-day voter registration law went into effect last month. In theory, that could make it easier for some folks to vote on Election Day. Same-day registration ballots are provisional and will be evaluated by local registrars later this week to confirm voter eligibility. Donald Sutton, the chief election official at the Virginia Beach 5th Precinct, said the new law isnt a big departure from business as usual. Grant Schwab, Medill News Service Voting problems? Theres a hotline for that! The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is administering an election-protection hotline for voters experiencing problems at the polls. Volunteers are manning the phones at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). There are also hotlines in other languages: Spanish/English: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) Asian languages/English: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) Arabic/English: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) Donovan Slack Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania... PHILADELPHIA Theres a guy dancing in a cardboard, drop-box costume outside City Hall. Candy Woodall Florida rejects federal election monitors; feds say no biggie since monitors are outside anyway Floridas top election official said Tuesday that the state wont allow federal monitors at polling locations in South Florida because its against state law and federal authorities failed to present any evidence for such an action. Secretary of State Cord Byrd told reporters in Tallahassee that state officials wanted to make it clear that (polling locations) are places for election workers and for voters, not for anyone else. The Justice Department said Monday that it was deploying election monitors to 64 jurisdictions across the country, including three counties in South Florida: Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Brad McVay, an attorney with Floridas Department of State, sent the Justice Department a letter Monday. None of the counties are currently subject to any election-related federal consent decrees, he wrote. None of the counties have been accused of violating the rights of language or racial minorities or of the elderly or disabled. The Justice Department confirmed receipt of the Florida letter but declined to comment except to indicate that federal monitors would be outside the polling places. Doug Soule, USA Today Network-Florida, and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY oc Voters wait in line Nov. 8, 2022, at the Western Lakes Fire Department in Oconomowoc, Wis. Is Miami-Dade turning red? Voting numbers tell the story Miami-Dade County is one of the biggest and most coveted prizes for any statewide candidate in Florida, and Democrats have owned it for years. Consider the fact that Miami-Dade hasnt voted for a Republican since 1988 and hasnt backed a Republican governor since 2002. That may be changing this year. Early voting numbers as of Tuesday morning show Republicans holding a slight edge of almost 4,000 votes over Democrats. If the numbers hold up, it would represent one of the most dramatic electoral turnarounds in Florida history and may solidify the Sunshine State as a red, Republican state moving forward. Sergio Bustos, USA Today Network-Florida Enterprise/Politics Editor YOUR GUIDE TO MIDTERMS: Voting rights, ballot access and key issues: A guide to midterm elections in your state Don Bolduc says he will accept Election 2022 results if he loses to Maggie Hassan Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Bolduc said Tuesday that his opponent, Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan, is out of touch in accusing him of being extreme and an election-denier, saying he will concede the election Tuesday if he loses. Bolduc, a retired Army brigadier general, made those remarks after voting at the Stratham Memorial School in the town where he lives. Max Sullivan Voting begins smoothly in contested Nevada Senate race At the Desert Breeze Community Center outside Las Vegas, approximately 100 people waited in line as the polls opened at 7 a.m. Robert Streat, 73, was among the first to cast a ballot, a personal in-person voting tradition he said dates back decades. Streat said he opposes Biden's agenda and worries the country is changing too fast from the values he helped defend in Vietnam. He said he supported Republican candidates in the election. This country is going to hell if we dont change it. Weve got too many people who hate it," he said. We should control the government but weve lost it. But Jonathan Copeland, 55, said he worries that Republican control of the House and Senate would mean further erosion of abortion rights, which he supports. Copeland said he voted to help defend the seat of U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat in danger of losing to Republican challenger Adam Laxalt. A Laxalt victory would help flip the Senate to Republican control. "What politician has the right to tell a woman what to do?" Copeland said. Trevor Hughes Election watchdog Common Cause reports routine polling problems in battleground states Common Cause officials reported during a 10 a.m. news conference routine problems with voting in battleground states, but urged voters who cast ballots by mail to track them and make sure they were counted. Amy Keith, program director for Common Cause in Florida, said more than 15,000 absentee ballots were flagged by Thursday for problems such as a missing signature. Voters have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to fix the problems, but with a tropical storm hurtling toward the state, Keith urged voters to vote move briskly. She said 2.2 million voters voted early in person and another 2.5 million voted early by mail. Floridians are coming out to have their voices heard, Keith said. Bart Jansen U.S. cybersecurity officials see no attacks on election infrastructure yet U.S. cybersecurity officials so far have seen no indications of direct attacks on election infrastructure across the United States in the early hours of mid-term voting Tuesday. But they remain on high alert to disinformation operations and efforts to sway voters opinions by nation-states such as Russia, China and Iran, a senior official with the Department of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency told reporters. The senior CISA official said those three nations continue to use the election disinformation playbook they have in past elections, and that CISA will continue to support election officials nationwide to any risks that may arise because of them. In the first of three election security media briefings scheduled for Tuesday, the official would not say whether such foreign disinformation efforts are worse than in past election cycles, but confirmed that CISA is especially on guard against Russian malign influence campaigns following yesterdays claim by sanctioned Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin that the Kremlin has meddled in U.S. elections and will continue to do so. Josh Meyer New Hampshire governor: Trump announcing 2024 run soon comes at 'worst time' New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican running for reelection, was one of the first in line to cast his ballot, and when asked about reports former President Donald Trump is expected to announce a 2024 presidential run, he said it seemed like poor timing. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu Anyone who thinks its a smart idea to announce an election, a potential presidential bid, after (Tuesdays) election but before Christmas, is just the worst time you could possibly do it, Sununu said. My sense is the former president needs better advisers if thats really what his strategys going to be. As he has crisscrossed the country to campaign for Republican midterm candidates, Trump has increasingly hinted that he may launch a 2024 White House bid soon after the midterms. At a Monday night rally in Dayton, Ohio, he told supporters he was planning a "very big announcement" on Nov. 15 from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Max Sullivan There's a reason for all those negative campaign ads... On Election Day 2022, Americans are unhappy with the present, pessimistic about the future and not fully enamored with either political party. Their anxious, angry mood helps explain why campaign appeals have mostly turned not on aspirational promises on exploring space or ending poverty, say but on ominous warnings about the dangers of supporting the other side. "Probably not since even the Civil War (has there been) such a dire situation for our democracy as we are in the current day," said John Mark Hansen, a political scientist at the University of Chicago. Lessons learned in the midterms include those on the importance of the economy and the emergence of the extremes, among others. Also, the next campaign has already begun, so if you wanted to take a breath before 2024, youre out of luck. Susan Page In Ohio, voters to weigh rules for future elections along with Ryan vs. Vance contest After months of campaigns, debates, primaries, absentee and early voting, polls in Ohio opened at 6:30 a.m. EST and will remain open until 7:30 EST. One key issue is a ballot measure on rules for future elections. Issue 2 would prohibit noncitizens from voting, proposing that only adult U.S. citizens who legally reside and are registered to vote in Ohio for at least 30 days can cast a ballot in future state and local elections. The most high-profile race in the state is the contest between Republican J.D. Vance and Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan that will help decide which party controls the U.S. Senate. Voters will also choose between incumbent Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and his Democratic challenger Nan Whaley. While polls show a tight race for the Senate seat, DeWine has had a wide lead over Whaley in many polls. Micah Walker and Caren Bohan Election offi A salute to service is on display along the driveway leading to Green Ridge Village in Newville. For four years, staff has displayed yard signs for the month of November to honor veterans who reside at the retirement community. They served our country, said Amanda Mylin, director of community life. In everything they did, they fought for our country and for our freedoms. This year, there are about 60 signs, each with a name and service branch logo of a veteran. Most of the signs also have a photograph. While the majority is men, there are a few women. Adjustments have been made to account for veterans who move into Green Ridge Village and those who die. Every year, the corporate office makes the signs that have become an annual tribute just not to the veterans, but to their families, Mylin said. Facebook: Betsy Spring The white student who hurled racial slurs as she attacked a Black student over the weekend intends to withdraw from the University of Kentucky after a wave of fierce backlash. Sophia Rosing, who was arrested over the weekend and slapped with several charges, plans to withdraw within the next couple of days, her attorney told NBC News. Shes a very, very embarrassed and humiliated young lady, Fred Peters said. He added that Rosing would undergo sensitivity training after leaving the university. On Monday night, a large crowd gathered near the Bowman Wildcat statue at the University of Kentucky Monday to show their support for the Black student who was assaulted, Kylah Spring. There, Spring vowed in front of hundreds of protesters that the incident would not silence her. Protect Black women! the crowd chanted, according to a recording of the gathering posted by Betsy Spring, the students mother, on Facebook. Black Is a Disease: Racist Posts Roil Arkansas University Dozens of protesters, many sporting UKs iconic blue and white colors, held signs during the demonstration. Freedom 4 Spring, one read. Kylah Spring speaks to the @universityofky campus community who came out to support her in a march against racism this evening. Her parents were at her side as other students shared their experiences, too. Were working on this story for @LEX18News at 11. pic.twitter.com/TUqib0vM5D Sean Moody (@SeanMoodyNews) November 8, 2022 We are voices to be heard, a student addressed the crowd. Our voices are falling on deaf ears. The only way we are going to be heard is if we come together as a collective so that our voices can be the same and that we can have that say-so to get us through the various next levels. Story continues At one point, Spring, who was there with family members, walked forward to address the group. My name is Kylah Spring! the UK freshman said through tears and loud applause from the crowd. In the wee hours of Sunday morning, I was physically, verbally, and racially assaulted by Jane Doe, A.K.A. Sophia Rosing, a 22-year-old student here at the University of Kentucky. I was physically, verbally, and racially assaulted. Since then, she continued, I have taken to social media to spread awareness, and I have grasped the attention of the nation and the world. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me through any social media platform. Youre the reason my story is being heard. It is our story. Spring pointed that racial discrimination was a recurring issue in and across American school systems. Im deeply saddened by the events that have taken place, but Im most grateful for justice that is to come, she said. Spring said she would not let the attack break her spirit. To my Black UK community, Spring said through cheers in the crowd, I see you, I feel you, and I stand with you. I matter, you matter, and we matter. We will be stronger. After invoking former first lady Michelle Obamas infamous We go high speech, Spring told the Black community to maintain this situation with grace and humility, and keep your heads held high and lean on each other as we heal ourselves and our community. Furious Faculty Blast Penn State for Abandoning New Racial Justice Center Betsy Spring stepped forward after her daughter finished speaking. We are tired, but we will always find the energy, the resources, the time, the gas money to pull up for our children. Each one of you are our children. We thank you on behalf ofour entire family, we thank you for this support, Betsy told the crowd in a video captured by University of Kentuckys student-led newspaper Kentucky Kernel. Rosing was arrested early Sunday morning for the assault, which was captured in video footage that has since gone viral. Students immediately began calling for Rosings expulsion. Today around 1 am, I was assaultedand called a n----- repeatedly! Spring wrote in a Facebook post that included videos of the attack. This girl punched me in my face twice, [bit] my arm a few times, as well as kicked me in my stomach. As a desk clerk at one of the halls on campus, Spring noted that it was her duty to alert resident assistants if students appeared unwell. This girl was very drunk upon entry of the residence[,] so I asked if she was okay and continued to try and get her to sit down, Spring wrote. Also she doesnt seem to be a resident so I tried to keep her from going in the elevator. My friend was also bit and swung at by this girl as well as a few others including the OFFICER. In the first video, Rosing is seen pushing and grabbing at Spring while repeatedly calling her a n----- bitch. I do not get paid enough for this, Spring says as she tries to restrain Rosing. One of Springs friends, whom she identified as Kansas during her speech Monday night, helps her try to move Rosing to a chair, with no success. Rosing then moves toward the elevator and continues to spew slurs at Spring, Kansas, and the person recording the incident. Eventually, a group of students intervene. One girl tells Rosing to stop and then exclaims she was nearly bitten by Rosing. Finally, a police officer appears on the scene and arrests Rosing, who continues to sling racial slurs all the way out the door. All told, Rosing shouted the racist slur 200 times during the incident, according to the Daily Mail. An incident involving violence against our students, racial slurs and offensive language occurred in one of our residence halls, University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said in a statement Sunday. We condemn this behavior and will not tolerate it under any circumstance. The safety and well-being of our community has beenand will continue to beour top priority. We will fully investigate what happenedbut we also must learn from this moment and do better as a community, the statement continued. Let us take this moment, painful and ugly though it is, to remind ourselves of the work we must remain committed to as a community where everyone is welcome and feels that they belong. Rosing was arrested on public intoxication, assault, and disorderly conduct charges. The 22-year-old allegedly kicked and bit university officers during her arrest and refused to identify herself. She pleaded not guilty during a court appearance on Monday and posted $10,000 bail. 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. Alaskan Gov. Mike Dunleavy Becky Bohrer/AP Photo; Insider Gov. Mike Dunleavy is running against Democrat Les Gara, Republican Charlie Pierce, and independent candidate Bill Walker a former governor in Alaska's gubernatorial race. This is the first Alaskan gubernatorial election since the state implemented a top-four election for the primary. This is one of 36 gubernatorial elections taking place in 2022. Republican incumbent Gov. Mike Dunleavy faces off against Democrat Les Gara, Republican Charlie Pierce, and independent candidate Bill Walker in Alaska's gubernatorial election. This is the first Alaskan gubernatorial election since the state implemented a top-four election for the primary and ranked-choice voting in the general election. Polls close in the state at 8 p.m. local time. Given the state has multiple timezones, the first polls close at 12 p.m. EST and the last polls close at 1 p.m. EST. Alaska's gubernatorial candidates Dunleavy was elected in 2018 and is finishing up his first term as governor. Prior to being elected governor, Dunleavy was a member of the Alaska State Senate, a seat he held from 2012 to 2018. Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the precedents set by Roe v. Wade in June, Dunleavy pledged to propose a constitutional amendment in the coming legislative session to "answer the question whether abortion shall, or not be a constitutionally protected right." Former President Donald Trump endorsed Dunleavy on the condition that Dunleavy doesn't endorse Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, for re-election. "He has my Complete and Total Endorsement," Trump said, "but this endorsement is subject to his non-endorsement of Senator Lisa Murkowski who has been very bad for Alaska, including losing ANWAR, perhaps the most important drilling site in the world, and much else." "ANWAR" refers to ANWR, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the northeastern corner of Alaska. Dunleavy, along with fellow Republican candidate Pierce, has also been endorsed by the Alaska Republican Party. Story continues Pierce was the mayor of the Kenai Peninsula Borough from 2017 to 2022, and prior to that, sat on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly for six years. At a debate in October, he said he opposed access to abortion and as governor would support a vote to amend the state constitution to permit an abortion ban. Gara, the Democrat in the race, was a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 2003 to 2019. Gara considers himself "pro-choice" and received an endorsement from the Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates in July. Walker is an independent and served as governor of Alaska from 2014 to 2018. As governor, Walker used his executive authority to expand Medicaid in the state. He's running on a platform to boost the Alaskan economy, invest in education, and protect "the rights of all Alaskans, including LGBTQIA+ Alaskans." Alaska's voting history Trump defeated Joe Biden by a 10 percentage point margin in Alaska in the 2020 presidential election. The state has voted for the Republican candidate in every presidential election since 1968. The money race According to the most recently filed campaign finance reports, Dunleavy had more than $900,000, as of October 7. Gara had nearly $360,000 cash on hand, Walker had $450,000, and Pierce had just over $6,000. What experts say The race between Dunleavy and Gara is rated as "likely Republican" by Inside Elections, "likely Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "likely Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider 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 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 Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene urged Gov. Ron DeSantis not to run for president while she spoke at a rally in Ohio. Octavio Jones/Getty Images, Drew Angerer/Getty Images Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Monday urged Gov. Ron DeSantis not to run for president in 2024. She said that running for the White House would equate to DeSantis abandoning his state. "Please support President Trump," she told DeSantis and any would-be presidential candidates. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene on Monday told Florida Governor Ron DeSantis not to compete with former President Donald Trump for the White House, as speculation abounds that the two GOP heavyweights could square off against each other for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. Speaking at a Trump rally in Ohio, Greene urged DeSantis to remain governor of Florida and said running for president meant he would "abandon" his state. Trump was expected to announce a presidential run at Monday's rally. Instead, he teased a "big announcement" that he'll be making on November 15. Discussing Trump's potential campaign for the White House, Right Side Broadcasting Network host Brian Glenn told Greene at the rally: "If anyone steps into the political ring and tries to challenge President Trump as far as being the Republican nominee for 2024, we feel like it's political suicide. This is his party, this is his race to run." "Absolutely, I think that it's clear and obvious," Greene responded. "What we need in this country, Brian, is we need strong Republican governors like Ron DeSantis," she later said. "We need strong Republican governors to fight, stay in for eight years and save their states, not to abandon their states and try to run for president or any other big position," Greene added. "My message is for everyone, anyone that's considering running for president in 2024 against President Trump, please support President Trump," she said. DeSantis has in recent months been considered to be a strong frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024, though he also hasn't announce a campaign. Greene's rhetoric that DeSantis would "abandon" his state by running for president has also been used by his gubernatorial opponent, Democratic nominee Charlie Crist. Story continues When Crist asked DeSantis at a political debate if he would serve a full term if elected governor, DeSantis did not answer the question. Representatives for Greene and DeSantis did not immediately respond to Insider's requests for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Metropolitan Epifaniy, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, marking Orthodox Christmas in Kyiv, Ukraine, January 7, 2019. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko The Orthodox Church of Ukraine said Christmas can now be celebrated on December 25. It previously marked Christmas on January 7, alongside the Russian Orthodox Church. Russia's invasion has pushed many Ukrainian institutions to become more aligned with the West. A Ukrainian Orthodox church said its churches can officially celebrate Christmas on December 25, another step increasing alignment with the West at the expense of Russia. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine announced that its assembly had voted in favor of letting parishes choose whether to mark Christmas on December 25. That's a contrast with the church's traditional placing of Christmas on January 7, when many Orthodox churches celebrate, including Russia's. The decision affects around 7,000 churches across Ukraine, The Guardian reported. Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union until 1991, and has a centuries-long cultural overlap with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin justified his invasion of the country this year on the baseless claim that Ukraine is not truly a separate country, but really a historical part of Russia. Since the invasion, Ukrainian society has rejected many Russian-influenced aspects of its culture, and has sped up its alignment with the West, which has supported it with weapons and sanctions on Russia. Ukraine's Orthodox Church alluded to this change in an October 18 statement, saying the decision came after "taking into account the numerous requests" and discussion that has been going on for many years within the church and society, while noting the impact of the war, CNN reported. The decision was made by the church's synod last month, but was not widely reported until now. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine is distinct from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with the latter maintaining ties to Moscow until recently, The Guardian noted. Archbishop Yevstratiy Zoria, a spokesperson for the church, told The Guardian that the church would look at how many of the church's members celebrated on December 25 this year and then decide what to do in coming years. "We don't want to force anyone," he said. Story continues He added that many churchgoers had already wanted to move the celebration to the Western date of December 25, but that desire had increased since the invasion began. Russia's Orthodox Church has supported Russia's war in Ukraine, with its leader saying in September that dying against Ukraine is an act of "sacrifice" that absolves soldiers of their sins. Ukraine had been increasingly aligning itself with the West. This has included applying to join the European Union and NATO, and tearing down Soviet-era monuments. Read the original article on Business Insider More than 1,200 volunteers are needed to participate in the Reading of the Names ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola. Volunteers will help read the 58,318 name engraved on Wall South from Nov. 5 to 11. This Veterans Day, the Veterans Memorial Park of Pensacola will mark Wall South's 30th anniversary by spending one week reading the names of all who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The Reading of the Names ceremony, planned by the park's foundation board and WSRE PBS members, will take place Nov. 5 through 11, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. each day. The reading will require more than 1,200 volunteers. "Everybody who sits on this board does it as a labor of love," said retired Marine Corps Maj. Paul Entrekin, president of the Veterans Memorial Park of Pensacola foundation board. "It's a very, very special group that each brings a special skill set and different gifts to the table." Veterans celebration: Gulf Coast Veterans Week in Pensacola is a 7-day celebration and remembrance of veterans Memorial park restroom: With state funds in limbo, Pensacola mayor still pursuing Veterans Memorial Park restroom The foundation board asks for volunteers to help read the 58,318 names engraved on Wall South throughout the week, with each volunteer getting one sheet of names to read that should take roughly two minutes, according to a WSRE press release. Park foundation board member and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Butch Hansen said Veterans Day is a special time to celebrate those who have served this country. "Veterans Day is different. It's more of a celebration of all that have served," Hansen said. "From my perspective, a celebration like this, a ceremony like this, is about calling attention to that park and what that park means." A veteran pays tribute to fallen comrades at Wall South at Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola in 2017. The weeklong reading of the names will conclude on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, during the park's Veterans Day ceremony. During the ceremony, the final list of names, reflecting the final casualties of the Vietnam War, will be read at 11 a.m. Anyone who wishes to participate and volunteer to read a list of names should visit wsre.org to sign up. "This is a wonderful opportunity for local citizens to help commemorate 30 years of the park's anchor memorial, which really established Veterans Memorial Park," Entrekin said. "This Reading of the Names also serves as a special way for our community to express why we honor our military on Veterans Day and appreciate their sacrifice for our freedom every day. Benjamin Johnson can be reached at bjohnson@pnj.com or 850-435-8578 This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Veterans Memorial Park to hold Wall South Veterans Day event Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images; Christy Smith's campaign; Insider Rep. Mike Garcia ran against Democrat Christy Smith in California's 27th Congressional District. The 27th District is located to the north of Los Angeles and includes the city of Santa Clarita, known for the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. Redistricting excluded predominantly conservative Simi Valley, making the district more Democratic-leaning. Republican Rep. Mike Garcia defeated Democrat Christy Smith for the third time in California's 27th Congressional District. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds California's 27th Congressional District candidates Garcia is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations. Prior to his time in Congress, he served in the US Navy for 14 years, flying over 30 combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. In 2009, he went on to work for defense contractor Raytheon Technologies. The former Navy pilot was first elected to office in a May 2020 special election after former Rep. Katie Hill resigned after reports of an inappropriate relationship with a congressional staffer. The top-two finishers, Garcia and Smith, went on to a runoff, in which Garcia emerged victorious. After Garcia finished the remainder of Hill's term, he went on to win a full term in the general election, once again narrowly defeating Smith, this time by a little over 300 votes. In 2020, Garcia was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Garcia's win marked the first time since 1998 that a Republican flipped a Democrat-held House seat in California. Smith, Garcia's challenger, was a Department of Education policy analyst during the Clinton administration and a former California state assemblywoman. When Hill resigned, Smith received a number of prominent endorsements including those of Vice President Kamala Harris, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. This was the third time Smith has run for the seat. Story continues Voting history for California's 27th Congressional District California's 27th Congressional District encompasses sections of northern Los Angeles County and the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys, including the city of Santa Clarita, known for Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. President Joe Biden had a 10 percentage point margin of victory over Trump under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to exclude predominantly conservative Simi Valley in redistricting following the 2020 Census, making it slightly more Democratic. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Garcia raised $6.6 million, spent $5.7 million, and had $1.2 million of cash on hand, as of October 19. His opponent, Smith, raised $3.5 million, spent $3 million, and had $624,978 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. As of early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate groups had combined to spend about $7.5 million to advocate for or against the candidates. Of this spending, most came from two Republican sources: the National Republican Congressional Committee and the pro-Garcia super PAC Congressional Leadership Fund. What experts say The race between Garcia and Smith was rated as "tilt Republican" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo; David Roth's campaign; Insider Republican Sen. Mike Crapo won the Idaho US Senate race against Democrat David Roth. Crapo far outraised and outspent Roth in his successful efforts for reelection. Polls are closed in Idaho and Republican incumbent Sen. Mike Crapo won the race against Democrat David Roth in Idaho to represent the state in the US Senate. Idaho's Senate race candidates First elected in 1998, Crapo has served in Congress for nearly a quarter of a century. He serves as a ranking member on the Senate Committee on Finance and as the chief deputy whip among Senate Republicans. Crapo's priorities include addressing the challenges that face Idaho's multi-billion dollar agriculture industry, reforming and modernizing the financial sector, and pursuing alternative energy sources. Prior to entering Congress, the native Idahoan served for nearly a decade in the Idaho State Senate and for three terms in the US House. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Crapo also worked as a partner in the law firm of Holden, Kidwell, Hahn & Crapo, and is a member of the Idaho and California Bar Associations and the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. Roth, Crapo's challenger, serves as the executive director of the Bonneville Youth Development Council in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Prior to that, he served as a precinct captain, legislative district vice chair, and most recently as the chair of the Bonneville County Democrats. Roth unsuccessfully ran for the Idaho State Legislature in 2020. He is also an openly gay man, as noted in his Twitter bio. Roth says he is "running in 'red' Idaho because NO state is a lost cause." If elected, Roth would become the first openly gay man to serve in the US Senate. Roth defeated Ben Pursley in the Democratic primary, receiving nearly 60% of the vote. Idaho's voting history The state voted for then-President Donald Trump over Joe Biden by a margin of about 30 percentage points in the 2020 election. Idaho, a longtime Republican stronghold, has voted for the Republican candidate in every presidential election cycle since 1952, having voted Democratic just once Lyndon B. Johnson over Barry Goldwater in 1964. Story continues The money race According to OpenSecrets, Crapo raised $7.1 million, spent $6.7 million, and had $3.3 million cash on hand, as of October 19. As Insider reported in 2021, Crapo is a highly successful fundraiser who once provided prospective donors with a detailed list of pay-to-play deliverables at three price points. His challenger, Roth, raised $88,533, spent $70,660, and had $17,872 cash on hand, as of October 19. What experts say The race between Crapo and Roth was rated as "solid Republican" by Inside Elections, "solid Republican" by The Cook Political Report, and "safe Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images;Insider Rep. Yvette Herrell was defeated by Democrat Gabriel Vasquez in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. The 2nd District encompasses western portions of of Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico. Herrell is one of four Native Americans serving in Congress. Republican New Mexico Rep. Yvette Herrell lost her bid for reelection against Democrat Gabriel Vasquez in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District. Vasquez beat Herrell by less than a 1 percentage point margin. Polls closed in the state at 7 p.m. local time, or 9 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District candidates Herrell, a Cherokee, joined the ranks of the very few Native Americans in Congress following her victory in 2020. She is the first Native American Republican woman elected to the US House. The 58-year-old New Mexico native ran for the seat in 2018, but was narrowly defeated by her opponent, Democratic attorney and former Rep. Xochitl Torres Small. Herrell defeated Small two years later. Prior to her time in Congress, Herrell represented New Mexico's 51st District for four terms in the New Mexico House of Representatives. Vasquez, Herrell's challenger, is an outgoing Las Cruces city councilor. He defeated his opponent by a wide margin in the Democratic primary, bringing in more than two-thirds of the vote. Prior to running for Congress, Vasquez worked for US Sen. Martin Heinrich in southern New Mexico. He is endorsed by President Joe Biden. Voting history for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District encompasses the city of Las Cruces, the second largest city in the state, and western portions of Albuquerque, the largest. Former President Donald Trump had a 12 percentage point margin of victory over Biden under the district's previous boundaries in 2020 before it was redrawn to concede portions of the northeast in redistricting following the 2020 Census, changing its political leaning from Republican to Democratic. Story continues Previously, the district spanned the entire southern portion of New Mexico, from one state line to the next. The money race According to OpenSecrets, Herrell raised $3.9 million, spent $3.3 million, and had $683,057 of cash on hand, as of October 19. Her opponent, Vasquez, raised $3.2 million, spent $2.9 million, and had $348,172 of cash still left to spend, as of October 19. As of early November, super PACs, national party committees, and other non-candidate committees had combined to spend about $13.4 million to advocate for or against candidates in this race, including during the primaries. What experts say The race between Herrell and Vasquez was rated as a "toss-up" by Inside Elections, a "toss-up" by The Cook Political Report, and "leans Republican" by Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. Read the original article on Business Insider PHILADELPHIA A gunman opened fire on a train in central Philadelphia in front of about a dozen other riders, killing a man and wounding a teenager, police said. Officials said the 21-year-old was shot multiple times throughout his body shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday on a southbound train north of the city center on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authoritys Broad Street line. He was taken to Temple University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead just after 3 p.m. Monday. His name wasnt immediately released. A 16-year-old was shot in the arm and also taken to the hospital. Homicide Capt. Jason Smith told reporters that the two men boarded at different stops and the gunman approached the victim as the train was pulling into the Fairmount station. After what Smith called a brief altercation he produced a gun and fired. Smith said the victim also pulled a weapon but it was unclear if he fired. Smith said the shooter continued to fire after the victim fell and then rifled through his pockets before fleeing despite the victims efforts to grab an ankle of his assailant and stop him. No arrests were immediately announced. Smith said about a dozen other people were sitting nearby and the shooting could have been much worse. He said the shooter did not try to harm anyone else and the shooting may have been a targeted attack. Stanley Tucci shares his signature pasta recipe with all the ingredients to get a taste of Italy at home From pasta shops to salumerias, Stanley Tucci has captivated food fans while exploring and eating his way through Italy -- and now home cooks can get a taste of what it would be like to eat at his table, no international plane ticket required. Tucci and his partners at S.Pellegrino, the famed sparkling natural mineral water company, have crafted a new Taste of Tucci recipe kit that features one of his original holiday dishes, Gnocchetti con Salsiccia e Broccolini. PHOTO: Stanley Tucci cooking his new at-home pasta kit with S.Pellegrino. (S.Pellegrino) Each kit serves four to six people, includes a never-before-published recipe with premium imported products from Italy and seasonal ingredients that are integral to his savory dish -- such as gnocchetti sardi, crumbled salsiccia [sausage] fresh broccolini and fennel, Pecorino Romano and extra virgin olive oil -- and of course, a bottle of S.Pellegrino to wash it all down. PHOTO: Stanley Tucci and S.Pellegrino pasta kit. (S.Pellegrino ) "There are few things more Italian than gathering over a homecooked meal with friends and family, and S.Pellegrino has always played a starring role in those moments at my holiday table," Tucci said in a statement. "We have a saying in my family that there is always room for pasta, and the holidays are no exception. Gnocchetti con Salsiccia e Broccolini is the perfect dish to share with loved ones this holiday season, and I hope our recipe kit inspires Americans to savor those precious moments cooking in the kitchen or coming together around the table." The dish demonstrates mastery through simplicity as a one-bowl meal that marries savory Italian sausage, floral fennel, and peppery broccolini with bold and tangy Pecorino Romano cheese. The Italian American actor, who has written multiple cookbooks, as well as a memoir about his life and food, debuted the pasta recipe with S.Pellegrino in New York City earlier this month at Michelin-starred hotspot Don Angie. PHOTO: Stanley Tucci's signature pasta recipe tossed in a pan. (Patrick MacLeod) Sara Mayer, senior marketing manager for S.Pellegrino, hailed Tucci for his shared belief "that perfect moments with friends and family are often made around the table" with a stellar meal. Story continues "We are thrilled to invite fans further into the world of S.Pellegrino and Stanley with this specially curated, seasonal kit," she continued. "Together, we hope to help home chefs and foodies across the country add an authentic Italian twist to their holiday spreads with a gourmet meal inspired by Stanley's own tidings and traditions." The Taste of Tucci kit is on sale from World Chef for $120 plus shipping, while supplies last. In honor of the holiday season, S.Pellegrino announced it will also donate $10,000 to No Kid Hungry, the national campaign committed to ending childhood hunger in America. Stanley Tucci shares his signature pasta recipe with all the ingredients to get a taste of Italy at home originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com ABC News has obtained a letter sent by a top Ukrainian official to senior members of Congress, asking them to assist Ukraine's calls for additional air defense systems to counter the attack drones built and supplied by Iran to bolster Russia's war effort. Russia has launched waves of deadly attacks in recent weeks, using Iranian-made drones that explode on impact to strike power plants, killing civilians and causing rolling blackouts, plunging millions of Ukrainian homes into darkness. In the letter, the chairman of the Ukrainian parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, calls on the U.S. to provide Ukraine with highly mobile air defense systems known as C-RAMs, saying they would help protect "important objects, especially crucial power plants." PHOTO: A Russian drone, which local authorities consider to be Iranian made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) Shahed-136, is seen during a Russian drone strike, , in Kyiv, Ukraine Oct. 17, 2022. (Stringer/Reuters) C-RAMs have a built-in radar to track incoming threats and a giant rapid-fire gun to shoot them down, with NATO saying the "most effective" systems are able to fire 4,500 rounds per minute. A senior Ukrainian politician told ABC News that the Ukrainian government has also made an official request to the Biden administration for the C-RAMs systems. MORE: Russia-Ukraine live updates: Officials think Russia plotting withdrawal from Kherson ABC contacted the Ukranian Ministry of Defense for comment. The Pentagon does not comment on specific Ukrainian requests for weaponry. However, Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Garron Garn told ABC News this week that U.S. support "focuses on equipment that is relevant for the current fight." "We are working around the clock to fulfill Ukraine's priority security assistance requests, delivering weapons from U.S. stocks when they are available," he added. As things stand, Ukrainian officials say they are using an array of methods to shoot down the drones. Ukrainian fighter jets are being used to track them and, in some instances, shoot them down, according to the Ukrainian politician who has been briefed on the matter. "We are using all kinds of different stuff [to destroy the Iranian drones]," the source told ABC News, adding that the Ukrainian military even sometimes resorts to shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons to counter the threat. Story continues MORE: What to know about the Iranian drones Russia is using to attack Ukraine The White House last month indicated that Russia is launching Iranian-supplied drones from Crimea, a peninsula to the south of mainland Ukraine that was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. The White House National Security Council spokesperson, John Kirby, also said at the time that a "relatively small number" of Iranian personnel had been on the ground in Crimea to assist the Russians in how to operate the drones. The drones fly slowly, giving the Ukrainian military a matter of hours from the moment they are launched from Crimea, through to when they reach their targets, Ukrainian officials said. However, Ukrainian officials said the drones are able to change trajectory mid-flight, making it harder for the military to position assets that could shoot them down. PHOTO: A drone flies over Kyiv during an attack on October 17, 2022, in Ukraine. (Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images) In his letter, Stefanchuk also asks senior U.S. lawmakers to assist him in asking the Biden administration to provide longer-range missiles so that the Ukrainian military could destroy targets such as "stocks of Iranian drones, deep behind the enemy lines on the occupied territory of Ukraine." On Monday, Ukraine's defense minister announced that advanced air defense systems for countering Russian missiles and rockets, called NASAMS, had arrived in Ukraine. A senior U.S. official confirmed that two systems were delivered to Ukraine. The U.S. announced in August that it promised another six NASAMS launchers to Ukraine, but it could be some time until they arrive in the country. A Ukrainian government source said the Ukrainian government was talking to all of its partners, including the U.S., about creating a "comprehensive and wide" air defense system "all across Ukraine." "We're not talking about a few systems near the front lines," the official added. "If we have this [comprehensive air defense] system, this war can end sooner and that's in all of our interests." Last month, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley called the project a priority. At a NATO meeting, he stressed that air defense systems would have to be provided to Ukraine by a number of countries. "The task is then to bring those together, get them deployed, get them [the Ukrainians] trained, because each of these systems is different," Milley said. Last weekend, after weeks of denials, Iran finally acknowledged that it has supplied Russia with drones. However, Iran's foreign minister claimed Tehran only sold a relatively small number of drones to Russia and did so before President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February. He also claimed that Iran had no knowledge that the drones were being used to attack Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Iran of "lying." Ukraine asks US for new capabilities in fighting Iranian drones originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The UK, backed by western allies, could use the upcoming G20 summit to confront Russian president Vladimir Putin over his war in Ukraine, No 10 said. Earlier on Tuesday, it was suggested Mr Putin will join next weeks leaders summit if the situation is possible by his Indonesian counterpart, who said the Russian president could attend virtually instead. Rishi Sunaks official spokesman said: The prime minister is of the view that it would be right that collectively with our allies we confront any Russian official who attends the G20 about their ongoing illegal war and use the same messages we have been using in one voice for so many months now. It comes after an advisor to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky refused to enter negotiations with Mr Putin as it would mean giving up, which he said was a gift Ukraine would never give Russias president. We have no choice. Russia has invaded us with mobile crematoria and half a million body bags. If we stop defending ourselves, we will cease to exist. Literally. Physically. We will continue to fight even if we are stabbed in the back, Mykhailo Podolyak said. Key Points Putin could be confronted by world leaders at G20 summit Zelensky open to genuine talks with Russia, but not Putin Russias building dragons teeth anti-tank structures in Ukraine - MoD Putin continues to stoke the war in Ukraine, says US Ukrainian battle positions littered with bodies of Russian soldiers, says Zelensky Russia looting empty homes in Kherson, says Ukraine Zelensky proposes extending martial law for further 90 days 14:15 , Emily Atkinson President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed extending marital law in Ukraine for a further 90 days, according to reports. Ukraines leader has submitted a draft bill to the countrys parliament set to prolong martial law until 19 February, reports The Kyiv Independent. Martial law was first imposed in Ukraine on 24 February, the day Russian launched its invasion. It has since extended the decree twice, once for 30 days and again for 90 days. Story continues Ukraines Zelensky open to genuine peace talks with Russia, but not with Vladimir Putin 13:51 , Emily Atkinson President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is open to genuine talks with Russia, but that negotiations must be focused on restoring Ukraines borders. In his nightly video address, the Ukrainian president also demanded that Kyiv be compensated for Russias brutal attacks, which have recently turned to targeting critical infrastructure; that Moscow punish those responsible for war crimes; and that assurances be given that an invasion of Ukraine of this kind wont happen again. Ukraines leader said his demands constitute an offer of real peace negotiations, the conditions for which he claimed to have put to Russia numerous times, also claiming that Moscow had retaliated with crazy responses, including terrorist attacks, shellings or blackmail. Read our report in full here: Zelensky open to genuine peace talks with Russia, but not with Vladimir Putin No negotiations without Ukraine in drivers seat, says US ambassador 13:15 , Emily Atkinson The US ambassador to Moscow has said that there will be no negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv unless Ukraine is in the drivers seat. Weve been clear, Linda Thomas-Greenfield told CNN during a visit to Kyiv. No negotiations in which Ukraine is not in the drivers seat. No negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine. The international community, she said, wants justice for the people of Ukraine. Any negotiations that take place have to take place with Ukraine in the drivers seat. They have to determine that, when they are ready for those negotiations, with the backing and support of the international community, following the charter that Russia has violated. Republican victory will not impact support for Ukraine, says Kyiv 12:50 , Emily Atkinson Oleksandr Merezhko, the head of Ukraines parliamentary foreign policy committee, has said a Republican victory in the upcoming US election will not in any way impact on support for Ukraine. We highly value the fact that we have bipartisan support, he said. Whoever wins these elections, this will not have any negative influence. On the contrary, we expect that support for Ukraine will increase. Kyiv says it will never give Putin gift of giving up 12:25 , Emily Atkinson An advisor to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to enter negotiations with Vladimir Putin as it would mean giving up, which he said was a gift Ukraine would never give Russias president. In an interview with Italys La Repubblica newspaper, Mykhailo Podolyak said that dialogue with Russia would be possible only once Russian forces leave Ukrainian territory. We have no choice. Russia has invaded us with mobile crematoria and half a million body bags. If we stop defending ourselves, we will cease to exist. Literally. Physically. We will continue to fight even if we are stabbed in the back, he said. Swedens PM vows to take firmer stance on terrorism as he seeks Turkish support for Nato bid 12:00 , Emily Atkinson Swedens new prime minister has vowed to take a firmer stance on fighting crime and terrorism during a visit to Turkey, where he is set to seek president Tayipp Erdogans approval for Stockholms bid to join Nato. Ankara initially stalled the Nordic countrys application and accused it of harbouring Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants. Speaking to reporters during a visit to the Turkish parliament in Ankara, prime minister Ulf Kristersson said: I think the new government will have an even firmer approach in (relation to) the Nato application from Sweden. One of this governments main priorities is fighting crime, fighting organized crime, fighting the connection between organized crime and terrorism. More than 77,000 Russian soldiers killed since start of invasion, says Kyiv 11:39 , Emily Atkinson Kyiv estimates that 77,170 Russian military personnel have been killed since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on 24 February. It is not possible to independently verify Ukraines claim at this time. "The world is dangerous, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." Albert Einstein Total combat losses of the enemy from Feb 24 to Nov 8: pic.twitter.com/TztL6tZ5X0 Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) November 8, 2022 4.5m people in Ukraine without power, says Zelensky 11:20 , Emily Atkinson Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said about 4.5m people are currently without electricity across the country. He called on his countrymen to endure the hardships, saying: We must get through this winter and be even stronger in the spring than now. He said: But of course, the Kremlin is doing the opposite. It is continuing to escalate this war rather than to offer any sort of real signal that it is ready for or open to negotiations. Zelensky to take part in G20 summit 11:00 , Emily Atkinson Volodymyr Zelensky will take part in the G20 summit next week, most likely attending virtually, his spokesperson told the Suspilne public broadcaster on Tuesday. The Ukrainian president had said last week he would not take part if president Vladimir Putin attended the summit in Indonesia. Serhiy Nykyforov, the spokesperson, did not say whether Mr Zelensky had changed his position. Moldova looks to sue Gazprom over 40% cut in gas deliveries 10:30 , Emily Atkinson The Moldovan government is considering sueing the Russian state energy company Gazprom over a sharp decline in natural gas supply, a senior official said. The small ex-Soviet state is reliant on Russian natural gas supplied by Gazprom and is grappling with a 40 per cent drop in deliveries that has hurt its ability to supply enough electricity to its 2.5 million population. The lawyers are analysing the possibility of applying sanctions for non-compliance with the contract on the issue of supplying the entire volume of gas, Deputy prime minister Andrei Spinu told the PRO-TV television channel on Monday. When it becomes clear, we will decide what actions to take and in what direction to act. Zelensky open to genuine talks with Russia, but not Putin 10:11 , Emily Atkinson President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is open to genuine talks with Russia, but exclusively negotiations to restore Ukraines borders. In his nightly video address, the Ukrainian president also demanded that Kyiv be compensated for Russias attacks and that Moscow punish those responsible for war crimes. A senior adviser to Mr Zelensky said Ukraine had never refused to negotiate with Russia and was ready for talks with its future leader but not with Vladimir Putin. The comments by Mykhailo Podolyak followed a Washington Post report saying the Biden administration was privately encouraging Ukraines leaders to signal an openness to negotiate. Main condition for talks to resume with Russia is restoration of territorial integrity - Kyiv 09:40 , Emily Atkinson Kyiv has said that the key condition for the resumption of talks with Moscow is would be the restoration of Ukraines terratorial integrity. The secretary of Ukraines Security Council Oleksiy Danilov said on Twitter that Ukraine also needed the guarantee of modern air defences, aircraft, tanks and long-range missiles. , . . , , . . , . Oleksiy Danilov (@OleksiyDanilov) November 8, 2022 North Korea insists it has never had arms dealings with Russia 09:20 , Emily Atkinson North Koreas military has denied American claims that it exported artillery shells and ammunition to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine, accusing Washington of spreading groundless rumours to tarnish its image. The White House said last week that Russia is secretly supplying a significant number of ammunition shipments to North Korea, in a potential violation of multiple United Nations resolutions by Pyongyang. State media KCNA reported a vice director at the North Korean ministrys military foreign affairs office, who was not named, as saying: We regard such moves of the U.S. as part of its hostile attempt to tarnish the image of (North Korea) in the international arena. Shweta Sharma reports: North Korea insists it has never had arms dealings with Russia Putin may join G20 summit virtually, says Indonesian counterpart 09:00 , Emily Atkinson Vladimir Putin will join next weeks G20 leaders summit if the situation is possible, his Indonesian counterpart and the meetings host said on Tuesday, adding that the Russian president could attend virtually instead. Joko Widodo, who is this years chair of the bloc of major economies, said Mr Putin during a phone conversation last week had not ruled out attending the summit in Bali, and would join if possible. But if not ... maybe hell ask to do it virtually, Jokowi, as the Indonesian president is popularly known, told reporters during a visit to Bali. He did not elaborate. Swedens PM to seek approval for Nato membership from Erdogan 08:40 , Emily Atkinson Sweden is set to seek Turkeys hard-fought approval for its bid to join Nato after Ankara stalled its application and accused the Nordic country of harboruing Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants. Prime minister Ulf Kristersson is set to meet with his Turkish counterpart president Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace on Tuesday afternoon, to be followed by a news conference set for 3.30pm. Stockholms application has so far been approved by 28 of Natos 30 member states. Writing in Swedens Aftonbladet newspaper on Monday, Erdogans communications director Fahrettin Altun said he was cautiously optimistic that the Swedish government will take concrete steps regarding our terrorism concern. Along with neighbouring Finland, Sweden applied for membership to the military alliance in May in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine. Washington-Moscow communication channels remain open 08:20 , Emily Atkinson A US security chief has confirmed that channels of communication between Washington and Moscow remain open. Speaking in New York, US national security advisor Jake Sullivan said it was in the interests of the US to stay in contact with Russia as its invasion of Ukraine threatens to rage on into the winter months. Mr Sullivan insisted that US officials were clear-eyed about who they were dealing with in the Kremlin. It comes after The Wall Street Journal reported that Mr Sullivan has held talks with Russian security council secretary Nikolai Patrushe and senior foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov in recent months. Mykolaiv under Russian fire for 24 hours 08:00 , Emily Atkinson Mulitple areas in the southern Ukrainian region of Mykolaiv have been struck by heavy Russian fire over the past 24 hours, the regional governor has said. Posting to Telegram this morning, Vitaliy Kim said that despite damage to buildings, no casualties had been reported Blackouts shroud Kyiv after Russian missile attacks on Ukraine capital 07:40 , Emily Atkinson (Getty Images) (Getty Images) (Getty Images) Russias building dragons teeth anti-tank structures in Ukraine - MoD 07:10 , Arpan Rai Russia is now making anti-tank structures known as dragons teeth as it bolsters preparations to defend its positions in Ukraines southern port city Mariupol, the British defence ministry said today. Russia has started constructing defensive structures around the occupied southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Two plants are producing concrete pyramidal anti-tank structures, known as dragons teeth, for this purpose, the ministry said in its latest intelligence update. The dragons teeth, it said, have likely been installed between Mariupol and Nikolske village; and from northern Mariupol to Staryi Krym village. Ukraines key port city Mariupol forms part of the land bridge from Russia to Crimea, a key logistics line of communication, the ministry said. Dragons teeth have additionally been sent for the preparation of defensive fortifications in occupied Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, it said. Russia is fortifying its lines throughout areas of occupation. On 19 October 2022, Wagner Group owner Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed the construction of a fortified Wagner Line of defences in Russian-occupied Luhansk Oblast, according to the MoD. This activity suggests Russia is making a significant effort to prepare defences in depth behind their current front line, likely to forestall any rapid Ukrainian advances in the event of breakthroughs, the ministry noted. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 08 November 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/fECg067PQk #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/QiRcrykcmd Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) November 8, 2022 Russia, US discuss holding first nuclear talks since Ukraine war - report 06:51 , Arpan Rai Officials in the US and Russia are discussing potential talks on strategic nuclear weapons in a first after Moscow invaded Ukraine, Russian newspaper Kommersant said today, citing four sources aware of the discussions. The dialogue is likely to take place in the Middle East, Kommersant report, adding that Moscow does not view Switzerland, the traditional venue, as sufficiently neutral after it imposed sanctions on Russia over Ukraine. Talks of strategic stability between Washington and Moscow came to a sharp halt in February this year after Russian launched a military invasion of Ukraine, even as the New START treaty on nuclear arms reduction stays in effect. Putin says 50,000 reservists now fighting in Ukraine war 06:28 , Arpan Rai Vladimir Putin has said that 50,000 newly recruited reservists have already been sent to the battle frontlines in the Ukraine war and are already fighting in combat units. This comes as the Russian defence ministry denied that an elite unit had suffered catastrophic losses after an open letter was made public by the surviving members of the Pacific Fleets 155th marine brigade, confirming growing discontentment within Russia over the conduct of the war. The marines said their unit had lost 300 men killed, wounded or missing and half of their equipment had gone missing in just four days. The letter was addressed to Oleg Koshemyako. They blamed generals seeking medals and bonuses, who "call people meat". North Korea says not sending shells, ammunition to Russia for Ukraine war 06:02 , Arpan Rai North Korea has quashed claims from the US that it is sending ammunition to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. An unidentified vice director at North Korean ministrys military foreign affairs office said: We regard such moves of the US as part of its hostile attempt to tarnish the image of (North Korea) in the international arena. 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 vice director said. This comes as the allies are engaging in trade of horses and medicines. Experts have pointed out that Pyongyang could be looking to procure fuel from Moscow, along with technology transfers and supplies needed to advance its military capabilities as it looks for more sophisticated weapons systems. N. Korea slams US for raising alleged arms supply to Russia Key Putin ally admits Russia is interfering in US elections 05:31 , Arpan Rai A key Vladimir Putin ally has admitted that Russia is interfering in US elections and said that they will continue to interfere. On Monday, Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin revealed that he had interfered in American elections 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. Read the full story here: Putin ally admits Russia interfering in US elections and will continue to interfere Ukraine ready to negotiate on war with next Russian leader, not Putin - officials 04:59 , Arpan Rai Ukraine will negotiate the end of the ongoing war in the country with Russias future president but not with Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelenskys presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said. Important: Ukraine has never refused to negotiate. Our negotiating position is known and open, the top Ukrainian official said. He also laid out Kyivs precondition to sit on the negotiating table with Russia, stating that the Kremlin will have to withdraw troops from Ukraine. But added that Mr Putin is not open to negotiating. Is Putin ready? Obviously not. Therefore, we are constructive in our assessment: we will talk with the next leader of RF [Russian federation], he said. This comes as Mr Zelensky said that Russia should be forced to participate in genuine peace talks. Important: Ukraine has never refused to negotiate. Our negotiating position is known and open. 1. First, RF withdraws troops from 2.After everything else Is Putin ready? Obviously not. Therefore, we are constructive in our assessment: we will talk with the next leader of RF. (@Podolyak_M) November 7, 2022 Putins war on Ukraine reason to act faster on climate, Sunak urges 04:56 , Arpan Rai Rishi Sunak has told leaders at the Cop27 summit that Vladimir Putins war on Ukraine and rising energy prices are a reason to act faster, not go slow on climate change. The British PM said it was morally right to deliver on promises on tackling climate change but also economically right, reducing energy dependency and providing new jobs and growth. He was speaking at the latest round of UN climate talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Mr Sunaks comments came after UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres warned at the start of Cop27 that the world is on the highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator. Read the full story here: Putins war on Ukraine is reason to act faster on climate, Sunak urges Russia looting empty homes in Kherson, says Ukraine 04:36 , Arpan Rai The Ukrainian military officials have accused Russian forces of theft and loot in Russia-occupied Kherson city. Russian forces are involved in looting and theft from residents and from infrastructure sites and are taking away equipment, food and vehicles to the Russian Federation, the military officials said late yesterday. It added that the Russian forces have been found disguised in civilian clothes to occupy the premises of civilians and strengthen positions inside for conducting street battles." A key Ukrainian city in the south, Kherson has been a repeated target of Russia and is now battered in the eight-month old war. The city is now deserted, left cold and dark as it faces power cuts along with water shortage, with supply cut in the nearby areas, officials from both sides said. Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces of dismantling 1.5 kms of power lines, while Russia-backed officials have accused Ukraine of sabotage. Ukrainian battle positions littered with bodies of Russian soldiers, says Zelensky 04:10 , Arpan Rai The ground in Ukraines war positions is literally littered with bodies of Russian soldiers, Volodymyr Zelensky said, adding that the troops sent by Moscow are dying by the hundreds every day. Speaking during his nightly address yesterday, he said: The Donetsk region remains the epicenter of the greatest madness of the occupiers - they die by the hundreds every day. The ground in front of the Ukrainian positions is literally littered with the bodies of the occupiers... Mr Zelensky also said that the Ukrainian soldiers are gradually pushing the Russian soldiers back in the war. In general, along the front, our forces are in a state of active defense - in some parts of the east and south, we are gradually pushing back the enemy. We are gradually moving forward, he said. He added: As of today, we can say that the recent escalation of Russian missile and drone terror has only resulted in the world responding - responding with new aid to Ukraine. We will do everything so that as many countries as possible join this aid. Putin continues to stoke the war in Ukraine, says US 04:03 , Arpan Rai The US state department has accused Russia of escalating the war in Ukraine and delaying negotiations instead of bringing the conflict to an end. The Kremlin is doing the opposite of ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, the US state department spokesperson Ned Price said yesterday in a briefing with reporters. Mr Price said Russia is continuing to escalate this war rather than to offer any sort of real signal that it is ready for or open to negotiations. If Russia is ready for that negotiation, it should stop its bombs. It should stop its missiles. It should stop attacking and killing Ukrainian civilians pursuing infrastructure, including civilian infrastructure, Mr Price said. He further said Russia should start by committing to renew the Black Sea grain initiative if it wants to demonstrate a serious commitment to de-escalation. If Russia wants to negotiate, why then did it walk away, even if temporarily, from the Black Sea Grain Initiative? That was perhaps the one forum where Russians and Ukrainians spoke and now speak, directly, on a daily basis, he said. 03:19 , Arpan Rai Good morning, welcome to our coverage of the Ukraine war on Tuesday, 8 November. After a long campaign season, today is Election Day. Now, voters will decide who leads Illinois for the next four years and who will represent them at the federal, state and local levels. Here are things to know on Election Day: What time do polls open in Illinois? Polls open at 6 a.m. at the county's polling places. Polls close at 7 p.m., but those in line prior to then will get the opportunity to cast their ballots. Can I still register to vote in Illinois? Early registration has ended, but people can register to vote at their polling places. In what is called "grace period registration," people can sign up to vote and then cast a ballot. That ballot would count just the same as if the voter were already registered. Those looking to register must bring at least two forms of identification to their polling place, one of which has a home address. Illinois live election updates:What you need to know before heading to the polls in Springfield Is there still time to vote by mail in Illinois? Where can ballots be dropped off? Voters can still mail their ballots and they must be postmarked by Election Day. Ballots have to be received by the clerk's office by Nov. 22. Voters can drop off ballots at the boxes at the Sangamon County Complex or the Sangamon County Juvenile/Regional Office of Education on Dirksen Parkway. Ballots also can be brought to the clerk's office. Those bringing in ballots for someone else must sign a ballot return affidavit prior to doing so. When do Illinois election results start to come in? After the polls close at 7 p.m., results should begin to come in on all races. Because Illinois has more liberal election laws than other states, it could take at least two weeks for any close races to be called. Nov. 22 is the date all absentee ballots must arrive by at election offices. There's a lot of races. How do I know which ones are on my ballot? Check your sample ballot Voters can check who's on their ballot by logging onto the Sangamon County clerk's website and clicking "Where do I vote/View a sample ballot" on the home page. Story continues What's on the Illinois 2022 election ballot? The big races at the top of the ticket are the state offices with governor, secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general and comptroller all being decided. Governor: Incumbent Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker faces Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia. Illinois elections 2022:Where Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker stands on abortion, cash bail ahead of Illinois election Illinois governor race:Where Illinois GOP governor candidate Darren Bailey stands on abortion & cash bail Secretary of state: After nearly 25 years in office, incumbent Democrat Jesse White is retiring. Former Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is carrying the Democratic banner this time around, with state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, running for the GOP. 2022 elections:Illinois Secretary of State: Candidates want to cut wait times, modernize offices Attorney general: Incumbent Democrat Kwame Raoul faces challenger Thomas DeVore, famous for his series of lawsuits against the state regarding COVID-19 restrictions. Elections in Illinois:Where Illinois attorney general stands on SAFE-T Act and COVID-19 restrictions Midterm elections:He is the GOP nominee for Illinois attorney general. Where he stands on SAFE-T Act, crime Treasurer: Incumbent Democrat Mike Frerichs is seeking a third term against state Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon. Illinois treasurer:Candidates differ on role of treasurer, amount of campaign money Comptroller: Incumbent Democrat Susana Mendoza is seeing another term. She's opposed by Republican challenger Shannon Teresi, the former McHenry County auditor. Illinois state comptroller:Money among differences between Mendoza and Teresi Also, the ballot is topped by Amendment 1, which would establish the right for employees to collectively bargain with management and prevent the legislature from passing any laws that would restrict labor rights. Top of the Illinois ballot:What to know about the Workers' Rights Amendment At the federal level, incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is facing challenger Republican Kathy Salvi in her bid for another term. 2022 midterm election:Tammy Duckworth's war chest dwarfs rivals in US Senate campaign For the U.S. House of Representatives, two area races are unfolding. 13th Congressional District: Former OMB Chief of Staff Nikki Budzinski, a Democrat, is in a battle with Republican Regan Deering for the seat. 2022 elections:Where Nikki Budzinski, 13th congressional district candidate, stands on ag, climate, costs Illinois elections:Where Regan Deering, 13th congressional district candidate, stands on rising prices, voting, border 15th Congressional District: Democratic challenger Paul Lange is challenging incumbent Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland. U.S. Congress:Trump-backed Miller, off hotly-contested primary, takes on Lange for 15th District seat While the composition of the state Senate and state House aren't likely to change too much, there is a chance Republicans could cut into Democratic supermajorities. Here are some local races: 48th Senate District: Incumbent Sen. Doris Turner, D-Springfield is running against state Rep. Sandy Hamilton, R-Springfield. Both have spent thousands covering the airwaves with tough ads attacking each other on issues relating to corruption and abortion. Incumbent Republican Sens. Steve McClure, R-Springfield and Sally Turner, R-Lincoln, are each running unopposed in the 54th and 44th districts, respectively. Illinois State Senate:The Illinois 48th District Senate race gets heated as candidates lob attack advertising 96th House District: The only competitive House race in the area, incumbent Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, has been challenged by Republican Lisa Smith of Mount Auburn, a pediatric nurse. Incumbent Republican Reps. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, and C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, are running unopposed in the 95th and 100th districts, respectively. Bill Hauter, a Tazewell County-based nurse practicioner and former Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, R-Morrisonville, are also running unopposed in the 87th and 108th districts. Illinois election 2022:Where the 96th House district candidates stand on abortion, crime At the county level, the race for treasurer is the only contested one on the ballot, with incumbent Republican Joe Aiello facing a challenge from Democrat Daniel Pittman, a former Marine. Sangamon County election:Incumbent Joe Aiello faces newcomer Daniel Pittman in race for treasurer The offices of county clerk and sheriff are each on the ballot this year, with both incumbents Republicans Don Gray and Jack Campbell running unopposed. The county board will have all 29 districts on the ballot this year, with 10 having contested races. Those districts are as follows: District 10: Republican Paul Truax tries seeks a full term against Democrat Chrisandra Brown in a district on the north side of Springfield. Sangamon County board:Truax faces Brown in north-end fight for full term on county board District 12: Longtime Republican incumbent Linda Fulgenzi faces Democratic challenger Marc Ayers. District 12 race:Incumbent Sangamon County board member Fulgenzi faces Ayers in District 12 race District 13: Republican incumbent Brad Miller tries for a third term in this seat on the south side of Springfield against Democrat Mikaelah Curry. District 13 race:Newcomer Curry, incumbent Miller square off in Sangamon County District 13 race District 17: Republican incumbent Annette Fulgenzi tries for a third term in this north-side district against Democrat Aaron Tebrinke. District 17 race:Newcomer challenges incumbent in District 17 county board race District 19: Democratic incumbent Vera Small looks to retain this east-side district against Republican Alice Ramey. District 19 race:Incumbent Small faces challenger Ramey in District 19 county board race District 24: Board Chair Andy Van Meter faces a challenge from his next-door neighbor, Democrat Maureen Duffy Bommarito. District 24 race:Incumbent county board chair Van Meter faces political newcomer Bommarito in District 24 District 25: Longtime Republican incumbent George Preckwinkle faces Democrat Krishna Brahmamdam. District 25 race:Meet Krishna Mohan Brahmamdam, Sangamon County Board District 25 candidate District 26: Republican incumbent John O'Neill tries to retain his Chatham-area seat against Democratic challenger Rusty Jones. District 26 race:Rusty Jones and John O'Neill in matchup to represent Sangamon County District 26 District 27: Republican incumbent Abe Forsyth seeks to remain on the board for another term against Democratic challenger Jon Hackler. District 29: Incumbent Republican Cathy Scaife faces Democratic challenger Kathy Johnson. District 29 race:It's 'Kathy vs. Cathy' in race for District 29 seat on Sangamon County Board Last, but not least, the Regional Office of Education #51 Superintendent office is on the ballot, with Republican incumbent Shannon Fehrholz going up against Democrat Jonnell Baskett, a former District 186 teacher and principal. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois elections 2022: Everything to know on Election Day Democrat John Fetterman beat Republican Mehmet Oz in a face-off for a US Senate seat in Pennsylvania. Fetterman is the state's lieutenant governor and Oz is a celebrity doctor and first-time candidate. Pennsylvania is a battleground state that Biden won by 1.2 percentage points in 2020. Democrat John Fetterman defeated Republican Mehmet Oz for a US Senate seat in Pennsylvania. 2022 General Embeds Pennsylvania US Senate candidates Fetterman and Oz faced off to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey in a battleground race critical to both parties' fortunes in the US Senate and a seat Democrats are aiming to flip back from Republican control. Fetterman has served as Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor since 2018 and was previously the mayor of Braddock, a borough in the western part of the state. Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon, rose to prominence as a celebrity doctor thanks to exposure from Oprah Winfrey, and is best known for his work on television hosting the "Dr. Oz Show." Fetterman, a progressive, centered his campaign around being a reliable 51st vote for Democratic priorities in the Senate. Like many Democrats running nationwide, he heavily advocated for enshrining abortion rights into federal law after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. He also supports changing the current filibuster rules to ease the passage of Democratic-led legislation and strongly supports marijuana legalization, even pushing President Joe Biden to decriminalize marijuana. Fetterman's campaign also slammed Oz on social media for living in New Jersey for much of his adult life and career. Meanwhile, Oz hammered Fetterman for his policy positions and sought to tie him to Biden's low public approval ratings. Oz, similiar to many Republicans, focused his platform on issues like the economy and crime. Fetterman's health was also been a major focal point of the race as the candidate recovers from a stroke in May. Oz's campaign pressured Fetterman, who has had auditory processing difficulties, to release more medical information about his condition. Fetterman released a recent doctor's note that said the candidate "is recovering well from his stroke and his health has continued to improve." Story continues Voting history in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania is a competitive swing state that backed former President Donald Trump by 1.2 percentage points in the 2016 presidential election before flipping to support Biden by 1.2 percentage points in the 2020 election. In the Senate, incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey defeated his GOP opponent Lou Barletta by 13 percentage points in 2018, a Democratic wave year. Toomey, meanwhile, defeated his final Democratic opponent, Katie McGinty, by just 1.5 percentage points in 2016. The money race This race will certainly stand as one of the most expensive 2022 midterm races in the nation. According to OpenSecrets, Fetterman raised $56.7 million, spent $52.1 million, and had about $4.5 million in cash on hand, as of October 19. Oz raised $40.4 million, spent $37.7 million, and had $2.6 million in cash on hand, as of October 19. Oz personally accounts for the majority of the money his campaign has raised. Meanwhile, super PACs, national party committees, politically active nonprofits, and other non-candidate groups have spent more than $240 million combined in the race as of November 7, including the primaries. What experts said The race between Fetterman and Oz was rated as a "toss-up" by Inside Elections and 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 Portrait of British musician John Lennon (1940 - 1980) (center) and his wife, artist and musician Yoko Ono (extreme left) as they attend an unspecified rally in Hyde Park, London, England, 1975. Rowland Scherman/Getty John Lennon Mark David Chapman said that he killed John Lennon because he "wanted to be somebody and nothing was going to stop that." The killer, 67 who was up for parole in August and denied for the 12th time reportedly told New York state officials during his hearing that he knew that killing the legendary Beatles co-frontman was wrong, according to a transcript released to the Associated Press on Monday. "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." He continued, "This was evil in my heart. I wanted to be somebody and nothing was going to stop that." RELATED: Let It Be Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg's Words of Wisdom on His Misunderstood Beatles Documentary Chapman gunned down Lennon, 40, outside The Dakota apartment building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on Dec. 8, 1980. The two had crossed paths earlier in the day when Chapman had obtained the musician's autograph on a copy of his recently released album, Double Fantasy, per the AP. Chapman bought the gun three months before the shooting and then traveled to New York City from Hawaii to carry out the crime. He was denied parole for the 11th time in 2020. In the years since his tragic death, Lennon has retained icon status in the music industry, and is often remembered by his family members and his former bandmates. At the Aug. 31 hearing, Chapman did allow that his actions carried significant consequences. "I hurt a lot of people all over the place and if somebody wants to hate me, that's OK, I get it," he said. This Jan. 31, 2018 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. Chapman has been denied parole for a 12th time, New York corrections officials said AP/Shutterstock Mark David Chapman Parole board members denied his release due to a "selfish disregard for human life of global consequence." He will go before the board for a 13th time in February 2024, NBC News reported. Story continues RELATED: Yoko Ono Marks 41st Anniversary of John Lennon's Death with Stark Gun Violence Statistic Chapman is serving a 20-year-to-life sentence at Green Haven Correctional Facility in New York's Hudson Valley. In recent years, Yoko Ono, 89, has paid tribute to her late husband on social media by sharing gun violence statistics. Over 1.5 million people have been killed by guns in the U.S.A. since John Lennon was shot and killed on December 8, 1980. pic.twitter.com/v4asbHkz1N Yoko Ono (@yokoono) December 8, 2021 Last December, on the 41st anniversary of his death, she offered a stark statistic. 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. "Over 1.5 million people have been killed by guns in the U.S.A. since John Lennon was shot and killed on December 8, 1980," Ono wrote. Governor Andy Beshear speaks after touring the Eastern Kentucky region devastated by floods resulting in multiple deaths and loss of property on June 29, 2022. Kentucky is launching a program to have jobs lined up for people leaving prison in an effort to meet employer demands for workers and give ex-offenders a better chance at succeeding in the workplace. Called the "Prison to Work Pipeline," the program will connect inmates with potential employers through virtual interviews so that they can leave prison or jail with a job already waiting. Gov. Andy Beshear announced the program Monday at a news conference, joined by Ashli Watts, CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, which will work to recruit prospective employers willing to hire such individuals. "Folks, 95% of the state's inmate population will be released from incarceration at some point," Beshear said. "To keep our communities safer and reduce the chance of some returning to prison, we need to ensure there is a good-paying job for the best possibility of success." For subscribers:Here's who is spending the most lobbying the Beshear administration Kentucky has about 10,240 state inmates in its 13 prisons and another 9,600 housed in 18 county jails. With unemployment at a record low of 3.9% and the baby boomer generation retiring, Beshear said the state needs many more workers as it continues to add new jobs, 80,000 in the past 12 months. Watts said the Chamber of Commerce wants to expand workforce participation at a time when Kentucky has about 160,000 jobs open but only about 80,000 people actively seeking employment. The chamber already has about 1,000 of its members helping provide "second chance" employment to former inmates and is seeking to recruit more, Watts said. "We really need to make sure every Kentuckian who wants to work is able to do so," Watts said. Kentucky's workforce participation rate currently is about 58%, she said. Beshear, at the news conference, highlighted one employer, Florida Tile, of Lawrenceburg, which is participating in the program and recently hired Bobby Newberry as a senior order processor. In a video, Newberry said he got the job after obtaining his GED while in prison and participating in a pilot of the Prison to Work Pipeline at the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in Oldham County. Story continues He described the program as "awesome" and encouraged others still incarcerated to sign up for it as soon as it becomes available. "They'll help you," Newberry said. Read alsoUniversity of Louisville's interim president is out of the running for the permanent job The project also is available at the Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women and will be expanded statewide in 2023. Kassandra Lutter, a human resources official with Florida Tile, said the project is about more than hiring a former inmate. "It's not just about giving them a job," she said. "It's giving them a chance to remake their lives." The state also is offering a new virtual job skills program to help incarcerated people better understand the demands of the workplace and how to respond to potential employers in interviews. Kerry Harvey, the state's Justice and Public Safety Secretary, said the Corrections Department has long offered educational and job training. But the new project is meant to improve outcomes by having employment ready for an inmate upon release. "The goal is to have inmates have a job offer and be ready to start to work the day they walk out of the gate," he said. More information is available through the Corrections Department or the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Contact reporter Deborah Yetter at dyetter@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @d_yetter. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 'Prison to Work' plan aims to bolster Kentucky workforce In 2019 Governor Andy Beshear won the governor's race by less than 5,000 votes. In 2015 Matt Bevin won the republican nomination for governor by less than 100 votes. Census data shows that Kentucky had 30,000 Latin/Hispanic registered voters in 2020. A number big enough to have swung the Beshear and/or Bevin elections in a different direction. And yet, 30,000 registered Latin/Hispanic voters represent only 50% of eligible Latin Hispanic voters. That is a very concerning statistic for us in the Latin/Hispanic community, but it should be concerning to every Kentuckian. Why? First, the Latin/Hispanic population grew by 233% in Kentucky between 2000 and 2020. In some Kentucky cities, like Shelbyville, the percentage of the population that is Latin/Hispanic is as high as 15% - with nearly 200,000 Latin/Hispanic people in the state. More:Louisville Hispanic community 'hungry for representation' with few candidates on ballot Second, that means that the segment of our population with the most growth and one that has much to offer economically, culturally and otherwise is not as civically engaged as it could be. Many of us in the Latin/Hispanic community have advanced degrees, with experience in high-demand fields like health care, construction, technology and manufacturing that could help our state be more competitive in a quickly changing national and global landscape. For all the value we add and even more value we could bring, we want and deserve to be part of shaping our shared trajectory - for the benefit of our Latin/Hispanic community, our region and our state. That is why a group of us in the Latin/Hispanic community have come together to form a new effort we are calling Nueva Fuerza (which means New Force) that is focused on achieving two things: Growing civic engagement in the Latin/Hispanic community, and Elevating the Latin/Hispanic voice to have more impact in Kentucky elections. Just as Kentucky is tired of being treated as fly over country by national politicians, we in the Latin/Hispanic community are done with being treated as an afterthought by Kentucky politicians. When we see campaigns hire junior staff to engage the Latin/Hispanic community, whereas other demographics get veteran political operators and tacticians, it makes it clear that we are not a priority. Story continues But we are not waiting for things to change on their own. No, we are rolling up our sleeves and getting to work through Nueva Fuerza - taking a multi-pronged approach that will include things like educating our community on civic engagement, connecting with elected leaders, doing voter registration drives, partnering with nonprofits that serve Latin/Hispanics and helping to prepare folks to run for office. More:How a trip 67 years ago created 'the most Cuban corner of the state' in Shively We want to see folks in office who represent the growing Latin/Hispanic community in Kentucky. That is why Danny Alvarezs campaign meant so much to us; Danny not only represented hope for the future, but the potential that our community has when it exercises its right to vote. We see this same potential in other Latin/Hispanic candidates and an opportunity to continue Dannys legacy. And when we say educate our community, we really mean to accompany them because all of us in Nueva Fuerza are all learning, too. Learning, for example, that it's not just about knowing who to vote for but also understanding ballot initiatives, going to city council and school board meetings, meeting your elected officials and encouraging your friends and family to vote. One of our earliest aspirations is to have a cohort of three to five Latin/Hispanic folks run for office together for different elected positions in 2024, so they can support one another, inspire others to run and also show our region that many of us in the Latin/Hispanic community are ready to raise our hand and play a leadership role. Our ultimate vision at Nueva Fuerza is to see a day when every member in the Latin/Hispanic community is civically engaged and our voice has an impact on every election. We pursue this vision because we believe that our Greater Louisville region can be even more economically and culturally vibrant when our Latin/Hispanic community is civically engaged and when we can contribute our shared wisdom to decision making. Indeed, we believe, and ask that you join us in believing, that what is good for the Latin/Hispanic community is good for our entire region. A more just equitable world that benefits all of us. We all do better when all do better. Nueva Fuerza is a collective of local citizens, both U.S.-born and Naturalized, with backgrounds from all over the Latin American world - Peru, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guatemala, Panama, and others - and work in government, for-profit, and non-profit sectors at many of the biggest and most influential companies/organizations in our region. We are accompanied by allies who also believe that representation matters and adds to the strength and resilience of our state. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Elections: Louisville Latin community wants more political engagement To honor veterans, the Bismarck School District is hosting an assembly on Friday starting at 9 a.m. in the high school gym. Prior to the assembly, the district will host a biscuits and gravy breakfast for veterans at 8 a.m. The assembly will feature guest speaker Joe Snyder, a former teacher who served in the Marine Corps from 1963 to 1967. Snyder was deployed to Vietnam in 1966 as a flamethrower operator, and reached the rank of Corporal E4. Before heading to Vietnam, Snyder spent time in Japan training in Okinawa and the Philippines. Brandon Peck, a history teacher, said there will be a photo booth available for veterans to take family photos. The photo booth is provided by Arrow Publications, and will be available before and after the assembly. Second graders will be leading the Pledge of Allegiance while the high school band will be playing the salute to the Armed Forces. High school and middle school students will be performing during the assembly. Peck said the district wanted to show appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made, and providing breakfast and photo booths allow the veterans to spend time with family. While our small token of appreciation will never match the sacrifices of our veterans, it is our obligation, as a society, to strive for that each day, said Peck. The Missouri NAACP sent a cease and desist letter to Legal Missouri 2022 on Tuesday, asking the organization to remove the NAACP's name and emblem from any advertisement, presentation and the website. Legal Missouri 2022 is the organization backing Amendment 3, which proposes the legalization of recreational, adult-use marijuana and the expungement of some nonviolent marijuana-related offenses. The cease and desist letter states that Legal Missouri 2022 is prohibited from using the name of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP or any member units, including the Columbia, St. Louis County and St. Louis City branches, in advertisements without consent. As of Thursday, these branches remained listed under Legal Missouri 2022's partners and endorsements on the campaign website. The News-Leader reached out to all three branches but was unable to connect with any spokespersons by press deadline. More:Here's why Greene County's prosecutor, sheriff oppose recreational marijuana in Missouri "Since day one of this campaign, local NAACP leaders have helped draft Amendment 3, which is why it's one of the most significant Missouri criminal justice reform measures in decades," Legal Missouri 2022 Campaign Manager John Payne told the News-Leader on Thursday. "In fact, once passed, Missouri will be the first state in the country to automatically expunge past nonviolent marijuana offenses by a vote of the people." Payne added that Legal Missouri 2022 will be adding members of Missouri's Legislative Black Caucus to the campaign's list of endorsements on Friday. Legal Missouri 2022 Advisory Board Chair Dan Viets is a NAACP member who helped draft Amendment 3. He described the cease and desist letter as "bogus" and "meaningless." "(The letter) is a ridiculous publicity stunt," he told the News-Leader. "(The Missouri NAACP) needs to resolve their internal disputes." Story continues In early October, the Missouri NAACP came out against Amendment 3, despite a few NAACP chapters in the St. Louis area saying they supported Amendment 3, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Two weeks ago, the Missouri State Highway Patrol sent a cease and desist letter to Legal Missouri 2022 for using videos which displayed a uniformed person riding a motorcycle and also getting in and out of a vehicle. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri NAACP sends cease and desist letter to Legal Missouri 2022 Westend61/Getty Images A restaurant in Oregon said it would fire servers who didn't surrender their cash tips, a DOL investigation found. The restaurant said it instead gave staff more reliable earnings by paying twice the minimum wage. Cooks also weren't paid overtime wages, per the DOL. The restaurant was ordered to pay $375,000 to affected workers. A sushi restaurant in Oregon threatened to fire servers who didn't surrender their cash tips, an investigation by the Department of Labor found. The DOL's Wage and Hour Division found that Bonsai Teriyaki and Sushi in Medford, southwest Oregon, had collected and withheld cash and credit card tips earned by seven servers, and "warned them they'd be fired if they failed to surrender cash tips." This violated the Fair Labor Standards Act, which stipulates that employers are not allowed to keep staff tips "under any circumstances." In addition, Bonsai Teriyaki and Sushi failed to pay overtime wages to four cooks and sushi chefs, the DOL said. The restaurant was ordered to pay a total of $375,233 in back wages and liquidated damages to the 11 affected workers, alongside paying a fine of just over $5,000. Each affected employee is set to get between $16,000 and $93,000, the DOL said. The restaurant said in a Facebook post on Friday that it paid staff twice the average hourly minimum wage, which it said gave staff reliable earnings rather than "variable tip income" and enabled them to qualify for cars loans, home loans, and approval for apartments. It said it had also provided these wages during the pandemic, when it could only offer takeout and thus few customers left tips. Bonsai Teriyaki and Sushi said that it had accepted the DOL's findings and was now in "full compliance." "Because of the change to minimum wage plus tip we have lost a number of long-term employees who were better served and preferred the higher flat rate wage in lieu of the tips," it said. The restaurant added that it had "always" paid overtime wages, but that some of the time cards had been destroyed. 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. Even as folks drive past lingering Halloween decorations and prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving Day feast, Mother Nature has a friendly reminder: We're still in hurricane season despite leaves falling off the trees and most of North Carolina having experienced its first freeze. Officials are warning residents of Eastern North Carolina, especially those who live at the coast, to prepare for heavy rains and winds later this week after the National Hurricane Center early Monday upgraded a weather system east of the Bahamas to Subtropical Storm Nicole. The system is expected to strengthen to a tropical storm, with sustained winds over 39 mph, before strengthening even more into a hurricane and striking the northern Bahamas. According to the current models, Nicole will then rip across the midsection of Florida as a strong tropical storm or weak hurricane on Thursday before reemerging into the Gulf of Mexico. That's when things could get interesting for residents of the Southeastern U.S., including North Carolina, heading into the weekend. The current forecast is calling for Nicole to loop back around and hit the Florida panhandle before heading toward coastal Georgia and the Carolinas. Subtropical Storm Nicole:What we can expect along the NC coast Super storms?:In a warming world, 'Cat 6' hurricanes could soon be coming to a coast near you But the storm already has a large footprint, and the National Hurricane Center is forecasting "widespread impacts from a prolonged period of coastal flooding, tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rainfall, rough surf, rip currents and beach erosion" for much of the Southeastern U.S. coast. A satellite picture of Subtropical Storm Nicole, east of the Bahamas, as of Monday morning. Corey Davis, the state's assistant climatologist, said Nicole promises to be a big storm with big impacts, no matter where it goes. "This is definitely the sort of storm where we shouldn't focus much on the exact track, because it will have impacts far from the center," he said, noting the flooding 2020's Tropical Storm Eta brought to the Tar Heel State even though it made landfall in Florida. Story continues 'Imply increasingly active seasons' So is a tropical system hitting the U.S. mainland in November unusual? Davis said while not common, it isn't rare, either. "Since 1967, which corresponds to the beginning of the modern satellite era in which we've had more comprehensive monitoring of tropical systems, 34 tropical storms have formed in the Atlantic during the month of November," he said via email. "So it's not something we see every year, but it's also not particularly uncommon either. By comparison, there have been 44 tropical storms to form in June over that same 56-year period, so November storms are only slightly less common." Wind gusts exceeding 40 mph blow through Naples as Hurricane Eta moves through the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. One reason we see fall storms is because the ocean, like a battery charged by the summer sun for months, retains heat for long periods. "Even though we've already had our first freeze of the season across most of North Carolina, the sea surface temperatures in the heart of the Gulf Stream not far off our coast are still around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is still warm enough to support tropical development," Davis said. As ocean heat content continues to increase due to climate change, that could provide the petri dish for more frequent or even more intense storms later in hurricane season, which runs June 1 through November. Dr. Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University, said La Nina conditions, which are expected to continue through Christmas, generally mean more storm activity tending to extend into late fall. "The same statistical model weve used so successfully to predict seasonal storm totals shows that both warming and La Nina conditions lead to more active seasons," he said via email. "We have published other work suggesting that the future will not only be warmer but also more La Nina-like in character, which would imply increasingly active seasons." Historical November TS/hurricane landfalls. If La Nina does continue through winter 2022 as predicted, it would represent this century's first "triple dip" event spanning three consecutive northern hemisphere winters, according to the World Meteorological Organization. La Nina usually brings warmer temperatures and drier than normal conditions to the Southeastern U.S. With most climatologists predicting a warmer future to mean more frequent and potentially stronger tropical systems in coming years, should the start and end dates of hurricane season be tweaked? Between 2015 and 2021, a named storm formed in the Atlantic every year prior to the "official" June 1 start of hurricane season. But the bulk of storm activity still occurs in August and September. Davis said atmospheric conditions are also generally less conducive for storm formation in the fall, including the southern dip of the jet stream in the northern hemisphere as the weather cools. Sand castles?:North Topsail is getting millions for beach nourishment. How long will the sand last? Water woes:Could it take a hurricane to pull Eastern NC out of its stubborn drought? Mann, however, said climate change has the potential to upend many atmospheric norms, and we're already seeing storms form outside the usual window. "Ive always felt that both the beginning and ending boundaries are artificial since theyre not really tied to anything physical about the climate system," he said. "It is possible, as weve seen in many instances, to have storms in nearly every month of the year, so its time to adopt a definition that is more tied to the real world." Back in drought If Nicole as expected does arrive in North Carolina, at least one of the storm's impacts will likely be welcomed. Most of the state is in drought or abnormally dry after an exceedingly dry October, which saw Wilmington record less than 0.6 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service. For 2022, the Port City is 16.5 inches below normal precipitation levels. The dry spell, which follows a nine-month-long drought across much of Eastern North Carolina which only ended in early summer, has prompted the U.S. Drought Monitor to declare nearly 84 percent of North Carolina as abnormally dry or in moderate drought with a pocket near the Tennessee border classified as in severe drought. In the state's coastal plain, all of New Hanover County and most of Brunswick, Pender, Duplin and Onslow counties are in moderate drought. Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at GMcGrath@Gannett.com or @GarethMcGrathSN on Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from 1Earth Fund and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: North Carolina residents told to prepare as Nicole forms diptych of Democrat Senate candidates Cheri Beasley and Val Demings Cheri Beasley, Democratic Senate candidate in North Carolina, left; and Rep. Val Demings of Florida Credit - Melissa Sue GerritsGetty Images; Joe RaedleGetty Images When Quentin James saw a chart tallying some of his partys Senate spending this year, he was dismayed. The chart listed the combined spending of the Democratic Senate campaign armthe Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC)and the Senate Majority PAC, which is affiliated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. It included spending in six battleground races through the end of September. James noticed the long blue bar dominating the top of the graph, representing the money spent to support John Fetterman, the Democrats nominee locked in one of the most high-profile races in the country in Pennsylvania. Another observation stood out: The two candidates at the bottom of the chartRep. Val Demings and Cheri Beasleywere both Black women. We understand there have to be decisions made to maximize resources, says James, the founder and president of The Collective PAC, which works to elect Black Democratic candidates. But it just seems as though Black candidates, Black woman candidates, always get the short end of the stick. Beasley and Demings are both running for Senate in states Donald Trump won twice: North Carolina and Florida. If either wins, they will be the first Black senator from their state. But as Election Day approaches, they both look like underdogs, leading some to suggest that the Democratic Party should have done more to support its Black women candidates. The DSCC says the chart James saw provides an incomplete picture of its spending. Outside of direct contributions, the committee has fundraised for Beasley and Demings through events and emails. And James says he later learned more about spending by the Senate Majority PAC in North Carolina that wasnt included on the graphic, making him more comfortable with its investment in Beasleys race. Nonetheless, he and others remain frustrated about the partys efforts on behalf of female Black candidates on the whole. Story continues Both Beasley and Demings quickly cleared their primary fields, but faced early pessimism about the viability of their candidacies. Throughout the year, they have managed to remain within striking distance of their opponents thanks to what Democrats widely regard as sparkling biographies and strong campaigns. Beasley, previously chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, lost her bid to keep that post in 2020 by fewer than 500 votes, and previously won two statewide elections. Demings, a former Orlando police chief who was on President Bidens V.P. shortlist, has made the Florida Senate contest surprisingly competitive. Both campaigns have posted eye-popping fundraising numbers. According to FEC records, Demings raised more than $70 million for her Senate bid as of mid-October, while her opponent, Sen. Marco Rubio, raised slightly more than half of that. In North Carolina, Beasley raised $34 million; her opponent, Rep. Ted Budd, brought in about a third of that. Both women have proven that Black women candidates are more than just viable in swing states or those trending red; they can be among the partys strongest. We know that candidates of color and especially Black women are competitive at the highest level, said Jessica Knight Henry, the DSCCs deputy executive director and chief diversity and inclusion officer, in a statement to TIME.The strength of these candidates and Democrats commitment to their campaigns has put Republicans on defense across the Senate map, and helped position Democrats to protect and expand our Senate majority. But with days to go until Election Day, both races remain Republicans to lose. Demings has trailed Rubio in nearly every public poll, often by more than a couple points. Beasleys race appears much closera poll conducted this week found her running neck-and-neck with Republican nominee Ted Buddbut she has trailed in most recent surveys as well. Black leaders argue that the polls have been wrong before. But they also warn that if both women lose next week, the Democratic Party will face a reckoning. The Democratic Party has an opportunity to help them get over the hurdle, says Rashad Robinson, a spokesman for the Color of Change PAC. Further adding to the criticism is the case of Georgia, which Democrats managed to flip in 2020, providing Biden with the electoral votes he needed to become President and electing Democrats in two pivotal Senate runoff elections. The work of activists like Stacey Abrams, who is now making her second bid for governor, and other Black women in registering and turning out Black voters was widely seen as central to the state turning blue. Robinson says the Democratic Party takes Black women for granted, repeatedly asking them to vote and raise their voices, but then be excluded from opportunities to actually lead. The Democratic Party has to understand that Black folks, Black women are not going to be okay simply being the foot soldiers to drive white candidates into power, he says. The lack of money has been whats most discouraging for Black leaders. With some of the partys mega-donors largely sitting out the midterms and Democratic Senate incumbents facing difficult races in Nevada and Georgia, other priorities have eclipsed the races where Black women are running. Still, despite the scarcity, groups affiliated with the party have invested millions in North Carolina. EMILYs list, an abortion rights group that backs female candidates, poured in almost three million dollars in September. An SMP spokesperson shared that the PAC has spent more than $22 million in total in North Carolina, including $15 million on TV, starting with a seven-figure ad in May countering a Republican attack. The investment continued with more than eight million dollars in the final month of the campaign. There has been no comparable spending in Florida. The Miami Herald reported last month on the frustrations of some strategists who believed that a cash influx could have helped Demings close the gap thereespecially in August, when Democrats prospects looked rosier and more outside groups were considering investing. It never materialized. If Beasley and Demings lose, Democrats will have to grapple with why, and what might make a difference for Black women who hope to make history in future elections. The same is true in the Georgia governors race, although few suggest more money would make a difference there. Abrams and her leadership committee alone have brought in over $100 million. The Democratic Governors Association was her largest donor this year, contributing nearly six million dollars. But Abrams is still trailing in the polls. Black leaders feel that she deserved moreif not money, then belief. While Abrams has often faced harsher media coverage than her fellow Georgia Democrat, Senator Raphael Warnock, much of the chatter about Georgia in Democratic circles has focused on the Senate contest. Its a feedback loop; the polls drive interest, which drive the polls. In the final weeks of the campaign, Abrams has drawn big name supporters including former President Barack Obama and First Lady Jill Biden. But in the eyes of some who have been watching her campaign for months, the effort feels half-hearted, especially in light of Democratic leaders for years hailing Black women as the backbone of the party. The party raises money from individuals, says Glynda Carr, co-Founder and president of Higher Heights, which works to grow Black womens political power. There are thought leaders, stakeholders, and partners that helped create the echo chamber around where were going to make decisions. You cant go, Oh, the [Democratic National Committee] didnt do this, the [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] didnt do this. That is all interconnected. That interconnectedness makes it difficult to say who should be held accountable if all three candidates come up short this year. Abrams and Demings campaigns declined to comment for this story. Beasleys campaign did not respond to requests for comment about whether the party had done enough to support her. She did address the question while speaking to reporters in early October, after five polls found her even with, or within one point of, Budd. I feel really good about the support were seeing nationally and here in North Carolina, she said. Secretary of the National security and defence council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov, Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov and the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hold a press conference in Kyiv on Nov. 7, 2022. Secretary of the National security and defence council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov, Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov and the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hold a press conference in Kyiv on Nov. 7, 2022. Credit - Sergei SupinskyAFP/Getty Images As Russian missiles and airstrikes rain down on Ukrainedamaging up to 40% of the its infrastructure in the past monththe country may soon be able to better defend against the growing barrage of attacks thanks to new weapons deliveries from Western allies. On Monday, Ukraine received its first NASAMS air defense systems from the U.S. and Aspide units from Spain. As the military assistance packages arrived, Oleksiy Reznikov, Ukraines defense minister, tweeted: 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. Mondays deliveries come weeks after Ukraine received its first of four Iris-T air defense systems from Germany, the first such advanced weaponry Kyiv received since the war began. More from TIME Last week, President Volodymyr Zelensky had asked the leaders of G7 nations for more help with air defense, following additional Russian missiles and airstrikes. Zelensky said they must do everything possible and impossible to protect the Ukrainian sky. Below, what to know about the new weapons systems, and why they matter. How do NASAMS defense systems and Aspide units work? NASAMS, or National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, are medium-range air defense systems that can identify, engage, and destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. They also protect valuable military assets or mass population centers. They detect the threat, identify that it is a threat-as opposed to an aircraft or something like that-then it would launch the missile, says Tom Karako, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tanks Missile Defense Project. Story continues NASAMS were developed in the 1990s by Raytheon, a U.S defense conglomerate, in tandem with Kongsberg, a Norwegian defense and aerospace firm. The systems have been deployed to protect Washington, D.C. from aerial threats since 2005. Meanwhile, Aspide is a medium-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile system. It was produced by Italian company Selenia in the 1970s, primarily for the Italian Armed Forces. In September, Spain trained 20 Ukrainian military personnel on how to use Aspide. In November, a further 400 Ukrainian soldiers will arrive in Spain to be trained at the Infantry Academy in Toledo. Its not just about the very specific characteristics of a particular missile or a particular system. But this is about adding to the overall Ukrainian capacity for defense, Karako says of the military assistance Ukraine is receiving. How can these defense systems protect Ukrainian infrastructure? While these systems are effective and reliable, Karako says the defended area covered by NASAMS and Aspides will be rather modest and a handful of launchers cant defend the whole of Ukraine. This means the systems are best placed to defend specific targets of elevated personal and financial value. What I would say is that every bit helps and air defense is one of Ukraines highest priorities for defense, and they need not merely more launchers but lots more rounds for them. This is what has held Russian air superiority at bay, says Karako. According to a report published on Monday by RUSI, a British security and defense think tank, Ukrainian air defenses are currently shooting down the majority of Iranian-made Shahed-136 kamikaze drones and around half of Russias cruise missiles by using surface-to-air missiles, fighter aircrafts with air-to-air missiles, portable rocket launchers known as MANPADS, and anti-aircraft guns. But enough drones and missiles have made it past Ukraines defenses to wreak havoc on the countrys infrastructure, leaving millions in blackouts without running water or electricity. If NATO member states continue to provide military assistance in the form of ammunition and launchers, Ukraine will be able to protect remaining electricity infrastructure and repair work, the report added. With rolling blackouts already affecting much of the country and the weather already getting cold, the urgency of these requirements is hard to overstate. But some Western nations have been cautious about providing Ukraine with such powerful weapons due to a fear of provoking President Vladimir Putin into drastic action. Read More: The Risk of Nuclear War is Now a Daily Issue for the Biden Administration What could happen if Ukraine loses control of its skies? The RUSI report concludes that Ukraines defenses have so far prevented Russia from razing cities to the level of destruction seen in Syria, after Putin formally intervened in the countrys civil war in 2015 to prop up the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Sergei Surovikinnicknamed General Armageddoncommands the war in Ukraine. He also oversaw Russias intense aerial bombardment of Syrian cities like Aleppo. But the RUSI report warned that Ukraine could run out of air defense weapons, and that continued supplies will be needed. The West must avoid complacency about the need to urgently bolster Ukrainian air-defence capacity, RUSIs report said. Vote stickers are seen at an early voting location in Atlanta, Fulton County. County election officials said that a mother and son who were working at a polling site in Johns Creek were fired after the discovery of concerning social media posts. (Photo: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Vote stickers are seen at an early voting location in Atlanta, Fulton County. County election officials said that a mother and son who were working at a polling site in Johns Creek were fired after the discovery of concerning social media posts. (Photo: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Two Atlanta-area polling workers were fired early Tuesday after election officials said they discovered a number of concerning social media posts by one of the workers ahead of the midterm elections. One post, which was seen by The Washington Post, appears to admit to participating in the 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The mother and son were removed from a Johns Creek voting site, located to the northeast of Atlanta, just before 7 a.m. after a fellow worker flagged the womans online behavior to Fulton County voting officials. People in the Georgia secretary of states office were made aware of her online activity as well, county officials said at a press conference. They also looked at the social media posts and said that they agreed with the concern, said Nadine Williams, the interim director of the countys Board of Registration and Elections, who declined to describe the posts content. You cannot take videos or take photos in an election so that is what brought it to our attention, she added. This decision is in alignment with our commitment to elections integrity, county spokeswoman Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez said in a statement to HuffPost. Laura Kronen told The Epoch Times that she was one of the fired poll workers. According to Kronen, she was told that she was removed because of recent posts she made on Twitter. The woman said she suspects the firing actually occurred because shes politically conservative, however. Im a conservative, I was a [former President Donald] Trump supporter, and I think that they did not want that there, she told the far-right website. According to a social media screenshot circulating online and the material seen by The Washington Post, Kronen who was not identified by the Post had spoken of being a proud participant in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Story continues I stood up for whats right today in Washington DC. This election was a sham, the post reads, echoing baseless claims from Trump and his followers that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. [Former Vice President] Mike Pence is a traitor. I was tear gassed FOUR times. I have pepper spray in my throat. I stormed the Capitol. ... And my children have had the best learning experience of their lives. The Johns Creek, Ga. woman said I stormed the Capitol building and that My children have had the best learning experience of their lives. She almost worked as a poll worker today until Fulton officials the secretary of state intervened. #gapolpic.twitter.com/Q4p7fvSR6X Matt Brown (@mrbrownsir) November 8, 2022 HuffPost could not independently validate the authenticity of the post. A woman identifying herself as Kronen initially agreed to speak with HuffPost but was then not immediately available for comment. A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment when reached by HuffPost about whether Kronen is part of the ongoing federal investigation into the 2021 violence or if she was at any point. The department instead pointed to current case materials published online and in federal court documents. A search for Kronens name did not return any cases. Last week, media outlets reported that three men who claimed to be former members of the far-right Proud Boys group were hired as poll workers in Floridas Miami-Dade County ahead of the midterm elections. One of the men was later placed on a standby list after the local elections department learned about his participation in the Capitol attack. A second man was also at the Capitol during the violence, though it was unclear whether he entered the building. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. Related... Election results are in around Kentucky. Keep up with the action with our updating results pages follow this link for results from Louisville, and follow this link for results from around Kentucky. Democrat Craig Greenberg has won the race to be Louisville's next mayor, while Morgan McGarvey is set to represent the city in the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Republican Rand Paul, meanwhile, won his race over Democrat Charles Booker to return to the U.S. Senate. We'll update this story throughout the day with more results and analysis. 4 p.m. Wednesday: Kentucky voters elect their first openly transgender public official, and Amendment 1's defeat is formally called Kentuckians in Berea elected the state's first-ever openly transgender official on Election Day: Rebecca Blankenship, who won a write-in campaign for the Berea school board. Blankenship is the executive director of Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky, a nonpartisan group advocating for the end of the scientifically discredited practice commonly known as "conversion therapy," which aims to change a person's sexual orientation or their gender identity and which involves substantial risks of harm for people subjected to it. There is an effort to get the legislature to pass a law that largely bans "conversion therapy." In other news, The Associated Press officially declared the defeat of Constitutional Amendment 1, which would've given the Republican-run state legislature the power to call itself into a special session and pass laws throughout the year. At 2 p.m. with 90% of the vote counted, the tally was 54% against the amendment versus 47% for the amendment. 11 a.m. Wednesday: Amendment 2 voted down Kentucky voters made their voice clear at the polls Tuesday, rejecting a proposed constitutional amendment that would have eliminated the right to an abortion in Kentucky. The Associated Press called the race Wednesday morning after about 86% of votes had been counted, with about 53% of voters against it and about 47% for it. Story continues Read more about the vote and reaction here. 10:35 p.m.: JCPS board members hang on to seats All four Jefferson County Public Schools' board members who were on the ballot this year Diane Porter, Linda Duncan, Corrie Shull and James Craig will serve four more years after winning their races. Other members re-elected to their positions in the county include Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell, who ran unopposed, and Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw. Holsclaw won her seventh term and is the only Republican elected to a countywide position. Click here to read more about Holsclaw's unprecedented seventh term, and click here for more on the JCPS board members. In another race of note, incumbent Circuit Court Judge Mary Shaw was defeated in her race by Tracy Evette Davis. Shaw has been in the news in recent years after facing scrutiny over approving the LMPD search warrant that led to the raid at Breonna Taylor's apartment in 2020. 9:55 p.m.: Dieruf concedes, Greenberg wins Louisville mayoral race Craig Greenberg has been voted into office to serve as Louisville's next mayor. Greenberg, a Democrat, defeated Republican candidate Bill Dieruf, who has served as mayor of Jeffersontown since 2010. Greenberg, who said he's honored and humbled to take the position, will replace Greg Fischer, who had been in office since 2011 and is serving out his third and final term. Check out more information about his win here. 9:30 p.m.: Shepherd wins Franklin Circuit Court judicial race Judge Phillip Shepherd will keep his seat with Franklin Circuit Court for another term, with The Associated Press reporting his win over Republican-backed challenger Joe Bilby. It was the most expensive circuit court race in Kentucky history, with more than $360,000 spent by two outside PACs on ads and total spending between the candidates and the PACs surpassing $1 million. Check out more information about the race. 8:56 p.m.: Massie and Guthrie win reelection bids Two U.S. representatives from Kentucky will be back in office in 2023. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican, has won his race against Democrat challenger Matthew Lehman and Indipendent challenge Ethan Osborne, according to The Associated Press, with Massie landing 61.3% of the votes after about 27% of votes had been counted. The Cincinnati Enquirer has more information about Massie's win. Republican incumbent Brett Guthrie will also be back in office, according to The Associated Press, after defeating Democrat challenger Hank Linderman. 8:50 p.m.: McGarvey to replace Yarmuth in Congress, AP says Morgan McGarvey is set to replace John Yarmuth in the U.S. House of Representatives. McGarvey, a Democrat, has defeated Republican challenger Stuart Ray, according to The Associated Press, which reported McGarvey landing 65.6% of the votes with 27% counted. McGarvey has been a state senator since 2013. Hell replace Yarmuth, who has served in U.S. Congress since 2007 but announced in October 2021 that he planned to retire at the end of his term. More information on McGarvey's win is available here. 8:45 p.m.: AP calls Congressional race for James Comer U.S. Rep James Comer, from Western Kentucky, is heading back to Washington, D.C., according to The Associated Press. Comer has been declared the winner in his race against Democratic challenger Jimmy Ausbrooks for the state's 1st Congressional District seat. Comer has been in office since 2016 and is expected to become chairman of the U.S. House Oversight Committee in January following the win. 8:25 p.m.: Another likely term for Indiana Sen. Todd Young Just as he's finishing his first term as a senator, Indiana Republican Todd Young is being projected by ABC, CBS and NBC to win his race, beating Democrat Thomas McDermott Jr. and Libertarian James Sceniak. IndyStar has more information about Young's projected win. In Kentucky, meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr is expected to return to Congress after the Republican incumbent was projected to defeat Democrat challenger Geoff Young. 7:30 p.m.: AP calls Congressional race for Hal Rogers Hal Rogers will return to office after winning reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, according to The Associated Press, which called his race against Democrat challenger Conor Halbleib. With nearly 16% of votes counted as of 7:30 p.m., Rogers had landed 79.3% of the vote. 7:20 p.m.: AP calls Senate race for Rand Paul U.S. Sen. Rand Paul will remain in office for six more years, according to The Associated Press, which has called him the winner against Democrat challenger Charles Booker. The race was called relatively early in the evening. Booker would have not only been the state's first Black senator but the first Democratic senator elected in Kentucky since 1992. Read more here. 6:38 p.m.: Long lines in Oldham County Several voters took to Twitter and others reached out to The Courier Journal to report long lines throughout the day at a number of polling locations in Oldham County, which neighbors Louisville. Lines outside multiple polling locations in Oldham County were shown in Twitter posts stretching outside the venues. Posts as early as 10:40 a.m. reported issues with lengthy lines, and one voter who contacted The Courier Journal reported a line with hundreds of people at South Oldham Middle School after 5:30 p.m. I have never waited in line to vote in Oldham County. Midterms, especially. (Still a hallway to go down once inside). Wild times were living in. pic.twitter.com/ufJ06wQre2 Jen Bryant (@jenmooreKY) November 8, 2022 Oldham County Clerk Amy Alvey was not immediately available for comment when The Courier Journal reached out. Lengthy lines were also reported at several locations in Bullitt County, south of Louisville. 6 p.m.: Polls close in Louisville Polling locations in Louisville closed at 6 p.m., though voters who are in line at that time will be allowed to cast their ballot. Polling locations in Western Kentucky under Central Time Zone will be able to vote until 6 p.m. local time as well. The Courier Journal will provide results from races as they roll in with updating numbers from around the state. 5:25 P.M. Bullitt County Clerk: "I anticipated strong turnout. I didn't anticipate this much." Two polling locations in Bullitt County, Paroquet Springs and Eastside, are experiencing "longer lines" than others in the area, the local Board of Elections confirmed as the 6 p.m. voting deadline approached. County Clerk Kevin Mooney said he delivered extra scanners throughout the day to the two locations, as well as Zone Middle School. A third scanner was added at Zone, a fourth at Paroquet and two scanners were added at Eastside for a total of five. However, the fifth scanner did not work. "We're having problems with that one," Mooney told The Courier Journal Tuesday afternoon. "The fifth wouldn't power up." "We've brought every piece of equipment in the county in," he said, "We even borrowed two from Hardin County." The scanner that wouldn't power up was from Hardin County. Mooney said Eastside and Paroquet received "incredibly good turnout," which contributed to the long lines. "I didn't anticipate this much," he said. "I anticipated strong turnout. I did not anticipate this much." Mooney said he heard some voters say they waited two hours and others say they waited 30 minutes. "The voters are remarkably patient," Mooney said. "They see all the poll workers are working as hard as they can work." Mooney said the county brought in additional workers today to help voters with the check-in process. Bullitt County had also received 1,101 absentee ballots by 5:25 p.m., Mooney said. 5 p.m.: One hour until polls close Polls close at 6 p.m., a deadline drawing closer and closer. The line was still moving smoothly at the Beechmont Community Center, one of dozens of polling locations around Jefferson County. Carolyn Van Zant, 74, has lived in Louisville for 11 years, was among those filing through in the final few hours. She came out to support Booker as well, she said, and believes democracy is on the ballot this election. She wasn't sure if she'd watch later that night as results rolled in: I dont know if I can tolerate it. 4:21 p.m.: Two polling sites experiencing longer lines in Bullitt County Two polling locations in Bullitt County are experiencing "longer lines" than others in the area, the local Board of Elections confirmed. Voters at Paroquet Springs and Eastside may be in for a wait, according to the Board of Elections, which would not estimate how long lines may be. A reason for the long lines was not given, but a board spokesperson said County Clerk Kevin Mooney was at one of the sites delivering scanners. This post will be updated when more information is made available. 4:15 p.m.: LMPD says it investigated threats against Congressional candidate Stuart Ray Stuart Ray, a Republican candidate vying for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, said law enforcement in Louisville investigated a threat against his family in the days leading up to the election, and said his campaign manager received a "hate filled homophobic threat" Tuesday morning. In a statement released after he voted in Anchorage, Ray, who is running against Democrat Morgan McGarvey, said Louisville Metro Police officers were called Saturday after his family was threatened in a reply to a text. The possible threat has since been "contained," he said, thanking LMPD and the FBI for their response. Stuart Rays team says the KY-3 candidate got a threat on Nov. 5, and then his campaign manager got one today. Full release: pic.twitter.com/ti56RQOb1K Olivia Krauth (@oliviakrauth) November 8, 2022 Additionally, Ray said in the statement, his campaign manager Michael Frazier, a "state-known LGBTQ/Student Rights Advocate," was threatened Tuesday in a message sent from "what appears to be a dummy Facebook account." Ray's campaign's information technology department is attempting to contact the person behind the account, he said. LMPD confirmed it had looked into the case. In an email to The Courier Journal, department spokesperson Beth Ruoff said LMPD's homeland security unit investigated and "determined there is currently no imminent threat to life." Eighth Division detectives are following up with offices of the Jefferson County Attorney and Commonwealth's Attorney to determine the next steps, Ruoff said. In a separate email, an FBI spokesperson said the agency had worked with LMPD in the investigation and found it not to warrant federal prosecution. 3:45 p.m.: Amendment 2 draws voters to polls Alexis Merritt is a registered Independent who said one key issue drew her to the Beechmont Community Center to vote Tuesday: Amendment 2, which would amend the state constitution to reflect there is no right to an abortion in Kentucky. The 38-year-old voter said she believes people should have the right to choose for themselves. "Everyone should have the right to decide what is right for their family," she told a Courier Journal reporter. It didn't take her long to make her voice heard. Merritt said it was "easy" to get through the line in Beechmont. It was a busy scene, with a plenty of voters on site as of about 3 p.m., but the line was moving quickly. Vince Heuser, a local election officer, said operations have gone "smoothly" Tuesday across the region's 16 polling location, describing the turnout as "pretty solid." Im at the Beechmont Community Center this afternoon covering the election for the @courierjournal. There are three hours left to vote. Polls close at 6 p.m. pic.twitter.com/H1IZJsXwtI Ana Rocio Alvarez Brinez (@SoyAnaAlvarez) November 8, 2022 Kiah Brown was also on site to vote against Amendment 2, with her month-old baby in tow. She leans liberal, she said "but not always" and had also cast a vote in favor of U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker, a Democrat running against Republican incumbent Rand Paul. "If we don't (vote), then it's going to continue to be the same old stuff that we all can't stand," Brown said. 3 p.m.: Some absentee ballots still haven't been returned, Adams says The deadline to return absentee ballots is approaching quickly, Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams said Tuesday afternoon, and a notable portion still haven't been submitted. In a Twitter post, Adams said as of about 11 a.m. Tuesday, 14% of absentee ballots that had been requested still had not been returned. The deadline to submit those ballots, Adams noted, is 6 p.m., the same time polls close. As of an hour ago, 14% of absentee ballots requested have not yet been returned. The deadline to return your absentee ballot is 6pm local time *today* - use the dropbox. KY Secretary of State Michael Adams (@KYSecState) November 8, 2022 Absentee ballots can be submitted at the Jefferson County Clerk Election Center, 1000 E. Liberty St. or at 1420 Gardiner Lane, near Watterson Park. 1:10 p.m.: Office of the Attorney General receives 100+ Election Day complaints across Kentucky As of 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday, The Office of the Attorney General has fielded 93 pre-election day complaints and 101 Election Day complaints, according to the Attorney General's office, including one "disrupting polls" complaint in both Jefferson and Oldham counties. Kentuckians who witness election irregularities or possible election law violations are asked to call 1-800-328-8683. The hotline is open until 7 p.m. (Eastern time) on Election Day. 12:48 p.m.: Almost 340,000 early votes counted as of mid-day As of 11 a.m., early in-person and absentee votes totaled 337,350. Votes in favor of the Democratic party total 163,397, about 48%, so far. Totals for the GOP are 155,102, or about 46%. Independents make up almost 6% of the early voting total at 18,851 votes so far. This year's early voting total makes it difficult to compare to pandemic numbers, according to a Courier Journal reporter. In 2020, numbers for early voting were 1.6 million, about 77% of people, while 2022 totals are around 340,000. Check out more analysis on Twitter here. Very difficult to make apples2apples comparison to Kentucky early voting in 2020 due to pandemic & more no-excuse early voting, when 77% of voters voted early -- 1.6 million, compared to just ~340K this year. But early voting breakdown was similar by % then: D- 48.7% R- 44.8% Joe Sonka (@joesonka) November 8, 2022 12:30 p.m.: Where can voters drop off absentee ballots? Absentee voters in Jefferson County only have two places they can drop off their ballots on Election Day, rather than eight options as suggested on absentee ballot paperwork. Absentee ballots can be dropped off at the Jefferson County Clerk Election Center at 1000 E. Liberty St. or at the post office on Gardiner Lane, county clerk spokesperson Erran Huber said. Mail-in ballots can also be turned in at each of the county clerks branches until they close at 4:30 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received by 6 p.m. Tuesday evening in order to be counted, leaving absentee voters with designated ballot drop-off spots as their only option to get their votes counted. Paperwork included with absentee ballots appears to list eight such drop-off locations, with one page of instructions saying voters can hand-deliver their ballots to one of the eight local drop-boxes by 6 p.m. on Election Day. But the second page of instructions says only the Jefferson County Clerk Election Center at 1000 E. Liberty St. is accepting ballots on Election Day. The seven Louisville no-excuse in-person early voting sites round out the list of supposed options, but the second page of instructions says they only took absentee ballots when they were open Thursday through Saturday. Huber said he wasnt sure why the instructions provided conflicting information, but said hes seen limited confusion about it Tuesday. 12:25 p.m.: Early voting numbers As of 11 a.m., 8,395 more absentee ballots have been processed by clerks at polls across the state, raising the total to 71,120 total processed absentee ballots. There are 11,420 absentee ballots left that were mailed out but have not been processed yet, according to a Courier Journal reporter. Hot off the press, here are some more early voting numbers in Kentucky, as 8,395 more absentee ballots have now been processed by clerks as of 11am... now 71,120 total processed, with 11,420 absentee ballots left that were mailed out but have not been processed yet. Joe Sonka (@joesonka) November 8, 2022 12 p.m.: Smaller government oversight, more education Michael Lutz, 42, said he voted overall for smaller government oversight, especially after the COVID-19 lockdowns. "The more power we give on not just a national but on a global scale, I find very dangerous and threatening," he told the Courier Journal He also said education was the foundation for keeping communities safe. "We need to provide more school options for poorer neighborhoods, which leads to happier, safer lives, which leads to lower crime rates," he said Tuesday outside of his polling location at Jeffersontown High School. 11:45 a.m.: 'I want to see crime under control' Supporters of Amendment 2 on ballot have taken to sky with their message.#ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/oo9FOV0p4D Deborah Yetter (@d_yetter) November 8, 2022 Dennis Flaherty, 72, said he voted "no" to Amendment 2, which calls to eliminate the right to an abortion in Kentucky if passed. He also said an increase in police presence was another reason for voting Tuesday. I would like to see more police and less crime," he said outside of Jeffersontown High School. "I want to see crime under control." 11:30 a.m.: 'Equitable' solution to gun violence key issue for some voters Cheryl Guske, 75, said gun violence was her biggest issue going into the polls today. She cast her ballot at Jeffersontown High School, 9600 Old 6 Mile Lane. "There needs to be a more equitable situation, not about anything to do with defunding the police, but we need to improve the quality of the police and their attention," she said. "And I think a whole city, to some extent." 11:20 a.m.: A 'steady' turnout in Jeffersontown Lisa Cameron, a poll worker at Jeffersontown High School, said voter turnout has been steady."They have been ready to come. It has been steady with no downtimes since 6 this morning." 11:10 a.m.: Car crash could slow voters headed to Jeffersontown polls A crash on Taylorsville Road could slow down voters coming from Jeffersontown High School headed to their next location. Police offers were on the scene as a Courier Journal reporter drove by, and fire trucks were approaching as well. 10:33 a.m.: Safety is the top priority for some Michelle Mcgaha, 31, specified policing as her primary issue when coming to vote Tuesday at Kenwood Elementary, 7420 Justan Ave. "I would like to be able to see the police patrolling through our neighborhoods and feeling like if we call on them that they will actually show up," she said. I want a safe Jefferson County where everybody feels safe to just be able to go anywhere that they would like to go in the city of Louisville." Lots of voters at St Paul United Methodist in Highlands. @courierjournal #ElectionDay2022 pic.twitter.com/JTKNFJVeJW Deborah Yetter (@d_yetter) November 8, 2022 10:15 a.m.: 'Need more common sense policies' on both sides of the aisle Joe Scheler, 61, said the main things he was focused on when casting his vote Tuesday a.m. at Kenwood Elementary, 7420 Justan Ave., were crime, the economy and inflation. "I just think our cities have become very, very, way too liberal. Some of the policies are just crazy to me," he told the Courier Journal. "I think we need more law enforcement commitment because crime is increasing. There are always bad apples in every organization and that stuff is wrong, but we don't need to defund the police." Scheler also said he thinks "we just need more common sense policies and not so much radical on either side." 10:10 a.m.: Police, gun control measures top priority for some voters Nancy Jones, 82, told the Courier Journal her top priorities were police and safe gun control measures when she cast her vote Tuesday morning at Kenwood Elementary, 7420 Justan Ave. They have tied the hands of the police," she said. One person can kill somebody and get life [in prison]. The other person might get probation." She went on to say "the police confiscate guns and take them off the street, but then they turn around have an auction and sell them back to the public." 9:50 a.m.: First-time Louisville voter says Tuesday was 'a great experience' Maurice Wood lives in St. Matthews, but he is originally from Chicago, and Tuesday was his first time voting in Derby City. Wood, 52, said he moved to Louisville a little over a year ago, and the comparison between voting in Chicago and Louisville is stark. The lines are longer, and there are more "solicitors" at the polls in Chicago, Wood said. It was a great experience," he said of the smooth voting process at St. John Lutheran Church, 901 Breckenridge Lane. You also have the super exciting privilege of voting on not one but TWO Constitutional amendments. Here is me explaining one such amendment. https://t.co/wW2UoDOps0 Olivia Krauth (@oliviakrauth) November 8, 2022 9:30 a.m.: Short wait times make voting times 'a breeze' A steady stream of voters walked in and out of St. John Lutheran Church, 901 Breckenridge Lane, on Election Day. Voting stations were full of focused voters taking time out of their day to cast a ballot. Nancy Young, who is retired from her job with the federal government, said exercising her freedom to vote was important when it came to the "right to abortion" and protecting the governors freedoms by voting "no" to amendment 1, she said, which would allow legislators to call special sessions and to allow the legislature to extend regular sessions. Young, 85, said the voting process at the church was a breeze. She was right in and out with the short lines. The biggest item on the ballot in Kentucky today: Abortion rights/access/ban at stake as residents vote on Constitutional Amendment 2 https://t.co/m8kyyZzjDo via @courierjournal Joe Sonka (@joesonka) November 8, 2022 8:40 a.m.: Crowds light at some polling locations There are no lines or big crowds at the St. Stephen Family Life Center, 1508 W Kentucky St., as the clock ticked toward 9 a.m. Tuesday. Jasmine Burns, 26, a crime analyst from the West End, said she thought voter turnout would be higher at this time of day. Only two or three people walked by Burns while she finished casting her vote. 8:30 a.m.: 'You can't complain if you don't participate in the vote' Jeannie Adams, 66, waited for her father, Richard Kelly, outside the voting station at the St. Stephen Family Life Center polling site Tuesday morning. Kelley, 95, was still inside casting his vote. Coming to the polls together is a tradition for them, she said. And when Adams' mother was alive, they came together as a family. Politics is an important topic in the family, and they always talk about which candidates will get their vote. Adams said her father always told her growing up that you "cant complain if you dont participate in the vote." 8 a.m.: A focus on local offices for some Kentucky voters Dorothy Thurman said the vibe Tuesday morning at the St. Stephen Family Life Center polling site is upbeat. Thurman, a nurse from Southwest Louisville, came to the family center to vote and emphasized that local offices are especially important to her as a resident. She also emphasized the importance of voting on Amendment 2. It's important that a woman has the right to make a decision about their body, Thurman told the Courier Journal. 7:25 a.m.: 'It's time for a change' At the St. Stephen Family Life Center, 1508 W. Kentucky St., there are only a few voting stations scattered throughout a multipurpose room. Fluorescent lights cast shadows on voters like Debora Gray, 57, who came from the California neighborhood to cast her vote early Tuesday. Gray said the vibe at the family center is nice and friendly. Everyone is laughing, she added. "Its time for a change," Gray said. 6:55 a.m.: 'We're all here to do a good job' Julie Sullivan spent Tuesday morning working as an election officer at Meyzeek Middle School. Sullivan scans people's IDs and directs them to a station that correlates with their precinct, as multiple ones are represented at the polling location. There are two Democratic election officers and two Republicans working, Sullivan said. "We work together and get along," she said. "We're all here to do a good job." Sullivan said it was hard to tell if voter turnout was normal early Tuesday. There was a rush early in the morning right when the polls opened at 6 a.m., but since then, it has felt slow. Sullivan anticipates more people coming in to vote after work. "I think people are still recovering from the time change," she said. 6:40 a.m.: Picking a candidate with 'good ideas' Already a busy morning @ the polls in the gym at Myzeek Middle School. Catch me and my team doing live updates throughout the day here: https://t.co/bHTgzf3ocG pic.twitter.com/3lNQX2f5gS Rae (@RaeJ_33) November 8, 2022 Kenny Brochowizc works in human resources and came from Germantown to Meyzeek early Tuesday morning to vote for Charles Booker and "no" on Amendment 2, which calls to eliminate the right to an abortion in Kentucky if passed. He said Kentucky needs to vote out Rand Paul, an incumbent senator, and vote Booker in for his "good ideas." And as for amendment two, Brochowizc, 33, said it was "bad for women and doctors." Read more about what's on the ballot, including Amendment 2, here. 6:25 a.m.: 'If you want to see change, you have to participate.' Kendra and Jacob Gillespie are a married couple who came to the polls together early Tuesday. The two traveled from Germantown to cast their vote in before Kendra, 26, went to work as a baker (she helps makes pastries for Heine Brothers' Coffee). Jacob said casting a vote was his "civic duty" while Kendra wants to help make a difference in the world. "If you want to see change, you have to participate in it," she told the Courier Journal. 6:15 a.m.: Early voters cast their ballots as the polls open Inside Meyzeek Middle School, voting stations dotted the baselines and center of the school gym, where poll workers assisted people with their ballots. One of those people was Matt Lozen, who traveled from the Highlands to Meyzeek Middle School Tuesday morning to get his vote in early. Lozen, a quality engineer at a systems facility in the city, said "I want my voice to be counted." 6:05 a.m.: People supporting candidates stand just outside of polling spot Down the block from Meyzeek Middle School stood Adam McIntyre, a resident of the New Cut neighborhood in Southwest Louisville, with a shirt over his sweatshirt that reads Teachers for Porter and a sign that says Re-elect Diane Porter, who's running for Jefferson County School Board. McIntyre, 27, a teacher volunteering with Better Schools Kentucky, signed up to hold signage at Meyzeek for the entire day. In Kentucky, people must be 100 feet or more away from a polling place entrance to hold up a campaign sign for any candidate. 6 a.m.: Polls are now open Wake up, Louisville it's Election Day! Polls opened bright and early at 6 a.m. and will remain open for the next 12 hours. Results from races around the state will begin to roll in soon after. Still, it'll be a while before we have any winners. In the meantime, here's a quick look at what's at stake today. Where to find 2022 Kentucky General Election results The Courier Journal will post results as they come in. Bookmark this link: courier-journal.com/elections/results/local/ 2022 Kentucky election results See who won. Expect results to come in after 7 p.m. ET What's on the ballot? In Louisville, several key races are on the ballot, including: Louisville mayor (Democrat Craig Greenberg vs. Republican Bill Dieruf) U.S. House of Representatives (Democrat Morgan McGarvey vs. Republican Stuart Ray) U.S. Senate (Democrat Charles Booker vs. incumbent Republican Rand Paul) Several state senator and representative races Louisville Metro Council races Jefferson County Board of Education races Judicial races for courts of appeals, circuit court, family court and district judge Two proposed constitutional amendments are also on the ballot: Amendment 1: An amendment to allow legislators to call special sessions and to allow the legislature to extend regular sessions. Amendment 2: An amendment calling to eliminate the right to an abortion in Kentucky if passed. To check out how to see a sample ballot for your county, click here. Election Day guide:What to know about voting and who's on the ballot for the 2022 Kentucky elections Where is my polling place in Kentucky? Not sure where your local polling place is in Kentucky? Check out the State Board of Elections website. What do I need to bring to the polls to vote in Kentucky? You'll need to bring a photo ID with you following law passed in 2020 that requires voters to show photo identification at the polls. Your Kentucky driver's license is sufficient, and so are military, college and Kentucky government IDs. You also can get a free, state-issued ID card if you're at least 18 years old. (Those are available at local circuit court clerk's and regional driver's license offices.) If you don't have one, you can sign a special form at the polls and show poll workers one of these cards instead: A Social Security card An ID card of any kind that includes your photo and your name A food stamp, electronic benefit transfer or supplemental nutrition assistance cards that list your name A credit or debit card that lists your name You also could get your identity confirmed if you personally know an election officer. How do I report problems at the polls? Kentuckians who witness election irregularities or possible election law violations are encouraged to call 800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683). The hotline is open during regular business hours and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Eastern time) on Election Day. We want to know what you're seeing at the polls, too. If you see any election problems, let us know by emailing lounews@courierjournal.com. If you have any questions about voting, please contact the Kentucky State Board of Elections at 502-573-7100. Can I buy alcohol on Election Day in Kentucky? Yes. The Kentucky General Assembly gave final approval to the bill back in 2013. According to KRS 244.290, authorized sellers "shall be permitted to sell and deliver distilled spirits and wine during the hours the polls are open on any primary, or regular, local option, or special election day." The exception is when it's a dry county, the Courier Journal previously reported. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky midterm election 2022: Live updates from Louisville polls Marijuana Getty Legalizing recreational marijuana was on the ballot in five states on Tuesday as midterm elections took place across the country. Voters in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota had a chance to join 19 other states and the District of Columbia, which have already legalized recreational marijuana over the last decade. Each of those five states had already legalized marijuana for medical use. The votes were cast amid a push to relax marijuana policies in the U.S., including at the federal level. Last month, President Joe Biden announced pardons for simple marijuana possession offenders, and urged the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review how marijuana is scheduled as a drug under federal law. Here's a look at each of the different proposals: RELATED: PEOPLE's Complete Guide to the 2022 Midterms: Everything to Know Before Election Night Arkansas Issue 4 on the Arkansas ballot sought to pave the way to legalize marijuana for recreational use, beginning March 8, 2023. The state previously legalized medical marijuana in 2016. It did not pass. With 92% of the votes counted by Wednesday morning, more than 56% opposed the measure, according to results reported by The New York Times. The proposed legislation faced opposition from figures such as Gov. Asa Hutchinson and gubernatorial frontrunner, Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who won her race by more than 60 points. In October, Hutchinson tweeted that Issue 4 "is the wrong direction for Arkansas." Earlier that month, Huckabee Sanders said she couldn't support the measure "with the drug epidemic that we have across this state," according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. RELATED: Here's What to Expect from Election Night Coverage on All the Major Networks In addition to making it possible for people to legally purchase marijuana from licensed facilities, the amendment would have permitted adults 21 and over to posses up to an ounce of marijuana, Axois reported. Story continues RELATED: Celebrities Casting Their Ballots for Election Day 2022 Maryland Voters in Maryland chose to legalize recreational marijuana in their state by supporting Question 4, which passed on Tuesday, allowing adults 21 and older to purchase and consume cannabis beginning July 1, 2023. With 61% of the votes in on Tuesday night, more than 65% voted in favor of the measure, according to results reported by The New York Times. Adults will be allowed to possess 1.5 ounces of marijuana or two plants under the new law, which allows for expungement for people with marijuana possession arrests on their record, according to CNBC. RELATED: Why 'Red State' and 'Blue State' Labels Don't Always Apply to Governor Races Maryland joins the District of Columbia and Virginia in legalizing recreational marijuana in its region of the U.S. The results in Maryland were not surprising: polls showed voters overwhelmingly supported the ballot measure, with 73% of respondents signaling their approval in a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll from September. Missouri Voters in Missouri also approved the legalization of recreational marijuana with a "yes" vote on Amendment 3. With 89% of the votes counted, a little more than 53% were in support of the change. Marijuana sales will come with a 6% tax, according to the proposal. Additionally, some individuals with marijuana-related offenses on their record will be allowed to have their records expunged and, if need be, petition for their release from prison, parole or probation. RELATED: Meet 4 Election Heroes Working Tirelessly in the Shadows to Help Democracy Prevail Polls suggested voters were leaning toward legalization, with 48% voicing their support for Amendment 3 in a September poll by Emerson College Polling and The Hill, compared to 35% who were opposed. North Dakota In North Dakota, a "yes" vote on Measure 2 was a vote in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. But with about 95% of the votes in on Wednesday morning, almost 55% were "no" votes, according to results reported by the Times, which indicated that the measure failed. This is the second time the state has tried to legalize marijuana, following a failed attempt in 2018. Had it passed, adults would have been allowed to purchase up to an ounce of marijuana at once and have three cannabis plants at home, according to the proposal. Up to 18 retailers and seven cultivation facilities would have been allowed to operate in the state, and a 5% cannabis excise tax would have been applied. RELATED: Lyft and Uber Are Helping Americans Get to the Polls on Election Day South Dakota Voters in South Dakota also opted not to legalize recreational marijuana Tuesday via Measure 27, which proposed allowing possession and home-growth. With about 95% of the results in, nearly 53% were against the measure, according to the Times. Individuals would have been permitted to hold up to an ounce of pot and up to three plants at home, according to the measure, had it passed. South Dakota voters previously approved marijuana legalization in 2020, but it was later struck down by the state's Supreme Court, per ABC News. Another American was killed while fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russias attack on the country, NBC News reported on Monday. Timothy Griffin of New York had been fighting in the International Legion of Defense a military unit of thousands of foreign fighters helping the Ukrainians when he was killed on the eastern front, according to NBC. Griffin had taken part in the counteroffensive on the eastern front with his unit and was killed in action, the International Legion said in a statement. The State Department later confirmed to several outlets that there was a death of a U.S. citizen in Ukraine and that it is in touch with the family of the deceased. Out of respect for the familys privacy during this difficult time, we have nothing further to add, State said, as reported by the Washington Examiner. The International Legion, meanwhile, is handling the repatriation process, a regional spokesperson told NBC. Griffins death brings the number of Americans killed in Russias war to at least six, though the U.S. government has urged its citizens not to travel to Ukraine. Among those killed are Dane Partridge, 34, who died last month in eastern Ukraine; a 24-year-old man from Memphis, Tenn., who was reportedly killed while fighting Russian forces in the contested Donbas region in August; and two Americans killed by Russian fire in July, identified as Luke Skywalker Lucyszyn and Bryan Young. And Willy Joseph Cancel, 22, was killed in April, followed by Stephen Zabielski in mid-May, the State Department has acknowledged. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. 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 /Standard 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 A man and woman face burglary and stealing charges after security camera footage reportedly captured the pair during the recent theft of nearly $3,000 worth of tools and equipment from a St. Francois County address. Kyle Richard Hale, 33, and Lindsey Ann Richard, 34, both of Farmington, have each been charged in St. Francois County with second-degree burglary and stealing $750 or more. According to a probable cause statement from the St. Francois County Sheriffs Department, Hale and Richard were arrested Friday after the two entered a private property in St. Francois County without the owners permission. Officials said thefts at the address had occurred over multiple days in late October. While on the property, Hale and Richard allegedly took various tools and a brush cutter belonging to the property owner without his permission. Police estimated the value of all of the items reportedly taken to be $2,870. The sheriffs department obtained surveillance camera footage of the suspects and issued a public request for information on social media on Nov. 1. After Hale and Richard were apprehended Friday, the department updated the social media post thanking area citizens for the assistance in locating the suspects. The pair was booked at the St. Francois County Detention Center, and Hales bond has been set at $100,000, while Richards was set at $25,000. If released on bail, Hale and Richard are ordered to comply with GPS and pre-trial monitoring and to seek and maintain employment. The two are prohibited from having contact with the alleged victim in the case. Court records show Hale has been previously convicted of multiple felonies in Illinois and Michigan. The mans prior offenses include two cases of home invasion, domestic violence, felony stalking, malicious destruction, receiving/concealing a firearm, disorderly person-jostling, breaking and entering, felony possession of a firearm, and knowingly assaulting a pregnant individual. A search of Richards criminal history showed she had previously been convicted of possession of methamphetamine in Illinois as well as operating a motor vehicle impaired. Initial court appearances in the newly filed cases are scheduled for Tuesday in St. Francois County. Insider's reporter travels from Austria to Italy in an overnight OBB Nightjet train sleeper car. Joey Hadden/Insider I spent 11 hours in a shared cabin on an overnight train from Vienna, Austria, to Venice, Italy. For less than $100, I got a bunk in a room of six beds with three other people. I've traveled overnight on Amtrak but in private rooms. I didn't adjust well to the shared space. I recently spent 11 hours bunking with three strangers in an overnight sleeper train from Vienna, Austria, to Venice, Italy, during a two-week trip through four European countries. The author sits by the door in her European sleeper cabin. Joey Hadden/Insider While it was my first time traveling in a sleeper car in Europe, I've spent 60 hours on overnight Amtrak trains in their 20-square-foot roomette and 45-square-foot bedroom accommodations, where I had private rooms to myself. The author travels on overnight trains in 2021. Joey Hadden/Insider Read more: I've traveled in 4 types of Amtrak train cars, from business class to a private bedroom. Here's what each is like, and which offers the best deal. I thought an overnight train would be the best way to travel through Europe so I could explore more during the day. But the bumpy ride made it hard to sleep and I didn't feel rested when I got to Venice. One of the sleeper cars on the OBB Nightjet. Joey Hadden/Insider "Offering our passengers a high level of travel comfort is an important concern for us, "a representative for OBB Nightjet told Insider. "We are constantly working on improvements to our product and also take into account the requirements of our customers." Austrian Federal Railway's OBB Nightjet train is a rail line that operates overnight routes between Austria, Italy, France, and the Netherlands, and can go as fast as 143 miles per hour, according to its website. The OBB Nightjet train as it arrives in Venice in 2022. Joey Hadden/Insider Source: OBB Nightjet Nightjet trains have regular assigned seats, couchette cars (seats that fold out into couches in shared cabins), and sleeper cars with bunks of four or six, which is what I booked. Some routes have private cabins, but mine didn't. Outside (L) and inside (R) the Nightjet train. Joey Hadden/Insider Source: OBB Nightjet To travel by train, I bought a Eurail pass for $477, which gives access to most European trains for a set number of days. Some trains only require a Eurail pass, while others, including overnight trains, incur an additional discounted price. Story continues The author's Eurail pass on a European train. Joey Hadden/Insider Source: Eurail This overnight leg of my European train trip, which came with breakfast, cost $44 with my Eurail pass. Without the pass, the ticket would have been about $84. The author's ticket to ride. Joey Hadden/Insider Source: Nightjet My journey began in Austria's Wien Meidling train station. I arrived about an hour and a half before my 9:35 p.m. train so I'd have ample time to find the platform. Inside Wien Meidling train station in Austria. Joey Hadden/Insider The departure screens said my train was going to Zurich. At the information desk, I learned that unlike Amtrak the train's cars detach at various stations to go to different locations. I'd need to board my assigned train car; each has a number. Train car number two on the Nightjet. Joey Hadden/Insider While waiting, I noticed OBB had a lounge. It's free for first-class OBB passengers traveling during the day and cost about $10 for all other OBB passengers. Since I didn't see any empty seats in the rest of the station, I paid for it. An entrance to the OBB Lounge at Wien Meidling train station. Joey Hadden/Insider I was surprised to find I was the only one inside the lounge since the rest of the station was full of people. There were plenty of tables and chairs available. Inside the OBB Nightjet lounge at Wien Meidling train station. Joey Hadden/Insider The lounge served complimentary refreshments from coffee to nuts and seeds. It was a smaller selection than I've seen at Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge, which I've visited in New York, but I wasn't hungry so I just got a water bottle. Refreshments in the OBB Nightjet lounge at Wien Meidling train station. Joey Hadden/Insider Source: I traveled first-class on an Amtrak Acela train and thought the perks were cool but not worth the $270 price tag I went to the platform about 20 minutes before my train's scheduled 9:35 p.m. departure. But when it arrived, I didn't have time to check the train car number before boarding. I just went to the closest car and asked an attendant for help. The train platform the author used at Wien Meidling train station. Joey Hadden/Insider Inside the sleeper cars, I saw narrow, dimly lit corridors full of small cabins with bunk beds. A corridor inside an OBB Nightjet sleeper car. Joey Hadden/Insider My room had six bunks and a large window with a curtain. During my leg of the journey, one traveler was already there when I boarded and two others arrived within an hour. Two got off around 5 a.m., and the other stayed past my stop. The author gets settled inside her shared cabin. Joey Hadden/Insider Source: Seat 61 At 74 square feet, it felt to me like a tight space especially with everyone's luggage around. There was space for bags above the beds, but not enough for everyone. I couldn't image six people squeezing in there. Storage space in the shared cabin. Joey Hadden/Insider While my cabin was assigned, the beds were first come, first served. Since I've experienced more bumps on higher bunks on Amtrak trains, I chose a bottom bunk. A view of the top bunks from the author's bottom bunk. Joey Hadden/Insider The train provided bed sheets and a pillow. I thought they weren't as soft and cozy as the sheets on Amtrak trains, but they were better than nothing. Sheets for the beds inside the cabin. Joey Hadden/Insider Above the curtained door to enter the room were temperature and shared lighting controls. My fellow passengers and I agreed to turn off the lights once everyone was settled into bed. The door to the cabin with dials to control temperature and lighting above. Joey Hadden/Insider There was an outlet and a tiny nightstand on the side of each bunk, as well as night lights above the bed. Without curtains around each bunk, I thought I had no privacy. Lights and outlets in the Nightjet cabin. Joey Hadden/Insider Other passengers in the room said hello to each other upon arrival, but other than that, the room was quiet. Some of us watched our devices, while others went right to sleep. Inside the shared cabin. Joey Hadden/Insider Before bed, I used one of two bathrooms for everyone in my sleeper car. I thought it was a typical train bathroom with a toilet and a sink. According to Nightjet's website, only private sleeper cabins come with a shower. A bathroom inside the sleeper car. Joey Hadden/Insider Source: OBB Nightjet When I was ready for bed, I watched TV before going to sleep. The bed was stiff and uncomfortable, in my opinion. I woke up several times during the night to other travelers entering and exiting the room, or due to the bumpiness of the train. The author's view from her bed in the evening. Joey Hadden/Insider An attendant woke me up with breakfast at 8 a.m., about 20 minutes before my stop in Venice. I got two rolls of bread with butter, jam, and coffee to eat in my bunk. There was no cafe car or common area onboard for passengers. The author's view with her breakfast in the morning. Joey Hadden/Insider When I got off the train in Venice, I was exhausted from the lack of sleep. I thought it made my first day in the city less enjoyable. The OBB Nightjet arrives in Venice. Joey Hadden/Insider Next time, I won't pick a shared overnight train. While sometimes it's about the journey, not the destination, in this case, I'd rather arrive feeling refreshed so I can enjoy where I'm going. The author takes a selfie after exiting the train. Joey Hadden/Insider Read the original article on Insider Europeans are watching the mid-term elections in the United States with many of the same feelings of dread, disbelief, and anxiety as most Americans. When Joe Biden was elected president in 2020, most Europeans were relieved, but they were also skeptical that he would do much to restore the U.S. as a global leader or even as a reliable ally, which the U.S. had been since the end of World War II. The truth is, the European attitude toward the U.S. has changed dramatically over the last few years. And not for the better. They evaluate the European Union and their own systems of government much more positively than that of the U.S. My findings about European attitudes toward the U.S. are about as authoritative as when a television news crew goes to a diner in Nebraska and asks a bunch of old men in overalls what theyre thinking about U.S. politics. But, hey, if television news crews can get away with it, I figure that I can too. I have been living and working in the Hague for a few months now, and I have been asking friends and neighbors what they think about my home country. Most are blunt in their assessment: Americans have lost their minds. (The Dutch, as I noted in my column last month, are blunt about most things, but on this subject I find them even more direct than usual.) What has happened across the ocean is lets say worrisome to them. Even the remarkable alliance that formed earlier this year to protect Ukraine from Russian invasion seems more like an anomaly to them, not the best indicator of how things between us really are. Americans tend to look across the ocean and see in European countries a socialist nightmare with high taxes, government-run health care, and Muslim minorities creating a hellscape of crime and anarchy. In 2015, for example, then-Republican congressman Pete Hoekstra made comments about no-go zones in the Netherlands due to the Muslim migration. He even noted that cars and politicians were being set on fire. Chaos was the word he used to describe it. (Hoekstra issued an apology in 2018 when a video of his remarks became public and after he had been named U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands.) Story continues Douglas Brouwer Frankly, I dont see chaos or anything close to it. The people I meet are generally happy with their system of government and even their high taxes. What they get in exchange for taxes makes paying them seem OK. Mostly. Is there crime here? Yes. (I was encouraged to buy a lock for my bike thats worth more than the bike, and Im glad I did.) Are immigrants from Muslim-majority countries creating problems? If they are, its nothing close to what American politicians suggest. What newcomers (like me) observe is that immigrants to European countries are being absorbed rather well into the cities here. Immigrants are finding work, paying taxes, having families, and leaning to speak new languages. Like most immigrants they tend to find each other and speak the language of the old country when theyre together, but they are adapting. The young, as always, adapt more quickly than the old. All in all, its remarkably uneventful. European countries even take eight of the top ten spots on the annual United Nations World Happiness Report. The Netherlands is ranked number five. The U.S. is at 16, just ahead of the United Kingdom. I suppose that cultural stereotyping goes both ways. Americans tend to impose their preconceptions on Europeans, and something similar happens when Europeans look at Americans. When I wear my khaki pants, smile with too many teeth showing, and offer an overly gregarious handshake, I usually confirm what Europeans think of Americans. But something seems different this time. Something more serious. The worry around me is palpable. And not surprisingly some express their feelings with derision, as though what Americans are experiencing right now is a kind of comeuppance. For too long we presented ourselves as the city set upon a hill, the bright beacon of democracy for all the world to see and emulate. And now, no one I know is all that jealous of what theyre seeing across the Atlantic. If thats democracy, theyll take their chances with the parliamentary system, even if there are dozens of political parties, each clamoring for a tiny share of the electorate. My personal favorite? Party for the Animals Partij voor de Dieren which advocates for animal rights and actually elected three senators (out of 75) in the most recent election. Now, thats democracy. Douglas Brouwer is a resident of Park Township, except for the 2022-23 school year, when he is living and working in the Hague. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Douglas Brouwer: Europeans are worried about us Election Day in Delaware was largely uneventful Tuesday, though at least 10 Delaware polling places saw temporary voting delays after the locations briefly ran out of the "activation slips that pull up the electronic ballot on the machine," according to state Election Day spokesperson Mat Marshall. In most cases, Marshall said, more activation slips were delivered within 10 minutes, allowing voting to resume. By the time polls closed at 8 p.m., more than 320,000 votes had been cast statewide. About 77,000 of those came from early voting. While the election is an important one nationally with Republicans expected to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives as of 11 p.m. Tuesday, it remained a tossup which party will control the U.S. Senate races in the First State this year were largely uncontroversial. A handful of people wait outside of a polling site at Harlan Elementary School in Wilmington to vote on Tuesday. This differed from the 2020 election, where a Delaware man was vying for the presidency and Lauren Witzke attempted to unseat U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. (Only one of them was successful). Incumbents U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Attorney General Kathy Jennings and State Treasurer Colleen Davis all won by at least seven percentage points on Tuesday, and Democrat Lydia York was elected as state auditor, according to the state elections website. While every lawmaker in the General Assembly was up for reelection this year due to redistricting, the political makeup of Delaware's legislature didn't change much. With Delaware such a blue state, there may be some insulation for a lot of these races, Paul Brewer, a University of Delaware political science professor, told Delaware Online/The News Journal ahead of Tuesday. Delaware Online/The News Journal kept track of election happenings in the First State on Tuesday: WHERE TO FIND ELECTION RESULTS:2022 Delaware Election Results Democratic Kent County Sheriff loses to Republican opponent Kent County Democratic Sheriff Brian Lewis was upset by his Republican challenger in a three-way race on Tuesday, according to the state election website. Story continues Norman Barlow received about 53% of the vote. Lewis received 44% and non-Partisan candidate Aarika Nelson received just under 2%. Democrats predicted to win in Delaware statewide offices Three Democrats are predicted to win the statewide offices of Delaware attorney general, auditor of accounts and state treasurer. As of 10:30 p.m., with 511 of Delaware's 516 precincts reporting, incumbent Attorney General Kathy Jennings, auditor candidate Lydia York and treasurer incumbent Colleen Davis are all leading their Republican opponents by at least seven percentage points. MORE ABOUT THE RACES:Democrats declare victory in Delaware attorney general, auditor and treasurer races At a Democratic watch party in downtown Wilmington, all declared victory. Attorney General Kathy Jennings, her husband Dave White, at left, and team members arrive to cast their votes in the midterm elections at Immanuel Church Highlands in Wilmington, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Gov. John Carney and other elected officials, including Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, praised the female representation among the statewide races, including state auditor, attorney general and treasurer. We call this the woman wave, Carney said at the watch party. Two hours after Delaware polls close, only one race called Two hours after the polls closed in Delaware, the only race called was the U.S. House of Representatives for incumbent Lisa Blunt Rochester. As of 10 p.m., 469 of 516 precincts had reported and about 303,500 votes had been counted. Maryland elects first Black governor Bestselling author Wes Moore has become Maryland's first Black governor. He faced Trump endorsee Dan Cox. Cox has also promoted the former presidents lies about the election. During the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, Cox tweeted that Vice President Mike Pence was a traitor. Moores victory flips a governors office from Republican to Democratic. Maryland voters also voted to legalize marijuana for those 21 and older on Tuesday. It's now the 20th state to legalize week for adult use. Associated Press calls Delaware U.S. House race for incumbent Lisa Blunt Rochester will serve a fourth term as Delaware's lone representative in the U.S. House after defeating Republican Lee Murphy in Tuesday's election. Blunt Rochester, who became Delaware's first federal representative of color and first woman in Congress in 2016, was the projected winner as polls closed in Delaware. U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (right) poses for a picture with a voter outside of a polling site in Wilmington. The Congresswoman billed herself to voters as a problem solver invested in her community and someone who can find common ground with opponents. Among her legislative priorities are reversing climate change and providing affordable health care. She also campaigned on codifying abortion rights and hailed her role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, which she says will help Delaware families by lowering prescription drug prices and energy costs. Brandon Holveck Polls close in Delaware, elsewhere across the country Polls in Delaware and elsewhere nationwide closed at 8 p.m., though as of 8:20 p.m., only Delaware early votes (both absentee and in-person) had been reported. The early votes show U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester clinching the seat as expected, with 66% of the early vote. Her Republican opponent, Lee Murphy, received 33% of early votes. In a similar percentage breakdown, incumbent Attorney General Kathy Jennings received 64% of the early vote while Republican Julianne Murray received 36%. Democrat candidate for State Auditor Lydia York stops by to greet the Pike Creek Delaware Democrats headquarters. State auditor Democratic candidate Lydia York is leading over her Republican opponent Janice Lorrah in early voting, 65% to 35%, respectively. State auditor candidate makes her rounds on Tuesday, some voting machines acting up Before stopping by the Skyline Middle School polling location, Democratic candidate for state auditor Lydia York visited one of the Delaware Democrats offices in Pike Creek to thank volunteers who were running the phones Tuesday. York said while she is still anxious to know the results, shes been encouraged by the high voter turnout as she visited polling sites up and down the state. That turnout was represented at the nearby Skyline Middle School, where candidates and volunteers said they saw lines extending along the sidewalk until about 11 a.m. The wait time could be about an hour at its longest Tuesday morning, but voters were in and out quickly around 4:30 p.m. Morgan Wright (left) and Christine DeBrabander represented Common Cause Delaware at the Skyline Middle School in Pike Creek. Part of the Election Protection Program, Wright and DeBrabander helped voters throughout the evening to make sure they didn't face any barriers to voting, including technical challenges, on Nov. 8, 2022. Morgan Wright, an intern with Common Cause Delaware which leads the Election Protection Program to make sure everyone can vote without any barriers said the morning backup was due in part to technical difficulties. When someone touched a candidates name on the screen, it would highlight a different name. Usually that name was under the same party, Wright said, but navigating that technical challenge still resulted in some delays. Wright and volunteer Christine DeBrabander will stay at Skyline until the polls close at 8 p.m. to ensure everyone can vote and the doors stay open until closing time. One of the voters who showed up at Skyline as dusk was arriving was Adam Woo, who said he's been bringing his children with him to vote since they were newborns. He always comes out to vote, but politics today have especially motivated him to vote Democrat. The Republican Party has just gone full fascist and, whether you're leftist or liberal, you have to just fight that. So it's not about any issues anymore, he said. Emily Lytle What to watch for in New Castle County The two legislative races to keep an eye on in New Castle County are the county sheriff and county council District 2 positions. Vying for sheriff are incumbent Scott Philips, a Democrat, and non-partisan affiliate John Machurek. Machurek previously ran as a libertarian candidate for governor in 2020, Delaware attorney general in 2014 and for District 16 of the state House of Representatives in 2012. Machurek lost all of the races in landslide numbers. Phillips has served as New Castle County Sheriff since 2019. Prior to being elected, he had 13 years of experience as deputy sheriff and another 10 years in law enforcement with New Castle County police as a patrol officer and detective. From left, Attorney General Kathy Jennings and her husband Dave White exit the voting site after casting their votes in the midterm elections at Immanuel Church Highlands in Wilmington, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. In the New Castle County Council District 2 race, Republican Jamie Collins is challenging Democratic incumbent Dee Durham. Durham has held the seat since 2018. A long-standing conservationist, the Democrat has sponsored legislative action aimed at getting Delaware closer to its energy goals, including requiring new homes in New Castle County to be equipped with electric vehicle charging infrastructure. According to Collins website, the Republican challenger is running on a campaign advocating for job creation and projects to energize the County while respecting the environment. Collins also plans to propose a resolution for the state to begin capturing revenue from online sports gambling. Collins is known partly for his late father, Richard T. Collins. The elder Collins was elected state auditor in 1974 and New Castle County Executive in 1980. Molly McVety Residents reiterate: Voting is 'our civic duty' A slow but steady trickle of voters came out to cast their ballots at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center in New Castle on Tuesday. "It's our civic duty and it's necessary, especially with what's going on in our country today," one voter said. Dionne Daniels, 47, felt this urgency when she came out to vote. She hasn't voted in a general election since Barack Obama was on the ballot, but said it's important now that she makes her voice heard. Daniels said Delawareans should come out to vote, even though it's not a presidential election. If not, someone may be elected who doesn't look out for "everyone's best interests." At the nearby polling place of DeLaWarr State Service Center, one Black voter said she's casting her ballot because "our people died for it." A handful of people wait outside of a polling site at Harlan Elementary School in Wilmington to vote on Tuesday. Both the library and the state service center had lines of paint or tape in the parking lot 50 feet away from the doors. Non-voters, including pollsters, media or potential voter intimidators, had to stay behind them. However, no one else was waiting outside. In Elsmere, it was relatively quiet outside the fire hall and Baltz Elementary School, but a small and contingent of individuals streamed into and out of Town Hall. After voting, Abar Brown walked out with a look of determination and a message: Everybody needs to vote today. Was there any particular issue that concerned the seven-year resident of the town? No, just everything that is making headlines, including abortion, he said. Brittany Christian, 37, moved to Elsmere almost a year ago from Philadelphia and said she was voting to have a voice. "I don't want to be in the position where I'm complaining about things going on around me, but not actively participating and making it better," she said. "I'm not really one to complain, but I love to do my part. I'm just excited to participate. Hannah Edelman and Anitra Johnson Nearly 200,000 votes cast by midday Tuesday As of 12:30 p.m. on Election Day, 195,955 Delawareans had voted in the election, with 116,549 people voting in person on Tuesday, according to state officials. So far, New Castle County, the most populated county in Delaware, is leading the number of people who have cast ballots. Registered Democrats are also outpacing their Republican counterparts. So far, 51,262 registered Democrats have voted compared to 42,843 Republicans. Nearly 77,000 ballots were cast during early voting in Delaware, according to election data. Election officials reported that 76,977 Delawareans voted from Oct. 28 to Nov. 6 both in the form of absentee ballot and in-person early voting. This makes up roughly 10% of registered voters. This is the first election in which the state allowed for early voting. A total of 55,532 ballots were cast in person during this voting period, with the most taking place in Sussex County. Democrats also outnumbered Republicans by about 12,000 votes. Two voters head in to a polling place in Penny Hill to vote in Tuesday's midterm election. The only option available to Delawareans is to vote in person, either early or on Election Day, or vote by absentee ballot. In order to vote absentee, a resident must provide a valid excuse as to why they cannot vote in person. Earlier this fall, the Delaware Supreme Court found voting by mail and registering to vote on Election Day to be unconstitutional. Both of these were previously allowed during the primary in September but are now no longer options for Delawareans. Unlike other states, Delaware is expected to tally its votes quickly. In the 2020 election, results were first reported about 15 minutes after polls closed. About 90% of results were in by 10:15 p.m., according to the Associated Press. Election officials can start counting absentee ballots the Friday before Election Day, but the state cannot release counts until after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Meredith Newman Sussex County voter turns heads in military truck Voters trickled in steadily at Georgetown Elementary School around noon on Tuesday, with at least one making a head-turning entrance. Tim Collard of Milton pulled up to the location in a military truck with flags that said "Biden Sucks" and "Trump 2024." He said he bought it from a government surplus sale. "It's been in parades but it's also a work truck, sort of," Collard said. "At least I tell my wife that." Tim Collard of Milton drove this vehicle to vote at Georgetown Elementary School. Also voting at Georgetown Elementary though for the other party was 69-year-old Michael Makowski, who said he feels the country is at a "crossroads." "We can either take the bad route and become more authoritarian or try to maintain the democracy we have," Makowski said. "I voted Democratic because I think the Democrats are more concerned with preserving the democracy than Republicans." The future of the country was also top-of-mind for voters in Brandywine Hundred in New Castle County. Shelly Towler, who cast her vote at Brandywine High School, said the direction the Republican Party took under former President Donald Trump led her to recently re-register, changing her party from Republican to Independent. The party stands for nothing that I used to think it stood for, Towler said. She came to the polls with the Supreme Courts recent reversal of abortion rights on her mind. Shes also discouraged by the Republican partys attitude toward voting rights and the integrity of democracy. Its a huge embarrassment. We are supposed to be the example? Towler said. Its just going backwards in time. A steady stream of voters followed Towler to the polls on a brisk morning as crunchy leaves blown by the wind scratched the school parking lot. The school is one of several polling places in the fifth state senate district, which a Democrat won in 2020 for the first time in more than 40 years. At nearby Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Dennis Quill said he voted for Democrats down the ballot. The country needs to ensure individuals right to an abortion, Quill said, and hes disappointed by the partisan justices on the Supreme Court, a body he is in favor of broadening or term limits. I wouldnt vote for a Republican if my life depended on it, Quill said. Quill said he hopes voters realize things arent as bad as people think and are motivated to support candidates who can keep the nation from a deeper slide. But hes more focused on races in neighboring states and the national landscape than Delaware, where he expects Democrats to win easily. U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (left) shakes hands with Randell Knight (right) outside of a polling site in Wilmington. Paul Donohue will just be happy when political ads are off his TV. Like Quill, he says it doesnt really feel like Delaware has any impact races. But that hasnt kept other races, like the battle between John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz for Pennsylvanias Senate seat, off his screen. I find it pretty upsetting that theyre all mean, Donohue said. They dont talk about the issues much, they just attack each other. Ill be thankful when its over. Brandon Holveck, Shannon Marvel McNaught What to watch for in Sussex County The most-watched races in Sussex this year will likely be the Senate District 6 and Representative District 20 races. District 6 Republican Sen. Ernie Lopez is retiring this year, and District 20 Republican Rep. Steve Smyk is giving up his seat to run for Lopezs. Both seats are longtime Republican strongholds in a county where only one legislator, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf, is a Democrat. Smyk faces Democrat Russ Huxtable and Gwendolyn Jones (Non-Partisan Delaware) in the Senate District 6 race. In the Representative District 20 race, Democrat Stell Parker Selby and Republican Dallas Wingate are running. In Representative District 20, as of this month, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 8,423 to 7,742. There are also 5,444 independents. Thats compared to 9,802 Democrats, 9,591 Republicans and 6,430 independents in 2020. Cindy Erickson, of Wilmington, shows off her 'I Voted' sticker on Tuesday. In Senate District 6, there are 18,942 Democrats, 15,770 Republicans and 11,471 independents. In 2020, there were 10,282 Democrats, 8,229 Republicans and 5,751 independents. Senate District 6 includes Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Milton. Representative District 20 includes most of Lewes, Milton and parts of Georgetown. Shannon Marvel McNaught Voters struggle to get to polling location due to road blockage Voters near Townsend were unable to get to Blackbird Community Center Tuesday morning due to Verizon blocking the road. An election day spokesperson later told Delaware Online/The News Journal that "elections has indicated that it is aware and is in the process of addressing the blockage." Steady turnout at the polls Tuesday morning Across the state Tuesday morning, polling locations saw a steady stream of voters. There was a line outside Clayton Fire Company just before the polls opened at 7 a.m. Among the first voters was Diana Dede. She said the issue shes been following the most has been the debate about guns, saying its just important to me to vote. Voters line up outside the Clayton Fire Company a few minutes before 7 a.m., awaiting the opening of the polling site today, Nov. 8. Paul Skreenock, also one of the first in line, said he didnt come to the polls for a specific issue or candidate but because its my civic duty. In Wilmington, there was only one voter at the Delaware Technical Community College polling place just after 8 a.m. On the outside, the only sign that it was Election Day was the red poster indicating the entrance to the polling place. Two seniors walked out of the voting area as a reporter walked in. According to a poll worker, this was the calm after a morning rush when the polls opened at 7 a.m. There were no issues with the voting machines, as the process took less than a minute. About an hour later in Dover, the parking lot at East Dover Elementary wasn't busy as residents turned out to cast their vote. Yolanda Poe, 53, of Dover, said her decision to vote was, in part, to set a precedent for her grandchildren. For centuries as Black people, we couldn't vote and women couldn't do anything," Poe said after casting her vote. "Now we have the right to, so it's important that we do something." In front of the elementary school, she took a selfie with Kerri Evelyn Harris, a candidate for Delaware State Representative. Harris, shivering from the cold, was the only candidate greeting voters outside the school at 9 a.m. An older woman who slowly walked toward the schools entrance to vote told Harris: Keep warm! Bill Buxton puts up campaign signs on Election Day outside of Harlan Elementary School in Wilmington. To the north in Talleyville, a handful of residents were voting at Springer Middle School at 10 a.m. One poll worker said about 170 people had voted so far Tuesday morning, but about a half-dozen more walked in less than five minutes after the poll worker gave his estimate. Ben Mace, Isabel Hughes, Andre Lamar, Meredith Newman Why Lee Murphy thinks he can upset Lisa Blunt Rochester A Republican hasnt represented Delaware in Congress since 2011, but Lee Murphy, the partys challenger to Lisa Blunt Rochester, is confident that will soon change. Ive lived here a long time, Murphy said by phone Monday. Ive seen Democrats rule the state, Republicans be in power. For many years in this state, Republicans and Democrats worked together, but that recently hasnt been the case. I just believe one-party rule, especially over a long period of time, isn't healthy for everyone. Murphy, who voted Tuesday morning at Hillcrest-Bellefont Methodist Church off Marsh Road just outside of Wilmington, said his No. 1 issue is the economy. Voters hes spoken with are hurting from record inflation and are concerned about oil prices ahead of the winter months, he said. READ:3 takeaways from the Blunt Rochester-Murphy U.S House debate Its an issue he hopes energizes voters to seek change. Blunt Rochester won Delawares lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016 after fellow Democrat John Carney left the office to seek the governorship. Murphy has run in each election since, challenging Scott Walker unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2018 before losing to Blunt Rochester in the general election in 2020. The indicators once again point in Blunt Rochesters favor. A poll conducted by the University of Delaware Center for Political Communication published in October found 50% of registered voters plan to vote for Blunt Rochester and 33% support Murphy. Blunt Rochesters campaign has raised almost $2.7 million, about nine times as much as Murphys. Murphy pointed to the Delaware Supreme Courts ruling against vote-by-mail and same-day voter registration as a reason for optimism. Without the COVID-19 measures that expanded absentee voting by mailing ballots to registered voters in 2020 and the following two years of Joe Biden's presidency, Murphy believes hes better positioned this year compared to previous runs. This election is very much a referendum on Joe Biden, which is bad for the Democrats, Murphy said. The landscape has definitely changed. Brandon Holveck What to watch for on Tuesday While Delaware races may be lower-stakes this year than in past years, elsewhere across the country there are a number of hot races that many are watching. Here are some that will determine what the country looks like moving forward: Pennsylvania races to watch In neighboring Pennsylvania, all eyes are on the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races. The outcome of the Senate race, between Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and Dr. Mehmet Oz, could determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, ultimately affecting issues like abortion rights and the economy, among others. This combination of file photos shows Democratic Senate candidate, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, left, and Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz. For the governors race, Democratic candidate and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro faces Doug Mastriano, a far-right Trump-endorsee who has supported the former presidents lies that the election was stolen. MIDTERMS ARE HERE:Midterms are less than a week away. Here are the key races in Delaware Maryland races to watch In Maryland, bestselling author Wes Moore, who would become the states first Black governor if elected, is facing another Trump endorsee, Dan Cox. Cox has also promoted the former presidents lies about the election. During the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, Cox tweeted that Vice President Mike Pence was a traitor. Moore is seen as the favorite to clinch the gubernatorial election in Maryland. New York races to watch To Delaware's north, it's unlikely that the traditionally blue state of New York will look much different after Tuesday. Still, the governor's race between Gov. Kathy Hochul the state's first female governor who took over following disgraced Gov. Andrew Cuomo's resignation last year and Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin isn't a shoo-in. Hochul's lead over Trump-backed Zeldin has narrowed in recent weeks, according to Politico's election forecast. Georgia races to watch Many eyes are on Georgia's governor's race this year, a repeat matchup between Gov. Brian Kemp and gubernatorial hopeful Stacey Abrams. Recent polls show Kemp no longer the overseer of Georgia's elections as he was during the 2018 race leading by seven percentage points. Still, Abrams was able to mobilize many voters in 2018, something she hopes to carry with her this year. KEMP VS ABRAMS:In second debate, Georgia candidates Kemp and Abrams argue over abortion, gun control Just as anticipated, though slightly more contentious, is Georgia's U.S. Senate race. Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock is facing Trump-backed Herschel Walker, an anti-abortion advocate who, in recent weeks, has repeatedly denied that he paid for two women to have abortions years ago. The women recently came forward with the claims that Walker impregnated them and then paid for the medical procedures. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) shakes hands with Republican candidate Herschel Walker prior to the Nexstar Georgia Senate Debate at District Live at Plant Riverside District in Savannah, Ga., on Friday, October 14, 2022. Earlier in his campaign, Walker revealed that he fathered four children by four different women, a striking contrast to his public admonishments about absentee fathers and his previous contention that he had three children, USA Today reported. According to FiveThirtyEight, the race is quite close, with Walker leading Warnock by about one percentage point. Arizona races to watch Arizona's gubernatorial race remains a toss-up, but it will be closely watched. Polls are showing election denier Kari Lake slightly ahead of incumbent Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs, though that may not mean much. The veracity of polls often depends on what entity is conducting them, what their methods are and whether they have a partisan lean. POLLS AREN'T ALWAYS ACCURATE:Polls in Arizona's Senate and governor's races: Don't count on them The outcome of the gubernatorial race will have important implications ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Lake, a former local Fox News anchor who now markets herself as an anti-media Republican, has repeatedly reiterated the baseless claim that Trump won the 2020 election in Arizona. She's also said she would not have certified President Joe Biden's election if she were governor at the time. Florida races to watch As in many other states, Florida's key contests are the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races. Incumbent Gov. Ron DeSantis, who will likely be a presidential contender in 2024, is facing off against Charlie Crist, a former Republican governor-turned-Democrat who represented Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives until August of this year. He resigned to focus on the governor's race. DELAWARE'S MIGRANT PLANE THAT WASN'T:'No reports of anyone arriving' after rumors of DeSantis' incoming migrant plane On the U.S. Senate side of the midterms, Republican Marco Rubio, a senator since 2011, is facing off against Democrat Val Demings. Polls show Rubio with a more than eight percentage point lead. Ohio races to watch This election cycle, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan who is vying for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat has out-raised many other Senate hopefuls across the nation. READ:Tim Ryan is raising more than J.D. Vance. Can he counter national GOP spending? Yet it remains to be seen whether Ryan's cash flow will be enough to secure him the race against Trump-backed Republican J.D. Vance. Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Election Day 2022 in Delaware: Race results tallied as polls close It's Election Day! In Michigan and across the U.S., voters will head to the polls to weigh in on key races for governor, Congress and control of state legislatures. If you're an eligible Michigan resident, it's not too late to register to vote and cast a ballot today. If you still have an absentee ballot, don't put it in the mail. Return it as soon as possible in person to your local clerk's office or a secure ballot drop box. You must do so by 8 p.m. If you miss the deadline, your vote will not count. And if you're planning to vote in person, don't forget to check your polling location before you head out! The Free Press has compiled some information to help ensure this Election Day is a smooth one for you. Happy voting! More:Here are 22 questions for the 2022 midterm election, answered More:You may not know full Michigan results on election night. Here's why. Can I still register to vote in Michigan? Yes. In Michigan, you're eligible to vote if: You're a U.S. citizen You're at least 18 years old today You've lived in your city or township for at least 30 days You are not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison In Michigan, you can register to vote on Election Day. Just head on over to your local clerk's office. You can look up the address using the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us and clicking "Where are my clerk's offices?" When you register, you'll have to provide a document with your name and current address to prove where you live. You can bring a hard copy of your proof of residency or show a digital copy of acceptable documents, including: Michigan driver's license or state ID Current utility bill Bank statement Paycheck or government check Other government document If you haven't returned your absentee ballot, don't put it in the mail. It's too late to put your absentee ballot in the mail. Instead, you'll want to deliver that absentee ballot in person to your local clerk's office or via a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. If you miss that deadline, your vote won't count. Story continues You can find your local clerk's office and drop box locations using the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us and clicking "Where are my clerk's offices?" and "Where are my ballot drop boxes?" Don't forget to sign the back of your absentee ballot return envelope! What time do polling places open in Michigan? Polls in Michigan are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you're in line by 8 p.m., you will be allowed to vote! Where is my polling place in Michigan? It's a good idea to confirm where you're going to vote. You can find the address for your polling location using the Michigan Voter Information Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us and clicking "Where is my polling place?" You'll be asked to show a photo ID, but you can still vote if you don't have one. When you get to your polling location, you'll be asked to show a photo ID. Acceptable forms of photo ID include: A Michigan driver's license or Michigan personal ID card A current driver's license or personal ID card issued by another state A current federal or state government-issued photo ID A current U.S. passport; a current student ID with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education A current military ID card with photo A current tribal ID with photo But if you don't have a photo ID or you forgot to bring yours to the polls, you can still vote if you sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury confirming your identity. What is on my ballot in Michigan? It's a good idea to research the candidates and issues you'll be voting on before casting your ballot. The Free Press has compiled a nifty voter guide with information on candidates and proposals on the ballot with additional information for voters in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. You can even mark your preferences and email yourself your selections. More:Voter guide for Michigan election 2022: Macomb, Oakland, Wayne counties More:Your guide to Michigan's ballot proposals for 2022 election Yes, you can use a Sharpie to fill out your ballot. No, you can't take a ballot selfie. Michigan's Secretary of State's Office notes that using a Sharpie permanent marker to fill out a ballot "will not invalidate or cancel a ballot or vote." While you can snag a pic of your ballot in the voting booth, you can't take a selfie with your ballot! You can share a picture of your ballot once you are at least 100 feet from the entrance of a polling place. Michigan election officials have been encouraged to set up "selfie stations" at polling locations outside the voting area, so if there's one in your polling place, feel free to grab a pic sporting your "I voted" sticker. More:Election 2022 in Michigan: Your top ballot questions, answered Who to contact if you experience any issues at the polls If you experience any issues while voting, contact the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). Clara Hendrickson fact-checks Michigan issues and politics as a corps member with Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. Contact her at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on Twitter @clarajanehen. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Election Day 2022 in Michigan: Your guide to voting A notorious Instagram influencer from Nigeria has been jailed for more than 11 years in the US for his role in an international fraud syndicate. Hushpuppi, whose real name is Ramon Abbas, was also ordered to pay $1,732,841 (1,516,182) in restitution to two victims. The influencer rose to fame flaunting his wealthy lifestyle on his page, which boasted 2.8 million followers. But it all came crashing down when he was arrested in Dubai two years ago. According to Don Alway, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles field office, Abbas had - behind the glitz of his account - become "one of the most prolific money launderers in the world". "Abbas leveraged his social media platforms... to gain notoriety and to brag about the immense wealth he acquired by conducting business email compromise scams, online bank heists and other cyber-enabled fraud that financially ruined scores of victims and provided assistance to the North Korean regime," Mr Alway said in a court document on Monday. Abbas pleaded guilty to money laundering last year, admitting attempting to steal more than $1.1m from someone who wanted to fund a new children's school in Qatar. Court documents in California say he played a key role in the scheme, playing "the roles of bank officials and creating a bogus website". He also admitted to "several other cyber and business email compromise schemes that cumulatively caused more than $24 million in losses", the US justice department said. Among them was a 2019 scheme, which plunged the European island of Malta into chaos as payment systems shut down after he tried to launder 13m ($13m) stolen by a gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta. At one point on Instagram, Abbas said he was a real estate developer and had a category of videos called "Flexing" - social media lingo for showing off. In 2020, he renewed his lease for another year at the exclusive Palazzo Versace apartments in Dubai under his real name and phone number. Story continues "Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings in my life. Continue to shame those waiting for me to be shamed," he captioned an Instagram picture of a Rolls-Royce just a fortnight before he was arrested. Those who knew Lagos-born Abbas before his transformation into Hushpuppi allege these are not the first scams he has carried out. He allegedly started his fraudulent lifestyle as a "Yahoo boy" - the Nigerian term for men who commit romance fraud by stealing other people's identities online and swindling their none-the-wiser lovers out of money. A Lagos driver called Saye told the BBC back in 2021 that he developed a taste for the finer things in life - but was always "generous". "He used to buy beer for everyone around," he said. However, Abbas' supporters say he is a changed man. According to Nigerian newspaper Premium Times, two imams wrote to the judge in Los Angeles appealing for leniency, saying he regularly helped out widows and orphans, as well as donating to things like feeding programmes. Meanwhile, his wife said his arrest had plunged her into hardship - noting that she had to work overtime in order to pay for their child's private education. Abbas himself apologised for his crimes to Judge Otis D Wright in a handwritten note, saying he would use his personal funds to pay back his victims. He also said he had only made $300,000 from the crime he was being tried for. However, he was still sentenced to 135 months in a federal prison. Iowa taxpayers will pay $500,000 to a boy said to have been abused at a child care center run by a Perry couple now serving lengthy sentences in connection with the death of another child under their care. State officials voted to award the damages to the now-10-year-old boy who, according to his family, is suffering post-traumatic stress disorder from his time under the care of Marc Alan Ray and Misty Jo Bousman-Ray. The couple pleaded guilty in connection with starving to death their adopted daughter, 16-year-old Sabrina, in 2017. The then-Iowa state ombudsman wrote in an investigative report in 2020 that the case "brought me to tears." Bousman-Ray is now serving a life sentence, and Ray received an 80-year prison term. Misty Ray, left, and Marc Ray shown during court proceedings related to child abuse and neglect charges they faced in the 2017 starvation death of Sabrina Ray, their adopted daughter. The boy's family says he was kicked and denied food while attending Sunshine Day Care, according to the settlement approved unanimously by the three-member State Appeal Board. 'It's past due': 17 months later, Sabrina Ray's friends, family hold celebration of life service "It was not only a tragedy for Sabrina but it created this ripple effect of her siblings as well as the other children in that day care," said attorney Scott Wadding, who represents the boy's family. Wadding said his investigation leads him to believe that other children at the day care may have been abused as well. Former Ombudsman Kristie Hirschman's report said suspicions of abuse at the day care went uninvestigated despite the fact that it was state licensed. The report also said that, over 13 years, the 112 children it cared for included both those of employees of the Iowa Department of Human Services and a private agency that contracted with DHS to provide child welfare services. Grandmother of starved teen Sabrina Ray sentenced to 20 years in prison What the boy's family reported The boy began attending Ray and Bousman-Ray's day care in 2013 and continued until 2017, when the couple were arrested in Sabrina's death and the abuse of her two younger sisters, Appeal Board records show. Story continues The boy's family says the DHS, now part of the Department of Health and Human Services, was negligent in supervising the couple, whom the agency had licensed for child care and had approved for foster care and adoption. Beyond the couple, several other family members were charged with involvement in starving and abusing Sabrina, who weighed only 56 pounds when she died, court records show. Brother of starved teen Sabrina Ray reaches plea deal with prosecutors Ray and Bousman-Ray's older son, Justin, then 26, pleaded to two counts of willful injury in relation to charges of "drop kicking" his adopted sister down a flight of stairs. Bousman-Ray's mother, Carla Raye Bousman, and younger sister Josie Raye Bousman pleaded guilty to charges in connection with Sabrina's abuse and attempts to cover up her and her sisters' injuries. Carla and Josie Bousman remain in prison pending completion of their sentences. Justin Ray is currently on parole, records show. The charges against Ray and Bousman-Ray also included theft and fraud in relation to obtaining state adoption benefits. The adoption, foster care and child care subsidies the couple received from the state totaled more than $640,000 from 2006-2017, the ombudsman's report found. In approving the claim, the three-member board did not admit specific wrongdoing by state officials. Department of Health and Human Services officials maintain the agency had met its statutory duties, but signed off on the settlement. Sabrina Ray's parents can keep adoption payments even if they're convicted of abuse. Here's why: The Des Moines Register is not naming the boy under its policy of not identifying juvenile crime victims. Ombudsman report: Agency failed to identify abuse The abuse case involving Sabrina and her siblings came on the heels of similarly alarming abuse allegations involving West Des Moines 17-year-old Natalie Finn, who starved to death in October 2016, and Malayia Knapp, who fled an abusive home in Urbandale in late 2015. The ombudsman's lengthy report found DHS had wrongly rejected some reports of abuse against Ray and Bousman-Ray who, witnesses said, had allies within DHS and in Perry, where day care was scarce. The report also said that caseworker records were inaccurate and not thorough enough, and that the agency failed to retain records long enough to help workers identify patterns of abuse. Hirschman said she and her staff found it unfathomable that the agency conducted no internal review of its own actions and decisions leading up to Ray's death. There were plenty of official eyes and ears on this family, the report said. When it came down to it, there was not sufficient communication among DHS officials. Before becoming effective, the settlement with the boy will require approval from a Dallas County District Court judge overseeing his interests. Watchdog columnist Lee Rood contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa to pay $500K in abuse case at day care in home where girl starved Iowans are voting this election on whether to add the right "to keep and bear arms" to the state's constitution adding language that would go beyond the protections contained in the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment. Supporters say the amendment is necessary to protect Iowans' rights from infringement, while opponents say passing the amendment would make it easier to strike down existing gun laws and make it harder to pass new regulations. Republicans in the Iowa Legislature have worked for years to place the measure on the 2022 ballot, where it must be approved by a majority of Iowa voters in the Nov. 8 election in order to be added to the state's constitution. Iowa is one of six states without protections in its constitution for the right to keep and bear arms. In recent years, Republicans also have used their legislative majorities to significantly loosen Iowa's laws for possessing and carrying firearms. Most recently, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a law last year allowing Iowans to purchase and carry handguns without first getting a permit. Here's what to know about the proposed amendment. What does the amendment say? The language of the proposed amendment states: "The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The sovereign state of Iowa affirms and recognizes this right to be a fundamental individual right. Any and all restrictions of this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny." How does the Iowa amendment differ from the Second Amendment? The language Iowans will vote on is not the same as the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment. The Iowa amendment describes the right to keep and bear arms as "a fundamental individual right" and requires any restrictions on gun rights to survive "strict scrutiny." Strict scrutiny is the highest legal hurdle for legislation to clear. It requires any restrictions on gun rights to be narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling state interest. Story continues "That's a very heavy burden and it's very hard for a law to satisfy that," said Mark Kende, director of the Drake Constitutional Law Center. "And so what that means is attempts to regulate guns will have a large hurdle to jump over in order to be OK." What do opponents say the amendment would mean? Opponents of the amendment say it would make it harder to pass new gun laws as well as put existing gun laws at risk of being overturned. "We believe that the way that the gun amendment is worded is reckless," said Connie Ryan, executive director of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa. "It is irresponsible. It will put common sense gun safety laws in harm's way, which then will have a direct impact on Iowans and our own safety." What do supporters say the amendment would mean? Richard Rogers, a board member of the Iowa Firearms Coalition, a gun rights advocacy group, said courts in Second Amendment cases have not been protective enough of the right to keep and bear arms over the years, which is why his group supports the different wording in Iowa's amendment. "Those who oppose the free exercise of the right to keep and bear arms have been trying for over 100 years to get around we view it as theyre trying to get around the language of the Second Amendment," he said. "And frankly theyve been pretty successful." "We wanted to protect the right," he said. "So thats why the strict scrutiny is in there." How does a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision change the landscape? If the amendment passes, Iowa would be the fourth state with "strict scrutiny" language to protect gun rights in its state constitution. Rogers said he believes a U.S. Supreme Court decision this summer has made the strict scrutiny language almost moot. That's because Justice Clarence Thomas' majority opinion in that case requires any restrictions on guns to demonstrate some connection to the nation's "historical tradition of firearm regulation." That effectively creates a standard even higher than strict scrutiny, he said, although he still believes it is important to approve the Iowa amendment. Kende said the U.S. Supreme Court decision sets a baseline for how far states can go when regulating guns, but the new standard is still untested so there's uncertainty in how it will be applied. More: Supreme Court's Second Amendment decision demands courts look to history, tradition What kinds of gun regulations would be at risk if the amendment passes? There are several kinds of gun regulations that could be vulnerable if the amendment is passed, Kende said. Those could include measures like stronger background checks and restrictions on certain people owning firearms and on certain kinds of weapons, he said. If any of those laws were to be challenged in court, he said, those defending them will have to show that they would make a significant difference in reducing shootings and deaths. "I think it means that those several kinds of things will be much harder to justify for the gun control advocates," he said. People convicted of felonies are currently banned from owning firearms in Iowa, as are those convicted of certain misdemeanor domestic violence offenses and people with certain mental health concerns. Ryan said she's worried approving the amendment could mean future lawmakers would be unsuccessful in passing gun regulations like strengthened background checks or extreme risk protection orders, which are often known as "red flag" laws. "Our concern is both for whats left of the gun safety common-sense gun laws in our state but also future laws that could be passed by the Legislature," she said. Rogers, of the Iowa Firearms Coalition, said passing the amendment would make it more difficult to pass laws banning firearms or that are in common use, like AR-15s, and accessories like high-capacity magazines. How is the Iowa Constitution amended? This fall's vote on the proposed amendment is the final step in the process before the language can be added to the Iowa Constitution. In Iowa, the process of amending the state constitution typically begins with the Iowa Legislature. Proposed constitutional amendments must pass in two consecutive two-year sessions of the Legislature before they can be placed on the ballot for a statewide up-or-down vote. More: Iowa Legislature approves putting pro-gun constitutional amendment in front of voters Republican lawmakers originally began the process before the 2018 election, but had to start over after Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate failed to publish notice of the amendment in Iowa newspapers as required by law. Lawmakers passed the language again in 2019 and 2021, allowing it to appear on the ballot this year. The language needs approval by a simple majority of voters in order to be added to the Iowa Constitution. From 2021: Iowa Poll: Two-thirds oppose permitless handgun carry law; most support pro-gun constitutional amendment action Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What Iowa voters should know about gun rights constitutional amendment Did you know there are no male honey bees (drones) in a hive during the winter? Beekeepers watch their colonies in late summer as the honey bees make their first step to prepare for winter. That first step involves removing the drones. Dont worry, the queen will make new drones in the spring. One of the beekeepers first steps in preparing honey bees for winter is determining if the bees have enough honey in the hive. During late summer and early fall, beekeepers remove excess honey that can be sold, but they make sure there is enough left behind for the honey bees. Have you ever wondered what you can do to help support the honey bees? You can plant a flower tree or shrub in the fall. Next spring, the honey bees will thank you by producing their wonderful, sweet Missouri honey. Local honey is one of the best natural foods you can eat! If you are looking for a source of local Missouri honey, take an internet trip to the Missouri State Beekeepers Associations website: https://mostatebeekeepers.org/local-honey-finder/. If there are no local beekeepers listed for your area, check out the local clubs (https://mostatebeekeepers.org/local-clubs/) map. Oftentimes the local beekeeping clubs have their own local honey source list. Also consider stopping by your local farmers market. Beekeepers across the state are ready to sell you this delightful natural sweetener. For more information contact MSBA at: showmethegold@mostatebeekeepers.org. Unscripted production label Banijay Mexico & U.S. has signed up actor-comedian Jose Eduardo Derbez to co-develop and host a number of new unscripted series. The Banijay-owned studio, launched in September 2021, has already developed two new shows for Derbez to host: Jinxed and Mexico Oscuro with Derbez co-developing and co-producing the latter. More from Variety Derbez is best known for his turn in Amazon Prime Video comedy Mi tio, which scaled to the #1 slot for the streaming platform in Mexico. He has participated in Amazons unscripted family travel series, De viaje con los Derbez, led by his father, Eugenio Derbez. He has also starred in Televisa series Mis XV, Que pobres tan ricos, Amores con trampa, Renta congelada, among others. As we continue to ramp up our development efforts in our first year, we couldnt be more excited to be partnering with someone as talented as Jose Eduardo on these compelling new series, said Marie Leguizamo, managing director, Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic. He has tremendous experience as a comedian, actor and host, which is ideal for these two new productions, she added. Pointing out that he did not hesitate when approached by Banijay, Derbez said: We have been working on both projects, incorporating different ideas and we are sure that both of them will be successful. Derbez co-hosts Unicables talk show Members on Air (Miembros al aire) and is a lead in the HBO Max family comedy by Noe Santillan, Mama para rato. Jinxed features contestants who are offered the opportunity to break their streak of bad luck with large cash prizes within reach. Mexico Oscuro explores the countrys high incidence of paranormal sightings and tales. In each episode, Derbez and a paranormal expert will invite a celebrity to join them for an otherworldly experience, visiting a location in Mexico known for its legends, ghostly apparitions and/or paranormal events. Story continues Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic recently set up a production hub in Mexico City where it is producing the Amazon Prime Video hit LOL: Last One Laughing (LOL) for viewers in Mexico, Colombia and Argentina. Eugenio Derbez hosts and serves as an executive producer on LOL: Last One Laughing Mexico. The studio also signed global superstar Becky G to co-produce an unscripted docu-series following emerging all-female Latin group ANGEL22. 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. Lebanon County voters are heading to the polls in the Nov. 8 Pennsylvania General Election. Once we have live results we will be tracking governor and U.S. Senate races here. Voting in PA: What you need to know before you cast a ballot Josh Shapiro vs Doug Mastriano PA Governor race Current Pennsylvania attorney general Democrat Josh Shapiro faces off against state Sen. Doug Mastriano, a Republican. Shapiro has served as a state representative along with his current role as attorney general. He also served as a Montgomery County commissioner. Mastriano served time in the military before winning a seat in the state senate. He retired as a colonel after three decades in the Army. Shapiro A third term for Wolf? How Josh Shapiro contrasts with his opponent & current Pa. governor Mastriano COVID created Doug Mastrianos governor candidacy in PA. Now we cant take our eyes off it John Fetterman vs Dr. Mehmet Oz U.S. Senate race Current Lt. governor Democrat John Fetterman will face television doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz, a Republican. Fetterman spent 13 years as Braddock's mayor before becoming Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor in 2019. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2016. Dr. Oz worked as a cardiothoracic surgeon before launching "The Dr. Oz Show," an Emmy-winning daytime TV talk show focused on health and wellness in 2009. Fetterman John Fetterman has reforged every political office hes held. Now what? Dr Oz Americans trusted Dr. Oz on health. But will PA voters trust him on politics? 9th Congressional race Democratic candidate Amanda Waldman is running against incumbent Republican Dan Meuser. The district covers all of Bradford, Columbia, Lebanon, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties as well as, parts of Berks, Luzerne, and Lycoming counties. Click here for live results. 48th state Senate seat Incumbent Republican Chris Gebhard faces Democratic challenger Calvin Clements for the 48th state Senate seat. Story continues The district covers Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon counties. 98th state House seat Three candidates are vying for the 98th state House seat. The district covers parts of Lancaster and Lebanon counties. In Lebanon, it consists of Mount Gretna borough and South Annville and South Londonderry townships. 101st state House seat Two candidates Democratic Catherine Miller and Republican John Schlegel are vying for the 101st state House seat. The district covers part of Lebanon County. It consists of the City of Lebanon, Cornwall borough and the following townships: North Cornwall, North Lebanon, South Lebanon, West Cornwall and West Lebanon. 102nd state House seat Democratic candidate Laura Quick is challenging incumbent Republican Russ Diamond for the 102nd state House seat. The district covers part of Lebanon County. It consists of Cleona, Jonestown, Myerstown, Palmyra and Richland boroughs as well as the townships of Annville, Bethel, East Hanover, Heidelberg, Jackson, Millcreek, North Annville, North Londonderry, Swatara and Union. What time are polls open in Pennsylvania? In-person polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those who are in line by 8 p.m. are entitled to vote. If you received a mail-in ballot but choose to vote in person, bring your ballot and envelope to the polls, where you can vote. If you applied for a mail-in ballot but didnt receive one, you can still vote in person at the polls by provisional ballot. Where do I vote in PA? If you haven't sent in a mail-in ballot, but aren't sure where to vote, you can find your polling place here. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon PA 2022 general election results The Los Angeles Lakers, who are struggling with a 2-7 record, have been somewhat shorthanded and banged up. Guard Dennis Schroder and center Thomas Bryant, both of whom can really help the team with some of its issues, have been out since the start of the regular season because of thumb injuries. Meanwhile, LeBron James has been dealing with left foot soreness and Anthony Davis has been managing a lower back ailment. Los Angeles needs wins in the worst way, but it will be without James on Monday versus the Utah Jazz. Guard Lonnie Walker IV is also unable to play due to an illness. LeBron James (left foot soreness) will miss tonights game at Utah. Lonnie Walker IV (Non-COVID illness) is also out, as is Patrick Beverley (Non-COVID illness) for the second straight game. Anthony Davis (low back tightness) is probable. Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 7, 2022 Patrick Beverley sat out Sundays loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers because he was ill, and he did not make the trip to Salt Lake City. After Mondays tilt versus Utah, the Lakers will return home for about two weeks. They will play the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in what will be designated as a road game before hosting four straight opponents, as their schedule starts to slacken up a bit. List Lakers player grades: L.A. is manhandled by Cavaliers Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire More than 400 Russian reservists died after their commanders ran away during a Ukrainian artillery bombardment, Russian soldier says Reservists drafted during the partial mobilization attend a departure ceremony in Sevastopol, Crimea, on September 27, 2022. STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images A Russian reservist said his unit was slaughtered in a Ukrainian attack after its officers fled. Around 570 of the reservists in his unit were from his home city, and only 130 survived, he said. Their wives are pleading with authorities to rescue the mobilized men, per Russian outlet Verstka. Around 440 Russian conscripts sent to fight in Luhansk were killed by Ukrainian shelling after they were abandoned by their unit's commanders, according to various media reports. Russian reservist Aleksei Agafonov told The Guardian that out of the 570 mobilized draftees in his unit, only 130 survived the Ukrainian attack on November 1. "I saw men being ripped apart in front of me, most of our unit is gone, destroyed. It was hell," he said, The Guardian's Russia affairs correspondent Pjotr Sauer reported. A second, unnamed soldier corroborated Agafonov's account, saying that "hundreds" of reservists died that day, per The Guardian. "Two weeks of training doesn't prepare you for this," he told the outlet. Agafonov and his battalion were ordered to dig trenches near Makiivka, a town in Luhansk, but only had three shovels in the battalion, Russian media outlet Verstka reported. Verstka is an independent news outlet that regularly publishes news that confronts or challenges the Kremlin's narratives. When Ukraine bombarded the area with artillery, helicopters, and mortars on the morning of November 1, the reservists were "simply shot," Agafonov told the outlet. "When it all started, the officers immediately ran away," he said, according to Verstka. The men in Agafonov's unit were drafted as part of Russia's mass mobilization of 300,000 reservists, announced by President Vladimir Putin in the hopes of reinforcing Moscow's forces in Ukraine. Putin said on October 21 that 33,000 reservists had already joined their combat units and that 16,000 of them are already fighting. Agafonov's unit comprised residents from the city of Voronezh, Verstka reported. In a video message to the local governor, the wives of the draftees protested the circumstances surrounding their husbands' deployment, according to the outlet. Story continues They asked Russian authorities to rescue the men and to remove them from the frontlines, per Verstka, which reposted the video. "On the day they arrived, they were put on the frontline. The command left the battlefield and fled," one woman said. "Our soldiers survived as best as they could," she added. "They did not sleep, did not eat, for three days they held the line and didn't flee, unlike their commanding officers." Moscow battles reports of mass reservist casualties Conscripted citizens are seen as part of the mobilization as military training continue within the scope of mobilization in Rostov, Russia on October 31, 2022. Arkady Budnitsky/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Reports of the slaughter at Makiivka have ballooned into a public scandal for Russian officials, per The Washington Post. In a separate complaint, several pro-Russia military correspondents on Sunday published an open letter from members of Russia's 155th infantry brigade, per the Post. They claimed that 300 soldiers in their unit were killed and that half of their equipment was lost in the first four days of their deployment to Donetsk, according to the outlet. On October 13, Anastasia Kashevarova, a pro-war Russian blogger, complained on her Telegram channel of how the Russian reservists are being treated. "I've got this to say, certain commanders should be shot. Gentlemen officers, you have no moral right at all to wear your rank and epaulettes," she wrote. "Zinc coffins are already coming. You told us that there would be training, that they would not be sent to the front after a week. Did you lie again?" Kashevarova wrote. The Russian Telegram channel "War on Fakes," which spreads disinformation in the Kremlin's favor and is often quoted by Russian authorities, claimed on Sunday that reports of mass casualties among the Russian reservists were fake. Experts on the Russian armed forces say it's likely that many of Russia's reservists will serve as mere cannon fodder, with some troops given less than 10 days of training, per The New York Times. Western intelligence now regularly reports that Russian reservists are arriving at the frontlines with poor equipment and Soviet era weapons. Some troops reached the battlefield with "barely usable rifles," the UK's defense ministry said on October 31. Russian news outlets also reported skyrocketing prices at stores selling military gear and outdoor equipment, pointing to a scramble among mobilized men to buy basic items that Moscow has failed to provide. Read the original article on Business Insider National Bank Holdings Corporation DENVER, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) announced today that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend to shareholders. The quarterly cash dividend will increase 8.7% from twenty-three cents ($0.23) to twenty-five cents ($0.25) per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on December 15, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 25, 2022. Our strong organic growth, coupled with our fortress capital position, has allowed us to deliver a 14% increase in our quarterly dividend over the past 12 months. We are very pleased to be translating our solid results into attractive shareholder returns, said Chairman and CEO, Tim Laney. About National Bank Holdings Corporation National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank franchise delivering high quality client service and committed to stakeholder results. Through its bank subsidiaries, NBH Bank and Bank of Jackson Hole Trust, National Bank Holdings Corporation operates a network of 98 banking centers, serving individual consumers, small, medium and large businesses, and government and non-profit entities. Its banking centers are located in its core footprint of Colorado, the greater Kansas City region, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico and Idaho. Its comprehensive residential mortgage banking group primarily serves the banks core footprint. Its trust business is operated in its core footprint under the Bank of Jackson Hole Trust charter. NBH Bank operates under a single state charter through the following brand names as divisions of NBH Bank: in Colorado, Community Banks of Colorado and Community Banks Mortgage; in Kansas and Missouri, Bank Midwest and Bank Midwest Mortgage; in Texas, Utah and New Mexico, Hillcrest Bank and Hillcrest Bank Mortgage; and in Wyoming, Bank of Jackson Hole and Bank of Jackson Hole Mortgage. For the recently acquired banking centers in Idaho, NBH Bank will operate as Bright Bank until integration. Additional information about National Bank Holdings Corporation can be found at www.nationalbankholdings.com. For more information visit: cobnks.com, bankmw.com, hillcrestbank.com, bankofjacksonhole.com, or nbhbank.com. Or connect with any of our brands on LinkedIn. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contain words such as anticipate, believe, can, would, should, could, may, predict, seek, potential, will, estimate, target, plan, project, continuing, ongoing, expect, intend or similar expressions that relate to the Companys strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements involve certain important risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the Risk Factors referenced in our most recent Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in our reports and documents filed with the SEC. The Company can give no assurance that any goal or plan or expectation set forth in forward-looking statements can be achieved and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not intend, and assumes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law. Contact: Analysts/Institutional Investors: Aldis Birkans, 720-554-6640 Chief Financial Officer ir@nationalbankholdings.com or Media: Jody Soper, 303-784-5925 Chief Marketing Officer Jody.Soper@nbhbank.com Source: National Bank Holdings Corporation It certainly wasnt pretty, and it left head coach Dana Altman wordlessly frustrated at times, sitting on the scorers table with his arms crossed in front of his chest, head down and shaking side to side. Chalk this 80-45 win over Florida A&M up to early season jitters, or growing pains, or the fact that this Oregon Ducks team has been so riddled with injuries at times this offseason that theyve struggled to field a full practice. Whatever you want to blame, just hope that its something that can be fixed relatively quickly. While the Ducks have a couple of easy games coming up, they soon go to Portland for the PK85 tournament, where this type of play wont stand. Heres everything you need to know about Mondays season-opening win. Finals Score: Oregon 80, Florida A&M 45 Keys to the Game NFaly Dante is going to be a problem for other teams who cant match up in the post. He finished the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds on 7-for-11 shooting and also had 4 steals on the night. Kelel Ware was active in his first collegiate start, particularly on the defensive end. He finished the night with 3 total blocks, while altering a number of other shots on the night. If Altman can figure out a lineup with Ware, Dante, and potentially Nate Bittle involved in the paint, it will be something to behold. While Oregon came out with the win, it was definitely sloppy, to say the least. Oregon finished the game shooting 29-for-63 (46%) from the field and just 6 for 25 (24%) from beyond the three-point line. Fortunately, they were able to win the rebounding battle by a large margin and got 42 points in the paint over A&M. Still, its clear that early-season rust is going to be a factor for the Ducks. Players of the Game NFaly Dante: 16 PTS | 10 REB | 4 STL Keeshawn Barthlemey: 13 PTS | 2 STL Kelel Ware: 8 PTS | 5 REB | 3 BLK Important Stats to Know The Ducks finished the game shooting just 24% from 3FG (6-for-25) Oregon forced a total of 21 turnovers, scoring 21 points off TO. The Ducks won the rebounding battle, 44-26. Oregon was dominant in the paint, scoring 42 points to FAMUs 24. Oregons defense was active and opportunistic if nothing else. They had a total of 13 steals on the night. Story continues What's Next? Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Up next, the Ducks will play host to UC Irvine on Friday, November 11. Story originally appeared on Ducks Wire The Winnebago County Courthouse will remain partially closed the remainder of the week due to a fire that took place Saturday evening at 403 W. Elm St. the building directly behind and connected to the Winnebago County Courthouse at 400 W State St. According to a news release issued by the Illinois 17th Circuit Court of Winnebago and Boone counties, "This is a fluid situation. In-person court appearances at the Winnebago County Courthouse are not expected to resume this week." The release states the courthouse at 400 W. State St. will be closed Tuesday, and the court is in the process of rescheduling cases either virtually or in other locations. The court plans to communicate those changes on the court's website at 17thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov. The courthouse was closed Monday, as well. Area residents are being asked to call the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk's office at 815-319-4500 during regular business hours for assistance with court information. More:Winnebago County Courthouse closed Monday due to fire, Justice Center to remain open Both the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center, 650 W. State St., and the Winnebago County Juvenile Justice Center, 211 S. Court St., will be open this week, and all hearings scheduled for those locations will proceed as scheduled. The drug court call of Judge Janet Holmgren scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday will be held virtually. The family law call of Judge Joseph Bruscato scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday will take place in Courtroom B of the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center. The misdemeanor call of Judge John Gibbons scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday will take place virtually. A virtual courtroom directory is available on the courts website. Individuals seeking emergency orders of protection are being asked to go to the Winnebago County Criminal Justice Center for in-person assistance or use the online request system available at illinois17th.com/public-info/domestic-violencehelp/online-orders. Additional assistance is available from Remedies at 815-962-6102 and the Family Peace Center at 779-348-7600. Story continues According to the Rockford Fire Department, which fought the blaze at 403 W. Elm St. Saturday evening, the cause of the fire is undetermined. The fire caused about $225,000 in damage. One firefighter was injured while fighting the fire and was treated and released at a local hospital. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford courthouse partially closed remainder of week because of fire A Russian convoy stole an amusement park train from Ukraine and drove it out of Kherson, Ukrainian advisor claims Soldiers conduct military exercise in Moscow, Russia, on September 1, 2022. Russian Defense Ministry / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images A Russian convoy was videoed bringing a children's ride out of Kherson, a Ukrainian advisor said. Political advisor Anton Gerashchenko said on Monday that Russians "stole" the amusement attraction. Russia is reported to be withdrawing some of its forces from occupied Kherson. Russians fleeing the Ukrainian region of Kherson were videoed bringing an amusement park train ride with them, according to Ukrainian political advisor Anton Gerashchenko. "We are already accustomed to washing machines. But they took it to the next level," Gerashchenko tweeted on Monday, referring to previous reports that Russian soldiers have looted washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, jewelry, motorcycles, children's toys, and computers from civilian homes in Ukraine. Gerashchenko is an advisor to the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The clip was originally posted on TikTok by user @alenakherson, and was later uploaded by Ukrainian news outlet Obozrevatel, or the Observer, on its Telegram channel. Insider was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the clip. The post comes as Ukraine accused Russia on Monday of looting empty homes in Kherson city and disguising its troops as civilians to prepare for fighting in the streets. Russia has over the last week been withdrawing part of its forces from northwestern Kherson, as Ukraine mounts a counteroffensive to retake the region, according to a Friday assessment by the Institute for the Study of War, or ISW. It's still unclear if Russian troops will remain to defend Kherson city, a major hub that sits on the Dnipro river, ISW said. ISW noted that some Russian elite units are reported to still be operating to the west of the river, although Kirill Stremousov, a Moscow-installed official running the occupied city, has indicated that Russian troops will withdraw and regroup on the east of the river. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also called on civilians in Kherson to evacuate the region, but Ukrainian officials are still wary that the rumors of a withdrawal could be a trap for Kyiv's advancing forces. Read the original article on Business Insider Regina Steadley sat on a bench outside the CATEC voting precinct mid-afternoon Tuesday with her daughter Tiffany. Both had just voted, and they were not shy about sharing how they voted, and why. "I'm a Democrat, and I don't want the Republicans in office," said Regina Steadley. And while the right for a woman to choose whether to have an abortion was top of mind for many local voters, Steadley and her daughter were thinking of other policy issues. "Abortion doesn't affect me, but Medicare, Social Security and all that stuff does," said Regina Steadley. "Same reasons," said Tiffany Steadley, pointing to her mother. "They gotta take care of her." Ralph Taylor, who voted at the Tonsler precinct in Fifeville, said he wasn't driven by any particular issue but by civic duty. "If you don't vote, you can't complain," Taylor said. All voters interviewed throughout the day said the process of voting in the midterm election, which included only one race for local voters, was quick. No one reported intimidation. "It was super easy," said Doug Lawson, who said the main issue for him was "humanity." "I've got three kids, and I got them to vote," he said of his young adult children. Kelcey Richardson said she voted because she felt like her voice needs to be heard. She voted for Josh Throneburg, she said, and feels hopeful that a large turnout could tip the outcome in his favor. Daniel Martin said he voted Throneburg because "I don't see much from Republicans." "If there were more Democrats on the ballot, I would have voted for them," he said. Forrest Swope said he voted "to preserve democracy." Despite the rancor that prevails in today's politics, Swope said he still has hope that the country can return to saner times. "If I didn't have hope, I wouldn't be here," he said. Earlier in the day, many voters said abortion was at the top of mind. I went through Roe versus Wade back in the 70s, and Ive never been a fan of abortion, but until we have a better option, I think it should be an individual choice, said Marilyn Finley outside the Hillsdale Conference Center. Finley described herself as an independent voter: someone who votes for a person and not a party. She said she had voted in every election since she was eligible to cast a ballot. Abortion is not on the ballot in Virginia, though it is in states like California and Michigan. Current law allows a person to terminate a pregnancy through the second trimester, and in some cases the third. However, some 5th District voters fear the future of abortion access in the state, especially as Republican Rep. Bob Good supports an abortion ban. His Democratic opponent, Josh Throneburg, describes himself as pro-choice and wants to codify Roe v. Wade into law. Abortion access was big for me, said Jessica Shippen about her decision to vote. Abortion, housing and climate change pushed Abigail Barber to the polls this election cycle. Barber said she usually votes in midterm elections. Barber said she was also concerned about access to affordable housing, something other voters echoed. Nobody thinks about it, but youre gonna have no place for people to go in this system, said Michael Jackson, who also said he is passionate about health care access for the elderly and disabled, too. Daniel Perry and his wife, Rachel Perry, brought their two children with them when Rachel votedDaniel had already voted early. Since 2008, voting has seemed a lot more important, and seemed like we were accomplishing something by voting, Daniel Perry said. Family-wise, nobody would forgive us if we skipped voting, Rachel Perry added. Daniel Perry expressed frustration at the current political environment. All of this, lets go back to when some people had all the power and everybody else kept their mouths closed, its terrifying, he said. Thats why we gotta vote all these crazies, including Bob Good and whoever else, out. Finley, the independent voter, hopes the election will result in a more stable atmosphere. Im looking for a voice of reason. Lynne Anderson contributed to this report. 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. Towering waves, swollen tides and damaging winds will assail Floridas east coast this week as a corpulent Subtropical Storm Nicole slowly musters power on a collision course with the peninsula. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Nicole to be a high-end tropical storm Wednesday as it approaches the northwest Bahamas. It is forecast to gain hurricane strength before reaching coastal Florida late Wednesday into Thursday with 75-mph sustained winds and gusts to 90 mph. An official forecast as of 4 p.m. Monday had a yawning area of the coast from Homestead through Jacksonville and as far west as the Panhandle's Panama City in Nicole's forecast cone. After an east coast landfall somewhere between Miami and Cape Canaveral, the storm is predicted to turn northwest with Tallahassee, Tampa, and Gainesville also potentially getting wind and rain from the system. YOUR COMPLETE HURRICANE STORM GUIDE Hurricane preparation: What supplies do you need for a storm? Here's a list Also: Taping windows before a storm? Don't fall for these hurricane myths Subtropical Storm Nicole forecast If Nicole crosses the state and reaches the Gulf of Mexico, it could make a second landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida as a tropical storm. Nicole is grating against an area of high pressure to its north, creating wind gusts of up to 35 mph before it even reaches the coast. People still have time to prepare for this at least through Tuesday evening, said National Weather Service meteorologist Barry Baxter, who is based in Miami. Right now, people need to refresh their supplies from Ian and prep for this one. National Hurricane Center Acting Director Jamie Rhome said Nicole is not expected to rapidly intensify or gain the virility of a major hurricane of Category 3 or higher. Rapid intensification is when wind speeds increase by 35 mph in 24 hours or less. When that happens near the coast, as it did with Hurricane Ian last month, the results can be devastating. Story continues This is not a Hurricane Ian situation, Rhome said. We are not forecasting a major hurricane or rapid intensification. The center issued a hurricane warning for the northwestern Bahamas on Monday. A hurricane watch was issued for the east coast of Florida from the Volusia/Brevard county line through Hallandale Beach and including Lake Okeechobee. A tropical storm watch was issued for the east coast from Volusia County north to Altamaha Sound, and for Hallandale Beach to north of Ocean Reef. Storm surge watches in effect for entire east coast of Florida Storm surge watches were also in effect for the entire east coast of Florida. Hallandale Beach south to Ocean Reef could see 1 to 2 feet of surge. Central and southern Palm Beach County could experience 2 to 4 feet, and 3 to 5 feet is forecast for northern Palm Beach County through the Space Coast and into Georgia. Sustained tropical storm-force winds are expected to reach Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast by Wednesday evening. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Monday for 34 counties including Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin and St. Lucie. What's remarkable about the surge from #Nicole is the length of coastline that will be affected, from south of Miami to coastal Georgia. https://t.co/vghLLw4cp5 Andrew Freedman (@afreedma) November 7, 2022 Nicoles large size tropical storm-force winds extended from the storm centers up to 275 miles will keep it from organizing quickly, Rhome said. When it gets over Florida, it will cover a large portion of the Peninsula, he said. Keep in mind some (coastal) areas were impacted by Ian so the dunes have been eroded and the potential for coastal flooding, possibly life-threatening flooding, is possible. Nicole's size means bigger waves, beach erosion and flooding While the storms size may inhibit strengthening, it will increase wave heights, beach erosion and flooding. A wide swath of strong winds blowing over an ample fetch of the western Atlantic is whats going to cause days of gnawing waves that will be exacerbated by higher-than-normal high tides caused by Tuesdays full moon. NHC called the storm surge potentially "dangerous" and said it will be accompanied by large and damaging waves. Still, the east coast is not as vulnerable to storm surge flooding as the Gulf Coast because of the bathymetry the underwater depth of water of the coastline. Where the Gulf Coast has more than 100 miles of shallow continental shelf for waves to push up like walking to the shallow end of a pool, the east coast has a steep drop-off, giving water an escape to plunge deeper at the coast rather than pile up and rush inland. It takes a significant effort in regard to the run-up of waves on the east coast, said South Florida Water Management District senior meteorologist Todd Kimberlain. But 3 feet of storm surge, with the water moving, that is certainly enough to take someone off their feet and those are dangerous conditions. Florida emergency managers evacuate residents based on storm surge heights. As of 5 p.m. Monday, no decisions had been made about evacuations or shelters opening in Palm Beach County. Just as the county is doing, residents should continue to monitor this storm closely and be prepared to initiate personal protective measures due to potential impacts, said Palm Beach County Emergency Manager Mary Blakeney. Lake Okeechobee stood at 15.89 feet above sea level Monday. The Army Corps, which oversees releasing water from the lake, said there were no risks to the Herbert Hoover Dike based on Monday's forecast. Kimberlain said the fall's king tides will make draining streets more difficult, especially if Nicole brings heavy rains. Rainfall forecasts for Palm Beach County through Daytona Beach are 4 to 6 inches through early Saturday. Deeper inland, rainfall accumulations are expected to reach 2 to 4 inches. "The district is going to be looking for every opportunity to release water," Kimberlain said. "That may be difficult even during low tide." Nicole is expected to transition to a fully tropical storm before Wednesday Nicole was named early Monday morning, making it the 16th tropical cyclone of the 2022 hurricane season, including two unnamed tropical depressions. The storm was about 580 miles east of West Palm Beach on Monday afternoon with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. It was moving northwest at 9 mph. Nicole is expected to transition to a fully tropical cyclone before Wednesday. The differences between a subtropical and tropical cyclone are mostly technical. Tropical cyclones draw all their energy from warm ocean water and humid air near its surface, whereas subtropical cyclones get a mixed meal of warm water and other weather-making mechanisms such as upper-level winds or the collision of warm and cold air. Typically, the wind field on a subtropical storm is wider than a tropical storm. Also, while a tropical storm may have its strongest winds at its center, a subtropical storm can have its strongest winds farther out. Steering Nicole toward Florida is high pressure to its north. A trough of low pressure will move in Thursday to pick it up and send it north and northeast. Another disturbance the NHC is watching about 650 miles east of Bermuda and is no threat to the United States. If it gains tropical storm strength, it would be named Martin. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Subtropical Storm Nicole to bring storm surge and hurricane-force winds FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. South Florida may not come through the end of the 2022 hurricane season without a direct hit as a rare November storm heads for the states east coast. The threat from potential Hurricane Nicole increased Monday, with the possibility of strong winds, rising waters and flooding rains reaching parts of South Florida. And forecasters said Monday night that there is more than the usual amount of uncertainty in the intensity forecast. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency in 34 Florida counties, including Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, on Monday as Nicole, a subtropical storm, is forecast to strengthen and potentially make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane Wednesday night or Thursday morning. Wherever the storm comes ashore, most of the Florida peninsula will experience heavy rains, near-hurricane force winds and possible storm surge this week. Hurricane watches, tropical storm warnings and storm surge alerts went up along Floridas east coast Monday, and officials are urging Floridians to prepare now and stay vigilant. We are technically still in hurricane season until the end of this month, said Barry Baxter, a meteorologist for National Weather Service Miami. So dont let your guard down just because its in November. Its rare we get them this time of year, but we could still get them. A large storm Forecasters say Nicole is a large storm that could reach maximum sustained winds this week of 75 mph, just 1 mph over the minimum threshold for a Category 1 hurricane. Its not out of the question for Nicole to reach hurricane strength, especially given how warm the waters are in the vicinity of the Bahamas, experts said Monday. As of 10 p.m. Monday, Nicole had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was moving northwest at 8 mph about 415 miles east-northeast of the northwestern Bahamas. It is forecast to approach the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday before approaching Floridas east coast Wednesday night. Story continues The storm will strengthen Tuesday night and Wednesday and will be at or near hurricane strength by Wednesday night, the hurricane centers latest advisory said. 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., forecasters said. As of 10 p.m. Monday, winds of 40 mph extended up to 310 miles from Nicoles center. I urge all Floridians to be prepared and to listen to announcements from local emergency management officials, DeSantis said in a prepared statement. We will continue to monitor the trajectory and strength of this storm as it moves towards Florida. Florida Division of Emergency Management officials advise to stock up on a weeks worth of non-perishable packaged and canned foods and beverages, one gallon of water per person per day, non-electric can openers, paper and plastic utensils, pet food and supplies, gasoline, first-aid supplies, medications, cell phone chargers, batteries, flashlights and cash and to secure important documents. South Florida effects The National Weather Service Miami said in a briefing Monday that overall the threat is increasing for South Florida with potentially life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds, heavy rainfall and a few tornadoes on the horizon. Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Vickie Cartwright and Palm Beach County School District Superintendent Mike Burke said Monday that their districts are monitoring Nicoles development and will share updates about any closures on their websites and social media. Broward and Palm Beach schools were already scheduled to be closed to students Tuesday. Palm Beach County Mayor Robert Weinroth said at a news conference alongside other county officials Monday night that there has not been any decision yet to open shelters or order evacuations. He encouraged residents to prepare but not to panic. By now, you should have your general needs and supplies on hand, Weinroth said. Eric Silagy, president and CEO of Florida Power & Light Company, cautioned that the storm will cause power outages as trees and vegetation that were weakened during recent Hurricane Ian get knocked down. It is very likely that we will see outages from the storm, Silagy said. Floridas east coast from the Volusia/Brevard County line to Hallandale Beach, Lake Okeechobee and the northwestern Bahamas are under a hurricane watch. The Bahamas issued a hurricane warning Monday afternoon for the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini and Grand Bahama Island. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Hallandale Beach to Altamaha Sound, Lake Okeechobee and the Bahamian islands of Andros Island, New Providence and Eleuthera. A tropical storm watch is in effect south of Hallandale Beach to north of Ocean Reef and from the Volusia/Brevard county line north to Georgias Altamaha Sound. A storm surge watch is also in effect from Georgias Altamaha Sound to the mouth of the St. Johns River to East Palatka and to Hallandale Beach. North Palm Beach northward to Altamaha Sound, including the mouth of the St. Johns River to Georgetown, are now under a storm surge warning. The storm surge will be accompanied by large and damaging waves, the centers latest advisory said. The Weather Channel expects Nicoles center to make landfall on Floridas east coast Wednesday night or early Thursday, though the worst of Nicoles impacts on the southeast coast could arrive by late Tuesday or Wednesday and might last in some areas well through the second half of the week. Given that forecast, its likely South Florida voters will begin feeling the effects on Election Day, Tuesday, as the system brings moisture up from the Caribbean Sea. Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link said that the weather is not expected to affect voting or any polling sites, but if a location experiences any flooding or loses power, voters will be re-directed to the closest site. Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office said in a tweet Monday night that all polls will be open as planned for Election Day. Extensive wind is one of the biggest threats South Florida could face in the coming days, according to the weather service. Winds between 30 and 35 mph could come to Floridas east coast as soon as late Tuesday night, according to the weather service. Hurricane-force-winds could reach Palm Beach County and Broward County as soon as Wednesday. Parts of Broward and Palm Beach County could see winds as strong as 110 mph that could damage roofs and mobile homes, uproot trees, leave some roads or bridges impassible and cause a wide area of power outages, the weather service said. Southern and western Broward County, along with Miami-Dade, could see winds between 58 and 73 mph. Palm Beach County and Broward County both have between 60% and 70% odds of seeing sustained tropical-storm-force winds over the next five days, according to the weather service, while Miami-Dade County has between 30% and 50%. South Florida will see the heaviest of any rainfall from the storm between Wednesday and Thursday, according to the weather service. Between four and six inches are expected in parts of Palm Beach County and Broward County, though higher amounts in some areas are possible. The weather service said storm surge levels could reach a peak of three to five feet above ground level in northern Palm Beach County, two to four feet in southern Palm Beach County and throughout Broward County and one to two feet in Miami-Dade County. The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline, the hurricane centers latest advisory said. From Hallandale Beach to North Palm Beach, storm surge could reach two to four feet and one to two feet from north of Ocean Reef to Hallandale Beach, including Biscayne Bay. From North Palm Beach to Altamaha Sound, storm surge could reach three to five feet, the centers latest advisory said. Rain and flooding could cause water to enter some buildings and close roads in parts of Broward and Palm Beach County, according to the weather service. Robert Garcia, a senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service Miami, said there have already been reports of some minor flooding in the coastal areas of Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, and that coming high tides will be measuring in an upward trend before any affects from Nicole. It is not something that looks like its going to go away this week. Were already starting to see those higher water levels, and with the storm were expecting them to increase, Garcia said. Some tornadoes may also be possible in Palm Beach County from Wednesday into Thursday morning, according to the weather service. Forecasters are also monitoring a stormy area of low pressure located 700 miles east of Bermuda Monday night. Forecasters said its chances of developing are quickly lessening as it heads northeast into cooler waters in an area of upper-level winds. The system near Bermuda had a 40% chance of developing in the next two to five days, according to the hurricane center, down from 70% on Sunday. There have been two major hurricanes, meaning Category 3 or above, so far this season: Fiona and Ian. The next named storm to form would be Owen. NOAA has predicted at least four more hurricanes will form before hurricane season officially ends on Nov. 30. ____ PROVIDENCE The Judicial Nominating Commission made its picks late Wednesday of lawyers to interview for three judicial openings, lists that include a smattering of new names. For the Superior Court seat left vacant by the recent retirement of Judge Netti C. Vogel, the panel selected Angelyne E. Cooper-Bailey, legal counsel for the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training; Maria F. Deaton, a former prosecutor who now works for Lynch & Pine and is a probate judge in East Providence; Kas R. DeCarvalho, a partner with Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara and who serves as vice chairman of the Board of Directors The Metropolitan Career and Technical Center; Michael B. Forte, a partner with the Warwick firm Lonardo Forte & Trudeau and senior administrative judge of the Cranston Municipal Court; and Assistant Attorney General Joseph J. McBurney, who prosecutes some of the states highest profile gun cases. Also on the list are Clerk of state Supreme Court Debra A. Saunders, the courts former deputy general counsel who owns The Daily Scoop ice cream shops with her husband; Assistant Attorney General Shannon Signore, who prosecutes child abuse and child sex crimes for the state; District Court Judge Christopher K. Smith, a former public defender named to the bench in 2018; and Assistant Attorney General Mark J. Trovato, chief of the attorney generals Washington County office. The position is a lifetime seat with a $170,545 base salary. Judge injured: Superior Court judge injured in confrontation outside courthouse; man charged with assault For two District Court seats, the commission selected to interview nine. These include Anthony F. Amalfetano, a sole practitioner who serves as a Warwick Probate Court judge; Johnston lawyer Joseph R. Ballirano, a private practitioner; David V. Igliozzi, a former Democratic state senator and Providence City Councilman who now serves as a Providence Housing Court judge; Assistant Attorney General Amy Dodge Murray, who runs the Providence County grand jury for the state; and District Court Magistrate J. Patrick ONeill, a former Democratic House Majority Whip named to the bench in 2017. Story continues Also on the list are Providence private practitioner Paul D. Ragosta, a son of late Superior Court Judge Vincent Ragosta, along with Cooper-Bailey, Saunders and Signore. The District Court openings were created by Judge Elaine T. Buccis retirement and the passage of law authorizing an additional judgeship meant to accommodate a new mental health treatment calendar. The commission selected the same people to interview for both positions. They are lifetime seats with a $165,158 base salary. More news: Judge orders halt to Rhode Island truck tolls, rules system is unconstitutional District Court Chief Judge Jeanne E. LaFazia has assigned Judge Pamela Woodock-Pfeiffer to preside over the mental health treatment calendar, according to Kara A. Picozzi, a spokeswoman for the courts. Woodcock-Pfeiffer for years has overseen the veterans court, an alternative judicial process for veterans diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury who were charged with misdemeanor crimes. Woodcock-Pfeiffer participated in training in July in Washington, D.C., with other judicial officers, exploring the intersection between criminal justice and mental health, Picozzi said. Staff is being selected and trained and a team assembled comprised of representatives from the Rhode Island Public Defenders' and Attorney General's offices and the Rhode Island State Mental Health Advocate. The first referrals to the voluntary calendar are expected to be in February, Picozzi said. The mental health treatment calendar was approved by state lawmakers last session as an alternative judicial process for people charged with misdemeanor offenses who are eligible for the program. It aims to integrate support and treatment, and potentially provide alternatives to traditional prosecution, sentencing and incarceration. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Who might fill open Rhode Island judicial seats? Today is Election Day in Michigan. Polls are open until 8 p.m. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today across Michigan, including Monroe County where various races and proposals are up for grabs. If you're not registered, you still can do so. In Michigan, you can register through 8 p.m. on Election Day. But at this late stage, you must register by visiting your township or city clerk's office. 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. You will need to prove your identity, bring a driver's license or a government-issued photo ID, along with a utility bill, current bank statement or recent pay stub. Once registered, you can vote. General information for Michigan voters is at michigan.gov/vote. For a breakdown on Monroe County issues and ballot samples and election night results, go to https://www.co.monroe.mi.us/409/Elections. Monroe County Clerk Annamarie Osment said due to the high volume of absentee ballots, results will take longer to come in but her office will be updating them as soon as they become available. The Monroe News will report and update results when they become available at our website, www.monroenews.com. More:Michigan election 2022: Your last-minute guide to voting Tuesday, Nov. 8 This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Today is Election Day; polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Former President Donald Trump called House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) an animal during a speech on Monday and in response, his supporters cheered. During a rally in Ohio, Trump recalled dismissing MS-13 gang members as animals during his presidency. Then, he said the same insult applied to the House speaker. I think shes an animal, too, if you want to know the truth, Trump said as the crowd roared with approval. Theyll say, Oh, what a horrible thing he said about Nancy. She impeached me twice for nothing! Nothing! The escalation in rhetoric comes just days after a man broke into Pelosis California house looking for her allegedly to hold her hostage and break her kneecaps and then struck her husband, Paul Pelosi, in the head with a hammer. He was hospitalized for six days with injuries to his right arm and hands and underwent surgery for a skull fracture. Nancy Pelosi said her husband was facing a long recovery process and convalescence. Trumps critics took to social media to call him out: This morning on CNN, Kevin McCarthy said the best way to avoid violence is for *Biden* to tone down his language. Tonight, Trump called Nancy Pelosi, whose husband was attacked 10 days ago, an "animal." Yes, an "animal." And it won't even be a headline tomorrow morning. https://t.co/ZcAMTJjER6 Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) November 8, 2022 Trump continues to target and dehumanize Nancy Pelosi, calling her an animal at an election-eve rally even after an attacker motivated by Trumps rhetoric bashed in her husbands skull with a hammer pic.twitter.com/6bcJZLDiRH Mark Follman (@markfollman) November 8, 2022 Days after a politically motivated attempt to kidnap and torture Pelosi. What would you say if you saw it in another country? https://t.co/o7YOfcesae Brendan Nyhan (@BrendanNyhan) November 8, 2022 History should be a lesson for all. Trump is calling Nancy Pelosi an animal. For context, Hitler was arrested for an attempted coup & briefly incarcerated-wrote Mein Kampf. He referred to Jewish people as rodents/animals, indoctrinated Germans to hate. Please. Pay. Attention. SarahCA (@SarahBCalif) November 8, 2022 On the eve of the midterms, its a new low for the former US president who knows the House Speaker is already shaken by a violent attack on her husband. https://t.co/j9LWP5ydyq The Age (@theage) November 8, 2022 Of all his projection, this is the projectionest. https://t.co/Uea7tOiDd1 Schooley (@Rschooley) November 8, 2022 This guy should be kept away from public places, and certainly from any form of responsibility. John Sipher (@john_sipher) November 8, 2022 He is truly a very sick sick sick fuck. pic.twitter.com/4K26rwGe7g#Trump Andy Ostroy (@AndyOstroy) November 8, 2022 ...So it's okay that one of your supporters broke her husband's skull with a hammer? Morality is gray and life is muddy but he is a bad person and if you support him you are a bad person for doing so. https://t.co/UL9bCh3yzN Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) November 8, 2022 This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan In particular, due to the need to fly around Turkey, the duration of flights from Russia, for example, to Egypt has increased by 20-30 minutes. Russias Ministry of Transport plans to discuss this issue with Turkey soon, the agencys representative said. He called the ban on planes with dual registration discrimination. At the same time, a representative of the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency has declined to comment on the situation. China made a similar decision regarding Boeing and Airbus aircraft of Russian air carriers with dual registration in late May. After the invasion of Ukraine and the introduction of sanctions against Russian civil aviation, the Russian authorities green lighted the registration of rights to foreign aircraft leased from Russian companies. At that time, more than half of the aircraft used in Russia were registered as foreign ones. Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Voters in Terrebonne and Lafourche will head to the polls Tuesday to elect judges, mayors, members of Congress and other local officials. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. For sample ballots, polling place addresses and other election information, visit the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office's website at GeauxVote.com. Follow the election results as they are updated throughout the night at houmatoday.com or dailycomet.com. Or download the newspapers' free cellphone apps at the Apple or Google app stores. Here's a rundown of what's on the ballot locally. Appeals judge seat contested Two candidates are running for the First Circuit Court of Appeal's Division D seat. State Rep. Tanner Magee of Houma will face Lafourche District Judge Steven Miller of Thibodaux for the appeals court seat. Both are Republicans. The seat opened after Chief Judge Vanessa Guidry-Whipple of Houma announced that she will retire when her term ends Dec. 31. Q&A:Candidates for Louisiana appeals judge discuss their goals and qualifications Running for Congress Incumbents Garret Graves and Steve Scalise, both Republicans, each face two opponents for the Houma-Thibodaux area's two congressional seats. Running against Graves are Brian Belzer, R-Prairieville; and Rufus Holt Craig Jr., a Libertarian from Baton Rouge. Challenging Scalise are Katie Darling, a Covington Democrat; and Howard Kearny, a Libertarian from Mandeville. Incumbent Republican John Kennedy faces a dozen opponents in the sole Senate race on the ballot. More:Louisiana GOP congressional delegation qualifies for reelection, eyes House leadership More:Louisiana Democrats give Republican incumbents Mike Johnson, Garret Graves pass in Congress A new Thibodaux mayor Two Republicans are vying for the seat that opens after Tommy Eschete's third term expires Dec. 31. Kevin Clement, the city's Parks and Recreation director, will face Sandy Holloway, a current member of the Louisiana state school board. Story continues Q&A:We asked Thibodaux mayor candidates to list their top priorities. Here's what they said. 4 of 5 Thibodaux City Council races decided Incumbent City Council members Chad Mire, Gene Richard and Mike Naquin were reelected after signing up in July opposition. Political newcomer Monique Crochet, director of External Affairs at Nicholls State University, won the District A seat without opposition. Two-term incumbent Eric Tabor chose not to run. Incumbent Constance Johnson will face former Councilman Varick Taylor for the District C seat. Two vie for Lafourche judge seat Heather Hendrix, a Lafourche prosecutor, will face Raceland attorney Rebecca Robichaux for a parish judge seat. Both are Republicans. The Division A seat being vacated by the retiring District Judge John LeBlanc, whose term ends Dec. 31. Q&A:Meet the attorneys running in Thibodaux judge's race Four compete for Lockport mayor Candidates are interim Town Councilmen Gary Acosta and Ernest Boudreaux, Lafourche School Board member Barry Plaisance and former Mayor Ed Reinhardt. Mark Bergeron signed up but later dropped out of the race. Reinhardt, who served as the towns mayor since 2016, resigned last year amid allegations he sexually harassed an employee. The Town Council appointed former Mayor Paul Champagne to serve as interim mayor until the special election is held Nov. 8. Q&A:We asked Lockport mayor candidates to share their goals and plans. Here's what they said Five of nine Lafourche School Board seats on ballot Elected without opposition are board members Dennis Guillot of District 2, Tina Babin of District 3 and Valerie Bourgeois of District 6. Newcomer Leslie Gros Wells of Larose was elected without opposition to the District 9 seat. Here are the races that will be decided on Election Day: District 1: Incumbent Cheryl Thomas, a Democrat, will face Myron Wright, an independent. Both are from Thibodaux. District 4: Incumbent Marian Fertitta, a Republican, will face Brett Smith, an independent, and Republican Shannah Ellender-Yuratich. All are from Thibodaux. District 5: Incumbent Clyde Duplantis, a Republican from Bayou Blue, will face Guy Campbell Sr., a Democrat from Gray. District 7: Republican Jamie Marlbrough will face independent Claude Richardel. Both are from Lockport. District 9: Allie Melancon Bellanger, an independent from Cut Off, will face Buffylynn Charpentier, a Republican from Golden Meadow. It's the first election since the board reduced its size from 15 members to nine. More:Concerned about voting fraud? Here's how to report it in Louisiana Most Terrebonne School Board seats contested Incumbents Roger Dale DeHart in District 7 and Dane Voisin in District 9 won reelection after signing up without opposition. On the Election Day ballot: District 1: Incumbent Michael Lagarde, a Democrat, will face Democrat and former board member Roosevelt Thomas and Republican Allison Cressoine Gill. District 2: Incumbent Greg Harding, a Democrat, will face Alicia Dove, an independent. District 3: Incumbent Matthew Ford will face Shari Champagne. Both are Republicans. District 4: Incumbent Debi Benoit of Houma will face Jax Badeaux of Schriever. Both are Republicans. District 5: George Crowdus Jr., a Republican, faces Wanda Ruffin-Triggs, an independent. Incumbent Stacy Verhagen Solet chose not to run. District 6: Incumbent Clyde Hamner, a Republican, will face Pam Mayet, an independent. District 8: Incumbent MayBelle Trahan, a Republican, will face Ernest Charles Brown Sr., a Democrat. Louisiana constitutional amendments Voters locally and across Louisiana will decide whether to approve or reject eight proposed changes to the state Constitution. A brief rundown accompanies this story at houmatoday.com and dailycomet.com. And the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana offers a detailed, unbiased look at the amendments at parlouisiana.org. Lafourche tax change Voters across Lafourche will decide whether to reallocate a current 2-mill property tax to the parish Council on Aging through 2027. The tax raises about $1.9 million a year. Judges win outright Two area judges won reelection after signing up without opposition. John Weimer of Thibodaux won another 10-year term on the Louisiana Supreme Court, the third straight time he has won reelection without opposition. Weimer, a political independent who represents District 6 on the court, was named chief justice last year. Mitch Theriot of Lockport won a second 10-year term on the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal in Baton Rouge. Theriot, a Republican and former state representative, holds the Division B seat on the court. Ward 2 has a new constable Charlton Rozands Jr., a Houma Republican, becomes Ward 2 constable after signing up without opposition. He replaces longtime constable L.J. Schexnayder Sr., who died in May at age 76. Courier and Daily Comet Executive Editor Keith Magill can be reached at 857-2201 or keith.magill@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @CourierEditor. This article originally appeared on Daily Comet: Louisiana voting: What's on the ballot for Terrebonne and Lafourche Election workers put up a sign to direct individuals needing wheelchair access at a polling station in a public school in Brooklyn on Aug. 23, 2022. (Anna Watts/The New York Times) SAN ANTONIO Laura Halvorson was ready to vote. On Thursday afternoon, she sat in front of a ballot screen at the Igo Library in San Antonio, after spending a month preparing for this moment. It was the first time in years that she had been in a public place, other than a doctors office. Sitting in her wheelchair, she wore two masks one a KN95, the other a part of her breathing machine. Because Halvorson, 38, has muscular dystrophy, a condition that progressively decreases muscle mass, and makes her more vulnerable to COVID-19, she needed to use a remote-control device supplied by poll workers to make her ballot selections. No one knew how it worked. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times The glitch was one of many obstacles she had to navigate, both on that day and over the previous weeks, to fulfill what she saw as her civic duty. For Halvorson and others with disabilities, casting a ballot can always present a challenge. But new voting restrictions enacted in several states over the past two years have made it even harder. A law signed last year by Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, a Republican, has made it more difficult for voters to cast ballots by mail and narrowed their options for voting in person, according to groups that advocate for people with disabilities and voting rights. Other Republican-led state legislatures, including in Georgia and Florida, have passed similar measures as a part of what they say are efforts to prevent voter fraud, despite rare occurrences of the crime. Instead of embracing the more accessible forms of voting that sparked record turnout, including among voters with disabilities, said Brian Dimmick, a senior staff attorney for the disability rights program of the American Civil Liberties Union, states have doubled down on new and more restrictive voter-suppression laws. None of the new laws single out those with disabilities, but advocates say they have left many people who would otherwise vote by mail with burdensome options: face the greater risk that their mail-in ballot could be thrown out as Texas did at a higher-than-usual rate during the March primary or go to the polls in person, which involves its own set of inconveniences or, worse, physical barriers, and often deprives people with disabilities of a sense of privacy and independence that other voters can take for granted. Story continues Voters with disabilities are being disenfranchised by all these new laws, from onerous ID requirements to longer lines, making the entire process less accessible, said Shira Wakschlag, the senior director of legal advocacy at The Arc, a disability advocacy organization. Several Texas Republicans who supported the new voting law did not respond to requests for comment about its effect on people with disabilities, although a spokeswoman for Abbott said in a statement that it protects the rights of disabled Texans to request reasonable accommodations or modifications. At a hearing last year, state Sen. Bryan Hughes, the Texas bills author, described accommodations for voters with disabilities as potential security risks, and said narrowing them would stop others from using those opportunities to cheat. Voting could already be difficult for those with disabilities. About 17.7 million reported voting in the November 2020 election, according to a report by the Program for Disability Research at Rutgers University and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Eleven percent of them, or nearly two million people, reported that they had some difficulty voting in that election almost double the rate of people without disabilities. The right to vote privately and independently was enshrined 20 years ago by Congress in the Help America Vote Act, which was the first law to require polling places to have accessible voting systems. The law also established the federal Election Assistance Commission, an independent body that sets guidelines for states and counties to accommodate disabled voters, which can be enforced by the Justice Department. Despite the law, Thomas Hicks, the commission chairman, said disabled voters still encountered problems, including those who are blind and have trouble locating accessible voting locations, and those who use wheelchairs and need voting machines to be low enough or adjustable to eye level. For Halvorson, a former special education teacher, the difficulties include being able to raise her hands and tap the screen of a voting machine, she said, because of her reduced motor skills. She lives with her partner, accompanied by different caregivers, in a one-story house in San Antonio, and also relies on a breathing machine to survive; a bad case of pneumonia in 2014 weakened her lungs, and she was not able to make a full recovery. Voting by mail made things simpler for her. But after reports that Texas had thrown out more than 18,000 mail-in ballots from its most populous counties during the March primaries, Halvorson who cannot write on her own and feared having to appeal a rejected ballot felt she had no other choice but to vote in person. She wanted to see the ballot go in herself, she said even if it meant risking her health. This election is too important to wait to find out if my vote counted, she said. A week of research about voting in person led Halvorson to a new kind of machine that Texas had recently put in place, allowing a remote to be connected to the screen and used to make selections. She called her county clerk to ensure those machines would be present at the Igo Library, her local polling place. She did not hear back, she said. Lydia Nunez Landry, a disability rights activist in Houston who has a different form of muscular dystrophy, said her experience using the remote on the first day of early voting went so poorly including a poll worker seeing Landrys chosen candidates that she immediately filed a complaint with the Justice Department. Im just so angry, Landry said. They constantly are changing things, it feels like, to the disability community. Were just so confused. Halvorson wanted a caregiver to accompany her to the polling place in case she had a similar experience and needed help. She also scheduled a coronavirus vaccine booster shot exactly two weeks before the end of early voting. On Thursday morning, Halvorson viewed an online guide to the candidates one more time. Her former service dog, Houston, wagged his tail as he put his paws in her lap and begged for treats. She drove to the library with one of her daytime caregivers, Shae-Lynn Lewis, in a large orange, wheelchair-accessible van. A parking spot for the disabled was available, which often is not the case, Halvorson said. Then it was time to take an inventory. Halvorson ticked off aloud what to bring inside: phone, identification, water bottle, hand sanitizer and wipes, and the absentee ballot she needed to turn in. Inside the library, a voting clerk wearing a U.S. Marine Corps veteran cap waved people through to the polling room. Halvorson and her caregiver entered and waited in line to turn in the absentee ballot and receive a remote. Halvorson later said her heart was beating out of her chest as she saw all the people around her without masks on in such close quarters. After securing the remote and pulling in front of a voting machine, she began trying to click through on the side buttons, but the screen did not respond. She said she asked for help, but none of the workers seemed to know how it worked, either. After a few tries, she said, the up and down buttons on the remote made the screen respond. It was still hard to read, however, as the font seemed to be enlarged and cut off the party affiliations for candidates she didnt know. The Bexar County elections administrator, Jacquelyn Callanen, did not respond to requests for comment about Halvorsons voting experience. While at least two dozen people entered and exited the voting area within minutes, Halvorson remained inside, trying to navigate the machine. After about half an hour, she was able to deposit her ballot. Later, she said she felt fortunate that her experience was not worse. Still, she said, It should be smooth for literally everybody. Before Halvorson left, one observer acknowledged her efforts. The man gave me two I voted stickers, she said. He said its because I had to go through twice as much as everybody else. 2022 The New York Times Company There has been an arrest in the caught-on-camera hit-and-run automobile incident that injured a bicyclist on East High Street. Court records indicate that 31-year-old restaurant worker John Dean Sherwin of Orange County has been charged in Charlottesville General District Court with an injury-causing hit-and-run, a felony. I really appreciate the Charlottesville Police Departments diligence in tracking this guy down, said crossing guard Kevin Cox, who witnessed the October 18 incident, which occurred near Hazel Street. Initially, the victim rode away without seeking medical or police attention until Cox convinced him of the importance of pressing charges. Widespread community outrage ensued due to the surveillance video supplied by the owner of a nearby store. The video showed the driver of a late-model Subaru sedan suddenly veer out of his lane in what looked, at minimum, like an effort to halt the advance of a passing bicyclist. The video also showed the bicyclist tumbling into a bush after his bicycle made contact with the swerving car. A subsequent interview found that the victim, 37-year-old Kenyon Barnes, suffered a finger injury that he treated himself. Also, five spokes were broken on a wheel of his battery-assisted two-wheeler. A message left with Barnes Monday afternoon seeking comment on the arrest was not immediately returned. The issue of car-on-bicycle collisions has gained visibility in recent years, since deaths from such interactions have been rising. In 2020, the most recent year for which numbers are available, 932 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles, an 8.9% increase from 856 deaths in 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The High Street case caused concern among mobility advocates that it would go uninvestigated, particularly since the victim did not initially file a police report. Crossing guard Cox was particularly adamant that he would help find the driver of the car. But after some encouragement from the crossing guard, Barnes filed his report a week later. I dont want to persecute my brother when Im supposed to love him, Barnes said the day he filed. But he done vile. Investigating officer Rudy Burchardt said that day that, despite concern that there was no active case, his investigation had already begun before Barnes report. Crossing guard Cox says hes thankful for the police. They get a lot of grief from people, but they continue to do their job, said Cox. The arresting documents indicate that Sherwin was charged with Class 5 felony, which can bring a one-to-10-year sentence if hes found guilty. The documents show that Sherwin gave his workplace as a restaurant company that owns several venues on Charlottesvilles Downtown Mall and his home address as a house belonging to his parents in north central Orange County. At the time of the arrest, the documents note that Sherwin had not yet obtained a lawyer. A reporter was unable to find him at the downtown restaurants Monday afternoon. Magistrate Patricia Last released Sherwin on an unsecured $3,000 personal recognizance bail. That means that he was allowed his freedom without putting up any cash or collateral but that he will owe $3,000 if he fails to attend his next court appearance, which is a Nov. 21 status hearing. The documents also show that Sherwins bail was modified by the magistrate to allow him to leave the Commonwealth of Virginia in early December to travel to his honeymoon. Who won key Wisconsin election races? Wisconsin Governor: Democratic incumbent Tony Evers overcame national headwinds facing his party this midterm election to win a second term as governor. Evers defeated U.S. Army veteran and construction executive Tim Michels. (Results | Story) Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat: U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson has been declared the winner. The incumbent Republican has 50.5% of the vote (1,334,670) over Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes (49.5% and 1,307,296 votes) with 98.9% of the vote counted. The race was too close to call on Election Night. (Results) Wisconsin's U.S. House of Representative seats: It appears that Republicans will hold 6 of Wisconsin's 8 House seats. In a closely watched race in Wisconsin's Third District, Republican Derrick Van Orden has been declared the winner of Democrat Brad Pfaff in the 3rd congressional district, a highly watched race to replace retiring Democrat Ron Kind. (Results | Story) Wisconsin Attorney General: Incumbent Josh Kaul will remain Wisconsin's attorney general after holding off a challenge from Republican Eric Toney.(Results | Story) Wisconsin Secretary of State: Democratic incumbent Doug LaFollette's lead is just 5,387 votes with 99% of the vote counted over Republican Amy Loudenbeck. That's 48.3% of the vote to 48.1% and a race potentially headed for a recount. Separated by two-tenths of a percentage point, it's too close to call as of 8 a.m. Wednesday. (Results) Wisconsin State Treasurer: With an estimated 99% of the votes counted around 8 a.m. Wednesday, Republican John Leiber is leading Democratic nominee Aaron Richardson by just under 40,000 votes, a race now called in Leiber's favor. (Results) Wisconsin State Legislature: Republicans came up short on Tuesday in their quest for a supermajority in the state Legislature to give lawmakers the power to override the governors' vetoes. As of midnight, Democrats held onto their seats in northwestern Wisconsin, the Fox Valley, the western Milwaukee suburbs and the Racine/Kenosha area. (Wisconsin State Senate results | Wisconsin State Assembly results) Story continues More:Judge denies request to sequester military ballots following Milwaukee election official case Leiber officially wins Wisconsin treasurer race John Leiber John Leiber, a Republican, will be Wisconsins next state treasurer. Leiber beat Democrat Aaron Richardson by nearly 40,000 votes, according unofficial vote counts. The Associated Press called the race on Wednesday afternoon. The two ran to replace current Treasurer Sarah Godlewski. In Wisconsin, the state treasurer has one duty: to be a member of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which manages 80,000 acres and a $1.3 billion trust fund and dispenses budget-allocated funding to public schools. Treasurers also may promote Wisconsin's unclaimed property program an initiative based on a state law that requires businesses to provide all unclaimed money to the Department of Revenue to assist Wisconsinites searching for unclaimed assets. Leiber sat on the board of the Racine County Republican Party. He recently earned a law degree from UW-Madison. Richardson has served as the mayor of Fitchburg for three years, drawing on support and name recognition in deep blue Dane County. Richardson earned a business degree from UW-Green Bay and his MBA from UW-Whitewater. Laura Schulte NBC and CNN officially declare Senate race for Ron Johnson (and now AP does too) Wisconsin GOP Sen. Ron Johnson wins reelection, NBC News and CNN report. Sen. Johnson came under fire for his alleged participation in a scheme in the 2020 presidential election to hand-deliver fake electors' votes to Mike Pence on Jan. 6. https://t.co/Ko83jzgMli pic.twitter.com/idYiqK2iP4 USA TODAY (@USATODAY) November 9, 2022 Ron Johnson will retain his U.S. Senate seat in Wisconsin, according to NBC News, which became the first major outlet to officially call the race for the Republican incumbent. The Associated Press has yet to officially declare Johnson the winner, but CNN and ABC followed NBC in calling the race. UPDATE: As of noon Wednesday, the Associated Press also called the race. In Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, the AP is calling the race for Republican Derrick Van Orden, who flips a seat previously held by retiring Democrat Ron Kind. Van Orden defeated Democrat Brad Pfaff for the slot. Libertarian, Green Party votes contribute to tight Secretary of State race, La Follette says Doug La Follette, Wisconsins Secretary of State for the last 43 years, said he is continuing to wait on results for his race, which are too close to call with 99% of the votes in. As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, La Follette, a Democrat, had two-tenths of a percentage point over his Republican challenger, state Rep. Amy Loudenbeck. La Follette had 1,265,099 votes, or 48.3% of the total, compared to Loudenbecks 1,258,516 votes, or 48.1%. We probably wont know much for a few more hours, he said. Loudenbeck did not concede or declare victory in a statement Wednesday morning. Due to the closeness of Tuesdays election results my team and I will continue to review the results of the official canvassing and certification; then decide what steps to take once all of the votes have been counted, she said. La Follette believes the candidates for secretary of state from the Libertarian Party and the Green Party caused the race to be especially tight. Combined, Neil Harmon and Sharyl McFarland account for 3.6% of the overall vote, according to the latest results from the Associated Press. La Follette received about 90,000 fewer votes than his fellow Democrat Gov. Tony Evers, who won reelection. The latest results show that Harmon and McFarland gathered about 95,000 votes combined. Sophie Carson Ron Johnson: 'There is no path' for Barnes to win New: Ron Johnson (R) declares race is over against Mandela Barnes (D) in Wisconsin Senate race. Race has yet to be called by major outlets. Johnson has 27,374 vote lead. pic.twitter.com/LdBJtmy3Yb Lawrence Andrea (@lawrencegandrea) November 9, 2022 U.S. Senator Ron Johnson proclaimed victory in his quest to retain his seat against Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes, releasing a statement saying, "There is no path mathematically for Lt. Gov. Barnes to overcome his 27,374 vote deficit. This race is over." The Associated Press and the major networks had yet to call Wisconsin's marquee race when the Johnson campaign issued the statement. The Barnes campaign has not conceded the race and contends there are still votes to count. With just more than 1% of the vote remaining to be tabulated, the race isn't official, but only 6% of the vote remains to be counted in the high-population Democratic stronghold of Milwaukee County, with all but 1.5% of the votes to be counted in Dane County. The next six highest-populated counties (Waukesha, Brown, Racine, Outagamie, Winnebago, Kenosha), all of whom have favored Johnson, have reported between 86% and 93% of votes. Statewide races still too close to call, especially secretary of state As you wake up Wednesday, statewide races are still up in the air in Wisconsin, and more than just the battle for a U.S. Senate spot between Republican incumbent Ron Johnson and Democrat Mandela Barnes. Democratic incumbent Josh Kaul leads Republican challenger Eric Toney in the race for the state attorney general by less than 33,000 votes, but with 99% of the vote reported, Kaul has declared victory and Toney has conceded. In the battle for secretary of state, Democratic incumbent Doug LaFollette's lead is just 5,387 votes with 99% of the vote counted over Republican Amy Loudenbeck. That's 48.3% of the vote to 48.1% and a race potentially headed for a recount. Separated by two-tenths of a percentage point, it's too close to call as of 8 a.m. Wednesday. Republicans in other states have targeted the secretary of state office for its election oversight powers. In Wisconsin, the secretary of state does not oversee elections. Loudenbeck previously dismissed suggestions she wouldn't abide by election results. She didn't specify what changes she would make, saying those issues should be determined by the Legislature, but she supported consolidating oversight duties in the secretary of state's office. She also contended that election laws were not uniformly enforced during the 2020 election. La Follette, meanwhile, framed the race for secretary of state as a referendum on democracy. He suggested Loudenbeck could toss out legitimate Democratic victories and refuse to certify their election if she took office. Legislators have gradually reduced the powers of the secretary of state over the years. The office, which has two positions and an annual budget of less than $300,000, is in the basement of the state Capitol. La Follette's primary duties involve authenticating documents and filing oaths of office and deeds for state lands and buildings. There are no automatic recounts in Wisconsin elections but one can be requested. The state pays for recounts where the margin is less than or equal to 0.25% of the total vote. If the margin is greater than those covered by the state, the requester of the recount must pay for the process. In the state treasurer's race, Republican John Leiber has 49.7% of the vote and Democrat Aaron Richardson has 48.1%, a separation of just more than 40,000 votes. Sophie Carson Ron Johnson expects to declare victory this morning Sen. Ron Johnson reacts to results Tuesday November 8, in Neenah, Wis. Though a little more than 1% of the vote remains outstanding, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson aniticpates declaring victory this morning in Neenah at 10 a.m. according to 1310 AM talk-show host Brian Schimming. The incumbent Republican has 50.5% of the vote (1,334,670) over Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes (49.5% and 1,307,296 votes) with 98.9% of the vote counted. The race was too close to call on Election Night. Elsewhere, Republican Derrick Van Orden has declared victory over Democrat Brad Pfaff in Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, a spot currently held by retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. Ron Kind. Wisconsin's Secretary of State race appears too close to call between Doug La Follette and Amy Loudenbeck The race for Wisconsin Secretary of State appeared to be too close to call as of 1:15 a.m. The Associated Press reported about 99% of votes were in, but the two candidates were separated by less than 1%. A different count from CNN showed a thin margin of about 10,000 votes separating the two candidates. Democrat incumbent Doug La Follette faced off with Republican state Rep. Amy Loudenbeck. Republicans in other states have targeted the secretary of state office for its election oversight powers. In Wisconsin, the secretary of state does not oversee elections. Legislators have gradually reduced the powers of the secretary of state over the years. The office, which has two positions and an annual budget of less than $300,000, is in the basement of the state Capitol. La Follette's primary duties involve authenticating documents and filing oaths of office and deeds for state lands and buildings. Sophie Carson U.S. Senate race between Ron Johnson and Mandela Barnes is 'too close to call' Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and Democratic challenger Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes were locked in a race that was too close to call early Wednesday. With 93% of the vote in, Johnson had 50.7% of the vote to 49.3% for Barnes, a difference of nearly 40,000 votes. "We've looked very closely at the numbers," Johnson told supporters in Neenah. "We feel confident there's no way they can make up the gap." Johnson said he was not going to declare victory until all the numbers were in but said, "I want to give you folks a sense that this race is over." Johnson added that he expected to declare victory later in the morning. Felesia Martin, first vice chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, told the crowd at Mandela Barnes election night party that the race against U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson was too close to call shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday. "This race is far too close to call tonight," Martin said. "And there are tens of thousands of votes left to be counted." She urged Barnes supporters to head home while the campaign works to make sure all of the votes are counted. "I really appreciate you," she said. "But you know, we're in Wisconsin. And you all know the drill. We've been here many times - our elections have a razor's edge. And this US Senate race is no different." Martin urged people to "keep the positive energy going." Mary Spicuzza Mark Chambers Jr. easily wins Cavalier Johnson's former Milwaukee Common Council seat Mark Chambers Jr. handily won the race for the Milwaukee District 2 Common Council seat vacated by Cavalier Johnson when he was elected mayor this spring. Chambers received 76% of the vote to Jerel Ballards 23%, according to unofficial results. His win was unsurprising, given the three-way August primary in which Chambers took 60% of the vote to Ballards 22.5%. His victory, and the election of state Rep. Jonathan Brostoff to District 3 in an uncontested race, mean two of the four currently vacant council seats will be filled in the coming weeks. Two others are expected to be filled in the spring election. Another seat is expected to be vacated this month by Ald. Nikiya Dodd. She has declined to specify when she will step down. Alison Dirr Milwaukee Election Commission executive director heckled at Central Count Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg told the Journal Sentinel after the city's results were delivered to the county that some observers at central count had heckled her as she was trying to get flash drives ready to take them to the county courthouse this evening. She said she had created a detailed process of how the citys election officials would document and try to be as transparent as possible about the flash drives because they were the source of conspiracy theories in the 2020 presidential election. For instance, on the last of the machines used to count the absentee ballots she said they took issue with how she was documenting a door of the machine that when opened pulled the power cord out. It seemed like there was just a small group that was very isolated but that they werent going to believe anything, she said. She said at one point she had to tell the two or three people heckling her that they might have to leave. However, those interactions did not slow the process, she said. Instead, she said what slowed things down was election officials going more methodically from one machine to next, making sure to document the process and wait five to 10 minutes for results to export before moving to the next machine. That was in contrast to 2020, when she said she went from one machine to the next as results were exporting. Still, she arrived at the courthouse with the flash drives at 11 p.m. Alison Dirr Gov. Tony Evers wins second term as Wisconsin governor, Tim Michels concedes Gov. Tony Evers has won a second term as Wisconsin governor after defeating Tim Michels. Michels conceded the race around 12:20 a.m. Wednesday to Evers. In a speech lasting only a few minutes, he said he had just called incumbent Evers after realizing he could not pull out a victory. Unfortunately, the math doesnt add up, he said. Michels thanked his supporters and campaign staff and said Wisconsin was the greatest state in the union with a tremendous work ethic and the most wonderful people on the planet. In hindsight looking back I don't know what we would have done differently. It was a very spirited effort ... but it wasn't our night tonight, he said. Katelyn Ferral Republicans in Wisconsin do not gain supermajority in Wisconsin state Legislature Republicans came up short on Tuesday in their quest for a supermajority in the state Legislature to give lawmakers the power to override the governors' vetoes. As of midnight, Democrats held onto their seats in northwestern Wisconsin, the Fox Valley, the western Milwaukee suburbs and the Racine/Kenosha area. Democratic incumbent Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed more bills than any governor before him, symbolizing the bitter divisions that have defined the statehouse in recent years. If Assembly Republicans had flipped five seats and Senate Republicans flipped just one, Evers' vetoes or future vetoes by any governor won't have any power. If the Legislature was able to override vetoes during the past legislative session, they could have banned schools from teaching about systemic racism, expanded rights for firearm owners, and overhaul the state's voting policies. Corri Hess Milwaukees bipartisan election commissioners accompanied ballot delivery for 'more transparency' Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg delivered the citys absentee ballot results at 11 p.m. Tuesday, accompanied by the citys three election commissioners and a number of observers who had been at central count earlier. As the results were being uploaded, Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson, surrounded by Milwaukees bipartisan election commissioners, said the commissioners accompanied the ballot results from central count to the Milwaukee County Courthouse. He called it a bipartisan observation effort meant to continue the effort of more transparency. We hope that its received in that spirit of cooperation and of transparency, he said. Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg delivered the citys absentee ballot results at 11 p.m. Tuesday, accompanied by the citys three election commissioners and a number of observers who had been at central count earlier. Republican Election Commissioner Douglas Haag called it a wise decision and a historical moment that the commissioners were allowed to ride with along and witness the chain of custody. Everything has been properly recorded, documented and witnessed, he said. Alison Dirr Gov. Tony Evers expected to win a second term Sources in both parties are saying that Gov. Tony Evers is going to win a second term for governor. For Michels, I dont see a path, said a prominent GOP source. With two-thirds of the vote in, Evers was leading Republican businessman Tim Michels by 51.2% to 47.8%. But those figures did not include the 61,000 absentee ballots still to be counted in Milwaukee County. Its over, said a leading Democratic source. Daniel Bice Tammy Baldwin says long wait means 'our democracy is working' U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin assured the crowd at Mandela Barnes' election night party that the wait for results - while tough - is a sign that "our democracy is working" as ballots were counted Tuesday night. "We all know that waiting is the hardest part. And yet what they're doing right now is a sign that our democracy is working. And I think we can all agree that that is something to celebrate," Baldwin said to cheers. She also praised the supporters gathered at Turner Hall Ballroom in downtown Milwaukee, saying, "thank you for all of your efforts. I believe that it has made a tremendous difference between whether we have a senator who unites or divides, a senator who serves the public or serves himself." Mary Spicuzza and Benjamin Wells Assembly Speaker Robin Vos easily holds seat Assembly Speaker Robin Vos easily held onto his seat Tuesday after former President Donald Trump and his endorsed primary candidate launched an expensive attack against Vos through a write-in campaign. With 50% of precincts reporting, Vos has 8,802 votes compared to write-in challenger Adam Steen, who has 3,533 votes. Vos will begin his 10th term even as Trump leveled his weight in the GOP against the Assembly Speaker in an effort to boost Steen over the finish line with a new endorsement, calling Vos "horrendous." It didn't work. Corri Hess Milwaukee County Clerk: 'This election has gone very smoothly' Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson said about 9:30 p.m. that Tuesdays election had gone well. This election has gone very smoothly, and we expect it to continue to go smoothly, he said, adding that there had been long lines in several municipalities. He said 496 reporting units out of 530 across the county had reported results so far. No results from central count locations had yet come in. He expected the City of Milwaukee results to be in around 11 p.m. Democrats putting faith in Gov. Tony Evers' chances Its early, but trends appeared to be emerging in Wisconsins big races. In the governors race, Democrats are increasingly optimistic about Gov. Tony Evers chances. They are pointing to the fact that the first-term governor is outperforming his 2018 numbers in traditionally conservative Waukesha County while liberal stronghold Dane County turned out voters in record numbers. With nearly half of the vote in, Evers was leading Republican businessman Tim Michels by six percentage points, 52.5% to 46.5%. In the U.S. Senate contest, Democratic candidate Mandela Barnes was ahead of incumbent Republican Sen. Ron Johnson by 50.7% to 49.3% -- a difference of only 20,000 votes. Republican insiders said they believed that Johnson will be able to make up that margin in the states rural counties, many of which have not reported their voter tallies. But they are both fluid contests, and much could change by the end of the night. Daniel Bice Green Bay reports 14 polling places needed extra ballots Voter turnout Tuesday in Green Bay was such that 14 of the city's roughly 60 polling places had to have more ballots printed, City Clerk Celestine Jeffreys said Tuesday night. As far as Jeffreys knew, she said, the shortage didn't prompt any voters to leave without voting. Poll workers presumably notified voting officials of the impending shortages before the ballot supply ran dry. Through 4 p.m., staff at the clerk's office checked in by telephone with chief inspectors at a majority of polling places. That check showed approximately 20,000 people had voted with four hours left in the voting day, though not all chief inspectors were able to be contacted. In terms of errors that are known, Jeffreys said she believes that one voter was allowed to cast a ballot without having to show identification. "It's a mistake, and we'll note it in the inspector's statement," she said. "It means it's 20,000 times an ID was taken (from a voter) and one time that it wasn't." Doug Schneider Green Bay labor union rally outside Central Count calls to 'count every vote' About 25 labor union members and community activists gathered outside Green Bay's Central Count at City Hall at 8 p.m. calling for every vote to be counted. Led by Service Employees International Union Local 1, community members came together to support election workers counting votes and to make sure their voices are heard, organizers said. Participants sported "Count every vote" T-shirts and signs as SEIU and American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin union leaders spoke about the importance of Election Day. "We're here standing up for every person that voted today for them to have the peace of mind to know that that we are out here," said Bianca Guzman, one of the SEIU organizers. "We're making sure our ballots get counted and that are voices are being heard with our ballots." Danielle DuClos Milwaukee County could have final results by 10:30 p.m. Milwaukees central count is preparing to export final results. Election officials expect final results to be out to the county by 10:30 p.m.Slightly more than 61,000 early ballots have been returned, Claire Woodall-Vogg, executive director of the citys election commission, said.An observer is raising objections to the process, the grounds of which are unclear.The commission identified 21 early ballots missing a poll workers witness signature. Those votes will be still be counted, Woodall-Vogg said, because the error was not the voters. Genevieve Redsten Wauwatosa has 65% of absentee ballots counted Wauwatosa was 65% finished counting absentee ballots about half an hour after polls closed, Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson told the Journal Sentinel. He expected the city would be done by midnight. Wauwatosa, like other communities across the state, counts its absentee ballots at a single location known as central count. The results shown at the courthouse mirror those available online. The rolling results are available on the Milwaukee County Clerk's Facebook page while the results from individual municipalities are updated throughout the night on the clerk's website. Alison Dirr Darrin Madison is 'almost certainly' the first Black socialist in legislature Running unopposed, Darrin Madison and Ryan Clancy became the first democratic socialists elected to the Wisconsin Legislature in nearly 90 years on Tuesday. According to historian John Gurda, Madison is almost certainly the first Black socialist elected to the statehouse in history. Madison said he believes his election will encourage people to move beyond the traditional avenues of leadership. Members of the Socialist Party of America were the last known socialist candidates to be elected, which happened in the early 1930s, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. Many of those members switched over to the Progressive Party by the late 1930s. Madison and Clancy will caucus with the Democratic Party but will also form a new socialist caucus, Clancy told the Journal Sentinel. Clancy, who is also a Milwaukee County Board supervisor, said tenants rights would be a priority. Madison said he is focused on engaging people 16 to 24 more in the economy and wants to build support systems for incarcerated people as they enter back into society. Drake Bentley Milwaukee ballots counted in midterm races Security at Michels' campaign event includes Wisconsin State Patrol At the Tim Michels campaign event at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukees Third Ward, Wisconsin State Patrol officers were stationed at each building entrance, even in front of the bathroom. Members of the press were cordoned off in a corner of a ballroom and were not allowed to speak to attendees nor leave the building and return. A Michels campaign representative said the measures were for security reasons but did not say if there were any specific threats to the election night event. Katelyn Ferral South side senior center voter turnout 'very busy' As of 7 p.m., an hour before polls closed, a little over 600 people had cast a ballot at OASIS senior center on Milwaukees south side, a total that struck Carl Malischke, chief inspector, as high. Weve been very busy, he said, adding that more than 80 people had newly registered to vote at the polling site. Malischke said he had not anticipated any problems at the polling site and had encountered no major issues.He said he had to send some voters to the correct polling site at Longfellow School after officials at another polling site had wrongly sent them to OASIS. Pang Xiong, 38, said one of the most important issues for her this election was the right to an abortion. She knows people who have had pregnancy complications that put the mothers life at risk. She said such decisions shouldnt be dictated by a law. A lot of men dont know what women have to go through, she said after casting her ballot at OASIS. It should be the womans choice. Joshua Villafuentes, 39, said the issues most important to him were inflation and the economy. He was also concerned with the countrys pace transitioning to alternative sources of energy. Were not ready, he said. Theres a lot of people moving too fast.Sarah Volpenhein Election official talks about voting system involving flash drives Green Bay city clerk says election workers have been busy Green Bay has had eight polling places require extra ballots because of a heavy turnout today, but City Clerk Celestine Jeffreys says poll workers have encountered no major problems. Speaking at a 5 p.m. media availability, Jeffreys said the "upwards of 400 people" working the election in the city had encountered no problems other than lines that reminded some people of the crowds associated with the 2020 presidential election. Besides the heavy turnout at the roughly 60 polling places in the city, poll workers will have to count the roughly 10,100 ballots cast before the election, and the 200 to 400 that arrived by mail in the past two days, Jeffreys said. "In terms of a midterm election," she said, "turnout has been very high." Any registered voter who is in line at his or her polling place by 7:59 p.m. tonight, she said, will be able to cast a ballot. But someone who arrives at 8:01 p.m., however, will be out of luck. Doug Schneider Election chief 'expected it to be a little busier' in Waukesha In Waukesha, the day started fast but became quiet through the lunch hour, with few problems. Waukesha City Clerk Gina Kozlik said one voting machine failed at one site, but a second was readily available to offset the problem. Other than that, the day was uneventful through noon. That included no voter intimidation incidents. We heard there might be something like that, but I havent heard about anything so far, Kozlik said. At Waukesha City Hall, the polling site for wards 5 to 8, election chief Harry Krueger said the lines were long shortly after the polls opened at 7 a.m., and he was expecting a crowd after the school day ended, but in between it had been relatively quiet. I expected it to be a little busier, Krueger said. At the National Guard Armory on Walton Avenue in Waukesha, polling had remained fairly steady all day, with short lines forming for wards 21-23, Chief Inspector David Simmons said at about 4:30 p.m. But more surprising was what fed the crowd: new voter registrations. Definitely more than our last mid-terms (in 2018), Simmons said. Many, many more people registering. James Riccoli Polling places busy in Muskego Jon Thelen in Muskego voted Republican today because the candidates are absolutely 100% correct on the issues, such as controlling inflation and crime rates, he said. He voted at Muskego City Hall, and while the polling place was relatively crowded, the city clerks office said that high voter turnout for Muskego isnt out of the ordinary. I think what's going to happen at the national level now is that, hopefully the Republicans win and the Democrats still have the White House they'll be forced to work together, Thelen said. Quinn Clark Milwaukee has more than half of absentee votes processed By 4 p.m., the City of Milwaukee had processed 35,236 absentee ballots out of 61,264 returned so far, Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg said Tuesday. She expected a few hundred additional absentee ballots would still be returned Tuesday out of the nearly 67,000 total ballot sent to voters. The city processes its absentee ballots at a single location, known as central count. This election, central count is located at the Wisconsin Center downtown due to the higher volume of ballots than in lower-turnout elections. Woodall-Vogg said she expected all of the absentee ballots would be counted between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. She described bustling polling places across the city, saying turnout is expected to be about 70% to 75% of registered voters. There have been no issues with election observers that officials were not able to address, she said. We are having really great communication with our observers, she said. If theres been a misunderstanding, everything has been able to be remedied without having to issue any order to leave. She said the only issue she had been made aware of at polling places were voters who have questioned why observers are watching them. Whether the number of observers eclipses past elections wont be known for a few days, when election officials review observer logs. She expected the numbers would be similar to past elections. Central count has seen fewer observers and less media than expected, she said. Alison Dirr Voter turnout in Sherman Park respectable Allyn Lottouzee, 33, has been working for the Wisconsin Election Commission for 4 1/2 years, he is the chief poll inspector at the Mary Ryan Boys and Girls Club located at Sherman Park. He also worked this location during the 2020 presidential election and says turnout in 2022 has been lower, but still substantial. Ive seen it really busy, Ive seen it nowhere, and Ive seen it in the middle. This is somewhere in the middle, closer to busy though, he said. Lottouzee said the neighborhood has a lot of absentee voters, and hes seen a lot of voters return their ballot to the polling place today. So if the numbers dont look as impressive physically in here, I think they balance out when you take the absentee ballots, he said. Kat S., 26, a new Sherman Park resident, said it was important to vote because she is studying to be a social worker and believes it is important that elected leaders represent everyday people. I think that if we want to make a difference its important to vote in our local elections, in our midterm elections, because these are the people who are making decisions for us that are impacting people in our communities, she said. Drake Bentley Kenosha poll observer says he was ejected from polling place after rectifying erroneous challenge to students' eligibility The voting eligibility of several people were erroneously challenged and the leaders of a local NAACP chapter and a nonprofit that serves Wisconsins Latinx community were kicked out of a Kenosha polling site Tuesday. Darryl Morin, the president of Forward Latino, said Kenoshas city clerk was eventually called to the site and took immediate and corrective action, but he said the series of events underscore how important the role of poll observers are to the process. You can see where there was a huge opportunity for a significant number of voters to be disenfranchised, Morin said. Morin said his organization was called to the site, at Kenoshas Civil War Museum, after a group of at least three students from Carthage College were initially told they could not vote and their names were not on the rolls, when in fact they were, Morin said. A second incident involved another group of six students five of them white and another Latino entering the location at the same time. Morin said the Latino student was the only one asked where he was from and why he was voting there. Morin said all the students involved were eventually allowed to vote. But Morin eventually was kicked out of the polling site after he tried to help a voter get a question answered, he said. Morin said a voter a Black woman approached him with a question, but because he was there as a poll observer, he was not allowed to speak to her. He said he saw her wandering around looking for someone else to consult, so he helped get the attention of a poll worker to help her. That, apparently, was enough to get him kicked out by the chief inspector at the site. Morin said the chief very loudly ejected me. Anthony Davis, the president of the Kenosha chapter for the NAACP, also was present at the site as an observer. He said he was ejected by the chief when he said hello and hugged a poll worker that he knew from high school. I think it was an overreaction, Davis said. Morin said other workers with Forward Latino stayed at the site to make sure the corrective actions by the clerk were followed. Michelle Nelson, the Kenosha City Clerk, did not immediately return a request for comment. Elliot Hughes Wauwatosa lines long after voting machine stopped working Wauwatosa voters are enduring lines over an hour long after a ballot scanner at City Hall stopped working, causing election workers to combine all three districts into one line rather than the two they planned for. Election workers are now asking voters to place ballots in a slot below the scanner for the votes to be scanned later. In response to the hold-up, some voters were seen leaving the voting line, with most saying they would come back at night and others saying they weren't sure whether they would have the time to cast their vote. One voter, Richard Wight, said he simply doesnt have the time to wait an hour to vote because of work, so he is going to come back at night in hopes of finding shorter lines. This is an important election so Im really going to want to get my vote in, but I just dont have time right now and Im a bit worried about when Ill have time to come back, said Wight. At Hart Park, another voting location in Tosa, voters are seeing lines tightly snaked around the Muellner Buildings stairwell and out its door as the location experiences its first major election under new voting districts. Due to redistricting, the location now serves two more districts than before causing lines to be longer and election workers to be overwhelmed. Nancy Hall, chief inspector at the location, said the long lines started at 8 a.m. and have not stopped since. Usually we get voters during the morning, lunch and after work rush, but this year it has just been hour-long waits the whole time Ive never seen it this busy, said Hall. Despite the long lines, expected to hold steady throughout the rest of the night, Hall said things have run very smoothly and there have been no incidents while voters are waiting in line. Beck Salgado Appleton polling place seeing high turnout Halfway through Election Day, midterm voter turnout had already surpassed primary turnout at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Appleton. By 2 p.m., the polling place had 50% of registered voters in its wards cast their ballots, according to Chief Inspector Carolyn Klein-Marsh. (In the primary), we had about 33% of eligible voters vote by the end of the night, Klein-Marsh said. This is really good turnout today. There has also been an uptick in curbside voting at the polling place. Klein-Marsh said seven people had cast their ballots curbside by 2 p.m., when most elections, shes seen about three the whole day. Sophia Voight The scene in Lake Country Mike Draeger, a Nashotah resident, describes himself as a blue collar guy who works hard and wants a fair election. Hes voting for Republicans this year. He considers himself a moderate, but said its hard to do so these days. I vote Republican, not because I'm proud of them or admire them, Draeger said. I vote Republican because I'm terrified of the Democrats and what they have become these days. Evers response to COVID-19 is just one example of the many radical choices made on the left, he said. Draeger voted at Nashotah Village Hall, and votes in every election he can. It's my duty. I have to do it, he said. I cannot complain about the problem unless I'm at the polls. By 3 p.m., about 600 people voted at Nashotah Village Hall, said village clerk Cynthia Pfeifer. About 20 people so far have registered to vote today, she said. The polling place has been busy, but that isnt unusual for them, she said. It was real busy earlier, Pfeifer said. Now it seems like it's slowing down a little bit. It'll get busier again when school gets out, and then for the rest of the evening. The main issues that drove Draeger to the polls are government spending and gun rights. He is tired of losing so much of his paycheck to taxes when he doesnt see any positive change in the community. Quinn Clark Dane County turnout could exceed 85% After projecting an 85% voter turnout earlier today, Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell is now calling that a floor projection which may go higher. Melanie Conklin, a spokesperson for the Dane County Clerks Office, said the office had to request an additional 3,000 ballots this afternoon for polling locations on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus and the city's east side. Just had to reorder some ballots. I ordered a lot of ballots. So take that as some sort of tea leaf, McDonell said in a tweet. Conklin said it was a proactive request and none of the citys polling locations have run out of ballots. She said no locations in the city have reported any issues. Elliot Hughes The scene in Mequon and Milwaukee's north side Chief poll inspector at Rufus King High School, Victoria Robinson, has been working the polls at the school for about five years. She says this is the strongest turnout shes seen, adding that its been steady all day. She also said shes seen more first time voters than shes seen before. We had at least 20 first time voters this morning, she said Khari Pleas-Carnie, 22, lives in the Rufus King neighborhood and said he felt it was necessary to vote because he doesnt want to see legislation implemented that was passed in other states. He encourages others his age to vote saying, A lot of people my age wont be able to go out to the booth or dont see the importance of going out to the booth and Im just like, 'Your voice matters.' The stream of voters has briefly slowed in Mequon at the Lumen Christi Catholic Church located at 2750 W Mequon Rd as of 1:45p.m. Chief Inspector Diana Turner said the polling place was busy this morning and are expecting more voters later in the day. As of 2:30p.m., voters are waiting more than 30 minutes to get inside the polling place at the Shorewood Village Center, located at 3920 N. Murray Ave. Chief Inspector Janet Kreilein said the line has been mostly consistent throughout the day. Between wards 1-4, more than 750 people have voted, and in wards 5-8, 625 voters have cast their ballots as of 2:30p.m. Kreilein said turnout has been comparable to a presidential Election-Day race. Drake Bentley and Alexandria Groth Student IDs need expiration dates Turnout was high at Riverside High school with many new registrants, said chief inspector Bill Christianson, just before explaining to a UWM student that he needed a different student ID to vote. Students who have out-of-state drivers licenses can use student IDs instead, but the IDs must have expiration dates. The regular UWM IDs dont have that, so students need to request them, Christianson said. Christianson told the student he could fill out a provisional ballot and later bring his ID, or he could walk back to UWM to get a new ID printed that day. The student walked. Other than those issues, Christianson said the day was running smoothly, with two election observers visiting from the Republican Party and one from the Democratic Party. I was expecting a lot more; they prepared us for a lot more, he said. In the gym at Riverside, Wenshet Burkman voted for the first time Tuesday as a new citizen. She brought her two kids to vote at Riverside High School, where they helped her feed her ballot into the machine. I was a little nervous because I had never seen it but it was really easy, she said. Burkman said abortion was a top issue for her. She also wanted to support public education and especially would like to see better school meals. Her kids attend Maryland Montessori. Another voter at Riverside, Ali Reese, also said abortion was a top issue. She said she wished the Democrats advertising would have gone more into other issues in addition to abortion, but it was still a big concern. I didnt want things that I might be able to have a say in just get blown over, because I didnt have a say, she said. Rory Linnane Election monitors are in Milwaukee and Racine The Justice Department has election monitors in 64 jurisdictions in 24 states today, including Milwaukee and Racine. The department has sent monitors to election sites for more than five decades to make sure polling sites are complying with federal voting rights laws. The department's monitors include workers from the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorneys' Offices. Civil Rights Division personnel also are taking tips from the public about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws online at civilrights.justice.gov or by phone at 800-253-3931. Ashley Luthern Hmong voters want their voices heard Jimmy Xiong, 45, voted for Democrats Tuesday at Richard Kluge Elementary School, around the corner from where he lives in Milwaukees Silver Spring neighborhood. It all comes down to voting, he said. Its very critical right now. Democrats need every bit of help. Xiong doesnt trust Republicans to pay attention to people like him, and he credits Democrats with a hot job market and improving worker wages. Xiong himself recently switched jobs. He had earned about $14 an hour at his previous job, but now earns $19 an hour working at a manufacturing company in New Berlin. He also stands to benefit from student loan relief that President Joe Biden, a Democrat, announced earlier this year. Xiong has a two-year degree and about $20,000 in student loans, he said. He submitted an application for loan forgiveness through Bidens initiative, which is currently being held up by legal challenges. If the loan forgiveness goes through, Xiong said it would help a lot. Ying Yang, 50, was at Kluge School with her daughter, who helped translate the ballot for her. It was Yang's second or third time voting, and this was the first time Yang who doesn't speak much English had assistance, she said through her daughter. Yang voted because she wanted to make the Hmong and Southeast Asian community heard, she said through her daughter, Lisa Vue. The polling site did not have a Hmong-speaking poll worker. Jackie Christian, the chief inspector at the site, said people who need language assistance usually bring someone with them who can help translate or interpret. Sarah Volpenhein In Bay View, security guard's first day includes poll security Shauniqua Johnson didnt expect her first day as a security guard to include helping out at the polls Tuesday. Johnson, who was recently hired by Durable Security Services, was assigned to work the lobby of the Bay View Branch of the Milwaukee Public Library for Election Day. However, seeing the early morning rush, she volunteered to help guide voters as they came through the doors, working with a poll worker to direct voters to the registration and ballot pick-up tables. By early afternoon shed encountered happy people, angry people and people who just didnt want to talk, she said. Its quite the experience, Johnson said. I kind of like it. I didnt know Id be such a people person until today. Chief inspector Dawn Wenszell was appreciative of the help on a day she called insane. The polling place picked up an additional ward with a lot of apartment buildings this year, and many of the voters were new to the area and needed to register to vote, she said. As of 1 p.m., 646 ballots had been cast at the library. This is the busiest I recall, Wenszell said. At the library and at the South Shore Park Pavillion, voters were standing in long lines when polls opened. Election inspector Mary Dannecker said poll workers set up an extra table to split Ward 239, allowing them to move voters through the line more quickly. Things had slowed by the lunch hour, giving Dannecker some breathing room as she checked in poll workers who were arriving for the afternoon and evening shift. As of noon, 740 people had voted at the pavilion. This feels way ahead of most elections, Danneckers husband and co-inspector, Joe Dannecker, said. Karl Ebert Mayor Cavalier Johnson speaks at Central Count Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson just made an appearance at Central Count after visiting polling stations across the city, including the south and north sides. He took to the microphone to congratulate the election workers present on their hard work. I know that over the course of the past couple of years what happens right here in places like this and Wisconsin have gotten more of a microscope, and those of you who have taken so much of your time, your energy, your effort to make sure we have a transparent day, he said. I want to thank you for stepping up to make sure that we continue to have a functioning, well-run elections organization right here in the City of Milwaukee, Johnson said. Its good for the city. Its good for the state. Vanessa Swales Man in custody after carrying knife into West Bend polling place and demanding staff 'stop the voting' West Bend police said a 38-year-old man is in custody after entering the West Bend Community Memorial Library with a knife and demanding for staff to stop the voting.'" No one was injured in the incident, though voting was interrupted for about 30 minutes. Voters and children playing in a nearby play area were escorted into the voting room, a poll worker said, and the doors were shut. Heavy police presence, the poll worker said. They were all over the place. Library staff declined to comment on the incident. The incident took place at 12:35 p.m., and voting operations have returned to normal. In fact, voters who came later weren't even aware of what had transpired. One man said one of his workers told him about it: I guess nothing surprises me anymore," he said. "I just dont understand it. Go vote if you dont like (how things are going). About an hour before the incident, West Bend city officials told the Journal Sentinel there had been no reported issues across the citys eight polling locations. More than 500 voters cast their votes shortly before 1 p.m. at West Bends City Hall a number poll workers said was high compared to previous elections. Its been busy, said John Strange, a volunteer who has worked the polls at past elections in the city. We had about 30 or 40 people in line before we opened up. City officials said they expected a high turnout Tuesday. They projected about half of the more than 18,000 eligible voters in the city, including 5,000 absentee votes before Election Day, had voted by noon. Shortly after noon, voters formed two lines just inside the city hall one to register to vote and another to collect a ballot and vote. Mark Vos, 59, said he voted for Republicans across the ticket and noted that races for governor and Senate are tight. Vos said rising prices were a big problem for him. He sees Republicans like Tim Michels and Ron Johnson as being able to bring down those costs. Its very expensive, and Im on a fixed income, Vos said. So I need all the help I can get. Other voters expressed a range of reasons they came out to vote Tuesday. One woman said she didnt like what she called Democrats woke agenda in schools, and another man said he refused to vote for anyone endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Melissa Nichelson and her mother, Sandra Wallace, voted shortly after 12:30. Abortion rights, they said is a key issue this election. Inflation is also an issue, Wallace said, but thats something I really dont blame on Joe Biden. I blame it on COVID. Were probably in the minority here saying that, Nichelsen said, noting Washington County is strongly Republican. But were used to it. Crime scene in West Bend WI nobody allowed in or out of the polling station (library). Apparently someone pulled a knife on a poll worker. #Election2022 #Wisconsin pic.twitter.com/dyEuQUOsEr Mitch (@MitchyBrew) November 8, 2022 Lawrence Andrea 'I wanted to change the narrative' The nation's voting rights struggle factored into Tyron Coopers, 44, decision to come to the polls today at the Clinton Rose Senior Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Pretty much exercising the right to vote because our ancestors didnt have that right in the past, Cooper said (I) wanted to do my part in something that we as African Americans weren't able to do before. Even as a Black man, he said his biggest issue in this election is access to abortion. He said Mandela Barness challenger, Ron Johnson, has said some barbaric things when it comes to reproductive rights. I wanted to change that narrative, Cooper said. We are all in agreement that abortion should not be used for birth control and there is plenty of reason why a woman would or wouldnt, but that should be an option. La Risa Lynch Students showing up at UWM to cast ballots At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student union, which is one of the citys largest polling places, poll workers said turnout was steady throughout the morning and will pick up later in the day. A long table with at least seven chairs were filled with people registering to vote. First-time voter Max Zimmerman, a music major at the school, was among them. He called the voter registration process super easy. Zimmerman voted blue down the ballot because he said womens and LGBTQ rights are under threat. There were six election observers at one point in the day but no issues reported, according to the polling places chief inspector. Lines sometimes formed outside the voting room, especially before and after class-period changes. Stay in line, one older woman called out to the students waiting in line. Your vote is really important. Kelly Meyerhofer State election chief: Smooth sailing in Wisconsin Other than routine reports of long lines at polling locations this morning, as of this afternoon there are no major issues that have been reported and Election Day in Wisconsin is going smoothly, the states chief election official said. Megan Wolfe, the administrator for the Wisconsin Elections Commission, made the remarks at a 1 p.m. online news conference as officials across the state reported high turnout. Lines of 45 minutes to an hour were reported in Shorewood, Milwaukees Bay View neighborhood, Wauwatosa and Hayward, according to Alyssa Mauk, a spokesperson for the ACLU of Wisconsin. Other polling locations on Milwaukees north and northwest sides reporting higher than average voter turnout in the morning with smaller wait times, while turnout in Dane County is expected to reach 85%, according to County Clerk Scott McDonell. Wolfe said more than 815,000 absentee ballots had been requested in Wisconsin and more than 741,000 had been marked as returned by the morning. Officials and members of both political parties said they were had not been notified of any substantial issues, but some of them did acknowledge a range of small concerns. Wolfe said she has seen minor reports of potentially tense situations regarding poll observers on social media, but she said were not aware of any major disturbances at any of our polling places. Barbara Beckert, director of external advocacy at Disability Rights Wisconsin, said she received a report of one voting location not offering curbside voting for disabled persons. But most of the calls she received in the morning centered around disabled people needing transportation to the polls and a lack of options in places such as Racine and Waukesha. Otherwise, weve really only seen routine calls and questions at this point, Wolfe said. Elliot Hughes Sorority helps run polling at Senior center Voting at the Clinton Rose Senior Center was a Delta affair, with the Delta Sigma Theta sorority returning to staff their adopted polling location. Poll Chief Kimberly Eubanks said she was shocked at the high turnout in a good way. More than 200 voters and nearly 40 new registrations were recorded at the site with 6 hours to go until doors close. Sherell McKinney, a poll worker who has been participating in election work for at least 15 years, said the turnout reminded her of the 2020 election. Theres so many people who want Ron Johnson out and dont want Michels in, she said. McKinney, who said she was surprised and pleased by the turnout so far, said it proves the get-out-to-vote effort has been much more successful than many anticipated. They were really hitting all the issues: social security, abortion, McKinney said of political campaigns. Its making people mad, and theyre coming out. Talis Shelbourne Things still running smoothly at Central Count in Milwaukee Milwaukees Central Count at the Wisconsin Center on Election Day Tueaday. At Central Count, the ballot-counting process continues to run smoothly. City of Milwaukee Elections Commission director, Claire Woodall-Vogg issued a reminder over the loudspeaker that workers must submit bi-hourly reports that show how many ballots have been run through each of the tabulators. When asked of her impressions about the process, Wisconsin Elections Commissioner Ann Jacobs said, Quiet and fairly calm. Woodall-Vogg also reminded observers that they may ask election workers what their party affiliation is by asking workers show their colored wristbands (either blue or red). Election workers were also reminded that they play a nonpartisan role in their capacity today, with Woodall-Vogg saying: We are all nonpartisan today serving our Constitution not having any discussions about politics. There are nine tabulating machines at Central Count. Vanessa Swales You know what goes great with voting? Tacos Vote.org positioned a food truck outside the polling station at Benjamin Franklin School, giving out free tacos. The effort is part of a national push to encourage people to come out and vote. This is the food truck's first stop and began setting up around noon. The truck plan to give out 1,000 tacos in the area. A couple miles up the row, Jerry Key said turnout has been brisk at the Villard Square Branch Library. A poll worker for the last 22 years, Key said they will probably have about 200 voters come through the northside sites doors before the polls close. But as the clock struck noon, 100 people have cast ballots so far. But because of redistricting. Key noted that a roughly a third of those previously using that polling location had been relocated, and he said that caused a lot confusion and frustration for people. People who had been voting here for years had to go someplace else, Key said. La Risa Lynch The scene in Green Bay, including planned rallies Voter turnout is higher than usual at the Trinity Church polling location in downtown Green Bay, by noon already exceeding what the location typically sees. So far about 180 people have voted there when turnout is usually around 160 voters for the entire day, according to the chief inspector. For voters, this is their chance to swing federal and state government in their party's favor. Kegan King said the main reason he voted is to push Democrats out of office and put Republicans in. "That's all I care about," he said. He voted for "anything with a Republican on it" for all the races on the ballot. His number one issue is President Joe Biden, especially because he doesn't believe Biden won the 2020 presidential election. "I just can't stand that man. He's running this country into the ground," King said. Emily Kyle, who aligns mostly with Democrats, voted for Tony Evers for governor for "feminist and education purposes." One of her top issues is education. "I was a teacher in the past. I have a lot of respect for teachers and have changed career fields due to the times (that we're in) to be honest." The Green Bay School District has a $92.6 million capital referendum on the ballot which King left blank because he wasn't sure what it was for. Kyle voted for the referendum because as a former teacher, she said she values education. Two labor unions are holding a rally at 7:30 p.m. outside City Hall's Central Count to "demand city officials be allowed to count every vote," according to a Service Employees International Union Local 1 press release. Joining SEIU state council member Bianca Guzman is the American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin executive board member Jon Shelton. Voters will "speak out" against efforts to "silence the voices of working families," according to the release. Local voters, labor leaders and community leaders will speak at the event. Danielle DuClos The scene in Germantown At the American Legion Post 1 polling place in Germantown, Jason Adames exited after voting wearing a MAGA hat. He said no one said anything to him or any official told him to remove his hat. He voted peacefully, he said. "Why not? It is my First Amendment right," Adams said, adding that he has voted over the years at the American Legion six to eight times, and it has always been smooth. Another voter, Victor Davis, said he is voting because he is fearful that democracy will be taken away. "I can't understand how a man can do so much wrong and not get prosecuted," said Davis. "If it were a Black, Asian or Jew, it would be a whole different story. He offended nearly every ethnic group." More than a dozen voters said they felt safe voting, and it was smooth. Tom and Dee Kemppainen said the process was smooth. "No one tried to influence us. I was worried about that," said Dee. By 1 p.m., 835 voters voted at this Germantown location. Cathy Kozlowicz Election observers at Central Count 'to make sure they don't cheat,' and many are from outside Wisconsin At about 10 a.m., at Central Count there is a group of roughly 25 observers who identify as either independent or unaffiliated, according to Jefferson E. Davis, an observer and spokesman for the Ad-Hoc Committee for Wisconsins Full Forensic Physical Cyber Audit. Davis is a conservative who has sought to overturn the 2020 presidential election, a move that is illegal and impossible. When asked why he was here, he told the Journal Sentinel: To make sure they dont cheat, referring to the election workers. Davis, a former Menomonee Falls village president who resigned that post in 2005 to settle a campaign finance violation case, still does not accept that Biden won Wisconsin and the presidency. Like I said, you beat us fair and square, congratulations, but you cheat, then we got problems., he said. We're not going to be caught with our pants down like we were in 18 and 20, and probably 16 and probably 12. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in any of the elections Davis mentioned. Davis said the group supported the work done by Former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who was hired by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos to investigate the 2020 presidential election in Wisconsin. But Gableman produced no evidence that called the election results into question after spending $1 million of taxpayer money and he was eventually fired by Vos, who then called his review "an embarrassment to the state." The group of observers he mentioned consists primarily of attorneys and lobbyists, with roughly 10 coming from out of state from D.C. and Georgia, Davis said. Vanessa Swales Envelopes get sliced by counting machine at Central Count At Milwaukee Central Count,, hundreds of ballots were accidentally cut by a envelope slicer machine. One ward had 200 (ballots cut), said Claire Woodall-Vogg, executive director of the Milwaukee Elections Commission, adding workers did not realize they were cutting ballots. Workers review the addresses and witnesses for each ward before opening the envelopes with a machine.Woodall-Vogg said the ballots are being reconstructed so they can be counted. All the issues have been resolved, Woodall-Vogg said. Ricardo Torres The scene at Greenfield, Fox Point and more At the Greenfield Community Center, chief inspector Devan Gracyalny said turnout was the highest hes ever seen in a non-presidential election since he started working the polling place in 2010. I think people are more informed, and COVIDs done and theyre getting out, and its good weather, he said. Voters were lined up around the block when Gracyalny opened the doors this morning and have continued in a steady stream. He said theres been less early and absentee voting than in prior years. People want to get out and see their vote count, put their ballot in that machine, he said. I think people just want to touch it, feel it and get it in there. Some Greenfield voters said inflation was top of mind. Nancy Peterson said its been difficult to adjust to rising grocery prices while retired on a fixed income. She said she wasnt sure exactly what could be done about it, but she put her hope in Republican candidates. She also voted against a referendum for more funding for Greenfield schools. Weve been pumping big money into schools and they continue to be a concern, Peterson said. I dont think moneys the answer. Kevin Nugent, who owns Milwaukee Steakhouse, two gun shops, a sports bar and three other companies, said he was voting for Republicans to fix the country. He said pandemic restrictions hurt business. Its been a terrible tragedy what the Democrats have done to this country, he said. Voters lined up out the door in Fox Point to cast their ballot at the police station, located at 7300 N Santa Monica Boulevard. As of around 10:30a.m. Chief Inspector Mary Beth Mills said turnout so far has been similar to a presidential election year. Fox Point voters also have a referendum on the ballot deciding whether to renew a $3.1 million operational referendum. The referendum supports school district programming, class sizes and teacher staffing levels, according to the district. I value education. I think its important to maintain smaller class sizes and getting the school the funds they need. I went to school there, said voter Hayley Sentz. She voted at Longacre Pavilion, 7343 N Longacre Road in Fox Point. Chief Inspector Mark Grady at Longacre Pavilion also said new registrations have been higher than expected. He said its been a mix of new residents and first-time voters. At Indigenous Peoples Park, Poll Chief Freda Fowlkes-Bell said the site, with 147 voters before noon, has already surpassed the average number of votes on Election Day, which is roughly 125. Our percentage is always higher than the city, she said. We have a good group of of neighbors. One observer was present, and the scene was bustling with regular traffic. Fowlkes-Bell praised the election commission for its level of organization. She also said she wasnt concerned about voter intimidation, adding, I wish they would come up to me. Ive got my backup crew. I dont intimidate easily. The poll chief said she believes a combination of aggressive political advertising and more people becoming interested in politics have contributed to the higher-than-normal turnout. She noted more young people than shes ever seen before, which she attributed to the marijuana referendum on this years ballot. I dont think a lot of people know about it, and if they did, I think more people would come, she said. Aaron Bridges, 38, grew up just blocks away from Indigenous Peoples Park where he voted today. With his daughter at his side, he said he wanted to vote to make his voice heard because, he said, it matters. He said in the current polarized political climate, he finds himself firmly on one side, citing price inflation as his top issue. I dont see the end of it if we continue the current set of policies, he said. Bridges said he is also concerned about attempts to transition the country from traditional fuels to ones that dont seem to exist yet, and said he doesnt believe wind and solar power are ready to sustain the country. One candidate in particular, Bridges said, stood out to him: Ron Johnson, whom Bridges said made an impression on him after hosting his COVID-19: A Second Opinion panel. Ron Johnson stepped right into the fray and gave that second opinion and that spoke really loudly to me, Bridges said. In Menasha, by 11 a.m., the polling place located in the Menasha Senior Center had processed about 900 votes between absentee ballots and in-person voters. The location serves about 2,500 voters, according to Chief Inspector Rob Konitzer. The line hadnt been out the door, but it did take about an hour to get through the initial rush, he said. Likewise, another polling place in Menasha at Clovis Grove Elementary School had about 30 people lined up outside when doors opened at 7 a.m., said Chief Inspector Larry Gressler. Tuesdays election marks 22 years that Gressler has been working local elections. He said this election is the busiest hes seen since the 2020 presidential election. The Clovis Grove polling place usually has about six workers, but they doubled that for this election. Gressler and his team have about 550 absentee ballots to process. Just after 10:30 a.m. theyd made it through roughly a quarter of them and had to recreate nine of them that had been damaged in the mail or some other capacity, which he said isnt unusual. There was one ballot Gressler and his team had to reject entirely because the woman had died between the time she submitted her absentee ballot and Tuesday. Nearly a dozen poll workers at the Benjamin Franklin School sat at tables assisting voters. Roughly 317 people voted at the site, which represents three wards; 52 new voters were registered as well. Two observers were in the room, along with the poll chief who said they havent had any issues with voter intimidation. Rory Linnane, Alexandria Groth, AnnMarie Hilton and Talis Shelbourne Green Bay clears 10,000 voters on Election Day Ballots are counted at the Central Count as election observers watch the process at Green Bay City Hall on Nov. 8, 2022 in Green Bay, Wis. As of 10 a.m., about 10,000 people have voted in Green Bay according to the city's clerk Celestine Jeffreys. She ordered 37,000 ballots for voting at the polls. There are over 400 election workers across the 27 polling locations. Jeffreys said there are election observers at all voting locations, including Central Count at City Hall. Only one report of potential voter intimidation or a negative voter experience has been reported to the election protection hotline. It's being investigated by the clerk's office. "We're dealing with that one," Jeffreys said. Jeffreys said the turnout for early absentee voting, which ran from Oct. 25 to Nov. 6, was excellent. Each day there was an average of 250 voters, with three of the days seeing over 1,200 voters. "So far I have to say the turnout's been great," Jeffreys said. "Turn out for in-person absentee voting was really brisk and wonderful." As of of Friday, there were 51,000 registered voters in Green Bay, which could increase with Election Day voter registration. Danielle DuClos Goodbye, political TV ads It was a good laugh this morning when WTMJ Channel 4 in Milwaukee tweeted that the last political ad on its airwaves for this election is scheduled to air at 4:46 p.m. this evening. Now this is worth celebrating! pic.twitter.com/v3UXVQtxTy TMJ4 News (@tmj4) November 8, 2022 The scene at South Division High School (and elsewhere) Voters have been trickling in at South Division High School in Milwaukee, said Melody Villanueva, who is serving as chief of that polling location.As of 10:20 a.m., 31 people, including three first-time voters, had cast ballots at the polling location, which contains two wards, she said.Three voters arrived before 7 a.m. and patiently waited until polls officially opened, she said. Several voters have asked for language assistance and a bilingual assistant who spoke Spanish was available on site to help those who needed it. "I would suggest that everybody get out and vote," Villanueva said. "Today is very important. It is for we, the people, to show our involvement and our dedication to protecting our democracy." At Plymouth Church, poll workers report an uptick in voters thanking them for volunteering their time to help run Election Day. People seem overly grateful and appreciative, said poll worker Joanne Lipo Zovic. Someone said thank you for working on behalf of our republic. Thats not the typical expression of gratitude. Nearly 300 ballets had been cast by 10 a.m., which she said are big numbers for a midterm in a ward with about 1,200 voters. Lipo Zovic said the compliments she and other poll workers have received speak to the sensitivities of the current climate around election integrity. The acknowledgement from voters, she said, is simultaneously encouraging and heartbreaking that this is what the country has come to. In West Allis as of late morning, its been a smooth and organized Election Day, according to Deputy City Clerk Gina Gresch. She said there was an initial line at City Hall when the polls first opened, but its been steady ever since. She said the other polling places in the city are also chugging along. People have actually complimented the workers there how smooth and organized it is, Gresch said. Those casting their ballots are interested and passionate, she said. There's a lot of interest in this one and a lot of people that are making sure they come out to vote, she said. A total of 2,430 West Allis voters cast their ballots early and in person, Gresch said. At Alright United Methodist Church, election poll chief James Napper said turnout is heavier than expected. In the 2020 presidential election, the site brought in 146 voters. Heading into the noon hour, already 75 had voted, including 14 new registrations. I think the issues are probably what is contributing to people coming out, he said. Mostly young people, we are very encouraged by this, said Napper, who has been an election worker for nearly seven years. He said there have been no worries around voter intimidation. Ashley Luthern, Kelly Meyerhofer, Bob Dohr, Talis Shelbourne and La Risa Lynch Not registered? Remember, Wisconsin has same-day voting registration Tomethius "Marley" Brown, 31, and his fiancee, Alexandria, 35, completed same-day voter registration at the Dineen Park Pavilion. The couple waited before they registered because they wanted to vet all the candidates. Brown said they didn't want to base their decision on what other people said about the candidates or based on someone's skin color, " because you could be signing your rights away." "It took some time to do homework on each candidate," Brown said. He said he was on the fence about some, but he voted for Gov. Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes. He also voted for Josh Kaul for attorney general. "He is going to be at the center of a lot of pieces," Brown said. "He is going to take on a big chunk of the responsibility in getting our city back safe." Voters can register in person at the same place where they cast their ballot. Visit MyVote for more information. Absentee vote totals surge compared to 2018 midterms Before the polls opened Tuesday, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites had already sent in their ballots, with mail-in and in-person absentee voting totals the day before the election far outnumbering those of the last midterm cycle. By Tuesday, 741,795 people mailed in their absentee ballot or voted in-person in the state, according to data from the Wisconsin Election Commission. That number surpassed the 565,591 people who voted absentee ahead of the the 2018 midterms. The jump in absentee voting across Wisconsin, which began Oct. 25, comes as candidates from both parties pushed their bases to get out and vote over the last two weeks. But it also represents a shift in voter behavior brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. A quick walk through of the central count in Milwaukee where more than 60k absentee ballots were returned. There are 6,680 outstanding ballots that can be delivered (before 7pm) to the Wis Center for counting. Officials estimate counting to finish around 11pm #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/XAGCSDRauz Ricardo Torres (@RicoReporting) November 8, 2022 "There is substantial voter engagement in this year's elections," said Barry Burden, director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, "but the larger number of early votes compared to 2018 is more a sign of changing preferences about the method of voting than a sign of much higher turnout," Burden said. Read the full story here. Lawrence Andrea Abortion issue brings voters to the polls Debra Canady voted at the Milwaukee Sign Language School on the citys northwest side Tuesday. Gwendolyn Williams, 56, didnt vote in the last midterm election, but she made sure to vote this time she said abortion rights are on the line. Its like were going back in time, she said. You cant tell a person what to do about their body. Williams was among a steady stream of voters Tuesday morning at the Milwaukee Sign Language School on the citys northwest side. For Debra Canady, 65, the issues driving her to the polls were not only abortion, but education, crime and social security. She wants to see more funding for public schools, which Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, has called for. Everybody cant afford private schools, she said. She also criticized efforts by Republicans to restrict schools from teaching about systemic racism. Canady is also concerned about crime, saying it has been out of control for years. She doesnt know anyone who hasnt been touched in some way by crime. For today, Canady is just glad the election is almost over and the political ads will end. They were just exhausting, she said. Sarah Volpenhein Recurring theme: Turnout is high Zane Davis, from left, Linda Jackson-Howell give Breanna Jordan paperwork to fill out for the general election while her son Jabarie Jordan waits for her Tuesday at Firehouse Station 37 located inMilwaukee. Her son J. Jordan will be able to vote in two years. A theme of unexpectedly high turnout this election continued at the Ralph Metcalfe Neighborhood Schools Todd Wehr Community Center, where poll worker Paulette Webster said voter turnout at 9:30 a.m. was already at the same number it usually is around 6 p.m. We dont usually see that until some of the people get off work, she said of the numbers, adding that she is surprised and happy. Chief Inspector Felix Onukwugha at the ward said there are roughly 349 registered voters in that area, but only around 50 typically turn out during election season. They were already at 25 mid-morning. This midterm, he said, has been different. A lot of things are at stake for people, he said. Onukwugha, who has been working elections for over a decade, said hes not too worried about voter intimidation. In past presidential elections, protestors for and against abortions have shown up outside the center, but he said he doesnt think theyll show this year. Equette Weatherall, 38, was a voter at the Dineen Park pavilion Tuesday. However, he pointed out, it is still early. Poll Chief Valeria Sauve at the Dineen Park pavilion said both turnout and registrations are higher than normal. With 135 voters and 25 new registrations, she said the atmosphere has resembled more of a general election than a midterm. Weve had five people at the registration and two waiting, she said at one point. Poll worker David Armstrong said roughly two-thirds of voters have been older with younger people making up the remaining third. He said he expects even more voters after 4 p.m. Three observers were on hand, with only two allowed inside and one available to rotate in. One observer told the Journal Sentinel, per their instructions, they are not allowed to speak to anyone. Talis Shelbourne Public education on the ballot in today's election At Doerfler School, near National Avenue and 30th Street, Luz Tate voted blue, with her 13-year-old nephew in tow. She said shed like to see more funding for public schools, which Gov. Evers has called for. Tate, who herself is in an online college program with Penn State, raised three children and is now raising her sisters three children who are in Milwaukee Public Schools. She also cares for her grandson, who she said is autistic and in special education. Public schools have helped as much as they can, and I just feel like they need more help, Tate said. Kids need more programs, more activities to be involved in. Not all schools have the sports, music, chorus, all the things we used to have. Statewide, there are 81 school referendum questions across 59 districts on the ballot this year. Districts are asking for a total of over $2 billion more in funding beyond their tax revenue limits set by state law. Tate also marked yes on the referendum question about prohibiting semi-automatic firearms. The gun thing is running rampant; we need some kind of control, she said. I think right now its too easy for everybody to have it. Poll workers at Doerfler said turnout wasnt as busy as the presidential election but was busier than other past elections. They had only seen two election observers as of 9:30 a.m. Rory Linnane Machine jam at Central Count resolved quickly A voting machine jam at Central Count inside the Wisconsin Center was quickly resolved Tuesday morning. City of Milwaukee Elections Commission director, Claire Woodall-Vogg, is present at Central Count. At 9:47 a.m., she assisted ballot workers when there was a brief jam in one of the ballot machines. The issue was resolved. The director took to the microphone shortly after to speak to the election workers, reminding them how to feed the ballots into the machine correctly and telling them they were doing a great job. The room of workers cheered. Vanessa Swales 'Everything's so chaotic right now' A poll worker assists City of Waukesha voters with registration at the Frame Park Rotary building early Tuesday. The polling site had a steady stream of voters since opening at 7 a.m. Early voter turnout was light at the United Community Center, on South 9th Street, and Lincoln School near 18th Street and Lincoln Avenue. Juan Puventud was one of the early arrivals at the UCC. Hes a Republican who votes in every election. Social issues were high on his list of concerns. We need a new government altogether, Puventud said. The border is wide open and the economys going to crap. Edward Wills, a Democrat voting at the UCC, said hes worried about democracy and the economy. No politician is going to fix crime. That has to start in the home, Wills said. Diana Anguiano, a Republican voting at the UCC, said shes seeking change in the way governments run. Everythings so chaotic right now. Theres just so many twisted things going on, she said. Noemi Gaytan, a Democrat, said the governors race, abortion, and a ban on assault rifles were high on her list of issues. Im anxious to see how the turnout is going to be, she said while voting at around 8 a.m. at the UCC. Kenneth Miller, a Democrat, said the candidates position on abortion was important to him as he voted at the UCC. Im a father of two daughters, and I think they have a right to choose. I think its beneficial for future generations to have that right as well, he said. Rick Barrett There are 45 election observers at Central Count Since 7 a.m., the familiar hum of dozens of election workers shuffling through ballots and tabulators has played out at the Wisconsin Center (Central Count) as ballots are processed ward by ward for the City of Milwaukee. As of 9 a.m. there are at least 45 election observers present in the hall. Not far away at City Hall, an election observer had a tense exchange with a voter who was dropping off an absentee ballot. The woman, who declined to give her name, was reminded that observers are not supposed to interfere with voters. The woman said she approached him because she believed he was trying to return more than one ballot. Several voters have been told they cannot return ballots for family members like a spouse or parent. More:Partisan observers have always monitored the polls in Wisconsin. Here's why they're likely to be out in force more than ever Mary Spicuzza and Vanessa Swales Could we still see absentee ballots counted by midnight? Neil Albrecht, former executive director of Milwaukee Election Commission delivers an update and answers questions about the 180 polling locations in Milwaukee Tuesday, on the fifth floor of the Rotunda of City Hall. One of the biggest talking points from the 2020 election was the late hour absentee-ballot results were counted; Wisconsin is one of seven states that does not permit any pre-processing procedures to be completed with absentee ballots prior to 7 a.m. on Election Day, and a high volume of absentee ballots in the 2020 election complicated the timeline. Neil Albrecht, who previously served as executive director for the Milwaukee Election Commission, said the goal is still to complete counting absentee ballots by 11 p.m. or midnight, even though he said many Milwaukee voting sites are experiencing lines and high turnout. Local election officials have been asking to begin processing and counting absentee ballots early since at least the 2012 presidential election, Albrecht says. But the GOP-controlled state Legislature hasnt agreed to make those changes, meaning ballots couldn't be counted in Wisconsin until 7 a.m. today. Albrecht is helping out today while current Milwaukee Election Commission executive director Claire Woodall-Vogg is busy at Central Count. Mary Spicuzza Beloit College gives students day off to vote Colleges and universities have long promoted the importance of voting to their students. Beloit College is taking it a step further. The school canceled classes on Tuesday for its roughly 1,000 students to make voting as easy as possible. Its a day from classes but not a day off, Beloit College political science professor Ron Watson said. Its a day of action, and we hope our students view it that way. Watson, who helped organize the colleges voting campaign, said democracy is in danger, and its the colleges responsibility to instill in students the importance of voting as a lifelong habit. Young voters turn out at much lower rates than older generations. Habits haven't formed and for many newly eligible to cast ballots, the process can be confusing, particularly among college students whose addresses change every year. Despite their historically lower turnout, the number of young adults casting ballots can have huge electoral consequences, especially for Democrats. Polls show young voters are less likely to identify with a political party but more likely to identify as liberal. CIRCLE, a nonpartisan research center at Tufts University, identified Wisconsin as the No. 1 state where youth turnout has the highest potential to influence the outcome of the governor's race and No. 5 state in the Senate race. Kelly Meyerhofer First-time voter brought to polls by mom, but she's happy to have voice heard LaTaurus Washington, 46, brought her 18-year-old daughter, Kymora, to the polls today. It was her daughter's first time voting. Washington wanted to make sure her daughter understood whats at stake especially for the younger generation. One of my main things is social security. They are trying to take that away from you and abortion, she said outside the Washington Park library after they voted. Though Kymora Washington, a freshman at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee came because her mom made her, she understands. Now thats she said that, I agree," Kymora said. "I want to get my voice heard. Im proud having her being 18 and voting; its a right, and they are trying to take our right away. We need to fight as much as we can to keep it, especially women, LaTaurus Washington said. La Risa Lynch Voter turnout up, at least at a couple polling places Poll Chief Kim Lewis said turnout is higher than she has usually seen in her eight years of working during the polls. Within the first hour of polls being open at the Merrill Park Apartments location, she said 34 voters had already come through. Dennis Sims, a 59-year-old Merrill Park resident, said he votes in every election, big or small, because, he said, Our people fought too hard for us to do this here. Sims, who was mainly voting on the issue of education, said he believes the Democrats he cast a ballot for Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes will make a difference. I trust the Democrats, he said. (Republicans) aint going to do nothing; theyre out for themselves. Meanwhile, several dozen Oak Creek residents lined up outside of American Legion Post 434 on Shepard Avenue before the poll opened to cast their votes on Tuesday. Once the clock hit 7 a.m., voters streamed in quickly and election volunteers were able to handle the rush. Election officials at the American Legion Post expect a high turnout for the city of Oak Creek, as roughly 26% of eligible residents have voted, including more than 5,500 early and mail-in ballots have been requested and returned. Meanwhile, a polling station at Milwaukees Urban Ecology Center, 1500 E. Park Place, was seeing a strong turnout on Tuesday morning, including several University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students who registered to vote, said polling supervisor Scott Lehmann. The voters include Erin Nachtigall. She voted for Tony Evers in the governors race but was mainly motivated by her vote for Mandela Barnes in the U.S. senate election. He just really seems to care for everyone in the community, Nachtigall said. Others voting for Evers and Barnes, both Democrats, included William Bull and Jarrett English. They are people for the people, English said. They have an understanding of what families go through. Talis Shelbourne, Ricardo Torres and Tom Daykin Here's what you need to vote and where to cast your ballot You must bring identification to register and to vote. An ID must include a photo unless it was issued under religious exemption. Eligible forms of ID include: Wisconsin driver's license, unexpired or expired. Wisconsin DOT-issued ID card, unexpired or expired. Military ID card, unexpired or expired. U.S. passport, unexpired or expired. ID issued by federally recognized Indian tribe, unexpired or expired. Limited types of student ID. Current veteran's ID Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must vote at the polling location assigned based on their residential address. You can use the Wisconsin Election Commission's website at myvote.wi.gov and input your address to find your polling location. If you have already requested and received an absentee ballot but haven't returned it, you can return your ballot to the absentee processing center at the Wisconsin Center at the corner of Vel R. Phillips and Wisconsin avenues between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. You may also return your ballot to the Milwaukee Election Commission on the 5th Floor of City Hall at 200 E. Wells St. in Milwaukee in Room 501. Each voter is required to turn in their own ballot unless they require assistance due to a disability. Find more information about resources for voters with disabilities through Disability Rights Wisconsin at https://disabilityvote.org/. Isaac Yu and Alison Dirr What's on the ballot? The highest profile primaries are for U.S. senator and Wisconsin governor. Gov. Tony Evers is the Democratic incumbent and Sen. Ron Johnson is the Republican incumbent. There are also competitive races for attorney general, secretary of state, lieutenant governor and treasurer. Wisconsin's seven congressional representatives are also on the ballot as well as the state assembly and some state senate seats. There are also handful of county races throughout the state. Don't forget about education, too It's easy to forget about the public education measures that are on the ballot. Statewide, there are 81 referendum questions across 59 districts. Districts are asking for a total of over $2 billion more in funding beyond their tax revenue limits set by state law. Here's a full story on what's at stake, including the role education pays in the gubernatorial races between Tony Evers and Tim Michels. School vouchers and student privacy (especially as it relates to the use of pronouns) are among the issues on which the candidates differ. A Twitter List by journalsentinel This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin election results: Midterm winners in Wisconsin Roy Anciso, bus driver and trainer for the Sunnyside School District, guides Christopher Belkle on a driving course during training in Sunnyside, Wash., Wednesday, July 26, 2017. (SHAWN GUST/Yakima Herald-Republic) Tens of thousands of otherwise legitimate votes have been rejected in recent elections not because of suspected fraud, but because the signatures didnt match. Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton monitors ballots being loaded on a truck to go to the post office to be delivered to voters for last summer's primary. Washington conducts all of its elections by mail. (Erick Doxey for InvestigateWest) You are the owner of this article. Birgitta and Tim Loucks are co-owners of Spokane-based startup SquareKeg. The company makes square, stainless steel minikegs that can fit inside coolers and refrigerators. Katherine Gehl, former CEO of a major food manufacturer, is the originator of the final-five voting concept and founder and chairwoman of the Chicago-based Institute for Political Innovation. Michael Gilbert wants media outlets to put their money where their news is. To combat the bulk of misinformation and build trust among news consumers, Gilbert, a vice dean and professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, co-founded the non-profit organization Pledged. The initiative aims to hold news outlets financially responsible for publishing misinformation with a truth bounty system. Misinformation isnt new, but something about the current moment and the power of social media makes it especially salient, Gilbert said. A catchy but false piece of information can spread rapidly through our entire society and around the world. If just a fraction of the people who are exposed to it believe it, then one story can change the views of a whole lot of people. Through Pledged, any individual or news organization can take out a six-month bounty by pledging money to support the credibility of their publications. This method allows anyone to claim the bounty if they identify false information in any news story or outlet that has taken a bounty. Gilbert teamed up with University of Alabama School of Law associate professor Yonathan Arbel to bring the organization to life. Both founders believe that readers should be incentivized to identify false information. The pair founded Pledged in early September, less than one month after publishing their research paper, Truth Bounties: A Market Solution to Fake News. The paper presented a possible new system for eliminating the bulk of misinformation with a stamp of approval of the news world, which theyre hoping to implement with Pledged. News organizations will have the opportunity to take out truth bounties on individual articles or their entire outlet. Still in the early stages of Pledgeds development, Gilbert and Arbel are fine-tuning the monetary restrictions on the bounties. Theyre aiming to appeal to both large national outlets and small local ones. Stories and organizations that have taken out bounties will receive a digital badge that appears on the site and printed publication. Readers can challenge the bounty if they believe they have identified false information in a Pledged story. The success or failure of challenged bounties will publicly affect the credibility of a news organization, which will be determined by a color system that can help readers better filter their news. If organizations do not pledge, that in and of itself sends the readers a message, Gilbert said. It says that they were not prepared to put money on the line, which is a reason to think they werent sure if the information was truthful when they published it. All bounty badges will appear green at first and turn yellow when a reader starts a challenge. If the challenge is successful meaning the arbitrators have confirmed the presence of misinformation and the reader has earned the organizations bounty money the badge will turn red. If the arbitrators determine there was no false information in the story, then the challenge fails, the organization keeps its money and the badge goes back to green. The bounties will be monitored by a panel of private arbitrators working through voluntary consent. The panels private status will help prevent state involvement in internal decisions and keep federal judges from trumping Pledged decisions on the validity of certain information. In addition to making the public skeptical of all media, Gilbert says that being misled by false information makes people more likely to take action that they wouldnt if they knew the whole truth. Gilbert and Arbel are building Pledged to be inclusive of all news outlets of all sizes and affiliations. They are currently working on the organizations local news model, allowing smaller outlets to put less money on the line while protecting their credibility. Down the line, the Pledged founders hope the truth bounty can also be applied to political ads and statements that are often funded by dark money groups that do not disclose the individuals in the group. Gilbert says truth bounties have the potential to shatter bipartisan news consumption by encouraging readers and viewers to search for the badge in any outlet rather than ones that strictly appeal to Democratic or Republican perspectives. The New York Times is a for-profit company. I imagine they would like to crack the 20 million people who watch Fox News every night and dont believe anything The New York Times publishes. Same for Fox News, Gilbert said. If they could use truth bounties to convince some 20 million people to believe them, some of them will buy subscriptions. FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2013, file photo illustration, hands type on a computer keyboard in Los Angeles. Tech experts agree that traditional passwords are annoying, outmoded and too easily hacked. Yahoo and Microsoft are offering new log-in solutions via text, facial recognition and fingerprint-identification technology. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro arrives for a news conference at Alvorada Palace in Brasilia, two days after being defeated by Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the presidential runoff. 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. The opposition Mi Hazank party will submit a bill to ban the ritual slaughter of animals in Hungary, a lawmaker of the radical party told a press conference. Istvan Szabadi said animals facing slaughter were not rendered unconscious in the kosher nor in the halal method, causing them suffering. He added the partys proposal was in line with European rules and mentioned Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden and Slovenia as countries where a similar ban was in force. According to the practice of EU courts, a ban on ritual slaughter does not constitute a restriction of religious freedoms, Szabadi said. The National Bank of Hungary (NBH) is partnering with four authorities to educate and inform the public about cybercrime risks, the central banks deputy governor said. Attacks by digital criminals have become more frequent and target customers directly through psychological manipulation and scams, Csaba Kandracs told a press conference. He warned that even clients with a greater degree of financial knowledge and experience can fall victim to the refined techniques used by cyber criminals. This has prompted the launch of the CyberShield information campaign educating the public about phishing, scam calling and texting, phony bank websites and dodgy investment schemes, said Kandracs. The programme will also involve an analysis of market trends as well as knowledge sharing on an international level and implementation of best practices, he added. Partners of the initiative include the Hungarian Banking Association, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH), the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Police Headquarters (ORFK). MTI Photo: Tibor Illyes Hungary is prepared to continue aiding Ukraine on a bilateral basis, but will not support the European Union taking out a loan for that purpose, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in Sofia. Referring to draft legislation the European Commission is expected to table this week which proposes 1.5 billion euros in monthly aid to cover the war-torn countrys financing needs, Szijjarto told a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Central European Initiative that Hungary had supported the countrys health-care, education and cultural and religious institutions to the tune of tens and hundreds of millions of euros even before the war. We are ready to continue to support Ukraine based on a bilateral agreement, he said. At the same time, Hungary will definitely not support the EU taking out a loan for that purpose because we have done so once already. We supported the loan the EU took out during the coronavirus pandemic, and that was more than enough, he said. Regarding the sanctions implemented against Russia in response to its attack on Ukraine, Szijjarto said the measures had had the opposite effect to what was promised when they were introduced: The wars brutality is growing and the European economy, rather than the Russian, was the one brought to its knees. 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-Nebraska 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. YORK This past week in York County District Court, Travis Lowrey, 48, of York, pleaded no contest to strangling and choking a woman outside a York residence until a neighbor ran across the street to help her. The matter was investigated by the York Police Department. According to the affidavit filed with the court, officers were called to a residence where they found a crying woman. The man who lived there said his son had witnessed Lowrey strangle and drag the woman across the porch of Lowreys nearby house. The woman said Lowrey grabbed her by the hair and drug her backwards. Then he wrapped his arm around her neck and squeezed her throat which temporarily cut off her breathing and caused her pain. The neighbor who witnessed the assault told officers he heard a woman yelling for help and ran to help her. As he did, Lowrey released the woman and went back inside his own house. The neighbors helped the woman to their residence to keep her safe, court documents indicated, and they called the police. Officers said the womans neck and throat were red and swollen and she had a large deep bruise covering almost the entirety of her bicep which she said came from Lowrey punching her two days earlier. Officers could not locate Lowrey as he had run from the scene, but hours later they were dispatched back to his address as there were reports he was trying to break down the front door. Officers said in the affidavit Lowrey initially tried to run from them but they were able to place him under arrest. The neighbor who had helped the woman earlier also reported Lowrey had assaulted him in the driveway, after returning home. Officers further said in the arrest affidavit that upon arrival at the jail, Lowrey became very aggressive, continually yelling profanities at the officers. As they explained no contact orders with the victims, they said Lowrey said no-contact orders hadnt stopped him before. It was noted in court documents that Lowrey has had numerous prior arrests and convictions for domestic assault, battery, domestic battery causing bodily harm and violating protection orders. He currently had three outstanding warrants for his arrest two in Kansas and one in Iowa. They also noted hes been charged on 13 occasions for failure to appear; as well as the fact he was unemployed, has no ties to the community and he informed law enforcement that he plans on leaving the state. Upon his no contest plea to a Class 3A felony, sentencing was set for Dec. 27. Delhi Air Pollution: In a new development on the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan), Delhi Government has now announced that the ban on the entry of BS3 and BS4 diesel will be implemented till November 13. Similarly, BS3 petrol cars cannot be used during the course. However, the trucks will be granted entry in Delhi, reveals officials. This decision comes after the air quality of the city improved by a slight margin. Under the new rules, the transport department will challan and prosecute the violators with a fine of up to Rs 20,000, as per Motor Vehicle Act. "BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi will remain banned under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)," said Gopal Rai, Delhi Environment Minister. Vehicles deployed for emergency services, and government and election-related work do not come under the ban's purview. "As per the directions provided under Stage III of revised GRAP, there will be a restriction to ply BS- III petrol and BS- IV diesel light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) in the jurisdiction of NCT of Delhi. The above directions will remain enforced till November 13 or downward revision in the GRAP stage, whichever is earlier. The restrictions will continue beyond November 13, if CAQM (Centre for Air Quality Management) orders GRAP-III and above restrictions," the order read. "If any BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs are found plying on roads, they will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988," it further stated. The department, in another order, said there will be no ban on the entry of trucks into Delhi and Delhi-registered diesel-operated medium goods and heavy goods vehicles. Also read - Delhi Air Pollution: Top 5 electric cars to buy in India under Rs 25 lakh - Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and more In a related development, LocalCircles, a community social media platform, conducted a survey which received responses from over 9,000 owners of BS-IV diesel cars. According to the survey, a section of the car owners expressed displeasure at the CAQM move. Nearly 11 per cent of them said they will violate the ban and face the consequences, while 25 per cent said they will switch to public transport. Another 49 per cent of diesel car owners said they had access to vehicles which did not come under the ban and will use those instead. With inputs from PTI New Delhi: Actors Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon have ruled the hearts of the audiences through their powerful performances and enigmatic screen presence. For the first time, the three beauties and leading ladies come together on screen for a comic caper The Crew. The film is produced by the super-hit producer duo of Veere Di Wedding, Ektaa R Kapoor, and Rhea Kapoor who reunite to bring to the audiences a cocktail of drama and comedy. 'The Crew' will be an absolute laugh-riot, set against the backdrop of the struggling airline industry. Three women, work and hustle to make it in life. However, their destinies lead to some unwarranted situations and they get caught in a web of lies. The crew is the rib-tickling ride of comedy of errors and mishaps! Life comes at you with its set of challenges, are you up for it? Producer Ektaa R Kapoor , Balaji Telefilms shares, "After the success of Veere Di Wedding, Balaji Motion Pictures is happy to collaborate on another film with the amazing Rhea Kapoor. Tabu, Kriti, and Kareena are a perfect ensemble for The Crew and the film is super entertaining yet funny at the same time. I cant wait to bring this story to the big screen." Producer Rhea Kapoor , AKFCN Productions shares, ''Bringing these three gorgeous, talented movie stars at the top of their game for my next picture is a dream come true. I am excited, determined, and nervous, and can't wait for the shoot to begin. Plus, this is the second time I am collaborating with Ektaa after 'Veere Di Wedding' and it means the world to me to have her support throughout." Kriti Sanon said , I always look forward to strong characters and unique stories and 'The Crew' is one of them. I am very thrilled to work with two powerhouses of talent , Tabu maam and Kareena! Ive always admired and looked up to them and their work. Ive met Tabu maam at a few occasions and she has always been extremely warm. Bebo is simply iconic, Ive been a fan girl! On the other hand, Rhea and Ektaa are just phenomenal, strong producers who have backed empowering and progressive female characters and subjects. Ive always wanted to do a fun quirky all girls film and this one just ticked all the boxes and I instantly loved the script! Cant wait for the journey to begin! Talking about the same, Kareena Kapoor said , Veere Di Wedding holds a special place in my heart... working with Rhea and Ektaa was an incredible journey. So when Rhea came to me with her new project 'The Crew' I was quite intrigued. This also means I get to share screen space with two stellar actors, Tabu and Kriti. I am looking forward to starting this project and can't wait to bring this trifecta to the fold! Adding to it, Tabu said, Im excited to be working on this film with two gorgeous and talented women Kareena and Kriti and two more women of passion,rhea and Ekta the producers and the director Rajesh Krishnan ! With all the madness,joy,highs and the lows of the characters ,its going to be a roller coaster and Im looking forward to the ride! Directed by Rajesh Krishnan and co-produced by Balaji Motion Pictures Limited & Anil Kapoor Productions the film is all set to go on floors from February 2023. Gurupurab 2022: Gurupurab marks the birth anniversary of the first of the ten Sikh Gurus- Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As the creator of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is worshipped in the Sikh religion. Sikhs everywhere celebrate the day with the utmost love and devotion. Born in Talwandi Nankana Sahib in the year 1469, Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded the Sikh religion to bring enlightenment to this world. His legacy, teachings, and life are honoured and celebrated during this festival. On this day, Sikhs read the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy text, uninterrupted for a full 48 hours. It takes place in Gurudwaras and is also known as Akhand Path. Let's take some lessons from Baba Nanak Dev Ji's teachings, read on Lesson 1 There is but One God. His name is Truth; He is the Creator. He fears none; he is without hate. He never dies; He is beyond the cycle of births and death. He is self-illuminated. He is realized by the kindness of the True Guru. He was True in the beginning; He was True when the ages commenced and have ever been True. He is also True now. Lesson 2 No one can save anybody else. It is only Guru who guides us to safety and to be saved, one has to follow the right path of 'Sewa and Simran 'told by him. Further, the Guru is not to be found in big palaces, he lives with the poor. Let us love the poor, God will bless us. If we recite Gurbani with love, we will find the Guru is speaking to us. Lesson 3 Shun the five evils which lead to illusion (Maya) which eventually acts as obstacles towards the attainment of salvation (moksha). The five evils are ego, anger, greed, attachment and lust. Lesson 4 Religion is not mere consistency of words but looks at all men and women equally. Lesson 5 Everything happens by Gods grace, so rest assured that God knows better what is right or wrong for us. We should, therefore, accept the decisions without any grudge or questions. The three principles of Sikhism also mentioned in the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji are: Vand Chako- Sharing with others, helping those with less who are in need Kirat Karo- Earning/making a living honestly, without exploitation or fraud Naam Japna- Chanting the Holy Name and thus remembering God at all times (ceaseless devotion to God) New Delhi: Despite several measures taken by the Arvind Kejriwal government, the air quality in the national capital continues to remain in the very poor category, with the overall Air Quality Index recorded at 321 on Tuesday morning. The air quality in areas adjoining Delhi was also recorded in the very poor category this morning, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) data. Delhi's sky lingers in a layer of smog as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) remains under the 'Very Poor' category, at 321 (Visuals from GT Karnal road, Man Singh road & Lodhi road) pic.twitter.com/U6kUvhy97N ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2022 The air quality in Delhi slipped into the "severe" category on Thursday, according to SAFAR data. However, in view of visible improvement in the air quality, the Delhi government on Monday decided to reopen primary classes from November 9 and revoke the order asking 50 per cent of its staff to work from home. However, plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the national capital will remain banned under stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai told a press conference. The plan is a set of anti-air pollution measures followed in Delhi and its vicinity according to the severity of the situation. The transport department, in an order, said the vehicles found plying in violation of the rule will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act, which could invite a fine of Rs 20,000. Vehicles deployed for emergency services, and government and election-related work are exempted. "There has been a rapid improvement in the air pollution situation in Delhi and farm fires have also reduced. Therefore, it has been decided to reopen primary schools from November 9 and revoke the order asking 50 per cent of the government staff to work from home," Environment Minister Gopal Rai said. School principals have welcomed the Delhi government's decision to restart primary classes from Wednesday though environmentalists warned against "knee-jerk reactions". Minister Rai said curbs under stage 3 of GRAP will remain in force. Private construction and demolition will remain banned in Delhi, he said. Rai added that 500 additional buses will be run in the capital under the "Paryavaran Bus Sewa" campaign to bolster public transport. With air pollution ameliorating in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday directed authorities to lift the ban on plying of non-BS VI diesel light motor vehicles in the region and the entry of trucks into the national capital imposed under the stage 4 of the GRAP. It had also banned construction work in public projects such as highways, flyovers, power transmission, and pipelines in Delhi-NCR. The CAQM order recommending the restrictions was issued on Thursday. Delhi recorded its air quality in the very poor category for the third consecutive day on Monday, but it is likely to deteriorate further in the coming days due to unhelpful meteorological conditions, forecasting agencies said. The capital's 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) worsened from 339 on Sunday to 354 on Monday. It was 381 on Saturday. The GRAP classifies the air quality in Delhi-NCR under four different stages: Stage 1 - 'poor' (AQI 201-300); stage 2 - 'very poor' (AQI 301-400); stage 3 - 'severe' (AQI 401-450); and stage 4 - 'severe plus' (AQI >450). Farm fires in Punjab rebounded -- 2,487 incidents were reported on Monday as compared to 599 a day ago. However, their share in Delhi's PM2.5 pollution dipped from 18 per cent on Sunday to 14 per cent on Monday, according to data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the SAFAR, a forecasting agency under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. Restrictions under stages 1 to 3 of the GRAP, will, however, remain in place. High pollution levels had 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. According to an analysis conducted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee last year, people in the national capital breathe the worst air between November 1 and November 15 when stubble-burning peaks and winters set in. The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) released by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago in June showed that residents of Delhi stand to lose 10 years of life expectancy due to poor air quality. (With Agency Inputs) When the blood glucose is too high for a prolonged period, it harms the eyes. In the short term, one is not likely to have vision loss from high blood glucose. People sometimes have blurry vision for a few days or weeks when changing their diabetes care plan or medication. High glucose can change fluid levels or cause swelling in the tissues of the eyes that helps to focus, causing blurred vision. This blurry vision is temporary and goes away when the glucose level gets closer to normal.1 If blood glucose stays high over time, it can damage the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eyes. Swelling may result from damaged blood vessels that leak fluid. It's also possible for new weak blood vessels to form. These blood vessels have the potential to leak into the center of the eye, leave scars, or create an eye with dangerously high pressure. The eye damage may start much earlier, during the prediabetes phase, when blood sugar is about to touch a high average value. Blood vessel issues are the most common cause of significant diabetic eye disorders. The four eye conditions that can threaten vision are:2,3 Diabetic Retinopathy: In early diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels can weaken or leak into the retina. This stage is called non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. If the disease worsens, some blood vessels close off, which causes new blood vessels to grow, and these abnormal new blood vessels can lead to serious vision problems. Diabetic Macular Edema: The macula is the area of the retina that is necessary for activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Diabetes can cause diabetic macular edema, a swelling of the macula in the retina. This condition can gradually obliterate this area of the eye's keen vision, resulting in partial blindness or vision loss. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nervethe bundle of nerves that connects the eye to the brain. Diabetes doubles the chances of having glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated early. Cataracts: The lenses within our eyes are clear structures that help provide sharp visionbut they tend to become cloudy as we age. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cloudy lenses, called cataracts. One should plan to make regular eye doctor visits in case of diabetes. High blood sugar can lead to problems like blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. Diabetes is the primary cause of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74. If diagnosed early, appropriate measures can be taken to prevent vision loss. References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report: Estimates of Diabetes and Its Burden in the United States, 2014. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2014. Diabetic retinopathy preferred practice pattern guidelines. American Academy of Ophthalmology website. https://www.aao.org/preferred-practice-pattern/diabetic-retinopathy-ppp Updated January 2016. Accessed June 2, 2017. (Disclaimer: Brand Desk Content) Bengaluru: The Congress seems to be in damage control mode over Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Secretary Satish Jarkiholi`s controversial remark that the word "Hindu" is of Persian origin and has a "dirty" meaning. Though Jarkiholi clarified that he did not want to hurt the feelings of followers of any religion, he maintained that he said nothing wrong. "We should rise above caste and religion. It is not appropriate to glorify anything related to Hinduism," he stated. Even as Congress apologised and distanced itself from the controversial remark, Hindu organisations on Tuesday continued to slam Jarkiholi for his comments. The Congress, which is hoping to come back to power in the upcoming Assembly elections which will be held in less than six months, is concerned over the development, sources said. Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala has clarified that Hinduism is a way of life and a civilisational reality. "Congress built our nation to respect every religion, belief and faith. This is the essence of India," he said, adding "The statement attributed to Jarkiholi is deeply unfortunate and deserves to be rejected. We condemn it unequivocally." Also read: Word 'Hindu' is Persian, has 'very dirty' meaning: Karnataka Congress leader stirs controversy Meanwhile, Jarkiholi has released a video and clarified that he had not insulted any religion or language. "It is true that I mentioned that the word "Hindu" has Persian origin. I have demanded complete discussion on it," he said. "There are records available to show that the word Hindu has different meanings. I have stressed on it," the Congress leader stated. "There is debate over comments on one word all over the media in the country. I am clarifying on the matter. It was not the statement of Satish Jarkiholi. Thousands of similar speeches are given every day. Only my statement is highlighted," he said. "I am carrying out my work by exceeding the boundaries of Hindu, Persian, Islam, Jain and Buddhism. We should grow above caste and religion. Nothing wrong in what I said in this backdrop," he explained. There are hundreds of records regarding Persian words coming here, Jarkiholi said, adding that the news is being discussed the way Ukraine and Russia war is being talked about. It is incorrect to sensationalise things when it comes to matters regarding Hinduism. When Hindus get killed, they get special attention. But at the same time, if Dalits get killed, it gets ignored. One should listen to the speech of late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Hindu religion. Hindu religion is described as a way of life. The Supreme Court has also stated the same, he maintained. "I do not want to insult anyone. All religions are equal to me. I don`t believe in caste and religion. I maintain distance from them. The debate over this matter will not benefit anyone. If the media still continues the debate over the issue, I will file a defamation case. I only sought debate over the word `Persian`. I have not insulted any religion or language and it was not mine, I have quoted Wikipedia," he said. New Delhi: Amid the tussle between the LDF government and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan over various issues, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday (November 8, 2022) accused the Centre of using Governors in non-BJP ruled states to "encroach" into the powers of those governments and legislatures when horse-trading was not possible. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader also said that attempts were also being made to "financially choke" such states. He also contended that democracy and the Constitution were being "trespassed" and that attempts were being made to topple democratically elected governments. "In many states, horse-trading of elected representatives is going on. We may have to replace the word 'horse' with something else as it's an old term and the prices have now really gone up. "It is not the price of a horse now, we all know that. Where such horse trading is not possible, the Governors are used to encroach upon the powers of the state governments and legislatures," Vijayan said. "Looking at all this we can see that there is an attack against the democratic system in our country," he added. Vijayan's accusation against the central government comes amid the ongoing tussle between his LDF government and Kerala Governor Khan over various issues, including appointments in universities and non-approval of certain bills passed by the state assembly. He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and Sangh Parivar of trying to destroy secularism in the country and also rewrite history with regard to our freedom struggle. The Kerala CM also said that certain steps of the Centre were leading to labourers' rights being reduced and major public sector undertakings being privatised with a mind on profit alone. The Chief Minister said freedom fighters who died and were jailed for the country's independence were being sought to be removed from historical records and instead those who sought pardon from the British and were subservient to them "are being projected as brave patriots." These were leading to a denial of social justice and lack of employment to many, he said, and added that the Centre was trying to show there was no other option but privatisation. "But Kerala has shown there is an alternative as it has taken up many PSUs which were going to be privatised and turned them around. Besides that several PSUs in the state are operating profitably," Vijayan stated. LDF launches massive campaign against Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan Meanwhile, the ruling LDF in Kerala on Tuesday launched a massive grassroot level campaign by distributing pamphlets in households across the state against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. Distributed by the Left leaders and activists in various districts, the pamphlets, issued under the name of 'Education Protection Society', alleged that Khan was acting like a tool of Sangh Parivar and he does not even have a basic understanding of the Constitution. It also stressed the need for a mass public movement against Khan to protect the higher education sector of the southern state. According to media reports, the distribution of pamphlets is part of a series of protests being organised by the Left front against the Governor in the coming days. The Left Front also reportedly has plans to convene a mass protest gathering with the participation of over 1 lakh people in front of Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram on November 15. Khan, who is at loggerheads with the Left government on various issues, on Monday had alleged that a system of "oligarchy" is prevailing in CPI(M)-ruled state, and it was evident from the incidents of party cadres being appointed in government jobs. He also claimed that he was "threatened of dire consequences" by the activists of the Left organisations. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (November 8, 2022) demanded a lie detector test for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar claimed that he was forced to bribe the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In a series of letters, Chandrashekhar has alleged that he paid money to Delhi minister Satyender Jain and other AAP leaders for protection in jail and a Rajya Sabha ticket from the party. In one of his letters, Chandrashekhar, who is lodged in Mandoli Jail in Delhi, alleged that he met Kejriwal and was asked to arrange Rs 500 crore for the party's expansion into the southern states. "The allegations by Chandrashekhar were earlier against AAP ministers and leaders but now he has directly charged Kejriwal, who needs to answer the questions being asked," BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said at a press conference. "The BJP demands that Arvind Kejriwal, Satyendra Jain and Sukesh Chandrasekhar undergo a lie detector test and it should be televised live," he added. Tiwari alleged that the AAP had contested the Assembly elections in using money collected from the "liquor scam" in Delhi and a "similar" attempt was made to "recover" money from people like Chandrashekhar for the upcoming elections. MP Shri @ManojTiwariMP is addressing a Press Conference. https://t.co/sk5cY6IyOs BJP Delhi (@BJP4Delhi) November 8, 2022 The AAP, however, has dismissed the charges as an attempt by the BJP to use Chandrashekhar as its "star campaigner", fearing defeat in the Gujarat Assembly and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections. Conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar writes to Delhi LG for CBI probe against Arvind Kejriwal Meanwhile, Sukesh Chandrashekhar has written a fresh letter to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena seeking a CBI probe against Arvind Kejriwal and others for alleged threats and corruption, his lawyer said on Tuesday. Chandrashekhar alleged that after his last complaint to the LG was reported in the media, he had received a "severe threat" from the jail administration on behalf of AAP leader Satyendar Jain and then DG Prisons Sandeep Goel. "After my last complaint application was released on media, from last two days there has been severe threat that I have been receiving from the jail administration on behalf of Satyendar Jain and DG prisons Sandeep Goel that I will be taught a serious lesson...For what I have done and they said I will have to pay the price now," he said in the letter written on November 4 that was submitted to the LG on November 5 by his advocate Ashok K Singh. Chandrashekhar had earlier written to the LG last month alleging that AAP leader Jain extorted Rs 10 crore in 2019 in exchange of his safety in the prison. The alleged conman later issued a 'press release' from the jail, alleging that in 2016 he had delivered Rs 50 crore to Jain at his farmhouse in Asola, after which Kejriwal and others visited him in the hotel 'Hyatt' for dinner. In his latest letter, Chandrashekhar urged the LG to "direct the CBI to initiate an urgent investigation in detail and allow me to file 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 Jain but also Arvind Kejriwal and Kailash Gahlot are also a part of all the episodes that have taken place." He claimed that he had in August given a part statement regarding his allegations to the CBI. He also claimed that he had introduced former police commissioner of Bengaluru Bhaskar Rao to Kejriwal, since the top cop was looking to join politics after his stint as a police officer. "After my introduction of Rao to Kejriwal in 2016, recently Rao was made the head of AAP in Karnataka, which was because of me," he claimed. "In the interest of justice and truth, it's important that everything is proven in open, hence again I humbly request to order CBI probe urgently, and as undertaken before, I will fully cooperate and assist in the investigation, and the truth of APP, mainly Kejriwal and Jain will be exposed and I will show every single detail of all the meeting, interaction, number of cash deliveries, locations, etc.," he said. "This is a matter of my personal dignity and it is surprising to see someone who wanted my help at any cost in mobilizing funds is calling me countries biggest thug, as in every matter as mentioned above instructions were directly given and in knowledge of Kejriwal," he said. The letter written to the LG in October had alleged that more than Rs 50 crore to were given to the AAP on the promise of giving Chandrashekhar an important post in the party in south Zone and also helping him to be nominated to Rajaya sabha following the expansion. He had alleged that after his arrest in 2017 for the 'two leaf symbol corruption case' he was lodged in Tihar Jail and was visited by Jain, who held the portfolio of Jail Ministry, for multiple times, asking him if he had disclosed anything related to his contribution to the AAP to the investigating agency. "Thereafter in 2019 again I was visited by Satyendar Jain and his secretary and his close friend Sushil in jail, and asking me to pay Rs 2 crore every month to him as protection money to live safely in jail, and to get even basic facility provided," he had said. He had added that Jain "asked me to pay Rs 1.50 crore to DG prison Sandeep Goel, who he said was a loyal associate of his. He forced me to pay and total amount of Rs 10 crore in matter of 2 to 3 months was extorted from me through constant pressure." He had added that all the amounts were collected in Kolkata through his associate. "Hence a total amount of Rs 10 crore was paid to Satyender Jain, and Rs 12.50 crore to DG prison Sandeep Goel," the letter had alleged, adding that Chandrashekhar had these facts to the ED. Earlier this month, Director General (Prisons) Sandeep Goel was transferred from the Tihar Jail and asked to report to the police headquarters for further orders. (With agency inputs) Patna: The results of the recently held byelections in Bihar have sounded an alarm bell for both the RJD and the BJP, showing nothing can be taken for granted as the victory margins reduced in a big way. Even as both the BJP and the RJD are claiming that the margin of defeat in Mokama and Gopalganj, respectively, was smaller compared to the 2020 Assembly elections, these results are expected to change political equations in the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2025 Vidhan Sabha elections. The result in Gopalganj has given a ray of hope for the BJP to intrude into the `MY` (Muslim Yadav) equation in the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2025 Vidhan Sabha elections. On the contrary, the BJP's win is a huge setback for RJD and the grand alliance comprising seven parties in Bihar. Kusum Devi of BJP managed to achieve 70,053 votes, while RJD candidate Mohan Prasad Gupta achieved 68,259 votes. Notably, Sadhu Yadav`s wife Indira Yadav contested the Gopalganj election on the ticket of BSP and obtained 8,853 votes while Abdul Salam of AIMIM got 12,212 votes. The two candidates fought neck to neck till the last round and finally the BJP candidate got the decisive vote. The role of BSP candidate Indira Yadav, who is wife of Sadhu Yadav, and AIMIM candidate Abdul Salam cannot be ruled out in the victory of the BJP. These two have turned as `vote-cutters` for the RJD candidate in this close contest. RJD has the vote bank of Muslim and Yadav (MY) and these two candidates combined have bagged over 21,000. Also read: BJP leader shot dead in broad daylight in Bihar's Katihar About the Mokama assembly seat, Union Minister Giriraj Singh told IANS, "The victory of (RJD`s) Neelam Singh in Mokama was just over by 16,000 votes against BJP candidate Sonam Devi. In the last Assembly election, Neelam`s husband and `Bahubali` leader Anant Singh won the election with a margin of more than 36,000 votes. It is a clear indication that the BJP has gained political ground in the turf of Mokama. It is a victory for Anant Singh and not RJD." Also read: Bihar bypoll: Lalu Prasad's daughter blames Owaisi, 'Kans Mama' for BJP's win in Gopalganj Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, however, is quoted by IANS as saying "The margin of defeat in Gopalganj was just 1,794 votes. In the last assembly election, the BJP candidate and late Subhash Singh defeated the RJD candidate by the margin of over 40,000 votes." "RJD has emerged in a big way in Gopalganj and if others (AIMIM and Sadhu Yadav) wouldn`t have played the role of `vote-cutter`, RJD would have won that seat as well," Tejashwi Yadav added. RJD MP Ahmed Asfaq Karim reportedly blamed Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM for the defeat in Gopalganj, adding "Owaisi came here in Bihar and other states to defeat Mahagathbandhan. His party AIMIM is a national `vote-katwa` (vote-cutter) party in the country. "It is a B-team of the BJP to split the votes of a minority. It was the job of Owaisi to come to Bihar from Hyderabad and defeat Mahagathbandhan. It is up to minority people to realise this fact and not give votes to parties like AIMIM in Bihar and other states," said the RJD MP. (With IANS Inputs) Shimla: Asserting that the ruling BJP is not able to present a report card in poll-bound Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot has claimed that this is the reason why the party has "thrown all big leaders" including Prime Minister Narendra Modi for campaigning. Pilot, who was campaigning for Congress in the Himachal Assembly polls, said that the voters are "inclined towards the party" while also claiming that the ruling party (BJP) has "not done any work" in the last five years. Addressing the media here, Pilot said, "The voters are inclined towards Congress in the elections. BJP has not done any work in five years. BJP is not able to give the report card in front of the public. This is the reason why BJP has thrown all big leaders including PM for the campaign." PM Modi hit the turf in poll-bound Himachal on November 5 to campaign for the BJP urging the people to vote for the party to bring it back to power. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also held several rallies in the state in which he slammed Congress over a range of issues. Further, taking a swipe at the `double-engine government`, a term coined by the BJP to imply the party`s governments at the Centre as well as the state, Pilot said that both the engines will be "seize to function" in Assembly polls and general polls in 2024 respectively. "The double-engine government of the BJP will derail soon. One engine of the government of double engine will seize to function on November 12 and the other in 2024. There is infighting in BJP in the state, which is why the wave of change is being seen in Himachal. During the campaign, the Congress party in Himachal Pradesh are getting immense affection. Congress party will form the government with full majority," he said. Raking up the Old Pension Scheme in the state, Pilot said that it has not been mentioned in the manifesto of the BJP which was released by JP Nadda on Sunday, and assured its (OPS) implementation if the Congress government is formed in the state. "BJP has not even mentioned OPS in its poll manifesto. The party will fulfil the manifesto given by Congress when the government is formed," he said. Meanwhile, Congress released its manifesto last week with `10 guarantees`. The 10 guarantees of Congress include the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme, 1 lakh government jobs, as many as 5 lakh jobs for youth, Rs 680 crore Start-up fund for the youth, Rs 1,500 per month to the women, and free electricity up to 300 units of consumption. The Himachal Pradesh election manifesto of the Congress also assured the people of the hilly state of four English-medium schools in each assembly, mobile clinics for free treatment in each village, the cost price of cow dung at Rs 2 per kilogram, purchase of 10 liters of milk from animal keepers, and the farm owners will be given the liberty to decide the price for their farm produce. The party`s General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that if their government comes to power in the Centre, the Congress will cancel the Agnipath scheme. "We will cancel the Agnipath scheme when our government will be formed at the Centre. We fulfil whatever we promise. In Chhattisgarh also, we promised for the loan waiver of the farmer and it was implemented," Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said while addressing a public gathering in Kangra. The elections in the hill state are slated to be held on November 12, whose votes will be counted on December 8. NEW DELHI: India will continue buying Russian oil as it is advantageous for the country, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Tuesday after meeting his Russian counterpart. India has emerged as Russia's largest oil customer after China, as refiners snap up discounted Russian oil shunned by Western buyers over Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24. India, the world's third-largest oil importer and a traditional ally of Russia, has not explicitly condemned what Russia calls its "special military operation in Ukraine", and Tuesday marked the fifth meeting this year between Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. "It is our fundamental obligation to ensure that the Indian consumer has the best possible access on the most advantageous terms to international (oil and gas) markets," said Jaishankar. "In that respect, we have seen that India and Russia relationship has worked to advantage. So if it works to my advantage I would keep that going." #WATCH | We have seen that India-Russia relationship has worked to advantage so if it works to my advantage I would like to keep that going: EAM S Jaishankar during a press briefing, in Moscow on Russian oil imports pic.twitter.com/ddcB7ryAfH ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2022 The statement comes a month ahead of the United States and its allies in the Group of Seven rich nations take steps to prevent Russia from profiting from oil by putting a cap on prices. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is scheduled to visit India this week and has said that India stands to gain from a price cap on Russian oil and the US hopes that it will take advantage of it, according to a report by Press Trust of India. New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (November 8) announced the schedule of the bypoll for the Khatauli Assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh. The election will be held on December 5 and the counting of votes will be done on December 8, coinciding with the result dates of the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. The Khatauli seat fell vacant on Monday when BJP MLA Vikram Singh Saini was disqualified after his recent conviction in a case related to the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. Saini and 11 others were sentenced to two years imprisonment in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case by a special MP/MLA court on October 11. The gazette notification will be issued on November 10. The last date for filing nominations is November 17, while the date of scrutiny for nominations is November 18. The candidates will be able to withdraw their candidature till November 21.With this announcement, the poll body said that all vacancies for 2022 as of now are covered with this announcement for by-election. Earlier on November 5, the ECI had announced the dates of by-elections for the vacant Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies in five states. The polling for the by-polls will take place on December 5 and the votes will be counted on December 8According to a notification by the ECI, Parliamentary Constituency Mainpuri will be going to the polls after the demise of Samajwadi Party veteran and MP Mulayam Singh Yadav on October 10. By-elections will also be held in Odisha`s Padampur, Rajasthan`s Sardarshahar, Bihar`s Kurhani, Chhattisgarh`s Bhanupratappur(ST) and Uttar Pradesh`s Rampur from where Samajwadi Party MLA Azam Khan was disqualified after a court sentenced him to three years in jail in a hate speech case last month Mumbai: A case of cheating has been registered against Uddhav Thackeray- faction Shiv Sena leader and former state minister Anil Parab in the Dapoli resort fraud case. The Dapoli police revealed that the case has been registered under IPC sections 420 and 34. The Dapoli resort fraud case refers to Anil Parab's alleged involvement in constructing an illegal Rs 10 crore resort in Dapoli, Ratnagiri in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had raised the issue several times since last year. In December, last year, Somaiya had tweeted, " Dapoli Police agreed to consider My Complaint Evidences against unauthorized Resort of Anil Parab & Group. Govt has declared its fraud forgery in illegal construction of Dapoli Resort." Dapoli Police agreed to consider My Complaint Evidences against unauthorized Resort of Anil Parab & Group Govt has declared its fraud forgery in illegal construction of Dapoli Resort Why Criminal Actions not taken? FIR not registered? Earlier we submitted Complaint on 2 June pic.twitter.com/k2iKLSAoSL Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) December 13, 2021 Somaiya further tweeted about the allegations in detail. He wrote, "Anil Parab indulged into Forgery, Fraud and constructed Rs 10 crore illegal Sai Resort at Dapoli, Ratnagiri. Though the land is agricultural, construction was done during COVID lockdown. V demand Criminal Action against Shiv Sena Minister Anil Parab." New Delhi: The Karnataka congress will file a writ petition in the high court against the order by a Bengaluru court to temporarily block the Twitter accounts of the Congress party and Bharat Jodo Yatra for illegally using the sound records of the film KGF Chapter-2. The Congress is pursuing all the legal remedies after the lower court directed Twitter to block its official handle and that of its Bharat Jodo Yatra over alleged music copyright infringement. Notably, a dedicated commercial court for Bengaluru Urban District directed the microblogging site Twitter to block the handles of the Indian National Congress (INC) and its 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' till the next date of hearing. Also, the court ordered the removal of three tweets posted by the party. The court order came on a suit filed by MRT Music which is the copyright holder of the soundtracks from the film 'KGF Chapter 2'. "We have read on social media about an adverse order from a Bengaluru court against INC & BJY SM handles," the Congress said on Twitter. "We were neither made aware of nor present at court proceedings. No copy of the order has been received. We are pursuing all the legal remedies at our disposal," the party said. We have read on social media about an adverse order from a Bengaluru court against INC & BJY SM handles. We were neither made aware of nor present at court proceedings. No copy of the order has been received. We are pursuing all the legal remedies at our disposal. Congress (@INCIndia) November 7, 2022 It has been alleged by the firm that its copyright has been infringed upon and sought a permanent injunction against the INC and its leaders from using its copyrighted music. New Delhi: Jailed conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, who has made explosives allegations against Delhis ruling AAP leaders, has now challenged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to resign from his post even if a single allegation made by him turns out to be true. The conman further said that if the charges made by him against jailed Delhi minister Satyendra Jain, Kejriwal and the AAP party turn out to be false, he is ready to be hanged. Chandrashekhar, who is facing several cases of corruption and cheating under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Money Laundering Act, has made these remarks in a third letter addressed to Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena in which he has also called for a CBI probe against the AAP leaders. Kejriwalji I undertake that if any of my raised issues to LG Delhi turns out to be Wrong or false as said by you and your associates, I am ready to undergo any proceeding as per law. I am ready to be hanged even for your satisfaction if I am proved wrong. But you too have the Guts to undertake that if the Complaint is proved even one single of them. You will Resign and Retire from politics for good. Do this instead of Crying foul and playing the victim card, if you are sure all this is false, according to you, a welcome full investigation by CBI, the conman said in his explosive letter. In his letter, to Delhi LG, Chandrashekhar wrote, "I request you to direct an urgent CBI investigation and allow me to file an FIR as the pressure is getting too much and any undue event may take place before the truth about AAP is exposed," he wrote. He also alleged 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. "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 Satyendar Jain and DG prison Sandeep Goel." The conman has earlier 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 Satyendra Jain in the presence of Kailash Gahlot in his farm at Asola, and thereafter the same evening, Kejriwal and Jain had visited me for the dinner at Hyatt, Bhikaji Kama Place where I was staying," he alleged in the letter. In his previous 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. The conman claimed that "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 in high-level corruption," he said in a letter confirmed by his lawyer. It may be noted that on Friday, the LG Office confirmed that DG Prison Sandeep Goel has been transferred with immediate effect via an official order from the Home Department of the Government of National Capital of Territory of Delhi. Heres the copy of conman Chandrashekhars latest letter to the Delhi LG- Press Statement Sub: 3 Page Release I hereby am giving this press statement as AAP is trying to fight me and provoke me with War of Words instead of Answering the truth of all that I have said and asked in my previous press Release, and complaints to LG, New Delhi. 1. Kejriwalji you and your associates are saying that all this is done purposely now during elections, why it was not done before when ED and CBI Questioned me? And why I did not disclose it before? I will answer this, let me tell you that I kept quiet and ignored everything but due to your constant threats and pressure through the Jail administration and Mr. Jain asking me to give funds during Punjab and Goa polls, Brazenly even though I was undergoing investigation This year, As It become too much and I dont have any need to take all this from you, I decided to move as per law. Not because someone or anyone is asking me to do so. So Stop your old style Drama, its too evident and all can see that your trying to Cover up, and divert the issue. 2. Kejriwalji why Mr. Jain was constantly asking me to withdraw complaint filed in HC against former DG Sandeep goel and the Jail administration, why was I constantly threatened apart from asking me to give More funds for your election Campaigns? Why afraid of enquiry? What are you scared off if you are truthfull. 3. Kejriwalji, Manish ji has said I am doing all this as I am going to be helped in my case? Let me take the pleasure to answer that, unfortunately, he is very wrong as I am not Interested for any ones help and fortunately I am very very capable of handling my Case and proving my innocence. So stop diverting the matter from the main issue, I have all the Resources to the Best to take care of my Case. I dont need to please anyone in any form to be helped. So dont divert the topic or from the issue to be answered by you. 4. Kejriwalji your spokes person Saurabh ji and Athshiji asked who is Sukesh? Many would not know, and also asked if I was Raja Sathayawadi Harishchandra? Let me answer that too, Kejriwalji as asked maybe Many would not know Sukesh, according to you, So I may ask then why are you getting so scarred and being so defensive, If I am nobody? Secondly even as you think many would not know, Now even that many would know as, the person who exposed AAP, Black and White in open, even after threats and Assault orchestrated by you through the DG and the Jail administration on me, time and again since last 3 months. I am not Satyawadi Harishchandra, But you and your Associates be the sathyawadi and Answer to all the Questions asked, and Welcome detailed investigation, and Say the truth why you took 50 Crores then again 10 Crores, then pressurising me to Bring 500 Crores to the party, then asking to Bring MLA from other parties in tamilnadu to yours, to Bring Actions, then again this year asking me to fund for Punjab and goa elections, threatening me to withdraw Complaint from HC against DG, Jail administration and Jain. So first you answer all this then Comment on my integrity. 5. Kejriwalji Dont keep Saying all this is being done Because of elections, let me tell you Something and give to a piece of advice. You know me very well. You and Mr. Jain are are among few people, who know me very well So, dont hallucinate that I wont give evidence against all that I have said or wont testify, I will give every single thing that I have, which you know very well, as your Mask has to be removed in open, also you please Kejriwalji Dont day dream about winning elections as people are seeing everything, your Drama wont work anymore, your karma, your lies, you will be defeated badly for sure. Also soon you will be voted out of Power everywhere else. So Stop playing this Card that all this is being done because of elections, which anyways you are not winning to Power, or going to be voted for. 6. Kejriwalji Stop sending me offers and threats through the Jail administration and your Cronies (Chellas), I am not intimidated or interested in any of your offers, I will not back out, I will make sure every single transaction given to you and Mr. Jain is brought before Court of law with every piece of evidence that I saved from start knowing how you are dual faced. I am thankful to God that he gave me that thought at that time when all this started in 2016, to keep record of everything. 7. Lastly Kejriwalji, you and your Associates stop provoking me and Making it Dirty, as it would then force me to Reveal few other things which are very personal, which you or Mr. Jain will not be happy in any form, details which will shock the Country, You know exactly what I am talking about. So kindly maintain decorum and answer the investigation, and accept the truth, instead of talking about my individuality and integrity. Kejriwalji I undertake that if any of my Raised issues to LG Delhi turns out to be Wrong or false as said by you and your associates, I am ready to undergo any proceeding as per law. I am ready to be hanged even for your satisfaction if I am proved wrong. But you too have the Guts to undertake that if the Complaint are proved even one single of them. You will Resign and Retire from politics for good. Do this instead of Crying foul and playing victim card, if you are sure all this is false, according to you, welcome full investigation by CBI. Jai Shree Ram Thanking You #Dont Drama Kejriwalji Respectfully New Delhi: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday (November 8, 2022) hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are working at its behest. Chidambaram, who was in poll-bound Gujarat to campaign for his party, also stated that 95% of those arrested by central agencies are opposition politicians. The former union minister also slammed the saffron party over its "arrogance", saying no one so far has apologised or resigned for the Morbi bridge collapse tragedy which claimed 135 lives. Chidambaram also claimed that Gujarat was being "run from Delhi" and not by the chief minister of the state. "They are handmaidens of the BJP. Ninety five per cent of the arrests they are making are of politicians of opposition parties," the Congress leader said when asked if he thinks central probe agencies like the CBI and ED were being misused. Speaking on the suspension bridge on the Machchuu river that collapsed in Gujarat's Morbi district on October 30, Chidambaram said, "As per my knowledge nobody has apologised or resigned for such a big tragedy. This is due to the BJP's arrogance. If such a thing would have happened in a foreign country, there would have been immediate resignations." "They have not apologised as the government here thinks they will easily win the coming elections and they need not be accountable for the incident," he added. "In those states where people defeat the government, they feel accountable. I would appeal to the people of Gujarat to change this government and give a chance to the Congress," Chidambaram said. The Gujarat Assembly polls are scheduled to take place in two phases on December 1 and 5 and the counting of votes will be taken up on December 8. On the issue of BJP-ruled states announcing the formation of committees to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Congress leader said, "Even a child knows that states cannot implement it, it can be done by Parliament." (With agency inputs) Statistics say each year around 3.5 lakh people die in unintended workplace accidents throughout the world. 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About Ziqitza Healthcare Limited Ziqitza Healthcare Limited (ZHL) is the leading provider of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in India since 2005. Our clients include hospitals, the Government and corporate clients in India & Gulf for varied EMS requirements like Ambulances, Medical Mobile units, telemedicine, and helplines. Ziqitza Rajasthan & Ziqitza limited Rajasthan appreciates Ziqitza Healthcare ltd for its contribution in improving the healthcare in India. We are committed to saving lives. We do this by understanding our customers needs and providing the best possible solutions irrespective of their location or income. For further information please contact: visakh.dayanandan@zhl.in (Above mentioned article is a featured content, This article does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of IDPL, and IDPL claims no responsibility whatsoever) Bengaluru: After apolitical row erupted over Karnataka Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi`s comment on the word `Hindu`, the party has said that it would seek an explanation on the same. Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said, "Satish Jarkiholi`s statement is his personal opinion and not the Congress party`s opinion, we will ask for his explanation on the same. "He further said that the party did not agree with his statement." Congress Party supports all religions and does not agree with his statement," Shivkumar said. Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi on Monday said that the word "Hindu" is a Persian word that means "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. Notably, a video of the event where Satish Jarkiholi was speaking has gone viral on social media and BJP has slammed it for insulting and provoking Hindus. Also Read: Prove me WRONG, I will RESIGN: Karnataka Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi defends Hindu remark "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. Belagavi | "Let everyone prove Im wrong. If I am wrong, Ill resign as MLA and not just apologise for my statement," said Satish Jarkiholi, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president https://t.co/Cfq17AjP5Y pic.twitter.com/Jykp16gG7p November 8, 2022 Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit back at the Congress over this. Launching into Jarkiholi `s statement Union Minster Anurag Thakur said that the party always remembers Gods and Goddesses at the time of elections. "It is become a habit for Congress and AAP leaders to demean Hindus and insult Hindu Gods & Goddesses. Only during elections do they remember Gods and Goddesses. The rest of the time, they keep abusing them," Thakur said. New Delhi: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said the country is indebted to former prime minister Manmohan Singh for the economic reforms. India needs a liberal economic policy with the intention to provide its benefits to poor people, Gadkari said while speaking at an event. The economic reforms started by Singh as the finance minister in 1991 gave a new direction to India as it ushered in a liberal economy, he added. "Liberal economy ke karan desh ko nayee disha mili, uske liye Manmohan Singh ka desh reeni hai (The country is indebted to Manmohan Singh for the liberalisation that gave a new direction)," Gadkari said. He recalled that he could raise money to build roads in Maharashtra when he was a minister in Maharashtra in the mid-1990s due to economic reforms initiated by the former prime minister. Gadkari asserted that liberal economic policy is for farmers and poor people. Entered politics in midst of crisis: Manmohan Singh recalls his tenures as finance minister Speaking at the same event, Manmohan Singh asserted that India will continue to rise and show the world the way forward by blending tradition with modernity. He noted that an entirely new generation of Indians has emerged who are aspirational and are exerting pressure on the government to perform better and be transparent. Singh also recalled his tenures as the finance minister and the prime minister in steering the country at difficult times. On the role of the media in a democracy, the former prime minister said it has a very important contribution to make in the process of nation-building. "We expect the media to be vigilant, to point out the shortcomings of the government and thus help in improving the effectiveness of governance," he said in his virtual address at the function. According to Singh, economic growth, social change and political empowerment have brought in their wake the new aspirations of an entirely new generation of Indians. "This has contributed to growing impatience and a desire for faster growth and a better quality of life. These aspirations and ambitions are exerting pressures on governments to deliver more, perform better, and be more transparent and efficient," he added. Recalling his days as the finance minister, Singh said that he entered the world of politics in the midst of a crisis. In 1991, India was confronted with challenges on the external front. "Most of you will only recall the external payments crisis of 1990-91. But this payments crisis occurred against the backdrop of an even bigger challenge -- the breakdown of the global bipolar order," he said. As the finance minister, Singh said he had to worry not only about reducing the fiscal deficit and reviving economic growth but also about stabilising the rupee and ensuring access to adequate foreign exchange. "At that critical time, I had said that the emergence of India as an economic powerhouse was an idea whose time had come," he said, adding that as the finance minister he defended the interest of the nation while remaining committed to the pursuit of equity and justice. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, he said, "we took momentous decisions with respect to our economic policies as well as our foreign policy. Prime Minister Narasimha Rao launched what has come to be known as India's 'Look East Policy,' linking India to the new growth engines of Asia". He said India liberalised its trade and investment rules to help the country re-integrate with the global economy. The policies of those years had far-reaching and enduring impact, he added. As the prime minister in 2004, Singh said, "I took on that responsibility with diligence as my tool, truth as my beacon, and a prayer that I might always do the right thing. As I have said on many occasions, my life and tenure in public office are an open book. Serving this nation has been my privilege. There is nothing more that I could ask for." The former prime minister also said that governments come and governments go, "but this great nation of ours is heir to one of the oldest civilizations known to humanity". Its history is marked by continuity and change, and a remarkable cultural plurality, he said, adding these are important strengths. Speaking at the event, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said during Singh's tenure, 10 million people were lifted from the poverty line. India was catapulted as the second fastest economy in the world during his tenure, Tharoor said, adding that India had witnessed a growth rate of 7-9 per cent. The Government of India has allocated a 'reserved quota' for the terrorist victims for the MBBS and BDS courses for the academic year 2022-23 in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has decided to keep seats reserved from the central pool for the Spouse or Children of terrorist victims for the academic year 2022-23. An official order has been passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) with reference to a letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs. ''Pursuant to communication No.17015/47/2022-CT-II dated 01.11.2022 from Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, offline applications are invited from eligible candidates on prescribed format annexed as Annexure-A to this notification for allocation of MBBS/BDS Seats from the Central Pool for Spouse of Children of Terrorist Victims for academic year 2022-23. '' said the Government order. Reservation for terror victims in MBBS, BDS The government has laid down the eligibility criteria for the students applying for the courses. The government has also decided to give preference to those students whose both parents have been killed by the terrorists. And they will be followed by those whose sole bread earners were killed by terrorists. ''Children whose both parents have killed by terrorists will come under Priority 1, The Children of families whose sole bread earners has been killed by terrorists will be under Priority 2 and The Wards of victims with permanent disability and serious injury caused by terrorist operations will be under the Priority 3,'' said the Order. As per the Government order, the Selection of the candidates would be made as per their performance in the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test(NEET). And the last date for the submission for the application would be November 11, 2022. BJP Jammu Kashmir Spokesman Altaf Thakur said, "Its a welcome step and under the guidance of Narendra Modi we are committed to help those families whos dear once have sacrificed their lives for country, its a beginning and soon in other places those victims will get reservations." Bus accident in North Kashmir Meanwhile, in the Kupwara district of North Kashmir., at least 20 persons were injured when the bus they were travelling in met with an accident. An official that a bus turned turtle near Watayin village when it was on its way to Srinagar and driver lost the control. He said that in the accident at least 20 persons were injured, and they were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Out of 20 injured 14 were later referred to district hospital Handwara. According to the Deputy Superintend of district hospital, Handwara Dr Aijaz said that almost 20 persons were injured in said accident in which 2 persons referred to Srinagar for advance treatment and 3 persons referred to GMC Baramulla for further treatment. JNU Merit List 2022: Jawaharlal Nehru University, JNU will be releasing the JNU PG admission 2022 second merit list today, November 8, 2022. The exact time of the merit list release has not been publicly disclosed. However, it is anticipated to be visible after 4 PM in the evening. Candidates will be able to view the PG second merit list on the official website, jnuee.jnu.ac.in, once it is published. Candidates will need to submit their application number and password in order to get the JNU merit list. The Common Admission Test Postgraduate, or CUET PG exam results will be used to create the merit list. Candidates will have a chance to reserve their seats in opposition to the merit list after it is made public. The last day to reserve seats is November 10. JNU's third and supernumerary seat list will be published on November 13. JNU 2022 PG Admission Second Merit List: Heres how to check Visit the official website --jnuee.jnu.ac.in On the homepage, candidates will then have to click on the JNU 2022 PG second merit list link. In the next step, they will have to enter the application number and password and click on Login, The JNU merit list will get displayed on the screen. The CUET PG 2022 test was administered between September 1 and September 12, 2022, by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The direct URL will be provided here once the merit list is made public. Bengaluru: Karnataka High Court on Tuesday set aside the lower court order directing Twitter to temporarily block user accounts of Congress, Bharat Jodo Yatra in copyright infringement suit by MRT Music, with conditions to take down posts, news agency ANI reported. The HC has asked Congress has to provide screenshots of the posts that infringe respondent's copyright. The Congress on Tuesday approached the Karnataka High Court questioning a local court`s direction to Twitter for provisionally blocking the handles of the Indian National Congress and its `Bharat Jodo Yatra` in a case related to music copyright infringement. The local court on Monday also directed Twitter to remove three links from its platform. Appearing for the Congress, senior counsel A.S. Ponnanna appealed for an urgent hearing in the matter. Also Read: Congress to move HC against Bengaluru court's order to block its Twitter account Music record label MRT Music, which owns the copyright for the music of the film `KGF - Chapter 2`, had alleged that the audiovisual promotions of the yatra headed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had illegally used music from the pan-India blockbuster movie. #UPDATE | Karnataka HC stays the lower court order of blocking Twitter accounts of Congress & Bharat Jodo Yatra with conditions to remove posts. Congress has to provide screenshots of the posts that infringe respondent's copyright. https://t.co/Gy0tqhhysY November 8, 2022 After going through the material evidence submitted, the court noted that prima facie materials available at this stage, if established, will cause irreparable damage to the plaintiff and also encourage piracy. The court issued an ex-parte injunction that restrains the defendants from unauthorisedly and illegally using the copyrighted work belonging to the plaintiff till the next date of hearing. Last Friday, MRT Music`s counsel Narasimhan Sampath had said, "A complaint has been filed against the Indian National Congress represented by its General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, Supriya Shrinate, and Rahul Gandhi for infringement of copyrights owned by MRT Music." (With agency inputs) New Delhi: In the latest update on the murder case of RSS leader Srinivasan in April, the investigating officer M Anil Kumar claimed that he received a threatening call asking him to "keep a casket ready." According to ANI, a complaint has been filed at Palakkad-Town South PS. S K Srinivasan was attacked with knives in his motorbike shop by a 6-member gang in Melamuri. Palakkad, Kerala | Investigating officer in the murder case of RSS leader Srinivasan, M Anil Kumar, received a threat call, stating "Please keep a casket ready" on Saturday night. Complaint filed at Palakkad-Town South PS A total of 34 PFI workers arrested so far in the case. November 8, 2022 Srinivasan, 45, was a member of the RSS and a former district leader. A total of 34 PFI workers have been arrested so far in the Srinivasan murder case. The murder occurred soon after the killing of a now-banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI) leader Subair. Subair was on a bike when a car chased him off the path and then attacked him. While Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) workers held RSS workers responsible for the incident, the latter refused to comment on the matter. Prior to Subair's murder, another political killing took place in November 2021 when a local RSS activist Sanjith killed while he was travelling on a bike. There have been many political killings in Kerala in the past few years. New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday alleged that demonetisation was independent India's "greatest organised loot" and demanded a white paper from the Modi government on the 2016 move. Addressing a press conference on the sixth anniversary of demonetisation at the AICC headquarters here, Congress leader Gourav Vallabh said Prime Minister Modi had surprised all by declaring that currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 were being scrapped on this day in 2016 and the decision triggered "panic, creating unspeakable problems linked to cash and destroying countless small and medium businesses". It has been six years since independent India's "greatest organised loot", Vallabh said and accused the government of destroying the economy through demonetisation. Cash in circulation today is Rs 30.88 lakh crore, while it was merely Rs 17.97 lakh crore in November 2016, he said. "One of the stated objectives of the demonetisation was to promote digital transactions as the government felt too much cash was in circulation. The sharp jump in cash has clearly exploded that objective of the government ? sending it the way of its other goals like fighting corruption, weeding out fake notes and curbing terror funding," Vallabh said. Also Read: 6 years after demonetisation: Cash with public 70% higher; Congress says 'move destroyed businesses, jobs' Black money didn't come, only poverty came and the economy became weaker, not cashless, he alleged. "Small businesses and crores of jobs were finished off, not terrorism," he said. "The emperor demolished India's economy by giving the people illusions of a better outcome in 50 days," Vallabh said. He said the Congress demands a white paper on demonetisation. "The prime minister is yet to acknowledge this epic failure that led to the fall of the economy. He must acknowledge that," Vallabh said. He said the government must share what plan it has for the unorganised sector and MSMEs who had suffered most in this exercise. Vallabh said the Congress also demands an employment creation plan, saying "we can't convert demographic dividend to demographic disaster". On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Modi had announced the decision to withdraw Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes with the ultimate aim of reducing corruption. Belagavi: Karnataka Congress Working President Satish Jarkiholi, who has triggered a row by making an objectionable remark on the word Hindu, appears to be defiant and said that he will resign if anyone proves him wrong. Jarkiholi is facing criticism for claiming that the word 'Hindu' is Persian and has a very dirty meaning. "Let everyone prove Im wrong. If I am wrong, Ill resign as MLA and not just apologise for my statement," said Satish Jarkiholi, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president, according to ANI. Belagavi | "Let everyone prove Im wrong. If I am wrong, Ill resign as MLA and not just apologise for my statement," said Satish Jarkiholi, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president https://t.co/Cfq17AjP5Y pic.twitter.com/Jykp16gG7p ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2022 The Karnataka Congress leader had earlier said that "a word and a religion from elsewhere is being forcefully imposed on people here", and demanded that there should be a proper debate in this regard. Reacting to its own party leader's statements, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has termed it as deeply unfortunate and rejected it "unequivocally". Jarkiholi said, "They speak about Hindu Dharm...This that, where did the Hindu word come from? Is it ours? It is Persian. Persian is from Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. What is Bharat's relationship with it? Then, how did the Hindu become yours? There should be a debate on this." He said, "Look at 'Wikipedia', where this word (Hindu) comes from? It is not yours. Then why are you placing it at such a high position? If you understand its meaning, you will be ashamed. The meaning of the word Hindu is very dirty. I'm not saying this, Swamiji has said this, it's on websites." "A religion and a word from somewhere else is being forcefully imposed on us, there should be a debate on this," he further added. The MLA from Yamakanmardi was speaking at Nippani in the district during an event organised by "Manav Bandhutva Vedike" on Sunday. Responding to this, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "the statement attributed to Satish Jarkiholi is deeply unfortunate and deserves to be rejected. We condemn it unequivocally." "Hinduism is a way of life and a civilizational reality. Congress built our nation to respect every religion, belief and faith. This is the essence of India," he said in a tweet. Meanwhile, Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in-charge Arun Singh also hit back at the Congress saying that the latter has defamed the country's ancient culture. Launching an attack on the Congress party over Jarkiholi`s statement, Singh said, "Congress always speaks badly of our ancient culture. Satish Jarkiholi defamed our ancient culture. It`s highly condemnable. People will give a befitting reply." Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Tuesday allowed the police to proceed with the probe into the 'TRS MLAs poaching case'. The court had earlier deferred the investigation. The three accused in the case have been remanded to judicial custody late last month after the HC had directed that they surrender before police. Meanwhile, the Banjara Hills police here registered a case against one of the accused in the 'TRS MLAs poaching case' on charges of forgery of documents like PAN card following a complaint made by MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, police said on Tuesday. In the 'TRS MLAs poaching case', based on a complaint by Pilot Rohith Reddy, cases under relevant sections - criminal conspiracy, offering bribe and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 - were filed against the trio -- Ramachandra Bharati alias Satish Sharma, Nanda Kumar and Simhayaji Swamy -- on the night of October 26. Also Read: 'KCR is an ACTOR': BJP accuses Telangana CM of trying to defame it in 'MLA poaching drama' As per the FIR copy, Rohith Reddy alleged that the accused offered him Rs 100 crore and in return the legislator had to leave the TRS and contest as a BJP candidate in the next Assembly elections. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) on Thursday called an unexpected news conference where he released a series of videos of alleged BJP people purportedly bribing four TRS MLAs. KCR said the videos back his party's claim that the BJP tried to bribe four TRS MLAs. A row was triggered in Telangana last week, after four TRS MLAs Rega Kantha Rao, Guvvala Balaraju, Beeram Harshvardhan Reddy and Pilot Rohit Reddy said that the BJP tried to lure them to switch loyalties. KCR attacked PM Narendra Modi and Home minister Amit Shah alleging that the saffron party was trying to pull down the TRS government by luring its MLAs with offers of money and posts. NEW DELHI: Jailed millionaire conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who has triggered a political storm by making very serious allegations against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his party leaders, has grabbed a lot of media attention in recent times. Until his arrest nearly a year ago, the conman lived a king-size life, had a fleet of ultra-modern cars, dated several top actresses and enjoyed big political connections. Known as 'Bajali' among those close to him, the conman has duped hundreds of wealthy people, impersonated influential persons, and dated several top actresses of our times to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a super-rich man. Interesting details about this conmans rags-to-riches story and his colossal collapse keep pouring in ever since he was accused by a woman of allegedly extorting Rs 200 crores from her in lieu of bailing out her husband. Currently lodged in a high-security Delhi Jail, the conman faces several cases of corruption and cheating under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Money Laundering Act, has been charged with running an extortion racket, duping people on the pretext of giving them a job and facilitating their businesses. He was born in a middle-class family in Bengaluru. His father Vijayan Chandrashekhar was a contractor, a part-time mechanic and an automobile spare parts salesman. He began duping people at the young age of 17. According to police records, he soon learned the tricks of the trade and shifted his base from Bengaluru to Chennai where he made big political connections. Though Sukesh Chandrashekhar only studied till Class 12, he is known to have a good grasp of technology. He was first arrested by the Bengaluru Police in August 2007. At the time of his arrest back then, he claimed to be friends with the son of JD(S) leader and then Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy. The Bengaluru police then recovered several top-end cars - a BMW, a Toyota Corolla, a Nissan, a Honda Accord, a Honda City - and six cellphones, 12 high-end watches, a 50-inch LCD television set, gold ornaments, and designer clothes from his possession. Fluent in all the south Indian languages, the conman can confidently speak Hindi and English. According to former Bengaluru DCP Devaraj, Chandrashekhar had a unique modus operandi - he rarely met his targets in person. He would mostly contact them over the telephone. By 2009, Chandrashekhar was arrested multiple times and released on bail. In 2011, police arrested Chandrashekhar in a case where he posed as a secretary to BJP leader BS Yediyurappa. His partner in crime and wife, Leena Maria Paul, had helped the police in tracking him down. Following his arrest, he broke up with his wife temporarily but later reunited with her and shifted his base to Kochi. The couple fled Kochi in 2012 after a textile group filed a cheating case against him. In its police complaint, the textile group alleged that Chandrashekhar promised to bring actress Katrina Kaif for a promotional event for the company and took Rs 20 lakh from them. Chandrashekhar was again arrested by Delhi Police in 2017 in connection with an alleged Rs 50-crore bribery deal when he attempted to give money to the election commission to get the AIADMK two leaves symbol for a faction of AIDMK, led by VK Sasikala and TTV Dinakaran, before the RK Nagar by-polls in Chennai. The Income Tax authorities seized luxury cars such as Lamborghini, Porsche Cayenne, Jaguar, Range Rover, Bentley, BMW, Rolls Royce, Toyota Land Cruiser and a Ducati motorcycle, from his possession following investigations. He grabbed headlines in 2021, when Aditi Singh, the wife of former Fortis Healthcare promoter Shivinder Singh, accused him of extorting Rs 200 crore on the pretext of helping with her husbands cases if she contributed to the 'party fund'. He posed as the law secretary to cut the deal, Aditi Singh claimed in her police complaint. The Special Cell of Delhi Police later registered a case of extortion and impersonation and the matter was transferred to the Economic Offence Wing (EOW). Chandrashekhar was arrested from inside Rohini jail, where he was already lodged. In jail, Chandrashekhar allegedly paid Rs 1.5 crore every month to get a separate barrack and be allowed to use mobile phones freely. The police lodged an FIR against Chandrashekhar and 82 jail staff. It is alleged that he operated his network freely with the help of the jail officials and using his political connections. He has been in jail since 2017 after being arrested for allegedly taking money from AIADMK rebel TTV Dinakaran to bribe an Election Commission official. Chandrashekhar, who is being probed by the Delhi Police and the Enforcement Directorate, has at least 30 FIRs against him. He is again in the news for splurging his allegedly ill-gotten wealth on Bollywood actors and celebrities, including Jacqueline Fernandes and Nora Fatehi, who are being questioned by the police for being linked to him. Through a series of letters addressed to Delhi LG, Chandrasekhar recently made several explosives allegations against Arvind Kejriwals AAP party and said that he had paid Rs 50 crore to it. He also claimed that jailed Delhi minister Satyendra Jain had demanded Rs 10 crore as protection money from him and was promised a big party position in south India. New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will on Tuesday chair a crucial meeting of Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) core committee members as the party gears up for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. According to reports, all leaders of the Gujarat BJP core committee have already reached Delhi to attend the crucial meeting. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is also in the national capital and is also likely to meet the BJP top brass ahead of the meeting. If sources are to be believed, BJP may reward the Patidar Quota Agitation leader, Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor for their rebellion against Congress by fielding them as party candidates in the upcoming assembly elections. Hardik Patel, who once caused a political storm in Gujarat politics by spearheading the Patidar Quota Movement, may be fielded as a BJP candidate from the Viramgam assembly seat in the upcoming election. Hardik Patel was working president of Congress before he quit the party. Similarly, the saffron party may also project Alpesh Thakor, who played a pivotal role in the OBC reservation issue, as its candidate. Like Hardik, Alpesh also had a brief stay in Congress. Earlier on Monday, an important meeting between state BJP president CR Patil, Gujarat Chief Minister and Amit Shah was held at the latter's residence. Meanwhile, the BJP will hold a meeting of its Central Election Committee (CEC) on Wednesday evening in a bid to finalise the first list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls. This meeting will take place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP state president CR Patil and other members of the CEC and the state unit. The meeting is scheduled at the party headquarters in Delhi. "An initial round of the meeting has taken place at the state headquarters in Gandhinagar over three days during which a shortlist of candidates has already been prepared which will be brought in for consideration and finalisation to the CEC," sources said. "Ahead of the meeting of the CEC, the BJP Gujarat core group will also have a separate meeting with JP Nadda and Amit Shah," another source said. News agency ANI cited another source as saying, "Since all the central and state leadership may be present during this meeting, it is also likely that a separate discussion will take place with the top brass on planning the campaigning for the upcoming polls especially with PM Narendra Modi having instructed them to target the highest poll numbers ever." Gujarat has been a BJP bastion for decades together. BJP is seeking its sixth term in office. Before becoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Gujarat`s longest-serving Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014. On November 3, the election commission of India announced the election dates for Gujarat. Polling will take place on two dates in two phases on December 1 and December 5 respectively. In the first phase, polling will be held for 89 seats while the second phase will see voting for 93 seats. The term of the 182-member state Assembly ends on February 18, 2023. The state of Gujarat has seen a traditional face-off between the ruling BJP and its traditional rival Congress party. However, in the upcoming elections a new entrant, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is being keenly watched in the poll fray. The Pacific Holiday World creates unforgettable vacations from the very well-known resorts, drawing from our diaries of all getaway locations in India and worldwide. You can see us nestled in the mountains, lounging on coasts, tucked off in woods, and basking beneath the desert sunlight. 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This comes amid reports of hoarding of Naira (Nigerian currency) by locals. The report of redesigned notes led to a frenzy as the Nigerians who may have hoarded the local currency rushed to exchange them for the US dollar. Amid all this chaos, another report emerged claiming the US government has warned that it would not accept older dollar notes printed before 2021. On the other hand, WhatsApp forwards in India claimed that the demonetization decision was taken in a meeting held on November 2. "Sequel to the just concluded extraordinary meeting held in Washington DC on Nov. 2nd 2022 between the United States Federal Reserve Bank, Office of the Comptroller of Currency, IMF, World-Bank and Governors of Africas Central Banks, the United States Govt has set date for restriction on acceptable legal tender note of US Dollar which will commence on Jan. 31st 2023.....This effort is to curb billions of illegal monies in dollar bills warehoused around African continent emanating from drug related, terrorism, kidnapping and money from corrupt politicians," reads the WhatsApp forward shared with a link of Observer Times. Now, the question is, has the US government really banned old dollar bills? The answer is NO. All the US dollar notes printed so far remain legal tender. The US Currency Education Program website run by the US government says, "Note that it is U.S. government policy that all designs of Federal Reserve notes remain legal tender, or legally valid for payments, regardless of when they were issued. This policy includes all denominations of Federal Reserve notes, from 1914 to present as per 31 U.S.C. 5103." The United States federal reserve says that people need not trade their old-design notes for new ones. "All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued," it said. The US currently has currencies in seven denominations which includes $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. New Delhi: Actor Aditya Seal was seen promoting his film, Rocket Gang at his school, CNM School in Vile Parle. The movie Rocket Gang is a roller-coaster ride of friendship, camaraderie, love & dance as a team of 5 children step into the biggest dance competition to accomplish their dream. When he arrived at the school, he was greeted by the happy and excited cheers of all the kids. Aditya was seen teaching the kids the signature step for the song and all of them followed along. They even played a bunch of games that made Aditya go back and live his childhood days from when he was in school. As he went around the school and its classrooms he got very nostalgic as he remembered all the memories he had with his friends. He said, "Being around these kids today, I couldn't help but recollect my childhood days. The school's atmosphere made me extremely nostalgic as I remembered all the fun I had with all my friends. It was so much fun interacting with the kids, they're just so cheerful and full of life that it brightened up my day. We danced and played games and it was definitely the most fun I've had during promotions." The movie Rocket Gang, presented and produced by Zee Studios and directed by Bosco Martis is hitting the theatres on the 11th of November. New Delhi: The auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti is being celebrated this year with much fervour and gusto. It is coinciding with Kartik Purnima today and is widely celebrated across the globe by Sikh community. The first Sikh Guru - Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday is called Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurupurab. The auspicious day is also known as Guru Nanak Prakash Parv or Utsav. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born on Puranmashi of Kattak Puranmashi of Kattak in Rai-Bhoi-di Talwandi in the present Shekhupura District of Pakistan, now known as Nanakana Sahib. Many Bollywood celebrities including Kangana Ranaut, Rakul Preet Singh among others took to social media and extended Gurpurab wishes online: Rakul tweeted: Kirat Karo - work hard and honestly Naam Japoo- always remember god Wannd Chhako - share with the needy Three simple ways of being by Guru Nanak dev Ji wishing all of you a very very happy Gurupurab Kirat Karo - work hard and honestly Naam Japoo- always remember god Wannd Chhako - share with the needy Three simple ways of being by Guru Nanak dev Ji wishing all of you a very very happy Gurupurab Rakul Singh (@Rakulpreet) November 8, 2022 Yuvraj Singh tweeted: May the holy teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji always guide us on to the correct path in life. - Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 8, 2022 Manoj Bajpayee wished his fans and tweeted: Those who walk on the path of truth shall be praised throughout the world Let us promise to love and respect each other, may Guru Nanak jis teachings be the guiding star as we travel through life and his blessings be showered upon us Those who walk on the path of truth shall be praised throughout the world Let us promise to love and respect each other, may Guru Nanak jis teachings be the guiding star as we travel through life and his blessings be showered upon us #GuruNanakJayanti pic.twitter.com/Pj2O1ty7NZ manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) November 8, 2022 GURU NANAK JAYANTI 2022 RITUALS AND CELEBRATIONS: The celebrations begin with Prabhat Pheri which includes the procession of devotees who wake early morning and start singing prayers and hymns of the Guru. The procession begins from the Gurdwara and the group of devotees move around the localities. As a customary practice, two days ahead of the Guru Nanak Jayanti, in almost every Gurdwara, Akhanth Path which means non-stop recitation of Guru Granth Sahib takes place. It is a 48-hour-long reading session. One day before the birthday, Nagarkirtan procession is held where Panj Pyaras (The Five Beloved Ones) lead the troupe carrying the Sikh flag, Palanquin of Guru Granth Sahib. The procession includes devotees singing songs of the Guru. In this procession, bands playing music, swordsmanship using traditional weapons are also displayed. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message is spread across the streets where the group is leading. GURPURAB CELEBRATIONS: On the day of the Gurupurab or Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday, celebrations begin early morning known as Amrit Vela. Asaa-Ki-Vaar or morning prayer starts the day with immense gratitude. Then, Katha and Kirtan are organised where Guru's teachings are talked about. This is followed by Langar which is considered to be a form of prasad. It's a community lunch where people volunteer to partake in offering services. They perform Seva for free in the name of humanity. In Gurdwaras, prayers are performed in the evening and night also. The Gurbani session begins after 12 midnight at around 1.20 am which is believed to be the time of the birth of the Guru. Kada Prasad is also distributed amongst the devotees. For the Sikh community, the day holds greater significance and is revered as one of the most important festivals. In Sikhism, the birthdays of the 10 Gurus are observed as major festivals and widely celebrated. It is their teachings which the Sikhs follow to tread on their life path. Happy Gupurab to all! New Delhi: Grandmom Neetu Kapoor was clicked by the paparazzi as she went to the hospital to visit daughter-in-law Alia Bhatt and her new born daughter. As she stepped out of the car, Neetu interacted with the paparazzi and updated them about Alias health when they asked about her. Absolutely fine, she said with a smile. The reporters also asked her what will be the name of the baby girl to which she replied, We have not thought on it yet. The actress then went inside the hospital. Fans could not control their excitement and took to the comments section to express their love. She is such a sweet personality.... Love her attitude, a fan wrote. On the arrival of the baby girl, Neetu Kapoor has shared Alias post on her Instagram handle and wrote, Blessings, with a heart and thankful emoji. Alia Bhatt gave birth to a baby girl on November 6 at Sir HN Reliance Hospital. 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. One of the most loved couples in Bollywood, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor tied the knot on April 14 this year in an intimate ceremony and took the internet by storm when they announced pregnancy in June. 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. New Delhi: Global star and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra has praised CM Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government for its responsible attitude towards women and improvement in their condition in the state. Priyanka, who reached the state capital Lucknow for a UNICEF programme, when asked about the positive changes in Uttar Pradesh, said that "during the last two days of the visit, I saw a big change here. In fact, Uttar Pradesh needed this change." She added, "Today maximum number of girls are going to school in the state. A lot of work is being done for the nutrition of children. The first nutrition app in the country has been started here. Through the app, not only Anganwadi workers but also doctors can track malnourished children but can visit their homes and talk to their families and help them. The state has benefited a lot from digitisation." Priyanka also mentioned the positive change in violence against women in the state. She said that "I got an opportunity to visit the One Stop Center (Asha Jyoti Centre) here. Here I met and talked to many women victims of violence." The actor further praised the schemes being run for the education of children as well as the schemes for the children who were orphaned during Covid. Along with this, Priyanka also appealed to take the schemes to the needy people and make them aware of them. Significantly, since 2017, the Uttar Pradesh state government has taken many big steps to provide security as well as financial stability to women. So far more than 13.67 lakh girls have benefitted from Kanya Sumangala Yojana. 31.50 lakh women are getting the benefit of destitute women pensions. 12,340 women of Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana (Covid) and 10,264 women of Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana (General) have benefitted. More than 2 lakh women are getting benefits from PM Svanidhi Yojana. Under the State Rural Livelihood Mission, 66 lakh rural women have been linked to 6.34 lakh self-help groups, 31,601 village organizations and 1,735 cluster-level unions. 52,55,129 mothers have benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana. 58,000 BC Sakhi have been selected and 48 thousand Sakhi are active. Under the Mukhyamantri mass marriage scheme, the government has so far turned the hands of 1,91,686 daughters yellow. More than one crore of women have been linked to self-employment. 150 new Anganwadi centres have been set up. To create a safe environment for women, the government has established three women PAC battalions for the first time in the state. Women`s Help Desks have been set up in all 1535 police stations. A total of 6211 defendants have been punished during the three phases of Mission Shakti Abhiyan, in which 36 received death sentences and 1296 received life imprisonment. Since the Yogi government came to power in Uttar Pradesh, there has been an unprecedented improvement in the condition of women in the state. Not only have the schemes been made keeping women at the centre, but their benefits have been extended to women of all sections of the society without any discrimination. Washington: Days after getting engaged to girlfriend Ramona Agruma, Rebel Wilson welcomed a baby girl via surrogate! Rebel took to Instagram to announce the arrival of her baby girl on Monday. She wrote, "Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lillian, born this past week via surrogate I can`t even describe the love I have for her, she`s a beautiful miracle!" Wilson added that she is "forever grateful" to everyone who helped her out in her surrogacy journey and even gave a shoutout to her "gorgeous surrogate who carried her and birthed her with such grace and care." "Thank you for helping me start my own family, it`s an amazing gift. The BEST gift!!" wrote Wilson. "I am ready to give little Roycie all the love imaginable. I am learning quickly...much respect to all the Mums out there! Proud to be in your club." See Rebel Wilsons's baby's photo As per Page Six, Wilson got engaged to her girlfriend Ramona Agruma after seven months of dating. "They were making out in a corner and telling everyone how excited they are to be engaged," a source told the outlet. As per the publication, the two were recently seen sporting diamond rings at a Halloween party. The Aussie star previously dated Budweiser heir and Napp`s Dairy Free Ice Cream founder Jacob Busch, but they split in February of 2021 after about a year together. Wilson came out as an LGBTQIA+ member in June 2022 and introduced her girlfriend to her fans. Wilson and Agruma walked together at the Vanity Fair Oscars party red carpet as well. At the `U Up` podcast hosted by Jordana Abraham and Jared Freid, Wilson admitted that she was `happily in a relationship`, reported Page Six. "I am now happily in a relationship. I met them at a friend`s setup," said Wilson. Unlike Wilson, Ramona is not a part of the entertainment industry. She works in fashion and according to her social media; she is the founder of a Los Angeles-based sustainable clothing brand that goes by the name `Lemon Ve Limon`. New Delhi: Do you want to earn regular income by investing a lump-sum amount once? Heres a great business idea which demands very less investment to earn good returns. Producing banana chips is one such good options because it demands due to its health benefits have been increased in recent years. Banana chips are far healthier than potato chips. How to start making-banana chips business Banana Chips have huge demand in the market. Its tasty and healthy and you can sell them in the local market very easily. Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has prepared a report on how to start this business, the expected cost and profit in it. Heres everything you need to know before investing in this business. Business can be start at around 5 lakhs According to KVIC report, you have to spend around 5 lakhs to start the business of making banana chips. The following expenditure you have to incur: 2.5 lakh for workshade development, 1.55 lakh for equipment expenditure, 50 thousand working capital. How much earning you can have? As per report KVIC, you can produce 24 tonnes of banana chips in a year in this business. Its total value will be Rs 9,88,7000. With 100% production capacity, a total sale of Rs 18,00,000 can be achieved. Gross surplus will be Rs 8,11,3000. According to the report, after deducting all expenses, an annual income of Rs 7,83,000 can be earned. That is, earning more than Rs 65,000 every month. PM Mudra Yojana provides loan PM Mudra Yojana provides loans in case you dont have enough capital to invest in the business. Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 10 lakh are available for starting or expanding non-corporate small enterprises in rural areas. This article is for information purpose. The calculator is also mostly based on an assumptive figures to give an example of certain type. The article does not intend to give any financial advice of any sorts. Investors/subscribers must check with their portfolio managers before investing in any scheme/policies. The Gandhinagar-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express train reports another accident where the semi-high speed Vande Bharat Express train ran over a 54-year-old woman near Anand in Gujarat. This is not the first time such an incident has taken place. The incident comes after instances of Vande Bharat train colliding with cattle in Gujarat. The Vande Bharat semi-high speed express train was launched on Gujarat-Mumbai route on September 30 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, since its launch, three incidents of the train colliding with cattle have taken place in Gujarat. Vande Bharat train on the Mumbai-Gandhinagar route was damaged on 29 October 2022 in a cattle run-over incident. The incident occurred near the Atul in Mumbai Central while the train was on its journey from Mumbai Central to Gandhinagar. Due to the accident, the train was detained for 15 minutes resulting in a delay in services. After the accident, the nose cone of the train broke. However, the train didn't have any mechanical damage. Also read: Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express completes trial run, PM Modi to flag off train on Nov 11: WATCH Earlier, the nose of the Vande Bharat train was damaged after it collided with cattle on the same route. This incident occurred between Ahmedabad's Vatva and Maninagar stations, but, the train travelled without the panel to Gandhinagar Capital station and again to Mumbai Central. 54-year-old woman run over by Vande Bharat Express train near Anand in Gujarat: Railway Police Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 8, 2022 However, no functional part of the train was damaged. At the time, the Western Railway said in a statement that the nose of the train was sacrificial by design. Following the previous incidents the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a statement, "All railway tracks in the country still on ground, on surface. Problem of cattle thus persists. However, trains are being designed to tackle such issues." New Delhi: It's Day 38 in the Bigg Boss house and also the day of nominations. The episode starts with the continuation of the last task of delivering the ration. The next delivery person that is chosen is Nimrit. Nimrit gives the ration to Sumbul. Tina is having a conversation with Shalin about Sumbul, and she tells Shalin to not support her all the time. On the other side, the same advice is being given to Sumbul about Shalin by Priyanka and Ankit. The next delivery person is Sajid, who gives the ration to Ankit. Ankit, when chosen as the delivery guy, gives the ration to Abdu. Finally, Archana, chosen as the delivery person, gives the ration to Soundarya. Later, Bigg Boss also sends cake to Ankit. Nimrit, in a chat with Tina, advises her to draw a line between her and Shalin. In the kitchen area, Shiv and Gori exchange some harsh words. Shiv feels that in a month or so, Gori's attitude has completely changed. Bigg Boss calls the captain of the house, Abdu, into the confession room, where he is asked to name his four favourite contestants in the house. Abdu names Sajid, Shiv, MC Stan, and Nimrit as his favourite contestants. Bigg Boss summons everyone to the living room to explain to them the nomination process for the day. He also announces that since Abdu has named his favourite contestants, all of them get immunity and are safe for the week. The nomination process starts. The three contestants from among the non-favorites must go to a temporary balcony, argue their case for having contributed the most to the show to the other housemates, and receive a rose from them. Abdu's favourites will now serve as rose vendors. One rose can only be awarded to a balcony occupant at a time, and one rose can only be purchased from a vendor at a time. The person who has the most roses on their balcony is exempt from nomination, while the person with the least roses is. The three people who get nominated in three rounds are Gori, Sumbul, and Priyanka. Archana, in a conversation with Shalin, talks about the double standards of Gautam. Shalin and Sumbul get into a big argument over the nomination task. Sumbul talks about the nomination process and tells her that whenever there will be a choice between her and Tina, He will choose Tina. Sumbul also tells Shalin that after this task, their bond will never be like what it was. At the end of the episode, Tina and Shalin get into an argument over the nomination task. Shalin tells Tina that he thinks Soundarya is better than her, as she atleast stands with her man. Tina gets upset with Shalin and calls him 'cheap and fake'. The show ends with MC Stan and Shalin discussing Tina. New Delhi: The celebrity dance-based Indian reality show 'Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa' is one of the most loved and watched shows in the country. In a recent episode, actress Amruta Khanvilkar got eliminated from the show and later shared a heartwarming post on her social media detailing her experience. The actress took to social media to thank her fans and share her journey on the show. Along with a video, she wrote a long note that read,, "Last two months have been nothing but fantastic and made me the happiest this year . But as the episode airs today I am saying good bye to the beautiful stage of #jhalakdikhlajaa10. When I look back today sitting under a moonlit sky in alibaug I only have great memories of this show and of the people who made my journey mesmerising". She talked about her dream of meeting Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit coming true, "@madhuridixitnene to meet you was my dream and my god gave me something beyond my dream he gave me this opportunity to perform in front of you @karanjohar thank you for being so kind and generous . @norafatehi you inspire me @manieshpaul bhai aapke jaisa koi nahi nobody can even think of doing what you do Tum jaan ho show ki". Here is the post shared by the actor: She further thanked the channels team and concluded her post by thanking her fans, "@colorstv @deepti_n #sheetalmam thankyou for letting me showcase my talent to a bigger audience. The whole #fmcteam god you guys have literally seen me grow and I love the bond I share with each n everyone of you.#bbcteam thankyou for beautifully handling all the artistes And and being so supportive. @iamkenferns and team all the tacking dadas thankyou for your beautiful costumes.All the choreographers And beautiful artistes that I met on this show you guys are so so talented may god bless you all. Lastly my team you have been my backbone n how I could do what I could only because of all you. Heres saying goodbye to one of the best things happened to me. Ready to take on a different role". Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa has returned for its tenth season and is judged by Madhuri Dixit, Karan Johar and Nora Fatehi. The show airs on ColorsTV. Copenhagen: Princess Martha Louise, the daughter of Norway's King Harald, said Tuesday she no longer will officially represent the Norwegian royal house following "many questions relating to me and my fiance's role". The 51-year-old princess, who is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, got engaged in June to Durek Verrett, an American who describes himself as a shaman and a healer on his website. At least one foundation for which Martha Louise served as a patron subsequently ended its connection with the princess. "I have decided that at the present time I will no longer carry out official duties for the royal household," she said in a statement issued by the palace, adding that the decision was made in coordination with her parents," to create peace around the royal household." ALSO READ- PM Modi unveils logo of India's G20 presidency, says it represents 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' The princess will retain her title, but the palace said she informed the organisations where she still served as patron that she was relinquishing the role. Her younger brother, Crown Prince Haakon, 49, is the heir to the throne. "I am sorry that the princess will no longer represent the royal house," Harald said during a press conference about the issue. The 82-year-old king said that "we agree to disagree." "We have looked at this process from all sides," his wife, Queen Sonja added. "This has been a unanimous decision." Harald said Verret "probably thought he could do anything without it affecting us." "He must also take into account what we stand for," Sonja said. ALSO READ- Jaishankar meets Russian counterpart, says world seeing 'consequences' of Ukraine conflict The palace statement said the couple would "clarify the distinction between their own activities and the royal household" and will not use the title of princess or refer to royals in social media or commercial activity. Bo Gleditsch, secretary-general of the Norwegian Rheumatism Association, told Norwegian news agency NTB it was "an orderly and wise decision from our patron". "She has resolved this on her own initiative, and that's good," Gleditsch told NTB. Norwegian media have accused Martha Louise and Verrett of allegedly using her royal title for commercial gain along with promoting alternative health care methods. On Instagram, Martha Louise said, "I believe that alternative methods can be an important supplement to the established medicine." Verrett, 47, will not have a title or represent Norway's royal house when he and Martha Louise marry, according to the statement. The pair, who have been together since May 2019, according to Norwegian media, will attend family-related occasions and traditional royal events. Martha Louise has three daughters from her first marriage, which ended in 2016. According to Norwegian media, she plans to relocate to California with them. The palace did not say whether the change for Martha Louise would have any effect on her daughters. Alongside her royal duties, the princess has written books in which she claimed to have contact with angels. A poll published by Norway's Dagbladet newspaper last month had 68% of respondents saying they wanted to keep the monarchy. When Norwegian broadcaster NRK asked the same question in 2017, support for the royal house stood at 81%. New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday (November 8, 2022) held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. In his opening remarks, Jaishankar told Lavrov that the world is now seeing the consequences of the Ukraine conflict. He also said their meeting today is devoted to assessing the state of India-Russia bilateral cooperation; exchanging perspectives on the international situation and what that means to our respective interests. "Where bilateral ties are concerned, you would agree that it is our objective today to fashion a contemporary, balanced, mutually beneficial, sustainable and long-term engagement. Especially as our economic cooperation increases, this is a significant imperative. We would be discussing how our shared goals are best achieved," Jaishankar, who arrived in Moscow on Monday evening, said. "Where the international situation is concerned, the last few years of the Covid pandemic, financial pressures and trade difficulties; these have taken a toll on the global economy. We are now seeing the consequences of the Ukraine conflict on top of that," he added. He stated that there are also the more perennial issues of terrorism and climate change, both of which have a "disruptive impact" on progress and prosperity. Jaishankar and Lavrov have already met four times after the Ukraine conflict began in February. This, however, is Jaishankar's first visit to Russia since July 2021. Since the Ukraine conflict began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Russian President Putin as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a number of times. In a phone conversation with Zelenskyy on October 4, Modi said 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, notably, has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. Islamabad: 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. Assassination plot "Remember, three and a half years I was in power. I have connections with intelligence agencies, the different agencies that operate," he said. Also Read: SHOCKING: Imran Khan APOLOGIZES to his party MP's wife over 'OBJECTIONABLE VIDEO', big turmoil in Pakistan 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. And they think they can get away with a joke of an FIR? Our leader got shot, everyone behind this cowardly attack will have to pay for this ... sooner or later! We will never accept this weak FIR! #FIR_Rejected pic.twitter.com/GTkYdvRsaI PTI (@PTIofficial) November 7, 2022 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." Attack on Imran Khan "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. By Trend Iran is likely to reconsider its approaches and foreign policies as part of its "Plan B" if the negotiations for the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal fail, Georgetown University Professor Shireen Hunter told Trend. Iran needs to fundamentally reconsider its approach toward domestic issues and foreign policies, she said adding that the Iranian government should improve the economic situation. Much of the discontentment in Iran is the result of economic problems, to solve these issues would widely depend on Irans reconsideration of its foreign policy, she noted. Irans problem with the West does not only include the nuclear program, as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed it was expected Iran to review its regional policies but it did not and eventually, the former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal, she said responding to whether the opportunity of reviving the deal is lost. She underlined that Iran does not have many plans if the JCPOA talks fail to revive the deal, for instance, if Iran moves toward building a nuclear bomb, the possible military attack on Iran would increase and the West will not allow Iran to make the bomb. According to the expert, choosing the nuclear option is dangerous, therefore Iran would reconsider policies and resume interaction with the West as the better option, especially when its clear that Russia and China seek to use Iran as instrumentally and are not ready to help the countrys economy. In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. To preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal started in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed. On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories that have not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal. Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA on Sept.5. On Nov. 5, 2019, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped into the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. On Jan.2020, Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. As reported, in late 2020, the Iranian parliament has decided to implement a strategic plan to tackle the sanctions, citing the non-implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. According to the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran suspended the implementation of additional steps and an additional protocol provided for in the nuclear deal. The US imposed new sanctions on Iran in November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. Welcome to the Denver Gazettes Metro Moves. Youll get the latest metro Denver openings, closings, hiring and promotion briefs here. To submit your companys news, drop an email to savannah.mehrtens@denvergazette.com. Business move Death and Glory Skate Shop opened a new location on South Broadway in Denver, according to a news release from CBRE. The skate shop was founded in Denver in 2018 by Jesse Heilmann, a skating and roller derby enthusiast, according to the release. The retail store offers supplies for different types of skating, such as inline, derby, quad and skateboards. Death and Glory has worked with organizations and events including The Rollerdome, Mile High Battle, Colorado Shiners and DUST to grow the local skating community. "We were hoping for more space and more traffic and, as established as south Broadway is, it's still up-and-coming, Heilmann said in the release. There's long-time Denver haunts and bleeding-edge trends on the same block. South Broadway is still an answer when someone asks, 'What are the coolest neighborhoods in Denver?' The 5,000-sq.-ft. space located at 1760 S. Broadway was leased in a deal arranged by CBRE retail specialist Molly Bayer. The store was previously located at 935 W 11th Ave. Coming soon The Colorado Cherry Company announced Nov. 1 that business owners Elias and Rachel Lehnert plan to remodel with an expanded kitchen and new look at their 4000 Tennyson Street Colorado Cherry Company pie shop. As owners of Legacy Pie Co., the Lehnerts opened the Colorado Cherry Company pie shop in 2020. The business dates back four generations to Elias great-grandmother. In the new year, the Legacy Pie Co. branding and name will appear on the website, social channels, and storefront. Pie fans need not worry, the famous cherry pie inspired by Great Grandma Lehnert's recipe will continue to be offered in the selection of pies. The Colorado Cherry Company pie shop locations in Loveland, Lyons and Estes Park will remain the same. My family has offered fresh, handcrafted pies for almost 100 years, and well continue to do the same with Legacy Pie Co., Elias Lehnert said in the release. The new shop will retain the cherished values of Colorado Cherry Company our legacy while reflecting a modern mission to bring out the good in everyone. "Legacy Pie Co. will focus on community-building, sustainability, and remarkable pies that bring joy just like my great-grandmother did. Were excited to flourish in Colorado and continue to invest in the community that has invested in us. Now open Parker residents can enjoy a new Capriottis Sandwich Shop, at 11153 S. Parker Road, Unit C. Capriottis has a 45-year tradition of slow-roasting turkey in-house in addition to the "detailed attention provided to other ingredients, such as the scratch-made meatballs or homemade coleslaw" according to a news release. The shop also offers meat alternatives, such as Impossible plant-based meat. Customers can use the order-ahead option and store owners pledged to work with third-party delivery services. The new location will bring 20 new jobs to Parker, according to the release. This is the third shop owned and operated by Jaime Beard, who has shops in Highlands Ranch and Castle Rock. Capriottis is open from Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. From left to right: Maggie Thompson, Jolon Clark, Adriana Lopez, Evon Lopez, Arthur Lopez, Jamie Torres and Andrea Lopez are all smiles after the Denver City Council approved an unnamed park be named in honor of their family. Telecom Namibia is partnering with OMDis Town Transformation Agency for a new fibre deployment in the formerly privately-owned diamond mining town of Oranjemund. The Oranjemund Core Fibre Connectivity Project is part of the operators NAD2.3 billion (US$129 million) Integrated Strategic Business and Funding Plan, and will provide the town of Oranjemund with the infrastructure required for comprehensive digital transformation. Telecom Namibia and OMDis will jointly invest NAD12 million into the Oranjemund deployment, with the first phase of the build-out slated to begin in November in the towns central business district. Over the course of the next eight months, the project will see 67.6km of fibre deployed, connecting over 2000 business and residential customers. The operators CEO Stanley Shanapinda said: This partnership will advance a top of the range telecommunication network infrastructure to position the Oranjemund town as a smart city in the near future and will assist Oranjemund to cement its position as a centre for healthcare, agriculture, education, while opening opportunities for digital transformation, accessing enhanced digital and value-added services, like no other town in Namibia. TeleGeography reports that Telecom Namibias NAD2.3 billion investment strategy is aimed at extending the operators current 10,676km national fibre backbone with new deployments, thereby enabling increased download speeds. OneWeb, a global communications network powered from space, has announced the signing of a distribution partnership agreement with Airtel Africa, a provider of telecommunications and mobile money services across Africa. This strategic agreement, say the partners, will help to deliver OneWebs high-speed, low-latency low-Earth-orbit (LEO) connectivity services to government and enterprise customers across wide swathes of the continent. The partnership will focus on delivering satellite communications services to enterprise and civil government customers for a wide range of use cases, including connectivity in rural areas, agriculture, hospitals, hotels, schools, and the energy and mining sectors. OneWeb and Airtel Africa will also provide backhaul in unserved and underserved regions. This announcement builds upon OneWebs existing initiatives in Africa, including installations of satellite network portals (SNP) in Angola, South Africa, Ghana, Senegal and Mauritius. With only four more launches to go, OneWeb says it also remains on track to activate its coverage solutions in Africa, and elsewhere around the world in 2023. It is implementing a constellation of LEO satellites with a network of global gateway stations and a range of user terminals to provide an affordable, fast, high-bandwidth and low-latency communications service. Luc Serviant, Group Enterprise Director, Airtel Business at Airtel Africa, says: OneWeb and Airtel Africa will begin trialling service in South Africa in September, with plans to achieve full coverage in 2023 across Airtel Africas footprint, comprising 14 countries in East, Central and West Africa. Down with the foreign embargo? All right, but what about the internal one? Why the insistence on heading towards a dead end? Because the objective of the UN resolutions is to mask the real obstacle to Cuba's development. On November 3 the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) adopted a resolution against the U.S. embargo against Cuba, with 185 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions. A brief look back at the history of the embargo reveals how unwarranted the euphoria that ensued after this "victory" in the official press was, and points to the real reasons for the votes recently cast. The Cold War between the great superpowers, Cubas export of the Revolution to Latin America, its uncompensated confiscations of American property, and its alliance with the Soviet Union, shaped the scenario in which President Eisenhower decreed, in 1961, the embargo on Cuba and the breakdown of diplomatic relations with the country. It is necessary, therefore, to take these factors into account in order to make an objective judgement. Despite the inefficiency of Cuba's state-run economy, the government's ideology-based alliance with the Soviet Union allowed the totalitarian model to survive until the collapse of the socialist bloc pulled the rug out from under Cuba: GDP fell sharply by 34%, and never recovered. It was in 1992 that Russian subsidies disappeared, and Cuba first submitted a resolution condemning the embargo. From that point forward the policy was blamed for some problems on the island, and, eventually, for all of them, even called "one of the main obstacles to guaranteeing sexual rights in Cuba" (Manuel Vazquez, deputy director of CENESEX, May 13, 2021). In response to the 25 resolutions presented by Cuba between 1992 and 2016, the US has maintained the same line. In that last year, under the Obama Administration, the US and Israel abstained, and the rest of the countries voted in favor. At that point the channel of resolutions was exhausted at the UN, where these agreements are not binding. It was necessary, then, to move towards bilateral negotiations, to which President Obama expressed openness. Instead of demanding democratization as a premise for re-establishing relations, Obama dictated six packages of measures aimed at empowering Cubans: expanding travel permits, offering commercial opportunities for private companies and small farmers, increasing remittances and donations, expanding the commercial export of goods and services, and providing commercial telecommunications and Internet services at lower prices. These measures had an impact on the increase in travel, the arrival of cruise ships, the resumption of flights, the direct transport of mail, and facilitated negotiations between other countries and the island. Everything indicated that the dispute would move towards negotiations, but the Cuban government limited itself to allowing Cubans to stay in hotels reserved for tourists, to travel abroad without asking for permission, to stay outside national territory for up to 24 months, to sell their cars and their homes, and to buy computers, DVDs and mobile phone lines... These measures demonstrated, rather than a political commitment to change, how far the rights of Cubans had regressed. The US then changed its policy, but Cuba did not reciprocate, because change entailed a "danger": the foreign contradiction would shift towards the interior of the country, something that Fidel Castro made very clear in a letter to students at the University of Havana, on January 26, 2015, that he opposed negotiations with the United States. And in March of 2016, he said: "Each of us is supposed to be at risk of a heart attack when we hear these words from the President of the United States () Let no one be under the illusion that the people of this noble and self-sacrificing country will renounce the glory and rights, and the spiritual wealth that they have gained through the development of education, science and culture () We don't need the empire to give us anything." After the failed attempt to re-establish relations with the United States, on November 1, 2017, Cuba again presented to the UN the project entitled "The necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba." In this context, Donald Trump, who during the election campaign announced that he would revise the policy established by Obama, signed the "Presidential Memorandum of National Security on the Strengthening of US Policy towards Cuba." In the following years, Cuba maintained its condemnatory resolutions. Now, on November 3, 2022, Resolution 30 was adopted with the same arguments: "the embargo is illegal and immoral and constitutes the greatest obstacle to the economic and social development of Cuba." Why the insistence on a dead end? Because the objective of the resolutions is nothing more than to mask the real obstacle to the development of the island: a totalitarian system that concentrates absolute power in the hands of its leader, property in the State, and that has replaced civil society with a network of associations subordinated to the established order, using them to cover up the regime's inefficiency and to avoid any commitment to human rights. Thus, the solution to Cuba's structural crisis does not depend only, or first of all, on the suspension of the embargo, but rather on a profound change in what some call the internal embargo. What has been demonstrated over more than six decades is that the effectiveness of totalitarianism in preserving power, obscuring its inefficiency, and avoiding any commitments to human rights cannot be extrapolated to economic efficiency and the common good, as demonstrated by the widespread misery that has driven a quarter of a million Cubans outside our borders in the last year. Before 1959, Cuba's economy was one of the strongest in the region. Today it is among the weakest, which confirms that the relationship between freedom and progress constitutes a social law. If the government of the island allowed its nationals to set up small and medium-sized enterprises with legal security, to acquire the ownership of lands now only held in usufruct, eliminated monopolies held by its Collection and Exterior Commerce divisions, struck the prefix "Foreign" from the Investment Law, and allowed workers to hire and unionize freely, the embargo would lose its raison d 'etre. The US Congress not the UN would then suspend it. This would not be a surrender to the "enemy", but rather a gesture serving the nation and the people it supposedly represents. Therefore, the countries that voted for the suspension of the US embargo, not to mention the internal embargo, are doing Cubans no favor. Instead, they should demand that the Cuban Government restore political, civic and economic freedoms, and take steps towards the changes demanded by the Cuban nation. One example is that of Vietnam, a country that, after the destruction suffered in the war with the United States, instead of submitting resolutions to the UN, embarked on a program of reform based on market mechanisms, the autonomy of producers, the right of nationals to be merchants, and handing over land to laborers. That country, which in 2008 devoted efforts to graduating from the list of underdeveloped countries, in 2010 set the goal of joining the group of middle-income ones. By 2014 it ranked as the 28th biggest exporter in the world, and in 2016 adopted measures aimed at becoming an industrialized nation. Theres been a lot to do since Friday ribbon cutting, a car show, riding a horse, milking goats, and greasing down some pigs. Its just part of the job when youre a National Peanut Festival Pageant winner. This week has been filled with so many events, Miss National Peanut Festival Jakia Pearson said. Its just a blessing to be able to grow a deeper appreciation for the agriculture industry but also while having fun, too, with the festival and meeting new people. Pearson had just watched her counterpart, Little Miss National Peanut Festival Harper Wilks, milk a goat in between Mondays dairy goat competitions inside one of the livestock barns at the fairgrounds. Pearson who was the reigning Miss Slocomb before she won Miss Peanut is a junior at Troy University in Dothan, where she studies psychology and plans to be behavioral analyst. In addition to the crown, Pearson was chosen as Miss Congeniality by her peers in pageant. At 20, Pearsons win stood out for two reasons she became the first Black contestant to win the pageant and the first representative from Slocomb to win. The outpouring of support and love on social media and in person has been awesome, Pearson said. In my mind what I told myself and in my prayers is youre just going to have a good time make the most out of the memories, she said. Dont worry about winning a crown. Little did I know, come crowning moment, Im on my knees. I just won this while making the best out of everything. Harper, 8, is definitely more comfortable around the animals. Harper, who was Little Miss Geneva County before her Peanut win, attends Mulkey Elementary School in Geneva. A cowgirl, Harper lives with her family on a farm in Geneva. Shes experienced at goat tying similar rodeo calf roping and even won a buckle for her skills. She wants to add a goat to the familys farm of horses, cows, dogs, and cats. Shes also getting a fish, which she plans to win at the fair. While Harper couldnt wait to grease pigs Monday night a tradition for the queens Pearson was a little more uncertain about the experience. It also was the first time on a horse for Pearson as the queens ride into the arena prior to the popular event. Shes a farm girl and Im a city girl, Pearson said. Its all new to me so its going to be an adventure. With a busy day on Monday, including the calf scramble and greased pig contest that night, Harper said she was looking forward to having Tuesday off to go to the festival with her friends. Im ready for tomorrow to ride the rides because I dont have to be the queen tomorrow, Harper said. I get to see my friends and I get to ride the rides with them. I get to ride a lot of rides because I have a wristband, and I love rides. Thats my most favorite part of the fair. The Starship also known as the Gravitron is her favorite. Pearson grew up in the Wiregrass and was more than a little familiar with the carnival and food aspects of the National Peanut Festival. I grew up around peanut crop dust and all, Pearson said. Ive been thankful to have just such an awesome family that likes to go on things like this and go to the festival and make as many memories as we can. Our favorite thing about the fair, though, is the food. Every year, Pearson can be found in the local food court getting a loaded potato her favorite fair food. I get everything on it, Pearson said. The agriculture side has been a new experience and something Pearsons glad she has been able to see. She has a deeper appreciation for the livelihoods and the resources involved in agriculture. For me, its just being able to see the culture that the Peanut Festival brings and seeing everyone come out from different backgrounds, Pearson said. You just get to walk around and see others having fun in the Wiregrass, and how this big festival brings everybody together. By Trend More than 45 percent of eligible Latino voters in Arizona havent registered for voting in the midterm elections planned for November 8. Carolina Rodriguez-Greer, Arizona State Director of Mi Familia Vota, national civic engagement non-profit organization, told Trend on the sidelines of the briefing on midterm elections for the international reporters in Phoenix. When we talk to voters about helping to register, they express to us such a gratitude. Because, they say the process is confusing, they dont know where to go. We bring a lot of information in Spanish, in particular here in Arizona. People are very busy, they work two or three jobs. Dont blame them for not having the capacity to put food on the table to think about voter registration, next election. One of the challenges in the U.S. is that we have 50 states and depending on the state, access to voting, voter registration may be significantly different. We also vote during a week when people work, she said. Rodriguez-Greer believes that midterm elections are not so popular, because they are not presidential elections. Arizonas population is 7,276,316 with 2,306,592, or 31.7 percent accounting for Latinos. The total number of voters registered in Arizona stands at 4,545,950 of whom 857,207 are Latino voters accounting for 19 percent of Arizonas registered voters. The percentage of registered and unregistered Latino voters in Arizona is 54.8 and 45.2 percent, respectively. Around 1,530,910 Latinos in Arizona are at the voting age. But no matter what kind of election is that we should participate. I dont think people dont want to vote, they are busy making money and we want to bring it to the top of the priorities so that everyone has an opportunity to vote and defend democracy in this country. I believe that we will see higher numbers of voting in these midterm elections, because people want to make sure that their voice is heard, she said. Rodriguez-Greer warned that democracy is under threat in America, specifically, here in Arizona. Arizonan people want to see governors who will make things better for all Arizonans, not selective. My recommendation to anybody who wants Latinos to vote for them is to be little bit deeper, do more work. It is unfortunate that in 2022 we have to use door-knocking to reach voters, she added. Crew members of the Helios Leader vessel bring 303 Sri Lankans on the Lady R3 vessel on board. Photo courtesy of the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center More than 300 Sri Lankans were rescued at sea off the Spratly Islands after their fishing vessel was damaged and found adrift. A spokesperson for the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center said Tuesday the agency received news that the Myanmar-flagged Lady R3 with 303 Sri Lankans suspected to be headed for Canada was in trouble. On November 5, when it was around 258 nautical miles off Vung Tau in the southern coast, its engine room flooded and the vessel began to drift. There were rough seas at the time. The center then tried to contact the ship and also broadcast emergency signals to other ships in the vicinity. At 3 p.m. Monday it found that the Japanese-flagged Helios Leader was in the area, and requested it to make a detour and rescue the people aboard Lady R3. The Japanese vessel was able to reach the distressed boat, whose crew members were in a state of panic. It then rescued the passengers and provided medical assistance to whoever needed it. The center also mobilized five other ships and told them to circle the area to provide support if needed. The 264 men, 19 women and 20 children are safe and expected to reach Vung Tau by Tuesday. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit Vietnam on Nov. 13 and 14 by invitation from his Vietnamese counterpart, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Vietnam and Germany established diplomatic relations on Sep. 23, 1975. Germany is Vietnam's largest trading partner in the European Union (EU), with total bilateral import-export turnover in the first seven months of the year reaching $7.3 billion, up 18.5% over the same period last year, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Germany is the 17th largest investor out of 140 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with a total registered foreign direct investment of $2.3 billion as of January. Vietnam is Germany's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and its sixth largest trading partner in Asia. There are currently more than 7,000 Vietnamese students studying in Germany. During the visit of Vietnam's Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son to Germany in September, local leaders emphasized that Vietnam is an important partner in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said that Vietnam and Germany still have a lot of potential for cooperation in investment and trade, as well as in areas where Germany has strengths like science and technology, environmental protection, response to climate change, and vocational training and labor. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh left Vietnam for Cambodia on Tuesday, marking his first official visit to the neighboring country as the head of government. Chinh and some high-ranking Vietnamese officials left Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi early in the morning to begin a two-day (Nov 8-9) state visit upon the invitation from his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen. He will then attend the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits as also other related conferences from November 10-13. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) is received by Cambodian officials after landing in Phnom Penh, November 8, 2022. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Government Portal In an interview published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said Chinh's visit marks an important milestone in various fields. "This would be an opportunity for both two countries to identify measures to promote bilateral relations as well as mark the resumption of comprehensive cooperation, especially in the fields of economy, trade and tourism in order to build an economy resilient to adverse impacts from the global economic situations," Vu said. The visit is happening in the context of a friendly and neighborly relationship, as well as comprehensive and stable cooperation between the two countries. Vietnam maintains its leading position in ASEAN and in the group of five countries with the largest direct investment capital in Cambodia. Two-way trade turnover in the first nine months of this year reached $8.45 billion, up 16.7% year-on-year. The 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and other related conferences will take place in Phnom Penh amid complicated developments in regional and global security and economic situations. Leaders of ASEAN and the world would discuss and take satisfactory solutions to soon restore economy and solve current security crisis situations. "This would be a challenge but also an opportunity for ASEAN to continue affirming its central role and ability to make an important contribution to solve regional problems," Vu said. The ASEAN Summit is normally held twice a year. At a press conference on November 3, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said that this would be the first time for PM Chinh to directly attend summits of ASEAN and between the bloc and its partners. These high-level conferences mark the resumption of direct exchange and dialogue between leaders after more than two years of hiatus due to Covid-19. Within the framework of the summits, Chinh is expected to participate in more than 20 activities and join meetings with leaders of countries and international organizations to discuss current issues. Chinh will also hold talks with PM Hun Sen, participate in the Vietnam-Cambodia trade and investment promotion forum and meet with other Cambodian high-ranking officials. U.S. President Joe Biden will also come to Cambodia to attend the annual ASEAN summits, the White House announced earlier this month. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen agreed Tuesday that they would further strengthen bilateral relations in all fields. Welcoming Chinh in Phnom Penh, Hun Sen said Chinhs official visit to Cambodia carried important meaning for the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Cambodia diplomatic relations. He also congratulated Vietnam for securing a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term. The two leaders agreed to bolster defense and security cooperation, stressing the principle of not allowing hostile forces to use their territories to harm another countrys security and interests. They would also deploy existing agreements and mechanisms to maintain political stability, security, order and social safety, as also prevent transnational crimes like human and drug trafficking. Chinh thanked Cambodian authorities for closely cooperating with Vietnam on the rescue of Vietnamese citizens tricked into becoming illegal workers in Cambodia. Both leaders agreed that bilateral commerce and investments were a highlight of bilateral relations, with two-way trade turnover reaching topping $9.5 billion in 2021, an 80% increase over 2020. Trade turnover in the first 9 months of this year reached $8.45 billion, a 16.7% increase year-on-year. Vietnam has 198 active investment projects in Cambodia with a total registered capital at $2.92 billion, which is the most among ASEAN members and among the top five countries with the most investments in Cambodia. Both leaders agreed on forging greater connectivity between the two economies, both in terms of infrastructures and policies. Chinh requested Cambodia to provide more favorable opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to operate and invest in the country. Regarding borders, the PMs agreed to respect and fully implement signed agreements, as well as find appropriate solutions for 16% of the land border for which demarcation and marker planting have not been completed yet. Chinh affirmed that Vietnam was willing to share its experience and support Cambodia in organizing the 32nd SEA Games in 2023. Amid complex regional and global developments, Vietnam and Cambodia need to bolster cooperation and support on multilateral forums, especially within the ASEAN framework and the Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, the two leaders agreed. They stressed the importance of maintaining security, safety and maritime freedom, as well as fostering trust, abiding by international law and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. Vietnam and Cambodia support relevant parties in fully abiding by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), as well as hastening the process to formulate the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea (COC), the two leaders affirmed. Chinh is in Cambodia for a two-day (Nov 8-9) official visit, followed by the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and related meetings over the next four days (November 10-13). The health ministry is conducting seven studies on the immunological effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines for approval and licensing purposes. A representative of the Administration of Science Technology and Training under the Ministry of Health, who did not want to be named, said Monday that among the seven studies, three are of Covid-19 vaccines made in Vietnam and the others in China, South Korea, Spain and Japan. After the studies are completed, the health ministry's Ethics Committee would evaluate and approve the vaccines. So far, only one of the seven studies have been completed, the representative said. "So far, there has been no official research result regarding the level of protection after getting Covid-19 vaccines in Vietnam," the representative said, adding that the goal of the evaluation is to approve and license vaccines, as well as deploying other Covid-19 prevention measures appropriate for current situations. However, the ministry revealed no further information about the conduct of the studies. Vietnam has been relying on Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness studies from around the world to inform its disease prevention measures. According to those studies, the effectiveness of preventing severe complications, hospitalization and death following a third Covid-19 vaccine shot can reach 86% in the first month. That percentage would gradually drop in six months, with the harshest drop between the 4th and 6th month. By the 6th month, the percentage would have dropped to 70%. A fourth Covid-19 vaccine shot would increase the aforementioned percentage by around 9-28%, according to studies. Earlier this month, Tang Chi Thuong, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, said the city was going to conduct surveys to evaluate the level of herd immunity against Covid-19 as also the effectiveness of vaccines. "If vaccination rate is low but herd immunity level is high, that would be a weight off our shoulders," Thuong said, but he also did not elaborate on how those surveys would be conducted. On Sunday, Health Minister Dao Hong Lan said it cannot be determined that Covid-19 is truly gone, and whether future vaccine shots will be required. What Vietnam should do at the moment is to boost vaccination and vaccine research, as well as medical equipment supplies, she said. Around 13 million adults in Vietnam need to have their fourth Covid-19 vaccine shots, but many have chosen not to get them, believing the three they have already got are enough. To date, Vietnam has recorded over 11.5 million Covid-19 cases with over 43,000 deaths. 24,283 new cases were recorded in October, a 64.8% drop from September. An elphant is seen in a forest in Phuc Son Commune, Anh Son District of Nghe An Province in 2018. Photo by VnExpress/Phuong Linh Nghe An is at risk of losing its elephants forever as the animals don't have mates to reproduce and increasing human encroachment of their habitat is making things worse. The central province is currently home to around 14-16 wild elephants living in five different herds, according to the provincial forest rangers. Of these, the biggest has around eight-nine elephants, living in the Pu Mat National Park. Some are loners and others move around in pairs. For the smaller herds, the ability to reproduce is very low, given the lack of mates, said Vo Cong Anh Tuan, head of the Department of Science and International Cooperation at the park. The lack of mates also means elephants are prone to get fiercer during mating season, he added. Since June, an old female elephant has raided a residential area in Nam Son Commune of Quy Hop District on three different occasions. It killed one cow and destroyed several hectares of rice fields and other properties. Around 10 days ago, a mother elephant and her calf damaged crops planted by residents of Chau Phong Commune in Quy Chau District. Tuan said the reason elephants are entering human areas is that their habitat has been encroached upon by humans turning natural forests into "production forests." Under such conditions, elephants do not just lose their home but also face a food shortage. Wild elephants lose habitat, lack mates in central Vietnam Hai voi rung vao vuon keo nha dan An elephant and her calf break a production forest of local residents in Chau Phong Commune in Quy Chau District, Nghe An Province, October 24, 2022. Video by VnExpress/Dinh Tiep Nghe An authorities have considered a plan to merge small herds with larger ones to create more opportunities for them to find a mate and reproduce. The plan is not very practical because the herds live far away from the other and are separated by difficult terrain. Tuan said giving elephants anesthetic shots poses many risks. In the time that it takes for the shot to take effect, the elephants could move around and get stuck somewhere or even fall into pits, he said. Luring a wild elephant to a safe place and giving it an anesthesia dose strong enough to make it lose consciousness immediately is not easy, Tuan said. Vo Thi Nhung, deputy director of Nghe An's Agriculture Department, said the authorities have considered merging elephant herds for years but have not found a feasible way to do it. The department has reached out to institutes and wildlife conservation centers for help, she said, adding that the immediate task is to protect the existing habitat of each of the five herds. According to the Vietnam Environment Administration, the country had around 1,500-2,000 wild elephants in the 1990s but the number has dwindled down to 124-148, most of them in the Central Highlands. According to the Vietnam Administration of Forestry, in seven years, between 2008 and 2014, the natural forest area in the Central Highlands, which used to be the biggest habitat for elephants in Vietnam, shrank by more than 358,700 hectares. Gulfstream Aerospaces G700 parks at Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh Province. Photo courtesy of Gulfstream Gulfstream Aerospace's G700 has made a debut in Vietnam and Asia-Pacific as part of the new ultra-long-range twinjets world tour. The G700 joined a G600 and G650ER at a private air show held at Van Don International Airport in the northern province of Quang Ninh, home to world heritage site Ha Long Bay, late last week. En route to Vietnam, the G700 set the speed record for a pair of cities from Istanbul to Van Don, traveling 4,573 nautical miles in nine hours and two minutes, or an average speed of nearly 600 miles per hour. This record is pending verification by the Federation of International Aviation (FAI). "Vietnam and Southeast Asia are strong developing markets for Gulfstream," said Gulfstream President Mark Burns, as cited by Aviation International News. Gulfstream G700, which has the longest, widest, and highest cabin and can accommodate up to 19 passengers, is the market leader in the business jet segment. The aircraft is designed for five flexible areas, including large rooms, kitchens and comfortable bathrooms. According to Wayne Oedewalt, vice president of Gulfstream Asia Pacific, Vietnam has the potential to grow both in terms of business aviation as well as aviation in general. "That is why Vietnam was chosen as the first destination in introducing the G700 to the Asian market," Oedewalt said. Things are looking up in the inbound tourism market with travel firms bustling to bring groups of foreign tourists to Vietnam during the year-end season. Nguyen Ngoc Toan, director of Images Travel Company that focuses on European visitors, said his company received a group of 200 tourists from Uruguay earlier this month. They arrived in Ho Chi Minh City to explore historical sites and French colonial landmarks. Many groups of French tourists from 20 to 40 people each will fly to Vietnam this month and begin their trans-Vietnam journeys, Toan added. Pham Ha, chairman of Lux Group, which specializes in luxury cruises, said many European and American tourists have booked tours to Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay since early this month. Luxury cruise tours for this month and the next are fully booked and the customers are mainly from the U.S., Australia, India and Southeast Asia, he added. Hoang Thuy Linh, deputy director of marketing and communications at HCMC tour operator Saigontourist, said her company has started bringing groups of foreign tourists from the U.S., Europe and Australia to Vietnam starting this month in a sign that the international tourism market is getting busier. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy, director of Vina Phu Quoc Tourism Co., Ltd., said they brought many tourist groups from India, Mongolia, Thailand and Taiwan to Phu Quoc late last month, signaling a busy year-end tourism season on Vietnam's biggest, most popular island. A charter flight operated by Polish Airlines carrying about 250 tourists landed last Sunday at the Phu Quoc Airport. The island is expected to welcome another 30 or so Polish Airlines flights from now until the end of March, said Bui Quoc Thai, director of Kieng Giang province's tourism department. On October 26, tour operator Anex Vietnam, which specialized in serving Russian tourists before the pandemic, welcomed 376 tourists from Kazakhstan to Khanh Hoa, home to popular beach towns Nha Trang and Cam Ranh. The tourists will stay at three-to-five-star resorts in Nha Trang and their itineraries last up to 28 days, the operator said. Changing travel habits "International tourists are changing their travel habits. Instead of planning their visit from six months to a year as they used to, they book tours and depart immediately perhaps fearing further outbreaks," Toan said. There are signs that "the international tourism market will get busier in the coming time," he added. Ha said it was the peak year-end tourism season for Europeans with many leaving their homes for the winter holidays. Therefore, he expected Vietnam's inbound tourism market to bounce back after a long hibernation. His company's revenues in the first nine months this year had only reached 42% of the annual target; and he hoped this would rise to 80% by the end of this year as the international tourism market recovers. The return of foreign tourists after a prolonged break of more than two years has also enthused employees of tourism-dependent businesses. Bui Vien, the busiest backpacker area in Ho Chi Minh City, was flooded with revelers last weekend. Most beer clubs and food shops were full and customers occupied the sidewalks on both sides in a throwback to pre-pandemic times. "Many foreign tourists have been returning to Bui Vien in recent days and the number of my foreign customers on weekends recovered to around 70% of pre-pandemic times," Tu Nhu, the manager of a bar on the packed street, told VnExpress International. On Monday night, American tourist George and his girlfriend were having dinner at a restaurant on Bui Vien Street. "We have been in Vietnam for over two weeks and visited some places like the Ben Thanh Market and Saigon War Remnants Museum," George said. "It's great! Happy to return to Vietnam after over two years and everything has changed so much compared to before the pandemic." The couple plans to visit the Mekong Delta in the coming days before heading to Nha Trang and Phu Yen in central Vietnam next week. A foreign couple at a restaurant on Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh City, November 7, 2022. Photo by Hoang Phong However, Toan of Images Travel Company struck a note of caution, saying a lack of international routes and unfriendly visa policies were still hindering Vietnam's tourism recovery. Though Vietnam reopened its borders fully to foreign tourists in mid-March, travel firms are finding it hard to attract enough visitors due to strict visa policies, which only allow tourists to stay for up to 30 days on a single entry visa. Earlier, it was possible for tourists to get three-month multi-entry visas that enabled them to go in and out of the country freely during the period. Vietnam currently grants visa-free stays of 15-30 days to citizens from 24 countries. Vietnam welcomed over 2.35 million foreign visitors in the January-October period, less than half of this year's five-million target. Mahathir, who servedMalaysiafor more than two decades in two stints as prime minister, is leading one of several opposition coalitions looking to unseat the graft-tainted Barisan Nasional - led by incumbent premier Ismail Sabri Yaakob - in an election on Nov. 19. In the previous polls in 2018, Mahathir came out of retirement and joined forces with Anwar to oust the Barisan government as it faced corruption allegations over the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. Mahathir promised to hand over the reins to Anwar but their multi-ethnic coalition collapsed in just 22 months due to infighting, paving the way for Barisan, led by Malay nationalist party UMNO, to return to power as part of another alliance. Analysts say the votes of the country's majority ethnic Malays are expected to be split in the coming election between various Malay-centric parties that have emerged amidst the turmoil, including Mahathir's. In what he said would likely be his final election foray, Mahathir vowed to fight "against bad Malays, criminal Malays... against the Malays who had destroyed this country." Several UMNO leaders are facing graft charges brought against them by Mahathir's administration, including former Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was jailed for 12 years after being found guilty in September in a case linked to 1MDB. Najib denied wrongdoing. Race and religion are divisive issues in multi-racial Malaysia, where ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities form a third of the electorate. Opinion polls suggest the election will be tightly contested with no single party or bloc likely able to win a simple majority. Mahathir said he would not work with UMNO, citing corruption allegations against the party he once dominated. But he did not dismiss the possibility of working with Anwar's alliance, although he said the parties would need to have a discussion on who would be premier after the election. "We don't agree that any one person should, even before the results come in, claim that he is the candidate for prime minister," Mahathir said. Anwar in an interview with Reuters last week ruled out working with Mahathir and other coalitions, citing "fundamental differences." The pair's rivalry has dominated Malaysian politics for decades, after Mahathir as premier sacked and jailed his then-deputy Anwar in 1998, accusing him of sodomy and corruption. Anwar was released in 2004, rising to become opposition leader, but was re-imprisoned in 2015 on another sodomy charge, and has consistently said that all the accusations against him were politically motivated. He was pardoned in 2018 after the election win that removed UMNO from power for the first time inMalaysia's post-colonial history. Last election? In what is likely to be his final election, Mahathir does not see his age as a hindrance in winning the support of first-time voters - the youngest of whom, at 18, are nearly eight decades his junior. "I feel that the youth of today are much more mature than the youth of the past... I think they will look not just at age, but also at capability," Mahathir said. Mahathir's alliance is not a major player and is not expected to win a significant number of seats. Nevertheless, he was "reasonably confident" that his alliance could still come out tops, and purge the government of corruption, implement business-friendly policies, and restore the nation's standing as an Asian Tiger economy. The nonagenarian said he had no desire to be prime minister but would do so if asked to serve again. Mahathir, who is running against four other candidates in his island constituency, Langkawi, said he would retire if he lost. "I don't see myself being active in politics until I'm 100 years old," he said. "The most important thing is to transfer my experience to the younger leaders of the party." McEwen Mining Inc. reported a consolidated net loss in the third quarter of $10.5 million, or 21 cents per share, mainly because of money spent on the Los Azules copper project in Argentina, and the company announced that development is under way on the Gold Bar South deposit at the Gold Bar Mine in Nevada. McEwen Mining stated that first ore is expected from Gold Bar South late this quarter, and said that this mining area is superior to the current mining areas because of its lower stripping ratio, oxide mineralization with no carbonaceous material and a higher average gold grade partially offset by lower heap leach recovery. At Gold Bar, we are looking forward to starting our Gold Bar South deposit this quarter. We are expecting to have much lower cost per ounce than year-to-date cost because we will be mining higher grade ore at GBS, with half the strip ratio and no problematic carbonaceous material, said Rob McEwen, chairman and chief owner of the Toronto-based company. Most of gold production at the mine in Eureka County will come from the Gold Bar South deposit in 2023, according to the earnings report, which also stated that in order to increase the mining rate, a new mining contractor has been hired. Mobilization of equipment is under way with a staged ramp up planned in January. Chief Operating Officer William Shaver said in the Nov. 7 conference call that there still will be ore mined out of the Pick and Cabin open pits but for sure we will be concentrating on Gold Bar South, and he said a contractor is now completing the road to Gold Bar South. McEwen Mining spent $1.1 million on exploration in the third quarter at Gold Bar, which produced 7,200 gold equivalent ounces in the quarter, down from 12,400 GEOs in the third quarter of last year, and Stephen McGibbon, executive vice president of exploration, said there were boots on the ground for the summer drill program at Gold Bar that will resume next spring. The company also reported that it signed an option with Rio Tintos Kennecott Exploration Co. to earn a 60% interest in the Elder Creek copper project in Nevada by spending $18 million there. Elder Creek covers 577 mining claims in Humboldt and Lander counties in a district that includes the Marigold, Lone Tree and Phoenix operations. Companywide, McEwen Mining produced 35,700 gold equivalent ounces in the third quarter, down from 32,100 in the 2021 quarter. The 2022 quarterly production included 26,200 ounces of gold and 853,000 ounces of silver. The Fox Complex in Canada produced 9,000 gold equivalent ounces in the quarter, up from 8,300 GEOs in the 2021 quarter, and the San Jose Mine in Argentina produced 19,300 GEOs for McEwen Minings 49% share, down from 21,600 GEOs in the third quarter of last year. McEwen Mining also reported that companywide it spent $5 million on exploration and advanced projects at its mines. Average cash costs per GEO from the 100% owned Gold Bar and Fox was $1,219 in the third quarter, and all-in sustaining costs were $1,659 per ounce, which was higher than guidance of $1,475 per ounce, according to the earnings report. McEwen said in the earnings call that the costs at Gold Bar have been unacceptable, and Chief Financial Officer Perry Ing said the cash costs at the Nevada mine were $1,712 per ounce in the third quarter and the all-in sustaining cost was $2,049 per ounce, well above the current gold price. The spot price of gold closed in New York on Nov. 7 at $1,675 per ounce. Production guidance companywide for 2022 is 150,000 to 170,000 gold equivalent ounces. Rob McEwen said in the earnings report that this year has been much better than the previous three! While we still have issues to resolve, such as increasing our treasury by producing more ounces at a lower cost, we can clearly see a brighter future. He said that at the Fox Complex where there is a history of high operating costs, we are making good progress reducing our costs. I am pleased to say that in Q3 our cash cost/ounce at Fox fell to $774, our lowest since mid-2018. This is well below the industry average. Our next important area to improve at Fox is the process plant (mill). Specifically, we need to increase the throughput because our mine is now producing more ore than our mill can process. As a result, we have a large surface stockpile of ore equivalent to more than two months of production, Rob McEwen said in the announcement. He also said that in Mexico, we recently acquired a complete process plant on very advantageous terms that will help significantly reduced projected capital requirements for our Fenix project. This acquisition has made Fenix more attractive to build and couple provide a new long-life mine for McEwen Mining. The San Jose Mine had a strong quarter, and its exploration work is continuing to extend its high-grade veins and discover new veins, McEwen said. Rob McEwen also provided an update on McEwen Copper, which is 65% owned by McEwen Mining, and the Los Azules project that is designed as an open pit copper mine with a 36-year mine life. We completed an $82 million financing for McEwen Copper in a very tough equity market. Rio Tinto, the second largest mining company in the world, through its subsidiary Nuton, now owns 9.7% of McEwen Copper as a result of its investment of $25 million, he said. Looking at the market, Rob McEwen said that McEwen Minings outstanding shares underwent a 10 for 1 consolidation that was necessary action done to protect our listing on the NYSE, which is our principal exchange and where our trading volume is the highest. He said that the operating challenges we faced in recent years have severely damaged our credibility with our shareholders and the market. As a result, few investors have taken a close look recently at our assets. If they did, I believe some would see the potential value that I see today, and this is why he has a personal financial commitment of $220 million with McEwen Mining and McEwen Copper. By Trend Iran's oil exports last month (September 21 October 20) hits a record high over the last few years, Iranian Government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi said, Trend reports citing ILNA. Iranian Government Spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi in a statement published on his Twitter account announced Iran's record-breaking oil exports and earning oil revenue to avoid liquidity creation. Iran generally does not release figures and there is no definitive figure for its oil exports, with estimates often in a wide range. ELKO Record snowfall blanketed northeastern Nevada on Monday and more is on the way. The wintry weather delayed the start of school and led to at least one crash on Lamoille Highway at around 4:30 a.m. Nevada State Police troopers were also assisting motorists in the Elko and Wells area. A record 7.5 inches of snow fell at Elko's airport, resulting in a record three-quarters of an inch of precipitation. Valleys could see a mix of rain and snow Tuesday afternoon and evening, with total accumulations of 1-5 inches. Temperatures in Elko will drop to around 20 degrees Tuesday night. Icy road conditions will remain across most of the region from the new snow, already fallen snow, or freezing of wet surfaces, the National Weather Service stated. This exceptional winter storm will continue to impact the Silver State through Wednesday, stated the weather service. The Rubies will be impacted very hard with well over a foot of snow still expected and a Winter Storm Warning remaining in effect. The valleys will see a bit more dynamic shower activity. Weather advisories have been extended, including strong winds especially to the south of Elko County. Precipitation will taper off Wednesday night, followed by colder weather. Highs in Elko are expected to stay below freezing with lows in the lower single digits into the weekend. ELKO A West Oak Street home sustained extensive smoke damage Sunday night when strong winds blew into the house after a second-story bedroom caught fire. City of Elko firefighters responded to the blaze at 9:47 p.m. and could see smoke and the glow of flames coming from the bedroom, according to Fire Chief Jack Snyder. Some firefighters sprayed water into the bedroom from outside while others entered from inside, but winds of 25 mph or stronger blew smoke throughout the house as they were trying to vent it. Our crews made a very aggressive attack and were able to keep the fire contained to one room of the home, he said. Elko County firefighters and ambulance also responded to the fire but there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation but Snyder said it is believed to have been accidental. The family had working smoke detectors that alerted them to the blaze. The home was not habitable Monday because of the heavy heat and smoke damage, and the power and gas being cut off to the structure. Snyder said the Red Cross was assisting them with clothing and shelter. ELKO The Elko County School District released the following statement Monday regarding a proposed lawsuit to be considered when trustees meet Nov. 8: Last Thursday, the Elko County School District posted the agenda for its upcoming Board of Trustees Meeting for this coming Tuesday, November 8. Present in the agenda are multiple items related to a closed meeting with legal counsel regarding the possibility of filing a defamation lawsuit against Brian D. Gale, a current candidate for the school board. The Superintendent and the Board President chose to post these agenda items in response to an opinion letter written by Mr. Gale in the Elko Daily Free Press, titled Commentary: The story behind school board resignations. In the letter, Mr. Gale made several false and defamatory statements about the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees. The Superintendent is accused of both violating confidentiality and sabotaging the Board for personal gain. The Board, according to Mr. Gale, engaged in an abuse of power at taxpayer expense. Both the Superintendent and individual Trustees have suffered personal and professional damage as a result of Mr. Gales false statements. ECSD believes individuals who make baseless, dangerous accusations towards both employees and appointed and elected officials of a public school district should be accountable for their words and actions. Gales opponent, incumbent trustee Jeff Durham of West Wendover, also sent a letter to the Elko Daily over the weekend, saying he was unaware of the agenda item prior to its release. Durham said he plans to ask the board to table any action Tuesday evening. Whether it has merit or not I believe it should not be discussed on election day, he wrote. Also over the weekend, Gale sent the Elko Daily a copy of a letter addressed to trustees that stated, in part: I do hereby rescind and unreservedly apologize for any and all statements I might have made that have been misconstrued as false or that might be interpreted to defame or disparage in any way the persons of Theresa Dastrup, Ira Wines, Susan Neal, Josh Byers, Matt McCarty, or Jeff Durham. I have not, to the best of my knowledge, ever made any such statement, but if one exists I do hereby withdraw it. The board is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Carlin Combined School library. Visits by foreign leaders, two big events show China's strong global engagement China has again drawn global attention over the past week with a highly packed diplomatic agenda involving four official visits by international leaders, an import expo that attracted enterprises from 127 countries and regions, and a global conference on wetland protection. Analysts said the timing of the visits and the two grand events held by China, which took place less than two weeks after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, epitomized the strong desire of various nations to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the country and to explore the opportunities offered by its vast market. "The string of high-level meetings is a testament to China's growing stature on the world stage, and its increasing willingness to engage with other countries on a wide range of issues," said Andy Mok, a research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization. President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, hosted visits by Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz from Oct 31 to Friday. The president also delivered speeches via video link at the opening ceremony of the fifth China International Import Expo on Friday and the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on Saturday. It was Trong's first overseas visit since he was reelected to the current position, and the first visit to China by Sharif, Hassan and Scholz since taking office. During talks with the four leaders, Xi explained the key outcomes from the 20th CPC National Congress, envisioned the growth of bilateral relations and promoted a host of important cooperative projects. Su Xiaohui, deputy director of the China Institute of International Studies' Department of American Studies, said one of the key messages from the talks is that China has remained true to its general direction of deepening cooperation with various nations and attaining win-win cooperation. Guo Yanjun, director of China Foreign Affairs University's Institute of Asian Studies, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that Vietnam and Pakistan are both key neighboring countries of China, and the latest visits have charted the way forward in promoting bilateral relations and building a community with a shared future between both sides. Su, from China Institute of International Studies, said the latest high-level exchange between China and Tanzania is another example of the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith being upheld by Beijing, and spoke volumes about the level of importance China attaches to unity and cooperation with Africa. The whirlwind one-day visit by Scholz, who was accompanied by a team of German industry executives, marked the first visit by a European and G7 leader to China in almost three years. In a social media post after his visit, Scholz highlighted reliability and trust as two values playing important roles in German and Chinese culture. "At the same time, they form the basis of diplomatic relations and political partnerships. It is a good thing that we met in person and held talks," he wrote. Su said the fact that the German chancellor has taken the lead among European leaders in visiting China and conducting face-to-face dialogues with Chinese leaders was a forceful response to theories about decoupling and set a fine example for positive interaction with China. One of the major messages from Xi during the talks and his keynote speech at the CIIE was that China will continue to widen its opening-up and share opportunities with the world. Mok, from CCG, said the visits by leaders from all over the world show that China is serious about its responsibility as "an increasingly important member of the global community, and demonstrate its confidence that its hard-won insights and experience can contribute to a safer and more hopeful world". Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (Photo: VNA) The PM will pay an official visit to Cambodia from November 8-9 and attend the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and related Summits from November 10-13, at the invitation of his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Techo Hun Sen the ASEAN Chair in 2022. This is the first visit by PM Pham Minh Chinh in his capacity as Prime Minister of Vietnam, and it holds significance in various aspects. It takes place in the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year 2022, marking the 55th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties. The two PMs will review the Vietnam-Cambodia relations, and outline new impulses and measures to develop the relationship in more pragmatic, effective and reliable manner. The PMs attendance at the 40th and 41st SEAN Summits and related Summits will be a chance for Vietnam to affirm the consistent policy of the Party and State in the spirit of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations, intensive and extensive international integration, and substantive contributions to ASEAN's common affairs. Vietnam and Cambodia established diplomatic ties on June 24, 1967. In 2005, the two countries leaders agreed on the new motto of the bilateral relations that is good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable, long-term cooperation. Since then, the relationship has been consolidated and strengthened in all fields, bringing pragmatic interests to the people of both countries, and positively contributing to peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world. Over the past years, the bilateral political ties have developed fruitfully, as reflected through regular visits, meetings and exchanges in different forms, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Progress has also been made in cooperation between ministries, agencies, localities, and people-to-people exchanges, especially in border areas. Meanwhile, collaboration in national defence and security has been strengthened. In 2019, Vietnam and Cambodia signed two legal documents recognising outcomes of land border demarcation and marker planting, with 84% of the workload completed. They are accelerating negotiations for the settlement of the remainder to further build a common border line of peace, friendship, cooperation and sustainable development. The two Governments have also pledged to create favourable conditions for their respective citizens to live in each others territories in line with laws of the host countries. Cooperation in economy, trade and investment has grown quickly, with two-way trade reaching 9.54 billion USD in 2021, up 79.1% from the previous year. In the first nine months of this year, the figure was 8.45 billion USD, a -year-on-year rise of 16.7%, of which Vietnam enjoyed a trade surplus of 487.7 million USD. Vietnam is running 198 valid projects in the neighbouring country with total registered capital of 2.92 billion USD, ranking first among ASEAN nations and fifth among countries investing in Cambodia. Partnerships in education, training, transport, culture, health care and telecommunications have also received attention from both sides. Notably, the two countries have supported each other in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. They have closely coordinated at international, regional, sub-regional forums, especially ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms, contributing to raising the prestige and position of each country in the region and the world. Regarding prospects of the bilateral ties, Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam Chay Navuth said the two countries aim to consolidate their solidarity and cooperation in the time ahead. They will continue to promote the political ties to ensure the general orientations of the bilateral relationship, consolidate political trust and step up cooperation in national defence and security, external affairs and economy, he said. Cambodian media highlights PM Chinh's visit to Cambodia. (Photo: VNA) The 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and related Summits mark the resumption of direct meetings and dialogues between regional leaders after a two-year hiatus induced by the pandemic. The events will offer opportunities for the leaders to compare notes on efforts in building the ASEAN Community and enhancing solidarity and centrality of the ten-member grouping, and review and define orientations for the relations between the bloc and its partners. They will also exchange views on many strategic issues in the region and the world. Within the framework of the summits, there will be more than 20 activities with the participation of leaders from the ASEAN member countries, and 10 partners. On this occasion, ASEAN will announce the establishment of its comprehensive strategic partnership with the US and India. The participating leaders are scheduled to approve and recognise more than 100 documents on many important cooperation areas within ASEAN and between the bloc and its partners. PM Chinh will deliver speeches at the summits, expressing Vietnams viewpoints and stance and raising proposals to strengthen solidarity, unity and centrality of ASEAN, enhance regional connectivity, promote cooperation in the fields of common interest, and foster relations between ASEAN and its partners. Vietnam will use the occasion to share its policies, efforts and successes in socio-economic recovery and development after the pandemic. The PM will also meet leaders of ASEAN members and partners to exchange views on issues of shared concern./. Shmyhal: About 60% of all facilities in the country already connected to heat About 60% of all facilities in the country are already connected to heat, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said. "The heating season has begun, despite the shelling, sabotage, cyberattacks carried out by Russia. About 60% of all facilities in the country are already connected to heat. The southern regions are being connected more slowly, but this process has also begun there. In five regions, the level of connection to heat is more than 85%, and in two more regions it has already reached 100%," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday. According to him, the government, energy, local authorities and utilities continue to prepare for winter in parallel. "We are purchasing backup equipment, additional heating points are being prepared, we are actively negotiating with international partners to deliver the necessary equipment and equipment to Ukraine in order to quickly repair and be ready for various situations," he said. The most difficult situation in terms of electricity is now in Kyiv city, Kyiv and Kharkiv regions, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said. "Now the Russian terrorists have focused on destroying the systems of generation and distribution of electricity. Therefore, unfortunately, we cannot rule out further attacks on the systems of water and heat supply. The most difficult situation in terms of electricity is now in Kyiv city, Kyiv and Kharkiv regions. Russian terrorist troops targeted distribution in these regions, trying to destroy the main lines and substations," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday. According to the prime minister, power engineers are now working to gradually make power outage schedules more predictable for people and businesses. "Of course, we all must understand that this is possible only on the condition that there will be no new damage. And we will all be conscious of saving electricity consumption," he added. In addition, Shmyhal again addressed the topic of evacuation of the population from Kyiv or from another city. "An honest conversation here is important and correct. Therefore, I once again emphasize the position of the government and responsible departments: evacuation can be used as a last resort, as an emergency step. You always need to have a backup plan, but now the situation is far from declaring evacuation of any non-frontline city, and even more so the capital. Power engineers are working, air defense forces are working. We are doing everything possible to quickly restore the full operation of the energy system," the prime minister said. Over the past day, the enemy launched nine missile and 37 air strikes, carried out more than 100 attacks from multiple launch rocket systems, the General Staff said. "Enemy strikes were carried out in areas of more than 25 settlements in Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson and Mykolaiv regions," the General Staff said in the morning report. It is also noted that the situation in Volyn and Polissia directions is without significant changes. Belarus continues to support Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, providing Russia with infrastructure, territory and airspace. The formation of the Russian-Belarusian group of troops on the territory of the Republic of Belarus continues. The threat of air strikes against the use of attack unmanned aerial vehicles by the enemy from the territory and airspace of this country remains. The enemy carried out shelling in the following directions: in Slobozhans using tanks, mortars, rocket and cannon artillery, in the areas of the settlements of Udy, Starytsia, Chuhunivka, Fyholivka and Dvorichanske; in Kupiansk and Lyman directions by artillery of various types, in the areas of the settlements of Kyslivka, Berestove, Stelmakhivka, Miasozharivka, Hrekivka, Makiyivka, Nevske, Yampolivka and Lyman; in Bakhmut direction using tanks, mortars, cannon and rocket artillery, in the areas of the settlements of Rozdolivka, Yakivlivka, Soledar, Bakhmutske, Bakhmut, Klischiyivka, Andriyivka, Kurdiumivka, Ozarianivka and Mayorsk; in Avdiyivka direction using tanks and the entire range of artillery; in Novopavlivsk direction using tanks, mortars, cannon and rocket artillery; in Zaporizhia direction by artillery of various sizes; in Pivdennobuzk direction, the areas of settlements bordering on the contact line were tested by the enemy's fire impact. The settlements of Vyschetarasivka, Illinka and Marhanets of Dnipropetrovsk region were directly affected by the fire from the MLRS. Negotiations with Russia should be held under conditions and terms to be chosen by Ukraine Macron At some point, it will be necessary to return to the negotiating table with Russia, but this must be done under the conditions and terms to be chosen by Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said, according to TF1INFO publication. "For my part, I remain convinced and assume that even now, at some point, we will have to return to the negotiating table," Macron said. However, at the same time, the French president said this should be "done under the conditions and within the time frame that will be chosen by Ukraine." At the same time, Macron said it is now "hasty to put forward completely radical preconditions" for negotiations due to "high tensions on the ground" referring in particular to the power and water cuts experienced by Ukrainians in connection with Russian strikes on energy infrastructure of Ukraine. "The current context does not allow for prompt clarifications on this matter," the French president said. By Trend The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has allowed five banks to exchange foreign currency based on an agreed price with customers, Trend reports citing Mehr News Agency. The five public banks including Iran Meli Bank, Tejarat Bank, Mellat Bank and Saderat Bank are allowed to exchange at least 2,000 euros based on an agreed price with customers. The following policy of the Central Bank of Iran aims to accelerate and supply demands for foreign currency in cash. Zelensky to take part in G20 summit, most likely online - press secretary President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will take part in the summit of the leaders of the G20 countries, presidential press secretary Serhiy Nykyforov told Suspilne. "In some format, of course, Volodymyr Zelensky will take part in the G20 summit. I can't say more," Nykyforov said, noting that, probably, we are talking about the online format. The G20 summit will be held in Bali, Indonesia on November 15 and 16. U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield has arrived in Ukraine on a visit, Director of Communications and Press Secretary of the U.S. Mission to the UN Nate Evans has said. "The U.S. Ambassador to the UN is in Kyiv for a day of meetings to reiterate US's unwavering support for Ukraine as it defends its freedom and sovereignty amidst Russia's brutal and unprovoked invasion," Evans said onTwitter on Tuesday. While in Kyiv, Thomas-Greenfield will meet with Ukrainian government leaders to discuss the unwavering U.S. commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. She will oversee efforts to document and preserve evidence of atrocities committed by Russian forces and hear first-hand accounts from survivors. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will also discuss the global food security crisis exacerbated by Russia's invasion and stress the urgent need to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative into next year. She will also meet with humanitarian organizations working to meet the winterization needs of vulnerable populations affected by Russian attacks on energy and other civilian infrastructure. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the support of the EU, purchased and donated 14 automatic external defibrillators to healthcare facilities in the regions of Ukraine. According to a UNDP press release, medical facilities in Sumy, Chernihiv, Kamianske (Dnipropetrovsk region), Voznesensk (Mykolaiv region), Nova Vodolaha, Pervomaisk and Lozova (Kharkiv region) received medical equipment. With the financial support from the European Union, UNDP also provided specialized training to more than a hundred medical workers on using the life-saving devices. "In response to new challenges, the EU provides the necessary tools to help people survive and recover from injuries. In particular, we want to direct our support to those areas where needs are greatest and increasing daily," Frederik Coene, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said. A defibrillator is a small device that plays an important role in saving the lives of people who have had a heart attack. The United Nations Recovery and Peacebuilding Programme (UN RPP) is being implemented by four United Nations agencies: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). Eleven international partners support the Programme: the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, and the governments of Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland. Enemy shells town in Kherson region from MLRS, two people wounded Tymoshenko The Russian occupation forces on Tuesday, November 8, shelled a town in Kherson region using multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), two civilians were wounded, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Tymoshenko has said. "Today, the Russian terrorists shelled Kherson region. In particular, the town of Velyka Oleksandrivka. They mounted the attack using MLRS," he said on the Telegram channel. Two civilians suffered shrapnel injuries as a result of the attack. Hours after France, Germany and the United Kingdom jointly named Iran as the likely culprit in the attacks on Saudi Arabia, French President Emmanuel Macron met Irans President Hassan Rouhani in New York. Irans official news outlet IRNA that Macron went to the place where Rouhani is staying in New York to discuss bilateral issues. But IRNA adds that Rouhani spoke about the duties of all member states of the 2015 nuclear agreement and called the accusation by Europeans of Irans responsibility for the Saudi attack baseless accusations directed at the Islamic Republic. Alireza Miryousefi, the press officer at Irans UN representation tweeted, Meeting between President Hassan Rouhani and President Macron just ended. Two sides discussed ways to save the #IranDeal, bilateral relations, and President Rouhanis new initiative for the region HOPE. Miryousefi added that the meeting was a long meeting. President Donald Trump told reporters he will focus on Iran during his speech to the UN General Assembly. "We'll be talking about Iran," Trump told reporters about his speech at the UN General Assembly in New York. Saying his administration had already put "a lot of pressure" on Tehran, he hinted at new measures in the US campaign to end Iran's nuclear technology programs and, more generally, to curb the country's power in the Middle East. "A lot of things are going to happen," he said. "A lot more than you would know. A lot more than the media knows." With reporting by AFP, IRNA An Iranian general on Monday acknowledged that more than 300 people have been killed in the unrest surrounding nationwide protests, giving the first official word on casualties in two months. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi asserted that the Middle East Green Summit Initiative demonstrates how serious a large number of countries in the Arab region are on combating climate change, whether by reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy or by taking measures to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. El-Sisi made his remarks as he co-chaired, with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, the second edition of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit 2022 held on the sidelines of the COP 27 conference on Monday. The Middle East Green Initiative was launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last year as part of the efforts to reduce regional carbon emissions. During this year's summit, Bin Salman announced that Saudi Arabia was committing $2.5 billion to the Middle East Green Initiative for the next ten years. "The Middle East Green Initiative constitutes a perfect opportunity to cultivate closer cooperation among its member states. It aims to mobilise more investments and provide new mechanisms for innovative support of projects that address climate change in the Arab world," Sisi said. This initiative represents an appropriate framework to boost technical cooperation. It also represents an opportunity to connect research centers in member states in ways that integrate research and applied programs in climate change technology, said El-Sisi. Moreover, he stated that a large number of countries have joined this initiative since its launch. Such a large number, he added, reflects countries' seriousness about combating climate change. Moreover, El-Sisi asserted that Egypt is taking steps toward transitioning to renewable energy, whether solar, wind or hydrogen energy. In addition, he stated that Egypt has recently launched ambitious projects in the area of clean transport. Speaking of adaptation, Sisi stated that Egypt has succeeded tangibly in sustainable management of water resources. He referred to Egypt's document on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which was updated in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The NDCs include a number of ambitious goals for adaptation in the sectors of agriculture, the protection of coastal areas and sustainable urban development. COP27 a Golden opportunity In the same speech, the president stated that COP27 "represents an opportunity for leaders of the world, economic sectors, major international financial institutions and other partners to stand together to achieve an indisputably common goal; namely to respond urgently, promptly and effectively to the challenge of climate change." Everybody acknowledges that time is not on our side. Failures in reducing emissions, in adapting measures, and in providing mechanisms and means for implementation, particularly in the area of climate funding, should be addressed through swift action and executive measures on the ground, he said. The president reminded all participants of the weight of the responsibility they shoulder. El-Sisi asserted that Egypt is doing its best to help the various parties reach consensus on all contentious issues. He also stressed that Egypt was making every effort to ensure that the conference produces effective and practical outcomes. Outcomes that will live up to the expectations of people around the world. At the end of his speech, Sisi said he was confident the outcomes of this summit will reflect continued commitment to climate action. Such commitment, he said, will benefit coming generations in the Arab region and in the entire world. Search Keywords: Short link: Iran has deployed mounted police in a bid to contain more than seven weeks of protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, according to videos posted online. The clerical state has been rocked by a protest movement that erupted when Amini, 22, died after her arrest for allegedly breaking Iran's strict hijab dress rules for women. Young women have led the way, removing and burning their head coverings, chanting anti-regime slogans and confronting security forces on the street despite a crackdown that has killed dozens. In a rare move, the authorities have deployed a posse of police on horseback in Tehran's streets to stifle the demonstrations, according to a video posted on social media and verified by AFP. The special unit on patrol is seen standing in front of a row of Iranian national flags on a major road in the northwestern neighbourhood of Sadeghiyeh. Created in 2013, the mounted division of Iran's police force, known as Asvaran, is made up of Turkoman and Arabian horses, among others. The cavalry unit has been seen on the streets of the Iranian capital in the past, mainly during parades, but it is uncommon to see it deployed during protests. Amini, an Iranian of Kurdish origin, died on September 16, three days after she was arrested in Tehran by the morality police, igniting nationwide protests. The Iranian authorities have adopted a range of tactics in a bid to suppress the protests, which officials refer to as "riots". Security forces have fired directly on protesters using live ammunition, bird shot, tear gas and even paintballs. The government has also imposed internet restrictions, including blocking access to Instagram and WhatsApp, and have waged a campaign of mass arrests. Norway-based group Iran Human Rights says the security forces have killed at least 186 people in the crackdown on the Amini protests. At least another 118 people have lost their lives in distinct protests since September 30 in Sistan-Baluchistan, a mainly Sunni Muslim province on Iran's southeastern border with Pakistan. Search Keywords: Short link: The recent deal signed between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front could be easily breached. The Kenyan capital Nairobi hosted the second phase of the peace talks between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) on Monday. The talks delved into the military details to reach a permanent cessation of the violence in Africas second-most populous country. The delegations from both sides comprised military leaders and political negotiators. The talks were meant to discuss how the agreement that both parties signed last week in South Africa could be monitored. They also included the means to deliver humanitarian aid and basic services to millions of Tigrayans cornered in the rugged mountainous region in the north of the country. The Ethiopian government and the TPLF signed a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement last week brokered by former Nigerian and Kenyan presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Uharu Kenyatta, respectively, in Pretoria in South Africa. The African-backed accord was welcomed by the UN, the US, some European countries, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, among other countries. Theoretically, the agreement ends two years of war between the Ethiopian government, backed by neighbouring Eritrea and the national militias of the Amhara. This war has resulted in the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today, according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), who hails from Ethiopias Tigray region. The war, and the resulting famine and disease, has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians. More than one million people have been displaced and denied the ability to harvest their crops. In addition, thousands of women have been raped or killed, and their children have been denied the right to be raised normally. Ghebreyesus said that the world has ignored the suffering of six million Tigrayans put under siege at the hands of the government of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He suggested racism was the reason the crisis in Tigray has not received international attention, asking why it has not been covered as much as the Ukraine war. The EU has received with open arms Ukrainians who have fled the horrors of war in their country, he said, whereas the press has shown little interest in the Ethiopian Civil War. Maybe the reason is the colour of the skin of the people, he said. UN agencies and international relief organisations have warned of a famine that could affect millions of people in Ethiopia, home to more than 110 million people. Meanwhile, Ahmeds government celebrated the agreement as an achievement, igniting more questions than answers among observers about its implementation. Observers say they see many loopholes in the agreement that was signed quickly after only nine days leaving many issues unresolved. It hinges more on the goodwill of the government in Addis Ababa than on its opponent, the TPLF. The widest gap, however, is no mention of Eritrea, which is not a party to the deal but is a main partner in the war and has been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Tigrayans. According to observers, the absence of Eritrea from the agreement and not stating that it should withdraw its forces from all Ethiopian land will allow it not to commit to the terms of the deal that Ahmeds government is obliged to honour. Eritrea, which believes that the existence of a strong Tigray is a threat to the regime of its President Isaias Afwerki, called for expansive military mobilisation in mid-September to provoke the Tigrayans and find a pretext for war. The majority of Western media reports saw the mandatory military mobilisation as aimed at waging a long war against the Tigrayans, who are fortified in mountainous areas. Furthermore, the agreement makes no mention of the Amhara militias that control the agriculturally rich western region of Tigray. The Amhara, comprising 28 per cent of the population, and the Tigrayans, seven per cent, refuse to negotiate. This military situation does not encourage the TPLF to surrender its arms and integrate into society. The loss of the TPLFs credibility among its people may also complicate the situation in the region and create a more hardline political body against Ahmeds government. Meanwhile, the peace agreement seems to be an indicator for Ahmeds government that stringency is the solution to the problem of the rebellious Ethiopian nationalities. The siege of the Tigrayans, and the starvation and killing that amounts to genocide, has resulted in the submission of Tigray and the governments acquiring 100 per cent of its demands, Ahmed said before a crowd of supporters two days after signing the agreement. It now appears that Ahmed will adopt the same harsh attitude towards others in Ethiopia, especially after the majority Oromo Liberation Front, comprising 34 per cent of the population, announced it had taken over a city in the westernmost part of the country. This has exacerbated the already difficult security conditions in a country that is home to 80 ethnicities, most of which have liberation fronts that are demanding secession from Addis Ababa and the control of the Amhara. The recent peace agreement was signed to silence the guns in Ethiopia, but hopes are diminishing that this will be accomplished given the large number of political and military loopholes in it. *A version of this article appears in print in the 3 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: The government of new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is repeating the mistakes of earlier ones, adding to calls for early general elections, writes Ahmed Mustafa Having spent fewer than a couple of weeks in 10 Downing Street, new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces similar troubles to those that ousted his predecessors. Criticism is mounting from all corners of British politics that he is acting in a way that puts the interests of his Conservative (Tory) Party ahead of the national interests of the British people, with the same accusations earlier marring the premierships of former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. This might not be a big issue for a party that achieved a landslide victory in the 2019 general elections. But the infighting in the Conservatives has not subsided, and Sunak appears to be following a pattern similar to that of Truss and Johnson, adding to allegations that the government has lost control. Johnson used to make U-turns on pledges and policies, while Truss outdid him when it came to indecisiveness. Both Johnson and Truss adopted diversionary tactics when facing problems, with Johnson maintaining the earlier stance not to follow former US president Donald Trumps decision in 2017 to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, for example. Truss then announced that the UK would move the British Embassy to Jerusalem. Leaks from Sunaks team during his bid to chair the party suggested that he would go ahead with Truss promise. But after assuming office, he followed the traditional stance, dropping Truss vow to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Such backtracking has also caused confusion about the UKs commitment to fighting climate change just a year after it hosted the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow. Initial reports said that Sunak would not attend the COP27 Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh due to pressing issues at home, mainly having to do with the UKs monetary and economic statement set for 17 November. Sunak then made a full U-turn and announced he would be going to Egypt after all. He is now facing criticism even from within his own party over his judgement. The debate about the soundness of his decision to re-install interior minister Suella Braverman just days after she resigned from Truss government after admitting breaking the ministerial code is ongoing. Calls are rising for Sunak to sack minister Gavin Williamson who faces bullying allegations. As in many similar cases involving Johnson, it seems that Sunak is protecting an ally despite his mishaps. Williamson has earlier been sacked from ministerial posts twice before. In 2019, he was sacked from the post of defence secretary after the leaking of confidential information from the UKs National Security Council. He was sacked again as education secretary in 2021 following controversy around the grading of exams during the pandemic. While Braverman admitted sending sensitive security information via her personal email once, it later turned out that she had committed the breach six times. In her resignation letter to her then boss, she was implicitly critical of the prime minister just days before her resignation to be replaced by Sunak. Yet, Sunak might have an advantage in that he was brought in by his party to fix the economic situation left by Truss. His finance minister, Jeremy Hunt, was appointed in the last week of Truss premiership to stop the disaster created by a catastrophic mini-budget cutting taxes on the rich and increasing the countrys debt and budget deficit. Hunt steadied the ship, stopping the markets negative reaction. Sunak has kept his ally Hunt in the job of running the Treasury, postponing a plan initially set to be announced by Hunt on the last day of October. That plan is now being worked on by both Sunak and Hunt. Some of the economic problems the UK is now facing originated under Sunak when he was Johnsons finance minister until May this year. Tax rises and spending cuts are the expected pillars of the Sunak-Hunt plan to rescue the UK economy to be announced on 17 November. Though the opposition Labour Party might not be against increasing taxes, it is opposing spending cuts, especially on public services. Sunaks own party is split, with some factions opposing raising taxes as this goes against self-proclaimed Conservative principles and others opposing spending cuts, especially on childcare. The government statement might appease the markets and revive some of the lost confidence in the UK and its economy. But it might also create more opposition inside the UK, not only from the opposition but also from within the ruling party itself as well. If the anticipated measures are met by public protest, it will only fuel the narrative that there is severe misjudgement involved in appointing those that are loyal rather than those that are capable to senior positions in British politics. The British people are now braced for more political turmoil in the days ahead. Whether this will amount to forcing an early general election will only be seen after 17 November. *A version of this article appears in print in the 3 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: G4S, the worlds leading integrated security company, specialising in the provision of security services and solutions to customers and active in 85 markets, will be expanding its Bahrain operation investing over $3 million. It will create 160 jobs in Bahrain within three years, with the support of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). G4S obtained the Ancillary Service Provider Cash Processing Services licence from the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), where G4S will provide multiple activities, including cash management and deposit preparation, processing of deposits for banks, ATM balancing, reconciliation, and administration. The Managing Director of G4S Cash Solutions Bahrain Christos Volis said: This expansion will enable us to provide a wide range of services to customers. Bahrain has been supportive throughout the set-up process, and we look forward to benefiting from the kingdoms forward-looking regulations and highly developed financial services sector. We would like to thank the EDB and CBB for their support in this journey. Ali Almudaifa, Chief Business Development at Bahrain EDB said: "We are pleased with G4S decision to expand their operation in Bahrain, this is a reflection of the growth of the financial services sector. -- TradeArabia News Service How do you view the Sharm El-Sheikh summit in light of the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine war? The global energy crisis worsened by the war in Ukraine has seen a dangerous doubling down on fossil fuels. As countries continue to pursue strategies to replace Russian fossil fuels, short-term measures might create long-term fossil fuel dependence and close the window on limiting temperature increases to the targeted 1.5 C [above pre-industrial levels]. We have also seen backsliding in some areas of the private sector namely, around fossil fuels while the most dynamic climate actors in the business world continue to be hampered by obsolete regulatory frameworks, red tape, and harmful subsidies that send the wrong signals to markets. Every government, every business, every investor, every institution must step up with concrete climate actions for net zero. They should not go back to investing in the very thing that led us to climate disasters. Its important that we learn from whats happening, that investment in renewables is vital, and accelerating the transition to renewables and ensuring it is just and inclusive is absolutely vital. Another thing which is clear is that it is absolutely immoral for oil and gas companies to be making record profits from this energy crisis on the backs of the poorest people and communities and at a massive cost to the climate. This is why I have urged all governments to tax these excessive profits and use the funds to support the most vulnerable people through these difficult times. How can we reduce the effects of climate change on developing countries unable to cope with the challenge? First, we need to recognise that developing countries are some of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Two months ago I travelled to Pakistan and witnessed one-third of the country under water with lost lives, lost crops, lost hope. There is no way anyone can argue there is no loss and no damage. And its not just Pakistan. The drought in the Sahel, the rising waters in the Pacific islands and the extreme hurricanes in the Caribbean are all examples of the extremes that are being caused by climate change. The largest historical greenhouse gas emitters in the world have a moral responsibility to support the most vulnerable communities those that have done least to cause the climate crisis. Ive called on all developed economies to tax the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies. Those funds should be re-directed in two ways: to countries suffering loss and damage caused by the climate crisis, and to people struggling with rising food and energy prices. 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 and the litmus test of countries to come together to get results at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh. This is one of the biggest tasks we have at COP27: to rebuild this trust between developed and developing countries. Developed countries need to get serious about the finance that developing countries need. They told us in Glasgow that $100 billion will be delivered in full in 2023. At the COP in Sharm El-Sheikh they need to get concrete on its delivery and ensure that those who need funding most can access it. We also need to see evidence of how they will double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion by 2025, as set out in the Glasgow Pact last year, and pledges made to fill the Adaptation Fund. This must be just a starting point. We know adaptation funding needs are set to rise to at least $340 billion annually. How can the UN bridge the gap between the US and China and encourage them to cooperate in reducing carbon dioxide emissions given that, together, they are the source of 40 per cent of emissions? At COP27, all countries must show the world that they are in this fight, and that they are in it together. My strong appeal here to everyone is to put aside all the geopolitical divides, to put aside all the difficulties, and to come to Egypt ready to work in the safe space provided by the UN. As the worlds two largest-emitting countries, of course the US and China must play a leadership role and work together. We have seen this is possible in the past and we must see it again. But no two countries no matter how large can overcome this global climate crisis alone. We need all countries, and indeed all companies, investors, cities, and regions, to step up climate action. What efforts is the UN making to settle the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in order to spare the world the catastrophe of nuclear weapons being used? I have repeatedly expressed grave concern regarding the threat or any possibility of the use of nuclear weapons, including in the context of the war in Ukraine. Such dangerous rhetoric is totally unacceptable and must end. All states must take the nuclear option off the table for good. How can the UN face global challenges such as nuclear terrorism and the rapid spread of infectious diseases? I have pushed for collective solutions to the shared problems we face, such as the unified response the international community forged in the fight against the spread of Covid-19. Effective multilateralism is the only way of solving problems that truly have no borders. It is vital that every member state of the United Nations recommits itself to multilateralism. What are the prospects for settling current crises in Libya, Yemen, and Syria? With the right amount of political will, these crises can be solved and have to be solved for the sake of people who have suffered for too long. In Libya, Yemen, and Syria my special representatives are at work with the parties and with the key involved nations to broker long-lasting peace. In Libya, we have a new special representative, Abdoulaye Bathily, who is working to help unify national institutions and move forward to elections as soon as possible. In Yemen, Special Envoy Hans Grundberg is working with all the parties to extend the earlier truce and progress towards a lasting peace agreement. The calm we have seen in the last few months has already benefited many civilians in Yemen. And in Syria, Geir Pedersen, the UN special envoy, continues to work with all sides to push for a resumption of constitutional talks. Only a political solution will solve this conflict. In the meantime, we continue delivering life-saving humanitarian aid to millions of Syrian men, women, and children through cross-border and cross-line operations. Why has the Palestinian cause dropped from international priorities? The Palestinian cause has never fallen from the UNs priorities. We continue to channel our energies towards a two-state solution for the people of Israel and Palestine. I underscore the UNs commitment to work with Israelis and Palestinians to return to meaningful negotiations to end the occupation. My special coordinator, Tor Wennesland, continues to work with the parties to bring them back to meaningful negotiations. The United Nations remains actively engaged with all relevant parties and is committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict by ending the occupation and realise a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 lines, in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and bilateral agreements. Meanwhile, we have on the ground the biggest operational UN agency in the world, UNRWA. The agency has been working on the ground for more than 70 years and it is a testament to the UNs continued commitment to the plight of Palestinian refugees. Although UNRWA struggles with unprecedented challenges of funding and constraints, our staff on the ground continue to deliver assistance and provide education and health services. Its a lifeline to many refugees, especially in the Gaza Strip where a 15-year blockade is ongoing, restricting peoples movement and access to jobs and livelihoods. We have to continue supporting UNRWA and the Palestinian refugees until a just solution is found to their plight. How do you see the agreement on the demarcation of the borders between Lebanon and Israel and the formation of a new government in Iraq? I welcome the signing of the historic agreement to delineate the maritime boundary between Lebanon and Israel. It can serve as a confidence-building measure that promotes security and stability in the region and provides economic benefits for both Lebanon, Israel, and the wider region. I have welcomed the formation of a new government in Iraq, led by Prime Minister Mohamed S. Al-Sudani. I urge the new government to deliver on the long-standing demands of the people of Iraq for reform, accountability and a better future. We have a strong political mission in Iraq and I can tell you that we remain fully committed to supporting the government and people of Iraq. *A version of this article appears in print in the 10 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi asserted Egypts aspirations to increase cooperation with France especially in fields of transportation and manufacturing of electric cars. The president said that Egypt looks forward to exchanging views with France, particularly on issues of food and energy security. El-Sisi made his remarks in a meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) currently held in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. For his part, Macron expressed appreciation of Egypt, praising the close and deep bonds between Cairo and Paris. Moreover, he hailed the recent and unprecedented momentum in relations between the two countries in various fields, especially in the economic and commercial fields. The French president also praised Egypt's remarkable success in organising a huge global event of the scale of the climate summit. He asserted France's keenness on cooperating with Egypt as one of France's most important partners in the region. He also praised Egypt's role in the stability of the Middle East, the Mediterranean region and the African continent. The meeting also tackled consultations on a number of regional and international issues of common interest, especially the developments in Libya and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday discussed with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ways to boost German investments in Egypt, especially in the fields of technology localisation, industry and energy like green hydrogen, the Egyptian presidency announced. The two met on the sidelines of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) being held in the Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh through 18 November. According to the Egyptian presidency, Scholz asserted that Germany is keen to support Egypt's promising measures to achieve comprehensive development. The two leaders also met Monday to discuss the latest regional and international developments of common interest in addition to the joint efforts of both countries to support climate action internationally. According to previous statements by Egyptian officials, the volume of trade exchange between the two countries totalled 5.1 billion Euros in 2021, with German investments in Egypt amounting to about 2.9 billion euros Search Keywords: Short link: Number of children affected by flooding in Chad, Gambia, Pakistan and north-east Bangladesh highest in over 30 years. As COP27 gets underway in Egypt, UNICEF warns this year has brought overwhelming flooding to at least 27.7 million children in 27 countries worldwide. A large majority of the 27.7 million children affected by flooding in 2022 are among the most vulnerable and are at high risk of a multitude of threats including death by drowning, disease outbreaks, lack of safe drinking water, malnutrition, disruption in learning, and violence. We are seeing unprecedented levels of flooding all around the world this year, and with it, an explosion in threats to children, said Paloma Escudero, head of the UNICEF delegation for COP27. The climate crisis is here. In many places, the flooding is the worst it has been in a generation or several. Our children are already suffering at a scale their parents never did. She added. The aftermath of floods is often more deadly for children than the extreme weather events that caused the flooding. In 2022, floods have contributed to the increased spread of major killers of children, such as malnutrition, malaria, cholera and diarrhea. In Pakistan, more than 1 in 9 children under five admitted to health facilities in flood-affected areas of Sindh and Balochistan were found to be suffering from severe acute malnutrition. In Chad, 465,030 hectares of farmland were destroyed, worsening the already dire food insecurity situation. In Malawi, torrential rains and flooding by tropical storm Ana in January 2022 caused extensive damage to water and sanitation systems, which created the perfect conditions for a cholera outbreak. The outbreak has claimed the lives of 203 people, out of which 28 are children. To date, 1,631 children have been infected with cholera. Together with other climate shocks and conflict, floods have caused the projected number of children in South Sudan to face high levels of food insecurity to surpass the rates seen during the conflict in 2013 and 2016. Additionally, the United Nations recently warned that some communities are likely to face starvation if humanitarian assistance is not sustained and climate adaptation measures are not scaled-up. In addition to threatening the lives of millions of children, the flood waters have disrupted essential services and displaced countless families. The recent floods in Pakistan damaged or destroyed nearly 27,000 school buildings, forcing 2 million children to miss school. In South Sudan, 95 UNICEF-supported nutrition sites have been affected by floods, hampering the delivery of life-saving and preventative malnutrition services for 92,000 children. An estimated 840,000 children were displaced by floods in Nigeria in recent months. Heavy rains and flooding in Yemen triggered floods causing extensive damage to shelters in displacement sites. Up to 73,854 households were affected, and 24,000 households were displaced. COP27 provides an opportunity to chart a credible roadmap with clear milestones for finance for climate adaptation and solutions for loss and damage, said Paloma Escudero. Young people from the most affected places on Earth are drowning in climate inaction. Enough is enough. Lives are on the line children need action now. She added. As well as pressing governments and big businesses to rapidly reduce emissions, UNICEF urges leaders to take immediate action to protect children from climate devastation by adapting the critical social services they rely on. Adaptation measures, like creating water, health and education systems that stand up to flooding and drought, will save lives. Last year, developed countries agreed to double support for adaptation to $40 billion a year by 2025. At COP27, they must present a credible roadmap with clear milestones on how this will be delivered, as a step to delivering at least $300bn per year for adaptation by 2030. At least half of all climate finance should flow towards adaptation. UNICEF also urges parties to find solutions to support those who will face climate losses and damages beyond the limits of what communities can adapt to. UNICEF is calling on governments to close the financial gap for addressing these irreversible changes for children. At COP27, UNICEF calls on all parties to: PREVENT. Revisit their national climate plans to cut emissions drastically and urgently to prevent a climate catastrophe. PROTECT. Secure clear action on adaptation that protects every child from the accelerating impacts of climate change through the Global Stocktake and Global Goal on Adaptation PREPARE. Advance climate change education and meaningful participation to prepare children and youth through the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) Action Plan PRIORITIZE. children and youth by accelerating climate finance investment in climate-resilient social services that reach the most at-risk children, and unlock progress on loss and damage Commit to child-sensitive climate action by aligning with and operationalizing the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action UNICEFs immediate humanitarian response to flood-affected countries is wide-ranging across all sectors: health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), child protection, and education. A lack of funding, however, has hampered the response in many countries. For instance, the funding gap for the humanitarian response in Pakistan currently stands at 85 per cent. UNICEF is working to strengthen the resilience of communities and health infrastructure to withstand disaster-related hazards, and increasingly linking our work on humanitarian response and longer-term climate adaptation. Search Keywords: Short link: President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre launched on Tuesday the first phase of a project to establish a major green hydrogen plant with a capacity to produce 100 MW in Egypt's Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea. The Egyptian president announced the launch of the Egyptian-Norwegian project during a roundtable that he co-chaired with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz titled "Investing in the Future of Energy: Green Hydrogen" as part of the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) being held in Sharm El-Sheikh. El-Sisi hailed the project, which will be implemented in cooperation with the Norwegian energy giant Scatec, saying it provides "a practical model of investment partnership that stimulates sustainable economic development with a focus on the role of the national and foreign private sector besides the government's role, working side by side in this fruitful sector." Scatec has been a major developer at Egypt's massive Benban solar park in Upper Egypt's Aswan, one of the largest solar parks worldwide with a total capacity of 1.8 GW. There will be an opportunity later Tuesday to get acquainted with all aspects of the project through the companies that are implementing the plant, El-Sisi noted. Egyptian-Belgian hydrogen project Also during the roundtable, El-Sisi unveiled a new Egyptian-Belgian green hydrogen initiative which he co-sponsored with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. The initiative will establish a permanent platform for dialogue between hydrogen-producing and hydrogen-consuming countries as well as the private sector, organisations and financial institutions operating in this field. El-Sisi said he would launch the initiative along with the Belgian premier Tuesday. The initiative will seek to coordinate policies and measures and create trade and investment routes in green hydrogen in a way that helps expedite a just energy transition, according to El-Sisi. Green hydrogen has become one of the most important solutions on the way toward a green economy during the coming years," the Egyptian president said. However, he stressed that developing countries cannot yet benefit from the opportunities provided by the transition toward green hydrogen due to their lack of technological capabilities in this new field, absence of required infrastructure and shortages in required investment. He noted that even in the few cases in which developing countries, including Egypt, are capable of taking a step into the green hydrogen field, they still have to face challenges resulting from the tendency of some countries to back local green hydrogen producers in a way that decreases their production cost. "This causes imbalance in the global hydrogen market and contributes to undermining the competitiveness of the green hydrogen produced in developing countries compared to the developed countries," the president added. Speaking during the roundtable, Scholz said green hydrogen is the key to decarbonise the worlds economies, especially for hard-to-electrify sectors such as steel production, the chemical industry, heavy shipping and aviation. "COP27 is a good opportunity to demonstrate development to date in both the renewable energy and green hydrogen ramp-ups and discuss ways forward," Scholz stated. He added that the Middle East and North Africa have a great potential to become significant suppliers of green hydrogen because of their independent resources for renewable energy and their proximity to open markets. Egypt's green hydrogen strategy Egypt has announced that it will launch its national strategy for green hydrogen production during COP27 with a vision to produce green hydrogen at the cheapest price worldwide. The strategy, implemented in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Arab Union for Sustainable Development and Environment (AUSDE), seeks to help Egypt contribute to eight percent of the global hydrogen market, Egypt's cabinet said in a statement on Saturday. Egypt has signed numerous memoranda of understanding (MoU) on hydrogen and green ammonia production with international partners over the past year as part of the country's efforts to attract foreign investments into green hydrogen production in order to become a transit route for clean energy to Europe. In March, Egypt and Scatec signed in March an MoU to jointly develop a green hydrogen and ammonia plant with a 100 MW capacity in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) at a cost of $5 billion. The plant will have a production capacity of one million tons annually with the potential to expand it up to three million tons, the cabinet has said. The project, which is expected to start production in 2025, will mainly export green ammonia to European and Asian markets, according to a statement by Scatec on 10 March. The MoU was signed by the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), The Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE), the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) from the Egyptian side. Egypt has been one of the first countries to early recognise the available opportunities in the green hydrogen field based on its massive potential in producing clean energy, El-Sisi said during the roundtable. He noted that this potential will enable Egypt to turn into an international hub for producing green hydrogen on the medium and long terms. Search Keywords: Short link: A group of small island nations joined calls on Tuesday for a windfall tax on oil companies to compensate developing countries for the damage caused by climate change-induced natural disasters. Developing nations have pressed their case at the UN's COP27 climate summit in Egypt for the creation of a "loss and damage" fund, arguing that rich nations are to blame for the biggest share of greenhouse gas emissions. Oil companies have scored tens of billions of dollars in profits this year as crude prices have soared in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "It is about time that these companies are made to pay a global COP carbon tax on these profits as a source of funding for loss and damage," the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, told fellow leaders at the summit in the seaside resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. "While they are profiting, the planet is burning," said Browne, who was speaking on behalf of the 39-nation Alliance of Small Island States, many of whose very existence is threatened by rising sea levels and increasingly intense tropical storms. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley called Monday for a 10 percent tax on oil companies to fund loss and damage. The contentious issue of loss and damage was added to the COP27 agenda after intense negotiations. The United States and European Union have dragged their feet on the issue in the past, fearful of creating an open-ended reparations regime. Browne acknowledged that the adoption of the agenda was "just one step" in the process, which gives a two-year space to negotiate. "We look forward to the establishment and officialisation of the fund by 2024," he said. Browne also said a group of four island nations had registered a commission with the UN to "explore the responsibility of states for injuries arising from their climate actions and breaches in the obligations". "As small countries, this is a new dynamic pathway of justice where the polluter pays," he said. Browne said small island states "will fight unrelentingly this climate crisis, and this includes fighting in the international courts and under international law". Search Keywords: Short link: Congolese fighter jets began bombing rebel targets Tuesday in the country's embattled east, escalating its fight against the M23 group that the government alleges has been advancing with help from neighboring Rwanda. Jean Claude Bambaze, president of Rutshuru's civil society, told The Associated Press that aerial bombardments were reported in the villages of Chanzu and Musungati, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Rutshuru. "We are seeing the comings and goings of Congolese warplanes," he said. "We call on the Congolese government to finish quickly with this M23 affair, because people have already fled their homes and others are confined in camps without humanitarian assistance." There was no immediate confirmation or comment from the Congolese military on the reported aerial bombardments. However, M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka accused the army of attacking heavily populated areas and "trampling on the call for dialogue." "This warmongering option is counterproductive and puts the lives of many citizens in the areas under our control in extreme danger and exacerbates the humanitarian situation in the region," Kanyuka said in a statement. Neighboring Rwanda has long denied providing support to the M23, which re-emerged a year ago after being mostly dormant for a decade. The rebel group has rapidly advanced in recent weeks, doubling the amount of territory it controls. In a show of force, Congo's military began training some 3,000 new recruits on Monday in Goma. Search Keywords: Short link: The US ambassador to the United Nations reassured Ukrainian farmers Tuesday that extending a wartime deal to facilitate Black Sea shipments of Ukrainian grain and other commodities is a priority for the UN. The agreement, which Russia and Ukraine signed separately with the UN and Turkey, is set to expire on Nov. 19. A Russian diplomat on Tuesday cited Moscow's dissatisfaction with its implementation. Speaking to farmers and reporters at a grain storage facility in Kyiv. US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said she saw Ukraine "as the breadbasket of the world.`` "This (war) really has had an impact on the entire global food market that you are not able to get your grains out,'' Thomas-Greenfield said. Russia briefly suspended its participation in the deal last week, alleging a Ukrainian drone attack on its Black Sea fleet in Crimea on Oct. 29. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the attack. Ukraine and Russia both are major global exporters of wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other products, and the war has caused shortages and fueled worries of a hunger crisis in poorer nations. Russia's deputy foreign minister, Andrey Rudenko, said Tuesday that the Kremlin has not yet decided whether to extend its agreement with Turkey and the UN. "We still have time. We are looking at how this deal is being implemented following the restoration of our participation," Rudenko said. "We are very dissatisfied with how the Russian part is being implemented, where the UN has taken responsibility for solving problems.'' Russia and Ukraine signed separate agreements on July 22 for a Black Sea corridor that cleared the way for the export of grain out of three Ukrainian ports, as well as for shipments of Russian grain and fertilizer. The deal, which established an inspection and monitoring system so cargo ships could travel safely, will expire next week unless it is renewed. Russia's UN representatives said last month that a renewed agreement must allow for increased Russian exports of food and fertilizer. Although international sanctions did not target those goods, shipping and insurance companies have been reluctant to deal with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Rudenko said Moscow "has not yet seen progress'' in the implementation of the deal's provisions regarding Russian food and fertilizer. He said "all factors will be considered'' by Moscow as it mulls whether to approve an extension. Ukrainian farmers told Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador, they wanted milled wheat to be part of any renewed deal. Currently, only unmilled grains are covered. Sergii Kurdytskyi, executive director for Gospodar, a grain and dairy cooperative, told The Associated Press that production and market confidence would suffer if the deal does not continue. The grain initiative was a rare example of cooperation between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian ports were blockaded and mined early in the war, but more than 10 million tons of grain have left the Ukrainian ports for destinations in Africa, Asia and Europe since the Black Sea corridor was established in July. Ukraine's infrastructure minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, wrote on Twitter that seven more ships were scheduled to berth in one of the three ports Tuesday, to be loaded with an additional 140,000 tons of grain. Deputy Infrastructure Minister Yuri Vaskov alleged that Russia has slowed the pace of shipments, first by suspending its participation in the deal and now by slowing the number of inspections. "Today we have returned to the same problems. Joint inspections have resumed. All four parties participate in the inspection. But now they are planned on average only 12 per day, of which eight or nine are actually completed," Vaslov told Ukrainian news outlet LIGA.net. "At the same time, the need is 25-30 per day.'' According to the Joint Coordination Center (JCC), the Turkey-based body established under the deal to oversee the inspections of participating ships for weapons, 77 vessels were awaiting permission to enter the Ukrainian ports, while 15 ships loaded with foodstuffs were preparing for checks in Turkish territorial waters. Search Keywords: Short link: The International Criminal Court's (ICC) chief prosecutor has met families of victims of alleged killings by a notorious militia at the site of mass graves in western Libya. Near the town of Tarhuna, southeast of Tripoli, Karim Khan inspected mass graves on Monday at a landfill and a local farm where dozens of bodies have been discovered since the summer of 2020. Khan later told victims' relatives of "his commitment to accelerate work in the Libya situation", the ICC said Tuesday on Twitter. Khan arrived in Tripoli on Saturday and is the first ICC prosecutor to visit Libya in a decade. The visit included talks with several Libyan officials, including Presidential Council head Mohamed el-Manfi, Justice Minister Halima Ibrahim and the military prosecutor. On Wednesday, Khan is scheduled to brief the UN Security Council on the situation in Libya, the ICC said. More than 270 bodies have so far been discovered in mass graves around Tarhuna by international teams. The first mass graves were discovered in June 2020, following the withdrawal of forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, a strongman from eastern Libya who led an abortive campaign to capture the capital Tripoli between April 2019 and June 2020. But the abuses began in 2015 when the town fell into the hands of a particularly violent local militia, known as the Kaniyat. The ICC has a long history of investigating crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Libya, as well as human rights violations suffered by migrants. Before taking over as the ICC's lead prosecutor, Karim Khan defended Seif al-Islam Kadhafi, son of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi, whose arrest the ICC is seeking for "crimes against humanity". Libya descended into chaos following the NATO-backed revolt that brought down Kadhafi's regime in 2011 -- with rival administrations based in east and west and a myriad of armed militias and foreign mercenaries scattered across the country. Search Keywords: Short link: Italys new far-right-led government has blocked humanitarian rescue ships from accessing its ports, resulting in a standoff with charities that patrol the deadly central Mediterranean, rescuing people in trouble at sea. Nongovernmental organizations, as well as human rights and international law experts, say vessels are legally required to rescue people in distress and coastal nations are required to provide a place of safety for them to disembark. Italy claims the flag countries of the ships are responsible for taking on the migrants and that charity vessels just encourage people-smuggling. Here are some of the issues behind the standoff: What Is Going On Now In The Mediterranean? Two charity rescue boats that entered Italian waters this weekend were directed to the Sicilian port of Catania, where Italian authorities allowed the disembarkation only of migrants it deemed vulnerable, families with children, unaccompanied minors and people needing medical care. Those boats are now refusing to leave until the rest of the migrants are allowed to get off as well, but Italy is not budging. A third charity ship, carrying 89 people rescued at sea, unloaded all of the people it rescued in Calabria on Tuesday. The reason for the different treatment was not immediately apparent. A fourth boat remains in international waters for the 17th day with 234 people on board, its requests for a safe port unanswered. What Is Italy's Far-Right-Led Government Saying About Rescues? Italy says it is not responsible for taking on migrants rescued by charity rescue ships. It says that responsibility falls to the countries whose flag the ships fly. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi described the ships as islands and anyone on them as falling under the jurisdiction of the flag countries. Humanitarian groups, maritime legal experts and human rights activists all reject that interpretation of a flag states jurisdiction. Italys new far-right-led government paved the way to closing its ports to private rescue ships by telling port authorities that two of the ships, the Ocean Viking and the Humanity 1, did not follow European norms while carrying out rescues. Piantedosi claimed they did not await instruction by search and rescue authorities. The groups have denied the claim, saying they followed correct protocols to inform the authorities, in Italy, Malta or Libya, depending on the search-and-rescue area, once a boat in difficulty has been identified. Often, they say, national authorities never answer their calls for help. How Have Past Italian Governments Handled Rescues At Sea? The new governments confrontational posture is reminiscent of the standoffs orchestrated by Matteo Salvini when he was briefly interior minister from 2018-19. Salvinis refusal to open ports resulted in ships having to travel to France or Spain to disembark migrants, adding up to three days to the migrants journeys. A German captain, Carola Rackete, famously defied Salvini and entered an Italian port despite orders not to, citing an emergency situation on board. Salvini, who is infrastructure minister in charge of ports in the new government, is facing trial on charges of kidnapping for refusing to let the Spanish migrant rescue ship Open Arms dock in an Italian port in 2019. Another case against him has been dismissed. Other Italian governments have delayed ships arrivals to get agreements with other European Union countries to take migrants before they land, or conducted inspections that the charity groups argue seek to prevent them from conducting rescues. What Does International Law Say? Article 98 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea requires every shipmaster to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost. Charity ships say rescuing migrants from flimsy, unseaworthy smuggling boats, or in many cases straight from the water, is their legal obligation. International Maritime Law also requires coastal states to run adequate search and rescue services, including by cooperating with other nations in the same region during rescues. Rescues are only considered complete after survivors are disembarked to the nearest place of safety, to be assigned by the maritime authority in charge of search-and-rescue coordination. But NGOs say their requests for a place of safety in the Mediterranean Sea are increasingly delayed, ignored or denied by both Italy and Malta. What's the Problem With Libya? Libya, with European support, is responsible for a massive search-and-rescue area in the Central Mediterranean since 2018. But human rights activists and maritime law experts say the war-torn country, currently lacking a central government, cannot adequately and safely perform search and rescue missions. People smugglers have also been linked to members of the Libyan coast guard in charge of interceptions at sea. UN agencies say that Libya cannot be considered a place of safety for the disembarkation of people rescued at sea, due to the inhumane conditions at the detention centers they are returned to. Many migrants and refugees have spoken of enduring horrific abuses in Libya, including beatings, rape and killings. Despite millions spent by the EU to improve conditions, little has changed. How Many Migrants Have NGO Vessels Rescured? The International Organization for Migration says charity ship rescues accounted for only 15% of the 88,000 migrants who have reached Italy by sea so far this year. Most arrived on their own, or were rescued by the Italian Coast Guard or other national rescue ships. But many dont survive the dangerous crossing, with some 1,300 migrants dying or missing in the Central Mediterranean this year, according to the IOMs missing migrants project. Although the number of arrivals is far below the peak of 2016 when 180,000 people arrived on Italian shores, the death rate remains high. Non-governmental groups say they are needed in the Mediterranean, the deadliest known migration route in the world, to fill the rescue gap left by European countries who have increasingly relied on North African nations to stop migrants from crossing. Search Keywords: Short link: Roshn, a national community developer fully owned company by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced the launch of sales of 2,171 residential units within the second phase of its landmark project, Sedra, in Riyadh. The opening of sales for Sedra Phase Two follows the successful roll-out of the first phase, where brisk sales demonstrated the market demand for Roshns concept of integrated neighbourhoods packed with amenities that support a well-balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. A leading national real estate developer bringing new, integrated modes of living to Saudi Arabia, Roshn said Sedras second phase reinforces its guiding principle of sustainability, bringing nature to the heart of the community - with pedestrian paths and slow mobility lanes on both sides. Speaking at the official launch, Group CEO David Grover said: "Were proud at Roshn to deliver products that contribute to better quality of life for the Saudi citizens. The launch of sales for the second phase of Sedra is a vital milestone in our journey to achieving our goal and contributing to the government efforts to increase homeownership in the Kingdom." "As with all Roshn developments, residents of Sedra will benefit from a mix of features that is unique in the market, including a design that blends traditional forms with cutting-edge technology, a network of green and open spaces, a living environment with pedestrian-friendly streets, and long-term maintenance and management frameworks," he stated. The natural environment is further enriched by existing green areas, which is connected to a network of paths and green spaces, noted Grover. "Homes in Sedra are also highly efficient, providing an average 18% reduction in energy costs compared to comparable unit types, as well as a 17% reduction in the cost of water," he added. Sweden's new prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, is meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday in a bid to clinch Turkish approval for his country's bid to join NATO. Sweden and Finland abandoned their longstanding policies of military nonalignment and applied for membership in the military alliance after Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February, fearing that Russian President Vladimir Putin might target them next. But Turkey, which joined NATO in 1952, has been holding off on endorsing their bids, accusing Sweden _ and to a lesser degree Finland _ of ignoring Ankara's security concerns. Erdogan's government is pressing the two countries to crack down on individuals it considers terrorists, including supporters of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party and people suspected of orchestrating a failed 2016 coup in Turkey. Turkey also has called for the lifting of an arms embargo imposed following its 2019 incursion into northern Syria to combat Kurdish militants. Sweden last month said it would lift the embargo, a step seen as aiming to secure Ankara's approval. Kristersson is scheduled to hold talks with Erdogan at the Turkish presidential palace complex following an official welcoming ceremony. Ahead of his visit, Kristersson wrote on Facebook on Monday that ``we will do significantly more in Sweden through new legislation that provides completely new opportunities to stop participation in terrorist organizations.'' Sweden would also support NATO's counter-terrorism fund to support the alliance's ability to fight terrorism, Kristersson wrote. All 30 NATO member countries must officially ratify the accession protocol for Finland and Sweden to join the alliance. Only the parliaments of Turkey and Hungary have yet to do so. Last week, the NATO Secretary-General traveled to Turkey and urged the country to set aside its reservations over Finland and Sweden, insisting that the Nordic neighbors had done enough to satisfy Ankara's concerns. Turkish officials have said the two countries would join only after Turkey's demands, agreed in a joint memorandun, are fulfilled. The 10-article memorandum was unveiled ahead of a NATO summit in June after Turkey had threatened for weeks to veto Sweden and Finland's applications. Search Keywords: Short link: The EU on Tuesday extended its sanctions on Myanmar's junta, targeting 19 more individuals and entities including a minister and a chief justice. The measures against Myanmar were announced by the European Council because of "the continuing escalation of violence and grave human rights violations following the military takeover two years ago". It was the fifth package of EU sanctions on the southeast Asian country, under military rule since 2020 when the military staged a coup against a civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, now in prison on corruption charges judged spurious by Europe. Myanmar has been in turmoil under the junta, which faces widespread armed resistance and has responded with a brutal crackdown. A local rights group says 2,300 people have been killed in the past two years, and the UN children's agency estimates that one million people have been displaced. The latest sanctions target Myanmar's minister of investment and foreign economic relations, Kan Zaw, the supreme court chief justice Htun Htun Oo, and high-ranking military officials. Also listed were election commission officials and business people representing firms linked to the junta. In total, 84 individuals and 11 entities in Myanmar now fall under the EU sanctions, which include visa bans and the freezing of assets in the European Union. Previous sanctions maintained include an embargo on weapons and on equipment that can be used to spy on communications. "The EU is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation of violence and the evolution towards a protracted conflict which has spread across the country and has regional implications," the European Council said in a statement. It added that it would do everything possible to bring to justice those responsible for "human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity" in the wake of the coup. Search Keywords: Short link: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) released $5.5 million as a new tranche financing to TAQA PV for Solar Energy, TAQA Arabias renewable energy subsidiary, under its existing facility for green private-to-private projects, the EBRD announced on the sidelines ofthe COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh on Tuesday. The EBRD said that such an action will promote the expansion of renewable energy in Egypt. The new funding comprises a $4.95 million loan from the EBRD and a $550,000 concessional loan from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to finance the construction and operation of a seven Mwp (megawatt peak) solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Minya governorate. The project will sell all of its electrical output to ASCOM Carbonate and Chemical Manufacturing (ACCM) under a 25-year power purchase agreement. The bank said that this tranche follows an initial $4.2 million loan extended in December 2020 to finance the construction and operation of a six MWp solar PV power plant at Dina Farms in the Beheira governorate. This plant was the first private-to-private renewable energy project financed by the EBRD in Egypt, it said, adding that the powerplant enables Dina Farms, the largest dairy farm in Africa, to use clean energy for some of its energy consumption. These investments contribute to the ongoing energy transition in Egypt, host of the COP27 global climate summit, by supporting the growth of renewable energy. The Egyptian government aims to raise the national share of electricity generation capacity from renewables from 20 percent in 2022 to 42 percent by 2035. The government has pursued energy diversification and liberalisation by facilitating a market for private renewable energy development in recent years. The expansion of the private-to-private segment is an important milestone in the gradual liberalisation of the Egyptian electricity sector, said the EBRD. Managing Director of the EBRDs Sustainable Infrastructure Group Nandita Parshad stated that such a partnership expansion with TAQA Arabia aims to scale up private renewable energy capacity in Egypt, adding that support for the growing private-to-private segment of renewable energy is critical to accelerate the decarbonisation of the economy and foster green supply chains in Egypt and across the African continent. Pakinam Kafafi, CEO of TAQA Arabia, said that the new plant will contribute to ACCMs efforts to maximise the use of renewable energy resources, reducing its total annual electric power consumption by 16 percent. It gives us great pride to extend our partnership with the EBRD, a development finance institution that focuses on promoting private-to-private, green, sustainable energy projects aimed at developing society and providing a better quality of life, Kafafi added. TAQA PV for Solar Energy is a project company incorporated in Egypt for the purposes of developing the private-to-private renewable energy business of TAQA Arabia SAE, an Egyptian joint stock company. This project falls under the EBRDs Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Private Renewable Energy Framework (SPREF), which supports the development and financing of innovative business models and the mobilisation of private finance for renewable energy projects in the southern and eastern Mediterranean. The framework is supported by the Global Environment Facility and the Clean Technology Fund. SPREF also comes under the umbrella of the Regional Dialogue Platform on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, created by the Union for the Mediterranean to promote the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in energy generation, transmission, distribution and end use. To date, the EBRD has invested more than 10.3 billion in 154 projects in Egypt across the financial, agribusiness, manufacturing and services sectors, as well as infrastructure projects in areas including power, municipal water and wastewater services and transport sectors. Search Keywords: Short link: The World Bank Group (WBG) announced Tuesday a new multi-partner fund that will pool funding from the global community including donor countries, the private sector and foundations for scalable pathways to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new fund was announced in tandem with the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) being held in the Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh through 18 November. The Scaling Climate Action by Lowering Emissions (SCALE) partnership will provide grants for verifiable emissions reductions and expand the funding sources for global public goods, according to the WBG. Climate finance needs major new mechanisms that pool funding from the global community to accomplish actual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across the developing world. SCALE offers a key non-fragmented avenue for the global community to take action on climate change, said WBG President David Malpass. Malpass added that the verifiable emission reductions created by SCALE and similar mechanisms will also be an important step toward building effective carbon credit markets. SCALE will deploy results-based climate finance where countries receive grant payments for achieving pre-agreed, verifiable results, drawing on twenty years of WBG experience in this area. It will also support countries to build a track record of generating emission reductions from impactful programs and policies that they can apply toward their national emission reduction targets, as well as yielding excess credits that can be offered in carbon markets with the potential to unlock additional private sector funding. Such a mechanism will also pool public and private resources to channel additional funding to middle and low-income countries emission reduction programmes, help bridge the gap between the supply of and demand for high-quality emission reduction credits by supporting large-scale climate investments and help countries develop high integrity credits and enhance their access to international carbon markets. Social inclusion is embedded in the design of all SCALE programs. An associated fund within the SCALE umbrella Enabling Access to Benefits while Lowering Emissions (EnABLE) enhances the inclusion of marginalised communities and indigenous peoples in programs under the partnership through specially designed benefit sharing arrangements, according to the WBG. Search Keywords: Short link: On Sunday, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi along with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, inaugurated COP27. Addressing the two-day high-level segment of the event, Al-Sisi said the peoples of the world expect leaders meeting at COP27 to take real and concrete steps towards reducing emissions, enhancing adaptation to the consequences of climate change, and providing the necessary financing for developing countries that suffer the most from the current climate crisis. Guterres warned that we are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator. While acknowledging the toll the war on Ukraine was taking on international decision-making, the UN secretary-general warned that climate change is on a different timeline, and a different scale; it is the defining issue of our age. Inger Andersen, the executive director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), said that while countries committed to updating their climate pledges to deliver far greater emissions cuts during COP26 last year in Glasgow, a recent UNEP report shows that progress is slow and we need to kickstart a system-wide transformation now. We need a root-and-branch redesign of the electricity sector, of the transport sector, of the building sector, and of food systems. And we need to reform financial systems to cut 45 per cent off emissions by 2030, Andersen said. COP27 needs to be about implementation, about action and about putting finance on the table so we can protect the worlds poorest and most vulnerable. As negotiators work their way through the final agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh, things are far from straightforward. According to one Egyptian negotiator, the extent of developed countries willingness to commit financially remains unclear. The $100 billion budget that was agreed in 2009 and was due for full delivery in 2020 seems unlikely to be honoured this year. Finance for projects to cut down on emissions and embrace green choices, and a loss and damage mechanism to compensate some of the worlds poorest countries for the climate change damage they have already sustained are also unresolved. As a senior Southeast Asia negotiator put it in the lead-up to COP27: While our countries are being inundated with floods, hit by sandstorms and suffering drought, the West is moving on with its industrial plans with no worries about what is happening to us. Worse still, Western states are not prioritising allocations for the management of the impact of their emissions on poorer countries. It is not enough for these countries to adopt projects that help themselves to gradually cut emissions. They also need to finance our countries to find ways to adapt to current and future impacts. Between COP26 and COP27, 55 vulnerable countries estimated that their combined climate-linked losses over the last two decades total $525 billion, an amount equal to 20 per cent of their collective GDP. Without prompt action on loss and damage, it is estimated that by 2030 the collective losses of these same countries could reach $580 billion per year. Addressing COP27 on Sunday, Kenyan President William Ruto, chair of the Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change, said millions of Africans were already caught in a living nightmare. Rutos statement represented an appeal for urgent help that was echoed by other African leaders. In the preparatory talks leading to COP27, Egypt and other African countries repeatedly underlined the impacts they face due to water stress, persistent droughts, and devastating floods which are having a profound effect on African communities, economies, and ecosystems. Ahmed Al-Droubi, campaigns manager at Greenpeace MENA, said developed countries have been resisting language that acknowledges their long-term responsibility for the damage sustained by poorer countries due to climate change, or agree on a legally binding commitment to make up for the colossal damage inflicted on developing and least developed countries. While it was a breakthrough that the concept of loss and damage actually made it onto the COP27 agenda, Al-Droubi said what was urgently needed was to establish a mechanism for loss and damage funding this year, or at least a complete agreement in principle which can then be activated in the next two years. African Climate Movement-of-Movements facilitator and Dont Gas Africa facilitator Lorraine Chiponda argued that there is an urgent need for a follow up mechanism that guarantees the implementation of whatever loss and damage agreement is passed at COP27. Such a mechanism, she said, must be based on the principles of equity and justice. Last year, noted Chiponda, the Just Energy Transition Partnership provided for South Africa left funding details vague and we still dont know if we are talking about a loan or about a grant. Mahmoud Fathallah, head of the Environment Affairs Department at the Arab League, says Somalia provides an example of what climate change means in economic and political terms. We are talking about a country which has suffered three successive years of drought and whose population now faces famine, he said. The situation, adds Fathallah, is almost as dire in some other Arab countries which are facing the looming threat of desertification, Iraq being one example. The loss sustained by the citizens of these countries is tremendous, he said. In meetings over the last year, Arab League environment ministers and experts have repeatedly warned that their countries face climate change complications compounded by inadequate resources, large populations and current and projected causes of instability. Facing such challenges, and with funding still elusive, it is very difficult for their governments to find ways to move fast and firmly cut emissions. The role of non-state bodies in working side-by-side with governments to reduce global warming has also received attention. On Tuesday, the High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities released a report in Sharm El-Sheikh. It criticised greenwashing exercises and weak net zero pledges that threaten to undermine global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Catherine McKenna, chair of the group, said the report calls on non-state entities to commit to immediate reductions in absolute emissions across the value chain, with short-, medium- and long-term scientifically based targets. She stressed that detailed transition plans must show immediate emission reductions, and capital expenditures must be aligned with these targets and the non-state actors net zero pathway. On a non-governmental level the call has been basic: action now and not later because later, even if only a little later, is perhaps too late. The next COP is always the most important is a saying climate activists often use to mock the lack of commitment on the part of governmental and non-governmental parties when it comes to pledges and timetabled action plans. In Sharm El-Sheikh this week activists were lobbying hard to make sure that the parties agree concrete targets with specific timelines for implementation to avoid deferring long overdue action to COP28 in the UAE. Additional reporting by Mohamed El-Kazaz and Hind El-Sayyed Hani *A version of this article appears in print in the 10 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Even before the official opening of the UN COP27 Climate Conference at Sharm El-Sheikh on 6 November, a major breakthrough had been achieved after lengthy negotiations by placing the thorny issue of loss and damage on the agenda of the most important world gathering on climate change for the first time. A new measure obliging the worlds wealthy and most polluting countries to face up to their responsibility to combat the real and imminent danger facing humanity if we maintain the current levels of greenhouse-gas emissions. This was a practical translation of the slogan that President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi proposed for this world summit meeting that Egypt is proud to be hosting in his opening speech on Monday. This was the Implementation Summit, he said. Talk about the grave dangers facing the world because of climate change is easy, and so are financial pledges that always fall short by the worlds wealthy nations to help the developing countries confront the immediate effects they are suffering from because of increasing temperatures. Adopting loss and damage as an item on the summit agenda is going to be the real test in the coming years for the worlds wealthiest countries that produce over 90 per cent of greenhouse-gas emissions if they are serious about implementing their pledges. At previous climate summits, the wealthy nations pledged to devote $100 billion annually to helping the developing countries confront the disastrous effects of climate change, with these having been clearly seen in Pakistan, Somalia, and in many other parts of the world. But the worlds top polluters, led by the United States, China, and Europe, have failed to meet this figure from one year to the next. Making things worse for the developing countries has been the fact that part of the pledges aiming to help them invest in renewable energy is offered in the form of loans and not grants, adding more burdens to their already difficult economic situation due to soaring debts and rising poverty and hunger. By insisting that loss and damage must be an item on the summit agenda, Egypt and other African countries are not seeking a legal framework to hold the wealthy nations legally to account, and they are not demanding reparations. Instead, they are seeking to save the world, as was eloquently stated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his opening remarks at the summit. Humanity has a choice: cooperate or perish, Guterres said. It is either a Climate Solidarity Pact or a Collective Suicide Pact, he added. Guterres did not mince his words when he stated that the clock was ticking, with the planet fast approaching tipping points that could make climate chaos irreversible. The UN chief said that we are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator. The pact proposed by the UN would see all countries making extra efforts to reduce emissions, wealthier nations and international financial institutions providing assistance to emerging economies, the end of the dependence on fossil fuels and the building of coal power plants, the provision of sustainable energy for all, and uniting to combine strategy and capacities for the benefit of humankind. Guterres asked governments to tax the windfall profits of the fossil-fuel companies and to redirect the money to people struggling with rising food and energy prices and countries suffering loss and damage caused by the climate crisis. The deadly impacts of climate change are here and now. The loss and damage can no longer be swept under the rug. It is a moral imperative. It is a fundamental question of international solidarity and climate justice. Those who contributed least to the climate crisis are reaping the whirlwind sown by others, he underscored, adding that during the COP27 Conference the worlds leaders must agree on a clear, time-bound roadmap reflective of the scale and urgency of the challenge. President Al-Sisi was no less frank in his warning message and demand for real action. He noted that the world leaders gathered at Sharm El-Sheikh were responsible to their peoples to provide answers to difficult but necessary questions. Are we closer today to achieving our goals than we were a year ago? Have we been able to assume our responsibilities as world leaders in dealing with the most serious and influential issues of the century? The most important question that we should be asking ourselves is: does what we aspire to achieve fall under the scope of possible? Undoubtedly, it is not impossible if there is a genuine will and sincere intention to promote joint climate action and transform the outcomes of our meetings into a tangible reality, Al-Sisi said. While the leaders of the developing countries stressed in their speeches that they should not pay the price for disasters caused by the wealthy nations that are responsible for most greenhouse-gas emissions, Al-Sisi said that future generations should also be spared more damage. He stated that the present generation of world leaders should make a better future for the generations to come, generations that must not bear the consequences of mistakes they have not made. Al-Sisi also won a lot of praise for his personal and emotional call at the end of his remarks to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Environmental activists have been focused on how the ongoing nine-month-old war poses a major challenge to earlier pledges to cut the worlds dependence on fossil fuels. But Al-Sisi rightly noted that the developing countries can no longer bear the heavy cost of the war on their economies. This part of the world in particular was hardly recovering from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic when the war broke out in Ukraine, causing more suffering and damage to local economies. The message from the COP27 Climate Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, known as the City of Peace, is that we urgently need to restore cooperation among the worlds countries in order to solve the problems threatening all humanity, whether climate change or a disastrous war fought between the worlds wealthiest nations without any regard for its devastating effects on the majority of the worlds developing nations. *A version of this article appears in print in the 10 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: This years Arab Summit meeting in Algiers was marked by consensus on a range of issues as a result of changes in the international context. Algeria hosted the 31st Arab Summit on 1-2 November, the first such meeting since the last summit of Arab leaders in Tunisia in 2019. The last three years have altered not only the international scene but also the regional and Arab ones. The Covid-19 pandemic was one main reason for not holding a regular Arab summit meeting on time, but the change of administration in Washington in January 2021 and the emergence of a post-Trump US also altered international relations. The new US administration has sought to build alliances across the globe with the aim of confronting both Russia and China, on the one hand, and of dividing the world into democracies versus autocracies, on the other. It has also sought to make the spread of Western-style democracy and respect for human rights from a unilateral US point of view one of the priorities of US foreign policy. This change of strategy in Washington has had a perceptible impact on Arab-American relations in general and particularly on the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US. To put things differently, this and other changes have altered the overall context of the relations of the Arab world with both the US and the EU. This goes a long way towards shedding light on some of the results of the Algiers Summit and to a large degree explains the consensus among the Arab states meeting in Algiers, something that has not been easily obtained on similar occasions in the past. One clear example is the Arab consensus on the war in Ukraine. The summit rightly adopted an independent and unbiased position in this regard that is different from US and EU policies. It reaffirmed the Arab stance vis-a-vis this war, one which is inspired by the principle of non-alignment and the call for the peaceful resolution of the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The call made in the Algiers Declaration issued at the summit for depoliticising international organisations when dealing with the war in Ukraine was also noteworthy. It is an implicit and polite rejection of the use of the UN on the part of the West as an instrument in the confrontation between the US-led Western alliance and Russia. Another example of the growing gap between the Arab world and the US is the support that the Arab leaders have shown for the OPEC + group decision to cut oil production by two million barrels a day, a Saudi-Russian agreement, that infuriated the US administration and led to calls in the US Congress for retaliatory measures against Saudi Arabia. The Arab support expressed in the Algiers Declaration for full Palestinian membership of the UN also runs counter to the US position. The call in the declaration to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes against the Palestinians in the Occupied Territories will also not be welcome in the West. Another important area of the new Arab consensus deals with Syria. The Algiers Declaration called for a leading collective role that would contribute to the peaceful resolution of the Syrian crisis. The word that stands out here is collective, as previously there had been some disagreements among the Arabs as how to handle the complicated situation in Syria. However, the most important item of Arab consensus in Algiers was understandably the Palestinian question, the two-state solution, and the lifting of the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip. Regarding the situation in Libya, the Arab leaders meeting in Algiers, probably not wanting to contradict fundamental Algerian positions, stuck to general principles that are part of the international consensus on the democratic transition in Libya. Foremost among these is the holding of elections as soon as possible in Libya and for the Libyans to own the solutions that will guarantee the transition. This comes within the framework of Arab solutions to Arab problems, the overall approach taken by the summit. The Arab consensus achieved at the Algiers Summit was the result of the efforts made by the Algerian government to make it a success. It was greatly helped by the new context of international relations based on ever-growing polarisation. It is now incumbent on the Algerian one-year presidency of the Arab Summit to safeguard this consensus until Saudi Arabia convenes the 32nd regular Arab Summit meeting next year according to the provisions of the Arab League Charter. * The writer is former assistant foreign minister. *A version of this article appears in print in the 10 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Tarek Osman writes on Abdel-Rahman Al-Kawakibi, an originally Syrian thinker who spent his last years in Cairo, as part of his series of articles on the makers of modern Egypt Abdel-Rahman Al-Kawakibi lived the last two years of his life in Cairo after having spent the previous 48 years in Aleppo and Antioch in his native Syria. Yet, his brief time in Egypt created his legacy and proved highly significant for Egypts modern culture. Al-Kawakibi came to Cairo fleeing Ottoman limitations on his work. It was in Egypt that he published his magnum opus, The Characteristics of Tyranny and the Killing of Enslavement, a title that rhymes beautifully in the original Arabic. The book contains eight main messages. The first is that the people, and not the ruling elites, are responsible for the oppression they suffer from. In Al-Kawakibis view, the submission to and toleration of injustice gives rise to tyranny. The emergence and establishment of totalitarian political regimes is a bottom-up process built on fear in the prevailing culture. Second, fear is not a superficial emotion stirred by tyranny. Instead, it seeps into a societys collective consciousness as a result of how that societys foundational ideas are perceived. Characteristically courageously, Al-Kawakibi argued that in the Arab and Ottoman East of his time religion was the most important of such foundational ideas in a stark condemnation not only of the religious establishment, but also of centuries-old understandings of religion. Third, tyrannical regimes had learnt from centuries of experience that selective learning is the key to sustaining their rule. This meant promoting the natural sciences but discouraging the social ones and supporting religious studies and encouraging debate about the nature of theology and its application to life but fighting the spread of the humanities and the development of philosophy. For Al-Kawakibi, the social sciences and humanities engender a culture of freedom of thought and expression that is tyrannys nemesis. Fourth, Al-Kawakibi drew a distinction between aiming for glory and seeking glorification. The former stirred ambition, discipline, excellence, and self-control, the ingredients of being of service to oneself and others. The latter led men of ideas and action to become subservient to authority and thus the tools of tyranny. Fifth, Al-Kawakibi also drew a distinction between governing and governance. In his view, without a good measure of the second the first invariably descends into tyranny. The second can also never be sustained without a culture of freedom, and so is a good version of the first. Sixth, he linked a ruling systems quality of governance and a societys political economy with social equality. He saw religion as a primary source of legitimacy for tyrannical systems in the East. Despite coming from a religious background and having been a pious man himself, Al-Kawakibi ferociously attacked the religious establishment of the Ottoman and Arab East of his time for promoting the idea that social inequality was an inherent aspect of the natural and societal order. In his view, this worldview strengthened the corrupt political structures that then dominated the East. Seventh, Al-Kawakibi observed that as tyranny establishes itself in a society and becomes the essence of governing, peoples value systems change. They become more narrowly focused on their own needs and wants and dismissive of those of society as a whole. People become more focused on fleeting pleasures. Frivolity, mediocrity, and coarseness take hold, and people become inimical to attempts to educate and enlighten them. In such situations, the victims of tyranny become its most efficient supporters. Al-Kawakibi thus arrived at his final point: that in societies that are submissive to tyranny the upbringing of children descends into a farce whose main victim is the childrens inner life. Families of different classes become blind to their own mental, intellectual, and emotional afflictions and pass them on to the next generation. For many people at the time, Al-Kawakibi was a new Ibn Khaldoun, the originally Tunisian historian and philosopher of the 14th century CE who is known for his Introduction (Al-Muqaddimah) that is arguably the most important sociological study in history. Indeed, there are similarities between the two mens observations. But unlike Ibn Khaldoun, Al-Kawakibi was not concerned with the spiritual and philosophical aspects of human refinement and social development. This is important, because Ibn Khaldoun, like almost all the serious thinkers of the Islamic (and Greek and Gnostic Christian) schools of thought, considered human refinement and social development to be necessary routes for humanitys progress from matter to spirit, basically humanitys journey back to its divine origin. This did not concern Al-Kawakibi, perhaps making him a lesser philosopher than Ibn Khaldoun. But much more than Ibn Khaldoun he focused on the here and now of his time, being concerned to explain the nature of tyranny and how to overcome it. He saw this as the quintessential struggle of Arab and Ottoman societies at the time. It is at this point that Egypt enters Al-Kawakibis story. He believed that Egypt at the end of the 19th century had three advantages that gave it the opportunity, far more so than all the other countries of the region at the time, to become the centre of illumination for the entire East. Egypts political system was far more permissive and more open to freedom of thought and expression than that of any other Eastern country. Although Al-Kawakibi was not particularly fond of the khedives Ismail or Tawfik, the rulers of Egypt at the time, he thought that the rule of the Mohamed Ali Dynasty had established a balance between different institutions and societal powers and constituencies in Egypt such that no one of them was able to dominate the others. This nascent form of checks and balances was, in Al-Kawakibis view, a unique asset that Egypt alone possessed of all the countries of the region at the time. Second, Al-Kawakibi believed that Egypt had a much higher level of social equality compared to most other countries in the region. He paid particular attention to the condition of women and the religious and ethnic minorities. In his view, late 19th-century Cairo and Alexandria were far ahead of their regional neighbours in this respect. Third, Egypt at the time was nominally part of the Ottoman Empire but was actually part of the British Empire. However, relative to its neighbours and Turkey at the same time, it was socially open and economically thriving, and its rulers had considerable freedom in internal political matters. Like his contemporary Jamaluddin Al-Afghani, the subject of the previous article in this series, Al-Kawakibi understood that Egypts then agrarian society and tranquil way of life sustained social stability and cohesion, making it a natural base for movements whose impacts could reach far beyond its borders. Egypt also had another impact on Al-Kawakibis thought. Most of the articles he had published during his most active years in Aleppo and Antioch had discussed the freedom of thought and expression, mental emancipation, and public and private rights. In Egypt, however, he wrote about societal consciousness. Unlike Ibn Khaldoun and many other philosophers, he did not write about the development of individual consciousness. Instead, drawn to the practicalities of the here and now and devoted to the struggle against tyranny, he focused on the values needed to strengthen a societys moral fabric, something he believed was essential if it was to resuscitate its integrity, reclaim its glory, and defeat tyranny. He believed that because of the advantages mentioned above Egypt had the potential to develop such a bedrock. Some 120 years after his death, Al-Kawakibis ideas might seem naive. However, they did not only find a wide following in Egypt in the first quarter of the 20th century, but were also the seeds of Egypts then liberal age. * The writer is the author of Islamism: A History of Political Islam (2017) and Egypt on the Brink (2010). *A version of this article appears in print in the 10 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: Climate change is having significant negative effects on human rights worldwide, with particularly serious consequences being seen in many already poor communities. The effects of climate change on human rights are one of the most prominent issues of concern to domestic and international public opinion for several reasons, including the threat that climate change represents to human life, especially in poorer countries where the human cost is increasing year after year. Climate change discussions used mostly to focus on the scientific, environmental, and economic aspects of the phenomenon, and with it on the development of the scientific understanding of the causes of it. However, more recently the focus of discussions has expanded, and the human and social dimensions of climate change have increasingly been receiving attention. This has culminated in the issuance of a number of resolutions by the UN Human Rights Council that have drawn attention to the impacts of climate change and its immediate and long-term threat to basic rights, underlining the need for international solidarity to confront this phenomenon. With the human cost of climate change increasing year by year, it has become imperative to put human rights at the forefront of debate and to understand it through a human rights lens. Climate change is mostly due to human activities. The evidence for this is that greenhouse-gas concentrations in the atmosphere, seen as responsible for global warming, now far exceed the pre-industrial levels recorded in polar ice cores 650,000 years ago, with the main source of this increase being the combustion of fossil fuels. Climate change is having dire effects on human rights, with these varying from one right to another, from one human group to another, and from one country to another. Its impacts on human rights in Europe, for example, are not the same as they are in Africa or Asia. According to a warning issued by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its report issued in 2018, the world has only ten years to reduce global warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius in order to help to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change. Without taking urgent measures, climate change, causing among things extreme weather events and rising sea levels, will expose millions of people to risks that encompass all their rights, including those set out below. THE RIGHT TO LIFE It is estimated that 262 million people were affected by climate disasters annually between 2000 and 2004, more than 97 per cent of them living in the developing countries. Tropical cyclones alone killed 250,000 people between 1980 and 2000, for example. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), nearly seven million people around the world die every year as a result of air pollution. THE RIGHT TO FOOD It is estimated that due to climate change crop productivity will decrease, which will increase the risk of hunger and food insecurity in poorer regions of the world. According to a 2015 report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), four out of five poor people live in countries prone to natural disasters and with high levels of environmental degradation. Climate change could reduce agricultural output by up to 30 per cent in Africa and 21 per cent in Asia. Such impacts on agricultural livelihoods represent the main increase in poverty caused by climate change. THE RIGHT TO CLEAN WATER Climate change has led to the loss of glaciers and the reduction of snow cover in many parts of the world, which, according to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in its 2006 report, has negatively affected more than one-sixth of the worlds population. In addition, if this process continues it will deprive an estimated 1.1 billion people of safe access to drinking water, constituting a major cause of illness and disease. THE RIGHT TO HEALTH This is expected to face many problems as a result of climate change, most notably an increase in malnutrition and the spread of disease, including the exacerbation of respiratory and infectious diseases among the populations of poorer countries. By 2050, experts predict that climate change will cause an additional 250,000 deaths each year from malaria, diarrhea, heat stress, and malnutrition. In addition to its immediate effects on a set of fundamental rights, climate change will also inflict further tragic suffering in the long run by wiping out entire peoples and destroying entire societies. Between 50 and 250 million people may have been forced to move by the middle of this century, either within their countries or outside their borders and either permanently or temporarily. While some of these movements will be voluntary, motivated by the search for a better life in areas that have not been negatively affected by climate change, many people will be forced to leave their homes due to sudden weather disasters or slowly occurring environmental degradation. The effects of climate change interacting with economic, social, and political problems in many parts of the world will generate a high potential for violent conflict in 46 countries with populations of 2.7 billion people. This has already started in several regions, in which climate change has already led to the outbreak of armed conflicts and violence. The African Sahel provides an example of how such conflicts have been exacerbated by the effects of climate change. Over recent decades, exploitable land in this part of the world has declined with fluctuating rainfall levels and diminishing rainy seasons. Since late 2018, an estimated 33 million people in the Sahel have been classified as food insecure, and the International Committee for Red Cross (ICRC) has been monitoring the struggle of these poor communities to access safe healthcare services, schools for their children, and basic incomes. Climate change is a social, economic, security and humanitarian issue that has severe impacts on human rights directly and indirectly at the individual and collective levels. Its negative effects are distributed unevenly, as it affects disproportionately the poorest regions and countries in the world, and its effects extend beyond the current generations, also affecting the rights of subsequent generations. This indicates the importance of addressing the human rights threats posed by climate change and the need to take appropriate measures consistent with the overall objectives of human rights. *The writer is human rights officer at the Supreme Standing Committee for Human Rights. *A version of this article appears in print in the 10 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: The American University in Cairo has been making efforts to combat climate change, reports Mohamed Badereldin The American University in Cairo (AUC) has pledged to hit zero emissions by 2050 and spend an average of $13.7 million in funding for research per year on sustainability. Green projects at the AUC are separated into two main endeavours: the Climate Change Initiative and the Centre for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability (CARES) undertaken by different administrative offices with student representation in each. The centre is mainly concerned with producing knowledge that could have real-life implications not only for the university, but also for the wider community. The Climate Change Initiative seeks to impact the university campus to inspire real change on a greater level. Our aim is to mobilise real changes in the community by producing more generations who understand and are aware of the challenges lying ahead and who can develop real holistic solutions for them, said Hani Sweilam, Egypts minister of irrigation and the founding director of CARES whose work covers education, community engagement, and research. Community engagement is what supplies research topics for the AUC Centre, since most of the research is focused on real-life applications, explained Fahad Kimera, senior agricultural manager and a researcher at CARES. We go into communities, talk to the people, assess, evaluate, and get to know what are the challenges that communities are facing, Kimera said. One of the main issues that CARES focuses on is agricultural research, especially regarding freshwater availability and its applications. Water, energy, and food are at the centre of research efforts, according to Kimera. The centres one-storey building is powered by solar panels in an attempt to reduce the utilisation of fossil fuels on campus. It also has two desalination plants utilising different technologies. For food security, the centre has a recirculating aquaculture system, where fish are grown in a small space using a minimal amount of water, thereby leaving a very small footprint. Wastewater from the fish is then used to grow crops. The Climate Change Initiative rests on five priority actions: water, energy transition, green building and sustainable urban communities, green financing, and global health, Adham Ramadan, associate provost for research and dean of graduate studies at the AUC and a member of the initiative task force, told Al-Ahram Weekly. It represents a framework for research, teaching, outreach, and student activities, in addition to sustainable operations, he said. Two major reports as well as a guide have been produced by the initiative, namely the Sustainability Report for 2022, the Carbon Footprint Report for 2022, and the Green Guide. AUCs Sustainability Report is the second iteration of this publication, created by the universitys Office of Sustainability to demonstrate its dedication to the environmental, social, and economic facets of sustainability throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The Carbon Footprint Report is a tool for assessing the environmental impact of organisations or activities by measuring the amount of greenhouse gases, the main contributors to global warming, that are released into the atmosphere each year. It is designed to ensure that the University delivers on its zero-emissions commitments by 2050. The Green Guide is a roadmap on how to deliver the aims of the initiative. The Climate Change Initiative has pledged to achieve net zero emissions at AUC by 2050, with this having been made last August by Yasmine Mansour, director of the Sustainability Office at the AUC. Within a year of joining the Race to Zero Campaign, a plan will be submitted for an intermediary goal for 2030 to reach the final goal by 2050, she said. Having been launched last September, the universitys task force aims to use a holistic approach and combine academics from many departments at the AUC as well as students to draw up plans with a timetable to combat climate change on campus. *A version of this article appears in print in the 10 November, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly. Search Keywords: Short link: CoinMena, a crypto asset service provider in Bahrain, said it has reached a partnership deal with Carlton Real Estate, under which investors in the kingdom will be able to purchase real estate property using crypto assets. A category 3 company regulated and licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, CoinMena caters to the entire Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. The trading platform allows retail and institutional investors access to digital assets investments and directly connects their bank accounts with their CoinMena wallets to facilitate quick and frictionless money transfers. Carlton, a Bahrain-based company established in 1996, is a certified broker with a Rera-Bahrain licence and offers a wide range of real estate services to corporate and individual clients throughout the kingdom. "We are pleased to diversify the payment options for our customers, as we always strive to keep pace with the best modern technologies in terms of management, financing, and brokerage," remarked Ali Adnan Mahmood, the Deputy Managing Director of Carlton Real Estate. "We are proud to be the first real estate brokerage company in the kingdom to accept crypto asset transactions for property purchases and other real estate services through our partnership with CoinMena the crypto asset service provider licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain," he added. CoinMena Founders Talal Tabbaa and Dina Saman expressed delight at partnering with one of the leading real estate brokerage companies in Bahrain to facilitate transactions via cryptocurrencies. "As adoption continues to grow in the region, we see significant opportunities to use cryptocurrencies to purchase real-world assets. Crucially, this Carlton partnership also signals to the market that cryptocurrencies are maturing and gaining mainstream acceptance as a viable medium of exchange, they said in a joint statement. Bahrain has been actively experimenting with crypto and blockchain technology since adopting crypto regulations, the duo stated. In January, CBB completed a digital payments trial in collaboration with JPMorgans blockchain and cryptocurrency unit Onyx. CoinMena, the Bahrain-headquartered company, is pioneering a new wave of institutional partnerships in the region, including its latest partnership with Visa to offer a host of exclusive services, including the CoinMena Visa Card, which can be used at millions of merchants worldwide.-TradeArabia News Service "It is routine for there to be a small amount of lawsuits filed on both sides to get an edge," Albert said. "What's different this time around is the sheer amount of lawsuits, and the obvious attempt to disenfranchise voters and undermine people's faith in elections." Sylvia Albert, Director of Voting and Elections at Common Cause, a nonpartisan watchdog and advocacy organization, said the extraordinary amount of litigation will likely make this midterm the most litigious election in recent memory, after only the 2020 presidential race. A September analysis by Democracy Docket showed that Republicans accounted for slightly more than half of the lawsuits filed this year. As of Monday, a total of 128 election and voting-related lawsuits have been filed so far in 2022, according to Democracy Docket, a left-leaning voting rights organization that tracks election litigation. Of the total, 71 seek to restrict access to voting, while the rest aim to expand or protect voting, Democracy Docket says. In the run-up to Tuesday's midterms, Republicans and Democrats have filed dozens of lawsuits in battleground states that hold the key to control of the U.S. Congress. The lawsuits challenge various rules governing the elections, with the bulk focused on the casting and counting of mail-in ballots that have grown in popularity in recent years. Hans von Spakovsky, manager of the election law reform initiative at the conservative Heritage Foundation, said the Republican lawsuits merely seek compliance with the law. "My understanding is that the lawsuits that are being filed are simply asking courts to order state officials to comply with state law," von Spakovsky said. Democracy Docket says Republicans have filed a record number of election-related lawsuits this year, with the majority seeking to limit mail-in voting. Voting by mail surged during the 2020 presidential election. But Republican-controlled states have since adopted measures to limit the practice, saying that mail-in voting is susceptible to fraud. Republicans have had some success challenging voting by mail this year. In Wisconsin, where Republican Senator Ron Johnson faces a tough challenge from the state's Democratic lieutenant governor, local courts last week sided with Republicans, ruling that county clerks could not accept mail-in ballots with partial addresses of witnesses. In Pennsylvania, where a Senate seat vacated by a Republican is up for grabs, the state Supreme Court last week approved a Republican request that election officials not count undated or incorrectly dated mail-in ballots. But in Michigan, a judge Monday dismissed a lawsuit brought by a Republican candidate who asked the court to require all voters in Detroit to get absentee ballots in person or vote in person. Albert of Common Cause said the current litigation over the counting of absentee ballots will likely extend into the post-election canvass and certification period, delaying the results of some close races. "Especially in states where absentee ballots could swing the results," Albert said. "We continue to reiterate that Election Day is not results day, and we may be waiting quite a while for final counts." Post-election court battles will likely involve many aspects of the elections. In addition to the counting and processing of mail-in ballots, Democracy Docket says it expects legal challenges to voters' eligibility, intimidation of voters and election workers, conspiracy theories about electronic voting machines and counties that refuse to certify their election results. President Yoon Suk-yeol finally moves into his new official residence in Hannam-dong this week. He has been living on top of packed crates at home in southern Seoul while the residence, which used to house the foreign minister, was being renovated. The relocation became necessary when he closed the old presidential palace of Cheong Wa Dae and moved the presidential office to the old Defense Ministry in Yongsan. News that the move will be finally complete this week leaked Monday when reporters got hold of a text message received to a high-ranking presidential security official. North Korea on Monday claimed it fired two cruise missiles into international waters off the South Korean port city of Ulsan on Nov. 2. At the time, the North Korean military fired a ballistic missile across the Northern Limit Line, the de facto maritime border, into the East Sea, and the South Korean Air Force fired three air-to-surface missiles across the NLL in response. "The enemy returned the fire to the open seas of our sides... [we] made a retaliatory attack with two strategic cruiser missiles to the open sea in the waters 80 kilometers off Ulsan... with the range of 590.5 kilometers from an area of North Hamgyong Province," state media cited the North Korean Army's General Staff as saying. It even published coordinates of a point on the high seas between Ulsan and Japan, claiming that was where the cruise missiles dropped. But the Joint Chiefs of Staff here deny having any record of the firing. The JCS said no North Korean cruise missiles were detected either by South Korea or by the U.S. There was certainly no official announcement here at the time. If the North's claim turns out to be true, this would raise serious questions about South Korea's defenses and how the military here handles such incidents. A German humanitarian group said its ship docked in southern Italy early Tuesday and disembarked 89 people rescued at sea, ending one migrant rescue saga as others continue under Italy's new hard-right government. Mission Lifeline posted videos on social media of the 25-meter (80-foot) Rise Above freighter docking in Reggio Calabria and said the "odyssey of 89 passengers and nine crew members on board seems to be over." In a subsequent post it said all 89 were allowed to disembark. The group had waited at sea for days for Italy to assign it a port after it entered Italian waters over the weekend without consent because of rough seas. Six of the original 95 people were evacuated at sea for medical reasons. KYODO NEWS - Nov 8, 2022 - 08:52 | All, World The U.S. government plans to deploy an aircraft carrier in the Sea of Japan in a show of force if North Korea carries out its first nuclear test in years, sources with knowledge of the matter said Monday, adding the decision is expected to be taken in alignment with Japan and South Korea. The administration of President Joe Biden is also preparing to draft a U.N. Security Council resolution in a bid to strengthen sanctions on North Korea, while releasing a statement with the other Group of Seven industrialized nations to condemn Pyongyang, they said. The Biden administration sees "integrated deterrence" as a key part of its national security strategy, which aims to make the costs of aggression clear through various instruments of national power, collaboration across security domains and coordination with allies. To underscore the trilateral ties of the United States and its two closest allies in Asia, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. John Aquilino may be joined by high-level officers of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the South Korean military aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as it sails in the Sea of Japan, the sources said. North Korea has launched ballistic missiles at an unprecedented pace this year and is also believed to have made preparations for its seventh nuclear test, which would be the first since September 2017. There is speculation that the nuclear test may be carried out in the run-up to the midterm congressional elections in the United States on Tuesday. The U.S. government has called on North Korea to refrain from further provocations and engage in "sustained and substantive dialogue" toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. If Pyongyang goes ahead with the nuclear test, the United States is likely to draft a U.N. Security Council resolution taking aim at North Korea-bound exports of crude oil and refined petroleum products as well as the North Korean hacking group Lazarus, the sources said. The United States, Japan and South Korea are also considering announcing unilateral sanctions on North Korea, as the U.N. Security Council may fail to pass the resolution due to objections from veto-wielding permanent members Russia and China, a key benefactor of North Korea. Arrangements are under way for the leaders of the United States, Japan and South Korea to meet on the sidelines of international meetings in Southeast Asia later in the month and how to respond to possible North Korean provocations could be on the agenda. KYODO NEWS - Nov 8, 2022 - 16:18 | All, Japan Japan's industry ministry is considering extending the lifespan of nuclear reactors to beyond the current 60 years with ambitions to finalize the plan by the end of the year, in a bid to cut carbon emissions and ensure stable energy supplies threatened by Russia's war in Ukraine, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is looking to extend the number of years nuclear power stations can remain open by considering screening periods, necessary for stricter plant safety operations, as separate from the total service life, which could allow nuclear reactors to operate for longer. During safety checks, the nuclear plants are not operational. A ministry panel is set to discuss extending the service life of the nuclear power stations in such a way as a main scenario among other options, with plans to finalize their decision by the end of the year, the sources said. Under the current safety rules, the Nuclear Regulation Authority limits nuclear reactors' service period to 40 years in principle. If approved by the regulatory body however, the period can be extended by up to 20 years. The panel will also look at scrapping the 60-year lifespan, as well as maintaining the current rules as two alternative options, in case the proposal is found not to be viable. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in August that Japan will push ahead with the use of nuclear power, citing the plan as an option to achieve net-zero emissions and secure a stable electricity supply. Japan relies heavily on fossil fuel imports for power generation, with its energy self-sufficiency rate standing at 12.1 percent as of fiscal 2019, lower than many other developed countries. Nuclear power plant operators must pass the tougher regulations to restart their reactors after a nationwide halt which occurred after the Fukushima nuclear disaster of March 11, 2011, which was caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami. Only a handful of reactors in Japan have since resumed operations, while the public remains concerned over their safety. Some utilities face prolonged screening processes by the NRA. More than nine years have passed since the safety examinations of Hokkaido Electric Power Co.'s Tomari nuclear power plant began, for example. The electric power industry has urged more than 60 years of service will be safe provided appropriate maintenance operations are guaranteed. The safety watchdog proposed earlier this month that the safety of nuclear plants aged 30 years or older, regardless of whether a reactor lifespan is extended, be checked at least once a decade to obtain approval for their continued operation. Related coverage: Japan aging nuclear plants may be checked at least once a decade KYODO NEWS - Nov 8, 2022 - 22:13 | All, Japan Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. are considering investing in alliance partner Renault SA's new electric vehicle company Ampere, the French automaker said Tuesday, as Nissan and Renault try to revise their decades-old capital tie-up. Renault unveiled the EV business spinoff as part of its group strategy update. The automaker said it will become the new company's majority owner and is considering listing it in Europe in the second half of 2023. Ampere, which will be based in France and employ about 10,000 people, will also develop software for cars on top of manufacturing and selling full EV passenger vehicles. The EV venture will also partner with Google LLC to boost digitization of cars while Qualcomm Technologies Inc. is planning to offer investment and technological know-how, Renault said. "Carmakers need more cash than usual to keep up with the pace of the ongoing technological shifts," CEO Luca de Meo said in a briefing to investors in Paris that was livestreamed. "We wanted to work with the best, and the best wanted to work with us." Nissan confirmed that it is considering investing in the new company after Renault's announcement, while Mitsubishi Motors said, "We are carefully weighing potential merits of the investment for our company." The French automaker also said it will merge its gasoline engine and hybrid vehicle business with China's auto giant Geely through a joint venture to be set up, with each owning 50 percent. Nissan is not joining the new venture at this point. Nissan's interest in the EV venture comes as it discusses with Renault a plan for the French automaker to reduce its stake in the Japanese company from 43 percent to 15 percent in a move to allow Nissan more autonomy. Nissan, which also holds a 15 percent stake in Renault without voting rights due to French regulations, has sought to reduce its smaller partner's influence, calling the structure, which has lasted for more than 20 years, "unequal." Tuesday's development highlighted the distance the two alliance partners have yet to close as Renault's Ampere announcement came amid reports that Nissan would take an up to 15 percent stake in the new EV venture. Nissan has raised concerns over the use of its patent regarding EV technologies in the talks with Renault, people familiar with the matter have said. "The alliance will bring scale to Ampere," Chief Financial Officer Thierry Pieton said, without commenting on the details of the discussion about Nissan and Mitsubishi's potential involvement. Nissan agreed with Mitsubishi Motors in 2019 to join forces under a new company controlled by major trading company Mitsubishi Corp. to escape Renault's influence, but the plan was put on hold following the resignation of Nissan's president at the time, sources familiar with the matter have said. Renault became the top shareholder of Nissan in 1999 when the Japanese firm was on the verge of bankruptcy, sending Carlos Ghosn to lead the overhaul. Mitsubishi joined the alliance after Nissan acquired a 34 percent stake in it in 2016. Related coverage: 2 Americans who helped ex-Nissan chief Ghosn flee Japan sent to U.S. Nissan planned to join M'bishi group in 2019 to escape Renault's sway Toyota's profit declines further in 1st-half despite weak yen 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) China's aviation industry has bolstered the country's emergency rescue capabilities by advancing improvements of independently-developed aircraft. A range of homegrown civil aircraft are moving ahead to serve emergency rescue missions. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi addresses the opening of the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit (SCIS) during the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Nov. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi Monday called on developed countries to fulfill their climate pledges to help developing countries that suffer the most from the climate crisis. Sisi made the remarks in an inaugurating speech to the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit (SCIS), which gathers heads of state and government worldwide here at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) in Egypt's coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Addressing the summit, Sisi called on world leaders to take real and concrete steps towards reducing emissions, enhancing adaptation to the consequences of climate change, and providing the necessary financing for developing countries that suffer the most from the current climate crisis. "Time is running out for the world and there is no way to retreat from implementing climate commitments," Sisi said. "It is necessary for developing countries, especially in our African continent, to feel that their priorities are responded to and taken into consideration," he said. This aerial photo taken on Nov. 5, 2022 shows a view of Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) is to be held from Nov. 6 to 18 in Egypt's resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) "These countries bear their responsibility, to the extent of their capabilities and the amount of appropriate support and finance, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, granting them some satisfaction with their position on global efforts to combat climate change," Sisi added. He stressed that this can only happen by creating an atmosphere of confidence as well as taking additional serious steps and of developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments. He pointed out that the world is still facing many challenges that cast a shadow on its ability to reach the goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which is to keep the global average temperature rise this century as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. 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. The COP27 is to be held from Nov. 6 to 18 in Egypt's resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) Addressing the climate summit, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned global leaders of the current climate challenges. "We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator," he said. "Greenhouse gas emissions keep growing, global temperatures keep rising, and our planet is fast approaching tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible," he adds. He noted that humanity must "cooperate or perish" in the face of international crises that have battered economies and shaken international relations. "It is either a climate solidarity pact, or a collective suicide pact," Guterres warned. The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) and Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) have upgraded their much-sought after Dubai Sustainable Tourism course that is available on DCTs innovative learning platform, Dubai Way The enhanced course on sustainability is launched as the UAE prepares to host the COP28 (Conference of the Parties) Climate Change Conference at Expo City Dubai in 2023, which will further address climate change to create a more sustainable and progressive economic future. With a range of new modules including educational segments focused on water and energy saving, how to implement a Green Team and effective procurement, the DCT course will empower participants with the knowledge on how to abide by and operate with sustainable principles across the travel and hospitality sectors. Dubai Way is a world-class training platform offering a broad range of educational and awareness programmes for people employed in tourist-facing roles across the tourism ecosystem. Supporting those who interact with visitors on a day-to-day basis, Dubai Way offers specialist training focused on history, culture and heritage and customer service. Since the launch of the sustainability course in 2019, it has contributed significantly towards boosting the citys sustainability credentials, within the wider DST initiative to position Dubai as tourism destination focused on and implementing sustainable practices. For example, a number of hotels have developed water bottling plants, installed solar panels and implemented water saving initiatives. In recent years, the tourism sector has also witnessed a proliferation of on-site farms, generating locally sourced greens as well as hotels supporting local suppliers of fresh produce, poultry, seafood and dairy products, aligned with UAEs food security initiatives. In addition to new content, the enhanced DCT course also features best practice case studies from hospitality and tourism leaders. The module focuses on educating tourism professionals and future sector leaders about the Dubai Can initiative and the significant success it has witnessed since its launch, with the introduction of around 50 water filters in popular tourism destinations such as Kite Beach, Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Harbour, Madinat Jumeirah and more. More than 2,000 students have graduated from the sustainability course since its launch, highlighting the necessity and effectiveness of this programme, with hundreds more students set to graduate in 2023. Essa Bin Hader, General Manager at Dubai College of Tourism, said: The highly popular Sustainable Tourism course also supports Dubais mission to become a leading sustainable destination in line with the UAEs Net Zero 2050 initiative. As we countdown to the UAEs hosting of COP28 at Expo City in 2023, we expect staff at the numerous establishments across the tourism ecosystem to be aligned and aware of all the requirements, and their roles and responsibilities in achieving the UAEs sustainability goals. The new courses that are being introduced by the college will further highlight the important role played by the Dubai Way platform to ensure that all those engaged within the tourism industry are gaining an understanding of how important is sustainability to the industry and how they can play a key part in achieving a greener future. The Dubai Way platform provides the opportunity for all those engaged in the tourism industry to enhance their knowledge and skills, whilst also contributing to Dubais sustainable growth. By better understanding the tourism industry, Dubais unique selling points and the key pillars of the Dubai brand, tourism industry employees will be able to interact seamlessly with both visitors and residents from all cultures and nationalities, addressing queries and questions, and ultimately helping to leave a lasting impression of Dubai on visitors. Both the courses and the Dubai Way platform provide gifted young individuals the grounding they need to join the tourism workforce, and eventually contribute towards further enhancing the visitor experience. Whilst Dubai is already globally associated with exceptional service and tourism offerings, the city continues to look to enhance its reputation and provide guests with even more extraordinary experiences. The range of courses available at DCT are focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of Dubai-based talent and providing guests with unforgettable memories of the city. The courses span across various tourism trends and themes, encouraging prospective students to work together to promote Dubai to the world as a must-visit destination. TradeArabia News Service ULAN BATOR, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- More than 60 people were sent to a hospital in the northern Mongolian province of Darkhan-Uul due to a suspected gas poisoning, local media reported Tuesday. The alleged gas poisoning occurred at a secondary school, called "Oyunii Ireedui," at 11:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT) on Tuesday, the country's National Police Agency and Health Ministry were cited by the media as saying. A preliminary investigation said two students of the 12th grade sprayed a type of gas that was likely to be tear gas in the corridor of the school's first floor during a break, it reported. A total of 58 pupils and six staff members have been treated in a hospital, the reports said, adding that the cause of the incident is still under investigation. A visitor plays "Go", or "Weiqi", with a robot at an exhibition of the 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 7, 2022. The 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Yijie) An exhibitor demonstrates the operation of a 5G-powered smart mine at an exhibition of the 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 7, 2022. The 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Yijie) This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2022 shows a robot at an exhibition of the 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Yijie) An exhibitor explains a simulated beverage bottling production line using digital twins system at an exhibition of the 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 7, 2022. The 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Yijie) An exhibitor displays an internet platform for clothing customization at an exhibition of the 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 7, 2022. The 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Yijie) This photo taken on Nov. 7, 2022 shows the opening ceremony of the 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. The 2022 Global Industrial Internet Conference kicked off here on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Yijie) BEIRUT, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- An official with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Monday called for continued support for the Lebanese people hit hard by a protracted financial crisis. Costanza Farina, director of the UNESCO Regional Bureau in Beirut, made the remarks at a ceremony to mark the re-opening of UNESCO's regional headquarters in Beirut after its rehabilitation and renovation between 2020 and 2022. "Lebanon is facing multiple complex crises; UNESCO is still here and will remain here," she said. For his part, Nick Jeffreys, assistant director-general for administration and management at UNESCO, said that the regional office would remain a pillar at the regional level, responding to the needs of the countries it covers, while interacting with stakeholders including national governments and the United Nations system. Lebanon has been mired in a full-blown financial crisis since late 2019, as its national currency has lost about 90 percent of its value on the parallel market. According to the United Nations, more than 80 percent of Lebanese people live below the poverty line. SHANGHAI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- American snack giant Mondelez, also the parent company of Oreo, officially launched two Oreo frozen cheesecakes at the ongoing fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. Mondelez will take the opportunity of the cake launch to tap into the large, fast-growing baked food sector in China, said Joost Vlaanderen, president of Mondelez Greater China. With the boom of China's Internet, logistics, and cold chain technologies, the country's leisure food industry has also embarked on a fast lane of development. Data from the China National Food Industry Association shows that the sector has embraced a compound growth rate of nearly 12 percent from 2013 to 2018. In 2020, the size of China's snack food market reached 1.25 trillion yuan (about 173 billion U.S. dollars). Such a huge market has lured food giants from various countries. The partner of the newly launched Oreo frozen cakes is Fonterra, a New Zealand dairy raw material supplier, which also attended this year's CIIE. "Chinese consumers' demand for healthy and delicious products has continued to accelerate, so we are looking forward to this product pushing the cooperation between Mondelez and Fonterra to a new height," Dai Junqi, vice president of Fonterra Great China, said. At this year's CIIE, major food brands have brought their latest products and cutting-edge food production technologies, hoping to satisfy the taste buds of Chinese consumers and enter the vast Chinese market. "The CIIE is not just about China's domestic market anymore," said Larry Chan, chairman of Liwayway (China) Co., Ltd, adding that through CIIE, Liwayway could bring in its international products into China and the event also allows the company to forge partnerships with international players. Chan said the Chinese market currently accounts for 40 percent of Liwayway's global business, and the company has long-term development plans in China. As China has entered a new stage of consumption upgrading in recent years, Chinese consumers' demand for imported high-quality fruits has also been rising. From more than 50 exhibits in the first CIIE to 82 exhibits this year, Dole, a fresh fruit and vegetable company, has participated in the annual event for five consecutive years. This year, the company has inked intended orders worth 170 million U.S. dollars at CIIE. "The CIIE is a catalyst to transform exhibits into commodities and products into top-selling items," said Vivian Wang, marketing director of Dole China. "Our Dole Sweetio banana and Dole Sweetio pineapple, as star products from the CIIE, have been sold to Tibet and Xinjiang." According to Wang, sales of Dole Sweetio pineapple soared after its debut at last year's CIIE, exceeding expectations by more than 10 times in 2022. "Meanwhile, the CIIE is an excellent stage for new products launch. The global influence of the CIIE has helped Dole establish a good brand image," Wang said. The promotion of localization has become an important way for foreign enterprises to compete for the "big cake" of China's food market. In recent years, Dole has ramped up its investment in China, building new distribution centers in the cities of Guiyang, Chengdu, and Chongqing, and it plans to continue expanding into the southwestern market. "In a market as competitive as China, you need to deeply understand what the Chinese consumers want," said Joost Vlaanderen, president of Mondelez Greater China. "That's why in Suzhou (a city in eastern China), we have a world-famous R&D center where we develop and design products. We make our products here so that we can deliver to consumers what they want at the speed of China," he added. TIANJIN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese court on Tuesday sentenced Liu Guoqiang, a former senior political advisor of northeastern Liaoning Province, to death with a two-year reprieve for taking bribes. Liu, a former vice-chairman of the Liaoning Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was convicted of taking bribes worth over 352 million yuan (48 million U.S. dollars) by the Tianjin First Intermediate People's Court. Liu was found taking advantage of the public offices he held while working in Liaoning to benefit certain organizations and individuals in terms of business operation, project approval, obtaining fiscal funds, job promotion and other matters, according to a court statement. It added that the overall amount of bribes accepted by Liu was especially huge, and his offenses caused especially heavy damage to the interests of the state and people, the statement added. As he admitted to his misdeeds, including acts of bribery that investigators were initially unaware of, the court offered him leniency, the statement noted, adding that Liu had shown repentance and had been cooperative in returning his illegal gains. Liu was deprived of political rights for life, and had all his personal property confiscated. His illegal gains from bribery were recovered and turned over to the state treasury, the court said. After the two-year reprieve for his death sentence, Liu's punishment can be commuted to life in prison in accordance with the law, but no further reduction or parole shall be given to him, according to the court. Redwan Hussien Rameto (2nd L), representative of the Ethiopian government, and Getachew Reda (2nd R), representative of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), sign a peace agreement in Pretoria, South Africa, Nov. 2, 2022. (Photo by Alet Pretorius/Xinhua) Senior commanders of warring factions in Ethiopia's Tigray conflict kicked off a five-day meeting in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi on Monday to deliberate on modalities for implementing the peace agreement signed last week, organizers said. NAIROBI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Senior commanders of warring factions in Ethiopia's Tigray conflict kicked off a five-day meeting in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi on Monday to deliberate on modalities for implementing the peace agreement signed last week, organizers said. The African Union Commission (AUC) said the meeting will provide a roadmap for immediate humanitarian access and restoration of services in the Tigray region "This builds on the establishment of a hotline by the parties within 24 hours of signing the agreement to facilitate communication between senior commanders of both sides," the AUC said in a statement issued in Nairobi. The Nairobi talks follow the signing of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in South Africa last week. The statement said the meeting will discuss and work out detailed modalities for the agreement implementation including disarmament issues, taking into account the security situation on the ground. "The expected outcomes of the meeting include modalities for silencing the guns, humanitarian access, and the restoration of services in the Tigray region," it said. A rescuer wipes his face at the site of a building fire in central Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 7, 2022. Iraqi rescue teams on Monday continue to search for the 11 missing people believed to have been buried in the rubbles of a building that was engulfed by a massive fire on Sunday in central Baghdad. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) BAGHDAD, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi rescue teams on Monday continue to search for the 11 missing people believed to have been buried in the rubbles of a building that was engulfed by a massive fire on Sunday in central Baghdad. The huge fire broke out in a three-story building, which contained warehouses storing flammable perfume in the al-Waziriyah industrial area, said Mohsen Kadhim, assistant director general of the Iraqi Civil Defense. Two of the three stories collapsed due to the fire, which was extinguished on late Sunday evening, said Kadhim. Rescue teams are removing the rubbles to search for the missing people at the scene, Kadhim said, adding that the collapse of the two upper floors injured 10 members of the Civil Defense, including its Director General Kadhim Bohan. A rescuer battles a building fire in central Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 7, 2022. Iraqi rescue teams on Monday continue to search for the 11 missing people believed to have been buried in the rubbles of a building that was engulfed by a massive fire on Sunday in central Baghdad. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) Rescuers work at the site of a building fire in central Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 7, 2022. Iraqi rescue teams on Monday continue to search for the 11 missing people believed to have been buried in the rubbles of a building that was engulfed by a massive fire on Sunday in central Baghdad. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) Rescuers work at the site of a building fire in central Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 7, 2022. Iraqi rescue teams on Monday continue to search for the 11 missing people believed to have been buried in the rubbles of a building that was engulfed by a massive fire on Sunday in central Baghdad. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) A rescuer tries to approach part of a collapsed building in central Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 7, 2022. Iraqi rescue teams on Monday continue to search for the 11 missing people believed to have been buried in the rubbles of a building that was engulfed by a massive fire on Sunday in central Baghdad. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) This file photo shows first oil tanker unloading oil at a terminal in Namibia's port town Walvis Bay on Dec. 1, 2020. (Xinhua/Huo Kecheng) Oil-rich Namibia and Senegal have become the latest members to join the African Petroleum Producers' Organization. WINDHOEK, Nov. 8 (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. This photo taken on Sept. 29, 2022, shows a gas station of TotalEnergies in Nakuru County, Kenya. (Photo by Sheikh Maina/Xinhua) 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. BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The China Society for Human Rights Studies held a seminar on studying and implementing the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), on Tuesday. Padma Choling, vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and president of the human rights organization, addressed the event that was attended online and offline by nearly 100 experts and scholars. Padma Choling called on human rights researchers from across the country to follow the guiding principles of the CPC national congress in developing China's human rights theories and discourse systems, enhance consciousness and confidence in following the Chinese path of advancing human rights, and contribute to better conveying China's human rights stories in the new era. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Six UN peacekeepers were injured in explosions hitting their convoy and are being treated in Sevare, Mali, said a UN spokeswoman on Monday. The blue helmets from Togo were injured after their convoy was hit by two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Douentza region in the Dangol Bore commune, said Stephanie Tremblay, an associate spokeswoman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Two armored vehicles in the convoy were damaged. "The rest of the convoy arrived in Mopti yesterday (Sunday) evening with no further incident reported," Tremblay said. In a tweet over the weekend, the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, El-Ghassim Wane, noted that the incidents illustrate the ever-present threat of IEDs but would not weaken the resolve of the UN mission, known as MINUSMA, to continue protecting the population. The mission was established to help stabilize one of the least developed countries in the world on the edge of the Sahara Desert, troubled by political instability and attacks by extremists in the Sahel. It will cost the equivalent of just 50 cents per person per year for the next five years to reach everyone on Earth with early warnings against increasingly extreme and dangerous weather, according to a plan unveiled today by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Executive Action Plan for the Early Warnings for All initiative calls for initial new targeted investments between 2023 and 2027 of $3.1 billion a sum which would be dwarfed by the benefits. This is a small fraction (about 6 percent) of the requested $50 billion in adaptation financing. It would cover disaster risk knowledge, observations and forecasting, preparedness and response, and communication of early warnings. Guterres announced the plan at a meeting of government and UN organization leaders, financing agencies, Big Tech companies and the private sector during the World Leaders Summit at the UN climate change negotiations, COP27, which opened in Sharm el-Sheikh today. The plan was drawn up by the World Meteorological Organization and partners, and it was supported by a joint statement signed by 50 countries. Ever-rising greenhouse gas emissions are supercharging extreme weather events across the planet. These increasing calamities cost lives and hundreds of billions of dollars in loss and damage. Three times more people are displaced by climate disasters than war. Half of humanity is already in the danger zone, said Guterres. We must invest equally in adaptation and resilience. That includes the information that allows us to anticipate storms, heatwaves, floods and droughts. To that end, 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, said Guterres. The Executive Action Plan sets out the concrete way forward to achieve this goal. The need is urgent. The number of recorded disasters has increased by a factor of five, driven in part by human-induced climate change and more extreme weather. This trend is expected to continue. And yet, half of countries globally do not have early warning systems and even fewer have regulatory frameworks to link early warnings to emergency plans. Coverage is worst for developing countries on the front lines of climate change, namely Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Scientific advances Early warning systems are widely regarded as the low-hanging fruit for climate change adaptation because they are a relatively cheap and effective way of protecting people and assets from hazards, including storms, floods, heatwaves and tsunamis to name a few. Early warnings save lives and provide vast economic benefits. Just 24 hours notice of an impending hazardous event can cut the ensuing damage by 30 per cent, said WMO Secretary-General Prof Petteri Taalas. 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. Such progress is only possible with modern science, sustained systematic observing networks, daily international exchange of quality data, access to high-quality early warning products, the translation of forecasts into impacts, plus advances in telecommunications, said Prof Taalas. The essential ingredients to achieve Early Warnings for All include: deeper understanding of risk across all time scales; stronger national meteorological and hydrological services, disaster risk management agencies and emergency preparedness measures; accessible financial and technical support and an anticipatory humanitarian sector. A people-centred approach that prioritizes community engagement is fundamental. The Executive Action plan 2023-2027 sets out the recipe for how these ingredients can come together to achieve that goal. It summarises the initial actions required to achieve the goal, and sets out the pathway to implementation. Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and COP27 President, said : The science is there and clearly shows the urgency with which we must act to assist those in need of support to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. The launch of this Executive Action Plan is an important contribution for adaptation and resilience, particularly in Africa, where 60 percent of people are not covered by early warning systems. President of Mozambique, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, and a number of prime ministers and ministers spoke at the high-level round table to launch the Early Warnings for All action plan, underlining the widespread political support for the initiative. Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, addressed the event - highlighting the fundamental role that technology can play in ensuring that early warnings reach the last mile. This UN initiative will save lives by enabling people to adapt to climate change and respond to early warnings before disaster strikes, said Smith. We have the AI and data tools today. Let's put them to work to predict and warn of the next crisis. BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- China has released a plan to advance low-carbon development in the building materials sector, a large producer of industrial carbon emissions, vowing to secure a carbon peak target in the industry by 2030. Considerable headway should occur in adjusting the industrial structure of the sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to the plan jointly unveiled by four government organs, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Efforts will go into further promoting energy-saving and low-carbon technologies and reducing the energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP in key products, including cement, glass, and ceramics, during the period, the document said. In the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), vital breakthroughs should take place in the industrial application of green and low-carbon technologies, with an industrial system featuring green, low-carbon, and circular development established, as per the plan. China has announced peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. ADEN, Yemen, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Unidentified gunmen shot dead a general of Yemen's internationally recognized government in the country's northeastern oil-rich province of Marib on Tuesday, a security official told Xinhua. "Masked gunmen opened fire from their automatic rifles and assassinated General Mohamed Al-Jaradi and his bodyguard in the government-controlled province of Marib," the official said on condition of anonymity. Al-Jaradi was returning from a work assignment in the city when the gunmen in ambush fired a barrage of gunshots at the military vehicle carrying him, he said. Al-Jaradi was a senior commander of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and personally led large-scale military operations against the Houthi rebels during the past years. The assailants managed to escape after carrying out the drive-by shooting, and local security forces have launched an investigation into the killing, according to the official. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the killing. Ferocious battles frequently take place between the Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebel militia over the capture of the strategic oil-rich province of Marib. Yemen's civil war flared in late 2014 when the Houthi group seized control over much of the country's north and forced the internationally recognized government out of the capital Sanaa. UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The General Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution to designate Nov. 18 every year as the World Day for the prevention of and healing from child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence. The resolution invites all member states, relevant organizations of the UN system and other international organizations, world leaders, faith actors, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders to commemorate this World Day each year in a manner that each considers most appropriate. It encourages commitments to raising public awareness of those affected by child sexual abuse and the need to prevent and eliminate child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence, and the imperative to hold perpetrators to account; ensuring the access of survivors and victims to justice and remedies; as well as facilitating open discussion on the need to prevent and eliminate their stigmatization, promote their healing, affirm their dignity and protect their rights. CARACAS, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Some 1.2 million people in northeast Venezuela's Sucre state have been left without access to fuel and medical supplies after floods damaged a main highway, the state-owned Venezolana de Television reported Monday. The highway connecting Sucre to the neighboring state of Anzoategui has been cut off since last week due to flooding and mudslides, making it impossible to deliver essentials such as gas and surgical supplies, Sucre State Governor Gilberto Pinto Blanco told the television station. Work to clear the highway will continue until "the main access road is totally recovered," Pinto twitted. Heavy rains have damaged 41 roads in Sucre and 28 in Anzoategui, said Venezuelan Transportation Minister Ramon Velasquez Araguayan. Last week's flooding and landslides along Venezuela's northeast coast caused at least seven deaths and severe material damage to the coastal towns of Puerto La Cruz and Guanta, authorities said. ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government has awarded the China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) for its far-reaching engagements in Ethiopia's school feeding endeavor. The award, organized by the Addis Ababa City Administration, was presented to the CFRD by Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde on Sunday. The CFRD received the recognition after the Ethiopian capital's school feeding program was conferred the Milan Pact Awards in sustainable nutrition from 133 cities last month in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was the only African city to have won the 2022 award. Following the global recognition, the Addis Ababa city mayor's office organized the awarding event on Sunday to recognize key partners that have contributed to the success of the school feeding activities. The CFRD received the award along with the World Bank. During the awarding event, Adanech Abiebie, Addis Ababa city mayor, underscored the crucial importance of effective cooperation in realizing the successes achieved. Daniel Worku, CFRD program manager, who received the award on behalf of the CFRD Ethiopia Office, said the recognition will inject further impetus to deepen its engagements in Ethiopia. Worku hailed the recognition as "the biggest accomplishment and new milestone for the CFRD and other actors on the mission to school feeding project." "We are delighted for the contribution we have made and to have received the recognition from the hand of the Ethiopian president," Worku told Xinhua, as he emphasized the positive milestone achieved by the CFRD as the city administration successfully took over the initiative. Since 2015, the CFRD has been undertaking various programs in Ethiopia, including the Panda Pack, Smiling Children, water cellar, water purification, and women employment training. Data from CFRD show that by September 2022, the CFRD Ethiopia Office has benefited more than 250,000 Ethiopian people across all walks of life, with a particular emphasis on the most vulnerable people. The CFRD, which started implementing various programs in Ethiopia in 2015 and officially registered as an international charitable organization in the eastern African country in July 2019, works to deepen the people-to-people ties between Ethiopia and China. The CFRD's Ethiopia Office is one of the organization's three overseas offices, together with those in Myanmar and Nepal. A visitor is seen near a partially submerged building at the former entrance of Lake Nakuru National Park in Nakuru County, Kenya, on Nov. 4, 2022. (Photo by Sheikh Maina/Xinhua) To avoid increasing exposure and vulnerability to heatwaves and other extreme weather events, Kluge called for drastic adaptation and mitigation measures that could tackle climate change and improve individual, societal and planetary health. COPENHAGEN, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Hans Kluge, regional director for Europe at the World Health Organization (WHO), called the current response to climate change "dangerously inconsistent and far too slow" in a statement on Monday. "Climate change and the crises it has triggered have long been clear health emergencies. WHO and (its) partners have long sounded the alarm," Kluge said, urging participants of the current United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt to act faster and more coherently. To avoid increasing exposure and vulnerability to heatwaves and other extreme weather events, Kluge called for drastic adaptation and mitigation measures that could tackle climate change and improve individual, societal and planetary health. Photo taken on July 20, 2022 shows smoke caused by a wildfire rising in El Barco de Valdeorras, Galicia, Spain. (Junta de Galicia/Handout via Xinhua) According to Kluge, the devastating wildfires that hit Europe last summer had caused the highest carbon emissions since 2007, "polluting our air, killing many people." He warned that extreme temperatures caused heat stress, which had become the leading weather-related cause of death in Europe. Based on country data, the WHO puts the number of heat-related deaths to 15,000 in 2022, Kluge said. Last year, high-impact weather and climate events like floods and storms directly affected over half a million people, he said. A woman takes pictures in front of a display board of the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) Kluge cited a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), saying that Europe was the fastest-warming region in the world, where extreme temperatures had accounted for over 148, 000 lives lost in the last 50 years. According to Kluge, his organization intends to "use the collective power of WHO member states to (...) integrate health into any climate change plan". "We need to do it now if we are to prevent the climate crisis from turning into an irreversible climate disaster for our region and our entire planet," he said. BEIRUT, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's medicine industry faces the daunting task to increase production even as the country has cut or removed its subsidies on imported drugs amid the unprecedented financial crisis. Yet the lack of U.S. dollars stands in the way of the expansion of the country's medicine industry which is only able to cover 40 percent of the market needs. Such crisis has forced the Central Bank of Lebanon, which subsidizes 85 percent of the cost of raw materials imported by local medicine producers, to delay the payment of dues, according to Carole Abi Karam, president of the Syndicate of Pharmaceutical Industries in Lebanon. "We have pending dues from 2020 and 2021 on top of accumulated dues in 2022; in parallel, all local and foreign suppliers request a prepayment on raw materials as they don't want to take a risk when dealing with Lebanon," Abi Karam told Xinhua. "Maintaining our cash flow is very challenging, and this is impacting the production process," she said, adding companies are relying on their revenues from export to finance their production. Abi Karam said the slowdown in cash flow also impacts the local factories' capacity to expand their portfolio, which is essential in medicines production to cover a broader range of diseases such as cancer. Industry Minister George Bouchikian told Xinhua that the government is intermediating with the central bank to accelerate the payment process of dues to local manufacturers, trying to make the delay only temporary amid the complicated financial situation. Bouchikian noted that his ministry had taken several measures to boost local production of medicines, including negotiations with other Arab countries to facilitate the entry and registration of Lebanese drugs to increase exports. A source at the Ministry of Industry told Xinhua that Lebanese factories can now export many of their products to countries such as Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan. Lebanese authorities also advised public hospitals to prescribe local drugs, the source said, adding governmental institutions are required to purchase 10 percent of their procurement from local factories. Lebanon has been facing a steep financial crisis in the light of the shortage of dollars, and the government is in dire need to activate its various productive sectors to generate revenues in foreign currency. ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals has called for pragmatic interventions to inject dynamism into Africa's inclusive and sustainable industrialization. The AU commissioner made the remarks at the joint meeting of African ministers in charge of industry and economic diversification that was held in Niger's capital, Niamey on Monday, an AU statement indicated. "Let us give life and dynamism to Africa's inclusive and sustainable industrialization through pragmatic interventions that yield measurable and tangible outcomes of innovation, competitiveness, output, value addition, employment and, among others and above all, improved livelihoods of ordinary Africans," Muchanga said. He emphasized the need to build institutions and implement the right policies that create enabling business environment for the formalization of the private sector as well as enhance industrial policy coherence necessary for the effective implementation of industrial development programs and projects through appropriate monitoring and evaluation of outcomes. Muchanga said, in line with these needs, the AU proposes the designation of an AU Champion on Industrialization and Productive Transformation, who will provide political leadership, raise awareness and ensure effective implementation of Africa's industrial development. He further noted that infrastructure and energy are essential to industrialization, as he highlighted the bad state of Africa's electricity, water, road and information and communications technology. He noted that the infrastructure deficits "impose high costs on industries by reducing competitiveness, which in turn restricts access to local and international markets." "Africa faces a huge infrastructure gap, with only 4 percent of the Continent's Gross Domestic Product allocated to infrastructure development yearly," Muchanga said. The AU commissioner underscored infrastructure development as a crucial imperative to attain development. "It is clear that bridging the infrastructure gap is essential to unlocking Africa's industrialization potential, which, if exploited, can increase GDP growth by an estimated 2 percentage points annually," he said. He also highlighted the need for appropriate financing mechanisms to support Africa's industrialization. Financing of Africa's industrialization and economic diversification has to be increasingly based on domestic public and African private sector resources. For that to happen, there is a need to explore untapped financial approaches and mechanisms, Muchanga said. SHANGHAI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) attracts 145 countries, regions and international organizations, as well as 284 industry-leading enterprises, among which we see many old friends. Roy Van Den Hurk, general manager of Theland Global R&D, Milk New Zealand Dairy, has come for the CIIE for the fourth time, while his company has been here every year. He told Xinhua that the CIIE is the premium platform for important products into China. It's a great opportunity for foreign companies to move into China and to expand the business. Over the five years with the CIIE, his enterprise has well developed their Chinese market, and is furthering their steps serving the local consumers year by year. Produced by Xinhua Global Service SHANGHAI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Just two days into the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) currently taking place in Shanghai, Alexander Presnyakov, who represents a Russian beer producer at the event, expressed the hope to "come here every year in the future." Baltika Breweries, a newcomer to the CIIE, is no stranger to the Chinese market as it set up a representative office in Beijing as early as 2005, according to Presnyakov, head of the office. "China is one of our key markets. We look forward to bringing our products to more Chinese consumers through the CIIE, which proves to be a prestigious platform and effective channel," he said, adding that he has already connected with potential business partners at the 2022 edition of the expo. From Indian spices to Kazakh dairy products, companies from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries brought hundreds of national specialties to display at the event. Many of them are displayed in the pavilion of the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA), a second-time CIIE participant. "The CIIE has become an important platform that demonstrates China's opening-up drive, and many enterprises from SCO countries hope to set up booths at the expo through SCODA to gain a broader market," said Xiang Zhiqiang, deputy director of SCODA's management committee. In the exhibition area of Kazahkstan, a woman dressed in a traditional national costume was seen tweaking electrical equipment for a live-streaming show on social media. "I hope live-streaming will make more Chinese consumers aware of Kazakhstan's specialties, and allow more people to feel the vibrant atmosphere of CIIE," said Botakoz Yelshibek. E-commerce live broadcasts have dramatically boosted the promotion of goods from SCO countries in China. In early 2022, the Ministry of Commerce held a live-streaming shopping event featuring over 1,500 categories of special commodities from SCO countries, generating total sales amounting to about 100 million yuan (about 13.86 million U.S. dollars). This success boosted the confidence of such companies in their ability to expand their market in China. Many of them then contacted the management committee of SCODA, saying they wished to be part of the fifth CIIE, according to Xiang. Closer business cooperation has yielded substantial results. In the first eight months of this year, China's trade with other SCO members reached 1.73 trillion yuan, up 26 percent year on year, data showed. Meanwhile, the exports of goods and services from SCO member states to China have shown a trend of diversification in terms of varieties, and also quality and trade structure improvements, said Jiang Jing, a researcher with the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Li Ruisi, a researcher from the same institute, said the CIIE demonstrates China's determination to firmly support trade liberalization and adhere to opening-up, which is highly consistent with the development consensus reached by SCO members in economic and trade cooperation. At the 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO held in September 2021, China said it aimed to achieve a cumulative trade volume of 2.3 trillion U.S. dollars with other SCO member states in the next five years. The active participation of the SCO countries in the CIIE will contribute to a smooth realization of this goal and further promote practical cooperation within the SCO framework, said Li. 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 WINDHOEK, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The construction of Africa's first solar-green hydrogen power plant in Namibia will begin in the first quarter of 2023, according to a senior regional government official. HDF Energy, the French independent power producer, is building a 3-billion-Namibian-dollar (about 170 million U.S. dollars) hydrogen-to-power plant near the beach resort of Swakopmund. Wilfried Groenewald, the leader of the Swakopmund council, said on Tuesday that HDF Energy has already secured land measuring 400 hectares east of the town famed for its clean beaches and German colonial architecture. According to Groenewald, the Namibian government has already given the French company its blessings to go ahead with the project. The project will supply clean electricity power 24 hours a day, all year round, boosting supply in the southwestern African nation that relies on imports from neighboring South Africa. It will see about 90 MW of solar panels powering electrolyzers to produce hydrogen that can be stored. Namibia is one of the world's sunniest and least densely populated countries. The country wants to harness its vast potential for solar and wind energy to produce green hydrogen and position itself as a renewable energy hub in Africa. BEIRUT, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said on Tuesday that his country will launch the first-phase vaccination campaign against cholera on Saturday as the outbreak is now under control, the National News Agency reported. "There was a rapid alert to the epidemic, whether by equipping hospital centers, boosting prevention, or securing vaccines," Abiad said during a press conference held at the Health Ministry on launching the vaccination campaign against cholera. The first-phase vaccination campaign will see 600,000 doses administered in three weeks, aiming to cover 70 percent of target groups in the areas most vulnerable to the outbreak, said the minister. Lebanon will soon receive 1.5 million more doses of vaccine that will be administered in more areas in the second-phase vaccination campaign. Lebanon has so far reported 2,722 cholera cases, including 448 lab-confirmed cases and 18 deaths, since the first cases were detected in early October, according to the latest figures by the Health Ministry. This is Lebanon's first cholera outbreak since 1993. Emmah Peloetletse, Permanent Secretary to the President and chairperson of the National Coordinating Committee on Financial Intelligence, speaks at the launch ceremony in Gaborone, Botswana on Nov. 7, 2022. Botswana has launched its second National Risk Assessment (NRA) on money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) GABORONE, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Botswana has launched its second National Risk Assessment (NRA) on money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. At the launch in Gaborone on Monday, Emmah Peloetletse, Permanent Secretary to the President and chairperson of the National Coordinating Committee on Financial Intelligence, stated that she believes the report will be completed on time and within budget. "This project needs the commitment and support of all the stakeholders, and although the assessment modules have increased from nine to fifteen this time around, with the improved tools we are determined more than ever, to get done within a year, as opposed to the two years we took to complete the first NRA," she said. She also stated that if the NRA is properly implemented, it will assist the southern African country in meeting international standards and avoiding being "grey-listed." Botswana completed its first national risk assessment in 2017 and is now working on the second, which is expected to be completed by August 2023. In October 2018, Botswana was grey-listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for shortcomings in it's financial regulation. Botswana was removed from the FATF's grey list after improvements to money laundering regulations were made in October 2021. The FAFT is an intergovernmental organization tasked with developing standards to prevent and combat money laundering and terrorist financing. According to FATF rules, member countries must identify, assess, and comprehend the risks of money laundering and terrorism financing that they face. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A new initiative to expand Africa's participation in voluntary carbon markets was launched at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change being held in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on Tuesday. Led by a 13-member steering committee of African leaders, CEOs, and carbon credit experts, the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) was launched to support the growth of carbon credits production, create jobs and protect biodiversity in Africa, according to a press release by the initiative. ACMI announced a bold ambition for the continent to reach 300 million credits offered annually by 2030. This level of supplies would unlock 6 billion U.S. dollars in income and support 30 million jobs, it added. By 2050, the statement said, ACMI is targeting over 1.5 billion credits annually in Africa, leveraging over 120 billion U.S. dollars and supporting over 110 million jobs. A number of African nations including Kenya, Malawi, Gabon, Nigeria and Togo shared their commitments to collaborating with ACMI to scale up carbon credit production via voluntary carbon market activation plans. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (1st L, front) and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (2nd L, front) pose for a group photo during the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit held on the sidelines of the ongoing 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said on Monday the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) represents a perfect opportunity to cultivate closer cooperation among member countries. Sisi made the remarks during the second MGI Summit held in Egypt's coastal city of Sharm El-Sheikh on the sidelines of the ongoing 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The cooperation "aimed at mobilizing more investments and providing new mechanisms for innovative financing to support our countries' projects addressing climate change, in coordination with Arab and regional financial institutions that assume an important role in this regard," Sisi noted. The initiative also represents "an appropriate framework to boost technical cooperation and connect research centers" in regional countries on technology against climate change, he added. Launched by Saudi Arabia in 2021, MGI was built to be a regional platform for speeding up local green transition with a clear roadmap. Among its various efforts is to plant 50 billion tress across the Middle East and facilitate collaboration to help the region achieve its targets of reducing greenhouse gases emissions under the 2015 Paris Agreement, according to the initiative's official website. Sisi added that this initiative aimed to deliver much-needed climate actions in the Arab world and in the Middle East region, two vulnerable regions under the impacts of climate change, where agricultural land was getting less fertile while heatwaves and droughts were on the rise. Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, who co-chaired the MGI Summit, said continued regional cooperation and active contributions by member countries are needed to achieve global climate goals and accelerate the implementation of commitments as part of international agreements. In his opening address, bin Salman announced that Saudi Arabia will establish and host a dedicated MGI Secretariat and will allocate 2.5 billion U.S. dollars to support MGI projects and governance. Initiated by Saudi Arabia, the first MGI summit was held in the kingdom's captial of Riyadh in October 2021 to unite leaders across the Middle East region to achieve the common goal of combating climate change, said the MGI website. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (2nd L) attends the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit held on the sidelines of the ongoing 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (2nd L) attends the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit held on the sidelines of the ongoing 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Representatives attend the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit held on the sidelines of the ongoing 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa) Zhao Yingmin, head of the Chinese delegation to the 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and vice minister of China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, addresses an event held by the World Bank Group during the COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with the international community to promote the comprehensive, balanced and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, a Chinese delegate said Tuesday. China has implemented a national strategy to address climate change, a common challenge and crisis faced by mankind, and unswervingly follows the path of ecological priority, green and low-carbon development, said Zhao Yingmin, head of the Chinese delegation to the 27th session of the Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Zhao, also vice minister of China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, made the remarks at an event about the China Country Climate and Development Report released by the World Bank. In order to implement the "dual carbon" goal, which is to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, China has established a carbon neutralization working mechanism, which has clarified the top-level design of the "dual carbon" work, formulated implementation plans in energy, industry, transportation and other key areas, and a carbon neutral "1+N" policy system has been established, Zhao said. From 2012 to 2021, China's annual energy consumption growth rate of 3 percent supported an average economic growth rate of 6.6 percent, carbon dioxide emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by about 34.4 percent, and energy consumption per unit of GDP decreased by 26.4 percent, with a cumulative saving of 1.4 billion tons of standard coal, he said. Zhao said China regards the carbon market as an important tool of climate policy and actively promotes the construction of a national carbon emission trading market. On July 16, 2021, the national carbon market officially launched online trading, covering 4.5 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, making it the world's largest carbon market. The market has operated in a stable and orderly manner on the whole, and the role of market mechanisms has initially emerged, he added. As the largest developing country, China makes all-out efforts on climate governance while pursuing economic development. "China will play a pivotal role in global climate governance," said Nicholas Stern, a British economist. "China has maintained sound cooperation with the United Nations and international financial institutions to address climate change, and China is ready to work with the international community to promote the comprehensive, balanced and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, and continue to contribute China's strength, wisdom and solutions to the building of a fair, equitable and win-win global climate change governance system," Zhao said. Nicholas Stern, a British economist, addresses an event held by the World Bank Group during the COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Nov. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Sui Xiankai) VIENTIANE, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The construction of new dwellings for families who lost their homes during the catastrophic flood that hit southern Laos' Attapeu province in July 2018 is now almost complete, a Lao official said. Some 688 of 700 planned new homes have been completed. Most of the families have moved into the new houses and finally started to rebuild their lives, the Lao National Radio on Monday quoted Deputy Provincial Governor of Attapeu province Bounseuth Setthilat as saying. Following the collapse of a dam at the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydropower plant, some 560 km southeast of Lao capital Vientiane, homeless families were initially accommodated in tents and shelters before moving into the temporary housing in Sanamxay district in 2018. The flood triggered by the dam collapse killed over 40 people with many more going missing while thousands of others were left homeless. Several villages were wiped out by the flood. All hydropower projects are currently under scrutiny by the Lao government, with officials ordered to inspect all dams under construction and ensure their safety. In July, the Lao National Assembly approved a new law on dam safety, which sets out specific guidelines and measures to regulate the construction and operation of hydropower plants in Laos. The new law will ensure that dams are built in compliance with strict standards and that they are closely monitored to maintain safety, according to the report. CANBERRA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- One third of Australian adults have been exposed to data breaches in the last year, a research has found. According to a survey published by Australian National University (ANU) on Tuesday, 32.1 percent of 3,500 respondents said they or someone in their household had been the victim of a breach in the previous 12 months. The age group most likely to have their data compromised were those aged 25-34, with 41.5 percent saying they had been exposed. "Roughly-one third of adult Australians, or around 6.4 million people, have been the victim of a breach in the last 12 months," Nicholas Biddle, co-author of the study from the ANU Center for Social Research and Methods, said in a media release. "In comparison our survey found only 11.2 percent of Australians had been the victim of serious crimes like burglary or assault in the last five years." "As our lives become more and more dominated by data, so too does our exposure to data related crime. This is a serious issue that needs serious attention." The survey was conducted in October after telecommunications giant Optus and health insurance provider Medibank disclosed details of major cyber attacks that compromised the data of millions of customers. It found trust in institutions with regard to data privacy declined, with social media companies receiving an average score of 2.94 out of 10 on security from respondents and telecommunications a 4.08. "Almost all Australian adults, 96.2 percent, said companies that do not adequately protect consumer data should face significant sanctions," Biddle said. "And 92.8 percent of Australian adults think the government regulation of new technologies is crucial for consumer protection. At the same time, 90.6 percent think the government should regulate companies' use of data." WARSAW, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Nuclear power is set to make up 30-35 percent of Poland's energy mix within a decade, the country's development and technology minister Waldemar Buda said on Tuesday. "In 10-12 years our energy mix will look completely different from today. A nuclear power plant will form the basis of the energy mix ... and nuclear power will constitute 30-35 percent," Buda told Republika TV station. Meanwhile, renewables will form "a large part" of Poland's energy mix, he added. "We have to be sure that no external crises, such as the energy resources crises today, will disturb the market to the extent that the prices will rise four times ... as happened during the summer holidays," Buda explained. The construction of a nuclear power plant in Poland "is a huge undertaking that serves us greatly economically," he said. Last week, the Polish government approved a resolution on building large-scale nuclear power plants in Poland. It confirmed the selection of Westinghouse from the United States as the technology provider for the first nuclear power plant, which should become operational by 2033, and will generate some 1-1.6 GW of power per year. Subsequently, new reactors will be constructed every two years. ANKARA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye said on Tuesday it has been coordinating efforts to remove obstacles to the export of Russian grain and fertilizer. The deal that paved the way for the resumption of Ukrainian grain to world markets also envisaged shipment of Russian grain and fertilizer, the semi-official Anadolu Agency quoted Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as saying. "Export of Russian fertilizer is part of the agreement. Russians have some concerns that these demands are not met. Now diplomacy is working to remove these concerns," Cavusoglu said. "We're looking into what steps need to be taken to meet Russia's expectations and we're coordinating work," he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also holding talks to remove barriers to Russian grain and fertilizer exports, he added. Russia on Wednesday announced its return to the implementation of a grain export deal via the Black Sea, saying Ukraine has promised not to use the humanitarian corridor for military attacks. On July 22, Russia and Ukraine separately signed a document in Istanbul with Turkiye and the United Nations on grain and fertilizer exports from Ukraine and Russia to ensure supplies to global markets amid the Russia-Ukraine armed conflict. On Oct. 29, Russia announced the decision to immediately and indefinitely suspend its implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, accusing Ukraine of launching drone attacks against the Russian Black Sea Fleet's ships and infrastructure at the naval base in Sevastopol. Conares, the second largest steel manufacturer in the UAE, welcomed a high-level delegation from the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology at its headquarters in Jebal Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) recently. This delegation led by Abdulla Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Growth Sector, and Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Acceleration Sector, took a tour of Conares multiple manufacturing plants in JAFZA. Bharat Bhatia, Founder and CEO of Conares, received the delegation, taking them through the journey of Conares, an industrial major working with a Make it in The Emirates program in alignment with the development goals of the nations wise leadership. Commenting on the delegations visit, Bharat Bhatia, said: We are extremely proud to host the high-level delegation from the Ministry of Industry at our headquarters and take them though our plants that make Conares the only private and one of the largest steel manufacturers in the UAE. Conares has an installed capacity to produce 1.5 million tonnes of steel products annually with the current market value for its assets estimated at AED 2.5 billion and exporting to 26 countries across six continents. This visit reflects the unending help we have been receiving from the UAE government. The diligent efforts of the authorities and different departments have helped us create our huge success in the industry. The delegation has ensured its additional support that would help us further contribute to the development of the manufacturing sector. This is a result of the steel products made in Emirates gaining market-wide acceptance and being the preferred choice of many prestigious projects in the country today, he added. We have always aligned our model to bolster the industrial goals of the nation and consistently worked towards making each one of them a reality. We are operating in line with the UAEs industrial strategy that aims to raise the manufacturing sectors contribution to maintaining an industrial identity to support domestic products and promote the sector globally, Bhatia said. He added: Conares currently aims to increase its installed capacity up to three million tonnes by the year 2030. The way Conares is able to develop its export markets is in line with the vision for developing the three million production capacity. We, at Conares, are also excited and pleased to announce that we have achieved a milestone dispatch of our entire range of products totalling 80,000 metric tonnes in October 2022, which is the highest volume ever recorded in a single month. All credit goes for this goes to our stakeholders including the relevant ministries, port authorities, and other partners, Bhatia further said. He says that Conares is proud of having the opportunity to be part of several initiatives of the UAEs government. Multiple public sector projects helped reinforce its front-running position in the UAEs industrial sector. Conares has been part of mega projects like the Etihad Rail, Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal, Expo 2020, Dubai Metro, Dubai Opera, and Museum of The Future, to name a few. The company is among the top steel rebar mills operating round the clock to serve the UAEs upcoming projects in infrastructure development and industrial sectors. Conares has been in the steel industry since its inception in 1988 with its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility headquartered in Jafza since 2000. Conares has been recognized as a premier producer of quality steel in massive quantities from Dubai, the strategic hub between the East and the West. The growth of Conares as a steel manufacturer has remained on a buoyant trajectory for more than three decades of its operations, helping it cross significant growth milestones in the steel industry. The company has set new benchmarks in the steel industry through its commitment to quality, excellence and service standards, Bhatia concluded.--TradeArabia News Service HELSINKI, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Finnish electricity company Lumo Energia filed for bankruptcy on Monday, citing the "difficult electricity market situation." Around 8,000 customers will be affected by the closure. "Lumo Energia, unfortunately, does not have the conditions to continue its operations, and we are unable to continue supplying electricity to our customers," it said. News of power company bankruptcies in Finland is becoming a regular occurrence, with electricity prices soaring due to the energy crisis. Finnish national broadcaster Yle has reported that Lumo Energia, founded in 2015, submitted its application for bankruptcy to the Helsinki District Court on Monday. At the beginning of September, the power company stopped electricity deliveries and prematurely terminated all fixed-term electricity contracts. Customers had to find new suppliers, with contracts sometimes costing many times more than those with Lumo Energia. The Finnish Competition and Consumer Agency (KKV) said Lumo Energia was in breach of contract with its clients, and negotiations were launched to provide them with compensation. However, KKV did not accept the compensation package of 3.7 million euros (3.7 million U.S. dollars) proposed by Lumo Energia, while the power company indicated it could not raise this amount any higher. Finally, Lumo Energia broke off negotiations and announced its intention to file for bankruptcy at the end of October. Two other Finnish power companies, Finergy Voima and Energia 247, also failed at the end of 2021. The closures came as freezing temperatures, and a lack of hydropower and wind power raised the stock market price of electricity to record levels. In December, Energia 247 stopped supplying electricity to all 16,000 of its customers with only two days' notice. Meanwhile, Finnish experts have speculated that yet more power companies are set to fall off the market. Finergy Voima, Energia247, and Lumo Energia were all sales companies, which did not produce electricity but bought it from the wholesale market and sold it on to consumers. Electricity purchased from the wholesale market must be paid for immediately, while customers are billed according to consumption. This means that companies are required to have enough liquidity while waiting for payments from clients. Due to large price fluctuations, the situation on the electricity market is now very uncertain, director of the Finnish Energy Authority Antti Paananen told Yle. Much depends on how successful companies are in withstanding these price swings. Electricity prices have been climbing in Finland since last autumn and soared even further after Russia cut power to Finland. "Based on the derivative prices, it seems that the electricity prices will move even closer to 30 cents per kilowatt hour, i.e., very high prices, during the end of the year and the beginning of next year," Paananen predicted. (1 euro = 1 U.S. dollar) OTTAWA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- A transfer agreement was formally signed on Monday to make the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority (AFNWA) become the first indigenous water utility in Canada. The agreement, signed by Potlotek First Nation Chief Wilbert Marshall, AFNWA Chief Executive Officer Carl Yates and the federal Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu, initiated the transfer of responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and capital upgrades of all water and wastewater assets in participating First Nations to the Indigenous-led AFNWA. "This has been a long time in the making and we are grateful to the leadership and commitment from our communities to get us to this milestone. We look forward to building capacity and increasing the level of service to standards enjoyed by other residents of Canada," said Marshall. "We have blazed a trail for others to follow but that is the way of the Wabanaki who have always been first to see the dawn," Marshall said. The agreement enabled First Nations to now officially join the water authority after receiving approval from their community members. Upon completion, the AFNWA will assume responsibility for water and wastewater services for as many as 4,500 households and businesses located in up to 17 participating First Nations, which represents approximately 60 percent of the on-reserve population of First Nation communities in Atlantic Canada, according to a news release issued by Indigenous Services Canada. The AFNWA is a First Nations-owned, not-for-profit organization incorporated in 2018 to manage the delivery of safe, clean drinking water and wastewater in participating First Nations communities in Atlantic Canada. The AFNWA will support all water and wastewater operators to become certified to operate their respective facilities and maintain their certification through continuing education, the release said. Through Indigenous Services Canada, the federal government has committed approximately 257 million Canadian dollars (206 million U.S. dollars) in funding for this work, including 173 million Canadian dollars (138 million U.S. dollars) over 10 years from Budget 2022 that will provide sustainable funding for operations and capital programs. Former Moldovan president is on Russian payroll, investigation finds 8 November, 12:52 AM Igor Dodon (Photo:Igor Dodon / Facebook) After leaving office, former President of Moldova Ihor Dodon relies on allowance from Kremlin-associated oligarchs, investigative journalist group RISE Moldova reported on Nov. 7. 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. 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. Video of day 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. 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). Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News In exchange for drones, Russia sends Iran $140 million in cash and captured Western weapons, Sky News reports 8 November, 10:54 PM Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone destroyed (Photo:t.me/andrii_nebytov) Russia sent Iran $140 million in cash, along with captured UK- and U.S.-made weapons in exchange for supplied kamikaze drones, UK TV channel Sky News reported on Nov. 8, citing an unnamed source in security services. The source claims that on Aug. 20, Russian military aircraft landed in Tehran, delivering the cash, NLAW and Javelin anti-tank weapons, and Stinger portable air defense systems, which Russian troops captured in Ukraine. The weapons could help Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps examine and potentially reverse-engineer Western technology, the Sky News source said. Video of day Sky News writes that in return, Iran handed over to Russia more than 160 UAVs, including 100 Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. According to the same source, Russia and Iran recently struck another deal for the supply of drones, worth $200 million. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein-Amir Abdullahian admitted for the first time that Tehran handed over drones to Russia, but claimed that this happened before the start of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Read also: Iran acknowledges sending drones to Russia for first time The United States refuted Irans claim and emphasized that Iran transferred drones to Russia in the summer of 2022, and also sent its military specialists to occupied Ukrainian territories to train Russian troops in operating Iranian-made equipment. The head of Ukraines Military Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said that Russia could start using Iranian short-range ballistic missiles against Ukraine as early as November. Specifically, the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar SRBM missiles. Iran has already transferred Mohajer, Arash-1 and Arash-2, Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones to Russia. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News North Korea making winter uniforms for Russian soldiers in Ukraine 8 November, 08:17 PM At least three factories in Pyongyang fulfill Russian orders (Photo:KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY) Russia is seemingly struggling to provide its army with winter gear, so North Korean factories are now producing cold weather uniforms for Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, Radio Free Asia reported on Nov. 7, citing sources inside North Korea. At least three factories in the North Korean capital city Pyongyang, and more in other parts of the country, are bringing in foreign currency for the cash-strapped government by making winter uniforms, underwear, and footwear for Russian soldiers in Ukraine, using Russian raw materials, the sources said. Video of day Read also: North Korea denies arms deals with Russia amid reports of ammo supplies by train According to the report, finished uniforms will be sent to Russia via the Tumen River-Khasan railway, which crosses the Russo-Korean border in the north-eastern part of North Korea. UN Security Council Resolution 2375, adopted in September 2017, completely bans all textile exports from North Korea. At the same time, Russian media outlet Kommersant reported Moscow was looking to purchase clothes and shoes from Pyongyang. The Russian Federation is very interested in purchasing goods from the DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea), including sewing products, shoes, etc., the Russian Embassy in NK said, as per Kommersant. All such projects must be implemented in strict accordance with UN Security Council resolutions banning the import of certain goods from the DPRK. In fact, both the Kremlin and the North Korean regime have never much respect to such restrictions, especially after the North Koreas decision to supply Russia with ammunition, which the latter needs to wage the war against Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News Home Politics Absentee voting is essential in Nepal given the migrants contribution, but authorities are uninterested File: A voter shows the thumb while casting a vote Almost four years back, the Supreme Court of Nepal ordered the government to provide Nepalis living abroad with voting right in future elections. However, the provision of absentee voting has not been implemented yet nor is there any sign that it will come into effect anytime soon. If the Supreme Court precedent is considered a part of the countrys law, over two million Nepalis were denied the opportunity to exercise their basic political right in the local elections held in May. And, this is not going to change in the upcoming federal and provincial parliamentary elections, thanks to a lack of action from the authorities. Stakeholders say it is imperative to give migrant workers their enfranchisement given their contribution to the national economy with the remittances they send. However, the responsible authorities look confused, if not uninterested, about how Nepal can exercise absentee voting. No progress Nepali migrant workers According to a report from the Central Bureau of Statics published in July this year, 21,69,478 Nepali are living outside Nepal. All these people are potential voters as they have already reached the age of majority. Article 21 (3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads, The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures. It means if Nepal continues to count its migrant workers as its own citizens, the authorities need to make immediate efforts to introduce absentee voting, says labour rights activist Aashish Rai. Rai and his team have been frequently holding meetings with the Election Commission for the past seven years to put pressure on the authorities to introduce the system. But, no progress has been made so far. They (the commission) say the interference of top political parties is the main reason behind the inability to introduce the external voting system, says Rai. Rai and his team have also collected the signatures of Nepali migrants from 17 different countries, demanding absentee voting rights and have submitted it to the commission, but in vain. But, the commissions assistant spokesperson Surya Prasad Aryal says there are no legal grounds to allow absentee voters to cast their ballots now. We have even conducted various studies for external voting and submitted the reports to the government, says Aryal. But, there has not been any progress since then. The blame game File image: Election Commission of Nepal Neil Kantha Uprety, a former chief election commissioner, says unless the government builds a mechanism to register absentee voters in their host countries, it is impossible to let them vote now. But, he believes that building such a mechanism has never been the priority of the government. The government does not have a policy because political parties are not prepared for this. CPN-UML leader Binda Pandey, also an outspoken labour rights activist, blames the political leadership for the failure. Depriving migrants of their voting rights is against the spirit of democracy, she says, But, the political leaders that are in power today are old-fashioned. They do not accept and believe in the absentee voting system that comprises the use of technology. They feel insecure with technology and unless they get rid of such a mentality, it is hard to provide voting rights to the Nepalis living abroad, she adds. Meanwhile, Dila Sangraula, a leader of the ruling Nepali Congress, says disagreements among political parties hindered the voting rights of Nepali people living abroad. Our party is very positive to introduce the absentee voting system. Time and again, we have raised our voice for it as well, says Sangraula. The reluctance of other parties is the main obstruction for an external voting system. Implementation complexities But, a lack of willingness is not the only problem. Technically, this is a difficult process. Migrant Nepalis can be able to vote only if voting booths are installed at the embassies. But, that can be not a complete solution yet. Pandey doubts the number of migrant workers going to the embassies might not be great all the time. Of course, online voting might solve this issue, but Nepali authorities do not believe in technology. The most apparent example is their reluctance to introduce the electronic voting system in Nepal. Globally, absentee voting is not a new concept now. Both developed and developing nations have already exercised it. Not only Sweden, Canada, the Philippines, Spain and Italy, but developing countries such as Senegal, Brazil, Mexico, and Honduras have also been exercising external voting. Pakistan remains the only country in South Asia that allows absentee voting, in which the voters can log into the National Overseas Voting System and cast their votes. Full completion of the world's first market-based Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) transaction, which will enable the early retirement of the 246-MW SLTEC coal plant and its transition to cleaner technology Entails full divestment of ACEN's equity stake in SLTEC, bringing the company closer to its commitment of 100% renewables generation by 2025 7.2 billion of proceeds received by ACEN for use in its renewable energy investments MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ACEN (PSE:ACEN), the energy platform of the Ayala Group, disclosed today the full divestment of the South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation (SLTEC) coal plant using the energy transition mechanism (ETM), the first ETM deal in the world. The landmark transaction will enable the early retirement of the 246-MW coal plant in Batangas, Philippines. As part of the ETM structure, the coal plant's operating life of up to 50 years will be cut in half, as ACEN commits to retire and transition the plant to a cleaner technology by 2040. This will help avoid or reduce up to 50 million metric tons of carbon emissions. ACEN completes the world's first Energy Transition Mechanism transaction The ETM is a concept developed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which aims to leverage low-cost and long-term funding geared towards early coal retirement and the reinvestment of proceeds to enable renewable energy projects. Ahmed Saeed, ADB vice president said, "We commend the Ayala Group and ACEN for the successful closing of this pioneering ETM transaction. We hope that this sets the tone for others to pursue the just transition of thermal plants to cleaner technologies." The ETM for the SLTEC plant involved 13.7 billion in debt financing provided by the Bank of the Philippine Islands and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, as well as 3.7 billion in equity investments from the Philippine Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), The Insular Life Assurance Company, Ltd. (InLife), and ETM Philippines Holdings, Inc., for a total deal value of 17.4 billion. ACEN received 7.2 billion from the transaction for reinvestment Story continues in the company's renewable energy projects. The balance of proceeds was used for refinancing debt and transaction fees. GSIS recently invested 2.2 billion in redeemable preferred shares issued by SLTEC. Wick Veloso, GSIS president and general manager said, "Our priority is to find ways to grow and sustain our funds to ensure that we are able to provide our over two million members and pensioners their benefits. We also fully support investments that prioritize optimal environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors or outcomes consistent with our corporate social responsibility." InLife anchored the equity placements with a 1-billion investment. Nina D. Aguas, InLife executive chairperson said, "To deliver a lifetime for good, for us at InLife, also means investing in cleaner air and environmental solutions for future generations. The proceeds of our investment will be used to develop renewable energy and eventually allow decommissioning of the coal plants. We join the call for the development of more renewable energy sources through this pioneering transition mechanism." She added that the ETM is a groundbreaking solution to a rising global concern. Through this transaction, ACEN moves closer toward its commitment to 100% renewables generation by 2025, as well as its ambitious goal of reaching 20 GW of renewables capacity by 2030. Cora Dizon, ACEN CFO and treasurer said, "Finding a win-win solution to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders amidst the goal of transitioning away from coal was admittedly challenging. Despite this, debt and equity investors still came together to support the financing of this pioneering energy transition deal, which has become a blueprint for other organizations to emulate." Eric Francia, ACEN president and CEO said, "ACEN continues to blaze the trail for energy transition in the Asia Pacific. As the company has successfully divested its coal asset, ACEN commits to a just energy transition. We have established mechanisms to ensure that stakeholder interests, especially those of the people and communities of SLTEC, are effectively addressed." AlphaPrimus Advisors and BPI Capital served as financial advisors to the transaction. CLSA Philippines was the lead arranger for the equity placements, while BPI Capital and RCBC Capital acted in the same capacity for the SLTEC debt financing. About ACEN ACEN is the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group. The company has ~4,000 MW of attributable capacity in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, and Australia, with a renewable share of 87%, which is among the highest in the region. ACEN's aspiration is to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia, with a goal of reaching 20 GW in renewables capacity by 2030. In 2021, ACEN announced its commitment to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will involve the early retirement of its remaining coal plant by 2040 and transition the company's generation portfolio to 100% renewable energy by 2025. www.acenrenewables.com For inquiries and more information, please contact: For Investors and Analysts: ACEN Investor Relations Email: investorrelations@acenrenewables.com DISCLAIMER: This disclosure may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors and opportunities that may affect ACEN's plans to complete the transaction/s that are the subject of this disclosure. Each forward-looking statement is made only as of the date of this disclosure. Outcomes of the subject transaction may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this disclosure. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acen-completes-the-worlds-first-energy-transition-mechanism-etm-transaction-for-the-246-mw-sltec-coal-plant-301670869.html SOURCE ACEN VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - (TSX: AOI) (Nasdaq-Stockholm: AOI) Africa Oil Corp. ("Africa Oil", "AOC" or the "Company") will publish its financial and operating results and related management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended September 30, 2022, after Toronto market close on Monday, November 14, 2022. View PDF version Senior management will hold a conference call to discuss the results on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 09:00 (ET) / 14:00 (GMT) / 15:00 (CET). The conference call may be accessed by dial in or via webcast. Participants should use the following link to register for the live webcast: https://onlinexperiences.com/Launch/QReg/ShowUUID=4A84DE51-3FE1-4372-AEF3-D443264C1A53 Please note that for optimal viewing, it is best not to connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) but instead to connect directly to the Internet. Participants can also join via telephone with the instructions available on the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI546559802eb54189b97a63f66553d054 Please join the event conference 5 minutes prior to the start time. A recording of the webcast will be available on the Company's website after the event. About Africa Oil Africa Oil Corp. is a Canadian oil and gas company with producing and development assets in deepwater Nigeria; development assets in Kenya; and an exploration/appraisal portfolio in Africa and Guyana. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and on Nasdaq Stockholm under the symbol "AOI". Forward Looking Statements This press release contains statements and information which constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (within the meaning of applicable securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, "forward-looking statements") relate to future events, including the Corporation's future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, unless otherwise indicated. Africa Oil does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Story continues All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, forecasts, guidance, budgets, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "forecast", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "budget" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". AFRICA OIL TO RELEASE THIRD QUARTER 2022 FINANCIAL RESULTS ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022 (CNW Group/Africa Oil Corp.) SOURCE Africa Oil Corp. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2022/08/c3030.html ReportLinker The Global Aluminum Furniture Market size was estimated at USD 60. 05 billion in 2021 and expected to reach USD 63. 13 billion in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 5. 79% to reach USD 84. New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Aluminum Furniture Market Research Report by Utility, Product, End User, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06336038/?utm_source=GNW 19 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 Aluminum Furniture to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Utility, the market was studied across Indoor, Office, and Outdoor. Based on Product, the market was studied across Building facades, Fixtures, Support Beams, and Window Frames. Based on End User, the market was studied across Architects and Designers. 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 Aluminum Furniture 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 Aluminum Furniture 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 Aluminum Furniture Market, including ALUMINAKS, Clinton Aluminum, Inc., Hevea UK, M.K. International, Metro Plus Life Style, Miri Piri Sheds & Structures, NMF Metal, Novelis, PBZ LLC, and Shenzhen Haomeijia Smart Home Co., Ltd.. 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 Aluminum Furniture Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Aluminum Furniture Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Aluminum Furniture Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Aluminum Furniture Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Aluminum Furniture Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Aluminum Furniture Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Aluminum Furniture Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06336038/?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 ReportLinker The Global Anchoring Equipment Market size was estimated at USD 218. 22 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 235. 84 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 8. 32% to reach USD 352. New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Anchoring Equipment Market Research Report by Equipment, Sales Channel, Manufacturer, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06336078/?utm_source=GNW 60 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 Anchoring Equipment to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Equipment, the market was studied across Anchor, Anchor Chain, Anchoring and Mooring Hardware, and Bow Anchor Rollers. Based on Sales Channel, the market was studied across Offline and Online. Based on Manufacturer, the market was studied across Marine Anchors Manufacturers and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Manufacturers. 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 Anchoring Equipment 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 Anchoring Equipment 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 Anchoring Equipment Market, including Anchor Systems (International) Ltd., Ancor Loc New Zealand Ltd., ANP - SYSTEMS GmbH, Asphalt Anchors Corp., Associated Fastening Products, Inc., BBR VT International Ltd., Con-Tech Systems Ltd., DYWIDAG-Systems International, EJOT Group, Intech Anchoring Systems, Inc., Monroe Engineering, LLC, Ningbo Weiifeng Fastener Co., Ltd., Peter Eisenreich GmbH, Sika AG, Skyline Steel, LLC, SPANTEC Spann- & Ankertechnik GmbH, Sumitomo Heavy Industries Himatex Co., Ltd., Thyssenkrupp Infrastructure GmbH, TWF Tiefbautechnik GmbH, and Williams Form Engineering Corp.. 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 Anchoring Equipment Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Anchoring Equipment Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Anchoring Equipment Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Anchoring Equipment Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Anchoring Equipment Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Anchoring Equipment Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Anchoring Equipment Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06336078/?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 The Office of the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, an initiative by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has announced the launch of the 21st cycle of the Award introducing new categories. Registration will be open from November 2022 to June 30, 2023, with the final submission due in September 2023. The new categories include: Best Organisation in Institutional Innovation, Best Organisation in Digital Transformation, and Best Organisation in Sustainability Management and Green Economy. This was announced during a press conference at Abu Dhabi Chambers headquarters, which was attended by Saeed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Chairman of the Higher Committee of SKEA, and Committee Members: Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Dhaheri, Mohammed Omar Abdullah, and Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber. Achieving objectives In his keynote speech, Al Fahim said: Twenty years following its launch, the Award continues to achieve its objectives through enhancing economic and social development, and raising the competitiveness of public and private companies and establishments on a local, regional, and international level. The Award has attracted several companies renowned for their professionalism and leadership, like the Saudi company Aramco, among others. The prestigious Award has received considerable interest, given that it is the representative of several international organisations. The Award represents the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), the International Association of Innovation Professionals (IAOIP), the Global Benchmarking Network (GBN), the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and the Asia Pacific Congress on Quality Control (APQO). He added: The Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award is the first Award that holds the name of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This gives the Award further importance and value, as it represents his values, virtues, and sayings. Despite the emergence of Covid-19 which hindered the launch of the previous edition of the Award, SKEA has reflected the highest levels of adaptation and flexibility to ensure its continuity by launching its 21st cycle. More participation The Award witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of participants, equivalent to more than 30%, and an increase in the number of assessors, equivalent to 20-25%. The increase in the number of participations, and the active contributions of the local, regional, and international judging committees, reflect the Awards successful model which places a major importance on institutional excellence. The Award has taken into account local and regional challenges, and urgent international issues of economic, social, and environmental significance. The key updates of the new approach will be announced at the beginning of January 2023, he added. Al Fahim thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his patronage and continuous support for the Award. thanked the organisers and assessors for their utmost diligence, efficiency, and professionalism, and their institutions for giving them the opportunity to take part in this voluntary work, which aims to foster a culture of institutional excellence in the UAE and the world. also thanked the members of the Awards Higher Committee, and the jury for their pivotal role in ensuring accuracy and impartiality in their evaluation. Raising awareness SKEA Office will organise workshops, seminars, and other activities to raise awareness about the Award, its participation guidelines, and required conditions. The Award is set to receive applications from hundreds of companies in the UAE and the world. It will continue its leading role in spreading a culture of creativity, quality, and competitiveness by supporting and honouring pioneers of excellence in all fields. Over the course of twenty-three years, more than 1,000 winners from the UAE, and dozens of winners from the GCC, and the world, have been honored within the various categories of the Award. Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said: Since its launch in 1999, the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award has contributed to consolidating the value of excellence and supporting innovation. The Award has adopted a new approach to meet the present and future requirements, especially with the fundamental shifts that the world has witnessed. The new approach centres on improvement, excellence, and finding innovative solutions to turn challenges into opportunities. With the launch of every new edition of the Award, we take a bigger responsibility to maintain its status and develop it further to keep up with best international practices.-- TradeArabia News Service NEWARK, DE / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / Lubricant testing machine market stands at US$ 80 Bn as of now and is expected to reach US$ 110 Bn by the year 2032 at a CAGR of 3.24% between 2022 and 2032. Future Market Insights, Inc., Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Press release picture Lubricants, as the name suggests, are basically used in various industries to facilitate smooth operation of the machines. In the automotive vertical, they ascertain working as well as durability of the engines and numerous other components. Engine's locomotion could also be maintained by lowering heat dissipated through friction. The lubricants are being made available in solid, semi-fluid state and is subject to higher level of thermal stability, lower freezing point, higher boiling point, and higher viscosity index. Request a Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8394 The lubricant testing machines are used for measuring the above-mentioned properties. These findings would be helping the manufacturers in customizing the quality of lubricants. Their internal product development unit or product grade certification and testing agencies usually employ lubricant testing machines. With continuous technological advancements regarding industrial machinery and automobiles, environmentally-friendly, high-performance lubricants along with additives are inevitable. This has facilitated the key market participants for maintaining standards of product conformance and also develop novel prototypes in catering to product characteristics. The lubricant testing machine market is expected to obtain advantage from the sales of lubricating testing machine to product manufacturers who never took regular quality tests seriously. The aerospace and marine verticals also help in enhancing the product performance. At the same time, the fact that there is a dearth of awareness regarding the importance of lubricants in the emerging economies could restrain the lubricant testing machine market can't be ignored. There are several guidelines and standards with regards to monitoring lubricant testing & oil condition. They include SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), ACEA (The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association), API (American Petroleum Institute), ILSAC (The International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee), JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization), and EURO standards. Future Market Insights has, through its indigenous team of analysts and consultants, has walked through these facts with future perspectives in its latest market study entitled Lubricant Testing Machine Market'. Story continues For critical insights, request for PDF Brochure @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/brochure/rep-gb-8394 Key Takeaways from Lubricant Testing Machine Market Europe leads the lubricant testing machine market with Germany contributing for maximum market revenue. North America and the Asia-Pacific are expected to witness moderate growth in the lubricant testing machine market going forward. MEA is already creating ripples long these lines, and is expected to continue with the winning streak even in the forecast period. Competitive Landscape Integrated Scientific holds the distinction of being an exclusive UK distributor for PAC (Petroleum Analyzer Corporation) and the UK's prime supplier of automated petroleum test equipment' for refining and petrochemical offshore industries. Koehler Instrument Company, Inc. has its salt in crude analyser at the service of end-users. Wadegati is known for manufacturing and designing petrochemical and pharmaceutical testing equipment. It is, in fact, known for providing innovative, customer-friendly, and cost-effective testing solutions. "Awareness about the fact that lubricating oil is the lifeline of oil wetted machinery and is essential for better functioning of equipment is expected to help the lubricant testing machine flourish in the near future", says an analyst from Future Market Insights. Ask an Analyst@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-8394 What Test Cases does the Report portray? Future Market Insights offers an exclusive perspective and various real-time insights on the lubricant testing machine market in its latest study, presenting historical demand assessment of 2016 - 2021 and projections for 2022 - 2032. The research study is based on end-use (automotive lubricant testing machine, marine lubricant testing machine, industrial lubricant testing machine, oil & gas lubricant testing machine, and others), by machine type (drive-trains lubricant testing machine, turbines lubricant testing machine, ships lubricant testing machine, trains lubricant testing machine, generators lubricant testing machine, offshore platforms lubricant testing machines, and others). Lubricant testing machine does monitor quality of lubricants or oils utilized in the combustion engines and various other systems and machinery. These advantages are bound to take the entire lubricant testing machine market by storm in the forthcoming period. Key Segments Profiled in the Lubricant Testing Machine Industry Survey Lubricant Testing Machine Market by End Use Sector: Automotive Lubricant Testing Machine Marine Lubricant Testing Machine Industrial Lubricant Testing Machine Oil & Gas Lubricant Testing Machine Others Lubricant Testing Machine Lubricant Testing Machine Market by Machine Type: Drive-Trains Lubricant Testing Machine Turbines Lubricant Testing Machine Ships Lubricant Testing Machine Trains Lubricant Testing Machine Generators Lubricant Testing Machine Offshore Platforms Lubricant Testing Machine Others Lubricant Testing Machine Lubricant Testing Machine Market by Region: North America Lubricant Testing Machine Market Latin America Lubricant Testing Machine Market Western Europe Lubricant Testing Machine Market Eastern Europe Lubricant Testing Machine Market APEJ Lubricant Testing Machine Market Japan Lubricant Testing Machine Market Middle East and Africa Lubricant Testing Machine Market Report Preview@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/lubricant-testing-machine-market 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 3.1.1. Drivers 3.1.2. Restraints 3.1.3. Opportunity 3.1.4. Trends Explore FMI's related ongoing Coverage on Testing Equipment Domain Laboratory Furnaces Market Size : The global laboratory furnaces market is set to surpass US$ 545.1 Mn in 2032 from a valuation of US$ 327.0 Mn in 2022. Battery Testing Equipment Market Share : The global battery testing equipment market is projected to have a moderate-paced CAGR of 4% during the forecast period. Food Tester Market Growth : Global food tester market worth is expected to rise at a rate of 8% per year to US$ 42.81 Billion by 2032 Environmental Test Chambers Market Technology : The environmental test chambers market is registering an average growth pace with an estimated CAGR of 3.0% from 2022 to 2032. Agricultural Testing Services Market Analysis : The global agricultural testing services market is anticipated to create an absolute dollar opportunity of more than US$ 2.9 Bn through 2032. Lubricant Testing Machine Market Trends : Global lubricant testing machine demand is anticipated to be valued at US$ 80 Billion in 2022, forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.24% to be valued at US$ 110 Billion from 2022 to 2032 Global Optical Spectrum Analyzer Market Outlook : The global optical spectrum analyzer market is currently valued at around US$ 342.3 Mn and is anticipated to progress at a CAGR of 5.7% to reach US$ 593.2 Mn by 2032. Clamp Meter Market Demand : The clamp meter market is likely to strengthen its hold in the global market at a moderate CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. FTIR Gas Analyzer Market Type : Future Market Insights (FMI) has forecasted the FTIR Gas Analyzer market to grow with an year on year growth of 8.2% in 2022 reaching a value of about US$ 1,267.9 Mn by 2022 end. Radiation Tester Market Forecast : The global radiation tester market size was valued at US$ 1.7 Bn in 2021 and is likely to reach a valuation of US$ 1.9 Bn in 2022. 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: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Browse latest Market Reports: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports SOURCE: Future Market Insights Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/724515/Automotive-Sector-is-Set-to-Sweep-the-Lubricant-Testing-Machine-Market-Reaching-US-110-Bn-at-a-CAGR-of-324-Between-the-Forecast-Period-of-2022-32-Insights-by-Future-Market-Insights-Inc Bank of America and CrossBoundary Energy are exploring opportunities with development finance institutions to structure a blended finance loan facility that will support CrossBoundary's efforts to scale commercial and industrial renewable energy projects and battery storage solutions in Africa. Finance facilities will support CrossBoundary's development pipeline of approximately 255MW of solar and wind generation and 50MWh of storage projects. SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CrossBoundary Energy, a leading developer, owner, and operator of commercial and industrial renewable energy projects in Africa, announced today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt at the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference, their intention to explore financing solutions with Bank of America, to rapidly scale its investments in renewable energy solutions for commercial and industrial businesses across Africa. The collaboration serves as an example of a blended finance transaction driving capital flow into Emerging Markets and will support CrossBoundary's delivery of approximately 255MW of solar and wind generation and 50MWh of storage projects. Crossboundary Energy installation for Unilever Tea Kenya CrossBoundary Energy provides tailored, fully financed renewable energy solutions to its corporate customers, allowing them to avoid upfront capital expenditure and technical risks, while still benefitting from cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable power. CrossBoundary is currently delivering a portfolio of $230 million in projects for more than 30 corporate customers across 14 African countries and is the renewable energy provider of choice for several market-leading companies present in Africa, including Unilever, Diageo, Rio Tinto, Heineken, and AB InBev. Matt Tilleard, co-founder and Managing Partner, CrossBoundary Group said, "We are very excited to be able to share this news alongside Bank of America during COP27, hosted on the African continent, given our common goal of bolstering sustainable development in emerging markets. COP27 is an appropriate backdrop to articulate our shared commitment to expand large-scale renewable energy projects in Africa. We are proud to be working with Bank of America, and as well as development finance institutions, to build a more sustainable future in the region." Story continues Karen Fang, Global Head of Sustainable Finance, Bank of America said, "Bank of America recognizes the importance of developing renewable energy infrastructure in Africa, where energy is lacking on a consumer level and commercial operations are hampered by outages. We believe emerging markets need the net zero transition as much as developed markets, and as part of our own commitment to achieve net zero before 2050 and our $1.5 trillion sustainable finance commitment by 2030, are ensuring climate finance capital are flowing in a targeted and equitable manner. We look forward to working with CrossBoundary, which has a solid track record in renewable energy deployment in Africa and a robust development pipeline, and hope this example paves the way for more sustainable development in emerging markets." 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. BofA has experience lending and arranging renewable energy financing in a number of regions, including distributed solar financing solutions for residential and commercial and industrial customers in emerging markets. BofA is also recognized as an M&A and capital markets leader across emerging markets. CrossBoundary Energy CrossBoundary Energy is a leading developer, owner, and operator of distributed renewable energy solutions for businesses across Africa, providing cheaper and cleaner energy through power purchase and lease agreements. CrossBoundary Energy is currently delivering a portfolio of over US$230M of solar renewable energy assets for clients including Unilever, Diageo, Rio Tinto, Heineken, and AB InBev, and was recently recognized by African Solar Industry Association as "Solar Company of the Year". Learn more at www.crossboundary.com/energy/. CrossBoundary Energy is a member company of the CrossBoundary Group, a mission-driven investment firm committed to unlocking capital for sustainable growth and strong returns in underserved markets. Learn more at www.crossboundary.com. 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. 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: Kymberly Bays, CrossBoundary Group Global Head of Communications Mobile: +254 (0)701.380.433 communications@crossboundary.com Sheryl Lee, Bank of America Phone: +1.657.234.9950 sheryl.lee2@bofa.com (PRNewsfoto/Bank of America Corporation) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bank-of-america-and-crossboundary-energy-join-forces-to-expand-renewable-energy-across-africa-for-a-more-sustainable-future-301671794.html SOURCE Bank of America Corporation Beijing has called on Vilnius to respect the one-China principle and end its partnership with Taiwan as the Baltic nation seeks to expand cooperation with Taipei. Lithuania must "prudently handle" the Taiwan question and effectively maintain a political foundation for bilateral ties with China, mainland foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday. He made the comment in response to Lithuania's official launch of its office in Taipei. 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. In an opening ceremony in Taipei on Monday, Paulius Lukauskas, Lithuania's de facto envoy in Taiwan, pledged closer cooperation with the island, especially in trade and investment. Taiwan will put at least 30 million (US$29.99 million) towards business, financing and industrial cooperation with Lithuania, which has defied repeated warnings from Beijing against strengthening ties with the self-ruled island. The Baltic state clashed with Beijing last year over its decision to swap representative offices with Taiwan. In retaliation, the mainland Chinese authorities downgraded official ties with the Lithuanian capital and slapped trade sanctions on the country. On Monday, Taiwan announced the first major investment of 10 million in three business projects in Lithuania through its US$200 million Central and Eastern Europe Investment Fund. According to the island's National Development Council, the fund operator, Taiwania Capital, has already approved a 3.5 million investment in Lithuania's ultra-fast laser technology producer Litilit. "Two more investments in Lithuania are expected to be announced later this year or by early next year, bringing the total to 10 million," a council official said. Through a 1 billion loan facility set up earlier this year in Taiwan, the island's Export-Import Bank was also soon expected to approve a loan guarantee of up to 9 million for two joint ventures between Lithuanian and Taiwanese companies, the official said. Story continues The island would also provide another 10 million towards production of semiconductors, electric buses and laser projects, the official said, adding there would be more investments from the island for the Baltic state in coming years. The island had also approved imports of fish, eggs and dairy products from Lithuania to help boost agricultural trade, the official noted. Taiwan's 3.5 billion investment in the laser company was the first to be made since the island established the Central and European Investment Fund earlier this year. The fund is focused on developing business ties with Central and Eastern European countries, including Lithuania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, which have been increasingly annoyed by Beijing over what they perceive as economic invasions of their countries. On Tuesday, Taiwanese foreign ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said the official launch of the Lithuania representative office in Taipei was a new milestone in friendly relations of the two sides. "Taiwan and Lithuania are close partners standing up against authoritarianism on the front line, sharing not only the universal values of democracy and freedom, but also facing various challenges from post-pandemic recovery and the Russia-Ukraine war," Ou said. "With authoritarian countries using trade sanctions as a tool to threaten others ... it would be helpful for Taiwan and Lithuania to work together to find a new blueprint to achieve economic development and enhance supply chain resilience in the democratic world." Lithuanian Minister of the Economy and Innovation Ausrine Armonaite said the opening of the office in Taiwan was aimed at strengthening Lithuania's position in the Asian region, expanding exports of Lithuanian lasers and biotechnologies, as well as food products. "Today, we can welcome the first achievements of Lithuania's economic cooperation with Taiwan," she said. "I have no doubt that with the opening of Lithuania's trade representative office in Taipei, our work with this promising market will intensify even further." According to her office, despite trade sanctions imposed by Beijing, exports of Lithuanian goods to its 10 main trading partners in the Indo-Pacific region amounted to "half a billion euros" in January-August this year, and were 60 per cent higher than in the same period last year. Lithuanian exports to Taiwan amounted to 19 million. 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. Elon Musk attends The 2022 Met Gala. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Billionaire IAC chairman Barry Diller has mixed feelings about Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition. On CNBC's Squawk Box, Diller said Musk "bought a toy, and how long he will use it, like toys, we don't really know." Diller also said pursuing Musk's aspirations to make a super-app out of Twitter will be an uphill climb. Barry Diller has some thoughts on Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition. In an interview with CNBC's Squawk Box on Monday, Diller, the 80-year-old billionaire chairman of Expedia and the internet and media conglomerate IAC, shared his predictions for the future of the social media platform under Musk's ownership. "You've got this extraordinarily wealthy person, and he bought a toy," Diller said. "He bought a toy, and how long he will use it, like toys, we don't really know, but he's not going to walk away, I don't think." Diller seemed hopeful that Musk could improve Twitter but doubts the company could evolve into the super-app that Musk has said he wants it to be. "Twitter will be better, it will be smaller," Diller said. Musk said in October that his $44 billion Twitter deal will speed up the development of an "everything app" that he says could be a kind of WeChat equivalent outside of China. "If you're in China, you kind of live on WeChat," he previously said. "It does everything sort of like Twitter, plus PayPal, plus a whole bunch of things, and all rolled into one, with a great interface. It's really an excellent app, and we don't have anything like that outside of China." "I think if we could achieve that, or even close to that with Twitter, it would be an immense success," Musk continued. By headcount, however, Twitter is already much smaller in the days since Musk bought it. The self-proclaimed "chief twit" fired several executives, including CEO Parag Agrawal shortly after taking over. In the following days, he would go on to slash 3,700 jobs, roughly half of the company's workforce. The layoffs may not be going according to plan, though, as some affected employees say they're now being asked to return after the company realized they were "essential for Twitter's ecosystem to function." As for users, an internal report, written before Musk's acquisition of the platform was finalized, pointed out an "absolute decline" in Twitter's most active users since the pandemic began. Several celebrities and other figures have left the platform on account of Musk's new ownership, and some users are looking to ditch Twitter for rivals like Mastodon instead. Read the original article on Business Insider NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / Antea Group Antea Group, Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Press release picture With the onset of climate change and the urge to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the biofuel industry is growing more every year. Biofuels (also called alternative or renewable fuels) are fuels that are produced using biological feedstocks, which can be anything from corn to algae to organic waste. These organic feedstocks typically have some quantity of carbon (CO2) uptake during their growth cycle. Or, in the case of organic waste, they are processed into fuel instead of digesting in a landfill and off-gassing greenhouse gas emissions. This offset allows them to generate less GHG emissions over their lifecycle than conventional fuels. With the expansion of the biofuels industry, you might be wondering how you can use biofuels in your own business. Below, we'll discuss ways that companies can make the most of biofuels as part of their carbon management strategy to achieve carbon neutral transportation. Common Uses of Biofuels Vehicle Applications Biofuels' traditional application is in vehicles, such as ethanol blends with gasoline (E10, E15, E85). The Renewable Fuel Association has published data detailing today's corn ethanol reduces GHG by half when compared to traditional fuels. In addition, ethanol has been the cornerstone of helping California meet approximately 40% reduction of GHG emissions for their new low carbon fuel standard. Increasing the blend levels of ethanol in gasoline will help States reach current low carbon fuel standards as vehicle fleets are electrified. As vehicles electrify, the need for biofuels in passenger vehicles reduces. Electric vehicles being charged on a relatively clean grid may incur less GHG emissions than vehicles that run on 100% biofuels. However, there is still a need for an adequate low-to-zero carbon option for certain types of transportation where electrification with batteries is not currently feasible (trucking, maritime, rail, aviation). The electrification of vehicles will take time and the use of renewable fuels will play a major role in meeting carbon reduction goals. Biofuels will compete as a solution with other technologies including Hydrogen and rail electrification (non-battery). Story continues Aviation Applications Since vehicle electrification has developed, the biofuels industry has begun pivoting to aviation. Like long-haul trucking, it is another transportation industry that cannot rely on batteries to decarbonize. Biofuels would allow for aviation transportation to drastically reduce emissions. It will also allow aviation to potentially be carbon neutral depending on the type of biofuel, its feedstock, and the emissions associated with its production. Long-Haul Trucking Applications Electrification of long-haul vehicles with batteries is currently not feasible due to the weight of the batteries required. Renewable fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol offer a lower carbon option for the trucking sector. Agriculture / Industrial Applications The agriculture industry is unique because not only can it use biofuels, but it also contributes to their production. Like long-haul trucking, many of the vehicles and machinery in the agriculture industry aren't being electrified (e.g., diesel tractors). Renewable fuels (ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel) could be the solution for decarbonizing scope 1 emissions incurred by operating farm equipment. Additionally, biofuel production requires crops such as corn, sorghum, soy, etc. This presents an opportunity for farmers to grow products in responsible ways (using sustainable farming techniques) that will ultimately be sold as biofuel renewable fuel feedstock. Just this year in August, the USDA began accepting applications for $100 million in grants to increase the sale and use of biofuels derived from US agricultural products. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack stated, "Biofuels are homegrown fuels. Expanding the availability of higher-blend fuels is a win for American farmers, the rural economy, and hardworking Americans who pay the price here at home when we depend on volatile fuel sources overseas." However, this is also where the "food vs fuel" conflict comes into play, where some have identified a risk that using suitable land for agriculture and/or food products as fuel feedstocks can create more price and land area competition. It's hard to find a consensus on the conflict in terms of risk quantification. Many renewable fuel producers use feedstock non-suitable for human consumption and produce co-products such as distillers' grains for animal feed to replace the possible use of the original feedstock. In addition, it's important to keep in mind that renewable fuels and electricity will not totally eliminate the use of fossil fuels. The decarbonizing goals of the future will be achieved by using a balance of fossil fuels, renewable fuels, and electricity. So, What Does Implementation Look Like? It is important to account for biofuels correctly and anticipate how they will impact your greenhouse gas emissions accounting. The environmental benefit of these fuels is seen in the upstream production of these fuels. Instead of extracting oil and gas, the plants used as feedstock uptake carbon dioxide, incurring a negative carbon emissions figure during their growth cycle that either partially or fully offsets the emissions generated in their production and ultimate combustion as fuel. Recent studies have shown that ethanol combustion produces significantly less GHG emissions than standard gasoline. To take credit for the carbon uptake/offset associated with the biofuel, you need to have the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credit. This certifies that only one entity is taking credit for the environmental benefit, and the benefit isn't being double counted. Accounting for the use of biofuels in your GHG inventory is nuanced. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (and other reporting mechanisms, such as CDP Climate Change) allows for part of the scope 1 emissions associated with the combustion of biogenic sources (i.e., biofuels and other alternative fuels) to be reported separately from other scope 1 emissions. Specifically, the CO2 emissions are reported in a different category (e.g., "excluded emissions" or "biogenic emissions"), while CH4 and N2O are included in scope 1 as usual. This is to recognize that at least a portion of the carbon dioxide released from the combustion of the fuel was likely taken up by the feedstock earlier in its lifecycle. The Bottom Line Biofuels are certainly one piece of the complex decarbonization puzzle, especially for aspects of transportation industries that are not addressed by electrification via battery technology. Remember, the decarbonization puzzle will be achieved by using multiple forms of energy including fossil fuels, renewable fuels, and electricity. When it comes to reducing emissions, every step counts. Want to learn more? Reach out to Antea Group to get your renewable fuel questions answered. About Antea Group AnteaGroup is an environment, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm. By combining strategic thinking with technical expertise, we do more than effectively solve client challenges; we deliver sustainable results for a better future. We work in partnership with and advise many of the world's most sustainable companies to address ESG-business challenges in a way that fits their pace and unique objectives. Our consultants equip organizations to better understand threats, capture opportunities and find their position of strength. Lastly, we maintain a global perspective on ESG issues through not only our work with multinational clients, but also through our sister organizations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America and as a founding member of the Inogen Alliance. Learn more at us.anteagroup.com. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Antea Group Website: https://us.anteagroup.com/ Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Antea Group View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/724559/How-Biofuels-Can-Support-Your-Carbon-Management-Strategy ReportLinker The Global Cerium Market size was estimated at USD 321. 79 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 339. 42 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 5. 73% to reach USD 449. 65 million by 2027. New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Cerium Market Research Report by Type, Application, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06337339/?utm_source=GNW 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 Cerium to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Type, the market was studied across Cerium-136 (0.19 %), Cerium-138 (0.25 %), Radioactive Cerium-142 (11.11 %), and Stable Cerium-140 (88.45 %). Based on Application, the market was studied across Catalysts, Ceramics, Glass additives, Glass polishing, Metal alloys, and Permanent magnets. 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 Cerium 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 Cerium 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 Cerium Market, including ALB Materials, Inc., Alkane Resources Ltd., Arafura Resources Ltd, Atlantic Equipment Engineers, Inc., Avalon Rare Metals Inc., Baotou Hefa Rare Earth Co. Ltd., C&L Development Corp., China Minmetals Rare Earth Co. Ltd., EdgeTech Industries, LLC, Electro Abrasives Corp., Espicorp Inc., Greenland Minerals, HEFA Rare Earth Canada Co. Ltd., Lynas Rare Earths Ltd., Metall Rare Earth Limited, NEO Performance Materials, Noah Chemicals, ProChem, Inc., Rainbow Rare Earths Limited, and Spectrum Chemical Mfg. Corp.. 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 Cerium Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Cerium Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Cerium Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Cerium Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Cerium Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Cerium Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Cerium Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06337339/?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 COVID lockdowns at Apples (AAPL) main iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max plant in Zhengzhou, China, are hitting the company at whats arguably the worst possible time. The holiday season is Apples most important time of year, as consumers buy up new iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads for friends, family, and themselves. The lockdowns at the plant in Zhengzhou mean that Apple might not have enough iPhones to meet demand this year, which could significantly impact the companys bottom line. The news follows Apples mixed Q4 results, in which the company reported record revenue but saw a $40 million miss on iPhone revenue and $800 million miss on services revenue. After battling the macro headwinds and delivering a strong September quarter/guidance in a stark contrast to the rest of Big Tech, this latest zero-COVID situation is an absolute gut punch for Apple in its most important holiday quarter, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives wrote in an investor note. Throw in soaring inflation, rising interest rates, and general unease throughout the economy, and Apples holiday quarter could be a serious letdown. Apples holidays not looking so bright Like most consumer tech companies, the holiday season brings in huge amounts of cash for Apple. Consumers eager to get their hands on the latest iPhones order online and head to stores in droves, gooseing the companys revenue and sales numbers at the same time every year. To say Apples iPhone is the companys breadwinner is an understatement. In 2021, Apple reported Q1 revenue of $123.9 billion, of which about 57%, or $71.6 billion, came from iPhone sales. For the full year, the iPhone accounted for 52% of Apples total revenue of $394.3 billion. Apple's iPhone could face supply shortages this holiday season. Credit: RW/MediaPunch /IPX The lockdown at the Zhengzhou plant, however, means that Apple could have fewer iPhones available for holiday shoppers. Whats more, because the facility manufactures Apples pricier iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, customers who cant get their hands on Pro models might opt for the less expensive iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus. As a result, consumers would spend less on their smartphones than Apple would otherwise like. Story continues Our checks suggest that the Zhengzhou facility is running at about 50% utilization rate and aiming to ramp to 70% in the last two weeks of Nov. and back to a full rate in Dec., BofA Global Research analyst Wamsi Mohan wrote in an investor note. We estimate a 5-6 [million] unit disruption in supply if the situation does not deteriorate further, he added. The iPhone will still power sales the rest of the year While Chinas zero-COVID policy might hurt Apple in the near term, analysts dont see the problem as a serious threat in the long term. After all, consumers still want to get their hands on iPhones regardless of when theyre able to buy them. While the Zhengzhou and Foxconn situation in China remains an ongoing albatross for Apple, our positive thesis on the demand story during this economic dark storm for Apple remains unchanged and would-be buyers on any knee-jerk weakness this morning as the Street digests this news, Ives said in his note. In the longer term, though, Apples production challenges will likely be nothing more than blip, as the company continues to grow its product lines and, potentially, expand into the AR/VR space with its own headset. Whats going to matter in the near-term, and certainly for the longer term is demand for the products is health, Daniel Flax, senior research analyst at Neuberger Berman, told Yahoo Finance. The Pro and the Pro Max, good initial reception as the product cycle gets underway. If Apple is able to continue executing on its product cycles, I think the next one to two years will be a good time for Apple and a good time for their shareholders, Flax added. As for the holidays, well have to wait until Apple reports its Q1 earnings sometime in late January to find out how much the lockdowns hurt sales. Sign up for Yahoo Finance's Tech newsletter More from Dan Got a tip? Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. Click here for the latest technology business news, reviews, and useful articles on tech and gadgets Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance ReportLinker The Global Commercial Tableware Services Market size was estimated at USD 7,891. 22 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 8,836. 59 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 12. New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Commercial Tableware Services Market Research Report by Product, Distribution Channel, End-user, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06337609/?utm_source=GNW 23% to reach USD 15,772.97 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 Commercial Tableware Services to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Product, the market was studied across Cutlery and Dinnerware. Based on Distribution Channel, the market was studied across Offline and Online. Based on End-user, the market was studied across Hotel, Household, and Restaurant. 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 Commercial Tableware Services 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 Commercial Tableware Services 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 Commercial Tableware Services Market, including Churchill China Ltd., Dart Container Corporation, Denby Pottery Company Ltd., Fiskars Group, Gibsons Overseas Inc., Libbey Inc, Pigeon toe Ceramics, Royal Doulton, Victorinox, and Villeroy & Bosch AG. 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 Commercial Tableware Services Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Commercial Tableware Services Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Commercial Tableware Services Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Commercial Tableware Services Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Commercial Tableware Services Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Commercial Tableware Services Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Commercial Tableware Services Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06337609/?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 An illustration of face analysis Privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch has made a complaint against face recognition search engine PimEyes. PimEyes enables people to look for faces in images which have been posted publicly on the internet. Big Brother Watch claims it facilitates stalking and has complained to the UK data and privacy watchdog. But PimEyes' chief executive Giorgi Gobronidze says it poses fewer risks related to stalking than social media or other search engines. Mr Gobronidze told the BBC that because PimEyes only searches images posted publicly anyone misusing it "gets only the information available on the open internet". Enabling surveillance Big Brother Watch's complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) claims that PimEyes has enabled "surveillance and stalking on a scale previously unimaginable". Starting with a person's picture, PimEyes finds other photos of them published online. This could include images on photo-sharing sites, in blog posts and news articles, and on websites. Big Brother Watch says that by piecing together information associated with these images - for example the text of a blog post, or a photo on a workplace website - a stalker could work out a person's "place of work, or indications of the area in which they live". "Images of anyone, including children, can be scoured and tracked across the internet," wrote Madeleine Stone, legal and policy officer at Big Brother Watch, as she announced the complaint. She argued the tool could be secretly used by potential employers, university admissions officers, domestic abusers or stalkers, and said it threatened to "end anonymity as we know it". The campaigners accuse PimEyes of unlawfully processing the biometric data of millions of UK citizens - arguing it does not obtain permission from those whose images are analysed. However, PimEyes told the BBC it was technically impossible to tell how many UK citizens' faces it has analysed. Mr Gobronidze also responded to accusations his search engine broke data protection law. He claimed it was "technically impossible to reconstruct a single photo" from the data the company held, "even if we put our entire database on the open web". Story continues No surveillance To make full use of PimEyes, users need to take out one of three types of paid subscription. In its terms and conditions, the site says it is intended to allow people to search for publicly available information about themselves. "PimEyes is not intended for the surveillance of others and is not designed for that purpose," it says. But Big Brother Watch claims there are no safeguards against this. There has also been concern that the tool could be used to uncover the real identity of sex workers. However Mr Gobronidze claims that PimEye's "data security unit" looks for suspicious activity, for example if a male user always looks for female individuals, or a user uploads a photo of a child. And the site does allow people to opt out of their image appearing in results. A stock image collage of faces The company argues that there are positive uses of the tool, telling the BBC that it: assists investigative journalists is negotiating with German, Italian, UK and US law enforcement to assist in combating crimes against children, human trafficking, and terrorism had helped women and girls remove thousands of images related to non-consensual pornography worked with humanitarian organisations on the investigation of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine However, another face recognition search engine has found itself in legal hot water. ClearviewAI's tool is not usable by the general public, and the firm says it is only available to law enforcement. Nonetheless it faced a 7.5m fine from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Responding to Big Brother Watch's call for an investigation the ICO said "We are aware of this matter and we are assessing the information provided." ReportLinker The Global Dental Matrix Systems Market size was estimated at USD 218. 34 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 233. 33 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 7. 12% to reach USD 329. New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Dental Matrix Systems Market Research Report by Type, End-use, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06337969/?utm_source=GNW 97 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 Dental Matrix Systems to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Type, the market was studied across Circumferential Matrix Systems and Sectional Matrix Systems. Based on End-use, the market was studied across Dental Academic & Research Institutes, Dental Laboratories, and Hospitals & Dental Clinics. 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 Dental Matrix 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 Dental Matrix 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 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 Dental Matrix Systems Market, including A.R. Medicom, Inc., Bioclear Matrix Systems, Clinicians Choice Dental Products Inc., Curion, Denovo Dental, Dentsply Sirona Inc., Dr. Walser Dental GmbH, Garrison Dental Solutions, LLC., GoldenDent Inc., Hiossen, Inc., Kerr Corporation, Peter Brasseler Holdings, LLC, Polydentia SA, Premier Dental Co., Reinvent Dental Products, and Water Pik, 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 Dental Matrix Systems Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Dental Matrix Systems Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Dental Matrix Systems Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Dental Matrix Systems Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Dental Matrix Systems Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Dental Matrix Systems Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Dental Matrix Systems Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06337969/?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 Kuwait is committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in oil and gas sector and in other sectors by 2060, said its Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah on the sidelines of the UN climate summit COP27 and the Middle East Green Initiative Summit currently held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Kuwait has executed many projects to preserve the environment and reduce emissions, stated Sheikh Salem while talking to Kuna. Kuwait, he stated, sticks to all the commitments it made since the launching of the first climate conference in the Brazilian capital in 1992 all the way to the Paris conference in 2015. "One of the UN summit's goals is to encourage world countries to announce specific dates to reach carbon neutrality, indicating that Kuwait had pledged to reach that objective by 2050," he added. TAIPEI, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/-- This article is based on an interview undertaken by FusionMedium's technology online media, TechOrange, and published with permission: Whetron Electronics was established in 1983 as a provider to the automotive electronics sector. Over the 40 years of the company's existence, its lineup of sensing-centric vehicle systems from anti-theft, parking assistance to ADAS has excelled in performance. Honda, Ford, and Mazda's EV sensors are all made in Taiwan More and more sensors are being used in both gasoline-powered and electric vehicles (EVs) to meet with the expectations among drivers for safety, convenience and comfort. With the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) having very much become standard in virtually all new cars, sensors will undoubtedly be given more emphasis on the path to intelligent and driverless cars. Whetron Electronics was established in 1983 as a provider to the automotive electronics sector. Over the 40 years of the company's existence, its lineup of sensing-centric vehicle systems from anti-theft, parking assistance to ADAS has excelled in performance. "The sensors in a car are no longer single sensing units operating on the basis of a single technology, but rather a collection of different sensors, each with its own purpose, with the result that the number of sensors in the vehicle of today is several dozen times what was needed 10 years ago," said Alex Cho, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Whetron Electronics. Core technologies and hard work make for good industry performance Whetron Electronics got its entry into the automotive electronics sector as soon as the firm was established in 1983 and started providing remote control anti-theft devices to Ford. Over the next 40 years, the company has become ubiquitous with sensing-centric vehicle systems from anti-theft and parking assistance to ADAS. The company's accumulation of experience and technology over the four decades has led to itscapabilities in automotive sensors being widely recognized by many of the industry's majors, among them, Ford, GM, Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Nissan ,and Mitsubishi. With superior technology and service, Whetron Electronics has maintained close, long-term relationships with customers and became the exclusive supplier of Honda's ultrasonic radar in 2015, establishing its leadership position in intelligent vehicle electronics. Story continues How did Whetron Electronics win the favor of these manufacturers? "Technology is the key, while long-term experience and hard work are the foundation," emphasized Cho. The world's roads, traffic conditions, geography, and climate environments vary greatly, and the proper working of the sensing system under various scenarios requires experience and repeated iteration. "There will always be many unexpected situations." Alex said, for example, when the vehicle is being driven along steep up-and-down mountain roads, it becomes impossible for the front and rear millimeter wave radar to detect objects outside the vehicle correctly and respond as the slope is too inclined and the radar angle is fixed. This is unacceptable to car manufacturers. To improve radar discrimination accuracy to more than 95%, the company repeatedly conducted road tests with automakers over an eight-month period and kept modifying the algorithm until a satisfactory solution was found. This is just one of many cases where the company leveraged its rich measurement experience to overcome blind spot challenges and provide drivers with superior quality and service. From a single sensor to multiple sensing, making progress by working hand-in-hand with carmakers As vehicle sensing systems gradually transition from a single sensor to multiple sensing, the challenges facing sensing system manufacturers become ever more complex. The technology-centered advantages of Whetron Electronics are expected to become even starker in the highly competitive automotive electronics market. To start off, a single sensor can't meet the requirements of the multiple sensing systems installed in today's intelligent vehicles. A or even several multiple sensing systems with different functions need to be integrated and connected before drivers can access and benefit from the massive amount of vehicle information to achieve optimum driving safety. In addition, the sensor-related software must be updated in real-time to ensure that the vehicle is always equipped with the latest advances in quickly evolving technology. To overcome these challenges, it behooves sensing system manufacturers to work closely with automobile manufacturers. The tacit interaction and trust relationship established between Whetron Electronics and carmakers over the last 40 years has laid a solid foundation for the development of intelligent and driverless cars and led to the design and provision of the most beneficial sensing solutions. "For the whole life cycle from development and design, mass production and manufacturing to after-sales service, we do everything well, so the continuous improvement in competitiveness is inevitable as evidenced by our many achievements and data." Alex also mentioned that in the process of the company's pursuit of progress, the AI on Chip Industrial Cooperation Strategic Alliance established by the Smart Electronics Industry Promotion Office (SIPO) of the Industrial Development Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs provided information sharing across the sector, exchanges leading to collaborations with domestic and foreign manufacturers, access to international resources and business opportunities assistance. All the support has proven invaluable to Whetron Electronics and helped the company achieve the goal of accelerating expansion into the global automotive electronics market. Keeping pace with the times and being at the forefront of the EV's "integrated driving and parking" trend By being among the first to collaborate with carmakers and manufacturers of car engines, Whetron Electronics was an early entrant into the market for intelligent EVs with integrated driving and parking functionalities. Alex noted that the parking and driving functions of vehicles in general have always been controlled by two independent systems, while the whole electronic and electrical architecture of the vehicle has gradually shifted from a distributed to a centralized one. Reductions in cost, power consumption, and vehicle weight have made it so that the integration of driving and parking systems is no longer a challenge. In addition, the relevant sensing functions must match the integrated vehicle system. Whetron Electronics has already readied itself to fulfill this need. To cater to the transition to intelligent EVs and autonomous vehicles, Whetron Electronics, as a key component within the supply chain of Taiwan's automotive electronics industry, is confident in the market, "Taiwan excels in both ICT industry hardware and software and has important ADAS research advantages. Combined with complete production chains and industry clusters, as well as ample investment from multiple sectors, we believe that the island is ideally positioned to play a key role in the EV and autonomous vehicle markets." concluded Cho. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/how-did-whetron-electronics-enter-the-international-intelligent-vehicle-market-with-key-sensing-technologies-301671322.html SOURCE Fusionmedium ReportLinker Europe Veterinary Antibiotics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Animal Type (Cattle, Poultry), By Drug Class (Macrolides, Penicillins), By Dosage Form (Oral Solution, Oral Powder), And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030 New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Europe Veterinary Antibiotics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Animal Type, By Drug Class, By Dosage Form And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06360885/?utm_source=GNW Europe Veterinary Antibiotics Market Growth & Trends The Europe veterinary antibiotics market size is expected to reach USD 1.31 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 3.59% over the forecast period. The rising focus on animal-only antibiotics and ionophores, the launch of new products, and the increasing use of veterinary antibiotics are some of the major factors augmenting the industrys growth. In addition, the rising prevalence and incidence of livestock diseases and concerns regarding zoonoses are further propelling the industrys growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the veterinary antibiotic business operations of key players and resulted in declined financial performance during the initial time. The effect of the pandemic with various production and supply chain bottlenecks delayed the delivery of necessary raw materials or active ingredients and postponed certain research & development activities.However, with the easing of restrictions, manufacturers were able to supply antibiotics to meet the necessary veterinary requirements. Few major players have reported significant growth in antibiotic sales despite the pandemic. For instance, Virbacs bovine antibiotic sales grew from USD 66.98 million in 2020 to USD 79.30 million in 2021. The global concern regarding antibiotic resistance is growing in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Despite the regulatory changes implemented by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for restriction and ban on routine antibiotic use, the overall sales of veterinary antimicrobial active ingredients have observed significant growth in the past few years. For instance, according to the EMA, overall veterinary antimicrobial active substance sales grew from 5,282 tonnes in 2019 to 5,562 tonnes in 2020.Furthermore, major players, such as Elanco, have shifted their focus to animal-only antibiotics, as a measure to address antibiotic resistance while also protecting animal health. Key players are implementing various strategic initiatives, such as mergers, partnerships, acquisitions, collaborations, and new product launches, to maintain their competitive edge.For instance, in December 2021, Virbac, in collaboration with Pharmgate, launched Tulissin, an antibiotic solution for swine and cattle with respiratory pathologies. These activities are expected to intensify the competition between major antibiotic manufacturers in the coming years. Europe Veterinary Antibiotics Market Report Highlights The cattle animal type segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021 owing to the easy availability of cattle antibiotics and increased consumption of beef & dairy products By drug class, the penicillin segment held the largest revenue share in 2021. Penicillinis one of the most commonly sold antibiotic drug classes in Europe for veterinary application According to the EMA, the overall sales of veterinary penicillin accounted for 31.1% in 2020 The oral solution segment led the market in 2021 owing to the easy & convenient usage of these dosage forms. These solutions are preferably dispensed in the drinking water The U.K. accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021 and Poland is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030 Key factors contributing to the notable share of the U.K. include the easy availability of veterinary antibiotics and an increase in pet ownership & pet insurance rates The industry is fairly competitive owing to the presence of major players. Various strategic initiatives implemented by companies are greatly contributing to the growth of the industry Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06360885/?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 European natural gas prices have soared since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Frank Rumpenhorst/picture alliance via Getty Images) Europeans' gas bills have more than doubled since last year thanks to Russia's war with Ukraine. Gas bills have surged by 111%, while electricity bills have risen by 69%, according to VaasaETT. The steepest hikes include a 97% increase in Rome and a 64% increase in Luxembourg City. Europeans' natural gas bills have more than doubled since last year, even as governments spend billions to protect consumers from surging energy bills. According to energy consultancy VaasaETT, gas bills have increased by 111% while electricity bills increased by 69% in all EU capitals since last October. The average retail gas price across the European Union and the United Kingdom was 18 euros per kilowatt-hour in October, with Amsterdam residents experiencing the highest costs. The most significant changes that occurred in the natural gas market include a 97% price increase in Rome and a 64% price increase in Luxembourg City, per the report. "The high retail gas prices reflect the extreme wholesale prices driven by shortfalls in supply adequacy, increased natural gas demand in effort to fill gas storages before winter, under the constant fear of supply cuts, while the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted the markets further," VaasaETT said. European natural gas prices have soared this year thanks to Russia's war with Ukraine, as Moscow repeatedly cut flows to the continent in retaliation to Western sanctions imposed on them. Dutch TTF futures, the European benchmark, has risen about 63% year-to-date, reaching as high as 346 euros per megawatt-hour in August. Since then, prices have fallen back but still remain higher than they were a year ago. At last check Monday, Dutch TTF futures fell 4.8% to trade at 109.270 euros per megawatt-hour on the ICE Exchange. EU governments have pledged around 500 billion euros, or $496 billion, to shield Europeans from sky-high energy bills this winter, but the latest report by VaasaETT shows their efforts are having minimal effect so far. Story continues While the UK has already implemented a price cap on heating, Germany said it has earmarked 83.3 billion euros ($83 billion) for a gas and power price cap plan next year. "In places where the energy component is lower, so is the incentive for customers to look for more competitive offers. Similarly, the sharp increase of energy prices drives customers to seek for more competitive offers in the market," analysts at VaasaETT wrote. "To their disappointment, since the energy crisis started, the number of competitive offer alternatives has significantly decreased, especially for new customers," they added. Read the original article on Business Insider As voters head to the polls on Election Day Tuesday, some will be greeted by poll chaplains. Two local faith groups are partnering to place clergy and faith leaders as poll chaplains in certain polling places across the state. The goal is for faith leaders to be a calming presence for voters and to ward off any potential acts of voter intimidation during the midterm elections. Theres been talk nationwide about people who are being set up to be disruptive at the polls," said Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, executive director of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice. "We hope that doesnt happen. Faith leaders are set to fan out across Wisconsin to ensure intimidation tactics aren't used on voters as they head to the polls on Election Day. Here, voters are seen July 26 marching to Midtown Center in Milwaukee, an early voting locaton for the Aug. 9 partisan primary election. As I am constantly saying to my clergy, I hope you have a very boring day. The purpose is to really be out there as people of faith, she said. Her organization is partnering with the Wisconsin Council of Churches to place 25 faith leaders from different religious denominations at polling places. Five poll chaplains will be in the Milwaukee area, including Shorewood and Waukesha. Other cities include Madison, Wausau, Fitchburg, Middleton and Green Bay. The effort is part of the Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement campaign and national group Faiths United to Save Democracy The group first used poll chaplains in Madison during the 2020 general electionwith 12 faith leaders. That year was uneventful. Margulis hopes for a repeat this election. But she did recall one incident where an individual was yelling trying to disrupt the voting process. Clergy members serving as poll chaplains receive de-escalation techniques and active bystander training which focus on intervention technics to calm certain situations. Margulis noted the clergy are not there to act as police or security and are told to report anything that looks dangerous to the chief election inspectors, who are trained to deal with those situations. We dont want to put our clergy in harms way, Margulis said. She also stressed the faith leaders are not poll watchers and that they will be outside the polling stations adhering to the rule of standing 100 feet from the entrance. They must inform polling place officials of their presence and why they are there. Story continues The poll chaplains will be visibly recognizable to the public, wearing attire representative of their faiths. They will also wear yellow caps and safety vests embossed with clergy or faith leader and have T-shirts that say pray with your vote. This is a natural extension for the care that we have for each other not only as clergy but for the greater community regardless of faith traditions, said the Rev. Karen Hagen, retiring pastor of Tippecanoe Presbyterian Church in Bay View. This is Hagen's first time serving as a poll chaplain. She will be working with another faith leader of the Buddhist faith on Election Day. She joined this effort to be an assurance for voters so they can feel safe and comfortable entering the polling place without any kind of harassment, fear or intimidation. The political ads ahead of the election have the potential to ramp up tension or create a sense of stress that can be intimidating to the voter, Hagen said. Our sole job is to provide peace and calming care for those who are waiting in line and to be of assistance any way we can, she said. People gather outside an early-voting location at Midtown Center on West Capitol Drive in Milwaukee on Oct. 30. Many were there as part of Souls to the Polls, a day across the nation for congregations of Black churches to vote early together. The effort is nonpartisan, but Hagen noted all faith traditions have a vested interest in ensuring the civil responsibility of voting. It just seemed a wise preventive kind of ministry to be involved in, Hagen said of her poll chaplain assignment. Im not there to care for one side or the other, but for every individual who has chosen to be a voter. This initiative started as a pilot in Madison, but Margulis said the intention was always to take it statewide. Positive feedback from the clergy and voters showed the effort was welcomed, she said. To me and to our clergy, that was all that we had to hear. We just know this was an important thing to do, she said. It takes on more importance this year with reports of voter intimidation occurring in places like Arizona, where armed activists began monitoring ballot drop boxes. And in some states, election workers have resigned because of harassment and threats. The effort, Margulis said, is also a show of support for elections workers some of whom are unpaid volunteers. They really make sure our elections are safe and secure, Margulis said. They deserve all the help and support we can give them. If our presence out there helps them feel more safe and secure and comfortable, then thats absolutely what we want to do. 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: Wisconsin poll chaplains look be a buffer against intimidation tactics Galapagos NV Preliminary results from real-world FILOSOPHY, FILgotinib Observational Study Of Patient Health-related outcomes, in the first 200 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Data showed that filgotinib induced rapid relief in pain and fatigue as early as Week 1 as well as improvements in disease activity 1 at Month 1 7 additional presentations encompassing key analyses of filgotinib, including long term, integrated safety data and safety data in specific subpopulations, demonstrating Galapagos commitment to the RA patient and HCP community Mechelen, Belgium; 8 November 2022, 22.01 CET, Galapagos NV (Euronext & NASDAQ: GLPG) will present new data on filgotinib at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2022 meeting taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 10-14 November 2022. Dr. Walid Abi-Saab, Chief Medical officer, at Galapagos said, We are excited to present data at ACR which highlights our continued commitment to patients and the healthcare provider community, in particular initial data from our first international, real-world arthritis study. We believe that its not only important to control disease activity to prevent long term irreparable disability, but also to take a comprehensive approach to the disease by aiming at improving quality of life of patients and their families. These initial results are encouraging, and we look forward to seeing further results as the study continues. Over the last two decades, disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has improved, yet fatigue and pain continue to hinder patients quality of life (QOL), and ability to function.2,3 Less than 30% of patients are satisfied with their pain levels and 40-80% of RA patients are affected by fatigue.4,5 Pain and fatigue have negative impacts on mental and physical QOL, including social functioning.6 Interim data from the FILOSOPHY study of patients aged 18 years with moderately to severely active RA, who are prescribed filgotinib for the first time, showed rapid improvements in pain (VAS scale) and fatigue as early as week 1, with mean changes from baseline in VAS pain score of -11.9 and -22.2 at Week 1 and Month 1, respectively, and from baseline in FACIT-F7 score of 3.7 and 6.8 at Week 1 and Month 1, respectively.1 The FILOSOPHY study also showed improvements in disease activity, with a mean change from baseline in Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score of -13.7 at Month 1.1 The interim results are based on data from 200 patients enrolled in Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy, representing real-world patients with moderately to severely active RA.1 Story continues Other abstracts being presented at ACR Convergence 2022 include analyses of filgotinib safety, and clinical outcomes, in adult patients with RA with up to 8.2 years of exposure to filgotinib, including the most recent integrated safety data from 7 clinical trials (pooled phase 2 and 3 clinical data) that looked at the overall RA population as well as at subgroups of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular events, and another abstract describing laboratory results from a long-term Phase 3 extension study. Two encore abstracts will be presented on the effect of filgotinib on body weight and BMI, and insights from a post-hoc analysis of filgotinib integrated safety data. Scientific Abstracts: Abstract Title Authors Presentation date/time Galapagos-driven original abstracts Baseline characteristics of and early outcomes in the first 200 patients with RA treated with filgotinib in a prospective observational study James Galloway , Karen Bevers, Patrick Verschueren, Roberto F. Caporali, Susana Romero Yuste, Jerome Avouac, Emilia Gvozdenovic, Kristina Harris, Monia Zignani, Gerd Burmester Poster Number: 0276 Date: 12 November 2022, 1:003:00 PM Session: RA Treatment poster I Malignancy events in the filgotinib rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis clinical development programs Xavier Mariette , Sandrine Aspeslagh, Richard Moriggl, Vijay Rajendran, Christine Rudolph, Paul Van Hoek, Nadia Verbruggen, Chris Watson, Sven Borchmann, Andreas Stallmach Poster Number: 0277 Date: 12 November 2022, 1:003:00 PM Session: RA Treatment poster I Exploratory analysis of filgotinib safety data in patients with moderately to severely active RA and an increased risk of cardiovascular events: data from phase 2 and 3 clinical trials Maya H. Buch , Gerd R. Burmester, Xavier Mariette, Christina Charles-Schoeman, Vijay Rajendran, Pieter-Jan Stiers, Agustin Cerani, Paul Van Hoek, Katrien Van Beneden, Yoshiya Tanaka, Hendrik Schulze-Koops, Rene Westhovens, Ennio Giulio Favalli Poster Number: 0275 Date: 12 November 2022, 1:003:00 PM Session: RA Treatment poster I Safety of filgotinib in patients with RA: Laboratory analysis results from a long-term extension study Maya Buch , James Galloway, Ennio Giulio Favalli, Arnaud Constantin, Patrick Durez, Paul Van Hoek, Christopher Watson, Pieter-Jan Stiers, Vijay Rajendran, Katrien Van Beneden, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Bernard Combe Poster Number: 0280 Date: 12 November 2022, 1:003:00 PM Session: RA Treatment poster I Clinical outcomes of filgotinib in patients with RA aged 65 years: A post hoc subgroup analysis of phase 2 and 3 clinical trials and ongoing long-term extensions Maya Buch , Bernard Combe, Jose A. Gomez-Puerta, Roberto Caporali, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg, Paul Van Hoek, Vijay Rajendran, Pieter-Jan Stiers, Katrien Van Beneden, Daniel Aletaha, Gerd Burmester, Rene Westhovens, Yoshiya Tanaka Poster Number: 0281 Date: 12 November 2022, 1:003:00 PM Session: RA Treatment poster I An update on the integrated safety analysis of filgotinib in patients with moderately to severely active RA Kevin Winthrop , Daniel Aletaha, Roberto F. Caporali, Yoshiya Tanaka, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Paul Van Hoek, Chris Watson, Pieter-Jan Stiers, Vijay Rajendran, Katrien Van Beneden, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg, Gerd R. Burmester Poster Number: 0273 Date: 12 November 2022, 1:003:00 PM Session: RA Treatment poster I Galapagos-driven encore abstracts The use of exposure-adjusted event rates versus exposure-adjusted incidence rates in adverse event reporting: Insights from filgotinib integrated safety data in RA (EULAR 2022 encore) Patrick Durez , Eugen Feist, Ricardo Blanco, Vijay Rajendran, Nadia Verbruggen, Katrien Van Beneden, James Galloway Poster Number: 0278 Date: 12 November 2022, 1:003:00 PM Session: RA Treatment poster I Effect of filgotinib on body weight and BMI and effect of baseline BMI on the efficacy and safety of filgotinib in RA (EULAR 2022 encore) Alejandro Balsa , Siegfried Wassenberg, Anne Tournadre, Hans-Dieter Orzechowski, Katrien Van Beneden, Vijay Rajendran, Udo Lendl, Pieter-Jan Stiers, Chris Watson, Roberto Caporali, Patrick Verschueren Poster Number: 0279 Date: 12 November 2022, 1:003:00 PM Session: RA Treatment poster I About filgotinib Filgotinib is marketed as Jyseleca in the European Union (incl. Norway), Great Britain, and Japan for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have responded inadequately or are intolerant to one or more disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Filgotinib is also marketed as Jyseleca in the European Union (incl. Norway), Great Britain, and Japan for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent. Jyseleca (filgotinib) 100mg and 200mg are registered in the above-mentioned territories. A global Phase 3 program with filgotinib is ongoing in Crohns Disease. More information about clinical trials can be accessed at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. The European Summary of Product Characteristics for filgotinib, which includes contraindications and special warnings and precautions, is available at www.ema.europa.eu. The Great Britain Summary of Product Characteristics for filgotinib can be found at www.medicines.org.uk/emc and the Northern Ireland Summary of Product Characteristics for filgotinib can be found at www.emcmedicines.com/en-GB/northernireland, respectively. The interview form from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is available at www.info.pmda.go.jp. Jyseleca is a trademark of Galapagos NV and Gilead Sciences, Inc. or its related companies. Except for filgotinibs approval as Jyseleca for the treatment of moderately to severely RA and UC by the relevant regulatory authorities in the European Union, Great Britain, and Japan, our drug candidates are investigational; their efficacy and safety have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority. About FILOSOPHY FILOSOPHY (FILgotinib Observational Study Of Patient Health-related outcomes), is a prospective, observational, non-interventional cohort Phase 4 study enrolling approximately 1500 patients aged 18 years with moderately to severely active RA across Europe. Data will be collected by the clinical sites and patients using an electronic case report form (eCRF) and electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) via mobile devices. Each enrolled patient will be followed for 24 months or until discontinuation of the study, whichever occurs first. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the treatment persistence rate at 24 months, defined as the rate of patients continuing to receive filgotinib 24 months from treatment initiation. Secondary objectives include effectiveness, evaluation of the effect of filgotinib on patient reported outcomes (PROs) including on pain, fatigue and work productivity, and rate of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) as well as adverse events of interest. More information is available on clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04871919. About Galapagos Galapagos is a fully integrated biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative medicines. We are committed to improving patients lives worldwide by targeting diseases with high unmet needs. Our R&D capabilities cover multiple drug modalities, including small molecules and cell therapies. Our portfolio comprises discovery through to Phase 4 programs in immunology, oncology and other indications. Our first medicine for rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis is available in the European Union, Norway, Great Britain, and Japan. For additional information, please visit www.glpg.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter . Contact Investors: Sofie Van Gijsel Head of Investor Relations +1 781 296 1143 Sandra Cauwenberghs Director Investor Relations +32 495 58 46 63 ir@glpg.com Media: Marieke Vermeersch Head of Corporate Communication +32 479 490 603 media@glpg.com Forward Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements, all of which involve certain risks and uncertainties. These statements are often, but are not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as may, upcoming, future, potential, will, and plan, as well as similar expressions. Forward-looking statements contained in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding interim data from the FILOSOPHY study and other analyses of filgotinib and Galapagos plans and strategy with respect to Jyseleca and the FILOSOPHY study. Of note, the FILOSOPHY study is ongoing and these interim results may not continue or be confirmed upon completion of the study. Any forward-looking statements in this release are based on Galapagos managements current expectations and beliefs and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which might cause Galapagos actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any historic or future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, the risk that ongoing and future clinical studies with filgotinib may not be completed in the currently envisaged timelines or at all, the inherent risks associated with clinical trial and product development activities, including the filgotinib clinical program and the FILOSOPHY study, the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with competitive developments, clinical trial and product development activities and regulatory approval requirements (including that data from the ongoing and planned clinical research programs, including but not limited to the data from the ongoing FILOSOPHY study, may not support registration or further development of filgotinib due to safety, efficacy or other reasons), the risks related to continued regulatory review of filgotinib following approval by relevant regulatory authorities, including EMAs safety review of JAK inhibitors used to treat certain inflammatory disorders, the risks that regulatory authorities may require additional post-approval trials of filgotinib or any other product candidates that are approved in the future, Galapagos' reliance on collaborations with third parties (including our collaboration partner for filgotinib, Gilead) and that Galapagos estimations regarding its filgotinib development program and regarding the commercial potential of filgotinib may be incorrect, the risk that Galapagos will not be able to continue to execute on its currently contemplated business plan and/or will need to revise its business plan, and risks related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as those risks and uncertainties identified in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as supplemented and/or modified by any other filings and reports that we have made or will make with the SEC in the future. Given these risks and uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. In addition, even if Galapagos results, performance or achievements are consistent with such forward-looking statements, they may not be predictive of results, performance or achievements in future periods. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this release. Galapagos expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this release unless required by law or regulation. 1 Galloway J, Bevers K, Vershueren P, et al. Presented at: ACR Convergence 2022; November 10-14, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 2 Nieuwenhuis WP, de Wit MP, Boonen A, et al. Changes in the clinical presentation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis from the early 1990s to the years 2010: earlier identification but more severe patient reported outcomes. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2016;75:2054-2056. 3 Gossec L, Steinberg G, Rouanet S, Combe B. Fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: quantitative findings on the efficacy of tocilizumab and on factors associated with fatigue. The French multicentre prospective PEPS Study. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2015;33(5):664-70. 4 Santos EJF, Duarte C, da Silva JAP, Ferreira RJO. The impact of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis and the challenges of its assessment. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2019;58(Suppl 5):v3-v9. 5 Taylor P, Manger B, Alvaro-Gracia J, et al. Patient perceptions concerning pain management in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Int Med Res. 2010;38(4):1213-24. 6 Wysocka-Skurska I, Sierakowska M, Kuak W. Evaluation of quality of life in chronic, progressing rheumatic diseases based on the example of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Interv Aging. 2016;11:1741-1750. 7 The FACIT Fatigue Scale is a short, 13-item tool that measures an individuals level of fatigue during their usual daily activities over the past week. Attachment SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd. According to a report from SkyQuest Technology, Global 5G small cell market was valued at USD 820.06 million in 2021, and it is expected to reach a value of USD 5576 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 32% over the forecast period (20222028). Westford, USA, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The next generation of wireless technology, 5G small cell market , is expected to bring about a new era of mobile connectivity. With speeds up to 20-30 times faster than 4G LTE, 5G will enable a wide range of new and innovative applications that require high bandwidth and low latency. As per SkyQuest, one of the key enablers of 5G will be small cell market. A small cell extends cellular coverage and capacity in specific locations. Small cells can be deployed indoors or outdoors, and are often used in urban areas where there is a high density of users. The demand for small cell market is growing as carriers look to deploy 5G networks across the globe. Recently, operators such as Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have started deploying their commercial 5G. At the time of writing this press release, the both companies have started offering services in around 10 cities across India. In addition to the benefits of enhanced speed and capacity, small cells also offer improved power efficiency and lower costs per bit compared to traditional macro sites. The growing demand for small cell market is primarily being driven by the large-scale rollout of 5G networks around the world. South Korea, the United States, and China are currently leading the way in terms of commercial deployments, with other markets such as Japan, Europe, and Australia expected to follow suit in the coming years. As of now, most of 5G network operators are deploying the small cells at high density areas such as stadiums, malls, shopping center, crowded areas or concert venues. Get a sample copy of this report: https://skyquestt.com/sample-request/5g-small-cell-market What Does this Report on Global 5G Small Cell Offers? SkyQuest has published a report that does an analysis of the 5G small cell market. The report is comprehensive and looks at different aspects of the market. For instance, it looks at the deployment of 5G small cells, the technology being used, the players in the industry, and the trends that are happening. Story continues The report notes that there are many benefits to deploying 5G small cells. For one, they help improve network capacity and coverage. They also offer faster speeds and lower latency than traditional cell sites. Additionally, they use less power and take up less space. The report on small cell market goes on to say that there are currently two main types of 5G small cells being deployed: macrocells and microcells. Macrocells are larger and cover a larger area. They are typically used in high-traffic areas like downtowns or near stadiums. Microcells are smaller and can be deployed in more locations. However, they dont offer the same coverage as macrocells. The report also looks at who the main players are in the 5G small cell market. Some of the biggest names include Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, and Samsung. These companies are all working on developing new 5G technologies and products. Finally, the report discusses some of the trends that are happening in the 5G small cell industry. One trend is that more service providers are starting to deploy 5G small cells in their networks. Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://skyquestt.com/report/5g-small-cell-market Virtualization and Cloud Technologies are Trending in 5G small Cell Market 1. The increasing demand for high-speed wireless data services: With the popularity of streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, there is an ever-increasing demand for high-speed wireless data. Small cells will be able to provide the high speeds necessary to support these services. 2. The need for more efficient and scalable networks: 5G networks will need to be able to handle large amounts of data traffic efficiently. Small cells will play a key role in this by providing enhanced capacity and scalability. 3. Increasing use of virtualization and cloud technologies: Virtualization and cloud technologies are being used more and more in deployment across global 5G small cell market, as they offer flexibility and scalability. One of the main trends in the 5G small cell industry is the move towards more open and cloud RAN architectures. Open RAN allows for multiple vendors to provide equipment and software for a network, which makes it more flexible and cost-effective. 4. New use cases for small cells: small cells are being used for a variety of new applications beyond traditional voice and data services, such as enterprise Wi-Fi, public safety, and connected cars. Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements: https://skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/5g-small-cell-market Nokia, Ericson, Samsung, ZTE, and Huawei are Top 5 Players in 5G small Cell Market The report found that the leading companies in the 5G small cell market are Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, ZTE, and Huawei. These companies have invested heavily in research and development (R&D) to build a strong 5G portfolio. They also have a large customer base and a wide geographic reach. These top five players are all well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for 5G small cells. They have strong product portfolios, extensive patent portfolios, and deep pockets to invest in R&D and marketing. They also have established relationships with key customers and partners. Nokia is the clear leader in the 5G small cell market with a market share of more than 18%. The company has been investing heavily in R&D and has launched several innovative products. Nokia is also expanding its global footprint by partnering with major operators around the world. Ericsson is the second-largest player in the 5G small cell market with a market. The company has a strong R&D capability and has launched several ground-breaking products. Ericsson is also expanding its global footprint by partnering with leading operators in Europe and Asia. Recently, it has partnered with Reliance Jio in India to help the them expand its 5G presence across the country. Huawei is the third-largest player in the 5G small cell market. Whats more, Huawei has the financial resources to support its ambitions. The company had over $87 billion in revenue in 2021 and is investing heavily in research and development; it spends about 15% of its revenue on R&D, compared with 3% for Ericsson and 5% for Nokia. As a result, Huawei is ahead of its rivals in terms of technology and has been aggressively marketing its products to carriers around the world. The 5G small cell market is still in its early stages, so there is plenty of room for new entrants to make a splash. SkyQuest believes that start-ups and niche players such as Baicells Technologies and Cambium Networks have strong potential to grow their businesses in this exciting market. Major Players in Global 5G Small Cell Market Nokia Corporation (Espoo, Finland) CommScope, Inc. (North Carolina, U.S.) Samsung Group (Suwon-si, South Korea) Cisco Systems, Inc. (California, U.S.) NEC Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen, China) ZTE Corporation (Shenzhen, China) Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Stockholm, Sweden) Fujitsu Limited (Tokyo, Japan) Radisys Corporation (Oregon, U.S.) Related Reports in SkyQuests Library: Global Integrated Telecommunication Services Market Global Access Control Market Global Cyber Security Market Global Telecom Services Market Global Mobile Edge Computing Market About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 617-230-0741 Email: sales@skyquestt.com LinkedIn Facebook Twitter DUBLIN, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Powder Metallurgy - A Global Market Overview 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Research and Markets Logo The report reviews, analyzes and projects the global Powder Metallurgy market for the period 2018-2027 in terms of market value in US$ and the compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) projected from 2022 through 2027 Powder Metallurgy is a technique utilized for processing powdered raw materials and producing a variety of components based on iron & steel powders (ferrous) and aluminum, cobalt, copper, nickel and titanium, among others (non-ferrous). The components made using powder metallurgy are very strong and can withstand working environments that conventionally produced parts cannot. The demand for this procedure has been exhibiting quite impressive growth over the recent past, though the advent of COVID-19 has changed the scenario to some extent. The global demand for Powder Metallurgy components and parts is anticipated to be the largest for the Automotive sector, though the fastest growing for the Aerospace sector. Advancements in material technology have enabled in producing metal powders that can act as replacements for traditionally used bulky metal components to reduce space and weight, thereby enhancing efficiency of the final product in its applicable area. Research Findings & Coverage Powder Metallurgy global market is explored in this report with respect to metal types and key applications The study extensively analyzes each metal type and key application of powder metallurgy in all major regions for the analysis period Powder Metallurgy's Green Credentials Expand the Technology's Adoption Studies on Flake Powder Metallurgy (FPM), an Emerging Technology, Show Good Prospects Powder Metallurgy Set to Gain Traction in Medicine 3D Printing to Revolutionize Powder Metallurgy but Challenges Remain Key business trends focusing on product innovations/developments, M&As, JVs and other recent industry developments Major companies profiled - 34 The industry guide includes the contact details for 272 companies Story continues KEY BUSINESS & PRODUCT TRENDS Allegheny Technologies Incorporated - ATI Completes Sale of Sheffield, UK Operation Hoganas to close Hoganas Environment Solutions, LLC. to focus on its core business - Hoganas Miba: Miba acquires majority interest in battery specialist Voltlabor - Growth to be further accelerated under new name "Miba Battery Systems" Sandvik to acquire Spain-based Preziss, a solutions provider for aluminum and composite machining - Sandvik Group Sandvik to acquire US based custom tooling manufacturer Peterson Tool Company - Sandvik Group Hoganas now offers titanium powders for additive manufacturing - Hoganas Sandvik introduces 3D-printed cemented carbide - Sandvik Group Materials authority Sandvik introduces 3D printed components in cemented carbide - enabled by patented process - Sandvik Additive Manufacturing Allegheny Technologies Incorporated - ATI Announces Termination of Joint Venture with Russian-Based VSMPO University of Waterloo and Rio Tinto look to water atomised powder for low-cost Binder Jetting Sandvik co-launches guidelines for testing additively manufactured stainless steels - Sandvik Additive Manufacturing Hoganas joins the Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association as a founding member - Hoganas News: POLEMA doubles the output of AM metal powders in 2021 (polema-rus.com) A partnership between Hoganas and Piab is set to make additive manufacturing more sustainable and efficient - Hoganas News: POLEMA supplied products for a thermonuclear reactor in France Announcement of the Contract Conclusion to Transfer Showa Denko Materials' Ceramics Business Showa Denko Materials Develops Its Own MI Platform for Functional Materials to Offer Speedy Materials Recommendations Sandvik increases manufacturing capacity in metal powders for Additive Manufacturing - Sandvik Additive Manufacturing Showa Denko Materials' Anode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries Adopted for Toyota's New "Aqua" GaN Semiconductors are Enabling New X-band Radars - Sumitomo Electric Industries Hoganas expands production capabilities in Laufenburg - Hoganas Hoganas closes its production in Niagara Falls, USA due to hydrogen gas supply shortage - Hoganas Showa Denko Materials Establishes the "JOINT2" Consortium for Showa Denko Materials to Launch the Mass Production of "MCL-E-795G," H.C. Starck Tungsten patents an innovative reverse osmosis process - H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders First Swedish plant with large-scale water treatment using by-products from the steel industry - Hoganas Hoganas settles supply agreement with US-based KBM Advanced Materials that launches new sales platform for additive manufacturing powder - Hoganas Hoganas' fine powder atomisation building in Johnstown supports the growing demand for high alloy products - Hoganas News: POLEMA increased the production output in the first half of 2021 GKN Additive develops 3D printing process for low alloy dual-phase steels DPLA and FSLA Miba: Miba sputter technology is awarded Supplier Gold certification by Pratt and Whitney News: POLEMA has mastered new powder grades for AM and weld-deposition Rio Tinto develops new water atomised steel powder Announcement of Transfer of Printed Wiring Board Business Rio Tinto develops new steel powder for 3-D printing Announcement of Acquiring 100% Ownership of Hitachi Chemical Diagnostics System Allegheny Technologies Incorporated - ATI Completes Sale of Flowform Products to Consolidated Boring, Inc. Miba: Miba products for medical devices News: POLEMA became the first Russian supplier of powders for 3D printing of ship and aircraft engine parts Experience Refractory Metals Innovations in a Brand-New Virtual Environment (hcstarcksolutions.com) Showa Denko Materials to Boost Its Production Capacity for CMP Slurries, Laminate Materials for Printed Wiring Boards, and Photosensitive Solder Resists in Taiwan Hoganas lands major Cleanit EC test project in China - Hoganas Hoganas and Lincotek sign cooperation agreement - Hoganas Hoganas launches powder mix FORECAST 3D reaches 1 million shipped nasal swab milestone for COVID-19 testing GKN Powder Metallurgy business FORECAST 3D launches face shields, stopgap masks, nasal swabs, and other critical PPE products to battle COVID-19 FORECAST 3D partners with specialty chemicals expert Lubrizol to industrialize 3D applications through thermoplastic powder (gknpm.com) GKN Powder Metallurgy Acquires FORECAST 3D, Expands Additive Manufacturing Capabilities to Include Plastics (gknpm.com) Sumitomo Electric Acquires Two Companies of European Powdered Metal Components Manufacturer Sinterwerke Group KEY MARKET TRENDS Powder Metallurgy's Green Credentials Expand the Technology's Adoption Economical Process for Developing Metal Additive Manufacturing Process Developed Studies on Flake Powder Metallurgy (FPM), an Emerging Technology, Show Good Prospects Inherent Sustainability Drives the Powder Metallurgy Market Recent Advances in Powder Metallurgy Technology Direct Current Plasma Sintering Technique: An Innovation in Powder Metallurgy Future of Powder Metallurgy in Auto Industry Secure Powder Metallurgy Set to Gain Traction in Medicine 3D Printing to Revolutionize Powder Metallurgy but Challenges Remain KEY GLOBAL PLAYERS American Chemet Corporation (United States) Royal Metal Powders, Inc. (United States) AMETEK, Inc. (United States) AMETEK Specialty Metal Products (United States) AMETEK Specialty Metal Products Eighty Four (United States) BASF SE (Germany) Carl Schlenk AG (Germany) Carpenter Technology Corp (United States) Daido Steel Co Ltd. (Japan) Fine Sinter Co Ltd (Japan) Fukuda Metal Foil & Powder Co., Ltd. (Japan) GKN Powder Metallurgy (United States) GKN Hoeganaes (United States) H.C. Starck GmbH (H.C. Starck Tungsten Powders) (Germany) H.C. Starck Solutions (United States) Hoganas AB (Sweden) Kennametal Inc. (United States) Kobe Steel, Ltd. (Japan) Kymera International (United States) Makin Metal Powders (UK) Ltd. (United Kingdom) Miba AG (Austria) Molyworks Materials Corp (United States) Oerlikon Metco Switzerland (Switzerland) Pometon S.p.A (Italy) Rio Tinto Metal Powders (Canada) Sandvik AB (Sweden) Sandvik Materials Technology (Sweden) Showa Denko Materials Co Ltd (Japan) Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd (Japan) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ic28j9 Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com 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: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-powder-metallurgy-markets-2018-2022--2022-2027---powder-metallurgys-green-credentials-expand-the-technologys-adoption-301671670.html SOURCE Research and Markets Company Logo Global Waste Heat To Power Market Global Waste Heat To Power Market Dublin, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Waste Heat to Power Global Market Report 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global waste heat to power market is expected to grow from $13.44 billion in 2021 to $15.67 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6%. The waste heat to power market is expected to grow to $25.65 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 13.1%. The waste heat to power market consists of sales of waste heat to power products by entities (organizations, sole traders, and partnerships) that are involved in capturing heat discharged by an existing process and using it to create power. Waste heat is energy produced in industrial operations that are not consumed and are thus lost, thrown away, or discharged into the environment. Steel mills, refineries, glass furnaces, and cement kilns, among other energy-intensive industrial operations, all emit hot exhaust gases and waste streams that can be used to generate power using well-established technology. It reduces pollution, equipment size, and auxiliary energy consumption. The main types of products in waste heat to power are the steam Rankine cycle, organic Rankine cycle, and Kalina cycle. The steam Rankine cycle is a simplified thermodynamic cycle of a constant-pressure heat engine that turns some heat into mechanical work. Heat is provided externally to a closed loop in this cycle, which typically uses water (in both liquid and vapor phases) as the working fluid. The various application includes preheating, steam, and electricity generation, among others, and are used by several sectors such as petroleum refining, cement industry, heavy metal production, chemical industry, pulp and paper, food and beverage, glass industry, others. Europe was the largest region in the waste heat to power market in 2021. The regions covered in waste heat to power market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. The growth in the industrial sector is expected to propel the growth of waste heat to the power market going forward. Capital investment, labor input, financial investment, and technological innovation are the major factors influencing industrial growth. Non-metallic mineral production, petroleum refining, and heavy metal production are some of the key application areas with considerable waste heat recovery potential. Story continues For instance, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in the year 2020, the industrial sector accounted for 36% of the total United States' end-use energy consumption and 33% of total U.S. energy consumption. Also, according to new Central Statistics Office data, factory output in the non-metallic mineral products industry increased by 8.0% in February 2020 compared to February 2019. The non-metallic mineral products industry grew faster than overall industrial output, which increased by 4.5%. Nonmetallic mineral products accounted for 4.09% of total industrial production (IIP) and contributed 0.33% to IIP growth. Therefore, the growth in the industrial sector is driving the growth of waste heat to the power market. The development of Lead (PB) free materials for waste power recovery is a key trend in the market. Till 2020, Lead was the only major element used in waste heat recovery systems which is limiting the mass applications of waste heat. As a result, scientists are working on novel lead-free materials to recover waste heat with seemingly different qualities into a single material: the strong electrical conductivity of metals, the great thermoelectric sensitivity of semiconductors, and the poor thermal conductivity of glasses. For instance, in February 2021, scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, have discovered a lead-free material called Cadmium (Cd) doped Silver Antimony Telluride (AgSbTe2) that can efficiently recover electricity from 'waste heat,' signaling a paradigm shift in the thermoelectric puzzle. In February 2021, Siemens Energy AG, a Germany-based energy company has signed an agreement with TC Energy Corporation for the commission of a waste heat-to-power plant installation in Alberta, Canada, for an undisclosed amount. As part of the deal, Siemens Energy will build and run the facility, with the possibility of TC Energy regaining ownership at a later date. The facility would capture waste heat from a gas-fired turbine operating at a pipeline compression station and will further convert it into emissions-free power. The electricity generated will be fed back into the system, resulting in an estimated 44,000 tons of greenhouse gas reductions each year. TC Energy Corporation is a Canada-based natural gas company. The countries covered in the waste heat to power market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, and USA. Major players in the waste heat to power market are ABB Ltd. Amec Foster Wheeler Ltd. Cnbm Group Cochran Ltd. Dalian East New Energy Development Co. Ltd. Durr Group Electratherm E-Rational Forbes Marshall General Electric Getec Energie Holding GmbH Ihi Corp. Mitsubishi Power Ltd. Ormat Technologies Rentech Boiler Systems Inc. Siemens Thermax Limited Viessmann Limited Ac Boilers Spa Bosch Thermotechnology Walchandnagar Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary 2. Waste Heat to Power Market Characteristics 3. Waste Heat to Power Market Trends And Strategies 4. Impact Of COVID-19 On Waste Heat to Power 5. Waste Heat to Power Market Size And Growth 5.1. Global Waste Heat to Power Historic Market, 2016-2021, $ Billion 5.1.1. Drivers Of The Market 5.1.2. Restraints On The Market 5.2. Global Waste Heat to Power Forecast Market, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion 5.2.1. Drivers Of The Market 5.2.2. Restraints On the Market 6. Waste Heat to Power Market Segmentation 6.1. Global Waste Heat to Power Market, Segmentation By Product, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion Steam Rankine Cycle Organic Rankine Cycle Kalina Cycle 6.2. Global Waste Heat to Power Market, Segmentation By Application, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion Preheating Steam And Electricity Generation Other Applications 6.3. Global Waste Heat to Power Market, Segmentation By End Use, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion Petroleum Refining Cement Industry Heavy Metal Production Chemical Industry Pulp And Paper Food And Beverage Glass Industry Other End Uses 7. Waste Heat to Power Market Regional And Country Analysis 7.1. Global Waste Heat to Power Market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2016-2021, 2021-2026F, 2031F, $ Billion 7.2. Global Waste Heat to Power 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/warh47 Attachment CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com 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 Singapore-based cyber security firm Group IB and Orange CERT, the IT security arm of French telecommunications company Orange have revealed in a new report that 12 African countries lost millions of dollars to a hacking group based in an unknown French-speaking African country. The threat actor, which mainly targeted Francophone Africa was codenamed OPERA1ER and relied solely on known off-the-shelf tools. It managed to launch over 30 successful attacks against banks, financial services providers, and telecommunication companies between 2018 and 2022, stealing $11 million in the process. Read more The actual amount of damage could be up to five times higher than the amount stolen. According to our calculations, the total amount of damage ranges from $30 million to $50 million. However, this could be even more, Rustam Mirkasymov, head of cyber threat research at Group-IBs European Threat Intelligence & Research Center in Amsterdam tells Quartz. Countries that were targeted by OPERA1ER Affected countries are Cote dIvoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Uganda. Those outside Africa are Argentina, Bangladesh, and Paraguay. Most victims were attacked twice, and their infrastructure was then used to attack other organizations. OPERA1ER, which also goes by the names DESKTOP-group and Common Raven traces its roots back to 2016 when it registered its first domain. It conducts cyber-attacks over the weekends or during public holidays because according to Mirkasymov, it is much more difficult to stop fraudulent transactions or stop an attack on these days. Even if someone detects an attempt to withdraw money, during the weekend it is not easy to stop them and get the money back. The report says that OPERA1ER is a seasoned threat actor and once it noticed it was being traced, it deleted its accounts and changed its trails to cover its activity last year. But it resurfaced this year. Story continues Mirkasymov explains: It correlates with the fact that they spend from three to 12 months from the initial access to money theft. The exact number of the gang members is unknown. OPERA1ER uses outdated tactics But contrary to modern attackers who use sophisticated software and technology such as deep learning to clone fingerprints and steal passwords, OPERA1ER uses off-the-shelf open-source programs, malware freely available on the dark web, and popular red teaming frameworks, such as Metasploit and Cobalt Strike. Red teaming is a cybersecurity technique used to test how an organization would respond to a real cyberattack. In at least two incidents in different banks, the attackers deployed Metasploit servers inside compromised infrastructure. Because the gang relies solely on public tools, they have to think outside the box: in one incident, it used an antivirus update server deployed in the infrastructure as a pivoting point, the report explains. But it starts its attacks with a very familiar tactichigh-quality spear phishing emails targeting a specific employees within an organization with most of its messages written in French, ranging from fake notifications from government tax offices to hiring offers from the Central Bank of West African States. Under the guise of legitimate email document attachment, OPERA1ER distributes Remote Access Trojans, such as Netwire, bitrat, venomRAT, AgentTesla, Remcos, Neutrino, BlackNET, Venom RAT, as well as password sniffers and dumpers, the report says. Once it gains access the hacking group uses the information in further targeted phishing but takes time to study internal documentation to better prepare for the cashing out stage. In one case, the study shows, a network of more than 400 subscriber accounts controlled by money mules hired by OPERA1ER was used to enable the cashing out of the stolen funds, mostly done overnight via ATMs. In at least in two bank cases, OPERA1ER managed to get access to the global SWIFT messaging interface software (presumably Alliance Access) running on the banks computers. Though SWIFT was not compromised in the process, the attackers were able to break into the systems inside the banks where this software was installed. In 2018, hackers stole $6 million in an attack on the SWIFT system. In the recent past Africa has been ill-prepared for cyber threats, losing $4 billion a year but new efforts by individual countries are expected to raise cybersecurity resilience and help companies prepare better. The African Development Bank granted $2 million to the African Cybersecurity Resource Center (ACRC) for Financial Inclusion last year to tackle cybercrime. In August, Togo, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa set up a cybersecurity monitoring center in Lome to serve the entire continent. More from Quartz Sign up for Quartz's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - The Health Research Foundation (HRF) of Innovative Medicines Canada is pleased to announce that Dr. Megan MacPherson and her research team were awarded the HRF Research Team Grant in Virtual Care. Dr. MacPherson is the Regional Practice Lead for Research and Knowledge Translation for Virtual Health at Fraser Health in British Columbia. The Health Research Foundation (HRF) of Innovative Medicines Canada is a non-profit organization that invests in Canadian academic health research and promotes the value of research-driven health innovation in Canada. (CNW Group/Innovative Medicines Canada) "On behalf of the HRF Board, I extend my congratulations to Dr. MacPherson and her team. Results from her research will help inform policy and standards of practice to promote equitable access to health care, which aligns directly with the HRF's longstanding commitment of supporting research-driven decision-making in Canada," said Mel Cappe, Chair of the HRF Board of Directors. While the COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to virtual care as an innovative alternative to in-person visits with health care providers, it also revealed access inequities, particularly for underrepresented groups. Through the HRF Grant, Dr. MacPherson and her team will explore opportunities to improve virtual patient-provider messaging for underrepresented older adults, including visible minorities and those living with disabilities. "I'm extremely grateful to The Health Research Foundation for the opportunity to advance this important research. Since roughly 30 per cent of the Canadian population will be older than 65 by 2068, ensuring equitable access to virtual health services for older Canadians is a key component of our health care system that needs to be addressed," said Dr. MacPherson. Patient-provider virtual messaging, such as texts, apps, or emails, can help monitor older patients at home following hospital discharge, which can reduce transfers, exposure and other safety and health risks. However, equitable access to this kind of virtual care can only be achieved if research and evaluations are representative of diverse older adults, which Dr. MacPherson and her team will capture as part of their research. Story continues "Our industry is proud to support research that will improve equitable access to innovative health care solutions for Canadians," said Pamela Fralick, President of Innovative Medicines Canada. "Improving access to virtual care can help alleviate the increasing pressure on our health care systems, and I'm looking forward to seeing the impact of Dr. MacPherson's work." About the Health Research Foundation The Health Research Foundation (HRF) of Innovative Medicines Canada is a non-profit organization that invests in Canadian academic health research and promotes the value of research-driven health innovation in Canada. The HRF is one of the leading private health foundations in the country and its contributions help prevent illness, treat disease, and improve Canada's health-care systems. The organization is committed to addressing health challenges through research excellence, stakeholder partnerships and the advancement of public policy. About Innovative Medicines Canada Innovative Medicines Canada is the national association representing the voice of Canada's innovative pharmaceutical industry. The association advocates for policies that enable the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians and supports the members' commitment to being a valued partner in the Canadian health-care system. The association represents 50 companies who invest nearly $1.4 billion in R&D annually, fueling Canada's knowledge-based economy, while contributing $8 billion to Canada's economy. Guided by the Code of Ethical Practices, all members work with governments, private payers, health-care professionals, and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner. SOURCE Innovative Medicines Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2022/08/c2119.html Samsung Electronics has been recognized by Interbrand, a global brand consultancy, as one of the top five in the Best Global Brands 2022, ranking in fifth place for three years in a row. Each year, Interbrand announces the worlds top 100 brands, and Samsungs brand value was evaluated for $87.7 billion, which represents 17% growth compared to $74.6 billion in 2021. The achievement was based on Samsungs restored financial performance, which is now near pre-pandemic levels, and higher demand for memory due to an increase in data usage. In 2021, Samsung scored a brand value growth of 20% compared to 2020 and this year, continues the double-digit growth. Samsung first entered the top 10 list in 2012, placing in ninth position, and has managed to rise in the chart each year, reaching sixth place in 2017 and fifth place in 2020. Samsung Electronics was able to record two consecutive years of double-digit growth in brand value, all thanks to the support from our global customers, said YH Lee, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Electronics. In return, the entire company will work together as a team to provide a better and more satisfying customer experience. Various Factors Evaluated by Interbrand to Build the Samsung Brand Value At the end of 2021, Samsung Electronics merged its SET Division and created the Device eXperience Division to increase synergy among its products and provide a next level of experience to customers. Furthermore, Samsung also launched the Customer eXperience-Multi Device Experience Center to strengthen its multi-device connection experience. Along with these measures, Samsung has integrated the SmartThings across its product categories, creating an inclusive ecosystem and a multi-device experience. SmartThings also empowers consumers to get the most out of their Samsung devices, as well as third-party products they may already own. In addition, Samsungs Future Generation Lab has been created to foster authentic conversations around the activities of the next generation. The insights from the lab have been applied to the products and marketing activities. As well as innovative products based on consumer experiences, the development of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, automotive and robotics through consistent investment also played a role in Samsungs growth. TradeArabia News Service America goes to the only poll that counts, and tomorrow morning well have a better picture of the next Congress. All indications point toward a hefty GOP win, and a consequent legislative check on the Democratic Administration. As for the stock market, if we look back at the past 70 years or so, we find reason for hope no matter the results of the vote. Thats because stocks have rallied after every single mid-term election since the Second World War. Its no flash-in-the-pan effect either. According to the data, the S&P 500 shows gains for up to a year after a mid-term vote. And with the markets going into election day after 10 months of losses, theres plenty of room for them to climb back up. In the words of Oppenheimers chief investment strategist John Stoltzfus, Market history suggests to us that regardless of which party is considered the victor in the mid-term elections a rally of some kind is likely in the equity markets near term. While Stoltzfus acknowledges that there are multiple issues which will drive markets into next year, the immediate post-election period should see a rally in stocks. Chalk it up to clarity; investors never like uncertain situations, and putting the elections behind us will add a degree of predictability to the next few months. So lets assume that were in for a short-term rally in stocks. The question then become, which stocks to pick? And thats where the stock analysts at Oppenheimer can help us. Theyve followed Stoltzfus lead, and picked out three equities that are likely to gain as the markets pick up some upward momentum. Weve used the TipRanks platform to find out what makes them tick. Let's take a closer look. DoorDash, Inc. (DASH) The first Oppenheimer pick is DoorDash, a Silicon Valley company in the world of online food ordering and food delivery services. The company boasts a market share of approximately 56%, making it the undisputed leader in the on-demand delivery niche. The service is accessed through a mobile app, and operates in 27 countries around the world, and from the beginning of 2020 through to 3Q22, the company has generated over $70 billion in sales for affiliated merchants along with more than $25 billion in cumulative earnings for its drivers. Story continues Taking a look at the 3Q numbers, we find that DoorDash has reported rising revenue in each of the last five quarters. The current top line is $1.7 billion, up 33% year-over-year. This was supported by 27% y/y growth in total orders, to 439 million for the quarter, and a 30% gain in marketplace gross order volume, which hit $13.5 billion. The total order number was the key for the company, as it exceeded Wall Streets forecast of 433 million. Investors and analysts were also pleased by the revenue number, which came in above the $1.63 billion expectation. These beats compensated for a deeper-than-expected earnings loss. The net EPS loss of 77 cents was significantly higher than the 60-cent forecast. Oppenheimer's 5-star analyst Jason Helfstein looks at the half-full glass and upgrades DoorDash shares from Neutral to Outperform (i.e. Buy). Helfstein also sets a $70 price target to indicate room for ~35% upside in the coming year. (To see Helfstein's track record, click here) Backing his stance, Helfstein wrote, Increased disclosure shows improving US restaurant margins... As such, we forecast '25 EBITDA of $1.5B, with GOV margins of 1.8%, up from 0.7% in '22E. We forecast US restaurant contribution margins improving from 5.7% in '22E to 6.1% in '25E, with Int'l. & US non-restaurant contribution margins improving from -13.4% in '22E to -2.4% in '25Ebased on 45% incremental margins. 3Q showed continued strength, despite uncertain macro." "We believe DoorDash can leverage its early focus on suburban markets to gain traction in Tier-1 markets and continue expanding its current market leader position," the analyst summed up. Overall, there are 14 recent analyst reviews on file for DoorDash and they break down to 8 Buys against 6 Holds, for a Moderate Buy consensus rating. The stock is currently trading for $52.27 and has an $84.07 average price target; this implies ~61% potential gain in the next 12 months. (See DASH stock forecast on TipRanks) Playa Hotels & Resorts (PLYA) The leisure industry was hit hard by the COVID lockdowns, but it has been enjoying a renaissance since last year, when economies began opening up and travel restrictions were loosened. The second stock our list, Playa Hotels, is owner, operator, and developer of hotel and resort locations in Mexico and the Caribbean. The company has 25 locations, at prime beachfronts, in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, with a total of 9,352 rooms. The company reported its 3Q22 numbers earlier this week, and key figure to focus on was the occupancy rate. Playa reported that 73.8% of its rooms were occupied during the third quarter, a huge increase from the 59.3% reported in the year-ago period. The companys total revenue, of $204.6 million, was up 35% year-over-year, and the adjusted net income came to $5.9 million which compared favorably to the $13.7 million adjusted net loss in 3Q21. The company has been benefiting from high consumer demand for leisure travel and activities, post-COVID. Covering PLYA for Oppenheimer, analyst Tyler Batory takes an upbeat view of the company, noting: We continue to think PLYA is well positioned to take advantage of leisure travel demand and should benefit from increased recognition of the all-inclusive business model by consumers. We also think its a positive that the company has not seen an increase in cancellation activity or a slowdown in booking demand outside of hurricane-related activity. Following from this optimistic outlook, Batory gives the stock an Outperform (i.e. Buy) rating, and his $13 price target suggests it has a robust one-year gain of 121% ahead of it. (To watch Batorys track record, click here) This international resort operator has picked up 3 recent reviews on Wall Street and those reviews are all positive, making for a unanimous Strong Buy consensus rating on the stock. Shares in PLYA are trading for $5.88 and the $12.33 average price target implies a 110% gain in the year ahead. (See PLYA stock forecast on TipRanks) BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN) We'll now shift to the biotech sector, where BioMarin Pharmaceutical is a pioneer in the treatment of rare genetic diseases. The company is working on the development and commercialization of new therapeutic agents for genetic-based diseases that cause debilitating or life-threatening conditions, and that currently lack any effective treatments. In addition to an active research pipeline, BioMarin also has a line-up of seven approved drugs currently on the market. These products generated over $464 million in revenues in 3Q22, out of $505 million total at the top line. The product revenues were up 26% year-over-year, and drove a total y/y revenue gain of 24%. The companys lead revenue generator is Vimizim, a treatment for the genetic enzyme disorder Morquio A, which causes severe damage to bone, cartilage, and ligament tissues. BioMarin realized $155.5 million in Q3 revenue from Vimizim, up 14% from the year-ago period. The companys drug Naglazyme showed the largest y/y revenue gain among the product line. This medication, a treatment for the progressive wasting condition Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome, saw revenues grow 40% y/y to reach $99.5 million. Turning to the companys pipeline, the leading drug candidate is valoctocogene roxaparvovec, branded as roctavian. This is a new AAV gene therapy treatment for adult sufferers of hemophilia A. The drug has completed clinical trials and received approval for use in the European Union, and the approval process with the FDA, following the Biologics License Application, is progressing. The current PDUFA is March 31, 2023 although there is a possibility of extending that by 3 months should the FDA require additional information. This is another stock that got a recent upgrade from Oppenheimer. Analyst Leland Gershell bumped the shares up from Neutral to Outperform (i.e. Buy), while setting a $110 price target that implies an upside of ~35% by the end of next year. (To watch Gershells track record, click here) Gershell believes BMRN is set for outperformance, noting: Roctavian is in review for potential late March FDA approval for severe hemophilia A, tangible signs of reimbursement progress are being made as it enters European markets, Voxzogo is enjoying a strong global launch in achondroplasia, and BMRN is turning toward consistent profitability and positive cash flow generationyet share shave only modestly risen above indices in 2022 (-8% vs. NBI -12% YTD). As we enter 2023, we believe the market's increasing recognition of improving fundamentals and greater comfort around near- (and potentially longer) term revenue opportunities will translate into more pronounced outperformance." Overall, its clear from the 13 recent analyst reviews that Wall Street likes this stock. The reviews include 11 Buys to 2 Holds for a Strong Buy consensus rating, and the $103.77 average price target suggests a 27% one-year upside from the trading price of $81.33. (See BMRN stock forecast on TipRanks) To identify stocks that have received the most bullish recent ratings from the Street, visit TipRanks' Analysts' Top Stocks tool. The tool also reveals which stocks have dropped over the last three months - enabling you to pinpoint the best stocks trading at compelling levels. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. Proficient Market Insights Pune, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Home Automation Market In 2022 (Short Description) : Home automation involves the deployment of automation technologies, which include HVAC, appliance automation, centralized controls of lighting, security mechanisms, access control for gates and doors, and devices and mechanisms, in a residential facility to enhance comfort, optimize operational costs, and prevent energy wastage. "Home Automation Market" Insights 2022 By Types, Applications, Regions and Forecast to 2028. The global Home Automation market size is projected to reach multi million by 2028, in comparison to 2022, with unexpected CAGR during the forecast period, the Home Automation Market Report Contains 110 Pages Including Full TOC, Tables & Figures, and Chart with In-depth Analysis Pre & Post COVID-19 Market Outbreak Impact Analysis & Situation by Region. Home Automation Market - Covid-19 Impact and Recovery Analysis: We have been tracking the direct impact of COVID-19 on this market, as well as the indirect impact from other industries. This report analyzes the impact of the pandemic on the Home Automation market from a Global and Regional perspective. The report outlines the market size, market characteristics, and market growth for Home Automation industry, categorized by type, application, and consumer sector. In addition, it provides a comprehensive analysis of aspects involved in market development before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Report also conducted a PESTEL analysis in the industry to study key influencers and barriers to entry. Final Report will add the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on this industry. TO UNDERSTAND HOW COVID-19 IMPACT IS COVERED IN THIS REPORT - REQUEST SAMPLE It also provides accurate information and cutting-edge analysis that is necessary to formulate an ideal business plan, and to define the right path for rapid growth for all involved industry players. With this information, stakeholders will be more capable of developing new strategies, which focus on market opportunities that will benefit them, making their business endeavors profitable in the process. Story continues Get a Sample PDF of report - https://www.proficientmarketinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample/21960095 Home Automation Market - Competitive and Segmentation Analysis: This Home Automation Market report offers detailed analysis supported by reliable statistics on sale and revenue by players for the period 2017-2022. The report also includes company description, major business, Home Automation product introduction, recent developments and Home Automation sales by region, type, application and by sales channel. The major players covered in the Home Automation market report are: Honeywell Johnson Controls Schneider Electric Siemens ABB Bosch Security System Control4 Eaton GE Legrand Lutron Sauter United Technologies Short Summery About Home Automation Market : The Global Home Automation market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2022 and 2028. In 2021, the market is growing at a steady rate and with the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon. Home automation involves the deployment of automation technologies, which include HVAC, appliance automation, centralized controls of lighting, security mechanisms, access control for gates and doors, and devices and mechanisms, in a residential facility to enhance comfort, optimize operational costs, and prevent energy wastage. Report Overview Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine War Influence, the global market for Home Automation estimated at US$ 49690 million in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of US$ 83670 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period 2022-2028. The increased need for energy conservation in GCC is a key growth driver for this market. During 2015, the annual per capita energy consumption accounted to around 11.5 MWh in the GCC, which was much higher than other developed economies such as France, Japan, Italy, the UK, and Germany. As a result, governments in the region have called for conservative strategies in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to solve power crisis. The use of HVAC controls, lighting controls, and other similar building automation solutions throughout the lifespan of the building can conserve power and minimize power wastage. Report Scope This latest report researches the industry structure, revenue and gross margin. Major players headquarters, market shares, industry ranking and profiles are presented. The primary and secondary research is done in order to access up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data were collected from the Home Automation companies, distributors, end users, industry associations, governments' industry bureaus, industry publications, industry experts, third party database, and our in-house databases. This report also includes a discussion of the major players across each regional Home Automation market. Further, it explains the major drivers and regional dynamics of the global Home Automation market and current trends within the industry. Key Companies Covered In this section of the report, the researchers have done a comprehensive analysis of the prominent players operating and the strategies they are focusing on to combat the intense competition. Company profiles and market share analysis of the prominent players are also provided in this section. Additionally, the specialists have done an all-encompassing analysis of each player. They have also provided reliable revenue, market share and rank data of the companies for the period 2017-2022. With the assistance of this report, key players, stakeholders, and other participants will be able to stay abreast of the recent and upcoming developments in the business, further enabling them to make efficient choices. Get a Sample Copy of the Home Automation Market Report 2022 Report further studies the market development status and future Home Automation Market trend across the world. Also, it splits Home Automation market Segmentation by Type and by Applications to fully and deeply research and reveal market profile and prospects. On the basis of product type this report displays the production, revenue, price and market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into: Lighting Control Security and Access Control HVAC Control Fire and Safety Control Services Home Automation On the basis of the end users/applications this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, including: Apartment Villa Home Automation Market - Regional Analysis: Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share and growth Rate of Home Automation in these regions, from 2015 to 2027, covering North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Turkey etc.) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.) Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa) Some of the key questions answered in this report: What is the global ( North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa ) sales value, production value, consumption value, import and export of Home Automation? Who are the global key manufacturers of the Home Automation Industry? How is their operating situation (capacity, production, sales, price, cost, gross, and revenue)? What are the Home Automation market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Home Automation Industry? Which application/end-user or product type may seek incremental growth prospects? What is the market share of each type and application? What focused approach and constraints are holding the Home Automation market? What are the different sales, marketing, and distribution channels in the global industry? What are the upstream raw materials and manufacturing equipment of Home Automation along with the manufacturing process of Home Automation? What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Home Automation market? Economic impact on the Home Automation industry and development trend of the Home Automation industry. What are the market opportunities, market risk, and market overview of the Home Automation market? What are the key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges of the Home Automation market, and how they are expected to impact the market? What is the Home Automation market size at the regional and country-level? Our research analysts will help you to get customized details for your report, which can be modified in terms of a specific region, application or any statistical details. In addition, we are always willing to comply with the study, which triangulated with your own data to make the market research more comprehensive in your perspective. Inquire more and share questions if any before the purchase on this report at -https://www.proficientmarketinsights.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/21960095 Detailed TOC of Global Home Automation Market Research Report 2022 1 Home Automation Market Overview 1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Home Automation 1.2 Home Automation Segment by Type 1.2.1 Global Home Automation Market Size Growth Rate Analysis by Type 2022 VS 2028 1.3 Home Automation Segment by Application 1.3.1 Global Home Automation Consumption Comparison by Application: 2022 VS 2028 1.4 Global Market Growth Prospects 1.4.1 Global Home Automation Revenue Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2028) 1.4.2 Global Home Automation Production Capacity Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2028) 1.4.3 Global Home Automation Production Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2028) 1.5 Global Market Size by Region 1.5.1 Global Home Automation Market Size Estimates and Forecasts by Region: 2017 VS 2021 VS 2028 1.5.2 North America Home Automation Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2028) 1.5.3 Europe Home Automation Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2028) 1.5.4 China Home Automation Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2028) 1.5.5 Japan Home Automation Estimates and Forecasts (2017-2028) 2 Market Competition by Manufacturers 2.1 Global Home Automation Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2022) 2.2 Global Home Automation Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2017-2022) 2.3 Home Automation Market Share by Company Type (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3) 2.4 Global Home Automation Average Price by Manufacturers (2017-2022) 2.5 Manufacturers Home Automation Production Sites, Area Served, Product Types 2.6 Home Automation Market Competitive Situation and Trends 2.6.1 Home Automation Market Concentration Rate 2.6.2 Global 5 and 10 Largest Home Automation Players Market Share by Revenue 2.6.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion 3 Production Capacity by Region 3.1 Global Production Capacity of Home Automation Market Share by Region (2017-2022) 3.2 Global Home Automation Revenue Market Share by Region (2017-2022) 3.3 Global Home Automation Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 3.4 North America Home Automation Production 3.4.1 North America Home Automation Production Growth Rate (2017-2022) 3.4.2 North America Home Automation Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 3.5 Europe Home Automation Production 3.5.1 Europe Home Automation Production Growth Rate (2017-2022) 3.5.2 Europe Home Automation Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 3.6 China Home Automation Production 3.6.1 China Home Automation Production Growth Rate (2017-2022) 3.6.2 China Home Automation Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 3.7 Japan Home Automation Production 3.7.1 Japan Home Automation Production Growth Rate (2017-2022) 3.7.2 Japan Home Automation Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 4 Global Home Automation Consumption by Region 4.1 Global Home Automation Consumption by Region 4.1.1 Global Home Automation Consumption by Region 4.1.2 Global Home Automation Consumption Market Share by Region 4.2 North America 4.2.1 North America Home Automation Consumption by Country 4.2.2 United States 4.2.3 Canada 4.3 Europe 4.3.1 Europe Home Automation Consumption by Country 4.3.2 Germany 4.3.3 France 4.3.4 U.K. 4.3.5 Italy 4.3.6 Russia 4.4 Asia Pacific 4.4.1 Asia Pacific Home Automation Consumption by Region 4.4.2 China 4.4.3 Japan 4.4.4 South Korea 4.4.5 China Taiwan 4.4.6 Southeast Asia 4.4.7 India 4.4.8 Australia 4.5 Latin America 4.5.1 Latin America Home Automation Consumption by Country 4.5.2 Mexico 4.5.3 Brazil Get a Sample Copy of the Home Automation Market Report 2022 5 Segment by Type 5.1 Global Home Automation Production Market Share by Type (2017-2022) 5.2 Global Home Automation Revenue Market Share by Type (2017-2022) 5.3 Global Home Automation Price by Type (2017-2022) 6 Segment by Application 6.1 Global Home Automation Production Market Share by Application (2017-2022) 6.2 Global Home Automation Revenue Market Share by Application (2017-2022) 6.3 Global Home Automation Price by Application (2017-2022) 7 Key Companies Profiled 7.1 Company 7.1.1 Home Automation Corporation Information 7.1.2 Home Automation Product Portfolio 7.1. CHome Automation Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2017-2022) 7.1.4 Companys Main Business and Markets Served 7.1.5 Companys Recent Developments/Updates 8 Home Automation Manufacturing Cost Analysis 8.1 Home Automation Key Raw Materials Analysis 8.1.1 Key Raw Materials 8.1.2 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials 8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure 8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Home Automation 8.4 Home Automation Industrial Chain Analysis 9 Marketing Channel, Distributors and Customers 9.1 Marketing Channel 9.2 Home Automation Distributors List 9.3 Home Automation Customers 10 Market Dynamics 10.1 Home Automation Industry Trends 10.2 Home Automation Market Drivers 10.3 Home Automation Market Challenges 10.4 Home Automation Market Restraints 11 Production and Supply Forecast 11.1 Global Forecasted Production of Home Automation by Region (2023-2028) 11.2 North America Home Automation Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2028) 11.3 Europe Home Automation Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2028) 11.4 China Home Automation Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2028) 11.5 Japan Home Automation Production, Revenue Forecast (2023-2028) 12 Consumption and Demand Forecast 12.1 Global Forecasted Demand Analysis of Home Automation 12.2 North America Forecasted Consumption of Home Automation by Country 12.3 Europe Market Forecasted Consumption of Home Automation by Country 12.4 Asia Pacific Market Forecasted Consumption of Home Automation by Region 12.5 Latin America Forecasted Consumption of Home Automation by Country 13 Forecast by Type and by Application (2023-2028) 13.1 Global Production, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2023-2028) 13.1.1 Global Forecasted Production of Home Automation by Type (2023-2028) 13.1.2 Global Forecasted Revenue of Home Automation by Type (2023-2028) 13.1.3 Global Forecasted Price of Home Automation by Type (2023-2028) 13.2 Global Forecasted Consumption of Home Automation by Application (2023-2028) 13.2.1 Global Forecasted Production of Home Automation by Application (2023-2028) 13.2.2 Global Forecasted Revenue of Home Automation by Application (2023-2028) 13.2.3 Global Forecasted Price of Home Automation by Application (2023-2028) 14 Research Finding and Conclusion 15 Methodology and Data Source 15.1 Methodology/Research Approach 15.1.1 Research Programs/Design 15.1.2 Market Size Estimation 15.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation 15.2 Data Source 15.2.1 Secondary Sources 15.2.2 Primary Sources 15.3 Author List 15.4 Disclaimer Continued. 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CONTACT: Contact our Sales Team: Organization: Proficient Market Insights Phone: US +1 424 253 0807 | UK +44 203 239 8187 Email: sales@proficientmarketinsights.com Website: https://www.proficientmarketinsights.com Planting Hope's first major product launch in Canadian-compliant dual-language packaging is flagship Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk, now rolling out at multiple divisions of Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada's largest national grocery retailer Loblaw is placing three flavors of Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk in 382 stores, adding 1,146 Total Distribution Points CHICAGO, IL and VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 8, 2022 / The Planting Hope Company Inc. (TSXV:MYLK)(OTCQB:MYLKF)(FRA:J94) ("Planting Hope" or the "Company"), a plant-based food and beverage company focused on producing the world's most nutritious and planet-friendly products, is pleased to announce its Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk line is launching in Canada with Loblaw Companies Limited ("Loblaw"), Canada's top grocery retailer. Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk will launch in Canadian-compliant dual-language packaging in 382 Loblaw stores across Canada in November 2022 under multiple banners, including Loblaws, Fortinos, and Provigo. Packaged in shelf-stable 946ml (32oz) cartons in three flavors (Barista Blend Sesamemilk, Original Sesamemilk, and Unsweetened Original Sesamemilk), Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk is being added to the plant milk section in the grocery aisle at Loblaw stores. "As a plant-based food and beverage company headquartered in Canada and listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, entering Loblaw stores with our flagship Hope and Sesame brand is an important milestone for Planting Hope," said Julia Stamberger, CEO and Co-founder of Planting Hope. "Loblaw has always taken an innovative approach to the grocery experience and expects the same from its brand partners. Hope and Sesame has brought important breakthrough innovation to plant-based milk, opening a whole new category, sesame milk, that unlocks the dense nutrition of the extremely sustainable and planet-friendly sesame seed. We're very excited to bring our innovative Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk line, in our eye-grabbing, colorful new dual-language packaging, to Canadian consumers with Loblaw." Story continues In Q2 2022, Planting Hope made a commitment to launch the top items in its Hope and Sesame, Mozaics, and RightRice brands in Canadian-compliant dual-language packaging. In Q3 2022, the Company produced the first production runs of these products in Canadian-compliant packaging. Now in Q4 2022, the Company is launching three shelf-stable Hope and Sesame SKUs (Barista Blend Sesamemilk, Original Sesamemilk, and Unsweetened Original Sesamemilk) in Canadian-compliant packaging across 382 stores representing 1,146 new Total Distribution Points in Loblaw locations under the following banners: Loblaws (Ontario) Zehrs (Ontario) Real Atlantic Superstore (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island) Dominion (Newfoundland) YIG Atlantic (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland) YIG Ontario Provigo (Quebec) Real Canadian Superstore RCSS (Ontario) Maxi (Quebec) Fortinos (Ontario) Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk offers Canadian shoppers a delicious plant-based milk that is nutritionally comparable to dairy milk in terms of vitamin, mineral, and protein content. Sesamemilk features 9g of complete protein per serving (containing all nine essential amino acids) which is 9x more protein than most almond milks and 3x more protein than most oat milks; Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk contains 4x the protein in almond milks. Packaged in recyclable Tetra Pak cartons, Hope and Sesame shelf-stable Sesamemilk is made from ultra-sustainable sesame seeds, which thrive in arid climates with very little water or other inputs required to produce a healthy crop. Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk upcycles the nutritious pulp produced from sesame oil extraction as a primary ingredient. In addition to sesame, Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk also includes peas grown in Canada, which assist with completing the amino acid profile of its high-quality complete protein. "We're excited to bring Hope and Sesame to Loblaw, in keeping with their mission to deliver plant-based, sustainable products to their customers," said Matt LeBeau, founder and CEO of LeBeau Excel Ltd., the Company's retail broker of record in Canada. "Loblaw has a very strong pulse on their customers' needs and their selection of Planting Hope's products is a strong indicator that these products resonate with Canadian values." About Hope and Sesame Hope and Sesame has cracked the code on unlocking the dense nutrition in tiny sesame seeds to create a plant milk that's good-for-you, planet-friendly, and delicious! Sesame is highly sustainable, thriving with little water in arid climates, is naturally drought- and pest-resistant, and can self-pollinate. Nutritionally comparable to dairy milk, Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk delivers 9g of complete protein per serving (including all nine essential amino acids) - that's 9x the protein in most almond and nut milks and 3x the protein in most oat milks! Developed for and approved by top baristas, Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk froths, steams, and foams like a dream, is great for latte art, and delivers 4g of complete protein per serving. Sesamemilk's core ingredient is the ultra-nutritious pulp upcycled from sesame oil extraction. All Hope and Sesame products are vegan, Certified Gluten-Free and Certified Kosher, free from soy and dairy, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Certified by the Plant Based Foods Association. Hope and Sesame's products have received myriad industry and consumer awards, and they keep coming: Hope and Sesame Barista Blend Sesamemilk was awarded Best Novel Creamer by Good Housekeeping in their 2022 Best Coffee Awards, won Best Product at Coffee Fest Chicago 2022, received the international GAMA 2022 Innovation Award for Best Hospitality Product, and was a finalist for Best Product of the Year at the 2022 Specialty Coffee Awards; Hope and Sesame Sesamemilk was awarded Best Milk Alternative and Best Plant-Based Sustainability in FoodBev's 2021 World Plant-Based Food Awards; signature Chocolate Hazelnut Sesamemilk flavor received the 2020 Sofi Award for Best New Product, Plant-Based Milk from the Specialty Food Association. About The Planting Hope Company Inc. Planting Hope develops, launches, and scales uniquely innovative plant-based and planet-friendly food and beverage brands. Planting Hope's award-winning and cutting-edge products fill key unmet needs in the skyrocketing plant-based food and beverage space. The Planting Hope brand family includes Hope and Sesame (Sesamemilk, Barista Blend Sesamemilk, and Sesamilk creamers), RightRice Veggie Rice, Mozaics Real Veggie Chips, and Veggicopia Veggie Snacks. Founded by experienced food industry entrepreneurs, Planting Hope is a women-managed and woman-led company focused on nutrition, sustainability, and diversity. For more information about Planting Hope and where to find its award-winning plant-based brands please visit plantinghopecompany.com, sign up for Planting Hope news emails HERE and follow on LinkedIn. An informational webinar on The Planting Hope Company from CEO and Cofounder Julia Stamberger is available HERE. To follow the brands on Instagram and Facebook, please visit: @hopeandsesameco, @veggicopia, @rightrice, @mozaicschips. CONTACT: Company Contact: Julia Stamberger CEO and Co-founder (773) 492-2243 julia@plantinghopecompany.com Investor Relations Contacts: Glen Akselrod, Bristol Capital (905) 326-1888 ext. 1 glen@bristolir.com Caroline Sawamoto, IR Labs (773) 492-2243 ir@plantinghopecompany.com Media Contact: Alex Jessup, Jessup PR (323) 529-3541 alex.jessup@jessuppr.com 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. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to hereafter as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements that address activities, events, or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will, or may, occur in the future, including statements about the Company's ability to execute on its goals, the timing pertaining to these goals the potential demand for the Company's products, the timing and success of anticipated product launches and distribution of the Company's products, and the Company's business prospects, future trends, plans and strategies. In some cases, forward looking statements are preceded by, followed by, or include words such as "may", "will," "would", "could", "should", "believes", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "continues", or the negative of those words or other similar or comparable words. In preparing the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, the assumption that demand for the Company's product will be sustained or increase in accordance with management's projections, that the Company's internal research and analysis is indicative of broader market trends and the Company's anticipated future demand for its products, that changes in consumer preferences in the plant-based food industry will continue in accordance with the Company's expectations, that the Company's current business objectives can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected, and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking statement herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company, as well as trends identified by the Company affecting its industry can be found in the Company's annual information form dated January 6, 2022 and the Company's continuous disclosure record available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Such cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements made in this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. SOURCE: The Planting Hope Company Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/724346/Hope-and-SesameR-Sesamemilk-Launches-Across-382-Loblaw-Stores-in-Canadian-Dual-Language-Packaging Agreement includes aggregate upfront and target nomination fees of up to $21.5 million for up to 6 targets, and additional R&D and sales milestones plus tier-based mid-single to low double-digit royalties. Advancing AI Drug Discovery Insilico Medicine and Sanofi sign strategic research collaboration. Abu Dhabi, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insilico Medicine, a clinical stage artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery company, announced a multi-year, multi-target strategic research collaboration with Sanofi. Under the terms of the agreement, the collaboration will leverage Insilico Medicines AI platform, Pharma.AI, to advance drug development candidates for up to six new targets. We look forward to working with Insilico Medicine, a demonstrated leader in AI-powered drug discovery, said Changchun Xiao, Head of China Research at Sanofi. This collaboration will leverage our complementary capabilities, as well as the co-location of our scientific teams, to boost the drug discovery efforts of the Sanofi Institute for Biomedical Research (SIBR), Sanofis R&D center in China. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will pay Insilico Medicine a total of up to $21.5 million covering the upfront and target nomination fees to benefit from Insilicos end-to-end Pharma.AI platform and gain access to a team of interdisciplinary drug discovery scientists to identify, synthesize, and advance high-quality lead therapeutic compounds up to development candidate stage. Additional payments will be made if key research, development, and sales milestones are met, and could total up to $1.2 billion. The collaboration also establishes mid-single to up to low double-digit tiered royalties for any products developed. We are very happy to collaborate with Sanofi, a company with a clear strategy in AI-powered drug discovery, said Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, CEO and founder of Insilico Medicine. This close collaboration will allow Sanofi to immediately gain the capabilities of one of the top AI startups in addition to enriching their drug discovery pipeline." Story continues We are thrilled to collaborate with Sanofi. Leveraging Sanofis strong drug research and development expertise and Insilicos powerful AI platform, we believe we can accelerate novel therapeutics discovery to address diseases with unmet medical needs, said Feng Ren, PhD, co-CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Insilico Medicine. Together we will use cutting-edge AI technologies to make significant breakthroughs in drug R&D. About Insilico Medicine Insilico Medicine, a clinical stage end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery company, is connecting biology, chemistry, and clinical trials analysis using next-generation AI systems. The company has developed AI platforms that utilize deep generative models, reinforcement learning, transformers, and other modern machine learning techniques to discover novel targets and to design novel molecular structures with desired properties. Insilico Medicine is delivering breakthrough solutions to discover and develop innovative drugs for cancer, fibrosis, immunity, central nervous system (CNS) diseases and aging-related diseases. For more information, visit www.insilico.com For media inquiries, contact media@insilicomedicine.com Attachment CONTACT: Polina Firsanova Insilico Medicine 420-641-6266 polly.firs@insilicomedicine.com BANGALORE, India, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent case, Mr. Samson Muanza from Malawi who had plasmacytoma and history of total and progressive paralysis for a year, underwent successful surgery under Dr. Vidhyadhara S, HOD & Consultant - Spine Surgery, Spine Care, Manipal Hospitals, India to decompress and fuse the upper thoracic spine. Manipal Hospitals helps a Malawian to get back on his own feet Dr. Vidhyadhara evaluated that due to the delay in receiving treatment, the pathological fracture at the T3 vertebra revealed a possibility of less than one percent recovery rate from paralysis. As Mr. Samson Muanza's spinal compression went untreated for more than three years, he was compelled to use a wheelchair for almost eight months and his daily activities were impacted. Then, a co-worker who had successfully received treatment for a brain tumour at Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore recommended him to the facility. Post consultation and receiving assistance from the hospital and prompt medical care, Mr. Samson Muanza is doing well and engaging activities on his own. Dr. VADHIRAJA B M , HOD & Consultant Radiation Oncology , Manipal Hospitals, India who operated on the patient said, "The patient was advised to undergo a biopsy procedure, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery to decompress and fuse the upper thoracic spine. He recovered gradually but progressively as a result, was able to walk with a stick, and showed mobility and urine control following the procedure. Following the necessary post-operative care at Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore, India, the patient is doing exceptionally well. The hero from Malawi, Mr. Samson Muanza said, "After suffering from paralysis for a long time, I can finally walk after having the procedure done properly. Not only was the operation well done, but the pre- and post-operative treatment was also exceptionally good, which greatly reduced my discomfort. The hospital directed me to doctors from various departments who advised me on other co-existing health complications. Highly impressed by the hospital's level of service, I express my sincere gratitude to Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore for providing me with a memorable experience." Story continues About Manipal Hospitals As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is India's second-largest multi-specialty healthcare provider treating over 4 million patients annually. With its recent acquisition of a 100% stake in Columbia Asia Hospitals in India, the integrated organization today has an enhanced pan-India footprint with 27 hospitals across 14 cities with 7,000+ beds with a talented pool of 4,000+ doctors and 10,000+ employees. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high-quality healthcare framework through its multi-specialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out-of-hospital care. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. For more information, please contact Manipal Hospitals: Email: overseas@manipalhospitals.com, Phone: +91-9606048970, or visit: www.manipalhospitalsglobal.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941221/Samson_Muanza.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941277/Manipal_Hospital_Logo.jpg Manipal Hospitals Logo Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/man-with-less-than-one-percent-recovery-rate-from-paralysis-walks-painlessly-after-receiving-treatment-from-manipal-hospitals-india-301671553.html SOURCE Manipal Hospitals VANCOUVER, BC, 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 of everyday items, the government is delivering targeted support to the Canadians who need it the most, including by: doubling the GST Credit for 11 million eligible Canadians; enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit to support 4.2 million Canadians; making federal student and apprentice loans permanently interest free for the graduates of today and tomorrow; and investing in more robust skills and training programs for youth. The government is also moving forward with its comprehensive plan to make housing more affordable, including by helping people save to buy a home and by cracking down on house flipping. And it lays out an ambitious plan to strengthen industry and build a thriving net-zero economy with opportunities and jobs. Today, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, met with representatives from S.U.C.C.E.S.S to highlight how the Government is making life more affordable. These measures include: helping young Canadians afford a down payment faster with the new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, which will allow prospective first-time home buyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free toward their first home; establishing the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit to help families across Canada afford to have a grandparent or a son or daughter with a disability move back in if they need to; providing advance payments of the Canada Workers Benefit to put more money, sooner into the pockets of our lowest-paidand often most essentialworkers; the proposed elimination of interest on the federal portion of Canada Student Loans and Apprentice Loans, saving the average student loan borrower $410 per year; and providing youth particularly those from marginalized communities with the support and opportunities they need to gain valuable skills and work experience through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program, setting them up for a lifetime of success in the job market. The Canadian economy faces global headwinds from a position of fundamental strength: an unemployment rate near its record lowover 500,000 more Canadians are working today than before the pandemicthe strongest economic growth in the G7 this year, a triple-A credit rating, and the lowest net debt- and deficit-to-GDP ratios in the G7. Canadians should be confident that we will overcome any hurdles and prosper in the days ahead. Quote "The Fall Economic Statement reinforces our Government's commitment to make life more affordable for all Canadians. This fiscally responsible plan will help grow the economy, create good-paying jobs, and deliver targeted support for those who need it most. This includes providing continued support to dedicated organizations like S.U.C.C.E.S.S., who are making housing more affordable so that families, seniors, newcomers and young people have a place to call home." Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough "Our government will continue to have Canadians' backs as we face global economic headwinds. Together, we will make life more affordable, create good, sustainable jobs, and help more Canadians in Vancouver Granville and across the country realize the dream of home ownership." Member of Parliament for Vancouver-Granville, Taleeb Noormohamed "It was an honour to meet Minister Qualtrough to discuss our innovative employment and workforce readiness programs that help marginalized youth access better jobs and higher education, and also to showcase our new accessible affordable housing units in Vancouver. S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has a long history of reaching underserved communities and we continue to find new ways of both integrating our clients into the labour force and ensuring that newcomers, people with disabilities, and low income community members can afford a place called home." Queenie Choo, CEO of S.UC.C.E.S.S. and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation 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: 2. Investing in Jobs, Growth, and an Economy That Works for Everyone: Related products Associated links Follow us on Twitter SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2022/07/c0185.html CHISINAU, Nov 8 (Reuters) - The Moldovan government could sue Russian state energy company Gazprom over a sharp cut in natural gas supply and is studying its options, a senior official said. The small ex-Soviet state is reliant on Russian natural gas supplied by Gazprom and is grappling with a 40% cut in deliveries that has hurt its ability to supply enough electricity to its 2.5 million population. "The lawyers are analysing the possibility of applying sanctions for non-compliance with the contract on the issue of supplying the entire volume of gas," Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu told the PRO-TV television channel late on Monday. "When it becomes clear, we will decide what actions to take and in what direction to act." Moldova, which has denounced the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, has a contract with Gazprom that fluctuates from month to month based on the spot market price of gas and oil. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas, Writing by Dan Peleschuk, Editing by Tom Balmforth and Timothy Heritage) NetAlly, LLC Next generation ruggedized handheld instrument for comprehensive testing, surveying, and troubleshooting of critical Wi-Fi networks NetAlly AirCheck G3 Pro NetAlly's AirCheck G3 is the most cost-effective hardware-enabled site survey solution for Wi-Fi 6/6E networks. It provides network professionals of any skill level with complete and accurate information to survey and validate Wi-Fi deployments and changes, resolve connectivity and performance problems quickly, speed up closure of trouble tickets, and ensure your Wi-Fi network meets end users needs. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today NetAlly announced the availability of its highly anticipated dedicated Wi-Fi 6/6E analyzer, the AirCheck G3 Pro. Designed for network professionals of any skill level, it provides complete and accurate information to survey, validate new deployments or changes, quickly resolve connectivity and performance problems, and ensure the WLAN is meeting end users needs. In May this year, NetAlly announced the industrys first handheld Wi-Fi 6/6E analyzer with the launch of the EtherScope nXG 300 model, which combines both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth analysis with 10Gbps wired Ethernet testing. AirCheck G3 Pro features all of the same wireless capabilities in a smaller, cost-effective dedicated instrument for Wi-Fi specialists, says James Kahkoska, NetAlly CTO. With powerful tools suited for wireless engineers, but ease of use for technicians, AirCheck G3 Pro makes your entire team more productive, Kahkoska continues. AirCheck G3 Pro also solves one of the most pressing problems for distributed organizations how to support remote sites. The ability for experts to operate a remote unit anywhere means less travel and faster problem resolution. The analyzer also features NetAllys AirMapper Site Survey app. AirCheck G3 users can easily gather location-based Wi-Fi and Bluetooth/BLE measurements and create visual heat maps of key performance metrics in Link-Live, NetAllys collaboration, reporting, and analysis platform or in AirMagnet Survey PRO software. Simple to use, the AirMapper app is ideal for quick site surveys of new deployments, change validation, and performance verification, not only for Wi-Fi 6 and the 6GHz band but all legacy Wi-Fi technologies as well. Raymond Hendrix, managing director of Wi-Fi Wise, an independent Wi-Fi design and optimization company in the Netherlands, says of NetAllys test technology, The AutoTest feature allowed me to quickly validate VLAN, DHCP and network functions for every SSID in preparation for the Dutch F1 Grand Prix. He continues, This, combined with AirCheck G3s Wi-Fi 6 analysis capabilities make it an essential tool as this new technology is deployed. Story continues For more information: https://www.netally.com/products/aircheckg3/ About NetAlly The NetAlly family of network test and analysis solutions has been helping network engineers and technicians better deploy, manage, and maintain todays complex wired and wireless networks for decades. Since creating the industrys first handheld network analyzer in 1993, NetAlly continues to set the standard for portable network analysis with tools that include EtherScope nXG, AirMagnet, LinkRunner, LinkSprinter, AirCheck, and more. NetAlly simplifies the complexities of network testing, provides instant visibility for efficient problem resolution, and enables seamless collaboration between site personnel and remote experts. To learn more and see how NetAlly helps network professionals get their jobs done fast, visit https://netally.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linked-in, Instagram or YouTube. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7142cc4-e9e9-41f0-ac13-11df111c154f CONTACT: Contact: Dan Klimke, NetAlly Email: marketing@netally.com PARIS (Reuters) - Nissan said on Tuesday that it was deepening its reflection on how alliance partner Renault's new electric vehicle business could be beneficial for the Japanese carmaker and how it would participate. "We are considering to invest in the new Renault EV entity subject to the outcome of the discussions," Nissan said in a statement. Discussions over a new governance structure for the alliance were also continuing, it said. "The discussions are going in the right direction and we will take the necessary time to build this new chapter of the Alliance." (Reporting by Maki Shiraki; Editing by Richard Lough) Straits Research - Market Research Strategy | Strategy Consulting | Business Research | Business Consulting | Market Research The global pharmaceutical packaging market size was valued at USD 110.4 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 243.7 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2022 to 2030. Increased Spendings on Medicines to Drive the Pharmaceutical Packaging Market. New York, United States, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pharmaceutical packaging is used for storing and transporting of medicines while keeping its properties intact until it is consumed. Innovation and product development has always been among the primary driving force of the pharmaceutical industry. This is one of the reasons why the use of technology is the area of focus and investment among leading players of this market. Companies are putting in considerable effort into expanding their facilities and equipping themselves with modern technologies to stay ahead in this market. For instance, in March 2019, Gerresheimer announced its plan of investing in a new plant in Skopje, Macedonia. The plan is expected to start from the second half of 2020. However, recent developments such as Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic is expected to delay its operation. Get a Free Sample Copy of This Report @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/pharmaceutical-packaging-market/request-sample COVID-19 Impact Analysis The global pandemic of COVID-19 will reflect adversely on the availability of raw material for the pharmaceutical market. Plastic and polymers are among the leading packaging types holding a dominant share in this market. The disruption in the supply chain of raw materials in the pharmaceutical packaging market will lead to a decrease in production. For instance, China was among the top exporters of glass bottles, which is one of the dominant end products for storing and transporting medicines . Companies will also have to experiment and speed up product innovation in tandem with a possible vaccine or drug for the coronavirus. This holds significant potential for product development and an increase in the pharmaceutical packaging market, though it will be halted for some time due to the closing of international borders and temporary loss of trade. Story continues Report Scope Report Metric Details Market Size USD 243.7 Billion by 2030 CAGR 9.2% (2022-2030) Historical Data 2019-2020 Base Year 2021 Forecast Period 2022-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Type, Product Type, Raw Material, Drug Delivery Mode, Regions Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, LAME and Rest of the World Key Companies Profiled/Vendors WestRock Company, Amcor plc, Berry Global, Inc., Gerresheimer AG, AptarGroup, Inc., Schott AG, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., Dickinson, and Company, Becton, Nipro Corporation, Catalent, Inc., 3M Company, Plastube Incorporated, Nampak Limited, Hindalco Industries among other players. Key Market Opportunities Demographic Trends to Fuel Growth for this Market Key Market Drivers Increased Spendings on Medicines to Drive the Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Buy Now Full Report @ https://straitsresearch.com/buy-now/pharmaceutical-packaging-market Regional Analysis Asia-Pacific will register the highest growth rate in this market, owing to the emerging middle class, along with the increase in investments aimed at improving the healthcare infrastructure. However, the high packaging costs, the erratic regulatory landscape, and the increasing efforts on anti-counterfeiting measures are anticipated to restrict the growth of this market to a certain extent. Key Highlights The global pharmaceutical packaging market size is projected to reach USD 243.7 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2022 to 2030. Based on type , the market is segmented into cartridges, blister packs, labels and accessories, caps and closures, plastic bottles, pre-fillable syringes, temperature-controlled packaging, pre-filled inhalers, medical specialty bags, pouches and strip packs, vials, ampoules, jars and canisters, and medication tubes. Based on product type , it is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging. Due to the simplicity of obtaining the raw ingredients needed to produce the finished product, the plastics and polymers category is predicted to dominate the market. Europe to dominate the pharmaceutical packaging market. Key Players WestRock Company, Amcor plc Berry Global Inc. Gerresheimer AG AptarGroup Inc. Schott AG West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. Dickinson and Company Becton Nipro Corporation Catalent Inc. 3M Company Plastube Incorporated Nampak Limited Hindalco Industries Get a Free Sample Copy of This Report @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/pharmaceutical-packaging-market/request-sample Pharmaceutical Packaging Market: Segmentation By Type Cartridges Blister Packs Labels and Accessories Caps and Closures Plastic Bottles Pre-fillable Syringes Temperature-Controlled Packaging Pre-filled Inhalers Medical Specialty Bags Pouches and Strip Packs Vials Ampoules Jars and Canisters Medication Tubes Others (Trays, Paperboard Boxes, and Corrugated Boxes) By Product Type Primary Packaging Secondary Packaging Tertiary Packaging By Raw Material Plastics and Polymers Glass Metals Paper and Paperboards Others (Rubber and Steel) By Drug Delivery Mode Oral Drugs Pulmonary Transdermal Injectables Topical Nasal Ocular/ Ophthalmic IV Drugs Others (targeted drug delivery, carrier-based drug delivery, nanoparticle drug delivery, and genetic transfer) By Region North America Europe Asia-Pacific Central and South America, and the Caribbean The Middle East Africa TABLE OF CONTENT 1 Introduction 1.1 Market Definition 1.2 Market Scope 2 Research Methodology 2.1 Primary Research 2.2 Research Methodology 2.3 Assumptions & Exclusions 2.4 Secondary Data Sources 3 Executive Summary 4 Market Overview 4.1 Report Segmentation & Scope 4.2 Value Chain Analysis: Pharmaceutical Packaging Market 4.2.1 Vendor Matrix 4.3 Key Market Trends 4.3.1 Drivers 4.3.2 Restraints 4.3.3 Opportunities 4.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis 4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers 4.4.3 Threat of Substitution 4.4.4 Threat of New Entrants 4.4.5 Competitive Rivalry 4.5 Environmental & Regulatory Landscape 4.6 Forecast Factors & Relevance of Impact 4.7 Macro-Economic & Geopolitical Scenario 4.8 Parent Market Overview 4.9 Technology Landscape 4.10 Market Share Analysis 4.11 Potential Venture Analysis 4.12 Regional Price Trends 4.13 Raw Material Trends 4.14 Cost Structure Analysis 4.14.1 Labor Cost 4.14.2 Consumables 4.14.3 Maintenance Cost 5 Type Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.1.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.2 Cartridges 5.2.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.3 Blister Packs 5.3.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.4 Labels & accessories 5.4.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.5 Caps & closures 5.5.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.6 Plastic bottles 5.6.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.7 Pre-fillable syringes 5.7.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.8 Temperature-controlled packaging 5.8.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.9 Vials 5.9.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.10 Ampoules 5.10.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 5.11 Others 5.11.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 6 Product Type Overview 6.1 Introduction 6.1.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 6.2 Primary Packaging 6.2.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 6.3 Secondary Packaging 6.3.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 6.4 Tertiary Packaging 6.4.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 7 Raw Material Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.1.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 7.2 Plastics and Polymers 7.2.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 7.3 Glass 7.3.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 7.4 Metals 7.4.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 7.5 Paper and Paperboards 7.5.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 7.6 Others 7.6.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8 Drug Delivery Mode Overview 8.1 Introduction 8.1.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.2 Oral 8.2.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.3 Pulmonary 8.3.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.4 Transdermal 8.4.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.5 InjecTABLE 8.5.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.6 Topical 8.6.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.7 Nasal 8.7.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.8 Ocular/Ophthalmic 8.8.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.9 IV Drugs 8.9.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 8.10 Others 8.10.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 9 Regional Overview 9.1 Introduction 9.1.1 Market Size & Forecast (Value & Volume) 9.2 North America 9.2.1 Economic Overview 9.2.2 Market Scenario 9.2.3 The U.S. 9.2.3.1 By Type 9.2.3.2 By Product Type 9.2.3.3 By Raw Material 9.2.3.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.2.4 Canada 9.2.4.1 By Type 9.2.4.2 By Product Type 9.2.4.3 By Raw Material 9.2.4.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.2.5 Mexico 9.2.5.1 By Type 9.2.5.2 By Product Type 9.2.5.3 By Raw Material 9.2.5.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.3 Central and South America, and Caribbean 9.3.1 Economic Overview 9.3.2 Market Scenario 9.3.3 Brazil 9.3.3.1 By Type 9.3.3.2 By Product Type 9.3.3.3 By Raw Material 9.3.3.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.3.4 Argentina 9.3.4.1 By Type 9.3.4.2 By Product Type 9.3.4.3 By Raw Material 9.3.4.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.3.5 Columbia 9.3.5.1 By Type 9.3.5.2 By Product Type 9.3.5.3 By Raw Material 9.3.5.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.3.6 Rest of Central and South America, And Caribbean 9.3.6.1 By Type 9.3.6.2 By Product Type 9.3.6.3 By Raw Material 9.3.6.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.4 Europe 9.4.1 Economic Overview 9.4.2 Market Scenario 9.4.3 Germany 9.4.3.1 By Type 9.4.3.2 By Product Type 9.4.3.3 By Raw Material 9.4.3.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.4.4 France 9.4.4.1 By Type 9.4.4.2 By Product Type 9.4.4.3 By Raw Material 9.4.4.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.4.5 The U.K. 9.4.5.1 By Type 9.4.5.2 By Product Type 9.4.5.3 By Raw Material 9.4.5.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.4.6 Italy 9.4.6.1 By Type 9.4.6.2 By Product Type 9.4.6.3 By Raw Material 9.4.6.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.4.7 The Rest of Europe 9.4.7.1 By Type 9.4.7.2 By Product Type 9.4.7.3 By Raw Material 9.4.7.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.5 Asia-Pacific (APAC) 9.5.1 Economic Overview 9.5.2 Market Scenario 9.5.3 China 9.5.3.1 By Type 9.5.3.2 By Product Type 9.5.3.3 By Raw Material 9.5.3.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.5.4 Japan 9.5.4.1 By Type 9.5.4.2 By Product Type 9.5.4.3 By Raw Material 9.5.4.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.5.5 India 9.5.5.1 By Type 9.5.5.2 By Product Type 9.5.5.3 By Raw Material 9.5.5.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.5.6 Australia 9.5.6.1 By Type 9.5.6.2 By Product Type 9.5.6.3 By Raw Material 9.5.6.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.5.7 South Korea 9.5.7.1 By Type 9.5.7.2 By Product Type 9.5.7.3 By Raw Material 9.5.7.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.5.8 Rest of APAC 9.5.8.1 By Type 9.5.8.2 By Product Type 9.5.8.3 By Raw Material 9.5.8.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.6 The Middle East 9.6.1 Economic Overview 9.6.2 Market Scenario 9.6.3 Saudi Arabia 9.6.3.1 By Type 9.6.3.2 By Product Type 9.6.3.3 By Raw Material 9.6.3.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.6.4 The UAE 9.6.4.1 By Type 9.6.4.2 By Product Type 9.6.4.3 By Raw Material 9.6.4.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.6.5 Qatar 9.6.5.1 By Type 9.6.5.2 By Product Type 9.6.5.3 By Raw Material 9.6.5.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.6.6 Oman 9.6.6.1 By Type 9.6.6.2 By Product Type 9.6.6.3 By Raw Material 9.6.6.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.6.7 Turkey 9.6.7.1 By Type 9.6.7.2 By Product Type 9.6.7.3 By Raw Material 9.6.7.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.6.8 The Rest of the Middle East 9.6.8.1 By Type 9.6.8.2 By Product Type 9.6.8.3 By Raw Material 9.6.8.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.7 Africa 9.7.1 Economic Overview 9.7.2 Market Scenario 9.7.3 Nigeria 9.7.3.1 By Type 9.7.3.2 By Product Type 9.7.3.3 By Raw Material 9.7.3.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.7.4 South Africa 9.7.4.1 By Type 9.7.4.2 By Product Type 9.7.4.3 By Raw Material 9.7.4.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 9.7.5 The Rest of Africa 9.7.5.1 By Type 9.7.5.2 By Product Type 9.7.5.3 By Raw Material 9.7.5.4 By Drug Delivery Mode 10 Competitive Landscape Manufacturers & Suppliers 10.1 Competition Dashboard 10.2 Industry Structure 10.3 WestRock Company 10.3.1 Business Overview 10.3.2 Financial Performance 10.3.3 Recent Developments 10.3.4 Product Portfolio 10.4 Amcor plc 10.4.1 Business Overview 10.4.2 Financial Performance 10.4.3 Recent Developments 10.4.4 Product Portfolio 10.5 Berry Global, Inc. 10.5.1 Business Overview 10.5.2 Financial Performance 10.5.3 Recent Developments 10.5.4 Product Portfolio 10.6 Gerresheimer AG 10.6.1 Business Overview 10.6.2 Financial Performance 10.6.3 Recent Developments 10.6.4 Product Portfolio 10.7 AptarGroup, Inc. 10.7.1 Business Overview 10.7.2 Financial Performance 10.7.3 Recent Developments 10.7.4 Product Portfolio 10.8 Schott AG 10.8.1 Business Overview 10.8.2 Financial Performance 10.8.3 Recent Developments 10.8.4 Product Portfolio 10.9 West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. 10.9.1 Business Overview 10.9.2 Financial Performance 10.9.3 Recent Developments 10.9.4 Product Portfolio 10.10 Dickinson, and Company 10.10.1Business Overview 10.10.2Financial Performance 10.10.3Recent Developments 10.10.4Product Portfolio 10.11 Becton 10.11.1Business Overview 10.11.2Financial Performance 10.11.3Recent Developments 10.11.4Product Portfolio 10.12 Nipro Corporation 10.12.1Business Overview 10.12.2Financial Performance 10.12.3Recent Developments 10.12.4Product Portfolio 10.13 Catalent, Inc. 10.13.1Business Overview 10.13.2Financial Performance 10.13.3Recent Developments 10.13.4Product Portfolio 10.14 3M Company 10.14.1Business Overview 10.14.2Financial Performance 10.14.3Recent Developments 10.14.4Product Portfolio 10.15 Plastube Incorporated 10.15.1Business Overview 10.15.2Financial Performance 10.15.3Recent Developments 10.15.4Product Portfolio 10.16 Nampak Limited 10.16.1Business Overview 10.16.2Financial Performance 10.16.3Recent Developments 10.16.4Product Portfolio 10.17 Hindalco Industries 10.17.1Business Overview 10.17.2Financial Performance 10.17.3Recent Developments 10.17.4Product Portfolio 11 Conclusion & Recommendation 12 Acronyms & Abbreviations Table of Content and Figure @ https://straitsresearch.com/report/pharmaceutical-packaging-market/toc News Media Plastic Injection Molding Market Size Worth USD 15734 Million By 2030 | CAGR of 4% Rising Application of Methanol in Automotive Industries to Drive the Methanol Market Have a Look at the Related Research Report Pharmaceutical Stability and Storage Services Market : Information by Services (Stability and Storage), Molecules (Small Molecules and Large Molecules), and Region Forecast till 2030 Pharmaceutical Glass Tubing Market : Information by Application (Vials, Ampoules, Cartridges, Syringes), and Region Forecast till 2030 Indias Paper Market : Information by Type, Application (Newspaper, Printing and Writing, Decoration Paper, Pharmaceutical Packaging), and Region Forecast Till 2026 Pharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) Market : Information by Service Type CMO Segment (API Manufacturing, Packaging), and Region Forecast till 2030 About Straits Research Pvt. Ltd. StraitsResearch is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision-makers. Straits Research Pvt. Ltd. provides actionable market research data, especially designed and presented for decision making and ROI. Whether you are looking at business sectors in the next town or crosswise over continents, we understand the significance of being acquainted with the clients purchase. We overcome our clients issues by recognizing and deciphering the target group and generating leads with utmost precision. We seek to collaborate with our clients to deliver a broad spectrum of results through a blend of market and business research approaches. For more information on your target market, please contact us below: Phone: +1 646 480 7505 (the U.S.) +91 8087085354 (APAC) +44 208 068 9665 (the U.K.) Email: sales@straitsresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Aqua Pod, the worlds first sustainable multi-purpose floating mobile development, and Double Like, the Jumeirah homegrown burger and lobster joint, have announced a partnership to launch Double Likes floating joint on the Dubai shores. Operations are set to commence on October 31, 2022, in a strategic decision to gear-up with the rest of the country for the highly anticipated and eventful winter in the UAE and its neighbouring countries. Double Like will be running from a sustainable mobile pod, designed with a float-through feature for small sized marine crafts to pick up their orders, and supported by the Aqua Pod smart seafaring application for on-water orders and deliveries; the kitchen will be cruising and operating in the Dubai Palm Lagoon. Creative recipes Since its inception on November 2020 in Jumeirah, Double Likes outrageously creative recipes and unique concept of high-end clean produce and meals within the fast-food industry, has quickly gained strong and positive recognition; this success is attributed to the background and long-standing experience of the concept creator of Double Like, Nadeem Bouzid, whos family is in the F&B businesses in the UK, but he made the decision to branch out on his own. Bouzid, Managing Partner of Double Like said: Double Like received its proof of concept the moment it appealed to the community of Dubai; it is not an easy task to please a melting pot of cultural diversity of over two hundred nationalities with their own gastronomy preferences. When the right opportunity presents itself in a country with a pre-existing enabling framework, we had to grab it; hence the launch of our first floating kitchen. We are extremely excited to be operating offshore, and to be able to capitalise on the lucrative upcoming tourism wave, as we operate in one of the world-class marine infrastructures. We believe in long term partnerships with like-minded inventive and forward-thinking partners, and the Aqua Pod team has checked all the boxes for us, from innovation to sustainability and environmental awareness and beyond. The notion of having a floating mobile kitchen that services customers who were never a target in our original plan because their catchment space is on-water, is already a new win for us. We anticipate that together we are going to have a successful journey with hopefully further exciting developments to come, he continued. Highest quality All Double Like produce is sourced from various locations around the globe as to maintain the highest quality of ingredients which is a key differentiator for the brand. Lobster is sourced from Canada, beef from Australia and New Zealand and even butter from Ireland. Ahmed Youssef, Co-founder and CEO of AADS and IMV, and the creator of Aqua Pod said: This new partnership is a testament to the massive potential of the marine realm and comes in line with our business objective; extending the frontier of this opulent city and integrating floating mobile commercial offerings that are digitally enabled through our app, and commercially supported by our on water delivery system. Double Like customers can place their orders through Aqua Pod mobile application, the worlds first e-commerce marine consumer platform. Adaptable and unique All AADS creations, Aqua Pods and larger scale models, are adaptable and unique, and are embedded with smart construction adaptations, to serve as multi-use, multi-spatial, multi-functional and multi-environment assets. Innovative Marine Ventures (IMV) is a subsidiary of Aquatic Architects Design Studio (AADS), and is the development, facility management and marine operations arm for the Aqua Pods, and diverse on-shore and off-shore marine projects.-- TradeArabia News Service Key leadership team appointments follow a monumental period of evolution for the small business insurtech DENVER, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pie Insurance ("Pie"), an insurtech company specializing in workers' comp insurance for small businesses, today appointed three strategic leadership team hires: Rick Poulin, vice president of underwriting Joshua Brost, vice president of marketing Samantha Elizondo, vice president of claims operations. These "pie-oneers" join Pie after a series of company milestones including raising a $315M Series D round of funding and will bring fresh perspectives and a passion for serving small businesses as Pie continues to carve its path as a leader in the small business commercial market. As vice president of underwriting, Poulin is responsible for overseeing the company's business planning, forecasting, and loss and expense management. Poulin brings the team more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, including more than a decade at Travelers, where most recently, he was the company's vice president of workers' comp. Brost joins Pie with nearly 20 years of experience focused on building integrated and data-driven marketing teams at both startups and large enterprises. As the company's vice president of marketing, he oversees all department functions including direct marketing, partner marketing, public relations, brand, lifecycle marketing, media, and talent branding. Prior to Pie, Brost led digital and integrated marketing at Bolt, and led the growth and integrated campaigns team within the Modern Work marketing organization at Microsoft. As vice president of claims operations, Elizondo is responsible for building out our quality, shared services, training, contact center, and special investigations unit. Elizondo brings over 17 years of experience in the financial industry, including various positions within the claims space including personal and commercial lines in both the property and casualty and group benefits space at The Hartford Insurance company. Story continues "I'm thrilled to have these three leaders join our team during a pivotal time of growth for our company," said John Swigart, co-founder and CEO of Pie. "Their experience building winning teams combined with their passion for small business are instrumental in Pie driving towards our mission of enabling small businesses to thrive by making commercial insurance affordable and as easy as pie." Poulin, Brost, and Elizondo join a growing leadership team of technology, business and insurance industry veterans including recent appointments of Ekta Aggarwal as the company's chief product officer and Erin Mesick as vice president of finance. About Pie Insurance Pie Insurance is leveraging technology to transform how small businesses buy and experience commercial insurance, with the goal of making it affordable and as easy as pie. Pie's intense focus on granular, sophisticated pricing, and data-driven customer segmentation enables Pie to match price with risk accurately across a broad spectrum of small business types, which allows Pie to offer more affordable insurance to small business owners. Since 2017, Pie has received over $615M in funding and partnered with over 2,800 agencies nationwide. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pie-insurance-announces-strategic-hires-of-vp-of-underwriting-vp-of-marketing-and-vp-of-claims-operations-301670998.html SOURCE Pie Insurance JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Providence Homes , Jacksonville's leader in energy-efficient construction, recently completed its seventh Homes for HOPE project to help fight global poverty. Providence Homes, Jacksonvilles leader in energy-efficient construction, recently completed its seventh Homes for HOPE project to help fight global poverty. "Homes for HOPE is a way to get the building industry involved in creating capital for those that don't have access to it," said Sean Junker, Providence President & COO. "We all come together; not just the builder but our trade partners and suppliers; we are able to leverage our talents and our resources to maximize the contribution we can give to HOPE International." Once the home is sold, the resulting donation is used to provide training, savings services, and loans to men and women living in poverty, gradually breaking the cycle of poverty. The current project will result in a $240,000 donation to support this mission. Since Providence Homes began building Homes for HOPE, the sales of homes in the Jacksonville area have resulted in more than $900,000 in contributions. "We are eternally grateful for our trade partners and suppliers on this project," said Junker. "This wouldn't be possible without their commitment to helping others." Trade partners and suppliers that supported this Homes for HOPE project include: A & G Construction, Inc. Alpha Environmental Management Corp., LLC. American Residential Products, Inc. Bouziane Tie-Down Inc. Builders First Source Concrete Masters, Inc. Fine Line Painting & Drywall, Inc. First Coast Supply, Inc. FTG, Inc. House Wrap Group 4 Design, Inc. Italian Terrazzo & Tile Co. of Brevard, LLC. iWashJax, LLC. Jacksonville Building Science, LLC. Justin The Plumber, LLC. Legacy Engineering, Inc. Munson & Bryan Electric Company, Inc. Onsite Safety, Inc. Outdoor Site Solutions, LLC. Polished Properties-US, LLC. Renaissance Windows & Doors, Inc. Residential Worx Jax., Inc. Ross Security Systems, Inc. Southern Scapes, LLC. Stewart Lighting, Inc. True House, Inc. Turnkey Solutions of Jax., Inc. Woodsman Kitchens & Floors, Inc. Story continues About Providence Homes | myprovidencehome.com Headquartered in Jacksonville, Providence Homes is committed to providing the highest standards of residential construction in northeast Florida. As one of Jacksonville's only 100-percent ENERGY STAR Certified home builders, Providence Homes pledges to make a difference in the industry by building every home with the same detail and commitment to excellence as they would with their own. Since becoming an ENERGY STAR partner, Providence Homes has built more than 1,900 ENERGY STAR homes helping Jacksonville families save more than $7 million in energy bills. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/providence-homes-wraps-up-seventh-homes-for-hope-project-301671665.html SOURCE Providence Homes, Inc. (Adds Yari Lng) Nov 7 (Reuters) - The following liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers are expected to arrive in Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands in the coming weeks. Estimated arrival dates, often revised by port authorities and AIS Live ship-tracking data on Refinitiv Eikon, are updated below. Some tankers heading for Belgium and Britain may be loading at the terminal. Those expected to load are indicated with an (L). Those likely to perform ship-to-ship transfers are indicated with (STS). Tankers that have docked are indicated with (A). Floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) terminals are added to the table when they become fully operational. As of Sept. 30 2022 this includes the Eemshaven terminal in the Netherlands. For the Reuters LNG guide, click here: LNG TANKER CAPACITY in EXPECTED ARRIVAL FROM PORT cubic metres BRITAIN Al Mafyar 261,000 Nov. 6 (A) Qatar South Hook Bilbao Knutsen 136,000 Nov. 7 N/A Dragon Umm Slal 261,000 Nov. 8 Qatar South Hook LNG Adamawa 138,000 Nov. 9 Nigeria Isle of Grain Methane Mickie Harper 167,000 Nov. 10 United States Dragon Gaslog Windsor 176,000 Nov. 10 United States Isle of Grain Gaslog Sydney 154,000 Nov. 13 United States Milford Haven Kool Boreas 167,000 Nov. 13 Chile Dragon LNG Schneeweisschen 177,000 Nov. 14 United States Isle of Grain LNG Enterprise 174,000 Nov. 15 United States South Hook Grace Dahlia 174,000 Nov. 17 United States Milford Haven Qogir 174,000 Nov. 17 United States Isle of Grain LNG Bonny II 173,000 Nov. 18 United States Milford Haven Traiano Knutsen 180,000 Nov. 19 United States Milford Haven BW Pavilion Leeara 161,000 Nov. 26 United States Isle of Grain LNG Sakura 177,000 Nov. 30 United States Milford Haven BELGIUM Rias Baixas Knutsen 180,000 Nov. 7 (A) Algeria Zeebrugge Al Marrouna 149,000 Nov. 9 Qatar Zeebrugge Yakov Gakkel 172,000 Nov. 9 Russia Zeebrugge Yenisei River 152,000 Nov. 9 Russia Zeebrugge Energy Pacific LNG 173,000 Nov. 11 Qatar Zeebrugge Al Khattiya 206,000 Nov. 17 Qatar Zeebrugge Al Mayeda 262,000 Nov. 19 Qatar Zeebrugge Yari Lng Nov. 23 India Zeebrugge Marvel Pelican 155,000 Nov. 24 Qatar Zeebrugge NETHERLANDS Energy Integrity 170,000 Nov. 7 Cameroon Gate Energy Glory 165,000 Nov. 7 United States Gate Stena Crystal Sky 173,000 Nov. 8 United States Gate Maran Gas Achilles 172,000 Nov. 8 United States Eemshaven Seapeak Hispania 137,000 Nov. 9 N/A Gate Cubal 160,000 Nov. 14 Angola Gate Sources: Ports, AIS Live ship tracking, Refinitiv Eikon data. (^) Partial unload (*) Arrival date estimated based on flows data (Reporting By Marwa Rashad) TELUS Communications Inc Ukrainian refugees will benefit from smartphones, wireless plans and mental health consultations, allowing them to stay connected to the people and resources that matter MONTREAL, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and to help Ukrainian refugees here in Quebec, TELUS, Energir and Electrobac have committed to donating $218,000 in support to help 300 families affected by the conflict so that they can stay in contact with their families and friends and with the resources they need most. In collaboration with local organizations throughout Quebec, the three companies will provide free smartphones refurbished by Electrobac, TELUS SIM cards, and access to free consultations with a mental health professional through TELUS Health MyCare. Thanks to this collaborative effort, Ukrainian refugees will have an essential link to emergency services, reliable access to virtual health and well-being resources, and a way to stay in contact with their loved ones and support networks. Partnering together to help make the future brighter for Ukrainian refugees The people affected by the deplorable situation in Ukraine are going through an extremely difficult time, explains Ali Barakat, TELUS Vice-President for Sales and Business Solutions in Quebec and Atlantic Canada. The actions of the TELUS team have always been inspired by our social purpose to use our technology and compassion to help build a friendlier future. In that same spirit, TELUS has joined forces with Energir and Electrobac to provide immediate help for Ukrainian refugees. By offering wireless services and access to mental health care, were committed to making daily life easier for those affected by global conflict who are living through challenging times. Were happy to have played a unifying role in rallying our partners behind this project, says Martin Laberge, Executive Director for Cybersecurity at Energir. We believe in finding innovative ways to get involved in communities, and we know that by partnering with the right people around the right projects, we can create new kinds of energy that will have a positive impact on society. This wonderful collaboration is certainly proof of that, and we hope that it will send a message of solidarity, support and hope to Ukrainian families who really need it. Story continues We are happy and honored to humbly contribute, in collaboration with TELUS and Energir to help Ukrainian refugees, says Frederic Brais, VP Sales and Marketing Electrobac. We hope that this will ease their integration into their new host country. Having a mobile device, a reliable network, and access to mental health support can make the difference in a period of life that is quite challenging for refugees, says Claude Pinard, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal. Were grateful for TELUS, Energir and Electrobacs generous donation and support, which will allow families in precarious situations to gain access to essential resources and services for their health, safety and well-being. Concerted efforts to assist displaced people Earlier this year, TELUS, its team members, together with the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation donated $4 million in donations in support of ongoing efforts by Canadian charitable organizations to provide assistance to people and families displaced by the conflict in Ukraine, including the Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF Canada, and other national and local charitable organizations. Energir is also donating $55,000 to the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation to provide assistance to people and families displaced by the conflict. About TELUS TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with $17 billion in annual revenue and 17 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better. Operating in 28 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across high-growth industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media and eCommerce and fintech. TELUS Health is a global healthcare company, which provides employee and family preventative healthcare and wellness solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventative and mental health outcomes covering over 60 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers. Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS, our team members and retirees to contribute more than $900 million, in cash, in-kind contributions, time and programs, and 1.8 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, lets make the future friendly. For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com and follow us on Twitter ( @TELUSnews ) and on Instagram ( @Darren_Entwistle ). About Energir With more than $9 billion in assets, Energir is a diversified energy business whose mission is to find increasingly sustainable ways to meet the energy needs of approximately 535,000 customers and the communities it serves. It is the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec, where, through its joint ventures, it also generates electricity from wind power. Through its subsidiaries and other investments, Energir has a presence in the United States, where it generates electricity from hydraulic, wind and solar sources; it is also the largest electricity distributor and the sole natural gas distributor in the State of Vermont. Energir values energy efficiency and invests its resources and continues its efforts in innovative energy projects, such as renewable natural gas and liquefied and compressed natural gas. Through its subsidiaries, it also offers a variety of energy services. Energir strives to become the partner of choice for those seeking a better energy future. For any additional information requests, members of the media may contact: Stephanie Dussault TELUS Public Relations stephanie.dussault@telus.com Alexandra Robidas Enegrir Public Relations alexandra.robidas@energir.com Global Market Insights Inc. Major third-party logistics (3PL) market participants include AmeriCold Logistics LLC, BDP International, Burris Logistics, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, DB Schenker Logistics, DHL Supply Chain, DSV A/S (UTi Worldwide, Inc.), and Penske Logistics, Inc, among others. Selbyville, Delaware, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The third-party logistics market is expected to record a valuation of USD 3 trillion by 2032, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights Inc. Growing demand for reverse logistics in the retail sector is increasing the deployment of 3PL services. The emergence of e-commerce has transformed the retail landscape by facilitating buying & selling of goods and product returns or recalls using smartphones and similar mobile devices. Consumers worldwide are purchasing goods & services using online commerce which promotes the implementation of reverse logistics. The 3PL market from warehousing & distribution solution segment will register appreciable proceeds during the forecast period. Automated warehouse and distribution systems are used for rapidly transporting products safely and sustainably. Companies, in turn, are introducing new technologies to advance third-party logistics services. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/132 Third-party logistics (3PL) market share from the sea mode segment is projected to surpass more than 5% CAGR between 2023 to 2032. Shipping enables the transportation of medicines, technology, food, etc. to middle- to low-economy nations. Maritime transport is affordable, low-cost, and sustainable in comparison to other modes of transportation. With growing concerns regarding transportation-induced pollution, the preference for marine transport is likely to increase, amplifying the need for 3PL services to ensure optimum sea freight management. The manufacturing application segment accounted for around 5% of the third-party logistics market share in 2022. The manufacturing sector relies on 3PL services to procure raw materials and deliver products to end consumers. 3PL service providers use their expertise to venture into new markets which enables manufacturers to expand their business scope. The robust applicability of 3PL services will thus increase their adoption in manufacturing operations for the management of complex supply chains. Story continues Europe 3PL market held over 15% of the revenue share in 2022. The rising implementation of advanced technologies in the logistics sector has bolstered the adoption of 3PL services across the region. The use of truck platooning, which links trucks to automated driving support systems to streamline the convoy is emerging as a prominent trend in the European logistics sector. For instance, the EU has co-funded the ENSEMBLE project with numerous global partners to deploy multi-brand truck platooning to enhance road transport safety in Europe. Such tech advancements, in addition to the growing import and export initiatives, will positively influence the regional industry growth. Some of the companies operating in the third-party logistics market include AmeriCold Logistics LLC, BDP International, Burris Logistics, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, DB Schenker Logistics, DHL Supply Chain, DSV A/S (UTi Worldwide, Inc.), Echo Global Logistics, Expeditors International of Washington, FedEx, GEODIS, J. B. Hunt, Kintetsu World Express, Inc., Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Landstar System, Inc., Nippon Express Co., Ltd, Penske Logistics, Inc., Ryder Supply Chain Solutions, Schneider National, Inc., and SinoTrans (HK) Logistics Limited. These leaders are focusing on various strategies such as partnerships, mergers & acquisitions to expand their logistics abilities and venture into new regions. For instance, in September 2022, DHL Supply Chain announced plans to invest USD 489.3 million over five years to expand its workforce, capacity, and sustainability initiatives in India. With this investment, the company will own and operate fully owned multi-client sites in the country. The deal also includes the addition of warehouse spacing of around twelve million square feet to the existing portfolio of the Group. Request for customization of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/roc/132 Partial Table of Contents (ToC) of the report: Chapter 3 Third-Party Logistics Market Insights 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Impact of the COVID-19 outbreak 3.3 Impact of the Ukraine-Russia war 3.4 Industry ecosystem analysis 3.5 Technology and innovation landscape 3.6 Regulatory landscape 3.7 Industry Impact Forces 3.7.1 Growth drivers 3.7.1.1 Growing application of reverse logistics in the retail industry 3.7.1.2 Technological advancements in logistics and SCM in U.S. 3.7.1.3 Rising demand from the manufacturing industry to manage inventory and supply chain in Europe 3.7.1.4 Government initiatives encouraging the Asia Pacific market growth 3.7.1.5 Emerging e-commerce industry in South America and MEA 3.7.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges 3.7.2.1 Lack of logistics control 3.7.2.2 Risks associated with cross border transportation 3.8 Key initiatives & news 3.9 Growth potential analysis 3.10 Consumer Analysis 3.11 Porter's analysis 3.12 PESTEL Analysis Browse Our Reports Store GMIPulse @ https://www.gminsights.com/gmipulse About Global Market Insights Inc. 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 David Sacks and Jason Calacanis are both advising Elon Musk at Twitter. Steve Jennings/Getty Images for TechCrunch; Samantha Laurey/AFP via Getty Images; Duffy-Marie Arnoult/WireImage Twitter's health team was instructed to listen to tech podcast "All In," Platformer reports. In the podcast, Musk advisers David Sacks and Jason Calacanis discussed Silicon Valley layoffs. Staff were told the podcast "provides some insight into why this is happening/necessary," Platformer reported. Twitter staff were told to listen to a podcast hosted by two of Elon Musk's advisers to learn why layoffs were necessary, according to Platformer. David Sacks, who first met Musk working together on PayPal, and Jason Calacanis, a tech entrepreneur and investor, have been helping Twitter transition into its new ownership. They are also two of the four host of the "All-In" podcast, which talks about tech, the economy, and poker. Platformer reported that Twitter's health team which works on misinformation and harmful content was told to listen to "All-In" to help understand why half the company's employees are being laid off. One Twitter vice president told employees: "The most recent podcast covers the current layoffs happening across tech and provides some insight into why this is happening/necessary." Episode 103 of "All-In" was published on YouTube on Saturday, and primarily covers the surge in layoffs at tech companies including Stripe, which laid off 14% of its staff. The four hosts, who also include former Facebook executive Chamath Palihapitiya, and entrepreneur David Friedberg, agreed on the idea that mass layoffs were necessary. Sacks said that falling profits across the board in tech were part of an "economy-wide slowdown," rather than company-specific problems. The hosts celebrated Musk's decision to layoff 50% of Twitter's staff, despite criticism and lawsuits brought against the company. Friedberg said the move could allow Musk to set "a new standard for how profitable a tech company can get," and suggested other companies could "try and mimic the Elon playbook." Sacks described companies laying off 10% of their staff as "tepid," adding that in these instances, more layoffs are likely to be needed in the near future. "They have to come back and they do it again and they do it again," he said. Story continues Friedberg then added that Musk could show "the entirety of Silicon Valley that you can cut deep and you can turn a profit and you can do it fast." Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider on Platformer's report. On the podcast, Sacks explained that he and Calacanis don't have official roles at Twitter, but "are just pitching in and helping out while Elon establishes his permanent team." Read the original article on Business Insider Good morning, Being new on the job as a CFO means youre in the spotlight, and it's time to make a good impression. But Tyson Foods Inc. CFO John R. Tyson, the son of the chairman of the companys board of directors, is facing serious allegations a month into his appointment. Tyson, 32, was arrested this past weekend for public intoxication and criminal trespassing, according to reports. Detainee information released by the Washington County, Ark., sheriffs department states he was arrested in the early morning of Nov. 6 and released later that day. A woman in Fayetteville, Ark. called the police when she found Tyson, whom she said she doesn't know, in a bed in her home, according to local reports by KNWA Fox24. Police said they tried to wake Tyson up at the scene, but he was incoherent, briefly waking up and going back to sleep. A company spokesperson told KNWA in a statement: This is a personal matter, we have no additional comment. I reached out to Tyson Foods but didnt receive a response as of press time. Tyson was named EVP and CFO of the Arkansas-based meat company, effective Oct. 2. He is the son of board chairman John H. Tyson and the great-grandson of Tyson founder John W. Tyson. John R. Tyson previously served as the company's EVP of strategy and as chief sustainability officer. Before joining Tyson Foods in 2019, he held various roles in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital, including at J.P. Morgan. Tyson succeeded Stewart Glendinning, who transitioned from his role as EVP and CFO to take on the position of group president of prepared foods. The company is scheduled to release its latest 2022 quarterly financial results on Nov. 14. That's the first time Tyson would participate in an earnings call as CFO. "We delivered solid operating income of nearly $1 billion because of our diversified portfolio; year to date, we are up 15% over prior year," Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King said in August on the earnings call for the period ending June 30. "Overall, earnings per share came in at $1.94 for the third quarter and $7.10 year to date." Story continues Tyson Foods may be a family-founded company, but its also a public company. This will be a critical moment for Tyson Foods and corporate governance, Shane Goodwin, associate dean for Executive Education and Graduate Programs at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, told me. Tyson Foods has a dual-class share structure, which means the family of the founders have tremendous influence over the company, says Goodwin who teaches an MBA corporate ethics course. The Tyson family owns 99.9% of its Class B shares, giving them the ability to outvote the Class A shareholders 10-1, and shareholders know the family has the power, he says. However, being a public company, Tyson Foods has many stakeholders to consider not only shareholders, but customers, employees, and the community, Goodwin says. As CFO, Tyson receives "an increased base salary of $650,000 and an increase in his target annual incentive payment under the Companys Annual Incentive Compensation Plan for senior executives from 90% to 110% of his annual base salary, with the actual annual incentive payment payable based on performance," according to the company's form 8-K filed on Sept. 27. Goodwin says companies should always emphasize ethics for executives, both on and off the clock. "There is no exception to this," he says. "I know many want their private life to be 'off limits.' And it isunless one is violating laws, rules, ethical judgments, etc. Admittedly, situations are different. The alleged circumstances around this situation are very serious. I asked Goodwin what approach Tysons CEO and the board should take when it comes to this alleged incident. Everyone is innocent until proven guiltythat is a bedrock of our country, he says. So, I would ensure the process plays out properly. I would follow any policy that we already have in place. Do not change that policy. For example, if the company allows employees to continue working until a legal matter is fully adjudicated, it should continue doing that, he says. However, if they have a history of suspending or dismissing employees then they have to follow that precedent, Goodwin says. Personally, in my honest opinion, if I were [the chairman] in this situation, I would immediately suspend my son. This lapse of judgment cannot be tolerated for such a serious job. But Goodwin added, I also believe we live in a world of second chances and we need to support those going through challenging times. One thing's for sure, the familys support for Tyson will be watched publicly. See you tomorrow. Sheryl Estrada sheryl.estrada@fortune.com Sign up here to receive CFO Daily weekday mornings in your inbox. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com More from Fortune: The American middle class is at the end of an era Elon Musk is facing trial again over his $56 billion Tesla paycheck thats the largest in human history The winners of the $1.5 billion Powerball jackpot will probably take it in cash. Thats a huge mistake, experts say The US may be headed for a tripledemicone doctor issues an urgent warning Reuters Nvidia's New Chip May Sidestep US Ban On China Exports: What Investors Need To Know Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) may have found a workaround for the China export ban announced by the U.S. government in late August. Nvidia is offering a new chip, dubbed A800 graphic processor unit, to Chinese customers that may not be constrained by the U.S. government's export licensing requirement, a spokesperson of the chipmaker told in a statement. Bosch Settles California Diesel Emissions Inquiry With $25M Penalty German auto supplier Bosch agreed to pay $25 million to resolve California's probe into the company's role in the diesel emissions scandals at Volkswagen AG (OTC: VWAGY) and Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) Fiat Chrysler. Bosch allegedly provided services to Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler "when it knew or should have known that these auto manufacturers were violating environmental and consumer protection laws," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said. Under the settlement, Bosch must disclose to California if it concluded a manufacturer would use or has used software to evade emissions rules. Financial Times US Authority Plans Massive Expansion Of Medication Access To Combat Opioid Overdose Crisis Struggling with the opioid crisis, U.S. authorities plan to substantially expand access to medications tackling opioid addiction, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Clinicians promoting medication face strict rules. To prescribe buprenorphine, one of the most effective medications, they must apply for waivers that require them to undertake training. Providing general medication access requires sweeping reforms to remove barriers at the patient, clinician, and system levels. Bloomberg Amazon Could Land In Trouble As UK Packaging Workers Voted To Strike Amid Biggest Holiday Season Almost 1,000 staff at packaging producer DS Smith voted to strike over pay in a move their union said will affect clients of the U.K. firm, including Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) at one of the busiest times for retail purchases. Employees at five DS Smith sites across Britain could walk out before the end of this month, according to an email from the GMB union, which said that 93% of members had backed industrial action. Story continues Benzinga Tesla Investors To Brace For Recall Of 40,000 Model 3, X EVs While Stock Already Under Pressure Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) is recalling over 40,000 Model S and Model X vehicles from 2017-2021. The company's stock seemingly in reaction to the news is down sharply in the premarket session. The electric vehicle maker notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the recall on Nov. 1, and the company initiated the recall due to issues with the electronic power assist steering, or EPAS, system. Post-Elon Musk's Takeover, Cyber Specialists Flag Twitter's Misinformation Concerns On US Midterm Eve Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk faces a test of how to manage misinformation and hate speech on Twitter as the U.S. votes in midterm elections just days after the billionaire sacked staff who policed user content. Critics had already flagged Musk's plans to loosen content moderation at his newly acquired social media site when he began implementing a plan to sack half of Twitter's 7,500-strong workforce. US Government May Liquidate Around $4.4B In Bitcoin When The Time Is Right Over the last couple of years, the U.S. government has become one of the largest whales of Bitcoin (BTC/USD), with over 214,046 bitcoins at minimum. The Department of Justice (DOJ) seized around 50,676.17 bitcoins (roughly $1 billion at today's prices) in November 2021 from a Bitcoin trader named James Zhong, who defrauded darknet marketplace Silk Road. The seizure is notableit's the third largest in cryptocurrency history by Crypto Briefing's countespecially considering the amount of Bitcoin the U.S. government already has under control. Google Pixel Watch Reportedly Has A Glitch: Screen Turns Off After 15 Mins Despite AoD Being On Alphabet Inc's (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google Pixel Watch's always-on display, or AOD, feature is reportedly not supporting watch faces using older development practices. Some Google Pixel Watch owners have found that older watch faces don't fully support its always-on display. Due to this problem, the AOD feature turns off after about 15 minutes. The AOD performed as expected up until that time. Medtronic Shares Fall As Blood Pressure Reduction Device Fails On Primary Goal Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT) announced the six-month results from the full cohort of the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED trial. Subjects in the 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 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). DuPont Clocks 4% Sales Growth In Q3 Backed By Strength In Key End-Markets; Plans $5B Stock Buyback DuPont de Nemours Inc (NYSE: DD) Q3 sales increased 4% Y/Y to $3.3 billion. Organic growth of 11% consisted of an 8% increase in price and a 3% increase in volume. Operating EBITDA margin rose 30 bps Y/Y 25.8%. Adjusted EPS was $0.82, up 4% Y/Y. DuPont's board approved a new share repurchase program of up to $5 billion. Renault Partners With Geely To Form Internal-Combustion JV Renault (OTC: RNLSY) and Chinese automotive company Geely signed an agreement to form a new global company to develop, produce and supply advanced hybrid and low-emission powertrains. Under the framework agreement, Geely and Renault Group will hold respective 50-50 equity stakes in the new company. Renault Expands Partnership With Google To Strengthen Digital Transformation Renault has expanded its partnership with Alphabet Inc's GOOG Google to accelerate the group's digitalization. The partnership aims to design and deliver the digital architecture for the 'Software Defined Vehicle' (SDV). The two partners will develop a set of onboard and offboard software components dedicated to the SDV and will grow synergies and use cases related to the group's Move to Cloud strategy. See more from Benzinga Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better. 2022 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. VERSES VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VERSES Technologies Inc. (NEO:VERS) (OTCQX: VRSSF) ("VERSES'' or the "Company), a contextual computing platform provider specializing in the next generation of artificial intelligence solutions, announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,750,000 stock options to certain consultants of the Company pursuant to the Plan. All of the stock options will be exercisable to purchase one Class A Share at a price of $0.70 for a period of 1 year from the date of grant. 250,000 of the options will vest immediately upon the date of grant. 1,500,000 of the options will vest as follows: 50% immediately upon the date of grant, and 50% 60 days after the date of grant. About VERSES VERSES is a next-generation AI company providing foundational technology for the contextual computing era. Modeled after natural systems and the design principles of the human brain and the human experience, VERSES flagship offering, COSM , is an AI Operating System for enhancing any application with adaptive intelligence. Built on open standards, COSM transforms disparate data into a universal context that fosters trustworthy collaboration between humans, machines, and AI, across digital and physical domains. Imagine a smarter world that elevates human potential through innovations inspired by nature. Learn more at VERSES , LinkedIn, and Twitter . On Behalf of the Company Gabriel Rene VERSES Technologies Inc. Co-Founder & CEO press@verses.io Media and Investor Relations Inquiries Leo Karabelas Focus Communications President info@fcir.ca 416-543-3120 ReportLinker The Global In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market size was estimated at USD 63. 53 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 69. 45 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 9. 57% to reach USD 109. New York, Nov. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market Research Report by Product Type, End User, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06339234/?utm_source=GNW 96 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 In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Product Type, the market was studied across EEVA (Early Embryo Viability Assessment), Embryoscope, and Primo Vision. Based on End User, the market was studied across Fertility Clinics, Hospitals, and Research centers. 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 In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes 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 In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes 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 In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market, including Astec Co Ltd, ATA INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC, Carl Zeiss NTS Ltd., Eppendorf AG, Esco Micro Pte. Ltd, Euromex Microscopen B.V., Hamilton Thorne Ltd., IVF Tech ApS, Labomed Europe B.V., Leica Microsystems, Linkam Scientific Instruments, Meiji Techno, Merck KGaA, Narishige Group, Nikon Corporation, Olympus Corporation, Parallabs Ltd., Sutter Instrument Company, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, and Tritech Research, 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 In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market? 6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market? 7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global In-vitro Fertilization Microscopes Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06339234/?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 Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the worlds most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and Amaala, has awarded a major contract to Reem Emirates Saudi for the construction of the facade and roof shell of Red Sea International (RSI) airports landside facilities. The new Red Sea airport is being designed to include shaded areas and natural ventilation that minimises reliance on air-conditioning. It will feature five mini-terminals, which allow areas to be closed during slower activity periods, curbing the need for air-conditioning all sections and waste energy. Announcing the new contracts, Group CEO John Pagano said: "Red Sea International will set new standards in sustainable aviation, and the ongoing construction works are a critical part of building that legacy. This requires experienced partners who share our vision for doing things better." "Not only is the airport sustainably designed, but aesthetically it takes inspiration from the forms of the surrounding desert, the green oasis and the sea. The roof shell, which Reem Emirates Saudi will deliver, typifies this, with dune-like pods radiating out from the center, providing an arresting welcome as guests first arrive to The Red Sea from above," stated Pagano. At the same time, the entire airport will be run by renewable energy, supporting RSGs ambition to usher in a carbon-neutral, net-zero era for airport designs and operations, he added. Under this deal, Reem Emirates Saudi will adopt innovative, energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions throughout the facade design, structural engineering, manufacturing, and installation, aligned with industry-leading Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications. "Our partnership with RSG marks the start of an exciting chapter in revolutionising airport offerings, while closely aligning with the strategic goals of Vision 2030," remarked Engineer Naser Al Marzooqi, the General Manager at Reem Emirates Saudi. "We are excited to bring our in-depth knowledge and local expertise to the project and hope to see such world-class standards of sustainable airports become more widespread throughout the region," he noted. RSI is a uniquely regenerative airport, designed by international architecture firm Foster + Partners to provide an unforgettable aviation experience. The project is on track to welcome its first passengers in 2023, with capabilities to serve an estimated one million domestic and international tourists per year by 2030 at a peak of 900 travellers per hour. A cornerstone of Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 ambition to diversify its economy, RSG is playing a key role in transforming the nation, by creating exciting opportunities for young Saudi talent and the private sector, as it develops built assets and destinations across multiple sectors that make a positive impact for people and planet. It had recently announced that daa International will operate the airport in an agreement worth close to SR1 billion.-TradeArabia News Service Ruobang Wang / EyeEm via Getty For the first time, this years United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) has officially put the topic of loss and damage on the agenda for world leaders to discuss in the next two weeksmoving forward the conversation on compensating countries for the damages already wrought by climate change, not just putting money toward disaster preparedness. World leaders, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, have praised the inclusion of the topic and called for measurable change to take place. We believe that it is critical that we address the issue of loss and damage. The talk must come to an end, Mottley said yesterday. Loss and damage, simply put, is a catch-all term for helping developing nations hit hard by the effects of climate change. Some small European nations have pledged modest sums toward loss and damage, but there is still intense disagreement over who should receive the aid, the amount provided, and who should be held liable. And its extremely unlikely these questions will be resolved at COP27. Theres a deep power imbalance at the heart of the issue. Wealthy, developed nations are far and away producing the majority of emissions that have raised the average yearly surface temperature of the globe by roughly 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the pre-industrial erabut developing nations are disproportionately bearing the brunt of the ensuing extreme weather events. Take recent flooding in Pakistan: Climate change likely drove the floods that have killed thousands and displaced millions of Pakistanis since August, but the country itself is responsible for less than 1 percent of global carbon emissions. To many global leaders, the situation facing countries like Pakistan reeks of unfairness, particularly in the absence of any form of payment from wealthier nations. Wealthy nations like the U.S. have historically dragged their feet to acknowledge, much less negotiate loss and damage, possibly out of a fear that compensating developing countries could strengthen a legal case holding developed nations liable for future climate-related damages. Theres also uncertainty and cynicism over costin September, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry made a telling remark about Americas willingness to compensate for loss and damage. You tell me the government in the world that has trillions of dollars, cause thats what it costs, he told the audience at a New York Times event. Story continues Social Media Is Now a Vital Lifeline for Flood Victims Reportedly, even slotting loss and damage into COP27s agenda for discussion was a contentious fight, requiring negotiators to work overnight. Conversations about liability and compensation are to remain off the table, as per the resulting compromise. Some like Mottley stressed that discussions over loss and damage cannot be limited to just talks between world leadersthey must include large corporate polluters like profit-driven oil and gas companies, and hold them accountable for their roles in the ongoing crisis. Otherwise, its as U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told COP27 attendees yesterday: We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator. 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. Veteran-owned RTG Medical will be sponsoring a flag exchange on Veterans Day. The first 100 people to bring their tattered, torn, and worn-out flag to RTG Medical, 4611 E. 22nd St. in Fremont, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, will receive a new, free 3-foot-by-5-foot American flag sponsored by RTG Medical. Flags will be limited to one per household and you must bring a flag that is ready to be respectfully retired for exchange. Flags are available on a first come, first served basis. There is no limit to the number of flags that may be brought to be retired. Those wishing to exchange a flag may also enjoy a cup of coffee and donut along with conversation when they stop by RTG Medical. All the flags brought for exchange will be given to Dugan Funeral Chapel where they will be honorably retired with fallen veterans. RTG Medical is a veteran-owned healthcare staffing company that has been placing medical professionals in across the country for over 21 years. Pakistan says evidence suggests the shooting of a prominent Pakistani journalist who was living in Kenya may have been an assassination as media watchdog Reporters Without Borders called for an independent United Nations probe into the incident. Arshad Sharif was allegedly killed by police last month after the vehicle he was in sped up instead of halting at a roadblock near the capital, Nairobi. Police have described the shooting as a case of mistaken identity" during a search for a similar car involved in a case of child abduction. But Pakistan's interior minister, Rana Sanaullah, on November 8 rejected that explanation, saying "on the evidence we have so far, this prima facie is a targeted killing." "We still need to obtain more [evidence] to confirm all this...and we have asked the Kenyan government for more data," he added. Sharif, 49, an outspoken critic of Pakistans powerful military establishment, had been living in Kenya after leaving his home country to avoid arrest on sedition charges. He was also known as a supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April. Nairobi police said Sharif was fatally shot in the head late on October 23 after the car he was traveling in with his brother, Khurram Ahmed, drove through a roadblock set up on the Nairobi-Magadi highway to check vehicles along the key route. The two ignored police orders to stop and sped up, the police said. Police opened fire and laid chase, during which his car turned over, they added. A Kenyan police watchdog has said it is investigating the incident, but Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on November 8 accused the Kenyan authorities of wasting time since the shooting. The information currently emerging from the Kenyan wing of the investigation is contradictory and all independent attempts to get information are met with a wall of silence, said Sadibou Marong, the director of RSF's sub-Saharan Africa bureau. Added Daniel Bastard, the head of RSFs Asia-Pacific desk: The potential conflicts of interest are such on both the Kenyan and Pakistani sides that we are calling on the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Morris Tidball-Binz, to launch an investigation with an independent international team to shed all possible light on this shocking case. In August, Pakistans ARY news channel aired Sharifs interview with opposition politician Shahbaz Gill, who said junior officers in the armed forces should not follow orders that went against "the will of the majority. The comment led to the news channel being briefly taken off air and an arrest warrant being issued for Sharif. He left the country. The news channel later said it had "cut ties" with the journalist. Gill was detained following the interview. Criticism of the security establishment has long been seen as a red line in Pakistan, which has been ruled by the military for several decades of its 75-year history. Pakistan is ranked 157 out of 180 countries in a press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders, with journalists facing censorship and intimidation. Afghanistan's universities have become a hotbed of resistance to the Taliban, with female students staging protests against the militant group's sweeping restrictions on women. In response, the Taliban has cracked down on several university campuses across the country, violently breaking up demonstrations and expelling students accused of political activism. In the latest incident, the Taliban beat dozens of female students who staged a rally on October 30 outside their university in the northeastern province of Badakhshan. The incident came after a group of women were barred from entering the campus because of their appearance. Weeks after seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban imposed a new dress code and gender segregation for women at universities and colleges in Afghanistan. The Taliban's Education Ministry ordered that all female students, teachers, and staff must wear an all-encompassing burqa or an Islamic abaya robe and niqab that covers the hair, body, and most of the face. Classes must also be segregated by gender -- or at least divided by a curtain. Female students must be taught only by other women. The order was condemned by activists, who said it would create fear and a culture of discrimination against women and girls. "The beatings and discriminatory rules are aimed at preventing us from protesting and silencing the voices of women," Nahid, one of the women who protested outside Badakhshan University, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. Nahid, who requested her real name not to be used for safety concerns, said protesting was the only way of preventing the Taliban from "pushing us out" of education. She said university guards and members of the Taliban's notorious morality police prevented them from entering the university, telling them that they were not dressed appropriately. When the women rallied in front of the campus, chanting "Education is our right" and "Woman, life, and freedom," the guards and Taliban morality police beat them with whips, according to videos posted on social media. Nahid said the Taliban's order that all female students wear the blue burqa or the black niqab and abaya was impractical and illogical. "Where did they get this idea that women can only get an education if they wear certain colors?" she said, adding that many women in Faizabad, the provincial capital of Badakhshan, already dressed conservatively. Students at Badakhshan University said the Taliban beat dozens of women, several of whom were knocked unconscious. Nadia, another protesting student who did not want her real name to be used, said the violence did not deter the women from protesting and eventually entering the campus. "We resisted and kept protesting even after we were beaten," she told Radio Azadi. "Ultimately, we overcame the pressure and went to our classes." The Taliban's morality police denied beating the students and said university staff dealt with the protesters. The incident in Badakhshan is the latest crackdown against universities in Afghanistan. In October, the Taliban expelled dozens of female students from their dormitories in Kabul University, the country's largest educational institution. The expulsions of at least 40 female students triggered protests outside the campus, with the women protesters chanting "Education is our red line" and "Silence is treason." The Taliban confirmed it had expelled several female students whom it said had violated university regulations, without providing further details. Protesters said those expelled were students who had participated in recent anti-Taliban demonstrations in the city. In September, a deadly suicide bombing that killed dozens of Afghan girls and women at a Kabul educational center triggered some of the largest and most sustained protests against Taliban rule. Many of the protesters were female university students. Following the unclaimed attack, scores of women marched through major cities to protest the Taliban government's restrictions on women and its inability to protect ethnic and religious minorities. Many of the victims of the suicide attack were from the mainly Shi'ite Hazara community. The Taliban responded to the protests with brute force, detaining, beating, and threatening female demonstrators. Since the militant group returned to power, it has imposed a raft of restrictions on women, including on their appearance, access to work and education, and freedom of movement. The rules are reminiscent of the Taliban's first stint in power in the 1990s, when the group deprived women of their most basic rights. In the latest restriction on female education, the Taliban last month banned women from applying for many university courses, including journalism, engineering, economics, and most social and natural sciences. In one of its first moves after retaking power, the Taliban banned girls above the sixth grade from attending school, in a move that led to widespread condemnation. "The Taliban morality police visits various departments in the university to make sure that everyone is complying with their rules," Lina Amiri, a student in the eastern city of Jalalabad, told Radio Azadi. "I'm always afraid of being beaten and humiliated." Hadia Tooba, a women's rights activist, said the "rest of the world is obsessed with development and improving their lives." "But here, the authorities are preoccupied with the colors of our veils," she said. Written by Abubakar Siddique based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Azadi In early September, a devastating fire at the Apex Apartments in northeast Colorado Springs displaced over 60 residents. The Red Cross immediately jumped into action to ensure that all the needs of these residents were met including lodging, food, clothing, direct financial assistance and basic requirements. Fundamental to the Red Cross is providing hope, care, and comfort. Just about every week there is at least several house fires in the area, notes Phil Martinez, executive director of the American Red Cross Southeast Colorado. The Red Cross has a connection with the Colorado Springs Fire Department and Emergency Management Services of Colorado Springs. We are built upon passionate people who look out for each other. Its about taking care of our community both in a proactive and reactive manner. The Red Cross has been in existence for 141 years, consistently alleviating human suffering. Wherever it is needed most, we provide that help, says Martinez. During a time of crisis, staff and volunteers go above and beyond financial and medical needs, ensuring that mental health and spiritual concerns are also being addressed. Sometimes disaster victims lose everything, and a hug and listening ear can provide immense relief while negotiating these most difficult occurrences. Martinez relates that a displaced resident of the Apex Apartment fire broke down sobbing in his arms. He felt honored and gratified to be there for this man who was dealing with overwhelming emotions. Typically known for immediate disaster response services, the Red Cross provides temporary housing, assistance with accessing insurance benefits, assessment of the need to issue Red Cross individual disaster assistance grants and case management. Additional comprehensive services cover fire prevention, and involvement with the military community. The nations No. 1 disaster is fire. Sound the Alarm is a proactive program that installs smoke alarms throughout the southeastern Colorado corridor. Once an alarm sounds, residents have two minutes to get out of their home to safety. A startling statistic is that 5 out of 6 homes in Pueblo do not have working smoke alarms. Red Cross volunteers are in the process of actively installing alarms at no cost to residents throughout the southeast Colorado region. The Sound the Alarm program has installed almost a million smoke alarms nationwide since its inception in 2014, saving 1,200 lives. Pedro the Penguin is a welcome visitor to Colorado Springs schools. Students are educated in fire prevention, and establishing an essential evacuation plan. Once a plan is made, students are encouraged to review the plan with family members, and post it on the refrigerator at home as a continual reminder of actions to take in the event of a fire. Assisting active duty military and veterans has always been a focus of the Red Cross when aid is provided for transitioning back to civilian life. Maintaining connection with family, while providing needed rehabilitation, food and housing are available not only for the returning veteran but also for every member of the family. Its been a wonderful year for us. Its about saving lives. We do that every single day, says Martinez. Goals for 2023 include installing as many smoke alarms as possible in vulnerable residences. Volunteers are always welcome to assist with disaster response, as well as with the various programs maintained by the Red Cross. Martinez explains that the Red Cross is always seeking passionate people with a desire to give back during peoples darkest hour. It is unpredictable when things will happen, but they will happen. And the Red Cross is well prepared to assist accordingly. While frigid air and frosty conditions grip much of Colorado, some quadrants stay relatively dry and balmy come winter. The Foundation for a Better Life promotes positive values to live by and pass along to others. Go to PassItOn.com. Waleed Al Malki has been newly promoted to Director of Sales for Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, the hotel has announced. With his rich experience of the local market and as the propertys Director of Sales Government Affairs and Protocol, Al Malki will help the property find new market niches, improve performance, expand into new feeder areas, generate higher profits and solidify the brand's position in the fierce business market of Riyadh. Al Malki joined the hospitality industry in 2003 as a Front Office Agent. He quickly moved up the ladder to the position of Front Office Supervisor in 2006, then as Front Office Manager from 2012 until 2018. He gained experience working at different hospitality chains, namely, Marriott Riyadh, Al Faisalliah, The Ritz Carlton and Nobu Riyadh (pre-opening), before making the move to Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya in 2016 as the Front Office Manager. After demonstrating his interest and showcasing his talent in sales, Al Malki had the opportunity to join the Hyatt cross-training programme to expand his skills, after which he joined the department as the Director of Sales Government Affairs and Protocol in 2018. In 2022, after consecutively exceeding budget goals, strengthening client relations and retaining their loyalty, and expanding the hotels business, he was promoted to the position of Director of Sales. Syed Wali Shah, Commercial Leader for the property, said: Waleed continually developed strategic action plans and explored new markets and segments that resulted in phenomenal results for the hotel. His hard work, dedication and talent broadened his skillset in-line with the Hyatt focus on KSA market. In addition, Waleed has played a key role in recruiting and training a team of young Saudi talent within the team, in alignment with the Vision 2030s theme of building a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. We have immense confidence in him to reach new heights with all that Kingdom has to offer with its ever-changing landscape of tourism. TradeArabia News Service An El Paso County judge on Tuesday denied a motion by the defense to declare a mistrial in the case of Dermot Blake, who is on trial for allegedly shooting and killing his wife. On Monday afternoon, defense attorney Daniel King argued to the court that the prosecution had failed to disclose evidence to the defense that King claims would have drastically changed how they would have chosen to represent Blake, 34, at trial. King told Judge Samuel Evig that the evidence was 100 gigabytes of phone data from Blake's wife, Tashianna Blake, that allegedly showed evidence of her having an affair. King stated that evidence was only disclosed to the defense on Friday afternoon, thus compromising the possible defense choices King had to represent Blake. "We've never been able to look at that," King stated to Evig on Monday about the discovery. "They (the prosecution) failed to discover it to us." But prosecutor Kelson Castain said the prosecution had disclosed the phone data to the defense on two occasions in the spring of 2022, and that records showed they had downloaded the data. Additionally, Castain stated he "found it hard to believe" that the defense didn't know of the possible affair Tashianna Blake was having, and that if any affair played a role in her death they should have already known about it after representing Dermot Blake for over a year. King also stated that the individual who had the alleged affair with Tashianna Blake lied to police about the relationship in an interview, but Castain said the individual hadn't been interviewed by police at all. Evig ruled against the defense Tuesday morning, declining to order a mistrial. He said the prosecution made a good faith effort to give all required discovery to the defense well in advance of the required time period for trial, and that the defense had raised no issues about the discovery prior to trial, even stating they were ready for trial on two occasions in the weeks leading up to the trial. 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. Evig also stated he felt he couldn't declare a mistrial based on the defense possibly having a different case strategy and not a definitive fact that it would. "I'm struggling to find substantial prejudice," Evig said in his ruling. However, Evig acknowledged that the alleged discovery violation could be reviewed by an appeal court in the future. "A court higher than this one will decide this issue," Evig said at the end of his ruling. Dermot Blake is accused of killing his wife in February 2021. Previous reporting from The Gazette details that on the night of Feb. 20 around midnight, Dermot Blake allegedly ordered his two daughters 7 and 5 years old at the time to come out of their room. The oldest of the daughters told police she and her sister came out of the room to find their mother, Tashianna Blake, covered in blood and telling her husband she was sorry. Then, according to the 7-year-old daughter, Dermot Blake shot Tashianna Blake in the head several times in front of both children. About an hour later, Colorado Springs police said Dermot Blake called the police to report someone had been shot and killed. When police arrived, Tashianna Blake was found dead and Dermot Blake was reportedly covered in blood; he was immediately placed in handcuffs. Dermot Blake is accused of first-degree murder, child abuse and other charges. His trial began last week. If found guilty of first-degree murder, he will be given a mandatory sentence of life in prison, per Colorado law. Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), a provider of air navigation services and air traffic control, and Sharjahs Department of Civil Aviation have signed an agreement for cooperation and exchange of information and data. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of dans, and Sheikh Khalid Isam Al Qassimi, Chairman of Department of Civil Aviation-Sharjah in Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: This MoU is signed at a time when the aviation industry is heading towards a full recovery, bringing overall economic growth to the region and it will help both parties to scale up their services to ensure the efficiency and safety to cope with the rapid growth in the navigation services. I am sure this MoU will lead the way to superior operational efficiency by utilising the latest technologies and international standards. It also shows how synergies can be created by collaborations between various agencies with a common goal of making the UAE the hub of aviation industry in the world, he added. Sheikh Khalid Isam Al Qassimi, said: We look forward to the abundance of expertise and knowledge exchange through this partnership. This collaboration will also lead to unify and align the systems within Sharjah and Dubai airports, thus increasing joint coordination and raising the level of efficiency and safety at the airports. In a fast-paced sector such as the Aviation industry, investing in innovation and technology empowers us to achieve the best results. This MoU will help drive the implementation of cutting-edge technology in aviation that will increase efficiency, safety and environmental efficiency of Sharjah Airport operations, Sheikh Khalid added. Another contract was signed by Shaikh Sultan Abdullah Al Thani, Director of Department of Civil Aviation in Sharjah and Ibrahim Ahli, Deputy CEO of dans under which dans will be providing technical services to Sharjah Airport; in addition, this will all aid in enhancing the utilization of situational awareness. Through this agreement, the parties have agreed to collaborate for the purpose of exploring technological enablers in accordance with the ICAO Aviation System Cluster Upgrades framework to modernize and enhance space communications and navigation infrastructure and monitoring. The two parties will also exchange practical experiences and development of human resources in order to facilitate the implementation of the MoU. The MoU also provides for joint activities and systems to link data to serve the public interest. dans and Sharjah DCA will form a joint working group to supervise the implementation of the MoU. TradeArabia News Service A water main break will likely keep a road closed in southwest Colorado Springs until mid-day on Thursday, according to Colorado Springs Utilities. South 21st Street, which runs through Bear Creek Regional Park near the Broadmoor neighborhood, is expected to be closed from West Rio Grande Street to Argus Boulevard, Utilities said. Drivers were asked to avoid the area or drive slowly near cone zones as well as obey detour signs. The police denied the allegations claiming the protesting women threw stones at them prompting them to use minimal force. Afnan Habib | TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles NEW DELHI In a viral video clip circulating online, UP police officers are seen beating, hurling abuses, and hitting protesting Dalit women with lathis, leading to accusations of police brutality. The police, who have denied the allegations, claimed that the women threw stones at them and their vehicles, causing them to use minimal force. The incident took place in Jalalpur in the Ambedkar Nagar area of Uttar Pradesh. Police in UPs Ambedkar Nagar resorted to violence against women protesters. Viral video shows women were dragged and manhandled by male cops. Politicians and activists including @BhimArmyChief condemned the incident and criticised Yogi Adityanaths police policy. Watch: pic.twitter.com/EPK5CPZ08W Maktoob (@MaktoobMedia) November 6, 2022 The vandalism of BR Ambedkars statue in the neighbouring region prompted the women to protest. The demonstration occurred after upper-caste Hindu men threw ink at Ambedkars statue after a fight broke out nearby. On Sunday night, some individuals attempted to occupy a plot of land in Ambedkar Nagar, where Ambedkars statue once stood. The Dalit men and women reported the desecration of the Ambedkar statue to the police. Additionally, they erected a roadblock and halted local traffic. The female protesters resisted when the police attempted to get the traffic moving again. The video drew reactions from various people across the country. Chandrashekhar Azad, a Dalit rights activist and the president of the Bhim Army, reacted to the incident in a tweet, saying, The demonstration took place after upper-caste Hindu males threw ink at Ambedkars statue after a fight broke out nearby. On Sunday night, some individuals attempted to occupy a plot of land in Ambedkar Nagar, where Ambedkars statue once stood. The Dalit men and women reported the desecration of the Ambedkar statue to the police. In a different video, some women can be seen assaulting and pulling the hair of female police officers. Ambedkar Nagar police officer Ajit Kumar Sinha said, During the chaos, some protestors also attacked and vandalized a police car. The police then had to use minor force to bring the situation under control. Two FIRs were filed, according to the superintendent of police Ajit Sinha. The first complaint was made against people who allegedly vandalized the Ambedkar statue, while the second was against those who reportedly assaulted police officers. Afnan Habib is a freelance journalist based in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. He tweets @afnanhabib_ An Iowa chiropractor with a history of sex offenses will keep his license after being accused of hugging and kissing a young patient. Chiropractor Bruce Lindberg of Ottumwa was charged with simple assault on April 18. Police alleged that after treating a 10-year-old boy at his clinic, Lindberg hugged the child and kissed him on the top of his head. A few weeks after his arrest, Lindberg agreed to stop seeing patients until the criminal case was resolved. At the time, his chiropractic license was suspended. In July, a judge dismissed the criminal charge, noting that the criminal complaint filed by prosecutors didnt meet the legal definition of assault. The complaint does not allege that the defendant intended to cause pain or injury, or intended to cause insulting or offensive physical contact, Magistrate Sarah Wenke ruled. Basically, the complaint does not state any intent on the part of the defendant at all. The acts which are the basis of the complaint, i.e. hugging and kissing the top of the head of the victim, are not acts which would inherently show a criminal intent. Citing the dismissal of the criminal case, the Iowa Board of Chiropractic recently reached a settlement with Lindberg and agreed to reinstate his license. The agreement bars Lindberg from providing care to anyone under the age of 18 and to any dependent adult. An adult employee of the chiropractic clinic will have to be present during all examinations and treatment provided by Lindberg, at least until further notice by the board. Still unresolved is a civil lawsuit filed by the parents the 10-year-old boy. The parents allege that on Feb. 16, their son went to the clinic with a family friend who was a patient of Lindbergs. The child was not scheduled to be seen by Lindberg, the lawsuit claims. Despite this, Lindberg allegedly took the child into an examination room, then massaged the boys back with lotion, then hugged and kissed the child and told him he was beautiful, adorable, and the prettiest boy in the world. The lawsuit accuses Lindberg of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and malpractice. Lindberg has denied the allegations, and a trial is scheduled for March 2024. In 1990, Lindberg was sentenced to six years of probation after being convicted on two counts of indecent contact with children and two counts of indecent exposure. He was initially charged with seven counts of lascivious acts with a minor. In court, he admitted that he touched a child who was then under the age of 14, in the groin area for his own sexual satisfaction. Court records indicate the victims in the 1989 case were minors, some of whom were high school athletes. After his conviction, Lindberg was excluded from the Medicare program. He later appealed that decision to an administrative law judge who ruled against him. In his decision, the judge wrote that Lindberg did not confine his sexual misconduct with these children only to situations where the illicit touching occurred under the guise of legitimate chiropractic treatments. He often engaged in sexual molestation of children in the sauna at his home, while engaged in water sports, and in his car while driving the children to their homes. Months after he was convicted in the 1989 criminal case, the Iowa Board of Chiropractic initiated disciplinary proceedings against Lindberg. Despite Lindbergs admission to the court, the board accused Lindberg only of making lewd or suggestive remarks or advances to seven minors who were his patients. Lindberg agreed to surrender his license pending the completion of counseling and periodic evaluations. At some point, the board reinstated Lindbergs license, which remained active until the suspension in April shortly after his arrest. 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. The law firm of Fisk & Gregory announced this week that that Michael N. Maunder has joined the firm as associate attorney. Maunder earned his law degree from the Liberty University School of Law in 2021 where he won the First Year Moot Court Tournament and the American Bar Association D.C. Area Regional Moot Court Tournament. He received his undergraduate degree from Regent University in 2016 and graduated with honors having also won two regional undergraduate moot court tournaments and placing third nationally. Maunder also served on the student governments at both universities. Prior to joining Fisk & Gregory in the fall, Maunder served as an assistant commonwealths attorney for Pittsylvania County where he prosecuted both felonies and misdemeanors in the general district, juvenile and domestic relations district and circuit courts. Before entering the practice of law, Maunder worked as a real estate agent and property manager in the Hampton Roads area and also served as an infantryman in the United States Marine Corps, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He is licensed to practice law in the commonwealth of Virginia. At Fisk & Gregory, Maunder focuses on both residential and commercial real estate, working with a wide variety of lenders and investors across the market. He also practices in the areas of civil litigation and criminal defense, focusing especially on youth offenders and playing an active role in their diversion to rehabilitative options. Maunder lives in Pittsylvania County with his wife and their two daughters. Averett Universitys sociology/criminal justice department, the Center for Community Engagement and Career Competiveness at Averett and the Danville Police Department shook hands on Thursday on a new deal to bring a moments comfort and peace to children suffering from a crisis. The Comfy Cougar Program provides a bag to children from officers when there is a situation where a child has encountered trauma, for example, removing a child from a home or having to interview a child separately from an adult. Each bag includes a handwritten note, a childrens book and a plush cougar the universitys mascot. Averett students contributed to the project by writing the notes, and the CCECC assisted with funding. Paul Deel, Danville Police Departments lieutenant of services, called the program and partnership refreshing. Children in difficult situations will benefit from these bags, all thanks to a joint partnership with Averetts Criminal Justice Department, he said. It is so refreshing that we can offer citizens something positive when they are in, what could be, the most difficult day of their life. James Hodgson, Averett onlines criminal justice program director and professor of sociology/criminal justice, said he is pleased with the program and grateful for the opportunity to reach children in crisis. Its another example of the blending and building of pathways between Averett University, the Danville Police Department, our students and our community in responding to children in need, Hodgson said. According to the police department, the project was first an idea from Chief Scott Booth who sought ways to reach children in the community in crisis and bring them comfort. This partnership is part of his community engagement initiative, as he believes building authentic relationships is the key to policing. We were excited about Chief Booths forethought about this progressive initiative, and for Averett being able to strengthen our partnership with the department, said Billy Wooten, Averetts dean of engaged learning and executive director of the CCECC. When Dr. Hodgson presented me with this idea a few years ago, we began brainstorming how we could reach those in crisis better. COVID delayed us, but today we celebrate this partnership with the department, and for bringing something positive to our most vulnerable citizens of Danville. Roads Not Maintained in Assyrian Town in Syria Despite repeated promises and budget allocations by the dominant The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), no actual achievement has taken place in addressing the problem. In the Assyrian neighborhood, the people suffer from the large number of potholes that spread in the main neighborhood street, and this suffering increases with the advent of winter every year, as the street turns into swamps, and the passers-by get their share of mud flying, according to what Fawaz Husseinawi, 49, of the neighborhood, told Enab Baladi. He added that every time the people file a complaint with the mayor of the neighborhood, demanding that the road be paved and maintained, the result is "promises without implementation." Husseinawi's suffering has been going on for three years without a solution, although the people took a voluntary initiative to pave the road with gravel, but it disappeared with the large number of vehicles crossing the road. The movement of many oil and fuel tanks daily, with a minimum load of 20 tons each, causes damage and cracking of highways, and this is concentrated in the summer, as temperatures reduce the hardness of the asphalt material and cause bends and grooves within the roads, according to Husseinawi. Not only do the residents of the Assyrian neighborhood suffer from the difficulty of walking on the street, but also to secure their return to it via transportation, as taxi drivers ask for an increase of about 1,500 SYP above the customary fee as soon as they know that the passenger's destination is al-Rayyan neighborhood. Some taxi drivers refuse to enter the neighborhood by car, content with taking the customer to the outskirts, and the regular taxi fare from the market to the neighborhood reaches 4,000 SYP. Al-Thawra neighborhood and AANES' tunnels In addition to the poor quality of its streets and the lack of pavement in most of them, the residents of al-Thawra neighborhood in Qamishli have been suffering since the beginning of last summer from the failure to remove the remnants of the tunnels dug by the AANES as dust, rocks, and cement beams spread in the neighborhood's streets. The 40-year-old Basel, who asked not to reveal his full name for security reasons, told Enab Baladi that his neighborhood had become "semi-isolated" due to the large number of remnants of the tunnels surrounding it, and with the recent rains, its streets became a "mud swamp and scattered water pools filled with mud." As soon as the neighborhood's suffering from summer dust ends, the suffering of "the curse of mud" begins in the winter, according to Basel. Residents of the neighborhood are afraid to file a complaint with the municipality about the deteriorating condition of the neighborhood's streets as a result of digging tunnels, for fear of security persecution by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), according to Basel. He pointed out that a number of residents had to sell their homes at low prices to move to another neighborhood as a result of the deteriorating service situation. According to what Enab Baladi monitored, other neighborhoods of the city remained without maintenance, especially the eastern neighborhoods such as "Suez Canal," "Gamaya" and "Alaya." Poor implementation, lack of experience Although the Autonomous Administration announced its intention to implement many projects related to road maintenance in Qamishli and allocated a budget for this, according to Hassan Hussein, a member of the technical office in the studies department in the Qamishli municipality, in an interview published by the Kurdish "Runahi" channel website, on 22 May, these projects were implemented in places rather than others. The projects were concentrated in neighborhoods close to the headquarters and centers of the AANES, including the western neighborhood of Qamishli, and some of them were not implemented despite the municipality's promises to complete them before winter, according to Basel. A number of taxi drivers, whom Enab Baladi spoke with to inquire about the condition of the city's main and secondary roads within the neighborhoods in which maintenance work was carried out in 2021, stated that potholes appeared again, in addition to the disintegration of the asphalt material that was used for maintenance. Mahmoud al-Hussein, 56, an employee of the Roads Maintenance and Construction Company (Rodco), told Enab Baladi that the AANES does not have the good manpower and technical expertise to implement road projects, despite its control over all the mechanisms used in the construction of road, bridge, and other projects. The quality of the asphalt is "bad" and does not match the required technical specifications, and this explains the "poor implementation and poor maintenance," he said. Virginias Medicaid program will deliver $279.3 million in savings this year, thanks to sustained federal aid during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The $20 billion program also projects a tiny increase of $12.3 million in state funds in the next fiscal year, beginning on July 1, 2023, although program costs are rising for the federal government and the portion of Medicaid expansion expenses covered by an assessment on private hospital revenues. For the first time, we dont have bad news! said Cheryl Roberts, the new director of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, which administers the federal-state program for poor, elderly and disabled Virginians. Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who appointed Roberts as director last month, already has received a personal briefing on the forecast, which should help him in preparing a revised two-year state budget to present to the General Assembly money committees on Dec. 15. He went through it line by line, said Roberts, who previously had served as deputy director of programs and operations at the agency for almost 16 years. Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter said Thursday, The governor is pleased with some of the positive elements of the current Medicaid forecast and appreciates DMAS continued work on this, particularly as the public health emergency has had a unique and significant impact on routine forecasting. The forecast also was welcomed by the leaders of the General Assemblys money committees, which are holding budget retreats in mid-November as they prepare for the 45-day legislative session that will begin on Jan. 11. Medicaid is one of the states biggest expenses, after K-12 public education. Its good news and it means well be able to live up to our responsibilities to low-income Virginians, said Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. However, Howell and House Appropriations Chair Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach, say they will remain cautious in budgeting for the program, which faces an impending loss of enhanced federal aid when President Joe Bidens administration ends the federal health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. That decision could come as soon as Nov. 12, effective at the end of January, which would eliminate an additional 6.2% in the federal share of program costs. The enhanced federal share has brought Virginia an additional $50 million a month $2 billion since the pandemic began in March 2020. Were very grateful for it, Knight said Thursday. It looks like the federal government is kind of maintaining the program, but its nothing we should think is long lasting because I can guarantee it wont be. As for the projected savings this year, he said, Im going to figure it as one-time revenue. Once the federal government ends the public health emergency, Virginia will begin a yearlong process of reassessing eligibility of more than 1.9 million Virginians currently receiving health benefits under the program. Federal emergency aid came with the condition that the state would have to keep all current recipients on the Medicaid rolls, unless they died or moved out of Virginia. The state Medicaid office already is planning for the unwinding of benefits for recipients who no longer qualify for help, primarily because of income. In the meantime, the enhanced federal match will make budgeting easier for Youngkin and the assembly. The new forecast shows the cost of the program rising by 3.1% in the next fiscal year and 2.9% in the following year, which is not part of the current state budget. But almost all of the additional costs are projected to fall on the federal government and the hospital provider assessment that pays Virginias share of expanding eligibility, primarily for childless adults, under the Affordable Care Act. Normally, Virginia and the federal government split Medicaid costs almost evenly. The federal government pays 90% of the costs for Virginians who enroll in the program under Medicaid expansion, which took effect in 2019, with the remaining 10% covered by a provider assessment. The total program costs were $1.2 billion over budget in this fiscal year, when the federal government is expected to pay an additional $1.3 billion and the provider assessment an additional $36.5 million. The state will save $279.3 million. Next year, the total costs are projected to exceed $21.5 billion, with an additional $1.1 billion in the federal share and $66.2 million for the hospital provider assessment, which is expected to total $588.5 million. In contrast, Virginias share is projected to increase by $12.3 million. Thats a tiny amount, said Chris Gordon, chief financial officer at the state Medicaid agency. The Montana Office of Public Instruction is seeking public comment on high-need criteria for the Stronger Connections Grant, which will encourage schools to promote safer and healthier learning environments that create positive school climates. The two-year grant is for activities coming in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. Funds will be available July 1 and must be spent by Sept. 30, 2025, OPI stated. The federal congressional Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of June 2022 granted the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) $4.8 million for Title IV, Part A also known as Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) of the Every Student Succeeds Act. According to OPIs website, The SSAE program is intended to improve students academic achievement by increasing the capacity of state educational agencies, local educational agencies and local communities to provide all students with: Access to a well-rounded education, improve school conditions for student learning, safe and healthy students and effective use of technology to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students. A competitive subgrant application will make 95% of these funds along with the funding already received from Every Student Succeeds Act available to Montana school districts. The safety and mental health needs of our students through my Montana Hope initiative has been one of my top priorities as state superintendent, OPI Superintendent Elsie Arntzen said. She said the grant will offer support to many Montana students, families and communities. One requirement is that states must distribute these funds on a competitive basis to high-need districts so that they can begin activities that align with the Safe and Healthy Students program purpose. OPI proposed the following criteria for defining high-need Montana districts based on the U.S. Department of Education guidance. A school district qualifies if they have a rate of poverty at 40% or more. They also must possess one of the following: a high student-to-mental health professional ratio, high absent rates, exclusionary discipline, referrals to juvenile justice system, bullying/harassment, community and school violence, substance abuse or where students recently experienced a natural disaster or traumatic event. Public comment can be provided at public Zoom comment sessions at this link: bit.ly/opizoom. There are two Zoom sessions: 4-4:30 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10-10:30 a.m. Nov. 10. People can also complete the form found at bit.ly/opifeedback to submit feedback by Nov. 15 or send comments via email to OPIStrongerConnections@mt.gov. Tuesday is Election Day for the 2022 midterms, and Montanans can still register and vote up until the polls close at 8 p.m. While the pandemic prompted most counties in the state to hold the 2020 federal election solely by mail-in ballots, polling places are back open throughout the state this year. As of Monday, 292,415 mail-in ballots representing 38% of Montanas registered voters had been received by county election offices, according to data maintained by the Montana Secretary of States office. But that also means 42% of voters in the state who received absentee ballots had yet to return them. Lewis and Clark County Elections Division Supervisor Connor Fitzpatrick said his office began counting absentee ballots at noon Monday. Fitzpatrick said about 9,000 absentee ballots were processed Monday, which represented about half of the total ballots returned to the office so far. Ballots have been trickling in through the mail, and we saw quite a few people drop off their absentee ballots in-person today, Fitzpatrick said in an interview late Monday. Gallatin County still lags behind most of the state in the overall rate of return. Part of that may be due to absentee ballots being delayed by delivery issues with the U.S. Post Office. But all delayed ballots had by early last week been delivered to voters, Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder Eric Semerad said last Tuesday. If voters still havent received mail-in ballots that they were expecting, it could be due to a change of address or other issue that caused their ballot to be undeliverable. If thats the case, voters can check the status of their ballots by visiting app.mt.gov/voterinfo. That page can also be used to check a voters registration status and polling place information. This year Montanans will elect two U.S. House representatives for the first time in nearly three decades, in addition to deciding two state Supreme Court races, a contested Public Service Commission race, two constitutional ballot referendums and local legislative, county and municipals positions. Changes to election laws Since the 2021 session, a series of election-related laws have been enmeshed in litigation, resulting in a back-and-forth of court orders that caused a series of changes in the legal requirements to vote. In September, those laws were struck down by a state district judge, meaning none of the new laws affecting voter ID or registration will be in effect this year. That means in-person voters can rely on the types of identification that have worked in the past, including college IDs, utility bills, paychecks and other government documents with their name and current address. If election officials arent able to verify a voters identification, that voter can still vote using a provisional ballot, which is secured separately from the rest of the ballots and wont be counted on Election Day. Those voters have until 5 p.m. the next day to show up with documentation to prove their identity, or their provisional ballot wont be counted. And a law that would have pushed back the registration deadline was also struck down, meaning Montanans can still register and vote all the way up to the close of polls on Election Day. Awaiting the results The results of many elections in the state may not be immediately available on Tuesday night, for a variety of reasons. Closer races tend to take a longer time to be called by the Associated Press, which for decades has used on-the-ground reporting from around the country and statistical analysis to determine the winner of federal elections once enough of the vote has been reported. No election results in Montana are official until they are canvassed, audited and certified by the secretary of state. In recent years, Montanas 2016 race for governor and its 2018 race for the U.S. Senate were too close to call until after Election Day. And while mail-in voting has steadily increased in popularity in Montana, those ballots can take longer to process if theyre dropped off on Election Day, as opposed to ballots cast by polling-place voters. To verify a voters identity, absentee ballots are returned in affirmation envelopes, which include the voters signature. Each of those signatures must be verified by election officials, which can be time-consuming when thousands of those ballots are returned late on Election Day. Cascade County Clerk and Recorder Rina Moore said last week that because she expects a large volume of absentee ballots to be returned on Tuesday, theres a decent chance the county wont finish counting those ballots until later in the week. We will be working into Wednesday night, I can tell you that, Moore said. Fitzpatrick said Lewis and Clark County will be on a similar timeline on election night. Weve got quite a bit to do, but thats what were here for, he said. Nationally, activists advancing unfounded allegations of widespread voter fraud have been calling for voters to return their ballots late on Election Day. Moore said she was worried that this could create a backlog at her election office and longer lines than the county would typically see in a general election. For the last two years, those voter-fraud theories have circulated in especially high volume. In response to the misinformation about election processes in Montana and elsewhere, a working group of election officials, lawmakers and others have created an informational website to push back against the allegations. For more information, visit votinginmontana.org. DECATUR After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the Legacy of Learning banquet was held Saturday and honored two Decatur School District alums and one of its teachers. This years honorees were Kara Demirjian-Huss and Dion Brown, and Outstanding Educator Ashlee Smith, a special education teacher at Stephen Decatur Middle School. Kara Demirjian-Huss and Dion Brown demonstrate for our students that the Decatur Public Schools can launch them to make a meaningful impact on the world, said Zach Shields, executive director of the Decatur Public Schools Foundation, which sponsors the Legacy of Learning. Demirjian-Huss, a 1988 graduate of MacArthur High School, had plans to shape the global fashion industry and secured an internship with Donna Karan New York and a degree in apparel and textile marketing management from the University of Illinois. She found a position as visual merchandiser for Bachrach, but in 1994, her family needed her to lead the marketing of two new acquisitions. Demirjian-Huss opened DCC Marketing in 2000, and within three years, the women-led firm was partnering with Fortune 500 companies on a global scale. In 2019, after a rigorous process, DCC officially became a Certified Womens Business Enterprise. Brown is a 1982 graduate of MacArthur and the chief operating officer of the National Museum of African American Music. Since joining the museum in April, Brown has been responsible for efforts that resulted in a $200,000 savings within the first three months. Most recently he led the reorganization of the team, which has resulted in an overall savings of $300,000 in the first six months while growing the staff at the same time. Brown also led the way in identifying the opportunity to retain the rights of the outsourced store which will add an additional gross revenue of $850,000 annually. Brown retired from the United States Air Force after 21 years of service, and is a member of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc. He was recognized by the Delta Business Journal as one of its Top Minority Business Leaders. Ashlee Smith operates a life skills coffee shop with her students at Stephen Decatur and houses classroom comfort guinea pigs. Special education students are the most vulnerable students in our schools and Smiths desire is to go above and beyond for them. Smith has been a special education teacher for 17 years. This is my dream job, she said. Helping Life Skills students become more independent is my favorite part of it. Our classroom feels like a family and humor helps keep the environment positive. DECATUR Election judge Marcia Potrafka wants everyone to vote. I dont begrudge anybody their opinion on their politics, and I dont care what they are on Election Day, she said. Just come in and vote and let the next person do the same thing. As well as being a Macon County election judge, Potrafka also teaches other judges how to make sure the voting process runs as smoothly as possible. Its not just sitting at a table checking people in, Potrafka said, who led a class Saturday, ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Potrafka and other judges said they would welcome more volunteers to join them on Election Day. This is our civic duty, said Angela Barricklow-Dawson, who will be working her second election on Tuesday. People arent stepping up and volunteering to do it. Scott Fisher has been an election judge for 15 years. The crew I work with are great people, he said. And its an important job and theres nobody to fill it. The class leading up to Tuesdays election included an introduction of the basic setup and tear down of a polling place and guiding voters through the process. If there are situations that come up, like someone gets married and changes their name, Potrafka said, the judges all have to know how to do that. The job begins the day before with the set up. Each polling place will have its own signage and equipment. At the end of election day, some judges will be tallying the results while others will be moving equipment and furniture. Its a long day and theres a lot to learn in a short period of time, Potrafka told the judges. Experienced judges are also students in Potrafkas class, since new information can be added between elections. The training is invaluable, regardless of how long youve been a judge, she said. Want to be an Election Judge? For those interested in being an election judge for future elections, contact the Macon County Clerk's Office at 217-424-1305 or email jtanner@maconcounty.illinois.gov. Potrafka has been an election judge for 30 years. And I still learn something new, she said. The experienced judges have situations that are good for the other judges to learn. For those who are interested in being a judge, a verification process is necessary, including proof of being a registered voter in the county in which they are a judge. Then they come to class, Potrafka said. Although the pay is $150 per election, some people decide one is enough. Because it is a long day, Potrafka said. And personalities dont always mesh. Throughout her years as an election judge, Potrafka has witnessed the process change, such as updated machines. Just a few years ago, the ballots were hand-counted at the end of the day. It is a lot better now, she said about the introduction of the machines. That saves a lot of time and accuracy. During their class time, judges have the opportunity to study the vote tabulator and touch screen machines. Potrafka is ready to welcome more election judges. Theres been a lot of talk saying we need poll watchers to ensure integrity in the polling places, she said. What we need are good judges. You guys are the first line of defense for integrity, because youre in charge in that polling place. The election judges are aware of voter fraud and integrity discussions and rumors. You can only complain about it if you are willing to be part of the change, said election judge Shannon Lynch. If youre not willing to be part of the change, then people need to step up to the plate or zip their mouth. For Barricklow-Dawson, the job is another way to show community involvement. Its our right to vote, she said. We should be involved in the process. The instructor prefers judges who are friendly, pay attention to details and understand the voting process. And someone who can enforce that integrity, she said. Election judges should have a grasp on the important ballot issues. However, they are not allowed to share their views on election day. Thats considered electioneering or campaigning for an issue, Potrafka said. We cant do that. Election day goes by faster when the judges are prepared for the long day and enjoy each others company, they said. We are stuck with each other, Fisher said. That is a long day. #TogetherDecatur Do you know a person or of a story that exemplifies the best of Decatur? Contact Donnette Beckett at (217) 421-6983 or dbeckett@herald-review.com. When you have a good team, you can get everything done and the results can get done sooner, said election judge Rebekah Bruer. Each training session we try to focus on what was an issue the time before or what is going to be an issue this time, Potrafka said. Fisher has worked as an election judge for 15 years. We need help, he said. Step up to the plate and show an example. This is an important job. Polling places are combining because more judges are needed, Potrafka said. If you want to keep a polling place in your neighborhood, then you as a voter in that precinct should do what you can to keep it, she said. DECATUR Martin Boehm votes in every election. There's a lot of important factors that are involved today with everything that's going on, Boehm said. I vote every time, every election. I think it's part of our American duty. Turnout at local polling places was steady on Tuesday, though voters didn't have to stand in line. Macon County Clerk Josh Tanner had received approximately 11,000 early voting and mail-in ballots by Election Day. That was a pretty good turnout, he said. But the polling places are also reporting a steady stream of voters. For a midterm, thats a good turnout. According to Tanner, four years ago during the same midterm election, approximately 40,000 votes were counted. But its lower than presidential election, he said. Presidential is always the highest turnout. The Macon County ballots have a few races that have been of interest to voters, Tanner said. Judges, state senators and state representatives can draw people to vote. Were seeing a lot of turnout in those polling places, Tanner said. But some areas that dont have much contested races are still seeing a turnout. Tanner also credits Tuesdays unseasonably warm weather for a higher number of voters. If it rains, snows, anything like that, it can really suppress the turnout, he said. Forsyth Community Center had better than steady turnout, with parking at a premium and every voting booth occupied in the midafternoon. Charlie Morris has a 7-year-old who's been walking around the house for several days talking about how important it is to vote, and though Morris would have voted anyway, his child's interest in the election reminded him why he votes, he said. It kind of sparked me, reminded me that even though it's a mid-term that mid-terms are important and to come and vote, he said. Cheri Smith and her twin sister voted together at St. John's Lutheran Church. What's important to me today is, I believe, women's rights, and getting our state back on track, Smith said. It's taking a little bit of time, but we're getting there slowly but surely. I know taxes are a little bit high right now, but we've got to pull ourselves out and we're slowly but surely doing that. I see change coming. I see the roads being fixed now, whereas I wasn't seeing that before with our previous governors. And that's what I'm looking for, is progress and change. Halfway through Election Day, Joel Winick said he had few opportunities to rest. As an election judge stationed at Maranatha Church, Winick assisted voters during the final step entering their ballots into the voting machine. Ive barely had a chance to sit down, he said. Because then Ive got to bounce right back up. Macon Countys south side polling place had a steady stream of voters throughout the day with nearly 1,400 people turning out to vote by the middle of the day. The midterm general election is popular with Macon County voters, but not as much as the general election when a president is on the ballot, according to the election judges. But this election is of great interest, Winick said. Bob Cocker and his co-workers at the South Wheatland Township Hall in Elwin were also busy. At times we had people in line waiting to get into the voting booth, he said. It hasnt been like that here in the past, other than presidential years. The judges said they were amazed by the turnout of voters at the polling places. With all of the early voting and all of the mail-in voting, to see it this busy, we were surprised, Cocker said. DECATUR Neither candidate vying to become the next Macon County Circuit Court judge lacks a high legal opinion of their own abilities. Republican candidate Shane Mendenhall said he is proven and confident having already come through one electoral baptism by fire, defeating challenger and sitting judge Rodney Forbes in the primary race. Democratic challenger Andrew Weatherford is buoyed by being the lone selection for the job by his party and was anointed as the judicial candidate of choice without a primary challenge. Voters, as the final judges when democracy intrudes into the rarefied legal world, are now left to pronounce the only verdict that matters come Nov 8. In one poll conducted for the primary election by the Illinois State Bar Association surveying fellow attorneys, however, neither Mendenhall or Weatherford came out on top. Judge Forbes, who remains an associate judge anyway because he was appointed by his fellow circuit jurists, received a vote of recommended for the office while both Mendenhall and Weatherford did not. Out of dozens of votes cast, Mendenhall scored 63.08 on the poll section labeled meets requirements of office, while Weatherford scored 41.67. But Weatherford scored 71.23 to Mendenhalls 68.18 on impartiality, while both scored close on integrity: Mendenhall polled 88.06 to Weatherfords 87.67. Now the candidates must try and tip the scales in their individual favor with the best winning arguments. Weatherford says his long track record of hours spent litigating in courtrooms is enough to give him the nod. Voters deserve a judge who will impartially determine and interpret the law in accordance with the facts that are before him or her, said the lawyer, who practices with Johnson, Chiligiris & Weatherford. I believe I am uniquely qualified to do so; I have significant courtroom experience and more qualifications from that courtroom experience than my opponent. Weatherford, 41, points to some 235 court appearances during 2021 and believes the cut and thrust of those arguments hones the legal mind you need to sit in judgment of others. So I feel like I have the courtroom experience that matters, that a good judge should have, he added. And, given all that, I believe that I am the more qualified candidate. Mendenhall begs to differ, and says hes backed by other lawyers who gave him that higher rating on meeting the requirements of judicial office. He also noted that the same state bar poll rated his legal ability at 64.18, compared to his challengers score of 36. To me, that is concerning when only 36% of your peers, responding to a poll, say you have the legal ability to serve as judge, added Mendehall, 42, who works with the law firm of Bolen, Robinson & Ellis. I have litigated cases throughout the state of Illinois and across the country in state and federal court and Ive had the opportunity to practice in a number of different practice areas, he said, outlining his own experience. And I also have a good relationship with the attorneys and judges here in this community. Mendenhall said he has heard Weatherford say that when someone winds up in court, they dont care whether the judge in their case is Republican or Democrat. And so while that may be accurate and I dont necessarily disagree with that, you do want a judge who is knowledgeable and experienced and who is going to follow the law, he said. I believe we need to elect people across the board who are going to put the safety of law-abiding citizens above that of the criminal. Weatherford said the wise judge carefully listens to all arguments before applying their legal knowledge. I do enjoy hearing both sides and trying to parse through those facts to lead to a just decision, he said. DECATUR The Macon County States Attorney has ruled that use of deadly force was justified by Decatur police officers and a Macon County Sheriffs Office deputy who shot to death an armed suspect who had opened fire on them first. Scott Rueter announced the results Monday of his review into the Oct. 12 death of Jamontey O. Neal, 32, seen in dramatic police video pulling and firing a gun after his vehicle was intercepted in a traffic stop in the early morning hours. I am of the opinion that the officers use of force in this situation was not in violation of the laws of the State of Illinois and unfortunately a necessary response to the actions of the deceased, Rueter said. Two Decatur police officers were shot and wounded in the exchange of close-range gunfire with Neal. Rueter said he based his legal opinion on a careful review of officer body cam and squad car video, and after plowing through reports from the officers involved and a separate investigation carried out by the Illinois State Police. Rueter said not only did Neal fire first, but he used two weapons, reaching to grab another after the first handgun jammed. And Rueter said Decatur police Sgt. Timothy Wittmer, who can be seen on video coming within a fraction of an inch of death after a passing bullet ruffled his hair, had even moved to holster his drawn weapon before any shots were fired as he tried to physically remove Neal from his car. Neal can be seen on the video ignoring the chance to surrender peacefully and instead chose to draw his firearm and fire the first shot, Rueter said. From the physical evidence present, it appears his first weapon jammed. The suspect then retreated back into his vehicle and then came out again with his other firearm in hand. He was able to expend all rounds from that weapon. Police video shows Wittmer knocked to the ground as he is hit by multiple rounds. His service weapon also jammed but he moved with lightning speed to clear it. His only recourse was to ensure the threat to himself and others was neutralized and, in so doing, was required to expend all rounds in his weapon as the suspect had done, Rueter added. Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel said Wittmer continues to recover at home from his wounds and is now cleared to return to duty as soon as he is medically fit. Brandel said the same goes for Officer Austin Bowman who was shot once. The third Decatur cop who fired his weapon, Officer Ryan Ricker, returned to duty Monday night with the departments Community Action Team, which specifically targets gun violence. Rueter described Ricker and his fellow officers as part of police teams taking proactive measures to address the plague of gun violence in Decatur perpetrated by suspects who have no regard for the life or safety of others. Rueter said police had received a tip warning that Neal, a felon who had served 15 years for offenses including gun crime, was armed. Rueter said officers had used the legal tactic of a traffic stop to intercept him and Neal escalated the confrontation from there by refusing to comply with police demands. The fourth officer involved in the shooting was Sheriffs Deputy Travis Wolfe, the son of Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. Sheriff Jim Root cleared him to return to duty Oct. 31 after conducting his own investigation into the use of deadly force. Root said he had made his decision to clear Wolfe for duty earlier because the circumstances of this case were so clear-cut. It was all captured on body cam and the officers were basically defending themselves, he explained. So there were really not a lot of questions about the legality of the use of force. And the faster he (Wolfe) gets back into full service, the quicker the recovery for him. Brandel said his own departments inquiry into the shooting had also concluded that all officers acted properly. He said the whole event had been traumatic for the Decatur community as well as the officers and families involved on all sides. This is a tragic event that doesnt go away easily, he added. However, the hope is with the closure of this case after both a criminal review as well as an internal review, that we as an agency and a community can move forward. That view was echoed by Michael Diggs, president of the Decatur Branch of the NAACP. He said the clear-cut video images of the shooting, whilst tragic, left little interpretation about the sequence of events that resulted in Neals death. Everything was pretty much straight forward in the video footage, everybody saw that, he added. I think most people are just kind of surprised by the way it happened and sorry to see somebody get killed that way. Our sadness and thoughts are for the person who was killed and also for our officers who had to go through that as well. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Areas of patchy fog early. Mostly cloudy early, then sunshine for the afternoon. High 79F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A clear sky. Low around 45F. NW winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Barking dogs in the daytime could now attract a visit by the police in Abingdon, Virginia. On Monday, the Abingdon Town Council passed an ordinance giving police the authority to warn residents about barking dogs during daylight hours not just between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Were just giving you all a tool to be able to actually take action if action is needed, Mayor Derek Webb said to Abingdon Police Chief John Holbrook. Were not trying to punitively punish anybody. I think its about educating people. Until Monday, Holbrook said the Town Code did not allow the police, to do much with barking dogs during the daytime. Now, Holbrook said he can enforce a barking dog ordinance 24 hours a day. Basically, if a dog barks for five minutes within a 10-minute period, then that will be deemed excessive, Holbrook said. The new code does not apply to dog parks at certain times or police dogs, Holbrooke said. Holbrook wants to work with residents, he added. What youre looking for is that dogs are not barking all day, Holbrook said. Two residents spoke in favor of giving the police more teeth in the face of barking dogs. Robert Jones said he works from home, where he sometimes hears insufferable sounds of barking dogs as he tries to conduct Zoom meetings. Jones said its frustrating to see a dog barking all day in a cage, Jones said. Its not their fault. Another speaker, John Brenner, said dogs in his neighborhood, dont just bark; they howl ... and they howl pretty much all day long. Emory & Henry College invites the community to attend a presentation of the colors at 10:45 a.m. followed by a Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, November 11 at 11 a.m. Cadets in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program will march from Martin-Brock to the McGlothlin Center for the Arts at 10:45 a.m. while presenting the colors in honor of Veterans Day. Following the presentation of the colors by the ROTC program, the Veterans Day Celebration will begin at 11 a.m. in the McGlothlin Center for the Arts. Veterans Day is an official United States public holiday that honors military veterans, or individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, retired United States Air Force (USAF) fighter pilot, Veteran Services Coordinator and ROTC Program Director Col. Charlie Quillin, said. The celebration will include a performance by the Emory & Henry Faculty Brass Quintet. Additionally, the celebration will feature a host of speakers including Emory & Henry President Dr. John W. Wells, Emory & Henry student and ROTC Cadet Thomas Peery, Col. Charlie Quillin 70, retired USAF and the keynote speaker, Lynn Bennett, E-5 SSGT, a veteran of the USAF. The celebration at the college honors not only our students, faculty and staff members who are veterans or active in the armed forces but all who have served and do serve their country. This is our way of saying thank you for your service, Quillin said. Throughout the program, veterans from all branches of the armed forces will be recognized. On the morning of October 26, Zhangjiajie Overseas Chinese Federation went to Sishanqiao Community, Chongwen Street, Yongding District to preach the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress. All members of the Party Branch of the Federation, members of the Joint Party Branch of Zhangjiajie Overseas Chinese Youth Committee and Zhangjiajie Overseas Chinese Chamber of Commerce, members of the General Party Branch of the Sishanqiao Community and representatives of the family members of overseas Chinese participated in the study. Cao Wuhai, Party Secretary of the Zhangjiajie Overseas Chinese Federation, focused on the key words of "holding high the banner and fighting together", to convey the main contents of the report of the 20th CPC National Congress. He gave us a lesson from four aspects: "Why we have to learn the spirit, how to learn the spirit, what we can learn from the spirit and after learning the spirit what can we do". Cao Wuhai said that we should fully understand the significance of studying, publicizing and implementing the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress. The 20th CPC National Congressis a very important meeting held at a critical moment when the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups are embarking on a new journey of building a socialist modern country in all respects and marching towards the two Centenary Goal. All overseas Chinese federation in the city should improve their political positions, effectively integrate their thoughts and actions into the arrangements and deployment of the Party Central Committee, and take the study, publicity and implementation of the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress as the first benchmark to test the political judgment, political understanding and political executive force of overseas Chinese federation cadres. Cao Wuhai stressed that we should quickly mobilize and systematically promote the study, publicity and implementation of the overseas Chinese community in the city, further play the role of the bridge and link of the overseas Chinese federations at all levels, mobilize the vast number of returned overseas Chinese and their relatives, constantly strengthen the great unity of the Chinese people at home and abroad, to form a strong joint force to realize the Chinese Dream together, and make new and greater contributions to the overseas Chinese community around the realization of the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. " " Check with your insurance company to see if any injuries (heaven forbid) that might be sustained on your new trampoline will be covered under your policy. Wikimedia Commons (CC By 3.0) Recently, after a squirrel somehow apparently fell down a chimney into an Atlanta home, the animal scratched up the floors, chewed the baseboards, window and door frames, and damaged a couch, according to an NBC News account. The result of the bushy-tailed rodent's rampage was at least $15,000 in estimated damages. When the homeowners submitted a claim, however, the insurance company rejected it, on the grounds that the policy didn't cover squirrel damage, NBC reported. Advertisement It's probably not the first time that homeowners have learned, to their dismay, that there are things that can happen to their homes that their homeowners insurance policies don't cover. "Fire is the basic coverage provided by an insurance policy," Janet Ruiz explains via email. She's director for strategic communication at the Insurance Information Institute, an industry group. "Other common perils are water damage, theft, wind and liability. Earthquake and flood usually require a separate policy. In some states you can add earthquake coverage as an endorsement. It is important to discuss the risk you face and purchase the proper coverage." Just so you'll be forewarned, here are eight other perils, besides damage from an invading squirrel, for which you probably aren't insured. Tyson Foods CFO John R. Tyson was arrested early Sunday, Marketwatch reports. A woman called the police when she noticed a stranger sleeping in her bed at 2 a.m. According to the woman, she may have left the front door open, allowing Tyson to enter her home. According to responding officers, Tyson was unresponsive at the scene and tried to go back to sleep after being woken up by officers. Authorities also said they smelled alcohol on Tysons breath. Tyson was arrested on trespassing charges. He was taken to the county jail, but was released on Sunday. 32-year-old John R. Tyson has been working at the food industry company since 2019 and was appointed to the position of financial director in September of this year. He is a descendant of the companys former founder and the son of the current president. A spokesperson for Tyson Foods told a local news agency that they are aware of the incident, but since it is a personal matter, they will not comment further. The share price of Tyson Foods is down 0.6 percent in American trading today. Cover image: Getty Images Global tech giants Apple and Microsoft paid corporate tax on just a fraction of their combined $17 billion earned in Australia in the 2020-21 financial year, according to data from the Australian Tax Office (ATO), as the government prepares to fight back against offshore tax minimisation schemes. In 2020-21, Microsoft Pty Ltd took in $5 billion, of which only $336 million or 6.7 per cent was taxable profits. Apple likewise managed to reduce its taxable income to just 5.2 per cent of its total income of $11 billion. For comparison, Google Australias taxable income was 21 per cent of its revenue ($1.4 billion), Amazon Web Services (AWS) reported 17 per cent of its $743 million total income was taxable profit, and Atlassian which has notoriously reduced its tax obligations to zero in the past reported 18 per cent of its $2.6 billion total revenue as taxable. A report from the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (CICTAR) last month detailed Microsofts tax minimisation scheme in which subsidiaries, like the companys Australian arm, pay its parents for the use of Microsofts intellectual property. When Microsoft reports to its shareholders, it proudly points out a profit margin of over 30 per cent but that profit shrinks to less than 7 per cent when reporting to the ATO. Against tax minimisation Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Dr Andrew Leigh, told Information Age the nature of a weightless economy that is one in which value is created without goods physically moving from point A to point B has made it harder to tax global companies for locally-earned profit. As weve moved from an agricultural economy to services production, it has opened the possibility for companies to artificially shift the location where value is added, Dr Leigh said. We want to make sure companies arent using artificial contrivances to avoid paying their fair share of tax. In its October budget, the government outlined a trio of measures to help in the fight against global tax minimisation schemes. The first is a tax transparency requirement mandating large multinationals, contractors bidding on tenders worth over $200,000, and all Australian public companies report where their subsidiaries and parent companies are paying tax. Then there is a limit to the amount of debt-related deductions a company can make, down to 30 per cent of profits. Finally, large multinationals like Microsoft will no longer be allowed to claim tax deductions for paying themselves for their own intellectual property and services when the payments go to a low- or no-tax jurisdiction like Ireland. That measure is estimated to bring in an extra $250 million over the forward estimates which, in the grand scheme of things, isnt much in fact, its wont even cover the bill for the ATOs Tax Avoidance Taskforce which is getting an extra $1.1 billion in funding over the next four years. Zero tax paid For its part, the ATO is openly proud of Australias corporate tax compliance rate despite 32 per cent of companies paying zero tax in 2020-21. We pay close attention to companies not paying tax. We hold those companies that report continual year-on-year losses to an additional layer of scrutiny, Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Saint said. While its true some large entities paid no income tax, were seeing through our justified trust program that there are high levels of compliance by these entities, and taking decisive action where theres not." Local tech darling Canva was one of those 32 per cent of companies that paid zero tax on its $395 million revenue in 2020-21. A Canva spokesperson said the company invests heavily in R&D and growth which helped account for the expenses that reduced its taxable income down to just $714,000. Our final income tax result was nil after utilising available tax offsets, the spokesperson said. This continued investment in innovation allows us to create local jobs while contributing to the strength of our economy more broadly as a result, we employ more than 2,000 Australians, with 687 hired this year alone. As much as tech companies enjoy minimising tax payments, they will never hold a candle to the fossil fuel giants which, as Michael West Media pointed out last week, paid a grand total of just $30 in corporate tax on a combined income of nearly $150 billion in 2020-21. Australias relative prosperity makes it an attractive target for cyber criminals, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has warned as it engages global partners to stem a cybercrime wave thats seeing new breaches every 7 minutes and costing victims more than ever. The ACSC fielded over 76,000 cybercrime reports and responded to over 1,100 cyber security incidents during the 2021-22 financial year, according to its newly released third annual ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report, which noted that the frequency of attacks had increased from one every 8 minutes in 2020-21, to one every 7 minutes over the past year. Financial losses continued to increase over the period, with more than 1,500 reported business email compromise (BEC) attacks costing over $98 million during the year an average of $64,000 per incident. Overall, the average cost per reported cybercrime incident rose 14 per cent, increasing to $39,000 for small businesses; $88,000 for medium businesses; and over $62,000 for large businesses. This growth in losses was correlated with Australias ranking as the worlds highest median wealth per adult, according to the recent Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2022 whose findings seemingly havent been lost on cyber criminals. Fraud, online shopping and online banking attacks accounted for 54 per cent of all reported cyberattacks, the ACSC found, with BEC attacks trending towards targeting high value transactions like property settlements. That perception of wealth had also driven a surge in ransomware attacks, which were the most destructive cybercrime during the past year as cyber criminal groups further evolved their business model and stole personal information relating to hundreds of thousands of Australians. Over the last year and reflecting strategic competition globally, we have all witnessed a heightened level of malicious cyber activity, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles wrote in introducing the new report. Threat actors across the world have continued to find innovative ways to deploy online attacks, with supply chains used to penetrate cyber defences of governments and organisations in many countries. Orchestrating a collaborative response Most of the incidents ACSC responded to occurred because the compromised organisations had not kept up with patching their systems to close security holes, the ACSC said, warning that malicious actors persistently scanned for any network with unpatched systems and used those systems to establish a foothold into the broader organisation. Such techniques were proving fruitful for nation-state actors that had increasingly been found to be targeting Australian critical infrastructure (CI) systems, with the ACSC notifying five CI operators of malicious cyber activity and briefing over 200 government, business, and CI organisations about the risks of collateral damage to Australian networks after Russias invasion of Ukraine. Australia continued to be the target of persistent cyber espionage by a wide range of state actors due to its regional and global interests, international partnerships and participation in multilateral forums, the ACSC reported, noting that while state actors have access to a wide range of sophisticated and bespoke capabilities, the majority of compromises the ACSC observed used relatively simple tools and techniques such as phishing or exploiting unpatched software vulnerabilities. Australian network owners need to consider how to secure their critical systems and protect their sensitive information, the report advises, for instance, through improved segmentation between their corporate and operational networks. In July, the ACSC completed a pilot of its Critical Infrastructure Uplift Program (CI-UP) part of the federal governments long-term REDSPICE cyber security funding program as it works to harden organisations in CI sectors such as healthcare, which accounted for 9 per cent of reported incidents; financial and insurance (4 per cent); and electricity, gas, water and waste services (3 per cent). Fully 24 per cent of reported attacks targeted Commonwealth government agencies, while 10 per cent hit state, territory and local government bodies. That included two cases where federal government, government shared services and regulated CI operators suffered extensive compromise; 26 incidents of isolated compromise on such operators; and 97 cases of low-level malicious attack. For all the increased threat that it documented, the ACSC also flagged a range of successes in its enforcement efforts including working with law enforcement partners in five successful operations against criminal online marketplaces and foreign scam networks. A growing climate of international co-operation got a further boost this month, with the ACSC lauding its partnership with the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) with which it has collaborated on initiatives such as ACSC Cyber Hygiene Improvement Programs (CHIPs) and the NCSCs new internet scanning capability. Despite the increasing pressure posed by deteriorating strategic circumstances and expanding cyber and grey zone capabilities, an undeterred Marles was confident that government and industry collaboration is driving the national cyber response in the right direction. With increased collaboration our joint cyber security future and the digital opportunities before us remain bright, he said. Together we can reach our ambitious goal to make Australia truly the most secure place to connect online. In this environment, the work performed by ACSC is more important than ever. Medibank customers are bracing themselves for the worst. Photo: Shutterstock Medibank customers are bracing themselves for the worst after the private health insurer refused to pay a ransom for stolen customer data, leading the alleged hacker to proclaim the data would be published online within 24 hours. The health insurer's ongoing investigations have revealed much more data was accessed than previously thought, including some health claims data and the names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, and email addresses for some 9.7 million current and former customers. The alarming announcement arrived in the form of a bizarre post to a dark web forum containing a quote from Chinese philosopher Confucius, a Super Mario Bros meme, and a flippant, 24-hour warning for what could be one of Australia's largest ever data leaks. The post opened with a foreboding Confucius quote, reading: 'A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake.' Under this, the post added "Data will be publish in 24 hours. P.S I recommend to sell Medibank stocks". The self-proclaimed 'extortion gang' finalised the post with the following image: The alleged hacker is yet to publicly substantiate its claims of stolen data, but earlier sent a sample of the stolen data to Medibank to verify its authenticity. What data has been accessed? Medibank discovered the attack on 12 October when it detected some 'unusual activity' on its network, initially finding no evidence of sensitive customer data having left its systems. In the days that followed, however, Medibank gradually realised more and more customer data had been accessed, and eventually conceded the attacker had access to the data of all Medibank customers during the incident meaning at least 4 million customers had been exposed to the attack. Now, almost a month after the initial report, this figure has more than doubled, as Medibank now believes around 9.7 million current and former customers as well as some of their authorised representatives had their data accessed by the criminal. "This figure represents around 5.1 million Medibank customers, around 2.8 million ahm customers and around 1.8 million international customers," said Medibank. Medibank also believes the criminal "accessed Medicare numbers (but not expiry dates) for ahm customers", "accessed passport numbers (but not expiry dates) and visa details for international student customers", and "accessed health claims data for around 160,000 Medibank customers, around 300,000 ahm customers and around 20,000 international customers". The health claims data reportedly impacted by this incident includes service provider name and location, the place where customer received medical services, the codes associated with diagnosis, and the procedures administered. Furthermore, Medibank also discovered a smaller, but sensitive, subset of data belonging to customers of the at-home care service My Home Hospital had been accessed. Strong stance on ransom demands In addition to unveiling the gargantuan amount of data impacted to date, Medibank also announced its intentions surrounding any potential ransom demands for the attack. "No ransom payment will be made to the criminal responsible for this data theft," said Medibank CEO David Koczkar. He explained the decision to forego ransom payouts, citing "extensive advice" the company received from cyber crime 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," said Koczkar. "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 harms way by making Australia a bigger target. The decision is backed by conventional advice surrounding ransom events, with many cyber security experts agreeing that the act of paying a ransom often creates more problems than it aims to fix. "Medibanks decision to not pay the ransom is the smartest decision in this situation," said cyber security company Sophoss Managing Director of ANZ, John Donovan. "Pressure to retain customer and organisation data makes paying the ransom tempting, especially when the attack is as heavily publicised as Medibanks, however companies rarely successfully recover by paying the ransoms," he said. "The chance an organisation receives all its data back is minimal, and it can encourage criminals to retarget the same organisation, directly extort customers of that organisation, and on a macro level, make Australia a bigger target as criminals will see Australian organisations are willing to pay to retrieve stolen data," Donovan added. Other sources, however, say the issue is more complex. UNSW's Professor Lyria Bennett Moses told the ABC that Medibank was caught "between a rock and a hard place", adding there is "no right answer" regarding Medibank's approach to a potential ransom payout. "On the other hand, by not paying the ransom, they increased the risk that individuals whose data is caught up in this, who obviously have done nothing wrong, will be directly harmed," said Moses. Medibank said its decision is consistent with the position of the Australian Government a statement which was later confirmed by Cyber Security Minister Clare O'Neil. "Medibanks decision is consistent with Australian government advice. Cyber criminals cheat, lie and steal," said O'Neil. "Paying them only fuels the ransomware business model. They commit to undertaking actions in return for payment, but so often re-victimise companies and individuals," she added. What's next for Medibank and its customers? The Medibank attack now rival's Optus' recent landmark data breach in regards to the amount of data exposed. Customers of Medibank are being cautioned to brace for the potential ramifications of this attack, which could include exposure of personal information, unwarranted contact from cyber criminals, and even personalised scams. "Customers should remain vigilant as the criminal may publish customer data online or attempt to contact customers directly," said Medibank, less than a day before the hacker threatened to publish stolen data. Medibank says it will continue to inform affected customers of which data has been accessed or stolen, as well as provide advice on what they should do. Furthermore, Medibank has expanded its Cyber Response Support Program to include a cybercrime health and wellbeing phone line, a mental health outreach service for customers identified as being vulnerable, and additions to its Better Minds app for tailored preventative health advice and cybercrime resources. We take seriously our responsibility to safeguard our customers. The weaponisation of their private information in an effort to extort payment is malicious, and it is an attack on the most vulnerable members of our community, said Koczkar. Koczkar also announced Medibank will commission an external review to "ensure that we learn from this event and continue to strengthen our ability to safeguard our customers". "To every person affected by this cybercrime I apologise unreservedly. The weaponisation of peoples personal data and health data in an effort to extort payment is sickening," he said. CONCORD Each November, Cabarrus comes together to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of all veterans. This year is no different, as the Veterans Day Celebration returns as an in-person event for the first time since the emergence of COVID-19. Cabarrus Countys Veterans Services Department is collaborating with the Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County and the city of Concord on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club, 247 Spring St., Concord. All Cabarrus veterans are invited to the celebration. Operation Green Light In support of local military veterans and those across the country, Cabarrus is joining the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers for Operation Green Light. This initiative shows support for veterans by lighting county buildings and infrastructure green from Nov. 7-13. The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners recognized the contributions and sacrifices of the local men and women who served in the armed forces with a proclamation at its October meeting. View the full proclamation, read by Veterans Services Director Tony Miller, at https://youtu.be/or4-OLlRrZo. Members of the community are invited to join the county in letting veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported by simply displaying a green light in a window at their place of business or residence. Operation Green Light honors those who have paid the high price for freedom and illuminates their service and sacrifice. Veterans Day closings Cabarrus County Government offices, including the Cabarrus County Government Center, Human Services Center, all library branches, senior centers, Animal Shelter, County Landfill and the Household Hazardous Waste Facility will close on Friday, Nov. 11. The landfill facility is open Saturday, Nov. 12, for construction and demolition waste from 8 a.m. until noon. Residential waste will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cabarrus County parks, including Camp T.N. Spencer, Frank Liske, Vietnam Veterans and Rob Wallace are open on Veterans Day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Serving county veterans Cabarrus Countys Veterans Services provides professional and timely assistance to veterans and their family members, free of charge. The Veterans Services office, at 363 Church St. N., Suite 180, Concord, features a food pantry that provided much-needed help during the pandemic. Accredited Veterans Services Officers help navigate U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs programs and provide free assistance through benefits, such as: Compensation Veterans pension Survivors pension Appeals Veteran health care Survivor benefits Education Home loan guaranty Employment Transportation Adult and aging services Senior resources For more information on the Cabarrus County Veterans Services Office, visit www.cabarruscounty.us/vets or call 704-920-2869. 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. Yes, the 24th Annual Technology Conference for Seniors is on again this Thursday, with a full day of top speakers, and plenty of info for seniors, future seniors, anyone with a senior in their life, plus great prizes to be won, with affordable ticket pricing - please read on! ASCCA is the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association, in operation for nearly 25 years as a non-profit charity that is the peak body for seniors' technology clubs across Australia, and a voice connecting industry, government and seniors. With the pandemic having forced more seniors that ever into using smartphones simply so they could check-in with QR codes and be part of the modern world, the needs of seniors 20 years ago learning about the mouse, dial-up internet, browsers, double clicking and more has dramatically changed. While those changes have made some things easier, some things have become harder. No longer are we just dealign with desktops and laptops running Windows, macOS or Linux (for the more adventurous types), but there's now so many more platforms. Smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, voice dictation, voice commands, smart speakers with and without screens, smart TVs, home automation, VR headsets, CarPlay, Android Auto and more are used every day by billions of people. So, how do you stay safe online in 2022? How can you become street smart and avoid all the scams? What happens if your identity gets stolen, what do you do? What is this thing called the Metaverse? What are some of the ways tech makes life easier? How can you have fun with technology? These topics and many more are part of this year's conference theme of "Making digital life safe and fun!". The conference agenda for 2022 is, as usual, absolutely jam packed with fantastic speakers, and we have some great sponsors who have provided excellent prizes, including ten copies of a 5-user license of Norton 360 Advanced, worth $257 each, along with a Nokia XR20 smartphone worth $879, and a Nokia XR30 worth $899. We also have two EFM 30w dual wall chargers worth $64.95 each. The conference agenda is printed below. Tickets are available here for $35 each. Please support ASCCA and seniors by buying a ticket. You'll automatically be in the draw to win prizes, and you're helping a non-profit charity whose focus is seniors and technology, and we all know seniors in our lives that need help with tech. Here is the agenda, which you can see online here as well: Conference Speakers and Sponsors 2022 9:00am Housekeeping and Kahoot! Preparation Please download your Kahoot! App from one of the App Stores and check out how to play before the conference! 9:05am Welcome to the New Digital ASCCA - Resilience and Rebuilding Jennifer Willcox, ASCCA President 9:10am Acknowledgement of Country Jennifer Willcox Winner of the Acknowledgement of Country video announced and shown 9:15am Official Conference Opening Nan Bosler, AM ASCCA Emeritus President 9:20am Club Update Rebuilding after the Pandemic Computer Pals for Seniors Newcastle - Barry Keen Barry has been a member of the club since 2008, filled several positions on the committee over the years, and has been the President since 2021. He has had a long interest in computing applications and a background in teaching adults and children, as well as having been a community volunteer in service clubs, scouting and other organisations for 50+ years. Barry maintains a positive and enthusiastic attitude and encourages others to be likewise, and not be frightened of change but to look for the opportunities and embrace them. 9:30am Office of eSafety Paul Clark Be Connected is an Australian Government initiative implemented in partnership by the Department of Social Services, the eSafety Commissioner and Good Things Foundation Australia, committed to improving the online confidence, skills and safety of older Australians. The Be Connected website, managed by eSafety, provides free information, learning modules, webinars podcasts and more - visit beconnected.esafety.gov.au. 9:40am Accessibility Whats New for 2022 Dr Scott Hollier Theres been a number of great access improvements to our everyday devices. Dr Scott Hollier will provide an overview of the new accessibility features we can now find in our Windows, Apple and Android computers and devices. There will also be some discussion on the potential of immersive environments and future accessibility support on the horizon. 10:00am Apple Workshop Personalising iPad and iPhone Ellora Conn Apples new operating system, iOS 16, is packed with great new features to help you get even more out of your iPhone and iPad. We cant wait to share with you the new Door Detection in iPhone and personalise accessibility options, such as Dynamic Font in Control Centre, where you can quickly alter font size to meet your vision needs. This session is focused around how to use the built-in features on iPhone and iPad. Take away some practical tips for personalising your Apple devices with features like Live Text, Safety Check, Medication Reminders and more. Learn something new for you to use, as well as something to share with others. 10:30am Be Connected Update Jess Wilson, CEO After five years of delivering the Be Connected program aimed at supporting older Australians to thrive online, we will look back at the successes, challenges and learning and look forward to what is next for the program and how much more there is still to do to fix the digital divide. 10:40am Kahoot! 10:45am Google Workshop - Alex Lynch Smart life Ecosystem 11:10am Cybermindz.org - Interactive iREST session Peter Coroneos Restoring calm in a hypervigilant world Learn about the neuroscience of stress, how the cyber world is challenging our ancient evolutionary defences and how we teach stress management to cyber teams, including a facilitated shift into a deep state of calm (practical demonstration) 12:00pm SPONSOR: NORTON 360 Advanced Mark Gorrie Discuss the challenges of cyber safety in current environment How your data can end up on the dark web and exposed to identity theft Steps to take if your personal information is compromised How Norton helps protect consumers against identity theft and other online threats with complete cyber safety solutions 12:15pm SPONSOR: NOKIA Brenden Folitarik The HMD Story and our mission The "love it, trust it, keep it" mantra. Our most ruggedised device yet Our most sustainable device yet 12:30pm Kahoot! 12:35pm Trends in Tech Charlie Brown 1:05pm SPONSOR: YourLink Richard Scenna YourLink partners with aged care providers, community organisations and businesses to deliver digital skills programs that build confidence, improve wellbeing and create social connection. We will share insights and how these projects come to life in a safe and fun learning environment. We will also provide examples of hope and change for seniors, carers and the care workforce. These projects with providers have been recognised as Finalists in Future of Ageing Awards 2022 and Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) Innovageing Awards 2022. 1:20pm Club Update Successful Programming Using Be Connected in Your Neighbourhood Centre Willeton Technology Club for 50+ - Megan Grant How to use Be Connected successfully in your Family or Neighbourhood Centre. What has worked for us and what hasn't. Tips for success. Adding a social element. Using your Digital Mentors effectively. Take advantage of available Grants and training provided by Good Things Foundation. 1:30pm SPONSOR: NBN Co Scams Awareness 1:45pm Services Australia Hank Jongen Agency Spokesperson: Services Australia How the Australian Government is making digital services simpler so people can go out there and have more fun. Hank will highlight some examples of work already delivered as well as work in progress (like the new myGov platform) and will also give you a glimpse of what the future holds. Be warned, there may be a few dad jokes thrown in for good measure. 1:55pm Kahoot! 2:00pm Scamwatch ACCC Update Eti Abdulioglu and Mary Glykokalamos Scamwatch, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), receives around 600 reports of scams from the public every day. Eti and Mary will provide an overview of what scams are affecting Australians (particularly older Australians) the most in 2022, how they work, and what you can do to protect yourself. 2:15pm Quantum Reading Peter Cracknell, Manager Vision and Blindness Technologies, Quantum RLV Many older Australians have embraced technology very successfully, particularly email, Facebook, online banking, genealogy programs and games. They have become very adept and connected! But what happens when age-related conditions such as macular degeneration affects your vision, making screens appear blurry, icons indistinct, and text unreadable? What do you do when the lettering on your computer keyboard appears to fade away? Peter will suggest some assistive software and hardware options that have helped many people with low vision to continue to use their computers. 2:30pm Amazon - Kate Gooden, Head of Product Alexa smart life ecosystem 2:55pm Benbroady.com Drone Pilot, Astro Photographer, Kimberley Expert Ben Broady Ben grew up in Wyndham, Western Australia and remembers as a young boy, having his face pressed up against the window of the school bus, staring in awe across the mudflats at the Cockburn Ranges. Today, he is privileged to be able to walk those ranges with reverence and humility in his heart and the gift of imagination. Focussing his collection from all around the East Kimberley, Wyndham, Kununurra, Lake Argyle, El Questro, the Ord River and Purnululu. His photography aims to raise awareness about this majestic, ancient, albeit fragile part of the world and inspires people to come and visit. 3:05pm eGaming and eSports Brett Levy 3:15pm Kahoot! 3:20pm ASCCA Competition Winners! Susan Jensen 3:40pm SPONSOR: MindSpot Clinic Priti Thadhani - Clinic Manager Technology is everywhere and it is fast evolving. The pandemic accelerated development and adaptation of technology in many sectors including healthcare. At MindSpot, our passion for reducing barriers to mental health care took us on a decade long journey to learn about digital tools, how we can support the community across Australia to improve their mental health and wellbeing, and most importantly to connect people in need with trained mental health professionals who can support them - when they need it, where they need it. 4:00pm SPONSOR: NBN Co New Seniors Program Robert Friedman 4:15pm Closing Keynote The Alternate Reality / Virtual Reality Metaverse Alex Zaharov-Reutt 4:30pm KAHOOT! AND Lucky Door Prize (Ticket Number) 4:45pm Conference ends Announce 2023 Conference - Wednesday 8 Nov 2023 Living Your Best Digital Life - everything you need to know! 4:50pm Disconnect and reconnect to the AGM link ASCCA's YouTube channel is here, and the 23rd Annual Technology Conference for Seniors can be seen here. MATTOON A total of $9,000 in grant funding has been awarded to Coles County area community projects through the Coles County Peace and Justice Fund and the Consolidated Communications grant program. The Douglas-Hart Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Illinois, The RealiTea ProjecT and Elevate, CCIC, Inc. are the recipients of these grants from funds administered by the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation. Two grants were awarded to the Douglas-Hart Foundation, which operates the Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon. Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Day Tariq said during the award presentation Monday evening at Elevate that the $1,500 Consolidated grant will go to the nature center's teen programs, including the Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow professional development program for youths. "It is going to help jump start their workforce skills," Tariq said. She added that the $2,000 Peace and Justice Fund grant will go to the nature center's 2023 youth Summer Library Program, which will have a "Find Your Voice" theme. Big Brothers Big Sisters area Executive Director Stacey Rios said the $2,000 Peace and Justice Fund grant that this organization received will help with its JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) mentorship program for at-risk youth. She said studies have shown the risk of suicide among LGBT youths, in particular, is reduced by 40% percent if they have at least one accepting adult in their lives. The RealiTea ProjecT received a $2,000 Peace and Justice Fund grant. The RealiTea ProjecT hopes to help bridge the disconnect over racial injustice, traumatic experiences and cross-cultural differences through open conversation in a safe environment to further encourage unity within the community. "We can infuse grace into our community when we talk about race and racial equity," said RealiTea ProjecT founder Taneya Higginbotham of this open conversation. The Elevate entrepreneur development center received a $1,500 Consolidated Communications grant. Executive Director Carlos Ortega said Elevate has worked with approximately 50 prospective entrepreneurs and helped 17 small businesses reach their formative stages since opening in 2020 on the north side of the Cross County Mall. "We are working to create change in the community and the region through small business development," Ortega said. Monday's event also included remarks from colleagues of Peace and Justice Fund longtime advisory board members and supporters Bob and Marilyn McClean of Mattoon. These colleagues are Susan Henry-Crowe, general secretary of the board of church and society of the United Methodist Church, and Levi Bautista, who is the church's assistant general secretary at the United Nations. Bob McClean previously served in the U.N. position that Bautista now holds. Henry-Crowe thanked the grant programs' benefactors for exhibiting good citizenship by caring for one another and giving back. She said such grants can make "a life changing difference." MATTOON Plans are set for the annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony on Friday in Mattoon. Parade entrants are asked to start lining up at 9 a.m. Friday in their assigned blocks along Western Avenue, west of 21st Street. Entrants can register via a link at mattoon.illinois.gov or by calling the Mattoon Tourism & Arts Department at 217-258-6286. The parade is scheduled to start at 10:15 a.m. at Western and 21st. The procession will travel east on Western and Broadway Avenue throughout downtown Mattoon before concluding at Sixth Street. Community members are then invited to attend the ceremony that the Mattoon American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will hold at 11 a.m. at the Coles County Vietnam memorial, located in the southwest corner of Peterson Park at Sixth and Broadway. Thanksgiving is coming up quick, and, if youre like most Americans, you already know what youre going to eat. But do you know what youre going to drink? The Thanksgiving meal is one well-suited to wine, but which wine to choose can seem like a daunting task. Part of the challenge is that the traditional foods we pile all on one plate run the gamut from salty to meaty to earthy to tangy to sweet. So, the task can be tricky even for people who have a good idea of which wines go with which foods. There are some general guidelines, though, that can help you decide. And just as there are traditional Thanksgiving foods, there are traditional choices among wine lovers. There also are some wines to avoid. Full-bodied reds with high alcohol and lots of oak or tannin think Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will overwhelm the food. In fact, any heavily oaked wines including many California chardonnays are going to clash with traditional Thanksgiving foods. Oak brings more tannins to a wine, which is great for a fatty ribeye steak, but not for leaner meats and poultry. In general, its best to look for light to medium reds and medium-bodied whites and roses. And dont forget sparkling wine if you had to choose one wine to get you through the whole holiday, Champagne certainly would be a good choice. Another rule of thumb is to choose wines with medium to high acidity. Acid in wine can pair well with acidic foods like salad or cranberries. Acids also cut through rich and salty foods. Some examples of high-acid whites are riesling, sauvignon blanc, Champagne, pinot gris and Chablis. High-acid reds include pinot noir (Burgundy), Beaujolais and sangiovese (Chianti). Many of these are among the recommendations of two local wine-shop owners. We asked Beth Binder of Winston-Salem Wine Market and Russ Anderson of Caviste to recommend a handful of different wines for the holiday meal and to tell us what they plan to drink themselves. Beth Binders PicksMarcel Couturier 2019 Pouilly-Loche, Burgundy, France, $35: This is a chardonnay from southern Burgundy. This is not as rich as Napa chardonnay. It has more acid, Binder said. It also has less oak. Its good with turkey and stuffing. I really like it with oyster stuffing. Cantina Settecani Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Italy, $16: If you want to start with a sparkling wine and dont want to splurge for Champagne, this is a good choice especially if you like a hint of sweetness, Binder said. And the bright acidity and cherry-cranberry fruit flavors go well with Thanksgiving dishes. Champagne Diebolt-Vallois, France, $40: I love bubbles. This is going to pair well with food just like the (Burgundy) chardonnay. But its just fun, Binder said. You might want to pour this as guests are arriving and when you serve any appetizers, but you also can keep pouring it all the way through dinner. Its also a great palate cleanser, perfect for clearing out the taste of sweet potatoes and marshmallows before you dive into the mashed potatoes and gravy. Torii Mor 2020 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Ore., $27: Oregon pinot tends to be much lighter than its California cousins. I like pinots from the Willamette Valley. They arent overpowering, and they go well with a lot of food. This really tastes the way pinot noir should taste, Binder said. This would pair with turkey and mushroom stuffing. This would even pair with a smoked-salmon appetizer. Charles Brotte 2021 Grand Vallon, France, $16: For people who prefer a heavier red, Binder recommends this syrah from the Southern Rhone region of France. Its fruity, but its spicy, with pepper. Heavier than the Oregon pinot noir, its still medium-bodied. Its not too overpowering, and its got some acidity, so it wouldnt clash with traditional fare, Binder said. But, she added, this is more for people who like to eat rack of lamb or steak. Russ Andersons PicksRegis Minet 2021 Vieilles Vignes Pouilly-Fume, France, $28: This sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley is a great way to start the meal, Anderson said. Its nice and friendly and not super-tart like a New Zealand sauvignon blanc, and a great choice with salads (especially one with goat cheese). Domaine La Berangeraie 2021 Tu Bois Coa? Malbec Rose, France, $15: Anderson is a big fan of rose in general because it is so food-friendly and versatile and thats just what you need at Thanksgiving when the spread on the table has a wide variety of flavors. Anderson likes this malbec rose because its rich and dense compared to your typical light and summery rose, so it can stand up to turkey, gravy and stuffing. Fongoli Biancofongoli 2021 Umbria Trebbiano, Italy, $24: Made with organic grapes, this is an orange wine white-wine grapes fermented with some contact with their skins to give them an orange color. (Rose, in contrast, involves red-wine grapes with brief skin contact that turns the wine pink.) Orange wines typically have more body and more dried-fruit character compared to fresher-tasting roses, and Anderson described this one as having quince and apricot flavors. It tastes like a white wine, but the fruit is dried and it picks up tannins, he said, calling it an especially good match for turkey. M. & C. Lapierre 2021 Morgon, Beaujolais, France, $38: Anderson loves Beaujolais because it goes well with a wide variety of foods. It works with everything from salads to soups to hangar steak, he said. Beaujolais versatility is what makes it one of the top Thanksgiving red picks for wine connoisseurs. Note that a Morgon a Beaujolais cru, or top-quality Beaujolais is very different from the light and fruity Beaujolais Nouveau. The Morgon receives more aging and is a drier, richer wine but still bright with good acidity. Anderson called cru Beaujolais a classic of classics this time of year with quality and structure to rival neighbor Burgundy. Daniel Largeot 2018 Chorey-les-Beaune Les Beaumonts, Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France, $40: This is a bit richer, than his other picks, he said, but its a light style of pinot noir (aka red Burgundy) with fresh fruit. The earthiness tends to work well with stuffing and anything with mushrooms. And, he said, its good with turkey, but better with duck. Duck, it turns out, is what Anderson will be eating instead of turkey this Thanksgiving. And he will drink Burgundy with it, but perhaps one even richer than the Chorey-les-Beaune, simply because duck is a fatter, richer meat than turkey. Binder actually plans to go with French merlot, or rather a Right Bank Bordeaux that is primarily merlot but is blended with cabernet franc. Again, this style is lighter, with less alcohol and tannin than Californian and other New World examples, making it more food-friendly. I dont always go with traditional choices, Binder said. But I think (French) merlot is a great food wine, and it gets a bad rap. But Binder and Anderson agree you should choose a wine that you really like and, ultimately, that takes priority. If you like a big wine, drink a big wine, Anderson said. Thanksgiving is more about appreciating family and friends. Derwin Montgomery, who won a seat on the Winston-Salem City Council when he was just a 21-year-old senior at Winston-Salem State University, will plead guilty to one count of program fraud in connection to allegations that he embezzled more than $26,000 from the Bethesda Center for the Homeless, where he served as executive director, according to court documents filed Monday. U.S. Attorney Joanna G. McFadden and Montgomerys attorneys, Michael Grace and Chris Clifton, reached a plea agreement that ensures Montgomery will not face any active prison time. Instead, according to the written plea agreement filed in U.S. District Court Monday, Montgomery will be placed on probation for five years. Montgomery could have faced up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the agreement. Montgomery also will have to pay restitution. A 15-count federal indictment alleges that he embezzled a total of $26,299 from the Bethesda Center for the Homeless to pay for a trip to Cancun, Mexico; stays at luxury hotels in large cities; a personal vehicle valued at more than $54,000; expenses incurred at a Las Vegas strip club; and alleged services from his own company, which was defunct at the time. In exchange for his plea, federal prosecutors would dismiss 14 counts of wire fraud. A federal judge will have to accept the plea agreement at a yet-unscheduled plea hearing. Once Montgomery formally enters his guilty plea, a sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date, possibly next year. Montgomery cannot make any statements that contradict what federal prosecutors allege in what is known as a factual basis document, or prosecutors could withdraw from the plea agreement and go to trial. The factual basis document had not been filed as of early Monday evening. Clifton released a statement on Monday: Mr. Montgomery is humbled by the support he has received from the Winston-Salem community and his family and friends. He takes responsibility for the decisions made under his leadership at the Bethesda Center. The agreement with the Government is considered a fair resolution to the charges against him. He remains positive about the future and looks forward to continuing his life of service. Linda Jackson-Barnes, the chairwoman of Bethesdas board and assistant to Mayor Allen Joines, did not respond to a request for comment Monday. In September, after Montgomery was indicted, Jackson-Barnes said Bethesda appreciated the work of federal prosecutors and the FBI and looks forward to a resolution of the charges set forth in the indictment. She said that Bethesda has enhanced its reimbursement policies and internal controls concerning claimed business-related expenses. She also said that the nonprofit hired an outside accounting firm to manage all of the agencys financial operations, including grants, expense reimbursements, credit card payments and payroll. Jackson-Barnes has said she and other board members were unaware of a criminal investigation into Montgomery when Jackson-Barnes announced his resignation in January 2021. She has declined to answer questions about whether Montgomery was suspended or placed on paid administrative leave in December 2020, saying it is a personnel matter. Montgomery served as executive director of the Bethesda Center from 2014 to about 2020. As executive director, he had an annual salary of $73,600. A Democrat, Montgomery was elected to represent the East Ward on the Winston-Salem City Council in 2009 when he was a 21-year-old senior at Winston-Salem State University. He gathered almost 60% of the vote against incumbent Joycelyn Johnson, who died earlier this year, in the Democratic primary and then went on to win the seat without opposition in the general election. Montgomery was re-elected in 2013. Montgomery won a third term in 2016 without opposition. In 2018, Montgomery was picked to replace state Rep. Ed Hanes, who resigned from the General Assembly. Montgomery defeated Republican Reginald Reid in that falls election. Montgomery tried to gain his partys nomination for the 6th Congressional District in 2020 but he came in fourth place with 12% of the vote. The indictment alleges that starting in 2018, Montgomery did devise, and intend to devise, a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain money and property by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. That scheme continued through 2020, the indictment said. According to the indictment, Montgomery charged Bethesda for expenses that were either associated with his work as a member of the Winston-Salem City Council or for personal reasons. Montgomery would justify the expenses as being for staff training, the indictment alleges. Those expenses included a vacation to Cancun, Mexico, with an unidentified romantic partner, and stays at luxury hotels in Los Angeles; Charleston, South Carolina; Washington, D.C.; and other cities. A hotel stay in Los Angeles cost $1,076 in November 2018, according to the indictment. On March 19, 2019, Montgomery charged Bethesdas credit card $260 for expenses incurred at Sapphire Las Vegas Gentlemens Club, a strip club. The indictment also said Montgomery charged Bethesda for the personal use of a 2020 Yukon Denali, an SUV, that is valued at $54,865.75. He told Bethesda that he was using the vehicle for shelter operations, the indictment said. The indictment lists $21,250 that he charged Bethesda for alleged services from his company, Uplift Media LLC, even though the company either never performed the services or Montgomery charged exorbitant amounts for the services. At the time of the alleged incidents, Uplift Media LLC was defunct, and Montgomery was prohibited by Bethesdas policy from hiring a company that he owned because it would be a conflict of interest, the indictment said. Montgomery, the pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church, told his congregation during a Sept. 4 service that was live-streamed on the churchs Facebook page that he did nothing wrong. But what I can say is that as my time and my service as executive director of Bethesda Center, that all of my actions and service was consistently reviewed and presented to those who had oversight of me as executive director, he said at the service. And in the beginning of 2021, when I stepped away from my service, I did so leaving the organization in the best financial position it had been in in the organizations history, and I have the receipts to support that statement. Since that service, Montgomery has made no other public statements about the charges against him. Montgomery was most recently employed as a government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The network had placed Montgomery on paid administrative leave, pending an internal investigation. In a statement Monday, the network said it had completed an assessment and concluded that there was no evidence that Montgomery did anything wrong while working at the organization. But the network concluded that the indictment has rendered Mr. Montgomery unable to be effective in his current role as Government Relations Director As of Sept. 23, Montgomery was placed on unpaid administrative leave, the network said. It had no further comment. Montgomery is out on a $10,000 unsecured bond. The executive managing Duke Energys interactions with state regulators will become the utilitys North Carolina president as the Charlotte-based company awaits approval of a plan to meet mandated emissions-reduction targets. Kendal Bowman will officially step into her new role Jan. 1 when she succeeds Stephen De May, who is retiring after 33 years with the company, Duke announced Monday. In her current role as vice president of regulatory affairs and policy for North Carolina, Bowman, 50, guides Dukes relations with the N.C. Utilities Commission. That includes shepherding the companys carbon plan, which will serve as Dukes roadmap for meeting state-mandated goals to reduce carbon dioxide emissions at least 70%, compared to 2005 levels, by 2030 and reach carbon-neutral status by the middle of the century. Carbon dioxide is the leading contributor to human-caused climate change. Legislation passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Roy Cooper last October established the emissions targets and set a Dec. 31 deadline for the utilities commission to approve a carbon plan for Duke. The company has submitted four proposals, with climate and energy advocacy groups offering their own alternatives. In her new role, Bowman will oversee Dukes operations serving about 3.7 million electric and 786,000 natural gas customers in North Carolina. She also will lead regulatory and government relations, and community affairs, the company said. De May has been with Duke Energy since 1990 and has served as its North Carolina president since November 2018. His previous roles at the company included treasurer, senior vice president of tax, vice president of energy and environmental policy, head of the business unit finance and corporate finance groups, and director of the companys former real estate development business, Crescent Resources. Throughout his career, Stephen has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to our company, our customers and our employees, said Lynn Good, Duke Energy chair, president and CEO. Through his work, he consistently positioned Duke Energy for success, whether through financing the companys growth cost-effectively, advocating for our customers interests during federal tax reform or advancing our clean energy transition in North Carolina together with our many stakeholders. Bowman served as deputy general counsel for Duke Energy, managing all legal state regulatory functions for North Carolina, and was associate general counsel for Dukes natural gas arm, Progress Energy, in North Carolina and South Carolina. She also led the federal legal regulatory affairs group and was responsible for all Federal Energy Regulatory Commission matters for Progress Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Florida. Bowman has been with the company since 1999. Kendals solutions-oriented approach brings together diverse interests to achieve productive outcomes for our state, said Julie Janson, executive vice president and chief executive officer for Duke Energy Carolinas. Advancing the clean energy transition will require steadfast collaboration and addressing challenges in new ways, and Im thrilled Kendal will be at the helm for Duke Energy in North Carolina. Anna Feilen was 17 and on the run when she got into a van with her brother and a second man before dawn Feb. 23, 2021, headed to James Shekie's Lincoln trailer to rob him of marijuana. By the start of the second week of Deontae Rush's murder trial Monday, jurors already had seen texts where Rush said he'd messed up and was looking at prison time if he got caught and that he was getting out of town to lay low before law enforcement scooped him up in Chicago for murder. And they'd seen video of the three people investigators came to believe were involved shortly before and after Shekie's killing. But on the stand Monday, Feilen offered the most potentially damning evidence yet in the case: the first eye-witness account. On direct examination, she admitted she'd sent her brother, Marques Moten, videos of the pot. But she said she was just trying to get him to come from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Lincoln to give her a ride. She and Moten are facing charges of conspiracy to commit robbery. Prosecutors say Moten, a paraplegic whose spine was severed in a 2014 shooting, grew intent on stealing the drugs. And, though Feilen denies it, texts make it appear she was on board. Early Feb. 23, 2021, Moten came to Lincoln and brought Rush along. Feilen, on the stand, said Rush was the shooter. She said she had met Shekie through the dating app Tagged she sometimes used to meet men who paid her for sex. On Feb. 1, 2021, roughly three weeks before he was shot and killed in his trailer near North 20th and Superior streets, Shekie picked her up from a friend's house in Omaha for a date. "The vibe was pretty much like I was going to eat and go home. But I never did," said Feilen, who is now 19. She said she ended up staying with Shekie for 2 weeks. They had sex a half-dozen times, hung out and smoked marijuana. Feilen said Shekie had asked her to try to help him sell the marijuana. So she posted photos on Snapchat, including one with buds in her hand saying "come shop." She sent the photos to her brother, too. In calls and texts in the two days leading up to Shekie's killing, the two talked about how to get it. Feilen said it became clear her brother just wanted to take it. "Like, all of it?" Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Eric Miller asked her. "Yes," she said. By then, Feilen had moved out. She denied she'd left on bad terms. But texts show Shekie had kicked her out and she wasn't welcome back. Early Feb. 23, Feilen said she didn't want to go when Moten and Rush showed up at her biological mother's apartment, where she was staying after running away from her adopted parents' home in Bellevue. She said she tried to convince Moten there was never as much weed as she said there was. She just wanted a ride. "He didn't believe me and ended up pulling a gun out on me, and that kind of like scared me," she said. So she ended up going with them. When they got to Shekie's trailer, she said they sat outside for a while. Feilen said Rush tried to talk her into going inside since she knew where the marijuana was. She said she refused. Eventually, Rush got out and walked up to the trailer. "And that's when he went and kicked the door down," Feilen said. "I start freaking out." She said Moten told her not to worry, he was handling it. "That's when I heard a couple gunshots and then I heard James screaming," Feilen said. She and Moten took off without Rush, who she said ran out of the trailer in another direction. When they met up soon after to pick Rush up at the nearby FedEx parking lot, Feilen said she asked him "What happened, what happened?" She said he told them Shekie was "squirming" so he shot in the air. On March 2, 2021, after police found Shekie's body, Rush texted Feilen, telling her "shhh you got me?" Which she took to mean to keep quiet. Not to talk to the cops. And he said he would make up for the mistake "because we came away empty-handed." "You guys had nothing to show for this robbery?" Miller asked Feilen. "Correct," she said. MOUNT PLEASANT A Case High School student was arrested Tuesday afternoon after stabbing a classmate, the Mount Pleasant Police Department said. A 15-year-old student with significant cognitive delays is suspected of stabbing a 16-year-old male student in the back with a knife brought from home. It appears to be a random event, according to the MPPD. Case High School, 7345 Washington Ave., went into a soft lockdown as a result of the incident, meaning students stayed in class and didn't change classes or go in the halls. Mount Pleasant Police, the school resource officer and school staff located the suspect without incident, and the knife was recovered. The press release did not include information about the health condition of the student who was stabbed. The investigation is ongoing. More information may be released at a later date. Stacy Tapp, Racine Unified chief of communications and community engagement, said the students guardian gave RUSD permission to share that the student has "significant cognitive delays." "We are working to be as transparent as possible while adhering to privacy laws," Tapp wrote. "We are focused on our student's recovery and ensuring we support all of our Case High School students, staff and families." Six things to know about voting and poll watchers in Wisconsin now that early voting is underway With a contentious Election Day just two weeks away and in-person early voting having begun Tuesday, the Racine County clerk is looking to ensure both voters and the municipal clerks who actually carry out elections are on the same page. Clerk Wendy Christensen distributed a memo with the title Election Reminders and Items To Consider to municipal clerks across the county on Monday, one day before early voting began. No major issues have arisen on Election Day morning on the west end of Racine County, with all seeming to go smoothly in Waterford and Burlington. Burlington City Clerk Diahnn Halbach said that, as of about 10 a.m., there were no ballots challenged by the few poll watchers who had been at Veterans Terrace so far. She anticipates more poll watchers coming to observe the process later Tuesday. One poll watcher was in Burlington for the first two hours and then went home because it was boring, according to a poll worker. As of about 8:30 a.m., there were no poll watchers and no issues at Waterford Village Hall, 123 N. River St., according to poll workers. At around noon at Union Grove Village Hall, Harry Wait, the Town of Dover man facing election fraud charges for intentionally requesting absentee ballots using other people's names, told a reporter that around 50 poll watchers affiliated with Honest, Open, Transparent Government the group Wait is president of are stationed around Racine County. Wait stopped by the Union Grove Village Hall, one of several polling locations he intended to visit Tuesday, and spoke for a few minutes with two other poll watchers. Neither poll watcher had challenged any Union Grove ballots as of 11:45 a.m., according to poll workers. Vos v. Steen v. Jacobsen The most significant race on the ticket besides the statewide races in southwestern Racine County is the three-way race including two write-ins in District 63. Only the name of Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is appearing on ballots, while he is still being challenged by Adam Steen, who is endorsed by Donald Trump, and Democrat Joel Jacobsen. At Veterans Terrace in Burlington, Ed Zyer said he voted for Steen because he felt Steen was more receptive to military and veterans issues, one of Zyers top priorities because Zyer said he is a disabled Vietnam veteran. Zyer spoke with Steen at an event and said Steen knew some things that I was talking about regarding veterans issues. Zyer is a registered Republican and said he does not love or hate Vos. He likes what Vos had done as a conservative but said his support for veterans issues could be better. Burlington resident Doug Martinsen is a Republican who voted for Vos, saying he has no problems with what Vos has accomplished since joining the state Legislature in 2005. At Union Grove Village Hall, Frank Patino, Sr. said he voted for Steen because Vos refused to support former President Donald Trump's ongoing attempts to have the results of the 2020 presidential election overturned. In statewide races on Tuesday, Wisconsins voters again showed themselves to be incredibly purple. According to the unofficial preliminary counts, Wisconsin elected two Democrats (Gov. Tony Evers, Attorney General Josh Kaul) and one Republican (U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson) in narrowly decided statewide races. But in Wisconsins Assembly, made up of 99 state representatives all of whom were up for election Tuesday, the state looks much redder. After Tuesdays votes were counted, it appears 64 Republicans and 35 Democrats were elected although several races are within the margin where recounts could be coming. RACINE City Clerk Tara McMenamin said voters have until 8 p.m. to get their absentee ballots to the central count room, Racine City Hall, room 207. While the deadline for turning in an absentee ballots is 8 p.m., counting will continue until all the ballots are counted. There are eight two-person teams in the central count room processing absentee ballots. McMenamin explained the two-person teams are made up of people from opposing political parties; for example, one Democrat and one Republican. Voters who are not affiliated with a political party can team up with someone from either party. However, McMenamin said this year voters without a political affiliation are working with others who have no political affiliation. This election is the second time the city has used a central count format for processing absentee ballots; the first time was the August primary. About three-dozen Wisconsin municipalities to use a central count model. She said the teams will process approximately 6,000 absentee ballots in total. As of 2:30 p.m., the teams had processed 2,802 ballots, of which 62 were rejected. McMenamin said she hoped the process would not go later than midnight. "Way prior to midnight is my goal," she told a reporter. 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 Walgreens extended its push into more comprehensive health care with its VillageMD unit acquiring another urgent and primary care chain, Summit Health-CityMD, in a deal worth close to $9 billion. Walgreens and rival CVS, two retail chains with thousands of locations, have evolved in recent years with a greater focus on overall care for customers, trying to help them avoid chronic health conditions and expensive hospital stays. That goes far beyond their historic focus on store sales and filling prescriptions. The deal to combine VillageMD and CityMD arrives just two months after CVS Health said it would pay about $8 billion to acquire Signify Health, a technology company that sends doctors and other care providers to people's homes to assess how they are doing and what help they might need. Walgreens Boots Alliance, which has a 53% controlling interest in VillageMD, will invest $3.5 billion in debt and equity in support of the deal, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. In what the companies are calling a "strategic collaboration," Evernorth, a subsidiary of health insurance giant Cigna Health, is also making an undisclosed investment in the deal and will become a minority owner of VillageMD. Overall health has also taken on more emphasis with insurers and employers, who must foot medical bills. Walgreens, which has about 13,000 retail pharmacy locations worldwide including 9,000 in the U.S., has invested billions of dollars in Village MD and is opening primary care practices next to its drugstores so that pharmacies and physician offices can more easily work together. Village Medical provides primary care for patients at its traditional stand-alone practices, through its Village Medical at Walgreens practices, at home and through virtual visits. Chicago's VillageMD and Village Medical operate in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Texas, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Kentucky, with more than 1.6 million patients. Summit Health and CityMD have more than 2,800 providers at more than 370 locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Central Oregon. Summit is based in New Jersey. Walgreens, which has its headquarters outside of Chicago, also is developing centers across the United States that use automated technology to fill prescriptions and deliver them to pharmacies, giving pharmacists more time to work with customers. When Walgreens released details of its annual financial performance last month, CEO Rosalind Brewer proclaimed it was the first year of Walgreens' "transformation to a consumer-centric health care company." Citing the combination of VillageMD and CityMD, Walgreens raised its 2025 U.S. health care sales goal to between $14.5 billion and $16 billion, up from the previous forecast range of $11 billion to $12 billion. Walgreens shares rose more than 2% Monday. 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. Kenneth Farley hasn't yet been set for sentencing on the single count for which he was convicted. He will face up to a life sentence on the charge. Richard "Dick" A. Walz Richard (Dick) Andrew Walz, 68, born on October 4, 1954, of Onalaska, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on November 6, 2022, following a courageous fight against Alzheimer's disease. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing. Dick was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 31 years, Jane Lynn Walz; his parents Gerald and Anna Marie Walz, and sister SuzAnne Taylor. He is survived by his son Bradley Walz (Britni), and two stepsons Jess Dzurko (Ashley) and Ross Dzurko (Lindsey); and six siblings, Barbara Ekblad, Paul Walz, Larry (Joanne) Walz, Tim (Tracy) Walz, Mary Rae Walz, and Michael (Colleen) Walz. Along with many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his five grandchildren Everett, Charlotte, Mille, Isaac, and Grayson; and his passing will be felt by so many past and present coworkers at WalzCraft, where he believed in investing in good, quality people. Born and raised on his family farm in Glen Haven, WI, Dick developed a strong work ethic, value in hard work, and a love of woodworking from an early age. Those close to Dick would describe him as an incredible man who was dedicated to his family and driven towards his work at WalzCraft Industries. He had a generous and caring heart; he was firm, yet forgiving. He was a friend and father figure to so many. Dick lived his life as a faith filled man, who approached each day with a positive attitude to all the peaks and valleys that came along the way, knowing God had a greater plan. Dick enjoyed spending time observing and being in nature with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, pheasant hunting with his dogs, fishing with family in Canada, Harley riding with his close friends, and the years of camaraderie with dear friends over their daily Nutbush breakfast. Upon graduation from Western Technical College in 1973, Dick started his own construction company, Builder's Unlimited, which he operated until 1985. WalzCraft Industries was started in 1982 as Cabinet Factory, Inc. It was born out of a small four person cabinet factory that Dick was asked to invest in. He believed in surrounding himself with people who were smarter and more skillful in areas he wasn't. In 1987, Dick became majority owner of WalzCraft. He worked tirelessly to improve the cabinet component manufacturing process and made WalzCraft one of the premier cabinet component brands in the industry during his 40 years at WalzCraft. Dick's mantra was If we listen to our customers, they will take us where we need to go. This quote is a true testament to the leader Dick Walz was, and the legacy he leaves behind. Dick was dedicated to giving back within the community. He was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni to WTC, a Market Leader in the Wood Industry, along with many other charitable and generous gifts to so many local programs around the Coulee Region. He was a proud father and grandfather that loved his family more than anything else and while he will be missed dearly, we will forever cherish the time we spent together and the love we shared in our hearts forever. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 11th, 2022, from 2 PM to 6 PM, at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, La Crosse. A 9 AM visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1031 Main St., Onalaska, on Saturday, November 12th, 2022, at 10 AM. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate, followed by a private burial at the Catholic Cemetery, that will be held for immediate family members only. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Dick Walz to the La Crosse Boys and Girls Club. A special thanks to Tami Benson, Rebecca Modlin, and Camryn Lemke for the incredibly tremendous care and loving support they have given to Dick and Jane Walz, and family, over the past year. Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary-designee Kathy Blumenfeld and Deputy Secretary Chris Patton toured Main Street businesses with Department of Tourism Secretary-designee Anne Sayers, Onalaska Mayor Kim Smith, interim city manager Amanda Jackson and State Sen. Brad Pfaff, as part of a visit to highlight state investments. The Evers administration made a $3.4 million investment in Onalaska businesses, with $12.6 million invested in La Crosse County businesses, and an overall investment of more than $74 million to help families, businesses and organizations in La Crosse County bounce back. The officials visited local recipients of the Main Street Bounceback grant, including Express Printing. Leaders from the La Crosse County business community joined the visits to hear about the impact of the $10,000 grants and meet with business owners. Supporting our local communities starts on our Main Streets, which is why Gov. Evers has made significant investments across the state to support local businesses, including right here in Onalaska, said Blumenfeld. When our main streets thrive, the impact is felt by families and communities across Wisconsin. The Main Street Bounceback Grant program was announced in the spring of 2021 with the first grants made in August 2021, using $75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, to help small businesses and communities grow by populating vacant storefronts with new businesses and nonprofits. Evers recently announced an additional $25 million investment into the program, for a total investment of $100 million to help over 6,600 entrepreneurs open new businesses or expand their existing operations. Twenty-four Onalaska businesses received the Main Street Bounceback grant. The City of Onalaska is extremely appreciative of the grant opportunities that have been made available by WEDC, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, and Wisconsin Department of Administration to Onalaska businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Mayor Smith. These grants enabled existing businesses to remain open and assisted in filling over 20 vacant commercial spaces in our community, helping keep Onalaskas economic viability intact during a difficult time for our commercial sector. Visit BadgerBounceback.wi.gov to view pandemic-related assistance information as well as the latest data and success stories about how COVID-relief investments are making a difference across the state. For updates on other recovery-related grant opportunities, sign up for the Badger Bounceback update list. 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. A Big Foot High School employee has been arrested for theft, according to a letter sent to parents and information from the Village of Walworth Police Department. There was a complaint received about a theft and an arrest was made, said Village of Walworth Police Chief Ryan Milligan. But he was unable to elaborate. On Tuesday afternoon, Jeff Byrne, the districts former technology director, was in Walworth County Circuit Court. According to online jail records he faces charges of theft from a business setting and unauthorized use of entitys ID or document information. The state requested $10,000 signature bond. As a condition of his bond he is to have no contact with Big Foot High School or any employee of Big Foot High School. A criminal complaint listing exactly what Byrne is charged with was not available on Tuesday. The state requested two weeks to prepare the criminal complaint for the initial appearance, which is set for Nov. 21 at 1:15 p.m. The Lake Geneva Regional News on Tuesday morning received a Facebook tip regarding the arrest of a Big Foot High School employee on multiple charges. The news tip included a copy of a Nov. 8 letter sent to district parents and guardians by Big Foot District Administrator Dr. Doug Parker. Parker, who emailed a copy of the his letter to the Regional News late Tuesday morning, said the employee is no longer employed by the district. This is all I can share at this time, Parker said. In the letter to families, Parker wrote: I am writing with some unfortunate news. I was informed that a Big Foot employee was arrested by the Walworth Police Department on multiple charges. Like you, I am deeply troubled by these allegations. The district intends to fully cooperated with law enforcement officers as they conduct their investigation. Because this is an ongoing investigation, there is little else we can share now. It goes on to say, However, we know that when events like this happen, the entire school and district are impacted. We are working very hard on internal controls to protect Big Foot High School and all its stakeholders. No individual data or finances have been impacted to our knowledge. While we will share more details regarding this investigation when we can do so, our focus now will be on working with law enforcement during their investigation and continuing to meet the needs of our students and school community. Grades 9-12 Big Foot Union High School, 401 Devils Lane in Walworth, serves the Village and Town of Walworth, the Village and Town of Sharon, the Village of Fontana, and portions of the Town of Linn and Town of Delavan. Established in 1959, Big Foot High School currently enrolls 449 students. LaRouche Activists Call on Biden To Prevent Nuclear War at Democrats Get Out the Vote Rally Nov. 7, 2022 (EIRNS)Another important intervention, initiated by a group of LaRouche activists, occurred Sunday Nov. 6, when President Joe Biden and his group of Democratic cohorts were confronted at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York at a Get Out The Vote rally. Over 900 people were at the rally, the majority of the attendees being students. Many people had spoken, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, and finally President Joe Biden. The speeches were essentially indiscernible from one another, with each speaker pressuring their audience to vote Democrat in the Nov. 8 midterm election, and how all turmoil would break loose if the Republicans should win the majority of seats and positions across New York State. Of course, nothing actually substantial was mentioned by the various speakers, most emphatically the skyrocketing danger of nuclear war from the conflict in Ukraine. To start off, Jose Vega called out to Congressman Jamaal Bowman and asked why he continued to support the neo-Nazis in Ukraine. Earlier last month, Vega had asked Bowman the exact same question at a town hall in Mount Vernon, New York. Despite the fact that Bowman professes his hatred of racism and extremism in the United States, Vega points out that he has no problem with continuing to fund White nationalists in Ukraine, including groups like the Azov Battalion, the Svoboda Party, and the C-14 thugs. Vega was soon escorted out by security. It seemed like things had finally calmed down once Vega had left, but that soon changed when President Biden began to speak. A few minutes into his speech, LaRouche organizer and activist Mike Campbell spoke up about the need for the United States to negotiate with Russia to bring an end to the Ukrainian conflict. He referred to Pope Francis opening the Vatican as a possible venue for peace talks, and asked the President if Biden would use this moment as an opportunity to bring about peace in the world. Unfortunately, Biden did not respond to the proposal. Later, another LaRouche organizer, Michelle Erin, spoke up and said the war between Russia and Ukraine must be brought to an end: There are American boots on the ground in Ukraine. Do you support negotiations? Do you support peace, Mr. President? We need peace, not war. The other protesters had echoed both Campbell and Erins remarks, including a woman who was inspired by the previous interventions of LaRouche activists and wanted to participate in one herself; a young LaRouche organizer; and another young LaRouche activist. All three had asked the President to reaffirm the statement that a nuclear war cannot be won and must not be fought, and urged him to begin peace talks by negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After the organizers had either left or been forcibly removed from the rally, the new woman expressed her thanks to the organizers of the intervention and her hope to participate in more such activities. She also said that she was a little worried and anxious before coming to the rally, but that she felt it was something she needed to do. Citizens of this type need to be mobilized all across the world to do exactly what she did. EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2022 Elect To Change the Worlds Descent into War Nov. 7, 2022 (EIRNS)Those in the United States that today will have the privilege and opportunity to vote for Independent candidates Diane Sare (United States Senate in New York) and Joel Dejean (U.S. Congress 38th CD, Texas), or for those that have worked with them despite policy differences, such as Geoff Young (6th CD, Kentucky), are reviving what many Americans do not even realize has been stolennot American elections, but the American electoral process itself. Todays electoral process is only significant as it is subsumed in the global battle to walk the world back from the brink of thermonuclear war, and to a durable new strategic and economic architecture based on a return to the recently-abandoned ideal and practice of the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia. The principle that informs that treaty is that each party to a conflict must negotiate peace from the standpoint of placing priority on the benefit of the other, rather than their own grievances or advantages. The Westphalia Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Munster, which the Green Foreign Minister of Germany Annalena Baerbock, a Dumb and Dumber version of Tony Blair, has been attacking (including attacking her own Chancellor Olaf Scholz, for his trip to China), led her to, in the Munster meeting chamber where the Treaty was signed, and where the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting was going on, apparently even have the Christian Cross that hangs there removed. Was she expecting Dracula, or did she want that done because she is allergic? Today we call attention to two matters that might not receive proper consideration if reported from other sources. First, Dmitry Polyanskiy, Russias First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, had a message to Americans that he conveyed last Thursday night, Nov. 3, on Terra Reades Politics of Survival show. In part, he said, nobody in Russia wants a nuclear warbe it a limited nuclear war or a non-limited nuclear war. We understand where it can lead. We have no illusions that this would be devastating for everybody. So, if somebody starts this, it will not be Russia. But of course, if somebody starts it against Russia, according to our nuclear doctrine, we will have to retaliate.... But again, what is at stake? I think our common future is at stake. The future of the United States is at stake as well. Nobody wants the United States to crumble, nobody wants the United States to disappear.... Second, there is the breakout of the reporting in the general German press, of the existence of the Ukrainian Center for Countering Disinformation kill list, including the name of an ally of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Rolf Mutzenich, the chairman of the Parliamentary group of the German Social Democrats (SPD). While the kill list has been known to exist since July, no coverage was given to it, in part because it featured the name of Schiller Institute Founder and head Helga Zepp-LaRouche, a name which NATO forces have forbidden to be uttered without slander for well over 40 years in Germany. The German website NachDenkSeiten took that step in August, and later covered the Executive Intelligence Review press conference exposing the kill list in September. The German breakout comes at a time when some, including in the United States and London, are threatening to wage war against Germany, should it consider taking even one step back from the suicide that is planned for it in the form of its imminent de-industrialization, once sought by Morgenthau and others. That will now be implemented under the pretext of the Great Green Reset. German industrialists, farmers, and those that believe themselves to be free citizens not subject to the Anglo-American occupation, do not agree. Helga Zepp-LaRouches remarks on a Friday, Nov. 4 China Plus World Today podcastthat one does not have to see China as a systemic rival; that 150 countries do not see it that way, but rather see China as a partner to overcome colonialism; and that if the German media would report about the actual tremendous progress that has occurred in China, people would have a completely different view of the countryreflect the solution concept that the Schiller Institute will again present at its upcoming conference, Stop the Danger of Nuclear War Now. The conference is Tuesday, November 22, the 59th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. As in American current history, assassination has been used in Germany to assist in implementing the policy once expressed by the first (1952) Secretary General of NATO, Lord Hastings Lionel Ismay, Winston Churchills chief military assistant, as the purpose of NATOto keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down. There were the assassinations of Jurgen Ponto and Hanns Martin Schleyer in 1977. (Lyndon LaRouche was #2 on that same kill list.) There were the assassinations of Alfred Herrhausen (November 1989) and Detlev Rohwedder (April 1991) after the fall of the Berlin Wall. And one cannot forget the effect of the assassination of German Foreign Minister Walter Rathenau 100 years ago in 1922, in the aftermath of the signing of the Rapallo Treaty with the Soviet Union, a killing whose actual planners and perpetrators induced Germany to take a different direction that manifested itself in a Munich beer hall one year later. But the days of that Anglophile imperial order are rapidly passing. Yesterday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, We call on the G7 countries to abandon the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudice, stop interfering in other countries domestic politics, repeating lies and provoking regional conflicts. It is, after all, in the interest of Germany and its population, particularly its skilled workforce, to assure China that Germany will not only honor standing contracts, but that it will continue to pursue and improve a relationship with China, even as it has become abundantly clear that the Anglosphere is about to declare war on China, at whatever expense to its own population. German industrialists and the Chancellor traveled to China against the wishes of the Anglosphere. This is against the unwritten Rule of Law, which has already decided for war with China, and will create a pretext to justify that war, as analyst Ray McGovern indicated in his remarks at the EIR press availability Saturday. On Sunday, Nov. 6, organizers for the United States Senate campaign of Diane Sare challenged President Joe Biden to respond to Russias recent reiteration of their no first use policy on thermonuclear weapons. This occurred at a pre-election assembly at Sarah Lawrence College. (President Biden did not do so.) Organizers referred to the offer from the Popethat the Vatican could be the location for immediate peace talks to cause a halt to the war in Ukraine. Pope Francis had accurately compared the present war to the wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, saying that the present war is, as were those, a world war. The Pope is correct; this is already a world war. There is a madness among some of the present-day malefactors in the trans-Atlantic world that insist this is not the case. Others are comparing the United States placement of trainers and inspectors in Ukraine, perhaps numbering a thousand or more, to the way the United States found itself suddenly committed to a doomed regime in South Vietnam, a regime whose leaders Anglo-American intelligence also assassinated, when that became convenient. The quagmire that ensued was horrific death for 3 million in Vietnam, crushing dehumanization of American troops, including through spontaneous and premeditated My Lai-style massacres, degradation for hundreds of thousands of veterans never actually reintegrated into United States society, and sheer delight for British intelligence. The same folly is afoot today, howsoever it may be calledRevolution in Military Affairs characterized by insane Allgemeine SS-like fantasies of coalitions of the willing; the Operation Gladio-like behind enemy lines (read inside of Russias borders) Resistance Operating Concept (ROC); or the Prompt Global Strike we can win a nuclear war lunacy, so effectively disproven by Steven Starr and Scott Ritter at our Saturday conference, A Nuclear War Cannot Be Won and Must Never Be Fought. A final, post-Halloween note. When, yesterday at the Buckingham Palace COP27 gathering, King Charles greeted Beatle Baby, environmentally woke fashion designer and climate activist Stella McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul McCartney, the snapshot was one of Rosemarys Baby plus 50. Its actually twice that, 100 years of British counterculture, sired by Aleister Crowley, mediated by Julian and Aldous Huxley, and supervised by Lord Bertrand Nuke Russia Russell, that ruined the United States from within, combined with the war. The cultural axioms, the old, evil dreams of colonialism actually underlying the New Malthusian Save The Planet, Kill The People globalist movement will fly into Sharm el-Sheikh on their own steam, probably without need of planes. Perhaps the Spirit of Bandung will, as in Francisco Goyas famous Plates 79 and 80 concluding his series The Disasters of WarTruth Has Died/ Will She Live Again?be there to confront them. Who wins this battle, will be determined by what we, and those we recruit, despite differences, do in the immediate future. After the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, more women have registered to vote in this years midterm elections. The high court overturned Roe v. Wade which guarantees a womans right to an abortion in June. An abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. Voter registrations among women rose by 35 percent in 10 states that share such data, an investigation by the New York Times found. The states include Kansas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Oklahoma, Florida, North Carolina, Idaho, Alabama, New Mexico and Maine. The U.S. midterm elections will be held Tuesday, November 8. The data shows that women have also been registering at higher levels than men in states like Wisconsin and Michigan, where reproductive rights are at risk. Voters in Michigan will decide whether to change the state's constitution to include protections to make abortion available. In Wisconsin, an 1849 law banning almost all abortions is making its way through the courts. Tom Bonier is a democratic political strategist. He told VOA he has not seen such an increase in women voter registrations in his 28 years studying elections. "We're seeing women engage politically at a greater rate than I've seen before," he said. Historically, the U.S. president's party loses seats in Congress during the midterm elections. Since President Joe Biden is a Democrat, some experts had predicted big wins for the Republican Party. In addition, many Republicans in Congress support the Supreme Courts decision on Roe v. Wade, while many Democrats oppose it. However, political experts are questioning whether the increased registrations among women will turn into actual votes. Samuel Abrams is a professor of politics at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. He told VOA that todays political environment makes it much harder to predict how issues such as abortion will lead voters to decide on election day. "We used to have models that were predictive, Abrams said. We do not have good models that predict this right now. The first test of reproductive rights after the Supreme Courts ruling came in Kansas in August. Fifty-nine percent of citizens voted to keep abortion protections in place in the solidly Republican state. This result sent a strong signal that abortion rights do not only matter to liberal, Democratic voters. Bonier said, "There are pro-choice Republicans. But there are also Republicans who might not personally be pro-choice, but they were against the notion of the government taking away an established right." In Kansas, voters took part in a referendum. This meant they were not forced to choose between Democrats and Republicans. Experts are watching to see whether large numbers of Republicans feel strongly enough about abortion rights to cross party lines. "I don't think it's going to be as potent. I think the [Supreme Court] decision is old enough that the intensity has changed," Abrams said. Amanda Hunter leads the Barbara Lee Family Foundation, an independent group that works to advance women's representation in American politics. She told VOA that even before the Supreme Courts ruling on abortion rights, women had other reasons to get involved in the political process. Hunter noted that the COVID-19 pandemic showed weaknesses in social systems for women. A lot of things that women didn't think about or took for granted, like child care, like the public school system were all turned upside down," she said. Im Bryan Lynn. Dora Mekouar reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted the report for Learning English. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story strategist n. someone with a lot of experience in planning, especially in military, political or business matters engage v. to interest someone in something and keep them thinking about it notion n. a belief or idea referendum n. an election in which people in an area vote on a specific issue potent adj. very powerful, forceful or effective take (something) for granted idiom to never think about something because you believe it will always be available or stay exactly the same ________________________________________________________________ What do you think of this story? 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. An ancient Christian site has been discovered on an island off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, officials announced recently. The religious complex, a monastery, could date to a time before the spread of Islam across the Arabian Peninsula. The monastery is providing researchers a lot of information about early Christianity in the Persian Gulf area. It is the second such monastery found in the Emirates, dating back as many as 1,400 years. The two monasteries became lost to history in the sands of time. As Islam spread in the area, experts believe Christians slowly became Muslim. Today, Christians remain a minority across the wider Middle East. Timothy Power of the United Arab Emirates University described the UAE today as a melting pot of nations. Power helped investigate the newly discovered monastery. He added, The fact that something similar was happening here ... 1,000 years ago is really remarkable and this is a story that deserves to be told." The monastery sits on Siniyah Island in Umm al-Quwain, an emirate some 50 kilometers northeast of Dubai. The island has a series of sandy areas coming off of it like fingers. On one, to the islands northeast, researchers discovered the monastery. Samples found in the monasterys foundation date between 534 and 656. Islams Prophet Muhammad was born around 570 and died in 632. Seen from above, the monastery's floor plan suggests early Christian worshippers prayed within a small church. Rooms within the monastery appear to hold a baptismal area, as well as an oven for baking bread or wafers for communion rites. Another area also likely held an altar and an installation for communion wine. Next to the monastery sits a second building with four rooms, likely around an open area known as a courtyard. This was possibly the home of an early church leader such as an abbot or even a bishop. The monastery recently saw a visit from Noura bint Mohammed al-Kaabi, the countrys culture and youth minister, as well as Sheikh Majid bin Saud Al Mualla, the head of the Umm al-Quwains Tourism and Archaeology Department and a son of the emirates ruler. The UAEs Culture Ministry has also supported the dig, which is ongoing. Just hundreds of meters away from the church, there is a collection of buildings that archaeologists believe belongs to a pre-Islamic village. Nearby also sits a village that the British bombed in 1820 before the area became part of what was known as the Trucial States, an early form of the modern UAE. That villages 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. Archaeologists 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 protected natural area and site of luxury hotels. 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 area in Umm al-Quwain dates as far back as the Neolithic period. This evidence suggests continuous human presence in the area for at least 10,000 years, Power said. Power said that building developments led to the archaeological work that discovered the monastery. The area will be fenced off and protected, he said, though it remains unclear what other secrets of the past remain hidden just under a thin layer of sand on the island. Its a really fascinating discovery because in some ways its hidden history its not something thats widely known, Power said. Im John Russell. Jon Gambrell reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story melting pot n. a place (such as a city or country) where different types of people live together and gradually create one community remarkable adj. unusual or surprising : likely to be noticed baptism n. a Christian ceremony in which a small amount of water is placed on a person's head or in which a person's body is briefly placed under water communion n. a Christian ceremony in which bread is eaten and wine is drunk as a way of showing devotion to Jesus Christ altar n. a platform or table used as a center of worship in Christian ceremonies and services fascinating adj. very interesting or appealing Ever-widening access to the internet is offering a new opportunity for Cubans looking for hard-to-obtain basic goods: online shopping. Tens of thousands of people have starting buying and selling everything from chicken and milk to medicine and pregnancy tests on myriad apps that have provided digital access to the country's not-very-clandestine black market. Such unsanctioned transactions are a time-honored practice in crisis-stricken Cuba, where access to the most basic items has always been limited. Cuban national Ricardo Torres is an economics fellow at American University in Washington. He notes that the informal market used to be limited to neighbors and local communities. Now, he says, the internet provides shoppers and sellers with access to entire provinces. Editors Note: This is the second of a three part series about the Lexington Methodist Churchs 150 years of service. LEXINGTON At the turn of the century, the Methodist congregation in Lexington continued to grow and the need for a larger space was needed. The result would be the church building that is still used today. With the Methodist congregation numbering nearly 500 by the early 1900s, it was becoming clear that a new church space was needed. In 1906, Emma Temple, a devout Methodist, was nearing the end of her life and requested that her brothers set aside $1,000 of her estate to start a building fund for a new church, setting the stage for the third Methodist Church. Rev. B. F. Gaither, who had been pastor since 1907, was named a chairman of the building committee and plans were made for the third church building. The committee also included A. E. Grantham, secretary; H.V. Temple, treasurer; John M. Neff, F.J. Rosenberg, F.L. Fox and J.D. Eger. Lots had been purchased on the northeast corner of 9th and Grant St., across the street north of the 1897 church. There was considerable discussion by the building committee and they came to the conclusion that the lots they owned were not suitable. Then someone suggested that the new church should be built on the lots south of the then in use church, which would put the new edifice on the northeast corner of 8th and Grant St. This the committee agreed upon. H.V. Temple, the committee treasurer and president of The First National Bank in Lexington, offered to buy the lots, then owned by the church, at a price which would make possible the purchase of the proposed new location. Temple also further offered to raise his building subscription $500 more than what he had previously pledged. Both Rosenberg and Neff followed suit and the others joined in the plan. Over $3,000 had been subscribed before the meeting was adjourned. Work on the church began in the fall of 1909 when C.C. May drove the pilings that the foundation would be laid. The masonry work began in April 1910. The Friday, April 29, 1910 edition of the Clipper-Citizen invited residents to the placing of the Methodist churchs new cornerstone on May 2. Rev. Dr. R. P. Hammons of Kearney delivered the address. During the address, Hammons told the Lexington congregation that he had compared statistical notes about the Lexington and Kearney churches and found that in the same conference year they had the same number of accessions, 104. He intimated that the Lexington church was not small potatoes, the May 6, 1910 Clipper-Citizen reported. At the end of the exercise, Rev. Gaither held up a galvanized iron box that was designed to occupy the hollow space in the cornerstone of the new church. Into this time capsule was placed a myriad of items including; a Bible, an old hymn book, the book of discipline, a 1910 church directory, journal of the conference, calendar of the W.H.M.S, a list of names of the elementary, home and cradle roll departments of the Sunday school, report of the Ladies Aid Society, report of the Junior League, Sunday school report for May 1, 1910, a copy of the Epworth Herald, a copy of the Christian Advocate, a copy of the Central Christian Advocate, photographs of the former church, the Epworth League Chorus, Rev. Crane and his wife, Rev. Knight, Rev. Trites and his wife and Rev. Gaither and his wife, a list of church members, names of choir members, Epworth League Calendar and program, Bible Sunday school quarterly, a copy of The Classmate, half a dozen flowers gathered by Rev. Gaither in Israel, shells from the Sea of Galilee, names of the 1910 Lexington High School graduation class, the names of all 307 who attended the cornerstone laying exercise and the sermon by Rev. Hammons. The May 6 Clipper-Citizen article pondered, It would be interesting to be able to tell when the box will be opened, what progress the world will have made and how have fared the descendants of the membership of the church. But we may not do this. Twenty-five, one hundred or a thousand years may elapse ere the contents of the box again come to light and none may know what the years will bring forth. The cornerstone is still visible today on the southwest corner of the church, marked by a 1910 inscription. After the new church was dedicated, construction began on the brick structure. It was said no one gave more time and thought to the building than did Alfred E. Grantham, the supervising architect and John Neff, both literally lived in the building during the construction. The Sept. 27, 1910 Clipper-Citizen noted that Rev. Gaither was to be Lexingtons pastor for another year. That he will be here to see the completion of the magnificent new church building is a source of satisfaction to all. A handsome new structure will be dedicated by the members of the First Methodist church of Lexington tomorrow, the Dec. 10, 1910 Omaha World-Herald read, Starting with $1,000 at the bequest of Miss Emma Temple, who died a few years ago, the building fund has grown to $20,000. The building is designed in the Renaissance style, modified to meet the demands of a modern church. The building is 58 feet wide by 100 feet long on the outside. The outside walls are built of hard brick, faced on the exterior a facing of gray pressed brick with stone trimmings, the World-Herald described. The woodwork on the interior is hard pine and finished in a dull finish. On the first floor is located the main auditorium, 49 feet by 49 feet in the clear, with a bowled floor and the Sunday school room, which is separated from the main auditorium by a rolling partition. Off of the Sunday school room is the primary department, three class rooms and a ladies retiring room. The pastors study and library room are also on the first floor, the World-Herald stated. On the upper floor is a large balcony in which each seat is about the same distance from the speaker. When everything is opened to the speaker, it gives a seating capacity for 1,000 people, the World-Herald stated. The basement provides a place to meet the social needs of the church. It contains two large social halls, a dining room, two toilet rooms, a cloak room and a kitchen. The 1,000 pound Blymer bell that had been purchased for the 1897 church was moved to the new church. One of the very attractive features of the main auditorium is the beautiful art glass windows, of which there are five, each seven by 14 feet, the World-Herald noted. Those five stained glass windows stand in the church today and have been a source of comfort and inspiration to the congregation down through the years. The Good Shepard, window on the east side of the church was given by the Ladies Aid Society and has been considered second to none, by many congregation members. The window to the right was given by the Baraca Class, a group of young married couples. The third window on the east side of the south entrance was dedicated to the Reno Post 112, Department of Nebraska, the name of the Lexington Grand Army of the Republic Post. The fourth window is dedicated To the Memory of Jennie Hoback. On the west side of the church is the fifth window, donated by the Epworth League, a society of young people. The sixth window is the Reynolds window and was a memorial gift from the family. The seventh window was given by the Womens Home Missionary Society, which later became integrated with the Ladies Aid Society. The dedication service on Dec. 11, 1910 was attended by 1,000 people, according to the Dec. 16 edition of the Clipper-Citizen. It was reported that more than $13,600 was pledged on the day of the dedication, which went to help pay off the building and to install a pipe organ. Therefore, will Sunday, Dec. 11, 1910 ever be memorable to the Methodists of this city, the Clipper-Citizen read, They gathered in the new church, which speaking for itself, of the well-heated, well-ventilated and well-lighted condition and the beautiful architecture structure, filled them with gladness that the undertaking had been begun and carried to completion. With the construction of the 1910 church, the former 1897 church was torn down and most of the lumber was used to build the new parsonage, finished in 1915. It would be used until 1963 when it was sold for $1,500 and moved to 710 E. 7th St. The church as it was built would serve the Methodist congregation for nearly four decades, until growing numbers in the late 1940s once again brought up possible expansion of the church. Here is a church which for seventy years has captured the hearts, the imaginations, the prayers and the loyalties of people who have made Nebraska great, wrote Rev. Laurence Davis in the early 1950s. A Windsor man was charged Monday in federal court for allegedly making email and Facebook threats from out of state against Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, including Tony is a Dead Man Walking and Marked For Elimination My Pronouns Are Lakota War Chief I Will Destroy The State of WI Prepare to Die Ahokay Hey. The two-count complaint against Michael A. Yaker, 52, filed four days before Tuesdays election for governor, says he sent the threatening email and posted the threatening comments to Facebook on Oct. 27 while in or near Kansas, giving federal prosecutors jurisdiction because the communications crossed state lines. The Dane County Sheriffs detective who investigated the case, Timothy Blanke, wrote in an affidavit that he had previously known Yaker from threats he made against other elected officials going back to 2010, when Yaker did not receive a contract for a building project at Scheidegger Forest County Park. Election day is here, and you need to wade through a mountain of information before you make your decisions. We've got you covered. Here's the breakdown of voting logistics, candidates and issues. And if you want to follow who wins tonight, you will find live results on Madison.com as the votes are counted. Where and how to vote You're ready to vote, but you're not sure how to find your polling place. Or maybe you need a reminder on the process. Reporter Mitchell Schmidt broke down all the voting logistics, from what you should bring with you to how to track your ballot if you voted early. There have been quite a few lawsuits and political wrangling over the voting process. If you need to feel better about the process, the Wisconsin Elections Commission produced a video series to explain the voting process to young people. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where they stand You can see who's on the ballot in Wisconsin, and what they stand for, in this series of candidate Q&As. And in three major races governor, U.S. senate and Wisconsin attorney general reporters Alex Shur, Mitchell Schmidt and Lucas Robinson broke down the candidates' views on the big issues. Just the facts You've seen all the television ads. Candidates threw out all sorts of accusations, and added in some murky images to cast a shadow of doubt on their opponents. So what's the truth behind the ads? You can read the facts behind some of these ads in our "Rest of the Story" initiative. Issues Voters will see a plethora of issues on their ballots today. There are 81 school referendums on Wisconsin ballots today. That brings the total of referendums put before voters by school districts to 166 this year. That's the highest in 21 years. Dane County schools have eight referendums on the ballot today. There are other referendums on Dane County ballots too, including three advisory referendums about marijuana and abortion. Amid long speculation shes running for mayor, former deputy mayor and Madison School Board president Gloria Reyes has scheduled an event for a special announcement at 2 p.m. Thursday outside the City-County Building Downtown. Reyes, contacted Monday about the event, declined to say if shes announcing a race to unseat Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, who was elected in 2019 and is completing her first four-year term. The mayors office and all 20 City Council seats are on the ballot in the spring of 2023. For the past year, Ive been asked by the community and residents of the city of Madison to run for mayor, Reyes said. This special announcement is my decision after several months of listening to the community about engaging our city on the issues. I look forward to the announcement on Thursday. She declined to answer further questions about the event. Rhodes-Conway could not be reached for comment. Reyes has extensive experience in public service, local government and law enforcement. She is chief executive officer of Reyes Public Safety, which provides training and racial equity organizational development within law enforcement organizations through data assessment, department culture evaluation and community engagement. She has also worked for the National League of Cities, served as chief executive officer for Briarpatch Youth Services; served as a consultant for Race Forward & Government Alliance on Race and Equity; is co-founder of Adelante Political Action Group, which recruits and trains members of communities of color to run for political office; and was a part-time Law Enforcement Academy and criminal justice instructor at Madison Area Technical College. Also, Reyes served on the Madison School Board from April 2018 to April 2021, including two years as board president; served in the mayors office under Paul Soglin from November 2014 to April 2019, including service as deputy mayor for public safety, civil rights, public health and community services; served as interim director of the citys Department of Civil Rights; was a member of the Madison Police Department from 2002 to 2015, serving as a law enforcement officer and detective; and worked in the Wisconsin Public Defenders office. Reyes has a bachelors degree in behavioral science and a law and criminal justice certificate from UW-Madison and a masters degree in public administration with a focus on security management from American Military University. She also holds a law enforcement instructor certificate. 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. CATANIA, Sicily (AP) 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 with 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 non-governmental organizations remained stuck at sea with no 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 non-governmental 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 of 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 spokeswoman 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 Mediteranee, 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 spokesman said Sunday. Its first rescue was 16 days ago. Agitation is evident among the survivors,'' a charity worker named Morgane told The Associated Press on 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 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 reject 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. Colleen Barry reported from Milan. Emily Schultheis contributed from Berlin and Angela Charlton from Paris. Follow AP's coverage of global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration Again, Im hearing the exasperated buzz in the air over a long-nagging question: What are we to do about Kanye? Except recently the question has changed in tune with the new name that Chicago-born hip-hop and fashion superstar Kanye West has legally adopted, Ye. What are we to do about Ye? Teen Vogue Editor in Chief Versha Sharma responded to that question in an early October column directed to the fashion media: Stop covering Ye without criticism. I know Im not alone in feeling like the not-so-new Kanye is, in many ways, a betrayal of the old Kanye, she said as an admitted longtime fan, something even he has acknowledged. Im way older than Sharma, but you dont have to have grown up with Yes music to feel the loss. The question was hardly a new one for journalists covering a performer as eccentric and headline-hungry as Ye. Remember how many people were upset by his breaking away during a live TV fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina to ad-lib, (George) Bush doesnt care about Black people. Not nice, I noted at the time. Even if you didnt like all of Bushs policies and I didnt Yes little protest struck me as whiny and ill-timed. But Yes strange outrages had only begun. For example, there was his interview with Forbes in 2020, in which he warned against the coronavirus vaccine, citing the bogus conspiracy theory that it could be used to implant microchips. Later, Ye was sued for $250 million by the family of George Floyd for saying he died of a drug overdose rather than murder by cop. But last month, his assaults against public sensibilities picked up steam. During Paris Fashion Week, he showed up wearing a White Lives Matter shirt in his runway show. Whats wrong with that, you may ask? Nothing, if youve been vacationing on the moon for the past couple of years. But on this planet, the message came off as a clear attack ridiculing the movement to improve policing practices. Even the simpler message All Lives Matter sounds less like a poke in the eye of the liberal establishment, though thats probably what Ye had in mind, too. By contrast, its not really clear what Ye had in mind with his more recent outbursts of bigoted and rambling rants on social media, in which he said he intended to go death con 3 (sic) On JEWISH PEOPLE, and during interviews on podcasts and with Fox News Tucker Carlson. Those are worse than simply hurtful comments, particularly at a time when hate crimes are on the rise in Chicago and nationally. We need more clarity in our language about race, religion and ethnicity, not just reckless rants. Nationally, the FBI reports that Jews, who constitute about 2.4% of the total adult population in the United States, were victims of 54.9% of all religiously motivated hate crimes, particularly for Orthodox Jews wearing visible symbols of their religions. I take some encouragement from the erase-the-hate-style backlash that has begun to emerge, as modest as the famously cheeky marquee of the Wieners Circle hot dog stand on Chicagos North Clark Street. With more hot peppers than a fully dressed Chicago-style wiener, it said: Kanye can suck our kosher dogs. To paraphrase the Temptations, I second that emotion. What about his mental illness, many ask? Ye has been quite public in the past about his bipolar condition. Indeed, he looks and sounds like his mind is somewhere else in his offensive rants. But thats not an excuse. Its a plea for help. I hope he gets it. Meanwhile, closer to Yes wallet, so many of his partnerships for Yeezy brand sneakers and other products fled that he lost his billionaire status, according to Forbes. Adidas ended its partnership, followed by Gap, Foot Locker and other brands totaling $2 billion worth of business. Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech, the company said. Sure, its easy to shrug off such decisions as PR moves or, as the far-right would say, woke gestures. But if respect for human rights and decency are good for business, thats a good reason to have more of it. POCATELLO Manuel Curiel Jr., 37, of Burley was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today. According to court records, Curiel was arrested Jan. 21, 2020, after detectives with the Cassia County Sheriffs Office served a search warrant at his residence. Detectives observed three-quarters of a pound of methamphetamine and two firearms in the camping trailer where Curiel lived. Text messages showing that Curiel was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine were later located on Curiels cell phone. On June 15, 2022, a federal jury sitting in Pocatello convicted Curiel of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Curiel was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye. Nye also ordered Curiel to serve five years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence. Hurwit commended the cooperative efforts of the sheriffs office and Idaho State Police, which led to the charges. Today is Tuesday, November 8, the 312th day of 2022. There are 53 days left in the year. In the Henry Bulletin in 1922: Last Tuesday, the thirty-first of October, the eve of All Saints day, was celebrated here in the customary way The young folks roamed the streets in their weird and ghostly costumes visiting the homes and playing pranks. Practically all movable furniture on the porches in some sections of town was transferred to another home or was secreted in some sequestered place. The school-bell tolled and traffic was blocked on some streets by the jokers. One gentleman parked his flivver on the street in front of his home and the next morning John Henry was at the foot of his doorstep, more than thirty-five feet from where it was parked. 1947: Voters of Henry County have elected two new officials to office, with Cary J. Randolph replacing Clarence P. Kearfott as Commonwealths Attorney, and Morton T. Prillaman defeating the veteran Sheriff J.M. Davis. Balloting throughout the county was marked by a record turnout of voters. 1972: An irate Dyers Store woman cast her paper ballot in the fireplace at the polling place after precinct officials refused to allow her to drop her ballot in the box. Robert Kitson and a person listed only as Winston was one of countys two write-in votes. An attractive blonde expressed surprise that there was only one voting booth. 1997: I never dreamed I would end up in Russia, said Linda Reynolds, a high school English teacher at Magna Vista High School. Reynolds, along with John P. Reynolds of John Redd Smith Elementary School, R. Darryl Holland and John E. Kovack of Laurel Park High School and Christina L. Oosthoek of Fieldale-Collinsville High School, recently returned from a 10-day visit to Russians Moscow region as part of the 1997-78 Virginia Links Russian Teacher Exchange.(tncms-asset)9dd3da5c-5ad1-11ed-a67d-333ad47b74ea[0](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)1ae9cbde-5ad0-11ed-b1ca-4bfb9da156ac[1](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)17c031bc-5acd-11ed-b1f1-2bfcb99d99c4[2](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)66d070f8-5ac5-11ed-8b77-775d1b8a3b28[3](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)c17e5964-5a0e-11ed-a40c-331ce508a08c[4](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)e2d28928-5946-11ed-ab0a-9fa9ccb905af[5](/tncms-asset) These snippets come from previous editions of the Martinsville Bulletin from archives on microfiche available to the public at the Martinsville Branch Library. A Nebo man will spend the rest of his life in prison for the shooting death of an 85-year-old U.S. Army veteran in his home. On Friday, Nov. 4, 35-year-old Marvin Randall Hensley of Nebo pleaded guilty in McDowell County Superior Court to first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to a news release from the McDowell County Sheriff's Office. On Aug. 19, 2020, detectives with the Sheriffs Office began an investigation into the death of 85-year-old Carroll Franklin Eckard of Nebo. Deputies had responded to a residence on Harmony Grove Road to find the homeowner, Eckard, dead. They were there to check his wellbeing at the request of a home health care worker. His body was sent for autopsy, which revealed that he died of a gunshot wound. On Aug. 28 of that year, detectives arrested Hensley and co-defendant, 49-year-old Shannon Welch Simonds, for murder. Simonds' case is still pending in McDowell County Superior Court. According to a previous story, both Hensley and Simonds knew Eckard. When contacted by The McDowell News on Monday, District Attorney Ted Bell declined to talk about the case further -- including a motive in the killing -- citing the pending court appearance by Simonds. She is charged with first-degree burglary and murder and is set to appear on Dec. 12. Delfim Neves successor as president of the National Assembly of Sao Tome and Principe, which begins its XII legislative term, is expected to be Celmira Sacramento, proposed by the Independent Democratic Action, which won the legislative elections. The National Assembly of Sao Tome and Principe starts today the XII legislature, with the election of the president of the parliament, a position for which the Independent Democratic Action (ADI), which won the legislative elections, proposed the party vice-president Celmira Sacramento. If elected, Celmira Sacramento will become the second woman president of the San Tomean parliament, after the SanTomean poet Alda do Espirito Santo, who held the position in the first legislature (1980-1985) and in the second legislature (1985-1991). The 55 new deputies were sworn in, elected in the September 25th legislative, in which ADI, of the former Prime-Minister Patrice Trovoada, was the party with the most votes, winning an absolute majority (30 parliamentary seats). The Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe/Social Democratic Party (MLSTP/PSD), of the current prime minister, elected 18 deputies. The third political force in the Sao Tomean parliament, with five elected members, will be the coalition Movement of Independent Citizens-Socialist Party/National Unity Party (MCI-PS/PUN, better known as the movement of Caue, a district in the south of the island of Sao Tome). The newly-created Basta movement which absorbed the historical Democratic Convergence Party (PCD) and took in former ADI members made its debut in the legislative elections and won two seats. The plenary session of the beginning of the XII legislature will start at 8am local time (same time in Lisbon), followed by the election of the commission of verification of powers and election of the provisional table that will conduct the work until the election of the definitive table of the National Assembly. In the second part of the works, according to the official program, it foresees the honor commitment and the speech of the elected president of the National Assembly, besides a message from the President of the Republic, Carlos Vila Nova. The ceremony takes place in the presence of the head of state, the prime minister, Jorge Bom Jesus, and other members of the outgoing government, the attorney general, the presidents of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Justice and the Court of Auditors, as well as former presidents of the Republic and president of parliament, and representatives of the diplomatic corps. A new oil well has been discovered in Block 15, located about 365 kilometers northwest of the coast of Luanda, announced the Angolan government, ExxonMobile Angola and other partners in the oil block. According to a statement from the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG) the new discovery was made in the Bavuca Sul-1 exploration well, which is part of the Block 15 redevelopment project. The document notes that the well encountered 30 meters (98 feet) of high quality sandstone containing hydrocarbons, and was drilled through a water sheet of 1,100 meters (3,608 feet) by the Valaris DS-9 drillship. As operator of the Block, ExxonMobil is implementing new technologies and a multi-year drilling program, expecting to produce approximately 40,000 barrels of oil per day, which will help offset natural production declines, the note said. In Block 15, 17 discoveries were previously made, namely Hungo, Kissanje, Marimba and Dikanza, in 1998, Chocalho and Xikomba, in 1999, Mondo, Saxi and Batuque, in 2000, Mbulumbumba, Vicango and Mavacola, in 2001, Reco-Reco in 2002, and Clochas, Kakocha, Tchihumba and Bavuca, in 2003. The president of the board of ANPG, Paulino Jeronimo, quoted in the statement, welcomed this discovery and its significance. Angola continues, in fact, to have oil potential and ANPG and its partners will continue to do everything to make this a productive and profitable sector, he stressed. In turn, the President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, Liam Mallon, highlighted that the American multinational is optimizing this resource and creating value for the Angolan people, for the Government of Angola, for its partners and for its shareholders. Liam Mallon stressed that ExxonMobils development strategy continues to yield positive results, providing affordable energy to meet the worlds growing demand for energy while reducing its emissions. Equatorial Guinea has authorized the return to Nigeria of a supertanker and its 25 crew members, arrested in August off its coast and held since in a port south of the capital, announced the vice President on Twitter. On August 8, this supertanker with a capacity of three million barrels suspected of participating in illegal trafficking fled off Port Harcourt (southeast), the oil capital of Nigeria, after refusing to comply. The Mt. Heroic Idun then launched a false alarm of piracy on board to justify its escape before being arrested on August 12 off the coast of Equatorial Guinea and held for nearly three months in the port of Luba, 45 km south of Malabo. The Attorney General of Equatorial Guinea, Anatalio Nzang Nguema, confirmed the arrest of the vessel and its crew for navigation in the marine waters of Equatorial Guinea without authorization and without a flag to identify the country of the vessel. The crew was composed of 25 members, including 16 Indians, seven Sri Lankans, one Pole, and one Filipino. In my capacity as head of defense and security, I have authorized the handing over of the boat Heroic Idun to the government of Nigeria, wrote Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue on Twitter, without specifying a date. At the end of May, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to intensify the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, valued by the UN at two billion dollars per year. Moroccos Rabat International University (UIR) and Israels Aerospace Industries (IAI) signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in innovation and research. The deal was signed in Tel Aviv by IAIs CEO and the president of UIR whose university has a department on aerospace studies. The agreement is designed to help UIR as it seeks partners to diversify the offer of its aerospace department notably in the fields of engineering and aerospace industries at large. Morocco is already home to some 140 aerospace suppliers building parts and engines for giants like Boeing and Airbus. Credit: CC0 Public Domain The World Health Organization's most recent estimates (2016) are that over 4.2 million people die prematurely each year due to long-term exposure to fine particulate outdoor air pollution (often referred to as PM2.5). A recent study involving McGill researchers now suggests that the annual global death toll from outdoor PM2.5 may be significantly higher than previously thought. That's because the researchers found that mortality risk was increased even at very low levels of outdoor PM2.5, ones which had not previously been recognized as being potentially deadly. These microscopic toxins cause a range of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cancers. "We found that outdoor PM2.5 may be responsible for as many as 1.5 million additional deaths around the globe each year because of effects at very-low concentrations that were not previously appreciated," said Scott Weichenthal, an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health at McGill University and the lead author on the recent paper in Science Advances. Canadian data advances global understanding of effects of outdoor pollution The researchers arrived at this conclusion by combining health and mortality data for seven million Canadians gathered over a twenty-five-year period with information about the levels of outdoor PM2.5 concentrations across the country. Canada is a country with low levels of outdoor PM2.5, making it the perfect place to study health impacts at low concentrations. Knowledge gained in Canada was then used to update the lower end of the scale that is used to describe how mortality risk changes with outdoor PM2.5 levels. The result? An improved understanding of how air pollution impacts health on a global scale. The WHO recently set out ambitious new guidelines for annual average outdoor fine particulate air pollution, cutting its earlier recommendations in half, from concentrations of 10 to concentrations of 5 micrograms (ug) per cubic meter. The current United States Environmental Protection Agency standard of 12 (ug) per cubic meter is now more than double the value recommended by the WHO. "One take away is that the global health benefits of meeting the new WHO guideline are likely much larger than previously assumed," adds Weichenthal. "The next steps are to stop focusing only on particle mass and start looking more closely at particle composition because some particles are likely more harmful than others. If we can gain a better understanding of this, it may allow us to be much more efficient in designing regulatory interventions to improve population health." "How low can you go? Air pollution affects mortality at very low levels" by Scott Weichenthal et al was published in Science Advances. More information: Scott Weichenthal et al, How low can you go? Air pollution affects mortality at very low levels, Science Advances (2022). Journal information: Science Advances Scott Weichenthal et al, How low can you go? Air pollution affects mortality at very low levels,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo3381 Associations Between Area Depriviation Index (ADI) and Probability of Patient Mortality for Black and White Patients With Breast Cancer. Data are shown as Kaplan-Meier curves. The lowest ADI quartile (<25) indicates the lowest level of neighborhood deprivation; the highest ADI quartile (75), the greatest level. HR indicates hazard ratio. Credit: JAMA Network Open (2022). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.38183 New research from University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers is shedding light on racial disparities in breast cancer mortality in women who live in economically deprived neighborhoods. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, suggest that neighborhood deprivation has a differential impact on breast cancer mortality in Black and white women. In a cohort of 19,850 breast cancer patients living in Georgia, the researchers found that while white women who lived in economically less deprived neighborhoods showed decreased mortality, Black women showed high mortality regardless of their neighborhood's economic condition. Ritu Aneja, Ph.D., professor and associate dean for Research and Innovation in the UAB School of Health Professions, served as lead author on the study. Aneja's research laboratory focuses on understanding why breast cancer outcomes (both survival rates and treatment outcomes) differ between white and Black women in the United States. "It is common knowledge that the quality of one's neighborhood impacts health," Aneja said. "Logic would seem to dictate that moving from a poor neighborhood to an affluent one should translate into improved health outcomes. But in Atlanta, we found that this was not true across races. We found that white women with breast cancer who lived in less deprived neighborhoods indeed had lower mortality than white women living in highly disadvantaged neighborhoods. However, this was not the case for Black women with breast cancer." Aneja's team found that irrespective of the type of neighborhood they lived in, Black women had poor health outcomes and mortality rates relative to white women; even more surprisingly, the outcomes were no better for Black women in affluent neighborhoods than for Black women in more deprived areas. "Essentially, moving from more deprived to less deprived areas (low to high economic bracket overall) results in health gains for one racial community but not the other," she said. The data were collected from three major health care systems in Georgia between 2004 and 2020. Each patient was assigned an area deprivation index (ADI) score based on their residential census block group. The ADI of each neighborhood is calculated using 17 different indicators, including income, education, employment, and housing quality. Aneja and her colleagues found that Black women are disproportionately more likely to live in high-deprivation areas, and higher deprivation is associated with unfavorable breast cancer outcomes. Although Black women in the United States have a lower incidence of breast cancer than white women, the overall age-adjusted breast-cancer mortality is about 40% higher among Black women than among white women (27.7 vs. 20.0 deaths per 100,000 women from 2014 through 2018). Aneja says that several states exceed the national statistics, many of which are in the SouthGeorgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Arkansasand the three states with the highest racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes are in the SouthLouisiana, Mississippi and the District of Columbia. Aneja says there is an urgent need for national-level studies of racial breast cancer disparities in relation to area of residence or neighborhood deprivation. Aneja calls for other, similar studies to explore the biological and epigenomic linkages between racism, discrimination and poor health outcomes in other types of cancer as well. More information: Justin M. Luningham et al, Association of Race and Area Deprivation With Breast Cancer Survival Among Black and White Women in the State of Georgia, JAMA Network Open (2022). Journal information: JAMA Network Open Justin M. Luningham et al, Association of Race and Area Deprivation With Breast Cancer Survival Among Black and White Women in the State of Georgia,(2022). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.38183 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The social environments we grow up in are critical when determining our well-being and health later in life. Most Americans (67%) report experiencing at least one traumatic event in childhood, and a new study shows that these experiences have significant impacts on our health risks as adults. Physical illnesses such as obesity and chronic pain are affected, but mental disorders show the most significant association, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and depression. Scientists from the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Nevada, Reno, led the study, published on Oct. 6 in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry. More than 16,000 people from the Reno area volunteered for the research as part of the Healthy Nevada Project, one of the most visible genomic studies in the United States, powered by Renown Health. Participants answered questions about their social environments before age 18, including experiences with emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment, neglect, and substance abuse in the household. The researchers combined this information with anonymized medical records to build on existing research about how childhood traumas affect health outcomes. "The study provides insight as to how social determinants of health may influence adult health disorders," said Robert Read, M.S., a researcher at the Center for Genomic Medicine at DRI and one of the study's lead authors. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of participants recalled at least one type of trauma, and almost one-quarter (24%) reported experiencing more than four. Women and people of African-American and Latinx descent reported a higher prevalence of traumatic experiences than men and those with European ancestry, but people in low-income households were the most impacted. Thirteen mental illnesses showed the most statistically significant associations, including mood disorders, depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. For every reported type of abuse experienced in childhood, a participant's risk for PTSD increased 47%. Each cumulative trauma also increased one's risk for making a suicide attempt by 33%. The researchers note that although the study is rooted in Nevadawhich has high rates of adults with mental illness and poor access to careit provides a window into deeply rooted public health issues across the nation. "Combatting the prevalence of childhood traumas is a complex problem," said Karen Schlauch, Ph.D., a bioinformatics researcher at DRI and one of the study's lead authors. "Personal experiences with neglect and abuse are more challenging to address, but many of the underlying issues can be tackled at the community level, like food insecurity and poverty." Beyond improving our understanding of how early social environments influence our health, Schlauch says that the next target for research is understanding how childhood traumas may be linked with specific traits like impulsivitya prominent trait in Nevada's gambling communities. "In order to address the devastating impacts of early-life adversity on local population health and inequities, we must focus on the dominant social and behavioral mechanisms affecting Nevadans," said Stephanie Koning, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Reno, and study co-author. "Beyond how population needs drive our research, we are partnering with community-based organizations to promote evidence-based interventions across individual, community, and state levels." As the study team expands their analysis of the health impacts of early-life adversity, they are exploring how to use the Healthy Nevada Project database to inform community-based interventions. They've partnered with community institutional partnersincluding the Stacie Mathewson Behavioral Health & Addiction Institute and Northern Nevada HOPESfor research and advocacy focused on promoting healthy childhood social environments and well-being throughout an individual's life. More information: Karen A. Schlauch et al, Using phenome-wide association studies and the SF-12 quality of life metric to identify profound consequences of adverse childhood experiences on adult mental and physical health in a Northern Nevadan population, Frontiers in Psychiatry (2022). Karen A. Schlauch et al, Using phenome-wide association studies and the SF-12 quality of life metric to identify profound consequences of adverse childhood experiences on adult mental and physical health in a Northern Nevadan population,(2022). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.984366 Professor Liam OMahony, APC Principal Investigator and UCC Professor of Immunology, Ms. Tanja Buwalda, long COVID sufferer and representative of "Long Covid Advocacy Ireland," and Dr. Corinna Sadlier, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at CUH. Image: Ger McCarthy Nearly 90% of those living with long COVID have not returned to their pre-COVID level of health, a new study finds. The study of 988 participants conducted by APC Microbiome Ireland, an SFI research center based at University College Cork (UCC), in conjunction with Cork University Hospital (CUH) and long COVID Advocacy Ireland, provides greater insight into impact of long COVID on quality of life, mental health and physical health of people in Ireland. The study is published in HRB Open Research. More than 2 out of 3 participants continue to experience fatigue, post-exertional malaise, palpitations, chest pain, stomach upset/nausea, memory problems, muscle pain or joint pain. The median number of long COVID symptoms reported was 8 for each person, highlighting the substantial burden of this disease. The median reported time since the initial COVID-19 infection was 12 months. Six out of every ten missed workdays A high proportion of long COVID patients reported that they still have a moderate to severe limitation in their ability to carry out their usual daily activities. Nearly 4 of 10 people were severely limited in their ability to work and 6 of every 10 have missed workdays (at some stage) due to their long COVID symptoms. 16% of respondents were unable to work at the time of the survey due to long COVID and were receiving social welfare supports. The survey was produced in a researcher-clinician-patient partnership involving Professor Liam O'Mahony, APC Principal Investigator and UCC Professor of Immunology, Dr. Corinna Sadlier, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at CUH, and Ms. Tanja Buwalda, long COVID sufferer and representative of "Llong COVID Advocacy Ireland." This working group included patient engagement to ensure the survey would impact patients in a targeted and meaningful way, and ultimately help inform care pathways in the treatment of long COVID. SARS-CoV-2 infection not only impacts the lungs Professor O'Mahony said, "This survey highlights that SARS-CoV-2 infection not only impacts the lungs but can have significant long-term effects on multiple organ systems following clearance of the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in many Irish people who were otherwise healthy previously. The reasons why some people develop long COVID, and others do not, are still unclear. While many different biological mechanisms have been proposed, we are focusing on the role of the immune system and the microbiome in these complicated disease processes. "The majority of people surveyed had a mild-moderate severity of initial COVID-19 disease and the majority did not require hospital treatment at that time. A wide range of body systems are impacted by long COVID, as demonstrated by systemic, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neuropsychiatric or musculoskeletal symptoms. Fatigue is the single most frequent symptom reported," Professor O'Mahony continued. Dr. Corinna Sadlier said, "The study demonstrates the significant and wide-ranging impacts long COVID is having not only on physical health, but also on ability to carry out usual daily activities, return to employment and overall quality of life. Another interesting aspect of this research are the clusters of multisystem symptoms or long COVID phenotypes that are emerging. While there remains a huge amount to learn about post COVID illness, there is a clear and compelling need for dedicated cross disciplinary specialist services to treat long COVID patients. In parallel, research is urgently required to identify mechanisms underlying long COVID symptoms as well as effective treatments to improve outcomes for this patient group." Ms. Tanja Buwalda said, "This study clearly shows that long COVID demands urgent national attention from the government and health system. Thousands of people are suffering needlessly because they do not have access to multidisciplinary clinics or effective treatments. With recent waves of new infections, we should expect even more long COVID illnesses to arise. We feel that tackling this large and ongoing problem requires a collaborative approach." "By conducting this research in collaboration with UCC, APC and CUH, as a Patient Advocacy group, we are helping to set the agenda for how long COVID should be addressed, which is on a multi-disciplinary level, reflecting the illness's multi-system complexity. While the long COVID Advocacy Ireland appreciates this preliminary study, we believe that much more must be done in terms of patient care, diagnosis, and treatments, as well as the underlying root causes of long COVID." More information: Liam O' Mahony et al, Impact of Long COVID on health and quality of life, HRB Open Research (2022). Liam O' Mahony et al, Impact of Long COVID on health and quality of life,(2022). DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13516.1 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A new drug called Baxdrostat has been shown to significantly reduce high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients who may not respond to current treatments for the condition, according to results from a phase II trial led jointly by a Queen Mary University of London researcher and colleagues at CinCor Pharma, U.S.. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions conference, the trial results represent the first time that this long-sought new class of drugs to treat resistant hypertension has been developed and successfully tested. The trial, conducted over 12 weeks, gave 248 patients either a once-daily dose of Baxdrostat at varying amounts or a placebo. At entry to the trial, none of these patients' blood pressure was controlled despite taking 3 or more medicines for high blood pressure. The doses of Baxdrostat, taken in addition to patients' usual medicines, varied from 2 mg, to 1 mg, to 0.5 mg. At the end of the 12 weeks, the group who received the highest amount of Baxdrostat saw a 20-point fall in blood pressure. There was an 11-point difference between this group and that which received the placebo treatment, a difference rarely seen in any single drug to reduce blood pressure. Baxdrostat works by preventing the body from making aldosterone, a hormone which regulates the amount of salt in the body. Baxdrostat suppressed blood and urine levels of aldosterone. The study shows the drug causes a marked fall in blood pressure in patients whose hypertension is resistant to usual drugs, and that this type of hypertension is partly due to excess production of the aldosterone hormone. The obstacle to development of such a drug has been matching the drug's targetthe enzyme that makes aldosteronewith another enzyme, which makes the essential steroid hormone, cortisol. Professor Morris Brown, co-senior author of the study and Professor of Endocrine Hypertension at Queen Mary University of London, said, "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. 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. High blood pressure is one of the most common conditions among adults in the UKroughly a third of adults suffer from it. In recent years, it has become clear that in 5-10 percent of people who have high blood pressure have a gene mutation in the adrenal glands, which results in excessive amounts of the steroid hormone aldosterone being produced. This amounts to potentially more than 500,000 people in the UK. Aldosterone causes salt to be retained in the body, driving up the blood pressure. Patients with excessive aldosterone levels in the blood are resistant to treatment with the commonly used drugs for hypertension. Professor Brown has been personally involved in work on the drug for over 10 years and advised both on the Baxdrostat trial, undertaken in the US, and the drug's previous development. More information: Mason W. Freeman et al, Phase 2 Trial of Baxdrostat for Treatment-Resistant Hypertension, New England Journal of Medicine (2022). DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2213169 , Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine Mason W. Freeman et al, Phase 2 Trial of Baxdrostat for Treatment-Resistant Hypertension,(2022). DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2213169 , www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2213169 Location of three biomarkers (MGAM, MUC1, CD9) in kidney tissue shown as green, blue or red by tissue staining. These biomarkers are situated in different cellular compartments in different segments of the nephron. Credit: 2022 Takizawa et al. Early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is key to managing progression of the disease. A new technique analyzing urine extracellular vesicles (uEVs)cell-derived nanoscale spherical structures involved in multiple biological functionsin urine samples identifies changes in the kidneys earlier than conventional methods and can also predict renal function decline. A team at the University of Tokyo studied urine samples from children with and without CKD. They found that the size and content of uEVs change with decreasing kidney function. This proof of concept could help with developing new urine tests that can catch the disease earlier, as well as the development of similar tests for other diseases. Kidneys are our body's essential filtration system. These bean-shaped, fist-sized organs are made up of millions of tiny filtration units called nephrons working hard to keep our blood clear of waste. Unfortunately, 9% of the global population is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the number of cases is on the rise. CKD develops when nephrons are damaged, whether through lifestyle, inherited and congenital diseases, or injury. Many people will not experience severe symptoms, and therefore not seek help, until the condition is more advanced. As it is difficult to completely regenerate damaged nephrons, the earlier the diagnosis the better the possible outcome. A urine or blood test can typically tell doctors if a patient has kidney damage. However, these tests can still miss the very early stages of nephron loss which signal the start of CKD. Researchers at the University of Tokyo wanted to find out if there might be other early markers of kidney disease, especially to aid identification in young children. "We found that changes in tiny structures called extracellular vesicles in urine are valuable in the diagnosis of kidney disease," explained Associate Professor Yutaka Harita from the Graduate School of Medicine. "The percentage of larger vesicles increased with decreased kidney function. We were also surprised to learn that we can use changes in the molecules contained in the vesicles to diagnose and predict renal function decline." Extracellular vesicles are particles that are released from almost all types of cells in our bodies and serve a range of functions. Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) contain proteins from nephrons, which means they could be used as a source of biomarkers (molecules that are signs of normal or abnormal processes) for various related diseases. The team looked at uEVs in urine samples from 26 children with healthy kidneys and 94 children who have various types of CKD, including those born with smaller than typical kidneys, containing fewer nephrons. In children, the causes of CKD are less likely to be due to acquired factors and more likely to be due to structural abnormalities. This made it easier for the researchers to identify and unravel the changes in uEVs, which are associated with abnormal kidney structure. These uEVs are produced by various cells found within nephrons and can mirror the molecular processes, as well as normal and abnormal conditions, in kidney tissue. Credit: 2022 Takizawa et al "To collect extracellular vesicles in urine, we used nanoscale magnetic microbeads (made up of iron oxide particles) coated with a molecule that binds to EVs," explained Harita. "This method enabled efficient collection of uEVs even from patients with kidney disease who could only produce diluted urine. The size of the purified extracellular vesicles and the amount of protein contained in them were analyzed. We found several unique changes in uEVs from children with CKD. For example, children with CKD had lower levels of a protein called MUC1, important for kidney function, in their uEVs." The research is published in iScience. These results offer proof of concept and a first step towards using uEVs for early identification of CKD and to complement existing methods. Next, Harita and the team hope to scale up the project. "We want to conduct studies on a larger scale to establish a new urine test using extracellular vesicles. We would also like to examine the utility of combining the new methods with existing tests for various diseases and age groups." More information: Yutaka Harita, Urinary extracellular vesicles signature for diagnosis of kidney disease, iScience (2022). www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext 2589-0042(22)01688-1 Journal information: iScience Yutaka Harita, Urinary extracellular vesicles signature for diagnosis of kidney disease,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105416 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Researchers have discovered the vital role of a hormone, which develops in men during puberty, in providing an early prediction of whether they could develop certain diseases in later life. Scientists from the University of Nottingham have discovered that the novel insulin-like peptide hormone, called INSL3, is consistent over long periods of time and is an important early biomarker for prediction of age-linked disease. Their latest findings have been published today in Frontiers in Endocrinology. INSL3 is made by the same cells in the testes that make testosterone, but unlike testosterone, which fluctuates throughout a man's life, INSL3 remains consistent, with the level at puberty remaining largely the same throughout a man's life, decreasing only slightly into old age. This makes it the first clear and reliable predictive biomarker of age-related morbidity as compared to any other measurable parameters. The results show that the level of INSL3 in blood correlates with a range of age-related illnesses, such as bone weakness, sexual dysfunction, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The discovery of the consistent nature of this hormone is very significant as it means that a man with high INSL3 when young will still have high INSL3 when he is older. But someone with low INSL3 already at a young age will have low INSL3 when he is older, making him more likely to acquire typical age-related illnesses. This opens up exciting possibilities for predicting age-related illnesses and finding ways to prevent the onset of these diseases with early intervention. The research was led by Professor Ravinder Anand-Ivell and Professor Richard Ivell, and is the latest of three recent studies into this hormone. Professor Ravinder Anand-Ivell explains, "The holy grail of aging research is to reduce the fitness gap that appears as people age. Understanding why some people are more likely to develop disability and disease as they age is vital so that interventions can be found to ensure people not only live a long life but also a healthy life as they age. Our hormone discovery is an important step in understanding this and will pave the way for not only helping people individually but also helping to ease the care crisis we face as a society." The team analyzed blood samples from 3,000 men from 8 regional centers in north, south, east, and west of Europe, including the UK, with two samples taken four years apart. The results showed that unlike testosterone, INSL3 remains at consistent levels in individuals The study also showed that the normal male population, even when young and relatively healthy, still shows a wide variation between individuals in the concentration of INSL3 in the bloodalmost 10-fold. Professor Richard Ivell adds, "Now we know the important role this hormone plays in predicting disease and how it varies amongst men, we are turning our attention to finding out what factors have the most influence on the level of INSL3 in the blood. Preliminary work suggests early life nutrition may play a role, but many other factors, such as genetics or exposure to some environmental endocrine disruptors, may play a part." More information: The Lydia cell biomarker INSL3 as a predictor of age-related morbidity: Findings from the EMAS cohort, Frontiers in Endocrinology (2022). The Lydia cell biomarker INSL3 as a predictor of age-related morbidity: Findings from the EMAS cohort,(2022). DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1016107 (a) Synchrotron phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) with 3D orthographic rendering of an intact left human inner ear. The bony wall of the cochlea was made semi-transparent to permit visualization of the basilar membrane (BM), Rosenthals canal (RC) and auditory nerve (AN). The auditory nerve contains approx. 30,000 fibers and their cell bodies are located in a 14.5 mm long spiral bony canal called RC. From there, peripheral neurites spread out to innervate approx. 15,000 hair cells placed on the BM. A probe is shown penetrating the round window (RW) membrane to access the underlying RC. (b) Microradiograph taken following placement of a radio-opaque marker at the presumed site of RC on anatomical dissection; the image confirms precise targeting of RC during dissection. Credit: Scientific Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22203-2 An international team of surgeons and scientists from, among others, Uppsala University has confirmed secure surgical access to the central core of the human cochlea. The research, published today in Scientific Reports, is critical to the first in-human trials of new cell, gene and drug therapies for the inner ear, and will assist with treatment for improving hearing loss and deafness over the long-term. "Using the advanced 3D imaging techniques we found new intriguing trajectory pathways for cell delivery. We are pleased to be a part of this exciting project with our international colleagues that may form a ground pillar for clinical trials," says Professor Helge Rask-Anderson from Uppsala University. The human cochlea lies in the base of the skull, encased by the hardest bone in the human body. This has hampered the progress of discovering new treatments for hearing loss. Using a detailed representation of the microanatomy of the peripheral auditory neural structure, surgeons have now been able to reach the human cochlea safely with a routine surgical approach. The team from Uppsala University, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London, University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham, and Western University in Canada, has proven and confirmed a secure clinical pathway to the inner ear, which will enable the application of a range of regenerative therapies to restore hearing. "Until now this region of the inner ear has been inaccessible in humans. This means that the pioneering advanced therapies to repair the auditory nerve, which have already proved successful in animal models, have been hampered by limited anatomical knowledge and the lack of a safe access to Rosenthal's canalthe compartment that houses the auditory neurons within the central core of the cochlea," says Marcelo Rivolta, Professor of Sensory Stem Cell Biology at the University of Sheffield and Founder of Rinri Therapeutics. "We believe these findings will have immediate impact on both our understanding of the microstructure of the inner ear and the first in-human trials of new gene and drug therapies to improve hearing loss and deafness." Dr. Simon Chandler, CEO of Rinri Therapeutics, said, "This research now paves the way for the successful delivery of our regenerative cell therapy for hearing loss, that will bring significant positive impacts to health care systems and economies across the globe." Professor Dan Jiang, director of the Hearing Implant Centre at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, and chief investigator on the project, said, "This research provides intuitive knowledge to ear surgeons about the targets of the future cell, gene and drug therapies, and will allow them to reach those targets safely, as they have been trained to do." Gerry O'Donoghue, professor of otology and neurotology at the University of Nottingham, and Clinical Advisor to Rinri Therapeutics, said, "The inaccessibility of the human cochlea has hampered the progress of curative treatments for SNHL to date. These findings however will enable the safe delivery of regenerative therapeutics to their target structures within the relatively impenetrable human cochlea, de-risking future clinical interventions and paving the way for clinical trials." Professor Sumit Agrawal, from Western University in Canada said, "We are delighted that our data was able to contribute to such a vital piece of research, which will enable significant advancements in the clinical trials and treatment of sensorineural hearing loss." More information: Hao Li et al, Unlocking the human inner ear for therapeutic intervention, Scientific Reports (2022). Journal information: Scientific Reports Hao Li et al, Unlocking the human inner ear for therapeutic intervention,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22203-2 MACHETE enables efficient engineering of genomic deletions. a, Schematic of the MACHETE approach. WT, wild type; HA, homology arm; Puro, puromycin; pA, polyadenylation signal. b, Schematic of MACHETE-mediated engineering of a 4.1-Mb deletion at the 11B3 locus. c, Crystal violet stain of WT, 11B3 KI and 11B3 NIH3T3 cells after selection with Puro at 2 g ml1 and/or DT-A at 50 ng ml1. d, PCR genotyping for the 11B3 KI and 11B3 alleles in the indicated NIH3T3 cell lines. e, Experimental outline for testing the impact of DT-mediated negative selection on the efficiency of 11B3 deletion engineering in NIH3T3 cells (left). Clonal analysis of NIH3T3 cells engineered without (DT) and with (+DT) DT selection (right). f, Sanger sequencing of the 11B3 deletion breakpoint confirming the expected deletion. g, Schematic of MACHETE-mediated engineering of a 45-Mb deletion at the 7q11-22 locus in HEK293 cells. gcv, ganciclovir. h, Flow cytometry plots and quantification of BFP+ and BFP HEK293 cells under the indicated conditions. i, PCR genotyping for the 7q11 KI and 7q11-22 alleles in HEK293 cells under the indicated conditions.+. Credit: Nature Cancer (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00443-5 People are already calling it the Machete Paper. Still, lead authors Francisco "Pancho" Barriga and Kaloyan Tsanov of the Sloan Kettering Institute don't want the name of their new research technique to overshadow their findings, which shed new light on a genetic change that contributes to about 15% of all cancers, and which might help identify patients likely to respond to immunotherapies. MACHETE is what the duo call the CRISPR-based method they developed to study copy number alterations, or CNAs, which are large-scale genetic changes that frequently happen in cancer. The MACHETE acronym stands for Molecular Alteration of CHromosomes with Engineered Tandem Elements. It's a new way of slicing out significant targeted sections of genetic code to mirror changes that arise in cancer and other human diseases. This means that for the first time, there's a straightforward and efficient way to study CNA deletions in laboratory modelssuch as the mouse models of pancreatic cancer and melanoma used in their study, which was published in Nature Cancer on November 7, 2022. "In the beginning, we didn't even want to put MACHETE in the title of our paper, to better highlight the fascinating biology we found," says Dr. Barriga, a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute, which is the experimental research arm of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). Still, that didn't stop a labmate from taping a photo of the famous Danny Trejo character, Machete, to his desk after he presented the work for the first time. Nor another scientist from tweeting a copy of the paper's preprint at the actor's Twitter handle. (The gesture went unrequited, alas.) Beyond single-gene cancer mutations To understand the ways in which the study broke new ground regarding one of the most common copy number alterations in human cancersand what it might mean for patients in the futureone needs to appreciate the underlying biology. Many people think of mutations in cancer as small "typos" in the genetic code that affect the activity of a single geneeither turning it on or shutting it off. And for decades, researchers, too, have primarily focused on these tiny errors that drive many types of cancer. Copy number alterations, however, can affect dozens of genes simultaneously, and duplicate or delete large sections of individual chromosomes. A typical tumor carries an average of 24 different CNAs that impact up to 30% of its genome, the researchers note. "Point mutations are relatively easier to study than CNAs," says Dr. Tsanov, who, like Dr. Barriga, is a postdoc in the lab of investigator Scott Lowe, the study's senior author and Chair of the Institute's Cancer Biology & Genetics Program. "But CNAs are just as importantthey're just a lot more complex." Tumors with a higher level of CNAsalso known as CNA burdenare linked to recurrence and worse outcomes in breast, prostate, endometrial, renal clear cell, thyroid, and colorectal cancer, previous MSK research found. But, again, the size and variety of the changesaffecting thousands, or even millions, of base pairs of DNA rather than just the alteration of a single letter in the DNA sequencehas made them very difficult to re-create in laboratory models for close study. A potential new approach to studying large-scale deletions came to Dr. Barriga while he was heading home from the lab on the Roosevelt Island tram. "I wondered: 'How can we select cells with the intended deletions even if they are very rare?' " he says. "I got an idea and drew up the initial concept for what would be the general strategy that evening. When we tried it, it just worked. I may never have something come together that smoothly for the rest of my career." Coming up with the right combination of words to make the MACHETE acronym work took longer, he jokes. But the duo knew they were onto something when genetic changes made with MACHETE in a mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma resulted in the same outcomes as a similar naturally occurring mutation in a different mouse model that Dr. Tsanov was studying for a separate project. "It was really a close collaboration from there on in," Dr. Tsanov says. The research team also included more than a dozen other scientists from MSK, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. Research may help identify which patients will benefit from immunotherapy After the genetically "macheted" cells were inserted into the pancreases of laboratory mice, the mice developed cancer. The genetic alterations removed a slice of chromosome 9, and with it a gene known as CDKN2Aa well-established tumor-suppressor gene. As expected, this shut down the cells' innate ability to prevent the emergence of tumor cells. This broad slice also removed the genetic code for a cluster of interferonsproteins that trigger immune cells to fight off invaders, like cancer cellswhose importance the scientists wanted to test. One of the most prevalent CNAs in people affects this chromosomal region9p21.3and about half of patients with it develop tumors in which these interferons are also missing. "We have known about CDKN2A mutations for a long time, and it was already remarkable how they worked," says Dr. Lowe, who is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. "This study says there is so much more to it, with important therapeutic implications." The additional loss of the interferons creates a one-two punch that makes the tumors invisible to defenders in the immune system and helps the cancer to spread, the researchers discovered. "It's been hard to study these interferons because they're encoded by a cluster of 16 genes," Dr. Lowe adds. "Using MACHETE revealed a major way in which developing cancer cells avoid being recognized by the immune system, and which can also lead to resistance to immunotherapies aimed at reactivating the immune system to attack the cancer." Co-author Dana Pe'er, a computational biologist at the Sloan Kettering Institute, was instrumental in helping the team understand how the disruption of interferon genes affected immune cells and helped the cancer to evade the immune system, Dr. Lowe says. In addition to pancreatic cancer, the findings held true for a mouse model of melanoma. The research suggests, then, that patients whose interferon region is still intact may be better candidates for immunotherapy than those who have lost it. Immunotherapies can work wonders, but one of the great challenges has been in identifying which patients' cancers will respond to them and which won't. Even cutting-edge genomic tests, like MSK-IMPACT, however, don't typically collect information about this cluster of interferon genes. Further study could show whether adding it to sequencing tests could help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy, Dr. Lowe notes. Meanwhile, CNA deletions have been linked to a variety of human genetic disorders called chromosomal deletion syndromes. "So, MACHETE provides a new framework for investigating large deletion events beyond just cancer," Dr. Barriga says, noting a half a dozen other research groups are already using the Sloan Kettering Institute-developed technique. More information: Francisco M. Barriga et al, MACHETE identifies interferon-encompassing chromosome 9p21.3 deletions as mediators of immune evasion and metastasis, Nature Cancer (2022). Journal information: Nature Cancer Francisco M. Barriga et al, MACHETE identifies interferon-encompassing chromosome 9p21.3 deletions as mediators of immune evasion and metastasis,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00443-5 Women who have both ovaries removed before menopause may have a heightened risk of developing Parkinson's disease years later, a new study suggests. Looking at decades of data on more than 5,000 women, researchers found that those who had both ovaries removed before age 43 were five times more likely to eventually be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, versus women their age who did not have the surgery. Experts said the results do not prove the surgery causes Parkinson's. But they are in line with some past studiesand they support the theory that premature estrogen loss might contribute to Parkinson's in some women. Parkinson's disease affects nearly 1 million people in the United States, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. It is a brain disease that over time destroys or disables cells that produce dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate movement and emotional responses. The most visible symptoms of Parkinson's are movement-relatedtremors, stiff limbs and coordination problemsbut the effects are wide-ranging and include depression, irritability, and trouble with memory and thinking skills. Parkinson's disease is roughly twice as common in men than women. That suggests there could be a protective effect of estrogen on dopamine-producing cells, according to Dr. Walter Rocca, the lead researcher on the new study and a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The ovaries are the main source of estrogen in a woman's body. If a woman has both ovaries removed before menopause, she will have an abrupt drop in estrogen. And that, Rocca said, may mean a loss of the hormone's protective effects in the brain. Some past research has linked bilateral oophorectomythe surgical removal of both ovariesto an increased risk of Parkinson's disease years later. But not all studies have reached that conclusion. So Rocca's team dove deeper into whether age at the time of surgery is key. The researchers used health records from about 5,500 Minnesota women, half of whom had undergone a bilateral oophorectomy sometime between 1950 and 2007. The other half had not had the procedure and were matched by age to women in the surgery group. Those women had undergone the procedure either to treat a non-cancerous ovarian condition, like cysts or other growths, or to lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who undergo hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) sometimes have the ovaries removed, too, with the aim of preventing ovarian canceran often deadly disease. Overall, Rocca's team found, 1% of all women in the study eventually developed Parkinson's disease, while another 1.5% were diagnosed with parkinsonismwhere people have some of the symptoms seen in Parkinson's, but the underlying causes vary. There were more cases among the 2,750 women who'd had both ovaries removed: 32 cases of Parkinson's, versus 21 cases in the comparison group, and 50 versus 32 cases of parkinsonism. When the researchers looked deeper, they found that the risks hinged on age: Women who'd had their ovaries removed before age 43 were five times more likely than other women their age to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Bilateral ovary removal at an older age was not tied to an increased risk. While these types of studies cannot prove cause and effect, Rocca said "combining the results of this study with the results of similar studies, and with what is known about the biological effects of estrogen on the brain, it is reasonable to suggest that removal of both ovaries has a causal effect on the risk of Parkinson's disease." Dr. Michael Okun is national medical advisor to the nonprofit Parkinson's Foundation. He said the study "adds to a collective and growing amount of evidence" that premenopausal women who undergo bilateral oophorectomy may face an increased Parkinson's risk down the road. What does that mean for younger women? In some cases, they may be advised to have both ovaries removed because they carry gene mutations that substantially raise their risk of ovarian cancer. But for most women, Rocca noted, the odds of developing ovarian cancer are low. And in light of the potential long-term risks, he said, "removing the ovaries to prevent the disease is not justified." Okun urged women who may be considering bilateral oophorectomy to address all the pros and cons with their doctor. "We recommend a thorough discussion of risks and benefits," he said, "and we caution folks that each case should be handled by considering all factors that may impact multiple clinical outcomes." The findings were published online Oct. 26 in JAMA Network Open. More information: The Parkinson's Foundation has more on The Parkinson's Foundation has more on understanding Parkinson's. Walter A. Rocca et al, Association of Premenopausal Bilateral Oophorectomy With Parkinsonism and Parkinson Disease, JAMA Network Open (2022). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.38663 Journal information: JAMA Network Open Copyright 2022 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Credit: Developing a Screening Tool for the Detection of Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis: The ILD-RISC Risk Score (2022) https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/developing-a-screening-tool-for-the-detection-of-interstitial-lung-disease-in-systemic-sclerosis-the-ild-risc-risk-score/ New research presented this week at ACR Convergence 2022, the American College of Rheumatology's annual meeting, described a first-of-its-kind validated tool to screen for systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication and cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma). Although high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the gold standard for diagnosing systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), not all patients undergo HRCT screening when first diagnosed with systemic sclerosis. It is also unclear when the test should be repeated during follow-up of patients who are negative at baseline. The aim of this research was to develop a risk score for the presence of SSc-ILD (the ILD-RISC score) to guide physicians in ordering baseline and follow-up HRCTs. "Our previous survey identified that only about 66% of physicians regularly screen for interstitial lung disease with HRCT at the time of systemic sclerosis diagnosis, and this percentage drastically drops to less than 15% during follow-up visits," explains Cosimo Bruni, MD-Ph.D., a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Zurich, Research Collaborator at the University of Florence and the study's lead author. "There are also a certain number of physicians who prefer to be guided by signs, symptoms or other tests to prescribe a chest HRCT. We therefore wanted to create a tool that guides clinicians about HRCTs, both at diagnosis and follow-up." The steering board that oversaw the research included six SSc experts, two research fellows and Ilaria Galetti, a patient research partner. They selected 13 variables considered important in the identification of SSc-ILD: sex, age, time from first non-Raynaud's phenomenon sign or symptom, skin subset, presence of esophageal symptoms, current or past digital ulcers, arthritis, smoking, increased inflammatory markers, New York Heart Association functional class, positive systemic sclerosis autoantibodies, the percent of forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO, transfer factor). The prediction model for ILD was based on baseline visits from systemic sclerosis patients in six European referral centers using multivariable logistic regression with backward selection. Of the 780 included patients, 533 (43% ILD) and 247 (48% ILD) were randomly assigned to the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The researchers combined selected laboratory, clinical and pulmonary function features in their statistical model to obtain the ILD-RISC score. They chose a cut-off with 85.6% sensitivity and 53.6% specificity, which was replicated in the validation cohort and applied longitudinally in a cohort of systemic sclerosis patients with negative baseline HRCT. "It is important to diagnose ILD early in order to start treatment," Dr. Bruni says. "We still recommend performing HRCT screening in all patients if the test is readily available and patients are willing to undergo it, so as not to miss any patient with ILD. However, in situations where HRCT is not available, or there are patient concerns about HRCT or the physician prefers to order it only in selected patients, our ILD-RISC score supports the ability of HRCT to identify this complication while also helping clinicians avoid HRCT when not indicated. Most important, it may help to decide when to order HRCTs at follow-up, thus limiting unnecessary exams." Dr. Bruni notes the score's relatively low specificity, leading to a certain number of false positives. "This is a limitation of the current project. We are already working to further improve the score and continue to reduce the number of unnecessary HRCTs," says Dr. Bruni. Comparative Risk of Severe Infection and Hospitalizations for Severe Infections with Belimumab versus Oral Immunosuppressants. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals shown for the three separate target trial analyses comparing belimumab vs. azathioprine, belimumab vs. methotrexate, and belimumab vs. mycophenolate. Datasets for weighted populations (with overlap weights and inverse probability of treatment weights) from three separate target trial analyses were combined to obtain the hazard ratios for belimumab vs. oral immunosuppressant using generalized estimating equations, which addressed the correlation within subject and obtain a valid standard error since the same subject may be in more than one analyses (especially for the belimumab initiators). Credit: Comparative Risks of Infection with Belimumab versus Oral Immunosuppressants in Patients with Non-Renal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (2022) https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/comparative-risks-of-infection-with-belimumab-versus-oral-immunosuppressants-in-patients-with-non-renal-systemic-lupus-erythematosus/ New research presented this week at ACR Convergence 2022, the American College of Rheumatology's annual meeting, found that the biologic B-cell inhibitor belimumab was associated with a lower risk of severe infections and hospitalizations compared to nonbiologic immunosuppressants. Until recently, belimumab was the only FDA-approved biologic for active non-renal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus). Although infection is a major concern in treating SLE, there is little data on the infection risk for patients initiating belimumab compared to immunosuppressive medications such as azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate. The researchers undertook this study to better understand how medications used to treat lupus can contribute to infection risk. Using observational data from TriNetX (a multi-center electronic health record database) the researchers identified adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with SLE but not lupus nephritis who began taking belimumab, azathioprine, methotrexate, or mycophenolate between 2011 and 2021. They then designed three hypothetical trials to estimate the cumulative incidence and hazard ratios of severe infection and hospitalization due to severe infection comparing belimumab separately against azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate. In each comparison, patients had never used the comparator but could use one of the other drugs. For example, in the belimumab versus azathioprine trial, patients could use methotrexate or mycophenolate. To replicate a randomized trial, the researchers used propensity score overlap weighting, a type of propensity score analysis. "We used propensity score overlap weighting to approximate randomization of treatment assignments by balancing baseline covariants among patients in different arms of the study," explains Emma Materne, MD, an internal medicine and pediatrics resident at Massachusetts General Hospital and the study's lead author. "Rather than adjust for individual covariants, each study subject has a propensity score calculated as the probability that they would receive the opposite treatment or intervention of interest, based on their set of covariants (age, race and ethnicity, SLE severity index, use of other SLE medications, chronic kidney disease and infection history, among others). This results in a target population that mimics the treatment groups in a randomized trial," explained Dr. Materne. The researchers compared 2,841 and 6,343 initiators of belimumab and azathioprine, 2,642 and 8,242 initiators of belimumab and methotrexate and 2,813 and 8,407 initiators of belimumab and mycophenolate, respectively. After propensity score overlap weighting, all covariants were balanced in each comparison. The mean age was 45, 94% of patients were women, and 26-28% were Black. In this large cohort of patients with non-renal SLE, belimumab was associated with a lower risk of severe infection and hospitalization due to severe infection compared to three oral immunosuppressants. "The risk of infection and hospitalization should be taken into consideration when clinicians are initiating a new therapy for a patient. Our study shows that belimumab may have lower risks than oral immunosuppressants. It's the first study to our knowledge comparing adverse outcomes in patients on belimumab compared to oral immunosuppressants in a head-to-head analysis. Our study design is in contrast to previous work that looked at outcomes with belimumab as an additive medication to other immunosuppressant therapy," Dr. Materne says. Dr. Materne notes that one of the strengths of the study is the inclusion of a large proportion of Black patients who are disproportionately affected by SLE. "We anticipate our findings apply across races and ethnic groups." Calibration curves for apparent performance of the final STRATIFY-Falls model in CPRD GOLD at one year, and calibration on external validation in CPRD Aurum at one year. Groups represent 10ths of linear predictor, as created between deciles. Histogram shows distribution of predicted probabilities. The model is not recalibrated to pseudo values in the development data. CPRD=Clinical Practice Research Datalink; STRATIFY=STRAtifying Treatments In the multi-morbid Frail elderly. Credit: BMJ (2022). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-070918 Researchers, led by the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, have developed a new tool for doctors to identify patients at high risk of serious falls. The tool could have a big impact on the way older patients are managed in primary care, improving targeting of drug treatment and fall prevention strategies for high-risk individuals. The research, published in The BMJ, used 20 years' worth of data from 1.7 million anonymized healthcare records to develop the tool, and then checked its accuracy against a separate database of almost 4 million healthcare records. In England, each year, around 235,000 hospital admissions for people over 65 are due to falls, costing the NHS an estimated 2.3 billion. Dr. Constantinos Koshiaris, Senior Medical Statistician in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford, who developed the tool, said, "In the past, we have struggled to identify people at risk of falling in the community. Previous falls-risk tools were not very accurate and in some cases had methodological flaws. Our new 'STRATIFY-Falls' tool can predict which patients are most at risk of falling in the next one to ten years. This could allow GPs to provide more personalized care and target falls prevention strategies for patients, such as exercise-based interventions or drug reviews." The risk of a serious fall increases as people age and develop chronic medical conditions. There are many factors that influence this risk, including pre-existing illness or frailty, which may be difficult for doctors to influence alone. One factor that doctors can control is the amount and type of medications prescribed, such as blood pressure medications, also known as antihypertensives. Antihypertensives, can be very effective in preventing diseases such as stroke or heart attacks. But if not carefully monitored, these drugs may lower blood pressure too much. This can cause a temporary drop in the amount of blood that flows to the brain leading to fainting and falling. This effect is especially common as people change position from sitting to standing. Professor Richard McManus, practicing GP and Professor of Primary Care Research at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford said, "GPs often have to balance the risks and benefits of medications for specific conditions, such as high blood pressure, against the potential risk of adverse events such as falls. Having reliable tools to estimate people's individualized risk of falling and change their medication to lower this risk would be very welcome. This kind of tool could in time be built into GP records systems to automatically flag such patients." Falls can have a significant impact on one's quality of life. For example, in people over 65, fractures which result from falls can often signal the point at which they may no longer be able to live independently in their own homes or without care. The researchers used a database of over 1.7 million healthcare records from GP surgeries in England between 1998 and 2018, the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), to create the tool. By linking this to data from hospitals, they were able to identify over 60,000 people aged 40 and up who had at least one high blood pressure measurement and had experienced at least one serious fall during the study period (that required hospital treatment or led to death). They used this information to create a model of the factors that might predict people's risk of falling in the ten years following a high blood pressure measurement. This included factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, prescribed medications, alcohol usage, and smoking. Dr. Lucinda Archer, lead author on the publication and lecturer in biostatistics at the Centre for Prognosis Research, School of Medicine, Keele University, said, "We discovered that a history of previous falls, having a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, heavy alcohol consumption, a high deprivation score, and prescribed drugs were all strong predictors of fall risk, conditional on other variables in the model. The tool we developed considers all these factors, and more, to determine an individual's risk of falling over the next one to ten years." They tested the model against a second set of CPRD data for the same period, which included nearly 4 million records. Lucinda continued, "After some minimal tweaks, we found the new tool's predictions were very accurate at differentiating between groups of high and low risk patients." The tool is now freely available to other researchers for further testing and can be downloaded here. However, the tool is not quite ready for GPs to use in clinical practice, as the team first has plans to test it in a new randomized controlled trial. Professor McManus explained, "In 2023, we will begin recruiting over 3,000 participants who are at high-risk of falls to the NIHR-funded OPTIMISE2 trial. We will use the STRATIFY-Falls tool to identify these potential participants and then follow them up to see if they experience fewer falls after deprescribing their blood pressure lowering treatment." More information: Lucinda Archer et al, Development and external validation of a risk prediction model for falls in patients with an indication for antihypertensive treatment: retrospective cohort study, BMJ (2022). Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) Lucinda Archer et al, Development and external validation of a risk prediction model for falls in patients with an indication for antihypertensive treatment: retrospective cohort study,(2022). DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-070918 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Watching violent TV during the preschool years can lead to later risks of psychological and academic impairment by the summer before middle school starts, according to a new study led by Linda Pagani, a professor at Universite de Montreal's School of Psycho-Education. The study is published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Before now, "it was unclear to what extent exposure to typical violent screen content in early childhooda particularly critical time in brain developmentcan predict later psychological distress and academic risks," said Pagani. "The detection of early modifiable factors that influence a child's later well-being is an important target for individual and community health initiatives, and psychological adjustment and academic motivation are essential elements in the successful transition to adolescence," she added. "So, we wanted to see the long-term effect of typical violent screen exposure in preschoolers on normal development, based on several key indicators of youth adjustment at age 12." To do this, Pagani and her team examined the violent screen content that parents reported their children viewing between ages 3 1/2 and 4 1/2, and then conducted a follow-up when the children reached age 12. Two reports were taken At the follow-up, two reports were taken: first, of what teachers said they observed, and second, of what the children themselves, now at the end of grade 6, described as their psychological and academic progress. "Compared to their same-sex peers who were not exposed to violent screen content, boys and girls who were exposed to typical violent content on television were more likely to experience subsequent increases in emotional distress," said Pagani. "They also experienced decreases in classroom engagement, academic achievement and academic motivation by the end of the sixth grade," she added. "For youth, transition to middle school already represents a crucial stage in their development as adolescents. Feeling sadness and anxiety and being at risk academically tends to complicate their situation." Pagani and co-authors Jessica Bernard and Caroline Fitzpatrick came to their conclusions after examining data from a cohort of children born in 1997 or 1998 who are part of the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, coordinated by the Institut de la statistique du Quebec. Close to 2,000 children studied In all, the parents of 978 girls and 998 boys participated in the study of violent TV viewing at the preschool age. At age 12 years, the children and their teachers rated the children's psychosocial and academic achievement, motivation and participation in classroom activities. Pagani's team then analyzed the data to identify any significant link between problems with those aspects and violent content they were exposed to at preschool, while trying to account for as many possible biases and confounding influences as possible. "Our goal was to eliminate any pre-existing conditions of the children or families that could have provided an alternative explanation or throw a different light on our results," Pagani said. Watching TV is a common early childhood pastime, and some of the children in the study were exposed to violence and some were not. Psychological and academic impairment in children is of increasing concern for education and public-health sector workers. According to Pagani, problems starting middle school are rooted in early childhood. Identifying with fictional characters "Preschool children tend to identify with characters on TV and treat everything they see as real," Pagani said. "They are especially vulnerable to humorous depictions of glorified heroes and villains who use violence as a justified means to solve problems. "Repeated exposure," she added, "to rapidly paced, adrenaline-inducing action sequences and captivating special effects could reinforce beliefs, attitudes and impressions that habitual violence in social interactions is 'normal.' Mislearning essential social skills can make it difficult to fit in at school." Added Bernard, "Just like witnessing violence in real life, being repeatedly exposed to a hostile and violent world populated by sometimes grotesque-looking creatures could trigger fear and stress and lead these children to perceive society as dangerous and frightening. And this can lead to habitually overreacting in ambiguous social situations. In the preschool years, the number of hours in a day is limited, and the more children get exposed to aggressive interactions (on screens) the more they might think it normal to behave that way." Pagani added, "Being exposed to more appropriate social situations, however, can help them develop essential social skills that will later be useful and ultimately play a key role in their personal and economic success." More information: Prospective associations between preschool exposure to violent televiewing and psycho-social and academic risks in early adolescent boys and girls, Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (2022). Missing and broken off telomers illustrate how DNA damage occurs in cells lacking SAMHD1. However, this DNA damage does not cause activation of the interferon system, instead the cells own RNA is sensed. Credit: University Hospital of Bonn The innate immune system fights infectious agents, and the alarm messenger interferon plays a central role in this. However, if interferon is produced in the absence of an infection, it can lead to autoimmune diseases. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the Technical University (TU) Dresden have investigated an underlying mechanism and deciphered the driving force of uncontrolled interferon production through studying the rare autoimmune disease Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome. Their study is published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM). If our innate immune system recognizes viral genetic information by means of sensors, the alarm messenger type I interferon is produced. It is a very strong activator of immune cells and therefore essential in the defense against many pathogens, not only viruses. However, if too much interferon is produced, or if it is produced for too long, the overactivated immune system attacks healthy cellscollateral damage to what is actually a good immune response. In addition, the viral genetic information for the sensors looks for the most part like our own DNA and RNA. In order to prevent such false recognition of our own genetic material, there are safety mechanisms in every cell. If these fail, interferon production occurs in the absence of viral infection leading to inflammation. This sterile inflammation, driven by uncontrolled innate immune activation, has been identified as one factor driving collagen diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). "Diseases like lupus are difficult to study because many genes are involved. But the mechanism of interferon production as a result of the recognition of cell's own nucleic acids also occurs in rare monogenetic autoimmune diseases and in which it can be precisely assigned to a gene defect," says Prof. Dr. Rayk Behrendt, research group leader of the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology at UKB. Recognition of DNA and RNA in cells is coupled The research team from the medical faculties of the University of Bonn and the Technical University of Dresden took advantage of this and took a closer look at Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome in a mouse model. This interferon-driven monogenetic autoimmune disease is triggered by inactivating mutations in genes that degrade cellular nucleic acids and thus prevent sensors of the innate immune system from being overactivated. One of these genes is called SAMHD1, and it regulates the replication and repair of DNA in the cell nucleus. Consequently, it was previously assumed that in affected individuals, DNA drives the disease. "However, we now showed that contrary to previous expectations, recognition of cellular RNA is the driving force behind uncontrolled interferon production," says Prof. Behrendt. "In this regard, it looks as if mainly RNAs from viruses encoded in our genome play a role. These sequences make up about 40 percent of our genetic material." Loss of DNA recognition suppresses the cellular immune system But why was it thought for so long that DNA in SAMHD1-deficient cells activates the interferon system? It had been known for a long time that even healthy cells always produce a little interferon: so-called "tonic interferon signaling." This leads to the fact that many gene products that act "antiviral" are always present in low concentrations and allow cells to quickly switch on an immune response. This includes many nucleic acid sensors, such as those that recognize RNA in the cytoplasm. The research team observed that tonic interferon is activated via the DNA sensor cGAS, which recognizes cellular DNA, the carrier of our genetic information in the cell nucleus. If this DNA sensor is switched off, the cells become blind not only to DNA, but also to cellular or viral RNA. This is because the lack of tonic interferon reduces the amount of RNA sensors, which are part of the antiviral immune system.' "So if you inactivate the DNA sensor cGAS in SAMHD1-deficient cells, it looks like DNA causes the disease because the interferon is gone. In reality, the cell simply can't see the cell's own unnatural RNA anymore," says Tina Schumann, a post-doc at the Institute of Immunology at TU Dresden. What are endogenous retroviruses doing in our cells? Prof. Behrendt's motivation to better understand the causes of this type of sterile inflammatory disease is to create novel approaches for therapies. For example, a deficiency in SAMHD1 appears to be a driver of cancer cell formation, among other things. Therefore, the researcher from Bonn wants to clarify why the accumulation of RNA from endogenous retroviruses occurs in SAMHD1-deficient cells. In addition, he wants to clarify what activates cGAS in healthy cells and thus causes the basic alerting of the immune system, which is so vital for us. More information: Tina Schumann et al, Deficiency for SAMHD1 activates MDA5 in a cGAS/STING-dependent manner, Journal of Experimental Medicine (2022). Journal information: Journal of Experimental Medicine Tina Schumann et al, Deficiency for SAMHD1 activates MDA5 in a cGAS/STING-dependent manner,(2022). DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220829 Provided by University Hospital of Bonn With the ballot return rate sitting at just 51.29% as of last Friday, Missoula County officials urge voters to return their ballots for Tuesday's Nov. 8 general election. Cold, snowy weather could impede voter turnout Tuesday. The National Weather Service calls for patchy, blowing snow, with a high near 30 degrees Fahrenheit and a low around 10 degrees. Wind chill values Tuesday are expected to drop below 0. Voters can find their in-person polling places by visiting myvoterpagemt.com. They can also check the status of their ballots by visiting app.mt.gov/voterinfo. About 45% of voters in the state who received absentee ballots havent yet returned them, according to data updated Friday by the Montana Secretary of States office. Ballots need to be received by county election offices by 8 p.m. on Election Day, meaning any sent through the mail at this point will likely arrive too late to be counted. While its too late to mail your absentee ballot to local elections offices this year, there are still a number of ways Montanans can vote. Late registration is available in-person at election offices through Election Day, until the polls close at 8 p.m. Ballots can also be dropped off at drop box locations including: Missoula Elections Center: A secure 24-hour drop box is available on the north side of the green warehouse at the Missoula County Elections Center, 140 N. Russell St. Missoula County Fairgrounds: Drive-thru drop box available Tuesday, Nov 8., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The return rate has inched slightly higher since Nov. 1. A week before the election, the return rate was at a historically low 40.25%, on pace to be the lowest ballot return rate in county history. In the 2020 all-mail election, meanwhile, the return rate was up to 70% the Friday before the election. Because of the low return rate, election officials anticipate slow vote tabulation on Election Night. To ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of human error, elections staff will wrap up ballot tabulation at midnight on Election Day and resume at 10 a.m. Wednesday, if needed, a press release from Missoula County stated. Missoula County is also keeping records of video footage taken in and around the Elections Center because of an ongoing lawsuit with a local man suspicious about election fraud. Plaintiff John Lott with the Missoula County Election Integrity Project brought the lawsuit against the Missoula County Elections Office and Elections Administrator Bradley Seaman. Even though Missoula County usually maintains video records for 30 days following an election, the county has agreed to maintain video surveillance footage of the Election Center for the duration of the lawsuit. The subject footage is being collected from Nov. 6 to Nov. 14. Since the 2021 session, a series of election-related laws have been enmeshed in litigation, resulting in a back-and-forth of court orders that caused a series of changes in the legal requirements to vote. In September, those laws were struck down by a state district judge, meaning none of the new laws affecting voter ID or registration will be in effect this year. That means in-person voters can rely on the types of identification that have worked in the past, including college IDs, utility bills, paychecks and other government documents with their name and current address, If election officials arent able to verify a voters identification, that voter can still vote using a provisional ballot, which is secured separately from the rest of the ballots and wont be counted on Election Day. Those voters have until 5 p.m. the next day to show up with documentation to prove their identity, or their provisional ballot wont be counted. For the last two years, unfounded allegations of widespread voter fraud have circulated in especially high volume. In response to the continued presence of misinformation about election processes in Montana and elsewhere, a working group of election officials, lawmakers and others have created an informational website to push back against the allegations. For more information, visit votinginmontana.org. Lee Montana State Bureau reporter Holly Michels contributed to this story. A contentious meeting about a proposed housing development in the south Missoula Farviews neighborhood last week illustrates the tension around density, traffic and equity in a city with a dire lack of housing but no perfect place to build more homes. A local property owner, Rebecca Donnelly, bought a 9.5-acre chunk of undeveloped land on a hillside just north of High Park, adjacent to 503 Simons Drive. Shes hired local land use and planning firm IMEG Corp. to conduct the initial analysis and public outreach on her plan to subdivide the land into 19 residential lots, with a large swath of open space left over. The proposal, as it now stands, would extend Landons Way eastward into her property to allow access. Staff with IMEG met with more than two dozen neighbors to give a presentation and answer questions. At the gathering, where many residents voiced concern over the subdivision, the term NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) came up several times. Mostly, the residents were saying that not only did they not fall into the NIMBY category but that their opposition to the project has to do with legitimate traffic and environmental concerns. Some people demanded to know why the property owner wasn't there, and others raised their voices when declaring that the site isn't suited for that type of development. City Council Ward 4 member Amber Sherrill, who represents that part of town, was at the meeting and agreed that NIMBY-type opposition wont sit well in a city where housing prices have escalated far beyond wages in the last decade due to a severe undersupply of homes. You know, this ward has not taken the density of other areas of our town, Sherrill said. So saying Not In My Backyard is not gonna go with council. Im in a quasi-judicial role here, so Im giving no opinion on this project because I will have to sit in that role on council. Im here to listen. But I do think that this time is for you to really weigh in on the safety concerns, the concerns about wildlife habitat. She said there are going to be plenty of opportunities for people to speak. Shirley Oliver lives next door to where the development would occur. Residents have serious concerns about the scope and impact of this project, Oliver said. I thought it was a fine presentation. However, it doesnt address any of our concerns about the traffic on (Landons Way)." The steep road is often icy in the winter and isn't wide enough, she said. "I truly think it is a safety issue. It is a fairly narrow road to start with and if you come in down from the bottom on Hillview Way and youre turning left, you almost run into a car. She said theres barely room for drivers if people park on the street. And then the plows come through and they pile up snow on either side and theres no space where one car can get through, Oliver said. Other residents pointed out that the new units would all be on the upper end of the price scale for the area and wouldn't address the affordable housing shortage. Rising tide? However, real estate experts in town have said in the past that Missoula needs more housing of all types, in all price ranges, to create more housing options in order to depress price surges. Former state lawmaker Adam Hertz, a member of Gov. Gianforte's housing task force, told the Missoula City Council recently that any type of new housing will relieve pressure in the market. "The new units being built don't necessarily need to be affordable to create more affordable housing opportunities for people in the market," he said. Steve Hall, a neighborhood resident, was one of about two dozen people that showed up to the meeting. He told his fellow neighbors that when they email the City Council to object to the project, they should make every effort to avoid just falling into the NIMBY category. Rather, he said, they should voice their concerns over things like public safety. I have developed in the past, he said. Not In My back Yard is one of those things that is not going to be a criteria with approval for a subdivision. What we want to do is make sure that we are covered for safety. And our primary goal is to make sure that Landons Way is addressed. And if thats not addressed in the proper aspect, this whole thing is going to go sideways. Danny Oberweiser, a land use planner with IMEG, said the current zoning would allow up to 76 units on the property. And in the citys growth plan the area is designated for between three and 11 housing units per acre, which would allow even more housing. So the fact that were only proposing 19 is dramatically lower than what someone could come in and do tomorrow if they wish, he said. The project is realistically about two years out from breaking ground, he noted, because it has to go through what he called an arduous review process to address sewer, water, stormwater, fire access, building codes and zoning codes. The area residents peppered him with concerns and questions after the presentation. One resident said there was a nest of owls in the area, and Oberweiser said the plan is to keep as many trees on the site as possible. As for the concerns about traffic, Oberweiser said the property owner cant do much about that, but he encouraged residents to contact the city. Thats a consensus on pretty much all development, he said. We get the same kind of comment that increased traffic is a concern. And we know its a concern and sometimes theres not much we can do about it. You know, I dont think we can feasibly widen this road all the way down. Density elsewhere In Missoulas Northside neighborhood, a huge 200-unit affordable housing project called The Villagio will be completed next year. That proposal will add hundreds of daily car trips to the immediate neighborhood, but there was hardly any pushback on that project. Similarly, an affordable housing project called The Trinity apartments will add 70 new apartments to the Westside neighborhood, and it got barely any neighborhood opposition. Paul Forsting, a senior planner with IMEG, noted that the Farview and South Hills neighborhoods are lined up to see huge housing development projects in the next few years. In the Miller Creek neighborhood, a development company called Tollefson Properties is proposing a 176-lot major subdivision of 93 acres located at 6525 Miller Creek Road. The meeting in the Farviews was much like other meetings about proposed new housing developments in Missoula. In 2020, when residents of the Grant Creek neighborhood were protesting a proposed rezone that would allow a developer to build more apartments, a high-ranking city official noted that some neighborhoods are absorbing more density than others. "I strongly believe all neighborhoods need to do their part in ensuring Missoula remains a place where all Missoulians can call home," said Eran Pehan, the director of the city's community planning and development office said at the time. "Neighborhoods like Grant Creek largely consist of single-family homes." Pehan noted that because that neighborhood is bordered by open space, it hasn't added a lot of density over the years like other neighborhoods. "I want to highlight the equity conversation that's occurring around housing development," Pehan said. "(Grant Creek Village, the proposed apartment complex) presents challenges to traffic and public transportation. These concerns also apply to more compact housing development that is happening throughout Missoula today." Update: On Nov. 9, Dr. Caitlin Bernard and Dr. Amy Caldwell asked the judge to issue a preliminary injunction that would freeze Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita's investigation and subpoenas while the lawsuit goes forward. "There is a serious risk that patient identities could be disclosed to the public, which could subject them to harassment based on their most sensitive medical information," attorney Kathleen DeLaney said in a statement. Katlyn Milligan, a spokesperson for Rokita's office, said in a statement Wednesday that "patient privacy is the foundation of medical ethics," and that the office "will proceed to seek the truth no matter the attempts to push (Bernard's) narrative." An Indianapolis obstetrician-gynecologist thrust into the national spotlight on abortion this year is suing to stop Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita from allegedly relying on "frivolous" consumer complaints to issue subpoenas over confidential medical records. Dr. Caitlin Bernard, who attracted national attention after she told IndyStar she provided an abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim, and her medical partner Dr. Amy Caldwell claim in their lawsuit Rokita's office has sent subpoenas for medical records of patients who never filed complaints to the attorney general's office. They're asking a Marion County court to stop his investigation because his acts violate "numerous Indiana statutes," according to a complaint that was provided to IndyStar. "The Attorney General has completely ignored the requirement to determine that consumer complaints have 'merit' before he can investigate and has instead used facially invalid consumer complaints to justify multiple, duplicative, and overbroad investigations into law-abiding physicians," attorneys for the two doctors wrote. Rokita's office said in a prepared statement Thursday it investigates "thousands of potential licensing, privacy, and other violations a year." Story continues "A majority of the complaints we receive are, in fact, from nonpatients," the statement continues. "Any investigations that arise as a result of potential violations are handled in a uniform manner and narrowly focused. We will discuss this particular matter further through the judicial filings we make. The lawsuit comes months after Bernard's attorney Kathleen DeLaney said they had received a letter about an investigation by Rokita's office into consumer complaints against the doctor. DeLaney said in a past statement the complaints were "riddled with inaccuracies and rely on no first-hand knowledge." IndyStar requested information on the complaints from Rokita's office. Those requests were denied in September, but the lawsuit filed Thursday by Bernard and Caldwell describe what some of them said. Complaints against Bernard came during media storm Seven people filed consumer complaints against Bernard to the Indiana Attorney General's Office between July 8 and July 12, according to the lawsuit. Her attorneys say they were submitted by people who read or saw news stories about Bernard after the IndyStar story describing the 10-year-old patient went viral. No one claimed to have received care by either Bernard or Caldwell. "Most of the complaints were submitted by individuals who did not claim to reside in Indiana," the lawsuit states. One complaint said Bernard "kept knowledge of the rape of a 10 year old from authorities." In July, however, the Indiana Department of Health provided IndyStar a copy of a termination of pregnancy report filled out by Bernard that confirmed she did report the abortion, and alerted the state that the 10-year-old had suffered abuse. The complaint listed Bernard's phone number as "555555555." Another complaint from a resident in Ohio accused Bernard of spreading false information by relating the anecdote of the 10-year-old to media. They pointed to statements by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who questioned the integrity of Bernard's story when he said on Fox News his office had not heard "a whisper" of a report being filed for the 10-year-old victim. "As a citizen of Ohio I feel that this misinformation (aka LIE) harmed my State's image AND is a malicious act intended to harm people such as myself that hold a pro-life position," the complaint read. They said they had "personally experienced hostility against me" in connection with Bernard's comments. "If I am continued to be harrassed (sic) in this manner I will be filing a personal injury case against Dr. Bernard." But in the weeks after IndyStar published the story on Bernard, authorities in Ohio charged a man with rape in connection with the 10-year-old. Columbus police were informed of the girl's pregnancy through a referral by Franklin County Children Services that was made by her mom June 22. In another complaint against Bernard, the individual was asked in the complaint form, "What was the very first contact between you and the Individual/Business?" Their response: "Reported in the US Media and President of the United States." "The consumer complaints that gave rise to the 'investigation' of Dr. Bernard were filed by individuals who patently lacked any personal knowledge of the allegations contained therein, and who therefore could not verify the accuracy of those allegations under penalty of perjury," lawyers wrote in Thursday's lawsuit. A spokesperson for Rokita's office has previously said the attorney general's authority to look into doctors like Bernard is intentionally broad and found throughout state and federal law." It includes but isnt limited to authority to investigate both state and federal privacy violations, consumer complaint issues, and it includes jurisdiction over licensed professionals including physicians," the spokesperson said. Rokita can ask the state's medical licensing board to discipline a doctor if a consumer has made a substantiated complaint against them. Bernard doesn't have any record of disciplinary actions, according to state records. Nor have any legal actions been taken against her in state or federal court. Call IndyStar courts reporter Johnny Magdaleno at 317-273-3188 or email him at jmagdaleno@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @IndyStarJohnny This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Abortion doctor files new request to freeze Indiana AG investigation Nearly daily headlines on gun violence, overdoses and crime is hard to ignore, especially as many Montanans recall that the state used to be a much more peaceful place. The articles are widely read as locals cant seem to look away from the frequent violence that inches closer to peoples backyards. Many medical professionals have pointed to the severe lack of mental health resources in the state as one driver for the increase in community violence. Although, all are careful to clarify that mental illness does not equate to violence. Overall, violence is uncommon among people with mental health conditions. But when mental illness goes untreated and is intertwined with other co-occurring issues like substance-use disorder, environmental factors or child abuse and neglect, risk factors for violent behavior can culminate. Three Montana murder-suicides in a week, two occurring in just over 24 hours, was particularly telling for Community Crisis Center Director Marcee Nearly. Clearly (people) arent getting the treatment they need, Nearly said. When mental illness is managed with the help of a professional, most people can lead normal lives, but when left untreated, symptoms sometimes come to a head in hospital emergency departments. Employees at Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare have noticed an increase of patients seeking treatment while in the midst of a mental health crisis. These patients tend to contribute more significantly to the increasing violence taking place in hospitals. A national survey found that 42% of emergency department assailants were psychiatric patients, and 40% involved patients seeking drugs or were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians. But of the 163,000 Montanans diagnosed with a mental health condition and the 44,000 citizens with a serious mental illness, at least 47,000 people did not receive the mental health care they needed in 2020. Of those, 48.6% did not receive care because of cost, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The number of (assaults) has gone up as substance abuse disorder (has changed), as different drugs have come into our community, as our communities have grown, but the resources have gotten less, said Brad Von Bergen, Billings Clinic ED manager. Theres a lot more pressure on people these days financially and people cope with alcohol, they cope with drugs. Von Bergen has worked as a registered nurse at the Clinic for 30 years, and has noticed more mental health crises playing out in the ED than ever before. Emergency departments The Oct. 16 shooting in the Billings Clinic Emergency Department was a blatant reminder of the extent of the mental health crisis playing out in Montana. During the incident, a suicidal patient sustained two gunshot injuries, one self-inflected and the other from a responding police officer. Billings Clinic Emergency Department leadership said the rise in gun violence in Billings can be linked to the statewide lack of mental health resources. The resources that people have outside of Billings Clinic have (decreased), said Von Bergen. That has made it really hard for our community when they need help or they used to have that place to go and now they dont have it anymore. When those people are in crisis, some end up at the Community Crisis Center. When there is spillover, people end up in EDs, Von Bergen said. The Clinics ED director, Dr. Jaimee Belsky, said people should still go the ED if they are in crisis, but pointed to the lack of mental health resources in the community as the reason for overflowing psychiatric units and long waits for the state psychiatric hospital. Discharging patients to specialized psychiatric care is where treating mental health crises in the ED becomes tricky. When there are no beds available, patients end up boarding in the ED, which are not very comfortable for an extended stay, Blesky said. Its also just the nurses and what theyre trained to do. Our nurses are still trying to (treat patients in the ED), but simultaneously theyre also having to watch that patient at the same time, Belsky said. Counselors can spend some one-on-one time with patients in the ED, but patients dont have access to group therapies that are often integral to treatment. With more mental health providers, more group therapy sessions and more support services available, people could seek treatment for mental illness. Building up (community) resources would give us more tools, Blesky said. I think it would help tremendously because theyll redirect care immediately. So were not going to have as many acute crises but theyre also going to help with getting you out (of crisis care). State budget cut hurt treatment Making an appointment with a mental health provider is becoming increasingly difficult in Montana. Therapists are booked out for months and waiting lists sometimes stretch past the six-month mark. Community resources in rural places in particular have evaporated at an alarming rate, according to Mary Windecker, executive director of the Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana. The 2017 state budget cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services are largely to blame for the mental health crisis that followed, Windecker said. Before the $49 million budget cut, Montanans had access to case workers in their community who helped them stay on top of medications and engage in therapy to manage symptoms of mental illness or substance-use disorder (SUD). These resources allowed people to live relatively normal lives, Windecker said. After the budget reductions, case workers and providers were laid off en-mass, and mental health centers around the state could no longer afford to staff at the same capacity. So when the pandemic hit, resources were already dwindling. Montanans faced lockdowns, isolation, loss and fear, and the mental health crisis was amplified. It is even more difficult to meet demand now that accepting Medicaid comes with significant financial loss. Facilities have limited the number of staffed providers in order to keep the doors open, Windecker said. Montanas numbers Professionals have summarized the situation as a mental health crisis that is, in some ways, uniquely Montana. Just this year, Billings was ranked as the most depressed city in the nation. Thirty-one percent of residents have been diagnosed with depression by a professional, according to data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. And due to prevalent, cultural stigma, Windecker expects there are innumerable people who are living with an undiagnosed mental health condition, though its difficult to estimate without data. But data regarding diagnosed individuals is well documented. In February 2021, about 35% of adults in Montana reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, but about 18% were unable to access counseling or therapy services, according to data from the Montana chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In Montana, 44,000 adults have severe mental illness, and of the homeless population, one in four live with serious mental illness. Substance use disorders often develop as a way to cope with or mask the symptoms of mental illness, Windecker said. Substance use disorder (SUD) accompanies other mental illnesses about 25% of time, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. And those who receive treatment for nonprescription opioids are diagnosed or have symptoms of a mental illness 43% of the time. You cant treat substance use disorder without treating mental health, Windecker said. Legislation Windecker, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, plans to propose a new model that would place mental health and substance use treatment on a level reimbursement with physical health for the first time. The model, called Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs), would also be accessible in rural and frontier communities. We looked at many aspects of the model to make sure that it would meet the rural and frontier needs of the state and replace the community-based services that were decimated by the 2017/2018 budget cuts, Windecker said. It will also be imperative that the 2023 Legislature passes the governors provider rate study recommendations, Windecker said. The rate study found that most programs needed a 10% to 25% boost in Medicaid rates to remain viable. The total cost to the state to meet the cost of these services totals $32 million. Without these safety net providers, the mental health and substance use treatment system will collapse, Windecker said. With a revenue surplus of $1.7B and recreational marijuana tax available, this is a small amount to spend to fix a system that has long been underfunded and operating at a loss. Numerous websites promise to qualify any pet as an emotional support animal that the sites claim can go nearly anywhere inside restaurants and stores, into "no pets" apartments and throughout college dorms. The easily obtained certificates are making it tough for states to crack down on fake support animals without running afoul of federal fair housing or anti-discrimination laws. Emotional support animals, which are supposed to help people overcome anxiety or other psychological ills, are different from "service animals," which are trained to help people with disabilities navigate their surroundings or to warn owners of physical ailments such as low blood sugar. There are specific criteria for service animals in state or federal law, mostly having to do with training or the performance of specific tasks, and the animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional support animals don't have the same ADA protection. Under federal Department of Housing and Urban Development guidance, emotional support animals are allowed in homes and apartments. Landlords are allowed to ask for documentation that the person needs the animal. In practice, a certification from a therapist or counselor that says the animal helps with anxiety, depression or other ills usually suffices. The criteria do not permit support animals in restaurants or other indoor environments where pets are prohibited. But in practice, gatekeepers are usually reluctant to challenge people with support animals. The vague definition has led to an explosion of websites such as Pettable, CertaPet and US Service Animals advertising how easy it is to qualify, even by remote appointment, in a couple of days. These animals primarily fall under the federal Fair Housing Act, which allows the animals in apartments, homes and college dormitories, with some restrictions. Apartment managers, store greeters and restaurant hosts are put in the uncomfortable position of dealing with pet owners who may be insistent that their furry friends are allowed in both when they are, and even if they are not. Some doorkeepers acquiesce rather than fight, though that could put them at odds with patrons who are allergic to animals or who simply don't want them around where they live, eat or shop. About a dozen states have penalties for falsely claiming a need for an assistance animal in housing, according to Rebecca Wisch, an editor at the Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan State University, which keeps track of the laws. But most of those laws have to do with trying to pass off an animal as a service dog, when there is no disability-related need, rather than just emotional support animals, adding to the confusion. Critics of permitting support animals in housing say the easier it is to obtain a support animal certificate, the more likely it is that ordinary pets can carry the fake designation, even if their owners have been only cursorily evaluated for need. Support animals used to be allowed on commercial flights, but the U.S. Department of Transportation stopped that in 2020 with a new rule that limits the allowed animals to service dogs. All others are classified as pets and must meet airline rules, such as being in a carrier or fitting under a seat. "The problem is there are online 'therapists' that sell the letters to support an emotional support animal and sell entry into a 'registry' that doesn't exist; there's no such thing," said Mike Rutledge, coordinator of Veteran Services at Northern Michigan University, who also handles student requests for emotional support animals at the school. "They are stealing people's money." Rutledge said in an interview he has seen a sharp rise in students requesting support animals in university housing, an increase he blames on the pandemic, which studies show has exacerbated student anxieties and depression. About 3% of students living in university housing at Northern Michigan have the animals, he estimated. He said he has to weigh students' needs both those who want the support animals and those who may not want to live with them along with concerns over keeping an animal in a small space, such as a dorm room, and the legitimacy of the requests. Rutledge, a retired 22-year Army veteran who has mobility issues and is assisted by Welles, an English Labrador retriever, meets with every student to ascertain whether they simply bought a certificate or really have a relationship with a therapist, which he requires. Michigan law allows emotional support animals in housing, and landlords can't require extra fees or deposits. They must provide reasonable accommodations for the animals. A new law in California, which took effect in January, is the most stringent of those designed to crack down on the fakes. The law requires a mental health practitioner to have at least a 30-day relationship with a client before being allowed to prescribe an emotional support animal and spells out that such animals are not guide dogs or service dogs, and therefore aren't allowed in stores, restaurants and other indoor public places. The support animals are allowed in residences. Violations of the law can cause a practitioner to be disciplined by their licensing board and be fined. "This (law) is really about creating awareness and action around fraudulent actions that are meant to mislead the public," Assembly member Laura Friedman, a Democrat and author of the bill, said in a phone interview. "It's not going to stop anyone from having an emotional support animal, but ordering a harness off the internet doesn't change the law or give you more rights. "People were misled into believing something that wasn't true. It doesn't stop people from purchasing these animals. It doesn't mean this animal has any special privileges under the law or has any special training." But there's little evidence that the law is being enforced. Friedman says the next step is to spread the word, particularly among landlords and apartment managers. The California attorney general's press office, in an email, said officials were not aware of any cases since the law went into effect brought against mental health professionals for prescribing emotional support animals for people who were not qualified to get them. Further, the email said: "There are more than 500 local officials who can bring actions to enforce (the law). We are not aware of any such actions brought to date." Heidi Palutke, a lawyer with the California Apartment Association, which represents landlords, said the effect of the California law is limited. "It regulates the purveyors of the swag (such as vests, certificates and collars) to present their animal as a support animal," she said. But it doesn't give the landlord or apartment manager the right to question the certificate. "This carve-out in the state law doesn't give the landlord the ability to say 'no,'" she said. "What's frustrating for me is that there are people who really do need these animals to lead some kind of decent life," she added. "This is really being exploited by people who want pets in housing that doesn't allow pets." She said the issue usually arises when a tenant is evicted for having an unauthorized pet. After that notice, she said, the animal is "magically transformed into a support animal," and there's little the landlord can do. But some websites apparently are paying attention. When a Stateline reporter applied on Pettable for an emotional support dog and gave her home state as Maryland, the site responded that the reporter had been "pre-approved," and a follow-up email said she was a "great candidate." All that remained was to pay the fee and consult with a therapist online in the next 24 hours. Fees range from about $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on what a customer buys, according to news reports. But when the address was changed to California, the transaction didn't go through. An email to Pettable produced a response citing the California law with the 30-day relationship requirement and added: "We cannot expedite consultations for CA residents or provide you with a letter. You'll have to wait 30 days and finish two consultations with your assigned therapist before you can get your ESA letter." Michigan state Rep. Sara Cambensy, a Democrat, hopes to get her state to follow California's lead. She has sponsored a bill that would penalize people who sell fake emotional support animal certificates and gear. A similar bill was approved by the legislature in 2020, but Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed it, largely due to a clause specifying punishment for the owners of fake support animals, saying it might violate privacy rights. The new bill does not include sanctions on the animal owners. With pomegranates and persimmons coming up, and citrus just around the corner, St. Helena's volunteer gleaners are once again offering to harvest extra fruit from local fruit trees and deliver it to the St. Helena Food Pantry. Pam Smithers and Susan Davis of the Food Pantry are leading the project, which is aimed at reducing food waste and feeding the hungry. Mark and Pam Smithers will pick fruit for people unable to do it themselves. Call 696-0530 to set up an appointment and learn more. Back in June, Napa County attempted to pass a local quarter-cent sales tax for wildfire prevention efforts. But the measure failed at the ballot box, leaving a multi-year funding gap. The Napa Valley Vintners is attempting to help close that gap for 2023 through an ongoing fundraising campaign. Launched this past weekend with a Vintage Celebration event that featured a $2,500-per-guest field trip at several local vineyards to highlight fire mitigation efforts the fundraiser has a goal of raising $2 million for fire prevention needs that Measure Ls proposed quarter-cent sales tax would have covered, along with reforestation efforts. Funding will go directly to Napa Communities Firewise Foundation and the Napa County Resource Conservation District for a push to establish and maintain over 100 miles of protective firebreaks; to clear defensible space and carry out forest management; and to restore local urban and rural forests. 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. Teresa Wall, director of marketing communications for the Napa Valley Vintners, said Monday that the effort is being carried out through Collective Napa Valley, the successor to Auction Napa Valley. Measure L would have brought in an estimated $10 million annually for the county and local municipalities over a 10-year span, with funds restricted to prevention measures such as fuel management, improved wildfire detection and enhanced fire services. Though more than half of Napa voters supported the measure 56% of voters ultimately voted in favor it needed a two-thirds majority to pass. That funding may have been used for goals outlined by a five-year, $42 million blueprint developed by Napa Community Firewise Foundation and Cal Fire. The Napa County Board of Supervisors spent $7.5 million funding the plan. Members of the board previously said that without the passage of Measure L, funding for work outlined by the plan isnt sustainable. Christopher Thompson, board president of the NCFF, said Monday that much of the fire mitigation work thats been carried out so far was funded through the county, and through state grants that came after Napas major wildfires including the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex fires and Glass Fire burned through much of Napa. Everyone took pity on the county so we got funding, Thompson said. Now weve come through that, its going to be interesting to see how we do with the next round of grants. But grant funding is unreliable, he said, in part because the state prioritizes counties with the most need. Having regular, reliable funding for fire mitigation each year is necessary, Thompson said, because fire mitigation work thats already been completed needs to be maintained. Measure L was supposed to be that durable funding source, he said. But NCFF will now need to rely on grant funds and efforts such as those now being carried out by the Vintners. There are grants for fuel mitigation, Thompson said. Its almost impossible to find grants used for maintenance of the work weve already done, to maintain the projects. Grass grows, trees grow, bushes grow; it all grows back. Wall said that, for now, this is a one-time fundraising effort. But the Vintners are interested in continuing to raise money for what the community needs. Were taking this one step at a time, Wall said. We know right now there is a need and there is a shortfall, and so that is why were doing this campaign. Certainly were very invested in the future of Napa Valley and reforestation. There could very well be fundraising for this in the future, but were taking it one step at a time. Register reporter Danielle Wilde contributed to this report. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. leaders came to Atlas Peak and described steps the utility is taking to avoid sparking more Napa County wildfires, such as burying 55 miles of power lines by 2024. The utility this year undergrounded 5 miles of lines in the Aetna Springs/Pope Valley area. It plans to bury 50 miles next year in such places as the Mayacamas Mountains west of Napa Valley, the Deer Park area and near American Canyon. 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. In addition, the utility plans to underground 88 miles of lines in Solano County over two years near the Napa County border. It has similar projects in neighboring Lake and Sonoma counties. Thats part of PG&Es larger goal of burying 10,000 miles of power lines in high fire danger areas within its Northern and Central California service area over a decade. The cost could be $15 billion to $30 billion. This is climate-resilient infrastructure, PG&E's CEO Patricia Poppe told the Atlas Peak gathering on Friday. Poppe was visiting a county that has experienced PG&E-sparked fires. Cal Fire investigations concluded that trees hitting power lines amid high winds started the 2017 Atlas and Partrick fires that enveloped Napa Valley in choking smoke, destroyed several hundred homes and killed six people. Fridays meeting took place outdoors at the remote Circle R Ranch, near the top of Atlas Peak northeast of the city of Napa. The Atlas Peak Appellation group invited the PG&E officials to speak. About 30 people attended, from Atlas Peak vintners to county officials such interim County Executive Officer David Morrison, District Attorney Allison Haley, Sheriff Oscar Ortiz, Public Works Director Steven Lederer and Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza. Poppe came to PG&E in 2021. She described her experience visiting Paradise in Butte County, an area devastated by the PG&E-sparked Camp Fire in 2018. Ill never be the same and that town will never be the same, Poppe said. What we deliver shouldnt scare people. We shouldnt have to choose between being safe and having power. Austin Sharp of PG&E talked about steps the utility has taken in Napa County, in addition to undergrounding. It managed vegetation along 197 miles of lines and strengthened 79 miles of poles and lines. It has installed 52 weather stations. Pedroza asked what Napa County can do to incentivize PG&E to do still more locally. This area in particular, weve been impacted in 2017many of the people here lost their homes. They had to rebuild, Pedroza told Poppe. "And any time there's a wind event, that comes back. So when you talk about undergrounding, it means something." Poppe said counties and communities can encourage the California Public Utilities Commission to approve PG&Es future undergrounding plans as filed. There will be a lot of opportunity for partnership to accelerate the timeliness of the regulatory proceeding so we can get busy digging dirt, she said. A Silverado resident brought up the idea that PG&E's work could affect fire insurance rates for the better. Buying insurance in Napa Countys high-risk wildfire areas has grown increasingly difficult and expensive in recent years. We think that will come, Poppe said. I cant suggest weve had great progress yet, but we see the potential. When we see the reduction in ignitions and the reduction in acres burned and when we do the hardening of the systems, I think its important we then share that information with homeowner insurance companies so they can factor that into their risk modeling. Another person asked if PG&E would help property owners underground lines on their properties. Poppe said these lower-voltage service lines pose a much lower risk for a catastrophic fire than the primary lines PG&E is undergrounding, though if a fallen tree is on a service line long enough, the tree can ignite. In lieu of cost of undergrounding (the line), we can use modern technology to confirm it doesnt create a safety hazard, she said. Thats where were starting. High-tech customer meters SmartMeters tell control centers there is a problem with service lines so crews can be dispatched. But PG&E is looking at how to work with communities that want to underground service lines, she added. Vintner Igor Sill had his home and winery burn in the 2017 Atlas Fire sparked by PG&E. He said before Fridays meeting that PG&E has a different culture under Poppe. Id like to see PG&E use Atlas Peak as the model for undergrounding because its at the highest risk in my opinion in the entire Bay Area, Sill said. When and if PG&E undergrounds lines on Atlas Peak and how many miles of lines it ultimately undergrounds in Napa County remains to be seen. But PG&E officials talked as if the 5 miles put underground this year is a start, not an end. If you havent voted for your mayor, city council, county supervisor or your state and federal lawmakers, you still have time and places to cast your ballot for the 2022 elections. 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. Registered Napa County voters can deposit their ballots at one of 10 drop boxes from American Canyon to Calistoga. The drop sites, which have been in place since October, will remain available around the clock until voting in California ends at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Election Day. Meanwhile, an array of vote centers remains open, offering services including replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance. In-person voting is available at the Napa County Election Division office in downtown Napa, and at other sites in all five cities in the county. Vote centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Here are the places where you can cast your vote or get help voting. Drop boxes Napa - Intersection of Soscol and Lincoln avenues, next to Round Table Pizza - Solano Avenue, south of Redwood Road across from Redwood Plaza - South Jefferson Street, outside of River Park Shopping Center in front of Goodwill - Second Street garage alley, between the garage and 1127 First St. - Napa Valley College, 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway, by the campus library American Canyon - City Hall entrance, 4381 Broadway Yountville - Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St., near the library drop box St. Helena - In front of the St. Helena Public Library, 1492 Library Lane Calistoga - Fair Way, next to the bus stop outside Cal Mart Angwin - Howell Mountain Market entrance, 15 Angwin Ave. Vote centers Napa - Napa County Election Division, 1127 First St. (Suite E) - Las Flores Community Center, 4300 Linda Vista Ave. American Canyon - American Canyon Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 5001 Main St. - Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, 60 Benton Way Yountville - Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St. St. Helena - Napa Valley College Upper Valley Campus, 1088 College Ave. Calistoga - Calistoga Community Center, 1307 Washington St. Counting the votes Results from processed vote-by-mail ballots will become available shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Day, John Tuteur, Napa County registrar of voters, said in a news release. Counting will resume on Nov. 14 and continue through Nov. 17, at which point 95% of all ballots are expected to be counted. California law gives a county registrar of voters 30 days after an election to certify the results. For more information To check the status of your ballot, find information and view election results, visit the Napa County Election Division website at countyofnapa.org/396/Elections Contact 707-253-4321 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays); 888-494-8356 (toll-free from outside the city of Napa) John Tuteur, county registrar of voters: john.tuteur@countyofnapa.org CULVER CITY 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 Chamecki's 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 they'll 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. 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." 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 wouldn't 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 it's 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 who've 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 that's what Culver City being on the ballot on Tuesday represents," said Andrew Wilkes, Generation Citizen's chief policy and advocacy officer. He noted that in Culver City, the organization has provided technological assistance, communications support and campaign strategy advice. "It's pretty remarkable that through a pandemic you had folks there that didn't let it go," Wilkes added. To many young Vote 16 advocates, it's a galvanizing issue that's brought them closer to the political process than they ever imagined they'd 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 can't make any kind of difference," Griffin said. "If policy affects people, then they should have a say in that policy." YEREVAN. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov held a meeting Monday in Washington DC. The ministers were hosted at the Blair House where a joint meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also took place the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia (MFA) informs Armenian News-NEWS.am. The Ministers shared views on the elements of a possible peace treaty and acknowledged that there is a range of issues that still need to be addressed. Both sides reiterated the commitments undertaken by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in their meetings on October 6th in Prague and October 31st in Sochi. They agreed to expedite their negotiations and organize another meeting in the coming weeks. Both Ministers expressed their appreciation to the US side for hosting the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the MFA added. The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Kristinne Grigoryan, on Monday took part in the session of the Armenia-European Union (EU) Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels, the Office of the Human Rights Defender informs Armenian News-NEWS.am. In her speech, the Defender presented the conclusions of the Institution about the situation of human rights, challenges and opportunities in Armenia. Grigoryan presented gross violations of human rights as a result of the military attack by Azerbaijan on the sovereign territory of Armenia in September, inter alia direct targeting of the civilian population and vital infrastructures, torture of Armenian servicemen and prisoners of war, cases of inhumane and ill-treatment, as well as the facts recorded in the ad hoc reports published by the Defender. Within the framework of the thematic sessions on the situation of human rights in Armenia, Grigoryan referred to the National Strategy for the Protection of Human Rights and the results of the implementation of the 2020-2022 action plan deriving from that National Strategy, the importance of improving its monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the framework of the new 2023-2025 action plan, the issues of local elections, the main challenges of ensuring freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, the atmosphere of hate speech and intolerance during the assemblies; the need to adopt a comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, combat against domestic violence, the problems of the right to health care in penitentiary institutions, the issues related to the application of the new Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes. The representatives of the European Union reaffirmed the EU commitment to continue supporting the activities of the Defender's Institution, including through capacity development of the Defenders Office. In her speech, the Defender also spoke about the establishment and main goals of Public Councils on the Protection of Women's Rights, and on the Protection of Children's and Youth Rights adjunct to the Defender. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, welcoming Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov Monday in Washington DC., stated that the United States is committed to peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Blinken's respective remarks are as follows, in particular: Welcome the foreign ministers from Armenia and AzerbaijanForeign Minister Mirzoyan, Foreign Minister Bayramovhere to Blair House, to Washington, to pursue what have been, I think, very productive discussions that we initiated in New York at the UN General Assembly and then in subsequent conversations between our teams. The United States is committed to the peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Direct dialogue is the best way to a truly durable peace, and we are very pleased to support that. The United States strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial independence of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the 1991 restoration of independence was a vitally important moment in guaranteeing the rights of both countries, rights that we strongly support. I think its also fair to say that 30-plus years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh have had tremendous human, material costs lives lost, scars that are deep. But 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. Both countries are working to that end and to, ultimately, a brighter future for the South Caucasus a future of peace, countries at peace, countries working together for a better future. And Id simply say that 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; to walk the path to a durable peace with you, to help in any way that we can. This is, I think, the promise of a better, brighter future. And I applaud both of you and your governments for the courage and determination that youre showing to get to that destination. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy once again recalled the conditions for the start of negotiations with Russia. Among them are the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, compensation for losses, as well as the punishment of all those involved in war crimes committed in Ukraine, UNIAN reported. As the president said in his video address, he made an important international address at the Climate Summit in Egypt on November 7. According to him, everyone should take the need to stop Russian aggression as seriously as the climate problems He noted that anyone who seriously considers the climate agenda should also seriously consider the need to immediately stop the Russian aggression, restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine and force Russia to real negotiations on peace. "To the kind of negotiations that we have repeatedly proposed and to which we have always received crazy Russian responses with new terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail. Once again: restoration of territorial integrity, respect for the UN Charter, compensation for all damages caused by the war, punishment for every war criminal and guarantees that this will not happen again. These are absolutely clear conditions," Zelenskiy noted. Refinancing rate in Armenia to decrease by 4% within 2 years, Eurasian Development Bank predicts Raisi: U.S. presence does not contribute to stability in regional states Azerbaijani MP proposes renaming Azerbaijan 'Northern Azerbaijan' Dollar, euro lose value President to new ambassador: Armenia, New Zealand can cooperate in high technology Politico: Biden administration reacts cautiously to protests in China Identification of 13 dead bodies transferred by Azerbaijan to Armenia starts Armenia attends CSTO PA Permanent Commission on Political Affairs and International Cooperation special online meeting Deputy FM presents new Chilean envoy Armenian position on Karabakh conflict More than 700 prisoners released in Iran after national team's victory over Wales 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 Azerbaijan army General Staff chief is received at Pentagon 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 The Hill: Will a strong dollar trigger a global recession? Stanislav Zas: CSTO proposed several measures to help Armenia MOD: Artsakh Defense Army did not fire at Azerbaijani positions Princess Diana was 'murdered' because she was pregnant with Dodi Al Fayed's baby, claims his father Israel will fall apart, says Irans Islamic Revolution Guards Corps chief Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan leaders summit to be held in Ashgabat Elon Musk announces he will support Ron DeSantis if Florida governor runs for US president Armenia MOD dismisses Azerbaijan disinformation Baghdad ready to help Tehran-Riyadh negotiations resume, Iraq FM says Byblos Bank has financed two of Armenias largest photovoltaic power plants, which were recently put into operation in the Astghadzor community of Gegharkunik province. The Bank provided a $5.5 million loan, covering 80% of the total cost of the project, to AS Energy and PromSun, the companies that handled the project. Speaking about the plants, Vahan Kajayan, Head of Commercial Banking at Byblos Bank Armenia, has said: "This is the first Byblos Bank Armenia-funded project to build solar power plants in Armenia. Today, we can already establish that we have successfully implemented this large-scale and important project for our country." According to Mr. Kajayan, projects aimed at sustainable energy development, the introduction of renewable energy systems, and energy conservation, would continue to be in the Banks radar. Hovhannes Tevosyan, Head of Development at Optimum Group, has said: In solar energy, AS Energy and Prom Sintez plants are an ideal combination of the latest technologies and the finest engineering solutions. Such programs serve as a driving force for the sustainable development of Armenian provinces. In addition to the solar power potential, some regions of the country have a significant potential for wind energy production as well. We hope that renewable energy projects will continue to account for a greater share in Armenias energy capacity. AS Energy and Prom Sintez solar parks, which have a total installed capacity of 10 MW and an annual output of more than 20 million kWh, were constructed by Optimum Group. Prom Sintez is the first solar station in Gegharkunik province with a built-in artificial intelligence system and a sun-tracking algorithm, which maximize the plant's productivity by over 18%. The renewable energy project will have a positive impact on the environment. The AI-powered plants will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 4,350 tons, producing enough energy to supply power to about 70 small villages per hour. The project also makes an important contribution to community development by creating jobs and enhancing local economy. Both during construction and after putting the solar parks into operation, new jobs have and will be created in the Astghadzor community. Georgia's Constitutional Court has effectively legalized the production and distribution of pornography, ruling in favor of a claim that the existing definition of "pornography" is unspecific and can be interpreted in different ways, OC Media reports. The Nov. 4 ruling states that creating, distributing or advertising pornographic works, prints, images or similar items is punishable by up to two years in prison. However, the four judges who heard the case unanimously concluded that the law leaves unduly wide latitude for interpretation, which could create grounds for arbitrariness and injustice. They stated that the law violated the fundamental principle of criminal law - "no punishment without law." As the judges ruled, the current law does not distinguish between pornography and erotic material, while pornography necessarily implies bodily penetration, nudity or depiction of sexual activity without the display of genitals. The judges also found the term obscenity used to define pornography in Georgia law to be too abstract. They ordered lawmakers to develop a clearer definition of pornography by May 2023. In their opinion, under the current law, it would be impossible to rely on accurate legal advice to avoid criminal charges or even two years in prison, Georgi Gotsiridze, a constitutional litigation lawyer at the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), told OC Media. This ban was challenged by Giorgi Logua. According to Gotsiridze, in 2017, prosecutors charged Logua and 11 other individuals with publishing pornography created outside of Georgia on their website. Although the trial court acquitted Logua, he appealed to the constitutional court after prosecutors appealed the decision. Logua argued that the law violated the constitution, which states that "no one may be prosecuted for an act that is not a crime." Despite the repeal of the ban on pornography, the Constitutional Court did not explicitly classify it as "free speech. The court was evenly divided on the issue, with two of the four justices stating that making such a ruling was unnecessary given the lack of a clear definition of pornography in Georgia's legal system. Judges George Tevdorashvili and George Kverenchkhiladze argued that the creation and distribution of pornography by adults is freedom of speech. They called any total restriction illogical. Two other judges said that such a ban encourages people to self-censor for fear of prosecution. They noted that they shared the plaintiff's position that the rule unreasonably restricts the right to distribute pornographic materials when the recipient is an adult who actively seeks exposure to these materials. Stressing the need to protect minors, the judges also noted that the unprecedented role of the Internet in the availability of pornography, including on domains registered abroad, makes the effectiveness of the ban challenged by the plaintiff miserable. In its ruling, the court instructed lawmakers to develop new rules to protect minors or adults who have not searched for pornographic material online. Today we're talking with Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, American-Armenian writer, philanthropist, lawyer, elected official, president of the Westbrook City Council and the President of the "Anna Astvatsaturian'' Foundation. Anna is an author of a book "Nowhere, a Story of Exile, 2012 based on her diaries which she wrote as an 11 year old child escaping the Baku massacres. In 2013 Anna spearheaded a successful recognition of Artsakh at the State of Maine legislature. In the last decade Astvatsaturian Turcotte has implemented a number of charitable programs in Armenia and Artsakh. In 2020 she founded the Anna Astvatsaturian Foundation. One of the Foundation's major projects is the "Artsakh War 2020: Losses, Challenges - Opportunities for resistance development'' survey conducted after the 44-day war. In June, the Anna Astvatsaturian Foundation launched the "Ser Artsakh" initiative, which aims at supporting families with newborn children in Artsakh. Your "Ser Artsakh" project was launched on June 1. What is it about? Within the framework of the "Ser Artsakh" program, we prepare the first gift box for every newborn in Artsakh. We chose June 1, International Children's Day, as a sign of the responsibility to protect children born after the 44-day Artsakh war in 2020, the ones who give new life to their homeland. It was very important for us to show appreciation and support to Artsakh families that have chosen to live in Artsakh. We decided to include items made in Armenia or Artsakh so that we could promote domestic products and support the local economy as well. For several months before launch, we were selecting Armenian clothes, toys, and care items. All the items that were not produced in Armenia or Artsakh, were bought here. A friend of mine in Artsakh makes the toys. He kindly agreed to make the wooden bird that became the symbol of the project. Then, out of necessity for the twins and triplets, he also added a little friend of the sparrow, the rabbit. At the time we were finalizing the idea for this project and deciding which products to include in the boxes, many people asked me why I was focusing on the best and highest quality products instead of just mere quantity. It was hard for people who had not seen the refugee path to understand the nuances. I was a refugee once too and wore second-hand clothes and my brother played with old worn-out toys. I remember the feeling that came with that very well. To me this project is not a donation but a gift, Artsakh families deserve the best and we should honor them for being so strong. What results have you reached during these months? For me, the most important thing was not giving support but to show the Diaspora that people live and continue to be born in Artsakh. And to show the people of Artsakh that the Diaspora is still worried about them. The most important thing was moral support, giving attention, and proving for these rare moments of joy around so much stress and pain. We had already given out over 700 boxes during the program. Amongst the memorable moments was the news of the birth of twins and triplets. We didn't even really plan for this at first. We were pleasantly surprised and excited when this happened several times. We quickly began looking for new solutions so that the babies would get boxes that differed from each other. The wooden toy included in them, the little sparrow, was joined by its new friend, the rabbit. Thus, the moms get two different boxes. What challenges did you face? The most important challenge was to prove that this project was more important than other support programs being implemented. One could say that the Diaspora is already tired of the difficult situation in Armenia and has become indifferent to such kinds of programs. Under these conditions, every day becomes a struggle to convince them that by becoming frustrated and disappointed or by diverting attention to easier problems, we will not achieve any significant results. The second biggest challenge is getting people to spread information about the project. It is important that people who cannot support our program with their own funds share information with people they know, which will keep the information chain running smoothly. This approach is also a supportive one for us. We don't only expect financial support: any kind of attention shows that we are ready to stay with Artsakh. How do you see the future of the program? I was in Artsakh in the summer. Two girls who work at the hotel came up and said they weren't married yet, but they hoped that the project would last so long that their children would get gift boxes too. Many have written to me that they too would become mothers in a little while, wondering if their children will get gift boxes too. My concern is that we currently have limited months of funding. Even so, we are working on expanding the project month by month. I don't know how successful our efforts will be, but we are not losing the most important thing - hope and willingness. We will do everything we can to complete the first anniversary of the project. After that, I hope to get the government agencies interested and with their help bring the project into the program of state support. I hope everything will be successful. Moscow is ready to mediate in contacts between Iran and Saudi Arabia to settle the contradictions, the current problems should be resolved through dialogue, said Mikhail Bogdanov, special presidential representative for the Middle East and Africa and deputy foreign minister. "We are in contact with both our Saudi Arabian and Iranian friends. We stand for resolving all contradictions and misunderstandings at the negotiating table within the framework of a constructive dialogue," Bogdanov said in response to a request by RIA Novosti to comment on the escalation in relations between Riyadh and Tehran. "We have always been ready and are indeed making efforts to play a certain mediating role if it is demanded by our friends both in Riyadh and Tehran," the deputy minister stressed. The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that Saudi Arabia had shared intelligence with the United States about an imminent attack from Iran against targets on its territory. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that Western countries have deliberately whipped up the atmosphere against Iran, saying that Tehran was allegedly preparing to attack Saudi Arabia. The day before Iranian special services stated that they intercepted a cargo with money and intelligence equipment from Saudi Arabia, which was meant for rioters in the country. Voting in the midterm elections began Tuesday morning in the United States. They will elect all members of the House of Representatives of Congress, as well as a third of its Senate, in most states there will be elections of governors. The first polling stations opened at 05:00 (13:00 Moscow time) in the state of Vermont in the northeast of the country. According to the NBC television company, a significant part of American voters had already cast their votes early - by mail or at some polling stations, which provide such an opportunity. In all, over 42 million people have already voted in the mid-term elections, and the majority of them (45%) support the candidates of the Democratic Party. Incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden also voted early on October 29 in Wilmington, Delaware. Americans will have to elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives (the lower house of Congress) and 35 of the 100 members of the Senate (the upper house). Elections will also take place for the governors of 36 of the 50 states. In addition, in most of them, elections will be held for key representatives of local administrations. According to the forecasts, the Republicans may increase their representation in both houses of Congress, which will give them the ability to block legislative initiatives of the Democratic president. Democrats now hold 220 seats in the House of Representatives, Republicans hold 212 seats, and three seats remain vacant. In the Senate, the Democrats have 48 seats, but they always have 2 independent senators voting on their side, and the Republicans have 50 seats. According to the U.S. Constitution, in a tie vote in the Senate, the vote of the Vice President of the United States is decisive. This position is held by Democrat Kamala Harris. According to FiveThirtyEight's mathematical predictions, the chances of Republicans gaining control of both houses of Congress are 53%, the chance of a similar outcome for Democrats is 16%, the chances of Democrats gaining control of the Senate if they lose control of the House of Representatives are 30%. Armenian activist Mika Badalyan wrote about the preparation of a documentary by the Iranian state channel Sahar TV about the Kurdish origin of Heydar Aliyev (former president of Azerbaijan and father of the current head of state) and his ties with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, the Rybar telegram channel writes. "The trailer published on YouTube has caused a considerable response in Ilham Aliyev's administration. The Azerbaijani government had to make considerable diplomatic efforts to prevent the release of the tape to the public - and on a channel that broadcasts in Azerbaijani. What is interesting in this case is not the reaction of the Azerbaijani authorities, but the actions of Iran. After Azerbaijan's attempts to foment anti-government rebellions in the northwestern part of Iran, Tehran changed its approach to its neighbor. Apparently, Iran has realized the danger of inaction and empty threats and simply began to defend its interests. Aliyev's further attempts to solve the Karabakh issue by force, let alone stir up inter-ethnic conflict in Iran, will encounter an active struggle. Now the Iranian enforcers are actively working on the scenario of the referendum in Nakhchivan and the historical territory of Talyshstan in Azerbaijan, in fact, adopting the tactics of their opponent (or rather, not even Azerbaijan, but their enemies in the face of Israel and the US). Publication of the documentary revealing the "skeletons" of the Aliyev family, whether it is true or fiction, in the area populated by ethnic Azeris and Turks will be a serious blow to the position of the President of Azerbaijan. Baku understands that, and that is largely why the Azerbaijani media changed their coverage of events in Iran, switching to a more moderate tone," Rybar writes. YEREVAN. Deputy Minister of Justice Armenuhi Harutyunyan of Armenia co-chaired the 12th sessionin Brusselsof the Armenia-European Union (EU) Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security, the Ministry of Justice of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am. At the opening of the session, the deputy justice minister presented the consequences of the military attack by Azerbaijan on the sovereign territory of Armenia on September 13-14, the targeting of the civilian population, the cases of particularly cruel treatment and torture of Armenian servicemen, and the extrajudicial execution of Armenian prisoners of war. Also, Harutyunyan noted that the Armenian side lauds the sessions of the Armenia-EU Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security that are held alternately in Yerevan and Brussels every year. The said subcommittee is the best platform to present to the EU a number of ongoing reforms in Armenia. The deputy minister emphasized that the meetings of this subcommittee further strengthen and deepen the existing close cooperation between Armenia and the EU. In her address, Harutyunyan reflected, in particular, on the process of judicial and legal reforms being carried out by the Ministry of Justice of Armenia. The EU partners, in turn, welcomed Armenias reforms in the justice sector, and expressed readiness to support their continuation. On Monday, Harutyunyan participated also in the session of the Armenia-EU Human Rights Dialogue. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan on Tuesday issued a statement on the second anniversary of the Azerbaijani occupation of Shushi city. The statement reads as follows: As a result of the war unleashed against the people of Artsakh in the fall of 2020, around 200 villages and towns of the Republic of Artsakh have been occupied by Azerbaijan, including Shushi the center of Armenian culture. In the illegal decision of July 5, 1921, on the annexation of Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan, the city of Shushi was defined as the center of the emerging Armenian autonomy. Though in 1923, with a long-term goal of alienating Shushi from Artsakh when the Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Region was formed on a small part of Artsakh Stepanakert, not Shushi, became the center. Azerbaijan has always acted in the direction of capturing Shushi, distorting its Armenian identity and passing it off as Azerbaijani. During the appropriation of the city, the main tool of the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem both in the early 1900s and in 2020, was ethnic cleansing and genocide: the physical destruction and deportation of the Armenian population, elimination, and distortion of the spiritual-cultural values created by them. The cultural heritage of Shushi is unique evidence of the Armenian belonging of the city. That is the reason why Azerbaijan deliberately targeted the Holy Savior Ghazanchetsots Cathedra twice during the war, and after the ceasefire Saint Hovhannes the Baptist (Kanach Zham) Church and a number of Armenian cultural values in Shushi have continuously been desecrated. Azerbaijan continuously destroys the citys civil infrastructure, houses, and apartment buildings. The current occupied and ethnically cleansed Shushi is a real example of the centuries-old and unchanging Turkish-Azerbaijani policy of ethnic cleansing. By bringing international delegations to Shushi on various occasions, Azerbaijan is trying to legitimize its aggression. All those who visit Shushi become complicit in the displacement of people and legitimize the use of force, aggression, and occupation. Todays occupation does not change the status of Shushi, it was and will continue to be an integral part of the Republic of Artsakh. Even those who claim to be superpowers do not dare to attack Iran, said Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, commander-in-chief of Iran's army, stressing that the enemies will not achieve their "sinister goal" of collapsing the Islamic Republic, Press TV reported. "After 40 years [since the Islamic Revolution], no one and no country, not even those claiming to be a superpower, dare invade Iran or even think about it," Mousavi said. According to him, the enemies want to divide Iran, cause instability, undermine the economy and production and hinder the country's scientific and technological progress, but they will never achieve their "vicious goals. He noted that the enemies did everything possible during the recent riots that engulfed Iran, planning and organizing them, as well as providing intelligence and financial services to the rioters. The Iranian commander recalled that the Americans admitted more than 10 years ago that they used smartphones and apps to achieve their goals in Iran. "They themselves said that millions of Internet users were their soldiers. We have to be vigilant," he said. Mousavi said the Iranian people must realize the country's achievements and the path to independence, saying that enemies are wary of Iran's power and capabilities. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited the occupied Armenian city of Shushi and made a number of statements. Traditionally, threats against Armenia dominated. To begin with, Aliyev said that next year Azerbaijan's military budget will reach a record high. "Azerbaijan's state budget for next year will reach a record level, including funds allocated for military expenditures. One may ask why, the war is over, two years have passed. The answer is very simple. Revanchist forces are raising their heads in Armenia. There are forces and circles in Armenia which do not want to accept the results of the war," Aliyev explained. Aliyev further stated that "Armenia does not fully comply with the Statement of November 10, 2020, has not fully withdrawn its armed forces from Karabakh," although not only the statement does not suggest this, but Armenian troops have never been in Artsakh. "Armenia has not given us the Zangezur corridor and periodically carries out military provocations against us. Of course, we have to be ready, and we are," Aliyev complained. Aliyev added that Azerbaijan "wants peace, does not want war." "We want peace, but a just peace. The conditions we put forward are fair, based on international law, and a peace treaty must be signed on the basis of those conditions. If Armenia shows its will, it (peace treaty) will be signed, if not, it will not be signed. Life will show what will happen next," the Azerbaijani president said. Aliyev repeated his favorite phrase that "our patience is not unlimited, and if Armenia does not fulfill its commitments, Azerbaijan will take the necessary steps." "We are fulfilling all the commitments we made in the November 10, 2020 statement. We have been fulfilling them for two years, but is Armenia fulfilling them? No! Right after the second Karabakh war, he (Pashinyan) was just so scared that he implemented these provisions and returned the occupied territories of the Agdam, Kelbajar and Lachin regions to us without a single shot fired," Aliyev said. Speaking about the demand to give back the Zangezur corridor, Aliyev threatened: "For two years, we do not touch the cars coming from Armenia to Karabakh and in the opposite direction along the Lachin road. We are committed to our obligation of free movement. Armenia has also committed itself to providing road links between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Two years have passed, there is no feasibility study, there is no movement, no railroad or road. And how long do we have to wait?" "The current Azerbaijani Army is stronger than it was two years ago, and everyone and Armenia should know it!" continued Aliyev: "Armenia should be well aware of what this means. Today from these strategic heights we can see the cities of Garakilsya, Gafan, Gorus and Istisu (Azerbaijani versions of the names of Armenian cities). We are on the shore of Lake Bala Goycha. The Big Goycha Lake is also in front of our eyes. All these are realities. We created these realities after the Patriotic War. Why? First of all as a response to Armenia's military provocations, on the other hand, to insure ourselves against military provocations in the future. The fact is that most of the Armenian army posts are visible from the heights I mentioned, and if there is a concentration of forces there, we will see it and take immediate action. Aliyev appealed to some Muslim countries supporting Armenia: "We have established close relations with Muslim countries and we managed to explain them that Armenia is conducting an aggressive policy not only against us but also against the whole Muslim world. Mosque destroyers cannot be friends with Muslim countries. Leaders of Muslim countries cannot accept those who destroy mosques, can they? Can they embrace and kiss them? This is hypocrisy and betrayal, there is no other word for it." In conclusion, Aliyev moved on to direct insults to the heads of foreign countries. "It is true that some foreign patrons of Armenia want to accuse us of something. I answered them. If they say anything else, I'll answer them anyway. It won't stop me," Aliyev promised. Europe has vowed to abandon energy from Russia and seeks to replace natural gas supplied from the country with liquefied natural gas (LNG). There's just one problem - Moscow is also a major LNG exporter, which means the EU could end up replacing pipeline Russian gas with imported Russian LNG - just what it had hoped to avoid, BI reported. Exports of Russian LNG, a supercooled version of natural gas that can be transported by ship, rose 1.1 percent year on year to 4.3 billion cubic meters in October, the highest level since March. France, China and Japan were the biggest importing countries, according to Bloomberg. Some of the shipments likely hit other EU countries as European demand for natural gas rises sharply as the block heads into winter. In the first nine months of 2022, LNG shipments from Russia to the EU rose 46 percent from a year earlier to about 16.5 billion cubic meters, Politico reported, citing data from the European Commission. This came after Russia slowed gas deliveries to the EU through the key Nord Stream 1 pipeline Imported LNG is only a fraction of the EU's pipeline gas imports. According to Politico, the EU imported 54.2 billion cubic meters of Russian pipeline gas in the first nine months of 2022 and 105.7 billion cubic meters in the same period in 2021. But the fact that the EU is buying up Russian LNG still makes it vulnerable to the potential political consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war. Kyiv is still open to cooperation with Beijing, a Ukrainian presidential adviser told Newsweek on condition of anonymity. "We have to keep the door open for China," he said, noting that the Ukrainian president has said so repeatedly since he was elected in 2019. Last year, for example, Zelenskiy spoke out against growing skepticism about China in the United States when he said he did not see Beijing as a geopolitical threat. According to the adviser, Kyiv has two priorities: "Helping us push Russia out and creating a partnership." "China is a very reliable trade partner for us. Of course, we are trying to establish a new relationship between our leaders." He said Kyiv realizes if China starts supplying ammunition to Russian troops, it would be terrible, but 'we don't believe it's possible.' He suggested that Beijing "would not want to be too closely associated with Putin's protracted war." The main reason for Ukraine's claims is Beijing's apparent refusal to organize high-level talks between Zelenskiy and President Xi Jinping. Ukraine and China celebrated three decades of formal diplomatic relations in 2022, but the two leaders have not spoken for more than a year. Azerbaijan makes no secret of the fact that it will never make real peace with Armenia, Former Deputy Defense Minister Artak Zakaryan wrote on his Facebook page. "Aliyev believes that his "victory" should continue to strengthen, and threatens to create new problems. Since official Yerevan does not talk about the occupied territories of Artsakh, discusses the agenda of washing its hands of Artsakh in Europe and puts pressure on national forces in Armenia, naturally, Aliyev will not only occupy the sovereign territories of Armenia, but will also voice new threats. The paradox is that Aliyev also interferes in Armenia's internal affairs by threatening the opposition, which has not accepted the results of the war. In his opinion, those who oppose the government of Nikol and believe that Artsakh can never be a part of Azerbaijan, and there can be no uncontrolled road on the territory of Armenia are revanchists. Azerbaijan is well aware that after the new reshaping of the world, it is likely that in the interests of powerful countries will be revanchist Armenia to balance the balance of power in the region. It is not incidental that the President of Azerbaijan spoke in an irritated tone about the Muslim countries that have good relations with Armenia, calling them traitors and hypocrites. He blames Russia and Iran for the fact that the so-called Zangezur corridor has not been opened yet," Zakaryan wrote. The EU has recognized that it is impossible to set a ceiling on gas prices, which at the same time will not affect long-term contracts or security of supply. Representatives of the European Commission told the 27 member countries, Reuters reported, citing two diplomatic sources. After much bickering at an all-night summit, EU leaders agreed in October to instruct the European Commission to propose an "interim EU measure to limit gas prices for electricity generation" and a "temporary dynamic price corridor for natural gas transactions" to bring prices down. But a compromise between those who want a cap (France, Spain and Belgium) and the German-led camp opposing it meant that additional conditions were added, namely that any cap must not affect long-term contracts, lead to increased gas consumption or provoke producers to divert supplies elsewhere. Now the Commission has said that it is impossible to have a price ceiling that meets these criteria, one diplomat said, adding that envoys from the 27 EU member states in Brussels will discuss the issue next Friday. A second diplomat said the Commission has instead proposed a voluntary market adjustment mechanism, which, however, does not go far enough to allow countries demanding a cap to instantly limit price hikes. Both said some of the 15 countries demanding the cap have threatened to block other elements of the October energy deal, which also includes starting joint purchases and developing a new price benchmark, until the Commission presents a firm position on the price ceiling. The anti-Chinese coalition of the so-called collective West, which Donald Trump began to build and Joe Biden continues to build today, has cracked in Germany, Kommersant columnist Sergei Strokan writes. "The German chancellor, who had visited Beijing at the head of a delegation that included the entire flower of German business - Siemens, Adidas, Deutsche Bank, BASF, BioNTech, BMW, Volkswagen - briefly returned home to go to negotiations on November 13, now not with the Chinese, but with the Vietnamese Communists. He'll fly to Singapore after that and the climax of Germany's Asian informal days is Olaf Scholz's participation in the G20 summit. There, he will once again be able to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping. While for Joe Biden, who keeps calling on Western allies to cut off China's roots, a possible meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bali was the subject of complicated diplomatic dances, for Olaf Scholz the question of whether to negotiate with Xi Jinping was not initially an issue. Of course, to meet, to negotiate, to make big deals. Especially since Germany is still perceived as the informal leader of Europe and other EU members look up to it. One of the results of the trip to Beijing was the signing of an agreement by the Chinese company CASC with Airbus Concern for the purchase of 140 airliners worth $17 billion. Russian experts, who after the start of the special operation in Ukraine argue that Germany and Europe as a whole have long been on their knees before Washington and have ceased to be a subject of world politics, will now have to adjust their position. It is with regard to Russia that the coalition of the West in the sanctions war persists. But China is a different story. They may be there in Europe on their knees to Washington, but as we can see, not only are they standing, but they are flying to negotiations. Germany has good reason for such a revolt. The war of sanctions and support for Ukraine are costing the country more and more, and the threat of shutting down world-renowned industries, previously unthinkable, is becoming quite real. One has to survive somehow, and this is the task that the chancellor has to address. With the easy hand of the persecutor of German politicians, the former Ukrainian ambassador Melnyk, Olaf Scholz, called the offended liverwurst sausage, must feed the country not only with promises. And here liverwurst could become quite edible and appetizing along with Chinese garlic. If Berlin's main partner in the sanctions war is Washington, its main business partner is Beijing. Last year, for the sixth year in a row, China topped Germany's list of top trading partners, with bilateral trade up 15 percent compared to 2020. In the first three quarters of this year, China accounted for 40% of Volkswagen's global shipments; China is the main market for Mercedes. The German chemical industry and the production of electrical equipment are tied to China. The list of Chinese roots goes on and on. This means that while agreeing with the United States to call China the main strategic challenge to the West, Germany and Western Europe as a whole will link their business strategies to it. Let's be happy for our Chinese comrades who saw the crack in Joe Biden's coalition. We, on the other hand, have yet to see such a crack in the West's anti-Russian coalition." The U.S. government is preparing for the time when Americans want Ukraine's funding to be cut and the presidents of Ukraine and Russia to sit down at the negotiating table, writes 19fortyfive. "White House Wants Ukraine to Express Willingness to Negotiate With Russia: CNN revealed how senior U.S. officials have urged Kyiv for several weeks to express willingness to return to the negotiating table with Russia. Citing sources familiar with the discussions, the outlet revealed how the White House is concerned that public support for Ukraine could wane unless there is some indication that the conflict could conclude with peace talks. According to anonymous sources, the White House is not attempting to get Kyiv to negotiate right now, but instead to communicate that a diplomatic solution to the conflict is preferred. Among those pushing the Ukrainian government to express willingness to negotiate is National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who has reportedly taken on a leading role in the effort following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys decision to sign a decree in October that ruled out more negotiations with Russia. Under Zelenskyys decree, Kyiv refuses to negotiate with Russia unless Russian President Vladimir Putin is removed from power. Polls have repeatedly shown through 2022 that Americans are largely in favor of the United States federal government supporting Ukraine. Surveys have also consistently shown American sympathy towards Ukraine, with a recent YouGov poll showing 81% of Americans considering Russia an enemy and 76% expressing negative opinions of the Russian president. That support, however, is not necessarily constant nor does it translate to support for endless financial and military support to Ukraine. As Keith Naughton notes in The Hill, Americans largely dont consider foreign affairs to be the most important political issues of the day, with just 6% telling YouGov that national security is their most important issue. With a worsening economic situation at home, the idea of sending new financial aid packages to Ukraine worth billions of dollars could become a difficult sell for Democrats in the White House. Republicans may also be on the verge of limiting that aid, with polls suggesting the GOP is on track to take control of both the House and Senate on Tuesday night. The problem for the White House is that, while Americans support Ukraine, that support can only last so long and these new efforts to push a diplomatic resolution to the conflict may have come sooner than originally planned, perhaps in anticipation of the Republicans making a clean sweep in the mid-term elections. Whatever happens today during the midterms, though, it looks like the U.S. government is preparing for a time when Americans want to see U.S. funding to Ukraine slashed and the presidents of Ukraine and Russia sat down at the negotiating table." Former U.S. President Donald Trump voted in the midterm elections in Florida. According to him, he cast his vote for Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida. As The Hill notes, DeSantis is considered by many to be Trump's most serious rival for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. Trump also hinted Tuesday that he may announce his campaign on Nov. 15. Trump said Tuesday was going to be a very exciting day for a lot of people, and he looked forward to seeing everyone at Mar-a-Lago, he told reporters outside a polling place in Palm Beach. Note that during the November 8 midterm elections, Americans have to elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives (the lower house of Congress) and 35 of the 100 members of the Senate (the upper house). Elections will also be held for the governors of 36 of the 50 states. In addition, in most of them, elections will be held for key representatives of local administrations. According to forecasts, Republicans can increase their representation in both houses of Congress, which will give them the ability to block legislative initiatives of the Democratic president. Update: Due to forecasted wind and rain, the Emory Veterans Day Ceremony will be held in Cannon Chapel on Friday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. For more than a decade, Emory has hosted an annual Veterans Day ceremony to honor those who served in the Armed Forces. All faculty, staff, students and alumni are invited to attend the commemoration on Friday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. on the Quad (rain location: Cannon Chapel). Andrew West has worked at Emory since he graduated from Emory with a degree in history in 1993. West, who also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for 20 years, helped start the universitys Veterans Day commemoration in 2009. He recalls being frustrated at the lack of acknowledgment of Veterans Day on campus and enlisted the assistance of former vice president Gary Hauk in getting the first ceremony going. That first year it rained, but the positive impact on the community was apparent. My mom, dad and sister usually come to this event as well, says West, who is the executive center administrator at the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance. Whenever I had annual training, or I got activated during my reserve tenure, they took care of everything. Veterans Day is about recognizing the living and those who have since passed for all of their service and sacrifice. Matt Ball, who is pursuing a masters of business administration at Goizueta Business School, will serve as master of ceremonies this year. The program will start with a salute to the flag during the National Anthem. Then, there will be a moment of silence for Armistice Day, which marks the end of World War I hostilities at the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th month. The ceremony will close with the Armed Forces Medley, followed by refreshments. The 2022 Veterans Day event will also include an honor guard with Emory veterans and Army ROTC cadets. Undergraduate students planning military careers can participate in Army or Air Force ROTC through a cross-enrollment agreement with Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State University (KSU). Students complete their undergraduate degrees at Emory and military training at KSU. Bryson says that, for him, Veterans Day is a recognition for all those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces to contribute to something bigger than themselves. The guest speaker this year is Matt Wain, who is a U.S. Army veteran and chief executive officer of Emory University Hospital, Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Emory University Hospital Smyrna and Emory University Hospital at Wesley Woods. At the ceremony, he will speak to attendees about the myriad ways Emory supports veterans, from employment to support with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, part of the Emory Brain Health Center, provides expert, collaborative care for post-9/11 veterans and service members dealing with variety of mental health concerns, including PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, depression and anxiety. Treatment options include outpatient and intensive outpatient programs that integrate care in multiple areas, including psychiatry, neurology, sleep, rehabilitative medicine, wellness and family support. Emory is also one of 18 nursing schools nationwide selected for the elite Veteran Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Undergraduate and graduate nursing students selected for the program gain valuable training in providing quality care for our nations veterans. One of those students is U.S. Navy reservist DeMiah Greene, who is in the accelerated BSN program. Growing up, I loved hearing stories from my aunts and uncles who served in the military, says Greene. It made me feel good to be a part of something that serves a greater purpose. At the same time, its a lot of sacrifice to be away from your family, and Veterans Day is a day to commemorate and thank those who served honorably. Emorys support for veterans In addition to the Emory Healthcare and School of Nursing programs, there are other initiatives for veterans across campus. The Campus Life Veterans Committee is currently asking students to update their veteran status in OPUS so the university can have a more accurate count of veterans on campus. Through the Yellow Ribbon program, Emory provides funding to help post-9/11 veterans pay for educational expenses beyond what is covered by the G.I. Bill. The Emory Law Volunteer Clinic for Veterans provides pro bono legal services for veterans, assisting them and their families with legal issues, including disability claims, before the Veterans Administration and subsequent appellate proceedings, estate work and discharge upgrades before the Department of Defense. For more information on how Emory supports veterans, visit the admissions page. Haiti appears to be in a state of anarchy. Politicians have been killed, cholera is spreading, and armed gangs terrorize people and control the entrance to the main portseverely limiting the flow of fuel and other goods. Water and food are scarce. Since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, the country has spiraled into constant political and economic instability, experts have declared. In the past months, thousands of Haitians have taken to the streets to protest the government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry because of crime and high prices. Two journalists were the victims of gang violence when they were killed, and their bodies burned. Last month, yet another journalist was killed by police while covering a protest. Eric Jean Baptiste, a politician and member of a minority political party, also was killed on Oct. 28 in an apparent gang attack. To stem the turmoil, Henry has called for an international military force to be dispatched to the island country to try to stabilize the situation. However, according to political experts, many Haitians are against that move, saying that Haitis situation has to be solved by Haitians. Louis Herns Marcelin, Haitian-born professor of social sciences at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences and founder of Interuniversity Institute for Research and Development (INURED) and Irwin Stotzky, professor of law in the School of Law, share their thoughts on the future of Haiti. Haiti seems to be in a state of anarchy. How would you describe the current situation? Marcelin: Haiti is not only on the verge of collapsing but most of Haitis institutions have collapsed, including the justice system, because of corruption, impunity, and gangs who have controlled the system since last July. They even control the Supreme Court of Haiti. Politics have been highly contaminated by criminality and drug trafficking to gain power. The private sector has collapsed. Most business leaders have left the country and of those who remain, very few can survive. For example, just last Friday, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, along with the Government of Canada, designated Haitian nationals Joseph Lambert (a sitting president of the Senate in Haiti) and Youri Latortue (a former president of the Senate there)pursuant to Executive Order 14059 of December 15, 2021as Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade. OFAC designated Lambert and Latortue for 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 or their means of production. Lambert and Latortue are just the tip of the iceberg. Haitians are waiting for a longer list of individuals who are part of a corrupt and morally abhorrent political and business class in Haiti who bear the responsibility of the collapse of the state and society in the country. One of the consequences of the crisis is the obliteration of the existing middle class. Stotzky: It is a very critical situation. They have gangs, which are refusing to let oil and food into the country. There is cholera (which was originally brought in by United Nations troops from Nepal and caused 10,000 people to die and almost a million to contract it). The situation has deteriorated since the assassination of Moise. They are facing food insecurity, lack of access to clean water, and choleraand this has affected women and children. Gangs have control and are blocking free movement in the country, particularly access to the ports. Can Haitian police control these groups? Marcelin: Most of the police force is compromised by two things: they are overrun, and they have no firepower to confront the gangs. The corruption of most officers is rampant. Some of them are part of gangs and others tip off the gangs. Many officers have been killed so the police force has been neutralized. Stotzky: Many members of the Haitian police are part of the gangs and others do not have the arms to face the gangs. There is a great deal of corruption among the police force. One of the reasons the gangs are so powerful is because the elite in Haiti had already cut a deal with them. They used to work for the elite as military protection. Should an international military force be sent in to control the chaos? Marcelin: Haiti has had international interventions. We have had more than 10 in the past 30 years. Haitis history with international forces has always been disastrous. The last United Nations force that was there left Haiti with victims of sexual assault and the cholera disease that killed more than 10,000 and infected 800,000, according to the Ministry of Health in Haiti. It is a pattern of amnesia. Violence and intervention have never solved any problems. When international forces come to Haiti, they support the elite and those in power. The government officials will try to position themselves to be candidates in the upcoming election. It is a Catch-22. Haiti cannot respond to the problems it has now without some international technical and lethal assistance. That assistance needs to be framed with a time limit and specific objectives not just to support the police, but to vet the police force and create new forces and support those who have been vetted. That intervention needs to support what we, INURED, have on the ground community-based initiatives. It should not be a military intervention. Stotzky: Foreign intervention has done nothing but hurt Haiti. So, the Haitians are opposed to that and with good reason. One thing that could be done is for the U.S. to lift the Title 42 restriction that allows for the deportation of Haitians who make it to the U.S. More than 30,000 Haitians have been repatriated during this crisis. They should receive protected status until things are under control. There is a group called the Montana group, which consists of organizations from all sectors of Haitian life, and they have interesting ideas as to what they as a people can do to solve this. Haitians do not want foreign intervention. Can the gang problem be confronted? Marcelin: Gangs are a serious security issue but to approach them you have to distinguish between those who are hardcore criminal gang members and those who are in gangs because that is the only way they can survive. Social programs that target the families of those youth and can provide them with some path to a more hopeful future will be extremely powerful in transforming those youth. The gangs are an iceberg. Haiti has not invested in their youth, and they have never been given a reason to hope. The youth are disillusioned. Since there is no legitimate police force or political system, the gangs have evolved as a network of criminals. And they are connected to political leaders and the economic elite. Attacking Haitis problems requires both a top-down and bottom-up approach. Do you have any hope for Haiti? Marcelin: History has shown us that imposed solutions are ineffective and even destructive. This is a crisis of monumental proportions that requires a long-term, sustained effort is undertaken by Haitians themselves and supported by the international community. Stotzky: I have hope for Haiti if they allow Haitians to come up with a solution. If not, I do not have hope. Brazil has elected a left-wing president, Inacio Lula da Silva, who has promised to unite the deeply divided country, improve economic conditions, and seek international cooperation to preserve the Amazon. Da Silva, a former president who was jailed on corruption charges but was later exonerated, narrowly beat the incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing former military officer who came to power in 2019. Bolsonaros administration accepted the victory last week and began the procedures for transition of power. Under the Bolsonaro regime, there had been an increase in the decimation of Indigenous areas and disregard and displacement of native peoples. News reports said that in 2022 the amount of deforestation in the Amazon had reached a new high, while environmental protection had been weakened. Da Silva has pledged to reverse the decimation of the Amazon and institute a series of green initiatives that would protect the worlds largest rainforest. Tracy Devine Guzman, associate professor of Latin American Studies and co-coordinator of the Native American and Global Indigenous Studies program at the University of Miami, is hopeful that da Silva will keep his campaign promises to benefit people and the environment. He has begun by asserting a zero-deforestation policy, said Devine Guzman. This statement is extremely important because he made the environment a central part of his campaign, and because so many people around the world have been paying greater attention to the Amazon since Bolsonaro came into office. The images and the news have been horrific. In his acceptance speech, da Silva announced that the environment is one of his top priorities, alongside addressing hunger and poverty. I think Lula's victory, and in particular his victory speech, shows how his party has been pulled by Indigenous and environmental activists into more climate friendly positions, said Sam Johnson, a Ph.D. candidate in Literary, Cultural, and Linguistic Studies who has studied Brazils environmental policies. The Amazon and deforestation clearly serve as the flashpoint issue for this movement. The new leader has promised to appoint a minister of Indigenous Affairs, a post that would provide a voice to the countrys Indigenous population and promote their concerns. This post is important because it would give a permanent role in governance to Indigenous peoples, beyond picture taking and symbolism, said Devine Guzman. That ministry would also ensure that Indigenous lands will be protected. Under the Bolsonaro administration, these lands were subject to illegal deforestation, mining, and the proliferation of agro-business, as well as to an onslaught of proposals for anti-Indigenous legislation, she noted. According to Devine Guzman, the path ahead will not be easy. In a systematic, strategic way, the Bolsonaro administration defunded most of the environmental organizations that had previously promoted and ensured the protection of the rainforest. Those agencies will have to be re-funded and re-staffedan initiative that could take many months, she added. Da Silva will also face a Congress dominated by conservative legislators, many of whom are Bolsonaro allies. Lula will be able to undo some of the policy related to mining, land-grabbing, and logging by the Bolsonaro government through executive level policy and various agencies, but he faces a conservative congress with many former members of the right-wing government finding seats in congress, said Johnson. Nonetheless, many remain optimistic for the new administration. Da Silvas government will face challenges building support for a new sustainable development agenda, but during his first administration, when he was in office from 2003-2010, he held an excellent record for preventing deforestation, even though he was criticized for endorsing large infrastructure projects including major dams in Amazonian states. Devine Guzman said that she believes that the key to da Silvas success will be in proceeding with projects that support sustainable development in collaboration with Indigenous leadership and an international support network. His advisors have proposed a policy of subsidizing loans to farmers who agree to meet certain targets related to sustainable agriculture practices. Da Silva has already said he will reestablish international cooperation from countries like Norway and Germany, who wish to resume contributions to Amazonian protection that were suspended during Bolsonaros administration. Last August, he asked for the European Unions help in preserving the rainforests biodiversity while exploring its economic opportunities. Hong Kong will stay a common law jurisdiction: SJ Hong Kong will stay a common law jurisdiction: SJ Justice Secretary Paul Lam said on Tuesday that Hong Kongs common law system will stay in place in the long run, given President Xi Jinpings assurance that One Country, Two Systems is a long-term policy. At a workshop for Legal Week, Lam noted that Xi made the promise in a speech on July 1 during celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the SARs establishment. Lam said despite being the only common law jurisdiction in China, Hong Kong has managed to develop mutual legal assistance agreements with the mainland including a reciprocal and enforcement of judgements arrangement. [It] provides a straightforward registration mechanism for the enforcement of mainland judgements in Hong Kong with sufficient safeguards reflecting the existing common law principles and also international standards, he said. It will better protect parties interests and enhance the certainty and predictability of cross-border enforceability of the relevant applicable judgements, he said. It will in turn improve the environment for cross-border trade and investment and enhance our competitiveness as a regional legal and dispute resolution service centre. Speaking at the same event, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, Liu Guangyuan, said the SAR has achieved great development with the support of the motherland and the implementation of One Country, Two Systems in the past decade. Liu said that as Hong Kong went through turbulent development during the social unrest of 2019, the central government exercised overall jurisdiction over the city, put into effect the national security law in the SAR, and implemented the policy of patriots administering Hong Kong. With these efforts, Hong Kong opened a new chapter of good governance, Liu said. Today Hong Kong is reborn with vigour and vitality, he added. The expo will be called 'Rajasthan International Expo' and the products to be showcased will include the handicrafts manufactured in Jodhpur, furniture, agro processing related products, stone processing products, textiles, engineering products, steel utensils etc. Foreign buyers will be invited to this fair by the Rajasthan Export Promotion Council (REPC), which will connect with the Indian embassies and high commissioners in Europe, America, Central Asia and Australia. Industrialists and exporters were called at the meeting for suggestions and feedback. Sunil Parihar, independent director of Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO), said, "The tradition of organising international expo started in Jodhpur and hence people will contribute with heart and soul to make it successful." --IANS arc/arm ( 180 Words) 2022-11-07-23:12:03 (IANS) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 8 (ANI/PRNewswire): Egis, the French subsidiary in India, participated in the Urban mobility India Conference & Expo 2022 from 4th to 6th November 2022 in Kochi, Kerala. During this event, Christian Laugier, Group Business Development Director, Egis intervened for a keynote speech and discussed - 'Egis: Global overview and Presence in India' at the French Country Seminar organised by Business France India - The French Trade and Investment Commission of France in India, on November 4th from 2.30 to 4pm. Vasudha G Sharma, Chief Commercial officer, Egis in India participated in a roundtable focussing on 'Smart Mobility: Tackling the twin challenges of Congestion & Emission'. Other topics of discussion by Egis have been public transport systems, free-flow tolling, low carbon and bioclimatic design and operation of roads and infrastructure and carpooling lanes. Egis in India: Egis is an international player active in the consulting, construction engineering and mobility service sectors. Since 1995, Egis Group has worked closely with government and private operators to support India's continued development. Headquartered in Gurgaon, Egis has offices in Lucknow and Mumbai with project offices in every corner of India. A total of 3,000 employees, deliver innovative and sustainable engineering design and material technologies to clients in India. Christian Laugier, during his keynote speech said, "In the last 27 years, Egis in India has delivered over 500 successful projects that have not just been innovative and complex but also award winning. We credit the excellent pairing of the world-class expertise with local knowledge and best-practices that enabled the success in this country. India has always been a strategic market for us, and we are bullish to further expand and entrench our leadership position in the country." Major projects in India: The Statue of Unity, Gujarat The Coastal Road of Mumbai Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project (DRIP) Line 3 of the Mumbai metro Project Management for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana The value-added offering from Egis includes integrated services across all major engineering disciplines such as operations, maintenance of various projects, delivering major infrastructure from seaports to airports, metro and rail, urban services, water, energy, and tourism. Global footprint with a local perspective: In 2021, Egis was ranked No 1 in France and 22nd global ranking of engineering companies worldwide by the well-known Engineering News-Record. As a pioneer in innovative solutions such as BIM and digital twins, the company has delivered numerous successful projects in more than 120 countries. "Congestion & Emission are the twin challenges that Egis is addressing with its integrated approach for planning, design and engineering of Smart & Sustainable mobility. Egis has developed a solution specifically for development of Low Emission/ Clean Air Zones that aims at redefining the approach to urban mobility with significant benefits to both, the traffic situation in the city as well as the health of its residents," said Vasudha G. Sharma, Chief Commercial Officer, Egis during the round table discussion. Egis is an international player active in the consulting, construction engineering and mobility service sectors. We create and operate intelligent infrastructure and buildings capable of responding to the climate emergency and helping to achieve more balanced, sustainable, and resilient territorial development. With operations in 120 countries, Egis places the expertise of its 18,000 employees at the disposal of its clients and develops cutting-edge innovation accessible to all projects. Through its wide-ranging fields of activity, Egis is a central player in the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world. For more information: www.egis-group.com Linkedin: Egis | Instagram: @egisgroup | Twitter: @egis | Facebook: @egisgroup 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 This story has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 8 (ANI/PRNewswire): UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has been named a winner in the Best Large Organization - Business Culture and Building a Culture of Innovation categories by the UK-based Business Culture Awards 2022. These prestigious awards recognize exceptional business culture at global organizations, with more than 100 companies participating across multiple categories this year. This is the third consecutive year that UST has been named a winner by the Business Culture Awards, earning the Business Culture Team Award in 2021 and Best International Initiative for Business Culture in 2020. UST was also named a finalist in each of the other eight categories it had entered this year - Leading with Purpose for Business Culture, Business Culture Leadership, Best International Initiative for Business Culture, Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative, Best Wellbeing Initiative for Business Culture, Best Internal Communications Strategy for Business Culture, Best Internal Communications Strategy for Business Culture, Best Employee Voice Initiative for Business Culture, Best Employee Voice Initiative for Business Culture and Best Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative. Praveen Prabhakaran, Chief Delivery Officer, and Vishnu Rajasekharan Nair, Global Program Manager - Strategy & Culture, UST, and other officials attended the ceremony and received the trophies. UST's unique corporate culture is guided by award-winning COLORS of UST, a comprehensive strategic employee engagement framework that unites employees across all levels of the organization through participative management. Colors of UST adopts a non-hierarchical structure that allows all employees to contribute according to their passion and skill set. Every associate has the option of contributing to one or more "COLOR" of their choice, and with more than 10,000 active volunteers ranging from organizational leaders to new joiners, their efforts benefit all other associates and the society at large. The decision to present UST with the award for Best Large Organization - Business Culture was made based on UST's strong response to COVID-19. UST was able to engage in a comprehensive pandemic response strategy that exemplified the organization's core values of Humility, Humanity, and Integrity. The multi-pronged response included efforts to accommodate the transition to work from home for employees as well as corporate social responsibility initiatives that were aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. By keeping employees engaged and fostering an open environment, UST was able to maintain its distinct corporate culture while also encouraging employees to volunteer and contribute to CSR projects. For example, during the pandemic over 500 UST volunteers were engaged in Covid-19 relief projects. UST maintains a holistic innovation ecosystem powered by its volunteer-driven Colors program which achieved rapid improvements for clients as well as internal employees. This comprehensive innovation framework and structure creates a valuable set of internal services for UST employees, creating a culture defined by highly motivated innovators. "Creating a positive social impact has always been a key element of our identity and as a leader in the IT space, I'm proud of how our diverse team of employees has harnessed innovation to create positive outcomes for clients and the world at large. This recent recognition from the Business Culture Awards helps to confirm our legacy of success and we will continue looking for opportunities to further distinguish our workplace culture within the industry," said Sunil Balakrishnan, Chief Values Officer, and Global Head for Development Center Operations, UST. One of the judges commented, "I loved that UST have fully integrated and embraced 'innovation for purpose' and not innovation for innovations sake. Some of it with significant impact, some for smaller wins." Another judge observed, "The democratic, non-hierarchical nature of the 'Colours of UST' programme seems to be the cornerstone of its success as an innovation pipeline and employee engagement tool. UST employees clearly feel empowered to challenge the status quo, which itself fosters innovative thinking that ultimately provides real-world benefits to tech end-users." "UST clearly has a significant positive impact on the communities within which they support. Their values are well established and understood by employees. The Founder, though long passed, set a very strong foundation for the culture of the business, founded on the core values which live on to this day through the work of employees," remarked another judge. In addition to driving social good through various initiatives, UST is committed to harnessing the power of its advanced IT solutions to drive innovation and create breakthroughs that have a real impact and accelerate the positive aspects of drive digital transformation. For more than 22 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges, and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizations--delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries, and around the world. Together, with over 30,000 employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact--touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com Media Contacts, UST: Tinu Cherian Abraham +1 (949) 415-9857 Merrick Laravea +1 (949) 416-6212 Neha Misri +91-9284726602 media.relations@ust.com Media Contacts, U.S.: S&C PR +1-646.941.9139 media@scprgroup.com Makovsky ust@makovsky.com Media Contacts, Australia: Team Lewis ust@teamlewis.com Media Contacts, U.K.: FTI Consulting UST@fticonsulting.com This story has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PRNewswire) Model Economic Township (MET City), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries (RIL), on Tuesday said it was developing a world-class greenfield smart city near Gurugram, Haryana. In this industrial township, manufacturer of medical devices Nihon Kohden will build its largest facility of India. MET City is a Japanese Industrial Township (JIT) and houses four leading Japanese companies in its integrated industrial township. Nihon Kohden, one of the four Japanese companies and manufacturer of medical devices, said it recently did a ground-breaking ceremony on their plot at MET City. This facility of Nihon Kohden will be their largest manufacturing facility in India, and it will further enhance the position of MET City as a leading location for setting up companies in Haryana and North India, according to a statement from MET City. Panasonic, Denso and T-Suzuki are other Japanese companies in MET City. On the occasion of this ground-breaking ceremony, S V Goyal, chief executive officer and whole-time director, MET City, said, "We are very happy to have the facility of Nihon Kohden starting construction at MET City. With 400+ industrial customers, walk-to-work masterplan and world-class infrastructure, MET City today is one of the fastest growing Greenfield Smart City in North India." Being a Japan Industrial Township, he also said that they were very happy to have more Japanese companies coming to us and selecting MET City as their partner in India. "The plug-n-play infrastructure of MET City is an added advantage for any company coming to us for their requirement," he said. Vaibhav Mittal, vice-president and head for business development, MET City, said, "We feel immense proud in having this world-class facility from Nihon Kohden being set up at MET City. As we grow, we continue to strive to get more and more Japanese companies to MET City and make it one of the most sought-after business cities of North India." Kentaro Kusano, managing director, Nihon Kohden India, said, "We are very pleased to announce the opening of our new haematology analyser reagent factory. This 8,900 sq-m factory will be built on 16,135 sq m of land at Model Economic Township (MET City) in Jhajjar district of Haryana which will be almost four times bigger than our current factory in Gujarat. This facility marks an important milestone for our commitment to growing our business in India and positions Nihon Kohden well to achieve our vision for India - to be a trusted partner and provider to improve healthcare in the country." Anil Srivastava, chief operating officer, Nihon Kohden India, said, "With the opening of this new manufacturing unit, our focus continues to be providing the latest Japanese technologies and quality products in Indian market. This facility will allow us to further expand our manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing local needs of haematology reagents." He said this step was building on Nihon Kohden's long-term commitment to the Indian market. "We would like to express thanks to our customers for their encouragement and overwhelming support to Nihon Kohden India in the journey so far. India is one of the most important markets for Nihon Kohden Corporation, Japan," he said. Sameer Sehgal, chief finance officer, Nihon Kohden India, said, "There is a growing demand in the in-vitro diagnostic industry created by the expansion of the healthcare market in India. By adding another manufacturing plant, we expect to increase our production capacity multi-folds and drive ongoing commitment to support our existing and new customers and serve them better." (ANI) Another celeb, American TV host Whoopi Goldberg has announced her exit from Twitter. Citing a chaos-filled week after Elon Musk took over Twitter, Whoopi Goldberg announced that she would no longer be on the micro-blogging site. She announced the news on her talk show 'The View' and ironically, the clip was shared by the team of the talk show on Twitter! According to Hollywood Reporter, Whoopi Goldberg said, "It's been a little over a week since Elon Musk took over Twitter and this place is a mess." She added, "I'm getting off today because I just feel like it's so messy, and I'm tired of now having certain kinds of attitudes blocked now getting back on. So I'm gonna get out, and if it settles down enough and I feel more comfortable maybe I'll come back. But as of tonight, I'm done with Twitter." Goldberg also outlined every sudden announcement Musk has made since taking control of Twitter, including the reduction of the new blue tick program's price to USD 8 and staff layoffs and rehirings. She also brought out how Twitter had shut down Kathy Griffin's account for pretending to be Elon Musk. She is not the first celebrity to quit Twitter posts since Elon Musk's takeover. American supermodel Gigi Hadid is also not on Twitter anymore, all thanks to Elon Musk! Gigi announced her exit from Twitter on Instagram amid the mass layoffs, including the human rights team. Criticizing Musk over his leadership, Gigi wrote, "For a long time, but especially with its new leadership, it's becoming more and more of a cesspool of hate & bigotry, and it's not a place I want to be a part of."She also apologised to her fans for deactivating her Twitter account."Only sorry to the fans, who I have loved connecting with for a decade via Twitter, but I can't say "I can't stay it's a safe place for anyone, nor a social platform that will do more good than harm," she concluded. (ANI) Australian actress-comedian Rebel Wilson, who has been in the news for her dramatic weight loss and giving the middle finger to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 2022 BAFTA Awards, has announced the birth of her first child via surrogate, reports BBC News. The 42-year-old "Bridesmaids" and "Pitch Perfect" star shared the first picture of daughter Royce Lilly online, describing her as a "beautiful miracle". She also thanked the "gorgeous" surrogate for carrying her. Taking to her Instagram handle, Wilson shared her all-bundled-up newborn daughter's picture along with a long caption: "Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lillian, born this past week via surrogate. I can't even describe the love I have for her, she's a beautiful miracle! "I am forever grateful to everyone who has been involved, (you know who you are), this has been years in the making ... but 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, it's an amazing gift. The BEST gift!! "I am ready to give little Roycie all the love imaginable. I am learning quickly ... much respect to all the Mums out there! Proud to be in your club." The comic actor, according to BBC News, revealed in June that she was in a relationship with female fashion designer Ramona Agruma. She said at the time: "I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince ... but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess." Wilson hosted the BAFTAs for the first time this year, cracking jokes about her dramatic weight loss, the Royal Family and her flop film "Cats", and of course, showing the world how she felt about Putin. --IANS srb/ ( 311 Words) 2022-11-08-22:26:03 (IANS) 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. --IANS ans/vd ( 349 Words) 2022-11-07-23:28:01 (IANS) Inflammation of the intestine occurs in people with inflammatory bowel illnesses, which can thicken the gut wall and result in a potentially fatal blockage of the intestinal tube. This mysterious ailment known as "fibrosis" affects 20 to 50% of persons with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis during the course of their lifespan. "Currently there are no approved treatments for this condition, beyond surgery, to remove the blocked section of intestine," said Dr Simon Hirota, PhD, 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. Hirota's latest research, which was published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, paves the way for the creation of a fibrosis treatment that might be effective. Researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and the University of Calgary participated in the study. The study teams looked at the bacteria that live in the human gut, which has been referred to as "the inner tube of life," and that produce microbial metabolites, which are metabolic byproducts that prevent inflammation and gut wall thickening. These metabolites, as well as the body's inherent receptors for detecting them, are less prevalent in persons with inflammatory bowel illnesses. Hirota noted that although the gut has to heal itself after an injury, the "over-exuberant" continual healing seen with inflammatory bowel illnesses results in alterations to the gut wall that fuel disease. "We're now beginning to suspect that the fibroblast cells right below the lining may also play a role in sensing and responding to metabolites," Hirota said. The study focused on a particular chemical sensor or receptor in the gut called PXR, which is crucial in promoting gut healing. They concentrated on how this receptor and a metabolite known as IPA interact. In order to identify the cells engaged in the interaction between the host and the compounds generated by gut bacteria, the researchers used cells from mice in which the PXR receptor had been deleted. To validate their findings in the animal model, they used intestinal cells from humans. According to the research, medications made to specifically target these sensors might offer a fresh approach to treating inflammation-related intestinal obstruction. Similar to how the natural IPA inhibits inflammation, co-author Dr Sridhar Mani, MD, and his research team have created synthetic molecules based on the structure of the IPA metabolite. "This new research has produced a field-driving publication that clearly implicates PXR as an important target for fibrosis," says Mani, a 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." Clinical trials would be the next step to determine whether synthetic chemicals have a positive impact on fibrosis and the remodeling of the human gut. According to Hirota, the "synthetic metabolite" should ideally be in a form that can be consumed, pass through the stomach, and then be released in the damaged sections of the gut. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the Delhi High Court order and acquitted three men who were awarded the death penalty by a lower court after being held guilty of raping and killing a 19-year-old woman in Delhi's Chhawala area in 2012. A bench of Chief Justice of India UU Lalit, S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi set aside the judgments and orders of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court and the High Court in the case. The court gave the accused a benefit of doubt and directed to set free the accused forthwith if not required in any other case. "...the judgments and orders of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court and the High Court are set aside. The Appellants-accused are acquitted from the charges levelled against them by giving them a benefit of doubt, and they are directed to be set free forthwith if not required in any other case. The appeals deserve to be allowed accordingly," the court said. However, the court also directed that the parents of the victim would be entitled to the compensation, if not awarded so far by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority, as may be permissible in accordance with law. "Every case has to be decided by the Courts strictly on merits and in accordance with law without being influenced by any kind of outside moral pressures or otherwise," the top court remarked. In its 40-page order, the court noted that material witnesses examined by the prosecution having not been either cross-examined or adequately examined, and said that "the trial court also having acted as a passive umpire, we find that the Appellants-accused were deprived of their rights to have a fair trial, apart from the fact that the truth also could not be elicited by the trial court." "We leave it to the wisdom and discretion of the trial courts to exercise their powers under Section 165 of the Indian Evidence Act for eliciting the truth in the cases before them, howsoever heinous or otherwise they may be," the court said. Thus, having regard to the totality of circumstances and the evidence on record, it is difficult to hold that the prosecution had proved the guilt of the accused by adducing cogent and clinching evidence, the apex court opined as it noted that the evidence with regard to the arrest of the Appellants-accused, their identification, discoveries and recoveries of the incriminating articles, identity of the Indica Car, the seizures and sealing of the articles and collection of samples, the medical and scientific evidence, the report of DNA profiling, the evidence with regard to the CDRs etc were not proved by the prosecution by leading, cogent, clinching and clear evidence much less unerringly pointing the guilt of the accused. "As per the settled legal position, in order to sustain conviction, the circumstances taken cumulatively should form a chain so complete that there is no escape from the conclusion that within all human probability, the crime was committed by the accused only and none else. The circumstantial evidence must be complete and incapable of explanation of any other hypothesis than that of the guilt of the accused and such evidence should not only be consistent with the guilt of the accused but should be inconsistent with his innocence," the court said. "The prosecution has to bring home the charges levelled against them beyond reasonable doubt, which the prosecution has failed to do in the instant case, resultantly, the Court is left with no alternative but to acquit the accused, though involved in a very heinous crime," the court said. However the court said that if the accused involved in the heinous crime go unpunished or are acquitted, a kind of agony and frustration may be caused to the society in general and to the family of the victim in particular, however the law does not permit the Courts to punish the accused on the basis of moral conviction or on suspicion alone. "No conviction should be based merely on the apprehension of indictment or condemnation over the decision rendered," the court said. The top court said that it is constrained to make these observations as it has noticed many glaring lapses having occurred during the course of the trial. "It has been noticed from the record that out of the 49 witnesses examined by the prosecution, 10 material witnesses were not cross-examined and many other important witnesses were not adequately cross-examined by the defence counsel. It may be reminded that Section 165 of the Indian Evidence Act confers unbridled powers upon the trial courts to put any question at any stage to the witnesses to elicit the truth. As observed in several decisions, the Judge is not expected to be a passive umpire but is supposed to actively participate in the trial, and to question the witnesses to reach to a correct conclusion." the court said. Three men had moved the top court against the capital punishment for the rape and murder of a 19-year-old girl in Delhi's Chhawala. The three convicts were awarded the death penalty after being held guilty of raping and killing a 19-year-old woman in 2012. The victim's mutilated body was found in a field with multiple injuries due to assault with objects ranging from car tools to earthen pots. A Delhi court in February 2014 had convicted them. The capital punishment was confirmed by the Delhi High Court on August 26 2014, saying they were "predators" moving on the streets and "were looking for prey". Three men, Ravi Kumar, Rahul and Vinod were convicted under various charges dealing with kidnapping, rape and murder.The three convicts have challenged the Delhi High Court order in the Supreme Court. The case dates back to February 2012, when a 19-year old girl's body was found in Haryana. The girl was brutally killed after being raped. A case was registered regarding this at outer Delhi's Chhawala (Najafgarh) police station. According to the prosecution, the offence was barbaric in nature as they first kidnapped the woman, raped her, killed her and dumped her body in a field in Rodhai village in Haryana's Rewari district. "The woman was kidnapped by the three men in a car from near her house in Qutub Vihar area on the night of February 9, 2012, while she was returning from office," the prosecution had said. The prosecution had also revealed multiple injuries on the woman's head and other parts of her body and said that the three men had assaulted the woman with a car jack and an earthen pot. The crime was committed by Ravi Kumar with the help of the other two accused as the girl has refused the friendship proposal of Ravi Kumar, the prosecution had alleged. (ANI) The Kerala Union of Working Journalists has announced that it will organise a protest march to Raj Bhavan against Governor Arif Mohammad for barring two Malayalam channels from his press meet at Kochi on Monday. "The Kerala Union of Working Journalists will tomorrow organise a protest march to Raj Bhavan against this horrible, undemocratic conduct of the Governor against select media organizations and journalists (those who ask uncomfortable questions)," SR Praveen, a Kerala journalist tweeted. Earlier on Monday, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan barred two Malayalam channels from his press meeting at Kochi. 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 were correspondents from Kairali and Media One. I had categorically mentioned that I would 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 meeting of the Governor. Kairali News is the channel of the 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. (ANI) 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". --IANS sc/arm ( 449 Words) 2022-11-07-21:34:03 (IANS) 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. --IANS avr/arm ( 334 Words) 2022-11-07-21:52:03 (IANS) The drug dealer was identified as Monirul Sk hailing from Murshidabad. According to an official statement, the arrest was made in front of Style Bazar under Karimpur police station on Monday evening after acting upon a source. The brown powder-like substance appearing to be Heroin was concealed in a nylon bag. Motorcycle and mobile phone were seized from his possession. "The market value of the seized heroin is Rs 70 lakhs. One Bajaj Discover m/cycle & one mobile phone also seized from his possession. Over the written complaint Karimpur ps case no 285/22 Dt 7/11/22 U/S 21(c)/ 29, r/w sec 8(c) NDPS Act. Search/seizure/ arrest/ labelling procedure done under coverage of videography," the statement said. "The accused will be produced before the Court of Ld Spl Judge NDPS Court, Krishnanagar, Nadia tomorrow with PC prayer," it added. Further investigation into the matter is underway. (ANI) 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 and comprising Justices S. Ravindra Bhat and Bela. M Trivedi said: "The prosecution has to bring home the charges levelled against them beyond reasonable doubt, which the prosecution has failed to do in the instant case, resultantly, the court is left with no alternative but to acquit the accused, though involved in a very heinous crime." "The judgments and orders of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court and the High Court are set aside. The appellants-accused are acquitted from the charges levelled against them by giving them a benefit of doubt, and they are directed to be set free forthwith if not required in any other case. The appeals deserve to be allowed accordingly," it added. The top court set aside the Delhi High Court judgment, which upheld the conviction of 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 accused moved the apex court challenging the high court judgment. Justice Trivedi, writing the judgment on behalf of the bench, said the evidence with regard to the arrest of the appellants-accused, their identification, discoveries and recoveries of the incriminating articles, identity of the Indica car, the seizures and sealing of the articles and collection of samples, the medical and scientific evidence, the report of DNA profiling, the evidence with regard to the CDRs etc. were not proved by the prosecution by leading, cogent, clinching and clear evidence much less unerringly pointing the guilt of the accused. "The court is constrained to make these observations as the court has noticed many glaring lapses having occurred during the course of the trial. It has been noticed from the record that out of the 49 witnesses examined by the prosecution, 10 material witnesses were not cross-examined and many other important witnesses were not adequately cross-examined by the defence counsel," it said. In the 40-page judgment, Justice Trivedi said: "We find that the appellants-accused were deprived of their rights to have a fair trial, apart from the fact that the truth also could not be elicited by the trial court. We leave it to the wisdom and discretion of the trial courts to exercise their powers under Section 165 of the Indian Evidence Act for eliciting the truth in the cases before them, howsoever heinous or otherwise they may be." 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 Rewari. The woman's parents filed a missing person report when she did not return home. --IANS ss/vd A ( 558 Words) 2022-11-07-22:34:03 (IANS) 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. --IANS arc/vd ( 241 Words) 2022-11-07-22:38:03 (IANS) 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. --IANS zi/vd ( 285 Words) 2022-11-07-22:48:03 (IANS) 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. --IANS ssh/arm ( 149 Words) 2022-11-07-23:02:01 (IANS) 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". --IANS tdr/pgh ( 333 Words) 2022-11-07-23:10:02 (IANS) 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. --IANS avr/arm ( 213 Words) 2022-11-07-23:20:04 (IANS) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on the 10 per cent EWS quota in admissions and jobs and said that Congress is in favour of the reservation for the weaker sections in the general category. In a majority judgment by 3:2, a five-judge Constitution bench on Monday upheld the validity of the Constitution's 103rd Amendment Act 2019, saying the EWS quota does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. Baghel while welcoming the decision by the top court said that the backward classes should get reservations according to the Mandal commission. "We welcome it. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes should get reservations on the basis of their population. The backward classes should get reservations according to the Mandal commission. We are in favour of the 10 per cent EWS reservation given by the SC," he said. Earlier on Monday, Chief Justice of India UU Lalit and S Ravindra Bhat dissented from the majority verdict and struck down the 103rd Amendment Act. "I have concurred with the view taken by Justice Bhat. The decision stands at 3:2," said CJI Lalit while pronouncing his verdict in the last. Majority bench - Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, Bela Trivedi and JB Pardiwala upheld the EWS Amendment saying EWS quota does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. Justice Maheshwari, while reading out the judgement said, "The EWS amendment does not violate the equality code or the essential features of the Constitution." He said reservation is an instrument of affirmative action so as to ensure an all-inclusive march towards the goals of an egalitarian society. Justice Bela M Trivedi said her judgment is in concurrence with Justice Maheshwari and that the EWS quota in the general category is valid and constitutional. She said, "The amendment as a separate class is a reasonable classification. Legislature understands the needs of people and it is aware of the economic exclusion of people from the reservation." Justice JB Pardiwala in his separate but concurring judgement with Justices Maheshwari and Trivedi upheld the Act and said that reservation should not continue for an indefinite time. He said. "The ones who have moved ahead should be removed from backward classes so that ones in need can be helped. The ways to determine backward classes need a re-look so that ways are relevant in today's time. Reservation should not continue for an indefinite time so that it becomes a vested interest." Justice Bhat in his dissent verdict struck down the 103rd Amendment saying that while reservation on an economic basis is permissible, excluding SC/STs and Other Backward Classes from EWS cannot be permitted and amounts to discrimination against them. The Constitution bench verdict came on a batch of petitions, filed by NGOs Janhit Abhiyan and Youth for Equality, among others, challenging the Amendment on the ground that economic classification cannot be the sole basis for reservation. The petitions were filed in the top court in 2019, challenging the validity of the Constitution's 103rd Amendment Act 2019. (ANI) Indian Oil has clarified over the reports of fire at its Depot at Patna's Sipara, and said that the terminal is "absolutely safe", while also stating that the incident took place in premises in the vicinity of the depot. "There are news items stating that fire took place at @IndianOilcl depot in Patna. It is absolutely wrong. IndianOil terminal is absolutely safe. Incident took place in premises in the vicinity of depot and was doused off by fire services personnel. IndianOil depot is safe," Indian Oil tweeted on early Tuesday morning. It was earlier reported on late Monday night that a fire had broken out at the Indian Oil Depot. It was also reported that the State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force teams had reached along with senior police and administrative officials of the district. However, Amitabh, the Indian Oil terminal in charge at Patna said that the fire broke out at around 8 pm and was doused around 10.30 pm. "A fire took place in a plastic factory which is 800m away from the IOC depot at Sapara in Bihar last night. It started around 8 pm and was extinguished at around 10.30 pm by fire services. Indian oil terminal is completely safe," Amitabh said. (ANI) After Karnataka Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi said that the word "Hindu" is a Persian word and did not originate in India, Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in-charge Arun Singh on Tuesday hit back at the Congress saying that the latter has defamed country's ancient culture. Launching into Congress over Jarkiholi's statement, Singh said, "Congress always speaks badly of our ancient culture. Satish Jarkiholi defamed our ancient culture. It's highly condemnable. People will give a befitting reply." Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi on Monday said that the word "Hindu" is a Persian word that means "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. Meanwhile, Arun Singh also appealed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to take action on his statement. "If Congress does not agree with his statement, they should immediately oust him." The Congress maintained a distance from Jarkiholi's remark. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Monday said that Jarkiholi's statement is "unfortunate" and Congress "unequivocally condemns it". Notably, a video of the event where Satish Jarkiholi was speaking 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. Talking about the next Karnataka Assembly Election, Arun Singh showed his confidence in winning more than 150 seats. "Our party and its workers are doing splendidly well on the ground level, Yatras and meetings are going on. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, all kinds of work have been done for minorities and the poor. We will achieve our target of 150 seats in the state assembly election," he added. (ANI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offered prayers at Gurudwara Baba Zorawar Singh Ji Baba Fateh Ji Singh in Degloor city of Nanded district of Maharashtra on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti before resuming his Bharat Jodo Yatra on Tuesday. "Started the Yatra in Maharashtra, on the auspicious occasion of Gurpurab with Ardas in Gurdwara Yadari Baba Zorawar Singh Ji, Fateh Singh Ji. By applying Guru Nanak's teachings of love, peace and brotherhood, we will fulfill this resolve to unite India. Greetings of Gurpurab to all the countrymen," Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet. The Bharat Jodo Yatra entered its Maharashtra leg on Monday evening. The yatra has already covered parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Newly elected Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also wished people on the 553rd Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Gurpurab. "Warm greetings to everyone on the 553rd Prakash Utsav of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Gurpurab. Guru Nanak Dev Ji never discriminated between human beings based on their caste, religion, race, colour or his preachings inspire us to embrace equality and compassion," Kharge tweeted. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people on Guru Nanak Jayanti. PM Modi hoped that the noble teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev continue to guide us in our endeavour of building a just and compassionate society. "Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. May his noble teachings continue to guide us in our endeavour of building a just and compassionate society," the Prime Minister said in a tweet. Earlier on Monday, the Prime Minister participated in the 553rd birth anniversary celebration of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji in the national capital. President Murmu also extended her heartiest greetings to citizens of the country and Indians settled abroad on the sacred occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. "On the sacred occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, I extend my heartiest greetings to all fellow citizens and Indians settled abroad, especially the brothers and sisters of the Sikh community," the President said in her message. Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a sacred festival that marks the birth of the first guru of Sikhism - Guru Nanak Dev. The auspicious occasion is observed on the full moon date of Kartik month or Kartik Purnima every year. The day is also celebrated as Parkash Utsav. Devoted to the Divine from his childhood, Guru Nanak Dev was a man of peace who spent his entire life emphasising equality and tolerance. He was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi village, now known as Nankana Sahib, near Lahore in present-day Pakistan. Guru Nanak composed many hymns, which were collected in the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan. He visited pilgrimage sites throughout India. The main verses from the Guru Granth Sahib elaborate that the creator of the universe is one. His verses also propagate selfless service to humanity. Prayers are being held in Gurdwaras on Gurpurab. The different aspects of the celebration go on till night. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday will chair an important meeting of Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) core committee members as the party gears up for the upcoming assembly elections in the State. All the leaders of the Gujarat BJP core committee have reached Delhi to attend the meeting. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is also in the national capital. Today, the CM is also likely to meet top BJP brass here. Earlier on Monday, an important meeting with state BJP president CR Patil and Gujarat Chief Minister was held at Amit Shah's residence till late at night. Meanwhile, the BJP will hold a meeting of its Central Election Committee (CEC) on Wednesday evening in a bid to finalise the first list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls. This meeting will take place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP state president CR Patil and other members of the CEC and the state unit. The meeting is scheduled at the party headquarters in Delhi. "An initial round of the meeting has taken place at the state headquarters in Gandhinagar over three days during which a shortlist of candidates has already been prepared which will be brought in for consideration and finalisation to the CEC," a source told ANI. "Ahead of the meeting of the CEC, the BJP Gujarat core group will also have a separate meeting with JP Nadda and Amit Shah," another source told ANI. Another source told ANI, "Since all the central and state leadership may be present during this meeting, it is also likely that a separate discussion will take place with the top brass on planning the campaigning for the upcoming polls especially with PM Narendra Modi having instructed them to target the highest poll numbers ever." Gujarat has been a BJP bastion for decades together. BJP is seeking its sixth term in office. Before becoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi was Gujarat's longest-serving Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014. On November 3, the election commission of India announced the election dates for Gujarat. Polling will take place on two dates in two phases on December 1 and December 5 respectively. In the first phase, polling will be held for 89 seats while the second phase will see voting for 93 seats. The term of the 182-member state Assembly ends on February 18, 2023. The state of Gujarat has seen a traditional face-off between the ruling BJP and its traditional rival Congress party. However, in the upcoming elections a new entrant, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is being keenly watched in the poll fray. (ANI) The investigating officer in the alleged murder case of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker Sreenivasan claimed that he has been receiving threat calls. As per the complaint filed by investigating officer, the caller told him that his inquiry has created troubles for them and he will face the consequences before leaving Palakkad, the police said. "He asked the probing officer to keep a coffin ready," police said. Based on his statement, a complaint has been filed at Palakkad-Town South police station. It is pertinent to note that so far 34 accused persons in the killing of an RSS worker have been arrested and all of them are related to the Popular Front of India (PFI). Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker Sreenivasan was hacked to death on April 16, a day after (PFI) leader, Subair, was hacked to death in front of his father in Kerala's Palakkad district. Subair, a popular front worker had been hacked to death in Elupplly Palakkad district on April 15 and as a retaliation Sreenivasan, a former RSS worker was murdered on April 16. Police had formed special investigation teams to probe two cases and ADGP law and order is heading the teams. Notably, recently, the Central Government imposed 5 years ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made the announcement through a recently issued notification declaring "the PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts as an unlawful association with immediate effect". Alongwith PFI, the ban was also imposed on its fronts including Rehab India Foundation (RIF). Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala as an "unlawful association". As per the inputs received by both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as well as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), "the PFI has been raising and collecting substantial funds from abroad in a well-organized and structured manner". It also came to the knowledge of the Central agencies that the "PFI was raising funds abroad and their transfer to India through clandestine and illegal channels". (ANI) The incident occurred reportedly two days ago and the tusker's carcass was lying just 50 metres away from the forest department's rest house. The carcass started smelling after which it came to notice. DFO Mayank Agrawal said that upon getting the information about the elephant's death, a team of veterinary doctors were called to conduct the post-mortem. It was a male tusker and it was around 22 to 26 years old. The post-mortem of the male elephant was conducted by the veterinary team in the presence of the Chief Forest Conservator (Wildlife), Chief Forest Conservation, Raipur and Wild Life SOS team. "It is found in the post mortem that the elephant died due to high tension 11 KV electric current. The forest official has recovered the wire used in killing the elephant from the spot. The suspects involved in the crime are of Pakrid village, who are still absconding," Agrawal said, adding that efforts are on to nab them and strict action will be taken against them. Notably, a youth died recently due to an electric shock in the Checharpali area of Devpur forest range. (ANI) Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday assured that the 2012 Chhawla rape victim will get justice. "I have spoken to advocate Charu Khanna, who is handling the case and union law minister Kiren Rijiju regarding the Supreme Court's decision of acquitting the three accused in 2012- Chhawla rape case. The victim is the daughter of our country and we will do everything to ensure that she gets justice," Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said in a conversation with ANI. The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the Delhi High Court order and acquitted three men who were awarded the death penalty by a lower court after being held guilty of raping and killing a 19-year-old woman in Delhi's Chhawala area in 2012. A bench of Chief Justice of India UU Lalit, S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi set aside the judgments and orders of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court and the High Court in the case. The court gave the accused a benefit of the doubt and directed to set free the accused forthwith if not required in any other case. "...the judgments and orders of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court and the High Court are set aside. The Appellants-accused are acquitted from the charges leveled against them by giving them a benefit of doubt, and they are directed to be set free forthwith if not required in any other case. The appeals deserve to be allowed accordingly," the court had said. However, the court also directed that the parents of the victim would be entitled to the compensation, if not awarded so far by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority, as may be permissible in accordance with law. Three men had moved the top court against capital punishment for the rape and murder of a 19-year-old girl in Delhi's Chhawala. The three convicts were awarded the death penalty after being held guilty of raping and killing a 19-year-old woman in 2012. The victim's mutilated body was found in a field with multiple injuries due to assault with objects ranging from car tools to earthen pots. A Delhi court in February 2014 convicted them. The capital punishment was confirmed by the Delhi High Court on August 26, 2014, saying they were "predators" moving on the streets and "were looking for prey". Three men, Ravi Kumar, Rahul and Vinod were convicted under various charges dealing with kidnapping, rape and murder. The three convicts had challenged the Delhi High Court order in the Supreme Court.The case dates back to February 2012, when a 19-year old girl's body was found in Haryana. The girl was brutally killed after being raped. A case was registered regarding this at outer Delhi's Chhawala (Najafgarh) police station. According to the prosecution, the offence was barbaric in nature as they first kidnapped the woman, raped her, killed her and dumped her body in a field in Rodhai village in Haryana's Rewari district. "The woman was kidnapped by the three men in a car from near her house in the Qutub Vihar area on the night of February 9, 2012, while she was returning from office," the prosecution had said. The prosecution had also revealed multiple injuries on the woman's head and other parts of her body and said that the three men had assaulted the woman with a car jack and an earthen pot. The crime was committed by Ravi Kumar with the help of the other two accused as the girl has refused the friendship proposal of Ravi Kumar, the prosecution had alleged. (ANI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday offered prayers at Patna Sahib Gurdwara on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Calling the Gurudwara a very "important" place, Bihar CM said, "It is a very important place as Guru Nanak was born here. We have built this place in such a way that the new generation will be aware." Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurupurab, is a sacred festival that marks the birth of the first guru of Sikhism - Guru Nanak Dev. The auspicious occasion is observed on the full moon date of Kartik month or Kartik Purnima every year.Bihar CM also extended his greetings to the people via his social media platform. "Greetings and best wishes on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Guru Nanak had the qualities of a philosopher, yogi, householder, founder of a religion, social reformer, poet, patriot and Vishwabandhu in his personality," he said in a tweet. He further said that we all should work together to fulfil Guru Nanak Dev Ji's dream of creating a holistic and harmonious society. The day is also celebrated as Parkash Utsav. Devoted to the Divine from his childhood, Guru Nanak Dev was a man of peace who spent his entire life emphasising equality and tolerance. He was born in 1469 at Rai Bhoi di Talwandi village, now known as Nankana Sahib, near Lahore in present-day Pakistan. Guru Nanak composed many hymns, which were collected in the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan. He visited pilgrimage sites throughout India. The main verses from the Guru Granth Sahib elaborate that the creator of the universe is one. His verses also propagate selfless service to humanity. Prayers are being held in Gurdwaras on Gurpurab. The different aspects of the celebration go on till night. (ANI) As many as three girls have been arrested so far and a case registered against six persons, including two youths for assaulting a woman at LIG square in Madhya Pradesh's Indore, an official said. The arrested girls have been identified as Megha Malviya, Poonam Ahirwar and Tina Soni. The incident occurred around 1 am on November 4 and the video of the incident, however, went viral on social media on Monday. In the viral video, the four girls were spotted beating the woman fiercely and abusing her. MIG police station in-charge Ajay Verma said that during the investigation of the case names of two more youths came to light, as a result, the case was registered against six persons. Three girls have been arrested so far and efforts were on to nab the remaining accused. They would be arrested soon, he added. The victim sustained injuries in the head and stomach. After which, considering the seriousness of the injury of the victim, an additional section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC was included along with previous sections 294 (Obscene acts), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), and 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation), Verma said. Further investigation into the matter is underway. (ANI) Leader of Opposition in Kerala VD Satheesan on Tuesday alleged that the state governor was making attempts to remain in limelight by doing "unconstitutional" things. "The governor said 'get out' to selective media yesterday. He has been doing this consistently, abusing even the Opposition leader i.e. me, other leaders, and ministers. He is trying to be in limelight and make news by doing unconstitutional things," LoP VD Satheesan said addressing the media persons in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Monday barred two Malayalam channels-- Kairali News and Media One-- from his press meet at Kochi 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 on Monday morning. Earlier on October 24, the Raj Bhavan had barred four Malayalam channels including the aforesaid two channels from attending a press meet of the Governor. Kairali News is the channel of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M), while the 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. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the giant bronze statue of Kempegowda during his visit to the state on November 11. State health minister Dr K Sudhakar and home minister Araga Jnanendra on Tuesday visited the Bengaluru airport premises site where the statue has been installed to take stock of the preparations. "Ex-CM BS Yediyurappa initiated the idea of the Statue of Prosperity in 2019 after BJP came to power in the state. Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai also pursued this after assuming office and ensured that this historical monument is established. I would like to thank both of them," Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar said while speaking to the media. Kempegowda is known for his major contribution to the development of Bengaluru. He built the city of Bengaluru and thus the statue has been named the Statue of Prosperity. During his visit to the state on November 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also inaugurate a new terminal at the Kempegowda international airport. The new terminal with a capacity of 25 lakh and 100 counters was much needed as the number of international passengers arriving in Bangaluru is huge. PM Modi will also launch Vande Bharat (Chennai-Mysuru-Bengaluru) train from SBC railway station. The high-speed special train was a long pending demand of the people of Karnataka state. PM Modi will also address a public rally being organized during the course of his visit on November 11. Karnataka chief minister Basavaraju Bommai along with ministers and prominent BJP leaders will also participate in programmes. (ANI) After apolitical row erupted over Karnataka Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi's comment on the word 'Hindu', the party has said that it would seek an explanation on the same. Karnataka Congress president DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said, "Satish Jarkiholi's statement is his personal opinion and not the Congress party's opinion, we will ask for his explanation on the same." He further said that the party did not agree with his statement. "Congress Party supports all religions and does not agree with his statement," Shivkumar said. Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi on Monday said that the word "Hindu" is a Persian word that means "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. Notably, a video of the event where Satish Jarkiholi was speaking 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. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit back at the Congress over this. Launching into Jarkiholi 's statement Union Minster Anurag Thakur said that the party always remembers Gods and Goddesses at the time of elections. "It is become a habit for Congress and AAP leaders to demean Hindus and insult Hindu Gods & Goddesses. Only during elections do they remember Gods and Goddesses. The rest of the time, they keep abusing them," Thakur said. (ANI) Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Tuesday hit out at Congress and said that the oldest party of the country initiated appeasement politics in the nation and from the last 75 years they are the one who have been indulging in it adding that BJP's mantra is "sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas". Speaking to ANI, at the premises of Bengaluru airport in Devanahalli where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 108-feet bronze statue of Kempe Gowda, Sudhakar said, "I take pride in acknowledging my government. Former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa initiated the idea of the statue of prosperity way back in 2019 after BJP formed a government in the state. This idea was muted almost 3.5 years ago and today to visualize this beautiful scenic statue, the statue of the prosperity of Kempe Gowda, who was the architect of Bengaluru and modern Karnataka. So it is really befitting. So I really acknowledge it. CM Basavaraj Bommai also pursued this after assuming office to ensure that this historical monument is established. I thank them." Replying to a question, that Congress is alleging that it is a kind of pleasing tactic by the BJP of the one community, the Karnataka Minister said, "Appeasement politics is initiated by Congress in the nation. Right from 75 years ago appeasing communities. Our dharma "sarvavyapi sarva sparshi". "Sabka saath sabka vikas sabka vishwas", this is the mantra of PM Modi." He said that the BJP is not in favour of appeasement politics. "The best example you can see is of yesterday's EWS case, which was upheld by the apex court. So the economically weaker sections are there in all religions and castes. So this kind of idea only BJP can get and can implement successfully," he said. Taking a dig at Congress and Janata Dal (Secular), Sudhakar said that they are upset because they were not able to do anything for the Vokkaliga community or for the minorities in the state. "Why Congress is upset today because what they could not, JDS could not do, what they didn't get an idea like this, the BJP has implemented. Kempe Gowda, though he belongs to the powerful Vokkaliga community. They deceived the Vokkaliga community. They did not do anything for the Vokkaliga community, especially Congress. The only PM who held the highest office in this country, HD Deve Gowda, who is the son of this soil, was dethroned by the Congress party by giving lame excuses. Similarly, our SM Krishna, who is highly respected in Karnataka politics, was also made to demit the office, even till today they are not given a reason why they were both dethroned from public office. They humiliated SM Krishna so much that he has to quit congress and join BJP. Do they have answers for these? I can quote many examples like this. Kengal Hanumanthaiah who built Vidhana Soudha, did not allow him to inaugurate. So they have some anger towards Vokkaliga community," he said. Directly targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the BJP Minister said that he is trying to relaunch himself after 20 years. "He is trying to relaunch himself. he entered politics almost two decades ago. and after 20 years he is again trying to relaunch himself. And by doing cheap tactics he is exposing himself again in front of the people, I can only pity for him," the BJP leader said. Parsing PM Modi for working for the minorities of the state, he said, "Congress is only appealing kind of party. They try to vow minorities but in a real sense, they have done nothing for minorities. In a real sense if you speak it is only PM Modi ji under Murda Scheme has done. Today if someone has done really good for minorities it is again PM Modi. if somebody has done really good to minority women by abolishing 'triple talak' it is again PM Modi ji and BJP government," he added. The Karnataka Minister further said that it is for people to introspect and understand the sequence of the incidents in the last 75 years, who is really trying to be the communities irrespective of their religious or caste background who is trying to bring them to the mainstream of development. People should introspect and analyze. Meanwhile, preparations are underway at the premises of Bengaluru airport in Devanahalli for the inauguration of a 108-feet bronze statue of Kempe Gowda, who was the founder of Bengaluru city. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the statue on November 11. (ANI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at seven locations in three states in an ongoing investigation of a case related to the Jammu and Kashmir Police Sub-Inspector (JKPSI) recruitment scam. The searches were conducted in Jammu, Pathankot, Rewari and Karnal at the premises of the accused and other persons involved in the case. CBI had registered the case in August on the request of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to investigate the allegations of irregularities in the written examination conducted by the J-K Services Selection Board (JKSSB) on March 27, 2022 for the recruitment of 1,200 Sub-Inspectors of Jammu and Kashmir Police. The result of this examination was declared on June 4, 2022. In this case, 13 accused, including the Commandant of BSF, one then ASI and two then constables of Jammu and Kashmir Police, one then CRPF Constable, one ex-CRPF official, one then teacher, were earlier arrested. Searches were also conducted around 77 locations including the premises of the then Chairman & Controller of JKSSB. Cash worth Rs 61.79 lakh (approx) had been recovered. During the investigation, it was found that the question paper was allegedly leaked by the accused Yatin Yadav, who is in judicial custody, with the help of an employee of the printing press. It was also alleged that the accused contacted touts based in J-K including constables of J-K Police and CRPF for soliciting candidates who were charged amounts ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh (approx) for the paper. The candidates were allegedly taken to Karnal in Haryana and a question paper was provided to them at a hotel there. The leaked question paper was also allegedly offered to candidates at Gangyal and Jammu. Further investigation is continuing in the case. (ANI) Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (17) Karnataka Congress working president Satish Jarkiholi, who sparked a controversy with his remarks over the word "Hindu" on Monday, has said that he would resign as MLA if proven wrong and he will not apologize for his statement. "Let everyone prove I'm wrong. If I am wrong, I'll resign as MLA and not just apologize for my statement," Jarkiholi said while speaking to the media on Tuesday. Jarkiholi sparked a controversy on Monday by saying that the word "Hindu" is Persian and did not originate in India. He had 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 Congress working president had said at a programme in Belagavi. Soon after Jarkiholi's statement went viral on social media, senior BJP leaders slammed him for the statement and allegedly insulting and provoking Hindus. "It has become a habit of Congress and AAP leaders to demean Hindus and insult Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Only during elections, do they remember Gods and Goddesses, while the rest of the time, they keep abusing them," BJP Union Minister Anurag Thakur said. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the remark was unfortunate. "They (Congress leaders) make statements with half knowledge to appease voters of one community and dream to get minority votes. This is anti-national and everyone should condemn it. Are Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah's silence endorsing Satish's statements?," BJP CM Bommai said while speaking to reporters on Tuesday. BJP spokesman Shehzad Poonawalla also 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 and Jihad," he said in a tweet. Congress leaders continued to maintain distance from Jarkiholi's statement on Tuesday. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief DK Shivakumar said that the party supports all religions and does not agree with Jarkiholi's statement. "Satish Jarkiholi's statement is his personal opinion and not the Congress party's opinion, we will ask for his explanation on the same," Shivakumar said while speaking to ANI. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday wrote two letters to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking an investigation into the 'Nagrik Apurti Nigam' (NAN) scam and chit fund scam which took place when Raman Singh-led BJP government was in power in the state. "I have written two letters to the ED. The first letter is regarding the 'Nagrik Apurti Nigam' (NAN) scam where the names of the former CM and his wife appeared. The second letter is on the Chit fund scam. It's a Rs 6.5 thousand crore scam involving money laundering," said Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, while talking to reporters. Chief Minister was walking out of the Congress office, Raipur, after conducting a meeting with the election committee and State's Youth Congress executive, where he discussed the Bhanupratappur bypolls. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Modi's statement of addressing premier agencies to conduct fair investigation irrespective of any political party, Bhupesh Baghel said that names of the former Chief Minister and his wife have surfaced in the NAN scam, the ED should conduct a fair investigation in it. Citing a cutout of a prestigious newspaper published on March 10, 2015, CM Baghel said in the letter that the news published in this newspaper alleged the involvement of former Chief Minister Raman Singh in the NAN scam. After the meeting at the Congress State Office, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel flagged off the 'Kisan Samman Rath Yatra' of the Kisan Congress. Kisan Samman Rath Yatra will pass through all the districts of Chhattisgarh and will cover a distance of about 2,500 kms. Asked about his visit to the poll-bound state of Himachal Pradesh, Baghel told reporters that he will be staying in Himachal Pradesh till November 10. Bhupesh Baghel also lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after a purported video of him, went viral, in which he was heard, asking a rebel leader of the Bhartiya Janta Party to "not contest in the polls. CM Bhupesh Baghel said that the rebel leader refused to obey the order given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the commander-in-chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party, even after calling him personally, this shows that BJP is going to lose in the upcoming elections. "Out of 68 seats, 21 BJP rebels are contesting in the elections. The national President of BJP, JP Nadda, comes from Himachal Pradesh, still 21 rebels are contesting elections this means that the Bharatiya Janata Party is no longer the party they claim to be," Bhupesh Baghel said. (ANI) The first-ever Digital Lok Adalat is all set to repeat history with the upcoming Lok Adalat on November 12, 2022, as Indian Justice Technology (JusTech) has registered over 1 crore cases across the states of Rajasthan and Maharashtra. "The first-ever Digital Lok Adalat is all set to repeat history with the upcoming Lok Adalat on November 12, 2022. Ever since its launch in July 2022, the Digital Lok Adalat designed and developed by an Indian Justice Technology (JusTech) has registered over 1 crore cases across the states of Rajasthan and Maharashtra (as of November 11, 2022)," a press statement said. During the first Lok Adalat which was organized on August 13, 2022, Justice extended its technical support to the State Legal Services Authorities of Rajasthan and Maharashtra with its Digital Lok Adalat Platform. While the previously held Digital Lok Adalat helped the states to settle a record amount of Rs 833,513,857, the upcoming Digital Lok Adalat is expected to surpass the previously reported settlement amount. According to the data available on the upcoming Digital Lok Adalat, over 80 lakh cases, including pre-litigation and challan, have been registered in the state of Rajasthan & Maharashtra. The registered cases include disputes related to money recovery, electricity bills & other bill payments, telecommunication disputes, and bank litigation among others, the statement said. "After the success of the first Digital Lok Adalat, the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA) has again collaborated with Jupitice for the upcoming Lok Adalat. In August, the digitalization of the Lok Adalat led to the registration of record no of cases and also eased the back-end administrative work. We are confident that we are again going to resolve as many cases with the help of Digital Lok Adalat developed by Jupitice," said Dinesh Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, Rajasthan Member Secretary. During the first Digital Lok Adalat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra constituted a total of 568 benches registered a total of 1,354,432 cases out of which a total of 1,116,193 cases were resolved at the pre-litigation stage. In Maharashtra, a total of 63, 99,983 traffic challan cases were registered with the Digital Lok Adalat out of which 58,10, 712 traffic challan cases were resolved at the platform. "The collaboration with Rajasthan and Maharashtra Legal Services Authority has helped Jupitice in spearheading its ambitious project - Nyaya Ghar Ghar (Delivering Justice at the doorstep of every citizen). We are confident that in the upcoming Lok Adalats, Jupitice will also collaborate with more state legal services authorities across India," said Raman Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Jupitice. Lok Adalats have a long history of being one of the most effective methods for guaranteeing that every individual has access to justice. The digital transformation of Lok Adalat has made it more accessible, effective, and ergonomic for all parties involved. The success of the first Digital Lok Adalat has also proved that the digital transformation has not only enhanced access to justice for all but also the ease of justice throughout the nation. The concept of the Digital Lok Adalat was designed, developed, and implemented by a homegrown company, Jupitice- the world's first Justice Technology (JusTech) company that has designed and built World's First Next Generation "Justice Technology Platform'' to reboot the global justice ecosystem to make it accessible, affordable, cost-effective, transparent, accountable, equitable, and secure. (ANI) Days ahead of the assembly elections in Gujarat, veteran Congress Party leader and 11 times MLA Mohan Singh Rathwa, a prominent tribal leader joined Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) after quitting from the Congress. The senior ex-Congress leader Mohan Singh Rathwa along with his sons Rajubhai Rathwa, Ranjit Bhai Rathwa and other party members joined BJP. Rebel leader Mohan Singh Rathwa claims that the development works of the ruling party BJP, motivated him to take the step. "Its my fortune that I got the opportunity to visit the office of BJP today. Despite working with the Congress Party for so many years, I have left the party due to several reasons. Today, I thank Dilipbhai Sanghani who felicitated me after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party," Rathwa said after joining BJP. "In the coming days the government of Bharatiya Janata Party will be doing series of developments at a faster pace in the state and nation and my feelings and trust are connected with Prime Minister Narendra Modi which compelled me to join Bharatiya Janata Party," Mohan Rathwa said. Asked about his sons joining the BJP, Rathwa said that the new generation has made up its mind to serve the people by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, I have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party today along with my two sons and supporters. "I have no enmity with anyone, but I am impressed by the recent schemes implemented by the state and the central government for the upliftment of tribal areas," Rathwa said. "Although Mohan Singh Rathwa will not contest the elections because of medical reasons," ANI learned. Earlier the Congress Party got a similar jolt in the poll-bound Himachal Pradesh as a total of 26 leaders of the Congress party quit and joined the ruling BJP on Monday with four days to go for the election. The leaders jumped the boat in the presence of Chief Minister Jairam Thakur and BJP's Sudhan Singh, incharge of BJP state elections. BJP candidate from Shimla, Sanjay Sood was also present on the occasion. Notably, On November 3, the election commission of India announced the election dates for Gujarat. Polling will take place on two dates in two phases on December 1 and December 5 respectively.In the first phase, polling will be held for 89 seats while the second phase will see voting for 93 seats. The term of the 182-member state Assembly ends on February 18, 2023. The state of Gujarat has seen a traditional face-off between the ruling BJP and its traditional rival Congress party. However, in the upcoming elections a new entrant, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is being keenly watched in the poll fray. (ANI) Praying for peace to the departed soul, the Chief Minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. Yogi Adityanath directed the district administration officials for the proper treatment of the injured admitted to the Hospital and prayed for their speedy recovery. Along with this, the District Magistrate and senior police officers have been instructed to go to the spot and get relief work done on a war level. "The Chief Minister has directed the district administration officials for the proper treatment of the injured and wished them a speedy recovery," the Office of the Chief Minister tweeted. "Along with this, the District Magistrate and senior police officers have been instructed to go to the spot and get the relief work done on a war footing," CMO said in a tweet in Hindi. Earlier in the day, a boat full of villagers going to see the "dangal" was capsized in the Sumli river, in the Barabanki district, claiming the lives of three children. There were about two dozen people on the boat. According to the local people, the accident happened after the boat lost its balance while crossing the river. Further information is awaited. (ANI) Officials of the Government Railway Police (GRP) on Tuesday seized 600 grams of gold, worth Rs 40 lakh, from a person on Rajdhani Express at Guwahati railway station. The GRP personnel also arrested the person hailing from Kerala who was carrying the gold. Prasenjit Das, Officer-in-Charge of GRP Guwahati said that the market value of the seized gold is estimated at more than Rs 40 lakh. "Based on intelligence input, today morning we conducted search operation in Rajdhani Express and found gold powder in three packets weighing about 600 grams in possession from a person who was travelling in the train. He was coming from Dimapur. The market value of the seized gold is estimated at more than Rs 40 lakh," Prasenjit Das, Officer-in-Charge of GRP Guwahati said. A case has been registered at GRP Guwahati in connection with this. Further information is awaited. Earlier in March, this year, in a similar crackdown against the smuggling of gold, the Government Railway Police (GRP) seized over 32 kg gold jewellery worth over Rs 16 crore from Mumbai-Bhubaneswar Konark Express in Odisha. As per a statement issued by the Odisha State CT and GST Enforcement Wing, four persons were detained in this connection for interrogation after they failed to produce valid GST documents. The detainees, identified as Hasmukhlal Jain, Surseh Sahadev Khare, Mahesh Bhomsar and Deepak Patel, all hailing from Mumbai, were travelling with four bags, each containing 8 kg of gold ornaments, the police said. "They had planned to sell the gold ornaments to traders in and around Bhubaneswar. We zeroed in on them due to their suspicious activities," said Jayadev Biswajit Inspector In Charge, GRP Bhubaneswar. "They evaded tax. So far, they have not disclosed who their prospective buyers are," he said. One GST officer Manmath Pradhan said that 32 kg gold worth above Rs 16 crores has been handed over to them by GRP police. "We will collect 3 percent GST and 3 percent as penalty from these gold ornaments. We also varify the identities of those byres of Bhubaneswar. Later on Income tax department will also verify about the money invested to purchase illegal gold ornaments", he added. (ANI) Delhi Police have registered a case following a complaint that an ex-serviceman, who resided in Sultanpuri and worked in a Delhi government school, had gone missing and did not return home on Monday. DCP (Rohini) Guriqbal Singh Sidhu said that a complaint was received at Prem Nagar Police Station from the family of the ex-serviceman that he had gone missing. He said the family informed that the ex-serviceman Rajender Prasad worked in the administrative office of a local government school. "Family ne hamen bataya ki jo victim hai unke WhatApp message se unki wife ke WhatApp pe kuch do message aayan hain, ek to message aaya aur dusra symbol aaya kisi religious organisation ka. Jab further ense pucha, to enhone bola ki first time message aaya, isse pehle kabhi koi message nahi aaya. Past me ye kah rahen hai ki enke father ne ek do bar mention kiya is cheez ka ki may be ..aisa koi angle ho sakta hai. Kisi bhi thane me unhone past me koi complaint nahi ki hai," he said. [The family told us that the wife of the victim received WhatsApp message from his mobile and there were two messages - one was message and the other was symbol of some religious organisation. When we asked further, they said the message came for the first time. They are saying in the past their father mentioned once or twice about this may be.... there could be an angle. They did not register any complaint in the past]. The family members said that Rajender Prasad left home for school on Monday morning but did not return. They said he usually returned home by 1-2 pm. The family alleged that there was pressure on Rajender Prasad to convert and the logo of PFI (Popular Front of India) had been sent on WhatsApp from his mobile. Rajender Prasad's daughter Kiran alleged that her father was sometimes accosted by a few people. "A PFI logo was sent from his WhatsApp... Once two people met him, once four and once five-six people. Once they sat in an e-rickshaw with him and asked him to convert and come along. My father went into a bank and they waited for him," she said. Aniket, Rajender Prasad's nephew, said when they tried calling on his number it was switched off. Asked about the message received by Prasad's wife, he said it read: "sar tan sey juda, Ajmer in via Pakistan..." and added that PFI logo was also sent from his mobile. "Rajender Prasad's phone was last switched on near Tis Hazari metro station around 4 pm, since then the phone has been switched off," he said. Sidhu said the family belongs to Sultanpuri in Delhi. He said a case was registered immediately and a dedicated team is looking at all possible angles. The police officer said apart from CCTV surveillance, technical details and source-based information is being obtained. Answering a query about the symbol of an organization, Sidhu said the dedicated team is tracking the social media profiles of the victim including WhatsApp profile and messages. (ANI) There has been a decrease of 74 per cent in the incidents of insurgency in the North eastern states as compared to 2014, said Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its annual report 2021-22. It also said that since 2014, there was a reduction of up to 55 per cent in Maoist violence incidents in the country in 2021. In the report, the MHA stated that there has been a great improvement in internal security of the country. According to the Home Ministry, the security in the north eastern states of India has improved significantly since 2014. These states have recorded the least number of incidents of militancy and deaths of security forces and civilians in 2020. There has been a reduction of 60 per cent in the death of security forces and 89 per cent in the death of civilians in this period, the report added. The MHA said that between 2014 and 2021, a total of 581 militants were killed and 9,103 were arrested in the North eastern regions. Incidents of Maoist violence in the country have also decreased significantly in the last eight years with the death toll in these incidents coming down by 63 per cent. In 2021, the Maoist incidents have decreased from 1136 to 509 and the death toll has come down from 397 to 147 as compared to 2013, stated the report. According to the report, the Maoist violence in 2021 was reported under 191 police stations in 46 districts spread over eight states, while in 2013 it was reported in 330 police stations in 76 districts spread over 10 states. The MHA said that the CPI (Maoist) continues to be the most powerful of the various Left Wing Extremist organisations in the country and is responsible for more than 90 per cent of the total violence and 95 per cent of deaths. --IANS spt/fs/uk/ ( 327 Words) 2022-11-08-19:12:02 (IANS) West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress is considering moving a motion in the Assembly this month, condemning the recent developments over Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The Assembly's Winter Session is scheduled to start from November 18, and the Trinamool is planning to move the motion then, party sources said. Although refusing to directly confirm this, state Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture minister, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay said that along with a number of bills that will be moved in the forthcoming session of the house, there will also be a motion on a specific issue. The Trinamool has condemned the Union Home Ministry's recent notification announcing 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. Now by bringing a motion condemning the recent development over CAA in the assembly, the Trinamool, as well as the state government, now want to make clear their stand that under all circumstances, they would oppose the implementation of the CAA in West Bengal. Political observers feel that once the ruling party will move the motion in the Assembly, the development might create a major ruckus as BJP legislators, led by the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari will oppose that tooth and nail. Already, Adhikari has described the Gujarat development as the beginning of the implementation of CAA in all states of the country including West Bengal. So, it is expected that during the debate on the motion, he will strongly express his views which might evoke counter-reactions from the ruling party legislators. Previously, the ruling party also moved a motion to condemn activities by central probe agencies like Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in the state. During the debate on that motion too, the scene on the floor of the house was quite boiling over altercations between the ruling and opposition party legislators. --IANS src/vd ( 331 Words) 2022-11-08-19:14:05 (IANS) A two-month-old white tiger cub, named 'Singham', was released in Maitri Bagh Zoo in Chhattisgarh's Bhilai district on Tuesday. Singham was spotted along with his mother Roma and showed many actions in the zoo. A huge number of visitors flocked to the arena to see the cub. With the birth of Singham, now the total number of white tigers in this zoo has increased to 7. Before this, two cubs Raksha and Azad were born on August 15, 2018. Maitri Bagh Zoo in charge N K Jain said, "There is a wave of happiness in the zoo with the birth of the baby tiger. The breeding among the tiger was stopped for the last two years amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Six months ago, we brought Roma (tigress) and Sultan (Tiger) as a result of which, we got a new baby tiger on September 5. We named him Singham. The cub is very healthy and all the tourists are very happy after taking a look at it." "Little Singham was born two months back. But it has been left in the enclosure today. Because the cub was very weak after birth, we were also afraid that his mother Roma might react and harm him somewhere. So we separated it from the mother in view of its health. Special care was being taken by isolating him. And now both mother and the cub are healthy," he added. Jain further said that a tiger couple Tarun and Taapsee were brought from Nandankanan in Bhubaneswar in 1997. As a result of which the number of tigers reached 19 to 20. Out of these tigers, 12 were given to different zoos in the county; currently, there were seven tigers in Maitribagh. "Maitri Bagh is known for its white tigers. The cage has been given a natural look. Special care of the food is being taken here. The same environment therapy is also taken care of. Due to this, the breeding of tigers becomes easy," Jain added. (ANI) The Prime Minister hailed the government's decision to grant 265 DNB Post-Graduate medical seats across 20 district Government hospitals and said that it is a significant effort to empower the youth and further medical infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. Sharing a tweet by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya, the Prime Minister tweeted; "This is an important effort to empower the youth and further medical infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir!" (ANI) A case has been booked against him at Banjara Hills police station on a complaint by Pilot Rohit Reddy, one of the four MLAs of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) who were lured by the accused with money to switch loyalties to the BJP. As part of the investigation into this case, the police were working to collect evidence. According to police, if convicted, the accused may get a jail term of 10 years. harati, a priest from Faridabad in Haryana, allegedly possesses multiple Aadhaar, PAN cards and driving licenses. At a news conference on November 3, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had released photographs of the multiple identity cards of Bharati. He allegedly possesses Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and driving licenses in two names - V.K. Satish Sharma and Shree Ramachandra Swami Ji. This was part of the evidence released by the Chief Minister in the sensational case which triggered political tremors. Bharati along with Simhayaji, a pontiff from Tirupati and Nandakumar, owner of a restaurant in Hyderabad, were arrested by Cyberabad police during a raid on a farm house at Moinabad near Hyderabad on October 26. The police made the arrests on a tip-off by Pilot Rohit Reddy, who alleged that the accused offered Rs 100 crore to him and Rs 50 crore each to three others. The accused were booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Prevention of Corruption Act and are currently under judicial custody. --IANS ms/vd ( 292 Words) 2022-11-08-21:44:02 (IANS) The explosion took place in an air-conditioned bus with dozens of passengers on board. The vehicle was owned and operated by Yellow Bus Line and came from Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province. The investigation of the attack is underway. No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Tacurong. According to Manila Times, the improvised explosive went off at the engine bay of the bus and two drivers of motorcycle taxis behind the bus were injured in the explosion. Notably, the bus came from Tacurong City in the province of Sultan Kudarat. (ANI) Diplomatic relationship with India is very important for Israel, said Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem in charge of foreign relations, economic development and tourism, on Monday. Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, whose husband's family hails from Kolkata, told ANI that the ties with India are very important for Israel as both countries share similar strengths and challenges. "It is very important for us. Our Prime Ministers are very close friends. We have trade and innovation collaborations. We have similar strengths and similar challenges. We hope our relationship will go from strength to strength," Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem said in response to a question on importance of bilateral ties. The Jerusalem Deputy Mayor also expressed her love for Indian food and Indian clothes. Earlier, Israeli diplomat Roey Gilad spoke to ANI about the growing cooperation between the two countries. "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," Roey Gilad, Ambassador, Center for Policy Research, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told ANI. This comes in the backdrop Benjamin Netanyahu's recent win in Israeli general elections. Netanyahu his allies won enough seats to form a majority government in Israel's parliament. "We have received a huge vote of confidence and we are on the verge of a very big victory," Netanyahu said, during an early morning speech at a victory rally in Jerusalem. Orly Ades, director of the Central Elections Committee which oversees elections in Israel, said the official results will be submitted to President Isaac Herzog, who is expected to task Netanyahu with forming the next government. The final count showed Netanyahu, backed by an alliance of extreme-right parties, would return to power with 64 seats, while his main rival, centrist Yair Lapid and his bloc of the current coalition government, garnered 51 seats. (ANI) As South Asia reels under the impacts of unprecedented economic shocks, migration can boost its recovery and support long-term development, says the World Bank in its latest regional economic update. Coping with Shocks: Migration and the Road to Resilience is the subject of a two-day conference that opens today, organized by the Institute for Integrated Development Studies and the World Bank. "Migration drives economic growth as it allows people to move to where they are more productive. International migrants from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka who work in the Gulf states, for example, earn up to five times what they would at home and help generate some of the largest remittance inflows in the world," the World Bank said in a statement. It said Nepal derives an estimated 20 per cent of its income from remittance inflows, and in Bangladesh and Pakistan, remittance revenue accounts for 6 and 8 per cent of GDP, respectively. Migration also allows people to adjust to local economic shocks, such as extreme-weather disasters, to which South Asia's rural poor are highly vulnerable. "While migration has numerous economic benefits, the costs of moving such as credit constraints, lack of information, and labor market frictions prevent them from being fully realized," said Eaknarayan Aryal, Secretary, Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security in Nepal. "Nepal and countries across South Asia must work to facilitate labor mobility as doing so is vital to the region's recovery and resilience to future shocks." Poor South Asian migrants, many of whom hold temporary jobs in the informal sector, face several challenges such as precarious labor market conditions, visas tied to employment, and limited access to social protection. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed their long-standing vulnerabilities as they were disproportionately affected by restrictions to movement. However, the later phase of the pandemic has highlighted the crucial role migration can play in facilitating recovery. Survey data from the report suggests that in late 2021 and early 2022, migration flows are associated with movement from areas hit hard by the pandemic to those that were not, thus helping equilibrate demand and supply of labor in the aftermath of the COVID-19 shock. In Nepal, by late 2021, migrants were 13 percentage points more likely to be employed than those who did not migrate after facing job loss during the early months of the pandemic. "Migration is picking up again in South Asia, but remains slow and uneven, raising concerns that the pandemic shock has had long-term impacts on the costs and frictions associated with it," said Hans Timmer, World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia. "Policymakers must address these often-prohibitive costs and frictions and incorporate measures to de-risk migration." The report offers several recommendations on cutting the high costs of migration, including drawing bilateral and multilateral agreements, strengthening the remittance infrastructure, and offering information and training programs to help potential migrants make better decisions about moving. It also offers recommendations on de-risking migration through means such as more flexible visa policies, mechanisms to support migrant workers during shocks, and social protection programs. "South Asia is the largest beneficiary of remittance in the world. Remittance has played a central role in alleviating poverty, coping with economic shocks, and making substantial progress toward sustainable development goals in Nepal," said Dr Biswash Gauchan, IIDS Executive Chair. "However, the socioeconomic and political cost of migration is also very high in the country where a substantial number of the working-age population has gone abroad in search of employment. IIDS is happy to host this regional conference on this crucial theme in Nepal in collaboration with the World Bank, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19," Gauchan added. (ANI) 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. --IANS na/arm ( 304 Words) 2022-11-07-22:40:03 (IANS) Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday condemned the attack on the country's former Prime Minister Imran Khan and called for an impartial investigation into the matter. While exclusively talking to CNN, Zardari said that whatever one thinks of Imran Khan domestically, this is an attack on a former prime minister and should be impartially investigated. "I would like to reiterate my unequivocal condemnation of this attack. There must be a free, fair and impartial investigation. Whatever one thinks of Mr Khan domestically, but this is an attack on a former Prime Minister, an attack on anyone should be investigated in an impartial manner," CNN quoted Zardari as saying. However, Zardari said that Imran Khan's visit to Russia after it started aggression on Ukraine misrepresented Pakistan's stand on the matter. "Regarding Mr Khan's visit to Russia, we understand how it can be misinterpreted that Pakistan is taking sides. But, Pakistan across the political divide agreed that we want to stay neutral and don't want to get dragged into yet another conflict," CNN further quoted Zardari. Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave the order for a judicial inquiry into the assassination attempt at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief. 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) Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai attacked Pakistan for 'mistreating' the Afghan refugees who crossed the border after the Taliban took over the country, Khaama Press reported on Monday. Karzai expressed his concerns over the mistreatment of the refugees by the Pakistan government. He also urged the Pakistan administration to treat the refugees as per international laws and human rights values. Karzai also asked the United Nations and human rights organisations to monitor the situation and provide the Afghan refugees with better-living conditions. As per media reports over 1100 Afghan refugees including women and children have been arrested and imprisoned in the Sindh state of Pakistan, Hamid Karzai tweeted. Khaama Press, citing its monitoring desk, said that thousands of Afghans cross Turkham and Spin Boldak borders daily and most do so without holding valid entry permits and visas. The Afghan immigrants in Pakistan do not hold any legal status as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has not yet launched the process of registering the immigrants. One of the main reasons behind the rising number of Afghan immigrants in Pakistan is the political instability and economic crisis in Afghanistan, reported Khaama Press. Earlier on Sunday, Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai's brother, Mahmood Karzai, a key Afghan businessman was detained by the Taliban at the Kabul airport, 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 Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah are the two high-level politicians who remained in Afghanistan even after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Former President Hamid Karzai has been criticizing the Taliban government regarding curbing women's rights 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 backwards. 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. 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) "Deputy Secretary Sherman and Foreign Secretary Kwatra discussed the wide range of issues on which the United States and India are working together as strategic partners, including our economic and security cooperation," US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said. Price said that the two reaffirmed the shared commitment to democratic principles, regional security and prosperity, and strengthening people-to-people ties, between the two countries. During the meeting, the US Deputy Secretary underscored the U.S. commitment towards Ukraine against Russia's aggression, Price added. The US spokesperson further said that the two also discussed ways to improve regional and multilateral coordination, including through the Quad partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman also informed about the meeting on Twitter. "Great meeting Indian Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatrato discuss #USIndia relations and advance our security and regional cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific region and the world," she tweeted. Earlier on Friday, in his briefing at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the foreign secretary urged the global community to collectively call out those who defend terrorists including those in the US sanctions regime. "We must collectively call out those who provide safe havens to terrorists as also those who stand with them and come to their defence including in the UNSC sanctions regime," Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said during a UNSC briefing in New York. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Thursday met UN Chief Antonio Guterres and discussed issues of pressing concern, according to the permanent mission of India to the United Nations. (ANI) Former Knesset member and Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP) chief, Eren N Margalit on Monday said that Israeli venture capital funds are willing to invest in India. While talking with ANI about the business scenario in India, Margalit, Founder and Executive Chairman of JVP said that India has been very strong in building the backbone for many international tech countries around the world. He further said that cooperation can take place anywhere whether it is Delhi, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Mumbai or Varanasi. "I love all the Indian places and I have had great fun there," he said. Venture capital funds are pooled investment funds that manage the money of investors who seek private equity stakes in startups and small- to medium-sized enterprises with strong growth potential. These investments are generally characterized as very high-risk/high-return opportunities. "India has been very strong in building the backbone for many international tech countries along the world," added Margalit, on the business scenario in India. Margalit said that he would like to see more cooperation between the countries of India and Israel in the field of startups and technology. While talking to ANI about India's startup prospects, Founder and Executive Chairman, JVP, Margalit said, "The skills and qualities, the management skills and innovation, they bring on the table, it would be great to cooperate." "There is a cooperation between Israeli and Indian companies on the basis of software and enterprise. I would like to see more Israeli businesses being set up in India and more Indian businesses being set up in Israel. I would also like to see more investment into the countries from both sides," he said. Margalit also emphasized the several areas where the two countries can cooperate such as food and climate technology. "There are many areas such as fintech and software. Also, new cooperation around food tech as India is looking for new agricultural and water strategies. One of the biggest initiatives we are working on and maybe can work on together with the Indian government and Indian business community is climate technology," he said. Margalit said that healthcare, climate and cyber tech are some areas where we can work together and bring some great development for the coming generations. Margalit is one of the chief architects of the startup nation, bringing innovation and entrepreneurial leadership to the country's most pressing political, economic, and social challenges. Twenty-seven years ago Erel founded JVP, a pioneer in the venture capital industry that turned into a globally recognized brand that combines business and social impact. He was chosen by Forbes as the leading non-American venture capitalist, one that combines social profit with smart investment. Erel was also chosen by Israel's prestigious business publication The Marker as the "venture capitalist with the golden touch." Based on his vision, the Margalit Startup City model was established creating centers of excellence in Jerusalem, Beer Sheva, Galilee and Haifa along with New York City incorporating investments, opportunity and impact. Erel N Margalit, a former member of the Knesset has been elected twice to the Israeli Parliament as a member of the Labor Party, serving from 2013 to 2017. (ANI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be visiting Cambodia from November 11-13 to participate in the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit. He will attend the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in Phnom Penh on November 12, 2022. This year marks the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India relations and is being celebrated as the ASEAN-India Friendship Year, read the Ministry of External Affairs press release. Cambodia as the current Chair of ASEAN is hosting these Summits. Vice President will be accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. On November 13, 2022, Vice President will participate in the 17th East Asia Summit which comprises the ten ASEAN member states (i.e. Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam) and its eight dialogue partners- India, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Russia, added the release. The ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region. India and several other countries, including the U.S., China, Japan and Australia, are its dialogue partners. India and the 10-nation grouping ASEAN have "strong convergence" on Indo-Pacific, combating the threat of terrorism and the developments in Ukraine and Myanmar. The East Asia Summit has identified six priority areas of cooperation, namely environment and energy, education, finance, global health issues and pandemic diseases, natural disaster management, and ASEAN Connectivity. Plans of Action have been developed to promote cooperation in these priority areas. The East Asia Summit also discussed cooperation in other areas and emerging issues such as food security, trade and economics, maritime security and cooperation, and traditional and non-traditional security issues. During his visit, Vice President will also have bilateral engagements with the Cambodian leadership. On the margins of the Summits, he will hold bilateral meetings with leaders from other countries as well, added the release. While returning from Phnom Penh, Vice President will also visit Siem Reap to review the preservation and restoration work being undertaken by India at Cambodian heritage sites. (ANI) "At India House this evening, FS @AmbVMKwatra interacted with high ranking USG officialsfrom@WhiteHouse@StateDept@USAID@DeptofDefense@USTreasury@CommerceGov@USTradeRep@DHSGov@CBP@DFCgov," tweeted Ambassador of India to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Earlier, Kwatra met US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and discussed on a range of issues, including economic and security cooperation. "Deputy Secretary Sherman and Foreign Secretary Kwatra discussed the wide range of issues on which the United States and India are working together as strategic partners, including our economic and security cooperation," said State Department spokesperson Ned Price. The Deputy Secretary underscored the US commitment to the people of Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal war of aggression. "They also discussed ways to improve regional and multilateral coordination, including via the Quad partnership in the Indo-Pacific region," said Price. They reaffirmed shared commitment to democratic principles, regional security and prosperity, and strengthening people-to-people ties. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman also informed about the meeting on Twitter."Great meeting Indian Foreign Secretary @AmbVMKwatrato discuss #USIndia relations and advance our security and regional cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific region and the world," she tweeted. Kwatra is on an official trip to the US. He arrived in Washington from New York on Sunday night. India-US relations are very strong and cordial on business as well as personal grounds. India-US bilateral relations have developed into a "global strategic partnership," based on shared democratic values and increasing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional, and global issues. Both countries can be seen participating in and discussing issues such as space technology, environment and health, nuclear energy, science, and technology education, defence and security, and so on. Under the new motto "Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go", both countries are trying to enhance cooperation. The officials of both countries are often in touch with each other at political and official levels and have organized a wide-ranging dialogue on global issues that have a direct impact on their growing economies. (ANI) French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday lauded India's progress in the field of renewable energy and said that the "ambition levels in India are high." In his address at United Nations' COP27 conference, he said, "Ambition levels in India are high when it comes to renewables." He stated that France, India, South Africa, Senegal and Indonesia are making efforts to move away from non-renewables. Notably, World leaders have gathered at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt to discuss the climate problems at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC or COP27, being held from November 6 to November 22. In his address, Macron called for a ban on all deep-sea mining and asserted that climate should remain a priority despite the energy and food crisis caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine. He stressed that they will not sacrifice their climate commitments amid the energy threat posed by Russia. He emphasized that the nations must uphold their climate commitments, Euro News reported. French President Macron further said, "For the richer countries, especially the European countries including France, this has been the delivery of our national strategies, in line with our commitments." "We will not sacrifice our climate commitments under the energy threat from Russia and therefore all the commitments held by nations must be upheld," added Macron. In his address, he said, "The battle for the climate is inseparable from the fight for biodiversity. These are two sides of the same coin." He said that the nations must get their economies out of dependence on coal and help emerging nations to make the shift at the earliest. Notably, India and France initiated the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to make efforts against climate change by using solar energy solutions. A total of 106 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement. The ISA is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for the increased use of solar energy technologies. The opening plenary of COP27 started with the election of Sameh Shoukry as COP27 President by the Parties. In his address, COP27 President Sameh Shoukry called on nations to showcase faith in multilateralism over the next two weeks as they negotiate to deliver on the goals of the Climate Convention. In a tweet, the official account of the Egypt Presidency of COP27 stated that World leaders, envoys, delegates & members of civil society participated in the opening ceremony of the Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit to further mobilize & prioritize the global climate agenda. A roundtable discussion on "Food Security" took place at COP27 on November 7 where climate experts explained the ways which must be carried out for building more resilient agricultural systems. Furthermore, climate leaders and stakeholders participated in a roundtable discussion on "Just Transition" where they talked about means and ways to promote just transition and ensure that local and global climate action protects people and the planet. Meanwhile, the official account of the Egypt Presidency of COP27 tweeted, "Today, at the world leaders Round table on "Innovative Finance for Climate and Development", stakeholders came together to advance an exceptional drive for better scale and quality of both public and private finance needed for climate response." (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India and Russia have strong and continuing contacts at various levels. Jaishankar and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday held talks in Moscow covering a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interests. In the opening remarks, Jaishankar said, "As you noted, there have been strong and continuing contacts between our governments at various levels. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin met most recently in Samarkand in September. Our Defence Ministers spoke to each other. My colleague National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was in Moscow in August. Our Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers was in Russia in June. And at the official level, I think, our colleagues have been in regular touch. And this is all very much in the spirit of our relationship." He further said that this is the fifth meeting between both Foreign Ministers which shows their long-term partnership. The minister also said that today's meeting is devoted to bilateral cooperation; exchanging perspectives on the international situation and also interests. "Where bilateral ties are concerned, you would agree that it is our objective today to fashion a contemporary, balanced, mutually beneficial, sustainable and long-term engagement. Especially as our economic cooperation increases, this is a significant imperative. We would be discussing how our shared goals are best achieved," he added. Jaishankar, who arrived in Moscow on Monday, said, "Where the international situation is concerned, the last few years of the Covid pandemic, financial pressures and trade difficulties; these have taken a toll on the global economy. We are now seeing the consequences of the Ukraine conflict on top of that. There are also the more perennial issues of terrorism and climate change, both of which have a disruptive impact on progress and prosperity. Our talks will address the overall global situation and specific regional concerns." He also said that India and Russia engage each other in an increasingly multi-polar and re-balanced world. Meanwhile, Lavrov said, "We coordinate our actions in international organizations such as UNSC where India is now a non-permanent member... all this is enriching our agenda and I'm confident that today we're going to have a good conversation about all this." 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 peace and diplomacy. (ANI) The ouster of Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has led to an unprecedented backlash against the country's all-powerful military establishment. People have expressed anti-army sentiments after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan accused the military of planning his downfall along with the United States. In rallies held across Pakistan, protesters have raised slogans in support of Khan and against the military. One of the slogans raised by protesters is "Anyone who is friends with America is a traitor" translated from "Amreeka ka jo yaar hai gadaar hai," New Lines Magazine reported. It is pertinent to note here that Imran Khan became the first Prime Minister in Pakistan's history to be ousted from power after losing a no-confidence vote. Presently, anti-army sentiments are highly visible in Pakistan. People continue to voice their opinion against the military on social media despite accounts being suspended and arrests being made of people accused of planning anti-army campaigns on the internet. After Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa traveled to the United States in October, hashtags like BajwaHasToGo and BajwaTraitor trended on social media, accusing General Bajwa of following US orders in Pakistan. Last week, the chief of Pakistan's intelligence agency, Inter-Services Agency (ISI), for the first time in the nation's history addressed the press conference to speak about ARY News senior anchor Arshad Sharif's killing and Imran Khan's statements against the military. Speaking at a press conference, "spymaster" Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum sitting alongside Lt. Gen. Babar Iftikhar said that the army and security agencies were not traitors. The development comes after Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) issued a notice to the ARY News over the statement broadcasted by the channel of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) politician Shahbaz Gill, according to New Lines Magazine. Speaking on air, Gill said that senior army officers should ignore their military leaders if they have been directed to do anything against the interests of the people. The PEMRA said that statements made by Gill have been "tantamount to inciting the rank and file of armed forces towards revolt," as per the New Lines Magazine report. Shahbaz Gill was later detained in Islamabad and Pakistan's interior minister Rana Sanaullah informed that Gill was arrested on charges of sedition and abetting mutiny. ARY News senior anchor Arshad Sharif who interviewed Gill was also charged with sedition for peddling an anti-state narrative. Sharif was shot dead by local police in Kenya on October 23. Kenyan Police claimed that Sharif's killing was a case of mistaken identity. However, many in Kenya and Pakistan raised doubts over reports of the death of a senior journalist, with some activists claiming that it was a hit job. The incident further fueled the anti-army sentiment in Pakistan. The tussle between the Pakistan army and PTI Chief started after General Bajwa condemned Russia for launching an offensive in Ukraine while the then Prime Minister Imran Khan was in Moscow. General Bajwa's statement came at the time when Khan was facing a no-confidence vote hinted that the army and PTI-led government were no longer on the same page. Amid his fallout with the Pakistan army, Imran Khan claimed that he was making efforts for an independent foreign policy for Pakistan and accused the US of plotting against him. Recently, an audio clip of Imran Khan and a senior party member surfaced on social media which revealed that the two leaders were discussing plans to use a US conspiracy narrative. Khan said that the leaked conversation took place in PM's house and called it a "breach of national security" which he insisted posed a threat to the nation. His political party PTI also filed a petition at the Supreme Court demanding a judicial investigation into the matter, New Lines Magazine reported. (ANI) A right-wing, religious parties coalition led by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emerged as the winner in the Israeli elections held on November 1, the fifth such election in four years, controlling 64 seats in the 120, member Knesset (the Israeli Parliament). The coalition government to be formed a few weeks after Netanyahu is expected to be given the mandate by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to form a government, will comprise ultra-religious forces in the country that could exacerbate Israel's problems in many areas. Netanyahu's Likud party now has 32 Members in the Knesset (MK), outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party has 24 MKs and the Religious Zionist party has 14, becoming the third largest party in the Knesset. The election coalition cobbled together by Netanyahu, in addition to the Religious Zionist Party and its extremist, Otzma Yehudit faction (led by Itamar Ben-Gvir who often incites violence between Israelis and Palestinians) includes the ultra-Orthodox Shas party (11 MK) and United Torah Judaism party (7 MK). Ben Gvir was convicted of incitement to racism, interfering with a police officer performing his duty, and support for a terrorist organization, the Meir Kahane's Kach Movement. In May 2021, he was accused by the Police Commissioner of fanning the flames of violence between Jews and Arabs in mixed cities such as Lod and Acre. What causes concern to many organizations and progressive people is that the Religious Zionism party openly asks for the imposition of religious law, for Israeli rule over the West Bank and the expulsion from Israel of "disloyal" Palestinian citizens. It provokes Muslims by calling for the demolition of the al-Aqsa Mosque - which is one of the holiest places of Islam- and the construction of a Jewish Temple in its place. Mansour Abbas, the chairman of the Islamist Arab Ra'am party, has warned that if Jews are permitted to pray at the site, war will ensue. As Netanyahu has announced that the two-state solution has no place on his government's agenda, Palestinians have lost their hope for a peaceful solution and fear that the government to be formed will be more aggressive and that tensions between Israelis and Arabs will escalate. All this is a recipe for a violent conflict between Israelis- mainly the settlers and extremists- and Palestinians and Arabs citizens of the state of Israel and will possibly mark the beginning of a new "intifada". It may also hinder the normalization and improvement of relations between the state of Israel and the Gulf monarchies, which was achieved through the Abraham accords. Netanyahu, who was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Israel's history, will certainly have a very hard time in reaching an agreement with the other coalition parties on the distribution of ministerial posts, where the various parties demand specific portfolios to implement their own policies. Ben-Gvir said he wants to be the minister of internal security, to be in charge of the Israeli police and policies around Jerusalem's holy sites. His political partner, Bezalel Smotrich, said he wants the defence ministry, which also oversees Israeli policy in the occupied West Bank and Gaza and approves settlement building. Netanyahu is expected to try to convince them to take other ministerial posts, to avoid a conflict with the US administration and powerful Jewish associations in the US. According to press reports, US Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman of the powerful Foreign Relations Committee and a well-known supporter of Israel told Netanyahu in no uncertain terms that forming a government with extremists like Ben Gvir could "seriously erode bipartisan support in Washington." Several US Jewish groups, such as the American Jewish Committee, the Reform Party and J Street have expressed concern over the results of Israel's election and the possible inclusion of Ben-Gvir in the government. Many European leaders welcomed Netanyahu's return to power, while the Biden administration, despite its past differences with Netanyahu, congratulated him on his election victory. "We look forward to continuing to work with the Israeli government on our shared interests and values," a White House statement said. Though Netanyahu and Biden had strongly divergent views in the past, they are expected to try to cooperate, in view of the strong alliance between the US and Israel. Inevitably there will be tensions between them due to different national interests and the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu would not be as cordial as it was between Netanyahu and former President Donald Trump. Now on a different subject, though Netanyahu attacked the landmark US-brokered agreement reached last month between Israel and Lebanon that delineated their respective maritime borders and vowed to "neutralize it," if elected, he is not expected to implement his threat, as the deal is beneficial to Israel. Its cancellation will surely enrage the US Administration. Beirut's Chief negotiator Bou Saab pointed out that Lebanon has secured "American guarantees" that the maritime border deal with Israel cannot be easily scrapped. If Netanyahu wants to withdraw from the deal, then "he will withdraw from an agreement with the US," he said. It cannot be disputed that the Haredi (ultra-orthodox) parties are now able to exercise a big influence on the policies of the new government and on Israeli institutions. They could also cause problems with Palestinians and Arabs in general as well as some of Israel's allies. However, Netanyahu is a capable politician with very long experience in managing difficult situations and a proven political survivor, so he has a good chance to succeed in imposing his views on his religious allies and keep them in check, in order to protect the best interests of Israel. (ANI) India's relationship with Russia has worked to its advantage and New Delhi would like to keep that going, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday, as he reaffirmed strong ties with Moscow, describing the country as a steady and time-tested partner. Jaishankar made these remarks during a joint press conference along with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Answering a question about India's increasing oil import amid western outcry, he said, "There is stress on the energy market created by a combination of factors. But as the world's third-largest consumer... a consumer where the level of income is not very high, it is our obligation to ensure that the Indian consumer has the best possible access to the most advantageous terms on the international market." "...in that respect, the India-Russia relationship has worked to my advantage. If it works to my advantage, I would like to keep that going," he added. The external affairs minister said his presence in Moscow to review bilateral cooperation speaks volumes about India-Russia cooperation. "The fact that I am here today with a delegation to review our cooperation speaks about India-Russia cooperation to see how we can take it forward to create a long-term and sustainable basis, says it all," he said. He further pointed out, how for India, Russia has been a steady and time-tested partner. "...I said any objective evaluation of our relations for many decades would confirm that it has served both our countries very well., If it has served my country for many many decades. I think you can see the obvious interests and commitment I would have in keeping that relationship strong and steady," he added. The war in Ukraine which started in February has had a significant impact on global food security and has led to a sudden increase in crude prices following western sanctions on Moscow. Earlier, India said its oil imports will be determined by its national interest and its large consumer base. New Delhi has not condemned Russia since the start of the conflict and has maintained its independent position. However, on several UN forums, New Delhi has consistently called for a cessation of violence and advocated peace and diplomacy. (ANI) From Russia to the West, from landlocked European countries to the Horn of Africa, and from the Gulf region to island nations in Asia, India's pro-peace, pro-people policy is garnering praise and is proving to be productive and successful under the current geopolitical circumstances. India has remained committed to placing the needs of its citizens above any type of allegiance to a specific nation or group, even in the face of mounting global pressure to choose sides. India's purchase of Russian oil at competitive rates in the past few weeks, especially after global crude oil prices soared in the backdrop of disrupted supply chains, is a clear example of how India prioritises its people's needs above all else. Due to such actions, energy prices in India have remained relatively steady despite the global economic crisis. India has continued to stress its stand of peace and dialogue to end hostilities that have divided the world. In fact, India has not only maintained its relationships with both the West and Russia but these relationships have been consistently improving as well. Recent statements from both the U.S. and Russia are clear evidence of India's strong and secure relationships with the two countries. "The partnership between India and US is simply one of the most consequential in the world. It is to address any global challenge that our people face - health security, climate change, food security and upholding free and open international order. Over the past years, we have made real progress in elevating that partnership bilaterally," Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State stated recently. In a recent statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, "It has been underpinned by a close ally relationship of many decades. We've never had any difficult issues and supported each other and that's happening right now. I'm sure it'll happen in future". While India has grown to be one of the major forces in world diplomacy and commerce, it has never sought to use its power to gain an unfair advantage. India has been cautious to follow local laws and avoid abusing its position even in the smallest of the countries where it has invested. Apart from defending its sovereignty, India has never used any form of force to achieve its objectives and goals. India's centuries-old principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, continues to guide its foreign policy even today. Smaller countries recently hailed India for its unwavering assistance even during their most trying times. Some have even said that it has been India's continuous support that has helped their people to survive during the Covid crisis. At the United Nations, Mexico proposed to create a panel to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine and suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi be included in the panel. Observers have noted that Prime Minister Modi's proposed inclusion was primarily motivated by India's long-standing approach of "people before power" and "dialogue and diplomacy." India's primary objective is on improving its economy and standard of life of its own people, who comprise one-sixth of the global population. Trade agreements and health and climate issues have dominated nearly all of India's discussions with other countries and groupings. And as India prepares to tackle the G20 Presidency later this year, observers predict that these topics will continue to be at the forefront of India's agenda. India's consistent diplomatic position has also motivated other countries to toe New Delhi's line and adopt similar approaches. Respect for India around the world continues to grow as India maintains its policy of friendship to all, malice to none and support for humanity. (ANI) After Pakistan's Supreme Court issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Punjab Police, a First Information Report (FIR) against the attempted assassination of former Prime Minister Imran Khan was registered on Monday, Geo news reported. Earlier, the court issued an order to the IG of Punjab Police, Faisal Shahkar, to file the FIR of the gun attack on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman. He was also ordered to submit a report within 24 hours. The prime suspect Naveed was arrested on the spot and has been nominated in the case registered under various charges including terrorism, murder, attempted murder, and planning to kill someone. Reacting to the development, PTI leaders rejected the FIR and called it a "mockery of the law and the top court's order." PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that if the FIR doesn't include the three accused nominated by Imran Khan then it is not more than a piece of paper, according to geo News. Meanwhile, another PTI leader, Shireen Mazari held the FIR as an "attempt at a complete cover-up by the three accused through the power of their positions and the state". "The FIR registered in Wazirabad thana is a sheer mockery of the law & SC order. An attempt at a complete cover-up by the 3 accused thru the power of their positions & the State. Seems regime change conspirators hellbent on destroying Pak totally for their own ends," Shireen Mazari tweeted. Taking to Twitter, another PTI member, Omar Ayub Khan said, FIR registered is rejected!! This FIR is not even worth the paper its written on. Mockery of Justice!!" Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called for a "free, fair, and impartial" investigation against the assassination attempt on Imran Khan to bring the facts forward. During the interview with CNN, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari highly condemned the incident, saying that this was an attack on Imran Khan and it needs to be investigated in an impartial and proper manner, reported Geo News. 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) Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the FIR filed by the Punjab province in the case concerning the assassination bid against him as "farcical" and added that his lawyers will soon put forward Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief's position. "On the issue of the farcical FIR, my lawyers will give my position. All my life I dreamt of seeing my country as a prospering welfare state & my struggle throughout has been to make this dream a reality for my nation. Today the nation has awakened, understood & risen in support of my message of justice, freedom and national sovereignty," Imran Khan tweeted. "When we are so close to our goal no fear or threat of death can stop my struggle," he added. Khan's response comes after a First Information Report (FIR) against the attempted assassination was registered on Monday, after the country's apex court issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Punjab Police, Geo news. Earlier, the Pakistan Supreme Court issued an order to the IG of Punjab Police, Faisal Shahkar, to file the FIR of the gun attack on the PTI chief. He was also ordered to submit a report within 24 hours. The prime suspect Naveed was arrested on the spot and has been nominated in the case registered under various charges including terrorism, murder, attempted murder, and planning to kill someone. Reacting to the development, PTI leaders rejected the FIR and called it a "mockery of the law and the top court's order." Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry said that if the FIR doesn't include the three accused nominated by Imran Khan, then it is not more than a piece of paper, according to Geo News. Another PTI leader Shireen Mazari said that the FIR is an "attempt at a complete cover-up by the three accused through the power of their positions and the state". "The FIR registered in Wazirabad thana is a sheer mockery of the law & SC order. An attempt at a complete cover-up by the 3 accused thru the power of their positions & the State. Seems regime change conspirators hellbent on destroying Pak totally for their own ends," Shireen Mazari tweeted. Taking to Twitter, another PTI member, Omar Ayub Khan said, FIR registered is rejected!! This FIR is not even worth the paper its written on. Mockery of Justice!!" (ANI) India in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) committed to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said. Speaking at the launch of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), Yadav said that creating the new carbon sink from mangrove afforestation and reducing emissions from mangrove deforestation are two feasible ways for countries to meet their NDC targets and achieve carbon neutrality. He further said that India is committed to the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems and has strong commitments towards the conservation and management of mangroves. "Mangroves are one of the most productive ecosystems of the world. This tidal forest serves as a nursery ground for several organisms, protects the coastal erosion, sequestering the carbon and providing a livelihood for millions of people besides harbouring an array of faunal elements in its habitat," he said. Mangroves are distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and are found in 123 countries. Mangroves are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics. They account for 3 per cent of carbon sequestered by the world's tropical forests. "Mangroves are the economic foundations of many tropical coastal regions. To sustain the blue economy, it is imperative to ensure the sustainability of coastal habitats, particularly mangroves for tropical nations, at the local, regional, and international levels" the Union Minister further added Yadav, who arrived in Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh on Saturday, also said that with notable adaptive features, mangroves are natural armed forces of tropical and subtropical nations. They are the best option to fight against climate change consequences like sea levels rise and increased frequency of natural calamities like cyclones and storm surges. "We see the tremendous potential mangroves have for mitigation of growing GHG concentration in the atmosphere. Studies have shown that mangrove forests can absorb four to five times more carbon emissions than landed tropical forests," Yadav added. It has also been revealed that mangroves can act as buffers for Ocean acidification and sink for microplastics. "One of the largest remaining areas of mangroves in the world, the Sundarbans supports an exceptional level of biodiversity in both the terrestrial and marine environments, including significant populations of a range of flora and plant species; species of wildlife wide range of fauna, including the Bengal Tiger and other threatened species such as the estuarine crocodile and the Indian python. There is a significant increase observed in mangroves cover in India in its Andamans region, Sundarbans region, and in the Gujarat region," Bhupendra Yadav said in his speech. "India has demonstrated expertise in mangrove restoration activities for nearly five decades and restored different types of mangrove ecosystems both on its east and west coasts." The minister further added that India can contribute to the global knowledge base due to its extensive experience in mangrove restoration, studies on ecosystem valuation and carbon sequestration and also benefit from associating with other nations regarding cutting-edge solutions and generating appropriate financial instruments for mangrove conservation and restoration. (ANI) Pakistan has become a significant threat to Iran and Afghanistan's relationship. Because of their own reason, Pakistan doesn't want Iran to grow closer to Afghanistan, reported Afghanistan Diaspora Network. Despite Iran and Afghanistan sharing the same history and natural ties on religious, cultural, linguistic, and economic lines but their relationship is always tested on trust and now, Pakistan has become the spoilsport in their ties. Pakistan always sees Iran through the prism of Tehran's relation with India which pushes Islamabad to counter the threat emanating from closer Iran-Afghanistan relations which could have a natural extension to India, according to the Afghanistan Diaspora Network. Iran and Afghanistan's relationship with time has become more bitter, especially, after Pakistan extended its support to the Taliban, and the targeting of Hazara Shia by the group has put Iran in a tight spot in extending support to the Islamic Emirates against the US. Besides this, Pakistan has been using Iran as a transit point for trafficking heroin sourced from Afghanistan. As evident from the recent report by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the whole supply chain of drug trafficking from Afghanistan is completely controlled by Pakistan. To guise the source, Pakistan uses the route of Iran to traffic the drugs to South and Southeast Asia. This has brought tremendous strain to the relationship between Iran and Afghanistan, reported Afghanistan Diaspora Network. Iran and Afghanistan signed the friendship treaty in 1921. Both countries, initially face disputes over the sharing of water rights of Helmand River diversified into other domains with the Iranian revolution and the rise of the Taliban. Their relationship reached its worst point in 1998 when the Taliban killed eight Iranian diplomats and an Iranian journalist during the occupation of Mazar-e-Sharif in the north of Afghanistan. And now it turned to worst. Iran wanted to improve its relationship with Afghanistan and for that reason, Tehran kept its Mission in Kabul. Iran tried to capitalize on the shelter provided to some leaders of the Taliban during the US presence in Afghanistan. But the expectations of Iran remain unfilled. Here again, Pakistan used its influence with the Taliban to ensure that the tide doesn't change. This coupled with a lack of representative government from the Taliban, targeting of Hazara Shia and a huge influx of refugees from Afghanistan has slowed down any visible progress in the relationship. Iran wants the Taliban to officially recognize the Shia Jafari school of thought as part of Islamic jurisprudence tradition as the Taliban government codifies a new constitution for Afghanistan. Iran also wants the Taliban to adhere to the 1973 water treaty regarding the flow of the Helmand River and keep the Kamal Khan Dam open. Tehran has demanded that the Taliban leadership have to take steps to contain the flow of refugees, while Taliban leaders have raised the ill-treatment of Afghan refugees in Iran as a major problem, according to the Afghanistan Diaspora Network. It is a factor that the Taliban is the best vanguard in its fight against Islamic State in Afghanistan, as it would be hard for the Fatemiyoun Brigade to operate without consent from the Taliban leaders. Pakistan doesn't want any other elements to operate with the Taliban and wanted to control the Taliban, especially the Haqqani network completely. Leaders in Iran continue to see the Taliban as a proxy of Pakistan. It is imperative for the Taliban to demonstrate otherwise. This is the first step towards normalising and putting the relationship on a growth trajectory. A stable and growing relationship with Tehran is important for the Taliban to show to the world that Pakistani agencies do not bind them, to diversify the relations and thereby increase the possibility of faster international recognition, reported Afghanistan Diaspora Network. (ANI) Afghanistan's Taliban security head killed a young girl in Balkh province after she rejected his marriage proposal, Khaama Press reported citing local sources. The Taliban administration's head of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in the Sholgara district of Balkh province, Mullah Yasin killed a young girl named Maryam after she rejected his marriage proposal. Surprisingly, the Taliban government officials in the Balkh province acknowledged the incident and claimed that Mullah Yasin was detained and assured that he is in custody. According to Mohammad Asif Waziri, the spokesperson for the Taliban chief of police in the province of Balkh, Maryam was the victim of a single murder by a department employee, reported Khaama Press. Among the topics that create headlines in the media are sexual corruption and scandals involving the Taliban and the insatiable yearning for marriage. The Taliban leader had previously told his people to decide on a path of action, think about their responsibilities, and refrain from having more than one wife, according to Khaama Press. This occurs at a time when Taliban commanders are reported to have paid sizable dowries to their fathers-in-law in return for the hands of their daughters, and a Taliban commander recently transported his newlywed bride home on a military chopper belonging to the Afghan National Army, as per Khaama Press. Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the plight of Afghan women has continued to be deplorable in the country. Women's lives have become worst under the Taliban's regime. The girls were stopped from going to school beyond a sixth grade on March 23 and a decree against the women's dress code was issued after a month. There are restrictions on movement, education and freedom of expression of women posing a threat to their survival. Not only this, the lack of female healthcare workers has prevented women from accessing basic medical facilities, and international donors, who fund 90 per cent of health clinics, are hesitant to send money because of their fear of the funds being misused. Around 80 per cent of women working in the media have lost their jobs, and almost 18 million women in the country are struggling for health, education and social rights. Many women, particularly those who worked in security agencies, lost their jobs after the Islamic Emirate was re-established. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released a report the previous month, outlining the human rights situation in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. The report summarized UNAMA's findings with regard to the protection of civilians, extrajudicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests and detentions, the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, fundamental freedoms and the situation in places of detention.Amid this, the rehiring of women officers comes as a ray of hope for the women facing several severe challenges in the country. Some female police forces urged the Islamic Emirate to allow more women to work in government institutions. "We ask the Islamic Emirate to let all the women return to their jobs," said Mashoqa, a police officer. (ANI) Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan on Tuesday underlined the importance of diplomatic relations with Brazil, saying unprecedented economic transformation taking place in India opens up immense opportunities for bilateral cooperation for other countries. "Today, our Strategic Partnership has deepened and substantive progress has been made in priority areas of Bio-energy, Oil and Natural Gas, Animal Husbandry, Healthcare, Defence, Space and Cyber Security. There has also been a rapid growth in bilateral trade and investment, with over 63 per cent increase in trade last year, making India the 5th largest trading partner of Brazil," MoS Muraleedharan said. "The unprecedented economic transformation taking place in India opens up immense opportunities for bilateral cooperation and I am confident that our countries will soon reach the bilateral trade target of USD 15 billion," he added. Muraleedharan is on an official visit to Brazil. This is his first-ever visit to Brazil and part of the high level exchanges between India and Brazil. During his visit, MoS attended the Solemn Session on 75 years of India's Independence in the Brazilian Parliament (Congresso Nacional). During his speech, Muraleedharan said it gives him immense pleasure to take part in this Solemn Session on India's 75 years of Independence in one of the most respected democratic institutions of the world! "It is a great honour for the 1.3 billion people of India and I carry with me to this House, their greetings and warm wishes of friendship. It is also a great privilege for me, to address this august gathering of leaders of the vibrant democracy of Brazil," he said. "It is also a happy coincidence that Brazil is celebrating 200 years of Independence. On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I extend my best wishes to the people's representatives gathered here and to the people of Brazil on this momentous milestone in your history," he added. MoS Muraleedharan said the India-Brazil 'Strategic Partnership' forged in 2006 continues to provide a solid framework to deepen our multifaceted ties and the creation of plurilateral forums such as IBSA, the G4 and BRICS have given a new meaning and brought greater dynamism to our relationship. He also noted the increase in the number of Indian companies investing in Brazil and this year alone over USD 3 billion have been invested by Indian companies in Brazil. This marked surge in investment flows will only complement our already growing trade ties. "India has made rapid advances in the field of renewable energy and is moving quickly towards a green future. As we strive to make India the world's green hydrogen hub, we look forward to collaboration with Brazil in our endeavour," the minister added. (ANI) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he apprised External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar about the course of a "special military operation" in Ukraine, during talks with the Indian counterpart on Tuesday. Jaishankar reached Moscow on Monday as part of his two-day visit to Russia, in continuation of the regular high-level dialogue between the two sides. During his meeting with Lavrov today, he reviewed the entire gamut of the India-Russia relationship. "For our part, we reaffirmed our high assessment of the Indian friends' position on the situation in Ukraine and around it. I informed Dr S. Jaishankar about the course of a special military operation aimed at achieving the tasks that were set by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin in his speech on February 24, 2022," Lavrov said during the press conference alongside Jaishankar. "We discussed the situation that has developed around the attempts of the Western colleagues, under the pretext of the Ukrainian events, to strengthen their dominant role in world affairs and prevent the democratization of international relations. Jaishankar, meanwhile, raised concern about the consequences emanating from the Ukraine conflict that have affected energy and food security around the world. Holding the press briefing with Lavrov, Jaishankar said he exchanged views on international issues with the Russian side, in which the Ukraine conflict was the dominant feature. Laying out India's position on the Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar said, "As Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Russian President Putin: this is not an era of war. The global economy is simply too interdependent for significant conflict anywhere not to have major consequences elsewhere." After bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart, the Russian foreign minister said his conversation with Jaishankar was meaningful and useful and both sides agreed that strengthening the Russian-Indian special and privileged strategic partnership contributes to the maintenance of international and regional security and stability. "We noted with satisfaction the rhythmic, regular, intensive nature of our political dialogue, at the highest level and between Foreign Ministries," he said. Lavrov said both sides welcomed the positive dynamics of bilateral trade. "By September 2022, compared to the same period last year, the trade turnover added 133 per cent, almost reaching the mark of 17 billion US dollars. We are sure that the goal set by the leaders of Russia and India to increase the annual trade turnover to 30 billion USD will be achieved soon," he said. Lavrov said both discussed in detail the state of and prospects for ongoing negotiations on the launch of the North-South international transport corridor. They also discussed prospects for cooperation in the energy sector, including an increase in exports of hydrocarbons from Russia to the Indian market and mutual participation in projects for their production, including in the Far East and on the Arctic shelf of the Russian Federation, he said. The Russian minister said both sides examined the state of and prospects for military-technical cooperation and the joint production of modern weapons. "We attach great importance to space exploration in such areas as satellite navigation, space science, and manned programs," he added. Besides discussions on defence, talks also featured "high assessments of the interaction" between the two countries on the world stage, including within the framework of the UN, BRICS, SCO, and the G20, as well as at other multilateral platforms. (ANI) The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed to scaling resilience action in partnership with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR). USAID's contribution of up to $15 million will accelerate blended finance programming to support the resilience of Egyptian Red Sea communities and their reef ecosystems. On the sidelines of the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2020, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs was launched by a coalition of public and private partners with the ambition to mobilise $625 million for coral reef conservation over the next decade. The latest contribution takes GFCR to $187 million in just over two years since its launch. The Climate Champions have announced that GFCR is formally endorsed as a 'Race to Resilience' campaign partner. As a global leader in coral reef finance and programming, GFCR will aid in implementing campaign ambitions, accelerating marine conservation and sustainable nature-positive economic growth for a more resilient future. GFCR is the first coral-focused initiative and largest blended finance vehicle partnered with the campaign. The GFCR has announced the launch of its Colombia Seaflower Biosphere programme, through blended finance. The programme aims to increase the resilience of the coral reefs and the communities of the Colombian Archipelago. Led by Fondo AcciAn, the 'Fi Wi Riif' (Our Reef) programme will unlock access to technical assistance and finance for the development and scaling of areef-positive' blue economy business models. With this newly-approved programme launch, the GFCR is now implementing blended finance initiatives in 12 countries with an ambition to expand to more than 25 countries by the end of 2023. The GFCR has announced the initiation of regional programmatic development for the Gulf of Aqaba and Egyptian Red Sea. Led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the initiative aims to unlock a minimum of $50 million in blended finance investment to scale the resilience of regional coral reefs and coastal communities. --IANS vg/arm ( 335 Words) 2022-11-08-19:26:02 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Indonesia for the G20 summit next week where a formal announcement will be made of India's Presidency of the forum. PM Modi unveiled the logo, theme and website of India's G20 Presidency via video-conferencing here on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, he said India will preside over the G-20 Summit from December 1 and said that it is a historic opportunity for the country. The Prime Minister said G-20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation representing around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the worldwide trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. Calling this a momentous occasion, the Prime Minister said the Presidency of G-20 during the year of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a matter of pride for every Indian. The Prime Minister expressed happiness over the growing interest and activities about the G-20 and related events. "Next week, I will go to Indonesia. Formally, there will be an announcement that India will get the presidency of G20," he said. The G20 summit will take place on November 15-16 in Indonesia. Highlighting the contributions of the citizens in the launch of the G-20 logo, the Prime Minister said that the government received thousands of creative ideas for the logo. He thanked everyone for their support and said that these suggestions are becoming the face of the global event. Noting that the G-20 logo is not just any logo, the Prime Minister said that it is a message, a feeling that runs in India's veins. "I congratulate countrymen on the historic occasion of India's G20 Presidency. 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam' is the signature of India's compassion for the world. Lotus portrays India's cultural heritage and faith in bringing the world together," he said. (ANI) Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that he cast his vote for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, as the voting became underway on Tuesday for the mid-term polls in the US. While talking to the reporters outside a polling location in Palm Beach, when asked if he cast a ballot for DeSantis, Trump said "Yes, I did," reported CNN. He further predicted a great night for the Republicans saying "I think we're going to have a very great night and it's exciting". As per CNN, Trump cast his vote at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center in Palm Beach, which is just minutes away from his Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump arrived with former first lady Melania Trump. He also plans to watch the election returns with dozens of aides, allies, and local Republicans. Meanwhile, Trump is looking for his handpicked and endorsed candidates in key federal and statewide races to prevail as his own political future may largely depend on Tuesday's midterm outcomes. If the Trump-backed candidates suffer major losses, then it can create hurdles to his intention of running for the 2024 presidential campaign, reported CNN. Earlier today, the US midterm elections got underway as millions of Americans headed toward their polling booths in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C, The Washington Post reported. According to CNN, there is a total of 435 seats, where lawmakers serve two-year terms. Currently, the situation is a little shaky for Democrats as Republicans are only 5 seats away to gain the majority to control the chamber. So, while Democrats will be trying to maintain the balance in the mid-term election, Republicans would try to strive harder to increase their current control of governorships and state legislative chambers. Apart from those 435 seats, there are 35 seats in the 100-seat senate on which the representative will fight against each other. The chamber where incumbents serve for six years is split 50-50, and Democrats currently have controlled since Vice President Kamala Harris wields a tie-breaking vote. But Republicans only require a net gain of a single seat to take control, reported CNN. Earlier, US President Joe Biden predicted that Democrats will "surprise the living devil out of a lot of people" in today's midterm elections, Fox News reported. The campaigning for the mid-term election started way before the polls begin. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton started campaigning hard and at the same time President Joe Biden kept a light schedule, Fox news reported. From Arizona to Georgia, Obama is campaigning hard for Democratic candidates. Last week, Obama travelled to at least five states to hold rallies and events with Democratic candidates. "Obama is the most popular Democrat out there, but that's because he is out, not in, politics," Mark Penn, a Democratic pollster told Fox News. CNN reported that midterm elections are almost always about incumbent presidents. However, this year, two ex-presidents, Barack Obama and Donald Trump are extending their bitter years-long duel over the future of US democracy. This comes as former US President Trump is expected to announce a third White House campaign soon after the midterm elections, reported New York Times citing people familiar with the matter. Trump is mobilizing support under his famous "Make America Great Again" campaign. According to CNN, this movement is built around the notion that the cultural values of a largely White, working-class nation are under threat. (ANI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, to constitute a judicial commission to probe the attack on PTI Chairman Imran Khan during the partys long march in Wazirabad last week in which the former Prime Minister reportedly sustained bullet injuries in his leg, media reports said. The letter states that after the attack on Khan, violent protests have erupted across the country putting the lives of citizens at risk, Dawn reported. It highlighted that the FIR of the incident has still not been registered, the crime scene has not been secured and the container on which the shots were fired has not been taken into custody for forensic analysis. "Nor was a medico-legal examination of PTI Chairman Imran Khan conducted," it read. The letter added that the investigation into the incident was being "mishandled" and in its aftermath a "derogatory campaign" has ensued against the PML-N leadership and the state institutions, Dawn reported. Earlier, Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Khan wanted the FIR of the Wazirabad attack according to his demands, Express Tribune reported. "He [Imran] cannot get an FIR registered and wants to bring about a revolution," said the minister. Sanaullah said that there "must be some sort of evidence" for an FIR to be registered and if one is to go by the PTI's demands, then someone can even register a case against the Chief Justice, Express Tribune reported. He added that till now, only one suspect has been taken into custody and there are no other suspects. Recalling the attack on Ahsan Iqbal, Sanaullah said that the suspect had the same kind of motivation as he was "self-motivated" and not linked to any political or religious group. --IANS san/arm ( 307 Words) 2022-11-08-20:54:05 (IANS) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) on Tuesday announced that its Haqeeqi Azadi march will be resuming at 1 pm from Wazirabad Allahwale Chowk on Thursday. Incidentally, it happens to be the same spot where former prime minister Imran Khan was shot at while carrying out his long march. "Pakistan get ready!!! God willing, on Thursday, November 10, at 1:00 p.m., the Haqeeqi Azadi Long March will resume its journey from Wazirabad Allahwale Chowk," PTI tweeted (translated from Urdu). Earlier on Monday, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that the party's long march, which was halted after an assassination attempt on Imran Khan, will be resumed on Thursday instead of Tuesday as earlier announced, ARY News reported. Meanwhile, the First Information Report (FIR) against the attempted assassination was registered on Monday, after the country's apex court issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Punjab Police, Geo news reported. Earlier, the Pakistan Supreme Court issued an order to the IG of Punjab Police, Faisal Shahkar, to file the FIR of the gun attack on the PTI chief. He was also ordered to submit a report within 24 hours. However, Imran Khan termed the FIR filed by the Punjab province as "farcical" and added that his lawyers will soon put forward Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief's position. "On the issue of the farcical FIR, my lawyers will give my position. All my life I dreamt of seeing my country as a prospering welfare state & my struggle throughout has been to make this dream a reality for my nation. Today the nation has awakened, understood & risen in support of my message of justice, freedom and national sovereignty," Imran Khan tweeted. Imran Khan was shot during his long march in Wazirabad on November 3, leading to bullet injuries in his legs. After sustaining injuries on his leg, he was shifted to a hospital for treatment. The attack left one dead and 13 injured, reported Geo News. (ANI) The U.K. is best explored on foot particularly if you want to take in the glorious countryside and plenty of fresh air. R A Kearton/Getty Images You can call it a walk, a hike, or simply a ramble, but trekking through the great outdoors in the United Kingdom is a rite of passage for tourists and a popular hobby for locals. Not only is the country ripe with diverse landscapes seaside cliffs, grassy moors, snowcapped peaks, rocky hills, and mystical glens but its also riddled with trails that provide access to some of the most stunning scenery in the world. While you should download the AllTrails app to easily pinpoint walks and hikes during your visit, youll also want to keep an eye out for signs that signal public rights of way. Like its name suggests, these are paths and pieces of land that walkers can use at all times. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, public rights of way are marked with colored signs yellow for footpaths and blue for bridleways (paths where horse riding and biking are allowed). In Scotland, youll find green and white signs communicating these routes. No matter where you go in the U.K., youre bound to discover walking paths in a variety of lengths and levels from beginner-friendly strolls to more adventurous, multiday excursions. If youre looking to tackle longer-distance trails, specifically, the National Trails of England and Wales or Scotlands Great Trails are great places to start. Otherwise, grab a Barbour jacket and a quality pair of boots, and keep reading to discover some of the best walking paths in the U.K. Cotswold Way, England Marc Guitard/Getty Images From start to finish, the Cotswold Way is 102 miles of picturesque villages, historic sites, and remarkable views of the English countryside. The trailhead is located in Chipping Campden, in the north section of the Cotswolds, and Bath Abbey marks the finish line (plaques denote the official start and endpoints at either location). Between the two, walkers pass through charming towns like Snowshill and Painswick and can opt to stay in overnight pubs before continuing their journey. On average, it takes about a week to hike the entirety of the Cotswold Way, but there are plenty of circular paths for those looking for something less time-consuming and strenuous. Story continues Coast to Coast, England Nadir Khan/Courtesy of VisitBritain Quite possibly one of the most famous walks in the U.K., Coast to Coast is a 195-mile trek that covers three national parks: the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors. Starting in St. Bees, Cumbria, travelers are encouraged to dip their hiking boots in the Irish Sea before making their way to Robin Hood's Bay and the North Sea. In just about 16 days, walkers will pass by lakes, cross rivers, see waterfalls, and summit quite a few mountains and hills. Devised by guidebook author Alfred Wainwright, Coast to Coast is typically broken down into 16 sections, with walkers completing each section in about a day. The Quiraing, Isle of Skye, Scotland sara_winter/Getty Images Theres a reason the Isle of Skye is highly popular among travelers: The views and landscapes are spectacular. While the island itself stretches 50 miles long and 25 miles wide, theres a shorter just under 4.25 miles walking path that loops around to bring you back to where you started. The Quiraing is more than familiar with rough weather (clouds, rain, fog, wind, more rain), so walkers need to prepare for the natural elements, a relatively small price to pay for the overall experience on Skye. Rock formations, cliffs, and plateaus are photo-ready every step of the way, but hikers should be warned: This is no easy hike. Its shorter than many treks across the U.K., but its difficulty level is on the higher end of the spectrum. Glyndwr's Way, Wales Cymru Wales/Welsh Government Itll take nine full days of walking to complete the 135 miles of Glyndwr's Way, although, like most National Trails, it can be traversed in a series of shorter sprints. Most people tend to walk the trail in the same direction: from Knighton to Welshpool. Named after the Prince of Wales and Medieval Welsh nationalist leader Owain Glyndwr, the path goes through plenty of Welsh farmland and over numerous hills, with the heather-clad Pumlumon (the highest peak in the Cambrian Mountains) being one of the standouts along the route. Both spring and fall are popular times to complete the trail, with the wildflowers and autumnal leaves attracting many adventurers to the mid-region of the country. Hadrians Wall Path, England daverhead/Getty Images Travelers in search of a trail that's both historic and relatively easy should look no further than Hadrian's Wall Path. Running from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne, to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria, the trail follows the Roman defensive wall that was built in 122 A.D. and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the path is well-maintained, with a majority of the 84 miles winding through villages and remote countryside. The best time to walk Hadrians Wall Path is May through October, when the trail is less likely to succumb to wet weather and the ensuing mud. Walkers also have the option of starting on the east side, heading in the direction the wall was built, or on the west side, which is the recommended route for more favorite weather conditions. Causeway Coast Way, County Antrim, Northern Ireland Courtesy of WalkNI If youre going to check off one walk from your list in Northern Ireland, let it be the mythical and dramatic Causeway Coast Way. Stretching between Ballycastle and Portstewart, the 31.5-mile path passes bays, beaches, and rocky cliffs, as well as tourist attractions like the Giants Causeway (as seen in Game of Thrones), Dunluce Castle, and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The route, which is technically a section of the larger Ulster Way trail, takes between two and three days from start to finish; travelers who want more Northern Ireland adventures can also complete the Moyle Way and North Sperrins Way, which sit at either end of the Causeway Coast Way. West Highland Way, the Highlands, Scotland richard johnson/Getty Images The West Highland Way runs from Milngavie to Fort William, with 96 miles of parks, moorland, lochs, and mountains along the way. Although the average length of the trip falls between six and eight days, many hikers recommend taking the walking trail at a leisurely pace in order to soak in the sheer beauty of the countryside. Its the ideal walk for travelers who want to explore both the Scottish Lowlands and the Highlands; the route includes passing by Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. Wales Coast Path Stefan Irvine/Getty Images Welsh speakers also know the Wales Coast Path as Llwybr Arfordir Cymru, an 870-mile route that's generally walked in sections (versus the entirety of the path). It begins near Chester and ends in Chepstow, a town bordering Gloucestershire. Rugged and filled with all kinds of Welsh wildlife, the Wales Coast Path grants walkers unspoiled views of the countrys serene and often empty beaches. Worried about getting lost on a trail that long? Not to worry the entire thing is waymarked with yellow and blue signage that also includes a very distinct dragon tail. Slieve Binnian, County Down, Northern Ireland Kevin Wells/Getty Images Northern Irelands Mourne Mountains are home to Slieve Binnian, the third-highest mountain in the range that can be explored via a six- to seven-mile circular walk. When summiting the mountain, travelers reach 2,449 feet, which requires some careful climbing. Similar to most walks in the U.K., there are multiple ways to get around the Mourne Mountains, but this one in particular allows you to see panoramic views and, in clear weather, the Isle of Man and Wicklow Mountains, which sit to the south of Dublin. Pennine Way, England and Scotland AlanMBarr/Getty Images The first (and most challenging) National Trail in England, the Pennine Way is long 268 miles, to be exact hilly, and often remote. But its all worth it to take in some of the most incredible landscapes in the U.K., including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines, Cheviots, and even Hadrians Wall. The route begins in Derbyshire and ends in Kirk Yetholm, a village in the Scottish Borders region, and it usually takes walkers around three weeks to complete. While long and strenuous, the Pennine Way can also be experienced by taking rest days at some of the larger towns along the way, like Hebden Bridge, Hawes, Alston, or Bellingham. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. One 100-year-old community in Panama is being made to move to the mainland due to dangerously high rising sea levels. Climate change made living environments unsafe which prompted the decision, a trend becoming increasingly more frequent. The island is one of 365 islands in the San Blas archipelago. Residents of Gardi Sugdub are now being forced to leave for the first time. The 39 inhabited islands were settled more than a century ago by 30,000 Guna people who came from Panama and Colombias mainland. The 100-year-community is set to be the first to leave, neighbouring islands are next to follow. The Huffpost shared more about the coming move: Little by little, all of the Guna will have to move, said Ligia Castro, whos in charge of climate-change policy at Panamas environmental ministry. At least we have time from now to 2050 to move them slowly to the mainland. Related: The Last Member Of A Brazilian Indigenous Community Has Died What we know: Already residents are experiencing the consequences of rising sea levels in the Caribbean island. When sea levels rise, teachers and students have to wear rubber boots to wade through water at school. Likewise, the residents have to move their belongings to higher spaces in their homes when the water rises. The Guna people will move to modern homes in the new community of La Barriada by the end of 2023. Experts say that islands in the region will likely be underwater by 2050. Based on current sea-level rise predictions, it is almost certain that within the next 20 years the Guna will have to start leaving these islands, and by the end of the century, most will probably have to be abandoned, Steven Paton, the director of the physical monitoring program at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, told the Journal. Two police officers have been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor counts stemming from an incident in which they allegedly placed a handcuffed female suspect in a patrol car that was then hit by a train. Sgt. Pablo Vazquez from the Platteville Police Department is charged with five counts of reckless endangerment and one count each of obstructing highway or other passageway, careless driving and parking where prohibited, the Weld County District Attorney's Office announced Monday. Officer Jordan Steinke of the Fort Lupton Police Department is charged with second degree assault, criminal attempt to commit manslaughter and reckless endangerment. On September 16, officers from both the Platteville Police Department and Fort Lupton Police Department responded to a reported road rage incident on Highway 85, CBS Colorado reported. Yareni Rios-Gonzalez, 20, was accused of threatening another with a gun, according to CBS Colorado. In body camera video of the incident, Rios-Gonzalez is seen pulled over in front of some railroad tracks. She was then handcuffed and placed inside Vazquez's police cruiser, which he had stopped on the railroad tracks. As the officers searched Rios-Gonzalez's vehicle, a train whistle can be heard approaching. The police cruiser was then hit by the oncoming freight train with Rios-Gonzalez still in the back. Rios-Gonzalez suffered serious injuries following the collision, but has since been released from the hospital, according to CBS Colorado. She is charged with one count of felony menacing, the Weld County District Attorney's Office said. A CBS News Colorado investigation found that Vazquez had previously been labeled as a "significant" liability risk by another department he worked at. Vazquez has been placed on leave. An attorney for Vazquez told CBS Colorado that they could not comment "until I see the full indictment." Steinke's attorney told CBS Colorado, "Officer Steinke has faith in the judicial system and trusts she will receive her fair day in court." Story continues Elon Musk's second week of Twitter ownership proves as chaotic as his first Election workers face violent threats in Arizona Powerball jackpot hits record $1.9 billion NEW YORK New York City voters accounted for about 37% of the ballots cast in the states nine days of early voting ahead of Election Day, according to the state Board of Elections, welcome news for Gov. Kathy Hochul. Strong turnout in the deep-blue city could buoy Hochul. The Democrat is running for a full term and has faced an unexpectedly fierce challenge from Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Trump-tied Republican nominee from Long Island. The city is home to about 40% of the states registered voters. But it often sees light turnout relative to its voter rolls. The Board of Elections reported that 432,634 New York City voters hit the polls for early voting, part of a statewide total of 1,178,674. Though the share could shift significantly on Election Day, Democrats hailed the early vote numbers as an indicator that Democratic enthusiasm is strong. These numbers are very good signs for the Democrats, said Bruce Gyory, a Democratic strategist. But theyre not yet dispositive, because we dont know whats going to come out in the same-day turnout. Gyory added that if Election Day sends the city share down toward around 30%, the picture would darken for Hochul. The New York State Democratic Party also reported that 62% of mail-in ballots came from Democrats. About 50% of registered voters statewide are Democrats. Recent opinion polls have shown a tight race between Hochul and Zeldin, but the governor is still generally seen as the favorite. She rose to her post after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in disgrace last year. New York City has become a crucial battleground down the stretch of the race, and both candidates spent Monday campaigning in the five boroughs. For Zeldin to pull the upset, the conservative congressman would likely need depressed turnout overall in New York City and support from upward of 35% of city voters, according to analysts. The city is home to nearly seven Democrats for every Republican, providing a Blue Wall for Democrats in statewide elections. But Zeldin has worked feverishly to pick off disaffected Democrats, focusing heavily on crime. Story continues The early-vote numbers offer few insights into how many Democrats and left-leaning independents Zeldin has converted in the city. Still, Democrats are pointing to the early tally as a reason for optimism. Im feeling very good, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a Manhattan Democrat, said after campaigning with Hochul on the Upper West Side Monday morning. The early turnout numbers are very high. Theyre very high in Democratic areas. Nadler, who has made a habit of offering sanguine predictions about how Democrats will perform in the midterms, said he expected Hochul would win and by more than a razor-thin margin. I dont think shes going to win by 1 point, he told reporters. I think shes going to win by 6 to 8. I think. I mean, a predictions what its worth. But thats what I suspect. Head lice are most commonly spread by close person-to-person contact, according to the CDC. (Getty Images) Head lice have been a dreaded parasite for years, with some schools temporarily shutting down over lice outbreaks. But while many schools and day care facilities have a policy that someone with lice must have no lice eggs (called nits) in their hair before returning, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that's overkill. In newly published guidance, the AAP says it's actually fine to send kids to school with lice. In the guidance, the AAP points out that head lice are "not a health hazard nor sign of poor hygiene." However, the AAP says that sending a child with head lice into quarantine could cause "significant stigma and psychological stress. The AAP's guidance echoes recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which says that students diagnosed with live head lice "do not need to be sent home early from school." Instead, the CDC says, "they can go home at the end of the day, be treated, and return to class after appropriate treatment has begun." Nits "may persist after treatment," the CDC says, "but successful treatment should kill crawling lice." Given how much lice are usually feared, it's understandable to have questions. Here are some lice facts every parent needs to know. Lice spread through close contact Head lice are about 2 to 3 millimeters long, and they usually infest the head or neck and attach their eggs to the base of the hair shaft, according to the CDC. They feed on the blood of their host and will die within a day or two without a blood meal, says the CDC. Lice move around by crawling, but they can't hop or fly. The CDC points out that head lice is spread most commonly by close person-to-person contact. "It's spread when a kid has lice in their hair and they get their head close to another kid," Dr. Danelle Fisher, pediatrician and chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., tells Yahoo Life. "It's not like the lice are going to jump 50 feet across a classroom to land in another kids' hair." Story continues There are certain signs of lice to be on the lookout for Keep these lice symptoms on the back burner, according to the CDC: Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of the head louse Irritability and difficulty sleeping (head lice are most active in the dark) Sores on the head caused by scratching You can also spot head lice and their nits. The nits look like tiny grains of rice that are attached to strands of hair near the base of the scalp. They can easily be mistaken for dandruff, scabs or hair spray droplets, the CDC says. Live lice are about the size of a sesame seed, have six legs and are tan to grayish white, the CDC says. There are treatments for lice There are a few different options when it comes to treating lice. Topical treatments such as shampoos and lotions that contain pyrethroids are usually considered the first-line treatments for head lice, the AAP says. "There are some nonmedicinal ways that lice can be treated but do not have FDA or clinical trial approval," Margaret Quinn, a clinical associate professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing, tells Yahoo Life. The AAP also stresses that they're not approved or endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or AAP for this use. Those can include: Essential oils like tea tree oil, geranium oil and lavender oil Vaseline Mayonnaise Melted butter or margarine Olive oil "These can coat and suffocate the lice, but they're not considered as effective as pyrethroids," Fisher says. It's also a good idea to do the following, according to the CDC: Machine wash and dry items that the infested person used up to two days before treatment, including hats, scarves, pillow cases, bedding, clothing, and towels. Items that can't be laundered can be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum furniture and floors that may contain an infested person's hairs (that could have nits attached). It can take a while to fully get rid of lice Getting rid of lice can be a tedious process. A pyrethroid treatment needs to be used again in nine or 10 days in order to be effective, the CDC says. You'll also need to use a special comb on the hair and actually try to pick nits out that you spot, Fisher says. "That is key," she says. (Otherwise, the nits can hatch and cause issues all over again.) But, Fisher adds, "the combing out and nit-picking can be very tedious." Dr. Jennifer Haile, a pediatrician at Connecticut Children's, tells Yahoo Life that it's important to make sure you look at everyone in the home as a possible lice target. "The biggest thing is, if you have close household contacts, that you're making sure you're treating those household contacts and treating the home appropriately," she says. "Anything you can't wash or vacuum needs to be in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. You don't want to reinfect anyone." Dr. Fred Archer, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo and with UBMD Pediatrics, tells Yahoo Life that this whole process can take a while. "Barring reinfection, it can take between 14 and 21 days to completely clear an infection," he says. "Most active lice and nits are removed in the first round of topical treatments, though 20% to 30% can survive the initial treatment." Anyone can get lice According to CDC data, an estimated 6 million to 12 million head lice infestations happen each year in the U.S. in children 3 to 11 years old. It's most common in preschool children who go to child care, elementary school children, and the household members of infested children, the CDC says. "It's more common in younger children, because they're more likely to be all over each other," Fisher says. Still, "everyone can get lice," Quinn says, noting that "lice affects all homes, all demographics and all people." If lice enter your home, you need to be wary. "Living with a child or adult with head lice creates a lot of these opportunities for the lice to spread from person to person," Dr. Gary Reschak, pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, tells Yahoo Life If your child happens to get lice, Fisher says it's important to watch yourself for symptoms too. "If your child has been near you, lay on your pillow or used your hairbrush, it's prudent that you do the same treatment and wash your bedding and clothing in hot water," she says. Haile adds: "If you don't stop it, it just doesn't leave the house. It can be really frustrating." Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life's newsletter. Sign up here. A 6-year-old Georgia boy was killed after he found a gun at his apartment complex and accidentally shot himself in the head, police said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Calhoun Police said they responded to reports of someone shot on Neal Street in Gordon County around 3 a.m. Saturday. Police found the boy dead at the scene. TRENDING STORIES: The boys mother said she went outside of the home to let a dog out and the child went behind the apartment and came back, telling his mom he found a toy. The mother said she didnt think anything of it and they went back inside. The mother said that shortly thereafter, she heard a pop and found her son on the floor. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Calhoun City Schools identified the child as Zi Zi Olmstead and police confirmed he was the victim. The gun was identified as a 9 mm Taurus. Police Chief Tony Pyle said the incident is still under investigation. Seven adults are charged with criminal homicide in the death of an Indiana County man who was kidnapped and found dead in the woods in late October. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >> 7 adults, 1 juvenile charged in connection to kidnapping of Indiana County man found murdered According to Pennsylvania State Police, 19-year-old Hayden Robert Garreffa was found dead in a remote, wooded area of Brush Valley Township on Oct. 22 around 4 a.m. Indiana County Coroner Jerry Overman Jr. responded to the scene and ruled Garreffas death a homicide, police said. Police said he was reported missing from his East Wheatfield Township home on Oct. 20, and that its been determined he died that day at around 2:30 p.m. Police said that after an extensive investigation, its been determined that Garreffa was kidnapped and then killed on Oct. 20. RELATED >> Indiana County man previously reported missing found murdered in remote wooded area Police also said Garreffa was lured out of his home and was kidnapped, beaten and stabbed before his body was dumped in the woods around two miles from his house. On Oct. 25, seven adults and one juvenile were charged in connection to Garreffas kidnapping. Police said the criminal complaints have been amended to include one count of criminal homicide per each adult defendant. The adult suspects were identified as the following people: Desean Garcia Alvarez, 21 YOA; male; of Hammond, Indiana Isaac Joel Buchkoski, 21 YOA; male; of Johnstown, Pennsylvania Mia Shai Catalfano, 18 YOA; female; of Johnstown, Pennsylvania Taylyn Nashell Edwards, 18 YOA; female; of Johnstown, Pennsylvania Thomas Alan Rivera, 20 YOA; male; of Johnstown, Pennsylvania Summer Isabella Settlemyer, 18 YOA; female; of Johnstown, Pennsylvania Jesse Lee Wadsworth, 18 YOA; male; of Johnstown, Pennsylvania While these individuals are charged with additional crimes today, the investigation is still ongoing as to the particular conduct of each defendant, said Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi, Jr. I appreciate the hard work of the members of the Pennsylvania State Police and know that they will continue to gather the evidence necessary to bring justice for young Hayden. Story continues The juvenile who was charged in the kidnapping, identified as a 14-year-old girl, is currently not facing any homicide charges. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: State police investigating death at shooting scene outside Beaver County Walmart Powerball numbers finally drawn for largest jackpot in history after technical delay LIVE UPDATES: Voters hit the polls in Western Pennsylvania for 2022 midterm election VIDEO: Breaking the Stigma: Coping with Election Day stress DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts A 9-year-old child found with a loaded firearm at a Queen Creek K-8 school in August will be tried on two felony charges, Arizona prosecutors said. The Pinal County Attorneys Office cited the inherent danger involved with a gun being on a school campus in a Monday, Nov. 7, statement to McClatchy News. However, it is important to appreciate that the juvenile justice system is focused on rehabilitation and correcting behavior and that will be our focus, County Attorney Kent Volkmer said in the statement. The 9-year-old faces charges of being a minor in possession of a firearm and interference with or disruption of an educational institution, both felonies. The childs parents will not be charged. Prosecutors said in the statement there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction for a crime. Police confiscated a firearm with a magazine loaded with 16 rounds at Legacy Traditional Academy in Queen Creek on Aug. 25, KNXV reported. A parent had called authorities after their child reported seeing the 9-year-old with a bullet the day before, The Arizona Republic reported. The child told police they brought the firearm to school out of fear of kids bigger and older than him on his way to school, KNXV reported. Officials did not identify the child. Queen Creek is a town of 66,000 people about 35 miles southeast of Phoenix. Gunfire erupts during argument over card game in parking lot, injuring 2, NC cops say Accused shoplifter, store security guard exchange gunfire, MD cops say. Both are dead Teen shot 16 times on his way to play basketball, DC prosecutors say. Man found guilty Muffled screams can be heard in the released 911 call of a woman who was kidnapped and buried alive in Washington last month. Young An, 42, was allegedly attacked by her husband, Chae Kyong An,53, in her home on Oct. 16 after they spoke about their ongoing divorce and finances. Chae allegedly punched Young multiple times before binding her eyes, hands and body with duct tape. Before Young was driven into woods near Lacey to be buried, she managed to contact 911 and send a notification to her emergency contacts using her Apple Watch. The distressing call recorded sounds of Young screaming and sobbing. Although she was bound and gagged and unable to articulate words, the dispatcher was able to send officers to the home. More from NextShark: 'Ching Chong House' Restaurant in Colorado Emerges on Instagram and Yelp I'm gonna get help started for you hold on for a second, the dispatcher says in the recording. The dispatcher reassures Young that help is on the way as she stays on the line. The recording then ends when a police officer arrives. However, Chae had already broken her watch with a hammer before loading her into a van and driving into the woods to bury her. Young told police that Chae stabbed her in the chest and placed her in a shallow grave. She managed to keep dirt off her face by wiggling around as she laid in the grave for hours. After tearing off the duct tape, she ran for about 30 minutes until she found a house to plead for help. More from NextShark: Family-Owned Hmong Store Targeted by Alleged Racists in Wisconsin Young reportedly shouted, My husband is trying to kill me! Help me! after a sheriffs deputy arrived. On Nov. 1, Chae pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree domestic violence assault. He was booked into Thurston County Jail, where he is being held without bail. Chae is scheduled back in court on Nov. 16. More from NextShark: 'Kim's Convenience' Star Jean Yoon Calls Out Producers, Speaks Out on 'Overtly Racist' Storylines Featured Image via Fox News Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! COVID locked-down Xi'an sees tragedies, food complications mount Adarus Black has been found guilty of murder in the drive-by shooting death of NaKia Crawford, 18, who was shot multiple times while running errands with her grandmother in June 2020. Jurors deliberated for about four hours before announcing they had convicted Black of the lone count he faced murder with a gun specification. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Kelly McLaughlin will sentence Black on Nov. 30. He faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison with possible parole after 18 years. Black plans to appeal, his attorneys said. The Akron shooting gained national attention, with initial reports indicating the slaying may have been racially motivated, but police later saying it was a case of mistaken identity. Nearly two years later, Black was arrested in Georgia by a fugitive task force. Black, who was 17 at the time of the shooting and is now 19, went on trial last week. Here are key points about the case, as well as highlights from the trial. Grandmother recalls drive-by shooting Lynn Williams, Crawford's grandmother who was the first witness in the trial, shared her recollections about the drive-by shooting that claimed her granddaughter's life. More:'I think I got shot:' Grandmother recalls Akron teen Na'Kia Crawford's final words Williams said she and Crawford were chatting at a red light when she heard a noise, then looked over and realized Crawford had a mark on her neck. She said Crawford told her she'd been shot, which were her final words. Williams said she didn't see who shot Crawford or what type of vehicle the shooter was driving. Openings: Attorneys dispute merits of evidence Assistant Prosecutor Brian Stano said in his opening statement that Jaion Bivins and Black were the two people in the car used in the shooting. He said jurors won't be able to hear from Bivins because he is dead. Stano said which of the two did the shooting doesn't matter. He said both are "guilty of murder." John Alexander, one of Black's attorneys, though, emphasized the evidence prosecutors lack to tie his client to the slaying, including his image on surveillance video, DNA or fingerprints. Story continues "He didn't do it," Alexander said. Two men testify about seeing Black, Bivins at party on day of shooting Two men testified Thursday about seeing Black and Bivins at a party on the day of Crawfords shooting. Brian Dickerson said the party at a house on Merton Street in Akron was to celebrate the birthday of Martel Spragling, a friend of his. He said Bivins came to the party in his black Camaro. Dickerson said Bivins was with someone else, but he didnt know who. He said he later found out it was Black. Dickerson, though, said he didnt see Bivins and Black get in or out of the car together. Support local journalism:6 reasons why you should subscribe to the Akron Beacon Journal Spragling, who had an attorney in court with him, said he sold the Camaro to Bivins for $5,000 and Bivins was going to take over the payments. When Spragling owned the car, he said, he put a memorial on the hood in honor of his cousin who was shot and killed. When Spragling saw the car on the news as being sought in connection with Crawfords shooting, he said he told Bivins he needed to turn himself in with an attorney, which Bivins then did. Spragling said he saw Black and Bivins at his party but didnt see if they came or left together. Assistant Prosecutor Brian LoPrinzi, though, asked Spragling about a statement he made to Akron police Lt. Dave Whiddon shortly after Crawfords shooting in which he said Bivins and Black left and returned to the party together. Crawfords shooting happened during this time period. Spragling said he said this because he was trying to end the interrogation and go home. Alexander pressed Spragling about whether he saw if Black left or came back to the party with Bivins. Spragling said he did not. Closings: Prosecutors tout tech evidence, while defense highlights lack of scientific evidence Black's trial concluded Monday afternoon with closing arguments from the attorneys. Prosecutors emphasized evidence presented in the case they say showed Black was in the car involved in the drive-by shooting, including from CyberCheck, a new technology tool that found Black's cyber profile was at Howard and North streets at the time of the shooting. Alexander, though, highlighted the evidence that wasn't found, including any DNA or eyewitnesses, that could tie Black to the shooting or place him in the car. Na'Kia Crawfords shooting draws national attention Na'Kia Crawford Crawfords shooting drew national attention when it initially appeared to be motivated by race. Crawford was shot June 14, 2020, while she was stopped at a traffic signal at Howard and North streets. She was taken to the hospital where she later died. Memorial to victim:Car used in shooting of NaKia Crawford apparently features memorial to man killed in Akron Witnesses reported that the shooter was white, with concerns then raised that Crawford, who was Black, may have been targeted because of her race. Ben Crump, a nationally known civil rights attorney, agreed to assist Crawfords family. He has represented families in numerous high-profile cases, including the family of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who was killed when an officer kneeled on his neck and whose death sparked protests in Akron and across the country. Akron police and the FBI, however, dispelled the racial component when they said the main suspect in the shooting was Adarus Black, who is African American. Investigators said Black mistakenly shot Crawford because he thought the car she was driving belonged to a rival. Mistaken identity:NaKia Crawford shooting was mistaken identity, not racially motivated, Akron police say Crump withdrew from representing the Crawford family. Adarus Black wasnt the only one charged in Na'Kia Crawfords shooting Black was one of three people who were originally charged in Crawfords shooting. Bivins, 20, of Akron, was charged with obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence. Janisha George, 25, of Tallmadge, was charged with obstruction. Prosecutors dropped the charges against Bivins and George in March 2021 without prejudice, which means they can refile the charges. Gunman at large:Charges dismissed in Na'Kia Crawford killing as suspected shooter remains at large That wont happen with at least Bivins, though, because he was killed in Kentucky. George testified in Blacks trial. She wasn't in the car at the time of the shooting. Adarus Black is arrested in February in another state After Crawfords shooting, a national manhunt began to find Black. Police tracked down leads around Ohio and into Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee. Adarus Black was arrested Feb. 8, 2022, in Georgia. Black eluded police, though, until February when the Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force got a report that he was living in Atlanta, Georgia, under a fake name. The task force, along with local law enforcement, arrested him and he was returned to Summit County. Video of arrest:Footage shows Adarus Black, suspect in Na'Kia Crawford shooting, being arrested in Georgia Black, because of his age and the severity of the charge, was automatically bound over from Summit County Juvenile Court to common pleas court to be tried as an adult. Adarus Black didn't waive his speedy trial rights If it seemed like Blacks trial happened quickly, thats because it did. Black and his attorneys refused to waive his speedy trial rights, which required that his trial happen much faster than normal for a murder trial. People charged with felonies in Ohio who are in custody must be tried within 90 days, but attorneys often waive this right to have longer to prepare for the trial and to have the chance to address issues like competency and suppression questions. Alexander, who is representing Black with Ed Smith, declined to discuss why they did not waive his speedy trial rights. Murder trials in Summit County often take at least a year to go to trial and with the pandemic, some of have been delayed for up to two years. Na'Kia Crawfords slaying resonates in Akron community Crawfords shooting struck a chord in the Akron area, especially because it happened at a time of heightened concern about both gun violence and racial issues. Protesters gathered June 15, 2020, on North Howard Street in Akron after the death of Na'Kia Crawford. Vigils and protests were held and a large Black Lives Matter mural was done nearby by volunteers. A $50,000 reward was offered for information in the case. Many referred to the shooting as senseless, especially because Crawford appeared to not be the intended target. NaKia Crawford was in the wrong place at the wrong time, Deputy Chief Jesse Lesser said in a news conference in June 2020. Crawford was a recent North High School graduate and planned to attend Central State University to study computer science. Her family said she was a kind, loving person. They said she stayed out of trouble and made no enemies, making her death even harder to believe. Family speaks:Na'Kia Crawford's family thankful for arrest, ask who helped suspect hide for 20 months Her family members were pleased by Blacks arrest and had said they wanted to see Black locked up for the rest of his life. To me, hes an animal, Saria Crawford, NaKias grandmother, recently told the Beacon Journal. They put animals in cages. Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Adarus Black convicted of killing Na'Kia Crawford in drive-by shooting A Kansas City man accused of leading a methamphetamine-trafficking ring that authorities say was linked to two murders in 2018 was convicted of four felonies stemming from his role with the criminal organization, federal prosecutors said Monday. Trevor S. Sparks, 33, was found guilty after a jury trial in the Western District of Missouri of conspiracy to distribute meth, conspiracy to commit money laundering and two felony weapons charges. Over the period of about two years, prosecutors allege Sparks led a multi-million dollar drug trafficking ring that at one point was responsible for distributing at least one kilogram of meth each day in Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis and St. Joseph. He was further accused of being involved with the criminal organization between January 2017 and December 2018. Prosecutors say the drug ring was linked to the distribution of 520 kilograms and worth an estimated $4.1 million. It was also linked to the killings of James Hampton and 28-year-old Brittanie Broyles, identified by federal authorities as associates of the group. According to court documents, Hampton was blamed by Sparks when several members of the group drove to St. Louis in search of a drug courier suspected of stealing $30,000 in meth. Authorities have said Hampton was taken to a residence near St. Louis, where he was tied to a chair and beaten with brass knuckles and kitchen pots. Prosecutors say Hampton was kidnapped and transported across the state in the trunk of a car. His charred skeletal remains were found a few days later in the trunk of a burned Dodge Challenger in rural Lafayette County. Days later, Broyles was found shot in the head in Kansas City in the 6800 block of St. John Avenue. Authorities have alleged Broyles was killed because she witnessed Hamptons murder. Sparks has been held without bond in the case since his arrest in December 2018. A sentencing hearing for Sparks had yet to be scheduled as of Monday evening. In addition to the prison time Sparks faces, prosecutors say he will be ordered to pay up to $4.2 million as a money judgment, representing the proceeds he allegedly received for his role with the drug trafficking organization. TOKYO (AP) An American father and son convicted in Japan on charges of helping Nissan former Chairman Carlos Ghosn escape to Lebanon, hiding in a box, have been returned to the U.S., their lawyer said Tuesday. Michael Taylor, a former Green Beret, was sentenced in July last year in Tokyo District Court to two years in prison, while his son Peter Taylor was sentenced to one year and eight months. They were convicted of helping a criminal for their involvement in the December 2019 escape of Ghosn, who had been awaiting trial on various financial misconduct charges, including under-reporting his compensation. The Taylors were arrested in Massachusetts in May 2020, and extradited to Japan in March 2021, though they fought against deportation to Japan. The U.S. and Japan have an extradition treaty, while Lebanon has no extradition treaty with Japan. Ghosn is French-Brazilian of Lebanese ancestry. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons online site lists Michael Taylor as at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles and set for release Jan. 1, 2023. Paul V. Kelly, the lawyer for the Taylors, said by email that he was in talks with parole officials about an earlier release. Peter Taylor has already been released, and is back with his family in Massachusetts, said Kelly, whose office is based in Boston. The Japanese Justice Ministry declined comment. Nissan had no comment. During their trial in Tokyo, Michael and Peter Taylor apologized and acknowledged guilt, saying they had been misled by Ghosn. They denied they had benefited monetarily because the payment just covered expenses. Ghosn, who led Nissan Motor Co. for two decades, says he is innocent. He says he fled because he could not expect a fair trial in Japan. ___ Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama SmartAsset: Best Cities for Military Retirees - 2022 Edition Recent data from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) shows that there are about 18 million veterans in the U.S., of which about 13 million are over the age of 50. With so many veterans either in retirement or nearing their golden years, SmartAsset looked into the best cities for military retirees to live in. There are a number of factors that make a city or town a good place for veterans to retire such as military friendliness, access to resources and the local economic environment. In this study, SmartAsset compared 200 of the largest cities in the country across eight metrics spanning those three categories. For more details on how we analyzed the data and compiled the rankings, read the data and methodology section below. (A financial advisor can help you assess what your income needs will be in retirement and create a plan to meet them.) This is SmartAssets latest study on the best cities for military retirees. Check out the previous version here. Key Findings Three Northwest cities rank in the top five for the second year in a row. They include Anchorage, Alaska; Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Vancouver, Washington. All three cities rank particularly well for our military retirement friendliness category with veterans over the age of 65 making up more than 2.5% of each citys total population. Veterans in top-ranked cities have a poverty rate that is 2.2% lower than the national. On average across the top 10 cities, 5.0% of veterans live below the poverty line. In comparison, nationally, 7.2% of veterans live in poverty. 1. Anchorage, AK In Anchorage, Alaska, 2.60% of the population is made up of veterans who are 65 and older, which is the 40th-highest percentage for this double-weighted metric. Meanwhile, Anchorage ranks No. 35 for the its low unemployment rate (2.9%) and No. 91 for the percent of veterans living under the poverty line (7.9%). For military retirees who are seniors, the city offers the lowest tax burden (14.78%) across the study. Story continues 2. Roseville, CA Roseville, California ranks seventh-best for its military retirement friendliness index and eighth-highest for its economic environment ranking. Roughly 3% of the population in Roseville are veterans aged 65 and older (15th-highest) and the area offers the 22nd-highest income for veterans ($61,953). 3. Sioux Falls, SD Sioux Falls, South Dakota remains No. 3 this year due to its continued strong rankings. Sioux Falls boasts a spot among the top 20 cities for our resources for veterans category. In particular, we estimate that there are about 21 VA health facilities and almost two VA benefits administration offices, both per 100,000 veterans. 4. Lakewood, CO Colorado ranks sixth-best state for the number of VA benefits administration offices per capita, offering 2.30 offices per 100,000 veterans. The city of Lakewood additionally ranks 18th overall for its strong economic environment, which is made up of these three metrics: median veteran income ($53,957), percentage of veterans living under the poverty line (4.8%) and August 2022 unemployment rate (3.0%). 5. Vancouver, WA Vancouver, Washington ranks second-best for our military retirement friendliness category. Specifically, Vancouver also has the fourth-highest percentage of veterans ages 65 and older (4.03%) and a low estimated senior tax burden (22.02%). 6. Overland Park, KS Overland Park, Kansas has the second-best ranking for the economic environment index across all 200 cities in our study. Unemployment is low, with only 2.6% of workers out of work in August 2022 (18th-lowest overall). Additionally, Overland offers the 60th-highest number of retirement communities per capita, at 16.53. 7. Chesapeake, VA Chesapeake, Virginia showcases a top 20 ranking in two metrics: percentage of the population who are veterans ages 65 and up (3.22%) and median veteran income level ($76,406). Chesapeake seniors are less likely to be living under the poverty line with roughly 5.0% of this demographic in this position currently. 8. Surprise, AZ Surprise, Arizona held a few surprises for us when stacked against the 200 other cities in our study. For starters, the city ranks in the top 10 for both its military retirement friendliness and economic environment. Additionally, this Phoenix suburb took the number one spot in the ranking for the percentage of the population who are veterans ages 65 and older (4.51%) and has the second-lowest veteran poverty rate (1.4%). 9. Oceanside, CA Oceanside, California moved up one spot this year in the overall rankings for military retirees. Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, the city of Oceanside ranks well for its relatively low percentage of veterans living under the poverty line (5.0%), which is the 28th-lowest across our study. Veterans in Oceanside also earn roughly $58,369, the 34th-highest median income for veterans across the study. 10. Peoria, AZ Peoria, Arizona rounds out this year's top 10 rankings for the best places for military retirees. Peoria ranks in the top 20 cities for two metrics: percentage of veterans under the poverty line (3.6%) and percentage of population who retired veterans (3.36%). The median veteran income is $60,739, further demonstrating the areas strong economic environment for veterans. Data and Methodology To conduct our study, we compared 200 of the largest cities in the U.S. in eight metrics across three categories: Military Retirement Friendliness Percentage of the population who are veterans ages 65 and older. Data comes from the Census Bureaus 2021 1-Year American Community Survey. Retirement communities per 1,000 residents. Data comes from the Census Bureaus 2020 County Business Patterns. Estimated senior tax burden. This estimates the income and sales tax burden for seniors. Specifically, we calculated effective income tax rates based on a retiree earning $35,000 annually (from retirement savings, Social Security and part-time employment). We subtracted income taxes paid from gross income to determine disposable income. From there, we factored in sales taxes, assuming disposable income was spent on taxable goods. Data comes from SmartAssets tax calculators and Avalara.com. Resources for Veterans VA health facilities per 100,000 veterans. Data come from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Census Bureaus 2021 1-year American Community Survey. VA benefits administration offices per 100,000 veterans. Data come from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Census Bureaus 2021 1-year American Community Survey. This metric is at the state level. Economic Environment Median veteran income. Data comes from the Census Bureaus 2021 1-Year American Community Survey. Veteran poverty rate. This is the percentage of veterans living under the poverty line. Data comes from the Census Bureaus 2021 1-Year American Community Survey. August 2022 unemployment rate. Data comes from the 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics and is at a county level. First, we ranked each city in each metric, assigning an equal weight to every metric, except for the percentage of the population who are veterans ages 65 and older and veteran poverty rate - both of which are double-weighted. Then we averaged the rankings across the three categories listed above. For each category, the city with the highest average ranking received a score of 100. The city with the lowest average ranking received a score of 0. We created our final ranking by calculating each citys average score for all three categories. Retirement Planning Tips Is your retirement plan on track? SmartAssets free retirement calculator can help you calculate just how much money youll need to save before retiring. Calculate your Social Security benefits. Social Security plays an important role in the retirement of most Americans. SmartAssets free social security calculator can help you estimate what your benefits will be based on your age and income. Work with a professional. A financial advisor can help you assess what your income needs will be in retirement and create a plan to meet them. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors in your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Questions about our study? Contact press@smartasset.com. Photo credit: iStock/annebaek The post Best Cities for Military Retirees 2022 Edition appeared first on SmartAsset Blog. Ammar Campa-Najjar's campaign; John McCann's campaign; Insider Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. Ammar Campa-Najjar is running against John McCann in Chula Vista, California's mayoral race. Polls closed in the state at 8 p.m. local time, or 11 p.m. EST. 2022 General Embeds After serving for two consecutive four-year terms, incumbent Mayor Mary Salas is ineligible to run for a third term. Campa-Najjar is the founder of ACN Strategies, a public affairs and communications firm. He previously served as a White House fellow, then as a public affairs executive director with the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He also worked as a public affairs officer in the US Labor Department for one year. The San Diego State University graduate ran two unsuccessful congressional campaigns, one against Rep. Darrell Issa in California's 50th Congressional District. Chula Vista, the second-largest city in the San Diego metropolitan area and the seventh-largest in Southern California, is just south of downtown San Diego and north of Tijuana, Mexico. The city will house San Diego State's expansion of its film school and is on the cusp of completing a billion-dollar bayfront development. However, Chula Vista also faces a structural budget deficit and a growing homeless population. Campa-Najjar is campaigning on addressing the city's homelessness and housing imbalance. He is endorsed by the San Diego County Democratic Party, Chula Vista Firefighters, and several high-profile elected officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Alex Padilla. McCann is currently serving his fourth term as deputy mayor on the Chula Vista City Council. The Iraq War veteran also serves as a commander in the Navy Reserves and owns two property management businesses. McCann is similarly running with a goal to tackle homelessness and crime. He is endorsed by the Chula Vista Police Officers Association, the Republican Party of San Diego County, and the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. In the nonpartisan primary, McCann pulled past Campa-Najjar, securing 30.9% of the vote to 22.5%. Read the original article on Business Insider Archaeologists have discovered a vast tunnel underneath an ancient Egyptian temple, which they say may lead to the long-lost tomb of queen Cleopatra. The tunnel, which is at a depth of about 13m (42ft) below the ground, stretching over 1,300m (4200ft) and about 2m (6.5ft) high, was discovered during excavations at a site in the ancient city of Taposiris Magna, west of Alexandria. Researchers, including Dominican archaeologist Kathleen Martinez, describe the tunnel as a geometric miracle based on its architectural design, adding that it is very similar to but longer than, Greeces Jubilinos Tunnel considered to be one of the most important engineering achievements of its time. They say the tunnel carried water to a population of over 15,000 people during its time, similar to the role served by the Jubilinos Tunnel in Greece. Archaeological excavations at the temple site have been complex, researchers say. This is because part of the tunnel was discovered submerged under the Mediterranean water and the temple has also been hit by a number of earthquakes during the course of history, causing damages. Researchers date the tunnel to the Ptolemaic period of about 304 BC to 30 BC. This coincides with the time period when Cleopatra ruled Egypt from 51 to 30 BC. Archaeologists also found many artifacts inside the Temple including coins bearing the images and names of both Queen Cleopatra, and Alexander the Great, as well as several beheaded statues. They also found statues of the goddess Isis and patterns and figurines of various shapes and sizes. Cleopatra, who was the last ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt, died by suicide after her husband and Roman general Mark Antony also killed himself. Scholars say Cleopatra had detailed plans in place for her and her husband to be buried together. Now archaeologists suspect their tombs could be found someplace through the newly unearthed tunnel. This is the perfect place for the tomb of Cleopatra. If theres a one percent chance that the last queen of Egypt could be buried there, it is my duty to search for her, Dr Martinez told the blog Heritage Key. Story continues If we discover the tombit will be the most important discovery of the 21st century, she added. Excavations in the area have also unearthed a network of tunnels stretching from King Marriott Lake to the Mediterranean. Archaeologists have also found 16 burials inside rock-carved tombs commonly used in the Greek and Roman centuries. They have also unearthed a number of mummies highlighting features of the embankment process during the Greek and Roman periods. Security guards watch over a ballot drop-off site Monday in Phoenix. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Two years after former President Trump attempted to overturn his loss to Joe Biden, the electoral process remains in the shadow of the 2020 election, plagued by threats to election workers, efforts to misinform or intimidate voters and the rise of far-right candidates who have echoed false claims of election fraud. Nowhere is the new paradigm more evident than in Arizona, where election officials in Maricopa County, home to Phoenix, have received hundreds of threats and been forced to increase security around the office where mail ballots are counted. Last week, a federal judge restricted a far-right group from sending armed people to monitor ballot drop boxes and observe voters. And one of the state's most popular Republican nominees, Trump-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, has cast doubts on the last election and been vague about whether she would accept a loss in this one. On Tuesday morning, ballot counting machines at 20% of vote centers in Maricopa County experienced issues, giving new fodder to election critics ready to cast doubt on the results. Were trying to fix this problem as quickly as possible, and we also have a redundancy in place, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates said in a video. Each counting machine has a secure drawer where ballots can be stored until a machine is fixed or the ballots are transported to the central counting location. Ballots can also be cast at any of the countys 223 vote centers. By Tuesday afternoon, the Republican National Committee, Lake and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters sued in Maricopa County Superior Court to keep voting centers open until 10 p.m. in order to give voters three additional hours to cast ballots in person because of the issues. Counties in at least five other states extended hours at polling locations Tuesday because of technical or other routine errors. The RNC is joining a Republican coalition to file an emergency motion to extend poll hours in Maricopa County because voting machines in over 25% of voting locations have experienced significant issues," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a written statement. "The widespread issues in an election administered by Democrat Secretary of State [and gubernatorial candidate] Katie Hobbs are completely unacceptable, especially as Republicans flock to the polls to vote in-person on Election Day." Story continues Tammy Patrick, a former federal compliance officer for the Maricopa County Elections Department, said that while its disconcerting that so many vote centers are having difficulties with ballot tabulators, its not uncommon for the machines to have issues. She compared the tabulator difficulties, which she said appear to be caused by an alignment issue, to trying to feed an old dollar bill into a vending machine. For months weve known going into this election that anything that would occur thats normally standard is going to be blown out of proportion, its going to be weaponized and its going to be used as some sort of demonstration that we shouldnt trust the outcomes of our elections, she said. And it couldnt be further from the truth. Arizona GOP gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake takes the stage Monday in Phoenix. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Lake pointed to the tabulator issues as proof the state needs her in office. I am getting flooded with calls and text messages from people who are having trouble voting all over Maricopa County, Lake tweeted Tuesday. THIS is why we must reform our elections. Election officials have expressed optimism and pride in the work theyve done leading up to Tuesday. In Maricopa County, which has 2.4 million registered voters, officials have received more than 974,000 early ballots and had verified signatures and processed the majority of them as of Monday night. Last week, the office answered more than 8,000 phone calls and 3,000 emails from voters, according to Stephen Richer, the countys top election official. Arizona, and really Maricopa County, is at the center of the universe in terms of the democratic process that makes this country so beautiful, Richer told reporters Monday. Richer and other Maricopa officials held a news conference on the eve of the election to dispel false narratives and conspiracy theories, such as accusations that not having every ballot counted on election night implies that there is fraud or that counting machines are faulty, compromised or lead to inaccurate results. For years, Arizona has allowed any voter to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Election officials are allowed to start processing those ballots a few weeks before the election, and ballots must be received by the time polls close. In a closely contested race, the results might not be available for a few days. Close elections in other key states, such as Michigan and Pennsylvania, could also take days to tally. In California, where a handful of key U.S. House races could determine the margins of the chamber, the final count of mailed ballots will likely take weeks. The concern for election officials is that misinformation and threats of political violence tend to spread in the time between when polls close and the final ballots are counted. Protesters descended on vote-counting centers in swing states in 2020, as Trump called on election workers to stop tallying ballots that had been mailed in on time. That year, far-right supporters of Trump gathered outside the Maricopa County Elections Department, shouting to those inside that they were there to "stop the steal." Since then, officials have increased security, with new fencing and cameras and more coordination with the sheriff's department. For us, it's about ensuring that balance between what potentially could happen and making sure that the ballots and all the people here at the elections department are safe, said Megan Gilbertson, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Elections Department. Arizona has been a hotbed for election misinformation since the 2020 presidential election, when Biden became the first Democrat to win the state in more than 20 years. Audits and lawsuits found no evidence of widespread election fraud. A rally for Lake, who has said she will accept the results of Tuesday's election only if she wins. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Still, conspiracy theories around the electoral process have grown in the state, where the Republican candidates for major races have helped fuel Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Arizona is one of the states featured prominently in "2000 Mules," a discredited film by right-wing conspiracy theorist Dinesh D'Souza that claims cellphone data show that thousands of so-called "mules" stole the 2020 election by stuffing boxes in swing states with fake ballots. Last month, armed and masked members of far-right groups including the Oath Keepers and Clean Elections USA started appearing at ballot drop boxes in Maricopa and nearby Yavapai counties, where they photographed, filmed and surveilled voters and their cars. A federal judge restricted the ability of Clean Elections USA to monitor the drop boxes and required the group's founder, Melody Jennings, a QAnon adherent, to stop posting misleading information about who may return an early ballot. Under Arizona law, relatives, housemates and caregivers may return a ballot on someone else's behalf. Democrats and voting rights advocates have warned that the candidates at the top of the Republican ticket could upend the state's election process if they're victorious Tuesday. "Kari Lake is as fervent an election denier as Donald Trump, and unlike him, she's actually on the ballot," said Norm Eisen, an elections and political law expert who served as President Obama's ethics czar. "If she is successful and becomes the governor, she'll be in a position to implement that dangerous ideology, not only as a false conspiracy theory about the past but in the present and the future." The campaign of Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, the Democrats' nominee for governor, has made that warning a key part of her messaging against Lake, a former local news anchor. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs canvases Monday in Phoenix. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Rallying supporters Sunday in Tucson, Hobbs said it was perhaps the most important gubernatorial race in the state's history. "I know we say every election this is the most important election in our lifetime," Hobbs said. "This is possibly the last election in our lifetime if we don't elect the right people, if we don't stop the election deniers on the ballot, who are much more focused on the 2020 election than this one." Steve Brown, a 73-year-old retired teacher who attended the Hobbs event, told The Times he thought a Republican streak at the top of the ticket is "the next step along the slippery slope to authoritarian government." Adele Allyn, a 57-year-old administrative assistant, attended the event with her daughter, 37-year-old registered behavior technician Adele Baker, and two grandchildren. Allyn wore a shirt she made ahead of the 2016 election that read: If we value our democracy we must vote. This might be the last election that is not going to be just all about lies and hurting people and stopping people from voting, Allyn said. Were losing our grip on democracy. The election deniers can't be anywhere near our elections. They just can't, because our democracy is not going to ever recover from something like that, Baker said. We just cannot afford someone in our election process who will not accept an election result if it doesn't fit their idea of what it should be. Arizona's Republican statewide candidates have presented a united front on the campaign trail ahead of Tuesday's election, in contrast to their Democratic challengers. They've spent the last few days on an "America First" bus tour, joined by local candidates and conservative personalities. Aside from a major rally with Obama earlier this month, Democrats have not put on many high-profile events to bring together candidates from the party's slate. During a Sunday-night rally, Lake, Masters and attorney general hopeful Abraham Hamadeh were joined by Arizona Republican Party Chairwoman Kelly Ward; Rick Grenell, who was acting director of national intelligence under Trump; conservative commentator Jack Posobiec; and Stephen K. Bannon, a former senior advisor to Trump. Several speakers mocked Democrats for saying that democracy is on the line in the election. Supporters cheer at Lake's rally. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) The media wants to say, Oh, it's going to be terrible, we're fascists.' ... That's so silly, that's what we need to stop, said Melissa Katz, a volunteer with the grass-roots organization Mighty American Strike Force, which sends volunteers across the county to help Republican candidates. Lake has said she will accept the results of Tuesday's election only if she wins. Asked Sunday if she has faith in the state's election system, she criticized Hobbs for not recusing herself from overseeing the election as secretary of state and blamed her for issues with recent elections at the county level, such as incorrect ballots and ballot shortages. Though the problems were resolved, critics have tried to point to the mistakes as evidence of widespread problems. "How unethical to even be involved in this election," Lake told reporters after the Sunday rally. "We're gonna have to change the laws so that we prevent that kind of thing from happening again." A similar controversy occurred in Georgia in 2018, when Secretary of State Brian Kemp, a Republican, refused to recuse himself from overseeing the gubernatorial election, in which he defeated Stacey Abrams, the former Democratic minority leader of the statehouse. Abrams, who is in a rematch against Kemp this year, has faced criticism from Republicans for claiming that the last election was stolen due to voter suppression. Lake said Sunday that Arizona is "the pivotal state" ahead of the midterms. "Everyone is watching what happens in Arizona," Lake said. "We are at ground zero when it comes to the border, we're at ground zero when it comes to the fentanyl crisis, we're at ground zero when it comes to election integrity, crime you name it." Times staff writer Sarah D. Wire contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Getty Images; Insider Polls closed in the state at 9 p.m. EST. Proposition 309 would require mail-in voters to provide their voter ID and date of birth. Proponents say that the measure would make mail-in voting more secure. A "yes" on Proposition 309 would require extra identification requirements for in-person and mail-in voters. 2022 General Embeds Ballot measure details Proposition 309 would require mail-in voters to add their date of birth and voter ID number to their signed early voting affidavit. This voter ID number would be provided through a driver's license, state ID, or the last four digits of a social security number. In-person voters would be required to present a valid and unexpired photo ID or driver's license at a polling place. If the voter cannot provide identification, they would be required to vote with a provisional ballot or a conditional provisional ballot. The law made its way to the ballot after the Republican-led Arizona legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 1012 in March of this year. Support and opposition Arizonans for Voter ID is leading the campaign in support of Proposition 309. Supporters of the law include the Republican Party of Arizona and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club. The coalition argues that requiring voter ID will make elections more secure and argue that other states already have these requirements. Defend Arizona Rights is leading the campaign against Proposition 309. The League of Women Voters and Democratic state lawmakers also oppose Proposition 309. Those opposed say that voter identification is already required. Currently, state law mandates that people without a photo ID can identify themselves with other valid documents. They also add that requirements will make it more difficult for those without a Voter ID to vote. The Arizona Association of County Recorders argued that the proposed measure "imposes new burdens on voters, it delays tabulation results, it jeopardizes voter data privacy, and it will likely disenfranchise thousands of voters." Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed at talks in Washington to expedite negotiations between the two South Caucasus nations that have clashed repeatedly over control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday. "The foreign ministers agreed to expedite their negotiations," State Department spokesman Ned Price said of Monday's talks between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. "Yesterday was positive in that the two sides met, they surfaced many of their areas of disagreement, at the end of the day they were able to agree on a joint statement. They were able to agree to continue meeting, engaging in direct dialogue and diplomacy in the weeks that follow." (Reporting By Simon Lewis and Brendan O'Brien; Writing by Arshad Mohammed) Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX:ANZ) Full Year 2022 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: AU$19.7b (up 9.3% from FY 2021). Net income: AU$7.14b (up 16% from FY 2021). Profit margin: 36% (up from 34% in FY 2021). The increase in margin was driven by higher revenue. EPS: AU$2.51 (up from AU$2.16 in FY 2021). ANZ Banking Performance Indicators Net interest margin (NIM): 1.63% (down from 1.64% in FY 2021). Cost-to-income ratio: 51.6% (down from 51.9% in FY 2021). Non-performing loans: 0.21% (down from 0.31% in FY 2021). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Australia and New Zealand Banking Group EPS Beats Expectations Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) surpassed analyst estimates by 4.4%. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 4.0% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 4.7% growth forecast for the Banks industry in Australia. Performance of the Australian Banks industry. The company's shares are down 6.3% from a week ago. Risk Analysis We should say that we've discovered 2 warning signs for Australia and New Zealand Banking Group that you should be aware of before investing 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 Authorities have identified a Columbus man they say was found with multiple gunshot wounds Tuesday on a city street. Keaton Hightower, 28, was pronounced dead from his wounds at 12:25 p.m., said Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan. Bryan said Hightower was found in the roadway on Parkwood Drive at Braebern Street. Thats near the citys old Belvedere Park, south of Buena Vista Road. Columbus police had not yet released any details on the shooting Tuesday afternoon.